Christians Are Squeezed Like Never Before in the Middle East and North Africa Ten years after ISIS conquered the grand Iraqi town of Mosul, their devastating impact on the Christian communities of northern Iraq remains. At the time of Mosul's capture in 2014, all 1,200 Christian families living in the city fled. ISIS was routed from the area in 2017, but according to Paul Thabit Mekko, the Chaldean Bishop of Alqosh, barely forty of those families have returned. Other estimates--harder to check--allege less than half of the 80,000 Christians that fled the Nineveh Plain have returned to their villages. Shia militia groups, funded by Iran, have also partially filled the power vacuum in Northern Iraq, ensure that the ever-shrinking population of Christians remains marginalized. While the focus was on Israel's conflict with Hamas and subsequently Hezbollah, a perceptible reduction in religious freedom was observed throughout the region, especially among Muslim background believers (MBB's). Arrests of those leading Muslim background believer house churches in Iran rose sharply. The same happened in Mauritania, Yemen, and Morocco. Expatriate Christians in the UAE reported much higher levels of surveillance, and in Oman more Christians were expelled than usual. The number of Indigenous Christians in Gaza fell below a thousand. Still, there are signs of hope. In Amman, Jordan, a terrible catastrophe was mercifully averted on 22nd October 2024, when a man carrying a backpack entered the Bible Society's bookshop and asked, "How you want to want me to explode the place?" He then left suddenly, without attacking. In Turkey, one church leader said, "President Erdogan is the best evangelist we have ever had in Turkey--he has totally divided the country, and 50% of the population detest the Islam he pushes, with predictable eects for the growth of the church." After many centuries, there is a church in Pergamon again, and the church has unprecedented opportunities throughout the region to provide relief, trauma care, and support, especially in Yemen, Lebanon, and Sudan. Egypt continues to improve its treatment of Christians under President el-Sisi, who is eager to court American aid. Although violence by radicalized mobs remains all too common, the government approved the legalization of nearly three hundred churches in October of 2024, helping shield them from future attacks. As a well-known leader in Cairo said, "If the worldwide church can remember us, and resource us to help with the overwhelming humanitarian needs, we will see growth." The next region to feature in this series is India. Previously published by International Institute for Religious Freedom. Republished with permission. This commentary draws upon data available in the International Institute for Religious Freedom's Violent Incidents Database. Kenya hosts more Chinese tourists Xinhua) 10:39, January 24, 2025 NAIROBI, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenya played host to about 80,000 inbound Chinese tourists in 2024, up from 51,000 in 2023, and hopes to get more this year, a senior government official said on Thursday. John Ololtuaa, principal secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, told Xinhua in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that the increase was mainly driven by marketing campaigns in five major cities in China. "The government, through the Kenya Tourism Board, ensured that Kenya had in-market agency representation in China so that Chinese tour operators and travel agents could effectively raise awareness of Kenya's unique tourism products," Ololtuaa said on the sidelines of the launch of preparations for the World Chamber Forum-Africa Global Summit 2025 scheduled to take place in Kenya in April. Hosted in conjunction with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a trade lobby, the three-day inaugural WCF-Africa Global Summit will bring together more than 4,500 delegates from 70 countries, including heads of state and government, entrepreneurs, and innovators under the theme "Africa's Global Future: Integrated, Innovative and Sustainable." According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya received 2.4 million foreign visitors and generated 350 billion shillings (about 2.7 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue from the tourism sector in 2024, making the industry a key source of foreign exchange earnings alongside tea, horticulture and diaspora remittances. Ololtuaa said Kenya is seeking to increase the number of inbound Chinese tourists to over 150,000 by intensifying marketing efforts on Chinese-language digital marketing platforms such as Weibo, WeChat, and Douyin. He revealed that in the first quarter of 2025, Kenya will host key opinion leaders from China to develop and share digital content that will promote Kenya on Chinese social media based on their firsthand experiences in Kenya. In order to increase Chinese arrivals, Kenya is also implementing a sales and marketing campaign aimed at driving year-round visitation and enhancing business conference arrivals to Kenya, Ololtuaa added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Hotel Emma will host the James Beard Foundation's Taste America event March 6. JERRY LARA/San Antonio Express-News San Antonio's culinary scene is hotter than meemaw's skillet on a Sunday right now. Earlier this week, the James Beard Foundation named its latest crop of semifinalists for its prestigious Restaurant and Chef Awards. That comes just months after the vaunted Michelin Guide bestowed a bevy of honors among a dozen area restaurants. Chef Geronimo Lopez has taken charge of Hotel Emma's culinary program. GiantNoise/Courtesy of GiantNoise Lattoia Massey, professionally known as Chef Nicola Blaque, is the chef and co-owner of the Jamaican restaurant The Jerk Shack Jason Risner Hotel Emma will host the James Beard Foundation's Taste America event March 6. Monte Bach/Staff Hotel Emma hotel manager Matthew Lauzon, third from left, joins other hoteliers and Michelin Guide CEO Gwendal Poullennec, center, at a ceremony in Austin awarding Michelin Keys for hotel excellence. Mike Sutter/Staff Hotel Emma at Pearl will host the James Beard Foundation's Taste America event March 6. Monte Bach/Staff And now, there's a convergence, of sorts, coming to town in March. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The James Beard Foundation's roving Taste America culinary series will return to the Alamo City with a tag-team dinner at 7 p.m. March 6 at Hotel Emma. The event will pair Lattoia Massey, known professionally as Chef Nicola Blaque, of The Jerk Shack fame with Geronimo Lopez, who recently assumed the executive chef reins at Hotel Emma after closing his celebrated Pearl restaurant Botika in August. Massey was a semifinalist in the Best Chef: Texas category of the annual James Beard Awards in 2023. Lopez was named to the latest class of the James Beard Foundation's TasteTwenty cohort, signifying top talent and "ones to watch" in the hospitality industry. "We are thrilled to host Taste America in San Antonio and celebrate the citys distinct and vibrant local food culture through the work of our phenomenal TasteTwenty chef Geronimo Lopez from Hotel Emma," James Beard Foundation events VP Siobhan Flaherty Haber said in a media release. "We're excited to spotlight Geronimos work in driving the industry forward through his dedication to excellence and commitment to community." AWARDS WATCH: These San Antonio area restaurants are among the semifinalists for 2025 James Beard Awards Cornelius Massey and chef Nicola Blaque of the San Antonio Jamaican restaurant The Jerk Shack gather at the first-ever Texas Michelin Guide awards ceremony in Houston. The Jerk Shack earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation for great food at a great value. Mike Sutter/Staff While Michelin has absolutely nothing to do with the event, it's hard not to see the stars. Massey is still riding the high of earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation in November, signifying a restaurant that serves "good food at moderate prices," for her notable Jamaican fare at The Jerk Shack. In September, Hotel Emma earned the city's first and only Michelin Key, which Michelin defines as a very special stay." Advertisement Article continues below this ad The James Beard Foundation's Taste America series was developed to celebrate the diversity of the country's regional food traditions along with the chefs making that happen. The event has rolled through town before, featuring chef Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin of Best Quality Daughter (just named a Best Chef: Texas semifinalist herself) in 2024 and chef Elizabeth Johnson of Pharm Table in 2023. In 2022, Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar chef and owner Kristina Zhao and Dashi chef Jian Li partnered with guest chef Johnny Hernandez of La Gloria. The Taste America event will be co-hosted with Visit San Antonio, a public-private organization tasked with drawing travelers to the Alamo City. "San Antonio is home to an exceptional culinary community, and events like Taste America provide a remarkable platform to spotlight our chefs and restaurants, and we are thrilled to welcome the James Beard Foundation back to San Antonio for this impactful event," the group's President and CEO Marc Anderson said in the release. SEEING STARS: San Antonio restaurant Mixtli earns Michelin star in debut of Texas guide Guests at this year's edition are in for a treat. The four-course menu features flavors from both Lopez's signature Peruvian cuisine and Massey's refined take on Jamaica's famed fiery fare. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and allergen requirements have been taken into consideration with each dish. Here's the complete menu: First Course: Cebiche with seasonal seafood, passion fruit and turmeric "leche de tigre" granita, and thinly sliced kampachi tempura with sweet potato emulsion, corn and pickled onion. Contains nuts, shellfish, and soy. Gluten-free. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Second Course: Silky black bean cream soup with burrata and truffle, corn tropezones, and aji-pickled heart of palm. Vegetarian. Contains dairy. Gluten-free. Third Course / Entree: Braised Oxtail: Tender, slow-cooked oxtail with rich brown gravy, puffed rice, scallion and pickled peppers. Gluten-free. Alternate Entree: Jackfruit ropa vieja with puffed rice and pickled peppers. Vegan. Fourth Course: Warm chocolate cake with coconut gelee, caramelized pineapple-rum chutney and "coquito" ice cream. Contains dairy, nuts, wheat. Vegetarian. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Construction of additional hotels announced for Quintana Roo Riviera Maya, Q.R.- UPDATED January 27: The Government of Quintana Roo has reported an error in their January 23 press release and have since issued an update. Within the framework of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) 2025, Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa met with Mark Hoplamaizan, President of Grupo Hyatt and with Encarna Pinero, CEO of Grupo Pinero and President of the joint venture between both companies, who stated that the joint venture they form wants to continue growing in hotel rooms in the state. Governor Mara Lezama welcomed this firm intention that strengthens the destinations of the Mexican Caribbean. The increased commitment of such important hotel companies will contribute to continue positioning Quintana Roo as an undisputed leader in tourism at an international level. During the meeting, Governor Mara Lezama stressed that this type of meeting with such prominent players in the hotel sector is part of the state governments efforts to strengthen international relations and attract investment that will boost economic growth and prosperity in the state. This good relationship with two of the most important hotel chains in the world reinforces the state governments commitment to continue promoting the growth of Quintana Roo in a sustainable manner, favoring a tourist development that benefits the entire population, both economically and socially, the CGC reported in an updated press release. On Thursday, Lezama met with Mark Hoplamaizan, President of Grupo Hyatt and Encarna Pinero, Executive Vice President and CEO of Grupo Pinero. She says during their meeting, they reached a historic agreement for new hotel rooms in the state. The Thursday meeting was held in Madrid during the International Tourism Fair (FITUR). Lezama said the strategic alliance strengthens the destinations of the Mexican Caribbean and that this important tourism infrastructure project represents an increase of up to 30 percent in reservations for the destination, positioning Quintana Roo as an undisputed leader in tourism at an international level. During the meeting, Governor Mara Lezama highlighted that the agreement is the result of the state governments efforts to strengthen international relations and attract investment that will boost economic growth and prosperity in the state. This agreement with two of the most important hotel chains in the world reinforces the state governments commitment to continue promoting the growth of Quintana Roo in a sustainable manner, favoring a tourist development that benefits the entire population, both economically and socially. Lezama did not provide specifics on where the hotels will be built or when construction will start. Earlier this Spanish investors in Madrid announced five new hotels this year for Quintana Roo. The hotels will add another 2,500 rooms to the states current inventory. Officers arrested in relation to death of youth in custody Othon P. Blanco, Q.R. Two police officers are in the custody of state authorities after the death of young man. On Thursday, 24 year old Fernando Y died while in police custody after being arrested in Sac-Xan, a community approximately 23 kilometers from Chetumal. On Thursday night, family of the deceased were outside the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) headquarters of Chetumal demanding to know what happened. A large group of people protested outside the building, setting fire to one police vehicle. According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred during a police intervention in which two state police officers allegedly attempted to make an arrest. Grounds for the arrest are unknown. The young man is alleged to have died while in custody. The officers have reportadly claimed the arrested youth died from aspiration. An autopsy will determine the actual cause. Details surrounding the death of the youth are not clear, however, there are allegations of police brutality. In a statement Friday morning, the State Attorney General (FGE) said the FGE Quintana Roo opened an investigation related to the death of a man in the municipality of Othon P. Blanco, which occurred during a police intervention. Due to this incident, two police officers are at the disposal of this social representation as part of the investigations. The Attorney Generals Office will carry out the necessary procedures, including the practice of the legal autopsy, to determine the exact causes of death. This autonomous body reiterates its commitment to thoroughly investigate the actions of the officers involved in the intervention and clarify the facts in accordance with the law. Quintana Roo port authorities considering onshore power supply technology Riviera Maya, Q.R. The Quintana Roo Port Authority (APIQROO) is looking into incorporating onshore power supply technology around the state. Apiqroo head Vagner Elbiorn Vega, participated in the Port Opportunities Summit and Exhibition with Energy, Resilience and Sustainability (POWERS) in Tampa, Florida earlier this week. He explained that the international forum allows strengthening the states port modernization initiatives with a sustainable approach, aligned with the vision of Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, to promote a New Era of sustainable and resilient tourism. The summit, organized by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Committee on the Environment, addresses the most innovative trends in balancing economic growth, environmental sustainability and social justice in port operations. During his participation, Elbiorn Vega stressed the importance of incorporating Onshore Power Supply (OPS) technologies in the ports of Quintana Roo. This technology allows docked vessels to connect to the onshore power grid, eliminating the use of auxiliary engines that emit polluting gases. Adopting OPS will allow us to significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality of life of port communities, aligning us with global sustainability best practices, he said. The use of OPS is part of the Administracion Portuaria Integral de Quintana Roo (APIQROO) strategy to integrate clean and sustainable energy solutions, in line with the objectives of the 2030 Port Agenda. For this reason, APIQROO will seek to ensure that the states ports implement Onshore Power Supply to stay up to date with global trends in environmental protection, positioning Quintana Roo as a leader in green tourism and sustainable port operations. During the event, he also held a meeting with Cary S. Davis, President and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities, where they exchanged perspectives on strategies to promote sustainability in Caribbean port operations and strengthen international collaboration on port innovation. APIQROOs participation in POWERS 2025 reinforces its commitment to transform Quintana Roos port infrastructure under the new era of tourism driven by sustainability, resilience and purposeful economic development, strengthening its position as a leader in port innovation and responsible tourism in the Caribbean. Elbiorn Vega was accompanied by the Secretary General and the Strategic Planning Manager of APIQROO, Francisco Diaz Lara and Francisco Amaro, respectively. Restaurant workers block Mahahual port road in protest of employee dismissal Mahahual, Q.R. Restaurant workers at Puerto Costa Maya in Mahahual blocked road access to the port Thursday. The large group of restaurant workers were demanding better work conditions, claiming abuses against employees after the dismissal of one of their own. The restaurant workers started the blockade at the entrance to the Mahahual cruise ship dock 8:00 a.m. Thursday. The protest started after they claimed the unjustified dismissal of one of their colleagues. Their blockade affected one arriving cruise ship, several tourists buses and dozens of locals who were not able to enter or leave the site. At the beginning of the protest, the workers stated that the restaurants head waiter was fired by a unilateral decision of the Royal Caribbean Groups Human Resources Department. They decided to block access to the cruise ship dock as a pressure measure. The protesters also said they will remain at this point until a company executive agrees to reinstate their colleague in her position. However, Royal Caribbean has disclaimed the invovled restaurant, clarifying they do not own it, nor are they associated with it. RIGHT OF REPLY: ROYAL CARIBBEAN DISCLAIMS ITSELF Regarding the recent blockade at the Mahahual cruise port by restaurant workers, we would like to point out that the restaurant in question is not owned by or affiliated in any way with Royal Caribbean Group or any of its brands. Royal Caribbean Group has no control or influence over the hiring or firing decisions of the aforementioned restaurant. We reiterate Royal Caribbean Groups commitment to local communities, and we constantly work to have a positive influence on the development of all the destinations in which we operate. 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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 Elizabeth Zavala covers federal courts for the Express-News. She can be reached at ezavala@express-news.net. Zavala is a veteran reporter who has been a journalist for nearly 40 years. She joined the Express-News in 2013 and covered the Bexar County criminal courts for nine years. Liz grew up on the near West Side. She graduated from Fox Tech High School and Texas Womans University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism. Liz has worked in various reporting and editing positions at five daily newspapers in Texas, including The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Denton Record-Chronicle. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The Trump administrations decision to end long-standing rules barring Immigration and Customs Enforcement from conducting raids in hospitals and clinics has sparked outrage among health care workers and public health advocates. Health care workers have a fundamental ethical responsibility to refuse to cooperate with ICE in order to protect public trust in medical facilities as spaces of care rather than surveillance, policing, and punishment. But the ethical responsibility to oppose ICE incursions into medical facilities doesnt fall solely on health workers and medical institutions. Judges, too, will play a critical role in upholding both the legal and ethical norms that sustain public trust in our essential civic institutions. To fulfill it, they must refuse to issue warrants that allow ICE to violate the sanctity of health care spaces. Hospitals and clinics are not ordinary spaces. They are vital lifelines where individuals seek care free from fear or judgment. For immigrants lacking permanent legal status, as well as their families, this sanctuary is now under threat. When ICE targets these spaces, the repercussions ripple across entire communities, driving people away from essential medical care. The consequences are stark: untreated infectious diseases, worsening chronic illnesses and mental health, delays in addressing emergencies like heart attacks and strokes, and preventable maternal and infant deaths. These outcomes are not hypotheticalthey are well-documented realities from past instances when state-fomented fear kept vulnerable immigrant populations from seeking care. Judges must apply the discretion that the law affords them to act as a bulwark against this erosion of public health. They have the powerand the responsibilityto prevent the misuse of judicial authority in ways that harm the most vulnerable. By refusing to issue warrants for ICE raids in medical facilities, judges can do their duty to uphold the Fourth Amendment protections that safeguard privacy and ensure that the judiciary does not become complicit in undermining public health and medical ethics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fourth Amendment requires that warrants be issued based on probable cause and that they describe the specific place to be searched and the items or individuals to be seized. For ICE, this means that any incursion into private areas of a hospitalsuch as patient-care unitsmust be justified with detailed evidence. Yet, as legal scholars and immigrant rights advocates have noted, ICE often uses vague or boilerplate warrant applications that fail to meet these standards. Judges should scrutinize these requests rigorously and reject them when they fail to justify the intrusion into protected spaces. Advertisement Judges can refuse to issue ICE warrants for hospital access on several legal grounds. These can include lack of adequate probable cause supported by sufficient credible evidence, an excessively broad or vague scope of a warrant, or concerns that ICE actions may risk violating individuals constitutional rights (e.g., unlawful searches, due-process violations, or discriminatory practices). And although ICEs formal restrictions on enforcement at sensitive locations (like hospitals, schools, and places of worship) have been rescinded by the Trump administration, judges may still contemplate the public interest and potential harm caused by enforcement actions in these spaces should they believe they might undermine public safety, compromise public health, or interrupt essential services in ways that are not outweighed by the governments interest in enforcing an immigration law at a particular time or place. Warrants for searching hospitals implicate broader ethical and public interest concerns, as granting such requests undermines public trust in health care systems and risks significant harm to population health. Courts must weigh these consequences carefully and recognize that their role is not only to enforce the law but also to ensure that its application does not facilitate unconstitutional or harmful actions. In this context, denying improper warrants is a legal necessity and a moral imperative. Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Trumps First Flurry of Executive Orders Plagued by a Surprising Problem Read More Beyond legal technicalities, there is a broader ethical imperative at stake. Public trust in both the judiciary and the health care system depends on their ability to prioritize institutional stability and the public interest over partisan politics and political personalities. When judges authorize ICE raids in hospitals, they send a chilling message: No place is safe. This generates terror for individuals who have entered the country illegally, as well as their communities, and undercuts the public trust upon which public health efforts like disease surveillance, preventive primary care, and vaccination campaigns depend. It also creates fear for the rest of us, just going about our daily lives, when these supposedly safe spaces are invaded by law enforcement. Judges and health care workers are not the only ones with essential roles to play in preventing the misuse of ICEs authority to further damage public health. Policymakers at the state and federal levels must strengthen legal support for hospitals, clinics, schools, and places of worshipall of which Trump has made fair game for ICE raids. And the general public should also do its part by rallying around immigrant communities to prepare for and protect people from ICE raids, applying tactics honed during the Obama administration, when deportations reached record levels and earned Obama the title of deporter in chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These tactics involve rapid-alert systems within communitiesusing social media and other means to share real-time ICE activityalongside intensive community-education campaigns, so that people know their rights when confronted by ICE. They also involve creating rotating spaces of refuge for migrants while refusing to allow ICE agents entry to private spaces or to give them any information unless they have a valid search warrant issued by a U.S. district court or state court that specifies the area to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. This means investing in mutual aid networks to provide housing and financial support to families under threat or who are facing lost income after the arrest of a family member. And it means ensuring that health care workers organize with others to make themselves available to provide care to those in need, whether or not they can make it to a hospital. Advertisement Today judges face a moment of moral and legal reckoning. History has shown that the judiciary can serve as a critical check on executive overreach and abusive policing systems, if they have the courage and conviction to do so. By refusing to issue warrants for ICE raids in hospitals and other key sites for the provision of care, especially schools, they can bolster the increasingly tenuous claim that the law exists to protect society and the public trust, not simply to serve the interests of the powerful. The judiciary cannot solve our political crises. But judges can take a stand against perverse uses of the law to harm public health, violate basic medical ethics, and erode the foundations of trust in our most essential institutions. They must refuse to let the president turn hospitals into battlegrounds. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Prior to Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday, prevailing sentiment in political circles held that Democratic politiciansand others on the leftward half of the American political spectrummight not be able to prevent the enactment of Donald Trumps second-term agenda. In fact, the thinking went, Democrats and liberals might even want to cooperate in some ways with the enactment of Donald Trumps second-term agenda. This week, that sentiment has aged like a rancid German wine from roughly 1933. The argument went like this: Trumps victory in 2024 was wider than his victory in 2016; this time, he actually won the popular vote (although not by that much). Therefore, he has more of a mandate to do his business. (Polling sort of backs this up. At the moment, the number of Americans with a favorable opinion of Trump is roughly equal to the number with an unfavorable opinion, which means hes much more popular now than he has been at any time since he first took officeeven if hes still less popular than a typical new president would be during the honeymoon period.) Media and business leaders, moreover, have been seeking Trumps favorproviding him a tail wind he didnt have in 2017, when big companies were making statements about their values being incompatible with his rhetoric and media outlets were advertising themselves as bulwarks against his propagation of various falsehoods and degradation of political norms. (Remember all the norms and how much we talked about them? Good times.) Related From Slate One State Is Most Responsible for the Trumpian Mess We Are In Read More Trumps 2024 victory, many believe, was also in part a backlash against some of the progressive ideas about race, gender, and immigration that gained in popularity during his first administration. Finally, the thinking went, people everywhereeven liberalsare simply just tired of having to be outraged by Donald Trump. (Fact check: True!) Add it up and you had a coherent story: Because Trump was assuming office with political momentum that was in some ways the result of first-term resistance against his administration, a large-scale popular movement to resist him in Term 2 was unlikely, and perhaps even unnecessary. Democrats themselves signaled that they were open to collaborating with the president on certain issues, especially border control and the elimination of governmental waste, an assignment Trump has delegated to tech billionaire Elon Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It quickly became clear that this approach was not going to be, lets say, appropriate to the gravity of the situation. This is not shaping up to be the kind of regime that you want to be remembered for collaborating with. Immediately upon taking office, Trump did something his own vice president had just described as an obviously inappropriate idea on a Sunday talk show: pardoning more than 1,500 Jan. 6 rioters, including more than 200 who were still in prison, the leaders of two notorious militias, and hundreds who assaulted police officers. Simultaneously, he signed an executive order declaring that the 14th Amendments grant of birthright citizenshipwhich holds that anyone born on U.S. soil is a U.S. citizenwill no longer apply, according to him. Together, these two announcementsthat Trump will not follow the Constitution if its rules displease him, and that he is willing to issue immunity for supporters who attack his perceived enemiesmake some of his other plans look, well, a little concerning. For instance, he wants to put the FBI under the direction of a loyalist who is underqualified for the job by conventional standards, has said that he would use law enforcement power to punish Trump critics, and purports to believe that the 2020 election was rigged. He aims to eliminate the protections afforded to apolitical civil servants in government so that they can be fired en masse. He is putting the military under the direction of a TV host who claimed that antifa staged Jan. 6. He wants to seize the Panama Canal and deploy troops domestically to help deport migrants and suppress protests. (And he or someone close to him ordered the Department of Defense to take down a portrait of former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley, who made clear in the waning days of Trumps previous administration that he would not allow the military to be used in an effort to prevent Biden from taking office.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then there was the Roman salute. On Monday, speaking at an inaugural event, Musk twice held his hand against his chest before thrusting his arm outward while holding his palm flat. The Tesla CEO, it is relevant to note, has also recently announced his support for a far-right German party, the AfD, that includes members who held a secret meeting with literal Nazis in Switzerland in December. And he has made multiple comments in recent years about Jewish people (or groups of elites who are presumed to include Jews) trying to bring down the West. Naturally, discussion ensued about whether Musks extremely Nazi-like gesture was in fact meant as a Nazi gesture, whether Musk is himself a quote-unquote Nazi, whether he and Trump are antisemitic, and so forth. These questions miss the point. Trump and Musk probably do not share Hitlers exact views about race and Judaism or consider themselves Nazis in a formal way. But this is not surprising, because group identities and political alliances have changed since the 1930s. A more relevant question is whether their beliefs and intentions overlap with past fascist and nationalist movements in a way that Americans who support democratic government and the highfalutin principles of the Founding Fathersall men are created equal and whatnotmight not want to associate themselves with. And, yeah, there is a lot of overlap! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, like other leaders commonly described as fascist or nationalist, Trump has a purity-obsessed definitionalternately focused on genetics, race, ethnicity, and religionof who is entitled to be a citizen. His view of who counts as a legitimate American has shifted; it didnt use to include Muslims or second-generation Mexican immigrants, and it did use to include transgender individuals like Caitlyn Jenner, but out of political expediency those views have been swapped. These days, too, he claims to be an advocate for Black Americans, but in 2020 he sought to have white legislators invalidate the votes of a number of majority-Black cities on the basis of their residents presumed tendencies toward criminality and fraud. He does like certain Jews, its true, but says many others dont count. The one group he has been consistent about, as far as who should enjoy rights and respect, is white conservatives. Others may come and go, but right-wing whites are always in. Make of that what you will. Advertisement Accordingly, Trump also describes a scapegoat group of outsidersin this case, immigrants lacking permanent legal statusas genetically defective vermin who are poisoning the countrys blood and spreading disease. Advertisement Advertisement Unlike many voters and even other Republican politicians, Trump believes not just that undocumented immigration is disorderly, involves cutting the line, and brings down native-born wages. He also believes that migrants to the U.S. are an inferior class of person. This is the point of ending birthright citizenship: to prevent animals (Trumps word, again) from getting a foothold in the country via their children. His first-term policy of separating children in migrant families from their parents served a similar purpose. (The subject of the secret Swiss meeting between the AfD members and the Nazi groups, by the way, was remigration: the proposed expulsion of anyone in Germany who is not an ancestral ethnic German, even if they hold German citizenship.) You could call the competing way of looking at the world, meanwhile, cosmopolitanismthe notion that there should not be any particular identity-related barriers to becoming a citizen or participating in politics or public life. A number of Trumps second-term initiatives attack the institutions that support this version of citizenshipamong them journalism, higher education, the civil service, and nonprofits. One of Trumps executive orders instructs agencies to submit lists of corporate and nongovernmental entities that promote diversity, which the order characterizes as illegal discrimination, for subsequent legal targeting. On Tuesday, a minister at the National Cathedral called, while Trump was present, for empathy toward migrants; a Republican congressman responded by saying she should be deported. On Wednesday, Musk responded with the fire emoji to right-wing activist Christopher Rufos claim that he was compiling lists of government DEI employeeswomen and minorities, presumablyto be terminated. An email tip line has been made available for federal workers to inform on co-workers who they believe to be, again, promoting diversity in contravention of a new executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fascination with the national bloodline; a poisonous external threat; retaliation against alleged internal saboteurs; deployment of violence to stay in power; grandiose claims about vengeance and punishment even in matters as quotidian as government efficiency. If not Hitlers Germany, the Trump administration at least aspires to be something like Spain under Franco, Argentina in the 1970s, Serbia under Milosevic, or Hungary or Russia today. On Tuesday, Musk retweeted a post by Hungarian strongman Viktor Orban congratulating the U.S. for joining the international war on liberal democracy. Thanks? A type of person who has become prominent in the Trump years is the scholar of authoritarianism, who warns that this or that development is something that happens in good democracies that turn into bad dictatorships. While these people no doubt have admirable intentions, the enterprise has an unfortunate pretension to the scientific about it, as if the moral debasement of an entire country is something that is governed by mechanical equations. It also lends itself to counteraccusations of hysteria and derangement, because the plain fact is that Trump has not ordered the liquidation of ethnic subgroups or the execution of dissidents. (Fist pump!) It is not a productive discourse to get wrapped up in, because the question of whether the United States is becoming Nazi Germany can be definitively answered only if the United States becomes Nazi Germany, at which point, I believe, it would be too late to avoid becoming Nazi Germany. Suffice it to say, I thinkand admittedly I dont know that much about the history of Spain, Serbia, etc.that many citizens in those places eventually came to regret what happened in their countries, often with the encouragement and guidance of international organizations with offices in the Netherlands. Advertisement Advertisement The fact is, the president has called for the suspension of a provision in the Constitution so that he can revoke the citizenship of residents whom he considers genetically problematic, and he did this on the same day that he freed hundreds of his violent paramilitary supporters from prison. He seems determined to execute every other function of the presidency by delegating it to the most toxic and hostile people possible. Could it happen here, it being something on the scale of a genocide, or the 30-year reign of a Pete Hegseth junta? How about, via resistance, in whatever form it ends up taking this time, we try not to find out? Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. For the past 81 days, North Carolinas democracy has unraveled thread by thread, ensnared in a high-stakes legal labyrinth. At the center of this crisis stands Jefferson Griffin, the defeated Republican candidate for the states high court, who has launched a relentless legal assault in a desperate bid to overturn the will of the voters. On election night, Griffin held a lead over his opponent, the incumbent Justice Allison Riggs. However, as the full tally emerged in the following days and provisional ballots were counted, Riggs steadily chipped away at Griffins advantage, ultimately prevailing by 734 votes. Rather than accept this outcome, Griffin has inundated the courts with legal challenges, seeking to invalidate the ballots of more than 60,000 North Caroliniansincluding service members, clergy, and even Riggs own parents. In an ominous move, the state Supreme Courts Republican majority blocked certification of Riggs victory on Jan. 7. Then, on Wednesday, it sent the case down to a lower court for reviewbut maintained its block on the elections certification in the meantime. In concurring opinions, three Republican justices made it abundantly clear that they intend to nullify enough votes to hand Riggs seat to Griffin. Following the election, Griffins initial protests were soundly rejected by the State Board of Elections, and his defeat was confirmed by three recounts. The evidence before the judges resolving Griffins lawsuit has revealed no widespread fraud or irregularities that could have altered the outcomeonly speculative possibilities that fall woefully short of the high bar required to invalidate an election. Griffins well-funded gambit reeks of desperation, lacking any good-faith effort or legitimate legal remedy. He is asking the courts to throw out tens of thousands of votes that were entirely legal under the rules in place at the time of the election. This ploy, if allowed, would destabilize the election system, allowing losers to retroactively protest as many ballots as necessary to erase their margin of defeat. The timing and nature of Griffins filings suggest he is seeking not to uphold the integrity of the electoral process but to subvert the will of North Carolina voters through a cynical abuse of the courts. It is a brazen power grab disguised as a legal maneuver, akin to a child overcome by a tantrum who insists on rewriting the rules of a game he lost fair and square. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Wednesday night ruling, the North Carolina Supreme Court dismissed Griffins petition for a writ of prohibitionan extraordinary judicial remedy that allows a higher court to halt the proceedings of a lower court or administrative agency. Such writs are rare because they permit intervention before normal appellate procedures have been exhausted. In dismissing the petition, the high court recognized that Griffins challenges should first be heard in Wake County Superior Court. However, the court maintained the temporary stay it had previously issued, preventing the certification of the election results. This decision, while ostensibly procedural, sends a troubling signal that the court may be sympathetic to Griffins baseless claims. Indeed, the rhetoric in concurrences from Chief Justice Paul Newby and Justices Phil Berger and Tamara Barringer reveals a disdain for the collective wisdom of the electorate. Their remarks expose a troubling undercurrenta deep-seated distrust of the very institutions tasked with upholding our democratic process. Newby opines that due to the highly unusual turn of eventsin which Griffins initial lead was overcomeit is understandable that the petitioner and many North Carolina voters are questioning how this could happen. But this is simply the fundamental democratic process unfolding as intended, with each lawful vote counted until every valid ballot is accounted for. Advertisement Advertisement Newbys statement is perplexing, given his own experience in 2020, when he trailed on election night before ultimately defeating, by just 401 votes, his opponent, thenChief Justice Cheri Beasley. That he lends credence to Griffins spurious claims, cloaking raw partisanship and personal ambition in the false garb of electoral integrity, is a stunning betrayal of the impartiality expected of the states judiciary under his care. Newby goes on to wax eloquent about the scourge of vote dilution. For those with a keen eye for legal history, his words ring with a bitter irony; it was Newby who, just two years ago, authored the courts opinion in Harper v. Halla ruling that sanctioned the most pernicious form of vote dilution imaginable under the states constitution: partisan gerrymandering. Advertisement Meanwhile, Berger echoes Newbys concerns, lamenting agencies, boards, and commissions operating outside the bounds of established rules, signaling an ominous warning that he is poised to rule in Griffins favor on the merits, even when there is no evidence that election officials have unfaithfully applied existing laws. Both Berger and Newby appear to be searching for any pretext or technical loophole to annul the votes of millions of North Carolinians. Alarmingly, Barringer joins both their opinions, praising the reasoning and philosophy well-articulated in Chief Justice Newbys concurrence and arguing that the court should rule immediately. She strongly implies that in doing so, it should nullify enough votes to award Griffin the seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dissent authored by Justice Anita Earls presents a sharp contrast. (The court typically has a 52 conservative majority, but with Riggs recused, Earls is the only liberal sitting for this case.) She forcefully rejects the majoritys decision to maintain the temporary stay, noting that it prevents the Wake County Superior Court from deciding whether Griffin is likely to succeed on the merits and whether a stay is justified. Earls warns that such a preliminary injunction should be granted only if the petitioner demonstrates a likelihood of success, something Griffin has manifestly failed to do. She criticizes the notion that the court should entertain litigious losers preventing duly elected persons from taking office for months or longer. The litigation surrounding this election has become increasingly convoluted. In December, Griffin filed three separate legal actions contesting different categories of ballots in the Wake County Superior Court, in addition to his petition directly with the state Supreme Court. The State Board of Elections removed those cases to federal court, but a Trump-appointed judge sent them back to state court, prompting an appeal by the board to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, which is set for oral arguments Monday. The Board of Elections and Riggs also removed Griffins Supreme Court petition to federal court, arguing that it implicates federal constitutional rights by seeking to throw out valid ballots. However, the same federal judge remanded that case back to the states high court, leading the board to appeal that decision to the 4th Circuit as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riggs fate may now rest with the 4th Circuit. If it does not remove the case to federal court, it will languish in North Carolinas Republican-skewed judiciary. Even if the Superior Court rules in Riggs favor, that decision will go to the North Carolina Court of Appeals, which has a 123 Republican majority. The appeals court is likely to rule for Griffin. And when that decision goes to the state Supreme Court, the best possible outcome appears to be a 33 split among the six justices hearing the case. A tie would affirm the North Carolina Court of Appeals decision for Griffin, handing him a victory. What is perhaps most sobering amid the legal turmoil enveloping North Carolinas democracy are the stories of individual voters mired in Griffins challenges. Their stories and pleasreflected in countless videos circulating on social mediaemerge as a poignant reminder of what is at stake. Each of the more than 60,000 challenged votes represents not just a number but a voice, a vital thread in the fabric of our electoral process. These are not mere statistics; they are the lifeblood of our democracy. The individuals behind these votes have lived experiences that highlight the importance of ensuring that every vote is counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matt OConnell, a dedicated voter from Durham, has cast his ballot in every election for the past decade. He recalls how Griffin actively courted his support during the campaign, only to question the validity of his registration after losing. It feels like a betrayal, OConnell says, his voice tinged with disbelief. Ive always done my part, and now theyre trying to invalidate my voice. Cole Parke-West, a community organizer from Durham, carries the legacy of his military familyhis parents instilled in him the importance of voting, no matter where life took them. For seven years, he has never missed an election and has voted lawfully each time. For Parke-West, having his vote challenged feels like an affront to his sincere commitment to civic duty. Advertisement Gabby Chiarenza, a 23-year-old recent college graduate, was devastated to learn that her vote is among those being contested. This is only my second presidential election, and I was so excited to participate, she shares, reflecting on her role in advocating for young voices in politics. When young people are often overlooked, voting is our chance to be heard. This challenge feels like a dismissal of our reality. Advertisement Related From Slate The North Carolina GOPs Latest Ploy to Steal a State Supreme Court Seat Read More Patricia White, a 75-year-old from Harrisburg, embodies decades of resilience and commitment. Since turning 21, White, who is African American, has voted in every election, taking pride in her civic dutya right fought for in bloodshed by her ancestors. This challenge questions my integrity, she states firmly. I refuse to let someone strip away my vote. My voice matters. Mary Miller James, a lifelong voter with a political lineage, has never missed an election in her 20 years in Rowan County. Her father was Bill Miller, who ran for vice president with Barry Goldwater in 1964. To see the integrity of our elections questioned is deeply concerning, she laments. We need to put aside divisiveness and focus on the real issues facing us today. Megan Clowse, a physician and registered voter since 2005, is baffled by the challenge to her vote. She has lived in North Carolina for years and asserts theres absolutely no reason her vote should be deemed illegitimate. Clowse is hopeful that the truth of Riggs victory will prevail. She begs Griffin to stop lying to the people. As the courts deliberate, the voices of these voters resonate, reminding us that democracy is not an abstract concept but a lived reality for millions. That this election remains unresolved nearly three months after its conclusion is a profound and shameful indictment of the states democratic process and those who would so gleefully corrode it. As a North Carolina native, former voting rights attorney, and former clerk on the states Supreme Court, I am deeply pained by the prospect that this court could seriously entertain the theft of Riggs hard-earned victory. The promise of equal democratic participation and the spirit of civic fairness, along with the dignity of allowing every voter to have their say, were achieved through the blood, sweat, and tears of generations of North Carolinians. It is unthinkable that the will of the people could be revoked by those who have sworn an oath to uphold the rule of law. The voters of North Carolina must now hold their breath and hope that the courts will do what is right and confirm the results they delivered at the ballot box. But even if they do the right thing, it will still be the courtsnot the peoplewho will have determined the outcome of an election that was settled 81 days ago. In this moment of crisis, the courts have become the final guardrail against the forces of authoritarianism that seek to undermine the will of the voters. But can the jurists in the state Supreme Courts majority resist invitations to yield to autocratic impulses? North Carolinians deserve better than a spectacle of judicial malfeasance in which arrogant jurists seek to short-circuit the democratic process based on their preferred outcomes. The future of the states democracy hangs in the balance. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. On only the second day of the second Trump administration, thousands of federal government workers received an ominous email from the heads of their respective departments. The directive, signed variously by Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the State Department and acting Attorney General James McHenry at the Justice Department, obligated government workers to undertake a personal hunt-and-destroy mission for contracts and projects that might be secretly sympathetic to existing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility policies. This new directive wasnt just a renunciation of DEI programsthat was long promised and much messaged. The language of the new orders was explicitly threatening adverse consequences for anyone failing to report on their knowledge of secret, subversive DEIA sympathizers within 10 days. Some emails characterized DEIA as a shameful and discriminatory attempt to undermine traditional American values like hard work and individual achievement. This wasnt just a call to narc. It was an express threat of punishment for anyone who failed to promptly report anyone associated with allegedly hidden DEIA programs. The emails were evidently received by workers in all federal agencies, even independent agencies such as NASA, but the most exhaustive version came from Rubio in a four-page memorandum which cited seven different executive orders signed by Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden that were being countermanded. Rubio even included in his list forbidden concepts like those that might be contained in the National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, one supposes to correct for the DEIA (and reality-based) notion that women are disproportionately victims of violence by men. The emails were greeted with jaw-dropping horror by their recipients, to judge only by my buzzing phone, as friends and clientsI was unaware some were even federal workerssent screenshot after screenshot of the emails. People from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor, Department of Justice, and even an immigration judge reached out to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country has been on notice that this day might be coming since Oct. 21, 2020, when Donald Trump issued Executive Order 13957, which had required the heads of all federal agencies to recommend federal civil service positions that could be reclassified as Schedule F, converting thousands of federal workers into at-will employees, stripping them of long-standing protections against discrimination for myriad reasons, including political. Trump lost the election and the policy never had a chance to take root, and then Biden promptly rescinded it when he assumed office. Advertisement Only days before Trumps second inauguration, Sen. Tim Kaine, in an apparent attempt to head off Schedule Fs reemergence, introduced a bipartisan bill called the Saving the Civil Service Act, the stated purpose of which is to protect the federal workforce from politicization and political manipulation. But on Day 1 of Trumps second term, he reinstated Executive Order 13957, making only a handful of mostly cosmetic changes, such as changing the designation Schedule F to Schedule Policy/Career. Related From Slate Trumps First Flurry of Executive Orders Plagued by a Surprising Problem Read More Of course, Wednesdays emails went out to all federal employees, irrespective of their employment or designation, but the theme was the same: Trump, fearing dissent and imagining enemies everywhere, is again reshaping the federal workforce to prize not expertise but loyalty, and is determined to not relive the mistakes of his first term, when he was thwarted by Cabinet members and the civil servants he characterized as members of the deep state declining to indulge his every whim, lawful or otherwise. Advertisement The greater irony here is that the ostensible basis for this attack on DEIA is that hard work, merit, and equality will be swapping seats with undeserving DEIA policies, when its plain to see that Trump only prizes loyalty and fealty. Hard work, merit, and equality will become the victims in the coming days, not the prized values. As Kaine suggested when introducing his bill, top talent wont join the American workforce if they know they can be fired on a whim based on their politics. The people who will be fired, whispered about, and disparaged? They will be disproportionately people of color who were funneled into DEIA roles in their various agencies. Advertisement Advertisement These emails, despite the inclusion of empty paeans to meritocracy, are clearly designed to divide workers on the basis of loyalty alone. It wouldnt be accurate to describe them as chilling because the clear purpose of the emails isnt to silencebut rather quite the opposite. The emails appear designed to pit federal workers against one other, granting carrots to the snitches and wielding sticks over the silent. The incoming administration is essentially bypassing human resources in favor of a wholesale Lord of the Flies approach: Let the workers hash out the first round of staffing cuts among themselves, conveniently revealing which go-getters really want the conch, and who, by their silence or by virtue of being ratted out by their co-workers, are tagged as disloyal; federal agencies will be hollowed out, not by any meaningful metric, but because workers will be turned against their colleagues, on penalty of reprisals, should they fail to root out some unknowable DEIA-based infraction. Advertisement Advertisement This Machiavellian loyalty-reveal technique could have been about almost anything, but no issue probably suits Trumps purpose better than DEIA because it serves as a proxy for party preference. Compelling workers to confess their party affiliation would be a cleaner tell, but the law still prohibits this. For now, anyway. Advertisement As a relevant aside, its worth noting that Accessibility has sneaked in, converting the pejorative use of DEI to DEIA. Is the Americans with Disabilities Act the next target? Are Republicans planning on demolishing wheelchair ramps at libraries? While it might still seem to be in the realm of the unthinkable, influential right-wing figures such as Christopher Rufo and Charlie Kirk recently took aim at sign-language interpreters taking up half the screen during a news conference about the Los Angeles wildfires. Advertisement The unspoken idea at the heart of every anti-DEIA argument is that for every job, there is one person more qualified than anyone else, and in this construction it is DEIA policies which prevent that one personunerringly a white manfrom achieving their own personal manifest destiny. The reality is that thousands of people can be qualified for any particular government job, and demographic groups have tended to favor their own. Left to write their own code, white men have effectuated a sort of gender and race gerrymander. It shouldnt be a point of contention that the federal workforce should generally reflect and look like the people it serves. Effective today it is not just a point of contention, it is a sin, to be ferreted out through rumor and whisper, to be punished by reprisals, unstated but ever present. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250124/putin-ukraine-crisis-could-have-been-avoided-if-2020-us-election-wasnt-stolen-1121487752.html Putin: Ukraine Crisis Could Have Been Avoided if 2020 US Election Wasn't Stolen Putin: Ukraine Crisis Could Have Been Avoided if 2020 US Election Wasn't Stolen Sputnik International Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that he is ready to talk calmly with US President Donald Trump on all areas that are of interest to both countries. 2025-01-24T16:34+0000 2025-01-24T16:34+0000 2025-01-24T16:34+0000 world russia-nato showdown russia vladimir putin us us arms for ukraine joe biden donald trump ukraine ukrainian crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/06/11/1096408596_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_0f0d76e4bfcdc3abd64610e42bf678e4.jpg "We should meet, based on today's realities, to talk calmly about all those areas that are of interest to both the US and Russia. We are ready, but, I repeat, this depends first of all on the decisions and choices of the current US administration," Putin said during his visit to Moscow State University. Russia can have many points of contact with the US administration, including economic issues, Putin said, adding that Russia and the United States have a lot to talk about on economy and energy issues. Putin remarked that he has always had businesslike and pragmatic relations with Trump, noting that Moscow welcomes Trump's statements about a willingness to work together and remains open to it. Trump is "not only an intelligent person, he is a pragmatic person," Putin added.The previous administration of US President Joe Biden refused to contact with Russia, and it is not Moscow's fault, Putin noted. Furthermore, Russia has never refused to use the US dollar in foreign trade transactions. Ukraine CrisisRussia is ready for talks on the Ukraine conflict, but there are issues that need attention, the Russian president added. The problem is that Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky has banned himself from holding peace talks with Russia.Putin added that it was difficult to talk seriously about any dialogue with Kiev while this ban was still in place.Putin added that the authorities in Kiev receive hundreds of billions from their sponsors, and he believes the same sponsors of the Kiev regime should force Zelensky to lift the ban on talks.The Russian president also added he agreed with Trump that if he had been reelected US president in 2020 the crisis in Ukraine could have been avoided. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250124/russia-calls-trumps-push-for-direct-communication-commendable-1121487514.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20250124/why-has-the-pentagon-failed-to-match-russia-in-hypersonic-missiles-1121487175.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia's special military operation, ukraine crisis, ukraine conflict, stole elections trump, rigged elections trump, trump ukraine, trump russia https://sputnikglobe.com/20250124/trump-says-zelensky-shouldnt-have-allowed-conflict-to-happen-but-wanted-to-fight-1121486798.html Trump Says Zelensky Shouldn't Have Allowed Conflict to Happen But Wanted to Fight Trump Says Zelensky Shouldn't Have Allowed Conflict to Happen But Wanted to Fight Sputnik International US President Donald Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should not have allowed the conflict with Russia to happen, but wanted to fight. 2025-01-24T04:25+0000 2025-01-24T04:25+0000 2025-01-24T11:25+0000 world donald trump volodymyr zelensky dmitry peskov russia ukraine kremlin us https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/01/1119590305_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_abbed6d440f1c21eceb047edc928e26e.jpg "And Zelensky, I will say this, he wants to settle now, he's had enough. He shouldn't have allowed this to happen either, you know. He's no angel, he shouldn't have allowed this war to happen. First of all, he's fighting a much bigger entity.. When he was, you know, talking, so brave.. They were brave, but we gave them billions of dollars. The United States spent $200 billion more than Europe," Trump told Fox News. He said a deal could have been made. "Zelensky was fighting a much bigger entity, much bigger, much more powerful. He shouldn't have done that, because we could have made a deal, and it would have been a deal that would have been a nothing deal. I could have made that deal so easily. And Zelensky decided that 'I want to fight'."On Thursday, Donald Trump announced his desire to "immediately" meet with Vladimir Putin, claiming he is receiving "signals" that the Russian leader is open to the idea. Trump also indicated that Volodymyr Zelensky had expressed "willingness to make a deal" to resolve the Ukrainian conflict. The previous day, the American president called on Moscow to end its special operation, warning that failure to do so would result in additional sanctions and tariffs. He cautioned against the negative consequences of prolonging the conflict.Commenting on Trump's remarks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is open to an equal dialogue with the US and is awaiting signals from Washington, though none have been received so far. He noted that Trump, during his first term, favored sanctions but emphasized that unfriendly actions toward Moscow would have consequences.Russia's Position on Resolving the Ukraine ConflictIn June last year, Vladimir Putin proposed initiatives for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Moscow would immediately cease hostilities and declare readiness for negotiations if:The Russian president also linked this to the lifting of sanctions against Russia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250107/trump-acknowledges-russias-concerns-over-ukraines-possible-entry-into-nato-1121376609.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240615/putins-peace-proposals-on-ukraine-are-golden-opportunity--lifeline-1118974919.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukraine, ukrianian conflict, ukrainian crisis, war in ukraine, volodymyr zelensky, donald trump https://sputnikglobe.com/20250124/uk-helped-prep-ukrainians-for-attack-on-russias-kursk-region---ukrainian-soldier-1121485998.html UK Helped Prep Ukrainians for Attack on Russias Kursk Region - Ukrainian Soldier UK Helped Prep Ukrainians for Attack on Russias Kursk Region - Ukrainian Soldier Sputnik International UK instructors trained Ukrainian soldiers at their military base to attack the town of Sudzha in Russia's Kursk Region, a defected Ukrainian soldier has told Sputnik. 2025-01-24T05:39+0000 2025-01-24T05:39+0000 2025-01-24T05:39+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine vladimir putin yuri ushakov russia kursk ukraine kremlin ukraine crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107796/88/1077968837_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_a53a1a15b32ca3fd4604de13e672e2a3.jpg "Several British instructors, in the presence of interpreters, trained us to fire the NLAW grenade launcher at a special training range in Downholme [village in North Yorkshire, England]. After the training, we were to be sent to the town of Sudzha in the Kursk Region," the soldier said. The soldier was mobilized into the Ukrainian armed forces against his will in October 2024 in Kiev. He was able to flee to Russia in early 2025.Ukrainian forces launched an offensive in the Kursk Region on August 6. Their advance was halted, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said, adding that Russia's operation in the region would be completed by defeating the enemy and reaching the border.After Ukrainian troops attacked the Kursk Region in August, Putin called the prospect of negotiations with Kiev impossible. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said that Moscow's peace proposals had not been voided, but Russia would not engage with Ukraine at this point. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250119/atrocities-against-civilians-in-russias-kursk-region-confirm-terrorist-core-of-kiev-regime---moscow-1121462945.html russia kursk ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russias special military op in ukraine, special military operation, special military operational zone, special op zone, russian troops in special op zone, ukraine casualties in conflict, total ukrainian losses, how many people did ukraine loose, how many people did kiev loose, new russian weapons in ukraine, advanced russian weapons, russian defense ministry statements, latest russian military statements, what did shoigu say about ukraine, donetsk peoples republic, nato in ukraine, is nato in ukraine, russian drones, drone warfare, new military drones, uavs in ukraine, ukraine crisis, ukraine conflict, battlegroup sever, battlegroup yug, battlegroup zapad, battlegroup vostok, battlegroup tsentr, battlegroup dnepr, russia ukraine peace talks, russia ukraine peace settlement, russia ukraine negotiations, russian air defenses, mercenaries in ukraine, foreign merc in ukraine, russia liberates settlements in donbass, liberated russian towns in donetsk, ugledar liberation After months of planning, the second edition of the U.S. Harness Writers Association (USHWA) Canadian chapter's Youth Racecalling Contest launched on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. Entries from young racecallers (aged 21 or younger in 2025) and their friends and families will be accepted into the contest until the Monday, Mar. 31, 2025 deadline. There is no fee to enter, but all entrants must sign up or renew as USHWA Youth members to participate. These memberships are sponsored and do not have a fee for anyone 21 or younger who signs up. Entrants can sign up for membership at the time they enter the contest. Their racecalls can be in French or English and must have taken place during 2024 for a harness race or qualifier. Race calls from pari-mutuel races, fairs, and qualifiers are welcomed, as are informal video recordings of race calls made on personal recording devices and/or uploaded to social media. There will be prizes for the top three finalists, and a guest racecalling opportunity for the winner. Submissions should be sent to [email protected] or uploaded to the contest Dropbox (Announcing Contest 2024 at dropbox.com). (Full rules at bottom of this release.) The race calls can be submitted in the following ways: a. Sending a link to a video posted on a track or racing organizations website, YouTube, or social media account; b. Uploading and creating a link to a race call video and submitting the link (e.g. Google Photos); c. Sending the video as an mp4 file to a Dropbox set up for the contest; d. Sending a full description of the race/qualifier (track, date, race number) and where to find the video online (e.g. replays on an ADW site) if it is not posted on a track website or social media. Entries will be judged by a panel of USHWA harness racing media members and racecallers: Ken Warkentin (Hall of Fame Meadowlands racecaller); Garnet Barnsdale (DRF Harness, Ontario Racing Tips from the Pros); Ghislain Paquet (Quebec Circuit Regional des Courses de Chevaux racecaller), Melissa Keith (Rideau Carleton Raceway racecaller), Nathan Bain (Leamington and Dresden Raceway racecaller), Mark McKelvie (Woodbine Mohawk Park Senior Manager of Communications), Edison Hatter (Yonkers Raceway racecaller), Jeff Porchak (Standardbred Canada Director of Digital Communications and 2025 USHWA Canadian chapter President), and Conley Ecclestone (Grand River Raceway handicapper/timer/photo finish operator). The defending 2023 champ is Grady Hachey. We welcome both young veteran racecallers and any young people who want to try out their skills and receive valuable feedback from the judges. For further information or help submitting an entry, please contact USHWA Canadian chapter 2024 director Melissa Keith ([email protected] or @TheTriactor on X/Twitter) or USHWA Canadian 2025 chapter director/secretary Nick Barnsdale ([email protected] or @AceBarnsdale on X/Twitter). Rules: 1. To enter, a participant must submit their race call from a harness race that took place in 2024. One entry (one race call) per entrant. 2. Participants must be 21 years old or younger to enter the contest, and have made the race call in 2024. 3. The race call can be in English or French. 4. The race call can be from a pari-mutuel race, a fair or matinee race, a qualifier, or calling a replay. Calls from actual races/qualifiers are preferred. 5. Because not everyone gets a chance to call a race from a booth, we will accept video recordings made by the entrant or someone recording their informal race call. This could be a call made while at the track or watching the races from home. 6. The race calls can be submitted in the following ways: a. Sending a link to a video posted on a track or racing organizations website, YouTube, or social media account; b. Uploading and creating a link to a race call video and submitting the link (e.g. Google Photos); c. Sending the video as an mp4 file to a Dropbox set up for the contest; d. Sending a full description of the race/qualifier (track, date, race number) and where to find the video online (e.g. replays on an ADW site) if it is not posted on a track website or social media. 7. There is no fee to enter. 8. The winner (by points) will receive an opportunity to call a race at a racetrack where one of the contest judges is a track announcer. They will be treated to a meal for two at the track, free programs, and swag/souvenir items (which vary by track). If the winner cannot make it to a participating racetrack, the contest organizers will help arrange a similar prize experience at a more convenient racetrack. 9. Second- and third-place finishers in the contest will also receive prizes. 10. Deadline for entries: Monday, Mar. 31, 2025. Entries should include the racecallers name, age, contact information (mailing address, email, phone), link to racecall (where applicable), and preferred track to visit if they win the contest. 11. Entrants must be current USHWA Youth members (any chapter), renew their membership, or apply to join USHWA as a Youth member when they enter the contest. New Youth memberships are sponsored, so there is no fee to sign up. (U.S. Harness Writers Association Canadian Chapter) San Antonio Police Department officers gather in the Cornerstone Church parking lot while in the process of attempting to extract a suspect in the nearby Sonterra Heights apartment complex at 18777 Stone Oak Pkwy on Wednesday. Seven SAPD officers were shot by Brandon Scott Poulos. Marvin Pfeiffer/San Antonio Express-News San Antonio Police officers gather in the Cornerstone Church parking lot while in the process of attempting to extract a suspect in the nearby Sonterra Heights apartment complex at 18777 Stone Oak Pkwy on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in San Antonio. Four SAPD officers were shot by the suspect, identified as a male in his 40's, while responding to a suicide in progress call. Preliminary information is that all four officers incurred non-critical injuries. Marvin Pfeiffer/San Antonio Express-News San Antonio Police officers gather in the Cornerstone Church parking lot while in the process of attempting to extract a suspect in the nearby Sonterra Heights apartment complex at 18777 Stone Oak Pkwy on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in San Antonio. Four SAPD officers were shot by the suspect, identified as a male in his 40's, while responding to a suicide in progress call. Preliminary information is that all four officers incurred non-critical injuries. Marvin Pfeiffer/San Antonio Express-News The officer shootings at a Stone Oak apartment complex this week set a grim milestone for the most San Antonio Police Department officers wounded in one incident and the man who shot him shouldn't have been out of jail in the first place, the head of the police union said. Seven officers were shot and wounded Wednesday night as they responded to reports of a suicidal active shooter at a Stone Oak apartment complex. SAPD Assistant Chief Jesse Salame confirmed the milestone set for the most officers wounded. " I cant think of another incident like this in my 25 years here," Salame said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: The number of San Antonio police officers shot in Stone Oak sets grim milestone The seven officers' injuries included wounds to their face, neck, shoulder, torso and legs, Danny Diaz, president of the San Antonio Police Officer's Association, told the San Antonio Express-News. Some officers had multiple injuries, Diaz said. SAPD has not provided details about the shooter's weapons, but Diaz said he was told the shooter was armed with a pistol and a shotgun. READ MORE: Man who shot 7 SAPD police officers in Stone Oak was military veteran Six of the seven injured officers had been treated and released from hospitals by Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Their years of service on the department range from 7-3 years. Their service photos were not provided, per policy. Police were dispatched to the Sonterra Heights apartments, a 332-unit complex in the 1800 block of Stone Oak Parkway near Cornerstone Church, in response to reports that a suicidal armed individual was firing his weapon. The man shot and wounded the first officers on the scene and continued firing as more officers responded, police said. The suspect, identified as Brandon Scott Poulos, 46, a Navy veteran, then barricaded himself in the apartment for several hours and was later found dead. At the scene, Police Chief William McManus said authorities did not know whether Poulos killed himself or was shot dead by SWAT officers. But on Friday afternoon, the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office said Poulos's death was caused by multiple gun shot wounds and the matter was homicide. On Friday, the SAPD public information office identified the seven San Antonio Police Department officers who were shot: Advertisement Article continues below this ad SAPD Officer Jesus Hilario-Marquez, 5 years of service SAPD Officer Kyle Rainey, 5 years of service SAPD Officer Dean Rosetta, 4 years of service SAPD Officer Jacob Barcena, 7 years of service SAPD Officer Ryan OHara, 3 years of service SAPD Officer William Perez, 5 years of service SAPD Officer Jorge Ramos, 4 years of service Diaz said Barcena is the officer who is still at the hospital on Friday. Barcena is recovering from a surgery that he had on Thursday, Diaz said. The officers have been placed on administrative duty while SAPD's Shooting Team and Internal Affairs Unit conduct separate inquiries. Their findings will be forwarded to the Bexar County District Attorneys office for an independent review. Diaz said there had never been so many San Antonio officers wounded at one time. "It's disheartening," Diaz said of the incident. "We're just blessed that the officers are going to recover." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Diaz said officers are frustrated that Poulos, who bonded out of the Bexar County jail on Monday, was out of jail in the first place. He said District Attorney Joe Gonzales should have pushed for a higher bond. According to a Comal County spokesperson, Poulos violated the protective order by going within 200 yards of the residence located in the 200 block of Stallion Springs Drive, in Fischer, north of Canyon Lake. The protective order consisted of several conditions to include prohibited locations and contact with the victims, his wife Ashleigh Poulos, and four others, including her parents and children. A judge set Poulos' bail for the criminal charges at $35,000 on the criminal charges against Poulos. He was released from the Bexar County jail on Monday, court records show. "That bond was very minimal, that needs to be looked at," Diaz said. "It's the same issue we've been complaining about for the last four years." Advertisement Article continues below this ad A Bexar county judge set bail at $35,000 on the criminal charges against Poulos. He was released from the Bexar County jail on Monday, court records show. The Bexar County District Attorney's Office told the Express-News in a statement that his office cannot prevent the release of a person in custody requesting a bond except for very limited circumstances that were not present. Further, the DA's office said that on the day Poulos was magistrated, there was no violation of a protective order filed, so Bexar County could not hold him on that charge. "Our information indicates he was not served with a Comal Couty protective order until the same day of January 19th while he was in custody in Bexar County," the statement read. "It appears that he did not violate the protective order until after his release which triggered the filing of a new case by Comal County." Diaz said morale on the force is at an all time low. "They're (the officers) trying to put individuals in jail, and they're out before you can finish the paper work," Diaz said. "It's trying times." Diaz said he's thankful for the outpouring of support from the community, including calls from U.S. congressmen, state senators, and presidents from other police unions across Texas and beyond. Diaz also received calls from residents asking if they can take the officers food or help with expenses. Walter Petersen, a California mainstay for decades as both a horseman and a racing official at Cal Expo, passed away last month at the age of 78. After graduating from Florida Atlantic University, Petersen joined the army and served in Vietnam. When he returned, he started his career in harness racing as an owner, driver and trainer, competing at tracks in Michigan, Maryland and Florida before settling in California. Among the talented performers Petersen bred, trained and owned were L A Dictator, L A Mistress and Local Sheriff, but his all-time favourite was a diminutive trotter by the name of Kimmie Girl, who had quite a following. In 2005, Petersen took the position of paddock judge at Cal Expo while his wife Patty served as clerk of the course. He retired in 2022 due to health concerns. Wally was a true friend for over 45 years, said fellow horseman J.R. Williams. In all that time, I never saw him have a bad day. He always had a smile and a laugh for everyone. Cal Expo general manager Chris Schick added, Wally was a happy and gregarious guy. You always came away with a laugh and feeling good after talking to him. He loved this business very much. Cal Expo has named the DHA Free-for-All Pace on April 11 in remembrance of Petersen. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Walter Petersen. (With files from Cal Expo) As Regional Wests CEO Mel McNea prepared to part from Scottsbluff this week, he had two parting words for the community: Thank you. McNea will mark his last day at Regional West Medical Center on Thursday, preparing to retire to his home community of North Platte after two years serving the western Nebraska hospital and health care organization. McNea began in the post in December 2022, shortly after the previous CEO John Mentgen resigned. Through that time, McNea has led Regional West during a transition period that included making inroads in resolving financial issues, resolving billing and electronic records management concerns and other lofty tasks. I want to take the opportunity to really thank the staff, the community, the Board of Directors for all the generosity that they have showed me as an individual, but also to the organization, McNea said Tuesday. I hope the community recognizes the work that weve done to improve the delivery of health care to this Panhandle area. The scenery here, the providers have all been exceptional, and I think theres a lot of advancements. With the new CEO in place, that momentum is building and well continue to see improvements. An accomplishment likely capping McNeas time at Regional West is an announcement earlier this month from the Fitch Ratings Agency that Regional West had improved its financial outlooks for the hospital. In July 2023, Fitch had given the hospital a rating watch of negative. By January 2024, the hospitals bond rating had improved to BB- and its rating watch negative had climbed to a negative rating outlook. A ratings watch, negative or positive, means that the agency expects there could be a change in rating in the next six months while an outlook refers to their expectations for the ratings movements in the next one to two years. In a huge boost for Regional West, on Jan. 9, Fitch Ratings Agency released that it had revised the rating outlook to stable and affirmed its issuer default rating and bond series to BB-. It its most recent outlook, Fitch noted that it reflected RWHSs significant operational performance improvements in 2024. It pointed to increased revenue from the prior year by refining billing practices and renegotiating payor contracts. RWHS had also focused on cost management by reducing agency staff and group purchasing. Fitch believes these initiatives have strengthened RWHSs core operating performance and expects positive operating income in fiscal 2025 and beyond Fitchs current expectations, Fitch said. Regional West had also resolved issues that had put it out of compliance with an agreement for a revenue refunding and improvement bond issued in 2016. Increases in the states Medicaid Directed Payments Program and the expected approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) means Regional West could see an increase in revenues of $25 million, McNea said. Another notable improvement began in October 2024 when Regional West instituted a new electronic health records system, called Epic, that includes a user-friendly portal called MyChart that allows patients to access and pay bills, communicate with care providers and schedule appointments. The system has not only resulted in billing improvements, but also the patient experience. Not only has getting a handle on Regional Wests financial well-being among his accomplishments, McNea indicated putting into place quality initiatives that will be reflected in future data was among accomplishments during his time. Some of the data doesnt currently reflect that, just because of the use of old data by the federal government ... but you will see in the next couple years, those scores continue to rise, and just building back the confidence in the staff and making Regional West a great place to work. One example is Regional Wests emergency department being honored last year for making measurable improvements on more than 20 CMS measures. The hospital also began operating its own ambulance services, bringing cohesion in its emergency services. McNea said there are a couple of initiatives that Regional West leadership and its board need to stay focused on in the future. Like most hospitals in the state and the country, he said, continued focus on financials of the health care organization will be vital to its future success. There are not many independent hospitals the size of Regional West Medical Center that exist anymore, he said, with many operating under another health care system. To maintain that independence requires more work, more effort, more due diligence and oversight, he said. I think that is one that needs to stay in focus. Recruiting new and good physicians, with the goal of expanding and growing services, are also two areas that an incoming CEO will need to continue to focus on. in 2024, Regional West hired nearly 40 new or returning physicians and announcements of new physicians have continued into the new year. McNea noted that the passion of the employees and the willingness to sacrifice to make the organization strong, as it was six years ago, was a testament for Regional West. That commitment from the employees is a strength for Regional West, he said, saying that he had also experienced support from the Board of Directors and saw their ability to self-reflect on needed changes as a positive attribute for Regional Wests future. McNea cited reductions in the dependency on agency staffing the practice of using an agency to fill open positions on a temporary basis and continuing to develop relationships with critical access hospitals around Regional West as two other areas of focus. I think the future is bright, McNea said of Regional West. Im really excited about the future. Im anxious to keep in contact with the organization and see how it continues to progress. The outgoing leader had one challenge for the community as well: If I was to leave a challenge, it would just be: Continue to be great. Dont settle for average. Currently, Regional Wests Board is in the process of searching for the next CEO. The board has reportedly interviewed candidates and made its finalist selections, but an announcement regarding its selection had not yet been made. In the meantime, a member of the hospitals executive team will step into the role of interim CEO. Documents filed in Scotts Bluff County Court detail some of the case against two teen boys accused in the stabbing death of a 15-year-old Scottsbluff teen. Devante Castellaw, 17, and Corey Rotherham Jr., 16, have been charged with second-degree murder, a Class IB felony, and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, a Class II felony. Both Rotherham and Castellaw have been charged as adults. According to an arrest affidavit, the two were among three teen boys captured on video surveillance involved in an assault on Wyatt Reeb, 15, of Scottsbluff. Reeb died Tuesday at a Colorado hospital of injuries he suffered in the assault. Police spoke to Reebs father and his stepmother, who discovered the teen collapsed in the parking lot of a Scottsbluff auto repair business. According to his father, Reeb had told his father that he was going to his mothers home about 5:30 p.m. and his friends, who he did not know, would pick him up. The next contact he had, he told police, had been a phone call from his son about 10:15 p.m., telling him that he could not breathe. The boy told his father that he was at a convenience store at Fifth Avenue and East Overland. Reebs stepmother went to look for him, while his father stayed at their home nearby in the 1300 block of Third Avenue, in case Reeb showed up there. The woman showed up with the boy. She told police Reeb was bleeding from his back and said he could not breathe. Reebs father also described the boy as bleeding from the back of the head and he suffering a deep cut on his hand. He called 911 and the boy was taken by ambulance to Regional West. The stepmother told police that she had found Reeb lying on the curb at the auto repair business across the street from the gas station. She helped into the back of the car, and the boy only talked about how he could not breathe. The affidavit cited a police sergeant disclosing to the investigator that at the hospital, the boy coded which means that his heart had stopped and doctors observed he had suffered a stab wound to his heart in addition to the injuries to his head and hand. Reeb was flown to a Denver hospital and died Jan. 21 about 11:16 p.m. An autopsy showed a tip of a knife lodged in the boys skull, according to the affidavit. A Scotts Bluff County sheriffs deputy investigating at the scene located blood on the sidewalk where Reeb was found by his stepmother. An investigator also located some of the boys clothing in the driveway of a home in the 1300 block of Fifth Avenue, the affidavit states. The Nebraska State Patrol obtained video surveillance from the convenience store at Fifth Avenue and East Overland. In the video, officers observed sirens from a Nebraska Patrol pursuit involving a stolen vehicle. The driver of the vehicle had crashed the vehicle about a block away, at East 14th Street and Fourth Avenue, according to information released by the Nebraska State Patrol Tuesday. On the surveillance video, officers observed a red Mitsubishi traveling northbound on Fifth Avenue and turning west on East Overland. Less than 10 seconds later, the driver turned into the parking lot of the car lot and audio picked up multiple voices yelling. At that time, Reeb was observed on the video running southbound across East Overland and three teen boys who left the car were seen chasing him. Reeb attempted to run back northbound, but the boys continued to chase him. They were observed running in different directions at the intersection until one of the teens catches Reeb. According to the affidavit, the assault of Reeb is caught on video. The video also shows one of the teens holding a knife in his right hand. Officers observing the video identified the boys as Devante Castellaw and Cory Rotherham Jr. The third teen had not yet been identified as of the submission of the affidavit. After obtaining a warrant, Scottsbluff Police arrested Castellaw and Rotherham late Wednesday night, according to information released by the department. An appearance date for both teens was not yet available in online court records, as of publication. Attorneys for the two have also not yet been named. 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 As a candidate in 2024, Donald Trump greets Texas National Guard soldiers stationed in Eagle Pass as part of Gov. Greg Abbott's border security initiative. After being sworn in to a second term as president this week, Trump ordered Army soldiers and Marines to the border to confront what he called a national emergency. Eric Gay/Associated Press As active-duty U.S. soldiers began moving toward the nation's southern border to confront what President Donald Trump called "a national emergency," much was still unclear about their mission, including whether they will be armed, exactly where they will be deployed and how long they will stay. One thing is certain, however: It won't be cheap. The deployment of 1,500 troops the equivalent of a regiment to Texas and California was part of a multi-pronged effort by the new administration to curtail illegal border crossings, shut down asylum as a path to entry to the U.S. and draw the sharpest possible distinction with former President Joe Biden's approach to immigration enforcement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the opening days of his second term, Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security to ramp up arrests and deportations of undocumented migrants and scrapped a Biden administration policy forbidding immigration arrests in churchs, schools and hospitals. Trump also directed the Justice Department to investigate and potentially prosecute city and state officials who interfere with the crackdown. The military mobilization, perhaps the most dramatic of Trump's border-related steps, involves 1,000 Army soldiers and 500 Marines who officials said are headed for El Paso and San Diego, Calif. Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses said the deployment would include Air Force planes to deport migrants, as well as helicopters, flight crews and intelligence analysts to support increased detection and monitoring efforts along the border. It will be overseen by the Colorado-based Northern Command, which is responsible for defending the U.S. homeland. In Texas, the newly mobilized forces will join 2,200 active-duty troops and 4,500 National Guard soldiers already at the border. The new GIs will come with a logistical tail and an as-yet-unstated pricetag that could reach billions of dollars, depending on where and for how long the troops are deployed. Theyll need food, water, housing, transportation, fuel and more to carry out their mission, which the Pentagon defined only in vague terms. "In a matter of days, we will have nearly doubled the number of forces along the border, effectively implementing the presidents intent while planning and posturing for expanded efforts to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the United States, said Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, head of Northern Command. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The newly deployed troops will put in place physical barriers and carry out "other border missions" in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a senior military official said in a briefing for reporters. He said the soldiers and Marines would "provide real time situational awareness of persons, vehicles, vessels and aircraft and work with the CBP on ... maintenance and movement and staging of Customs and Border Protection assets." UH-72 Lakota helicopters began flying this week along the border in support of CBP operations, the official said. The Pentagon's U.S. Transportation Command was positioning a total of four aircraft in El Paso and San Diego: two C-17 Globemaster III cargo planes and a pair of C-130 Hercules transports, which can carry troops, equipment and supplies. Drones are also being deployed. The senior military official said about 100 aircraft total are on call for the mission, and State Department officials have been brought in because "deportation flights" will land in other countries. Intelligence analysts are part of the deployment "to assist with some intelligence needs on the southwest border," the official said. "We also anticipate that there could be some additional airborne intelligence, surveillance and support assets that would move down to the border to increase situational awareness." Advertisement Article continues below this ad There is no stated timeline for the mission, nor any publicly shared plans to increase it beyond 1,500 troops. 'Clipboards and computers' Though Pentagon officials did not go into detail, it seems likely the soldiers in Texas will operate out of the Army's Fort Bliss near El Paso. The Marine Corps has an extensive presence in San Diego, including Camp Pendleton, home of the Marine Expeditionary Corps. Both Fort Bliss and San Diego serve as logistical hubs and will be able to provide basic support for troops on the border mission. The Marines are known for their ability to deploy rapidly, while the Army is slower and more methodical. "In general, the Marine Corps has a mindset that when they're told to move, their sea bags are packed and they're heading to the planes with the trucks or the ships," said retired Marine Lt. Gen. Paul Van Riper. "The Army's approach has always been to send out a party with clipboards and computers and calculate what all they're going to need." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Retired Maj. Gen. Freddie Valenzuela, a former commander of U.S. Army South in San Antonio, said it appeared that logistics specialists are among the first personnel being mobilized for the border mission. "I got a call from a friend yesterday, and he got activated, and he was telling me that its logistics folks: transportation, administration. It sounds to me that that 1,500 are really going in to relieve the Border Patrol and the (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) folks from the administrative duties, so they can have more people on the border," he said. If the troop buildup draws criticism, Valenzuela said he expected Trump's "fallback position would be, Hey guys, Im just sending logisticians and office administrators, Im not sending the active-duty combat warriors. I think thats what theyre doing, and it makes a lot of sense to me. It really does." Retired Army Maj. Gen. Charles Rodriguez, a former Texas National Guard adjutant general, said that in such cases, commanders typically mobilize an entry-level organizing team and bring in other troops over time. In this instance, much will depend on where the deployed soldiers and Marines will live. If they're on an existing base with housing and amenities, they can be ready to support CBP in a short period of time. That would change if troops are needed in New Mexico, Arizona and the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "It's a lot of distance," Rodriguez said. Whether the soldiers and Marines will be armed is a decision for Northern Command to make, based on its assessment of the security situation on the ground, the senior military official said. "We have had troops that have been armed at various times down there," he said. "As of right now, none of the forces that we're sending there are intended to be used for law enforcement." 'An end state' In Texas, the soldiers will join a substantial force of Texas National Guard troops who have stood sentry at the border for years. Rodriguez, as the Texas Guard's adjutant general from June 2005 to May 2009, oversaw Operation Jump Start, a program launched by then-President George W. Bush, who called up 29,000 guardsmen from four states. That mission had a heavy emphasis on soldiers from engineering units, who improved Border Patrol facilities and built and upgraded roads. Some 6,000 guardsmen were on duty in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. The program cost the federal government $756 million during its first 16 months. Unlike Gov. Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star, the federal government footed the bill for that earlier deployment. Operation Lone Star began in 2017 and evolved into the state's largest and costliest border program ever, involving thousands of guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troopers. Abbott has asked the federal government to reimburse Texas $11.1 billion for the operation. While Abbott has said Texas Guard soldiers assigned to Operation Lone Star were authorized to arrest migrants, active-duty troops face limits under the law. The Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the Army and Air Force from making arrests, searches or seizures in the U.S. unless the president formally declares a state of emergency. Trump took that step on Wednesday, signing an executive order that invoked the National Emergencies Act, a 1976 law designed to expand presidential powers in times of crisis. In addition to authorizing military deployments, the executive order directs the secretaries of defense and homeland security to finish the wall along the southern border. The emergency declaration will allow the government to gain operational control of the border, combat the cartels and secure our nation, the White House said. It was a reprise of an approach Trump used during his first term as president. In 2019, he issued an emergency declaration to override congressional refusal to fund construction of the border wall. Rodriguez said that rhetoric aside, military missions that lack a clear end date ultimately run out of gas. LTIMindtree announced that the Board has decided to appoint Mr. Venu Lambu as the CEO (Designate) & Whole Time Director based out of London with immediate effect. This strategic decision marks a significant milestone in the leadership succession plan and reinforces our commitment towards profitable growth & stakeholder value creation. Over the coming months, Mr. Venu Lambu will work closely with Mr. Debashis Chatterjee, CEO & MD, LTIMindtree, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. This period will allow him to gain deeper insights into the current operations, yearly budget and strategic plans. Mr. S.N. Subrahmanyan, Chairman LTIMindtree commented that This move reflects our dedication to fostering a seamless transition in leadership, preserving the companys legacy, and positioning us for future opportunities. Venu is a bright leader who has amazing solution providing capabilities and a phenomenal networker. We are confident that Venus home coming to L&T will take LTIMindtree into its next chapter of growth and this will further strengthen our position as a leading global IT services provider. Venu is a global executive leader with more than 30 years of experience in driving strategies and hyper growth in the Technology and Services industry. He is an industry thought leader advocating the value propositions of Application, Cloud Services, Infrastructure and Edge Computing. In his previous role, he was the CEO of Ranstad Digital, the $3 billion digital arm of Randstad, which looks to tap into global capability centres (GCCs) in India to drive revenue through its people-centric approach. Prior to this he was President & Executive Director in Mindtree, responsible for Global Markets transformation and delivered consistent profitable growth. In the past, Venu has held leadership positions at Cognizant, HCL Technologies, and IBM. Venu earned his bachelors degree in Electronics Engineering from the University of Mysore and a general management certification from London School of Business. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The landscape of AI regulation in the United States is undergoing significant changes, with President Donald Trump announcing a major new infrastructure investment and rescinding an existing executive order by former President Joe Biden focused on AI development. Hamid Ekbia is director of the Autonomous Systems Policy Institute at Syracuse University and founding director of the Academic Alliance for AI Policy. He took time to answer a few questions about the current state of AI regulation. How do government regulations shape AI development? The federal government has a decisive role in creating the environment in which different players in the AI space operate. This could happen through regulation or in the absence of regulation. In the past, when the federal government was inclined to regulate technology through executive orders (and this included both the first Trump and Biden administrations), companies indicated interest in getting some measure of guidance from the government in establishing guardrails around AI technology in the hope of establishing an even playing field of transparent and ethical AI. The rescinding of Biden's executive order is going to unravel the minimal steps taken to regulate AI in the U.S., dampening the momentum that was being built in places such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and putting us behind others, especially the European Union, in this space. This will exacerbate current gaps in regulation even further, putting control in the hands of a small number of big corporations who have shown the ineffectiveness of self-regulation again and again. The change of direction by Meta is a good example of this. In his testimony to the Senate in September 2023, Mark Zuckerberg, among other executives, endorsed AI regulation. In the last few weeks, in anticipation of the changing administration, Facebook changed course, replacing the internal mechanism for fact-checking, leaving the door open for the spread of even more misinformation to the society. This is just the beginning of a decline in transparency and accountability, the deeper impacts of which we will see down the road. Could rescinding the order help spark innovation, as some companies have argued? The idea that less regulation leads to more innovation is a myth propagated by major corporations who currently have a monopolistic position in the AI space. History has shown that these corporations use their position not to expand innovation but to dampen and suppress it in all kinds of ways. A primary example of this is patent shelving, where big corporations buy out innovations by small players or startups, not to implement the innovation but to protect their own monopolistic position in the market. There are numerous examples of thisfor instance, when Google bought Motorola Mobility in 2012 just to shelve a large portion of the 17,000 patents that were included in the purchase. Practices such as patent shelving clearly show that companies cannot be trusted to prioritize innovation on their own; a regulated environment is much more conducive to innovation than an unregulated market. The European Union has imposed stricter regulations on AI than the U.S. What might that mean for the companies behind this technology? The key issue is the regulatory gap that corporations have to navigate between the U.S. and the E.U. Big corporations will each find a way of dealing with this gap by complying differently with different requirements in the two contexts. But whatever they do, the American public will get the shorter end of the bargain in terms of the safety, privacy, trustworthiness, and perhaps even financial cost of technology. 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: SafeRBot is a chatbot that aids dispatch centers in providing community members a method for reporting their situations through a series of consistent questions and answers, both informational and empathetic, when crimes are reported online. Credit: SALT Lab Across the nation, 911 dispatch centers are facing a worker shortage. Unfortunately, this understaffing, plus the nature of the job itself, leads to dispatchers who are often overworked and stressed. Meanwhile, when community members need to report a crime, their options are to contact 911 for an emergency or, in a non-emergency situation, call a non-emergency number or fill out an online form. A new chatbot, SafeRBot, designed and developed by researchers in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignAssociate Professor Yun Huang, Informatics Ph.D. student Yiren Liu, and BSIS student Tony Anseeks to improve the reporting process for non-emergency situations for both community members and dispatch centers. SafeRBot is a Large Language Model (LLM) that aids dispatch centers in providing community members with a method for reporting their situations through a series of consistent questions and answers, both informational and empathetic, when crimes are reported online. According to Huang, principal investigator on the project, the unique strengths of SafeRBot are that it turns unstructured chats into a structured form, supports both English and non-English speakers, and automatically asks follow-up questions to improve the quality of the report. "SafeRBot aims to provide immediate responses for users who prefer not to or cannot engage with human dispatchers, or when human dispatchers are unavailable," she said. "By automatically asking relevant questions, SafeRBot reduces the time required to collect incident details and improves the quality of the information gathered. It also helps reduce dispatcher workload, potentially preventing burnout." When a dispatch center elects to use SafeRBot, a community member who needs to report a non-emergency situation can go to the SafeRBot website and start answering questions asked by the chatbot on the left side of the user's screen. The details are automatically filled into fields of the incident report on the right side of the screen. SafeRBot is multilingual, so if the reporter's first response is in Spanish, the follow-up questions will switch from English to Spanish. "We plan to launch SafeRBot as a grassroots effort, getting people's consent to use the system," said Liu. "This will provide a solution for the police department and greatly assist the multilingual members of our community." According to Huang, when SafeRBot is launched, police agencies will be able to access, process, and download data from the system's dashboard and easily integrate the information into the systems that they currently use. "The information collected from our system is encrypted and stored on Amazon Cloud, which offers multiple layers of security," added Liu. SafeRBot's design and development was inspired by the empirical evidence obtained through the team's previous research, where they studied LiveSafe, a community safety reporting system popular with universities. Through their analysis of the system logs, the researchers learned that the amount of emotional support a community member receives via a text-based system varies. "Our research found that different users have varying levels of need for emotional support when reporting incidents. The goal is to enable users to personalize their reporting experience based on their emotional needs," said Huang. The researchers found that community members are more responsive to answering follow-up questions when empathetic support is provided; SafeRBot can be deployed with the level of empathy users desire. A paper discussing this work, titled "Discovering the Hidden Facts of User-Dispatcher Interactions via Text-based Reporting Systems for Community Safety," was published in Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction in 2023. "SafeRBot complements human dispatchers by asking similar questions, optimized with emotional support through empathy and compassion," said Huang. The Urbana (IL) Police Department has been a key collaborator in developing SafeRBot's features. Huang's team has been collecting their feedback to improve the system for community use. The Police Training Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has also been an active research partner with Huang's development group; a version of SafeRBot was created as a training tool that provides recruits opportunities to experience being interviewed with varying levels of empathy from SafeRBot and to practice their interviewing skills in the early stages of their development. Huang's team will present a paper describing their recent work, titled "Improving Emotional Support Delivery in Text-Based Community Safety Reporting Using Large Language Models," at the ACM Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing (CSCW 2025). Huang specializes in human-AI interaction and social computing and directs the SALT (Social Computing Systems) lab at the University of Illinois. More information: Yiren Liu et al, Discovering the Hidden Facts of User-Dispatcher Interactions via Text-based Reporting Systems for Community Safety, Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (2023). DOI: 10.1145/3579602 Yiren Liu et al, Improving Emotional Support Delivery in Text-Based Community Safety Reporting Using Large Language Models, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2409.15706 Journal information: arXiv This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A man walks past Google's offices in London's Kings Cross area, on Aug. 10, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Melley, File Google pledged to crack down on fake online reviews with tougher punishments for rogue reviewers and businesses that try to profit from them, British regulators said Friday following an investigation. The Competition and Markets Authority said that Google has committed to "rigorous steps" to detect and remove sham reviews, so it can quickly identify and investigate businesses and reviewers trying to benefit from the phony posts. Google will delete all reviews written by people who repeatedly write fake or misleading reviewseither positive or negativefor U.K. businesses, the watchdog said. These reviewers will also be banned from posting new reviews, whether or not they're in the U.K. Businesses that try to artificially boost their star ratings will also face consequences. Warning alerts will be slapped on their Google profiles, and new reviews will not be allowed. And if they repeatedly engage in fake review activity, all their reviews for the past six months or more will be deleted, the CMA said. Google's also adding a way for consumers to quickly and easily report shady reviews, including payments or rewards offered for a positive review. "The changes we've secured from Google ensure robust processes are in place, so people can have confidence in reviews and make the best possible choices," the watchdog's CEO Sarah Cardell said. "They also help to create a level-playing field for fair dealing firms." Google said its "longstanding investments to combat fraudulent content help us block millions of fake reviews yearlyoften before they ever get published." The company said in a brief statement that its "work with regulators around the world, including the CMA, is part of our ongoing efforts to fight fake content and bad actors." A separate investigation into Amazon over fake reviews is ongoing, the watchdog said. It opened the probes in 2021 to examine whether the two companies broke U.K. consumer law by failing to protect shoppers. It began looking into phony reviews on some big websites amid the boom in online shopping fueled by the coronavirus pandemic. Phony reviews have long plagued the internet. Some online travel and shopping platforms have banded together to fight fraudulent reviews. Authorities in the U.S. meanwhile have also been trying to crack down, with the Federal Trade Commission banning their sale or purchase and fining businesses and individuals who engage in the practice. Fake reviews are typically traded on private social media groups between fake review brokers and businesses willing to pay. Sometimes, such reviews are initiated by businesses that offer customers incentives such as gift cards for positive feedback. 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: Direct Injection Ammonia Engine. Credit: Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) A 2-liter engine utilizing ammonia, a renewable and zero-carbon energy source, has been developed. This groundbreaking technology is expected to serve as a foundational platform for various applications, including vehicles, ships, aircraft, and industrial power generators. The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), an institute under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Science and ICT, announced that it has developed the world's first engine capable of directly injecting ammonia into the combustion chamber at high pressure, in collaboration with the Electrification Engineering Center of Hyundai Motor and Kia. The new engine utilizes high-pressure liquid injection technology to address challenges associated with gaseous ammonia fuels, such as unstable power output and harmful emissions. This system ensures a stable supply of large volumes of ammonia fuel. By utilizing pure ammonia, the engine achieves a world-class specific output without requiring additional combustion-enhancing devices or additives. The research team enhanced the engine's performance by improving the ignition system and optimizing the timing of fuel injection and valve operation. Additionally, they developed a dedicated after-treatment system to minimize nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and unburnt ammonia emissions. As a result, the engine demonstrated significantly improved thermal efficiency and power output, while drastically reducing harmful emissions. These advancements highlight the potential of ammonia as a practical and efficient fuel for various applications. Principal researcher Dr. Cheolwoong Park of KIMM emphasized, "This innovation represents a groundbreaking improvement over conventional ammonia engine technologies, introducing a new concept in power systems." He highlighted its potential to transform mobility power sources and industrial power generation, particularly in the realm of clean hydrogen energy. Principal researcher Dr. Seungwoo Lee of Hyundai Motor and Kia stated, "This engine technology could serve as a breakthrough in addressing the challenges of hydrogen transportation and green hydrogen production, establishing ammonia as a new clean fuel-based power solution." Cerro Pacific Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 0.6% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 20,065 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. Cerro Pacific Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $2,288,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Groupama Asset Managment boosted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 22.2% in the third quarter. Groupama Asset Managment now owns 228,448 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 41,557 shares during the period. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Peterson Financial Group Inc. purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 78.4% during the 3rd quarter. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 289 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 127 shares during the period. Finally, Highline Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the third quarter valued at $37,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms recently weighed in on ABT. Sanford C. Bernstein upped their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $133.00 to $138.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 17th. UBS Group increased their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $146.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $131.00 to $133.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 17th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $133.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Mizuho upped their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $115.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 17th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $132.50. Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 4.6 % Shares of Abbott Laboratories stock opened at $123.17 on Friday. Abbott Laboratories has a 12-month low of $99.71 and a 12-month high of $123.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $213.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.44, a PEG ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $114.91 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $113.08. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 22nd. The healthcare product maker reported $1.34 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.34. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.18% and a net margin of 13.99%. The company had revenue of $10.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11,029,400 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.19 EPS. Abbott Laboratoriess revenue for the quarter was up 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.67 earnings per share for the current year. Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 14th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 15th will be given a dividend of $0.59 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 15th. This is a positive change from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.55. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.92%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is 30.85%. Abbott Laboratories Profile (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday following a better than expected earnings announcement. The stock traded as high as $70.00 and last traded at $69.42, with a volume of 15675 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $68.88. The transportation company reported $0.97 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.45 by $0.52. Alaska Air Group had a return on equity of 12.81% and a net margin of 2.99%. Get Alaska Air Group alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In ALK has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Barclays raised their price target on Alaska Air Group from $55.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Alaska Air Group from $58.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 11th. Evercore ISI decreased their price objective on shares of Alaska Air Group from $60.00 to $55.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 3rd. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on shares of Alaska Air Group from $68.00 to $78.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 11th. Finally, Citigroup raised their target price on Alaska Air Group from $63.00 to $74.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 16th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $72.57. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Alaska Air Group news, SVP Andrea L. Schneider sold 3,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.50, for a total value of $234,950.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 21,086 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,338,961. The trade was a 14.93 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, VP Emily Halverson sold 1,329 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.41, for a total value of $85,600.89. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 7,150 shares of the companys stock, valued at $460,531.50. This trade represents a 15.67 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 34,473 shares of company stock valued at $2,198,342 in the last ninety days. 0.68% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Alaska Air Group Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Hennessy Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Alaska Air Group in the 4th quarter valued at $82,459,000. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. grew its holdings in Alaska Air Group by 2,087.8% during the 3rd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 762,889 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $34,490,000 after acquiring an additional 728,019 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP bought a new position in shares of Alaska Air Group in the 3rd quarter worth about $26,390,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Alaska Air Group by 45.1% in the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,422,247 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $64,300,000 after purchasing an additional 442,331 shares during the period. Finally, FMR LLC boosted its position in shares of Alaska Air Group by 32.4% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 1,084,639 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $49,037,000 after purchasing an additional 265,343 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.90% of the companys stock. Alaska Air Group Trading Up 2.0 % The company has a market cap of $8.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.61 and a beta of 1.54. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $61.44 and a 200 day moving average of $48.06. The company has a current ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93. Alaska Air Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Alaska Air Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates airlines. It operates through three segments: Mainline, Regional, and Horizon. The company offers scheduled air transportation services on Boeing jet aircraft for passengers and cargo in the United States, and in parts of Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, and the Bahamas; and for passengers across a shorter distance network within the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Alaska Air Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alaska Air Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Barnwell Industries (NYSE:BRN Free Report) in a research note published on Tuesday morning. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the stock. Barnwell Industries Price Performance Shares of BRN opened at $1.90 on Tuesday. Barnwell Industries has a 1 year low of $1.31 and a 1 year high of $3.20. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $1.63 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2.00. The firm has a market cap of $19.10 million, a P/E ratio of -3.39 and a beta of 0.02. Get Barnwell Industries alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Barnwell Industries stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its holdings in Barnwell Industries, Inc. (NYSE:BRN Free Report) by 1.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 355,534 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,612 shares during the quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC owned 3.55% of Barnwell Industries worth $836,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. 40.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Barnwell Industries Barnwell Industries, Inc acquires, develops, produces, and sells oil and natural gas in Canada. The company operates through three segments: Oil and Natural Gas, Land Investment, and Contract Drilling. It also acquires and develops crude oil and natural gas assets in the province of Alberta, as well as invests in land interests in Hawaii. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Barnwell Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barnwell Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Blackrock Silver Corp. (CVE:BRC Get Free Report) fell 12.5% during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as C$0.34 and last traded at C$0.35. 1,258,284 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 543% from the average session volume of 195,637 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.40. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Raymond James set a C$1.00 price target on Blackrock Silver and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 26th. Get Blackrock Silver alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on BRC Blackrock Silver Trading Down 13.8 % Blackrock Silver Company Profile The stock has a market cap of C$93.97 million, a PE ratio of -17.25 and a beta of 3.19. The company has a quick ratio of 3.14, a current ratio of 8.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The stocks fifty day moving average price is C$0.40 and its 200 day moving average price is C$0.36. (Get Free Report) Blackrock Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada and the United States. It primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. The company's flagship property is the Tonopah West silver-gold project comprising 100 patented and 83 unpatented lode mining claims covering an area of 10.3 square kilometers located in the Walker Lane trend of western Nevada. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Blackrock Silver Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Blackrock Silver and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Carmel Capital Management L.L.C. reduced its position in shares of Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO Free Report) by 0.2% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 48,011 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 100 shares during the quarter. Valero Energy comprises about 2.2% of Carmel Capital Management L.L.C.s portfolio, making the stock its 19th biggest position. Carmel Capital Management L.L.C.s holdings in Valero Energy were worth $5,886,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in Valero Energy by 4,908.0% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,850,526 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $384,907,000 after buying an additional 2,793,607 shares in the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of Valero Energy by 11,318.9% in the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 1,076,349 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $145,339,000 after acquiring an additional 1,066,923 shares in the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund lifted its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 900.2% during the 3rd quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 631,095 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $85,217,000 after purchasing an additional 568,000 shares during the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. boosted its position in Valero Energy by 18.8% during the third quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 3,585,166 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $484,105,000 after purchasing an additional 567,059 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Worldquant Millennium Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Valero Energy in the third quarter valued at about $70,352,000. 78.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Valero Energy alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have commented on the stock. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $175.00 to $165.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 4th. Mizuho lowered their target price on shares of Valero Energy from $165.00 to $158.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on Valero Energy from $172.00 to $151.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Valero Energy from $165.00 to $160.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, December 9th. Finally, Bank of America started coverage on shares of Valero Energy in a research report on Thursday, October 17th. They issued a neutral rating and a $150.00 price objective for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $154.57. Valero Energy Price Performance VLO stock opened at $140.75 on Friday. Valero Energy Co. has a 1 year low of $116.84 and a 1 year high of $184.79. The firm has a market capitalization of $44.56 billion, a PE ratio of 12.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 1.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 1.57 and a quick ratio of 1.11. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $131.27 and a 200-day simple moving average of $137.96. Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 24th. The oil and gas company reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.98 by $0.16. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 13.07% and a net margin of 2.74%. The business had revenue of $32.88 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $31.04 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $7.49 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 14.4% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Valero Energy Co. will post 7.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Valero Energy Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 3rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 30th will be issued a $1.13 dividend. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.21%. This is a positive change from Valero Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.07. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 30th. Valero Energys payout ratio is presently 40.54%. Valero Energy Profile (Free Report) Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VLO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Valero Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valero Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cerro Pacific Wealth Advisors LLC decreased its position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 12.7% in the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 2,559 shares of the companys stock after selling 372 shares during the quarter. Cerro Pacific Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $311,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 457.5% during the third quarter. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. now owns 223 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 183 shares during the period. Dunhill Financial LLC lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 203.8% during the 3rd quarter. Dunhill Financial LLC now owns 240 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 161 shares in the last quarter. Concord Wealth Partners boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 2,709.1% in the 3rd quarter. Concord Wealth Partners now owns 309 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 298 shares during the period. Darwin Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Philip Morris International in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $54,000. Finally, Retirement Wealth Solutions LLC purchased a new position in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $54,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently commented on PM. Morgan Stanley began coverage on Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, January 16th. They issued an overweight rating and a $140.00 price target for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on Philip Morris International from $126.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 26th. Barclays lowered their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $155.00 to $145.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $103.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 23rd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a buy rating and issued a $145.00 target price (up from $138.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Wednesday, October 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $131.35. Philip Morris International Stock Up 2.0 % PM opened at $125.36 on Friday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $125.38 and its 200 day simple moving average is $121.77. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52 week low of $87.82 and a 52 week high of $134.15. The stock has a market cap of $194.92 billion, a PE ratio of 19.90, a P/E/G ratio of 2.01 and a beta of 0.54. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 22nd. The company reported $1.91 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.82 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $9.91 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.68 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 117.94% and a net margin of 10.35%. Philip Morris Internationals revenue for the quarter was up 8.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.67 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.5 earnings per share for the current year. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 13th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 26th were paid a $1.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 26th. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.31%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 85.71%. Philip Morris International Company Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Infrastructure Construction (OTCMKTS:CHNC) recently disclosed a material agreement in a Form 8-K filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. On December 27, 2024, the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with John Jones, a director of China Infrastructure Construction. As per the agreement, Mr. Jones purchased 250,000,000 shares of the company at a price of $0.0003 per share, totaling $75,000. Get alerts: Given Mr. Jones position as a director, the transaction was considered a conflicting interest transaction under Section 7-108-501 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. To address this, a special board meeting was held on the same day, during which the board of directors, after disclosure of Mr. Jones interest, authorized the agreement, with approval from the majority of the disinterested directors. The Stock Purchase Agreement includes a covenant requiring China Infrastructure Construction to repurchase the shares upon Mr. Jones demand if their market value does not reach $93,750 by December 31, 2025. The company has the option to settle this demand by either paying the difference in cash, issuing common stock, or a combination of both based on the stocks closing price. Its essential to note that the summary of the agreement provided is a brief overview, and the complete terms can be found in Exhibit 10.1 attached to the filed report. This exhibit contains the detailed Stock Purchase Agreement dated December 27, 2024, between China Infrastructure Construction and John Jones. In terms of financial disclosures, the company did not register any securities under Section 12(b) of the Act as mentioned in the filing. Furthermore, as an emerging growth company, China Infrastructure Construction has not opted for an extended transition period to comply with new financial accounting standards, as detailed in Rule 13(a) of the Exchange Act. This transaction underscores a notable development for China Infrastructure Construction, reflecting an important financial arrangement involving a key director. The agreement signifies a strategic move by the company and may influence its future operations and financial performance. As per the filing, no further financial statements or exhibits were submitted beyond the Stock Purchase Agreement detailed in Exhibit 10.1. For more information, the complete filing can be accessed through the SECs database. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read China Infrastructure Constructions 8K filing here. About China Infrastructure Construction (Get Free Report) China Infrastructure Construction Corp. provides educational systems that focuses on medical cannabis in the United States and Latin America, and worldwide through online education. The company offers services in the therapeutic areas of clinical trials; and relating to sleep disorders, including resulting infertility, through its fertility and sleep center in Houston, Texas. Featured Articles Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) had its target price upped by equities researchers at Citigroup from $80.00 to $85.00 in a research report issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a neutral rating on the financial services providers stock. Citigroups price objective would indicate a potential upside of 3.71% from the stocks current price. SCHW has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Piper Sandler raised their target price on Charles Schwab from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, January 7th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Charles Schwab from $84.00 to $94.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 9th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on Charles Schwab from $90.00 to $89.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 14th. Redburn Partners cut their price target on Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $68.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 17th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Charles Schwab from $74.00 to $84.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, January 17th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $83.83. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Charles Schwab Charles Schwab Price Performance Shares of NYSE SCHW opened at $81.96 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.47 and a quick ratio of 0.47. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $77.75 and a 200 day moving average price of $70.75. Charles Schwab has a 1-year low of $61.01 and a 1-year high of $83.35. The company has a market cap of $145.86 billion, a PE ratio of 27.41, a P/E/G ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 0.99. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, January 21st. The financial services provider reported $1.01 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.90 by $0.11. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 18.20% and a net margin of 30.31%. The company had revenue of $5.33 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5,190,822.51 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.68 earnings per share. Charles Schwabs quarterly revenue was up 19.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Charles Schwab will post 4.04 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Charles Schwab In other Charles Schwab news, insider Nigel J. Murtagh sold 12,739 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $81.17, for a total value of $1,034,024.63. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 59,092 shares in the company, valued at $4,796,497.64. The trade was a 17.73 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 2,500 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.02, for a total value of $192,550.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 18,069 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,391,674.38. This trade represents a 12.15 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 26,823 shares of company stock worth $2,171,194 in the last 90 days. 6.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Charles Schwab Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. State Street Corp lifted its position in Charles Schwab by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 62,076,447 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,023,175,000 after acquiring an additional 414,949 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Charles Schwab by 1.5% during the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 30,141,441 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,945,614,000 after acquiring an additional 445,304 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its position in Charles Schwab by 6.3% during the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 28,679,305 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,858,706,000 after acquiring an additional 1,711,312 shares in the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. lifted its position in Charles Schwab by 15.0% during the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 24,261,234 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,644,674,000 after acquiring an additional 3,157,923 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fisher Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Charles Schwab by 2.5% during the 3rd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 20,189,558 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,308,485,000 after acquiring an additional 493,264 shares in the last quarter. 84.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Charles Schwab Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Crane (NYSE:CR Get Free Report) had its price target reduced by investment analysts at Stifel Nicolaus from $176.00 to $170.00 in a research note issued on Friday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a hold rating on the conglomerates stock. Stifel Nicolaus price target would indicate a potential upside of 4.19% from the companys previous close. Several other research firms have also issued reports on CR. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on shares of Crane from $175.00 to $182.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 3rd. UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of Crane from $152.00 to $157.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, January 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Crane has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $166.80. Get Crane alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Crane Crane Price Performance Shares of NYSE:CR traded up $0.26 on Friday, reaching $163.17. The companys stock had a trading volume of 169,650 shares, compared to its average volume of 205,712. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $164.24 and a 200 day simple moving average of $158.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 1.18. Crane has a 52-week low of $110.49 and a 52-week high of $188.52. The company has a market cap of $9.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.64, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.22. Crane (NYSE:CR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, October 28th. The conglomerate reported $1.38 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.32 by $0.06. Crane had a return on equity of 24.45% and a net margin of 13.10%. The firm had revenue of $597.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $594.45 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.03 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 12.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Crane will post 7.87 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Crane Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in Crane in the third quarter worth about $515,000. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Crane by 11.9% during the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 192,452 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $27,902,000 after purchasing an additional 20,518 shares in the last quarter. Driehaus Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Crane by 12.5% in the second quarter. Driehaus Capital Management LLC now owns 384,588 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $55,758,000 after buying an additional 42,743 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. raised its stake in Crane by 328.3% in the third quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 23,790 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $3,765,000 after buying an additional 18,236 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Crane by 0.5% during the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 585,718 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $92,707,000 after buying an additional 3,188 shares during the period. 75.14% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Crane Company Profile (Get Free Report) Crane Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells engineered industrial products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Aerospace & Electronics, Process Flow Technologies, and Engineered Materials. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Crane Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crane and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Direct Line Insurance Group plc (LON:DLG Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as GBX 264.60 ($3.27) and last traded at GBX 262.22 ($3.24), with a volume of 6597228 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 261.60 ($3.23). Direct Line Insurance Group Stock Down 0.3 % The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 226.43 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 198.57. The firm has a market cap of 3.46 billion, a PE ratio of 1,156.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a current ratio of 0.57, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.04. Direct Line Insurance Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Direct Line Insurance Group plc engages in the provision of general insurance products and services in the United Kingdom. The company operates through Motor, Home, Rescue and Other Personal Lines, and Commercial segments. It offers motor, home, van, landlord, rescue, pet, tradesperson, business, creditor and select, and travel insurance products, as well as commercial insurance for small and medium-sized enterprises. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Direct Line Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Direct Line Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DP Poland Plc (LON:DPP Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 10.65 ($0.13) and traded as low as GBX 10 ($0.12). DP Poland shares last traded at GBX 10.13 ($0.13), with a volume of 326,387 shares trading hands. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Shore Capital restated a not rated rating on shares of DP Poland in a report on Thursday, January 16th. Get DP Poland alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on DP Poland DP Poland Stock Performance About DP Poland The companys 50-day simple moving average is GBX 10.65 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 10.78. The stock has a market capitalization of 93.01 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1,076.00 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a current ratio of 1.66, a quick ratio of 0.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 29.70. (Get Free Report) DP Poland Plc develops, operates, and sub-franchises Domino's Pizza stores in Poland. The company operates through two segments: Corporate Store Sales and Commissary Operations. It operates pizza delivery and dine-in restaurants. DP Poland Plc was incorporated in 2010 and is headquartered in Warsaw, Poland. Read More Receive News & Ratings for DP Poland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DP Poland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach (OTCMKTS:FMBL Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $32.18 EPS for the quarter, Zacks reports. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach had a return on equity of 3.95% and a net margin of 11.52%. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach Stock Performance OTCMKTS:FMBL opened at $5,585.00 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a current ratio of 0.78. The stocks fifty day moving average is $5,676.60 and its 200 day moving average is $5,373.71. The firm has a market capitalization of $670.20 million, a PE ratio of 13.07 and a beta of 0.43. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach has a fifty-two week low of $4,172.00 and a fifty-two week high of $5,800.00. Get Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach alerts: About Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach provides various banking products and services to individuals, professionals, and small to medium-sized businesses in Los Angeles, Orange, and Santa Barbara Counties. It offers checking, savings, Christmas club savings, health savings, market rate savings, and money market accounts; demand and time deposits; certificates of deposit; and individual retirement account. Receive News & Ratings for Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH reduced its stake in Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL Free Report) by 24.8% during the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 6,719 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,217 shares during the period. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OHs holdings in Unilever were worth $381,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Unilever by 393.5% in the 2nd quarter. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC now owns 533 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 425 shares during the period. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Unilever in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Jamison Private Wealth Management Inc. raised its holdings in Unilever by 202.5% during the third quarter. Jamison Private Wealth Management Inc. now owns 605 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 405 shares during the last quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group acquired a new position in Unilever during the third quarter worth $40,000. Finally, Coastline Trust Co acquired a new position in Unilever during the third quarter worth $48,000. 9.67% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Unilever alerts: Unilever Trading Up 1.2 % NYSE:UL opened at $56.70 on Friday. Unilever PLC has a one year low of $46.46 and a one year high of $65.87. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $57.53 and its 200 day simple moving average is $60.34. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada cut Unilever from a sector perform rating to an underperform rating in a report on Monday, January 6th. Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded Unilever from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 9th. Erste Group Bank restated a hold rating on shares of Unilever in a research note on Tuesday, November 19th. Finally, StockNews.com cut Unilever from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 12th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $61.75. Get Our Latest Stock Report on UL Unilever Profile (Free Report) Unilever PLC operates as a fast-moving consumer goods company in the Asia Pacific, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. It operates through five segments: Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Nutrition, and Ice Cream. The Beauty & Wellbeing segment engages in the sale of hair care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, and styling; skin care products including face, hand, and body moisturizer; and prestige beauty and health & wellbeing products consist of the vitamins, minerals, and supplements. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Unilever Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unilever and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. FTAI Aviation (NYSE:FTAI Get Free Report)s stock had its outperform rating reiterated by research analysts at Royal Bank of Canada in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. They presently have a $160.00 price target on the financial services providers stock. Royal Bank of Canadas target price would suggest a potential upside of 57.64% from the stocks previous close. FTAI has been the topic of a number of other reports. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on FTAI Aviation from $140.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 30th. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of FTAI Aviation from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $190.00 price target for the company in a research note on Friday, January 10th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price objective on shares of FTAI Aviation from $167.00 to $100.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on shares of FTAI Aviation from $125.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 22nd. Finally, BTIG Research lifted their price objective on FTAI Aviation from $180.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 31st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $171.75. Get FTAI Aviation alerts: Get Our Latest Report on FTAI FTAI Aviation Trading Up 10.3 % NYSE:FTAI opened at $101.50 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.41 billion, a PE ratio of -1,014.90 and a beta of 2.09. FTAI Aviation has a 12 month low of $50.44 and a 12 month high of $181.64. The firms 50 day moving average is $145.37 and its 200 day moving average is $132.02. FTAI Aviation (NYSE:FTAI Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $0.76 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.77 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $465.80 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $422.45 million. FTAI Aviation had a net margin of 1.59% and a return on equity of 206.25%. The businesss revenue was up 60.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.33 EPS. Research analysts predict that FTAI Aviation will post 2.21 earnings per share for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On FTAI Aviation A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in FTAI Aviation by 2.7% during the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,386,325 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $317,202,000 after buying an additional 61,897 shares during the period. State Street Corp boosted its position in shares of FTAI Aviation by 1.7% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,325,049 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $308,999,000 after buying an additional 38,279 shares during the period. Westfield Capital Management Co. LP grew its stake in shares of FTAI Aviation by 87.1% during the third quarter. Westfield Capital Management Co. LP now owns 1,660,031 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $220,618,000 after buying an additional 773,017 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of FTAI Aviation by 18.7% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,154,808 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $153,474,000 after acquiring an additional 182,252 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Two Sigma Advisers LP boosted its holdings in FTAI Aviation by 10.0% during the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 1,048,600 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $139,359,000 after acquiring an additional 95,200 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.96% of the companys stock. About FTAI Aviation (Get Free Report) FTAI Aviation Ltd. owns and acquires aviation and offshore energy equipment for the transportation of goods and people worldwide. It operates through two segments, Aviation Leasing and Aerospace Products. The Aviation Leasing segment owns and manages aviation assets, including aircraft and aircraft engines, which it leases and sells to customers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for FTAI Aviation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FTAI Aviation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gouverneur Bancorp (OTCMKTS:GOVB Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday. The financial services provider reported $0.15 EPS for the quarter, Zacks reports. Gouverneur Bancorp Trading Up 1.6 % Shares of GOVB traded up $0.20 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $12.45. 1,100 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 502. The company has a market cap of $13.82 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.41 and a beta of 0.57. Gouverneur Bancorp has a 1 year low of $9.50 and a 1 year high of $13.50. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $12.39 and a 200 day moving average price of $11.18. Get Gouverneur Bancorp alerts: About Gouverneur Bancorp (Get Free Report) Further Reading Gouverneur Bancorp, Inc operates as the holding company for Gouverneur Savings and Loan Association that provides various banking products and services to individuals and businesses in New York. It accepts passbook savings, NOW, money market deposit, and checking accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. Receive News & Ratings for Gouverneur Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gouverneur Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Grupo Simec, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $25.00 and last traded at $27.15, with a volume of 2155 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $26.73. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, StockNews.com cut shares of Grupo Simec from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 8th. Get Grupo Simec alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on SIM Grupo Simec Trading Up 0.0 % The stock has a market capitalization of $4.12 billion, a PE ratio of 7.91 and a beta of 0.30. Grupo Simec (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 29th. The basic materials company reported $1.00 earnings per share for the quarter. Grupo Simec had a net margin of 29.44% and a return on equity of 18.62%. The company had revenue of $452.15 million for the quarter. Grupo Simec Company Profile (Get Free Report) Grupo Simec, SAB. de C.V. manufactures, processes, and distributes special bar quality (SBQ) steel and steel alloys products in Mexico, the United States, Brazil, Canada, Latin America, and internationally. The company produces I-beams, channels, structural and commercial angles, hot rolled bars, flat bars, rebars, cold-finished bars, electro-welded wire mesh and mesh panels, and wire rods, as well as semi-finished tube rounds and other semi-finished trade products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Simec Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Simec and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ Get Free Report) Director William T. Giles purchased 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 17th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $186.39 per share, with a total value of $186,390.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 1,463 shares in the company, valued at $272,688.57. The trade was a 215.98 % increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Constellation Brands Trading Up 0.2 % Shares of STZ stock opened at $179.36 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $32.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 48.21, a P/E/G ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 1.75. Constellation Brands, Inc. has a twelve month low of $176.51 and a twelve month high of $274.87. The company has a quick ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $223.36 and its 200 day simple moving average is $237.32. Get Constellation Brands alerts: Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, January 10th. The company reported $3.25 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.33 by ($0.08). The company had revenue of $2.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.53 billion. Constellation Brands had a return on equity of 26.55% and a net margin of 6.27%. The firms quarterly revenue was down .3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $3.19 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Constellation Brands, Inc. will post 13.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. Constellation Brands Announces Dividend Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 21st. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 7th will be issued a dividend of $1.01 per share. This represents a $4.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.25%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 7th. Constellation Brandss payout ratio is presently 108.60%. STZ has been the subject of several research reports. Roth Capital dropped their price target on Constellation Brands from $298.00 to $284.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 17th. Bank of America reissued a neutral rating and set a $255.00 price target (down from $300.00) on shares of Constellation Brands in a report on Monday, October 7th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and set a $308.00 price target on shares of Constellation Brands in a report on Tuesday, January 7th. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on Constellation Brands from $255.00 to $190.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 14th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on Constellation Brands from $295.00 to $275.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Constellation Brands currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $259.05. View Our Latest Research Report on Constellation Brands Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of STZ. International Assets Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in Constellation Brands by 23,184.7% during the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 499,689 shares of the companys stock worth $128,765,000 after buying an additional 497,543 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 6.0% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 7,144,428 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,841,048,000 after purchasing an additional 402,211 shares during the period. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC lifted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 66.3% in the 4th quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 369,966 shares of the companys stock valued at $81,762,000 after purchasing an additional 147,457 shares during the period. NFJ Investment Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 617.3% in the 3rd quarter. NFJ Investment Group LLC now owns 108,382 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,929,000 after purchasing an additional 93,273 shares during the period. Finally, World Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 4,601.2% in the 3rd quarter. World Investment Advisors LLC now owns 87,771 shares of the companys stock valued at $22,618,000 after purchasing an additional 85,904 shares during the period. 77.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Constellation Brands Company Profile (Get Free Report) Constellation Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, imports, markets, and sells beer, wine, and spirits in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. The company provides beer primarily under the Corona Extra, Corona Familiar, Corona Hard Seltzer, Corona Light, Corona Non-Alcoholic, Corona Premier, Corona Refresca, Modelo Especial, Modelo Chelada, Modelo Negra, Modelo Oro, Victoria, Vicky Chamoy, and Pacifico brands. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:CIK Get Free Report) insider Laura A. Defelice bought 40,766 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 21st. The shares were bought at an average price of $2.92 per share, with a total value of $119,036.72. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider now owns 47,402 shares in the company, valued at approximately $138,413.84. The trade was a 614.32 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund Price Performance Shares of CIK stock opened at $2.94 on Friday. Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund, Inc. has a 52-week low of $2.82 and a 52-week high of $3.13. Get Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund alerts: Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 24th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 16th will be issued a $0.0225 dividend. This represents a $0.27 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.18%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 16th. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund Company Profile Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in CIK. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC boosted its stake in shares of Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund by 20.2% in the 4th quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 54,489 shares of the companys stock valued at $157,000 after purchasing an additional 9,150 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund in the 3rd quarter valued at about $37,000. HighTower Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund in the 3rd quarter valued at about $34,000. Fiera Capital Corp boosted its stake in shares of Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund by 555.2% in the 3rd quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 166,450 shares of the companys stock valued at $514,000 after purchasing an additional 141,044 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fortis Group Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund in the 3rd quarter valued at about $39,000. Institutional investors own 29.49% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund, Inc is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It primarily invests in high yield corporate debt such as bonds and debentures that are rated Baa or lower by Moody's or BBB or lower by S&P. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC trimmed its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA Free Report) by 11.1% in the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 737,266 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 92,230 shares during the quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $55,745,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. CIBC Asset Management Inc grew its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 6.1% in the third quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 2,872,661 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $240,241,000 after purchasing an additional 164,652 shares in the last quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 65.7% in the third quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 2,240,907 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $187,407,000 after acquiring an additional 888,764 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 7.9% in the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 2,014,338 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $157,783,000 after purchasing an additional 147,144 shares during the last quarter. Cerity Partners LLC increased its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 6.4% during the third quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 1,480,164 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $122,735,000 after acquiring an additional 88,868 shares during the period. Finally, Arvest Bank Trust Division bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF during the third quarter valued at approximately $119,220,000. 79.80% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get iShares MSCI EAFE ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA:EFA opened at $78.79 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $77.20 and a 200 day moving average price of $79.42. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF has a 12-month low of $73.91 and a 12-month high of $84.56. About iShares MSCI EAFE ETF iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Funds investment objective is to seek investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, MSCI EAFE Index (the Index). The Index has been developed by MSCI Inc as an equity benchmark for its international stock performance. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AAR Corp. (NYSE:AIR Get Free Report) CEO John Mcclain Holmes III sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, January 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.81, for a total transaction of $354,050.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 341,680 shares of the companys stock, valued at $24,194,360.80. This trade represents a 1.44 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. John Mcclain Holmes III also recently made the following trade(s): Get AAR alerts: On Friday, January 10th, John Mcclain Holmes III sold 128,427 shares of AAR stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.76, for a total transaction of $8,573,786.52. AAR Price Performance AIR opened at $70.60 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $65.97 and its 200-day moving average price is $65.17. AAR Corp. has a 52-week low of $54.71 and a 52-week high of $76.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.54 billion, a PE ratio of 252.16 and a beta of 1.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 1.27 and a current ratio of 2.68. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In AAR ( NYSE:AIR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 7th. The aerospace company reported $0.90 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.83 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $686.10 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $654.47 million. AAR had a net margin of 0.41% and a return on equity of 10.46%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 25.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.81 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that AAR Corp. will post 3.77 EPS for the current year. Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $75.00 price objective on shares of AAR in a report on Monday, November 4th. Benchmark reiterated a buy rating and issued a $83.00 price objective on shares of AAR in a research report on Friday, October 4th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of AAR from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 17th. Finally, KeyCorp assumed coverage on shares of AAR in a report on Thursday, January 16th. They set an overweight rating and a $83.00 price target for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $81.50. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on AIR Institutional Trading of AAR Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of AIR. Earnest Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of AAR by 3.2% in the 2nd quarter. Earnest Partners LLC now owns 1,588,893 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $115,513,000 after purchasing an additional 48,630 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its holdings in AAR by 13.4% in the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 969,741 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $59,591,000 after purchasing an additional 114,460 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in AAR by 3.6% during the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 796,962 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $52,101,000 after buying an additional 27,747 shares during the period. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P boosted its holdings in shares of AAR by 20.5% during the 3rd quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 790,267 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $51,652,000 after buying an additional 134,215 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its position in shares of AAR by 32.9% in the 3rd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 732,957 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $47,906,000 after buying an additional 181,518 shares during the period. 90.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About AAR (Get Free Report) AAR Corp. provides products and services to commercial aviation, government, and defense markets worldwide. The Parts Supply segment leases and sells aircraft components and replacement parts. The Repair & Engineering segment provides airframe maintenance services, such as airframe inspection, painting, line maintenance, airframe modification, structural repair, avionics service and installation, exterior and interior refurbishment, and engineering and support services; component repair services comprising maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, engine and airframe accessories, and interior refurbishment; and landing gear overhaul services, including repair services on wheels and brakes. See Also Receive News & Ratings for AAR Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AAR and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) Director Kevin R. Johnson bought 2,400 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 17th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $619.02 per share, with a total value of $1,485,648.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 2,400 shares in the company, valued at $1,485,648. The trade was a increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. The Goldman Sachs Group Price Performance GS stock opened at $638.68 on Friday. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $374.24 and a 52-week high of $645.54. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $589.34 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $533.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.32, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a current ratio of 0.67. The company has a market capitalization of $200.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 1.38. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 15th. The investment management company reported $11.95 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.21 by $3.74. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 11.32% and a return on equity of 13.30%. The firm had revenue of $13.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.36 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $5.48 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 22.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 46.81 EPS for the current fiscal year. The Goldman Sachs Group Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 28th will be given a dividend of $3.00 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 28th. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.88%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 29.59%. GS has been the subject of several analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $550.00 to $605.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $600.00 to $680.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 15th. Evercore ISI increased their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $520.00 to $575.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 16th. Bank of America increased their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $563.00 to $575.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 16th. Finally, Citigroup increased their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $485.00 to $585.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, November 21st. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $591.06. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on The Goldman Sachs Group Hedge Funds Weigh In On The Goldman Sachs Group Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Pacer Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 22,996 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $10,402,000 after purchasing an additional 954 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. raised its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 11.8% in the 2nd quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 137,590 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $62,228,000 after purchasing an additional 14,566 shares during the period. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans raised its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 14,562 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $6,586,000 after purchasing an additional 634 shares during the period. ProShare Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 8.4% in the 2nd quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 172,699 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $78,115,000 after purchasing an additional 13,402 shares during the period. Finally, Frank Rimerman Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 10,420.0% in the 2nd quarter. Frank Rimerman Advisors LLC now owns 2,104 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $952,000 after purchasing an additional 2,084 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 71.21% of the companys stock. The Goldman Sachs Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Magna International (NYSE:MGA Get Free Report) (TSE:MG) was upgraded by research analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a note issued to investors on Friday, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage presently has a $52.00 price objective on the stock, up from their prior price objective of $41.00. Royal Bank of Canadas price objective would suggest a potential upside of 29.44% from the companys current price. A number of other research analysts also recently issued reports on MGA. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded Magna International from a neutral rating to a sell rating and reduced their price target for the company from $42.00 to $41.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 11th. CIBC upped their target price on Magna International from $46.00 to $51.00 in a report on Monday, January 13th. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Magna International from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Thursday, December 5th. Scotiabank boosted their price objective on shares of Magna International from $50.00 to $52.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, November 4th. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of Magna International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $50.53. Get Magna International alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Magna International Magna International Trading Up 0.4 % NYSE MGA opened at $40.17 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $11.36 billion, a PE ratio of 10.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 1.62. Magna International has a 1-year low of $38.01 and a 1-year high of $59.37. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $42.90 and a 200-day moving average of $42.20. Magna International (NYSE:MGA Get Free Report) (TSE:MG) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 1st. The company reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.48 by ($0.20). The firm had revenue of $10.28 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.34 billion. Magna International had a net margin of 2.52% and a return on equity of 11.88%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.46 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Magna International will post 5.22 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Magna International A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Avior Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Magna International by 2,400.0% during the 4th quarter. Avior Wealth Management LLC now owns 625 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares during the last quarter. Kennebec Savings Bank bought a new position in shares of Magna International during the third quarter valued at $32,000. Grove Bank & Trust increased its holdings in Magna International by 70.4% in the 3rd quarter. Grove Bank & Trust now owns 830 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 343 shares in the last quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV raised its position in Magna International by 84.4% in the 3rd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 1,121 shares of the companys stock worth $46,000 after buying an additional 513 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. raised its position in Magna International by 37.2% in the 4th quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 1,111 shares of the companys stock worth $46,000 after buying an additional 301 shares during the last quarter. 67.49% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Magna International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Magna International Inc designs, engineers, and manufactures components, assemblies, systems, subsystems, and modules for original equipment manufacturers of vehicles and light trucks worldwide. It operates through four segments: Body Exteriors & Structures, Power & Vision, Seating Systems, and Complete Vehicles. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Magna International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Magna International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Get Free Report) CAO Melissa A. Burgum sold 1,487 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $354.54, for a total transaction of $527,200.98. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 9,247 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,278,431.38. This trade represents a 13.85 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Accenture Stock Performance Shares of NYSE ACN opened at $362.76 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $227.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.43, a P/E/G ratio of 3.17 and a beta of 1.24. Accenture plc has a 52-week low of $278.69 and a 52-week high of $387.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a current ratio of 1.47. The firms fifty day moving average is $357.18 and its two-hundred day moving average is $346.75. Get Accenture alerts: Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, December 19th. The information technology services provider reported $3.59 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.43 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $17.69 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.15 billion. Accenture had a return on equity of 26.91% and a net margin of 11.41%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $3.27 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that Accenture plc will post 12.69 EPS for the current fiscal year. Accenture Announces Dividend Accenture declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program on Thursday, September 26th that allows the company to repurchase $4.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the information technology services provider to repurchase up to 1.8% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are often a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 14th. Investors of record on Thursday, January 16th will be given a $1.48 dividend. This represents a $5.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.63%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 16th. Accentures dividend payout ratio is presently 49.66%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have recently weighed in on ACN. Piper Sandler increased their price target on Accenture from $422.00 to $429.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, December 19th. Wolfe Research raised Accenture from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $425.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on shares of Accenture from $390.00 to $425.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, December 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Accenture from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the company from $370.00 to $420.00 in a research report on Friday, December 6th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Accenture from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 13th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $383.74. Read Our Latest Report on Accenture Institutional Trading of Accenture Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Evergreen Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Accenture by 4.2% during the second quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 6,517 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,977,000 after acquiring an additional 263 shares during the last quarter. Resources Management Corp CT ADV raised its holdings in Accenture by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Resources Management Corp CT ADV now owns 50,111 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $15,204,000 after buying an additional 608 shares during the period. Mill Creek Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in Accenture by 3.3% in the second quarter. Mill Creek Capital Advisors LLC now owns 4,944 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,500,000 after buying an additional 159 shares during the last quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp boosted its stake in Accenture by 18.7% during the second quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 172,199 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $52,247,000 after buying an additional 27,168 shares during the period. Finally, Fred Alger Management LLC increased its position in Accenture by 2.8% during the second quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC now owns 3,413 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,036,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares during the last quarter. 75.14% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Accenture Company Profile (Get Free Report) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MSCI (NYSE:MSCI Free Report) had its target price increased by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $680.00 to $700.00 in a research report report published on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the technology companys stock. MSCI has been the topic of several other reports. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of MSCI from $570.00 to $600.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, October 11th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on MSCI from $662.00 to $695.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 12th. Evercore ISI assumed coverage on MSCI in a research report on Wednesday, October 2nd. They issued an outperform rating and a $690.00 price objective for the company. UBS Group decreased their target price on MSCI from $695.00 to $680.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 30th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $638.00 price target on shares of MSCI in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, MSCI presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $649.85. Get MSCI alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on MSCI MSCI Trading Up 0.3 % Shares of MSCI stock opened at $614.58 on Tuesday. MSCI has a twelve month low of $439.95 and a twelve month high of $642.45. The stock has a market cap of $48.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.35, a P/E/G ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 1.11. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $604.61 and a 200 day moving average of $577.21. MSCI (NYSE:MSCI Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 29th. The technology company reported $3.86 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.77 by $0.09. MSCI had a net margin of 43.06% and a negative return on equity of 162.06%. The firm had revenue of $724.70 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $716.15 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $3.45 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 15.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts predict that MSCI will post 14.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. MSCI Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 15th were paid a $1.60 dividend. This represents a $6.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.04%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 15th. MSCIs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 42.02%. Insider Transactions at MSCI In other news, CEO Henry A. Fernandez acquired 2,900 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 5th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $612.80 per share, with a total value of $1,777,120.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 330,379 shares of the companys stock, valued at $202,456,251.20. This trade represents a 0.89 % increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Insiders own 3.20% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On MSCI Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV lifted its stake in shares of MSCI by 12.2% in the 2nd quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 2,669 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,246,000 after purchasing an additional 291 shares during the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in MSCI by 21.9% in the second quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,456 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,665,000 after buying an additional 620 shares during the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in MSCI by 4.5% during the second quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 5,614 shares of the technology companys stock worth $2,705,000 after buying an additional 240 shares during the period. Summit Trail Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of MSCI by 34.0% during the second quarter. Summit Trail Advisors LLC now owns 686 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $331,000 after acquiring an additional 174 shares during the last quarter. Finally, ProShare Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of MSCI by 4.7% during the second quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 17,212 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $8,292,000 after acquiring an additional 765 shares during the last quarter. 89.97% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. MSCI Company Profile (Get Free Report) MSCI Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides critical decision support tools and solutions for the investment community to manage investment processes worldwide. The Index segment provides indexes for use in various areas of the investment process, including indexed financial product, such as ETFs, mutual funds, annuities, futures, options, structured products, and over-the-counter derivatives; performance benchmarking; portfolio construction and rebalancing; and asset allocation, as well as licenses GICS and GICS Direct. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for MSCI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MSCI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Evercore ISI upgraded shares of OGE Energy (NYSE:OGE Free Report) from an in-line rating to an outperform rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has $47.00 price target on the utilities providers stock, up from their prior price target of $40.00. Separately, Barclays increased their price target on OGE Energy from $39.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, October 21st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, OGE Energy currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $45.00. Get OGE Energy alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on OGE OGE Energy Stock Up 1.5 % OGE stock opened at $43.12 on Tuesday. OGE Energy has a 1-year low of $32.06 and a 1-year high of $44.41. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $42.06 and its 200 day simple moving average is $40.51. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.66 billion, a PE ratio of 22.34, a PEG ratio of 3.71 and a beta of 0.77. OGE Energy (NYSE:OGE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 5th. The utilities provider reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.12 by ($0.03). The firm had revenue of $965.40 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.02 billion. OGE Energy had a return on equity of 8.59% and a net margin of 13.89%. The companys revenue was up 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.20 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that OGE Energy will post 2.16 EPS for the current year. OGE Energy Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 6th will be paid a $0.4213 dividend. This represents a $1.69 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.91%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 6th. OGE Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 87.05%. Insider Buying and Selling at OGE Energy In other news, VP Cristina F. Mcquistion sold 5,008 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $42.84, for a total transaction of $214,542.72. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 20,918 shares in the company, valued at approximately $896,127.12. This represents a 19.32 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.53% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. V Square Quantitative Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of OGE Energy in the third quarter worth approximately $30,000. Kimelman & Baird LLC purchased a new stake in OGE Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at $38,000. Fortitude Family Office LLC bought a new position in OGE Energy during the 3rd quarter valued at $63,000. New Wave Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in OGE Energy during the 4th quarter worth $80,000. Finally, Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB bought a new stake in shares of OGE Energy in the 3rd quarter worth $134,000. 71.84% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About OGE Energy (Get Free Report) OGE Energy Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy services provider in the United States. The company generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric energy. In addition, it provides retail electric service to approximately 896,000 customers, which covers a service area of approximately 30,000 square miles in Oklahoma and western Arkansas; and owns and operates coal-fired, natural gas-fired, wind-powered, and solar-powered generating assets. See Also Receive News & Ratings for OGE Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OGE Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pacific Booker Minerals Inc. (OTCMKTS:PBMLF Get Free Report)s share price traded up 20.9% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $0.63 and last traded at $0.63. 800 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 16% from the average session volume of 954 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.52. Pacific Booker Minerals Price Performance The stock has a 50-day moving average of $0.61 and a 200-day moving average of $0.57. Pacific Booker Minerals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Pacific Booker Minerals Inc engages in the exploration of mineral properties in Canada. The company primarily explores for copper, gold, and molybdenum deposits. It holds interests in the Morrison property located in British Columbia. The company was formerly known as Booker Gold Explorations Limited and changed its name to Pacific Booker Minerals Inc in February 2000. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Pacific Booker Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pacific Booker Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Red Door Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 4.2% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 10,788 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 435 shares during the quarter. Red Door Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $610,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Reston Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 3rd quarter worth about $25,000. Hollencrest Capital Management grew its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 61.3% during the third quarter. Hollencrest Capital Management now owns 492 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 187 shares during the last quarter. Kennebec Savings Bank bought a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the third quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Darwin Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Valued Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1,168.1% during the 3rd quarter. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 596 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 549 shares during the last quarter. 76.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, SVP Phil M. Holzer sold 700 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.62, for a total transaction of $38,934.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 11,760 shares in the company, valued at approximately $654,091.20. This trade represents a 5.62 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Samit Hirawat bought 1,830 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 1st. The stock was purchased at an average price of $54.67 per share, for a total transaction of $100,046.10. Following the purchase, the executive vice president now directly owns 62,109 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,395,499.03. This represents a 3.04 % increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Up 3.6 % Shares of NYSE:BMY opened at $59.15 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $57.39 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $52.36. The company has a market capitalization of $119.97 billion, a PE ratio of -16.48, a PEG ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 0.45. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 52 week low of $39.35 and a 52 week high of $61.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.83, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.24. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.80 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.49 by $0.31. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a positive return on equity of 11.94% and a negative net margin of 15.30%. The business had revenue of $11.89 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.26 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.00 EPS. The firms revenue was up 8.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts forecast that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 0.92 earnings per share for the current year. Bristol-Myers Squibb Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 3rd will be issued a dividend of $0.62 per share. This is an increase from Bristol-Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.60. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.19%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 3rd. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -69.08%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have commented on the company. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $62.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. Wolfe Research began coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Friday, November 15th. They issued a peer perform rating for the company. Daiwa America upgraded shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 13th. Barclays raised their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $42.00 to $43.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Monday, October 7th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 9th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and three have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Bristol-Myers Squibb currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $56.27. View Our Latest Analysis on Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MEAG MUNICH ERGO Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbH reduced its stake in Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO Free Report) by 22.6% in the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 721,694 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 210,457 shares during the period. MEAG MUNICH ERGO Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbHs holdings in Rio Tinto Group were worth $42,284,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Fisher Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 2.9% in the third quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 17,528,095 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $1,247,475,000 after purchasing an additional 485,731 shares during the period. FMR LLC grew its stake in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 35.1% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 1,381,766 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $98,340,000 after buying an additional 358,630 shares during the period. Palliser Capital UK Ltd increased its holdings in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 213.8% during the 4th quarter. Palliser Capital UK Ltd now owns 989,417 shares of the mining companys stock worth $58,188,000 after buying an additional 674,117 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 78.3% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 858,050 shares of the mining companys stock worth $56,565,000 after buying an additional 376,778 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Van ECK Associates Corp raised its position in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 10.7% during the 3rd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 693,102 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $49,328,000 after buying an additional 67,213 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 19.33% of the companys stock. Get Rio Tinto Group alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In RIO has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on Rio Tinto Group from $83.00 to $73.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, January 6th. Macquarie reissued a neutral rating on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research report on Wednesday, October 16th. Berenberg Bank upgraded shares of Rio Tinto Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of Rio Tinto Group from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 17th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Rio Tinto Group presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $73.00. Rio Tinto Group Stock Performance RIO stock opened at $61.56 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $60.97 and its 200 day moving average price is $63.42. Rio Tinto Group has a 12-month low of $57.85 and a 12-month high of $74.24. The company has a current ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. Rio Tinto Group Company Profile (Free Report) Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. The Iron Ore segment engages in the iron ore mining, and salt and gypsum production in Western Australia. The Aluminum segment is involved in bauxite mining; alumina refining; and aluminium smelting. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RIO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cars and trucks line up to enter the U.S. from Mexico at a border crossing in El Paso, Texas, March 29, 2019. Gerald Herbert/Associated Press Every day a flurry of parts and products are shuttled between Texas and Mexico, part of a cross-border supply chain to make everything from cars and heavy duty machinery to flat screen televisions. The future of that partnership, built over decades, is now in question under President Donald Trumps threat to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada beginning Feb. 1. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While communities around the country would likely see higher prices on everything from avocados to electronics the stakes are particularly high for border states like Texas. In 2023, trade between Texas and Mexico exceeded $272 billion, making it the states largest trading partner. Canadian and Mexican officials are working to secure an agreement with the new Trump administration to avoid the tariffs, but the threat is enough to drive anxiety on both sides of the border. Trump has threatened to impose the tariffs if Mexico and Canada dont take unspecified steps to stop the flow of migrants and illegal drugs into the United States. The level of economic integration related to trade between the two countries is profound, said Antonio Garza, a former Texas politician who served as U.S. ambassador to Mexico under former president George W. Bush and now works as an attorney in Mexico City. Its hard to find an aspect of our livelihoods that isnt touched someway somehow, from the food we eat to the cars we drive. And the prospect of tariffs is very real. What exactly those tariffs would look like remains unclear. Trump has talked about an across-the-board tariff, but such a move would likely drive up prices and hurt industries he wants to boost, like construction and oil and gas, whose leaders have donated to him heavily. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Given how economically devastating those tariffs would be, particularly to the energy sector, I remain very skeptical about an all-inclusive 25% tariff, said Josh Zive, a trade attorney in Washington. More likely, Zive said, are targeted tariffs that would drive Trumps larger agenda. That could mean a tariff on Mexican auto parts, which, in theory, could bring more manufacturing jobs to the United States. But Trump has at times defied popular sentiment in his decision making. And some of the presidents allies, including Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, are warning that the president will carry through with the tariff if he doesnt get what he wants. If the Mexican president believes President Trump is bluffing, she is mistaken. Hes perfectly willing to pull that trigger, Cruz said on Fox Business Tuesday. Now my hope is he doesnt have to, and Mexico will cooperate and secure the border. An across-the-board tariff would hit much of the Texas economy, from oil refineries around Houston that process Mexican crude to the Toyota plant in San Antonio that relies on Mexican parts to make Tundra pickup trucks and Sequioa SUVs not to mention the states Tex-Mex restaurants that rely on Mexican avocados for guacamole. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Perryman Group, an economic research firm in Waco, estimated in December that a 25% tariff on Mexican products would cost the Texas economy $145 billion, with the biggest hits coming to the manufacturing and retail sectors. The potential impacts have only heightened in recent years, as U.S. manufacturers shifted their supply chains to avoid the risk of a trade war with China. If Canada and Mexico retaliate, the effects become even larger and more complex, said Ray Perryman, president of the research firm. The trade pacts of the past few decades have stitched these economies together in fundamental ways. Officials in Mexico are already taking steps to reduce the flow of migrants into the United States by increasing security on their southern border with Guatemala and increasing their capacity to take migrants deported from the United States, according to to the Congressional Research Service. In December, before Trump took office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported encounters with immigrants not authorized to be in the United States were down 68% from 12 months earlier. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Many in Mexico are opposed to the country going too far in appeasing Trump, figuring the Feb. 1 deadline is a toothless negotiating tactic. Royal Bank of Canada restated their outperform rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Thursday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have a $181.00 target price on the stock. Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. StockNews.com lowered shares of Johnson & Johnson from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 17th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Johnson & Johnson from $166.00 to $152.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday. Citigroup reduced their price target on Johnson & Johnson from $185.00 to $175.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, December 11th. Wolfe Research started coverage on Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Friday, November 15th. They set an outperform rating and a $190.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Raymond James reduced their target price on Johnson & Johnson from $170.00 to $165.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Johnson & Johnson has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $170.06. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on JNJ Johnson & Johnson Trading Up 0.9 % Shares of Johnson & Johnson stock opened at $146.58 on Thursday. The firms 50 day moving average is $148.10 and its 200 day moving average is $156.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $352.91 billion, a PE ratio of 21.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.52 and a beta of 0.51. Johnson & Johnson has a 1 year low of $140.68 and a 1 year high of $168.85. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 22nd. The company reported $2.04 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.99 by $0.05. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 35.45% and a net margin of 19.14%. The company had revenue of $22.52 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22,438,500 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.29 EPS. Johnson & Johnsons revenue was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that Johnson & Johnson will post 9.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Johnson & Johnson Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 4th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 18th will be paid a dividend of $1.24 per share. This represents a $4.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.38%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 18th. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 71.78%. Insider Transactions at Johnson & Johnson In other Johnson & Johnson news, Director Mark A. Weinberger bought 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 12th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $147.22 per share, with a total value of $147,220.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 1,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $147,220. The trade was a increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.16% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Johnson & Johnson A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in JNJ. Fred Alger Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 6.1% in the second quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC now owns 42,968 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,280,000 after purchasing an additional 2,488 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Johnson & Johnson by 38.6% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 3,350,292 shares of the companys stock valued at $489,176,000 after buying an additional 932,477 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 5.5% during the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 14,374,397 shares of the companys stock worth $2,100,427,000 after buying an additional 754,200 shares in the last quarter. Drucker Wealth 3.0 LLC purchased a new position in shares of Johnson & Johnson in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $612,000. Finally, Daymark Wealth Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 2.0% in the second quarter. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC now owns 304,204 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,462,000 after acquiring an additional 6,033 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.55% of the companys stock. Johnson & Johnson Company Profile (Get Free Report) Johnson & Johnson is a holding company, which engages in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of products in the healthcare field. It operates through the Innovative Medicine and MedTech segments. The Innovative Medicine segment focuses on immunology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, oncology, cardiovascular and metabolism, and pulmonary hypertension. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Johnson & Johnson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson & Johnson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Secure Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ Free Report) by 18.0% in the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 7,489 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,145 shares during the quarter. Secure Asset Management LLCs holdings in Constellation Brands were worth $1,655,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of STZ. AE Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in Constellation Brands by 10.2% during the second quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,530 shares of the companys stock worth $394,000 after purchasing an additional 142 shares during the last quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Constellation Brands by 16.4% in the second quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 23,486 shares of the companys stock worth $6,042,000 after acquiring an additional 3,310 shares during the period. Public Sector Pension Investment Board increased its position in shares of Constellation Brands by 78.3% during the second quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 5,704 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,468,000 after buying an additional 2,504 shares during the period. Marshall Wace LLP lifted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 48.0% in the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 65,487 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,848,000 after purchasing an additional 21,230 shares during the period. Finally, BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 60.4% during the 2nd quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 31,508 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,106,000 after buying an additional 11,866 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.34% of the companys stock. Get Constellation Brands alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Constellation Brands In other Constellation Brands news, major shareholder Wildstar Partners Llc sold 660 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $241.00, for a total transaction of $159,060.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 1,736,884 shares in the company, valued at $418,589,044. This represents a 0.04 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director William T. Giles purchased 1,000 shares of Constellation Brands stock in a transaction on Friday, January 17th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $186.39 per share, for a total transaction of $186,390.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 1,463 shares of the companys stock, valued at $272,688.57. This represents a 215.98 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 69,172 shares of company stock valued at $16,778,841. Corporate insiders own 12.19% of the companys stock. Constellation Brands Price Performance Constellation Brands stock opened at $179.36 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26. Constellation Brands, Inc. has a 12-month low of $176.51 and a 12-month high of $274.87. The stock has a market cap of $32.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 48.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 1.75. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $223.36 and a 200-day simple moving average of $237.32. Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 10th. The company reported $3.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.33 by ($0.08). The business had revenue of $2.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.53 billion. Constellation Brands had a return on equity of 26.55% and a net margin of 6.27%. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $3.19 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down .3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Constellation Brands, Inc. will post 13.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. Constellation Brands Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 21st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 7th will be issued a $1.01 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 7th. This represents a $4.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.25%. Constellation Brandss dividend payout ratio is presently 108.60%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on Constellation Brands from $300.00 to $245.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, January 13th. UBS Group cut their price target on Constellation Brands from $265.00 to $223.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 17th. Barclays reduced their price objective on Constellation Brands from $282.00 to $214.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 14th. Truist Financial lowered their price target on shares of Constellation Brands from $255.00 to $190.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 14th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on Constellation Brands from $280.00 to $220.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, January 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Constellation Brands has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $259.05. View Our Latest Stock Report on STZ About Constellation Brands (Free Report) Constellation Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, imports, markets, and sells beer, wine, and spirits in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. The company provides beer primarily under the Corona Extra, Corona Familiar, Corona Hard Seltzer, Corona Light, Corona Non-Alcoholic, Corona Premier, Corona Refresca, Modelo Especial, Modelo Chelada, Modelo Negra, Modelo Oro, Victoria, Vicky Chamoy, and Pacifico brands. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding STZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Secure Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 10.1% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 25,065 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 2,298 shares during the quarter. Secure Asset Management LLCs holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $1,855,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd bought a new stake in Charles Schwab during the second quarter worth approximately $168,000. APG Asset Management N.V. lifted its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 6.5% in the second quarter. APG Asset Management N.V. now owns 2,458,359 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $169,029,000 after buying an additional 149,033 shares during the last quarter. Elgethun Capital Management boosted its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Elgethun Capital Management now owns 143,319 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $10,561,000 after buying an additional 1,330 shares during the period. Drucker Wealth 3.0 LLC acquired a new position in Charles Schwab in the 2nd quarter valued at $2,902,000. Finally, Darsana Capital Partners LP raised its holdings in Charles Schwab by 200.0% in the 2nd quarter. Darsana Capital Partners LP now owns 3,000,000 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $221,070,000 after acquiring an additional 2,000,000 shares during the period. 84.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Charles Schwab Stock Up 1.7 % Shares of SCHW opened at $81.96 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $77.75 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $70.75. The stock has a market cap of $145.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.41, a P/E/G ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 0.99. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 12 month low of $61.01 and a 12 month high of $83.35. Analysts Set New Price Targets Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 21st. The financial services provider reported $1.01 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.11. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 18.20% and a net margin of 30.31%. The business had revenue of $5.33 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5,190,822.51 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.68 EPS. Charles Schwabs revenue was up 19.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 4.09 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on SCHW shares. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and set a $90.00 target price (up previously from $86.00) on shares of Charles Schwab in a research note on Wednesday. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on Charles Schwab from $67.00 to $74.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 16th. Raymond James reduced their price objective on Charles Schwab from $76.00 to $73.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 15th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $74.00 to $84.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, January 17th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $83.83. Get Our Latest Research Report on Charles Schwab Insider Transactions at Charles Schwab In related news, Director Christopher V. Dodds sold 9,284 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $81.43, for a total transaction of $755,996.12. Following the transaction, the director now owns 442,807 shares in the company, valued at $36,057,774.01. This represents a 2.05 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 2,300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $82.01, for a total transaction of $188,623.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 18,069 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,481,838.69. The trade was a 11.29 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 26,823 shares of company stock valued at $2,171,194. 6.60% of the stock is owned by insiders. Charles Schwab Profile (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Seneca House Advisors cut its holdings in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 10.6% during the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 70,791 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 8,433 shares during the period. Charles Schwab makes up 2.1% of Seneca House Advisors investment portfolio, making the stock its 18th largest position. Seneca House Advisors holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $5,239,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 15.0% in the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 24,261,234 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,644,674,000 after buying an additional 3,157,923 shares during the last quarter. Darsana Capital Partners LP raised its position in Charles Schwab by 200.0% in the second quarter. Darsana Capital Partners LP now owns 3,000,000 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $221,070,000 after acquiring an additional 2,000,000 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 6.3% during the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 28,679,305 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,858,706,000 after acquiring an additional 1,711,312 shares during the last quarter. AustralianSuper Pty Ltd grew its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 2,617.6% during the 3rd quarter. AustralianSuper Pty Ltd now owns 1,707,771 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $110,681,000 after acquiring an additional 1,644,931 shares during the period. Finally, Two Sigma Advisers LP purchased a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in the 3rd quarter worth $86,845,000. 84.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Charles Schwab In other Charles Schwab news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 2,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.02, for a total value of $192,550.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 18,069 shares in the company, valued at $1,391,674.38. This represents a 12.15 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Christopher V. Dodds sold 9,284 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $81.43, for a total transaction of $755,996.12. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 442,807 shares of the companys stock, valued at $36,057,774.01. This represents a 2.05 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 26,823 shares of company stock worth $2,171,194 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have issued reports on SCHW shares. Cowen boosted their price target on Charles Schwab from $69.00 to $75.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Charles Schwab from $87.00 to $93.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 7th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $81.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 20th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $74.00 to $84.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, January 17th. Finally, JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $94.00 price objective (up from $84.00) on shares of Charles Schwab in a research note on Monday, December 9th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Charles Schwab presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $83.83. Get Our Latest Report on Charles Schwab Charles Schwab Trading Up 1.7 % SCHW opened at $81.96 on Friday. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 12 month low of $61.01 and a 12 month high of $83.35. The company has a current ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $77.75 and a 200 day moving average of $70.75. The firm has a market cap of $145.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.41, a P/E/G ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 0.99. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, January 21st. The financial services provider reported $1.01 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.90 by $0.11. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 18.20% and a net margin of 30.31%. The firm had revenue of $5.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5,190,822.51 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.68 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 19.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 4.09 EPS for the current year. Charles Schwab Profile (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SMITHFIELD FOODS INC (SFD) is planning to raise $870 million in an initial public offering on Tuesday, January 28th, IPO Scoop reports. The company will issue 34,800,000 shares at $23.00-$27.00 per share. In the last twelve months, SMITHFIELD FOODS INC generated $14.2 billion in revenue and $450 million in net income. SMITHFIELD FOODS INC has a market-cap of $9.9 billion. Smithfield Foods Inc. provided the following description of their company for its IPO: (Incorporated in Virginia) Our Mission Good food. Responsibly.AA At Smithfield, we are helping to feed a world of nearly eight billion people. Our products are found on tables everywhere. We provide families with wholesome, safe and affordable food while finding new and innovative ways to care for our people, communities, animals and planet. It is our responsibility and our promise. We make more than good food. Good is what we do. A Our Company Smithfield is an American food company and an industry leader in value-added packaged meats and fresh pork with over $14 billion in annual sales. We employ approximately 34,000 people in the United States and approximately 2,500A people in Mexico. We maintain high-quality standards, meeting demand through our strong relationships with thousands of U.S. family farmers and blue-chip global customers. We are a market leader due to our scale, diverse portfolio of strong brands and products and reputation as a trusted partner known for quality. We market our products under a leading portfolio of iconic brands including Smithfield, Eckrich and Nathanas Famous, among many others. A Our ambition is to be the most trusted food and protein company in North America as we feed people in the United States and around the world, while embracing a culture of responsibility, operational excellence and innovation. We produce and distribute a wide variety of packaged meats and fresh pork products both domestically and abroad. We conduct our operations through three reportable segments: Packaged Meats, Fresh Pork and Hog Production. We are a leading provider of packaged meats in the United States, with the number two branded market position by volume across the 25 key packaged meats categories in which we compete, according to Circana. These 25 key packaged meats categories represent a total addressable market opportunity of $43 billion annually, of which we had an approximate 20% market share by volume (including our private label sales) as of September 2024. We are also the largest fresh pork processor in the United States with approximately 23% market share as of Fall 2023, according to National Hog Farmer. We sell our products across diverse channels including retail and foodservice, distributing in all 50 states in the United States, as well as export markets. We are a leading exporter of pork and pork products, with export sales representingA 13% of our total sales for the nine months ended September 29, 2024. A Our Packaged Meats segment is the cornerstone of our business with a value-added product portfolio and profitability that has more than doubled since 2014. Alongside our Packaged Meats segment, our Fresh Pork and Hog Production segments remain integral parts of our business, providing significant scale and operational benefits in support of our product offerings and our ability to meet demand consistently across economic cycles. We believe our emphasis on value-added packaged meats, along with our commitment to food quality, strong financial position and steadfast devotion to our stated mission, will continue delivering value for our shareholders. A Smithfieldas supply chain includes company-owned and contract farms in the United States and Mexico, as well as long-standing relationships with more than 4,000 independent U.S. family farms who meet our animal care and quality standards. Our model offers a resilient supply chain, providing us with several competitive advantages, including an assured supply of consistent, high-quality protein, the ability to innovate and lead in areas such as group-housed pork and the ability to deliver differentiated products to meet customer specifications. We operate 39A facilities producing fresh pork and packaged meats in the United States and one fresh pork facility in Mexico, and we focus on continually optimizing our operations by identifying opportunities to reduce costs and increase flexibility to meet market demand. Additionally, we remain committed to investing in innovation across our products, packaging and manufacturing processes. We seek to be the supplier of choice to our customers and maintain our reputation for high-quality, safe and delicious products. A New Smithfield in the Public Eye Founded in 1936, we began as a pork processing operation named The Smithfield Packing Company. Through a series of acquisitions beginning in the 1980s, we became the largest fresh pork processor in the United States. In 2013, Smithfield was taken private and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong-based WH Group, which is publicly traded on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. WH Group is a limited liability company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, the shares of which have been listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange since August 2014. Through its subsidiaries, WH Group is principally engaged in the production and sale of packaged meats and pork. Following the acquisition of Smithfield by WH Group, we focused on integrating our independent operating companies into a cohesive business. Our asOne Smithfieldat initiative unified our operations, brands and employees under one corporate umbrella, achieving synergies and enhancing profitability through disciplined cost management and balance sheet strength. In recent years, we have transformed into a differentiated American food company with a leading position in value-added packaged meats and fresh pork, and our headquarters remains in our namesake town of Smithfield, Virginia. In August 2024, we completed a carve-out of our European operations to focus our local management teams on the different market dynamics of North America and Europe. Pursuant to the European Carve-out, our operations in Europe were transferred to WH Group. Note: Net income and revenue are for the 12 months that ended Sept. 29, 2024. (Note: Smithfield Foods Inc. filed its S-1 on Jan. 6, 2024, for its IPO without disclosing the IPOs terms. Estimated IPO proceeds are $100 million, a placeholder figure.) . Smithfield Foods Inc. was founded in 1936 and has 36500 employees. The company is located at 200 Commerce Street Smithfield, Virginia 23430 and can be reached via phone at (757) 365-3000 or on the web at http://www.smithfieldfoods.com/. Receive News & Ratings for SMITHFIELD FOODS INC Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SMITHFIELD FOODS INC and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sound Income Strategies LLC increased its stake in H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB Free Report) by 0.8% in the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 184,374 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,542 shares during the quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLCs holdings in H&R Block were worth $9,742,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in H&R Block by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 4,878 shares of the companys stock worth $309,000 after buying an additional 198 shares during the last quarter. Rockland Trust Co. raised its stake in shares of H&R Block by 1.2% during the third quarter. Rockland Trust Co. now owns 16,866 shares of the companys stock worth $1,072,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of H&R Block by 5.5% during the third quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,245 shares of the companys stock worth $270,000 after acquiring an additional 221 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its holdings in shares of H&R Block by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 24,467 shares of the companys stock worth $1,327,000 after acquiring an additional 251 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in shares of H&R Block by 64.5% in the 4th quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 658 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 258 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.14% of the companys stock. Get H&R Block alerts: H&R Block Price Performance HRB opened at $52.38 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 16.46, a current ratio of 0.77 and a quick ratio of 0.77. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $55.66 and its 200 day simple moving average is $58.70. The firm has a market cap of $7.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.78, a PEG ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 0.69. H&R Block, Inc. has a 1 year low of $42.28 and a 1 year high of $68.45. H&R Block Announces Dividend H&R Block ( NYSE:HRB Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 7th. The company reported ($1.17) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($1.13) by ($0.04). H&R Block had a negative return on equity of 212.45% and a net margin of 16.19%. The firm had revenue of $193.81 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $188.78 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted ($1.05) EPS. As a group, analysts predict that H&R Block, Inc. will post 5.27 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 6th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 5th were given a $0.375 dividend. This represents a $1.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.86%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 5th. H&R Blocks payout ratio is 36.59%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Barrington Research reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $70.00 target price on shares of H&R Block in a research report on Friday, November 8th. Check Out Our Latest Report on H&R Block About H&R Block (Free Report) H&R Block, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides assisted income tax return preparation and do-it-yourself (DIY) tax return preparation services and products to the general public primarily in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It offers assisted income tax return preparation and related services through a system of retail offices operated directly by the company or its franchisees. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HRB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for H&R Block Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for H&R Block and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Veracity Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT Free Report) by 2.3% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 3,348 shares of the aerospace companys stock after acquiring an additional 74 shares during the quarter. Lockheed Martin comprises approximately 0.6% of Veracity Capital LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 25th largest position. Veracity Capital LLCs holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $1,627,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of LMT. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,827,645 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $2,816,898,000 after acquiring an additional 83,997 shares during the period. FMR LLC raised its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 6.6% in the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 3,389,025 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,981,088,000 after purchasing an additional 209,591 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 8.5% during the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 3,074,855 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,797,437,000 after purchasing an additional 240,306 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its position in Lockheed Martin by 1.7% in the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,942,658 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $902,714,000 after buying an additional 31,545 shares during the last quarter. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 60,592.0% in the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 1,559,178 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $911,433,000 after buying an additional 1,556,609 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.19% of the companys stock. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Lockheed Martin Trading Down 0.5 % LMT stock opened at $496.93 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $500.84 and its 200 day moving average is $536.25. Lockheed Martin Co. has a 12-month low of $413.92 and a 12-month high of $618.95. The stock has a market cap of $117.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.99, a PEG ratio of 4.11 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.66. Analysts Set New Price Targets Lockheed Martin ( NYSE:LMT Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 22nd. The aerospace company reported $6.84 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.50 by $0.34. The firm had revenue of $17.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $17.38 billion. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 101.44% and a net margin of 9.36%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $6.77 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 26.81 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several analysts have commented on LMT shares. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $589.00 to $603.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 23rd. Truist Financial began coverage on Lockheed Martin in a research report on Tuesday, January 14th. They set a buy rating and a $579.00 price target on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut Lockheed Martin from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $611.00 to $523.00 in a report on Thursday, January 2nd. Citigroup dropped their target price on Lockheed Martin from $700.00 to $600.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Susquehanna decreased their price target on Lockheed Martin from $695.00 to $590.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $577.73. View Our Latest Stock Report on Lockheed Martin About Lockheed Martin (Free Report) Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. The company operates through Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space segments. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victorias Secret & Co. (NYSE:VSCO Free Report) had its target price trimmed by Morgan Stanley from $44.00 to $40.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the stock. Several other equities research analysts have also recently commented on the stock. UBS Group raised shares of Victorias Secret & Co. from a sell rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $18.00 to $47.00 in a research report on Tuesday, December 10th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of Victorias Secret & Co. from $30.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 12th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on shares of Victorias Secret & Co. from $33.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, December 6th. Wells Fargo & Company reissued an equal weight rating and set a $45.00 price target (up from $33.00) on shares of Victorias Secret & Co. in a research report on Monday, December 9th. Finally, TD Cowen boosted their price target on shares of Victorias Secret & Co. from $35.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 9th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Victorias Secret & Co. has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $37.55. Get Victoria's Secret & Co. alerts: View Our Latest Report on VSCO Victorias Secret & Co. Price Performance Shares of NYSE VSCO opened at $38.49 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $3.03 billion, a PE ratio of 19.95, a PEG ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 2.14. The company has a current ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.12. Victorias Secret & Co. has a 1-year low of $15.12 and a 1-year high of $48.73. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $40.56 and a 200 day moving average price of $29.90. Victorias Secret & Co. (NYSE:VSCO Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, December 5th. The company reported ($0.50) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.62) by $0.12. The firm had revenue of $1.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.29 billion. Victorias Secret & Co. had a net margin of 2.47% and a return on equity of 44.74%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned ($0.86) EPS. Research analysts predict that Victorias Secret & Co. will post 2.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Victorias Secret & Co. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Virtus Fund Advisers LLC bought a new position in Victorias Secret & Co. in the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. Blue Trust Inc. raised its holdings in Victorias Secret & Co. by 741.4% in the 3rd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,708 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after acquiring an additional 1,505 shares during the period. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. bought a new position in Victorias Secret & Co. in the 2nd quarter valued at about $50,000. Quarry LP grew its position in shares of Victorias Secret & Co. by 126.6% during the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 3,157 shares of the companys stock worth $56,000 after purchasing an additional 1,764 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC grew its position in shares of Victorias Secret & Co. by 109.5% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,160 shares of the companys stock worth $81,000 after purchasing an additional 1,652 shares in the last quarter. 90.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Victorias Secret & Co. (Get Free Report) Victoria's Secret & Co operates as a specialty retailer of women's intimate, and other apparel and beauty products worldwide. It offers bras, panties, lingerie, casual sleepwear, and athleisure and swim, as well as fragrances and body care; and loungewear, knit tops, activewear, and accessories and beauty under the Victoria's Secret, PINK, and Adore Me brands. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Victoria's Secret & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Victoria's Secret & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WPP (NYSE:WPP Get Free Report) was upgraded by Kepler Capital Markets from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report released on Friday, MarketBeat.com reports. Separately, StockNews.com downgraded WPP from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 18th. Get WPP alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on WPP WPP Stock Performance Institutional Investors Weigh In On WPP Shares of WPP stock opened at $44.65 on Friday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $51.19 and its 200-day simple moving average is $49.90. WPP has a 52 week low of $43.02 and a 52 week high of $57.37. A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of WPP by 47.9% in the third quarter. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC now owns 5,356,064 shares of the business services providers stock worth $274,016,000 after buying an additional 1,734,750 shares in the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company purchased a new stake in shares of WPP in the third quarter worth about $35,757,000. Brandes Investment Partners LP lifted its position in shares of WPP by 7.0% in the second quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 652,269 shares of the business services providers stock worth $30,232,000 after buying an additional 42,690 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of WPP by 24.5% in the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 321,973 shares of the business services providers stock worth $14,759,000 after buying an additional 63,363 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of WPP by 15.9% in the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 199,110 shares of the business services providers stock worth $9,115,000 after buying an additional 27,384 shares in the last quarter. 4.34% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About WPP (Get Free Report) WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, experience, commerce, and technology services in North America, the United Kingdom, Western Continental Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company operates through three segments: Global Integrated Agencies, Public Relations, and Specialist Agencies. Read More Receive News & Ratings for WPP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WPP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. From left, expected low temperatures Friday morning will be at or just below freezing, but the expected high temperatures Friday afternoon could be in the 50s. Pivotal Weather South Texas has just finished its coldest five-day stretch of weather so far this winter. From Jan. 19-23, San Antonios average high temperature has been 45 degrees, and the citys average low has been 27 degrees. Thats about 15 to 20 degrees colder than the climate-normal for mid- to late January. If youre ready for the cold weather to be over, we have some good news: Arctic air is moving out of the region, and a warmer weather pattern is set to take its place. San Antonio also will have a chance at much-needed rainfall over the coming week. Heres a look at what you can expect. Today's forecast Freezing temperatures are expected for one last morning. Lows will start in the upper 20s to near 30 degrees across the San Antonio metro area. Colder temps are expected to the north, with lows near 20 degrees across much of the Hill Country. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After the cold start, beautiful sunny skies will allow temps to warm up steadily throughout the day. San Antonio will hit 50 degrees by 11 a.m., on their way to an afternoon high temperature of 58 degrees. Winds will be light, at 5 to 10 mph, making for a beautiful, cool day to spend outdoors. After a bitterly cold week, a major weather pattern change will bring warmer temperatures and some rain to South Texas next week. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Weekend forecast Saturday: Over the weekend, an influx of atmospheric moisture from the Gulf Coast is expected to move into South Texas. That will allow skies to become overcast by 9 a.m. Skies are expected to stay cloudy through the entire weekend. Morning temperatures will be chilly, but they will stay above freezing, likely in the mid-30s. Because of the added cloudiness, San Antonios warming trend will stall. Temperatures will stay cool Saturday, topping out in the upper 50s during the afternoon. Mostly dry weather is expected throughout Saturday, but isolated drizzle will be possible later in the day. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sunday: As air moisture increases, rain chances will grow overnight and into Sunday morning. Overall rain chances will rise to around 40%, but rainfall totals are expected to stay light. Temperatures will likely warm into the 50s and low 60s Sunday morning. However, a cold front is expected to move through during the afternoon. This front will be much weaker than the past few cold fronts that have moved through the region, but it will sink temps back into the upper 40s and 50s by Sunday evening. Wet weather next week In the wake of the cold front, Monday is expected to be cool and cloudy. Morning temperatures in the upper 40s will rise slowly throughout the day, topping out only in the mid- to upper 50s. A few areas of light rain and drizzle are possible, but most of us will stay dry. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shown are potential rainfall totals across Central, South and East Texas over the next seven days, according to the National Blend of Models. Pivotal Weather Our next significant weather system arrives in the middle of next week. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible by Tuesday evening, and chances will increase on Wednesday and Thursday. This system could have significant moisture to work with, as the National Blend of Models, a composite weather forecast model, is suggesting more than an inch of rain across the region through next week. The American Airline came to a stop near the northern end of the runway and iot was some time before the passengers were allowed to disembark (as pictured). The first of two incidents involving American Airlines aircraft at the Argyle International Airport occurred on June 5, 2021, when the airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 was unable to take off due to an incident involving a "bird strike. The second occurred last Monday, January 20, 2025, at approximately 4:42pm, when American Airlines Flight 909 from Miami, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, registration N328TC, blew two tyres on its left rear landing gear, on its landing at the AIA, this as confirmed by both local authorities and American Airlines. The aircraft remained on the runway for some time bringing normal airport operations to a complete halt. Residents in the vicinity of the airport reported hearing a loud bang coming from the airport, and witnesses also reported hearing the bang as the aircraft passed the terminal building, and seeing smoke emitting from the landing gear area. However, fire personnel, upon arrival and assessment, confirmed that there were no signs of fire, and a report from the RSVGPF, assured that "The RSVGPF Fire Brigade promptly dispatched a team of fire personnel from the AIA Fire Station to respond to the incident. The police report confirmed that the aircraft was carrying 106 passengers and six (6) crew members, all of whom were safely evacuated without injury. Passengers disembarked at 5:37 PM and were transported to the terminal via bus. The aircraft was then removed from the tarmac allowing normal airport operations to resume by 9:30pm the same day. At least one flight, a Virgin Airlines flight, was unable to fulfil its scheduled service into and out of AIA during the period the American Airlines aircraft remained on the runway. Investigations into the cause of the blown tire are ongoing, and the RSVGPF continues to work alongside relevant aviation authorities, including American Airlines personnel, to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the situation. Preparation of the construction site for the 10-MW geothermal power plant in Dominica is currently ongoing. Designed to strengthen Dominicas energy security and reduce electricity production costs, The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB, the Bank) has approved a USD 34.8 million loan to the Geothermal Power Company of Dominica (GPC). The construction of the 10-megawatt (MW) geothermal power plant will also significantly lower carbon emissions in the power sector. According to a press release from the CDB, approximately 70% of the countrys electricity is diesel-generated, driving up energy costs and hindering business growth and progress towards key Sustainable Development Goals. However, Dominica, located in the Eastern Caribbean, is home to vast geothermal energy potential linked to its volcanic origin. Geothermal energy, derived from the Earths heat, primarily in volcanic areas, provides a constant, 24-hour source of renewable energyunlike solar and wind power, which are subject to variability. CDBs funding with resources from the Inter-American Development Bank (through the Green Climate Fund), and Government of Canada through the Global Affairs Canada - covers 51% of the total project costs of approximately USD68 million. The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) is contributing 22%, and the remainder as equity from the GPC. This project is funded under CDBs GeoSmart Initiative which seeks to support countries with geothermal potential in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in developing projects with funding and technical assistance. Therese Turner-Jones, CDBs Vice President of Operations (Ag), said that the plant will enable Dominica to leverage its natural resources to diversify its energy supply. In addition to Dominica, other OECS nations have received support under the GeoSmart Initiative. A USD9.4 million grant has been approved for test drilling in Grenada, while St. Kitts and Nevis received USD 17 million in funding towards the drilling of production wells on the island of Nevis. CDB previously provided USD27 million to support completed geothermal exploration in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Coordinator of the CDBs Sustainable Energy Unit, Joseph Williams revealed that CDBs contingently recovery grant (CRG) provided under GeoSmart is a key financial mechanism that helps address the high drilling risk. He explained that the funding remains a grant and allows for exploration by the government or developers, not having to repay a loan, even if the drilling is unsuccessful.(SG) L-R: The first recipient of the Bursary, Lucinna Poyer, with Shelly John, the widow of E.B. John and Secretary of the Toronto SVG Support Group. Persons interested in pursuing a career in Public Relations Management or presently working in the field, have a chance to gain a scholarship to fulfil their dreams. This semester The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus (GC) St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), is offering 14 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) short courses, one of which is Public Relations Management. The certified 10-week course will give persons the skillsets to work in the media industry and boost their social media brand. Additionally, persons will learn to write press releases, set up press conferences and engage with the media. They can become more marketable by being the proficient point person in their organisation to address press matters. Once persons sign up for the Public Relations Management short course, through the Google application form on the UWIGC SVGs Facebook page, by Friday January 24, 2025, they can sign up for the prestigious E.B. John Education Memorial Bursary. The EC$2,000 award is being funded by the Toronto SVG Group, of which the late veteran Vincentian broadcaster, Evans Bernard "E.B. John was a member. Application forms for the Evans Bernard John Memorial Education Bursary can be collected at our office or downloaded from our Facebook page. Once it is printed and filled out, the form must be returned to our office at Murrays Road. Classes will be conducted online, and will begin on Monday February 3, 2025. For more information, email svg@open.uwi.edu or lecia.quow@open.uwi.edu While not using the word gang instead settling for associational groupings, the PM cited the need for analyses/studies of these groupings. Greed connected to the trade in cocaine, marijuana and other items including money laundering - is the base element involved in local homicides. And according to Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, there are additional crisscrossing issues arising such as young male egos, retaliations and the like. He made the comment in his response to Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown St Claire Leacock on January 9 in the House of Assembly. Leacock wanted to know whether there were active gangs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and what was driving the homicide rate. "I made reference that what we have are associational groupings in pursuance of criminal activities, Gonsalves said. "And there are a number of important issues you have to identify in the different sets of associational groupings, whether you call them a gang or not, there are definitional issues, he continued. It was also important to analyse these associational groupings individually, Gonsalves advised. And these analyses needed to look at, for example, leadership and if there is succession, what structures exist within the associational grouping, the recruitment of members and the extent of the fluidity of the groupings membership. There were other things too, he reasoned, including what are the activities outside of criminal activities; is there a fixed location to ground a definition of a gang and if there were loose connections between these associational groups and other individuals or entities. "What is important that we do, we need to frame and give it a more scientific name, the prime minister said. And to get that done would be to refashion the Special Branch so that it links better with intelligence in relation to Major Crimes Unit. According to Gonsalves, the country was small and given the nature of technology, it was easy to set up a data base of all the households where individuals are involved in serious criminal activity. He, however, cautioned that it was often viewed that it was only persons in associational groupings who were committing criminal acts of violence, but there were also sole operators. During a press briefing on December 16, 2024 the issue of motive in the increase of violent crime was raised and Enville Williams, Commissioner of Police (Ag) responded saying that the police were working on establishing a data base as referenced by the PM. KOSCAB, in fact, has bought the controlling shares that Anheuser-Busch had in the SVBL. Editors Note: The following is a Press Release, dated January 21, 2025, on behalf of the parties concerned. We are pleased to announce that Coca-Cola bottling subsidiary KOSCAB Holdings Ltd ("KOSCAB) and Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana, S.A. ("CND) have entered into an agreement for KOSCAB to acquire Saint Vincent Brewery Limited ("SVBL) among other companies in the Caribbean, by KOSCAB purchasing from CND, SLU Beverages, LTD., the companies shareholder, which is part of the global beverage company Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (ABI). This strategic agreement is subject to pending regulatory approval and the completion of comprehensive and required due diligence processes. It presents an exciting opportunity to unite both businesses under a single parent company. KOSCAB is dedicated to enhancing local and regional commercial operations to promote the growth and success of some of the regions most iconic brands, including Pine Hill, Banks, Hairoun, and all Coca-Cola-affiliated products. Andre Thomas, KOSCABs General Manager, stated that this decision is a natural progression following their role as the distribution and commercial co-venturer with BHL since 2018. KOSCAB believes this acquisition will yield positive outcomes for all parties involved, as their world-class expertise in the beverage sector will help exceed consumer quality expectations. Shafia London, the Country Head of BHL and SVBL, assured that local customers will continue to enjoy the same great taste from the companies beverage offerings. She expressed complete confidence in KOSCABs ability to elevate the combined businesses to new heights. "KOSCAB is poised to rejuvenate the industry in a way that maximizes benefits for the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, she said. London also emphasized that there would be no disruption to service delivery during the transition period. Marcus Garvey was installed as the first National Hero of Jamaica in 1969. The Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines has formally welcomed President Joseph Bidens executive pardon of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, while simultaneously calling for his full exoneration by the United States government. "The Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines is calling further for a full exoneration by the United States government of Marcus Garvey on the trumped-up charge for which he was found guilty and imprisoned, a government statement announced, noting that such an exoneration would require congressional action. The government confirmed it "is pleased to be advised that Congresswoman The Honourable Yvette Clarke, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, is taking legislative steps towards Garveys exoneration. The government emphasized that it "reiterates its commendation of President Biden on the grant of the executive pardon while stressing "the importance of solidarity in pursuance of justice. The statement concluded by affirming that "the campaign continues for his full exoneration. Numerous organisations, activists, and governments in Africa and the Caribbean, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, have been advocating for Garveys pardon/exoneration. One such organization is the Washington, D.C.-based Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), founded by Jamaican Dr. Claire Nelson, with whom THE VINCENTIAN has had a working relationship since 2016. And as far as this countrys role in the struggle to have Garvey pardoned, and exonerated, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines recalls that on February 1, 2022, Prime Minister Dr. The Honourable Ralph E. Gonsalves issued publicly a three-page Memorandum to the People, Mass Organisations and Civil Society in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Caribbean, Africa, the United States of America, and the World on the subject of "A Petition to Exonerate the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, National Hero of Jamaica. In accord with a decision of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and in consultation with former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable P.J. Patterson, Prime Minister Gonsalves penned the draft of a letter from CARICOMs leaders to be sent to President Biden. That letter, dated March 29, 2022, was issued by CARICOMs then-Chairman, the Honourable John A. Briceno, Prime Minister of Belize. It is to be noted that a similar letter had been earlier sent from CARICOM to President Obama, during his Presidency, but no action was taken. The statement said that the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines reiterates its commendation of president Biden on the grant of the executive pardon. It added, "Moreover, our Government emphasises yet again the importance of solidarity in pursuance of justice and accordingly thanks all those who have been campaigning for the pardon/exoneration of our esteemed visionary and patriarch, Marcus Mosiah Garvey. A years-long survey of a Cambodian national park has revealed endangered species never before recorded in the country, highlighting the need for greater conservation efforts, environmentalists said Wednesday. The complex survey work uncovered fauna ranging from pangolins to critically endangered large-antlered muntjacs inside Virachey National Park, a relatively untouched haven for biodiversity. The more than 405,000-hectare park stretches across Cambodia's northeastern region, bordering Laos and Vietnam. More than 150 cameras were deployed during the survey, which also enlisted the help of local communities to document animals and plants in the protected area. A total of 89 species were detected, including 20 globally threatened species like the red-shanked douc langur, Sunda pangolin, clouded leopard, dhole and sun bear, according to the survey lead conservation organisation Fauna & Flora. It also found nine species that have never been recorded in Cambodia before, including the critically endangered large-antlered muntjac, Sokolov's glass lizard and the Vietnamese leaf-toed gecko. The findings "reaffirm the park's importance as a biodiversity stronghold and provide compelling evidence to galvanise increased conservation efforts," Pablo Sinovas, country director of Fauna & Flora's Cambodia programme, told AFP. The park, which forms part of one of the largest forest landscapes in mainland Southeast Asia, is "a biodiversity hotspot, a vital carbon sink, and home to a rich diversity of indigenous communities", he added. However he warned that the region "faces mounting pressures" from destruction of natural habitats, often for agriculture, infrastructure, or other land uses. Snaring is another critical issue that has in places led to the "empty forest syndrome" where wildlife, particularly medium- and large-sized mammals, are driven to local extinction, Sinovas added. Elsewhere in the country, environmentalists have warned that the more than 500 species in the biodiverse Central Cardamoms region face a number of threats, ranging from illegal logging and poaching to sand dredging. The government has been criticised for allowing companies to clear hundreds of thousands of hectares of forested land in Cambodia -- including in protected zones -- for projects ranging from rubber and sugar cane plantations to hydropower dams. (TBTCO) - Ngan hang Nong nghiep va Phat trien Nong thon Viet Nam (Agribank) vua co buoi lam viec voi cac Chi nhanh sau co cau, sap xep lai; cong tac phat trien khach hang lon, kiem tra, giam sat, xu ly no tai TP. Ho Chi Minh. Chuong trinh lam viec la mot trong nhung hoat ong quan trong cua Ban lanh ao Agribank nham trien khai ong bo, quyet liet cac giai phap e hoan thanh chi tieu, ke hoach kinh doanh tren ia ban TP. Ho Chi Minh. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of UAE's national railway network, today (January 23) announced the launch of its new high-speed train that will operate from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The travel time between the two emirates is expected to be just 30 minutes. The national train will eventually travel throughout the UAE and towards the border with the Sultanate of Oman. There will also be a regular passenger train that will be rolled out, it stated. Designed to accommodate approximately 400 passengers, this fleet will incorporate dedicated family-friendly amenities. Furthermore, the initial four passenger train stations located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah will be strategically integrated with existing metro and bus networks to provide a seamless and comprehensive multimodal transportation experience. Etihad Rails ambitious plan features six stations, including Reem Island and Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. Key Dubai stops include Al Maktoum International Airport and Al Jaddaf. The high-speed rail, that will run at 350kmph, marks a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity and sustainability. The regular-speed passenger train will eventually travel throughout the UAE towards the border with Oman, passing through Mezeiraa, along Liwa Desert and its famous oasis. There will also be stations in Sharjah and Fujairah, and it will extend to the wider GCC, once the GCC Railway is operational. It will travel at 200kmph, and can accommodate up to 400 passengers. It has the same rail as the cargo trains, and will have four stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. Over the next five decades, this ambitious project is anticipated to contribute significantly to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with an estimated contribution of AED145 billion ($39.4 billion), remarked Mohammed Al Shehhi, the Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail. Highlighting the pivotal role of the high-speed train, Al Shehhi said it will help in bolstering the UAE's economic growth. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during a press conference held at Etihad Rail HQ, Al Shehhi emphasised that the high-speed rail network, connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will not only facilitate rapid and convenient travel but also serve as a catalyst for enhanced economic and social integration. The network will encompass six strategically located stations: Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, and stations in proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and the Jaddaf area in Dubai, he added. Al Shehhi further elaborated that the high-speed rail system, operating entirely on electric power, aligns seamlessly with the UAE's national commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. This initiative will make a substantial contribution towards achieving the objectives outlined in the UAE Net Zero 2050' Strategic Initiative. He also confirmed the successful completion of the tendering process for the high-speed rail project contracts and the subsequent approval of the network designs. This milestone underscores Etihad Rail's unwavering dedication to the successful implementation of this transformative project, he added. Unifeeder, part of DP World Marine Services, achieved remarkable growth in the intra-Mediterranean trade sector in 2024, tripling its market share to 4.3% and solidifying its position as a key regional operator. According to global shipping industry analysts, Alphaliner, Unifeeder recorded the highest capacity growth of all carriers in the region, positioning it among the top six operators in the Mediterranean by deployed capacity. Unifeeders fleet in the Mediterranean now includes 20 container ships with a total capacity of 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), bringing it on par with global shipping leader Cosco Shipping Lines in the region. Over the past 12 months, Unifeeder has launched seven new intra-Mediterranean services, adding 10,600 TEU of capacity and increasing its average vessel size to 1,186 TEU, the company said. These strategic moves reflect Unifeeders ability to meet the evolving needs of regional trade and enhance connectivity across the Mediterranean and Black Sea, it said. Later this month, Unifeeder will expand its services in the Black Sea, further strengthening its regional presence. This expansion underscores the companys commitment to addressing the growing demand for seamless intra-regional trade solutions while supporting businesses with reliable and flexible logistics. Ganesh Raj, Global Chief Operating Officer of DP World Marine Services, said: "Unifeeders success in the intra-Mediterranean and Black Sea regions reflects our ability to adapt to evolving market dynamics and deliver tailored solutions to the changing needs of our customers. By expanding our services and fleet, we are meeting the growing demand for intra-regional connectivity and creating long-term value for our customers. These achievements demonstrate the critical role of regional operators in supporting global trade and strengthening supply chains." The intra-Mediterranean trade sector has seen overall capacity expansion by 9.3% - almost 50,000 TEUs, compared to December 2023. Within this growing market, Unifeeders market share has surged from 1.5% to 4.3%, moving it up five places to the sixth spot among the largest operators in the region by deployed capacity. This growth is directly linked to a shift in trade dynamics, with mainline operators outsourcing intra-regional services to more agile operators like Unifeeder, the company said. Martin Gaard, CEO of Unifeeder A/S, commented: "The shipping industry is going through profound shifts, with geopolitical and economic factors driving the need for more agile and responsive supply chain solutions. Our growth in the intra-Mediterranean market and expansion in the Black Sea reflect our strategic focus on meeting these demands. By offering reliable, flexible and efficient regional services, we enable our customers to navigate these complexities, reduce operational complexity, and enhance their market reach. The growth we have seen last year underscores our role as a trusted partner to businesses seeking cost-effective and sustainable shipping options in a rapidly evolving landscape." TradeArabia News Service DP World, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions and a leading smart trade enabler, emphasised how governments and businesses can work together to enhance global supply chains, boost economic competitiveness, and address pressing trade challenges at the World Economic Forum (WEF). He was speaking at a fireside chat held as part of the third edition of the DP World Leader Series hosted by the UAE Pavilion at the 55th Annual Meeting of the WEF in Davos. The flagship event, held under the theme Global Trade Outlook 2025 featured an engaging fireside chat between Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO of DP World, and John Defterios, the Visiting Professor of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi. Together, they delved into the transformative trends reshaping global trade amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic landscape. These included: *Emerging Trends: The session explored how trade continues to drive global economic growth, fostering opportunities and improving quality of life worldwide. Against the backdrop political transitions, economic uncertainty and shifts in global power dynamics, the discussion underscored the urgency of building resilient trade relationships and enhancing international collaboration. *Government and Business Collaboration: Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem emphasised how governments and businesses can work together to enhance global supply chains, boost economic competitiveness, and address pressing trade challenges. *Innovation as a Catalyst: Emphasising the transformative potential of innovation, the discussion offered insights into how emerging technologies can make trade smarter, faster, and more efficient, thereby ensuring broader access to markets, resources, and technologies. *Emerging Markets: A central focus of the session was the role of emerging markets in shaping the global trade landscape. H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem highlighted the importance of fortifying supply chains in these regions to capture untapped opportunities and support their development priorities. This discussion gained additional significance as the global trade agenda will be influenced by pivotal international forums in 2025, such as the G20 Summit chaired by South Africa, COP30 hosted by Brazil, and the BRICS+ Summit, as well as Malaysias leadership of Asean. The session also delved into the evolving roles of global institutions and multilateral forums in adapting to the interests of diverse economies, ensuring they are well-represented in critical trade discussions. Sustainability will be another important theme, as the conversation explores how global leaders can integrate sustainable practices into supply chains while balancing economic growth imperatives. Innovation will be underscored as a driver for resilient trade, with practical approaches to accelerating trade-enabling technologies discussed in detail. The session provided a unique opportunity to gain actionable insights into the future of trade and to explore how collaboration between governments and businesses can drive resilience, sustainability, and innovation in a rapidly transforming global environment. The DP World Leader Series continues to serve as a cornerstone of the UAE Pavilions agenda, reflecting the nations unwavering commitment to fostering international dialogue and innovation. By hosting forward-looking discussions the UAE Pavilion underscores its role in advancing global trade and promoting solutions that address pressing challenges.-TradeArabia News Service The Freedom Caucus delivered on their plan to pass five pieces of legislation within the first 10 days of the session by passing the legislation on the eighth day of the session. Each bill passed with a comfortable majority. The Wyoming House of Representatives on Thursday passed the final three bills of the Freedom Caucuss Five and Dime Plan. Speaker Pro Tempore Jeremy Haroldson, R-Wheatland, reiterated that the plan was put together by polling Wyoming Residents. Theres a sense of pride and understanding and realizing that we were able to accomplish what the people wanted to do and what the people wanted to accomplish, he said. Being able to see the Five and Dime done in the first eight days is just a testimony to the Speaker and the majority floor leader, our chairman and our committees, and just a great group of freshmen legislators that have worked really hard over the last week and a half to make this reality. Passage came after some bills received thorough debate and amendment proposals. Weve got many, many hours of debate on them. Probably more than most bills ever get, which is good, because they are good subjects to have these conversations about, Haroldson said. Bills addressing two of the Caucuss priorities tightening voter registration and eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the state passed the House on Monday. Two election bills sponsored by Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette, worked together to tighten rules for voter registration and were measures that Secretary of State Chuck Gray supported. HB 156 seeks to add a residency requirement and add rules requiring documentation of residency when registering to vote. The bill states that people registering to vote must be a bona fide resident of Wyoming for at least 30 days before an election and that county clerks are to require proof of residency when people register to vote. HB 157 seeks to require proof of citizenship when registering to vote. Documents that would count towards proof of citizenship include a valid Wyoming drivers license or identification card; tribal identification card issued by the Eastern Shoshone tribe or Northern Arapaho tribe; a valid drivers license or identification card from another state with REAL ID; a valid United States passport; a certificate of citizenship or naturalization; a United State military draft record or selective service card; a consular report of birth issued by the United States Department of the State; or an original birth certificate or certified copy with an official state seal. The bills would only apply to people registering to vote and not people already on Wyomings voter rolls. The bills received broad support with HB 156 receiving a vote of 51-8-3 and HB 157 receiving a vote total of 53-6-3. Also passed by the House on Monday was HB 147, which seeks to ban governmental entities which includes the University of Wyoming, community colleges and all school districts from engaging in any diversity, equity or inclusion programming, activity or policy. The bill sponsored by Rep Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody, also states that the entities cannot engage in institutional discrimination or require attendance to DEI programs or training. The bill now out of the House passed with a 51-8-3 vote comes after the Legislature in 2024 applied pressure to the University of Wyoming to stop diversity, equity or inclusion programming by cutting $1.73 million from the schools budget and stating that no state dollars are to be spent on its DEI office. The university in May announced that it would close its DEI office and change its hiring practices. The eighth day The House on Wednesday passed three more bills in the Five and Dime Plan. The bills seek to invalidate out-of-state driver licenses issued to illegal immigrants in Wyoming, codify a policy laying out what the state should and should not invest in and provide temporary property tax breaks. HB 116, sponsored by Rep. Pepper Ottman, R-Riverton, seeks to invalidate drivers licenses issued to illegal immigrants by other states and establishes a misdemeanor charge with penalties of up to $750 and up to six months of prison time. Nineteen states including Colorado and Utah have some form of laws allowing for unauthorized immigrants to obtain drivers licenses, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. HB 80, sponsored by Rep. Christopher Knapp, R-Gillette, seeks to codify an investment policy that the Wyoming State Treasurer put in place in 2023. The bill passed the House with a 44-16-2 vote but the bill underwent large changes from introduction to Thursday. The bill titled Stop ESG-State funds fiduciary duty act, seeks to prevent the state from investing in companies that use an environmental, social, and governance investing model which considers environmental issues, social issues and corporate governance when making business decisions. The initial bills language would have prevented the Wyoming State Treasurers office from investing in U.S. Treasuries or the S&P 500. Knapp through amendments to the bill on Monday reduced the bill to codify the language the state treasurers office has had since 2023. This bill is not to drill down into separate individual corporations for ESG stances for investment. This bill simply wishes to codify the rules that are in place for our fiduciaries and that would codify the investment policy statement that was done back in 2023, Knapp said on Monday. Its just a placeholder for safety when were doing investments. Casper Republican Rep. Tony Lockes bill providing temporary tax relief for homeowners passed with a 40-20-2 vote: the lowest support out of the other Five and Dime bills. Locke in committee said that the bill would serve as a short term solution in providing tax relief. HB 169 seeks to provide a 50% tax exemption for up to the first $1 million of a residential homes value for 2025 and 2026. The Legislature in 2024 passed five separate property tax relief bills but Gov Mark Gordon one bill that would have provided a 25% tax exemption for the first 2 million of a residential homes value. The Freedom Caucus before the session started announced it would seek to bring the bill back. An amendment was added to the bill during committee, adding that people receiving the long term homeowners tax break which provides a 50% tax exemption for homeowners that have resided in the Cowboy State for over 25 years are not eligible to receive both exemptions. Whats next The bills are now headed to the Senate and awaiting introduction in that chamber. The bills will need to be referred to a committee and passed by the committee before the entire chamber can propose changes and vote on the bill. I believe that a lot of these topics are very important to senators and as well as their constituents, Haroldson said. I believe that the Senate will be wise and will honor the peoples desire. And I hope as it goes through their house, the bills continue to get better, because the process continues to work on them. In the house, Haroldson said the chamber will continue to work on 2020 bills and on other bills. The 2020 Plan seeks to pass 20 pieces of legislation in the first 20 days of the session. Major state insurers to allocate 30% of new premiums to A-shares annually as China pushes for long-term investment 10:45, January 24, 2025 By Song Lin ( Global Times Chinese financial regulators on Thursday further elaborated on an implementation plan issued a day earlier aimed at boosting the inflow of long-term funds into the stock market, saying that they will guide major state-owned insurers to increase both the scale and proportion of their investments in A-shares. Major state-owned insurers will strive to allocate 30 percent of their new premiums annually to invest in A-shares, starting in 2025. It is expected to inject hundreds of billions of yuan in long-term funds into the equity market each year, Wu Qing, head of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), told a press conference on Thursday. Insurance funds are characterized by stable sources, large scale, and long payout cycles, making them a typical source of "long-term capital" and a key player in the capital market, Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min said. As for other arrangements, the second round of pilot programs for long-term equity investments by insurance funds, with a scale of no less than 100 billion yuan ($13.74 billion), will be rolled out in the first half of 2025, Wu said. Also, public offering funds are expected to increase their holdings of A-shares by at least 10 percent annually over the next three years, Wu said. The officials made the remarks when addressing the implementation plan to promote inflows of medium- and long-term capital into the stock market issued on Wednesday by six departments: the office of the Central Financial Work Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the People's Bank of China and the National Financial Regulatory Administration. In recent years, Chinese authorities have consistently introduced policies to encourage the inflow of medium- and long-term capital into the market. The Central Economic Work Conference held in December 2024 emphasized the stabilization of stock markets and the resolution of bottlenecks for the entry of medium- and long-term capital into the market. The newly released plan is more practical and detailed, acting as a "blueprint" for implementation, Zhao Xijun, co-president of the China Capital Market Research Institute at Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Thursday. Clear requirements for the scale and timeline of various funding sources have been outlined, providing strong support for the growth of long-term capital, Dong Shaopeng, a senior research fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Thursday. According to an analysis by Huafu Securities Co, the plan is expected to bring at least 200 billion yuan in institutional medium- and long-term incremental funds to A-shares annually over the next three years. Resolving bottlenecks The plan not only sets clear targets for raising investment proportions for certain institutions but also extends the performance evaluation period for fund managers and investors. The performance of state-owned insurance companies will be assessed over a cycle of more than three years. For the national social security funds, it will be over five years; and for basic pension funds, it will be over three years. Short evaluation periods have long been a major bottleneck restricting commercial insurance funds, pension funds, and other medium- to long-term capital from increasing their investments. Implementing longer evaluation periods can be effective in smoothing out the impact of short-term market fluctuations on performance, Wu noted. Such arrangements are beneficial for improving the investment returns of various medium- and long-term funds, resulting in a win-win situation. For example, the national social security fund is one of the most active long-term investors in domestic stock markets. Over the past 20 years, its average annualized return from A-share investments has reached 11.6 percent, a high figure largely attributed to its commitment to value investing and long-term investment strategies, Wu said. Short-term market trends are difficult to predict, but from a longer-term perspective, strong companies will have the opportunity for a valuation rebound, Yang Delong, chief economist at Shenzhen-based First Seafront Fund, told the Global Times on Thursday. Currently, both the price-to-earnings ratios of the CSI 300, the Shanghai Composite Index, and the Wind All China Index are at relatively low levels. Therefore, from a three-year perspective, this is an excellent time to position, especially for large investors, Yang noted. As for potential losses that insurance funds may face when entering the market, Yang said that medium- and long-term funds pay more attention to the fundamentals of listed companies. Attracting them into the market will push the market style to fundamental research, and stocks with outstanding performances will regain the favor of funds. Although the market has seen some adjustments recently, many prominent domestic and international investment institutions have expressed optimism about the outlook of the Chinese stock market. There is substantial room for growth in 2025 and we are constructive on Chinese equities in the next 12 months, Raymond Ma, Invesco's chief investment officer for Hong Kong and Chinese mainland, said at the end of 2024 in a note sent to the Global Times. Foreign capital has become an important source of funds for A-shares, with a significant portion coming from medium- and long-term capital, including globally renowned pension funds and commercial insurance funds, Wu said. Medium- and long-term capital serves as a key source of professional investment in capital markets and acts as both a "ballast" and a "stabilizer" for maintaining market stability and healthy development, Wu said, stressing that the latest plan will contribute to a virtuous cycle of stable and healthy capital market operations and high-quality development of the real economy. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Argentina's President Javier Milei said Thursday he would be willing to leave the South American Mercosur bloc if necessary to secure a coveted trade agreement with the United States. Asked whether he would be willing to leave the bloc, he said: "If that was the extreme condition, yes" but quickly said he hoped such a dramatic move would not be needed. "There are, however, mechanisms by which it can be done being within Mercosur. So we say it can be achieved without having to abandon what we have in terms of Mercosur," he said during a Bloomberg event on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. The Argentinian leader and fan of US President Donald Trump has made it clear he wants a trade deal with the United States, although that could cause problems with other members. Milei said he was "working very hard on the possibility". He previously said he would use his current rotating presidency of the economic bloc to boost the autonomy of its members to make deals. Uruguay has also in the past pushed for greater flexibility within Mercosur after its independent negotiations with China in 2022 sparked opposition from fellow members. The bloc's four members -- Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay -- last month struck a deal with the European Union that aims to create a 700-million person free-trade area. FOR nearly two years, one of the chief financiers of the Seven gang based in the United King Negligence played a role in the deaths of 78 people who perished when a huge fire gutted a luxury ski resort hotel in northern Turkey this week, an expert has told AFP. There were safety failures on multiple levels at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the ski resort of Kartalkaya, the head of the Ankara Chamber of Architects told AFP late on Wednesday. "We can't single out just one culprit, unfortunately. Many people weren't doing their jobs properly," Derya Basyilmaz said. She is in Kartalkaya with a delegation of experts to prepare a report on the tragedy. Anger has grown in Turkey -- which observed a day of mourning on Wednesday -- amid mounting evidence that negligence may have contributed to the high death toll from the fire, which swept through the hotel early on Tuesday. Allegations of safety failings have dominated Turkey's front pages. So far, 11 people have been arrested, including the hotel's owner, its general manager, director and chief electrician, and the fire chief in the nearby town of Bolu, the justice ministry has said. Many survivors told the same story -- there were no fire alarms, no safety exits and no fire doors in the 12-storey hotel, leaving scores of people trapped inside. Although the Grand Kartal had a fire alarm system, it was not functioning and there were no sprinklers, Basyilmaz told AFP. "There is an alarm system but we know it was not working. There should also have been a sprinkler system activated by the alarm to help the fire extinguishing process," she said. It was crucial to check such systems regularly, she said. "The fact the alarm systems and emergency exit lights couldn't be activated increased the scale of the tragedy." Although Tourism Minister Nuri Ersoy has said the hotel had two fire escapes, Basyilmaz noted that there was only one protected fire staircase. That was "insufficient" for a 12-storey hotel where 238 guests were staying. "There should have been at least two escape staircases to evacuate the building safely, with fire-resistant doors to keep out the smoke," she said. "The fact the building didn't have sufficient safety measures in place led to the high number of deaths." Ersoy said on Tuesday the hotel had passed two safety inspections "in 2021 and 2024". But Basyilmaz said she was only aware of a fire safety report issued by the local fire department in 2007 and did not know whether it had been updated. "Regulations change over time and a fire compliance report is not valid forever. The main problem here is that the inspection was not carried out regularly," she said. The fire is thought to have started in the fourth-floor restaurant area. Basyilmaz pointed out that commercial kitchens were legally obliged to adhere to strict safety regulations and must have sprinkler systems, which was not the case at the Grand Kartal. The hotel's picturesque location on the mountain top edge of a ski slope also complicated rescue efforts, she said. Firefighters were "unable to reach the back facade" to quench the flames and rescue those trapped inside. "Fire engines must be able to easily reach all four sides of a building," she said. Her team, which included engineers, architects and other experts, is drafting a report on the fire which would be shared with the public, she said. The hotel was covered with wooden cladding, through which the flames spread at speed, leaving only the building's concrete shell and blackened interior. After the February 2022 earthquake in southern Turkey, experts in architecture, engineering and other areas moved swiftly to inspect the worst-hit towns. Their work was essential for documenting widespread evidence of property developers' failings to build in compliance with Turkey's regularly updated earthquake regulations. SHARING A LAUGH: Former Port of Spain mayor Louis Lee Sing, from left, speaks with Prof Selwyn Cudjoe, Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar and moderator Jerome Lewis at the Leader of the Opposition Anti-Crime Town Hall Meeting at the Chaguanas Borough Corporation on Monday. Photos: ISHMAEL SALANDY It was revealed today that O.J. Simpson told police that Nicole Brown Simpson used to beat him up. He also claimed that she and Ron Goldman killed him When Norm Macdonald became the anchor of Weekend Update at the beginning of SNLs 20th season, his very first joke set the tone for both his entire three-year run in the anchor chair and his eventual dismissal from the show. Talking about O.J. Simpson trial judge Lance Ito, Macdonalds first joke was, Yesterday, Simpson trial judge Lance Ito allowed that mystery envelope to be opened, and it appears Simpson may already have won $10 million. Of course, many more, much more biting jokes about O.J. followed. Given that today marks exactly 30 years since the O.J. trial began, here are 30 of Macdonalds best O.J. jokes from Weekend Update Advertisement 1 This week in the O.J. Simpson trial, after grisly photos of the murdered Nicole Brown Simpson were shown in court, O.J. turned his head away and wept. It was at that moment that he realized he would never be able to kill her again. Advertisement 2 On Friday, The Juice officially endorsed Bill Clinton for president, adding, quote, Id like to help him any way I can. To which President Clinton replied, Well, there is one thing. 3 According to retailers, the most popular Halloween mask this year is O.J. Simpson. And the most popular Halloween greeting is Ill kill you and that guy whos bringing over your glasses or treat. 4 O.J. Simpsons lawyers have decided to skip hearings on DNA evidence and go right to trial. Asked why they did this, the lawyers replied, We want to get O.J. acquitted as speedily as possible so he can get back to doing what he does best: killing people! Advertisement Advertisement 5 In his book, O.J. Simpson says he would have taken a bullet or stood in front of a train for Nicole. Man, Im going to tell you, that is some bad luck when the one guy who would have died for you, kills you. 6 In other book news, Prince Charles released an autobiography in which he states that he never loved Princess Di and that his father pressured him to marry her. The book is entitled Of Course O.J. Did It. I Mean, Come On. Advertisement 7 And the Pope came out with a book this week which contains a series of essays about faith and morality in todays secular world and the changing role of the Catholic church as it approaches the 21st century. The book is entitled, God Himself Told Me that O.J. Is Guilty. Advertisement 8 In honor of the 50th anniversary of their first publication, Random House will be releasing special commemorative issues of many Dr. Seuss classics. The first to hit the bookshelves will be Green Eggs and Ham and O.J. Is Guilty. Advertisement 9 Judge Ito was interviewed this week by a local TV station in Los Angeles, asked by the interviewer if it was appropriate for a supposedly impartial judge to be on TV with his case still pending. Ito said, Maybe not, but how appropriate is it to kill your ex-wife? 10 It was revealed today that O.J. Simpson told police that Nicole Brown Simpson used to beat him up. He also claimed that she and Ron Goldman killed him. Advertisement 11 O.J. Simpsons lawyers say they dont want the families of Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman in the courtroom during the trial. Theyre afraid the presence of the family members will just remind O.J. of how much more killing he still has to do. Advertisement 12 According to the National Transportation Safety Board, sleepy truckers are responsible for 1,000 deaths a year. In second place, O.J. Simpson at two deaths a year. Advertisement 13 O.J. Simpsons lawyers stopped feuding this week, finally. The dream team, F. Lee Bailey and Robert Shapiro, were able to put aside their differences and express their admiration for each other after O.J. threatened to cut their heads off. 14 It was revealed this week that defense lawyer Johnnie Cochran once abused his first wife. In his defense, Cochran said, Hey, at least I didnt kill her like some people I know. Advertisement Advertisement 15 Tomorrow, Judge Lance Ito will take O.J. and the jury on a tour of the now-famous crime scene. For the jury, it will be their first look at the actual location. Of course, for O.J., it will be just a case of Been there, done that. 16 Judge Lance Ito was happy with the jurors field trip to the crime scene last week. It went off without a hitch said Ito, Not one murder. Advertisement 17 This week, Simpson defense lawyers questioned witnesses about a half-melted container of ice cream found at the murder site. The Simpson defense has seized upon the ice cream for two reasons. One, it may help fix the time of the murders. And two, it was the only thing in the murder scene without any of O.J.s blood on it. Advertisement 18 O.J.s pal Al Cowlings now has a 1-900 number. For $2.99 a minute, Cowlings will tell callers that O.J. is innocent. And for $3.99 a minute, hell try to do it without laughing. Advertisement 19 You can now purchase a bronze statue of The Juice for only $3,395. And for an even five grand, you can buy one that Al Cowlings has kissed the ass of. 20 Was O.J. Simpson high on speed the night of the murders? Absolutely not, said defense attorney Johnnie Cochran today. And a simple test of any of O.J.s blood found at the crime scene will prove it. Advertisement Advertisement 21 F. Lee Bailey said this week that if the defense only knew what Ronald Goldmans last words were, they might be able to find the real killer. You know, if you ask me, Goldmans last words were probably, Hey! Youre O.J. Simpson! 22 In court this week, Kato Kaelin testified that O.J. Simpson did not appear angry before or after the period of his wifes murder. But, Kaelin admitted that he could have been a touch edgy while he was actually murdering her. Advertisement 23 This week at the O.J. Simpson trial, the infamous bloody glove was finally introduced into evidence, and O.J. didnt help his case any by blurting out, There it is, Ive been looking all over for that thing! Advertisement 24 A new shocker in the O.J. Simpson trial. This afternoon, Judge Lance Ito dismissed yet another juror, a 45-year-old African-American male for failing to tell the court that he had once worked for Hertz Rent-a-Car and, that he had once held Nicole Brown Simpsons glasses while O.J. killed her. Advertisement 25 A bad week for the prosecution at the O.J. Simpson trial, under intense cross-examination by defense lawyer Barry Scheck, LAPD crime expert Dennis Fung admitted that he may have contaminated the crime scene when he accidentally dropped a big bucket full of O.J.s DNA. 26 Dismissed Simpson juror Jeanette Harris revealed in interviews this week that the jury is torn by dissention and is already divided into two camps: those who think he is guilty, and those who are really, really stupid. Advertisement Advertisement 27 Testimony during the final week provided some spellbinding moments. In a brilliant move during closing arguments, Simpson attorney Johnnie Cochran put on the knit cap prosecutors say O.J. wore the night he omitted the murders. Although O.J. may have hurt his case when he suddenly blurted out, Hey, hey, easy with that! That my lucky stabbin hat! 28 Well, it is finally official, murder is legal in the state of California. Advertisement 29 On Tuesday at 1:15, the moment the Simpson verdict was delivered, Court TV scored its highest rating ever. An hour later the channel went out of business. Advertisement Two Tucson men who tried to become ISIS fighters have bee sentenced in federal court to prison terms followed by deportation, federal prosecutors say. Ahmed Mahad Mohamed, 27, and Abdi Yemeni Hussein, 26, both citizens of Somalia who were living in Tucson at the time of their 2019 arrest, were sentenced last week. Judge Jennifer G. Zipps sentenced Mohamed to 132 months in prison and Hussein to 96 months in prison, a U.S. Attorneys Office said in a news release. Both men who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide material support and resources to the designated foreign terrorist organization, Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), are to be deported after serving their prison terms, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a news release. Communication between Mohamed and Hussein from at least August 2018 until their arrest in July 2019, showed they discussed and planned their desire to travel to Egypt and fight for the ISIS in the Sinai Peninsula, the news release says. The men sold their cars and purchased plane tickets from Tucson to Cairo. On the morning of July 26, 2019, the pair checked in for their flight at the Tucson International Airport, went through security screening and walked to the departure gate, the release said. Mohamed was carrying approximately $10,000 that he and Hussein planned to use for travel expenses and to buy firearms. Once in Egypt, they intended to smuggle themselves into the ISIS-controlled area, the release said. They were arrested by the FBI prior to boarding the flight. Air pollution in the Thai capital forced more than 350 schools to close on Friday, city authorities said, the highest number in five years. Bangkok officials also announced free public transport for a week in a bid to reduce traffic in a city notorious for noxious exhaust fumes. Seasonal air pollution has long afflicted Thailand, like many countries in the region, but this week's hazy conditions have shuttered the most schools since 2020. "It's hard to breathe... I really feel the burn in my throat," Benjawan Suknae, 61, a drinks seller, told AFP. "I think (school closures) could help to a certain point." The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said it had closed 352 schools across 31 districts due to air pollution. On Thursday, more than 250 schools in Bangkok were closed, and officials urged people to work from home and restricted heavy vehicles in the city. Air pollution hits the Southeast Asian nation seasonally, as colder, stagnant winter air combines with smoke from crop stubble burning and car fumes. By Friday, the level of PM2.5 pollutants -- cancer-causing microparticles small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs -- hit 108 micrograms per cubic metre, according to IQAir. The reading makes the Thai capital the world's seventh-most polluted major city currently. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 24-hour average exposures should not be more than 15 for most days of the year. By Friday morning, 352 of the 437 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) had shut their doors, affecting thousands of students. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Thursday ordered a ban on stubble burning -- intentionally burning leftover crops to clear fields -- with those responsible risking legal prosecution. In another bid to curb pollution, a government minister said Friday that public transport in Bangkok would be free for a week. The capital's Skytrain, metro, light rail system and bus services will be free to users from Saturday, transport minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit told reporters. "We hope this policy will help reduce pollution." Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is currently attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, called for tougher measures to tackle pollution on Thursday, including limiting construction in the capital and seeking cooperation from nearby countries. "I think there should be more awareness raised (by the BMA) and maybe a work-from-home policy would be best," said freelancer Wisut Kitnarong, 59. The city's authorities introduced a voluntary work-from-home scheme for three days earlier this week. Cities in neighbouring Vietnam and Cambodia also ranked high on IQAir's most-polluted list on Friday, with Ho Chi Minh second and Phnom Penh fifth. Cambodia's environment ministry confirmed on Friday that the air quality in Phnom Penh and three other provinces had reached a "red level", meaning highly polluted. The ministry said in a statement that the air pollution was caused by climate change, waste incineration and forest fires, and urged the public to monitor their health and avoid outdoor activities. Air pollution has closed schools across other parts of Asia recently -- specifically Pakistan and India Nearly two million students in and around New Delhi were told to stay home in November after authorities ordered schools to shut because of worsening air pollution. Pakistan's most populated province of Punjab in November closed schools in smog-hit major cities for two weeks, with thousands hospitalised as air pollutants hit 30 times the level deemed acceptable by the WHO. Bangkok's school closures come as UNICEF said in a report that 242 million children's schooling was affected by climate shocks in 2024. Nguyen Dang Quang, chairman of Vietnam's Masan Group, has fallen off Forbes Worlds Billionaires List 2025, leaving the Southeast Asian country with only five billionaires in the prestigious ranking, down from six at the end of 2024. According to Forbes' latest report, Quang no longer meets the threshold of US$1 billion in net worth required for inclusion. Forbes calculates net worth using several factors, with stock valuations being a significant component. Masans MSN shares dropped nearly five percent in January 2025, closing at VND66,900 ($2.66) per share, which significantly impacted Quangs wealth. Quang was first recognized as a billionaire by Forbes in 2018, with an estimated fortune of $1.3 billion. However, fluctuations in MSNs stock price have repeatedly caused his net worth to hover around the $1-billion mark, making him one of the most frequently removed and reinstated members on the list. In 2024, he ranked sixth among Vietnams six billionaires listed by Forbes. Following Quang's removal, Vietnam had only five billionaires on the Forbes list as of January 24, 2025, with a combined net worth exceeding $12 billion. Pham Nhat Vuong, chairman of Vingroup, continues to lead the pack as the wealthiest Vietnamese billionaire, with a net worth of $4.1 billion. His wealth remains unchanged from the end of 2024 but reflects a $300-million decline compared to April 2024. Vuong directly holds more than 691 million shares of Vingroup, equivalent to an 18-percent stake in the company, and also serves as CEO of VinFast, an electric vehicle manufacturer. Following Vuong in terms of wealth are Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, CEO of VietJet Air, Tran Dinh Long, chairman of Hoa Phat Group, Ho Hung Anh, chairman of Techcombank, and Tran Ba Duong, chairman of automaker Thaco. Thaos net worth has decreased from $2.9 billion at the end of 2024 to $2.8 billion currently. Similarly, Long and Anh have seen their wealth decline from $2.4 billion to $2.3 billion and from $1.8 billion to $1.7 billion, respectively. In contrast, Duong logged a $100-million rise in net worth, reaching $1.3 billion, making him the only one among the five Vietnamese billionaires on the Forbes list to see a jump in wealth. In the updated Forbes rankings, Vuong is now ranked 839th globally, slipping slightly from 833rd at the end of 2024. The latest rankings for Thao, Long, Anh, and Duong are 1,215th (down from 1,185th), 1,415th (down from 1,401st), 1,842nd (down from 1,834th), and 2,420th (up from 2,432nd), respectively. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has retained the top position on the latest Forbes list with a net worth of $433.9 billion. He is followed by Amazon executive chairman Jeff Bezos ($239.4 billion), Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg ($211.8 billion), Oracle CTO Larry Ellison ($204.6 billion), and Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, with $181.3 billion. This reshuffling highlights the volatility of net worth calculations based on stock market performance and other economic factors, underscoring the challenges that even high-profile billionaires face in maintaining their positions in global wealth rankings. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Truong Gia Binh, chairman of FPT Corporation, which has ventured into the pharmaceutical sector, noted that AI is poised to make a significant impact on the industry, especially in the development of vaccines and medications. Binh made the statement during a working breakfast, jointly organized by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and FPT Corporation in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday as part of the World Economic Forum (WEF). A high-ranking Vietnamese delegation also participated in the discussion with global pharmaceutical companies on the future of Vietnamese pharmaceuticals in the digital age, focusing on innovation and technology during the event. Opening the discussion, Binh emphasized that the pharmaceutical industry would be one of the leading sectors applying AI, particularly in the development of vaccines and medications. With over 10 years of experience in AI research and development and collaborations with top global organizations and experts, we are witnessing numerous new AI-driven ideas emerging across various industries, Binh remarked. Meanwhile, representatives from major pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, Roche, Sanofi, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Merck, Sumitomo Pharma, and others, praised recent legal improvements in Vietnams Pharmacy Law. They agreed that the revised law would enhance patient access to new drugs and vaccines. These companies also welcomed Vietnams commitment to advancing new technologies, as reflected in Resolution 57-NQ/TW, which promotes breakthroughs in science, innovation, and national digital transformation. Politburo member and secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen also spoke at the seminar, highlighting the critical role of technology, especially AI and data, in the healthcare sector. He stressed that these innovations would improve lives by increasing longevity and overall well-being. Ho Chi Minh City will introduce pilot mechanisms for pharmaceutical companies to implement their proposals transparently, paving the way for nationwide adoption, Nen stated. Pharmaceutical delegates attend a working breakfast, jointly organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and FPT Corporation in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2025. Digital transformation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals Recently, FPT has emerged as a pioneer in new technology trends and digital transformation, delivering innovative and effective solutions. In the healthcare sector, FPT is building a digital ecosystem that offers fast, convenient, and comprehensive services for government agencies, medical facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and the general public. By integrating technology into healthcare, FPT is enhancing service quality and expanding access to personalized care through innovations like telemedicine and real-time patient health monitoring. FPTs healthcare solutions support around 30 million medical examinations and treatments annually, helping thousands of medical professionals increase efficiency. The company is collaborating with over 300 hospitals nationwide to develop a smart healthcare system that prioritizes people. In the pharmaceutical sector, FPT is improving operational efficiency across all areas by digitalizing pharmaceutical research and development, creating an Advanced Pharmacy Omni-Channel System and developing a comprehensive drug management platform. This connects patients, doctors, and pharmacies through electronic medical records, benefiting chains like Long Chau Pharmacy, Hitachi Medical Devices, Olympus, MedAvisor, Zuellig Pharma, and BrightInsight. FPT has also partnered with BrightInsight, a global leader in regulatory-compliant digital health solutions, to co-develop a digital healthcare platform for the biopharmaceutical and medical technology industries. Additionally, FPTs digital transformation solution for Long Chau Pharmacy has enhanced the customer experience by enabling seamless shopping across web, mobile, and in-store channels, reducing transaction times to under 2.5 minutes. The solution also optimizes multi-channel order management and inventory, reducing stock-outs by five times to less than five percent. Long Chau Pharmacy in VNeID Most recently, Long Chau Pharmacy and the Research and Application Center for Residents Data (RAR), under the Ministry of Public Security, launched an electronic authentication service via VNeID, Vietnams electronic identification system. This partnership allows people to safely and conveniently purchase medicine online through an app-to-app connection between Long Chau Pharmacy and VNeID. The VNeID apps online medicine purchasing feature is part of a broader electronic health book initiative, designed to track medical history, prescriptions, and drug purchases. This essential service meets the publics need for proactive health management. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Schneider Electric, a global leader in electrical equipment and industrial automation based in France, has expressed a keen interest in collaborating with NVIDIA, a U.S. semiconductor giant, to develop data centers in Vietnam. This announcement was made during a discussion which took place on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with leading local companies like FPT Corporation and VinaCapital, the discussion was held as part of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs trip to attend the WEF. The event brought together prominent Vietnamese officials and representatives from international technology leaders such as Google, Schneider Electric, Qualcomm, and Ericsson. At the forum, Schneider Electric chairman Jean Pascal Tricoire highlighted the companys ambition to collaborate with NVIDIA to create advanced data centers in Vietnam, a Schneider Electric official told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. Tricoire emphasized that these data centers would be well-equipped to support the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution and meet rising energy demands while prioritizing sustainability, in line with Vietnam's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Tricoire noted that partnering with NVIDIA in designing these data centers would accelerate computing power to provide digital intelligence to companies across various sectors. Based on Schneider Electrics experience in establishing data centers in leading global markets and emerging regions near Vietnam, these facilities should be designed, deployed, and operated as optimized systems, covering everything from grid-to-chip to chip-to-chiller operations, he stated. Liquid cooling is an important application for AI-driven data centers. Schneider Electric has recently taken steps to enhance its capabilities in this area by acquiring a majority stake in Motivair Corporation, a global leader in direct liquid cooling and data center cooling technology. "Vietnam is emerging as a promising market for high-tech industries," Tricoire said. "Our partnership with NVIDIA will enable the development of next-generation data centers in Vietnam. Additionally, Tricoire shared Schneider Electrics involvement in smart city projects in Vietnam, focusing on building intelligent infrastructure, particularly smart grids and energy systems. With Vietnam becoming a major global manufacturing hub, the company is offering digital technologies, including software, big data, and IoT, to support industrial clients and production facilities, Tricoire stated. Recently, Schneider Electric has achieved significant milestones in Vietnam, developing data centers for major local technology companies such as FPT, Viettel, VNPT, and Vinagame. At the discussion, Nguyen Van Nen, secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, reaffirmed the Vietnamese governments commitment to supporting high-tech investors through policies offering investment incentives, streamlined procedures, and initiatives to develop high-quality human resources. Vietnam welcomes partnerships that explore new sectors, expand cooperation, and propose innovative and breakthrough solutions to fuel its technological progress. On December 5, 2024, the Vietnamese government and NVIDIA signed an agreement to establish an AI research and development center and an AI data center in Vietnam. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The United States will leave the World Health Organization on Jan. 22, 2026, the United Nations said on Thursday, after being formally notified of the decision by President Donald Trump, who has accused the agency of mishandling the pandemic and other international health crises. Trump announced the move on Monday, hours after he was sworn in for a second four-year term. The WHO said on Tuesday that it regretted the move from its top donor country. Trump must give a one-year notice of U.S. withdrawal from the Geneva-based body and pay Washington's dues under a 1948 joint resolution of the U.S. Congress. The United States is by far the WHO's biggest financial backer, contributing around 18% of its overall funding. WHO's most recent two-year budget, for 2024-2025, was $6.8 billion. It was not immediately clear how much the U.S. owes. "I can confirm we have now received the U.S. letter on the WHO withdrawal. It is dated 22 January 2025. It would take effect a year from yesterday, on 22 January 2026," said deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq. The U.S. departure will likely put at risk programs across the organization, according to several experts inside and outside the WHO, notably those tackling tuberculosis, the worlds biggest infectious disease killer, as well as HIV/AIDS and other health emergencies. The withdrawal order signed by Trump said the administration would cease negotiations on the WHO pandemic treaty while the withdrawal is in progress. U.S. government personnel working with the WHO will be recalled and reassigned, and the government will look for partners to take over necessary WHO activities, according to the order. Trump's withdrawal from the WHO was not unexpected. He took steps to quit the body in 2020 during his first term as president. Before the U.S. withdrawal could be completed last time, Joe Biden won the presidential election and put a stop to it on his first day in office on Jan. 20, 2021. Authorities in Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam have fined four restaurants a total of VND525 million (US$20,890) for discharging untreated wastewater directly into the environment. These four F&B businesses were found to have violated environmental regulations by releasing wastewater that exceeded permissible technical standards, the provincial police department confirmed on Thursday. The violations were uncovered during a joint inspection by the department and local authorities in the provincial city of Rach Gia to assess several businesses compliance with environmental protection and food safety regulations. The four restaurants were found to have discharged untreated wastewater directly into the environment. Tests conducted by specialized agencies revealed that the wastewater from these establishments exceeded permissible technical standards by multiple times. Based on these findings, the police department issued administrative penalties for the violations. In addition to the fines, the offending establishments were required to take corrective actions to mitigate the environmental damage and comply with regulations on environmental protection and food safety in their operations. A discharge pipe from one of the restaurants releasing untreated wastewater into the environment in Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Hoang Do Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Almost a year after parents and teachers questioned the inequity of Chromebooks among Conroe ISD campuses, the board of trustees approved a contract with a vendor to supply up to $5 million in new devices annually. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Almost a year after parents and teachers called attention to inequity in how Chromebooks were distributed among Conroe ISD campuses, the board of trustees approved a contract with a vendor to supply up to $5 million in new devices annually. The board approved the contract with Illinois-based CDW Government LLC to provide the 14-inch Chromebooks with the education package. The contract also includes charging carts for the devices. According to Brian Broussard, director of purchasing for the district, the districts contract for the devices expires this month. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In November, voters approved the districts $1.9 billion bond referendum, which included $40 million for technology and devices, including iPads, laptops, and desktop computers. The proposition passed with 58.34% in favor and 41.66% against. During Thursdays meeting, Trustee Marianne Horton said purchasing the new Chromebooks would help level the playing field at school campuses. There is going to be a focus to make it equitable for campuses that dont have the same number of Chromebooks that others do, Horton said. In March, Horton, who was elected to the board in November, spoke during public comment and asked about Chromebook disparity among campuses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to data provided by Horton last year, which includes working and non-working devices, McCullough Junior High had around 2,169 students but only 1,970 Chromebooks. York Junior High had 1,973 students with 2,196 Chromebooks. Vietnamese police have arrested the owner of a Facebook account for posting false information and inciting public opposition to Government Decree 168, which stipulates stricter administrative penalties for road traffic violations. The Hanoi police department on Thursday announced that they had detained and prosecuted Dau Thi Tam, a 45-year-old resident of Hoang Mai District in the capital, for spreading false and inciting information on her Facebook page Dau Thanh Tam. According to Vietnamese authorities, Tam is being investigated under the countrys Penal Code for abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the state, lawful rights, and interests of organizations and/or citizens. The arrest warrant and prosecution decision against Tam had been officially approved by the Hanoi Peoples Procuracy. Investigators disclosed that following the issuance of Decree 168 on December 26, 2024, which took effect on January 1, 2025, Tam published several misleading videos regarding the decree. These videos allegedly spread misinformation, stirred public confusion, and encouraged opposition to the new regulations. Decree 168 introduces significantly higher fines for violations contributing to traffic accidents, aiming to enhance road safety across the country. Hanoi police, in collaboration with other relevant authorities, launched an investigation to verify Tam's actions. Their findings led to her arrest for further investigation and potential legal proceedings. Prior to this incident, Tam was also accused of using her Facebook and TikTok accounts to post misleading and defamatory content regarding medical treatments at certain hospitals in Hanoi. She allegedly slandered and insulted government agencies and officials. Authorities noted that before her arrest, Tam was known for distributing free meals and food to people near the Tam Hiep facility of K Hospital, a cancer treatment institution, in Hanoi. However, she had also been involved in scuffles with others in the area. The Ministry of Public Securitys Traffic Police Department emphasized the importance of Decree 168, which seeks to address low awareness of traffic laws and inadequate penalties for violations. By imposing stricter fines, the decree aims to deter traffic infractions and reduce accidents and casualties. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Nothing in life has any business being perfect. Theres a time when I genuinely hate reviewing a movie I love. My brain whirls around trying to figure out the in for my approach to covering it, constantly second-guessing myself. The story? The excellent actors? The score? The director? How am I going to plunge into this piece and pull out something thats even legible let alone interesting to read? Fortunately, in the case of The Lion in Winter, our own David Krauss already wrote a magnificent review for Kino Lorber Studio Classics 2018 50th Anniversary Blu-ray. Before I turn it over to his words, I will reiterate this is one of my favorite films. Anthony Harveys impeccable production dutifully earned Hepburn an Oscar for Best Actress with OToole earning one of his many nominations for Best Actor that he unfortunately never won. Its a Christmas film filled with political intrigue and familial betrayal as two parents aim to pit their sons against each other. The winner of this little family squabble would inherit the throne of England and half of France when European Christians were gearing up for another Crusade to retake the Holylands. Theres the natural leader and warrior Richard (Anthony Hopkins), the cunning and conniving Geoffrey (John Castle), and Henrys youngest and favored son John (Nigel Terry). Waiting in the wings is King Phillip II (James Bond) eager to reclaim his native lands for France. What better time to settle this business than the Christmas holiday? I was very young when I first saw this film and its been a favorite ever since. I was mesmerized by Peter OTooles incredible commanding performance as Henry. I loved Hepburn as Eleanor of Aquitaine pulling the strings pitting her sons against their father. I loved the comedic banter and playfulness between Henry and Eleanor with this undercurrent of distrust. Its a genuinely spicey Oscar-winning screenplay from James Goldman brought to life by director Anthony Harvey complete with a rousing Oscar-winning John Berry score. Its one of the few movies I never get tired of watching and would damn near call a perfect film. Anyway, heres what Mr. Krauss had to say for his review: Royal families may live in opulent palaces, exude an air of rarefied sophistication, wield considerable power, and command enormous respect, but deep down theyre just people...and theyre riddled with all the same faults and insecurities that plague the rest of us. Thats the idea playwright James Goldman strives to convey in his captivating domestic comedy, The Lion in Winter, which bitingly chronicles a fraught family Christmas filled with all the bickering, rivalries, power plays, hurt feelings, tender moments, and rueful recriminations to which all of us can all too well relate. The only difference is King Henry II of England (Peter OToole) and his estranged wife Eleanor of Aquitaine (Katharine Hepburn) preside over this particular cantankerous clan, yet their lofty pedigrees and imperious nature cant quell the petty sniping and rebellious attitudes that consume their unruly brood and threaten to crack the familys foundation. The Lion in Winter did not take Broadway by storm when it premiered in 1966 (it ran for only 92 performances), but director Anthony Harveys 1968 film version, brilliantly adapted by Goldman, won far more success and acclaim. Opening up the drama broadens its scope, while filming in medieval castles in Wales and the South of France brings welcome authenticity to the tale, which is distinguished by innumerable brisk, poetic exchanges that cleverly blend a Shakespearean rhythm and formality with contemporary turns of phrase. And hearing the delicious quips, put-downs, and comebacks roll off the tongues of such esteemed performers as OToole, Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins, and a young Timothy Dalton in his film debut is one of the pictures great pleasures. Shortly after his 50th birthday, Henry II comes to terms with his impending mortality, and his intense desire to keep his realm secure and intact compels him to begin contemplating succession. He invites his three sons - Richard (Hopkins), Geoffrey (John Castle), and John (Nigel Terry) - as well as his imprisoned wife Eleanor to celebrate Christmas at his castle in Chinon, France, where he plans to select his heir to the throne. Henry favors John, but Eleanor campaigns hard for the lionhearted Richard, and over the course of the tumultuous holidays, everyone - including the neglected Geoffrey - spins devious webs, double-crosses their adversaries, and enacts Machiavellian manipulations as they jockey for the kings favor and seek to gain the upper hand. Spicing up the brew is a special house guest, the young King Philip II of France (Dalton), the son of Eleanors ex-husband, who harbors his own agenda and refuses to be marginalized and dismissed by the larger-than-life Henry. And then theres Philips half-sister Alais (Jane Merrow), whom Eleanor helped raise and who now occupies Henrys bed as his devoted mistress, much to Eleanors chagrin. Alais becomes a pivotal pawn in the diabolical succession games, but Philip proves a formidable opponent for the beleaguered Henry, who begins to fear no one is qualified to replace him and the country he has fought so hard to build will ultimately collapse. Goldmans Oscar-winning script tries hard to educate us on English and French history while the shenanigans play out, but a brief brush-up on whos who and who did what to whom prior to viewing will improve the experience immeasurably. The period is incredibly fascinating, and the depiction of Henrys court as a primitive fortress populated by unkempt peasants, free-running chickens, and a lusty barbarism (it is 1183, after all) shows just how far the British monarchy has evolved over the past eight-plus centuries. And yet the family dynamics Goldman so astutely dramatizes remain strikingly unchanged. Siblings campaign for favor, nurse wounds inflicted by parental neglect, and pit their parents against each other, while the battling mother and father and husband and wife constantly butt heads. In a delicious display of verbal gamesmanship, Henry and Eleanor try to find common ground while endlessly seeking an advantage over the other and furiously paddling away from all the water thats flowed under their marital bridge. The underlying love remains, but sometimes finding it amid the muck is a challenge...and embracing it is even harder. Hepburn won her third Best Actress Oscar (tying with Barbra Streisand for Funny Girl) for her bravura portrayal of the calculating, cunning, fiercely maternal yet oh-so-vulnerable Eleanor. The 61-year-old star was already a grande dame of Hollywood, and she portrays this medieval grande dame with a mesmerizing mix of fury, tenderness, and acerbic - at times even bawdy - humor. Once seen, her majestic entrance on an open riverboat will be long remembered (as will her radiant farewell on the same vessel), and her crackling chemistry with OToole ignites the screen. OToole had previously portrayed Henry II in 1964s Becket, but this performance, which received a Best Actor Oscar nomination, is more robust and free-wheeling. Like the titular lion, the bearded, bushy-haired OToole growls and bellows as he leaps around his castle trying to protect his turf and vanquish all pretenders. Eleanor constantly evens the playing field, and her feline machinations drive the blustery Henry to distraction. Hopkins, in only his second feature film, makes a strong impression as the sexually conflicted Richard, who shares an abnormally close bond with his manipulative mother while harboring a fierce desire for the dashing French king. Dalton holds his own with the current and future cinema legends, while Terry, who also makes his film debut here and would later portray the noble King Arthur in Excalibur, contributes a colorful turn as the grubby, spoiled, immature John. Though the acting and writing steal the show, The Lion in Winter remains a deeply satisfying film. Harvey also nabbed an Oscar nod for his direction, and his expertise is evident in almost every frame. From the beautiful cinematography and production design to the memorable Oscar-nominated music score and Oscar-nominated costumes, the movie constantly excites the senses while stimulating the brain. This Lion has both bark and bite, so sit back, relax, and let him roar. Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray The next king of England will be decided thanks to a new 4K UHD of The Lion In Winter from StudioCanal Vintage Classics Collection. For this review, we were generously provided a check disc. The film is pressed on a Region Free BD100 disc. The disc loads a language menu option Germany or the United Kingdom before arriving at an animated main menu with standard navigation options. The discs are housed in a two-disc case, each disc getting its own tray and no disc stacking. Completing the set is an identical slipcover. HA NOI Profitability has been a major challenge for convenience store chains in Viet Nam, as most of them endure losses as they struggle to find a sustainable business model and capture market share. There is no consistent data on the number of convenience stores in Viet Nam, as different research firms use varying standards to define convenience stores. Data from the market research company Q&Me indicated that as of March 2023, there were approximately 3,720 convenience stores nationwide. Of these, 2,600 stores were located in HCM City, and the rest spread across Ha Noi, a Nang, Binh Duong and other regions. However, according to a report released in September last year by the consulting firm B&Company from Japan, there were only 1,374 convenience stores in Viet Nam. According to classifications by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, mini supermarkets must have an area of at least 80 square metres and at least 500 stock keeping units (SKUs). Convenience stores must be from 30 to 200 square metres in size and serve customers within a 500-metre radius. In terms of market share, a survey by Nielsen Vietnam at the end of 2023 showed that Circle K holds 48 per cent of the market share by revenue, followed by FamilyMart (18.8 per cent), Ministop, 14.3 per cent and then 7-Eleven stores, at 7.3 per cent. This indicated that the convenience store segment in Viet Nam was being dominated by foreign chains. In 2008 Circle K was the first foreign convenience store chain to arrive in Viet Nam. By the end of last year, the chain had 476 stores, operating 24/7 and offering home delivery via food delivery apps. Family Mart entered the market in 2009, followed by Japanese convenience store chain Ministop in 2015 and 7-Eleven in 2017. Thai-owned chain Bs Mart has been in Viet Nam since 2013 and initially, the company expressed a wish to open 150 stores, but at the moment only 84 stores are in operation, mostly in HCM City. In 2018, the South Korean chain GS25 entered the market and it rapidly expanded. In August 2023, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Seoul invested US$20 million into the chain to support its expansion plan over the next two years. GS25 now has 355 stores in Viet Nam, according to the Korea Times. Hardly profitable According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade's forecast, the size of Viet Nams retail market may reach US$350 billion by 2025, contributing to 59 per cent of the national budget. Nevertheless, accepting losses to capture market share has almost become a common strategy for most chains. Intense competition in both the general retail sector and the convenience store segment has made it hard to make a profit. GS25 is considered a prime example of using this strategy. Entering the market later than its Japanese and Thai competitors, the chain set a goal of opening 2,500 stores by the end of 2027, ten years after entering Viet Nam. However, in 2023, the company reported a loss of $4 million, though this was down from the $6.7 million loss in 2022. As a result, GS25 adjusted the original plan and aimed for just 500 stores by 2025 and 700 stores by 2027 which is only 28 per cent of the original target despite being backed by a $20 million investment from the International Finance Corporation. Family Mart had similar ambitions, but in 2023 it registered a loss of $400,000. For Ministop and 7-Eleven, although revenues increased in 2023 by 12 per cent and 37.4 per cent, respectively, there was also no profit. Ministop incurred a $2 million loss, doubling the previous years, while 7-Eleven faced a loss of $4 million. Circle K and K-Market are the only two brands that have registered profits in the market in recent years. In 2022, Circle K reported its strongest revenue growth, reaching $160 million and overcoming two years of accumulated losses. It is the only foreign convenience store chain to report profits exceeding $4 million that year, according to a report by Vietdata published in July 2024. The K-Market chain achieved modest profits in the years of 2022 and 2023, after 18 years of operation in Viet Nam. According to o Duy Thanh, director of FnB Director, a consulting firm for restaurants and food chains, since convenience stores typically target individual customers seeking convenient and fast services, their sales can't be very high. Profit is a major challenge for chains with few locations and small stores. There's a lack of financial resources, and there are challenges in terms of the supply chains since they struggle to secure good prices and sourcing quality goods," Thanh said. The average gross profit margin for retail models is around 20-25 per cent, according to Thanh. For example, a net revenue of VN1 billion (nearly $40,000) per month, after subtracting the cost of goods sold, would result in a gross profit of VN200-250 million ($8,000-10,000). If the monthly revenue is VN500 million, the gross profit would be VN100-125 million. "If you rent a space for VN40 million and have to pay for utilities, security and labour costs, there wouldnt be much profit," Thanh said. The mini-supermarkets that Thanhs company advises and builds for clients in apartment buildings typically have monthly sales of VN300-500 million, he added. "The profit margin is very thin, but if managed well, it can still be viable," he said. VNS HA NOI Many banks are rushing to sell mortgaged assets to recover bad debts, as these types of debts are forecast to increase slightly this year. VietinBank has recently announced a plan to auction off assets to recover debts from Bio-Zem Joint Stock Company. The auctioned asset is a 145sq.m apartment in Ha Nois Ciputra Urban Area. VietinBank offers a starting price of VN8.8 billion for this asset. Agribank has also announced the auction of two luxury villas in the Ciputra Urban Area owned by another individual. The first property, which is a 400sq.m villa, is mortgaged for loans to Thanh An Trading Company Limited and Dung Phat Trading and Construction Company Limited. The starting price for the asset is VN166.5 billion, a decrease of more than VN38 billion compared to the previous offering in August 2024. The second property is a 230sq.m villa and is secured for a loan from Minh Ngoc International Import-Export Investment Trading Company Limited. The starting price of this property is VN75.3 billion, a decrease of more than VN17 billion compared to the offering in August 2024. BIDV has recently announced the auction of all debts of Phu Son Cement Joint Stock Company. One of the assets securing the loan is VIP Hanoi International Primary School. Phu Son Cement Joint Stock Company's debt at BIDV as of November 15, 2024 is more than EUR19.7 million (US$20.5 million), of which the principal balance is EUR7 million and interest debt is more than EUR12.7 million. The value of the debt after conversion at November exchange rates is more than VN529 billion, and BIDV wants to sell the debt at a starting price equal to the value of the debt. Banks are also selling cars to recover debts. GPBank has announced the auction of a used Audi car at a starting price of more than VN1.3 billion. BIDV has also chosen an organisation to auction assets including 14 KIA trucks. All of these vehicles were registered in 2019 in Ha Noi for a starting price of more than VN1 billion. In a recent report on the banking industry, Viet Dragon Securities Company (VDSC) said that bad debts might continue to increase slightly this year, after a circular allowing banks to reschedule debt repayment periods and maintain the debt group for certain sectors expired at the end of 2024. Specifically, the outstanding debts that were restructured under Circular 02/2023/TT-NHNN as of the end of August 2024 stood at about VN126 trillion. Part of this outstanding debt may become bad debt this year. However, VDSC analysts believe that the rise in bad debt after Circular 02 expires will not greatly affect the ability to control bad debts on the banks balance sheet, because many banks have taken relatively sufficient measures to stabilise it. In the list of 10 banks that VDSC monitors, the restructured debt balance has gradually decreased and stabilised at around VN40 trillion in the past year. VDSC estimates the provisioning ratio and restructured debt balance to be above 50 per cent. The expiration of Circular 02 is expected to affect bad debts at a few private banks in 2025. VNS HA NOI Personal computer manufacturers have been rolling out products with AI-integrated chips in the last few years as they stepped up the efforts to get consumers to learn more about AI and their capacity in the domestic market. Asus, for instance, has provided both online and in-store experiences, adding that they have integrated AI into products to provide users with additional features and functions. For example, with the ROG series targeting gamers, AI features have been put to work to enhance user experience, said a representative from Asus. The company said it had been working closely alongside partners to find additional real-world applications. Surveys had shown the majority of users, once familiar with AI, could improve their productivity significantly. He said the main issue in the Asia-Pacific region had been the language barrier, which had prevented many from using voice support functions. Therefore, Asus had been working to improve its AIs ability to recognise Vietnamese, Cambodian and Burmese, which allows users from these countries to make the most out of Asus AI features. In a recent development, NVIDIAs acquisition of VinBrains shares, an AI start-up under Vingroup, and its decision to build two research centres in Viet Nam has highlighted how NVIDIA is heading in terms of establishing itself here. NVIDIAs CEO Jensen Huang said Viet Nam could develop, operate and improve AI using its resources. He said the country had a million software engineers, who could be retrained to work with AI, allowing it to become Viet Nams largest export. In a recent development, Viettel has announced a US$100 million investment in a large AI data centre. FPT, meanwhile, has entered a comprehensive strategic partnership with NVIDIA, investing $200 million in building an AI factory that will provide cloud computing platforms to support AI research and development in Viet Nam. Potential According to Nguyen Trung Chinh, Chairman of CMC Corporation, AI is not just a new technology, but a vital resource with the potential to impact all sectors of the economy. It has been projected that AI will contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030 while increasing labour productivity by 40 per cent by 2035, he said. Chairman of FPT Group Truong Gia Binh said that it was one of the earliest companies to bet on AI over a decade ago, seeing its vast potential. Large international corporations have been doubling their AI investments annually, reaching hundreds of billions of dollars. NVIDIA has become a $3 trillion company, he said. He said as Viet Nam heavily focuses on its digital transformation and technological development, AI would likely play a crucial part in national development in the future. According to a Google report, given wide-spread and adequate AI adoption, Vietnamese businesses could generate an additional $79.3 billion by 2030, the equivalent of around 12 per cent of the Southeast Asian country's entire economy. AI could be a game changer for Viet Nam to improve productivity and speed up its development, according to Marc Woo, Managing Director for Viet Nam at Google Asia-Pacific. In recent years, the government has prioritised the research, application and development of new technologies, particularly AI and semiconductors. Viet Nam has issued a national strategy on AI research, development, and applications by 2030, aiming to accelerate these efforts and make AI a vital technological field in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This strategy contributes to economic and social development while positioning Viet Nam as a prominent AI research, development and application hub both regionally and globally. VNS HA NOI Viet Nams tourism sector is taking significant strides towards environmental sustainability as all Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) members pledge to eliminate single-use plastics and integrate plastic waste reduction into operational policies by 2030. According to VITA Chairman Vu The Binh, while tourism is highly affected by plastic waste pollution, it is also a significant contributor to the issue. He cited the pledge as a catalyst for a plastic-free tourism sector. "Tourism businesses' active participation in reducing plastic waste is the key to achieving sustainable development goals," Binh said. Since 2018, the association has launched initiatives such as 'Vietnam Tourism Joins Hands to Reduce Plastic Waste' and 'Plastic Waste Reduction in Tourism,' and introduced a certification system for 'plastic-free tourism businesses.' The initiatives have yielded remarkable results. In Hoi An, for example, plastic waste volume at hotels dropped by 64 per cent within three months of implementing the campaigns. By 2025, three-fourths of VITA members aim to enhance awareness of plastic waste issues, while all tourist sites, restaurants and hotels plan to eliminate non-biodegradable plastic bags and single-use plastics. Half of tourism businesses are expected to implement guidelines for reducing plastic waste by the years' end. By 2030, 100 per cent of VITA members are committed to removing single-use plastics and embedding waste reduction measures in their regulations. VITA also plans to strengthen international cooperation, foster technology transfer and share experiences to promote sustainable tourism. Chairperson of the Ninh Binh's Tourism Association, Duong Thi Thanh, highlighted the province's success in the 'Plastic Waste Reduction in Tourism' initiative, which has led to a 23 per cent decrease in plastic waste at hotels, 14 per cent at restaurants and 20 per cent at tourist sites. "Many tourism businesses have taken steps to combat plastic pollution, especially single-use plastics. This is a very positive sign of changing attitudes and actions within Ninh Binh's tourism community," Thanh said. However, Thanh noted several challenges remain, including high initial costs for replacing plastic items with eco-friendly alternatives, inconsistent implementation of waste reduction measures and the persistence of visitors bringing plastic waste into tourism sites. To address these issues, the tourism association outlined six key priorities, including raising public and tourist awareness, developing green tourism products and mobilising international resources to advance plastic waste reduction efforts. The association also launched a plastic waste management app, providing a reporting system to track the collection and disposal of plastic waste. It played a key role in certifying 'plastic-free tourism businesses' under the associations criteria, encouraging companies to adopt more sustainable practices. VNS HCM CITY Theatre artists of HCM City are performing in new experimental plays featuring Southern culture and costumes during the Tet (Lunar New Year) festival. Young performers from the private ong Au- Bach Long Troupe play in a series of tuong (classical drama) shows based on Vietnamese fairy tales and legends. Tet traditions are also included. Their highlighted work features the stories of Ong Tao (Kitchen God), one of Tets important rituals which signals the start of Tet preparations. In Vietnamese tradition, every family has three kitchen gods, two husbands and one wife called in Vietnamese hai ong mot ba, overseeing the households affairs. On the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, each kitchen god returns to the Jade Emperor, the King of Heaven, on the back of a carp fish. They report back to the Jade Emperor on each familys affairs for that past year. People clean their houses and offer sacrifices to aid the gods journey and ensure a good report. We hope the traditional culture and lifestyle will attract audiences. My young staff provide interesting stories, and new, modern styles," said the plays director Bach Long. ong Au Bach Long Troupe opened in 1992 and features 20 young actors, mostly graduates of leading art schools in the region. Its founder, Long, has more than 40 years in tuong, a gerne of Vietnamese theatre that consists of singing and dancing accompanied by music, and is highly stylised and filled with symbolism. Long and his artists have worked to bring tuong with new concepts to meet the taste of young audiences. Theatre stars Vo Minh Lam and Tu Suong perform in Mai Trang Se Duyen (Love Bridge), a production staged by the Huynh Long Tuong Troupe. Their show features cai luong (reformed opera), a 100-year-old theatre of the South. Love, bravery and patriotism based on folk stories are highlighted. We will offer a new style of cai luong combined with modern concepts in structure, conversation and directing style, said actor Lam, winner of the Chuong Vang (Golden Bell) in 2006, a national cai luong singing contest organised annually by HCM City Television. According to Lam, only quality shows bring cai luong closer to youngsters. I will bring the unique tunes of traditional theatre to audiences, he said. The plays by ong Au-Bach Long and Huynh Long take place at 5pm and 8pm daily during the Tet break, starting on January 29, at 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 3 and 170 Kinh Duong Vuong Street, District 6. VNS HA NOI Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang has underscored the fruitful outcomes of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs official visits to Poland and the Czech Republic and bilateral activities in Switzerland from January 15-22. Talking with the press, Hang hailed the visits as a step to follow the foreign policy outlined by the 13th National Party Congress, further deepen friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with traditional partners in Western and Central Eastern Europe. She said it was the first high-level delegation exchange in 18 years with Poland and six years with the Czech Republic, both traditional friends that have provided selfless, genuine and dedicated help for the Vietnamese people during the national liberation, reunification and current development. The visits took place at the time when Viet Nam and Poland, as well as the Czech Republic, prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in early February. Additionally, Viet Nam and Switzerland are approaching the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026. Poland recently assumed the rotating presidency of the European Union from January 1, 2025. PM Chinh's agenda was packed, engaging in over 30 talks and meetings, delivering policy speeches, attending business forums and the Spring Homeland programme, and exploring several cultural, scientific and technological establishments in these nations. A standout achievement from these visits, according to Hang, was the enhancement of relations and strengthening of political trust. Viet Nam and Poland issued a joint statement on advancing towards an upgrade of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, while Viet Nam and the Czech Republic issued a joint statement on the upgrade of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. Vietnam and Switzerland issued a joint statement to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership. There was a consensus among the countries to increase exchanges at various levels and through different channels, particularly through people-to-people exchanges, to raise mutual understanding and set the stage for expanded cooperation in other areas. Leaders of the European nations spoke highly of Viet Nam's rising international stature, with the Czech Republic and Poland considering Viet Nam their most important partner in Asia. The visits have invigorated cooperation in such traditional areas as trade, investment, tourism, education-training, national defence-security, culture, tourism, and labour, in line with the new partnership framework. They also expanded collaboration to other areas where both sides have potential and mutual needs, like digital transformation, green transition, information and communication technology, cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals, automotive industry, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and connectivity in aviation and rail transport. Viet Nam, Poland and the Czech Republic agreed to further open their markets to each other's agricultural, seafood and food products within the framework of the EU- Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). They promised to expedite the ratification of the EU- Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and accelerate negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Eight new cooperation agreements were inked, spanning diplomacy, labour, aviation, education, sports, and culture. Vietnam's decision to waive visa requirements for citizens of these three countries was warmly welcomed, promising to boost tourism and cultural exchanges. On global and regional issues, PM Chinh and leaders of the three countries agreed to offer mutual support at multilateral forums and organisations, and peacefully settle disputes in line with international laws and basic principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Hang mentioned PM Chinh's advocacy for better integration, cultural and Vietnamese language preservation among the overseas Vietnamese community during his talks and meetings. About the PMs attendance at the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Hang said the PM, along with leaders from various ministries, agencies and localities, engaged in discussions with several leading corporations during five key forums focused on areas aligned with Vietnam's development priorities, including hi-tech, artificial intelligence (AI), pharmaceuticals, smart infrastructure, green energy and financial centre development. The business community affirmed readiness to further invest in Viet Nam 's priority areas, and pledged to accompany Viet Nam in developing financial centres in HCM City and a Nang. The Vietnamese leaders speeches and discussions left a lasting impression of Viet Nam's aspirations, vision and determination for development, highlighting the country's institutional, resource and infrastructure readiness to embrace the intelligent age. Hang concluded by stressing that the delegation had made the most of the trip to strengthen ties with various countries and international organisations, with commitments spanning trade, healthcare, intellectual property, agriculture and renewable energy. The PM's attendance in Davos delivered important messages to the international community, highlighting sincerity, cooperation, international solidarity, the role of multilateralism in promoting sustainable, inclusive and adaptive development for the intelligent age. He stressed that the intelligent age must serve people, with a focus on human-centric initiatives and cooperation, and highlighted the responsibility of countries and businesses within the global ecosystem, Hang added. VNS A school bus driven by church volunteers empties half a dozen unhoused people they fed and warmed up during a Bible study back onto the street at Bagby Street between Capitol and Texas because there was nowhere else the church group knew to take them in Downtown Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann Debra Kimber, 72, tries to stay warm in Tranquillity Park in Downtown Houston, TX on Monday, January 6, 2024. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann The city of Houston on Thursday closed eight of the warming centers officials had opened for people seeking shelter from the historic Houston freeze and snow this week. Forecasts show temperatures trending upward through Friday and a return to 60-degree weather this weekend. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fonde and the Metropolitan Multiservice Center will remain open as warming centers for one more night due to below-freezing temperatures, according to the city of Houston. I want to thank the Office of Emergency Management, the Mayors Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security, the Houston Health Department, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and all other staff and partners who worked to operate the warming centers, Mayor John Whitmire said in a statement. We came together as a city to assist our most vulnerable citizens. Houston showed how well we plan and execute in response to a major weather event. Each warming center visitor will be able to receive a support bag containing ready-to-eat meals, socks, social services information and help with transportation back to homes and shelters. HOUSTON SNOW PHOTOS: Top photos of Houston's historic snow day Advertisement Article continues below this ad Brian Mason, director of the city's office of emergency management, said in the news release that the city will see an end to the arctic blast this week. VIENTIANE Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam hosted a reception in Vientiane on January 21-22 for over 20 delegations from Lao ministries, agencies, front and mass organisations who came to offer congratulations on the 95th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and the upcoming Lunar New Year. Ambassador Tam shared an overview of the CPV's accomplishments over the last 95 years, alongside the socio-economic progress the nation has made. He attributed these successes partly to the steadfast support from the Lao Party, State and people, acknowledging their role not only during Viet Nam's struggle for independence and reunification but also in its current developmental phase. Looking to the future, Tam expressed his hope that both nations will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder, working hand in hand to build and develop their countries, steadfastly advancing toward the goal of socialism. The Vietnamese Embassy in Laos will continue to serve as a bridge to bolster increasingly fruitful cooperative relations between the two sides, contributing to the effective implementation of high-level agreements between the two Parties and countries, as well as bilateral co-operation programmes and plans, he said. The Vietnamese Party, State and people always attach importance to and give special priority to the relations with Laos, stand ready to assist and share experiences in the Party and political system building, socio-economic development, new-style rural area development, poverty reduction, expansion of foreign relations and integration into the world, he said, adding that Viet Nam will continue assisting Laos in workforce training and engage in in-depth discussions on areas of mutual concern. Lao officials, in turn, expressed their profound gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their invaluable, substantial and effective support throughout teir countrys past struggle for independence as well as ongoing national development and safeguarding. Sharing updates on the current situation in Laos, they highlighted the positive outcomes of recent cooperation with Vietnamese ministries, agencies, front, mass organisations, and also proposed some areas for further collaboration in the future. VNS MOSCOW A seminar to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Viet NamRussia diplomatic ties (January 30, 1950 2025) was hosted by the authorities of Saint Petersburg - the second-largest city of Russia, on January 22. The online and in-person event connected representatives of Vietnamese localities twinned with Saint Petersburg, the Viet Nam-Russia Friendship Association, and other organisations. In his remarks, Governor of Saint Petersburg Alexander Beglov, extended his warm congratulations to all attendees, stressing that Viet Nam and Russia have walked together, and supporting each other to achieve significant successes. According to Beglov, Saint Petersburgwhere President Ho Chi Minh first set foot upon arriving in Russiahas always been at the forefront of traditional cooperation, particularly in economic, cultural, and social collaborations. He noted that an increasing number of Vietnamese localities are establishing twin relationships with this Russian city. Beglov showed his belief that cooperation between Russia and Viet Nam holds promising prospects; ambitious projects; and potential for further expansion in cultural, humanitarian, and youth exchanges. On the threshold of Viet Nams traditional Lunar New Year (Tet), he wished all Vietnamese friends a successful new year filled with many achievements. Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia ang Minh Khoi sent a recorded speech to the seminar, celebrating this significant milestone in the two countries' relations. He recalled the formation and development of the ties between Viet Nam and the former Soviet Union as well as Russia today, stressing that the political relationship built on high trust has been continuously strengthened. Cooperation in various fields, including security-defence, economy and trade, science-technology, education-training, culture, tourism, and partnerships between localities of the two nations, has all witnessed positive progress, he stated. Viet Nam always remembers the heartfelt, immense, and invaluable support of the former Soviet Union and Russia today throughout the years of struggle for national independence and reunification, as well as in the national construction and defence, the diplomat said. The year 2024 marked numerous significant events in the relations between the two countries, he said, highlighting that the state visit to Viet Nam by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the visits to Russia by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man created a strong impetus to further promote comprehensive cooperation between the two nations. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin made his first visit to Viet Nam in early 2025, marking a new chapter in the deep multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, and especially towards lifting the two-way trade to US$15 billion by 2030, he noted. Representatives from the Vietnamese community and friendship associations gave positive assessments of the history and current relations between the two countries. The two sides highly valued positive signals in their cooperation, pointing out that one of the key factors for continuously strengthening bilateral relations is frequent and reliable dialogue at the highest levels. Participants said they believe that the relationship between Viet Nam and Russia will continue to develop positively in the spirit of traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership, meeting the interests of the two countries people, well as the mission of ensuring peace and prosperity in the region and the world. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs official visits to Poland and the Czech Republic, as well as his attendance at the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and bilateral activities in Switzerland from January 15-23 conveyed a message of determination and aspiration to attract international resources to drive national development in a new era. During the trip, Chinh had a hectic schedule, as he held talks and meetings with most of the high-ranking leaders of the State, Government, and Parliament of Poland and the Czech Republic, and held talks with the Swiss President. A key outcome is that all the three European countries expressed a desire and agreed to upgrade and enhance their relations with Viet Nam. Specifically, Viet Nam and Poland aim to elevate their relationship to a Strategic Partnership; Viet Nam and the Czech Republic upgraded their ties to a Strategic Partnership; while Viet Nam and Switzerland elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang stated that the agreements to elevate the level of relations between Viet Nam and Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland hold historical significance, creating a breakthrough for Viet Nam and these countries to enter a new phase. PM Chinh and the leaders of the countries agreed on measures to create new momentum for cooperation in traditional areas such as trade, investment, tourism, education and training, defence and security, culture, tourism, and labour; and to expand collaboration into new ones such as digital transformation, green transition, information and communication technology, cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals, automotive industry, and aviation and railway connectivity. In particular, trade between Viet Nam and Poland as well as the Czech Republic is set to increase to US$5 billion per year, up from the current level of around $2 billion. To quickly materialise these agreements and the desire to enhance cooperation, Chinh also engaged with leaders of various organisations, political parties, and friendship associations, and visited many cultural, scientific, and technological institutions in the countries. He chaired forums, dialogues, and meetings with leading businesses from these countries to encourage investment and promote trade between Viet Nam and the respective countries. On this occasion, Viet Nam and the three countries signed eight cooperation agreements in such areas as diplomacy, labour, aviation, education, sports, and culture. Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien stated that the European countries highly value Viet Nam's role and regard it as a leading strategic partner in the region and globally. They expressed their desire to elevate bilateral relations to a new, comprehensive, and effective level across various fields. Viet Nam and these countries discussed and agreed on numerous important goals, tasks, and solutions in economic, trade, and investment cooperation. Notably, the Government leader took time to visit businesses owned by Vietnamese people and met with embassy staffs and the Vietnamese communities in Poland and the Czech Republic. Chinh and his wife also joined them in Xuan Que Huong (Homeland Spring) programmes. At the WEFs 55th Annual Meeting, PM Chinh had a packed schedule, as he participated in and delivered speeches at four discussion sessions, three of them exclusively designed by the WEF for Viet Nam. Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), said that Viet Nam has emerged as a remarkable example of how trade and investment can fuel inclusive growth and development. Highlighting Viet Nam's remarkable average annual economic growth rate of approximately 7 per cent over the past three decades, she said Vietnams hosting of UNCTADs 16th session in October 2025 is highly anticipated. On this occasion, the Vietnamese Prime Minister held meetings with nearly 20 leaders from various countries and international organisations. Together with leaders from ministries, sectors, and localities, he engaged in exchanges and dialogues with nearly 250 top economic groups in five separate discussion sessions. According to Don Lam, CEO of VinaCapital Group, some investors he met this time expressed their desire and hope that Viet Nam will further open its door to allow foreign businesses to bring technology into the country for investment, as it is currently politically stable and has an abundant workforce in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Naga Chandrasekara, Executive Vice President and Chief Global Operations Officer of Intel Corporation, which has invested in Viet Nam for over 15 years, stated that Viet Nam has big opportunities in digital transformation and innovation, thanks to its young, abundant, and talented workforce. The ambitious vision, goals, and commitments of the Vietnamese government serve as a strong driving force, reflecting its high level of determination. It can be affirmed that attending the WEF meeting, the PM and the Vietnamese delegation conveyed a strong message of sincerity, cooperation, solidarity, and responsibility toward the international community; and expressed the countrys readiness and desire to foster effective cooperation with partners. The Government leaders trip continues to implement and affirm Viet Nam's foreign policy, and helps further deepen the country's relations with its partners, enhance its position and role, and highlight its responsible contributions to the global community. VNS HA NOI Hungary attaches importance to its relations with Viet Nam, Hungarian Deputy State Secretary for Development of Eastern Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Stifter Adam told Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai. At their recent meeting, the two officials discussed the Viet Nam Hungary relations and measures to enhance the ties in the coming time. They also agreed to coordinate with each other in carrying out activities to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations this year (February 3, 1950 - 2025). Emphasising the Vietnamese Party, State, and people highly evaluate the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Hungary, Thai noted that the bilateral relationship is currently at a positive stage, with a high level of political trust. He affirmed Viet Nams determination to deepen the Viet Nam-Hungary comprehensive partnership, and develop the bilateral ties strongly, practically and effectively across all fields. The ambassador proposed the two sides soon coordinate to organise the 10th session of the Viet Nam-Hungary Intergovernmental Committee for Economic Cooperation in Ha Noi, as well as trade and investment promotion activities; and expand cooperation in tourism and education. He suggested Hungary facilitate visa issuance for Vietnamese citizens traveling, working, and studying in Hungary. On this occasion, Thai expressed his gratitude to the Hungarian government for consistently supporting and creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community. Building on the strong political relationship and the shared political will and determination of both sides, he proposed the Hungarian government officially recognise the community as its 14th ethnic minority group, enabling their full integration into the Hungarian social life. Adam appreciated the positive contributions of the Vietnamese community to Hungary's socio-economic life, affirming that he will provide maximum support within the legal framework for the recognition of the community as an ethnic minority group in Hungary. At the meeting, the two sides agreed on measures to further strengthen the bilateral relations, including continuing to promote visits at all levels, particularly high-level ones, expanding cooperation mechanisms such as political consultations at various levels and dialogues on issues of mutual interest in a spirit of frankness, openness, and mutual respect; fostering business exchanges and people-to-people interactions; and coordinating efforts at multilateral forums, especially within the United Nations. Thai suggested the Hungarian government continue supporting and advocating for EU member states to promptly ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and to urge the European Commission to lift its yellow card warning against Viet Nams seafood exports. VNS HA NOI By using population data and identification cards in crime prevention efforts, the Police Department for Administrative Management of Social Order (C06) has arrested 2,034 wanted individuals across the country since 2021. Following the Prime Ministers directives, the Ministry of Public Security officially launched the National Database on Population and Citizen Identity Cards on July 1, 2021, after more than a year of implementation. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Public Security, local police forces have worked with the chairpersons of People's Committees to establish task forces at three levels provincial, district and communal across all 63 provinces. In addition to supporting law enforcement, the database has streamlined administrative procedures by ensuring that population data is accurate and comprehensive. This enables state management agencies to simplify administrative processes and reduce paperwork. The database has facilitated over 1.6 billion information queries, eliminating the need for citizens to submit notarised copies of documents, shortening processing times and reducing travel expenses. These efficiencies have saved more than VN500 billion (US$19.83 million) for ministries, sectors and localities, while also fostering a professional, modern and transparent administrative system. C06 has also developed 35 utilities within the VNeID application. These tools have been embraced by citizens, resulting in over 460 million visits to the platform, with daily usage averaging three to six million visits. In crime prevention, C06 has handled more than 50,000 queries and verification requests from police units and localities, aiding in the swift apprehension of offenders. Colonel Vu Van Tan, deputy director of C06, highlighted plans to build on the success of this initiative, known as Project 06/CP. The Ministry of Public Security is advising the government to issue Resolution No. 175-NQ/TW, which aims to establish National Data Centre No. 1 as part of Viet Nams digital transformation roadmap. Colonel Tan said that Project 06/CP laid a solid foundation for implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, which focuses on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation. These initiatives were expected to accelerate modern production, reform national governance, foster socio-economic development and prevent the risk of falling behind in global advancements. "Supported by the National Assemblys approval of the Data Law, Viet Nam is poised for transformative progress," he said. Among the technological innovations being implemented by C06 are a digital platform for asset auctions via VNeID, ensuring transparency and cost-effectiveness; an electronic handbook for Party members to facilitate learning and engagement; software for monitoring Party congress progress; and the VNeID National Charity Platform, which supports effective and transparent philanthropic activities for individuals, organisations and local authorities. According to C06, this system has operated stably since its launch, marking a significant milestone in modernising national governance to meet the demands of international and regional integration. VNS HA NOI Police of Ha Noi on January 23 reported that they have detained and launched legal proceedings against au Thi Tam, a 45-year-old resident of the citys Hoang Mai district for allegedly abusing democratic freedoms to harm the interests of the State under Article 331 of the Criminal Code. During their investigation, police found that Tam had frequently used her TikTok and Facebook accounts to post videos containing false information about medical practices in various Hanoi hospitals. In addition, she was found to have slandered and defamed the reputation of public authorities and leaders at multiple levels. Most recently, following the issuance of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, which introduced new penalties for traffic violations, Tam posted several videos with fabricated content, spreading confusion and inciting opposition to the decree. Ha Noi police promptly coordinated with relevant authorities to investigate the case. They are working with the Ministry of Public Securitys Investigation Security Agency to gather evidence to determine the appropriate legal actions to take against Tam. Earlier, on January 16, Hoang Mai district police fined ang Hoang Ha, born in 1973 and residing in the Bac Linh am area of Hoang Liet Ward, for posting misleading content about Decree 168. According to the police, Ha used his personal Facebook account to share distorted images and videos regarding the new penalties, which included inflammatory comments that incited public protests. Authorities confiscated related materials, and Ha admitted to the violations. As a result, Hoang Mai district police imposed an administrative fine of VN7.5 million on Ha for spreading false information that caused public confusion. Ha Noi police are urging the public to be cautious when consuming and sharing content online and to rely on official sources for accurate information. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Public Security has warned that animal smuggling has evolved with more sophisticated methods, posing risks of importing diseases into Viet Nam and causing significant economic losses. Deputy Director of the C05 Department under the Ministry of Public Security, Colonel Le Thom, noted that the smugglers are using different forms to get livestock illegally into the country. For instance, in Quang Ninh Province, smugglers have shifted from trafficking live animals to smuggling poultry eggs and aquatic species, which are easier to distribute and conceal. According to Thom, due to price disparities and high profits, many individuals have been recruited to participate in smuggling activities which also continue to include bigger animals. In the southwest region, smugglers pay up to VN800,000 per buffalo or cow herded across the border, he said. In 2024, the department handled over 300 cases of smuggling violations involving 188 individuals, imposed fines exceeding VN8 billion, and prosecuted 11 cases involving 18 defendants. On December 24, 2024, the police dismantled a network smuggling pigs from Thailand into Viet Nam for consumption. Smugglers were caught red-handed transporting 339 tonness of pigs across the border in Tay Ninh province. On January 11, 2025, the police caught a facility in uc Hoa district in Long An province preparing 900 diseased pigs for slaughter and sale. Testing on January 13 revealed that 19 of 24 samples were positive for diseases including African swine fever and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. The infected pigs were subsequently destroyed as required by food husbandry regulations. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung uc Tien emphasised that while the livestock industry has significant growth potential, smuggling poses substantial risks and is one of three major issues requiring attention. He highlighted the importance of industrial-scale, biosecure production to boost exports and stressed the need to tighten import controls and coordinate with local authorities to combat animal smuggling and the trafficking of animal products. We know that smuggled breeding stock is the root cause of outbreaks such as avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, lumpy skin disease and African swine fever, which result in tremendous economic losses, he said, citing that African swine fever alone has caused losses amounting to VN30 trillion. Tien stressed that local veterinary agencies must lead efforts in coordination with traffic police and market management forces to monitor the transport and sale of smuggled poultry and livestock. He also emphasised that provincial chairs cannot remain uninvolved in addressing this issue. Focusing on the southern provinces, which attract world-class livestock enterprises, Tien warned that allowing smuggling would be akin to: shooting ourselves in the foot. Smuggling operations are highly complex, involving diverse locations, actors and tactics. However, over the past two years, anti-smuggling efforts have deepened, with clear identification of targets, locations and behaviours, supported by proactive participation from various forces, he said. Tien called on forces such as the police, border guards and customs officials, as well as local authorities, to intensify their efforts and completely suppress smuggling activities based on established intelligence. The ministry has issued a directive to provincial leaders, urging them to coordinate units such as traffic police with veterinary forces to fulfill their responsibilities. Regarding policy mechanisms, Tien proposed reviewing legal documents, decrees and circulars to strengthen deterrence through higher penalties for smuggling violations. He also emphasised the need for more active participation from management agencies and local authorities in tackling the issue, treating it as a critical mission. Additionally, he warned that if smuggling persists in certain areas, the ministry is prepared to recommend severe actions to the Government to address such negligence effectively. VNS HCM CITY The HCM City Police have issued a warning about a rise in online scams specifically targeting individuals seeking employment opportunities abroad, particularly in Australia and South Korea. The police have reported numerous victims that have suffered huge financial losses as a result of these fraudulent schemes in recent months. Scammers are exploiting popular social media platforms, including Facebook and Zalo, to craft fake accounts that impersonate legitimate government agencies. These counterfeit profiles often feature official logos and imagery to lend an air of credibility. The deceptive accounts frequently promote recruitment services for overseas employment or educational opportunities, luring in unsuspecting job seekers with promises of lucrative positions abroad. Misleading websites, such as Overseas Employment Consulting Center Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs and Asian Overseas Employment Consultancy," falsely promote job opportunities, according to the police. Offenders create fake documents with forged signatures from officials and use images of ministry leaders to gain victims' trust. When individuals seek information, they are directed to these scams. Scammers pose as representatives and provide fake recruitment notices, requesting personal information for application processing. Victims then receive counterfeit Selection Notices with forged signatures and stamps. Victims are instructed to pay fees, taxes, and insurance to bank accounts linked to shell companies or names similar to legitimate providers. Some scammers even use personal accounts matching authorised officials' names to enhance credibility. After payments are made, the scammers cut off all communication, leaving victims unable to recover their money. The police urge the public to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any job offers or recruitment services before providing personal information or making financial commitments. Individuals are recommended to rely on official government channels and trusted sources when exploring overseas employment opportunities. There are currently 64 licensed companies in the city for overseas employment services, according to the police. Residents should check the Department of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs website for reliable information and report any suspicious activities to local authorities. VNS HA NOI The Paediatrics Centre and Poison Control Centre at Ha Noi's Bach Mai Hospital on Wednesday admitted 32 children from Phu Binh Primary School in Tuyen Quang City, suspected of ingesting rat poison. The children, aged one to fifth grade, had consumed a liquid from tubes resembling common rat poison, with fluoroacetate identified as the active ingredient. Parents reported that on January 21, children playing near a tea hill discovered a bag of red and green plastic tubes. Some brought the tubes to school and shared the liquid with classmates. The school has since advised families to seek medical attention, collected the remaining tubes, and reviewed chemical use on its premises. Seven children consumed significant amounts and showed symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, and dizziness, putting them at high risk of severe poisoning. One child experienced seizures, two showed brain damage, and some had cardiac issues. All remain conscious and under close monitoring. Upon receiving the children, we mobilised medical staff and coordinated with the Poison Control Centre to triage patients and establish a scientific consultation council, said Associate Professor Nguyen Thanh Nam, Director of the Paediatrics Centre. Tests confirmed fluoroacetate poisoning. Associate Professor Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Director of the Poison Control Centre, noted the need to monitor for additional toxins. Fluoroacetate and fluoroacetamide, banned for years in Viet Nam, are highly toxic rat poisons imported from China. Despite the ban, they have resurfaced illegally in recent years. These chemicals cause severe neurotoxic effects and can lead to multi-organ failure. Bach Mai Hospital is treating 32 children, while the National Paediatrics Hospital is caring for five others. Urine tests confirmed fluoroacetate in all cases, according to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine. VNS Audrii Cunningham. (Courtesy The Uvalde Foundation For Kids)? (Courtesy The Uvalde Foundation A bill filed in the Texas Legislature proposes adding people convicted of child grooming to the list of people whose names must be added to the states sex offender registry. House Bill 2000, dubbed Audrii's Law, has been purported by some to close a legal loophole exposed by 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham's death. Legal experts said the legislation aims at updating a relatively new law that couldn't have been applied to the man convicted of killing Audrii. The bill was filed Thursday by state Rep. Trent Ashby, of Lufkin, whose district includes the part of Polk County where Audrii was killed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The proposal came just days after Audriis killer, Don MacDougal pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison. Ashby said Audriis Law is meant to address a lingering question left after her death: Why a man previously accused of harming a child wasnt required to be on the states sex offender registry. Criminals with a history like McDougal need to be on a publicly available list so that people can protect themselves and their families from tragedies like what occurred in Polk County, Ashby said. In 2007, MacDougal was arrested and charged with indecency with a child amid accusations he tried to molest a young girl in Brazoria County. He agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge, enticing a child, and was sentenced to two years in prison. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the time since Audriis killing, there were calls to change laws to make enticing a child a sex crime. Ashbys proposal doesnt do that. Instead, the bill proposes adding a different charge child grooming to the list of crimes required to be on the registry after a conviction. Crosses with purple bows lined up the driveway of at First Baptist Church in Livingston for Audrii Cunninghams visitation Friday, March 1, 2024 . Audrii, 11, was found on the banks of the Trinity River Feb. 20, five days after family reported her missing. The crosses and bows were donated by the Livingston community. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer The child grooming law was created in 2023. It didnt exist when MacDougal was convicted of enticing in 2007. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shannon Edmonds, the executive director of the Texas District & County Attorneys Association, said it makes sense to focus on the newer law because it more specifically addresses the criminal situation MacDougal was in. While its name suggests a venereal act, Texas enticing a child law is about custody. Not every case has a sexual element to it, Edmonds said. The grooming law was aimed at a person who attempts to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a child for sexual activity. We have a new tool to go after these people who are going after children, Edmonds said. Lets address this new tool. Dont use the old ones. Ashbys office consulted with the association before he filed his bill, Edmonds said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its unclear why the grooming crime didnt include a registration requirement when it was passed in 2023. The grooming law was approved as part of Senate Bill 1527, a package of laws that also revised some of the states human trafficking laws. There is at least one other proposal in the legislature this year that proposes making enticing a child a sex crime. HA NOI As the Lunar New Year (Tet) 2025 is coming, the Embassy of Viet Nam in Phnom Penh on Thursday and Friday welcomed delegations from the Cambodian Veterans Association (CVA), the General Commissariat of the National Police of Cambodia, and the Embassy of Laos, who visited to extend their New Year greetings. The CVA delegation, led by General Kun Kim, Senior Minister, Vice President, and Secretary-General of the association, and the delegation of the General Commissariat of the National Police, led by its Deputy Commissioner-General General Chhay Kim Khoeun, extended their warmest New Year wishes to leaders of the Party, the State, and the entire Vietnamese people. They also expressed their confidence that Viet Nam, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, will continue to achieve even greater successes in 2025. The two generals also showed their gratitude to the Party, Government, and people of Viet Nam, especially the Viet Nam People's Army and Public Security Forces, for their support in helping Cambodia recover, rebuild, and develop the country in recent years. Congratulating Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu on his new term of office in Cambodia, they wished him success in further contributing to and promoting the bilateral friendship and collaboration, and achieving significant results in all fields in 2025 and beyond. For his part, Vu expressed his gratitude to the Cambodian Party, Government, people, as well as the military and police, for their valuable support and assistance to Viet Nam and its people over the years. He showed his belief that defence and security cooperation, a key pillar in the bilateral relationship between the two countries, will continue to be enhanced in the coming time. In his meeting with Lao Ambassador to Cambodia Buakeo Phumvongsay, Vu and his Lao counterpart agreed on the importance of the close relationship between the two embassies. Through exchange activities, the staff and officials of both embassies have contributed to preserving and fostering the great Viet Nam-Laos relationship. On January 22, a delegation from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), led by Commander-in-Chief General Vong Pisen, and a delegation from the Royal Cambodian Army, led by Commander General Mao Sophan, also visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh to extend their New Year greetings. On the Tet occasion, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam visited and extended Tet greetings, as well as presented gifts to the families of leaders of the General Association of Vietnamese People in Laos and the Association of Vietnamese People in Vientiane in different periods, along with volunteer teachers of the Vietnamese language at Phat Tich Pagoda. VNS CAIRO The Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt on Thursday hosted a vibrant community celebration to welcome the Year of the Snake, which brought together a large number of Vietnamese nationals living, working, and studying in the country, alongside numerous international friends. Ambassador Nguyen Huy Dung extended wishes to the community for a prosperous, healthy, and successful new year. He expressed deep appreciation for the Vietnamese expatriates in Egypt, recognising their role in strengthening the ties between the two countries. He encouraged the community to continue fostering patriotism, preserving Vietnamese culture, traditions, and language, while promoting solidarity and mutual support. Ambassador Dung reaffirmed that the Party and State always consider the Vietnamese community abroad an inseparable part and a vital resource of the nation. Referring to Viet Nams economic progress, the diplomat highlighted the countrys impressive growth despite global challenges, at 7.09 per cent in 2024, surpassing the target of 6-6.5 per cent. Viet Nams total trade turnover exceeded US$800 billion, with a trade surplus of nearly $25 billion. The country now ranks among the worlds top 40 economies and top 20 in trade and foreign investment attraction. He also underlined Viet Nams strategic targets of becoming a developing country with a modern industrial base and upper middle income by 2030 and a developed socialist country with high income by 2045. On Viet Nam-Egypt relations, Ambassador Dung noted significant potential for further collaboration between the two nations. He expressed confidence that 2025 will see continued growth in bilateral relations, particularly in sectors such as trade, investment, agriculture, textiles, tourism, education, and cultural exchange. The event included a cultural performance by Vietnamese students in Egypt, featuring traditional music and dance. The Tet celebration offered an opportunity for the Vietnamese community to come together and reconnect in a festive and warm atmosphere. Guests enjoyed classic Vietnamese dishes like banh chung (square glutinous rice cakes), nem (spring roll), and pho (Vietnamese noodle). On January 21, at the Phat Tich Pagoda in Vientiane, Laos, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) and the pagoda presented Tet gifts to disadvantaged people and those with disabilities living in the Lao capital. The event was attended by Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam, Venerable Thich Minh Quang, head of the VBSs coordinating board in Laos and head of the Phat Tich Pagoda, along with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Laos, monks, nuns, and local residents. Ambassador Tam highlighted the Vietnamese traditional values of solidarity and mutual support, stressing the Vietnamese Party and States great attention to overseas Vietnamese. He expressed his hope that the Vietnamese community in Laos will continue strengthening the bond between the two countries At the event, the diplomat and Venerable Thich Minh Quang, alongside the Phat Tich Pagodas followers, presented 250 gift packages, each valued at 500,000 LAK (about $23), to disadvantaged individuals in Vientiane. The gifts were intended to spread warmth and kindness, ensuring that no one would be left behind during the festive season. VNS KUALA LUMPUR A small party in Malaysias governing coalition, which has the huge task of corralling Malay-Muslim voters, is facing an uphill climb to maintain its relevance in the countrys crowded political field. Parti Amanah Negara, with just eight seats in Parliament, is a moderate Islamic party within Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahims Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance. But Amanahs voice is hardly heard in the rowdy tumble of Malaysian politics, where hot issues over race and religion are regularly played up to megaphone levels. Formed in 2015 by dissidents of conservative Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS), Amanah has continued to take a middle-of-the-road stance on Islamic and sensitive Malay issues, which has failed to excite the Malay electorate. After 10 years in operation and being part of the federal government twice, Amanahs performance has been quite static, Dr Mohd Yusri Ibrahim, a policy studies lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, told The Straits Times. He said many Malay-Muslim voters are more drawn to parties that emphasise strong support for Islam and the special privileges of Malays. Amanah has tried to move forward by touting a progressive Islamic agenda, but this has failed to gain the support of Muslims, he added. The party will hold its three-day annual convention from Jan 24 to 26 in Klang city, central Selangor state, where it hopes to refocus the energy of its 250,000 members. Faced with increasingly dynamic political challenges, Amanah needs to gear up from every angle, Amanahs vice-president and the countrys Health Minister, Dzulkefly Ahmad, said on Facebook on January 22. Malay-Muslims, who represent some 60 per cent of Malaysian voters, have largely remained with the two main Malay-Muslim opposition parties, PAS and Malay-based Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, as seen in the results of the August 2023 elections involving six states of which the PH alliance and its unity government ally Barisan Nasional (BN) won three. PH needs to draw more support from Malay voters after getting just around 33 per cent of total votes from the community in the November 2022 General Election. This compared with about 54 per cent of Malay votes amassed by the alliance led by PAS and Bersatu then. Indeed, when yet another sensitive issue on Islam or Malays is hotly debated, Umno another member of Datuk Seri Anwars multi-coalition government would be the one often appearing at the forefront, casting harsh words at Malaysias ethnic minorities. Amanah has two Cabinet ministers in the Anwar government: party president Mohamad Sabu, who is Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and Dzulkefly. The party also has two deputy ministers and three senators. Part of the challenge faced by Amanah is the size, history and influence of its political nemesis. Its rival PAS has 43 federal lawmakers, the biggest number held by a single party in Parliament, and a membership of one million. The Islamist opposition party, formed six years before the countrys 1957 independence, also controls four state assemblies in Malaysia, including its stronghold states of Kelantan and Terengganu. PAS has a total of 150 state assemblymen, compared with Amanahs 11. Still, Amanahs youth wing chief, Senator Hasbie Muda, believes the partys hard work on the ground has resulted in an uptick in support over nearly a decade. Amanah is increasingly accepted, especially in the opposition stronghold states, Hasbie told ST. PAS also controls the other two Malay-belt states, Kedah and Perlis. There is time to catch up as the next general election is due only in early 2028, but Amanah needs to shore up ground support before then, experts say. Amanah programmes are getting more response now compared with when the party was first set up (in 2015), Hasbie said, adding that the party aims to boost the service record of its lawmakers and government workers. Yusri said his own studies on the ground showed that Amanahs popularity among Malay-Muslims had never exceeded 5 per cent out of respondents surveyed. Much of its support comes from the urban, mixed-demographic areas, and from the backing of larger PH coalition parties the Chinese-led Democratic Action Party and Mr Anwars Parti Keadilan Rakyat. In a recent comment on Amanahs Facebook page, a disgruntled poster wrote: The youth wing is weak and directionless... Afraid to speak out when Islam is being trampled on. But Yusri said Amanah need not make knee-jerk responses to every controversial issue that hits the headlines, the latest being whether chicken ham sandwiches sold at a convenience store in a Kuala Lumpur university were halal or not. They do not need to take the easy road of creating drama over simple issues that can be resolved by the administration. But they need to be smarter in positioning themselves in important and real issues that are involved with empowering the Malays and Islam, he added. THE STRAITS TIMES/ANN NEW YORK At least 242 million students in 85 countries had their schooling disrupted by extreme climate events in 2024, according to a new UNICEF analysis released on Friday. These events include heatwaves, tropical cyclones, storms, floods, and droughts, exacerbating an existing learning crisis. For the first time, Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2024 released on International Day of Education examines climate hazards that resulted in either school closures or the significant interruption of school timetables, and the subsequent impact on children from pre-primary to upper secondary level. The most frequent climate-induced disruptions occurred in September - the start of the school year in many parts of the world. At least 16 countries suspended classes at this critical academic point due to extreme weather events, including Typhoon Yagi, which impacted 16 million children in East Asia and the Pacific. In Viet Nam, a total of 2,210 schools were affected, with eight schools completely destroyed or heavily damaged, and 1,866 schools partially damaged. In response to the adverse effects of Typhoon Yagi in September 2024, UNICEF provided learning supplies to more than 22,200 affected children. Droughts, floods and storms are impacting Vietnamese children. The UN agency is working with the Government of Viet Nam and partners to strengthen climate-smart education, as well as enhance resilience in schools and communities. Globally, heatwaves were the predominant climate hazard shuttering schools last year, with over 118 million students affected in April alone, according to the data. Bangladesh and the Philippines experienced widespread school closures in April, while Cambodia shortened the school day by two hours. In May, temperatures spiked to 47 degrees Celsius (116 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of South Asia, placing children at risk of heat stroke. Children are more vulnerable to the impacts of weather-related crises, including stronger and more frequent heatwaves, storms, droughts and flooding, said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. Childrens bodies are uniquely vulnerable. They heat up faster, they sweat less efficiently, and cool down more slowly than adults. Children cannot concentrate in classrooms that offer no respite from the sweltering heat, and they cannot get to school if the path is flooded, or if schools are washed away. Last year, severe weather kept one in seven students out of class, threatening their health and safety, and impacting their long-term education. Some countries experienced multiple climate hazards. For example, in Afghanistan, in addition to heatwaves, the country experienced severe flash floods that damaged or destroyed over 110 schools in May, disrupting education for thousands of students. According to the analysis, South Asia was the most affected region with 128 million students facing climate-related school disruptions last year, while in East Asia and the Pacific, 50 million students schooling was affected. El Nino continued to have a devastating impact on Africa, with frequent heavy rainfall and floods in East Africa, and severe drought in parts of Southern Africa. Rising temperatures, storms, floods, and other climate hazards can damage school infrastructure and supplies, hamper routes to school, lead to unsafe learning conditions, and impact students concentration, memory, and mental and physical health. In fragile contexts, prolonged school closures make it less likely for students to return to the classroom and place them at heightened risk of child marriage and child labour. Evidence shows that girls are often disproportionately affected, facing increased risks of dropping out of school and gender-based violence during and after disasters. Globally, education systems were already failing millions of children. A lack of trained teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and differences in the quality of and access to education have long been creating a learning crisis that climate hazards are exacerbating. The analysis shows almost 74 per cent of affected students last year were in low and lower-middle-income countries, but no region was spared. Torrential rains and floods hit Italy in September, disrupting schooling for over 900,000 students as well as Spain in October, halting classes for 13,000 children. The report notes that schools and education systems are largely ill-equipped to protect students from these impacts, as climate-centred finance investments in education remain strikingly low, and global data on school disruptions due to climate hazards is limited. UNICEF works with governments and partners to support the modification and construction of climate-resilient classrooms to protect children from severe weather. In November, UNICEF warned in its State of the Worlds Children report that climate crises are expected to become more widespread between 2050-59, with eight times as many children exposed to extreme heatwaves, and three times as many exposed to extreme river floods, compared to the 2000s. UNICEF is calling on world leaders and the private sector to act urgently to protect children from increasing climate impacts by: Ensuring national climate plans including Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans strengthen child-critical social services, such as education, to be more climate-smart and disaster-resilient, and contain adequate emission reduction pledges to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. Investing in disaster-resilient and climate-smart learning facilities for safer learning. Accelerating financing to improve climate resiliency in the education sector, including investing in proven and promising solutions. Explicitly integrating climate change education and child-responsive commitments across the board. Education is one of the services most frequently disrupted due to climate hazards. Yet it is often overlooked in policy discussions, despite its role in preparing children for climate adaptation, said Russell. Childrens futures must be at the forefront of all climate-related plans and actions. VNS MOSCOW The Russia-Viet Nam Friendship Association on January 23 held a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Russia (January 30, 1950 2025). The event saw the participation of Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia ang Minh Khoi, Deputy Director of the Third Asian Department under the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vadym Bublikov, former Russian Ambassador to Viet Nam A. Tatarinov, President of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Russia o Xuan Hoang, Chairman of the Russian War Veterans Association Nikolai Kolesnik, many friends of Viet Nam, and Russian students majoring in Vietnamese studies. In his opening speech, President of the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association Vladimir Buianov said that since the Soviet Union and Viet Nam established their diplomatic relations 75 years ago, their relationship has developed in all fields, including politics, economy, culture, society, military, humanitarian, education, and science. Sharing the same view, Vadym Bublikov said that there are very few countries and peoples in the world that, despite being geographically distant and differing in culture, language, and religion, are as close as Viet Nam and Russia. This good relationship began during extremely difficult years of war and continuously grew through the immense and precious assistance that the Vietnamese people received from their Soviet brothers, which led to their ultimate victory, he noted, adding in the modern era, the two countries are developing multifaceted relations across many fields. He said Viet Nam is rising with all economic sectors thriving. Its increasing position and influence have further promoted cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Khoi emphasised the Viet Nam-Russia relationship has been nurtured by many sacrifices from Vietnamese communists defending Moscow during the Great Patriotic War, as well as Soviet military experts who supported Vietnamese people in the struggle against foreign invasion and for national reunification. In peacetime, a complete legal framework has been established for the development of bilateral cooperation, including the Treaty on the Basic Principles of Friendly Relations between Viet Nam and Russia in 1994. Viet Nam and Russia became strategic partners in 2001 and upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012. Their political relations has been continously strengthened, primarily through regular visits at all levels, especially high-level. Positive movements have been recorded in collaboration in military and security, economy and trade, science and technology, education, culture, tourism, as well as in inter-regional cooperation. Khoi emphasised that the Viet Nam-Russia traditional friendship is characterised by not only high political trust between the high-ranking leaders of the two countries but also the close ties between their people. At the event, participants watched a clip featuring 10 outstanding events in Viet Nam in 2024 selected by the Vietnam News Agency. VNS JAKARTA Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono is aiming to ensure airports in Indonesia will get included in the list of top 10 airports in the world by 2029. At the Airport Service Optimisation Coordination Meeting in Bali on Thursday, he stressed that it is not impossible for Indonesia to enter the top 10 based on Skytrax data. Currently, the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Banten is ranked 28th in the world, up 15 places from 2023, while I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali is ranked 74th, or up six places. To improve the rankings, he held a dialogue with several foreign ambassadors to discuss the opening of direct flights to the country. Most recently, he met British Ambassador to discuss bilateral cooperation as well as urge the UK to start direct flights not only on the London-Jakarta route but also on the London-Bali one. Earlier, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir laid stress on the need to improve the quality of Indonesias airports to maintain their competitive edge with Malaysia and Singapore. The upgrade should begin at Soekarno-Hatta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airports to make strong impression on foreign tourists, he added. VNS BPCE (through Natixis IM) and GIH would each own 50 per cent of the combined business, with balanced governance and control rights. With over 1.9 trillion ($1.98 billion) of assets under management (AUM), the combination would create a global asset management platform with leading positions and critical scale in both Europe and North America. The combined business would rank No.1 by revenues and No.2 by AUM in Europe, No.9 by AUM globally, and No.1 in insurance asset management by AUM worldwide. The creation of an asset management leader with strong European roots backed by BPCE and Generali would present a unique opportunity to build and scale a platform that is well-positioned to compete on a global level, generating significant benefits for stakeholders in all its regions. Both BPCE and Generali have longstanding track records of investing in the growth and resilience of the economies in which they operate, contributing significantly through profitable investments executed by the asset management affiliates. With the two groups sharing a similar approach operating multi-affiliate models that have demonstrated their ability to create value, the combined platform would offer a wide range of competitive strategic solutions to all categories of clients, ranging from Banque Populaire and Caisse dEpargnes retail customers to wholesale intermediaries and institutional investors worldwide. The business would offer a complementary range of investment capabilities across both traditional and alternative asset classes, providing an ideal position to address shifting and increasingly sophisticated client needs. The combined platform would also be better placed to further scale its third-party business in Europe, North America, and regions with attractive growth potential in Asia, building on a global distribution network comprising a strong centralised platform complemented by local presence and multichannel partnerships. In addition, Cathay Life, a subsidiary of Cathay Financial Holdings, one of the largest Asia-based financial institutions, would remain an important strategic partner. Generali and BPCE would retain full authority over asset allocation decisions for their respective assets. As a result, the joint venture would benefit from a significant large pool of long-term insurance capital translating into a key strong competitive advantage for its combined network of affiliates, while offering both BPCE and Generali attractive opportunities to deploy their capital and seed new strategies to unlock new venues of growth, especially in private markets. In line with its investment approach, Generali would commit to deploying 15 billion ($15.7 billion) in seed and acceleration capital over 5 years across the affiliates forming the joint platform, enhancing the capability to develop new investment strategies and contribute to further expansion of competencies and product offering. Key financial highlights The joint venture would result from the contribution of assets and activities valued at approximately 9.5 billion ($9.9 billion) in total. The enlarged business, would manage 1.9 trillion ($1.98 billion) in AUM with a balanced and diversified breakdown illustrated by a presence worldwide with core geographies, Europe (61 per cent of AUM) - including a strong footprint in France and Italy, North America (34 per cent of AUM), as well as a footprint in Asia and in other countries (5 per cent of AUM) a comprehensive range of strategies across asset classes with fixed income (c.65 per cent of AUM), equities (c.21 per cent of AUM) supplemented by recognised private markets, and other franchises (c.14 per cent of AUM) The combined entity would serve a diversified client base from both groups and third-parties. Insurers and pension funds would represent more than half of the assets (c.61 per cent of AUM) with the balance split between other institutional and retail / wholesale clients (respectively representing c.14 per cent and c.25 per cent of AUM). The transaction is expected to create value via synergies as well as growth opportunities and to be accretive to BPCEs earnings and Generali's adjusted earnings and cash already from year one. Following completion of the undertaking, the impact on Groupe BPCEs CET1 ratio would be expected to be neutral and the impact on Generalis Solvency II ratio would be expected to be broadly neutral. GIH would be deconsolidated from Generalis accounting perimeter. Generalis and BPCEs ownership in the joint venture would be accounted for using the equity method, resulting from the joint control. Key structure, governance, and employee highlights The combined business would be co-controlled by the two financial institutions, with each holding a 50 per cent interest, and would operate under a joint governance structure with balanced representation and control. The entity holding the combined activities would be established in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, while France, Italy and the United States would remain operational hubs of the combined business in charge of the day-to-day operations. The Board of Directors of the entity would comprise an equal number of representatives from BPCE and Generali supplemented by three independent directors, jointly selected by BPCE and Generali. Upon the creation of the joint venture, BPCEs CEO, Nicolas Namias, would act as Chairman of the Board, while Generalis CEO, Philippe Donnet, would act as vice chairman. Woody Bradford, the current CEO of GIH, would be the CEO of the global entity, and Philippe Setbon, the current CEO of Natixis IM, would be the deputy CEO. The creation of this global asset management leader would also provide employees with access to a broader and more diverse platform, offering enhanced career opportunities on an international scale. Philippe Donnet, group CEO of Assicurazioni Generali, said, "The creation of a joint venture with BPCE would present a unique opportunity to establish a European leader and a top 10 global asset manager building on strong roots in Italy, France and the US to serve the constantly evolving needs of our customers, led by Woody Bradford, Philippe Setbon, Nicolas Namias, and me. Our home country, Italy and all other countries in which we serve our customers, would benefit from an even stronger asset management platform with greater investment capabilities that deliver real benefits to the economy." Nicolas Namias, CEO of BPCE, said, "Today we are thrilled to take a new step towards creating the largest asset manager in Europe and a major global player, alongside Generali, a financial institution that shares our values. With our Vision 2030 plan launched last June, we expressed our ambition to expand in France, Europe, and beyond. Its very exciting to kick off a project that aligns perfectly with these goals. Building on our recent announcement of the creation of the European leader in equipment leasing and one of the largest European payment processors, this new ambition in asset management illustrates that the dynamic of transformation and acceleration at BPCE is fully underway." The closing of the potential combination would be subject to customary regulatory approvals and expected by early 2026. Generali Group sees strong results from first three quarters of 2023 Major Italian insurer Generali Group has released its financial information for the first three quarters of 2023, with highlights including continued growth in both operating and net results, as well as the firm's solid capital position. Generali 192 years of global protection, 12 years of companionship with Vietnam On April 24, Italian-backed life insurer Generali Vietnam celebrated its 12-year anniversary with excellent business performance and a nationwide network of more than 100 GenCasa agency offices and branches, serving nearly 500,000 clients across the country. The 'Tet is full, Tet is love' programme will delivered 7,500 care packages filled with essential food items to underprivileged families across nine provinces in Central Vietnam, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam, and Quang Ngai. For over three decades in the central region, Carlsberg Vietnams vision has been about growing its business while fostering sustainable development and a deep connection with the local community. Huda, born in the heart of the region, embodies this commitment by actively engaging with and contributing to the communities it serves. This Lunar New Year scheme is a testament to the company and the brands enduring bond with the people of Central Vietnam, affirming its dedication to sharing prosperity and fostering a sense of togetherness during this special time of year. Andrew Khan, managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam, presenting Tet gifts to people in Hue city. The giveaway is being carried out in collaboration with the Fatherland Front in each province, ensuring that the gifts reach those in need. "Tet is a time of great significance for family togetherness and cultural celebration," said Andrew Khan, managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam. "At Carlsberg Vietnam, we are committed to making a positive impact through our actions and initiatives." "Our goal is to contribute to a prosperous Lunar New Year for the people of Central Vietnam. We aim to help create memorable moments for families while actively supporting the region's wellbeing and fostering sustainable growth for the Central region," he added. Over the last10 years, Carlsberg Vietnam has supported 75,000 beneficiaries through its Tet offerings. The company recognises the importance of investing in social impact and actively contributes to the sustainable development of the region. This commitment is clearly reflected through various programmes, such as the support for natural disaster victims and the long-term fresh water initiative, which addresses water scarcity, enabling access to clean water in the region. The initiative reflects the companys deep-rooted connection to the region and its people. By extending a helping hand and fostering community spirit, Carlsberg Vietnam reaffirms its dedication to being a responsible corporate citizen and contributing to a thriving and prosperous future for Central Vietnam. Andrew Khan appointed as new managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam Andrew Khan has been appointed the new managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam. Carlsberg Vietnam donates $44,000 to support Typhoon Yagi recovery efforts Carlsberg Vietnam, together with its employees, has donated over VND1.1 billion ($44,688) to support northern cities and provinces in Vietnam severely hit by Typhoon Yagi. What challenges have you faced in building a new culture for your team since JW Marriott Saigon began operating under the JWM brand? The main challenge in transitioning from the previous brand over the past four months has been training employees to meet the new luxury service standards. The team has needed to familiarise themselves with new processes and standards. This has required large-scale training efforts, with over 100 trainers from various locations participating. While some staff members adapted quickly, others needed more time to fully embrace the new luxury service requirements. Nevertheless, after four months, most employees have adapted well, and customers have noticeably experienced an improvement in service quality aligned with JW Marriott standards. We addressed these challenges through comprehensive training and by fostering open communication among team members. We emphasised the core values of Marriott International and the JW Marriott brand through training programs and practical application. Key factors for our success include clearly communicating the vision, investing in staff training and development, and offering recognition and rewards to motivate employees. Building a strong corporate culture takes time and commitment, but with the right strategies in place, it leads to remarkable results. JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City What can guests expect, either returning or visiting for the first time, when they stay at JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon? Inspired by the philosophy of wellness and the legacy of Marriott Internationals founder, every detail at JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon is thoughtfully crafted to reflect local allure and deliver exceptional guest experiences. From panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh Citys skyline to culinary adventures highlighting local flavours, every service is designed to nurture the soul and foster meaningful connections. With attentive and meticulous service, we provide guests with unforgettable moments, allowing them to focus on what truly matters most in life. JW Marriott Saigon has an exciting roadmap for the next two years, which includes major renovations of its food and beverage offerings, guest rooms, and apartments. The most notable changes will be seen in the restaurants. For example, the current Chinese restaurant and Purple Jade will be rebranded into an entirely new dining concept. Additionally, the hotel will renovate its guest rooms and apartments to align with JW Marriotts new direction and positioning for 2025. To ensure minimal disruption to guest experiences during the renovation process, the hotel plans to carry out the work in phases. These improvements are part of JW Marriotts broader strategy to stay relevant in an ever-changing market and to provide guests with the most modern and luxurious experience possible. What trends are driving growth in the luxury hotel industry in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City? The luxury hotel industry in Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, presents significant growth potential, driven by key emerging trends. Guests are increasingly seeking personalised luxury experiences, emphasising bespoke services tailored to individual preferences. Sustainability has become a crucial factor, with eco-friendly initiatives and wellness programmes gaining importance among travellers. Additionally, offering authentic local experiences, such as culinary classes or cultural tours, and hosting unique events like themed culinary nights or private gatherings, is becoming a prominent demand. The rise of business travellers is another key factor, as Ho Chi Minh City solidifies its position as a leading destination for events in the region. Furthermore, the integration of smart technology is revolutionising the guest experience, enabling seamless interactions through mobile apps and enhancing service delivery through data analytics. This comprehensive strategy not only supports the rebranding of luxury hotels but also aligns with the evolving trends and future opportunities in the hospitality industry. JW Marriott Saigon positions itself as Vietnams leading destination for meetings and conferences by emphasising its location and commitment to exceptional service. Situated in the heart of Saigons commercial and cultural district, the hotel offers unparalleled convenience for both domestic and international guests. It features state-of-the-art facilities and continually upgrades its conference spaces with advanced technology to enhance attendee experiences. The versatile event spaces can accommodate groups of varying sizes, ensuring flexibility for diverse gatherings. With a dedicated event planning team, JW Marriott Saigon provides personalised services to create rich, perfectly organised experiences. Through these initiatives, the hotel can reinforce its brand as a premium destination, focused on guest satisfaction and delivering excellence. What is the key to Marriott maintaining its robust corporate culture and the success it has achieved? Marriotts secret to success lies in its strong company culture and adherence to five core values: Put people first, Embrace Change, Pursue Excellence, Act With Integrity, and Serve our World. These values guide Marriotts operations, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience for guests. By focusing on caring for employees, Marriott ensures that staff members are motivated and empowered to care for guests. Trust, development opportunities, and internal growth are central to Marriotts culture, fostering long-term loyalty and satisfaction among employees. This culture of respect and continuous improvement is one of the key reasons Marriott remains a global leader in hospitality. Employees are encouraged to grow within the company, and the culture of internal development creates a sense of belonging and pride in being part of the Marriott family. Large traditional Vietnamese feasts are ready for guests of all ages at Movenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc The Lunar New Year period is not just a time to reflect on the past year, but also an opportunity to embark on new beginnings. It's a time when joy, renewed spirits, and the gentle breath of spring intertwine. Movenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc invites you to experience a complete and meaningful Tet celebration with your loved ones. The resort seamlessly blends traditional cultural values with modern comforts, promising a truly special and fulfilling experience. The resort's New Year culinary journey is crafted as a vibrant masterpiece, capturing the essence of tradition through a unique symphony of flavours through its 'Quintessence of Vietnamese Cuisine' Buffet Dinner on January 27. Guests can immerse themselves in the cosy atmosphere of Lang Chai Restaurant, where the buffet menu encapsulates the true flavours of Tet. From fresh spring rolls and savoury pancakes to rich noodle soups and grilled Phu Quoc fish, each dish is a nostalgic greeting from the heart of Vietnam. The gentle melodies of traditional instruments will transport visitors to the tranquillity of the past. On January 28, under the shimmering glow of fireworks and captivating performances, a toast will be raised to new beginnings with loved ones. There will be a joyous atmosphere as the sound of live music drifts down the cosy bonfire on the beach. This Lunar New Year's Eve promises to be unforgettable. To welcome the first days of the new year, January 29 will see a rustic culinary haven where vibrant street food stalls line the beach, offering familiar and beloved dishes from across Vietnam. The rhythmic beats of dragon dances, laughter from traditional games, and colourful performances will provide lasting memories of a radiant and heart-warming celebration. The seafood BBQ buffet at The Islander Restaurant on January 30 will the new year with a feast of fresh offerings from the island's waters. The finest ocean delicacies will be expertly prepared in a relaxed and inviting setting. The rich flavours, complemented by lively music, will create a delightful evening, setting the stage for a perfect year ahead. For younger guests, Tet at Movenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc is an adventure of colours and traditions. Engaging in exciting activities like painting wooden lanterns, decorating conical hats, crafting traditional 'Phuc Linh' cakes, or transforming into playful lions, filling the air with joyous laughter is a must. Parents can indulge in the rejuvenating essence of spring with traditional Vietnamese massage therapies at Elements Spa. Let go of fatigue and awaken your senses, embracing the new year with renewed energy. Movenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc offers a harmonious blend of luxury and cultural immersion. Experience authentic traditions like calligraphy with 'Ong Do', where wishes are inscribed for the new year, or be captivated by the vibrant drum performance welcoming the new year. Engage in familiar folk games like 'nem lon', 'nem vong', and 'dap chuong', creating laughter and connection in a warm and joyous atmosphere. The cherished values of Lunar New Year are carefully preserved and woven into every activity. Movenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc offers creative joy for children, relaxation for adults, and meaningful moments of connection as generations come together to celebrate. The University of Texas band marches into Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium before an SEC college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Austin. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Skye Ross parents and siblings met her at the pizzeria, ready to cheer her on at work while she opened her admissions letter from the University of Texas at Austin. She had waited her whole life for this moment, though the real waiting began in October when she met an early-action submissions deadline promising results on Jan. 15. The day now here, the UT-loving family crowded around Ross at a high top table, and she opened the email to something she didn't know was possible. The university told her it would give her its answer in a month alongside the students who applied by the regular decision deadline in December. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It felt like a denial, mother Tiffani Ross said. Its very confusing when kids pull that up. When they applied early they should have a decision early, thats the whole point. Only 5,000 students got acceptances by Jan. 15, out of the record 91,000 prospective freshmen who applied to UT-Austin for the fall 2025 semester, according to a leaked email from the admissions office. The admitted students represented only 25 to 30% of the expected number of offers, and no one in the overall pool received denials. Most of the 5,000 current admits applied early action, and the other early action applicants who didn't get an offer yet were deferred. While the number of applicants was unprecedented, the first round of decisions confounded many students, parents and college admissions consultants. UT declined to clarify the breakdown of early and regular applicants, but the deferrals now mean that up to 86,000 letters will go out en masse on the regular decision date. Some decisions might be released earlier for smaller majors or automatic admits applying to specific majors, per the leaked email. This is the first year that UT offered an Early Action application window, and the review of Early Action applications is unfolding as planned, Miguel Wasielewski, interim senior vice president for strategic enrollment management, said in a statement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The first wave of Early Action decisions was issued January 15 with one of four possible outcomes admitted, deferred, denied or an alternative pathway," he said. "All Early Action applicants that were not accepted or declined by January 15 remain under review and will receive a decision on their application by February 15. A student exits the Peter T. Lawn Academic Center at the University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 in Austin Alyssa Gisselle Olvera/Staff photographer Skye Ross' and several other applicant's families didnt find the earliest communications so clear cut, they said. Some were familiar with deferral processes that require sending in more information before receiving acceptances, but this didnt seem to be the case. Thank you for meeting our Early Action deadline, the initial admissions status notification said. The Office of Admissions is thoroughly reviewing your application for your selected major and we need some additional time. No further action is needed on your part. You can expect to receive your admission decision February 15. Overnight, many parents said, their childrens admissions status was updated to deferred. Some were angry at what they viewed as a lack of transparency, and the leaked email confirming that only 5,000 people heard back with an unknown number from regular decision only worsened their irritation toward UT. Wasielewski acknowledged in a statement that "some confusion" occurred because the word "deferred" was not used, prompting the university to clarify students' statuses later in the day. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "It has definitely dimmed the shine that UT-Austin had," said Sarah Hubbell, of Katy, whose son received a deferral. "They say, love the school that loves you back." The flagship introduced a slew of changes to its admissions process last year, coming off a season that garnered them a high of 73,000 applicants for fall 2024. Many high school students' GPAs were too close together, making it difficult to differentiate students and determine who was best suited for limited seats, Wasielewski said at the time. The admissions office reinstated test requirements, reintroduced a waitlist, provided more flexibility in the required essay and added a prompt for students to highlight an activity of their choice. The school also announced a new early action deadline, ditching the use of a former "priority" deadline that encouraged students to apply early but left them unsure whether they would be benefited doing so. UT officials said the nonbinding early action deadline would not provide students an advantage in the review process but would give "a guaranteed decision communicated to applicants by Jan. 15." Jenna Schebell, who runs a virtual college consulting practice called The College Navigators, said she was also upset by UT's transparency, especially since there should be obvious denials in the applicant pile. But the flagship was not the only university this year to offer more deferrals than ever before, as the University of Southern California reportedly accepted 3,500 students in early action and deferred the rest. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "What it creates is such false hope for those students," she said. Schebell suspects that the high number of applicants nationwide have thrown a wrench in the process for universities, making it harder for them to predict enrollment. Having worked in admissions offices, she said that universities face serious budgetary implications when they under-enroll and major space implications when they over-enroll. With UT being a landing place for Texas' and some of the country's brightest students, she said, UT admissions officers can reasonably expect that many students will pull their applications after receiving binding "early decision" results to other schools. The spike in applications this year was driven largely by a 48% increase in out-of-state residents' applications. "If you would have asked me last year, I would have said a deferral means youre borderline," Schebell said. "Now I think deferral means, we need to protect our own enrollment. Were not necessarily sure where were going to stand and whos going to pan out and who is not." UT-Austin was already the most competitive public university in Texas, with state law requiring that 90% of first-year students be in-state and the remaining 10% be out-of-state students or transfers. Of the in-state students, 75% must be accepted automatically by being in the top 6% of their high school graduating classes. (The cutoff will drop to 5% in the fall 2026 admissions cycle.) Advertisement Article continues below this ad Non-Texas admits, as well as the remaining 25% of Texas admits who fall outside of the top 6% of their high school classes, apply through a holistic review process. Auto-admit students are not guaranteed entry into their choice majors, however. Skye Ross is an auto-admit, and she plans to go to UT no matter whether she gets her preferred biochemistry major. But the first decision date was exciting because it would have sealed the deal, allowing her to get the ball rolling on financial aid and other enrollment processes. That initial notification was a shock. Now she's back to waiting like so many others. "Last year, we prioritised developing a profitable, sustainable groupwide business model, that is now complete as WinCommerce (WCM) and Masan MEATLife (MML) turned profitable. The focus now is on increasing our share of the consumer wallet by maximising the synergies between our brand, retail, and technology platform. Creating a one-tech and one-consumer (Win Membership) platform for general trade and modern trade will lead to each business platform growing double digits in 2025 and beyond," said Nguyen Dang Quang, chairman of Masan Group. In Q4 and FY2024, Masan Groups net revenue reached VND22.7 trillion ($905.3 million) and VND83.2 trillion ($3.3 billion), respectively. The topline growth was supported by sustained topline momentum from consumer-retail businesses and Masan High-Tech Materials (MHT)'s fulfilled contractual obligation by counterparty, offset by MMLs strategic direction to rationalise chicken farm footprints. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation reached VND4.58 trillion ($182.6 million) and VND15.9 trillion ($634 million), increasing by 44.6 per cent on-year and 19.3 per cent on-year in Q4 and FY2024 respectively. This uplift was driven by positive earnings growth momentum of all consumer-retail businesses. Net profit after tax post minority interest of VND691 billion ($27.5 million) and VND1.99 trillion ($79.4 million) in Q4 and FY2024 grew by 1,282 per cent on-year and 377.5 per cent on-year, respectively. This was driven by strong profitability momentum across its consumer-retail businesses, a reduction of VND365 billion ($14.5 million) in debt-incurring net financial expenses, and VND89 billion ($3.55 million) in one-off gains from the sale of HC Starck Holding (Germany) GmbH (HCS). Furthermore, Masan also recorded VND100 billion ($3.98 million) in one-off charitable donation expense and reduced profit by VND288 billion ($11.5 million) as Techcombank recorded a one-off expense of ceasing the contract with Manulife. The momentum of core businesses since the beginning of the year gave management confidence in the transformation of Masans consumer-retail platform. Masan's Q4 earnings grew by nearly 14 times on-year to VND691 billion ($27.5 million), with full-year profit achieving approximately 200 per cent of the base-case guidance. Among them, WinCommerce and Masan MEATLife achieved profitability in FY2024, contributing VND993 billion ($39.6 million) in post-MI profit uplift. These businesses have transitioned to become key profit drivers for the company moving forward. Masan Consumer Corporation reported Q4 and FY2024 revenue of VND8.9 trillion ($355 million) and VND30.8 trillion ($1.22 billion), reflecting on-year growth of 5.3 per cent and 9.4 per cent, respectively. The healthy full-year performance was driven by premiumisation in convenience foods, up 8.4 per cent, and seasoning, up 7.2 per cent, innovations in beverages, up 14.2 per cent, and a solid 22.4 per cent increase in revenue from international markets. WinCommerce reported Q4 revenue growth of 11.8 per cent and 9.7 per cent for the year to hit revenues of VND8.6 trillion ($342.9 million) and VND32.96 trillion ($1.3 billion), respectively. The Q4 performance was driven by new store formats of WIN (catering to urban shoppers) and WinMart+ Rural (catering to rural shoppers), posting 10.4 per cent and 12.5 per cent like-for-like, on-year growth. WCM reported positive NPAT Pre-MI of VND209 billion ($8.3 million) in Q4, marking the second consecutive quarter with positive profit. As of the end of 2024, WinCommerce operated 3,828 WinCommerce stores, a net opening of 95 stores since Q3. Phuc Long Heritages (PLH) net revenue grew by 11.5 per cent and 5.6 per cent to VND417 billion ($16.6 million) and VND1.62 trillion ($64.6 million) in Q4 and FY2024, respectively. The main growth drivers were the opening of 33 new stores and successful store renovations. In FY2024, a cluster of 11 renovated stores saw a 13.4 per cent improvement in dine-in average daily sales, compared to flat growth in similar but non-renovated stores. This represents PLH's latest effort to uphold its commitment to identifying the winning strategy. Masan MEATLife delivered increases of VND192 billion ($7.7 million) and VND565 billion ($22.5 million) to achieve NPAT Pre-MI of VND85 billion ($3.4 million) and VND25 billion ($997,000) in Q4 and FY2024, respectively. This marked the second consecutive quarter of delivering positive NPAT Pre-MI. Meanwhile, Masan High-Tech Materials' revenue saw a Q4 increase of 21.3 per cent and 1.7 per cent for the full year, amounting to VND3.87 trillion ($154.4 million) and VND14.34 trillion ($572 million), respectively. Masan forecasts FY2025 consolidated net revenue to range between VND80 trillion ($3.2 billion) and VND85.5 trillion ($3.4 billion), representing 7 per cent to 14 per cent on-year like-for-like growth after adjusting for the deconsolidation of HCS. Total consolidated revenue for 2025, excluding MHT, is expected to be within the range of VND74 trillion ($2.9 billion) and VND78 trillion ($3.11 billion), representing between 8 per cent to 13 per cent on-year growth. NPAT Pre-MI is projected to be VND4.88 trillion ($194.7 million) to VND6.5 trillion ($259.3 million), reflecting a robust growth of 14 per cent to 52 per cent compared to VND4.27 trillion ($170.4 million) in FY2024. For its Go Global strategy, Masan aims to deliver over 20 per cent growth by focusing on key markets such as the US, South Korea, Japan and the EU with its seasoning, convenience food, and instant coffee portfolio. Masan Group honoured in Fortunes Southeast Asia 500 rankings Masan Group has made its way into Fortunes Southeast Asia 500 rankings for 2024 thanks to its impressive business performance and strategy. Masans second quarter earnings surpass 2023 full-year Masan Group Corporation on July 26 released its unaudited management accounts for the second quarter, with all core business segments recording strong growth. I get newsletters from Tricontinental and they are well written and they are insightful. But they do mot load upon the home page very often. In fact more often than not the site is dead. Thus so that we can get some more good info out. I will post a few now and then to carry the word farther *** https://thetricontinental.org/newsletterissue/a-new-development-theory/ *** Dear friends, Greetings from the desk of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. For decades now, there has been a clear understanding that the models of development proposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Washington Consensus debt, austerity, structural adjustment simply have not worked. The long history of adversity experienced by the former colonial countries remains intact. A glance at the numbers from the Maddison Project Database 2023 shows that global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms has risen by 689.9% between 1980 and 2022 (from $18.8 trillion to $148.5 trillion). However, during this same period, global poverty rates did not decrease at a commensurate pace, which indicates that the benefits of global economic growth have not been rationally distributed. The only exception to this trend is China. The most recent report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), titled A World of Debt, shows us that global public debt is at a record high of $97 trillion (2023) and that public debt in developing countries has grown twice as fast as in developed countries since 2010. Not surprisingly, for decades, Global South countries have been told by institutions like the World Bank and the IMF that the only way to climb out of debt is to borrow i.e., take on more debt. In 1998, the Wall Street Journal wrote bluntly that the IMF has not been fighting financial fires, but dousing them with gasoline. In 1980, under the leadership of President Julius Nyerere, the government of Tanzania organised the South-North Conference on the International Monetary System and the New International Order. That conference produced the Arusha Initiative, which called for the creation of a new international monetary authority that would be under democratic management and control, with an international currency unit that would serve as both the international means of exchange and a primary reserve asset. The world cannot continue to afford a situation, the Arusha Initiative argued, where one country imposes its own currency to play this role and uncontrolled international money creation and transnational speculative movements are allowed to occur. This conference was one of many in that period, when the Third World Debt crisis was on the horizon, and it seemed clear that the IMFs policy prescriptions would only enable suffering not development. When did the IMF become an International Ministry of Finance?, Nyerere asked in his remarks at the conference. When did nations agree to surrender to it their power of decision making? The problems of my country and other Third World countries are grave enough without the political interference of IMF officials. If they cannot help, at the very least they should stop meddling. Yet, despite the opposition of Third World leaders like Nyerere, IMF meddling continued. Nyerere ended his remarks with his hands in the air: I believe they will bear the further sacrifices, and further burdens, which present conditions impose upon us just as long as they are assured that we are doing our best to share the burdens equitably and continuing to pursue our own policies. But what policies were our own? This was neither sketched out at the conference nor clearly articulated in the five remaining years of Nyereres tenure as president. In 1986, the year after Nyerere left office, Tanzanias new government went to the IMF and adopted the Economic Recovery Programme, which slashed public spending and liberalised foreign exchange controls. With no alternative in sight, Tanzania had to surrender to the IMF and leave behind the cooperative development policies of Ujamaa that Nyerere had implemented. Every few years, countries in the Global South go through the same cycle. After surrendering to the IMF and its debt-austerity regime, a deep crisis inevitably takes hold and leads to political turmoil. New forces then emerge that promise a way out of the crisis, new governments take power, and, after several experiments, these countries again return to the IMF and the cycle continues once more. Despite the creation of our policies, as Nyerere noted, the balance of forces has been so adverse that no such independent agenda has been possible. Any appetite for a new international economic order has been suppressed, and there has been a lack of sufficient concessionary financing available for policies outside the recipe of the IMF. In his last speech as president of the United States, Joe Biden said, This is a fierce competition underway the future of the global economy, technology, human values, and so much else. This worldwide competition, he said, is between the United States and its allies on one side and Iran, Russia, China, North Korea on the other, and the United States is winning it. There is something juvenile about this speech. No other country has talked about a competition. When an Agence FrancePresse reporter asked the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun about these remarks, he answered calmly, During the past four years, China-US relations have gone through ups and downs but have remained stable on the whole. There was no belligerence. The key words in the rest of the speech were consultation, dialogue, and cooperation. But Biden has a point. The emergence of China, and other Asian countries, as a source of demand for goods as well as finance for industrialisation in the Global South has tilted the balance of forces for developing countries. Now, they no longer have to rely on the IMF. The centre of gravity of world trade and technology is shifting. It is precisely because this shift is disadvantageous to the United States and the monopoly capital it represents that it has begun to see the situation as a competition, whereas the countries that have emerged as major economic powers see this as their right to development. We, at Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research, do not see the current world situation as a competition in the way that Biden describes it, but as an opportunity. As new sources of finance and investment emerge, the countries of the Global South will have another opportunity to pursue our own policies, as Nyerere put it a half century ago. What will those new policies be? In our latest dossier, Towards a New Development Theory for the Global South (produced in partnership with Global South Insights), we argue that there is an ultra-high correlation between the share of net fixed capital formation in GDP and economic growth. Put simply, what is fundamentally needed to grow an economy is investment in new fixed assets (be they buildings, infrastructure, or industrial machinery). Moreover, we show a statistically significant correlation between GDP per capita and life expectancy. These findings make it clear that the entry of foreign direct investment and speculative financial flows alone will not improve social indicators. The quality of financing is key to the development agenda, and at the centre of this is the process of industrialisation. No country has developed without a modern machine industry, and as far as we can tell in our time it is not possible for any country to develop without building up its industrial capacity. We must invest in order to build, build in order to grow, and grow in order to improve peoples lives. Our institute will spend the next few years exploring the different aspects of a new development theory. We believe that this opportunity, which Biden calls a competition, is too important to squander. There is poetry in the last lines of the dossier: The African revolutionary Amilcar Cabral taught us that the goal of national liberation is the freeing of the process of development of the national productive forces. Therefore, the formulation of a new development theory for the Global South is also a return to the source of our struggles for freedom from imperialism and neocolonialism. With it, we will chart the path for the Promethean aspirations of the darker nations. Warmly, Vijay President Donald Trump signs an executive order as he attends an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event at Capital One Arena, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Evan Vucci/Associated Press Leaders from more than a dozen schools met in one of Houston's most diverse neighborhoods last week to prepare for immigration policy changes ahead of President Donald Trump's inauguration Monday. In his first days in office, Trump has declared an "emergency" and sent troops to the Texas-Mexico border, designated foreign gangs as "terrorists" and closed the border to asylum seekers. Refugees have been prevented from resettling within the country, and, in one of his most ambitious executive orders, Trump vowed to end birthright citizenship a right currently held within the U.S. Constitution. Houston-based nonprofit FIEL and immigration attorneys, including Gasana Law Firm founder Claudine Gasana, have seen increased calls from concerned families for weeks as Trump pushes for mass deportations and potential changes to international student visas. Some parents have already kept their children from going to school out of fear, echoing drops in attendance that occurred after Trump was sworn in during his first term, FIEL Executive Director Cesar Espinosa said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center building on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Espinosa said HISD worked with FIEL before Trump's first presidency to help prepare families for potential immigration crackdowns within Texas' largest school district. Several school districts nationwide have already pushed back against Trump's newest policies. "Last time around, they asked us to to stand with them and let people know that ICE was not going to be allowed in schools," Espinosa said Jan. 16. "We have yet to hear from HISD ... taking a stand on this issue, and it's really troubling. We really encourage families to seek resources on their own and go to one of the Know Your Rights seminars to get ready in case anything were to happen." Immigration crackdowns School districts must educate any student within its attendance zones, regardless of immigration status, and are not allowed to ask about a student's documentation or offer that information to law enforcement in Texas. On Tuesday, however, new Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman removed longstanding restrictions that made immigration enforcement off-limits in "sensitive areas," such as churches and schools. Advertisement Article continues below this ad HISD's state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said student information, including immigration status, remains protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. HISD will not allow students' records to be accessed unless those requirements are met and cleared by the district's legal services department, and each campus' administrators and front office staff are trained to engage with law enforcement, Miles said in a Thursday statement. "We want to assure you that our policies have not changed, and they align with Houston ISDs mission to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students," Miles said. "As always, HISD is committed to educating every child who walks through our doors." Miles previously said the district would not "jump the gun" ahead of Trump's inauguration but said it planned to send out a one-page memo prior to inauguration. It is unclear if the information was sent, but the district reiterated Wednesday that it would comply with any laws and continue to educate any student within its attendance boundaries. Third grade dual language program students are learning in the classroom on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 at Gregg Elementary School in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer As of Thursday, HISD teachers had not received any guidance on what to do if an immigration raid occurs, Houston Federation of Teachers President Jackie Anderson said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "On how to deal with ICE if they do enter the school, they haven't given them any further training or made any kind of preparation," Anderson said. "I'm assuming that they will have some kind of training about what they need to do, because they need to know as well." Miles said teachers would continue to be a resource for concerned students. "(We'll) have the teachers explain to kids that you're safe in this school and you're going to continue getting an education from us," Miles said Jan. 13. Potential effects Houston ISD has averaged nearly 5,500 newcomer students since the 2012-13 school year, according to Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research, and an estimated 10 percent of students were Dreamers within the since-paused Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in 2017. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houston ISD has also seen a 15 percent drop in enrollment in the past decade, an issue exacerbated by a state takeover as the district continues to grapple with funding challenges. "We've seen it happen. Every day a child doesn't show up to class, the school loses money, so imagine if this were to happen on a mass scale," Espinosa said. "There would definitely be consequences to pay. And I think that's what people don't realize, is that they talk about these policies, but in reality, we're going to see the dire consequences very soon, if they these things do get put into effect." The district is also home to two schools dedicated to assisting newcomer students, many of whom are refugees seeking asylum and speak different languages. Located in Houston's diverse Gulfton neighborhood, the schools provide more holistic, culturally responsive support to help those students succeed, said Erin Baumgartner, the director of Rice's Houston Education Research Consortium that studies topics within HISD including newcomer students. "Families are coming to this place because of some sort of refugee or family status, because something extreme has happened in their lives to make them do this and leave home," Baumgartner said. "If we pull these resources out of communities, it's going to be hard for the people who live there. This isn't just about future generations of people who are coming to these spaces, but how are we serving the families who are still here?" Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houston's Mexican Consul Adscrito Juan Carlos Hernandez Wocker discusses Mexico's preparations to receive immigrants deported by the US under President-elect Donald Trumps administration Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer How to prepare FIEL has been hosting "know your rights" workshops for immigrant and mixed-status families for months, while Gasana said immigration attorneys from around the city have been preparing for any policy changes. Gasana said people should have any documentation, including work permits, green cards, state IDs or pending court notices, available at all times. Families should check on potential court dates daily and inform immigration agencies of any change of address, Gasana said. If apprehended by an ICE agent, Gasana said both families and schools have rights to privacy and should seek legal counsel. Families should remain calm while preparing for worst-case scenarios, such as childcare plans for immigrant and mixed-status families, Gasana and Espinosa said. Consulado General de Mexico en Houston, the Mexican Consulate in Houston, is photographed Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer "In some cases, the damage has already been done because just the fear of losing a parent can be very traumatizing for the kid," Espinosa said. "People should take this seriously, but at the same time, they shouldn't panic. They shouldn't think about moving. We have to figure out a way to survive and then resist." Some of Trump's proposals, including his revocation of birthright citizenship, have already been challenged by several lawsuits. Until policy changes trickle down into Houston schools, Miles said the district will continue to be open for all Houston families. 300k funding boost revitalising St Marks Church for the Caia Park community A church in the heart of a Wrexham community is being transformed into a hub for sports, drama and lunch clubs thanks to a 300,000 boost from the Welsh Government. St Marks Church, in Caia Park, has already undergone a series of major renovations including a new roof, heating system, accessible toilets, ramped access, a kitchen refit, and reworked meeting spaces. The 300,000, which has been provided through the Welsh Governments Community Facilities Programme, will help the church to expand its activities while continuing to host essential services such as the Trussell Trust Foodbank and a regular clothing exchange. Reverend Canon Jonathan Smith, project lead at St Marks, said: St Marks has always been at the heart of life in Caia Park. Alongside the foodbank and a social supermarket known as Caia Food Club, we run events for children and families, holiday clubs, and welcome visits from local schools. St Marks is also home to the Brownies and has supported a clothing exchange. This funding has allowed us to improve the building so much. Now well be able to do even more to bring people together, offer support, and make everyone feel welcome here. With the renovation nearing completion, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Jane Hutt visited the church this week to see the transformation. She said: St Marks is a fantastic example of how community-led projects can create spaces where people can come together, access services, and support one another. I want to thank the volunteers and organisations whose hard work has made this possible. Im proud to support projects like these, which make such a difference to local communities. The Community Facilities Programme has funded over 450 community facilities across Wales since it opened in 2015. These projects have benefitted from grants worth around 63m. Wrexham Maelor Hospital sees worsening in emergency department waiting times Less than 40 per cent of patients who attended the Wrexham Maelor Emergency Department last month were seen within four hours, new figures have revealed. The data for December, released this week by the Welsh Government, also shows across Wales performance against the four hour target and performance against the twelve hour target both worsened compared with the previous month. In Wrexham just 39.6 per cent of patients at the Wrexham Maelor Hospitals Emergency Department were seen within four hours. This is a drop from 48.4 per cent in the previous month. Decembers figures against the four hour waiting target at the Maelors Emergency Department were the worst in Wales for the second month in a row. 95 per cent of new patients should spend less than four hours in emergency departments from arrival until admission, transfer or discharge. However this Welsh Government target was not met again in December, with 64.8 per cent of patients across Wales seen within four hours. At the Wrexham Maelor Hospital, 64 per cent of patients spent less than eight hours in the department and 77.6 per cent spent less than 12 hours. Handover delays at hospitals continue to impact performance across Wales emergency departments, with an estimated 25,000 hours in December. Ambulance response times In December, 47.6 per cent of emergency responses to immediately life threatening (red) calls arrived within eight minutes of patient location and chief complaint being established. This was the same as in the previous month. However it remains well below the Welsh Governments target of attending 65 per cent of immediately life-threatenings calls which includes cardiac arrest and those in imminent danger of death within eight minutes. According to the Welsh Government the number of green calls has steadily decreased over time, while the number of red calls has continued to rise. Throughout December there were 6,742 red (life threatening) calls to the ambulance service the equivalent of 17.7 per cent of all calls. An average of 217 immediately life-threatening calls were made each day. This is the highest on record. Patient pathways The number of people waiting to start NHS treatment has continued to increase since the coronavirus pandemic. In November the number of open patient pathways increased from just over 802,100 to just under 802,300. This is the highest number on record. The number of open patient pathways is different to the number of individual patients on a waiting list, with some individuals waiting to begin more than one treatment. Despite this, there was around 619,100 individual patients on treatment waiting lists in Wales during November. During the same month the number of patient pathways waiting less than 26 weeks for treatment remained at 54 per cent. This has remained steady after falling significantly from pre-pandemic levels. However the number of patient pathways waiting longer than 36 rose in November to just over 283,000, the second highest figure on record. Just under 24,400 pathways were waiting more than two years, almost two thirds (65.4 per cent) lower than the peak, but an increase from the previous month. Response The Welsh Conservatives have branded the figures as truly abysmal and have called on the Welsh Government to tackle the excessive waits that patients are facing. James Evans MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care said: People are dying unnecessarily the length and breadth of Wales, families are losing loved ones prematurely and NHS staff morale is plummeting. Something has to change, because under Labour, the Welsh NHS is broken. The Welsh Conservatives will fix the Welsh NHS by ending the distractions and turning the focus of the Welsh Government to tackling these excessive waits, allocating the funding required but ensuring that it is spent efficiently on the frontline as opposed to bloated management structures. Plaid Cymru Health Spokesperson, Mabon ap Gwynfor, said: Another month and waiting lists are still going in the wrong direction. The Labour Government have experimented with a series of plans to tackle this scandal all of which have failed. Plaid Cymru has a plan. On day one, we would start the process of establishing elective care hubs, create an executive triage service and use technology, all to get people seen quicker. Our short term plan is part of our longer term vision to give the NHS the fresh start it desperately needs. Only a Plaid Cymru Government has real ambition for the future of our NHS. Responding to the figures Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, said: The health service in Wales continues to provide quality care to thousands of people every day, in the face of high levels of demand in often challenging circumstances. Over the period of this reporting period, we have seen an increase in flu and other winter respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, which has increased pressure on emergency and urgent care services. In November, I increased the amount of funding to target and reduce the longest waits to 50 million to support health boards to provide more treatments, more outpatient clinics and more diagnostic tests. These figures dont yet reflect this investment. Health boards have assured me patients are getting faster treatment as a result and I look forward to seeing the impact of this in the coming months. The number of people waiting more than 2 years for treatment is now almost two-thirds lower than at its peak and the number of pathways waiting longer than a year for a first outpatient appointment is also nearly a fifth lower than at its peak in August 2022. There were also reductions in long waits for diagnostics and therapies in November. In December, the Welsh Ambulance Service reported record levels of immediately life-threatening red 999 calls 13% higher than the previous monthly record. But the average response time was faster than last month. Progress continues to be made in reducing the number of delayed hospital discharges. This is the fourth month in a row the total number of delays have fallen and Decembers figure was the lowest in 2024. Reno Police say they've arrested a hospital employee in connection with several thefts at the Northern Nevada Medical Center. Police say they first got information of the thefts from multiple patients and employees last month at the medical center's Longley Lane location. After a thorough investigation, they learned that employee, 30-year-old Gabriel Ruiz was identified as a suspect. Ruiz was booked last week on the following charges: * Identity theft * Use of credit card without consent x8 * Possession stolen credit card The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information that can help authorities, call or text your anonymous tip to Secret Witness at 775-322-4900. Andrea Leinfelder is the space reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at andrea.leinfelder@houstonchronicle.com. Andrea has written about NASA and the commercial space sector since 2020, with her coverage spanning human spaceflight, robotic exploration and operations in low-Earth orbit. She also follows Elon Musk's Texas footprint. Originally from Florida, Andrea graduated from the University of Florida in 2012 and has worked for the Houston Chronicle since 2014. She previously wrote for The News-Press in Fort Myers, Fla. She enjoys traveling, eating her way across Texas and chasing her 2-year-old son and 6-year-old dog. 7 star hotel in the philippines thanh pho Phuc Yen Gioi thieu tro choi Voi su phat trien khong ngung cua cong nghe, nganh cong nghiep tro choi cung bung no. Trong so rat nhieu tro choi, tro choi a gianh uoc su yeu thich cua a so nguoi choi nho nhung tinh nang oc ao va cach san xuat tinh te. Bai viet nay se giup ban hieu sau hon ve moi khia canh cua tro choi , hy vong mang en cho ban trai nghiem choi game moi me. 7 star hotel in the philippinesContent Switch to sidebarVientiane Where To Stay Top 10 The Luxury Hotels In Vientiane, Laos Where to stay in Vientiane? You're a person who likes luxury? Do you want to find the best and most remote 7 star hotel in the philippines hotels for your trip to Vientiane, Laos? Autour Asia will do that for you. Immerse yourself in the elegance and charm of the top luxury hotels in Vientiane, Laos below to get the best tips for your next trip.Location: Nong Duang Nua Village, 20 Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane, LaosGoogle Map: maps.app.goo.gl/box2hM9oypGHuL5Y8Number of rooms and suites: 198 roomsPrice range: 4.600.000 11.500.000 VND (from $ 204 to $500)Phone number: +856 21 908 888Web: vientiane.crowneplaza/vi Email: crowneplaza.vientiane@ihg Located in the heart of Vientiane, Laos, Crowne Plaza Vientiane is the city's ultimate symbol of contemporary luxury. This haven of sophisticated luxury caters to discerning travelers looking for experiences that go beyond the ordinary. From the moment you enter the spacious lobby, filled with warm light and decorated with subtle Lao touches, you will be enveloped in an atmosphere of comfort and sophistication. This luxury hotel in Vientiane, Laos promises to exceed your expectations, offering a peaceful oasis amidst the vibrant energy of Vientiane.Prepare to be overwhelmed by Crowne Plaza Vientiane's luxuriously furnished rooms and suites, each a sanctuary of pure indulgence. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking city views or serene river vistas, while luxurious furnishings and meticulous attention to detail invite you to relax into a comfortable evening. Multi. In particular, Indulge in the culinary delights of local and international cuisine at the most luxurious hotel in Vientiane, featuring a stylish bar/lounge, or opt for the convenience of 24-hour room service. Noteworthy amenities include free wired Internet access, a well-equipped business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. A roundtrip airport shuttle is available for a surcharge, and guests can take advantage of free self-parking onsite And when the day's adventures are over, take a dip in the refreshing infinity pool or relax at the world-class spa. Every aspect of the vientiane Kevin Bacon has been one of Hollywoods finest and hardest-to-pin-down actors since he made his big-screen debut in the 1978 comedy blockbuster National Lampoons Animal House. In the early 80s, he rocketed to stardom with the indelible one-two punch of Diner and Footloose. Since then, Bacon has appeared in more than 70 films (including A Few Good Men, Apollo 13 and Mystic River) and earned a Golden Globe for his turn in the 2009 TV movie Taking Chance. He is also a well-respected musician who performs with his brother Michael in the Bacon Brothers, a father of two, and half of one of our favorite acting couples alongside Kyra Sedgwick, whom he married in 1988. With two new high-profile projects coming out this year Amazons supernatural horror series The Bondsman and Netflixs dark-comedy limited series Sirens, costarring Julianne Moore the actor, 66, spoke to us from his home in northwestern Connecticut. Members only He was the baby of six Bacon kids, and you know what that means I was the youngest by eight years, so I was 100 percent an accident even though my mother denied it. My parents were supportive and loving and very big on creativity. Write a song and play it, bang on a pot, do something! But they were very hands-off, and when I left home, I was on my own. My dad gave me a little bit of money to pay for my first year of acting school, but it ran out pretty quick. When I see the kind of relationship I have with my children we talk about stuff, we communicate I didnt really have that. Getting cut down to size is part of the gig When I got the call to be in Animal House [1978], I thought I was off to the races. I was invited to the premiere, but I didnt have the VIP ticket to get into the after-party. I was on the other side of the rope watching the cast get out of the limo and walk down the red carpet. This business is nothing if not humbling. But if you want to stick it out, youve got to have thick skin, because you will get your ass kicked. He still doesnt think hes made it Honestly, I really dont. But I would say there was a moment when I thought: I dont think Im going to have to go back to waiting tables. That was probably around 1982 when Diner came out. Thats when I knew Id be able to make a living as an actor. I didnt know if it would be a good living, but you know, theres so much more I want to do. And this is one of the great gigs where you get to explore different things and different types of characters as you get older. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply. If you havent thought about bringing your old paper photos into the digital age, let the torrent of natural disasters in the past few years wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods motivate you to create copies of your familys history. You dont have to give up the framed pictures, photo albums or shoeboxes of memories from before photography went digital in the early 21st century. But digitizing your still photos and home movies not only can help you regain some of what is lost after a tragedy, it also can help you: Search through your online photo library for people, places and things via a keyword or tag. Repair torn or faded photos and remove red eye with smart software. Share images with friends and family over email and social media. Create fridge magnets, photo galleries for your TV and other projects. Members only Whether you digitize photos yourself or have a service do it for you, the key is to just do it before its too late, says Louise Smith, project manager at the University of Southern California (USC) Digital Library. Its one of those things we keep putting off. While USC is in the Los Angeles metro area, it isnt near the wildfires, which destroyed at least 10,000 homes. It may seem daunting, especially if you have a lot of photos to digitize, Smith says. But it could be fun to make a weekend out of it, maybe with a friend or relative. If youre not tech savvy or are too busy, finding a trusted digitization service is a good idea, too. Include not only your paper photos in this venture but also any negatives and slides you find. Save money. Scan the photos yourself To do your own digitizing, you can pick up a flatbed scanner for as little as $59 if you dont already own one. A multifunction printer, usually a combination inkjet printer, photocopier and scanner, also can be used to scan photos. Lots of photos? Consider convenience. A high-speed scanner can top $500 but gives you more options, such as holding three dozen photos in its feeder so you have less to do by hand. Think about this if you have hundreds or thousands of photos although you will want to compare costs and expertise with a service. Other scanners for home use generally require scanning prints one by one. While wireless models are available, the process usually involves connecting the flatbed scanner to your computer via the included USB cable, lifting up the scanner lid to place a photo inside, face down, and pressing a button to digitize it. The image will show up on your computer screen. Now you can rename the file into something searchable, including the date, people in the image, location or event. One advantage of flatbed scanners. They have ability to handle larger formats. That makes easier work of preserving birth certificates, deeds, drawings, letters, marriage licenses, newspaper articles and images of sentimental keepsakes like grandmas favorite broach. Most flatbed scanners are letter size, 8.5 inches by 11 inches, or legal size 8.5 inches by 14 inches. However, large-format scanners can handle documents of 11 inches by 17 inches or more. Smartphones arent for archiving. Smartphones have the capability of scanning photos and are convenient for some purposes. December 2024 Quarterly Activities Report Perth, Jan 24, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Great Western Exploration Limited ( ASX:GTE ) is pleased to provide its Quarterly Activities Report for the three months to 31 December 2024 (December 2024 Quarter). Great Western prepares for three potential company-making drill programs. Drilling will test compelling, well-defined copper, gold and niobium targets in WA. Key Points: Oval and Oval South Copper-Gold Targets - The first phase of the Oval Copper-Gold drilling programme was completed, with two diamond holes drilled ranging in depth from 600 to 800 metres. Assay results from these drill-holes are anticipated to be returned in February 2025. - Down-hole electromagnetic (DHEM) surveying of the two holes commenced, but was suspended due to localised heavy rainfall and is expected to be completed in January. - Great Western believes that both the giant Oval and Oval South copper-gold targets are highly prospective, with this interpretation supported by the coincident geophysical anomalism, the targets' location on a major crustal mantle tapping fault that is intersected by a basin defining growth fault (that focused mineralised fluids), and favourable stratigraphy of the Yerrida Basin to host mineralisation. - The DHEM and assay results will be used to help plan the next phase of exploration drilling. Sumo Niobium Target - The Sumo Niobium Target is a large, robust and coherent 2km long by 1km wide lag niobium soil anomaly within Great Western's 100% owned Yerrida North Project, located on magnetic and gravity highs. - Sumo's prospectivity is highlighted by coincident pathfinder geochemistry which supports the potential for a niobium-mineralised system. Field reconnaissance verified Sumo as insitu with the anomalism not related to transported sedimentary material), with sampling and analysis confirming the target is drill-ready. - The access approvals process to drill at Sumu is well advanced, with drilling anticipated to be completed in the first half of 2025. Juggernaut VHMS Copper-Gold Targets - The interpreted Juggernaut Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulphide (VHMS) copper-gold mineralised system is located 70kms south-east of the DeGrussa and Monty Copper-Gold Deposits. - The Juggernaut VHMS copper-gold targets were defined by comprehensive field work programmes, that included geological mapping, surface sampling, modelling and interpretation. - The Company has defined six VHMS DeGrussa-style copper-gold targets, which are all individually defined by their individual stratigraphic, structural, and geochemical attributes. This style of mineralisation (VHMS) often form in clusters of deposits, and the Company interprets that the six targets represent this mineralisation characteristic. - The access approvals process commenced during the December 2024 Quarter and is advanced, with drilling scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2025. Yandal West - In December 2024 the Company entered into a binding agreement to sell the tenements in the Company's non-core Yandal West Gold Project to Albion Resources ( ASX:ALB ) in an all script transaction. - Completion of the agreement is anticipated to occur before the end of January 2025, following Albion shareholder approval on 22 January 2025, and subject to GTE delivering any deeds of assignment and other standard conditions. Corporate - In August 2024 and October 2024, the Company raised a total of ~$6 million (before costs) in two placements, ensuring its upcoming drilling programs are fully-funded. *To view the full Quarterly Report, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/O8627QJ7 About Great Western Exploration Limited Great Western Exploration (ASX:GTE) is an explorer with a world class, large land position in prolific regions of Western Australia. Great Western's tenements have been under or virtually unexplored. Numerous work programmes across multiple projects are underway and the Company is well-funded with a tight capital structure, providing leverage to exploration success. Related Companies Connor Gaydos, the 28-year-old CEO of Enron and a key figure behind the gag conspiracy movement Birds Arent Real, seen here in this courtesy photo at the product reveal of the Enron Egg Monday. Courtesy Enron Enrons revival has been dismissed by many, including the New York Times, as little more than an elaborate joke or a quirky publicity stunt. But recent filings and an interview with a new executive hinted that the companys leaders may actually have something serious in the works. Its not hard to see why skepticism runs high. Enrons social media feeds are filled with outlandish posts, including impossible claims about an egg-shaped nuclear reactor capable of powering a home for a decade. The companys 28-year-old CEO, Connor Gaydos, also has a history with Birds Arent Real, the internets favorite satirical conspiracy theory from 2017. On January 6th, we will change this country forever Enron (@Enron) January 2, 2025 But a subsidiary of Enron, Enron Energy Texas LLC, recently filed to become a Texas retail electric provider. Gaining this designation would allow Enron to sell electricity plans to Texas consumers a move that, unlike the Enron Egg, at least has the appearance of sincerity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gregory Forero, one of Enrons newly revealed executives and founder of a legitimate company known as HGP Storage, submitted signed and notarized affidavits attesting to the companys intent to become a bonafide energy provider. HGP develops utility-scale battery storage farms, a resource that has grown rapidly on the Texas grid in recent years. In a Wednesday interview, Forero again emphasized to the Chronicle that Enron is not a parody or a publicity stunt. Residents may soon be able to choose Enron as their power provider, he said. The retail energy provider business hasnt changed since deregulation, Forero said, referencing the break-up of Texas electricity market into three separate sectors in the early 2000s. Its stagnant. The user experience for residential is suboptimal. Its AOL dial-up technology, basically. Theres always been an opportunity to do the REP business better. Its something that has been on my wishlist since the early 2000s to actually set one up, Forero said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Of course, Enrons application to become a retail electric provider could be just another move in an elaborate stunt. But Forero, who has close to 30 years of experience in the energy industry, could face professional and legal consequences if the documents were found to be fraudulent. Details emerge Forero said he and Gaydos began working together around six months ago. Forero said his experience and network in the energy sector, combined with Gaydos expertise in marketing, made the pairing a natural fit. As an industry veteran, Forero remembers well the 2001 collapse that brought Enron to its knees. But the malfeasance happened at the C-suite level, not among dedicated mid-level employees, Forero said. Plus, success has sprung from the ashes of Enron before, he said, pointing to pipeline giant Kinder Morgan, whose founder Rich Kinder was previously president and chief operating officer at Enron. Kinder left Enron in 1996, five years before the company filed for bankruptcy. I would much sooner go to an Enron that had problems 25 years ago than go back to TXU that is charging 30% more than market rates just because theyre the incumbent, Forero said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: How Enron went from popular 90s company to financial disaster TXU Energy, one of the leading retail electric providers in Texas, said in a statement that it offers a wide range of pricing plans and discounts to customers to match their individual needs. Enrons retail electricity service plans to employ battery storage technology from Foreros HGP Storage, though they will be Enron branded and operated, Forero said. Those batteries would self-insure the electricity that Enron as a retail electric provider would be obligated to provide to its customers, so the company wouldnt have to purchase electricity from the wholesale market at much higher costs during times of high demand. Forero said the new partnership aims to lower the cost to consumers by as much as 30%. But Enrons debut as a retail electric provider likely wouldnt happen immediately. The company would need to prove, at length, that it is capable of complying with regulations that govern energy commodities in Texas, Forero said. Its something theyre currently working on, with meter-reading tests underway in several markets across the state, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fact vs. fiction The question of whether the new Enron will always be a parody or will eventually become a real business is difficult to answer, seemingly by design. Some of the companys claims since its launch, including the Enron Egg, the town hall that leaders said they held in Houston despite sharing no information on location or time, and a fictitious material Gaydos called Enronium, are as ridiculous as they sound. But behind the outlandish claims and allegations of a pastry-based assault on the streets of New York itself eerily reminiscent of a similar incident involving Bill Gates real money is being moved around. NEW: 28-year-old Enron CEO Connor Gaydos remakes the Bill Gates 'pie in the face' incident in New York City as the company attempts to make a comeback. Enron, famous for its accounting scandal over 20 years ago, is allegedly making a comeback, according to Gaydos. "Its true, pic.twitter.com/xtoXggWUWx Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 12, 2024 The company has invested in advertisements, including billboards and a full-page ad in the New York Times, which, according to a digital marketing firm, can cost as much as $1.4 million. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A simple answer, hinted at by Gaydos and confirmed in part by Forero, is that the revived Enron is operating as some form of high-level marketing firm. When asked about his involvement with Birds Arent Real, Gaydos said in a January interview with the Chronicle that the experience taught him how he could build the foundation of a real business with an internet joke. I was able to really hone and fine-tune my sensibilities in terms of how a story on the internet or how marketing can then fuel an actual business on the backend, Gaydos said. Forero said his arm of the company is mostly unaffiliated with the Enron Egg, even though news of Enrons application to become a retail electric provider came just weeks after Gaydos debuted the egg. One has generated buzz around a fake energy product; the other may be capitalizing on it with a real business proposal. The REP business is one arm of Enron. My REP team isnt involved in the other parts of Enron. We benefit from their marketing, we benefit from their innovation, but my team is focused on building the best customer experience for the ratepayers in Texas, Forero said. The array of trademark filings Enron has submitted also seems to imply it could dive into a broad range of industries, from t-shirts and water bottles to cryptocurrency and financial services. However, many of those trademarks are still pending, and Enron has not submitted specimens examples of products bearing the trademark that are required by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for many of the marks it has applied for. Time will tell what the companys true intentions are as its proposal to enter the energy market plays out. MakeMyTrip, an online travel company, has joined forces with Hindi news channel Aaj Tak to elevate the cultural and spiritual grandeur of Mahakumbh Mela 2025. In partnership with Explurger, a cutting-edge social media platform for travellers, the collaboration introduces the first-of-its-kind Influencer Lounge, offering creators a unique space to capture and share the essence of the worlds largest religious gathering. The Influencer Lounge, strategically located at Triveni Road, Parade Ground (near the LIC Pavilion), spans 2,000 square feet and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to empower digital influencers. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until February 26, 2025, the lounge offers high-speed internet, modern content creation tools, and a comfortable setting for storytelling. Creators from diverse backgrounds are invited to leverage this space to amplify the spiritual and cultural significance of the Mahakumbh on global digital platforms. Designed to accommodate over 60 creators, the lounge features a dedicated stage for live shows, podcast recordings, and interactive sessions with celebrity influencers like Tanya Khanijow, Ganesh Vanare, Surya, Amit Saxena, and Aditya Maurya. This collaborative initiative bridges tradition and technology, enabling influencers to create captivating content that reflects the unity, faith, and soul purification symbolized by the Mahakumbh. The Mahakumbh Mela 2025 is especially unique, taking place under rare celestial alignments, marking it as a once-in-144-years event. This years gathering is expected to attract over 400 million pilgrims during its 45-day span, making it the largest religious gathering in history. Explurger, Indias first social media platform for travelers, and Aaj Tak, the countrys top news channel, have curated the Creators Lounge to inspire a new wave of content that blends spirituality and creativity. The lounge also offers visitors opportunities to attend celebrity talks, network with other creators, and immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of this historic event. MakeMyTrips sponsorship aligns seamlessly with its mission to connect travelers with unforgettable experiences. This collaboration underscores the companys role in facilitating journeys to one of the worlds most iconic religious events, where tradition meets innovation. As the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 unfolds, this pioneering initiative by MakeMyTrip, Aaj Tak, and Explurger is set to redefine how spiritual and cultural experiences are shared in the digital age. Also Read: India Today Group unveils STAGE Aaj Tak: A New Entertainment Vertical The perception of a brand isnt just about sleek logos or catchy taglinesits shaped by the brilliant minds working behind the scenes to craft stories that resonate deeply. But have you ever heard directly from the people shaping these narratives, building reputations, and navigating crises? From the days of fax machines to todays AI-driven campaigns, the communications landscape has undergone an extraordinary transformation. Today, its not just about telling a storyits about creating an experience, one that resonates across platforms, from social media to digital billboards. Welcome to Crafting Bharat: Brand Ki Baat, an industry-first podcast that takes you behind the curtain to meet the masterminds bringing brands to life. In our first episode, join Shubhreet Kaur, Host and VP Integration at Adfactors PR, in conversation with Atul Sharma, CEO, Ruder Finn India and Head - Middle East /President, PRCAI, and Sameer Seth, Director, Marketing - India at Dolby Laboratories. This series is proudly brought to you by NewsReach, Indias leading PR-tech platform, with segment partner Blue Tea, gifting partner The Forbidden Journeys, and wardrobe partner White Chaos. Tune in for stories, insights, and inspiration! Edited Excerpts: What do you think has been one of the most inspiring changes in the industry that you think is the aspirational factor going ahead, and why would someone be attracted to this industry? Sameer Seth (Dolby Laboratories): Theres been a clear shift in terms of how we consume content and the way we approach it. Earlier, it was about broadcasting content to an audience. Now, its far more interactive and personalised. Consumers are prioritising premium content experiences. Theyre upgrading their devicesmoving from older phones and TVs to ones that offer better visual and audio quality. Similarly, theyre opting for premium subscription plans that give enhanced features like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. He added, "Its no longer just about watching or listening. Its about how good the experience is. This shift shows that consumers are willing to pay for better experiences, and for someone entering the industry, it opens up endless opportunities to innovate and adapt. The ability to merge technology with storytelling is what makes this industry aspirational." Where do you see the conflict lies between marketing's measurement-based approach and explaining how reputation can be measured in PR? How can brands and agencies communicate better on this? Atul Sharma (RuderFinn India): The conflict often arises when objectives arent aligned. Marketing is heavily measurement-drivenits all about numbers and ROI. But PR operates in a more nuanced space. Reputation isnt something you can measure immediately; its about trust and perception, which take time to build. He elaborated, "The key to resolving this is mutual understanding. Agencies need to step into the brands shoes, truly understand their vision, and act as their extended arm. As long as we work toward the same goal, conflicts are minimized. Issues only arise when people let their egos or personal agendas take over. Mutual respect and trust are the foundation of any successful brand-agency partnership." How do Indian brands differ in their communication strategies compared to their global counterparts? Atul Sharma (RuderFinn India): Indian brands are becoming prouder of their identity. Earlier, brands would avoid communicating during festive days like Republic Day or Diwali, thinking people wouldnt notice. But now, theyre using these occasions to celebrate their Indianness and connect emotionally with audiences. "This shift toward embracing our culture and heritage is incredible. It shows how much confidence Indian brands have gained in their storytelling." Sameer Seth (Dolby Laboratories): For global brands, the challenge is balancing consistency with local relevance. India is a diverse market, with 22 official languages and countless cultural nuances. At Dolby, we focus on localizing our global brand to resonate with the Indian audience. Whether its through music, sports, or gaming, we find ways to make our storytelling relatable. "Its about finding that sweet spot where global and local meet. The opportunity to cater to both India and Bharat makes this market truly unique." Whats the funniest client demand youve ever received? Atul Sharma (RuderFinn India): Once, a client said, Kuch aisa karo ki maza aajaye. It was vague, and I remember calling them back to ask, How will I know tumhe kisme maza aata hai? It turned into a funny yet enlightening conversation about the importance of clarity in briefs. What do you think will dominate the communications industry in 2025? Atul Sharma (RuderFinn India): Generative AI will redefine the industry. Were moving from experimentation to full-scale business transformation. By 2025, AI will impact how we create content, structure costs, and reskill teams. "The potential to push creative boundaries is immense. From handling repetitive tasks to crafting innovative campaigns, AI will be a game-changer." Sameer Seth (Dolby Laboratories): Hyper-localization will also take centre stage. Consumers want personalized experiences, and brands that can deliver tailored content and recommendations will thrive. "AI can make this possible by analyzing behaviour and preferences to create hyper-localized campaigns. For me, the idea of a tech-driven, personalized future is incredibly exciting." If youve ever wondered about the genius that builds a brands identity, this is your all-access backstage pass. Join us as we celebrate the creative chaos and spotlight the unsung heroes behind the brands that inspire, innovate, and shape our world. These stories, fueled by passion and strategy, reveal the artistry behind building iconic identities. Stay curious, keep crafting your own narratives, and catch more unfiltered insights in our next episode. Brought to you by NewsReachIndias leading PR-tech platform, in association with VCCircle and our production partner, HT Smartcast. Also Read: It's all about the close fit, says Durex in new campaign In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its creative edge, Kimberly-Clark has announced the appointment of Brazilian creative powerhouse Luiz Sanches as its Global Chief Creative and Design Officer. Sanches will be responsible for shaping the creative vision and elevating the emotional impact of the company's portfolio, which includes globally recognized brands like Huggies, Kleenex, and Cottonelle. With this new role, Sanches will oversee the creative quality and output for Kimberly-Clark across 175 markets. His appointment signals the companys commitment to creating meaningful connections with consumers through innovative storytelling and design. Sanches will collaborate closely with Patricia Corsi, Kimberly-Clarks Global Chief Growth Officer, who joined the company in May after a successful tenure leading marketing at Bayer. Together, they aim to reinforce Kimberly-Clarks global growth strategy by blending creativity with purpose-driven marketing. Known for his groundbreaking campaigns, Sanches brings decades of creative leadership to the table. His ability to craft emotionally resonant content aligns with Kimberly-Clarks mission to deliver more than just products, but also experiences that resonate deeply with consumers worldwide. This appointment marks another bold step for Kimberly-Clark as it continues to evolve its marketing approach, leveraging top-tier talent to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive consumer goods industry. Also Read: Aldrin Stephen Luiz Appointed Head of Ipsos MediaCT India Business Narayana Schools has launched its latest campaign, "Parents Inspire Us to Do Our BestYour Dreams Are Our Dreams," celebrating the invaluable role parents play in shaping their children's futures. This heartfelt campaign, captured in a compelling two-film series, highlights the deep alignment between Narayana Schools' mission and the aspirations of families nationwide. The first film serves as a poignant tribute to parents, showcasing their daily sacrifices and unyielding commitment to their children's success. By spotlighting these efforts, the film underscores how parental dedication fuels Narayana's passion for educational excellence, positioning parents as the cornerstone of student achievement. Complementing this tribute, the second film delves into Narayana's innovative, age-specific curricula. It highlights the e-Kidz program for Nursery to UKG, where young learners thrive in a nurturing, hygienic environment designed to foster early development. e-Champs, tailored for students in Std 1 to 5, encourage creativity, scientific exploration, and social skills, nurturing curiosity and foundational knowledge. The e-Techno program for Std 6 to 10 equips students with essential skills and knowledge, laying a robust foundation for future academic and career success. Each program is meticulously crafted to meet the developmental needs of its respective age group, ensuring impactful education at every stage. The first segment of this campaign debuted in January 2025, with the second film set to run from February to mid-March 2025. Together, these films reflect Narayana Schools' unwavering commitment to walking alongside parents in the educational journey, ensuring that each student's potential is fully realised. Dr. P. Sindhura, Director of Narayana Educational Institutions, shared her thoughts on the initiative: "At Narayana, we recognise and honour the dreams parents hold for their children. This campaign is our heartfelt acknowledgment of their sacrifices and a reaffirmation of our promise to provide unmatched educational support to help realize those dreams." Echoing this sentiment, Ms. P. Sharani, Director of Narayana Educational Institutions, remarked, "Parents are the bedrock of a child's success. Their unwavering belief in our institution fuels our dedication to nurturing each student's potential. Their dreams inspire our mission every single day." This campaign also underscores the vital partnership between parents and educators, illustrating how collaborative efforts foster a supportive, enriching learning environment. Narayanas approach, blending holistic development with academic rigor, aims to balance emotional well-being and intellectual growth. Strategically launched across YouTube, Connected TV (CTV), Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, mobile apps, and social media channels like Meta, the campaign ensures broad digital reach. This multi-platform presence allows Narayana Schools to engage a diverse audience and reinforce its commitment to partnering with parents in nurturing student success. As Narayana Schools continue to redefine educational excellence, this campaign stands as a testament to their shared vision with families. Staying true to their core belief, Narayana reaffirms that empowering students remains central to their mission because at Narayana, your dreams are our purpose. Also Read: Diwakaran Suryanarayana: Navigating India's evolving alco-bev landscape NDTV Profit is set to host a special live event, NDTV Profit Budget 2025: Investors Guide, this Saturday, January 25, 2025. Designed to empower investors with actionable insights and expert advice, this highly anticipated event will provide invaluable guidance ahead of the Union Budget 2025. This interactive broadcast will feature some of the most respected voices in finance and investment, offering in-depth analysis, strategic insights, and practical advice to the investors and traders looking to navigate a challenging 2025. What sets this event apart? Its unique interactive format. Viewers can send in their most pressing queries, which will be addressed live by top market veterans and renowned investment experts. Whether its about market trends, emerging sectors, international impact, or investment strategies, the live event aims to answer the questions that matter most to todays investors. The event will feature prominent market voices and experts, including a session with Legendary investor Ramesh Damani, Prashant Khemka Founder Whiteoak Capital and Nilesh Shah Founder and CEO Envision Capital, who will guide investors on critical factors, such as what will contribute more to Indias growth, what sectors to watch out for and how India can sustain its economic momentum amid global uncertainties. They will also provide valuable insights into crafting effective investment strategies for the short, medium, and long-term horizons. Adding to the comprehensive agenda is the segment Ask Profit What to Buy Ahead of the Budget, featuring Gautam Shah Founder Goldilocks Premium Research and Kush Bohra Ace investor and market strategist. This session will focus on sector-specific recommendations, helping viewers identify growth opportunities as the Union Budget approaches and equipping them to navigate emerging trends effectively. The viewers can submit their queries for this session, and they will be addressed comprehensively by the experts. Adding further depth to the discussions, Saurabh Mukherjea, Founder & CIO of Marcellus Investment Managers, will speak to the audiences about Investment Strategy for Viksit Bharat. He will share his expert perspective on matters like how investing ahead of the budget differ from regular investing, specific advice for GenZ investors. The NDTV Profit Budget 2025: Investors Guide reaffirms NDTV Profits commitment to delivering insightful and actionable content to its audience. By addressing viewer concerns and offering expert-led advice, this live event promises to be an essential resource for anyone looking to align their financial strategies with Indias economic trajectory. Catch the NDTV Profit Budget 2025: Investors Guide live on 25th Jan - 11:30 am onwards on all NDTV Profit platforms. Viewers can also submit their queries to the experts by sending in messages on 8169443399. Also Read: NDTV Profit Launches The Disruptors The Advertising Club (TAC) India hosted the 24th edition of the Effie India Awards 2024 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. With Platinum Guild International as the Category Sponsor for Positive Change - Social Good Brands, Radio City as the Radio Partner, Diageo India as the Celebration Partner, and AMSTEL & Heineken Beer as the Beverage Sponsor, the event drew over 1,200 industry professionals from advertising, marketing, media, research, PR, and communication, solidifying its reputation as a calendar event for the industry. Mondelez India Foods Pvt. Ltd. was adjudged as the Effie Client of the Year, while Ogilvy Group India was named Effie Agency of the Year. The coveted Grand Effie was awarded to Leo Burnett India for ACKO General Insurances campaign ACKO: Health Insurance Ki Subah Ho Gayi Mamu. The Effie India Awards hold a unique distinction, as the recognition stems not only from peers within the advertising industry but also from clients and academicians alike, celebrating creativity, strategy, and effectiveness from all perspectives. The awards garnered 1,152 entries from 75 agencies, reinforcing Effie Indias status as the second-largest Effie globally in terms of participation. With 486 jury members, including 254 marketing professionals, spent their invaluable time and insights for the rigorous judging process spanned Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, ensuring the highest standards of evaluation for this years campaigns. Speaking at the Effie, Rana Barua, President, President, The Advertising Club & GROUP CEO, HAVAS INDIA, SOUTH EAST & NORTH ASIA (Japan & South Korea), Havas Group - India said, The Effie India Awards exemplify the power of strategic creativity and impactful storytelling. This year, with over 1,152 entries and an extraordinary level of participation, the awards continue to set benchmarks for the industry. Congratulations to all the winners for their innovative campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences and drive measurable impact. These awards reflect the collaborative brilliance of our industry, and Im proud of what we have achieved together." Speaking at the Effie, Mitrajit Bhattacharya, Chairperson, Effie India Awards, The Advertising Club & Founder and President, The Horologists, said, " Its incredible to witness the evolution of the Effie India Awards over the past 23 years. The awards are more than just a celebration, and once again reinforced the power of creativity combined with participation from 75 agencies and an exceptional jury of 486 experts. Its heartening to see the industry pushing boundaries and delivering remarkable campaigns that drive tangible outcomes. A heartfelt thanks to the jury and the participants for making this edition one of the most memorable yet. Elaborating on the awards, Pradeep Dwivedi, Co-Chairperson, Effie India Awards, The Advertising Club & Group CEO, Eros Media World added, The Effie India Awards have become a cornerstone of the advertising and marketing landscape, bringing together the best minds in the business. Congratulations to all the winners for pushing the boundaries of creativity and strategy. Your work continues to inspire and define the future of brand communication. The Effie Awards are globally recognized as a symbol of marketing excellence, honouring brands, agencies, and marketers who have excelled in driving business growth and delivering impactful campaigns. At the IAA Conversations, held in Mumbai on 21 January, Prof. Sunil Gupta, Edward W Carter Professor - Business Administration and Co-chair, Executive Program- Driving Digital Strategy, Harvard Business School, discussed the transformative impact of technology, implications of AI in the advertising and branding world and his concerns regarding the technology. Titled, Marketing in the age of AI, the chat was moderated by Babita Baruah, CEO, VML India, and IAA Mancom member. The session started by spotlighting AIs disruptive nature and how it helps create value for industries. Almost every business across categories, not just advertising, is thinking about AI and how it will affect their business. Technology will affect us in three different ways. The first is to augment and automate. The other aspect is that companies will focus on figuring out how to use this technology and grow and expand. And the last is to innovate and disrupt. The access and ease of creating content will encourage companies to experiment more, he said. In the advertising world, we will get more creative solutions and the initial ideas could come from AI, which might reduce cost and create efficiency, he added. Gupta cited the example of Facebook and Google and explained how such tech giants are leveraging this technology. The Facebooks and the Googles of the world are already automating the process wherein one gives the goal, target audience and budget and it will automatically create millions of ads and see which one works better and allocate the money, he noted. Consumer behaviour Gupta divulged, There is so much data about consumers now. Its not only what they buy and search for, its what they do on social media or why they make a call to the call centre. Its not easy to put together the qualitative and quantitative data and get a 360-degree view. But with AI it can be done. AI can be a smart research assistant that gathers all the customer data and gives insights. It can even find the customer journey and help discover the friction points. I think everything that we want to do but are finding difficult because of the vast amount of data and in different places, can now be stitched together with AI, if not today, tomorrow, observed he. Gupta also mentioned how companies today are creating synthetic consumers, which, in turn, helps with market research at the early stages. "We can create synthetic personas based on the past data that we have and at least initially one can get very quick ideas even before the launch of a product, he said. Hindrances with the technology Gupta also voiced his concerns regarding the technology. He remarked that the use of AI will increase competition because a lot more people will come in as anybody would be able to do it. On the advertising side of things, he spotlighted, With AI experimentation and seeing different permutations and combinations, companies will be able to fine-tune the ROI component faster. If one can measure it and do it more accurately, there will be a tendency to put more dollars towards that. The potentially damaging effect that this will have on brands would be that they will get sucked more into the short term rather than building brands. And advertising is all about building brands. AI at workplace Gupta suggested a few shifts required at an organisational level when it comes to the application of AI. The first thing that all of us have to do, whether we are an entry-level person or a CEO, is to embrace AI. You can't learn to swim by sitting on the side of the pool or by watching somebody else swim. You have to jump in the pool yourself, he said. He advised that one should invest time learning the technology and know its shortcomings. Spend a significant amount of time understanding both the good and the bad of it. Because AI can't do everything and we need to understand what it can and cant do and where the negative parts or the limitations of the technology lie, said Gupta. No technology has reduced our workload. The same was said about computers, mobile phones and social media. It hasnt happened and its not going to happen. We will find other things to do which means that there's no reduction in the workload, he said when asked if he thinks AI will save our time. The transformative effect on industries Recalling his conversation with a chief economist at Google, Gupta pointed out that there was a study done about the impact of technology which revealed that jobs dont go away, tasks go away. Every job has multiple tasks. Think about all the things that one does and break it into different components. Some tasks which one calls the non-value added components will go away which means you won't spend time on them. We will spend more time on some tasks and less on others. Chances are it will be the non-value added ones that you'll spend less time on, he asserted. On a concluding note, Gupta said, Don't forget one should always start with what is the problem theyre trying to solve. Sometimes, we just get sucked away by technology much more than we should. The other big issue certainly in your business is the copyright and IP. Protect your IP and data. All the tech companies are here to grab your data because that's the only thing that powers the technology. Addressing the guests at the event Abhishek Karnani, President, IAA India Chapter said At the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), we take pride in being the only body in the industry that brings together creative agencies, media agencies, and media under one roof. This year, our focus is clearConversations, Skilling, and Artificial Intelligenceall aimed at preparing us for the opportunities and challenges ahead. The event was organised in association with the Harvard Business School (HBS). Free Press Journal was the Presenting Partner. Schneider Electric, one of the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and NextGen automation, has launched an integrated marketing campaign for its innovative Miluz Zeta Range of Switches and Sockets. This powerful campaign empowers families to make informed choices for modern living. Designed and manufactured in India, the Miluz Zeta range redefines contemporary lifestyles by seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology, sleek aesthetics, and unparalleled durability tailored for Indian conditions. With its industry-first integrated Air Quality Indicator (AQI) monitor as a standout feature, the Miluz Zeta range goes beyond innovationit fosters smarter, healthier, and more connected living spaces. In just one month, this initiative has achieved extraordinary milestones, including over 25+ launch events across major cities with participation of more than 1500+ retail partners. Commenting on the brands unique approach, Rajat Abbi, Vice President- Global Marketing, Chief Marketing Officer, Schneider Electric, Greater India, stated, At Schneider Electric, we believe that innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. The Miluz Zeta range symbolizes a new era in modern livingwhere convenience, intelligence, and sustainability converge to address real-world problems. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to use creative and impactful touchpointssuch as digital storytelling, on-ground activations, and retailer outreachto engage with customers meaningfully and strengthen our commitment to a smarter, more sustainable future. The campaign also boasts a powerful film that not only raise awareness but also inspires action. Sumati Sahgal, Vice President, Retail, Schneider Electric India, added, The Miluz Zeta range represents a transformative leap in enabling consumers to blend style, lifestyle, and sleekness with healthier living. This campaign showcases our dedication to effortlessly combining technology with aesthetics, offering consumers a genuinely modern lifestyle. Featuring exciting innovations like the Vertical Switch Plate setup, the Miluz Zeta range reflects Schneider Electric's core valuesinnovation driven by sustainability. As part of its approach, Schneider Electric prominently placed its unique hoardings in high-traffic locations like Cyber Hub, Gurgaon, bringing Miluz ZeTas next gen capabilities of AQI monitor to life, and thus showcasing its role in promoting healthier indoor environments. The brand is also extensively leveraging digital marketing channels along with a captivating brand film that highlights the Miluz ZeTas features in a relatable family setting, underscoring its role in fostering smarter lifestyles. To further drive success of this campaign, Schneider Electric is creating unique customer experiences that includes market storming in all key electrical markets in India along with retailer meets in major electrical markets, aimed at driving engagement among key stakeholders. Also Read: Laurent Freixe Appointed CEO of Nestle as Mark Schneider Steps Down Confucius Institute to start Chinese language course at Botswana secondary school Xinhua) 10:52, January 24, 2025 A signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding is held in Gaborone, Botswana, on Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua) GABORONE, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana (CIUB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Livingstone Kolobeng College (LKC) on Thursday to introduce Chinese as a second language at the secondary school. As a result of the partnership, LKC becomes Botswana's first secondary school to offer Chinese language instruction as part of a Cambridge examination curriculum. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Gaborone, Botswana's capital, LKC Principal Jeff Ramsay hailed the MoU as a significant step toward the school's goal of becoming a global leader in international education. "The program serves to enhance the intellectual life, cultural development, and contribution to increased academic exposure and cooperation between the two educational institutions," said Ramsay. The initiative aims to deepen the international curriculum, promote mutual understanding, and enhance students' cultural awareness, preparing them for global opportunities and careers, particularly in China, he added. Pu Durong, Chinese director of the CIUB, noted that the initiative would benefit both institutions and transform LKC into a standout school with Chinese language features, making it more attractive to students and parents. He emphasized that students will also have the opportunity to participate in the annual Chinese Bridge tournament for secondary school students, where they can compete globally in Chinese language and culture. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Octavia Johnson is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Bluesky (@octaviajnews.bsky.social), TikTok (@octaviaj_news) and Facebook (Octavia R. Johnson). Before joining the Chronicle, Octavia worked as a digital content producer at WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tenn., where she became a leader in producing fast-paced, audience-focused content. Octavia graduated from UNC Pembroke with a bachelor's degree in journalism before earning her master's degree in media and communications at Norfolk State University. Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Order Redefining Birthright Citizenship, Calls It 'Blatantly Unconstitutional' 2 A federal judge temporarily blocked former President Donald Trumps controversial executive order seeking to deny U.S. citizenship to children born to undocumented immigrants, calling the measure blatantly unconstitutional. The ruling came during the first hearing in a multi-state legal challenge to the order. The executive order, issued shortly after Trumps second-term inauguration, aimed to deny citizenship to children born after February 19 whose parents are in the country illegally. It also prohibited federal agencies from issuing or accepting documents recognising citizenship for these children. Citing the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary 14-day restraining order, halting the administrations plans. This is as clear-cut a constitutional violation as Ive seen in over four decades on the bench, said Coughenour, an appointee of President Ronald Reagan. The case, filed by 22 states and immigrant rights groups, was spearheaded by Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Illinois. The states argued that Trumps order was an affront to constitutional protections and would cause immediate and irreparable harm to families and state systems. Assistant Attorney General Lane Polozola, representing the states, lambasted the order as absurd, highlighting that undocumented immigrants are still subject to U.S. laws and jurisdiction. Polozola argued that the executive order would force states to spend millions restructuring healthcare and benefits systems to accommodate its demands, impacting hundreds of thousands of individuals. The Department of Justice, defending Trumps order, claimed it correctly interprets the 14th Amendment and vowed to vigorously defend the policy. DOJ attorney Brett Shumate asserted that the arguments supporting the order were unprecedented but valid, despite the judges skepticism. Trumps executive order also reignited debate over the legal interpretation of the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment. Historically, the clause was ratified in 1868 to ensure citizenship for former slaves and their descendants. However, Trumps order contended that children of undocumented immigrants are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, a claim opponents deemed baseless. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown criticized the order as an attack on fundamental constitutional principles, likening it to the dark legacy of the Dred Scott decision, which denied citizenship to African Americans. The law is clearif you are born on American soil, you are an American citizen. This principle has stood for generations, and no executive order can erase it, Brown said. Legal experts also pointed to the landmark 1898 Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which affirmed the citizenship of a man born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrants under the 14th Amendment, despite restrictive immigration laws of the time. Trumps latest move sparked outrage among immigrant rights advocates and personal reflections from attorneys general like Connecticuts William Tong, who emphasized the deeply personal impact of birthright citizenship on immigrant families. There is no legitimate legal debate here. Trump is wrong, and his order threatens American families like my own, Tong said. The next hearing on the case is scheduled for February 6, where the court will decide whether to extend the restraining order as the case proceeds. Meanwhile, the political and legal battle over birthright citizenship continues to divide the nation. Alabama lawmakers are inching closer to a plan that could change the way schools are funded in the state. Leaders of a legislative school funding committee said Thursday that theres a strong possibility schools could soon see more money to address student needs. But its unlikely that a complete overhaul of Alabamas school funding formula will happen this year. I think we clearly discussed that option one is doing nothing, and we heard loud and clear from several people today that that was not an option, Rep. Danny Garrett, who co-chairs the commission, told reporters after the meeting. Lawmakers are still weighing different plans to change the states decades-old school funding formula; a slate of potential funding options were reviewed last month. They could adopt a brand-new, student-weighted funding formula, or go with a temporary hybrid option that would keep the states current system intact while adding extra pots of money for specific student groups. The commission plans to approve and present its final recommendations to the legislature shortly after the session begins on Feb. 4. Weve come a long way, and weve got miles to go before we sleep, co-chairman Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, told the commission Thursday. How would a hybrid model work? Alabama is one of just six states that still funds its schools based on student enrollment alone. Since 1995, the state has used local attendance to allocate money from the Education Trust Funds Foundation Program. Currently, Alabama sends about $7,700 in state funding per pupil to local school districts. Those funds typically are used for staff salaries and other basic operational expenses. The state also allocates a few extra line items for student subgroups, but those funds are minimal and typically very restrictive, officials said. While some initiatives may carve out extra funding for high-needs schools, just 1.2% of the states 2023-24 $5.3 billion education budget is directly targeted toward specific groups of students, such as English learners, gifted students, students with disabilities or students who are economically disadvantaged. You have to have an amount to be impactful, and the 1.2% that were doing now is not enough to really move the needle like we need to move the needle in Alabama, Orr told reporters. A student-weighted formula, which would be based on student needs rather than headcount, would allow districts more flexibility to make decisions on how to spend state funds. But lawmakers said that model might be too complex to implement this year. If the commission decides more time is needed to move forward with a different formula, they plan to implement a hybrid model in the meantime. That model would keep the underlying Foundation Program in place but would expand current investments toward specific student groups. Kirk Fulford, deputy director of the Legislative Services Agencys Fiscal Division, said it would still be feasible to pursue a hybrid formula this year without lifting taxes even with impending budget increases for teacher retirement, health insurance and reading and math initiatives on the horizon. He estimated that there is currently about $182 million extra in the states Education Trust Fund that could be directed to certain student groups. Starting in May, lawmakers also will have access to a $1.1 billion education reserve fund, which could be used toward the transition. This is definitely less complex, he told lawmakers. This would allow you to attack this as funding allows. Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle said its past time to change the way schools are funded. Several said the hybrid plan was a middle-of-the-road option that would be more likely to gain approval in the legislature. Fear always comes up when you mention the word change, because weve become so comfortable with what we already know, Rep. Debbie Wood, R-Valley, told the committee. But I think the exciting thing is, in this state, we are looking to grow. We are looking to change. And were not going to be afraid of that. Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Hale County, represents several of the states poorest school districts, many of which have seen declining enrollment over the years. Rural schools like I represent, poor schools, their gap has been getting wider, he said. So I think this is an opportunity for us to close that gap and to do whats best for our children. Mark Dixon of A+ Education Partnership, an education advocacy group that has championed school funding reform, said the organization is in support of both options. A hybrid model would allow districts to ease into the changes, while still receiving more funding for the kids that need it most, Dixon told AL.com. A full student-weighted model would have, we think, a greater long-term impact, but a hybrid model up front would be a significant improvement and would really have a big impact on kids, he said. Next steps The commission plans to meet in the first week of February to draft final recommendations. At that time, Orr said, he will have a clearer sense of the governors budget and can determine where the funding will come from, what the weights will be, and what limitations should be placed on schools and districts. A bill outlining that process will have to be approved by both chambers, and ultimately the governor, before any of the money can be budgeted for school districts. If a new formula is approved, the commission recommends it be phased in over a period of no more than five years. If we were to do the student-weighted model, I dont think by fiscal year 2026 we could get all that has to be done to make that shift, Orr said. If we do the hybrid, I think its possible. Well have to make sure the accountability and the transparency steps are in there, and thats part of the package, but I think its possible to begin dedicating more resources to those four or five areas that we discussed today. An aide to House Speaker Mike Johnson advised Republican colleagues against subpoenaing former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson as part of their investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack in an effort to prevent the release of sexually explicit texts that lawmakers sent her, according to written correspondence reviewed by The Washington Post and a person familiar with the effort. The aide intervened last June, citing concerns that a subpoena could expose the texts, according to the correspondence and the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to talk candidly about private conversations. Johnson revived the investigation this week as part of an effort by President Donald Trump and his allies to seek retribution against perceived political enemies, including those who investigated his role in the Capitol attack. In a meeting following the June conversation, Johnson (R-Louisiana) and senior aides also conveyed to Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Georgia) and members of his staff that issuing a subpoena to Hutchinson and asking her to testify under oath would serve as an opportunity for her to retell her story and potentially embarrass the Trump White House, according to two people present for the meeting. Loudermilk had publicly floated the idea of issuing a subpoena to Hutchinson, who was elevated to national prominence in an explosive 2022 hearing where she testified that Trump had wanted an armed mob to march to the Capitol on Jan. 6 - and that he wanted to join them. Before that meeting, a Johnson aide told Loudermilks staff that multiple colleagues had raised concerns with the speakers office about the potential for public disclosure of sexual texts from members who were trying to engage in sexual favors with Hutchinson, according to correspondence produced at the time that detailed the conversation. Additionally, a member of Johnsons staff told Loudermilk aides that Hutchinson, an aide to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, could potentially reveal embarrassing information, according to a separate email reviewed by The Post and corroborated by two additional people. Johnson echoed those sentiments on Thursday, telling reporters that it didnt make sense to give her any more attention, she had already testified, and it was a bit of a debacle. In the last Congress, Loudermilk headed a Republican investigation into the Jan. 6 attack, which included among its targets the Democratic probe of the attack that finished its work in 2022. Critics have attacked the GOP investigation as part of Trumps effort to rewrite the history of what happened that day and to seek retribution against those who blamed him for inciting the violence. Loudermilk has been jockeying to lead a reconstituted investigation this year. On Wednesday, Johnson appointed him to chair a new select subcommittee that would continue the probe. Loudermilk was considering issuing a subpoena to obtain testimony and electronic communications from Hutchinson because he believed she could provide fresh information, according to two people involved with the probe, about one of the panels central targets and a top political foe of Trumps who had orchestrated Hutchinsons surprise testimony: former representative Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming). The Post reviewed documentation reflecting the speakers offices concern ahead of the June meeting between him and Loudermilk that corroborated the account of the person familiar with the effort to prevent the texts release, but has not seen the purported sexually explicit messages. Nor has The Post identified who sent them or determined whether Hutchinson responded. In a statement provided in response to an inquiry from The Post, Hutchinsons lawyer, Bill Jordan, did not address the existence of texts and said his client has cooperated voluntarily with the investigation. He also criticized the interim report Loudermilk issued in December, which accused Cheney of secretly communicating with Hutchinson without Hutchinsons attorneys knowledge. Ms. Hutchinson has testified truthfully and stands behind every word despite the efforts of men in powerful positions to attack her, Jordan said. Asked Thursday afternoon at the Capitol whether he or his staff had discouraged a subpoena of Hutchinson, Johnson said the decision was Loudermilks and based on the assessment that it wasnt necessary. She was cooperating, he said. She wanted to come testify. Loudermilk, also approached at the Capitol, said I have no idea when asked if he knew of any members who had sent personal messages to Hutchinson. A spokesman for Cheney, meanwhile, excoriated Loudermilk for suggesting she behaved inappropriately in her dealings with Hutchinson during the original Jan. 6 investigation. Rep. Loudermilk should be ashamed of the maliciously false lies he is peddling, spokesman Jeremy Adler said. Loudermilk told CNN in an interview earlier this month that Johnson had agreed that his probe from the previous Congress would be reconstituted this year in a new committee. Johnsons announcement Wednesday specified that the new investigative subcommittee would now sit within the House Judiciary Committee, which is chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). It previously lived under House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil (R-Wisconsin). Steil declined to comment about why the probe moved. Jordan told reporters: Its what the speaker wanted. Cheney, along with members and some staff on the Democratic committee, has since received a blanket preemptive pardon from President Joe Biden to shield against criminal prosecutions by the Trump administration. Hutchinson was not among those receiving pardons. Over the course of their investigation, Loudermilks team obtained never-before-seen correspondence documenting apparent concerns Cheney had about communicating with Hutchinson without her lawyer. In early 2024, Loudermilk instructed Hutchinson to produce and preserve all records related to Jan. 6, but staff did not call Hutchinson to testify under oath before the committee. Staffers involved with the investigation argued that more could be gleaned from her with the help of the panels subpoena power. Its not clear if Cheneys pardon will dampen enthusiasm for the House panel to continue its line of investigation. A growing number of House members and Trump allies are calling for deeper investigations around those who received preemptive pardons from Biden. And Trump himself has indicated that recasting the narrative around the Jan. 6 attack is still front of mind, issuing a blanket pardon Monday evening of virtually all of the defendants convicted for their roles in the riot. He commuted the sentences of the remaining 14, cutting short sentences for nine members of the Oath Keepers and five members of the Proud Boys, both far-right groups. Loudermilk told reporters on Inauguration Day that Trump himself had asked him to continue the investigation and continue to expose the truth. I know President Trump is 100 percent behind it, Loudermilk said. - - - The driver who struck an Irondale police lieutenant earlier this month was adjusting his trucks heat when the deadly collision happened, according to a newly released crash report. Irondale police Lt. Mark Meadows, a 60-year-old husband, father and grandfather, was killed Jan. 6 while preparing to direct traffic for Church of the Highlands. Meadows was killed that Monday morning when he was putting out traffic cones as the churchs 21 Days of Prayer service was about to let out. It was just before 7 a.m. when Meadows was hit at the intersection of Grants Mill Road and Overton Road. He was pronounced dead at Grandview Medical Center at 7:39 a.m. Alabama State Troopers said the Chevrolet Colorado that struck Meadows was driven by 32-year-old Leeds man who stopped at the scene. No charges have been filed or citations issued. The driver was traveling westbound, following another vehicle. As the driver approached the intersection, Grants Mill transitioned into a four-lane road, allowing for legal passing, according to the ALEA report. The driver attempted to pass the vehicle it had been following and that is when Meadows was hit. There were no warning signs or other measures in place to alert drivers of potential hazards or ongoing work in the roadway ahead, the trooper wrote in the report. There were no blue lights activated on Meadows police vehicle, which was parked on the left shoulder. The driver was distracted inside his vehicle and didnt see (the officer until the last minute, the report stated. The driver told investigators My feet were hot, and I looked down for a second to adjust the heat. I saw cones at the last minute, and the next thing I know, I hit something. A witness told troopers the pickup truck was on my bumper while traveling on Grants Mill Road. I assumed he was in a rush to go somewhere and when the roadway became two lanes, I got over to the left, the witness said. The truck then drove around me and struck the officer while he was putting cones out. I stopped, along with the lad behind me to give aid to the officer, the witness said. But it was too late. I saw the entire accident. The report said the pickup was traveling 47 mph in an area zoned for 40 mph. Meadows was remembered as a silent warrior, a man of few words who made a big impact on those who knew and loved him. We know that because Mark was a believer, hes in a better place today than we are standing right here, Mayor James Stewart said. Were just so grateful that he died instantaneously. We dont believe that he suffered, that he was in any pain. God took him up to His mansion where there are many rooms, Stewart said, and we hope that he is in one of the biggest rooms today watching down to see us celebrating his life. Meadows served four years in the U.S Army 3rd Ranger Battalion, 10th Mountain Division at Ft. Benning in Georgia. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, he began his law enforcement career with the Mountain Brook Police Department in 1992, before transferring to the Irondale Police Department. He became an FBI instructor certified in pistol and rifle in 2001. He then became an NRA Instructor certified in pistol in 2017. Meadows worked at Church of Highlands since the Grants Mill facility opened 18 years ago. Students took to the streets near Florida State University to throw snowballs, break out their skis and make snow angels as a rare snowstorm passed through the Southeast. The night ended with officers firing pepper balls to disperse a crowd they called disorderly. Snow blanketed north Florida and other parts of the South during a recent storm that saw prolific historical snowfall, meteorologists said, leading Florida State University to close campus for several days. Videos shared on social media document the celebrations, with students seen throwing snowballs, building snowmen and getting towed by cars while riding makeshift sleds. The fun came to an end when the Tallahassee Police Department said it received a report of a motorist being hit in the head by a snowball on the bar-lined Madison Street on Jan. 22. When the first officer arrived to investigate the criminal mischief and felony of throwing a projectile into a moving vehicle, and to protect other citizens, he too became a target, with both the officers patrol car and face being struck by an ice projectile, police wrote in a news release. The officer warned the crowd on the PA system, then another person ran up to the officer and threw a snowball at him, hitting him in the face, police said. Additional officers showed up and said they were also struck. In response, the officers got out their pepper ball launchers and fired rounds into the crowd to encourage the dispersal of the disorderly crowd, according to police. A video shared by Barstool FSU on Instagram shows an officer appear to aim the device into the crowd, causing people to scream and run. Officers said no one was hit by the pepper balls. One person was arrested and charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, police said. Videos of the incident sparked outrage on social media, with some shaming police for pointing a pepper ball launcher into a crowd, and one user calling Tallahassee police ruiners of fun. Others said it seemed like a reasonable response to students throwing snowballs at vehicles driving past. The Tallahassee Police Department reminds the public that while winter storms can be exciting, throwing hard ice balls, can be dangerous due to the hard impact when thrown and can be illegal, police said. _____ 2025 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This is an opinion cartoon As you know, Im always looking for an Alabama angle in news and politics. Con Air is a 1997 American action film and cult classic starring Nicolas Cage as Cameron Poe, an Army Ranger who returns from Desert Storm to his pregnant wife in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama. Things go awry when Poe is attacked by three drunk dudes and he accidentally kills one of em in self-defense. Eight years later, our hero Poe is paroled and boards a flight to Alabama on the Jailbird, a converted JPATS prison transport plane. Most of the inmates boarding the flight are high-risk convicts - much like the violent but cuddly hostages and tourists Trump pardoned this week - hence the name Con Air. Sounds like the perfect get-away vehicle for Trumps pardoned. And for felonious Trump himself. So, what are folks saying about Trumps pardons of his first term J6 insurrection team? Lets start with The Wall Street Journal via NJ.com: Back the blue?: Wall Street Journal drags Trump over Jan. 6 pardons In a scathing opinion piece, the board criticized Trumps decision to pardon 1,500 rioters charged with crimes in connection to their actions on Jan. 6, including assaulting law enforcement officers. Trumps move has been met with backlash from both sides of the aisle, including a handful of Senate Republicans. Sign up for JD Crowes newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to JDs weekly newsletter, Crowe Jam. From The Wall Street Journals editorial board: This is a rotten message from a President about political violence done on his behalf, and its a bait and switch. Asked about Jan. 6 pardons in late November, Mr. Trump projected caution. Im going to do case-by-case, and if they were nonviolent, I think theyve been greatly punished, he said. Were going to look at each individual case. Taking cues from the boss, last week Vice President JD Vance drew a clear line: If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldnt be pardoned. So much for that. The Presidents clemency proclamation commutes prison sentences to time served for 14 named people, including prominent leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, who were organized and ready for violence. Then Mr. Trump tries to wipe Jan. 6 clean, with a full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals. The Journal also wrote that its a shame that the same Republicans condemning former President Joe Bidens last-minute pardons are not doing the same of Trumps. Read the whole NJ.com Wall Street Journal story here What does Alabamas U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville have to say about Trumps J6 pardons? Lets look at John Sharps AL.com story: Mind boggling act of cowardice, late-night comedian says of Tubervilles pardon reaction Late Show host Stephen Colbert called out Tuberville for a mind-boggling act of cowardice based on a response the senator gave to reporters when asked to react to the pardons, some who assaulted Capitol police officers. According to ABC News, Tuberville claimed he has never seen video footage of rioters beating police officers. 100 percent, Im for the -- pardon everyone. Theyve been there long enough. Most of them hadnt been charged with anything, Tuberville told the news station. ABC News then asked Tuberville about rioters who attacked police officers, beating them with fire hydrants and metal batons. I didnt see that, Tuberville told ABC News. When asked if thats acceptable, Tuberville said No, thats not acceptable, but I didnt see it. I dont believe it because I didnt see it. Now, if I see it, I would believe it, but I didnt see in that video. Congressional Republicans have been asked in recent days for their responses to Trumps pardons to the rioters. He also commuted the sentences of 14 people in the Proud Boy or Oath Keepers who were charged with seditious conspiracy. The reactions have been mixed, though some Republicans have urged Americans to move on and not look backwards. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters that he felt it was not his place to question Trumps pardons, and that he would not second-guess Trumps actions. Colbert, during his monologue, shot back: Not your place? They attacked the House of Representatives. That is literally your place. Read all of John Sharps Colbert Tuberville story here And heres a strong NYT story: I Prosecuted the Capitol Rioters. They Have Never Been More Dangerous. Before we part, lets hear some positive headlines about Trumps forgiveness of his unhinged henchmens sins: Florida man arrested in Jan. 6 riots back in jail a day after Trump pardoned him Freed Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio vows vengeance after Trump pardon And what about the buffalo-horned face of Trumps insurrection, that QAnon Shaman guy? Hows he doing now that hes been pardoned? I JUST GOT THE NEWS FROM MY LAWYER... I GOT A PARDON BABY! he wrote on X Monday. THANK YOU PRESIDENT TRUMP!!! NOW I AM GONNA BUY SOME MOTHA FU*KIN GUNS!!! I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!! Lordy. Theyre loose. Weve been warned. Check out more cartoons and stuff by JD Crowe JD Crowe is the cartoonist for AL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter @Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler at jdcrowe@al.com. It has been nearly 10 years since Jeff Sessions, then Alabamas junior senator, took the stage with Donald Trump and became the first in Congress to endorse the political outsider for president. Today, years after serving as Trumps first Attorney General and their famous falling out, Sessions has nothing but praise for Trump as he finishes the first week of his second nonconsecutive term as president. Sessions told AL.com that Trumps platform on immigration, energy, and the economy remains unchanged since 2016. Im very pleased with what he is doing, Sessions said. The agenda items that caused me to endorse him back in 2016, hes still delivering on. Sessions, who served as Trumps Attorney General from 2017 to 2018, told AL.com on Thursday that the former president continues to champion the same America First agenda that earned his support nearly a decade ago. Sessions, then a conservative leader in the U.S. Senate on immigration policy, became the first senator to endorse Trump during a campaign rally in Madison. The two were first teamed up during a rally in 2015 in Mobile when Trump, then a hopeful for the GOP nomination, appeared on stage with the senator during a rally at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Sessions then became one of the Trump campaigns strategists on immigration in 2016. Stephen Miller, who served as Sessions communications director, also in 2016 joined Trumps presidential campaign as a senior policy adviser. Miller is now Trumps deputy chief of policy serving as an architect of Trumps immigration policies. I think (Trump) will be very successful in protecting American manufacturing from unfair competition, ending massive illegality at the border, producing more American energy and I think hell work very hard to try and end and avoid wars rather than allowing wars to take over, said Sessions, a Mobile Republican who served in the U.S. Senate from 1997-2017. A powerful leader As U.S. Attorney General, Sessions recusal from investigations related to Russias involvement in the 2016 presidential election drew Trumps wrath. For months, Trump bashed Sessions in public, making fun of his Southern accent and saying he should be ashamed of himself for allowing the special counsels investigation. When Sessions resigned as Attorney General on Nov. 7, 2018, his Secret Service security detail ended. The issue about security has surfaced in recent days after John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser, had his Secret Service protection revoked. The security had been granted to Bolton because of threats on his life from Iran, Bolton told national outlets. Sessions has praised Trump in recent months despite the high-profile falling out the two had years ago, and which lingered through Trumps first term. Trump said in a 2019 sit-down with NBCs Meet the Press that appointing Sessions was his biggest mistake. Sessions, in July, said he was praying for Trump following an attempted assassination during an outdoor rally in Butler, Penn. President Trump is a powerful leader. He never waivers, Sessions said. He is always out front. He is physically courageous, and he will not be intimidated from taking his case to the American people. You can be sure this wont stop President Trump. President Donald Trump sits with Attorney General Jeff Sessions during the FBI National Academy graduation ceremony, Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, in Quantico, Va. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Attempted comeback Sessions attempted a political comeback in the 2020 Senate election, attempting to reclaim his old Senate seat held by Democratic U.S. Sen. Doug Jones. Sessions lost the Republican primary to Tommy Tuberville, who was endorsed by Trump. Tuberville then defeated Jones in the General Election. The loss was a blow after Sessions decades of service as Alabamas Attorney General, a U.S. Attorney in Mobile, U.S. Senator, and having a 1986 nomination to be a federal judge derailed. I leave with no regrets, Sessions said after his 2020 defeat. On recusal, I followed the law. And I save the presidents bacon in the process. I leave elected office with my integrity in tact. Looking now to the future, Sessions credits Trump with being a fighter in defense of his agenda, something he anticipates occurring again. He said he doesnt believe the Port of Mobile will be harmed with blanket tariffs that are likely to be imposed by Trump soon. Proposals as of Thursday include a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. There might be some diminishment on imports, but the policy is to strengthen the American economy and American productivity and hopefully we can export more than we are doing now so I dont think ports will be suffering significant damage, Sessions said. He added, Its an agenda, I think, is good for America. Im very pleased with what Im hearing so far. Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Justice Department as attorney general, appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for her confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP Sessions said he believes Trump and his likely Attorney General, Pam Bondi, will face plenty of pushback from Democrats. She was the first woman elected as Floridas Attorney General from 2011-2019. I think that was a good decision, Sessions said. I think choosing to nominate her was a good decision. She was the AG for Florida and that is a great preparation for the job. Its not easy and when I was AG, there was a lawsuit on everything you can imagine, Sessions said. Every policy that work, they fought. I would think that will be a part of it. Sessions declined to comment about Trumps initial choice for Attorney General, former Florida U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz who now hosts political talk show on One America News Network. DALLAS (AP) President Donald Trump has ordered the release of thousands of classified governmental documents about the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which has fueled conspiracy theories for decades. The executive order Trump signed Thursday also aims to declassify the remaining federal records relating to the assassinations of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The order is among a flurry of executive actions Trump has quickly taken the first week of his second term. Speaking to reporters, Trump said, everything will be revealed. Trump had promised during his reelection campaign to make public the last batches of still-classified documents surrounding President Kennedys assassination in Dallas, which has transfixed people for decades. Trump made a similar pledge during his first term, but ultimately bent to appeals from the CIA and FBI to withhold some documents. Trump has nominated Kennedys nephew, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to be the health secretary in his new administration. Kennedys father, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1968 as he sought the Democratic presidential nomination. The younger Kennedy has said he isnt convinced that a lone gunman was solely responsible for the assassination of his uncle, President Kennedy, in 1963. The order directs the director of national intelligence and the attorney general to develop a plan within 15 days to release the remaining John F. Kennedy records, and within 45 days for the other two cases. It was not clear when the records would actually be released. Trump handed the pen used to sign the order to an aide and directed it to be given to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Only a few thousand of the millions of governmental records related to the assassination of President Kennedy have yet to be fully declassified. And while many who have studied whats been released so far say the public shouldnt anticipate any earth-shattering revelations, there is still an intense interest in details related to the assassination and the events surrounding it. Theres always the possibility that something would slip through that would be the tiny tip of a much larger iceberg that would be revealing, said Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics and author of The Kennedy Half-Century. Thats what researchers look for. Now, odds are you wont find that but it is possible that its there. Kennedy was fatally shot in downtown Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, as his motorcade passed in front of the Texas School Book Depository building, where 24-year-old assassin Lee Harvey Oswald had positioned himself from a snipers perch on the sixth floor. Two days after Kennedy was killed, nightclub owner Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald during a jail transfer. In the early 1990s, the federal government mandated that all assassination-related documents be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration. The collection of over 5 million records was required to be opened by 2017, barring any exemptions designated by the president. The order notes that although no congressional act directs the release of information on the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy or King, those governmental records being made public is also in the public interest. During his first term, Trump boasted that hed allow the release of all of the remaining records on the presidents assassination but ended up holding some back because of what he called the potential harm to national security. And while files have continued to be released under President Joe Biden, some still remain unseen. Sabato, who trains student researchers to comb through the documents, said that most researchers agree that roughly 3,000 records have not yet been released, either in whole or in part, and many of those originated with the CIA. The documents released over the last several years offer details on the way intelligence services operated at the time, and include CIA cables and memos discussing visits by Oswald to the Soviet and Cuban embassies during a trip to Mexico City just weeks before the assassination. The former Marine had previously defected to the Soviet Union before returning home to Texas. King and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated within two months of each other in 1968. King was outside a motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, when shots rang out. The civil rights leader, who had been in town to support striking sanitation workers, was set to lead marches and other nonviolent protests there. He died at a hospital less than an hour later. James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to assassinating King. He later though renounced that plea and maintained his innocence up until his death. FBI documents released over the years show how the bureau wiretapped Kings telephone lines, bugged his hotel rooms and used informants to get information against him. The agencys conduct was the subject of the recent documentary film, " MLK/FBI. Robert F. Kennedy, then a New York senator, was fatally shot on June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles moments after giving his victory speech for winning Californias Democratic presidential primary. His assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, was convicted of first-degree murder and is serving life in prison. There are still some documents in the JFK collection though that researchers dont believe the president will be able to release. Around 500 documents, including tax returns, werent subject to the 2017 disclosure requirement. And, researchers note, documents have also been destroyed over the decades. By JAMIE STENGLE Associated Press Associated Press writer Terry Tang contributed to this report from Phoenix. A man was fatally shot during an apparent argument Thursday night on a north Birmingham sidewalk. Police identified the victim as Kejuan Gibson. He was 29. North Precinct officers responded shortly before 8:30 p.m. to multiple 911 calls of someone shot in the 1400 block of 12th Avenue North in the Fountain Heights community. They arrived to find Gibson unresponsive on the sidewalk. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service crews attempted life-saving measures on the scene and rushed the victim to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:47 p.m. Wade said Gibson lived in the area. Several family members showed up at the crime scene, including a woman who said the victim was her son. A motive has not been disclosed and no arrests have been made. Birmingham police investigate a Jan 23, 2025, homicide in the 14th block of 12th Avenue North in Fountain Heights.(Carol Robinson) If there are any residents in this area who may have any type of surveillance videos, that would Ring cameras, please give us a call,' Wade said.. Gibson is Birmingham sixth so far in 2025. In all of Jefferson County there have been 11 homicides including the six in Birmingham. There were six homicides in all of January last year, with the last one taking place on Jan. 25, 2024. We are concerned, just as we are with any homicide,' Wade said. We just wish everyone would use some type of conflict resolution, just as we always say. The Birmingham Police Department is doing everything we can,' she said. We will make every effort, follow all of the evidence, to make sure that the victims loved ones receive some kind of justice. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. A Mississippi grandmother among three people charged with trafficking cocaine to north Alabama had her unrestrained 2-year-old grandchild in tow when their vehicle was stopped earlier this week, authorities said Friday. A Lawrence County Drug Task Force agent initiated a multi-jurisdictional investigation on Wednesday involving a planned drug operation where one pound of cocaine was being delivered from West Point, Mississippi to Red Bay in Alabama, the Franklin County Sheriffs Office said Friday. The main suspect of the operation -- West Point, Mississippi resident Darius Jones -- was taken into custody when the vehicle arrived in Red Bay. Also in the vehicle were West Point resident James Smith and Stephanie Wofford, of Houston, Mississippi. Smith was found with a loaded gun on him when he was taken into custody, the sheriffs office said. Woffords 2-year-old grandchild was also in the vehicle and not secured in a child safety seat. The Department of Human Resources was notified to address the situation with the child and all adults were taken into custody, the sheriffs office said. A K-9 was deployed to the vehicle and signaled that an odor of narcotics was emanating from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed a plastic bag in the trunk contained about a pound of cocaine. All of the suspects were charged with drug trafficking and chemical endangerment of a child and while Jones was also charged with giving a false name/identification to law enforcement. Smith was facing additional charges of certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm, possession of an altered firearm (altered serial number), possession of controlled substance (Buprenorphine sublingual strips), a second count of possession of controlled substance (having controlled substance in medicine bottle labeled for different substance.) The three suspects were booked into the Franklin County jail. Jones and Wofford were given $100,000 cash bonds. All agencies involved deserve recognition for the work that was done to ensure that the operation was carried out safely and successfully, the sheriffs office said. Those organizations included: the Lawrence County Sheriffs Office; Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Franklin County Sheriffs Office; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI Safe Streets Task Force; Russellville Police Department; Red Bay Police Department; and the Itawamba County, Mississippi Sheriffs Office (MS). For folks looking for a pick-me-upper while filing their taxes as the season begins, one tax service is having a coffee truck travel across the country including Houston. Shown in this 2021 photo is a milk design in a latte for a Galavants Coffee customer in Conroe. Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A tax service company is touring the country in a coffee truck to help folks looking for a pick-me-up file their taxes in cities across the U.S. including Houston. Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, a New Jersey-based tax preparation service company, will be giving away free coffee and tax tips during a nationwide coffee truck tour, according to a release by the company. This will be the second year the company has traveled to several markets during tax filing season, the release states. On Jan. 24 and 25, Houstonians who attend the event will have a choice of a free hot or cold coffee, a glitter iced coffee also referred to as a "Gold Brewitt" coffee or a blue lemonade, and snacks. Employees of the company will also be onsite to offer free tax tips and answer common questions people have about their taxes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Taxes can feel daunting and people often want to procrastinate, but we're hoping to fuel up our communities once again with our nationwide Brewitt coffee truck tour," Kim Hudson, SVP and chief marketing officer for the company, said in a statement. "These events not only offer a fun pick-me-up during the winter months, but help people easily schedule their appointment ahead of Tax Day at any of our local offices with a local Tax Pro, who can help with all their tax needs." Recently, the Internal Revenue Service announced that the nations 2025 tax season will start Jan. 27. According to information from the IRS, the agency expects more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year 2024 to be filed ahead of the April 15 federal deadline. Several other services will be offering assistance for people who are filing their taxes in the upcoming weeks. People who attend the events by Jackson Hewitt Tax Services will also be able to schedule an appointment at a local office, as well as receive swag from the company such as coffee tumblers, lunch bags and insulated cooler bags. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The coffee truck will also be visiting Jackson Hewitt Tax Services offices as well as Walmart locations that have company kiosks. Two days after President Donald Trump took office and began his immigration crackdown, a Mississippi state representative introduced legislation to create a bounty hunter program to identify people who are in the country illegally. The bill, introduced by state Rep. Justin Keen (R), would give $1,000 in state funds to bounty hunters for every person they help get deported, according to a press release from DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton (R), who says he suggested the idea. Donald Trump, as he was leading up to his inauguration after his November victory, spent a lot of time speaking about his priority agenda and immigration was top of the list, and so the idea came about from just trying, I guess, to provide support for that agenda on a local and state level because ICE only has so many people, Barton said in an interview, referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Its unclear if the legislation has a chance of passing, but its introduction illustrates how Trumps hard-line immigration policies at the federal level have influenced policy proposals in states and localities - and the eagerness of some Republican state and local leaders to help the president deport massive numbers of people in the process. Advocates warn that such bills will terrorize and racially profile immigrant communities. Trumps immigration crackdown is already underway. The president campaigned on a promise of mass deportations and has issued executive orders, including declaring a national emergency at the southern border, suspending refugee admissions and shutting off access to those seeking asylum in the United States. He also is planning to send 10,000 troops to the southern border and wants to quickly increase ICE detention center capacity. Mississippi is where some of the largest workplaces raids of Trumps first term occurred. In August 2019, ICE agents swept chicken processing plants across Central Mississippi and arrested 680 people. The state of nearly 3 million people is home to about 25,000 undocumented immigrants, estimates the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank. More than half are from Mexico. Mississippi is not the only state with proposed legislation to create a bounty hunter program. In Missouri, state Sen. David Gregory (R) introduced legislation late last year to create a Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program, which would provide a $1,000 reward to individuals for each report that leads to an arrest. The Mississippi bill has similar legislative language, stating that if an undocumented immigrant is arrested and imprisoned, the person who made the report is eligible for a $1,000 reward. Under the legislation, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety would have criteria for individuals to apply to become bounty hunters. Those individuals would already be affiliated with law enforcement, according to Barton, and are defined in the legislation as licensed as a bail bond agent, general bail bond agent or surety recovery agent. Funding for the so-called Mississippi Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program Fund would come from the Mississippi General Assembly. The legislation also directs the public safety department to maintain an information system that operates at all times and includes a hotline, email address and online reporting portal. The nascent bill is already receiving pushback from civil rights organizations that warn it could lead to racial profiling and heightened fear among immigrant communities. Immigration enforcement is a federal domain and when state and local authorities get involved in it, communities become less trusting and less likely to contact law enforcement, which can make communities less safe, said Joshua Tom, legal director at ACLU of Mississippi, in an email statement to The Post. This would create terror in immigrant communities and increase the risk of racial profiling. Jeremy Litton, immigration partner at the law firm Elmore Litton, described the legislation as Orwellian. They define an illegal alien as someone who is not lawfully present in the United States, but then they dont say how to determine that someone is illegal, Litton said. Not only is this ripe for profiling but this is ripe for being abused, noting, for example, that individuals could threaten to call the hotline as a form of extortion. The Mississippi bills path to passage is not yet clear. A spokesperson for the Mississippi Speaker of the House Jason White (R) said that House members have introduced more than 1,600 bills, many of which relate to illegal immigration and said Keens legislation will undergo the normal scrutiny that is the legislative process. Cory Custer, deputy chief of staff for Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R), said in a statement that Reeves is proud to support President Trumps immigration policies because they will make our country safer and that when it comes to keeping Mississippians safe, Governor Reeves has said that nothing is off the table. Barton, the district attorney in northwestern Mississippi who suggested the legislation, says now Republicans need to help Trump. Our lieutenant governor and many of our state legislators ran on supporting Trump and they piggybacked on Trumps name and policies to garner votes, Barton said. This is a chance for them to prove that they are trying to offer that support or not. If theyre true to their campaign rhetoric, I would expect this to receive broad support. This is an opinion column. until further notice. You gotta love that phrase. On the surface, it says: Do this until I get back to you. Alas, what it says: Do this forever. The phrase was contained in a memo sent Wednesday by Donald Trumps new hit minion, Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle, to attorneys at the U.S. Department of Justices Civil Rights Division, according to The Associated Press. It instructed them not to file any new complaints or weigh in on any pending cases. None. It instructed them not to pursue justice until further notice. A second memo ordered DOJ attorneys to freeze the advancement of any civil rights litigation. Any justice until further notice. Additionally, the latter memo said DOJ may wish to reconsider any police reform consent agreements signed during President Joe Bidens last 90 days, AP said. That not-so-curious time window would include agreements with Minneapolis and Louisville that were massaged in the wake of the egregious police murders of George Floyd and Breanna Taylor, as well as other pending law enforcement agreements. Agreements addressing woeful training and sometimes deadly use-of-force practices against citizens. Consider those agreements on life support with Trumps hand on the plug until further notice. In 2019, under Trump 1.0, the DOJ filed suit against Alabamas Department of Corrections for its decrepit prisons that fester inmate-on-inmate violence and sexual abuse, excessive force by staff, and overall unsafe conditions, it called unconstitutional. The case is slated for trial in 2026 or until further notice. Last July, the DOJ filed a brief called a statement of interest in an 11-year-old lawsuit against the abysmal Alabama prisons by former and current inmates at St. Clair Correctional in Springville alleging similar unsafe conditions. In it, the DOJ said: The United States has a substantial interest in protecting the constitutional rights of all people, including prisoners, and ensuring the proper application of the legal standards grounded in the Eighth Amendment. At least it did. Now the DOJ is handcuffed . until further notice. Environmental justice investigating areas where massive landfills , heavily polluting industrial facilities and inhumane living conditions, such as those in Lowndes County disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities was birthed in the late 1980s under President George H. Bush , a Republican. He created an environmental equity group and convened meetings with community leaders to address the issue. In 1994, President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, signed Executive Order 12898 requiring federal agencies to fight for environmental justice to the greatest extent practicable. Bidens Executive Order 14008 in 2021 and 14096 in 2023 mandated federal climate-related resources to communities impacted by environmental justice concerns . On Monday, those three EOs received notice; all were revoked with a sweep of Trumps sharpie. No justice for those dying slowly from environmental poisons until further notice. Last May, the DOJs Civil Rights Division announced an agreement with Alabama to fix a horrid, ongoing sewage crisis in Lowndes County. The state was given six months to assess the breadth of the damages and another six months to present a plan for creating a working sewage treatment system. Just a working sewage system. Now, the long-suffering residents of that county, where people just two generations ago fought and some died seeking to end injustice in and through the voting booth, may not have any recourse against the unsanitary injustice rising through the soil outside their homes until further notice. Justice lies at the core of our democracy, a quest often sought through the DOJ. Sought by all. The undertone sorry, the bold and blatant intention of Trumps actions in Week One is to shed America of any efforts to heal its self-inflicted wounds, to rebalance actions in our past that titled systems in favor of a few. In so doing, the new administration, and those who voted to return them to power, will soon learn that many of the moves theyre cheering now will mow them down later, too. And a gutted and grounded DOJ wont be able to help. A DOJ that sought justice for women including white women being violently abused at hom e and economically abused in the workplace. At least it did until further notice. A DOJ that partnered with the U.S. Labor Department to protect the American worker including white men against unfair practices . At least it did... until further notice. A DOJ whose Servicemembers initiative rights wrongs perpetrated against veterans and their families . At least it did until further notice. A DOJ that comes to the aid of our less-abled neighbors and family members to confront injustice by enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act. At least it did until further notice. In the masterful Letter from Birmingham Jail, Dr. Martin Luther King in 1963 famously wrote: Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Injustice is about to be everywhere in America and thats a direct threat to all of us. To our single garment of destiny, Until further notice. Lets be better tomorrow than we are today. My column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register. Tell me what you think at rjohnson@al.com, and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, Instagram @roysj and BlueSky. Its another getaway day. After this report were going to stick a fork in this week. First, we have updates on Space Command, a Death Row case and TV meteorologists. Thanks for reading, Ike A space for Space Command Last week both of Alabamas U.S. senators along with Congressman Dale Strong introduced a resolution calling on President Trump to immediately set a course for U.S. Space Command to place its headquarters in Huntsville. This week, Sen. Tommy Tuberville said he had spoken with the president and that he feels very good about HQs chances of finally permanently landing in Alabama, reports AL.coms John R. Roby. The backstory on this, by the way, is a great snapshot of government and politics in action. Four years ago, in January 2021, the Air Force announced it had made the decision to place the permanent Space Command HQ at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, choosing the Rocket City out of a short list of possible destinations that also included its temporary location in Colorado Springs. It was purported to have been a decision based on merit and strategy, not a politically motivated one, and made by military officials. Donald Trump, by then the former president, later went on the Rick & Bubba Show and said he had single-handedly made the decision to place it in Alabama. Critics pounced, arguing that Trump was rewarding Alabama for loyalty to him. Elected officials in Colorado from both political parties made their case for Colorado Springs. Last year, President Biden made the decision to move the planned permanent HQ to Colorado. Now here we are, the old president is now the new president, and the debate is back on. Meanwhile, there are two mandated reviews of the Air Forces selection process that are overdue, and theres no indication when we might see those. Space Command could come with 1,600 jobs. Death Row transfer? Not likely The Death Row inmate whos scheduled to die by nitrogen gas next week is trying a less-common tactic to avoid the death penalty: He wants to transfer to Michigans prison system, reports AL.coms Ivana Hrynkiw. Demetrius Terrence Frazier broke into Pauline Browns Birmingham apartment in 1991. He searched for money, then woke her up to rape and kill her. A few months later he was back home in Detroit. He took a 14-year-old girl into a vacant house to rape her but she tried to run away. He followed her and shot her dead. He was convicted in the Michigan killing and given three life sentences. A few years later he was brought to Alabama, tried and convicted of Pauline Browns killing, sentenced to death here, and taken back to Michigan. In 2011, Gov. Robert Bentley reached an agreement with Michigans governor that brought Frazier back to Alabama, where he has sat on Death Row ever since. Then in November his lawyers wrote to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer arguing that hes still in the legal custody of the state of Michigan. Michigan hasnt had a death penalty since 1963. Still, it doesnt appear that Michigan will welcome Frazier back. A staffer has told his lawyers that the Michigan governor wont be acting on this. Long-distance weather reports? Allen Media Broadcasting has reconsidered outsourcing its weather coverage to The Weather Channel for its Alabama stations, reports AL.coms Howard Koplowitz. Allen Media operates 27 television stations overall and two in Alabama: WAAY in Huntsville and WCOV in Montgomery. On Monday the company announced that, instead of locally produced weather reports, its weather coverage would come from Weather Channel studios. WAAY 31 General Manager Mike Wright was crediting viewer feedback for the change. Picture That Flora-Bama t-shirts for sale.Flora-Bama Lounge The Flora-Bama has jumped aboard President Donald Trumps effort to rename the Gulf of Mexico -- at least in the name of t-shirt sales, with this patriotic image on some that are available through pre-order. Quoting ... the paradox with Donald Trump is he seems to make dishonest statements just for the fun of it, as a challenge to see if anybody has the gumption or the wherewithal to take him to task for the dishonest statements he makes. He sees it as a game, and hes winning it. Mo Brooks, former Alabama congressman and Trump ally, on social media this week. More Alabama News Born on This Date In 1997, actor and filmmaker Dylan Riley Snyder of Tuscaloosa. The podcast Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has appointed a veteran officer to the rank of interim deputy chief. JaCorey Foster, previously ranked a lieutenant, will assume his new position of deputy chief of Special Operations immediately, according to a City Hall press release Friday. Foster will oversee SWAT, the Narcotics Division, the Crime Reduction Team, the Special Operations Team and police K9. The position was vacated when Interim Chief Michael Pickett was appointed to lead the department. Foster joins the BPD command staff made up of Interim Chief Michael Pickett, Interim Assistant Chief Edmond Hanks, Deputy Chief of Administrative Operations Rodarius Mauldin, Deputy Chief of Investigative Operations Jeffrey Brown, and Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations Onree Pruitt. Foster joined the force 20 years ago. He has served in various capacities including patrol officer, field training officer, shift supervisor, and was recognized as Supervisor of the Quarter in 2019. As a member of the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Foster worked with various state and federal agencies to reduce violent crime in the city, state, and southeast. As part of the Special Enforcement Division, he the managed day-to-day operations of the Vice/Narcotics Unit, Crime Reduction Team, Federal Task Force Officers, and the Special Enforcement Team. Fosters training and certifications include basic and advance special weapons and tactics (SWAT), the National Incident Management System, and undercover and fugitive Operations. He is a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award and BPDs Heroism and Valor Award. A Birmingham native, Foster graduated from Wenonah High School and earned his criminal justice degree from Oakland City University. Tarrant, Alabama is a town just northeast of Birmingham.joseph D. Bryant The question over who leads first responders in Tarrant remains a political, legal and financial dilemma that divides city leaders and leaves firefighters without clear answers. The town just northeast of Birmingham officially continues to have two fire chiefs as the mayor and council remain at a stalemate over how to resolve it. Both branches continue to blame each other for the crisis. Meanwhile, fire chief Jason Rickels, who was fired by Mayor Wayman Newton nearly three years ago, recently slapped the city with a lawsuit demanding immediate payment of half a million dollars in back pay. His attorney Scott Morro is asking a Jefferson County judge for an emergency hearing to order the city to pay up. Plaintiffs have exhausted all other avenues for obtaining payment and have no other recourse but to seek the intervention of this Honorable Court, Morro wrote in his complaint filed Jan. 18. Any further delay will cause great emotional and financial stress on the Plaintiffs. Newton fired the former chief in 2021. Longtime firefighter Patrick Bennett was then promoted to chief and has served ever since. However, the Jefferson County Personnel Board gave Rickels a victory in November when it declared that Newton had improperly fired him. The board in its order said that Newton failed to properly notify the city council of Rickels termination, which invalidated the action. Former Tarrant Fire Chief Jason Rickels Rickels said that if the city gives him the back pay he wants, hell go away without attempting to lead the department. The leadership deadlock was a central discussion point during the Tarrant City Council meeting Wednesday night, where firefighters urged the council to resolve the leadership vacuum. We really dont know whats going on and were trying to get some finalization of this, said Lt. Danny Hamilton, a 14-year department veteran. We have come together to ask you guys to come together to get this resolved. Hamilton said the unknown future of the department could bring significant consequences among workers. Its politics, I understand, but this is a situation that is hurting families, Hamilton said. This is one situation where we all need to get along. Fire Chief Bennett Wednesday evening also urged the council to resolve the dispute. I will not speak ill of anyone, he said, noting his good relationship with Rickels. But I was voted in by a majority vote of the council and I hope you all are satisfied with the job I have done so far. Pleas, discussion and an argument over the timeline of events, resulted in no action Wednesday evening. Two competing resolutions were presented - one from Newton to officially fire Rickels and another from the council to retain him. Neither was approved. Councilman Tommy Bryant, whose son is a firefighter, said he understood the anxiety among employees. But he urged them to have patience as the issue is resolved. He asked them to pray and to relax. Newton, who was already at odds with Rickels, fired him after the chief was arrested near Atlanta in an altercation at a home he owned there. Charges were later dropped. Newton told AL.com that he stands by his decision to fire Rickels and criticized attempts to reinstate him. Reinstating him would send a message that such behavior is acceptable, which is not only wrong but also harmful to the progress we have made in building a more responsive and trustworthy city, Newton said. Along with a demand to pay Rickels, the latest lawsuit against the city lists several other former employees including John Brown, the former city manager who was hired by the council over the mayors objection. The state supreme court upheld Browns removal by a Jefferson County judge in December, ending the long court fight that began in June 2023. The mayor had sued on grounds that the council violated the law and changed the citys form of government by hiring a manager without a vote of the people. Still, Brown wants to be paid for his time as manager. He is seeking more than $100,000 in salary in addition to legal fees. The town of about 6,000 people in recent years has become noted for its contentious council meetings, heated exchanges between the mayor and council and numerous lawsuits and personnel actions between city leaders, current and former employees. English News 'China travel' continues to heat up as impact of visa-free policies grows Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 23 Janvier 2025 An article published on The Independent Singapore believes that China's expansion of visa-free policies has broader implications for global tourism. By actively providing more convenient entry and exit services for international tourists, China helps reduce travel barriers, rapidly grows its tourism industry, and encourages other countries to adopt similar policies, making global travel more convenient and fostering international economic and cultural exchanges, ultimately promoting global connectivity. By People's Daily reporters With China relaxing and optimizing its visa-free policies and introducing measures to facilitate foreign travelers, "China travel" has become a top choice for many international tourists. According to the latest data from the National Immigration Administration of China, in 2024, immigration authorities nationwide handled 610 million border crossings, a year-on-year increase of 43.9 percent. Among them, 291 million border crossings are made by Chinese mainland residents, 254 million by Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents, as well as 64.88 million by foreign nationals. These three figures went up by 41.3 percent, 38.8 percent and 82.9 percent, respectively, compared to 2023. Nearly 20.12 million foreign nationals entered China visa-free last year, an increase of 112.3 percent. This ease of travel has opened new windows and channels for the world to understand China, showcasing a true, diverse, and vibrant image of the country. Recently, "Travel to China after work on Friday" became a trending topic on South Korean social media. Data from South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport showed a significant increase in South Korean tourists traveling to China since China implemented a visa-free policy for South Korea on Nov. 8, 2024. In that month, 993,400 South Korean tourists visited China, up 47 percent from the same period last year. Since the end of 2023, China's visa-free "circle of friends" has been steadily expanding. To date, China has implemented a complete mutual visa exemption with 26 countries. It has issued a unilateral visa-free policy for 38 countries, a visa-free transit policy for 54 countries, and reached mutual visa-free agreements with 157 countries and regions. On Dec. 17 last year, China comprehensively relaxed its visa-free transit policy, extending the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers from the previous 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours and increasing the number of visa-free transit ports from 21 to 60. Foreign nationals entering China through the visa-free transit policy can make cross-province travels within allowed areas in 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. Visa-free policies are increasingly taking effect, further boosting the popularity of "China travel." Within half an hour of China's visa-free policy announcement for Poland in June 2024, searches for related keywords by Polish users on Trip.com increased by 40 percent from a day ago. A resident in Warsaw named Milena, who loves Chinese culture, immediately decided to visit China. After spending 10 days exploring places like Zhangjiajie, she was deeply impressed. "It was incredible! I hope my friends can see China's landscapes with their own eyes." Belgian tourists Patrick, Luc, and Ingrid recently returned from a trip to China. "Waking up on the train's sleeper to the stunning views of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau was amazing," one of them said. "The more you explore China, the more you feel its charm. One visit isn't enough, we're eager to come back and learn more about Chinese culture." Not long ago, Juergen Kremer, a German who speaks fluent Chinese, embarked on a trip to China. As the chief commercial officer of Shanghai China International Travel Service Ltd., Frankfurt Office, he went to China to develop hiking routes there for German tourists and participate in the China International Travel Mart. "Our China routes are very popular, with many products selling out quickly upon launch," Kremer noted. According to him, besides traditional routes, newly developed ones like those to the Yangtze River and the Three Gorges are also in high demand. The number of tourists the company received in 2024 has returned to the levels of 2019, and is expected to keep growing in 2025. The surge in "China travel" has also driven growth in the aviation transport market. Daniel Lee, CEO of Malaysia's travel service provider Gofay Airways, stated that with the growing enthusiasm for cross-border travel between China and Malaysia, the aviation sector has seen continuous growth. Recently, 18 new direct flight routes have been launched between the two countries, covering multiple cities, better meeting the needs of tourists. As the adage goes, seeing is believing. Inbound tourism is a crucial way for international tourists to understand China. Zeng Bowei, director of the Tourism Economy and Policy Research Center of Beijing Union University, said the visa-free policies not only boost inbound tourism but also send a strong signal of China's opening up. As the effects of these policies unfold, more foreign tourists are expected to visit China, he noted. An article published on The Independent Singapore believes that China's expansion of visa-free policies has broader implications for global tourism. By actively providing more convenient entry and exit services for international tourists, China helps reduce travel barriers, rapidly grows its tourism industry, and encourages other countries to adopt similar policies, making global travel more convenient and fostering international economic and cultural exchanges, ultimately promoting global connectivity. 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) The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has officially suspended and debarred Dr. Peter Daszak for five years from participating in federal procurement programs due to his role as former president and CEO of EcoHealth Alliance, Inc. (EHA). This decision, announced on January 17, 2025, follows a Suspension and Proposed Debarment Notice issued nearly a year earlier, on May 15, 2024. In addition to Daszaks suspension, EcoHealth Alliance itself has also been debarred from federal procurement programs. The suspension of Daszaks funding is based on evidence uncovered by the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. According to a Jan. 17 press release from House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), EcoHealth terminated Dr. Daszaks employment effective January 6, 2025. Comer stated that Daszak and EcoHealth used taxpayer funds to facilitate dangerous gain-of-function research in China. A final report released in May 2024 by Chairman Brad Wenstrup of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic (SSCP) outlined significant violations by EcoHealth Alliance. The report revealed that EcoHealth repeatedly breached the terms of its NIH grant, routinely ignored government oversight requests, and failed to report dangerous gain-of-function experiments conducted at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). According to the report, EcoHealth also submitted a required research report two years late. HHS cited these findings as key reasons for the formal debarment of both EcoHealth and Dr. Daszak. The report emphasized that, given the strong likelihood that a lab-related incident involving gain-of-function research contributed to the emergence of COVID-19, EcoHealth and its former president should never again receive U.S. taxpayer funds. Chairman Wenstrup explained that EcoHealth Alliance 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. The SSCPs final report includes firsthand testimony and primary source documents demonstrating that Daszak and EcoHealth Alliance were bad actors who acted with contempt for the American people. This investigation focused on EcoHealth Alliances NIAID grant R01AI110964, known as Understanding the Risk of Bat Coronavirus Emergence. As a result of their investigation, Wenstrup and the SSCP established five specific findings: EcoHealth submitted its Year 5 Report nearly two years late, falsely claiming, without evidence, that it was locked out of an NIH system and blocked from submitting the report on time. EcoHealth failed to report its potentially dangerous experiment conducted by the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), violating the terms and conditions of the grant. EcoHealth used taxpayer dollars to facilitate gain-of-function (GoF) research on coronaviruses at the WIV, contrary to previous public statements, including those by Dr. Anthony Fauci. NIH was alerted to the actions of EcoHealth because of proper interventions by former-President Donald Trump and former-White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. Dr. Daszak omitted the crucial fact that unanalyzed samples and sequences, funded by U.S. taxpayers, were in WIVs custody when negotiating the reinstatement of EcoHealths grant in 2023. Had the National Institutes of Health (NIH) known about the status of these samples, the grant likely would not have been reinstated. Additionally, WIV was debarred, in part, for failing to produce laboratory notebooks that would have documented the virus samples and sequences. February 2022 Interview With Former EcoHealth Alliance Executive Dr. Andrew Huff In early 2022, I interviewed Dr. Andrew Huff, a former associate vice president and whistleblower at EcoHealth Alliance. Huff exposed what he described as numerous unethical and criminal behaviors within the organization. He also speculated that Daszak could be a double agent working on behalf of the Chinese government, noting that Daszak appeared indifferent to the risks associated with conducting gain-of-function research and other high-risk laboratory work in China. Huff also provided Daszaks InQTel pitch deck PowerPoint presentation, entitled Identifying Predictable Patterns in Disease Emergence, as potential evidence of Daszaks alleged association with the CIA. Huff said Daszak admitted he was working for the CIA. InQTel is the CIAs venture capital arm, a fact well known in the Intelligence Community. Huff found it strange that such high-risk work was being conducted in China. He raised ethical concerns about EcoHealth, stating that it had deviated from its stated mission of conservation under Daszaks leadership. EcoHealth was not collecting the right data, Huff explained, nor was it using the proper methods or models to forecast or prevent pandemics as outlined in its mission. Instead, Huff argued that EcoHealth had become involved in a glorified intelligence collection scheme that gave China the better end of a deal. EcoHealths activities allowed China access to cutting-edge U.S. biotechnology, while the U.S. fruitlessly hoped for transparent access to Chinese lab activities as evidenced by WIVs failure to produce its lab books. Most gain-of-function research is considered dual-use research of concern (DURC) because it involves pathogens that carry significant biosafety and biosecurity risks. Specifically, gain-of-function research makes viruses more transmissible or more pathogenic. Many also believe that gain-of-function research should be classified as bioweapons research. In a February 14, 2022 Twitter post, Huff reiterated his concerns about the containability of gain-of-function research, stating that GoF research does not follow natural evolution and is very difficult to contain. Huff also noted that Daszak seemed overly interested in securing NIAID funding, which he said would justify research into diseases that could promote vaccine development, as was the case with the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. He expressed deep concerns about the safety and security of gain-of-function research, both in China and the U.S. Predicting viral evolution is almost impossible, according to Huff. He referenced the now-defunct USAID Predict program (2019) as a primary driver of global surveillance efforts aimed at monitoring zoonotic diseases. Its goal was to improve global health outcomes. The program, which had partnered with EcoHealth Alliance, appears to have been conveniently absorbed into the One Health WorkforceNext Gen program. Huff criticized the focus on gain-of-function research as a means of developing treatments or vaccines, stating, Developing treatments from GoF R&D has proven to be ineffective. Even after the final subcommittee report, a troubling question remains: why did Daszak and EcoHealth Alliance allegedly attempt to conceal the details and purpose of such risky, seemingly unproductive research? Image via Pixabay. It may initially seem over-the-top hyperbole to compare Dr. Anthony Fauci to Josef Mengele, MD, the Angel of Death in Auschwitz. The facts prove that Fauci is at least in his league, if not worse. Fauci harmed or killed more people. He decimated public trust in federal medical institutions. Fauci acted solely to benefit his ego and his wallet. Mengele was working for what he believed was the greater good, admittedly of the Aryan race at the expense of all untermenschen (slave races). This made him an extreme racist but not venal. Dr. was italicized above to emphasize that Fauci has been treating papers not people for his whole four-decade career. Nonetheless, he had the temerity to dictate to the real world, in-the-trenches clinical physicians, what they should do and what they cannot do for their patients. By sneaking in a pardon during his last minutes as president, Joe Biden admitted to the world that Fauci is indictable, if not legally proven guilty, of numerous crimes. As he cannot be criminally tried, following is a partial list of crimes this author believes Fauci committed for which he will never be formally punished. Public tyranny Faucis tyranny was manifest by censorship, lockdowns, and mandatory injections which contravened the First Amendment to the Constitution denying Americans free speech, religious freedom, and right to assemble, as well as the Fourth Amendment right to be secure in their persons. Forcing the public to accept injections of an experimental drug also violated the Third Pledge of the 1948 World Medical Association Declaration of Geneva, respecting the autonomy ... of my patient. Medical tyranny Faucis medical tyranny was not limited to the American public. He also dictated to clinical physicians what they had to do inject their patients with inadequately tested mRNA gene treatments and triage the sickest according to their social standing and what they could not do, e.g., prescribe Ivermectin or adopt the Great Barrington Declaration approach. Fauci is guilty of medical tyranny two ways. He ordered improper treatment protocols, and he forced his medical decisions on patients who did not choose him as their physician. Anti-scientific medicine As a true megalomaniac, Fauci declared, I represent science, and those who oppose me are going against science. His medical dictates contradicted scientific facts. He mandated face masks when studies showed they didnt work to protect the wearer or to prevent spread of contagion. He locked down (quarantined) the healthy population with no epidemiologic evidence that such an action did any good: there was extensive proof of its harm. Fauci required not only universal mRNA vaccination but boosters as well, despite a vast body of data showing protection was fleeting and the jab was causing extensive harm even death. Corruption Anthony Fauci was the highest paid federal official $480,654 in 2022 even before he implemented the great COVID scam and swindle. It was a scam like the Emperors Clothes, asserting an existential threat that wasnt there. It was a swindle by paying Big Pharma billions of taxpayer dollars through a no-competitive-bid contract for the mRNA shots he de facto mandated for everyone. It is known that pharmaceutical companies paid NIH and Fauci more than $150 million in royalties. How much went to Fauci is unknown, but his net wealth increased by more than $5 million during COVID, even as millions of Americans lost their jobs and incomes because of Faucis lockdowns. Killing Credibility Fauci damaged the credibility of federal agencies such as NIH, CDC, and FDA. (Former Attorney General Merrick Garlands lawfare was probably a greater contributor to loss of trust.) Fauci would say something, and experience or reports that evaded his censorship showed the public precisely the opposite. In essence, he kept telling people not to believe their lying ears, eyes, and brains. Just listen to me, do what I say, and everything will be fine. Unfortunately for Faucis and Washingtons credibility, everything was not fine, not for We The People. Bidens justification for pardoning Fauci was newspeak, the official language in George Orwells book 1984. In newspeak, the government pronouncement was the antithesis of reality: ignorance is strength, war is peace, and freedom is slavery. Biden wrote, The issuance of these pardons [Fauci, General Milley, et al.] should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense. Translation: They are guilty and before someone goes to prove it, I am pardoning them. Furthermore, Biden exonerated himself using a common Democrat tactic: attacking opponents by falsely accusing them of something Democrats deny doing but something they did in fact do. Democrats accused Trump of colluding with Russia when he didnt, but Hillary Clinton did. Over four years, Biden and his progressive allies repeatedly used the courts as vehicles for illegal and unfounded political prosecutions of Trump by Fani Willis, Jack Smith, and Alvin Bragg. So naturally, Biden explains the need for pardons because they (those pardoned) do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions. Clearly, Biden expects Trump to do to those preemptively pardoned what Bidens cronies did to him. Josef Mengele was a despicable, evil human being. Anthony Fauci may have been worse. Neither was (or will be) held accountable by any legal system. Both disgraced the title Doctor and are found unequivocally guilty in the court of public opinion as well as history books. Deane Waldman, M.D., MBA is Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Decision Science; former Director of Center for Healthcare Policy at Texas Public Policy Foundation; former Director of New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange; and author of 12 books, including multi-award winning, Curing the Cancer in U.S. Healthcare: StatesCare and Market-Based Medicine. Follow him on X.com @DrDeaneW or contact via www.deanewaldman.com or Contact him at www.deanewaldman.com. Image: Public domain. During President Trumps first day on the new job, he fired Mark Milley from the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, among others, for not being aligned with our vision to Make America Great Again. Milleys nonalignment was egregious and a threat to national security. General Mark Milley may have done a grave disservice to his country with his disloyalty and probably should have been court martialed for treason, not pardoned by Biden. Treason, the highest of all crimes, is intentionally betraying one's allegiance by levying war against the government or giving aid and comfort to its enemies. Mark Alexander Milley (67) is a retired Army general who served as the 20th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCOS) from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2023. He had previously served as the 39th chief of staff of the Army from August 14, 2015 to August 9, 2019 and held multiple command and staff positions. He was an ROTC Armor officer who graduated from Princeton University with a BA in politics and received a masters degree in international Affairs from Columbia University. On December 8, 2018, after an interview with Milley, Trump announced that he would nominate Milley to serve as chairman of JCOS, against the wishes of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and then-chairman of the JSOC General Joseph Dunford. He was confirmed by the Senate 891 on July 25, 2019, and sworn in on September 30, 2019. In his capacity as chairman of JCOS under Trump, Milley may have given aid and comfort to China, in violation of the U.S. Constitution. Treason is the only crime expressly defined by the Constitution and applies only to Americans who have betrayed the allegiance they owe the United States. The Constitution identifies treason against the United States as two types of conduct: (1) levying war against the United States; or (2) adhering to [the] enemies [of the United States], giving them aid and comfort. Milley did not levy war against the United States, but may have given aid and comfort to China, who many consider an enemy, at least on the economic front, and potentially on the battlefield should China attack Tiawan or other interests vital to the USA. The Constitution defines an enemy as the subjects of a foreign power in a state in open hostility with us. Senator Marco Rubio considers China as the biggest threat to American prosperity in the 21st Century. In 2020, Rubio, a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Partys (CCPs) human rights record, was targeted by retaliatory sanctions, after the U.S. imposed human rights sanctions on officials in Xinjiang, China. In 2018, the Trump administration sanctioned a Chinese aerospace expert for allegedly buying Russian weapons. Did Milley give China aid and comfort as defined by the Constitution? Per the Yale Law Journal: (b) Communication of intelligence. Aid and comfort may be furnished to the enemy by giving intelligence, either oral or written, to aid him in his acts of hostility. General Mark Milley called Chinese General Li Zuocheng on Oct. 30, 2020 -- four days before the election -- and again on Jan. 8, two days after Trump supporters marched peacefully to the U.S. Capitol. According to a report based on Bob Woodwards book Peril, in the calls, Milley sought to assure Li the U.S. was stable and not going to attack and, if there were to be an attack, he would alert his counterpart ahead of time. Trump said that if the story was true Milley should be tried for treason. Where was Milley's good judgement when he called China? The answer lies with his opinion of Trumps leadership abilities. Milley called Trump the "most dangerous person ever" and said that Trump was a "fascist to the core." Should Milleys hatred of the commander-in-chief be justification for a treasonous act against the U.S.? If it is proven that Milley provided aid and comfort to China by promising to alert his counterpart in China of a potential U.S. military attack, whether sanctioned by higher ups or otherwise, it raises the question: has a treasonous act been committed? Many on the Left say no there was no wrongdoing and many on the Right opine that aid and comfort was afforded to our enemy. If Milley acted without authorization he alone is culpable and if he had authorization, then several may be culpable. No rational person would have done what Milley did. And since Milley knew that what he was doing, whether justified by personal animosity or whatever concerns he had about President Trump, was at least suspect, there were legal pathways for voicing the concerns. The path Milley, and possibly others, took instead, warrants an immediate and thorough investigation by the Congress, DoJ, and DoD to ferret out the facts. No suspected act of treason should go uninvestigated. "I do not need to tell of you the dangers posed by senior military officers leaking classified information on U.S. military operations, but I will underscore that such subversion undermines the Presidents ability to negotiate and leverage one of this nations instruments of national power in his interactions with foreign nations," Rubio said in a letter to Biden. He received no meaningful answer. Fortunately, we dont have that problem any longer. Hank Vanderbeek served the Country during the Vietnam War as a Signal Corps officer. Hankbeek@aol.com Image: AT via Magic Studio Are the L.A. wildfires which have razed more than 38,000 acres (57 sq. miles), the equivalent of a midsize city like Minneapolis a chance outbreak? Or is there a design behind this Firepocalypse? More specifically, is it part of a concerted attempt by the global elite to use fire, floods, and fear to push so-called sustainable goals for the Great Reset? Many may dismiss those suspicions as alarmist. But a look at the big picture including fires from recent years, weather manipulation programs, and plans for depopulation and rewilding shows they are not unfounded. The unpreparedness for the L.A. fires, the mismanagement of fire-fighting ops, and the expertise the government has in weaponizing forest fires the degree of each of these factors is so high, it points to deliberate action. Lets look at the big picture first, then closely examine the L.A. fires. Wildfires in recent years have been extremely widespread and intense. Consider these figures: August Complex (2020): 44 fires raged from August to November, scorching more than a million acres across six counties of northern California. Over 900 structures were destroyed, and the damage was estimated at $315 million. Dixie Fire (2021): a single fire raged from July to October, affecting 983,000 acres in northern California. It destroyed or damaged about 1,400 structures, causing losses of $1.15 billion. The fire-fighting cost $637 million. Lahaina Fire (2023): A series of fires in Hawaii, chiefly on Maui island, destroyed 17,000 acres and killed 102 people, making it the deadliest in over a century. It burnt down Lahaina, to the northwest of the island, almost completely. Over 2,200 structures were destroyed. Losses were estimated at $5.5 billion. Smokehouse Creek (2024): Caused allegedly by a downed power line, the fire raged from the end of February to mid-March, destroying over 1 million acres in the Texas panhandle and neighboring Oklahoma. Losses were estimated at $1 billion. The average acreage destroyed yearly by wildfires in America was 34 million from the mid-1980s to 2000. It has shot up since 2014 to 7 million acres. Three of the wildfires mentioned above burned down a million acres each, and the smallest the Lahaina fire resulted in 100 casualties. Now consider covert weather manipulation. Climate scientist Dane Wigington, founder of GeoEngineering Watch, has been warning of them despite being ignored by the mainstream media. He alleges that dimming, on which he has made a documentary, has been achieved by injecting sulphate aerosols in the stratosphere and reflective nanomaterial in the lower layers of the atmosphere. He believes that such methods have been wreaking havoc on the biosphere for over 70 years. California, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona have been using cloud seeding the release of silver iodide and dry ice crystals into clouds to cause rain. The California Department of Water Resources also uses liquid propane and hygroscopic material as supplemental seeding agents. It is well known that these methods cause several flooding and ecological problems. Hydroclimate whiplash violent swings between heavy rain and snow and very dry conditions, as witnessed in California over the last two years has increased exponentially across the world. Such swings, which could well have been caused by climate engineering, certainly contributed to the L.A. wildfires. As Wigington says (watch video), There can be no legitimate discussion of climate anything from any perspective without first and foremost addressing the climate engineering elephant in this equation. Part of the sustainable goals of the global elite is depopulation a world of a few hundred million happy serfs who own nothing and are happy and rewilding clearing 30% of land of habitation and cultivation by 2030, aka Bidens 30 x 30 Land Grab. The timing of recent California laws (AB1287) to increase housing density, Governor Gavin Newsoms offer to waive building and environmental regulations to help rebuild after the wildfires, and L.A.s dalliance with programs such as C40, the Livable Communities Initiative (LCI), and SmartLA2028, cast suspicion of a link to the policies of the elitist World Economic Forum (WEF) and the U.N. In a nutshell, the programs aim to a) use land previously zoned for single-family homes for multi-family housing, essentially, multistory buildings and high-rises; b) replace retail spaces with so-called -minute-walkable communities comprising high-rises, ostensibly to address the climate crisis; and c) turn the megapolis into a connected and equitable smart city for the 2028 Summer Olympics. The destruction wreaked by the wildfires makes many people wonder if these grandiose plans are meant to favor developers. Coincidentally or not, the 15-minute city plan (LCI) includes a map (slide 13) showing Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, and Hollywood. The governors statement that a Marshall Plan and a team reimagining L.A. are already in place also sparks suspicion. So, did he and other authorities know that wildfires would break out? Emerald Robinson, former White House correspondent for One American News, alleges that the number of fires, the lack of preparation, and the sighting of multiple arsonists point to a military op. And Wigington asks, Is it just a tragic twist of fate that the firestorm ignitions were in locations that maximized the decimation, given the blowtorch extreme wind trajectories? He believes massive ground-based microwave transmission facilities are being used to heat the upper atmosphere and steer upper-level wind currents, precipitation, and weather patterns, causing record heat, drought, and wildfires. A multiplicity of missteps too many to be merely accidental contributed to the L.A. wildfires. Forecasts had warned of hurricane-force winds bearing down on southern California, but Mayor Karen Bass went off on a taxpayer-funded trip to Ghana with no preparations in place. The reservoir in the Pacific Palisades had been drained, brush was not cleared, and fire trucks and crew were not deployed in vulnerable areas. Basss budget cut of $17.6 million plus a request for an additional cut of $49 million for the fire department certainly contributed to non-functioning hydrants, unprepared substations, unrepaired fire trucks and ambulances, and cars left blocking critical roadways. But she did take pride in meeting her DEI objectives by hiring L.A.s first female LGBTQ fire chief. Governor Newsom, too, had cut $100 million from the state fire budget. He had also allowed water to run out from the Central Valley to the ocean to protect a tiny fish called the Delta smelt, whose endangered status is in question. So, despite record rainfall last year, water was in short supply. State Farm and Allstate had canceled home insurance policies shortly before the fires, adding to the miseries of many who lost homes in the blaze. Lastly, we cannot ignore two things. First, the U.S. military is expert in executing forest fires. A declassified document Forest Fire as a Military Weapon was produced in 1970 for use in the Vietnam war. It is a veritable scientific encyclopedia and practical manual on starting forest fires and sustaining the conflagrations. Second, after the disasters of the past few years flooding, fire, chemical spills etc. rebuilding has been excruciatingly slow, complicated by environment regulations, high insurance rates, and building costs. One and a half years since the Lahaina fire, only four of almost 1,500 homes destroyed have been rebuilt. Many of those affected by the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment and toxic burn remain bereft, and the environmental impact of the disaster hasnt abated. Does the military document bear any relation to the recent fires? Will rebuilding in L.A. be stymied the way it was in East Palestine, Lahaina, and other disaster-struck places? Hard to tell. But it is difficult not to sense the ominous shadow of the Great Reset looming over America. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. This year, crawfish farmers reported yields earlier and said they were more abundant, compared to the 2023 season. That harvest had been hindered by a drought that significantly reduced the regional supply. lingqi xie/Getty Images Jason Cogburn earlier this week watched as a crawfish farmer hammered a crawfish trap free from a 3-inch block of ice. Once the crawfish were liberated, they crawled around their cage as lively as ever. If yall were wondering what this season is going to look like as far as crawfish, this tells the tale, said Cogburn, sales director of wholesale crawfish distributor Boyds Seafood, in a recent TikTok. He held the cage up to the camera, revealing the icy mudbugs. Some local restaurants like Crawfish Cafe were forced to halt crawfish sales because of the recent winter storm. Live crawfish typically account for at least 35% of that restaurants revenue. Jamaal Ellis/For the Houston Chronicle CRAWFISH CLIMATE: Thanks to 2024 rainfall, Houston crawfish prices are expected to drop as harvests improve Advertisement Article continues below this ad The recent record-setting snowfall that hit Southeast Texas and the U.S. Gulf Coast which dumped multiple inches of snow and prompted an unprecedented blizzard warning in Beaumont and Lake Charles is expected to minimally slow crawfish season, provided temperatures remain above freezing. Freezing weather typically doesnt kill crawfish; it merely slows their harvest. Crawfish can be really hard to kill, Cogburn said. Thats a good sign because theyve been under the ice for a couple of days, yet they were still alive. And they werent barely alive, they were lively. This year, crawfish farmers reported yields earlier and said they were more abundant, compared to the 2023 season. That harvest had been hindered by a drought that significantly reduced the regional supply. Crawfish season, which typically begins in November and lasts through the summer, peaks between February and spring. As long as the region doesnt experience another freeze or similar winter event, this years crawfish season should only be delayed by a week or two, said Mark Shirley of the LSU Agricultural Center. Its going to be a while before they start coming to the trap and the catch picks up, Shirley said. But I think by Super Bowl weekend, the supply will get back to normal, or maybe even better, as long as we dont have any more freezes. Some local restaurants like Crawfish Cafe were forced to halt crawfish sales because of the recent winter storm. Live crawfish typically account for at least 35% of the restaurants revenue. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Since the storm, there hasnt been any fresh catch, but owner Kiet Duong is hopeful to receive a delivery by Monday. He predicts it will take about two weeks before crawfish sales return to normal. Recently, a Fox News interviewer was discussing President Trumps executive order concerning birthright citizenship with Border Czar Tom Homan. When the interviewer made the assertion that the Fourteenth Amendment does not differentiate between somebody who is in the country legally or illegally, Homan replied, Im not an attorney, but... we have... many legal scholars -- constitutional scholars -- who say that it doesnt really say that. So, here is what the Constitution says about birthright citizenship: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. The wording makes it clear that persons born in the U.S., but subject to the jurisdiction of another country, are not American citizens. In other words, babies born to foreign nationals who are subject to the jurisdiction of Mexico are Mexican citizens, because they, like their parents, are subject to the jurisdiction of Mexico -- not the United States. The Fourteenth Amendment was one of the Civil War amendments passed to ensure the equal protection under law of former slaves. All the babies born to these people were, according to the law, born subject to the jurisdiction of the laws of the United States, because their parents -- although enslaved -- were subject to the jurisdiction of those same laws. Ex-slaves were, therefore, recognized as natural-born or naturalized U.S. citizens, according to the plain wording of the Fourteenth Amendment. The authors of the amendment never intended to reward childbearing criminal aliens, who broke into the country unlawfully, by permitting their offspring to be considered rightful citizens of the United States. The lawmakers who wrote the Fourteenth Amendment never dreamed of the lengths to which future Democrats would go to twist the authorial intent of the amendment into a wrongheaded policy harmful to Americans. Senator Jacob Howard, co-author of the Fourteenth Amendment with Senator Lyman Trumbull, clearly explained the meaning of the modifying clause subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, per the Congressional Globe of May 30, 1866. It is clear from his comments that the original intent was not to allow illegal aliens to claim birthright citizenship, but to clarify that formerly enslaved persons were citizens of the United States from birth, since their parents were subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and no other country. Constitutional language has always been written to express universal principles that apply across cases, which is why the amendment does not mention slaves, per se, nor any other special class of persons. During a discussion of the proposed text of the amendment before Congress, Senator Howard proclaimed, This amendment... is simply declaratory of what I regard as the law of the land already, that every person born within the limits of the United States, and subject to their jurisdiction, is by virtue of natural law and national law a citizen of the United States. This will not, of course, include persons born in the United States who are foreigners, aliens, who belong to the families of ambassadors or foreign ministers accredited to the Government of the United States, but will include every other class of persons. Senator Edgar Cowan of Pennsylvania asked a rhetorical question: Is the child of the Chinese immigrant in California a citizen? And in later comments, Cowan asked, [I]s it proposed that the people of California are to remain quiescent while they are overrun by a flood of immigration?... Are they to be immigrated out of house and home by the Chinese? Senator Trumbull answered: The provision is that all persons born in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens. That means subject to the complete jurisdiction thereof. (Referencing remarks by Senator James Doolittle of Wisconsin, Trumbull continued:) Now, does the Senator from Wisconsin pretend to say that the Navajoe [sic] Indians are subject to the complete jurisdiction of the United States?... Can you sue a Navajoe Indian in court? (In the postbellum era, a Navajo was considered a citizen of an independent Indian nation, unlike today, when an American Indian possesses U.S. citizenship, provided being a citizen of the U.S. does not impair the persons status as a citizen of the tribe.) The Fourteenth Amendment stipulates the following: The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article. This simple sentence means that Congress may make uniform rules and legal clarifications without needing any new constitutional amendments. Since Congress has never legislatively established a rule to allow criminally-present aliens to create new U.S. citizens by having babies in the U.S., the longstanding legal situation may rightly be interpreted as one in which We the People have not seen fit to alter the original intent of the Fourteenth Amendment. Currently, Title 8, Section 1401, of the U.S. Code spells out who may be considered a citizen, but it does not prohibit further executive clarification. The president, as the nations chief law enforcement officer, may clarify policy with regard to enforcement. For example, President Trump would be well within his rights to issue an executive order stating that holders of Resident Alien Cards (Green Cards), since they are uniquely subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, have the option to file for U.S. citizenship for their American-born children. At the same time, he might decide to treat differently the holders of work visas without Green Cards. In the absence of an act of Congress -- or any further executive orders issued -- which may state otherwise, President Trumps January 20, 2025, executive order outlawing the extension of birthright citizenship to babies born to criminally-present aliens shall stand as the official law-enforcement mechanism under the Constitution. Paul Dowlings book on the Constitution is Keeping a Free Republic -- downloadable for $1.99. Additionally, Paul has contributed to Independent Sentinel and Free Thought Matters. Image: AT via Magic Studio A newborns first cry fills the room with hope a life filled with potential, love and purpose has begun. However, this beautiful moment is becoming increasingly rare, highlighting not only a demographic shift but also a challenge to the very hope and vitality of our nation. What happens to a nation when more people die each year than are born? This is not dystopian fiction. Given our current trajectory, by 2033, more people will die each year in the United States than will be born. This startling reality extends beyond a demographic statistic; it acts as a warning sign of a cultural shift that threatens the foundation of our society. The warning signs A recent report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) highlights troubling trends. Fertility rates in the U.S. have fallen significantly from 2.12 births per woman in 2001 to just 1.62 in 2023 and projections indicate a further decline. Annual deaths are expected to exceed births by 2033, suggesting stagnation in population growth. Additionally, life expectancy is anticipated to increase from 78.9 years in 2025 to 82.3 years by 2055. Although this reflects progress in medicine, it also imposes greater pressure on younger generations. A declining population of young workers will need to support the aging generations, straining health care systems, social programs, and economic stability. This crisis demands more than mere policy adjustments or technological solutions. It necessitates a spiritual and cultural revival a renewed commitment to Gods design for life, family, and community. Our culture faces an urgent challenge, as the biblical command to be fruitful and multiply (Gen. 1:28) has been overshadowed by individualism and materialism. Fewer families, fragile future Historian George Friedman, in his book The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century, makes a striking observation regarding the state of society: Cultures live in one of three states. The first state is barbarism. The third state is decadence. Civilization is the second and most rare state. Today, declining birth rates reflect a drift toward decadence. Personal ambitions frequently overshadow communal responsibilities, eroding the cornerstone of our society: strong families. In contrast, Gods Word celebrates life and family as essential to human flourishing. Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him (Ps. 127:3). However, many see children as obstacles to career advancement or personal fulfillment. This devaluation of the family undermines communities, stifles innovation, and pressures social systems. Rebuilding civilization begins with restoring the cultural importance of family. Delayed parenthood and a declining future The CBO report highlights another concerning trend: delayed parenthood. By 2055, fertility rates for women under 30 are projected to decrease from 0.79 births per woman in 2025 to 0.62. Although fertility rates for women over 30 may rise slightly, this will not compensate for the overall decline in the younger age group. This delay in parenting often reflects cultural pressures and personal desires to prioritize careers over starting families. Families are essential to communities and vital for the preservation of civilization. While pursuing careers and personal goals is important, it should not come at the expense of future generations. Why technology and legal immigration arent enough Advancements in technology, such as robotics and artificial intelligence, will undoubtedly help address labor shortages. However, machines cannot replace the creativity, compassion, and vibrancy that come from a growing population. Legal immigration offers another potential solution. Friedman notes, The United States will have to offer immigrants a range of competitive benefits, from highly streamlined green-card processes to specialized visas. However, neither technology nor immigration addresses the real issue: a cultural shift that diminishes the value of life and family. Until this foundational problem is addressed, no policy or innovation can truly restore a nation in decline. What can we do? Champion policies that protect life at every stage from the unborn to the elderly. Support families with practical resources and encouragement. Welcome legal immigrants with compassion and intentionality. A hopeful vision for the future Despite the challenges, there is hope. Friedman concludes that the 2040s will be a time of renewal, comparable in health and stability to the 1890s, 1950s, and 1990s. This optimistic future is within reach. By valuing both life and family, we can ensure that America remains a symbol of hope and opportunity, reflecting Gods love. This goes beyond mere demographic trends; its a spiritual call to honor Gods plan and contribute to the future He envisions. Even the most powerful nation cannot maintain its leadership without investing in its people. The challenge from within cultural complacency, declining birth rates, and weakened family structures poses the greatest threat to Americas stability. Addressing these issues requires more than economic solutions; it demands a moral and spiritual revival. Now is the time to act boldly, reclaim biblical values, and prioritize life and family. Dr. Stephen Cutchins brings over 20 years of leadership experience in education and ministry across four states. He has been actively involved with Southern Evangelical Seminary (SES) for more than 16 years and now leads the Center for Innovative Training, Truth That Matters, as executive director. In addition to his role at SES, Dr. Cutchins serves as teaching pastor and multi-site specialist at Upstate Church in South Carolina, recognized by Outreach Magazine as one of the top 10 fastest-growing churches in the nation. Dr. Cutchins has coached leaders nationwide through the North American Mission Board and is a sought-after speaker for churches, conferences, and events across the country. As the founder of The Cutchins Institute, LLC, he leads a team specializing in executive coaching, consulting, and counseling services. An accomplished author, Dr. Cutchins has written and contributed to several books, including works published by Thomas Nelson Publishing. Image via Free Range Stock. Three days into President Trump's term of office and the Border Patrol is reporting they've got ... 420 illegal border crossings to deal with across the 2,000-mile border, not 12,000. According to this NewsNation correspondent: #EXCLUSIVE Border Patrol has less than 500 encounters today Encounter numbers at the southern border plummet in @realDonaldTrump first days back in office according to data obtained through DHS sourcesWho say, This is what it is supposed to look like Welcome to the Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) January 23, 2025 CNN, for what it's worth, reports round twice that, but still an extremely low number, less than a tenth of what was reported in the high-crossing months of 2023. CNN is forced to admit that President Trump has sealed off the southern border to illegal immigrants. Now, the border is relatively quiet. I'm told that there are just between 1,100 to 1,300 crossings a day. That is far below when it was 6,000, 8,000, 12,000 before. So pic.twitter.com/EkrtgHND6U RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) January 23, 2025 The Border Patrol's data shows this, with the brown line at the bottom representing fiscal 2025, starting with the last yawp of the Biden administration. The blue line is 2023. Image: Customs and Border Patrol screenshot // government work And this sort of thing is happening, too: TRUMP EFFECT DAY 3: San Diego law enforcement just executed a major operation against organized crime, arresting 39 individuals linked to the Mexican Mafia. This operation targeted a range of criminal activities including murder, extortion, and drug trafficking, with the pic.twitter.com/EoGK9vy7sR Sarah Luna (@sarah_luna_1111) January 22, 2025 All that actually happened here for this dramatic change to happen was the election of President Trump, who delivers instant results. Trump restored 'remain in Mexico' policies for would-be asylum seekers, ending catch-and-release. He authorized tens of thousands of new detention beds for those who continue to cross illegally. He dispatched DEA and other federal agents to deport illegally present criminals along with the Border Patrol, instantly increasing the enforcement workforce. He ended the practice of accepting asylum applications at the border on U.S. soil and has begun instant deportations with no right to apply to stay. He's done so many things on day one of his presidency that the result is visible within three days of enactment. Now there are reports of caravans turning around. Some migrants are telling the press they're planning to go home. The sob stories are flowing -- and as Todd Bensmann notes, none are verified through actual reporting. Accounts of hardworking illegal aliens l who kept their noses clean until the deportation bill came due are ever a favorite of the injustice porn industry, the telltale sign being that the storytellers rarely attempt to verify anything theyre told https://t.co/Y5UedlccZH Todd Bensman (@BensmanTodd) January 23, 2025 The bishops are fulminating. And in the mighty migrant-industrial complex, there is talk about long-term planning for the future now that the spigot is off. This is probably finished now. Mexico may need it for long term trapped-migrant care and sustenance, to help keep pressure on the Trump border https://t.co/Df5rn7m87v Todd Bensman (@BensmanTodd) January 23, 2025 What a difference three days makes. Which tells us a lot about the last administration -- which clearly could have stopped the border surge any time it wanted over three days if it had done the same things -- and it didn't want to. Now, the flow is receding -- to a trickle, or perhaps just droplets now. And at long last, there is potential for healing. Sure, there's a long road to go with ending the abuses within the asylum system, as well as birthright citizenship (a judge in Washington state has put a stay on that order today), and catching all illegal border crossers and repatriating them home. But this is a powerful start that can only increase in its energy as the target gets smaller and weaker. No wonder President Trump is registering such high personal approval ratings now. There is nothing like an administration that actually focuses its energy on producing results. Promises made, promises kept, what a difference! Image: Twitter video screen shot People everywhere are celebrating Harvard Universitys settlement regarding the anti-Semitism that has been witnessed on its campus. In addition to adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism, they agreed to the following terms: Additionally, the school agreed to draft an annual report for the next five years that details its response to discrimination and harassment; hire a point person to consult with on all complaints of antisemitism, and provide training on combating antisemitism for staff who review the complaints. Todays settlement reflects Harvards enduring commitment to ensuring our Jewish students, faculty, and staff are embraced, respected, and supported, a Harvard University spokesperson said in a statement. We will continue to strengthen our policies, systems, and operations to combat anti-Semitism and all forms of hate and ensure all members of the Harvard community have the support they need to pursue their academic, research and professional work and feel they belong on our campus and in our classrooms. The settlement was made with the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, the Jewish Americans for Fairness in Education, and Students Against Antisemitism. The settlement included other criteria: As part of the settlements, Harvard says it has agreed to an unspecified monetary payout; to change its policies around anti-Zionist speech and devote more resources to study antisemitism; and to pursue a new partnership with an Israeli university. It will also partner with the Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, one of the groups that had sued the school, to host a variety of events on campus. The Students Against Antisemitisms statement echoed several other statements that were made by others following the settlement: A spokesperson for Students Against Antisemitism said the settlement shows Harvard is demonstrating leadership in the fight against antisemitism and in upholding the rights of Jewish students. We appreciate Harvards proactive approach to implementing effective long-term changes and its strong commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for every student who pursues their education on Harvards campus, the spokesperson said in a statement. In spite of all their efforts to atone for their errors, this settlement is meaningless, absurd and will not achieve the results that all parties are looking for. Just what does Harvard want to achieve? These are their words: We are resolute in our efforts to confront antisemitism and will continue to implement robust steps to maintain a welcoming, open, and safe campus environment where every student feels a sense of belonging, the spokesperson added. Sounds impressive, doesnt it? The problem is that the statement may reflect the beliefs of some people at Harvard, but based on their historic lack of response to the problem of antisemitism, which didnt just appear on Oct. 7, they are actually signaling something quite different: What can we do to make this problem go away? And they dont mean the problem of antisemitism; they are referring to the controversy, disruption and bad press they have received. The resulting drop in donations was especially notable: Harvards fundraising crisis now has a price tag: $151 million. Total philanthropic contributions fell by 14 percent in fiscal year 2024 as several billionaire donors publicly severed ties with Harvard over its response to campus antisemitism. The $151 million decline marks one of the most significant year-over-year drops in donations in the past decade. So Harvards response, even though they still have millions in donations in their coffers, was made for fiscal, practical reasons. Not out of the goodness of their hearts. You may say, so what? As long as they are making changes, isnt that the most important outcome? Missing from the settlement are specific responses, known as holding people accountable when these horrible actions take place. In case youve forgotten what took place on campus following Oct. 7, heres the description from Alexander Kestenbaum, who originally sued the university with the Students Against Antisemitism: Mobs of pro-Hamas students and faculty have marched by the hundreds through Harvards campus, shouting vile antisemitic slogans and calling for death to Jews and Israel. Those mobs have occupied buildings, classrooms, libraries, student lounges, plazas, and study halls, often for days or weeks at a time, promoting violence against Jews and harassing and assaulting them on campus. Jewish students have been attacked on social media, and Harvard faculty members have promulgated antisemitism in their courses and dismissed and intimidated students who object. What is most striking about all of this is Harvards abject failure and refusal to lift a finger to stop and deter this outrageous antisemitic conduct and penalize the students and faculty who perpetrate it. Alexander Kestenbaum withdrew from the lawsuit to pursue his own suit. Now you may be tempted to say that Harvard is mending its ways; that they know how egregious their lack of response was, and that they are prepared to change. Theyve noted that they need to change policies, but didnt indicate which ones. I see no evidence of a specific, significant commitment. First, all the actions they promise to take sound good on paper, but they are unlikely to change the minds of people who hate Israel and the Jews. Those people will likely interpret the settlement as just more anti-Palestinian propaganda, and may even take it as license to go further in their hateful actions. People can change their minds and change their behavior, but they have to be open to at least considering those changes. Some of the changes that Harvard is making may reach those people, but they are unlikely to reach the most hateful and violent people. There is always the possibility that people will modify their behavior towards Jews, at least temporarily, but they are unlikely to change their minds from beliefs theyve probably held for a lifetime. So, if theres no assurance that the minds of antisemites at Harvard (and any other groups that may show up) will be changed, what can be done? The emphasis by Harvard should have been on accountability. And the accountability should apply to outsiders on campus, students, administration and professors. Everyone who displays antisemitic behavior should be punished, no exceptions. And the punishment should be listed separately from any other kinds of harmful behavior that a person may demonstrate, and should be painful, once these actions take place. Here are a couple of examples: First violation: suspension for six months Second violation: expulsion. Harvard has to be serious about their actions against anti-Semitism. They can no longer equivocate or hesitate. They can certainly continue with all their plans to change minds and hearts. But they have to be realistic and demand accountability. Otherwise, their settlement is a bad joke. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License One thing thats overlooked about now-retired Gen. Mark Milley is that fact that his bumbling, asinine interference in national policy could very well have ended in triggering the very war he claimed to be trying to prevent. Picture this: the military leader of your primary geopolitical rival contacts you out of the blue and tells you that hes trying to assure that a war doesnt break out not that anyones actually planning such a thing, but just in case. He wants to make sure you know that. And oh, if anything changes, if a war looks like its about to start, hell be sure to call back and let you know. Take that to the bank. Now, if youre within the leadership of the Peoples Republic of China, a nation that was for centuries victimized by the West, that suffered a brutal occupation that still lies within living memory, and that also suffers the delusive institutional paranoia of any communist state, what do you make of this? Well, playmates, Ill tell you. You sit back, you clear your mind, and you ask yourself: Why did he do that just now? Then you contact your military commanders, tell them to up their alert level, cancel all leaves, and assure that evacuation plans are in order. You contact all embassies, notify the intelligence service to get all the students attending U.S. universities to rush to air bases, Navy installations, and the Pentagon, and to send in daily reports on activities there. And last but not least, you call an emergency meeting of the Central Committee all ministry heads, all party chairmen, no excuses. In other words, you push a panic button. Not the panic button not the one that will send the subs toward the U.S. West Coast and start the ICBMs fueling up. No you hit the low-level panic button; the one assures that the high-level button, the big red button, is in working order and ready to be pushed. You do this not because you want a war, not at the moment, anyway. You do it because you have to. You do it because a moron sitting in a position he hadnt earned and doesnt deserve has just told you without telling you that something absolutely beyond human comprehension may be brewing over in the inscrutable West. Thats very likely what happened in the Middle Kingdom. The same as would happen anywhere else in the world under similar circumstances. I have little doubt that well hear all about it from defectors and the like after it doesnt matter anymore. We may well learn that the only reason a war didnt start was because they werent ready for it. It happened because a child-man promoted well above his abilities and emotional capacity, in a titanic fit of ego, committed a monstrous act of virtue-signaling that would put him in the center of the picture, where, in his opinion, he belonged. And that, more than his rank or his forty years of service, is what counts. Thats also what justifies the Pentagon taking down his portrait, which has the media and the Democrats all in a tizzy. Milley is the foulest example conceivable of what a military officer should be, and we dont need junior officers getting any impression otherwise. And now that he has publicly acquiesced to his criminal status -- because thats what accepting a pardon means we can put Milley on the same shelf as Benedict Arnold and Aaron Burr and forget about him. Thank God there are so few of them. Image: AT via Magic Studio Perhaps President Trump knows best, because tariffs against Mexico would hurt that country a lot. This is what they are reporting south of the border: United States President Donald Trumps proposed tariffs on Mexico could limit economic growth to 0.6% in 2025, financial services company Moodys Ratings warned on Monday. Our estimates indicate that the Mexican economy would lose around 1 percentage point of growth in 2025. We are estimating that Mexico would only grow 0.6% this year, said Director of Economic Analysis for Latin America at Moodys Analytics Alfredo Coutino in an online conference Tuesday. On January 17, the International Monetary Fund predicted Mexico would see economic growth of 1.4% in 2025. The revised Moodys forecast suggests growth may falter in the wake of U.S. tariffs causing trade to slow. Ouch, that hurts. To be fair, we'd be hurt too because Mexico exports a lot to the U.S. Texas, for example, does a lot of business with Mexico. On balance, Mexico would suffer more. Are tariffs inevitable? Let's hope that the issue can be resolved. Mexico can start by recognizing that it has a terrible national security issue with so many criminal elements ("crimen organizado" as they say) living in the neighborhood. These cartels (as we call them) terrorize local governments and journalists and have too much cash to spend. Second, it can close the southbound border and stop all the guns and cash headed that way. Mexico complains that guns are going south but they do nothing about it. As for the cash, it gets washed in businesses and bribes politicians. Mexicans hate to hear that, but it's the truth. Third, they can go back to a time when Mexicans controlled their southern border. Once upon not a very long time ago, Mexico had agents at bus stations stopping Central Americans and sending them home. Today, the word is out that you can travel to the U.S. border as long as you pay someone to take you there. To be fair, the Mexicans are right that we are consuming the drugs. We should do better, but Mexico needs to understand just how damaging the open border is to them, too. Maybe Mexico will accept some responsibility and sit down with the Trump administration to fix this border crisis. I hope so, because their economy will be devastated if the tariffs go through. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: Pixabay The AI field has been getting a lot of news lately from some of its biggest names. OpenAI CEO just said that the arrival of an AGI agent of its own might still be a ways off. The same OpenAI and others have been warning US leaders about Chinas progress in this area. Now, the Anthropic chief has said that AI could surpass almost all humans at almost everything sooner than you think. Early this year, OpenAIs Sam Altman wrote a blog post about AGI agents and the companys plans. He said that these entities could be smart enough to join the workforce sometime in 2025, replacing humans. Looking ahead, AGI agents could perform any task in the same way that a human is capable of doing. Now, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has expressed his views regarding advanced AI. Anthropic chief sees plausible that AI will surpass almost all humans in the next couple of years I dont know exactly when itll come, I dont know if itll be 2027. I think its plausible it could be longer than that. I dont think it will be a whole bunch longer than that when AI systems are better than humans at almost everything. Better than almost all humans at almost everything. And then eventually better than all humans at everything, even robotics, Amodei said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. He also spoke briefly about the potential implications for human workers of AI systems being able to master areas such as advanced robotics. [If] we make good enough AI systems, theyll enable us to make better robots. And so when that happens, we will need to have a conversation at places like this event, about how do we organize our economy, right? How do humans find meaning? Amodei responded. Amodei raised concerns about the role of humans once AI and robotics can replace workers in all possible fields. He thinks that when the time comes, we will have to completely rethink the way people view work, themselves, and others. Weve recognized that weve reached the point as a technological civilization where the idea, theres huge abundance and huge economic value, but the idea that the way to distribute that value is for humans to produce economic labor, and this is where they feel their sense of self worthOnce that idea gets invalidated, were all going to have to sit down and figure it out, he said. Anthropic getting heavy investments from big tech companies Dario Amodei, Daniela Amodeihis sisterand five former OpenAI employees founded Anthropic in 2021. Currently, the companys flagship product is the AI model Claude 3.5 Sonnet. Although it is not the best on the market, it often stands out in AI benchmark lists in different parameters. The firm has just received $1 billion from Google, whose investment now reaches $3 billion. Another company that has put money into Anthropic is Amazon, which has raised $8 billion in the last 18 months. In fact, the upcoming improved Alexa could be powered by Claude AI models. Thanks to US President Donald Trump, TikTok bought itself a 75-day reprieve that would have banned it from the US. However, the company isnt completely out of the woods yet. There are still a lot of things that need to be done, but according to ByteDance board member William E. Ford, he thinks the TikTok ban can be resolved without having to sell off the company. Coming to a compromise During an interview with Bloomberg Television, Ford, the CEO of General Atlantic and a board member of TikToks parent company, ByteDance, thinks a solution is possible. According to Ford, We are optimistic we will find a solution. There are a number of alternatives we can talk to President Trump and his team about that are short of selling the company that allow the company to continue to operate, maybe with a change of control of some kind, but short of having to sell. Ford also seems optimistic about the talks between Trump and China President Xi Jinping. Im optimistic about the dialog that is emerging between President Trump and President Xi. That might help create a much more constructive environment, a much higher level of engagement that could lead to a positive solution. Both sides need to find a compromise that they can live with, but its unclear what that might be. Selling off TikTok The law currently requires TikTok to sell itself to an American company. Failing to do so would effectively ban the app. Its not a complete ban per se. The TikTok app is still usable in the US, but users cannot download it from app stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play. Trumps 75-day reprieve doesnt undo the law but instead gives TikTok and the US government more time to come to some alternate deal or understanding. Selling off TikTok to a US company would be the most straightforward solution, but it isnt so simple. For starters, ByteDance, a company based in China, owns TikTok. The relations between the US and China arent so great right now. China also has laws that prevent the export of technologies it deems to be core. Interestingly enough, China has given TikToks algorithm such a designation. This further complicates the sale of TikTok since it would effectively mean selling off the technology in the process. It remains to be seen if this TikTok ban will get resolved. But in the meantime, competing social media platforms are wasting no time trying to lure creators to their side. It seems that Apple, Meta, Google, and Microsoft arent the only ones facing scrutiny in the EU. The EU Commission has completed its probe into social media platform, X, and is expected to impose a fine worth millions of euros, according to a report from Germanys Handelsblatt newspaper. Fine incoming Germanys Handelsblatt newspaper cites three high-ranking officials claiming that the EU has completed its probe into X and that a fine is incoming to millions of euros. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but it wouldnt be the first time tech companies have faced pressure from the EU to adhere to the regions rules and regulations. As we previously said, many tech companies have caught the attention of the EU. More recently, TikTok has been hit with privacy complaints in Austria. The company allegedly sent data about its European users back to China. EU law allows the transfer of data outside the EU. However, this is only if the destination country doesnt undermine the protection of said data. However, these tech companies have recently found themselves an ally in US President Donald Trump. Trump recently spoke at the World Economic Forum, criticizing the EU for targeting US tech companies such as Apple. It is unclear if Trump will step in regarding the upcoming fine on X. Elon Musk currently owns X. Given Musks position as a key adviser to Trump, we wouldnt be surprised if Trump were to somehow intercede on the companys behalf, or at least make comments that would give the EU pause on its decision. Breaching the rulebook The EU has been investigating X since December 2023. The platform has faced criticism for allegedly failing to comply with the EUs Digital Services Act (DSA). There are concerns over its lack of a comprehensive ad repository. This repository is supposed to provide transparency over the platforms advertisers and their campaigns. The EU had previously requested that X preserve internal documents about its algorithms. It had also requested access to Xs technical interfaces. The EU wants to better understand how Xs algorithms work and whether X has changed them to comply with the DSA. If the EU enforces the fine, X must pay a penalty of up to 6% of its global revenue. This will have a huge impact on its operations in the EU. The company will also have to decide if the financial impact from the changes it will have to make outweighs the fine or the loss it will incur if it decides to pull out of the EU. The Galaxy S25 Edge, Samsungs upcoming super-slim phone, will have a tiny battery, it seems. The phones charging speed was also revealed via Chinas 3C certification. The device was spotted on the site with a SM-S9370 model number. It will support 25W wired charging, based on what was revealed. That will match what the vanilla Galaxy S25 model has to offer. The Galaxy S25 Edge will have a tiny battery, and not exactly fast charging When it comes to the battery, it will be a 3,900mAh unit, reports Abhishek Yadav, based on the listing in the China Quality Certification (CQC) database. The rated capacity is 3,786mAh, but it will be advertised as a 3,900mAh battery. Needless to say, thats quite small. The Galaxy S25 with a 6.2-inch display has a 4,000mAh unit, and compared to some of the competition, thats also very small, despite the display size. Earlier rumors suggested that the phone would feature a 4,700-5,000mAh battery, which seems to be completely inaccurate. The device is reported to be around 6mm thick, and Samsung seemingly wont use a silicon-carbon battery, which explains the size. Its display size remains a mystery We still dont know how large the display will be on the device, though. However, if it ends up being the size of the Galaxy S25+s panel (6.7 inches), that battery wont get you very far. The charging is also not particularly fast, not even for a battery of that size. As a reminder, the Galaxy S25 Edge is the official name for the rumored Galaxy S25 Slim phone. Samsung announced that name during the first Unpacked event of the year, a couple of days ago. The company also showed us the design of the device itself. The phone will launch around April, it was confirmed by the companys representative. We still dont know when exactly, though. Samsungs Galaxy S25 series has a nifty new feature where the device will count your charge cycles. Officially announced on January 22, the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra are Samsungs latest flagship smartphones. The company revealed the phones during Galaxy Unpacked, touting a new era of AI with everything from Gemini support to several new camera features. The phones can also now use Galaxy AI in a variety of different ways. Including helping you find recipes for ingredients in your fridge. One thing that hasnt been talked about yet, until now, is the ability for the phone to tell you how many times its been charged up. This might seem like a small thing. After all, why should users care about how many times theyve charged their phone over its lifetime? The reason is battery health. Samsung and other manufacturers have been implementing ways to keep an eye on the battery health of phones for a few years. And there are ways, like Googles charge limiter on Pixels, to help extend that battery health so it lasts longer. That being said, past Samsung phones havent really made it simple to get to battery health information. That changes with the Galaxy S25. Galaxy S25 charge cycles can be seen directly in the settings Battery health stats and their visibility arent exactly new. But at least for Samsung devices, its never been super convenient to find them. With the Galaxy S25, Samsung is making it possible to see a range of different battery health stats right in the settings menu. Aside from the charge cycles, the Galaxy S25 will also list details like the battery level. Additionally, it shows you the battery health with an actual percentage. It will even show the first used date. With this information, users will know more about the health of their batteries. This is going to be particularly useful for people who keep their phones longer. And with the Galaxy S25 getting seven years of Android updates, theres a good chance many people will keep these phones for several years. This will be good for buyers of used phones If you decide to get a Galaxy S25 used, or renewed/refurbished, this is information youre going to want. You will want to know the health of the battery so you have an idea of how long it might last. And if there are ever any battery issues in the future, this could help tell you if theres an issue with the battery holding a charge. Heres hoping that other manufacturers start implementing these kinds of stats. Samsungs Galaxy S25 series is up for pre-order now. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung first launched Good Lock in 2016, and since then, it has become one of the best apps for Galaxy devices. More than just an app, its a platform or hub from which you can apply modules or plugins that exponentially increase the customization possibilities of your phone. Some of them even add new features to apps like the Camera. Now, Samsung is rolling out a redesign to the Good Lock UI app. One UI 7 is the Android 15-based update for eligible Galaxy phones/tablets, although it comes pre-installed on the Galaxy S25 series. Samsung has been redesigning its own apps to adapt them to the aesthetic style of its revamped custom skin. The latest Good Lock 3.0.10.1 update brings a new UI that focuses on minimalism and simplicity. Samsung redesigns the Good Lock UI via app update Samsung is offering a cleaner, fresher visual experience with the redesign of Good Lock. The company has simplified the old, big UI elements by turning them into a list. This format makes scrolling through all your modules smoother. However, finding your favorite category may require some learning if you have a lot of modules downloaded. Thats because the categories are now simply separated by colors. Good Lock now has icons (Terrace, Plugins, and You) and tabs at the bottom of the UI. This makes it easier to quickly find and access the option you need. If youre feeling a bit lost, Samsung has integrated Good Lock Talk as a more powerful search tool. Good Lock Talk works like a chatbot that can help you find specific features according to your questions. The update also brings more customization options. A new gift box icon will show you a series of wallpapers that you can set on your phone, as well as two widgets. One of the widgets1 x 1 sizecan group all your modules together so theyre accessible from your home screen. The other module42 sizeallows you to add up to four modules so that they are available just a touch away. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Over the years, the EU has enacted several legislations that have disrupted how some tech companies operate. For the most part, its about setting standards and preserving users privacy. However, not everyone is a fan of those legislations, especially when it targets US companies. During the World Economic Forum, US President Donald Trump criticizes EU regulators for targeting US tech companies like Apple. Trump criticizes EU for targeting Apple The US government will enact a series of protectionist policies under Trumps presidency. These policies are designed to help protect the US economy and companies. This includes imposing tariffs against imports, although based on Trumps recent comments, it also seems to want to protect these companies from non-US regulators. According to Trump, These are American companies whether you like it or not. They shouldnt be doing that. Thats, as far as Im concerned, a form of taxation. We have some very big complaints with the EU. Trump also commented on the EUs economic policies in general. The EU treats us very, very unfairly, very badlyWe have hundreds of billions of dollars of deficits with the EU. And nobodys happy with it, and were going to do something about it. Some might view Trumps comments as a good thing. However, it could complicate things for the companies involved as well. Companies like Apple need to maintain good relations with the governments of the countries they operate in. Even though they are a US company, if they hope to sell its goods and services in other countries, they must abide by local laws and regulations. It will be interesting to see how this plays out and if EU regulators might back off following Trumps comments. Either that or things are about to get super messy. Targeting other US tech giants There have been several cases where US tech giants have caught the attention of EU regulators. More recently, Apple lost its appeal in a tax case that cost the company 13 billion in back taxes. Apple funneled the revenue it generated in the EU to its European HQ in Ireland. Like many companies, Apple chose Ireland due to the low corporate tax rate compared to other EU countries. The Irish government even made a deal with Apple which lowered it even more. Unfortunately, EU regulators claimed that these arrangements were illegal. Apple and the Irish government attempted to appeal, but ultimately failed. Another example would be how the EU forced Google to change the way search results are displayed. The EU has also launched multiple antitrust investigations on US companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Meta. Some have even called for the breaking up of Google. Flagship phones typically have multiple differentiating features from more affordable models. Some of the most obvious are raw power, screen quality, camera quality, and build materials. However, although less noticeable to many, they also have improved connectivity options. The latest Galaxy S25 series is an example of this, offering support for the Satellite SOS messaging feature on Verizon. Apple was the pioneer in integrating satellite connectivity support into mass-market smartphones. The Cupertino giant has been doing so since the launch of the iPhone 14 series in 2022. Satellite telecommunications can be a helpful feature in crisis situations. These types of incidents often affect traditional telecommunications networks, leaving many people incommunicado at the worst possible time. Verizon confirms that Skylo powers the Galaxy S25 series Satellite SOS messaging Verizon has confirmed that the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra are compatible with Satellite SOS messaging. This Verizon feature allows users to send messages to emergency services even in areas where traditional cellular connectivity is not available. The US mobile carrier also confirmed that the option on Samsungs latest flagship phones is powered by Skylo tech. This is the same company behind the satellite services available on the latest Google Pixel 9 series. Ideally, you would never have to use satellite SOS services. That would mean youre in the middle of an emergency situation and without access to traditional telecommunication vias. Anyway, its always good to have the option in case you need it. Carriers testing non-emergency satellite telecommunications Currently, some US carriers are working on offering non-emergency satellite SOS plans as well. That is, they want to enable calls, SMS, and even mobile network support without resorting to traditional terrestrial networks. These features could start arriving in the near future. T-Mobile was testing its satellite messaging feature on select devices last December. Its noteworthy that Elon Musks Starlink powers T-Mobiles satellite services. Verizon adds a few things you should know about its satellite telecommunications. First, it currently only works on select new model phones with updated software. Also, it will work better or worse depending on your location or if there are obstructions to the satellites in your area. Lastly, the service might not work in parts of Alaska. The new Galaxy flagship mobile devices are now available for pre-order. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung finally took the wraps off of its latest fleet of flagship phones, and were all looking forward to getting our hands on them. Youre probably looking to pick one up. Well, along with your purchase, why not pick up a quality case? Cases really add to your phones experience by providing protection, adding functionality, changing up its look, or all three. So, heres a list of some of the best cases that you can pick up for the Galaxy S25. If youre an early bird, and youre looking at accessories before actually buying the phone, then we have a treat for you. If you order your Galaxy S25 using the link below, then youll save $50 on your order. Pre-order Galaxy S25 (Samsung.com) Well be going over some great cases that you can pick up for the Galaxy S25. Bear in mind that were talking about the base Galaxy S25, not the Plus or Ultra variant. Youll see a combination of rugged, stylish, or featured-rich cases that will take your Galaxy experience to the next level. If you dont see a case that tickles your fancy, dont worry. Well update this list with new items, so you should check back every now and then to see whats new. Best all-around case TORRAS 360 Spin Samsung Galaxy S25 Case If youre looking for an accessory that will satisfy most of your needs, then youll want to look at this case. TORRAS is a case maker with a long history of making quality accessories, and its latest addition is no exception. The TORRAS 360 Spin comes equipped with some amazing features that will keep your phone protected while adding to its functionality. Crafted from high-quality crystal clear silicone, TPU, and acrylic, it will keep your phone looking just as pretty as the day you bought it. If you happen to drop it from a typical height, your phone will be perfectly protected. The case itself extends past the phones cameras and screen to provide additional protection. This way, both of those components are safe. Next up, the TORRAS 360 Spin comes with a magnetic ring on the back. This ring allows you to connect it to MagSafe-compatible accessories. Tons of cases add this feature, as MagSafe is one of the most useful technologies that you can add to a case. It opens up so many possibilities for additional accessories. The ring doesnt stay in one place. In fact, it can swing out to become a kickstand. Youll be able to prop your phone up when you want to kick back and watch some content or record a video. The ring rotates 360, so you can stand your phone up in either portrait or landscape orientation. Coming in at just $42.99, this is one of the best all-around cases that you can buy for the Galaxy S25. Check out our list of great TORRAS accessories you can get from this company. TORRAS 360 Spin Samsung Galaxy S25 Case Best Cheap Case PITCHESSY Clear Galaxy S25 case So, lets get this list started off with an affordable case. There are all types of cases out there that bring some great features. Well, features cost money, and they can really drive up the price. However, what if you want to save some money on your purchase while still getting a great case? This is something that most people want. Heres a case that only costs $9.99. Be that as it may, this is still a great accessory to have. This is a clear case that allows you to see your phones beautiful design. While affordable, its made from materials that will resist yellowing over time. So, the case will look pristine as time goes on. This is a pretty thick case that will keep your phone safe in the event of a drop. Theres some nice padding around the frame that protects the edges of your phone. As an added bonus, the corners of the case trap a layer of air for added protection. Notably, the PITCHESSY Clear Galaxy S25 case brings MagSafe support to the phone. Theres a magnetic ring on the back of the case, and this opens it up to the wonderful world of MagSafe accessories. Buy at Amazon Best Rugged Case FNTCASE Samsung Galaxy S25 Case There are cases out there that provide protection, but there are cases out there that shield every single centimeter of your device from the world. Rugged cases are for people who want their phones protected at all costs. Theyre much thicker and sturdier than typical cases. FNTCASE makes some of the best rugged cases on the market, and this one is no exception. The FNTCASE Samsung Galaxy S25 Case is built like a brick house, providing a thick layer of protection for your phone. It uses a combination of tough materials like polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane. They work in tandem to shield your phone from the elements and absorb the shock from a drop. As if this case couldnt be any more protective, it comes with a screen protector included. Its made with anti-scratch materials and its super clear. It wont get in the way of your finger when you want to use the fingerprint scanner as well. When your phone falls on the front, the screen protector will take the impact force and spare your screen. The FNTCASE Samsung Galaxy S25 Case covers your phone from head to toe, and it will ensure that you keep your phone for years to come. It only costs $19.99, so youre getting an amazing deal. Buy at Amazon Best Stylish Case Case-Mate Samsung Galaxy S25 Case Samsung designed a great-looking phone, but getting a case gives you the opportunity to add a bit of stylistic flair to it. This is why so many cases out there come with such amazing and jaw-dropping designs. There are cases out there that look like a million bucks, and that describes the next case on this list. The Case-Mate Samsung Galaxy S25 Case is one of the prettiest cases that you can pick up for your phone. Lets start off with the design, it has this crystalline backplate that would remind you of diamonds. It sparkles in the sunlight and refracts the light to produce all types of beautiful colors. What you get is a luxurious case that looks like it should be hung in a museum. This case isnt just a pretty face, its also quite sturdy. Case-Mate drop-tested The Case-Mate Samsung Galaxy S25 Case repeatedly to ensure that it will properly protect your phone during a fall. The company drop-tested the phone from a height of 12 feet. Thats a good height, as youre not likely to drop your phone from that height. This means that your phone is properly protected from a fall from any typical height. Thats not all, as this is one of the increasingly more common MagSafe cases. It has a magnetic ring on the back that allows you to use it with other MagSafe-compatible devices. This means that you can use your phone with magnetic wireless chargers, phone stands, car mounts, and other items. $54.99 is a great price for such a fashionable and functional case. If the color pictured above doesnt suit you, then you can look at the other colors that it comes in. Buy at Amazon Best Wallet Case ZZXX Samsung Galaxy S25 Wallet Case There are cases out there that only protect your phone. However, there are those that bring additional functionality to your phone. One such case is the wallet case. In some cases, they allow you to leave your wallet at home when you go out. Theyre great to have because they let people pack light when they leave the house. If youre looking for a quality wallet case, then look no further than the ZZXX Samsung Galaxy S25 Wallet Case. This is a beautiful-looking accessory with a premium leather casing. It looks amazing, and it comes in eight different colors. These colors are Purple, Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Lake Blue, Rose Gold, and Wine Red. Either way you slice it, your phone will look amazing in the case. The ZZXX Samsung Galaxy S25 Wallet Case comes with three card slots that allow you to store your important cards. Three card slots might not be as many as what a typical wallet has, but its still a good number for a casual trip to the store or the bank. Along with that, theres also a pocket for your dollar bills. So, if youre going out, and you dont need more than your I.D., a credit card, and some cash, then youre good to go. Whats neat is that this case has an RFID shield. This means that people wont be able to scan your cards and steal your information through the case. At only $19.99, this is great for people who want to have more than just a case. Buy at Amazon Best Kickstand case SPIDERCASE Magnetic Samsung Galaxy S25 Case Smartphones are no longer devices that you only use for making calls and sending messages. You can use them as your primary media devices to watch all sorts of content. Not only that, but you can use them to record videos. You can do so many things with your phone, but many of them require them to stand on their own. This is where a quality phone stand can come in. However, why buy a separate phone stand when you can have one built right into your case? The SPIDERCASE Magnetic Samsung Galaxy S25 Case is a case that has some neat features aside from being a sturdy and well-built case. Its crystal clear, which means that you can still see the phones natural color. Along with that, theres a magnetic ring on the back that facilitates the use of MagSafe attachments. This opens up the door for cool add-ons like magnetic power banks, wireless chargers, and more. The star of the show is the kickstand on the back. It lies flush with the case, so it wont affect how you use your phone. When you want to use it, you can swing it outward. When extended, youll be able to stand your phone up in both portrait and landscape orientation. Its sturdy enough to support your phones weight, so you wont have to worry about it buckling. With the kickstand, youll be able to stand your phone up to watch movies, take video calls, record videos, and more. Buy at Amazon AI data centers require massive amounts of power which could be supplied by Texas natural gas, solar and wind. The Washington Post/The Washington Post via Getty Im This week at the White House, OpenAI, Oracle and Softbank announced a $500 billion investment in AI infrastructure called the Stargate Project with construction to start in Texas. In 2024 Google announced similar plans to build a massive new artificial intelligence facility in West Texas, acquiring land for a 1-gigawatt data center in Haskell County. These massive investments are precisely the kind of economic development Texas has been attracting as companies, both tech and others, flee Californias restrictive environment. But a new proposal threatens to slam the brakes on this tech boom before it starts. The Texas Responsible AI Governance Act (TRAIGA) HB 1709 would create some of the strictest artificial intelligence regulations in the country, echoing recent California bills the legislature wouldnt pass and Gavin Newsom wouldnt sign because they were too extreme. The timing couldnt be worse for Texas communities hoping to catch the next wave of tech industry growth. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lets be clear about whats at stake. West Texas is becoming what industry insiders call the West Texas Flywheel a hub where tech giants like Google and Oracle are building massive computing centers powered by Texas wind, solar, and natural gas. Just 40 miles from Googles new site, Oracle is expanding its Abilene campus. These facilities arent just server farms theyre the engines that will power the next generation of AI innovation, bringing with them jobs in engineering, technical operations, and facility management. However, the proposed regulations could bring this growing industry to a standstill. Under TRAIGA, any Texas business with revenue more than $7.5 million annually would face extensive new requirements if it uses AI in ways that affect decisions about hiring, customer service or dozens of other everyday business operations. Even using basic AI tools for writing emails or analyzing spreadsheets could trigger burdensome paperwork requirements. In fact, the law is so broad that it has to specifically exempt calculators, databases, spreadsheets and anti-virus software but only if theyre not used to make a consequential decision. The bill would also create a new state agency the Texas AI Council with broad powers to shape how businesses develop and use AI technology. Companies would need to file detailed reports about their AI systems and conduct regular audits, creating the kind of red tape that Texas usually prides itself on avoiding. Supporters say these regulations are needed to prevent AI systems from discriminating against Texans, but existing state and federal laws already make such discrimination illegal. TRAIGA goes far beyond reasonable oversight, requiring businesses to prove their AI systems wont cause hypothetical harms before they can use them. West San Antonio has seen a boom in data center construction including Microsoft Corp.'s center in Texas Research Park. Staff file photo This matters for more than just tech companies. Texas small businesses are increasingly using AI tools to compete with larger competitors. A local insurance agency might use AI to process claims faster, or a family-owned restaurant might use it to manage inventory more efficiently. Under TRAIGA, many of these businesses would face immense paperwork burdens that only large, well-staffed corporations can easily handle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The cruel irony is that while Texas communities are winning the competition for tech investment, Texas lawmakers seem determined to follow Californias lead on heavy-handed regulation. The state is already attracting billions in AI-related investment announcements in just the last six months alone represent over $2 billion in commitments. The past decade has seen American companies invest $335 billion in AI development, more than triple Chinas investment. Texas stands to capture a significant portion of this growth if it doesnt get chased away. Weve seen this story before, just not in Texas. Six of the worlds seven trillion-dollar companies are American, while Europe has no major AI players in the top 25. Tech companies are fleeing California partly because of its regulatory burden. Now Texas, of all places, could lap California and overtake Europe in the race to regulate AI. Texas faces a choice: Continue attracting tech investment by maintaining an environment that embraces innovation, or strangle this growing industry just as it begins to treat Texas as a home. The West Texas Flywheel shows whats possible when we let innovation flourish new jobs, economic growth, and leadership in a critical technology that will shape our future. Legislators should remember what brought these companies to Texas in the first place: A fundamental commitment to freedom and free enterprise. Lets not throw away that competitive advantage by trying to out-California Sacramento. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Actor Don Gilet can be seen investigating a murder as the new detective inspector of Saint Marie in the first trailer for Death In Paradise series 14. The 58-year-old, known for his role as the villainous Lucas Johnson in the soap EastEnders as well as starring in Sherwood, was first seen in the role during a Christmas special. His character, DI Mervin Wilson, is ready to leave the island for good when a case close to the hearts of those at the station presents itself. Ready for a juicy little peek at the new series? Here's the trailer! #DeathInParadise starts on @BBCiPlayer and @BBCOne next Friday. pic.twitter.com/Jf7fruLP85 Death in Paradise (@deathinparadise) January 24, 2025 In the trailer, Mervin, who previously discovered his estranged mother had died, says he does not think her death was an accident. He is also heard saying of all the elaborate ways to murder someone and writes on a board that appears to show suspects and witnesses to a crime. Tobi Bakare reprises his role of sergeant JP Hooper, with Don Warrington playing commissioner Selwyn Patterson, and Elizabeth Bourgine playing Catherine Bordey. Gilet appeared in Death In Paradise as a guest star in series four as a different character. My Family actor Kris Marshall, who stars in spin-off show Beyond Paradise, Johnny English actor Ben Miller, Father Ted star Ardal OHanlon and The Royle Family actor Ralf Little have also played the DI lead role. The series is filmed on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Death In Paradise will return to BBC iPlayer and BBC One from Friday January 31 at 9pm. Hugh Grant has called for a new criminal investigation after the Duke of Sussex settled his High Court case with News Group Newspapers (NGN). On Wednesday, it was announced that Harry had received an unequivocal apology from NGN after serious intrusion by The Sun, including unlawful activities by private investigators working for the paper. In April, the High Court heard that Hollywood star Grant had settled his case against NGN because of the risk of a 10 million legal bill if his case went to trial. The Duke was given an unequivocal apology (Yaroslav Sabitov/PA) Grant, who is part of the Hacked Off campaign group, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Well, obviously, in light of these findings, we think that the CPS and the police should launch a new criminal investigation into this. And that was, as I say, the aim of Prince Harrys case, as I understand it, and certainly was my original aim in my case. And also, quite clearly now there should be Leveson Two. This is something that was repeatedly promised by the Labour Party in opposition to victims of press abuse over and over again, and now it suddenly seems to have disappeared from their priority list now that theyre in Government. Lord Tom Watson, former Labour deputy leader also settled his legal action against the publisher of The Sun (Lucy North/PA) Lord Tom Watson, former Labour deputy leader, also settled his claim this week as he was also offered a full and unequivocal apology and substantial damages for unwarranted intrusion into his private life during his time in government by the News Of The World. Speaking outside the court, Lord Watson questioned whether the head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, would take action when he receives a dossier of information linked to the case. Sir Mark was asked on LBC on Friday morning if there will be a criminal investigation into NGN. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley highlighted that investigations had already been carried out (Jonathan Brady/PA) He said: There was a massive series of investigations done sort of a decade or so ago, finished more recently than that many, many millions of pounds. Hundreds of officers have been involved for a long period of time. There were many prosecutions. Those investigations were closed. If they send us a bundle of material, well reflect on that and make our judgment. Much of the material in the civil litigation actually came from those investigations and was requested through legal processes by the litigants. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has confirmed that a second-stage Leveson inquiry has already been ruled out. Hurricane force winds posing danger to life have hit the UK, as millions of people have been urged to stay at home during Storm Eowyn. Rail services, flights and ferries have been axed, and rare red weather warnings are in place on Friday in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as winds of up to 100mph have swept the country. The storm is likely to rip the roofs from buildings, uproot trees and cause power cuts, according to the Met Office alerts. Hurricane force winds are those that reach at least 74mph, according to the Beaufort scale, the Met Office said. Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill has urged people to stay at home, adding we are in the eye of the storm now, in an interview with BBC Radio Ulster. (PA Graphics) On Friday, about 20% of all flights scheduled to operate to or from airports in the UK or Ireland have been cancelled, according to Aviation analytics company Cirium. A total of 1,124 flights have been cancelled, and Dublin, Edinburgh, Heathrow and Glasgow airports are the worst affected, according to the company. Ryanair flight RK596 from Stansted in Essex to Edinburgh airport, reached the skies above the Scottish capital but was unable to land on Friday. The Boeing 737 left Stansted at 8.35am and touched down at the same airport two hours and 44 minutes later, at 11.19am, after circling over the Borders. (PA Graphics) More than 93,000 homes and businesses were left without power in Northern Ireland on Friday, as the storm caused widespread damage to electricity networks, according to NIE Networks. In the Republic of Ireland, 715,000 homes, farms and businesses are without power after unprecedented damage was caused to electricity infrastructure, the Irish Electricity Supply Board (ESB) said. The Isle of Mans Department of Infrastructure has declared a major incident because of the number of fallen trees and their impact on arterial roads emergency services, the government said on X. A fallen tree on Tullydraw Road near Dungannon (Oliver McVeigh/PA) Several trees part of a Galway community for more than 60 years have been uprooted or split in half because of crazy winds caused by Storm Eowyn. Cathriona Heffernan, 25, from Galway city in Ireland, described the winds as scary and told the PA news agency: Those trees have been there 60 years and outdate the houses even. Its sad seeing them down all the same but just glad no damage was caused by them. Elsewhere, firefighters were called to Harolds Cross Road in Dublin after scaffolding collapsed and blocked the road, which appears to have fallen off the side of a three storey building. An ice-skating facility in Blanchardstown has been destroyed after strong winds tore the structure apart (Brian Lawless/PA) Meanwhile, an ice skating rink in the Dublin suburb of Blanchardstown appears to have lost its roof leaving a pile of debris on the ground in the wake of Storm Eowyn. Hundreds of schools and nurseries across Scotland will be closed on Friday as First Minister John Swinney warned people not to travel. Train operator ScotRail has suspended all services across Scotland, saying it would not be safe to operate passenger services. Calmac and Western ferry services are also cancelled. Other services affected by the storm include Avanti West Coast, LNER, West Midlands Railway, Lumo, Transport for Wales and Southern Western Railway. Motorists in areas covered by red and amber weather warnings have been told to avoid travel unless absolutely essential. (PA Graphics) National Highways said the A66 between the A1M in North Yorkshire and M6 in Cumbria, and the A628 Woodhead Pass in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, were both closed overnight because of strong winds. The M48 Severn bridge in Gloucester has been shut and the M62 Ouse Bridge in East Yorkshire and the A19 Tees flyover in Co Durham are closed to high-sided vehicles. On Friday morning, a record-breaking wind speed of 183kmh (114 mph) was measured in Mace Head, Co Galway, in Ireland, Met Eireann said. Satellite imagery suggests a dangerous weather phenomenon known as a sting jet developed over Ireland during this time, the Met Office has said. A sting jet is a small area of very intense winds, according to the weather service. Gusts of 96mph were recorded at Brizlee Wood in Northumberland and 93mph in Aberdaron in Gwynedd, north Wales, this morning, the forecaster said. A fallen tree at the Cherryvale playing fields in Belfast (David Young/PA) Red warnings are in place in Northern Ireland from 7am until 2pm on Friday. The Met Office extended its red warning for Scotland on Friday, and it now covers as far south as Lockerbie, as well as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lanark and Ayr, and is in place until 5pm. Wind speeds of up to 100mph are likely along coasts in both red warning areas, with gusts of up to 90mph expected inland, the forecaster said. Amber wind warnings are also in place for Northern Ireland, the southern half of Scotland, northern England and north Wales between 6am and 9pm on Friday, and the northern half of Scotland from 1pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday. Winds reaching 60mph to 70mph will be widespread in these areas, with up to 90mph possible on coastal areas. A RED wind warning is now in effect for Northern Ireland, with another coming into force for parts of Scotland at 10 am Latest warning info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs pic.twitter.com/MfyFf3UYuF Met Office (@metoffice) January 24, 2025 A further yellow wind warning covers the rest of UK for all of Friday. Yellow warnings for snow are in place in Scotland, from 6am to midnight, and rain in south-west England and Wales until 9am. In Northern Ireland, a yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued between 7pm Friday until 10am Saturday. RAC Breakdown advised motorists in warning areas to stay safe by parking away from trees, to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, avoid coastal routes and watch out for debris. Some 4.5 million people received emergency alerts on their phones warning of the incoming storm in the largest real-life use of the tool to date on Thursday. More amber and yellow weather warnings for wind and rain have been issued across the weekend. David Lammy raised the case of a jailed British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist with officials in Cairo this week, Downing Street said, as it faced criticism from the mans mother over his ongoing imprisonment. Laila Soueif, who has been on hunger strike for 117 days in protest over her son Alaa Abd El-Fattahs treatment in Egypt, has urged Sir Keir Starmer to intervene as time is running out. On Friday, she accused the Prime Minister of not having deigned to reply to a letter she sent him last week about her sons plight. Mr Abd El-Fattah, 43, has been detained in Egypt since September 29 2019, and in December 2021 was sentenced to five years in prison after being accused of spreading false news. Asked about the case on Friday, No 10 said his imprisonment had been a focus of Mr Lammys meetings with the Egyptian government as he visited the country on Thursday. It added that the Prime Minister had also raised the case with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Asked whether the Prime Minister would meet Ms Souief, a Number 10 spokesman said: Obviously we will set out prime ministerial meetings in the usual way. On whether he plans to respond to her letter, the official said: I dont have an update on that specific point in terms of timelines, the Foreign Secretary raised this case a number of times with his counterpart, most recently in Saudi Arabia when he met the foreign minister of Egypt there. Asked if Sir Keir had a message for Ms Soueif on the 117th day of her hunger strike, No 10 said there would be an update in due course after she wrote to the Prime Minister. In terms of the Foreign Office, our officials remain in regular contact with her and her family to check on her welfare, the spokesman said. Foreign Secretary David Lammy with Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty ahead of a bilateral in Cairo, Egypt (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Mr Abd El-Fattah has spent most of the past decade in prison because of his criticism of Egypts rulers, and is unable to see his young son who lives in Brighton. His mother has spent 117 days on hunger strike and vows not to eat until he is freed. Ms Soueif, 68, warned on Friday that her blood sugar levels are dropping as low as 2.8mmol/L and I feel more tired every day. I have always said that ultimately it is the Prime Minister who must talk directly to President Sisi to secure Alaas freedom, she said on Friday. There were hopes that Mr Lammy would bring Alaa back with him and reunite him with his son in Brighton, but it is clear this is not happening. I am devastated for my son and my grandson. They deserve to be together. But I have always said that ultimately it is the Prime Minister who must talk directly to President Sisi to secure Alaas freedom. Mr Starmer has not even deigned to reply to the letter I sent him over a week ago requesting a meeting. The Prime Minister must know that time is running out. My blood sugar levels are dropping and I feel more tired every day. He needs to intervene to bring Alaa to his family in the UK before it is too late. Sanaa Seif, Mr Abd El-Fattahs sister, welcomed the Foreign Secretary raising her brothers case but insisted it required intervention from the Prime Minister. My family needs Keir Starmer to intervene and talk directly to President Sisi to free Alaa, she said. Why is the Prime Minister ignoring our meeting request? Is the Prime Minister waiting until my mum is in hospital to pay attention to us? Im told Alaa is a priority for the British government and I want to believe that but we need Keir Starmer to act now before its too late. White Stuff has revealed a surge in sales over the key festive period, amid soaring demand for knitwear and pyjamas. It comes months after the group was snapped up by The Foschini Group (TFG) in a roughly 50 million deal. Boss Jo Jenkins said recent trading was strong and showed it is making progress with its growth strategy. The retailer, which runs 114 shops and 46 concessions in the UK, revealed that total sales increased 21.8% year-on-year over the 10 weeks to January 4. White Stuff, which was founded in 1985, said this was largely driven by accelerating online sales, which grew 32.5% for the period, while store sales were up 8.5%. Full price sales were up 26.8% over the period, driven by reduced promotions. It reported strong sales of knitwear, which rose 19% year-on-year, with a 50% jump in sales of Fair Isle knits. Meanwhile, nightwear sales were up 60% and jersey tops also saw strong sales growth. Ms Jenkins, chief executive of the business, said: Our strong results over the Christmas period reinforce the success of our brand transformation and growth strategy. We continue to focus on unique designs in sustainable fabrics available to more customers through more channels, and we attracted a record number of new customers to White Stuff over the festive season. Thank you to all our colleagues for a huge team effort through a very busy trading period and I am excited as to what the future holds in 2025 and beyond as we continue our growth journey with TFG London. White Stuff said its integration into TFG is progressing well after being acquired in October last year. The new owner, which also runs Whistles and Hobbs said it plans to expand White Stuffs portfolio of shops and concessions further after striking the deal. There's good news for the Ambler family of Londonderry, New Hampshire. The family is celebrating the return of their beloved family black cat, Kumiko, who has been missing since March. Kumiko has had a very interesting journey since running away eight months ago. It's been an adventure, to say the least. The Amblers were rightfully heartbroken when they lost track of Kumiko last spring. They believed all was lost! "She was walking happily through our pool area and exited out through the backyard," Paul Ambler told NBC 10 Boston. The Amblers also own Kumiko's twin sister Kiri, who was heartbroken without her sister. Related: Cat Found in Boston After Going Missing in Maine Serves as an Important Reminder to Pet Owners "She would be at the door and she would be meow-ing for her sister," a family member added. They really believed that Kumiko was gone for good. "We posted lost pets in various Facebook groups, called the vets, put up posters, went knocking on doors," Ambler explained to the news outlet. "[There are] a lot of coyotes, foxes and eagles in the area. We were not really thinking she'd come back." That's why they were stunned when they got a call the day after Thanksgiving that Kumiko had been found. "I thought I was getting trolled. I thought it was someone that I went to high school with," the family member said. Not only had Kumiko been found, she'd traveled more than 800 miles in her time away. "This cat somehow got from Londonderry, New Hampshire, in eight months, to Ann Arbor, Michigan," Paul Ambler explained. Thankfully, Kumiko and Kiri came from a pet rescue in Florida where they were microchipped. She was ultimately found by the Greater Humane Society of Ann Arbor, who used her chip to trace the cat back to the Florida rescue. The rescue then reached out to the Amblers to let them know the cat was safe. Paul Ambler immediately booked a plane ticket to Ann Arbor to go collect his beloved black cat. The family has now made some adjustments so that Kumiko will never run away again. "She actually has an Apple AirTag collar on, because, well, now we know she's a flight risk," he joked. Easy Ways to Keep Your Cat From Running Away What happened to the Amblers is a cat owner's nightmare. But there are ways you can protect your cat from running away. Spaying or neutering your cat is a good place to start. As is microchipping your pet and training them to respect threshold boundaries. Signs by doorways warning guests to keep an eye out for your cat might also be helpful if you're worried your cat is going to sneak out. This is a scary situation, but don't be afraid! As the Ambler family proves, there's always hope. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. A man wanted in connection with death of woman found injured in the street has been found and arrested on suspicion of murder, police said. Paul Antony Butler, 53, was located and arrested in the Liskeard area of Cornwall, which is around 20 miles from Plymouth. Devon and Cornwall Police has referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) because of previous contact with the victim. Officers launched a manhunt for Butler after the woman in her 40s was attacked in Plymouth on Wednesday night. The woman, who has not been officially named, died in hospital in the early hours of Thursday. He is currently in police custody having been arrested on suspicion of murder, a force spokesman said. Officers would like to thank the local community for their assistance and their patience while our inquiries continue into this incident. A mandatory referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to previous contact with the victim. This is normal procedure in these circumstances. A police cordon near West Hoe Road (Matt Keeble/PA) Police had earlier warned the public not to approach Butler and said he could be armed and dangerous. Police were called at 8.55pm on Wednesday after the woman was found in West Hoe Road. A shop worker said she heard screams and people asking for an ambulance to be called at the time of the incident. David Badham, who runs the Central Convenience shop on the street, told the PA news agency: I had a member of staff working and she said she heard screams. She obviously then popped her head out of the door to see what was going on, to hear people saying Call an ambulance. Video footage posted on social media appeared to show numerous police cars and ambulances parked in West Hoe Road on Wednesday evening near to a post office and the West Hoe pub. Several streets in the West Hoe area were cordoned off and there was a heavy police presence throughout the day. An IOPC spokesman said: We understand that Devon and Cornwall Police are planning to make a referral in relation to this. When we receive it we will carry out an assessment to decide what further action is required by us. The head of the UKs largest police force has welcomed a review of contempt of court laws and said it would be great if more information in cases could be shared at an earlier stage. His comments come after the Prime Minister said the online spread of content in apparent breach of Englands contempt of court rules will be investigated as part of a public inquiry into the Southport stabbings. Sir Keir Starmer defended the decision taken by authorities not to share information about the case earlier on, insisting that to do so would have risked collapsing a potential jury trial. Following the attack by 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana last July, in which he murdered three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, a slew of false claims circulated on social media about the circumstances surrounding the killings. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley described the Southport attack as horrific and said listening to the remarks at sentencing and the experiences of the families is moving for all of us. He was asked on LBC on Friday if he thinks the public should have been better informed about what the authorities already knew following the attack. We have very strict contempt of court laws in the UK. As policing, we would always start from the principle wed like to have as much information out as possible. But we work with (the) CPS. Theyre officers of the court and we have to make sure we dont undermine a trial, he said. Sir Mark said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) should not be criticised for insisting on the law. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley (Jonathan Brady/PA) He told LBC: There are countries where contempt of court laws are nowhere near this and youre able to talk more freely, but in our legal system if the police or CPS had said loads more, there is a risk you would have undermined the trial. Sir Mark said that in todays social media age where rumour goes so quickly, it is good that the contempt of court laws are being looked at. I think its good theres going to be a review of a whole range of things around this, and its good that people are looking at the law on contempt of court. I think itd be great if we could have changes that mean more information can be shared earlier because I think todays social media world generates rumour and debate and sometimes contention. So I think we do need changes. Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy also welcomed a review of contempt of court laws. She said: Theres a narrative out there around the impact of trust between policing, between criminal justice partners, with the communities. The Law Commission has commissioned a review of contempt of court legislation and I think thats right. I think this case demonstrates why that review is required. Some of the Governments political opponents have alleged a cover-up over Rudakubanas contact with the authorities, and critics argue more details should have been disclosed earlier to prevent an information vacuum being filled online. But speaking on Tuesday morning, the Prime Minister insisted the only losers if the authorities had shared more would have been the victims and their families, because it could have jeopardised a trial and delayed justice. The House of Representatives chamber at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas. Murat Taner/Getty Images The Republican-led Texas House voted Thursday to bar Democrats from holding powerful committee chair posts, ending a longstanding tradition that members credited with fostering a bipartisan spirit that stood in contrast to Congress. The change was pushed by some of the chamber's most hardline Republicans, who quickly said it didnt go far enough. Although Democrats will be prohibited from leading the main legislative committees, the chamber voted to expand the powers they can have as vice chairs. The split signals that infighting within the Republican Party will continue throughout the session. Advertisement Article continues below this ad To be clear, this rules package is Dem Chair Removal In Name Only. This set of rules empowers Democrats more than theyve ever been, Rep. Shelley Luther, a freshman Dallas Republican, wrote on social media on Thursday. I voted to reform the Texas House to reflect the will of Texans and this aint it. The decision came as the chamber adopted its operating rules for the freshly started legislative session. The rules written by Rep. Todd Hunter, a Corpus Christi Republican grant more power to committee vice chairs, allowing them to designate bills for consideration, invite witnesses to testify and request research on bills from legislative staff. House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, will pick who will hold top committee posts and has yet to publicly announce the assignments. The vast majority of House Democrats voted in favor of the rules package. It was only opposed by about two dozen of the most conservative Republicans in the chamber, who made abolishing Democratic committee chairs a major campaign issue, but decried the outcome as an end-run around their goal of minimizing Democrats power. In an unusual move, the House cut off debate before many Republicans could voice their objections. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rep. Mike Schofield, a Katy Republican, described the move as the nuclear option, and said it foreshadowed conflict to come this session. I want you to understand that members on our side are going to see that you've decided that in the 89th session, that's how we're going to do it, he said. I promise you that if you do this to us, we will do it to you. The Republican Party of Texas, along with the states conservative political activists and donors, have long called for an end to Democratic committee chairs, which they argued allowed the minority party to kill GOP priority bills. Former House Speaker Dade Phelan faced blowback for his refusal to change the practice before he decided not to seek re-election as the chambers leader late last year. Burrows was elected speaker earlier this month with more support from Democrats than Republicans, which was decried by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the chair of the state party and many in the chamber. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a press conference after the vote, House Democrats alluded to the sensitive negotiations that led them to support Burrows. A woman whose four young boys died in a fire after she left them home alone to go to Sainsburys will be sentenced later. Deveca Rose had left her two sets of twins in the locked terraced house when the fatal blaze broke out on the evening of December 16 2021. The 30-year-old defendant, who had split up with her partner and suffered from mental health problems, was found guilty of four counts of manslaughter following an Old Bailey trial. On Friday, Rose, who was on bail throughout her trial, will return to court to be sentenced by Judge Mark Lucraft KC. Deveca Rose arrives at the Old Bailey (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Rose and the children had been living in squalor, surrounded by rubbish and human excrement, before the tragedy. Prosecutor Kate Lumsdon KC had told the court: There was rubbish thickly spread throughout the house. The toilet and the bath were full of rubbish and could not be used. Buckets and pots were used as toilets instead. Rose had gone to the supermarket, leaving Leyton and Logan Hoath, aged three; and four-year-olds Kyson and Bryson Hoath at the rented home in Sutton, south-west London. When a cigarette or tea light in the living room sparked a fire, the boys were trapped and ran upstairs calling for help. Police at the scene in Collingwood Road, Sutton, south London, where two sets of twin boys, aged three and four, died in a house fire (Yui Mok/PA) A neighbour tried to break down the front door before firefighters in breathing apparatus went in and found the childrens bodies under beds. They were rushed to two separate hospitals but attempts to save them failed and they died from inhalation of fumes later that night. Rose arrived home while firefighters were still tackling the blaze and she was taken in by a neighbour. She had claimed she left the children with a friend called Jade, which prompted firefighters to go back into the house to search for her. Deveca Rose, 30, was found guilty of manslaughter (Met Police/PA) Police carried out extensive inquiries to find Jade and concluded she either did not exist or had not been at the house that day. In police interviews, Rose admitted leaving the boys alone in the house on two earlier occasions. The childrens father, Dalton Hoath, said in a statement that she had left them alone once or twice to go to the nearby shop before. Mr Hoath, who had split up with the defendant, added that he was devastated and his world had been turned upside down by the loss of his young, boisterous lads. Paternal great-grandmother Sally Johnson said: I was aware that she would leave the boys by themselves in the house. When I asked her about this, she would say, Oh no, I just went to the pop shop which is a local shop just seven houses away. I do not know how often this happened but I remember several times I phoned the house and Kyson answered the phone and told me, mummy has gone to the pop shop. Paternal step-grandmother Kerrie Hoath described the boys as polite, carefree and very much loved but recalled Rose not allowing her into the house. Jurors were told that social worker Georgia Singh had raised concerns about the family but the case was closed three months before the fire. Previously, a health visitor had raised concerns about the family but they were not followed up after she retired, jurors were told. The children had not attended school for three weeks before their deaths. Rose, of Wallington, south London, attended much of the trial by video-link from home on medical advice and declined to give evidence in her defence. The court heard there was evidence suggesting she was probably depressed and may have suffered from a personality disorder, but the prosecution asserted that was not a defence. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its second reading in a vote in November - Sittithat Tangwitthayaphum/iStockphoto The MP leading the push to legalise assisted dying is open to changing her proposed law to calm fears that patients could be pressured into saying yes. One of the most contentious parts of the legislation is a clause that says doctors can propose assisted dying even when the terminally ill patient has not suggested it. In a vote in the House of Commons in November, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its second reading. Next week, scrutiny of the Bill begins in a committee. Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP who drafted the private members bill, said that she would consider amendments to the legislation. Specifically, she said was open to changing the wording that says doctors can propose assisted dying to make clear they must at the same time talk about all options available. Ms Leadbeater said: We have to be very clear that doctors couldnt just discuss assisted dying in isolation. They have to discuss all options available to the patient. She added: Doctors are quite clear that they should have the ability to discuss all treatments with patients all the time, which is what they do in normal circumstances. Kim Leadbeater said doctors have to discuss all options available to the patient - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty Images The specially created bill committee, at which both supporters and critics of the legislation sit around the table scrutinising the law line by line, begins in earnest next week. Witnesses will give public evidence. Government medical chiefs, leading health bodies, academics and individuals with relevant experiences are all scheduled to share views. The legislation as currently drafted says there is nothing stopping a registered medical practitioner exercising their professional judgment to decide if, and when, it is appropriate to discuss the matter with a person. Critics have said this could mean in effect the idea of assisted dying could be planted in the heads of those individually in scope meaning those who are terminally ill and deemed to have fewer than six months to live. Ms Leadbeaters comments to this newspaper show she is willing to move on some concerns being flagged by critics though how far remains to be seen. I want to hear from all sides She said: I want to hear from all sides. The job of the committee is not to rerun the fundamental issue. It is to get a workable, operable Bill. But those campaigning against the Bill argue the change she is proposing does not go far enough, since doctors could still bring up the idea first. A source on a campaign fighting the legislation responded: It is essential that incredibly important that vulnerable patients who have just been diagnosed with a terminal disease are not forced to discuss whether they wish to end their life with their doctor. Doing so would fundamentally alter the doctor-patient relationship and potentially place pressure on those scared of being a burden. They must give this very serious consideration. The British Medical Association (BMA) has backed the right of doctors to raise the idea of assisted dying. Dr Andrew Green, the chairman of the BMAs medical ethics committee, told The Guardian earlier this month: After careful debate, we did conclude that there should be no requirement on doctors to raise the subject, but equally, they should be able to do so sensitively when they thought it was in the best interest of their patients. Some patients do find it difficult to bring up sensitive subjects in their consultations, and doctors are skilled at reading between the lines of what patients say and working out what has been left unsaid. If the committee working on the Bill is split on any changes, a vote could be forced. The committee has a majority of members in favour of legalisation, in line with the Commons vote last year. MPs still need to have a final, binding say on the legislation once it leaves the committee stage. The House of Lords will also need to approve the Bill before it becomes law. There have been complaints of men hanging around Deanshanger Primary School Police have told migrants to adhere to cultural expectations following reports they were loitering outside a primary school. Northamptonshire Police said it would deliver some work around appropriate behaviours following complaints of men hanging around near the school. The force pledged to work with a hotel housing asylum seekers and step up patrols after the reports of suspicious activity in the village of Deanshanger. Migrants have been staying in a hotel outside the village for around three years and are among thousands living in temporary accommodation across the country. However, in recent months there has been increasing concern over young men loitering near Deanshanger Primary School, including claims of filming. No risk identified by police Following concerns, Sgt Lorna Clarke from the neighbourhood policing team issued an update to residents in which she confirmed the force had received several calls from people concerned about males hanging around the primary school at drop-off and pick-up. She said that there had been several posts on social media and WhatsApp and that she had personally spoken to those concerned and the school. Sgt Clarke said that after speaking to people directly and having her officers attend the hotel, they had not identified a risk to anyone and there is no evidence to support that any offences had taken place. She added: While I fully appreciate the communitys concerns, I ask that people dont take this matter into their own hands, but continue to speak to the police about any incidents they witness or any concerns they have. We are well linked in with the hotel and can deliver some work there around appropriate behaviours and different cultural expectations. In a letter to parents last month, the school said it had been made aware of some men hanging around outside the school during drop-off and pick-up times and it was taking this matter seriously. The hotel where the asylum seekers are staying is separated from the schools playing fields by a large field. The school said it had contacted police and urged parents to be extra vigilant and as an added precaution, we will be keeping children away from the back of the field for the time being. Its a safeguarding issue Speaking outside the school this week, some parents said they had been so concerned they temporarily pulled their children out of school. One 29-year-old mother of four, who asked not to be named, said she feared the men may come onto the schools playing fields. She also claimed that every day since September [the men have] been stood outside filming. She said that since the reports had come in, police had been seen regularly outside the school. Her 32-year-old husband added: Its a safeguarding issue. A 70-year-old man said he had seen men from the hotel sitting in the park opposite the primary school during school hours, but they would be gone when children were picked up. Other residents in the village, which has a population of 4,000, claimed that those living in the hotel had left litter on the green. The green is supposed to be the most important part of this area, but when they come back from the shop they leave their rubbish here, a 64-year-old woman said. When I take my dogs down to the pocket park down the road I dont always feel safe. I have stopped doing walks there as a result. I go to the other park instead after my children told me to stop going because of the men. I was nervous. Its not nice to not trust them, but when there are a couple of men hanging around, and Im just alone, its not safe. I just dont do that walk any more. The Telegraph spoke to three of the men who live in the hotel who were in the village on Friday. Two of the men, aged 23 and 29, said they were from Eritrea while a 24-year-old said he was from Tunisia and that they had been staying at the hotel for four months. Dressed in a black coat, the 24-year-old said he wanted to live in Britain because it was safe. Northamptonshire Police said there had been community rumours in relation to filming of pupils but it had not been confirmed. In a statement last month, the force said: We are aware of the concerns reported by people about alleged suspicious activity in Deanshanger in recent days. Having followed all reasonable lines of inquiry for every report, we can confirm that we have not identified any offences, increased risk or safeguarding issues at the present time. No one has been identified to or by the force as having committed any offences, and so no one has been questioned. We have had no evidence of any crimes submitted to us, or any verified first-person reports. All reports received at present have been assessed to be third-party reports, primarily based on social media posts and not by people who live in the village. We have had an enhanced patrol pattern in the Deanshanger area for the last three months in accordance with a number of locally identified policing priorities. The force added that it had been in contact with the school and officers would be outside the school until the end of term at key times, but this was not as a response to any identified risk. Deanshanger Primary School was contacted for comment. A statue of Captain James Cook was vandalised in the Sydney suburb of Randwick before the Australia Day long weekend. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP A statue of Captain Cook in Sydneys eastern suburbs has been damaged and doused in red paint for a second year in a row. New South Wales police were investigating after the damage to the sandstone statue of the explorer and naval captain was discovered on Friday morning before the Australia Day long weekend. Capt Arthur Phillip planted a union jack on the shore of Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788 to establish the colony of NSW after the arrival of the First Fleet. Because the date falls on a Sunday this year, the public holiday will be held on Monday 27 January. James Cook, who claimed the east coast of the Australian continent for Britain after landing in Sydneys Botany Bay in 1770, has become a controversial figure because of his association with the damage done by colonisation. For more than 60,000 years before Phillip or Cook arrived in Australia, hundreds of nations of Australias first peoples lived across the continent. Known by many as Invasion Day or Survival Day, 26 January is a day of mourning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is marked by events including protests, ceremonies and vigils. Related: Resisting deliberately divisive 26 January debate, First Nations leaders seek a broader view of history The statue, on the corner of Belmore Road and Avoca Street in Randwick, had been restored after a similar attack in February 2024. The Randwick mayor, Labors Dylan Parker, said the damage done to the Cook statue was an act of vandalism that did a disservice to reconciliation. Vandalism is an illegal act that does a disservice to progressing your cause, he said. Council staff are currently actioning plans to clean and restore the statue. Dr Carolyn Martin, a Liberal councillor in Randwick, said the statue was left in an absolute mess and council ratepayers would have to pick up the bill for the repairs. Im here with a council worker that looked after it last time when it was damaged, and just to restore it is such a big effort and expense, Martin told 2GB Radio on Friday. But that aside were all just horrified. But Philipa Veitch, a Randwick Greens councillor, said in a statement that the statue was a painful reminder of the devastating impacts of colonisation, which continues to this day. Its time to look at other options, including its placement in a museum, she said. Im sure there are many local artists who could be commissioned to create a much more appropriate and inclusive work. Police said officers from the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command responded to reports of a statue damaged and vandalised by graffiti at about 8.15am on Friday. They seized a number of items at the statue and set up a crime scene that would be forensically examined, and asked anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers. Police also encouraged people to report any suspicious behaviour around monuments and other significant sights over the long weekend. A swarm of winter gnats flying among trees in West Yorkshire. Photograph: Rebecca Cole/Alamy As I strolled along the frosted path beside the Lymbourne stream, the stillness of the afternoon was fractured by a piercing screech. A child playing on the bank flailed her arms as she was engulfed in a shimmering cloud of tiny insects. Winter gnats (Trichocera sp.) hundreds of them ethereal against the starkness of the leafless trees. They were likely T. annulata, the commonest of the 10 species found in Britain, though their appearances are so alike that they can be distinguished only by microscopic examination. Superficially similar to their cousins, the true craneflies (Tipulidae sp.), winter craneflies, as these gnats are also known, have filament-thin legs, banded abdomens and clear, unmarked wings but are significantly smaller, their bodies measuring between 6mm and 10mm. They also have ocelli on the tops of their heads. These simple eyes help them to keep their gaze level, stabilise their flight, detect light and orient themselves relative to the sun, which is particularly beneficial during the depths of winter. As their name suggests, winter gnats appear in improbable abundance at this time of year. While most invertebrates hibernate or enter a state of diapause, these dainty flies thrive in cool, damp conditions. Lower temperatures concentrate populations, encouraging males to engage in lekking behaviour. Gathering in swarms referred to as ghosts, they perform courtship dances to attract prospecting females. Hovering, rising and dipping, each displaying gnat dances to its own rhythm while deftly avoiding collisions with rivals. Adults are short-lived, dying within 10 days, but once mated, the females will oviposit in rotting vegetation or leaf litter, the emerging larvae entering dormancy during their final stage of development if conditions become too harsh. Unlike biting gnats, the scourge of summer, winter gnats have no interest in feasting on human blood. However, as the weak winter sunshine barely produces heat, they are magnetically attracted to a warm body. Hurrying over, the girls parents grabbed her swatting hands, encouraging her to run. As the family surged forward, the swarm drifted towards me like smoke. Peppering my vision, the creatures encircled my head, forming a golden halo as their fragile wings caught the last light of the setting sun. Under the Changing Skies: The Best of the Guardians Country Diary, 2018-2024 is published by Guardian Faber; order at guardianbookshop.com and get a 15% discount Mette Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister, reportedly told Donald Trump that despite his big interest, Greenland was not for sale - Charly Triballeaumichal Cizek/AFP Denmark is in crisis mode after Donald Trump made a direct play for Greenland in a horrendous phone call with the countrys prime minister. The US president spoke to Mette Frederiksen, the Danish premier, for 45 minutes last week and made clear he wanted to place Greenland under American control. The autonomous Arctic territory has been owned by Denmark since 1814, but Mr Trump thinks it would be a valuable asset in the USs strategic competition against Russia and China. Ms Frederiksen told him in their call last week that despite his big interest, Greenland was not for sale, the Financial Times reported. Mr Trump then became aggressive, according to the newspaper, and threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark unless Greenland was sold to the US. The call came after Mr Trump refused to rule out using military force to take Greenland in a press conference on Jan 7, arguing that it was a matter of national security that the US gained an Arctic base. An aircraft carrying Donald Trump Jr arrives at an airport in Nuuk, Greenland to visit the island in a personal capacity the same day the president expresses interest in territory - Emil Stach/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Denmark has repeatedly ruled out selling Greenland, and argues that the territorys 57,000 residents should be allowed to decide their nations political future. A source briefed on the call told the FT that the phone call was horrendous, while another said that Mr Trump was very firm. Denmark was now in crisis over the dispute, fearing massive tariffs on exports to one of its largest trading partners, said another person briefed on the conversation. The intent was very clear. They want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode, they said. Ms Frederiksen, who has held crisis talks with major Danish companies in recent days, has also described the US as Denmarks most important and closest ally. Previous attempts by the US to buy Greenland have been rebuffed by Copenhagen. Mr Trump laid out his plans to take the territory earlier this month, arguing that the US needed Greenland for national security purposes. He also said on his Truth Social platform that the nations residents need safety, security, strength, and peace! This is a deal that must happen, he said. Make Greenland Great Again! Donald Trump posts a photo on X, formerly Twitter, superimposing Trump Tower onto Greenland with the caption, I promise not to do this - X Donald Trump Jr, the presidents oldest son, visited Greenland in a personal capacity on the same day as the press conference and posted photographs of himself meeting locals. Military experts say a significant presence in Greenland could give the US the upper hand in competition for control of areas of the Arctic ocean exposed by melting sea ice. Last year, the Pentagon warned that Russia and China were increasingly collaborating in the Arctic in an attempt to take control of key shipping routes. Donald Trump Jr (centre) visits Nuuk, Greenland on the same day as his fathers press conference about the island - Emil Stach/Ritzau Scanpix Foto However, Mr Trumps refusal to rule out a full-scale invasion of Greenland has raised questions about the Nato alliance, of which both Denmark and the US are members. The alliances Article 5 collective defence agreement states that a military attack on one member would result in other members declaring war on the aggressor. It is not clear what would happen if one Nato member attacked another. Thomas Carlyle would have admired Donald Trump - Morry Gash/AP Pool Thomas Carlyle would have been impressed by Donald Trump. The author of On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History (1841) thought that history organised itself around great men the way that iron filings form patterns in a magnetic field. The eighteenth century, Carlyle thought, had lost its moral elasticity and spiritual tautness. He prophesied that his own time would be a crucible of renewal in which the world will once more become a heroic world. Over the last year, Donald Trump has emerged as a Carlylean figure, an historic man of action who, having triumphed over extraordinary adversity, has become a totem of the age, a man through whom the highest ambitions of the country find expression. I know that sounds odd. A year ago, Trump was finished. The swank people who tell us what to think had written him off. There he was, staggering under scores of indictments in at least four separate jurisdictions. Would he not be bankrupted, incarcerated, swept ignominiously into the dustbin of history? Somehow, Trump not only survived but thrived. Did he merely ride the cresting wave of the Zeitgeist or also help define it? The same question might be asked of Caesar, Napoleon, FDR, or Ronald Reagan. There are still some flaccid, hand-ringing mutterers who cant absorb the reality of what Donald Trump represents. He represents beneficent change. The anti-Trump whiners congregate in their faculty lounges, their DEI workshops, their climate-change seminars in Aspen. Here and there one finds pods of sad people like Chris Mayes, the Attorney General of Arizona, who has vowed to resist aspects of Trumps immigration efforts. One might as well vow to resist a tornado. Elsewhere, in the real world, what had been an anti-Trump consensus is disintegrating. Even Politico has absorbed an inkling of the truth. Trump is, a recent column tells us, someone with an ability to perceive opportunities that most politicians do not and forge powerful, sustained connections with large swaths of people in ways that no contemporary can match. In other words: He is a force of history. The title of that column is revealing. Time to Admit It: Trump Is a Great President. Hes Still Trying To Be a Good One. The charge that has most often been levelled against Trump is that he is a man of bad character. Even the patently absurd claims that Trump is a fascist (General Mark Milley reportedly called him that) or literally Hitler follow from the judgment that Trump is just too naff for words, an aesthetic determination that quickly shades into moral obloquy. I think there are two things to be said about this. Let me turn to Horace Walpole for the first. No country was ever saved by good men, Walpole once observed, because good men will not go to the length that may be necessary. This is where a certain expedient moral ambiguity enters. Like many people, I believe that Donald Trump is on the threshold of saving America. That is, I believe that his diagnosis of Americas problems is accurate. High on the list of those problems are a paralysing commitment to woke ideology, mass migration, stupefying debt, and cratering cultural self-confidence. I also believe that Trumps proposed solutions articulated in his tsunami of executive orders and presidential proclamations have the best chance of inaugurating that new golden age he touts. Does that also mean that I believe that Trump is not a good man? No, and to explain why I turn to Cardinal Newman. A man, said Newman, may be great in one aspect of his character, and little-minded in another A good man may make a bad king; profligates have been great statesmen, or magnanimous political leaders. As far as I know, no one has proposed Donald Trump for sainthood. Moreover, in the ways that matter for a president, he has shown himself to be a man of good character. Any meaningful definition of good character has to involve an instrumental element. Otherwise the character in question would be impotent. This is part of what Aristotle meant, I think, when he observed that it is our choice of good or evil that determines our character, not our opinion about good or evil. On issue after issue the economy, national security, energy policy, free speech, crime Donald Trumps common sense revolution promises to restore Americas preeminence. Along with other larger-than-life personalities like Elon Musk, Donald Trump signals the welcome return of the Great Man idea of historical evolution. Roger Kimball is editor and publisher of The New Criterion and president and publisher of Encounter Books Donald Trump in front of a glowing light Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassins bullet ripped through my ear, said Donald Trump during his inauguration address on Monday. In the speech that lifted the curtain on his second term as US president, Trump was not always eloquent or focused. When it came to the attempt on his life in July last year, however, he seemed to speak from the heart. But I felt then, and believe even more so now, that my life was saved for a reason, he went on. I was saved by God to make America great again. The crowd in the Capitol Rotunda cheered their approval. Amen could be heard above the applause. It continued a theme of divine providence he has been returning to since the attempt on his life. Im not supposed to be here, he told reporters soon after the incident. Im supposed to be dead. By luck or by God, many people are saying its by God Im still here. Religious leaders, too, have rallied around the idea of Trump as a leader with newly messianic qualities. Pastor Robert Jeffress, televangelist and senior pastor of the 14,000-member First Baptist Church, a megachurch in Dallas, Texas, gave an invocation before the candlelit inauguration dinner. I thanked God for sparing President Trumps life so he could lead our great nation, he says. I consider it [the assassination attempt] to be a miracle that happened that God has given to America. Trump has made numerous references to God since his attempted assassination attempt - AFP Although not constitutionally enshrined, religion has always been central to presidential inaugurations, be they Republican or Democrat. Almost all presidents stop by St Johns, the Church of the Presidents, the Episcopal church opposite the White House, on their way to the Capitol building. For some it is a sincere opportunity to pray; for all, it is an opportunity to show they are taking their place in a long tradition. Trumps private trip on Monday was less eventful than his visit in 2020 when he was photographed holding a Bible aloft outside. Trumps faith is not straightforward. Every US president has been a Christian, but some more so than others. There is no doubting the devotion of the Southern Baptist Jimmy Carter or George W. Bush, whose Methodism helped him overcome his alcoholism. Barack Obamas faith sometimes felt expedient, and Richard Nixon lapsed somewhat from his devout Quaker childhood. Trumps upbringing was shaped by his familys Presbyterianism. Growing up in Queens, New York, he attended services with his parents, Fred and Mary. While Trump identifies as a Christian, however, he is no Bible-basher. In fact, some observers noted that Trump did not perform his swearing-in with his hand on a Bible. This broke from convention, including his first inauguration in 2017. Almost all presidents have been sworn in with their hand on a Bible, although Teddy Roosevelt did not after William McKinley was assassinated in 1901 and Lyndon B. Johnson, hurriedly sworn in on Air Force One after the assassination of JFK, used a Catholic prayer book found onboard. In most other respects, however, Trumps second inauguration felt more religious than his first. It began with invocations from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York, and the Rev Franklin Graham, son of the famous evangelist Billy Graham. Both men spoke at his first inauguration in 2017, too, but this time there was a more messianic quality to some of their comments. Dolan asked God to give Trump wisdom. Graham addressed the president directly. Mr. President, the last four years, there are times Im sure you thought it was pretty dark, but look what God has done, he said, adding: When Donald Trumps enemies thought he was down and out, you and you alone saved his life and raised him up with strength and power. Three other religious leaders, Rabbi Ari Berman, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, and the Rev Frank Mann, offered the benediction. As the inauguration coincided with Martin Luther King Day, there were several quotations and references to King. Trump infamously held a Bible outside St Johns Episcopal church in 2020 - AFP Trump has long understood the power of faith to win votes, especially Christian groups who have felt disenfranchised by other recent administrations. During his first run at the White House, he went out of his way to court religious leaders, such as the televangelist Paula White. It was not always a neat fit. Trump was a vulgar, philandering billionaire, who had been recorded saying you could grab [women] by the p- - - y. He had repeatedly been accused of sexual misconduct; later he would be found liable for sexual abuse. He misquoted the Bible and repeatedly said he had never asked for Gods forgiveness. Despite all this, White assured him and anyone else listening that God approved of his presidential ambitions. She gave the invocation at his first inauguration and is expected to be given a prominent role this time around, too. Other religious leaders have rallied around, too. During his campaign, Trump promised to fight anti-Christian bias. Graham expressed his hope that Trump would bring about an end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. The Rev Tony Suarez and the Rev Samuel Rodriguez, the vice-president and president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, urged Trump to take action on children and gender. Trump won widespread support from Latino voters. On his first day in office, he signed an executive order declaring that there were only male and female genders. Some argue that Trumps faith is expedient and that the love-in with religious groups is purely transactional. After the inauguration, Massimo Faggioli, a professor of theology at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, told the Catholic News Agency that: The sycophancy of the US clergy that was on display at Trumps inauguration reminds me of Vladimir Putins Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church. We have gone from a national Christianity in the USA to a court Christianity, he added, in which the will of the emperor is law and the palace is full of false prophets. Jeffress dismisses these concerns. President Trump is not only a leader, hes a dealmaker, he says. He is transactional but thats not a criticism, its a style of leadership for him. I dont care how deeply someone feels about a particular matter, I care about the policies, and President Trump will work to improve the well-being of all Americans and reverse the death spiral for America that had occurred under the leadership of Joe Biden. While our country is built on the Judeo-Christian foundation, we welcome people of all faith and no faith. Fundamentally President Trump understands America welcomes religious liberties of all faiths. The legitimacy of Trumps faith is a source of debate amongst American Christians - Getty In November, Jeffress said that part of Trumps appeal was that he would leave the faithful to their own devices. I think what appeals to many evangelicals about Trump is they believe [he] will do effectively what [God] has commanded government to do, he said. God never commanded government to lead a spiritual revival in America. That is not the responsibility of government, its the responsibility of the church. The responsibility of government, according to Romans 13 and 1 Timothy 2, is to keep citizens safe from evildoers and leave Christians alone to practice their faith. Thats it. He adds that he believes Trumps second term will go amazingly well, and that people will be surprised at how much unity there will be. Still, not everyone is convinced by the presidents newfound zeal. I dont know if Trump really believes that God saved his life on that day, but he knows that his evangelical followersa significant part of his constituencybelieve this, says John Fea, a professor of history at Messiah University in Pennsylvania and author of Believe Me: The Evangelical Road to Donald Trump. [T]his kind of appeal to providence has a long history in the United States, he adds. Providence is normally used to advance the political ends of those who invoke it. But there has never been an inaugural address in which the president has claimed that God is using him for a particular purpose. Over the next four years we will see if Trumps appeal to evangelicals was simply contractual or if he really believes in their agenda for the country, he adds. George W. Bush promised a lot to evangelicals in his second term, but he did not deliver on much. Evangelicals were disappointed with him. So far, it looks like Trump is giving evangelicals what they want, especially in his claim that the official administrations position is that there are two genders and his promise to rid schools of woke ideas such as critical race theory. Evangelicals will keep their eye on how Trump deals with abortion. Many of them were not happy with his position that abortion decisions should be left up to the states. Prof John Fea says it remains to be seen if Trumps appeal to evangelicals was simply contractual - ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock There are risks in making such a personal religious appeal. The day after his inauguration, Trump attended a multi-faith service at Washington National Cathedral. There, he learned that politicised religion is not a one-way street. The Right Rev Mariann Budde, an Episcopal bishop, referenced Trumps newfound zeal before pleading for him to be merciful with minorities. You have felt the providential hand of a loving God, she said. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. She specified migrants, the vast majority of whom are not criminals and LGBTQ+ people. Trump was unfazed at the time, but later posted his disapproval on social media, calling Budde a Radical Left hard line Trump hater. She brought her church into the world of politics in a very ungracious way, he wrote. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart. Bringing the church into politics and taking a nasty tone? Not on Donald Trumps watch. The Duke of Sussex is one of seven high-profile claimants taking on Associated Newspapers over the alleged misuse of private information - JULIAN SIMMONDS The estimated 38 million cost of the legal battle waged between high-profile claimants including Prince Harry and the publisher of the Daily Mail has been branded manifestly excessive and disproportionate by High Court judges. Prince Harry, Baroness Lawrence, the mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, and Sir Elton John are among seven high-profile claimants suing Associated Newspapers over the alleged misuse of private information. A trial has been pencilled in for January 2026 and is expected to last nine weeks. Baroness Lawrence, the mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, is among the group suing Associated Newspapers Limited - SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP Unlike the deal agreed this week between the Duke and News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun, there appeared little chance that the two sides would reach a settlement, the judges acknowledged. While NGN has made more than 1,300 payouts to prevent such claims reaching trial, Associated does not consider such a deal a possibility, given its entrenched positions. It emerged in November that the case was forecast to cost more than 38 million, with the claimants proposing to spend around 18.7 million and the publisher 19.8 million. Elizabeth Hurley is also suing Associated Newspapers for alleged breaches of privacy - Charles Sykes/Getty Images However, Mr Justice Nicklin and Judge David Cook had little difficulty concluding that such sums were manifestly excessive and therefore disproportionate. In a ruling handed down on Friday, the pair ruled that the claimants should spend around 4.1 million, and ANL around 4.5 million, on the case. They were particularly critical of certain solicitors hourly rates, which reached 740 a figure well outside the guidelines. The claimants have accused Associated of alleged unlawful activities such as hiring private investigators to place listening devices inside cars, blagging private records, burglaries to order and recording private phone conversations. The publisher denies the allegations and has told the court the claims were lurid and simply preposterous. The judges noted that the claims were really rather simple when compared with the different types of litigation that come before the court. Each involves a selection of newspaper articles alleged to have been obtained by unlawful means. Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish are among those suing Associated Newspapers - Belinda Jiao/Getty Images This is not a subtle question, the judges said, pointing out that the claimants also including Sir Eltons husband David Furnish, actors Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley and former Lib Dem MP Sir Simon Hughes would either win or lose on each one. They warned that celebrities would be treated in the same way as any other litigant. The fact that these claimants are well-known, and the litigation high-profile, does not affect the issues that must be resolved, they said. Reasonable and proportionate The ruling warned that there was considerable overlap between each of the claimants cases, with many different firms of solicitors instructing the same barristers. The judge also said both parties had failed to sufficiently take into account the fact that many of their lawyers were also involved in the Leveson Inquiry, the Dukes claim against Mirror Group Newspapers, which he won in 2023, and his claim against NGN, which ended after five years with a full and unequivocal apology on Wednesday, meaning that they were not starting from scratch. A costs management hearing allows the court to set reasonable and proportionate parameters for the costs of the litigation. Either side can exceed the budget but would then be unable to recover the full amount if the other party was ordered to pay their costs. Mark Wahlberg in Flight Risk - Courtesy of Lionsgate Mel Gibsons standing in Hollywood: its a roller-coaster. As recently as eight years ago, his films were still hotly favoured for Oscars at the 2017 edition, his Second World War epic Hacksaw Ridge was up for six whereas today, when a new Gibson work is released at the height of awards season, its expressly aimed at the couldnt-give-a-monkeys demographic. Of course the balance could shift once again, given Gibsons new role alongside Sylvester Stallone and Jon Voight as one of President Trumps Hollywood special ambassadors, whatever that means. But if the 69-year-old Mad Max star-turned-director of Braveheart and Apocalypto just spends the rest of his career crafting superior potboilers like this one, it would be an agreeable outcome for all concerned. By its title, Flight Risk sounds like an airborne explode-a-thon hammered together along similar lines to 2023s Plane the Gerard Butler vehicle whose premise was, quite literally, Gerard Butler + vehicle. But in fact it has more in common with the so-called claustrocore thrillers fashionable around ten years ago Buried, Locke, The Shallows and so on in which big stars squeezed themselves into tight spaces, and panic ensued. Here the star in question is Mark Wahlberg, who plays a guileless rural pilot tasked with transporting a witness in a forthcoming mob trial to Anchorage, where police custody awaits. Topher Grace plays the witness, while Downton Abbeys Michelle Dockery is enormous fun (and sharply cast against type) as the gutsy US Marshal who tracked this former mafia accountant to a snowbound cabin in the Alaskan wilderness, and is painfully aware of the target painted on his head. To say much more than this would spoil the fun of Jared Rosenbergs screenplay, which gets these three wary individuals to cruising altitude above the mountains, then reveals various secrets and fealties which significantly up the turbulence. To describe the plot as stupid wouldnt be inaccurate, exactly. But its methodically, even artisanally stupid, built in accordance with the classic thriller rules. Every twist plays fair, no matter how outlandish. If a flare gun is going to be fired into someones chest at point-blank range at the climax, rest assured it will first be planted in full view, Chekhov-style, at some point in the opening act. Gibson directs the action with clarity and care, giving every cast member space to flesh out their character and appear more than the storytelling devices they ultimately are. (A wonderful human touch is the way Wahlberg sticks his tongue out when concentrating: in a rare self-deprecating comic gambit for this usually flatteringly lit actor, he also wears a toupee.) Those intent on parsing Flight Risk for MAGA messaging will come away disappointed, though the film does offer a rousing endorsement of workplace flirtations, as Dockerys agent is smooth-talked by a charming air traffic controller, voiced by Maaz Ali, while he guides her via radio through various crises. We should be home in about 90 minutes or so, Wahlberg chirpily informs his passengers just before take-off. Thats the films pledge to its audience too: some ups, some downs, then safely into land. In cinemas now NewJeans has turned to fans for their next group name, sparking divided reactions amid their ongoing feud with their agency HYBE. Ever since the members (Minji, Hanni, Haerin, Danielle, and Hyein) unilaterally terminated their contracts with their label ADOR, they have been handling their schedules independently, a decision that distances them from their former agency. One significant step was launching the group's separate Instagram account, @jeanzforfree, which is entirely operated by the members themselves. The members use this platform to post daily updates and connect with their devoted fans, Bunnies. However, some fans were left scratching their heads over the group's latest post. On the platform, NewJeans shared a post containing a party popper emoji against a bright all-yellow backdrop. In the caption, the members announced a two-day contest for Bunnies, inviting them to unleash their creativity by proposing temporary group name suggestions. "Bunnies! We are going to have a two-day contest for a new activity to find a temporary group name that we will use for a certain period of time," NewJeans shared. "Please participate in the comments!" the group added. "Bunnies, tell us many good names and we will choose! This is so exciting." Fans were more than willing to give out their witty ideas in the comments section, with some pitching out names such as "JeanZ," "Everjeans," and "Denim Dream." However, on X (formerly Twitter), some netizens couldn't help but wonder about NewJeans' game plan, highlighting uncertainty in their future as a group. They also believed that doing such a move would only prolong their already tense conflict with ADOR. i still so confused on this whole situation. are they technically still with hybe? are they free from their contract? i dont understand https://t.co/UQdwJnbHro lexie | SMB | (@sanniesfav) January 23, 2025 temporary? better for them to change their name for good for a fresh start, dont know how long the dispute will last https://t.co/lCog4I2qTv dee (@haechanjoy) January 23, 2025 Axel Rudakubana was nine days short of his 18th birthday when he attacked a group of children at a dance class - Merseyside Police Sir Keir Starmer is opposed to whole life sentences for teenager murderers such as the Southport killer, Downing Street has indicated. Axel Rudakubana was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in prison on Thursday, but the judge, Mr Justice Goose, expressed frustration that he could not impose a whole life order. Rudakubana was nine days short of his 18th birthday when he murdered three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on July 29. It has provoked calls for a change in the law to allow those under 18 to be given whole life sentences in exceptional cases, including from Lord Macdonald, the former director of public prosecutions, the victims families, Patrick Hurley, the Southport MP, and Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader. However, on Friday the Prime Minister ruled out such a move. His spokesman said this was because Sir Keir would abide by the UN convention on childrens rights. Downing Street also indicated that Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, had advised against extending whole life orders to children, saying the Government takes our commitment to international law seriously. The spokesman said: First of all, we share the publics disgust at these barbaric crimes and the desire for this vile offender never to be on our streets again. However, they added: Were restricted in our ability to extend whole life orders to under-18s by UN laws, something that the previous government recognised when it changed the law in this area previously. On a specific point on whole life orders, thats not something were looking at. The UN convention on the rights of the child to which the UK is a signatory bars giving children either a death sentence or imprisoning them without the possibility of release. However, Sir Robert Buckland, the former justice secretary, who has backed a change in the law, said the convention was not binding and had not been incorporated into UK law. They should not be using the convention as an absolute bar to do things. Its not binding. It doesnt have the same status as conventions on human rights, European Court of Justice or EU treaties, he said. Sir Robert, who changed the law in 2020 to extend whole life orders to under 21s but not under 18s, added: I dont know why they are hiding behind it. Perhaps it is emblematic of this Governments overly slavish adherence to international law. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, said: Labours claim that international law prevents a change is a distraction ploy that overlooks the UKs dualist legal system. International treaties require specific incorporation through legislation to be enforceable in our courts. Starmers predictable attempts to gold-plate international law are no excuse for inaction. The Conservatives will be pursuing this. Axel Rudakubana was sentenced to a minimum 52 years in prison on Thursday after pleading guilty to three counts of murder - Merseyside Police Sir Keir and Lord Hermer, his most senior law officer, have made clear that the Government will always respect international law one of the reasons why the Prime Minister scrapped the Tories Rwanda scheme and, more recently, reversed a legislative block on compensation for Gerry Adams, the former Sinn Fein leader. In 2011, Lord Hermer acted for a childrens charity that challenged the Government for allegedly breaching its convention obligations over its treatment of children in secure training centres. Asked if the Attorney General had advised on extending whole life orders to children, the spokesman said: As youd expect, we take our commitment to international law seriously and clearly we would take the normal range of advice on this. Asked if that included Lord Hermer, the spokesman said: I think you can assume that we would take all advice necessary. Lord Hermer has faced questions over potential conflicts of interest, including plans to repeal laws blocking Mr Adams from claiming compensation for his detention over his alleged IRA links in the 1970s. He represented Mr Adams in a case in which he is being sued by IRA bomb victims. A former law officer said Lord Hermer would probably have been consulted on whole life orders. The Ministry of Justice is the lead department but the Attorney General is there to advise on the risks, such as the possibility of a judicial review if you went ahead with extending whole life orders, they said. Because of the closeness between the Attorney General and the Prime Minister, I would be surprised if they did not talk about it. Sir Keir Starmer has faced mounting pressure to alter the law following Rudakubanas sentencing - James Speakman The Attorney General has also been asked by Mr Hurley, the Southport MP, to review the 52-year jail sentence for Rudakubana as unduly lenient. Lord Hermer has 28 days to consider whether to refer the case to the Court of Appeal to decide whether to increase the sentence. Mr Hurley backed a change in the law, saying: There appears to be no reason, no rationale, that I can accept that he would not be treated as an adult for the purposes of sentencing here, and if thats not going to be the case, then I would like to see the law changed to make it the case.. Lord Macdonald, Sir Keirs immediate predecessor as director of public prosecutions, said: I just wonder whether public confidence requires that where someone is that close to a trigger age, the judge has some discretion in particularly bad cases where he or she feels the interests of justice require it to treat the individual as being past the trigger age. Thats a simple reform that would deal with this situation. I think its right that the criminal law distinguishes between young people and adults, and every country does that. We have different rules for young people in the criminal justice system and different rules for adults. But in a case this ghastly, where the trigger age is so close, I think there will be some public disquiet. That said, its worth bearing in mind this is a massive, massive sentence. A spokesman for the Attorney General said: The Attorney General is the Governments chief legal adviser but, by long-standing convention, the fact he may have advised or not advised, and the content of his advice, is not disclosed outside government, as is reflected in the ministerial code. A court sketch shows an empty chair in the dock during the sentencing of Axel Rudakubana at Liverpool Crown court. Before murdering three girls in Southport in July 2024, he searched for a video of the Sydney church attack in which a bishop was allegedly stabbed while livestreaming a sermon. Photograph: Elizabeth Cook/PA Australias online safety regulator has expressed great sadness after it was revealed a British teenager who fatally stabbed three children in the UK had earlier searched for a video of a Sydney church stabbing on social media that her office had attempted to have taken down. An eSafety spokesperson on Friday said in attempting to have X remove the Sydney video it was guided by its mission to protect our community from harmful online material, including material that may severely traumatise, manipulate or radicalise vulnerable people, especially children and the young. Axel Rudakubana, 18, was convicted and sentenced to 52 years in prison in the UK on Thursday for murdering the three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July 2024 and the attempted murder of 10 others. Six minutes before Rudakubana left home ahead of the killings he searched for a video of the April 2024 Sydney church attack in which bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was allegedly stabbed while livestreaming a sermon. In Fridays statement, eSafety noted: Research and the experience of law enforcement in Australia and internationally has shown a clear link between extreme, graphic violent material and harm to children, not to mention instances of real-world violence or attempted violence. The Sydney attack led to a high-profile fight between the eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, and Elon Musks X after the social media site was ordered to remove 65 tweets containing the videos from its platform under Online Safety Act powers, and a wide public debate over the line between censorship and keeping people safe online. Related: Trump uses Davos address to accuse oil producers of prolonging Ukraine war The commissioner had argued the videos represented extremely violent material that was prohibited in Australia and sought to have the posts removed globally. Google, Microsoft, Snap and TikTok removed the videos from their platform at the time when informally requested by eSafety. The regulator on Friday said: eSafety issued notices on 16 April 2024 requiring them [Meta and X] to remove the material under provisions of Australias Online Safety Act. eSafety was satisfied with Metas response, however, X Corp chose not to remove the video from its platform. Instead, the company geo-blocked to Australia, leaving the material accessible on its platform, including to many users in this country with a VPN. eSafety then took X to the federal court while X appealed against the ruling in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. X accused eSafety at the time of pursuing global censorship and vowed the company would robustly challenge this unlawful and dangerous approach in court. Emmanuel himself provided an affidavit for X in the case arguing the video should remain online. Both cases were eventually dropped by eSafety, with X declaring free speech has prevailed when the federal court case was dropped. eSafety had argued it was best to await the outcome of a review of the Online Safety Act due in 2024. Far-right riots in England and Northern Ireland in July following the Southport murders were fuelled by misinformation that the Southport attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker, spread on social media, including X. The Guardian reported at the time that accounts with more than 100,000 followers on X were falsely sharing such claims. Later in 2024, Musk also labelled the Australian government fascists over the bill to force social media companies to crack down on misinformation and disinformation. The bill was ultimately abandoned by the government, after it failed to win support from the Coalition or the crossbench to pass the bill in the Senate. The communications minister, Michelle Rowland, was handed the review of the Online Safety Act late last year but has yet to respond or release the report. eSafety looks forward to the contribution [the governments response] will make towards resolving some of the legal and jurisdictional issues these matters have raised, the eSafety spokesperson said. X was contacted for comment. Sara Sharif was murdered by her father and stepmother in August 2023, less than four years after being placed in their care. Photograph: Surrey police/PA Media Three judges who oversaw family court proceedings related to the care of Sara Sharif can be named next week, the court of appeal has ruled. Mr Justice Williams said in December that the media could not name the judges who oversaw family court proceedings relating to the 10-year-old schoolgirl over concerns of a real risk of harm to them from a virtual lynch mob. He also said he did not believe the media could be trusted to report matters in a fair, accurate and responsible way. Several media organisations that won the right to challenge the order, including the Guardian, told a hearing last week the ban posed a threat to open justice. In a ruling on Friday, three court of appeal judges said Williams had got carried away in his ruling and had made inappropriate and unfair remarks about the press. The judges said the three unnamed judges could be identified in seven days, allowing time for HM Courts and Tribunals Service to put protective measures in place. Sir Geoffrey Vos, the master of the rolls and head of civil justice, said: In the circumstances of this case, the judge had no jurisdiction to anonymise the historic judges either on 9 December 2024 or thereafter. He was wrong to do so. Vos, sitting with Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Warby, added: It is the role of the judge to sit in public and, even if sitting in private, to be identified. Judges will sit on many types of case in which feelings run high, and where there may be risks to their personal safety. I have in mind cases involving national security, criminal gangs and terrorism. It is up to the authorities with responsibility for the courts to put appropriate measures in place to meet these risks, depending on the situation presented by any particular case. The first port of call is not, and cannot properly be, the anonymisation of the judges name. The senior judge also said Williams had made an unwarranted sarcastic remark about a 2021 Channel 4 Dispatches programme, when he said in the December judgment: Thank goodness that journalists dont have to operate as the courts do and hear both sides before delivering their verdict! Vos said: Such sarcasm has no proper place in a court judgment. Sara was murdered by her father, Urfan Sharif, 43, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, 30, in August 2023, less than four years after being placed in their care. At the hearing in January, the court of appeal in London heard that two of the judges involved in the proceedings had retired, with the third still sitting as a judge. Mathew Purchase KC, on their behalf, said in written submissions that each of them had serious concerns about the risks of being identified, particularly given the often inflammatory nature of public and media commentary. Vos said he had taken what the three judges said very seriously but added that none of that material, which substantially relates to the potential impact on the judges of the publicity generated following the making of the order was before Williams when he made his ruling. He added: The mistake the judge made was to think that he could properly trawl through his own experiences to create a case for anonymising the judges. He should not have done so. Courts operate on the basis of the law and the evidence, not on the basis of judicial speculation and anecdote, even if it is legitimate to take judicial notice of some matters. In short, the judges judgment demonstrates, to put the matter moderately, that he got carried away. It is not necessary to decide whether the judges inappropriate and unfair remarks about the press and the journalists amounted to actual or apparent bias. He undoubtedly behaved unfairly towards the journalists and Channel 4 and that is enough to allow the appeals. The judge lost sight of the importance of press scrutiny to the integrity of the justice system. Vos ruled the case should be sent back for further hearings before a different high court judge. He concluded: I would allow the appeals primarily on the jurisdiction ground, but also on the grounds of the judges failure to seek submissions or evidence before giving his decision, and his unfair treatment of the journalists and Channel 4 I would deprecate the judges use of anecdotal material and his own experiences to create a case for anonymising the judges. Justin Welby was forced to resign over his failure to act when it came to the John Smyth abuse scandal - Neil Turner for Lambeth Palace The Rt Rev Justin Welby was treated like Jesus Christ when he was forced out as Archbishop of Canterbury, a bishop has claimed. The Rt Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, said the former most senior cleric in the Church of England was a good man who had been chewed up by his critics. Mr Welby was forced to resign in November over his failure to act over the John Smyth abuse scandal. But Bishop Hudson-Wilkin said the way the former archbishop resigned was so wrong as she ruled herself out of the race to succeed him. The Rt Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin said Justin Welby was a good man - WPA Pool I would certainly not want my name to go forward, she told Times Radios Off Air podcast. Having watched the way in which some people in the church have behaved so badly, the way they have chewed up our archbishop and just spat him out as if he was nothing. That is so wrong. It rings with what happened to Christ. One day they are shouting, Hosanna, Hosanna, and then the following day they are shouting, Crucify him, crucify him. No, I dont want to be a part of that. I am content to share the message of Gods good news on the ground. I dont want to sit at board tables and meet people. I dont want to do that. Embrace being woke Bishop Hudson-Wilkin led prayers at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in May 2018 and has been an outspoken supporter of Black Lives Matter. She said last year that the Church of England should embrace being woke. The bishop also defended Mr Welbys final speech in the House of Lords, which was criticised as being tone deaf. He later apologised. Not going to kick him while he is down He is a good man, Bishop Hudson-Wilkin said. I think in reflection, looking at that message, that speech that he gave, I think what I saw was somebody who was hurting. And I dont know whether you have friends or acquaintances or know people who are hurting and they stand up and they still have to give a public face and they sort of ridicule themselves and make fun of themselves. She added: What I saw before me was someone who was broken, someone who was hurt and someone who was almost sort of glibly trying to hide behind that mask of saying, I am hurting like hell. So it didnt come out right, but I am not going to kick him while he is down. Mr Welby formally stepped down as archbishop on Jan 6 and his successor is expected to be appointed by the end of the year. Oliver White with his girlfriend - Instagram A luxury watch salesman took his own life after he was accused of not putting up enough of a fight with robbers who grabbed 1.3 million worth of jewellery from his shop, a court heard. Oliver White, 27, felt so guilty about the raid that he offered the business owners 14,000 that he had been saving up for a deposit on a flat with his girlfriend. Shortly after attempting to transfer the money he went to the woods at Shepperton in Surrey where he had played as a boy. He was found dead there by a friend the following morning. Mr White had been restrained with cable ties during the raid at 247 Kettles store in Kew Road, Richmond, on May 25 2024. Junior Kunu, 29, is accused of robbing the shop and Mannix Pedro, 37, of planning the raid. An accomplice, who has since fled abroad, had scheduled a meeting with Mr White so that all the watches they wanted were available, Woolwich Crown Court heard. They and two other unnamed accomplices had been at the shop two days before the raid on May 23 for either an aborted raid or to case the shop, the court has heard. The owners, Conor Thornton and Joe Riley, were in the United States when the robbery took place. They immediately flew back to London and saw Mr White the day after. CCTV images of the raid released by police - Simon Fisher Prosecutor Edward Brown said: They and Oliver White had been friends for a number of years and it was this friendship that had led to Mr White taking up work there. The robbery, however, meant that there was of course a huge loss and the watches were not insured. Mr Brown said Mr White was so upset that he sent his 14,000 savings to the owners via an email that afternoon. He was to tell his girlfriend that during the meeting he had been accused of not putting up enough of a fight, Mr Brown said.Oliver was left feeling he had somehow let others down. Mr Pedro was arrested on May 29. He was released on bail but arrested again as he tried to fly out to Marseille. Mr Kunu was arrested on June 5. None of the watches have been recovered, the prosecutor said. Mr Kunu, of Mitcham, south-east London and Mr Pedro, of Cobham, Surrey, deny conspiracy to commit robbery between Feb 28 and May 26 2024. The trial continues. Mental health wards have begun to close in hospitals in New South Wales as negotiations to avert the mass resignations of psychiatrists continue. Photograph: Paul Miller/AAP More than 60 mental health beds in public hospitals are temporarily closing in New South Wales as some hospitals are being given directives to limit psychiatric assessments because of mass resignations. A senior psychiatrist told Guardian Australia that the emergency plans to manage psychiatric patients will mean decisions on discharge or the need for further care will be delayed, causing bed blockages across the health system. The doctor spoke on condition of anonymity. More than 200 psychiatrists in the public system indicated they would resign after the government refused to agree to a 25% pay increase in a single year, which they say is needed to attract new doctors and retain those now working in the public system. The dispute will be heard by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission from 17-21 March. The state minister for mental health, Rose Jackson, said on Thursday that 43 psychiatrists had resigned and that number was expected to rise over coming days. Ninety-nine doctors had delayed their resignations, she said. Jackson said the government had secured 23 locums to fill roles and another eight were still being processed. As a consequence of that, were not seeing the significant disruption of mental health services at the local level. However, Guardian Australia which has seen various leaked documents outlining the contingency plans of major hospitals in the state understands psychiatrists are concerned about the back-up plans. The chief executive of Sydney Local Health District, Deb Willcox, wrote to the mental health executive and emergency department managers at the Royal Prince Alfred hospital on Monday to outline an escalation pathway for Psychiatry matters, limiting psychiatrists being called between 10pm and 8am to assess patients in a memo seen by Guardian Australia. Related: Frontline staff are often unfairly blamed for NSWs collapsing mental health system, but it is patients who suffer most | Kamran Ahmed Under normal circumstances, when a mentally ill person attends a major hospital after hours or on weekends, they are seen by a psychiatry registrar, who is a trainee doctor. The registrar can contact the on-call psychiatrist to discuss if the patient needs to be admitted. To reduce the burden on the limited number of psychiatrists left in the system, the memo states that the emergency department is required to contact the executive on-call to ensure other options are exhausted prior to contacting the psychiatry registrar on-call. The executive on-call is usually not a doctor. The note outlines that the executive will be required to sign off on contacting the psychiatry registrar in one of two urgent situations: for involuntary patients who are intoxicated or sedated, who then improve which would enable them to be discharged from the emergency department; or those already on an admission trajectory and there is a bed available. A psychiatrist speaking on the condition of anonymity told Guardian Australia they held concerns about the arrangement,particularly given it appears people who often have no experience in clinical medicine will now be making health-related decisions. And people who present outside normal working hours mostly do so because it is urgent. A Sydney Local Health District spokesperson said plans are in place to ensure best quality care. The executive on call will act as an escalation point of contact for emergency department staff and will not be involved in clinical decisions about any patient, they said. The Western Sydney local health district chief executive, Graeme Loy, wrote to colleagues on Tuesday in an executive broadcast seen by Guardian Australia detailing changes which will take effect in a phased approach from this week, including the number of beds in Westmead hospitals medical psychiatry and older persons mental health unit being temporarily reduced. Related: Trevor felt invisible after his wife died now experts are trying new ways to tackle Australias loneliness epidemic The mother and baby unit at Westmead will temporarily close, but there will be an offset of beds in the womens health ward. Proposed additional beds will be secured through a private provider contract for this specialist model, Loy wrote. Guardian Australia last week revealed that contracts with the private sector were being considered, despite concerns from experts about the appropriateness for high-risk patients. Loy also stated we have identified opportunities with private providers to replace the temporary reductions in capacity at Cumberland hospital where the Riverview mood disorder unit, the Willow Cottage rehabilitation unit and the Cumberland Assessment Centre have all temporarily closed. Loys letter states other wards at Westmead hospital will operate under a psychiatry consultant liaison model. This means patients will be managed under other teams and psychiatrists will be called for consultation but not be responsible for their care. To offset psychiatry bed closures at Westmead hospital, additional beds will be made available in the endocrinology unit for eating disorder patients as well as additional beds for psychiatric patients in the neurology unit. A psychiatry consultant liaison model will also be used at Blacktown hospital under the governance of the drug and alcohol unit, Loys letter states. Guardian Australia understands there are 20 beds closed at the Riverview unit, 20 at the Willow Cottage, and eight at the mother and baby unit at Westmead. However, the government has emphasised that there is a transfer of care and that numbers of beds closing are fluid and cannot be confirmed as beds open and close daily. An email to all staff at Northern NSW local health district states that the mass resignation of psychiatrists mean we will have to temporarily extend the changes to mental health inpatient services, initially introduced for the Christmas and New Year period. The email seen by Guardian Australia states they will maintain a reduction from 24 to 18 beds at Tallowwood adult acute mental health unit at Lismore, and a reduction from 25 to 23 beds at Kurrajong adult acute mental health unit. Guardian Australia has also seen a draft for a crisis plan at St George hospital which states: This plan is a temporary, worst case scenario, non-sustainable, guide for continuing services during a period of severe acute psychiatrist shortages. It acknowledges face-to-face reviews by psychiatrists will be less frequent in the mental health unit. The draft said they intend to re-deploy 6 PECC [psychiatric emergency care centre] beds which Guardian Australia understands means the closure of beds for some of the most at-risk suicidal patients. For mental health patients in the emergency department, the document states there will be no governance from a psychiatrist, except in genuine cases where the [emergency doctor] feels expert advice from a psychiatrist is needed. At Jacksons press conference on Thursday, when asked about bed closures, she said: At the moment there have been no ward closures. Im advised that statewide, theres been a reduction of eight beds [at the Prince of Wales hospital]. Guardian Australia understand as of Friday there are 18 bed closures at the Prince of Wales. NSW Health deputy secretary, Matthew Daly, said: Every hospital will be doing similar reconfigurations. Asked about further bed closures in Western Sydney, Daly said there had been no net bed reduction in terms of ED accessible beds. Additional reporting by Rafqa Touma. Queensland could bolster its mental health workforce with NSW staff in locations including Cairns, the Sunshine Coast, Whitsundays and Gold Coast, the states health minister says. Photograph: Jono Searle/AAP Queensland officials have defended a provocative job-ad blitz to lure New South Wales public-sector psychiatrists across the border as mass resignations trigger a crisis in Australias largest health system. Half-page advertisements published in major Sydney newspapers on Friday targeted psychiatrists, saying that Queensland is calling and that the state already pays more than NSW. The ads appeared as a pay stoush drove around two-thirds of NSWs public hospital psychiatrists towards resignation, also prompted by what they said were widespread issues in the states mental health system. Related: Resisting deliberately divisive 26 January debate, First Nations leaders seek a broader view of history Tim Nicholls, Queenslands health minister, said the ads were run to attract the key workers to his state, where they could earn about $30,000 more a year than in Labor-led NSW. Queensland is a top choice for healthcare professionals and weve obviously noticed whats been happening down in NSW, the LNP minister told AAP. We thought it was an opportune moment to let people know that pay and conditions here in Queensland are better than youll see in NSW. The ads were expected to generate a high level of interest and get people thinking about the opportunities available if they relocated, Nicholls added. Queensland could bolster its mental health workforce with NSW staff in locations including Cairns, the Sunshine Coast, Whitsundays and Gold Coast, he said. Psychiatrists in NSW had asked for a 25% pay rise and highlighted what they said were poor work conditions due to understaffing, but the Minns government said the demanded rise was not affordable. The NSW mental health minister, Rose Jackson, said psychiatry workforce shortages are a nationwide issue when asked about the Queensland ads. The NSW governments position is clear, we are asking psychiatrists to stay with us as we work towards a reasonable and fair solution, she said. She said on Thursday that 43 of the 200 psychiatrists who had flagged their intention to quit had already left the system and more were expected to leave in the coming days. Locums were being recruited on higher pay rates to fill the shortages, but dozens of mental health beds across multiple hospitals were closed due to the staffing emergency. NSW officials also unveiled a plan to rely on other health staff including GPs, nurses and psychologists in an attempt to plug the gaps. But the peak body for doctors raised serious concerns about the proposed radical reform, which it said would replace highly skilled specialists with less-trained workers. Psychiatrists spend 12 years in medical training to become specialists and are uniquely skilled at treating complex and debilitating acute and chronic mental health disorders, the Australian Medical Association acting NSW president, Fred Betros, said. Healthcare is a collaborative space where doctors work closely with nurses, allied health staff and social workers [but] any suggestion psychiatrists are superfluous to a patients needs is derogatory and dangerous. The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association said the proposed stopgap measures were completely unacceptable, and that nurses were being expected to take on even larger workloads when their workforce was also on its knees. The associations general secretary, Shaye Candish, said: Were seeing beds and wards close across numerous local health districts without adequate consultation. This whole situation is being managed appallingly. While we support expanded roles for nurses, the government cant just throw them in as a stopgap measure, with no planning, discussion, or additional remuneration, Candish said. The NSW opposition leader, Mark Speakman, on Friday blamed Queenslands move to nab the public-sector talent on the stalemate in pay talks. The NSW mental health system is in crisis under the Minns Labor Government. But for Queensland, never let a crisis go to waste as they now start to poach our states staff psychiatrists - with ads in todays @smh and @dailytelegraph pic.twitter.com/qY0ucbIDXm Mark Speakman (@MarkSpeakman) January 24, 2025 Its humiliating for Chris Minns and his mental health minister that things have become so bad on their watch that Queensland is now doing a better job talking to NSW psychiatrists than their own government, he said. This is their failure, plain and simple. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists said Australia needed a nationally coordinated workforce plan to attract, train and retain a workforce of local and overseas-trained psychiatrists. Nigel Farage, Reform leader, is in a buoyant mood after the poll put his party in front of both Labour and the Conservatives - Bloomberg/Jose Sarmento Matos Reform UK has topped a national opinion poll for the first time in the wake of the sentencing of the Southport killer. Nigel Farages party, which has accused Sir Keir Starmer of being part of a cover-up of the truth about the attacks, now leads Labour and the Tories, according to a survey by Find Out Now. Axel Rudakubana was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in prison on Thursday after pleading guilty to the murders of three young girls and 10 attempted murders in Southport. He also pleaded guilty possessing al-Qaeda literature and producing the poison ricin. After the murders, Mr Farage questioned whether they were terror-related, with his remarks then criticised by Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister. Earlier this week, Sir Keir said he was informed of details of Rudakubanas terror links as they emerged, but insisted that revealing these to the public would have prejudiced a potential trial. The poll, conducted on Wednesday, gave Reform 26 per cent of the vote, up by one point on the previous week. The Conservatives placed second on 23 per cent, down two points, with Labour third on 22 per cent, also down by two points. Sir Keirs party has endured a torrid first six months in Downing Street, amid a backlash to several key economic policies and a number of sleaze scandals. No pacts, no deals, Reform is headed for government Mr Farage told The Telegraph: Reform have all the momentum in British politics. Our positive attitude for solving the desperate problems that face our country is getting results. We look forward to county council elections on May 1st, unless of course they are cancelled. More than half of county council elections in May could be delayed by sweeping reforms to local government. These would involve smaller local authorities merging as part of a push by Ms Rayner to ensure more joined-up public services. Of the poll lead, Zia Yusuf, the Reform chairman, added: The first poll to show Reform with a decisive lead three points ahead of the Tories, four points ahead of Labour. No pacts, no deals. Reform is headed for government. Reform has enjoyed an extraordinary surge in popularity over the past year, particularly since the return of Mr Farage as party leader during the general election campaign. This has prompted calls to unite the Right from senior Conservatives. Reform won just over four million votes in Julys election, largely at the expense of the Tories. The Politico poll of polls shows that Reform averaging around 24 per cent. While that leaves it still trailing Labour, which is polling at an average of 27 per cent, it is now consistently ahead of the Conservatives, on 23 per cent. Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, accused Mr Farage and Reform of smoke and mirrors last month amid a row over which party had more paid-up members. But she has faced pressure from within her own party to produce a more specific policy offering, with her MPs calling on her to move to the Right on migration and net zero. Mrs Badenoch is declining to commit to specific pledges so far away from the next general election, instead preferring to centre her pitch to the public on her partys first principles. Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, has been urged to form a pact with Reform - PA/Jordan Pettitt On Friday, Lord Frost, the Tory peer, said his party must be open to forming a pact with Reform in order to oust Labour at the next general election. Speaking to Choppers Political Podcast on GB News, he said: I think its possible that one or other party could come out on top and get a decisive lead, and then politics has to accommodate that. If it doesnt happen, then theres got to be some sort of arrangement or whatever, because we cant allow Labour to win again on a third of the vote. Labour won a landslide victory and picked up 411 seats the equivalent to 63 per cent despite only winning around 34 per cent of the popular vote. The Tories won around 24 per cent of the vote and secured 121 MPs, while Reform won 14 per cent but only returned five MPs under the first-past-the-post system. Lord Frost also criticised senior Tories who have sought to attack or dismiss Reform in the past few months. I personally dont think its right for Conservatives to rubbish Reform figures, or even more so, people who voted for Reform, he said. And I dont think its particularly wise for Reform to do that either. We need to be building agreement and understanding between each other, not digging the trench even deeper. The 48 Uyghur men are being held in an immigration detention centre in Bangkok. Photograph: Haruka Nuga/AP Relatives of Uyghurs detained in Thailand for more than a decade have begged the Thai authorities not to deport the 48 men back to China, after the detainees suggested their return appeared imminent. A UN panel of experts this week urged Thailand to immediately halt the possible transfer, saying the men were at real risk of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment if they are returned. There are also concerns for the mens health after some of them went on hunger strike on 10 January after they said they were asked and refused to sign voluntary return documents. Thai authorities have denied they are planning to deport the Uyghurs, while Chinas foreign ministry has declined to comment. China has said it opposes any act of condoning or even supporting illegal immigration. Chinas embassy in Thailand said reports about the Uyghurs detained in Thailand were spreading false narratives. However, Yusup*, whose elder brother Adil* is being held in an immigration detention centre in Bangkok, said the men had been forgotten by the world. The Chinese government doesnt want the world to hear their stories, said Yusup, who left China in 2016. The Chinese government is always paranoid about Uyghurs going to a safe country in large numbers and living together. They always believe thats a threat that is the reason why the Chinese government wants them back. The men fled China in late 2013 and early 2014 as part of an exodus of hundreds of Uyghurs who travelled through south-east Asia with the help of people smugglers. Many had been told that if they could make it as far as Malaysia they could be resettled to Turkey. Thai authorities arrested 220 Uyghur men, women and children near the border with Malaysia in March 2014 as rescue teams searched for the disappeared MH370 plane. They were charged with immigration violations and transferred to a holding facility in Bangkok. Dozens of other Uyghurs were arrested in Thailand during the same period, according to Human Rights Watch. In 2015, about 170 of the women and children were released to Turkey. But more than 100 men were returned to China, prompting an international outcry. Of the 48 Uyghurs, 43 are in legal limbo in immigration detention and five are serving prison sentences for crimes related to a 2019 escape attempt. Five Uyghurs detained since 2014 have died in detention, including a newborn and a three-year-old. Adil is a very kind-hearted person, Yusup said. The brothers come from southern Xinjiang, a region of China that is home to more than 11 million Uyghurs. The minority has faced severe repression from the Chinese government in recent years. Yusup said his brother, a chef and businessman, was very serious about his own identity as a Uyghur, he embraced culture and religion. China has strenuously denied charges by human rights groups and western lawmakers of a cultural genocide in Xinjiang, which the UN says may amount to crimes against humanity. China justifies its policies towards the Uyghurs, including the detention of about 1 million people in re-education camps, on the grounds that it is combating Islamic extremism and promoting ethnic harmony. It says the camps are vocational training centres. Yusup said his brother experienced surveillance and interrogations because of his interest in religion. The atmosphere was suffocating, he said, which was why Adil decided to flee. Marco Rubio, the new US secretary of state and a China hawk, said in his confirmation hearing last week that he would prevent Thailand, a US ally, from deporting the Uyghurs. Thailand and China have forged closer ties in recent years and this year celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Erkin (not his real name), whose father is among the detained men, fears the Uyghurs are being used as a pawn in Thailands bid to extract some kind of help or service or something from China. Erkin, who lives in Turkey, has not seen his father in nearly 12 years and fears for his parents health. The cells in the detention centre are overcrowded, his fathers immune system is weak and he does not get proper food, he said. My father is a farmer, a very simple man who would never hurt anyone. He was always very eager to help people in the village and has never done anything to anyone, Erkin said. Relatives and advocates also fear what could happen to the Uyghurs if they are returned to China. Photographs of the men deported in 2015 showed them hooded and handcuffed and many have not been heard from since or they received long prison sentences. Thai media has called the governments handling of the case a black stain on the nations human rights record. Yalkun Uluyol, a China researcher at Human Rights Watch, said that sending the Uyghurs to China would violate the principle of non-refoulement, which states that no one should be returned to a country where they would face persecution. Thailand is not a party to the 1951 refugee convention that codifies this principle but legal experts say it is still a cornerstone of international law that Thailand should abide by. Uyghurs considered to have left China illegally, if returned, are viewed with intense suspicion and subject to detention, interrogation, torture and other violations, Uluyol said. Part of the predicament is the lack of a clear answer about where the Uyghurs could go if they are not sent back to China. Although Turkey previously offered to resettle some of the detained people, it is not clear if that offer still stands. My father couldnt be at my wedding, Erkin said. My father has never met his own grandchildren. Just like any other people in the world have the right to live with their family and in freedom, so too do Uyghurs. * Names have been changed Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London - Dan Kitwood/Getty The re-election of Donald Trump has made Sadiq Khan look even more ridiculous than that baby blimp he allowed to be flown over Parliament Square during the US presidents visit in July 2018. Currently resembling Britains answer to Canadas national embarrassment of a prime minister, Justin Trudeau, the London Mayor decided to write a piece on the eve of the inauguration warning that resurgent fascism was putting Western democracy at risk. Progressives across the Western world face a century-defining challenge and the stakes for liberal democracy couldnt be higher, he wrote in The Observer. The far-Right is on the march. From Switzerland and Sweden to Hungary, Austria and Italy, European nations are coming under the influence of extreme nativist parties that are hostile to democratic institutions, immigrant populations and fact-based journalism. 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 in the US, Donald Trump is back. We should be in no doubt, this is a perilous moment. The spectre of a resurgent fascism haunts the West Is this newly minted Knight Bachelor for real? Yes, the spectre of resurgent fascism does indeed haunt the West, but its not coming from the democratically elected leaders of the functioning democracies of Europe or the US, for pitys sake. Its coming from Iran, China and Russia where, last time I checked, there was little respect for democratic institutions and fact-based journalism. Forget hostility to immigrant populations, these people kill their enemies. Moreover, in London, on Khans own doorstep, the people on the march right now are pro-Palestinian protesters chanting genocide and from the river to the sea while inflaming tensions outside synagogues on a Saturday. Some of them appear to support Hamas and Hezbollah, who arent just fascists but proscribed terrorists. Yet what has Khan said about the threat from these extreme nativist parties that are hostile to democratic institutions, immigrant populations and fact-based journalism? They pose a threat to Western liberal democracy, not just Londoners. But Khan instead singled out Elon Musk for criticism, describing him as a billionaire bully who shouldnt be able to use his social media platform as a propaganda tool to amplify lies and advance the cause of the far-Right. Indeed not. But if youre going to call out online propaganda, it might be an idea to mention the anti-Semitic hatred spewed by Gazas useful idiots. These are deeply worrying times, especially if youre a member of a minority community, he opined. As historians and commentators increasingly find echoes of the 1920s and 30s in the present day, we cannot afford to throw in the towel. Yes, Sir Sadiq, try being a Jew in London right now. If it wasnt for resurgent fascist President Trump, British Israeli hostage Emily Damari a Spurs fan, no less would probably still be in captivity. Sadly, the catastrophic impact of nearly a decade of the Mayors rampant wokery and virtue signalling can be felt far and wide across the capital. And Im not just talking about the 38 per cent increase in knife offences since he took office or the fact that stop and search has fallen by 44 per cent over the past two years. Nor am I simply singling out the fact that theft from person has risen by 96 per cent under Khans watch. Thats bad enough but let us also consider his intervention on a third runway at Heathrow Airport. In arguably the best move she has made since taking office last July (theres not much to choose from), Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, is expected to use a speech on growth next week to support the proposed third runway at the west London airport, and to endorse expansion at Gatwick and Luton. When you consider that Frankfurt Airport alone has four runways and it handles around 62 million passengers a year compared with Heathrows 84 million, its difficult to make a practical case against expansion. Which perhaps explains why Khan continues to make a nebulous one involving eco-bingo phrases like climate emergency and environmental crisis while completely ignoring the fact that 65 per cent of medium and long-haul flights are now powered by sustainable aviation fuels (biofuels) with a view to them powering all such flights by 2050. Theres more work to be done on short haul, but this is an industry trying to get cleaner and still Khan opposes expansion, as does his pinko former Labour colleague John McDonnell, the whipless MP for Hayes and Harlington, who has suggested in the way only a socialist can that a third runway will be an economic disaster. On the contrary, this sort of major infrastructure project is precisely what London needs with the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics revealing unemployment is up and growth is virtually flatlining. Airport expansion is predicted by some to create 180,000 new jobs and over 200 billion in economic value. Yet all Khan seems to care about is the Governments legally binding carbon budgets. Such is the scale of the mans ego that he is willing to risk a split with the Prime Minister and the Chancellor over the issue, despite all the Governments woes, probably because he harbours ambitions of one day replacing Keir Starmer. Meanwhile, and despite constantly banging on about the scourge of air pollution, Khan is now planning to carry out a review of the green belt around London to pinpoint grey belt locations for potential development in areas that will otherwise struggle to meet Londons target to build 88,000 homes per year. It comes amid reports that Transport for London, of which he is chairman, is suggesting developers build more than 10,000 homes across Trent Park, a historic area near Cockfosters featuring ancient woodlands and a country house dating back to the 18th century. But with The Telegraph having reported this week that up to one in 12 people in London is an illegal immigrant, shouldnt Khan be making Trump-style mass deportations a priority, rather than criticising the president? As yet we have heard nothing from the Mayor about the deeply alarming, previously confidential report, which found that almost 600,000 people may be living in the city without the right to be in Britain. Blame the Home Office by all means not least as officials appear to have no way of checking not only those who come here illegally but also those who overstay their visas. But this has happened under Sadiq Khans leadership, if you can call it that. If he spent half the time hes squandered attacking Trump actually doing his job, London wouldnt be in this mess. Thirty-nine-year-old Rapper San E (real name Jung San) has been booked without detention following a months-long assault investigation. The Seoul Mapo Police Station ordered San E to prosecution in October on charges of assault, according to Korean outlet TenAsia. His father, Mr. A, who was with him at the scene of the crime and charged with similar assault allegations, allegedly settled with the victim, leading to the conclusion of the investigation against the duo. Following the settlement, the investigation was closed in accordance with Korea's anti-will penalty law, which requires a demonstrable lack of consent for an action to be considered criminal. San E was initially booked in August for assault after he reportedly assaulted a passerby on August 28 at around 8:30 PM at an underpass in Mapo-gu with a cellphone after warning him to "handle his bicycle properly." San E allegedly beat the victim up, inflicting injuries, including cuts near the eyes and damage to his teeth. Following the incident, San E issued an apology through his legal representative: "I sincerely apologize to the victim for the recent assault incident," he said. "I have to apologize in a statement first, but I want to see the victim in person and ask for forgiveness. I'm also sorry to many of you who would have been disappointed by me. Please scold me for my crimes." San E debuted in 2008 after gaining visibility as a producer on Mnet's audition show Show Me the Money, and is known for hit songs like "Story of Someone I Know" and "A Midsummer Night's Sweetness." More than 1,000 flights were cancelled and a number of main roads closed as millions of people in the UK and Ireland were asked to stay home amid red danger to life warnings owing to a rare weather bomb brought by Storm Eowyn. Rail and ferry services were cancelled on Friday as the storm left hundreds of thousands of people without power and forced the closure of businesses and schools across Northern Ireland and Scotland. A man died after a tree fell on his car in County Donegal, police said, and fallen trees and debris blocked a number of main roads across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. A driver was seriously injured after a collision in Mauchline, East Ayrshire, while another motorist was injured when a tree fell on their van in the Balmore Road area of Glasgow, Police Scotland said. The Scottish government said about 100,000 homes were without power on Friday, with severe disruption to roads, bridges and public transport, which had forced 92% of schools to close. John Swinney, Scotlands first minister, urged people to maintain a high level of vigilance. He said it would take days for roads, essential services and rail services to return to normal after the exceptional weather event, partly because it was still too dangerous for clean-up crews and engineers to operate in some places. Swinney and the police also urged lorry drivers to stay off the roads, with reports of 11 heavy goods vehicles overturning in the ferocious winds. A gust of 100mph was recorded in Drumalbin, South Lanarkshire, on Friday afternoon, the Met Office said. A wind speed of 114mph was recorded in Ireland, the fastest since records began, Met Eireann said. The mens Scottish Premiership football match between Celtic and Dundee scheduled for 3pm on Saturday was left in doubt after the Glasgow-based club said its stadium had been damaged by Storm Eowyn. Celtic said it would update supporters on Saturday morning. The Met Office had issued red danger to life weather warnings for parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland on Friday. There are amber and yellow alerts for wind across the UK going into the weekend. On Friday, more than 1,070 flights scheduled in the UK and Ireland were cancelled. Rail services were delayed or cancelled including almost all journeys in Scotland, before and during the weather bomb, caused by a powerful jet stream pushing low pressure across the Atlantic towards the UK. The low pressure named #StormEowyn currently has a central air pressure of 1001hPa, but this is expected to drop by 62hPa in the next 30 hours This is known as explosive cyclogenesis or a weather bomb and will bring damaging winds to some areas on Friday pic.twitter.com/N8iooq5pl1 Met Office (@metoffice) January 22, 2025 More than 1m homes, farms and businesses in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland were without power on Friday afternoon. ESB Networks in Ireland and Northern Ireland Electricity Networks said they expected significant further outages, with 725,000 customers affected in the Republic and 283,000 in Northern Ireland. Some homes and businesses may be without power for a week as an unprecedented number of power cuts are experienced. More than 1,800 objects were blocking roads across Northern Ireland, the Department of Infrastructure said. Related: Storm Eowyn hits UK and Ireland in pictures Otherwise known as explosive cyclogenesis, a weather bomb happens when the central pressure of a storm drops at least 24 millibars in 24 hours, causing rapid intensification as air is sucked into the storm, creating violent winds strong enough to cause serious damage. Climate breakdown is making these dramatic and extreme weather events more likely. The Isle of Mans Department of Infrastructure declared a major incident because of the number of fallen trees and their impact on arterial roads and emergency services, the government said on X. The Police Service of Northern Ireland described the storm as an exceptional weather event that was expected to bring the strongest winds in the country since 1998. No injuries were reported in Northern Ireland in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn but it will take days to fully assess its impact, police said. Assistant chief constable Davy Beck, who is in charge of the storm response operation, said: We are still not out of the potential risks in respect of this storm. I ask the public to consider this and question yourself around is your journey absolutely necessary until such times as the storm has totally passed. Beck added: Police have received in the region of 2,000 calls for service so far today, which is about 50% above what we would normally expect to receive on a normal Friday. Northern Irelands first minister, Michelle ONeill, said on Friday morning: Were in the eye of the storm now. We are in the period of the red alert. People can see for themselves, the wind has been very much picking up overnight. She added: I think the real message we want to get across is to please be ultra cautious, to please stay at home if you can and actually we will see how the storm will rage but the scale of the storm, the level of wind that weve experienced across the island, which is something thats never been seen before. Dozens of flights from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports were cancelled, while Belfast International warned of significant disruption. Dublin airport announced more than 110 scheduled departures and 110 arrivals had been cancelled on Friday. A spokesperson from the UK Civil Aviation Authority had warned earlier in the day that Storm Eowyn was likely to bring considerable disruption. They added: If a flight faces lengthy delays, airlines have a duty of care to look after their passengers, including providing food and drink and accommodation if overnight. We will not hesitate to take action against any airlines not following these guidelines. ScotRail, which runs nearly all Scotlands domestic rail services, said none of its trains would be running until noon on Saturday at the earliest. It said Storm Eowyns extremely high winds had caused significant damage to its infrastructure across Scotland, including to overhead power lines. As a result, it was unclear when train services would resume. We wont know the full extent of the damage until after the storm passes and our Network Rail colleagues can get on to the network and carry out a full assessment. This will obviously take quite a bit of time. Our colleagues at Network Rail Scotland will be working flat-out through the night to remove fallen trees and other debris from the tracks. There has also been extensive damage to overhead lines, which will need to be repaired before trains can safely return to service. CalMac Ferries on Scotlands west coast and Steam Packet Ferries between Heysham and the Isle of Man cancelled all sailings on Friday. Met Eireann reported the mean wind speed record of 81mph set in 1945 at Foynes, County Limerick, had been broken during the storm. The Irish weather service also said there had been gusts of up to 108mph in Mace Head, off Irelands west coast, by 4am on Friday. About 4.5 million people received emergency alerts on their phones on Thursday to warn of the storm in the largest real-life use of the tool to date. A pride flag hanging next to the US national flag at the US Consulate General in Poland in 2021. Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Images The US Department of State has banned consular posts from flying any flags other than that of the US as part of the Trump administrations pledge to crack down on diversity efforts in government institutions. A cable seen by the Guardian titled One flag policy appears to target several instances during the Biden administration when gay pride and Black Lives Matters flags were flown at embassies abroad. Gay pride flags were also on display at the White House during a 2023 Pride month celebration held on the south lawn, sparking a backlash from conservatives. Related: US diversity staff put on leave as Trump orders end to federal DEI programs Starting immediately, only the United States of America flag is authorized to be flown or displayed at US facilities, both domestic and abroad, and featured in US government content, the memo read. The flag of the United States of America united all Americans under the universal principles of justice, liberty, and democracy. These values, which are the bedrock of our great country, are shared by all American citizens, past and present. The only exceptions allowed were the prisoner of war/missing in action flag and the hostages and wrongful detainees flag, the memo read. The decision followed several White House executive orders signed on Trumps first day in office in which he called for US federal agencies to halt all DEI (Diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs and another establishing that there are only two sexes, an attack on the legal recognition of non-binary rights. Donald Trump signs an executive order at the Oval Office in Washington DC on 20 January 2025. Photograph: Abaca/Rex/Shutterstock Donald Trump has tasked the attorney general in two executive orders to conduct far-reaching investigations into the previous administration, using the weight of the justice department to pursue what are effectively politically charged reviews into his personal grievances. The orders the president signed on Monday to end the weaponization of the federal government and the government censorship of speech in the Biden administration directed the attorney general to review actions over the last four years and prepare a final report. Incoming administrations always set their priorities in the first days and Trumps second term is no different from any of his predecessors in that respect. Trump also signed executive orders instructing the department to bring more criminal cases connected to the southern border. Related: So much of this seems vengeful: alarm as Trump recommits to death penalty The fact that the investigations will be done outside of the White House means they could be less susceptible to political interference by West Wing aides and leaves open the possibility that the investigative work is conducted in part at least by career attorneys at the justice department. But the weaponization order was particularly unusual in making the incoming attorney general examine alleged misconduct at the justice department rather than the departments office of professional responsibility or inspector general and then to deliver findings to a political appointee at the White House. The attorney general does not typically prepare reports for the deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller. Under the justice departments no-contacts policy, designed to prevent political interference in investigations, the attorney general is only supposed to interact, at a staff level, with the White House counsel or the deputy counsel. Taken together, the various aspects of the weaponization order foreshadow the major role Trump wants the justice department to play in his second term and harness its far-reaching power to enact his agenda. And while the order did not detail specific allegations to be looked at, it referenced third-world weaponization of prosecutorial power to upend the democratic process in language that echoed Trumps attacks on the criminal cases brought by former special counsel Jack Smith. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. During the election, Trump repeatedly railed against the criminal prosecutions over allegations he mishandled classified documents and over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and vowed to fire Smith in two seconds if re-elected. Smith resigned before Trump returned to office. In his first term, Trump repeatedly used the imprimatur of the justice department to investigate politically sensitive matters that he was invested in personally but wanted to pretend he had nothing to do with. When Trump fired James Comey as FBI director in 2017, he initially cited a memo written by then deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein as the rationale for his ouster. Later, it emerged Trump had soured on Comey in part after he declined to drop a criminal investigation into his national security adviser. Towards the end of his presidency, Trump pressured his then attorney general, Bill Barr, to announce that the justice department was investigating fraud in the 2020 election, even though the department was not and had no jurisdiction to do so, as part of an effort to contest the results in seven battleground states. How Trumps incoming attorney general pick, Pam Bondi, will grapple with the weaponization order remains to be seen. At her Senate confirmation hearing, she pledged to resist political interference from the White House, maintain the contacts policy, and that there would be no enemies list. Until Bondis nomination is approved by the full Senate, James McHenry III, who ran the justice departments immigration courts during Trumps first term, is serving as the acting attorney general. Other Trump appointees, like the acting deputy attorney general, Emil Bove, and Bondis chief of staff, Chad Mizelle, are already in place. Trumps weaponization order also stated as its intended goal to correct past misconduct, repeating a track record he developed during his first term of seeking payback against political opponents and entire agencies like the FBI when it examined the Trump campaigns ties to Russia. But the execution of Trumps payback attempts had mixed results. The special counsel investigation into the FBIs handling of the Russia inquiry did not arrive before the 2020 election as he had hoped, and the investigation itself yielded no charges against any high-level FBI or intelligence officials. Donald Trump pardoned around 1,500 Jan 6 rioters after taking office Stewart Rhodes, with his signature black eyepatch, waved to a crowd as he strolled out of a federal prison a free man after serving fewer than two years of his 18-year sentence. The leader of the Oath Keepers, a self-styled militia that helped orchestrate the Jan 6 attacks on the US Capitol in 2021, had been pardoned by Donald Trump along with roughly 1,500 other rioters. Fewer than 24 hours later, the 59-year-old visited Capitol Hill to shake hands with Republican lawmakers and air his grievances, calling himself an innocent victim of a wrongful prosecution and vowing to go after those who came after him. Mr Rhodes may soon get his wish. On the day of his inauguration, Mr Trump signed an executive order titled Ending the Weaponisation of the Federal Government. The order is likely to provide a road map for how the US president plans to carry out his retribution on his perceived political and legal foes a campaign of revenge, cloaked in claims of victimhood. It made clear Mr Trump intends to find and punish Biden administration officials who carried out an unprecedented third-world weaponisation of prosecutorial power to upend the democratic process against him and his supporters. With a stroke of his fountain pen and a big grin, the president also issued a slew of other orders, including the stripping of security clearance from 51 ex-intelligence officials who Mr Trump saw as his adversaries. John Bolton, his former national security adviser and an outspoken critic of his, also lost his clearance as well as his Secret Service protection, despite him being the target of death threats from Iran. The same happened to Dr Anthony Fauci, who had served as the nations top infectious disease official during the Covid-19 pandemic but turned critical of the president. Through Mr Trumps actions and new presidential orders, once-vague campaign threats to carry out revenge have become real and the way in which he intends to weed out his enemies in his second term is finally coming into focus. Dr Georgios Samaras, an assistant professor of public policy at Kings College London, said: This is the beginning of his retribution, it is clear he is inclined to push extreme measures against opponents. Pam Bondi, Mr Trumps pick for attorney general, says she will not use the justice department to punish people based on politics - Ben Curtis/AP For years, Mr Trump has claimed he is a victim of a deep state conspiracy. Even as the presidents close allies quietly advised him to renounce the pursuit of revenge, he refused to back down, saying he had every right to pursue his enemies. In his inaugural address, he pledged that the scales of justice would be rebalanced after the vicious, violent and unfair weaponisation of the Justice Department and our government. The executive order he signed this week said: It is the policy of the United States to identify and take appropriate action to correct past misconduct by the Federal Government related to the weaponisation of law enforcement and the weaponisation of the Intelligence Community. Helpfully, Mr Trump has selected a cabinet who have pledged to punish those involved in efforts to investigate him. And Kash Patel, his choice as FBI director, is likely to prove central to that mission. Kash Patel is the US presidents choice for FBI director - Mike Segar/Reuters Mr Patel has a history of making remarks attacking Trump opponents and threatening reprisals and a long list of targets he calls members of the executive branch deep state federal officials, elected leaders and other government gangsters that function as an unelected bureaucracy. Pam Bondi, Mr Trumps pick for attorney general, promised this month she would not use the justice department to punish people based on politics. But her critics are having a hard time believing her. First on their list are likely to be Joe Biden and a host of his allies, including Nancy Pelosi, Dr Anthony Fauci, Americas Covid chief, members of the Jan 6 committee, and Liz Cheney, an anti-Trump Republican. Those who may be in Mr Trumps crosshairs are Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi - Getty Images In the hours before Mr Trumps inauguration, Dr Anthony Fauci was pardoned by Joe Biden - JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images Mr Biden attempted to shield most of those from Mr Trumps retribution in an unprecedented use of pre-emptive pardons. A National Public Radio analysis at the end of last year determined that Mr Trump had threatened more than 100 federal investigations or prosecutions to settle scores. Mr Trump could go after those he believes have wronged him by ordering internal inquiries and if those do not lead to investigations or prosecutions, they could unearth enough dirt which he could use to publicly harass them. But it leads to many unanswered questions about how far he will go, what the limitations are to his potential witch-hunt and what power prosecutors and government agencies will have to stop it. Fellow Republican Liz Cheney is an outspoken Trump critic and supported Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign - Leah Millis/Reuters Meanwhile, inside his government, Mr Trump is also encouraging federal employees to turn on those who disobey his decree and snitch on them to root out the enemies from within. Memos sent across agencies this week encouraged staff to report any colleague who pursued now-banned diversity, equity and inclusion programmes. The letters warned of adverse consequences for those trying to continue their so-called woke work. Reports also surfaced that loyalty tests could be rolled out among the federal workforce. This apparent mob boss image has only been bolstered by his pardoning of the violent Jan 6 attackers and their leaders, which has sparked fears of further militia-led violence. Clear message from unleashed Trump 2.0 Dr Samaras said it sent a very calculated and clear message that he will come through on his promises, even if they are unlawful, that back in the White House, an unleashed Trump 2.0 is able to excuse even the most serious crimes. This week, the far-Right group Proud Boys marched through the streets of Washington celebrating the presidents inauguration. Members of the neo-fascist organisation which is designated a terror group by Canada and New Zealand were out in force to demonstrate their loyalty to their president, who came through on his promise to release them. Enrique Tarrio, their freshly freed leader, received a heros welcome as he landed home at Miami airport on Wednesday sporting a black Maga cap. Mirroring Mr Trumps language, he said he was the victim of a legal system that had been weaponised against him. The people who did this, they need to feel the heat, he warned. Success is gonna be retribution. Proud Boys, which had splintered and quietened in the wake of Jan 6, was rebuilding, Tarrio said, adding that he saw a role for them in the new administration. Dr Samaras asked: Trump told the white supremacist group to stand back and standby in 2020, so why would he not weaponise them again in 2025? Elon Musk and President Donald Trump A vital experiment in modern government is now underway in the United States. Across much of the Western world, Presidents and Prime Ministers have been grappling with the twin tasks of enabling economic growth and delivering public services that voters want at a price they are willing to pay. Even with current US economic growth at levels that other G7 nations can only dream of, it is not enough to satisfy President Trumps ambitions. Therefore Trump 47 is now putting into action all of the lessons he learnt as Trump 45, born of the deepest frustrations with the glacial pace of change in 21st century United States. Every move that he makes, assisted by the disruptive energies of Elon Musk, will be carefully watched by politicians in power and those desperate to win it. The gap between what a President or Prime Minister says will happen and what then actually happens in the lives of the taxpayer and voter have been well discussed and debated over many years. In the United Kingdom, Lloyd George, Churchill, Attlee, Thatcher, Blair and more have all overseen changes to how the mechanics of the state work in attempts to better translate political will into real world change. In the United States, Presidents sometimes seem to have more power as heads of state than our Prime Ministers, but face all sorts of other challenges emanating from the checks and balances vested in Congress, States and the courts. With impressive political theatre, President Trump has signed Executive Orders issuing his commands across the reaches of the federal government. It is harder to imagine a British Prime Minister filling a stadium with adoring fans to witness the signature of memos instructing Whitehall to do this or that. Nevertheless, the extreme transparency of Trumps approach might be something that more politicians in the UK are willing to try in future, given the declining public interest in and trust in politics. Blairs attempts at transparency were novel regular press conferences alongside his delivery guru, Michael Barber showing off the facts and figures of change. The medias appetite to cover the graphs did not quite match Blairs enthusiasm for sharing them. Keir Starmer has, of course, recently nailed his colours to the mast with his Plan for Change, designed to tell the people what they can expect by the time of the next election from his administration. Trumps success will be determined by whether he can successfully close the often yawning gap between what politicians say they will do and what actually happens in the lives of the citizen. Trumps intent is clear. Dispatching troops to the Southern borders of the United States certainly indicates a desire to do things in a way that few before him have been willing to try. It is not hard to imagine the initial reaction from the UKs Ministry of Defence if a Prime Minister tried to instruct our Armed Forces to assume a similar posture. Trumps clarity of intent and aggressive tactics will become political millstones if that determination is not driven right the way through to the individual platoon overlooking the Rio Grande, rules of engagement in hand. If Trump cant actually deliver radical results in the US economy, immigration or the myriad other lumbering giants of US politics, the average US voter might start to wonder what on Earth it does take to make things happen. Perhaps the most interesting part of President Trumps grand experiment is his invitation to Elon Musk to wield the knife on the federal government itself. Quite what Doge does and how it does it, we are yet to see. Serious reductions in federal employee numbers seems likely. Such things are not novel, although the scale of this attempt might dwarf what has come before. Somewhat hidden away in British history is our own example: Lloyd George asked businessman turned civil servant Eric Geddes to wield his axe over government spending in the early 1920s. It resulted in one of the most significant cuts to spending (as a percentage of GDP) ever recorded in the UK, with the military and other public services bearing the brunt. The Defense Department, Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security are by far the biggest employers in the US federal government. What these normally powerful Secretaries in Trumps Cabinet say they need to do their jobs will be something to watch. Many of our Prime Ministers and Chancellors have been determined to reduce the size of the state, only to be faced with the horror of their Cabinet colleagues agreeing with that essential aim whilst fervently demanding ever more resources for their individual departments. Where Mr Musk and those serried ranks of tech titans prominent at President Trumps Inauguration may bring something new to the problems of a more effective state is in their technological know-how. Especially in the fields of AI. They could, if allowed to do their jobs, bring the almighty power of their inventions to the day-to-day sludge of government. They will need to overcome a number of tough problems that all governments face. Developing and deploying new technology can come with a hefty up-front price-tag. The real power of AI in government lies in being able to unlock the vast sources of data that governments hold. Too often though, this data is in formats that are outdated and varied, so there is often a very big job to do to clean up the data before you can get it into the vast AI hoppers. Of course, governments also need to make sure they can use data securely too. Whilst many citizens are seemingly relaxed about handing over deep insights into their lives to Google and Apple, they rightly hold the state to higher standards over keeping their data secure. Both Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer spotted the power of AI from No 10, inspired by the insights of revolutionary-minded people like Matt Clifford, Demis Hassabis and Patrick Vallance. Prime Minister Starmer only last week made clear that he is putting a lot of his chips on AI. If Trump and co are successful, with their transparency, technology and fearless solutions, expect a lot of other politicians around the world to sit up and take notice. Even those who might find the specific policies and aims of Trump abhorrent may yet find themselves drawn to Trumps methods. Voters are getting impatient and most politicians are nervously watching the frustrations build. Mr Trumps great experiment might give them clues about what to try or not next. Whether Mr Trumps methods are wise in the long-run will be for historians.Whether they work in the short-term is all that will matter to most, for now. Simon Case served as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service from 2020 to 2024 Anti-abortion activists walk past the Capitol in the annual March for Life rally in Washington DC on 24 January. Photograph: J Scott Applewhite/AP In addresses to the March for Life, the nations largest anti-abortion rally, Donald Trump and his vice-president, JD Vance, both indicated on Friday that the US justice department would no longer prosecute anti-abortion activists. No longer will our government throw pro-life protesters and activists elderly, grandparents, or anybody else in prison, Vance told the thousands-strong crowd that gathered on the National Mall, in the shadow of the Washington Monument. It stopped on Monday, and were not gonna let it come back to this country. Vance trumpeted the presidents decision to, on Thursday, pardon several anti-abortion activists who had been convicted of violating the federal Free Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or the Face Act, by blockading an abortion clinic. That law penalizes people who threaten, obstruct or injure someone who is trying to access a reproductive health clinic or who vandalize a clinic. Anti-abortion activists have, for years, attempted to strike it down or convince the federal government to stop enforcing it. Im releasing the Christians and pro-life activists who were persecuted by the Biden regime for praying and living out their faith, Trump said in his own address, which the president pre-recorded and broadcast to the crowd on two giant screens. He added: Never again will religious persecution be allowed to happen in America. However, neither Trump nor Vance talked about any of the sweeping policies that abortion rights activists are now bracing for, such as the enforcement of a 19th-century anti-vice law that could effectively ban abortion nationwide. They did not even mention the Mexico City policy, which is also known as the global gag rule and which blocks foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from receiving assistance if they refer people for abortions, counsel them on the procedure or advocate for its access. Every Republican president since Ronald Reagan has enforced this rule. And every Democratic one has rescinded it, although Trump during his first presidency dramatically expanded the rules scope so that it affected some $6bn in aid. The lack of immediate action from the new Trump administration on the policy has puzzled abortion rights supporters. In recent years, the March for Life has at times doubled as a Trump rally. This years iteration was no different. Vendors sold marchers red hats with Trumps Make America Great Again (Maga) slogan and T-shirts bearing the words FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT! above an image of Trump holding his fist in the air (which was taken shortly after his attempted assassination in July). Trump and Vances appearances also seemingly garnered the biggest roars from the crowd far more than any anti-abortion talking point or the appearances of the US Senate majority leader, John Thune, the House speaker, Mike Johnson, or Floridas governor, Ron DeSantis. Johnson did win big cheers from the marchers, though, when he mentioned a recent executive order that declared that people are divided into male and female at conception. That language evokes the doctrine of fetal personhood, which holds that embryos and fetuses should be granted full legal rights and protections and which, if fully enacted, would totally outlaw abortion as well as potentially criminalize abortion patients. Our country has got to get back to God, said Marie Summergren, 64, of Pennsylvania. Neither one our president or our vice-president has any problem saying that. She added: It feels as though the tide is turning. Its OK to talk about God again. (Joe Biden, the previous president, was a devout Catholic.) The marchers struck an ebullient tone, convinced that Trumps return to the White House signaled their own return to power after a series of electoral defeats. After Vance spoke, the crowd chanted: JD! JD! JD! Then, as they marched towards the National Mall and the US Capitol building, cheers like We love babies! Yes we do! and Your mom! Chose life! sprang up. They also carried signs that declared Life Wins, Defund Planned Parenthood and Make More Babies. Many did not seem convinced that abortion bans should contain any exceptions. Human life starts at conception, said Henry Cooper, an 18-year-old march attender from California. An abortion is never medically necessary. Ectopic pregnancy is something else. Thats not considered an abortion. Theres always something you can do. Besides ectopic pregnancies, there are no cases where abortion improves the likelihood of the mother surviving other than a non-abortion way would, agreed Luc Lessard, 18, of Colorado. Theres no real cause for it. (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the pre-eminent membership organization for US ob-gyns, has repeatedly emphasized the medical need for abortion access. At least five women have reportedly died after abortion bans affected their medical care.) Both Cooper and Lessard voted for Trump. The duo bought a pair of red Maga hats for $30 at the march. Im excited for the next four years, Cooper said. Homes are demolished in Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank during an Israeli military operation on Friday. Photograph: Majdi Mohammed/AP The UN has expressed concern that the ceasefire in Gaza could be endangered by Israels assault on the West Bank city of Jenin, which has involved what the UN human rights spokesperson labelled unnecessary or disproportionate use of force. Thameen al-Kheetan, of the UN human rights office, called Israeli tactics in Jenin deadly operations, after Israel targeted a refugee camp in the centre of the city and besieged a nearby hospital. We are deeply concerned by the use of unlawful lethal force in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank, he said on Friday, criticising methods and means developed for war fighting, in violation of human rights law this includes multiple airstrikes and apparently random shooting at unarmed residents attempting to flee or find safety. Related: Hamas names four female Israeli troops it will release from Gaza this weekend Israeli forces continued a sweeping crackdown across the West Bank as the assault on the refugee camp continued, in an operation Israel has called Iron Wall. Security forces raided towns around Nablus and Jenin, and the Palestinian news agency Wafa said Israeli military bulldozers had moved deeper into the refugee camp and destroyed several homes. Hundreds have fled the camp and surrounding areas since Israeli forces began an operation there four days ago. Late on Friday, an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle near the West Bank town of Qabatiya killed two people. The Israeli military said the attack had targeted a terrorist cell inside but gave no further details. Kheetan said the UN human rights office had verified that more than 12 Palestinians had been killed and at least 40 injured since the assault began, adding that the majority were reportedly unarmed. Medics in the governmental hospital near the camp said staff had been wounded after being shot with live ammunition. Benjamin Netanyahu has said the aim of the operation was to target Palestinian militants in the Jenin refugee camp, to prevent them from launching attacks on Israeli territory. Critics accused the prime minister of expanding the fighting to the West Bank to placate his far-right ally Bezalel Smotrich and maintain his ruling coalition. Smotrich has threatened to quit the government if Israel does not resume fighting in Gaza after the first phase of the ceasefire ends in early March a move that would remove Netanyahus parliamentary majority and probably trigger new elections. Related: Hundreds flee Jenin amid Israels deepening West Bank crackdown If, God forbid, the war is not resumed, I will bring the government down, he told reporters earlier this week. Smotrich reportedly described the second Trump administration as an opportunity for Israel to annex the West Bank. Aseel Baidoun, of Medical Aid for Palestinians in the West Bank town of Ramallah, said she despaired at Israels expanding attacks on the territory. Even as one door to peace is pushed slightly open another starts to swing closed, she said. Not only are we confined by checkpoints and road closures, but people also face relentless attacks from Israeli settler mobs who act with impunity, backed by the full support of the Israeli army. She added: Now that there is a suspension in Israels war on Palestinians in Gaza, it feels like the Israeli military is starting a war on us in the West Bank. At a small protest in central Jerusalem, dozens of activists held up signs decrying the ongoing fighting during the Gaza ceasefire, and chanted for an end to Israels growing assault on towns across the West Bank. I think they want us to have this endless war its shocking, said Michal Brody-Bareket, who founded the Mothers Cry group to demand the end to Israeli combat in Gaza, where her son has served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Of course this is political, she said of Israels decision to launch the operation in Jenin. This is all about Smotrich and the backing of the settler movement that support him. They want us fighting in the West Bank, in Gaza, and in Lebanon and Syria, too, so they can settle these places this will cost a lot of lives. The protesters were met with immediate force by the Israeli police, who shoved several demonstrators and arrested three. Related: Israel will not withdraw troops from Lebanon by deadline, Netanyahu says The protester Tamar Cohen said: What were doing in the West Bank in general seems like a plan to go back to the war in Gaza. They want to turn the West Bank into Gaza. This at least seems to be the plan by Smotrich and his cohort. He got his prize for not leaving the government over the hostage deal, she said, holding a sign that read: Refuse to fight in the war. Four Israeli female soldiers held hostage by Palestinian militants in Gaza are due to be released in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, as part of a fragile six-week ceasefire deal. Israel launched its longest war on Gaza following the Hamas attack on towns and kibbutzim around the territory on 7 October 2023, when about 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage, mostly civilians. Israels assault on Gaza has killed more than 47,000 people in 15 months of fighting. The Qatari prime minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, said earlier this week that Doha was encouraging an early start to the second stage of talks, which include discussion on ending the war, scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. Israeli officials believe that between a third and half of the 90 hostages that remain in Gaza have died. Anxious families of captives gathered in Tel Aviv to demand that Netanyahu and the US president, Donald Trump, ensure the release of all the remaining hostages. The worry that the deal wont be fully implemented gnaws at us all, said Vicky Cohen, the mother of Nimrod Cohen, who was taken captive from the Nahal Oz military base while serving in the IDF. All senior officials openly say that stopping the deal means a death sentence for those left behind. An F-15 Eagle takes off from Kadena Air Force Base - Itsuo Inouye/AP The US Air Force is moving to arm its Boeing F-15E/EX fighter-bombers with the Pentagons latest ship-killing munition, the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile. Its obvious what the Air Force is worried about: the rapidly expanding and modernising Chinese fleet, which is gearing up to fight its way across the 100-mile Taiwan Strait and land troops on Taiwanese beaches. If the Americans are going to intervene to save Taiwan, they must do it in the early days of an invasion while Chinese ships are still criss-crossing the strait to deliver people, vehicles and supplies. Once a large invasion force is entrenched on the island, the outcome may be a foregone conclusion and a dangerous new era for the free countries of the world would have begun. The Air Force is scrambling to hang its best anti-ship missiles on more types of warplane so that America can darken the sky over the Taiwan Strait with enough munitions to drown a Chinese invasion during its most vulnerable hours. A contract notice from the US Naval Air System Command (NAVAIR) last week indicated that the Air Force planned to integrate the Lockheed Martin AGM-158C the LRASM on 1990s-vintage F-15E Strike Eagles and new-production F-15EX Eagle IIs. Both models of supersonic F-15 share a similar airframe, but the EX boasts better sensors and radar-jammers and expanded weapons carriage. The LRASM is a powerful weapon. The 14-foot, subsonic missile borrows much of its design from the AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range, but adds a sensitive new seeker which can lock onto a moving ship. Both the JASSM-ER and the LRASM range around 200 miles with a 1,000-pound warhead. Their sleek shape makes them hard to detect on radar, and thus hard to shoot down. The NAVAIR announcement comes just a few months after the Air Force confirmed a long-rumoured plan to base 36 of the 100 or so F-15EXs its procuring at Kadena air base in Okinawa, Americas main hub for air operations over the western Pacific. With a pair of LRASMs under their wings, the Kadena F-15s could react swiftly to a Chinese attack perhaps within hours and land the first blows on the invaders. Considering how many ballistic missiles China has aimed at Kadena, the F-15s may not survive long. But they might not have to. The bulk of the aerial firepower the Air Force intends to land on the Chinese fleet will come from B-1 Lancer bombers flying from far-flung bases to launch up to 24 LRASMs per bomber per sortie. Its worth noting the Navy is arming its Boeing F/A-18E/F fighters, Lockheed Martin F-35C stealth fighters and Boeing P-8 patrol planes with LRASM, too. After the initial F-15 raid, it would take just a single attack by half of the 45-strong B-1 force to exhaust the 650 LRASMs the Pentagon expects to have in its inventory within a year. But those 650 missiles could sink many of the most important ships in a Chinese amphibious flotilla. Amphibious assault ships packed with helicopters and marines. Converted car ferries stuffed with tanks. More American planes would follow with less boutique munitions. Many of the bombs and missiles in the US inventory have anti-ship modes, including precision gravity bombs and glide bombs. Its even possible the JASSM-ER could, with a few tweaks to its software, score hits on bigger and more vulnerable ships. If American warplanes can aim all 3,600 LRASMs and JASSM-ERs the Pentagon expects to have by 2026 at the Chinese fleet, US strategy for the defence of Taiwan may be according to a 2023 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC an almost uncomplicated exercise. It would start with F-15s streaking toward the Taiwan Strait, LRASMs under their wings. Kimberlee Singler, 36, is accused of murdering her nine-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son at their home in Colorado in December 2023. Photograph: Colorado Springs police An American woman accused in the US of killing two of her children can be extradited from the UK, a court has ruled. Kimberlee Singler, 36, is accused of murdering her nine-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son at their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in December 2023. She is also accused of attempting to murder her 11-year-old daughter at the property. Singler appealed against her extradition on the grounds that if convicted she faced a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole, which would be in breach of her human rights. On Friday, a judge at Westminster magistrates court rejected the challenge. The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, will now decide whether Singler is to be extradited to the US. Addressing Singler in court, Judge Zani said: Ms Singler, Im afraid I have rejected a challenge to your extradition. The case now passes to the secretary of state for a decision on whether extradition is to be ordered. You have the right to ask the high court for permission to appeal against my decision and to appeal against the secretary of states decision. Singler was arrested in Kensington, west London, by officers from the UKs National Crime Agency in December 2023. The bodies of two of Singlers children were found with stab and gunshot wounds at their home in Colorado Springs after reports of a burglary. Colarado police later said the reports of a burglary turned out to be unfounded. Police said Singler initially cooperated with officers but disappeared during the investigation. US prosecutors allege Singler killed the children amid a protracted custody battle with her former partner. She denies the allegations. Several high-profile individuals including the Duke of Sussex should spend over 14 million less than they proposed for their legal battle with the publisher of the Daily Mail, two High Court judges have ruled. Harry is among a group of people including Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish, actresses Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley, and politician Sir Simon Hughes who are bringing legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) over alleged misuse of private information. ANL firmly denies the allegations and is defending the legal action. In a ruling on Friday following a preliminary hearing in November last year, Mr Justice Nicklin and Judge David Cook said the two sides had proposed to spend more than 38.8 million in the legal claim combined, with the claimants proposing to spend around 18.7 million. But Judge Cook said he and Mr Justice Nicklin had little difficulty concluding that such sums were manifestly excessive and therefore disproportionate. The pair ruled that the claimants could spend around 4.1 million, and ANL around 4.5 million, in the case. The trial of the claims could be heard in 2026, with Judge Cook stating that the anticipated length of the trial will be 45 days. The claimants have accused ANL of allegedly carrying out or commissioning unlawful activities, such as hiring private investigators to place listening devices inside cars, blagging private records, burglaries to order and accessing and recording private phone conversations. The publisher has previously told the court that the claims are lurid and simply preposterous. During the hearing last November, Mr Justice Nicklin said his objective was to progress the claim to trial, which he said could start on January 14 2026. In a 10-page ruling, Judge Cook said the legal claims were really rather simple. He said: In respect of each of the articles upon which the claimants rely, they say they were the product of unlawful information gathering. This is not a subtle question. The claimants will either succeed or fail in demonstrating the proposition. If the relevant claimant fails, that will be the end of the claim in respect of that article. If the claimant succeeds, the question of remedy will arise and on this issue the law is clear. Judge Cook continued: This is not to downplay the complexity of the factual issues that may arise in the litigation, but it puts these claims in the context of the sorts of litigation that come before the courts. The fact that these claimants are well-known, and the litigation high-profile, does not affect the issues that must be resolved. He said: Costs management is not an exercise of reducing the parties costs to an irreducible minimum but setting reasonable and proportionate parameters. The ruling comes days after Harry settled his claim against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun and now-defunct News Of The World, shortly before the start of a trial of his legal claim against the company. The duke and Lord Tom Watson, the former deputy Labour leader, had taken legal action against the publisher over allegations of unlawful information gathering. On Wednesday, the two sides agreed to settle the claims, with Harry receiving a full and unequivocal apology from NGN for serious intrusion into his private life by The Sun between 1996 and 2011 which included incidents of unlawful activities, as well as being offered substantial damages. A third season of the popular dance competition series Street Woman Fighter has been confirmed, and fans couldn't be more excited! In a report from Korean news outlet Newsis, Mnet confirmed that the Street Woman Fighter, which showcases the charismatic power of Korean female dance groups, will return with a third installment, two years after the sophomore season aired. The new season, World of Street Woman Fighter, is scheduled to air in May. The dance series has mostly focused on domestic acts, with fewer international groups being included. However, the outlet reported that World of Street Woman Fighter will increase its global scale by inviting dance groups from all over the world. These dance groups will reportedly be from countries such as the United States, France, Japan, New Zealand, and Brazil. Mnet also released a teaser for the upcoming show and mentioned Canada, South Africa, Argentina, the Philippines, Ghana, India, Mexico, China, and Australia. The first season of Street Woman Fighter was released in 2021 and has since introduced dance stars such as HolyBang leader Honey J, alongside Monika and Gabee. Gaining widespread recognition, the show has since produced other spin-off programs such as Street Man Fighter and Street Dance Girls Fighter. In 2023, the second season of Street Woman Fighter included dance groups 1MILLION, BEBE, Jam Republic, MANNEQUEEN, TSUBAKILL, Wolf'lo, and LADYBOUNCE. In the show's epic finale, BEBE emerged as the overall winner of the series. Former world time trial champion Rohan Dennis has formally pleaded guilty to a charge linked to the crash which caused the death of his wife. Fellow Australian Olympian Melissa Hoskins died aged 32 after being hit by a car outside the couples Adelaide home on December 30 2023. Dennis, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of an aggravated act likely to cause harm at an arraignment in the South Australia District in Adelaide on Friday. Melissa Hoskins represented Australia at the Olympics in London in 2012, at Rio in 2016, and took home a world title cycling title in 2015 (Joe Giddens/PA) Judge Ian Press bailed Dennis until April 14 when sentencing submissions will be heard with victim impact statements expected to be read in court. Charges of causing death by dangerous driving and an aggravated charge of driving without due care were not proceeded with after a hearing at Adelaide Magistrates Court in December 2024 Hoskins represented Australia in the team pursuit on the track at the Olympics in London 2012 and Rio 2016, as well as being part of the squad which won the world title in 2015. The couple were married in 2018 and have two children. Dennis retired at the end of the 2023 season after a career which saw him twice win the world time trial title, as well as an Olympic bronze medal in the same discipline in Tokyo. He added a silver in the team pursuit in London and wore the yellow jersey at the Tour de France after winning the opening time trial in 2015. Irelands new deputy premier has said he had a warm and engaging conversation with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn. On his first full day as Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris said the pair discussed repealing and replacing the contentious Legacy Act as well as the commitments under the newly formed Irish Government. Mr Harris, who was taoiseach from April last year until Micheal Martin took over the role on Thursday, said he extended an invite to Mr Benn to Dublin. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn during the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin (Liam McBurney/PA) This morning I had a very warm and engaging conversation with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, Mr Harris said in a statement. The role of our two Governments as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement could not be more important. This mornings call was an opportunity to reiterate our full commitment to work tirelessly together to fulfil that shared responsibility. The relationship between our two governments is in a better place than it has been for many years following the reset that I undertook as taoiseach in conjunction with Prime Minister Starmer. Northern Ireland remains at the heart of that relationship. We discussed the ongoing work towards repealing and replacing the UK Legacy Act, and I set out the commitments in the new Programme for Government, including playing our full part in legacy processes with the shared aim of ensuring a victim-centred approach that respects the voice of families. Mr Harris added: I also briefed the Secretary of State on the commitments in the Programme for Government in further investing in the Shared Island initiative and we agreed that there was great scope to co-operate closely in this work. I invited Hilary Benn to Dublin and I look forward to hosting him here at the earliest opportunity. Mr Benn last visited Dublin in early December when he met former tanaiste Mr Martin at the British-Irish intergovernmental conference. Mr Harris took over the role of Tanaiste after Mr Martins nomination as Taoiseach on Thursday. Parliamentarians voted 95 to 76 in support of the nomination of Mr Martin. The nomination was originally supposed to have taken place on Wednesday but a dispute over speaking rights for independents affiliated with the Government coalition led to the Dail being adjourned. The Dail reconvened at 11.40am on Thursday to proceed with the nomination of a taoiseach after extensive negotiations resulted in agreement that parliamentary rules needed to be reviewed. After receiving Dail approval, Mr Martin and his family met President Michael D Higgins at his official residence at Aras an Uachtarain, where he formally became Taoiseach during a short ceremony. Succession star Brian Cox is set to return to the Scottish stage for the first time in a decade, starring in a play which will open this years Edinburgh International Festival. The Scottish-born actor will appear in Make It Happen, a satirical play written by acclaimed playwright James Graham exploring Scotlands role in the global financial crash of 2008. The fictional account will feature a mix of characters in incidents inspired by real-life events, and Cox will play pioneering Scottish economist and philosopher Adam Smith. It is being directed by Andrew Panton, artistic director of Dundee Rep Theatre, where the play is being previewed ahead of its premiere at the Festival Theatre. Cox last appeared on Scottish stages in 2015 in Waiting For Godot at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, and he said: Im excited to be doing a play written by James Graham, who is such a great writer. Its been a long time since I played in Scotland its good to be back. Born in Dundee, Cox trained at Dundee Rep Theatre before going on to work at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he first gained recognition for his portrayal of King Lear. His numerous accolades include two Olivier Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe. The world premiere of Make It Happen will open the Edinburgh International Festivals 2025 programme and will run for a week at the Festival Theatre from August 1. Previews will be held at the International Festival on July 30 and 31, and at Dundee Rep Theatre on July 1826. Brian Cox ahead of the premiere of Succession season four in March 2023 (PA) Graham said: Like many writers, an Edinburgh stage is the first place ever I dared put a full play in front of an audience. To be invited to join the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival programme this summer is an honour and a thrill. To work with the National Theatre of Scotland, the Dundee Rep, and of course Brian Cox, whom Ive been desperate to write for as long as I can remember. We still live in the long shadow of the 2008 financial crash and our inability to reset from that inheritance and its divisive legacies, so it feels right to be interrogating it artistically. Director Panton said: Its a personal honour and huge responsibility to tell what became a global story that started in the city close to where I grew up. Working with an exceptionally talented cast, creative and production teams, Im excited to be directing this new play, bringing it to audiences at Dundee Rep Theatre and Edinburgh International Festival stages. Festival director Nicola Benedetti said the play fits with the events theme of The Truth We Seek (PA) Nicola Benedetti, the director of Edinburgh International Festival, said: We are extremely proud to present a brand-new play by James Graham, Make It Happen, which will open the 2025 International Festival in August. This co-commission with the National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bringing vital Scottish stories to the world stage, and invites us to examine events that took place in Edinburgh but rippled across the globe. Illuminating this years festival theme The Truth We Seek, Make It Happen exemplifies the level of ambition and thought-provoking work that defines the Edinburgh International Festival. We cannot wait to see you there. The play is a National Theatre of Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival and Dundee Rep Theatre co-production. Jackie Wylie, artistic director of the National Theatre of Scotland, said it is the perfect project for the organisation, adding We are truly proud of this special collaboration. Getting a tattoo can be a scary prospect. I was just speaking the other day to a friend who said she longed for some ink of her own, but could not stomach the thought of all that needlework. Even people who are willing to undergo the trials of tattoo for the result dont always find the actual process appealing. At one tattoo studio in South Africa, the artist helps her clients out by providing them with an emotional support bird she raised by hand after rescuing it as a chick out of the middle of the road. View the original article to see embedded media. For tattoo artist Rebecca Claxton, it was a no brainer to rescue the baby bird who fell out of its nest into the middle of the road. The tiny wild canary needed tender loving care and syringe feeding for the first few weeks Claxton cared for her, but soon enough, she blossomed into a sweet and tame pet that not only kept her company at the studio, but also served as a gentle and calming presence for her nervous clients. Related: How to Prepare to Adopt a Bird and Bring Your New Pet Home Bird, as they called her, liked to chill in the hair of visitors to the studio, or perch on their shoulders and sing her sweet song as they got their new ink. She laid pity eggs as presents for the people at the studio, though none ever hatched into chicks of their own due to her isolated lifestyle. When Claxton emigrated to England, she was unable to take her pet with her for safety reasons, and so rehoused the darling bird with a local in South Africa who promised to take good care of her and make sure she was living her best life. Canary Care Canaries are one of the classic songbirds to be kept as pets. Native to Africa, they come in a variety of colors from drab gray to bright yellow and even orange-red, and are prized for their docile nature and sweet singing voice. Unlike many birds, they are solitary creatures who can be kept as single pets without much trouble. They need sufficient space if kept primarily in a cage, as well as enrichment in the form of toys, mirrors, perches, and suitable space to both hop around and fly up and down vertically. The happiest birds are given time ever day to fly free. Perches for canaries should be made out of a variety of materials. They also enjoy small swings and leather straps for climbing and pecking. Canaries are grain eating animals, who should be fed with a variety of pellets as well as fresh fruits and vegetables and seeds. They should always have access to fresh water. Wild Canaries Since canaries were bred by humans as pets for so long, domestic canaries are currently classified as a separate subspecies than Bird, who was a wild canary by birth that was raised and tamed as a pet. However, pet breeds of canaries released into the wild can and do live there and can cross breed with heir wild cousins. Canaries are not native to the U.S., but like parakeets, have escaped as pets and are now considered an invasive species. Fun fact: so are pigeons. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Police in Hartford, Connecticut, are searching for the suspect who opened fire at a 12-year-old who threw a snowball at a car. Officers responded to a report of a shooting around 7:15 p.m. Wednesday when they discovered the injured victim, according to Hartford Police. The juvenile victim, who was reportedly struck several times, suffered from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and was taken to Connecticut Children's Medical Center. The Hartford Police Major Crimes and Crime Scene Divisions launched an investigation into the incident. Child killed: A 13-year-old was brutally murdered. 2 teen girls have been arrested in connection to her death. Victim was reportedly playing with friend when shooter opened fire Lieutenant Aaron Boisvert told USA TODAY that the incident happened after the 12-year-old threw a snowball. According to WFSB and NBC Connecticut, the victim was playing with a friend, age 11, when the vehicle circled around and started shooting. Police are reviewing video and other leads to aid in identifying the car and the occupants, the outlets reported. As of Friday morning, no one has been arrested in connection to this case. Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com. This story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Child who threw snowball at car shot in Hartford, Connecticut: Police An artificial intelligence-powered weapon detection system failed to pick up the handgun a 17-year-old Nashville, Tennessee, student used in a school shooting Wednesday that killed a 16-year-old girl, officials said. The software, called Omnilert, failed to detect the gun because of where cameras were in Antioch High School, Metro Nashville Public Schools spokesperson Sean Braisted said at a news conference Thursday afternoon. But the system was activated by police brandishing their weapons during the response to the shooting, Braisted said. Omnilert connects to the school's existing network of cameras and uses AI technology to detect weapons, he said, but "in this instance, based on the shooter's location in proximity to the cameras, it wasn't close enough to get an accurate read and to activate that alarm." Kristi Rainwater kneels in prayer Thursday at Antioch High School. "The location of the shooter and the firearm meant that the weapon was not visible," said Omnilert CEO Dave Fraser in an email. "This is not a case of the firearm not being recognized by the system." Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Adrienne Battle said, "There is not one system that is 100% going to capture everything that a person may have on them." Omnilert works by turning security cameras "into life-saving tools, protecting lives while reducing the operational, legal, and social costs of gun violence," its website says. It helps detect firearms and then triggers immediate alerts. "These are designed to capture things that are on camera, and so we wanted to have a system that worked on multiple cameras throughout the network. It does work, but it's not going to work in every instance, in every spot, based on where that weapon might be visible," Braisted said. "So that's why we have additional safety and security protocols." In addition to Omnilert, the school uses AI systems at the front door, it has security vestibules, and it uses school resource officers. "It all works together as a system, but one system alone is not going to keep people safe," Braisted said. "And there's also just the general public concerns around how a 17-year-old has a weapon. "I mean, these are questions that are beyond the scope of Metro Schools but need to be addressed by the broader community," he said. "But we are doing what we can as a district to install and equip our schools with the safety protocols and resources that we can use to be safe." The missed detection offers a lesson in the shortcomings of high-tech security solutions and the risk of relying on them, experts said. This highlights the challenges school districts face, said Donald Maye, head of operations at IPVM, a surveillance technology research company that investigates weapon-detection systems. Theyll make these announcements that theyve invested millions on a solution and then there are still many cases that can occur where the system is not going to be a factor in preventing violence, Maye said. Amy Klinger, director of programs for the nonprofit Educators School Safety Network, said the most effective safeguards against violence are based on building trust among students, teachers and administrators to share early signs of potential threats like erratic behavior or troubling social media posts. In the vast majority of cases there is something of concern behaviors, disclosures, conversations, warning signs that if someone is paying attention you could pick up on, Klinger said. If you combine that with technology, great. But you cant replace it with technology. Some have questioned why the school did not use metal detectors. Battle told reporters Thursday that research has shown there are pros and cons to using the detectors. "There are lots of unintended consequences, mainly when you think about the types of learning environments we want for our students. I mean, the first person we want our students to interact with are their principals and their teachers and their fellow students," she said. A motive in the shooting is unclear. Nashville Police Chief John Drake said authorities are looking into "some materials on the internet" believed to be from the shooter, who was identified as Solomon Henderson. He shot and killed himself after the attack. Authorities said Henderson was an active student. They said he took the school bus before he later opened fire in the cafeteria, killing Josselin Corea Escalante. Another student was wounded when he was grazed in the arm. The United Kingdom and Ireland are bracing for what could be one of the most severe storms seen in years, with authorities shutting schools and warning residents to stay in. Storm Eowyn, an extratropical bomb cyclone that has formed in the North Atlantic and intensified rapidly, is expected to bring gusty winds, heavy rain and some snow to the region. Met Eireann, the Irish Meteorological Service, has issued red warnings, its highest alert level, for wind for much of the country beginning early Friday, saying that wind gusts could exceed 80 miles per hour. The UKs Meteorological Office, or Met Office, has also placed parts of Northern Ireland under red wind warnings for early Friday for the first time since 2011. We reserve the issuing of red warnings for the most severe weather which represents a likely danger to life and severe disruption, and that is the case with Storm Eowyn, the Met Offices Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: Keith Leonard, the chair of Irelands National Emergency Coordination Group, said in a statement that Storm Eowyn is going to be a very dangerous and destructive weather event. All schools in both Ireland and Northern Ireland will be closed on Friday, according to the the Irish Department of Education and the Northern Irish Education Authority. Public transport will not be running in Ireland, according to the authorities. A strong storm system will slam northwest Europe with hurricane-force wind gusts Friday. - CNN Weather Nicholas Leach, a postdoctoral weather and climate researcher at Oxford University, told the non-profit Science Media Centre that Eowyn was likely to cause potentially severe damage, which he said could include flying debris and fallen trees causing extremely dangerous driving conditions. Along with the wind, Eowyn (pronounced Ay-oh-win) is expected to bring rain and snow to parts of the UK. A yellow snowfall warning is in place for parts of northern England and southern Scotland. Across Scotlands central belt, snowfall could reach somewhere between six to ten inches, according to the Met Office. Ambrogio Volonte, a senior research fellow at the University of Readings Department of Meteorology, said Storm Eowyn could rival the ferocity of Storm Eunice in 2022 and Storm Ciaran in 2023, both of which sadly claimed lives and left behind severe damage. Eowyn is expected to move away from the UK on Saturday, although yellow wind warnings are in place in the north of the country for Saturday morning and early afternoon. Leach said Eowyn is an extratropical bomb cyclone that has formed in the North Atlantic and intensified extremely rapidly. He said bomb cyclones are typically the most impactful winter storms in Northern Europe. While Leach said that the impacts of the climate crisis on extratropical cyclones remain uncertain, some studies suggest the strongest storms, like Eowyn is expected to be, may be getting stronger with climate change. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Californias Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom plans on crashing President Trumps arrival in the Golden State when the commander-in-chief lands in Los Angeles Friday, according to reports. The 78-year-old president will tour the decimated areas of fire-ravaged Southern California where wildfires killed at least 28 people in one of his first presidential acts outside Washington, DC. Although not publicly invited by Trump, Newsom said he will be at the airport with the red carpet to welcome the newly sworn-in president. Then-California Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom and President Trump visit a neighborhood in Paradise, Calif., destroyed by the Camp Fire on Nov. 17, 2018. AP I look forward to being there on the tarmac to thank the president, welcome him, and were making sure that all the resources he needs for a successful briefing are provided to him, he told reporters Thursday. Theres no limit to the resources well provide for that briefing, he added. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says her office has been in contact with the Trump administration regarding Fridays trip despite the alleged radio silence between the White House and the statehouse, Fox LA reported. Newsom had signed a bill freeing up $2.5 billion in aid for wildfire recovery and welcomed Trump to support even more investments. Ten days before the inauguration, Newsom invited Trump to survey the neighborhoods destroyed by the Palisades and Eaton fires. As you prepare to assume the presidency once more, I invite you to come to California, the 57-year-old wrote in a letter to the then-president-elect, which he shared on social media. A firefighter battles the Hughes Fire north of Santa Clarita on Jan. 22, 2025. REUTERS The damage to the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles from the Palisades Fire on Jan. 22, 2025. REUTERS The governor had asked for the Republican to put their differences aside for the hundreds of thousands of displaced residents who deserve to see us all working together in their best interests. Newsom called out Trump for spreading disinformation from the sidelines. Trump called for the Democrat to resign as Newsom faced backlash for the areas lack of preparation despite warnings of the dangerous Santa Ana winds and the failure of forest management leading up to the fires. One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground. Its ashes, and Gavin Newscum [sic] should resign. This is all his fault!!! Trump wrote on Truth Social. President Trump speaks to the media in the Oval Office of the White House on Jan. 23, 2025. AFP via Getty Images Trump also alleged Newsom chose to save an extinct fish species instead of sending more water to Southern California. He wanted to protect an essentially worthless fish called a smelt but didnt care about the people of California, he said. Trump recently called out Newsom during his first interview of his second term. This fire was just raging, and then it would catch to another area, another area, another area, he went on. It took a week and a half and Ive never seen anything like it. We look so weak, Trump told Fox News Sean Hannity Wednesday. Why is that you dont want millions of gallons of water a day pouring throughout California? he added. Millions of gallons of water is diverted, way up north in California into the Pacific Ocean. Trump described the fires as if a nuclear bomb had gone off and said he was unsure if he would meet with Newsom. I dont know, I havent even thought about it, he said. The two politicians have thrown verbal barbs at each other since before Trump was elected in 2016, when Newsom was still the lieutenant governor. A firefighter battles the Hughes Fire near Castaic Lake. REUTERS In a July 2015 Facebook post, Newsom called out the offensive and dangerous rhetoric the real estate mogul star used during his first campaign for office, especially against illegal immigrants. During a visit in November 2018, Trump and then-Gov.-elect Newsom toured the ruins of Paradise, Calif., following the deadly Camp Fire that killed 85 people. The Butte County blaze is the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in state history. A former Colorado Bureau of Investigation DNA scientist appeared in court Thursday to face criminal charges over data tampering that authorities said raises questions about the validity of more than 500 cases. Problems with the scientists work were found in cases involving homicide, sexual assault, robbery and other crimes, according to a law enforcement affidavit. In at least two cases, both homicides, the defendants received lesser sentences under plea deals than they could have faced if they went to trial because prosecutors were afraid Yvonne Missy Woods involvement could lead to acquittals. Woods was described as a star analyst by a former colleague who was interviewed by investigators, but also one who worked too fast and was not the most thorough, according to an internal affairs report. Authorities havent found any evidence of wrongful convictions, but prosecutors across the state are continuing to review the impacted cases. Yvonne Woods - Colorado First Judicial District Attorney's Office/AP Woods would sometimes be called as a witness during trials to explain DNA evidence against defendants. But on Thursday, Woods, who retired in 2023, appeared before a judge by video from a suburban Denver jail after turning herself in a day earlier. This gets to the heart of whether or not science can be trusted, whether or not law enforcement can be trusted and quite frankly whether the judicial system can be trusted, Jefferson County judge Graham Peper said during the short hearing. Woods allegedly told investigators at one point that she had changed data to complete cases more quickly, according to an arrest affidavit. Woods faces 52 counts of forgery, 48 counts of attempting to influence a public servant and one count each of perjury and cybercrime, for alleged misconduct between 2008 and 2023. The fallout from the alleged misconduct is still unfolding. In the most recent case to be impacted, Michael Shannel Jefferson was sentenced last week to 32 years in prison in the home invasion killing of Roger Dean in 1985. Jefferson was identified as a suspect in the cold case in 2021 through DNA evidence. The allegations against Woods led prosecutors to offer Jefferson a deal to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, rather than murder. He could be eligible for release in eight years. Jefferson maintains his innocence despite his plea. Deans daughter, Tamara Dean Harney, attended Woods Thursday hearing to see the former scientist held accountable. Its incredible to me that somebody like her could affect so many people in the way that she did. She just didnt consider what she was doing to all of us, to all of the cases, Harney said. The investigation into Woods alleged misconduct began in September 2023 after an intern at the state investigation bureau discovered missing information in a case that Woods handled in 2018. The subsequent probe into other cases she had worked found Woods altered data to conceal tampering, deleted data that showed she failed to troubleshoot issues within the testing process and did not thoroughly document tests performed in case records, authorities said. A Colorado Bureau of Investigations internal affairs report released last year revealed that concerns about Woods work first surfaced more than a decade ago. As early as 2014, a worker questioned her testing of evidence and in 2018 she was temporarily removed from working on DNA cases after being accused of data manipulation, the report said. In the first prosecution in the state believed to be impacted by Woods work, prosecutors gave Garrett Coughlin the chance to plead guilty to second-degree murder last year partly because they were unable to call Woods to testify in a case that relied mostly on circumstantial evidence. He was accused of killing three people in 2017. His original conviction and sentence were overturned when it was discovered at least one juror lied during jury selection. The deal allowed Coughlin to avoid a possible life sentence for felony murder. Because Woods flew back to Colorado after learning of the charges, Peper agreed to allow her to use a bail bond company to post her bond rather than paying the full $50,000 in cash in order to be released from jail. Woods attorney, Lindsay Brown, declined to comment after the hearing. The charges cover misconduct in 58 criminal investigations. It wasnt immediately clear why she wasnt charged in the others that prosecutors have called into question. The response to Woods alleged misconduct had cost more than $11 million, state officials said. Among those costs, the Colorado Department of Public Safety last year asked the Legislature for $7.5 million to pay for an independent lab to retest up to 3,000 DNA samples and for district attorneys to review and potentially reprosecute cases that are affected by lab errors. State officials announced Tuesday they had hired a consulting firm to review the states forensic program. Bureau of Investigations Director Chris Schaefer said in a statement that the hiring of Forward Resolutions LLC was part of the agencys effort to hold itself accountable following the allegations against Woods. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com En espanol The community of Culiacan, located in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, has once again been shaken by the tragic news of another murdered influencer. Adalberto Pena Urquidez, known as Adal Pena or "El Tata," aged 42, was shot while exercising near Plaza Vancouver in the Tres Rios neighborhood. The news have sparked concern on social media, where his followers and friends have shared messages of grief and expressed their condolences. A case with loose ends Adal Pena was a well-known figure on digital platforms, where he shared content about fitness and his daily life. With over 170,000 followers on TikTok and about 18,000 on Instagram, his influence extended beyond the local community. On the morning of Thursday, January 23, at approximately 7:40 AM, authorities reported a body found on Boulevard Rotarismo. After being called to the scene, authorities confirmed the victim to be Pena. The details of the attack remain unclear, but reports indicate that he was ambushed by an armed group while working out. Municipal police secured the scene, and the State Attorney General's Office has launched an investigation into the incident. More than an influencer The news of Adal Pena's murder deeply impacted not only his followers but also his family and friends. His wife shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, remembering him with love and emphasizing that he would forever remain in their hearts. Condolences poured in across social platforms, with many expressing sorrow over the loss of someone who had positively influenced so many lives. Beyond his fitness content, Pena often shared family moments and motivational messages, becoming an inspiration to young people pursuing a healthy lifestyle. His last social media post was a congratulatory message to a bodybuilder friend. A growing pattern of violence Pena's murder adds to a string of violent incidents in Sinaloa in recent months, including the deaths of several influencers reportedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. On the same day as Pena's killing, two municipal police officers were murdered in a separate attack. The region has seen a significant increase in violence, much of it tied to drug trafficking and other criminal activities. These events have led the community to demand justice and more effective measures from authorities to ensure public safety. Social media has become a platform for expressing frustration and seeking answers to the violence that affects not only public figures like Adal Pena but also ordinary citizens. Originally published in The Latin Times LONDON Kimberlee Singler, the Colorado mom who is accused of drugging and then killing two of her children before fleeing to the United Kingdom, has been told by a British court that she can be extradited back home to stand trial. Singler watched silently and without emotion during a brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in central London on Friday, where her challenge to a U.S. extradition order was rejected by District Judge John Zani. However, the case will now be considered by the British home secretary, Yvette Cooper, who has the final say on some high-profile extradition cases. And Singler intends to appeal the decision the British Supreme Court and then possibly at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, further delaying her return. She faces life in prison upon a successful conviction. Kimberlee Singler. Singler, 36, was arrested in London on Dec. 30, 2023 days after the lifeless bodies of her children, aged 7 and 9, were found at her home in Colorado Springs. She is accused of fatally shooting and stabbing them, as well as injuring a third child who survived and told police of their ordeal, and has been charged in absentia of seven counts, include two first degree murder charges. Singler's legal team had been resisting extradition on the basis that she denies the charges and that she would face a life sentence with no chance of parole, something judged to be cruel and unusual punishment according to European human rights law. Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights a legally binding statute followed by 46 countries, including the U.K. prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. But in a written judgment, Zani said he was satisfied that her extradition would be lawful because there was a "working mechanism of review in the form of executive clemency," meaning that, while highly unlikely, the governor of Colorado could choose to to pardon her. The judge said he was "of the firm opinion that the defendant's extradition to the United States of America to face criminal prosecution complies" with her constitutional rights. Singler has 14 days in which to launch an appeal. Westminster Magistrates Court has heard graphic detail of her alleged crimes in a series of hearings over the past year, in which Singler's attorney sparred with the U.K. government's attorney over the legality of her extradition. Edward Fitzgerald, Singler's attorney, said she was "coping very well" in prison, where she remains for the time being. USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Costco shareholders voted down an investor proposal from a conservative think tank that urged management to investigate the business risks of its diversity initiatives. More than 98% of shares voted against the proposal, according to preliminary results announced by Costco chairman Hamilton Tony James. He and other board members had asked shareholders to reject the proposal involving the company's diversity, equity and inclusion policies ahead of Thursday's annual meeting. "We owe our success to the more than 300,000 employees who serve our members every day. It is important that they all feel included and appreciated and that they transmit these values to our customers," James said. Ethan Peck from the National Center for Public Policy Research the right-leaning shareholder advocacy group that submitted the proposal argued in a prerecorded message that DEI is "illegal, immoral and detrimental to shareholder value" and poses litigation risks for the company. "By not hiring and promoting completely irrespective of race and sex in other words, by merit alone the company is not always hiring or promoting the best person for the job, and anything short of that is selling the success in the future of the company short, and therefore selling shareholders short," the message said. The vote came just days after President Donald Trump used executive power to crack down on DEI. Increasingly, companies are facing a DEI showdown at the shareholder ballot box. Apple recently recommended investors vote against a shareholder proposal to eliminate the companys DEI programs. Right-leaning groups like the National Center for Public Policy Research and the National Legal and Policy Center say they bring shareholder proposals to counter liberal politics invading corporate boardrooms and advancing a woke ideological agenda that puts businesses at risk. Seizing on the Supreme Courts 2023 decision striking down affirmative action in college admissions to challenge corporate diversity policies, these groups are bringing more DEI-related proposals before investors. While small, the number of anti-DEI shareholder proposals has more than tripled since 2020, according to the Conference Board. This proxy season, Walmart and Starbucks face similar proposals. Peck, deputy director of the National Center for Public Policy Researchs Free Enterprise Project, said his group plans 40 shareholder proposals this year, 12 focused on DEI. Our shareholder proposal efforts are very much in tandem with the general pushback against DEI, in that both the general pushback and our proposals are about exposing how DEI is discriminatory and value-destroying, he told USA TODAY. Right-leaning investors advance shareholder proposals even those likely to get low-single-digit support to make a point and get attention. Like Costco, corporate boards usually recommend shareholders vote against them. The measures typically get less than 2% of shareholder support. A Costco Wholesale warehouse sign is seen outside of a store in Silver Spring, Maryland, on August 5, 2023. Trump's DEI executive orders increase business risks Speaking to business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos Thursday, Trump called DEI programs "absolute nonsense." His latest executive order to end DEI in the federal government and affirmative action in federal contracting sent shockwaves through corporate America. Trump said his administration would investigate corporations that dont fall in line. That warning could fuel more shareholder activism over the potential legal and financial fallout from diversity initiatives. JPMorgan Chase is one of the companies that may become a target. When asked about a potential challenge to its DEI practices, CEO Jamie Dimon told CNBCs Squawk Box: Bring them on, though he said he would listen to arguments about where JPMorgan Chase is getting it wrong and make modifications. Facing a rapidly shifting political environment and under fire from conservative foundations, think tanks and political operatives, a growing list of major corporations have dialed back diversity efforts. Some companies retreated from DEI commitments shortly before Trump took office. Among them was Facebook and Instagram owner Meta as CEO Mark Zuckerberg looked to align his social media company with the Trump administration. Costco, Apple and others reject anti-DEI shareholder proposals Those rollbacks have critics who say companies are making shortsighted decisions that could undermine their businesses. Among them is the progressive shareholder advocacy group As You Sow, which issued a 2023 report showing a statistically significant correlation between diverse management and eight key financial metrics. These are businesses that have existed longer than four years. We expect them to exist beyond this four-year window in front of us, said Meredith Benton, principal founder of Whistle Stop Capital, which consults with As You Sow on DEI. What we want to see is them making decisions that are in their business interests over the long term. Customers wait in line to check out at a Costco store on December 11, 2024 in Novato, California. Some companies are standing by their DEI programs. None have defended those programs quite as vigorously as Costco. The National Center for Public Policy Research submitted the shareholder proposal, arguing that Costcos DEI initiatives hold litigation, reputational and financial risks to the company, and therefore financial risks to shareholders. Costcos board of directors voted unanimously to recommend shareholders reject the measure, arguing that diverse employees and suppliers fuel innovation in the merchandise it stocks and the services it offers. Our commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary, the directors said. The report requested by this proposal would not provide meaningful additional information. Costco CEO Ron Vachris also defended those practices to a concerned shareholder, saying his company does not use hiring quotas but focuses on giving all workers the same opportunities. If these are the policies you see as offensive, I must tell you I am not prepared to change, Vachris wrote in the exchange viewed by the Wall Street Journal. Stefan Padfield, director of the National Center for Public Policy Researchs Free Enterprise Project, said Costcos defiant response to a perfectly reasonable shareholder request was out of line. Simply asking shareholders to trust the status quo at Costco is insufficient, Padfield told USA TODAY. This is a rapidly changing landscape in terms of law, regulation, and market sentiment, and shareholders accordingly have good reason to ask for a review of practices, legal advice, and managerial information gathering and processing. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Costco shareholders reject anti-DEI proposal. Here's why they did. The acquisition of Greenland by the United States, as proposed by President Donald Trump, continues to make waves on the other side of the Atlantic as a Danish politician became the latest voice to reject the proposal. Anders Vistisen, a Danish member of the European Parliament for the far-right Danish Peoples Party, said the islands long history with the Danish kingdom makes it not for sale, Dear President Trump, listen very carefully. Greenland has been part of the Danish kingdom for 800 years. It is an integrated part of our country, Vistisen said. A 3D-printed miniature model of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and a Greenland map are seen in this illustration taken Jan. 15, 2025. Vistisen's remarks came during a meeting of the Parliament in Strasbourg, France as he went on to rebuke the sale proposal more forcefully. It is not for sale, Vistisen continued. Let me put it in words you might understand, Mr. Trump: F off. The heated remarks were quickly addressed by the European Parliament Vice President Nicolae Stefanuta, who said profane language was not allowed in the chamber. It is not OK in this house of democracy, Stefanuta said. Regardless of what we think of Mr. Trump, it is not possible to use such language. The exchange has become viral across social media and was posted by Vistisen on X, formerly known as Twitter. Trump has shown continued interest in the island Since Trumps victory in November, he has shown a continued interest in buying the island for national security purposes. Trump has also questioned whether Denmark, which has controlled Greenland since 1814, has a "legal right" to the territory and predicted that Greenland's people will vote to join the U.S. He warned that if Denmark does not give up Greenland, the U.S. will "tariff Denmark at a very high level." FILE PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during a press conference at Trump Tower in New York City on Sept. 6, 2024. Trump has also declined to rule out using the U.S. military to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal. "No, I can't assure you of either of those two. But I can say this: We need them for economic security. The Panama Canal was built for our military, Trump said during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. Who owns Greenland? Greenland, a territory of Denmark, has seen an increasingly popular independence movement, according to Reuters. On Jan. 3, Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede expressed his desire to pursue independence from Denmark. However, as the island continues to be a territory of Denmark, a theoretical purchase by the Trump administration would have to be approved by the Scandinavian nation. But, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has made it abundantly clear that Greenland is not for sale. In an interview on Danish television, Frederiksen said that there has been very, very clear that there is a lot of support among the people of Greenland that Greenland is not for sale and will not be in the future either. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Danish politician tells President Trump that Greenland is not for sale Courtesy of Conagra Brands Attention Dolly Parton fans and sweets fans: You're both about to be equally delighted. In January, Parton returned to the baking scene with the latest additions to her Dolly x Duncan Hines empire. This time, it includes a brand-new syrup that will make your breakfast even better. The new Original Syrup (selling for $4.29), Parton's website explains, "is irresistibly sweet" and is the "perfect pairing" for pancakes and waffles. However, the Tennessee-born country legend added that you shouldn't "be afraid to get creative by adding it to oatmeal, biscuits, French toast, pastries, and so much more." And here's the best part: The syrup comes in adorable guitar packaging that will brighten up your pantry and maybe make you belt out a Parton tune or two. Related: Dolly Parton Wont Forgive This Kitchen Mistake Here's How to Avoid It But hang on, because she's got more goodies to try. Extending her already successful line are the new Chocolate Chip and Sugar Cookie Mixes (selling for $3.49) along with the Vanilla and Strawberry Cake Mixes (selling for $2.69), all of which pair perfectly with Parton's new Creamy Vanilla and Strawberry Frostings (selling for $2.29). Parton really is doing it all when it comes to helping us be better prepared in the kitchen for when we need to whip up something sweet or delicious or need to just pour a nice glass of wine. In 2024, she launched new meal kits with Home Chef alongside her sister, Rachel Parton George. Those recipes came right out of her cookbook, Good Lookin Cookin', a 272-page cookbook also co-authored by George. Also in 2024, Parton unveiled her very own wine. The aptly named Dolly Wines is made via a collaboration between Parton Family Cellars and Accolade Wines. Dollys first wine is California Chardonnay from 2023, which is a blend of white peach, sweet cream, and toasty oak for a perfectly balanced sweetness. Not sure which Dolly-approved product to try? Maybe get them all to see which one is a favorite. Her new mixes and syrup are available at BakingWithDolly.com and at major grocery stores across the U.S. Who knows, maybe a little breakfast for dinner made with her syrup and buttermilk pancakes pairs perfectly with the chardonnay. Read the original article on Food & Wine The Senate narrowly confirmed Pete Hegseth as secretary of Defense late Friday night, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. Hegseth, who had been beset by allegations of sexual assault, public drinking and intoxication, and abusive treatment of women, secured the support of all but three Republicans to win confirmation with a 51-50 vote. Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the former Republican Senate leader who has previously clashed with President Donald Trump, joined all Democrats to vote against the nominee, resulting in a 50-50 tie. Vance, acting in his capacity as Senate president, broke the deadlock and provided the margin of victory. Hegseth's confirmation is the latest victory for Trump, who was in southern California during the vote, as he tries to get his Cabinet and top officials approved by Congress. Trump and first lady Melania Trump were making their first trip since Trumps inauguration for a second term earlier this week, visiting two areas of the country that have been devastated by natural disasters. Late Friday morning, the Trumps landed in western North Carolina, where recovery efforts are still ongoing after Hurricane Helene ripped through the area last year. Trump harshly criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency because of its hurricane response in North Carolina and said he would sign an executive order "overhauling" or even abolishing the agency. Afterwards, the president and his wife traveled to southern California, which has been rocked by brutal wildfires. The president, who was greeted by Gov. Gavin Newsom, has threatened to withhold relief from California if it doesn't reroute water to the southern part of the state. Trump is scheduled to end the day in Nevada, spending the night ahead of a campaign-style rally in Las Vegas on Saturday. Trump addressed via video the 52nd annual March for Life rally in Washington on Friday to protest against abortion. Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune also spoke. Keep up with live updates from across the USA TODAY Network. Pete Hegseth speaks during a Senate Armed Services committee hearing on his expected nomination to be Secretary of Defense on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Hegseth confirmed but loses support of three GOP senators Pete Hegseth, Donald Trumps nominee for Defense secretary, won Senate confirmation late Friday night but lost the support of three Republican senators. Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky joined all Democrats to vote against the military veteran and former Fox News host, resulting in a 50-50 tie. Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, providing Hegseth with the 51-50 margin needed for confirmation. "I thought I was done voting in the Senate," Vance, a former Ohio senator, quipped on X, adding a laugh-cry emoji. Hegseth showed up in person for the vote, an unusual turn of events. With his confirmation, Hegseth will now take charge of the nation's largest government agency, with 3 million service members and civilians and an $850 billion budget under the Pentagon's authority. Cybele Mayes-Osterman President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump speak with officials as they tour wildfire damage in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. Donald Trump tours fire damage in Los Angeles area President Trump walked Friday through a Pacific Palisades neighborhood devastated by the Palisades fire, one of multiple blazes in the Los Angeles area. Live video showed Trump walking on the street past burned houses, trees and cars with his wife, first lady Melania Trump, and emergency officials. Wearing a dark suit with no tie and a black MAGA hat with gold lettering, Trump stopped to speak with homeowners impacted by the fire. A man could be heard on the video feed saying people feel abandoned and let down by local authorities. Zac Anderson California Gov. Gavin Newsom walks with President Donald Trump upon his arrival at Los Angeles International Airport to tour areas impacted or destroyed by the southern California wildfires. Jan. 24, 2025. Newsom greets Trump at airport before wildfire tour President Trump warmly greeted California Gov. Gavin Newsom upon arriving in Los Angeles Friday to tour wildfire damage, pledging federal support after days of criticizing Democrats over the fires. Newsom was waiting for Trump at the bottom of the stairs as he departed from Air Force One. They embraced and spoke to the media together. Were gonna need your support, were gonna need your help, Newsom said. You were there for us during COVID, I dont forget that, and I have all the expectations that well be able to work together. Were gonna get it done, Trump responded, adding: Well get it worked out, ok? Trump noted that California will need a lot of federal help. Newsom agreed. Were gonna take care of things, Trump responded. Trump has said federal aid to support fire recovery could be contingent on policy changes. Earlier in the day he floated voting law changes in the state as one condition. Trump and Newsom have feuded over the years, with the president referring to the governor as Newscum. They didnt show any hints of that animosity Friday as wildfires still rage across the state. Zac Anderson Can Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes go to Capitol after Jan. 6 clemency? DOJ fights judge WASHINGTON After President Donald Trump granted clemency to Oath Keepers militia founder Stewart Rhodes for his Jan. 6-related conviction, a federal judge ordered Rhodes on Friday to stay away from the U.S. Capitol now that he is out of prison. Within hours, the Justice Department which under the Biden administration had secured Rhodes' 2022 conviction argued that Judge Amit Mehta didn't have the authority to issue that restriction. Trump commuted Rhodes' 18-year sentence Monday along with the sentences of 13 other defendants. He also pardoned roughly 1,500 defendants who faced Jan. 6-related charges. Rhodes left a federal prison in Cumberland, Maryland, on Tuesday and by Wednesday, he had visited Capitol Hill. Mehta issued his brief order, which also applied to seven other defendants whose sentences were commuted Monday, following that visit. The order states that all eight defendants need Mehta's permission to visit the Capitol in particular as well as Washington, D.C. in general. However, the Justice Department said in its motion that the commutation of Rhodes' sentence means he is no longer subject to the terms of probation or a supervised release from prison. Read the full story. Aysha Bagchi President Donald Trump shakes hands with a woman affected by Hurricane Helene, as Trump tour areas devastated by the hurricane to assess recovery efforts in Swannanoa, North Carolina, on Jan. 24, 2025. 'Quite a day': Devastated Pacific Palisades neighborhood abuzz ahead of Trump visit LOS ANGELES Activity buzzed outside Fire Station No. 69 in the Pacific Palisades late Friday morning in anticipation of President Trumps arrival to inspect the wildfire damage. The throng gathered less than a block from burned-down neighborhoods included members of the Secret Service, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department and Teddys Tacos. Its quite a day, said Teddy Vasquez, 39, surveying the scene near his taco truck that has been serving free food outside the firehouse since less than 72 hours after the fires broke out Jan. 7. Firefighters left their homes to be out here. The least I could do is come out here and feed them. With Trump expected to arrive by helicopter at about 2:30 p.m. local time, law enforcement walked along nearby Fiske Street, a demolished block of homes that Trump is expected to survey after an aerial tour of the ruin. Also, banquet tables have been set up inside the fire department for an emergency briefing that will include the president. Fire captain Jeff Brown, a key participant in the activities, declined comment. But Vasquez, the taco truck owner, was happy to chat about Trumps impending arrival as his workers began to heat flour tortillas. Hoping President Trump likes tacos, said Vasquez, who lives in Long Beach. I think he will after he tries Teddys. Josh Peter Less than a block away from Fire Station No. 69, the rubble of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Jan. 24, 2025, when President Donald Trump is expected to visit. I want more babies, Vance says in his first speech as vice president Vice President JD Vance on Friday told anti-abortion activists at their annual March for Life rally in Washington that the country had failed its citizens. We failed a generation not only by permitting a culture of abortion on demand, but also by neglecting to help young parents achieve the ingredients they need to lead a happy and meaningful life, he said. He said a culture of radical individualism had led to people viewing the responsibilities and joys of raising a family as obstacles. Our society has failed to recognize the obligation that one generation has to another as a core part of living in a society, he said. So let me say very simply, I want more babies in the United States of America. Vance, a former senator from Ohio, has advocated boosting the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $5,000 per child to help with the cost of raising children. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy Houses, trailers, bodies float past during Asheville flood: victim Thomas Bright described for President Trump his harrowing escape from a home that had been in his family for 80 years and four generations before Hurricane Helene destroyed it. Bright woke up at 5 a.m. to the sound of trees falling on the house in the Azalea Road area of East Asheville. He began moving five vehicles from around the house to a road about one-third of a mile away, as the floodwaters began to rise. When the water was ankle-deep inside the house, he retreated to a loft. When the water reached their hips, he made a makeshift ladder to climb onto the roof. He spent four hours on the roof writing farewell notes on his cellphone to his two children and his two grandchildren as debris from the storm floated past. His garage floated away before the water crested at about 4 feet high on the roof. We didnt think we were going to make it at all, Bright said. We were watching houses, trailers, bodies coming by us. --Bart Jansen Horrific: Fairview resident tells Trump of flood and bodies Mona Nix-Roper, who lives in the Fairview area of North Carolina, told President Trump her home became like an island in September as floodwaters from Hurricane Helene rose around it. She was home alone because her husband was staying with a 98-year-old neighbor to make sure she was alright. When Nix went out to check the road and bridge that provide access to her home, she found they were gone. Fire Department officials urged her the next day to evacuate because of the risk of landslides. Her 21-year-old son Nathan hiked in five miles after roads became impassable to help her leave. He said, Mom, grab a bag, weve got to go, Nix said. I said, Son, theres no way I can hike out of here. He said, No, weve got to go. As they walked out, they saw a neighbors body that had turned blue in the water. Horrific is just all I can say, Nix said. There were people out everywhere looking for their loved ones. And there were dead bodies. My sons like, Mom, youre going to see things you dont want to see. Nixs home was without power for two months, so she lived in her churchs sound room. Others had lost everything, so she said she is embarrassed to ask for help. We need help, Nix said. Its just heartbreaking. Trump appeared moved. Ive seen a lot of bad things, but Ive never seen anything like it, Trump said. Bart Jansen Trump thanks March for Life activists via video When Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, President Trump on Friday said a historic wrong was set right thanks to the tireless work and devotion across five decades of anti-abortion rights activists as he addressed March for Life rallygoers at the National Mall. Three years ago, I was so proud to be a participant, he said. Six courageous justices of the Supreme Court of the United States returned the issue to the state legislatures and to the people where it belongs. In his second term, Trump said he would stand proudly for families and for life. Under my leadership, the reformed Department of Justice will finally investigate the radical left attacks on churches and crisis pregnancy centers, and we will bring perpetrator to justice, he said. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy Pastor describes generosity of volunteers helping recovery Pastor Ramona Nix told President Trump she had dedicated her Eagle Rock, North Carolina church a week before the storm arrived with Hurricane Helene in September. Nix stayed in the church building for three months, sleeping on the floor for three weeks, because the communitys needs were so great. Her son ferried supplies in, Nix said. Before the week was over, the church was so packed, we couldnt even walk, Nix said. Even our sanctuary, it was up to the platform. Volunteers arrived from Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, Indiana and Oklahoma to help with the recovery. They were coming in day and night, Nix said. At one point, Nix asked a woman who arrived if she could do anything special for her. She said, I dont want to be selfish, but could I have a cup of coffee, Nix said. I handed her that coffee and she stood there. Tears just poured. She said, You dont realize how important the little things. Its not the big things in life that we have, but its the little things. Bart Jansen I didnt think I was going to make it: NC victim to Trump Kim West described her harrowing escape from her home as it flooded from Hurricane Helene in September, as President Trump visited the storm-ravaged Swannanoa, North Carolina. As the river waters rose near their house, Kim and her husband Chris West started moving vehicles to higher ground along the road. By then, water was ankle deep inside the house. Kim West grabbed her purse and pug dog, and Chris West put dog food in a trash bag. By the time we got into the driveway, it was already waist deep, West said. I didnt think I was going to make it. They were stuck on local roads for hours because of flooding. The waters finally receded about midnight, after they began evacuating at 5 a.m. We just lost everything that we had, West said. Didnt even have a brush for like three days. Bart Jansen Thune and Johnson address March for Life rallygoers Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., on Friday addressed the annual March for Life rally at the National Mall in Washington, saying the anti-abortion rights protesters were not alone. You are part of a great movement united around the truth. That every life is precious, he said. I stand with you in this fight and so do many of my colleagues in Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., talked about being a product of an unplanned teen pregnancy" born in 1972, one year before abortion was legalized when Roe v. Wade became the law of the land. I am so eternally grateful that my mom and dad ignored all the people who told them to just take care of that problem, he said. They chose to embrace life and to have me the first of their four children. On Thursday, President Trump granted pardons to 23 anti-abortion rights activists. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy Trump suggests abolishing FEMA President Trump ratcheted up his criticism with the suggestion he might abolish the Federal Emergency Management Agency because of its response in North Carolina to lingering damage from Hurricane Helene in September. Ill also be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA or maybe even getting rid of FEMA, Trump said after a briefing in Fletcher, North Carolina. Frankly, FEMAs not good. Trump accused FEMA crews of being unfamiliar with areas when responding to disasters. FEMA also imposes rules and requirements on crews that arent as good as what local officials provide, Trump said. The federal government should instead send funding to governors to manage their own response to disasters, he said. FEMA has turned out to be a disaster, Trump said. I think were going to recommend that FEMA go away and we pay directly we pay a percentage to the state. After speaking with flood victims in Swannanoa, North Carolina, Trump later added, If it was up to me right now, Id end it right now." Bart Jansen Politics shadow Trump's visit to North Carolina Glimpses of the politics behind disaster aid were visible as President Trump visited North Carolina to review damage from Hurricane Helene. Trump recalled a whistleblower reported that Federal Emergency Management Agency crews refused to help people with Trump's 2024 presidential campaign signs in their yards. Thats not good, the president said. Trump noted that North Carolina and adjoining Tennessee each supported him in the last election the Volunteer State slightly more. The president also called for California to adopt voter ID, to ensure the citizenship of voters, to receive disaster aid for its wildfires around Los Angeles. Throughout his comments at a briefing in Fletcher, North Carolina, Trump cited problems with former President Joe Bidens response to the disaster that left 104 people in North Carolina dead, 73,000 homes severely damaged or destroyed and Asheville without running water for two months. It doesnt matter at this point: Biden did a bad job, Trump said. Bart Jansen Tennessee governor thanks Trump for helping Appalachia Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee, whose state abuts North Carolina and was also damaged by Hurricane Helene, attended President Trumps briefing on the disaster and thanked him. The people in this region including Tennessee, the people of Appalachia are grateful that you are here and that you havent forgotten them, Lee said. There are other disasters. This was enormous for both North Carolina and Tennessee. Trump joked about which state gave him more votes. I hate to tell you, North Carolina, it was Tennessee," the president said. Lee said one of the counties hurt in the disaster supported Trump with 88% of the vote. Bart Jansen Anthony Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, waves goodbye to lawmakers after testifying in front of the House Oversight and Accountability Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on June 3, 2024 in Washington. Trump says Anthony Fauci can hire his own security President Trump said the federal security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, a former head of the National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Disease, had been removed Thursday because it cant last a lifetime and he could hire his own protection. Fauci led the federal health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to harsh criticism from Republicans about studies of the origin of the disease and the lockdowns to combat it during the first year. When you work for government, at some point your security detail comes off, Trump told reporters while visiting storm-damaged North Carolina. You cant have them forever. Trumps former national security adviser, John Bolton, and secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, also lost their security details during the first week of his administration. They all made a lot of money, they can hire their own security, too, Trump said. Bart Jansen U.S. President Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump following a disaster briefing at a hanger, as he visits to assess recovery efforts and tour areas devastated by Hurricane Helene, at Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville, North Carolina, U.S., January 24, 2025. NC Reps. Edwards, Foxx and Moore to help lead recovery Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, who is from North Carolina, announced he would help guide recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene with three House Republicans from the region with the most damage. The lawmakers are GOP Reps. Chuck Edwards, Virginia Foxx and Tim Moore. Trump announced that Whatley would lead the recovery effort with Democratic Gov. Josh Stein. Bart Jansen Trump wants voter ID in California for disaster aid President Trump said on Friday he would like to see two changes in California the adoption of voter ID and the redirection of water from the northern part of the state to the south in exchange for disaster aid for wildfires. Trump said he wanted voter identification to ensure the citizenship of voters. He also repeated his complaint that the state should divert funding from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Los Angeles to fight fires. I want two things, Trump told reporters upon his arrival in Asheville, North Carolina. After that, I will be the greatest president California has ever seen. Bart Jansen U.S. President Donald Trump greets a youngster as he arrives to assess recovery efforts and tour areas devastated by Hurricane Helene, at Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville, North Carolina, U.S., January 24, 2025. Trump says OPEC lowering oil prices is key to stopping war in Ukraine Trump said his proposal for the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to reduce the price of oil is key to stopping the war in Ukraine. We want to see OPEC cut the price of oil and that will automatically stop the tragedy thats taking place in Ukraine, Trump said in Asheville, North Carolina. Its a butchering tragedy, for both sides, by the way. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Trump said a key to stopping the war is for OPEC to cut its prices because if you have it high, that war is not going to end so easily. OPEC ought to get on the ball and they ought to drop the price of oil and that war will stop right away, Trump said. Bart Jansen US President Donald Trump, with First Lady Melania Trump, speaks to the press upon arrival at Asheville Regional Airport in Fletcher, North Carolina, on January 24, 2025, to visit the region devastated by Hurricane Helene. Trump offers a lot of money to NC, overhaul of FEMA President Trump told reporters in Asheville, North Carolina, that the federal government would supply a lot of the money to repair damage from floods and landslides after Hurricane Helene. Trump also proposed to overhaul the FEMA so that states respond to their own disasters rather than the federal government. Were going to fix it as fast as we can, Trump said. Its a massive amount of damage. Trump said Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, who is from North Carolina, and Democratic Gov. Josh Stein would work on plans for demolition of damaged buildings and cleaning up debris. Trump said the federal government would probably provide 75% of the funding. Were going to supply the money, a lot of the money, Trump said. Trump said he would review the whole concept of FEMA because states such as Florida with hurricanes and Oklahoma with tornadoes are better at responding to disasters. Id like to see the states take care of disasters, Trump said. I think youre going to find it a lot less expensive less than half and youre going to get a much quicker response. Bart Jansen Schiff glad Trump will see devastation from wildfires Sen. Adam Schiff, a frequent critic of President Trump, said hes glad Trump is visiting Los Angeles to tour the wildfire damage but that he and Sen. Alex Padilla have votes scheduled and couldnt attend. Im glad that hes going to see the devastation because I think, frankly, until you see it and the scope of it whole neighborhoods gone block after block after block its hard to wrap your head around, Schiff told MSNBCs Morning Joe. US Senator Adam Schiff, Democrat from California, speaks during a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing for former US Representative Lee Zeldin on his nomination to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on January 16, 2025. But Schiff said he hoped Trump and congressional Republicans wouldnt put conditions on funding for disaster aid. We've never done that when it comes to our fellow citizens who are hurting, Schiff said. And California, frankly, has been the most generous state in terms of supporting our fellow citizens, whether they're in red states or blue when they face disaster. Schiff said overhauling the Environmental Protection Agency and the FEMA, as Trump has suggested, are areas that could lead to bipartisan support. All of that is ample ground to get together and make things happen, Schiff said. Bart Jansen U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump (left) walk on the tarmac to board Air Force One as they depart for North Carolina at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, U.S., January 24, 2025. Trump said he didnt invite California Sen. Adam Schiff on trip President Trump said he didnt invite Sen. Adam Schiff, a frequent Democratic critic, on the trip to areas of Los Angeles damaged by wildfires. Is he going? I don't know. I mean, I really don't know, Trump said. You know, if he's going to be there it would be cheaper, but I didn't invite him. Somebody did." Schiff, D-Calif., has asked that disaster aid for California not come with strings attached, after Republicans suggested potential restrictions on the funding. Schiff is a former member of the U.S. House who previously led the first impeachment of Trump over his dealings with Ukraine and has questioned whether his nominees to become Cabinet secretaries will act independently from him. Bart Jansen Trump said he will watch March for Life President Trump said he would be watching the March for Life in Washington as he traveled to North Carolina and California to visit disaster areas. He said Vice President JD Vance would represent the administration very well. Im going to be watching it, Trump said. Hes going to be representing us very well. Trump also noted that he pardoned 23 people who he said were "unjustly" charged for protesting outside abortion clinics. It was disgraceful what happened, Trump said. Bart Jansen Trump calls DOD nominee Pete Hegseth a good man President Trump praised his nominee to lead the Defense Department, Pete Hegseth, as a good man but didnt predict what would happen with his Senate confirmation vote scheduled for late Friday. Hes a good man. I dont know whats going to happen, Trump said. I hope he makes it. GOP Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against limiting debate on the nomination. Trump also questioned whether Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., would support Hegseth because Trump and McConnell have had disputes in the past. I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that, Trump said. Bart Jansen Members of the media work as U.S. President Donald Trump departs the White House aboard Marine One during his first trip as the new president, in Washington, U.S., January 24, 2025. Trump: North Carolina was allowed to fester President Trump told reporters on Friday morning outside the White House that hes going to North Carolina because the state has been treated badly since Hurricane Helene and to California where he said the wildfires should have been extinguished already. North Carolina is a horrible thing the way thats been allowed to fester. It should have been done months ago, Trump said. North Carolina has been treated very badly. Trump will visit Los Angeles later in the day to hear about the wildfires. Were going to take a look at the fire if they let the water flow, but they didnt let the water flow, Trump said. Bart Jansen U.S. first lady Melania Trump looks on as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media, during departure from the White House for his first trip as the new president, in Washington, U.S., January 24, 2025. Trump's travel schedule minute by minute President Trump left the White House by helicopter at 9:16 a.m. for his tour of disaster areas in North Carolina and California on Friday. Heres where he is going (all times Eastern Standard Time): 11 a.m. in Fletcher, N.C.: Trump will receive a briefing on the recovery from Hurricane Helene, which flooded much of western North Carolina in September. Participants include a handful of lawmakers, state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler; state House Speaker Dustin Hall; and Franklin Graham, president of Samaritans Purse. 12:05 p.m. in Swannanoa, N.C.: Trump meets with families affected by the hurricane. Participants include Ramona Nix, pastor of Eagle Rock Church; and people who received benefits from Samaritans Purse: homeowners Chris and Kim West; Thomas Bright and Jackie Mitchell; and Curtis A., Amber and Curtis B. Wright. 1:15 p.m. Trump leaves Asheville Regional Airport on a flight to Los Angeles. 5:40 p.m. Trump arrives at Los Angeles International Airport. U.S. President Donald Trump boards Air Force One as he departs for North Carolina at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, U.S., January 24, 2025. 6:25 p.m. Trump tours the Pacific Palisades Neighborhood. Participants include Fire Capt. Jeff Brown; Jason Hing, chief deputy of emergency services for the Fire Department; and homeowners Mike and Gaby Shaw. 7:05 p.m. Trump receives an emergency briefing in Pacific Palisades. Other participants include Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass; Ric Grenell, presidential envoy for special missions; Randy Moore, chief of the U.S. Forest Service; Kathryn Barger, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors; and Ed Ring, director of water and policy for the California Policy Center; and a dozen House members. 8:20 p.m. Trump leaves for Los Angeles airport. 8:50 p.m. Trump flights to Las Vegas, where he will spend the night. Bart Jansen Deportation flights have begun: White House press secretary White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Friday announced that Trumps campaign promise of mass deportation of undocumented immigrants was underway. Deportation flights have begun, she wrote on X. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences." Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences. pic.twitter.com/CTlG8MRcY1 Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 24, 2025 Leavitt also included two photos of people boarding military aircraft. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy North Carolina Gov. Stein to meet Trump North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein is planning to meet Trump on the tarmac of Asheville Regional Airport during Trumps visit to Western North Carolina, according to The Citizen-Times, a USA TODAY Network partner. Earlier in the week, Stein, a Democrat, said Trumps planned visit to western North Carolina, which was ravaged by Tropical Storm Helene nearly four months ago, was very good news for the regions residents. The storm killed more than 100 people across the state and caused an estimated $60 billion in damage, according to the latest estimate from the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management. Asheville Citizen-Times U.S. President Donald Trump sits in the Oval Office of the White House, as he signs executive orders, in Washington, U.S., January 23, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque What is Trumps schedule today? Trump's disaster-area tour begins around 10 a.m. EST on his first trip away from Washington. First comes a late morning visit to hurricane-damaged Asheville, North Carolina. He'll then be wheels up on Air Force One in the early afternoon, heading west to Los Angeles and Santa Monica to visit areas ravaged by multiple wildfires. Trump is expected to reach California around 6:15 p.m. EST. The president ends his Friday with a flight to Las Vegas, where he'll spend the night before hosting a downtown rally on Saturday. Trump won Nevada in 2024 after losing it four years earlier, and he recently told reporters he wanted to thank them for the votes. A video message from the president will also play at the annual March for Life rally by anti-abortion advocates on Capitol Hill this morning. Vice President JD Vance will address the crowd during the rally in his first public appearance in his new role. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy Judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order, calling it 'blatantly unconstitutional' A federal judge in Seattle on Thursday blocked Trump's administration from implementing an executive order curtailing the right to automatic birthright citizenship in the United States, calling it "blatantly unconstitutional." U.S. District Judge John Coughenour at the urging of four Democratic-led states issued a temporary restraining order preventing the administration from enforcing the order, which the Republican president signed on Monday during his first day in office. The order has already become the subject of five lawsuits by civil rights groups and Democratic attorneys general from 22 states, who call it a flagrant violation of the U.S. Constitution. Reuters Trump's CIA director confirmed The Senate easily confirmed CIA Director John Ratcliffe with a bipartisan 74-25 vote Thursday afternoon, making him the second of Trumps cabinet picks to clear the chamber after Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Ratcliffe previously served as the director of national intelligence during the first Trump administration. Riley Beggin This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hegseth confirmed; Trump tours fire damage in LA Editors note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travels weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. They call it the Freedom Trail. A line that snakes through Boston, a walking tour that takes in all the must-see locations where modern America began. Sure, at just two and a half miles it sounds short, but with so many firsts to see, youll need more than a day to do it justice. One of those firsts is where the Freedom Trail begins. Boston Common is Americas very first public park. It was first set aside in 1640 for military training and grazing cattle before it became what it is today, a place to while away time and get acquainted with Bostons rich history. This place is, after all, where youll find the story of America on every corner, where revolutionary zeal led to the fight for independence from the British. One of the Freedom Trails most important stop-offs is the Old South Meeting House, where many of the assemblies of those revolutionaries took place, including one before the Boston Tea Party a 1773 taxation protest that saw chests of tea dumped in Bostons harbor, triggering a series of events that would turbocharge American independence. Today you can even head down to the water for a full-scale reenactment, with actors channeling their inner revolutionary and delivering word-for-word speeches. Its stirring stuff and reveals why it was no surprise that it all kicked off here in Boston. After all, this was one of the first English settlements in the American colonies, founded in 1630. And 140 years later, when parliament back home tried to impose a tea tax and a trading monopoly, lets just say things didnt go as the British had planned. We look at the Boston Tea Party as the single most important event that led up to the American Revolution, says Evan OBrien, creative director of the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. He isnt wrong. The British viewed the Boston Tea Party as an act of treason and retaliated with punitive measures that would ultimately lead to conflict. Boston Harbor: Arguably where the revolution started. - Kyle Klein/Meet Boston We were the catalyst which then propelled America into actual war. There were about a thousand people that night watching the destruction of the tea along the shores, says OBrien. As for my personal family history. Im torn. I have a lot of English ancestry, a lot of American ancestry. So perhaps Id be on the shore watching and huzzah-ing along! History at every turn There is, of course, a need to stop and eat too. An apt place is the Union Oyster House, which is claimed as the oldest continually operating restaurant in the United States. Here you can eat what are claimed as the best oysters in the world, straight from Duxbury Bay, a place with a deep, long history, about 35 miles south of Boston. Boston's Union Oyster House. - Martin Thomas/Alamy Stock Photo Duxbury is a location thats also pioneering the way towards a more sustainable future. Shellfish farmer Skip Bennett grew up on these waters and has become the go-to guy for all things oyster. The delicious shellfish he trades in are a cornerstone of the Boston and New England culinary scene and go back way before the colonists decided they wanted a piece of the Massachusetts pie in the 17th century. Native Americans harvested the oysters here for centuries, the Wampanoag people continuing to assert their right to do so today. For Bennett, his farming operation is all part of something bigger. He has previously dubbed Duxbury Bay as the Napa Valley of oysters and his harvest sells to the very best restaurants in the city. But, as he points out, his oysters act as a vital filter for water which has been polluted by nitrogen. Their presence helps to prevent algal blooms and create cleaner, clearer water. And thats before the economic benefits of having his own hatchery and nursery, as well as staff whose dollars remain in the local area, creating a stronger economy in the process. This whole place is personal for Bennett, too. From his oyster farm, you can see where the first pilgrims arrived in New England in 1620. This is Clarks Island. Its part of Plymouth. Its in the middle of Duxbury, in Plymouth Bay. And its actually where the pilgrims spent their first Sabbath. So they came ashore and spent a few days in late December, 1620. My family settled here and they never left, theyve been here ever since the Mayflower. Hang on a moment, is Bennett saying hes a direct descendant of those famous Mayflower pilgrims? Pretty much everybody on the Mayflower! The midnight message The Paul Revere House on the Freedom Trail. - Ian Dagnall/Alamy Stock Photo In Boston theres more of those firsts. Theres the aforementioned Boston Common and, of course, Harvard, founded in 1636 and the very first university in North America. And back on the Freedom Trail, the phrase: oldest continuously operating is a recurring theme. The plaques that mark them are dotted everywhere, even in places like Ebenezer Hancock House, apparently the site of the United States oldest continually operating shoe store, which opened in 1798 and went out of business in 1968. Someone strong connections to the Freedom Trail is Paul Revere. His house is one of the key stop-offs and for good reason. It was his midnight ride on April 18, 1775, that warned that the British were coming and helped the Patriots win the battles of Concord and Lexington. Reveres ride was famously immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his 1860 poem Paul Reveres Ride. But while that classic work broadly tells the correct story of Reveres efforts, Longfellows poetic licence means that a few lines are what might politely be termed fictionalized. Nina Zannieri is the executive director at the Paul Revere House and is on hand for fact-checking a few lines. He said to his friend if the British march by land or sea The sea is confusing to people. Were talking about going across the harbor to Charlestown, she clarifies. And I, on the opposite shore, will be ready to ride! Oh oh oh oh stop, says Zannieri. Thats the part that we, that is, ugh. Its terrible! Its the worst part. Revere doesnt have to be on the opposite shore waiting for the signals. He devised the signals! At least, though, Zannieri doesnt mind the final lines. In the hour of darkness and peril and need/The people will waken and listen to hear/ The hurrying hoofbeats of that steed/And the midnight message of Paul Revere. The Freedom Trail may only cover a few short miles. But the stories it helps to tell and the history it brings to life make it something far more than just a walk through a modern, buzzing city. In fact, for such a small area, there is just so much magic to enjoy and to get lost in, whether its Boston Common, Union Oyster House, some of Americas very best museums or further afield in places like Duxbury Bay. Remembering every line of Paul Reveres Ride is, however, optional. CNNs Richard Quest contributed to this story. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Spanish business circles believe banking giant Sabadell's decision to return its headquarters to Catalonia will entice back the thousands of firms that fled after the region's botched 2017 independence bid. The European country's fourth-biggest bank announced on Wednesday it would return to the wealthy northeastern region because "the circumstances that motivated its move over seven years ago no longer exist". Up to 7,000 companies moved their headquarters out of Catalonia after the regional government held a secession referendum deemed illegal by the courts, and unilaterally declared independence in 2017. The upheaval -- Spain's worst political crisis in decades -- caused acute uncertainty for banks as the European Central Bank's deposit insurance scheme would have no longer protected their customers in an independent Catalonia. Although the firms including CaixaBank and energy giant Naturgy continued to operate normally in Catalonia, the exodus was politically and symbolically important. Separatist parties Junts per Catalunya and ERC, which viewed the flight as an act of treachery, tried in vain to coax them back. Salvador Illa, who ended more than 13 years of pro-independence Catalan governments when he was elected regional leader last year, claimed Sabadell's move proved a page had been turned. "We are on the right path," the Socialist said, highlighting his region's "legal security" and "institutional stability". Sabadell's return to its historic home is "a big step so that Catalonia is once again the locomotive of the Spanish economy", said Josep Sanchez Llibre, head of the regional employers' organisation. "I said many relevant companies would return to Catalonia and this is coming to pass... There will be more news of company returns shortly," he added. University of Barcelona economy professor Gonzalo Bernardos told the television channel La Sexta that Sabadell's decision "represents a path for more companies to come back." 'Political' move? The boss of Spain's main business confederation, Antonio Garamendi, was also optimistic that "everyone comes back home" in the wake of Sabadell. But a potential influx of company headquarters back to Catalonia could take some time. CaixaBank said it would keep its operations based in the eastern city of Valencia "indefinitely", while Naturgy and telecommunications firm Cellnex have confirmed a return to Catalonia is not their priority. ERC spokesman Gabriel Rufian dismissed Sabadell's announcement as "anecdotal" and pointed to a "campaign" by Illa to portray "an alleged return to normality" in Catalonia. Some observers believe Sabadell's return is motivated more by its attempts to stave off a hostile takeover bid by larger Spanish rival BBVA. The move was "political" because Catalan authorities could increase their support for Sabadell and "complicate" the takeover bid, according to analysis firm Bestinver. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Some of the biggest names in tech stood behind President Donald Trump on Inauguration Day. Hours later, he delivered a directive that took one potential tax headache off their plate. In one of the many executive orders he signed Monday, Trump signaled the US wouldn't enact an agreement among 140 countries that aimed to stem a "so-called race to the bottom" on corporate income tax rates. The first part of the order largely solidifies where the US stands policywise on the global minimum tax deal, while, in the second half, Trump warned of retaliation if other countries punish US companies through extra taxes, a threat that may have sounded sweet to those tech bigwigs. "Those are the companies that might be worried about a hit," said Alan Cole, senior economist at The Tax Foundation. From left, Priscilla Chan, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Lauren Sanchez, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk attend the 60th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 20. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool Photo via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) What is the global minimum tax deal? The deal reached in 2021 offers a two-part plan. Pillar One dictates that large multinational companies pay taxes in countries where their customers are located even if the companies have no physical operations there. Pillar Two, which the executive order targets, sets a global minimum tax rate of 15% on multinational corporations with revenue above 750 million (~$788 million), no matter where they operate. It also allows countries that have adopted Pillar Two to levy an undertax charge on companies that pay taxes in countries that have a tax rate below the global minimum. "The goal of this is to fight tax evasion and tax avoidance and the erosion of the tax base where multinationals would shift income from high-tax jurisdictions to low-tax jurisdictions," said Thomas Brosy, a senior research associate in the Tax Policy Center. For instance, take the tiny island of Jersey, a self-governing dependency of the UK with its own tax jurisdiction. Right now, if a company routes $1 billion through the island, which has a corporate rate of 0%, but "just takes a tiny fraction of a percent of it as some sort of fee or tax," Cole said, that's substantial money for the island's small population and major financial tax savings for the company. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) headquarters in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) "It's hard for a regular country to compete with that because they actually want to raise revenue because they have a lot of people to take care of," Cole said. Multinational companies can shift that global income from one country to another because their operations can span multiple countries. When they need to make a judgment call for tax purposes, corporations "love to lean in the direction of the low-tax jurisdiction," Cole said. The undertaxed profits rule In fact, the example of the island of Jersey is not hypothetical. Apple Inc. (AAPL) rerouted some of its profits it had in Ireland to Jersey after coming under heat from a Senate investigative committee, according to a 2017 investigation. That entire scenario would change under the global tax deal. Let's say a Chinese company is stashing a lot of its income in the island of Jersey, but doing very little business there. Instead, the company is selling its products or services mostly in the UK and Germany. Under Pillar Two, the UK and Germany can tax the Chinese company more in their own countries because it's being undertaxed in Jersey. This is called the undertaxed profits rule, or UTPR. This becomes problematic for US tech companies because of the way the global tax deal calculates the tax rate a company pays in a country. While the US corporate tax rate for domestic companies is 21% well above the 15% minimum the research and development tax credit in the US is counted as a reduction in tax under Pillar Two's calculation. So companies that take the R&D credit like tech corporations can reduce their effective tax rate below the 15% threshold, opening themselves up to the deal's undertaxed profits rule. Heres how that math is working out for the biggest and best-known tech giants: Meta Platforms Inc. (META), formerly Facebook Inc., attributed the decrease in its effective tax rate to 12% in the third quarter of 2024 from 17% the year before to "an increase in research tax credits," according to its most recent quarterly filing. The effective tax rate that Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) (GOOG), Google's parent company, paid in 2023 was 13.9%. The federal research credit shaved off 1.8 percentage points from the 21% corporate tax rate, according to the company's 10-K filing, along with other deductions and tax benefits. And it still had $600 million in federal R&D credits that it could carry forward to future years. At the end of 2023, Tesla had a negative effective tax rate, according to its 10-K, and $1.1 billion worth of deferred federal research and development tax credits that it could carry forward before they begin to expire in 2036. And Amazon said in its third quarter report that "for 2024, we estimate that our effective tax rate will be favorably impacted by the US federal research and development credit." The company is set to report its 2024 results on Feb. 6. President Donald Trump signs an executive order as he attends an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event at Capital One Arena on Jan. 20 in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) That's why Trump's executive order on Monday is probably popular with the tech set, along with other types of companies that utilize the US research and development tax credit such as biotech, pharma, and crypto firms among others. But it may have been unnecessary. While the Biden administration supported the global minimum tax, Congress had made no moves toward legislating it into law, with Republicans staunchly against the deal. And Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was negotiating an allowance that would not penalize US companies for taking the research and development credit in the first place. A safe harbor rule in the deal also would have shielded the US from the undertax rule, Cole said. In essence, US companies were insulated even before the new administration took office. "Maybe that's unappealing in some ways because we're changing the way we do things just for the biggest and most powerful country," Cole said, "but that's also a realistic way of functioning in the world." And if any country forgot that, Trump's promise to retaliate served as a reminder. Janna Herron is a Senior Columnist at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X @JannaHerron. Click here for the latest technology news that will impact the stock market Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Jonesboro, Ark., police officer Joseph Harris was fired after being caught on his patrol car video elbowing and punching a handcuffed man and then slamming the car door on his head after the man choked himself with a seat belt. A former Arkansas police officer who was caught on video beating a handcuffed man in the back of a patrol car in August has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault. Joseph Harris turned himself in Tuesday morning at the Craighead County Sheriffs Office to face charges of aggravated assault, filing a false police report and third-degree battery. He was released the same morning on a $15,000 bond, a jail official said. Harris, 29, was fired from the Jonesboro Police Department a day after he was recorded on his patrol car camera elbowing, punching and slamming a car door against the head of a handcuffed man, Billy Lee Coram, after video showed Coram appearing to choke himself with a seat belt. Coram was being transferred from a hospital back to jail in Craighead County. Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott previously told NBC News that he learned of the video after receiving a complaint from the county sheriffs office. The serious nature of the complaint necessitated prompt action, the department said in a statement in August, the same day Elliott said he became aware of the video. Following an internal review of the incident, it was determined that the officer involved, Joseph Harris, should be terminated effective immediately. A phone number was not listed for Harris. He did not immediately reply to messages sent to email addresses listed for him. It is unclear whether he has an attorney. He is next due in court Feb. 28. In the nearly 12-minute video, Coram, who was dressed in a hospital gown and socks, choked himself with a seat belt wrapped around his neck while the car was moving. After the car pulled over, Harris opened the door and punched and elbowed Coram several times in the face as he unraveled the seat belt from Corams neck. Harris also slammed the car door against Corams head. School shooting in U.S. Tennessee leaves 2 dead Xinhua) 10:54, January 24, 2025 NEW YORK, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- A shooting at the Antioch High School near Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday left two students dead, sending shockwaves through the community and caused many clamoring for answers and gun reform. The victims included a teenage girl and the suspected shooter himself. Two other students were injured, one from a bullet graze and the other not from the gunfire, but from a fall, reported USA Today on Thursday. Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Adrienne Battle called it a "heartbreaking day" for Antioch High, Metro Nashville Police Department, and the greater Nashville community, whose residents are all too familiar with the scourge of gun violence. Nearly two years prior, three nine-year-old students and three adult staff members were killed in a shooting at The Covenant School, a private elementary school in Nashville. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) En espanol CNN announced over 200 layoffs, sparking concern in the company and the media, with many speculating the move is connected with Donald Trump's inauguration. According to CEO Mark Thompson, the move is part of a broader effort to modernize and adapt to shifting news consumption trends, which increasingly favor digital platforms and streaming services. The context In recent years CNN has faced a significant decline in viewership, especially since Donald Trump's first election. The network has struggled to navigate a changing media landscape, where traditional TV audiences are shrinking and more people turn to the internet and social media for news. Thompson called this transformation "essential" to ensuring CNN remains a trusted news source in a world with an ever-growing demand for unbiased reporting. Despite the cuts Thompson announced plans to invest $70 million in digital initiatives, including creating new roles in digital journalism and technology development. New digital initiatives CNN's new strategies include launching its own streaming service and revamping its television programming. The network seeks to attract younger, tech-savvy audiences by offering content accessible on any device. This effort includes a newly launched digital subscription model, priced at $3.99 per month, providing frequent users with exclusive content. Thompson stressed that while layoffs are challenging, they are necessary to secure CNN's future. The network's goal is to generate $1 billion in digital revenue by 2030, underscoring the importance of its shift to a digital-first strategy. Did Trump play a role? Although the layoffs were announced after Trump's inauguration, the news broke on Thursday, January 23, prompting the president to weigh in. On his Truth Social platform, Trump remarked, "MSDNC [his nickname for MSNBC] is even worse than CNN. They shouldn't even have the right to broadcast Only in America!" This statement adds to the longstanding tensions between Trump and the media, particularly CNN. Trump's relationship with CNN has been fraught from the start. From his clash with journalist Jim Acosta and the controversy surrounding his participation in a CNN town hall, criticized by Democrats for platforming his contentious statements. Mixed reactions Reactions to the layoffs have been mixed. Many employees have expressed concern about the human impact of these decisions. Thompson acknowledged in his memo that "the impact on those involved can be immense," a painful reality of any restructuring process. Others see the changes as an opportunity to revitalize CNN and align with evolving market demands. CNN isn't alone in facing cutbacks; NBC News has also announced upcoming layoffs, reflecting a broader trend in the journalism industry as digital platforms rapidly outpace traditional TV. BREAKING: Corporate media is COLLAPSING, major layoffs hitting legacy outlets as their influence crumbles. CNN is cutting HUNDREDS of jobs as ratings nosedive. NBC layoffs are next. WaPo, LA Times, The Atlantic, The Times and NPR are all bleeding jobs after losing pic.twitter.com/NtMz5xGQD6 Hank (@HANKonX) January 22, 2025 CNN's efforts to adapt highlight the ongoing transformation in media consumption and underscore the challenges faced by news organizations in a digital age. Originally published in The Latin Times JERUSALEM Four female soldiers released by Hamas on Saturday have crossed into Israeli territory, the Israel Defense Forces said, as part of the ceasefire and hostage release deal. Karina Ariev, Danielle Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag were accompanied by Israeli special forces on their return to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment, the IDF added. All four hostages are alive. The Palestinian prisoners authority has released a list of the 200 prisoners expected to be handed over by Israel as part of the exchange. Of the 200 prisoners set to be released, 121 were serving life sentences, and 79 were serving long sentences. The list also includes 70 prisoners who will be deported outside of Gaza and the West Bank, the authority said. Once the exchange is complete, it will be the second such exchange as part of a complex ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which came into effect last Sunday and signaled a pause in 15 months of bitter fighting and Israeli aerial bombardment in Gaza. As part of the truce, which saw the first people released on both sides last Sunday, Hamas will release one civilian hostage for every 30 Palestinians held in Israeli custody and one female Israeli soldier for 50 detainees heading the other way. As happened last week, the hostages were first transferred to Red Cross vehicles, according to an NBC News camera crew at Gaza Citys Palestine Square. But unlike the previous hostage handover, this one was more organized and ceremonial, with Hamas setting up a stage in Palestine Square. The hostages, who appeared to be wearing military uniforms, were first taken to a stage for photographs, Reuters footage showed. They were then led into Red Cross vehicles, which set off accompanied by Hamas military escorts. The release last Sunday of the first three Israeli hostages and 90 Palestinian prisoners, all women and children, faced a last-minute delay, with the Israeli government saying they had not been provided with the names of the hostages due to be released. The first three Israeli hostages released were Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari, a dual British citizen. Hamas has said it plans to release 33 hostages over six weeks while Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from the Gaza Strip. Fighting in Gaza began Oct. 7, 2023, when the Hamas carried out a terrorist attack on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and around 250 taken hostage. Israel then launched an air and land assault on Gaza, killing more than 47,000 people, most of them civilians, according to health officials in the enclave. The four hostages Hamas released Saturday were taken captive while they were serving as surveillance soldiers stationed at the Nahal Oz military base on the border with Gaza. There, they were tasked with observing suspicious military movement. A fifth female soldier taken hostage, Agam Berger, 20, will remain in Gaza. Relatives hug Israeli hostage Doron Steinbracher in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv last Sunday. Several of their colleagues were killed Oct. 7, 2023, but video footage of the surviving women taken during their capture has been widely circulated on social and broadcast media. For three months prior to Hamas terrorist attack, Karina Ariev, 20, had warned her family of impending war, her sister Sasha Ariev, told the Christian Broadcasting Company, days after her sister was taken. They knew something, the girls who were the eyes of the country, Sasha Ariev said, adding that her sister called her on the morning of the Hamas attack. Sasha Ariev said her sibling told her that she could hear shooting and screaming in the background and received a message from her sister telling her the terrorists are here. Footage circulated on the day Ariev was kidnapped showed her in a Jeep, her face bloodied and her hands tied together. In January last year, Hamas released a video showing that she was still alive. Daniella Gilboa, now 20, had told her commanders in the lead-up to Oct. 7 that she had seen people she suspected to be Hamas militants appearing to prepare for an attack, her mother, Orly Gilboa, said in August on the Meaningful People podcast. Orly Gilboa said she heard from Daniella Gilboa on the morning of the attack but did not understand that the explosions her daughter described were inside her base. She only fully appreciated the danger her daughter was in after she received a message reading pray for me. During the first night after she was taken, when the mother said she was unable to identify her daughter in any footage and she feared the worst. The following day, Daniella Gilboas younger sister Noam Gilboa identified her in videos that were widely circulated, recognizing her from her ponytail and pajamas. According to Shira Albag, her daughter Liri Albag, 19, enjoyed traveling and taking photographs. Speaking at a public event last autumn, Shira Albag told the audience that we are all living in the shadow of the kidnapping. On Feb. 4, the day of her daughters 19th birthday, she wrote a public letter to her that was published by the Israeli news site Ynet. Theres no music in the house because youre the one who sings ... Theres no noise of cooking in the middle of the night... I miss you so much that my heart aches, she wrote. Naama Levy, 20, is one of the more recognizable of the five women because she was so clearly caught on video in Gaza on the morning of Oct. 7. In footage shared with NBC News, she can be seen barefoot, wearing gray sweatpants and a black T-shirt, with her hands tied behind her back and blood on her ankles. A man wearing a flak jacket and carrying a gun can be seen pulling her by her hair and pushing her into a car. There is blood on one of her arms. A second video circulated by Levys family showed the moment of her capture, with men tying her hands behind her back. With a bloodied face, Levy can be heard saying to them in Hebrew that she has friends in Palestine. Naama Levy's mother, Ayelet Levy-Shacher, said her daughter had been involved in a youth program aimed at fostering peace and had volunteered at a nursery school for refugee children before the attack. She believed in the goodness in people, and so do I, she said. Tovah Lazaroff reported from Jerusalem, Raf Sanchez from Tel Aviv, and Astha Rajvanshi from London. Looking down at her fathers body wrapped in a shroud outside Nasser Hospital in Gaza's southern city of Khan Younis, a little girl wailed: Daddy ... Why did you leave us? All around her, rows of body bags lay on the ground in the footage filmed by an NBC News crew Thursday. Families gathered around, mourning over their loved ones whose remains were pulled from the rubble of homes and buildings toppled during Israel's military offensive in the Palestinian enclave. In the six days since a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas came into effect, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have made their way back to their old homes. Many have found nothing more than rubble where their neighborhoods once stood. Israel launched its deadly offensive in the enclave following the Hamas-led attacks Oct. 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 and saw around 250 people taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies, an assault that marked a major escalation in a decadeslong conflict. Since then, more than 47,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, according to health officials in the enclave. Body bags carrying the remains of people recovered from the rubble of destroyed buildings, lie on the ground outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Thursday. But Palestinian officials, the United Nations and aid agencies have warned that the death toll is likely to be much higher once bodies buried in the rubble are taken into account, although some may never be recovered. The bodies of 162 people have already been found in different parts of the enclave since Sundays ceasefire came into effect, Gazas Civil Defense Agency said in a statement published to Telegram on Thursday. It is feared that the bodies of thousands of people are still buried under rubble, the statement said, adding that crews faced difficulties in finding and recovering them because of a lack of resources, including a lack of heavy equipment and machinery. A young girl weeps over her father's body as she is consoled by her mother. Outside Nasser Hospital, some of the body bags had names and details of the dead written on them. Others were left bare. No one was able to reach them due to the shelling, Ismael Hussein Abou Reeda told NBC News. Once the ceasefire came into effect, Reeda from Khuzaa, a village in the Khan Younis governorate near Israels border, said people started searching for their loved ones. Men transfer remains of people recovered from destroyed buildings in body bags from a truck outside Nasser Hospital. Further south in the city of Rafah, drone video captured by NBC News crew earlier this week showed widespread devastation, with homes reduced to rubble for miles. As he returned to search for his home in the city, Walid Abu Libdeh, a 61-year-old engineer, told an NBC News crew on Wednesday that the level of destruction resembled that of Hiroshima or Nagasaki, the Japanese cities destroyed by American atomic bombs at the end of World War II. "Where are the houses? Where are the trees? Where are the animals? Where are the people we love? he said. A grieving woman spreads leaves over a body bag outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Thursday. violetta.bogohyatt/TikTok Violetta Boghyatt TikTok A rare but potentially fatal condition struck one family without warning during a vacation to Germany two years ago. And now, a heartbroken mom has gone viral on TikTok, opening up about losing her 3-year-old daughter to invasive Strep A in 2022. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Violetta Hyatt describes daughter Maddie as a kind, compassionate, and curious little girl whose advanced vocabulary often surprised strangers. Before her death, Maddie was an "extraordinary big sister to her then-3-month-old sibling, too. Related: 5-Year-Old Dies After Being Misdiagnosed by Doctors Who Said She Had a Cold The illness began with a fever, leading to a visit to the doctor. When the fever persisted and Maddies breathing became rapid, her parents took her to the hospital. Initially diagnosed with viral respiratory infection, doctors believed Maddie had human metapneumovirus (hMPV), which typically causes cold-like symptoms. In one of her videos, Hyatt writes that the doctors had "false confidence they were treating her correctly." But Maddies condition deteriorated rapidly the night before her death. We didnt even know Maddie had invasive Strep A until after she passed away, Hyatt reveals. Maddie succumbed to the infection less than five days after she first spiked a fever and only after two days in the hospital. 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. After losing Maddie, Hyatt decided to share her daughter's story on TikTok in an effort to raise awareness about the potential dangers of Strep A. I wouldnt want this to happen to any other child or family, she shares. Her advocacy has already made an impact, with some parents attributing Maddies story for potentially saving their childrens lives. In one video that has been commented on more than 1,000 times, Hyatt writes that Maddie "didn't have some of the typical strep A symptoms like: sore / red throat strawberry tongue rash (scarlet fever)." violetta.bogohyatt/TikTok Violetta Hyatt TikTok Related: Toddler Ends Up in ICU After Strep A Infection Is Dismissed as 'Just a Fever' According to the CDC, "Group A strep bacteria can cause many different types of infections that range from minor to serious. The bacteria can also cause inflammatory diseases." While some infections it causes like impetigo, strep throat and scarlet fever are treatable, it can also lead to cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Symptoms arent always typical, Hyatt warns as she emphasizes the importance of advocating for one's children. Its better to advocate in a non-serious situation than not to advocate in a serious one," she adds. "Most importantly, advocate for your child and trust your gut. You wont always have time on your side. Since sharing her story, Hyatt has found comfort from the support shes received from the TikTok community. Although this is a terrible club to be in, there is some comfort in knowing you are not alone, she shares. Somehow TikTok feels like a safe space where I can share my grief without burdening others. She often posts about her grief, with one video that shows her going underwater to illustrate what it can feel like getting more than 3 million likes and sympathetic comments. Another looks back on happy memories with Maddie and is captioned, "losing myself after losing my daughter." As Hyatt continues to navigate her grief through counseling and the support from her online and in-person community, she remains determined to educate others about Strep A using her platform. "if i knew what i do now, maybe things would be different," she captions another video. "but hindsight is always 20/20." Read the original article on People Tel Aviv As the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas held into its sixth day, the U.S.- and Israeli-designated terrorist group released the names on Friday of the next four Israeli hostages it says it will release on Saturday, in exchange for 200 more Palestinian detainees currently held in Israeli prisons. The hostages named by Hamas are all female Israeli soldiers, in keeping with a statement given by a Hamas official earlier in the week. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a brief statement that it had received the list of hostages from Hamas on Friday, but it did not immediately confirm the identities of the female soldiers expected to come back home on Saturday. The female soldiers identified for release Friday by Hamas' armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, were all abducted from the Nahal Oz army base in southern Israel during the group's Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack. They are: Karina Ariev, 20; Daniela Gilboa, 20, who Hamas released a proof-of-life video of in July 2024; Naama Levmy, 20, who was seen on video being bundled into a jeep with her hands tied behind her back during the attack, and Liri Albag, 19, who had just started her military training as an Army lookout at the Nahal Oz base. Albag's family has said she has managed to pass messages back to them through other hostages who had been released previously. There are currently seven Israeli women still thought to be held in Gaza, including five IDF service members and two civilians. One of the civilians is Arbel Yehoud, who was abducted in the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz and whose last chilling message to her partner Ariel Cunio was: "We are in a horror movie." The other is Shiri Bibas, who was taken with her two young children Ariel and Kfir. Hamas has claimed that Shiri, Ariel and Kfir were later killed in an Israeli bombing. In a TV interview in June, then-Israeli minister Benny Gantz indicated that the government knew what had happened to the Bibas family, but said it could not provide details. A Hamas official has said that under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, for each Israeli female soldier released, Israel should release 30 prisoners who were given life sentences and 20 additional prisoners who got long sentences. Netanyahu's office said it would release a list later Friday of the Palestinians whom it intends to set free in the upcoming swap. Most of them are expected to be women, as were the roughly 90 prisoners freed in the first swap on Jan. 19, hours after the ceasefire deal came into effect Hamas' release of the first three hostages a week ago three Israeli women, including one dual British national played out in images broadcast around the world. Red Cross vehicles were first seen driving toward Gaza City before sunset, in a sign that the deal was on track. In one of Gaza City's biggest squares, the door of a Hamas vehicle opened and Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, bolted to a waiting Red Cross car as heavily armed and masked Hamas militants clambered over the cars and thousands of onlookers watched. If the next four Israelis are released as expected on Saturday, 89 hostages both living and dead would remain in Gaza, according to Israeli officials, including seven dual U.S. nationals: Keith Siegel, 65, from Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Sagui Dekel-Chen, 35, who grew up in Bloomfield, Connecticut; and Edan Alexander, 19, from Tenafly, New Jersey. Four other Americans are believed to have been killed during the 15 months of war. Gaza ceasefire tested, but holding In Gaza, the ceasefire has been tested by isolated violence this week but has held. Israeli tank shelling killed two Palestinians Thursday in the first bloodshed since airstrikes stopped on Sunday morning. Israel's military said its forces in the south of Gaza had opened fire on masked, armed suspects moving toward troops and presenting a threat. The IDF said the incident occurred east of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, and in the area of the Kerem Shalom border crossing with Israel, through which some aid trucks are now delivering food, water and medical supplies. The U.N. says more than 650 trucks carrying food and other humanitarian supplies rolled into Gaza on Thursday, slightly over the 600 per-day agreed in the ceasefire deal. Tens, if not hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans have been waiting eagerly for the coming weekend, getting ready to start returning freely to the enclave's decimated north, as was also agreed in the deal. A grim indication of what awaits them has already been discovered by those who've made their way back to homes, or what is left of them, in the south. Returnees have found entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, and even without the heavy machinery really needed, they've begun the work of rebuilding and the grim task of finding and digging out the remains of loved ones. Almost 200 bodies have been found since Sunday, but the Hamas-run enclave's civil defense rescue agency estimates that more than 10,000 bodies are likely still under the rubble, and it accepts that some may never be found. In Rafah, Mohammed Mustafa Hamad Qeshta told CBS News' team in Gaza on Wednesday that an IDF strike killed his brother Ibrahim 261 days earlier. "Today, we got him out with the broom," he cried. "The entire house collapsed and fell on him. We rang the civil defense, asking for help to recover his body. They kept saying they will do it, but it is delayed, and we want to get his body out. We decided to dig it out ourselves and get him out. I called my friends and we agreed to come here after the morning prayer and collaborate. After we dug a lot and carried many stones, we found his sweater. We found his green sweater, and I called the family to tell them we found him." Ibrahim's mother Sameera Masoud Al-Shaer told CBS News she was elated to at least have closure. "I am happy, and these are the tears of joy," she said. "I am glad that I found him. This is the best moment. I was waiting for the ceasefire so I could see him. This is the best moment of my life. Thank God the wall fell on him and we could find the entire body and it wasn't eaten by dogs." While the ceasefire in Gaza has held, the IDF has redirected its focus and its firepower this week at what it says are Iran-backed militants in the West Bank, the much larger Palestinian territory that Israel has long occupied. The IDF launched operation "Iron Wall" on Tuesday, a day after President Trump rescinded a Biden-era executive order that had imposed sanctions on some Israeli settlers in the West Bank who were deemed a threat to peace and security. At least a dozen Palestinians have been killed and dozens more injured since the IDF offensive began, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in the West Bank. On Friday, the United Nations denounced what it called Israel's use of "war fighting" methods in the West Bank operation. Trump reacts to Republicans who won't vote for Hegseth Norah O'Donnell's final sign off from "CBS Evening News" CBS News Confirmed examines Gov. Newsom's "fact checks" on California fires New Jersey officials and immigrant rights advocates blasted federal immigration authorities for conducting a workplace raid on a small business in the city of Newark without a warrant. In a news conference Friday morning, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said several agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement entered the back of the business, arrested three undocumented workers, and detained and questioned employees who are U.S. citizens. "People were fingerprinted. Pictures of their IDs and faces were taken there," the Democratic mayor said. "I was appalled, upset, angry that this would happen here in this state, in this country, that this would be allowed." While ICE confirmed it conducted a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite in Newark, it did not say how many people were taken into custody following the raid, saying, This is an active investigation and, per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations. Baraka's remarks came a day after ICE arrests spiked Thursday, signaling that President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown and his promises to carry out the largest deportation program in American history are starting to materialize. ICE confirmed to NBC News that the agency arrested 538 people nationwide just on Thursday, doubling its daily arrests average. The news comes as reports of suspected immigration raids have emerged in cities like Boston. In an interview with NBC News on Friday afternoon, Baraka confirmed that at least two other ICE workplace raids have taken place in Newark Friday. The mayor said they were still awaiting for details and locations. The Newark raid that happened on Thursday took place at Ocean Seafood Depot, a seafood wholesaler in the city. A witness who spoke with WNJU, Telemundo's TV station in New Jersey, said he saw armed officers wearing uniforms with ICE's initials arrive a little before noon. Mayor Ras Baraka speaks to the media Friday, one day after the ICE arrest of migrants in Newark. Immigration officers are generally allowed to enter the public areas of a business, even in sanctuary states like New Jersey, but require a valid warrant or the owners permission to access nonpublic areas. Sanctuary cities and states have local policies that limit their cooperation with immigration authorities for enforcement purposes. An employee who was at Ocean Seafood Depot when the raid happened told NBC New York that the three colleagues ICE arrested had been working there for a few years. "Everybodys afraid because we dont know if this is normal," said the employee, who only identified herself by her first name, Eugenia. Baraka also accused ICE of detaining both undocumented residents and U.S. citizens. One of the detainees was a U.S. military veteran "who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned," Baraka said in a statement. "Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized." In response, ICE said, "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity." The agency added that this was the case during the Newark raid. A worker on Friday stands at the parking area of the Ocean Seafood Depot where several workers were arrested by ICE in Newark, N.J. This raid marks a shift on immigration enforcement in the U.S., as the previous administration, of President Joe Biden, largely stayed away from conducting workplace raids. Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump promised to prioritize the deportations of immigrants who have committed serious crimes. However, workplace raids mostly result in the arrests of working individuals who happen to be undocumented. None of these people were rapists or murderers or criminals, Baraka said about the people picked up in the Newark raid. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin reacted to the raid in a statement saying his office regularly works with the federal government "to remove violent criminals from our communities and we will continue to do so. However, President Trumps stated desire to deport millions of people clearly goes beyond removing dangerous criminals." "Some of the tactics could very well make us less safe, for instance, by making people in our communities fearful of coming forward and reporting crimes," Platkin said. According to his office, no local or state law enforcement officials were involved in the Newark raid. Amy Torres, executive director of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, said members of her organization arrived at the small business after the ICE officers had already left. They arrived with attorneys, bilingual documents and interpreters to assist the affected workers, Torres said during the news conference. She said that most of the employees did not return to work that day. According to the employees who stayed behind, ICE agents were "heavily armed" and entered the business with no prior announcement, blocking off entrances, exits and delivery ramps, Torres said. "They were banging down bathroom doors to make sure no one was hiding inside. And most importantly, as the mayor said, they did all of this without being able to produce a single name or a single warrant." Torres added: "ICE has overreached beyond what should be constitutionally allowed. That is allowing them to profile our communities while also making everyone else guilty by association." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an X post Thursday night that the 538 people arrested by ICE so far across the nation are "illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors." Leavitt also said that the Trump administration "also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft." "The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway," she added. At least one deportation flight landed in Guatemala on Thursday morning, according to the Guatemalan vice presidents office, which posted a video on its Instagram story. The plane in the video transported migrants who were deported from the U.S. Accompanying returned compatriots with humanitarian support and the assistance they need, from the national immigration authority, the Instagram storys caption read in Spanish. The Guatemalan Migration Institute, a government office of the Central American nation, wrote in a news release that 80 Guatemalans returned, all of whom were adults, including 31 women, 48 men and an unaccompanied minor. A long-awaited ceasefire. Two American presidents one with a foot out the White House door, the other with a foot in. One trying to secure the release of hostages before he leaves office. The other warning there will be hell to pay if they remain in captivity. Both clamoring for credit. But no hard evidence to definitely prove what sealed the deal. What really dragged Israel and Hamas over the finish line for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage agreement that has buoyed hopes for finally an end of the brutal Middle Eastern war? Was it threats and bluster, or patient diplomacy? According to one person with direct knowledge of the talks, it was President Donald Trump's insistence that Israel and Hamas agree to the truce by the time he took office on Jan. 20, and that "all hell would break loose if the hostages were not released," that was the decisive factor. Others say that's vastly overstating Trump's role. Both Trump and former President Joe Biden have publicly sought to take credit for pushing to get the deal done. Repeated earlier attempts to do a deal ended in failure. Still, the person familiar with the matter, who is not a U.S. official, said Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, was able to get Qatar and Egypt the truce's other mediators to persuade Hamas to accept terms they would not previously. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the diplomatic discussions. Biden's envoy, Brett McGurk, officially led the U.S.'s mediation efforts. The person familiar with the matter is someone who closely observed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage negotiations for the past 15 months, including an earlier agreement reached in November 2023. The person said that, ultimately, both U.S. envoys Witkoff and McGurk were instrumental in securing the deal. It was a joint effort between the outgoing and incoming U.S. administrations, the person said. Witkoff is a real estate executive with no diplomatic experience. He worked alongside McGurk in the weeks running up to the ceasefire deal and Trump taking office. 'Sunshine': 3 Israeli hostages are free after 471 days in captivity. Here's who they are However, the person said that it was effectively the Trump factor that in the end persuaded Hamas to do the deal when it did. The person said that when Biden was president, Hamas perceived what was described as daylight between the U.S. and Israeli negotiating positions on the deal's terms and would routinely use this "daylight" to seek additional concessions from mediators that delayed getting the agreement done. Some political commentators, Israeli media and opposition politicians in Israel have suggested for the majority of the 15-month-old Israel-Hamas war that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed doing a deal because he feared a political revolt from far-right elements in his coalition government, on whom he relies for support. Netanyahu disputes this. In his first term, Trump appeared to have a close relationship Netanyahu. Trump overlooked Israeli settlement expansion on land claimed by Palestinians and relocated the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the holy city that Palestinians claim as part of their future capital. By contrast, Netanyahu and Biden have a long and complicated relationship that's hit low points, such as when the former U.S. president threatened to withhold weaponry from Israel if Israel invaded Rafah, a southern Gaza city. A representative for Hamas could not immediately be reached for comment. A separate Middle Eastern diplomat involved with the negotiations said there was no question that Trumps inauguration deadline for the agreement to be finalized was what he called a catalyst for it to be concluded. The diplomat spoke on the condition of anonymity. A sudden willingness to negotiate by Hamas A former senior Biden administration official, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the difference in reaching the deal was Hamas sudden willingness to negotiate. The official said Hamas wasn't interested in a deal from August until December last year. However, the Biden administration official attributed the change in Hamas' readiness not to Trump, but to shifting regional dynamics, including a weakened Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria and its benefactor Iran. Iran also backs and arms Hamas. A woman looks at pictures of hostages kidnapped during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, on Jan. 20, 2025. An Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire: here's what we know The U.S official said there were no specific threats made by either U.S. envoy to conclude the deal in time for Trump's swearing in, a point the Middle Eastern diplomat corroborated. Is crediting the ceasefire deal to Trump too simplistic? A second former senior U.S. official said crediting the deal to Trump is too simplistic. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the negotiations, said the deal was reached mainly because of the pressure Hamas was under and that, in any event, momentum was moving in the right direction before Trump's "all hell would break loose" comments. Trump and his team were helpful in the final days, the official said, his support sending a strong signal. The Israelis are also motivated to give Trump the lion's share of the credit now that he's in power, the official said. "This plan was developed and negotiated by my team and will be largely implemented by the incoming administration. That's why I told my team to keep the incoming administration fully informed," Biden said in his farewell address from the Oval Office. When the deal was first announced, Trump, in a social media post, was quick to claim a measure of credit for the breakthrough that came after months of stalled negotiations. He had repeatedly warned there would be "hell to pay" if a deal was not made by the time he took office. 'May you all be keeper of the flame': key takeaways from Joe Biden's farewell address "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 on Truth Social. "I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones." Hostage families at Trump's inauguration Some of the families of Israeli hostages, and at least one former hostage, stood with Trump on stage at one of his inauguration events. They were clad in yellow scarves, a symbol of support that was also used during the Iran hostage crisis when more than 50 Americans were held at the U.S. embassy in Tehran. In various statements, families of hostages have thanked both the Biden and Trump administrations. "The president's steadfast dedication to our cause has been clear to us," said one of these statements, released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum after Noa Argamani, Shoshan Haran former Hamas captives and families representing six Americans and four Israeli hostages appeared at Trump inauguration events. Israel and Hamas have embarked on a three-stage ceasefire. Three Israeli hostages and about 90 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel were freed on Jan. 19 as part of the initial stage, due to last for weeks. Four more hostages will be freed this weekend. Hamas is still holding 94 hostages in Gaza, three of whom were captured prior to Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas invaded Israel and killed about 1,200 people and abducted 251 more back to Gaza. Three living American hostages are still there. Almost 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health authorities. Ceasefire agreement: Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners When Biden announced the ceasefire on Jan. 15, he said the final deal largely mirrored the framework of a proposal he made back in May. The person familiar with the matter said that when Trump's team became involved in the negotiations, Hamas realized it was in its "best interest" to do a deal as quickly as possible. The person familiar with the matter said Hamas agreed to increase the number of "live" hostages it would release in the agreement's first stage. Hamas, the person said, conceded that Israel would retain control of the so-called Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip of territory that separates Gaza's border with Egypt, including the Rafah crossing. These were concessions Hamas refused to agree to previously. As an illustration of the close relationship between Israel and the Trump administration, the person familiar with the matter said, when Witkoff, Trump's envoy, first arrived in Jerusalem to meet with Netanyahu, he was respectful, the two men had a "warm conversation," and it was "very clear" that Witkoff admired Israel's leader and that the Trump administration would not pressure Israel to agree to anything that would undermine its war aims. Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook and Francesca Chambers. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gaza ceasefire, Israel, Trump and who gets credit? Kamala Harris They have a lot in common. Following her brutal election loss, former Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly spoke with Hillary Clinton on multiple occasions as she mulls her future in the wake of President Trumps return to the White House. Not much is known about the details of those discussions, but Harris had also consulted family members and friends while trying to figure out her future, New York Magazine reported. Clinton, 77, was the first woman to win the Democratic nomination for president, and she was also the first female to notch a popular vote victory. Harris, 60, was the first female vice president in US history and the second woman to serve as the Democrats presidential standard bearer. Former Vice President Kamala Harris is mulling her political future after leaving the White House. Getty Images Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff were seen grocery shopping in California Thursday. London Entertainment Kamala Harris and her husband were seen exiting the grocery store with plastic bags. London Entertainment But both were beaten by Trump, 78. Harris sister Maya had served as a senior policy adviser to Clinton and also chaired Harris unsuccessful 2020 presidential bid. Right after her loss, the 49th vice president publicly declared that she would stay in the fight, but she hasnt specified what that would entail. Harris also impressed upon her close confidants that she doesnt isnt prepared to make any plans that could shut the door to a possible 2028 presidential bid, according to New York Magazine. Some allies have speculated that she may throw her hat in the ring to serve as California governor in 2026 as incumbent Democratic Gov. Gavin Newson is term-limited. Theres a widespread belief that Harris three main options are to either run for governor, run for president or refrain from seeking office again. The Senate, where Harris served before getting tapped as the veep, currently has both California slots filled. Hillary Clinton had been in a similar situation as Kamala Harris. Getty Images Recent public disclosures from Harris 2024 campaign reveal that she established an LLC named Pioneer49 in California, which is labeled after her Secret Service codename and her position as the 49th vice president. But if she does vie for office again, she will have to overcome the stench of her 2024 loss. Former President Richard Nixon had famously lost his 1962 bid for California governor after having been a VP-turned-unsuccessful presidential hopeful thanks to John F. Kennedy. Nixon, of course, went on to stage a comeback bid in 1968. Recent public disclosures from Harris 2024 campaign reveal that she established an LLC named Pioneer49 in California. Getty Images Harris had been thrust to the top of the Democratic ticket in July when President Biden abruptly dropped out of the race, giving her 107 days until election day. Throwing some salt on her wounds, Biden, 82, later suggested that he couldve won if he stayed on as the Democrats standard bearer. Its presumptuous to say that, but I think yes, based on the polling, Biden told USAToday in an interview that was published earlier this month before he left office. To the chagrin of many Democratic strategists, Harris had refrained from badmouthing Biden on the campaign trail. President Trump hasnt been shy about gloating over his triumphant 2024 win. AFP via Getty Images The Post reached out to Harris and Clintons representatives for comment. Clinton had similarly grappled with what to do after losing the election but ultimately opted against seeking public office again. In 2023, she landed a gig at Columbia University to serve as a professor of international and public affairs. Interior design by Annie Downing / Photography by Lindsay Brown Home decor trends are constantly evolving. To give homeowners insight into the biggest trends of 2024 and inspire design choices in 2025, 1stDibs released its Luxury E-Commerce Report. The data highlights the top trends in furniture and lighting over the previous year. Overall, the report reveals a desire among homeowners for unique pieces that add character to home interiors. Ahead, we're taking a closer look at the lighting and furniture trends featured in the report. Related: Experts Predict These 6 Interior Design Trends Will Define Decorating in 2025 Art Deco The luxurious and glamorous style of the Art Deco period continues to inspire design choices, offering a reprieve from the embrace of minimalism. According to 1stDibs, Art Decor rose 10 positions year-over-year in chair searches and ranked 13th overall in furniture searches on the website. Murano Chandeliers Murano chandeliers add rich character to any room and are on track to become one of the most popular vintage lighting choices, according to 1stDibs. Murano is glassware made in Venice, Italy, typically on the island of Murano. According to the report, Murano chandeliers rose 12 positions year-over-year in furniture searches. Togo Seating The Togo seating collection by Michael Ducaroy is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, which 1stDibs attributes to its versatile modularity. Celebrities like Lenny Kravitz, who has four cream Togo seats in his home in Paris, have also gravitated towards this type of seating. Togo has increased 62 positions in chair searches year-over-year. Eames Lounge Chairs Eames lounge chairs are becoming a luxury item homeowners want to invest in. According to 1stDibs, this chair styleoriginally released in 1956rose six positions year-over-year in overall furniture searches on the site. Gio Ponti Italian architect Gio Ponti, known as "the father of modern design," is beloved for his singular aesthetic that blends seamlessly with more modern trends. His style offers a sophisticated and sleek touch for spaces throughout the home. According to 1stDibs, his name rose eight positions in furniture searches year-over-year. George Nakashima Known for his refined craftsmanship, George Nakashima takes imperfect pieces of wood found in nature and turns them into stunning furnishings, including chairs, tables, and cabinetry. His name rose one position in overall furniture searches and 11 in chair searches year-over-year on 1stDibs. Mid-Century Modern The mid-century modern style is more popular than ever. Although the trend has expanded from the retro-themed designs it was notorious for, it's become a design staple in home offices, living rooms, and bedrooms. The term has increased in searches in the furniture, lighting, and chair categories. Art Nouveau Complete with flowing lines and botanical motifs, Art Nouveau is the perfect trend for those seeking unique designs for their home. "The highly decorative Art Nouveau style is well suited to the tastes of todays maximalists and organic modernists," the report says. This style rose four positions as a furniture search term in 2024. Read the original article on Martha Stewart Lili Reinhart/Instagram Lili Reinhart Lili Reinhart is opening up about her health, revealing that shes spent the last year dealing with an unknown illness. In a social media post to accompany the release of a new interview with Self Magazine, the Riverdale actress, 28, reminded readers to prioritize their health, while sharing whats going on with hers. I feel its important to show an honest glimpse at what last year was like for me, when dealing with my health issues, she began in the caption to an Instagram carousel on Thursday, Jan. 23. Reinhart then thanked the outlet for helping to tell her story, while sharing several photos from her journey. Her cover image showed her sitting in a hospital room, which she noted was 5 a.m. in a German hospital for a possible bladder/UTI infection. Related: Lili Reinhart Says Living with Acne as an Actress Was Isolating: I Felt Like I Needed to Hide (Exclusive) Being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis while simultaneously searching for answers about a mysterious autoimmunity/inflammatory disease made 2024 the hardest year of my life, her caption continued. Another photo in her upload showed a text message screenshot with Reinhart telling someone shed spent the last few days standing beside a garbage can throwing chunks of her hair out. Lili Reinhart/Instagram Lili Reinhart health update I just run my hands through it, the text message said, until it stops coming out. The Hustlers star said her grandmothers experience with doctors inspired her own health journey, after my grandmother was ignored by doctors for months when exhibiting clear symptoms of cancer. Related: Lili Reinhart Reveals She Was Diagnosed with Alopecia She added that by the time her grandmother got the testing shed asked for, her cancer had already spread. The most important thing I have taken away from this experience is the absolute need to advocate for your own health. Do not let a doctor gaslight you or diminish your pain. I hope the men [and] women out there struggling to find answers feel even the slightest bit seen by my experience, Reinhart concluded. Presley Ann/Getty Lili Reinhart, October 24, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California Other images in her Instagram post showed more visits to the doctor, as well as a photo of her sitting on an airplane. No greater discomfort than flying with a bladder flare, was written over the picture. Her very next image was a post about chronic illness. The National Institute of Mental Health defines chronic disease as a condition that lasts at least one year and requires ongoing medical attention or limits activities of daily living or both. On her Instagram Stories, Reinhart shared quotes from her Self Magazine feature. 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. Dont let a doctor tell you that nothings wrong when you know that there is, one quote read. Another quote urged people to Listen to your body, and dont take no for an answer. Read the original article on People The first week of President Donald's Trump's second term came with sweeping changes to federal health agencies. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was told by the administration to cease all non-emergency external communications, the agency said, resulting in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) failing to publish a decades-old weekly report. Some staffers at health agencies are also temporarily banned from traveling and have been told to stop work with the World Health Organization (WHO), according to sources and internal communications reviewed by ABC News. MORE: Migrants allowed in temporarily under Biden programs can be removed: DHS memo Here's a look at some of the changes over the past week: HHS told to pause all external communications Two sources confirmed to ABC News earlier this week that the incoming administration told federal health agencies to pause external communications for now. This includes the agencies that fall under HHS such as the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health. The directive did not include a mention of reviewing communications to align with the incoming potential secretary, according to one HHS official. The official also said the pause isn't cause for concern yet, but would be if it goes longer than a week or gets in the way of regular functions. "HHS has issued a pause on mass communications and public appearances that are not directly related to emergencies or critical to preserving health," the HHS said in a statement on Thursday. "This is a short pause to allow the new team to set up a process for review and prioritization. There are exceptions for announcements that HHS divisions believe are mission critical, but they will be made on a case-by-case basis." PHOTO: The sun flares next to the sign marking the headquarters building of the US Department of Health and Human Services on Feb. 9, 2024, in Washington, DC. (J. David Ake/Getty Images, FILE) A memo sent to leadership at federal health agencies noted the communication hiatus will extend through Feb. 1, a CDC official told some staffers in a call on Thursday, according to an audio recording reviewed by ABC News. The pause also resulted in the CDC not publishing a decades-old weekly report, known as the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), which is typically released on Thursday afternoons. Sometimes called "the voice of the CDC," the agency has referred to the MMWR as its "primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, authoritative, and useful public health information and recommendations." The CDC official also told staffers in a call they were "awaiting guidance regarding scientific publications and hope to have something pretty soon to share on that." Health officials not allowed to travel Travel has also been temporarily canceled for all employees at HHS. In the audio recording of the Thursday call, CDC officials told the staffers that the change was effective immediately. MORE: Judge temporarily blocks Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship, calling it 'blatantly unconstitutional' "Future travel requests for any reason are not authorized and cannot be approved," the official said in a call. "Further, HHS travel is not authorized for those employees who accepted speaking engagements prior to January 20, it must be canceled." The official said on the call that the policy will remain in effect until further notice. Work stopped with the WHO Additionally, federal health agencies have been ordered to halt work on any projects involving the WHO, according to sources. PHOTO: The entrance of the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Jan. 23, 2025 in Geneva. (Robert Hradil/Getty Images) It comes after Trump signed an executive order on Monday evening withdrawing the U.S. from the WHO. In the order, Trump accused the global health agency of "mishandling" the COVID-19 pandemic, not adopting "urgently needed reforms" and being politically influenced by other member states. The president also said the withdrawal was about "being ripped off." ABC News' Cheyenne Haslett and Will McDuffie contributed to this report. A look at changes at US health agencies in the 1st week of the new Trump administration originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Panama will be one of the first stops for new Secretary of State Marco Rubio as he heads overseas late next week for the first time as the United States top diplomat, meaning hell face a unique sort of challenge early in his tenure. Panama is one of the U.S. closest allies in Latin America, but, since December, President Donald Trump has said he wants to take the Panama Canal back from it, arguing in social media posts and rallies, and even in his inauguration speech, that the critical waterway is under the control of China. Both China and Panama have denied any interference in the operations of the canal, which is operated as a neutral waterway. Other stops on Rubios trip will include Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. If were going to be safe and prosperous and in good shape, we have to have an interest in our neighbors and in todays world, its certainly South and Central America, Bruce told reporters Thursday. China is operating the Panama Canal, Trump said in his inauguration speech Monday. And we didnt give it to China, we gave it to Panama, and were taking it back. China does not operate the Panama Canal, but its ownership of nearby ports is one of many examples of Chinas investment in critical infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere that has long raised concerns among U.S. officials in both Republican and Democratic administrations. There are at least five Chinese state-owned enterprises operating along the Panama Canal. In 2023, now retired Gen. Laura Richardson, then the commander of United States Southern Command, warned that the companies could be flipped to use for military purposes. A cargo ship sails through the Panama Canal. Rubio echoed those concerns at his confirmation hearing earlier this month. An argument could be made that the terms under which that canal were turned over have been violated, Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee when pressed on Trumps threats. Because while technically, sovereignty over the canal has not been turned over to a foreign power, in reality, a foreign power today possesses, through their companies, which we know are not independent, the ability to turn the canal into a choke point in a moment of conflict, and that is a direct threat to the national interest and security of the United States. Rubio added that Panama is a great partner on a lot of other issues. I hope we can resolve this issue of the canal and of its security, and also continue to work with them cooperatively on a host of issues we share in common, including what to do with migration, Rubio said. Immigration will be an issue central to conversations throughout his upcoming trip. In an internal memo sent on his first day in office and obtained by NBC News, Rubio said a top priority for U.S. diplomats moving forward would be securing Americas borders, stopping illegal and destabilizing migration, and negotiating the repatriation of illegal immigrants. Mass migration is among the most consequential issues of our time, Rubio wrote in the memo. The era of mass migration must end. Mark Zuckerberg says Meta will invest heavily in AI in 2025. picture alliance/Getty Images Mark Zuckerberg says Meta plans to spend another $60 billion in 2025 as it doubles down on AI. Zuckerberg said the company's data center in Louisiana will be near the size of Manhattan. Silicon Valley is nervous after DeepSeek, a Chinese newcomer, recently revealed its new AI model. Mark Zuckerberg warned investors in October that Meta planned to spend more than ever as the company leaned into the AI race. Now, they know just how much. Zuckerberg said in a Friday social media post that 2025 will be a "defining year for AI" and announced plans for $60 billion to $65 billion in additional capital investment for the year. In a post on Threads, Zuckerberg also touted the company's plans for its 2 GW data center in Louisiana, which he said would be "so large it would cover a significant part of Manhattan." He also predicted that Meta AI would become "the leading assistant," serving over 1 billion users. "We'll bring online ~1GW of compute in '25 and we'll end the year with more than 1.3 million GPUs," he said. "We're planning to invest $60-65B in capex this year while also growing our AI teams significantly, and we have the capital to continue investing in the years ahead." Meta's stock dipped Friday morning after Zuckerberg's announcement, but it quickly recovered. In its Q3 earnings call, Meta said it anticipated "significant capital expenditures growth in 2025" as Zuckerberg explained that he's happy to keep up heavy spending on AI. AI had "a positive impact on nearly all aspects of our work," he said at the time, noting that he saw "a lot of new opportunities to use new AI advances to accelerate our core business." Zuckerberg's announcement came as Silicon Valley processes news that DeepSeek, a Chinese company, has developed an open-source AI model that outperformed some Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic models in third-party benchmarks. AI and China was a major topic of conversation at this week's World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "We should take the developments out of China very, very seriously," said Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, which is OpenAI's largest investor. Read the original article on Business Insider By Nidal al-Mughrabi and James Mackenzie CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Palestinian militant group Hamas announced the names on Friday of four Israeli female soldier hostages to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in the second swap under the ceasefire deal in Gaza. Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag would be released on Saturday, the group said. The exchange, expected to begin on Saturday afternoon, follows the release on the ceasefire's first day last Sunday of three Israeli women and 90 Palestinian prisoners, the first such exchange for more than a year. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that the list had been received from the mediators. Israel's response would be presented later, it said in a statement. Israeli media reported that the list of hostages slated for release was not in line with the original agreement, but it was not immediately clear whether this would have any impact on the planned exchange. Later on Friday, a Hamas official told Reuters Israel had asked through the mediators that the group replaces one of the soldiers, Albag, with a female civilian, Arbel Yehoud. Asked why the switch had been requested, he replied: "It is technical and has to do with the situation in the field," without elaborating. In the six-week first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, Israel has agreed to release 50 Palestinian prisoners for every female soldier released, officials have said. That suggests that 200 Palestinian prisoners would be released in return for the four soldiers. The Hamas prisoners media office said it expected to get the names of 200 Palestinians to be freed on Saturday in the coming hours. It said the list was expected to include 120 prisoners serving life sentences and 80 prisoners with other lengthy sentences. Since the release of the first three women on Sunday and the recovery of the body of an Israeli soldier missing for a decade, Israel says 94 Israelis and foreigners remain held in Gaza. PHASED AGREEMENT The ceasefire agreement, worked out after months of on-off negotiations brokered by Qatar and Egypt and backed by the United States, halted the fighting for the first time since a truce that lasted just a week in November 2023. In the first phase, Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. In a subsequent phase, the two sides would negotiate the exchange of the remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, which lies largely in ruins after 15 months of fighting and Israeli bombardment. Israel launched the war following the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, when militants killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, more than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to health authorities there. The release of the first three hostages last week brought an emotional response from Israelis. But the phased release has drawn protests from some Israelis who fear the deal will break down after women, children, elderly and ill hostages are freed in the first phase, condemning male hostages of military age whose fate is not to be resolved until later. Others, including some in the government, feel the deal hands a victory to Hamas, which has reasserted its presence in Gaza despite vows of Israeli leaders to destroy it. Hardliners, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have demanded that Israel resume fighting at the end of the first phase. Most of Hamas' top leadership and thousands of its fighters have been killed but the group's police have returned to the streets since the ceasefire. (Reporting by Nidal Al Mughrabi in Cairo and James Mackenzie in Jerusalem. Additional reporting by Enas Alashray and Yomna Ehab in Cairo;Editing by Peter Graff and Alison Williams) By Radovan Stoklasa BRATISLAVA (Reuters) -Tens of thousands of protesters thronged a central square in the Slovak capital on Friday, waving banners opposing Prime Minister Robert Fico's policy shift closer to Russia, after tensions between the government and the opposition rose. Organisers estimated 60,000 people attended the demonstration in Bratislava's Freedom Square, about four times more than in the last demonstration two weeks ago. The protests were nearing levels seen in 2018 when the murder of an investigative journalist caused mass demonstrations and forced Fico's resignation. Fico won reelection as prime minister in 2023. Protesters shouted "Enough of Fico" and "We are Europe" and at one point lit up the square with their mobile phones after a brief power outage. Rallies were also held in 20 other cities, with news website Dennik N estimating at least 100,000 protested across the central European country. Tensions have built this week, after Fico's leftist-nationalist government attacked his progressive opponents, accusing them of attempting to cause chaos. The government plans new preventive measures amid what Fico said were plans to escalate protests into attempts at illegally overthrowing the government, including by occupying state buildings. Citing information from intelligence services, Fico has alleged, without showing evidence, there was a group of unidentified experts in Slovakia that had helped in protests against a pro-Russian leader in Ukraine in 2014 and Georgia last year. Opposition political parties and civic groups organising the protests have rejected the accusations, saying they are meant to deflect attention from policy problems that the fragile government coalition is failing to tackle. Opposition parties have sought a no-confidence vote against Fico's government, but Fico has so far looked set to survive the vote as he maintains a thin majority. Fico, since his return as prime minister for a fourth time in 2023, has sparked worries among critics that his government is weakening democratic values and shifting foreign policy away from European Union and NATO allies and closer to Russia. "We do not want to be with Russia... We want to be in the European Union, we want to be NATO and we want to stay that way," protester Frantisek Valach said in Bratislava. The latest round of protests come after Fico privately travelled to Moscow in December to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, a rare encounter for an EU leader since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Marian Kulich from civic group Mier Ukrajine (Peace to Ukraine), which organised the protests, said the aim was to "create pressure so that this government actually changes its direction towards Moscow and focuses" on EU and NATO partners. Fico became increasingly anti-liberal after 2018. In May last year, a lone gunman shot and wounded Fico, protesting against his policies, and Fico has stepped up attacks against the opposition since then. He has also been in open dispute with Ukraine after Kyiv halted the transit of Russian gas supplies heading to Slovakia on Jan. 1, and he has threatened to end humanitarian aid in retaliation. His government ended state military aid to Kyiv after taking office, and domestically it has also revamped the public broadcaster despite media freedom concerns and softened prosecution of economic crimes, drawing protests last year. Fico has defended his government's foreign policy saying it worked in all directions, and while critical of some EU policies, he has said policy was still determined by EU and NATO membership. (Reporting by Radovan Stoklasa in Bratislava and Jason Hovet in Prague; Editing by Sharon Singleton, Leslie Adler and Diane Craft) A one man scourge with a lengthy rap sheet was busted this week in connection to nearly 20 heists across Manhattan all allegedly committed in the few months since he was released from prison on parole, sources said. Tony Scott, 38, got out of state lockup in September after serving around six years for several burglary convictions but apparently couldnt give up his old, bad ways, authorities said. Scott allegedly launched into his new robbery spree just over a month later going on to steal electronics and other loot from 19 businesses all on the southern end of the borough, according to police and law-enforcement sources. He was a one man scourge he was hitting every neighborhood in lower Manhattan the Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Gramercy Park, Midtown, a Manhattan cop told The Post. Every precinct was looking for him. One-man scourge Tony Scott, 38, was charged with 19 more burglaries since he was released on parole, sources said. He is also a suspect in several other burglaries, sources said. It came despite a warrant for Scotts arrest being issued Nov. 8 by the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, a spokesman said. The warrant was issued after it was determined that Scott had absconded from community supervision an offense which usually entails failure to stay in touch with a parole officer or notify them of a change of address, the rep said. Scott was granted parole and released on Sept. 30 from state prison, where he had been held since August of 2018 in connection to seven burglaries, according to the sources and public records. He also served time for five burglaries in 2012, sources said. Scott, who has at least 32 busts on his record, mostly for burglary, was finally picked up Tuesday by the Midtown South public safety unit. Cops charged him with the 19 burglaries, the most recent of which came Sunday at around 9:40 p.m., when the serial thief allegedly crept in through the side door of a dry cleaning business on West 36th Street and ripped off items worth $2,500, according to police. The Manhattan District Attorneys Office is moving forward with prosecuting four of the cases, and said the investigation is ongoing regarding 13 of the other alleged crimes. The status of the remaining two cases is unclear. Scott was finally picked up Tuesday by the Midtown South public safety unit. Christopher Sadowski An assistant district attorney said the four burglaries were captured on surveillance footage. They include a Nov. 13 heist at Rich Begany Photography on West 26th Street, where Scott allegedly sneaked inside behind another person who was leaving and swooped up a whopping $62,000 in equipment, according to a criminal complaint. Scott allegedly also stole $25,000 in tech gear including laptops, cell phones, headphones and tablets from inside the Meal Pal restaurant on West 35th Street the evening of Nov. 15, according to prosecutors. The relentless suspect went on to snatch up laptops, shoes, cash and bags totaling approximately $20,000 from inside the Cosmo Street Editorio video editing business on West 25th Street between Dec. 17 and 18, the complaint charged. And between Jan. 6 and 7, Scott allegedly made off with laptops, cell phones, blankets and other loot worth $16,000 from inside the John Varvatos mens clothing store on Spring Street, according to the court document. During Scotts Wednesday arraignment, Assistant District Attorney Natalie Mishkin called for him to be held on $150,000 cash bail or $300,000 bond in order to ensure that the career criminal return to court. Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Robert Rosenthal ordered him held on $30,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond. Scott is set to appear again in court on Monday, and could spend up to 15 years behind bars, if convicted. State Corrections officials lodged and enforced another warrant for Scott following his arrest, a department spokesman said. Scott is undergoing the parole revocation process and is awaiting his preliminary and final hearings, according to the spokesman. After several years of market underperformance, Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) finally came to play in 2024. The shares rose 24% last year, roughly in line with the previously elusive S&P 500. Now that the entertainment giant was finally able to meet the market, it's time to beat the market in 2025. A lot of things can go right for Disney in the new calendar year. Let's look at some of the catalysts that could turn a market laggard over the last four years into a leader. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. See the 10 stocks You can't spell mouse with "mo" Momentum is on Disney's side these days. Many of its recent shortcomings are now leading the way. After a rare showing in 2023 when it was not the box office champ, the studio put out the three highest grossing movies of 2024. The Disney+ led streaming segment that just a couple of years ago was posting billions in annual operating losses turned profitable earlier than expected. Its market-leading theme parks that were shut down for a long time early in the pandemic are more lucrative now than they were before the global COVID-19 crisis. With Disney's market cap now back above $200 billion, the optimists are finally starting to be rewarded with the fairy tale finish that was elusive in recent years. Things aren't perfect. Revenue growth has been in the single digits for four of the last five fiscal years. The turnaround since Bob Iger returned as CEO has been focused on the bottom line. Disney has topped Wall Street profit targets in each of the four quarters of fiscal 2024. Net income is growing a lot faster than the top line. Revenue inched a mere 3% higher last year for the House of Mouse, but adjusted earnings scored a 32% jump in fiscal 2024 with a 39% surge in its latest report. Mickey Mouse dressed as a train conductor in front of the park's railroad. Image source: Disney. The good and the bad of 2025 Iger has completed most of the operating optimization that he was hoping to achieve before he steps down near the end of next year. This year may seem rather ordinary on paper. Analysts are modeling just 4% in revenue growth in fiscal 2025. Disney's guidance calls for adjusted net income to rise in the high single digits. There will be more seed planting than harvesting at Disney this year. It's in the process of building out massive expansion projects at both domestic theme parks that will bear fruit when they open in the next few years. Now that Disney is one of the few legacy media companies with a profitable streaming platform it can start to lay the groundwork of scalability for Disney+ in the future. Disney will add another cruise ship to its fleet later this year. It has announced major additions to its premium cruise line twice over the last six months. This is more important than you think. If Disney shares rising 24% in 2024 is applause-worthy, the country's three largest cruise lines soared an average of 47% last year. The industry almost doubled Disney's stock return, even though Mickey Mouse is growing his fleet the fastest. Heading out to the local multiplex, Disney will have fresh installments in the Captain America, Zootopia, and Lilo & Stitch franchises hitting theaters in 2025. However, it's going to end the calendar year with what should be the largest film of the year. Avatar: Fire and Ash will roll out in December. The first two movies in James Cameron's series are among the three highest-grossing films of all time. Is Disney stock cheap right now? The leisure tastemaker is trading at a reasonable 20 times this year's adjusted earnings estimate. Disney itself sees a return to double-digit bottom-line growth in fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2027. Safeguarding against fumbling the CEO transfer this time around, Disney's board has said it will announce Iger's successor early next year. Headwinds are becoming tailwinds. With valuations extended for many of the recent market tech leaders, Disney is emerging as a compelling flight-to-safety play in 2025. It knows it needs to stick the landing this time, and investors are ready. Should you invest $1,000 in Walt Disney right now? Before you buy stock in Walt Disney, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Walt Disney wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $902,242!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. Learn more *Stock Advisor returns as of January 21, 2025 Rick Munarriz has positions in Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Anwar Hussein/WireImage Diana, Princess of Wales, wearing a green satin evening dress designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel and an emerald necklace as a headband, attends a gala dinner dance at the Southern Cross Hotel on Oct. 31, 1985 in Melbourne, Australia The charming and illuminating book about how the late Princess Diana undertook secret dance classes is being made into a new film. A forthcoming documentary will chronicle the story of dance teacher Anne Allan and how she taught the former Princess of Wales for nine years, including preparing the royal for her White House twirl with actor John Travolta and her joyful rendition of Billy Joel's Uptown Girl alongside ballet favorite Wayne Sleep. The 90-minute film is a recreation of Allans book, Dancing With Diana; A Memoir, which hit shelves in September 2024 and was excerpted in PEOPLE. Allan, who lives in Toronto, Canada, tells PEOPLE in a statement, During my time with the princess, I was so fortunate to witness not only Dianas profound love of dance, but a much more personal side of her. I hope that viewers of the documentary will appreciate this fresh look as well as discover a deeper understanding of just how extraordinary she was. When her book was published, Allan explained she wrote her book partly for her 4-year-old granddaughter and to share the other side of [Diana], the dancing side of her, the beauty within her. Diana, Princess of Wales, wearing a pale blue satin evening gown designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, talks to Prince Naruhito as she arrives to attend a banquet at the British Embassy on May 12, 1986 in Tokyo, Japan Of how the dance class became a sanctuary for Diana, Allan said, She loved to dance. The minute she started to move her arms, you could see the feeling that it brought her." "She was able to be herself. She loved to move and loved to have fun," she continued, adding that she remembered Diana being "gobsmacked" after her dance with Travolta in 1985. "It was absolutely adorable," Allan said. Related: Inside Princess Dianas Secret 9-Year Dance Lessons: She Was So Raw, Says Former Teacher (Exclusive) The dance classes also offered Diana a safe space to share both her joys and her sorrows: If something was on her mind, she would say so, Allan recalled. Later on, there were days where she would come in and just talk a little bit. The new documentary promises to capture that, chronicling the nine-year period from early 1981, around the time Diana wed the then Prince Charles. Over hundreds of weekly one-hour lessons, Allan secretly served as Dianas private dance teacher and forged a close friendship with Diana, who shared with her the joy of motherhood, her difficult marriage and her struggle with bulimia. Getty Lady Diana Spencer, wearing a low cut gown follows Prince Charles into the Goldsmiths' Hall for a special performance of "Theme and Variations" in which Princess Grace of Monaco took part 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! Sphere Media, which is one of Canadas top producers of TV and film, and Two Rivers Media, from Allans native town of Glasgow, Scotland, are teaming up for the project. Marlo Miazga, president of Sphere Media, said in a statement, Its a rare thing to find a fresh angle on such an adored and explored public figure, but Annes memoir is a treasure trove of new perspectives and intimate insights into one of the most scrutinized women in history. Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales attend the Mayor's dinner during a visit to Florence, Italy, April 1985 Alan Clements, managing director and executive producer of Two Rivers, said, Dianas story is, of course, as enduring as it is poignant. The gems to be found in these memoirs represent a perfect and organic opportunity, and were very excited to take it. He added, This project hits all the right notes for a co-production between our companies. The combination of our track records in producing remarkable stories from diverse perspectives with a distributor that leaves no stone unturned in finding audiences is a powerful partnership for success. Read the original article on People Handout/Jordanian Royal Court/Getty Images Princess Iman and husband Jameel Thermiotis on their wedding day on March 12, 2023 There's a royal baby on the way! Princess Iman of Jordan is pregnant. On Friday, Jan. 24, Queen Rania took to Instagram to share the news that her daughter, Princess Iman, 28, and her son-in-law Jameel Thermiotis are expecting their first child. Rania posted a sunset beachfront photo, with Princess Iman proudly showing off her growing baby bump. In the caption, translated into English, she wrote: "Both are dear to my heart, but the one to come is even more precious... May God bring it to a blessed end. Two is a couple, three is a blessing." The announcement comes just months after the birth of Princess Iman's niece, who was given her name. In August 2024, Crown Prince Hussein and his wife, Princess Rajwa, welcomed their daughter, Princess Iman. Iman is the second child and eldest daughter of Queen Rania and King Abdullah of Jordan. While her older brother, Crown Prince Hussein, is the heir to the throne, Iman is not in the line of successionand neither may her baby. According to the constitution of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the throne is passed down through King Abdullah Ibn Al-Hussein's dynasty, following a hereditary line of male heirs. The Royal title shall pass from the holder of the Throne to his eldest son, then to the eldest son of that eldest son, and in linear succession in a similar process thereafter. Should the eldest son die before the Throne devolves upon him, his eldest son shall inherit the Throne, even if the deceased has brothers. The King may, however, select one of his brothers as heir apparent. In this event, the title to the Throne shall pass to him from the holder of the Throne, Article 28 states. Even if Crown Prince Hussein has no sons, he would theoretically be succeeded by his younger brother Prince Hashem as the king of Jordan. Princess Iman isnt the only sibling the throne passes over her younger sister, Princess Salma, is in the same spot. Handout/Jordanian Royal Court/Getty Images Princess Iman married Jameel Thermiotis in March 2023. Related: Princess Iman of Jordan's Royal Wedding Album: The Best Photos from Her Big Day Princess Iman married Jameel in a stunning royal wedding in Amman in March 2023. Her elder brother walked her down the aisle and wished the newlyweds a bright future in a thoughtful tribute on Instagram. "Grateful for all the precious memories we share and overjoyed to see you celebrate your wedding today I wish you, dear Iman and Jameel, a lifetime of blessings and happiness together, Crown Prince Hussein posted. The celebration came eight months after the Royal Hashemite Court announced the engagement in July 2022. "The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of Her Royal Highness Princess Iman bint Abdullah II to Mr. Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, on Tuesday, 5 July 2022," wrote the Court, "in the presence of Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah, as well as Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II, and Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, in addition to members of Mr. Thermiotis' family." "The Royal Hashemite Court extends its sincere congratulations to Her Royal Highness Princess Iman and Mr. Thermiotis on this occasion and wishes them a lifetime of happiness," it continued. Royal Hashemite Court/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images Princess Iman and Jameel Thermiotis' engagement photo, released July 2022. 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! The news came with a formal portrait of the happy couple where Iman already looked the part in bridal white! In bios released ahead of their wedding, the Royal Hashemite Court said Princess Iman graduated from Parson's School of Design in New York with a bachelors degree in business administration. Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images via AP Princess Iman and Jameel Thermiotis attend the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein in June 2023. Jameel, who was born in Venezuela, also holds a business degree and has worked in finance in New York. Congratulations my dearest Iman; your smile has always been a gift of love that Ive cherished since the day you were born. I wish you and Jameel a life filled with love and laughter! Queen Rania celebrated on Instagram. Read the original article on People Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. A cache of human-like fossils from China has perplexed scientists for decades, defying explanation or categorization. The skull fragments, teeth, jaws and other remains unearthed at different sites across the country are clearly remnants of archaic hominins the formal name for species in the human lineage who lived between 300,000 and 100,000 years ago. But its never been clear what species the bones belonged to or where they should sit in an increasingly complex human family tree. Christopher Bae, a professor in the department of anthropology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa who was based in Beijing for many years, is among scientists revisiting these puzzling fossils with fresh eyes. He and his colleague Wu Xiujie, a senior professor from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing, now suggest it may be time to formally recognize a previously unknown ancient hominin, and theyve proposed officially recognizing a species new to science. The most striking characteristic of this previously unknown human ancestor? An extremely large brain thats bigger than that of our species, Homo sapiens, the only surviving hominin. The feature is reflected in the proposed name for the species, revealed by Bae and Wu in a November article published in the scientific journal Nature Communications: Homo juluensis, a nod to ju lu, which means huge head in Chinese. Their skulls are actually very, very large, you know, the estimated cranial capacity is 1,700, 1,800 cubic centimeters, said Bae, who also described Homo juluensis in his book The Paleoanthropology of Eastern Asia, published in September. We have a minimum capacity of about 1,350 cc, on average, were about 1,450 (cc). Its not an order of magnitude larger but its much more robust. The proposal is sparking controversy among paleoanthropologists, and some scientists disagree about whether the new grouping rises to the level of a new species. But if Bae and Wus analysis is correct, these fossils could hold the key to solving one of human evolutions biggest mysteries: a puzzle that started with the discovery of a pinkie bone in Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountains of southern Siberia. DNA analysis of that tiny fossil led to the 2010 finding that it represented a distinct ancient human population, which scientists dubbed the Denisovans. Many people alive today carry traces of Denisovan DNA, but because fossils of these extinct ancestors are still few and far between experts in human origins still dont know exactly what they looked like, where they lived or why they disappeared. Digitally reconstructed craniums from the fossilized remains found at Xujiayao and Xuchang. The large, low and wide shape is distinct from the skulls of other known hominin species. - Courtesy Xiujie Wu Hiding in plain sight? The hard-to-classify Chinese remains include 21 fossils found in the 1970s at the Xujiayao (Houjiayao) site located on the border of northern Chinas Shanxi and Hebei provinces. The specimens represent 16 individuals who lived 200,000 to 160,000 years ago. Among other sites of interest are Lingjing in Xuchang County in central Chinas Henan province, where partial craniums were found between 2007 and 2014, and the northeastern city of Harbin, in Heilongjiang province, where a skull stashed at the bottom of a well about 90 years ago recently resurfaced. Many of these fossils had been overlooked because when they were first unearthed in the 1970s and 1980s, commonly held beliefs about human origins were vastly different from todays theories. Back then, many paleoanthropologists thought that present-day human populations evolved regionally from archaic hominins such as Homo erectus, which left Africa about 2 million years ago. In effect, this scientific model known as multiregionalism, now largely rejected, suggested there was only one hominin species that evolved over time to become Homo sapiens. In this scenario, the Xujiayao fossils, and others with unusual features unearthed in China, were classified as intermediates between more primitive hominins such as Homo erectus and more modern ones. The multiregional scientific model, which suggested discrete ancestry roots for the Chinese people, dovetailed with nationalist sentiments and was once particularly entrenched among Chinese academics. However, scientists now have strong genetic evidence that supports an African origin of all Homo sapiens. The model, widely accepted today, is known as the out of Africa theory: The distant ancestors of present-day humans living outside of Africa left the continent and spread around the world 50,000 to 60,000 years ago, although pioneering Homo sapiens groups may have left the continent earlier, from around 200,000 years ago. Subsequent discoveries in Asia and Africa in recent decades, such as the fossil finds of Homo floresiensis, tiny hominins who lived 100,000 to 50,000 years ago in whats now the Indonesian island of Flores, and Homo naledi, similarly small-bodied hominins who lived 300,000 years ago in whats now South Africa, have also suggested that the situation today, in which only one species of hominin exists, is unusual. The last 50 years of fossil discoveries have made it clear that there wasnt a single hominin lineage around at any point in the past (making humans today quite unique), said Carrie Mongle, an assistant professor in the department of anthropology at Stony Brook University in New York. With this in mind, it isnt unreasonable to suggest that the number of species represented by the Asian fossils should be revisited we shouldnt just assume that they can all be lumped (together). A skull stashed at a bottom of a well for about 90 years in Harbin, in China's Heilongjiang province, recently resurfaced and has been studied by experts in human origins. - Courtesy Wei Gao Finding links and objections In what they say is the first comprehensive analysis of the Xujiayao specimens, Bae and Wu were able to digitally reconstruct a cranium from the remains. Its large, low and wide shape was completely distinct from the skulls of other known hominin species such as Neanderthals or Homo erectus, and different from the globe-shaped skulls of Homo sapiens, the analysis concluded. The pair then compared the features with other puzzling fossils found in the region over recent years. The cranium was similar to two unusually large skulls found in Xuchang County in Henan province between 2007 and 2014, which had a 1,800-cubic-centimeter (110-cubic-inch) capacity. Teeth found at the Xujiayao site closely resembled those in previous finds: teeth contained in a jawbone found in the early 1980s on the Tibetan plateau, at a site where researchers in 2020 also found DNA in cave sediment tied to Denisovans; a tooth found in a cave in Laos and reported in 2022, also attributed to Denisovans; and those in a jawbone recovered from an antique shop in Taiwan in 2008, known as the Penghu mandible. Together, Bae and Wu argue the hominins these mineralized bones fragments once belonged to should be classed as Homo juluensis. Bae said he knew proposing the inclusion of the Denisovan remains would cause waves, but he believes his team has a strong case. I think most people will actually agree with us that (these fossils) should be grouped together. By rules of priority since we put this name out there, those fossils should be assigned to juluensis, Bae said. I guess this is so fresh, people are having trouble understanding (our proposal). However, Mongle and other paleoanthropologists say its too early to definitively group the Denisovan remains with the fossils from Xujiayao and classify them as a newfound species called Homo juluensis. The main case for this team wanting to name a new species is based on the shape of the braincase, but there are no Denisovan cranial fossils known that could be compared to the Xujiayao cranial fragments. Without the ability for a direct 1-1 comparison using their strongest piece of evidence, grouping these fossils together seems premature, said Ryan McRae, a paleoanthropologist at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. He was not involved in Bae and Wus research. The 16 fossilized bone fragments found at Xujiayao, in northern China. - Courtesy Xiujie Wu McRaes second objection was a dearth of genetic evidence, which is increasingly used as part of species classification. Usually, archaeologists make bombshell discoveries when a trowel hits a skull or other telltale bone in the confines of a cave. However, the Denisovans were the first archaic human to be identified in a lab thanks to advances in the field of ancient DNA, making them particularly enigmatic. All of the dozen or so Denisovan skeletal specimens discovered to date are fragments none of which are considered distinctive enough to allow a formal scientific species name such as Homo sapiens or Homo neanderthalensis. A skull is typically, but not always, the specimen that represents a new species because it has a lot of characteristic features. We unfortunately do not know what Denisovans look like yet, McRae said. Denisovans are known predominantly from genetic data, not fossils, so any comparison should include a genetic component to better make the case that they have found more Denisovans. An illustration of what Dragon Man may have looked like. - Chuang Zhao Enter the Dragon Man It is part of normal scientific practice to revisit old fossils, said Xijun Ni, a professor at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing. However, while it is plausible the remains studied by Bae and Wu may represent a previously unrecognized type of ancient human, Ni said in his view the coauthors hadnt yet put forward enough information to officially classify Homo juluensis as a newly discovered species a process that involves lengthy analysis and is often contested. Ni and Chris Stringer, research leader in human origins at Londons Natural History Museum, have another theory on how all these prehistoric pieces fit together, based on their work with the skull of an ancient hominin colloquially known as Dragon Man. First described in scientific literature in 2021, the specimen has an intriguing backstory. The skull was found in 1933, by the bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, China, by a man working as forced laborer for the Japanese, who controlled that part of China at the time. He kept the skull safe at the bottom of a well for more than 80 years, revealing its existence on his deathbed. Stringer said his work with Ni suggested that most of the fossils Bae categorized as H. juluensis actually are morphologically a better match with the Harbin cranium. This, Stringer reasoned, suggested in turn that the Xujiayao specimens and Denisovan remains may all belong with Dragon Man, which has been given the formal scientific name Homo longi. Thus the well-preserved Harbin cranium would represent an early Denisovan. Ongoing research by other teams points to the same conclusion, Stringer said, adding that fresh research on Dragon Man will be published this year. Mongle of Stony Brook University said while she agreed multiple species of ancient human may have existed in Asia, she also thought the fossils Bae identified as belonging to the big heads look similar to the Homo longi skull. I theoretically support the idea of multiple hominin lineages in the Asian Pleistocene, (but) Im not totally convinced how different these fossils are from the recently named Homo longi fossils, she said. Bae said that his analysis suggested that the Dragon Man skull is a better match with fossils found at Chinese sites in Dali in Shaanxi province in and Jinniushan, Liaoning province in 1978 and 1984, respectively, to form Homo longi. Whats in a (species) name? Deciding the name of a new species such as Homo juluensis is up to the researchers, Ni noted, but they do have to follow the naming guidelines set up by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. However, theres no official approval process and whether the species name sticks or not will be a matter of whether other researchers agree and use it in scientific literature. Ni emphasized that the Denisovans represent one known population of ancient hominins and, as such, the word or a version of it shouldnt automatically be used for others, such as the Xujiayao hominins, even if they turn out to be the same species. It is akin to calling all Europeans Anglo-Saxons, he said. I strongly oppose the view that previously known Asian Middle Pleistocene hominins, named or not, are Denisovans, because Denisovan is just a population name, Ni said. Bae agreed. A lot of Western paleoanthropologists have said they want to call the Chinese fossils Denisovans, he said. For us, Denisovans is not actually a species. The first person or team to have enough evidence to name the Denisovans as a distinct species technically has the ability to name it whatever they want, McRae said. Denisovans do not have a formal taxonomic name intentionally because there is a lack of comparative material with which to name a new species, McRae said. This is good on one hand because it gives the field time to discover more evidence for the Denisovans in fossil form before naming a new species, but is bad on the other hand because it leaves those important fossils up for grabs for people to assign them a taxonomic name prematurely. There is hope among some paleoanthropologists that when Denisovans are given a formal species name it will reflect the type site of Denisova Cave and the now ubiquitous colloquial name Denisovans, McRae said, conceding there is no guarantee that will happen. The time period is full of fossil hominins that morphologically are a bit of a mess, he added. Some look distinct, but some have Neanderthal features, and still others have Homo sapiens features, and many have both, McRae said. Prematurely splitting fossils into species could obscure the real story of what is going on across the world at this time, and it is, from a logistical perspective, very difficult to walk back from a decision once species names are out there, whether there is good support for it or not, he said. An earlier version of this story misspelled Ryan McRaes name. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com South Wales Police (2) Dylan Thomas; William Bush Dylan Thomas, 24, has been sentenced to life in prison after fatally stabbing his friend William Bush, 23, to death on Dec. 24, 2023, a court in Wales has heard Thomas is the heir to multi-million dollar company Peter's Pie's, according to reports The victim's sister Catrin said in court on Friday, Jan. 24, that her brother's life had been taken from him "in the most barbaric and cruel way," the BBC reported The reported heir to a multi-million dollar fortune has been sentenced to life in prison after killing his best friend in a "ferocious knife attack" on Christmas Eve 2023. On Friday, Jan. 24, Dylan Thomas, 24, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court after fatally stabbing his best friend William Bush, 23, at a house they shared in Llandaff, Cardiff, per a press release from the South Wales Police. According to the BBC, Thomas is the grandson of Sir Stanley Thomas, who made his fortune with the South Wales-based company Peter's Pies. The late Stanley Thomas passed on the company to his sons, Thomas' grandfather, Stan Junior who was present in court for the sentencing and his brother, Peter, who died in 2023, the outlet reported. The BBC previously reported that Peter's Pies, now known as Peter's Food, was estimated to have a net worth of 230 million (almost $286 million) in 2013. "Thomas will serve a minimum term of 19 years discounting the 337 days which he has already served in prison," police said in Friday's release. Thomas was convicted of the murder in November 2024 following a trial. He'd previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied murder. South Wales Police Dylan Thomas According to the BBC, Thomas appeared in court via video link on Friday from Ashworth Hospital in Liverpool, U.K., where he has been receiving treatment for schizophrenia and psychosis. Police said of the murder in a Nov. 21 release, "The night before, Thomas had been out for a family meal in Miskin, Llantrisant. When he returned to his grandmothers home in Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan, he began a Snapchat conversation with William into the early hours of the morning." "While texting his best friend, he was also searching the internet for veins, arteries, anatomy, and assisted suicide," police continued. The release added that the texts between the pair resumed at around 11 a.m. local time on Dec. 24, 2023, "while Thomas was being driven from Rhoose to Llandaff by his grandmother, under the pretense that he needed to check on his dog." Once at the house, Thomas stabbed his best friend multiple times, before ringing for an ambulance "while a witness in the nearby car park rang police," the release added, stating Thomas had been arrested at the scene. At Friday's sentencing, Judge Karen Steyn said the killing was a "sustained and ferocious knife attack" on "a young man who had been a firm and loyal friend," per the BBC. "He was a compassionate, loving, witty and vibrant young man," the judge added, according to the outlet. "He had a bright future ahead of him." South Wales Police William Bush The victim's sister Catrin said in court that her brother's life had been taken from him "in the most barbaric and cruel way," the BBC reported. "My family have been left with a massive hole which will never be filled," she said, per the outlet. The victim's girlfriend, Elle Jeffreys, said in court that she'd "lost a future we had both planned and prepared for," adding, "Will was the love of my life and meant everything to me," the BBC reported. The Guardian previously reported that Thomas had stabbed the victim whom he'd known since they met at the private school Christ College Brecon in mid-Wales at age around 13 37 times in the attack. Officer in the case, Detective Constable Joanne Harris, said, per Friday's police release, William Bush was a much-loved son, brother and boyfriend with a bright future ahead of him which included moving in with his girlfriend and starting a new job." On the 24th December 2023, as he looked forward to spending Christmas with his family and girlfriend, he was killed by someone he regarded as his friend having done nothing to warrant the brutal violence inflicted upon him," Harris added. Our thoughts during sentencing today, as they have been throughout the investigation, are with William, his family and girlfriend," she continued. Whilst we recognize that Dylan Thomas sentence of life in prison with a minimum of 19 years imprisonment wont bring William back, we do hope that this outcome goes someway to allowing the family to grieve and help in some way with their heartbreak," Harris said. She concluded, Finally, I want to reiterate our thanks to the community of Llandaff for its support during this investigation and to Williamss family and his girlfriend for bravely reading their victim impact statements. South Wales Police Dylan Thomas on the night before he fatally stabbed William Bush 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. Bush's family previously called Thomas "an evil, manipulative liar" in a statement shared by the South Wales Police. They said they had "been completely devastated by the brutal and senseless murder," adding, "Words cannot describe the impact this has had on our family however it is not just us who have lost a son and a brother, but Wills girlfriend, friends and extended family have also lost someone who they loved very much." The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Read the original article on People President Donald Trump had tough words for both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin during an interview that aired Thursday, threatening to ratchet up financial pressure on Russia while calling Zelenskyy no angel. Trump promised on the campaign trail to quickly end the war in Ukraine and is trying to force the two sides to the negotiating table. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but Trump said in the interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity that Zelenskyy shouldnt have allowed this war to happen. Zelenskyy was fighting a much bigger entity, much bigger, much more powerful, Trump said. He shouldnt have done that, because we couldve made a deal and Zelenskyy decided that I want to fight. Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet at Trump Tower in New York City, U.S., September 27, 2024. The United States and European allies have rallied around Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, supplying the country with a huge amount of military aide. Trump said Ukraine had the bravery to use the equipment, but in the end thats a war (that) has to be settled. More: Secretary of State Marco Rubio to visit Panama after Donald Trump lashes out at country Zelenskyy has shown interest in reaching a settlement, Trump noted. Putin could be harder to bring to the negotiating table. Trump reiterated in the interview that hes willing to increase the pressure on Russia. If they dont settle this war soon, like almost immediately, Im going to put massive tariffs on Russia and massive taxes and also big sanctions, Trump said. And I dont want to do that, you know I love the Russia people, theyre great people but weve got to get this war ended. The interview also touched on a range of other foreign policy issues, including China, the Panama Canal and preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. The United States built the canal but relinquished control of it to Panama, which Trump views as a mistake. Were gonna have to take it back, Trump said. What the war abroad means for you: Sign up for USA TODAY's Russia-Ukraine Crisis newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump has tough words for both Zelenskyy and Putin over Ukraine war London Record winds battered Ireland, Northern Ireland and parts of the mainland U.K. on Friday, with the severe gales spreading across the region, including the full width of Scotland, as the isles bore the brunt of Storm Eowyn. Met Eireann, the Republic of Ireland's national meteorological service, said the country was being buffeted by wind gusts of up to 114 mph in County Galway the highest ever recorded on the island. The Republic of Ireland was under a "Red Warning" from its meteorological body meaning the public was warned that the storm was "extremely destructive and dangerous." Waves crash onto the shore in Bantry Bay, on the southwest coast of Ireland, on Jan. 24, 2025, as storm Eowyn brings winds over 100 mph to the U.K. and Ireland. / Credit: JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty ESB Networks, the government-run body responsible for most of the Ireland's electrical grid, said Friday morning that over 715,000 homes, farms and businesses had been left without power as a result of the storm. More power outages were expected throughout Friday, ESB said. Northern Ireland Electricity Networks said approximately 240,000 customers were without power in the region by Friday afternoon meaning close to one million people were without power across the island. Scottish Power, an electricity provider in Scotland, said around 15,000 of its customers were without power, according to CBS News partner network BBC News. More than 230 flights scheduled to depart or arrive at Dublin Airport were cancelled Friday morning as a result of the severe weather, and all public transport was suspended across Ireland as government officials warned the public to remain indoors. A fallen tree brought down during Storm Eowyn blocks the road on January 24, 2025 in Holywood, near Belfast, Northern Ireland. / Credit: Charles McQuillan / Getty Images The U.K.'s Met Office said Friday that similar red warning notices were in place in parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland. Gusts over 90 mph were recorded in Northern Ireland and parts of northern Wales Friday morning as Storm Eowyn shifted toward the United Kingdom. Many trains and other public transport options were locked down in the northern U.K. and there were initial reports of some wind damage to trees and buildings. "Storm Eowyn is now bringing very strong winds to parts of the U.K. There is potential for gusts of 100 mph in exposed locations within the Red Warning area," Chief U.K. Meteorologist Jason Kelly said in a statement Friday. "Anyone in these Red and Amber warning areas should listen to advice from local responders and keep up to date with weather warnings for their area." #StormEowyn has been named and is forecast to bring strong winds to much of the UK on Friday and into Saturday. Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/XCphCgyj2Z Met Office (@metoffice) January 21, 2025 The most severe red warnings in the U.K., indicating a possible threat to life, covered Northern Ireland and the far north of England and south and central Scotland, but the amber warning area, which indicates likely disruption to travel and a possible risk of flying debris, covered a much wider area, extending south to Manchester and Liverpool. Storm Eowyn (pronounced AY-oh-win) became what is known as a bomb cyclone between Thursday and Friday, according to CBS News' partners at the Weather Channel. The storm has its origins in the recent U.S. Gulf Coast winter storm. "Jet stream energy that helped produce historic snowfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast Tuesday triggered the development of low pressure off the southeastern U.S. coast. From there, that low has rapidly intensified over the North Atlantic and spread into Ireland and the U.K. as an intense 'bomb cyclone,'" the Weather Channel said. A bomb cyclone, also known as bombogenesis, is described by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as a fast-developing storm that occurs when atmospheric pressure drops at least 24 millibars over a 24-hour period. The pressure associated with Storm Eowyn dropped by about 50 millibars as it neared the western Irish coast, according to the British weather service. Norah O'Donnell's final sign off from "CBS Evening News" CBS News Confirmed examines Gov. Newsom's "fact checks" on California fires Trump says he may get rid of FEMA, meets with Hurricane Helene first responders A marker on the border between Derby Line, Vt., and Stanstead, Quebec. The two suspects involved in a shootout that killed a U.S. border patrol agent in northern Vermont had an arsenal of weapons and tactical gear, including 48 rounds of .380-caliber jacketed hollow point ammunition, a ballistic helmet and night vision equipment, according to court documents unsealed Friday. The suspects were identified as Teresa Youngblut of Washington state, who was wounded in the gun battle, and Felix Bauckholt, a German national who was killed. Border patrol agent David "Chris" Maland, 44, also died in the exchange of gunfire on a highway just 20 miles south of the Canadian border. The court documents do not make clear whether Maland was struck by one of Youngbluts bullets or a shot fired by a fellow agent. U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland. The incident unfolded after 3 p.m. on Monday, after a border patrol agent pulled over a blue 2015 Toyota Prius to conduct an immigration inspection. Multiple agents in three vehicles then arrived to the scene, court documents say. Bauckholt, the registered owner of the vehicle, appeared to have an expired visa in a Department of Homeland Security database, according to court documents. The FBI had previously said the German national involved in the incident was on a current visa. At some point during the traffic stop, Youngblut opened fire toward at least one of the agents while standing outside the Prius' driver's side door. Bauckholt then attempted to draw his firearm, according to court documents, prompting at least one border agent to open fire at Bauckholt and Youngblut. Bauckholt was declared dead at the scene. Maland was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead at about 4 p.m. Youngbut was taken to a local hospital, where she remains, the court documents say. Investigators recovered at the scene a .380 caliber pistol and .40 caliber pistol believed to have been used by the two suspects. Youngblut is believed to have fired at least two rounds. The agents returned fire with at least seven shots, according to the court documents. Homeland Security Investigations agents had been performing "periodic surveillance" of Buckhault and Youngblut since Jan. 14, according to the documents. An employee of a hotel in Lyndonville, Vermont, had contacted law enforcement to report concerns about a man and a woman who had checked into the hotel, the documents say. The woman, later identified to be Youngblut, was seen carrying "an apparent firearm in an exposed carry holster." Both Bauckholt and Youngblut were wearing "all-black, tactical style clothing with protective equipment." Teresa Youngblut at Newport City Inn and Suites in Vermont. After getting the report from the hotel employee, Homeland Security agents attempted to speak with the pair. They refused to have an extended conversation, claiming that they were in the area looking to buy real estate, according to the court documents. Youngblut and Bauckholt then checked out of the hotel and were seen walking in downtown Newport five days later, with Youngblut carrying a handgun, the court documents say. The following day, hours before the fatal traffic stop, the pair stopped at a Walmart, where Bauckholt purchased two boxes of aluminum foil. The court documents say investigators found at the shooting scene suspected cellphones wrapped in what appeared to be aluminum foil, an apparent attempt to prevent the phones from being tracked. In addition to the ammunition, helmet and night vision monocular, investigators searching the suspects' Prius found a tactical belt with a holster, a pair of handheld two-way radios, a magazine loaded with cartridges and a package of shooting range targets, some of which had been used, according to the court documents. Youngblut is facing two charges in connection with the incident, including intentional use of a deadly weapon while interfering with federal law enforcement. Her lawyer declined to comment. Maland was a U.S. Air Force veteran from Minnesota. His family described him as a devoted agent who "truly embodied service over self." At the time of his death, Maland was planning to propose to his girlfriend. The family is just brokenhearted. Thats all I can say, his aunt, Joan Maland, told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune earlier this week. He loved his family and was looking forward to a life with the love of his life and her daughter." Maland was the first Border Patrol agent to be killed by gunfire in the line of duty since 2014. Hes probably getting grounded. A troublesome Tennessee teen allegedly fired a shot at a FedEx driver during a scary road rage incident last month, then eluded cops after leading them on a wild 100 mph chase, authorities said this week. But in the end the 17-year-old menace couldnt outrun the US Marshals and was nabbed hiding under his bed in Lexington on Wednesday, the federal law enforcement agency said in a release. Adding insult to injury, his dad is now also in handcuffs. Ricky Maness, Jr., 44, was charged with obstruction for lying about his sons whereabouts when the US Marshals sought to bust the teen for a violent road rage incident. U.S. Marshals Service During the investigation the teens father, Ricky Maness, Jr., 44, gave false information about the teens location, the marshals said. Subsequently the need was found hiding underneath a bed. The case began to unfold shortly before 5:30 p.m. in Jackson on Dec. 15, when a teen driving a pickup truck on South Highland Avenue nearly struck a FedEx truck then followed the delivery vehicle. When the ticked-off teen caught up with the driver he allegedly fired a shot at him, barely missing the FedEx workers head and prompting a call to 911, the mashals said. Police said a Tennessee teenager fired a shot at a FedEx driver on Dec. 15 during a road rage incident. clsdesign stock.adobe.com The US Marshals Service tracked down a 17-year-old to his Jackson, Tennessee home following a Dec. 15 road rage incident. Elliott Cowand/Wirestock Creators stock.adobe.com But when police showed up the teen hopped on Interstate 40 and fled, leading cops on a chase that reached more than 100 mph, eventually getting away. The marshals said they launched a investigation and were able to identify the teenager, whose name was not released because of his age, and busted both him and his father this week. The boy was booked and taken to the Madison County Juvenile Detention Center, while his father was being held at the Henderson County Detention Center pending arraignment. The arrest was made by the US Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force, a Western Tennessee squad made up of federal, state and local law enforcement officers. The task force has captured some 3,000 violent offenders and sexual predators since 2021. Tragically, there are dog siblings that go into the shelter system together. That's entire litters of pups all looking for a home. Cattle Dog puppy Sawyer is the last of his siblings left at the Elmbrook Humane Society in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Which is why they're sharing his story, so he'll finally get a home of his very own! This is one seriously cute pupper. He looks like a little toy! Even with the cone around his head, we can tell that Sawyer is a good boy. If only someone would see him and bring the boy home. The poor Australian Cattle Dog pup is all by his lonesome. It's clear that he knows he's alone too. Sawyer seems distraught to be without his littermates. They've all gone to permanent homes. Related: Cattle Dog Owner Installs Kitty Door To Keep Dog Out of Basement and It Backfires Miserably "We're hoping he won't have to wait much longer," the rescue wrote in the video's text overlay. We understand the sentiment. The Cattle Dog is too young to stay in the shelter. He'd be much happier in a loving home. "Just waiting for the last baby to go home!" they wrote in the caption. Commenters were begging for the right person to see Sawyer's video. "He is so waiting for his hero! Adopt, save a life please! A loving family and a forever home for this sweet angel!" wrote one person. "Someone please give this sweet baby the gift of a loving forever home," added a second commenter. "What a cutie pie, too bad an ocean separates us. I hope he gets adopted soon!!! Much love!!!!" one person chimed in. "Oh sweet baby I am so sorry. I hope you find your forever home very soon," someone else agreed. Adopting From Elmbrook Humane Sawyer can come home with you today if you want him to! All you need is to visit the Elmbrook Humane Society or their website to put in an application. Then follow their rules and guidelines to adopt. Sawyer needs a loving, patient home. As the Elmbrook Humane website notes, "Sawyer is a shy but endearing puppy, still adjusting to life outside of the puppy mill where he came from. While he may be timid at first, his quiet, sweet personality hints at the loving companion hes meant to be." Remember, Sawyer is still very young. How you socialize the dog can greatly impact the kind of temperament they'll grow to have. So if you have a lot of love in your heart and some patience, go adopt Sawyer! He's ready for a new home. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference during a cabinet retreat at Chateau Montebello in Montebello, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) TORONTO (AP) Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday American consumers will pay more whenever President Donald Trump decides to apply sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Thursday that he still plans to tariff Canada and Mexico at 25% rates starting as soon as Feb. 1. Trump previously threatened to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China as soon as he took office but the tariffs weren't applied on day one. Trudeau said if Trump does go forward "whether it be back on Jan. 20th, on Feb. 1st or Feb. 15th as a Valentines Day present, or on April 1st or whenever Canada will respond with retaliatory tariffs and "prices for American consumers on just about everything will go up." We dont think he wants that, Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa. By targeting Americas second largest trading partner after Mexico, Trump risks upending the markets for autos, lumber and oil all of which could carry over quickly to consumers. The premier of oil-rich Alberta, Danielle Smith, said Americans in some states could pay more than a dollar per gallon more for gas if Trump puts the tariff on Canadian oil. Despite Trumps repeated claim that the U.S doesnt need Canada, nearly a quarter of the oil America consumes per day comes from Canada. Americas northern neighbor also has 34 critical minerals and metals that the U.S. is eager for and is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium. "The U.S. should be working even more with Canada on our energy, on our critical minerals, on the goods they need to deliver the economic growth that Donald Trump has promised, Trudeau said. That is our first choice. If they do move forward on tariffs we are ready to respond in a strong way but in a way ... to figure out how to get them removed as soon as possible." Canada is looking at putting retaliatory tariffs on American orange juice, toilets and some steel products if Trump follows through with his threat. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, Canada announced billions of dollars in new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum Everything is on the table." Trudeau said. "It would be bad for Canada, but it would also be bad for American consumers. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian dollars ($2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Trudeau said Trump remains preoccupied with the border. The U.S. president told reporters at the White House earlier this week that, in his opinion, the amount of fentanyl coming through Canada and Mexico is massive." We have highlighted that less than one percent of illegal drugs coming into the United States, less than one percent of migrants going into the United States come from Canada but were still investing over a billion dollars and strengthening our border, Trudeau said. Trump continues to erroneously cast the U.S. trade deficit with Canada a natural resource-rich nation that provides the U.S. with commodities like oil as a subsidy. Trump incorrectly claims the U.S. has a $200 billion" trade deficit. We're not going to have that anymore. We can't do that, Trump said in a virtual appearance at the World Economic Forum. You can always become a state, and if you're a state, we don't have a deficit. We won't have to tariff you. President Donald Trump told reporters Friday that he was "surprised" Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins both moderates and sometime critics of Trump planned to vote against former Fox News host Pete Hegseth's nomination to lead the Defense Department. "I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that," Trump told reporters. The president also hinted that former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who has had at times a contentious relationship with Trump, could vote no in today's highly anticipated vote. "Of course Mitch is always a no vote I guess," the president said before asking reporters, "Is Mitch a no vote? How about Mitch?" President Donald Trump speaks to members of the press as he and first lady Melania Trump prepare to depart the White House aboard Marine One on Friday. McConnell has not publicly revealed how he'll vote on Hegseth's nomination, but he and several other Republican senators who have expressed reservations about Hegseth including Sens. Todd Young of Indiana, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia voted for a procedural motion to advance Hegseth's nomination to a final vote. Murkowski, of Alaska, and Collins, of Maine, voted against that procedural step. Representatives for McConnell's office did not respond to NBC News' questions about how he plans to vote in tonight's final confirmation vote. With all Senate Democrats signaling that they plan to vote against his nomination, Hegseth can afford to lose just three Republican votes. In that case, Vice President JD Vance could cast a tie-breaking vote. But if four or more GOP senators vote no on Hegseth, he would not be confirmed to lead the Defense Department. Hegseth's path to confirmation has faced hurdles since Trump said in November that he intended to nominate him. By early December, the notion that he would remain in the running for the job was in doubt, when as many of six Republican senators grew concerned over news reports that detailed Hegseth's alleged history of drinking, including on the job at Fox News. They also worried about Hegseth's alleged treatment of women, including his admitted infidelity and the revelation that he paid off a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017. Hegseth, a combat veteran, has vehemently denied the allegations of sexual assault, which he was never charged over, and has said the encounter was consensual. He also has denied that he has a drinking problem, and in interview with Megyn Kelly on SiriusXM in December, he vowed to stop drinking if he is confirmed as Defense secretary. This is the biggest deployment of my life, and there wont be a drop of alcohol on my lips while Im doing it, he told Kelly. Pete Hegseth at Capitol Hill on Jan. 14. At a confirmation hearing earlier this month, Democratic senators on the Armed Services Committee grilled Hegseth about the allegations against him and painted him as unfit to serve in the position for which he was nominated. They also raised concerns about his lack of experience running a large organization and his alleged financial mismanagement of a pair of nonprofit veterans groups, which he also has denied, saying he's proud of the work he has done for veterans. Still, Republicans on the committee defended Trump's nominee and he sailed through a committee vote. Earlier this week, fresh concerns about Hegseth emerged as senators received an affidavit from Hegseth's former sister-in-law, who alleged that his behavior during his second marriage caused his then-wife to fear for her safety. In a statement, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee said "the alleged pattern of abuse and misconduct by Mr. Hegseth is disturbing. This behavior would disqualify any service member from holding any leadership position in the military, much less being confirmed as the Secretary of Defense. Hegseth's lawyer, Tim Parlatore, denied the allegation in a statement, saying the nominee's former wife "has never alleged that there was any abuse, she signed court documents acknowledging that there was no abuse and recently reaffirmed the same during her FBI interview." In a statement emailed to NBC News earlier this week, Hegseth's ex-wife said, I do not believe your information to be accurate, and I have ccd my lawyer. She later added, There was no physical abuse in my marriage." Hegseth and his former wife signed a 2021 court document that said neither parent claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse. (Reuters) -UnitedHealth Group on Thursday named Tim Noel, the head of its Medicare business, to the top job at its health insurance business, a month after the unit's former CEO Brian Thompson was killed. Noel will take charge at UnitedHealthcare, the largest U.S. health insurer that provides benefits to more than 50 million Americans, at a critical moment. The brazen killing of Thompson on Dec. 4 has ignited a broad conversation about the frustrations of navigating the U.S. healthcare system. Many Americans, who routinely pay more for healthcare than people in any other country, have expressed anger over denied insurance claims, uncovered medical expenses, and requests for care being rejected. The health insurance industry, on the other hand, is grappling with rising costs, driven by increased demand for healthcare under government-backed Medicare plans for older adults or those with disabilities. Additionally, changes in Medicaid eligibility across states has left insurers with more patients who require more medical services. UnitedHealth has reported higher-than-expected medical loss ratio - the percentage of premiums spent on medical care - a metric that tracks costs. Noel, who joined in 2007, most recently served as the CEO of UnitedHealthcare's Medicare & Retirement unit. The parent company also operates Optum, which includes a pharmacy benefits manager, specialty pharmacy, data analytics and doctor and surgical practices. It also owns Change Healthcare, a technology company that was hit by a cyberattack last year, affecting thousands of healthcare providers and millions of customers. (Reporting by Mariam Sunny and Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila) Residents across parts of the U.S. could witness a dazzling display of the northern lights as a geomagnetic storm is set to strike Earth on January 24-25. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted G1 storm conditions, with auroras possibly visible in 10 northern states, including Michigan, Maine, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Geomagnetic Storm with Kp Index 5.33 May Trigger Stunning Aurora Borealis According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, the Kp index, which measures geomagnetic activity, is expected to peak at 5.33 during the storm, Space reported. The best time to view the auroras is between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am local time, ideally from a dark, elevated location away from city lights. Under optimal conditions, the phenomenon may be visible from as far as 620 miles away. The northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, occur when charged particles from the sun, carried by a coronal mass ejection (CME), collide with Earth's magnetic field. These interactions release energy as light, producing the vivid green, red, and purple hues often associated with the auroras. Read more: Chinese Astronauts Create Oxygen and Rocket Fuel Using Artificial Photosynthesis in Space Northern Lights Forecast: Geomagnetic Storm to Illuminate Skies from Alaska to Northern U.S. For this event, NOAA predicts the auroral view line will dip just below the Canadian border, offering a higher chance of visibility across northern Canada and Alaska. According to Forbes, states like Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and northern Iowa may also catch glimpses, though the likelihood decreases further south. Photographers hoping to capture the northern lights should enable night mode on their smartphones or use a regular camera with a wide-angle lens and high ISO settings. NASA advises focusing the lens at its farthest setting for the best results. This geomagnetic storm follows increased solar activity as the sun reaches its solar maximum, part of an 11-year cycle of heightened space weather. Similar solar storms in recent months have produced some of the most vibrant auroras in decades, including displays as far south as Texas and Florida last May. While this storm is rated as minor, space weather can be unpredictable, with events occasionally exceeding initial forecasts. Stay prepared to check the skies and consider downloading a space weather app for real-time updates. By Simon Lewis, David Brunnstrom and Michael Martina WASHINGTON (Reuters) -China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with new U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday and told the known China hawk that the direction and tone of U.S.-China ties had been set by their leaders and he hoped Rubio would play a constructive role for the good of the people of both countries. The call was the first between the two top diplomats under the new administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who began his second term on Monday. China's Foreign Ministry said the two discussed U.S.-China relations and Taiwan. "I hope you would conduct yourself well and play a constructive role in the future of the Chinese and American people and in world peace and stability," Wang told Rubio, who in his Senate confirmation hearing last week labeled China as the gravest threat facing the United States. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the talks, which came after Trump said on Wednesday he was considering a 10% duty on Chinese imports because of Beijing's role in the fentanyl trade. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry's statement, Wang told Rubio their respective heads of state had "pointed out the direction and established the tone for China-U.S. relations." "The teams of both sides should implement the important consensus of the two heads of state, maintain communication, manage differences, expand cooperation, promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, and find the right way for China and the United States to get along in the new era," Wang said. Last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump agreed in a phone call ahead of the latter's inauguration, to create a strategic communication channel on "major issues." Trump said at a speech to the World Economic Forum on Thursday that he sees a very good relationship between the United States and China, and that he hopes China can help end Russia's war in Ukraine. In an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday, he said he had had a "good, friendly conversation" with Xi and he thought he could reach a trade deal with Beijing. Trump said on Monday he had received an invitation to visit China and could travel there as soon as this year. In the first year of his first term, Trump quickly struck up a relationship with Xi and both men lavishly hosted each other in Florida and Beijing. But that did not stop ties from deteriorating into a trade war that unleashed a series of tit-for-tat tariffs and uprooted global supply chains. Rubio said at his confirmation hearing that China believed it was on a path to supplant the United States as the dominant world power in the next 20-30 years. Wang said that China has "no intention of surpassing or replacing anyone, but we must defend our legitimate right to development." On Taiwan, he said that the island has been part of China's territory since ancient times and China would never allow it to be separated from China. Democratically governed Taiwan rejects Beijing's claim of sovereignty, and says China's Communist Party has never ruled over the island, where the Republic of China government fled to Taipei in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, allowed under U.S. law, have continued to strain Beijing's ties with Washington. "The United States has made a solemn commitment to pursue the one-China policy in the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques and must not break its promise," Wang said. "A major power should behave like a major power, should assume its due international responsibilities, should maintain world peace, and should help all countries achieve common development," echoing criticisms U.S. officials have made about China. (Reporting by Simon Lewis, David Brunnstrom, Michael Martina and Ryan Woo; Editing by Alistair Bell, William Maclean and Diane Craft) A woman accused of being part of a spy ring for Russia said she was very impressed with one of the leaders who exemplified the typical hero immigrant story, a court heard. Katrin Ivanova, 33, is on trial accused of carrying out surveillance on individuals and places of interest to Russia for more than two years. She is accused alongside Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39. Vanya Gaberov is accused of being part of a network of spies targeting people and places of interest to the Russian state over three years (Elizabeth Cook/PA) The Bulgarian national, who moved to the UK in 2012, became friends with Orlin Roussev through her partner Biser Dzhambazov, both of whom have pleaded guilty to espionage charges. She met Roussev, who the court previously heard was leading the alleged spy ring, at East Croydon station in 2012. Ivanova told the court she went for dinner with him and Dzhambazov at a posh restaurant near the Thames. For a new immigrant this was a very nice experience, she told jurors. I was very impressed with him (Roussev), he was someone I always wanted to be. He was a typical hero immigrant story. He was someone I was looking up to Ivanova, dressed in a black suit, black jumper and white shirt in the witness box, told jurors she and Dzhambazov had let Roussev store computers and other equipment at various homes they lived in in London while Roussev helped them pay for deposits and gave them some money towards rent. Ivanova met Dzhambazov while working in a summer job when she was 17, the court heard. Ten years her senior, Dzhambazov moved into Ivanovas family home in Bulgaria after a few months into their relationship. Ivanova said she then went to university near the Romanian border, to be as far away as possible from her family. I was thinking at the time my father was trying to control me, she told the court. It is alleged Ivanova was part of four plots to provide information to Russia, including one involving Bellingcat investigative journalist Christo Grozev and a plan to spray fake blood on the Kazakhstan embassy in London, the court has previously heard. Ivanova got a job as a laboratory assistant at the Doctors Laboratory in Euston in 2021. She denied that she would have been able to access large quantities of blood, saying samples usually arrived in three- or six-millilitre vials. The court heard Ivanova and Dzhambazov lived together in various homes around the capital. Latterly, the pair had planned to move from a flat in Harrow to a flat in central London, which Ivanova said her colleague was moving out of. I cleaned the property, I decorated the property, I went to buy a bed, she told the court. Jurors were previously told that Dzhambazov, 43, was in a relationship with both Ivanova and Gaberova, with the latter formerly involved with Ivanchev. Dzhambazov was arrested while naked in bed with beautician Gaberova at the flat in central London. Ivanova became emotional when she was asked about what she knew about Dzhambazovs arrest. Tihomir Ivanchev is accused alongside Gaberova and Ivanova (Elizabeth Cook/PA) Later, the 33-year-old claimed she had gathered intel on Mr Grozev to expose his hypocrisy. Mr Grozev has these two properties in Bulgaria, in very nice luxury areas, she told the court. What was being presented to me was those properties were being bought with dirty money. The plan was trying to expose Mr Grozev. Ivanova denied working for any government and said that was why she left Bulgaria. I left my country for that very reason, she said. I wouldnt like to support any government. All three defendants deny the charge of conspiracy to spy between August 30 2020 and February 8 2023. Ivanova has pleaded not guilty to a second charge of possession of false identity documents with improper intention under section 4 of the Identity Documents Act 2010. At the time of the alleged offences, Ivanchev was living in Acton, west London, Ivanova was living in Harrow, north-west London, and Gaberova in Euston, north London. The Old Bailey trial continues. by Sumon Corraya People jailed for explosive possession were released on bail. After 16 years in prison, many accuse former Prime Minister Hasina and her government of unjustly jailing them. Children are anxious to see their imprisoned fathers. Many now demand a review of the original investigation. Dhaka (AsiaNews) Bangladeshi authorities have ordered the release on bail of 127 former members of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), now called Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), who will be able to leave the Kashimpur Central Jail in Gazipur, a city in Dhaka Division. The men were jailed for possession of explosives and involvement in Pilkhana massacre of 2009, when a mutiny by border guards left dozens of people dead, including scores of army officers. The release of more than a hundred prisoners after years behind bars was a moment of celebration for their families. Yesterday morning, at 11 am, 16-year-old Tahsin Akhter was standing in front of the main gate of Kashimpur Jail holding flowers. Her eyes and face were full of excitement at the idea of hugging a father seen only during prison visits who was now finally free. Mohammad Dulal Mia, a former BDR member of the Bangladesh Rifles, was finally able to leave his cell and hug relatives after a 16-year wait. When Tahsin was only eight months old, her father was arrested in connection with the guards mutiny in Pilkhana. Struggling to contain her joy, Tahsin, who is now in the tenth grade, talked about her childhood saying that she has no "memories" of being with his father. Today I am very happy because my father has been released. We are grateful to the provisional government" of interim Prime Minister Mohammed Yunus, she said. While praise is heaped on the new government, there is also no shortage of criticism for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now in exile in India after street protest last August led to her ouster. Like Tahsin, relatives of other soldiers gathered in front of Dhaka Central Jail since morning, following reports that jailed former BDR members would be released. Most were carrying bouquets of flowers. The arrests and convictions are linked to one of the most tragic pages in Bangladesh's recent history. On 25 and 26 February 2009, at least 74 people, including 57 army officers, were killed in a mutiny at the BDR headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka. Those accused were charged with and tried for murder and possession of explosives. Following the incident, the units name was changed from Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Some BDR members were acquitted and released or served their sentence for murder, but 468 were held for explosives possession. The trial of 850 people for murder ended on 5 November 2013 with 152 death sentences by hanging, and 160 of life imprisonment, plus another 256 on various prison terms. Some 278 people were acquitted. After the fall of the Hasina government, a chorus of voices demanded a review of the facts and a new investigation to shed real light on the Pilkhana massacre. Sepoy Abu Hasan, a member of the Dhaka Sadar Battalion, was one of those who benefitted from the release. When the BDR mutiny took place, I had six months of service," he said, adding forcefully that the charges were baseless. Maliha Jannatun was one of the many youths waiting early this morning for the release of her father, Munsur Ali, at the main entrance of Dhaka Jail. When Munsur, who hails from Haripur in Thakurgaon district, ended up in prison, she was only three months old. She is now in grade 10 at the Ranhatra Chauhaddi High School. "We are very happy that my father was released after 16 years. Now he will live in the open air" and we will all go for a walk". Sepoy Enamul of the 45th Battalion in Mymensingh, was also released on bail. For him, "Hasina's fascist government imprisoned us on false grounds. We demand that all those who are innocent be reinstated in their jobs. The real criminals in this incident should be identified and punished. The ICC chief prosecutor charged the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate, Haibatullah Akhundzada, and Judge Abdul Hakim Haqqani of persecuting Afghan women and girls. Recently, a senior Taliban official called for reopening schools for women. This and other criticisms suggest a divided leadership. Kabul (AsiaNews) The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Karim Khan has requested an arrest warrant against the Taliban supreme leader and the chief justice of the Islamic Emirate, for persecuting Afghan girls and women. In a statement, the office of Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan said that Haibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani bear criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds." Now it will be up to a three-judge panel of the international court to decide in the coming months whether to issue the arrest warrant, a situation similar to that of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This morning Akhundzada called the court's investigation "unfair, politically motivated" based on a double standard, because war crimes committed by foreign forces in Afghanistan over the last 20 years of war have not been investigated. However, the Taliban Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai urged the leaders of the Islamic Emirate to lift the restrictions on girls' education in Afghanistan. Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have abolished higher education for girls and recently closed medical vocational schools, the only venue left for women to pursue a higher education. "We request the leaders of the Islamic Emirate to open the doors of education," said Stanikzai at a public event, reported by a local broadcaster, Tolo. 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 made similar statements in 2022 and 2023, but according to experts, this is the first time that a senior Taliban official directly addressed Haibatullah Akhundzada, who represents the hardline wing of the Taliban movement. For analyst Tameem Bahiss, Stanikzai's criticism targets the approach imposed by the supreme leader, calling for respect for the peoples will through "the Taliban's governing council or shura". According to Bahiss, the decision to ban girls from going to school was imposed by Akhundzada without any kind of consultation with other Taliban leaders. Stanikzai's remarks also seem to confirm divisions within the Taliban leadership, in particular, between Akhundzadas religious authority and the Haqqani network, which represents the more moderate and pragmatic wing of the movement. The Haqqani network is close to al-Qaeda and has committed some of the most violent terrorist attacks during the decades of war that have characterised the recent history of Afghanistan. Signs of tension emerged in December after the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) killed the Minister of Refugees, Khalil Rahman Haqqani. Akhundzada refused to appoint Ahmad Haqqani, the eldest son of the senior official killed, as the new minister, and the position has been vacant ever since. For his part, the Taliban supreme leader summoned Taliban commanders, inviting them to Kandahar (the seat of religious power) rather than Kabul, the capital, where the Haqqani network is based, led by Sirajuddin, son of the founder, Jalaluddin Haqqani, and current Taliban Minister of the Interior. According to a local newspaper, Hasht-e Subh, Akhundzada summoned the leaders after they reported complaints about the government to Sirajuddin Haqqani, who in early December had voiced dissatisfaction, stating, at a graduation ceremony at an Islamic school, that, Religion should not be represented in a way that suggests it belongs solely to me, to the exclusion of others. His words were seen as a veiled criticism of Akhundzada, who boasts the title of "commander of the faithful" modelled after the first Muslim caliphs. Recently, a local news agency, Amu, reported a trip by Sirajuddin Haqqani to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he met with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to some scholars, the Gulf state could mediate between Afghanistan and several other countries, like Pakistan, as tensions simmer along their shared border over the presence of armed groups, or the United States, involved in a recent prisoners exchange, which was facilitated, however, by Qatar. It is possible that the visit to the UAE could be part of an attempt to mend fences between Haqqani and Akhundzada. New York, US (PANA) - The UN chief on Thursday expressed alarm over a renewed offensive by M23 rebels in recent days in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which is taking a devastating toll on civilians The popes message for the 59th World Day of Social Communications, observed on 1 June, is released on the feast day of Saint Francis de Sales, patron saint of writers and journalists. In it, Francis calls for a form of communication that can heal the wounds of our humanity, which is even more important in this Holy Year in order to spread hope, even when it is difficult. Vatican City (AsiaNews) Pope Francis today released his message for 59th World Day of Social Communications, which will be celebrated on Sunday, 1 June 2025. In his address, which comes on the feast day of Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622), the patron saint of writers and journalists, the pontiff urges them to promote a communication that can heal the wounds of our humanity, and tell the many stories of goodness hidden in the folds of the news, like gold prospectors who tirelessly sift the sand in search of a tiny nugget. In his message to communication professionals, he also refers to the Holy Year, urging them to be communicators of hope, beginning with a renewal of your work and your mission according to the spirit of the Gospel". The Second Vatican Council established World Day of Social Communications to strengthen the varied apostolates of the Church with respect to the media of social communication (decree Inter Mirifica, 1964), but this year it comes at a time characterized by disinformation and polarization, as well as by the diseases of self-promotion and self-absorption, and by the influence of the logic of the market. For the pope, quoting the French writer Georges Bernanos (1888-1948), hope is "the risk of risks more than ever, not an "option, but a necessary condition" for Christians. Like every year, the pontiff's message was announced on 29 September, the feast day of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. This years theme is: Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts (cf. 1 Pet 3:15-16). Indeed, the heart is once again central in today's communication practices, characterised by astonishing achievements of technology". For this reason, I encourage you to care for your heart, your interior life, reads the message. Stressing this need, the pontiff offers guidelines to information workers. First of all, they must never forget the "face of other people, and always try to nurture gentleness. It is also necessary to move away from "instinctive reactions; instead, Always spread hope, even when it is difficult, even when it costs, even when it seems not to bear fruit, Francis writes. In short, room must be made for the heartfelt trust" that can flourish in the most unexpected places, the hope of those fathers who emigrate at great risk, and that of children who somehow manage to play, laugh and believe in life even amid the debris of war. Be witnesses and promoters of a non-aggressive communication; help to spread a culture of care, build bridges and break down the visible and invisible barriers of the present time. These words outline the bases of good communication for the 59th World Communications Day. This is the same practice that Saint Francis de Sales followed. Ordained a priest in 1593, he engaged in dialogue with Calvinists in Chablais, south of Lake Geneva (today on the border between France and Switzerland). He stands above others for his respect for opinions different from his own, and for direct and frank communication. He also used the means of communication available at the time, like posters and letters. He became the patron saint of Catholic journalists and writers in 1923 with Pope Pius XI's encyclical Rerum omnium. In the First Epistle of Peter (3:15-16), we find "an admirable synthesis in which hope is linked to Christian witness and communication," the pontiff writes. This passage carries three messages. The first is that hope for Christians has "the face of the Risen Lord". The second concerns the readiness "to explain the hope that is in us". The last is the invitation to "gentleness" and "reverence". Christian communication, but also communication in general, should be steeped in gentleness and closeness, reads the papal message. Thus, Francis goes on to say: I dream of a communication capable of making us fellow travelers, walking alongside our brothers and sisters, a closeness that is needed to invigorate hope, which "is always a community project. Citing Fr Tonino Bello, the pope laments that conflicts, wars and misunderstandings start when individual faces melt away and disappear. by Nirmala Carvalho A racket involving doctors from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu was uncovered in Rangareddy district, with widows among those exploited. At least 200,000 patients in India are in need of a kidney transplant but only 7,500 legal operations are carried out in a year due to the low number of donations. Mumbai (AsiaNews) - Telangana health officials, along with the Rachakonda police, uncovered an illegal kidney transplant racket operating at Alakananda Hospital, a private facility in Saroor Nagar, Rangareddy district. The operations, which took place on the evening of 16 January, were performed by doctors from other states at the hospital. Donors and recipients were allegedly connected through intermediaries, whose identity has not been disclosed. The operation came to light after an anonymous tip led the authorities to investigate the hospital, which was operating without proper authorisations. According to reports, the racket involved doctors from other states, including Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, who were lured with financial incentives to perform illegal kidney transplants in collaboration with hospital staff. Rangareddy district health and medical officer Venkateshwar Rao confirmed that during an inspection four persons were found in the hospital, two kidney donors and two recipients, all from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. When they were questioned, they stated that they had been operated on for appendicitis. We transferred them to Gandhi Hospital to receive better medical care,' he explained. The kidney racket appears to have been run from Saroornagar in eastern Telangana, but has links to places like Chennai, Bengaluru and Vizag, where some of its key operatives reside. The victims, including widows in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, were allegedly tricked by an intermediary into donating their kidneys for transplant to unknown and apparently wealthy recipients. The middleman allegedly promised the donors 400,000 rupees each (about EUR 4,400), for a total of 5 million rupees (more than EUR 55,000), but then walked out on them without paying. Following the affair, the Alakananda Hospital was closed on 22 January. A member of the management was arrested. He will now have to answer for violation of the Human Organ Transplantation Act, since he did not even have the necessary authorisations to perform transplant operations. All surgeons found guilty of involvement in the racket will be struck off the register. Dr Srinivas Gundagani, vice-president of the Telangana Medical Council, admitted the gaps in supervision, saying: We can only act after receiving complaints. Commenting to AsiaNews on the matter, Dr Pascoal Carvalho - a former Indian member of the Pontifical Academy for Life - said that this is also an issue that has to do with the protection of life. Kidney transplants should be carried out in accordance with ethical and legal standards'. The shortage of organs in India is a very serious problem. According to data from 2022 out of more than 200,000 patients who needed a kidney transplant, only 7,500 transplants (about 3.4 per cent) were performed. The 1994 Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Act prohibits the sale of organs and only allows donation between close family members or for altruistic reasons, without any exchange of money. But it is a provision that is easily circumvented precisely because of the high demand and the availability of state-of-the-art technology and qualified surgical personnel. It was precisely Telangana in 2024 that also topped the list of organ transplants carried out through legal procedures in the country. Until a few years ago, even poor villagers in Myanmar were lured to donate their kidneys to wealthy patients in their own country in private hospitals in Delhi for transplant operations, Carvalho recalls. The recent reforms adopted by the Indian government last year allow more flexibility in age and residency requirements for altruistic donations. I believe this is the right way forward to promote the culture of donation and to stamp out these morally unacceptable practices'. INDIAN MANDALA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO INDIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY FRIDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. In an interview with The Armenian Report published on Thursday, Jared Genser pointed to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians public statements on these and other Armenian prisoners whom he described as hostages. It doesnt seem from what Ive heard that bringing Ruben or others home is an especially high priority [for Pashinians government,] he said. Thats obviously frustrating and disappointing because Ruben and the others are simply Armenian citizens. Its the job of a government to help their citizens abroad when they are in harms way. In this particular case there is no one but the government of Armenia to actually stand up for them and assist them. It should be the Armenian government thats asking governments around the world to secure the release of the political prisoners and POWs, and it doesnt seem to be an especially high priority for them, added Genser. An Azerbaijani military court began the separate trials of Vardanyan and 15 other Karabakh Armenians on January 17. The defendants facing a long list of accusations include three former Karabakh presidents -- Arayik Harutiunian, Bako Sahakian and Arkadi Ghukasian. They all were captured by Azerbaijan during or shortly after its September 2023 military offensive that forced Karabakhs entire population to flee to Armenia and restored Azerbaijani control over the region. In contrast with an outpouring of support for the captives voiced by prominent public figures in Armenia and its worldwide Diaspora, the Armenian government has pointedly declined to condemn the trials. Nor has it officially reacted to them otherwise through the prime ministers office or the Foreign Ministry. Armenian government critics have denounced its silence. Pashinian described the trials as concerning when he answered a question from an opposition member of the parliament on Wednesday. He claimed that a stronger statement satisfying your patriotic emotions would only harm the Armenian prisoners. Opposition leaders continued to insist that Pashinian is simply afraid of angering Baku. Pashinian was already accused by his domestic critics last fall of helping Baku legitimize Vardanyans continuing imprisonment with his scathing comments about the Armenian-born billionaire and philanthropist. Speaking during a news conference last August, the Armenian premier wondered who had told Vardanyan to renounce Russian citizenship and move to Karabakh in 2022 and for what purpose. Pashinian seemed to echo Azerbaijani leaders earlier claims that Vardanyan, who briefly served as Karabakh premier in 2022-2023, was dispatched to Karabakh by Moscow to serve Russian interests there. Vardanyan hit back at him in a September statement issued via his family. In another statement circulated by the family on the eve of his trial, the tycoon rejected 42 charges levelled against him as politically motivated and accused Azerbaijani authorities of attributing false testimony to him. Genser, who has not been allowed to visit Azerbaijan to see his client, denounced the trials as a travesty of justice, saying that guilty verdicts in them are already predetermined. He claimed that the new U.S. administration of President Donald Trump will put strong pressure on the Azerbaijani government to free the Armenian captives. I do think that if [Azerbaijani President Ilham] Aliyev thinks he is going to just do whatever he wants with no consequence, he is going to find something quite different happening in Washington, the lawyer told The Armenian Report. Weve already begun talking to new administration officials about the current situation not just with respect to political prisoners and Rubens case but a broader situation of ethnic cleansing, the dismantling of the government institutions of Artsakh. 24 January 2025 16:43 (UTC+04:00) By Farman Aydin | AzerNEWS In a world where political stability is often threatened by external forces, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico stands as a beacon of resilience and determination. His recent actions to safeguard Slovakia from the insidious threat of a fifth column deserve commendation and highlight his unwavering commitment to the nation's sovereignty and security. On January 23, Prime Minister Fico called an emergency meeting of the country's Security Council, a decisive move in response to the looming threat of an attempted government overthrow. During a press conference, Fico revealed that a group of foreign experts is operating within Slovakia with the explicit goal of destabilizing the current government. This revelation underscores the gravity of the situation and the lengths to which external actors are willing to go to undermine Slovakia's democratic institutions. Recent happenings throughout the world give us bases to claim that these foreign experts have previously participated in the events in Georgia and the Maidan in Ukraine is particularly alarming. These historical precedents serve as stark reminders of the chaos and instability that can ensue when external forces meddle in a nation's internal affairs. By identifying and addressing this threat head-on, Fico is taking proactive measures to prevent Slovakia from becoming the next victim of such destabilizing tactics. The Prime Minister's vigilance and swift action are commendable. In an era where misinformation and covert operations are increasingly used to manipulate public opinion and disrupt governments, Fico's transparency and decisiveness are refreshing. His willingness to confront these threats openly and take necessary precautions demonstrates his dedication to protecting Slovakia's democratic processes and ensuring the nation's stability. However, it is disheartening to witness the opposition's response to Fico's efforts. Instead of rallying behind the Prime Minister in a show of national unity, the opposition has chosen to undermine his actions and sow further discord. This behaviour is not only irresponsible but also dangerous. At a time when Slovakia faces a genuine threat from external actors, the opposition's refusal to support the government's efforts to safeguard the nation is a betrayal of the very principles they claim to uphold. The opposition's actions are a stark contrast to Fico's leadership. While the Prime Minister is focused on protecting the country and its citizens, the opposition seems more interested in advancing their political agendas, even at the expense of national security. This self-serving behaviour is a disservice to the people of Slovakia and undermines the collective effort needed to address the current threat. It is crucial for all political actors in Slovakia to recognize the gravity of the situation and put aside their differences for the greater good. National security should never be a partisan issue. The opposition must rise above petty politics and work collaboratively with the government to protect the nation from external threats. Failure to do so not only jeopardizes Slovakia's stability but also emboldens those who seek to undermine its democratic institutions. Prime Minister Robert Fico's actions in the face of this threat are a testament to his leadership and commitment to Slovakia's sovereignty. His proactive measures to identify and counteract the fifth column operating within the country are commendable and necessary. It is imperative that all political actors in Slovakia support these efforts and work together to ensure the nation's security and stability. In conclusion, Robert Fico's leadership during this challenging time deserves praise and recognition. His dedication to protecting Slovakia from external threats is a shining example of what true leadership looks like. The opposition must set aside their political differences and join forces with the government to safeguard the nation's future. Slovakia's security and democratic integrity depend on it. 24 January 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), taking place from January 20 to 24 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, gathered nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries. With the theme "Partnering for a Smarter Century," the event focused on tackling urgent global issues such as geopolitical conflicts, advancements in technology, and the drive for sustainable economic development. Among the key issues discussed was climate change, which has become an increasingly critical concern for world leaders as they navigate an era marked by economic uncertainty, political conflicts, and global crises, such as food shortages. As a hub for collaboration, the WEF serves as a vital platform for finding innovative solutions and forging partnerships that can drive positive change across multiple sectors, particularly in the fight against climate change. Through its participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) and its leadership role in COP29, Azerbaijan is actively contributing to the development of innovative solutions for a more sustainable future. Mukhtar Babayevs role at the World Economic Forum Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and former President-designate for COP29 Mukhtar Babayevs presence at the WEF in Davos was marked by his active involvement in discussions on climate change and the green transition. As President of COP29, he shared insights on the agreements reached during the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), held in Baku. One of the key outcomes of COP29 was the establishment of new carbon market agreements, which Babayev highlighted as creating significant opportunities for the private sector to contribute to the global green transition. In his address at the WEFs Road to COP30 session, Babayev emphasized the global significance of COP29s results, calling them a "great success for the entire world community." He elaborated on a newly developed program aimed at boosting climate financing, targeting a contribution of $1.3 trillion. This program is set to involve the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), private sector stakeholders, and other international actors, fostering a collaborative approach to climate action. Babayev also underscored Azerbaijans ongoing commitment to climate goals, noting the nations plan to work closely with Brazils COP30 team in addressing future climate challenges. He acknowledged the increasing impacts of climate change, which affect both developed and developing countries, urging greater global cooperation to mitigate these effects. Strengthening global partnership During his time in Davos, Babayev participated in several bilateral meetings, further reinforcing Azerbaijans role as a key player in the global climate dialogue. Notably, he met with Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, to discuss the outcomes of COP29 and strategies for implementing the commitments made during the conference. These discussions are critical for translating international agreements into tangible, on-the-ground actions. Additionally, Babayev held a meeting with Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Affairs Envoy for Saudi Arabia. Both leaders reflected on the breakthroughs achieved at COP29 and discussed plans to scale up renewable energy investments in their respective countries. These conversations highlight the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate change and transitioning to sustainable energy systems. Another significant meeting took place between Babayev and Fatih Birol, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA). During this discussion, they reviewed the key milestones achieved at COP29, particularly in areas such as methane reduction and energy storage. Babayev also emphasized the importance of driving greater investment in clean energy transitions, an area where international cooperation and innovation are crucial. Azerbaijans participation in the WEFs Global Future Councils and Babayevs leadership at COP29 are emblematic of the countrys commitment to addressing climate change and global warming. By engaging in key discussions, forging strategic partnerships, and developing actionable programs, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a leader in the global green transition. The countrys focus on innovative solutions, climate financing, and international collaboration reflects its determination to tackle the climate crisis head-on, ensuring a sustainable future for all. As the world looks ahead to COP30 in Brazil, the momentum generated by COP29 and Azerbaijans continued leadership will be critical in shaping the global response to climate change. The work done at the WEF and through international dialogues such as these will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining the success of future climate actions. In conclusion, Azerbaijans participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 and its leadership at COP29 underscore the countrys strong commitment to tackling climate change on a global scale. Through proactive engagement in key discussions, strategic bilateral meetings, and innovative solutions like enhanced climate financing, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a pivotal player in the global green transition. 24 January 2025 20:21 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The appointment of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State under President Trump has sparked discussions on the future direction of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to the South Caucasus region. Rubio, known for his hawkish stance and internationalist views, will play a significant role in shaping the administration's approach to global affairs. His comments on Iran, AUKUS, and other key issues suggest that the U.S. may adopt a more assertive foreign policy, though uncertainties remain regarding how these changes will manifest in the South Caucasus. Rubios approach to foreign policy, which prioritizes American strength on the global stage, contrasts with the isolationist tendencies of former President Trump. However, Rubio's expertise, honed through years of work on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senate Intelligence Committee, positions him as a potential leader in shaping U.S. foreign relations. Despite his background and experience, Rubio will face challenges, particularly given his previous conflicts with President Trump and the unpredictability of the administration. How about the possible implications for the South Caucasus region? The future of the South Caucasus in the context of Rubios role and the broader Trump administration remains uncertain, at least for now... Policy Shifts Toward Iran: Rubios tough stance on Iran, especially his commitment to preventing its nuclear capabilities, could significantly affect the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan, wary of Iran, may gain strategic importance as U.S. pressure on Tehran escalates. However, a more aggressive approach could also heighten regional tensions and destabilize neighbouring areas. U.S. Relations with Georgia: Georgias alignment with the U.S. is vital for regional stability and will be closely scrutinized under the new administration. Rubios policy decisions could influence Tbilisis future, particularly in terms of closer U.S. ties or opposition to the current government. Russias Role: The regions reliance on Russia for security may increase amidst an unpredictable U.S. foreign policy. The South Caucasus remains a strategic area of competition, and changes in U.S. policy could either strengthen or weaken Russia's influence, potentially forcing regional states to choose sides. Azerbaijan, which has long prioritized strengthening ties with the United States, finds itself at a crossroads as it moves into a new era of diplomacy with Rubio at the helm. Throughout its history of statehood, Azerbaijan has made concerted efforts to establish solid political and economic relations with the U.S. Yet, during the Biden administration, relations faced challenges, particularly due to a perceived bias toward Armenia, fueled by the influence of the Armenian lobby. In Azerbaijan, Biden will be remembered as a president who, according to many, allowed the Armenian narrative to dominate American foreign policy toward the region. His decision to pardon his son and Antony Blinken's tenure, marred by dishonesty, further eroded trust in the administration. With Rubio now in power, Azerbaijan may have a more balanced diplomatic partner. Rubios foreign policy stance, rooted in strength and security, aligns closely with Azerbaijans national interests. However, Rubios appointment also comes at a time when U.S. policy toward the South Caucasus is still unclear. Initial indications reportedly suggest that there are pro-Armenian voices within the new administration. For example, Marco Rubio himself, and Tulsi Gabbard, nominated for the position of Director of National Intelligence, have expressed pro-Armenian positions. Their views will likely influence the White House's policy, however, these figures could wield considerable influence in shaping U.S. policy toward Armenia and Azerbaijan, potentially complicating the dynamics of the U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship. We should of course note that, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) continues to work relentlessly to undermine relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The ANCA, despite the potential consequences, has long tried to sow discord in U.S.-Azerbaijan relations. Which has been noticeable during the Biden administration. Their (ANCA) actions, including submitting testimony in support of Rubios confirmation as Secretary of State, are part of a broader strategy to keep the U.S. aligned with Armenian interests, regardless of the geopolitical realities at play. It's unfortunate to observe how one lobby's policies diverge from those of the country it represents, often enjoying greater representation than the country itself. Despite the Armenian authorities' evolving and hopeful approach to relations with Azerbaijan, the lobby continues to adopt a provocative stance. This ongoing influence from Armenian lobby groups highlights the challenges the U.S. government faces as it seeks to balance competing interests in the region. On the other hand, Rubios hawkish policies may also be met with resistance from those in the U.S. who view a more isolationist stance as preferable. President Trumps unpredictable approach to foreign relations, which included clashes with NATO allies and a strained relationship with his own Cabinet members, left a legacy of instability in U.S. foreign policy. Rubios ability to lead will depend on his ability to navigate the internal contradictions within the administration and stay true to the strategic goals he has outlined. Despite these challenges, Rubios early statements have already given Azerbaijan hope for a renewed, more balanced relationship with the U.S. His approach to foreign policy, characterized by strength and pragmatism, could lead to closer economic and military ties between the two countries. However, the actions of lobbying groups like the ANCA, which continue to push for policies that favour Armenia, could complicate these efforts. Rubio will need to carefully navigate the political landscape to ensure that U.S. policy reflects the evolving realities of the South Caucasus, rather than being swayed by outdated alliances or political pressures. In any case, Rubios appointment signals a potentially transformative period for U.S.-Azerbaijan relations. With a firm belief in Americas role as a global leader, Rubios policies could foster a stronger relationship with Baku. Yet, Azerbaijan must also contend with the continued influence of Armenian lobby groups, which remain intent on shaping U.S. policy to the detriment of Azerbaijans interests. The coming months will determine whether Rubio can overcome these challenges and chart a course for U.S.-Azerbaijan relations that benefits both countries. 24 January 2025 21:20 (UTC+04:00) By Fateh Karimzade | AzerNEWS The freshest details regarding the crash of an Embraer 190 aircraft belonging to Azerbaijans AZAL company near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan, have been revealed. Thus, sources say that the aircraft was shot down by a Pantsir S-1 air defence system transferred to Russia from Syria, and electronic warfare (EW) tactics allegedly disrupted the planes control system, contributing to the tragedy. Investigations now confirm once again that the Russian missile deliberately shot down the plane and the details state that, although Russia is directly responsible for the downing of the aircraft, it does not want to take responsibility. On the contrary, in response to Azerbaijan's justified demands regarding the shooting down of the AZAL plane, the Russian media were given a dog command by the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation. It is known that a smear campaign against Azerbaijan has begun with the cheap and primitive methods of Russian propaganda, during which the Russian side, through channels under its control, draws a parallel between the shooting down of a Russian helicopter in November 2020 and the shooting down of a passenger plane belonging to AZAL. However, during the accidental downing of a Russian helicopter in 2020 and the deaths of Russian peacekeepers in Garabagh, Azerbaijan publicly apologized and addressed the consequences, for which Azerbaijan, in fact, was not supposed to do so. Russia, which wants to compare these events, forgets that at that time Azerbaijan could have also addressed a number of questions to Russia: The Trilateral Statement of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia was signed on the night of November 9-10, 2020. A Russian helicopter was shot down on November 9 at 18:30 in the Nakhchivan section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. The question is: what was that helicopter doing in that area? How can the Russian side explain the fact that a Russian military helicopter flew very close to the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border, that the flight was carried out in the dark, at low altitude, in a zone outside the radar surveillance of the air defense system, and that it was accompanying an Armenian military column when Russian peacekeepers had not yet been deployed in Garabagh and active military fighting was ongoing? Does Russia hold a grudge against Azerbaijan? But even though the unidentified helicopter approaching the border before the end of hostilities was a legitimate target, Azerbaijan did not play a game of words to avoid confrontation. As a sign of respect for the principles of neighborliness, President Ilham Aliyev called his Russian counterpart and apologized, the helicopter was fully reimbursed, and the families of the fallen servicemen were compensated. The next part of the campaign launched against Azerbaijan is related to the death of Russian peacekeepers in Garabagh during the 2023 anti-terrorist operation. Recently, the Russian side has again brought up this topic, with various Russian and Armenian channels broadcasting photos from the scene of the incident, and accusations being made against the Azerbaijani side. Unfortunately, the Russian side once again forgot that when the anti-terrorist operation was launched, the Azerbaijan Army had warned the peacekeepers in advance and instructed them not to be seen, not to leave their hiding places, and to sit quietly in the barracks during the operation. However, for an unknown reason, several servicemen drove into the combat zone in their own vehicles, and the Azerbaijani servicemen, mistaking them for Armenian servicemen, destroyed them together with their vehicles. Although Russia was the victim of its own blunder, Azerbaijan once again did not allow confrontation, an apology was issued at the presidential level, a criminal case was opened, and the incident was properly analyzed. Mutual respect can help prevent toxic work Now Azerbaijan expects the same approach and the same courage from Russia. Instead, a smear campaign has been launched against the country for its just demand. Azerbaijan expects its conditions to be fulfilled - confession, apology, compensation, and punishment of the guilty. If Russia continues its unfriendly steps, then Moscow should forget about any friendly atmosphere in mutual relations. As the saying goes, Give Respect, Take Respect. Russia has obviously lost almost all friends and partners leaving itself destitute, and in such a situation, it is on the verge of losing a friendly neighbour like Azerbaijan. We would advise the Russian media and those who instruct them from the Kremlin not to further degrade the Kremlin's already worsened image among the public. 24 January 2025 11:03 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Azerbaijan's trade turnover with Switzerland witnessed substantial growth in 2024, with exports showing a significant increase and imports rising sharply compared to the previous year. 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! Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - The United Nations on Thursday appealed for the parties to the conflict in the Sudan to defuse tension and spare the lives of civilians, and call off the preparations for major offensive in a few hours 24 January 2025 14:38 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more bp plans to build a new platform in the Shah Deniz field. Azernews reports that this was stated by Tamam Bayatli, head of bp's Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkiye communications department, in a statement to journalists today. According to her, the platform will operate in fully autonomous mode. A completely new compressor platform will be created to collect low-pressure gas from separate layers of the Shah Deniz field and transport it to the Sangachal terminal. The low-pressure gas entering the Alpha and Bravo platforms will be collected on the new platform, where its pressure will be increased before being directed to the Sangachal terminal. The project for the construction of the new platform will be presented to the public next week, and public hearings on the environmental impact assessment report will be held in the third week of February. The final investment decision will be made this year, she noted. She also noted that gas production and export operations from the Shah Deniz field on the Shah Deniz Alpha platform have returned to previous levels. "All gas production and export operations on the Shah Deniz Alpha platform are operating normally. Volumes have returned to the levels seen before the technical failure of the subsea condensate pipeline transporting condensate to the Sangachal terminal," she said. 24 January 2025 15:43 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more An agreement has been signed to hold the 71st session of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Europe in Baku from June 4-6, Azernews reports, citing the State Tourism Agency. The agreement was finalized during a meeting between Fuad Nagiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, at the Organization's Headquarters in Madrid during the "FITUR" international tourism exhibition. During the meeting, Azerbaijan's candidacy for membership in the UN Tourism Executive Board for 2025-2029 was proposed, and joint action plans for the Glasgow Declaration, which Azerbaijan joined in connection with "Tourism Day" at COP29, were discussed. Views were also exchanged on expanding cooperation in tourism education and Azerbaijans bid for the "Best Tourism Village" nomination. As part of the visit, Fuad Nagiyev met with Jordi Hereu, Minister of Industry and Tourism of Spain. They discussed Azerbaijans participation in the FITUR and IBTM World exhibitions in Spain to promote Azerbaijani tourism in the European market. Nagiyev also invited Hereu to the 71st session of the UN Tourism Regional Commission to be held in Baku in 2025. Hereu emphasized the importance of strengthening tourism cooperation between the two countries. At the FITUR exhibition, Fuad Nagiyev held meetings with Brazilian Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino, Andorran Minister of Tourism and Commerce Jordi Torres Falco, and Umid Shadiyev, Chairman of the Uzbekistan Tourism Committee. They discussed current tourism relations and future cooperation opportunities. 24 January 2025 16:02 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Azerbaijan has discussed the prospects for cooperation in the energy sector with the French company TotalEnergies, Azernews reports that this was shared by Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov on his official X account. He said that at the Davos Economic Forum, he and SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf met with TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne. "We exchanged views on green energy, decarbonization, the application of innovative technologies, energy storage systems, implemented projects, and prospects for cooperation," the post said. It is significant to note that TotalEnergies has been present in Azerbaijan since 1996, where it owns a 35% stake in the Absheron gas and condensate field and holds a 5% stake in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline. The Absheron gas and condensate field is located in the Caspian Sea 100 km southeast of the coast. It is operated by JOCAP (Joint Operating Company of Absheron Petroleum). As regards the Davos 2025, Azerbaijan participated in the World Economic Forum this year. Having been invited to the event by the Chairman of the WEF Klaus Schwab, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan had meetings with representatives of major global companies such as Carlsberg Group, DP World, and Goldman Sachs. The Davos meeting once again demonstrated that Azerbaijan is one of the most reliable investment destinations. As is known, each of the abovementioned companies holds a significant position in the global economy, and in such an environment, the recognition of Azerbaijan as an important partner in the field of economy opens up wide opportunities for future relations. Besides, climate challenges were a primary focus at this year's World Economic Forum, especially in light of recent extreme weather incidents. Given that Azerbaijan recently hosted an international climate conference - COP29, it is clear that the country's role in climate action is also significant. The talks, in which Azerbaijan participated, also discussed the financing of green energy and green technology. 24 January 2025 11:24 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijani artist Rovshan Nur has demonstrated his art works themed "Colorful Winter" at Kaja Cultural Center in Tallinn, Estonia, Azernews reports. The artist's works, imbued with the atmosphere of his native Azerbaijan, transport viewers to an extraordinary world where the cold winter landscapes of Tallinn come to life through vibrant colors and expressive forms. Using a palette of bold shades, the artist creates unique compositions that evoke emotions of warmth and comfort even in the coldest months of the year. Particular attention is drawn to the details: patterns inspired by Azerbaijani artistic traditions harmoniously blend with the winter motifs of Estonian nature. Rovshan Nur is an Azerbaijani artist who has lived in Estonia for about twenty years. A participant in numerous international and Estonian exhibitions, he regularly holds events to introduce the residents of Estonia to the art and culture of Azerbaijan. Rovshan Nur also organizes workshops, allowing anyone interested to engage with Azerbaijani national crafts and cultural traditions. The exhibition will run until February 17, 2025. 24 January 2025 13:26 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijan Culture Ministry's financial support has enabled the Dede Korkut Public Union to carry out a project called "Statistical study and development of recommendations for the book industry field", Azernews reports. A roundtable discussion was held in the framework of the project. Firstly, a tribute was paid to the memory of the Azerbaijani martyrs. Dede Korkut Public Union's chairman and project manager Khatai Alasgarli made a speech at the event, talking about the goals and objectives of the project. In his speech, he noted that informative booklet was prepared within the framework of the project and was presented to the participants of the event. In addition, the creation of a new website called "ekitab.az" and the conduct of online surveys in three directions are also planned. As he said, work is still ongoing on the website, and the presentation of the website will be held in the next event in accordance with the project's execution plan. The questions of the online survey were also presented to the participants for discussion, and soon the surveys in all three directions will be sent to the target audience. Other speakers discussed the preservation of the literary language, book publication and sales processes, and the interests of the readers' audience in detail. 24 January 2025 17:21 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Director of the Azerbaijan Culture Center named after Heydar Aliyev in Uzbekistan Akif Marifli has met with the member of the Uzbekistan Supreme Assembly Senate and the editor-in-chief of the "Ishonch" and "Ishonch-Doverie" newspapers Husan Ermatov, Azernews reports. At the meeting, the sides emphasized that the cooperation between the media entities of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan contributes significantly to strengthening the cultural, historical, and political ties between the two countries. Marifli specifically highlighted that the sincere and strategic relations established between our heads of state have created an environment for deepening cooperation in this field and for implementing new initiatives. Issues regarding strengthening relations and developing partnerships in information exchange between media organizations of the two countries were also discussed at the meeting, The sides touched upon such issues as exchanging information in various fields, preparing special reports to closely introduce the history and culture of both nations, and the importance of disseminating materials in the Azerbaijani language on Uzbek media platforms and in the Uzbek language on Azerbaijani media platforms, as well as organizing joint media projects and sharing experiences. The participants of the meeting exchanged information about their professional activities, discussed current aspects of journalism, and expressed interest in joint projects and initiatives. At the end of the meeting, an agreement was reached on the active implementation of joint projects aimed at strengthening professional ties and improving the quality of journalism between the Azerbaijan Culture Center and the "Ishonch" and "Ishonch-Doverie" newspapers. Note that the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Tashkent plays a special role in the Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations in the fields of culture, science, education, and tourism. The center was opened on September 27, 2010, with the participation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Since then, the cultural center has successfully implemented a number of projects, aimed at strengthening the ties between the two countries. 24 January 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, together with Arzu Aliyeva, head of the Baku Media Center, participated in the World Economic Forum event titled "Accelerating Sustainability Through Innovation and Collaboration" on January 23 in Davos, Azernews reports. In her speech, Leyla Aliyeva highlighted pressing environmental issues in the region, focusing on the critical ecological challenges facing the Caspian Sea. She emphasized that over the past decade, the Caspian's water level has significantly decreased, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue. Describing the Caspian as the world's largest lake, holding over 40% of the total water reserves of all global lakes, Aliyeva provided detailed insights into its unique ecosystem. She noted that the environmental problems affecting the Caspian Sea have led to a decline in the populations of several species, including the Caspian seal, sturgeon, and salmon. Aliyeva expressed particular concern over the sharp reduction in the number of Caspian seals and stressed the importance of protecting this endangered species. Aliyeva also introduced the Caspian Research Center, established by IDEA and presented at COP29, which focuses on studying, monitoring, and addressing the complex issues of the Caspian. She highlighted that the center aims to strengthen regional cooperation and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sea. Concluding her speech, Leyla Aliyeva called on international experts, research institutions, and other stakeholders to collaborate on projects and initiatives to safeguard the Caspian's unique ecological system. She emphasized the necessity of continuous monitoring, analysis, and support for scientific research in this vital area. The event brought together visionary leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from around the world to explore innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. The event was addressed by high-level representatives from organizations across various countries. 24 January 2025 11:43 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijan is set to establish a robust risk management model to tackle the legalization of criminally obtained property and the financing of terrorism, Azernews reports. According to the Financial Monitoring Service, this initiative was discussed during a meeting involving the organisation, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), the "Azerbaijan Banks Association" (ABA) Public Union, local bank executives, and compliance specialists. The gathering addressed challenges faced by banks in implementing legislation aimed at combating financial crimes and explored solutions to overcome these obstacles. Over 60 representatives participated in the event, which was praised as a vital step in strengthening the partnership between public and private sectors in this field. Attendees received an overview of international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force and corresponding local legislation. The Financial Monitoring Service presented its risk-based approach to aligning measures with these standards. Following the presentation, participants engaged in detailed discussions, concluding that the development of an effective risk management model would enhance the implementation of legislation in line with global benchmarks. The meeting ended with an agreement to continue the efforts of the working group, comprising representatives of the Financial Monitoring Service, the CBA, and the ABA, to advance and refine this model. 24 January 2025 12:46 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The preliminary findings of the investigation into the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, are expected to be revealed next week, according to Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Kanat Bozumbayev, Azernews reports. The preliminary results of the investigation into the crash of the AZAL airplane near Aktau may be published next week, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, head of the government commission to investigate the causes of the crash, Kanat Bozumbayev said at a briefing, Trend reports. This is a huge international effort. We hope that next week a preliminary part of it will be published by the Ministry of Transportation. It is recommended to publish the results within 30 days from the day of the air accident. I think that the International Commission should meet this deadline, he said. In addition, the deputy minister recalled that a criminal case on the fact of the accident under the auspices of the General Prosecutor's Office has been opened. This case is under the control of the transport prosecutor. There is ballistic expertise and explosion-technical expertise. The work is continuing there now, Bozumbayev added. To note, the passenger plane Embraer-190 of AZAL Airlines, flying on the Baku-Grozny route, crashed on December 25, three kilometers from Aktau airport. As many as 67 people were on board, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. In related developments, the Kazakh authorities clarified that the transcripts of the pilots' conversations, shared by Russian channels, are not a leak. They emphasized that the content of the data retrieved from the black box differs from these published transcripts. These findings and clarifications are expected to shed light on the causes of the accident and guide further steps in the investigation. As a result of the crash, 27 people were taken to the hospital. Among them are 15 citizens of Azerbaijan, 8 citizens of Russia, and 3 citizens of Kyrgyzstan. The identity of one injured person has not yet been established. Both pilots and a stewardess were dead; two other crew members survived. 24 January 2025 18:20 (UTC+04:00) New details emerge in AZAL crash investigation, Azernews reports, citing local media outlets. Significant developments have emerged in the investigation of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane crash. Sources reveal that the aircraft was shot down by a Pantsir S-1 air defense system transferred to Russia from Syria, and electronic warfare (EW) tactics allegedly disrupted the planes control system, contributing to the tragedy. Investigators have reportedly identified the individual responsible for the missile launch and the official who issued the order. While the names and ranks remain undisclosed, the local media outlets have indicated they will be revealed in due time. In an open challenge to Kremlin officials, the local media outlets accused Moscow of concealing critical information and failing to take responsibility. The report highlighted Azerbaijans contrasting conduct in past incidents, such as the accidental downing of a Russian helicopter in 2020 and the deaths of Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh, where Azerbaijan publicly apologized and addressed the consequences. The article warned that if Russia continues to obscure the investigations findings, Azerbaijan may escalate the issue to international legal forums. Such an outcome could significantly impact Azerbaijani-Russian relations, further straining ties at a time when Russias international reputation is already under scrutiny. New York, US (PANA) - The United Nations and the League of Arab States are deepening their collaboration to tackle critical peace and security challenges in the Middle East and beyond, a senior UN political affairs official told the Security Council on Thursday 24 January 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have officially announced the launch of the International Year of Glacier Conservation, marking a pivotal moment in global efforts to protect the vital glaciers that provide fresh water to over 2 billion people worldwide, Azernews reports. Throughout the year, this global and coordinated initiative will aim to raise awareness about the crucial role glaciers play in the planets water cycle and to address the urgent challenges posed by the accelerating pace of glacier melting. Approximately 70 percent of the worlds freshwater reserves are stored in glaciers and ice sheets. However, these ice formations are rapidly receding due to climate change. The conservation of these critical resources is essential to ensure environmental sustainability, economic stability, and the preservation of agriculture and livelihoods that depend on glacier-fed water sources. In recognition of the significance of glaciers to global water security, the UN General Assembly declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Conservation. This initiative is designed to highlight the vital role glaciers, snow, and ice play in the climate system and the hydrological cycle, as well as the far-reaching consequences of their rapid disappearance. UNESCO and the WMO are leading the international efforts to coordinate this initiative, supported by over 75 international organizations and 35 countries. On January 21, a special event was held at the WMO headquarters in Geneva to officially launch the initiative. Additionally, the first World Glacier Day will take place on March 20-21 at UNESCOs headquarters in Paris. On this occasion, UNESCO will release its World Report on the State of Water Resources, which will be dedicated to glacier conservation. The report will present new data on glacier retreat and outline measures being taken to address this urgent issue. Glaciers are not only essential for providing fresh water, but they also act as natural time capsules, offering invaluable data to scientists about historical climatic processes, atmospheric composition, and even human activity over millennia. Their loss leads to the disappearance of unique ecosystems and biodiversity that developed in these specialized environments. As glaciers retreat, they decrease the availability and quality of water downstream, impacting ecosystems and sectors such as agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water supplies. This process also contributes to an increase in natural disasters like landslides, avalanches, floods, and droughts, posing a long-term threat to the safety of water supplies for billions of people. In addition to their environmental and economic significance, glaciers also have immense cultural and scientific value. They are crucial in shaping regional weather patterns and influencing global sea levels. Their rapid disappearance underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive global response to combat climate change and protect these irreplaceable natural resources. 24 January 2025 14:49 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a discussion with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan yesterday, reaffirming the significance of U.S.-Turkiye relations and emphasizing Turkiye's pivotal role as a NATO ally. They also discussed shared regional interests and cooperation, Azernews reports. During the conversation, Secretary Rubio stressed the importance of an inclusive transition in Syria, ensuring the new government prevents the country from becoming a breeding ground for international terrorism. He emphasized the need to prevent foreign malign actors from exploiting Syria's transition for their own purposes. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also addressed the importance of achieving a durable and dignified peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Additionally, Secretary Rubio expressed his condolences for the lives lost and those injured in the tragic hotel fire in Bolu, Turkiye. 24 January 2025 19:47 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The British government has signed an $11 billion contract with Rolls-Royce to build nuclear reactors for submarines as part of its submarine fleet modernization program, Azernews reports. The Unity deal provides for the "design, manufacture, and support of nuclear reactors" for the United Kingdom's submarines. This new contract with Rolls-Royce, as noted in London, is expected to enhance the United Kingdom's security and further strengthen the partnership within the AUKUS alliance, which was established in 2021 and consists of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Under this partnership, military cooperation is planned in two main areas. The first involves providing Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs). The UK plans to begin building a series of SSN-AUKUS submarines, which will eventually be adopted by both British and Australian navies. British companies BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce will collaborate with Australian shipbuilder ASC Pty Ltd to build these submarines. After 2030, the construction of these submarines will shift to Australia, with the first submarine set to be delivered in the early 2040s. In the meantime, Australia will bolster its submarine fleet with three Virginia-class submarines purchased from the United States. The second area of cooperation involves the joint development of military technologies across eight critical sectors, including underwater systems, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, cybersecurity and electronic warfare, hypersonic aircraft and interception systems, as well as innovations in information exchange technologies. This deal highlights the growing defense collaboration between the AUKUS nations, signaling a strong shift in global military alliances in response to rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. The AUKUS partnership, aimed at countering China's growing military presence, particularly in the South China Sea, will not only reshape the regions naval capabilities but also push forward technological advancements in areas like AI and hypersonic weapons. For Rolls-Royce, this contract is a major win, reinforcing its position as a leader in defense technology, particularly in the nuclear propulsion sector. Furthermore, the strategic importance of the Unity deal may have long-term implications for the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and the development of cutting-edge military technology. 24 January 2025 22:26 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Taiwan plans to cull up to 120,000 iguanas in an effort to control the population of these reptiles, which have caused significant damage to the islands agricultural sector. Supporters of the initiative are advocating for humane methods to reduce the numbers of these invasive animals, Azernews reports. Experts estimate that around 200,000 green iguanas currently inhabit the southern and central regions of Taiwan, areas that are heavily dependent on agriculture. The iguanas have become a major threat, damaging crops and infrastructure. Last year, specially trained hunting teams successfully killed about 70,000 iguanas, offering a reward of up to $15 for each one. Local authorities are now calling on the public to assist in locating iguana nests and are recommending fishing spears as the most humane method for killing the animals. "Many people bought them as cute pets, not realizing how large and long-lived they would become, and eventually released them into the wild, where they adapted well to the Taiwanese environment," said Li Chi-ya from the agricultural department of Pingdong South County. "This allowed them to reproduce rapidly, forcing us to take action to restore the natural balance." In Taiwan, green iguanas have no natural predators, allowing them to thrive in hard-to-reach areas, primarily forests and the outskirts of cities. Males can grow up to 6.6 feet in length, weigh up to 5 kilograms, and live for up to 20 years. Females are capable of laying up to 80 eggs at a time, further exacerbating the population problem. The iguana culling has sparked debate on how to balance environmental conservation with agricultural needs. While some animal rights groups argue for more humane alternatives, others point to the long-term ecological damage caused by the iguana population's unchecked growth. The situation in Taiwan is an example of how invasive specieswhether intentionally or unintentionally introducedcan wreak havoc on local ecosystems, necessitating drastic measures to protect native flora and fauna. Additionally, this culling could have wider implications for biodiversity management in other regions facing similar challenges with invasive species. The use of AI and satellite tracking to monitor iguana movements has even been proposed as a more advanced method to track and control the population, showcasing Taiwans commitment to finding innovative solutions. New York, US (PANA) - In a rare moment of cautious optimism, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher addressed the Security Council on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza on Thursday, emphasising the plight of children who have borne the brunt of the conflict By John Eastman at The American Mind The 14th Amendment does not confer automatic citizenship. Claremont Institute scholars, including me, Ed Erler, Tom West, John Marini, and Michael Anton, President Trumps incoming Director of Policy Planning at the State Department, have been contending for yearsdecades, reallythat the 14th Amendments Citizenship Clause does not provide automatic citizenship for everyone born on U.S. soil, no matter the circumstances. Other prominent scholars, such as the late University of Texas law Professor Lino Graglia, University of Pennsylvania Professor Rogers Smith, and Yale Law Professor Emeritus Peter Schuck, have come to the same conclusion based on their own extensive scholarly research. Claremont scholars have made the argument in books, law review articles, congressional testimony, and legal briefs. President Ronald Reagans Attorney General, Edwin Meese, even joined one of those briefs, in which we argued against treating enemy combatant Yaser Esam Hamdi as a citizen merely because he had been born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, while his father was working in the U.S. on a temporary work visa. Perhaps as a result of our brief in that case, the late Justice Antonin Scalia referred to Hamdi as a presumed citizen in his dissenting opinion. Our argument is straightforward. The text of the 14th Amendment contains two requirements for acquiring automatic citizenship by birth: one must be born in the United States and be subject to its jurisdiction. The proper understanding of the Citizenship Clause therefore turns on what the drafters of the amendment, and those who ratified it, meant by subject to the jurisdiction thereof. Was it merely a partial, temporary jurisdiction, such as applies to anyone (except for diplomats) who are subject to our laws while they are within our borders? Or does it instead apply only to those who are subject to a more complete jurisdiction, one which manifests itself as owing allegiance to the United States and not to any foreign power? Think of it this way. Someone from Great Britain visiting the United States is subject to our laws while here, which is to say subject to our partial or territorial jurisdiction. He must drive on the right-hand side of the road rather than the left, for example. But he does not thereby owe allegiance to the United States; he is not subject to being drafted into our army; and he cannot be prosecuted for treason (as opposed to ordinary violations of law) if he takes up arms against the United States, for he has breached no oath of allegiance. So which understanding of subject to the jurisdiction did the drafters of the 14th Amendment have in mind? Happily, we dont need to speculate, as they were asked that very question. They unambiguously stated that it meant complete jurisdiction, such as existed under the law at the time, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which excluded from citizenship those born on U.S. soil who were subject to a foreign power. The Supreme Court confirmed that understanding (albeit in dicta) in the first case addressing the 14th Amendment, noting in The Slaughterhouse Cases in 1872 that [t]he phrase, subject to its jurisdiction was intended to exclude from its operation children of ministers, consuls, and citizens or subjects of foreign States born within the United States. It then confirmed that understanding in the 1884 case of Elk v. Wilkins, holding that the subject to the jurisdiction phrase required that one be not merely subject in some respect or degree to the jurisdiction of the United States, but completely subject to their political jurisdiction, and owing them direct and immediate allegiance. John Elk, the Native American claimant in the case, did not meet that requirement because, as a member of an Indian tribe at his birth, he owed immediate allegiance to his tribe and not to the United States. Thomas Cooley, the leading treatise writer of the era, also confirmed that subject to the jurisdiction of the United States meant full and complete jurisdiction to which citizens are generally subject, and not any qualified and partial jurisdiction, such as may consist with allegiance to some other government. More fundamentally, this understanding of the Citizenship Clause is the only one compatible with the consent of the governed principle articulated in the Declaration of Independence. All of this matters a great deal because on the first day of his second term in office, President Trump issued an executive order, Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship, which adopted the view of the Citizenship Clause I and other Claremont scholars have espoused. It directs every department and agency of the U.S. government to accept our view henceforth as the correct interpretation of the Constitutions Citizenship Clause. This may be the most legally controversial executive order issued by the president on day one. And because of that, it is already being challenged in court, as 22 states have filed a lawsuit trying to block its implementation a little more than 24 hours after it was signed. In the coming days and weeks, just as with that lawsuit, there will be lots of pundits opining that the president had no authority to issue such an order because the Constitution mandates automatic citizenship for everyone born on U.S. soil, a mandate that cannot be changed with the stroke of a presidents pen. They will contend that the Supreme Court already settled the issue more than a century ago in the 1898 case of United States v. Wong Kim Ark. But even if Wong Kim Ark was correctly decided (as Ed Erler points out, it was not), honest scholars must acknowledge that Wong Kim Ark involved a child born to parents who were permanently domiciled in the United States, not those who were only here temporarily or illegally. Indeed, honest scholars will be forced to acknowledge that the Supreme Court has never held that the children of illegal immigrants, or even temporary lawful visitors, are constitutionally entitled to automatic citizenship merely by virtue of their birth in the United States. And they will be forced to acknowledge as true the claim in Trumps executive order that the Fourteenth Amendment has never been interpreted [in any formal, binding way] to extend citizenship universally to everyone born in the United States. Alas, when it comes to anything related to Trump, there are very few honest scholars. Instead of acknowledging the Supreme Courts limited, actual holding in Wong Kim Ark, they will point to dicta in which the Courts majority falsely claimed that the Citizenship Clause codified the old English common law rule known as jus solithat anyone born on the kings soil owed perpetual allegiance to the king. They will overlook that our Declaration of Independence was an explicit and eloquent repudiation of jus soli, stating in its closing paragraph that these United Coloniesare Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown. They will overlook that Congress did not view Wong Kim Ark as mandating automatic citizenship for everyone born on U.S. soil when, a quarter century later, it extended citizenship to Native Americans pursuant to its power under the Naturalization Clause, an act that would have been superfluous if Wong Kim Ark had already settled the matter that everyone born in the U.S., including Native Americans, were automatically citizens. And they will overlook that when a 1920s guest worker program ended in the wake of the Great Depression and more than a million Mexican workers were repatriated to Mexico, the repatriation included their U.S.-born children. No one at the time claimed that the children were U.S. citizens. Nevertheless, despite the original meaning of the Constitutions text, its initial interpretation by the Supreme Court, and its compatibility with the social compact consent of the governed political theory of the Declaration, our government agencies have for more than a half-century, without any formal amendment, court decision, or official authoritative pronouncement, been acting as though birth alone is sufficient to confer citizenship. And many children of illegal immigrants or temporary visitors have organized their lives in reliance on those informal views. (President Trumps executive order does not disturb those interests. It makes the order applicable only to children born on U.S. soil more than 30 days after the orders effective date, to parents who were unlawfully present, or lawfully but only temporarily present, in the United States at the time of their birth.) As a result of this order and the inevitable legal challenges to it, the Supreme Court will now, for the first time, have the opportunity to acknowledge that the Claremont Institutes long-standing view of the Citizenship Clause is the correct one. With the Court currently composed of more originalist justices than has been the case in more than a century, we anticipate with great optimism a careful and considered assessment of the clause and a restoration of the fundamental notion that ours is a country rooted in consent, not in the old feudal notion of jus soli that was so thoroughly rejected in our Declaration of Independence. A new lawsuit is accusing New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera and his wife, Clara, of covering up the sexual abuse of a minor that occurred during a summer internship in 2018. The bombshell lawsuit, filed last week in the State Supreme Court in Westchester County, alleged that the Riveras did not take any action after they learned that a young girl---referred to as Jane Doe---attending a camp named Ignite Life Center had been sexually abused by an older girl---identified only as MG---who was also a minor at the time. The camp is linked to the Refuge of Hope Church, where Mariano serves as the pastor. "Rather than take sufficient action to end the sexual abuse of Jane Doe, the Riveras each separately isolated and intimidated Jane Doe to remain silent about her abuse by MG to avoid causing trouble for Refuge of Hope and the Ignite Life Summer Internship," the lawsuit read, according to Fox News. Covering up the Abuse Apart from being sexually abused by MG at church, Jane Doe alleged that she was repeatedly sexually abused in the camp's dormitory and shower by the older girl, adding that the perpetrator fondled and penetrated her breasts, buttocks, and genitals. Jane Doe's mother later spoke with Mariano's wife, Clara, who said they would investigate the sexual abuse incidents and "respond accordingly." However, the Riveras were said to have talked to Jane Doe "separately" and encouraged her to remain silent about MG's actions so as not to cause any trouble for the church and the camp. In a separate incident, particularly in August 2018, Jane Doe attended a barbecue for children of the Refuge of Hope church held at the Riveras' residence, where she was again sexually abused by MG. No parents were invited to the event. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleged that the adult son of an associate pastor abused Jane Doe from late 2021 through 2022, the New York Post reported. How Did the Riveras Respond? Joseph A. Ruta, an attorney for the Riveras, dismissed the allegations as "completely false." He also added that the couple is known across the state of New York for their "charitable work" and "commitment to serving underprivileged children." The lawsuit noted that Jane Doe was born in 2007. This would mean she was around 10 or 11 years old the first time she was sexually abused. The use of smartphones is making teenagers become more aggressive and detached from reality. It can also cause teens to hallucinate. That is according to the findings of a new research titled "The Youth Mind: Rising Aggression and Anger" by Sapien Labs. The study analyzed 10,500 teens between the ages of 13 and 17 residing in the United States and India. The research found that the younger a child is allowed to use smartphones, the more likely they are to suffer a series of psychological issues. What Were the Study's Findings? In both the US and India, more than 50% of teens aged 13 to 17 said they had feelings of distress, hopelessness, and sadness. At least 51% of teens surveyed also said they had debilitating, unwanted, strange thoughts, while 46% said they had a sense of being detached from reality. Other most common problems noted by teens include issues with their self-image, traumatic flashbacks, mood swings, avoidance and withdrawal, self-worth and confidence, emotional resilience, and focus and concentration. While suicidal thoughts were not included in the top 12 common issues cited, there were a staggering number of teenage girls and boys suffering from the debilitating illness. In the US, 42% of girls and 27% of boys reported a problem with suicidal thoughts and intentions. In India, the figures rose to 49% among girls and 31% for boys. Furthermore, the study found that teens who use smartphones also experienced anger, irritability and hallucinations, as well as displayed aggression towards others. Increased Violence in Teens Using Smartphones The study's findings echoed incidents in recent news reports. In 2023, there was an uptick in teachers who were punched in the face, pepper sprayed, and beaten unconscious after attempting to confiscate the smartphones of their students, the New York Post reported. Tara Thiagarajan, the founder and chief scientist of Sapien Labs, also pointed to the December school shooting involving 15-year-old Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow, who was known to spend a great amount of time on her phone. She later exhibited extremist views prior to opening fire at other students and shooting herself. Dissidents excuse over possession of pepper spray and CS gas for the birds Judge expresses scepticism about claim the cans were used to keep bees away from aviary Daniel Hyslop Brett Campbell Fri 24 Jan 2025 at 06:27 A dissident republican previously caught storing weapons for Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH) has been spared jail again after being convicted of another firearms offence and running an illegal lottery. The crash is causing long delays for drivers leaving the city. A man has been charged to court in connection with a four-vehicle crash on the M1 that left one person critically ill in hospital. The four-vehicle collision happened just before junction 3 close to Blacks Road shortly before 6.40pm. In an update this morning, the PSNI said all four drivers were taken to hospital. A spokesperson for the PSNI said: Officers from the Police Service's Roads Policing Unit, investigating a four-vehicle collision on the M1 on Thursday, 23rd January, have charged a man to court. "The man, aged 53, has been charged with causing death or grievous bodily injury by careless driving, and causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving. He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court tomorrow, Saturday 25th January. As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. In an earlier statement the PSNI said: Four vehicles were involved in the collision, which occurred on the westbound section of the motorway approaching the Blacks Road junction at around 6.40pm. The drivers of the four vehicles were taken to hospital. Three have since left hospital after treatment to injuries which are not thought to be serious at this time. The other driver remains in a critical condition. The vehicles involved were a black Audi Q5, a grey Peugeot 207, an orange Dacia Duster and a grey Mercedes CLA." The Ambulance Service said several crews attended the scene, plus the air ambulance (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service/HEMS). A spokesman said: NIAS despatched one rapid response paramedic, one advanced paramedic, five ambulance crews and an ambulance officer to the incident. "Ambulance Control also despatched the HEMS Team to attend by response car. Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, five patients were taken by ambulance to RVH. The M1 later reopened in both directions. The crash is causing long delays for drivers leaving the city. News Catch Up - Thursday 23 January An officer was injured during the arrest A police officer has been injured during an arrest at Belfast International Airport. The arrest occurred at the airport on Thursday when a man, aged in his 30s, ran off prior to a stop and search. While attempting to arrest the individual, a police officer was injured. The man was arrested on suspicion of several crimes including drug-related offences and is currently in police custody. A spokesman from the PSNI said: Police arrested a man earlier today, 23 January, at Belfast International Airport. When stopped for search purposes, the man made off. When apprehending the defendant, a police officer sustained an injury. The man, aged in his 30s, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including drugs-related offences, and remains in police custody at this time. Donald Trump is not yet fit to tie the laces of the Irish saint whom he wants to honour next week Cranswick wants to expand a sight in Methwold, Norfolk to produce millions of chickens and tens of thousands of pigs a year. File photo. (Gareth Fuller/PA) Environmental campaigners have criticised plans for what they call a US-style megafarm in Norfolk that are currently under consultation. Major livestock producer Cranswick has put forward proposals to expand a site in the village of Methwold into one of the UKs largest industrial farms, producing millions of chickens and tens of thousands of pigs a year. However, it has faced major opposition among locals and activists, who have urged West Norfolk Council to reject the planning application over fears the farm will lead to significant increases in emissions, threatening both local and national climate targets. Thousands of objections have so far been lodged on grounds including waste, odour, traffic, water and air quality. During the final day of consultation on Friday, campaign groups Feedback Global and Sustain put forward a joint submission in which they argued the application contains serious flaws. They claimed Cranswick provided an inadequate assessment of the direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions that the site would generate. The full climate impact of major developments must now be considered in planning decisions following the landmark Supreme Court ruling last year quashing Surrey Councils planning permission for new oil wells at Horse Hill. The planning application also comes against the backdrop of Government plans to overhaul the planning system in pursuit of economic growth, with Environment Secretary Steve Reed recently vowing to make it quicker for farmers to build infrastructure to boost food production. Green groups were quick to warn that loosening planning regulations could create megafarms and contribute to river pollution from chicken faeces. 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 Feedback Global and Sustain argued the Methwold plans will cause significant climate and environmental impacts, and that there are no options presented for mitigating them. They also said the application threatens legally binding targets, plans and policies, citing the councils 2021 declaration of a climate emergency and its strategy to reduce emissions across transport, industry and housing. Elsewhere, the groups pointed to past complaints and enforcement actions against Cranswick, which related to issues such as ammonia emissions and river pollution. Natasha Hurley, campaigns director at Feedback Global, said: The stakes couldnt be higher. This megafarm would lock in emissions increases for years at a time when urgent action is needed to reduce them. Local councils have a responsibility to lead the way on climate action and that is why Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council must listen to the huge opposition by firmly rejecting this application, which would be an environmental disaster. Lily OMara, climate justice officer at Sustain, said: Allowing this megafarm to proceed without properly assessing its climate impact would be deeply irresponsible and fly in the face of the councils declared climate emergency. What we really need to see is both local and national government investing in healthy and sustainable food. Jake White, head of legal advocacy at WWF, said their calculations show the farm could generate up to 50,000 tonnes of CO2 per year equivalent to a person flying between London and New York 34,000 times as well as 13,000 tonnes of manure and slurry annually without proper plans in place to dispose of it. Its clear that pigs will fly before Cranswick will provide a lawful and accurate assessment of the Methwold site, he said. This site is unlawful, unsustainable, and unpopular. We urge the council to do the right thing and refuse to grant permission to devastate the local environment. A West Norfolk Council spokesperson said: When published, the planning report will deal with all the issues raised during the consultation. The PA news agency has contacted Cranswick for comment. Judge in U.S. Washington state blocks Trump's order on birthright citizenship Xinhua) 11:02, January 24, 2025 SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- A federal judge in Seattle, U.S. state of Washington, on Thursday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's executive order to rescind birthright citizenship. Senior U.S. District Judge John Coughenour granted a temporary restraining order that blocks Trump's order from taking effect nationwide. "I've been on the bench for over four decades, I can't remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one is. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order," Coughenour said from the bench. "Frankly, I have difficulty understanding how a member of the Bar could state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order," Coughenour added. The executive order will remain blocked for at least 14 days while lawsuits in Washington state and elsewhere over Trump's action proceed. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown sued Trump and his administration Tuesday, the day after the president issued his executive order ending birthright citizenship. Brown, at a news conference Tuesday, called the order an "unconstitutional, un-American and cruel attempt to redefine what it means to be an American." Coughenour's ruling is the first after a flurry of lawsuits was filed this week across the country attempting to block the executive order. Washington was joined in its lawsuit by Oregon, Illinois and Arizona. Eighteen other states filed a similar lawsuit in federal court in Massachusetts, and several immigrant rights groups have sued the administration in federal court in New Hampshire, according to a report by The Seattle Times. More than a century of legal precedent has recognized the Constitution's 14th Amendment as granting U.S. citizenship to every person born in the country. The 14th Amendment begins: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States." The executive order argues that the 14th Amendment "has always" excluded people whose parents are in the country illegally, because they are not "subject to the jurisdiction" of the United States. Trump's executive order said the government would not issue documents such as passports to children if their parents are not citizens or permanent residents and if their mother was in the country illegally, or even if she was here legally but only temporarily. The order, Brown said in court filings, would deprive around 150,000 babies a year nationally, 4,000 in Washington, of citizenship. The Trump administration, in legal filings, argued that the states did not have standing to sue, because they are not the ones that would lose citizenship. "Birth in the United States does not by itself entitle a person to citizenship," Justice Department lawyers wrote. "Ample historical evidence shows that the children of non-resident aliens are subject to foreign powers - and, thus, are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and are not constitutionally entitled to birthright citizenship." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Chancellor Rachel Reeves remove the universality of the winter fuel payment in a decision she announced last July (PA) Pensioners who are challenging a UK Government decision to cut the winter fuel payment would not have been eligible for it due to living in Scotland, a court has heard. The challenge was brought by Florence and Peter Fanning, from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, who are represented by former SNP MP Joanna Cherry KC and Govan Law Centre at the Court of Session in Edinburgh. The pensioners, who did not appear at a remote hearing in the case on Friday, are seeking to reverse the decision by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to remove the universality of the payment, which she announced on July 29, 2024. The court was told the allowance ceased to be given to Scottish pensioners in April 2024 and was replaced with a devolved benefit. Attorney General Andrew Webster KC, representing the UK Government, known as the first respondent, said the Chancellors decision would not have applied to the Fannings due to devolution. James Mure KC represents the Scottish Government, known as the second respondent. Peter and Florence Fanning, of Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, brought the action (Craig Paton/PA) At a previous hearing, Ms Cherry attempted to cite it as a human rights case under Article 8 and Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and a challenge on irrationality, but both governments rejected this. Ms Cherry told the court on Friday the Fannings live on a combined household income of 2,065 per month. She said no statutory consultation regarding the Equality Act 2010 had been carried out. Ms Cherry said: The petitioners raised the petition within the policy decision to revoke the winter fuel payments, made on a Great Britain-wide basis, when the Chancellor announced the policy was to be cut. Both respondents have failed to comply with a statutory duty with the Equality Act before making a decision to cut the winter fuel payment. The first respondents decision to cut the winter fuel payment was based on a Great Britain-wide statistical basis. The first respondent made the decision to cut the winter fuel payment, which resulted in the decision to cut winter fuel payments in Scotland. Mr Webster said the case is about a decision taken in England and Wales regarding benefits, that the petitioners have no entitlement to, and he called for the pensioners to pay legal costs. He said: The challenge presented is whether the state complied with the Equality Act. Material was presented by the Secretary of State on this issue. We have identified three further documents which post-date the policy but which were presented to the minister before. What the respondents say is that at the time, the petitioners didnt have any entitlement back in April it was devolved responsibility passed to the Scottish Parliament and Scottish ministers. Whether they get anything from the Scottish Government in payments relating to heating in winter is for the Scottish Government. He said there is no proper basis to proceed. Mr Webster said: Its for each devolved administration to develop its own policies. The petitioners pursued a petition saying they were entitled to winter fuel payments, which they ceased to be entitled to in April. Mr Mure said: The state has limited resources and there is not an obligation in law for a winter fuel payment to exist on a particular level for a particular cohort. He said proposed changes on irrationality and the European Convention of Human Rights Articles 2 and 8 would alter the case. Mr Mure added: When it comes to social welfare payments, there is a very large margin for the state. The two new grounds would realistically alter the petition from the procedural aspect. Ms Cherry said: The petitioners should not be punished for the fact they are legally aided and did not have senior counsel input until later in the day than respondents. The financial position of the petitioners is they are both pensioners on small incomes. She said Mr Fanning receives a state pension and work pension, while his wife receives just the state pension, and their total income is 2,365 per month. Ms Cherry said: The petitioners have been put in this position by the actions of a government. Judge Lady Hood said: Im persuaded that the petitioners should be found liable for the costs of amendment. I would find the petitioners liable for expenses but that liability is as an assisted person. The next hearing will be held at the Court of Session in March. It could take investigators years to uncover what was in the internet browsing history Axel Rudakubana deleted before he left the house to carry out his attack, the officer in charge of the case has said. Police discovered a number of devices during a search of the 18-year-olds home in Banks, Lancashire, after he fatally stabbed Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, at a dance class in Southport on July 29 last year. Rudakubana cleared his internet history before he left to travel to The Hart Space just after 11am. A search on social media site X for the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, made minutes before he left home, was the only thing that remained, police have said. To uncover what Rudakubana had been searching in the days and months before his stabbing spree, detectives needed to go through US companies Microsoft, which owns search engine Bing, and Google, which owns browser Chrome. Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Jason Pye said the process to get the information is ongoing, but could be years. If the incident had been classed as a terror attack, he said, the process could have been easier. He said: Our case has always been, based on the evidence, its not counter-terrorism. There is nothing in terms of ideology. So I couldnt go down that path to try and get that information any quicker. There is a process of getting it quicker, but because its in the serious organised crime, major crime category, unfortunately I cant get it as quick as we would like. The process of getting that could be years. It could take us years. Mr Pye said if there was information pointing towards Rudakubana working with anyone else or being in contact with people in the US, he could have gone down another route. He said: Unfortunately I cant, so Im just dealt in with the law that weve got available to us, just means that, unfortunately, I couldnt get that in time for the hearing. He said there was an ongoing process in the US courts. According to Google, the police could have applied through the UK courts for an overseas production order under the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (Cloud) Act which, if granted, would have meant the data was produced more quickly. Merseyside Police said requests had been submitted through the correct channels for a criminal investigation. A Google spokesman said: Our deepest sympathies are with all of the families and individuals affected by this horrific attack. We are in touch with the Merseyside police to support their inquiries with regards to this case. Microsoft has also been approached for comment. Officers did uncover more than 164,000 documents which had been downloaded from the internet and stored on Rudakubanas devices. Sentencing him on Thursday, Mr Justice Goose said the documents showed he had a longstanding preoccupation with violent killing and genocide. Among them were a range of books, academic papers, leaflets, manuals which related to war, weapons and genocide, including an al Qaida training manual. US border patrol agent David Maland was killed in northern Vermont (Joan Maland/AP) A woman has been arrested woman over the fatal shooting of a US border patrol agent earlier this week, the FBI said. Teresa Youngblut, 21, from Washington state, was charged in Mondays killing of border patrol agent David Maland in northern Vermont. The FBI noted that Youngblut and a German man who died in the firefight that also killed Mr Maland had been under surveillance for several days leading up to the confrontation. Police follow a hearse carrying fallen border patrol agent David Maland (WCAX via AP) Mr Maland stopped Youngblut and Felix Baukholt on Interstate 91 in Coventry on Monday because Baukholt appeared to have an expired visa, according to an FBI affidavit. During the stop, Youngblut opened fire on Mr Maland and other officers and Baukholt tried to draw a gun but was shot, the affidavit states. At least one border agent fired on Youngblut and Baukholt, but authorities have not specified whose bullets hit whom. Investigators had been performing periodic surveillance of the pair since January 14 after an employee at a hotel where they were staying reported concerns about seeing Youngblut carrying a gun and both of them wearing all-black tactical gear. Investigators attempted to question them but the pair declined to have an extended conversation and said they were in the area looking to buy property. Police follow a hearse carrying fallen border patrol agent David Maland (WCAX via AP) About two hours before the shooting, investigators watched Baukholt exit a Walmart in Newport with two packages of aluminium foil. According to the affidavit, he was seen wrapping unidentifiable objects while seated in the passenger seat. Authorities later found a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators and ammunition in the car, along with a package of shooting range targets, some of which were used. They also found two-way radios, about a dozen electronic devices, travel and lodging information for multiple states and an apparent journal. The public defenders office that will be representing Youngblut did not immediately respond to a voicemail seeking further information. A man reached at a phone listing for Youngbluts family in Washington state identified himself as Youngbluts grandfather and declined to comment. Police from around Vermont escort a hearse carrying fallen border patrol agent David Maland (WCAX via AP) No one answered the door at homes in Seattle and Redmond, Washington, associated with Youngbluts name, and neighbours declined to comment. Mr Malands aunt, Joan Maland, declined on behalf of his family to comment on the arrest. The family issued a statement expressing gratitude for the support they have received. To think people who never knew David Christopher Maland personally would reach out with condolences and beautiful words of support has been beyond our imagination, they said. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Our grief continues, please continue to pray for us. Jimmy Cricket: I hope I can live to be as old as my jokes... it is the enthusiasm that keeps me going 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) BENNINGTON Despite frigid weather, thoughts and ideas were flowing Wednesday evening during the latest Select Board listening session. The idea behind the listening sessions is an opportunity for the public to share what they are thinking, said board Chair Jeannie Jenkins. If you have specific questions, you can ask them, but this is designed as a listening session so that we are not talking much. Unlike during a formal board meeting, there was no time limit for public comments. That three-minute limit during regular board meetings led some to call for a more informal format for the public to speak at length. No agenda Board members agreed last year with suggestions they hold a public session with no set agenda except to hear questions and comments from the public. The first meeting in late August was well-attended, and listening sessions have been scheduled periodically since then and continue to spur wide-ranging conversations about issues or opportunities before town government. Resident Leslie Addison cited recent anti-DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) executive orders issued by President Donald Trump shortly after he took office Monday. She added, I hope that our town will continue to do everything possible to uphold our mission statement so that every citizen or person living in Bennington County will continue to have equal access to opportunity ... Im not sure how [Trumps orders] will trickle down to the state and town level, but I want to make sure that we are keeping our eyes open and our ears open. Maria Corrales decried recent low voter turnout figures on the town level and nationally and urged voters to take part in the next election in March, which she said will decide critical Bennington issues. She urged residents to attend a candidate forum sponsored by the Bennington Banner and Catamount Access Television on February 17 at the Bennington Theater on Main Street. Shirley Adams also urged voters to attend or view the forum, and she noted that several proposed amendments to the towns governmental charter also will be on the town ballot. The Select Board will hold the first of two public hearings on those proposals on Monday at 5:30 p.m., prior to a regular board meeting. The forum will be recorded and shown by CAT-TV, which also recorded the listening session on Wednesday. That video can be viewed on the CAT-TV Facebook page or its YouTube channel. Voting access Jackie Matts, who chaired the Bennington 2024 Charter Review Committee, which developed the charter proposals, reminded residents that they can still register to vote in the March 4 town election up to Election Day. In addition, she noted, people who are homeless but consider Bennington their primary home, or have a criminal record, are eligible to register to vote. Matts added that she hopes that next year recent immigrants and 16- and 17-year-olds will be allow to vote in town elections. Those are both proposed charter amendments that will go before voters on March 4. Downtown arts Jasen Frederickson, director of visitor services and museum store manager at the Bennington Museum, said he is looking for ideas and support to help organize a downtown brick and mortar space for artists and artisans to display and sell their works. He said artists now have weekend festivals that are held there but no continuing and supportive outlet in a downtown space. Likewise, he said, privately owned arts-related businesses have come and gone, but most likely would have benefited from a sustaining organization to help keep their shop or gallery open and artwork on display. Frederickson said he has a vision of a nonprofit group or organization, or some other resource that could be more sustaining. I have many artists over the years that Ive talked to that truly support this, he said, also noting that the town has been ranked highly in the nation for communities of our size as an arts community. The Bennington Museum attracts about 20,000 visitors a year, he said, and about 90 percent of them are from out of the state, and they are coming here to see art, history and everything like that. Southern leg corridor Jim Sullivan, who retired in 2022 after a long career with the Bennington County Regional Commission, including as executive director, asked what the board knows about the status of a corridor of land the state purchased for the never-constructed southern leg of of the Bennington bypass extending from Route 7 south to the eastern edge of the downtown on Route 9. Sullivan said he understands the state has expressed an intention to give that land to the town, since that leg of the Bennington bypass project was abandoned. Sullivan, an advocate for outdoor recreation, said the land is potentially a very valuable resource for the town of Bennington, but until the town takes ownership the town cant really have a discussion of how that is used for the benefit of the community. Jenkins asked Assistant Town Manager and Planning Director Dan Monks to provide an update on that property. Monks said the state expressed an interest several years ago in transferring the land to the town. He said he would speak with state Rep. Timothy Corcoran II, D-Bennington, vice chair of the House Committee on Transportation, to ask for an update on the propertys status. Monks said the corridor of land was basically constructed to the point where you could put a major highway there, before the southern bypass leg was discontinued. It could easily be used for a bike path or other recreation uses, he said. Benn Hi and skatepark Resident Debbie Matte asked about current details on the Benn Hi project to redevelop the historic Bennington High School complex on Main Street in partnership with Hale Resources LLC. Jenkins said Zak Hale from the firm will be giving a presentation before the Select Board on aspects of the Benn Hi project on February 28 at 6 p.m. and asked that questions about the project be asked at that time. The board is planning on signing the final project agreement at that time, members said. Matte also asked if there was an opening date set for the 16,500-square-foot Bennington Skatepark, which is under construction near the Walloomsac Riverwalk at the edge of the town parking lot off Depot Street. Monks said the contractors will return as soon as possible in the early spring, and I would expect an opening in the June timeframe. Much of the work on the shaped-concrete skatepark was done through the summer and fall last year. Meeting access Addison also asked about remote citizen access to meetings or hearings if people cant attend in person, and whether there are plans for providing access. Jenkins said the town can allow access for up to a small group of people if it is requested in advance of a meeting, but that option is limited at this time. She added that town staff have explored providing full Zoom access in the boards meeting room in the Bennington Firehouse, but it is quite expensive. Jenkins said anyone who would like to utilize the current remote option for a meeting should contact the towns Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator Paul Dansereau, who can be reached at 802-447-9715 or via email at pdansereau@benningtonvt.org. Board member Jeanne Conner said people also can make a comment anytime on the town website and board members and officials can read it. Board member Clark Adams asked for an update on proposed heating and cooling shelters during frigid or sweltering weather. Jenkins said a small group has been working on additions to the towns Emergency Management Plan to cover both hot and cold weather sheltering options and coordinating that with local organizations. She added that officials found that providing such services is remarkably complicated, but the town is working on providing them. Vice Chair Ed Woods said the town and many community organizations want to help people exposed to cold weather, but there are legal requirements for insurance and required training for people working at a shelter, and I could go on and on about how complicated that is. But he said there are solutions being worked on, although when he began to work on the issue he was surprised and taken aback by how complicated it really is. BENNINGTON A Bennington jury Wednesday found a Pownal man not guilty on all charges in less than an hour after the first day of a scheduled two-day trial. Nelson Barney, 56, was accused of four counts related to a domestic situation back in May. Charges included aggravated domestic assault, domestic assault with a prior conviction, burglary, and unlawful trespass into an occupied residence. Barney was charged as a habitual offender on all four counts, allowing prosecutors to enhance the charges to habitual offender status and seek a life sentence if he was found guilty on any of the charges. It took the jury less than an hour to reach their verdict. After the verdict was read, Barney yelled to the jury, Thank you for your service, as the alleged victim sat in the back of the courtroom with a victim advocate nearby. The alleged victim in the case testified that Barney, her ex-boyfriend, had assaulted her back in May 2024. The victim stated that she was at a store for a friend when Barney became irate over the phone. When the victim returned, she found that Barney had left and started to put his stuff outside the residence. She told the jury that Barney then appeared and started pushing open the door to her residence, injuring her with force. The victim stated that she told Barney to leave but that he made his way inside, hitting her against the wall. She then fled. On cross-examination, defense attorney Kate Lamson hammered the witness after it was revealed that the same alleged victim had recanted her testimony under oath in an earlier domestic assault matter, insinuating that the alleged victim had lied about the prior assault and that she was lying about the current case. It was apparent from the speed of the verdict that the jury did not find her testimony credible, ultimately finding Barney not guilty on all counts. Barney is still in custody for violating a domestic abuse order against the same individual. He is completing the remainder of his sentence at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility in Rutland, where he was immediately taken after the verdict was read. The victim in this case is disappointed in the verdict, said Tammy Loveland, Victim Advocate with the States Attorneys office. She feels like everybody has dismissed her and sees her as a liar. The Banner reached out to defense attorney Kate Lamson for any comment from herself or Barney after the verdict. There was no response to our request as of press time. Ultimately, it was up to the jury, whether or not the evidence we presented proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt, said Prosecutor Jared Bianchi the day after the verdict. By their verdict, it appears they did not. A key moment during the trial happened when the complaining witness was testifying on Wednesday. Attorney Lamson was able to present to the jury contradictory testimony by the complaining witness in an earlier case when she recanted testimony about the abuse suffered at the hands of Barney in 2023. Lamson confronted the witness, asking her whether she had ever made up an accusation against Barney, then recanted that accusation afterward. Yes, the witness said in open court. During her closing argument, Lamson brought up that testimony to establish reasonable doubt with the jury. Earlier, during direct examination, Prosecutor Bianchi had established through testimony that the victim had been fearful of Barney, an element of the domestic assault charge. How that plays into the jurys final verdict could explain why someone fearful of a domestic partner might recant earlier testimony alleging abuse. She lied about this before, so whos to say shes not lying now? According to several domestic abuse organization websites, an abused victim often recants testimony for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons include fear of reprisals, not wanting the abuser to face jail, family dynamics, pressure from the perpetrator, and social stigma. During a trial, which by law requires that the evidence is centered on the crime allegedly committed and not similar past crimes, which might sway a jury unfairly, evidence of past crimes, even between the same victim and alleged abuser, is usually never presented to the jury or is strictly limited in its scope. A jury, rightly charged with deciding the facts of a case before them, is usually not privy to any prior acts that might show a pattern of behavior or propensity of a given individual to repeat. Barney has an extensive criminal record in the State of Vermont, including eight convictions for violating an abuse prevention order, violating his conditions of release three times, two convictions for first-degree aggravated domestic assault, extortion, DUI-1, contempt of court, taking a deer out of season, three convictions for simple assault, disorderly conduct, and unlawful trespass. It was also alleged that Barney had presented a safety concern for some staff within the States Attorneys office over the course of the past few cases. Those facts, however, do not prove that Barney was guilty of anything regarding this particular case. If Barney had been found guilty of any charges, a second and third phase of the trial would have begun. Those phases would have decided whether and in what amount past convictions could be used as evidence of aggravating factors. That could establish a basis for the habitual offender enhancements. Since he was found not guilty, the jury never heard of any of those prior acts with the same person. The case is officially closed, and Barney is considered innocent of all of the charges in the case. You cant only be willing to try the easy-to-win cases, said Bianchi the day after the verdict. Ultimately, the jury makes a call. We always felt it was a correct call for us to ask the jury to make that determination. For a victim, cooperating is in many ways more dangerous than not, Bianchi went on to say. This witness had testified in an earlier case and recanted her complaint. Thats what the defense focused on that she accused and then recanted. What the jury didnt hear is that the hearing in which she recanted was a bail hearing, where he could have been released, possibly jeopardizing her safety. These cases are extremely difficult because of those kinds of reasons. Abuse victims can sometimes suffer from abuse and threats for years, sometimes their whole lives. Its hard to judge someone in that situation. PITTSFIELD A YMCA staff member will be returning to work after an investigation by the state's child welfare agency determined allegations of misconduct against him were unsupported. "The Berkshire Family YMCA received notice today that, after a full investigation, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families has found that the reports of improper conduct made against Taverick Roberson are unsupported," the YMCA said in a news release issued late Thursday. DCF opened an investigation on Dec. 13 into Roberson, also known as "Tank," following a complaint about alleged conduct at his previous job at Pittsfield High School. By the time the report surfaced, he was employed by the YMCA as a program coordinator. He was placed on administrative leave by the YMCA during the investigation, as is policy. Now that the state has found the allegation to be unsupported, Roberson will be returning to work full time, the YMCA said. In a DCF investigation, child protection caseworkers interview the accused and possibly the accuser, the alleged victim, and anyone else who might know the truth. In the statement, Christian Bianchi, executive director and CEO, reacted to the outcome of the investigation. The safety and trust of our community, especially our children, remain the top priorities for the Berkshire Family YMCA," Bianchi said, "and we are pleased to learn that the DCF investigation found no support for the allegations against Taverick Roberson. Bianchi told The Eagle on Friday that the situation unfolding in the community since December has impacted the lives of many. The DCF investigation into Roberson came days after Lavante Wiggins, a dean of students at PHS, was arrested by federal authorities on Dec. 11 after the FBI said it gathered evidence he allegedly was running a cocaine distribution operation in Pittsfield with another man, Theodore "Monty" Warren. The situation spurred a cascade of investigations into unrelated allegations against current and former staff members at the school. Wiggins was placed on paid administrative leave after his arrest, and the charges against him remain pending in U.S. District Court. In the wake of the turmoil which include an internal investigation focused on PHS led by a law firm as well as the probes by DCF and federal law enforcement Bianchi said the primary concern right now must be the city's children. He expressed hope the community will recover, and asked its members to act with "empathy and sympathy and kindness and generosity to the best of their ability." "Because this is going to take a community effort to recover from," he said. "I know this community [is] strong enough to do it, we just have to remember that we're in it together." PITTSFIELD As city government discussed the future of the Berkshire Carousel last year, the volunteers who built it were working behind the scenes to reopen it to the public. Now, it's up to that core group of volunteers to operate the attraction. As Mayor Peter Marchetti informed the City Council that carousel owner Jim Shulman has withdrawn his offer to donate it to the city, the volunteers have announced they'll be running the attraction starting in the spring or summer. Janet Crawford, speaking for a core group of about a half-dozen volunteers, on Friday said the carousel, which was last open in 2019, will welcome riders of all ages this year, at a date to be determined. She said the group has an agreement with Jim Shulman, Berkshire Carousel Inc.'s owner and co-founder, to operate it this summer. The people who love it the most, the ones who built it, are going to be running it, Crawford said Friday. I think we can make it a success, I really do. I think it's a great thing for the community. We've been working at this since last summer, fellow volunteer Phil ORourke said. It seems like were coming to a point where we can have success. The hope is that reopening the attraction to the public, and making a concerted effort to draw families and children for special events such as birthday parties, will give the community a better sense of what its future should be. I feel very happy were finally going to get the doors back open, Crawford said. So many volunteers spent years of their lives to create this incredible work of art ... It was a beautiful thing to be involved with. It's sad for all of us to have the doors close. Nobody wanted to see that happen." With proper marketing and events such as birthday parties and showers, well be much more successful, she added. Crawford and ORourke said the carousel is in great condition and only needing some cleaning to resume operations. They have yet to turn it on, however; that has to wait for an inspection, Crawford said. Crawford said the core group and Shulman had been working on finding a way to reopen the ride since last summer. We came to an agreement, Crawford said. "[Shulman] said he would do what he needs to do as far as licensing and inspections, and we would do the work. Last year, Marchetti presented City Council with a proposal from Shulman to donate the carousel to the city, so long as certain conditions were met. Those included that the city "make reasonable efforts" to run it for 25 years, that it establish the Center Street parcel where it resides as a park and name it after the Shulman family, and that if its sold or donated, best efforts be made to do so as a whole. But councilors were also torn between the need to do right for taxpayers and a desire to cherish a community asset. Others were not in agreement with the conditions Shulman proposed. In the end, the councils Finance Subcommittee recommended forming a committee to determine how that donation might succeed. It was also suggested that the city could accept the carousel donation, then operate it for two to three years until handing it off to a nonprofit or, failing to achieve that, find another owner. At that meeting, ORourke told councilors the estimated $65,000 annual operating cost could be bolstered by a three-year, $15,000 per year grant from the Virginia And Harvey Kimmel Family Foundation. On Friday, the agenda for Tuesday's City Council meeting included a communication from Marchetti to the council informing them the deal was pulled off the table last week. "On Jan. 17, 2025, I received an email from Mr. Shulman notifying me of his withdrawal of the gift of the carousel and conveyance and donation of land at 50 Center Street," he said. "Given this set of circumstances, I no longer intend to create a committee to study the carousel project." The carousel, featuring 40 hand-carved thoroughbreds and hand-painted scenery paying tribute to the region's history and people, was produced over several years by hundreds of volunteers. It opened to great fanfare in 2016, drawing 5,000 riders its debut weekend and 27,000 its first summer. But the nonprofit organization that built the ride and its pavilion operated it for just three years before a combination of factors led to its closure. Its executive director, the late Maria Caccaviello, was forced to step aside due to an extended battle with cancer, and she died in 2020. Shulman, a city native (and Eagle columnist) who founded the nonprofit with his wife, Jacqueline Shulman, was unable to find others to run it, and found it increasingly difficult to do so from his home in Ohio. Then, the COVID pandemic prevented its reopening in 2020. For more details, or to be a sponsor or volunteer, contact Janet Crawford at Equineartwork2@gmail.com. PITTSFIELD Several downtown businesses in the arts and culture scene are getting new projects off the ground thanks to state grant money. The Downtown Pittsfield Creative Alliance has received a $125,000 grant from MassDevelopment through its Transformative Development Initiative Creative Catalyst Grant program. The Alliance includes The Collab, Katunemo Arts & Healing, Wander Berkshires, Rites of Passage and Empowerment, Let It Shine, and Assets for Artists. This grant will be used to fund a range of projects aimed at growing Pittsfields creative economy, including a community darkroom at Wander, a newly-opened queer-owned cafe and event space, said Julie Copoulos, a MassDevelopment Pittsfield TDI fellow who works with many of the organizations involved in this project. The Let It Shine Public Art Partnership, which was initially funded by a TDI grant in 2023 and has since started working with Pittsfield High School Students, plans to use some funds to bring in a renowned artist to work on a new, large project, said Copoulos. We're creating an environment and ecosystem here where young people are able to imagine and create a new future for themselves, Copoulos said. The Collab is a collaborative workspace, art gallery and recording studio that also received a TDI grant to help launch its business. Part of the new grant money will be used to activate the sound studio and fund membership opportunities for Pittsfield youth. So now we're seeing more synergies with young people being able to engage with different public spaces in Pittsfield, said Copoulos. The grant will also help fund trips for Pittsfield High School students to visit historically Black colleges and universities through Rites of Passage and Empowerment, a mentorship program for young women and nonbinary people. The organization also works to create a space for students who are coming back from college. Copoulos said the grant will allow Katunemo, an arts collective, to form a formal nonprofit and create paid opportunities for artists to engage in the public space. "It's really building a stronger network of artists and creatives across the commonwealth to drive economic development out of a localized level through the TDI program and district work, said Pedro Soto, the TDI senior fellow at MassDevelopment for creative economy work. Soto said Assets for Artists, a program by Mass MoCA, is planning to use part of the grant to fund more resources for artists and entrepreneurs. We're cultivating people who are artists, but these people are also running small businesses, said Copoulos. Very often they run in parallel with each other, and so we're really trying to nurture this ecosystem where there's a connection between arts and culture, leadership development, small business development and resident engagement. Pittsfield was the highest-ranking project for this funding and encompassed many of the agencys goals for supporting creative projects, said Soto. He said they were specifically excited about four aspects of the project: One was really about growing partnerships among businesses and cultural entities on Tyler Street and North Street, creating safe spaces in Pittsfield for young creatives, leadership development across younger generations, and ensuring financial independence across cultural institutions and small creative businesses, Soto said. Pittsfield is one of 10 gateway cities to receive this grant out of 51 applicants. Copoulos explained a gateway city is a post-industrial space that has a lot of access to infrastructure but has experienced historical disinvestment. Copoulos said the project is really special because it fosters collaboration and synergy among some of Pittsfield's entrepreneurial and creative community. It's about developing young leaders or established leaders in our community, creating network opportunities and learning opportunities for people who live in these spaces, small business and job development," Copoulos said. "And creating networks between the people existing in these spaces so that they can be stronger together. Berkshire Superior Court A man who admitted to sex trafficking women in Pittsfield has been sentenced to up to five years in prison SPRINGFIELD The federal court arraignments of on-leave Pittsfield High School Dean Lavante Wiggins and his codefendant Theodore "Monty" Warren, accused of distributing cocaine, are now scheduled for next week. Warren's arraignment had been set for Friday, and was rescheduled to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the request of Warren's lawyer, Joseph P. Harty, according to court filings. Prosecutors had no objection to the request. Wiggins' defense attorney Matthew D. Thompson filed a motion Friday indicating that Wiggins is also set to be arraigned Tuesday, and asked that Wiggins be allowed to appear for the hearing remotely via video conference. They are scheduled be arraigned before Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson on four counts of cocaine distribution and one count of cocaine distribution conspiracy. Warren and Wiggins were arrested last month following a federal investigation into an alleged cocaine distribution operation. Wiggins, who is a dean of students at Pittsfield High School, was placed on administrative leave following his Dec. 11 arrest. Warren is currently serving a 60-day sentence at the Berkshire County Jail & House of Correction imposed after his arrest because it amounted to a violation of probation imposed in an earlier case, in which he was cited for driving with a suspended license, according to court documents. Warren was pulled over Sept. 16 after police saw him using his cellphone while driving on Summer Street, according to a police report. His license had been suspended since since 2015, and he'd been stopped for driving on a suspended license several times since. Wiggins also racked up several motor vehicle charges, including driving on a suspended license, driving an uninsured motor vehicle and driving with suspended registration, which he recently resolved in Central Berkshire District Court. Wiggins and Warren are accused of selling cocaine to a man who was cooperating with the FBI in exchange for a potential reduction in sentence on his open criminal cases, according to an affidavit filed with the criminal complaint. Warren allegedly acted as Wiggins' drug "runner," carrying out the sales at various locations in Pittsfield. The men allegedly sold the drug to the cooperating witness four times from September to December. The total quantity of the cocaine amounted to approximately 466 grams. They were indicted by a federal grand jury earlier this month. Wiggins was represented by defense lawyer Nikolas Andreopoulos at his initial court appearance, but the attorney withdrew from the case and Wiggins then retained Thompson, according to court filings. Thompson officially joined the case on Wednesday. The fallout from Wiggins' arrest was swift and ongoing. In the wake of the revelations, allegations surfaced about unconnected conduct by current and former Pittsfield High School administrators. Allegations against one former PHS staff member, who now works at the Berkshire Family YMCA, Taverick Roberson, were recently found to be unsupported following an investigation by the state Department of Children and Families, paving the way for Roberson to return to work. The state also suspended the home day care license for the program run by Wiggins' girlfriend from their shared Pittsfield home. PITTSFIELD The School Committee got a first look at the estimated state aid for next year's fiscal budget, and the funding should be enough to help the district maintain a level service budget, Superintendent Joseph Curtis said. But getting the district to a level-funded budget, could be a different story. The citys allocation of Chapter 70 aid in Gov. Maura Healeys budget proposal, released just hours before Wednesdays meeting, includes a $4,408,402 increase enough to assure the schools could pay for contractually bargained pay raises, Curtis said. However, that additional funding comes as a response to a high level of economic need among city students and their families. Pittsfield now fits into "Group 11" in the state school funding formula because more than 70 percent of its students live in low-income households. Were close to our urban counterparts, Curtis said, citing Worcester as an example. Last year, the city received additional state funding when Kristen Behnke, the districts assistant superintendent for business and finance, discovered a technical error that had caused an undercount of about 1,500 low-income students across the state including 11 in Pittsfield. The discovery netted the schools an additional $2.4 million. During the meeting, the committee went through a series of exercises to see what it would take to have a level funded budget resulting in a 6.65 percent budget reduction in preparation for the upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget talks. Committee members met with principals and Curtis, representing the districts administrative wing, in three groups as part of the budgeting exercise. The groups asked principals to characterize their schools demographics, staffing and improvement plans, and identify where cuts would come from if required. The exercise resulted in a hypothetical reduction of 76 educators and staff throughout the district. This really stressed me out, interim Taconic High School Principal Angela Johansen said of the exercise. [Cutting] 10 positions, thats not possible. The actual budget process will begin with a discussion of state aid and enrollment projections on Feb. 12. The first budget overview and discussion will be held a month later on March 12. Another financial variable a contract agreement between the district and the Pittsfield Educational Administrators Association was on Wednesdays agenda, but was tabled for a later vote. School Committee Chairman William Cameron explained that the final wording was not made available to committee members until Wednesday afternoon. The vote was tabled and rescheduled for a special meeting to be held at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at City Hall, ahead of a special joint meeting with the City Council. The committee did not discuss a proposal, made by Councilor Kenneth Warren and backed by the Council at its Jan. 14 meeting, to have Jetta Bernier, the executive director of Enough Abuse, address both bodies on the work that organization could do for the city schools. In pitching the idea to the council, Warren said the organization has a track record of working to prevent sexual abuse in schools, through education, training and advocacy, and could offer its expertise in a proposed investigation of the schools hiring practices. That investigation is one of two proposed or ongoing in the wake of federal cocaine distribution charges against a Pittsfield High School dean of students, and Department of Children and Families investigations of several current and former high school employees on allegations of improper relationships with students. Retired Superior Court Justice Mary-Lou Rup, a senior counsel with Bulkley Richardson & Gelinas of Springfield, is heading that probe. Cameron has been in talks with the Boston law firm of Mirick OConnell for a second study of district employment practices and procedures. He told The Eagle on Tuesday that hes open to hearing from Enough Abuse and welcomes its expertise. But he reserved judgement on whether the organization is the right firm for an audit of employment practices. Pittsfield High Student Government President Caroline Sherman and Vice President Mia McCusker also spoke on the situation, echoing what their classmates have said at previous meetings: That PHS remains a positive place where good things are happening, and that students are affected by the negativity they see and hear about their school, particularly on social media. We students are reading your comments just as every other community member is, and what you say can be hurtful to the positive community that I have personally tried to create, McCusker said. Sherman also asked for better communication between the schools and PHS students about the schools path forward. All we want is a rough outline of a plan for the bright future ahead because the rumors just aren't cutting it anymore, she said. You are the owner of this article. GREAT BARRINGTON Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has joined the attorneys general of 10 other states to reiterate that local and state police cannot be "commandeered for federal immigration enforcement. The statement, released on Thursday afternoon, specifically addressed a memo from the Trump administrations new U.S. Department of Justice appointee that said the agency will investigate and punish local and state governments that obstruct new immigration policy. The statement called that memo, which was issued on Tuesday, empty words on paper. Such a policy, the statement said, would in essence be a breach of the balance of power written into the U.S. Constitution one that is the touchstone of our American system of federalism. The attorneys general said they would fight any attempt by the federal government to overstep here, saying, But rest assured, our states will not hesitate to respond if these words become illegal actions. President Donald Trump has promised to limit immigration into the U.S., close the southern border and focus on deporting those involved with criminal activity. The DOJ memo, for instance, pointed to the rooting out of violent criminal gangs from other countries. But it alarmed officials in states that want to protect migrants and others who may be undocumented. Being undocumented or without legal immigration papers is a civil offense, not a criminal violation. It is unclear exactly how the new policies will play out for anyone in immigration limbo, as the new administration's policies continue to take shape. Law enforcement officials in the Berkshires told The Eagle this week that they are bound by state law that prohibits them arresting or detaining people because of their immigration status. They are limited in the way they can cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Some communities, like Great Barrington, prohibit any local police involvement with ICE. Campbells statement was made with the attorneys general of California, New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont. It said that The U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from commandeering states to enforce federal laws. Quoting from the case, Printz v. United States, the 11 attorneys general said that the federal government cannot impress into its service and at no cost to itself the police officers of the 50 States. Despite what he may say to the contrary, the statement said, the President cannot unilaterally re-write the Constitution. Trump, it said, has made troubling threats to weaponize the U.S. Department of Justices prosecutorial authority and resources to attack public servants acting in compliance with their state laws, interfering with their ability to build trust with the communities they serve and protect. The attorneys general also said they would continue to enforce state laws, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute crimes, regardless of immigration status. We will not be distracted, they said, by the Presidents mass deportation agenda. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Long before anyone expressed thoughts about the Lord, God existed. Before animals and humans roamed the land, God existed. Before the world came into being, God existed. Genesis 1:1 tells us that in the beginning God. He has always been and will always exist. He is the eternal God. He is not a created being, having been formed by an endless line of created beings. Neither did He create a lesser being to use to form the world. He is the Creator who made all things from the highest heavens to the planet we call home. But even from the first chapter of Genesis, we find evidence of the Trinity. The Lord referred to Himself with plural language. On day six, when He created humans, He said, Let us make mankind in our image (Genesis 1:26). Some scholars and commentators argue that this is not a reference to the Trinity since such an interpretation would be reading New Testament doctrine back into the Old Testament. The traditional view, though, held by church fathers and early theologians, was that this verse is an indication of the Trinity, as the Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament notes. However, even without this plural statement, there is proof of the Trinity earlier in the passage. In verse two, the Bible references the Spirit of God hovering over the waters. The Holy Spirit the third member of the Trinity was involved in creation, lovingly guiding and directing the formation of the world. We read about this forming over the next six days of creation as He brings day and night into existence, makes the seas and lands with all the animals and plants, sets the stars and moon in place, and crafts humankind from the dust of the ground. Our Creator is not only powerful as the Maker of all, He is a Master Artist who delighted in His work. In love and goodness, He created our world, which is why everything in existence bears His mark. God did not bring us into existence because of boredom, and then carelessly toss us aside. He lovingly created us for His pleasure and glory. Other parts of Scripture affirm all the members of the Godheads power and loving work in creation. The New Testament describes how Jesus, the Son, made all things. As Colossians 1:16-17 says, For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. What He created, He continues to sustain through His loving strength. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the eternal, uncreated God who formed all things by His majesty and creativity. When we look at the world around us, and in the mirror, we see the evidence of His handiwork. Photo credit: Getty Images/Vieriu Adrian BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Siemens Healthineers unveils latest medtech breakthroughs at Asian Oceanian Congress of Radiology January 24, 2025 | Friday | News Introduced innovative portfolio in MRI, CT, digital X-ray, and ultrasound Siemens Healthineers, a leading medical devices company, showcased a comprehensive range of diagnostic imaging solutions at Asian Oceanian Congress of Radiology (AOCR) 2025 in Chennai. Highlighting the importance of informed clinical decision-making across the entire healthcare continuum, the company introduced its innovative portfolio in MRI, CT, digital X-ray, and ultrasound, reinforcing its commitment to advancing precision medicine. The showcase features a range of cutting-edge solutions, including the helium-free 1.5T Magnetom Flow MRI with Dry Cool technology, the advanced Dual Source CT scanner Somatom Pro.Pulse, and locally manufactured Digital X-ray systems Multix Impact E. Additionally, the AI-powered ultrasound systems Acuson Maple and Acuson Sequoia offer versatility and precision in imaging capabilities. MAGNETOM Flow is a latest AI-based 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) platform based on innovative dry cool technology. This innovative design reduces liquid helium requirements from 1,500 liters to just 0.7 liters, enabling sustainability in the healthcare. SOMATOM Pro.Pulse is a cutting-edge Dual Source CT scanner designed to accommodate patients with high or irregular heart rates or limited breath-hold capabilities. AI assisted myExam Companion enhances the scanning experience for users and patients. The MULTIX Impact E is a floor-mounted Digital Radiography X-ray system featuring the necessary tools for easy, intuitive system operation and allows for the detection of anatomical details at low doses of radiation, thereby ensuring patient safety and quality imaging. ACUSON Maple is a powerful and versatile ultrasound system designed to address the growing diagnostic needs of healthcare providers in India and around the world. The Acuson Maple is equipped with AI-powered tools that enhances clinical ACUSON supporting clinicians in urban hospitals, rural clinics, and smaller healthcare centers across the country. ACUSON Sequoia is a cutting-edge diagnostic ultrasound system that leverages AI-powered technology to enhance accuracy and efficiency in various clinical settings. The 23rd Asian Oceanian Congress of Radiology hosted by Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry chapter of Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) is the largest radiology conference in Asia. Lilavati Hospital announces new state-of-the-art cancer care institute in Mumbai January 23, 2025 | Thursday | News Commencement of collaboration With The Mayo Clinic, USA for the first ever Nursing Excellence Programme in India Lilavati Hospital has announced the establishment of a new Cancer Care Institute, featuring a 300-bed hospital in Mumbai. This cutting-edge facility is set to revolutionise cancer treatment in India by providing access to the latest technology, advanced treatments, and global best practices in oncology. The new Cancer Care Institute will offer tailored treatments based on patient-specific factors, ensuring that each patient receives personalised and effective care. The high-quality care provided locally will eliminate the need for patients to travel abroad for treatment, saving both time and costs. In addition to providing exceptional patient care, the facility will create numerous job opportunities for healthcare professionals, researchers, and support staff. This significant investment in the community will boost the local economy and contribute to the overall development of the healthcare sector in Mumbai. The Cancer Care Institute will introduce AI-driven diagnostic tools for early and accurate cancer detection, improving patient outcomes and survival rates. Furthermore, Lilavati Hospital will launch awareness campaigns to educate communities about cancer risks, symptoms, and preventive measures, fostering a culture of health and wellness. Lilavati Hospital has also announced the collaboration with the Mayo Clinic to commence the Nursing Excellence Programme. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of the nursing staff through specialised training and development. The partnership covers various areas, including Nursing Excellence education, Nursing Quality and Patient Experience, Patient and Staff Safety, Nursing Governance and Leadership Development, Onboarding, Orientation, and Staff Development & Nurse Competency. Through this partnership, Lilavati Hospital will deliver training through observation, real-time best practice considerations, and structured sessions. Upon completion of the programme, nurses will receive a certificate of completion from the Mayo Clinic. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers critical support to millions of individuals living with disabilities. This decent initiative depends on the dedication of NDIS support workers, who guarantee that no person will be left behind. The national disability insurance scheme service providers and coordinators play a significant role in ensuring persons with disabilities have access to the services they require. Research shows that most NDIS participants express gratitude, indicating that NDIS support workers are life-changing. An adequately trained NDIS support worker facilitates each participant's needs while joining forces with the whole support team to help establish their goals. Who Are NDIS Support Workers? The Provision of NDIS Support Workers through the National Disability Insurance Scheme has significantly changed how society supports persons living with disabilities. NDIS support workers include a team of compassionate and dedicated professionals who offer crucial assistance to NDIS participants, thus leading to its success. These support workers help participants establish the skills required to make informed decisions and build confidence by providing encouragement and guidance. Typically, NDIS support workers team up with other professionals who help with participant care. As a result, they ensure competent and safe service delivery with proper skill and care. Professional NDIS support workers act with transparency, honesty, and integrity and immediately address issues that may affect the safety and quality of support rendered. Moreover, these support workers can provide practical support to participants and their families. These include monitoring healthcare needs, household tasks, paperwork, and personal care. Reasons You Should Hire an NDIS Service Provider 1. They Provide Personalised Care Plans Hiring a licensed NDIS support worker is beneficial since they have access to extra resources. These resources allow them to develop personalized care plans customized to each participant's specific needs. The plans are meant to ensure that all services rendered align with your personal requirements and are designed to fit your lifestyle. As a result, you can enjoy the greatest support level for your disability or any related needs. 2. They Facilitate High-Quality Services The NDIS quality framework ensures that all registered providers align with specific standards before they get approval. Therefore, hiring a registered NDIS provider guarantees the highest-quality services possible. The framework also entails provisions that each provider must meet comprehensive policies concerning complaints procedures and customer feedback. This ensures that all issues that may arise are addressed effectively and immediately. 3. They Provide Access to Specialist Services NDIS support workers provide access to specialist services, including respite care, occupational therapy, psychological counseling, physiotherapy, and speech therapy. However, it is important to note that these services may not be guaranteed by some providers; hence, you must ensure you get a provider who has them when needed. This way, you can be sure to get the greatest support for all areas of your condition or disability. 4. They Help with Social Activities and Community Engagement Reputable NDIS support workers facilitate social inclusion by helping participants enjoy recreational and social activities. Therefore, this promotes community connections and meaningful relations. KTVU meteorologist Bill Martin is retiring after more than 30 years on air in the Bay Area. Lance Iversen/The Chronicle Bill Martin, who joined KTVU in 1992 as a weekend meteorologist, has announced that his final day on air will be at the end of February. Lance Iversen/The Chronicle After more than 30 years of broadcasting to Bay Area viewers, KTVUs chief meteorologist Bill Martin announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for the Oakland TV station. Martin, who joined KTVU in 1992 as a weekend meteorologist, quickly became a trusted figure in homes across the Bay Area. His final day on air will be at the end of February. Its been so much fun, Martin said during his live announcement. Its confusing. Im torn and have mixed feelings. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The announcement on Thursday concludes a career defined by expertise that helped viewers navigate some of Northern Californias most dynamic weather events. With his reporting, Martin transformed complex weather data into something accessible and relatable for local audiences. Whether guiding viewers through intense heat waves, wildfires or occasional king tides along the coast, Martin was a reassuring presence through the decades. Among his most notable contributions to the region was his coverage of the Oakland Hills Fire, the San Bruno gas explosion and the Camp Fire in Paradise (Butte County), a tragedy that hit close to home for Martin, as he lost his childhood home in the blaze. The best thing about this job has been growing up with the Bay Area, and just being a part of a lot of stuff, Martin said. When you meet people you really are connected. I would never move from the Bay Area. Its kind of like my family. Martins career was rooted in a deep understanding of the Bay Areas unique geography and weather patterns, drawn from his extensive academic background. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in physical geography and climatology, Martin went on to pursue postgraduate studies in atmospheric science at San Francisco State University. He was also the recipient of the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation from the American Meteorological Society, one of the highest honors for on-air meteorologists. Martin, whose family roots in Northern California date to the Gold Rush era, is a rare figure who has spent much of his life in the same region he reports on. KTVU noted that his children are sixth-generation Northern Californians. In 2014, Martin was among a select group of meteorologists invited to meet with President Barack Obama and his science advisers to discuss climate change. Over the years, he helped elevate KTVUs Weather Department into one of the most respected in the region. Ill be around for a month, and literally every night Ill say goodbye, Martin told his viewers Thursday. Youre going to be sick of me. 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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 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested his country might not withdraw all of its forces from Lebanon by a deadline set in its ceasefire with Hezbollah. Under the deal reached in November, Israel is supposed to complete its withdrawal from the country by Sunday. Advertisement Hezbollah militants are due to pull back to the north of the Litani River, and the Lebanese armed forces would patrol the buffer zone in southern Lebanon alongside UN peacekeepers. Mr Netanyahu said in a statement that the ceasefire is based on the understanding that the withdrawal process could possibly continue beyond the 60 days. Hezbollah has warned fighting could resume (AP) The statement went on to say that the Lebanese government has not yet fully enforced the agreement an apparent reference to the deployment of Lebanese troops. Israeli officials have held talks in recent days with the US, which brokered the agreement along with France. Advertisement The Trump administration believes that a short, temporary ceasefire extension is urgently needed in Lebanon, National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said in a statement on Friday. President Trump is committed to ensuring Israeli citizens can safely return to their homes in northern Israel, while also supporting the new Lebanese government under President Michel Aoun, the statement said. All parties share the goal of ensuring Hezbollah does not have the ability to threaten the Lebanese people or their neighbours, Mr Hughes said. He said the US is pleased that the IDF has started the withdrawal from the central regions. Advertisement Destroyed buildings can be seen in an area of the village of Odaisseh in southern Lebanon, located next to the Israeli-Lebanese border (AP) There was no immediate response to Mr Netanyahus statement from Lebanon or Hezbollah. The Lebanese government has said that it cannot send its forces into areas until Israeli troops have fully withdrawn. Hezbollah has warned that it could resume the fighting if Israel does not withdraw from Lebanon in accordance with the ceasefire. The militants began firing rockets, missiles and drones into northern Israel the day after Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7 2023 ignited the war in the Gaza Strip. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are allies of Iran, and Hezbollah said that it was acting in solidarity with the Palestinians. Advertisement Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, and the sides traded fire for more than a year. The war escalated in September, when Israel carried out a heavy wave of air strikes across Lebanon and killed Hezbollahs top leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and most of his deputies. Israeli ground forces invaded days later. Israeli air and ground assaults killed more than 4,000 people in Lebanon, including hundreds of civilians. World Taliban reject court bid to arrest top officials f... Read More At the height of the war, more than a million Lebanese people were displaced. Advertisement Hezbollah rockets forced around 60,000 people from their homes in northern Israel, and killed 76 people in Israel, including 31 soldiers. Almost 50 Israeli soldiers were killed during operations inside Lebanon. The JCPenney store at the Shops at Tanforan mall in San Bruno plans to close on May 25, marking another step in the retailers efforts to overcome financial challenges. Justin Sullivan/TNS JCPenney is set to close one of its last remaining Bay Area stores at the Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno. The retailer confirmed Thursday that the location will permanently close on May 25. The decision to close a store is never an easy one, JCPenney said in a statement. We are grateful to our dedicated associates and the loyal customers who have shopped at our San Bruno location. This closure marks another chapter in the retailers ongoing struggle to stay afloat. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Once a giant in American retail, JCPenney has faced severe financial difficulties, worsened by fierce competition from online retailers and discount chains. Sales have steadily declined, and in 2020, the company filed for bankruptcy protection. Shortly thereafter, it was acquired by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management for $800 million. In a bid to recover, JCPenney recently announced a merger with SPARC Group, a company that owns brands like Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer and Nautica. The new entity, called Catalyst Brands, seeks to revitalize its portfolio by uniting these legacy brands under a single vision. Catalyst Brands brings together the rich heritage of six unique brands with modern energy and a new vision for success, said Marc Rosen, former CEO of JCPenney and now CEO of Catalyst Brands. Together, we bring scale, expertise and broad appeal to customers across America. Catalyst Brands aims to generate more than $9 billion in revenue, managing 1,800 store locations across the U.S. and providing the new venture with $1 billion in liquidity to support future growth. The merger is backed by major investors, including Simon Property Group, Brookfield Corp. and Authentic Brands Group. Despite these efforts, JCPenneys troubles persist. The companys most recent quarterly report revealed an 8% drop in net sales, though it showed some improvement in foot traffic and operating profits across its 650 remaining locations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For the fiscal year ending February 2024, JCPenney reported $7 billion in sales, a sharp decline from a decade ago when it generated over $14 billion in annual revenue. In 2022, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, a major biotech landlord, acquired nearly the entire Shops at Tanforan mall in San Bruno for $328 million. The purchase, which included properties like JCPenney and Sears, sets the stage for a potential 2-million-square-foot biotech mega campus. According to a regulatory filing, Alexandria aims to transform the site into a hub for biotech and tech tenants, although it has yet to break ground on the project. An Afghan womens group has hailed a decision by the International Criminal Court to arrest Taliban leaders for their persecution of women. The International Criminal Courts chief prosecutor Karim Khan announced on Thursday he had requested arrest warrants for two top Taliban officials, including the groups leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. Advertisement Since they took back control of the country in 2021, the Taliban have barred women from jobs, most public spaces, and receiving an education beyond the sixth grade. In a statement, the Afghan Womens Movement for Justice and Awareness celebrated the ICC decision and called it a great historical achievement. We consider this achievement a symbol of the strength and will of Afghan women and believe this step will start a new chapter of accountability and justice in the country, the group said. The Taliban government has yet to comment on the courts move. Advertisement The UN mission in Afghanistan has also weighed in, adding it was a tragedy and travesty that girls remain deprived of education in the embattled nation. It has been 1,225 days soon to be four years since authorities imposed a ban that prevents girls above the age of 12 from attending school, said the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva. It is a travesty and tragedy that millions of Afghan girls have been stripped of their right to education. Afghanistan is the only country in the world that explicitly bars women and girls from all levels of education, said Ms Otunbayeva. The governor of the Democratic Republic of Congos North-Kivu province has died from injuries sustained during fighting on the front line, authorities said, as M23 rebels closed in on the provincial capital. M23 made significant territorial gains in recent weeks, encircling Goma, which is home to around two million people and a regional hub for security and humanitarian efforts. Advertisement The circumstances around the death of Major General Peter Cirimwami were unclear. UN troops deploy outside Goma, DR of Congo (Moses Sawasawa/AP) He led army operations in the restive North Kivu, visited troops on the front line in Kasengezi, around 13 kilometres (eight miles) from Goma, on the day of his death. His death on Thursday was confirmed by a governmental source, a military source and a UN source on Friday, all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the matter publicly. On Thursday, panic spread in Goma as rebels took control of Sake, a town only 27 kilometres (16 miles) from the provincial capital and one of the last main routes into the city still under government control, according to the UN chief. Advertisement M23 is one of about 100 armed groups that have been vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern DR of Congo, along the border with Rwanda, in a decades-long conflict that has created one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises. More than seven million people have been displaced by the fighting. Congolese government troops deploy outside Goma, DR of Congo (Moses Sawasawa/AP) Earlier this month, M23 captured the towns of Minova, Katale and Masisi, west of Goma. M23 seized Goma in 2012 and controlled it for over a week. Advertisement DR of Congo, the United States and UN experts accuse Rwanda of backing the M23, mainly composed of ethnic Tutsis who broke away from the Congolese army over a decade ago. Rwandas government denies the claim but last year admitted that it has troops and missile systems in eastern DR of Congo to safeguard its security, pointing to a build-up of Congolese forces near the border. UN experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan forces in DR of Congo. Congolese children watch the deployment of government and UN troops outside Goma (Moses Sawasawa/AP) The city of Goma was gripped by palpable tension as clashes between DR of Congos armed forces and M23 raged on in the citys periphery on Friday. Advertisement The fighting is concentrated in Kibumba, around 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of Goma, and around Sake, to the west. More than 178,000 people have fled the M23 advance in the last two weeks. Alliance Gentil, 25, was among dozens of displaced people on the road from Sake to Goma on Friday. Sitting on her water container next to her belongings, a baby on her back, she said she is tired of constantly fleeing. Advertisement Major General Peter Cirimwami at a news conference in Goma in 2024 (Moses Sawasawa/AP) I am fleeing, but I dont know where I am going, the mother of two children said, adding that she already fled twice in the last month. The front line near Goma is just a few dozen metres (yards) from the Lushagala and Bulengo displaced people camps, fuelling fear among those who sought safety near the provincial capital. Tens of thousands more arrived in recent weeks in the camps in Goma and its periphery, which were already home to nearly 600,000 displaced people, according to the UN refugee agency. The explosions of heavy weapons resonated throughout Goma on Friday. Many shops and stores remained closed and police were deployed on the citys main streets. Military checkpoints were set up throughout the city, checking all vehicles. A woman rammed a car into a crowd of anti-government protesters in Serbias capital and injured one of them, police said. It happened on Friday during a student-led strike which shut down businesses and drew tens of thousands of people to demonstrations around the country. Advertisement The nationwide protests took place on the same day that President Aleksandar Vucic planned a big afternoon rally in a central town to counter the persistent anti-government protests that have challenged his tight grip on power. University students joined calls for a general strike after months of protests over the collapse of a concrete canopy that killed 15 people in Belgrade (Darko Vojinovic/AP) Protesters have blocked traffic daily in Serbia to protest the deaths of 15 people killed in the November collapse of a train station canopy that critics have blamed on government corruption. Police in Belgrade said they detained the 24-year-old driver who rammed into a crowd of protesters in a section the city called New Belgrade. The injured victim, a 26-year-old woman, was taken to an emergency hospital where her condition was not immediately known. Advertisement A similar ramming incident took place during a blockade last week in Belgrade, when a car rammed into protesting students, seriously injuring a young woman. Many in Serbia believe the huge concrete canopy at a train station in the northern city of Novi Sad fell down because of sloppy reconstruction work that resulted from corruption. Weeks-long protests demanding accountability over the crash have been the biggest since Mr Vucic came to power more than a decade ago. He has faced accusations of curbing democratic freedoms despite formally seeking European Union membership for Serbia. Advertisement It was not immediately possible to determine how many people and companies joined the students call for a one-day general strike on Friday. Protesters have blocked traffic daily in Serbia to protest the deaths of 15 people killed in the collapse of a train station canopy (Darko Vojinovic/AP) They included restaurants, bars, theatres, bakeries and various shops. Lets take freedom in our hands, students told the citizens in their strike call. Mr Vucic planned to gather his supporters in the central town of Jagodina later on Friday. Advertisement He has announced plans to form a nationwide political movement in the style of Russias President Vladimir Putins United Russia movement to help ensure the dominance of his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party. The president and the countrys mainstream media have accused the students of working under orders from foreign intelligence services to overthrow the authorities while pro-government thugs have repeatedly attacked protesting citizens. The 15-minute traffic blockades on Friday started at 11.52am, the exact time of the canopy collapse in Novi Sad. Serbian universities have been blockaded for two months, along with many schools. Advertisement A lawyers association has also gone on strike but it remained unclear how many people stayed away from work in the state-run institutions on Friday. Protests marches were held Friday in Belgrade, Novi Sad, the southern city of Nis and other smaller cities even in Jagodina, a ruling coalition stronghold, ahead of Mr Vucics arrival. Things cant stay the same any more, actor Goran Susljik told N1 regional television. Students have offered us the possibility of change. Serbias prosecutors have filed charges against 13 people for the canopy collapse, including a government minister and several state officials. But the former construction minister Goran Vesic has been released from detention, fuelling doubts over the probes independence. The main railway station in Novi Sad was renovated twice in recent years as part of a wider infrastructure deal with Chinese state companies. The Hamas militant group has published the names of four hostages it says it will release on Saturday as part of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. An advocacy group representing the families of Israelis held in Gaza confirmed that the hostages are female soldiers. Advertisement Under the ceasefire agreement that paused the 15-month war, Israel will release 200 Palestinian prisoners or detainees in exchange for the four, including 120 militants serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks. The four soldiers Karina Ariev, 20, Daniella Gilboa, 20, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Albag, 19 were captured in Hamass October 7 2023 attack that ignited the war and have had no contact with the outside world since then. Palestinians walk on the rubble of destroyed houses after the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza (Abed Hajjar/AP) Relatives of hostages still being held by militants in Gaza had earlier on Friday called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure that all remaining captives are freed, while also appealing to US President Donald Trump to continue pressing for their release. In the Palestinian enclave, civilians in the central and southern part of the Gaza Strip hoping to return to the remnants of their home in the battered north faced an agonising wait. Advertisement Israel believes about a third, or possibly as many as half, of the more than 90 hostages still in Gaza have died. Hamas has not released definitive information on how many captives are still alive or the names of those who have died. Ayelet Samerano, whose son Yonatan Samerano is among those still being held, said: Dear President Trump, first of all we want to say thank you for the happy moments we felt this week. But we want to tell you we still have 94 hostages, we need them all at home. Relatives of hostages have called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure that all remaining captives are freed (Abir Sultan/AP) Please do not stop. Please continue to press and do everything so that all the 94 hostages will come home immediately. Advertisement In the first phase of the ceasefire deal, 33 hostages are expected to be released gradually in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The first three Israeli hostages were freed in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, the first day of the ceasefire that has halted the 15-month war that has devastated Gaza. Wide swathes of the territory have been destroyed, while more than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities, who do not differentiate between combatants and civilians but say more than half are women and children. According to the deal, on Friday Hamas is to announce the names of the next four hostages to be released on Saturday, after which Israel will also release a list of which Palestinian prisoners will be freed. Advertisement The hostages were among about 250 men, women and children captured by militants who burst across the border into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people in an attack that sparked the war in Gaza. About 100 were released during a brief ceasefire in November that year, while the bodies of around three dozen hostages have been recovered in Gaza and eight hostages have been rescued by the army. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has said he is preparing for tough negotiations with US President Donald Trump to win his commitment to maintain a strong American presence in the Asia-Pacific. Mr Ishiba who is struggling to stabilise his minority government has been seeking to meet Mr Trump since his election victory in November and is arranging a trip to Washington in the coming weeks. Advertisement With a minority government following a significant election loss in October due to voter anger over his partys financial scandals, Mr Ishiba is struggling to stay in power at least until the next major elections this summer. In a policy speech to parliament, Mr Ishiba said: With the balance of power in the region making a historic change, we must further deepen Japan-US cooperation and ensure the US commitment to the region to prevent any power vacuum from destabilising it. Mr Ishiba is keen to boost security (AP) Japans concern about a US retreat from the region comes as Chinas military is becoming increasingly assertive and North Korea has repeatedly test-fired ballistic missiles as it advances its nuclear and missile programmes. Mr Ishiba said Japan faces the most severe and complicated security environment since the Second World War and needs to bolster its own defence capabilities and elevate the Japan-US alliance, while expanding and deepening ties with other partners. Advertisement The United States is Japans only treaty ally and Japanese officials are worried that Mr Trump is likely to place less importance on relationships in the region developed under former US leader Joe Biden to counter Chinas growing influence. Mr Ishiba said increased dialogue is key to avoiding misunderstandings and expressed a willingness to achieve constructive relations with China. In addition to deepening Japan-US ties, which Tokyo has traditionally considered the cornerstone of its foreign and security policies, Mr Ishiba wants to develop multilateral frameworks such as three-way cooperation with South Korea and the Philippines and the Quad that also includes Australia and India. He said this week that he hopes to discuss with Mr Trump how Japan and the United States can make the most of each others national interests and contribute to global peace and economic growth. Advertisement In order to build multi-layered networks for regional security and strengthen a free and open Indo-Pacific, Japan-US leadership is essential, he said. To demonstrate his emphasis on the region, Mr Ishiba recently visited Indonesia and Malaysia and sent Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya to China, South Korea and the Philippines. He said his policy goals also include responses to Japans population decline, boosting stagnant salaries, reducing the national debt, and his pet project, building disaster resilience. Instead of past national goals of a strong Japan and a wealthy Japan, he said he will seek a fun Japan in which diversity is respected and people feel safe and secure. The Kremlin has insisted that a settlement in Ukraine could not be facilitated by a drop in global oil prices, as US President Donald Trump has suggested. Speaking by video from the White House to the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Mr Trump said on Thursday that the Opec+ alliance of oil exporting countries shares responsibility for the nearly three-year conflict in Ukraine because it has kept oil prices too high. Advertisement If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately, Mr Trump said. Energy sales form a large part of Russias earnings. Asked about Mr Trumps comments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov affirmed Moscows view that the Ukrainian conflict was triggered by the Wests refusal to take into account Russian security interests. The conflict doesnt depend on oil prices, Mr Peskov said in a conference call with reporters. Advertisement The conflict is ongoing because of the threat to Russias national security, the threat to Russians living on those territories and the refusal by the Americans and the Europeans to listen to Russias security concerns. Its not linked to oil prices. A spokesman for Mr Putin said Mr Trumps claims were not correct (Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) He said Russian President Vladimir Putin remains ready for contacts with Mr Trump. Mr Peskovs comments echoed Mr Putins statements that he had to send troops into Ukraine in February 2022 to fend off a threat to Russias security resulting from plans for Ukraine to join Nato and to protect Russian speakers living there. Ukraine and the West have denounced Moscows action as an unprovoked act of aggression. Advertisement Asked to comment on Mr Trumps claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready for a peace deal, Mr Peskov pointed out the Ukrainian leaders earlier decision to rule out any talks with Moscow. Zelensky cant be ready for a deal, Mr Peskov told reporters, adding that in order to reach a settlement its necessary to conduct talks, and Zelensky forbade himself to hold talks by his own decree. On Wednesday, Mr Trump threatened to impose stiff taxes, tariffs and sanctions on Russia if an agreement is not reached to end the war in Ukraine. Mr Peskov said that the Kremlin was closely following Mr Trumps statements and noted that he imposed a slew of sanctions during his first term. He said Moscow remains ready for an equal dialogue, for a mutually respectful dialogue. Advertisement This dialogue took place between the two presidents during Trumps first presidency. And we are waiting for signals that we have not received yet, Mr Peskov added. Tens of thousands of people in Slovakia gathered at squares and streets across the country to voice their opposition to the pro-Russia policies of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico. The latest wave of anti-government rallies on Friday was fuelled by Mr Ficos recent trip to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement It was a rare visit to the Kremlin by an EU leader since Moscows all-out invasion of Ukraine began on February 24 2022. A protester shouts as thousands gather to oppose the policies of Slovakias Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava, Slovakia (Denes Erdos/AP) Mr Ficos recent remarks that it was a possibility to change Slovakias foreign policy orientation and leave the EU and Nato were among other recent steps by the prime minister that sparked anger from protesters. Protesters changed in Bratislava: Slovakia is not Russia, Slovakia is Europe and We have enough of Fico and Resign. Fridays rallies took place in 28 locations, more than double compared to two weeks ago amid heightened tensions after Mr Fico accused organisers and the opposition earlier this week of being in contact with an unspecified group of foreigners who he says are working toward engineering a coup in Slovakia. Advertisement Mr Fico linked his accusations to a secret report by the countrys spy service, known as SIS, that he presented in parliament on Tuesday. The details were not known, but Mr Fico publicly said that the opposition plans to occupy government buildings, block roads, organise a nationwide strike and provoke clashes with police forces as parts of the alleged plan to overthrow his government. Thousands of protesters gather to oppose the policies of Slovakias Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava, Slovakia (Denes Erdos/AP) Slovak leaders said that the situation was serious, but the opposition dismissed the report and accused SIS of being misused for political purposes. SIS is led by the son of Mr Ficos close party ally. Advertisement The organisers of most of the rallies from the Peace for Ukraine organisation dismissed Mr Ficos claims and said that he is trying to frighten the Slovak population. All the numerous public anti-government protests since Mr Ficos cabinet was sworn in on October 25 2023 have been peaceful. Organisers said their protest in Bratislava was attended by 60,000 people and rallies will continue on February 7. A woman holds books as thousands gather to oppose the policies of Slovakias Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava, Slovakia (Denes Erdos/AP) Mr Ficos views on Russia have sharply differed from the European mainstream. Advertisement He returned to power last year after his leftist party Smer (Direction) won a parliamentary election on a pro-Russia and anti-American platform. Since then, he has ended Slovakias military aid for Ukraine, lashed out at EU sanctions on Russia and vowed to block Ukraine from joining Nato. Mr Fico is a polarising figure in Slovakia, and he survived an assassination attempt in May 2024. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned the US of the possible consequences if President Donald Trumps sweeping tariff reforms are applied to its North American neighbour. It will be American consumers who will pay more in the end, with the outgoing Canadian leader vowing to respond in kind, triggering a tariff war between the two nations. Advertisement He said to reporters in Ottawa: Whether it be back on January 20th, on February 1st or February 15th as a Valentines Day present, or on April 1st or whenever Canada will respond with retaliatory tariffs and prices for American consumers on just about everything will go up. Mr Trudeau, joined by Minister of Finance Dominic LeBlanc, back left to right, Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly, Minister of Public Safety David McGuinty (The Canadian Press via AP) We dont think he wants that. Mr Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday that he still plans to place tariffs on Canada and Mexico at 25% rates starting as soon as February 1. But, despite the presidents repeated claim that America does not need Canada, nearly a quarter of the oil consumed in the US per day comes from Canada. Advertisement Americas northern neighbour also has 34 critical minerals and metals that the US is eager for and is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminium and uranium. The US should be working even more with Canada on our energy, on our critical minerals, on the goods they need to deliver the economic growth that Donald Trump has promised, Mr Trudeau said. That is our first choice. If they do move forward on tariffs we are ready to respond in a strong way but in a way to figure out how to get them removed as soon as possible. President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Evan Vucci/AP) Canada is looking at putting retaliatory tariffs on American orange juice, toilets and some steel products if Mr Trump follows through with his threat, which was initially planned to come into effect on day one of his second term of office. Advertisement When Mr Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term, Canada announced billions of dollars in new duties in 2018 against the US in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminium. Everything is on the table. Mr Trudeau said. It would be bad for Canada, but it would also be bad for American consumers. Nearly $2.7 billion (2.6 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 US states. President Donald Trump said he was considering getting rid of a key emergency agency during a trip to US disaster zones on Friday. It is the latest sign of how Mr Trump is weighing up sweeping changes to the nations central organisation for responding to disasters. Advertisement Instead of having federal financial assistance flow through FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), the Republican president said Washington could provide money directly to the states. He made the comments while visiting North Carolina, which is still recovering months after Hurricane Helene, on the first trip of his second term. President Donald Trump speaks along side first lady Melania Trump, as they meet with homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene in Swannanoa (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) Fema has been a very big disappointment, the Republican president said. Its very bureaucratic. And its very slow. Mr Trump said Michael Whatley, a North Carolina native and chairman of the Republican National Committee, would help coordinate recovery efforts in the state, where frustrations over the response have lingered. Advertisement Although Mr Whatley does not hold an official government position, Mr Trump said he would be very much in charge. While the president emphasised his desire to help North Carolina, a battleground state that has voted for him in all of his presidential campaigns, he was much less generous toward California, where he plans to visit wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles later in the day. Mr Trump reiterated that he wants to extract concessions from the Democratic-led state in return for disaster assistance, including changes to water policies and requirements that voters need to show identification when casting ballots. Beyond Mr Trumps criticism of Fema, he has suggested limiting the federal governments role in responding to disasters, echoing comments from conservative allies who have proposed reducing funding and responsibility. Advertisement Id like to see the states take care of disasters, he said after landing in the Asheville area. Let the state take care of the tornadoes and the hurricanes and all of the other things that happen. Mr Trump, who was accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, said that would be quicker and cheaper than sending in Fema. Fema just hasnt done the job, the president said. Were looking at the whole concept of Fema. Advertisement President Donald Trump is briefed on the effects of Hurricane Helene at Asheville Regional Airport (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) The agency helps respond to disasters when local leaders request a presidential emergency declaration, a signal that the damage is beyond the states ability to handle on its own. Fema can reimburse governments for recovery efforts such as debris removal, and it gives stopgap financial assistance to individual residents. Trump has criticised former president Joe Biden for his administrations response to Helene in North Carolina. As he left the White House on Friday morning, he told reporters that its been a horrible thing the way thats been allowed to fester since the storm hit in September, and were going to get it fixed up. Advertisement After a briefing on recovery efforts, Mr Trump travelled to a small town outside Asheville to meet with residents who have been helped by Samaritans Purse, a humanitarian organisation headed by evangelical leader Franklin Graham. The residents told him about wading through waist-deep water to escape from their homes while fearing for their lives. Some have battled with insurance companies to get their losses covered. Weve come to North Carolina with a simple message, Mr Trump said. You are not forgotten any longer. You were treated very badly by the previous administration. This is our president, one woman told him. We appreciate you so much. President Donald Trump, along side first lady Melania Trump speaks as he meets with homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene in Swannanoa (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) Fema has distributed 319 million dollars in financial assistance to residents, but that has not alleviated the feeling of abandonment among residents who are struggling to rebuild their lives. Laurie Carpenter, a 62-year-old retiree in Newland, North Carolina, said there is still debris and trash strewn around her part of the state. She was looking forward to Mr Trumps visit because shes been disappointed by the federal response. Sarah Wells Rolland, 65, whose Asheville pottery studio was destroyed by flooding, is less enthusiastic. Her town leans Democratic, and shes worried that Mr Trump will not prioritise its rebuilding. Im not overly optimistic that the Trump administration is going to do anything long-term, she said. Once in California, Trump plans to tour the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, where rows of homes burned to the ground. He is expected to receive a briefing on the fires, which are ongoing, with thousands of people under evacuation orders. Fridays trip could prompt some uncomfortable conversations about climate change, which Mr Trump has played down and denied. Both Helene and the Los Angeles wildfires were exacerbated by global warming. In Helenes case, a study by international climate scientists at World Weather Attribution found that climate change boosted the storms rainfall by 10%. In California, the state suffered a record dry fall and winter its traditional wet season which made the area around Los Angeles more vulnerable to blazes. San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Maria Su said in a statement to all families Thursday that the district was a safe haven for all students regardless of citizenship status, but did not initially address the purported incident on the 29-Sunset Muni bus. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle A rumor that a federal deportation agent confronted a middle school student on a Muni bus has been debunked, district officials said Friday. The rumor spread quickly across the city Thursday after the San Francisco Unified School District superintendent sent a letter to families with students attending schools in the vicinity of the 29-Sunset bus line alerting them to the report. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told the Chronicle that this was not an ICE encounter. Charles Kretchmer Lutvak, a spokesperson for Mayor Daniel Lurie, told the Chronicle that after conducting a review of the incident, Luries office was confident that there was no federal immigration enforcement action on a Muni bus Thursday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At the same time, the fear in our community is real, and that fear makes all of San Francisco less safe, Kretchmer Lutvak said in a statement. Mayor Lurie is fully committed to upholding San Franciscos longstanding policies. These laws have been on the books for decades and we will continue to uphold the general prohibition of the use of city resources to assist ICE in enforcing federal immigration actions. The rumor and the districts warning of the possible federal questioning of students stoked fear in immigrant communities as President Donald Trump promises a mass deportation campaign amid reports this week of hundreds of arrests and detentions as well as a targeted raid at New Jersey business. But it also demonstrated the potential danger of misinformation and rumors and the struggle of public agencies to respond in real time, balancing fears against the quest for facts. Superintendent Maria Su said Friday morning that Police Chief Bill Scott confirmed the incident on the Muni bus was not an ICE related incident. According to the district letter sent to families a day earlier, however, the incident was being taken very seriously. The Visitacion Middle School student reported to school administrators that they were approached by an officer and asked for identification and where they were from. The communication also said the district had alerted neighboring schools, shared the incident with those at the districts Refugee and Immigrant Solidarity in Education organization and spoke with the citys Rapid Response Network, which was supporting the family and student. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In SFUSD we strive to only communicate accurate information and not contribute to the anxieties that our communities may be experiencing, district spokesperson Laura Dudnick said Friday in a statement to the Chronicle. However, given that unverified information began circulating quickly among school communities yesterday, we took the opportunity to share what we knew at the time so that schools had consistent information. SFUSD Superintendent Maria Su said in a statement to all families Thursday that the school district was a safe haven for all students regardless of citizenship status, but did not initially address the purported incident on the 29 Muni bus. Sus statement included a list of resources for immigrant students and families, including the number of a hotline used to investigate possible ICE activities in the community and to support individuals through ICE encounters, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Laura Valdez, executive director for Mission Action, an organization that supports low-income immigrant communities in San Francisco, stressed the importance of avoiding the dissemination of unverified information or rumors about ICE, which can unnecessarily heighten fear and confusion. Mission Action is the lead organization for the Rapid Response Network, a coalition of community organizers that support immigrants in San Francisco and responds to immigration and deportation crises. Valdez said communities should trust the network to verify any reports of alleged ICE activity and provide support to those impacted. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ICE officials have previously stated that they conduct targeted arrests and do not conduct raids or sweeps, terms that evoke images of indiscriminate targeting of neighborhoods and spreads fear in immigrant communities. But the agencys attempts at reassurance have been largely eclipsed by not only rhetoric from the new Trump administration, which has made sweeping promises to arrest and deport millions of people, including those in sanctuary cities such as San Francisco. Federal immigration officials posted on social media they had made 538 arrests and 373 detentions in New York, Boston and other cities with sanctuary policies across the country. The incident comes as advocates warn of misinformation spreading around the country about immigration raids in the wake of President Trumps election and his promises of mass deportation of undocumented people. US President Donald Trump is heading to hurricane-battered western North Carolina and wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles on Friday, using the first trip of his second administration to tour areas where politics has clouded the response to deadly disasters. The Republican president has criticised his predecessor Joe Biden for his administrations response in North Carolina. Advertisement He has also showered disdain on Californian leaders for water policies that he falsely claimed worsened the recent blazes and said he is considering overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A firefighter hoses down flames In Los Angeles. (Jae C Hong/AP) Some of his conservative allies have proposed reducing how much the agency reimburses states for handling floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other calamities. The White House has asked California congressional members, including Democrats, to hold a round table discussion at an aeroplane hanger in Santa Monica during Trumps visit, according to a person briefed on the plans who demanded anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss them. Mr Trump has suggested using federal disaster assistance as a bargaining chip during unrelated legislative negotiations over government borrowing or as leverage to persuade California to change its water policies. Advertisement Southern California and California has always been there for other regions of the country in their time of crisis, and we expect our country to be there for us, Democratic Senator Alex Padilla said this week. Mr Trump has a history of injecting politics and falsehoods into disaster response. Debris is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in September 2024 (Mike Stewart/AP) During his first term, he talked about limiting help for Democratic states that did not support him, according to former administration officials. While running for president last year, he claimed without evidence that Democrats were going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas of the battleground state of North Carolina. Advertisement More recently, he has falsely insisted that California water policies, specifically fish conservation efforts in the northern part of the state, contributed to hydrants running dry in the Los Angeles area. I dont think we should give California anything until they let the water run down, Mr Trump said in an interview with Fox News Channels Sean Hannity on Wednesday. The president also suggested shifting more responsibility to individual states for managing disasters. Id rather see the states take care of their own problems, he told Hannity, adding that FEMA is getting in the way of everything. Advertisement President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Wednesday (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) Michael Coen, who served as chief of staff at FEMA during the Biden administration, said Mr Trump was misinformed about an agency that provides critical help to states when they are overwhelmed by catastrophe. In addition, Mr Coen criticised the idea of attaching strings to assistance. Youre going to pick winners and losers on which communities are going to be supported by the federal government, he said. I think the American people expect the federal government will be there for them on their worst day, no matter where they live. Denmark agreed on Friday to discuss the Arctic region with Washington, Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said, after his first phone call with the secretary of state from the administration of President Donald Trump, who wants control of Greenland. Rasmussen and Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a 20-minute conversation in a "good and constructive tone", discussing Ukraine, European security and the situation in the Middle East, the Danish Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Advertisement Trump has expressed an interest in making Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, part of the United States. He has not ruled out using military or economic power to persuade Denmark to hand it over. Greenland's strategic location along the shortest route from Europe to North America, vital for the US ballistic missile warning system, has made it a priority for Trump. Business Trump Doonbeg resort records best ever month for n... Read More "Arctic security was not on the agenda, but it was agreed that it will be discussed between the United States, Denmark and Greenland at a later date, the Danish ministry said. Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede, who has stepped up a push for independence, has repeatedly said the island is not for sale and that it is up to its people to decide their future. While Trump also aired the possibility of taking over Greenland in 2019, his refusal to rule out the use of military or economic power has caught many Danes by surprise. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Jan. 15 said she had spoken on the phone with Trump and told him that it is up to Greenland itself to decide on any independence. - Reuters When you adapt to it, you build [sea] walls, and that kind of creates a systemic problem and an ongoing one: it stops the house falling in the ocean but creates problems everywhere else. On Sydneys Northern Beaches in Collaroy which has been one of Australias most-studied coastal erosion sites a swimming pool collapsed into the surf in 2016 during damaging storms that cost home owners and the state government $25 million. The private seawall filled with sand with beach erosion below along the Collaroy beachfront. Credit: James Brickwood After more ferocious storms in 2020, a controversial seven-metre concrete sea wall was installed to protect 49 private properties, a car park and a surf club. But opinions differ on the value of sea walls in mitigating the worst effects of coastal erosion. Kennedy said the rule of thumb was that sea walls doubled the rate of erosion at either end of the wall. Really what a sea wall does is protect a property boundary, he said. So if the beach remains, thats a bonus, but the primary reason for a sea wall is to protect whatevers behind it. In 2021 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that sea levels could rise by 1.1 metres by 2100. Lake Victoria is eating away at the shore in Loch Sport. Credit: Joe Armao Coastal areas will see continued sea level rise throughout the 21st century, contributing to more frequent and severe coastal flooding in low-lying areas and coastal erosion, it said. Extreme sea level events that previously occurred once in 100 years could happen every year by the end of this century. Between 2014 and 2023, global sea levels rose by an average 0.48 centimetres per year, doubling the rate of sea level rises before 2002. Former climate commissioner Lesley Hughes has welcomed UniSupers climate commitments but said more action is needed. Credit: Emeritus Professor Lesley Hughes was a co-author of the fourth and fifth IPCC assessments, and told this masthead that the accelerating effects of climate change meant the sixth IPCC predictions delivered just four years ago could already be out of date. 2024 was the worlds hottest year, and we seem to have seen a real uptick in both warming and in the melting of sea ice, she said. The melting of polar ice in the Arctic and the Antarctic is a big contributor to sea level rise, as is the warmer water, so the climate models that we have been using, for example, by the IPCC, seem to be quite significantly underestimating climatic trends. Warming oceans magnified the impacts of storm surges on coastlines, Hughes said, and the east coast of Australia home to the majority of the population and the majority of development carried warmer waters than the rest of the country. We are a very vulnerable country as a whole to sea level rise, and we really need to do some serious planning for that. Erosion due to wild weather at Wamberal Beach on the Central Coast of NSW in 2020. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Its not without precedent. After 12 people died when a three-metre wall of water swept through the Queensland town of Grantham, the Lockyer Valley Regional Council bought 378 hectares of land on which to build the new Grantham. After the federal and Queensland governments contributed $18 million in funding, hundreds now call the new town home. Emeritus Professor Bruce Thom, an expert on coastal morphology who has advised successive NSW governments on coastal management for decades, did not support the calls for managed retreat, which he said would be prohibitively expensive. However, he said authorities should be most concerned about new development in coastal systems in Victoria and NSW that operate as estuaries (with enclosed systems and tidal flows). The big issue for the future are in our estuaries: Sydney Harbour, Botany Bay, Port Phillip Bay, Western Port. These are the places where youve got massive, massive investments in the areas where sea levels are rising, Thom said. Erosion on Portsea beach, after the dredging of Port Phillip Bay in 2010. Credit: Paul Rovere And these are the places where the national interest is at stake. As sea level starts to rise 50cm to one metre above present sea levels, we got massive adjustments that have to be made, and this largely has to do with drainage efficiencies as well as inundation. The worlds oceans have absorbed more than 90 per cent of the heat generated by greenhouse gases since 1971. As the oceans warm, warmer water expands and sea ice melts, sea levels rise. With higher seas and climate change come increased frequencies of storms and storm surges, and with both come coastal erosion. In Victoria, the towns most affected by coastal erosion have been Loch Sport, in the Gippsland Lakes region, and Inverloch on the Bass Coast. CoreLogic has identified the Melbourne suburbs of Port Melbourne, Aspendale and Brighton as being particularly at risk, while in Sydney, Cronulla, Manly and Collaroy were at particular risk. In August, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said sea levels could eventually rise by 20 metres. Emerging science suggests that a two-degree temperature rise could potentially lead to the loss of almost all the Greenland ice sheet, and much of the west Antarctica ice sheet, he told reporters in Tonga. That would mean condemning future generations to unstoppable sea level rise of up to 20 metres over a period of millennia. When most people look at a house nestled above dunes on the beach edge, they see privilege and luxury. Kennedy, meanwhile, sees looming danger. Can we afford it at the individual level, but also can we afford it at a societal level? he asks. If we [keep building there], were going to end up with ad hoc sea walls, which get larger and more expensive, and then they have to be maintained and thats an ongoing cost for future generations. But with sea levels rising, the cost will be going up exponentially. Advertisement Review Eating outEngadine A sandwich you could use as a pillow: Why this suburban shop is a slice of schnitty heaven Crispy chicken schnitzel crispiness gives way to tender flesh, with herby mayonnaise, buoyant folds of mixed lettuce and more caramelised carrot at Loaf in Sydneys southern suburbs. Lenny Ann Low January 24, 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 1 / 11 Loaf in Engadine, sister to a Cronulla shop founded in 2015, opened in August. Edwina Pickles 2 / 11 The Hambo sandwich featuring shaved ham, caramelised carrot, strong cheddar, red cabbage, pickles, truffle mayonnaise, lettuce and seeded mustard. Edwina Pickles 3 / 11 Deluxe salad sandwich (with beetroot) wrap. Edwina Pickles 4 / 11 The Beefed Up with slow-cooked beef, cheddar, pickles, greens, truffle mayo and salsa verde. Edwina Pickles 5 / 11 Edwina Pickles 6 / 11 Grass is Greener in a salad bowl with feta. Edwina Pickles 7 / 11 Canned iced drinks and fresh juices. Edwina Pickles 8 / 11 Edwina Pickles 9 / 11 Edwina Pickles 10 / 11 Edwina Pickles 11 / 11 Schnitty sandwich with crispy chicken schnitzel, herby mayonnaise, mixed lettuce and caramelised carrot. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide Cafe$$$$ On a windy, grey, weekday afternoon, a line of people at Engadine sandwich shop Loaf wait to, mostly, say three words: The Schnitty, please. Young, old, locals or blow-ins, they scan Loafs menu of sandwiches, wraps, filled rolls, jaffles and salads, even the homemade carrot cake on the counter, and rest their eyes on the five month-old shops most popular item. Schnitty sandwich with crispy chicken schnitzel, herby mayonnaise, mixed lettuce and caramelised carrot. Supplied Advertisement Theyd win with The Hambo sandwich featuring fat slabs of shaved ham, sweet, glazey caramelised carrot, strong cheddar, festoons of red cabbage, juicy pickles, truffle mayonnaise, lettuce and seeded mustard. The Beefed Up, a heady architectural wonder heaving with fall-apart slow-cooked beef, cheddar, pickles and hot chips amid greens, truffle mayonnaise and salsa verde, is a majestic meat buffet requiring a short lie-down afterwards. Theres the Mushie Trip jaffle (a luxurious meeting of truffle mushrooms, feta, sweet onion, spinach and cheddar), the Hangover Cure roll (oozy egg, hash brown, bacon, relish) and the Tuna Fish, creamy tuna mix with thinly sliced apple. The Hambo sandwich featuring shaved ham, caramelised carrot, strong cheddar, red cabbage, pickles, truffle mayonnaise, lettuce and seeded mustard. Edwina Pickles Id even vote the Deluxe Veggie sandwich (on Loafs wide soft brown bread), with its cavalcade of red cabbage, shredded carrot, sliced cucumber, beetroot slices, bean sprouts, lettuce and wholegrain mustard (add fried halloumi and candied chilli) as the best sandwich. Advertisement But, its the Schnitty, cushioned by thick, white high-top bread slices, that pulls the crowds. Its a sandwich you could use as a pillow. Good height, utter softness and a hearty interior. Crispy chicken schnitzel crispiness giving way to tender flesh, with herby mayonnaise, buoyant folds of mixed lettuce and more caramelised carrot. I know these are only sandwiches. But theyre packed munificently with ace ingredients and framed in good bread from Omoore Delight Bakery six minutes away in the Engadine Arcade. They cost $16 (on average) and one could feed two hungry people. Loaf in Engadine, sister to a Cronulla shop founded in 2015, opened in August. Run and co-owned by Annaleigh Sturmann, Chantel Toutounji and Kirsty Wirth, it sits in a corner building in the suburbs shopping strip. Deluxe salad sandwich (with beetroot) wrap. Edwina Pickles There are 20 seats outside and 16 inside, the latter edged by natural light-pink tiling, olive chairs, cabinets of house juices and cakes and shelves of White Horse coffee and Loafs jars of candied chilli and chilli oil. Advertisement Sandwiches aside, Loafs other drawcard is its staff. No limp hellos here. Customers receive proper cheer and wide smiles at the counter. Conversations flow. Even our receipt comes with happy exclamation marks. Sturmann is full of praise for staff at Engadine and Cronulla. Theyre very important to us, she says. Our manager in Cronulla started working for us when she was 13 and shes 20 now. Sturmann, Wirth and Toutounji also strive for a community feel. Mornings are busy with commuters getting sandwiches for work, before locals, holiday traffic and tradies arrive for lunch. Photo: Edwina Pickles Advertisement Loaf at Cronulla has a customer who has come every day for 10 years. He lives by himself and well be the first person that he talks to every day, Sturmann says. Always a large flat white, veggie combo with relish, and hell come back for lunch and get a schnitty on brown bread. If he changes anything, Im like, Whats going on?. Sturmann, who lives in Engadine, cofounded Loaf in Cronulla when she was 25 and opened the latest shop seven months after the birth of her second child, says franchises are a possibility, including in the UK. I never thought Id open a cafe, she says. No offence to people who have it as their dream, but it definitely wasnt mine. It blows my mind the amount of work it takes to run a sandwich shop. For every small business, to just keep afloat with orders, staff, bills. But I love it. I love the people, I love the interactions. I love seeing peoples kids grow up. You create a little world, a little family. Were going have a big party for our 10-year birthday coming up, and invite everyone. The low-down Vibe: Bright, popular southern Sydney cafe with ingredient-rich, generous-sized sandwiches in thick high-top bread (or wraps or salad bowl). Excellent homemade cakes. Go-to dish: Deluxe Veggie sandwich on brown bread, with a rainbow of red cabbage, carrot, cucumber, beetroot, bean sprouts, lettuce and wholegrain mustard, with halloumi and candied chilli extras Cost: $35, plus drinks (for two) Its not the be-all-and-end-all, it doesnt solve all your problems, but I dont feel as manic, she says. Menopause influencers have found huge Western audiences of women in this demographic and are increasingly framing the provision of more hormones to women in midlife as tantamount to a rights issue. Loading The idea that medical systems are failing women by not providing more hormones, especially testosterone to boost flagging energy, combat exhaustion and improve mental clarity and focus, was promoted so heavily in 2024 in the US that demand for it was dubbed an epidemic. But as debate continues to rage over the benefits and limits of hormonal replacement or supplementation, another phenomenon to blame for lower sense of wellbeing among women in the middle years one more difficult to remedy than hot flushes is drawing attention: the so-called midlife collision. The term was coined by UK workplace psychologist Dr Lucy Ryan in late 2023 to describe the effect of a group of stressors experienced by many Western women, a time when perimenopause or menopause, family caregiving, careers and a range of other personal transitions come together. What began as Ryans doctoral thesis became the 2023-24 bestseller Revolting Women: Why Women in Midlife are Walking Out, in which Ryan noted that just at the age women are in the position to progress in long-built careers, many in the UK are cutting back their hours, stepping down or quitting. Professor Leah Ruppanner has been surprised to hear mothers report their load increases rather than ebbs as children grow up. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui The term resonated strongly enough with womens health advocates to be referenced in submissions to the Australian Senate inquiry into the impacts of menopause on womens workplace participation and quality of life. Professor Ruppanner studies the mental load, or cognitive demands, of running contemporary families and says her data suggests it is still mainly carried by women. She has been surprised to hear during her current research that many feel the demands on them increase, rather than decrease, as their children get older. This can coincide with a womans career taking off beneficial for future financial security her parents ageing, and hormones fluctuating, Ruppanners research subjects attest. Loading Theyre saying bigger kids, bigger problems, says Ruppanner, director of The Future of Work Lab and the Gender Equity Initiative at the University of Melbourne. [They say] things like, my child might be feeling suicidal or grappling with gender identity they are big problems Im trying to keep track of, adult problems. The mothers are mostly doing that emotional labour, not exclusively but often and [considering] the consequences of getting it wrong. So its almost like a bottleneck because youre often doing that at work too. When a group of her subjects were given a small amount of money to spend on things such as occasional cleaning, childcare or meal delivery, we saw an increase in [feelings of] health and wellbeing. Men told Ruppanner they worried about how to achieve work-life balance in an employment scene that still did not offer them flexibility, while women were bombarded with carrying out their competing roles. Women are meeting expectation on expectation, and men are in angst; the women are taking it all on ... the men feel their hands are tied. Professor Leah Ruppanner Women are trying to meet expectation on expectation, and men are in angst, she says. The women are taking it all on boom, boom, boom and the men feel their hands are tied, your partners hitting this collision, and you cant help. We have to address the underlying gender expectations that see women carrying most of the caregiving and mental loads and doing most of the household work, on top of their paid work. Lawyer and workplace consultant Prue Gilbert agrees with Ruppanner that midlife collision is real and should be central in discussion about how to support womens workforce participation and wellbeing at midlife. There is an element of perimenopause or menopausal symptoms they are navigating, and at the same time often having teenage children or young adults living in the house, bigger careers, and theyre often playing a caring role in the workplace as well, Gilbert says. And then theres the care theyre providing elderly parents, or the grief for their loss. Lawyer and workplace gender equality consultant Prue Gilbert. Credit: Eddie Jim It only takes a couple of those factors to collide for [women] to almost hit a short-term challenge I do emphasise that its short term because there is a risk we catastrophise it and actually gaslight women and say, this is all on you, when these are societal issues. Addressing this imbalance is a workplace issue and a womens health issue. As well as allowing women flexibility during the window of their working life in which role overload may occur, Gilbert says employers encouraging men to take their parental leave entitlements when their children are young will help create family models less reliant on one parent managing most of the logistical load. When the man has taken a block of dedicated parental leave, then they are equally invested in the caregiving of the child, equally invested in having flexibility as well also the financial dynamic changes because you are less likely to designate one person as having the primary career, she says. Professor Rae Cooper said data shows the impact of gendered midlife stressors on womens choices about workforce particiaption. Gilbert is among advocates who caution against catastrophising the effects of menopause on womens work ability, as Australian data shows women are extending their working years, not shortening them, according to gender, work and employment relations professor, Rae Cooper. But even if women here are not resigning due to the midlife collision, there is statistical evidence that the conflict between work and family for women in the middle years is often intense, Cooper says. I know some people myself whove suffered greatly [due to symptoms] during the menopause years, but all the data and evidence shows the other features of womens lives around that time have a profound impact on womens labour force engagement, Cooper says. Loading Many women say in her study focus groups that they are surprised to discover the complexity of their early to mid-50s, quite apart from menopause. You think, Im going to be free of the barriers of care that felt like they were holding me back when I was young then work out theres a whole new range of [care] challenges, Cooper says. This work is very gendered, its daughters and mothers who do it. Cooper, a member of the Work and Family Policy Roundtable, said nonmedical solutions to bring down pressure on women at midlife were possible and needed investigation. It is a very stressed period of life, and if people are offered medical solutions perhaps thats attractive, but there is a bunch of other stuff we can fix through nonmedical means, she says. We can share care more in families we can have better-designed flexibility that recognises men as well as women have needs outside work to attend to. Yola Armstrong says women are not less professionally able when they are going through the midlife collision. Credit: Eddie Jim Stress is documented to worsen menopause symptoms, and there is evidence that support eases them, but those who have researched this relationship say more data is needed. The Senates menopause inquiry urged the Department of Health and Aged Care to establish a comprehensive evidence base. Its top recommendation was research to differentiate menopause from other midlife stressors. In its submission to the menopause inquiry, Jean Hailes for Womens Health also noted research was needed to measure the impact of stressors including complex midlife collision of caring responsibilities. The organisations chief executive, Sarah White, says no amount of hormone therapy will reduce pressure on women expected to do too much. If we want to support women, we have to understand and prevent the root causes of the midlife collision, she says. Yola Armstrong says that discussing such issues in workplaces in ways that support women going through this stressful time without stigmatising them as less professionally able during this period would help. Bringing her female general manager in on what she was juggling outside her high-level work was the best decision ever weve made it really easy for other people to have those open and frank conversations at work. Were all about being your authentic self at work; I am often fanning myself in board meetings in front of the managing director and the executive this is my authentic self. It doesnt mean I am less capable. It was the northern summer of 1985. I had just finished playing a season of truly dreadful football for the Italian rugby club of Rovigo, just south of Venice, and was loving life more than ever. For, you see, the reason my rugby had fallen away so badly despite having been good enough to play for the Wallabies the year before, was because I had discovered something much more interesting than beating up blokes from Rome, Treviso and Padua every weekend. Summer of adventure: Peter FitzSimons playing for Brive in 1985. Credit: Her name was Debbie and she was the 19-year-old sister-in-law of one of my teammates, the other straniero (foreigner) in the team, from South Africa. Things were so great between us that instead of returning to Australia I decided to travel across the African continent to meet up with her and hopefully have a few more precious weeks in her fragrant company. At the southern Italian port of Brindisi I bought a map of Africa and set off on the 10-week trip of my life. Egypt blew me away, but I had seen nothing yet! From there I went through places I had not previously conceived of, let alone experienced, and met characters and peoples of so many different stripes, strips and colours that the whole thing felt like being in a long-running Bob Dylan song Ah, sing it, Bobby! Its disgusting and immoral, one hospital source said of the January incident. Loading It runs in the face of everything we stand for as medical practitioners. It appeared the order of treatment on that day was dictated by financial compensation rather than patient need. She should have been the highest priority of the day. The Royal Melbourne Hospital denied having a record of unsafe or delayed care. We respect the privacy and confidentiality of our patients and will not be commenting on individual cases, a spokeswoman said. We can confirm that we do not have a record of unsafe or delayed care that matches the description provided. The spokeswoman added that the hospital had recently improved its escalation processes, including additional bystander training and putting in place an external whistleblower line. But another hospital source described the incident as disgraceful and unethical, and said it was fortunate the patient showed good signs of recovery while in hospital given the lengthy and unnecessary delay. This masthead revealed in December that the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission was investigating a handful of surgeons at the Royal Melbourne Hospital over allegations they billed the Transport Accident Commission and WorkCover for medical procedures that were never carried out on patients. Its alleged a handful of surgeons also fraudulently claimed lucrative assistant surgeon fees for operations they had minimal or no involvement in. IBAC is also investigating allegations that surgeons charged the Transport Accident Commission for operating on multiple patients at the same time. Loading IBAC has a practice of neither confirming nor denying the investigations before it, but this masthead has been able to independently verify that compromised patient care is within the scope of its investigation into the Royal Melbourne Hospital surgeons. In response to the latest allegations concerning the group of Royal Melbourne surgeons, an IBAC spokesperson said: As a matter of practice, IBAC does not comment on whether it has a complaint or investigation before it. Its not known exactly how much money has been allegedly fraudulently claimed by surgeons, but some hospital insiders estimate it could amount to millions of dollars. Many of the hospital sources interviewed by this masthead said the January 2023 incident was not isolated and they had come across many other instances in which public patients surgery was delayed because surgeons were prioritising more lucrative private patients. They were stepping over old ladies with bones sticking out to get to the TAC patients, said one source. Staff at the hospital have questioned why the surgeons under investigation have been allowed to continue working. It is a toxic atmosphere and not conducive to patient care, one hospital source said. Roy Carey, an orthopaedic spine surgeon, said WorkSafe Victoria and private insurers had been aware of inappropriate billing for more than a decade. Uncontrolled access to government funding for anything is like leaving Dracula in charge of the blood bank, he said. He helped establish a program for WorkSafe Victoria to assess the appropriateness of billing from surgeons requesting approval for spinal operations. Uncontrolled access to government funding for anything is like leaving Dracula in charge of the blood bank. Roy Carey, orthopaedic spine surgeon During its first year of operation in 2016-17, 43 per cent of all requested item numbers were rejected, and 29 of the 70 surgeon providers that billed WorkSafe Victoria used items of concern, according to a 2020 article by Carey published in the Australian Orthopaedics Association journal. An anaesthetist who works at a different health service, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said the investigation at the Royal Melbourne had been the talk of the town among his profession, as well as among senior nurses. The anaesthetist said that he and many others hoped the anti-corruption probe would drive cultural change at all Victorian hospitals for the good of patients and taxpayers. Its a rat nest of egos and greed, the anaesthetist said. The sad thing is there are some absolute first-class practitioners. The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission is investigating a handful of surgeons at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Credit: iStock Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said the Allan government needed to explain whether these unethical practices were still taking place at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Something is seriously going wrong in the system when doctors are indicating such serious injuries need urgent attention and they are being bumped for less urgent TAC cases, she said. An Allan government spokesperson said all Victorians expected hospitals to uphold the highest standards of integrity and patient care. Loading Anyone with concerns should come forward to the Department of Healths integrity unit, or directly contact the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, the spokesperson said. As this matter is currently under investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. A Health Department spokesperson said Victorians with complaints about their treatment could also contact the Health Complaints Commissioner. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his National Press Club address with a final promotion of his governments policies. Asked if he would have done anything differently since becoming prime minister, Albanese said he receives plenty of criticism in the media. I have a view that, if you look at the media every morning, I dont feel the need to give myself a character assessment on a daily basis, he said as the crowd chuckled. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Albanese continued: Global inflation came at us [the government] thats just a fact. We have avoided unlike so many of our competitors in the industrialised world we have avoided recession and havent had a single quarter of negative growth. And weve done all of that while producing two budget surpluses and making sure that weve continued to have our focus, our eye on that horizon, he said. My job is to get on with building a better Australia. Thats what I intend to do. The WA Nationals have fired their first major election salvo at Labor, accusing the party of waging a war on the weekend. The line is similar to former prime minister Scott Morrisons scare campaign during the 2019 election, when he accused then-Labor leader Bill Shorten of wanting to end the weekend with a push toward electric vehicles. WA Nationals have launched a new campaign against Labor. Credit: Nationals WA Opposition Leader Shane Love launched the Nationals campaign, which will be run by its candidates across social media, at Hillarys boat ramp on Friday ahead of the long weekend. WA Labor is waging a war on our very way of life, taking away and attacking aspects of life that define our weekends as quintessentially Australian, he said Cairo/Jerusalem: Palestinian militant group Hamas has announced the names of four Israeli female soldier hostages to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in the second swap under the ceasefire deal in Gaza. Karina Ariev, Daniela Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag, all members of a military surveillance unit posted near Gaza when Hamas October 7, 2023 attack occurred, would be released on Saturday, the group said. The next four hostages to be released: Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Naama Levy and Daniella Gilboa. Credit: AP The exchange follows the release on Sunday, the ceasefires first day, of three Israeli women and 90 Palestinian prisoners, the first such exchange in more than a year. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office confirmed that the list had been received from the mediators but did not disclose the names on it. Israels response would be presented later, it said in a statement. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 23 Starlink satellites into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County on Friday morning, a sight visible to residents across Central and Northern California. Vandenberg Space Force Base A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 23 Starlink satellites into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Friday morning, sending many Bay Area residents to their phones in search of an explanation for the strange glowing lights in the sky. The mission, which took place at 6:07 a.m., was the latest in a series of Starlink launches aimed at expanding SpaceXs satellite internet network. As the rocket ascended into the early morning sky from Space Launch Complex 4 East in Santa Barbara County, it was visible to residents across Central and Northern California. Social media posts flooded in, with observers describing a bright streak and unusual lights overhead. Some Reddit users even speculated it might be a UFO or a rare celestial event. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to Starlinks mission page, this launch marked another milestone for the Elon Musk-owned company: the 23rd successful use of the Falcon 9s first-stage booster, according to The booster returned to Earth, landing on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You, stationed in the Pacific Ocean. The recovery was the 401st successful landing of an orbital-class booster by SpaceX. The mission was the fourth launch from U.S. Space Forces West Coast spaceport at Vandenberg in 2025, according to the base. The Starlink satellites, part of SpaceXs growing satellite internet network, were deployed into low-Earth orbit around 64 minutes after liftoff. As most of the satellites reached their intended destination, residents of coastal regions like Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo were warned that they might hear sonic booms, depending on weather conditions. Andersen Global expands its presence in Argentina through a Collaboration Agreement with Confis, a tax firm based in Cordoba serving clients throughout the country and region. Andersen currently has a presence in Buenos Aires led by Managing Partner Cecilia Goldemberg. Weve been very fortunate to work with teams like Confis whose services and culture complement our own as well as they do, shared Cecilia. Our clients and people are already seeing the benefits. Founded in 1997, Confis is a trusted advisor for companies operating in both domestic and international markets. The firm offers a wide range of services, including tax review and management, corporate finance, fiscal and labor advisory, payroll management, risk management, and startup support. Cordoba's strategic position as an industrial and technological hub underscores the importance of delivering tailored local expertise and providing comprehensive tax and financial solutions, Founding Partner Fernando Nestor said. By investing in our people and collaborating with Andersen Global, we enhance ability to deliver impactful services to our clients across Argentina and beyond. Founding Partner Gustavo Conforto added, This alliance represents a key milestone in the growth and fortification of our firms capabilities. Collaborating with the member and collaborating firms of Andersen Global expands our scope of services and strengthens our position as a trusted player both locally and internationally. By blending Confis in-depth local expertise with Andersen Globals resources, our firm is poised to provide tailored, forward-thinking solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients in Argentina and beyond. The strength of Confis practice in Cordoba, the second-largest city in Argentina, and the quality of their people are an excellent fit for Andersen, said Global Chairman and CEO of Andersen Mark L. Vorsatz. With their addition, we now have a presence in this key market and look forward to a synergistic collaboration that strengthens our ability to deliver comprehensive tax solutions throughout the region. Andersen Global is an international association of legally separate, independent member firms comprised of tax, legal, and valuation professionals around the world. Established in 2013 by U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC, Andersen Global now has more than 18,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 500 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250123232671/en/ Technology Holdings, an award-winning global investment banking firm with operations in 13 countries across 5 continents including the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, announced that it will be rebranding to TH Global Capital. This rebrand reflects the firms continued expansion into additional sectors and products including Asset Management and an expanded Growth Advisory offering to create wealth for its clients. TH Global Capital, is designed to reflect the firms comprehensive offering, including Sell Side M&A, its Buy Side M&A practice 'TH Buy and Build', Growth Equity, Debt Financing, Financial Sponsor Coverage & Secondaries, IPO Advisory, Asset Management and Growth Advisory services. This includes the launch of TH Global Asset Management and an expanded growth advisory services offering, aimed at helping companies protect and grow their valuations through focused growth strategy advice. The firm also announced it's now becoming a purpose-driven company, with a singular purpose and mission to create wealth for founders, companies, and investors through its unique ecosystem of services. Vivek Subramanyam, Founder and CEO of TH Global Capital, stated: As we transition to TH Global Capital, were proud to reflect our continued evolution and expansion beyond traditional investment banking services. For over 24 years, weve been providing exceptional advice to companies worldwide, specializing in sectors like technology services, software, consulting, healthcare, and business process management. The launch of our asset management business, the expansion of our growth advisory services and move into new sectors are natural extensions of this growth. We are a purpose-driven company, with a singular mission to create wealth for founders, companies, and investors through our unique ecosystem of services. Our integrated services, now enhanced by asset management and growth advisory capabilities, allow us to offer a more holistic approach to creating wealth for our clients. Geeta Ramanathan, President and COO, added: The rebrand represents a pivotal moment in our expansion, underscored by the strategic launch of TH Global Asset Management and the enhancement of our growth advisory services. These new capabilities empower us to offer a comprehensive and integrated suite of services, further amplifying the value we provide our clients. By leveraging our sector expertise alongside innovative asset management and growth strategy advice, we are positioned to support our clients in driving growth, safeguarding and growing valuations, and achieving success in developed and emerging markets. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250123087868/en/ Cars, including a Waymo, rest at the scene of a fatal crash at Sixth and Harrison streets in San Francisco on Sunday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle San Francisco authorities on Thursday said that the suspect accused of causing a multicar crash that killed one person and damaged several other vehicles last weekend has been released from custody. Jia Lin Zheng, 66, is no longer in custody at San Francisco County Jail, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Sheriffs Office told the Chronicle. Zheng was booked at the jail on Monday on suspicion of felony vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving causing injury, felony vandalism and speeding. Zheng, who police said was the driver of a Tesla that caused a seven-car crash, was detained Sunday night by authorities while being treated at an area hospital. The crash occurred at the intersection of Sixth and Harrison streets at 6:08 p.m. on Sunday, killing a person, identified as 27-year-old Mikhael Romanenko and his girlfriends dog. Several other victims were transported to a hospital. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In California, district attorneys generally have 48 hours to charge a suspect after their arrest or they must be released from custody. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins spoke out about the case Wednesday, saying in a statement that this remains an active and ongoing investigation that is only in its very beginning stages and that her office needed more time to review police evidence. She added that police had probable cause to arrest Zheng and said her office will announce a decision on charges against Zheng when an investigation is complete. The extent and nature of any criminal liability depends on many factors, said Jenkins. For example, toxicology results alone can take more than 30 days to obtain and vehicle operating systems will need to be carefully analyzed by experts and assessed to determine whether mechanical issues may have played a role in this incident. In her statement Jenkins did not say whether authorities have determined if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash but did note that toxicology reports cannot be completed within the 48-hour timeframe her office had to make a charging decision. Authorities have not said what they think caused the crash. A blood alcohol screening after the crash did not indicate alcohol in Zhengs system, according to ABC7, which cited a police report. The station also reported that the police report showed that Zheng told investigators he was pressing the brake, but the vehicle failed to stop. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Authorities are also investigating whether the same Tesla was involved in a four-car hit-and-run on the northbound Interstate 280 Sixth Street off-ramp before the fatal multicar crash. A secessionist has revived a campaign for California to break from the rest of the United States. Mark Ralston/Getty Images 2017 A California secessionist has revived a campaign to put secession on the ballot, after the state gave him the green light to begin collecting signatures Thursday. Marcus Ruiz Evans, who is based in Fresno and heads the organization Cal Exit Now, is the proponent of the proposed initiative. If Evans can collect 546,651 signatures of registered voters by July 22, Californias November 2028 ballot will include the question: Should California leave the United States and become a free and independent country? Putting the question on the ballot would be the first step in an unlikely and arduous process to secession. Even if Californians voted for the potential measure, it would only trigger the state to create a 20-member commission to produce a report on the ability of California to govern itself as an independent nation, according to an analysis prepared for the Attorney Generals Office. There is no provision for secession under the U.S. Constitution, so the drastic move would require a constitutional amendment, which two-thirds of Congress would need to approve and three-fourths of the states would need to ratify. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Evans told the Chronicle he is optimistic that his initiative will gain traction, even though a similar initiative he helped spearhead in 2017 as part of the now-splintered group Yes California garnered only about 100,000 signatures. Part of Evans optimism comes from what he sees as a California voter base that is fed up with President Donald Trump and cynical about the prospect of fighting against his administrations policies from within. In 2016, Californians didnt want to hear that Trumps reflective of America, and now everybody gets it, Evans said. Instead of seeing Trumps election as a fluke, more voters believe that this is actually Trumps America, he said. That right there is why were going to win this time and we didnt win last time. Though CalExit accumulated about 180,000 members in 2017, Evans said the supporters were siphoned off by a competing campaign that pushed for resisting the Trump administrations policies instead of giving up on the Union. This time, Evans said, he does not anticipate any resistance, and he believes those 180,000 people and more are waiting in the wings. We dont really have to do much explaining now, Evans said. People who fear for their civil rights under the Trump administration regularly call him, including, most recently, a transgender person from the Bay Area, he said. Those people are terrified and theyre coming to me. If the statute makes it to the 2028 ballot and voters approve it at least 50% of registered voters would have to turn out, and at least 55% would have to vote yes it would be considered a no confidence vote in the United States but would not legally change much beyond triggering the creation of a commission. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Evans said the gravitas of a state-run entity commissioned to produce a report evaluating Californian independence could tip the scales of public opinion toward an existential philosophical epitome. The heavy Republican control over the House and Senate, combined with some Republican elected officials seeming disdain for California, could also raise the odds of red states approving a constitutional amendment for Californias secession, Evans said, though it is not clear if Republican majorities will last beyond 2028. If approved, the statute would come with a price tag of a few million dollars, including around $10 million in one-time election-related costs and around $2 million annually to operate the commission that would evaluate Californias potential to become independent, according to a state fiscal analysis. The statute, if approved, would have one other immediate effect: the state would be required to remove all American flags from state buildings and properties. Editor's note: This story was updated to correct the requirements for a constitutional amendment. Chinese embassy in Kuwait celebrates Chinese Lunar New Year Xinhua) 11:05, January 24, 2025 KUWAIT CITY, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Kuwait hosted a celebration Thursday evening to mark the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. The celebration featured a variety of iconic Chinese performances. Chinese expatriates, representatives from Chinese companies, and embassy staff showcased traditional Chinese dances, while children performed dragon and lion dances. The festivities also included a fireworks display. In his address during the event, Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Zhang Jianwei highlighted China's significant achievements in scientific and technological innovation during the past year. Zhang emphasized that China has maintained steady economic progress and high-quality development, remaining the largest contributor to global economic growth. He noted that cooperation between China and Kuwait has made positive strides, expressing optimism that the new year will witness high-level development in China-Kuwait relations, guided by the strategic vision of both countries' leaders. This year's Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on January 29, would mark the beginning of the "Year of the Snake" in the Chinese calendar. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A San Francisco woman was charged with a hate crime and other offenses after an alleged attack on a Muni bus. Rafe Swan/Getty Images San Francisco prosecutors filed a hate crime charge in addition to assault and battery charges against a woman accused of attacking a passenger with a glass bottle while riding a Muni bus, officials said. Officials with the San Francisco District Attorneys office said that on Tuesday, Akiah Brewster, 33, assaulted a passenger on the bus with a glass bottle, inflicting great bodily harm on the victim, whose medical status was unknown. Brewster pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and denied all the allegations, officials said. Her preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 5. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to the criminal complaint, Brewster then allegedly battered a second passenger while she shouted anti-Latino epithets, officials said. The alleged incident took place on a 14 Mission bus. There is no place for hate or violence in our community, Jenkins said. Attacks like this demean and degrade individuals while also shaking whole communities. Brewster, a San Francisco resident, was charged with one count of assault with a deadly weapon committed against a public transit passenger, one count of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of battery, and a violation of a persons civil rights, officials said. The last charge relates to the hate crime allegation, officials said. A judge ruled to keep Brewster in custody pending trial due to the safety risk prosecutors said she poses to the public. No bail was set, officials said. The Hyundai Tucson has made its mark in being the upgrade of choice for people who want to transition from a sedan to a higher vehicle. Not ... Eva Osborne and Ellen O'Donoghue A gust of 183km/h has broken the record for the highest wind speed Ireland has ever experienced Around 540,000 homes, farms and businesses around the Republic are currently without power, according to ESB Networks The ESB has said the damage caused by the storm is "unprecedented" and warned that some homes could be waiting over a week to be reconnected Most red wind warnings expired at 11am/12pm, while the yellow and orange wind warnings for the rest of the country expired at 4pm Donegal is now the only county still under a weather warning, with a status yellow wind warning in place until 11pm 9.25pm Around 540,000 ESB customers are still without power tonight due to Storm Eowyn. That is down from a peak of 768,000 earlier today. The ESB have said it's already got electricity back to 228,000 homes, farms and businesses. Attention has shifted to restoration efforts following nationwide Status Red weather warnings. Broadband services have also been significantly impacted. 7.20pm Cork County Councils response to the damage caused by Storm Eowyn will continue throughout the weekend. Main roads have reopened in N71 Glengarriff, Crosshaven, between Bandon and Ballineen, Ballinspittle, the N20 near Ballyhea, and the N72 near Mallow Racecourse. It says the clean-up operation will take several days to complete. All road users are asked to take care and watch out for debris, fallen powerlines and downed trees. 7pm More than 600,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without power on Friday evening. The ESB said it is undertaking the largest power restoration job it has ever done, after Storm Eowyn rocked Ireland. "This storm is bigger than any of the previous storms, at a peak weve reached 768,000 customers without power, and if you think back to storm Darragh that was only 395,000 so its a different scale," regional director with the ESB, Brian Tapley, said. 5.55pm It is expected the full restoration could take more than a week for some customers. Jim Hernan of the ESB told Newstalk the damage to the network is unprecedented. "Our prioritisation is around immediate safety and hazard issues, getting the damage assessed so we can go at the repairs but it is, absolutely this is a multi-day event for some of our customers, not for others, but given the extent of damage, it will be that for the last customers," he said. 5.30pm Dublin Airport management have announced that due to minor storm damage to the facade of Terminal 2, the underpass road leading to Terminal 1 Departures Road and the Terminal 1 short-term car park is currently closed. Diversions are in place, allowing access to both T1 & the car park, and the road will re-open on Saturday morning. Due to minor storm damage to the facade of Terminal 2, the underpass road (leading to Terminal 1 Departures Road & the T1 short-term car park) is currently closed. Diversions are in place, allowing access to both T1 & the car park. The road will re-open on Saturday morning. pic.twitter.com/KnoLoxF9XV Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) January 24, 2025 4.50pm Rail services in Cork have resumed, as well as a number of intercity services between Dublin and the southwest of the country. Commuter services to Maynooth and the M3 Parkway are also back up and running. However, work is continuing to clear a tree at Booterstown in Dublin before DART services start again. A number of Irish Rail routes are unlikely to resume tonight, such as Dublin to Belfast, and Dublin to Galway and Westport, with a lot of trees down and level crossings having been damaged in the storm. 4.45pm Around 120,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without water services on Friday evening. Stephen Burke, Regional Operations Manager at Uisce Eireann, told Newstalk that more are at risk due to the lack of power. "There are a further 670,000 people whose water supply is currently at risk, as we are drawing off reservoirs from plants with no mains power supply. Plants and pumping stations are heavily reliant on electricity as you know, the main areas currently impacted are Kerry, Clare, Tipperary, Waterford, Longford, Laois, and Donegal," he said. 4pm Just one county in the Republic is now subject to a weather warning, as conditions from Storm Eoywn continue to abate. Donegal is under a Status Yellow wind warning until 11pm tonight, while Met Eireann has also issued a Status Yellow snow and ice alert for the county from 9pm until 9am tomorrow. An Amber wind warning for Northern Ireland remains until 9pm, while a Yellow wind warning will be in place until 12am. The North will also be under a Yellow snow and ice warning from 7pm this evening until 10am on Saturday morning. However, Aoife Keely from Met Eireann has urged people to take care regardless. "Theres still extreme caution needed today right across the country and especially when it comes to travelling, if non-essential travel can be avoided at all costs, even though the red warning has now lapsed, conditions still remain dangerous," she told Newstalk. Meanwhile, Dublin Bus said 90 per cent of its fleet is now on the road. The company says it's working hard to restore full service. 3.15pm The unsettled weather is not due to end today, unfortunately. There is a snow-ice warning issued for Donegal from 9pm Friday until 9am Saturday. Met Eireann says icy stretches and snow showers will lead to hazardous travelling conditions If you are interested in seeing more on what the weather should look like over the weekend, we have published a piece which you can read here. 3.08pm Around 160,000 homes and businesses with Eir have been left without broadband connectivity due to the storm. There are also outages at around 30 per cent of mobile network sites. Eir issued a statement saying that Storm Eyown has caused "significant and widespread disruptions" to telecommunications services across Ireland. The storm has caused 26,000 fixed voice faults and 63,000 fixed broadband faults, primarily due to power outages at exchanges and on their core network. "To support our customers during this challenging time, Eir has deployed backup power to 1,300 Fixed Network sites and 200 Mobile Network sites. eir has commenced mobile generator deployment where it is safe to do so and our teams remain on standby to restore services promptly once conditions permit," their statement said. "Service restoration for core and mobile networks will proceed as a priority. It is expected that there will be a significant number of individual faults in addition to this, but the full impact of this will only become clear after power is restored and after resolution teams have prioritised making fallen poles and lines safe. Each individual fault will require a separate repair visit, and it will take some time for the full picture to emerge." 2.50pm Dublin Bus have said that 30 per cent of its fleet is now on the road. The company says it's working hard to restore full service. A number of routes are diverted due to road closures. Blake Boland from Dublin Bus told Newstalk that customers should plan their journeys ahead. 2.30pm Irish Rail has said that their only line operating at the moment is the Cork to Cobh/Midleton service. Our crews encountering and clearing fallen trees around the network. Cork to Cobh/Midleton services resumed, all other lines currently closed. We will update when we can safely open other lines, expect significant disruption throughout the day. @TFIupdates #StormEowyn pic.twitter.com/im8EkEvTfg Iarnrod Eireann (@IrishRail) January 24, 2025 Meanwhile, Angela Ducey in Cork told the Neil Prendeville Show on Cork's RedFM about how she and her family had to be rescued by Cork County Fire Service at the height of the storm overnight. She said that a tree came crashing through an upstairs bedroom and onto their landing at 12:30am this morning. 2.20pm Vodafone Ireland has issued a network update, saying that Vodafone Network Teams have been mobilised to effected areas of the country to restore connectivity. Sheila Kavanagh, Network Director for Vodafone Ireland said that while the Vodafone network and services remain stable, the impact of the storm on ESB services "will have a knock-on effect on the network and customer services across the country. "There is currently a 14 per cent impact of our total mobile network sites which are currently off-air. As expected, the most effected areas are Clare, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Mayo, Sligo and the Midlands. We have preplanned with supplementary power for our most critical sites. Back-up power systems have already been activated to ensure network stability. The positive news is that our Network Teams have now been mobilised to effected areas of the country and we are committed to a speedy recovery with the support of ESB, she added. Vodafone also issued advice to effected customers, saying that if the ESB restored power to your home, you may need to reboot your modem to restore service, and that if there is a fault in your area, you will receive confirmation from Vodafone via text to let you know they are working to restore service. They further advised customers to check in on vulnerable neighbours to ensure they are back online, and said if you require any support, Vodafone teams are still available on 1907. 2.10pm Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has requested the European Commission to provide emergency aid to help cover the extensive damage caused by Storm Eowyn in the region. In his statement, Mullooly urged the European Commission to act swiftly. It is urgent that the European Commission provide funding to support the Irish Government in repairing the immense damage caused by Storm Eowyn as soon as possible. This will be essential to allow the economy to return to normal and to help communities recover from this unprecedented storm," he said. He also acknowledged efforts by the ESB to bring in French crews to assist with power restoration but called for additional support: I have asked the European Commission to fund other states with qualified crews who can travel to Ireland immediately. Not in living memory have generations of people in Ireland experienced a storm of this magnitude. Mullooly has also called on insurance companies to exercise fairness and refrain from excessively increasing premiums on policyholders making claims, emphasising that this is an unprecedented situation. 1.40pm Met Eireann has warned that strong winds pose a threat, despite the expiration of the red wind warnings. Aoife Keely of Met Eireann said: "Given the amount of damage that this storm has brought to most areas of the country, there still will be a lot of damage around. "It's going to take a lot of time to clear this up - things like trees down, power lines down, and so on." The flight schedule at Cork Airport has returned to normal after the worst of the storm, however some delays can be expected 15 flights in and out of Cork were cancelled this morning. 1.10pm Irish Rail has said no trains will be operating until further notice. Crews are checking and clearing fallen trees and cables from lines. A number of level crossings have been damaged. Irish Rail said updates will be done through social media as soon as any lines open, but said "significant disruption" is likely. Clare County Council is warning that a large amount of debris has fallen on roads. Local authority teams alongside the Fire and Rescue Service are working to clear routes. However, the council has asked the public to be extremely cautious outdoors today, despite the weather warnings being downgraded. Clare County Council Urges Extreme Caution as Storm Eowyn Clean-up Begins. Clare County Council is advising the general public to exercise extreme caution when travelling and moving outdoors as the county enters a Yellow Weather Warning in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/qEmx2XhHNp Clare County Council (@ClareCoCo) January 24, 2025 Dublin Fire Brigade was called to an oil leak near the River Dodder after a downed tree ruptured a tank. Crews used drain blockers and dams to contain the spill. 12.45pm 725,000 homes and businesses are without power across the country as a result of the storm. ESB crews will begin working on repairing faults but it could be a week before all customers are reconnected. ESB's Siobhan Wynne is urging the public to be cautious as the storm eases. "We really have suffered unprecedented and extensive damage to our network and that's right across the country," she said. "I know that the worst of the storm may have passed for parts of the country, but those warnings are still in place. "It's really important, from a public safety perspective, that if people are beginning to get out and about now and they come across fallen wires or damaged conductors that they would stay well clear of them, regard them as live, and report them to us on our emergency number." In Dublin, the Dublin Fire Brigade has received a total of 77 calls for trees down, seven for power cables down, 17 relating to structures impacted and six relating to blocked roads. The Eastern Regional Communications Centre based in Dublin Fire Brigade HQ, Townsend Street Fire Station has received over 120 emergency calls (non-ambulance) in total, over 95 of which are storm-related, for other Leinster counties (also including counties Cavan and Monaghan). Firefighters are continuing to ask the public to continue to exercise extreme caution during the Orange Warning period. Elsewhere, Longford Town FC's Bishopsgate Stadium has suffered from damage due to the storm. We are severely saddened to report that Longford Town FC's Bishopsgate Stadium has suffered severe damage overnight due to #StormEowynpic.twitter.com/iqdgw6Oy0Q Between the Stripes (@betweenstripes) January 24, 2025 The Luas operator has said services have not yet resumed, stating that inspections of the lines began at 11am, with maintenance teams assessing tracks, overhead powerlines, and substations for storm damage. 12.15pm Dublin Bus has said its services are now resuming operation. The company is warning services will be severely impacted in the hours after the red warning ends. There are a number of road closures in place, meaning some routes are diverted. Bus Eireann hopes to begin operating services again on most routes. However, disruption is expected due to difficult driving conditions because of storm damage. Bus Eireann urged passengers to follow updated details on their inidividual route and to check the Realtime App for more information. 11.35am The windows at an office near the docks in Belfast blew in from the strong winds. This was the scene at one office near the docks in Belfast this morning after the windows blew in pic.twitter.com/OUYeakYwZK Stuart Robinson (@stuartrobinson1) January 24, 2025 Damage has also been caused at the home of Newry City AFC. 11.10am Kerry County Council is urging people to be aware of hazards like loose roof tiles in towns and villages, and has urged everyone to stay at home until council crews return to work. Our crews across Kerry are already out on site assessing damage and clearing trees and other hazards from main routes. Please be patient and expect delays if your journey is necessary. Report issues to the Severe Weather Helpline 066 718 3588. pic.twitter.com/gQHv5FUiQf Kerry County Council - Comhairle Contae Chiarrai (@countykerry) January 24, 2025 Local authority staff are also working to clear damage and fallen trees on the roads. Kerry County Council has appealed for patience, and said delays should be expected for those making necessary journeys. 10.30am Connacht GAA's Air Dome has been extensively damaged by Storm Eowyn. The all-weather facility at the province's Centre of Excellence in Co Mayo was torn down by strong winds in the early hours of this morning. Connacht secretary John Prenty said the multi-million euro structure is fully insured and that they intend to rebuild it. The @ConnachtGAA Air Dome at the Connacht Gaa Centre of Excellence in Bekan has been completed destroyed as a result of #StormEowyn pic.twitter.com/YfcrrPgitM Cllr. Eddie Hoare (@EddieHoareFG) January 24, 2025 Elsewhere, the Blanchardstown ice rink has been severely damaged by the storm. Photo: PA Vehicles damaged by fallen trees and uprooted underground cables are among the incidents Dublin fire brigade has been dealing with. Up to 8:30am this morning, crews had attended 25 storm related calls for help. They included a lamp post which fell onto a house in Ringsend, while scaffolding has collapsed onto a road in Harold's Cross, blocking the entire road. #StormEowyn The Lr Kimmage Road in Harold's Cross remains closed following the scaffolding collapse. It is likely to remain blocked until after the red warning has been lifted.#StormEowyn pic.twitter.com/c5I5ycuZ46 Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) January 24, 2025 10am Close to 300 flights scheduled to depart and arrive at Dublin Airport have been cancelled this morning. Graeme McQueen from the daa said the strong winds forced planes to remain grounded. "It'll be a lot of rebooking happening this morning. Our advice would be to do that from home, do it online," he said. "Don't come to the airport to try and do that because you're looking at less staff in the airport and the airplines are struggling to get staff in today." Flights have recommenced at the airport with the first departure of the day being a Ryanair flight to Birmingham at 9:27am. However, McQueen said more cancellations are expected. 9.15am Regional Manager with the ESB, Brian Tapley, has said it will be "well into next week" before all power can be restored. Over 800,000 homes and businesses are without power across the entire island of Ireland, with 715,000 without power in the Republic and 93,000 without in the North. "With Storm Darragh, it took us up to seven days to get all customers back and that was 395,000 customers," Tapley said. "So we're talking over a week to get all customers back." Approximately 150,000 premises in Ireland are at risk of water supply issues due to power outages affecting the water network. Irish Water said the majority of these customers should still have water due to storage in reservoirs. The agency said significant disruption is expected due to Storm Eowyn, adding that its crews will begin restoring supply when it is safe to do so. 8.50am Some structures have been damaged around Dublin, with reports a lamp post fell onto a house in Ringsend. As of 7am, Dublin Fire Brigade received 14 calls for assistance, which mostly involved trees and cables down. It also responded to calls of vehicles being hit by trees, with firefighters urging the public to shelter in place and to avoid unnecessary travel while the red warning is in place. #StormEowyn Dolphin's Barn firefighters have been called to the Harold's Cross Road after scaffolding collapsed. The road is completely blocked#StormEowyn pic.twitter.com/452vHAnpI0 Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) January 24, 2025 8.20am ESB Networks has confirmed that at least 715,000 homes and businesses around the Republic are currently without power. Gardai have received reports of a "serious" crash in Donegal. The N14 is currently closed between Lifford and Ballinalecky Cross. Gardai say they are not in a position to provide any more information at this time, but are urging the public to "shelter in place". Radio Kerry heard emergency services had to come to the aid of two separate families in the county overnight as extreme winds caused structural damage to homes. Several people were brought to safety from a house in the Dingle area when the gable wall on the house was blown in. Separately a number of people were helped to safety when the roof of a house was badly damaged in Ballybunion. No injuries were reported in either incident. It is understood that a 19-year-old man has been taken to hospital in Cork city after a caravan in the Spring Lane Halting site in Ballyvolane turned over. Units of the Cork City Fire Service attended at the scene. The man sustained non life threatening injuries. The current Wind Warnings in place have a various applicable times. Please be advised that while most of the Red Level Warnings finish by 12pm (Apart from Donegal), there are following Orange and Yellow Warnings in place.https://t.co/lvQFgW9biq#StormEowyn pic.twitter.com/0L5vyxZUEl Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 24, 2025 7.45am Met Eireann has updated orange wind warnings, with counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Connacht, Longford, Louth, Meath, and Westmeath remaining under an orange warning after their red warning expires at noon. The orange wind warning will remain in place until 4pm on Friday. A nationwide orange wind warning will be in place until noon, then counties Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow, and all of Munster will be under a yellow wind warning until 4pm. Donegal will remain under a yellow wind warning until 11pm on Friday night. Maximum gusts of 130km/h were recorded across Co Cork overnight with up to 40mm of rainfall during the same period which created multiple hazards. There are trees down right across the county and power outages for more than 20,000 homes and businesses in the county. Insurance Insurance provider AXA has said there is no "Act of God'" clause preventing companies from paying out against storm damage. Director of Retail, Mike Comerford, said such damage is covered by policies. "Storm is covered under a household policy as part of your standard cover and, on a motor policy, if you have full comprehensive, it's covered under accidental damage," he explained. "So there's no 'Act of God' exclusion on a storm." Wind observations at 7am, excluding the offline stations Max gusts (km/h): - Knock 141 (Red) - Finner Donegal 133 (Red) Highest mean speeds (Red) - Finner Donegal 94 - Malin Head 89 - Knock Airport 89 #StormEowyn pic.twitter.com/gghfpcZE3W Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 24, 2025 7.05am There are reports of a number of trees being down across the country, including road blockages in Kerry and a collision between a car and tree on the Malahide Road in Dublin. The countrys airports have seen numerous flights cancelled, including over 200 in and out of Dublin, while gusts of 137 km/h have been recorded at Shannon. Graeme McQueen from the daa said there are widespread cancellations at Dublin airport, and passengers need to keep in direct contact with their airlines. 8:55am is the first flight due to depart today, but McQueen said given the conditions at the moment, it is very hard to envision that happening. Public transport has been cancelled until the red warnings have been lifted. The public is advised to stay indoors while the red warning is in place, and to only travel if absolutely necessary. 6.30am Severe winds have interrupted data supply from Met Eireann's stations in Belmullet, Mace Head, and Markree. The weather service said observations are expected at a later time. 6.15am The record for the maximum speed ever of a gust of wind in Ireland has been broken overnight, as a gust of 183km/h was recorded at Mace Head in Co Galway. Met Eireann said the previous record of 182 km/h has stood since 1945. The highest gust record of 182 km/h set in 1945 at Foynes Co. Limerick has provisionally been broken during #StormEowyn pic.twitter.com/9loiOz96l4 Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 24, 2025 Over half a million homes, farms, and businesses are without power as of 6am on Friday, with ESB Networks saying "significantly more power outages" are expected. ESB Newtorks said the damage to the electricity network and the impact on customers has been "unprecedented". Gusts of 139 and 137 km/h were also recorded in Knock and Shannon respectively. The highest mean wind speed since the storm began was 130 km/h at Mace Head, which is a hurricane force wind. Have you lost power as a result of the storm? You can check this ESB powercheck map to see what areas of the country are affected by power outages, when they began, and their expected repair time. You can enter your details under 'keep me updated', and you can be sent updates via text message or email. https://powercheck.esbnetworks.ie/ Olivia Kelleher Maximum gusts of 130km/h were recorded across Co Cork overnight with up to 40mm of rainfall during the same period which created multiple hazards. There are trees down right across the county and power outages for more than 20,000 homes and businesses in the county. Cork County Councils Crisis Management Team convened throughout the night to monitor and assess the damage caused by Storm Eowyn. A Status Red wind warning remains in place until 10am today in Cork whilst a Status Orange wind warning will then come in to effect until 4pm with severe, damaging and destructive gusts forecast. Members of the public are asked not to travel today unless absolutely necessary even after the red warning expires. Aside from the dangers of fallen trees, power cables and telecoms infrastructure, there will be a lot of debris on roads and footpaths. Cork County Council indicate that they received a low volume of calls overnight as the public heeded the warnings to stay indoors during this dangerous weather event. "Assistance was provided to those calls where it was safe to so do. These calls, and calls for assistance from the HSE, Gardai, and essential utilities will be prioritised this morning. Crews will be deployed when it is safe to do so. There will be multiple hazards on streets, roads and footpaths and the public is asked to report any incidents to the Councils Emergency Line on 021 4800048. Cork County Council thanks the public for their understanding and patience as we respond to this severe weather event and the aftermath." Meanwhile, all Cork County Council facilities will remain closed today This includes council offices, libraries, swimming pools, civic amenity sites and tourist facilities. Mallow Castle Grounds and Fermoy Town Park will be closed to the public due to the risk of fallen trees. These facilities will be inspected for damage before being re-opened to the public. Dursey Cable Car has been taken out of service due to the destructive winds. A post storm technical inspection will need to be undertaken before it can return to service. An East Bay man was charged with double murder on suspicion of killing two brothers. Rafe Swan/Getty Images Alameda County prosecutors charged a man with double murder in connection with the shooting deaths of two brothers in Oakland in December, officials said Thursday. Tommy Ramsey, 33, was charged with two counts of murder, plus enhancements for use of a firearm, personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury and a prior conviction, the Alameda County District Attorneys Office said. Ramsey could face 130 years to life in prison if convicted of all charges. Prosecutors allege that on Dec. 20, 2024, Ramsey shot and killed Jason Markel Wills and Nathanuel Jamar Wills during a dispute with the mother of Ramseys child, the district attorneys office said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The double shooting occurred in a home on the 300 block of Fairmount Avenue just before 11:15 p.m., according to the Oakland Police Department. Officers arrived to find two victims with gunshot wounds, and both were pronounced dead at the scene. Ramseys child, the childs mother, Jason Wills girlfriend and one of the brothers friends were inside the home during the killings, according to court documents. Ramsey was previously convicted of three robberies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties in 2011 and 2012, court documents showed. Ramsey was arrested in Oakland on Jan. 15, and booked into jail, where he was being held without bail as of Thursday, according to jail records. Ramseys plea hearing was scheduled for Monday morning, prosecutors said. In a statement, Chief Assistant District Attorney Royl Roberts called the case another tragic example of the irreversible and deadly consequences of someone using a gun to settle a dispute. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Robert Verrall, an influential figure in Canadian animation and a revered National Film Board (NFB) filmmaker and producer, passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of 97. His extraordinary career spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on the world of animation, film, and public service cinema in Canada and beyond. Born on January 13, 1928, in Toronto, Ontario, Verrall displayed an early interest in art. He attended Western Technical-Commercial School in Toronto, where he honed his skills as a graphic artist. Encouraged by his teachers, Verralls journey into the world of animation began in 1945, when a serendipitous opportunity altered the course of his life. Verrall recalled in a 2021 interview with the author: One of my teachers, who was also associated with the Art Gallery of Toronto, asked me to bring my portfolio down to the gallery. I wasnt sure what it was about, but I respected her enough to follow through. Having attended art classes at the gallery since the age of eight, he was no stranger to its halls. But what awaited him that day was something entirely unexpected: an exhibit on animation set up by the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). Until that moment, said Verrall, I had no idea such an organization even existed, let alone that animation was being produced in Canada. I was completely unaware of what I was being introduced to. The exhibit was curated by George Dunning an early recruit to the NFBs animation unit, who went on to blaze trails at Torontos Graphic Films, and at UPA and TV Cartoons in London on productions including The Beatles Yellow Submarine (1968). George was older than me, Verrall noted. He was a talented artist, and had been working at the NFB for a few years. The exhibit showcased drawings, animated maps, diagrams, and stills from cartoon films. It was mesmerizing. In an adjacent screening room, Verrall encountered the work of Norman McLaren, the legendary animator and founder of the NFBs animation department. I saw my first animated film there, said Verrall. I was completely blown away. After the screening, Dunning and the teacher who had invited him to the gallery took him out for lunch. During the meal, Dunning reviewed his portfolio, which mostly consisted of work from Western Tech. Verrall recalled: George asked if he could take my portfolio back to Ottawa to show Norman McLaren, who was recruiting students for a summer program at the NFB. Of course, I said, Yes. A couple of weeks later, a letter arrived. It was from McLaren, inviting me to join the program in mid-May, he said. The NFB was searching for graphic artists who could learn animation and contribute to their projects. Another student from Winnipeg was recruited that summer. It turned out to be a life-changing experience. Arriving in Ottawa just days after VE Day, the young artist was greeted by a city still alive with celebration. It was my first time leaving Toronto, said Verrall. I traveled by overnight train and arrived early in the morning. That evening, Verrall was invited to dinner at Norman McLarens home. McLarens house also served as accommodation for several recruits. George Dunning and Jim McKay put me up in their shared boarding house nearby. At the time, the NFBs animation department was small but dynamic. The core team included George Dunning, Jim McKay, Jean-Paul Ladouceur, Grant Munro, and Evelyn Lambart. I was initially assigned to assist with map animations for wartime productions, Verrall continued. Lambart, an incredible artist, taught me how to animate glowing lines to represent troop movements. These maps were used in films directed by Stuart Legg to track the progress of the war. Later that summer, Dunning invited Verrall to work on an animation project: It was called Three Blind Mice. George designed the characters using quill pens on Strathmore paper. My job was to cut out and assemble the paper figures to make them moveable. The project became Verralls first credited animation role. I even animated one of the mice myself. It was a small but memorable contribution to the film. After that exciting summer, Verrall returned to art college in Toronto, though he admitted it was not nearly as exciting as what he experienced at the NFB: I couldnt shake the feeling that Ottawa was where I truly belonged. That feeling turned out to be correct. One day Verrall received a letter from Colin Low via Jim McKay saying that they wanted him back at the NFB. By then, recalled Verrall, Norman McLaren had stepped back from running the department full-time, and Colin had been asked to take on the leadership role. It was an exciting opportunity, but it meant I would have to quit school. Id only completed one semester, but the pull of Ottawa was too strong. I tried finding work in Toronto but couldnt find anything that compared to the NFB. So, I returned to Ottawa in May. Thus, began a lifelong association with the NFB. Verrall contributed to the NFBs wartime propaganda efforts, including producing animated maps and instructional films. He quickly became known for his innovative thinking and technical skills, earning a permanent position with the NFB. Verrall recalled the collaborative atmosphere of those early days: Ottawa was a vibrant, supportive community for animation and creativity. The NFB had a unique environment where everyone collaborated and shared ideas. There was some friendly competition, but mostly it was a place where we inspired one another. Many of us became lifelong friends. The animation team wasnt large at the time. When I started, there were probably no more than 10 of us, said Verrall. The department, housed in what had once been a sawmill on Sussex Drive in Ottawa, operated in a functional but tight space. The building had two floors and a basement. The main floor housed the negative cutting room, lab, recording theaters, and technical services. The animation department was on the second floor. Despite the cramped quarters, the department fostered a strong sense of camaraderie. I shared a room with four other animators, while Evelyn Lambart, one of our standout talents, had her own space. It wasnt luxurious, but it worked. Throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, Verrall played a pivotal role in establishing the NFBs animation department as a global leader. He worked on seminal films, including The Romance of Transportation in Canada (1952), which was both the first NFB film nominated for an Academy Award and the first international animated short nominated by the Academy, and which also won the Palme dOr at Cannes. Animation in those days was like an unexplored frontier, Verrall reflected. We were learning as we went, but the spirit of experimentation made it an incredible time. The 1950s marked a period of significant transformation for the NFB, including the relocation of its headquarters from Ottawa to Montreal. While some staff members were hesitant about the move, Verrall embraced the opportunity, recognizing the potential for greater collaboration and innovation in a larger cultural hub. Change can be daunting, Verrall admitted, but its also where growth happens. The move to Montreal opened new doors for the NFB. In 1957, Verralls directorial debut, A Is for Architecture (co-directed with Gerard Budner), showcased his ability to blend visual artistry with educational content. His only other directorial credits include the government anthology film Hors doeuvre (1960) and Cosmic Zoom (1968). With Cosmic Zoom, we wanted to take viewers on a journey from the infinite to the microscopic, Verrall said. It was about perspective, about seeing our place in the universe. Beyond his contributions as an animator, Verrall shaped the careers of countless animators and filmmakers. In 1967, he became a producer and the head of the NFBs animation department. He was instrumental in the development of prominent talents such as Derek Lamb, Gerald Potterton, and Co Hoedeman. Verrall also brought the legendary artist Alanis Obomsawin to the hallways of the NFB. In a 1960s television profile on Obomsawin, she expressed her dislike of how Indigenous people were portrayed in NFB documentaries. Verrall watched this profile and agreed that her criticisms were fair. In 1967, recalled Obomsawin, I was invited to the film board to be a consultant on a film being made in Fort QuAppelle, Saskatchewan. Bob Verrall was the one who gave me my first contract. I have been here ever since. Fifty-eight years. During his tenure, Verrall fostered a collaborative and inclusive environment that encouraged experimentation and creativity. My job wasnt to tell people what to do, he once said, but to help them find their own voice. From 1972 to 1976, Verrall served as the Director of English Production, which included live action and documentary films. During that period, Verrall expanded the NFBs production activities across Canada to Toronto and Winnipeg and helped establish two key Montreal-based studios: Studio D, the NFBs groundbreaking womens filmmaking unit, and Studio B, focused on drama. Verralls career included over 50 films as a director or producer. (Verralls son, David, also went on to have a distinguished career as an animation producer at the NFB.) Verrall finally called it a day in 1986 and moved to his farm in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Filmmaker, historian, and writer Donald McWilliams recalls: Bob Verrall wore many hats at the NFB. Bob was passionate about the role of the NFB in the Canadian cultural landscape and devoted much time to the promotion of the talents of young filmmakers. One vivid memory I have is of Bob learning how to etch to play Jacques Callot in Colin Lows documentary film, Moving Pictures, and watching him etch in real time under the camera eye. Author, illustrator, and Oscar-nominated animator Janet Perlman remembers: Robert Verrall had vision. He played a major part in shaping the NFB and what it stands for. As studio head of animation, and then documentary, he produced some of my all-time favorites: The Great Toy Robbery, The Drag, What on Earth!, Walking, and Hot Stuff. He himself was a talented artist, creating wonderful backgrounds and animation for many films. He advocated for the rights of film directors while serving as the head of the union. Yes, many hats. Bob will be much missed; he was a charming, witty, and kind man. I didnt know him too well, admitted NFB English Animation Producer Maral Mohammadian, but she encountered him often in the NFB halls and remembers him as a man of great influence and sweet as hell. He regularly attended events at the NFB even as recently as this fall. He was curious, playful, and gracious. NFB French Animation Producer Jelena Popovic recalls the impact both Verralls had on her personally and professionally: Robert Verralls son David was my first Executive Producer. Also, my editing guru. The day he retired, he was asked to define his job. Supporting creative potential, allowing for serendipity, and maybe detecting who has a good idea but doesnt know it yet? A few years later, Davids father Robert then a 90 something-year young NFB Giant, greeted me in his charming Plateau apartment. While he was preparing tea, I admired the latest book on Alanis Obomsawin on his table de salon. Now, tell me all about you!, [I said]. For once I made it short I came to listen. Endlessly smiling Bob Verrall meandered through NFB history with purpose: Griersons producers had to be at once journalists and poets; the artists, including McLaren, were told they were not here just to play; Tom Daly gifted a copy of Platos Symposium to all his producers and directors. And so on, and so on Mr. Bob Verrall spoke with disarming lightness about the culture of creative producing, fostered, cherished and nurtured daily, and over eight decades, intra-NFB muros. He did not speak at all of Verralls, these gentle Giants holding our hands while we stand on their shoulders. Alanis Obomsawin recalls: Bob Verrall became a friend and could really hear me. His kindness and support for all the stories I was wishing to tell became sacred to me. He never tried to change the message. I think his spirit is still there. Thank you, Bob, for all the respect and understanding of our peoples culture, language and spiritual way of being that makes us strong. And indeed, gentle summarizes Verrall, who despite his many achievements, remained humble, attributing his success to the mentors and collaborators who shaped his career. I was lucky to have great teachers and colleagues, he said. Everything I achieved was a team effort. Robert Verralls passing marks the end of an era for Canadian animation and film. His contributions to the NFB and the broader cultural landscape of Canada cannot be overstated. As a filmmaker and producer, he helped elevate animation to new heights and demonstrated its potential as a powerful tool for storytelling and education. Advertisement Pakistans leading trade bodies have called on the government to support the construction industry, particularly the cement and related sectors. Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir, the former senior vice president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and vice chairman of the Southern Zone of the United Business Group (UBG), has urged swift measures to revive the construction and housing sectors. This revival is essential to prevent capital flight, unlock an estimated US$100bn in investment potential, and support over 70 industrial sectors linked to construction. The construction sector is the backbone of Pakistans economy but faces numerous challenges. However, the right support can significantly contribute to robust economic growth. Revitalising this sector will also positively impact 70 allied industries, including cement, iron, ceramics, and others, increasing economic activity and creating job opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labourers. To achieve this, Mr Ali Nasir emphasised the need to reduce the withholding tax on property transactions to encourage investment. He also suggested that the government make the first property purchase tax-free to promote homeownership. Additionally, he called for the elimination of the three per cent Federal Excise Duty (FED), which is unenforceable at the provincial level and hinders sector growth. In a related concern, Khalid Tawab, the former senior vice president of FPCCI and former chairman of the Iron and Steel Merchants Association, highlighted the troubling decline in Pakistans iron and steel production. Recent statistics reveal that steel product production (billets) for 2023-24 is estimated at 4.914Mt, reflecting a negative growth of 7.94 per cent compared to the previous year. This decline is largely attributed to the slowdown in the construction industry, which is a major consumer of steel products. Junaid Naqi, president of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), has proposed key measures to revitalise the housing sector. According to Mr Naqi, the construction and housing sectors are foundational to Pakistans economy, linking to 72 allied industries and providing numerous employment opportunities that drive economic growth. He also recommended that the government reduce the withholding tax on property transactions to one per cent and declare the first property purchase tax-free to encourage homeownership. Furthermore, he urged the abolishment of the three per cent Federal Excise Duty (FED), which unnecessarily burdens the industry. by Abdul Rab Siddiqi, Pakistan Jeremy Renner is set to release his debut memoir, My Next Breath, in April. VALERIE MACON/AFP/TNS Jeremy Renner is ready to talk about his near-fatal Lake Tahoe snow plow accident. The Modesto actor plans to open up about the experience in his debut memoir, My Next Breath, due out on April 29. I find it such an honor to share with you personal experiences on life, death, and all things learned in between, Renner wrote via Instagram on Thursday, Jan. 23, when announcing the project being published by Flatiron Books. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At 224 pages, My Next Breath is expected to include Renners firsthand account of the accident in blistering detail and the lengthy recovery process that has followed. Described as gripping and inspiring by its publisher, the books synopsis promises to be more than a gruesome account of what happened to him. Jeremy Renner's snowplow accident in 2023 left him with more than 30 broken bones. Mark Von Holden/NBC via Getty Images/NBC via Getty Images At the start of 2023, Renners accident left him in critical condition with more than 30 broken bones. He took the year to rest and recover before slowly easing back into the public eye and acting. More Information My Next Breath By Jeremy Renner (Flatiron Books; 224 pages; $29.99) Last week, he shared a photo from behind the scenes of Season 4 of the Paramount+ drama series Mayor of Kingstown, and in December, the Avengers actor was honored as grand marshal of the 92nd Hollywood Christmas Parade. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Heklina, pictured before hosting Mother: Britney vs Christina, in 2020. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Almost two years after the death of San Francisco drag star Heklina, London police have released surveillance footage of three men who were at the Soho flat where the performer was found on April 3, 2023. Heklinas body was discovered by friend and fellow drag performer Peaches Christ at the flat they were sharing. Heklina, whose birth name was Stefan Grygelko, was in London with Peaches Christ to perform in a two-week run of the drag parody Mommie Queerest at the Soho Theatre. Her death, at 55, has been the subject of an ongoing investigation, with the release of the CCTV footage among the first significant news since 2023. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Peaches Christ told the Chronicle on Friday that she was stunned to learn about the existence of the recording and feels the London police didnt thoroughly examine the case due to homophobic bias. What I believe happened is so upsetting. Ive been keeping my mouth shut for all this time and trying to have some sort of reconciliation with an official autopsy report or certificate of death that says how she died, and two years later, I still dont have that, said Peaches Christ, who also directs films under her birth name Joshua Grannell. The lack of closure and my anger is indescribable. London police are asking for the men shown in the video to come forward with any information they have about Heklinas death. The police, who did not immediately respond to the Chronicles request for comment, did not state the men were suspects. Our thoughts are with Stevens family and friends who still have a lot of unanswered questions about what happened to him, London Detective Chief Inspector Dean Purvis said in a Daily Mail story. We know that the three men in the CCTV images were at the flat in the early hours of 3 April 2023. I am asking them to contact police. We need to establish what happened, and how Steven was when they left. If you recognise any of the men, I would encourage you to let us know who they are. Nancy French, a friend of Heklinas and executor of her estate, shares Peaches Christs frustrations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A screen shot of new closed circuit television footage released by London Police in connection with the death of San Francisco drag performer Heklina in London in 2023. London Metropolitan Police I am Heklinas next of kin with the London Police but have never received a cause of death, autopsy report or final death certificate, French said in a statement to the Chronicle and Bay Area Reporter. This CCTV footage should have been released 21 months ago. Releasing it now just proves their ineptitude and mismanagement that weve been dealing with for almost 2 years. Heklina and Peaches Christ were sharing the rented flat in the Soho area while rehearsing. When Heklina decided to arrange a sexual encounter, Peaches Christ said she opted to stay in a nearby hotel Saturday and Sunday to give her friend privacy. I am not airing any dirty laundry. If you knew her at all, this is all stuff she would have been glad to talk about on stage, added Peaches Christ. Peaches Christ said she returned to the flat Monday morning and immediately felt something was off when she found the front door ajar. She also noticed that a bathroom light connected to a noisy fan was on, something the two had discussed being irritated by. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When Heklina was found by me, she was in drag in a very compromising position, Peaches Christ said about finding her friend on the living room floor. I think the bias started happening from the moment she was found. This was considered a dismissed case from the moment we started going down this road. After being cleared as a suspect, Peaches Christ returned to San Francisco and, with French, continued to press London police for answers about the status of the investigation. Peaches Christ said that emails to the detective first assigned to the case went unanswered for months. It wasnt until she emailed the department letting them know about possible scenarios for Heklinas deaths scenarios she had heard from a source in the London coroners office that she began to get responses to her emails. Peaches Christ also said she had been speaking to a London journalist about her suspicions about police inaction in the case. Heklina onstage for the final Mother at Oasis in February 2020. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Heklina was the cofounder of the legendary San Francisco drag night Trannyshack in 1996, which she hosted at the Stud Bars former location at Ninth and Harrison streets in the South of Market district. Hosted on Tuesdays at midnight, The Shack became known as one of the most experimental, artistically daring drag venues in the Bay Area and has been the subject of two documentaries. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The event, and Heklina herself, had a post-punk, defiant aesthetic that later influenced global drag culture. After renaming the event T-Shack and then Mother, Heklina hosted the final show in February 2020. For decades, she performed with Peaches Christ in drag parodies of Hollywood films, touring internationally. Heklina also played Dorothy Zbornak along with DArcy Drollinger in the annual San Francisco holiday production, The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes. In 2015, Heklina opened the San Francisco nightclub and drag hot spot Oasis with Drollinger before divesting in 2020 and becoming a silent investor. The performers death shook the Bay Area and international drag community, with tributes including a memorial card on an episode of RuPauls Drag Race and a funeral at the Castro Theatre that required closing off the street so overflow crowds could watch the program on a jumbo screen. Heklina was also added to the mural Showtime at Oasis in 2023. Peaches Christ said that in addition to continuing to push for answers from London police, she also has been discussing the possibility of making a documentary about Heklina with filmmaker Brian Benson that would ask questions about the case. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Todd Thurston, MD, MSM, has been installed as the 2025 president of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society. He is the 142nd president in the organizations history.Dr. Thurston is a boardcertified plastic surgeon with Erlanger Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and director of Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Center with Childrens Hospital at Erlanger. He succeeds Immediate Past President Harish Manyam, MD, chief of cardiology with Erlanger Cardiology.During 2025 Dr.Thurston plans to focus on championing the vital role of physicians as leaders in healthcare, addressing disparities in rural healthcare access, and advocating for legislative reforms that improve patient outcomes.Physicians are the cornerstone of healthcare, and it is our responsibility to ensure patients have confidence in the care they receive, he said.Looking ahead, Dr. Thurston called for increased collaboration across specialties and a unified approach to tackling challenges in the healthcare system.The heart of medicine is found in our collective dedication to our patients and our profession, he said.Newly elected officers and members of the 2025 Medical Society board are: President-Elect Eugene Ryan, MD, Parkridge Health System; Jennie Mahaffey, MD, Erlanger Health System; Lori Proctor, MD, PathGroup; and Jason Susong, MD, Chattanooga Dermatology and Chattanooga Mohs Surgery.They join returning board members Steven Fox, MD, Erlanger Family Medicine; Robert Jean, MD, University Surgical Associates; Sam Jones, MD, The Chattanooga Heart Institute; Michael Nichols, MD, Tennessee Interventional and Imaging Associates; Paula Nicola, MD, Eye Care Chattanooga; Mukta Panda, MD; Kate Shuster, MD, Galen Dermatology; Harsha Vardhana, MD, Tennessee Oncology; Chris Young, MD, Anesthesiology Consultants Exchange; and Ethan Zimmerman, MD, Beacon Family Medicine Red Bank. In a year that saw three consecutive months of record-low unemployment, Tennessee ended 2024 with an unemployment rate below the U.S. rate, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The states seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.6 percent in December, up one-tenth of a percentage point over the previous month. The rate was 3.4 percent in December 2023. Despite the uptick, Tennessees unemployment rate is five-tenths of a percentage point below the national rate of 4.1 percent. Tennessee recorded a record-low rate of 3 percent in May, June and July. Between November and December, Tennessee employers added 500 nonfarm jobs. The health care and social assistance sector accounted for the biggest gains, followed by local government and the real estate, rental and leasing sector. Over the past year, total nonfarm employment across the state increased by 45,400 jobs. The largest increase was in the health care and social assistance sector. The professional, scientific, and technical services sector and the durable goods manufacturing sector accounted for the next-largest increases. TDLWD has prepared a complete analysis of the states December 2024 unemployment data, which is available here. Whether a recent college graduate or a seasoned employee, Tennesseans looking for a new career in the new year can find help at their local American Job Center, all at no cost. Career specialists work one-on-one with job seekers to help them find employment and training. Job seekers will also find free access to computers, on-site recruiting events, and workshops on resume writing and interview skills at Tennessee's AJCs. American Job Centers are located in communities across Tennessee, and job seekers can find the nearest AJC to them using this interactive map. The state of Tennessee will release December 2024 unemployment data for all 95 counties on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 1:30 p.m. CST. The Tennessee General Assembly will hold a special session starting on Jan. 27 to address hurricane relief, immigration and vouchers. The three issues are unrelated, and the need for a special session is questionable. The legislature should add school safety to this agenda since that is also an issue that needs focus. Hurricane relief should have already been addressed, and immigration issues are federal issues. It's essential to take our time with the voucher issue; rushing it through a special session isnt the answer, no matter what side you stand on. Let's ensure we handle this thoughtfully and thoroughly before spending $447 million to provide school vouchers to 20,000 students, mostly already in private schools next academic year. Politics and life are shaped not only by the decisions we make but also by the choices we choose not to make. In Plato's Allegory of the Cave, it is suggested that a state flourishes best when its leaders reluctantly govern, prioritizing stability. In contrast, a state where leaders are overly eager to wield their power may create significant challenges. By emphasizing measured leadership, society can achieve greater harmony. Like many, I am disillusioned with the politics of our times. In our dealings with the government, we must brace ourselves for inevitable disappointments. Ronald Reagan got it right when he said, You cant be for big government, big taxes, and big bureaucracy and still be for the little guy. I miss those advocating for a vision of a society where freedom, individual responsibility, and limited government coexist to create a prosperous and just nation. I am reminded of a story about Bill Clinton, who was arguably one of the best political speakers of his generation. In a speech, Clinton expressed his deep concern for all children and their education. He reportedly claimed he cared for children as much as their parents did. After the speech, a young mother approached President Clinton and asked him if it was true that he cared for children as much as their parents. Clinton affirmed that it was indeed true. The mother asked him, Can you tell me my childrens names? Clinton was left speechless. While I cannot confirm this event's accuracy, it is a powerful message about priorities. Politicians may feign interest, but parents must be invested in their childrens lives. Tennessee has a supermajority of Republicans in the Tennessee General Assembly. However, there is a growing divide among members of the same party and conservatives who feel their voices are silenced and ideas rejected. There is a more significant ideological conflict within the party than anyone has acknowledged. Democrats are also at a political crossroads. They need an honest evaluation of how to appeal to everyday Tennesseans. Whichever side figures it out first may be in the best position to lead should a political shift occur in the state. The concepts of freedom, the role of government, individual responsibility, and the importance of self-governance must be on the table. There is a growing consensus in education that many policymakers do not grasp. An emerging consensus is the desire to prioritize the partnership between parents and schools by promoting greater transparency. The debate over school choice has become a battle of messaging. While parents generally support defined school choice, they oppose universal vouchers whenever they appear on the ballot. Out-of-state groups primarily fund (Tennessee Lookout, July 31, 2024). Although support for school choice remains strong, budgets are increasingly tight, and financial projections often exceed actual budgets. Eventually, the standards-based reform movement and the universal school voucher lobby will likely conflict. History shows that well-intentioned programs can increase government control, prompting many to advocate for limited government. Tennesseans often express skepticism toward bureaucracy, believing that a large government creates inefficiency and undermines individual rights. This concern applies to a new $447 million voucher program intended for 20,000 students, which is expected to grow and require more accountability as it expands. Despite my disillusionment with politics, I remain hopeful about the possibility of state and national resurgence through shared effort and a return to our core values of freedom and individual dignity. A government of the people, by the people, for the people can succeed if enough individuals speak out on issues that are important to all of us. JC Bowman Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee Patsy Card Irwin, 87, passed away at home on January 21, 2025. She was a 1955 graduate of Soddy Daisy High School. She was employed by Dupont for 12 years (1959-1971). She left Dupont for a job with the Hamilton County Department of Education so she could spend more time with her family. She was the secretary at Soddy Elementary School for 32 years (1971-2003). She was an active member of the Soddy United Methodist Church, throughout her life she served as a Sunday School Teacher, United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYE) Co-Youth Director, Childrens Choir Director and she served many years as President of the United Methodist Women (UMW). She was preceded in death by her husband, Noel R. Irwin; her grandparents, John C. and Lottie Thatcher, James S. Card and Mena F. Card; her parents, William J. Card and Louise Thatcher Card; brothers, William S. Bill Card and Warren Thatcher Card and a niece, Patty Card Cagle. Patsy is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Johnny) Wood; grandchildren, John Tyler (Aerielle) Wood and Jordan (fiance Natalie) Wood; great-grandson, Emerson Wood along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to LuAnn McCuiston, Phyllis Williams, Soddy Daisy Health Care, Hearth Hospice (Maggie, Teresa, Kelly and Kelley) for all of the care and assistance they provided during her illness. Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, at Williamson & Sons Funeral Home. Services will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Soddy United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Varner Cemetery. Her family requests, in lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to: Soddy United Methodist Church, 255 Depot Street, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com. Arrangements are by Williamson & Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379. A spread of dishes from the Happy Crane, which is opening a restaurant in San Francisco's Hayes Valley neighborhood. Courtesy of Jeremy Chiu James Yeun Long Parry, right, cooks during a Happy Crane pop-up at Pomet in Oakland. Courtesy of Jason Leung After working in Michelin-star kitchens across the world, an accomplished chef is finally opening his dream project in San Francisco: a modern Cantonese restaurant. James Yeun Leong Parry, who previously worked at the three-Michelin-star Benu in San Francisco as well as Michelin-starred restaurants in Hong Kong, will open the Happy Crane at 451 Gough St. in Hayes Valley this summer. The prominent corner space, with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, was last occupied by Benu chef Corey Lees French bistro Monsieur Benjamin. Parry drew a following locally for his popup of the same name, serving a tasting menu of creative dishes that draw on his identity and professional experiences. The chef said he wants the restaurant to push the envelope for Chinese food in San Francisco. But that doesnt mean fusion food, or a multi-hour tasting menu, he clarified. Instead, he hopes the Happy Crane will thoughtfully raise the bar for Chinese food in the region. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While the Happy Crane popup served a tasting menu, that was a function of a small team (Parrys wife, Jessie Parry, doubled as his sous chef) rather than a desire to be a fine-dining restaurant. The new restaurant will serve a la carte food, including at a bar, as well as a shorter set menu. Expect inventive spins on dim sum, such as fried eggplant stuffed with scallop farce, finished with a Worcestershire sauce reduction and crowned with uni. Or, a radish cake thats steamed with dried scallops, shiitake mushrooms and rendered housemade chorizo, then pan-seared in the sausage fat. I love har gow and shumai as much as anyone, but everywhere does that. Can we do something more interesting and playful? Parry said. He went on: I dont want it to feel like were taking ourselves too seriously. Firecracker shrimp with gamtae at a Happy Crane popup. Courtesy of Jeremy Chiu For the chef, who was born in England but grew up in Hong Kong with his Chinese grandmother, perfecting classic Chinese roasted meats like Peking duck and char siu are a particular personal challenge. At his popups, Parry made char siu with pork jowl, a cut of meat more common in Hong Kong than the Bay Area, and cooked it in a traditional Chinese smoking oven with compressed apple and fennel. Given my background, people are going to be expecting creative or contemporary approaches. But equally important for me, he continued, is bettering the standard of the basics. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In his early 20s, with no professional cooking experience, Parry set an ambitious goal. He wanted to work at what he considered at the time three of the worlds most progressive Asian restaurants: Chinese spot Bo Innovation and Japanese kaiseki restaurant Ryugin, both two-Michelin-starred destinations in Hong Kong; and Benu in San Francisco. He started as a waiter at Bo Innovation, and eventually accomplished his aim. After Benu, he cooked at Palette Tea House in San Francisco, from the family behind Bay Area dim sum institution Koi Palace. He left to grow the Happy Crane, starting with a popup out of a small Chinatown boba shop and eventually hosting dinners at acclaimed restaurants including Rich Table and the Michelin-starred Nisei. When Parry starting looking for permanent restaurant spaces, he was shocked to find some landlords were resistant to his concept. Even in 2023 San Francisco, it appears that Chinese cuisine is too often dismissed as one that is not fashionable and too difficult to understand, he wrote in a June 2023 Instagram post. Ultimately, he located the 70-seat Hayes Valley space, which he hopes will draw locals as well as people coming to the neighborhood for shows at the nearby SF Jazz and SF Symphony. He sees value in opening new Chinese restaurants within and beyond San Franciscos historic Chinatown, home to longtime institutions as well as modern Chinese restaurants like the Michelin-starred Mister Jius and nationally acclaimed newcomer Four Kings. In some ways we need to be doing both, Parry said. Then were actually moving the needle. Virginia Ruth Davis Henry, born on July 23, 1942, known to her family and friends as Tommy, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 23, 2025. She fell asleep in this world and woke up to her Lord in Heaven. She finally got to walk home where her family was waiting to welcome her. She was a devoted and caring wife to Mack, a fierce and loving mother to Mark, a present and steady guide to her daughter-in-law Joanna, and a doting, caring, and unwavering Grammy to Joseph. Her gentle and calm presence will be missed by those who had the honor to have her in their lives. If you knew Virginia, you knew she never complained-not through multiple cancer battles, other health issues. Even in her living with Alzheimers did not one complaint pass her lips. If ever asked if she needed anything, her constant reply would be Heavens no! Dont worry about me. I am okay. In a world where everything is a complaint, she was a constant compliment. That was her super power. May she now have all the peace, rest, joy, laughter, and of course, ICE CREAM, she so richly deserves. Till we get on one of those strong loving Virginia pats on the back, we will hold you in our hearts. We will find you in the sunrises and sunsets and all the moments in between. There will be a graveside service for Virginia on Monday, Jan. 27, at 11 a.m. at Chattanooga Memorial Park (Duck Pond) with Reverend Bill Harvey officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimers Association in Virginias honor. Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com Since January 1, 2025, Anton Paar GmbH will offer service and support in Argentina and the United Arab Emirates, further expanding its international distribution network. Anton Paar GmbH Anton Paar Argentina, based in Buenos Aires, will be responsible for sales, service and support in Argentina and the neighboring countries Uruguay and Paraguay. With the launch of the new sales subsidiary, Anton Paar is already represented with four locations in South America. South America is an important market for Anton Paar due to the growth in industries such as food, beverage and pharmaceutical that require advanced measurement technologies for quality and efficiency. With a stronger local presence, Anton Paar can respond faster to customer requirements and advance its internationalization strategy, explains Regional Director Reinhard Eberl. With Anton Paar Scientific Instruments in Abu Dhabi, Anton Paar will open its first location in the Middle East. The UAE has a strong focus on diversifying its economy, besides the traditionally strong oil industry, and is a leading economic hub in the Middle East. Thus, positioning our first subsidiary there marks a significant milestone in Anton Paars global growth strategy, says Regional Director Ian Collins-Hunt. During the event, students will gather valuable information from the Office of Admissions and Recruitment and other departments, meet representatives from Native student organizations and more. Church of the Open Door of Maple Grove, Minnesota. | Courtesy David Brickey via Christian Post A nondenominational church in Minnesota is addressing homelessness by planning to build a tiny house community on its property. Church of the Open Door, located in Maple Grove, is collaborating with local officials and stakeholders to develop what they refer to as a sacred settlement consisting of 12 tiny house units, with a target completion date by summer 2026. Open Door Pastor David Brickey explained in a recent interview with The Christian Post that the proposed settlement will be divided into two sections. The first will comprise four homes designated for Intentional Neighbors, individuals who have not experienced homelessness but aim to foster a supportive community environment. The second section will consist of eight homes intended for those who have transitioned out of chronic homelessness. This initiative comes on the heels of prior successful collaborations with other congregations, where they established two additional Sacred Settlements in St. Paul and Roseville. During that time, one of their pastors lived as an intentional neighbor, contributing to the communitys growth and stability. Brickey noted the positive outcomes of the earlier settlements, mentioning, The communities have proven themselves successful in that we have seen deep wholistic healing in the lives of Sacred Settlement neighbors that has resulted in healthy community with zero crime, zero police involvement, zero neighbor complaints. He highlighted that many residents have embarked on new professional journeys or reignited former careers and some have reunited with family members from whom they had been separated during their experiences with homelessness. The planned tiny house community will be situated towards the back of the churchs main building, embracing the local natural landscape while providing privacy for its residents. It's important to note that because this is completely privately funded, we get to choose who moves into this community based on pre-chosen criteria, Brickey remarked. He added that the church team actively engages with the local homeless population each week, enabling them to identify suitable candidates for the community based on established relationships. Brickey highlighted the connection between private spirituality and public acts of mercy, asserting that Jesus was clear as to who we are and our mission in this world. The resources of our church family are not ours. Every dollar and square inch of our property belong to God and should be stewarded for His Kingdom advancement on earth as in Heaven. Jesus is our primary example of how to live and manage these resources. Consequently, we have re-envisioned our land and building as less of an event venue and more of a homestead of healing for our community, he stated. The Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde delivers remarks during the National Prayer Service at Washington National Cathedral on January 21, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Screenshot: WCCO - CBS Minnesota via YouTube President Donald Trump demanded an apology from Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde after she appealed to him for mercy for LGBT-identified Americans and illegal immigrants during an inaugural prayer service. Budde, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, addressed Trump while he was seated in the front row at the Washington National Cathedral on Monday, alongside First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance with his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance. In her prayer, Budde referenced Trumps belief that God saved him from an assassination attempt, stating, You have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. This expresses dissatisfaction with President Trump's signing of an executive order to abolish the 'Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)' policy on his first day in office and his announcement of a tough stance on undocumented immigrants. Budde's biography on the cathedral's website describes her as an advocate and organizer in support of justice concerns, including racial equity, gun violence prevention, immigration reform, the full inclusion of [LGBT] persons, and the care of creation. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to criticize Budde, labeling her a Radical Left hard line Trump hater. Trump expressed strong disapproval, stating, The so-called Bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a Radical Left hard line Trump hater. She brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart. He accused Budde of sidestepping the issue of illegal immigration, asserting, [Budde] failed to mention the large number of illegal migrants that came into our Country and killed people. Many were deposited from jails and mental institutions. It is a giant crime wave that is taking place in the USA. He called for Budde and the cathedral to issue a public apology for her sermon, describing the service as a very boring and uninspiring one. In a response on ABC's "The View" Wednesday morning, Budde addressed the controversy, stating her intention was to pray with the nation for unity. Budde continued, I also realized that unity requires a certain degree of mercy, compassion, and understanding. So, knowing that a lot of people ... in our country right now are really scared, I wanted to take the opportunity in the context of that service for unity to say we need to treat everyone with dignity and we need to be merciful. I was trying to counter the narrative that is so divisive and polarizing, and in which people, real people, are being harmed. She added, In the Name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now, highlighting that there are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families. Some who fear for their lives. Budde also pointed out the contributions of immigrants, explaining, The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms and meat-packing plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals. They may not be citizens, or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. Bishop Mariann Budde has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, particularly during a 2020 incident when Trump held a photo opportunity outside St. Johns Episcopal Church near the White House, the day after protesters set fire to part of the church. At that time, Budde stated, The President just used a Bible and one of the churches of my diocese as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for. U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops cleared protesters using tear gas before Trump walked from the White House to the church for the photo op and brief comments. Budde argued that the move desecrated our sacred space. In August 2020, Budde offered a prayer for the Democratic National Convention, indicating her growing distance from Trump. She remarked, Ive given up speaking to President Trump. We need to replace President Trump. Home News Biden offers prayer for Trump in letter to his successor, asks God to bless him Former President Joe Biden offered prayers for President Donald Trump in a letter to his successor left in a drawer of the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. Trump discovered the letter Monday shortly after succeeding Biden as the 47th president of the United States, Fox News reported. Trump found the letter in the desk as he signed executive orders after the network's senior White House Correspondent Peter Doocy asked him if Biden had left him a note. 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 "As I take leave of this sacred office I wish you and your family all the best in the next four years," Biden wrote. "The American people and people around the world look to this house for steadiness in the inevitable storms of history, and my prayer is that the coming years will be a time of prosperity, peace, and grace for our nation." "God bless you and guide you as He has blessed and guided our beloved country since our founding," Biden continued. When asked about the contents of the letter, Trump described it as "very nice" and a "little bit of an inspirational-type letter" encouraging him to "enjoy it" and "do a good job." He also summarized the message of the letter as stressing "how important the job is." "It was a positive, for him, in writing it," Trump added. "I appreciated the letter." Outgoing presidents leaving their successors a letter has become a tradition in recent decades. The practice began in 1989 when outgoing President Ronald Reagan left a note for his successor, then-Vice President George H.W. Bush. Four years later, Bush left a note for his successor, Bill Clinton, who defeated him in the 1992 presidential election. Clinton left a note for his successor, George W. Bush, upon leaving office in 2001. Eight years later, Bush left a letter for his successor, Barack Obama. When his second term expired in 2017, Obama left a note for Trump. Biden is the first president in more than 100 years to be preceded and succeeded by the same man. Biden received a note from Trump, whom he defeated in the 2020 presidential election, upon taking office in 2021. This year, Biden left a note for Trump, who became the first president since Grover Cleveland to be elected to a second non-consecutive term. Home News Clifton Kirkpatrick, former head of PCUSA, WCRC dies at 79 Clifton Kirkpatrick, a former stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and head of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, has died. He was 79. Kirkpatrick died on Saturday at the Four Seasons Retirement Community in Columbus, Indiana, according to Presbyterian News Service (PNS), with a memorial service to be held at Strathmoor Presbyterian Church of Louisville, Kentucky, in March. Kirkpatrick was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Diane Worthington, who died in March of 2024. He is survived by a sister, two children and five grandchildren. 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 A mighty good man was Cliff Kirkpatrick, said former PCUSA stated clerk, the Rev. Gradye Parsons, in a statement quoted by PNS. From the day he asked me to come work with him I quickly realized what a global understanding he had of Gods church. He seriously faced the struggles of the PC(USA) and its detractors and I heard him say this quote a thousand times: Our role as Christians is not to be in the judgment seat but to be in the witness box. We are all better for having lived our lives with him, with his leadership and with his faith. A native of Harlingen, Texas, and born on May 1, 1945, Kirkpatrick held various roles in numerous local Christian organizations, including the Dallas Council of Churches, the Fort Worth Council of Churches, and Houston Metropolitan Ministries. He eventually served on the executive committee of the World Council of Churches. Kirkpatrick went on to serve as director of Worldwide Ministries at PC(USA) and then was stated clerk for three consecutive four-year terms in 1996, 2000 and 2004. He was also a professor at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. In 2004, Kirkpatrick was also elected president of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, which later changed its name to the World Communion of Reformed Churches, serving until 2010. WCRC Interim General Secretary Setri Nyomi released a statement saying that Kirkpatrick was a dear friend whose leadership and pastoral gifts were very inspirational in my ministry and ecumenical engagement. We met for the first time in 1996 when the small team commissioned by WARC to put together the document Reformed Self-Understanding met in Louisville, stated Nyomi. We were warmly welcomed by the then new stated clerk of the PCUSA. That was before my time as general secretary of WARC. Since then, Cliff made a mark on me. I saw him as an insightful theologian and ecumenical leader committed to justice. In an interview with The Christian Post in 2005, Kirkpatrick addressed the issue of longstanding decline in the PCUSA, explaining that he believed a big factor was that we have not been as effective in evangelism as God would have hoped us to be. The greatest challenge is to center ourselves in Jesus Christ and to have a growing recognition that Jesus is the one who calls us to work for justice, to be a community, and to serve each other as the body of Christ, said Kirkpatrick. Jesus is our peace, purity and unity. We are not all alike, but what is more precious than those differences is the united belief that Jesus Christ is our lord and savior. Home News Contrary to agreement: Hamas will free IDF soldiers Karina Ariev, Danielle Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag Israel decides not to cancel hostage deal despite Hamas' violation Despite Hamas violation of the ceasefire terms by planning to release four female IDF soldiers instead of civilians on Saturday, Israel at this time does not plan to cancel the ceasefire deal, Israeli media reported Friday evening. Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas is supposed to free the female civilian hostages before the female soldiers and the men who are included in the list of 33 hostages set to be released in the deals first phase. Hamas told Israel it plans to free IDF soldiers Karina Ariev, Danielle Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag on Saturday. The IDF has informed their families but also told them there might still be changes. 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 After Israel officially confirmed receiving the list, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz reportedly held consultations with high-ranking security officials after the start of the Sabbath on Friday evening but in the end, decided that the violation didnt merit the immediate cancelation of the ceasefire. In addition to changing the names, Hamas also announced it would change the time of the release, moving it up to between noon and 2 p.m. Channel 12 reported Friday that Hamas violation of the terms was caused by a conflict with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). One of the hostages that was slated to be released is reportedly being held by a local PIJ group, which refuses to comply with instructions by the PIJ leadership abroad and wont release the hostage. Israel had demanded Hamas release Arbel Yehud in this batch of hostages, with media reports suggesting that Israel was concerned she wont be released by the small, Salafist splinter group affiliated with PIJ that is holding her in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. In addition to Yehud, there are six female hostages remaining out of the list of 33 hostages: Shiri Silberman Bibas, 33, who is a civilian; and soldiers Liri Albag, 19; Karina Ariev, 20; Agam Berger, 21; Danielle Gilboa, 20; and Naama Levy, 20. Despite not being able to force Hamas to comply with Israels demand to free Yehud this weekend, Channel 12 reported that Qatars Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani assured Israel he would make sure that the hostages who were originally set to be released this weekend will be included in the next round. This could potentially include Shiri Silberman Bibas and her two young children. Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas is also expected to provide Israel with details of the status of the remaining hostages, confirming who among them is alive or dead. In addition to informing their families and the Israeli public, this information is also relevant since the number of Palestinian prisoners set to be released by Israel depends on the number of living hostages. According to the agreement, Israel will release 30 Palestinian prisoners for each female civilian hostage. For living female IDF soldiers, Israel is to release 50 prisoners, including heavy terrorists serving life sentences for murder. This article was originally published at All Israel News Carlo Di Ruocco, who founded Mr. Espresso, stands in the Oakland coffee roaster in 2008. He died on Jan. 17. Courtesy Mr. Espresso Carlo Di Ruocco, the trailblazing founder of Mr. Espresso, one of the Bay Areas oldest and most influential coffee companies, died on Jan. 17. His family said he died at home in his sleep after several years of declining health. He was 90 years old. Di Ruocco, a native of Italy, is credited as one of the pioneers of Italian espresso in America. When he started Mr. Espresso in the East Bay in 1978, it was among the first in the country to specialize in professional espresso equipment, and later, exclusively oak-wood roasted beans. Di Ruocco introduced a more nuanced style of Italian espresso, roasted over slow-burning oak logs, that wasnt yet available in the United States, said Luigi Di Ruocco, Di Ruoccos youngest son. (The three Di Ruocco children, John, Laurence and Luigi, have long been involved in the business and will continue to operate it.) He also supplied espresso to pioneering Bay Area restaurants, including Berkeleys Chez Panisse and Oliveto in Oakland, just as they were redefining food in the region. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They were rediscovering these ways of doing things at a higher level of quality, Luigi Di Ruocco said. His contribution to the culinary world, during the time of revolution of California cuisine: He had the espresso category covered. Carlo Di Ruocco, known as Mr. Espresso, with an espresso roaster in 1985. When he started the business, he sold and installed roasters on nights and weekends. Courtesy Mr. Espresso Di Ruocco was born on Nov. 3, 1934, in Salerno, in Southern Italy. His first job, as a teenager, was apprenticing at a local coffee roaster, where he learned how to wood-roast and blend beans. But he went on to work as an elevator mechanic and electrical engineer. He married his wife, Marie Francoise, in 1962. They lived in Paris before moving to the United States in 1967. They returned to Italy for several years, before eventually settling in the Bay Area in 1974. Two years later, Di Ruoccos love for coffee would be reinvigorated by a chance encounter. On a family trip to Italy in 1976, an old friend offered him espresso machines that needed refurbishing. He brought them back to California and in 1978, founded Mr. Espresso in the garage of his Alameda home. He continued to work as an elevator mechanic to save money, and sold and installed imported espresso machines on nights and weekends. Unsatisfied with the quality of local coffee, he also started roasting small batches of coffee beans in his backyard. Coffee that was served in Bay Area cafes looked like dirty water, Di Ruocco said in an award acceptance speech in 2015. Also, in the Bay Area, at that time there were few espresso machines installed and no mechanics to fix them. Soon the idea of selling espresso machines from my garage grew more and more. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mr. Espresso eventually outgrew the family garage and moved into an Oakland warehouse. In 1981, the business started roasted coffee traditionally, using the wood-roasting methods Di Ruocco had learned as a teenager. At the time, most American coffee drinkers assumed that espresso could only be a dark roast, Luigi Di Ruocco said. In Italy, the style of roast was more a medium-dark roast. It had intensity of flavor but also complexity and nuance, he said. He introduced more of an authentic, Italian espresso to the market here at a time people were still just figuring it out. The Di Ruocco family, from left to right: Laura Zambrano, John Di Ruocco, founder Carlo Di Ruocco, Marie Francoise Di Ruocco, Luigi Di Ruocco and Alex Zambrano. Courtesy Mr. Espresso Di Ruocco earned international acclaim. In 2009, he received an honorary knighthood from the Italian government for championing Italian espresso in the U.S. In 2015, the Specialty Coffee Association of America honored Di Ruocco with the Alfred Peet Passionate Cup Award, a lifetime achievement award named after the founder of Peets Coffee. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It took a big commitment, lots of persistence, and sometimes courage to pursue my American dream, and today I am realizing this most beautiful dream has come true, he said in his acceptance speech. Mr. Espresso remained staunchly rooted in tradition, even as third wave coffee and buzzy new cafes took over the Bay Area. Di Ruocco was unconcerned with trends, his son said. My father always remained focused on what got him here and what he knew, he said. The art of Italian espresso was always first and foremost. He even discouraged his children from opening a coffee shop, worried the daily operations would distract from the core of the business. They ultimately opened an airy cafe in downtown Oakland in 2023, one of the Chronicles picks for the Bay Areas best coffee shops. At the opening, he said it was beautiful, his son recalled. The second-generation owners plan to continue their fathers singular vision. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What he created has the ability to stand the test of time, which is the most important thing, Luigi Di Ruocco said. Its defined by our heritage and our story and the way we do things. Hopefully, what he created will long outlast him. Home News Iranian propaganda turning public against Evangelical Christians, religious minorities: USCIRF Cleric: 'Evangelical Christianity is not a religion' The Iranian government is actively inciting "derogatory public opinion" against Christianity and other faiths by using Iranian media outlets to spread religious propaganda, according to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. A new report from the bipartisan federal advisory committee says Iran's government uses official media, government-linked media and social media to spread "falsehoods and misconceptions" about religious minorities to turn public opinion against these communities. The report "Religious Propaganda in Iran" attributes the effort to a "systematic campaign to deny freedom of religion or belief to groups that do not conform to the government's singular interpretation of Ja'afri Shi'a Islam." 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 For instance, the government describes some Christians as belonging to an "Evangelical Zionist cult" and uses vague national security accusations to target Christian converts. The phrase was referenced in the Nov. 3, 2021 ruling by Iran's Supreme Court, declaring that promoting Christianity and establishing home churches are not crimes and do not amount to national security crimes. The court's opinion used the phrase "Evangelical Zionist cult" to refer to the Christian converts whose case it was addressing. Under Iran's legal system, a ruling by a Supreme Court branch is not necessarily binding on lower courts. "This misinformation campaign restricts freedom of religion or belief for religious minorities in Iran," USCIRF Commissioner Sharon Kleinbaum told The Christian Post. According to USCIRF, Iranian state propaganda against Christian converts is often disguised as anti-Zionism, and Christian converts are regularly referred to as members of a "Zionist" network. Officials say the reference to Zionism in this context does not refer to specific allegations of links between Christian converts in Iran and the state of Israel but rather "a broad conspiracy in which Evangelical Christians across the world promote political viewpoints that serve Zionist ideology." The report also cites what USCIRF called "Iran's misinformation campaign against Christian converts," which officials say seeks to differentiate Christian converts from Armenians and Assyrians as recognized religious minority groups. Hojjat al-Islam Kashani, a Muslim cleric who serves as the secretary of the Islam-Christianity Dialog Association, told an Iranian media outlet, "What is being promoted today as Christianity is not traditional Christianity, but rather it is Evangelical and colonial Christianity. "Evangelical Christianity is not a religion. It is a policy-oriented towards colonialism." According to the report, Kashani accused Evangelical Christian Iranians of pursuing a political agenda of expansion designed to undermine Iran's government. Those political aims of Evangelical Christians have "resulted in their alienation from other Christians, and that Iranian Armenians are opposed to Evangelical Christians," Kashani said. Iran's history is replete with examples of outside intervention by colonial powers in its domestic affairs, so this comment appeals to the sense of injustice some Iranians may feel about foreign meddling in Iranian politics, Kleinbaum said. "The impact on Iranian Christians is that they cannot rely on the government to uphold its obligations under international law to protect freedom of religion or belief, and are more likely to face discrimination from Iranians who internalize the government's false messaging," she added. In addition to Christian converts, the USCIRF report identifies and reviews the significant themes Iran's government deploys against Jews, Sunni Muslims, Gonabadi Sufis and Baha'is. Besides providing data and analysis on religious freedom abroad, USCIRF also provides foreign policy recommendations to the president, secretary of state and U.S. Congress to fight religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. Iran is one of 10 countries recognized by the U.S. State Department as a country of particular concern for tolerating and engaging in religious freedom abuses. Just one year after Iran signed a historic nuclear deal with the U.S. and other Western nations in 2015, USCIRF reported that religious minorities in Iran, including Christians, continue experiencing severe human rights abuses. The report found that religious freedom conditions "continued to deteriorate," with Christians, Baha'is and the minority Sunni Muslims facing the most persecution in the form of harassment, arrests and imprisonment. Open Doors USA, a watchdog group that monitors religious freedom abuses in over 60 countries, ranks Iran as the ninth-worst country regarding Christian persecution. Home News Iranian Christians faced sixfold increase in prison sentences in 2024: report Three Christians rearrested for their faith in Iran were subjected to torture and asked to write letters renouncing their belief in Jesus amid the reality of a sixfold increase in prison sentences for Christians in the Islamic Republic in 2024, a new report states. Article 18, a London-based religious freedom nongovernmental organization, released an annual report this month chronicling rights violations against Christians in Iran. The report, titled "The Tip of the Iceberg" and released in partnership with Open Doors, Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Middle East Concern, found that Christians in Iran were sentenced to a combined total of 250 years in prison in 2024, a sixfold increase compared to 2023's report. 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 According to the document, 96 Christians were sentenced to a combined 263 years in prison, 37 years of internal exile and nearly $800,000 in fines. "At least 139 Christians were arrested in Iran in 2024 on account of their religious beliefs or activities, 80 were detained and 77 were charged," Article 18 stated in the latest report. "At the end of 2024, at least 18 Christians were still serving sentences related to their faith. There were also reports of detained Christians being physically tortured." To address cases that often go unreported, the report includes details on the prosecution of Jahangir Alikhani, Hamed Malamiri and Gholam Eshaghi. They were arrested last year by agents with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Ministry of Intelligence had previously arrested the three, along with 20 others, in December 2023. IRGC agents rearrested the men and took them to a detention center in Sari, where they were denied access to a lawyer, according to the report. The Christians faced charges of "propagating a religion contrary to Islam" and "collaborating with foreign governments," according to a November 2024 Article 18 report. The three were released on Nov. 17, 2024, on bail of 1 billion tomans, which would cost $15,000. Before their release, the three men were subjected to physical and psychological torture during prolonged interrogations. They were told to write letters renouncing their faith and apologize for their actions. "On the day of their release, another member of the group, Javad Amini, was rearrested and transferred to the Sari detention centre," the report states. "Mr Amini's wife, Farzaneh Ahmadi, went home to discover it ransacked, and minutes later received another unwelcome visit from the agents, who claimed they were looking for her husband's phone and Bibles." "The agents later returned for a third visit and confiscated several Bibles and other Christian books, as well as Mr. Amini's notebooks related to his study of Christian theology," the document continued. Agents with the Ministry of Intelligence and IRGC interrogated Amini's wife during his detention, subjecting her to "severe psychological pressure." Amini and two other Christian converts were released on Nov. 27, 2024, on bail of 1 billion tomans ($15,000). Before their release, Amini, Alikhani, Malamiri, and Eshaghi and eight others went through a trial at Branch 102 of the Criminal Court of Nowshahr, according to the Article 18 joint report. Prosecutor Mohammad Reza Ebrahimi said in the indictment that those on trial had identified themselves as Christians in their defense. As the prosecutor wrote, "And this is supported by the messages exchanged in their phones," as well as through the "Gospels and other Christian literature found in their possession." The prosecutor argued that the individuals were guilty of a crime because they had set up groups to teach about Christianity. The outcome of the trial remained unreported at the end of 2024, according to the Article 18 joint report. The confiscation of Christian properties and the targeting of their finances is another trend highlighted by the watchdog groups. IRGC intelligence agents would question arrested Christians about whether they received any funding from abroad. "Each arrest was carried out by IRGC intelligence agents, who sought to charge them under a provision within the amended Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code, which calls for the maximum punishment of up to 10 years' imprisonment in cases where the individual has received 'financial or organisational help from outside the country,'" the report notes. "The Iranian government seems to have intensified its efforts to isolate and financially undermine the Christian community as part of a broader strategy to suppress its growth and influence," the report states. "Making financial donations, charitable offerings, or paying tithes to support church activities are standard practices for Christians worldwide, but such activities have been criminalised by Iran's Revolutionary Courts." Home News Judge dismisses case against Texas Children's Hospital whistleblower Dr. Eithan Haim A judge dismissed the case against the Texas doctor who was facing multiple felony charges after exposing the largest pediatric hospital in the U.S. for continuing transgender procedures on minors despite claiming otherwise. Dr. Eithan Haim, 34, was potentially facing a decade in prison and up to $250,000 in fines after leaking documents to journalist Christopher Rufo in 2023 from the Houston-based Texas Children's Hospital (TCH), where he completed his surgical residency. Haim revealed in a Friday X post that U.S. District Court Judge David Hittner had dismissed that case against him with prejudice. Jennifer Lowery, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, had earlier moved to dismiss the case in the wake of President Donald Trump issuing an executive order earlier this week demanding an end to the political weaponization of the federal government. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe WE DID IT!!!! WE WON!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/M1iT2PeutM Eithan Haim MD (@EithanHaim) January 24, 2025 The dismissal marks the end of a year-and-a-half-long legal battle that began after Haim leaked internal documents to journalist Christopher Rufo showing that Texas Children's Hospital was continuing to perform transgender procedures on minors, despite telling the public otherwise. Within 24 hours of Rufo's story breaking in May 2023, the Texas state Legislature passed SB-14, which rendered such procedures for minors illegal in the state effective Sept. 1 of that year. The case against Haim was dismissed two days after he issued a lengthy statement on X accusing the U.S. Department of Justice of defying Trump's recent executive order. It also broke hours after Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., personally entreated the Trump administration to halt Haim's prosecution. "I have spoken today with Trump DOJ leadership & strongly urged them to immediately stop the Biden Admins malicious prosecution of [Haim], the brave whistleblower who exposed illegal gender transition surgeries on minors in Texas. He should be thanked, not prosecuted," Hawley tweeted. Haim's wife, Andrea Haim, also posted on X in celebration of her family's legal victory. "When this case started a year and a half ago, Texas Children's Hospital was mutilating and sterilizing young children while hiding it from the public," she wrote. "Literally hundreds of people knew it was happening. Some even thought it was wrong, but were so morally weak that they performed the surgeries anyway." ????CASE AGAINST DR. EITHAN HAIM DISMISSED! When this case started a year and a half ago, Texas Children's Hospital was mutilating and sterilizing young children while hiding it from the public. Literally hundreds of people knew it was happening. Some even thought it was wrong, pic.twitter.com/rpDZXb0MP5 Andrea Haim (@AndreaCohenHaim) January 24, 2025 She said her husband "was the only person with the courage to stand up for what was right," adding, "For him, it wasn't even a decision. Kids were being harmed, and he had to stop it." Andrea posted a photo of Eithan and their newborn daughter, noting they were celebrating on the same porch where, in June 2023, two agents with Biden's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General showed up on the night of Eithan's residency graduation. "Today is for celebrating, tomorrow is for accountability," she added. During an interview last January with The Christian Post, Haim recounted the "terrifying" night that HHS agents under Biden inquired about "medical records" and informed him he was a "potential target" in an unspecified criminal investigation. Haim, who had not yet gone public, speculated that the federal agency had learned of his identity long before, but had waited to show up in a vindictive attempt to ruin one of the most important days of his life. "These people are corrupt," Haim told CP at the time. "And the only way to expose it is to not play into this Kabuki theater, like these people are practitioners of justice. Because if we were to collude with them, we would be sanctioning our own destruction." Haim's legal defense fund raised more than $1.2 million, though his legal fees remain considerable, according to two knowledgeable sources who spoke to CP. Home News Most Americans support limits on abortion, religious freedom for medical professionals: poll A new poll shows widespread support for limits on abortion as the issue takes center stage at Fridays annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. Marist College, in conjunction with the Catholic organization Knights of Columbus, released the results of a survey Thursday based on responses collected from 1,387 adults between Jan. 7-9. The poll, which sampled Americans opinions about abortion and religious freedom, had a margin of error of +/-3.2 percentage points. Its release comes one day before the March for Life, an annual demonstration in Washington, D.C. spearheaded by pro-life activists. Overall, a majority of Americans (62%) considered themselves pro-choice, while 36% described themselves as pro-life. The share of Americans characterizing themselves as pro-life was the lowest since June 2019, when 35% of respondents embraced the pro-life label. 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 Meanwhile, the percentage of respondents who identify as pro-choice was the highest recorded in the survey in the past 15 years. Broken down by partisan affiliation, most Democrats (86%) and independents (64%) considered themselves pro-choice, while a majority of Republicans (63%) characterized themselves as pro-life. However, just 27% of Americans agreed that abortion should be available to a woman any time she wants one during her pregnancy. Another 12% believed that abortion should be allowed only during the first six months of a pregnancy. Twenty-one percent of those surveyed expressed support for limiting abortion to the first three months of pregnancy, while 23% want to ban abortion except in cases where the baby was conceived as a result of rape or incest or to save the life of the mother. The remaining respondents either felt that abortion should be allowed only to save the life of the mother (9%) or that abortion should be banned entirely (7%). The survey noted that a combined total of 60% of those surveyed embraced some form of limits on abortion, referring to the latter four positions having the most restrictions. Support for limits on abortion was significantly higher among Republicans (80%) and independents (64%) than Democrats (40%). In response to a question explicitly asking about abortion limits, two-thirds of respondents (67%) thought restrictions should be placed on abortion, while 32% believed that abortion should be permitted without any limits. Most pro-life Americans (87%), Republicans (86%), independents (68%) and pro-choice Americans (55%) supported limits on abortion, while 50% of Democrats thought that no limits should be placed on abortion. The overwhelming majority of those surveyed (82%) agreed that it is possible to have laws which protect both the health and well-being of the mother and the life of the unborn, while 15% embraced the opposite position that it is necessary for laws to choose to protect one and not the other. Most Democrats (78%), pro-choice Americans (79%), independents (82%), Republicans (87%) and pro-life Americans (88%) held the former position. In response to a question asking if they thought laws restricting abortion should include exceptions for rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother at any time during pregnancy, 86% favored including exceptions to the law, while 12% said the opposite. Majorities of pro-life Americans (73%), Republicans (80%), independents (88%), Democrats (91%) and pro-choice Americans (94%) supported the exceptions. In addition to asking for respondents views about abortion, the poll pressed them for their thoughts on religious freedom. A majority of those surveyed (57%) either opposed or strongly opposed using taxpayer funding to pay for abortion, while 41% took the opposite view. Most Democrats (64%) and pro-choice Americans (57%) favored using taxpayer dollars to pay for abortions, while most pro-life Americans (84%), Republicans (83%) and independents (58%) opposed taxpayer funding of abortions. An even larger majority of Americans (73%) expressed opposition to using federal taxpayer dollars to pay for abortions in other countries. Opposition to taxpayer funding of abortions overseas extended across Democrats (55%), pro-choice Americans (63%), independents (78%), Republicans (88%) and pro-life Americans (88%). Sixty-two percent of those surveyed insisted that it should not be legally required for medical professionals opposed to abortions on religious grounds to perform them. Majorities of pro-life Americans (81%), Republicans (75%), independents (67%) and pro-choice Americans (51%) held this position. Democrats were the only group where a majority (51%) thought medical professionals should be legally required to perform abortions even if their deeply held religious beliefs prevent them from doing so in good conscience. When asked if they believed that women seeking access to abortion pills should have to make an in-person visit to a doctor, 63% of Americans answered in the affirmative, as did 81% of Republicans, 79% of pro-life Americans, 59% of independents and 54% of pro-choice Americans. Conversely, most Democrats (52%) did not think an in-person doctor visit was necessary for women seeking to purchase abortion pills. Five-in-six respondents (83%) indicated some level of support for pregnancy resource centers which are places that do not perform abortions but instead offer support to people during their pregnancy and after the baby is born. Support for pro-life pregnancy centers extended across all demographic subgroups, measured at 79% among Democrats, 80% among pro-choice voters, 83% among independents and 88% among both Republicans and pro-life Americans. In spite of Americans stated support for limits on abortion as reflected in the poll, voters in several states have approved ballot measures establishing a constitutional right to abortion with few or no restrictions. Voters in California, Michigan and Vermont approved such referendums in 2022, while a similar constitutional amendment passed in Ohio in 2023. In 2024, voters in seven states supported measures establishing rights to abortion in their respective constitutions either directly or indirectly: Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada and New York. Only in three states, Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota, did efforts to enshrine a right to abortion in the state constitution come up short. Home News Supreme Court to decide if Oklahoma can open nations first religious charter school The United States Supreme Court has decided to hear an appeal in a case centered on whether Oklahoma can approve the creation of the nations first religious charter school. In an orders list released Friday afternoon, the Supreme Court agreed to the combined cases of Oklahoma Charter School Board, et al. v. Drummond, Attorney General of Oklahoma and St. Isidore of Seville School v.Drummond, Attorney General of Oklahoma. Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Education Law Center, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation emailed a joint statement provided to The Christian Post, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm an Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling against the creation of the school. 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 Oklahoma taxpayers, including our plaintiffs, should not be forced to fund a religious public school that plans to discriminate against students and staff and indoctrinate students into one religion, they stated. Jim Campbell, chief legal counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, said in a statement emailed to CP that he and his organization hope to see the high court rule in favor of the Catholic charter school. The U.S. Constitution protects St. Isidores freedom to operate according to its faith and supports the boards decision to approve such learning options for Oklahoma families, said Campbell. Were pleased the U.S. Supreme Court will hear this case, which is of the utmost importance to families and children in Oklahoma and throughout the country. In June 2023, the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board voted 3-2 to greenlight the charter application for St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. The educational entity would be overseen by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa. However, progressive groups and Republican Attorney General Gentner Drummond objected to the approval of the school, with Drummond filing a complaint against the board in October 2023. Additionally, liberal advocacy groups filed suit, naming as defendants the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board, individual board members, the Oklahoma Department of Education, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters and Saint Isidore of Seville Virtual Charter School, Inc. In June of 2024, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled 7-1 against the charter school, with the majority opinion deciding that the approval of the school ran afoul of the state constitution. "The framers' intent is clear: the state is prohibited from using public money for the 'use, benefit or support of a sect or system of religion,'" read the opinion. "The St. Isidore Contract violates the plain terms of Article 2, Section 5 of the Oklahoma Constitution." "Enforcing the St. Isidore Contract would create a slippery slope and what the framers' warned against the destruction of Oklahomans' freedom to practice religion without fear of governmental intervention." Justice Dana Kuehn dissented, arguing that the approved religious charter school "would not become a 'state actor' merely by contracting with the state to provide a choice in educational opportunities." "By allowing St. Isidore to operate a virtual charter school, the state would not be establishing, aiding, or favoring any particular religious organization," wrote Kuehn. "Excluding private entities from contracting for functions, based solely on religious affiliation, would violate the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution." Although the charter school board unanimously voted to rescind the contract for St. Isidore per an order from the state Supreme Court last August, the board also filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court last October. Home News Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanks Jesus as 'Lord and Savior' in swearing-in ceremony Newly sworn-in Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded his swearing-in ceremony by publicly thanking Jesus Christ for his guidance and support. As the 53-year-old Florida Republican and former senator took the helm of U.S. diplomacy during a swearing-in ceremony at the State Department Tuesday, Rubio concluded his statements with a public confession of faith. I want to end by thanking Almighty God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, said Rubio. That is truly the singular purpose of our lives. Its the most important priority. Its the only thing that will matter when we take our last breath on this Earth. But this is an extraordinary opportunity that would not have been possible without Gods blessings. 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 his brief remarks, Rubio also emphasized his commitment to making the U.S. stronger, safer and more prosperous through its foreign policy: President Trump has made it very clear everything we do and this is true in government but especially at the Department of State everything we do must be justified by the answer to one of three questions: Does it make us stronger, does it make us safer, and does it make us more prosperous? If it doesnt do one of those three things, we will not do it. Baptized Roman Catholic as an infant, Rubio's mother attended Mormon services for a while in Nevada where he was baptized again at 8 years old. His days as a Mormon, however, were short lived: when he moved back to Miami at 13, he began attending Catholic services again. Rubio also attends Protestant Evangelical services at Christ Fellowship in Miami with his wife and former pro cheerleader Jeanette Christina Dousdebes Rubio. The former U.S. senator from Florida, who was confirmed with unanimous support from the Senate, is stepping into a role with decades of experience, both in the Senate and as a leading figure on foreign relations. Having spent the past 14 years as a key member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio is familiar with the intricacies of global diplomacy, particularly in areas including the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America, according to The Associated Press. He has long been a vocal advocate for NATO and a firm opponent of Russias influence, positioning himself as a hawk on global security issues. While Rubio has had a publicly volatile relationship with the president, he was one of a three prominent GOP figures who advocated for a softer approach to the issue of abortion in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election. In July, Rubio voiced support for removing the plan to pass a national abortion ban from the GOPs party platform. At the time, Rubio asserted that its up to voters to decide how they want to restrict abortion or whether they want to restrict it at all. Our platform has to reflect our nominee, and our nominees position happens to be one grounded in reality, Rubio said during an interview with CNNs Dana Bash. Rubio stated that the Supreme Court, in overturning Roe v. Wade, decided that abortion is a political issue, and now voters can decide via the people they voted for or voted against at the state level, and thats the reality. Home Opinion Bishop Budde's mercy remarks to Trump: Gross emotional manipulation As an adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I have a visceral response to emotional manipulation. My abuser was a grown man who made me feel like I hung the moon. He took me to fun places, bought me pretty things, gave me candy, and told me I was pretty and that he loved me very much. He nicknamed me Special Kay and walked me down to the corner store to buy me grape soda and nail polish. He was one of my favorite people because I was too young to recognize that his brand of love was abusive and that it was actually going to cost me way more than I would ever willingly agree to pay. By the time I was probably 5, I was carrying this massive burden the knowledge that it was my personal responsibility to make sure a grown man did not fall apart. 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 You limp away from a situation like that, even 30 years later, sadder but infinitely wiser about the dynamics of emotional manipulation and sabotage. And Ive got to tell you that watching Bishop Mariann Buddes sermon at the Inaugural Prayer Service this past Tuesday brought me right back to that headspace. I felt instant rage to a degree that may be hard to explain to those unfamiliar with my personal journey out of abuse. I guess in order to explain this, we would have to start by examining what the bishop actually said: The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde takes a swipe @realDonaldTrump at the @WNCathedral service, says trans kids and families now "fear for their lives." pic.twitter.com/yd9FRy8VSP Melissa Barnhart (@MelBarnhart) January 21, 2025 Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. Millions have put their trust in you. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives. Well whats so bad about that? you might ask. All she did was ask for mercy. Doesnt God love even marginalized people? Isnt He merciful? Doesnt He want us to love them, too? One need only spend a few minutes familiarizing herself with the entire body of Bishop Buddes work to realize that what she was really asking for is not mercy but capitulation. She wasnt asking him to use softer words. She was asking him to pump the brakes on necessary policy changes that would protect the greater good. Jesus loves people. He loves you. He loves me. He loves illegal immigrants. He loves kids who are confused about their gender. His heart is merciful toward us. But loving every person does not mean He loves every idea or every action. Mercy doesnt look like capitulating to ideologies that lead to harm. Mercy looks like intervening to stop the harm from happening, and its precisely that intervention that Bishop Budde was standing staunchly against in her speech. She framed the whole thing as love, of course, but the brand of love she was peddling wasnt love at all, and thats why it vexes me. You should be able to step foot in a Christian church and find that the leaders are pointing you toward Jesus and the truth that can save. Jesus says, Come as you are, not Stay as you are. Faithful Christian leaders lovingly encourage their congregants to surrender their sins to Jesus and allow Him to transform them from the inside out. To be a Christian is to be willing to change. It means your identity is in Him, not your sexual preferences or rebellion against the material reality of your sex. But false leaders like Bishop Budde encounter this necessary shepherding and shout, Have mercy! Dont tell people they need to change! Thats hateful. And in so doing, they circumvent the very repentance that could bring the healing we all claim to desire. Buddes speech perpetuated both the myth of the transgender child and the histrionic belief that children will die if we dont indulge their delusion about their bodies. Theres no such thing as a transgender child. Mercy and compassion for kids who are confused about their sex looks like lovingly helping them make peace with the immutable nature of it. It does NOT look like forcing the rest of society to play make-believe with the cult ideology thats harming them. The price tag here is just too high. Kids are not dying because we refuse to tell them lies about their bodies. The suggestion is preposterous and harmful. In defense of her remarks, she appealed to the misguided belief that trans-identified people are powerless, when, in fact, the opposite is true. The trans lobby is not powerless. Until very recently, theyve had ALL the institutional power. All of it. Theyve had a death grip on the entirety of mainstream media, big tech, big pharma, the medical industrial complex, academia, Hollywood elite, and, increasingly, of the now largely apostate church. They have not been powerless. Women have been powerless to stop them. How do you think female inmates raped by men in their prison cells feel when people who claim to be abuse survivor advocates defend their rapists in the name of God? What does mercy look like to a physically castrated young man like Ritchie Herron who will never be a father because people like Bishop Budde encouraged the cult belief that they could be born in the wrong body? What does mercy look like to grieving parents whose children have committed suicide after the medical intervention experts promised what would make them happy failed to deliver? Im focused heavily on the trans element of Budde's speech for obvious reasons: its been my soapbox for the past 10 years. Im so inundated with the stories of harm perpetrated by the gender cult that it keeps me up at night. But the same logic could be applied to Buddes opposition to Trumps border patrol policies. What would mercy have looked like for Laken Rileys family? Its not unloving to restore law and order where abuse and chaos have been running rampant. Imagine someone comes up to you and demands that you remove all the locks from your house. There are people who need your help, they shout. Let them live in your house and eat your food. Let them use your credit card to buy their clothes and pay their bills. So you ask questions: Well, how many people are we talking about? Who are they? What are their names? Have we conducted criminal history screenings on any of them? Youre willing to help but youve got your own kids to feed, your own bills to pay, and the money has to come from somewhere. Your assistance must be reasoned and measured. You dont want to accidentally put a convicted rapist in the same room as your daughter so you ask for some reasonable boundaries and protective measures. Hateful self-centered white supremacist bigot! they cry in response. I thought you were supposed to be a Christian. And here, folks, we have a pretty accurate representation of the national conversation around border security. And I get it. I have a VERY hard time with the callous and sometimes dehumanizing way these issues are often discussed on the right. Its a problem. Theres legitimate hatred in our camp. Theres actual racism. Theres cruelty to people who are different. It needs to be confronted, not ignored. I would be inclined to agree with Budde on this point. But suggesting that President Donald Trump is somehow in need of a lecture about mercy for policy positions like only women give birth and you need to enter the country legally is emotional manipulation. Im not having it. I am so weary of watching ideas that lead to harm be framed as compassion. Its a grand reversal of reality a form of DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender). Its even more insidious and hard to stomach when its coming from the pulpit from people who claim to represent God. People on the Right (including the chauvinistic theobros who employ it as Exhibit A in their campaign against female preachers) have been warning about the harms of toxic empathy for years now. I hate to say it but they arent entirely wrong. Its gotten out of hand. Its not a new problem buy its just been repackaged and rebranded in recent history. Perhaps Flannery OConnor said it best in her essay Mystery and Manners: Occasional Prose: If other ages felt less, they saw more, even though they saw with the blind, prophetical, unsentimental eye of acceptance, which is to say, of faith. In the absence of this faith now, we govern by tenderness. It is a tenderness which, long cut off from the person of Christ, is wrapped in theory. When tenderness is detached from the source of tenderness, its logical outcome is terror. It ends in forced-labor camps and in the fumes of the gas chamber. If we desire mercy, we must hold unflinchingly to truth, even when its uncomfortable. Home News Franklin Graham says abortion is not a 'priority' for Trump: 'You have to look at the whole thing' Evangelist Franklin Graham predicts that the abortion issue will not necessarily be a significant "priority" for President Donald Trump in his second administration but hopes the president would fulfill his promise to bring the U.S. into a "golden age." The 72-year-old son of the late Billy Graham and CEO of the Evangelical aid group Samaritan's Purse surmised that Trump feels as if he has done all that he can to address abortion at the national level by appointing the U.S. Supreme Court justices that ultimately voted to overturn Roe v. Wade. The court's June 2022 ruling decentralized the issue and restored regulatory authority over abortion to the states. 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 "We've had lots of presidents who promised to overturn Roe v. Wade, and he's the only one to do it," Graham, who was selected to lead a prayer during the inauguration ceremony Monday, told The Christian Post in a post-inauguration interview. "[Trump] promised he would do that, and he did it." On Monday, CP spoke with multiple individuals on Inauguration Day about their hopes for a second Trump presidency, with several saying they want the administration to continue working to outlaw abortion. Trump's remarks during the 2024 presidential election, especially related to his opposition to Republicans pushing for a federal abortion ban, prompted criticism from various pro-life leaders, who urged the Republican leader to defend the rights of pre-born children. Graham does not believe that Trump's views on abortion have changed completely as Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to directly address the annual March for Life during his first administration. His Vice President, J.D. Vance, is slated to speak at the 2025 March for Life on Friday. "I don't think [abortion] is going to be his priority during this administration," the Samaritan's Purse CEO said. "I think he's going to focus on other issues." Graham, who also heads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and took part in events with White House officials during the first Trump presidency, believes Trump's victory was due to American voters rejecting the policies promoted by the Democratic Party, which he argued lead to higher taxes and a crippled economy. "No one is going to be totally happy with everything [Trump] does," Graham said. "But I think you have to look at the whole thing. Is our country going to move forward? Is it going to move backward? Are we going to be stronger? Is our economy going to be stronger?" Graham delivered an invocation during Trump's inauguration ceremony, asking God to grant the president wisdom and strength during his second, non-consecutive term. At the beginning of his speech, the evangelist acknowledged the challenges the Republican leader faced before his inauguration when he was the target of two assassination attempts. "Mr. President, the last four years, there are times I'm sure you thought it was pretty dark, but look what God has done. We praise Him and give Him glory," Graham said. "We pray for President Trump, that you'll watch over, protect, guide, direct him, give him your wisdom from your throne on high," he added. "We ask that You would bless him and that our nation would be blessed through him." The Evangelical leader also prayed for Vice President Vance, his wife, Usha, and their family, asking God to help him serve as a supportive partner to Trump. In addition, Graham prayed for first lady Melania Trump, praising her as a symbol of inspiration both to the nation and the world. "The prophet Samuel reminded the people it was You that brought them up from the land of Egypt. And he said, 'Now stand still that I may reason with You before the Lord,'" Graham said. "We take this moment to stand still, to remember the great things that you have done for this nation," he prayed. "Thank you for the protection, the bounty, the freedoms that we so enjoy; we remember to keep our eyes fixed on you, and may our hearts be inclined to your voice. We know that America can never be great again if we turn our backs on you. We ask for your help." Graham concluded his prayer with an invocation of Jesus Christ as the "King of kings, the Lord of lords." Home News Montana Dems introduce bill to compel priests to report confessions involving abuse If passed, law could lead to innocent priests' in jail, priest warns A group of Democratic lawmakers in Montana have introduced a bill that would require Catholic priests to disclose confessions related to serious crimes, challenging the churchs long-standing tradition of maintaining the confidentiality of the confessional. Senate Bill 139, titled Eliminate clergy exemption in mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect, spearheaded by Democratic Sens. Mary Dunwell and Sara Novak, seeks to compel priests to report to authorities if a churchgoer admits to criminal activity, particularly cases of abuse. Under Montana state law, professionals such as doctors, teachers and law enforcement officials are required to report suspicions of child abuse or neglect to authorities. The proposed legislation would expand this mandate to include clergy, specifically targeting confessions that involve admissions of criminal behavior, with a focus on abuse cases. 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 SB 139 would eliminate the exemption that states a member of the clergy or a priest is not required to make a report under this section if the communication is required to be confidential by canon law, church doctrine, or established church practice. Other groups, like those whose occupation is identified as "religious healer," would also be included. If passed, the bill would impose criminal penalties on clergy who fail to report such confessions, including potential imprisonment. The proposed law has sparked significant controversy due to its conflict with the Catholic Churchs Canon Law, which explicitly prohibits priests from disclosing anything learned during confession, regardless of the nature of the information. Fr. Matthew P. Schneider, a Catholic priest and blogger, said this doctrine is rooted in the belief that the priest acts in the person of Christ during the sacrament and remains central to Catholic teaching. Canon Law gives us the minimum standard: 'The sacramental seal is inviolable; therefore it is absolutely forbidden for a confessor to betray in any way a penitent in words or in any manner and for any reason, Schneider wrote on Monday. He quoted a Catholic apologetics site that reads: While the priest is the minister of the sacrament, Christ is forgiving the sins, and the priest must not reveal to anyone else what has been really confessed to the Lord. Schnieder predicted two possible outcomes if SB 139 is passed. First, innocent priests are put in jail, he said. Second, it is overturned by the Supreme Court or a U.S. Circuit Court. The civil authorities wont be extracting information out of this power move over the [Catholic] Church." He also said that in the unlikely event the law does pass, it could lead to imprisoned, and possibly martyred priests. Clergy members are already mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect in Montana, according to Catholic News Agency, which noted that Montana law already states that a member of the clergy or priest may not, without the consent of the person making the confession, be examined as to any confession made to the individual. Last March, lawmakers killed a similar proposed bill in Washington state. Senate Bill 6298, which previously passed the Democrat-controlled Washington state Senate in a vote of 44-5, was defeated in the Washington House Committee on Human Services, Youth & Early Learning in February. Home News United Arab Emirates ready to manage Gaza Strip after war, rebuild it without radical Islam: report The United Arab Emirates and Israel agreed that the Gulf emirate would take over the management of the Gaza Strip after the war, according to a report by Israel Hayom. The question of who will govern and rebuild the devastated enclave has once again received much attention in the wake of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. On Wednesday, Israels Prime Ministers Office denied reports that Israel had agreed for the Palestinian Authority (PA) to run the Rafah border crossing. 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 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently opposed calls to return the control of Gaza to the PA, while Israeli and U.S. officials repeatedly floated the idea of regional powers, particularly the UAE, to take over temporary control. According to the Israel Hayom report on Thursday, the UAE has agreed in principle to govern the area but insists it would only do so following an invitation by the Palestinians, and not following an Israeli initiative. This is notably similar to what Israels Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer said on the Knesset stage on Wednesday when he stressed that any initiative for the governance of Gaza seen as coming on behalf of Israel would be dead on arrival. He added that Israel is working on it and I am a partner in this work regarding the day after in Gaza. Because this is an Israeli plan, we need to harness both the United States and the forces in the region, and I am very optimistic that it will be possible to reach management in Gaza 'the day after' exactly according to the framework established by the prime minister. We will talk less and do more, Dermer said. In addition to providing governance, and probably security, the UAE is reportedly willing to rebuild Gazan society in such a way that it wont pose a threat to Israel again. The Emirates is seen as a regional leader in the fight against radical Islam and Jihadism, and has, in recent years, overhauled its own education system to remove Islamist, anti-Israel and antisemitic content. This could provide a model for the reeducation of Gazan society. The UAE is already deeply involved in the Gaza Strip, operating hospitals and a desalination plant there. Media reports also suggested that the Emirates have already shown a willingness to take part in an Arab security force in Gaza, together with partners like Egypt. While it principally advocates the establishment of a Palestinian state, the UAE has repeatedly and publicly excoriated the Palestinian Authority for its corruption and demanded it should be reformed. Also on Thursday, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi said that Hamas as an idea would have to be countered with an alternative idea among Gazan society. This idea, al-Safadi told Sky News Arabic, should be a peace that would guarantee both the rights of the Palestinians as well as the security of Israel. Al-Safadi added that this should be achieved through a political process and said security could only be created when a Palestinian government controlled Judea, Samaria and Gaza with a full monopoly of force, meaning the dismantling of all terror groups. This article was originally published by All Israel News. (Photo: Getty/iStock) Iran is cracking down on Christians with harsher prison sentences, Christian groups have warned. It reveals that the length of prison sentences increased sixfold in 2024 compared to 2023, with 96 Christians being sentenced to a total of 263 years. This contrasts with 2023, when 22 Christians were sentenced to just over 43 years in prison. The warning comes in a new report by human rights group Article 18 in collaboration with Open Doors, CSW and Middle East Concern. "Each arrest was carried out by IRGC intelligence agents, who sought to charge them under a provision within the amended Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code, which calls for the maximum punishment of up to 10 years' imprisonment in cases where the individual has received 'financial or organisational help from outside the country'," notes the report, titled 'The Tip of the Iceberg'. It also draws on data from a leaked tranche of over 3 million case files from the Iranian judiciary from between 2008 and 2023, including files relating to over 300 Christians. The Christian organisations say that analysis of the files points to increasing efforts to suppress Christians. They found that Iran treats the Bible as contraband and evidence of a crime, and vilifies Christians as members of a "sect" who are a threat to national security, leading to charges for ordinary religious activities. The analysis further reveals how Christians are being criminalised for their faith and that those who are interrogated by the authorities are often pressured to recant their faith. Last year, several Christians received lengthy sentences linked to the practice of their faith, including five Christians who were handed 10-year prison terms and another who was sentenced to 15 years. The report says, "The Iranian government seems to have intensified its efforts to isolate and financially undermine the Christian community as part of a broader strategy to suppress its growth and influence. "Making financial donations, charitable offerings, or paying tithes to support church activities are standard practices for Christians worldwide, but such activities have been criminalised by Iran's Revolutionary Courts." A section of the border wall between San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico. (Photo: Getty/iStock) Authorities in the US have been given the green light by the Trump administration to arrest undocumented migrants at schools, churches and hospitals. It has been over a decade since Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) and Customs and Border Protection have been allowed to make arrests in so-called "sensitive areas". The policy change was announced on Tuesday by the US Department of Homeland Security. "Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America's schools and churches to avoid arrest," the statement said. "The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense." Trump has made it a priority during his administration to crackdown on immigration and has signed an executive order declaring a "national emergency" at the southern border. He has stated his intention to commence mass deportations, stoking fear in immigrant communities, many of whom have strong links to churches that offer sanctuary and vital services. The Rev WJ Mark Knutson, of Augustana Lutheran Church, which has helped undocument migrants in the past, said he plans to resist the crackdown. "Theologically, we'll stand our ground against the government an unjust law is no law at all," Knutson told The Associated Press. "These are sacred spaces." Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the US Catholic bishops' conference, expressed concern about the immigration crackdown. "Some provisions contained in the Executive Orders, such as those focused on the treatment of immigrants and refugees, foreign aid, expansion of the death penalty, and the environment, are deeply troubling and will have negative consequences, many of which will harm the most vulnerable among us," he said. (Photo: Hillsong) Australian megachurch Hillsong is facing fresh scrutiny after a ruling by the country's charity watchdog, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), found a number of financial irregularities at its college. Just before Christmas, ACNC published a list of enforceable undertakings for the college, and indicated that the body was considering entering into similar agreements for other Hillsong Church charities. The investigation by the ACNC found issues with several aspects of operations at the college, including reporting obligations, compliance with financial and operational record-keeping, governance standards, and its compliance with the ACNC's External Conduct Standard. The External Conduct Standard covers the way a charity manages its overseas activities, including the requirements for controlling overseas finances and other resources and ensuring compliance with Australian laws. The church first came under scrutiny from the ACNC in 2023, when Independent MP Andrew Wilkie tabled internal Hillsong documents in the Australian Parliament which he claimed had been supplied to him by a church whistleblower, alleging that the church had broken "numerous laws" in Australia and around the world, and had engaged in "fraud, money laundering and tax evasion". Speaking under parliamentary privilege, Mr Wilkie raised a number of allegations, including that Hillsong founder and former leader Brian Houston had treated private jets "like Ubers", spending tens of thousands of dollars in church money per flight, and that members of the Houston family "and their friends" had used $150,000 of church money on a luxury retreat in Cancun, Mexico, while Australia was in the grip of a strict Covid-19 lockdown. Hillsong Church denied these allegations at the time, saying in a statement that they "are in many respects wrong". Hillsong College, which boasts more than 14,000 alumni from over 60 nations, is one of the church's flagship programmes. The church responded to the findings from the ACNC in a statement acknowledging it has been "cooperating with" the regulator. "As part of those inquiries, and to demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement in governance, Hillsong Church and its ministries have agreed to resolve the inquiries of the ACNC by entering into compliance agreements, and for Hillsong College by providing an undertaking," the statement says. The church also claimed that "the matters are resolved without findings of a contravention or any noncompliance with the act". As part of the enforceable undertaking, which is a voluntary agreement entered into by a charity under investigation, Hillsong College committed to improving its record-keeping and disclosure of conflicts of interest, and will also be required to meet standards governing charities regarding their international activities and financial statements. Failure to adhere to the terms of the voluntary agreement could see the ACNC seek a court order enforcing the terms, or lead to criminal charges being laid. Wilkie criticised the ACNC's decision, labelling it as "pathetic". "The commission is effectively saying it will forget about the extraordinary alleged wrongdoing in Hillsong so long as the church promises to be good from now on," he told The Daily Telegraph. Hillsong was once one of Australia's most successful Christian exports, boasting Hollywood celebrities and politicians among its members. However, its international image was dented by a scandal involving Hillsong East Coast and New York City pastor, Carl Lentz, who was known for his magnetic leadership and celebrity connections. He was fired by the church in 2020 for what they called "leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures". However, the church has been rocked by numerous other scandals over the past few years. Brian Houston was forced to step down as leader of the church after allegations of inappropriate behaviour toward two women, as well as substance abuse. A recent television expose broadcast in Australia contained a number of other accusations, including claims by former members of sexual, emotional, and spiritual abuse they allegedly suffered while attending the church or participating in other programmes it runs. The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speaks to "The View" co-host Joy Behar on Jan. 22, 2025. (Photo: ABC) Dear Bishop Budde, That was some sermon you preached this week! Philip Pullman, the noted atheist author, loved it and suggested you should be the next Archbishop of Canterbury. Alastair Campbell, he of 'we don't do God' fame, declared that you should be made person of the year. He cited you as a prime example of someone 'speaking truth to power'. Does it not make you feel a little uncomfortable that those who don't believe in God think that your sermon was the best thing since the Communist Manifesto? As a fellow preacher I thought your delivery was perfect. Clear, well enunciated and with the right tone like an angel of light. I loved the theme of unity and indeed much of how you expanded that in the 15 minutes you had. But perhaps you will allow me, a poor Presbyterian minister who doesn't have the kind of pulpit to the powerful that you have, to also speak truth to your power? You are in a powerful position. You belong to what has long been one of the most elitist denominations in the USA the ultimate WASP church. You are a bishop in a prestigious cathedral, and you get to preach to presidents. (You preach to presidents about the poor, I preach to the poor about presidents). I would hope that both of us would preach Christ, and not our own politics after all that is what we are paid to do. I found it more than a little ironic that for 12 minutes and 30 seconds you spoke about unity and then, turning to the newly installed President, you addressed him in such partisan and political terms, that you contradicted and negated what went before. Perhaps there is a role for such political comment (some might call it prophetic) but I suspect not at a service which is supposed to be about national unity, and at the end of a sermon which warned us about doing precisely that. I think you knew what you were doing. Every word of your sermon was carefully crafted. It is more than a little disingenuous to make a plea for unity and then issue what amounted to a personal political attack on the President. The result was - as you must have seen on X and in the rest of the media that you again polarised the country you said you were seeking to unify. As you stated, "there isn't much to be said for our prayers (or sermons may I add) if we act in ways which deepen the divisions amongst us". However, I agreed completely with your comments about the culture of contempt which seeks to demonise and threatens to destroy us - what is known as the outrage industrial complex. I assume you will also apply this to those who demonise people like President Trump and that you will demand that people do not use your sermon to further stir up hatred and division? In that regard it was less than helpful to scold the President about LGBT children who you said were scared some for their lives. Even if this were true (and what is your evidence for this somewhat scary statement?), it is not your job to feed such false fears. Because false they are. President Trump has nowhere threatened the lives of LGBT children (incidentally as a bishop are you not more than a little concerned about the labelling of children in this way?). For you to imply that these fears were legitimate was either dishonest or ignorant. Stoking fear to make a political or even a theological point is something that no preacher should do. We should speak the truth in love. As you stated in your sermon, honesty is foundational to unity. At this point you were less than honest. Practice what you preach! The same can be said about your remarks on immigration. The situation is not as simplistic as you put it. Although it has to be admitted that simple political (progressive) fundamentalism does allow you to engage in fine sentimental rhetoric, immigration is a much more complex issue than your 1-minute soundbite portrayed. Donald Trump and JD Vance both married immigrants it is clear that they are not opposed to all immigration. The question is what should be done about illegal immigration? If you have any ideas, then engage constructively don't virtue signal from a pulpit 12 feet above contradiction. You will forgive me saying this but there was also an inherent contradiction in your statement about the dignity of every human being. Your denomination doesn't believe that. The Episcopal Church in the USA supports abortion on demand up to birth. That is an astonishingly evil and anti-Christ position to take. You cannot possibly take the high moral ground on humanity when you teach such anti-human doctrines. Your plea for mercy when you support such cruel policies is, to say the least, somewhat hypocritical. What about mercy for the most vulnerable human beings those still in their mothers' wombs? I loved what you had to say about humility: "We are most dangerous when we are persuaded without a doubt that we are absolutely right and someone else is absolutely wrong. We are just a few steps from labelling ourselves the good people and others the bad people." Amen and amen. But then you taught your political doctrines as though they were self-evidently right and anyone who disagreed with them must be absolutely wrong. You think that men can become women, that mothers have the right to kill their babies, and that those who want a more limited immigration are evil. You certainly gave those who agree with you a loud and clear dog whistle. The trouble is that not only are you absolute in your political dogmas, but you preached them from a pulpit, by implication, stating that these were not just your opinions but God's! It's hard to be more absolutist than that! Perhaps the one thing that bothered me most about your sermon was how little of Christ and his Word it contained. He was kind of a bit player an illustration who supported your political ideology. But he was certainly not the centre. Even when you quoted him, you misinformed. For example, you stated that Jesus said unity was the solid rock on which to build the nation. He said nothing of the sort. He did say that He is the rock. I would be really encouraged to hear you say that the nation of the US should be built on the rock that is Jesus but would you say that? To your Muslim, Hindu and atheist friends? It's what should be said by a Christian minister, but I suspect it is not your position. Finally let me end on a note of agreement (kind of). Your prayer at the end: "May God give us the strength and courage to honour the dignity of every human being, to speak the truth to one another in love and walk humbly with each other and our God for the good of all people in this nation and the world." We do need to honour the dignity of every human being including the child in the womb. We do need to speak the truth God's truth as given to us in his word. If we are to seek the good of all the people in the world, then we must make sure that we proclaim the Good News of the Gospel, not the politics of this world. We won't get the plaudits from the world if we do so, but we will get the commendation of Christ "well done, good and faithful servant". And in proclaiming His word we will do some good and bring that true unity the unity of Christ rather than the false unity of a partisan political ideology. Preach that, sister! Yours, David Robertson, Minister in Scots Kirk, Newcastle, Australia (Photo: Getty/iStock) Millions of people read the New Testament printed with the words of Jesus in red. Most people do not realise that this is a fairly modern evangelical tradition. This is the story ... Louis Klopsch The idea was developed by a man called Louis Klopsch (1852-1910) who was born in Prussia on March 7, 1852. After his mother died in 1853, his father Dr Osmar Klopsch took the family to the US in 1854 and he was brought up in New York. Louis left school and worked in journalism rising through the ranks. The Christian Herald In 1874, a British weekly newspaper called "The Christian Herald and Signs of Our Times" was founded by Anglican clergyman Rev Michael Paget Baxter (1834-1910). He was popularly known as "Prophet Baxter" because of his frequent end-time predictions, and in the 1870s he supported Dwight Moody and Ira Sankey when they were in Britain. The Christian Herald was based at 1 Bakehouse Court, St Paul's Chain, London. In 1878, an American edition called The New York Christian Herald was started by Joseph Spurgeon, a cousin of the famous preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon, based at 63 Bible House, New York. In 1898 Louis Klopsch became the editor, and in 1899 ended up buying it to become its proprietor. In 1901 the New York Christian Herald was renamed The Christian Herald by which time it had grown to have a large cross-denominational readership peaking at nearly a quarter of a million. Klopsch became a good friend to prominent evangelical leaders at the time like Thomas De Witt Talmage, Dwight Moody and Ira Sankey. The Herald alerted readers to crises around the world and rallied Christian support for relief, raising huge sums for famines in Russia (1892), India (1897), Cuba (1898), Sweden and Finland (1903), and Japan (1906), as well as an earthquake in Italy in 1908. In 1904, Klopsch received the Kaisar-i-Hind Medal First Class for services in India from King Edward VII, and in 1907 he received the Order of the Rising Sun from the Emperor of Japan. The Inspiration On June 19, 1899, Klopsch was working on an editorial when he read Luke 22:20 in the King James Version where Jesus said: "This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you." This gave him the idea of printing the very words of Jesus in the colour of blood i.e. red. Rubrication The process of colouring some words in red, known as rubrication, was not in itself new. Klopsch may have been aware that rubrication had been common in medieval manuscript to emphasise certain passages, and was used to mark liturgical directions in Orthodox texts, but it was not the practice in printed Protestant Bibles. The 'rubrication' term comes from the Latin word 'rubricare' meaning to colour red, related to the word ruby. At the time pretty much the only Bible translation in normal use was the Authorized or King James Version. This Bible dated back to a time before quotation marks were used as punctuation. Thus, in the KJV it was not obvious what was speech and what was not speech. Modern Bible versions now insert speech marks, but these did not exist in the King James Version, and so using red letters served a helpful purpose at the time. First Red Letter Bible Consulting various Bible scholars, Klopsch decided which parts to colour red. In 1899 the Christian Herald printed the first red letter New Testament, with a print run of 60,000. It was entitled "The New Testament . . . With All the Words Recorded Therein, as Having Been Spoken by Our Lord, Printed in Color". This proved very popular so in 1901, The Christian Herald printed the first red letter Bible entitled "The Holy Bible: Red Letter Edition". In the 1901 Bible, Klopsch wrote: "The Red Letter Bible has been prepared and issued in the full conviction that it will meet the needs of the student, the worker, and the searchers after truth everywhere." In the history of the Bible, this makes it a relatively modern innovation, and now it has become an evangelical tradition. Red Sections Some red letter Bible editions only include the words of Jesus in the four Gospels, but others also colour sections in red in Acts and the epistles. For example some editions colour parts of Acts red where Jesus is quoted talking to St Peter in Acts 10:13 and Acts 11:7 and 9, to St Paul in Acts 10:15 and Acts 18:9-10, and where Jesus is quoted in Acts 11:16. Some editions also colour red where Jesus is quoted at the Last Supper in 1 Corinthian 11:24-15 and where Jesus is quoted in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Some Bibles colour verses red in Revelation where John is spoken to in his vision e.g. Revelation 1:8, 11, 17-20 and whole of Revelation chapters 2 and 3, Revelation 4:1, Revelation 16:15 and Revelation 22:12-13, 16 and 20. Problems However there are a number of problems with red letter Bibles. One issue is that it implies to the reader that we know exactly where speech started and finished. In most cases it is clear, but sometimes it is not. There was no punctuation or speech marks in the original Greek. Where to start and stop the red letters is the decision of the editor. As a result, not all red letter editions are the same, and different editions colour different sections in red. For example in the third chapter of John, scholars disagree as to whether Jesus ends his message at verse 15 or at verse 21. The use of red letters can give the idea that the red text is more important than the black text which it sits in. For some people this is like a canon within the canon. The danger is that red letter editions of the Bible serve to create the idea that one part of the New Testament is more important than others. It can give the idea that the words of Jesus in red are the primary text and the rest in black is secondary. The colour of the text isn't meant to elevate one section over another, although it may have that effect in some people's minds. From a practical point of view adding red ink makes the Bible more expensive to produce. Advantages For some people the idea of red letters for the words of Jesus is that it seems to honour Christ. The real advantages of red letter Bibles is in old versions like the King James Version which did not include speech marks, and so the red letters are helpful to quickly and easily identify the words of Jesus. For many people it helps them to study by highlighting the words of Jesus. On a practical level, looking at pages of black text is daunting. Modern Bibles break up the text into paragraphs and add sub-headings to make it easier to read and navigate. Adding colour can also break up the page and make it visually more attractive and interesting. Death By the time that Louis Klopsch died in New York 1910, aged 57, his idea had already been copied. He has no large memorial, just a granite stone with a small plaque. His greatest memorial is that today many Bible publishers produce red letter editions. Donald Trump with an executive order pardoning pro-life activists. (CP) President Donald Trump has signed an official pardon for about two dozen pro-life activists who the Biden administration prosecuted for unlawfully protesting at abortion clinics. Trump signed the order on Thursday, the eve of the 2025 March for Life, granting pardons to the activists who had been given sentences including prison time for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. "Twenty-three people that were prosecuted," Trump commented as he signed the official pardon. "They should not have been prosecuted. Many of them are elderly people. They should not have been prosecuted. This is a great honor to sign this." Pro-life advocacy groups cheered Trump's decision to pardon the pro-life activists. "We thank President Trump for immediately delivering on his promise to free pro-life protesters who [were] targeted and imprisoned by [President Joe] Biden's Department of Justice. Pro-life moms, grandmothers and even Eva Edl, a Communist prison camp survivor, were thrown in jail for peacefully protesting abortion," said Susan B Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser in a statement Thursday. "As if that were not enough, aggressive sentences were handed down, like five years for Lauren Handy who sought to expose evidence of late-term and potentially illegal abortions in the nation's capital," she added. In a statement to The Christian Post, CatholicVote's Catholic Accountability Project Director Tommy Valentine declared, "President Trump's pardon today of pro-life activists unjustly imprisoned under President Biden is a great credit to his legacy." Days before Trump was inaugurated, lawyers with the Thomas More Society sent a letter to Trump urging him to pardon 21 pro-life activists facing federal charges under the Biden administration. Those activists are Joan Bell, Coleman Boyd, Joel Curry, Jonathan Darnel, Eva Edl, Chester Gallagher, William Goodman, Dennis Green, Lauren Handy, Paulette Harlow, John Hinshaw, Heather Idoni, Jean Marshall, Fr. Fidelis Moscinski, Justin Phillips, Paul Place, Paul Vaughn, Bevelyn Beatty Williams, Calvin Zastrow, Eva Zastrow and James Zastrow. "Today, freedom rings in our great nation," Thomas More Society Senior Counsel Steve Crampton remarked. "The heroic peaceful pro-lifers unjustly imprisoned by Biden's Justice Department will now be freed and able to return home to their families, eat a family meal, and enjoy the freedom that should have never been taken from them in the first place. "These heroic peaceful pro-lifers were treated shamefully by Biden's DOJ, with many of them branded felons and losing many rights that we take for granted as American citizens. Today, their precious freedom is restored. What happened to them can never be erased, but today's pardons are a huge step towards restoring justice. Thank you to President Trump and his team for righting these grievous wrongs of the previous administration." Thomas More Society Senior Vice President and Head of Litigation Peter Breen offered similar analysis in a statement reacting to the development. "Today is a new day for the pardoned pro-life advocates who have suffered FBI raids, federal prosecutions, and severe punishment for peacefully and courageously witnessing for life," Breen said. "We thank President Trump for keeping his promise to these pro-life mothers, fathers, grandparents, pastors, and priests." Troy Miller, president of National Religious Broadcasters, issued a statement praising Trump's "pardon of 23 Americans unjustly thrown behind bars for peacefully protesting outside abortion clinics, and thank him for his swift action on this critical matter." He also called for "the repeal of the flawed FACE Act to end the weaponization and abuse of this law against Christians once and for all". The FACE Act, the law used to prosecute the activists, was signed by President Bill Clinton in 1994 in response to a wave of violence against abortion clinics. The measure bans any threats of violence or other threats that are made with the intention of interfering with the work of reproductive health care providers, be it abortion or other services. "We simply cannot we must not continue to allow the attacks, the incidents of arson, the campaigns of intimidation upon law-abiding citizens that has given rise to this law," stated Clinton in 1994. "No person seeking medical care, no physician providing that care should have to endure harassments or threats or obstruction or intimidation or even murder from vigilantes who take the law into their own hands because they think they know what the law ought to be." Pro-choice groups like the National Abortion Federation argue that the legislation not only protects abortion clinics but still allows pro-life activists to peacefully demonstrate at facilities. "FACE protects protesters' First Amendment right to free speech," claimed NAF in a position paper. "Clinic protesters remain free to conduct peaceful protest, including singing hymns, praying, carrying signs, walking picket lines and distributing anti-abortion materials outside of clinics." Many, especially conservative politicians and pro-life groups, have argued that the legislation has been abused to target anti-abortion advocates who are peacefully demonstrating at clinics. The Christian Post We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Alta Plaza Park and other parks in San Francisco will get new benches thanks to a large bequest from city resident Ben Bobo. Sam Whiting/The Chronicle Regarding Longtime S.F. resident makes surprise bequest: $3.6 million for park benches (San Francisco, SFChronicle.com, Jan. 16): Great story and a great man for helping out the parks of San Francisco. Then I read that the Recreation and Park Department says it will cost $700,000 for 81 new benches. Although this is not as embarrassing as the worlds most expensive garbage cans or the original $1.7 million price for a Noe Valley public bathroom, it is still a staggering amount for 81 new benches. It works out to $8,641 per bench. Are these benches going to be made out of exotic wood with stainless steel sides? Are the name plates for donor Ben Bobo going to be etched with gold lace? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its exuberant spending on material things. Yes, it is a donation, but $8,641 per bench. Really? Mayor Daniel Lurie, I hope you are a little disturbed to hear these costs. Scott MacQuarrie, Seattle Budget nominee unfit America deserves leaders who prioritize the public good, not those pushing extreme agendas that undermine democracy and harm everyday Americans. The Senate must reject Russ Voughts nomination as director of the Office of Management and Budget. As the offices director in President Donald Trumps first term, Voughts track record speaks volumes. He championed budgets proposing enormous cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security programs millions of Americans need. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Vought advocated for reckless brinkmanship around the debt ceiling, risking economic chaos, and his role in crafting Project 2025 reveals a disturbing plan to consolidate executive power and politicize federal institutions. Vought also supports reinstating Schedule F, a policy designed to purge federal employees based on ideology, and the Holman Rule, which targets individual federal workers. These dangerous policies would strip away institutional protections and foster division within our government. Voughts history of withholding critical information, supporting harmful policies and advancing a far-right agenda makes him unfit for this role. Erica Wang, San Francisco Provide wheelchair coverage Regarding It took a Berkeley woman 14 months to get a new wheelchair. She isnt the only one facing extreme delays (Soleil Ho, SFChronicle.com, Jan. 18): It is shameful to consider a wheelchair to be supplemental and therefore not covered by insurance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It is reprehensible that companies like National Seating & Mobility are allowed to de-emphasize vital services such as wheelchair repair in the name of profit. And it is unconscionable that Covered Californias benchmark coverage plan does not include wheelchairs at all. Perhaps those behind such decisions will feel differently if, or when, they eventually must use wheelchairs themselves. Brian Wright, Belmont Engage on sea-level rise Regarding Rising tides could wipe out Pacifica, but residents cant agree on how to respond (Bay Area, SFChronicle.com, Jan. 15): Pacifica City Council Member Christine Boles is right that not enough Pacificans are engaged in conversations about how to address the citys crumbling bluffs and eroding beaches. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Boles has spent much of her term working with local groups to call attention to the problem. She helped arrange for Rosanna Xia, author of California Against the Sea, to speak with the community. Boles also engaged the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to organize a workshop on coastal adaptation. Lets continue these healthy conversations as we work with the California Coastal Commission to complete our land use plan, one that prioritizes nature-based solutions. Nancy Tierney, Pacifica Try a super alternative As Super Bowl Sunday nears, its worth considering the staggering number of chickens sacrificed for a single day of indulgence its estimated that 1.45 billion wings will be consumed. This annual tradition comes at a great cost to animals, the planet and our health. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fortunately, theres a kinder and equally satisfying alternative: plant-based wings. Made from ingredients like tofu, seitan, potatoes and cauliflower, these options pack all the flavor without harm to animals. 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 This year, why not make your Super Bowl spread one of compassion and sustainability? By swapping traditional chicken wings for plant-based alternatives, youll score a win for animals and the environment, all while enjoying a healthier take on a game-day favorite. Sal Fuentes, San Francisco National consultant on migration data collection and analysis in support of the General Inspectorate of Migration (GIM) of MIA to upgrade the Extended Migration Profile of the Republic of Moldova Job Info Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months) Vacancy Type: Consultancy Recruiting Type: Consultant Locations: Republic of Moldova Job Description 4. Project Context and Scope: 4.1 Overall background The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. IOM works to help ensure the orderly and human management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues and to assist the national governments in the development of migration management policies, programs and instruments based on solid evidence and statistics. IOM its commitment to supporting member states to produce quality, accessible, disaggregated, reliable and timely data which are essential to inform policies, action and public opinion. The importance of data is well recognized and highlighted in multiple international frameworks, and the critical need for it is felt starkly in times of crisis, as the global COVID-19 pandemic has once again demonstrated. According to IOM Migration Data Strategy[1], a key IOM goal is to improve the evidence base for good migration governance in support of sustainable development, effective humanitarian action and peaceful societies, and to support implementation, monitoring and reporting by relevant stakeholders on their actions in support of relevant international frameworks. To this end, IOM is using various data tools and instruments to collect, analyze, and capitalize on migration-related evidence to support its own programming and to assist states in designing policies and programs that best respond to migrants' needs, capacities, and challenges. These tools include Migration Profiles, Diaspora Mapping, Diaspora Tracking Matrix, Migrant Profiling, Migration Governance Indicators, and others. Initially, Migration Profiles were conceived of as a concise statistical report, prepared according to a common framework, which could make it easier to understand the migration situation at a glance in a particular country. Over time, the Migration Profile has evolved from being a means to bring together data from a wide range of sources to a more elaborate process involving consultation with many different actors. The key goal is to help identify and develop strategies to address data gaps and produce the evidence required to manage migration effectively. The process of preparing Migration Profiles can promote discussion about migration policy, coherence and coordination between ministries and other stakeholders. Migration Profiles have rapidly become a tool to promote evidencebased policymaking. Migration Profiles ranged from short 510 pages statistical overviews to longer more comprehensive reports based on extensive consultation and analysis of the migration situation of a particular country. Followed by the recommendations of the Global Forum for Migration and Development (GFMD) and taking stock of the experience of more than 80 countries migration profiles developed by various stakeholders, IOM has issued in 2011 a Practical guide and a framework for developing national owned Migration Profiles titled Migration Profiles: Making the Most of the Process[2]. In order to support evidence-based policymaking, starting from 2012, IOM has supported the Government of Moldova in developing and implementing eight Extended Migration Profile (EMP) reports, which include all available statistical data on migration for the period 2010-2021. The aim of the EMP exercise in Moldova is to foster efficient migration management by supporting the development of evidence-based policies. During the years of implementation in Moldova, the EMPs have broadened the national stakeholders knowledge base about migration, enabled it to assess how migration can beneficially impact development, improved the use and dissemination of existing migration information among relevant stakeholders, and supported the establishment of mechanisms for regular reporting on migration-related trends and the impact of migration. To complement the EMP migration data collected from administrative sources, IOM Moldova has implemented several other data collection instruments such as Diaspora Mapping and Migrants Profiling which uses both quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather relevant information on the impact of the migration related policies and programs on the final beneficiaries Moldovan diaspora and labour migrants. In this context, in partnership with the World Bank and with the EUs support, during 2011-2012 IOM has mapped the Moldovan Diaspora residing in the Russian Federation and in four EU destination countries (France, Italy, United Kingdom and Portugal). Subsequently, in 2017 within a Confidence Building Measures EU financed project, the Moldovan diaspora was further mapped in six destination countries (Germany, UK, Israel, Italy, Portugal and Russian Federation). Supplementary, a separate diaspora mapping report was issued in 2017 focusing specifically on the peculiarities of the diaspora communities originating from the left bank of the Nistru River. Moreover, during 2019 IOM executed an in-depth study on the profile of Moldovan labour migrants experiences, needs, perceptions and their future plans in 6 destination countries and in Moldova, supplemented in 2020 with a rapid assessment of the pandemic consequences on the vulnerabilities, specific needs and future plans of the Moldovan diaspora and labour migrants in 10 main destination countries in the context of COVID-19. Furthermore, during 2020 IOM executed a study on the mobility-driven impact of COVID-19, numbers and profiles of the returning migrants as well as specific vulnerabilities of groups affected by the decrease of remittances. At the same time, as part of the MiDL project of UNDP, local migration profiles of 38 rural communities were developed with data available and/or collected locally; those local migration profiles were used to mainstream migration in the local communities social-economic development strategies and development processes. Furthermore, to help countries assess the comprehensiveness of their migration policies and governance frameworks, the IOM developed the Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) framework, which was implemented in Moldova at the national level during 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021. This enabled Moldovan central public authorities to evaluate national migration policies and institutional frameworks in a structured way and identify areas with potential for further development. In the context of the Ukraine Response, during 2022-2024, IOM has deployed several rounds of Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM)[3] Surveys focusing mainly on collecting data on refugees and TCNs from Ukraine, on their displacement patterns, intentions, and needs aim to capture their displacement trends and identify their main profiles, immediate humanitarian needs and intentions. Additionally, in 2023 a DTM-MGI data collection in Moldova have been combined to develop an innovative approach in the municipalities of Balti and Cahul of the Republic of Moldova producing a joint report which analysis the extent to which migration policies and services available in Balti and Cahul address the needs of migrants, directly from migrants' perspective. Specifically, the evaluation considered the characteristics and needs of Ukrainian displaced population and TCNs and the local migration governance landscape[4]. In addition, the impact of the war in Ukraine on the Moldovan returnees from abroad was analyzed by IOM in 2023 focusing on the contextual analysis of the challenges, needs, vulnerabilities, and further intentions of the Moldovans returning to their home country, and the impact of the war in Ukraine on their social-economic situation[5]. 4.2 Latest global and national developments However, since the EMP was first launched, there have been significant changes in institutional and policy frameworks, as well as migration patterns and trends at the global, regional, and national levels. These changes are not reflected in the current EMP template and in the set of the indicators, making it necessary to thoroughly revise and update it, both in Moldova and in other countries. Global developments Some of the most relevant developments was the adoption by all UN Member States in 2015 of the Agenda 2030 which provides a comprehensive framework for measuring sustainable development, including from a migration governance perspective, encapsulated in all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and which underscores the multifaceted impacts of migration on sustainable development. However, the central reference to migration in the SDGs is target 10.7 on facilitating orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies. The Government of Moldova has gone through the process of nationalization and adaptation of SDGs indicators to its local context which implies not only their integration into the national strategic framework, supplemented with additional indicators that reveal the national context and priorities, but also the establishment of a system of reporting and assessing the progress in achieving each relevant goal for the Republic of Moldova.[6] In order to ensure the principle of universality of the global agenda and the fact that no one is left behind, Moldovan Government pledged to disaggregate, where relevant, the indicators according to certain criteria depending on the specifics of SDG targets, such as gender, age, ethnicity, migrant status, disability, areas of residence, and other characteristics. The incorporation of target 10.7 into the 2030 Agenda created the need to define and measure the planned and well-managed migration policies. This is why, in 2015, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) developed the Migration Governance Framework (MiGOF). This Framework offers a concise view of an ideal approach that allows a State to determine what it might need to govern migration well and in a way that suits its circumstances. In order to operationalize the MiGOF, IOM worked with The Economist Impact to develop the Migration Governance Indicators (MGI), a standard set of approximately 90 indicators to assist countries in assessing their migration policies and advance the conversation on what well-governed migration might look like in practice. In the process of nationalization and adjustment to the national context, the SDG indicators, since 2022 IOM has used the MGI framework to set up a new aggregated target for tracking relevant progress in a more systematic and iterative manner the progress under the 10.7.2 global SDG indicator. Another development was the adoption of the Global Compact of Migration (GCM) in 2018 by 164 states which is the first-ever intergovernmental agreement to cover all dimensions of international migration in a comprehensive and holistic manner. This compact outlines 23 objectives for better managing migration at local, national, regional, and global levels. While it is non-legally binding, it represents a significant step towards more coordinated and humane migration policies. With the initiation of activities related to developing the GCM, the Republic of Moldova has become an active supporter, making relevant contributions to the document drafting process. In this context, national priorities were identified and formulated through a participatory and carried subsequent national voluntary reviews in the context of GCMs implementation. The implementation of the GCM by Moldova supports the enhancement of migration governance, and help addressing the challenges and reap the benefits of migration for a country where almost a quarter of the countrys population currently is residing abroad on a temporary as well as more permanent basis. National developments The countrys long-term goal is to address migrations demographic, social, and economic effects by tackling underlying development challenges in multiple sectors. This effort aims to make Moldova a better and safer place while unlocking the potential of migration for the sustainable development of its cities and rural communities alike. This approach has led to consistent improvement in the countrys migration management, stemming from important public policies that reflect national interests and priorities. These improvements are evident in fields such as diaspora engagement, prevention and counteraction of irregular migration and human trafficking, improved management of Moldovan labor migration abroad, cooperation with destination countries, return and reintegration of Moldovan migrants, and employment and livelihood opportunities for foreigners residing in Moldova. Therefore, aware of the Moldovan diasporas migration development potential, the Moldovan Government established the Diaspora Relations Bureau (BRD) in 2012 as a General Department within the State Chancellery, under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister. The BRD is responsible for developing and implementing an integrated (mainstreaming) approach to diaspora, migration, and development (DMD) at both the central and local levels, including through a DMD network of national focal points (DMD NFPs) appointed within all central public authorities. This network was extended to the local level in 2017. The Governments commitment to this mainstreaming mechanism was reaffirmed in 2016 with the adoption of the National Diaspora Strategy 2025 and its implementation plans. This policy document paves the way to the adoption and implementation of comprehensive migration coordination mechanism that applies a whole-of-government approach to migration. This includes various levels of inter-ministerial commissions and committees, working groups with various moderators, etc. An Interministerial Committee on DMD at the state secretaries level was established to ensure coherent and participatory M&E processes and the implementation of an integrated approach to DMD. Additionally, the Commission for Migration and Asylum Coordination created in 2006 had been actively engaged during 2022-2024 to monitor and coordinate activities in the fields of migration, asylum, statelessness, and the integration of foreigners in the Republic of Moldova, ensuring a uniform and coherent application of governmental policies in these areas. Also, the activity of the National Council for the Integrated Management of the State Border represented an effective platform to discuss policy programs and other important issues in the field of immigration, admission and stay of foreigners in the Republic of Moldova. Labour market liberalisation for foreigners in certain sectors of the economy and simplification of admission and documentation procedures for those who want to work or invest in the Republic of Moldova were initiated and are promoted by the national authorities since 2020. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, Moldovan authorities have committed to hosting thousands of Ukrainians and third-country nationals, mobilizing all services to assist and protect people fleeing the war, and supporting socio-economic integration for those who decided to stay in the country for a longer period. Moreover, in recent years, Moldova has increasingly transitioned from a country of origin to a country of destination for labour migrants and for those seeking higher education. To respond to foreigners integration needs and challenges, with support of IOM the Government of Moldova developed and adopted the Programme on Managing Migration Flow, Asylum, and the Integration of Foreigners for 20222025. This policy document constitutes the national-level migration strategy with the main goal of facilitating the development of an integrated migration management system. To implement the programme, the Bureau for Migration and Asylum was reorganized in the General Inspectorate for Migration of the MIA with the modification of its organizational structure (see the GD No. 16/2023), which will enforce , the legal framework, including on the integration of foreigners. The internal institutional and policy changes mentioned above led to an enhanced migration management institutional framework and support programs to valorize the migration for development and address the challenges faced by migrants. For instance, the engagement of the diaspora in a positive and productive dialogue with the institutions in the country of origin was expanded in new fields. National actors who in the past were not previously involved in the leveraging of migrations positive potential for sustainable development now are champions in promoting it, adopting a progressive discourse. One such recent example is the Ministry of Environment, which is working to mainstream migration into the Second National Adaptation Plan of Moldova. The progress achieved in this respect and in other instances has been extensively outlined in the Global Compact on Migration National Voluntary Review Reports submitted by the Government in 2022 and 2023 but is yet to be reflected in the updated EMP. In the context of current EU integration processes and challenges such as the high influx of Ukrainian refugees, third-country nationals, and risks of irregular migration, the Moldovan Government is reforming its labor migration management policy framework. The aim is to develop an integrated migration management system based on strong institutions, effective use of evidence, clear procedures, risk analysis and management, and enhanced inter-institutional and international cooperation. This approach prioritizes policy coherence, balancing the needs of various sectors, and aligning with Moldovas EU accession goals. Taking into account that a significant number of foreigners are displaced persons from Ukraine, family members of Moldovan citizens (mixed families), business developers, or have other purposes, each category (profile) of foreigners has its own needs and requirements. In this regard, the positive impact of the current migration process would be achieved through the sustainable integration of all categories of foreigners, and mapping their needs, challenges, and institutional capabilities should be a priority in this process. It also emphasizes the need for timely, accurate, reliable, and disaggregated migration data, including aspects related to gender, children left behind, vulnerable groups, migrant health, and the mobility of health personnel. Moreover, the alignment to EU standards from data point of view means also adopting EUROSTAT reporting framework which involves the systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of statistical data, including migration-related data, according to EU standards. Evolving migration patterns and trends, driven by military conflicts, economic, political, and environmental factors, shape the global, reginal and national migration landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for policymakers worldwide with significant steps made in the global governance of migration through the adoption of key global frameworks like the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the GCM, and the development of the MGI informing and supporting the migration related reforms on the national level in Moldova. These fundamental developments have triggered the emergence of new metadata and call for the amendment of EMP indicators framework to ensure that migration data collection and analysis remain relevant, comprehensive, and aligned with evolving global frameworks and international, regional, and national migration realities. The EMP revision is expected to contribute to more granular and disaggregated migration data, improved quality and analysis of Migration Profile reports, enhanced data management, and improved capacities to use Migration Profiles as a tool for monitoring and evaluation, subsequently supporting countries in better understanding and managing migration flows, addressing emerging challenges, and leveraging migration for sustainable development, in line with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda and the Global Compact for Migration. Against this backdrop, within the framework of the Joint UN Moldova Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund Programme (MMPTF), titled Leveraging the Positive Impact of Migration on Moldovas Development through Improved Policy Evidence and Better Engaged Diaspora, and implemented jointly by IOM, UNDP, UNICEF, and WHO, IOM is supporting the Government of the Republic of Moldova, particularly the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), in updating the EMP. This involves thoroughly revising and subsequently updating the existing template and indicators and incorporating new and relevant indicators which better capture the changing migration patterns and policy priorities in Moldova. Furthermore, based on the changed current global context, lessons learned in Moldova and other countries in terms of EMP development and implementation, IOM will work to revise its Global Migration Profile Guidelines, including by updating its migration trend and impact indicators and recommended sources that may be used to generate data for those indicators, ensuring as well as these serve as capacity-building instruments for and enhance cooperation among States. [1] IOM Migration Data Strategy https://publications.iom.int/books/iom-migration-data-strategy-informing-policy-and-action-migration-mobility-and-displacement [2] IOM, Migration Profiles: Making the Most of the Process, https://publications.iom.int/books/migration-profiles-making-most-process [3] IOM, DTM in Republic of Moldova, https://dtm.iom.int/republic-of-moldova [4] IOM, 2023. Bridging the Gap: Migration Policies and Peoples Policy Perspectives in Balti and Cahul (Republic of Moldova). IOM, Geneva. https://publications.iom.int/books/bridging-gap-migration-policies-and-peoples-policy-perspectives-balti-and-cahul-republic. [5] IOM, Republic of Moldova The Impact of the War in Ukraine on the Moldovan Returnees from Abroad (Feb-Jun 2023), 2023, https://dtm.iom.int/reports/republic-moldova-impact-war-ukraine-moldovan-returnees-abroad-feb-jun-2023 [6] UN Moldova, Nationalization of indicators for SDG. https://moldova.un.org/en/23602-nationalization-indicators-sdg Responsibilities 4.3 The overall objective of the consultancy is to support Moldovan national stakeholders to revise and update the Extended Migration Profile of the Republic of Moldova template and set of indicators and contribute to IOMs work to review and update the IOMs Global Migration Profile Guidelines to ensure sustainability, policy relevance and linkage to overall development framework of the EMP process. IOM has selected a principal national consultant, who is coordinating the specific tasks to achieve the above mentioned overall objective, including will (i) execute a comprehensive Data Assessment Report (DAR), (ii) execute a brief mapping of the recent developments in the global and regional frameworks, (iii) conduct a desk research and organize bilateral and multilateral consultations and exchanges with the main national data producers to thoroughly assess the effectiveness of the current Moldovan EMP data collection, analysis, and dissemination processes, (iv) propose a set of the updated/new indicators and an enhanced template for the updated EMP content and structure relevant for Moldovan context, including integrating in-depth aspects related to gender, children left behind and other vulnerable groups, migrant health, mobility of health personnel, those related to measuring the institutional capacities for governing migration etc., (v) support the consultations and the validation of the updated EMP with the IOM RES, GMDAC and national stakeholders, (vi) provide one-day capacity-building session needed for an effective hand-over of the EMP updated tool to the Moldovan Government, (vii) provide support for the EMP data collection process, including for data reception and verification, (viii) propose contributions for adjustment of the IOMs Global Migration Profile Guidelines to be used by other interested Governments to implement their own nationalized EMPs tools. In order to facilitate the DAR related data collection, analysis and validation of the enhanced template for the updated EMP IOM is seeking to contract two thematic specialists, specifically one thematic specialist on evidence-based support to policy development in support of the Ministry of Interior Affairs (MIA) and one thematic specialist on migration data collection and analysis to assist the General Inspectorate of Migration (GIM) of MIA who will consistently support the work of the principal national consultant by: Providing assistance in the execution of a comprehensive Data Assessment Report (DAR) by facilitating access to migration related data and a better understanding of the latest migration management policy, legislative and institutional reforms in Moldova, as well as the progress, changes, and current capabilities of the national statistical and administrative migration data systems. Assisting in the reestablishment of the EMP Technical Working Group (TWG), including by providing an updated list of relevant PME institutions and focal points nominated by each institution. Supporting the activities of the TWG, including convening TWG meetings, drafting and dispatching the letters of invitation, coordinating the meetings agenda, systematically drafting meeting minutes, and following up on the execution of agreed action points. Assisting in the distribution and collection of completed DAR metadata surveys from TWG members, ensuring that all provided data is accurate and complete, including through the organization of follow-up bilateral meetings with TWG members. Reviewing the draft Data Assessment Report (DAR) submitted by the principal national consultant and providing feedback to ensure overall quality of the report and provide support in formulating meaningful recommendations. Supporting the organization of the validation meeting for the DAR, in the framework of EMP TWG, including drafting the agenda, drafting and sending the invitation for participation, and preparing the meeting minutes. Providing input and feedback on the enhanced EMP template and list of indicators submitted by the principal national consultant. Sharing the EMP template and list of indicators with the members of the EMP TWG through official channels and assisting in the collection of their input and feedback, which will be integrated by the principal consultant. Supporting the organization of the validation meeting EMP template and list of indicators, in the framework of EMP TWG, including drafting the agenda, drafting and sending the invitation for participation, and preparing the meeting minutes. Drafting the Government Decision (GD), the Informative Note to update the EMP template and indicators and validating the final texts of the documents by organizing the consultation process with the EMP TWG. Assisting with the distribution and collection of EMP data collection template for the updated indicators, ensuring that all provided data by TWG members is accurate and complete. This includes organizing follow-up bilateral meetings with TWG members, if needed. Supporting the organization of the one-day capacity-building session provided for an effective hand-over of the EMP updated tool to the Moldovan Government. Contributing to other activities identified in the work process, relevant to the achievement of the task 5. Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment Category B Consultant is hired to provide the bellow deliverables, according to the proposed timeline: TIMELINE DELIVERABLE 20.02.2025 Deliverable 1: Narrative report No. 1 on the support provided for the: facilitating access to migration related data and a better understanding of the latest migration management policy, legislative and institutional reforms in Moldova, as well as the progress, changes, and current capabilities of the national statistical and administrative migration data systems to support DAR assessment. (MIA and GIM experts ) ) assistance in the reestablishment of the EMP Technical Working Group (TWG), including by providing an updated list of PME relevant institutions and focal points nominated by each institution ( leading MIA expert ). ). TWG operationalization, including convening TWG meetings, drafting and dispatching the letters of invitation, drafting and coordinating the meetings agenda, systematically drafting meeting minutes, and following up on the execution of agreed action points. (leading GIM expert ) ) distribution and collection of completed DAR metadata surveys from TWG members, ensuring that all provided data is accurate and complete, including through the organization of follow-up bilateral meetings with TWG members (leading MIA expert). 31.03.2025 Deliverables 2: Narrative report No. 2 on the support provided for the: reviewing the draft DAR assessment submitted by the principal national consultant and providing feedback to ensure overall quality of the report and provide support in formulating meaningful recommendations. ( MIA and GIM experts) organization of the validation meeting for the DAR submitted report, in the format of EMP TWG, including drafting the agenda, drafting and sending the invitation for participation, and preparing the meeting minutes. (leading GIM expert ) ) provided input and feedback on the enhanced EMP template and list of indicators submitted by the principal national consultant. ( MIA and GIM experts) supporting the consultation and validation of the EMP template and list of indicators with the EMP TWG members through official channels and assisting in the collection of their input and feedback, which will be integrated by the principal consultant. (leading MIA expert) 15.06.2025 Deliverable 3: Narrative report No. 3 on the support provided for the: drafting the Government Decision (GD) and the Informative Note aiming to update the EMP template and indicators (leading MIA expert) . . organization of the one-day capacity-building session provided for an effective hand-over of the EMP updated tool to the Moldovan Government (leading GIM expert) distribution of EMP data collection template with updated indicators and collection of data, ensuring that all provided data by TWG members is accurate and complete, including organization of follow-up bilateral meetings with TWG members, if needed (leading MIA expert). Qualifications 6. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: Under the overall supervision of the IOM Chief of Mission, and the direct supervision of the Migration and Development Programme Coordinator, the consultant will be responsible for providing effective and efficient support as described above, within the framework of the UN Moldova Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund Programme (MMPTF), titled Leveraging the positive impact of migration on Moldovas development through improved policy evidence and better engaged diaspora, implemented jointly by IOM, UNDP, UNICEF, and WHO. The process of updating the EMP in Moldova will be coordinated by the IOM Moldova and Moldovan Government, specifically by MIA, which is leading its implementation on national level, including through the Interinstitutional Technical Working Group on Migration Statistics (TWGMS). The European Migration Network (EMN) Focal Point in Moldova will also contribute by sharing relevant input and feedback to the process, including by sharing relevant EMN methodologies, data sources, reports, studies and other publications which analyze migration and asylum policies and track legislative developments in this field. Substantive support will be provided by the IOM through its Research Unit (RES) and the Global Migration Data Analysis Center (GMDAC) on the methodological aspects which need to be followed to ensure international compatibility of the updated Moldovan EMP template and report structure. Moreover, RES and GMDAC will provide its guidance, expertise support, feedback and will incorporate the national expertise proposals in the IOMs Global Migration Profile Guidelines. Management arrangement: The Consultancy and its tasks hereunder shall be performed during 1 February 2024 15 June 2025, starting the day of the contract signing, the Consultant will be given up to 20 working days in total (20 days per consultant) to carry out the entire assignment. The fee will be paid to the Consultant in 3 (three) instalments as follows: - Instalment 1 disbursed upon completion of the Deliverable 1 - Instalment 2 disbursed upon completion of the of the Deliverable 2 - Instalment 3 disbursed by upon completion of the of the Deliverable 3 Note: The 20 number of working days have been estimated as being sufficient/feasible for the envisaged volume of work to be completed successfully and is proposed as a guideline for the duration of the assignment. It cannot and shall not be used as criteria for completion of work/assignment. The provision of envisaged deliverables approved by the IOM, shall be the only criteria for International Consultants work being completed and eligible for payment/s. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results Satisfactory submission of deliverables indicated in these ToR. 7. Education, Experience and/or skills required University degree in migration studies, social sciences, politics, communication or law, International Affairs or any related discipline. Strong background in migration policy in Moldova, including immigration and knowledge/experience in government structures and migration interinstitutional coordination frameworks in Moldova. At least three (3) years of experience on public policy issues related to migration, human rights, local governance. At least three (3) years of experience in migration statistics, existing data frameworks and methodologies; Computer literacy, especially Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel; Strong organizational, analytical and writing skills; Ability to timely understand the Organizations structure and portfolios; Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds 8. Travel required No international travel is envisioned under this assignment. 9. Required Competencies IOMs competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values: Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion. Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct. Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges. Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies behavioural indicators Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results. Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes. Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate. Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organizations priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work. Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way. Notes Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Consultants engaged to work on a home-based consultancy who do not need to travel do not need to provide vaccination records, regardless of the length of the consultancy contract. IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies Required Skills - Strong background in migration policy in Moldova, including immigration and knowledge/experience in government structures and migration interinstitutional coordination frameworks in Moldova Centru de Drept al Avocatilor contracts a Legal and policy Consultant on EU integration in employment and labor migration field for the Implementation Unit within MLSP TERMS OF REFERENCE Job title: Legal and policy Consultant on EU integration in employment and labour migration field Place of service: Chisinau Type of contract: Full-time service contract until 31.12.2025 Place: Ministry of Labour, Social Protection and Family Publication date: 09 January 2025 Deadline for submitting CV: 30 January 2025 BACKGROUND In March 2022, Moldova submitted its application for EU membership. After granting EU candidate status to Moldova additional efforts of the Moldovan Government to prepare for the harmonization of the national legislation and policies with the EU acquis Communautaire have been made. Following the European Councils decision from December 2023 on opening the accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova (Ministry) presides two working groups on Chapter no. 2 on Free Movement of Workers and no. 19 on Social Policy and Employment. Therefore, the Ministry need to consolidate the efforts in order to advance the process of EU integration via the harmonization of the national legislation and policies with the EU acquis, especially in the employment and labour migration field. Consequently, the main focus of the chapter 2 is on the exercise of the right to free movement and of improvement of personal and professional situation of workers, and to fill job vacancies and skills shortages; and on setting out rules on the functioning of European network of employment services (EURES). The chapter 19 is focused on the employment guidelines that are aligned with the European Pillar of Social Rights, thus being centred on enhancing the functioning of labour market; improving access to employment, skills and competences; and promoting equal opportunities for all. Changes are to be made to the legal framework on the integration of foreigners, the national framework being adjusted to EU directives, with emphasis placed on increasing the role of the state in promoting the integration/reintegration process through diversified information, creating opportunities for self-employment, promoting cultural diversity, ensuring the fulfilment of migrants rights etc. In the context of current EU integration processes, existing challenges related to the high influx of the Ukrainian refugees and third country nationals, and risks of irregular migration to Moldova, the Ministry is updating its policy framework aiming to ensure the development of a labour integration policy. Responsibilities Support the Ministry in adapting the countrys legal framework to the EU legislation on the employment field. Drafting laws, governmental decisions transposing EU Directives on the labour migration, with the focus on labour integration of foreigners and especially refugees. Support the Ministry to access EU and other relevant funds, with the focus on refugees integration funds. Support the Ministry by drafting the contributions to the EU reports, questionnaires, and other document in regards with the employment and labour migration field. Support the Ministry in developing tables of concordance of EU acts with national legal framework. Developing Impact assessment on the EU legal acts. Support the Ministry by participating in meetings and other duties, as assigned by the relevant line management at the Ministry. Work closely with the departments within the Ministry and with other working groups where the Ministrys team is involved. Perform any other job-related duties as required. Required Qualifications and Experience An advanced university degree (masters level or above) in political studies, international relations, public administration, finance, law, or other related areas relevant for the assignment. At least 3 years of relevant professional experience and/or EU integration/coordination of public policies. Working experience with a central public authority will be an advantage. Working experience in EU legislation transposing will be an advantage. Good knowledge of computer skills. Advanced level of English with a strong ability to speak and write. Skills required in developing and implementing a policy review. Performance indicators Quality of work. Flexibility in responding to Ministry requests. Advancement in EU integration in the fields of employment and labour migration. Competencies Flexibility, solutions-oriented, time management skills, ability to keep calm under pressure, strong analytical and writing skills. Ability to work independently, as well as part of a diverse and multi-sectoral team. Good understanding and compliance to supervisory and reporting lines. Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results. Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. CDA is committed to ensuring the diversity of the workforce. Women and men, people with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, people living with HIV, LGBTQI+, as well as refugees and other people who have the legal right to work in the Republic of Moldova are encouraged to apply. Please provide details in your CV of previous employment and two references. Please send a cover letter and CV to law-center@cda.md, indicating the position applied for. Selected applicants will be contacted by email. Moldova pentru Educatie: Liceul Teoretic O. Ghibu din Orhei va avea unul dintre cele mai moderne blocuri alimentare din tara Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. For two and a half decades, Paul Krugmans columns in the New York Times were beacons of intelligence and common sense. Particularly for progressives inured to the work of many of his colleagues, Krugman offered a liberal gospel that was also a reliable refuge from mediocrity. The star economisthe won the Nobel Prize in 2008was hired at the Times in 2000 by Howell Raines, then the editorial page editor, because he was someone who knew economics, who wasnt a terrible writer, Krugman told CJR in an hour-long telephone interview from Saint Croix. When Krugman left the paper, last December, his departure attracted little notice, apart from some standard encomiums from his boss, Times opinion editor Kathleen Kingsbury. It really has been an honor and a privilege to work with someone of Pauls stature, she wrote. Kingsbury, her deputy, Patrick Healy, and publisher A.G. Sulzberger all told CJR that they wished that Krugman had stayed at the papera desire none of them expressed last week, when an internal memo announced that Pamela Paul and Charles M. Blow would soon stop writing their columns. Paul is a terrific columnist and a valued colleague, Sulzberger told CJR. Im grateful that he lent his voice to our pages for all these years, and well all be cheering him on with whatever comes next. In a telephone interview from London, Kingsbury said, I thought Paul should stay, and I wanted to have his voice as part of the mix, and I did everything I could to keep him. Krugman agreed that he could have stayed at the paper. But in an interview, he said the circumstances of his job changed so sharply in 2024 that he decided he had to quit. He had been writing two columns and a newsletter every week, until September, when, Krugman said, Healy told him the newsletter was being killed. That was my Network moment, Krugman said. Im mad as hell and Im not gonna take it anymorea quote from the Howard Beale character in Paddy Chayefskys 1976 film. Sign up for CJRs daily email Kingsbury said it was patently untrue that Krugmans newsletter had been killed, although it stopped appearing last October. She emailed him on September 30 to urge him to stay at the paper, and offered to let him keep the newsletter, but without guaranteeing its weekly frequency. She told him he could use it to weigh in when you and your editor agree that its necessary. And there was a condition: if he wanted to keep the newsletter, the frequency of his column would have to be cut in half, to once a week. Krugman rejected that offer. Times opinion columnists traditionally wrote twice a week, but Kingsbury noted that most now appear only once a week. The offer to reinstate the newsletter did nothing to placate Krugman, who had another serious complaint. Ive always been very, very lightly edited on the column, he said. And that stopped being the case. The editing became extremely intrusive. It was very much toning down of my voice, toning down of the feel, and a lot of pressure for what I considered false equivalence. And, increasingly, attempts to dictate the subject. I approached Mondays and Thursdays with dread, Krugman continued, and often spent the afternoon in a rage. Patrick oftennot alwaysrewrote crucial passages; I would then do a rewrite of his rewrite to restore the original sense, and felt that I was putting more workcertainly more emotional energyinto repairing the damage from his editing than I put into writing the original draft. Its true that nothing was published without my approval; but the back-and-forth, to my eye, both made my life hell and left the columns flat and colorless. Healy denied he had done anything to muffle Krugmans voice. He never called or emailed me saying I was changing his meaning or censoring his views, and he never lodged an objection to me that I overrode, Healy wrote in his email to CJR. Healy added that Krugman was one of our strongest voices studying, explaining and warning about the dangers of Trumps economic plans and policies in 2024, and he used language and built arguments that were memorably searing about Trumps lies and lying, radical plans, Trumpflation approach, and ideas that would wreck our economy. Krugman replied, I guess its he said, he said. Despite my attempts to convey my unhappiness, they may not have realized just how much my experience had been degraded. Kingsbury acknowledged that the columnists had become more heavily edited when she succeeded James Bennet as opinion editor. Bennet resigned in 2020 after the paper published a controversial column by Senator Tom Cotton, Republican of Arkansas, which advocated the use of military force against those who committed acts of violence after the death of George Floyd. But Kingsbury insisted that Krugman had not been treated differently from any of his colleagues. CJR emailed half a dozen Times columnists to ask if they had noticed any difference in the way their columns were edited last year. The three who respondedMaureen Dowd, Gail Collins, and Tom Friedmanall said they hadnt noticed any change in editing. Friedman also said, I have a terrific editor in Patrick Healy and have not experienced any change in the editing of my column since we started working together in 2020. Krugman said, I dont have a feud here. All I know is that I was in fact being treated very differently from the past. Krugman was particularly valuable to progressive readers because he was often a lone voice in the wilderness. That was especially true early in his columnist career when he strayed from his briefto write about economicsin order to strenuously oppose the American invasion of Iraq in 2003. This was striking at a time when the news department allowed Judith Miller to lead the charge on the unproven allegation that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, and most of Krugmans colleaguesespecially Friedmanwere strongly in favor of the invasion. Just six days before America invaded, Krugman wrote, The original reasons given for making Iraq an immediate priority have collapsed. No evidence has ever surfaced of the supposed link with Al Qaeda, or of an active nuclear program. And the administrations eagerness to believe that an Iraqi nuclear program does exist has led to a series of embarrassing debacles, capped by the case of the forged Niger papers, which supposedly supported that claim. At this point it is clear that deposing Saddam has become an obsession, detached from any real rationale. He served a similar function during the Biden administration, when the media in general and the White House correspondents of the Times in particular exhibited what Krugman called a real negativity bias. You know, if the price of gas goes up to five dollars, thats all over the pages. If it comes back down to three dollars, not a peep, right? Unlike most of his Times colleagues, Krugman believes Biden actually was a very, very good president. The fact that Democrats, like every other incumbent party in the democratic world, lost the election should not allow us to overlook the fact that we got the best economic recovery in the world, that we made the first serious efforts to do something about climate change, and we have followed, actually, a quite aggressive foreign economic policy against China that was much more effective than anything Trump did or is likely to do. The Biden administration has basically been trying to cut Chinese advanced technology off at the knees. Times watchers are always wary of any sign that the newspaper might be doing anything to bow to its legions of right-wing critics. This is especially true when, as Oliver Darcy put it this week, Trump has largely bent media and technology companies to his will. Kingsbury said it was ridiculous to suggest that the paper made Krugmans life miserable last year because she wanted to stifle one of the newspapers strongest liberal voices on the eve of Trumps return to the White House. Obviously I do push back on the notion that Pauls views are now missing from the page, the opinion editor said. You can come to our pages today and find either other columnists making the arguments he was making or guest essays, or newsletters, or podcasts, she continued. For nine months we pounded away at the idea of Trump coming back into office. We were the only major newspaper that endorsed in the presidential race and endorsed Kamala Harris. Theres no part of my report that didnt routinely tell readers about the dangers and risks of electing Trump. All of that is true. But it is also the case that the greatest change that Kingsbury and Sulzberger have made has been the sharp shrinking of the institutional voice of the Times. The number of unsigned editorials has gone from three a day, when Kingsbury took over, to just one a weekeven as she has increased the number of columnists by roughly 50 percent. The papers editorial voice should be reserved for the most important arguments, she said. We break through more than we did when we editorialized on a daily basis. Many New Yorkers were distressed when the paper announced last fall that it would stop making endorsements in local races. More alarm bells went off last week when Semafor reported that the paper was considering abandoning all endorsements. Kingsbury told Semafor there was no plan to eliminate the editorial board, but she did not flatly deny the no-endorsement scenario. Were in the process of considering ways to modernize endorsements, she said, and while were excited about the ideas were discussing, theres nothing substantive to say about it yet. Almost everyone outgrows the Times eventually. I did when I was twenty-ninemostly because of intrusive editing of my sentences by the metro desk. Just forty days after his last column appeared there, Krugman feels no regrets. He has moved his column to Substack, where he is writing two or three times as often as he was at the Times. Of his former employer, he said, Im sure they were sorry to lose me. I never had the sense that they were trying to push me out. But they were exerting a very heavy hand on what went out under my name. For Krugman, leaving has been a total liberation; no regrets at all. I hope its obvious from the Substack that Im having fun. Hes lost some of his reach, but his new column is now at 100,000 subscribers and growing quickly; a recent piece lauding Californias liberalismat a time when the Golden State is a foil for pro-Trump conservativeshad more than 180,000 readers. Im getting a lot of feedback from readers whove found my Substack about how much better it is than the columns I was allowed to publishno euphemisms, room for some humor, and yes, graphics where they help, he said. I think my California piece has been the best so far, and I shudder to think of what would have happened if I had tried to say anything like that at the Times. Yesterday Krugman sent a note to his Substack readers saying he planned to introduce a new paid tier for his blog for $7 a month, which might include long-form explainers on things like the economics of tariffs. But his nearly daily postings will remain free indefinitely. His hope is that in a few months I may have as much influence on the conversation as I did during that last awful year, because I can now speak freely. Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. Washington weather report: In a flurry of activity that is happening almost too swiftly to follow, per CNN, Trump is giving his critics every reason to think their worst fears for his new presidency will be realized and worse. Back at CNN headquarters, there was other news in the air: a major restructuring that will cut about two hundred jobs focused on the companys television programming and put about as many to work on digital products and services. Recruiting the right people will take some time, Mark Thompson, the CEO, wrote in a memo to the staff, but we hope to open up and fill at least 100 new posts in the coming months to help execute the new plans. He told the New York Times, This is a moment where the digital story feels like an existential question. If we do not follow the audiences to the new platforms with real conviction and scale, our future prospects will not be good. The announcement was the clearest articulation yet of plans that Adam Piore wrote about for CJR over the summer, in a story that laid out the myriad challenges facing Thompson, as ratings have been down and the losses severe. David Zaslavthe CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, CNNs corporate parenthad recruited Thompson based on his successful record of digital transformation at the Times. This global disruption is being felt by everyone, Zaslav told investors. Its a challenge. Its a transition. But what that would meanand the extent of Zaslavs willingness to invest in Thompsons visionremained murky. What we know now is that when Thompson and Alex MacCallumwhom he brought on to oversee CNNs digital effortsmade their appeals to Zaslav, he committed seventy million dollars this year. High on the priority list is vertical video suitable for mobile viewing; according to the Times, CNNs aim is to eventually publish between fifty and a hundred of these videos per day. In October, CNN debuted a paywall; this week, the company previewed a new streaming service and introduced CNNs first lifestyle-oriented digital product; Thompson also told the Times about plans for a swipeable video news offering: You can use your thumb to flick from a CNN news story to a CNN anchor to a reporter, he said. Thats a really interesting experiment. Viva TikTok. The changes, Thompson wrote to staff, are part of an ongoing response by this great news organization to profound and irreversible shifts in the way audiences in America and around the world consume news. Fair enoughthough that leaves many of the companys journalists, around 6 percent, out in the cold, as the Trump flurry continues. (An unwelcome but inevitable part of the change process, per Thompson.) Not quite freezing, but at least out of the warmth of daytime is Jim Acosta, a leading journalistic antagonist of Trump 1.0, whose 10am daily slot will be taken over by Wolf Blitzer (moved forward from the early evenings) and Pamela Brown, despite Acostas fairly strong ratings. Oliver Darcy reported recently for Status that Acosta would be moved to midnights (the graveyard shift); according to the Times, hes still in talks about a new role. The shuffling suggests, at least, that for all the talk of digital reinvention, CNN is still a TV network preoccupied with TV network things. Indeed, as Piore wrote for CJR, the networks strong association with TV broadcasting presents a challenge to charting a digital course. Brent Magid, a media consultant, told him that millennial and Gen Z audiences tend to view anchors as bobbleheads. Piore wondered: Can that be overcome, at scale, with pithy clips? A CNN staffer harbored similar concerns. The big revenue driver for CNN was always TV and cable subscriptions, the staffer told Piore. You are not going to make enough money from digital to offset the kind of money you were making even a few years ago in linear TV. Youre just not. So its not a TV versus digital situation as much as it is a shrinking news organization situation. You can revisit Piores whole piece here. Other notable stories: For Vanity Fair, Andrew Fedorov checked in with the hosts of Chapo Trap House, the podcast of the so-called dirtbag left, to find out how they see the current moment. After Trump coasted to reelection victory on a series of endorsements from podcasts appealing to young men, most prominent among them Joe Rogans, liberal pundits began pining for a Rogan type who could, presumably, sway a young, male electorate into voting Democratic. For Will Menaker, a cohost, however, the Democrats problem was their message, not its medium, Fedorov writes. Menaker pointed out to him that Joe Rogan was the Joe Rogan of the left back when he endorsed Bernie Sanders. CJRs Lauren Watson examines how the press in Canada might fare under a government led by Pierre Poilievre, a conservative politician seen as likely to become prime minister by the end of the year. Already, Poilievre has revealed an aggressive agenda, with the press in his sights, Watson writes. Most notable has been his vow to slash the federal allotment for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation by a billion dollars. He also appears poised to slash public support for private outlets, arguing recently that the media should make money winning eyeballs and earlobes. And the APs Laurie Kellman and Hillel Italie explored how officials, mapmakers, and the media are responding to Trumps directives renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and Denali, the mountain in Alaska, as Mount McKinley. The AP itself, whose style guidelines are widely followed across the news business, intends to keep referring to the Gulf of Mexico by its original name, though it will acknowledge Trumps change and go along with Mount McKinley, since the mountain lies solely in the US and Trump has the authority to change federal geographical names within the country. Sign up for CJRs daily email Bankrupt Purdue Pharma LP and members of the billionaire Sackler family agreed to pay $7.4 billion to a group of U.S. states and other parties to settle long-running litigation over OxyContins role in the deadly opioid epidemic. The deal comes after the U.S. Supreme Court last year rejected a $6 billion pact that would have protected the Sacklers, Purdues owners, from any further litigation related to the addiction crisis. Thursdays settlement in principle doesnt give the family automatic protection from future litigation, New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. The accord is the latest twist in a legal saga that has been bitterly fought by the Sacklers and a bipartisan group of state attorneys general, who say the addiction epidemic that has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans was exacerbated by the marketing and sales of Purdues OxyContin painkiller. James said the accord is built on consensual releases from further litigation in exchange for the Sackers payments. That means those that dont join the pact can still sue. In its decision in June, the Supreme Court rejected the earlier pact because it forcibly ended lawsuits by plaintiffs who didnt join the settlement. Relentlessly Pursued Profit The Sackler family relentlessly pursued profit at the expense of vulnerable patients, and played a critical role in starting and fueling the opioid epidemic, James said in the statement. While no amount of money will ever fully repair the damage they caused, this massive influx of funds will bring resources to communities in need so that we can heal. Under the deal, the Sackler family members will eventually pay a total of $6.5 billion while Purdue will pay $900 million. The company said in a statement that it was extremely pleased that a new agreement has been reached that will deliver billions of dollars to compensate victims, abate the opioid crisis, and deliver treatment and overdose rescue medicines that will save lives. It said it was finalizing a new reorganization plan to present to the bankruptcy court. Representatives of families of the late Mortimer Sackler and Raymond Sackler have long denied wrongdoing and said they would support a resolution that provides substantial resources to help combat a complex public health crisis. 15 States The new settlement resolves claims by 15 states across the political spectrum: New York, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. It resolves not only state claims but also thousands of potential individual lawsuits that could have gone forward against the Sacklers one at a time although it allows for claims by parties that dont sign on to the settlement. The bankruptcy court judge in the Purdue case must approve the deal, which would deliver funds to communities across the US over 15 years. Under the accord, Purdue will continue to be overseen by a monitor and will be barred from lobbying or marketing opioids. A board of trustees chosen by the states, working with the other creditors, will determine the future of the company, James said. Purdue filed for bankruptcy protection from creditors in 2019. The next year, Sackler family members agreed to pay the U.S. Justice Department $225 million to settle civil claims while Purdue pleaded guilty to three federal felonies related to its marketing of OxyContin. Purdue worked to exit bankruptcy court with input from government authorities across the U.S. and lawyers representing thousands of opioid victims and their families, culminating in the earlier, $6 billion settlement. That deal won overwhelming support from both sides, but a vocal contingent remained adamantly opposed to shielding the Sacklers from future lawsuits. Lawyers representing Purdue, opioid victims and other proponents of that pact had claimed those harmed by the addiction crisis could get nothing from the Sacklers if the Supreme Court rejected the deal. But the parties went back to the negotiating table when the justices overturned the accord. The bankruptcy case is Purdue Pharma LP, number 19-23649, in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. . Jack Ohman/The Chronicle President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address after being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on Monday. Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images With his feckless, slavering tech bros dutifully lined up in the row in front of his cabinet nominees, President (gulp) Donald Trump gave the worst inaugural speech in American history. There have been 59 of them. This harkens back, fondly, to former President George W. Bushs 2017 reaction to Trumps first speech: That was some weird s. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trump seemed to think he was at a campaign rally in rural Ohio. I half expected him to discuss Arnold Palmers locker room prowess, and that would have been a rhetorical relief compared to what he actually said. The speech sounded like it was extemporaneous; no careful Theodore Sorensen prose here, just channel surfing with his Crazyland remote, careening from one topic to another. My fellow citizens, the Golden Age of America begins right now, Trump intoned pompously, probably not realizing it had actually ended at noon the same day. As we gather today our government confronts a crisis of trust. For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens, while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair, the 47th president said, without a shred of irony. Huh. A more objective observer might posit that the radical and corrupt establishment is now in power, ready to extract power and wealth, emoluments be damned. Here, buy Melanias meme coin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Or more recently, Los Angeles, where we are watching fires still tragically burn. From weeks ago, without even a token of defense, theyre raging through the houses and communities, even affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country, some of whom are sitting here right now. They dont have a home any longer. Thats interesting. Trump said in his best X-Files conspiracy narrator voice, sliming Gov. Gavin Newsom as an arson accomplice and the Los Angeles Fire Departments valiant efforts. Any word on whether theyre eating the pets? Historically, presidential inaugural addresses are high-minded affairs, with soaring rhetorical flourishes, not a rote laundry list of political grievances. Not this one. Classy, inspirational rhetoric is so passe these days. Heres an example: Over the past eight years, I have been tested and challenged more than any president in our 250-year history, Trump noted in the first person. Historically, one doesnt hear I and me in an inaugural speech, but narcissistic kvetching is Trumps calling card. Advertisement Article continues below this ad President Abraham Lincoln, for example, might have a greater claim on being tested, or, perhaps, President Franklin D. Roosevelt both of whom talked about we rather than me. Just a few months ago, in that beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassins bullet ripped through my ear. But I felt then, and believe even more so now, that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again. Oh. We were wondering who saved you and to what end. God is MAGA, obviously. Want more pedestrian oratory? We will drill, baby, drill. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In other words, youll be able to buy the car of your choice. As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female. This was the first instance of an American president calling for discrimination against his fellow Americans in an inaugural speech. So historic! Want your mountain in Alaska renamed so its named after white guys again? Goodbye, Denali, hello, Mount McKinley. Want your gulf not named after a nation of brown people? Advertisement Article continues below this ad We are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. This one drew outright laughter from Trumps 2016 rival, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and who can blame her? Maybe she went to the swearing-in just because she was tired of Netflix comedy specials. Want more comedy? And we will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars. I would remind my fellow Americans that we (you know, NASA, a federal agency owned by you) landed a car-like probe on Mars in 2012, and the only person whos interested in walking on Mars is Nazi salute aficionado and Trump bankroller Elon Musk. Theres no nation like our nation, Trump said, but I think he was actually talking about show business, which is what this execrable inaugural address was. Many people thought it was impossible for me to stage such a historic political comeback. But as you see today, here I am. Many people! More self-aggrandizement. We were wondering when we could return to the subject of you. If the late President John F. Kennedy had said in 1961, My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, but rather, what your country can do for me and the entire Kennedy family, it might not have gone over as well. Even Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a fellow Trump lunatic and secretary of Health and Human Services nominee, looked faint as he listened, immediately behind his Silicon Valley slavemasters. We are going to win like never before. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Inspiring, really. No, thank you, Mr. President. Thank you for figuring out a different, novel way to sully American political discourse. 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 thought that your 2017 address might have been the low point. We were wrong. After Hurricane Milton swept through parts of southwestern Florida in October, aerial drone images showed condominium buildings with large sections of their roof membranes peeled back like blankets on a beach, exposing the buildings to water intrusion. Builders and commercial roof groups say theres a better way, at least for some applications. Its a liquid-applied material that wont rip off, can last for decades and will help reduce insured losses in hurricanes, they say. But the product has run up against Florida insurance law and property insurers underwriting concerns. Now, one association has vowed to change the statute and the insurance industrys alleged misconceptions. The Roof Coating Manufacturers Association (RCMA) announced this month that it had hired a well-known Tallahassee lobbyist to bend the ears of lawmakers ahead of the Florida legislative session that begins March 6. These common-sense solutions will not only alleviate the financial burden on property owners but also reduce environmental waste and uphold the integrity of the roofing industrys decades-long investment in durable, sustainable products, Chip Case, a registered lobbyist and founder of Jefferson Monroe Consulting, said in a recent news release. The association said in the statement that Florida regulations unfairly treat low-slope and steep-slope roofing as interchangeable. Mandates requiring the removal and replacement of roofs over 15 years old, regardless of their functionality, have led to skyrocketing costs for homeowners, the group argued. Its unclear exactly what regulations the RCMA is referring to. The associations statement did not go into detail, and Case and the association did not return calls and emails from the Insurance Journal. But others in the roof industry have pointed to Florida statute 627.7011, which has given insurance carriers freedom to avoid writing residential properties with roofs that are older than 15 years, in many cases. An insurer may not refuse to issue or refuse to renew a homeowners policy insuring a residential structure with a roof that is less than 15 years old solely because of the age of the roof, the statute reads. (Until that section of the law was approved in 2022, several Florida insurers, facing a growing number of fraudulent or exaggerated roof claims, along with claims litigation, had stopped writing some residential shingle roofs that were older than a mere 10 years.) Another roofing group, the Florida Roofing & Sheetmetal Contractors Association, noted that the coating manufacturers may be overlooking the subsequent section of the 2022 law. That section can extend the insurability of a roof for at least another five years if an inspection shows the roof is in good condition. Its really 15 years plus-plus, said Mike Silvers, a roofing contractor and director of technical services for the roofing contractors association. The coating issue has been around in one form or another for a few years. Some manufacturers have long touted roof coating products, applied over existing shingles, to extend the life of roofs. But insurance carriers arent convinced and most wont write properties with older roofs, even with coatings. All the carriers Ive talked to say that it does not extend the life of shingles, said Mary Jordan, owner of Gulf Coast Insurance, an agency in Pensacola. One West Palm Beach condo association recently spent millions of dollars coating its buildings roofs with a polyurethane and silicone product, only to find that its insurance company still refused to write the property all because of the age of the roof, the Palm Beach Post reported this week. Despite the apparent hesitance from insurers, new, liquid roof coverings have become increasingly popular for commercial buildings with low-slope or flat roofs when applied to the roof decking, not on top of existing coverings. One product, manufactured by Sika Corp. and known as Sikalastic, for example, is a polyurethane compound that is rolled on. It comes with a 20-year warranty and is designed to bond directly with a concrete substrate, making it extremely resistant to wind uplift, according to builders and Sika Corp. information. The product was recently installed as a replacement roof at a New Orleans hospital in Galliano, Louisiana, one of the most hurricane-prone parts of the country. Its a good product, Silvers said. Some builders are hoping insurers in more states will embrace the value of liquid-applied roof systems and start offering premium discounts. The idea is similar to the credits insurers in many states now offer when homeowners install wind-resistant Fortified roofs and roof-to-wall connectors. For now, though, credits for liquid roofs are hard to come by. There just arent that many breaks for commercial properties that I see, said Keith Mercier, Florida West Coast President of CBIZ, an insurance brokerage that specializes in coverage for commercial and condo buildings. Many Florida condominium associations, deep into the cost crisis brought on by the Surfside condo collapse in 2021, and by with new, statutorily mandated inspection costs, reserve funding requirements and by much higher insurance costs, are not clamoring for premium credits at this time. A lot of people are just happy to get coverage now, Mercier said. Florida lawmakers this spring may consider some changes to the condo reform law that was enacted in 2022 and delay some deadlines as condo owners face thousands of dollars in new costs. But that legislation is far from certain. Its also uncertain if a 2024 law that established a pilot program for wind mitigation grants for condominiums will be funded again this year, according to news and industry reports. Its unclear how much traction the Roof Coating Manufacturers Association will have in its push to drop Floridas 15-year rule on low-slope roofs. But the effort may, at the least, call attention to the problem created by any arbitrary time limit, Silvers said. Just drawing a line and saying anything older than that is too old is not really reasonable, he said. Such an approach discourages property owners from using superior materials, because they may figure that even if the roof covering has a lifetime warranty, theyll have to get a new roof in 15 to 20 years, anyway. That makes selling longevity really, really hard, Silvers said. Top photo: A Longboat Key condo building with its roof membrane peeled back by Hurricane Miltons winds. (Courtesy Matt Mercier) BEREA, Ohio -- Eight volunteers -- including a church, business owners and individuals -- received the Spirit of Community awards Jan. 21 from Mayor Cyril Kleem. The awards were presented during the Volunteer Recognition Banquet Tuesday (Jan. 21) at St. Mary Catholic Churchs Garrity Center. Catering was by JoJo Carlonis restaurant. Receiving awards were Renew Communities, Angela Brooks, Lisa Emling, Richard Koharik, Nick Haschka, Maria Brenders, Brian and Jennifer Lebanik, and Chaplain Charissa Prunty. Kleem began the Spirit of Community award in January 2008 when he presented it to his parents, John and Farrel Kleem, during his inauguration ceremony. The Kleems had been very active in the community. Besides raising eight children of their own, they also fostered and cared for many others. Kleem made the awards annual to reward people and organizations that volunteer but seek no recognition, he said. These are people who give for the right reasons. This years Volunteer Recognition Dinner was the first since 2020, when the ceremony was put on hold because of COVID-19. Renew Communities is a church that does a lot for us, the mayor said. The church is organized into micro-churches -- smaller groups that focus on specific areas to give back to the community. Some volunteer at the Aristocrat nursing home or do landscaping and other chores for older residents and the disabled, for example. They are very reliable, Kleem said. They help the person and they also help the neighborhood. Accepting the award on behalf of Renew Communities was Bethany Daymut. Angela Brooks was the owner of Mootown Creamery, an ice cream store, which closed last year. She was one of those business owners who did stuff beyond the business, Kleem said. When COVID hit, Mootown, like other enterprises, was affected. Instead of complaining, she organized other businesses online, urging support and to be kind. She took care of people that werent business related, he said. She hosted car shows during the summer, with proceeds going to local non-profits. She also is an active volunteer with Ashlies Embrace, which provides comfort to parents after stillbirth or early infant loss. Lisa Emling is an administrator of the Best of Berea Facebook page, which emphasizes the good things that happen in Berea. On her own, she supports those dealing with homelessness, addiction issues and domestic violence, Kleem said. She has raised funds for those causes and provided blankets to the homeless. She makes contact; doesnt do something from a distance, he said. She helps people that are the most vulnerable. Richard Koharik is a past member of the Berea Planning Commission and a long-time member of the Berea Arts Fest board. He also is a volunteer docent at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and a member of the ski patrol at Boston Mills and Brandywine. Kleem called Koharik very insightful and said his advice was invaluable when making decisions on the Planning Commission and for the Planning & Development Council. Koharik also served on the North End Development Committee. Nick Haschka served on City Council for many years and now is a member of the Planning Commission. While on council, he helped organize council food drives based at Giant Eagle and also helped establish Bereas first Little Free Pantry, which is located by the municipal parking lot behind City Hall. He also organized the car shows that were based in the municipal parking lot and worked to raise funds for veterans organizations. Maria Brenders founded the Three Girls Cupcakes shop, which closed in 2023. She is another business owner that went beyond just running a business, Kleem said. She developed a huge following on Facebook that promoted her business, but also gave people hope. She used her business as a way to touch people. Brenders donated bakery to various organizations, but especially to children at Guidestone. She is pursuing a degree in child psychology at Cleveland State University. Brian and Jennifer Lebanik own Black Dragon Designs, which offers laser-engraved items from RIFT, a consortium of artists and craftspeople located in the Discount Drug Mart mall in Olmsted Falls. The Lebaniks have provided veteran-themed merchandise, including mugs and Challenge Coins, to Bereas Northern Ohio Veterans Association (NOVA). Kleem recalled the story of one Korean War veteran, Fred Fechuch, whose older brother, Phillip, had gone missing in Europe while serving with the Army in World War II. The brothers body was never found. The Lebaniks gave Fechuch a Challenge Coin engraved with the Army logo on one side and Phillips information on the other. It was a cherished keepsake for Fechuch. Charissa Prunty is a chaplain and spiritual care services coordinator at Southwest General Health Center. She also serves on the NOVA board. She started coming to veterans events, offering prayers and counseling, Kleem said. Her involvement grew from there, and now she takes part in many NOVA and City activities. She is great to work with, Kleem said. There is a spiritual reflection in her. It may take a village to raise a child, Prunty said, but it also takes a village to support someone who is volunteering. Thank you. The evening concluded with a video highlighting the many volunteers who make so many programs in the city possible. LYNDHURST, Ohio Warrant arrest: Acacia Park Drive At 1:55 a.m. Jan. 15, police responded to the Acacia on the Green condominiums, 110 Acacia Park Drive, where it was reported that yelling was coming from a condo. Police investigated and learned that one of the people in the condo, a Lyndhurst man, 46, was wanted on two Lyndhurst police warrants, as well as warrants issued by police in Bedford Heights and Macedonia. He was turned over to Macedonia police on its warrant. Theft: Richmond Road At 4:05 a.m. Jan. 19, police received a 911 call from CVS/Pharmacy, 1443 Richmond Road, in which it was reported that a woman had stolen paper towels and other items before leaving the store. The woman then got into an SUV driven by a man. Police were unable to locate the SUV. Store management did not wish to fill out a police report. Theft: Cedar Road At 3:35 p.m. Jan. 18, an employee of Dicks Sporting Goods, 24545 Cedar Road at Legacy Village, reported that male and female theft suspects were leaving the stores parking lot in a silver SUV. The suspects were found to have stolen Nike sweatpants and sweatshirts worth a total of approximately $1,000. Using vehicle information provided by store employees, police were able to identify the SUVs owner, but not necessarily the suspects. Police are investigating. Assault: Glenlyn Road At 11:55 a.m. Jan. 14, a woman went to the police station to report that her daughter, 16, had been assaulted in a restroom at Brush High School, 4875 Glenlyn Road. The girl and another girl, 15, were found to be mutual combatants. Fraud: Mayfield Road At 1:20 p.m. Jan. 15, the owner of Schwartz Furs, 5109 Mayfield Road, reported that a customer had paid a bill on the phone using a credit card number. The store was later informed by its bank that the charge, for $252, was fraudulent. An officer was to contact the person who made the charge to try to come to a resolution. The report does not state whether a resolution was achieved. Theft: Cedar Road At 7:45 p.m. Jan. 15, a Cleveland Heights man, 55, reported that his wallet had been stolen from a locker at Esporta Fitness, 25145 Cedar Road at Legacy Village. The wallet contained $800 cash, debit and credit cards, and the mans drivers license. Warrant arrest: Richmond Road At 12:10 a.m. Jan. 15, an employee at CVS/Pharmacy reported that it appeared as if a man and woman, both carrying loaded shopping baskets, were about to try to leave the store without paying. The woman paid for the merchandise in her basket, while the man had a bag covering the items in his basket. Officers arrived to learn that no theft had occurred, but that the man, 28, of Northfield, was wanted on an Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections warrant. Police arrested the man on the warrant. Read more from the Sun Messenger. ` CLEVELAND, Ohio City Goods in Clevelands Ohio City neighborhood will close permanently at the end of the month, with the incubator space leaving seven hangar structures vacant on the corner of W. 28th Street and Church Avenue. Ohio City Inc. acquired City Goods nearly a year ago from founder its Sam Friedman and turned it into a non-profit subsidiary. City Goods was founded to serve as an incubator space for small businesses. The idea was that local business owners could expand retail operations in space, like a stepping stone between pop-up markets and brick-and-mortar operations. The last day for shopping at City Goods and drinking at The Lounge bar will be Jan. 31, according to co-founder Liz Painter. Graham Veysey and Marika Shioiri-Clark own the hangar structures and land at 1442 W. 28th Street while Ohio City Inc. owns the City Goods brand. Painter said that rent cost didnt contribute to the closure, rather, generally high overhead expenses. Overall, Ohio City Inc. was not equipped to support what City Goods needed to sustain long-term retail space, Painter explained. The overhead of staffing and cost while keeping the space accessible for local brands was just not sustainable. Additionally, Painter added that it was important for City Goods not to put the financial burden on the 25 to 40 different brands that sell out of the space at any given time. City Goods has been sharing resources on its social media pages to let people know where and how to continue supporting the various brands and its on-site employees affected by the closure. Painter encourages folks to directly buy from local brands and follow them on their next steps. While Painter doesnt know exactly whats in store for the hangar structures, she has heard great conversations about whats next. Additionally, she added that the Veyseys are champions for local businesses, so that will likely remain part of the mission. City Goods gave the opportunity for people to see a glimpse of what was possible when people are in it together, Painter said. I know people are going to show up and do something incredible on that corner next. Alex Darus writes about food, dining and drinking for Cleveland.com, check out her latest posts here. You can reach her with story ideas at adarus@cleveland.com. Follow her on Instagram @alex_darus. Be one of the cool kids and follow all Cleveland.coms food, dining and drinking coverage in the weekly DineDrinkCLE newsletter. It curates the latest on openings, closings, tastings and other events, plus recommendations, features and guides from our team of writers and critics. SUBSCRIBE Follow us on Instagram @dinedrinkcle LOS ANGELES Reality TV couple Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag sued the city of Los Angeles and its Department of Water and Power this week after their home was destroyed in the Pacific Palisades fire. The couple, suing in Superior Court in Los Angeles County, argue that the fire that destroyed entire neighborhoods was an inescapable and unavoidable consequence as a result of mismanagement of the water supply in the area, The Associated Press said. Related coverage Star Wars actor, Oscar winner among celebrities forced to evacuate from L.A. wildfires Reality TV star shares video, heartbreak of losing home in L.A. wildfires The lawsuit references the Santa Ynez Reservoir in the Palisades which the filing says has been out of commission since February 2024 awaiting repairs and claims the LADWP decided to operate the water supply system despite the drained reservoir to save money, according to People magazine. The reservoir needed maintenance due to a tear in its floating cover. With the Santa Ynez Reservoir effectively out of commission, hydrants in Pacific Palisades failed after three tanks each holding one million gallons of water went dry within a span of 12 hours, the lawsuit alleges. The couple rose to stardom on The Hills, a spin-off of Laguna Beach. The Eaton and Palisades fires, ignited by strong winds during one of the regions driest years on record, have killed 28 people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures, putting them among the most destructive fires in California history, AP said Friday. As the flames approached their home on Jan. 8, Pratt posted video to TikTok showing the firestorm consuming the area. On Thursday, Pratt posted video to Instagram showing the ruins of their home and neighborhood. I cant wait to rebuild our life in the palisades, he said in the post. In a recent interview with People, Spencer said he and his wife, are still active on social media because they depend on the income. If we were rich, I wouldnt be on an app, he said in part. Id be buying a new house and starting to order things. So, I dont think we wouldve shared anything vulnerable. After the couple fled the fire, Montags 2010 album Superficial hit No. 1 on iTunes all-genre songs and albums charts 15 years after its release. That occurred when shortly after fleeing, Pratt posted a series of photos of their house on TikTok with the caption, Please stream any of @heidimontag music on any platforms it will make a huge difference. It worked. Superficial beat Bad Bunnys new album Debi Tirar Mas Fotos for the top spot on the albums chart, and the title track beat Blackpinks ROSE and Bruno Mars chant-along single APT. on the songs chart, AP said. More than 20 other property owners and residents who were affected by the Palisades Fire joined the couple in their lawsuit. The damages include costs of repair to their properties, the loss of enjoyment of their properties and loss of wages and earning capacity, People magazine said. They are suing for an undisclosed amount and are also asking for attorneys fees and trial by jury. Anti Police-Terror Project Executive Director Cat Brooks and some members of her staff are in a dispute over unionization efforts at the nonprofit organization. Samantha Laurey/Special to the Chronicle 2023 In the heart of the Bay Areas social justice scene, a grassroots organization dedicated to fighting police violence is now warring with itself. Staff members of the Anti Police-Terror Project, a nonprofit known for redistributing millions to Black community organizations, supporting victims of police violence and advocating for police abolition, are seeking union recognition a move that has exposed deep fractures within the organization. The project founded as an all-volunteer group experienced rapid growth following George Floyds murder. The Chronicle reported that the groups annual budget blossomed from $4,000 to nearly $900,000, reflecting the surge of national support for Black-led social justice work. Yet this transformation from a volunteer-driven collective to a structured nonprofit set the stage for its current strife. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Dec. 11, workers formally requested voluntary union recognition from Executive Director Cat Brooks, citing a desire to improve working conditions, including bolstering workplace morale, improving volunteer retention and giving a formal voice to the staff. They gave Brooks until Jan. 8 to respond. When she didnt, they petitioned the National Labor Relations Board to hold a unionization vote among nine employees. In her response, Brooks said shed filed her own petition with the board. In an emailed statement, Brooks noted that her formal response to the union was issued nine hours after the deadline they set. The union has accused Brooks of union-busting, and many of its supporters on Instagram have interpreted the projects reluctance to voluntarily recognize the union as a sign of its progressiveness being a facade. When I called Brooks, she was traveling to an event commemorating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who famously walked with strikers and opposed right to work laws. Heres the rub: While Brooks said she supports a union, her issue is that several Black staff members and the families that the organization works with were excluded from the unionization conversation. Public filings show the organization had 15 employees in 2023. Brooks says they now have 17. In their public statements, the workers hoping to unionize emphasize their diverse composition, noting the union comprises Black staff as well as brown, queer and disabled staff. Brooks original petition with the National Labor Relations Board calls for a vote among 15 staff members, including the deputy director, several managers and other directors of the organization. Under the National Labor Relations Act, supervisors are not considered normal employees and cannot be included in union votes. It defines supervisors as any individual having authority, in the interest of the employer, to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline other employees, or responsibly to direct them, among other duties that allow them to exercise power over other staff. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Brooks insists that she is the only person with the power to hire and fire and that no other staff member can act independently. But she also admitted to me that including supervisory staff in her petition was an error and said she would ask the National Labor Relations Board to amend it, removing five people from the list. Brooks shared an anonymous letter with me that was allegedly written by a staff member in concert with 20 family members of those impacted by police violence expressing concern about the unionization effort. We explicitly demand the preservation of APTPs current structure and Black leadership, it said. They also claimed that there has been significant disruption of services. Brooks did not share who wrote the staff letter and did not comment on what disruption the writer was talking about. Under the National Labor Relations Act, its not normal for clients or community members to have any say over worker organizing matters, but Brooks maintains that the Anti Police-Terror Project isnt normal that families should be an integral part of the conversation. We are not leadership-centered, she said. We are not worker-centered. Were not volunteer-centered. We are family-centered. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Sunday, project co-founder (and volunteer) Asantewaa Boykin issued a public statement, shared on social media by Brooks publicist, Philip Mandelbaum, accusing the union of colonization. She also accused a former staff member of acting in bad faith, using tactics including but not limited to verbal abuse and physical aggression to further his agenda. Meanwhile, an anonymous Instagram account purporting to be from project volunteers has questioned the organizations commitment to justice, with one post asking: How can I believe I am building towards liberation from state oppression when my umbrella organization is employing the tactics of those same oppressors? The Anti Police-Terror Projects union insisted to me on keeping its members anonymous out of fear of reprisal, but sent a statement, which read in part: Having a union simply means workers can negotiate about our working conditions we want all frontline workers at APTP to have a say, not just leadership. Brooks, born into a union family and a member of two unions herself, insisted she would be in complete support of a union if more staff approved it. We have marched with unions, fought for unions, done policy with unions. Im gonna spit in the face of my union brothers and sisters? Absolutely not. Nationally, unionization at nonprofits has grown since the pandemic began. In 2022, Gallup reported that 71% of Americans approved of worker unions. Since 2010, the Nonprofit Professional Employees Unions membership has grown from 70 nonprofit professionals to 1,500 members representing nearly 50 organizations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Anti Police-Terror Project formally transitioned into a nonprofit in 2022 as the national political tides shifted against movements toward racial equity. Diversity programs at universities and corporations like Walmart and Meta are quickly winding down in reaction to President Donald Trumps second administration, a reality that will likely trickle out to nonprofits that depend on big-ticket donors and government grants to sustain themselves. The project is working to expand its mental health services, including at its clinic in Oaklands Prescott neighborhood, which is currently open only twice a month. 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 Trump voices willingness to get along with China in Davos teleconference Xinhua) 11:20, January 24, 2025 People watch virtual remarks of U.S. President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 23, 2025. In his message to global business leaders, Trump promised what would be "among the lowest taxes of any nation on Earth" for those who bring manufacturing operations to the United States, but still warned of tariffs for those who do not. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang) DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said his government looks forward to "doing very well with China and getting along with China" in virtual remarks to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday. Trump emphasized that the leaders of the United States and China are going to have a "very good relationship." Addressing the ongoing situation in Ukraine, Trump acknowledged China's role and expressed hope for cooperation. "Hopefully, we could work together and get that (armed conflict) stopped," he said. In his message to global business leaders, Trump promised what would be "among the lowest taxes of any nation on Earth" for those who bring manufacturing operations to the United States, but still warned of tariffs for those who do not. Trump also voiced concerns over rising oil prices, adding that he would ask Saudi Arabia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to bring down costs. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) President Donald Trump speaks to reporters Friday as he and first lady Melania Trump prepare to depart the White House to travel to North Carolina, California, Nevada and Florida over the weekend. He is demanding California change its voter and water policies in exchange for federal aid to recover from the Los Angeles wildfires. Kent Nishimura/Getty Images President Donald Trump got more specific Friday about the criteria he wants California to meet before he approves sending federal aid to the state as Los Angeles County recovers from devastating wildfires. Voter ID, so that the people have a chance to vote, Trump told reporters Friday in North Carolina when asked whether he would place conditions on any federal aid. And I want to see the water be released and come down into Los Angeles and throughout the state. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Though federal funds for disaster recovery have traditionally been a nonpartisan effort, Trump threatened to withhold aid from California during his first presidency. Then, after two blazes devastated the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and the town of Altadena this month, House Republicans followed Trumps lead and began to demand the state make changes although they said little to nothing about what the changes should be. Trump made the comments Friday in Asheville, N.C., where he toured damage from Hurricane Helene. Republicans have not publicly floated withholding aid from that state, which voted for Trump in the past three presidential elections. He was scheduled to tour damage from the Los Angeles fires later Friday. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has previously criticized Trump and other Republicans threats to withhold disaster aid to California and their efforts to politicize the devastating fires in Los Angeles. He still planned to greet Trump on the tarmac when he arrived in California. Conditioning aid to American citizens is wrong, Newsom spokesperson Tara Gallegos said in a statement in response to Trumps latest threats. Gallegos noted that California is one of 15 states, including at least two that voted for Trump, that do not require voter identification at polls. Californians citizenship status and residency are checked when they register to vote. Gallegos also said California pumps as much water from the north of the state to the south as it could under previous Trump-era policies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trumps demand for voter IDs will probably be cheered by the Orange County city of Huntington Beach, which has fought many of the states Democratic policies. The city won a victory in court late last year when a judge rejected a lawsuit brought by the state to overturn the citys law requiring voter identification at the polls. Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber are appealing the decision. Most of Californias voting has been conducted by mail since the state made permanent the vote-by-mail policies enacted during the pandemic. San Francisco and Oakland have each enacted laws that allow noncitizens to vote in local school board elections. After two courts deemed San Franciscos law valid, a conservative group dropped its challenge. Republicans have long argued that voter ID requirements would help restore public confidence in the integrity of U.S. elections. After Trumps 2020 election loss, he promoted the lie that the election was stolen. During the 2024 campaign, Trump falsely said noncitizens were voting, sometimes after being encouraged to do so by Democrats. Our elections are bad, and a lot of these illegal immigrants coming in, theyre trying to get them to vote, Trump said at the Sept. 10 presidential debate. Trump did not elaborate on why wildfire aid would be tied to an unrelated political priority. Advertisement Article continues below this ad California Republican Party Vice Chair Corrin Rankin welcomed the move. His call for voter ID laws and a focus on improving water management policies hits at two critical issues election integrity and responsible resource management. These proposals spark necessary conversations about how we protect our communities, rebuild after disasters and prevent future ones, and ensure a government thats accountable to its citizens, Rankin said in a statement. Trump was more specific Friday about his demands regarding Californias approach to water management, which seeks to balance the health of rivers, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and fish including salmon with farmers and residents demand for supplies diverted from waterways. I will demand that this incompetent governor allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA! Trump wrote on his site Truth Social after the fires broke out. He is the blame for this. Trump has since said he wants to revive a 2020 order he signed to redirect more water to the Central Valley and Southern California. California successfully challenged the order in court. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On his first day back in the White House, Trump directed his administration to develop a plan to route more water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to other parts of the state. Trump has inaccurately blamed the ongoing fires on Californias water policies. Experts and state and local officials say thats not true and that changes to the states water system would not have affected the fight against the fires. Trump is either unaware of how water is stored in California or is deliberately misleading the public, Gallegos said. His statements have been repeatedly fact-checked and debunked. There is no imaginary spigot to magically make water appear at a wildfire, despite what Trump claims. On Thursday, Newsom signed a $2.5 billion wildfire aid package into law. He referenced Trumps politicization of aid money in his remarks: I want to thank everybody that cleared the deck, that didnt play politics with this. This money will be made available immediately. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A curb at Fulton Street and Second Avenue is painted red before a crosswalk in San Francisco. Unknown perpetrators have been painting gray curbs red, causing an uproar among residents and parking citations for at least two people. San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency At least two drivers received tickets for parking along the rogue red curbs that popped up in San Francisco this month, painted by unknown perpetrators to match the crosswalk buffers required under Californias new daylighting law. After addressing reports of fake red zones on Balboa and Cabrillo streets in the Richmond, officials at San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said they began reviewing and proactively dismissing citations issued at these locations. So far, weve identified and dismissed two, spokesperson Michael Roccaforte said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The mysterious paint jobs generated uproar this week after residents posted photos on social media of curbs that transformed from gray to red overnight, often marked by a yellow SFMTA stencil and the Muni worm logo. But these imitations had a tell: Some extended farther than 20 feet from the nearest crosswalk, the length mandated by the law that took effect Jan. 1. Its a crazy situation, said Justin Lee, a resident of the Richmond who believes he was one of the motorists fleeced by an illegal red paint job. When Lee parked his blue Acura on Balboa Street near 19th Avenue on the evening of Jan. 13, he quickly scanned the curb: gray. But by the time Lee returned to his car the next morning Jan. 14 someone had painted the spot red and a fresh ticket sat in Lees windshield. He was instantly suspicious and got a tape measure. Pictures Lee shared with the Chronicle stretched past the 20-foot mark, spanning about three parking spaces, Lee estimated. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As of Friday, he was still trying to contest the citation. So far, the SFMTA has declined his protest. A spokesperson was not immediately able to determine whether the agency had overruled the ticket amid its review of fake red curbs. Meanwhile, crews have scrambled to investigate reports from Lee and others of mystery red curb striping. This week, SFMTA staff confirmed that curbs painted on Balboa between 17th and 19th avenues, and on Cabrillo from 15th to 19th avenues, were not the agencys doing. Upon finding the imitations, SFMTA scrambled to repaint them gray and then restore 20 feet of red to comply with the law. While the unsanctioned red curbs accelerated San Franciscos daylighting process, it focused on the wrong streets, according to SFMTA spokespeople. Transportation planners had intended to prioritize streets near schools to make crossing safer for kids. There's severe "pessimism" about the future of Europe at Davos, according to Larry Fink, chief executive of BlackRock . Taking a contrarian approach, however, Fink who leads the world's largest investment manager suggested that the overwhelmingly negative sentiment on Europe's future, economy and capital markets could mean things are about to turn around. "As a frequent visitor to Davos, let me be clear, I've always done the best when I've gone against every Davos week," Fink told CNBC's Squawk Box Thursday. "What I learned this week in Davos is abject pessimism from Europeans. I've never seen or heard more pessimism on the future of Europe," he added. "So I'm actually coming around now and saying we may be near a bottom." This view on the prevailing Davos sentiment was also shared by UBS Chief Executive Sergio Ermotti earlier this week, who joked to CNBC: "Whatever is the consensus of Davos won't play out to be the reality." 'They need more growth' Jamie Dimon, chief executive of America's largest bank JPMorgan , also bemoaned the lack of impetus in Europe despite efforts from British Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who he met on Wednesday at Davos, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "I don't think there's anyone who doesn't understand that they need more growth," Dimon told CNBC. "And then there are certain things that people have done that have inhibited growth. " "Inhibited is regulations, its permitting, its rules. I put in general: anti-business sentiment," he added. "Everyone realizes that, but the real trick here is execution." Dimon also referred to the so-called Draghi report , which was produced by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi on how to reform Europe's economy, which has been widely welcomed. "You can talk about it all you want," he said. "That's great, but they have to execute the Draghi report." A truck driver climbs into a semitruck at a Costco Wholesale location in Hawthorne, California, on March 14, 2020. Costco Wholesale shareholders voted strongly against a proposal requesting a report on the risks of maintaining its diversity and inclusion initiatives, the U.S. company said on Thursday, sending a message running counter to the intense scrutiny many such corporate policies face. The vote was seen as an early test of investor views about the value of corporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, which many companies added or beefed up starting in 2020 amid the Black Lives Matter movement. More than 98% of the shareholders voted against it at the annual meeting, Costco said. Last year, shareholder resolutions at U.S. corporations looking to counter DEI programs and other corporate social considerations garnered less than 2% support on average. Lindsey Stewart, director of stewardship research and policy for Morningstar Sustainalytics, said the similar result at Costco "suggests that even if the political environment on inclusion in the workplace is changing, investors' low propensity to support anti-DEI resolutions is thus far unchanged." U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that directed government agency chiefs to dismantle DEI policies at federal agencies, federal contractors and in the private sector. He has also suggested that some companies will face investigations and legal action if their programs are deemed to be discriminatory. The proposal at Costco came from the National Center for Public Policy Research, which describes itself as a free-market think tank and had asked the company to assess the potential business risks related to its DEI policies. The group, which did not immediately comment on the result, contended that such efforts could pose legal, reputational, and financial risks, potentially impacting shareholder returns. Costco's board, which urged votes against the proposal, said the report would not provide "meaningful additional information" to shareholders. Companies such as Meta Platforms , Amazon.com , JPMorgan Chase and Boeing have modified their initiatives, scrapped their DEI goals or ended participation in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's corporate equity index. But only now are most shareholders getting a chance to weigh in on such matters. The membership-only retailer has more than 300,000 employees globally and about 219,000 in the United States, according to its 2024 annual report. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he has "always had a great relationship" with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that he looks forward to "getting along with China." The U.S. and China will "have a very good relationship," the president said in a virtual interview at the World Economic Forum, according to the White House readout. "All we want is fairness. We just want a level playing field," Trump said. "But I like President Xi very much. I've always liked him." The newly minted president said earlier this week that he may increase duties on Chinese goods by 10% as soon as Feb. 1. The White House on Monday also announced plans to investigate China over actions harmful to U.S. commerce. During his campaign trail, Trump had floated imposing tariffs upward of 60% on Chinese goods. Separately, Trump said in an interview with Fox News that aired Thursday stateside that while he would prefer not to have to impose tariffs on China, his tariff threats have "tremendous power" over China. The mainland's blue-chip CSI 300 index cheered Trump's latest remarks, rising nearly 1%. The offshore yuan climbed as much as 0.67% to 7.2389 against the U.S. dollar, its strongest level since late November, according to LSEG data. The tightly controlled onshore yuan also gained 0.61% to 7.2445. China has also recently repeated its willingness to negotiate with Washington. The Ministry of Commerce said it had always maintained communication with "relevant" U.S. authorities on economy and trade. "China is willing to work with the U.S. to push bilateral economic and trade relations in a stable, healthy and sustainable direction," ministry spokesperson He Yadong said Thursday, noting that was on the basis of "mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation." The two leaders held a phone call last Friday to discuss TikTok, fentanyl and trade, which Trump had called "a very good one." The Chinese side's readout did not mention the social media app, but said Xi called for cooperation and cast the two countries' economic ties as mutually beneficial. Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of Friday's key moments. 1. Stocks trended lower Friday after the S & P 500 hit fresh record highs to wrap up a strong week of gains as investors rallied around President Trump's pro-business policies. But this rally pushed the S & P 500 Short Range Oscillator our trusted guide on how the market is performing to an overbought reading of 4.73%. Anything above 4% means the overall market has risen too quickly and may be due for a pullback. Jim Cramer cautioned we can't buy stocks in this environment and "leans more on the sell side more than the buy side here," despite naming some stocks he'd liked to potentially add during Thursday's January Monthly Meeting . 2. Jim is rethinking his stance on GE Healthcare : He questioned whether the company's digital machines are truly industry leaders, as he initially believed, and noted, "when you miss your targets I have no tolerance for you," referring to its repeated earnings misses. Since we're focused on owning the best-of-breed companies, Jim is weighing whether GE Healthcare still fits the bill. Taking a broader view, he sees a turnaround in the sector, noting the bear market in healthcare has been "eradicated." He came to this conclusion after interviewing CEOs of top healthcare firms at the JPMorgan Healthcare conference earlier this month. 3. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the social media giant is increasing its artificial intelligence-related spending up to $65 billion this year . The Friday Facebook post stated the step up in spend will go toward building a massive data center and hiring AI teams. The company spent $38 billion to $40 billion in AI-related projects last year. Meta shares ticked up 1% on the news. Meta's new spending commitment bodes well for AI leader Nvidia , but is a major tailwind for chipmaker Broadcom , the designer of Meta's custom AI chips, the Club's portfolio director Jeff Marks noted. Marks added Broadcom CEO Hock Tan is on the board of Meta, guiding the company's AI strategy. Broadcom shares rose 2% on the news. 4. Stocks covered in Friday's rapid fire at the end of the video were: Boeing , American Express , Texas Instruments , CSX Corp , and Twilio . (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long GEHC, META, NVDA, AVGO. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. Italy's bailed-out Monte dei Paschi di Siena on Friday launched a 13.3 billion euro ($13.95 billion) all-share takeover offer for larger domestic peer Mediobanca . Shares of Monte dei Paschi (MPS) closed 6.74% lower, with Mediobanca up 2%. Offering 23 of its shares for 10 of its acquisition target, Monte dei Paschi values Mediobanca's stock at roughly 15.992 each, a 5% premium to the close price of Jan. 23. The proposal will have to be approved at a shareholder meeting on April 17. The equity of Monte dei Paschi was worth 8.7 billion euros as of the Jan. 23 close, while Mediobanca's market capitalization stood at at 12.3 billion euros, according to FactSet data. CNBC has reached out to Mediobanca for comment. Under the offer terms, Monte dei Paschi estimates pre-tax benefits of 700 million euros a year from the transaction, which would help it to leverage tax credits from previous sustained losses and add 500 million per year for the next six years. The lender, which intends to delist Mediobanca, hopes to close the transaction by the end of September, Monte dei Paschi CEO Luigi Lovaglio said in a briefing. "Mediobanca is the best fit at the best time for a powerful business combination," he added. "We will leverage on the excellence of the two brains, preserving their unique positioning. The new Italian champion will be resilient with [a] diversified business mix." In a Friday note, KBW Analysts Hugo Cruz and Ben Maher noted the proposal has "limited" synergy potential and chances of success. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday he was open to discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump on issues such as the Ukraine war and energy prices, and said it would be a good idea for the two of them to meet. But Putin told a Russian TV reporter that the question of negotiating with Ukraine was complicated by the fact that its president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, had signed a decree preventing him from conducting talks with Putin. Putin described Trump, who this week threatened to hit Russia with new sanctions and tariffs if it did not negotiate an end to the war, as smart and pragmatic. He said he did not expect the U.S. president to make decisions on sanctions that would rebound on the U.S. economy. "Therefore, most likely, it would be better for us to meet, based on the realities of today, to talk calmly on all those areas that are of interest to both the United States and Russia. We are ready. But, I repeat, this primarily, of course, depends on the decisions and choices of the current American administration," he said. Peter Gallotta, board member of the Lower Nob Hill Alliance, stands for a portrait in the parking lot next to the former Le Colonial restaurant along Cosmo Place in San Francisco. Gallotta and the Alliance want to turn the parking lot that served the old Trader Vics and then Le Colonial into a park for Lower Nob Hill. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle San Francisco neighborhood activist Peter Gallotta stands on Cosmo Place and looks out on a dingy and mostly empty asphalt parking lot surrounded by the backsides of six-story apartment buildings in Lower Nob Hill. But if he closes his eyes, he sees Cosmo Park, a town square with a dog run, benches for seniors, sport courts and a play structure for kids a public park that the neighborhood currently lacks. The difference between these two visions is the $2.2 million asking price for the surface parking lot. Though the 8,000-square-foot lot is zoned for high-density residential or commercial use, Gallotta and his cohorts in a recently formed advocacy group called the Lower Nob Hill Neighborhood Alliance want the city to buy the lot and build out a park to be operated by the Recreation and Parks Department. The effort was first reported by the San Francisco Examiner. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This isnt Dolores Park, but there is a lot you can do with this site, said Gallotta while standing outside the entrance to what was formerly Le Colonial restaurant, and the longstanding Trader Vics before that. This is an extremely dense neighborhood, and what we dont have is open space. The parking lot next to the former Le Colonial restaurant along Cosmo Place in Lower Nob Hill. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle The nearest is either Huntington Park, straight uphill at the top of Nob Hill, or Father Alfred E. Boeddeker Park, straight downhill in the Tenderloin. Lower Nob Hill itself which Gallotta defines as between Geary and Pine streets to the south and north, and Mason and Larkin streets to the east and west has no parks to speak of. Getting one, even if they have to form a Friends of group to help pay for it, will be topic No. 1 at the alliances next meeting, on Feb. 11. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What we care about is just having open space that is walkable, Gallotta said on a recent sunny winter day that was cold in the shade of the buildings on Cosmo Place. Maybe we wont be doing as much sunbathing out here, but it will be less sweaty for playing pickleball. The Lower Nob Hill Neighborhood Alliance has been around for only two years, but the need for a park in the larger vicinity known as Lower Nob Hill/Upper Tenderloin/Polk Gulch area has been kicked around since 2013, when then-Supervisor Jane Kim zeroed in on the issue. Ten years later, in 2023, the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution sponsored by board President Aaron Peskin, to loosen the criteria for the Open Space Acquisition Fund, which is operated by Rec and Park. The ordinance reduces the square footage requirement for property acquisitions and also de-emphasizes the need for outside matching funds from the neighborhood. The parking lot at 50 Cosmo Place was prioritized when it went on the market last September. The price has since been reduced from $3.2 million to $2.2 million. This dense, historic apartment district has been crying out for a modicum of open space for years and finally we have the perfect opportunity and organized coalition of neighbors to champion a bucolic oasis in a neighborhood that has long needed and deserved it, said Peskin in an email. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A group of Lower Nob Hill residents want San Francisco to buy the parking lot that once served Trader Vics and Le Colonial and turn it into a neighborhood park. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Rec and Park staff has identified it as a potential acquisition and is in the process of performing environmental due diligence, according to spokesperson Tamara Aparton. She also said the property may have a purchase offer from a separate buyer, which would kill the park plan. Attempts to reach the listing agent, Newmark, by voicemail and email were unsuccessful. But it will be part of an upcoming walking tour to be conducted by District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter and Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. I am committed to a new park in Lower Nob Hill. It is what the neighborhood deserves, Sauter said. 50 Cosmo would be a special setting, but it is a bit unorthodox because it is in an interior courtyard and is removed from the street. That makes it both an opportunity and a challenge. A secluded space like that could work as a sanctuary. If that doesnt work, Gallotta has a Plan B, which is a smaller surface parking lot at 898 Post St., on the corner of Larkin. A promotional slogan he has worked up will serve either location. Its a twist on a Joni Mitchell lyric. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After years of lobbying by the crypto industry, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has rescinded an accounting rule that forced banks to treat bitcoin and other tokens as a liability on their balance sheets. The guidance was a major deterrent to Wall Street banks owning bitcoin and was the latest in a string of actions taken by the new Trump administration to make it easier for U.S. companies and financial firms to deal in virtual, decentralized currencies. The guidance, known as Staff Accounting Bulletin 121, or SAB 121, was introduced in 2022 and subjected digital assets to strict capital requirements. The measure, which significantly raised the financial and regulatory risks of offering crypto custody services, boosted operational costs for financial institutions and ultimately discouraged broader participation by Wall Street in crypto markets. Efforts to overturn SAB 121 gained bipartisan support in Congress last year. But then-President Joe Biden vetoed the proposed legislation, leaving the rule intact and further discouraging banks from adopting digital assets. Banks have been largely forbidden from expanding their crypto offerings beyond derivatives trading and offering ETFs to wealth management clients. watch now SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, who on Tuesday was tapped to lead a new "crypto task force" within the agency aimed at "developing a comprehensive and clear regulatory framework for crypto assets," praised the announcement. "Bye, bye SAB 121! It's not been fun," she wrote in a post on X late Thursday night following the decision. The SEC's decision to revoke the rule was announced in a public notice, just days after Gary Gensler, a former SEC Chair and vocal supporter of the measure, stepped down from his role. Gensler had defended the rule as necessary to protect investors in the event of crypto firm bankruptcies. This week in Davos, Switzerland, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon told CNBC that from a regulatory perspective, the bank couldn't own bitcoin and that it would revisit the issue if the rules changed. The CEOs of Morgan Stanley and Bank of America also weighed in from the World Economic Forum on how President Donald Trump's pro-crypto tone could reshape their plans and potentially lead to expanded digital offerings. CNBC's Jeff Cox contributed to this report. Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading: Verizon Communications The telecommunications giant saw shares climb 1% after the firm posted its strongest quarterly wireless subscriber growth in five years, boosted by solid demand for its customizable offerings such as myPlan. Verizon reported earnings of $1.10 per share last quarter, matching an average estimate per LSEG. Novo Nordisk U.S.-traded shares of the Danish pharmaceutical company jumped more than 8%. Novo Nordisk reported positive results in an early-stage trial for its amycretin obesity drug. Twilio Shares of the cloud communications software maker rallied 20% after Twilio issued an optimistic forecast for the next few years. Twilio said during its Thursday investor event that its adjusted operating margin will reach as high as 22% by 2027. Baird upgraded Twilio to outperform from neutral on the back of the event and said it came away confident ahead of the company's fourth-quarter results. Ericsson U.S.-listed shares of the telecommunications company tumbled 14% following a fourth-quarter earnings miss. Ericsson posted fourth-quarter adjusted EBITA of 10.25 billion Swedish kroner, while analyst consensus had estimated 10.69 billion Swedish kroner, according to FactSet. CSX Shares dipped 3% after the railroad company reported fourth-quarter revenue of $3.54 billion, less than the $3.58 billion expected from analysts polled by LSEG. CSX said revenue fell year over year due to declines in fuel surcharge and coal revenue. Grindr The dating app popped 8% after posting fresh guidance. Grindr now expects full-year 2024 revenue of between $343 million and $345 million, while analysts polled by FactSet had expected $338 million. Texas Instruments The semiconductor maker dropped 7.5% after issuing disappointing guidance. The company expects earnings per share to range between 94 cents to $1.16, versus an LSEG estimate of $1.17 per share. CF Industries Shares tumbled 7.5% following a downgrade from JPMorgan to underweight from neutral. The bank sees more downside risks ahead, adding that it expects "increases in domestic natural gas prices, which is the primary raw material for the manufacture of nitrogen fertilizers, should lead to Consensus earnings estimate cuts for 2025 and for 2026." Intuitive Surgical Shares slipped 4% after the medical equipment maker predicted its adjusted gross profit margin will come in between 67% and 68% in 2025, versus 69.1% in 2024. NextEra Energy The renewable energy company added 5% after posting fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of 53 cents per share, which was in line with a FactSet consensus. The firm also guided for full-year adjusted earnings that encompassed Wall Street's consensus estimate. American Express The credit card processor slipped 1% after its forward revenue growth for 2025 came in slower compared to 2024. However, American Express posted a fourth-quarter revenue beat and earnings that were in line with analysts' expectations. GE Vernova The electric services stock shed 4% after Guggenheim downgraded the name to neutral from buy. Analyst Joseph Osha pointed to the stock's strong recent performance and slowing upward revisions as reasons for the downgrade. CNBC's Michelle Fox, Hakyung Kim, Yun Li, Pia Singh and Samantha Subin contributed reporting. Jose Luis Pelaez | Getty Images For roughly the past five years, federal student loan borrowers who fell behind on their bills didn't need to worry about the usual consequences, including the garnishment of their wages and retirement benefits. That will soon change. In a U.S. Department of Education memo obtained by CNBC, dated Jan. 13, a top Biden administration official laid out for the first time details of when collection activity may resume. In some cases, borrowers could feel the pain as early as this summer. By late 2024, the number of federal student loan borrowers in default was roughly 5.5 million, the department's memo said. Here's what borrowers struggling to pay their bills need to know about the risks ahead. Different garnishments to resume at different times Federal student loan borrowers who've defaulted on their loans may see their wages garnished starting in October of this year, according to the Education Department memo. Social Security benefit offsets could resume as early as August. It may be up to the new administration under President Donald Trump to decide how to handle the resumption of collections, experts said. However, the department under President Joe Biden took some steps to help defaulted borrowers. Later this year, for the first time, borrowers in default should be able to enroll in the Income-Based Repayment plan "and have a pathway to forgiveness," the memo says. Currently, federal student loan borrowers need to exit default before they can access any of the income-driven repayment plans, including the IBR. These plans aim to set borrowers' monthly bills at a number they can afford, and many end up with a $0 monthly payment. More from Personal Finance: How to know if a rental listing is a scam Now is an 'ideal time' to reassess your retirement savings How climate change is reshaping home insurance costs Meanwhile, the Biden administration also moved to protect a higher amount of people's Social Security benefits from the department's collection powers. When the consequences of defaults resume, those with a monthly Social Security benefit under $1,883 should be able to protect those benefits from offset, compared with the current protected amount of $750 in place today. "Available data suggest that these actions will effectively halt Social Security offsets for more than half of affected borrowers and reduce the offset amount for many others," the memo said. The White House and the U.S. Department of Education did not respond to a request for comment on how the Trump administration plans to handle those measures. What borrowers can do Borrowers who are already in default should contact their loan servicer "right away" to talk about resolving the issue, said Betsy Mayotte, president of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, a nonprofit. Someone can get out of default on their student loans through rehabilitating or consolidating their debt, Mayotte said. Rehabilitating involves making "nine voluntary, reasonable and affordable monthly payments," according to the U.S. Department of Education. Those nine payments can be made over "a period of 10 consecutive months," it said. The Supreme Court agreed on Friday, January 24, to hear the tax department's plea challenging a Delhi High Court order that allowed Tiger Global, a global private equity (PE) major, to receive India-Mauritius tax treaty benefits. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Tiger Global's Mauritian subsidiary and has stayed the Delhi High Court order.Tiger Global was one of the PE investors who chose the exit route following Walmart's 2018 takeover of Flipkart. Between 2011 and 2015, Tiger Global invested in Flipkart in tranches through its Mauritius entity, which also had a Tax Residency Certificate issued by Mauritian tax authorities. Moreover, a grandfathering provision in Indian laws protected investments made through Mauritius before April 2017.In 2019, Tiger Globals subsidiary moved the Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR), seeking the benefit of a zero-withholding tax. AAR held against the PE investor, observing that Tiger Global had structured this transaction through intermediaries only to avoid tax, concluding that the actual control and management of the Mauritian subsidiary lay with the American parent.The Delhi High Court, however, overruled the AAR order last year, holding that the American parent was only the investment manager and not the holding company. The court also held that, unlike a shell company, the Mauritanian subsidiary carried out significant commercial operations, like managing funds of over 500 investors across 30 countries.The HC concluded that mere presence in a tax haven like Mauritius should not lead to the presumption of tax avoidance by authorities. This decision was challenged before the Supreme Court and heard on Friday.Rakesh Nangia, Managing Partner of Nangia & Co LLP, Rakesh Nangia said, In a way, the Delhi High Court verdict endorsed the principle that rigorous thresholds of general anti-abuse provisions Principal Purpose Test (PPT), beneficial ownership, etc could not be invoked by revenue in the case of tax treaties, where sovereign commitments were made to specific treaty partners (such as Singapore), to apply negotiated anti-abuse standards under the grandfathering provisions."Nangia added that in this context, "it is noteworthy that the CBDT issued a circular barely three days ago, categorically placing grandfathering provisions under tax treaties with specified treaty partners beyond the ambit of PPT.The case is likely to have far-reaching implications for investors looking at opportunities in Indian startups a lack of clarity on taxation benefits during exit from startups could impact their decision. In a significant diplomatic reshuffle, the Ministry of External Affairs has announced two key ambassadorial appointments.Jitender Pal Singh, who belongs to IFS 2002 batch, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Israel. Singh is currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs.He will replace senior diplomat Sanjeev Singla. With over two decades of experience in the Indian Foreign Service, Singh brings a wealth of expertise to this critical diplomatic position.Namrata S. Kumar, IFS of batch 1997, presently the Ambassador of India to Slovenia, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Latvia. With a distinguished career in foreign affairs, Kumar's move marks a strategic step in strengthening India's ties with the Baltic region.Both diplomats are expected to take up their respective assignments shortly. A warm welcome to President Prabowo Subianto @prabowo of Indonesia as he arrives in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Received by MoS @PmargheritaBJP at the airport. President @prabowo will be the Chief Guest for ????????'s 76th Republic Day celebrations. This visit will pic.twitter.com/OEeXLOengC Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 23, 2025 Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived here on Thursday night on his first visit to India as the head of state.Subianto is in Delhi primarily to grace the 76th Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest.The Indonesian president was welcomed at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita."A warm welcome to President Prabowo Subianto @prabowo of Indonesia as he arrives in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on 'X'."This visit will further strengthen India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," he said.Both sides are expected to firm up several pacts to expand cooperation in a number of areas during Subianto's visit.He will be the fourth Indonesian president to attend India's Republic Day celebrations. Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, was the chief guest at India's first Republic Day celebrations in 1950.A 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia will be participating in the Republic Day parade at the Kartavya Path here. This will be the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in a national day parade abroad.There has been an upswing in India-Indonesia ties in the last few years.Prime Minister Modi travelled to Indonesia in 2018 during which the India-Indonesia ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.The Shared Vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was also adopted.On November 19 last year, Prime Minister Modi met President Prabowo Subianto on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro.India and Indonesia are close maritime neighbours with cultural and trade ties spanning over a millennia.The Southeast Asian nation is also an important pillar in India's Act East Policy. It is one of India's largest trading partners in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region.The volume of India-Indonesia trade in 2023 was recorded at $29.40 billion.Indian investments in Indonesia amounts to $1.56 billion in infrastructure, power, textiles, steel, automotive, mining, banking and consumer goods sectors.The bilateral defence and security ties have also witnessed steady expansion after signing of a defence cooperation agreement in 2018.Indonesia is also home to approximately 150,000 persons of Indian-origin whose ancestors had migrated to that country in the 19th and 20th centuries.There are around 14,000 Indian nationals (NRI) living in Indonesia including entrepreneurs, engineers, chartered accountants, IT professionals, consultants, and bankers, according to official data. Sky Force, the new film starring Akshay Kumar and introducing Veer Pahariya, which lands in theatres today (January 24) is a high-octane dive into a pivotal moment in Indian military history: the airstrike on Pakistan's Sargodha airbase during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War. The film immerses viewers in the high-stakes bravery, strategy, and sacrifice of Indian Air Force pilots, highlighting their pivotal role in shifting the course of the war.To understand the film's significance, we must first look back at 1965, when the subcontinent was in turmoil, with Kashmir at the centre of the conflict. Pakistan's Operation Gibraltar sought to infiltrate forces and spark rebellion, prompting India's counteroffensive, Operation Riddle, which targeted Lahore and Kasur. However, the true turning point came in the skies above Pakistan.The Sargodha airbase, one of Asia's most formidable military fortresses, became the focus of the Indian Air Force's operation. Housing crucial aircraft and weaponry, neutralising Sargodha would not only deal a blow to Pakistan's air capabilities but also disrupt its support for ground operations in key areas like Khem Karan. The mission, executed with precision, demanded immense courage and skill from IAF pilots.In waves, IAF Mysteres and Hunters soared through enemy fire, striking key installations at Sargodha. The base erupted in flames, with hangars, aircraft, and infrastructure obliterated. The attack severely weakened Pakistan's air power, tilting the balance of power in India's favourbut it came at a high price.Among the heroes of this daring raid was Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya. As the IAF pilots returned from the strike, Devayya's aircraft was intercepted by an enemy F-104 Starfighter aircraft. Outnumbered and facing a superior opponent, Devayya could have retreated. Instead, he chose to engage, ensuring the safety of his fellow pilots. The ensuing dogfight was a fierce and relentless ballet of aerial combat, with Devayya holding his own against overwhelming odds.Tragically, his aircraft was shot down, and he was declared missing, and presumed dead. No one knew what happened to him.It wasnt until 1988, 23 years after his death, that Devayya was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second-highest military honour. He remains the only fighter pilot to receive this prestigious award posthumously.Sky Force finally brings this forgotten hero's story to the big screen, with Veer Pahariya making his Bollywood debut as Devayya. Akshay Kumar stars as Group Captain O.P. Taneja, the leader of the 13-aircraft contingent that carried out the strike, while Sara Ali Khan portrays Devayya's wife.The film is now playing in theatres near you. David Ho, co-owner and chef at Sam Wo Restaurant in San Fracisco, has prepared Cantonese specialities at the Chinatown mainstay since 1981. He will retire Sunday, the same day the century-old restaurant closes, maybe for good. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle David Ho, right, speaks with son Jason Ho at Sam Wo Restaurant. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle David Jitong Ho does not think his life has been anything special. For the better part of four decades, hes worked six days a week, 10 hours a day, poised by a gas stove in a basement kitchen waiting for orders from a printer. In truth, Ive lived a dull, ordinary life, Ho, now 70, said in Mandarin. Its not even worth mentioning. This ordinary life has kept alive a piece of San Francisco history. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Since 1986, Ho has been a co-owner of and head chef at Sam Wo Restaurant. Opened in Chinatown in 1908, the Cantonese restaurant has loomed so large in the popular imagination that when Conan OBrien filmed in the city in 2007, the comedian joked that his late-night show was sponsored by Sam Wo Restaurant. Sam Wo Restaurant opened in San Franciscos Chinatown in 1908 during a period of rebuilding from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which leveled the city and institutionalized anti-Chinese discrimination. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle When the restaurant was ordered to close in 2012 by the San Francisco Department of Public Health for health and safety code violations, customers lined up around the block for a last taste. Flush with new investors, it reopened three years later to fanfare and has remained a mainstay destination for tourists and local nostalgists who grew up going to the once-late-night diner. After more than a century, the restaurant and the stoic man behind its most recent chapter are at a crossroads. Ho is hanging up his apron on Sunday, Jan. 26, as the Chinatown institutions lease expires and it closes potentially for good. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ho has spent 10 hours a day, six days a week, in the kitchen of the Sam Wo Restaurant for roughly 40 years. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle Sam Wos dozen shareholders have been searching for someone to take over the restaurant. Steven Lee, Sam Wos largest shareholder, said he and his partners have narrowed their options down to three potential successors, but declined to share details. Whatever happens, those closest to Ho say that Sam Wo wont be the same without him. Throughout my life, the restaurant equaled my dad, and my dad equaled the restaurant, said Julie Ho. My dad is the restaurant. All our food, the clothes on our back, the roof over our heads everything came from that restaurant. Thats why its so damn hard right now to find someone to replace him. Because there is really no one that can replace him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad From grandfather to grandson Ho ladles rice flour batter for steamed rice noodle rolls at Sam Wo Restauant. Unlike the more common method of steaming sheets of rice flour batter on a layer of permeable cloth, Ho uses round metal pans for efficiency. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Ho was born in 1955 in the coastal Guangdong province in southeastern China, on the heels of Communist leader Mao Zedong seizing control and establishing the Peoples Republic of China. Ho was in the fourth grade when the government launched its Cultural Revolution, a decade-long cataclysm in which Mao called on young people to purge counterrevolutionary elements from society. Students were encouraged to take up violence against their teachers, who were slandered as cow ghosts and snake demons. Many did so through what was called struggle sessions in which teachers were beaten, often to death. The death toll numbered in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, depending on estimates. Schools, including Hos, closed for three years. When classes resumed in 1969, Ho said, it was under a new philosophy. Manual labor replaced books and traditional lessons. Ho said he and his classmates were sent to villages to build roads and houses, and blast rock from quarries. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My education stopped at third or fourth grade, Ho said. Ho pours soaked rice into a grinding machine to make rice flour at Sam Wo Restaurant. Ho has used the same machine since 1982, preparing Sam Wos signature rice noodle rolls using a traditional method at a time when many restaurants use frozen versions. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle At 17, after graduating high school, Ho was assigned by the government to work for his provinces forestry planning institute, trekking through mountains to survey trees for road construction projects. Hos grandfather, Gao Xi, who had immigrated to San Francisco in 1910, wanted his family to join him. But Gao was a paper son, the term for Chinese immigrants who posed as the sons of Chinese American citizens to circumvent the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which broadly prevented Chinese immigration until 1943. Because he had legally changed his name, Gao had no way to sponsor his family. So he asked around Chinatown whether anyone had a citizen daughter of marrying age. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At the time, Gao had taken over a hole-in-the-wall diner on Washington Street called Sanhe, which loosely translates to three harmonies. The English name was Sam Wo and non-Chinese customers over the years mistook that for a real person. Sam Wo Restaurant has struggled with lower foot traffic since the pandemic began, but owners hope to keep its legacy alive even after its longtime chef retires. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle The dishwasher had a daughter, Gwen Wong, who was six months older than Ho. She and Gao arranged for Wong to meet Ho in Hong Kong, where he had moved. The couple married. Gwen helped Ho pick an English name David for life in America. In 1981, Ho got on a plane for the first time and flew to San Francisco. In doing so, he opened the door for his family to follow when he became a U.S. citizen. On his birthday the next year, the couples daughter, Julie, was born. Their son, Jason, was born in 1988. Reflecting on his past, Ho said it was never a question whether he would follow his grandfathers plan. He was the eldest child, responsible for taking care of his parents and three younger siblings. For us Chinese people, the traditional aspiration and my grandfathers hope was for me to take on the duties that he started, to take his place, Ho said. This was my responsibility. Hes my hero Ho heads toward the kitchen to start his shift as the chef of Sam Wo Restaurant. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle On one of Hos last shifts, on Jan. 8, the narrow two-story dining area was packed by 5:30 p.m. Sam Wo, which had suffered from declining foot traffic since the COVID-19 pandemic, had grown busier as it approached a possible end. Downstairs, Ho was awaiting orders. A tinny jingle of Beethovens Fur Elise rang from the printer, announcing an incoming order. Ho scooped duck and rice into the wok and tossed the mixture over a roaring flame, imbuing the dish with what Cantonese people call wok hei, or the breath of the wok, the charred, savory flavor imparted by a well-seasoned wok and blazing heat. In less than 30 seconds, he had assembled the order. Growing up, Julie Ho said she saw her dad in the restaurant kitchen more than she saw him at their Chinatown apartment. One summer day when she was 9, Julie was sitting on the couch, complaining to her father that she was bored. Youre bored? she remembered him responding. Then youre coming with me. Ho began cooking at Sam Wo Restaurant in 1981. When his grandfather died five years later, Ho took over as the head chef and owner. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle From then on, she spent her summers working in her dads restaurant, greeting customers and bringing soda to the tables. Her other job was in the kitchen, sorting the orders sent down by servers into separate piles for drinks, wok-fried dishes, deep-fried foods and soups. When not working, she would spend hours with him as he prepared the restaurants signature rice rolls, steaming and stuffing the delicacies as an old refrigerator hummed in the background. Julie spoke to her father in Cantonese. Sometimes shed discuss issues she was having with friends. For a period she talked about death, a concept she was both consumed and terrified by. Sometimes she made up questions trying to get inside his head. David Ho sympathized. He reassured. He told his daughter to imagine herself in her friends positions. And he kept cooking. Watching her father methodically repeat the familiar motions, his eyebrows furrowed, steam wafting, felt magical, Julie said. I idolized my dad as a kid, Julie, now 43, said. Hes my hero. Ho fills a steamed rice noodle roll with barbecue pork, egg and cilantro at Sam Wo Restaurant. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Julie continued working at the restaurant through high school and nursing school. But her dad eventually told her that he didnt want her to follow in his footsteps, doing the kind of backbreaking labor that tore two tendons in his arm. I want you to have your own life, she recalled him telling her. For all that the U.S. has given his family, Ho said he feels he never enjoyed much freedom. He doesnt speak fluent English. He relies on his children to drive him around. He jokes that he only knows two streets in San Francisco the one where he works and the one where he lives. I feel like a frog at the bottom of the well, Ho said, referencing a Chinese parable about an amphibian who thinks the sky is only as big as the mouth of its well. Ho jokes with co-workers before starting his shift at Sam Wo Restaurant. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle In retirement, Ho is looking forward to leading a truly ordinary life. Hell welcome his first granddaughter in February. Hell spend more time with his children. Hell travel to China, spending time with former classmates in Guangzhou. He wants to cherish the time he has left. 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. January 23, 2025: Russian soldiers in Ukraine are largely higher paid long-term contract soldiers. These men tend to come from rural areas where jobs are scarce and poverty is increasing. Many of the military-age men had already served one or two years as conscripts. In the last year, military recruiters have been offering these veterans well-paid jobs as contract soldiers if they sign up for a few more years. Most of their pay is sent directly to their families and there are substantial death or disability payments. So far over half a million Russian soldiers have died or been permanently disabled in Ukraine .In many rural towns it is obvious that many men recently died in Ukraine. Thats made it difficult for recruiters, who have obtained most of their best recruits from these rural areas, where many men are accustomed to hunting or fishing. That means recruits who already know how to shoot and move quietly in the countryside and are in need of a better paying job. As more local men die in Ukraine, fewer are inclined to join the army. This is a problem because most of the rural population of Russia has been slowly declining. In 1970 rural areas held half the population but currently it is only 37 percent and continuing to decline. A century ago, most Russians lived in rural areas but the movement to urban areas has been relentless and continuous. Men in urban areas have more access to news, better education and more jobs. Urban men are not interested in joining the army, even as better paid contract soldiers. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, it was voters from urban areas that led the opposition to conscription, but so far, the best they could do was get the term of conscript service reduced to one year. Current conscript laws prohibit conscripts from serving in foreign wars. The government tried to present the Ukraine War as an internal Russian matter because Ukraine was part of Russia. The government passed laws to that effect but most Russians still considered the Ukraine War a foreign war that was off limits for conscripts. The conscripts went to war anyway, but almost entirely in non-combat roles. To get around this opposition the government provided more cash bonuses to induce conscripts to become contract soldiers. This made sense to conscripts from poor regions but the urban conscripts were not interested and concentrated on surviving their unfortunate circumstances. For urban military-age men, particularly in the Moscow and St. Petersburg areas, rampant corruption in the conscription bureaucracy provides opportunities for those with money to avoid conscription or at least avoid service in a combat unit. As Russian conscripts and newly acquired contract soldiers continued to suffer casualties in Ukraine, the quality of those troops and their willingness to fight declined. This was accelerated by the even greater decline in the number of combat officers available. Russian officers were also reluctant to have a promising military career cut short by untimely death in Ukraine while trying to lead reluctant troops. Ukrainian forces more frequently encountered Russian units that seemed reluctant to fight but many soldiers wanted to surrender. The Russian government tried to deal with this by making it a criminal offense to surrender. This has led a growing number of reluctant and desperate Russian soldiers to desert and not return to Russia. This makes them stateless but still alive. This is not a new problem and the UN refugee agency is prepared to issue travel documents to the stateless. This allows Russian deserters to move around outside Russia but they still encounter problems finding a job while also learning a new language. It is possible to covertly contact friends and family via the Internet to let them know you are still alive but thats about all you can do. All this explains the poor morale and combat ineffectiveness of so many Russian troops in Ukraine. There are some elite commando or airborne units that will willingly fight but there are few of these units. Russian commanders have learned to use these elite units carefully because combat losses are not easy to replace. It takes months to train these elite troops, who are volunteers and there are fewer and fewer Russians volunteering to fight in Ukraine, even as a member of an elite unit. While all this limits the ability of the Russians to attack, most of their reluctant soldiers will operate on the defensive and take part in building defensive fortifications and planting landmines and other nasty surprises for any attackers. This is what the current Ukrainian offensive in the southeast has to deal with. Ukrainian forces make the most of this by using their long-range weapons, like artillery, guided rockets and aircraft delivered long range guided bombs or air-to-ground missiles to destroy Russian supply storage sites, transportation efforts and headquarters. This leaves a growing number of Russian units without ammunition or other supplies, even food and water. Many Russian troops still have their cellphones and can call home and complain about their increasingly desperate situation. Its illegal for troops to report on their situation and illegal for Russian media to publish or broadcast it. This slows down but does prevent the bad news from spreading inside Russia. Most Russians still support their government or simply try to avoid the war news. For those Russians who are involved because they have friends or family members in the military or subject to being recruited or conscripted, the bad news is a useful additional incentive to avoid being sent to Ukraine to fight. Those who do go have little enthusiasm for fighting but will shoot back if cornered and attacked. Russia recently imported 12,000 North Korean troops who are trained, disciplined and know how to carry out a disciplined attack. North Korea announced that it is willing to send more troops even if that means North Korean soldiers taking over most Russian offensive operations. North Korea sees this as much needed combat training for its troops and a source of income. Russia pays for the use of these troops as well as the cost of maintaining them and the costs of medical care and shipping the bodies of dead soldiers home and paying the family a substantial life insurance payment. Such payments are common in all parts of the world. Currently the families of U.S. military personnel killed in combat receive $100,000 tax free. The government also ships the body back and provides a military burial service if the family wants one. For North Korea, sending its soldiers to fight alongside Russians in Ukraine is all about money. North Korea has been selling Russia ammunition, rockets and other weapons since 2023. This has become big business for North Korea. Now they can rent their soldiers to the Russians. Supplying Russian needs for the war in Ukraine has become big business for North Korea and they will miss it when the war ends or Russia runs out of cash to pay for their foreign legion. The Egotistical Jerk is a common sitcom trope, but not all narcissists are created equal. As discussed in a recent Reddit thread, only a few sitcom characters rise to the top in the genres Egomaniac Hall of Fame. Not to brag, but here are five of the most self-involved, egocentric characters in sitcom history 1 Lucille Bluth Lucille can usually be found slurring her way through another vodka tonic, infantilizing a family member or spending money the Bluths no longer have. More than any other Arrested Development character (and its a healthy competition), Lucille craves status one might even say she believes its her birthright. Lucilles reaction to making this list would likely be a smug, If thats a veiled criticism about me, I wont hear it and I wont respond to it. 2 Dennis Reynolds Just like the Screen Actors Guild hands out an annual award for Best Performance by an Entire Cast, the Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia gang takes the prize for Most Narcissistic, Group or Ensemble. But thats not the exercise, and if we have to pick one Always Sunny character, it has to be Dennis I am a Golden God! Reynolds. Even Wikipedia knows the drill: Seemingly the most intelligent and normal of the three co-owners, Dennis is slowly revealed to be the most narcissistic and sociopathic of The Gang. Advertisement Advertisement 3 Dick Solomon Play The tittering writers on 3rd Rock From the Sun had a junior-high field day naming episodes after their lead character (Frozen Dick, The Art of Dick, Truth or Dick and so on), but what else were they supposed to do? Solomon was a Dick and a preening one at that. Oh my God! shouts Dick after he gets a load of himself in a hand mirror. Im gorgeous! Advertisement Advertisement 4 Jenna Maroney Yustrepa Gronkowitz, er, 30 Rocks Maroney is whose picture you see when you look up diva in your online dictionary. A graduate of Adrien Brodys unaccredited acting school and the Royal Tampa Academy of Dramatic Tricks, Maroney earned her ego as the original star of The Girlie Show. Even though she lost top billing to Tracy Jordan, she agrees with him that their profession constitutes the most important people on the planet. Were actors, she confirms. If we didnt exist, how would people know who to vote for? Advertisement Advertisement Mary Tyler Moore had gone from being the most popular woman in America to being a has-been in three, four years, according to Dick Van Dyke Show producer Bill Persky in the documentary Being Mary Tyler Moore. After the sitcoms cancellation in 1966, Moore couldnt find a successful vehicle for her talents, in part because she was stuck in the collective consciousness as Laura Petrie. Stage and film projects were unsuccessful. And when the show was over, I could tell the network just saw her as the wife who supported, said Dick Van Dyke this week on Ted Dansons Where Everyone Knows Your Name podcast. She wasnt getting anything from the network. But Van Dyke still had a deal with CBS for a series of one-hour specials. Persky pitched the comic actor on a reunion show, both for ratings and because I think Mary could use it. Don't Miss The special, Dick Van Dyke and the Other Woman, turned into a showcase for Moore to display her many, non-Laura Petrie talents. She could play angry or sultry or independent, traits viewers rarely got to see on The Dick Van Dyke Show. The title of the special suggested an adulterous affair whoa! even though Van Dyke and Moore assured the audience that there was nothing unsavory about their real-life relationship. They gave me a wonderful opportunity to sing and dance and clown, Moore remembered. Play Ratings for the special went through the roof, landing on the cover of TV Guide. Television viewers, noted Persky rediscovered Mary Tyler Moore. Advertisement And so did the network. CBS noted how successful it was, Moore said. She just blew the place away, Van Dyke told Danson. The next day they called her. And they asked me if I wanted to do my own show, says Moore, to which I said yes. Moore called her friend Beverly Sanders, screaming into the phone with joy. Of course she got her break, Sanders remembered. For Mary to step off that show and into The Mary Tyler Moore Show was really something. Without Dick Van Dyke and the Other Woman, its likely the doofuses at CBS would have missed out on a sitcom that was nominated for 67 Primetime Emmy Awards, winning 29. Moore took home four of the trophies for her portrayal of Mary Richards, one of the first unmarried professional women to be depicted on network TV. The network, you gotta nudge em a little bit, Van Dyke says. They didnt get it that she was great. These days, no matter how many Get Outs and Parasites we throw at them, Hollywood is reluctant to make any movie that isnt part of a franchise. There was a time, however, when the bigwigs could be approached with a sequel idea and say, Actually, thats good enough to stand on its own. They werent always right, but at least they could say it. 5 Die Hard You might know that Die Hard is based on a book, 1979s Nothing Lasts Forever, but did you know that its actually a sequel to 1966s The Detective? Thats right: Die Hard is technically Die Hard 2. In fact, The Detective had already been adapted in 1968, and the star of that film, Frank Sinatra, had it written into his contract that he must be offered the starring role in any sequels. Fortunately, Die Hard was given the chance to develop as a standalone feature after Sinatra turned it down on account of being 70 years old, or wed be living in a very different action movie climate. 4 The Hateful Eight Quentin Tarantino initially envisioned The Hateful Eight not just as a sequel to Django Unchained but as a book. Hed planned to write a novel called Django in White Hell that dropped Mr. Freeman in the middle of this octet of haters, but soon, I (said) to myself, You know whats wrong with this piece? Django. Djangos got to go. This piece shouldnt have a moral center. It shouldnt have a hero. He probably also realized that no one wants to read a book by Quentin Tarantino. 3 Solace Speaking of the number eight, 2015s Solace was intended to be a sequel to Se7en called wait for it Ei8ht. It would have brought back Morgan Freemans Detective William Somerset and given him psychic powers (possibly eight of them?) to track down a serial killer who also has psychic powers. After David Fincher informed them that was dumb as hell, they reworked it with a psychic doctor played by Anthony Hopkins but failed to realize it was still dumb as hell. 2 Colombiana Advertisement Advertisement Luc Besson had originally written 2011s Colombiana as a sequel to Leon: The Professional, following up with Natalie Portmans 12-year-old Mathilda 15 years later. He and director Olivier Megaton reworked the script into Colombiana, however, after they realized we couldnt do it because of the evolution of a lot of things about Natalie, about (distributor) Gaumont. Maybe because Portman found out the character was based on Bessons own teenage lover. Whos to say? Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which turns 50 this year, is clearly one of best comedies ever made. And, barring some sort of dark twist in the Peter Rabbit series, its the best movie to feature a bloodthirsty bunny gnawing someones head off. While the idea of sequelizing this beloved classic may seem foolish to some, it very nearly happened. Back in 1997, Eric Idle pitched a Holy Grail follow-up to the rest of the Pythons. Although the project never came to fruition, Idles original outline survives. Hes currently selling copies of The Final Crusade, but he also posted info about it on his blog in 2013. According to Idle, The Final Crusade was to be about a group of grumpy old men being pressured to get back together again for a last quest, which would allow us to mock ourselves. And that mockery wasnt exactly subtle. Robin had become a salesman in France, and Lancelot was on his third wife, Idle once explained. Advertisement Advertisement There was a character named after their longtime producer (Sir John Goldstone) and King Arthur, originally played by Graham Chapman, is long since dead. Although, as Terry Gilliam recalled, the group came up with a way to include the late actor: having the Knights carry around a box of holy relics that could speak, and would be voiced by Chapman, thanks to outtakes of Graham from the albums. Idles recollection is that the knights were tasked with taking King Arthurs ashes to Jerusalem. But, per Idle, the knights reluctant Crusade is quickly interrupted when theyre lured to Venice with promises of beautiful women and cash and get screwed by the Italians. In order to get money to go to the Holy Land, they had to go and do certain jobs in Venice and places like that, Palin noted. So we had this idea of all the Python knights trying to get our act together to go off to the Crusades. Which I thought was a great idea because it paralleled Pythons slight inability to get its own act together. Advertisement Idle has written at length about how everyone in the group was initially intrigued by the idea, even John Cleese. The concept was so promising that the Pythons decided to gather together in person in Buckinghamshire, U.K. to discuss the matter. But by then, Cleese had changed his mind, and announced at the start of their meeting that he didnt want to make another Python film after all. Advertisement Dont you think you might have mentioned this sooner? asked Gilliam, who had taken a red eye from Los Angeles while preparing to direct Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Cleese proclaimed that he simply hated filming. After he admitted that he was about to begin work on a different movie project Aha, so its just filming with us he doesnt want to do, Idle thought to himself Palin was able to convince Cleese to agree to three weeks of work on the Holy Grail sequel before he fell asleep. Advertisement Before departing, the group decided that Palin and Terry Jones would take a crack at a first draft of the Final Crusade screenplay, and Cleese proposed another Python reunion once Gilliams film had wrapped. But that never happened. Nothing came of the film. The distances were just too great and by this time we hadnt worked together in 15 years, Idle wrote. It certainly wasnt Johns fault. Of course, that may have been the last time that Idle suggested something wasnt John Cleeses fault. Corporation violations of GDPR rules resulted in total fines of 1.2 billion in 2024, according to a report from international law firm DLA Piper. This sum represents a 33% decrease compared to 2023, breaking a seven-year run of increasing fines year over year. One reason for the decline, according to DLA Piper, is that a 1.2 billion penalty was imposed in 2023 the same amount as in all of 2024 against Meta alone, a fine that remains the record-setter for the biggest of all time. After seeing an increase in administrative penalty fees since the GDPR came into force in 2018, we are now seeing a decrease. This is due to the fact that no large record fines have been issued in 2024. However, the number of reports of personal data breaches has continued to rise, said Anna Jussil Broms, head of intellectual property and technology at DLA Piper in Sweden. Network administrators with Fortinets FortiGate next generation firewall in their IT environments are being warned to thoroughly scrutinize systems for possible compromise, following last weeks dump of stolen configuration and VPN credentials by a threat actor. Patching is not enough, tweeted cybersecurity researcher Florian Roth on Thursday. If you take security seriously, you must run a compromise assessment to check whether the device and other systems in your network have already been breached. Treat this like the security incident it is, he added. Photo-Illustration: Tutor Perini Its a staple of comedy and complaints that an office can feel like a jail. So why not try a jail that feels like an office? The construction contractor Tutor Perinis new video rendering shows the future Manhattan Detention Center, which will be built on the site of its predecessor near Chinatown, as a staunchly generic high-rise, its function undetectable to passers-by. Its a facility meant to isolate people, and also to blend in. The preliminary video, though light on detail or a sense of the buildings height or bulk, shows a tower said to be about 300 feet high at 124-125 White Street with all the usual corporate appurtenances. Glass walls line the sidewalk; a landscaped plaza is lit from the cantilevered structure above; a grid of generous vertical windows is framed in handsome steel (or maybe thats Disney-ish terra-cotta); a blond-wood open lobby leads to a reception desk unprotected by bulletproof glass. New York has plenty of other buildings that look more obviously prisonlike than this. Photo-Illustration: Tutor Perini Photo-Illustration: Tutor Perini Photo-Illustration: Tutor Perini These drawings are evidently meant to reassure Chinatown residents who worry that a borough jail will be a forbiddingly alien presence, a keep without a castle, plunked down in a city street. Thats what the Tombs looked like, after all, at least in its most recent incarnation. The new house of sorrows, on the other hand, suggests the sort of place a white-collar perpetrator might do a little light embezzling before being led straight from cubicle to cell, stopping off at the employee cafeteria on the way. The current jail, now being demolished. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images What the set of renderings doesnt show, however, is what the building will actually look like. A placeholder rather than a full-fledged design, it articulates what the president might call a concept of a plan. Think of it as designlessness by design, a vague and anonymous proposal by a company that mostly builds infrastructure. Theres a reason were getting architecture without architects: professional stigma. In 2020, at the height of the defund the police movement, the American Institute of Architects issued a statement forbidding its members from designing spaces for execution or solitary confinement. The New York chapter also strongly discouraged them from working on any spaces of incarceration at all. I dont think there are moral or ethical ways in which architects can support the justice system that is foundationally concerned with the oppression of Black and brown people, Bryan Lee, a design principal at the anti-incarceration collective Colloqate, told AIA-NYs publication Oculus. Photo-Illustration: Tutor Perini The mood of the country may have changed, and the AIAs position may shift again. It may even wind up arguing that for a jail to be humane it needs to be designed by people who know what theyre doing and can communicate effectively with the public. In the meantime, few architects are willing to sully their portfolios with criminal-justice facilities. That doesnt mean that the next Manhattan Detention Center wont be designed, built, or paid for in nearly $4 billion of public funds. It only means that if the abuses and mismanagement that doomed Rikers Island metastasize into New Yorks more decentralized system, at least the new jail wont look quite as scary from a distance. January 23, 2025: The Somali pirates are back in action. Its been eleven years since the last outbreak of piracy in the Red Sea. Violence against commercial shipping in the Red Sea region began in 2010 when it had reached levels of activity not seen in over a century. But over the next three years that all changed. By 2013 attacks on ships by Somali pirates had declined 95 percent from the 2010 peak. The rapid collapse of the Somali pirates since 2010 began back in 2009 when 80 seafaring nations formed the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia. The most visible aspect of this was an anti-piracy patrol off the Somali coast. Over two dozen warships and several dozen manned and unmanned aircraft were involved. This force was backed by space satellite surveillance and foreign intelligence agencies. Back in 2010 the Somalis accounted for nearly all the hijackings. There are still pirates out there, but they are more into robbery than kidnapping. Piracy hit a trough from the late nineteenth century into the late twentieth. That was because the industrialized nations waged a worldwide campaign against pirates. With no place to hide, pirates disappeared. Then there was a revival in the 1970s, with the collapse of many post-colonial governments. At the same time there were problems defining what exactly an act of piracy was. What most people agree on is that piracy is non-state sanctioned use of force at sea or from the sea. This could include intercepting a boat to rob the passengers, but that's usually just thought of as armed robbery. And something like the seizure of the Achille Lauro in 1985 is considered terrorism, rather than piracy. In the past, some marginal states have sanctioned piratical operations, like the Barbary States, but that rarely occurs these days. There has been more since 2001. For example, in 1991 there were about 120 known cases of real or attempted piracy. In 1994 that increased to more than 200 cases. In 2000 there were 471 cases, in 2005 there were 359 and by 2010 there were over 400. There was a resurgence in 2023 and 2024 with a dozen minor incidents. These involved hijackings of a few large ships that were quickly resolved by military action or a ransom payment. The European Union Naval Force patrolled the areas where the pirates were present and prevented any attacks on ships. An international effort to suppress Somali piracy halted most attacks. What remained was the fact that only off Somalia could ships and crews be taken and held for ransom for long periods. Everywhere else the pirates were usually only interested in robbing the crew and stealing anything portable that they could get into their small boats. Off the Nigerian coast pirates sometimes take some ship officers with them to hold for ransom or force the crew to move small tankers to remote locations where most of the oil cargo can be transferred to another ship and sold on the black market. Pirates usually function on the margins of society, trying to get a cut of the good life in situations where there aren't many options. This is usually in areas where state control is weakest or absent. In Nigeria, Indonesia, or the Philippines, where the government is faced with serious problems that are sometimes out of control, pirates can do whatever they want. The solution to piracy is essentially on land; go into uncontrolled areas and institute governance. This has been the best approach since the Romans eliminated piracy in the Mediterranean over 2,000 years ago. Trying to tackle piracy on the maritime end can reduce the incidence of piracy but can't eliminate it because the pirates still have a safe base on land. In the modern world the land solution often can't be implemented. Who wants to put enough troops into Somalia to eliminate piracy? Meanwhile there are two areas where pirates still thrive. Piracy is a major threat, because most of the world's oil exports pass through the Straits of Malacca. This was largely an Indonesian problem. As Indonesia began stabilizing itself after the 2004 Aceh Peace settlement, the number of piracy attacks declined. Since 2010 there has been an increase in piracy off Indonesia, largely because the Indonesians reduced their anti-piracy patrols without warning or explanation. There are lots of targets, with over 50,000 large ships moving through the Straits of Malacca each year. Thats 120-150 a day. Lots of targets. The shallow and tricky waters in the strait forces the big ships to go slow enough under 30 kilometers an hour for speed boats to catch them. If pirates do get aboard, they rob the crew of valuables and carry off any portable goodies. With limited capacity in their speed boats these attacks result in small losses to the ships involved. By 2025 piracy attacks off Somalia and nearby areas were becoming so rare that shipping insurance rates were declining to normal levels. This was a sure sign that the pirates, for the moment, were gone. Geyer described that though the store opened in the 70s, he reminisces about the street culture of 1969, which he says had inspired the opening of the business. January 24, 2025: Russia and North Korea have been doing a lot of business since late 2022 when there were reports of Russia buying weapons from North Korea. Russia had invaded Ukraine in early 2022 and lost most of their modern tanks and many of their professional soldiers and officers. Ukrainian resistance was more intense than the Russians expected and after three years of fighting Russia has wrecked its military and economy trying to conquer Ukraine. The invasion meant Russia was hit with harsh Western economic sanctions. From the demise of the Soviet Union in 1991 to Russias first invasion of Ukraine in 2014, the new Russian Federation had been able to import whatever it needed from Western Europe and, to a lesser extent, from the United States. That enabled Russia to reform, rebuild and revitalize its wrecked Soviet era economy. It was a mystery why Russia would throw it all that away by invading Ukraine. The reality was that Russian leader Vladimir Putin had diplomatic, military and economic advisers who tended to tell Putin what they thought he wanted to hear rather than the truth. This worked in peacetime, but when it came to advice on invading Ukraine, Putins advisors were a disaster. Putin attacked thinking the Ukrainians would offer little resistance and the invaders would be in control of the capital Kyiv, which is close to the Russian border, within a week and then find pro-Russian politicians to form a new government that would do whatever Putin wanted. Plans like these rarely work and the Russians failed spectacularly. So far Russia has lost over half a million soldiers dead or disabled. Over a million military age men fled the country to avoid army service in Ukraine. Avoiding military service became a national pastime. Having run out of Russians, Russia in desperation sought to hire men from other countries. This ran into opposition from the leaders of those nations and eventually Putin found a country that was willing to rent soldiers for an affordable price. The 12,000 North Korean soldiers Russia obtained began arriving in October 2024. These soldiers received Russian uniforms and ID cards indicating that they belonged to a Russian Central Asian minority. Some of the North Koreans were Special Operations troops, who were there for special operations and kept an eye on the behavior of the North Korean troops in general and report regularly to the government back home. The North Korean troops were paid $2,000 a month, which was a fortune by North Korean standards. Most or all of that money was sent to the families of the soldiers, who were told if their son was killed or disabled, there would be large payments to the next of kin. Then North Korean soldiers were trained to fight in the mountainous terrain of North and South Korea. Ukraine was largely flat, so the North Koreans required some additional training to accustom them to warfare in the generally flat Ukrainian terrain. Before the end of 2024 the North Korean soldiers entered combat to push the Ukrainians out of Russia. Since August 2024, Ukrainian troops had occupied territory in Kursk province, which is adjacent to the northeast border of Ukraine. So far, the North Korean have suffered hundreds of casualties and pushed the Ukrainians back a bit. This was the first time North Korean Army soldiers have been in combat since 1953. Special forces have conducted some raids into South Korea and killed South Korean officials overseas. The details of what Russia paid North Korea for all the aid it has received since 2022 are not fully known. Until recently the aid was in the form of ammunition and heavy weapons. Payment was a combination of cash and commodities, especially food, which North Korea is always short of. Russia and North Korea share a border with a railroad connection on it. That enables North Korea to send or receive goods via rail via the Trans-Siberian railroad or via ship to the nearby port of Vladivostok. All this trade is a needed bonanza for North Korea. The reality is that since the 1990s North Korea has had less of everything. That included its military, which has nearly a million troops. Military age North Korea men must serve six to nine years on active duty in the military For years North Korean soldiers got less of everything including less food mainly because there was less to distribute. The North Korean economy was a mess, and although the government claims there is economic growth, there was not much evidence of this. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un didn't do all this by himself, as he had a small group of advisors he relied on a lot. This included his uncle, Jang Sung Taek, who was married to Kim Jong Ils sister. Jang has long been a powerful government official and was believed to be quite wealthy. That's because Jang has a lot to say about how North Korea earns by legal or illegal means foreign currency. In a country so extremely poor, the man who controls the most money has a lot of power. Jang, at one point ordered house searches of families believed to be hoarding Chinese or American currency rather than, as the law demands, putting it in the bank. People do not want to put their foreign currency in the bank because the government pays you less for it and in worthless North Korean currency. The black market money changers give fair market value. Jang understood how the North Korean economy really works and was trying to increase government control over the new economy. Yang and his wife had a lot more knowledge of, and experience with, the North Korea government and economy than their nephew Kim Jong Un and, for a while, they had his ear and trust. While the senior leadership makes a fuss and changes little, the situation continues to get worse up there. Food shortages grow and the threadbare economy sputters along in the face of energy shortages and growing unemployment. Jang Sung Taek was executed in late 2013 for being too powerful and losing the trust of his nephew, Kim Jong Un. Thats another reason for getting out of North Korea anyway you can. Do you realise that every time you eat at your local pub, you are subsidising the dinner-party-going classes? So says Sir Tim Martin, the outspoken founder and chairman of the 800-pub chain JD Wetherspoon, and it is hard to disagree with him. The point hes making is that the tax regime discriminates cruelly against pub-goers like me, who have to pay 20 per cent VAT on our food, while dinner-party hosts buy theirs at the supermarket, where most of it is VAT-free. So far, so indisputable. Im not sure I fully agree with Sir Tim, however, when he adds: Given the publics love of pubs, the only possible explanation for this tax discrepancy is that prime ministers and other legislators, in the 45 years since Wetherspoon started trading, have been dinner party goers, rather than pub goers. All I can say is that during my days as a political correspondent, in the 1980s and 1990s, I often saw ministers and other MPs in the pubs around Westminster the Red Lion in Parliament Street or the Marquis of Granby round the corner from the then Tory HQ in Smith Square. Sir Keir Starmer pulls a pint of 'Tribute' behind the bar before meeting at the Chainlocker pub in Falmouth in 2020 Starmer poses with a pint of Brewdog after meeting with pub staff to discuss impact of Covid-19 on the hospitality sector Sir Tim Martin, the outspoken founder and chairman of the 800-pub chain JD Wetherspoon Insult There they would huddle together, plotting with their special advisers or being plied with booze by journalists like me, in the hope that they would reveal something indiscreet when theyd had a few. Unless things have changed since my day, our legislators also like to eat in fancy restaurants and these, too, have to charge VAT (though it must be said that I dont remember ever having heard an MP volunteering to pay or share the bill). But where prime ministers are concerned, Sir Tim clearly has a point. When I think of the occupants of No 10 over the past 45 years, from Thatcher to Starmer, all of them strike me as the type that is far more at home on the dinner-party circuit than down at the local with a pint and a pie. Oh, they might drop into a pub at election time, to pose for the press photographers, inexpertly pulling a pint or in David Camerons case, treating a Chinese dictator to a taste of Olde Worlde England. But can you see Mrs T, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Theresa May, Liz Truss or teetotal Rishi Sunak wanting to settle down by the fire in the snug with a packet of cheese and onion crisps? Even Boris, with whom I have raised a very occasional glass, was never a pub-regular like Nigel Farage. As for Sir Keir, I can easily see him happily installed at the dinner table with like-minded human rights lawyers, tucking into his nut cutlets as he castigates Donald Trump, tut-tuts about fossil fuels, deplores our colonialist past and sings the praises of the EU. But I find it much harder to picture him propping up the bar down at the local Spoons, chewing the fat with the regulars. If only he were to try it once in a while, he might learn how very far removed his ideas are from those of the people he governs. The founder of JD Wetherspoon said: Given the publics love of pubs, the only possible explanation for this tax discrepancy is that prime ministers and other legislators, in the 45 years since Wetherspoon started trading, have been dinner party goers, rather than pub goers' Tim Martin opened his first Wetherspoons pub in 1979 in Colney Hatch Lane in Muswell Hill, London For one thing, he might find that most of us are generally proud of our countrys history, and dont want our children taught to be ashamed of it. He might also learn that the great majority of us think people with male genitalia are men, whether they like it or not. Other truths he could pick up include the fact that most Britons are deeply unhappy about the level of immigration, both legal and illegal, and the acute danger of importing crime and other social problems from foreign cultures, when we have quite enough of the home-grown variety to cope with. As for smashing the gangs as his sole solution to the small boats invasion, any pub-goer could tell him what a fatuous pipe-dream that is. Injury Whats more, most of us who work in the private sector could tell him one or two secrets of economic growth, which seem entirely to have eluded not only him but his Chancellor and the rest of the Cabinet not a single member of which, shockingly, has any real-world experience of business. All right, we cant blame Rachel Reeves for inventing the VAT distortion about which Sir Tim complains. But we can certainly blame her for piling extra costs on the catering trade, at a moment when more than one pub goes out of business every day of the year. How can she believe shes promoting employment and growth, when she hikes up both the minimum wage and employers contributions to National Insurance the one tax that specifically targets jobs? To add insult to injury, she then claims shes doing pub-goers a favour by cutting the duty on draught beer by a grand total of 1p a pint! Thanks a bunch, Chancellor! Without your help, my lunchtime pint yesterday would have cost me 6.51, instead of a mere 6.50. Nor are pubs the only businesses being hammered by these pernicious taxes. Look at Sainsburys, which announced only yesterday that its to cut 3,000 jobs and shut its cafes. So much for the Chancellors claim to be the ally of working people. Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves Other measures in this self-styled economists Budget might also have been calculated to do the maximum harm to the country, for the minimum gain to the Treasury. Take VAT on school fees. Somehow, Ms Reeves appears to have convinced herself that parents who send their children to private schools have been sponging off taxpayers through an unfair tax break. How on Earth does she work that one out, when these parents have always saved the Treasury a fortune? Not only do they pay fees out of taxed income thereby subsidising state school pupils but they spare the state the burden of educating their own young. Waste Now we can only wait and see how many of them will be forced by this education tax to make the state bear that burden instead. And what about the decision to charge Inheritance Tax on family farms and other businesses worth more than 1million? As the Office for Budget Responsibility now points out, it is highly uncertain how much or how little this will raise. What is certain, on the other hand, is that Tesco and other supermarkets say the measure will put the countrys food security at risk. Another triumph for Ms Reeves! Now even her much-trumpeted brainchild, the Office for Value for Money, has been condemned by the Treasury Committee as a waste of money. But then what can we expect of a Chancellor who thinks she can borrow her way out of a debt crisis, with the states interest payments standing at 8.3billion last month alone? Mind you, I can think of nobody in this Cabinet of lawyers, career politicians, union workers and academics most of whom have been sucking on the taxpayers teat all their lives who has a much better idea of how to pay for our bloated Governments extravagance. Visit your local, however, and youll find any number of saloon-bar economists, brimming with common sense ideas about which branches of Government spending to slash, so as to give businesses room to breathe. Go on, Sir Keir, skip that dinner party once in a while, and pop down to the pub for your supper. Apart from helping to save this best-loved of British institutions, you may even pick up a tip or two about how to think and speak less like a human rights lawyer, and more like a human being. The sheer horror of the Southport murders defies all description. Truly sickening details emerged in court yesterday of the perpetrators sadism and his all-consuming obsession with violence. There were also agonising accounts of the heartbreak being suffered now and for ever by the bereaved, as well as those grievously injured. The only slivers of consolation those poor souls may be able to glean are, firstly, that Axel Rudakubana serves every day of the long sentence handed down by the judge and, secondly, that everything possible is done to avoid repeating the authorities legion of errors in the case. Two years before the teenager committed last Julys atrocity he was found in a public place with a knife which is a crime but was simply given a ticking off, despite having been referred to the Prevent counter-extremism programme on three occasions previously. One of the systems most momentous failings in the run-up to the attack was its ridiculous obsession with what may have been motivating Rudakubana. Box-ticking officials seem to have said, yes, it is evident this boy is deeply obsessed with violence. Yes, he has been carrying weapons and his behaviour is escalating. But we cannot be sure whether he has a political or ideological motivation so we decline to act. There can be little doubt that this amounted to negligence. The fact that Rudakubana posed an intensifying danger to the public seems to have been virtually ignored because he did not fall into an easy-to-identify category. Murderer Axel Rudakubana pictured in a police mugshot Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, was among the three little girls killed in the attack in Southport Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, was one of the three children killed in the knife attack in Southport Bebe King, six, was also killed in the knife attack at The Hart Space in Southport last July The most crucial issue should have been the level of threat he presented and not, as Prevent concluded, the type of threat. Anti-extremism officials washed their hands of Rudakubana and so responsibility for dealing with him reverted to the police, who presumably were falsely reassured by Prevents downplaying of the risk.Exactly what the police did at this stage is not fully known. Senior police officers who have been asked what steps they took in the wake of the attack have already declined to comment in detail, using the impending public inquiry announced by the Prime Minister as cover. Whether Rudakubanas crimes amounted to terrorism, or whether the definition of terrorism should be widened, is a distraction. What the Government must do is ensure potentially dangerous misfits are properly dealt with when the alarm is raised, whether they have a clear ideology or not. As these gut-wrenching murders demonstrate so clearly and so tragically, repugnantly violent individuals are slipping through the net all too easily. Your browser does not support iframes. Milibands millstone The last time Labour looked closely at expanding Heathrow airport was in 2009.The then climate secretary Ed Miliband never shy to self-aggrandise or virtue-signal threatened to resign over the matter. With Rachel Reeves desperately scrabbling to turbocharge Britains ailing economy, a third runway is back on the agenda. But Mr Milibands relentless and financially crippling obsession with net zero could end up scuppering the plan. If the Chancellor is truly serious about growth being the Governments number one priority then boosting the capacity of our airports is a must. Mr Miliband has said he wont offer his resignation over it. But if he changes his mind and offers to go in a fit of pique, the Prime Minister should hurriedly accept. A woman who has travelled the globe believes she has found the 'world's coolest' McDonald's. Karina Diaz, from Auckland, New Zealand, discovered a branch of the fast food chain in a decommissioned DC-3 aeroplane when she was visiting Taupo in the central North Island of her country. The abandoned jet's exterior has been repainted and the name of the airline has been replaced with 'McDonald's', while the tail features the restaurant's famous Golden Arches. Karina, an avid traveller whose TikTok bio reads 'Living for all things travel, adventure and books', posted a 45-second clip on the platform, providing viewers with a tour of the very striking McDonald's. The video, which is captioned 'Visit the world's coolest McDonald's with me!!', begins by showing the exterior of the plane before taking viewers inside the cabin. The caption on the clip reads: 'You can eat your meal inside an old aeroplane!!' One diner is eating at a table while another is seen queuing to order his meal at the front of the plane. Next, the camera pans to the cockpit, which remains intact, and viewers are told that it's even possible to 'check out the original cockpit'. Karina Diaz, from Auckland, New Zealand, visited a branch of McDonald's in Taupo, in the central North Island of her country, which is located in an abandoned aeroplane (pictured) The cabin has been transformed into a restaurant, allowing diners to enjoy their food inside the decommissioned DC-3 plane The exterior of the plane has been repainted and the tail now features the famous McDonald's Golden Arches Karina, who is filming the video, steps outside again and gives TikTok users another look at the outside of the abandoned plane. Finally, the camera pans to a sign just in front of the restaurant which reads: 'World's coolest McDonald's'. A website for visitors to Taupo - lovetaupo.com - explains that the branch has 'made it on the "10 coolest McDonald's around the world" list'. Attracting almost 22,000 views and 300 likes, the novelty McDonalds's has clearly charmed TikTokers. A number of people added comments, with one writing: 'living your best life so happy for you love it'. Another commented: 'Oh I have been there, it's amazing, it's in Taupo'. A third person shared that they planned to go to the aeroplane-turned-McDonald's, writing: 'Will visit Taupo in Feb, is it in the city centre?' But not everyone expressed a desire to eat at the restaurant. One person moaned: 'so sad the food isn't "as cool" as the venue'. Diners are able to view the cockpit of the plane, which remains intact While the plane has been transformed into a McDonald's, the cockpit remains just as it was Karina Diaz, an avid traveller, visited a McDonald's located in an abandoned aeroplane and posted a video on TikTok, where it attracted almost 22,000 views and a number of comments Someone else, however, suggested that this particular branch of McDonald's isn't entirely unique. They highlighted that there was in fact a similar outlet in Perth in Western Australia, writing: 'same in Midland Perth WA'. A little closer to the UK, another novel McDonald's has been grabbing the attention of fast food fans over the unique experience it offers. The restaurant, set in Nyugati Railway Station, Budapest, features large glass windows and vintage copper light fixtures are now the setting for musical performances, starting from 10pm and running until 4am. Now customers can visit the McDonald's every Friday and Saturday to experience the moving light displays projected on to the ceilings. The art installations include fish in the depths of the ocean to journeys from space and customers can dance along, marveling at the lights with a Big Mac in hand. The concept store was only supposed to run until the end of 2024 but the Nyugati Lounge is now set to run throughout 2025. A description on its website reads: 'We invite everyone to a special journey to the renovated Nyugati restaurant, where our Nyugati Lounge music program has started. 'From now on, every Friday and Saturday evening, between 10pm and 4am - in addition to your Mekis favorites - we will be waiting for you with light painting and a DJ in one of the most beautiful McDonald's restaurants in the world. 'Come and join us either to tune in before the party or to close the evening, and let's travel together to the depths of the sea, the rainforest or even among the stars!' Amy Hamer took to TikTok to warn parents against dry ice gender reveals An expectant couple have issued a warning against dry ice gender reveals after their party descended into chaos. UK-based Amy Hamer, 30, took to TikTok to share footage of the moment she discovered the gender of her baby. Friends and family of the couple gathered into Amy and her husband's beautiful home to find out the baby's gender. The couple opted for a dry ice gender reveal, which creates a smoke bomb effect in either pink (for a girl) or blue (for a boy). At first, Amy, the CEO of NKD Apparel, and her husband were ecstatic to learn that they are expecting a baby girl. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse when thick pink smoke filled up the living room. Instead of celebrating the happy news, the intense levels of smoke forced the family to evacuate the home. 'This is your sign to not do a dry ice gender reveal inside your gorgeous home,' Amy wrote on TikTok. UK-based Amy Hamer and her partner (pictured) have warned expecting parents against dry ice gender reveals Instructions for dry ice gender reveals vary depending on the brand, though most say to carry it out in a spacious area inside or outside. While Amy disabled comments on the video, the clip quickly racked up over five million views. It comes after a pregnant woman shared her gender reveal cake video online only for the sponge to be green, leaving fans confused. Carys Hardin, 26, from Wales set out to announce the gender of her third child in a TikTok video that has racked up more than 47 million views and 25,000 comments. Gender reveal cakes have become a popular way for expecting couples to find out if they're having a baby boy or girl. Bakers will use either blue (for a boy) or pink (for a girl) food colouring, sprinkles, or layers of fruit filling to signify the gender of the newborn. The gender reveal party quickly took for the worse when the room filled up with thick pink smoke However, in the short clip, set to Mysha Didi's I Get to Love You, Carys and her husband plunge two wine glasses into their gender reveal cake with yellow frosting. However, instead of a traditional blue or pink sponge, the inside of their cake was green - leaving fans to joke she was 'having a Slytherin'. Harding's followers said they were 'confused' by the colour of her gender reveal cake in the comments section, with one person writing: 'Let's normalise explaining things.' Another person quipped: 'Aww a beautiful green baby, congratulations.' A third comment read: 'Came rushing to the comments to check Im not colourblind.' Several TikTok users joked Harding and her husband were 'having a Slytherin baby', referring to one of the four houses at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books. 'From the comments, Ive gathered youre having a SlytherinTurtleDinosaur named Grass. Congrats!' another person said. Some wondered whether the green sponge cake was a simple baking mistake, with one user writing: 'People, please, this is basic colour theory: blue and yellow make green, when you see green cakes 99 per cent of the time the blue pigment reacted with the yellow colour of the cake, that's why you get green.' A handful of Harding's followers highlighted the rise of 'Team Green' pregnancies, suggesting that Harding and her husband had opted out of knowing the baby's biological sex ahead of time. However, the 26-year-old later clarified that they were having a boy in a follow-up video, explaining that the 'cake didn't quite take to the colouring'. 'Thought I better clear this one up,' she captioned the TikTok, referring to the flurry of comments on her earlier post. Reacting to the post, one person wrote: 'The only thing I thought when I saw it was that they didn't want to know the gender till baby was born. Cause that's what the green means.' Another added: 'I thought it was a joke gender reveal and it was green because y'all were gonna wait until birth to find out, congratulations though.' A third comment read: 'Green yellow and orange are considered gender neutral in the baby world. So yes it is true confusion for some of us.' Harding's TikTok proves even the best-laid gender reveal plans can sometimes go sideways. Earlier this year, a father-to-be accidentally ruined his and his wife's gender reveal when he popped a balloon, filled with pink or blue confetti, before the party began. Simon and Bronagh Laverty, from Craigavon, Northern Ireland, were getting ready to host family and friends to share whether they were having a baby boy or baby girl. But an unfortunate mishap occurred as Simon was trying to carry the confetti-filled balloon to their car. The unlucky father-to-be inadvertently popped the balloon, releasing a blue shower of confetti, and ultimately spoiling the couple's surprise. The footage, captured on a video doorbell, shows tiny pieces of blue paper bursting over the porch, while Simon yells 'oh f***'. Bronagh also found out about what had happened, due to a motion detector alert on her phone. Having witnessed the accident in real time, she called Simon immediately, saying: 'What just happened? Have we literally just found out what we're having?' After getting over the shock of finding out they were having a boy, Simon and Bronagh were just relieved they had still found out the gender together. With the cat out of the bag, the couple still had to fake their surprise as they'd organised a gender reveal party. 'To be honest, we had to play along with the whole thing,' Simon added. It's been over 20 years since Jodi Picoult released My Sister's Keeper but the tragic ending is still just as devastating as ever - even for the author. Jodi Picoult, who wrote the 2004 award winning book, admitted the ending was far sadder than she remembered despite being the one who wrote it. 'I want to apologize to everyone that's read My Sister's Keeper,' the 58-year-old writer began the video. The author then went on to say she had re-read the ending in recent days for a 'secret project' she is currently working on. 'I started sobbing at 8.30 in the morning,' she admitted. 'That's a brutal book.' 'Who came up with that idea?' she quipped. The heart-wrenching book follows 13-year-old Anna Fitzgerald, who was conceived as a bone marrow donor for her cancer-stricken sister, Kate. She then seeks medical emancipation from her parents after they insist she donate one of her kidneys to her sister. The popular book was turned into a full length feature film, starring Cameron Diaz and Alec Baldwin, in 2009. It's been over 20 years since Jodi Picoult released My Sister's Keeper but the tragic ending is still just as devastating as ever - even for the author While it has been two decades since the book was released, the devastating nature of the ending is still raw for many fans. 'First book I ever launched across the room. I didn't even realize what I had done till after the sobs,' one user wrote. 'I read this book at the age of 13 because my sister who passed at 17 with cancer had started it and never got to finish it. It took me a year to get through it emotionally but I finished it for her,' another shared. 'Back when it came out, I was a waitress in college. We would pass it all around and little by little you would just see waitresses coming in for their shift to pass on the book crying,' added another. Last year, Picoult released her book By Any Other Name, which tells the stories of two women who use pseudonyms in order to receive recognition for their work. One story is the tale of Emilia Bassano, a real-life woman who some historians believe may have been the brains behind Shakespeare's work, and the other is Melina Green, a fictional modern-day playwright who submits her work to a festival under her Black male roommate's name. Picoult has previously confessed she was unhappy with how the movie adaptation of her beloved My Sister's Keeper turned out. In a TikTok video posted in 2023, Picoult revealed it wasn't her decision to change the dramatic ending of the book. Picoult has previously confessed she was unhappy with how the movie adaptation of her beloved My Sister's Keeper turned out 'The director - who was also the writer of the script - told me he was going to keep the ending,' she explained. '[The ending] honestly was what made most of you throw the book at someone else and say: "You gotta read this,"' she continued. The book follows a 13-year-old who was conceived as a bone marrow donor for her cancer-stricken sister 'Then I found out through a casting director that he had actually changed the ending of the script that he showed me,' she explained, adding it 'did not' match the one in the book. 'I was really upset,' the author admitted. 'I flew to the movie set and I went to talk to him and he pretty much through me off the set.' Picoult said she went to the production company and told them they were making a big mistake. '[I told them] I have a lot of readers who loved the ending of this book,' she recalled. 'They said, "you know, we really trust him. We think he knows what he's doing,"' Picoult added. The author then pointed out that a major criticism was that the movie changed the ending. 'A lot of people said they liked the book's enduing better, and got that I will always be very, very grateful,' she said. Hundreds of diners are flocking to a hidden gem in Sydney every week for one reason: all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ - wagyu beef included. Gyuniku in Sydney's CBD has been attracting huge crowds for its epic buffet-style offering, complete with full-blood wagyu MB9+ sourced from Japan, nori rolls, sashimi, and nigiri, all made in-house daily by traditional Japanese sushi chefs. The restaurant's 110-guest capacity is split across 30 BBQ stations and 25 tables, catering to groups of all types, with prices starting from $45.90 per adult and $27.90 per child for lunch and dinner. With the rising cost of living, the restaurant has made the Japanese dining experience affordable for everyone, offering various packages depending on the day of the week and what customers feel like enjoying. With long queues stretching out the door, customers feel 'transported to Japan' as the extensive menu pays homage to the rich traditions of Japanese culture. Upon walking through the door, diners are greeted with a diverse selection of premium meats, including wagyu beef, high marbling short ribs, seafood and more. In addition to the barbecue cuts and fresh sushi bar, the menu features a selection of hot dishes - such as sukiyaki beef and vegetables, along with cold options like DYI sushi bowls (chirashi) and wakame salad, complemented by a variety of sauces to add, mix, and enjoy. One of the restaurant's popular attractions is the DIY frozen yoghurt station, along with plenty of sweet toppings and desserts to choose from. Hundreds of diners are flocking to a hidden gem in Sydney every week for one reason: all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ - wagyu beef included Gyuniku in Sydney's CBD has been attracting huge crowds for its epic buffet-style offering, complete with full-blood wagyu MB9+ sourced from Japan, nori rolls, sashimi, and nigiri, all made in-house daily by traditional Japanese sushi chefs The popular restaurant opened at the end of September 2024 and has since been overwhelmed with diners every week. Videos have been circulating on social media showing long queues outside the venue, with many people waiting to get a table. Despite being only four months old, Gyuniku has already received 900 glowing reviews on Google, boasting an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5. 'From the moment I walked in, the service was outstanding - attentive, friendly, and flawless. But the real showstopper? The wagyu. Each bite was pure heaven - tender, juicy, and perfectly marbled. It practically melted in my mouth, a true testament to the quality of the meat. The sushi was equally exceptional, fresh and vibrant with every bite. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience. A perfect blend of incredible food and top-tier service. I'll definitely be back for more,' one happy customer said. 'This buffet was absolutely fantastic - easily one of the best I've ever been to! The variety and quality of the food were outstanding, with every dish fresh and flavourful. The price was very reasonable considering the quality and selection on offer. Even though there was a bit of a wait, it was more than worth it; the experience was well worth every second. Definitely worth the price,' another shared. 'Full taste of Japan' 'This was awesome. Possibly my favourite place I've ever eaten, atmosphere was a full taste of Japan, little bit smoky, little bit noisy, little bit cosy. Would give more than 5 stars if I could. Will be coming back to eat here,' one added. The restaurant's 110-guest capacity is split across 30 BBQ stations and 25 tables, catering to groups of all types, with prices starting from $45.90 per adult and $27.90 per child With the rising cost of living, the restaurant has made the Japanese dining experience affordable for everyone, offering various packages depending on the day of the week and what customers feel like enjoying Executive Group Chef Joanne Lee, who oversees the kitchen, emphasised the importance of creating a menu that both piques customer interest and stays true to the venue's Japanese roots. 'For us, using quality and authentic ingredients in all of our menu items is a must,' she said. 'We source our meats from Japanese butchers even importing some, like our MB9+ Wagy, direct from Japan to ensure we deliver a meal that is both premium and delicious. 'But in the current market, a delicious meal is not always enough. We really wanted to give people a reason to visit in addition to what's on the menu. 'This is why we opted for a self-serve model including sushi and an udon machine -these things are still traditionally Japanese but add extra excitement and make the Gyuniku experience extra special.' The restaurant's extensive menu pays homage to the rich traditions of Japanese culture Upon walking through the door, diners are greeted with a diverse selection of premium meats, including wagyu beef, high marbling short ribs, seafood and more This approach translates to the venue's interiors, which are designed to transport guests to the heart of Japan. Gyuniku aims to change the way typical Japanese BBQ restaurants work, which usually have traditional table service. 'Table ordering has its place but, when it comes to BBQ venues, we find it disrupts the customer's experience,' Gyuniku owner James Sun said. 'The self-service option was missing in the Sydney market so we decided to fill the gap. Not only is it more visually appealing from a restaurant set up perspective but it eliminates wait time for guests as they can freely grab and take back their food to the table.' They're both successful in their own careers, celebrated for their beauty, and have had modelling careers. But the Kushner brother's wives - Ivanka Trump and Karlie Kloss - could not be more different. While the two women married into the family heralding a property dynasty, known for its warm relations with the newly elected US President, the pair aren't often pictured together - and have found themselves on very different sides of the political fence. At times, there have even been rumours of feuds and rifts between the sisters-in-law, despite Ivanka's hopes for 'decades of happy memories as a family' for the couples. Property developer Jared, 44, wed the POTUS's daughter, 43, in 2009, while his younger brother Joshua, 39 - a venture capitalist - married supermodel Karlie, 32, in 2018. And as Ivanka - who has said she's not making a return to the White House this time around - stunned in a custom recreation of an iconic 1954 couture gown worn by Audrey Hepburn at this week's inauguration ball, the contrasts between them couldn't have felt more stark. She and Jared danced alongside Donald and Melania Trump - as well as Vice President JD Vance and his spouse, Usha Vance - along with her siblings Tiffany and Eric with their partners; making for a firmly GOP-aligned image. Ivanka has in past endorsed the Democratic party - but following her father's foray into politics proclaimed to be a staunch 'proud Trump Republican' who along with her husband worked as a senior advisor in his first administration. At times, there have even been rumours of feuds and rifts between the sisters-in-law, despite Ivanka's hopes for 'decades of happy memories as a family' for the couples. And as Ivanka - who has said she's not making a return to the White House this time around - stunned in a custom recreation of an iconic 1954 couture gown worn by Audrey Hepburn at this week's inauguration ball, the contrasts between them couldn't have felt more stark Meanwhile Victoria's Secret Angel Karlie has made it clear that she doesn't support her in-laws' views, and the same seems to be the case for Joshua. In 2019, she admitted that it's been 'hard' to navigate the dissonance. Speaking to British Vogue, she added: 'But I choose to focus on the values that I share with my husband, and those are the same liberal values that I was raised with and that have guided me throughout my life.' Just two years prior, her husband has voiced similar sentiments on 'liberal values' which have 'guided his life'. 'I have supported political leaders that share similar values,' he told Forbes in an interview. 'But neither political party has a monopoly on the truth or on constructive ideas for our country. It's important to be open minded and learn from differing opinions.' Victoria's Secret Angel Karlie has made it clear that she doesn't support her in-laws' views, and the same seems to be the case for Joshua In 2019, Karlie admitted that it's been 'hard' for her to navigate the dissonance. Pictured campaigning for abortion rights Things appeared to come to a boil after Karlie criticised Trump supporters following the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, in 2021 and insinuated that she has tried to have political conversations with Jared and Ivanka. 'Accepting the results of a legitimate democratic election is patriotic,' she posted on X. 'Refusing to do so and inciting violence is anti-American.' The post immediately drew a rebuke from one of her followers on social media who wrote: 'Tell your sister-in-law and brother-in-law,' to which Karlie responded: 'I've tried.' This was later deleted. And in March this year, despite both couples attending the opulent wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and his bride-to-be Radhika Merchant, there were no pictures of the whole Kushner clan together. Ivanka and Karlie both shared social media snaps from the star-studded party in Jamnagar, Gujarat, in India - but none with each other. The celebrations reportedly cost $152 million and were kicked off with a performance by Rihanna, who is said to have commanded a $6 million fee and whose partner A$AP Rocky was seen mingling with guests. In a post captioned 'Cheers Anant and Radhika', Karlie showed off her lean physique in a stunning iridescent gown as she posed in front of fairground rides and alongside Zuckerberg's wife Priscilla Chan. Other photos showed the model sporting a chic, backless blue dress with matching scarf draped elegantly around her neck. Her husband Joshua was also pictured wearing a traditional Indian men's outfit. Ivanka has in past endorsed the Democratic party - but following her father's foray into politics proclaimed to be a staunch 'proud Trump Republican' who along with her husband worked as a senior advisor in his first administration. Pictured with her husband Jared in 2022 In 2018, Ivanka took to social media to express her happiness and support for 'sister' Karlie and her brother-in-law 'No photos with your in-laws,' one user spotted, commenting on Karlie's post. Another penned: 'Why don't you want use to know you were with your brother-in-law and sister-in-law?' In one photo taken at the event, Ivanka is seen with her husband, Jared, and brother-in-law, but Karlie is notably absent from the photo. It is also hard to ignore that Karlie has been a passionate campaigner for pro-choice policies - while Ivanka, in 2020, a few years before the Roe v Wade overturning, explicitly stated she is 'unapologetically' pro-life. A few months before the election which saw Trump re-elected into the White House, Karlie penned an emotive op-ed for the Miami Herald, where she hit out at Florida's 'new draconian deadline banning abortion after six weeks'. In it, she recounted her experience in visiting an abortion clinic, slamming the government's axing of abortion access federally in June 2022. 'I've been engaged with this issue since I was a teenager. Growing up, I trained as a clinic escort at the Planned Parenthood near my hometown in St. Louis, MO,' she wrote. 'Years later, I became involved with Abortion Bridge Collaborative Fund, which funds independent abortion clinics and organizations that support them, and dozens of other clinics like CHOICES in Carbondale, IL. Pictured: Ivanka, business woman Dasha Zhukova, and Karlie all sitting together at the 2016 US Open Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump and Joshua Kushner all pictured together attending an event in 2013 'When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, eliminating the long-held federal right to abortion, I launched an organization called Gateway Coalition to direct funding to various Midwest groups to provide accessible abortion care. I've visited many abortion clinics, met with countless patients and the incredible doctors serving them, but I was still deeply moved and surprised by what I saw that day.' Karlie was tirelessly urging her social media followers to vote before the election last November, penning captions focusing specifically on the abortion ban. On Instagram, she penned: 'Every single vote matters in this election & in the fight for reproductive rights. Protecting and restoring reproductive freedom means showing up for all of the races and props on the ballot. 'The policies that shape our everyday livesour schools, healthcare, and rightsare impacted by local races where school boards, state legislatures, and judges quietly hold enormous power. 'Doing the research on down-ballot candidates and propositions can feel overwhelming, but it's worth it when you get to the voting booth. Check out endorsements from organizations that align with your priorities. ACLU, Planned Parenthood, Reproductive Freedom for All, The States Project, and Vote 411 all have resources highlighting where candidates stand. You can also find voter guides put together by local organizations you trust, and check your ballot return deadlines through When We All Vote.' In contrast - in 2020 - Ivanka confirmed that she is 'pro-life, and unapologetically' in an interview. During the interview with Real Clear Politics, the First Daughter was asked about her stance on abortion. 'I respect all sides of a very personal and sensitive discussion,' Ivanka replied, going in to say, 'but I am also a mother of three children, and parenthood affected me in a profound way in terms of how I think about these things.' Donald with his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol this week Karlie, pictured, showed her support for Joe Biden and other Democrats in the 2020 presidential election She then added: 'I am pro-life, and unapologetically so.' In previous years, Ivanka had avoided taking a firm stance on the abortion question, despite her father, President Trump, being pro-life, a view which is said to have helped him secure his Evangelical voter base. Ivanka's pro-life statement comes just three years after she reportedly had a secret meeting with then-Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards in 2017, during which the First Daughter supposedly 'expressed an interest in wanting 'to know more about the facts'' of the organization, Politico reported at the time. In her memoir, Richards wrote that she met with Ivanka again in 2018. On that occasion, Jared Kushner was also in attendance. During that meeting, Richards wrote that Jared made her an offer that felt like a 'bribe.' Following Ivanka's pro-life declaration, Real Clear Politics said that a White House aide clarified that Ivanka's statement was a personal conviction. That same year, tensions between the two couples were made clear after Karlie made an appearance on Project Runway. A contestant made a seemingly snide remark about her husband Josh's family that had people audibly gasping in the studio. Karlie was tirelessly urging her social media followers to vote before the election last November, penning captions focusing specifically on the abortion ban The awkward moment came when Tyler Neasloney was being critiqued for his design, after he and the show's other contestants were asked to create a look for Karlie to wear to a CFDA event in Paris using only donated clothing from a local Goodwill store. When Karlie asked him to explain the ruffled top and pencil skirt that he designed, he said he was 'going for a very traditional like Montauk, Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod, Americana vibe.' While Tyler was proud that he made the look using only four pairs of pants, the judges were less impressed. 'It's definitely wearable in some place that is neither Paris nor Montauk or Martha's Vineyard,' said designer and judge Brandon Maxwell. 'I cannot see Karlie wearing it anywhere, honestly.' 'Not even to dinner with the Kushners?' Tyler hit back with a smile. Karlie was rendered speechless and her jaw dropped open before she tilted her head and gave him a pointed look. Tyler's fellow contestants were stunned, and some audibly gasped when they heard the controversial quip. He quickly realised the line had landed flat and tried to make light of it, adding: 'That's your husband.' Karlie ignored his comments about her husband's family and, instead, focused on the aspiring designer's failed look. Jared Kushner pictured being pally with his father-in-law, Donald Trump, during his presidency in 2018 At the end of the episode, the host announced that she and the other judges had voted to send Tyler home. She gave him a kiss on the cheek, which she has done with all of the eliminated contestants so far, and said: 'Thank you for being here.' 'Karlie, I want you to know that I'm not a jerk,' he told her. 'I'm professional, so what I said earlier had no hidden agenda, no meaning, nothing like that.' The model gave Tyler a smile and thanked him for his apology. The Kushners, in general, are likely a touchy subject for Karlie, who was reportedly not allowed to attend the family's gatherings for years while she was dating Josh. Author Vicky Ward touched upon the Kushner family's relationship with Karlie in her expose 'Kushner, Inc.: Greed. Ambition. Corruption. The Extraordinary Story of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump,' which was published in March 2019. Josh's parents, Charles and Seryl Kushner, refused to meet Karlie for six years and 'spoke horribly' about her behind her back,' according to the book. The expose claims they banned Karlie from family gatherings because they hated her so much. The billionaire family allegedly despised the fact that Karlie was not Jewish and thought that a Victoria's Secret model was beneath them. Family friends reportedly mocked Karlie, calling her the 'the lingerie model,' and they feared that Josh had 'doomed' the entire bloodline. Like Ivanka, Karlie converted to Judaism to marry into the Kushner family, but Jared reportedly dismissed her as a 'shiksa,' a disparaging and offensive term for a non-Jewish woman. When Josh was said to have protested that Jared had done exactly the same thing with Ivanka, his family disagreed. 'Ivanka, they explained, was different. She was a Trump. She was also, like Jared, real estate royalty. And she'd attended an Ivy League school, the University of Pennsylvania,' Vicky wrote in the book. 'Kloss grew up in Webster Groves, Missouri, a suburb of St Louis, and hadn't even been to college when she and Josh began dating.' Despite the alleged discord, Josh's parents are believed to have attended the couple's wedding in October 2019 along with their children, including Jared and his wife Ivanka. However despite the tensions, both have reportedly squashed 'rift' rumours - although admitting they are not 'best friends'. Speaking to Page Six a few months a go, a source claimed: 'Ivanka and Karlie have a good relationship, they're in the same family and they spend time at family events together, they also have an overlapping social circle in Miami. 'They may not be best friends, but it's wide off the mark to say they don't get along. 'They have weathered so much and they are still spending time together at family events and social events, they continue to have a good relationship. 'Their relationship has had a pretty good test over the past eight years!' A gifted businesswoman with an impeccable eye, Yana Smaglo was thriving in 2022. The designer, originally from northeast Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine, was living in a nice apartment in Kyiv. Young and with everything going for her, the entrepreneur with a Masters degree in finance was expanding her empire, with her own beauty operation and an office in the city centre. But suddenly, on a brisk February morning everything changed. Shortly after 5am, Yana awoke to the sound of explosions : Vladimir Putin's Russia had attacked. Ukraine was at war. Quickly, she called her friends to wake them. She grabbed a hat, stuffed documents, cash, a laptop into a bag and joined a friend to drive to the Polish border. Leaving everything - including her business - behind, Yana drove through Poland and then Germany, until she was invited by friends to stay in Huddersfield, coming to the UK with an uncertain future. But three years later, after settling in Yorkshire, Yana has managed to reboot her business. Last night she secured a 80,000 investment in her clothing company Nenya after appearing on Dragons' Den. The Dragons' Den judges were left speechless during Thursday's episode by a 'heart-wrenching' pitch from Ukrainian refugee Yana Smaglo (pictured 'It was settled, nice, a comfortable life,' Yana, who is now 32, previously told MailOnline. 'I was very happy.' 'When I left my apartment I thought that, probably, I would never see it again. I also lost the business.' 'But at that moment, you're so shocked and scared, you think only about saving yourself. I understood that to save myself physically, I didn't need anything.' Now living in the UK, Yana has managed to set up an thriving business and given back to Ukraine at the same time. Appearing on the BBC show, Yana pitched her plans to expand her Ukrainian clothing distribution 'Nenya' - meaning motherland - hoping to secure an investment of 80,000 for a 10 per cent equity share of the company. After hearing the harrowing tale of how the young merchant built up her business from scratch, several of the Dragons were left speechless - with Deborah Meaden admitting the story had left her 'choked up'. Despite worries that her English wouldn't be 'good' enough to understand the judges questions, Yana comprehensively won them over, with four offering her investments. Yana, who is currently living in Leeds, owns a distribution company that buys and sells authentic Ukrainian clothes for international wholesale - which she hopes to sell in luxury retailers such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols. The clothes have price points between 70 and 150. 'It's hard to explain to yourself that, no, you don't have anything any more, you need to buy, you need to work hard,' says Yana Smaglo. 'It's hard emotionally' Yana has established her own fashion business in the UK, which has five brands in its portfolio, more than 120 wholesale partners and, Smaglo says, a 120,000 turnover Despite having 'no family left', Yana wants to whatever she can to 'help my country' by investing in quality Ukrainian products. Explaining to the judges why she needed the investment, she explained her chances of securing a loan in the UK were slim to none. Delivering her pitch, she said: 'Our mission is to help Ukrainian companies increase sales and support the economy by taxes and also create new work places for Ukrainian refugees in the UK.' They currently have 98 wholesale partners across three continents with two departments stores in the UK and US. Over the course of just one year, the entrepreneur managed to earn an impressive profit of 100,000. 'My goal is to build the biggest distribution company with the best Ukrainian products and services. Made in the Ukraine with love and bravery,' she said on the BBC show. She explained: 'Currently I have five brands in my portfolio, most of them originally manufactured in the east [of Ukraine] but they moved their factories closer to the west because the east is too dangerous.' She went on to tell the judges that she had initially wanted to sell in retail only and 'wholesale had come from nowhere' - though she had only found success after success when adding wholesale partners to her company. Appearing on the BBC show, she pitched her plans to expand her Ukrainian clothing distribution 'Nenya' 'We now have 98 and we are adding new partners every month,' she explained. Steven Bartlett was equally full of praise for the aspiring distributor, commenting on her 'incredible' profits - despite having started with just 5,000 of her own savings. 'I escaped so quick and just grabbed something that I had at home,' she told judges, telling them she had only managed to throw together a bag for her documents, laptop and 5,000 - which she went on to invest in the company. When Steven asked where she saw herself in five years, Yana said she wanted to be the 'biggest distribution company' and 'not only stop on the fashion business' but bring the 'best' products from Ukraine to 'the rest of the world'. 'You're very driven aren't you,' Steven remarked in response. 'When you're losing everything - your work and your home and everything and you need to build your life again - this drives you a lot,' she said. Despite worries that her English wouldn't be 'good' enough to understand the judges questions, Yana comprehensively won them over, with four offering her investments Ukrainian fashion designer Yana Smaglo was forced to leave everything behind when the war with Russia began, but has rebuilt her life in the UK after receiving a visa When asked by Touker Suleyman about where she would sell her clothes, Yana reassured him the the quality would be enough for the likes of Harrods and Harvey Nichols to stock them. 'Some added value is that it's produced in Ukraine - a lot of people want to support it,' she said. Touker said he thought the business would need more money and would offer 20,000 for 10 per cent - if the other dragons agreed. Meanwhile, the businesswoman got exactly the offer she was hoping for with both Deborah, Steven, and Sara agreeing to give her the money she wanted. But Peter Jones wasn't convinced the company was 'unique' enough. He said he had to remain 'true to myself' and opted not to make an offer. In the end, Yana opted to split the offer between Deborah and Steven - with each getting a 5 per cent share. Speaking to Living North in 2023, Yana explained: 'The name Nenya is a Ukrainian word and the translation is motherland or grandma. For me it has a lot of meaning because I love Ukraine and I want to help them, but also I was raised by my grandma and she died one year ago so this word means a lot to me.' 'I also wanted to help other refugees in the UK like me to find a job and integrate here. I want us to be a part of the society and create a new life here and that includes paying taxes. 'Now we're here we are part of this economy and it's really important that while we get the benefits, we also get a job and give back.' MBABANE The all-male Gospel choir has achieved remarkable success with the release of their third album, uJesu unamandla. This talented choir that was founded in 2017, comprises 18 members from the Young Methodist Gospel (YMG) group of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa: Central Eswatini Circuit. Since their inception, the choir has successfully produced three albums, Ukuze Singabi Nakuwaliwa, Sibizelwe Enywebeni and the recently launched uJesu unamandla. This new album features 10 uplifting tracks, including several that are already resonating with audiences. Standout songs such as Igama Lenkhosi, Sengiyacela Nkhosi and Vuyani Nathi, which are beginning to make waves within the Gospel music scene. The album was released on New Years Eve, symbolising a new chapter and serving as a testimony to a God who is both mighty and just. The choir expresses that the songs convey messages of hope, encouragement and revival during lifes challenging seasons. They aim to uplift anyone experiencing their own winter, reminding listeners that Jesus holds power over all life challenges. The choirs Public Relations Officer Calvin Dlamini, shared insights into their journey. We remain humble and immensely grateful to the Methodist community, local media houses and Gods people in general for the love and support they have shown us, particularly with this new album. It is heartening to see our message resonate with so many, he said. Listeners can access the album through various platforms, including Flash drives, Spotify, Shazam, Deezer, Amazon and YouTube, ensuring that the uplifting messages reach a broad audience. Dlamini also expressed the choirs aspirations for the future. We hope that our choir will reach greater heights in the music industry and above all, that God shall be glorified through the talents He has entrusted us with to worship Him, he said. The choir is open for invitations and encourages the public to make bookings for various celebrations. Their ability to connect with people through music has made them a cherished presence in the Gospel community and their enthusiasm for sharing their message continues to inspire. Imvuselelo YaMaweseli stands as a testament to the power of faith and the importance of community support in the arts. As they navigate the music industry, their commitment to spreading messages of hope and love remains unwavering. The UK chocolate brand is looking at more environmental-friendly packaging Cadbury has made a historic change to its beloved Easter treats in an overhaul following King Charles's removal of the chocolate brand's Royal Warrant. The British chocolatier has committed to ditching plastic packaging for the festive sweets in a bid to cut down on waste. Its Easter Favourite Pouch, containing Mini and Creme Eggs, will be sold in more 'eco-friendly' paper wrapping. According to The Big Plastic Count - an initiative which aims to shed light on the amount of waste that accumulates each year - UK households throw away roughly 1.7 billion pieces of plastic every week. Out of all that rubbish, more than half is incinerated, while 14 per cent is exported and 11 per cent goes straight to landfill. Of the almost 2billion pieces thrown away each week, only 17 per cent is recycled and so Cadbury is on a mission to make their products more eco-friendly. A spokesperson for Cadbury said: 'We are delighted to announce our new Easter Favourites Paper Pouch (335g). 'This new product contains all the nations favourite Easter brands in one pouch, perfect for egg hunts and sharing snacks, whilst ensuring recyclability of the outer paper pouch at home.' Cadbury has made a historic change to its iconic Easter treats in an overhaul following the King Charles III's removal of the chocolate brand's Royal Warrant The 335g Favourites Pouch is designed for sharing and is perfect for Easter eggs hunts or just to snack on. Packs can be found in major supermarkets with Ocado offering the sweet treats for 6, Iceland selling them for 5.50 and Tesco offering the slightly cheaper price of 5.25. The move comes just one month after Charles - often nicknamed 'Green King' due to his focus on environmentalism - scrapped the company's coveted Royal Warrant after 170 years despite it being his late mother's favourite chocolate. Almost 400 companies were in the latest round of warrants announced this week, with Charles keeping 386 granted by his mother, ranging from Kellogg's cereal to Moet champagne. Those unsuccessful, like Cadbury, were told by letter. As is protocol, the brands were not given a reason why. The warrants are awarded in recognition of the supply of goods or services to the royal household and senior Royal Family members. The classic British chocolatier has overhauled its plastic packaging for its Easter Favourite Pouch, replacing it with a paper bag instead in an effort to be more environmentally friendly Cadbury's overhaul comes after its coveted Royal Warrant was stripped after 170 years (King Charles pictured at he House of Dorchester chocolate factory, 2015) It is understood the supply of Cadbury products to royal households has decreased over several years. The King is also known for his healthy eating, preferring a piece of fruit or fibre-rich seeds over a bar of chocolate It is understood the supply of Cadbury products to royal households has decreased over several years. The King is also known for his healthy eating, preferring a piece of fruit or fibre-rich seeds over a bar of chocolate. Palace insiders, however, said at the time Royal Warrants reflect the consumption of the entire royal household, not just the King, alongside factors including sustainability. But similar brands to Cadbury which still have a warrant include Nestle, upmarket Bendicks of Mayfair, which makes dark mint chocolates, and Prestat, one of London's oldest chocolate shops. Cadbury, which makes family favourites such as Dairy Milk, Roses and Heroes, is one of Britain's most successful exporters. Originally manufacturing in Bournville, Birmingham, it is celebrating its 200th year in business. A Cadbury spokesman said: 'Ours is a much-loved brand that has been a part of British life for generations and remains the nation's favourite chocolate. 'While we are disappointed to be one of hundreds of other businesses and brands in the UK not to have a new warrant awarded, we are proud to have previously held one and we fully respect the decision.' Buckingham Palace declined to comment. The decision by the monarch also comes after the company's recent takeover by an American snack giant led to claims Cadbury had 'betrayed its heritage', by introducing bizarre new recipes and shrinking bars - while outsourcing its chocolate production abroad. The King's decision to remove his patronage from the brand came despite it having been his mother the late Queen Elizabeth II's favourite chocolate (Queen Elizabeth II pictured April, 2022) From its humble beginnings as a small grocer's shop in Birmingham, Cadbury has been delighting the nation's taste buds for two centuries - while its adverts, including one featuring gorilla drumming to Phil Collins' hit In The Air Tonight, have become cult British hits. This year saw the beloved brand behind the likes of Dairy Milk, Flake and Heroes, celebrating its 200th birthday. The confectionery behemoth was founded by the nation's very own 'Willy Wonka', John Cadbury, in 1824 in Bull Street. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Cadbury rapidly expanded, captivating Britons with its irresistible treats. John started selling different types of cocoa and moved to a factory on Bridge Street, Birmingham in 1831. After 1878 production moved from the Birmingham slums to a rural site four miles out of the city in a place called Bournville. Taking the name of the model village Bournville grew into a haven for staff where they could live, work and play. In 1902, Cadbury's went on to produce a commemorative set of tins to celebrate the coronations of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. In 1955, Cadbury's royal warrant was renewed by the newly-crowned Queen Elizabeth - producing a similar coronation tin for the monarch. But in 2015 a string of complaints including changing the recipe of the brand's iconic Creme Eggs, shrinking bars, bizarre new recipes, and job losses hit the company following their American takeover. It led to claims that Cadbury had 'betrayed its heritage' after the takeover, according to a 2016 TV documentary from Dispatches series - which claimed workers had been sacked and chocolate - including Dairy Milk - was being produced in Poland. A self-described 'bad mum' has defended her decision to take all three of her children on holiday during school term - despite being threatened with a criminal record. Whitney Ainscough, 31, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, has insisted the trip to Euro Disney, Paris, with her three children will be 'educational' - despite having previously been fined for taking them out of school for holidays. Last year, the mother-of-three jetted off on two family holidays with her partner and three children, Cora Bentley, 12, Addison Squires, seven, and Adley Christopher, three. Last June, the family splashed 5,000 on a trip to Cyprus shortly before shelling out a further 8,000 on a trip to Zante - causing her children to miss five days of school per trip. The social media influencer, known as @itsmebadmom on TikTok, told followers she was 'fuming' after receiving a 60 fine from Cora's school following their Cyprus holidays. Whitney then begrudgingly paid the fine but was less than impressed when a second letter arrived saying that she may also be facing a criminal record for taking her children out of school. The shocked mother-of-three took to social media and shared the news of the letter with her 440,000 TikTok followers. Footage shows Whitney reading the letter saying she is 'flabbergasted' that she has received a single justice procedure notice outlining she is being charged under Section 444 (1) of the Education Act 1996. Whitney Ainscough, 31, (pictured) from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, has insisted the trip to Euro Disney with her three children will be 'educational' - despite having previously been fined for taking them out of school in the past. Last year, the mother-of-three jetted off on two family holidays with her partner, Joel Christopher (right) and three children, Cora Bentley, 12, Addison Squires, seven, and Adley Christopher, three (pictured) Section 444 (1) of the Education Act 1996 states that if a child of compulsory school age who is a registered pupil at a school fails to attend regularly at school, his parent is guilty of an offence. A person charged with the offence has to prove they had a 'reasonable justification' for their child's failure to attend regularly at the school. But the mother has insisted she will defy all threats of a criminal record, claiming she doesn't want to leave the children at home while she jets off the Paris. Whitney said: 'I was literally just about to take my kids to school and I'd quickly opened it. 'Obviously I couldn't read it properly because I had to take the kids to school so I put it down a minute, I only scanned through it and I was like what the f***. 'I took my kids to school, came back and read the letter. The first thing I did straight away was make a video. I was like, I'm fuming, what on earth? 'I was expecting that I may get another fine but I'd not heard anything and it had been months. I was absolutely furious, fuming. 'To be honest with you, it would absolutely make me laugh. How could you even threaten somebody with jail for taking their kids on holiday. Last June, the family splashed 5,000 on a trip to Cyprus shortly before shelling out a further 8,000 on a trip to Zante - causing her children to miss five days of school per trip A self-described 'bad mum' has defended her decision to take all three of her children on holiday during school term - despite being threatened with a criminal record The shocked mum-of-three took to social media and shared the news of the letter with her 440,000 TikTok followers (pictured) Whitney then begrudgingly paid the fine but was less than impressed when a second letter arrived saying that she may also be facing a criminal record for taking her children out of school Footage shows Whitney reading the letter saying she is 'flabbergasted' that she has received a single justice procedure notice outlining she is being charged under Section 444 (1) of the Education Act 1996 The social media influencer known as @itsmebadmom on TikTok , told followers she was 'fuming' after receiving a 60 fine from Cora's school following the first holiday 'I just can't understand the logic of it. These are my children, they are not the government's children. 'What do you want me to do? Leave my kids at home while I go off on fancy holidays with my partner? No. I'm sure social services would be getting involved at that point. 'I take my kids on a nice holiday to see the world and you get penalised for it. It's absolutely disgusting. 'Whenever we do go [on holiday] I would say they're all educational. When we went in July to Zante, we booked a private boat and we went to go and see a shipwreck, we went to Turtle Island. 'I want them to see more of the world and yes school is educational and whatever else and they need education. But they also need to see more of the world. It f***ing frustrates me.' She said she has returned the letter to the council explaining her reasons for taking Cora out of school. Whitney said she took her children out of school during term time because one of her sons has additional needs and struggles to cope in busy environments. Whitney pictured with partner, Joel, said: 'I want them to see more of the world and yes school is educational and whatever else and they need education. But they also need to see more of the world' Whitney said: 'My next step is, I've sent the letter back, saying I am guilty of taking Cora out of school which I'm not going to deny' She said she has returned the letter to the council explaining her reasons for taking Cora out of school. Section 444 (1) of the Education Act 1996 states that if a child of compulsory school age who is a registered pupil at a school fails to attend regularly at school, his parent is guilty of an offence Although she said she has never taken her children on holiday during term time before these trips, she has insisted she taking them out again to go to Paris in the near future Although she said she has never taken her children on holiday during term time before these trips, she has insisted she taking them out again to go to Paris in the near future. Whitney said: 'My next step is, I've sent the letter back, saying I am guilty of taking Cora out of school which I'm not going to deny. 'I'm not going to lie, I have the money to go on holiday whenever I want. I could go in the six-week holidays. 'It's nothing to do with the money, it's to do with how busy things are. I have a child with ADHD and other things. He does have additional needs. 'He struggles a lot in majorly busy times. So the six-week holidays and stuff like that, it is way too busy. That is the reasoning as to why I take them when I take them. 'It's not because I think I'm better and I don't need to send my kids to school. 'It's not to do with that, it's more to do with how my other child is going to cope while we are there and making it easier for us. 'Surely they should understand my reasons for taking them out at that time. 'I am actually taking my kids out again. I'm taking them to Paris this weekend. Whitney said she took her children out of school during term time because one of her sons has additional needs and struggles to cope in busy environments Whitney also said she believes she is being 'targeted' because of her online presence 'It's my partner's birthday at the weekend, I want my kids to come with us. I want them to be part of my life. They are my reason for my life. I want my kids to come. 'I had the option to leave them at home with family but I don't want to. I want to take my kids to see Paris. You know, Disneyland, the Eiffel Tower.' Whitney also said she believes she is being 'targeted' because of her online presence. Whitney said: 'I feel like because I'm on social media and whatever else, I feel like they're trying to make a bit of an example out of me as well. I feel like I am being targeted. 'They probably seem to feel that I don't care and obviously I do care. I want my kids to achieve and do better than I ever did. 'But my kids are not missing out on experiences in life just because they're going to miss a few days at school. They'll catch up. 'I'd understand if my kids weren't clever. My kids are clever, they're very clever. 'They do their work, they get on with it, they're not naughty kids. 'It would be absolutely ridiculous. Obviously I would take to social media. If they were to try and jail me over taking my kids on holiday, it would be a big deal on social media. 'I'm not worried because I think it would be absolutely ridiculous and if that was the case I would pull all three children out of education and keep them at home. Rotherham Council have been contacted for comment. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Fox News host Jesse Watters has sparked fierce debate after calling out Doug Emhoff for grocery shopping - insinuating it is not a masculine activity for 'real men.' On Thursday, the controversial host, 46, responded to a video which showed former Vice President Kamala Harris grocery shopping with her husband. 'The New York Post caught her grocery shopping with Doug E. Fresh,' Watters said in the Fox News clip, showing the former Second Gentleman at the checkout with Harris at the Los Angeles store. 'What kind of husband goes grocery shopping with his wife?' he asked incredulously. Watters has previously hit out against men drinking milkshakes, taking a bath, eating ice cream in public and using straws, declaring the activities as lacking masculinity. Watters' take sparked a furious debate on social media, with some agreeing with his explosive take and others pointing out that a man going grocery shopping is not unusual. 'The kind of man that loves his wife and enjoys her company. Unfortunately, that's not the kind of men that Fox News employs. And it stinks!' one user responded. 'Lots of husbands in fact some even do the shopping alone without their wives,' pointed out another. Fox News host Jesse Watters has sparked fierce debate after calling out Doug Emhoff for grocery shopping - insinuating it is not a masculine activity for 'real men' 'I know it must be hard to understand but a bit of shopping or helping your wife won't diminish your masculinity,' the user added. 'If anything, it's a mark of confidence, not weakness. Some people clearly need to catch up with the times!' added someone else. But others voiced their support for the Fox News host. 'Libs heads exploding because Jesse Watters bodied Doug Emhoff,' one user snarked. 'Jesse Watters is a MAGA role model,' declared another. In September, the divisive host attempted to mock Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for being photographed drinking a milkshake with a straw. 'Women love masculinity and women do not love Tim Walz,' Watters declared. 'So that should just tell you about how masculine Tim Walz is.' 'The other day you saw him with a vanilla ice cream shake. Had a straw in it. Again, that tells you everything,' he added mockingly. Harris and Emhoff, who have been married for 10 years, put on a united front during a trip to the 99 Ranch Market in Los Angeles on Thursday, amid rumors the former Second Couple's marriage is on the rocks. Sources told DailyMail.com on Wednesday that she may now believe Emhoff is 'dead weight' due to a bombshell scandal over getting his child's nanny pregnant. The Fox host married Emma DiGiovine (pictured) n January 2020, after admitting to an affair with her that broke up his first marriage to first wife, Noelle in 2017 Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff were spotted together on a trip to the grocery store amid rumors the now former Second Couple's marriage is on the rocks The pair put on a united front on a trip to the 99 Ranch Market in Los Angeles on Thursday Just before the election, which saw Donald Trump voted in as the 47th President of the United States, Watters criticized a commercial which encourages women to hide their vote, suggesting going against your spouse with your vote was like an affair. The ad, produced by Vote Common Good, a non-profit organization aimed at mobilizing religious voters, encouraging wives of Donald Trump supporters to quietly vote for Kamala Harris. The advert, which featured Academy Award winner Julia Roberts endorsing Harris, sparked conservative backlash online, with some accusing it of undermining marital unity and sparking mistrust. Watters criticized the ad both on The Five and his own show, Thursday, saying it would be 'D-Day' if his second wife, Emma DiGiovine, voted for Harris. 'That violates the sanctity of our marriage,' he insisted. 'What else is she keeping from me? What is she lying about?' The Fox host married Emma DiGiovine, a Fox News producer, in January 2020, after admitting to an affair with her that broke up his first marriage to first wife, Noelle in 2017. Melania Trump appeared to be keeping a low profile as she stepped out with her husband, President Donald Trump on Friday morning in Washington, D.C. The First Lady, 54, kept things casual in a pair of black skinny jeans, black lace-up boots, and an army green puffer jacket, which appeared to be the $995 Leonard Puffer Coat by designer Rag & Bone. She accessorized with a black knit beanie and sleek black aviator sunglasses - which seemed to be a swipe at former President Joe Biden who made the eyewear part of his signature style. The couple were headed on Marine One to visit Asheville, North Carolina, a region that was devastated by Hurricane Helene this past September. Melania's informal yet appropriate outfit was a far cry from what she wore when she visited children separated from their families at the Mexico border in 2018. At the time, she wore an extraordinary jacket with the slogan 'I really don't care, do u' emblazoned on the back of it. The $39 statement jacket was from Zara, and she paired it with white skinny jeans and white-and-green Adidas Stan Smith sneakers. The couple's visit to North Carolina comes just four days after Trump was officially sworn in as the 47th President of The United States. Melania Trump seemed to keep a low profile as she stepped out with her husband, President Donald Trump on Friday morning in Washington The first lady kept things casual in a pair of black skinny jeans, black lace-up boots, and an army green puffer jacket, which appeared to be the $995 Leonard Puffer Coat by designer Rag & Bone The glamorous First Lady accessorized with a black knit beanie and sleek black aviator sunglasses During the inauguration weekend, Melania stunned in a number of glamorous looks - a bit different than her dress-downed appearance Friday. On Monday morning, as the two arrived St. John's Episcopal Church just hours before his inauguration ceremony, the First Lady opted for a long, tailored navy-blue coat by American designer Adam Lippes. A similar coat is listed on Lippes's website for $4,290. She accessorized the look with a pair of navy-blue suede Manolo Blahnik heels and black leather gloves for the non-partisan service. Underneath the coat, she wore a white wrap top, adding a pop to the otherwise classic outfit. However, the real star of the show was a large navy wide-brimmed hat with a flat top and white trimming, designed by Eric Javits - also an American brand. The hat tied together her entire look, as she sported an elegant bun and tiny diamond studs. And, as they attended a number of inaugural balls on Monday evening, Melania mesmerized in an elegant strapless gown designed by her stylist, Herve Pierre. Melania's informal yet appropriate outfit was a far cry from what she wore when she visited children separated from their families at the Mexico border in 2018 in a slogan jacket that read: 'I really don't care, do u' Melania's informal, appropriate outfit was a far cry from what she wore when she visited children separated from their families at the Mexico border in 2018 During the inauguration weekend, Melania stunned in a number of glamorous looks - a bit different than her dress-downed appearance Friday The hat tied together her entire look, as she sported an elegant bun and tiny diamond stud earrings And, as they attended a number of inaugural balls on Monday evening, Melania mesmerized in an elegant strapless gown designed by her stylist, Herve Pierre She accessorized with a black choker that included an eye-popping, vintage silver pendant by Harry Winston, and white pumps The mother-of-one ensured all eyes were on her in the long, flowing white dress with a thigh-high slit and a daring black piece of fabric that wrapped around her body. She accessorized with a black choker that included an eye-popping, vintage silver pendant by Harry Winston, and white pumps. Since the start of his term Monday, Trump has already issued a number of executive orders and pardoned all of the January 6 rioters. Meanwhile, Melania is back in The White House, as she explained in recent interview with Ainsley Earhardt on Fox & Friends that she felt much more prepared this time around. Trump served his first term from 2017 to 2021, losing to Joe Biden in the 2020 election. 'I know where I will be going. I know the rooms where we will be living. I know the process,' she said. She also revealed that her 18-year-old son, college student Barron, will come visit. 'He will come and visit, yes,' she said. 'I feel that children we have them feel they are like 18, 19 years old. We teach them, we guide them. And then we give them the wings to fly. And I always respect Barron's yes and no and what he likes to do, where he would like to be.' Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway was photographed looking chic today as she visited the International Library Of Fashion at Stasjonsmesterbygningen. The 51-year-old donned high-waisted salmon-coloured trousers, which she paired with a very pale cream blouse and a black jacket for her outing in Oslo. She accessorised her look with pointed heeled pumps, and a small clutch bag she balanced in the crook of her arm. The royal wore her blonde locks loose, and finished her ensemble with a natural make-up look. While pictured browsing through reading material at the library, she sported a large-framed pair of spectacles. The Library opened on December 1, 2022. According to a press release shared ahead of its opening date, the organisation is 'a repository of specialised fashion research and contemporary fashion publications'. 'The collection is continually growing through donations from global fashion houses, publishers and practitioners,' the statement read. 'The library will be open and accessible to general visitors.' It continued: 'The International Library of Fashion Research has an ambition of becoming the worlds largest and most comprehensive repository of fashion publications and other documentation connected to the fashion industry. Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway (pictured) visited The International Library Of Fashion on Friday 'The library will function as a free and accessible resource for fashion professionals, researchers, students and enthusiasts.' Mette-Marit did not appear to be accompanied by her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, 51, as she made the public appearance, however, Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe also visited the Library. It comes as the Norwegian Royal Family tackles a number of issues, including Mette-Marit's health issues - she has the chronic lung disease pulmonary fibrosis. In October last year, the mother-of-three was forced to take sick leave due to medicinal side effects associated with her condition. At the end of that month, the Norwegian Royal Court confirmed to Femail that the royal was taking some time out, saying: 'H.K.H. The Crown Princess is on sick leave. 'Due to side effects of the medication that Her Royal Highness is using for her chronic lung disease, she is on sick leave, initially for a week. Her official program during this period will be cancelled or postponed.' The Crown Princess' health condition was first made public in 2018, when it was revealed Mette-Marit had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis or the thickening of lung tissue. At the time, she issued a statement explaining that the condition 'means my working capacity will vary' to accommodate her treatment including 'periods of time without an official programme'. The royal mother-of-three donned a large-framed pair of reading glasses as she perused some literature while at the library STYLISH: The 51-year-old donned a suitably chic ensemble as she visited the organisation in Oslo Crown Princess Mette-Marit's visit comes after she was forced to take sick leave at the end of last year, due to side effects of the medication she takes for her chronic lung condition 'For a number of years, I have had health challenges on a regular basis, and now we know more about what is involved,' the mother-of-three said. 'The condition means that my working capacity will vary. 'The Crown Prince and I are choosing to make this public now partly because in future there will be a need to plan periods of time without an official programme to accommodate treatment and when the disease is more active.' Pulmonary fibrosis is incurable and worsens over time, but the Norwegian royal's doctor, Professor Kristian Bjro at the National Hospital, said they'd been monitoring her condition for several years and the 'disease progression has been slow over this period'. Not much is known about the unusual variant of fibrosis that was detected in Mette-Marit's lung but, according to the Royal House, 'there is broad consensus that, unlike other more common types of pulmonary fibrosis, it is not related to environmental or lifestyle factors'. The fact that the disease was detected at an early stage improves Mette-Marit's prognosis, as per the Palace's official statement. 'Even if such a diagnosis will limit my life at times, I am glad that the disease has been discovered so early. My goal is still to work and participate in the official programme as much as possible,' the mother-of-three said at the time. Another source of anguish over recent months has been Mette-Marit's son and Haakon's stepson Marius Borg Hiby, often referred to as the 'black sheep' of the royal family of Norway. While already awaiting trial on charges of rape and domestic violence, the 27-year-old found himself in hot water again in December after breaching a restraining order against one of his alleged victims. Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe (pictured, right) visited the International Library of Fashion at the same time as the royal (pictured, centre) The royal was snapped while looking at some of the Library's materials during her solo outing on Friday After leaving a rehab facility in London, the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon is said to have contacted one of the women, breaching the terms of the order, according to Norwegian media. It's not clear if Borg Hiby has been arrested again. His first arrest was on August 4 last year for an assault, he was then arrested again on September 13 for a different alleged assault and a third time in November on rape charges. Late that month, Borg Hiby was released from custody. Borg Hiby - who has been accused of a second rape - was banned from having visitors and letters during his stay in custody due to the risk of tampering with evidence, Norwegian news outlet NRK reported. Police said they would not seek further detention of Borg Hiby because they believed there was no longer a danger that evidence will be lost or destroyed. At the time, police allegedly requested that Borg Hiby be detained for two weeks, but he was only held for one, according to local paper Se Og Hor. They also reported that he has been given two new restraining orders. Speaking of Borg Hiby's release, his defence lawyer yvind Bratlien told NRK: 'This was not surprising. He shouldn't have been imprisoned at all. I think it was wrong, I won't say more.' Borg Hiby is the stepson of the heir to the Norwegian throne, Crown Prince Haakon, and the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship. He has no royal title or official duties. Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe (pictured, left) and Crown Princess Mette- Marit of Norway (pictured, right) were shown different materials at the library The International Library Of Fashion at Stasjonsmesterbygningen is described as 'a repository of specialised fashion research and contemporary fashion publications' The Norwegian royal family was rocked by Borg Hiby's first arrest at the beginning of August, after a woman - Rebecca Helberg Arntsen - was left in hospital with her injuries following an attack. A week after his arrest, Borg Hiby admitted to the assault on Rebecca, whom he referred to as his 'girlfriend' (her lawyers have refuted this claim). In a statement issued via his own lawyer, Borg Hiby said he suffers from 'several mental disorders' and has 'struggled with substance abuse for a long time', which he said he is resuming treatment for. The statement read: 'Last weekend something happened that should never have happened. I committed bodily harm and destroyed objects in an apartment in the intoxication of alcohol and cocaine after an argument. 'I have several mental disorders which mean that throughout my upbringing and adult life, I have had, and still have, challenges. I have struggled with substance abuse for a long time, something I have been in treatment for in the past. Mother-of-three Mette-Marit was photographed smiling while perusing a range of fashion-related reading materials The Crown Princess was snapped as she arrived at the International Library Of Fashion at Stasjonsmesterbygningen, stepping out of her car into the snowy weather 'The drug use and my diagnoses do not excuse what happened in the apartment at Frogner on the night of Sunday last weekend. I want to be responsible for what I have done, and will explain myself truthfully to the police. 'For me, the most important thing is to say sorry to my girlfriend. She deserved neither what happened that night, nor the extreme pressure from both the Norwegian and foreign press afterwards.' Mette-Marit's eldest son also apologised to his family for his actions that have 'greatly affected you'. Weeks later, the 27-year-old was taken into custody after breaching a restraining order. The restraining order in question was for the protection of Rebecca Helberg Arntsen, whom Borg Hiby admitted to assaulting, in a booze and drug-fuelled attack on August 4, which saw him arrested for the first time and held in a police cell overnight. The Friends actress, 55, was quizzed on the wild speculation by Jimmy Kimmel Jennifer Aniston spoke out to deny claims that she had an affair with Barack Obama in a resurfaced interview, in which she branded the tabloid rumor 'absolutely untrue.' Speculation that the Friends star, 55, was romantically linked to the married former president, 63, has continued to swirl amid rumors that his marriage with Michelle Obama is headed for divorce. After Michelle, 61, failed to attend both Jimmy Carter's funeral and Donald Trump's inauguration - leaving Barack to attend solo - the video of Jennifer setting the record straight over the hearsay has started recirculating. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in October, Jennifer firmly shut down the claims when the host, 57, handed her a gossip magazine. Wagging her finger, the Hollywood A-lister said: 'Of all the calls you get from your publicist where you're just like "Oh, no, what's it gonna be?" or you get an email saying some cheesy tabloid is gonna make up a story and then it's that' 'I was not mad at it,' she then added with a giggle, before clarifying that the story is 'absolutely untrue.' Jennifer Aniston spoke out to deny claims that she had an affair with Barack Obama in a resurfaced interview Speculation that the Friends star, 55, was romantically linked to the married former president, 63, has continued to swirl amid rumors that his marriage with Michelle Obama is headed for divorce 'So, the truth about Jen and Barack is that there's no truth?' Jimmy confirmed. Jennifer continued: 'I've met him [Obama] once. I know Michelle more than him.' Joking, Jimmy then asked: 'Is there a truth about you and Michelle?' 'That is not true,' she said with a smile. Jennifer is not known to be dating anyone currently, and has not been romantically linked to anyone for the past five years. Meanwhile, Barack and Michelle have been married 33 years, and share daughters Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23. Earlier this month, the former president signaled that his marriage is still going strong when he uploaded a sweet message to Michelle for her birthday. 'Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama,' he wrote, alongside a snap that showed them holding hands while enjoying dinner. Jennifer addressed the rumor on Jimmy Kimmel Live! where she said it was 'absolutely untrue' Jimmy Kimmel presented the Hollywood actress with the magazine which made the allegations The duo cleared up any speculation surrounding the story during Wednesday's episode 'You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace and you look good doing it. Im so lucky to be able to take on life's adventures with you. Love you.' The image featured a smiling Barack in a gray button down top and black dress pants, as he sat across from Michelle, who donned a dark V-neck sweater dress and a patterned headpiece. They lovingly grabbed each other's hands as they faced the camera. Michelle has since shared the post to her own account alongside a simple caption that read: 'Love you, honey!' Immediately after it was announced that Michelle wouldn't be attending Trump's inauguration, fans of the political power couple became concerned that there may be trouble in paradise. 'I'm calling it, the Obamas are getting a divorce,' wrote one person on X, formerly Twitter. Another posted: 'An Obama divorce would not be on my 2025 predictions but it might happen.' '[Michelle] and Obama are on the outs. They are getting a divorce. She doesn't want to be around him,' someone else said. 'Sounds like an Obama divorce is on the horizon, we've all seen it, they stop attending functions together,' a fourth tweet read. Barack shut down divorce rumors as he posted a gushing tribute to the 'love of his life' Michelle in honor of her 61st birthday earlier this month Michelle shared the post to her own account alongside a simple caption that read: 'Love you, honey!' The former president and his wife tied the knot at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago on October 3, 1992 Elsewhere during her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Jennifer said she was left with 'some sort of PTSD' from having to belly dance in front of her family as a child. 'You know, the Greeks love any kind of a family dinner, they would say, "Let's get up and watch" - it's like when you say to your child, "Play piano for everyone, let's sing for everyone."' 'I get such anxiety when my friends do that to their children. 'I have inner trauma from having to perform and belly dance in front of my Greek aunts and uncles and grandmothers,' she noted. In 2016, the Morning Show actress told EW: 'When I was a kid, they used to make me belly dance. On Christmas Eve. 'My dad's side of the family is Greek, so I would dress up as a little Greek girl, and then on Christmas, after taking belly-dancing classes, I would do that.' And she did not think her family had good intentions, it was added. 'It had nothing to do with Christmas, even,' she said. 'It was just, "Let's humiliate Jen on Christmas."' On Monday, LVMH billionaire Bernard Arnault and his heirs attended Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington, D.C., - but there was allegedly a very specific reason why he was there. According to The New York Post, Arnault, whose company owns a multitude of luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Fendi, was there in an effort to support the new President in hopes to 'avoid tariffs on his luxury brands.' Since taking office on Monday, Trump has warned global business leaders that they should start manufacturing their products in the United States, as it would let them to avoid import tariffs and have the benefit of paying low tax rates, according to Reuters. The 78-year-old issued the caution on Thursday through a video conference at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, explaining that there would be new U.S. tariffs of 'differing amounts' for all countries. 'My message to every business in the world is very simple: come make your product in America and we will give you among the lowest taxes of any nation on earth,' Trump said, per the outlet. Arnault, who is the wealthiest man in France and fifth wealthiest in the world, attended Trump's inauguration with his son, Alexandre and daughter Delphine. Alexandre is the deputy CEO of Moet Hennessy, while Delphin is the CEO of Dior - both of which are owned by LVMH. 'He's someone Trump really looks up to and wants to make happy,' one source told The New York Post of Arnault. On Monday, LVMH billionaire Bernard Arnault and his heirs attended Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington, D.C. - but there was allegedly a very specific reason why he was there According to The New York Post, Arnault, whose company owns a multitude of luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Fendi, was there in an effort to support the new President in in hopes to 'avoid tariffs on its luxury brands' Arnault, who is the wealthiest man in France and fifth wealthiest in the world, attended Trump's inauguration with his son, Alexandre and daughter Delphine DailyMail.com reached out to LVMH for comment. He and his children were seated two rows behind former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton. In 2024, the LVMH giant saw their first quarterly sales drop since the 2020 Covid pandemic. The sales at LVMH's fashion and leather goods division dropped by five percent in revenue. A slowdown in China the world's second largest economy and a crucial market for luxury goods has hit demand for expensive handbags, watches and clothes. When Trump was in office during his first term, he and his daughter, Ivanka, visited the Arnault's leather factory in Texas, which boasts over 100,000 square feet. The factory, which is where they make some of their popular Louis Vuitton handbags, was newly opened and meant to employ 500 people. According to The Post, Jared Kushner has a friendship with Alexandre and his brother Frederic, both of whom he has known since before he even met Ivanka. When Trump was in office during his first term, he and his daughter, Ivanka, visited the Arnault's leather factory in Texas, which boasts over 100,000 square feet In 2024, the LVMH giant saw their first quarterly sales drop since the 2020 Covid pandemic Since he announced his re-election campaign, Alexandre has even supported President Trump at various rallies and meetings. The source also alleged to The Post that one of the reasons why Trump appointed Kushner as the Ambassador to France was to 'strengthen ties with the Arnaults.' DailyMail.com previously reported that Arnault and his children have a 'Sucession style' relationship, making nod to the famous show about the fictional patriarch Logan Roy, who is trying to decide which one of his children will inherit his media company, Waystar Royco. The family is said to have lunch together once per month, something that Arnault allegedly uses as an opportunity to ask each child for advice on his business. Their answers over the grueling 90 minutes where Arnault effectively auditions them to see who will take over the billion-dollar family business will help decide who will replace him as the head of LVMH and its brands Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Tiffany & Co. Arnault is not only father to Delphine, Antoine, but also Frederic, 29, and Jean, 27. READ MORE: Baddies star looks unrecognizable in new photo She was also known as 'The Nude Queen' to her 100,000 followers online A Maryland-based social media influencer has been found dead after auditioning for the hit reality show Baddies. The body of Karen 'Reyna' Dunlap, 30, was discovered in a vacant house on Francis Avenue in Kinsman, Cleveland, local police confirmed to Cleve Scene. Dunlap boasted over 100,000 followers across her various social media platforms, and often went by the name 'The Nude Queen' online. Her body was discovered roughly three months after she auditioned for the sixth season of The Zeus Network's popular Baddies franchise, titled Baddies Midwest. According to Cleve Scene, Cleveland police believe that Dunlap's death is due to an overdose, but they are waiting for more information from the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office. Dunlap's mother Karen Jones posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that her daughter 'didn't do drugs,' while Dunlap's sister Kira has opened a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral expenses and to hire a private investigator to look into Dunlap's death. Speaking to 19 News, Jones said, 'They suspected that it was an overdose. I said my daughter has never used hard drugs, talk to anybody.' She continued, 'I will stake my life that the toxicology is going to come back that she did not have any hard drugs in her system.' The body of influencer Karen 'Reyna' Dunlap, 30, was discovered in a vacant house on Francis Avenue in Kinsman, Cleveland, local police confirmed on Tuesday Her body was discovered roughly three months after she auditioned for the reality show Baddies Midwest Kira believes that her sister may have traveled to Cleveland to pursue the cast and crew of Baddies Midwest, which was filming in the area at the time. 'She wanted to be on this show. She knew some of the cast members of Baddies. She had met [co-creator and star] Natalie Nunn before,' Kira said, according to People. 'She knew a lot of people, and she was following where the Baddies were because she wanted to try to get on this show.' Jones echoed Kira's sentiment and said that her daughter was chasing fame before her death. 'She loved being the center of attention. She just wanted to be a positive or negative force in peoples lives,' Jones told 19 News. 'Reyna was also very controversial. Reyna was kind, loving, and generous to a fault. She loved being around people and loved being the center of attention,' she added. Dunlap's family are hoping to get a private autopsy done to determine exactly what happened to her. They also plan to hold a memorial service for Dunlap in Maryland. Police suspect her death may be the result of an overdose, but Dunlap's family say that she didn't use hard drugs Dunlap was also known as 'The Nude Queen' online to her 100,000 social media followers The Zeus Network was founded in 2018 by social media personalities DeStorm Power, Amanda Cerny, King Bach, and television producer Lemuel Plummer, who serves as president and CEO. It's become one of the biggest players in the reality TV space over the last few years. The Baddies franchise is the network's biggest hit, clocking in hundreds of millions of views online. Other shows on Zeus include Joseline's Cabaret, which follows former Love & Hip-Hop star Joseline Hernandez as she manages a troupe of strippers and sex workers. A plane passenger has been publicly berated by a furious mom after refusing to swap seats with her toddler - but she is the one now considering taking legal action. Jeniffer Castro, 29, was filmed calmly ignoring the angry mother's request after she boarded the GOL Airlines domestic flight in Brazil in December. When she boarded the plane, Jeniffer found a toddler sitting in her window seat, and asked him to move, which caused the tot to start crying. 'A guy across the aisle said "Change with him, you sit next to the aisle and he'll have your place,"' she recalled. 'I said "no."' Jeniffer continued. After refusing, the boy cried for the rest of the entire 50-minute flight from Rio de Janeiro to Belo Horizonte. 'The mother was very rude,' she recounted. According to the publication, the family reportedly had a window seat on another row, but the boy insisted on taking Jeniffer's place. Jeniffer Castro, 29, was filmed calmly ignoring the angry mother's request after she boarded the GOL Airlines domestic flight in Brazil in December When she refused, the mother pulled out her phone and started filming Jeniffer. In the video, the annoyed mom asked her why she didn't want to change seats. 'Why doesn't she want to change seats?' the mom snapped. 'I even asked if she had some kind of syndrome or something,' she taunted. 'If someone has a problem, some disability, we understand.' She continued: 'I'm recording your face, this is disgusting. It's the 21st century and people have no empathy for children.' Despite the criticism, Jeniffer didn't respond to the fuming mother and only asked if she was being filmed. On a recent episode of the Cola Mais Podcast, Jeniffer revealed that she's now considering taking legal action after the video went viral. The woman also claimed the flight attendants did not step in to help resolve the situation. When she boarded the plane, Jeniffer found a toddler sitting in her window seat, and asked him to move, which caused the tot to start crying On a recent episode of the Cola Mais Podcast, Jeniffer revealed that she's now considering taking legal action after the video went viral Her Instagram followers even jumped to 2.1 million after the incident, and she's now signed several deals, calling herself as a 'first-time influencer' 'The flight attendants could have asked me if I need anything, or if I was bothered by the passenger, but they didn't,' she raged. 'They stayed out of it.' 'Measures are now being taken,' she explained. 'What I went through wasn't easy.' She was thrilled that when the video was posted online, she had plenty of support from commenters. Her Instagram followers even jumped to 2.1 million after the incident, and she's now signed several deals, calling herself as a 'first-time influencer.' 'I'm happy about all the support I received, although there were some online haters too,' she reflected. 'I still don't know how to feel about it, I'm still trying to process everything.' GOL Airlines has been approached for comment. A Democrat Senator has been accused of 'trolling' anti-abortionists with a new bill that intends to ban men from climaxing, unless they're trying to conceive. The proposed legislation, which appears to poke fun at reproduction laws that limit women's sexual rights, is entitled the 'Contraception Begins at Erection Act', as has been brought by pro-abortion politician Mississippi state Senator Bradford Blackmon. It is said to be a 'political jab' at Republicans who support a ban on some forms of contraception, as opposed to a real desire to interfere in public sex lives. The bill, introduced on Monday, is unlikely to pass, but could see fines of $1,000 (800) for a first offense, $5,000 (4,000) for a second offense and $10,000 (8,000) for any subsequent offenses. Blackman's bill targets mens' reproductive rights as a means of highlighting that all of the recent legislative bills relating to abortion and contraception focus on women. He said in a statement to local news outlet WLBT News: 'All across the country, especially here in Mississippi, the vast majority of bills relating to contraception and/or abortion focus on the woman's role when men are fifty percent of the equation. 'This bill highlights that fact and brings the man's role into the conversation. People can get up in arms and call it absurd but I can't say that bothers me.' If the bill were to be passed, it would be unlawful for 'a person to discharge genetic material without the intent to fertilize an embryo'. The 'Contraception Begins at Erection Act', the bill introduced on Monday would make it unlawful for 'a person to discharge genetic material without the intent to fertilize an embryo' It comes after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 and ended the constitutional right to abortion Exceptions are made for sperm donation and those who use contraception, NBC News reported. Responding to the announcement on social media site Bluesky, one user wrote: 'The bill's name is a clear tell. 'This was filed by a young Democrat who is trying to point out Republican hypocrisy on contraception/abortion, not actually trying to outlaw ejaculation. And good for him.' It comes after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 and ended the constitutional right to abortion. This led to legislatures in Republican-led states further restricting abortion and contraception access. Mississippi and 11 other states across the US have total or near-total abortion bans. An additional six states also ban abortion from six to 12 weeks of gestation, according to KFF, a nonprofit group that researches health policy issues. Following the end of the constitutional right to abortion, eight states also proposed restrictions on women's access to contraception, the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports access to abortion said. Sir, EmaSwati are reeling in fear as an assassination group, known as the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces, has issued death threats against its founders who are prominent political leaders. The group has a mission to eliminate those loyal to the current system of governance and those suspected of not supporting their fight against the leadership. On January 19, 2025, the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces issued a chilling death threat against its own founders, accusing them of seeking money from donors for personal gain. The group warned that they continue enjoying life of luxury in foreign countries, while pretending to be in exile. Considering previous death threats and intimidation, which resulted in the deaths of many people, including state security officers, the situation has become increasingly volatile, with the assassination groups recent threat, casting a dark shadow over the lives of political leaders and citizens alike. The recent events have sparked widespread fear and concern, particularly because the then Human Rights lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko was brutally murdered on January 21, 2023. Maseko, who was part of the so-called struggle, was shot dead in the presence of his family by the assassination group, accused of embezzling donor funding for personal gain. Fear For many emaSwati, the situation is increasingly dire. As someone who calls Eswatini home, I am engulfed with fear in the land of my forefathers, said one fearful citizen. The death threats have created a climate of fear, and it is unclear what the future holds for our country. The international community is urged to take notice of the situation and understand the danger placed by the assassination group in the lives of emaSwati. It is imperative that efforts are made to bring about peace, stability and justice to the country, and to hold those responsible for the tensions accountable. In the meantime, citizens of Eswatini are left to wonder what the future holds, as they live in fear of the next attack or death threat. Anonymous Doctors are sounding the alarm about a common antibiotic taken by millions that is linked to a number of deaths and extreme reactions. Taken by about 3million Americans every year, Bactrim is usually used to treat a range of bacterial infections such as ear, chest and stomach bugs, as well as UTIs. Emmie Bellucci, 12, from Texas, was prescribed two courses of the antibiotic for cystic acne - a severe form that causes painful lumps deep in the skin - last year. A severe reaction caused her lungs to become severely injured and shut down. She has been hospitalized with five months, reliant on a tube in her windpipe - a tracheostomy - to help her breathe. Doctors believe the drug triggers an immune response in young patients like Emmie that causes the body to attacks healthy tissue that lines lungs, causing respiratory failure. Experts investigating the rare complication are now calling for increased research on Bactrim's long-term harms and tests to look for risk factors before describing the drug. Dr Jennifer Goldman, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children's Mercy Kansas City, said: 'These are good drugs, and this is a very rare condition, but its not commonly known, and needs to be. 'Theres a window of opportunity to avert serious complications.' Emmie Bellucci (pictured here), a 12-year-old from Texas, went into respiratory failure shortly after taking a second course of the antibiotic Bactrim for cystic acne Emmie has been in the hospital for five months recovering from the near-fatal complication. 'We thought we lost her,' her father, Frank Bellucci, told CNN Emmie told CNN: 'All I know is it's a miracle I'm here.' Doctors began investigating severe side effects of Bactrim in 2018 when 16-year-old Zei Uwadia fell mysteriously ill and went into lung failure. After Zei's story was publicized, doctors at Children's Mercy Kansas City, where the teen was being treated, started receiving reports from other teenage patients suffering similar symptoms after taking Bactrim. Dr Goldman and Dr Jenna Miller, from Children's Mercy, published a report in 2021 detailing 14 children and young adults who they believe suffered from severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs after being prescribed the antibiotic. Your browser does not support iframes. The condition makes it difficult for the lungs to send oxygen through the bloodstream. And when organs don't get the vital nutrients they need, they begin to fail. One in three patients in the report died, and 20 percent had to have lung transplants. The review prompted the FDA to add a warning label to Bactrim indicating 'severe pulmonary adverse reactions.' While prescriptions have decreased slightly in the years following, experts say doctors and patients need to be more aware of potential severe risks like these before the drug is given. Bactrim, also called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, is prescribed to about 3million Americans for mild infections, acne, and drug-resistant bacteria Zei Uwadia, pictured here, of Kansas made headlines in 2018 when she fell mysteriously ill and went into respiratory failure after taking Bactrim. She died in 2019 at age 17 just two weeks after returning home from the hospital Dr Miller and Dr Goldman's research found all patients in their study with this severe reaction have the same type of genomic human leukocyte antigen (HLA) marker, a type of protein found on most of their cells. These markers help the immune system tell which cells belong in the body and which are foreign. In these patients, a specific HLA marker may have caused an immune reaction called diffuse alveolar injury with delayed epithelialization, which causes the immune system to attack alveoli, air sacs in the lining of the lungs. This leads to inflammation, fluid buildup in the lungs, and lung failure. It's unclear if Emmie has this genetic marker. It's unclear when Emmie will be able to return home, though she has gained more mobility and had her breathing support removed, according to her family's Facebook updates Dr Goldman told CNN an estimated '20 to 30 percent of us walking around have that genetic marker, so although we know it's a first step needed to develop this reaction, we need to better understand other genetic risks.' The team is working on additional research on genetic risk factors and hopes to develop testing to help doctors identify these risks before prescribing Bactrim. Emmie said: 'They could change many, many lives just by researching.' The Bellucci family is raising money via GoFundMe for medical expenses. It's unclear when Emmie will finally be able to return home, though her family has documented her progress on Facebook, which shows her having her trachestomy removed and taking walks around the hospital. A little girl suffering from pain in her ear was horrified to find out she had hundreds of ticks squirming around inside her. Hayfa Nasir, from Malaysia, had been complaining for weeks about earache which her mother dismissed as a common ear infection. But Hayfa was taken to the hospital when the pain migrated down her neck and she developed extreme tiredness. Doctors placed a camera inside her ear and found hundreds of baby ticks - each smaller than a grain of sand - clustered in the ear. Her mother revealed the case online in a warning to other parents, adding that thankfully her daughter had quickly recovered once the ticks were removed. The mother said her mistake was likely allowing her daughter to pet strangers' cats, which may have carried the ticks. Malaysia's climate is ideal for ticks, which prefer mild weather and humidity. Ticks are dangerous because they can transmit bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause disease in humans and animals, such as the incurable Lyme disease. Hayfar Nasir, from Malaysia, was found to have an infestation of ticks inside her ear The above image shows the baby ticks inside the girl's ear They are also a menace across the United States, with more than 31million people bitten every year. Half a million Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease every year, though the number is likely much higher due to the number of patients who never get treatment. Your browser does not support iframes. Ticks may clamber into the ear by crawling onto the skin around the ear and then navigating the ear canal. Some experts say they may prefer to target the inner ear because the skin here is thinner, making it easier to bite into to suck blood. Revealing her daughter's case, Aqila said: 'Lessons for mothers - don't ignore your child's complaints of pain.' After the ticks were removed, her daughter's ear was also thoroughly cleaned to remove any eggs that were left behind. An ethics professor at a top New Jersey university has implemented a 'non-negotiable' mask mandate for his lectures over the 'threat' of Covid. Dr Jerry Piven, who is listed as an assistant teaching professor at Rutgers University sent an email to students the day before class was scheduled to begin that included a class masking policy. It was published, in part, on X without his knowledge. It reads: 'And if you've looked at the syllabus or class announcements, you'll know that it's class policy to wear masks to class until reliable evidence shows that Covid is no longer a threat. 'Per the link I sent, it is still a threat. People are still going to emergency rooms, dying, and having protracted symptoms from long Covid that last for years and can be debilitating.' The link Dr Piven references was not included in the email screenshot or accompanying tweet, but data from the CDC shows weekly Covid deaths have been on the general decline since September and remain at historic lows, with around 500 deaths per week in January. For comparison, at the January 2021 peak of America's pandemic, nearly 25,000 people were dying per week. Dr Piven's email continues: 'If you find it odious to wear a mask for an hour so as not to potentially sicken others, I advise you to consider the ethics and debate them in class. 'If on the other hand, you don't care about the evidence or people getting sick (and even dying), you are always free to find a class that better suits you. Naturally I'd prefer you stay, but for now you have the freedom to enroll in the classes of your choice. 'But the mask mandate is non-negotiable. Hope to see you tomorrow.' The above is a screenshot of the email Dr Jerry Piven sent to students. The image was posted to X by the account New Jersey Project Rutgers University has three locations throughout New Jersey and has consistently been ranked as a top public university in the nation - reaching the number 15 spot in the most recent rankings. It enrolls more than 69,000 students across its three campuses. For New Jersey residents, the 2024-2025 tuition ranges from $17,250 to $33,640. Tuition for non-New Jersey residents ranges from $36,760 to $53,155. A screenshot of the email was posted on X by the account New Jersey Project. It is unclear how the account obtained a copy of the email. Dr Piven confirmed to DailyMail.com he was behind the email and doubled down on his stance. He added: 'This mask mandate is based on current reports showing that Covid is still hospitalizing people, and accruing evidence that long Covid poses serious health risks. 'It is based on the advice of virologists and bioethicists who confirm that Covid is still dangerous. And given the concentrated cluster of students, the communicability of new variants that escape vaccine protections, it seemed like a wise precaution out of concern for the students.' Dr Piven told DailyMail.com his mask mandate is 'not tyranny. Its profound ethical concern for the lives of others.' He added: 'When the scientific data indicates that Covid no longer poses a threat, I will happily cancel the mandate. 'But as of now, the notion that Covid isnt a threat is simply not supported by empirical evidence, and is rather a fantasy or form of denial.' Face masks became a politically divisive topic during the Covid pandemic, with Republicans mostly shunning them and Democrats mostly embracing them, despite conflicting research on the masks' efficacy in preventing Covid. Dr Jerry Piven teaches two courses in Rutgers University's Department of Philosophy The above graph shows the weekly Covid deaths (blue bars) and weekly percent positive Covid tests (orange line) from January 11, 2020 through January 11, 2025 On Rutgers University's website Dr Piven is listed as teaching two courses in the Department of Philosophy - Phenomenology and Existentialism and Introduction to Ethics. The 2025 spring semester is listed as having commenced on January 21. The X account which originally shared a screenshot of Dr Piven's mask email posted the caption: 'Rutgers University professor playing the mask game. Of course this is a philosophy teacher. Dr Piven apparently doesn't teach medical ethics.' It is not known whether either of these courses are required classes for any majors, but Introduction to Ethics is listed as an option among required courses for a minor in Medical Ethics and Health Policy. There are six other options for this class offered at other times with different professors. Dr Piven's email comes as the CDC reported 445 deaths in the week ending January 11 and a 6.6 percent test positivity rate. Your browser does not support iframes. Covid was responsible for 1.25 percent of emergency department visits in the week ending January 4. Meanwhile, long Covid is an amorphous condition made up of a constellation of symptoms from brain fog and fatigue to heart inflammation and joint pain. An estimated 17 million Americans have long Covid, which manifests differently in each person. Some people may only experience shortness of breath and fatigue, while others may experience brain fog and difficulty concentrating. Dr Piven said he did not know the X account tweeted a portion of the email and does not know how the account obtained a copy of it. Rutgers University states on its website: 'Face coverings are not required at the university but are welcomed.' Rutgers University has three locations throughout New Jersey, including in New Brunswick (pictured above), where Dr Piven teaches his courses Additionally, the school 'no longer requires students, faculty, staff, and university affiliates to be immunized against the Covid-19 virus.' Dr Piven told this website: 'My mask mandate also explicitly respects the freedom of students to choose other classes that they deem more suitable. No one is forcing them to take this class, and I respect their right to enroll in classes that accord with their own sense of freedom and liberty. 'But one thing crucial to ethical principles is the concern for others, not just oneself. So if the available data indicates that a disease can be easily communicable, potentially dangerous, and pose long-term health risks, I will mandate the simple and relatively painless caution that students wear a nearly weightless mask for an hour per day.' A mom has told how she spotted her daughter's brain cancer before doctors did after noticing several subtle symptoms. Catherine Owens, 29, from Louisiana, kept noticing that her two-year-old Gracelyn Stiffler felt extremely tired and she also suffered from severe headaches. However, the mom-of-two said that doctors kept on dismissing the symptoms as a 'crick in the neck' and they said that there was nothing wrong with her. On one occasion, she even visited the emergency room when Gracelyn threw up, in fear that it could be a concussion. But again, the mom-of-three was sent home and told there was nothing to worry about and it was likely 'seasonal allergies'. After the symptoms worsened and Gracelyn started having accidents despite being potty trained, Ms Owens returned to ER and demanded a CT scan. On further investigation, the medics detected two masses on Gracelyn's brain which they initially diagnosed as fluid-filled sacs. To get clarity on the matter, the toddler was transferred to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for an MRI. Catherine Owens, 29, from Louisiana, kept noticing that her two-year-old Gracelyn Stiffler (pictured) felt extremely tired and she also suffered from severe headaches Your browser does not support iframes. More detailed scans revealed that tot actually had a brain tumor which required emergency surgery. Ms Owens says her world changed in one day, as the source of Gracelyn's constant fatigue finally came to light. 'I knew it was something serious but I didn't know it was a brain tumor,' Ms Owens told Today.com. Gracelyn had a grade two ependymoma, which is the third most common type of brain tumor in children. Ependymomas can be benign or cancerous and Gracelyn's doctors said hers was 'as close as it can be to cancerous.' Around 250 children are affected by ependymomas in the US each year. They are diagnosed most often in children aged eight and younger with the symptoms including headaches, nausea, fatigue, irritability, balance problems and seizures. Surgery is typically recommended as the first-line treatment, except when the tumor is too large to be removed. Ms Owens says her world changed in one day, as the source of Gracelyn's constant fatigue finally came to light and it was found she had a brain tumor Gracelyn underwent a nine-hour surgery in December 2023, where doctors removed as much of the tumor as they could In those cases, a patient may receive chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, followed by its surgical removal. About 79 percent of people diagnosed with ependymoma live for five years or longer. Patients tend to have better outcomes when doctors are able to remove all or most of the tumor surgically. Gracelyn underwent a nine-hour surgery in December 2023, where doctors removed as much of the tumor as they could. Ms Owens said: 'It was intense. They were confident that they had gotten [the tumor] all out.' However, following the surgery, doctors found that there was still some of the mass remaining. They decided a combination of more surgery and radiation therapy would be the best way of destroying any remaining cancer cells. In December 2023, Gracelyn started more than two dozen rounds of radiation and she stayed at St. Jude until February 2024. About 79 percent of people diagnosed with ependymoma live for five years or longer Gracelyn is back home and doesn't need additional treatments, only regular check-ups Ms Owens continues to share her story on social media to encourage parents to 'always trust your mom gut' In surgery, there were some minor complications. A scratch and possible nerve damage led to a loss of vision in one eye, while it also left her deaf in the right ear. It is not known if the damage to her vision and hearing will be permanent. And more recently, Gracelyn had to have another surgery after Ms Owen noticed a lump on her head and realized one of the screws from her operation was lifting up under the skin. But for now, Gracelyn is back home and doesn't need additional treatments, only regular check-ups. Dr Nir Shimony, a pediatric neurosurgeon at Semmes Murphey in Memphis and one of Gracelyn's doctors, applauds Ms Owen for pushing for a correct diagnosis and listening to her gut. However, he also encourages parents to exercise caution in assuming that a child's headache means they have a brain tumor. The medic explains: 'Kids can have headaches for many reasons. 'Should we do a head scan for every kid with a headache? That's dangerous. That's a lot of head scans.' 'If the headache has no other reasons or there are other signs or symptoms - and especially if the headaches are something that is ongoing - it's best to have a scan of the head, preferably an MRI, to rule out bad things.' Ms Owens continues to share her story on social media to encourage parents to 'always trust your mom gut.' She says: 'I knew something was seriously wrong with Gracelyn, my mom gut. 'I want everyone to know I'm on their side and I'm rooting for them.' This week, Yous Fashion Director Sophie Dearden-Howell caused a stampede to the local Marks & Spencer store, after showing us all the best shoes ever a pair of suede loafers costing 55. Unfortunately, they were all sold out, because the shoes in question had gone viral on TikTok after fashion fans spotted that they are excellent dupes for a pair from designer brand Yves Saint Laurent. Even celebrities such as ex Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo have taken to social media to rave about them. Fashion fans and influencers have gone wild over a pair of 55 brown loafers from M&S. Pictured: Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo Now however they are back in stock although you might want to snap them up quickly if you want a pair, because you will be competing against the entire You magazine office. Why are the shoes so popular? Well, Gemma Ellison (@gem.ellison) summed it up when she took to TikTok to show off a video of the shoes in store and said: 'Oh my god ladies M&S have done it again. Gemma Ellison couldn't believe it when she found the shoes and said that the high street store have 'absolutely smashed it once again' 'I cannot believe how similar these are to the YSL loafers. The YSL [ones] retail at 770 and the Marks and Spencer's version is 55. 'Leather upper and Insolia insole so they'll be nice and comfy - absolutely gorgeous for Spring neutral outfits. They also come in the chocolate brown suede and again in the black leather. 'They are literally identical to the YSL ones. they're just missing the little gold form there. They've absolutely smashed it once again.' Suede loafers like suede jackets are certainly having a moment right now. Many high street stores are selling their own versions, and they look fabulous teamed with this seasons indigo denim or barrel-leg jeans. Heading to the M&S checkout asap... Frequent CNN guest Joe Walsh slammed the network for its decisions to lay off 200 workers and sideline Jim Acosta, who gained a reputation for being a thorn in Donald Trump's side during his first term. Walsh, a former Republican congressman from Illinois, posted on social media Thursday evening calling what CNN did 'cowardly bull****,' while also calling Acosta one of the network's 'most independent, unafraid hosts.' 'I appear on @CNN quite often. And if saying what I'm about to say means my days at CNN are over, well then f*** it,' he wrote on X. 'CNN, what you just did - removing @acosta from his morning show - is cowardly bull****.' 'To demote him to f***ing appease the crybaby in the White House is pathetic. And an abdication of your duty to hold ALL public officials to account. Shame on you CNN. Correct this mistake now,' Walsh concluded. Acosta has hosted the 10am slot on CNN since January 2021, and was previously the network's bulldog Chief White House Correspondent who dragged Trump into repeated debates about whether or not there was an 'invasion' at the US-Mexico border. Executives gave Acosta the chance to host a two-hour show at midnight, an offer he reportedly balked at. Before the layoffs were confirmed, The LA Times penned a report indicating that Acosta may now 'exit the network, according to people familiar with his thinking.' Wolf Blitzer is taking over the 10am slot from Acosta, an 18-year veteran at the network. Frequent CNN guest and former congressman Joe Walsh slammed the liberal network for laying off 200 employees and sidelining Jim Acosta right as Donald Trump takes office Pictured: Walsh's post on X criticizing CNN, which called the network 'cowardly' and accused its executives of appeasing Trump Acosta has been at CNN for 18 years in several different reporting roles. Most recently, he was the 10am morning host and before that, he was the network's Chief White House Correspondent A unnamed media executive told former CNN reporter Oliver Darcy that CNN wants 'to get rid of Acosta to throw a bone to Trump.' 'Midnight is not a serious offer when his ratings are among the best on the network,' the executive added. One of the most famous interactions between the Acosta and Trump took place on November 7, 2018, when he criticized the president for his characterization of the Central American migrant caravan that was traveling up to the American southern border at the time. 'They're hundreds of miles away, though. They're hundreds and hundreds of miles away. That's not an invasion,' Acosta said 'You know what? I think you should,' Trump started to say, pointing at Acosta. 'Honestly, I think you should let me run the country. You run CNN. And if you did it well, your ratings would be much better.' As Acosta tried to ask another question, a White House intern hurried over and tried to grab at the CNN reporter's microphone. 'Pardon me, ma'am,' Acosta started to say before Trump once again cut him off. The intern then awkwardly ducked beneath Acosta. The incident sparked a heated debate online about whether Acosta's physical contact with the female intern was appropriate. Because of Acosta allegedly pushing her away when she went to grab for the mic, his White House press badge was revoked, though it was restored roughly two weeks later. Pictured: President Donald Trump points at Jim Acosta during a fiery debate the two had on November 7, 2018. The two were arguing about a migrant caravan that was headed up to the US-Mexico border The spat in the East Room of the White House culminated with a White House intern grabbing at Acosta's mic after Trump repeatedly tried to cut him off The layoffs that began this week were first reported in November and followed about 100 cuts the network made over the summer. At least one big name producer has reportedly learned they're out of a job on Wednesday, with many more set to be told on Thursday, Status reported. Many shows are also rumored to be moving from New York and Washington to Atlanta, where production costs are cheaper, according to CNBC. Beyond Acosta's ouster from the airwaves, there have been other shakeups to the TV lineup. Jake Tapper's two-hour show will now begin at 5 p.m.; Audie Cornish will host 'CNN This Morning' beginning at 6 a.m.; Kasie Hunt will host a new show, 'The Arena,' at 4 p.m.; and Rahel Solomon will do a show, '5 Things,' at 5 a.m. Unaffected by the downsizing were some of CNN's highest paid stars including Anderson Cooper - who rakes in $20million a year - Erin Burnett ($6million) and Kaitlan Collins ($3million). An insider told DailyMail.com Thursday that they made huge cuts to their TV division because it has become so 'bloated' and overstaffed with people who do the bare minimum. The layoffs are concentrated in CNN's TV business, where ratings have tumbled as consumers cut off cable and seek other news sources. Unaffected by the downsizing were some of CNN's highest paid stars including Anderson Cooper - who rakes in $20million a year - Erin Burnett ($6million) and Kaitlan Collins ($3million) CNN CEO Mark Thompson defended his decision to layoff 200 workers and promises increased investment but a change in strategy following the Thursday bloodbath An insider told DailyMail.com Thursday that they made huge cuts to their TV division because it has become so 'bloated' and overstaffed with people who do the bare minimum They will eventually be offset by new hires in digital, where Warner Bros. Discovery is making a $70 million investment, CNN said. 'This is not a cost-saving exercise, we're actually leaning in with increased investments,' CNN CEO Mark Thompson said. However, a source told DailyMail.com that: 'Layoffs all the time - they needed to cut the fat.' CNN's transformation 'isn't and can't be a single set of changes but a process of investment, experimentation and adaptation that will last years,' Thompson said in a memo to CNN staff. 'Our objective is a simple one: to shift CNN's gravity towards the platforms and products where the audience themselves are shifting.' However, there is a clear edict for journalists to be more professional and impartial in the second era of Donald Trump. 'I think we need to quietly and patiently get on with our jobs as journalists,' he said. Thompson said he wanted CNN to distinguish itself with hard-hitting journalism and fact-checking to let viewers make up their own minds on issues. CNN's ratings have taken a hit since the election of President Donald Trump, a longtime critic of the network. The network averaged 1.7 million viewers for Trump's inauguration this week, compared to 8 million for Joe Biden's inaugural four years ago, though audience can fluctuate based on the political stance of the person being inaugurated. CBS anchor Norah O'Donnell bid farewell to her viewers for the last time as she stepped down from her role amid a wave of sweeping changes at the network. The veteran broadcaster signed off on Thursday calling her position, 'the honor of a lifetime'. O'Donnell, 51, has held the role since 2019 but first joined the network back in 2012. She is leaving the primetime slot to take on an expanded role after CBS parents company Paramount Global axed 2,000 jobs. Oprah Winfrey was among those to lead tributes to the anchor, surprising her with a video montage looking back on her 1,300 broadcasts. 'You have so much to be proud of,' Winfrey said. 'Your work as the anchor and managing editor of the 'CBS Evening News' has not only won awards, but more importantly, has made such a difference and informed our nation.' The tribute featured clips from O'Donnell's interview with Pope Francis, former President George Bush, Vice President Kamala Harris, Dolly Parton and other high profile guests. CBS anchor Norah O'Donnell bid farewell to her viewers for the last time as she stepped down from her role on Thursday 'This has been the honor of a lifetime to anchor this legacy broadcast,' O'Donnell said. 'The 'CBS Evening News' for good reason is the longest-running evening newscast in America. And it is powered by the finest journalists in the world.' 'The correspondents, producers, researchers and crews who work tirelessly to bring you the news every night. That won't change because journalism matters. I know that because I've heard that from so many of you our viewers. 'So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting us and welcoming hard news with heart into your homes.' O'Donnell announced she was stepping back in July, months before Paramount Global announced the shake up geared at slashing $500 million in costs ahead of a scheduled merger with Skydance Media, the New York Post reports. The changes come as the network has struggled with plummeting viewer numbers which have trailed behind rivals ABC World News Tonight and NBC Nightly News. CBS' Evening News averaged 4.6 million viewers in the most recent quarter and particularly struggle din the crucial 25-54-year-old demographic, pulling in just 670,000 viewers. O'Donnell will still work on long form broadcasts for CBS' specials, 'Sunday Morning' and '60 Minutes'. The broadcaster announced her departure months before CBS parents company Paramount Global axed 2,0000 jobs She was surprised on her last day with a video montage from Oprah Winfrey detailing some of the highlights of the last five years It featured highlights from her career, including this historic papal interview with Pope Francis last year O'Donnell joined CBS in 2012 and has been an anchor since 2019. She will remain with the network in an expanded role O'Donnell is being replaced by CBS reporter John Dickerson (left) and CBS New York anchor Maurice Dubois (right) 'I will miss you too,' O'Donnell told viewers. 'So for the final time, that's tonight's 'CBS Evening News.' I owe it all to everyone I work with. Seriously. Love you. Goodnight.' She will be replaced by CBS reporter John Dickerson and CBS New York anchor Maurice Dubois who will co-host the slot. 'I want to say thank you to the viewers,' DuBois said on his show Thursday. 'This is my hometown. 'And without the viewers, there is no us so thank you for everything over the years we'll keep going at a different time.' It comes after the network was rocked by controversy over statements made by morning news anchor Tony Dokoupil during an interview with Ta-Nehisi Coates about Israel. He was rebuked at a meeting of CBS executives after he clashed on air with Coates after the author called Israel an 'apartheid state'. However, he faced no further repercussions and continues to co-anchor the morning show. A senior CNN staffer has weighed in on the recent round of layoffs that will affect 200 of the network's employees. Brian Stelter, the network's chief media analyst, framed the firings as being part of a greater 'revolution.' He made the remark on X Thursday, as the station aired plans to move toward a more digital future. Stelter, laid off during a wave of firings in 2022 but since brought back, said he suspected such a fate for journalists as early as a decade ago. Then the network's chief media correspondent, he saw cuts and digital additions already being introduced back then as 'an ongoing "reshaping"' process 'in response to changing consumer habits'. However, the linear cuts and digital phenomenon seen now are 'much more intense', he claimed - more akin to 'a revolution.' 'News executives,' he continued, '[are] looking at cord-cutting declines, traffic trends and other dire data points. [They] believe it's not just an adapt-or-lose moment, it's adapt-or-die.' Along with that diagnosis, Stelter shared a link to his reporting on the latest round of firings at the Warner Discovery-owned channel. The report saw Stelter quote a former colleague in Chris Cillizza, who also was fired by then-CEO Chris Licht in late 2022. The company fired hundreds of employees in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Scroll down for video: Senior CNN staffer Brian Stelter, the network's chief media analyst, weighed in on the recent round of layoffs at the network Thursday He framed the firings as being part of a greater 'revolution.' The former Reliable Sources host made the remark on X Thursday, as the station seeks to move to a more digital future 'The simple fact is that the slow decline of mainstream media is no longer slow,' Cillizza - one of CNN's political commentators for more than five years - recently wrote on his Substack. 'It is rapidly accelerating as the existing business model, which was already problematic, is further eroded by the rise of news influencers on alternative media platforms.' Cillizza, posting on New Year's Day, proceeded to point to a survey of US adults conducted last year that showed how 40 percent of adults under 30 currently get their news from online influencers. 'The issue, of course, is not just that there are LOTS more platforms - and a LOT less gatekeepers,' Cillizza added - writing later on how the firings this week showed how mainstream media's decline has gone 'from gradual to steep'. 'Its also that people were already looking for alternatives because they have lost so much trust in the mainstream media,' he concluded in the January 1 post. Replies to Stelter's comments offered similar assessments - albeit in the form of quips where commenters essentially told the media reporter 'I told you so.' CNN CEO Mark Thompson brought Stelter back to the station - and its recently pay-walled website - this past September. 'Its because companies like CNN abandoned most every tenet of journalism to their own prejudices,' one user wrote in response, as Oliver Darcy, Stelter's successor but now the founder and operator of Status, reported layoffs were in the cards for NBC. The report saw Stelter quote a former colleague in Chris Cillizza, who also was fired by then CEO Chris Licht in late 2022 Stelter, laid off during a wave of firings in 2022 but since brought back, said the writing was on the wall as early as a decade ago - but that he did not suspect the shift to be so pronounced 'We tried to warn you,' another added. 'No one believes your "industry" any longer,' sniped someone else. The former Reliable Sources host, whose program he had anchored since 2013 was pulled by Licht, went on to quote reporting from Darcy, who briefly manned the Reliable Sources desk before the show ended for good in 2022. The Status report, published about eight hours before the CNN layoffs, stated how NBC News is 'planning to carry out some cuts' as well, at the same time CNN. 'ABC News is anticipating "long-rumored layoffs" too,' Darcy wrote, after leaving the network of his own accord in August. Meanwhile, a staffer told DailyMail.com hours after the layoff they occurred because the network's historically important TV division has become so 'bloated' - overstaffed with people who do the bare minimum' 'Layoffs all the time - they needed to cut the fat,' the insider told DailyMail.com, calling the network 'very duplicative' - with many workers whose roles closely overlap - and a 'money pit.' The firings, meanwhile, come as part of Thompson's long-in-the works restructuring plan - one that seek to put a premium on CNN's digital presence rather he news channel. He was axed by a then-languishing Licht, but brought back in September by the station's new CEO That's Mark Thompson, pictured, who announced 200 layoffs from the network's traditional TV operation on Thursday morning . An insider said the station had become 'too bloated' in recent years, following a merger between Discovery and then parent Warner Bros. In a statement issued Thursday morning to The New York Times , Thompson warned that future is still unclear - revealing to how CNN is now set to roll out a streaming service that will feature all of its most well-known stars. The layoffs, as a result, will greatly affect the network's traditional TV operations, he said - though it still remains unclear if any big names were affected. Along with the streaming service, CNN will also a push toward vertical videos, Thompson said - pointing to the shorter clips found on apps like Instagram and TikTok often consumed in quick succession. 'You can use your thumb to flick from a CNN news story to a CNN anchor to a reporter,' he said of the method of media delivery popular with younger people. 'Thats a really interesting experiment.' He told the Time how the network now plans to publish 50 to 100 of these videos per day. That's not the only experiment Thompson laid bare as the channel languishes behind both Fox News and MSNBC in terms of ratings - with the other being an abrupt tone-down in Trump reporting. Those plans emerged in the form of insider statements sent around this week, detailing how Thompson told staff how he wanted them to keep biases to themselves, and refrain from honing in on Trump's criminal history. He 'made it clear that he did not want the coverage to relitigate the past', former media reporter Darcy wrote in his newsletter at the time, adding that all the network's biggest names, including Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper, were in attendance. Stelter's successor, Oliver Darcy, left the network last year by his own accord to start the Status newsletter. Stelter on Thursday quoted Darcy as well, after he said layoffs were also in the cards for NBC News and potentially ABC Thompson has also told staff how he wanted them to tone down their reporting on Donald Trump, and refrain from honing in on the president's criminal history. He is also experimenting with a streaming service, more vertical videos, and a service surrounding lifestyle content Thompson, who was brought in to address declining numbers at both the Times and BBC as well, also announced another digital venture set to come later this year - a subscription product surrounding 'lifestyle'-related content. 'This is a moment where the digital story feels like an existential question,' he told the Times, after leading the paper for almost eight years. 'If we do not follow the audiences to the new platforms with real conviction and scale, our future prospects will not be good.' CNN Senior National Correspondent David Culver drew rebukes online for footage showing him donning a panda suit in the wake of the station's mass layoffs - as other stations offered stories on Donald Trump and the hurricane in North Carolina. Culver was reporting live in Washington to see the The Smithsonian National Zoos two new giant pandas, months after visiting them overseas. The costumed footage comes from an overarching production Dubbed Operation Panda, airing Sunday, and on Friday, the station repeatedly aired footage filmed late last year in anticipation. The clips show him standing alongside an also costumed colleague, in what appears the mountains of Southwest China. Bao Li and Qing Bao were both brought from the country this month, as part of a renewed deal between the US and China. The two made their public debut Friday, with Culver reporting from the scene. This spawned criticism from some on social media, including a popular pundit who slammed the content as uninspired when compared to the rest of day's news. Others, meanwhile, brought up the some 200 firings that had occurred just hours before, and the ratings struggle that spurred it. All expressed disinterest in the giant panda-related content, as the network seeks to address waning TV viewership. 'This is a real thing CNN is doing and airing. I wonder why they just had massive layoffs?' wrote one person on X, sharing a still of Culver in costume. The user slammed the concept as dull. Another added on Instagram. 'Cool. Now back to the Trump trashing narrative that got him reelected' - paving the way for a stinging jab from Frequent Fox News contributor Joe Concha who also slammed the struggling station for the segment. Scroll down for video: CNN Senior National Correspondent David Culver (left) drew rebukes online for donning a panda suit in the wake of the station's massive layoffs The costumed footage comes from an overarching production Dubbed Operation Panda, airing Sunday. It was filmed late last year. Culver is seen in costume alongside CNN's Senior China Reporter Nectar Gan 'Fox News covering Trump meeting with victims of Helene in Western North Carolina, complete with individual families taking to the mic to share their massive struggles and frustration,' the pundit wrote. 'CNN - Dana Bash talking giant pandas in DC.' Hours earlier, CEO Mark Thompson took a major step in his long-in-the works restructuring plan that seeks to put emphasis on CNN's digital future - a pronounced round of firings for the third time in as many years. 'We're going to see Bao Li and Qing Bao,' Culver begins in a separate promotion also posted Friday, as the Smithsonian's Panda Keeper, Mariel Lally, offered him a tour. At a point, she brought the correspondent face to face with one of the friendly animals, leaving him with a Cheshire cat grin. 'I don't know what I was expecting to feel, but this is incredible,' he said in footage set to air Sunday at 8pm. 'He's pretty amazing,' added Lally of Bao Li, feeding him bamboo through his cage. As he chomped away, Culver commented: 'Oh my god, Mariel - he's so sweet!' before asking his guide 'how amazing it [was] to have pandas back [at the zoo].' She replied yes, leaving the journalist to again say: 'Oh my gosh - he's so sweet,' after Bao Li and his slightly more reserved female counterpart were successfully brought to the US as part of a brand-new 10-year agreement with Chinese authorities. A similar one ended in 2023, after three giant pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and son Xiao Qi Ji were sent back to the country after staying at the Smithsonian since 2000. Culver, meanwhile, was reporting live in Washington to see the two new giant pandas, months after visiting them overseas. The bears were just brought to The Smithsonian National Zoo, and they are the subject of Culver's soon-to-come segment. The Ahead of their unveiling to the public Friday, the senior national correspondent got a private tour, presided over the Smithsonian's resident Panda Keeper, Mariel Lally At a point, she brought the correspondent face to face with one of the friendly animals, leaving him with a Cheshire cat grin. While not released in full, the footage only showed Culver gushing about the bear's cuteness Onlookers were quick to criticize the soft coverage, as other stories - like Donald Trump visiting North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene - seemed more important The terms of the new deal are still somewhat unclear, leaving Culver to gush over the bear's cuteness after donning a costume X users could not help but criticize. 'This is freaking me out,' wrote one, as another compared the likeness of the bear masks to ski masks, akin to the thieves form Home Alone. 'CNN and the people who watch it are the worst,' sniped someone else, the firings still fresh in many minds. 'Returning to China for this story felt both deeply personal and profoundly unique', said Culver in a separate statement, as b-roll for the new episode showed him in full panda garb 'The exclusive access from the meticulous planning for the giant pandas send-off to trekking into the wild to explore the landscapes they call home revealed a side of this journey few ever see. 'Its a story that goes beyond borders, capturing the remarkable efforts, cultural ties, and raw beauty that these iconic animals inspire. 'Im excited for viewers to experience these rare, unforgettable moments firsthand.' Former First Lady Jill Biden also visited the giant pandas as well last weekend, posting video of the encounter on Facebook and Instagram just hours before President-elect Donald Trump flew to D.C. to kick off his inauguration. Former First Lady Jill Biden also visited the giant pandas in one of her final acts before leaving the White House weekend, posting video of the encounter on Facebook and Instagram just hours before President-elect Donald Trump flew to D.C. to kick off his inauguration She was accompanied by Hunter Biden 's son Beau, who, like Culver, the toddler can be heard exclaiming how the 'cute' the critters were in the footage Seen here, a still from livestream of the Smithsonian exhibit, made open to the public Friday She was accompanied by Hunter Biden's son Beau as well, who, like Culver, the toddler can be heard exclaiming how the 'cute' the critters were in the footage. 'This is Bao Li, which means "energetic treasure,"' says the guide in the clip, posted to the official first lady Instagram page. 'This is Qing Bao. It's like "green mountainous treasure,' she adds. 'That's cute right?' asks the then-first lady. 'Cute,' answers the four-year-old. The full title of the documentary featuring Culver is 'The Whole Story: Operation Panda'. It will be narrated by Anderson Cooper. Britain's best-selling electric car has been given a comprehensive makeover for 2025 as the updated Model Y adopts styling features from the contentious Cybertruck, boasts improved aerodynamics and more range than ever before. It's been five years since the electric SUV which is both Tesla's best-selling model and the world's best-selling car of 2023 first landed on our shores and it hasn't been refreshed since. Recent industry figures confirmed it was yet again the UK's favourite EV in 2024 and was the only battery-powered car to make it into the top 10 best-selling new models of last year. Despite its success, an update to the Model Y is long overdue. The manufacturer on Friday confirmed it will enter the UK market with a fresh design, ride upgrades and better efficiency. But what exactly should the British wing of 'Teslarati' expect when from the new Model Y 'Juniper' when it arrives around May time? Here's a look at everything the new Model Y promises, including how much it will cost. After five years in which the Tesla Model Y has cemented its popularity as the nation's best-selling EV, it is finally having an overhaul - here's everything you need to know... Initially, the new Model Y will be delivered in a Launch Series specification, which is based on the Long-Range All Wheel Drive variant. With the new Model Y already revealed for the Pacific-Asia markets a few weeks ago, we had a glimpse of what it would look like, but now the UK model is here we can confirm the fully-redesigned exterior does indeed draw inspiration from the Cybertruck and Cybercab. While Tesla says the exterior has been beautified for 'exceptional aerodynamic efficiency' with less drag and low-resistance tyres to enhance range, it also gives the Model Y much-needed modernisation and fits in with the aesthetic of Tesla's self-driving future. The upgraded Model Y will be delivered to the UK in a Launch Series specification from May, which is based on the Long-Range All Wheel Drive variant While Tesla says the exterior has been beautified for 'exceptional aerodynamic efficiency' with less drag and low-resistance tyres to enhance range The styling updates also give the Model Y a much-needed modernisation to bring it in line with the recently facelifted Model 3 Tesla says the rear light bar is one of the largest in the industry - and it's pretty clever, too The front and rear lightbars that support the adaptive headlights are the most obvious styling cues lifted from the Cybertruck and Cybercab and give the new Y a bold look. Tesla says the rear light bar is one of the largest in the industry - an odd boast to make, but one worth referencing nonetheless. But it's also has a world-first feature. The application of an indirect, externally reflecting lighting system projects the rear lamp function rather than illuminating the light bar, which subtly reflects down to where the 'TESLA' lettering is set into the panel. Because a Tesla launch wouldn't ever be complete without at least one world-first feature Elon Musk can swoon over on X. The new Model Y takes major design cues from the Tesla Cybertruck (pictured), especially the wrap-around light clusters front and back The front and rear lightbars that support the adaptive headlights are the most obvious styling cues lifted from the Cybertruck and Cybercab and give the new Y a bold look The application of an indirect, externally reflecting lighting system projects the rear lamp function rather than illuminating the light bar, which subtly reflects down to where the 'TESLA' lettering is set into the panel It might not sound like a huge difference, but the lightbars and shaping tweaks combine to give a sharper, more chiseled look to the previously bulbous Model Y. The back of the car has a noticeably changed look to the old Model Y, as the new C-shaped LED taillights and lightbar blend together in a really tasteful way that's uses reflective light to great effect. Proportions have slightly changed too, with the Y now 4,790mm in length against the old's 4,751mm measurement. Height and width remain the same but the updated Y's nose is a little closer to the ground due to the extra length on the front of the car. Fear not though because ground clearance is still what you'd expect from the elevated SUV. Proportions have slightly changed too, with the new Y now 4,790mm in length vs the old 4,751mm to improve efficiency but height and width remain the same The back of the car has a noticeably changed look to the old Model Y, as the new C-shaped LED taillights and lightbar blend together in a tasteful way The promised efficiency of the svelte new bodywork means that the Launch Series will come with 22 extra miles of range over what customers have seen up until now Launch Series examples of the facelifted Model Y will boast a total of 353 miles of zero emissions driving on a full charge The promised efficiency of the svelte new bodywork means that the Launch Series will come with 22 extra miles of range over what customers have seen up until now with a total of 353 miles of zero emissions driving at your disposal. One of Tesla's best design/driving features is the cameras and the new Y comes with a new front camera that offers drivers an expanded view of the surroundings on the centre screen. And smartly, especially in the current stormy weather, the camera has fluid washer and integrated heating to prevent fogging and so it can defrost in cold weather. The new Model Y interior looks pretty identical if you hop in the front. But there are subtle differences... Although the Model 3 caused a big stir by going stalkless last year the Model Y has only followed suit by halves, ditching just one stalk We think that could be even more confusing but Tesla says it's listened to customers who've found it difficult to use indicator buttons instead of an indicator stalk, so the indicator stays in the new Y Seats have been redesigned to be even more comfortable and the front seats are now ventilated as well as heated What about the new Model Y interior? While the exterior is noticeably different, the cabin in more of a spot the difference situation with only minor tweaks from the pre-facelift Model Y. Although the Model 3 caused a big stir by going stalkless last year the Model Y has only followed suit by halves, ditching just one stalk. We think that could be even more confusing but Tesla says it's listened to customers who've found it difficult to use indicator buttons instead of an indicator stalk, so the indicator stays in the new Y. Just the gear selector stalk has gone - which also controls autopilot - and is now integrated into the main touchscreen now like it is in the Model 3. The touchscreen stays at 15.4 inches but is joined by an eight-inch touchscreen for rear passengers so kids (and adults) in the back can make use of Tesla's famous gaming offerings and Theatre modes. The back screen also has its own Bluetooth, and the Wifi connection throughout the car has been improved. There are new microphones for voice control and phone calls too. Rear passengers now get their own touchscreen as well as more comfortable and heated seats Interior space has actually shrunk by 20 litres but that's hard to tell because there's still 2,130 litres between the frunk and boot, and the boot now opens automatically when you approach which is very handy A pre-Christmas Tesla software update means you can use your Apple Watch and model as car keys if you wish as well. Seats have been redesigned to be even more comfortable (we thought they were already extremely comfortable especially on long journeys) and the front seats are now ventilated as well as heated. The rear seats are heated now too and also fold at the touch of a button located on the side of the seat. Use the extra button in the boot and they fold completely flat. Interior space has actually shrunk by 20 litres but that's hard to tell because there's still 2,130 litres between the frunk and boot, and the boot now opens automatically when you approach which is very handy. But one of the best improvements for gliding down the road and enjoying all the quietness an EV offers is the 20 per cent claimed noise reduction thanks to acoustic glazing and softer fabrics on the dash and doors. The ambient lighting from the Model 3 has transferred across to the new Y for a bit of extra plushness. The Launch Series Model Y 2025 will cost 60,990 and is likely to arrive in May. You can place a UK order now When's it arriving and what's the pricing for the new Model Y? Everything you need to know The Launch Series is on sale now in the UK, and these deliveries are expected to arrive around about May time. European deliveries are confirmed for March. Other models will then follow including the seven-seater version launched last year. A performance version is expected to arrive later in 2025. The Model Y Launch Series will only be available Black or Quicksilver, both coming with an all-black interior but you'll be able to get white and black interiors later on. As said the claimed range on the Launch Series Long Range All-Wheel Drive Model Y is 353 miles and it has a top speed of 125mph and can do 0-to-60mph in 4.1 seconds shaving 0.7s off the previous car's time. The Pacific region's already offer two Launch Versions with customers able to buy a standard range RWD car now too with a 290-mile range. Charging speeds are just as lightning fast as Tesla owners are accustomed to with the new Model Y Launch Series able to charge up to 250kW, which will give you 172 miles in 15 minutes on a Supercharger. The Launch Series costs 60,990 but this has a premium whacked on for it being the first car to come off the production line. Future pricing has yet to be revealed but expect to pay under 45k for the RWD drive car and a circa extra 10k for a Long-Range RWD version. MBABANE - Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Public Service Sipho Tsabedze allegedly provided conflicting dates of birth on various official documents. These included: Eswatini Income Tax Department: February 3, 1964, appraisal report: Conflicting information, marriage certificate: January 1963, employment form: January 1, 1963, Birth Certificate (1): November 27, 1967, application for employment: February 3, 1965, birth certificate (2): January 1, 1963, sworn affidavit (mother): November 27, 1967. This is contained in the ruling that has been issued by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), which ruled that he should have retired on February 3, 2025. The ruling highlights a significant discrepancy in the PSs date of birth, with nine documents, including a marriage certificate and a drivers licence, revealing four different birthdates. The CSC ruling, issued after an investigation, found that the PS provided conflicting dates of birth on various official documents. Furthermore, the CSC questioned the legitimacy of the PSs primary school education, stating that his application form indicated he completed primary school in four years instead of the standard seven. The CSC emphasised that the date of birth on the original employment application (February 3, 1965) was a material term of the contract and should be used to determine his retirement date. The ruling also criticised the principal secretarys alleged attempts to alter his date of birth, deeming them ultra vires and disingenuous. The CSC highlighted that Tsabedze waited until he assumed a senior position to orchestrate the changes, which is a conflict of interest given his position as head of the civil service. The CSC emphasised the importance of maintaining the integrity of the civil service and condemned attempts by officials to manipulate their retirement dates. The ruling concluded that the PSs actions were unacceptable and set a poor example for other civil servants.Tsabedze has since instituted legal proceedings against the CSC ruling that decided that he should retire on February 3, 2025. In a dramatic turn of events, Tsabedze has filed an urgent court application in the Industrial Court, arguing that the ruling of the CSC is based on a series of unfortunate misunderstandings surrounding his date of birth. The heart of the matter lies in the conflicting dates appearing on official documents. Tsabedze revealed in his founding affidavit that his initial date of birth was recorded as January 1, 1963, a date he attributes to his illiterate grandfather, who raised him and made an educated guess. Years later, with the assistance of his biological mother, he obtained an amended birth certificate reflecting his true date of birth: November 27, 1967. Adding to the confusion, Tsabedze included February 3, 1965, on his initial employment application in 1988. This, he explained, was based on information from his biological father who was uncertain of the exact date. However, the crux of the legal challenge lies in Tsabedzes assertion that the CSC lacks the authority to determine his retirement date. He argued that the decision to waive the relevant General Order, allowing for the correction of his birth date, was properly authorised by the secretary to Cabinet. Furthermore, Tsabedze claimed the CSCs subsequent investigation and the subsequent ruling were unlawful and unfair. He alleged procedural irregularities, including a lack of notice and an opportunity to be heard during the commissions proceedings. The urgency of the situation is paramount for Tsabedze. He emphasises that if the matter is not heard urgently, his retirement date will have passed before the court can reach a decision. This, he argues, could have severe consequences, impacting his pension and other entitlements. The court application is now before the Judiciary, with Tsabedze seeking an order to set aside the CSC ruling and prevent his forced retirement.The outcome of this legal battle will not only determine Tsabedzes future, but also set a precedent for how such cases are handled within the Eswatini civil service. The veracity of these allegations is still to be tested in court. The respondents are yet to file their answering papers. Tsabedze is represented by Musa M. Sibandze Attorneys. Pensions and farmers grabbed the headlines after the Budget inheritance tax raid but there is lesser-known element those of us of working age should be concerned about if we are unlucky enough to die young. The Chancellor also dragged death benefits into the inheritance tax net from 2027, which could see families lose 40 per cent of payouts from employers if a member dies while working there. Death benefits can cover a wide range of payments paid out by companies if an employee dies. Many are connected to work pension schemes and will pay a multiple of salary if a member dies during employment. So, for example, your employer may pay out three times your salary as a death-in-service benefit in the unfortunate event that you die during your working life and are a member of the work pension scheme. These payouts are often vital for bereaved families and can be paid out as soon as possible, without waiting for probate or inheritance matters to be sorted. Anyone who has had the misfortune to do probate for a loved ones estate will know what a bonus it is to dodge that administrative nightmare. Grieving families hit for tax: Death-in-service payouts for workers who die risk being pulled into the inheritance tax net due to Budget changes In a move that has the power to eventually pull many more people into death duties, Rachel Reeves announced in the Autumn Budget that pensions would face inheritance tax and no longer fall outside of peoples estates. The reason given was to stop wealthy older savers using unspent pensions to avoid inheritance tax. Albeit, I've always been dubious about how extensive this financial planning niche actually is - and people have to die before the age of 75 for their beneficiaries not to pay income tax when they take money out, often at an IHT-matching 40 per cent. Alongside that pensions move came a decision to pull death benefits into IHT too. Except there is some confusion over whether all death benefits will be hit. HMRC has put out a consultation, which has many pension experts baffled as to whether some death-in-service benefits will or will not be hit by inheritance tax. It looks like it may depend on an obscure technical detail on how death-in-service life assurance schemes are set up. This makes it very difficult for ordinary people to work out whether their loved ones would lose money to inheritance tax and leaves them at the mercy of how companies structure their schemes. If people are married and death payouts go to their surviving spouse then they dont need to worry, as they benefit from the inheritance tax exemption between married couples and civil partners. But unmarried couples would be hit, as would those who are divorced and have cash go to their children. In the terrible scenario where both parents die at the same time, their children could see 40 per cent of the death-in-service benefit taken by IHT. Meanwhile, any death-in-service payouts that are liable for inheritance tax will not be able to be paid out until probate is completed. On the basis that experts in the pensions industry are scratching their heads on key aspects of this one, it smacks of something rushed out without proper consideration. The Government is being urged to clarify things and some major public sector defined benefit pension schemes could be affected. For example, the Firefighters Pension Scheme Advisory Board has written to the HMRC consultation, pointing out its members who die in the line of duty are at risk of being hit by inheritance tax. However, I would argue that exactly what we dont need here is consultation, clarifications. and potential carve-outs Instead, we should jettison the idea of inheritance tax on death-in-service payments altogether and make it clear that they will not be affected. Perhaps Rachel Reeves doesn't intend to drag death-in-service payouts into IHT at all, but if that's the case then she should clarify this immediately and outline exactly what will be exempt. If someone dies while working, they have almost certainly died young. A payout to help their family should not face inheritance tax. Wealthy older savers arent using death-in-service payouts to dodge inheritance tax these are payments that go to bereaved families who have lost someone of working age. The Chancellor should simply stop the confusion and remove death-in-service payments from the inheritance tax equation. Severn Trent intends to increase its annual dividend payments amid rising consumer bills and controversy over sewage spills and its accounting practices. The water company, which serves about eight million people across the Midlands and Wales, expects to pay a 126.02p per share dividend to shareholders in the 2025/26 financial year, compared to 121.71p per share the previous year. The rise is based on the consumer prices index including owner occupiers' housing costs (CPIH) index as of November 2024. In early December, Ofwat gave the green light to Severn Trent's five-year plan to invest 15billion in improving water health and infrastructure. Severn plans to replace about 1,400 kilometres of water mains to cut leakages by 16 per cent, reduce pollutions by another 30 per cent, and become operationally net zero by 2030. To help pay for these upgrades, Ofwat will allow the firm to increase average annual customer bills by 47 per cent to 583. Shareholder payouts: Severn Trent intends to increase its annual dividend despite controversy over sewage spills and its accounting practices Severn announced the dividend hike as the FTSE 100 company revealed its financial performance for the year ending 23 January 'remains on track'. It expects to achieve a result in line with guidance, including more than 100million in outcome delivery incentives in 2017 prices, a measure used by regulator Ofwat to monitor water companies' performance. Severn said on Friday that it would still have the second lowest bills in England and be giving 575million in financial assistance to help around one in six households with their bills. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'Severn Trent has to tread carefully if it is to avoid a flood of negative publicity given the reputation of water utility firms is in the mud with the British public.' Last month, the BBC's Panorama programme claimed Severn Trent artificially inflated its balance sheet by valuing an investment at approximately 1.7billion when, in reality, it had no value. A Severn Trent spokesperson strenuously denied the allegations, describing them as 'completely inaccurate, misleading, and misrepresentative of how we operate as a UK-listed and highly regulated business.' Severn Trent has also come under fire for its environmental record, having been fined 2million in February 2024 for 'reckless' pollution of the River Trent near Stoke. In October, analysis by campaign group Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (Wasp) said the company made over 800 suspected illegal sewage spills in 2021 and 2022. This was despite the Environment Agency awarding the firm a four-star rating for its environmental performance in 2023, the highest possible grade available. Severn has cited this rating for continuing to pay investors massive dividends, which have totalled over 1.2billion since 2020. Mould said: 'It's clear that Severn Trent is pleased about the price increases Ofwat has agreed to let it push through although the company will be keen to avoid any hint of smugness.' But he added that the business 'needs to ensure it delivers if it is to avoid renewed pressure from regulators and politicians.' Severn Trent shares were 0.85 per cent lower at 24.63 on Friday morning, taking their losses over the past three years to around 15 per cent. Rolls-Royce has won its biggest-ever contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The engineering giant agreed a 9billion eight-year deal to make nuclear submarine reactors for the Royal Navy. The contract dubbed Unity will create more than 1,000 jobs and safeguard 4,000 other roles. Rolls-Royce shares hit a record high of 625p giving it a value of 53billion before ending the day down 4.8 per cent at 606.8p. In focus: Rolls-Royce has won its biggest-ever contract with the Ministry of Defence The deal will strengthen the Royal Navy's continuous at-sea deterrent under which at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine patrols the seas at all times while also boosting the AUKUS defence pact with the United States and Australia, a spokesman for the MoD said. The announcement comes after Donald Trump repeated demands for Nato members to spend 5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence. Amid rising tensions with Russia, highlighted by a Russian spy ship in UK waters this week, the Government has said it will increase spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP. Defence Secretary John Healey said: 'This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the UK's nuclear deterrent.' Meghan Markle and Prince Harry may have to start vetting the company they keep or the businesses they support as the owner of one of their favorite restaurants is revealed to be indicted on fraud charges. The Duchess of Sussex already suffered a setback after the release of her upcoming Netflix lifestyle and cookery show, With Love, Meghan was postponed from January 15 to March 4, due to the Los Angeles fires. But now, DailyMail.com can reveal, the new release date coincides with the arraignment of Michelin-starred restaurateur Alison Clem, who the couple endorsed during a very public visit to her Texas restaurant last March. Clem, 43, who owns La Barbecue in Austin, is facing felony charges for a $350,000 insurance fraud scheme involving an employee's on-the-job injury, according to legal filings. Meghan, 43, and Harry, 40, were seen rubbing elbows with Clem at the popular BBQ joint where they had stopped for a meal and a photo-op while they were in town for the SXSW festival where the duchess appeared on a star-studded panel discussing cyber-bullying alongside Brooke Shields and Katie Couric. It wasn't just a quick in-and-out visit. Clem's eatery had been specifically chosen for their public appearance where the couple were pictured chatting with the restaurateur and giving her a warm embrace. In a series of photos shared on social media at the time, Clem can be seen in conversation with the royals, who also posed for a picture with all the staff. They were shown around the restaurant's building including the exterior. People magazine reported that the visit was planned and pre-approved by the restaurant. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle embraced Texas restauranteur Alison Clem during a visit to her popular Austin eatery, La Barbecue, in March 2024 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were seen chatting at the BBQ joint with the Michelin-starred owner, who is now caught up in an insurance fraud scheme, DailyMail.com has learned The couple, whose visit to the restaurant was reportedly pre-planned, later complimented the owner and said it was the best BBQ they had ever had 'Their visit was a scheduled thing. They let us know that she wanted to come by, but did not know Harry was coming,' the restaurant's director of operations Cory Rivademar told the magazine at the time. 'They came in and they toured the pits with Frankie, who is the pit guy, and talked about how hot it was around the pits, which is funny because this is Texas, and actually, it can be much hotter than today.' After the visit, Rivademar apparently received a text from Meghan's representatives saying that it was the best BBQ they'd ever eaten. In November, Clem's diner was awarded a Michelin Star for its Texas-style barbecue, with the restaurant's website claiming that she is one of the 'top barbecue chefs in the world'. While that sort of culinary expertise would especially appeal to Meghan, 43, it appears that they didn't do a full background check on Clem. Otherwise it would have come to light that she had been indicted for a $350,000 workers' compensation fraud scheme. The charges are related to a personal injury lawsuit filed by employee Aaron Gomez who lost four fingers on his dominant left hand while operating a piece of kitchen equipment in July 2016. At the time of the accident, Clem and her co-founder wife, LeAnne Mueller who died in June aged 52 had been operating without workers' insurance coverage for 20 months, according to legal filings obtained by DailyMail.com. Clem is facing charges related to an on-the-job injury involving employee Aaron Gomez in 2016 Meghan and Harry posed for a picture with all the staff, and were given a tour around the restaurant during their high-profile visit Gomez lost four fingers on his dominant left hand while operating a piece of kitchen equipment in July 2016 Following Gomez's injury, Clem contacted Paychex Insurance to obtain workers' compensation coverage and asked for it to be backdated to three weeks before the accident occurred, according to an indictment filed by the Texas Department of Insurance. Mueller allegedly signed the application claiming the business had no previous losses and did not disclose Gomez's accident. At a later date, Mueller and Clem claimed for the injury, and it was approved by the the policy's insurers, Travelers Casualty Insurance Company of America, who awarded $350,000 to Gomez in compensation and became responsible for the care of his injury for the rest of his life. They were indicted in August 2022 on a felony charge of insurance fraud and it has been going through the courts ever since. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for March. If found guilty by Travis County District Court, Clem will be liable to pay restitution plus double what Travelers dished out to Gomez, so $700,000, according to a Texas Department of Insurance news release. In a separate lawsuit, Gomez personally filed a complaint against Clem and her firm GGG Ventures LLC in October 2023 claiming that the incident happened 'due to unsafe working conditions and training'. The case is ongoing. Meanwhile, Meghan last week announced she was postponing the debut of her Netflix series by nearly two months from January 15. Markle reportedly found the decision to postpone her Netflix cooking show With Love, Meghan due to the LA fires an 'easy' one Meghan Markle has pushed the release of her new Netflix show to March 4 due to the LA wildfires 'I'm thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California,' she said in a statement. The couple have had a rough few weeks. They were slammed in a Vanity Fair article for allegedly bullying staff and trying to make money from everything they do. One neighbor in Montecito called the couple the 'most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet'. And another local told Vanity Fair: 'They moved away from England to get away from the scrutiny of the press and all they do is try and get in the press in the United States.' Just a few days before that article was published, Meghan and Harry were spotted at an LA evacuation center handing out food packages and speaking to survivors of the wildfires. The two, however, were later accused of being 'disaster tourists' by Hollywood actress Justine Bateman who claimed on X that the couple were only there for the 'photo op'. The Duke and Duchess reportedly found the comments 'offensive', according to sources who noted that Meghan was 'heartbroken' by the disaster as an LA native. A source told Page Six: 'It's offensive to Meghan and Harry that anybody would think this is merely a photo opportunity. 'Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles so this is, and always will be, home to her.' When it finally came, 'in peace and without pain', the death of the greatest Englishman would not have been a surprise to anyone, including the man himself. For Sir Winston Churchill, who died 60 years ago today aged 90, had long predicted he would pass on the same day as his father had seven decades earlier - and he did. The man who had led Britain through its 'darkest hour' with stirring words and indomitable spirit gave up the ghost at his London home surrounded by his family. Operation Hope Not - the name for the funeral plans that had been more than a decade in the making - kicked into gear as tributes poured in from across the world. He was, said Queen Elizabeth, a 'many-sided genius' whose loss left the 'whole world' poorer. Prime minister Harold Wilson called him 'the greatest man any of us have known'. It was fitting then that he received all the trappings of a state funeral, including a three-day lying in state period in Westminster Hall. Just over 320,000 people queued more than 1.5miles south of the River Thames to pay their respects, whilst ten per cent of the world's population - including nearly half of all Britons - watched the final goodbye in St Paul's Cathedral on television. It was a suitably grand send-off for a prime minister who had shepherded the country through the Second World War, written more words than Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare combined and earned the love and respect of millions of people. Sir Winston Churchill leaving London for Chartwell, his beloved country home in Kent, July 30, 1964 British Naval Officers stand vigil around Sir Winston's coffin as it lies in state in Westminster Hall Your browser does not support iframes. Sir Winston final decline came when he suffered a stroke just a few weeks after his 90th birthday. The nation held its breath as regular updates on his condition were released in the days that followed. As the sleeping titan received regular visits from family members at his London home, 28 Hyde Park Gate, his personal doctor, Lord Moran, issued regular updates on the state of his health. The initial news about his stroke was greeted with concern across the world. World leaders including US President Lyndon Johnson and France's Charles de Gaulle who Churchill always disliked issued statements. An update on January 18 said the great man had 'lost ground'. The gravity of the situation was demonstrated by Lord Moran's visit to Churchill's home at 2am the following day. On January 20, the Mail's editorial declared: 'There is a hush over the nation as the shadows close in on the great man. Party strife is hushed. 'The Prime Minister cancels a visit to Germany. The Archbishop of Canterbury speaks of the 'approaching death' of one whose work is done. 'All this in daily expectation of the event which, after so many, many years, after so much that we have gone through together, will take Winston Churchill from us. 'He fights, but whether consciously or not no man can tell. He will go out fighting indomitable to the end. Your browser does not support iframes. A group of schoolgirls form part of the long queue waiting to file through Westminster Hall for the lying-in-state of Sir Winston Churchill The queue stretching across the Thames. More than 320,000 people filed past to pay their respects Winston Churchill's funeral cortege makes its way down Whitehall towards St Paul's Cathedral, January 30, 1965 Sir Winston Churchill's funeral procession makings its way to St Paul's Cathedral from Westminster Hall, January 30, 1965 The funeral cortege of Sir Winston Churchill arrives with his coffin at St Paul's Cathedral Sir Winston's coffin is carried into St Paul's Cathedral for his state funeral, January 30, 1965 The front page of the Daily Mail the day after the death of Winston Churchill, January 25, 1965 The Daily Mail's coverage on January 25, 1965, the day after the death of Churchill The sombre mood when Churchill's body was lying in state was perfectly captured by the Mail's Vincent Mulchrone. Using words that would themselves go down in history, he wrote on January 28: 'Two rivers run silently through London tonight, and one is made of people. Dark and quiet as the night-time Thames itself, it flows through Westminster Hall, eddying about the foot of the rock called Churchill' The Daily Mail's front page on the day of Sir Winston Churchill's funeral 'How typical the long, brave life of one who said: "Never give in! Never, never, never, never!"' On January 22, just two days before his death, Sir Winston's third great-grandchild was born to his daughter-in-law at Westminster Hospital. But Sir Winston would not live to see the new arrival. The worst news finally came shortly after 8am on January 24. For a decade before his death, Sir Winston had said he would pass away on the same day as his father. Lord Randolph Churchill - who had always cruelly shunned his son's attempts at affection - died aged just 45 on January 24, 1895. Sir Winston's granddaughter, Celia Sandys, spoke of the moment of Sir Winston's death in 2016. She said: 'He had said some years before that he was going to die on the anniversary of Lord Randolph's death, his father so what made him say that? 'So on January 24, early in the morning, we gathered around his bed to say goodbye and 70 years to the day, and probably to the minute he slipped imperceptibly away to meet his maker. It's uncanny really.' Within half an hour of the news of his passing being announced, a crowd had begun to gather outside Sir Winston's home. The coffin of Sir Winston Churchill is carried down the nave of St Paul's Cathedral, January 30, 1965 Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attend the funeral of Winston Churchill at St Paul's Cathedral Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip lead mourners on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral Members of the Grenadier Guards stand to attention next to Sir Winston's coffin on the MV Havengore shortly before the vessel leaves Tower Pier RAF planes fly overhead as Sir Winston Churchill's coffin is carried on the MV Havengore to Festival Hall Pier Vincent Mulchrone declared on the paper's front page on January 25: 'When the soul quit the body of Sir Winston Churchill yesterday the ten people crowded in his room watched the little miracle familiar to anyone who has seen death. '"The years", said one of the ten, "fell away from his face, and he looked again the way he looked during the war." 'The curtains in the ground-floor back bedroom were drawn against the darkest hour before the old warrior's last dawn.' Domestic tributes were led by the Queen and the prime minister. Her Majesty, who had been mentored by Sir Winston when she became the monarch during his second stint in Downing Street, said to Lady Churchill: 'The news of Sir Winston's death caused inexpressible grief to me and my husband. 'We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. 'The whole world is poorer by the loss of this many-sided genius, while the survival of this country and the sister nations of the Commonwealth in the face of the greatest danger that has ever threatened them will be the perpetual memorial to his leadership, his vision and his indomitable courage.' Mr Wilson added: 'We feel, as a family feels when its eldest, most respected, best-loved member has died, a sense of personal loss of a gap in our midst that cannot be filled. 'The silent vigil of our people outside his house during these dark hours, the unstinted sympathy felt in every house in the land for Lady Churchill these are perhaps more eloquent of our feelings than words can be. The coffin of Winston Churchill arriving at Waterloo Station, where it was placed onto a train drawn by a Battle of Britain locomotive named Winston Churchill Winston Churchill's coffin is loaded onto the Battle of Britain train bearing his name, before it makes its way to Oxfordshire for his burial Mourners examine the flowers and wreaths laid on Winston Churchill's grave at St Martin's Church in Bladon, Oxfordshire Queues of people wait to file past the grave of Sir Winston Churchill after his funeral, January 31, 1965 Lady Churchill and family lay a wreath on the grave of Sir Winston Churchill, Bladon, Oxfordshire, 1974 Sir Winston with his wife Clementine at his home on his 90th birthday, November 1964 Sir Winston and his wife Clementine sit on board a naval auxiliary patrol vessel as it travels down the Thames towards docks in East London, September 1940 'We know, too, that with his death we are making the end of an era.' He ended: 'Winston Churchill's life, his monumental achievements, have enriched for ever not only our nation which he led, not only the world which he bestrode, but the hearts of each of us whose lives he touched with his greatness.' Sir Winston's passing immediately triggered the plans for his state funeral. Not since the death the Duke of Wellington in 1852 had a 'commoner' been given the honour of a state funeral. Sir Winston had been intimately involved in the Hope Not plans for more than a decade before he died. Imperial War Museum Historian Anthony Richards, the author of upcoming book Churchill: A Visual History, told MailOnline: 'The plan had been a long lasting one and it had been adapted over the years several times. 'He had a big say in every single aspect of it.' The historian added: 'It was his last chance to put his final stamp on history.' Just like most of the monarchs who he had served faithfully during his 60-year career, Sir Winston was to lie in state in Westminster Hall. Sir Winston giving his famous V for Victory sign outside Downing Street during his time as prime minister Sir Winston on the Buckingham Palace balcony with King George VI, the Queen, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret on VE Day, May 8, 1945 Winston Churchill posing with a machine gun and a cigar in his mouth The catafalque that held his coffin was covered with black velvet, and the floor of the hall was topped with beige carpet to absorb the sounds of mourners' feet as they filed past. Five watch officers stood guard around his coffin, which was covered with the Union Jack. The lying in state began at 6am on January 27 and lasted for three days, until the morning of his funeral on the 30th. In that time, more than 320,000 people who had shuffled in a queue that snaked south to Lambeth Bridge and then north along the South Bank (around 1.5miles in total) filed past his coffin to pay their final respects. In that time, Westminster Hall was open for 23 hours a day. The sombre mood was perfectly captured by Vincent Mulchrone once again. Using words that would themselves go down in history, he wrote in the Mail on January 28: 'Two rivers run silently through London tonight, and one is made of people. 'Dark and quiet as the night-time Thames itself, it flows through Westminster Hall, eddying about the foot of the rock called Churchill.' When the lying in state came to an end, hundreds of people who were still in the queue had to be turned away. Sir Winston Churchill is aided as he leaves his London home for a stay in the country, July 1964 Winston Churchill leaves his home in Hyde Park Gate to travel to London Airport ahead of a holiday on board the plush yacht owned by shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, March 1961 Winston Churchill seen arriving back at his Hyde Park Gate home by ambulance, 1962 Crowds in Hyde Park Gate gather to celebrate 90th birthday of Sir Winston Churchill, November 1964 At 9.45am on January 30, the procession from the Hall to St Paul's Cathedral began, with Sir Winston's coffin lying on a gun carriage. With a million people lining the two-mile route, the mourners walking in the procession included his son Randolph - who took part despite poor health - and grandson, also called Winston. Sir Winston's wife Clementine and their daughters and granddaughters followed in carriages. Around 25million people in Britain watched on television. Globally, 350million people tuned in. For most of those watching, they were guided by the smooth tones of BBC broadcasting legend Richard Dimbleby, who would be dead from cancer just 11 months later. Once at St Paul's, ex-prime ministers Clement Attlee, Anthony Eden and Harold Macmillan - all of whom had served in Sir Winston's war cabinet - acted as honorary pallbearers. Attlee, who was 82 and very frail, at one point stumbled on the steps and nearly brought Sir Winston's coffin crashing to the floor. Inside St Paul's Cathedral, leaders of 112 nations - nearly every independent state in the world - paid their respects. Sir Winston was born at Blenheim Palace. Above: The statesman as a young boy Sir Winston Churchill as an officer in the South African Light Horse, 1899. He had always been cruelly shunned by his father, Lord Randolph Churchill (right) Winston Churchill (right) aged around 10 with his mother Jennie and brother Jack Sir Winston was also honoured by the presence of the Queen - who had ascended to the throne when he was PM in 1952 - and other members of the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth, who did not usually attend the funerals of people outside the Royal Family, showed the depth of her respect for her first prime minister by breaking with tradition. Rather than arriving last, as was the norm for the monarch, she turned up even before the family and coffin had arrived and went on to follow Churchill's relatives out afterwards, instead of leaving first. The assembled mourners heard a succession of Sir Winston's favourite hymns, including Fight the Good Fight and He Who Would Valiant Be. After the service, his coffin was carried to Tower Pier and placed on the barge the MV Havengore, as an RAF flypast gave a final honour in the skies above. The barge carried Sir Winston to Festival Pier and then a hearse took his coffin to Waterloo station. It was there that his final journey to his resting place - beside his father at St Martin's Church in Bladon, Oxfordshire - began. The train carrying Sir Winston's coffin left Waterloo at 1.25pm. Hundreds of thousands of people had lined the route to get a final glimpse of the man who had carried them through the darkest times. Once at the church - which was less than two miles from Blenheim Palace, his birthplace - Sir Winston was laid to rest with just family present. The following day, Bladon, then a village of just 900 people, was swamped by thousands who had flocked to Sir Winston's graveside. His final goodbye marked the end of an era for the country. The Mail's Bernard Levin summed up his legacy when he wrote on January 26: 'We shall never see another Churchill because the challenges that brought forth his like have disappeared, and the energy with which his like responded to those challenges has withered accordingly. 'Churchill's death leaves the world a little quieter, a little darker, a little colder: but above all a little smaller.' Donald Trump's return to the White House saw Sir Keir Starmer claim the 'special relationship' will 'continue to flourish'. But can US-UK relations really remain serene until 2029? The US President, a real estate mogul with a fondness for fast food, and the Prime Minister, a pescatarian former human rights barrister, are not natural bedfellows. One has seized control of the Republican Party with his 'MAGA' agenda, while the other is a self-described 'socialist' and has often been dubbed 'boring'. There are also, naturally, huge ideological differences between Mr Trump and the Labour PM on a range of issues. But will the political odd couple be able to overcome those splits over the next four years? Or will the 'special relationship' be severely tested under Trump 2.0? Here's a look at the major flashpoints that might potentially cause a breakdown in US-UK relations: Your browser does not support iframes. Donald Trump 's return to the White House saw Sir Keir Starmer claim the 'special relationship' will 'continue to flourish'. But can US-UK relations really remain serene until 2029? Tariffs - Will the UK be spared if Trump sparks a trade war? The US President has called tariffs 'the most beautiful word' in the dictionary. Mr Trump has threatened to slap a 10 per cent tariff on all foreign-made goods, a 60 per cent tariff on Chinese goods and a 100 per cent tariff on all cars imported to the US. Economists have estimated a global trade war sparked by Mr Trump would halve Britain's economic growth and the UK would be one of the most-affected countries. But Labour is hopeful that Britain can escape any tariffs imposed by the US President. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has suggested the UK won't be a target because Britain has a trade deficit with America, whereas other countries have a trade surplus. She told Sky News: 'I believe in free and open trade, and I'll be making that case to my counterparts in the US.' At the same time as facing down the threat of tariffs, Labour is also keen to resume negotiations on a US-UK trade deal under Mr Trump. Sir Keir is reported to have set up a 'mini-Cabinet' of his senior ministers to draw up ways to persuade the US President to strike an agreement with Britain. A major sticking point for a deal is likely to be a reluctance by Labour to open up British markets to US agriculture products, such as chlorinated chicken. But Lord Mandelson, who Sir Keir wants as Britain's new US ambassador, has suggested there could instead be a tech-focused agreement with America. Ukraine - Trump wants a peace deal, but at what cost? Just days before Mr Trump's return to the White House, Sir Keir made his first visit to Ukraine as PM during which he struck a 100-year pact with the war-torn country. It cemented Britain's position as one of Ukraine's staunchest allies in the wake of Russia's invasion. But there are question marks over continued US support for Ukraine under Mr Trump's administration. It is thought he will press for peace talks early in his presidency, having once claimed he would end the war 'in 24 hours'. There have been concerns that Mr Trump could push Ukraine to give up some of its territory that is currently occupied by Russia as the price of an end to the conflict. Many of Mr Trump's fellow Republicans have publicly criticised the amount of aid the US is providing to Kyiv, which outstrips that provided by European countries. The coming months could see a push from European capitals - including London - for Ukraine to be put in the strongest possible position for future peace negotiations. Ukraine itself has warned Mr Trump against opening early talks, and have called on him to help them make Vladimir Putin 'feel pain' before any such talks begin. Since returning to the White House, the US President has taken a hardline stance towards Moscow and threatened further sanctions if Russia does not end 'this ridiculous war'. Just days before Mr Trump's return to the White House, Sir Keir made his first visit to Ukraine as PM during which he struck a 100-year pact with Volodymyr Zelensky NATO - Will Labour match demand for more defence cash? One of Mr Trump's long-running bugbears has been a reluctance by European nations to boost defence spending. He recently demanded that NATO allies shoud spend 5 per cent of gross domestic product on defence - a huge increase from the current 2 per cent target. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there has been a marked increase in the number of NATO countries meeting that 2 per cent target. But, last year, none of them - including the US - spent five per cent of GDP on defence. Poland was the biggest spender at 4.12 per cent of GDP, followed by Estonia (3.43 per cent), the US (3.38 per cent), and Latvia (3.15 per cent). According to NATO figures, the UK spent 2.33 per cent of GDP on defence in 2024. Prior to July's general election, Labour pledged to boost this to 2.5 per cent. But Sir Keir has so far refused to put a timeline on when this ambition will be reached. Chagos Islands - Will Trump block Labour's 'surrender'? Labour made a shock announcement in October that it was ceding sovereignty of the Chagos Islands - a British overseas territory for more than 200 years - to Mauritius. As part of the arrangement, the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia - the largest of the islands - will remain operational for at least 99 years. But critics have savaged the agreement, reported to be costing UK taxpayers nearly 9billion, and Sir Keir's decision to give up the strategically-important archipelago. They have voiced fears that handing over control of the islands to Mauritius, viewed as an ally of China, will further open up the Indian Ocean to Beijing's reach. Opponents of Labour's agreement include senior allies of Mr Trump. Marco Rubio, who is Mr Trump's new US secretary of state, previously labelled the Chagos Islands deal 'a serious threat' to national security. He warned it 'threatens critical US military posture in the region'. It was previously claimed Labour was trying to finalise a deal with Mauritius before Mr Trump officially replaced Joe Biden, who supported the handover, as US President. But Downing Street later admitted Mr Trump's administration would be given the chance to consider the terms of the agreement. Critics of the sovereignty deal are hopeful Mr Trump might attempt to veto the agreement once it reaches his desk. Labour made a shock announcement in October that it was ceding sovereignty of the Chagos Islands - a British overseas territory for more than 200 years - to Mauritius Elon Musk - Will the Starmer critic's opinion sway Trump? Sir Keir has recently been subject to a barrage of attacks by billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk. The world's richest man, a close ally of Mr Trump, has attacked the PM over Britain's summer riots, grooming gangs, and the jailing of far-right thug Tommy Robinson. This has included labelling the Labour premier 'Two Tier Keir' as Mr Musk fuelled claims that UK police treat some groups more harshly than others. Mr Trump himself - publicly at least - has not been so undiplomatic about Sir Keir. After they met in New York in September, Mr Trump praised the PM as 'very nice'. He said of Labour's general election victory: 'He ran a great race, he did very well, it's very early, he's very popular.' But there will be fears in Downing Street that Mr Musk, who has been dubbed the US President's 'First Buddy', could yet sway Mr Trump's opinion of the PM. The X owner has been appointed to lead a Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) in the US by Mr Trump. China - How will Trump view Labour cosying up to Beijing? As part of his 'America First' agenda, Mr Trump has taken a hardline stance towards China. During his first term in the White House, there was a sharp increase in US Navy activity in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. He also broke long-running US foreign policy by speaking directly with the president of Taiwan in a major provocation towards Beijing. Mr Trump showed no sign of softening his attitude towards China when campaigning for re-election. He vowed to 'completely eliminate dependence on China in all critical areas' and threatened punitive tariffs on Beijing. This stands in contrast with Labour's current bid to improve the UK's trade ties with China as Sir Keir and Ms Reeves scramble for economic growth. The Chancellor recently cosied up with Chinese officials on a controversial trip to Beijing and Shanghai. This was despite ongoing concerns over the country's human rights record and its actions in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Analysts have suggested Mr Trump's views on China are 'fairly changeable' depending on what is politically advantageous to him at the time. But there's a possibility that his stance towards Beijing could clash with Labour's efforts to improve UK relations with China, which previously cooled under the Tories. Sir Keir has recently been subject to a barrage of attacks by billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk Climate - 'Drill baby drill' versus Labour's Net Zero drive? One of the starkest political differences between Mr Trump and Sir Keir is their attitude towards energy and the climate. The US President promised to 'drill baby drill' during his victorious election campaign and wants to boost US oil and gas production and reverse climate rules. In one of his first acts after returning to the White House, Mr Trump revoked Mr Biden's target of making half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 in the US electric. He also again withdrew the US from the Paris climate agreement, repeating action he took during his first term. By contrast, Sir Keir has pledged to decarbonise the UK's electricity grid and end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 as part of Labour's green agenda. He wants to make the UK a 'clean energy superpower', which will include building enough offshore wind turbines to power 20million homes. Earlier this month, Mr Trump told the UK to 'get rid of windmills' and to 'open up the North Sea' for more oil and gas production. 'The UK is making a very big mistake,' he wrote on his social media site, Truth Social. 'Neo-Nazi sympathiser' - Can Trump forgive past insults? Senior figures in Sir Keir's Cabinet, who will now have to work closely with the Trump administration, have previously been outspoken critics of the US President. David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, called Mr Trump a 'racist and KKK/neo-Nazi sympathiser' in 2017 when he was a backbench MP. In the same year, now Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said Mr Trump's approach to politics was 'normalising hatred'. And Health Secretary Wes Streeting described him as a 'odious, sad little man'. The past remarks of Sir Keir's top team could prove to be a difficulty in charming the new White House administration. The US President promised to 'drill baby drill' during his victorious election campaign and wants to boost US oil and gas production and reverse climate rules Brexit - Will Labour's 'reset' of EU relations anger Trump? Prior to his first term in the White House, Mr Trump backed Brexit by saying Britain would be 'better off without' the EU. He has been a frequent critic of the Brussels-based bloc and threatened trade tariffs on its 27 member states. As he began his second spell as US President, Mr Trump claimed the EU had been 'very, very bad to us'. 'So, they're going to be in for tariffs. It's the only way you're going to get fairness,' he added. But, at the same time as Mr Trump is threatening a trade war against the EU, Sir Keir is seeking to 'reset' Britain's post-Brexit relationship with the bloc. In the coming years, the PM is set to face a tricky balancing act between his ambition to move closer towards Brussels, while keeping the new US administration on side. Shouting 'I'm ill' at the top of his voice, Southport child killer Axel Rudakubana seemed desperate to do anything to avoid being in court to be sent down for the brutal murders of three young girls. The 18-year-old, who inflicted countless knife wounds on his victims - as well as eight other children and two adults who survived - was branded a 'coward' by their families as he was taken from the dock dramatically complaining of chest pains. Rudakubana, who had been referred to terror scheme Prevent three times before he struck on July 29, tried twice to avoid being sentenced for the killings of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar. After being removed for a second time, he refused to re-enter. Lawyers acting for the triple-killer told the court: 'The defendant does not want to re-enter the room and if he is forced he will be disruptive.' He has been sentenced to life in prison, for a minimum of 52 years. Lord Justice Goose, sentencing, remarked that he was unlikely to ever be released. Axel Rudakubana's childish defiance and refusal to show any remorse in front of the loved ones of his victims puts him in the unenviable and unforgivable company of other killers including Lucy Letby, Thomas Cashman and Jordan McSweeney. They, and several others in recent years, have refused to appear in the dock to hear their sentences after being convicted. Their indignance has prompted furious calls for a change in the law to ensure criminals who commit the most serious crimes are seen to properly face justice. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has promised to uphold a Tory pledge to give judges more powers that would allow them to compel criminals to attend their sentencing hearings. Axel Rudakubana disrupted court proceedings multiple times during his sentencing - repeatedly claiming to the judge he was too unwell His refusal to behave during his sentencing hearing puts him in the same category of unapologetic criminals as Lucy Letby - who refused outright to leave her cell for sentencing Gunman Thomas Cashman likewise refused to leave his prison cell after being convicted of murdering nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel In August 2023, neonatal nurse Lucy Letby refused to appear in court or via videolink to be sentenced for what was then the murder of seven babies and the attempted murders of another six. She sat in the cells of Manchester Crown Court as bereaved families delivered tearful victim statements above her, and as Mr Justice Goss handed her a whole life order with no chance of parole. Four months before, Liverpool gunman Thomas Cashman refused to appear in court to be sentenced for the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, who was shot in the chest as he pursued a drug dealer in August 2022. Cashman, who also injured her mother Cheryl, refused to appear in court for his sentencing and was jailed for at least 42 years in his absence. He stayed in the cells - claiming he had been provoked by court officials. Ms Korbel later said she wanted Cashman to have appeared in court 'to understand the pain he's caused' - but believed he did not attend because 'he's a coward'. Among the others who have refused to face justice are some of the most violent murderers of recent times - including killers who preyed on women to satisfy their twisted sexual desires. In December 2022, Jordan McSweeney, a violent criminal with a mile-long list of previous convictions, sexually assaulted and strangled Zara Aleena six months before as she walked home in Ilford, East London. McSweeney, who should have been in prison at the time of the killing but had not been arrested after his licence was revoked, was described by the judge as having 'no spine whatsoever' after he refused to leave prison to appear before the court. His lawyers told the trial he could not face watching CCTV footage of him beginning the attack. The court heard he had inflicted 46 separate injuries on Ms Aleena, including severe blunt-force trauma to her head. Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot in the chest by Thomas Cashman as he pursued a drug dealer Cheryl Korbel has campaigned for criminals to be required to attend their sentencing hearings after Cashman refused to show face (pictured with Sir Keir Starmer in August 2023) Sexual predator Jordan McSweeney hid away as he was sentenced to life imprisonment for a minimum of 38 years (reduced to 33 on appeal) for the June 2022 murder and sexual assault of Zara Aleena Zara Aleena. A judge said McSweeney's refusal to appear in court for her murder suggested he had 'no spine whatsoever' Ms Alenna's aunt, Farah Naz, later said his refusal to attend was a 'slap in the face' for his victim's family. She told BBC Breakfast programme: 'My mother and myself, Zara's grandmother, made victim impact statements. We wanted him to hear that. 'Human to human, we wanted him to know the impact that he, his actions, his atrocious, horrendous, horrific actions have left, the mark that he's left on us, that he's completely destroyed us as a family and we have years and years of finding a way through accepting what's happened.' McSweeney was ultimately locked up for at least 38 years, reduced to 33 on appeal. But last year, he refused to appear in court for a second time, this time for a trial over an alleged inappropriate relationship with a prison workshop officer. The court heard he told prison officers he didn't want to go because he 'couldn't be bothered'. Charges were later dropped after the officer, Hayley Jones, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office. She will be sentenced next month. In April 2022, Koci Selamaj was sentenced to life imprisonment for a minimum of 36 years after he snatched Sabina Nessa off the street as she walked home, in a sexually motivated attack. The killer, who had a history of domestic, savagely beat primary school teacher Ms Nessa before asphyxiating her and dumping her body in a park in south-east London, covering it with leaves. Selamaj had been, the court heard, determined to have 'some kind of sexual encounter that evening' after trying to contact his ex-wife for sex in Eastbourne before he travelled to the capital. Primary school teacher Sabina Nessa was murdered in September 2021 by Koci Selamaj, who carried out the sexually motivated killing after being refused sex by his ex-wife Selamaj refused to attend court to be sentenced to at least 36 years in prison. Ms Nessa's family branded him a 'coward' Koci Selamaj seen on CCTV. A judge said of his refusal to show face: 'However cowardly those refusals may be, I have no power to force him to attend' Members of Sabina Nessa's family outside court after Koci Selamaj was sentenced to at least 36 years behind bars. They labelled him a 'coward' in his absence after he refused to attend Zahid Younis, who killed two women sometime between 2016 and 2020, refused to leave his holding cell after being found guilty of their murders He killed Mihrican Mustafa (left) and Henriett Szucs (right) before hiding their bodies in a freezer at his flat Members of Ms Mustafa's family outside court after he was jailed for life. The judge who sentenced him criticised his decision to sit in his holding cell The killer heard none of this in person, having refused to attend the court. Ms Nessa's family branded him a 'disgusting animal' and a 'coward' in his absence. Mr Justice Sweeney, sentencing, said of Selamaj's feeble refusal to face justice: 'However cowardly those refusals may be, I have no power to force him to attend.' And in September 2020, Zahid Younis was jailed for at least 38 years after killing two women, Henriett Szucs and Mihrican Mustafa, before hiding their bodies in a freezer. Younis, a convicted sex criminal with a history of violence, subjected both women to 'very significant violence' - and refused to leave his cell after being found guilty. 'It will surprise no one in this courtroom that the defendant has declined to attend his sentence,' said Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb. 'He sits in the cells below but I will address these remarks to him so that when he has the courage to read them he will know exactly why the court reached the conclusions that it did.' In September 2022, the Crown Prosecution Service published guidance on how to deal with defendants' refusals to attend court. For trials in Crown Courts - for the most serious offences - it recommends proceeding with trials only if the defendant has 'waived the right to attend' and that it will be fair despite their absence, ideally with a lawyer representing them in their stead. For sentencing, the current guidelines state that courts should only proceed as long as the defendant has a legal representative, or has previously been jailed. But this could be replaced with a mandatory compulsion for criminals to attend court to learn their fate, according to the Prime Minister. A court sketch of Axel Rudakubana depicting the moment he began complaining to the judge that he was feeling unwell. He has since been jailed for at least 52 years for murdering three children and attempting to kill eight others, as well as two adults Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, was one of the three children killed in the knife attack in Southport Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, was among the three little girls killed in the attack in Southport After meeting with Cheryl Korbel to discuss the issue this week, Sir Keir Starmer said his Government would 'legislate on this at the first chance'. Sir Keir, who previously met with Ms Korbel as Leader of the Opposition, told her: 'It's really important to meet today because we met 17 months ago and I said two things: we will support the previous government on this, and if we get into power, we'll make sure this happens. 'That's the promise I made to you and it's a promise I'm going to keep, and that's why this is forthcoming legislation is so important. 'We have put this in the first King's Speech so we will legislate on this at the first chance and we should have it before the summer.' But, Ms Korbel suggested to ITV News she was not yet hopeful that the law change will be made after meeting the Prime Minister. 'I am not going to my hopes up too high now, because we have already been knocked down once,' she told the broadcaster. Axel Rudakubana's day in court was complicated by the child killer's claims he was too unwell to stand in the dock. Prior to being taken to court to face the judge, Rudakubana was rushed to hospital directly from prison after reportedly requiring unspecified 'medical attention', a report denied by police. But the teen child killer continued causing a scene, seemingly in an attempt to avoid facing justice, as he appeared in the dock of Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday. Dressed in a grey prison-issue tracksuit and a blue face mask, Rudakubana shouted: 'I feel ill. I need to speak to a paramedic, I feel ill. You're not giving me any support, judge. I feel ill.' Mr Justice Goose told the teenager: 'Shouting from the dock is not going to make this happen any quicker. If you remain quiet you will be able to see someone.' After the 18-year-old replied: 'I'm not going to remain quiet I am in pain,' Mr Justice Goose said back: 'You've chosen this moment to say this. These proceedings are being conducted under my control Mr Rudakubana - do you understand? Not yours.' Mr Justice Goose ordered the murderer out of court. A family member shouted 'coward' at him as he was led away. The judge - a High Court veteran of seven years - was clear he would not tolerate Rudakubana's insubordination. 'I understand the defendant has actually been seen again and found to be fit, physically, to come into court,' he said after proceedings resumed. 'For the moment, he continues to indicate that were he to do so he would disrupt proceedings. 'If they do I'll remove him but I will want him to come into court at the point of sentence.' But Rudakubana refused to keep quiet upon his return, shouting again: 'I really feel ill, I need to be seen by a paramedic.' The judge then sent him out for a second time. The court heard the teen had been seen by paramedics and had been certified 'fit' to attend his sentencing. However, lawyers for the killer said he was refusing to return to court and would be 'disruptive' if he was forced to do so. Absent from the court room, the twisted teenager was ultimately handed 13 life sentences, a 12 year sentence for producing the poison ricin, and 18 month sentences for possession of a knife and an Al Qaeda manual. Sentencing Rudakubana this afternoon, Mr Justice Goose said: 'Many will describe what he did as evil. Who could dispute it? In any view, this was the most extreme, shocking and serious crime. 'I'm satisfied that had he been able to, he would have killed each and every child, all 26 of them and any adults who got in the way. It's only because some managed to escape that prevented many more from being murdered.' At least everyone can agree that Melania Trump's hat didn't become the stand-out star of the presidential inauguration by accident. Fashion experts and biographers alike concurred that the ex-model and renowned clothes horse, a woman who clearly puts a lot of thought into her outfits, wore the elegant if rather severe, navy headwear to make a bold statement. What that statement was, however, was subject to wide interpretation. When Donald Trump repeatedly experienced difficulty navigating its wide brim to plant a kiss on his First Lady's face, his critics were quick to suggest that she'd intentionally worn it to stop him from coming anywhere near her. Even its designer, celebrity hatter Eric Javits, fueled such speculation by noting that 'going back to Victorian times, a brim sort of defined a woman's space'. Indeed, the brim was so broad it cast much of her face in shadow. For those who continue to insist that Mrs Trump is not only trapped in a loveless marriage but disagrees fundamentally with her husband's career, this was clear proof that she was concealing her emotions and distancing herself from the event. Others who claim to know Melania better, however, countered that the hat signified something entirely different - namely a new-found self-confidence. Mrs Trump wore a far more feminine and crowd-pleasing pale blue Ralph Lauren outfit for the 2017 inauguration. This time, said people like her biographer Kate Bennett, the look was far more assured. Mrs Trump didn't feel she needed to please anyone. When Donald Trump repeatedly experienced difficulty navigating the hat's wide brim to plant a kiss on his First Lady's face, his critics were quick to suggest that she'd intentionally worn it to stop him from coming anywhere near her. Mrs Trump wore a far more feminine and crowd-pleasing pale blue Ralph Lauren outfit for the 2017 inauguration. In fact, having just celebrated their twentieth wedding anniversary on Wednesday, the truth, say those in the know, is that the couple understands each other better than ever. 'He knows that his wife has a look and he's not going to mess with it,' Bennett explained of Trump's decision in the Capitol to blow Melania an air kiss after an earlier attempt to get past that brim. On Wednesday, the president posted to his social media accounts both personal and now-official recognizing the couple's china anniversary, writing: 'Celebrating 20 years with my beautiful wife and our incredible First Lady, Melania. You're an extraordinary wife and a wonderful mother.' And Trump also shared pictures of the smiling couple at their $2.5 million wedding, held on January 22, 2005, at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea near Mar-a-Lago. Certainly, those still convinced that Melania's hat was a metaphor for the dark heart of the Trump marriage should have watched other moments on the inauguration day and they would have seen evidence that the Trumps hardly seem estranged. For instance, as the couple waved off Joe and Jill Biden on their helicopter ride out of Washington, it was 54-year-old Melania - notorious for being filmed swatting Donald away when he's tried to hold hands - who reached out and took her husband's hand. And if Melania's hat were a point of contention, neither Donald nor the First Lady let on. The President joked to supporters after sending off the Bidens: 'We went out to the helicopter just prior to this and said goodbye as custom, and the wind is blowing like crazy, and with the hat that she's wearing, she almost blew away, We almost lost her. She was being elevated off the ground.' Melania looked on smiling serenely. Later, at the Commander-in-Chief ball, they exchanged a joke on the dancefloor and her face was again wreathed in smiles as she watched her husband use a saber to cut a celebratory cake. After Donald finished doing that, Melania even joined him for a bit of unscheduled dancing to the Village People's YMCA. Welcome to MAGALAND: Insider Trump's Second 100 Days - The podcast bringing you the latest news and gossip from the White House. Listen here. Happy 20th Anniversary to Melania! pic.twitter.com/VIcXSQb4QO Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 22, 2025 Far from looking like a woman hating every second of it, she appeared to be letting her hair down (in this case literally, too) after a day of trying to live up to the solemnity of the occasion. The idea that Mrs Trump - who was accused of being one of the most reluctant First Ladies in US history - wants nothing more to do with her husband's political career has taken a beating of late. Instead, she has made clear that she is more than ready to be First Lady again. 'I will be in the White House. And when I need to be in New York, I will be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I will be in Palm Beach,' she told Fox News in an interview a week before the inauguration. 'My first priority is to be a mom, to be a first lady, to be a wife. And once you are in on January 20, you serve the country.' She has made clear that circumstances have changed since her rocky first term as First Lady when she spent the early months of the Trump presidency in New York. The official reason was that she needed to stay there so that Barron could finish school but it was widely interpreted as a desperate bid to stay away from Washington and her new responsibilities as long as possible. Melania admits in her memoir that she is comfortable with 'the solitary life'. But, according to Melania biographer Mary Jordan, the real reason was so Mrs Trump could 'amend her financial arrangement' with her husband. As images emerged during the first Trump term of the new First Lady looking miserable (and apparently only smiling when she knew her husband was looking at her), some Democrats - especially women - consoled themselves that she was a reluctant member of his administration. The 'Free Melania' movement was born. It was a deeply patronizing assumption but ever sphinx-like, Mrs Trump didn't bother correcting it. She has said she doesn't owe her critics any explanations. 'I just feel that people didn't accept me, maybe,' she told Fox News of her first stint in the White House. 'They didn't understand me the way they do now, and I didn't have much support. Maybe some people, they see me as just the wife of the president, but I'm standing on my own two feet, independent. I have my own thoughts I don't always agree with what my husband is saying or doing, and that's OK.' Another factor that may improve the mood at the White House, according to Trump insiders, is that Melania won't have her stepdaughter, Ivanka, breathing down her neck. There was reportedly no love lost between the pair during the first Trump term and Melania allegedly felt that the ambitious apple of her husband's eye - who she dubbed 'the Princess' - was doing her best to supplant her. Former aides say Mrs Trump responded by doing all she could to foil attempts by Ivanka and husband Jared Kushner, both senior administration aides, to muscle their way into presidential events and trips. Another factor that may improve the mood at the White House, according to Trump insiders, is that Melania won't have her stepdaughter, Ivanka, breathing down her neck. (Pictured: (L-R) Eric Trump, Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr. on January 20 2025) The 'Free Melania' movement was born. It was a deeply patronizing assumption but ever sphinx-like, Mrs Trump didn't bother correcting it. Melania has said she doesn't owe her critics any explanations. (She is pictured wearing an 'I really don't care' jacket in 2018). A well-placed source in Team Trump told the Daily Mail that Melania was 'furious' when it was suggested that the administration establish an 'Office of the First Family,' rather than the traditional First Lady's office in the White House East Wing, after she remained in New York until the first summer of Trump's first term. The insider said, 'At the end of the day, you can be respectful of the role a stepchild plays, but there is only one First Lady.' They also noted that Mrs Trump 'certainly seems to be enjoying herself more than ever'. It appears that Melania is not the only one in the Trump camp glad to see the back of Javanka - as the First Daughter and husband were known. The Daily Mail hears that someone in Trump's inner circle was recently overheard joking to campaign staff 'we can all get a lot more done now that they're [Ivanka and Jared] gone'. It may be too much to hope that Mrs Trump will become a modern-day Eleanor Roosevelt in filling the role of First Lady. However, the woman whom Ivanka in turn dubbed 'The Portrait' because she spoke so little certainly has a lot more to say now. A stubborn man who turned down a 180,000 relocation package from the government to leave his home has expressed his regret after a motorway was built around his house. The roof of Huang Ping's two-storey home in Jinxi, China is now almost level with the motorway that is currently under construction. Huang - who lives with his 11-year-old grandson - said he now spends his day in the town centre to avoid the construction site, and only returns home when the builders have clocked off for the day. He said he feels like he has 'lost a big bet', as his home is now surrounded by dust amid the ongoing works and occasionally vibrates. Although the motorway is not yet open to traffic, Huang fears what it will be like when it is put to use. Despite the government offering him a compensation package of 178,245, the old man decided to stay, but has now admitted that he regrets not accepting. A stubborn Chinese man refused the government's relocation package and has now had a motorway built around his home Huang Ping from Jinxi said he regrets not having accepted the package in the first place Although the motorway is not yet open to traffic, Huang fears what it will be like when it is put to use 'If I could turn back time, I would agree to the demolition conditions they offered. 'Now it feels like I lost a big bet. 'I regret it a bit', the headstrong homeowner added. It is common for the the government in China to build around homes when owners have refused to budge. These homes are referred to as 'dingzhius' or 'nail houses'. These buildings are often considered a representation of the struggle between individuals and the authorities Several homeowners living in 'nail houses' may risk having their properties demolished It is common for the the government in China to build around homes when owners have refused to budge. These homes are referred to as 'dingzhius' or 'nail houses' These buildings are often considered a representation of the struggle between individuals and the authorities, and they also reflect the conflict between tradition and progress in China. Several homeowners living in 'nail houses' may risk having their properties demolished. A British expat has been slugged with a $272 fine after he parked his rental car in the wrong direction and blocked access to a fire hydrant near a popular beach. After spending the day on a beach in Shoalhaven on the NSW South Coast, Archie Lewis, 27, was dismayed to find a parking ticket on the windshield. Aussies were quick to spot his 'rookie' parking blunder when Mr Lewis panned the camera around to show how he was parked on the residential street. 'Here's one for you, never heard of this before. Parked at the beach all day, checked where we parked [and] it didn't say anything about no parking,' he said. 'Come back and I've got a ticket. In Australia, it's illegal to park on the wrong side of the road, the road you're not driving on basically. 'Just a little tip when you come to Australia and rent a car. It's probably cost me 100. F**king sound.' Mr Lewis said he was forced to ask Shoalhaven locals if they could explain his error, which in Australia carries a $136 fine but doesn't apply in the UK. 'I've literally never heard of it, in the UK you can pretty much park how you want as long as your allowed to park there. I suppose it does make sense though!' he wrote in the comments of the TikTok video. A British expat has been slugged with a $272 fine after he parked his rental car in the wrong direction and blocked access to a fire hydrant near a popular beach Mr Lewis unknowingly broke another road rule by parking in front of a fire hydrant. Motorists in NSW are not permitted to park within one metre of a fire hydrant, a fire hydrant indicator or a fire plug indicator. The offence carries a $136 fine, however a maximum fine worth $2,200 will be issued if motorists do not comply with the road rule. Aussies questioned why he had parked in the opposite direction to other cars. 'Why would you park on the wrong side? So dangerous with pulling in and out,' one person wrote. 'Did you not notice all cars park the same direction?' another person wrote. 'This is common sense,' a third added. Others were more sympathetic of the 'rookie mistake'. Aussies were quick to notice the 'rookie' parking mistake that cost the British expat $272 'Lmao I knew right away,' one person wrote. 'It's illegal as we like things to be neat and uniform in [Australia],' another said. Mr Lewis explained in that he was in a rush and that it had a 'stupid mistake'. Motorists in the UK are allowed to park in the opposite direction of the flow of traffic, however motorists must park correctly at night. FAO welcomes Chinese Year of Snake Xinhua) 11:21, January 24, 2025 Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Qu Dongyu speaks at a celebration of the Chinese Year of the Snake at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, Jan. 23, 2025. (FAO/Handout via Xinhua) ROME, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) hosted a celebration at its headquarters on Thursday to mark the upcoming Chinese Year of the Snake, which begins on Jan. 29, Lunar New Year's Day. The event showcased traditional Chinese cultural elements, including martial arts performances, music played on guzheng -- a traditional Chinese stringed instrument -- and festival traditions such as red envelopes containing cash gifts and Spring Festival couplets inscribed with auspicious words. Addressing the gathering, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu emphasized the increasing global recognition of the Chinese Lunar New Year. He highlighted the UN General Assembly decision to list it as a UN floating holiday and UNESCO's addition of "Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional New Year" to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. "This reflects that the Chinese Lunar New Year is not only a traditional Chinese festivity, but represents a day for universal family values and advocates respect for the diversity of global civilizations, the promotion of exchanges and mutual learning, and the value of inclusiveness," Qu said. He explained that the snake symbolizes wisdom, creativity, and transformation, aligning with FAO's ongoing efforts toward institutional renewal. He linked these attributes to the organization's milestones as it marks its 80th anniversary this year. "The Year of the Snake represents opportunities for life-changing transformation and a rebirth," Qu said, calling for solidarity, understanding, and collaboration to achieve a more harmonious and inclusive world. People celebrate the Chinese Year of the Snake at the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Italy, Jan. 23, 2025. (FAO/Handout via Xinhua) People celebrate the Chinese Year of the Snake at the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Italy, Jan. 23, 2025. (FAO/Handout via Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A woman who was fatally injured in Plymouth earlier this week is a university lecturer who shell-shocked neighbours described as a 'lovely' person, MailOnline can reveal. Claire Chick, 48, a lecturer in adult nursing at Plymouth University, was allegedly killed in the street in the West Hoe area on Wednesday night, sparking a large-scale police manhunt. On Thursday, Paul Butler, 53, was named as the only suspect. Police said last night he had been arrested on suspicion of murder and was in custody. Claire's home in the West Hoe area was where dozens of police units rushed to her aid following a reported stab wound shortly before 9pm on Wednesday night. She was rushed to hospital by paramedics - but tragically pronounced dead. Devon and Cornwall Police said it would be referring itself to watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to previous contact with Claire. Neighbours on the city-centre street where Claire owned a home described their shock of her death on Thursday. One resident who knew her told MailOnline: 'It's a huge shock, we only chatted to her a couple of days ago.' Claire Chick, 48, was allegedly killed in the street in the West Hoe area on Wednesday night sparking a major police search Claire's (pictured) home in the West Hoe area was where dozens of police units rushed to her aid following a reported stab wound shortly before 9pm on Wednesday night Paul Butler (pictured), 53, was named as the only suspect with police confirming that he has now been arrested They continued: 'She was lovely, she moved in a couple of years ago and worked at the University, she was undertaking a PhD and lecturing in nursing. 'Police raided the house around 10pm last night - they just told us to stay indoors. 'She'd been away recently on business and when she came back she decided she didn't want to live here while she was down the road so she got an apartment in West Hoe. 'She'd only just moved her stuff in last week. She has a son and a daughter.' During a press conference on Thursday, prior to Butler's arrest, Chief Inspector of Local Policing Tom Cunningham declined to say whether the suspect was known to the police. The force said last night following his detention it would refer itself to the IOPC due to prior contact with Claire. It said in a statement: 'Paul Antony Butler, 53, who was wanted in connection to the death of a woman in Plymouth has been located and arrested in Liskeard. 'He is currently in police custody having been arrested on suspicion of murder. 'Police were notified last night, Wednesday 22 January, to reports of a woman serious injured on West Hoe Road. Paramedics attended the scene where she was taken to hospital. Sadly, the woman, who was in her 40s, was pronounced deceased. 'Our thoughts are with her family at this time who we are continuing to support. 'Officers would like to thank the local community for their assistance and their patience while our enquiries continue into this incident. 'A mandatory referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous contact with the victim. This is normal procedure in these circumstances. 'Members of the public can report information that may help the wider investigation through our Major Incident Public Portal.' Claire (pictured), who died on Thursday, was a lecturer in adult nursing at Plymouth University Butler is pictured wearing a fancy dress lifeguard costume in a picture taken from social media Butler was named as the only suspect over Claire's death on Thursday Police erected a police cordon between Great Western Road and West Hoe Road after a woman was found 'seriously injured' in the street The force previously described the attack as 'an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the wider public'. Forensic officers worked through the night, with evidence markers and blood seen spattered on the pavement, and remained on scene on Thursday morning. Describing the scene, an eyewitness said: '(It) is not looking very good. 'When I arrived on the scene the incident was in its early stages and armed police had been deployed. 'Then 15 minutes later a police area response team had arrived.' Another witness said: 'I've seen somebody being given CPR. 'It feels like every police officer on duty tonight in Plymouth is here.' A massive police presence was seen at the scene of the attack in Plymouth on Thursday Armed police swarmed areas of Plymouth on Wednesday following reports of a 'serious assault' in the city Rachel Reeves was accused of trying to undo her own damage as she watered down her planned crackdown on non-doms yesterday. Amid growing fears about an exodus of wealth creators from the UK, the Chancellor said she had listened to concerns and would amend her plans. Ms Reeves told an event at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the Government will make changes that will result in tax treatment that is more generous to some individuals. It came as Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds hinted that Labour could also alter its flagship workers rights package - which businesses say is loading them with costs and red tape. The comment added to a series of leaks and announcements this week as ministers seek to win back the trust of businesses left scarred by last Octobers tax-raising Budget. Ms Reeves told an event hosted by the Wall Street Journal: We have been listening to the concerns that have been raised by the non-dom community. And in the finance bill, we will be tabling an amendment which makes more generous the temporary repatriation facility, which enables non-doms to bring money into the UK without paying significant taxes. Mr Reynolds said: There is a tweak... of course when youre changing a tax regime... there will be some uncertainty. We welcome people coming to the UK. Rachel Reeves (pictured) was accused of trying to undo her own damage as she watered down her planned crackdown on non-doms yesterday Labour veteran MP Diane Abbott accusing the Chancellor of listening to the international billionaire class, but not to freezing British pensioners On Labours workers rights plan, the Business Secretary said that while it would not be watered down after consultations, the vast majority of concerns about it would be addressed. Critics said the minor tweaks to the non-dom plan would do little to stop the exodus of millionaires fleeing Britain over the crackdown. And Tory business spokesman Andrew Griffith said: Having trashed wealth creators and businesses, Rachel Reeves is now trying to undo her own damage. Any U-turn is welcome but this one is like turning off the ice cube maker in the cocktail bar of the Titanic. Meanwhile Labour veteran MP Diane Abbott accusing the Chancellor of listening to the international billionaire class, but not to freezing British pensioners. The current non-dom scheme allows individuals living in Britain but domiciled overseas to avoid paying tax on income from abroad for up to 15 years. That is being scrapped, in changes introduced by previous Tory chancellor Jeremy Hunt, in favour of a scheme that allows new arrivals to the UK to avoid taxes on foreign income for their first four years of residency. After that they will pay tax at the same rate as everybody else. Under a temporary arrangement being introduced as the new rules come into effect in April, non-doms can bring overseas wealth in the UK and pay tax on it at a reduced rate for three years. The Labour manifesto put the non-dom crackdown at the heart of the government plans, using revenues to fund a range of policies Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds hinted that Labour could also alter its flagship workers rights package - which businesses say is loading them with costs and red tape But there have been complaints that complex rules over the treatment of money held in trusts would exclude them for the scheme. The Treasury said these were now being simplified. Pressure to change the non-dom rules has intensified over the coming months amid fears that the crackdown and tax hikes announced in the Budget were driving international investors away and damaging the economy. Recent figures showed that a net 10,800 millionaires left Britain last year, a 157 per cent increase on the previous year. Rishi Khosla, chief executive OakNorth bank, this week told the Mail that it meant the UK was losing growth drivers, who are the people who effectively have the entrepreneurial ambition. Treasury officials denied yesterdays announcement was a U-turn, saying the changes had been in the pipeline since before the Budget. A spokesman said: They reflect our continued engagement with stakeholders to make sure the reforms announced at Budget operate as intended. The Temporary Repatriation Facility is designed to encourage non-doms to bring their funds to the UK, encouraging them to spend and invest this money here. Downing Street said the tweaks do not change our approach to replacing the outdated non-dom tax regime with a new internationally competitive resident-based system. But Dominic Lawrance, partner at law firm Charles Russell Speechlys, said: If the Governments only proposed solution is making minor changes to the TRF, it seems the Treasury is still failing to understand the issues which are driving this economically catastrophic development. Tory business spokesman Andrew Griffith said: Having trashed wealth creators and businesses, Rachel Reeves is now trying to undo her own damage' If the exodus is to stopped, far more radical change is needed. The latest announcement looks very much like a rearrangement of deck chairs on a stricken liner. Ms Reeves and Mr Reynolds have been in Davos seeking to woo investors and global chief executives to Britain. And they have sought to demonstrate their commitment to growth with a series of interventions including a signal that they will back a third runway for Heathrow and the ousting of the boss of the competition watchdog. Meanwhile Ms Reeves is under pressure to scrap Inheritance Tax after a poll found it is seen as the most unfair of all levies. The survey by Public First revealed that 55 per cent of Britons back cutting or abolishing IHT, with only 21 per cent supporting the current rate and 10 per cent wanting it to be increased. John OConnell, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance which commissioned the poll, said: Our political leaders now need to listen to the electorate that put them in office and scrap inheritance tax once and for all. CNN CEO Mark Thompson defended his decision to layoff 200 workers and promised increased investment but a change in strategy following the Thursday bloodbath. An insider told DailyMail.com Thursday that they made huge cuts to their TV division because it has become so 'bloated' and overstaffed with people who do the bare minimum. The layoffs are concentrated in CNN's TV business, where ratings have tumbled as consumers cut off cable and seek other news sources. They will eventually be offset by new hires in digital, where Warner Bros. Discovery is making a $70 million investment, CNN said. Thompson, making the biggest headlines of his 18-month tenure in charge of the network, said in an interview that they were not trying to save money. 'This is not a cost-saving exercise, we're actually leaning in with increased investments,' he said. However, a source told DailyMail.com that: 'Layoffs all the time - they needed to cut the fat.' CNN's transformation 'isn't and can't be a single set of changes but a process of investment, experimentation and adaptation that will last years,' Thompson said in a memo to CNN staff. CNN CEO Mark Thompson defended his decision to layoff 200 workers and promises increased investment but a change in strategy following the Thursday bloodbath An insider told DailyMail.com Thursday that they made huge cuts to their TV division because it has become so 'bloated' and overstaffed with people who do the bare minimum 'Our objective is a simple one: to shift CNN's gravity towards the platforms and products where the audience themselves are shifting.' However, there is a clear edict for journalists to be more professional and impartial in the second era of Donald Trump. 'I think we need to quietly and patiently get on with our jobs as journalists,' he said. Thompson said he wanted CNN to distinguish itself with hard-hitting journalism and fact-checking to let viewers make up their own minds on issues. He noted Abby Phillip's prime-time program as one of the few in cable news that allows people with widely divergent views to debate issues. Layoffs have either taken place or are anticipated across the news industry. C CNN's ratings have taken a hit since the election of President Donald Trump, a longtime critic of the network. The network averaged 1.7 million viewers for Trump's inauguration this week, compared to 8 million for Joe Biden's inaugural four years ago, though audience can fluctuate based on the political stance of the person being inaugurated. CNN's transformation 'isn't and can't be a single set of changes but a process of investment, experimentation and adaptation that will last years,' Thompson said in a memo to CNN staff CNN's ratings have taken a hit since the election of President Donald Trump, a longtime critic of the network CNN announced Thursday it was developing a product that would allow consumers to watch a TV-like video stream on any device, although it won't be TV simulcast. There was no estimated launch date. Under Thompson, CNN has quietly redesigned and offered new features on its CNN.com website. Late last year, it instituted a $3.99 monthly and $29.99 yearly subscription for its heaviest users, and is working on new online products in areas like lifestyle, weather and sports. The failing TV business announced a restructuring that includes new roles for personalities like Wolf Blitzer, Jake Tapper and Audie Cornish. It's the boldest revamp yet in the 18-month tenure of CEO Mark Thompson, a former chief executive at The New York Times and BBC called upon by parent company Warner Bros. Discovery to revive the news outlet's flagging fortunes. The network announced a series of schedule changes: veteran anchor Blitzer's 'Situation Room' will move from the evening to 10 a.m. Eastern, where he will be joined by Pamela Brown. Tapper's two-hour show will now begin at 5 p.m.; Cornish will host 'CNN This Morning' beginning at 6 a.m.; Kasie Hunt will host a new show, 'The Arena,' at 4 p.m.; and Rahel Solomon will do a show, '5 Things,' at 5 a.m. Left out for now is current late morning host Jim Acosta, a frequent Trump sparring partner during the president's first term. After the layoffs were confirmed, The LA Times penned a report indicating that Acosta may now 'exit the network, according to people familiar with his thinking.' The network is in talks with Acosta - an anchor who often found himself at odds with Trump - about a new role While big names like Kaitlan Collins will be spared, CNN's TV lineup is facing a dramatic restructure He's negotiating a new role, CNN said, after he reportedly balked at a late-night assignment. Besides cord-cutting, the television network's biggest challenge is reaching Trump supporters who consider the network enemy territory. The source added that the network is 'very duplicative' - with many workers whose roles closely overlap - and that it is a 'money pit.' In a statement issued Thursday morning, Thompson warned that future is still unclear - while revealing to The New York Times how CNN is now set to roll out a streaming service that will feature all of its most well-known stars. The layoffs, as a result, will affect the network's traditional TV operations, he said - though it still remains unclear if any big names were affected. CNN has yet to say whether any big name TV stars are among those being shown the door. The old Times and BBC boss was initially brought in in 2023 to lead the network, and ratings have since dropped more than 20 percent. Adding insult to injury was the network's struggles on election day, with primetime ratings falling even more since. Following a Trump presidency and a term from Biden, it is losing to Fox News and even MSNBC. This comes after years of it enjoying the top spot in terms of cable news, something Thompson could not help but mention in his statement. Thompson - once the chief executive of The Times - told the paper he is replacing Jim Acostas 10 am show with 'The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown,' confirming reports that emerged last week Thompson said he wanted CNN to distinguish itself with hard-hitting journalism and fact-checking to let viewers make up their own minds on issues. He noted Abby Phillip's prime-time program as one of the few in cable news that allows people with widely divergent views to debate issues 'In the end, this is about CNN being - as it has been in its history - an indispensable way in which many, many millions of people get their news,' he told the Times of the layoffs, initially reported in November. He also revealed how CNN is now set to roll out a streaming service - one that will serve as a potential replacement to its TV programming. 'This is a moment where the digital story feels like an existential question,' he told the paper he led for almost eight years. 'If we do not follow the audiences to the new platforms with real conviction and scale, our future prospects will not be good.' Thompson also told his staff the future of the network is digital - and that giving people the news they want, when they want it, is the nature of the beast. A streaming service could combat bottlenecks created by certain shows airing at scheduled times, he said. The British media exec also revealed another digital venture set to come later this year - a subscription product surrounding 'lifestyle' content. The content would cater to those interested in food and fitness. That said, Thompson refused to offer any more details. Both efforts, he said, are funded by a $70million investment from parent company Warner Bros Discovery, the multibillion-dollar behemoth created by a $43billion merger in 2022. The layoffs, meanwhile, come as longtime stars like Anderson Cooper continue to take home salaries of $20million Thompson has also told staff how he wanted them to keep their biases to themselves, and refrain from honing in on the president's criminal history Months after the merger, Thompson filled the position left by then-languishing leader Chris Licht, following the ouster of longtime leader Jeff Zucker in 2022 over consensual relationship with key lieutenant. Under Zucker, CNN had decidedly better numbers in primetime, around 1.25 million. Today, it's under 700,000. Right-leaning Fox hosts like Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters, Sean Hannity, and Greg Gutfeld over on Fox News have since stolen the limelight, averaging 2.8 million viewers in the same timeslots today. That's the most in a field currently being affected by streaming, as well as a changing cable audience as more and more Americans ditch more traditional sources of media for content and apps available on smart phones and computers. Before Thompson was brought on, CNN already subject to a failure on that front in the form of CNN+, which was pulled after just a month in early 2022. Then, 16 months later, the nixed streaming service was effectively replaced by CNN Max, which is still available and includes access to Warner Bros. Discovery brands like HBO, Food Network and HGTV. However, only some of the station's signature shows are available, such as CNN Newsroom, which, following Thursday's announcement, will no longer feature Acosta. Before the layoffs were confirmed, The LA Times penned a report indicating that Acosta may now 'exit the network, according to people familiar with his thinking.' CNN has already begun laying off the first of what is set to be hundreds of staffers as mainstream media begins to cut jobs with Donald Trump returning to the White House President Trump commented on the matter on Truth Social The paper obtained memo sent to staffers once the layoffs went through, in which Thompson said 'The changes were announcing today are part of an ongoing response by this great news organization to profound shifts in the way audiences in America consume news. 'Its the early days, but weve already established that theres immense demand for it not just in America but around the world.' CNNs website launched a $3.99 paywall in October, joining several other news stations and publications in doing so. The decision came months after it laid off 100 employees. The more recent wave amounts to 6 percent of the station's work force. Thompson has been calling for more digital progress on CNN's part for nearly two years, during which time staff repeatedly indicated to other outlets that changes were coming. Among these changes have been a push toward vertical videos, Thompson said - pointing to the plethora of shorter clips found on apps like Instagram. 'You can use your thumb to flick from a CNN news story to a CNN anchor to a reporter,' he said of the form of media delivery popular with younger people who peruse news on their phones. 'Thats a really interesting experiment,' he said, with plans to publish 50 to 100 of these videos per day. That's not the only experiment Thompson is wrapped up in, though - with the other being an abrupt tone-down in Trump reporting. Those planes emerged in the form of insider statements sent around this week, the day before Trump's swearing-in, detailing how Thompson told staff how he wanted them to keep biases to themselves, and refrain from honing in on Trump's criminal history. He 'made it clear that he did not want the coverage to relitigate the past', former CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy, in his Status newsletter, wrote at the time, adding that all the network's biggest names, including Jake Tapper and Anderon Cooper, were in attendance. Last month, The Ankler reported that Tapper and Blitzer were denied raises, and that officials had been mulling a pay cut for Chris Wallace. Wallace has since resigned, as insiders said would have likely been on the receiving end of a pay cut if he had decided to stay. The 77-year-old had reportedly been making $7 million a year, while Cooper continues to take home $20million. For many, this week's inauguration turned the page on years of poisoned politics. For seemingly insatiable love-hound Don Trump Jr., it also represented the chance for him to sample a saucy new chapter. Just weeks ago, the First Son sloppily split with his years-long fiancee Kimberly Guilfoyle, who despite the brutal breakup has remained painfully loyal to a President with whom she's long enjoyed a cozy relationship going back to his civilian days and hers as a Fox News anchor. It's a tale as old as Trump: Kim, 55, saw her MAGA-mance shatter when a decades-younger socialite waltzed into the picture last month. Palm Beach party girl Bettina Anderson, 38, was papped holding Doltish Don's hand and it was all as good as over. Adding insult to ignominy, Don Senior announced he'd be carting Kimberly off to Greece in an ambassadorial role and all she could do was drink the ouzo and thank him. Ever since, Trump watchers have been anxiously wondering aloud if this pointy love triangle would publicly pierce the facade of a perfect First Family at the inauguration. In the end, it seems wily new Chief of Staff Susie Wiles got hold of the seating plan and artfully placed Don's two leading ladies on opposite sides of the Rotunda floor. (Nowhere near the presidential party and no chance of any handbag bashing!) Just weeks ago, the First Son sloppily split with his years-long fiancee Kimberly Guilfoyle (pictured), who despite the brutal breakup has remained painfully loyal to a President with whom she's long enjoyed a cozy relationship. Ever since, Trump watchers have been anxiously wondering aloud if this pointy love triangle would publicly pierce the facade of a perfect First Family at the inauguration (Kimberly is pictured at the inauguration). Palm Beach party girl Bettina Anderson, 38, was papped holding Doltish Don's hand and it was all as good as over. (They are pictured together on January 18). But what it signified to me is that while Kim might be on the out, she'll never go away. For she supplies in spades the one thing Donald Trump demands: loyalty. She knows where the bodies are buried and, more important, truly believes that the MAGA mission trumps any desire to preserve her dignity and make herself scarce. Outfitted in a few buxom revenge frocks and armed with her megawatt trout-pout, she danced and cavorted through DC this week at all of Don Jr.'s events, even appearing with him on stage at the Hispanic Inaugural Ball as if they were still sharing the same toothbrush. And good for her. Because I couldn't help but feel Kamala and Kimberly were having the same day on Monday putting on an obligatory smile as they watched their rival snatch the job they so desperately wanted. But at least Kimberly can comfort herself with this juicy nugget: I hear rumors that Team Trump is very concerned about the risks Don Jr's new romance could pose to the administration, with the word 'liability' allegedly being used in more than one conversation to describe blonde Bettina. One wonders: What does Bettina want out of this? Fame, access to power or, as one inside source suggested, a cushy role in the White House? Kimberly danced and cavorted through DC this week at all of Don Jr.'s events, even appearing with him on stage at the Hispanic Inaugural Ball as if they were still sharing the same toothbrush (pictured). One wonders: What does Bettina want out of this? Fame, access to power or, as one inside source suggested, a cushy role in the White House? (She is pictured in her inauguration attire). Don appears to be betting the farm on Bettina but, as a woman who's lived a few lives myself, a word of advice: if you play your heart too fast and loose, many more people than your ex-fiance will end up getting hurt. Indeed, top of mind is Kai, Don Jr's 17-year-old teen-fluencer who's already living life faster than Grandad's churning out executive orders. But don't cry for Kimberly just yet, Argentina. Her new Greek posting could turn out to be just the tonic. In fact, for a woman who has a penchant for entertaining and hitching her wagon to influential men, the last laugh you hear might be from a Santorini terrace as she toasts to a poutier, more powerful next chapter. Lauren's rotundas You gotta hand it to Lauren Sanchez for displaying her dowry at the inauguration in a peekaboo bridal-white brassiere that sent the assembled tech nerds through instant puberty. I imagine Zuck was particularly happy to finally see the fleshy real deal after spending so much time in his Meta VR headset! Hats off I, for one, appreciated the subtle nod to comical espionage in Melania's 'Spy vs. Spy' kiss-proof chapeau. It also hid her eyes so she could perhaps freely roll them at Dr. Jill and Kamala all day long. I imagine Zuck was particularly happy to finally see the fleshy real deal after spending so much time in his Meta VR headset! Best dressed Kai Trump stole the show in her gifted Sherri Hill gown. The only missing accessory was a hat to match step-granny Melania and Auntie Ivanka. (They're particularly useful for keeping your head on your shoulders amid all the temptation this second act as the First Family has to offer!) Heil hoax Enough with the preposterous Elon-Nazi comparisons after the awkward and gangly billionaire was snapped with his hand outstretched after placing it on his heart and telling a crowd: 'My heart is with you!' Predictable progressives like AOC made it seem like his heart was with the Third Reich and called it a 'Heil Hitler salute'. Do these desperate Dems not have real jobs? Oh wait A newborn baby is fighting for its life after being abandoned on a Texas sidewalk during below-freezing temperatures. The child was discovered by a 34-year-old man on a pavement near the San Antonio Fire Department Station #1 at 515 N Cherry St at around 3am on January 21, according to the San Antonio Express News. 'The newborn was inside a basket wrapped up in a towel breathing weakly with the umbilical cord still attached,' officials said in the report. The Good Samaritan handed the baby over to the San Antonio Police Department's bike patrol substation in the 400 block of East Commerce Street. The baby was taken to a nearby hospital and remains in a critical condition. Officials have identified a 28 and 27-year-old women as suspects. As of now, they are being questioned and no arrests have been made. According to the Weather Channel, temperatures had fallen to 28 degrees Fahrenheit and northerly winds were between 13 to 15 miles per hour when the baby was found. Since the incident, San Antonio officials have reminded locals of the Safe Haven laws that allow parents to anonymously give up unharmed infants to designated safe places without fear of prosecution. A newborn baby found with their umbilical cord still attached is fighting for its life after they were found by a 34-year-old man on a pavement near the San Antonio Fire Department's Station #1 at 515 N. Cherry St at around 3am on January 21 Since being launched in 2016, Safe Haven Baby Boxes have provided parents a discreet and secure option to surrender their newborns. The non profit's policy states that any parent can leave a baby under 30 days old without legal consequences. The medical-grade boxes are installed in the exterior wall of a medical building. An exterior door automatically locks when a newborn is placed inside, and a medical staff member opens an interior door to secure the baby. Boxes are available in more than a dozen states. Since 2017, 52 infants have been surrendered at the organization's baby box locations. 'SAPD wants to remind anyone who feels they are unable to care for a newborn, they can bring the newborn to a designated safe place with no questions asked,' police said in a statement. Data from December 2024 showed a rise in the number of newborn babies found abandoned in Texas, which has since raised urgent questions about women's reproductive health. The Good Samaritan handed them over to the San Antonio Police Department's bike patrol substation in the 400 block of East Commerce Street Officials have identified a 28 and 27-year-old women as suspects. As of now, they are being questioned and no arrests have been made Since being launched in 2016, Safe Haven Baby Boxes have provided parents a discreet and secure option to surrender their newborns At least 18 babies have been abandoned in the Lone Star state this year, with one found just before Christmas at a Whataburger fast food chain in San Antonio. A decade ago, the number of abandoned babies per year sat at just seven. It is not clear whether or not there is a common link between the increasingly common tragedies. However, the alarming rate of abandonment is happening in a state with one of the country's most restrictive abortion bans. In Texas, the law makes no exceptions for victims of rape or incest as it pertains to abortion, yet, the state yields one of the nation's highest birth rates. Currently, the southwestern state sits next to last on the rankings for women's health and reproductive care, according to the Commonwealth Fund, which supports independent research on such issues. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available President Trump's hardline Border Czar Tom Homan savagely responded to a viral rant by a Haitian migrant who screamed 'I'm not going back to Haiti' while being detained. 'Well, he's wrong,' Homan shot back in an appearance on Fox News. 'He's going back to Haiti.' Footage of the Haitian migrant resisting his deportation made the rounds on social media Thursday as bystanders captured the moment he was arrested by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement during a deportation raid. The migrant, who reportedly has a lengthy criminal record, shouted 'f*** Trump, Biden forever!' as he was hauled into custody. It came as the Trump administration has started rounding up violent undocumented immigrants in sanctuary cities all over the country, with the man in Thursday's video alleged to be the leader of a Haitian gang. The agitated Haitian migrant, who wasn't named but who has 17 recent convictions, said he 'ain't going back to Haiti' as he was placed in a police car. Fox News accompanied ICE during the roundups and shared footage of the arrests. 'Thank Obama for everything he did for me, bro!' the migrant added. ICE officers in Boston said they also arrested multiple MS-13 gang members in the Boston raids, with Patricia Hyde, ICE Boston Acting Director, telling Fox News: 'Today was a good day. Today we took several significant public safety threats out of our communities.' A Haitian migrant and suspected gang leader shouted 'F**k Trump, Biden forever!' when he was arrested by ICE in Boston 'Well, he's wrong,' President Trump's Border Czar Homan said in response to the video. 'He's going back to Haiti' The Haitian migrant unleashed a profanity-filled rant as he was taken into custody VP JD Vance reacted to the Haitian migrant's outburst, writing on X: 'An illegal alien with 17 criminal convictions really hates President Trump for sending him back to Haiti' Hyde continued in her remarks: 'Unfortunately, a lot were released by sanctuary policies. 'But were here to tell the Commonwealth and the rest of the country that we're going to find them, whether theyre released or not.' During the roundups, ICE also made one collateral arrest of an undocumented migrant, which Homan had previously warned would be a part of the ICE roundups after President Trump ordered mass deportations. 'When we find the bad guy, theres probably others. Others that are in the United States illegally. They may not be a criminal priority but were not walking away from them,' he said. Vice President JD Vance reacted to the Haitian migrant's outburst, writing on X: 'An illegal alien with 17 criminal convictions really hates President Trump for sending him back to Haiti. 'He's grateful to Biden for letting him come here. I'm glad we're deporting him. Do you agree or would you like him as your neighbor?' The Boston ICE raids come as Denver, a Democrat-run sanctuary city, announced it will cooperate with the Trump administration's plans for undocumented immigrants. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said the city will cooperate with ICE agents in the cases of violent criminals. 'The whole state is bound by our state law in this, which is pretty consistent in some of these practices like everywhere in the state, we dont honor ICE detainers,' Johnston told FOX31. 'If ICE calls and says, Will you hold someone for three more days? That doesnt happen in Douglas County or Yuma or in Denver. A lot of these practices are similar statewide, but we think ours finds a common-sense balance of making sure were not having our local police doing federal law enforcement, thats not our job, were not going to do ICEs job for them. During the Boston roundups, ICE made one collateral arrest of an undocumented migrant ICE officers in Boston said they also arrested multiple MS-13 gang members in the Boston raids 'But, if they call for information on folks we have in custody, well let them know when were releasing them.' Federal immigration agents started rounding up undocumented immigrants in the Denver area, following through on a campaign promise by the Trump Administration to deport migrants who have broken the law, DailyMail.com exclusively revealed. Arrests began on Monday, when President Trump took the oath of office, and have spread throughout the state. ICE in the Rocky Mountain State has been detaining migrants with pending criminals cases, police sources confirmed. 'ICE agents are doing their job-- the job they should have been doing for the last four years,' former Colorado Immigration Enforcement director John Fabbricatore told DailyMail.com. 'This is an all-hands-on-deck situation where they are using all the agents they have at their disposal.' Homan confirmed Tuesday afternoon that deportations are happening but didn't give any details about where they were happening. 'These cases were already in the hopper. They've done the surveillance on them, they have good case notes, and they're just hitting those cases that they were not allowed to hit prior,' the former ICE director added. Fabbricatore explained the Biden Administration had handcuffed agents from making arrests like this. Democratic Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said the city will cooperate with ICE agents in the cases of violent criminals ICE in the Rocky Mountain state has been detaining migrants with pending criminals cases, police sources confirmed 'There were these priorities that were put out that limited you, like you couldn't go after DUIs. You couldn't go after a basic drug possession. The Biden Administration made these priorities that kept you from going after criminals,' he shared. Non-criminal migrants who have a final order from a judge to leave the country are also being picked up, although at least 85 percent of those being sought have criminal records. 'Potentially, that person may not be a criminal but they still have gone through the immigration process, seen an immigration judge and refused to leave,' Fabbricatore stated. Law enforcement cautioned that these are not raids, meaning they aren't fishing for any person who might be in the US illegally. Instead, they're calling this 'targeted enforcement' meaning agents have already done homework on who these people are and why they are being detained. They also explained similar arrests are happening across the country, but they don't look like the raids everyone expected. The wife of a black real estate developer who was accused of chasing a white mother around the neighborhood has revealed why she decided to share the shocking doorbell camera video. Brittany Jenkins, the wife of DaMichael Jenkins, posted footage from her front porch on the night of November 19 showing a so-called 'stroller Karen' confronting her husband - and refusing to believe that he lived in the affluent Ohio neighborhood. The woman, who has since been identified as Michelle Bishop, claimed that DaMichael had been following her and her two young children in his truck. She tried seeking refuge at a nearby home - and was shocked when DaMichael pulled his truck into the driveway and got out, telling the worried mother that he lived there. 'I don't believe that,' Bishop said, before taking off with her son in her arms and her daughter following close behind - leaving the stroller to fall off the Jenkins' porch. She then ran around the neighborhood, hysterically crying for 'help.' In the aftermath, Brittany said that she filed a police report and posted the doorbell footage on a community Facebook group once the homeowners' association 'ghosted' her. 'It took a lot for me to do that,' Brittany told Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco on the Nightcap podcast. Michelle Bishop showed up on the Jenkins' front porch the night of November 19, claiming that the homeowner was following her and her children Brittany and DaMichael Jenkins discussed the incident on a recent episode of Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco's Nightcap podcast But, she said, the incident has resulted in a lack of trust within their community, and she now worries about her two sons walking the family dog after dark. She said they now feel 'unwelcome and unsafe' in their own neighborhood where they have been living for the past three years, and built their home from the ground up. 'We have two boys and he leads our family; he protects our family,' Brittany said of her husband. 'It's a lot of weight, it's a lot of pain, it's a lot of emotion.' 'Not once has this person reached out to give us a sincere apology,' she added on the podcast Tuesday night - though Bishop has disputed those claims. 'I have made multiple attempts to apologize directly to the Jenkins family, in addition to apologizing in the moment and through public videos,' she told DailyMail.com. 'The claim that I have not offered a sincere apology is inaccurate.' Bishop also released two groveling apology videos, spending nearly half an hour last week on Facebook live trying to explain her side of the story. But she was met with backlash, as some commenters accused her of racial profiling and not taking accountability for the race-driven mistake. 'Just apologize and say you were wrong. Stop making excuses,' one comment read. 'You were not being chased, so why did you say you were being chased? Its not a misunderstanding. This lie could have killed that man. Save the tears! The least you could do is take responsibility for your actions,' another added. Bishop has made two apology videos on her Facebook, and shared the death threats she received in the aftermath After initially confronting Jenkins on his front porch, Bishop returned to the house with her husband to pick up the stroller she left behind. Then, on Wednesday night - one day after the Jenkins' podcast appearance, Bishop posted another video and held back her tears when apologizing to the couple. 'First and foremost - DaMichael and Brittany Jenkins, from the bottom of my heart and my family's heart, I am so sorry for the way that I made you guys feel that night. I understand why you felt that way, I get it. I truly do. It was the worst timing and the biggest misunderstanding,' she began. Bishop went on to say that she was seeking forgiveness and never wanted to make anyone feel excluded. She denied that it was a 'malicious, racial profiling incident' and said that she's received death threats, resulting in the temporary closure of her business, a fitness brand called The Ladies Edge. Text messages reviewed by Dailymail.com revealed threats that read, 'YOU & your kids need to die slow,' and 'Bye bye CEO [laughing emoji] now your husband gonna be a single dad.' But Bishop has claimed she grew suspicious of DaMichael when she saw him driving slowly around the neighborhood. He has since explained that he was simply admiring his Christmas decorations that night. After initially confronting Jenkins on his front porch, Bishop returned to the house with her husband to pick up the stroller she left behind. Brittany then answered the door, and asked the woman why she was afraid of her husband - making sure to tell Bishop that he did, in fact, live at the home. Jenkins said he now considers his experience a test from God, and he and his wife said they want to use the story to educate others on how to remain calm in difficult situations Bishop's husband then interjected and said that she thought she was being 'chased.' Brittany informed the couple that Jenkins lived there and wasn't chasing her. At that point, Jenkins came out of the house and said he didn't understand how he could've scared her, telling her he was just looking at the Christmas lights. 'Well, you just have to understand my point of view - being by myself, I have two kids,' she said. When she was asked why she didn't believe Jenkins was the homeowner, she claimed, 'It was the way that you were talking, I was really caught off-guard.' Following the short back-and-forth the Bishop family finally left the Jenkins' residence. But as the video went viral, the Jenkins' were asked to share their experience. On the Nightcap podcast, DaMichael recounted how he had to 'control my emotions' when Bishop said she didn't believe he was a resident 'because I knew where it could have escalated. 'I'm thinking, "Well what if she had a gun? Would she have been running or would I have been running?"' he told Sharpe and Johnson. When Bishop then left the house screaming, DaMichael said he started to worry. 'At that point - now I'm in fear. I'm in fear because I know what we face as black men in America,' he explained. Brittany has said her family received backlash from the community for posting the video, and she now worries about her two sons walking the family dog at night Then, when Bishop and her husband showed up back at their house that night, DaMichael initially decided to stay inside. 'I don't know if she's going to call police,' he said. 'I'm pacing back and forth. I don't know what's about to happen. If the police pull up... anything can happen. We knew they'd side with them.' Eventually, though, he said he decided to join his wife on the porch, determined to stay calm while also taking a stand. 'I had to let them know I do live here,' DaMichael explained. 'A black man does live here... I had to show my face.' He now considers his experience a test from God, and he and his wife said they want to use the story to educate others on how to remain calm in difficult situations. 'I didn't ask for her to show up on my porch,' Jenkins said in his podcast appearance. 'This is God's move - this is God telling me that people need to hear your story. You need to inspire. You need to tell people what's going on and use this so that hopefully - this won't happen again.' Elon Musk's new Department of Governmental Efficiency suffered a setback just days after its formal creation with the departure of top staff lawyer Bill McGinley. The agency, which Trump announced with exuberance during the presidential transition, has already suffered some awkward early steps including the departure of one of its announced heads, former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Instead, he is mulling a run for governor of Ohio an election that won't take place until 2026. Now, it has been revealed just days into the administration that the panel's top lawyer is leaving. Attorney Bill McGinley is now departing to pursue opportunities in the private sector, the Wall Street Journal reported. 'I am in discussions regarding a number of private sector opportunities and will have something to announce in the next couple of weeks,' he told the paper. 'I support President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the great teams in the White House and across the administration 100%.' It's just the latest unusual twist for a government entity that President Trump's team said would slash $2 trillion from government costs. When it was first announced, it was to be an entity outside government. The world's richest man, Elon Musk, was to co-run the organization along with Ramaswamy. Instead, Trump signed an executive order creating an agency inside the executive branch. In fact, it redesignated an existing organization, the U.S. Digital Service, to create the DOGE. William J. McGinley will no longer serve as counsel to the new Department of Government Efficiency, according to a new report McGinley is a partner at Holtzman Vogel with two decades practicing law in Washington. He previously served as Cabinet Secretary in the White House and representing the Senate Republican campaign arm and the RNC, giving him a wealth of legal experience in politics. Much of his role would be defending the legal challenges to cuts and reorganizations proposed by the DOGE, which shares the name with a Musk cryptocurrency. Outside groups sued minutes after Trump began his presidency, arguing it was operating as a federal advisory committee and subject to an act bearing the same name. Even McGinley's exact role has been topsy turvy. Trump had first announced he would be McGinley as White House counsel, a job that would put him at the epicenter of some of Trump's most fraught decisions, as House January 6 Committee testimony revealed. Instead, his role with DOGE was announced weeks after the initial release. Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and X, is overseeing the DOGE alone after the departure of Vivek Ramaswamy President Trump commented on Musk's attacks on Sam Altman days after the announcement of a $500 billion AI deal dubbed 'Stargate' A Trump transition spokeswoman said at the time of Ramaswamy's move stated that he 'intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE, based on the structure that we announced today.' News of the staff shift came on a day Trump weighed in on Musk's attacks on the $500 billion Stargate AI deal that he announced at the White House this week. Trump explained Musk's extraordinary public attacks on the deal as a personal grievance with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, although Trump didn't mention Altman's name. 'No, he hates one of the people in the deal,' Trump explained, in a reference to Altman. DailyMail.com reached out to McGinley and DOGE for additional comment. Wildlife authorities in Georgia are warning about 'zombie deer disease' after the state's first case. A white-tail deer in Lanier County contracted the devastating neurological disease, according to officials with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. Chronic Wasting Disease is the official name for the ailment, which is only known to affect deer, elk and moose. It got its name because one of the main symptoms is drastic weight loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control. There are no treatments or cures, and infected animals always die if they contract the disease. Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, told citizens that deer hunting could continue despite this news, WSBTV reported. 'I want to assure our hunters that deer hunting will continue to thrive in Georgia, despite this current discovery,' he said. 'Working together with our hunters and all Georgians, we will manage CWD and maintain healthy deer herds.' The disease was discovered in 1967 in mule deer herds being studied by scientists in Colorado. Decades later, it has spread to deer across 36 states. Experts in Colorado warned last year that as many as three quarters of deer are infected in certain parts of the state. One deer in Georgia has tested positive for 'zombie deer disease' or Chronic Wasting Disease Other than shedding body weight rapidly, CWD-infected animals will experience confusion, subtle head tremors, a droopy head and excessive drooling (Pictured: A scientist prepares to remove the antlers of a dead deer suspected to have CWD) Other than shedding body weight rapidly, CWD-infected animals will experience confusion, subtle head tremors, a droopy head and excessive drooling. The disease is transmitted between animals through infected saliva, urine and feces. It's difficult to contain CWD because deer may not show any symptoms for over a year after being infected. Symptoms only appear when the animal is nearing death. Plus, some of the tell-tale signs of CWD could be caused by other things like hemorrhagic disease (often called 'bluetongue'), brain abscesses, or being hit by a vehicle. The only ways to test for CWD are done after death. The lymph nodes can be removed and sent to a lab, or the brain stem can be cut out, which requires the animal to be decapitated. CWD hasn't been known to infect humans, but the CDC says deer which test positive should not be consumed. That's because it's impossible to cook the prions that cause the disease out of the meat. Prions are misshapen proteins that can cause normal proteins in the brain to fold abnormally. This leads to brain damage that causes mental deterioration, involuntary muscle movements and eventually, death. The most common prion disease that is transmissible to humans is Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. A variant of the disease killed people in the United Kingdom who ate infected beef. It was dubbed 'Mad Cow Disease' The most common prion disease that is transmissible to humans is Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). It mimics symptoms seen with Alzheimer's disease, but CJD usually gets worse much faster and is fatal, according to the Mayo Clinic. Cases of CJD are extremely rare, affecting about 350 people in the US per year. Older people, usually in their sixties are the most likely to contract the disease. Most cases are considered 'sporadic,' meaning scientists don't know how the person was infected. About 5 percent to 15 percent of cases are inherited genetically and less than one percent of cases are caused by contaminated blood or tissue transplants during a surgery. (CJD) received public attention in the 1990s when some people in the United Kingdom got sick with a mutated version of the disease. They developed variant CJ, known as vCJD, after eating meat from diseased cattle. The media eventually dubbed it 'Mad Cow Disease.' Sufferers of CJD usually die within a year of getting their first symptoms, which differs from the deer prion disease in that it kills the animal almost as soon as symptoms appear. Amanda Knox has failed in her battle to overturn a slander conviction as Italy's highest court upheld the ruling against her for falsely accusing a man of murdering her British flatmate Meredith Kercher. An appeals court in Florence had last year handed Knox a three-year sentence for wrongly accusing Congolese bar owner Patrick Lumumba of killing Ms Kercher in the city of Perugia in 2007. Knox, 37, served four years in jail for the killing of Ms Kercher before the conviction was annulled in 2015. She was aiming to clear her name in Rome's Court of Cassation in the last legal case against her over the affair. Despite Italy's highest court upholding the slander conviction on Thursday, the three-year sentence she was given for this has no practical impact as it was covered by the time Knox spent in prison. Knox had appealed based on a European Court of Human Rights ruling that said her rights had been violated by the police's failure to provide a lawyer and adequate translator during a long night of questioning just days after the murder. Lumumba welcomed the verdict, saying: 'I am very satisfied. Amanda did wrong, this sentence must accompany her for the rest of her life. I had a good feeling about this since the afternoon. I hail Italian justice with great honour.' Knox, who lives in the United States, did not attend the court, but protested her innocence on X after the verdict. 'It's a surreal day. I've just been found guilty yet again of a crime I didn't commit,' she wrote. Her lawyers also expressed their surprise at the outcome. 'We cannot believe it. A totally unjust decision for Amanda and unexpected in our eyes. We are incredulous, we take note and will read the motivations,' said Knox's lawyer Luca Luparia Donati. Amanda Knox (pictured centre in June 2024) has failed in her battle to overturn a slander conviction in Italy for falsely accusing a man of murdering her British flatmate Meredith Kercher Patrick Lumumba (pictured on Thursday) welcomed the verdict, saying: 'I am very satisfied. Amanda did wrong, this sentence must accompany her for the rest of her life. I had a good feeling about this since the afternoon. I hail Italian justice with great honour' Meredith Kercher (pictured) was tragically murdered in 2007 The ruling should bring an end to a sensational 17-year legal saga that saw Knox and her Italian ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito convicted and acquitted in flip-flop verdicts in 21-year-old Ms Kercher's brutal murder, before being exonerated by the highest Cassation Court in 2015. The slander conviction against Knox remained the last legal stain against her. It survived multiple appeals, and Knox was re-convicted on the charge in June 2024 after a European court ruling that Italy had violated her human rights cleared the way for a new trial. Speaking recently on her Labyrinths podcast, Knox said: 'I hate the fact that I have to live consequences for a crime I did not commit.' Her defence team says she accused Mr Lumumba, who employed her at a bar in the central Italian university town of Perugia, during a long night of questioning and under pressure from police, who they said fed her false information. The European Court of Human Rights found that the police deprived her of a lawyer and provided a translator who acted more as a mediator. 'I've been having nightmares about getting a bad verdict and just living the rest of my life with a shadow hanging over me. It's like a scarlet letter,' Knox said on her podcast. She does not risk any more time in jail, having already served nearly four years during the investigation, initial murder trial and first appeal, but Knox said the aim was to clear her name of all criminal wrongdoing. 'Living with a false conviction is horrific, personally, psychologically, emotionally,' she said on the podcast. 'I'm fighting it, and we'll see what happens.' The ruling should bring an end to a sensational 17-year legal saga that saw Knox and her Italian ex-boyfriend convicted and acquitted in flip-flop verdicts in Ms Kercher's brutal murder, before being exonerated by the highest Cassation Court in 2015 (Knox pictured in 2015) Knox initially accused the Congolese owner of a bar, Patrick Lumumba, (pictured) of killing Ms Kercher FILE - Amanda Knox, center, is escorted by Italian penitentiary police officers to Perugia's court, in Italy, Sept 26, 2008 Meredith Kercher was travelling in Italy at the time of her death Ivory Coast man Rudy Guede, 36, (pictured in 2016) was released from prison in 2021 after serving 13 years for brutally killing Meredith - although he always denied any involvement The Amanda Knox Case: A Timeline November 2, 2007 - The body of Meredith Kercher was discovered. November 3-5, 2007: Knox and Sollecito are suspected. November 6, 2007 - Knox, Sollecito, and Lumumba are arrested. Lumumba is held in custody for two weeks before being released. November 20, 2007 - Rudy Guede is arrested. October 28, 2008 - Guede is convicted of murdering Ms Kercher. December 4, 2009 - Knox and Sollecito are convicted. October 3, 2011 - Knox and Sollecito win their appeal. January 30, 2014 - Knox and Sollecito are again convicted. March 27, 2015 - The definitive acquittal. January 25, 2019 - Knox is awarded $21,000 in compensation. November 23, 2021 - Rudy Guede is released from prison. June 5, 2024 - Knox returned to Italian court to defend herself against slander charge. June 5, 2024 - Court finds her guilty of slander again. January 23, 2025: Italy's highest court upholds slander conviction. Advertisement Knox returned to the United States in 2011, after being freed by an appeals court in Perugia, and has established herself as a global campaigner for the wrongly convicted. She has a new memoir coming out titled Free: My Search For Meaning. Knox returned to Italy in June for the verdict in the slander trial. Knox was a 20-year-old student in the central Italian university town of Perugia when Ms Kercher was found stabbed to death on November 2 2007, in her bedroom in the apartment they shared with two Italian women. The case made global headlines as suspicion quickly fell on Knox and her boyfriend of just days, Mr Sollecito. After eight years of trial, including two appeals to Italy's highest court, they were fully exonerated of the murder in 2015. Another man, Rudy Hermann Guede, from the Ivory Coast, was convicted of murder after his DNA was found at the crime scene. He was freed in 2021, after serving most of his 16-year sentence. The European court ordered Italy to pay Knox damages for the police failures, noting she was particularly vulnerable as a foreign student not fluent in Italian. Italy's high court ordered the new slander trial based on that ruling. It threw out two signed statements drafted by police falsely accusing Mr Lumumba in the murder, and directed the appellate court that the only evidence it could consider was a handwritten letter she later wrote in English attempting to walk back on the accusation. However, the appellate court in its reasoning said that the four-page memo supported a slander finding. On the basis of Knox's statements, Mr Lumumba was brought in for questioning, despite having an ironclad alibi. His business suffered, and he eventually moved to Poland with his Polish wife. He said that Knox 'has never apologised to me'. Joe Biden's press secretary has broken her silence on her mother's private battle with colon cancer, revealing she was basically working 'two full-time jobs' as she cared for her mom during her time in the White House. Karine Jean-Pierre told very few people about her mom's health battle, but has since revealed in Vanity Fair that the then-President was among the inner circle she had confided in. The 50-year-old would drive to New York 'every weekend I could to see my mom', and then returning late at night in order to catch 'a few hours of sleep' before returning to the White House. 'I have been silently working a second full-time job, which is navigating my mother's care,' she said. While her mom, a very private person, had asked her not to tell 'anyone', especially the president, that she was sick, Jean-Pierre admitted that wasn't the only reason she withheld the devastating information. 'I'm the first Black press secretary. The first person of color press secretary. The first openly queer press secretary. The first Haitian American immigrant press secretary. The first press secretary to be all of the above,' she said. 'Being a first meant that my responsibilities were beyond those in the job description, the load heavier. I bear a certain responsibility to the communities I represent.' Jean-Pierre said she was conscious that she never wanted her mother's sickness to be misconscrued as 'an excuse' while she was working. Karine Jean-Pierre told very few people about her mom's health battle, but has since revealed that the then-President was among the inner circle she had confided in The 50-year-old would drive to New York 'every weekend I could to see my mom', and then returning late at night in order to catch 'a few hours of sleep' before returning to the White House 'Society doesn't allow women of color to be vulnerable at work. When you're a first, you don't get the benefit of the doubt,' she said. Her mother is now in remission, after a long and tedious battle with cancer. Jean-Pierre recalled one of the last times she 'recognized [her] mother as the woman I grew up with' - when she joined the press secretary at a state dinner with the Bidens in December 2022. She said it was the first time post-Covid that it felt safe to host a large scale dinner, and that her mother was thrilled to be on the guest list. Her mother told Jean-Pierre it was 'the happiest day of my life.' Jean-Pierre has no regrets about dealing with her grief privately, and feels now is a good time to offer an explanation about 'what Ive been through, and what its like to come from where I come from and sit in the public eye.' During her final press briefing of the Biden administration, Jean-Pierre spent several minutes thanking her colleagues, her family and the president, noting this was the administrations 537th press briefing and her 306th briefing. She said she hoped her visible, public role was an 'inspiration to many young girls out there.' Jean-Pierre (center with her mom and sister) recalled one of the last times she 'recognized [her] mother as the woman I grew up with' - when she joined the press secretary at a state dinner with the Bidens in December 2022 Jean-Pierre copped significant flak last month after Biden pardoned his son , Hunter, despite her repeated assurances he had no such plans Jean-Pierre copped significant flak last month after Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, despite her repeated assurances he had no such plans. But she insisted that the president was a truthful man who only reached his decision the same weekend he made the announcement. 'First of all, one of the things that the president always believes is to be truthful to the American people,' she said. Jean-Pierre desperately tried to cling to an argument that Biden still had faith in the justice system even if it had let down his son. 'Two things could be true,' she said. 'The president does believe in the justice system and Department of Justice, and he also believes that his son was singled out politically.' Hunter Biden pleaded guilty in September to federal tax charges and was due to be sentenced on Dec. 16. A local council in Sydney is once again holding a 'Dawn Reflection' on Australia Day in honour of First Nations people, despite backlash over the event last year. Waverley Council - which incorporates the well-heeled eastern suburbs of Bondi, Bronte, Rose Bay, Tamarama and Dover Heights - said it will feature 'cultural expression from local Knowledge Holders and artists' at sunrise on January 26. The council said the event was to 'acknowledge the resilience and survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their continuous connection to Country and culture as the Traditional Custodians of this land'. Military Cross recipient Michael von Berg told Daily Mail Australia the notion of a dawn service was deeply linked to ANZAC Day and that it was an 'ambush' from council 'sticking it to veterans and all those who have fallen protecting this country'. Mr von Berg said he had no problem with the concept, but that holding it as a dawn event on Australia Day was a clear stunt intended to politicise both Australia Day and ANZAC Day. 'Our Indigenous brothers have fought in every conflict since the Boer War,' Mr von Berg said. 'I've served with many who have never let me down, one who I lost in Vietnam which I'll never forget. The Defence Force is completely colourblind.' Waverley Council held the event last year when mayor Paula Masselos said that Australians voting to not enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the constitution in October 2023 had partially sparked the decision. War hero Michael von Berg said an Australia Day 'dawn reflection' event for First Nations people by a Sydney council was a stunt that 'ambushed' both Australia Day and Anzac Day Waverley Council is again this year sticking with its decision to hold the dawn event at Bondi Beach on Australia Day, similar to the one held on Anzac Day each year (pictured) 'As a Council that is committed to social justice, we understand that January 26 can be a difficult day for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and that many in our community are still coming to terms with the result of the Voice to Parliament referendum,' Mayor Masselos said. 'Waverley voters were overwhelmingly in favour of a Voice to Parliament which would have given Australians the opportunity to walk together to recognise, empower and listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 'It [Australia Day] can be considered a day of mourning, but also a day to acknowledge the ongoing resilience and survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions and cultures.' At the referendum, 60 per cent of Australians voted against altering the constitution to include the race-based advisory body. Waverley Council's event will include a Welcome to Country, Bondi artist and performer Walangari playing the Digeridoo, the Gamay dancers, a Smoking ceremony and the Wagana Dancers performing contemporary and traditional dance. Mr von Berg urged council to reconsider the event and 'hold it on another date'. Australia Day, observed each year on January 26, marks the landing of the First Fleet in 1788 when the first governor of the British colony of New South Wales, Arthur Philip, hoisted the Union Jack at Sydney Cove. But for many First Nations people, it is regarded as 'Invasion Day' or the 'Day of Mourning' because it marks the beginning of Australia's colonisation. Waverley Council mayor Paula Masselos is pictured with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Mr von Berg said for veterans the Australian flag symbolised more than politics. 'The Australian flag will be flown high and proud because this flag means more to us than just a piece of cloth. 'When a soldier dies, that flag is draped over the coffin, which are the arms of the nation embracing that soldier and thanking him/her for their service. The flag flying at half-mast are the tears of the nation mourning that soldier. It means even more.' A poll from the conservative think-tank The Institute for Public Affairs released this week found 69 per cent of those surveyed agreed with keeping the date of Australia Day on January 26. 'That's a clear message from two thirds of the population,' Mr von Berg said. 'This one woke council is doing its own thing.' A separate poll, the Deakin Contemporary History Survey in 2021, 2023, and 2024 included the statement: 'We should not celebrate Australia Day on January 26' and asked the reader to agree or disagree. That survey of more than 2,000 respondents found over those years responses remined fairly consistent rather than any kind of 'cultural shift', with about 58 per cent of respondents disagreeing and wanting to keep the date, while 41 per cent wanted to change the date. In late 2022, the federal government scrapped a previous rule which had obligated councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day. At the time, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese insisted there were 'no changes here' as nothing was being forced, but after that change, more than 80 councils dropped citizenship ceremonies on January 26 last year. rMr von Berg said dawn services were 'sacrosanct' and Waverley Council was 'sticking it' to veterans with their Australia Day dawn event (Pictured is a Anzac Day dawn service at Bondi) In an audit of the country's councils, Daily Mail Australia revealed last week that a staggering 154 councils around the country were not holding citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day. The number is likely to be higher as just over a third of Australia's 537 local councils refused to reveal their stance when asked by this masthead. However, citizenship ceremonies have received strong support from councils in migrant-heavy western Sydney, with mayors pushing to restore Australia Day celebrations. The event will be followed by a breakfast BBQ at Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club with gold coin donations going to Indigenous education charity the GO Foundation. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Waverley Council for comment. A three-year-old girl who tried to walk to her Nan's house during a blistering heatwave has been safely reunited with her family. The little girl was spotted by locals at shops on Moreton Bay Road, in Capalaba in Brisbane's south-east, about midday on Wednesday. In heartwarming bodycam footage, a male officer is seen giving the girl fist bumps before encouraging her to drink a cup of water at a local cafe. 'Who did your hair today? It looks very pretty,' the office tells her. 'Here have a sip of this, get some hydration, some more energy.' The little girl was then loaded into the back of a police car and driven home. She gave the general duties officer a final fist bump before going inside. Senior Sergeant David Candale from Capalaba Station said delivering the little girl safely to her home was a great outcome. A male police officer is seen handing the little girl as cup of water in his bodycam footage The little girl had attempted to walk to her Nan's house but got lost during the hot conditions The little girl had been attempting to walk to her Nan's house before she got lost during the sweltering conditions. 'No day is the same as a Queensland police officer, we deal with jobs big and small,' Sgnt Candale said. 'Our officers were all too happy to help deliver the girl back home.' Large parts of Queensland have been hit by an intense heatwave this week with temperatures in the central west and southwest soaring above 40C. Temperatures will remain warm for the remainder of the week in Brisbane with tops of 37C forecast on Friday. Residents across the capital of the Sunshine State can expect temperatures to be slightly cooler for the weekend with tops of 31C expected. A Tennessee congressman has proposed amending the Constitution to allow Donald Trump to serve a third term as president. Rep. Andy Ogles filed a Joint Resolution in Congress this week advancing a change to the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which currently restricts presidents to two terms. In his resolution, Ogles included several stipulations to the change if it passes, including barring any president being elected to a third consecutive term after serving two in a row. '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 twice,' the resolution read. Ogles said in a statement after filing the proposal that he believes Trump will need another eight years to carry out his goal of reshaping America after Joe Biden's presidency. 'President Trumps decisive leadership stands in stark contrast to the chaos, suffering, and economic decline Americans have endured over the past four years,' he wrote. 'He has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nations decay and restoring America to greatness, and he must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal. 'To that end, I am proposing an amendment to the Constitution to revise the limitations imposed by the 22nd Amendment on presidential terms. This amendment would allow President Trump to serve three terms, ensuring that we can sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs.' Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles has proposed amending the Constitution to allow Donald Trump to serve a third term as president Ogles argued that Trump deserved a third term that would keep him in power until 2032 because he 'has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nations decay... and he must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal' Ogles' proposal quickly divided opinions after he shared the amendment change to X. While some argued that Trump deserves a third term due to debunked claims the 2020 election was stolen from him, even some Trump fans balked at the idea. Many said the amendment misses the mark as they would prefer to see term limits introduced for Congress' aging lawmakers, and some pointed out that the change could also open the door for Barack Obama to return to power. 'Please abandon this sinking ship of an idea post haste,' one MAGA fan tweeted in response. 'We are looking to shorten terms. Trump will legitimately be too old to lead in four years. We have a very deep bench of successors. Please stop this effort.' Another said: 'No. Should of passed term limits for congress first.' 'All this does is fuel the fire of the Democrats and their 'Trump's a dictator' talk,' another said. 'We wouldn't like a 3rd Obama term. Trump will be 82 at the end of this term, Vance will be ready. No thanks, Trump should come out against this.' Even some Trump fans balked at Ogles' proposition, and suggested that new Vice-President JD Vance would be ready to step into the White House at the end of Trump's second term Ogles' fawning over Trump's return to the presidency comes after he signed a raft of executive orders on his first days back in office to radically reshape the federal government Many of his first executive orders were signed in front of a cheering crowd at the Capital One Arena on Monday, including directly reversing 78 Biden-era executive orders with one stroke of a pen. A number of the orders even include language hitting out at the former president, with others ranging in topics from national security, migration at the southern border, the use of natural resources and even gender ideology. One such action was Biden's order Enabling All Qualified Americans to Serve Their Country in Uniform, which said gender identity is not a bar from service. Trump also rescinded policies establishing a White House Gender Policy Council and ending Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of Terrorism. And the 'Initial rescissions of harmful executive orders and actions' memo included a reversal on sanctions against the International Criminal Court. A killer who murdered a mother-of-two in a frenzied knife attack has been detained in hospital indefinitely. Cocaine abuser Michael Porchetta, 28, might never be released after he brutally stabbed Aimee Cannon to death at her home in West Calder, West Lothian, on May 7, 2022. The beautician, 26, had previously spurned his advances insisting they were just pals. Her father Vince discovered her body when he came to her house the next day. Porchetta had been due to stand trial for murder but was deemed unfit as a result of a learning disability. An examination of facts hearing instead took place to look at the circumstances of the incident and Porchettas mental state at the time. Lord Mulholland concluded in November last year that Porchetta beyond reasonable doubt carried out the attack. The killer was yesterday back in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow. Cocaine abuser Michael Porchetta, 28, might never be released after he brutally stabbed Aimee Cannon (pictured) to death at her home in West Calder Michael Porchetta, 28, (pictured) might never be released after he brutally stabbed Aimee Cannon to death After hearing evidence from two psychiatrists who had compiled reports on Porchetta, Lord Mulholland imposed an indefinite compulsion order for him to remain at the State Hospital in Carstairs. The judge told him: I found that you murdered Aimee Cannon - for whatever reason, only you will know. You subjected her to a cowardly, vicious and frenzied attack. She was defenceless as you were armed with a knife or knives. It is clear from some of her defensive injuries and her broken nails, she fought for her life. He added Porchetta had deviously tried to cover his tracks including getting rid of the victims mobile phone and trying to clean blood from his trainers. A large throng of Ms Cannons relatives were in court - some hugged and were in tears at the end of the hearing. Lord Mulholland said he had read emotional impact statements penned by family which he described as heart-wrenching. He concluded: You clearly are a danger to the public. The earlier examination of facts in Edinburgh had heard agreed evidence read by prosecutor John McElroy KC of Ms Cannons injuries. He said: The post mortem concluded that she died of multiple sharp force injuries. She had at least 45 stab wounds and multiple clean cut wounds on her scalp as well as both hands. Porchetta stayed with his uncle Robert Nicoll, 59, and sister Gabriella, 29, after their parents passed away. Mr Nicoll told the court how his nephew returned home at 7am on May 7, changed his clothes and went to work. On return home, he had dinner but the following afternoon told his uncle of the murder claiming hed heard of it from his friends. Aimee Cannon's father Vince discovered her body when he came to her house the next day Mr Nicoll said: Michael said he had been up at her house on the Friday night. He always went there. He said he had been taking drugs. He then said his pals had called and told him Aimee had been stabbed. Porchettas sister Gabriella also gave evidence and she recalled how she smelled what she thought was blood on his jeans when she went to get them for the wash. The deputy charge nurse said: I asked him where it had come from. He said he had cut his thumb after catching it on a barbed wire fence. He also said he had been to Aimees on Friday night, but left around midnight. He denied doing anything to Aimee. Porchetta claimed he had left her safe and well. But, his sister called police and told her brother that he had to speak to them. The court also heard the family had been concerned about his cocaine abuse and Porchetta had said himself it was f*****g him up in the head. Witnesses also spoke of him trying it on with Ms Cannon - but she rebuffed him insisting he was just my wee pal. One friend said she had contacted him months before the killing to get Porchetta to leave her house. She was described as anxious, alarmed and upset. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Stuart Doig was one of the two medical professionals who gave evidence yesterday. He said Porchetta needs concerted long term risk management measures while at the state hospital. At one stage, Lord Mulholland asked the witness: It is possible that he is never released? Dr Doig replied: That is correct. The psychiatrist also agreed during his evidence that there appeared to be no clear motive for the killing. Tech giants Apple and Google could face restrictions on their dominance of the UKs smartphone market after competition regulators opened a new probe into both businesses. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating whether the two companies should loosen their control of the sector, potentially by allowing competitors to use their technology. Google owns Android, the operating system software that comes pre-installed on most of the UKs smartphones, as well as the Google Play app store and the Chrome web browser. Apple, meanwhile, uses its own iOS operating system to power its iPhones, which also contain its App Store and Safari web browser software. Together, the two companies control almost every avenue through which British smartphone users access the internet through their phones as well as how the developers of phone apps market them to consumers. As a result, the CMA said it would investigate whether the two tech giants should be given strategic market status (SMS), which would make them subject to tougher rules on how they conduct business in the UK. A company obtains SMS if its UK sales are more than 1 billion, or if it generates worldwide sales of over 25 billion, and it is considered to have a substantial and entrenched position in the market in which it operates. Under the rules, the CMA could force Apple and Google to allow third parties greater access to the software that powers their operating systems and app stores in order to provide a wider choice of products to consumers. Google owns Android, the operating system software that comes pre-installed on most of the UKs smartphones, as well as the Google Play app store and the Chrome web browser Apple, meanwhile, uses its own iOS operating system to power its iPhones, which also contain its App Store and Safari web browser software Together, the two companies control almost every avenue through which British smartphone users access the internet through their phones as well as how the developers of phone apps market them to consumers (file image) More competitive mobile ecosystems could foster new innovations and new opportunities across a range of services that millions of people use, be they app stores, browsers or operating systems, said CMA head Sarah Cardell. She added: Better competition could also boost growth here in the UK, with businesses able to offer new and innovative types of products and services on Apples and Googles platforms. The announcement follows a similar CMA probe into Google last week when the watchdog said it would assess the US firms dominance of the internet search engine market. Pressure has been mounting on the competition watchdog as the Labour government pushes regulators to help boost economic growth. Earlier this week, CMA chairman Marcus Bokkerink was ousted from his position by ministers after they concluded the regulator was not sufficiently focused on growth. He has been replaced by Doug Gurr, the former head of Amazons UK business and a director of the Natural History Museum. A two-month-old baby has died after being found unconscious at a regional property. Police have launched an investigation after emergency services were called to a Gracemere property in Queensland's Rockhampton region at 11pm on Monday. Paramedics discovered a baby girl with life-threatening injuries. The infant was rushed to Rockhampton hospital before being airlifted to Brisbane where she sadly died on Wednesday. A crime scene has been established at the regional property. Officers from the Rockhampton Child Protection Investigation Unit and the Child Trauma Unit are investigating. It comes as police probe the suspicious death of a baby boy at John Hunter Hospital in north-west NSW on Tuesday. The four-month-old was first taken to Gunnedah Hospital by his parents where staff notified police of his injuries. A two-month-old baby has died after being found unconscious at a regional property (stock) He was then transferred to John Hunter Hospital where he died later that evening. Detective Inspector Tom Aylett, from the Oxley Police District, urged anyone with information about the infant's family to come forward. 'We're looking for anyone that is in the community that can come forward about the family, anything they witnessed or heard,' he said. 'People in the community talk, sometimes that's rumour, sometimes that's fact - we want the investigators to decipher what that is and would encourage anyone to come forward. 'It is the esteemed obligation of investigators to make sure enough information is put before the coroner or the court to make the determination of the child's death.' Detective Inspector Aylett said officers were investigating whether domestic violence was involved. Donald Trump's immigration force has arrested over 1,300 illegal migrants in the early days of his presidency as part of the largest mass deportation in US history, new Border Czar Tom Homan said. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said on X they have also lodged a further 373 deportation detainers - requests to local police forces to hold arrested individuals until ICE can pick them up - since Trump took back power on Monday. Homan told NewsNation on Thursday night that of the 1,300 migrants arrested so far, 'over 1,000 of them were criminals.' 'I don't care if Republican or Democrat, Independent, why not let law enforcement go into a county jail, taxpayer county jail, to arrest the guy that you locked in a jail cell so obviously, the public safety threat that will solve a lot of this problem. And I hope the sanctuary cities come around,' Homan said. Homan spoke out the same day two American hikers were attacked by suspected Mexican cartel members in San Diego County, California, with one of the men struck in the leg by a bullet as the attackers opened fire. Footage shared by a US border patrol agent to X showed officers airlifting the hiker to safety, pledging in the post to 'confront these threats HEAD ON!' 'Cartels think they can bring their war here. Think again!' border agent Gregory Bovino added. Officials said the two men were confronted by several suspected cartel members several thousand yards from the border in California's Jacumba Wilderness, and a source told Fox News that the men tried to run away after being approached. The source said the gunshot victim is expected to recover, and the agency's Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) subsequently cleared the area. The updated ICE statistics come after federal authorities said Tuesday that a sweep of sanctuary cities led to the arrest of over 300 illegal migrants on Trump's first full day. Donald Trump's deportation force announced Thursday that it has arrested over 1,300 illegal migrants in the early days of his presidency as his immigration crackdown began this week The updated ICE statistics come after federal authorities said Tuesday that a sweep of sanctuary cities led to the arrest of over 300 illegal migrants on Trump's first full day in office. Pictured is an ICE raid in Denver, Colorado this week ICE revealed the updated statistics the same day two American hikers were attacked by suspected Mexican cartel members in San Diego County, California, with one of the men struck in the leg as the attackers opened fire Thursday morning also marked the start of Trump's move to deploy the US military to the southern border, with 1,500 active-duty troops arriving early in the day. The Pentagon confirmed the 1,000 Army soldiers and 500 Marines deployed south include those from Military Police units as well as combat engineers and intelligence specialists to aid in detection and monitoring of illegal border jumpers. The additional active forces, which adds to the roughly 2,500 already currently stationed along the border, will also aid in constructing barriers along the border and providing the air power for deportations. Over 5,400 migrants who are currently in detention in the US will be flown out of the country by the military forces, as a show of force for Trump's early days back in the White House. As part of the effort, four C-17 and C-130 military aircraft were moved to El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California this week, an official told Task & Purpose. Trump is planning to send a total of 10,000 active-duty military to the border. President Trump's hardline Border Czar Tom Homan warned that local governments that seek to shield illegal migrants from deportation forces could now face criminal prosecution It comes as an additional 1,500 active-duty troops arrived Thursday at the southern border Four C-17 and C-130 military aircraft were moved to El Paso, Texas , and San Diego, California this week for the purposes of deportation flights Arrests and deportations already began on Tuesday, with Trump's border czar Tom Homan confirming that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 308 illegal migrants in the first full day of the new administration. Homan warned that local governments that seek to shield illegal migrants from deportation forces could now face criminal prosecution. He cited a directive from President Trump to investigate state and city officials who resist his immigration enforcement efforts, and said the early moves show that now Joe Biden is out of office, 'Ice is doing their job.' Homan also vowed to restart immigration raids, including in the so-called sanctuary cities. Examples of these cities include San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, New York City and many others that are run by Democrat leaders who don't want to comply with crackdowns on federal immigration law. Making good on his 2024 campaign pledge to carry out the largest deportation operation in US history, Trump issued 10 executive orders on day one of his second term on Monday related to the southern border and the illegal immigration crisis. At the border, migrants found the CBP One App failed to work, and officials said the total apprehensions at the southern border dropped to 766 on Tuesday. This compared to the thousands per day that were crossing under Biden's leadership is a drastic change from one day to the next. Migrants found themselves deported or sent straight back to Mexico as they sought to gain entry into the U.S. at the border between Tijuana and California on Tuesday. ICE, seen detaining a suspected illegal migrant in Boston, said they have lodged a further 373 deportation detainers - requests to local police forces to hold arrested individuals until ICE can pick them up - since Trump took back power on Monday Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove (pictured representing Trump in his New York criminal trial earlier this year) released a memo warning of potential criminal prosecutions for those attempting to block ICE's deportations The Justice Department now warns that any officials who resist or obstruct the federal immigration enforcement could now be charged with defrauding the U.S. or even harboring illegal aliens. If their investigations find local officials to be in violation of this directive but the prosecution opts not to bring criminal charges, they must notify the Justice Department of such a decision. In a memo from the Justice Department this week, written by Trump appointee and Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, it was stated: 'Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing or otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands and requests.' Bove's memo notes this is an additional way in which to enforce the flurry of executive orders Trump signed on illegal immigration already. He also cited threats posed by international gangs and drug cartels, writing: 'It is the responsibility of the Justice Department to defend the Constitution and, accordingly, to lawfully executive the policies that the American people elected President Trump to implement.' Convicted murderer Luke Mitchell has won the right to mount a legal challenge against a decision not to release him from prison. Mitchell, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of his 14-year-old girlfriend Jodi Jones, was denied his freedom at a parole hearing last year. He was 14 when he stabbed Jodi to death in woods near her home in Dalkeith, Midlothian, in 2003 and was later sentenced to serve a minimum term of 20 years before being eligible for parole. The now 36-year-old, who maintains his innocence, instructed lawyers to lodge a petition for a judicial review of the decision of the Parole Board for Scotland not to release him on licence. The Court of Session in Edinburgh has ruled the review can proceed and a one-day hearing has been set for February 6. Mitchell was denied parole last April after a psychiatric report branded him a sexual risk to women. He had been dating Jodi for four months when he killed her in what judge Lord Nimmo Smith later described as a truly evil murder. The schoolgirl had failed to return home on the evening of June 30, and Mitchell claimed to have been alerted to her body by his dog while out looking for her. She was discovered with her hands tied behind her back, her throat cut and her body repeatedly slashed. Convicted murderer Luke Mitchell (pictured in 2008) has won the right to mount a legal challenge against a decision not to release him from prison Mitchell, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of his 14-year-old girlfriend Jodi Jones (pictured), was denied his freedom at a parole hearing last year Following a 10-month police inquiry, Mitchell was accused of her murder and was 16 when he was convicted at the High Court in Edinburgh in 2005. He has lost four appeals but has attracted a significant following of online supporters convinced of his innocence since a TV documentary was aired in 2021. After Mitchells parole bid was refused, a relative of his victim said: If this man was released, I would fear for women. He is a dangerous killer and should remain inside for a long time to come. Mitchell was jailed in February 2005 but became eligible for parole last April because the time he spent on remand ahead of his trial is taken into account. His solicitors declined to comment on the case. A spokesman for the Parole Board for Scotland said: The Parole Board for Scotland does not comment on individual cases. More generally, there is no appeal against the decision of the Board. However, if the prisoner feels their case was not dealt with in the appropriate manner, they can apply for a judicial review of their case. A top university has been blasted after a speaker at an 'anti-racism' conference allegedly mocked Jewish supporters of Peter Dutton. Sarah Schwartz, executive officer of the pro-Palestinian Jewish Council of Australia, addressed the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) 'National Symposium on Unifying Anti-Racist Research and Action' on Wednesday. The Jewish human rights lawyer accused the Opposition Leader of 'exploiting the rise in antisemitism for political gain'. In a leaked recording of her talk, published by prominent activist and China hawk Drew Pavlou, Ms Shcwartz shared a slide showing a mocked-up superhero called 'Dutton's Jew'. 'The reality is that for Dutton and his ilk, us Jews are the perfect avatars for peddling racism, Islamophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment,' Ms Schwartz told the audience. She added, to laughter from the audience: 'Dutton's Jew has really helpfully provided a human shield for him to talk about some of his favourite topics: hating on migrants by arguing that Palestinian refugees are a threat to Jews, just generally hating on Muslims, protecting everyday Aussies from left-wing anti-war protesters, and, of course, bolstering support for Israel as it commits a genocide. 'His party no longer needs to defend the right to be bigots because Dutton's Jew can do this for him.' Another slide showed a collage of pro-Israel figures including Mr Dutton, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, US President Donald Trump and Tesla billionaire Elon Musk, alongside the caption 'with friends like these, who needs enemies...' Sarah Schwartz (pictured), executive officer of the pro-Palestinian Jewish Council of Australia shared a slide showing a mocked-up superhero called 'Dutton's Jew' during a talk this week The Queensland University of Technology has been blasted after a speaker at an 'anti-racism' conference (pictured) allegedly mocked Jewish supporters of Peter Dutton Mr Pavlou described the lecture's contents as 'legitimately insane'. 'They are now complaining that Elon Musk and Trump are too friendly with the Jews,' he added. The lecture has sparked uproar, with President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies David Ossip telling Daily Mail Australia 'the presentation would not have been out of place in antisemitic gatherings throughout the ages'. 'Jews were characterised as being hateful, racist and xenophobic malevolently working with politicians for nefarious purposes,' Mr Ossip said. 'It contained it all - laughter as Jews were the subject of public mockery, images of Rabbis as the subject of ridicule and the baseless demonisation of a community which has done nothing to warrant such hatred. 'We are loathe to ever make comparisons with pre-war Germany, but these are scenes which would not have been out of place in Nazi propaganda or a 1930s Bavarian Beer Hall.' Mr Ossip, who branded the lecture 'perverse and disturbing', has called on Education Minister Jason Clare to sanction the university. 'Serious questions must be asked about whether taxpayer funds should continue to be provided to the Queensland University of Technology which facilitated this hateful forum or any other university which fails to take antisemitism seriously,' he added. Another slide (pictured) showed a collage of pro-Israel figures including Mr Dutton, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, US President Donald Trump and Tesla billionaire Elon Musk, alongside the caption 'with friends like these, who needs enemies...' Daniel Aghion KC, President of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), said they had 'forwarded details of the incident to the Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, which is currently conducting an Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian universities'. 'The image is clearly intended to stigmatise as evil and racist any Jewish person who might support the Coalition', Mr Aghion said. 'It is ironic that such an obvious and disgraceful racist trope has been used at an event that billed itself as an anti-racism symposium.' He revealed that the ECAJ had warned the university about possible antisemtisim in advance of the lecture series. '(but) QUT leaders responded with a combination of astonishing ignorance, reckless indifference to consequence, and the usual vacuous platitudes about freedom of expression,' Mr Aghion added. The conservative Australian Jewish Association accused the Albanese government of refusing 'to hold an independent judicial inquiry into antisemitism on university campuses'. 'It is clear that the universities cannot govern themselves,' the organisation wrote on X. 'This revolting antisemitic display occurred at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Anthony Albanese, enough with the talking. Start doing something.' Daily Mail Australia has approached QUT for comment. Ms Schwartz shared a long statement responding to the criticism, claiming her slideshow was taken out of context and misrepresented by 'far-right social media accounts'. 'I pilloried Peter Duttons racist, ignorant and monolithic conception of Jewish people. I argued that he uses this conception to promote division, attack the ALP and push an anti-immigration agenda,' she said. 'In my presentation, I referred to Duttons racist conception of Jewish people as "Dutton's Jew" - Dutton's racist conception of Jews, not actual Jewish people. 'Against this conception, I spoke about how Jewish people are diverse and about how the Jewish community is not a monolith.' Ms Schwartz accused 'opportunists' of misrepresenting her primary point, 'which is that Peter Dutton is exploiting the rise in antisemitism for political gain. 'Dutton has a long history of racism, including against the African community, against First Nations peoples including walking out of Parliaments formal apology to the Stolen Generations and against migrants and refugees,' she added. 'Now, for political gain, he is claiming to be an anti-racism warrior in support of the Jewish community. To that end, he has falsely painted all Jews as having particular attitudes and characteristics. She added: 'Dutton's reduction of the Jewish community into a single stereotype, and silencing Jews who don't fit that typology, only serves to make Jews less safe. This is particularly grotesque amidst a very real rise in antisemitism.' Daily Mail Australia approached Mr Dutton's office for comment. Former Just Stop Oil donor Dale Vince has been slammed by a furious Question Time audience member after he accused Israel of committing 'genocide' in Gaza. Mr Vince said during the discussion that Israel was committing 'genocide' and had cost '150,000 lives and injuries'. This was met with a furious response by a man in the audience, who said: 'How dare you say that. Genocide happened to six million Jews in the Second World War. Where is the equivalence? 'Did you mention the atrocity that happened on the seventh of October when Hamas and the Palestinians invaded Israel and killed innocent women, children? Do you understand that? How dare you say that! You're ill informed, my friend.' Mr Vince replied: 'I'm aware of the atrocity of 7th of October, 1500 Israelis lost their lives. Since then, the brutalisation of Palestine, of all of the people in Palestine, has taken 150,000 lives and injuries.' But the audience member asked: 'Is Israel allowed to defend its borders?' Host Fiona Bruce then asked the man, who she said was making a 'strong' and 'passionate' point, to allow Mr Vince to go on. 'So let me speak 90 per cent of the Palestinian population have been displaced. There's been famine, all kinds of problems,' Mr Vince continued. Former Just Stop Oil donor Dale Vince (pictured) has been slammed by a furious Question Time audience member after he accused Israel of committing 'genocide' in Gaza Mr Vince said during the discussion that Israel was committing 'genocide' and had cost '150,000 lives and injuries'. This was met with a furious response by a man in the audience (pictured), who said: 'How dare you say that' 'Before the war, the Palestinians were a captive population with no control, no access to the outside world through ports and airports and stuff like that they are captive in their own country. We're talking 150,000 casualties versus 1500, neither is right.' Former Tory minister David Davis joined in, saying: 'You're surely not saying that justifies rape, torture, murder.' Mr Vince replied: 'No, of course not.' This comes a week after Mr Vince claimed that he won his court battle with ex-wife Kate Vince following the pair's divorce. Mrs Vince was awarded more than 40million by a High Court judge this month after the pair had previously disagreed over how finances should be divided at a hearing last month. However, the energy mogul's lawyer said the court recognised Dale's wishes that Mrs Vince should receive less than half the assets. Davina Katz, Senior Partner of Katz Partners LLP who represented Mr Vince, said: 'Throughout these proceedings Mrs Vince sought 50 per cent of the assets despite the fact that Dale had worked very hard for many years before they met, building Ecotricity. This comes a week after Mr Vince claimed that he won his court battle with ex-wife Kate Vince following the pair's divorce 'I am delighted for Dale that the court has recognised this and agreed with him that fairness dictates Mrs Vince should receive less than half the assets. 'Mrs Vince was seeking a settlement of over 60million and has been awarded 41.8million, which is a great deal less than Dale had offered her from the outset, before this matter came to Court.' Ms Vince's lawyer Sarah Jane Lenihan, of Dawson Cornwell, said: 'We are very grateful to the court for the fair and equitable award granted. 'It is only right that Ms Vince has received an award which reflects her extensive contributions throughout the marriage, which the judge acknowledged, during which Mr Vince built the majority of his fortune.' A man has been arrested after he jumped a fence to access Donald Trump's exclusive Mar-a-Lago resort. Bijan Arceo, a 32-year-old former real estate agent, was taken into custody on Wednesday, just two days after Trump's inauguration in Washington D.C. He has been charged with trespassing with the intent to commit an offense. Palm Beach police officers arrived at the Mar-a-Lago Club to assist U.S. Secret Service agents who found Arceo inside the resort. It is understood Arceo was seen climbing over the wall near the north service gate by South Ocean Boulevard. The club is littered with signs which read 'No Trespassing.' Arceo was arrested at the scene. 'While the incident had no impact on our protective operations, we take these matters extremely seriously,' a spokesperson told Fox. Bijan Arceo, a 32-year-old former real estate agent, was taken into custody on Wednesday, just two days after Trump's inauguration in Washington D.C Palm Beach police officers arrived at the Mar-a-Lago Club to assist U.S. Secret Service agents who found Arceo inside the resort A man has been arrested after he jumped a fence to access Donald Trump 's exclusive Mar-a-Lago resort 'This arrest is being handled at the local level and we remain thankful to the Town of Palm Beach Police Department for their quick response and partnership.' According to a Zillow profile, Arceo was a real estate agent in 2018 in Colorado, NBC Miami reports. Trump has been busy in Washington signing executive orders at the White House during his first few days as President, and was not present during the security breach. He is not the first person arrested for trying to trespass at Mar-a-Lago. In November, Chinese national Zijie Li, 39, from Los Angeles, was arrested after making multiple attempts over the past five months to get past security. Li had repeatedly claimed he wanted to speak with Trump. He had been placed under the Baker Act - which allows for a person to be involuntarily held and to receive mental health treatment when they are considered a threat to themselves or others. He was later released and given a bond which prevented him from going within 500 feet of Trump or Mar-a-Lago. But just eight days later he tried his luck again, attempting to pass through the Mar-a-Lago checkpoint as a passenger in a rideshare. For the latest incident, his bond has been set at $100,000. Marjorie Taylor Greene has clearly had enough of bias in the liberal media, with one of Donald Trump's staunchest allies in Congress tearing into a reporter for asking a 'stupid question.' Greene, the House's DOGE Subcommittee Chair, posted a video of herself berating Punchbowl News reporter Melanie Zanona over a question about giving Capital tours to Jan 6 defendants. Zanona asked her what she thought about Lauren Boebert's plan to give the guided tours to those pardoned for their role in the riot. 'I'm not doing this. This insane place up here and all of y'all's obsession with January 6 is absurd,' Greene said. She queried why Zanona wasn't asking about Joe Biden offering pardons to family members and close allies just before President Trump was sworn in Monday, or the other 'murders, rapists and disgusting people' the ex president cleared before leaving office. 'Everybody outside of here is sick and f***ing tired of it. I'm serious. Everybody up here has their panties in a wad.' She added of the rioters: 'A lot of them walked through open doors. That's it.' Marjorie Taylor Greene has had enough of the liberal media as she gains power in this second Donald Trump term, posting video of herself tearing into a reporter for asking a 'stupid question' Greene, one of the president's closest allies in Congress and now the House's DOGE Subcommittee Chair, posted an interaction with Punchbowl News reporter Melanie Zanona (pictured) Zanona pushed back, saying she was merely asking about the possibility of tours for those pardoned and how passionate Greene was about justice for them. 'They're pardoned and thank God, I hope they go live their lives and reassemble something back together. They have suffered enough,' she said. She continued: 'I've seen all the Democrat-run networks ad nauseam about January 6. And they just can't get over themselves. But they don't give a s*** about real Americans!' When Zanona pushed back, Greene appeared to become more upset: 'I'm so sick of you people and this crap. I really am.' The Congresswoman then turned to how the media treats her in general, saying they never gave her a chance and their treatment of her is why the public is skeptical of them. 'Why dont you do a story on what people care about? People care about the border, the economy, energy. Theyre sick and tired of the foreign wars. Theyre tired of the hypocrisy up here, and they hate the media right now,' she fumed. Greene posted the full clip to X, writing: 'After 4 yrs, I'm fed up with Washington DC press.' 'Your assumptions are ignorant and you are absolutely disconnected and clueless about what is important in life and to Americans. You have destroyed your credibility. With social media like X, you can't lie about me anymore.' 'I'm not doing this. This insane place up here and all of y'all's obsession with January 6 is absurd,' Greene said Speaking to a media gaggle packed into his White House office Monday night, Trump said he was pardoning about 1,500 defendants and issuing six commutations related to January 6 Speaking to a media gaggle packed into his White House office Monday night, Trump said he was pardoning about 1,500 defendants and issuing six commutations. He also directed the attorney general to seek dismissal of about 450 pending criminal cases against Jan. 6 defendants. The pardons fulfill Trump's promise to release supporters who tried to help him overturn his election defeat four years ago. 'These are the hostages,' he said while signing the paperwork in the Oval Office. 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. Republicans are hoping to further review the events of January 6, 2021 now that Trump has taken office. A 17-year-old boy is fighting for his life in hospital while police probe if overnight shootings at Melbourne are gang-related and linked to previous suspected murders. The teenager and a 15-year-old boy were both shot just after midnight on Friday near the Collingwood public housing estate at the intersection of Vere St and Campbell St. The older boy remains in hospital in a serious condition while the 15-year-old checked himself into hospital following the incidents which occured close to the bustling Smith and Brunswick St precincts. Victoria Police swarmed the scene after reports up to 50 people were believed to be brawling prior to the shootings which investigators say were linked. Detetives also believe several subsequent incidents linked to the shootings spilled over to the 'very busy' Hoddle St. Victoria Police State Anti-Gang Squad detective Superintendent Jason Kelly said most people fled the scene when cops arrived and the Armed Crime Squad is currently investigating the shootings. 'It's very lucky that 17-year-old is still alive,' Supt Kelly said. 'We are treating this as a targeted attack, we believe up to 50 persons were present, were known to each other. Two teenage boys were both shot just after midnight on Friday near Melbourne's Collingwood public housing estate at the intersection of Vere St and Campbell St Victoria Police swarmed the scene after reports up to 50 people were believed to be brawling prior to the shootings which investigators say were linked The older boy remains in hospital in a serious condition while the 15-year-old checked himself into hospital following the incidents 'The specific motivation has not yet been established and remains unclear [but] investigators from the armed crime squad will keep an open mind. 'The incident is very concerning... we have two young children... shot in a public street in Melbourne... 'It's certainly of great concern to Victoria Police and we will leave no stone unturned to investigate this matter. 'It's certainly concerning when a firearm is used in a public place... it's really only luck that has prevented two people from being killed and the fact the homicide squad is not involved... is pure luck... Supt Kelly said Viper Taskforce cops have been deployed to the scene and local police will continue to conduct ongoing 'assurance patrols' in the area. The investigation is ongoing but Supt Kelly promised police will soon be making arrests. 'We asking for people to come forward before we come knocking on their doors...,' he said. Victoria Police State Anti-Gang Squad detective Superintendent Jason Kelly said the Armed Crime Squad is currently investigating the shootings. Supt Kelly did not rule out the possibilty the shootings were a drive-by, nor any possible link to recent murders in Wyndham Vale and North Melbourne. (Pictured: Blood found at the scene) 'It's too early to say at this stage [if the shootings are gang related] but an avenue of enquiry we will keep open is whether it's gang related. 'Whether there's any recent conficts that may have occured, often these incidents occur when other incidents have occured.' Supt Kelly did not rule out the possibilty the shootings were a drive-by, nor any possible link to recent suspected gang-related murders in Wyndham Vale and North Melbourne. 'When we have children being shot and potentially being shot by other children Victoria Police will leave no stone unturned...,' he said 'It's an extremly concerning incident and we will continue to investigate and get to the bottom of this matter. It's just unacceptable. 'We suspect the large group who had congregated there were known to each other. 'The circumstances as to why these two young boys were shot is still to be determined. We're still working through avenues of enquiries and at this stage. 'It's too early to say what the linkages are but we will get to the bottom of this. Those offenders wil be arrested, held to account and put before the courts. 'It can only be described as a horrific incident. We will continue to pursue those responsible.' Police are still working to establish the specific firearm or firearms were used but a ballistics team is currently investigating at the scene. The overnight shootings come less than a fortnight after 24-year-old Lino Atem was ambushed by at least a dozen males and hacked to death with a machete at Wyndham Vale on January 13 Supt Kelly said police were still working to establish the specific firearm or firearms were used but a ballistics team is currently investigating at the scene. The overnight shootings come less than a fortnight after 24-year-old Lino Atem was ambushed by at least a dozen males and hacked to death with a machete at Wyndham Vale on January 13. The young tradie suffered stab wounds and died just 100m from his home. Two men were also injured in the attack, including Lino's brother Mading, 27, who was taken to hospital. The alleged attackers remain on the run and police believe the 'ferocious' attack also appeared to be targeted. The tragedy comes on top of the family mourning Lino's oldest brother Atem Atem, who was shot and killed at the family's Wyndham Vale home in February 2023. No arrests have been made over the murders of Atem, 29, and a friend who was at the home at the time. In November, aspiring rapper Pal Bidong was shot dead on the street after a Halloween rave, prompting a violent brawl in the middle of the night. In November, aspiring rapper Pal Bidong was shot dead on the street after a Halloween rave, prompting a violent brawl in the middle of the night Mr Bidong, who went by the rap name 'Peezy', was found by members of the public with at least one gunshot wound on the footpath of Langford Street, in North Melbourne Mr Bidong, who went by the rap name 'Peezy', was found by members of the public with at least one gunshot wound on the footpath of Langford Street, in North Melbourne, about 3.15am on November 2. It's believed Mr Bidong's murder was a gang-related execution. It's understood a huge fight broke out among partygoers after Mr Bidong was fatally shot. Investigators probed the crime scene around the industrial area which is close to a train line, a major road and a creek. The suspected gunman is still on the run. Any witnesses, or anybody with footage or information regarding the overnight Colling shootings, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online. The hosts of the UK's no.1 true crime podcast series have recalled sitting through 'one of the most distressing hearings' as they revisited a day spent in court during the trial of Axel Rudakubana. Daily Mail journalists Caroline Cheetham and Liz Hull recounted the shocking details of the Southport attack revealed during Rudakubana's sentencing on Thursday in the latest episode of The Trial. The violence-obsessed 18-year-old was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 52 years for the murder of three young girls at a Taylor Swift themed dance class on July 29 last year. The court heard harrowing details of how Rudakubanas monstrous attack, in which he murdered Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and attempted to murder ten others, unfolded in just a matter of minutes. Recalling the day in court, Liz said: 'The court was packed as you might expect and it was one of the most distressing hearings that I have ever sat through. 'Many people inside were crying and gasps could be heard as CCTV was shown of the girls screaming and running from the building. 'Very distressing bodycam was also played from the first police officers who arrived on the scene. Again people could be heard screaming and saying "Oh my God, oh my God" over and over again. 'The footage also showed the moment officers discovered Heidi Liddle (one of the class's instructors). 'Now she was one of the women helping run the event and they found her crying and cowering in the toilets with one of the girls while the attack took place.' Axel Rudakubana was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 52 years for the murder of three young girls at a Taylor Swift themed dance class on July 29 last year Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, was one of the three children killed in the knife attack in Southport. She is pictured posing next to a Taylor Swift cut out outside the dance class on the day of the horrific attack. Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, (left) and Bebe King, six, (right) was among the three little girls killed in the attack in Southport Caroline added: 'The prosecutor did explain some of the girls' injuries, but they are too horrific to recount. 'Safe to say they were stabbed many, many, many times. 'Some of them, including Alice, were stabbed in the back as they ran away. 'One of the girls was so seriously injured that her dad didn't recognise her when he saw people taking care of her when he arrived to pick her up. 'Several of them and Ms Lucas were taken to the hospital in a life threatening condition, including one who had to be airlifted to hospital. 'Many of them, including two herwere sisters, needed surgery. Others had blood transfusions and another had to have her spleen removed. Caroline continued: 'Given the extensive nature of their injuries, it was miraculous that more of those girls didn't die. 'All of them continue to live with the effects of their injuries both physical and mental.' Axel Rudakubana skulks in the back of a taxi on his way to murder three young girls Rudakubana is then seen walking towards the Hart Space building where the dance class was being held Your browser does not support iframes. Disturbing footage played in court also showed the killer skulking silently in the back seat of a taxi on the way to the dance class - his cold, demonic eyes just visible over a blue facemask. He is then seen calmly walking towards the Hart Space building where the dance class was being held. After finding the main door was closed, he enters through another door and up the stairs. Witnesses described screams coming from inside the building within 30 seconds as the deranged teenager began targeting the girls inside. Meanwhile horrific CCTV footage, played to Liverpool Crown Court, showed one child trying to flee the massacre before Rudakubana dragged them back inside the Hart Place building. Sentencing Rudakubana on Thursday, Mr Justice Goose said: 'Many will describe what he did as evil. Who could dispute it? In any view, this was the most extreme, shocking and serious crime. 'I'm satisfied that had he been able to, he would have killed each and every child, all 26 of them and any adults who got in the way. 'It's only because some managed to escape that prevented many more from being murdered.' A court sketch showing Rudakubana during the sentencing hearing The knife that was used in the attack The judge said he was unable to give Rudakubana a whole life tariff because he was days away from his 18th birthday when he carried out the atrocity. The killer would have to go before the Parole Board before he is ever released. He received 13 life sentences. He was also given a 12-year jail sentence for production of ricin which an expert said could have killed 12,500 people with more purification, and 18 month sentences for possession of the knife and Al Qaeda manual. Rudakubana's sentence is one of the highest minimum custody terms on record and is also thought to be the longest imposed on a killer of his age. Although Rudakubana's actions did not meet the statutory definition of terrorism, Mr Justice Goose said: 'In my judgement his culpability for this extreme violence is equivalent to that of terrorist murders whatever his motives.' For more on this case, search for 'The Trial: The Southport Dance class' wherever you get your podcasts now. A widower has called on the federal government to inject more funds into mental heath, claiming her husband would still be alive if he had received more support. Nathan O'Toole, 51, took his own life after a long battle with depression triggered by a tragedy he witnessed 13 years ago and never recovered from. His tragic death on January 8 came just one week after he and his wife Karen Swan celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary. Ms Swan, from Hill Top in the NSW Southern Highlands, believes her husband would still be here with her and their two daughters if he had received more help. 'I really do think he would have been saved with more support,' the 52-year-old told Daily Mail Australia on Friday. 'There is not enough mental health help in Australia, for men in particular. There needs to be more support. 'How much money does our government spend on other things? Our money really needs to be redirected to places where it's vital.' Mr O'Toole's battle with depression began in the most tragic of circumstances over a decade ago when he made a discovery that sent him into despair. Karen and Nathan were married for 11 years before he lost his battle with depression Nathan O'Toole's depression started in the most tragic of circumstances 13 years ago 'This is the seventh male suicide that's touched our lives and his identical twin committed suicide 13 years ago and he found him,' Ms Swan said. 'He never recovered from that, mental health-wise.' Since discovering his twin dead, Mr O'Toole, unlike a lot of men, did try to reach out and get help but still faced a constant battle with his depression. More than 3,200 Australians died from suicide in 2022 and Ms Swan believes mental health services could only do so much with limited resources. 'He tried getting help numerous times and he had one suicide attempt where he was put into a mental health unit at a public hospital and they let him sober up, interviewed him and sent him home saying there was nothing wrong with him,' Ms Swan said. 'I think there's something wrong when you try to overdose on purpose. 'The system's just so overloaded and the support is just not there for anyone that needs it. We spent $16,000 on a private health facility for him but he was still chasing the demons.' Mr O'Toole leaves behind his wife and two daughters Marlee, 30, and Brodie, 19, who are understandably struggling with the giant loss. Mr O'Toole (right) leaves behind his wife (second from left) and two daughters Marlee, 30 (left) and Brodie, 19, (second from right) who are understandably struggling 'We're reeling, absolutely reeling. My daughters are really broken,' Ms Swan said. 'No family deserves to go through this.' Family and friends attended Mr O'Toole's funeral on Thursday and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family pay for the costs. They had no insurance or savings to pay for the funeral, but one anonymous donor had chipped in $2,200 for the cause. Lifeline 13 11 14 Antioch High School shooter Solomon Henderson managed to avoid an artificial intelligence weapons detection system in the moments before he opened fire and killed 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante. Metro Nashville Public Schools had invested more than $1million into the Omnilert system, which works with all of the district's cameras to immediately recognize weapons and alert the local police department, the Tennessean reports. But when Henderson, 17, retrieved a handgun from the men's room Wednesday morning, the camera system did not notice his weapon. 'In this instance, based on the location of the shooter and the position of the weapon, it did not activate the system,' school district spokesman Sean Braisted said at a news conference Thursday. However, when police and school resource officers arrived on the scene, the system did activate. Omnilert CEO Dave Fraser also emphasized to NBC News that 'this is not a case of the firearm not being recognized by the system,' and instead, 'the location of the shooter and the firearm meant that the weapon was not visible.' Police have said Henderson opened fire inside the school cafeteria shortly after 11am, firing several rounds using a pistol, before taking his own life with the weapon. Another student was also injured with a graze wound to the arm, and was rushed to the hospital in stable condition, while a fourth boy was injured during the commotion to flee the scene. Antioch High School shooter Solomon Henderson, 17, skillfully avoided an artificial intelligence weapons detection system in the moments before he opened fire The Omnilert system only activated once school resource officers deployed their weapons Metro Nashville Public Schools had invested more than $1million into the system Adrienne Battle, the superintendent of Nashville schools, said in the aftermath that the district implemented a 'range of safety measures' including partnerships with the police for school resource officers, shatter-resistant film for glass and security vestibules that provide a barrier between visitors and the main entrance. 'It all works together as a system, but one system alone is not going to keep people safe,' Braisted said Thursday. 'And there's also just the general public concerns about how a 17 year old has a weapon. 'I mean, these are questions that are beyond the scope of Metro Schools, but they need to be addressed by the broader community. 'But we are doing what we can as a district to install and equip our schools with the safety protocols and resources that we can use to be safe.' Donald Maye, head of operations at surveillance technology research company IPVM, said Wednesday's shooting 'highlights the challenges school districts face'. 'They'll make these announcements that they've invested millions on a solution and then there are still many cases that can occur where the system is not going to be a factor in preventing violence.' Adrienne Battle, the superintendent of Nashville schools, spoke about the district's safety measures in a news conference on Wednesday Amy Klinger, the director of programs for nonprofit Educator's School Safety Network, added that the most effective safeguard schools can use to prevent violence are based on building trust among students, teachers and administrators to share early signs of potential threats - like erratic behavior or troubling social media posts. 'In the vast majority of cases there is something of concern - behaviors, disclosures, conversations, warning signs - that if someone is paying attention you could pick up on,' she said. 'If you combine that with technology, great. But you can't replace it with technology.' It is now believed Henderson was 'significantly influenced' by web-based materials found on sites police said 'most would find harmful or objectionable.' There are also online materials that police are investigating, Police Chief John Drake said Wednesday. Henderson shot and killed 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante shortly after 11am 'There are some materials on the Internet that we're looking at, that's under investigation,' he said, according to The Tennessean. 'We believe there's some materials out there, and maybe they were seen,' he continued, adding that if someone 'said something, maybe more could have been done.' Henderson even livestreamed the shooting online, and had written on his X page that he saved up enough money to buy a GoPro camera 'but it was hard to explain to my parents why I needed it, so I couldn't buy it,' according to Raw Story. But classmates described Henderson to WKRN as a 'smart person [at the] top of the class' who 'was quiet and to himself.' He was also in the military training program, and may have had at least one 'prior incident' at the high school, Drake said at a news conference - though he said he was unsure of the details. On Wednesday, police said they received a phone call about a shooting at the school within just two minutes of Henderson opening fire. Two school resource officers were also inside the building, but were not in the immediate vicinity of the cafeteria, and by the time they arrived at the scene, Henderson had already killed himself. On Wednesday, police said they received a phone call about a shooting at the school within just two minutes of Henderson opening fire One other student was grazed in the arm, and another suffered an injury to the face in the chaos to flee the scene Police had initially claimed the teenage shooter took the bus to school that day, authorities have since learned that his mother drove him to the high school, according to Fox News. Officers have also determined that Henderson fired 10 shots from a 9mm pistol within just 16 seconds of entering the cafeteria. The handgun was loaded with nine rounds when it was recovered from the scene, and a magazine loaded with seven rounds was also recovered from the cafeteria floor. The Metro Nashville Police Department's investigation has not found any connection between the shooter and the victims. 'It may be that they were struck by his random gunfire in the cafeteria,' the department said, WSMV reports. But police have determined that the pistol used in the shooting was purchased by an unidentified individual in Arizona in 2022 and had not been reported stolen. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is now helping the police determine how Henderson acquired the weapon. Donald Trumps special envoy yesterday publicly slapped down Natos chief over the idea that Ukraine could be admitted to the alliance. Richard Grenell told secretary-general Mark Rutte he would run into a big buzz saw in America if, as Mr Rutte suggested, he tried to make it happen. The spat broke out during an annual Ukraine breakfast on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. The event laid bare divisions between those in Mr Trumps new administration who are pushing for early peace talks with Russia to end the war and others including European ministers who say Vladimir Putin must first be pegged back and weakened. Mr Trump and his officials, meanwhile, are frustrated that many European countries are not spending enough on defence and are too reliant on Americas military protection. Mr Rutte said: Our focus has to be putting Ukraine in the best possible position and peace talks will start. And when they end, we have to make sure that the peace we have collectively fostered is sustainable, will never ever be challenged again. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte (pictured at the World Economic Forum in Davos) said in October that Ukraine's place is among NATO's ranks Richard Grenell told secretary-general Mark Rutte he would run into a big buzz saw in America if, as Mr Rutte suggested, he tried to make it happen Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured at the World Economic Forum in Davos) Obviously, full Nato membership is then the easiest outcome. Mr Putin has warned that allowing Ukraine into the bloc would increase the chances of an East-West conflict that could turn nuclear. And Mr Grenell, speaking by videolink from California, told the meeting: Youre going to run into a big buzz saw on America if we have the Nato secretary general talking about having Ukraine to Nato. The American people are the ones that are paying for the defence. You cannot ask the American people to expand the umbrella of Nato when the current members arent paying their fair share. And in a pointed dig at Mr Rutte, a former prime minister of the Netherlands, he said: That includes the Dutch, who need to step up. When we have leaders who are going to talk about more war we need to make sure that those leaders are spending the right amount of money. The Anti Defamation League has turned on Elon Musk after just days after defending the Tesla billionaire over his controversial inauguration salute. The ADL - which works to combat antisemitism - initially gave Musk the benefit of the doubt over an 'awkward' hand gesture he performed twice after Donald Trump's inauguration, which some have compared to a Nazi salute. But after the ADL deemed the action was 'not a Nazi salute' and asked the public to show Musk 'some grace' over his odd display in a 'moment of enthusiasm', the DOGE leader sparked new fury with a series of Nazi puns. 'Don't say Hess to Nazi accusations! Some people will Goebbels anything down! Stop Goring your enemies! His pronouns would've been He/Himmler!' Musk wrote. 'Bet you did nazi that coming,' he added in a final pun. His post made light of the names of Adolf Hitler's Deputy Fuhrer Rudolf Hess; Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels; Reichstag President Hermann Goring; and Schutzstaffel (SS) Commander Heinrich Himmler. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt has now condemned the off-color remarks. 'We've said it hundreds of times before and we will say it again: the Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropriate and offensive to make light of it,' he wrote. The Anti Defamation League has turned on Elon Musk after previously defending his controversial inauguration salute He used the names to issue a series of puns in a post to X on Thursday, concluding: 'Bet you did nazi that coming' '@elonmusk, the Holocaust is not a joke.' The official ADL X account also addressed the controversy, although without addressing Musk personally. 'Making inappropriate and highly offensive jokes that trivialize the Holocaust only serve to minimize the evil and inhumanity of Nazi crimes, denigrate the suffering of both victims and survivors and insult the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Shoah.' First Buddy Musk has sparked concern about his close relationship with President Trump as he leads the administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). After Musk's awkward gesture, where he put his hand over his heart, then shot his hand out to wave to the crowd in Capital One Arena, liberals went into complete meltdown. But conservatives have rushed to his defense, sharing photos of others, including Democrats, caught delivering similar motions. Joe Rogan has been one of his most outspoken defenders, calling out people for playing a 'bullsh** game' of accusing 'everyone' of being a Nazi. Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu weighed in, writing in an X post on Thursday that Musk 'is being falsely smeared.' 'Elon is a great friend of Israel,' Netanyahu added of the South African native. 'He visited Israel after the October 7 massacre in which Hamas terrorists committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust.' The ADL said: 'Making inappropriate and highly offensive jokes that trivialize the Holocaust only serve to minimize the evil and inhumanity of Nazi crimes, denigrate the suffering of both victims and survivors and insult the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Shoah' ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt has now condemned the off-color remarks 'We've said it hundreds of times before and we will say it again: the Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropriate and offensive to make light of it,' he wrote 'He has since repeatedly and forcefully supported Israel's right to defend itself against genocidal terrorists and regimes who seek to annihilate the one and only Jewish state,' the PM concluded. Musk's father also defended the gesture during an interview with NewsNation host Chris Como. Asked Wednesday night about the salute, Errol Musk said: 'It's absolute nonsense, it's absolute rubbish. Rubbish.' 'It's a universal salute, or, as you said, you know, throwing his heart out, I suppose, yes, that's a universal thing for thousands of years. So that's rubbish. That's a rubbish,' he repeated. The ADL were sharply criticized for defending Musk, labeled as 'cowards' by outspoken critics who were hurt by the billionaire's actions. A 17-year-old Tennessee boy was found cowering under his bed by cops after he allegedly fired shots at a FedEx delivery truck driver in a wild road rage incident. The teenage menace was driving a pickup truck when he reportedly pulled up next to the FedEx driver and fired a gun into the side of the truck behind the victims head - nearly missing them, the US Marshals Service said. The incident occurred near the area of the Civic Center on S Highland on December 15 at around 5.20pm. As the suspect began to race away, the distressed driver called 911 and notified the Jackson Police Department. But when responding officials showed up at the scene, the high-spirited teenager hopped on Interstate 40 and lead them on a 100mph chase. The accused managed to get away. Officials are yet to clarify if the victim sustained any injuries or sought treatment. However on January 22, deputy marshals and task force officers apprehended the suspect after he was 'found hiding underneath a bed' at his teens residence in Lexington. During the investigation, the teens father Ricky Maness, Jr., 44, allegedly gave false information about his son's location - which resulted in his arrest. A 17-year-old Tennessee boy was found cowering under his bed after he allegedly fired shots at a FedEx delivery truck driver in a wild road rage incident. (Stock image) During the investigation, the teens father, Ricky Maness, Jr., 44, (pictured) allegedly gave false information about his son's location - which resulted in his arrest The accused has been charged with attempted first degree murder, possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony, felony reckless endangerment and felony evading arrest. The boy was booked at the Madison County Juvenile Detention Center while his father is being held at the Henderson County Detention Center. It remains unclear if there is a bond amount or a court has been set for either of them. The father and son were captured by the US Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force - a multi-agency task force made up of federal, state and local law enforcement officers within Western Tennessee. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured approximately 3,000 violent offenders and sexual predators, according to the press release. This comes months after a Texas teen who was on the way to pick up his girlfriend from work was found murdered in his car - his body riddled with bullets - following an apparent road rage incident. Cody Johnson, 19, was found with several gunshot wounds along the service road on the Katy Freeway between Beltway 8 and Highway 99 on September 27. The teenage menace was driving a pickup truck when he reportedly pulled up next to the FedEx driver and fired a gun into the side of the truck behind the victims head - nearly missing them On January 22, deputy marshals and task force officers apprehended the suspect First responders airlifted him to Memorial Hermann Hospital Medical Center where he was pronounced him dead upon arrival. Relatives said he had left his mother's house in Missouri City, about 20 miles south of Houston, an hour earlier, around 7pm. Intent on picking up his girlfriend from her job in Katy, Johnson never made it, his parents said - pointing to data from an app that showed his Camaro slowing to a stop on the Katy Freeway around 8.04pm. It's believed the car may have been rolling for some time, however, before coming to a stop where it was later discovered. Within minutes, he was found along the I-10 feeder road, his car and body riddled with bullets, leading the local sheriff to surmise the incident stemmed from road rage. New Delhi, Jan 24 (UNI) All issues of mutual interest will be discussed during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misris China visit from January 26-27, the MEA said on Friday even as Beijing welcomed the upcoming visit for the meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism between the two sides. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, said at a briefing: Foreign Secretary will be meeting his counterpart, the Vice Minister in China, where all issues of bilateral interest will be discussed. This meeting flows from the understanding that the leaders reached in Kazan and subsequent to that weve had meetings of the special representatives and weve had foreign minister level meeting as well. So, once the discussions and talks happen you will get a readout of what issues were discussed. But all issues of mutual interest will be discussed. Gavin Newsom plans to crash the proceedings when Donald Trump makes his first visit to California during his second term Friday to survey the Los Angeles wildfires. Newsom, who has not been invited to join Trump on the tour, told the press Thursday that he's going to be at LAX to greet the president - whether he likes it or not. 'I look forward to being there on the tarmac to thank the president, welcome him, and we're making sure that all the resources he needs for a successful briefing are provided to him,' Newsom said. He added that he'll be rolling out the red carpet, saying: 'There's no limit to the resources we'll provide for that briefing.' Trump and the California governor have feuded for years, with the president referring to the liberal as 'Newscum' and the Democrat working tirelessly to keep Trump from regaining the White House. Tensions have been high between the two of late, as Trump has slammed how Newsom handled the deadly wildfires. Evacuation orders were lifted Thursday for tens of thousands as firefighters with air support slowed the spread of a huge wildfire churning through rugged mountains north of Los Angeles. But new blazes have erupted in San Diego County, triggered additional evacuations. The president is traveling outside Washington for the first time since returning to power on Friday and Los Angeles is on the agenda to tour the damage. DailyMail.com has reached out to the White House for comment. There had been no formal plans for Trump to meet with Newsom and the president had even told reporters earlier this week that he hadn't thought much about having to meet the governor. Gavin Newsom 's planning to crash the proceedings when Donald Trump makes his first visit to California during his second term Friday to survey the Los Angeles wildfires Trump and the California governor have feuded for years, with the president referring to the liberal as 'Newscum' and the Democrat having campaigned furiously to keep him from regaining the White House Newsom, who has not spoken to or met with Trump since he left the White House in 2020, tried to deemphasize their disagreement. 'I have a lot of relationships in the Trump world; a lot of relationships of trust. I communicate with a lot of folks around him, folks that have his ear and influence,' he said, though he didn't name anybody. He added that they will likely discuss getting the city on its feet in time for the 2028 Olympics. 'This is a sideshow, a lot of this stuff, but I know it's the show that's probably the focus of a little bit too much tomorrow, when all I care about is what we can do together to move past this moment and and start rowing in the same direction to get this region back on its feet.' Since the fires broke out January 7, Trump has used social media and interviews to accuse the state of sending too much water to the Pacific Ocean instead of south toward Los Angeles and highlighted how some hydrants ran dry in the early hours of the firefight in Pacific Palisades. In the first hours of his second term, Trump called on federal officials to draft plans to route more water to the crop-rich Central Valley and densely populated cities in the southern part of the state. The president is traveling outside Washington for the first time since returning to power on Friday and Los Angeles is on the agenda to tour the damage Speaking during their visit to Skyway Villa Mobile Home and RV Park in Paradise, California, in 2018, seen here, Trump and Newsom haven't spoken since Trump left office in 2020 Two days later he threatened to withhold federal disaster aid unless California leaders change the states approach on water. Southern California is under a red flag warning for critical fire risk through Friday. The area has been facing constant challenges in controlling the fires, as dangerous winds gained strength again Thursday. The Hughes Fire broke out late Wednesday morning and in less than a day charred nearly 16 square miles of trees and brush near Castaic Lake, a popular recreation area about 40 miles from the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires that are burning for a third week. Crews made significant progress by late afternoon on the Hughes Fire, with more than one-third of it contained. Two new blazes were reported Thursday in the San Diego area. Evacuations were ordered but were later lifted after a brush fire erupted in the late afternoon in the wealthy enclave of La Jolla near the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine. Further south, near the U.S.-Mexico border, another blaze was quickly spreading through the Otay Mountain Wilderness, home to the endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly and other unique species. In Ventura County, a new fire briefly prompted the evacuation of California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo. Water-dropping helicopters made quick progress against the Laguna Fire that erupted in hills above the campus of about 7,000 students. The evacuation order was later downgraded to a warning. Pictured: A neighborhood in Malibu that was completely destroyed by the Palisades Fire Rain is forecast for the weekend, potentially ending Southern California's monthslong dry spell. Winds are also not as strong as they were when the Palisades and Eaton fires broke out, allowing for firefighting aircraft to dump tens of thousands of gallons of fire retardant. That helped the fight against the Hughes Fire in the Castaic area north of Los Angeles, allowing helicopters to drop water, which kept it from growing, fire spokesperson Jeremy Ruiz said. 'We had helicopters dropping water until around 3 a.m. That kept it in check,' he said. Nearly 54,000 residents in the Castaic area were still under evacuation warnings Thursday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said. There were no reports of homes or other structures burned. The Palisades Fire was more than three-quarters contained, and the Eaton Fire was 95% under control Thursday. The two fires have killed at least 28 people and destroyed more than 14,000 structures since they broke out Jan. 7. Rain was expected to start Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Your browser does not support iframes. Insurance experts have warned that you could end up paying for the California wildfires through companies increasing rates to compensate for huge losses (Pictured: Fire crews battle the Kenneth Fire - now 100 percent contained - on January 9) Officials welcomed the wet weather, but crews also were shoring up hillsides and installing barriers to prevent debris flows as residents returned to the charred Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas. The California fires have overall caused at least $28 billion in insured damage and probably a little more in uninsured damage, according to Karen Clark and Company, a disaster modeling firm known for accurate post-catastrophe damage assessments. On the heels of that assessment, California Republicans are pushing back against suggestions by President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson and others that federal disaster aid for victims of wildfires should come with strings attached. The state Legislature approved a more than $2.5 billion fire relief package Thursday, in part to help the Los Angeles area recover from the fires. A bizarre photo of lifeguards watching tradies at work above the Yarra River in the heart of Melbourne has sparked controversy. The image showed two lifeguards on patrol as tradies on scaffolding completed repairs on the city's Princes Bridge, by Flinders Street Station. A 3AW listener shared the photo to the station's Breakfast with Ross and Russel, bemused by the appearance of professional lifeguards at a building site. 'See, when I saw that, I thought it was the set for an ad. Like a Canadian Club ad,' said Russell Howcroft. The station later confirmed the lifeguards were legitimately hired. The men in red and yellow were deployed in WorkSafe-approved safety measures, in case one of the workers fell into the river. Life Saving Victoria rents out their lifeguards in a range of settings and applications. Many listeners made fun of the measure, while others thought it was justified by the dangers of working over water on scaffolds. A Melburnian snapped an amusing photo of two lifeguards watching tradies work on the Princes Bridge Lifeguards have been spotted around the bridge over the Yarra as restoration works are underway 'It's actually a good idea and part of the rescue plan,' one wrote online. 'Working over water scaffolding is dangerous and can cause loss of life. These people criticising high-risk work and rescue plans should try doing it themselves to find out how dangerous it is.' Many tradies said scaffolding over water is often not as secure as workers nor liability companies would like, and the harnesses can, in some cases, be of no use or worsen an accident. 'Not sure any of you w*****s understand having safety plans for working at heights with a harness; if it was on land, there would be an (elevated work platform) just in case,' another wrote on X. 'It's called health and safety and makes perfect sense. Should be a mandatory requirement for any workplace where workers in dangerous industries are required to work above large bodies of water such as this,' another agreed. 'Lucky job, but they better actually be damn capable if the duty calls.' Others thought the move seemed excessive and unnecessarily costly. 'A safety net would be cheaper,' one said. Many said the lifeguards were doing an important role, while others were concerned their money was going to waste 'Looks like bad performance art,' another agreed. 'Nice job that. I'd bring six-packs of beers ... and music. Set for the day,' a third joked. The Princes Bridge restoration project has been underway since late 2023, with works expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Weathered bluestone blocks will need to be replaced, while others are realigned. Works to the iron facade will include repairs and a new lick of paint. A Homeland Security team and federal agents raided the offices of an immigration attorney who focused on 'crimmigration' on Thursday, just days after President Donald Trump began to crack down on illegal immigration. Investigators were seen carting away evidence from the law offices of Joseph Molina Flynn on Dorrance Street in downtown Providence, Rhode Island - a sanctuary city. Videos posted online showed agents taking boxes of files and loading them into the scores of black SUVs and police vehicles parked outside. An FBI spokesperson would only confirm to The Providence Journal that the agency was 'conducting court-authorized activity' at the building. But two people with knowledge of the investigation told WPRI that the federal agents were looking into Flynn over allegations that he defrauded his clients seeking representation on immigration-related matters. They said the raid was unrelated to Trump's crackdown on sanctuary cities like Providence. But the federal action came as Trump began his mass deportation program, ousting hundreds of illegals immigrants from the country. Flynn - a native of Colombia who has bragged about his expertise in a field he dubbed 'crimmigration' - had not been charged with any wrongdoing as of Thursday evening. But shortly after news of the raid broke, the mayor of nearby city Central Falls announced that Flynn had resigned from his role as a municipal court judge there. Homeland Security and federal agents raided the office of immigration attorney Joseph Molina Flynn on Thursday Video posted online showed law enforcement officials walking into his office on Dorrance Street Scores of black SUVs and police vehicles were seen parked outside the building FBI, Homeland Security agents raid office of well known Providence immigration lawyer. pic.twitter.com/G2XD7nwLUo Brian Crandall (@nbc10_brian) January 23, 2025 'I was deeply concerned to see the reports of an FBI search at the law office of Joseph Molina Flynn,' Mayor Maria Rivera said in a statement. 'As the Central Falls community knows, transparency and accountability are priorities of mine,' she continued. 'In an effort to uphold the integrity and focus of the municipal court, Judge Molina Flynn has officially resigned his position.' Municipal Court Associate Judge Robert McConnell will fill in temporarily until Flynn's position is filled. Flynn was the first openly gay person and first formerly undocumented migrant to serve on the bench in Central Falls in 2021. He had come to the United States from Colombia when he was just nine years old, following the arrival of his family members. The judge was on a visitors' visa, which he overstayed, living undocumented for 15 years before he obtained his lawful permanent resident status, Fox News reports. He had previously recounted how he was excited to arrive in the United States and felt an 'overwhelming sense of peace' after leaving a homeland plagued by violence. When he entered school, Flynn said he wasn't able to say much beyond 'What?' causing all the other children in his class to burst into laughter. 'I became determined that they wouldn't laugh again and I'd learn to speak English.' Homeland Security and FBI agents were seen carrying files as they left JUST IN: FBI and Homeland Security agents have raided the office of a well-known immigration attorney. Federal agents seized boxes of files from the office of the Providence lawyer Joseph Molina Flynn.pic.twitter.com/isqzDeAboe Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) January 23, 2025 Flynn went on to graduate summa cum laude from Johnson & Wales University with a bachelor of science in accounting. He obtained a juris doctor from the University of Michigan Law School, and founded Molina Flynn Law Offices in 2015 as a solo practice, focusing on immigration, family and criminal matters. Flynn was also an adjunct professor at Roger Williams University Law School where he taught about the intersectionality between crime and immigration - what he called 'Crimmigration.' The raid came as officials in Providence were seeking to delay the passage of an ordinance that would codify protections for undocumented migrants, according to The Public's Radio. Among the changes the city was going to implement were amendments that prohibit local law enforcement from 'proactively' providing federal law enforcement agents with information that could lead to the arrest of anyone who is in the country without documentation when agents don't have a judicial warrant. Police would still be able to offer information about any illegal immigrants who committed felonies, but the amended language would prohibit people who run schools, places of worship, health facilities and courts from allowing immigration officials onto their property without a judicial warrant. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee also said the state would not prosecute immigrants who do not have documentation unless they have also committed a crime. The raid came just days after President Donald Trump took office and directed federal prosecutors to investigate any state or city officials who resist immigration enforcement efforts In the early days of his second term, more than 1,300 migrants have been arrested But after Trump took office on Monday, he directed federal prosecutors to investigate any state or city officials who resist immigration enforcement efforts. The directive states that, 'Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing or otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands and requests.' It suggests that anyone who disobeys the law could face criminal prosecution. A sweep of sanctuary cities on Tuesday led to the arrest of over 300 illegal migrants, with immigration officials arresting over 1,300 migrants in the early days of his presidency. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said on X they have also lodged a further 373 deportation detainers - requests to local police forces to hold arrested individuals until ICE can pick them up - since Trump took back power. Of the 1,300 migrants arrested thus far, 'over 1,000 of them were criminals,' border czar Tom Homan told NewsNation on Thursday night. Republican firebrand Lauren Boebert reportedly flew into a rage this week over transgender Rep. Sarah McBride using the women's restroom - only to discover the perpetrator wasn't McBride at all. The Colorado congresswoman was spotted emerging from the ladies' room at the Capitol this week complaining about 'a guy' in the restroom, according to reporting from the Daily Beast. As she marched back to the House floor, Boebert was heard telling other members that she found McBride in the bathroom. McBride is banned from using the women's bathroom due to a rule set in place by Speaker Mike Johnson barring transgender people from using single-sex bathrooms. According to an anonymous GOP lawmaker who spoke to the Daily Beast, Boebert was infuriated that McBride went against the rule, and told the person in the bathroom: 'You shouldn't be here.' But the controversial Republican apparently quickly realized the person she accosted in the bathroom wasn't McBride at all. 'I overheard Boebert say she went to apologize,' the GOP source added. In a statement after the mix-up was revealed, Boebert admitted her blunder, saying: 'I made an error regarding a mistaken identity. I apologized, learned a lesson, and it wont happen again.' Republican firebrand Lauren Boebert reportedly flew into a rage at transgender Rep. Sarah McBride using the women's restroom - only to discover the perpetrator wasn't McBride at all McBride became the first openly transgender person to serve in Congress this year, and was banned from using the women's bathroom by Speaker Mike Johnson Bloomberg reporter Billy House first witnessed the controversy unfolding, posting to X that he saw Boebert 'bursting' out of the women's room in the House, 'complaining to security personnel' about 'a guy' in the bathroom. House said he stuck around to see who would emerge, and only saw four women walk out. Boebert then came 'storming back' to the restroom, having brought South Carolina Congresswoman and fellow anti-trans crusader Nancy Mace with her, House said. Mace was notably the author of the resolution banning transgender women from using the women's restroom, and her public stance was the driving force behind Johnson's rule banning McBride's from them in the current congress. 'But alas, just seconds after this duo entered the bathroom, they come back out - and went back quietly to the floor,' House reported at the time. Who would dare leave this scene now? Not me. Mace is author of the resolution prohibiting transgender women in the chamber from using the womens restroom. But alas, just seconds after this duo entered the bathroom, they come back out -- and went back quietly to the floor. 3/4 Billy House (@HouseInSession) January 23, 2025 When asked by the Daily Beast about the incident, McBride said she was not confronted by Boebert. She said while she disagrees with Johnson's rule barring her from the women's bathroom, she is committed to following the rule and has no intention of breaking it. 'Im not here to fight about bathrooms. Im here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down the costs facing families,' she previously said in November when the controversy made headlines. 'Like all members, I will follow the rules outlined by Speaker Johnson, even if I disagree with them.' McBride became the first openly transgender lawmaker ever elected to the US Congress, but her place in the chamber quickly drew the ire of some conservatives after she was sworn in in January. Mace has repeatedly referred to McBride as 'a man', with fellow Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene going further by describing her as a predator and accusing her of being 'mentally ill.' Boebert reportedly gathered Congresswoman Nancy Mace to find McBride in the bathroom in the case of mistaken identity, as Mace had been a vocal opponent of McBride using women's bathrooms earlier this year Fellow Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene was also among those opposing McBride in Congress, describing her as a predator and accusing her of being 'mentally ill' Despite being told she had to use the men's bathroom in the Capitol, McBride said she was not fazed by the move. 'This effort to distract from the real issues facing this country hasn't distracted me over the last several days, as I've remained hard at work preparing to represent the greatest state in the union come January,' she said at the time. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman was among those who came out in support of McBride, saying at the time: 'Theres no job Im afraid to lose if it requires me to degrade anyone. 'If thats a defining issue for a voter, there will be a different candidate. We have a bathroom in my office that anybody is welcome to use, including Representative-elect Sarah McBride.' New York City enjoyed a record-breaking five day streak without any shooting victims, coinciding with Donald Trump's return to office. President Trump campaigned on a tough-on-crime policy, vowing to remove criminal illegal immigrants and give police resources they needed to keep cities safe. Now, the NYPD has celebrated the milestone achievement, prompting an influx of praise for Trump. 'For the first time in 30 years, there have been 0 shooting victims in New York City for a 5-day period,' the official NYPD X account wrote. 'This is the longest we've gone without a shooting victim since the beginning of the CompStat era. '[It] is a result of the brave work that the members of the NYPD do every day.' But the post attracted dozens of responses crediting Trump for the result, even though he wasn't mentioned in the initial post. 'This wouldnt happen to have anything to do with #47, now would it?' one Trump fan wrote. New York City has enjoyed a record-breaking five day streak without any shooting victims, coinciding with Donald Trump 's return to office Now, the NYPD has celebrated the milestone achievement, prompting an influx of praise for Trump President Trump campaigned on a tough-on-crime policy, vowing to remove criminal illegal immigrants and give police resources they needed to keep cities safe 'Say ty to trump,' another added. 'What a strange coincidence.' 'It's the Trump effect, already making our streets safer!' But critics said it was likely a result of the frigid temperatures in New York prompting more people to stay inside to escape the cold. And shortly after the NYPD's announcement, there was a report on X that 'a man was shot on Linden Boulevard in East New York, Brooklyn.' However, the 5-day streak was still a remarkable feat for NYC. Trump's immigration force has arrested over 1,300 illegal migrants in the early days of his presidency as part of the largest mass deportation in US history, new Border Czar Tom Homan said. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said on X they have also lodged a further 373 deportation detainers - requests to local police forces to hold arrested individuals until ICE can pick them up - since Trump took back power on Monday. Homan told NewsNation on Thursday night that of the 1,300 migrants arrested so far, 'over 1,000 of them were criminals.' 'I don't care if Republican or Democrat, Independent, why not let law enforcement go into a county jail, taxpayer county jail, to arrest the guy that you locked in a jail cell so obviously, the public safety threat that will solve a lot of this problem. And I hope the sanctuary cities come around,' Homan said. Shortly after the NYPD's announcement, there was a report on X that 'a man was shot on Linden Boulevard in East New York, Brooklyn.' Critics said it was likely a result of the frigid temperatures in New York prompting more people to stay inside to escape the cold ICE, seen detaining a suspected illegal migrant in Boston, said they have lodged a further 373 deportation detainers - requests to local police forces to hold arrested individuals until ICE can pick them up - since Trump took back power on Monday President Trump's hardline Border Czar Tom Homan warned that local governments that seek to shield illegal migrants from deportation forces could now face criminal prosecution The updated ICE statistics come after federal authorities said Tuesday that a sweep of sanctuary cities led to the arrest of over 300 illegal migrants on Trump's first full day. Homan also vowed to restart immigration raids, including in the so-called sanctuary cities. These cities include San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, New York City and many others that are run by Democrat leaders who don't want to comply with crackdowns on federal immigration law. Making good on his 2024 campaign pledge to carry out the largest deportation operation in US history, Trump issued 10 executive orders on day one of his second term on Monday related to the southern border and the illegal immigration crisis. At the border, migrants found the CBP One App failed to work, and officials said the total apprehensions at the southern border dropped to 766 on Tuesday. A highway patrol officer has been left fighting for life after his police car collided with a truck in Queensland's Scenic Rim. Senior constable Chris Leonard, believed to be in his 50s, was freed from a squad vehicle in a dramatic rescue after the rollover at about 1pm on the Cunningham Highway at Warrill View, to the southeast of Brisbane. Paramedics started treating the officer for life-threatening head and arm injuries while he was still trapped inside the vehicle. The truck driver was treated at the scene for minor injuries and was taken to Ipswich Hospital in a 'stable' condition, according to Queensland Ambulance. A rescue helicopter attended the scene, according to paramedics. Senior Constable Leonard, on duty at the time of the crash, is now at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. The crash closed the highway at Warrill View Peak briefly on Friday afternoon as the truck lay on its side across two lanes. Ipswich District Superintendent Kylie Rigg fronted media following the incident, labelling Friday a 'sad day' for their force. Footage from the scene showed the mangled police car had careered a significant distance from the highway in the crash Senior Constable Chris Leonard, believed to be in his 50s, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries 'He comes to work each and every day to keep our community safe,' Spdt Rigg told Nine News. 'We have police supporting the officer's family, and of course, we support all of the officers here from the Ipswich district as we come to terms with the officers' significant injuries the next few days. 'The weeks and months ahead will be a long road, and we very much are hoping he has a full recovery.' The injured officer's wife has been at his bedside since the incident. 'We obviously don't have police involved in traffic crashes often,' Spdt Rigg said. Footage from the scene showed the mangled police car had careered a significant distance from the highway in the crash. The crash closed the highway at Warrill View Peak briefly on Friday afternoon as the truck lay on its side across two lanes The truck lay on its side, blocking both lanes of the highway. Queensland Police said a Forensic Crash Unit have been investigating the circumstances of the crash. Police are yet to reveal the exact cause of the accident. Police have urged any witnesses to the incident to come forward with information. Mobile network Three's outage last night left people unable to call 999 and many users this morning are still facing problems. Three's 10.5 million customers reported being unable to make any phone calls during the outage, with more than 10,000 people reporting problems on DownDetector. On Friday morning some customers were still reporting problems, with Three admitting last night they had no time frame in which the problem would be fixed. Today the network said it expects additional disruption due to Storm Eowyn. The company said in a post on X on Thursday that it was 'aware of an issue affecting a small percentage of voice services', adding that its team was 'working hard to fix this as soon as possible'. 'We're really sorry for any inconvenience caused. Data services and 999 calls are unaffected, please bear with us,' they added. However reports online show fuming customers reporting being unable to get through to emergency services despite the network's promise. One customer wrote on X: 'Extremely disappointed with Three UK. Needed to call 999 emergency services tonight for an ambulance. 'Could not get through due to your network being down! I understand that things happen but no access to emergency services? Where is your resilience! Really dangerous!' Three's 10.5 million customers reported being unable to make any phone calls during the outage, with more than 10,000 people reporting problems on DownDetector The network later said it was investigating reports of customers being unable to access 999, and told users to use their landlines or another network instead. A spokesperson said in a statement: 'We are aware of a number of reports that customers have not been able to connect to 999 calls. Data from the emergency services shows that normal volumes of 999 calls being placed via our network are being connected. 'We are taking these reports very seriously and are investigating this urgently and we apologise if anyone has been unable to successfully contact emergency services. 'While it is likely your call will connect correctly to 999, if you have any issues please try another network or landline. Please do not try and test 999 calls from your device as it may prevent genuine calls being answered quickly.' Other customers reported missing medical appointments, with one writing the outage 'caused me to miss an important call from my cardiologist consultant yesterday afternoon.' They added: 'Now I have to go back to the bottom of the waiting list. Thanks for nothing Three.' Issues are still affecting the network this morning, with one user writing: 'It's been more than 12 hours and this issue is ongoing, I'm still not able to make calls.' Hotspots for outages included London, Manchester and Liverpool Some outages were still being reported on Friday morning, with no timeline for when problems will be fixed Customers first started reporting issues with making calls around Thursday lunchtime. They took to social media in frustration after the network stated just a 'small percentage' of customers were affected. This morning a Three spokesperson said: 'Following an issue affecting voice calls yesterday, services have almost returned to normal overnight. 'Our monitoring has picked up an issue with calls connected via WiFI which we are investigating urgently. 'Today, we also expect to see an additional impact on our service due to Storm Eowyn in some areas. We have already deployed extra engineering resources and planning for these areas, so we can bring sites that are impacted back online as soon as it is safe to do so. 'A normal volume of 999 calls were connected yesterday and our monitoring confirms the service is working fully this morning. 'We continue to investigate the small number of reports that we received about 999 call failures. We apologise sincerely for the inconvenience caused by the issues on our voice network yesterday.' Murderers who kill before they reach the age of 18 like Southport monster Axel Rudakubana cannot be locked up for the rest of their lives because it would breach their human rights, minister John Healey warned today. Calls have been mounting for a law change after Rudakubana avoided a whole-life sentence for slaughtering three young girls because he was nine days shy of his 18th birthday when he carried out his brutal attack last July. He was instead handed a sentence of 52 years which means, while unlikely, he could be released when he is 70. Politicians including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch are calling for the law to be changed to allow whole-life sentences to be handed to minors. But Defence Secretary Mr Healey today suggested that this was unlikely to happen. 'There are limits [under] United Nations law that prevent us from having a court system that would impose unlimited sentences on under 18 year-olds,' he said. 'But in practice I can't see this man ever coming out of prison, I don't want to see this man ever come out of prison.' The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the UK signed up to in 1991, states that minors should not face the death penalty 'or suffer other cruel or degrading treatment or punishment'. It adds: 'Children should be arrested, detained or imprisoned only as a last resort and for the shortest time possible.' Calls have been mounting for a law change after Rudakubana avoided a whole-life sentence for slaughtering three young girls because he was nine days shy of his 18th birthday when he carried out his brutal attack last July. Politicians including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch are calling for the law to be changed to allow whole-life sentences to be handed to minors. But Defence Secretary Mr Healey today suggested that this was unlikely to happen. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the UK signed up to in 1991, states that minors should not face the death penalty 'or suffer other cruel or degrading treatment or punishment'. Mr Healey admitted the country was trying to come to terms with 'the savagery and the horror displayed by Rudakubana in his attack. He received one of the highest minimum custody terms on record for the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed class in The Hart Space in Southport in July last year, when he was 17. Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were killed and harrowing details of the attack were heard at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday. Rudakubana also attempted to murder eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes. Due to his age at the time of the attack, he cannot legally receive a whole-life order, a punishment reserved for offenders aged 21 and over or, in rare cases, those aged 18 to 20. 'I find it hard to catch my breath when I read the reports of what that man did,' Mr Healey said. 'It is quite clear he would have killed all 26 young girls in that dance class if he could. 'The judge has sentenced him 52 years in prison, he said it is unlikely he will even come out of prison and for my money I would be happy to see that.' Describing the minimum term as 'substantial', Mr Justice Goose, sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, said he will serve 'almost the whole of his life in custody', adding: 'I consider at this time that it is likely that he will never be released and that he will be in custody for all his life.' His words were echoed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer who said afterwards that the 'vile offender will likely never be released'. However, Southport's Labour MP Patrick Hurley said the sentence was 'not severe enough' and he asked the Attorney General to review it as 'unduly lenient'. He added: 'We need a sentence that represents the severity of this crime that has terrorised the victims and their families.' The Attorney General's office said the case was referred under the unduly lenient sentence scheme with just one request needed for it to be considered. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, backed by shadow home secretary Chris Philp, said there was a 'strong case' for amending the law to allow for whole life orders to be imposed on people aged under 18 in some cases, which the Tories 'will start to explore'. Donald Trump has been urged to release Prince Harry's immigration files, amid claims that the Duke of Sussex may have lied about past illicit drug use when emigrating to the US. A Washington-based conservative think tank has been fighting in the courts to have the Duke of Sussex's visa documents released so they can see if he has admitted to his historic narcotic use. Trump previously suggested Prince Harry may be deported from the US under his leadership if the Duke is found to have falsified information on his visa form - even though his wife is American and his children are dual citizens. Harry moved to Montecito with Meghan Markle and Archie in 2020 but his 2023 memoir Spare reveals he took cocaine, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms in his youth. The Heritage Foundation questioned why the Duke of Sussex was allowed into the US with his wife Meghan in 2020 following his reference to illicit drug consumption. In the US, visa applicants must by law declare whether they have taken drugs. As a result, the group brought a lawsuit against the Department for Homeland Security after a Freedom of Information request was rejected. Heritage claimed Harry's document was of 'immense public interest' but lost the case on September 23 after judge Carl Nichols ruled it should remain private. Samuel Dewey, a lawyer for Heritage, filed another motion in October to try to overturn the ruling, claiming that the publication of Harry's immigration file 'will help the public better understand how the Department conducts itself and how its officials exercise discretion'. Donald Trump has been urged to release Prince Harry's immigration files following claims that he may have lied about his illicit drug use when emigrating to the US The Heritage Foundation questioned why the Duke of Sussex was allowed into the US with his wife Meghan in 2020 following his reference to illicit drug consumption and consequently filed a lawsuit Now that the Duke of Sussex no longer has support from the Biden administration, lawyers and fellows at the Heritage Foundation are hoping the newly-elected president will override the court's decision to keep the files secret. 'I'll be urging the president to release Prince Harry's immigration records and the president does have that legal authority to do that,' Nile Gardiner, director of Heritage's Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom told the New York Post. 'Donald Trump is ushering in a new era of strict border control enforcement, and you know, Prince Harry should be held fully to account as he has admitted to extensive illegal drug use', he added. 'My firm expectation is that action will be taken'. Speaking to British politician and broadcaster Nigel Farage on GB News last year, Trump suggested that the royal would not get 'special privileges if he was found to have lied about his drug use. During the interview, Farage asked Trump if Harry should enjoy 'special privileges' should it come to light he did not tell the truth. 'We'll have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied they'll have to take appropriate action,' Trump responded. Heritage Foundation's calls come after a damning new Vanity Fair article featuring explosive claims about Harry and Meghan's difficult behaviour towards staff came out last week The Sussexes also came under fire this for being 'disaster tourists' following the LA wildfires. Pictured: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, right, speaks with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, center, and Doug Goodwin, who's home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena, Calif., Friday, Jan. 10 Meghan Markle was spotted comforting victims and first responders at an evacuation centre earlier this month amid the ongoing fires in LA 'Appropriate action? Which might meannot staying in America?' Farage asked. 'Oh I don't know. You'll have to tell me. You just have to tell me. You would have thought they would have known this a long time ago,' Trump replied. Previously, the former president has said he 'wouldn't protect' Harry because he had 'betrayed the Queen'. Trump has also said that if he wins the election in November then Harry 'would be on his own'. In his controversial memoir, the duke said cocaine 'didn't do anything for me', adding: 'Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me.' He also said that while using ayahuasca, a psychedelic drug, he realised that his late mother Diana wanted him to be 'happy'. If the files are made public and Harry is found to have lied, he faces leaving his life in the Californian town of Montecito behind. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex quit their royal roles in 2020 and have been residing in the US with their two children ever since. Following his big move, Harry's relationship with his father King Charles and brother Prince William, has faced tensions. This worsened after Harry and Meghan decided to participate in tell-all interviews. Heritage Foundation's calls come after a damning new Vanity Fair article featuring explosive claims about Harry and Meghan's difficult behaviour towards staff came out last week. Donald Trump pictured with Harry's brother, Prince William The bombshell profile in the magazine - headlined 'American Hustle' - stated that the Duchess of Sussex could be 'really, really awful' when things did not go her way. Meanwhile, Vanity Fair portrayed Harry as a hapless if well-meaning man who came up with 'crazy' ideas such as a 'sociopath podcast' which would involve him interviewing people such as Russian president Vladimir Putin. According to the magazine, the duke said: 'I have very bad childhood trauma. Obviously. My mother was essentially murdered. What is it about me that didn't make me one of the bad guys?'. Earlier this month, the couple were also slammed by Justine Bateman as 'disaster tourists' after they appeared volunteering during the LA wildfires. The Hollywood 58, took to X/Twitter to blast the couple after they were spotted in footage dressed in plain clothes and speaking with victims and other helpers. The former working royals were spotted in a clip out and about at an evacuation centre - just hours before it was confirmed the death toll of the blazes had climbed to 24. Bateman wrote online: 'Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. 'What a repulsive "photo op" they achieved. They are "touring the damage"? Are they politicians now? 'They don't live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists.' Video captured by Fox 11 Los Angeles showed Harry and Meghan in Pasadena mingling with volunteers and the city's mayor, Victor Gordo. But the couple were keen to provide any support they could, according to the mayor, saying they were 'great people' with 'great personalities'. Good Morning Britain star Nick Dixon insisted he was 'safe' as he was battered by severe winds amidst Storm Eowyn - sparking concern from viewers over whether he and other reporters seen on TV battling the weather should be outside at all. The correspondent was sent out to Largs on the west coast of Scotland to report on the storm of the century - a 'weather bomb' sparking deadly gusts of up to 114mph in some parts of the UK. Despite insisting to Kate Garraway and Adil Ray that he and his crew were 'okay', Nick looked visibly unsteady on his feet as he was blown about by the furious winds. His hood could be seen being visibly blown up and back, while his jacket was lashed with rain or water from the Firth of Clyde. 'We're okay, we are okay, we're relatively safe here, I could do with a coffee right enough,' he said as he as his hood was buffeted furiously by the gusts, which he earlier said were hitting at least 65mph. 'The conditions have really quite... they've really intensified in the last hour since we last chatted.' Earlier in the programme, Adil had asked him: 'Are you safe there? It looks horrific.' Nick fired back: 'We're in a relatively safe area but the winds are picking up, they're gusting over 65mph. The conditions today really are going to be intense to say the least.' Good Morning Britain correspondent Nick Dixon looked visibly uncomfortable as he reported on Storm Eowyn from the west coast of Scotland Dixon said he and his crew were 'relatively safe', but joked: 'I could do with a coffee right enough' Dougie Beattie on GB News must have appreciated the irony as he told viewers: 'Really: don't go out today if you don't have to' GMB viewers were unimpressed by the risks taken by Nick to report on the weather on the frontline. The Met Office has issued rare 'red' weather warnings for wind across central Scotland and Northern Ireland - indicating a severe danger to life. 'Shame on GMB sending reporters out in that,' replied one viewer on X. 'How irresponsible! You do not need to be outside to show us how bad the weather is, get inside,' said another. And a third asked: 'We know it's windy - why risk the reporter's life by making him and the crew stand outside by the sea?' Dixon is among countless correspondents who have braved the weather - whether or not by choice - to deliver the latest on one of the most furious storms in recent memory. Sky News science correspondent Thomas Moore described 'an extraordinary cacophony of sound' as he reported from Portrush in Northern Ireland. And the channel's Ireland correspondent Thomas Murphy said his hotel window had been 'sucked out' by the storm at around 2am, and that tiles had been torn from the roof. 'It has caused substantial damage in the Republic of Ireland,' said a visibly uncomfortable Dougie Beattie on GB News, his face soaking wet and red from being battered by the storm in Northern Ireland. 'Transportation is... there is no public transportation, boats have been cancelled, flights in and out of Northern Ireland very much cancelled at this minute in time. 'Even in the last five, 10 minutes the gusts that are coming in ios actually driving the sea over the top of the harbour wall behind me. Boats in the harbour that have been left are definitely getting battered around quite a lot.' Good Morning Britain viewers were unimpressed by the programme's decision to send reporters out into the storm of the century Sky News' Stephen Murphy clung to his hat as he told of the window in his hotel room being 'sucked out' by the harsh winds This alert was sent to the mobile phones of nearly five million UK residents last night using the Government's emergency alert system The weather-tussled presenter added, presumably with a degree of irony: 'We've had warnings on our phones telling us not to go out. Really: don't go out today if you don't have to.' Nearly five million Brits received warnings on their phones last night advising them to stay indoors, making use of the Government's emergency alert system to send the noisy notification. The alert read: 'A RED warning for wind has been issued. Extremely strong winds associated with Storm Eowyn are expected to cause significant disruption from 10am on Friday 24 January 2025. 'Strong winds can present a danger to life, causing flying debris, falling trees and large waves around coastal areas. 'Stay indoors if you can. It is unsafe to drive in these conditions. Avoid coastal areas.' It goes on to warn people to prepare back-ups for lighting and mobile phone charging in case of power cuts. New Delhi, Jan 24 (UNI) India is a very important friend country for Indonesia. India was one of the countries that supported our independence struggle, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said ahead of his state visit to India. President Subianto, who will be Chief Guest at the Republic Day on Monday, will be accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday morning, ahead of holding bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the afternoon at Hyderabad House. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will call on him at Taj Mahal Hotel, and later he will have a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu in the evening. President Prabowo said that besides attending the 76th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, he will meet with the President and Prime Minister of India to strengthen strategic cooperation in areas such as security, maritime, and digital technology development. The Indonesian President, who arrived on Thursday night, was warmly received at the airport. A warm welcome to President Prabowo Subianto @prabowo of Indonesia as he arrives in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Received by MoS @PmargheritaBJP at the airport. President @prabowo will be the Chief Guest for Indias 76th Republic Day celebrations. This visit will further strengthen India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This is the first visit of President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto to India as Head of State. Earlier, President Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, was the Chief Guest at Indias first Republic Day in 1950. President Prabowo will be the fourth Indonesian President to attend Indias Republic Day celebrations. A 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia is also participating in Indias Republic Day Parade. This will be the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in a national day parade abroad. Prime Minister Modi had paid an Official Visit to Indonesia in 2018. During the visit, India-Indonesia bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two leaders also met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 19 November 2024. This was the first meeting between the two leaders. Areas of engagement India and Indonesia are close maritime neighbours with cultural and trade ties spanning over a millennia. The annual Bali Yatra festival which commemorates the historic voyages by Indian seafarers who would set sail to Bali, is one such example of these cultural linkages. Political cooperation Indonesia is an important pillar in Indias Act East Policy. There are regular high-level interactions including convening of bilateral mechanisms like Joint Commission Meetings and Foreign Office Consultations. Economic cooperation Indonesia is one of Indias largest trading partners in the ASEAN region. Bilateral trade in 2023-24 reached US$ 29.40 billion. Indian investments in Indonesia amounts to USD 1.56 billion in infrastructure, power, textiles, steel, automotive, mining, banking and consumer goods sectors. Defence cooperation The Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in 2018 has further strengthened defence ties. Regular conduct of Air Force to Air Force Staff Talks, Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks and Army-to-Army Staff Talks. Regular conduct of Bilateral Army Exercise Garuda Shakti and Joint Naval Exercise Samudra Shakti. Regular conduct of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT). Indias participation in Multilateral Naval Exercise KOMODO. Indonesias participation in Exercise MILAN. Cooperation in space India and Indonesia share robust and active space cooperation dating back to 1997. Two Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) ground stations set up by ISRO at Biak, Papua support Indian satellite and launch vehicle missions. Cooperation in health Apollo Hospital is working with Indonesian Mayapada Hospital group for building a green hospital in new capital Ibu Kota Nusantara(IKN) for clinical collaboration, providing capacity building, technical training, hospital management services and for collaboration to make affordable and quality healthcare available to Indonesians. Exports of pharmaceuticals and medical devices to Indonesia has risen from US$ 167.01 mn in 2020-21 to US$ 230.41 mn in 2023-24. Connectivity Direct flight connectivity between India and Indonesia commenced in August 2023. Routes include Mumbai-Jakarta, Delhi- Bali and Bangalore-Bali sectors. India has emerged as the second largest source of tourists (more than 600,000) to Bali in 2023-24. Indian diaspora There are approximately 150,000 Persons of Indian Origin whose ancestors had migrated to Indonesia in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are around 14,000 Indian Nationals (NRI) living in Indonesia including entrepreneurs, engineers, chartered accountants, IT professionals, consultants, bankers, and other professions. Expected outcomes from the visit The entire gamut of bilateral cooperation including political, defence and security cooperation, trade and investment, healthcare, digital technologies, energy, culture, connectivity, tourism and people-to-people relations will be reviewed. Several MoUs and announcements are likely to be concluded during the visit. The 3rd CEO Forum will be held on the sidelines. UNI RN A bowls player went on a revenge vandalism spree when he discovered his membership with a private club had been terminated after 46 years. Embittered Robert Crawshaw, of Wilmslow, Cheshire, was ousted from the club after being accused of using 'inappropriate language'. In response, he slashed the tyres on cars belonging to Alderley Edge Union Clubs steward, his wife and a committee member. CCTV caught the 65-year-old using a sharp instrument to puncture all the tyres on a Peugeot belonging to steward Paul Furby, before targeting his wife Julies Dacia, causing 850 worth of damage. The following day, he was seen visiting the home of committee member Melanie Farnworth before putting a hole in one of the tyres of her Jaguar, causing 300 worth of damage. Crawshaw has played bowls since he was 14 and owns a business which specialises in renovating crown and flat green bowls and jacks. He was arrested later but denied any wrongdoing, claiming a case of mistaken identity. However, footage showed him dressed in a hooded top and jacket walking with his distinctive limp and carrying what appeared to be a drill in his right hand. Robert Crawshaw (pictured) slashed the tyres on cars belonging to Alderley Edge Union Clubs steward, his wife and a committee member Paul and Julie Furby (pictured) whose car tyres were damaged by Crawshaw to the tune of 850 worth of damage Mr Furby, of the 136-year-old Cheshire club, told a court: I can clearly identify him from his gait, his build, walk and by his facial features. No doubt whatsoever. At Crewe magistrates court, Crawshaw was found guilty of criminal damage and was ordered to pay 1,149 in compensation. He was also fined 580, with 857 in costs and surcharge, and was issued a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting or approaching his victims for two years. The incident occurred in July last year after Crawshaw, a long time member of Wilmslow Bowling Club, had been kicked out of the group where his girlfriend had formerly been President. Mr Furby who admitted disliking Crawshaw said: I have known of him for quite a while from the bowling community. I saw him between one and three times a week when I was working in the bar, and if I was there socialising or watching bowls. On the day in question, I was going out to drive somewhere when I looked at the front. I had two new tyres the day before and thought maybe they had not been fitted properly - but I went to the back and noticed that they were deflated too. Crawshaw (pictured) was arrested later but denied any wrongdoing, claiming a case of mistaken identity The incident took place after Crawshaw's 46-year membership with Alderley Edge Union Club (pictured) was terminated At that point I noticed that my wifes tyres were all deflated as well. I looked at the CCTV and from his gait, build and his walk, I recognised him from having seen him previously. We have the ability on the system to zoom in, so we got a clear picture of his face. Committee member Ms Farnworth told the hearing she obtained CCTV from her neighbour which showed Crawshaw approaching her property, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, in the moments before her car was vandalised. She said: I am a member of the Alderley Edge social club - and he used to be a member. I have seen him on various occasions with his girlfriend and he has spoken to me in inappropriate language. I could identify him due to his staggering walk and body shape. Im 100% certain it was him. Giving evidence, Crawshaw denied it was him in the CCTV footage. He said he had been watching the World Matchplay darts on TV from 7pm to 11pm on the evening the Furbys cars had been damaged. He also said he was watching the competition live in Blackpool on the night Ms Farnworths car was damaged. When asked about his arrest, he said: I could not believe it. On both occasions it was not me. Ive got a knee brace on permanently. I am due for a knee replacement. I cannot even bend down. I cannot understand why Mr Furby is saying what he is saying. He agreed his membership of the club had been terminated and admitted: I was not happy with it. When asked if he knew Mr Furby through the union club, he said: Yes. When he first started working there I renovated his bowls for him. I would not say I know him but as far as I am concerned there was quite a rapport. Regarding Ms Farnworth, he said: I would not know her if she walked in here. I do not know her. I only ever met her once in my life. I spoke to her in the Union Club once but I would not recognize her. But Andrew Sinker, prosecuting, told Crawshaw: I am going to suggest the reason they are both saying it is you is because its the truth. You were a member of the Union Club and that membership was terminated and you were not happy about that decision. Because of that matter you had gone round and damaged the tyres. Crawshaws girlfriend Karen Robinson said the termination of his club membership was an ongoing issue. Ms Robinson, who works as a delivery driver for a local chemist and runs her own elderly-care company, said she was still a member of the club herself but that her membership was coming up for renewal. Crawshaws lawyer Julian Farley said: The explanation of I could have sworn it was you has been used by people in court who say they have seen somebody on the street only to discover later that they were wrong. People can be wrong. Even those most convinced by their evidence can be wrong. But in convicting Crawshaw, JP Peter Walsh said: We accept the evidence of Mr Furby as he is sure of the identification and he is well known to you. Ms Farnworth was also certain and she knows you. We do not attach weight to your evidence. There is a lack of credibility, there is inconsistency and it lacks believability. We do think that this is predominantly a revenge attack. Donald Trump's effort to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America' will be quietly ignored by British officials, sources have revealed. The US president ordered US mapmakers to make the change within hours of taking office on Monday, making good on a campaign promise which infuriated the Mexican government. The executive order, titled 'Restoring names that honor American greatness', requires the Gulf to be referred to by its new name in all official documents 'in recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nation's economy and its people'. 'We'll be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which has a beautiful ring,' Trump told reporters as he announced his plan on January 7. 'That covers a lot of territory. The Gulf of America. What a beautiful name. It is appropriate,' Mexico has ridiculed the move, suggesting that the US should be renamed 'Mexican America' instead. And the UK will continue to call the Gulf by its existing name unless, or until, any new name becomes the most widely used in the English language, a source told the Telegraph. Officials believe that is unlikely ever to happen and insist that the name 'cannot be universally changed by a single country'. No renaming will appear on government documents and the new name 'will not apply to UK products'. President Donald Trump issued an executive order on his first day in office giving US officials 30 days to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America' Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum ridiculed the idea, suggesting the US should return to a previous name of 'America Mexicana' - producing a 16th century map to make her case Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum was scathing about Trump's plan to rename the 617,800 square miles of ocean that border the two countries. 'For us, it is still the Gulf of Mexico, and for the entire world it is still the Gulf of Mexico,' she said on Tuesday. Earlier this month she held a press conference in response to Trump's announcement, dramatically unveiling a map dating back to the 1600s which showed an early designation of North America with the title 'America Mexicana' in giant letters. And she said a document dating from 1814, that preceded Mexico's constitution, referred that way to the area that now includes the United States. 'Mexican America, that sounds nice, no?' she said sarcastically, pointing to a massive image of the 17th Century map behind her. 'He talked about name, we too are talking about the name.' She was joined by cultural adviser Alfonso Suarez del Real who detailed the backstory of the 'Mexican America' name for North America. 'The fact is that Mexican America is recognized since the 17th Century... as the name for the whole northern part of the continent,' Suarez del Real said. Former First Lady Hillary Clinton was seen laughing behind Trump's shoulder as he spoke of his plan during his inaugural address, but the announcement was warmly welcomed by leading Republicans. Mapping companies, including Google Maps, are under pressure to change the name on their apps with nearly 1,000 people demanding action on the company's Help page. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (right) smirked as Trump announced the executive order enforcing the name change at his inauguration Private mapping companies are coming under pressure to make the change the name on their apps but it remains as the Gulf of Mexico on Google Maps for the time being The Gulf remains under its old name on Google Maps for the time being, but official map makers in the US have 30 days to make the change. The executive order noted that the gulf would 'play a pivotal role in shaping America's future', and also changed the name of Denali, the country's tallest mountain, to its previous name of Mount McKinley. The Alaskan peak was named McKinley in 1896 after the country's 25th president William McKinley, but renamed Denali by President Barack Obama in 2015 in recognition of its traditional Native American identity. The latest change to the mountain's name will be recognised internationally as it sits entirely within the US, but Trump may face a fight in persuading the rest of the world to accept his new name for the Gulf of Mexico. The United Nations has an influential committee dedicated to advising on contested place names, including the Falkland Islands which Argentina refers to as the 'Malvinas'. Currently the islands go under their British name in official UN documents but have 'Malvinas' written in brackets alongside. The Oscars have gone to war with President Donald Trump by nominating a transgender star for an acting award and two trans dramas for 21 awards just days after he signed a law declaring the US will only recognize two sexes. Karla Sofia Gascon became the first-ever transgender star to be put forward for an Oscar after receiving the nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her work in Emilia Perez. The musical crime drama focuses on a Mexican drug lord and his transition from male to female, and has been nominated for an astonishing 13 Academy Awards, including Best Film and Best Director. Tackling similar themes of gender identity, the political drama Conclave - which is about scheming cardinals deciding who to elect as the next pope - picked up a total of eight nominations, including Best Film, Best Director. The Academy appeared to doubled down on its anti-Trump crusade by including the Trump biopic The Apprentice - which features a controversial scene in which he rapes his first wife Ivana - in its nominations. Trump has called those involved with the film 'human scum' and dismissed the project as a 'disgusting hatchet job'. The President sparked a wave of backlash from members of the LGBTQ community this week after signing an executive order that redefines gender in the US. Gascon openly condemned the law, branding it 'shameless', while other opponents of the legislation launched a cruel campaign of mockery against Caitlyn Jenner - a longtime Republican and one of the most famous trans women in the world. The hatred towards Jenner was swift, with many people referring to her by her dead name 'Bruce' and calling her a hypocrite for supporting a man who is so opposed to her community. The Academy has nominated Emilia Perez, a musical crime drama focusing on a Mexican drug lord and his transition from male to female, for an astonishing 13 Oscars Tackling similar themes of gender identity, the Edward Berger directed political drama Conclave picked up a total of eight nominations The Academy appeared to doubled down on its anti-Trump crusade by including the Trump biopic The Apprentice - which features a controversial marital rape scene - in its nominations. Trump has called those involved with the film 'human scum' and dismissed the project as a 'disgusting hatchet job' Trump has vowed to transform the 'troubled' ailing film industry over the next four years and bring back its early to mid-twentieth century Golden Age. But the Oscars nominations have demonstrated that this year's awards season is going to be an unrelenting succession of grandstanding by Hollywood wokerati. The Academy sent Trump a direct message Thursday by nominating a trans star for an acting award for the first time ever - after that very performer condemned his new legislation. Gascon has actively expressed her opposition of Trump, claiming his Administration will bring America 'backwards' and 'erode the little tolerance we have'. Although she has publicly slammed Trump, Gascon has claimed she wants the narrative surrounding her historic Oscars nomination to be about her performance in Emilia Perez - not her gender identity. 'It's time to focus on my performance and move beyond labels like ethnicity, sexuality, or hair color,' she said of her nomination Thursday, The Statesman reported. 'Art transcends hate. My work speaks for itself.' However, last year filed a lawsuit against conservative French politician Marion Marechal after he criticized her winning a best actress award at Cannes Film Festival. 'A man has won best actress. Progress for the left means the erasure of women and mothers,' Marechal quipped after her win, prompting Gascon to file a legal complaint for 'sexist insult on the basis of gender identity'. Gascon was also nominated for a Golden Globe, Screen Actors' Guild award, and BAFTA for her work in Emilia Perez. During her acceptance speech at the Golden Globes, she condemned intolerance and pillared a message of hope to the LGBTQ community: 'The light always wins over darkness.' Trump on his first day back in office signed an executive order ruling the federal government to define sex as only male or female The Academy again demonstrated its disapproval of Trump's law by putting director Edward Berger's film Conclave forward for eight awards. Conclave has sparked outrage among the Catholic church, with the former prefect for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith last week branding it 'anti-Christian propaganda' that he says could have been produced 'in the time of Hitler or Stalin'. 'I've seen some clips and read some reviews and that is enough for me,' Cardinal Gerhard Muller said of the film, according to the National Catholic Register. He said the plot revealing a Cardinal to be an 'intersexual person' was 'stupid, ridiculous, and idiotic' and claims it 'shows more their own corruption - that of the film's producers - than the Church'. Other clergy have also spoken out against the film, urging Catholics not to see it and claiming it 'checks every woke box'. But Ralph Fiennes, who starred in Conclave as Cardinal Lawrence, has said he is 'thrilled' to see the film put forward for Oscars. He received a best actor nomination for his role in the film. 'I'm thrilled to be nominated and to be celebrating the other nominations for Conclave,' Fiennes said. 'Edward Berger brought an extraordinary cast and crew together he is an inspirational director with rare insight and a unique vision which lies at the heart of this film.' Transgender musical drama Emilia Perez is far from the Hollywood ideal Trump had in mind before his inauguration in Washington DC on Monday, yet it received a total of 13 nominations Conclave, a film about scheming cardinals deciding who to elect as the next pope, was branded by leaders of the Catholic church as 'anti-Christian propaganda' that also 'checks every woke box'. Pictured is Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence The Academy also appeared to directly snub Trump by including The Apprentice - which has been one of the bigger awards season question marks, especially after it failed to resonate with moviegoers in theaters - in its nominations. Leading man Sebastian Stan earned a Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of young Trump during his formative years in New York City real estate. Succession star Jeremy Strong also secured a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role as controversial NYC lawyer Roy Cohn, a Trump confidante and mentor before his death to AIDS in 1986. But Trump is not pleased with the film or his portrayal in it. Last year, a lawyer for the President sent a cease-and-desist letter to the filmmakers behind the movie. 'The Movie presents itself as a factual biography of Mr. Trump, yet nothing could be further from the truth,' the letter from Trump attorney David Warrington said, per The Hill. Director Ali Abassi revealed his intentions behind telling Trump's story at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024. 'I think in the time of turmoil you know, theres this tendency to look inwards, to sort of bury your head deep in the sand, and look inside, and hope for the best and hope for the storm to get away,' Abbasi told Variety at the time. 'But the storm is not going to get away,' he continued. 'The storm is coming, actually. The worst times are to come. 'When we did this movie, everyone said, "Why do you want to make a movie with Trump? You know, if you want to tell something about the world, do it in a nice way, in a metaphorical way." 'There is no nice, metaphorical way to deal with the rising wave of fascism.' Leading man Sebastian Stan earned a Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of young Trump in The Apprentice. Jeremy Strong also secured a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role as controversial NYC lawyer Roy Cohn Trump on his first day back in office signed an executive order ruling the federal government to define sex as only male or female. The order declares that there are just two sexes and rejects that people can transition from one gender to another or be considered something other than male or female such as nonbinary or intersex. The order calls for passports, visas and Global Entry cards to reflect the administration's definition of sexes. It also calls for the definition to be reflected in policies such as federal prison assignments. Trump also rescinded an order from the administration of former Democratic President Joe Biden that allowed transgender people to serve in the military. Although the order has been signed, much of it requires more federal action. Trump's executive order tells one White House staff member to draft a bill for Congress within 30 days that would codify the definitions into law. Federal agencies must tell the president within 120 days what they've done to comply with the order. Some parts might require going through the regulatory process or passing new laws. Meanwhile, outraged liberals were quick to launch a crusade against Caitlyn Jenner over her support of Trump. She has backed Trump since 2016 and is a longtime Republican. 'Congratulations Mr. President. Thanks be to God!' Jenner posted on X the afternoon Trump was inaugurated. The backlash was swift, with many people calling her 'Bruce' and replying with pictures of her before she transitioned. Jenner also made a series of Instagram posts on Inauguration Day, including one in which she declared she was 'happier than ever' supporting Trump. That post was similarly full of derisive comments attacking the former Olympian and one-time gold medalist. Jenner is pictured with Trump at the welcome party for the LIV Golf Invitational in New York City on July 27, 2022 Trump quickly made good on his pledge to sever diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the federal government by laying off all DEI hires within 24 hours. He signed an order calling for the elimination of government diversity programs, including the ending of all federal offices and jobs related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The executive action calls for the termination of DEI programs, mandates, policies, preferences and activities in the federal government along with the review and revision of existing federal employment practices, union contracts and training policies or programs. Agency, department and commission heads have 60 days to terminate to the maximum extent allowed by law all DEI, DEIA and 'environmental justice' offices and positions, action plans, equity-related grants or contracts as well as end all DEI or DEIA performance requirements. It also targets federal contractors who have provided DEI training or materials, and grantees who received federal funding to provide or advance DEI programs, services or activities since Biden took office in 2021. Councils are refusing to fix potholes across the UK because they are less than a foot wide. Nearly one in eight highway authorities will not consider filling a pothole unless it is at least 12 inches wide, analysis has revealed. It comes after it was revealed that 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. Conservative-run Hertfordshire county council is said to be the worst offender in terms of refusing to fill in potholes after it was revealed that they will not consider repairing a road defect until it is at least 300mm wide and 50mm (2in) deep, the Telegraph report. 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. Councils are refusing to fix potholes across the UK because they are less than a foot wide (Stock photo) A look at some of the potholes on Caernarvon Road in Cheltenham which measure 50cm in diameter Nearly one in eight highway authorities will not consider filling a pothole unless it is at least 12 inches wide (stock photo) Your browser does not support iframes. 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. Each year it is estimated that drivers have to battle against at least one million potholes on the country's road, according to research from RAC. It is estimated that, on average, there are around six potholes per mile on council-controlled roads in England and Wales. Between 2022 and 2023, 1.4 million potholes were filled in England and Wales which is down from 1.7 million the year before. Pothole-related breakdowns have also jumped up by a fifth (17%) in the final three months of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, reflecting the ongoing poor condition of Britains roads. Patrols by then insurance company rescued 4,709 drivers from October to December for damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs or distorted wheels This was 669 more than the 4,040 recorded in the third quarter of 2024. During the same winter months, nearly 39% of breakdowns the RAC attended were a result of punctured tyres, due to potholes along with other factors like nails and screws. 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 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 This was the highest proportion of breakdowns caused by punctures in any quarter during 2024. Interactive graphics also reveal the shocking extent of the pothole problem, with scientists claiming climate change is to blame. Climate organisation Round our Way reveals 952,064 potholes were reported in Britain between January and November last year, marking a five-year high. MailOnline's interactive map, based on the new data, reveals the local authorities with the most pothole reports during the 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). Britons have reacted angrily after receiving 'terrifying' loud emergency phone alerts ahead of Storm Eowyn hitting the British Isles today. Some 4.5 million people received emergency alerts on their phones in Scotland and Northern Ireland warning of the incoming storm in the 'largest real life use of the tool to date' on Thursday. The Cabinet Office alert at around 6pm in response to Storm Eowyn left pets frightened, sparked panic and repeated loudly into the early hours of the morning, recipients said. It meant compatible mobile phones made a loud siren-like sound and was sent to 22 council areas in Scotland. It was also sent to phones in Northern Ireland, which along with Scotland is currently under a rare red 'danger to life' warning for wind speeds of up to 100mph. The highest wind speed so far has been recorded in Northern Ireland at some 114mph. Many residents in the affected areas complained of extreme noise which accompanied the alerts, with some stating they feared a heart attack. One person commented on X, formerly Twitter: 'Still clinging to the ceiling light after switching on my phone to an emergency alert that near deafened me. Some 4.5million people received this emergency alert on their phone, accompanied by a loud siren noise A road is blocked by a fallen tree during Storm Eowyn in Rathangan, Ireland, on Friday Walkers struggle against the wind on a beach at Tynemouth Longsands on the North East coast of England 'Seems a bit like overkill when they give everyone a heart attack with their alerts. (Does anyone have a ladder, btw?)' A second person added: 'Well that extreme alert thing on the phone scared the s***e out of me in the car. Personal phone and work one at the same time. Two dogs going mental.' A third said: 'Least the wind won't kill me, I've just died of a heart attack after that alert on my phone.' Others complained of receiving repeated alerts throughout the night and into this morning, with some saying they had next to no sleep as a result. X users reported receiving alerts at 2am, 4am and 6.10am this morning in addition to the scheduled alert at 6pm yesterday. One person said: 'Why did another f***ing storm alert come through full toot on my phone at 02:30 which was absolutely terrifying?' Another wrote: 'Is anyone else in Scotland keep getting the red alert for the weather, I have had three in less than 45mins, it's f***ing 1.53am.' A third said: 'Why the f*** have the Scottish government decided it would be a wise idea to send another alert through to my phone at four in the morning, genuinely thought something major was happening.' Your browser does not support iframes. Commuters in London struggle with their umbrellas and coats amid strong winds this morning Waves break against the sea wall in Carnlough on the north east coast of Northern Ireland early on Friday Who received the emergency weather alert? The entirety of Northern Ireland received the emergency weather alert last night. In Scotland, the alert was sent in the following council areas: Clackmannanshire; Falkirk; Fife; Stirling; Dumfries & Galloway; East Lothian; In Scotland, the alert was sent in the following council areas: Clackmannanshire; Falkirk; Fife; Stirling; Dumfries & Galloway; East Lothian; Edinburgh ; Midlothian Council; Scottish Borders; West Lothian; Argyll and Bute; East Ayrshire; East Dunbartonshire; East Renfrewshire; Glasgow ; Inverclyde; North Ayrshire; North Lanarkshire; Renfrewshire; South Ayrshire; South Lanarkshire; and West Dunbartonshire. Advertisement A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: 'The Met Office has issued a red warning for wind on Friday January 24, meaning there is a danger to life across Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland. 'In light of the deteriorating weather conditions and associated disruption, and in consultation with the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive, the Cabinet Office will issue emergency alerts early this evening to people affected by the warnings in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland. 'The emergency alert system will send a message to every compatible mobile phone in the areas at most risk, containing information about the weather warnings and guidance on how to stay safe.' Those who received the alert heard a siren and were sent a message warning of a possible 'danger to life', damage to infrastructure and power cuts and urging people to 'consider gathering torches, batteries' and a mobile phone power pack in preparation. Storm Eowyn is predicted to batter the Central Belt, the West and South-West of Scotland between 10am and 5pm, and many employers have instructed staff to stay at home. Wind speeds of between 80mph and 90mph are expected, with the most exposed areas forecast to be hit by 100mph gusts. The alerts sparked panic among some Britons, with some joking online they feared the 'Russians were coming' or that a nuclear attack was imminent due to the extreme volume of the siren sound effect. Others described the siren sound as an 'Armageddon' or 'purge' alert. As the storm arrives, millions of people have been urged to stay at home as 100mph winds pose a danger to life and cause travel disruption across the UK. People across Scotland and Northern Ireland were warned of a 'danger to life' and told to avoid all unnecessary travel All trains at Edinburgh's Waverley Station were cancelled by Thursday evening ahead of the storm Rail services, flights and ferries have been axed, with rare red weather warnings in place on Friday in Scotland and Northern Ireland as Storm Eowyn batters the country. The storm is likely to damage buildings, uproot trees and cause power cuts, according to the Met Office alerts. Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill has urged people to stay at home, adding 'we are in the eye of the storm now', in an interview with BBC Radio Ulster. As of Friday morning, more than 93,000 homes and businesses were left without power in Northern Ireland as the storm caused 'widespread damage' to electricity networks, according to NIE Networks. Some 715,000 homes, farms and businesses are without power across the Republic of Ireland after Storm Eowyn caused 'unprecedented' damage to electricity infrastructure, the Irish Electricity Supply Board (ESB) said. Hundreds of schools and nurseries across Scotland will be closed on Friday as First Minister John Swinney warned residents not to travel. Train operator ScotRail has suspended all services across Scotland on Friday, saying it 'would not be safe to operate passenger services', with Calmac and Western ferry services also cancelled because of weather conditions. Other services impacted by the storm include Avanti West Coast, LNER, West Midlands Railway, Lumo, Transport for Wales and Southern Western Railway. Air travel has also been disrupted, with at least 334 flights axed across airports in Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow, affecting around 50,000 passengers, according to analysis by the PA news agency of flight tracking website FlightRadar24. Motorists in areas covered by red and amber weather warnings have been told to avoid travel 'unless absolutely essential'. National Highways said the A66 between the A1M in North Yorkshire and M6 in Cumbria, as well as the A628 Woodhead Pass in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, were both closed overnight due to strong winds. A plane lands in strong winds at London Heathrow Airport as Storm Eowyn hits Britain Passengers at Edinburgh Airport today, where 74 departures and 72 arrivals have been axed A fallen tree across the North Road in east Belfast this morning as Storm Eowyn strikes The M62 Ouse Bridge in East Yorkshire has also been closed to high-sided vehicles. On Friday morning, a record-breaking wind speed of 183kmh (114 mph) was measured in Mace Head, Co Galway in Ireland, Met Eireann said. The previous highest wind speed on record was 182kmh (113mph) set in January 1945 in Foynes, Co Limerick, according to the weather service. In Wales, winds reached a top speed of 93mph in the Welsh village of Aberdaron, Gwynedd, on Friday morning, the Met Office said. Red warnings are in place in Northern Ireland from 7am until 2pm on Friday, and for western and central areas of Scotland between 10am and 5pm, with speeds of up to 100mph likely along coasts, the forecaster said. Amber wind warnings are also in place for Northern Ireland, the southern half of Scotland, northern England and north Wales between 6am and 9pm on Friday, and the northern half of Scotland from 1pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday. Winds reaching 60 to 70mph will be widespread in these areas, with up to 90mph possible on coastal areas. A further yellow wind warning covers the rest of UK for all of Friday. Yellow warnings for snow are in place in Scotland, from 6am to midnight, and rain in south-west England and Wales until 9am. Disturbing footage shows the moment a man appears to hurl a glass bottle at a sleeping homeless woman in South Australia. In the video, the man could be seen pulling up to Wakefield Medical Clinic, Adelaide, about 11pm on Wednesday. He jumped from the car to throw the glass bottle towards a doorway at the clinic. A woman was sleeping rough under a blanket in the same entranceway. Glass can be heard shattering and tinkling on the ground around the woman, mere centimetres above her head. Both the assailant and the man filming from inside the car could be heard laughing. The panicked woman rose from the blankets, screaming in fright, and the attacker and bystander made off in their car. The medical clinic called the police about the incident the following morning, but the rough sleeper had already moved on. Footage shows the moment a man hurled a bottle at a homeless woman in Adelaide on Wednesday It's unclear if she sustained any injuries in the cruel and random attack. South Australian police are now hunting for the men responsible. One nearby worker told Seven News the homeless woman had recently been released from hospital after injuring her arm, and said she just needed a place to sleep. A local homeless man said he lives in fear of similar assaults. 'I sleep somewhere in the libraries during the day; you never know what is going to happen to you,' he said. A worker at the local homeless service Hutt St Centre, Chris Burns, said the assault was vile, and he could see no justification for the attack. 'It's disgusting that one human being would do that to another human being who is particularly vulnerable,' he said. 'She could've been very seriously injured if not killed.' Many Aussies who saw the video online were disgusted by the shameless act. 'What an atrocious, cowardly slug,' one man said of the offender. 'What a piece of s***, picking on someone living (rough),' another wrote. Police have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Hundreds of residents urged to shelter in place Four out-of-control fires are burning in WA Hundreds of residents across Western Australia have been told it's 'too late to leave' as four out-of-control bushfires rage across the state. Locals in Skeleton Rock, Mount Holland, Marvel Loch and Parker Range, east of Perth, were given a 'too late to leave' alert on Friday night, amid a 40,000ha fire. There were also two out-of-control fires in the state's southeast, with residents in Reef Beach told it was too late to leave. 'You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes,' the warning said. The fire was moving fast in a north-easterly direction, with about 300ha burnt so far. Residents of nearby Bremer Bay and Boxwood Hill were warned to leave now. Locals in Narrikup in the state's south were also urged to evacuate, as a blaze moved fast in a north-easterly direction, according to Emergency WA. And at Arthur River and Wedgecarrup, southeast of Perth, there was yet another 'too late to leave' warning, as an uncontained fire burned in a southeasterly direction. Four out-of-control bushfires areraging across Western Australia on Friday night 'You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes,' the warning from Emergency WA said The fresh warnings after a busy day for firefighters in the state, with a fire at Northam threatening lives and homes earlier on Friday Locals in Skeleton Rock, Mount Holland, Marvel Loch and Parker Range, east of Perth, were given a 'too late to leave' alert on Friday night There were also two out-of-control fires in the state's southeast, with residents in Reef Beach told it was too late to leave The fresh warnings came after a busy day for firefighters in the state, with a fire at Northam threatening lives and homes earlier on Friday, since downgraded to a watch and act alert. A 36-year-old man has since been charged with arson in relation to the fire and is being held in custody ahead of a court appearance on Saturday. Northam is in the midst of a severe heatwave, with the mercury hitting 42C on Friday. The heatwave is expected to persist for the next couple of days. His green ideas may be falling out of favour within Labour ranks as the government desperately tries to find a way to grow the economy, but Ed Miliband can still count on at least one friend in a high place. The Energy Secretary is facing embarrassment over his zealous push to meet Net Zero targets after ministers including Rachel Reeves baked construction of a third runway at Heathrow airport. However Mr Miliband, the former Labour leader, is still popular with one jet-setting senior public figure - King Charles. The environmentally conscious monarch is said to 'love' Mr Miliband's efforts to make the UK greener. The Times today reported that the King had praised Mr Miliband and his work to another senior Labour figure. This is despite critics warning that they could be disastrous for the economy and could drive up domestic bills rather than reduce them. Internally, Labour figures are also said to be nervous of his efforts at a time when they are being pilloried over a failure to yet turn round the economy. Charles's environmentalism is well-known. Last November, Mr Miliband was among ministers, campaigners and business leaders who attended an international sustainability reception he hosted at Buckingham Palace. Others who attended included Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Environment Secretary Steve Reed. The environmentally conscious monarch is said to 'love' Mr Miliband's efforts to make the UK greener. The Energy Secretary is facing embarrassment over his zealous push to meet Net Zero targets after ministers including Rachel Reeves baked construction of a third runway at Heathrow airport. The Energy Secretary, who was an outspoken critic of Heathrow expansion when he was party leader, said the idea of him quitting if it was expanded was ridiculous. The Energy Secretary, who was an outspoken critic of Heathrow expansion when he was party leader, said the idea of him quitting if it was expanded was ridiculous. However, London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan indicated that he will continue his opposition to the scheme, warning that a third runway is incompatible with protecting the planet. Ms Reeves is expected to use a speech on growth next week to support the plan, as well as an expansion of Gatwick and Luton. Earlier this week she said that boosting the economy must trump Labours dash for net zero. In the clearest statement yet of the Governments new priorities, the Chancellor said projects which could boost growth should not be held back because they might add something to carbon emissions in 20 years time. Asked whether she would choose to prioritise the economy or tackling climate change, she said growth was her number one mission, adding: Its obviously the most important thing. Charles' environmentalism is well-known. Last November, Mr Miliband was among ministers, campaigners and business leaders who attended an international sustainability reception he hosted at Buckingham Palace. Her backing has raised questions about whether her fellow Cabinet members will fall into line or oppose the expansion of the west London airport. Seven Cabinet members including Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Miliband, and Mr Reed have previously voted against the scheme. Mr Miliband was expected to be the most vocal government critic, but he insisted he would not quit over the governments decision yesterday. Asked if he would consider resigning if the plans go ahead, he said: Dont be ridiculous, no.' Buckingham Palace declined to comment. Reform UK's Welsh spokesman has lost a court fight with his Michelin-starred chef neighbours after a string of bitter complaints about their 'intimidating' brown Labrador. Oliver Lewis, the face of Nigel Farage's party in Wales, dragged restaurateur neighbours Stephane Borie and Sarah Francis to court in November 2023. It came after he sent them a series of texts, lawyers' letters and threats of legal action relating to their 'brown Labrador and a smaller white dog,' which he claimed had 'guard dog characteristics' and were putting his relatives 'in fear'. Mr Borie and Ms Francis, both 47, who formerly ran the Michelin-starred Checkers restaurant in Montgomery, Powys, let their dogs roam free in a yard in front of their four-bed detached house in Montgomery, over which Mr Lewis has a right of way to access his own home behind theirs. Mr Lewis claimed that his neighbours' dogs were intimidating his mother, nieces and nephews and should not be allowed out in the yard unrestrained. After a series of letters and threats, he took them to court in a bid to get the couple prosecuted for causing a 'nuisance,' claiming the dogs were 'quick on their feet... had guard dog characteristics, barked and charged at users'. But his case was thrown out at Welshpool Magistrates' Court after Judge Gwyn Jones said he was an 'irritated neighbour' whose evidence of the dogs' misbehaviour was 'weak' and had been 'undermined' during the trial. Mr Lewis lost to Labour's Steve Witherden by nearly 4,000 votes in July's election in Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr. Oliver Lewis, the face of Nigel Farage's party in Wales, lost a court battle over his neighbours' dogs Mr Lewis accused his neighbours, Stephane Borie and Sarah Francis (both pictured), of owning 'intimidating' dogs that had 'guard dog qualities' At court, a vet expert in canine behaviour said video footage showed the dogs were 'not defending their territory' and the judge went on to find that Mr Lewis' own evidence about the dogs 'was not such as to enable me to hold that there was a nuisance.' 'The applicant showed that he was an irritated neighbour,' he said. 'To establish a nuisance, a material interference with the ordinary physical comfort of human existence must be demonstrated. The evidence in this case did not meet that evidential standard. 'The applicant, whilst polite and courteous, was nonetheless unable to see or accept that his case was too weak to succeed.' Despite losing the fight, Mr Lewis has now avoided having to pay his neighbours' 10,000 lawyers' bills for the case after a fresh hearing at the High Court. Neighbour Mr Borie, a French chef who trained under Michel Roux Snr, took over The Checkers in Montgomery with partner and fellow chef Ms Francis, a farmer's daughter from Trefonen, near Oswestry, and her sister Kathryn in 2011. The restaurant won a Michelin star within seven months of the couple taking over, but they went on to hand it back in 2018, citing the wish to spend more time with their three children. The Checkers is under new management as of 2022. Both sides in the neighbours' war live in Montgomery, with Mr Lewis' access to his home being across the yard which adjoins the road in front of the couple's house. Mr Lewis complained to his neighbours about their two dogs being allowed to roam free in the yard, saying they were 'uncontrolled, unrestrained and often unsupervised' and were 'a perceived risk.' Mr Lewis dragged restaurateur neighbours Stephane Borie (pictured) and Sarah Francis to court in November 2023 Sarah Francis took over The Checkers in Montgomery alongside her husband and sister and within seven months the venue had received a Michelin star Mr Borie and Ms Francis, both 47, let their dogs roam free in a yard in front of their four-bed detached house in Montgomery (pictured) They 'should not be allowed to roam freely in the yard,' he said, claiming their behaviour meant his elderly mum 'was not able to cross the yard.' He went on to send informal texts, two solicitors' letters, a final letter proposing mediation and a pre-action notice before seeking to get them prosecuted under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for causing a nuisance with their pets. But at the close of Mr Lewis' case, the Welshpool judge allowed a submission of no case to answer and dismissed the application. He went on to order that Mr Lewis should pay a total of 10,123.20 for his neighbours' costs of fighting the case, saying that as the prosecutor he was responsible to pay since it was 'unnecessary or improper' for the case to have been brought to court at all. The row then returned to court in November last year, with Mr Lewis protesting in the High Court about being handed the costs order. Lawyers for Mr Lewis argued that 'he did nothing wrong; he merely lost his case' and should not be handed the bill. His case had not been so obviously weak before the trial that he ought not to have brought it, they said. Mr Justice Kerr, at London's High Court, went on to overturn the order that Mr Lewis pay his neighbours' bill, saying it would have too much of a 'chilling effect' on people wanting to bring 'citizen proceedings' were it allowed to stand. A separate ruling in Mr Lewis' favour spared him from paying his neighbours' 10,000 legal bills - with the fees to be paid from the public purse instead The chef couple no longer run the Checkers restaurant, having stepped back to 'spend more time with family' In a ruling handed down earlier this month, he said: 'The judge's decision on costs was based on his finding that there was an 'unnecessary act' and that the unnecessary act was bringing the proceedings when the appellant should have known, and would have known, had he properly and objectively analysed the evidence, that the claim for statutory nuisance was so weak that it was bound to fail. 'For my part, I accept that... the outcome of a nuisance case based on the behaviour of dogs is difficult to predict and that opinions about the likelihood of a conviction might reasonably differ where it is clear that the dogs' behaviour is causing distress and annoyance, there is a warning sign about the dogs and there is evidence - even if later not accepted - of people being deterred by the dogs from visiting the location. 'The private prosecution here is of a specified statutory kind which parliament has deliberately chosen to put into the hands of a person aggrieved, who by definition has a personal interest in the outcome or he would not be aggrieved. 'I am in no doubt that if this appeal were to fail, there would be a chilling effect on exercise of that remedy, which parliament has chosen to entrust to the citizenry at large. 'For those reasons, I am persuaded that the judge's decision is wrong and cannot stand. 'He disagreed with the decision to prosecute. He found that the evidence was so weak that no reasonable tribunal could convict on the basis of it. There is no challenge to that decision. 'But he did not find, and it was not open to him to find on the material that is in the case stated, that no reasonable prosecutor could have decided to bring the claim on the basis of the evidence available to the appellant at the point of issuing the proceedings.' The judge went on to set aside the ruling that Mr Lewis must pay his neighbours' costs and instead ordered them to be paid out of the public purse, save for the cost of their veterinary expert. The government's flagship Prevent anti-extremism programme has failed to stop five killers in recent years - including Southport murderer Axel Rudakubana. The 18-year-old, who was jailed to life yesterday with a minimum prison term of 52 years, was referred to the Prevent three times but deemed not to be motivated by a terrorist ideology on each occasion. His referrals were for researching US school shootings during an IT class, uploading images of Colonel Gaddafi on Instagram and researching the London Bridge terror attack. Rudakubana's case has prompted a fresh wave of criticism from victims' families that Prevent 'isn't fit for purpose' - following a series of other killings by perpetrators who had previously been referred to the scheme. They include Plymouth gunman Jake Davison, who murdered five people during a 12-minute rampage through the city in August 2021. The 22-year-old, who was obsessed with guns and online 'intel' culture, was referred to his Prevent scheme by his mother Maxine in November 2016. He went on to fatally shoot her before going on to kill Sophie Martyn, three, her father, Lee, 43, Stephen Washington, 59, and Kate Shepherd, 66. ISIS fanatic Ali Harbi Ali, who fatally stabbed Tory MP Sir David Amess outside a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in 2021, was referred to Prevent in 2014 before his case was closed a year later due to the belief he did not pose a serious threat. Southport killer Axel Rudakubana was referred to the Prevent scheme three times Others referred to the programme include Plymouth gunman Jake Davison , who murdered five people during a 12-minute rampage through the city in August 2021 Afterwards, Sir David's daughter, Katie, condemned the fact that her father's killer was known to the authorities before his case was closed due to an 'admin error' and insisted Prevent 'isn't fit for purpose'. 'This is not an isolated case of Prevent failing, there have been numerous examples of people being let out of the programme and going on to commit atrocities,' she told GB News. Libyan terrorist Khairi Saadallah, 27, who murdered friends James Furlong, 36, Dr David Wails, 49, and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, 39, in a Reading Park, had earlier been referred to Prevent over fears he could carry out a 'London Bridge-style attack'. He was found by officials to lack a 'fixed ideology', according to reports. Another terrorist referred to Prevent was Usman Khan, 28, who fatally knifed Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, during a prisoner rehabilitation event next to London Bridge. An inquest heard his Prevent officers had 'no specific training' in handling terrorists. The Prevent Strategy was launched in 2006 under the New Labour government. The home secretary of the time, John Reid, warned Britain was facing 'probably the most sustained period of severe threat since the end of the second world war' due to a new breed of 'unconstrained international terrorists'. A year before, on July 7, 2005, four suicide bombers struck London's transport network, killing 52 people and injuring over 770 others. Prevent, which has been reformed several times since its initial launch, has the aim of stopping people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It is intended to tackle the ideological causes of terrorism and intervene early to support people susceptible to radicalisation. ISIS fanatic Ali Harbi Ali, who fatally stabbed Tory MP Sir David Amess outside a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in 2021, was referred to Prevent in 2014 Reading knifeman Khairi Saadallah, 27, was referred to Prevent over fears he could carry out a 'London Bridge-style attack' Another terrorist referred to Prevent was Usman Khan, 28, who fatally knifed Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, during a prisoner rehabilitation event next to London Bridge Under the programme, local authority staff and other professionals such as doctors, teachers and social workers have a duty to flag concerns about an individual being radicalised or drawn into a terrorism. Less serious reports may be sent to council services, which could include parenting support for families whose children have been watching inappropriate videos online. Serious reports are forwarded on to Prevent's Channel stage, at which a panel of local police, healthcare specialists and social workers meeting monthly will consider the case. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told MPs that a review of Rudakubana's contact with the programme found he had 'admitted to having carried a knife more than ten times, yet the action against him was far too weak'. She said he was referred to Prevent repeatedly because he was 'expressing interest in school shootings, the London Bridge attack, the IRA, MI5 and the Middle East'. Tablet computers at his home showed he downloaded papers on historical violence by the Nazis, Genghis Khan and even relatively obscure conflicts in French colonies during the 17th century plus footage of beheadings and torture. As well as the digital discoveries, a machete and scabbard, a set of arrows and a black holdall were found in Rudakubana's bedroom at the family home in Banks, Lancashire, a village five miles north of Southport. The Prevent review, conducted since the summer, has concluded that 'too much weight was placed on the absence of ideology' and that his case 'should not have been closed' by counter-terror police who were assessing whether he posed a threat. Prevent was launched by the New Labour government following the 7/7 bombings in London The home secretary of the time, John Reid, warned Britain was facing 'probably the most sustained period of severe threat since the end of the second world war' due to a new breed of 'unconstrained international terrorists' It has been increasingly common for teenagers to be involved with Prevent, with more under-18s being referred per year than at any point since recent records began - although the number who are then judged as needing help has fallen. A total of 3,918 people under the age of 18 in England and Wales were referred to Prevent in 2023/24, according to Home Office figures. This is up from 3,773 in 2022/23 and is the highest number for this age group since current data began in 2016/17. While the number of under-18s referred to Prevent has risen in recent years, the numbers discussed at a Channel panel and adopted as a Channel case have both fallen. There were 526 under-18s discussed at a Channel panel in 2023/24, down from 655 the previous year and the lowest number since current data began in 2016/17 (609). Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said today that Prevent has done "lots of good work" and said it was the system that failed. He told LBC: "The Prevent programme does lots of good work. Clearly, the Prevent officers didn't feel this was a case for them, that it was better dealt with by others." Pressed on why he would not say Prevent had failed, Sir Mark said it was the system that failed - somewhere between Prevent, local authorities and mental health. He added: "We're never going to stop every young violent man. We need to be as good as possible at it, and there are too many men, young men, online, obsessing about this violent material. "Some of that's about how we intervene with individuals, some of that's about the rules for online material and what people can digest and watch and that's part of the challenge." Addressing the nation earlier this week, Sir Keir Starmer suggested a new approach to tackling terrorism was necessary due to a new threat from 'extreme violence carried out by loners [and] misfits' after being radicalised in their bedrooms. 'The predominant threat was highly organised groups with clear political intent - groups like al Qaida,' he said. 'That threat, of course, remains but now alongside that we also see acts of extreme violence perpetrated by loners, misfits, young men in their bedroom accessing all manner of material online - desperate for notoriety, sometimes inspired by traditional terrorist groups, but fixated on that extreme violence, seemingly for its own sake.' Your browser does not support iframes. Rudakubana skulks in the back of a taxi on his way to murder three young girls The PM continued: 'My concern in this case is we have clearly got an example of extreme violence, individualised violence, that we have to protect our children from and our citizens from. 'It is a new threat, it's not what we would have usually thought of as terrorism when definitions were drawn up, when guidelines were put in place, when the framework was put in place and we have to recognise that here today.' He said the law and framework for responding needed to be appropriate to the 'new threat' and whatever changes were necessary in the law would be made. Sir Keir continued: 'I do think it's new. You've seen versions of it in America with some of the mass shootings in schools. 'It is not an isolated, ghastly example. It is, in my view, an example of a different kind of threat and that is why I'm absolutely so determined that we will rise to that challenge and make sure that our law, our response, is capable, appropriate and can deal with that sort of threat. 'But that is my concern, that is my thinking that this is a new threat - individualised extreme violence, obsessive, often following online viewing of material from all sorts of different sources. 'It is not a one-off. It is something that we all need to understand and have a shared undertaking to deal with within our society. 'That is not just the laws on terrorism, the framework on terrorism, it's also the laws on what we can access online. 'We still have rules in place in this country about what you can see at a cinema and yet online you can access no end of material. 'We have to ensure that we can rise to this new challenge and that is what I'm determined to do.' Sir Keir said failures of state institutions in Rudakubana's case 'frankly leap off the page'. He said: 'As part of the inquiry launched by the Home Secretary yesterday, I will not let any institution of the state deflect from their failure - failure which in this case, frankly, leaps off the page. Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, was one of the three children killed in the knife attack in Southport Bebe King, six, was also killed in the knife attack at The Hart Space in Southport 'For example, the perpetrator was referred to the Prevent programme on three separate occasions - in 2019 once and in 2021 twice. 'Yet, on each of these occasions, a judgment was made that he did not meet the threshold for intervention - a judgment that was clearly wrong and which failed those families. And I acknowledge that here today.' Speaking earlier this week, the Government's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Jonathan Hall KC, agreed that Prevent needed to change 'because of the Internet'. 'I think a review of Prevent and the mechanisms that exist for dealing with people who are obsessed by violence but not necessarily obsessed by ideology,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'I mean, you've got to go back to the 2000s, so there were the terrible 7/7 attacks on the London transport system, and the real threat there was Islamist terrorism coming from al Qaeda, which was group based. There was an emir, a leader. 'There were preachers, and there was this radicalising ideology, and the idea was you'd scoop up people who were obsessed by this sort of ideology, de-radicalise them, and that would help the public. 'But we're living in a different world now, which is the internet world, where people don't go to individuals. They're not part of groups. They go to the computer, and they sometimes get a whole mix of stuff, and sometimes, I'm afraid, they just become obsessed by violence.' Shadow home secretary Chris Philp called for all the recommendations of the Shawcross review to be enacted. He told Times Radio: 'There was quite a comprehensive review of Prevent by William Shawcross that was published in February of last year... So, one question I'll be asking the Government is whether they plan to implement the recommendations in the Shawcross report. 'I think it's just important the inquiry looks at all of this, gets to the truth both about what happened beforehand, but critically also the Government's response afterwards, and what they knew when and whether they should have put more information into the public domain. Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, was among the three little girls killed in the attack in Southport Rudakubana, of Banks, Lancashire, is likely to die in jail for the sadistic murders of three young girls - despite being spared a whole life tariff because he was under 18 at the time of the atrocity. But Mr Justice Goose, passing down 13 life sentences, said: It is likely he will never be released. Family members in Liverpool Crown Court took an audible breath as the sentence, thought to be the longest punishment handed to a killer of his age, was announced. Others held hands and hugged. The court heard callous Rudakubana gloated about his sickening crimes in police custody, saying: Im glad those kids are dead, it makes me happy. He then tried to prolong the victims agony by disrupting proceedings yesterday, claiming to be ill and shouting from the dock before being removed from court twice. When the sentence was passed, he refused to return and was left languishing in the cells as his fate was decided. In harrowing victim impact statements, the girls families told how their lives had been destroyed. Alices parents Sergio and Alexandra Aguiar said: Life without Alice is not living at all. Elsies mother Jenni Stancombe said of Rudakubana: What you did was not only cruel and pure evil, it was the act of a coward. Mr Justice Goose said: He wanted to carry out the mass murder of innocent and happy young girls. Many might describe what he did as evil. Who could dispute it? Washington, Jan 24 (UNI) A federal judge said Thursday that President Donald Trumps executive order ending birthright citizenship was blatantly unconstitutional and issued a temporary restraining order to block it, media reports said. Judge John Coughenour, a Ronald Reagan appointee who sits in Seattle, granted the request by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and three other Democratic-led states for the emergency order halting implementation of the policy for the next 14 days while there are more briefings in the legal challenge, the CNN reported. I have been on the bench for over four decades. I cant remember another case where the question presented was as clear, CNN quoted Coughenour. Where were the lawyers when the decision to sign the executive order was made, the judge asked. He said that it boggled his mind that a member of the bar would claim the order was constitutional. The Democratic-led states are seeking a temporary restraining order, as they argue that Trumps executive order is a blatant violation of the Constitutions 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all children born on US soil and subject to the jurisdiction thereof. According to reports, an attorney for the state of Washington, Lane Polozola told the judge that births cannot be paused while the court considers the case. CNN quoted Polozola saying,' Babies are being born today here, and in the plaintiff states and around the country, with a cloud cast over their citizenship.' Children denied citizenship under Trumps order will face longterm substantial negative impacts, he added. Polozola also argued that the Trump administration not only ignored those harms in the filings it has submitted so far in the dispute, but that harm appears to be the purpose of the executive order. Beyond the impact that Trumps order will have on their residents, Washington and the other states are arguing that the end of birthright citizenship will burden their state programs financially and logistically, as those children are shut off from federal benefits that they would be entitled to as citizens. The Trump administration is arguing that that clause subject to the jurisdiction thereof allows the president to exclude the children of undocumented immigrants and even children whose parents are lawfully present but lack permanent legal status. According to media reports, Justice Department attorney Brett Shumate urged the judge to hold off on issuing an emergency order blocking the policy until there was more briefing on the policy. I understand your concerns, Shumate said, but he urged the court against making a snap judgment on the merits. Shumate noted that the other cases challenging the executive order were moving on a slower timeline and argued that imminent harm is threatening the states. At the White House on Thursday, Trump told reporters the administration will contest the ruling. UNI XC ARN A row has broken out between seaside residents and van dwellers who they claim have taken over a beauty spot and turned it into a 'junkyard'. Tensions have flared since a growing number of modified camper vans started parking overnight at Lake Pier in Hamworthy, near Poole, Dorset. The idyllic spot overlooking Poole Harbour has no overnight parking restrictions and now about a dozen vans have set up permanent camp. Local residents have complained of strewn litter, loose dogs and oil spills. A group of locals said the site had become such a state they organised their own litter pick to make it look presentable. They are calling on the council to introduce overnight parking fees to deter the lifestyle choice which is becoming increasingly popular in the cost of living crisis. There are 63 spaces at the Lake Pier car park, and charges apply from March 15 to October 31. For the rest of the year, parking is free. But the charges only apply until 6pm, and therefore, overnight parking is not monitored. Ryan Speller said his family has been visiting Lake Pier for nearly 70 years and that 'the area's getting worse and worse'. He said: 'It's disgusting down there. I used to go and have coffee and read the paper, but now you just can't. Tensions have flared since a growing number of modified camper vans started parking overnight at Lake Pier in Hamworthy, near Poole, Dorset The idyllic spot overlooking Poole Harbour has no overnight parking restrictions and now about a dozen vans have set up permanent camp 'People have been talking about the money that could be made if the council were to introduce parking fees overnight.' However, the van dwellers received support from a local Labour councillor who said 'people have rights to live how they choose'. Peter Cooper, who represents Hamworthy, said: 'People have rights to live how they choose, or others are forced into living in vans because of the lack of affordable housing for many people.' One van dweller, Pete Brooks, said: 'We get on well with all the locals and have become good friends with most of them. 'Unfortunately a couple of my friends that live in their vans are changing them over at the moment as they have broken down and unrepairable, they are doing their best to get them changed over ASAP and the others will be gone very soon, hence the reason it may look a bit busier than normal, but we do keep it tidy there, and respect others at all times.' BCP Council said they were aware of the van dwellers at Lake Pier but there had been no reports of antisocial behaviour. A spokesperson said parking wardens regularly monitored the site and issued parking tickets when necessary. Kieron Wilson, BCP Council cabinet member for housing and regulatory services, said: 'We are aware of van dwellers making use of overnight car parking at Lake Pier, and on occasion, we have been notified by residents who are concerned about criminal activity taking place. 'There is no evidence of crime or antisocial behaviour as a result of van dwellers at Lake Pier. Local residents have complained of strewn litter, loose dogs and oil spills A group of locals said the site had become such a state they organised their own litter pick to make it look presentable 'Our parking enforcement team regularly monitor the site and will issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if a contravention has occurred. 'I would urge any resident who is concerned about antisocial behaviour to report this to our anti-social behaviour team.' The council added that it is in the process of considering a community pact across the whole of the BCP seafront, which would establish designated safe parking areas with access to basic amenities for van dwellers. The presence of the van dwellers sparked a mixed response on social meida. Steve McMahon said: 'No need to introduce overnight parking charges. 'Do what happens all over the country and have no overnight camping or vans..' But Carole Shepherd said: 'No one can afford a mortgage let alone rent somewhere. People can only live how they can afford.' Another resident said: 'There is nothing wrong with what they are doing if it doesn't break any of the rules/parking restrictions. 'There simply isn't enough provision for people who live in vans in the UK, whereas much of Europe does cater for them. 'Portaloos are not required, but somewhere to empty van toilets could be provided. 'The UK needs to up its game for van life to be accommodated and there shouldn't be an issue.' Axel Rudakubana has a bounty on his head and will never be safe around other prisoners, MailOnline has been told. The teenage killer is rumoured to be being held in Belmarsh in south-east London - a top security prison that houses many of Britain's most dangerous killers, sex offenders and terrorists. But Rudakubana may be moved to other prisons around the UK regularly for his own safety and held in isolation, meaning his 52-year term will cost the taxpayer more than 2.7million. The Southport monster will be given a 'bumpy ride' as he starts his sentence today - and fellow inmates will be racing to maim or kill him, it has been claimed. Even the 'nonces' - a term of paedophiles - will 'want him dead', one career criminal told MailOnline today. 'He'll never be safe and I wouldn't be surprised if the screws [guards] don't stand in anyone's way if someone came for him.' On a Reddit thread former prisoners said that if Rudakubana can't be killed, he will be maimed, most likely with 'prison napalm' - a term for sugar dissolved in boiling water that is thrown on someone causing life-changing burns and scarring. One said: 'People on life sentences who have kids pride themselves on hurting people like this. Im gonna go out on a limb and say he gets everything thats coming to him.' Another wrote: 'I'm sure they'll give him an express ride to hell'. Axel Rudakubana, 18, has been jailed for a minimum of 52 years but prisoners, past and present, have predicted he will be attacked Protecting Rudakubana, pictured yesterday in a prison van, will be difficult and expensive, MailOnline has been told A third said that the attack on Sara Sharif's father, who was attacked with the lid of a tin of tuna, was a sign of what could happen to Rudakubana. Rich Jones, an Army veteran who served seven years for conspiracy to supply cocaine, said today that Rudakubana will be attacked sooner rather than later. 'If people can get to him they will get to him and it will be a matter of once he gets on the wings, if someone has an axe to grind in there, and they want to grind it, they will grind it with him because of what he has done,' he said. Mr Jones, now an public speaker and author, told the Liverpool Echo: 'There will be some sort of justice somewhere down the line and it will be something he has to deal with for the rest of his life. 'He will be looking at the fact that he may have the rest of his life in prison and being locked up he will have his thoughts. I hope that gets inside his head and starts to cause him his own justice.' The teenage knife attacker was yesterday jailed for at least 52 years for killing Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, as well as the attempted murder of eight other children and two adults at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. He was spared a whole-life term only because the horrific crime on July 29 last year happened nine days before his 18th birthday, when he was a juvenile. But Mr Justice Goose, passing down 13 life sentences, said: It is likely he will never be released. Family members in Liverpool Crown Court took an audible breath as the sentence, thought to be the longest punishment handed to a killer of his age, was announced. Others held hands and hugged. In harrowing victim impact statements, the girls families told how their lives had been destroyed. Alices parents Sergio and Alexandra Aguiar said: Life without Alice is not living at all. Axel is rumoured to be in HMP Belmarsh Elsies mother Jenni Stancombe said of Rudakubana: What you did was not only cruel and pure evil, it was the act of a coward. Mr Justice Goose said: He wanted to carry out the mass murder of innocent and happy young girls. Many might describe what he did as evil. Who could dispute it? Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said there was a strong case for amending the law so teenagers can receive whole life orders. And Southports Labour MP Patrick Hurley said he had asked the Attorney General to review the sentence as unduly lenient. The judge said he believed Rudakubana would have killed all 26 children at the dance class had some youngsters not managed to escape and raise the alarm. Although the horrific crime did not meet the legal definition of terrorism, Mr Justice Goose said: His culpability for this extreme level of violence is equivalent in its seriousness to terrorist murders. What he did has caused such shock and revulsion to the whole nation, that it must be viewed as being at the extreme level. It comes as Sir Keir Starmer pledged to rethink the definition of terrorism to provide greater emphasis on loners plotting atrocities after viewing extremist material online. The judge also said he believed that if he had not attacked the event, Rudakubana who had followed instructions on inflicting fatal knife wounds gleaned from an Al Qaeda manual would have used a quantity of home-made ricin found under his bedroom floorboards somewhere else. Dashcam footage from interior of taxi showing Southport killer Axel Rudakubana exiting the car before he launched the attack Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar all died in the attack last July The court heard the deadly poison, again produced following instructions in the terror manual the murderer had downloaded three times, could have been capable of killing up to 12,500 people if further refined. Yesterdays five-hour sentencing hearing started 50 minutes late after Rudakubana born in Cardiff to Christian parents who arrived in the UK having escaped the Rwandan genocide refused to leave his cell. He was earlier seen by paramedics in prison and assessed as fit to attend. The court was shown chilling footage of Rudakubana on a five-mile taxi ride from his home in Banks, Lancashire, to Southport. A green hood pulled over his head and wearing a facemask, he got out of the taxi, ignoring requests from the driver to pay the 10 fare. He told a garage owner who tried to intervene: What are you going to do about it? Rudakubana then entered the dance studio, inflicting carnage in just 12 minutes. Dance teacher Leanne Lucas, who was stabbed herself, urged the girls to run away, run away and the footage showed screaming children running for their lives, some collapsing in the car park. In one painful scene, an eight-year-old girl escaping the building was shown being dragged back inside. She suffered horrendous injuries but survived. Parents arriving to collect their children faced a scene one father likened to a war zone outside the building as he struggled to recognise his daughter whose hair was matted with blood. Ms Lucas, 36, said she believed Rudakubana targeted us because we were women and girls, vulnerable and easy prey. Fellow dance teacher Heidi Liddle, who was unhurt, pushed children towards the stairs then hid in a toilet with an eight-year-old girl and locked the door urging the terrified youngster to be quiet as Rudakubana tried the handle. Only when she heard other children begging him to stop the carnage did she realise that not all had escaped. Hearing the disturbance, businessman John Hayes based in a neighbouring office ventured on to the landing and saw Rudakubana holding his knife over the body of Bebe King. He retreated, followed by the defendant who swiped at him. As Mr Hayes, 63, tried to grab the weapon, Rudakubana stabbed him in the leg. Bodycam footage from two police sergeants who were the first to arrive and confronted Rudakubana at the top of the stairs showed him obeying instructions to drop his weapon. Bebe could be seen lying on the landing. Elsie Dot Stancombe was found in the dance studio. Both girls had unspeakable injuries. Last night, Ms Stancombe urged restraint in reporting the details of the injuries, fearing graphic details of her daughters murder could be exploited on social media platforms for fuelling hatred. Alice da Silva Aguiar collapsed outside and died 14 hours later. Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC said Rudakubanas warped interest in genocide and mass murder had driven him to kill. Having researched atrocities committed by others, the evidence suggests that he set out to emulate them on July 29, the prosecutor said. Three children were killed, two of whom suffered particularly horrific injuries which are difficult to explain as anything other than sadistic. His only purpose was to kill, and he targeted the youngest, most vulnerable in order to spread the greatest level of fear and outrage, which he succeeded in doing. In October 2019, as a 13-year-old schoolboy, the court heard, Rudakubana phoned Childline and asked: What should I do if I want to kill somebody? before taking a knife into school with the intention of confronting a classmate he accused of bullying him. He was then expelled. He was referred to the Prevent counter-extremism programme three times for viewing disturbing material online between 2019 and 2021, while police were called to his house five times and it has emerged there were 15 missed chances for the authorities to intervene. Defence barrister Stan Reiz KC said of Rudakubana, who has been diagnosed with autism: There is no psychiatric evidence that could suggest a mental disorder. However, he did make a transition from a normal, well-adjusted child to someone capable of committing such shocking, senseless violence. The Prime Minister has promised a public inquiry into the failings to stop Rudakubana and laws will also be tightened on knife sales. Childrens Commissioner Rachel de Souza said last night there could be no doubt that there was a failure of the state to protect these innocent children from Axel Rudakubana. A police force has referred itself to a watchdog after it emerged a woman found stabbed to death had been in contact with officers before she died. University lecturer Claire Chick, 48, was found fatally wounded in the street in the West Hoe area of Plymouth on Wednesday night. Devon and Cornwall Police launched a large-scale manhunt for 53-year-old Paul Antony Butler after naming him as a suspect in her death - before arresting him on Thursday night on suspicion of murder around 20 miles away in Liskeard. In a statement issued confirming his detention, the force said it would be referring itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) because Ms Chick had been known to officers prior to her death. Neighbours had described Ms Chick as a 'lovely' person. She was a lecturer in adult nursing at the University of Plymouth and had also worked as a programme lead on an Honours course and an associate Head of School according to an online CV. Police services are required to make mandatory referrals in circumstances - and these referrals must be made by the end of the day after it becomes clear that a referral needs to be made. The IOPC will now assess Devon and Cornwall Police's referral to determine whether further investigation into the police's contact with Ms Chick is needed. A spokesperson for the IOPC told MailOnline: 'We have received a referral from Devon and Cornwall Police in relation to previous contact with a woman found dead in Plymouth on 22 January. 'We will be assessing the referral to determine whether any investigation by the IOPC is required.' Claire Chick, 48, was allegedly stabbed to death in the street in the West Hoe area on Wednesday night sparking a major police search Ms Chick was a lecturer at the University of Plymouth and had been highly respected by her students Paul Butler (pictured), 53, was named as the only suspect. He was arrested on Thursday night around 20 miles from where Ms Chick was found fatally injured Ms Chick was found seriously injured in the West Hoe area on Wednesday night. She was rushed to hospital by paramedics - but tragically pronounced dead. Neighbours on the city centre street where Ms Chick owned a home described their shock of her death on Thursday. When are mandatory referrals to the IOPC necessary? Police are required to refer themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the statutory watchdog for police forces in England and Wales, when a person dies or suffers a serious injury while 'interacting with the police'. In guidance issued to police forces on 'death or serious injury' (DSI) matters, the IOPC said that this does not necessarily mean 'anything has gone wrong'. However, it is for the watchdog to decide whether further investigation is merited. This can lead to officers being the subject of disciplinary action, or even criminal prosecution, if they are found to have potentially acted in a way that construes misconduct. The IOPC's statutory guidance says: 'If a death or serious injury occurs following direct or indirect contact with a person serving with the police... the appropriate authority will need to assess whether there is any indication that the contact may have caused or contributed to the death or serious injury. 'If there is such an indication, this meets the definition of a DSI matter.' Advertisement One resident who knew her told MailOnline: 'It's a huge shock, we only chatted to her a couple of days ago.' They continued: 'She was lovely, she moved in a couple of years ago and worked at the University, she was undertaking a PhD and lecturing in nursing. 'Police raided the house around 10pm last night - they just told us to stay indoors. 'She'd been away recently on business and when she came back she decided she didn't want to live here while she was down the road so she got an apartment in West Hoe. 'She'd only just moved her stuff in last week. She has a son and a daughter.' During a press conference on Thursday, prior to Butler's arrest, Chief Inspector of Local Policing Tom Cunningham declined to say whether the suspect was known to the police. However, the force has said that the victim and her attacker were believed to have known each other. The force said last night following his detention it would refer itself to the IOPC due to prior contact with the lecturer before her death. It said in a statement: 'Paul Antony Butler, 53, who was wanted in connection to the death of a woman in Plymouth has been located and arrested in Liskeard. 'He is currently in police custody having been arrested on suspicion of murder. 'Police were notified last night, Wednesday 22 January, to reports of a woman serious injured on West Hoe Road. Paramedics attended the scene where she was taken to hospital. Sadly, the woman, who was in her 40s, was pronounced deceased. 'Our thoughts are with her family at this time who we are continuing to support. 'Officers would like to thank the local community for their assistance and their patience while our enquiries continue into this incident. 'A mandatory referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous contact with the victim. This is normal procedure in these circumstances. 'Members of the public can report information that may help the wider investigation through our Major Incident Public Portal.' Forensic scene of crime officers in Plymouth following Ms Chick's death on Wednesday Police officers are seen within the cordon in Great Western Road, close to where Ms Chick was found dying Ms Chick (pictured), who died on Thursday, was a lecturer in adult nursing at Plymouth University Butler is pictured wearing a fancy dress lifeguard costume in a picture taken from social media Butler was named as the only suspect over Ms Chick's death on Thursday prior to his arrest on suspicion of murder Police erected a police cordon between Great Western Road and West Hoe Road after a woman was found 'seriously injured' in the street Police vehicles parked at the cordon near West Hoe Road in Plymouth after Ms Chick was found fatally injured in the street Devon and Cornwall Police's Chief Inspector for Plymouth Tom Cunningham declined to tell reporters yesterday if Butler had been known to officers Tributes were paid to Ms Chick online by some of her former students at the University of Plymouth. In remarks reported by PlymouthLive, one said: 'Claire was my personal tutor in university and genuinely helped me through some truly difficult times. Always believed in me, even when I didnt believe in myself. 'She was so proud when I finally graduated, and I told her that day that I could have never done it without her and I genuinely meant that. 'I cannot believe it. She was truly one of the most kind-hearted souls youd ever meet and had so, so much going for her. 'She was an amazing tutor, phenomenal lecturer, and a phenomenal nurse. Im so sorry to her family and those who loved her. Absolutely devastating.' The force previously described the attack as 'an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the wider public'. Forensic officers worked through the night, with evidence markers and blood seen spattered on the pavement, and remained on scene on Thursday morning. Describing the scene, an eyewitness said: '(It) is not looking very good. 'When I arrived on the scene the incident was in its early stages and armed police had been deployed. 'Then 15 minutes later a police area response team had arrived.' Another witness said: 'I've seen somebody being given CPR. 'It feels like every police officer on duty tonight in Plymouth is here.' A massive police presence was seen at the scene of the attack in Plymouth on Thursday Armed police swarmed areas of Plymouth on Wednesday following reports of a 'serious assault' in the city A Tinder swindler who bragged about his 6.8million net worth, owning private jets and buying a hot air balloon was actually a father of two with less than a pound to his name. Richard Dexter, 41, who conned a millionairess out of almost 150,000 a decade ago still hasnt paid her back - claiming he has lost the password to his cryptocurrency fortune. Dexter of Portsmouth, Hampshire, was jailed for four and a half years after he tricked victim Amrita Sebastian into believing he was a successful businessman, having met her on dating app Tinder. The con man boasted about his fortune of millions, flying around in private jets, being involved in Hollywood studios and buying a hot air balloon just because he could. Duping Dubai-based executive Ms Sebastian into sending him 141,500, Dexter claimed he had 4.2million tied up in investments. But in reality there was just 37p in the account which wasnt even his. In one text to Ms Sebastian, Dexter said: Hey! Im 32, most of my friends did uni and have debts and worries and all earn 40,000 to 60,000. I bought a hot air balloon yesterday just because I could. The fraudster was jailed in February 2022 and ordered by a judge to compensate Ms Sebastian in full. Pictured: Richard Dexter, 41, who frauded Amrita Sebastian out of almost 150,000 a decade ago but is now claiming he is unable to pay her back Pictured: Dexter, who claimed to be a wealthy businessman on the verge of signing deals worth 12million He claimed to have 200,000 in a Bitcoin wallet and promised he could return the money within a day. Now, Dexter has applied to the court to say he no longer has the funds to pay back the money he stole. He said his devices have been damaged or lost while he has been in custody and he can no longer find the code to access them. Father of two Dexter met Ms Sebastian on Tinder in 2015 and posed as a businessman selling biopharmaceutical technology. He said international companies 3M and Pall Corp were interested in tech equipment for which he had the patents and were willing to make deals worth up to 12million. He told Miss Sebastian she 'wouldnt lose anything and that he would pay her 100,000 as interest. She made a series of payments over the course of 15 months, some as large as 68,000. Robert Bryan, prosecuting at Winchester Crown Court, said: He alluded to his immense wealth and private jets, expensive cars, and said he had more by way of interest in his investments than a doctors salary. The charming fraudster is actually a father of two with only 37p in a bank account which actually belonged to someone else Winchester Crown Court (pictured) heard that Dexter has applied to say he no longer has the funds to pay back the money he stole Three years ago, Dexter said he could provide the money immediately. Mr Bryan continued: 'Dexter wishes to apply to vary the order. 'Dexter says he can no longer find the correct seed phrase for his cryptocurrency which he assured the Judge in 2022 he had and could provide immediately.' A seed phrase is a sequence of random words used to access digital funds. It can be used to recover a crypto wallet if the device it was stored on is lost. A further hearing will be held at Salisbury Crown Court, Wiltshire, in May to decide the outcome of Dexters application. Dexters new barrister Christopher Bealey said there were doubts at the time about the conmans access to the Bitcoin. I think there were doubts about whether he had access - it appears the devices used were not available and have since been damaged or lost. A seed phrase is a sequence of random words used to access digital funds A further hearing will be held at Salisbury Crown Court (pictured) in May to decide the outcome of Dexters application The position will be whether or not Dexter is telling the truth. If he does not have what he says he does not have, it cannot be recovered. Jailing him in February 2022, Judge Mousley KC said: Im left in no doubt that dishonesty is a feature of your character and it is profound. You are someone who shows no hesitation in resorting to lies with an ease that is almost breathtaking. When your truthfulness is challenged you reach for more lies to cover your tracks. There was absolutely no sign of you apologising to Ms Sebastian and theres little sign of any remorse. He admitted seven counts of fraud relating to swindling 141,500 from Ms Sebastian. The 1.70 Amazon knife used by Axel Rudakubana in the Southport massacre was probably handed over to one of his parents, the retailer has suggested. The driver who delivered the blade recorded that the package was given to someone who was visibly over the age of 25 at the then 17-year-old's 130,000 Merseyside home. Cardiff-born Axel's parents Laetitia and Alphonse fled Rwanda for the UK and claimed asylum in the 1990s. His taxi driver father is thought to have been an officer in the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), an armed force that fought the genocidal Hutu-dominated regime. The couple have moved away from Banks near Southport and are in hiding. Their local church, of which they were active members, has told MailOnline that they cut off contact when their son was arrested and charged last summer. It has since emerged that days before the Southport attack Axel's father stopped his son getting into a taxi to his old school to attack pupils in a confrontation caught on a Ring doorbell. There is no suggestion Rudakubana's father knew what his son was planning. Axel Rudakubana's home life appeared chaotic. He was said to have been sleeping in the living room of the three-bedroom terraced house he shared with his mother and father. It was stacked with Amazon boxes. He also had the raw materials to kill almost 13,000 people hidden under his bunkbed in a room nicknamed the 'Ricin lab'. Amazon has found itself in the firing line because Rudakubana purchased one of their knives to murder three children and attempt to kill ten more people at a Taylor Swift-themed summer holiday club. But Jeff Bezos' company said that its driver followed the correct procedure and handed the knife to an adult. They are investigating how Axel Rudakubana circumvented age checks by using software to hide the fact he was 17, although his name was reportedly on the Amazon package. The online retailer bans the sale of knives to anyone under 18. And when they are delivered it must be to someone who looks over 25 or someone aged between 18 and 25 who can prove it with a recognised ID such as a passport. Amazon said that in Rudakubana's case, its records showed the driver recorded that the knife was delivered to someone visibly over 25, which suggests that it will have been to his mother or father. His older brother was away at university. Axel Rudakubana, 18, was jailed for a minimum of 52 years Amazon delivered the knife to his father Alphonse Rudakubana (pictured) or mother Laetitia, it has been suggested, because the package went to someone over the age of 25 The 1.70 knife is still available on Amazon today. It comes with an age verification warning, which Amazon says was followed The killer appeared to have been sleeping in the living room of the messy Merseyside home, which was littered with Amazon boxes Rudakubana's bedroom was used as a lab to make enough Ricin to kill almost 13,000 people Equipment for the production of poison Ricin was found dotted across the house Axel Rudakubana's lunchbox of Ricin There will be urgent investigation into 'this tragic case', Amazon has said. Axel also got through the first stage of age verification where credit checker Experian checks a person's details by matching it with bank account data and the electoral roll. Rudakubana had ordered a Cerbera Apollo chef knife with a 20cm blade for 1.70. The note under it reads: 'This product is not for sale to people under the age of 18 and will require an online age verification check. 'To confirm the recipient is over 18, valid photographic ID with a date of birth may also be required upon delivery. 'The driver will input your year of birth into their device and may then require an ID check to complete the age verification process.' Merseyside Police released pictures of the machete, crossbow, arrows and the grisly array of combat knives they found when they raided his home in the aftermath of the murders in July last year. But their search came to an immediate halt when they discovered a container in which he was making the deadly poison ricin concealed in his bedroom. They returned to the home in Bank wearing specialist protective equipment to remove the container before it was taken to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down in Wiltshire. Deanna Heer KC told Liverpool Crown Court that the 150 castor beans found at the scene could have produced between 1.07 and 5.33g of Ricin enough to kill 12,500 people if inhaled. Photos of the innocuous looking plastic lunchbox were released for the first time yesterday, showing the grimy mixture inside. In fact it was homemade Ricin. Toxicologists at the world renowned Ministry of Defence laboratory found it contained 'actively toxic ricin pulp' which had been produced using equipment found in the defendant's bedroom. 'The castor beans could have been used to create about 2,500 to 12,500 doses if inhaled but to do that he'd have to carry out a further purification process and there's no evidence he did,' Ms Heer said. Also found at the scene were goggles, sieves and a pestle and mortar with the remnants of castor beans still inside. Even in their unpurified form the beans could have killed up to five people if eaten, the court was told. Chemicals used in the preparation of ricin were also found in a bottle at the scene along with a laboratory beaker. Ms Heer said a Porton Down expert had concluded the castor beans 'had been used to make a crude preparation of ricin in sufficient quantities to be lethal, but he could not be sure that the further final purification process had taken place to produce ricin in liquid or powder form'. Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were stabbed to death by Rudakabana as they attended a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on July 22 last year. Eight other children and two adults were also stabbed before the killer was disarmed by police at the end of his 12-minute murder spree. The court heard that Rudakubana appeared to have been sleeping in the living room of the three-bedroom terraced house he shared with parents Laetitia and Alphonse. His father ran a mail order business alongside his work as a taxi driver and pictures of the 130,000 house revealed a messy home filled with delivery boxes. A pestle and mortar still bore the marks of his deadly mission Two Apollo Cerbera knives with 20cm blades, one still in its sheath, were recovered days after he bought them on Amazon A lethal crossbow was found in the bag where Rudakubana kept his newest knives A grisly array of hunting arrows was also recovered from the teenager's armoury Equipment for sieving and filtering raw materials was among the finds A laboratory beaker was recovered from the killer's home The killer had received the knife he used to kill the three children via an Amazon delivery days earlier and a stash of bottles with matches attached to the necks were also found in the living room. Evidence from Amazon suggests the defendant purchased the equipment in early 2022, Ms Heer said. The then 17-year-old, who admitted three counts of murder, was found in possession of articles and books that sources said proved an 'obsession with extreme violence'. This included texts on the genocide in his parents' native Rwanda, Nazi Germany and tactics for urban warfare, as well as others containing gory details about torture and cannibalism. One article detailing the use of car bombs by ISIS explained how they were 'an incredibly powerful and versatile weapon' that could 'cause unfathomable destruction in all sorts of environments'. Merseyside Police yesterday released footage showing how Rudakubana attempted to set off from his home in Banks, Lancashire, to Formby, in Merseyside, 15 miles away. His father Alphonse, whose family moved to Britain from Rwanda in 2002, is seen intervening and persuading his son to leave the car and return indoors. The 17-year-old booked a taxi from his home to Range High School in Formby on July 22 last year, wearing the same green hooded sweatshirt and surgical mask he would have on during the dance-class attack a week later. It is feared he was planning a high-school massacre, although police say there was 'no evidence' he had a knife with him. An witness said: 'There was a confrontation and Rudakubana was eventually persuaded to leave the vehicle.' Rudakubana then went back inside. There is no suggestion Rudakubana's father knew what he is believed to have been planning at the school on July 22. The video has been revealed as Rudakubana, now 18, was given a life sentence with a minimum of 52 years in prison after murdering three young girls in Southport last year - with trial judge Mr Justice Goose saying it was 'not likely he will ever be released'. Police have said that on July 29, the day of the murders, Rudakubana 'changed his routine' in response to having been intercepted by his father a week earlier. On this occasion, instead of booking a minicab to the house, he walked to a nearby bus stop and then called a taxi to take him to Southport, a 15-minute drive away. Rudakubana's family have been left 'devastated' by the atrocity he inflicted and are now in hiding after police moved them for their own safety, a church attended by his father revealed this week. An update on Rudakubana's family was provided today by the leaders of The Community Church in Southport, Dave Gregg, Geoff Grice, Harry Pickett and Mike Rothwell. They told MailOnline in a statement: 'The family was saddened and shocked at the terrible attack that took place in Hart Street this summer. 'This tragedy and the devastating murder of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, has impacted our town and nation. 'Axel was born and went to school in the United Kingdom, he has autism and is known to have struggled with mental health issues. 'Prior to the major incident in Southport, he had been living with his parents in the village of Banks near Southport. 'There has been the inevitable speculation about his family and background - with his father Alphonse being named in the national press. 'It has also been reported that his parents are both Christians and attend a local church. 'To prevent unnecessary intrusion into other churches in our town, we can confirm that over the last few years Alphonse Rudakubana has been a valued part of The Community Church family. 'For the sake of clarity, Alphonse's son has never attended our Sunday gatherings, nor played any active part in church life. 'As a consequence we have nothing further to say other than the detail given in this statement. 'The Rudakubana family have been devastated following this terrible incident and they have been moved by the police, for their protection, from their home in Banks to a secret location that we are unaware of and we have had no contact with them since Axel was arrested and charged.' The statement added: 'The subsequent outpouring of love and support by the local community actually reflects the true nature and spirit of our town but sadly this was eclipsed by the appalling attack on the local Mosque - fuelled by fake racially motivated news on social media - which resulted in so many awful injuries to police and damage being caused to buildings and property. 'As a church we continue to pray for peace and healing for all those impacted by the tragic events that took place in Southport and in our nation beyond. 'People still need time to grieve and mourn, as they try to process everything that has happened. We would therefore ask that respect, time and space be given so that the healing process can continue.' The Rudakubana family moved to the Merseyside seaside resort of Southport in 2013, where his father Alphonse worked as a taxi driver. They moved to the address where they were living at the time of the murders, a 170,000 three bedroom terraced house, in 2018. The family are said to be regular church-goers and his mother Laetitia appears to be a practising Christian with a white dove and various entries for evangelical ministers on a Facebook page in her name. His father is a keen exponent of karate. The family has since been rehoused and are in hiding. Alphonse who would have been 18 at the time of the genocide is understood to have been a soldier in the Rwanda Patriotic Front in the early 1990s. A group of exiles from the minority Tutsi community, the rebel army invaded Rwanda in 1990. Today former RPF commander Paul Kagame is president of Rwanda. Multiple sources in the country and among the Rwandan expat community told the Mail the Rudakubanas continued to have close links with 'high status' figures linked to the regime. Today they distanced themselves from Axel Rudakubana's monstrous crimes, insisting Rwanda's bloody past played no part in the British-born teenager's descent into mass murder. Instead they blamed his exposure to graphic images of brutal killings and atrocities which he was able to access online, coupled with his mental state. 'Axel has trauma and autism which causes him mental health issue and he did what he did unconsciously,' one relative told the Mail on condition of anonymity. A source added: 'They think this was caused by exposure to violent materials online.' A Sydney woman has been admitted to intensive care with a suspected case of botulism after receiving a dodgy botox treatment. She received an unregulated anti-wrinkle injection at a residential property two weeks ago, according to NSW Health. The department suspects she contracted the botulism as a result of the procedure. Botulism is a rare but potentially fatal illness that occurs when the body is exposed to the botulinum toxin. Symptoms of the illness can include progressive weakness, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, and difficulty breathing. NSW Health is currently working with the Health Care Complaints Commission and NSW Police on the matter. The authorities have urged any other affected patients to come forward. NSW Health's Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, said the case was a reminder of the potential side effects of unregulated cosmetic injections. A Sydney woman has been admitted to intensive care following a dodgy botox injection NSW Health warned unregulated cosmetic procedures can lead to fatal complications He warned Australians should only have the procedure done with authorised practitioners. 'Botulism, although rare, can be fatal,' he said. 'Which is why it is so important that anyone receiving cosmetic injections does so under the supervision of an appropriately registered health practitioner. 'In this particular case, investigations are continuing, but we want people to be aware of the symptoms of botulism as others could have been exposed.' Symptoms of botulism can appear for up to two weeks following cosmetic injections. Authorities advised anyone experiencing similar symptoms to seek immediate medical attention at their nearest emergency department or call triple zero. A prolific 'porch pirate' spent four months stealing parcels from 16 of his neighbours before he was caught on CCTV. Thomas Faithful, 31, took the packages left out in the open by delivery drivers at a block of flats in Boscombe, Bournemouth. Faithful stole more than 500 worth of belongings from his neighbours at San Remo Towers, a Grade II listed block of 183 seaside flats. Some of the unwrapped items Faithful stole included a table, a phone, a new pair of shoes, clothes and even a bottle of washing-up liquid. One package contained a young neighbour's new work uniform, which meant he was forced to wear his own clothes for the first day of his apprenticeship. Residents grew frustrated at receiving photos of their parcels having been dropped off only to find they weren't there. They complained to Paul Bushnell, the building manager of the flats and he reviewed the CCTV footage. Mr Bushnell identified new resident Faithful as being the serial thief and reported him to the police. Thomas Faithful, 31, took the packages left out in the open by delivery drivers at a block of flats in Boscombe, Bournemouth Faithful, who used to run his own building firm but is now a restaurant manager, said he has no explanation for why he stole the parcels. He said he was extremely remorseful and embarrassed and would like to speak with his neighbours personally to offer an apology. He pleaded guilty to 16 counts of theft by finding when he appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court. The incidents happened between April 1 and October 29 last year when the parcels were left by delivery drivers in the main reception area of San Remo Towers. Rui Pinto, 25, who lives in the flat next to Faithful, had a 95 table stolen. Mr Pinto, an IT worker, said: 'Lots of packages come to the block and delivery drivers are supposed to try the flats first but they often just leave them in the communal area. 'He took a table from me that I wanted for my computer. I did need the table at the time but what I've heard he took from other residents is far worse. 'Once the police got involved I got the table back. It was still in perfect condition but parts of the box had been damaged a little. 'It's a real shame because normally there is a really nice community spirit in the building.' Faithful stole more than 500 worth of belongings from his neighbours at San Remo Towers, a Grade II listed block of 183 seaside flats Mr Bushnell said Faithful had moved into San Remo Towers last year shortly before he started taking the parcels. He said: 'We had a few residents come to us in about August last year saying they had received photos from the delivery driver of their parcel but when they came to the reception they weren't there. 'We saw him on the footage and saw how he was blase about it all. 'Some of the parcels that were taken were quite distinguishable. One was bright pink. 'We contacted the police and I gave them a memory stick with the CCTV footage we had. 'I then saw him being arrested around late November or early December. 'He hadn't really been any trouble other than he would sometimes park his car in unauthorised spots in the car park. 'We contacted his landlord who was quite taken aback. I don't think they'll renew his tenancy when his contract runs out.' Residents grew frustrated at receiving photos of their parcels having been dropped off only to find they weren't there Guy Gosheron, defending, said: 'Mr Faithful is sorry and embarrassed by his actions which are extremely out of character. He has never been in trouble before. 'His relationship with his partner broke down and he was not allowed to see his three-and-a-half-year-old child after. 'He then started to drown his sorrows in alcohol. 'He does not know why he stole the items and says there was nothing malicious about the incidents. 'He would like to approach the neighbours and apologise in person. He would also like to write to them.' Faithful had his case adjourned for reports and he will be sentenced next month. District Judge Orla Austin told him: 'All options are still open for sentence. 'I can see that you are extremely and genuinely remorseful. 'You heard how serious a matter this is and that imprisonment is still an option.' Labour's Jonathan Reynolds has left the door open to joining a tariff-free trading scheme with Europe following a meeting with a top Brussels official. The Business Secretary met with EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, yesterday. It came after Mr Sefcovic had suggested Britain could join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM) as part of the Government's post-Brexit 'reset'. The PEM allows for tariff-free trade of some goods from across dozens of countries in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Following the meeting, Mr Reynolds told the BBC that Mr Sefcovic's comments were 'incredibly positive' and 'helpful'. He also suggested Britain joining the PEM could be acceptable as it 'is not a customs union'. Sir Keir Starmer and other top ministers have repeatedly said they will not be rejoining the EU's single market or customs union as part of their Brexit 'reset'. But the Tories accused Labour of 'bending the knee' to Brussels and said it was 'deeply concerning' that the Prime Minister 'might shackle us to the EU'. Labour 's Jonathan Reynolds has left the door open to joining a tariff-free trading scheme with Europe following a meeting with a top Brussels official The Business Secretary met with EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, yesterday Mr Reynolds added: 'We can improve the terms of trade with the EU in a way which doesn't revisit customs unions or single markets or the arguments of Brexit. 'And we can do that whilst pursuing closer trade links around the world.' The Business Secretary also declined to rule out a deal on food and farm products that would involve mirroring EU rules, known as 'dynamic alignment'. He said it too did not cross any of the Government's 'red lines' on rejoining the customs union or single market. Labour's manifesto committed to seeking a deal on such products with the EU, while some businesses have backed joining the PEM as it would help maintain complex supply chains. Europe minister Nick Thomas-Symonds yesterday told MPs that ministers 'do not currently have any plans' to sign up to the PEM. But Downing Street later did not rule out the move. Sir Keir's official spokesman declined to give a 'running commentary' but said the arrangement did not breach the PM's 'red lines. 'The arrangement that's been discussed is not a customs union,' the spokesman said. 'Our red line has always been that we will never join a single market, freedom of movement, but we're just not going to get ahead of those discussions.' Under the terms of the Brexit trade deal, exports from the UK to the EU do not attract tariffs provided a certain percentage of the parts and ingredients originate from this country. A British manufacturer exporting fabrics made mainly from Egyptian cotton would currently face tariffs. But this would change if Britain joined the PEM as Egypt is also a member, allowing both countries to bypass the EU's 'rules of origin' regime. Labour MP Stella Creasy, chair of the Labour Movement for Europe, said joining the arrangement 'would help cut the paperwork connected to rules of origin requirements which is why we have long argued it should be a priority for the UK as one way to undo the damage to trade leaving the EU has done'. But a study by the Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy last year found that any advantage to the UK was likely to be 'minimal' as British exports to the UK only contain a very small proportion of parts and ingredients from other PEM countries, typically less than three per cent. Tory MP Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said: 'These latest reports that the Government might shackle us to the European Union are deeply concerning. 'And once again make clear that Keir Starmer and his chums are all too happy to put their ideology ahead of our national interest, no matter the cost.' Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey claimed ruling out the PEM proposal would be an 'act of economic negligence'. A Captain Cook statue was covered in red paint and smashed just two days before Australia Day celebrations are set to begin. The monument of the famed British explorer James Cook is located in the Randwick suburb in Sydney and was vandalised ahead of large anti-colonial protests expected over the weekend. Local cops from the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command responded to reports of a statue damaged and covered with graffiti at around 8.15am on Friday. They seized 'a number of items' at the statue and set up a crime scene that would be forensically examined. It is the second time in 12 months that the statue has been a target of destruction. Statues of colonial figures have become common targets ahead of Australia Day on January 26, a date that marks the arrival of European settlers at Sydney Harbour in 1788. Thousands of demonstrators typically hold mass rallies on the holiday, decrying the historical plight of Australia's Indigenous peoples at the hands of colonial masters. The sandstone statue of Cook in eastern Sydney was doused in red paint and had its hand and nose smashed off, local mayor Dylan Parker said. A statue of Captain James Cook is covered in red paint after being vandalised, in Randwick, Sydney It is the second time in 12 months that the statue has been the target of vandalism Images show the sandstone statue doused in red paint with the nose and hand smashed off Parker said the same statue of Cook - who claimed Australia's eastern coastline for Great Britain in 1770 - was targeted in February last year. It was covered with red paint and had parts of its sandstone damaged, with works to repair and restore it completed a month later. Local politician Andrew Hay said the vandals were 'low lives' seeking to make a 'political point'. Dr Carolyn Martin, a Liberal councillor in Randwick, said the statue was left in an 'absolute mess' and council ratepayers would have to pick up the bill for the repairs. 'I'm here with a council worker that looked after it last time when it was damaged, and just to restore it is such a big effort and expense,' Martin told 2GB Radio on Friday. 'But that aside we're all just horrified.' The local council in Randwick also blasted the vandalism as 'a disservice to the community and a disservice to reconciliation'. But Philipa Veitch, a Randwick Greens councillor, said in a statement that the statue was 'a painful reminder of the devastating impacts of colonisation, which continues to this day'. Captain Cook claimed Australia's eastern coastline for Great Britain in 1770 'It's time to look at other options, including its placement in a museum,' she said. 'I'm sure there are many local artists who could be commissioned to create a much more appropriate and inclusive work.' There are several Captain Cook statues across Australia, and others have also been vandalised on or around January 26. Last year, one Captain Cook statue was cut down on the eve of the holiday, while its plinth was spray painted with the words 'the colony will fall'. Two years earlier the same Melbourne statue was covered in red paint, while in 2018 it was splashed with graffiti that read 'no pride' and had an Aboriginal flag placed next to it. Police have asked anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers. They have also encouraged people to report 'any suspicious behaviour' around monuments and other significant sights over the long weekend. Thousands are expected to gather at protests in Sydney and Melbourne for Australia Day on Sunday, drawing attention to the many hardships still faced by Indigenous Australians. Spiteful federal government workers have vowed to boycott struggling mom-and-pop businesses near their offices after Donald Trump banned remote working. In a now-deleted Reddit post titled 'Boycott using local businesses around work site if forced back to office, several federal discussed how to fight back against Trump's order. 'For those that end up being forced back to their respective offices I would avoid patronizing the local businesses in those areas,' the original poster said. 'Bring your own lunch to avoid using the eateries and grocery stores, avoid parking in pay parking (use mass transit if available), and don't buy anything at the shops or has stations.' It is unclear how these forms of 'protest' would in any way affect or impede the government bosses forcing the angry workers back into the office. Meanwhile a worker at a DMV in DC named Katie said on TikTok that Trump's back to the office order has only made her and her colleagues less efficient. She said: 'As a government employee, what's so ironic about all of this s**t going on with Trump making us go in person five days a week to promote efficiency.... 'because of all of this we are yapping more at work, trying to digest everything that's going on, we cannot get any work done because of how much information intake that existing in this administration requires.' Democratic DC mayor Muriel Bowser said she supported Trump's order because it would bring more people to the downtown economy; she has previously tied a decline in retail and office space revenue to a lack of federal workers in their offices. A worker at a DMV in DC named Katie said on TikTok that Trump's back to the office order has only made her and her colleagues less efficient Some federal employees have revealed their plans to boycott businesses near their work sites after the Trump administration ordered them back to the office But the federal workers who left comments under the reddit post said it was not up to them to revitalize the capital's economy, noting a return to the office would mean more costs for them. One comment read: 'On principle, I will bring my lunch (or starve) every day rather than give a dime to DC businesses if this is part of the justification. Boycott DC needs to become a thing for all feds ASAP.' Another said: 'Local economy was one of the reasons stated in that OPM memo. Thats one of the few things we can control here, and they showed their hand. Its your choice if you want to nod along and save their local economies like OPM wants. Randy Erwin, the national president of the National Federation of Federal Employees, is against the order to return to the office 'Personally, I think they can all go to hell. If we are going down, I am more than happy to take them down with us.' A third added: 'And I dont recall seeing keep the local businesses afloat in my job description.' President Donald Trump has ordered federal workers to return to the office five days a week and weakened job protections for civil servants, the first salvoes in his campaign to gut the federal bureaucracy. The one-two punch would force large numbers of white-collar government employees to forfeit remote working arrangements, reversing a trend that took off in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Randy Erwin, the national president of the National Federation of Federal Employees, told Business Insider he was against the order to return to the office. 'There's this myth that federal workers aren't coming to work,' adding it is 'a bunch of political BS.' Erwin slammed Elon Musk, who has been assigned to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and has promoted a return to the office for federal workers. He said Musk does not understand how the federal government works and sees its employees 'innovation-blocking bureaucrats.' 'I don't think he knows the first thing about the federal workforce, who they are, where they are, and the valuable services that they provide,' Erwin added. Welcome to MAGALAND: Insider Trump's Second 100 Days - The podcast bringing you the latest news and gossip from the White House. Listen here. Erwin slammed Elon Musk, who has been assigned to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) In a brief statement posted to the White House website, Trump ordered all heads of departments and agencies to 'take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work in-person at their respective duty stations on a full-time basis, provided that the department and agency heads shall make exemptions they deem necessary.' A second statement said that any power government officials have 'is delegated by the President, and they must be accountable to the President.' Experts say the aggregate effect of the changes will be to drive frustrated government employees out of their jobs, a goal the Trump team is explicitly gunning for. Musk who chairs DOGE recently predicted that revoking 'the COVID-era privilege' of telework would trigger 'a wave of voluntary terminations that we welcome.' For the latest White House gossip and news, listen to new politics podcast, Welcome to MAGAland: Inside Trump's Second 100 Day's. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Amanda Knox broke down in tears after her conviction of slandering her former boss was upheld by Italy's highest court. Knox was found guilty of slander after she wrongly accused her then-boss Patrick Lumumba of murdering her British flatmate Meredith Kercher in 2007. The American defendant, who was convicted and acquitted in flip-flop verdicts in Kercher's murder, on Thursday lost her appeal to have the slander charge overturned, leaving her with a permanent criminal record in Italy. Knox, who did not attend court but followed the hearing from the US, shared a video of herself weeping after the conviction was upheld, saying it was 'disappointing' that she will have a 'criminal record forever for something I didn't do'. But her ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, who was also convicted and acquitted in Kercher's brutal killing, has claimed that the slander conviction ruling appears to be the court taking 'revenge' on Knox having her murder conviction overturned. 'It could be a comedy show or something,' he told NewsNation's Ashleigh Banfield. 'Everything was made up... I don't understand this conviction. I think it's more political than anything else.' Sollecito added that he 'does not trust the Italian judicial system' at all and hasn't throughout the course of the 17-year legal saga. An appeals court in Florence last year handed Knox a three-year sentence for wrongly accusing Congolese bar owner Lumumba of killing Kercher in the Italian city of Perugia in 2007. Knox, 37, served four years in jail for killing Kercher before the conviction was annulled in 2015. She had continued the legal battle with the aim of clearing her name of all criminal wrongdoing. Amanda Knox broke down in tears after her conviction of slandering her former boss was upheld by Italy's highest court. She said it was 'disappointing' that she will have a 'criminal record forever for something I didn't do' Knox was found guilty of slander after she wrongly accused her then-boss Patrick Lumumba murdering her British flatmate Meredith Kercher, pictured, in 2007 'I've just been found guilty yet again of a crime I didn't commit,' Knox wrote on X Thursday, after learning that her conviction had been upheld. 'And I was just awarded the Innocence Network Impact Award, 'created to honor an exonerated person who raises awareness of wrongful convictions, policy issues, or assists others post-release'.' Speaking recently on her 'Labyrinths' podcast, an emotional Knox said: 'I hate the fact that I have to live with consequences for a crime I did not commit.' She said consequences included difficulties in obtaining visas to some countries because of a criminal conviction. Knox also said she was a 'little bit astonished' because she had 'higher hopes of the court in Rome'. 'But there's nothing else I can do,' she said through her tears. 'It's really disappointing because there's nothing else I can do.' She also alleged that the 'irony is that while being wrongly convicted of slander, I'm the most slandered person in this whole saga. The police, prosecutor, media, courts, and the killer Rudy Guede, have all slandered me to no end.' Sollecito, who says he is still in contact with Knox today, told Banfield that does not 'trust' the court's ruling after the roller-coaster flip-flopping case. 'They decided to give a second try to the Amanda Knox case, the slander case in particular, and they themselves between judges decided to close again with the definitive conviction,' he said. 'I don't know why they made this decision. I know the evidence and I know everything was made up.' He further alleged that there was 'no reason me or Amanda ever had the idea to do something wrong against Meredith, so I don't understand this conviction'. Amanda Knox (center) arrives with her husband Christopher Robinson (2nd left) and lawyers at the courthouse in Florence, on June 5, 2024 before a hearing in a slander case, related to her jailing and later acquittal for the murder of her British roommate in 2007 Patrick Lumumba and his lawyer Cinzia Bartolucci walk near Italy's top appeals court on January 23, 2025. Amanda Knox wrongly accused Lumumba of the 2007 killing of British student Meredith Kercher The slander conviction against Knox had survived multiple appeals, and Knox was reconvicted on the charge in June after the European court ruling cleared the way for a new trial. Her defense team says she accused Lumumba, a Congolese man who employed her at a bar in the central Italian university town of Perugia, during a long night of questioning and under pressure from police, who they said fed her false information. The European Court of Human Rights found that the police deprived her of a lawyer and provided a translator who acted more as a mediator. Judge Monica Boni read the verdict aloud in a courtroom that was empty except for a few reporters and guards. The lawyers for both Knox and Lumumba had gone home during deliberations. Reached by telephone, Lumumba said he was satisfied with the verdict. 'Amanda was wrong. This verdict has to accompany her for the rest of her life,' he said. Knox's lawyer, Carlo Dalla Vedova, expressed surprise at the court's decision. 'We are incredulous,' Dalla Vedova told reporters in the courthouse by phone. 'This is totally unexpected in our eyes, and totally unjust for Amanda.' Rudy Hermann Guede, (pictured in 2016) from the Ivory Coast, was eventually convicted of murder after his DNA was found at the crime scene Knox's ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, (pictured in 2011) who was also convicted and acquitted in Kercher's brutal killing, has claimed that the slander conviction ruling appears to be the court taking 'revenge' on Knox having her murder conviction overturned Knox was a 20-year-old student in Perugia when Kercher was found stabbed to death on November 2, 2007, in her bedroom in the apartment they shared with two Italian women. The case made global headlines as suspicion quickly fell on Knox and Sollecito, her boyfriend of just days. But another man, Rudy Hermann Guede, from the Ivory Coast, was eventually convicted of murder after his DNA was found at the crime scene. Guede was freed in 2021, after serving most of his 16-year sentence. The European court ordered Italy to pay Knox damages for the police failures, noting she was particularly vulnerable as a foreign student not fluent in Italian. Italy's high court ordered the new slander trial based on that ruling. It threw out two signed statements drafted by police falsely accusing Lumumba in the murder, and directed the appellate court that the only evidence it could consider was a hand-written letter she later wrote in English attempting to walk back the accusation. However, the appellate court in its reasoning said that the four-page memo supported a slander finding. Amanda Knox, center, is escorted by Italian penitentiary police officers to Perugia's court, in Italy, Sept 26, 2008. Knox was a 20-year-old exchange student in the university town of Perugia when she and her then-Italian boyfriend were accused of murdering her housemate, and then exonerated in 2015 On the basis of Knox's statements, Lumumba was brought in for questioning, despite having an ironclad alibi. His business suffered, and he eventually moved to Poland with his Polish wife. Arriving at court, he underlined that Knox 'has never apologized to me.' Knox returned to the United States in 2011, after being freed by an appeals court in Perugia, and has established herself as a global campaigner for the wrongly convicted. She has a podcast with her husband and has a new memoir coming out titled, 'Free: My Search for Meaning.' No 10 has confirmed it will review how to make killers face their victims' families in court after cowardly Axel Rudakubana refused in a final 'twisted act'. A spokesman for the Prime Minister said the government is 'clarifying the law' to end the practice but added it would be for the court to decide on a case-by-case basis. It follows Keir Starmer earlier this week telling the mother of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, who was shot dead in her home in August 2022, he intended to bring in the new power. Ms Korbel had previously met with former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who also pledged a review, but had been unable to follow through when the Conservatives lost power. Yesterday Southport child killer Rudakubana shouted 'I'm ill' at the top of his voice as he tried to avoid being in court for the brutal murders of three young girls. Asked if the Prime Minister had reflected on violent Rudakubana's disruptive behaviour, a No 10 spokesman said: 'Killers who refuse to look grieving families in the eye as judges hand down their sentences are beyond cowardly. 'It is a twisted act of tormenting victims further. 'We are clarifying the law to end this. However, attendance may not always be appropriate. Axel Rudakubana disrupted court proceedings multiple times during his sentencing - repeatedly claiming to the judge he was too unwell A court sketch of Axel Rudakubana depicting the moment he began complaining to the judge that he was feeling unwell. He has since been jailed for at least 52 years for murdering three children and attempting to kill eight others, as well as two adults Cheryl Korbel has campaigned for criminals to be required to attend their sentencing hearings after Cashman refused to show face (pictured with Sir Keir Starmer in August 2023) 'For instance, when attendance is purposefully disruptive to proceedings or displays offensive behaviour. 'It is for the court, which will always have discretion to make whatever decisions are in the best interests of justice and the victims.' Rudakubana, 18, had inflicted countless knife wounds on his victims - as well as eight other children and two adults who survived. He was branded a 'coward' by their families as he was taken from the dock having dramatically complained of chest pains. The 18-year-old tried twice to avoid being sentenced for the July 29 killings of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar. After being removed for the second time, Rudakubana refused to re-enter the court. Lawyers acting for the triple-killer explained: 'The defendant does not want to re-enter the room and if he is forced he will be disruptive.' Rudakubana was sentenced to life in prison, for a minimum of 52 years with Lord Justice Goose saying he was unlikely to ever be released. His refusal to attend court put him in the company of killers like Lucy Letby, Thomas Cashman and Jordan McSweeney. His refusal to behave during his sentencing hearing puts him in the same category of unapologetic criminals as Lucy Letby - who refused outright to leave her cell for sentencing Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, was one of the three children killed in the knife attack in Southport Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, was among the three little girls killed in the attack in Southport They, and several others in recent years, have refused to appear in the dock to hear their sentences after being convicted. Their indignance has prompted calls for a change in the law to ensure criminals who commit the most serious crimes are seen to properly face justice. After meeting with Cheryl Korbel to discuss the issue this week, Sir Keir said his Government would 'legislate on this at the first chance'. Having previously met with the grieving mother as Leader of the Opposition, Starmer told her: 'It's really important to meet today because we met 17 months ago and I said two things: we will support the previous government on this, and if we get into power, we'll make sure this happens. 'That's the promise I made to you and it's a promise I'm going to keep, and that's why this forthcoming legislation is so important. 'We have put this in the first King's Speech so we will legislate on this at the first chance and we should have it before the summer.' But Ms Korbel later suggested to ITV News she was not yet hopeful the law change would be made, despite her meeting with the Prime Minister. 'I am not going to my hopes up too high now, because we have already been knocked down once,' she told the broadcaster. Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot in the chest by Thomas Cashman as he pursued a drug dealer Gunman Thomas Cashman likewise refused to leave his prison cell after being convicted of murdering nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel In September 2022, the Crown Prosecution Service published guidance on how to deal with defendants' refusals to attend court. For trials in Crown Courts - for the most serious offences - it recommends proceeding with trials only if the defendant has 'waived the right to attend' and that it will be fair despite their absence, ideally with a lawyer representing them in their stead. For sentencing, the current guidelines state courts should only proceed as long as the defendant has a legal representative, or has previously been jailed. Prior to being taken to court to face the judge, Rudakubana had been rushed to hospital directly from prison after reportedly requiring unspecified 'medical attention', a report denied by police. But the teen child killer continued causing a scene, seemingly in an attempt to avoid facing justice. Dressed in a grey prison-issue tracksuit and a blue face mask, he shouted: 'I feel ill. I need to speak to a paramedic, I feel ill. You're not giving me any support, judge. I feel ill.' Mr Justice Goose told the teenager: 'Shouting from the dock is not going to make this happen any quicker. If you remain quiet you will be able to see someone.' After the 18-year-old replied: 'I'm not going to remain quiet I am in pain,' Mr Justice Goose said back: 'You've chosen this moment to say this. These proceedings are being conducted under my control Mr Rudakubana - do you understand? Not yours.' Mr Justice Goose ordered the murderer out of court. A family member shouted 'coward' at him as he was led away. He refused to keep quiet upon his return, shouting again: 'I really feel ill, I need to be seen by a paramedic.' The judge then sent him out for a second time after which the court heard the teen had been seen by paramedics and certified 'fit' to attend his sentencing. Lawyers for the killer said he was refusing to return to court and would be 'disruptive' if he was forced to do so. Absent from the court room, the twisted teenager was ultimately handed 13 life sentences. A monstrous mother has been jailed for 10 years after she left to her four young boys to die alone in a horror house fire while she went shopping with a friend. Deveca Rose 'abandoned' her two sets of twins - Kyson and Bryson, aged four, and Leyton and Logan, aged three - in squalid conditions when the blaze broke out in December 2021. The single mother, 30, left her children surrounded by rubbish and human faeces in a locked home in Sutton, south London, as she popped out to buy 'non essential' items at the supermarket. As she was caged for a decade at the Old Bailey earlier today, the youngsters' step-grandmother said justice had been done - but mourned for the boys after they were 'cruelly taken away from us', Kerrie Hoath said: 'The disregard she showed towards our boys has been echoed throughout this whole trial as our family had to endure three years of lies, delays and false narratives. 'This time has been a nightmare and the toll it has taken on our family cannot be overstated. 'We have heard speculation the fire was caused by lights on a Christmas tree, false claims the boys were left with a babysitter. 'We thank the jury for seeing past that and delivering us a true verdict. Bryson, Kyson, Logan and Leyton were left alone by their mother Deveca Rose. She has been found to be responsible for their deaths.' Deveca Rose left her two sets of twins in the locked terraced house when the fatal blaze broke out on the evening of December 16 2021 Kyson and Bryson Hoath, aged four, died alongside their brothers, Leyton and Logan Hoath, aged three, at their home in Sutton, south London Firefighters carried the four boys from the burning building but they were all declared dead a short time later She said the boys were 'beautiful, loving children' who did not deserve what happened, adding: 'The impact they have made on us in their short lives cannot be measured and will never be forgotten. 'We miss them every day and will always hold them in our hearts. 'While there will be better days to come, the hole that has been left by our children's deaths cannot be filled.' The trial heard that a discarded cigarette or upturned tea light is thought to have sparked the ferocious blaze, causing the youngsters to run upstairs and start screaming for help. Neighbours heard the boys desperately crying, 'there's a fire' as flames engulfed the terraced home just days before Christmas. One resident tried breaking down the front door but it was too late. Firefighters found the children's limp and unconscious bodies underneath their beds. They were rushed to hospital where they later died. Their cause of death was recorded as smoke inhalation. The family had been living in squalor when tragedy struck. The home was so full of rubbish it made the fire spread quicker and human excrement was found smeared on the walls. The children had also not attended school for three weeks before the fire broke out. In a heartbreaking victim impact statement, the boys' father Dalton Hoath said he 'could not put in words' how their deaths had impacted him, saying: 'I simply want to join them.' Their grandfather Jason Hoath said in his own statement: 'It is nearly three years since we lost our wonderful fun-loving grandsons at the tender age of three and four. 'The pain from this loss has shattered my life in every possible way.' He said it was 'too painful to describe' seeing them trapped in an inferno and 'devastating' when the boys died later in hospital after 'fighting so bravely'. The 30-year-old defendant, who had split up with her partner and suffered from mental health problems, was found guilty of four counts of manslaughter last autumn The single mother left the boys, surrounded by rubbish and human faeces, in the locked home as she popped out to buy 'non essential' items at the supermarket The boys' aunt Casey Hoath read her statement in court and described her nephews as 'funny' and 'full of character'. 'This was my worst nightmare scenario with the people I love at the centre,' she said. In a victim impact statement, great grandmother Sally Johnson quoted her great grandson's 'favourite word - why' as she told of her heartbreak at losing them. Crying, she said: 'The thought of them crying and screaming out will haunt me forever. My only comfort is they are now together forever and need never be alone again. 'I'm afraid I will never be able to forgive... I would like to say their favourite word - why? Just why?' She told the court her great grandchildren were her 'whole world', adding: 'The horror, the pain remains with me three years on.' Rose sobbed in the dock, wearing a hood over her head, as she heard the victim impact statements before she was jailed for 10 years on Friday on four counts of manslaughter. The judge, Mark Lucraft KC, accepted Rose was the person in the dock and that there was a medical reason for her not showing her face. As he jailed Rose, Mr Justice Lucraft said: 'There are no words to describe this case other than a deeply tragic one. 'The last moments of their young lives would have been with acute physical suffering as the fire took hold and they sought to get away from it.' Kerrie Hoath, step-grandmother of the four boys killed by Deveca Rose, is comforted outside the Old Bailey after Rose was jailed Ms Hoath (right) and aunt Casey Hoath (left) deliver a statement outside court. Kerrie said the family had endured 'three years of lies, delays and false narratives' after the boys' deaths Deveca Rose appearing at the Old Bailey in January last year. She spent her sentencing hearing hidden beneath a hood, which the judge accepted she would not remove He told Rose: 'Had you been at home you may have been able to extinguish the fire or if not you would have been able to get them out of the house. 'You were not there and the children were too young to know what to do. As a result of what you did, they were all killed.' During a trial at the Old Bailey last year, it was heard that the toilet and the bath were unusable because they were so full of rubbish, with bucket and pots used instead. On December 16, Rose went to Sainsbury's leaving the young children at the rented home alone. She later arrived back while firefighters were still tackling the blaze and was taken in by a neighbour. The boys were rushed to two separate hospitals, but attempts to save them failed and they died from inhalation of fumes later that night. Rose claimed she had left the children with a friend called Jade, which prompted firefighters to go back into the house to search for her. Police carried out extensive inquiries to find Jade and concluded she either did not exist or had not been at the house that day. In police interviews, Rose admitted leaving the boys alone in the house on two earlier occasions. Jurors were told that social worker Georgia Singh had raised concerns about the family, but the case was closed three months before the fire. Previously, a health visitor had also expressed worries, but they were not followed up after she retired, jurors were told. The children had also not attended school for three weeks before their deaths. The fire-scarred house in Sutton, south London, where the four young boys met their horrific demise in 2021 Deveca Rose (right) pictured in 2023 outside Bromley Magistrates' Court after she was charged with manslaughter Sending her down, Mr Justice Lucraft told Rose: 'There are no words to describe this case other than a deeply tragic one' Rose attended much of the trial by video-link from home on medical advice and declined to give evidence in her defence. The court heard there was evidence suggesting she was probably depressed and may have suffered from a personality disorder, but the prosecution asserted that was not a defence. In mitigation, her barrister Laurie-Anne Power KC highlighted that Rose had struggled with 'complex psychiatric mental health needs'. She told the court: 'There is nothing I can say to mitigate the loss to the Hoath and Rose family. 'Even though she is criminally responsible for the deaths of those children, she has suffered the greatest loss of all.' After the sentence was announced, one woman stormed out of the courtroom and was heard crying as she was led away, Sky report. The judge described the victims as lively and engaging children who were 'deeply loved' by all who had a role in their care. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Illegal immigrants are avoiding the streets of Philadelphia as Donald Trump promises the biggest deportation in US history. Faced with threats made by the 47th president to carry out mass deportations of immigrants, the thriving African population living in south-west Philadelphia's Africatown neighbourhood now live in fear of what Trump's policies might mean for them. Speaking to Sky News, an anonymous migrant who fled political persecution said: 'There's fear. It's in your head, it's stuck with you. Even when you get out there and you find someone staring at you, you're concerned. Who are they? Did someone tell on me?'. In footage shared by the broadcaster, the streets of the once thriving and colourful neighbourhood appear desolate. Meanwhile, immigration lawyers have urged anyone who could be approached by immigration officers to stay out of trouble and know their rights. Immigrants living in Africatown have mostly felt safe there because Philadelphia is what is known as a sanctuary city. Sanctuary cities have policies that limit collaboration between local authorities and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The policies were pivotal in creating a climate of trust for immigrants, who feel safe calling the police or accessing healthcare without being afraid of facing consequences. Donald Trump's deportation threats have sparked fear in Philadelphia's Africatown community Streets in the usually bustling neighbourhood appeared empty amid Trump's clampdown on migration Philadelphia is a sanctuary city, which limits collaboration between local authorities and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement When Trump was elected president in 2017, he accused the city of protecting criminals and threatened to cut to strong-arm authorities into ditching their sanctuary policies. Trump promised a crackdown on illegal immigration during the election campaign and began his second term with a flurry of executive actions aimed at overhauling entry to the US. On Monday, he signed scores of executive orders targeting immigration, including one that aims to end birthright citizenship for the children of migrants. He also declared a 'national emergency' at the southern border and announced the deployment of more troops to the area, vowing to deport 'criminal aliens'. There are an estimated 11 million undocumented migrants in the United States, according to the Office of Homeland Security Statistics. Trump's ICE raids has arrested over 1,300 illegal migrants in the early days of his presidency, new Border Czar Tom Homan has said. Homan told NewsNation on Thursday night that of the migrants arrested so far, 'over 1,000 of them were criminals.' According to the New York Post, the figure included immigrants convicted in 'some very heinous cases', including paedophiles, gang members and a suspected terrorist. A friend who witnessed the cocaine-fueled final hours of two models' lives has revealed what really happened the night they were left for dead in a Beverly Hills tragedy. Christy Giles, 24, and Hilda Marcela Cabrales Arzola, 26, were dumped at separate hospitals by masked men in November 2021. Giles died shortly after being deposited for doctors, while Arzola spent 15 days in a coma before dying. David Brian Pearce, 40, is now on trial for their murders. Prosecutors say he gave them a lethal combination of cocaine, fentanyl and the date rape drug GBH before callously discarding their bodies. At his Los Angeles trial on Thursday, witness Michael Ansbach described the sad and seedy final hours of the women's lives. He said Pearce handed him a vodka drink that 'tasted awful' and made him feel 'immediately dizzy'. He also remembered the moment Pearce brought out the 'good stuff' - which he was under the belief was merely cocaine - that he, alongside victims Christy Giles, 24, and Hilda Marcela Cabrales Arzola, 26, took together. Later, Ansbach recalled being terrified that something was wrong with the women, who laid like stones on the ground, and worried Pearce would do nothing to help them, especially after he told him: 'Dead girls don't talk.' Christy Giles, 24, and Hilda Marcela Cabrales Arzola, 26, died in November 21 after being dumped at separate hospitals by masked men Michael Ansbach, 50, (pictured) remembered the moment David Brian Pearce handed him a vodka drink that tasted 'awful' and made him feel 'immediately dizzy' and left him sick for hours inside the producer's apartment in November 2021. David Brian Pearce, 40, is now on trial for the women's murders After taking the 'good' cocaine, Ansbach immediately knew something wasn't right. His nostrils burned and he became overwhelmed with pain, he told the jury. 'I felt incredibly weak like it was taking over me it was like a tranquilizer,' he told the court. When he asked Pearce what he had given them, his friend merely laughed and looked like 'the devil personified right in front of me,' Ansbach claimed. Ansbach would spend hours vomiting before he noticed Giles 'didn't appear to be alive' anymore and that Arzola wasn't moving either. He began pleading with the producer to get the women help, but he recalled Pearce shrugging him off. 'Dead girls dont talk,' Pearce, who has pleaded not guilty to murder, allegedly replied. 'Its a phrase that echoes in my nightmares and disturbs me,' Ansbach told the courtroom. '[He was] really only concerned about himself.' Pearce was allegedly worried about his prior criminal history and told Ansbach: 'This can't happen to me.' Hours after they arrived at Pearce's apartment and did drugs, Giles (pictured) and Arzola were dropped off at different hospitals by a car with no license plates. A toxicology report found the common date-rape drug, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), in Giles' system Giles would be pronounced shortly after, while Arzola (pictured with Pearce) spent 15 days in a coma Ansbach claimed he checked Giles' pulse and found none, but insisted Pearce continued to do nothing to help them. The women were eventually dropped off at two different hospitals by a car with no plates nearly 12 hours later. A toxicology report found the common date-rape drug, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), in Giles' system. Giles was pronounced dead shortly after she was found. Arzola passed away 15 days later after being in a coma. Pearce and his roommate Brandt Osborn are accused of ditching the women at the hospitals after they overdosed. Prosecutors alleged Osborn helped transport the women and destroyed evidence inside the apartment. Both men have denied wrongdoing. Their attorneys also pointed out that Ansbach's story changed from the time he was taken in for questioning to sitting before a jury. In his first interview with police, he said he never saw Giles and Arzola do drugs and painted a different picture of Pearce. He admitted to lying to police because he was 'scared.' 'Id never been in that situation before, and I had no idea what to do,' he told the court. Pearce (pictured) has denied all wrongdoing. But Ansbach recalled the producer laughing menacingly when he asked what he gave them to snort and was 'only concerned about himself' Ansbach has not been charged with any crimes, despite admitting he lied to police in his initial interview, where he claimed he did not see the girls do drugs and painted a different picture of Pearce 'So you lied?' attorney Jeff Voll asked. 'Yeah,' he replied. Ansbach has not been charged with any crimes. Pearce is also facing seven rape charges for sexual assaults he allegedly performed between 2005 and 2021, according to The Los Angeles Times. In 2014, prosecutors originally declined to pursue sexual assault charges against him, but after the deaths, several women came forward with stories. Some of the women alleged they fell ill after Pearce served them a drink and later woke up to him sexually assaulting them, according to The Los Angeles Times. The 'star' immigration attorney whose office was raided by FBI agents is a Colombian native who came to the US as a child and overstayed his visitor's visa by 15 years. Joseph Molina Flynn, the 'first formerly undocumented judge in Rhode Island' resigned just hours after federal agents raided his immigration law office on Thursday. Molina Flynn, 41, a prominent 'crimmigration' attorney in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, is the subject of an ongoing FBI and Department of Homeland Security Investigation. The federal agencies stormed into Molina Flynn's Providence office on Thursday afternoon allegedly looking into allegations that the attorney defrauded his clients seeking representation on immigration-related matters. The 41-year-old attorney was born in Medlin, Columbia and arrived in the US on a tourist visa in 1992, when he was 9 years old, according to his law firm's website. Initially on a visitors' visa, which he overstayed, Molina Flynn lived undocumented for 15 years before he obtained his lawful permanent resident status, Fox News reports. He officially became an American citizen in September 2014, just two years after he married his husband, Christopher Arthur Flynn, 45. The pair live in East Greenwich together, the Providence Journal reported in 2021. Joseph Molina Flynn, the 'first formerly undocumented judge in Rhode Island ' shockingly resigned just hours after federal agents raided his immigration law office on Thursday Molina Flynn, 41, a prominent 'crimmigration' attorney in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, is the subject of an ongoing FBI and Department of Homeland Security Investigation Molina Flynn, a native of Colombia, is pictured with Jennifer Lopez in a photo he proudly shared on social media. He met the starlet backstage at her Las Vegas concert in 2018 Molina Flynn previously recounted some of the 'challenges' he faced when he first moved to the US. He claimed to 'vividly remember' his first day of school in Central Falls. He told the outlet he was in a predominantly white classroom and didn't speak English. At the time, he was only able to tell the teacher 'hello,' but when she asked him something else, he wasn't able to respond with much beyond, 'what?', sending his classmates into an eruption of laughter. 'I became determined that they wouldn't laugh again and I'd learn to speak English,' he told the outlet. Molina Flynn also said he was excited to arrive in the States and felt an 'overwhelming sense of peace' after leaving a homeland plagued by violence. The Columbia-native went on to graduate summa cum laude from Johnson & Wales University in 2011 with a bachelor of science in accounting. He later obtained a juris doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School, and founded Molina Flynn Law Offices in 2015 as a solo practice, focusing on immigration, family and criminal matters. Molina Flynn became an American citizen in September 2014, just two years after he married his husband, Christopher Arthur Flynn, 45 In 2021, he was appointed judge of the Municipal Court in Central Falls, making him the first openly gay person and first formerly undocumented migrant to serve on the bench, according to the city Joseph Molina Flynn and his husband Christopher Arthur Flynn live in East Greenwich together, the Providence Journal reported in 2021 Flynn was also an adjunct professor at Roger Williams University Law School where he taught about the intersectionality between crime and immigration - what he called 'Crimmigration.' 'Crimmigration' by definition is 'the intersection of criminal and immigration law'. The term refers to the use of criminal law to control immigration, and the consequences that non-citizens face when they are convicted of crimes. In 2021, he was appointed judge of the Municipal Court in Central Falls, making him the first openly gay person and first formerly undocumented migrant to serve on the bench, according to the city. 'I'm just extremely overwhelmed with gratitude that I live in a world where I can live my truth, and still be able to achieve something like being appointed to the Municipal Court,' Molina Flynn said in an interview. 'It wasn't that long ago that all of this would have been unheard of.' The judge also served a stint as the President of the Rhode Island Political Action Committee, a non-partisan organization founded in 1988. Molina Flynn took on the role in 2017, according to his LinkedIn profile. Since its foundation, the committee has 'influenced, endorsed and mobilized Latino voters and candidates sensitive to their issues in Rhode Island,' according to GoLocalProv.com The judge also served a stint as the President of the Rhode Island Political Action Committee, a non-partisan organization founded in 1988. Molina Flynn took on the role in 2017, according to his LinkedIn profile In 2015, he took a position at the Cronin Law Firm in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan where he focused primarily on immigration, criminal, family laws and civil litgation. This was his last role before opening his own practice, Molina Flynn Law Offices The organization sought to 'be a game changer in key Democratic primaries and in the general' election. Molina Flynn is also a current board member of both the Latino Policy Institute and the Rhode Island Latino Arts. He kicked off his career in the legal industry working as a student attorney for the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Project before serving as a law clerk for Immigration Law PLLC where he 'researched and drafted asylum applications.' In 2015, he took a position at the Cronin Law Firm in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan where he focused primarily on immigration, criminal, family laws and civil litigation. This was his last role before opening his own practice. Now, the subject of an ongoing federal investigation, likely linked to President Donald Trump's recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, the attorney's practices have been called into question. A scenic hike quickly turned traumatic for an American hiker and his Canadian friend when they were shot and robbed by suspected Mexican cartel terrorists. The hikers were roaming through the Jacumba Wilderness in California, about 1,000 feet north of the US-Mexico border when they were approached by two armed individuals, according to a press release from the US Customs and Border Protection. The bandits began yelling at them in Spanish and the hikers responded that they didn't understand them. Fearing for their lives, the hikers refused to follow the armed individuals and attempted to get away. It was then that the assailants fired a round of shots, hitting one of the hikers in the leg. The attackers then took advantage of the vulnerable hikers and robbed them of their backpacks and phones. Luckily, the Imperial County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reporting the incident and Border Patrol agents in the El Centro Sector responded to assist the hiker. About an hour after the 911 call was made, the Mountain Disrupt Unit, Border Patrol Tactical Unit, and Border Patrol Search, and Rescue found the victim in the wilderness. The hiker was shot and sustained an injury to his leg. He is seen being bundled into a helicopter Border Patrol agents from multiple units responded to reports of a gunshot wound in a remote hiking trail Authorities were able to stabilize the victim and airlifted him to a nearby medical center in San Diego for treatment. Border Patrol agents tracked the bandits back to Mexico, but no further information on their identities has been released. 'The wounded hiker is an "I told you so moment" highlighting the importance of adequate infrastructure the Border Patrol has been championing for years now,' El Centro Sector Chief Gregory Bovino said in a statement. 'Suspected cartel terrorists, however, are fixing to learn this type of conduct will be an end game type of activity here in the Premier Sector. All threats, anywhere, or at any time throughout this sector will be addressed vigorously.' Bovino also shared a video of the agents responding to the scene on his X account. Multiple officials strapped with guns and protective gear can be seen holding the victim and bringing him to a helicopter. 'Cartels think they can bring their war here. Think again! Americans wont be intimidated,' he wrote. 'Our agents & BORTAC will confront these threats HEAD ON!' The US Border Patrol El Centro Sector also reposted the video on their Facebook account with a message to cartel terrorists. 'Let this serve as a WARNING: The El Centro Sector will not stand idly by. The safety of our citizens is NOT negotiable; cartel terrorists have no place in our country preying on the innocent. Enough is enough,' the post read. The hikers were found on a trail in the Jacumba Wilderness The victims were hiking along an area called Valley of the Moon. According to investigative reporting from the Associated Press in 2024, illegal migration increased in California as a result of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's multibillion-dollar border plan. Migration patterns have shown migrants from Colombia, Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and China fly to Tijuana and cross the border into San Diego from there. In 2024, the New York Times reported that at least seven migrant holding areas were erected across the California border, including an open-air waiting site in Valley of the Moon. However, attacks on US hikers in this area are rare, with reporting from the Washington Post citing that migrants are at a greater risk of attacks by groups of armed bandits. Groups known as 'rip crews' have set up operations along border areas to rob migrants, who are less likely to report the crime. Border Patrol agents are still investigating the recent incident in San Diego and no arrests have been made. Dailymail.com reached out to the US CBP and the Imperial County Sheriff's Office for comment but didn't immediately hear back. A husband raped and murdered his estranged wife while she was on the phone to a job interviewer who heard the horrifying ordeal unfold. Jamie Wilson-Spray, 25, was strangled by Jacob Spray while interviewing for a chef position with Spokane's Women and Children's Free Restaurant and Community Kitchen in Washington. She was on the phone with manager Melissa Berry on March 26 last year when Spray pounced. 'It was a scream I will never forget,' Berry testified last week, the Spokesman-Review reports. Police said when they got to her home at around 7pm, Wilson-Spray was dead with a freshly bought pizza lying by her side. 'Jamie appeared to be deceased and had marks near her neck. I suspected she had been strangled as I saw no other obvious injury,' an officer wrote in the booking report. Spray was later picked up at another address and had to be tasered to be subdued. He was then taken to Pullman Regional Hospital and into custody. Jamie Wilson-Spray, 25, was raped and murdered by her ex-husband while she was on the phone for a job interview Spray was reportedly enraged that she was moving on with her life following their split Prosecutors said Spray carried out the brutal act after becoming enraged that his wife was moving on with another man following their separation. At trial, it emerged that he confessed to his mother that he had installed cameras inside her trailer to spy on her. Pathologist Norman Thiersch told the court that Wilson-Spray died by homicide as a result of compression of the neck. He observed multiple blunt force injuries which were sustained while she was still alive including bruising to the face, neck and chest, as well as lacerations to the neck and chest. Spray's defense argued that the prosecution was relying on speculation and that he was not at his ex-wife's home long enough to carry out the attack. However, prosecutors told the court that Spray called his father to confess to the crime and that a delivery driver had placed him at the scene. He was found guilty after four hours of deliberation by the jury. He faces at least 20 years in jail and is due to be sentenced on March 24. Chief Deputy Prosecutor Dan LeBeau said he is seeking the maximum penalty, KLEW TV reports. Wilson-Spray died following compression of the neck, a pathologist told the court The killer is now facing up to 26.5 years in jail and prosecutors say they will be seeking the maximum penalty Wilson-Spray was an aspiring chef who was three weeks away from completing her master's degree at Washington State University at the time of her murder. At trial, her family wore t-shirts using artworks she had designed with the caption: 'Justice for Jamie'. 'She just had so much life to go live,' Wilson-Spray's sister Amber Moore said. 'She liked to go try new things, and she wanted to go learn Southern cooking, so she did it. 'She could learn to play any instrument she picked up within minutes. She could do anything.' A self-styled 'monster of a mother' who starved her own daughter to death after torturing her 'because she looked like her father' was today sent to prison for life. Judges in Montpellier, in the South of France, on Friday jailed Sandrine Pissarra, 54, following the horrific killing of Amandine. The schoolgirl was just 13 when she succumbed to a lack of food after being locked inside a store cupboard for weeks on end. Pissara, a mother-of-eight from three relationships, admitted charges of 'acts of torture and acts of barbarity resulting in death', telling the court 'I am a monstrous mother'. Jailed alongside Pissarra was Amandine's step-father, Jean-Michel Cros, 49, who was given a 20-year sentence after being found guilty of the same charges. The pair had placed a camera inside the store cupboard where Amandine died, so that they could watch her agony, the court heard. Amandine died in 2020, and now prosecutors in the southern city of Montpellier are calling for a life sentence to be handed to her depraved mother Psychiatric reports showed that Pissarra continually attacked Amandine because she 'looked like her father' someone Pissarra was estranged from. She wanted to 'transfer this hatred' of Amandine's unnamed father on to her daughter's body, the court heard. Just before verdicts were read out at the Herault Assizes Court, Pissara said: 'I would like to apologise to my children.' Passing the life sentence, judges said there should be a minimum tariff in prison of 20 years. Medical reports delivered after Amandine's death in August 2020 showed she died of hunger after suffering from extreme weight and muscle loss, as well as septicaemia. Her body was skeletal and covered in infected wounds, and she weighed just 28 kg (62 pounds) while being 1.55 metres (5.1 ft) tall. Amandine had also lost a number of teeth and had her hair pulled out, following weeks in a windowless storage room without food. Since she was a toddler, Amandine had been kicked, punched and hit with sharp objects, the court heard. Since she was very young, Amandine had been the victim of blows dealt by her mother Prosecutors described Pissarra as a 'domestic tyrant, dictator of the home, and executioner of Amandine'. They said 'there can only be one sentence - a life term with a minimum of 20 years served in prison.' Questioned the day after her daughter's death in the village of Montblanc, south west of Montpellier, Pissarra lied about Amandine suffering from eating disorders. She said that on the day of her death, Amandine had agreed to swallow only a lump of sugar, and a high-protein drink before she started to vomit and then stopped breathing. The mother, who was managing a nail salon at the time and has eight children from three relationships, was arrested, and placed on remand in May 2021. Jean-Michel Cros was described by prosecutors as a 'cowardly collaborator of the system' who 'deprived Amandine of care until her death'. Cros admitted all charges, and said before verdict: ''I feel enormous guilt about this'. A report by investigating magistrates says, 'the sole purpose of the violence against Amandine was to drag her into shameful and humiliating agony'. A spokesman for Pissarra's defence counsel said she would 'not be appealing her lif sentence'. A drunken human rights lawyer who is involved in the Grenfell Tower inquiry launched a racist attack on her neighbour after spending all day drinking with her barrister boyfriend, a court has heard. BBP London Law School graduate Scarlett Milligan, 31, is accused of grabbing concerned neighbour Kemi Adebiyi's neck and calling her a 'black b****' when she enquired why the lawyer was lying in the road wailing after midnight. She had been drinking locally in Wandsworth, London since 1.00pm with commercial and chancery counsel boyfriend Benjamin Waistell, 33, but they had had a row and she found herself locked out of his home in Cromford Road. 'This case concerns an allegation that Ms Milligan, during an altercation, directed racial abuse towards Ms Adebiyi and physically assaulted her by grabbing her neck,' prosecutor Nicholas Hearn told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court. 'She denies that the abuse extended to racial abuse and denies physically assaulting Ms Adebiyi and says it was the complainant who assaulted her.' Milligan, who is attached to Essex Chambers and attended Newcastle-upon-Tyne's Royal Grammar School, has pleaded not guilty to racially-aggravated assault in the early hours of May 1, 2022. After enquiring about Milligan, 48-year-old officer manager Ms Adebiyi was told to 'f*** off' by Mr Waistell, a Lincoln's Inn lawyer with XXIV Old Buildings and the couple ended up in her front pathway. Parts of the incident were recorded on next-door's Ring doorbell and Ms Adebiyi's mobile phone and were played to the jury, who heard shouting and swearing on both sides. BBP London Law School graduate Scarlett Milligan (pictured), 31, is accused of grabbing concerned neighbour Kemi Adebiyi's neck and calling her a 'black b****' Kemi Adebiyi (pictured) is said to have confronted Milligan after the lawyer lay in the street crying in the middle of the night Milligan can be heard shouting at Ms Adebiyi, who has a 15-year-old daughter: 'Shut your door you ugly c***,' and: 'You f***ing ugly tw*t.' No racial abuse was recorded on video. When cross-examined by Milligan's KC David Etherington Ms Adebiyi was asked: 'There is nothing racial that we hear is there?' Mr Hearn explained: 'Ms Adebiyi heard a commotion outside in the street and heard a woman's voice wailing loudly and she went outside to see if the woman needed any help. Milligan is recorded replying: 'Sorry if me being suicidal is bothering you,' and Ms Adebiyi replies: 'We all have mental health issues darling and we don't all do this s***.' Ms Adebiyi dismisses Milligan's behaviour as attention-seeking and Mr Waistell interrupts: 'Sorry someone being sad is disturbing you. F*** off.' 'What follows is a deeply unpleasant altercation for several minutes on the path to the front door,' said Mr Hearn. 'Bad language is used by all three. 'The Crown say it is Milligan and Waistell who were both far more abusive and aggressive and Milligan had to be physically restrained by Waistell as she lashed out at Ms Adebiyi with her hand raised. 'Ms Adebiyi says Ms Milligan charged towards her and assaulted her by grabbing her neck and the altercation continued in her hallway. Milligan's boyfriend Benjamin Waistell (pictured on Ms Adebiyi's phone), 33, came out of the house and also became embroiled in the altercation Milligan is said to have charged at Ms Adebiyi and grabbed her neck before being restrained by her boyfriend Milligan was filmed being pushed away from the neighbour's door by her lawyer boyfriend 'Ms Milligan says Ms Adebiyi assaulted her by grabbing her hair and dragging her into the doorway and closing the door and Mr Waistell picked her up and carried her into the street.' This part of the dispute was not recorded by the complainant, who was using her phone to call the police at the time. She reportedly made the allegation that she had been called a 'black b****' seven months later. When police arrived they found a drunken Milligan crying in the street, complaining that Ms Adebiyi had dragged her into the property and kicked her in the head. Milligan, who in legal publications has been described as a 'Tier One Rising Star' and won the Inner Temple Princess Royal Scholarship to fund her Bar qualifications was arrested and spent time in a police cell. In her statement to police she said: 'I was drinking throughout the day and by the evening I was drunk. I had an argument with Ben and he left the pub. 'I couldn't access Ben's address because of the bottom lock and I became very upset and was lying in the middle of the road crying.' She said an 'abusive black woman' confronted her saying: 'If you're going to kill yourself, get on with it. 'The lady continued to hurl abuse at me and she became more and more heated with her abuse. 'I ended up in her doorway and the next thing I remember is being pulled by the hair over the threshold of her address. The woman struck me and I was savagely kicked to the head, I think I lost consciousness.' Milligan complained that clumps of her distinctive red hair had fallen to the cell floor and she had swelling to both sides of her head. 'I did not deserve to be viciously attacked and then arrested,' she said.' Throughout the footage, which was played to the jury Ms Adebiyi can be heard mockingly referring to the couple as 'Tarquin' and 'Karen,' suggesting Ms Milligan was feigning a mental health episode. The court heard that all three individuals used 'bad language' in the incident in 2022 Milligan, who was heard telling her neighbour she was suicidal, can be heard shouting at Ms Adebiyi, who has a 15-year-old daughter: 'Shut your door you ugly c***,' and: 'You f***ing ugly tw*t' She is heard shouting: 'You think you can enter my home and attack me? This is typical white privilege. She's seeking attention, she's a typical Karen, an attention seeker. 'I came out to try and help and Karen began railing on me and then Tarquin decides to come over here and enter my home and rescue Karen. 'I am going to stream this. You're going to lose your jobs you f***ing racists.' In her tirade she continued: 'Tarquin pushed me over and I hit my head on the back on the wall. 'That girl was trying for an Oscar, but she wouldn't have made it past Brookside.' Ms Adebiyi told the jury Milligan called her either a 'black b****' or 'black bint', and also made fun of her silk headscarf by calling it a turban. 'I believe there were racially-tinged insults throughout. She made threats about kicking my head in and the next thing I knew she was in my door grabbing my neck, causing scratches and I grabbed her hair. 'The door gets violently slammed open by her partner, slamming me into the wall. He is built like a rugby player. 'I am sure he has a face for his high value clients, but that is different from the angry, contorted face I saw.' Mr Etherington suggested to Ms Adebiyi: 'You yanked her into the flat. You 'lost it.' She falls to the ground and you start kicking her in the head. 'That is when her partner comes in the door. She is shouting for him and she is scooped up by Mr Waistell and he carries her out.' The trial continues. Flight attendants tried to duct tape a woman's mouth shut after she loudly abused them and her husband for most of an 11-hour flight. Fiji Airways flight FJ871 was left San Francisco late on January 18, and arrived in Nadi in Fiji on Monday morning after crossing the International Date Line. The 69-year-old, who is reportedly Australian but appears to speak with an American accent and threatened to take crew to the US embassy, was arrested on arrival. Videos filmed by passengers on board showed the allegedly drunk woman yelling at crew as they tried to calm her down, including racist abuse. Staff forcibly moved her to the back of the plane but her behavior did not improve and they eventually tried to tape her mouth shut. One passenger said the drama began with a loud argument between the woman and her husband, who were traveling to Adelaide, Australia, together via Fiji. 'They had to move the husband to another seat... she been fighting him ever since the flight took off,' the passenger said. Footage filmed on their phone showed the woman screaming at a flight attendant as she leaned over and tried to defuse the situation - without success. A woman on Fiji Airways flight FJ871 from San Francisco to Nadi in Fiji loudly abused flight attendants and her husband for most of the 11-hour flight Footage filmed on a passenger's phone showed the woman screaming at a flight attendant as she leaned over and tried to defuse the situation - without success 'This is criminal, this is abusive. No! This is abusive, you are abusing me. What do you expect me to do, you b***h,' she shouted. The flight attendant sat down in the empty seat next to her, which was vacated by her husband, and tried to reason with her. 'Your f**king staff... you f**king b***h. This is criminal,' the woman yelled, inches from the flight attendant's face. The flight attendant's words were inaudible over the plane's engines, but she appeared to offer the woman some water. 'So I can spit in your face? Yes, I want some water,' the woman responded. 'Don't look at me like that, you b***h. You are abusing me, this is criminal.' The tirade turned even uglier as the passenger resorted to racist abuse about the crew's Pacific Islander background. 'This is islander f**king abuse - it's what you f**king people do, you f**king... if you don't give them to me, you f**king abuser I will... f**k you're going to be in trouble. Give me some water,' she ranted. Another video from the reverse angle obtained by News Corp showed the woman yelling more abuse before the crew tried to tape her mouth shut. 'Goodbye, I'm sticking in my seat,' she shouted. The flight attendant talking to her appeared to tell her she was disrupting other passengers, to which she retorted, 'You're disruptive!' and 'No I'm not!' The flight attendant told her to 'stop sulking and keep your voice down', so the woman yelled, 'Stop provoking me, you're provoking me!' Another video from the reverse angle showed the woman yelling more abuse before the crew dragged her to the back of the plane and later tried to tape her mouth shut The last piece of video showed her sitting at the back of the plane, still yelling, before staff tried to tape her mouth. The video cut to the crew struggling with her as she yelled, 'Let me go, help! Let go, don't touch me! Stop it!' 'I've done nothing wrong. You ugly people, get your hands off me. You're going straight to the American embassy tomorrow,' she continued. As they tried to drag her out of her seat and move her to the back of the plane, she yelled in pain claiming one of them 'laid on my shoulder'. The last piece of video showed her sitting at the back of the plane, still yelling, before staff tried to tape her mouth. The woman struggled and ducked as the tape was applied, and yelled mostly incoherently other than, 'My face!' Whether the aircrew were successful in taping her mouth was unclear. The passenger who filmed the second video told News Corp the woman's husband asked to be seated well away from her, and she got angry when staff wouldn't tell her where they moved him. They claimed the woman shouted 'racist and vulgar' abuse for hours, threatened to throw object such as cups at the crew, and slapped the hands of one flight attendant. 'The other passengers were particularly upset by her overtly racist comments towards the Fijian crew members, with many calling out to the woman to be quiet and behave,' they claimed. 'Parents with children onboard were clearly upset with the excessive vulgar language and swearing with many seen blocking the ears of their children.' The passenger said the woman's husband came back to sit with her about two hours before the flight landed, but was unable to halt her tirades. A meme of Fiji Airways ad altered to show crew holding roles of tape with a punny slogan Police said the woman was 'intoxicated and causing a nuisance' and was in the custody of immigration officers charged with one count of 'unruly passenger' under the Fiji Civil Aviation Act. Fijian law allowed aircrew the 'right to take measures they think reasonable to prevent the passenger from continuing that behavior' if they became disruptive. Once the plane lands, the airline can boot the passenger off the plane under police escort, deny them boarding on connecting flights, and report them to police. She was due to face Nadi Magistrate Court on Friday afternoon, local time (UTC+12). 'The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority, and we uphold a zero-tolerance policy for any threatening behavior,' Fiji Airways said. 'We are co-operating with the relevant authorities, who are investigating an incident involving a passenger aboard flight FJ817 from San Francisco, which landed at Nadi International Airport on 20th January 2025, where it was met by law enforcement.' The creator of dark web drug selling site Silk Road has profusely thanked Donald Trump for pardoning him. Ross Ulbricht, 40, was arrested in 2013 and jailed in 2015 after a jury found his site facilitated the sale of illicit drugs using cryptocurrency. He was serving two life terms plus 40 years for drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit money laundering and computer hacking, Ulbricht who operated under the pseudonym 'Dread Pirate Roberts', a reference to the Princess Bride, was released on Wednesday and thanked Trump his freedom. 'Last night, Donald Trump granted me a full pardon,' he said on a video posted to Twitter on Thursday night. 'I was doing life without parole and I was locked up for more than 11 years, but he let me out, I'm a free man now. So let it be known that Donald Trump is a man of his word.' Trump on the campaign trail vowed to commute Ulbricht's sentence 'on day one' if he were re-elected, and garnered enormous support from the convicted criminal's loved ones and fans. 'Thank you so much, President Trump, for giving me this amazing blessing. I am so, so grateful to have my life back, to have my future back, to have this second chance,' Ulbricht continued. Ross Ulbricht, 40, the creator of dark web drug selling site Silk Road has profusely thanked Donald Trump for pardoning him Ulbricht walked free from jail on Wednesday night after 11 years behind bars 'This is such an important moment for me and for my whole family. It's an important moment for everyone who has been working for this for years. 'This is a victory, and it's your victory, too. And this is an important moment for everybody, everywhere, who loves freedom and who cares about second chances. 'So, it feels amazing to be free, to say the least. It's overwhelming and for the next however long we need I'm going to be with my family, so that we can reunite and be whole again and heal. 'But there's a lot to talk about and I look forward to re-engaging with the free world. And so, once I'm feeling up to it, we'll talk again. Then-Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara celebrated Ulbricht's lengthy conviction in 2015, calling him no more than a common criminal. 'Make no mistake: Ulbricht was a drug dealer and criminal profiteer who exploited peoples addictions and contributed to the deaths of at least six young people,' he said. While Ulbricht's clemency was not one of the many tasks Trump completed on Monday, he revealed on Tuesday evening that Ulbricht had been granted a 'full and unconditional pardon.' Trump, on the other hand, hailed him as a hero of 'the Libertarian Movement' and called prosecutors 'scum' for upholding the law. 'I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbright (sic) to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross,' he wrote on Tuesday. 'The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern day weaponization of government against me. 'He was given two life sentences, plus 40 years. Ridiculous!' The new president never fully explained his legal reasoning for releasing Ulbricht, and appeared to be paying back libertarians for their support during the campaign. Libertarian National Committee chair Angela McArdle called him a 'libertarian political prisoner'. 'I'm proud to say that saving his life has been one of our top priorities and that has finally paid off,' she said. The LNC argued for the past decade that Ulbricht's sentence was disproportionate to his crimes, and was far higher than drug dealers and even convicted killers. Libertarians are generally opposed to jailing drug dealers, and argued he merely created a website where people could sell items to each other and didn't directly participate in illegal activities. Ulbricht, 40, was arrested in 2013 because the dark website he founded facilitated the sale of illicit drugs using cryptocurrency Ulbricht shared an update on X the following day revealing he was aware of, and embolded by, the commitment Prosecutors described Silk Road as an unprecedented one-stop online shopping mall where the supply of drugs was virtually limitless. At his 2015 sentencing, the judge cited six deaths from drugs bought on Ulbricht's site and five people he tried to have killed. Ulbricht said at the time that he was a changed man. Earlier on Tuesday, Ulbricht's clemency lawyer said he maintained hope Trump would deliver on his promise to commute the sentence. 'We do expect President Trump to grant clemency. The president, when a candidate, said that he would release Ross on his first day in office,' he said. 'We have no doubt the president will follow through on his commitment to release Ross. Ross, his family, and all his supporters are forever grateful to President Trump for his willingness to show mercy to Ross.' Senator Rand Paul earlier sent a letter to Trump noting that Ulbricht's sentence was 'vastly disproportionate to his crimes', adding 'the worst drug sellers on the site received significantly more lenient sentences.' Trump vowed at a rally with libertarians in May that he would commute Ulbricht's sentence, sparking cheers from an otherwise distrusting crowd. In early 2015 he was sentenced to two life terms in prison plus 40 years for drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit money laundering and computer hacking, operating under the pseudonym 'Dread Pirate Roberts.' Members of the Libertarian Party stand in chairs while chanting and demanding the release of Ross Ulbricht Ulbricht shared an update on Twitter the following day revealing he was aware of, and emboldened by, the commitment. 'Last night, Donald Trump pledged to commute my sentence on day 1, if reelected,' he wrote. 'Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. After 11 years in prison, it is hard to express how I feel at this moment. It is thanks to your undying support that I may get a second chance.' Ulbricht had previously maintained that he did not intend for his website to morph into what it ultimately became. He never sold illicit substances himself, despite being convicted of drug trafficking. 'I was trying to help us move toward a freer and more equitable world,' Ulbricht said from prison in 2021. 'We all know the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and now here I am. I'm in hell.' President Donald Trump got into a heated exchange with embattled Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as they clashed over her handling of the wildfire crisis. It came after Trump was greeted by California governor Gavin Newsom on the tarmac as he arrived in Los Angeles to view the devastating aftermath of the recent wildfires. The two men then engaged in a very awkward handshake as Newsom - a Democrat who Trump has derided as 'Newscum' - humiliatingly thanked the president for coming. Newsom, who Trump has blamed for failing to prevent the fires, said his state needed 'a lot of help' from the White House. It came after Trump toured hurricane-battered western North Carolina earlier today. He savaged the federal response to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, and said he was considering dismantling FEMA, the agency responsible for helping the victims. Follow all the updates at DailyMail.com's live blog The ex-girlfriend of a former person of interest in the Delphi murders case has revealed she believes he may have been involved in the killings. This week, attorneys for Richard Allen filed multiple court documents arguing that his conviction for the 2017 murders of teenagers Abby Williams and Libby German in Delphi, Indiana, should be overturned due to significant errors allegedly made by the state. The defense claims the state was aware of a jailhouse confession from Ron Logan, the now-deceased owner of the property where the girls' bodies were discovered, but failed to disclose the information. Logan was initially considered a person of interest in the investigation but was never charged. On Thursday, Logan's ex-girlfriend, Connie Dillman, appeared on Banfield on NewsNation and said she suspects her former partner was involved. 'I know when he walks. I just had an intuition,' Dillman said in response to the video recorded on German's phone of a man walking on a bridge, used as evidence in the case. Dillman states that upon viewing the video of the 'bridge guy,' she immediately recognized her former partner. 'I know his build, and to me, that looks exactly like him. I mean, even when I seen the voice, you know, it sounded just like him,' she said. Connie Dillman, the ex-girlfriend of a former person of interest in the Delphi murders case, has revealed she believes he may have been involved in the killings. This week, attorneys for Richard Allen filed multiple court documents seeking to overturn his conviction for the 2017 Delphi murders, arguing that the state suppressed evidence by withholding a jailhouse confession from Ron Logan, the deceased owner of the property where the girls' bodies were found Dillman described their relationship as 'very volatile,' portraying Logan as 'aggressive' and 'manipulative,' and said her instincts lead her to believe he was involved. 'It's not something I really want to relive, but I just know his nature. I know his property,' Dillman said. 'I'm just going with my gut feelings, just the kind of person he is.' According to Dillman, Logan's alleged interest in young girls was a significant source of contention in their relationship. 'He sold a horse to a girl who didn't live too far from there. She was 13 actually, and he was touchy, touchy with her,' she said. 'It just didn't feel right with me.' Dillman revealed that she reported Logan to the police three or four times before seeing the video of the 'bridge guy.' Meanwhile, Allen's attorneys are seeking to have his conviction overturned, citing errors in the case, including Logan's alleged detailed confession from 2017. Allen himself also confessed to the killings and was sentenced to 130 years in prison in December of last year. The 52-year-old was charged on two counts of murder and two counts of felony murder, which is murder committed in the act of another crime. Pictured: Abigail Williams, 13, one of the two victims in the Delphi murders Pictured: Liberty German, 14, one of the two victims in the Delphi murders Two of the charges were vacated Friday under double jeopardy rules, leaving two murder counts. Allen received the maximum sentence of 65 years for each count, to be served consecutively. Prosecutors did not pursue the death penalty. Allen's wife, Kathy, did not attend the sentencing hearing, and Judge Gull dismissed the defense's argument that the hardship his imprisonment would cause her should be considered a mitigating factor. Addressing Allen, who appeared in a gray sweatshirt over his orange prison jumpsuit, with his wrists cuffed and secured to a transportation belt, Judge Gull remarked, 'I've been a criminal court judge for 27 years and presided over the most hideous cases in the state of Indiana. 'You rank as one of the most hideous. You're right up there. You rank right up there with the extraordinary impact [your actions] have had on the familiesgenerational impact. 'The families will deal with your carnage forever and you sit here and roll your eyes at me as you have rolled your eyes at me repeatedly during this trial.' When asked if he had anything to say, Allen simply replied, 'No,' before being escorted out by Carroll County Sheriff's Deputies. Earlier, the court heard emotional statements from six of Libby and Abby's family members, as well as testimony from lead investigator Jerry Holeman, who described the girls' murders as one of the most brutal cases he had ever encountered. Ron Logan landowner who died and was previously arrested in relation to the case 'I know when he walks. I just had an intuition,' Dillman said in response to the video recorded on German's phone of a man walking on a bridge, used as evidence in the case In a chilling detail, Libby's grandmother, Becky Patty, revealed that just days after the murders, Allen, who worked at the local CVS, developed photographs of Libby that were later used at her funeral. She said: 'He watched as we struggled .never blinking an eye. No remorse. I wonder what he was thinking.' Patty spoke of her loathing for the man who has devastated so many lives in taking the girls'. She said, 'I hope he's not held in a single cell. I hope he's in General PopulationI hope he spends each day living with the same fear he inflicted on Libby and Abby the last moments of their lives.' Addressing her own hatred she said: 'I hope God can see my heart and forgive me.' Libby's mother, Kerry Timmons gave voice to the families' agonizing grief, loss and trauma. She said: 'The last 2,867 days have been absolute hell. Next week we should have been celebrating our birthdays. She would be 22 and she should be here. 'I quit celebrating at her 14th and my 39th.' She went on to speak of the 'hole' in her soul and the broken relationships and shattered lives and dreams that have come in the wake of the girls' deaths. Richard Allen, has been found guilty on all four counts in the 2017 brutal killings of Liberty German, 14, and Abigail Williams, 13. Richard Allen, 52, leaves the Carroll County Courthouse, Friday, after being sentenced to 130 years in prison for the 2017 murders of Abby Williams, 13, and Liberty German, 14, in Delphi, Indiana Next Libby's cousin, Josh Lank, stood to read his impact statement saying, 'God doesn't have a place for sick, twisted individuals like him. The Devil has a special place for them and I hope prison community gets him there faster than the sentence.' This comes nearly six weeks after Allen was found guilty on all four charges in the murders of the two best friends. After 18 hours of deliberation, the Carroll County jury delivered a unanimous verdict: Allen was guilty of all charges related to the 2017 killings. The trial spanned 17 days, featuring testimony from 60 witnesses and over 300 exhibits. In his closing statement on November 7, Prosecutor Nick McLeland called February 13, 2017, 'a day this community will never forget.' McLeland recounted how Abby and Libby went for a walk on the trails that day but never returned, declaring that Richard Allen was the one who murdered them. He played the video recorded by Libby at 2:13 p.m., capturing 'the moment the girls were kidnapped.' The shaky footage showed Abby carefully crossing the bridge, with a man walking purposefully behind her. The courtroom fell silent as the chilling words, 'Guys, down the hill,' played, followed by a startled chirp from one of the girls and the haunting phrase, 'That be a gun.' Prosecutor Nick McLeland delivered his closing statement on November 7, calling February 13, 2017, 'a day this community will never forget' McLeland also presented additional evidence tying Allen to the crime scene. A bullet cartridge found near the girls' bodies had been cycled through Allen's Sig Sauer P226 firearm. When police searched his home in October 2022, they discovered what McLeland called a 'Bridge Guy starter kit,' which included a Carhartt jacket and the firearm, both linked to the crime. However, one key item was missingthe phone Allen had used in 2017 at the time of the murders, a device he had consistently refused to let law enforcement inspect. Prosecutor Nick McLeland emphasized to jurors that Richard Allen was 'familiar with the area,' having frequently visited the Monon High Bridge alone and with his family. 'See how the pieces are starting to fall into place?' he urged them. McLeland highlighted what he called critical evidence: the cartridge found between the girls' bodies that had been 'cycled through Richard Allen's gun.' He described it as concrete proof connecting Allen to the crime scene and the victims. 'That could have ended the case,' McLeland asserted. 'But then he starts to confess.' He played a recording of a phone call Allen made to his wife on April 3, 2023, in which Allen admitted, 'I did it. You know I did it. I killed Abby and Libby.' McLeland described the confession as 'unprovoked' and 'uncoerced,' further reinforcing Allen's guilt. Pictured: Family home of Richard Allen, 50 who has been charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of tens Liberty German and Abigail Williams Liberty German (left) and Abigail Williams were murdered as they were on a hike at the Monon High Bridge outside their hometown of Delphi, Indiana Defense attorney Bradley Rozzi argued the state had failed to prove its case. He criticized the prosecution's timeline and ballistics evidence, claiming both were unreliable. Rozzi also suggested Allen's confessions were the result of mental illness caused by his solitary confinement, describing Allen as an 'already fragile egg' who developed Major Depressive Disorder with Psychosis due to his conditions in custody. Rozzi pointed to data from Libby's phone, which showed headphones were plugged into the device at 5:45 p.m. and removed at 10:32 p.m. on February 13, 2017. He argued this suggested someone else may have been involved after the girls went missing. However, the prosecution dismissed this theory as a technical glitch caused by dirt or water. Rozzi called the bullet found at the scene 'a tragic bullet,' claiming it was the 'catalyst' that led to Allen's incarceration at Westville Correctional Facility, located 76 miles outside Delphi. He even likened Allen's treatment in solitary confinement to medieval torture, saying, 'As a society, we've evolvedto a more subtle form called solitary confinement.' In his rebuttal, McLeland refocused the jury on the victims. 'There are two victims in this case: Liberty and Abigail. But they're more than victims; they're heroes. Libby for making the video, Abby for hiding the phone, and both of them for camouflaging the bullet.' He concluded by reminding jurors of Libby's grandmother Becky Patty's testimony from the trial's opening day. 'Libby told her, 'Someday I'm going to grow up and help police solve crimes.' That's exactly what she did, and she brought Abby along with her.' Donald Trump brutally mocked Democatric Senator Adam Schiff after he skipped his presidential trip to see devastation left in Los Angeles by the wildfires. The 78-year-old president was asked on Friday if he invited long-time nemesis Schiff, who he called a 'scum' on his first day back in the Oval Office. Trump told reporters in the hurrican-ravaged North Carolina he wasn't clear who invited the Calfironia lawmaker, before launching an attack on his looks. 'I saw him last night on television. It looks like he got hit with a baseball bat or something. What happened to him?' he said., 'Something happened to him. It look like he got hit. It looked like he got beat around.' The president is on his first trip of his second administration Friday touring disaster zones in North Carolina and California. He invited Schiff, a longtme foe who he called 'scum' on his first day back in the White House. But a spokesman for the newly-elected California Senator said he was 'unable' to attend due to 'scheduled nomination votes'. Trump headed first to Asheville, which was devasted by tornadoes in September, and where he condemned President Joe Bidens response to the disaster. He was asked why he invited Schiff as he departed the White House Friday morning, asking questions about it and hinting at the obvious tensions. I dont know. Is he going? Is he going? I dont know, I mean I really dont,' he told a reporter. 'You know, because if hes going to be there it would be cheaper, but I didnt invite him. Somebody did, Trump said. Schiffs office had said the new Democratic senator greatly appreciates the Presidents visit to see the devastation of these wildfires firsthand and the invitation to accompany him, and regrets that hes unable to join the President in Los Angeles due to scheduled nomination votes. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff has turned down Donald Trump's invite to tour the devastation caused by the wildfires in Los Angeles More controversy awaits when he tours areas of Los Angeles levelled by wild fires. He has frequently abused Gov. Gavin Newsom, nicknaming him Newscum, and claimed that he will withhold federal aid unless the state turns on a valve he claims would allow water to flow in from northern parts of the state. Experts say there is no such valve and that California has worked for years on trying to get more water to dry areas of the state. I don't think we should give California anything until they let the water run down, Trump said in an interview with Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity on Wednesday. The president also suggested shifting more responsibility to individual states for managing disasters. I'd rather see the states take care of their own problems, he told Hannity, adding that FEMA is getting in the way of everything. He is due to fly to Las Vegas in the evening to stay at one of his own hotels, before heading to Miami for the rest of the weekend. Advisers said in Nevada he will set out how he will keep a campaign promise to remove tax from tips while celebrating his win in the state on Election Day. The president is traveling outside Washington for the first time since returning to power on Friday and Los Angeles is on the agenda to tour the damage Pictured: A neighborhood in Malibu that was completely destroyed by the Palisades Fire Schiff is a longtme Trump foe. The president called him 'scum' on his first day back in the White House Speaking during their visit to Skyway Villa Mobile Home and RV Park in Paradise, California, in 2018, seen here, Trump and Newsom haven't spoken since Trump left office in 2020 Trump was asked about his invitation to Schiff as he departed the White House I'm going to go to Nevada to thank them, Trump said. He was the first Republican candidate to win the state since 2004, when George W. Bush beat John Kerry It caps a busy end to a busy week, marked by dozens of executive orders and multiple impromptu press conferences. Advisers said he will offer details on keeping a campaign promise to exclude tips from federal taxes, while reveling in having won Nevada in an Election Day upset. "I'm going to go to Nevada to thank them," Trump said. He was the first Republican candidate to win the state since 2004, when George W. Bush beat John Kerry Detectives investigating the mysterious death of an iconic drag queen in 2023 have today released images of three men who were at the flat in Soho on the night. Heklina, whose real name was Steven Grygelko, was found dead at 55 on April 3, 2023, by friend and fellow touring drag queen Peaches Christ inside a flat in Soho Square, London. On the morning of April 3, police were called by the London Ambulance Service to the property following reports of a man had been found unresponsive. Heklina was pronounced dead at the scene and was later identified by police. The performers death is being treated as unexpected and is still being investigated by the Met Police almost two years later. The force is now asking the three men who were at the flat on the night to come forward with any information they may have which could help solve the mystery of Heklina's death. Detective Chief Inspector Dean Purvis, from the Central West Command Unit, said: 'Our thoughts are with Steven's family and friends who still have a lot of unanswered questions about what happened to him. 'We know that the three men in the CCTV images were at the flat in the early hours of 3 April 2023. Heklina, whose real name was Steven Grygelko, was found dead on April 3, 2023, by her friend and fellow touring drag queen Peaches Christ inside a flat in Soho Square, London Detectives investigating Heklina's mysterious death have today released images of three men who were at the flat in Soho on the night The force is now asking the three men who were at the flat on the night to come forward with any information they may have which could help solve the mystery of Heklina's death 'I am asking them to contact police. We need to establish what happened, and how Steven was when they left. 'If you recognise any of the men, I would encourage you to let us know who they are.' Anyone who has information which could aid the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 1824/03Apr23. Heklina and Peaches Christ, whose real name is Joshua Grannell, had been touring with their stage production Mommie Queerest, which parodied the 1981 drama film Mommie Dearest, starring Faye Dunaway. It was set for a two-week run at Soho Theatre. Heklina was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and lived in Iceland before moving to San Francisco. The stage name originates from the volcano Hekla in the south of Iceland. Heklina's friend and fellow touring drag queen Peaches Christ (pictured) found the performer dead inside a flat in Soho Square, London Heklina (pictured) was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and lived in Iceland before moving to San Francisco. The stage name originates from the volcano Hekla in the south of Iceland Heklina secured legendary status in the San Francisco drag scene in 1996 for hosting the popular weekly series now known as Mother, which attracted stars such as Lady Gaga and Charro. The star emceed and performed numerous times across San Francisco's Pride events and co-opened the drag venue Oasis in the city in 2015. The drag legend played Dorothy Zbornak in a successful drag production of The Golden Girls and appeared in the 2010 independent parody feature Baby Jane? Heklina was one of the co-founders of the long-running drag show Trannyshack which started at The Stud Bar in San Francisco during the mid-1990s. Argentina's president Javier Milei has used his speech to the World Economic Forum to slam 'woke ideology' and condemn Western governments and institutions as being 'colonized' by it. The Argentine premier took aim at the WEF as he denounced it for promoting 'deeply wrong' ideas around gender ideology, feminism, climate change, mass migration and left-leaning politics in general. He also singled out the United Kingdom in his wide-ranging speech, implying that it is 'imprisoning citizens for revealing aberrant, truly appalling crimes committed by Muslim migrants that the government wants to hide'. The rambling speech went on for half an hour and covered topics from the role of the European Union to terror attacks and abortion - but had one recurring theme throughout - the eradication of so-called 'wokeism'. The 54-year-old argued that what he called the 'woke mind virus' - a term he did not define - is an 'epidemic that must be cured and the cancer that must be eradicated.' The libertarian leader praised other leaders he sees as likeminded, such as Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and El Salvador's Nayib Bukele. 'Slowly an international alliance has been formed of all those nations that want to be free and that believe in the ideas of freedom,' he said. Turning his sights on the Davos conference which he was addressing, Milei said: 'I must say, forums like this one have been protagonists and promoters of the sinister agenda of 'wokeism' that is doing so much harm to the West.' Argentina's President Javier Milei addresses the audience during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 23, 2025 He told the audience of global business and political A-listers: 'If we want to change, if we want to truly defend the rights of citizens, we first have to start by telling them the truth. 'And the truth is that there is something deeply wrong with the ideas that have been promoted in forums like this one.' He said 'the mental virus of woke ideology' was 'the great epidemic of our time that must be cured. It is the cancer that must be removed'. Among other things, he hit out at what he called 'invented' quotas created under the guise of diversity, which he claimed undermine the 'excellence' of public and educational institutions. His comments on this come after his American ally Trump made good on a campaign pledge to sever diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the federal government and as Mark Zuckerberg's Meta announced the end of such programmes at the company. Milei also said 'wokeism' was to blame for turning migration policies from those which focused on attracting foreign talent to ones which promote mass migration - 'not by national interest but by guilt.' He described 'images of hordes of immigrants abusing, raping or killing European citizens' and declared that people did not question this for fear of being 'branded a racist'. Taking aim at feminist beliefs, he claimed that women are valued more than men and also labelled abortion a 'bloody and murderous agenda'. He hit out at the use of gender blockers in children, describing it as 'criminal ideology' and saying their victimhood is covered up in 'accusations of homophobia or transphobia and other inventions.' The libertarian leader praised other leaders he sees as likeminded, such as Donald Trump ,and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (pictured) Karina Milei, right, the sister of Argentine President Javier Milei, attends the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 'In its most extreme versions gender ideology constitutes simply as child abuse,' he argued. 'This is what Wokeism is all about. It is the result of the inversion of Western values,' Milei declared. 'Each of the pillars of our civilization was changed by a distorted version of itself through the introduction of various mechanisms of cultural succession,' he continued. He concluded his lengthy speech by calling for the restoration of the Western values he felt had been lost. 'Today, just like 215 years ago, Argentina has broken its chains and invites as our anthem says all mortals of the world to hear the sacred cry: 'freedom, freedom, freedom',' Milei said. 'May the forces of Heaven be with us. Thank you all very much and long live freedom, dammit!' The first deportation flights have already begun under President Donald Trump and raids have rounded-up migrants accused of 'heinous' crimes ranging from pedophilia to terrorism. The White House shared images of illegal immigrants lining up and being loaded on military planes for departure on Friday, with the president's widespread crackdown speeding up. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences, Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on social media. One of the flights departed Biggs Army Airfield at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas for Guatemala, according to Fox News. Trumps border czar Tom Homan revealed Thursday that the administration had already arrested 1,300 people and that over 1,000 of them were criminals. 'Like I said from day one, no one is off the table, if you're in the United States illegally you've got a problem,' he said in an interview with NewsNation host Chris Cuomo. Homan said on Fox News Thursday that the United States Air Force would supply four planes to assist ICE in removing up to 5,000 illegal aliens. We made this happen in a matter of three days. Theyre a welcome force multiplier for us and its going to help us a great deal especially on removal flights, he said. Some more left-leaning mayors have pushed back against Trump's deportation orders, emphasizing their status as 'sanctuary cities' for illegal immigrants. Illegal migrants are loaded onto Air Force planes for deportation out of the United States The White House released this image of one of the planes reportedly taking illegal migrants to Guatemala But Homan has urged them to cooperate with law enforcement officials, warning that the federal government would be forced to rely on broad immigration sweeps to pick up criminals. 'I hope the sanctuary cities come around,' he said. 'I really hope .... once they see that we really are concentrated on the criminals that they'll come to us and sit at the table and work with us.' On Thursday alone, a Trump source told DailyMail.com that 538 illegal immigrant criminals had been arrested by the Trump administration. Incoming US Border czar Tom Homan talks to state troopers and national guardsmen US President Donald Trump speaks to the media after signing Executive Orders in the Oval Office Those arrested included a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors. The Tren de Aragua gang is a violent gang from Venezuela that has made inroads into the United States in recent years, partially due to former President Joe Biden's more lenient border policies. Leavitt also appeared on Fox News to celebrate Trumps actions to secure the borders of the United States. He is sending a very clear message to the rest of the world, if you are even thinking for a single second about illegally entering our country and breaking the laws of the United States of America you will face consequences for doing so! she said. Vladimir Putin today declared that the war in Ukraine could have been averted had Donald Trump not been 'robbed of the election' in 2020. Describing his armed forces' full-scale invasion of their neighbour in February 2022 as a 'crisis', Putin told state media the horrific bloodshed that has blighted eastern Europe for almost three years would not have happened under a Trump presidency. 'I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president, if his victory had not been stolen from him in 2020, then perhaps there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that arose in 2022,' the Russian president said. His comments came as part of a wide-ranging interview in which the Kremlin chief heaped praise on the newly inaugurated US president, labelling Trump 'smart and pragmatic' while also signalling a willingness to approach the negotiating table over Ukraine. 'He is not only a smart person, but a pragmatic person,' Putin told state media of his American counterpart. 'I have a hard time imagining there will be decisions taken that are detrimental to the American economy. 'As for the issue of negotiations... we have always said, and I want to emphasise this once again, that we are ready for these negotiations on Ukrainian issues.' But Putin's statement belies comments made by his own Foreign Ministry just hours ago which railed against the ongoing supply of Western arms to Ukraine's armed forces and what it called the 'illegitimate Kyiv regime'. Trump and Putin are pictured today. Describing his armed forces' full-scale invasion of their neighbour in February 2022 as a 'crisis', Putin told state media the horrific bloodshed that has blighted eastern Europe for almost three years would not have happened under a Trump presidency (FILES) Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and US President Donald Trump are pictured before a meeting in Helsinki President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington 'Despite the increasingly loud talk about the need for peace talks, no practical actions indicating a real readiness for them on the part of Kyiv and the West are objectively observed,' the statement read. 'The issue of the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government is not being resolved.' Kyiv was unsurprisingly quick to respond, with President Volodymyr Zelensky's office issuing a tight-lipped statement that there could be no peace talks between Putin and Trump without the participation of European representatives. Trump famously claimed following the outbreak of full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine during the Biden administration that he would be able to 'end the war' in 24 hours if he had been president. Now almost a week into his second presidency, the conflict appears no closer to its conclusion, with observers expecting the Trump administration to effectively strong-arm both parties into signing a peace deal. On Wednesday, Trump warned his Russian counterpart that he would face taxes, tariffs and sanctions if Russia did not sign up to a deal to end the war in Ukraine. The US president has previously warned that he could intensify the supply of arms to Ukraine if Moscow does not come to the negotiating table. Delivering the threat on his Truth Social platform, the president wrote: 'If we dont make a "deal," and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States. But Trump's advisers have also hinted the steady stream of Western military aid to Ukraine could be shut off if Kyiv refuses to countenance a deal. In a somewhat inflammatory statement about the Ukrainian leader, Trump recently said Zelensky was 'no angel' and insisted he 'shouldn't have allowed this war to happen'. 'First of all, he's fighting a much bigger entity, okay, much bigger. When he was, you know, talking so brave... Zelensky was fighting a much bigger entity, much bigger, much more powerful,' Trump said. 'He shouldn't have done that, because we could have made a deal, and it would have been a deal... it would have been a nothing deal. I could have made that deal so easily,' Trump said. 'But Zelensky decided "I want to fight".' A building lies in ruins after being hit by a Russian attack, on January 23, 2025 in Kostyantynivka, Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin described Trump as 'pragmatic and smart' in comments to state media today Trump said Zelensky is 'no angel,' and even claimed that he 'shouldn't have allowed this war to happen' However, leading political scientists and geopolitics analysts doubt the capacity of Trump and his entourage to bring the war to an end even within 100 days - a goal believed to have been set for Trump's special envoy to Ukraine, Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg. Many argue that Russia's upper hand on the battlefield and its efforts to build stronger economic and political ties with other powers in the face of the West's sanctions mean that Kremlin is coming to the negotiating table with a strong hand of cards. Renowned political scientist and proponent of the realist philosophy of great power politics John Mearsheimer said earlier this week: 'The Russians are in the driver's seat. The Russians, for good strategic reasons from their perspective, are driving a hard bargain. 'It's almost impossible for me to see President Trump accepting the terms that the Russians demand.' But there has been some optimism from voices in Kyiv and among its allies. Referring to his country's fate in light of a Trump presidency, former Ukrainian minister Tymofiy Mylovanov said: 'It might not be good but it will be much better than under Biden. 'Biden managed the war as a crisis he thought if he holds out long enough, the storm will pass. But it's not passing. 'Trump takes the perspective that we have to stop the storm. He's not concerned about how it will be stopped.' Spanish police are investigating the death of an 80-year-old American tourist who was found dead in an apartment in central Malaga on Tuesday. The unnamed man's body was discovered on top of a shattered glass table in a rental property in the Calle Carreteria area of the Costa del Sol capital, local news outlet OKDiario reported. The tourist is said to have suffered from serious head injuries, and cops confirmed that the 80-year-old's luggage had been stolen. An autopsy to confirm whether the American was beaten to death is underway. Police were alerted of a disturbance at around 9pm on Monday after some neighbours reported hearing screams in English. Officers went to the scene to try and find where the commotion was coming from, but were unable to find the tourist's apartment. One neighbour told Diario Sur the disturbance went on for around ten minutes. 'I heard a man screaming a lot, it sounded as if he was being killed', she said. An 80-year-old American man was found dead in a tourist apartment in central Malaga on Tuesday. Image shows Calle Carreteria, the street where the man's body was found An autopsy to confirm whether the American was beaten to death is underway Cops were called again the following day after locals noticed that the door of the property had been left open, and broken objects could be seen inside. Investigators confirmed with the reception desk of the apartment that the man had checked into the apartment alone the day before with luggage. It comes after an American woman, 44, was found dead in a Malaga tourist apartment last year. Spanish police quickly arrested her husband, 50, who had been the one to call the cops in the first place. Sources close to the case revealed to local media that the death may have been related to some 'extreme sexual practices' that the pair were involved in. According to local reports, the case was being investigated as gender-based violence, before being upgraded to homicide since evidence then pointed to an accidental death during extreme or risky sexual practices in an 'intimate context'. The Costa del Sol is a coastal region in southern Spain and attracts millions of tourists every year. A California horse farm owner has been arrested after police found more than two dozen dead horses and even more malnourished on her property. Legacy Farms owner, Jan Ann Johnson Pestana, 62, of Clements, was arrested on Wednesday for animal cruelty after San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant in regards to their 'ongoing animal neglect investigation,' it said in a statement. While searching the large property, investigators found 'several malnourished horses' who had 'limited access to any food or water'. More shockingly, authorities found 'approximately 27 deceased horses', it said in a Facebook post. Animal Services Officers and veterinarians began evaluating the horses and other animals on the property, leading to four horses needing to be euthanized and one bull, according to the Sheriff's Office. More than 60 horses were saved and were taken to Oakdale Equine Rescue, the company said. The rescue 'will ensure they receive proper nutrition, medical attention, and rehabilitation,' according to police. Johnson was arrested and charged with cruelty to an animal, threatening a public official, criminal threats, and possession of a short-barrel shotgun. The Sheriff's Office also said Johnson had a warrant out for her arrest for allegedly threatening a school, employees, and officers, CBS reported. Legacy Farms owner, Jan Ann Johnson Pestana, 62, of Clements, was arrested on Wednesday for animal cruelty after San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant in regards to their 'ongoing animal neglect investigation' While searching the large property, investigators found 'several malnourished horses' who had 'limited access to any food or water.' More shockingly, authorities found 'approximately 27 deceased horses' More than 60 horses were saved and were taken to Oakdale Equine Rescue She allegedly threatened officers while they were following up on the animal neglect investigation. They later returned with a warrant. She was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail on a $625,000 bail. It appears she has bailed out as she is not currently listed in custody. Pestana is due back in court on Friday. This isn't Pestana's first run-in with the law. The rancher was accused of elder abuse in 2006. She was accused of swindling $150,000 from an elderly woman to purchase horses and other equipment, a local report said at the time. Police are still looking into whether or not she used the money for her farm, according to CBS. She was the woman's caretaker and the elderly woman lived in a home Pestana and her husband owned. The Kennedy family has been wrought with fresh division over Donald Trump's decision to release the final classified files on John F Kennedy's assassination. Robert Kennedy Jr, Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Services, said he approves of Trump's decision to declassify the files relating to the infamous 1963 murder of his uncle. 'I think its a great move because they need to have more transparency in our government and hes keeping his promise to have the government tell the truth to the American people about everything,' RFK Jr told reporters on Thursday. RFK Jr has previously repeated conspiracy theories that the CIA was involved in his uncle's assassination. His approval of the files' release is starkly in contrast with comments made by JFK's grandson Jack Schlossberg, who issued a harsh rebuke to the order. 'The truth is a lot sadder than the myth a tragedy that didnt need to happen,' Schlossberg wrote on X on Thursday. 'Not part of an inevitable grand scheme. Declassification is using JFK as a political prop, when hes not here to punch back. Theres nothing heroic about it.' Trump ordered the declassification of the final files Thursday. It's unclear what new information they'll contain on the notorious shooting murder of the president as he was driven through downtown Dallas in an open-topped Lincoln limousine. Robert Kennedy Jr, who is nominated to be part of Donald Trump's cabinet, has long asked for the files of his uncle John F Kennedy's assassination to be fully released His approval of the files' release is in contrast with comments made by JFK's grandson Jack Schlossberg In the past, other members of the Kennedy family have supported the release of the files, including former Rhode Island Rep. Patrick Kennedy. 'I think for the good of the country, everything has to be put out there so theres greater understanding of our history,' Patrick Kennedy said in 2021, as reported by Politico. Other members of the Kennedy family have supported the release of the files, including former Rhode Island Rep. Patrick Kennedy Conspiracy theories - which is how Schlossberg labeled what those interested in the files wanted to find out about - continue to swirl 60 years after the killing. Any new information will excite the amateur sleuths who continue to wonder whether there is more to the story than just a lone gunman in the shape of Lee Harvey Oswald. Trump signed an executive order that directs his Director of National Intelligence to put together a plan within 15 days for the full release of documents about the JFK assassination. 'That's a big one, huh?' he said as he scrawled his signature on the order, before asking that the pen be given to RFK Jr. 'A lot of people are waiting for this for a long ... for years, for decades. 'Everything will be revealed.' The executive order, obtained by DailyMail.com, said: 'More than 50 years after the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Federal Government has not released to the public all of its records related to those events. Schlossberg, JFK's only grandson and a social media favorite, took to X to furiously criticize the files' release and the hype over the information finally coming out US President John F Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Texas Governor John Connally, and others smile at the crowds lining their motorcade route in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. Minutes later the President was assassinated as his car passed through Dealey Plaza 'Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth. It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay.' His intelligence chiefs will have 45 days to put together a plan to release the RFK and King archives. Millions of pages of JFK documents have already been released leaving only a few thousand kept in the archives. The most recent releases included CIA cables and memos recording visits by Oswald to the Cuban and Soviet embassies in Mexico City weeks before the assassination. And experts doubt there are any major revelations lurking in the archives that would change the accepted version of events. Oswald shown after his arrest. He was later shot dead by nightclub owner Jack Ruby in a moment captured live on television Lee Harvey Oswald was accused of shooting and killing JFK from a window at the Texas Book Depository building on November 22 1963. Oswald was himself shot and killed two days later, live on TV, by businessman Jack Ruby. That sparked allegations of a cover-up. Those who don't believe Oswald was the killer, or that he was acting alone, have long claimed a second shooter was present on a grassy knoll that JFK and wife Jacqueline Kennedy drove past as the shooting started. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended Elon Musk amid criticisms that the Tesla billionaire made a Nazi salute during a MAGA victory rally. Netanyahu says Musk has been 'falsely smeared' over his straight-arm gesture earlier this week and thanked him for being a 'great friend of Israel'. The PM further praised Musk for visiting Israel after Hamas' October 7 attack and allegedly supporting the country's 'right to defend itself against genocidal terrorists and regimes'. Musk has come under fire over a gesture he made during a rally in Washington on Inauguration Day, in which he thanked Donald Trump's supporters for helping secure the President return to the White House. He then slapped his hand on his chest and extended his arm straight outward and upward with his palm facing downwards. Netanyahu's response comes after left-wing activists beamed a massive image of Musk's infamous raised-arm salute and the word 'Heil' on to Tesla's Berlin factory Wednesday night. Musk has not explicitly denied claims the gesture looked like a Nazi salute, but hit out at his critics, writing on his social media platform X that the 'everyone is Hitler' attack is sooo tired'. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended Elon Musk amid criticisms that the Tesla billionaire made a Nazi salute during a MAGA victory rally Netanyahu says Musk has been 'falsely smeared' over his straight-arm gesture earlier this week and further thanked him for being a 'great friend of Israel'. The pair are pictured together in November 2023 Musk took to X late Wednesday night to slam his critics, alleging that the 'radical leftists are really upset that they had to take time out of their busy day praising Hamas to call me a Nazi'. Netanyahu replied to the tweet Thursday morning, thanking the SpaceX CEO for his support for the nation. 'Elon is a great friend of Israel,' the Prime Minister wrote. 'He visited Israel after the October 7 massacre in which Hamas terrorists committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. 'He has since repeatedly and forcefully supported Israel's right to defend itself against genocidal terrorists and regimes who seek to annihilate the one and only Jewish state. I thank him for this.' Musk then shared Netanyahu's post adding: 'thank you.' The billionaire on Friday continued his social media crusade by retweeting footage of French President Emmanuel Macron raising his right arm with palm outstretched during a speech. The post questioned whether Macron would 'resign after giving a Nazi salute or is this just the way people engage large crowds when they are excited?' 'It was astonishing how insanely hard legacy media tried to cancel me for saying 'my heart goes out to you' and moving my hand from my heart to the audience,' Musk commented on the post. 'In the end, this deception will just be another nail in the coffin of legacy media.' The PM further praised Musk for visiting Israel after Hamas ' October 7 attack and allegedly supporting the country's 'right to defend itself against genocidal terrorists and regimes' The billionaire on Friday continued his social media crusade by retweeting footage of French President Emmanuel Macron raising his right arm with palm outstretched during a speech Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosts Elon Musk on the Gaza border in November 2023, showing him the horrors of the October 7th massacre at Kibbutz Kfar Aza Musk's gesture has sparked outrage amongst left-wing activists, including British political campaign group Led By Donkeys and Germany's Centre for Political Beauty. The campaign groups beamed the words 'Heil Tesla' on the side of the Gigafactory in Berlin Wednesday night with an image of the electric car firm's billionaire owner making the gesture during the MAGA rally. A video showing Musk's tweets in support of Germany's far-right Alternative Fur Deutschland party were also displayed on the nine-meter-tall factory. Led By Donkeys shared a picture of the projection on Instagram after pulling the stunt. 'The world's richest man, Elon Musk, is promoting the far right in Europe. Don't buy @teslamotors', it said. Center for Political Beauty shared a similar post, captioning it: 'Last night: Gigafactory Tesla, Berlin. Buy a Tesla - and support the commercial arm of fascism! We as a society will now push this outstretched arm down'. The Tesla factory in the German capital has become a site for protests. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the plant last year in protest over the factory's expansion plans, which involve cutting down half a million trees. The factory was also shut down briefly following an arson attack in March. The latest act of protest against Musk comes as the head of Germany's largest concentration camp memorial called the tech billionaire a 'mad extremist'. Speaking to The Times about Musk, historian Jens-Christian Wagner, who runs the Buchenwald memorial, said: 'One can only say to him, 'Take a history book and withdraw for three days, read the history book and please be quiet with the poison he's spreading'.' 'I think Musk is a mixture of mad and right-wing extremist and that is particularly dangerous,' he said of Trump's ally. I giant image of Elon Musk doing a gesture people have likened to a Nazi salute alongside the word 'heil' was projected onto Tesla's Berlin factory last night Musk's arm gesture was quickly scrutinized online, prompting critics to allege the gesture was an overt reference to Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. Claire Aubin, a historian who specializes in Nazism within the United States, said Musk's gesture was a 'sieg heil,' or Nazi salute. 'My professional opinion is that you're all right, you should believe your eyes,' Aubin posted on X, aligning with those who found the gesture was an overt reference to Nazis. Musk took to his social media platform X to defend himself, stating that his opponents needed 'better dirty tricks' and that 'the 'everyone is Hitler' attack is sooo tired'. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization founded to combat anti-Semitism and has criticized Musk in the past, also rushed to his defense, saying it appears that 'made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute'. The Tesla CEO also infuriated Germany last month by claiming that the far-right AfD party is the only political group that can 'save' the country. The party's leader, Alice Weidel, responded: 'Yes! You are perfectly right.' Though the German government refused to comment on the matter, lawmakers from across the political spectrum were up in arms over Musk's comments. 'It is threatening, irritating and unacceptable for a key figure in the future US government to interfere in the German election campaign,' Dennis Radtke, an MEP for the centre-right CDU, told the Handelsblatt daily. Director of Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora Memorial Foundation in Germany has condemned Musk, calling him a 'mad extremist' Musk has also encouraged the defunding of Wikipedia this week after a description of his recent flourish appeared on the website. The fight pits two of the internet's best-known tech giants against each other --and highlights the starkly different ethos behind Musk's X social media site and Wikipedia, founded by American entrepreneur Jimmy Wales. Musk, as the majority owner of X, is behind recent easing of content moderation rules, which has allowed for rampant disinformation across his social media platform, while simultaneously positioning himself as Trump's right-hand man. While Musk's animosity towards Wikipedia may focus outwardly on the hand gesture, Wikipedia's goal of factual neutrality makes it a natural adversary to X, a platform increasingly synonymous with heated culture wars, hate speech and disinformation. Wikipedia and the media at large - which Musk has increasingly criticized - also pose a threat by holding him accountable as he thrusts himself into the center of US politics. The gestures were quickly scrutinized online, prompting critics to allege the gesture was an overt reference to Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. But Musk took to his social media platform X to defend himself In a December interview with New York magazine's Intelligencer, Wales said the aim at Wikipedia is for editors to create content that is 'clear and acknowledges the different viewpoints out there' even amid 'the rise in divisive feelings, partisanship, culture wars, all of that.' At present, the site is regarded as generally reliable despite being written by a community of volunteers. As of Wednesday, both Musk's biographical Wikipedia page as well as the page on the 'Nazi salute' mention the episode at the inauguration victory rally. NatWest is closing 53 bank branches this year as growing numbers of customers opt to use online banking. The major lender announced a full list of locations that will close their doors for good in what is a fresh blow to the UK high street. It comes after the taxpayer-backed lender edged another step nearer to full privatisation after buying back 1billion of its shares from the Government in November. The firm had already reduced much of its portfolio of physical branches, closing 48 sites last year and around 20 in 2023. Since 2015, NatWest Group, which encompasses NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, has closed 1,409 branches. It joins a growing list of banks who are shutting stores down, after it was revealed that Lloyds Bank, Halifax and TSB are closing more than 100 banks this year. Banks and building societies are said to have closed more than 6,000 branches since January 2015 at a rate of around 53 each month, according to Which?. Barclays is the individual bank that has closed the most amount of branches, with 1,227 sites shut in the last 10 years. NatWest is closing 53 bank branches this year in what is a fresh blow to high streets. File image Since 2015, NatWest Group has followed the lead of many other major banks in closing 1,409 branches. File image In December it was revealed that fifteen banking deserts have been discovered in the UK as brick and mortar branches continue to vanish from our high streets, figures reveal. Adur, Bolsover, Broadland, Clackmannshire, Forest of Dean, and North Warwickshire are all banking grey zones with less than five banks each, according to NOMIS. Ribbie Valley, Rutland, South Derbyshire, Three Rivers and West Lindsey also fall into this category as worries continue about the elderly falling into the digital divide. Elsewhere in North East Derbyshire there are absolutely no banks whatsoever, despite the district boasting a population of over 100,000 people. Our interactive map is based the most recent NOMIS Business Counts data, which rounds the number of banks and buildings societies to the nearest five. Among the hardest hit areas was Pendle in Lancashire, with only three building societies shared between its population of 97,039. In Nelson, there is only one Halifax bank left after TSB, Santander, Virgin Money, and Barclays upped and left over the years. Banks in the UK have closed more than 6,000 branches since January 2015. File image The decline in banks has spelled disaster for the 'dying' town with very little to offer visitors, as well as little help for the elderly. Commenting on its decision to close branches, a NatWest spokesperson said: 'Our customers are using digital banking more than ever before over 80% of our active current account holders now use our digital services and over 97% of retail accounts with us are now opened online. 'We are also significantly investing in refreshing our network we expect to invest in excess of 20m in our network across the UK in 2025 to improve customer service, enhance the look and feel of our branches, and reduce the environmental impact of our buildings, as well as continuing to invest in shared solutions like the Post Office and Banking Hubs. 'Like any business, we strive to meet our customers' changing needs and expectations and we've been responding to the industry wide shift towards digital services by investing to broaden what customers can do themselves and to offer them greater personalisation.' A New York antiviolence group says an alleged murderess accused of cackling while slaughtering a USPS worker should be spared jail because she's a transgender woman of color. Jaia Cruz, 24, has been charged with the murder of USPS worker Ray Hodges, 36, on January 2. The two got into an argument after Hodges accused her of cutting in the sandwich line at Joe's Grocery in the Bronx. 'I hope he's maggot food, Cruz, 24, told detectives in a recorded statement, according to court documents obtained by NY Daily News. 'I killed him laughing. Oh, well. I'll p**s on his grave.' But now the New York City Anti-Violence Project has argued that Cruz shouldn't be locked up pending her trial due to the threats she could face in jail because of her gender identity and race. 'Jaia stands accused of a terrible crime,' the group wrote on Facebook. 'And she deserves safety in jail on Rikers, as well as access to bail.' The group, headed by Audacia Ray, said that Cruz has previously suffered violence before on the streets of New York. 'This past summer, video of her being viciously beaten on the street in full daylight circulated on social media,' the statement added. A New York antiviolence group says murder-accused Jaia Cruz should be granted bail because of the threat of violence against her as a trans woman of color Cruz, 24, has been charged with the murder of Ray Hodges, 36, on January 2 'In the week since the incident, media accounts have misgendered, mocked, and dehumanized Jaia Cruz in a flagrant display of cis-supremacy, misogynoir, and transmisogyny.' The group highlighted statistics claiming trans women of color are very vulnerable to violence behind bars. Cruz has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Hodges and is being held without bail. Prosecutors say she fatally stabbed the postman after they got into an argument in line at the deli. Hodges began shouting homophobic remarks and struck Cruz three times before she pulled the knife, according to court documents. 'I did spit on him because he called me a f-t,' Cruz's confession reads. 'I called him a dirty monkey. You said hurtful words, so I said hurtful words to you. 'I told him, 'You come to me and I'll kill you',' Cruz reportedly told investigators. 'No motherf-rs are going to put their hands on me no more. Cruz claimed she 'blacked out' during the altercation at Joe's Grocery in Manhattan Witnesses suggested that Cruz appeared to be high or intoxicated at the time and said they tried to intervene but neither party would back down She has pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody The New York City Anti-Violence Project, headed by Audacia Ray, pictured, said that Cruz has suffered violence before on the streets of New York 'He tried to mess with me because I'm trans and I poked him up.' Hodges was rushed to Harlem Hospital, where he later died. Cruz has maintained that she 'blacked out' during the fray. 'My crazy has no rhyme or rhythm,' Cruz told prosecutors. 'I told him, 'If you raise your hands, I'm going to stab you in the fking jugular. You attacking me.' Witnesses suggested that Cruz appeared to be high or intoxicated at the time and said they tried to intervene but neither party would back down. It could take 'years' for police to find out what Southport 'monster' Axel Rudakubana looked at online in the run-up to the dance studio attack, it emerged today. The 'violence-obsessed' teenager deleted his internet browsing history minutes before getting a taxi to the Taylor Swift-themed summer club and launching his mass murder bid. Finding out what Rudakubana searched for on Google and Microsoft Bing could provide crucial evidence about whether the murders of three girls and attempt to kill eight more were a terror attack. The detective who led the investigation today revealed his frustration that it could take 'years' for search engines to supply the data they hold. However global tech giant Google hit back, saying it would have been able to pass on any information it held had officers gone through 'established channels'. Following the horrifying killings of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, in Southport last summer, police seized multiple electronic devices from Rudakubana's family home in the nearby village of Banks. Examination of a Lenovo tablet found that minutes before setting off, the killer had researched the April 2024 Sydney church attack, in which Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and five others were stabbed, on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. But while he was found to have downloaded a host of documents and leaflets about some of the 20th century's worst atrocities, detectives say they have been unable to access his deleted browsing history because the dance studio murders weren't declared a terrorist incident. Police say it could take years to uncover Axel Rudakubana's internet history because his murderous attack in Southport was not considered a terrorist incident Merseyside Police's Detective Chief Inspector Jason Pye said his officers had struggled to get hold of the crucial evidence that could tell them why Rudakubana targeted children Search giant Google has fired back with a claim that police could have requested the information via the UK courts That meant they couldn't urgently request any details held by the tech firms via the FBI. As a result, they face a 'catch-22 situation' where they have not been able to check if his searches demonstrate he did have a terrorist ideology - because the attack wasn't declared terrorism. After Rudakubana now 18 was yesterday given 13 life sentences and ordered to serve at least 52 years behind bars for the 'sadistic' murders, the senior investigating officer revealed his frustration. 'If this was deemed counter-terrorism, there would have been an easier process to get that information earlier,' Det Chf Insp Jason Pye of Merseyside Police said. 'There is a process of getting it quicker, but because it's in the serious organized crime, major crime category, unfortunately, I can't get it as quick as what we would like. 'The process of getting that could be years. It could take us years.' Rudakubana used a VPN to conceal his identity and the fact he was under 18 when he bought the 20cm knife used in the attack from Amazon 16 days earlier. Axel Rudakubana is seen on CCTV before he entered the Hart Space community centre and slaughtered three young children, injuring ten others A knife identical to that used by Axel Rudakubana in the Southport attack, as seen in an image issued by Merseyside Police. He bought the blade on Amazon (Left to right) Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King were killed in the attack But his previous web searches were made through mainstream search engines Google and Microsoft Bing, rather than the dark web. Officers did uncover more than 164,000 documents which had been downloaded from the internet and stored on Rudakubanas devices. Documents found stored on Rudakubana's devices showed he was 'fascinated with violence of an extreme nature', prosecutor Deanna Heer KC told yesterday's sentencing hearing. These included books, manuals and academic papers about topics including the 1994 genocide in his parents' native Rwanda, clan cleansing in Somalia and the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya. Also found was a PDF file entitled 'Military Studies In The Jihad Against The Tyrants, The Al Qaeda Training Manual'. It was this which led to Rudakubana being charged with and admitting - possession of terrorist material. Today Google said 'Our deepest sympathies are with all of the families and individuals affected by this horrific attack. 'We are in touch with the Merseyside Police to support their inquiries with regards to this case.' A spokeswoman for Microsoft said: This is a tragic case and our sympathies are with the victims, their families and all those affected. In a threat to life scenario, when we receive a request from law enforcement through our direct channels, we respond within 20 minutes and work together to share relevant information as quickly as possible. In a statement, Merseyside Police said: 'We have submitted requests through the correct channels for a criminal investigation.' Police and forensic scene of crime officers on the scene of the attack in Hart Street, Southport on July 29 2024 Axel Rudakubana attempted to disrupt court proceedings as he faced sentencing - claiming he was ill. He ultimately did not return to court to hear his sentence after being ejected twice A court sketch of Mr Justice Goose reading out Rudakubana's sentence to the empty seat between two prison officers where the twisted killer should have been Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has accused the Government of a 'gigantic cover-up' after the murders were not classed as terrorism The van carrying Axel Rudakubana leaves Liverpool Crown Court after he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 52 years Reform UK leader Nigel Farage this week accused the Government of a 'gigantic cover-up from day one', claiming the authorities 'refused to class the murders as terror-related for fear of the reaction there might have been'. Prosecutors have insisted Rudakubana's crimes did not meet the legal requirement to be deemed terrorism as he was not motivated by a known political or religious ideology. But jailing Rudakubana for life yesterday, Mr Justice Goose said his 'sadistic' attempt at mass murder was 'equivalent' to an act of terror. He added that the documents police had been able to uncover demonstrated the killer's 'longstanding preoccupation with violent killing and genocide'. Det Chf Insp Pye has previously said he would have been 'happy' for the July 29 outrage to have been declared a terror attack 'all day long' as it would have given him more time to question Rudakubana. But he defended the decision, saying the lack of any known political or religious ideology in Rudakubana's motivation meant in the eyes of the law it couldn't amount to terrorism. On Tuesday Sir Keir Starmer said the law may need reforming, saying 'terrorism has changed' and the threat from 'loners, misfits, young men in their bedroom' needs to be taken more seriously President Donald Trump has terminated Dr. Anthony Fauci's taxpayer-funded security detail less than a week after President Joe Biden have him a preemptive pardon. CNN reported Friday on the latest move by Trump to punish his political enemies. Fauci - the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - has since hired a private security firm, the network said. The longtime infectious disease expert has taken much of the blame for the unpopular lockdowns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, despite working under Trump at the time. During his trip to Asheville, North Carolina Friday, Trump shrugged off the move. 'No, I think you know, when you work for government, at some point your security detail comes off, and you know, you can't have them forever,' the president said. 'So I think it's very standard. If it was for somebody else you wouldn't be asking the question,' Trump added. Fauci was among those that President Joe Biden gave blanket pardons to as he left office earlier this week, fearing Trump would seek legal retribution. President Donald Trump (left) has terminated Dr. Anthony Fauci's (right) security detail that was being paid for by the National Institutes of Health Trump has already taken revenge on some critics - and former officials who didn't endorse him wholeheartedly. He terminated his former National Security Advisor John Bolton's Secret Service protection and the State Department detail assigned to his former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo - with both being under threat of assassination by Iran. Bolton wrote a tell-all book about working under Trump - and published it months before the 2020 presidential election, which the Republican then lost. Pompeo flirted with running against Trump during the 2024 GOP primary but decided to sit the election cycle out. He ended up endorsing Trump and even went on the campaign trail for him - but that didn't make up for comments he made at CPAC in 2023 in which he encouraged Republicans not to follow 'celebrity leaders' with 'fragile egos who refuse to acknowledge reality.' Pompeo was also critical of Trump's handling of classified documents amid Special Counsel Jack Smith's probe. On the political right, Fauci has become the person blamed for Trump's poor COVID response. Republicans have since gone after Fauci for his role in the National Institutes of Health funding coronavirus research - as they've tried to tie American dollars to the Wuhan Institute of Virology - where some believe COVID leaked from. DailyMail.com previously captured Dr. Anthony Fauci (left) arriving home from a workout with members of his taxpayer-funded security detail (right) Trump went along with his health advisers' guidance to impose lockdowns in the early weeks of the pandemic. The president later reversed course and was skeptical of masking - holding large rallies ahead of the November 2020 election. Trump's chaotic approach to handling the pandemic ultimately cost him reelection. President Joe Biden kept Fauci in the same role when he took office in January 2021. Fauci retired in December 2022 but has kept a security detail since - due to receiving a number of death threats. Donald Trump is being urged to release the Jeffrey Epstein files a day after he signed an executive order divulging all files related to John F. Kennedy's murder. Tennessee Republicans Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Rep. Tim Burchett revealed to DailyMail.com they are pushing to have evidence on the nefarious financier unveiled. The senator has been advocating for the sealed Epstein documents to be released for years, an effort Burchett joined early on. Blackburn has pushed to uncover unredacted versions of Epstein's flight logs and and an unredacted version of Ghislaine Maxwell's 'little black book' full of contacts and addresses - an effort she's now seeking Trump to act on. And she's advocating for the Trump administration's Department of Justice to release additional evidence like prison footage and communications leading up to Epstein's death. 'Jeffrey Epstein built a disgusting global sex trafficking network that caused irreparable damage to countless women,' she told DailyMail.com in a statement. 'Americans deserve to know exactly who was affiliated with this network. This is not about celebrities - this is about what happened to victims and survivors.' Burchett similarly told DailyMail.com by text he too is re-upping his fight for the Epstein files now that Trump is in office and Republicans hold control. Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein was found hanged in his jail cell in 2019. Many are suspicious of the circumstances and now Donald Trump may release the files on his death Little St. James Island, one of the properties of financier Jeffrey Epstein, is seen in an aerial view near Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands July 21, 2019. Many crimes are alleged to have happened at this tropical retreat visited by Bill Clinton and other powerful socialites Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., are advocating for more Epstein files to be released And the president has been open to releasing classified documents having just signed an executive order to release the JFK files in addition to some on Martin Luther King Jr. On Thursday evening Trump signed an executive order that directs his Director of National Intelligence to put together a plan within 15 days for the full release of documents about the JFK assassination. 'That's a big one, huh?' he said as he scratched his signature on the paper, before asking that the sharpie be given to RFK Jr. 'A lot of people are waiting for this for a long ... for years, for decades.' 'Everything will be revealed,' he teased. The executive order, obtained by DailyMail.com, said: 'More than 50 years after the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Federal Government has not released to the public all of its records related to those events. 'Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth. It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay.' Epstein's case, meanwhile, has garnered huge attention for the big name celebrities and world leaders that could be implicated should more light shine on the federal files on the deceased sex offender. Donald Trump signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on Thursday Epstein and Maxwell Trump and Epstein at Mar-a-Lago in 1997. Trump has said he never went to the billionaire's island And Trump has noted he is willing to reexamine the case. While speaking on the Lex Fridman Podcast during the campaign, Trump said the Epstein story is 'very interesting' and 'would certainly take a loot at it' after the host asked about why 'the list of clients that went to the island has not been made public.' Notorious for preying on young women, Epstein was found dead in New York City's Metropolitan Correctional Center under mysterious circumstances while awaiting a high-profile trial for sex trafficking charges. He was found hanged - ruled a suicide - around 6:30 am on August 10, 2019. Epstein had a private island in the US Virgin Islands visited by the world's most elite figures like Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew. It was where numerous crimes are alleged to happen, fueling public concern that the late financier's death in custody could have been a result of foul-play. Since Epstein's death inconsistencies have been found in the prison's surveillance and staffing procedures leading up to the sex offender's death. Last year the courts unsealed names of over 170 associates in a lawsuit against Maxwell by an Epstein victim. Though many of those named were not accused of crimes, others were claimed to be implicated and were potential witnesses to crimes, Blackburn has argued. A prison nurse has been jailed for two years for smuggling in a cocktail of drugs and hooking up with an inmate. Sara Kachach, 31, an ex-drug and alcohol and recovery practitioner nurse at HMP Manchester, used her position to bypass security and bring in illicit items. She smuggled in cannabis, ketamine, cocaine and tobacco in her bra after striking up a relationship with inmate Kasim Ahmed, 29. An investigation uncovered her involvement in her 'sophisticated operation' to bring in the drugs, despite her role to assist inmates recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. Ahmed, who was due to be released in November 2022, was found in his cell in April 2022 talking on a mobile phone. Officers seized the phone and a memory stick during a search. Kachach, who was later suspended and dismissed, was arrested in August 2022 and after being taken into custody and searched she was found to have cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, and tobacco hidden in her bra. Officers also recovered a condom containing cannabis. Sara Kachach, 31, an ex-drug and alcohol and recovery practitioner nurse at HMP Manchester, used her position to bypass security and bring in illicit items She smuggled in cannabis, ketamine, cocaine and tobacco in her bra after striking up a relationship with inmate Kasim Ahmed, 29 A search of her office at HMP Manchester revealed a large quantity of cannabis, various steroid tablets and tobacco hidden in her personal drawer in a smell proof bag. A search of her home address led to the seizure of a substantial amount of cash, mobile phones, and SIM cards. In December 2022, shortly after being released on license from HMP Forest Bank, police arrived at Ahmed's home address in Bury and saw him fleeing from the driver's seat of a Porsche Macan registered to Kachach, who was in the passenger seat. Ahmed was arrested and returned to prison. Further investigation led to Kachach being interviewed on suspicion of committing fraud by false representation after she had applied for finance for a car using false information. She refused to provide the officers with the PIN number for her phone and analysis of the phone revealed over 3000 contacts with Ahmed. Kachach, of Aird Avenue, Kilmarnock was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to misconduct in a public office, conveying Class A, B, and C drugs into the prison, fraud by false representation, and failing to comply with a section 49 notice. Ahmed was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office and possession of List B articles which included mobile phones, SIM cards and a USB stick. Kachach, of Aird Avenue, Kilmarnock was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to misconduct in a public office, conveying Class A, B, and C drugs into the prison, fraud by false representation, and failing to comply with a section 49 notice Detective Constable Brian Johnston of North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) Prison Corruption Unit said: 'This case highlights the serious consequences of breaching the trust placed in prison staff. 'The actions of Sara Kachach not only undermined the safety and security of HMP Manchester but also facilitated criminal activities within the prison. 'We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that such breaches are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.' A spokesperson for HMPPS HM Prison and Probation Service) National Counter Corruption Unit said:'This sentence reflects the successful joint partnership of HMPPS National Counter Corruption Unit, HMP Manchester and the NWROCU Prison Anti-Corruption Unit. 'HMPPS Counter Corruption Unit are committed to seeking out and pursuing the very small minority of corrupt staff who abuse their position and tarnish the reputation of those committed and hard working staff across the wider prison estate.' Rapist educator Mary Kay LeTourneau has been accused by a former student of traumatizing an entire sixth-grade class after she sexually assaulted and married her 12-year-old student Vili Fualaau. Caitlin Steed was in the same Shorewood Elementary School class as Fualaau when LeTourneau was caught having sex with him in a minivan in Washington. Now, Steed, 41, said her entire classes are still facing the trauma of that grim discovery. 'She was a mother figure for us because she was so nurturing,' she told the New York Post. 'And then we had to process all of this really when were just learning what sex is all about. 'I think a lot of us ended up in counseling. She literally messed up an entire class of sixth-graders... We were trying to make sense of it, and we missed our teacher.' LeTourneau, who died from cancer in 2020 at the age of 58, made headlines around the world in 1997, when the then-34-year-old teacher and mother-of-four was found to be having an abusive sexual relationship with Fualaau. Letourneau met Fualaau when he joined her second-grade class in 1992, but they did not begin their sexual relationship until four years later when he was 12. In 1996, after the school year had ended, the pair enrolled in summer classes at the same community college and began spending more time together. Caitlin Steed was in the same Shorewood Elementary School class as Vili Fualaau when Mary Kay LeTourneau (pictured in 1997) was caught having sex with him in a minivan in Washington. Now, Steed, 41, said her entire classes are still facing the trauma of that grim discovery. 'I think a lot of us ended up in counseling. She literally messed up an entire class of sixth-graders... We were trying to make sense of it, and we missed our teacher' (pictured: Fualaau and Letourneau) One day after class, the pair went out for dinner. In a 2018 interview, Fualaau recalled that after the meal he asked to kiss Letourneau inside her car, which she accepted. Letourneau then had sex with Fualaau for first time later that summer, when her then-husband, Steve Letourneau, was out of town. On June 19, 1996, police found the pair in a minivan parked at the Des Moines Marina around 1.30am. Letourneau was seen jumping into the front seat as officers approached the vehicle, while Fualaau pretended to be asleep in the back. Fualaau and Letourneau denied there had been any 'touching.' They initially provided false names and Letourneau told police that Fualaau was 18. Letourneau then said she had been babysitting the boy at her home and took him away in her van after she and her husband had a fight. They were taken to the police station but no further action was taken. However, the true nature of their relationship was uncovered in February 1997, when Steve Letourneau found love letters that the pair had penned to one another. He confronted Fualaau, demanding he end the relationship otherwise he'd inform his parents. Letourneau was initially sentenced to three months in jail as part of a plea agreement in November 1997, in which she agreed to no longer have any contact with Fualaau. Letourneau, who died in 2020 from cancer, mothered two children with her student LeTourneau made headlines around the world in 1997, when the then-34-year-old teacher and mother-of-four was found to be having an abusive sexual relationship with Fualaau (pictured with his family) She was pregnant with her former student's child at the time of her conviction. Letourneau was then paroled in 1998. However, shortly after her release from jail, she was once again found having sex in a car with Fualaau on February 3. A judge then revoked Letourneau's prior plea agreement. She was ordered to serve seven years in prison on second-degree child rape charges for violating the no-contact order. She gave birth to Fualaau's second child while in prison. The young father had still not yet turned 15. Upon her release from prison, Fualaau, who was by then an adult, petitioned in court for a judge to remove the no-contact order. The restraining order against Letourneau was dropped, but the shamed teacher remained a registered sex offender in Washington state until her death. Letourneau and Fualaau then once again shocked the world when they tied the knot in 2005. They remained married for 12 years, until Fualaau filed for divorce in 2017. Despite several attempts to reconcile, the couple finalized their split in February 2019 and began living apart, according to King County court records. He cared for her while she battled cancer. Leading up to her death, she wrote tons of letters as she was trying to atone for her 'deep remorse.' Letourneau began reflecting on the inappropriate relationship with Fualaau after being diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020, a friend claimed. At the end of your life, you start reassessing a lot of things, the friend told People. And she was trying to make her peace, not only with everyone else, but with herself. The friend told People that she received a letter from the disgraced teacher about a month and a half before she died in July 2020. Letourneau wrote dozens of letters while terminally ill to atone for her actions, the outlet said. A man has died after a falling tree crushed his car during Storm Eowyn, police in Ireland have said. Police and local emergency services attended the scene after the tree fell on the car at around 5.30am in Feddyglass, Raphoe, County Donegal, in the north-west of the Republic. The driver of the car died and his body remains at the scene. Gardai - the Irish national police - say they are working with the local authority and third party contractors to arrange the removal of the man's body. The N14 road remains closed while forensic collision investigators and divisional scenes of crime continue an investigation at the scene. It comes as more than one million homes, farms and businesses in the Republic and Northern Ireland are without power as record-breaking wind speeds swept across the island. ESB Networks in Ireland and NIE Networks say they expect significant further outages as Storm Eowyn continues to batter parts of the island, with 725,000 customers affected in the Republic and 283,000 in Northern Ireland. Some homes and businesses are expected to be without power for a week as an unprecedented number of power cuts are experienced. In Scotland 117,000 homes have been left without electricity, with one provider offering hot meals to customers without power. Workers start to remove a fallen tree which crashed through the wall of Phoenix Park and on to Blackhorse Avenue in Dublin, only a few kilometres west of the city centre Detritus flies from the roof of the Helensburgh swimming pool on January 24, 2025 in Helensburgh, Scotland as it is buffeted by Storm Eowyn Vehicles tentatively make their way along the seafront as huge waves crash over the road, as Storm Eowyn hits Oban, Scotland No injuries have been reported in Northern Ireland in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn but it will take days to fully assess its impact, police have said. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck, who is in charge of the storm response operation, said on Friday evening 'we are still not out of the potential risks in respect of this storm'. 'I ask the public to consider this and question yourself around is your journey absolutely necessary until such times as the storm has totally passed.' He added: 'Police have received in the region of 2,000 calls for service so far today, which is about 50% above what we would normally expect to receive on a normal Friday,' he said. 'Many roads right across Northern Ireland do continue to be impassable, with fallen trees debris and power lines down.' He urged caution for those who do need to travel amid an amber and yellow snow and ice warning in place on Friday night. 'This was a really serious storm and and I don't think we yet fully appreciate the impacts of this storm,' he added. 'We're only now starting to see the number of calls start to rise in respect of impacts, concerns for safety, and indeed, more and more reports in respect of roads blocked and issues as a consequence of that. So I think it's going to be a number of days before we can fully understand the full impacts of this storm, but certainly this was a severe storm.' Your browser does not support iframes. A photograph taken on January 24, 2025 shows a roof torn off from the Chimney Corner Hotel, outside Belfast, in Co Antrim, in Northern Ireland A small dog struggling in against high winds in Storm Eowyn this morning as it hit Blackpool in Lancashire Rubble from a partially collapsed wall of a building is seen as Storm Eowyn hits, in Denny, Scotland Cars damaged by a falling roof outside a dealership in Helensburgh Scotland, as storm Eowyn brings winds of 100 mph to the UK and Ireland A close up shot shows the extent of the damage done to the cars by the giant slab of fallen roof Scotland has also been hit hard, with rail services, flights and ferries cancelled across the country as rare red weather warnings are in place. A previous red warning covering Northern Ireland has been downgraded to amber. A gust of 100mph was recorded at Drumalbin in South Lanarkshire in Scotland, the strongest gust so far today in the UK, the Met Office said. In Ireland, a record-breaking wind speed of 183kmh (114mph) was measured in Mace Head, Co Galway on Friday morning, Met Eireann said. Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill urged people to stay at home, adding 'we are in the eye of the storm now', in an interview with BBC Radio Ulster. The storm forced hundreds of schools and nurseries across Scotland to close on Friday as First Minister John Swinney warned people not to travel. A driver was seriously injured following a single-vehicle collision in Mauchline, East Ayrshire while another driver was injured when a tree fell on their van in the Balmore Road area of Glasgow on Friday morning, Police Scotland said. More than one million homes, farms and businesses in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland are without power as record-breaking wind speeds swept across the area. A fallen tree and pole on Grove Park Drive in Dublin. Residents across Ireland have been urged to stay at home as the entire island braces for the arrival of Storm Eowy Waves crash onto the shore in Bantry Bay, on the south-west coast of Ireland on the morning of January 24, 2025 An ice skating rink collapses due to the power of Storm Eowyn in Blanchardstown, a suburb of Dublin A sign outside the ice skating rink signals its closure to the high winds that have batted Northern and Southern Ireland and Scotland ESB Networks in Ireland and NIE Networks said they expect significant further outages as Storm Eowyn continues to batter parts of the island, with 725,000 customers affected in the Republic and 283,000 in Northern Ireland. The Scottish Government's Resilience Room met on Friday afternoon and officials said around 100,000 households across the country were without power. The Isle of Man's Department of Infrastructure has declared a major incident because of the number of fallen trees and their impact on arterial roads and emergency services, the government said on X. Several trees, some more than 60 years old, have been uprooted or split in half because of high winds. Cathriona Heffernan, 25, from Galway City in Ireland, described the winds as 'scary' and told the PA news agency: 'Those trees have been there 60 years and outdate the houses even. It's sad seeing them down all the same but just glad no damage was caused by them.' Elsewhere, firefighters were called to Harold's Cross Road in Dublin after scaffolding collapsed and blocked the road. It appears to have fallen off the side of a three-storey building. Meanwhile, an ice skating rink in the Dublin suburb of Blanchardstown appears to have lost its roof - leaving a pile of debris on the ground. On Friday, about 20% of all flights scheduled to operate to or from airports in the UK or Ireland have been cancelled, according to Aviation analytics company Cirium. Firemen secure a house in Belfast that was damaged by the high winds of storm Eowyn The damaged roof at the Chimney Corner Hotel seen in Mallusk, on January 24, 2025 near Belfast, Northern Ireland A sign giving a red weather warning is displayed above the road on January 24, 2025 in Scotland, United Kingdom A total of 1,124 flights have been cancelled, and Dublin, Edinburgh, Heathrow and Glasgow airports are the worst affected, according to the company. A Ryanair flight to Edinburgh airport was forced to return to Stansted in Essex, where it had taken off from, after being unable to land in the Scottish capital. Train operator ScotRail suspended all services across Scotland, saying it 'would not be safe to operate passenger services'. Calmac and Western ferry services are also cancelled. Other services affected by the storm include Avanti West Coast, LNER, West Midlands Railway, Lumo, Transport for Wales and South Western Railway. Motorists in areas covered by red and amber weather warnings have been told to avoid travel 'unless absolutely essential'. National Highways said the A66 between the A1M in North Yorkshire and M6 in Cumbria, and the A628 Woodhead Pass in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, were both closed overnight because of strong winds. The M48 Severn bridge in Gloucester has been shut while the M62 Ouse Bridge and A15 Humber Bridge, both in East Yorkshire, and the A19 Tees flyover in Co Durham are closed to high-sided vehicles. Satellite imagery suggests a dangerous weather phenomenon known as a sting jet developed over Ireland, the Met Office has said. A bus shelter in Belfast ravaged by the record-breaking winds of Storm Eowyn that hit Northern Ireland today A huge uprooted tree on Cyprus Avenue in East Belfast that has blown into the front garden of a property Waves break against the sea wall in Carnlough on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland early in the morning of January 24 A sting jet is a small area of very intense winds, according to the weather service. Gusts of 96mph were recorded at Brizlee Wood in Northumberland and 93mph in Aberdaron in Gwynedd, north Wales, this morning, the forecaster said. The Met Office's red warning for Scotland covers as far south as Lockerbie, as well as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lanark and Ayr, and is in place until 5pm on Friday. Wind speeds of up to 100mph are likely along coasts in both red warning areas, with gusts of up to 90mph expected inland, the forecaster said. Amber wind warnings are also in place for Northern Ireland, the southern half of Scotland, northern England and north Wales between 6am and 9pm on Friday, and the northern half of Scotland from 1pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday. Winds reaching 60mph to 70mph will be widespread in these areas, with up to 90mph possible on coastal areas. A further yellow wind warning covers the rest of UK for all of Friday. Yellow warnings for snow are in place in Scotland, from 6am to midnight, and rain in south-west England and Wales until 9am. In Northern Ireland, a yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued between 7pm on Friday until 10am on Saturday. RAC Breakdown advised motorists in warning areas to stay safe by parking away from trees, to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, avoid coastal routes and watch out for debris. More amber and yellow weather warnings for wind and rain have been issued for across the weekend and on Monday. Murderer Axel Rudakubana has begun a sentence stretching more than half a century inside one of Britain's toughest prisons, where he will rub shoulders with the nation's most infamous inmates - and, say insiders, he will never stop being a target for others wanting to attack him for his heinous crimes. The teenage killer, who was handed a 52-year term for the Southport stabbings, is currently residing in Belmarsh in south-east London - a top security prison that houses many of Britain's most dangerous killers, sex offenders and terrorists. He is likely to be there until he is 70 after being handed the longest sentence ever given to someone of his age - though experts say it is unlikely he will ever be released. His neighbours are likely to include recently-convicted Daniel Khalife, who notoriously escaped from prison and went on the run, Urfan Sharif, who was convicted of murdering his 10-year-old daughter, Sara, following a campaign of abuse and Ali Harbi Ali, who murdered Southend West MP David Amess in 2021. Other Belmarsh inmates include serial rapist and burglar Delroy Grant, former television presenter Paul Ballard, who was convicted of rape and death by dangerous driving and murderer Danyal Hussein. Rudakubana will also share quarters with neo-Nazi David Copeland, who carried out the London nail bombings in 1999, Louis De Zoysa, who shot dead an on-duty police sergeant ay Croydon police station in 2020, park murderer Khairi Saadallah and Grind killer Stephen Port. As the Southport monster starts his sentence today, some say he is in for a 'bumpy' ride', with fellow inmates racing to maim or kill him, it has been claimed. Even the 'nonces' - a term of paedophiles - will 'want him dead', one career criminal told MailOnline today. Axel Rudakubana, 18, has been jailed for a minimum of 52 years and is currently in Belmarsh - but prisoners, past and present, have predicted he will be attacked Belmarsh, in south-east London, is a top security prison that houses many of Britain's most dangerous killers, sex offenders and terrorists Protecting Rudakubana, pictured yesterday in a prison van, will be difficult and expensive, MailOnline has been told 'He'll never be safe and I wouldn't be surprised if the screws [guards] don't stand in anyone's way if someone came for him.' On a Reddit thread former prisoners said that if Rudakubana can't be killed, he will be maimed, most likely with 'prison napalm' - a term for sugar dissolved in boiling water that is thrown on someone causing life-changing burns and scarring. One said: 'People on life sentences who have kids pride themselves on hurting people like this. Im gonna go out on a limb and say he gets everything thats coming to him.' Another wrote: 'I'm sure they'll give him an express ride to hell'. A third said that Sara Sharif's father, who was attacked with the lid of a tin of tuna, was a sign of what could happen to Rudakubana. Rich Jones, an Army veteran who served seven years for conspiracy to supply cocaine, said today that Rudakubana will be attacked sooner rather than later. 'If people can get to him they will get to him and it will be a matter of once he gets on the wings, if someone has an axe to grind in there, and they want to grind it, they will grind it with him because of what he has done,' he said. Mr Jones, now an public speaker and author, told the Liverpool Echo: 'There will be some sort of justice somewhere down the line and it will be something he has to deal with for the rest of his life. Daniel Khalife, who escaped from HM Wandsworth, was found guilty of spying for Iran and is now at Belmarsh Another notorious Belmarsh inmate is Stephen Port, known as the Grinr killer David Copeland, a neo-Nazi who carried out the London nail bombings in 1999 Serial rapist and burglar Delroy Grant is now likely to rub shoulders with Axel Rudakubana Tommy Robinson was at Belmarsh prison but may have been moved for his own safety 'He will be looking at the fact that he may have the rest of his life in prison and being locked up he will have his thoughts. I hope that gets inside his head and starts to cause him his own justice.' Like Tommy Robinson, who is currently serving 18 months for contempt of court, Rudakubana could be moved out of Belmarsh to other prisons around the UK for his own safety and held in isolation. Other options include Full Sutton in York or Frankland Prison in Durham. If he is put into isolation, he would still be entitled to exercise, showers and phone calls home. Robinson is currently thought to be in solitary confinement at Woodhill Prison in Milton Keynes, having started out at Belmarsh. Rudakubana was yesterday jailed for at least 52 years for killing Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, as well as the attempted murder of eight other children and two adults at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. He was spared a whole-life term only because the horrific crime on July 29 last year happened nine days before his 18th birthday, when he was a juvenile. But Mr Justice Goose, passing down 13 life sentences, said: It is likely he will never be released. Axel will serve out his sentence at HMP Belmarsh Family members in Liverpool Crown Court took an audible breath as the sentence, thought to be the longest punishment handed to a killer of his age, was announced. Others held hands and hugged. In harrowing victim impact statements, the girls families told how their lives had been destroyed. Alices parents Sergio and Alexandra Aguiar said: Life without Alice is not living at all. Elsies mother Jenni Stancombe said of Rudakubana: What you did was not only cruel and pure evil, it was the act of a coward. Mr Justice Goose said: He wanted to carry out the mass murder of innocent and happy young girls. Many might describe what he did as evil. Who could dispute it? Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said there was a strong case for amending the law so teenagers can receive whole life orders. And Southports Labour MP Patrick Hurley said he had asked the Attorney General to review the sentence as unduly lenient. The judge said he believed Rudakubana would have killed all 26 children at the dance class had some youngsters not managed to escape and raise the alarm. Although the horrific crime did not meet the legal definition of terrorism, Mr Justice Goose said: His culpability for this extreme level of violence is equivalent in its seriousness to terrorist murders. What he did has caused such shock and revulsion to the whole nation, that it must be viewed as being at the extreme level. It comes as Sir Keir Starmer pledged to rethink the definition of terrorism to provide greater emphasis on loners plotting atrocities after viewing extremist material online. The judge also said he believed that if he had not attacked the event, Rudakubana who had followed instructions on inflicting fatal knife wounds gleaned from an Al Qaeda manual would have used a quantity of home-made ricin found under his bedroom floorboards somewhere else. The court heard the deadly poison, again produced following instructions in the terror manual the murderer had downloaded three times, could have been capable of killing up to 12,500 people if further refined. Yesterdays five-hour sentencing hearing started 50 minutes late after Rudakubana born in Cardiff to Christian parents who arrived in the UK having escaped the Rwandan genocide refused to leave his cell. He was earlier seen by paramedics in prison and assessed as fit to attend. The court was shown chilling footage of Rudakubana on a five-mile taxi ride from his home in Banks, Lancashire, to Southport. A green hood pulled over his head and wearing a facemask, he got out of the taxi, ignoring requests from the driver to pay the 10 fare. He told a garage owner who tried to intervene: What are you going to do about it? Rudakubana then entered the dance studio, inflicting carnage in just 12 minutes. Dance teacher Leanne Lucas, who was stabbed herself, urged the girls to run away, run away and the footage showed screaming children running for their lives, some collapsing in the car park. Dashcam footage from interior of taxi showing Southport killer Axel Rudakubana exiting the car before he launched the attack Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar all died in the attack last July In one painful scene, an eight-year-old girl escaping the building was shown being dragged back inside. She suffered horrendous injuries but survived. Parents arriving to collect their children faced a scene one father likened to a war zone outside the building as he struggled to recognise his daughter whose hair was matted with blood. Ms Lucas, 36, said she believed Rudakubana targeted us because we were women and girls, vulnerable and easy prey. Fellow dance teacher Heidi Liddle, who was unhurt, pushed children towards the stairs then hid in a toilet with an eight-year-old girl and locked the door urging the terrified youngster to be quiet as Rudakubana tried the handle. Only when she heard other children begging him to stop the carnage did she realise that not all had escaped. Hearing the disturbance, businessman John Hayes based in a neighbouring office ventured on to the landing and saw Rudakubana holding his knife over the body of Bebe King. He retreated, followed by the defendant who swiped at him. As Mr Hayes, 63, tried to grab the weapon, Rudakubana stabbed him in the leg. Bodycam footage from two police sergeants who were the first to arrive and confronted Rudakubana at the top of the stairs showed him obeying instructions to drop his weapon. Bebe could be seen lying on the landing. Elsie Dot Stancombe was found in the dance studio. Both girls had unspeakable injuries. Last night, Ms Stancombe urged restraint in reporting the details of the injuries, fearing graphic details of her daughters murder could be exploited on social media platforms for fuelling hatred. Alice da Silva Aguiar collapsed outside and died 14 hours later. Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC said Rudakubanas warped interest in genocide and mass murder had driven him to kill. Having researched atrocities committed by others, the evidence suggests that he set out to emulate them on July 29, the prosecutor said. Three children were killed, two of whom suffered particularly horrific injuries which are difficult to explain as anything other than sadistic. His only purpose was to kill, and he targeted the youngest, most vulnerable in order to spread the greatest level of fear and outrage, which he succeeded in doing. In October 2019, as a 13-year-old schoolboy, the court heard, Rudakubana phoned Childline and asked: What should I do if I want to kill somebody? before taking a knife into school with the intention of confronting a classmate he accused of bullying him. He was then expelled. He was referred to the Prevent counter-extremism programme three times for viewing disturbing material online between 2019 and 2021, while police were called to his house five times and it has emerged there were 15 missed chances for the authorities to intervene. Defence barrister Stan Reiz KC said of Rudakubana, who has been diagnosed with autism: There is no psychiatric evidence that could suggest a mental disorder. However, he did make a transition from a normal, well-adjusted child to someone capable of committing such shocking, senseless violence. The Prime Minister has promised a public inquiry into the failings to stop Rudakubana and laws will also be tightened on knife sales. Childrens Commissioner Rachel de Souza said last night there could be no doubt that there was a failure of the state to protect these innocent children from Axel Rudakubana. An anti-abortion protester pardoned by President Donald Trump has been reunited with her family after being released from jail. Bevelyn Beatty Williams was among almost two dozen demonstrators to walk free after they were put behind bars under Joe Biden's administration. The protesters were prosecuted for attempting to block access to health clinics offering abortions. Williams, 33, was sentenced to 41 months in prison after she crushed a healthcare worker's hand in the door of a New York clinic during a protest in 2020. She also was among participants who blocked treatment at a Florida health center in 2022, causing delays in treating at least a dozen people, including three who needed urgent care the DOJ said. Williams had to leave behind her two-year-old child when she was jailed in July 2024. She documented the moment they were reunited yesterday shouting, 'I'm home y'all! I'm free!' between planting kisses on her daughter. The president's pardons were signed by Trump just hours before pro-life activists gathered in Washington, DC for their annual March for Life. Anti-abortion protester Bevelyn Beatty Williams who was pardoned by President Donald Trump has been reunited with her family after being released from jail Williams, 33, was sentenced to 41 months in prison after she crushed a healthcare worker's hand in the door of a New York clinic during a protest in 2020 She left behind her young child when she was jailed in July last year for the 2020 incident and her involvement in another Florida protest which caused disruption to urgent care services Biden's Justice Department prosecuted the activists under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, a bill passed in 1994 in response to ongoing Christian protests at abortion clinics. Anti-abortion activists criticized the Biden administration for prosecuting supposedly non-violent protesters and sending them to prison for lengthy sentences. However, DOJ documents reveal that many of those involved were charged with barricading the doors of clinics with bike locks and preventing patients from receiving care. During a signing ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump said that he had pardoned 23 activists who had been prosecuted. 'They should not have been prosecuted, many of them are elderly people, they should not have been prosecuted,' he said. 'This is a great honor to sign this.' Trump's staff informed him that some of them were in prison and some of them had already been released on supervision. 'Ridiculous,' Trump said after signing the pardons and showing the list to the press. 'They will be very happy. US President Donald Trump speaks to the media after signing Executive Orders in the Oval Office President Donald Trump looks on as he issues executive orders and pardons Supporters listen and hold up signs as President Donald Trump speaks during the annual March for Life rally The additional activists due to be pardoned are: Lauren Handy, 30, sentenced to 57 months in prison; John Hinshaw, 69, sentenced to 21 months in prison; Jonathan Darnel, 42, sentenced to 34 months in prison; Herb Geraghty, sentenced to 27 months in prison, Jean Marshall, 74, sentenced to 24 months in prison; Joan Bell, 76, sentenced to 27 months in prison; Paula 'Paulette' Harlow, 75, sentenced to 24 months in prison;Heather Idoni sentenced to 24 months, and Calvin Zastrow sentenced to 6 months in prison. Other cases highlighted by anti-abortion activists included Eva Edl, 89, of Aiken, South Carolina, who survived a Soviet-controlled concentration camp and came to America. Trump frequently championed the cause of imprisoned the imprisoned activists, promising attendees of the Faith and Freedom Coalition to free them and 'get them out of the gulags and back to their families where they belong.' 'Many people are in jail over this. This is just crazy. We're going to get that taken care of immediately. First Day. Immediately,' Trump said. Only two people in the planet have been through the embarrassment of losing a presidential election to Donald Trump - Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton. And in the weeks following her bruising November loss to the now-president, New York Magazine reported that Harris has been in touch with Clinton. The two started getting to know each other when Harris first arrived in Washington as a senator in 2017. Prior to that, Harris' entire political career had been California-based. During her years in the Senate, Harris would occasionally call Clinton for advice. Harris' sister Maya had been a policy adviser for Clinton's ill-fated 2016 campaign. Prior to serving as President Barack Obama's secretary of State and before her two presidential runs, the former first lady represented New York in the Senate from 2001 to 2009. Following their Senate careers, Clinton was elevated to secretary of State, while Harris became President Joe Biden's VP. Vice President Kamala Harris (left) at the inauguration of President Donald Trump on Monday, with the only other woman to have gone through what she did, 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton (back right), seated one row behind Harris During her time as vice president, Harris would reach out to Clinton as well. But the bond became stronger after Biden dropped out of the 2024 race in late July, with the Clintons backing Harris even before the Obamas and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Clinton appeared at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in August and played up Harris' role as a district attorney and attorney general. 'As a prosecutor, Kamala locked up murderers and drug traffickers. She will never rest in defense of our freedom and safety,' Clinton said. 'Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial,' she continued. 'When he woke up, he'd made his own kind of history: the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions.' That pitch even earned a 'lock him up!' chant from the audience - famously what Trump supporters said about Clinton amid her email controversy during the 2016 race. Harris also utilized Clinton on the campaign trail in the final run-up to Election Day. New York Magazine reported that since her November loss, Harris has been in touch with Clinton several times. Hillary Clinton (left) and Vice President Kamala Harris (right) pose for a photo on August 1, 2024 at a memorial service for the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. Clinton almost immediately endorsed Harris and vouched for her at the DNC and later on the campaign trail One such moment came when Harris left her Naval Observatory residence to visit Clinton at her D.C. home, located nearby. Clinton was in town to accept a Presidential Medal of Freedom - the nation's highest civilian honor - from Biden on January 4. Now back in Los Angeles with husband Doug Emhoff, Harris is contemplating her political future - which could mean another go at the White House in four years, a California governor's race in two, or retirement from politics all together. Clinton famously took a number of walks in the woods after her 2016 loss. Since then she's authored a number of books and given talks. She produced a Broadway musical. But she never ran for elected office again. A Connecticut private school teacher was fired after he allegedly 'inappropriately' tickled a student at the Jewish day school. Nicholas Ricciardi, 46, a classroom teacher of 20 years, was arrested on January 17 and charged with risk of injury to a child and breach of peace after a parent reported him. The father-of-two was employed at the Soloman Schechter Day School, a Jewish day school that educates children from early childhood through eighth grade. Sometime before Thanksgiving, Rabbi Jonathan Berger, head of the West Hartford school, said that a parent approached him, reporting that their child had been tickled by Ricciardi. The school immediately placed the teacher on leave and reported the alleged incident to the Department of Children and Families. The DCF did not accept the case for further investigation and allowed the Manchester-native to return to the school, with the understanding that tickling was not acceptable. However on December 13, the school received another complaint from a second parent who raised concerns about a similar incident. The parent claimed that their child was 'inappropriately touched by her teacher multiple times' while at school. The report described the alleged inappropriate touching as 'tickling the victim around the belly button area.' Nicholas Ricciardi, 46, a classroom teacher of 20 years, was fired from his job as a first and second-grade teacher after a parent claimed their child was 'inappropriately touched by her teacher multiple times' while at school The besmirched teacher was immediately placed leave following a complaint issued sometime before Thanksgiving The 46-year-old was placed on leave once again and the DCF was notified, this time accepting the claim and opening an investigation. The West Hartford Police were also notified of the incident, prompting a subsequent police investigation that resulted in an arrest warrant, charging the suspect with criminal violations. Rabbi Jonathan Berger, head of the West Hartford school Ricciardi was barred from returning to the day school's campus in mid-December, and is no longer employed with the school. 'None of our higher-level priorities [inspiring students to love learning, celebrate Jewish life, build a vibrant future for themselves, etc.] are possible, and none are important, without a foundation of child safety,' Rabbi Berger said in a statement. School officials said tickling on the students' abdomen was the full extent of what happened, and that they are unaware of any inappropriate behavior beyond that. After his January 17 arrest, Ricciardi posted the $40,000 bond and is due in Hartford Superior Court on January 30. Ricciardi started work at the Soloman Schechter Day School this past school year as a first and second-grade general studies teacher. 'In addition to being a classroom teacher for 20 years, Nick is also a certified yoga instructor and personal trainer,' the school wrote in a Facebook post on August 22. Ricciardi started work at the Soloman Schechter Day School in West Hartford (pictured) this past school year as a first and second-grade general studies teacher The former school teacher also works at West Hartford Yoga, where he specializes in yogic meditation and pranayama breathwork. 'Nick is a Certified Personal Trainer and has taught throughout the region since 1998. In addition to his work in fitness facilities, he has a strong background in Martial Arts - training in Jiu-jitsu, Judo, Aikido and Tai Chi to strengthen body, mind and spirit,' his profile on the yoga studio's website reads. 'When not working in the health and fitness field, Nick is a teacher, working primarily with inner city students, and bringing yoga and mindfulness to this under-served population.' The investigation into the alleged incident remains ongoing. Controversial plans to impose Scotlands first tourist tax have been given the go-ahead. The City of Edinburgh Council yesterday agreed to proceed with a 5 per cent per night fee on overnight accommodation. It will apply to stays taking place after July 24, 2026, with bookings paid for in part or in full after October 1 this year being liable for the levy. It is expected to raise up to 50million a year for the authority, which is the first to proceed with the charge since legislation was introduced by the SNP Government giving councils powers over a visitor levy. Tourism bodies raised concerns about the impact it will have on Edinburghs economy and its competitiveness as a visitor destination. Leon Thompson, executive director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: Not only has Edinburghs visitor levy been confirmed, but so too has the hit to the citys competitiveness as a leading tourist destination. Our fundamental concern has always been that this levy will only serve to make visitors trips to Edinburgh more expensive, ultimately reducing their spending in the wider visitor economy and deterring future visits. Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to Edinburgh every year Those travelling to the city for its world famous festival will now find their trip more expensive Its now the job of the council to use these funds wisely to improve the capitals attractiveness as a visitor destination and mitigate the impact of the levy on businesses. Fiona Campbell, chief executive of the Association of Scotlands Self-Caterers, said: We are extremely disappointed that Edinburgh Council has failed to properly appreciate the widespread concerns of our sector who are the ones responsible for administering this tax. While the transition period will be altered by a few months, there remains very clear operational impossibilities. In the rush to be first, rather than getting it right from the get-go, their slapdash approach risks undermining the levy before it has even started. Edinburgh will be a guinea pig for this new tax and hopefully other councils will now take stock and learn from the mistakes made. She also raised concerns that Edinburgh will be an outlier because its levy is subject to 20 per cent VAT and is applied to domestic visitors as well as international. She added: We understand the rationale behind a visitor levy but a badly implemented policy will do more harm than good, damaging the very industry it is supposedly meant to support. The law giving councils the power to impose a visitor levy on overnight stays came into force last September. It allows councils to impose an additional charge on overnight accommodation but does not set out any rules for the level of fee. The proposal was approved at a special virtual meeting of City of Edinburgh Council yesterday after it was backed last week by the authoritys policy and sustainability committee. The Green and SNP groups on the city council urged the Labour-run administration to adopt a higher rate of the levy, proposing 7 per cent and 8 per cent respectively, and argued more money is needed for housing in the city. Conservative councillor Iain Whyte said his group did not back the levy, arguing it will damage tourism. Council leader Jane Meagher said: What an historic moment for Edinburgh. Introducing this ground-breaking visitor levy means realising a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest tens of millions of pounds towards enhancing and sustaining the things that make our city such a great place to visit - and live in - all year round. The scheme has been many years in the making and Im grateful to council officers, businesses and residents who have helped shape it, every step of the way. Its introduction is declared today with a huge amount of backing, not least from local residents. A sacked dental practice manager who stole equipment worth 120,000 from his former employers has been jailed for a year. Alan Thomson also impersonated his old boss in a bid to transfer 50,000 from a savings account. A court heard the 36-year-old had a serious drug addiction and committed the crimes to pay off debts. Thomson, of Falkirk, admitted stealing 120,000 worth of dental equipment, electrical items and computer gear from Coatbridge Family Dental Care, in Lanarkshire, over a four-day period in July 2023. He also admitted carrying out a fraudulent scheme the following month by pretending to be Dr Keith Preston who, along with wife Gillian, owns the dental practice. This involved billing the company after obtaining dental equipment worth 3,600 from suppliers and attempting to have 50,000 transferred from Dr Prestons National Savings Investments account. As well as stealing 120,000 worth of equipment, Alan Thomson also impersonated his former boss in a bid to transfer 50,000 from a savings account Thomson escaped with a 470 fine at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in January last year after stealing clothing, handbags and accessories while manager of a TK Maxx store at the citys Hermiston Gait in 2022. Airdrie Sheriff Court heard he started work as practice manager at the Coatbridge dental surgery in February 2023, but he was dismissed less than three months later for under performance. Sarah Healing, prosecuting, said the alarm at the premises went off about 4..30am on July 7, 2023, and police attended to find a door open and items strewn over the floor. Enquiries revealed that a code allocated to Thomson had been used to deactivate and reset the alarm that morning and on another occasion a few days earlier. Then, on August 3, a request was made from a person claiming to be Dr Preston to change the password and mobile phone number associated with his NSI account. The caller - Thomson - passed through the security process and was able to change a nominated bank account and request a 50,000 transfer. Ms Healing told the court: Fortunately, suspicions had been raised earlier that resulted in Dr Preston being contacted and he confirmed he had not authorised any changes. Enquiries showed the 50,000 was to have been transferred to a Bank of Scotland account registered to Thomson. It also emerged that dental equipment worth 3,632.80 had been sent to an address in Glasgow associated with Thomson. Invoices for these had been sent to Coatbridge Family Dental Care. Thomson was interviewed and told police he had provided the key and alarm code for the practice to another individual, allowing that person to break in and steal the equipment. Defence lawyer Eddie Kelly said Thomson had developed a serious drug addiction after the death of his sister and also accrued debts. Mr Kelly told the court: This affected his judgment and mindset. He was far too well acquainted with the person supplying him drugs which led to this ill-thought-out enterprise. It was a gross breach of trust but I have numerous character references that show he is a highly-regarded individual. Sheriff Paul Haran accepted family tragedy had led Thomson into a spiral that resulted in the break-in. The sheriff told him: I have no doubt you will have the ability and support to turn things around and become an upstanding and useful member of society. But given the extremely serious nature of these charges, I cant, unfortunately, find an alternative to custody. Dr Preston, clinical director at Coatbridge Family Dental Care, said Thomsons crimes had a significant and concerning impact. He added: We were shocked and deeply saddened by the appalling actions of an individual who was employed with us for a brief period. A Russian spy involved in a love triangle claimed he had cancer to cover up his 'double life' and an affair he was having with another spy, his partner has told a court. Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, was found by police in bed with a beautician called Vanya Gaberova, 30, when they were arrested at a flat in Euston, North London in February 2023. Mr Dzhambazov's girlfriend Katrin Ivanova, 33, from Harrow, North London had rented and redecorated the flat her partner used to have the affair, in order for them to move into it, she told the Old Bailey. She knew nothing about the affair until police told her after her arrest and had even bought the bed they were sleeping in, she added. Dzhambazov accepts he was spying on behalf of the Russians but both women in the love triangle deny the charges. Ms Ivanova told a jury that she had not questioned her partner when he asked her to go with him to film a US barracks in Stuttgart, Germany because she was 'trying not to pressure him.' Orlin Roussev, who allegedly ran the spy ring from a guesthouse in Great Yarmouth, believed Patch Barracks was used for training Ukrainian troops to operate Patriot missile air defence batteries. The prosecution say they pair were on a surveillance trip for Russian intelligence and planned to return with devices called IMSI grabbers, which would be able to identify the mobile phone numbers of Ukrainian recruits and target them on their return to Ukraine. Bulgarian national Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, has admitted to spying in the UK on behalf of Russia Mr Dzhambazov was found in bed with a beautician called Vanya Gaberova (pictured), at a flat in Euston, North London which was raided by police in February 2023 Mr Dzhambazov and Ms Gaberova had their illicit liaisons in the flat rented and redecorated by Mr Dzhambazov's long-term partner Katrin Ivanova (pictured) Wearing a black jacket and black t-shirt, Ivanova told the jury: 'At the time I was being told by Bizer that we need to go to Stuttgart and make some pictures of the area around the base. 'The base was very close to where my father was living and I was very excited because I would be able to go on a small city trip and see my father because he was living two hours away.' She 'didn't have any thoughts' about why he might be taking pictures and could see plenty of information about the base online, she said. 'I couldn't see how those pictures would help Orlin or any other person,' she added. Rupert Bowers KC, defending, asked if Dzahmabzov explained why Roussev wanted the images. 'No, the usual answer is "for Orlin" and I'm trying to not pressure,' Ms Ivanova said. 'I was quite anxious when we arrived and he wanted to go to the base. The thought in my head were "what is all this about?" and when I was asking questions, I was being shouted down.' Ms Ivanova said she wanted to ask 'why, how, what is all this about, why are you involving yourself?' A visibly annoyed Mr Dzhambazov, carrying two energy drinks, responds: 'Why is it necessary to comment continuously on such things?' after his partner Katrin Ivanova informs him they have been spotted outside a US barracks in Stuttgart, Germany The spy ring is alleged to have been masterminded by Orlin Roussev (pictured) from his guesthouse in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk The Haydee Hotel guest house in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, allegedly used by Orlin Roussev to plot the actions of the spy ring Referring to a video she had taken outside the barracks, Ms Ivanova said 'you see I was worried at that time.' In the video, she can be heard saying in Bulgarian: 'He was running they have seen us by now.' A visibly annoyed Mr Dzhambazov, carrying two energy drinks, responds: 'Why is it necessary to comment continuously on such things.' To which Ms Ivanova replies: 'Alright I am just telling you.' She added: 'Since 2021 Bizer told me that he had cancer or brain tumours and his health was deteriorating and since 2021 every single time he was going somewhere was for extra money to try and save money in case of something. 'We were having multiple discussions about his health. As a normal couple living together for over 10 years you would expect information to be shared with each other, the progress of his health, but that kind of thing didn't happen. About that he was very private and didn't let his guard down 'Every time I was trying to approach Bizer and ask about his health I was told I was pressuring him and needed to leave him alone and let him deal with his health in his way. 'If I want to support him, I need to understand my way of supporting him is not to ask any questions.' In messages to Dzhambazov when he was supposedly seeking medical attention in Bulgaria on October 22 2021, Ivanova told him: 'You do know that you can count on me 100 per cent don't you. I also want to be part of what the doctor told you. The three involved in the love-triangle are among five Bulgarian nationals charged with spying for Russia at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. Court artist sketches from left to right: Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, Orlin Roussev, Ivan Stoyanov and Bizer Dzhambazov In court a video was played showing Mr Dzhambazov outside a US barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, with girlfriend Katrin Ivanova, who informs him that they have been spotted by security After Mr Dzhambazov responds in a surly way, Ms Ivanova, who denies being a Russian spy, can be heard saying: 'Alright I am just telling you.' 'I know that you like managing the difficulties by yourself but that is why we are together as a family to support each other and to help each other. 'I will be glad for us to speak when you are ready so that I may know what is happening with the man next to me. I love you and am waiting for you to call me' adding kisses and love heart emojis. Mr Bowers pointed out Dzhambazov was still 'very much alive' and Ivanova replied: 'I believe it is a whole lie. Now I understand the situation differently. 'I understand now he was having a double life and had a relationship not only with me but with my co-defendant Vanya Gaberova.' Roussev and Dzhambazov have pleaded guilty to charges under the Official Secrets Act. Ivanova, Gaberova and Tihomir Ivanchev, deny the charges. All five are Bulgarian nationals with EU settled status. The trial continues. Nashville school shooter Solomon Henderson may have been in contact with Wisconsin teen killer Natalie Rupnow, according to police. Police believe a Pinterest account thought to belong to Rupnow, 15, was following Henderson's when she opened fire at the Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin last month, as reported by ABC News. Henderson, 17, killed 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante before turning his pistol on himself at Antioch High School on Wednesday. Officials are also looking into a BlueSky account believed to have belonged to Henderson, which posted an edited picture of Rupnow a day before the Nashville shooting. Another post on the same day reportedly mentioned conducting the shooting with a second person. Both school shooters appeared to show interest in neo-Nazi ideology and violence. Anderson apparently left a 47-page manifesto included a layout of the Tennessee school, along with photos of the weapons he wanted to use and his thoughts about why he wanted to commit a shooting. Nashville school shooter Solomon Henderson, 17, may have been in contact with another school shooter, according to police Police believe a Pinterest account believed to belong to Wisconsin school shooter Natalie Rupnow was following Henderson Henderson reportedly livestreamed his attack. Students and family members are pictured embracing after the shooting Much of the rest of the document, which was said to be linked to a social media account linked to Henderson, deals with his struggle with race and racial issues. Henderson allegedly said that he was 'ashamed to be black,' before he goes on to use anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim language. The teen killer even allegedly included links to other manifestos, a link on how to carry out a mass killing with targets ranked by how easy it would be to murder them, as well as photos of a handgun, a lockpicking kit and cartridges to load into a handgun he planned to use in the shooting. Rupnow's reported online activity was similarly engaged with white supremacy. Accounts linked to Rupnow online showed an obsession with possible white supremacist ideologies and infamous past school shooters, as well as a chilling message from the 'Unabomber' Ted Kaczynski. Screenshots posted of her alleged manifesto have shown Rupnow to be a lonely child who said she was 'trapped and forced into my corner.' Rupnow expressed unhappiness at what she described as a broken home and made multiple references to a therapist. Henderson shot and killed 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante Natalie 'Samantha' Rupnow arrived at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday morning - and just hours later, she opened fire on a study hall, killing two and injuring six others , before turning the gun on herself She allegedly describes herself as a 'loner' but admits she will 'mourn for friends but sooner than later they'll leave.' The pages posted do not point to a specific political ideology but they claim 'we need revolution.' It ends with a quote attributed to the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski: 'Finally, one learns that boredom is a disease of civilization.' She allegedly has posted photos of Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz and Columbine 'trenchcoat mafia' members Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. Another sign of a possible obsession with the Columbine massacre is previously verified photos of Rupnow wearing the shirt of German industrial rock band KMFDM. Rupnow killed a student, a teacher, and then herself at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. Two Las Vegas cousins who lured a man to a hotel room for a threesome before robbing and killing him have been jailed for up to 25 years. On May 17, 2023, Bryan Altamirano-Solano, 25, went up to a hotel room with Arionna Taylor, 22, as well as Taylor's cousin Erika Covington, 21, and never came back. Detectives later recovered two explicit videos on Altamirano-Solano's phone that showed sex acts involving the women. They were accused of bringing him up to the hotel room under promises of a threesome before killing and robbing him. The pair were sentenced at a court Thursday. Covington shared her regrets at the bloody killing, but Covington stayed silent. Their crimes were exposed around eight hours after haunting footage showed a smiling Altamirano-Solano taking the pair to his room. When he failed to check out, a housekeeper went up to check on him and was met with a disturbing scene. He was found with a single gunshot wound to the chest. Police launched an investigation into his murder. Footage from security cameras caught the two women walking with Altamirano-Solano inside Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas strip. They were seen laughing arm in arm but were captured on video running away from the room 15 minutes later. The surveillance footage and a slug found in the victim's room that was matched to another crime involving Taylor led investigators to the suspects. The two women were caught on camera with the victim the night he was killed Arionna Taylor refused to speak in court when she was sentenced to at least 10 years in prison Erika Covington apologized to Altamirano-Solano's for the pain she caused them The women initially pleaded guilty to the crimes but accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder in November. On Thursday, Judge Tierra Jones accepted the terms of the plea agreement. The women are set to serve 10 to 25 years in prison. Prosecutors or police were never able to determine who pulled the trigger, but Nevada law allows for anyone who was involved in a murder to serve time for it, not just the person who committed the heinous act. The women were allowed an opportunity to speak in court and apologize for their horrific actions, to which Taylor declined. However, Covington elected to speak to Altamirano-Solano's family, telling them, 'I would like to send my condolences to Brian's family.' 'I deeply, genuinely apologize for the grief and the pain that's been brought to you guys' family.' The victim's father, Victor Altamirano, was present in court and asked for justice to be served in his son's gruesome death. 'It wasn't enough just taking his belongings, they had to kill him,' he added. Altamirano-Solano's mother joined the hearing online from outside the country. 'The pain that I felt was so deep,' Nelly Altamirano said. 'I felt like I just lost my life. I had so many questions. Why? Why my son?' Covington (left) and Taylor (right) were arrested for a 2023 murder in Las Vegas Bryan Altamirano-Solano was murdered in a Las Vegas hotel room Authorities initially linked Covington and Taylor to the murder by matching surveillance footage to their social media profiles. The two women are cousins and Taylor had tagged Covington in a post on Instagram. The post pictured the two women in the same outfits they had on in the surveillance footage. When investigators approached the women about the crime, Covington initially said that they met Altamirano-Solano at the valet but that they didn't communicate because of the language barrier. Taylor claimed that she experienced memory loss from a car accident and couldn't recall what happened the night of Altamirano-Solano's death. After authorities found the footage of the two women running away, they discovered a video of the pair getting into a stolen car and leaving the scene. They also noticed that the bag slung around Altamirano-Solano's shoulder in the first video was the same one that the girls were seen running away with after going into his hotel room. Another woman who was not involved in the crime had booked the room and told investigators that she met Altamirano-Solano on a texting app a week earlier. They had arranged to have sex but she left the hotel before he met up with the women. He was a native of Nicaragua and was in the US seeking asylum before he was brutally murdered in a Las Vegas hotel room. U.S. Senate confirms John Ratcliffe as CIA director Xinhua) 11:27, January 24, 2025 WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to confirm former director of national intelligence John Ratcliffe as the next Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director under President Donald Trump. The upper chamber voted 74-25 to approve the nomination of Ratcliffe, who served as Trump's director of national intelligence for the last eight months of his first term. Ratcliffe previously served as a U.S. House representative for Texas's 4th congressional district from 2015 to 2020. Twenty-one Democrats joined Republicans in supporting Ratcliffe's nomination, indicating bipartisan support in a divided political climate. Despite that, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he opposed Ratcliffe because he is deeply worried that Ratcliffe will be unable to stand up to people like Trump and Trump's nominee to be the director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, "who are known to falsify intelligence." Thursday's vote took place three days after the Senate unanimously confirmed U.S. Senator from Florida Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, just hours after Trump's inauguration, making it the second major appointment for the new administration. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has set up votes for more of Trump's nominees, including Pete Hegseth, nominated for Secretary of Defense. Hegseth has faced criticism for his lack of military leadership experience, as well as allegations of alcohol abuse, sexual assault, and financial mismanagement of organizations he led. Thune has criticized Democrats for delaying Trump's nominees, urging them to allow quick votes on the matter. Republicans currently have a 53-47 majority in the Senate. To confirm a presidential nomination, a simple majority is needed, meaning the Republicans can afford to lose no more than two votes if all Democrats oppose the nomination. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Chicago Board of Education president has requested a $154,000-a-year chauffeured SUV and driver, despite the school system facing a $500million budget deficit. President Sean Harden has requested Chicago Public Schools (CPS) purchase him a $76,000 taxpayer-funded Ford Expedition, as well as a full-time driver, who would be rewarded a $78,000 year salary, sources told Fox 32 Chicago. If granted, he would be the first board president in at least a decade to be awarded the privilege, CPS sources told the local outlet. Others in CPS, such as CEO Pedro Martinez and Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova, do have a paid driver and car. However, unlike Harden - who only has to show up to unpaid meetings two to three times a month - Martinez and Chkoumbova go between schools every day, leaving Harden's potential with a lot of downtime. Harden, who is unpaid, has a largely administrative part-time role within the Chicago BOE. His request comes as CPS faces a projected $500million budget deficit. That estimate doesn't include the new contract with the Chicago Teachers Union, which could add up to $2.4billion in funding needed over the next four years. Harden, a principal at a real estate company, has not spoken publicly on his request and is it unclear why he needs a chauffeured car. President Sean Harden has requested Chicago Public Schools (CPS) purchase him a $76,000 taxpayer-funded Ford Expedition, as well as a full-time driver, who would be rewarded a $78,000 year salary If granted, he would be the first board president in at least a decade to be awarded the privilege CPS Vice President Olga Bautista confirmed to Fox 32 Chicago that Harden's request has reached the board, but she did not comment on it. Harden, who also owns his own companies, has only been in the role since December. He was the seventh member appointed. He has previously worked for CPS as a deputy CEO of community affairs, according to WTTW. The new president replaced his predecessor Reverend Mitchell Ikenna Johnson, who resigned following anti-Semitic and misogynistic social media posts. President Donald Trump is cheering the start of his high-visibility roundup of illegal migrants saying those being kicked out of the country are 'as bad as you get.' Trump made the statement as the White House is pushing out images of military hardware being surged to the border, as well as the first flights depositing migrants being returned to their home countries of origin. Trump cheered the roundup when asked about it by DailyMail.com, who was traveling with Trump on his first domestic trip as president. 'It's going very well. We're getting the bad, hard criminals out,' Trump said, on a day he was touring disaster-hit North Carolina and California. 'These are murderers, these are people - as bad as you get. As bas as anybody you've seen. We're taking them out first,' Trump said. The official White House X account pushed out video of military transports, troops, and Osprey helicopters being deployed to the border. 'The US Marine Corps Is On The Border Assisting CBP With The Mission To Secure America!' according to the post. 'LFG!' wrote White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, which in online usage often means 'let's freaking go.' President Donald Trump gave an update on the mass deportations he is ordering against what he said were 'bad, hard criminals' The State Department, now helmed by Trump-nominated Secretary of State Marco Rubio, posted its own video of migrants being marched into a transport aircraft for their return flight to Guatemala. 'Guatemala and the United States are committed to putting an end to illegal migration and strengthen border security. Starting with two flights today, the United States and Guatemala guaranteed the safe return of Guatemalan migrants from the United States to their country,' according to State. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids swept of 538 on Thursday, the New York Post reported. A source sold the paper some who were nabbed committed 'some very heinous cases.' But according to Newark, New Jersey Mayor Ras Baraka, ICE agents raided a local establishment where they detained 'undocumented residents as well as citizens, without producing a warrant. One of the detainees is a U.S. military veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned.' He called it a plain violation of the Fourth Amendment, which bars unreasonable search and seizures. 'None of these people were rapists, or murders, or criminals,' he said. Trump spoke about the mass deportations on a day he toured disaster sites in North Carolina and L.A. The White House put out video of Marine forces being deployed to the border Truck, troops, and Osprey helicopters are being deployed The White House released this image of one of the planes reportedly taking illegal migrants to Guatemala Welcome to MAGALAND: Insider Trump's Second 100 Days - The podcast bringing you the latest news and gossip from the White House. Listen here. The White House also put out immigration hardliner Stephen Miller to tout the round-up, which began in Denver and other so-called sanctuary cities. Miller tore into what he called a migrant invasion in an animated appearance on The Story with Martha MacCallum on Fox news. And every single illegal alien that is identified for removal is going to be successfully removed from this country. We are not going to allow the trespass and invasion this country any more, Miller said. Miller, who is deputy chief of staff for policy, brought some of the same energy of his warm up speeches at MAGA rallies, Theres no sanctuary for criminal aliens in this country, now is there sanctuary for child trafficking, he said. We are not going to be trammeled anymore. We're not going to be trampled anymore. We're certainly not going to be abused and violated anymore, he said. A former Marine and his wife have been arrested and charged for allegedly suffocating their two-year-old daughter with a suitcase. Kodi Glenn Simon and Kateri Ann Simon, both 30, allegedly caused the death of their little girl Maeve when the heavy case, meant to keep her from escaping, fell on her crib, pinned her down by her neck and suffocated her. A federal indictment made public this week charges the former US Marine Corps staff sergeant and his wife with one count each of involuntary manslaughter over the 2022 death that happened when the couple lived at MacDill Air Force Base. The parents were arrested on January 16 near Cleveland, Ohio. Federal court records indicate that the couple remained in jail pending a hearing on their continued detention and return to eventual return to Florida. The federal indictment, filed in the Middle District of Florida earlier this month, accused the parents of causing their child's death by actions taken 'without malice.' '[O]n or about July 1, 2022, through on or about November 27, 2022, at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida [] the defendants Kodi Glenn Simon and Kateri Ann Simon, aiding and abetting one another, did unlawfully kill Victim 1, without malice, in the commission in an unlawful manner, and without due caution and circumspection, of a lawful act which might produce death,' the two-page indictment obtained by Law&Crime states. Kodi Glenn Simon, 30, a former U.S. Marine Corps staff sergeant was charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with his daughter's death Kateri Ann Simon, 30, was arrested last week near Cleveland, Ohio, along with her husband Maeve Simon, 2, was asphyxiated in her crib when a heavy suitcase, meant to keep her from escaping, fell and pinned her down by her neck The report claims the father-of-three 'endangered the safety of his daughter' by placing her in a portable crib and then putting 'a foam mattress and suitcase filled with books' on top of the crib. 'Such conduct constituted culpable negligence which resulted in grievous bodily harm, to wit: mechanical asphyxiation resulting in death,' the indictment reads. Another report from the Florida Department of Children and Families revealed additional details about the circumstances surrounding the baby girl's untimely death. According to the report, obtained by the Tampa Bay Times, the two-year-old girl had been having difficulties sleeping at night, often climbing out of her crib, then messing up her room and waking up her two siblings. Concerned about Maeve's behavior as well as her safety, the worry-stricken parents tried to put Maeve in a Pack N' Play - a portable sleeping space for babies and young toddlers - but she was able to climb out of that as well, the report adds. The parents then attempted to cover the portable crib with a zip-on mesh top, while also dressing the baby in a sleep sack that covered her legs and restricted movement, however, the child still managed to escape. The couple then began stacking the book-filled suitcase, which reportedly weighed about 50 pounds, on top of the mesh covering along with the children's foam couch - in efforts to keep the baby from climbing out. Kodi said he put the three kids to bed between about 8.30pm and 9pm that night and continued hearing Maeve 'babble' for an additional 15 minutes before she stopped, assuming she had fallen asleep. His wife, Kateri, arrived home a few hours later, but did not check on her three 'sleeping' children, aged 2, 4 and 6, according to the report. At about 9.30am the following morning, she reportedly went into the children's room and found Maeve inside the crib with the suitcase and other items, pinning her neck down. The parents immediately called 911, but the child was declared dead upon arriving at a local hospital. 'The parents knowingly placed items over the top of the toddler's Pack N' Play in an effort to keep her confined inside,' a DCF investigator wrote in the report. 'Although they were not doing it for discipline purposes, and although they were not willfully trying to harm her, their actions ultimately led to her demise.' Authorities noted in the report that Maeves siblings both appeared to be well cared for and the parents had no previous incidents involving the welfare of their children. Kodi (pictured) said he put the three kids to bed between about 8:30 and 9 pm that night and continued hearing Maeve 'babble' for an additional 15 minutes before she stopped, assuming she had fallen asleep A federal indictment, which was made public this week, accuses the former U.S. Marine Corps staff sergeant and his wife of causing the death of their 2-year-old daughter in 2022 when the couple lived at MacDill Air Force Base (pictured) Kodi, who previously pleaded guilty to child endangerment at his court martial last year, waived extradition and is being transported from Ohio to Florida. Kateri was released on a $20,000 unsecured bond, federal records show. A GoFundMe campaign has since been organized by a friend of the family, aimed at helping the devastated family cover the costs of their baby girl's funeral. 'Tragedy has stuck this amazing military family. It is with great sadness that sweet little Maeve has passed away,' the page reads. 'Maeve was a loving, sweet, rambunctious little joy. She lost her life in a tragic accident at the sweet age of only 2. She was the light to many people life. Although she is gone from this world, she will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Our worlds will never be same.' The fundraising page has exceeded its goal of $10,000, raising a total of $10,627 as of Friday evening. A fundraiser has been set up for the family of tragic schoolgirl Hope Gordon, who was found dead in an apparent murder-suicide. Hope was found beside her father Mark, 36, on Monday at a property in West Calder, West Lothian, after she failed to attend school. Police Scotland said they are treating the girls death as murder, following a post mortem, in what is suspected to be a murder-suicide. Her fathers death continues to be unexplained, detectives said, however there was nothing to suggest anyone else is involved or that there is any public risk. Yesterday a family friend set up an online fundraiser to help Hopes family meet the cost of her funeral. Melanie Wheeldon, who set up the fundraiser, wrote: Hopes life was tragically cut short, leaving a void in the hearts of her family and friends that can never be filled. This GoFundMe page has been created to help Hopes family with the unexpected funeral expenses during this incredibly difficult time. Hope Gordon, the six-year-old girl found dead at a property on Harburn Drive in West Calder Mark Gordon, Hope's father, was also found dead at the property She added: Lets come together to honour Hopes memory and offer support to her grieving family. May Hopes gentle soul rest in eternal peace.' The fundraiser, at https://www.gofundme.com/f/hope-gordon, had last night already raised almost 800. Earlier this week, Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks, divisional commander, said: This is a shocking and deeply upsetting incident for the families involved, and the impact is felt across the community. Detective Superintendent Grant Hendry, of the Major Investigation Team, said: The families are understandably devastated and we are providing support through specialist officers at this extremely difficult time. An architect was stabbed to death in his riverside London townhouse in the early hours of this morning. Paramedics tried to save Mark Geoffrey Talbot, but the 75-year-old was pronounced dead in his 3.5million home in Putney, south-west London. Officers were called to the ivy-covered Thames-side house at 3.36am. And last night Scotland Yard detectives were questioning a 30-year-old man known to the victim who was arrested on suspicion of his murder. A police cordon remained outside overnight as forensic officers investigated. The Met said a post-mortem examination was due to take place today. They added that no one else was being investigated and there was no wider threat to the public. One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: 'I have never seen anything like it. 'This has always felt like such a safe place. It's a really affluent area and you would just never expect it.' Mr Talbot ran architectural firm Stoutheart Ltd for more than 30 years. A 75-year-old man has been stabbed to death at a multi-million pound property in south-west London. Pictured: Forensic investigators at the scene on Deodar Road following a fatal stabbing Scotland Yard said officers were called on Friday at 3.36am to the 1.8m property on Deodar Road, Putney, following reports of a knife attack Paramedics tried to save Mark Geoffrey Talbot, but the 75-year-old was pronounced dead in his 3.5million home in Putney, south-west London In 1987 he bought an 80ft Grade II-listed folly in Chichester, West Sussex, which overlooks the Isle of Wight and the English Channel. It was built for Lord Halifax in the 1760s and is named the Racton Monument. The monument, designed by architect Theodosius Keene, was originally built to host banquets on the ground floor and provide views of the Solent from the tower. The crumbling folly is said to be haunted, with locals reporting seeing flying bricks and faces appearing in its windows. Mr Talbot once applied for planning permission to turn the Georgian Gothic tower into a dwelling but this was refused in 2020 by the South Downs National Park Authority. The crumbling monument had become plagued with flytippers and illegal raves, as well as 'undesirable and sometimes illegal gatherings', Mr Talbot had said in his application. In London today Detective Superintendent Amanda Mawhinney said: 'I am aware that people in the community may feel shocked following this. A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Friday and police await formal identification Detective Superintendent Amanda Mawhinney, from the South West Command Unit - which covers Putney, said: 'We are currently supporting the family of a man who was sadly killed in the early hours of this morning' Local MP Fleur Anderson wrote on x to express her sympathy for the victim : 'Very shocked and saddened to hear about the death of a 75 year old man in Putney. I am in contact with the police' 'We believe this to be an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the public. 'Although we have made significant progress by making an arrest, I would like to make it clear that our investigation does not stop here. 'We need the local community to help us understand what happened in the early hours of this morning. We are appealing for anyone who was in the area at around 3am and that saw or heard anything unusual to contact us as soon as possible. 'You may notice a higher police presence within the area today whilst we carry out our inquiries. A scene is in place as well as road closures. 'If you feel the need to raise anything with our officers, then please feel free to speak with them whilst they are in the area.' Hamas announced it will release four out of the five female Israeli soldiers whose fight for freedom has been championed by the Daily Mail. Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, who are all 20, and Liri Albag, 19, are expected to be freed after 15 nightmare months in Gaza. Cruelly, Agam Berger, 20, was not on the list, splitting up the families who have campaigned relentlessly together to bring them all home. The Daily Mail highlighted their plight by publishing a powerful story with before and after images of the girls in captivity in January last year which was taken to the UN and the Hague. And the list was also notable for the absence of the female civilians, Arbel Yehud, 29, and Shiri Bibas, 30, as well as her sons Kfir, two, and Ariel, five, who should have been released before female soldiers. The Israel Defence Forces and representatives of the families called on commentators not to speculate on their status as Israeli officials accused Hamas of violating the terms of the deal. Last night Israeli prime minister was Benjamin Netanyahu demanding to know why no civilians are set for release. Officials warned the continuation of the deal may be delayed. Agam Bergers cousin Ashley Waxman Bakshi, 38, told the Mail the terror group is using the hostage release to continue its psychological warfare against Israelis. Israeli hostage, Liri Albag, a soldier who was seized from her army base in southern Israel during the deadly October 7, 2023 Daniela Gilboa is among the four female Israeli soldiers to be freed on Saturday Karina Ariev is among the four female Israeli soldiers who were held hostage for 15 months It is so cruel and evil that the five girls are being split, she said hours before the announcement that her relative would not be freed today. Its just awful because weve done everything together for the past 15 and a half months. It really is the highest level of evil and psychological warfare theyre doing to the families by ripping us apart like that. She was speaking at a ceremony where Agams mother Meirav, 48, prayed for her daughters safe return in Tel Aviv on Thursday. Mrs Berger, supported by her husband, Shlomi, 52, said in a prayer: The return of our beloved daughters is approaching, God willing. We are counting the minutes and waiting with bated breath for everyones return. Mrs Berger finished the prayer by adding: This land will not rest until all our hostages are home. This is my promise. The first phase agreement that will see 33 hostages freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners states that Hamas must let Israel know who it is freeing 24 hours in advance. But on the first week they were 18 hours late and have still not stated how many of those due to be released imminently are alive. It means Israelis face a torturous wait each week to discover who is living and who will be freed. Ms Waxman Bakshi compared it to some of the darkest days of Jewish history. Naama Levy is one of the hostages currently being held in Gaza and set to be freed on Saturday Its just an awful feeling that weve gone back to the days of the Holocaust, where we have lists determining whos going to have what fate. Hamas should let Israel know today how many of the 30 hostages remaining in the first phase are alive. But it is feared they wont name them, only state the number of the living out of each category women, elderly, and sick to prolong the families suffering. It is hoped Agam will be freed next Saturday. She was doing national service as an unarmed observer at Nahal Oz base when she was taken captive along with Daniella, Naama, Karina, and Liri. The four women will be freed in exchange for 200 Palestinians today. They are expected to include the former Jenin chief of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, who was once on Israels most wanted list. President Donald Trump fired Coast Guard commandant, Admiral Linda L. Fagan, almost immediately after taking office, but she did not hear about it until she was at the Commander in Chief Ball that evening. Fagan found out she was fired as she was waiting to have a photo taken with Trump at the ball, according to a military official speaking to the New York Times. Fagan did not respond to a request for comment. The Department of Homeland Security sent the bulletin featuring news of her job termination to the Coast Guard leadership the morning after Inauguration Day 'She served a long and illustrious career, and I thank her for her service to our nation,' the message read from acting DHS Secretary Benjamine C. Huffman said shortly. The department revealed in a statement that Admiral Fagan was removed because of 'leadership deficiencies, operational failures and inability to advance the strategic objectives of the U.S. Coast Guard' including a failure to secure the border and stop drugs from entering the United States. The statement also accused Fagan of failing to recruit and retain personnel and had an 'excessive focus' on DEI programs. Admiral Kevin Lunday, Coast Guard's No. 2 in command, was named acting Coast Guard commandant in her stead. Biden nominated Fagan as Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard in April 2022, as her supporters hailed her as the first female admiral in a position of leadership of one of the armed forces branches. Admiral Linda Fagan speaks after taking the oath as commandant of the US Coast Guard Admiral Linda Fagan greets US President Joe Biden during the US Coast Guard change of command ceremony Trump moved quickly on his pledge to end diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the federal government as he is set to lay off all DEI hires within 24 hours. The new Trump administration sent a letter to all heads and acting heads of government agencies on Tuesday, informing them all federal employees in DEI roles must be placed on paid leave by 5 pm Wednesday. All DEI offices in federal agencies are also being shuttered in the move, which comes after Trump signed an anti-DEI executive order in front of a cheering crowd at his inauguration on Monday. In a letter first obtained by CBS News, the agencies were ordered to 'take prompt actions' against all departments 'focusing exclusively on DEI initiatives and programs.' The letter also demands all public DEI focused webpages be taken offline, and orders employees within the departments to report 'any efforts to disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language.' Any employees that are aware of 'coded or imprecise language' intended to keep DEI programs alive but do not report them within 10 days are warned of 'adverse consequences.' Trump's executive order, titled 'Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing and Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions', directly reverses a DEI executive order enacted by President Biden on his first day in office four years ago. Tuesday's order concludes: 'These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination.' Donald Trump quickly made good on his executive order cutting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies in the federal government by putting all DEI hires on paid leave After all DEI hires are placed on leave by 5pm Wednesday, agencies are ordered to develop plans to lay off each employee that was hired under DEI policies, with a deadline of next Friday given to develop a list for a 'reduction in force action.' Agencies must then report to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on 'all steps taken' to remove DEI programs by January 23, including a complete list of all employees that had been in DEI offices as of November 5, 2024. A written plan for firing all DEI employees must then be submitted to the OPM by January 31, 2025, including a list of all 'contract descriptions or personnel position descriptions that were changed since November 5, 2024' to conceal their DEI intentions. The executive order slammed the 'infiltration' of DEI programs into the federal government, and cited the executive order signed by Biden on the first day of his presidency that aimed to tackle racial inequalities in government. Another similar executive order signed by Trump on Tuesday also rolled back affirmative action in federal contracting, reversing a longstanding order first signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. Trump's anti-DEI executive order directly reverses one signed by President Biden on the first day of his presidency four years ago aimed at tackling racial inequalities in government (pictured signing the order on January 20, 2021) Protestors seen outside the Supreme Court in June 2023 after the court struck down affirmative action in college admissions, one of the first major hits to DEI practices under the Biden administration OBTAINED FIRST BY @cbsnews @kristincbrown: All federal employees in DEI roles have to be placed on paid leave by 5pm Wednesday as those offices and programs are being ordered shut down, according to @USOPM memo. pic.twitter.com/PhTn4QrQqB Ed O'Keefe (@edokeefe) January 22, 2025 'Today, roughly 60 years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, critical and influential institutions of American society, including the Federal Government, major corporations, financial institutions, the medical industry, large commercial airlines, law enforcement agencies, and institutions of higher education have adopted and actively use dangerous, demeaning, and immoral race and sex-based preferences under the guise of so-called 'diversity, equity, and inclusion,' the memo read. Trump's order argued that DEI programs 'not only violate the text and spirit of our longstanding Federal civil-rights laws, they also undermine our national unity.' 'They deny, discredit, and undermine the traditional American values of hard work, excellence, and individual achievement in favor of an unlawful, corrosive, and pernicious identity-based spoils system,' the memo continued. A depraved transgender sex predator was today jailed for 12 years after lying in wait at a beauty spot and abducted and raped a 14-year-old girl at knifepoint on her walk to school. Oliver Smith, 21, pounced on the terrified lone teenager in her school uniform and pulled a box-cutter blade on her as she walked through a nature area. In the 45 minute ordeal, the porn addict subjected her to 'gratuitous threats of violence' and forced her to a secluded woodland spot where Smith raped her. When the 'scared' and 'sobbing' schoolgirl tried to flee, Smith chased after her and grabbed hold of her mouth to cover her screams, threatening they would stab her in the throat. A court heard the pervert meticulously planned the attack by scoping out the woods, wearing gloves, washing the victim in a river afterwards, and had a 'deeply disturbing' manifesto. Nine months before the attack Smith was convicted of voyeurism and having child abuse images - but escaped jail. After the horrific rape they fled to 600 miles away to Scotland but couldn't go any further as the 21-year-old didn't have their passport. Today, at Portsmouth Crown Court Smith - who the court heard uses they/them pronouns and suffers from 'gender issues' - was jailed for 12 years as the schoolgirl's parents watched on. Oliver Smith, 21, pounced on the lone teenager in her school uniform and pulled a box-cutter blade on her as she walked through a nature area The court heard Smith raped the girl at woodland by Bordon Inclosure in Bordon, Hants, on the morning September 27 last year. Home-educated Smith, who lived with their grandmother in the town, was seen leaving home early in the morning but not in his work clothes. Prosecutor Simon Foster said Smith was waiting at the woods for 30 minutes before the girl arrived. A week before, a walker had seen 'a man standing there in a manner that scared her'. Mr Foster said: 'On any view the defendant was at the scene some time before she [the schoolgirl] entered the woods. 'He must have either been waiting for her - she said she had seen someone like him standing in the woods on her walks to school - or he was waiting for someone like her. 'She said he knew exactly where he was going as if it was planned before. 'She was scared, panicking, hyper-ventilating, and crying [during the attack]. During this she was wondering if she would see her family again.' The girl, in her police interview, said: 'I went into the woods, this man came up to me, I tried to move out of the way. 'He pulled out a box-cutter from his pocket and said 'you are coming with me' and turned me around. 'I told him 'what the f*** are you doing? I'm a 14-year-old girl, get off me'. 'He put his hand over my mouth so I could not scream anymore. 'He said if I tried to run or scream again he would put this knife into your neck... I didn't want to die.' After the attack, Smith led the 'distressed' girl through the woods and walked her to a nearby river and told her 'I'm going to wash you off'. They told her 'you won't die, I promise you'. The court heard he raped the girl at woodland by Bordon Inclosure in Bordon, Hants, on the morning September 27 last year After washing the girl in the river, Smith allowed her to leave. She fled the woods, contacted her mother, and was found 'distressed' by a dog-walker. Smith immediately took a train to London, then a train to Edinburgh. From there, they travelled to and was arrested in Mallaig, a town on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands - almost 600 miles from the attack in Bordon. Mr Foster said Smith had left their passport at home and that 'one wonders' how far they would have travelled if they had it. A search of their home revealed Smith had a 'deeply disturbing manifesto' planning an attack, outlining considerations like 'disguise' and 'witnesses'. The court heard Smith spent their time on online chatrooms, had 'no friends', had a 'long-standing porn addiction' and watched 'disturbing pornography'. The girl's parents, who attended court, said in their statement their world has 'shattered beyond belief'. 'The damage this has caused to our family is indescribable', they said. 'She was one of the kindest, gentlest souls. Now, she is a shell of her former self. 'She used to be an outgoing, confident child with an amazing sense of humour. That's all changed and disappeared. 'What we would do to see her contagious laughter again. Her childhood has been ripped away.' In mitigation, Rupert Hallowes said Smith suffers from 'gender issues' and at the time was suffering from a depressive episode. 'This defendant is beginning to wake up to the impact their actions on this family', Mr Hallowes said. Smith 'lacked maturity' and is 'very sorry', he added. Judge James Newton-Price KC jailed Smith for 12 years. He said it was a 'horrific and traumatic ordeal' and that he 'paid tribute to the extraordinary courage' shown by the girl. 'She was very vulnerable due to her age and she should have expected to walk to school in safety', the judge said. Judge Newton-Price KC branded Smith a 'danger to women'. He said: 'You demonstrated calculated and predatory behaviour, I am sure you planned what you wanted to do that day. 'You were forensically aware, wearing gloves and making her wash herself. 'You were determined to have sexual intercourse, or other sex, with your victim and you were prepared to terrify by using a knife to compel her to do what you wanted. 'It involved degradation and humiliation, it was a sustained incident - 45 minutes - and involved gratuitous threats of violence at knifepoint.' Smith, who kept a blank face, admitted rape, attempted rape, false imprisonment, committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence, threatening another with a blade, false imprisonment, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The schoolgirl's mother kept her eyes fixed on Smith during the hearing and her father wept as harrowing details were read out. The number of firms on the brink of collapse has surged under Labour. Rachel Reeves was last night warned that her tax-raising Budget threatens to push many over the edge following an unprecedented 50 per cent rise in businesses in 'critical financial distress'. Separate figures yesterday showed private-sector jobs falling in January at the fastest pace since 2009 excluding the pandemic in another blow for the beleaguered Chancellor. Insolvency specialist Begbies Traynor said Labour's 25billion raid on employers' National Insurance and a hike in the minimum wage in the Budget could be the 'last straw' for many firms struggling with weak consumer confidence and high borrowing costs. 'For many of these companies, the situation is dire,' executive chairman Ric Traynor said. 'This additional burden will almost certainly result in business leaders taking the decision to, at best, reduce headcount or, worse, wind down their operations in the face of insurmountable challenges. 'I fear 2025 could end up being a watershed moment where thousands of UK businesses call 'time' after struggling to survive for years.' In a 'Red Flag alert', the advisory firm revealed 46,853 businesses were at serious risk of collapse in the last three months of 2024, up from 31,201 in the previous quarter. The likes of hotels, leisure firms and retailers have particularly been under pressure, Begbies Traynor said. Earlier this month, the Signature Group, which runs bars, hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, said companies were simply aiming to 'survive '25'. Rachel Reeves was last night warned that her tax-raising Budget threatens to push many over the edge following an unprecedented 50 per cent rise in businesses in 'critical financial distress' Official figures this week showed jobs slumping in December and public-sector borrowing rising by more than expected The job cuts were blamed on the NI hike as well as a 'post-Budget slump in business confidence', according to the purchasing managers' index compiled by financial firm S&P Global Reform UK tops poll of voters Reford UK has topped a poll of voters for the first time, pushing the Tories into second and Labour into third. Nigel Farage's party would win 26 per cent of votes if a general election were held tomorrow, with Kemi Badenoch's party taking 23 per cent and Labour 22 per cent. The survey by FindOutNow asked 2,380 people what their voting intention was 'definitely' or 'very likely' to be. Mr Farage whose party's support increased by a point since January 15 tweeted the poll results, adding: 'This is just the beginning.' However, a spokesman for Mrs Badenoch whose party gained three points told GB News: 'Polls go up and down and change every week. We're focused on what matters the damage Labour is doing to the economy, our schools and our international standing.' A source from Labour which is down three points said: 'The Labour Government is getting on with delivering the Plan for Change. That means taking the tough decisions.' Advertisement It adds to the headaches facing Ms Reeves, who travelled to the World Economic Forum in Davos this week to bang the drum for British growth prospects. Critics point out that while Ms Reeves talks of prioritising growth by sweeping aside political and regulatory objections, it is her Budget that has done the most damage, while the introduction of a series of new workers' rights is adding to the burden. Julie Palmer, partner at Begbies Traynor, said: 'I fear the current situation will undoubtedly push some over the edge. The situation feels very precarious. 'Sadly, this has only been exacerbated by the tax rises and increase in national minimum wage levied on businesses during the October Budget.' Tory business spokesman Andrew Griffith said: 'To stop the wave of businesses in trouble, something's got to give, whether it is the jobs-killing employment bill, the NI hike, or the anti-growth red tape still spewing out or ideally all three.' Official figures this week showed jobs slumping in December and public-sector borrowing rising by more than expected. In another blow, a monthly reading of private-sector activity showed the economy continuing to stagnate at the start of this year and jobs being cut for the fourth month in a row. The job cuts were blamed on the NI hike as well as a 'post-Budget slump in business confidence', according to the purchasing managers' index compiled by financial firm S&P Global. Separately, figures from the Confederation of British Industry showed a deepening decline in retail sales in January extending the high street's downturn to the fourth month in a row. And businesses expect to see an equally dismal February. Tory business spokesman Andrew Griffith (pictured) said: 'To stop the wave of businesses in trouble, something's got to give, whether it is the jobs-killing employment bill, the NI hike, or the anti-growth red tape still spewing out or ideally all three' Julian Jessop, at the Institute of Economic Affairs, a free-market think-tank, said: 'The UK economy made a poor start to 2025. The jump in the number of firms in financial distress in the final quarter of last year could just be the tip of the iceberg. 'Insolvencies are usually a lagging indicator, so it is even more worrying that they are already taking off before the full impact of the increases in tax and other business costs in the Budget lands in April.' Yesterday, kitchenware firm Lakeland said it was considering putting itself up for a sale in a bid to secure its future amid a 'challenging' environment. The Windermere-based company is thought to have appointed financial advisers to explore the appetite among speculative buyers. Peter Dutton has warned that young men are 'fed up' of being painted like ogres in a post #MeToo world, as he claims the 'woke agenda' has gone too far. The Opposition Leader said the domination of 'woke' diversity and inclusion policies in government, universities and big business was crumbling in Western democracies. In Australia, he said the failure of the Voice referendum had allowed many people the 'breathing space' to realise their views were in the majority. Mr Dutton made the comments in a wide-ranging 90-minute interview with mortgage millionaire Mark Bouris on his Straight Talk podcast. He was also quizzed about his childhood working in a butcher shop, his daily routine involving 4.30am rises and gym sessions, how he responds to nasty 'Mr Potato Head' sledging, as well as how he likes to unwind with a steak and glass of wine. But his comments about the 'woke agenda' will no doubt strike a chord with the millions of young men who he said feel 'disenfranchised and ostracised'. 'There's also an element of society in universities and others in big business, industry super funds, who make their money out of a woke agenda. That's their business right,' Mr Dutton said. 'It's a global movement. It's starting to wane now I think... it will be advanced now with President Trump being elected, if there's a change of leadership in Canada and Jacinda Ardern is gone in New Zealand. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the domination of 'woke' diversity and inclusion policies in government, universities and business was crumbling in Western democracies Mr Dutton (left) made the comments in a wide-ranging 90-minute interview with mortgage millionaire Mark Bouris (right) on his Straight Talk podcast 'I think Anthony Albanese is trying to grasp on to it but I just think most Australians have moved on.' Mr Dutton said many Australians had realised their anti-woke views were in the majority after the failed Voice referendum in late 2023. '(It) allowed people to say "thank goodness, I thought I was the only one who thought that this wasn't necessary, wasn't good for our country, who wanted to help Indigenous people but just didn't think this was the way to do it",' he added. The Liberal leader said the 'woke agenda' had originated in left-wing universities before being adopted by big business - but everyday Aussies were fighting back. 'I just don't believe that we should discriminate on the basis of gender or race or on any basis,' he said. He added: 'I think a lot of young males feel disenfranchised and feel ostracised, and they're saying, "Well, hang on, I have nothing but respect for women, and I would never treat my female friends differently than my male friends". '"But I'm being told that I'm some sort of ogre, or I have some belief structure which is true to that, which I know is, is, you know, what I hold in my heart". 'I think there's just a point where people are fed up and they're pushing back.' Mr Dutton made the comments in a wide-ranging 90-minute interview with mortgage millionaire Mark Bouris (pictured) on his Straight Talk podcast His comments about the 'woke agenda' will no doubt strike a chord with the millions of young men who feel 'disenfranchised and ostracised' (tradies are pictured in Newcastle) He said that many men felt they were being 'overlooked at work' because of affirmative hiring policies. Mr Dutton said the situation was made worse because CEOs were too afraid to speak up on controversial issues. 'A lot of CEOs of publicly listed companies, who have got HR and marketing people saying to them, "dont enter into these debates, don't say anything",'' Mr Dutton said. 'Whereas a generation ago, the CEOs of BHP or Coles or Myers or, you know, the big sort of iconic brands felt an obligation to be on the front page of the fin (The Australian Financial Review) advocating for tax change or for industrial relations reform. He added: 'Now they only feel that they can comment on or be in support of some of the woke causes because their marketing people are telling them that will get them greater popularity online again. 'I just think it's a level of weakness that doesn't serve our country, our country's best interests.' Mr Dutton revealed he helps clear his mind through daily meditation and by prioritising family time and likes to indulge in a steak and a glass of wine. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to do his own interview with Mr Bouris' Straight talk podcast next week. Anthony Albanese has lashed out at Peter Dutton over his comments on Australia Day, telling the Opposition Leader to 'just chill out'. The Prime Minister was asked at Friday's National Press Club of Australia address whether he supported calls to boycott pubs and businesses that don't get behind the day of national celebration on 26 January. 'I sometimes think that Peter Dutton every year has a fight with an imaginary friend over something that most Australians are just getting on with,' Mr Albanese told reporters. 'One of the things that Australia Day celebrates is the fact that we're not a Soviet-style command system. 'You know, like, just chill out! Get on with life. The debates over which company has thongs in it! Last year, it was... boycotting Woolworths, Australia's largest employer. 'Did I support that? No, I didn't support that. I support Australia Day.' Mr Albanese said he would be taking part in events in Canberra on Sunday. The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) was asked at Friday's National Press Club address whether he supported calls to boycott pubs and businesses that don't get behind the day of national celebration on 26 January Last week, Daily Mail Australia revealed that at least 154 councils are not welcoming any new citizens on 26 January (pictured: Australia Day revellers on Cronulla Beach in 2022) 'I hope that Peter Dutton joins me in a bipartisan show of support for our national day in our national capital,' he added. The Liberal Party leader promised to force councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on 26 January if elected. In late 2022, the Albanese administration scrapped a previous rule which mandated that councils held citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day. At the time, Mr Albanese insisted there were 'no changes here'. But it led to over 80 councils last year deciding to scrap citizenship ceremonies on January 26, up from just four a year earlier. Last week, Daily Mail Australia revealed that at least 154 councils are not welcoming any new citizens on 26 January. Australia Day, observed each year on January 26, marks the landing of the First Fleet in 1788 when the first governor of the British colony of New South Wales, Arthur Phillip, hoisted the Union Jack at Sydney Cove. But, for many Indigenous people and younger Australians, it is regarded as 'Invasion Day' or the 'Day of Mourning', with protests being held in every major city each year. Mr Albanese was speaking at the National Press Club of Australia to spruik a new pledge to offer apprentice tradies $10,000 in incentive payments from July 2025. 'In occupations essential for residential construction, jobs like bricklayers, electricians, plumbers and carpenters, we will be providing eligible apprentices up to $10,000 through our new Housing Construction Apprenticeship Program,' Mr Albanese said. 'Five payments of $2,000 each, on top of their wages. This means that apprentices in residential construction will now get the same training incentives as those in the energy sector. 'More new homes, more new energy and more support for the tradies who will build both.' Four members of the ultra-violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua have been arrested as President Donald Trump declares war on the South America crime organization that crossed over the border during the Biden Administration. TdA, as the gang is known to law enforcement, is best known for infiltrating the US, posing as Venezuelan asylum seekers, and spreading to cities across America. After crossing the border, they have unleashed crimes like police beatings, murders, rapes, child prostitution, drug sales, and taking over apartment complexes in cities like Aurora, Colorado and San Antonio, Texas. DailyMail.com was the first news organization in the US to report on TdA arriving in America over a year ago, however, the gang became a household name after video of them storming an apartment near Denver surfaced in August. The TdA arrests were made public by White House Press Secretary on social media as the Trump Administration boasted about its border crackdown in the first five days of his second term. 'The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors,' posted White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on X, formerly known as Twitter. However, the arrests are far from the only action the Republican president has taken in this week to weaken the prison gang turned international crime ring. On Day 1 back in the White House, Trump signed an executive order calling for the 'total elimination' of Tren de Aragua, which is now considered a terrorist group. Federal immigration agents have been rounding up illegal immigrants across the nation this week, including in Boston, as pictured above. It's unclear if the migrant arrested is a Tren de Aragua member Under the presidential order, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has the green light to work with other federal agencies to take action on the TdA within 14 days. During the Biden Administration, the South American syndicate was classified as a 'transnational criminal organization'-- which allowed the US government to seize property and interests connected to the gang in the US. Biden also announced a $5,000,000 bounty for TdA's kingpin, Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, also known as 'Nino (the Kid) Guerrero.' However, Trump has yet to order raids at Colorado apartment known to be a gang strong hold, Edge of Lowry. As recently as December, the Aurora Police Department described the apartment units there as being infested with TdA gangsters, including one who dressed in drag to try to avoid being arrested after he helped torture fellow migrants. However, the nationwide deportations taking place have made Denver-area law enforcement hopeful that TdA will finally be rooted out of their community. 'Deportations are needed because they will just go down the street to another property,' one cop told DailyMail.com, adding that simply evicting them from the Edge of Lowry won't solve the problem. Additionally, Trump has also put Venezuela's dictator, Nicholas Maduro, on notice that the US may stop buying petroleum from the embattled country. Maduro refused to accept that his lost the presidential election last year and has remained in power despite vast evidence that Edmundo Gonzalez won. They also appear to be cramming people into one-bedroom apartments, she added. At a different property, a maintenance worker said they believe TdA members are living there because he has seen Venezuelans walking around shamelessly showing off well-known Tren de Aragua tattoos Niefred Jose Serpa-Acosta, 20, a known TdA member, presents himself to police with hands up and dressed as a woman. Officers encountered Serpa-Acosta on Dec. 16 after he took part in a vicious the kidnapping and torture of a Venezuelan couple Two of the 19 individuals arrested during the Oct. 19 raid at the Palatia Apartments in San Antonio where authorities say Tren de Aragua had been operating Tren de Aragua gang tattoos (pictured above) were part of a Department of Homeland Security bulletin that was recently shared with federal agents 'It was a great country 20 years ago, and now it's a mess," Trump said shortly after taking the oath of office Monday. 'We don't have to buy their oil. We have plenty of oil for ourselves.' Oil is Venezuela's lifeline, 222,000 bpd last year to the US-- making America its second largest customer behind China. TdA has long been known to be henchmen for Madura, who emptied his countries prisons in the last few years-- sending Venezuela's worst criminals to the US. Chilling Pentagon documents may reveal why the 'Deep State' has always feared the release of the John F. Kennedy assassination files. A 12-page report, signed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in 1962, details a secret plan to commit heinous acts against American citizens to justify war with Cuba in the 1960s. Code-named Operation Northwoods, this top-secret plot proposed enacting terrorism on US cities in a what is known as a 'false flag operation', before blaming Cuba in order to fool the Americans into supporting war efforts to oust communist Fidel Castro. 'We could develop a Communist Cuban terror campaign in the Miami area, in other Florida cities and even in Washington,' the document states, among dozens of other violent ideas of how to incite American hostility against the island nation. US officials even proposed killing their own soldiers, writing: 'We could blow up a US ship in Guantanamo Bay and blame Cuba,' and, 'casualty lists in US newspapers would cause a helpful wave of national indignation.' JFK rejected Operation Northwoods when it came across his desk and was shot. A conspiracy theory surrounding JFK's assassination claims he was killed by Israel which allegedly controls the US 'Deep State.' Now, President Donald Trump has promised to release all classified documents relating to JFK's assassination, which could potentially lead to more shocking revelations about the US government's activities during the 1960s. Code named Operation Northwoods, this top-secret US military plot proposed killing innocent people and enacting terrorism on American cities, then blaming Cuba for these crimes Trump deems the 'Deep State' as 'an alleged shadowy group of who, according to many, wield undue influence over government policies, regardless of the elected administration.' He has vowed to to 'drain the swamp' and is expected to target the intelligence community which he believes has worked to keep him out of the White House as part of a 'Deep State' operation. The Operation Northwoods proposal drafted as part of a larger document titled 'Justification for US Military Intervention in Cuba.' This top-secret collection of draft memorandum was written by the Department of Defense (DoD) and JCS and presented to then Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara in 1962. But the document was declassified in the CIA library. 'A series of well coordinated incidents will be planned to take place in and around Guantanamo to give genuine appearance of behind done by hostile Cuban forces,' reads the document. 'The following portions provide 'incidents to establish a credible attack (not in chronological order).' The plan included everything from starting rumors to 'landing friendly Cubans in uniform to stage acts on military bases and blowing up ammunition inside facilities. The list also featured a plant to 'burn aircraft on air base' and sink a ship near the harbor entrance of an unspecified base and then 'conduct funerals for mock-victims.' The goal of this plan was to trick the American public and the international community into supporting a war effort to oust Cuba's then leader, communist Fidel Castro Dwight D. Eisenhower's administration developed a plan to overthrow Castro known as the Bay of Pigs Invasion, which was carried out in 1961 by Eisenhower's successor, John F. Kennedy '[The] United States would respond by executing offensive operations to secure water and power supplies, destroying artillery and mortar emplacements which threaten the base,' the document describes. Public knowledge of Operation Northwoods did not come until a nearly-complete version of the document was published online in 2001. Fidel Castro rose to power and became Prime Minister of Cuba in 1959 and turned the nation into the first communist state in the Western Hemisphere. In the early days of his administration, he strengthened Cuban ties with the Soviet Union, establishing trade deals between their countries. The Bay of Pigs invasion failed, and in 1962 the Cuban Missile Crisis began. A year later, then President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas Simultaneously, Castro strained Cuban relations with the US by directly challenging capitalism and raising taxes on US imports. At that time, the US was led by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, whose administration developed a plan to overthrow Castro. This plan, known as the Bay of Pigs Invasion, was carried out in 1961 by Eisenhower's successor, JFK. He deployed a brigade of 1,400 CIA-sponsored Cuban exiles to overthrow Castro's communist government, but the invasion failed. In 1962, the Soviet Union began shipping ballistic missiles to Cuba in an effort to strengthen their ties and protect the island nation from the US. This became known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. This strengthened the Kennedy administration's resolve to overthrow the communist Cuban government. The US went on to conduct covert operations against Cuba through Operation Mongoose, a secret CIA initiative to remove Castro from power. The Operation Northwoods proposal was developed as part of this initiative. This shocking document was kept secret for nearly 40 years until the JFK Assassination Records Review Board released it as part of 1,521 pages of formerly-classified military records covering 1962 to 1964. The Stone of Destiny is a powerful symbol of the British monarchy. Also known as Stone of Scone, the centuries-old object has been placed under the coronation chair for the crowning of British monarchs since the 13th century, including King Charles III in May 2023. Ahead of the king's coronation, subtle markings on the stone revealed previously unknown Roman numerals XXXV, or 35. Now, an expert has revealed the meaning of this mysterious inscription, which she thinks was made as recently as the early 1950s. Professor Sally Foster, an archaeologist at Stirling University, thinks the Stone of Destiny is actually one of 35 pieces of the original sandstone block. The other smaller 34 pieces were separated from the ancient artefact after its famous theft from Westminster Abbey in 1950. 'The penny dropped 34 fragments plus one stone equals 35,' Professor Foster told the PA news agency. 'Of course I can't prove this, but what else might it be?' The Stone of Destiny, pictured here on display at the new Perth Museum, was used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs until the 13th century, and thereafter in the coronation of English and later British monarchs Laser scans in 2023 revealed the subtle marking 'XXXV' which is the number 35 in Roman numerals, according to Professor Sally Foster, archaeologist at the Stirling University Also known as Stone of Scone, the centuries-old object has been placed under the coronation chair for the crowning of British monarchs since the 13th century, including King Charles III in May 2023 Professor Foster thinks the marking was made by Robert 'Bertie' Gray, a Scottish nationalist and stonemason who oversaw the repair of the Stone of Destiny in 1951. During a raid on Westminster Abbey in 1950, when four students spirited the stone back to Scotland, it split in two and Gray later oversaw the work to repair it. It's believed more than 30 fragments were created during the restoration work, although Gray never revealed exactly how many before his death in 1975. However, the Roman numerals suggest the figure is 35 in total 34 fragments and the main 335 lb (152kg) slab, which is now on display in Perth following its use in the coronation in 2023. Professor Foster added: 'He [Bertie Gray] is writing on it "this is the 35th". 'It fits in with his sense of humour and with him putting his own mark on the stone.' A search is already under way to trace up to 30 missing fragments of the Stone of Destiny, although one fragment is known to have been gifted to former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond and kept at the SNP's headquarters. Professor Foster has already received word of several fragments which remain in private ownership, including one which ended up in Orkney. Also known as Stone of Scone, the revered object has long been an ancient symbol of the Scottish and British monarchy, used since the 1300s for the inauguration of kings and queens. Pictured, inside Westminster Abbey during a welcome ceremony, April 29, 2023 Pictured, a service to mark the arrival of the Stone of Destiny to Westminster Abbey in London in April 2023 A search is already under way to trace up to 30 missing fragments of the Stone of Destiny, although one fragment (pictured) is known to have been gifted to former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond and kept at the SNP's headquarters In 2023, scientists at Historic Environment Scotland, which cares for Stone of Destiny, performed laser scans of the revered object What is the Stone of Destiny? The Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, is an oblong block of sandstone with great religious and historical significance. Legend has it that it started life as the stone pillow on which Jacob slept when he had his dream of the ladder leading up to heaven as described in Genesis 28:12-17. It has featured in the coronation of every English sovereign, with the exception of Mary I and Mary II, since 1307. In 1296, English king Edward I looted the stone (from Scone Abbey) in 1296 and brought it to London. 700 years later, it was returned to Scotland. Advertisement The Stone of Destiny has featured in the coronation of every English sovereign with the exception of Mary I and Mary II since 1307. On Christmas Day in 1950, it was stolen by four young Scottish robbers who snuck into Westminster Abbey by a side door. But, being unprepared for its heftiness it weighed 24 stone the activists dropped it and it broke in two when it hit the floor before escaping with both pieces in a car. On discovering that the Stone was missing, authorities closed the border between Scotland and England for the first time in 400 years. The robbers hired Gray to mend the stone, who inserted a brass rod, containing a piece of paper, during his repair (although what was written on the paper remains unknown). The stone was finally found safe on the altar at Arbroath Abbey, draped in a Saltire, in April 1951 before being returned to Westminster the following year. In 1996, it was finally returned to Scotland in recognition of 700 years since it was taken by English king Edward I. While the stone's origins are unclear, some place them in Biblical times and identify it as the Stone of Jacob, taken by Jacob from Bethel while on the way to Haran in the Middle East, as told in the Book of Genesis. The Stone Of Destiny returned to Edinburgh back in 1996 (pictured) in recognition of 700 years since it was taken by English king Edward I The Stone of Destiny - an oblong block of sandstone - was under the Coronation chair where King Charles sat when officially crowed on May 6, 2023 The Coronation Chair, containing the Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, in Westminster Abbey, London. The ancient symbol of Scotland's monarchy, a large rectangular block of sandstone weighing more than 150kg, was seized by Edward I of England in 1296 But in 2023, prior to the coronation of King Charles III, an academic poured cold water on this theory. Professor Ian Bradley, a historian at the University of St Andrews said it's 'highly doubtful' the one used in the Coronation is the 'original' from the Holy Land. He said the object is made of a type of sandstone that is 'unknown' in the Middle East but 'relatively common' around Scone in Perthshire. Scone is the location where English king Edward I looted the stone (from Scone Abbey) in 1296 and brought it to London and some think Edward was fobbed off with a fake. The Stone of Destiny is now on public display at Perth Museum, having been transported last year from Edinburgh, where it was targeted by vandals. Historic Environment Scotland, which cares for the stone and performed the 2023 laser scans, didn't comment on or acknowledge Professor Foster's new conclusion about the numerals. 'We don't know for certain when these markings were made on the Stone, or what they signify,' a Historic Environment Scotland spokesperson told MailOnline. 'While they have the appearance of Roman numerals, this does not necessarily mean they date to Roman times. 'The appearance of the markings and the fact they have not been recorded previously suggest they may have been carved more recently. We hope this will be an area for further research.' Professor Foster said her research is being submitted to an international peer-reviewed journal, awaiting peer review and acceptance. Archaeologists have uncovered two lost settlements of ancient Rome, suggesting the empire's control stretched wider than previously believed. They found an ancient slab of volcanic rock fashioned into a rectangular artifact, which was used to mark land borders in Galilee, between northern Israel and southern Lebanon. Carved in Ancient Greek lettering, the stone proclaims that the previously unknown towns of Tirathas and Golgol were under the control of the Roman Empire, and featured the name of four governors in charge of managing the empire's territories abroad. The etchings date back 1,720 years ago during the reign of Caesar Marcus Aurelius Alexander, the ruler featured in the original 2000 Gladiator movie. The location showed that people living within the boundary were under imperial rule, being taxed by the Roman Empire located 2,500 miles away in Italy. But it also has religious significance. The stone was found in Upper Galilee believed to be where Jesus preached, walked on water and was baptized. The team, from the Hebrew University, emphasized that 'such discoveries provide a unique glimpse into the lives of ancient inhabitants, the pressures they faced and the enduring traces of their communities in the archaeological record.' Professor Uzi Leibner said: 'Finding a boundary stone like this not only sheds light on ancient land ownership and taxation but also provides a tangible connection to the lives of individuals who navigated these complex systems nearly two millennia ago.' Archaeologists uncovered a stone (left shows the inscription highlighted) in the region where The ancient Romans controlled a large portion of the Middle East, including Anatolia, the Levant, parts of Mesopotamia, and Arabia. They also had power over Israel from 63 BC until 135 AD. The stone was found at the site of Abel Beth Maacah, an ancient city in the Upper Galilee region of Israel. 'The names Tirthas and Golgol are not known from any other boundary stones found in the area, nor from any ancient source,' the team shared in the study, saying that these are two new settlements of the vast Roman Empire. Archaeologists speculated that a large ruin found in the area in the late 19th century could have resided in Tirthas. The previous excavation recorded the site as Kh. Turritha. 'The resemblance of the names Turritha Tirthas, located in the same vicinity, can hardly be coincidental and it is likely that the former preserves the ancient name,' researchers wrote. 'The surveyors did not provide any description besides 'large heaps of basalt stones', and we could find no archaeological information on this site, located today on the Lebanese side of the border.' However, the border stone was made of basalt which is a dark-colored, igneous rock that forms when lava cools quickly at the Earth's surface. 'If the suggestion to identify Tirthas with Kh. Turritha is correct, then the field(s) of Golgol/m could have been located anywhere to the west, south, or north of the original spot of the boundary stone,' reads the study. Archaeologists unearthed a boundary stone in Galilee that featured ancient Greek inscriptions of previously unknown territories, revealing the Roman Empire's control extended further and for longer than previously believed The stone was found at the site of Abel Beth Maacah Galilee, located in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, is mentioned in the Bible as the venue for most of Jesus' ministry and where he walked on water and was baptized Archaeologists speculated that a large ruin found in the area in the late 19th century could have resided in Tirthas. The previous excavation recorded the site as Kh. Turritha There are some sites with Roman-period remains west of tell Abel Beth Maacah, but none bear a name resembling Golgol. 'However, there is a low, round hill, standing less than a kilometer from the eastern slopes of Abel Beth Maacah that may be identified with it,' said the researchers. They linked Golgol with Gilgal and Golgotha because of the linguistic, topographical and cultural similarities between the names. Gilgal, mentioned in the Book of Joshua, was the eastern border of Jericho where the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River following their exodus from Egypt. And Golgotha is the name of the hill in Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified, as described in the Bible's four Gospels. The name translates to 'place of the skull'. This discovery adds to a unique corpus of over 20 boundary stones concentrated in the northern Hula Valley and surrounding areas. The stones mark a period of heightened administrative control aimed at standardizing taxation and clarifying land ownership. This specific find highlights the interconnectedness of historical geography, economic policies and local settlement patterns. From Stanley Tucci to Terry Crews, some men have made baldness their signature style. But if you're not so keen to say goodbye to those luscious locks, science may now have the answer. Researchers say the secret to why humans grow such long scalp hair is a hidden 'molecular switch'. That means treating hair loss could be as 'simple' as finding a way to flick that switch back on. Although long scalp hair is rare in the animal kingdom, the researchers don't think that the capacity to grow it is unique. Mammals such as orangutans, highland cattle, and male lions all have the ability to grow out their hair. This suggests that the trigger for hair growth might remain hidden inside us and other mammals until the right environmental factor activates it. Co-author Professor Sung-Jan Lin, of the University of Singapore, says: 'What these examples tell us is that the molecular blueprint for growing very long hair has always existed, albeit often in a "silenced" state.' While some celebs like Stanley Tucci have embraced their baldness, science may soon have a solution for anyone who isn't so keen to say goodbye to their luscious locks A team of researchers examined the evolution of human hair. They believe that long scalp hair first emerged when humans appeared in Africa around 300,000 years ago While it might seem normal to us, a human's full head of hair is extremely uncommon for the animal kingdom. Co-author Professor Nina Jablonski, of Penn State University, says: 'Humans grow extremely long scalp hair. 'Likewise, attributes of scalp hair its length, shape, colour and loss of hair play an essential role in social communication. 'And yet, despite the importance of having long scalp hair, we know very little about how this feature of human skin came about and how it is regulated.' Researchers from Penn State University, the University of California, Irvine, and National Taiwan University investigated the social and biological evolution of human hair. Their findings suggest that long hair probably first evolved when humans first emerged in equatorial Africa around 300,000 years ago as a way of protecting our heads from the intense heat of the sun. Long, tightly curled hair is an effective sun shield so ancient humans didn't need to sweat so much to cool down, and so could go longer without water. Professor Jablonski says: 'This hair type not only reduced heat exposure but also conserved vital water and electrolytes, which could mean the difference between life and death in such extreme conditions.' Long, curly scalp hair is an effective shield against the sun and so probably evolved to help humans survive Africa's harsh condition Hair types only became more diverse as humans moved out of Africa. Eventually, humans started selecting for long hair because it conveyed key signals like age and sexual maturity (stock image) Later, humans began to select for long hair because it conveyed essential signals related to an individuals age, sexual maturity, health and social status. It was only as humans spread out of Africa that more hair types evolved, and hair styling became more elaborate and diverse. However, this doesn't explain why humans were able to start growing long scalp hair in the first place. Looking at the animal kingdom, the researchers found that long scalp hair isn't entirely unique to humans. Some male animals like lions, muskox, and highland cattle can all grow very long hair from their heads. This suggests that the potential to grow long hair is something that many mammals carry but is only triggered in certain conditions. Most importantly, primates with which we share a common ancestor such as hamadryas baboons, orangutans, and emperor tamarins grow exceptionally long hair. Since the biological mechanisms that dictate hair growth are the same across all species, the researchers suggest that there might be a 'molecular switch' which triggers a species to move from short to long hair. Long hair is not entirely unique in the animal kingdom as primates like Orangutan's grow very long hair (pictured). This suggests that the ability to grow long hair might be something which is dormant in mammals until the right conditions activate it In their paper, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, they argued that our human ancestors always had this molecular switch built into their biology. However, it was only when certain biological and environmental conditions, such as walking upright on two legs, were met that this molecular program was activated. Professor Lin says: 'When human ancestors evolved their ability to grow extremely long scalp hair, it was likely accomplished by just a few genetic tweaks that reactivated a dormant program rather than via the evolution of an entirely new molecular mechanism.' This realisation could have significant consequences for the attempt to find a cure for hair loss. Male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, is believed to affect between 40 and 50 per cent of men worldwide. The condition is caused by a combination of genetic factors and levels of sex hormones which gradually lead to the permanent loss of hair follicles on the head. Patients can use the topical treatment minoxidil, sold as Rogaine, but this can be slow and does not work for everyone suffering from hair loss. Those who do not see improvements with minoxidil can also take the oral drug Finasteride, sold as Propecia, which works by decreasing the flow of testosterone. In good news for bald men like Terry Crews (pictured), researchers say that finding a way to activate hair's 'molecular switch' could be the key to curing hair loss This must be taken continuously once started and can be associated with severe side effects such as erectile dysfunction, testicular pain, reduced libido, and depression. However, if long hair growth is triggered by a molecular switch, then finding a way to turn it on could be the solution scientists have been looking for. Co-author Professor Maksim Plikus, of the University of California, says: 'Understanding how human scalp hair follicles normally grow very long hair will naturally result in novel molecular targets for more efficacious therapies for hair loss. 'This knowledge could lead to treatments that help restore hair growth and alleviate the emotional distress that often accompanies hair loss.' UFO whistleblowers are set to expose an '80-year cover-up' of the existence of non-human existence in an upcoming documentary. Approximately 34 current and former senior members of the US government, military and intelligence community are also set to disclose details about a worldwide race to verse engineer alien technology. 'The Age of Disclosure,' by filmmaker Dan Farah, will premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas this March. The film claims there has been an 80-year cover-up of the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence and a secret war among nations racing to reverse engineer UFO technology one that the US has long been a key player in. Newly confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former senior intelligence official Luis Elizondo, and former NASA administrator and member of the agency's UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) study team Mike Gold will give their testimonies. In the trailer, released Wednesday, former Staff Director of the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Christopher Mellon said: 'This is the biggest discovery in human history.' These officials have served as prominent whistleblowers in the push for transparency about the federal government's supposed knowledge of and involvement with UAPs. Several of them testified at a Congressional hearing on the subject in November, arguing that the Department of Defense (DoD) has failed to inform the both Congress and the public of the existence and effectiveness of programs related to UAPs. A forthcoming UFO documentary will include interviews with dozens of current and former top US officials, including newly confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio During the joint hearing, Elizondo, an ex-Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) official, said under oath that he managed a highly classified Special Access Program (SAP) for the White House under the National Security Council before quitting the Pentagon in 2017. He also testified that he was compelled or perhaps encouraged to sign agreements that restrict him from speaking out about certain SAPs, such as key projects involving UFOs, crashes and reverse engineering. Following his departure from the Pentagon, Elizondo helped release three of the most famous UFO videos in history, and has previously said that the US government is 'in possession of UAP technologies, as are some of our adversaries.' Just for months prior to testifying before Congress, he gave an exclusive interview to DailyMail.com in which he discussed intriguing and previously unknown UFO incidents, many of which are also detailed in his book, 'Imminent.' These events include UAP sightings by military personnel, damage to military vehicles that he perceived as extraterrestrial sabotage, and even 'implants' found in military service members who had a run-in with a UFO. Now, he is speaking out again in The Age of Disclosure. In the film's trailer, Elizondo says: 'We learned that the US government was involved in a long-running, secret war with other nations to collect and reverse-engineer vehicles not made by humans.' Mike Gold, another key source in the film, testified before Congress alongside Elizondo. Gold previously served as NASA's associate administrator of space policy and partnerships and as a member of the organization's independent UAP study team in October 2022. Luis Elizondo, an ex-Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) official, testified before Congress that he previously managed a highly classified Special Access Program (SAP) for the White House In the November hearing, retired US Navy Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet (far left), ex-DIA official Luis Elizondo (center left) and former NASA administrator Mike Gold (far right) testified to the US Governments knowledge of UAP and extraterrestrial intelligence The film trailer features clips of UAP activity obtained from the US government He now serves as the Chief Growth Officer at Redwire, an American aerospace manufacturer and space technology company. But while at NASA, he championed for an end of stigma surrounding UAPs within the American space agency due to its popularity and trust among the public. During the November hearing, he spoke to the seriousness and reality of UFOs as an unsolved mystery worthy of large-scale scientific investigation. 'NASA personnel stepping forward and participating in such discussions would make a powerful statement to the scientific community that UAPs should be taken seriously and researched accordingly,' Gold said. Tim Gallaudet, an American oceanographer and retired Rear Admiral in the US Navy, also testified at the hearing and will be featured in The Age of Disclosure. In his written testimony, Gallaudet described an experience he had while serving as Commander of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command which confirmed that 'UAPs are interacting with humanity.' Received an alarming email on the Navy's secure network from the operations officer of Fleet Forces Command in 2015, he wrote. At that time, his personnel were participating in a pre-deployment naval exercise off the US East Coast. The email was addressed to all subordinate commanders, and the subject line read: 'URGENT SAFETY OF FLIGHT ISSUE.' 'Humanity is not the only intelligence in the universe,' Tim Gallaudet said in the trailer for The Age of Disclosure In his written testimony, Tim Gallaudet recalled receiving an official email containing the 'Go Fast' video, a declassified US military UAP video taken aboard a Navy fighter jet from the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt off the Florida coast The body of the email effectively said: 'If any of you know what these are, tell me ASAP. We are having multiple near-midair collisions, and if we do not resolve it soon, we will have to shut down the exercise.' Attached to the email was what is now known as the 'Go Fast' video, Gallaudet wrote, which is a declassified US military UAP video taken aboard a Navy fighter jet from the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt off the Florida coast. The video shows an unidentified object moving at very high speed seemingly close to the ocean's surface. 'The very next day, the email disappeared from my account and those of the other recipients without explanation,' Gallaudet wrote in his testimony. But NASA has claimed it debunked any exotic or extraterrestrial theories put forth to explain the Go Fast video, stating their analysis 'reveals a less extraordinary interpretation.' In a landmark advisory report released in 2023, the US space agency said among other findings that the Go Fast UFO was 'most likely' nothing more than a conventional object 'drifting with the wind.' Still, when speaking before Congress at the November 2024 hearing, Gallaudet said: 'There is a national security need for more UAP transparency. 'In 2025, the US will spend over $900 billion on national defense, yet we still have an incomplete understanding of what is in our airspace. 'The failure of the Executive Branch to share UAP information with Congress is an infringement on the legislative branch that undermines separation powers and may be creating a constitutional crisis,' he added. Gallaudet is convinced that extraterrestrials and their technologies been present on Earth. 'Humanity is not the only intelligence in the universe,' he said in the trailer for The Age of Disclosure. These officials, and many more, are set to reveal new details about the US government's records of UAP sightings, its involvement with these phenomena and the alleged cover-up that has kept this information secret for decades. 'You won't find the magic of Ireland in Dublin.' So says Anna Duke, Traitors star and keen TikToking tour guide of her home country of Ireland. The 29-year-old has posted several videos about Ireland's hidden gems and here reveals even more, kicking off with the reasons why tourists should give the capital a miss if they want to experience the Emerald Isle at its most magical. She says: 'Dublin is a really cool city - I even lived there for a decade - but it's where the most overrated spot in Ireland is: Temple Bar. 'I think, aesthetically, it looks like it's old Ireland - you get traditional music and there's a really good atmosphere. But it's not really authentic and, oh my god, the pints there are so expensive! 'It's where every tourist wants to go and I get it - I want to go to touristy things when I'm on holiday too - but I can guarantee you, there's not one Irish person drinking there.' Instead, Anna recommends hiring a car ('one of the hindrances of Ireland is we don't have a public transport') and heading to the west of the country, where 'the magic of Ireland lies'. 'We have some of the most amazing scenery in the world, and some really ancient history,' she adds. 'But nearly all of it can be found along the west coast. Anna Duke, Irish star of BBC's The Traitors, has revealed her top tips for exploring her country. Here, she's pictured in Sligo - her favourite part of Ireland 'You won't find the magic of Ireland in Dublin,' declares Anna, who remarks that the city's Temple Bar area (above) is the most overrated spot in the country Pictured: Anna on the west coast in Sligo, which she says has 'some of the most amazing scenery in the world, and some really ancient history' Anna in a promo picture for this year's series of The Traitors 'It has the best sunsets, the best cliffs, the best sea. I am just so proud of it.' Anna's favourite part of Ireland is Sligo - a three-hour drive from her hometown of Wicklow, which is just south of Dublin on the east coast. She adds: 'I always say that when I'm in Sligo, I feel like I never worry about anything. I could be going through the most stressful thing in my life, up at home, and then I go to Sligo and it doesn't exist. 'I love it because it's absolutely stunning and it feels so old Ireland there. When you go into a pub, everyone will turn and be like, "Who are you?" And they'll all want to chat to you. 'When you drive around, it feels like you should just turn on the Riverdance soundtrack, because you're driving through the most magical place in the world, with all these stone walls, and just magical little spots. 'There's loads to do in Sligo, too, because it's on the sea, so you've got all the sea sports, like paddling, kayaking and canoeing, and then you just get sunsets that are absolutely out of this world.' 'I could be going through the most stressful thing in my life, up at home, and then I go to Sligo [pictured] and it doesn't exist,' says Anna Anna is originally from Wicklow, just south of Dublin on the east coast. The area has waterfalls (left) and forests sprinkled with fairy doors (right) Pictured: Anna's partner standing outside a sweater shop in Sligo If you head further south down the coast, to County Clare, Anna says you'll find Ireland's most beautiful natural scenery - including the Cliffs of Moher, where a scene from Harry Potter was filmed. She says: 'They're these absolutely magnificent cliffs, and they make you feel so small. It feels like you're on the absolute edge of the world when you're standing on them.' Anna also mentions The Burren, which can also be found in County Clare. 'It's this weird area in Ireland that has its own flower, and it's got all this limescale, and it also has some ancient burial sites,' she reveals. 'I just love the pagan history of Ireland. So that's really, really cool.' Although Anna loves the west of Ireland, she believes the most underrated place in the country is a Unesco World Heritage Site in the east. 'I am obsessed with Newgrange,' she says. 'I think it should be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It's famous in Ireland, but it should be globally famous!' Anna says you'll find Ireland's most beautiful natural scenery in County Clare - including the 'magnificent' Cliffs of Moher (pictured). She says: 'They make you feel so small. It feels like you're on the absolute edge of the world when you're standing on them' Anna believes Newgrange (pictured), a Unesco World Heritage Site in the east, 'should be one of the Seven Wonders of the World' LEFT: Newgrange is an ancient temple surrounded by stones that was built during the Neolithic Period, around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. RIGHT: Anna believes the best time to visit this monument is on the winter or summer solstice, as the sun is setting. She explains: 'It's so amazing. There's this tiny door you can walk through into the monument, and the light from the sun bounces off each wall and lights up the full chamber' Anna loves The Burren, in County Clare (pictured). 'It's this weird area in Ireland that has its own flower, and it's got all this limescale, and it also has some ancient burial sites,' she reveals Situated in County Meath, overlooking the River Boyne, Newgrange is an ancient temple built during the Neolithic Period, around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Anna believes the best time to visit this monument is on the winter or summer solstice, as the sun is setting. She explains: 'It's so amazing. There's this tiny door you can walk through into the monument, and the light from the sun bounces off each wall and lights up the full chamber. 'It's also got these 12 stones around it and, each month, the sun changes to shine on a different stone, so it's one of the oldest calendars in the world. 'This is ancient, ancient, pre-pyramids Ireland, so the maps they would have had to do to figure out where exactly to place each stone to track a beam of sunlight I don't know how they did it. We were smart!' Another place Anna recommends as a 'really good spot' to visit is Dingle, on the southwest coast, partly because it 'always feels really Christmassy'. Anna recommends heading to Dingle (pictured), on the southwest coast, partly because it 'always feels really Christmassy' Dingle's coast is a draw (pictured). 'I think people just go a bit mad from the salt, but in the best way, where they just are the best craic,' she says WANT TO SEE MORE FROM ANNA? Visit her TikTok profile: www.tiktok.com/@anna_duke_ Advertisement She continues: 'There's loads of really small pubs and restaurants you can wander in and out of, but again, somehow, it's an area that's still untouched. For example, one of the pubs is heated by an Aga [an old oven] sat in the middle of the room. 'It's also a surf town, which is really cool. Anywhere that's by the sea, I think people just go a bit mad from the salt, but in the best way, where they just are the best craic, and they're just always up for everything.' While Ireland is notoriously expensive - especially Dublin - Anna says you don't need to spend a cent to see the country's 'rich history', thanks to free walking tours, 'really cool churches,' as well as free museum entry. And when it comes to accommodation, Anna recommends staying in an Airbnb, which 'has some really good options in Ireland', or heading to Groupon to get a deal on a hotel stay. She adds: 'Hotels in Ireland can be a little bit expensive, so it's a cheaper way around.' He claims to have lost his land legs. And no wonder. Meet Mario Salcedo, who has lived on cruise ships for the past 25 years and recently clocked up his 1,000th voyage with Royal Caribbean, taking customer loyalty to the next level and beyond. Mr Salcedo, who's known as 'Super Mario' in cruise circles, revealed that he spends around $101,000/81,000 on cruises per year for a cabin with a balcony, funding his ocean-going lifestyle through investment management work. His stature with Royal Caribbean is such that on some ships crew have created makeshift offices for him on deck complete with cordoned-off tables and chairs and signs reading 'Super Mario's Office'. Mario, who is not on social media, told Jackie Sheckler Finch at allthingscruise.com: 'Cruising never gets old. Mario Salcedo has lived on cruise ships for the past 25 years and recently clocked up his 1,000th voyage with Royal Caribbean. He's pictured here in 2021 Mr Salcedo, who's known as 'Super Mario' in cruise circles, revealed that he spends around $101,000/81,000 on cruises per year, funding his ocean-going lifestyle through investment management work. On some ships crew have created makeshift offices for him Mario told Jackie Sheckler Finch at allthingscruise.com: 'Cruising never gets old' 'I'm so used to being on ships that it feels more comfortable to me than being on land.' The full-time cruiser told allthingscruise.com that he took to the high seas permanently after 'tiring of the suit-and-tie business world and the long flights to international clients'. After going on his first cruise in 1997, the Cuban-born businessman was hooked. Mario's 1,000th cruise was on the 3,286-passenger Explorer of the Seas (above) He sea-trialled a few cruise lines, but settled on Royal Caribbean as the company with the ships that he liked best. He's been living on Royal Caribbean ships almost continuously since the year 2000, spending only a few days a year on land and pausing for 15 months during Covid. His 1,000th cruise was on the 3,286-passenger Explorer of the Seas, which departed Miami on January 5 for an 11-night voyage to Panama and the southern Caribbean. Mario said he spends about five hours a day working and 'has fun' for the rest of the time. 'It's zero stress,' he says. 'The best lifestyle I can find.' Thanks to allthingscruise.com for kind permission to publish its photographs of Mr Salcedo. Alan Carr left Amanda Holden in hysterics with a seriously cheeky joke about her bedroom antics in a first look at their new renovation series Amanda and Alan's Spanish Job. The celebrity pair have been busy filming the second season of their BBC renovations show over the last couple of months. After a successful Italian series, the best friends have reunited this time in the sun-kissed hills of Andalusia and embark on their first ever Spanish renovation job. In a first look, Amanda and Alan are stood enjoying a drink on a castle as they overlook a stunning landscape during sunset. Reflecting on their time together, Alan explained that when his dad 'made a bit of money' they came to Spain to places like Alicante and Benidorm, but this was the first time he had been inland. Amanda then asked Alan if he had ever gone camping, before joking about one of her favourite moments from her childhood holidays. Alan Carr left Amanda Holden wheezing with a VERY rude joke about her bedroom antics in a first look at their new renovation series Amanda and Alan's Spanish Job After a successful Italian series, the best friends have reunited this time in the sun-kissed hills of Andalusia and embark on their first ever Spanish renovation job She explained: 'We had a tent and we had to wait for my mum and dad to pitch. 'My favourite noise in the world is hearing a zip go up.' 'I bet it is,' Alan quipped before they both ended up in fits of laughter. 'I thought it be going down knowing you,' he swiped, taking the joke in a more X-rated direction. In the new series, viewers will watch Amanda as she takes a gamble on a run-down three-storey townhouse and convinces Alan to join her in a lifelong dream of transforming it into a boutique B&B. But with over 2,000 square feet to deal with, a roof that needs some repair, and a crumbling outbuilding on its last legs, it soon dawns on them that the task may be too big to handle. Away from the DIY, Amanda and Alan will of course throw themselves into the Spanish traditions. Theyll travel the breadth of Andalusia to discover the rich, varied landscape of the Sierra Nevada mountains, whitewashed coastal villages and historic Moorish towns. In a first look, Amanda and Alan are stood enjoying a drink on a castle as they overlooked the beautiful landscape during sunset Amanda then asked Alan if he had ever gone camping, before recalling her childhood holidays before he made a very rude joke The couldn't contain themselves and ended up in fits of laughter Speaking about the new series, Amanda said: 'It's wonderful how often I'm stopped in the street and told how much people love our show. 'Alan and I have the best time filming it and to have reached series three already is beyond the dreams of our lockdown pitch to the BBC! 'By day we love getting our hands dirty knocking down walls and lugging around power tools knowing we'll be sipping on an ice-cold reward by night, forgetting the cameras are rolling! 'Bring on the Spanish sun, we can't wait to get started and continue to help Comic Relief and Children In Need along the way.' Alan added: 'It's always exciting when a show you love gets recommissioned but the fact that we will be bringing our unique DIY expertise to a whole different country makes it even more special. 'We are saying ciao for now and Hola Espana! Can't wait to grab our power tools and get our hard hats on and bring some much needed TLC to a casa in Spain!' Amanda & Alan's Spanish Job begins Friday January 24 at 8pm on BBC One. High Potential (Disney+) Rating: Mental arithmetic is a lost skill. Chances are, if pocket calculators were around by the time you went to school, youve always relied on machines for adding up. And if youre from the smartphone generation, doing sums in your head is as redundant as Morse code or shorthand. The ability to tot up a shopping bill as we trotted the supermarket aisles used to be a source of satisfaction for many now, its freakish. But single mother Morgan, in the jaunty police serial High Potential, can calculate her weekly spend to the penny, faster than the check-out assistant can scan her purchases, all while carrying on three conversations with her children and solving a crime in her minds eye. Morgan (Kaitlin Olson) makes Sherlock look like the class dunce. She has a photographic memory and an IQ of 160, speed-reads pages of academic text in a blink, can discourse endlessly on medieval influences on modern architecture, and possesses a forensic eye for microscopic detail. Single mother Morgan (pictured), in the jaunty police serial High Potential, can calculate her weekly spend to the penny, faster than the check-out assistant can scan her purchases, all while carrying on three conversations with her children and solving a crime in her minds eye Morgan, who is played by Kaitlin Olson, makes Sherlock look like the class dunce. She has a photographic memory and an IQ of 160, speed-reads pages of academic text in a blink, can discourse endlessly on medieval influences on modern architecture, and possesses a forensic eye for microscopic detail Shes also the cleaning lady at a Los Angeles police station. High Potential is based on a 2021 French-Belgian hit, HPI Haut Potentiel Intellectuel. It bears strong parallels with Patience, the Ch4 show that ended last night about a brilliant misfit in a police records archive. That series is also based on a French-Belgian original, 2019s Astrid Et Raphaelle, which kicks off a new series on More4 tonight. But where Patience is slow-moving and downbeat, High Potential is more manic than a toddler pumped full of E numbers. It has the studio-bound look of a classic U.S. sitcom and the pacing to match. Whole scenes are truncated into 30 seconds or less, or simply skipped one moment Morgan is having a brainwave about her next suspect, the next shes watching through a one-way mirror as detectives fire questions at the defendant. The running joke is that Morgan has a dangerous disregard for the law. Her idea of gathering evidence involves donning her cleaners tabard and trundling a mop and bucket past security staff before cracking a safe. If this were a British show, shed be played by Sheridan Smith or Kym Marsh. The character needs that touch of chippiness and resentment they could bring, and Kaitlin Olson lacks it. The wife of Rob McElhenney (her co-star in Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia), she looks like a rich American pretending to be skint. But she handles the quickfire dialogue with a comedy pros ease. She doesnt hold back on the schmaltz either her teenage daughters father has vanished without trace, and Olson is great at conveying the confusion, anger and heartache he left behind. Theres a hint of romantic chemistry between Morgan and her detective partner, Adam (Daniel Sunjata), who spends a lot of time rolling his eyes and growling, Leave this to the professionals. Best of all, High Potential flatters us that we, too, could solve murders by spotting the clues missed by police. It cant be any harder than mental arithmetic, can it? After a nearly two-year wait, Netflix's The Night Agent has returned with its second season, and fans haven't hestitated to start showering praise. The series - created by Shawn Ryan (The Shield) and adapted by the book of the same name by Matthew Quirk - debuted in March 2023. The show follows a lowly FBI agent named Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), who works as a Night Action telephone operator at the White House, manning a phone that is never supposed to ring... unless in dire circumstances. The first season kicked off with that phone actually ringing - but an unexpected caller is on the other end, a civilian in danger named Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan). The show was an immediate hit with Netflix viewers, logging a whopping 168.71 million viewing hours in its first week, and securing a Season 2 renewal. While the show's return was delayed by the writers strike, the new 10-episode season is finally here, with fans already praising the show on social media. After a nearly two-year wait, Netflix 's The Night Agent has returned with its second season, and fans haven't hestitated to start showering praise The show follows a lowly FBI agent named Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), who works as a Night Action telephone operator at the White House , manning a phone that is never supposed to ring... unless in dire circumstances The first season followed Peter as he tried to unravel the conspiracy behind why Rose's aunt and uncle - two Night Action agents - were murdered. After navigating some treacherous territory in Season 1, Peter was promoted to a full Night Action agent at the end of Season 1, and entered a romantic relationship with Rose. While fans were curious if Peter and Rose would be back together in Season 2, many were certainly rooting for it. One fan - Twitter user @ThaBestWay - was even so bold as to declare, '#TheNightAgent on Netflix 10/10.' Many other users agreed with the 10/10 score and others like @DebbieBlackma14 were thrilled to see more of Peter and Rose. 'I'm crying already and I haven't even seen it. Keep him and Rose together #TheNightAgent' the Twitter user said. Others like @wjdann wasn't a huge fan of the first season, but enjoyed the performance of star Gabriel Basso. 'Saw #TheNightAgent season 1. wasnt really good or bad ! but predictable.but gonna watch season 2 hope its better . I literally was watching cuz of #GabrielBasso He got potential. he is a good actor,' the user said. The first season followed Peter as he tried to unravel the conspiracy behind why Rose's aunt and uncle - two Night Action agents - were murdered While fans were curious if Peter and Rose would be back together in Season 2, many were certainly rooting for it One fan - Twitter user @ThaBestWay - was even so bold as to declare, '#TheNightAgent on Netflix 10/10.' Others like @wjdann wasn't a huge fan of the first season, but enjoyed the performance of star Gabriel Basso @americantimes07 added, 'The Night Agent season 2 continues the suspenseful thriller with Peter Sutherland investigating a conspiracy linked to a botched mission in Bangkok. Despite shaky moments, the show delivers gripping action and reunites Peter and Rose for another intense outing' @EneverRach even responded to show creator Shawn Ryan (@ShawnRyanTV), adding, 'I have already told people not to message me today as I have something more important to do' One fan - @EloimMadly - was even so bold to make a suggestion for Season 3, which was confirmed by Netflix in October 2024 @americantimes07 added, 'The Night Agent season 2 continues the suspenseful thriller with Peter Sutherland investigating a conspiracy linked to a botched mission in Bangkok. Despite shaky moments, the show delivers gripping action and reunites Peter and Rose for another intense outing.' Another user - @lucaslu_ckli - got through the, 'first 4 episodes,' and praised, 'Way more action this time. A nice cast. One bombastic scene with outstanding view at the NYC skyline. And much more. The overall Case is a good one. Netflix is a good place for the action/thriller stuff. @EneverRach even responded to show creator Shawn Ryan (@ShawnRyanTV), adding, 'I have already told people not to message me today as I have something more important to do.' One fan - @EloimMadly - was even so bold to make a suggestion for Season 3, which was confirmed by Netflix in October 2024. #TheNightAgent #TheNightAgentS2 in season3 Rose has to be pregnant so they can be together please,' the X user said. Jeremy Kyle took to social media yesterday and announced that he is writing a new memoir. The TV and radio presenter, 59, revealed the news on Instagram with a photograph of him looking at the camera open-mouthed while holding his phone. Jeremy wore denim jeans and a grey long-sleeved top, accessorised with a dark scarf while he sat slouched on a sofa. It was captioned: 'Just completed the first few paragraphs of my memoir and even I cant believe whats going to be revealed!!! 2025 watch out.' The contents of the new memoir will no doubt reveal details about his axe from ITV and his struggles afterwards. Known for his famous Jeremy Kyle Show which aired from 2005 to 2019, the programme was cancelled in 2019 after guest Steve Dymond, 63, passed away from an overdose. Jeremy Kyle revealed the news of his new memoir on Instagram with a photograph of him looking at the camera open-mouthed while holding his phone The television presenter pictured on The Jeremy Kyle Show The presenter argued in September that his name had 'finally been cleared' after a coroner ruled there was 'no causal link' between the appearance of Mr Dymond on his show and his death. Ex-RNLI volunteer Mr Dymond went on The Jeremy Kyle Show on May 2, 2019, to try to prove to his on-off partner Jane Callaghan, then 48, that he did not cheat on her. The 63-year-old, from Portsmouth, Hampshire, failed a lie detector test and was found dead seven days later in the 100-a-week room he rented, having overdosed on morphine. The show was cancelled after the incident and the backlash led to tighter rules within the TV industry and revised welfare measures, particularly in reality series. Last year, area coroner Jason Pegg found that show guest Mr Dymond had taken his own life, but ruled it would be 'speculative' to suggest the presenter and his programme played a role in his death. Mr Pegg said although the TV star could be 'quite critical', there was 'insufficient evidence' that Jeremy's comments 'contributed to his distress'. He could not, however, conclude whether or not Mr Dymond, 63, lied during his lie detector test. Jeremy leaving Winchester Coroner's Court after giving evidence in the inquet into the death of Steve Dymond in 2019 Jeremy featured on ITV's Loose Women back in 2019 The Winchester inquest previously heard how Mr Dymond was 'booed' by the audience during the filming after the test suggested he had been lying about having not cheated on his partner. He was also slammed by Jeremy, who said: 'Grow a pair of balls and tell her the God-damn truth.' The presenter later argued he had an 'empathetic' on-air style. Jeremy's new memoir announcement comes after it was revealed earlier this month that he would be making a return to ITV six years after his notorious talk show was taken off air. Since then, his broadcast appearances have been largely limited to his hosting role on Talk TV. Jeremy released this statement, saying his 'name has finally been cleared' in 2024 Since his notorious show was taken off air, his broadcast appearances have been largely limited to his hosting role on Talk TV However, Jeremy is now set to take the hot seat on Life Stories, hosted by beloved Good Morning Britain star Kate Garraway, 57. It will mark a rare occasion where Jeremy becomes the victim of a grilling, with the daytime presenter set to quiz him on his career highs and lows, as well as his life off-screen. Jeremy teased his comeback on January 9 in a post which saw him posing in front of the ITV logo while wearing navy suit trousers, an open white shirt and brown Oxford shoes. For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support An award-winning BBC comedy that was axed is set to return to screens for a brand new series - but fans may be disappointed. Paranormal sitcom Ghosts came to an end in 2023 after five series and starred Charlotte Ritchie, 35, as Alison Cooper and Kiell Smith-Bynoe, 35, as Mike Cooper. The story line followed Alison and Mike after they moved into a family house haunted by a chaotic array of supernatural beings. However, it has been revealed that the popular programme is set to be recreated, but not in the UK. Instead, the brand new show, Ghosts Australia, will air Down Under. It will be recorded in Perth and have a 'unique cast of characters,' a completely different setting to Surrey - the filming location for the much-loved UK show. The series will air on Paramount+ and Network 10 later this year and will follow lovebirds Kate and Sean, who move into a haunted mansion after Kate inherits the countryside property. Ghosts is set to be recreated in a brand new series filmed in Australia. Pictured: The cast of the UK Ghosts comedy The story line followed Alison and Mike after they moved into a family house haunted by a chaotic array of supernatural beings. Pictured: Humphrey, played by Larry Rickard It sees them navigate their relationship, six ghosts and an attempt to refurbish the manor into a boutique hotel. Kate gains the ability to see ghosts after a near-death experience in an interesting twist. The Australian show will be produced this year by BBC Studios Productions Australia and Screenwest. Kylie Washington, General Manager and Creative Director, BBC Studios Productions Australia said: 'Were excited to bring to life with a unique cast of characters that reflect our very own history and culture. 'Western Australia will provide the perfect backdrop for all their comedic antics and were grateful to Screenwest for their support.' Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO, said: 'Ghosts has entertained audiences all around the world, and were so pleased to welcome Network 10, Paramount+ and BBC Studios Productions Australia to Western Australia for the Australian series. Mathew Baynton as Thomas Thorne, Jim Howick as Pat and Martha Howe-Douglas as Lady Button in the Christmas special of Ghosts 'The production will kick off what is set to be an exciting year for the WA screen sector, creating a slew of opportunities for Western Australians.' It comes after it was revealed earlier this month that the UK show is set to be made into a movie after the script was 'given the green light'. It is believed that both Charlotte and Kiell will join the new film in a further positive development for fans. An insider told the Daily Star newspaper's Hot TV column: 'A film has been written, and it's been given the green light. 'Everyone involved is really excited that Ghosts will be on the big screen. 'It's hoped that most of the original cast will be able to reprise their roles. 'Producers have already signed up a few of them, and they're in talks with the others. They think it'll be a dream cast.' The British sitcom of Ghosts provided laughs around every corner over the course of its four years and five seasons, and was written and performed by the collective Them There, the group behind Horrible Histories and Yonderland. Sophie, played by Chloe Delanney, and Humphrey in the UK series Ghosts The hit show was controversially pulled in 2023 after the series five Christmas special A Christmas Gift, which saw Alison and Mike persuaded by the ghosts to sell their home to a hotel company to prevent them haunting their newborn daughter Mia. A flash-forward revealed to viewers that the couple returned to the converted house to stay in their 'usual suite' and reunite with their spooky friends. After its finale, Ghosts won a Broadcasting Press Guild Awards for Best Comedy, beating Such Brave Girls, Extraordinary, Dreaming Whilst Black and Inside No.9 to the gong. The Christmas special still proved a sad goodbye for the popular comedy, with fans bitterly disappointed that the show was being discontinued. Former NRL star Wally Lewis' upcoming wedding to his new partner Lynda Adams has reportedly sparked a family feud following his messy split with his first wife Jacqueline. he great, 65, proposed to his girlfriend late last year, three years after he ended his marriage with Jacqueline. According to Woman's Day , t The publication reports that the pair are planning to tie the knot in North Queensland this April. A source said Lewis' three children - Lincoln, 37, Jamie Lee, 34, and Mitchell, 26 - who he shares with Jacqueline, may not be at their father's upcoming wedding. 'Lynda's daughter Sydney, 15, is set to be in the wedding party, but she hasn't been seen with any of Wally's kids or his four grandkids,' a close friend told the publication. 'All three have sided with their mum since the split and while Wally is keen for them to be involved in his and Lynda's new life, they have hardly seen her.' Former NRL star Wally Lewis' upcoming wedding to his new partner Lynda Adams (pictured) has reportedly sparked a family feud following his messy split with his first wife Jacqueline The insider continued: 'I don't think any of the three kids will ever forgive their dad for hurting their mum.' The source claimed that Lewis' children would see attending their dad's wedding as an 'act of betrayal towards their mum'. Daily Mail Australia has reached out for comment. The couple have been dating for over three years and their relationship commenced shortly after Lewis separated from Jacqueline after 36 years of marriage. Lewis confirmed his separation from his wife and the mother of his three children in February 2021. 'This is a deeply personal matter that we do not want to discuss publicly,' he said. 'I want to acknowledge the pain and upset my family has gone through since Jacqui and I separated last year. I hope over time we can rebuild our ties and move on with life.' It later emerged he was in a new relationship with Adams, a volunteer at Sands Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Newborn Death Support Group in Townsville. Lewis' three children Lincoln, 37, Jamie Lee, 34 , and Mitchell, 26, who he shares with his ex-wife Jacqueline, may not be at their father's upcoming wedding The couple have been dating for over three years and their relationship commenced shortly after Lewis divorced from his wife-of-36-years Jacqueline (pictured) Adams had been recently separated from her husband, property developer Mark Adams, when she met Lewis. According to The Daily Telegraph, Lewis' new relationship had turned the rugby league immortal's three children against him. Citing a source close to the family, the newspaper claimed Lewis' adult children felt obliged to side with their distraught mother and were no longer speaking to their dad. Meanwhile, Lewis was diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in 2023 and he has been learning to live with it since. He depends on his diary to help jog his memory and receives support from Lynda, who calls him frequently throughout the day. CTE is a brain condition associated with repeated head injuries that often worsens over time and can lead to dementia. Hollywood star Thomas Ian Nicholas has revealed his very surprising connection to Australia. The American actor, best known for playing Kevin Myers in the iconic sex comedy franchise American Pie, is heading Down Under to perform with his music group, The Thomas Ian Nicholas Band. Thomas will show off his lesser-known musical talents alongside his bandmates as well as hosting a screening of the classic 1999 film which made him famous, and answering fans' questions during a Q&A session. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia ahead of the tour, Thomas revealed that the country holds a special place in his heart as he has a very famous long-long Aussie relative. He is related to the notorious bushranger Ned Kelly - arguably one of Australia's most infamous bandits from the mid-19th century, who ran an 'industrial-scale' horse stealing operation in Victoria. Thomas still has family in Western Australia and, while his tour won't take him over to visit them, he does plan to head to the State Library of Victoria to view Kelly's iconic armour. Hollywood star Thomas Ian Nicholas has revealed his very surprising connection to Australia ahead of touring the country with his music group, The Thomas Ian Nicholas Band Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Thomas revealed that the country holds a special place in his heart as he has a very famous long-long Australian relative - notorious bushranger Ned Kelly 'Yeah I'm a little bummed I couldn't book something on the west coast where all my family is,' he said. 'I've got one cousin whose close to Melbourne who is going to come and see me when I'm there. 'It will be my first time in Melbourne and I definitely plan on going to the library to see Ned Kelly's armour since my great grandfather...was it great or great, great? 'I can never remember how many it is, but he was Ned Kelly's uncle.' While Thomas is visiting Australia to tour his music, he first rose to global acclaim portraying Kevin Myers in the 1999 runaway hot American Pie. He went on to reprise the role in the three subsequent theatrical American Pie releases, in what was to become a billion dollar film franchise. Thomas starred alongside a stellar cast including Jason Biggs, Jennifer Coolidge, Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, Eugene Levy, Alyson Hannigan, and Seann William Scott. The comedy told the age-old story of a group of teenagers trying to lose their virginity before college, and Thomas said he knew the film was destined for huge success. Thomas has family who live in Western Australia and, while his tour won't take him over there to visit them, he does plan to visit the State Library of Victoria to view Kelly's iconic armour 'It was in my contract,' he joked. 'Must do at least four films, maybe five, and it has to be a billion dollar franchise otherwise I won't consider doing the first one.' The film took cues from the raunchy sex comedies of the 1970s such as Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Porkies, and Animal House. Though it later won him over whole-heartedly, Thomas wasn't always convinced by the plot and initially threw the script in the trash, thinking it was smut. The first scene, which didn't make the final cut, initially saw Vicky (Tara Reid) instructing Kevin on 'how to move his fingers'. 'I'll let you put the rest together with your mind,' Thomas said of the moment. 'I threw the script in the trash thinking it was just smut. I didn't understand it was a modern-day Porkies, and I love Porkies.' Thomas' role was originally offered to his high-school friend Andrew Keegan, who turned it down to star alongside Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You. 'They came back to me and once I read the script properly I saw all of the heart that existed in the characters. It wasn't just a teen sex comedy,' he said. While Thomas is visiting Australia to tour his music, he first rose to global acclaim portraying Kevin Myers in the 1999 runaway hot American Pie (he is pictured with co-star Tara Reid) Thomas starred alongside a stellar cast including Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, Eugene Levy and Seann William Scott in the comedy 'It was a real coming-of-age story that everyone could find someone to relate to, or know someone who was exactly like Stiffler.' The film spawned three well-received sequels, and Thomas hinted there could still be a fifth more than 20 years on as he said a follow-up has recently been discussed. He said his son Nolan River, who made his acting debut in M Night Shyamalan's 2021 thriller Old, inadvertently got the ball rolling. 'So the only truth I can share with you is because my son is following in my footsteps as an actor,' he explained. 'He starred in the M Night Shyamalan movie Old. And that was also a Universal film. 'We were at the premiere, and the President and Chairwoman of Universal, didn't realise that he was my kid. 'They were like: ''Like, no way. Oh my gosh. Hey, by the way, we're negotiating for American Pie 5'' and this was the summer of 2021.' However, Thomas added that his hopes were slightly dashed after writer Adam Herz told him he was unable to come to terms with the studio. The film spawned three well-received sequels, and Thomas hinted there could still be a fifth more than 20 years on as he said a follow-up has recently been discussed He added: 'I guess the silver lining her is that Universal is circling around the idea. It's a billion dollar franchise, why wouldn't they revisit it, right?' Thomas said he hoped the hotly-anticipated sequel to the Adam Sandler hit Happy Gilmore would help negotiations for a fifth American Pie. 'If the tonality of Happy Gilmore 2 is accepted and successful, then we'll be coming back into an era of broad comedy, which we haven't had for a while,' he said. 'I think people are ready for some levity.' Famed Saw filmmaker Leigh Whannell has revealed that late Aussie actor Heath Ledger helped inspire a crucial detail in his new movie, Wolf Man. Ledger tragically died of an accidental drug overdose in his New York apartment aged 28 in 2008. Whannel, 48, said that when it came to creating a 'look' for the creature in his reboot of the horror classic, he was influenced by Ledger's appearance as the Joker in The Dark Knight. In an interview with the Herald Sun, the Melbourne-born Los Angeles-based writer and director said he co-wrote his Wolf Man pic with his American wife, Corbett Tuck. He based part of his version of the Wolf Man on his personal experience with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - a fatal disease that impacts cells in the spine and brain. Whannell explained that he had watched a friend struggle with the terrible affliction, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Famed Saw filmmaker Leigh Whannell has revealed that the late Australian actor Heath Ledger helped to inspire a crucial detail in his new Wolf Man movie. Pictured: Ledger as thw Joker in the 2008 Batman blockbuster The Dark Knight Whannel told the Herald Sun last week that when it came to creating a 'look' for the creature in his reboot of the horror classic, he was influenced by Ledger's Joker. Pictured: In Whannell's gruesome new film, the character played by Christopher Abbott, who becomes a 'wolfman', has two large discoloured marks on both sides of his face. 'For anyone whos had experience with these degenerative diseases, be they mental or physical, its a very slow-motion nightmare,' he said. 'In the movies we experience things at a breakneck speed, but in real life someones walking with a cane for a few months and then suddenly theyre in a chair, and its very slow and insidious. I watched that first-hand and it was awful.' In Whannell's gruesome new film, the main character (played by Christopher Abbott) becomes a 'wolf man' and has two large discoloured marks on both sides of his face. The image recalls the memorable make-up that was used for Heath's evil villain in the 2008 Batman film. Abbott's character is attacked by a creature on a dark night under a full moon. His children and wife, played by Julia Garner of Ozark fame, watch on in horror as his appearance slowly deteriorates. Whannell and his one-time filmmaking partner James Wan rose to fame after their $1million film 2004 Saw became a blockbuster. To date the 10 films in the Saw franchise have grossed $1billion. It comes after the news last month that Heath's 1999 hit film Two Hands is set for a sequel. Ledger tragically died of an accidental drug overdose in his New York apartment aged 28 in 2008. (Pictured) Whannell and his one-time filmmaking partner James Wan rose to fame after their $1million film 2004 Saw became a blockbuster. Pictured: Whannell at the Sydney premiere of Wolf Man The movie, which co-starred Rose Byrne, was a gangster film set in Sydney's Kings Cross and featured beloved veteran actor Bryan Brown as a foul-mouthed villain. It was written and directed by Aussie filmmaker Gregor Jordan, who recently told The Sydney Morning Herald he had finished writing a sequel. 'We have a script that I think is really good. It brings it into the modern day,' Jordan began. 'If wed tried to do a sequel five years later, it probably wouldnt have worked, but 25 years later is the right time.' Jordan added he hoped to bring back some of the actors from part one to reprise their roles. Heath, who tragically died of a prescription medication overdose in 2008, was the lead actor in the movie and so would be unable to reprise his role as the gangster delivery man Jimmy. Some cast members who could potentially reprise their roles include Rose Byrne, Bryan Brown, Susie Porter and David Field. Jordan added he felt both Heath and Rose, 45, were perfectly cast in their roles, in which their characters formed a romance while on the run from Sydney gangsters, led by Bryan Brown. 'Heath turned it into something special because he was special as an actor and a presence on-screen. Likewise with Rose, she was about to pop as well.' Both actors used the film to help launch their careers in Hollywood, with Heath going on to appear in iconic movies such as The Dark Knight and 10 Things I Hate About You. Meanwhile, Rose has appeared in a host of popular movies, including Bad Neighbours and Get Him to the Greek. In 2022, Two Hands star Susie Porter spoke of her positive experience working with Heath on Two Hands. The 53-year-old recalled on the 14th anniversary of Heath's death how her co-star was 'so creative and kind'. 'That was just the most unfortunate thing that happened in 2008 with Heath,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I think we've lost one of the most amazing artists - not only just great actors, but as a human being. He was he was so creative and caring,' Susie added. 'It's just such a loss a person like him had to go. He was so kind during my experience working with him,' she reiterated. 'It's sad of what he could have achieved, all the stuff that he could have done after it, and his family.' Two Hands won the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Film in 1999 and was screened at the Sundance Film Festival before being released on DVD in the U.S. The film has gained an enormous cult following in the years since its release and regular plays at film festivals and special cinema screenings around the world. Wolf Man is in cinemas now. In just over six weeks, an Oscars night like no other will take place in Hollywood. In the shadow of the wildfires which are still raging and have so devastated Los Angeles, destroying 10,000 homes, the event on Sunday, March 2, will be muted, sombre and reflective when it is usually anything but. The nominations were announced yesterday with Demi Moore, 62, in the running for Best Actress, and poised to hit a career high few believed she'd ever reach for her role as a washed-up actress and fitness guru Elisabeth Sparkle in The Substance. She comes into awards season as the clear favourite after her win her first ever award and that emotional speech at the Golden Globes. There were Oscar snubs for fellow long-serving A-listers Angelina Jolie, 49, and Pamela Anderson, 57, who had hopes of landing best actress nods for their roles in Maria and The Last Showgirl respectively. Nothing, either, for Nicole Kidman, also 57 and the hardest-campaigning patron of middle-aged sex-bombs, in the 'feminist' erotic drama Babygirl. Despite a huge media campaign and surely more on-screen orgasms than any previous mainstream cinematic release, it turns out the 10,000 voting members of the Academy were not impressed. In just over six weeks, an Oscars night like no other will take place in Hollywood. Demi Moore (pictured), 62, is in the running for Best Actress, and poised to hit a career high few believed she'd ever reach for her role as a washed-up actress and fitness guru Elisabeth Sparkle in The Substance The star of Anora, a comedy about a Russian-American sex worker, Karla Sofia Gascon (pictured), is the first trans woman to gain a best actress nomination The bookies think Brady Corbet's three hour 15 minute epic The Brutalist about Hungarian immigrant architect Laszlo Toth, played by Adrien Brody (pictured), is in the lead just A measure of how unusual the 2025 Oscars will be was the low-key response to the nominations yesterday. It is customary for nominees to release a gushing statement around the unveiling of the list, but most responded with simple, respectful acknowledgements rather than lavish gratitude. In fact, until yesterday morning, none of the nominees had posted on social media since the night of the Golden Globes on January 7. The fires started that day and were out of control by January 8. La La Land is still reeling from the horror of the all-consuming wildfires, and even if the nominees and the studios are in the mood to party there's an awareness that it would be considered unacceptable. The Academy has indicated that there will be no big song and dance numbers on the night unlike last year's barnstorming 'I'm Just Ken' from Barbie. Instead of razzle dazzle, there will be a focus on honouring the emergency services and paying tribute to the power of the creativity of Tinseltown. A letter from the Academy's CEO, Bill Kramer, and president Janet Yang, sent to all members on Wednesday, confirmed that the ceremony will 'celebrate the work that unites us as a global film community and acknowledge those who fought so bravely against the wildfires'. There were Oscar snubs for fellow long-serving A-listers Angelina Jolie (pictured), 49, and Pamela Anderson , 57, who had hopes of landing best actress nods for their roles in Maria and The Last Showgirl respectively A number of well-informed observers think the bookies are missing a trick and that the Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, has all the momentum necessary to pull off an upset. That film, which has just come out and stars Timothee Chalamet (pictured), is being met with enthusiasm by all of the Academy voting branches 'We will honour Los Angeles as the city of dreams, showcasing its beauty and resilience, as well as its role as a beacon for film-makers and creative visionaries for over a century,' the letter continued. 'We will reflect on recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that defines Los Angeles and our industry.' The nominations were delayed twice because of the fire emergency, and the Awards Nominees Luncheon, usually a key part of the campaigning, has been cancelled and its $250,000 cost donated to charity by the Academy. The question of whether anyone will dare to throw a post-Oscars A-list party full of millionaires hosing each other down with congratulations and champagne remains moot. Even the Vanity Fair party the ne plus ultra of every Oscars night since 1994 looks likely to return only in an amended, toned down form with some kind of charitable element. If at all. Organisers are still declining to comment. It could be worse, of course: The Grammys which precede the Oscars on February 3 will be partly a telethon. The organisations which usually throw parties have all either cancelled or pivoted to turn celebrations into fundraisers. As for what happens on stage on the night, the Best Picture race has seldom been closer. There's no clear favourite at this stage and, due to the wildfires, there will be limited, if any, campaigning in the last stretch. The bookies think Brady Corbet's three hour 15 minute epic The Brutalist about Hungarian immigrant architect Laszlo Toth, played by Adrien Brody, is in the lead just. Much is remarkable about the film, not least its budget of just $10 million a bargain in a world where $100 million was spent on recreating Robbie Williams as a chimpanzee in Better Man (incidentally a huge flop). Close behind it, according to the bookies, are Anora, a comedy about a Russian-American sex worker, and Emilia Perez, a genre-bending film by auteur Jacques Audiard about a Mexican cartel boss who fakes his death in order to be reborn as a woman following a secret sex change operation. The star of that film, Karla Sofia Gascon, is the first trans woman to gain a best actress nomination. Emilia Perez leads the pack with 13 nominations, the most ever for a foreign language film. It is on Netflix in the UK, US and Canada and could furnish the streamer with its first ever best picture win. However, a number of well-informed observers think the bookies are missing a trick and that the Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, has all the momentum necessary to pull off an upset. That film, which has just come out and stars Timothee Chalamet, is being met with enthusiasm by all of the Academy voting branches. Historically, the Oscars love a biopic and director James Mangold's Walk The Line, the Johhny Cash story, won an Oscar in 2005. Apparently, it is particularly appealing to the older voters who were around in Dylan's heyday. It also has the benefit of not being prey to AI controversy. It emerged last week that The Brutalist used an AI 're-speecher' to 'perfect' the accents of Brody and co-star Felicity Jones when they were speaking in Hungarian. A small detail in some ways certainly when considered in the overall context of the whole performance but with the industry under threat from AI, and still reeling from the blows of Covid and the writers and actors strikes of 2023, who would vote for a film which uses a tool that looks certain to throw people out of work? In terms of sweeps and numbers, The Brutalist has ten nominations, as does Wicked, the box-office smash adaptation of the Broadway show. Both of the film's stars, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo (pictured), are nominated. Nicole Kidman (pictured) has also missed out on a nomination in the 'feminist' erotic drama Babygirl It's possible as well to read the nominations as a rebuke from the voting liberal elites of Hollywood to the general voters who chose Donald Trump as President. There is a Best Actor nomination for Sebastian Stan in the film The Apprentice which shows a young Trump being inducted into corruption by mentor Roy Cohn. He's played by Succession's Jeremy Strong who also gets a nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category. Trump has already denounced the film, which shows him raping first wife Ivana. He denies that ever happened and has previously said this is 'obviously false', with his representative calling the film 'pure malicious defamation' which 'should not see the light of day'. It took The Apprentice some months to find a distributor after the Cannes Film Festival in May. The success of Emilia Perez also feels as if it may have benefited from prevailing anti-Trump sentiment in Hollywood, where many celebrities were stunned that, despite widespread endorsement of Democrat Kamala Harris, she was not victorious. The list of nominees is replete with multiple snubs, notably two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington for his role as Macrinus in Gladiator 2. Nothing either for Daniel Craig, who had some hopes for his performance in Luca Guadagnino's Queer although he wasn't nominated at the Baftas either. In the shadow of the wildfires which are still raging and have so devastated Los Angeles , destroying 10,000 homes, the event on Sunday, March 2, will be muted, sombre and reflective when it is usually anything but Until yesterday morning, none of the nominees had posted on social media since the night of the Golden Globes on January 7. The fires started that day and were out of control by January 8 And nothing for Margaret Qualley, Sue to Demi Moore's Elisabeth, who arguably did just as much to make The Substance a success. In terms of sweeps and numbers, The Brutalist has ten nominations, as does Wicked, the box-office smash adaptation of the Broadway show. Both of the film's stars, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, are nominated. A Complete Unknown has six nominations, as does Edward Berger's papal thriller Conclave, including a Best Actor nod for Ralph Fiennes. French director Coralie Fargeat (The Substance) is the only female director of the ten best picture nominees and also the only female screenwriter in those ten. Her success is all the greater as Universal, the studio giant behind last year's Oscar winner Oppenheimer, sold the film at a $5 million loss after executives saw it, hated it and refused to release it. A source said that the company 'had no idea' what to do with the picture, which they viewed as 'batsh*t crazy'. The movie stars Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, a movie star-turned-TV fitness guru who is fired on her 50th birthday and takes a 'substance' which allows her to give birth to a younger, more beautiful version of herself called Sue (Margaret Qualley) with riotously bloody and horrifying consequences. British producers Working Title, who initially bought the film off Universal, sold it on to streamer Mubi for $12 million, who distributed it to great acclaim. Even if Oscars night has got off to a quiet start, with 2025's line-up of films, there's a enough controversy to ensure a must-watch night already. A Man For All Seasons (Theatre Royal Bath and touring) Verdict: Shaw fire antique Rating: Having turned 80 on Tuesday, Martin Shaw has come a long way since his bubble-permed, pin-up days as Ray Doyle in the British, Starsky & Hutch-inspired Seventies cop show The Professionals. He became a less volatile figure on TV as Judge John Deed and Inspector George Gently, but hes always impressed on stage, and this is his second pop at Robert Bolts perennial war-horse A Man For All Seasons (his first was in 2006). It tells the story of Catholic saint Thomas Mores stand against Henry VIII, or more precisely, Henrys determination to defy the Pope, appoint himself head of the Church in England, ditch Catherine of Aragon and have a go at siring a son by another woman (Anne Boleyn). One-part political thriller and three-parts ethical quandry, it presents More in a more favourable light than Hilary Mantel did in Wolf Hall. Like suffering Christ under the judgement of Cromwells Pontius Pilate, More is on a holy mission. The elephantine question in the room, however, is if Shaw is too old for a man who went to the block at the age of 57. Having turned 80 on Tuesday, Martin Shaw (pictured) has come a long way since his bubble-permed, pin-up days as Ray Doyle in the British, Starsky & Hutch-inspired Seventies cop show The Professionals Id be thrilled to carry myself half so well at the age of 80, but Shaws reduced energy does make him seem resigned to his dismal fate from the start. His face is less mobile, and his eyebrows ascend in stages like Venetian blinds, only to get stuck on the way down, and his voice sometimes gets trapped in second gear, revs ominously in third and never quite makes it to a full-throttled fourth. On the up side, hes lost none of his gravitas and looks genuinely broken by his travails at the end, having run out of road and no longer able to resist the realpolitik of the Tudor Court. Crucially, he mobilises a melancholy intelligence that brings clarity and pathos to the role. Bolts play still dazzles, turning complex ideas into crisp dramatic action with aphoristic wit. In the thicket of the law, I am a forester! More cries, believing he is unimpeachable. Nor have the characters dated. Edward Bennett feasts on Cromwells sly machinations, although thanks to Shaws casting, he seems even meaner. Pick on someone your own age, you want to cry. He became a less volatile figure on TV as Judge John Deed and Inspector George Gently, but hes always impressed on stage, and this is his second pop at Robert Bolts perennial war-horse A Man For All Seasons (his first was in 2006) To his credit, Orlando Jamess jolly King makes it hard to believe hes the serial-killing misogynist of record. Shaw could do more to match the love and warmth shown him by Abigail Cruttenden and Annie Kingsnorth as his wife and daughter. But another old hand, Gary Wilmot, drives the action with comic touches. Filling us in on context between scenes, hes like a bearded Lucy Worsley. Jonathan Churchs production is a satisfying vision of 16th-century England, illustrated with sliding oak panels that create parlours and courtyards. It doesnt awaken unexpected insights, but its as sturdy as a Tudor refectory table. Until January 25 in Bath, then touring to Chichester, Malvern, Cheltenham, Oxford, Guildford, Canterbury and Richmond. Climate change play is a hot ticket Kyoto (Soho Place, London) Verdict: Pouring oil on troubled waters Rating: 'Please make your way to the conference, says a voice on the theatre tannoy. Inside the auditorium, you may be sitting next to lanyard-wearing delegates at one of the many climate conferences the play covers. From before it starts, this super-charged action replay of a decade of snail-paced negotiations that climaxed with the 1997 Kyoto Protocol the first legally binding emissions targets has the unmistakable stamp of directorial showman Stephen Daldry. Daldry could electrify a snail race. Which is what he and his collaborator Justin Martin do here. Co-writers Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson have cunningly put at the plays centre the top Washington lawyer Don Pearlman Co-writers Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson have cunningly put at the plays centre the top Washington lawyer Don Pearlman. A primed and punchy Stephen Kunken (left) is part emcee, part referee, introducing the diplomats representing their countrys economic and geopolitical interests. A fast-talking, chain-smoking, free-thinking climate sceptic in the pay of Big Oil, Pearlman cheerfully pours oil on troubled waters. Frankly, the facts, figures and targets flew over my head, but the dynamism of the piece and performances give it an irresistible urgency. Jokes such as: Argentina isnt warming. Its bordering on Chile! bring bounce, as does the bluntly articulate John Prescott (Ferdy Roberts) making his priorities quite clear: Lunch cant be cancelled. In another exchange, Don and an American climate scientist dispute the adjective to describe the human influence on global climate. Following 28 suggestions, Saudi Arabia chips in with the winner: discernible. The compromise was clinched. In itself, the piece is less about climate change than about the dark art of diplomacy that slowly brings consensus where none seems possible. At the very end the political gets personal. In a beautiful fall of cherry blossom, Dons wife has a glimmer of hope that in spite of her husbands best efforts, he left our planet a safer place. Trumps determination to Drill, baby, drill may reverse all that. Until May 3. The Lonely Londoners (Kiln Theatre, London) Verdict: Moving Windrush tales Rating: The Lonely Londoners is a familiar tale of disenchantment among West Indian immigrants of the 1950s, adapted by Roy Williams from Sam Selvons ground-breaking 1956 novel. The Lonely Londoners is a familiar tale of disenchantment among West Indian immigrants of the 1950s, adapted by Roy Williams from Sam Selvons ground-breaking 1956 novel First seen at the Jermyn Street Theatre last year, its written in Trinidadian patois and relays the high hopes of young men arriving in London after the sunshine of the Caribbean only to be greeted by hunger, racism, and a miserable climate. Main man Moses (Solomon Israel), selflessly meets fellow immigrants off the boat train, and warns them to manage expectations all the while hiding his own remorse at lost love back home. Randy young Galahad (Romario Simpson), and frustrated businessman Big City (Gilbert Kyem Jnr), resort to violence and crime in self-defence and despair. Jobless Lewis (Tobi Bakare), who specialises in catching pigeons in the park to eat, lapses into alcoholism. Although a mother, wife and girlfriend also feature, women are marginal to the action, amid misogynistic remarks about white women being like the British weather cold. First seen at the Jermyn Street Theatre last year, its written in Trinidadian patois and relays the high hopes of young men arriving in London after the sunshine of the Caribbean only to be greeted by hunger, racism, and a miserable climate Nonetheless, Ebenezer Bamgboyes slickly choreographed production evokes the spartan cool of the jazz era and shows how the mens big man talk is a mask for their sense of guilt, shame and stigmatisation. And, in spite of everything, the play becomes a surprising love letter to the capital, as the men cling to their battered dreams. A Good House (Royal Court, London) Verdict: Fake comedy Rating: Amy Jephtas play A Good House is a trivial comedy of manners about three South African couples who fall out after a shanty town springs up next to their new homes in a middle-class cul de sac. The main focus is on successful black banker Sihle, who grew up in such informal settlements, and his snobbish wife Bonolo, who considers herself a political radical. Amy Jephtas play A Good House is a trivial comedy of manners about three South African couples who fall out after a shanty town springs up next to their new homes in a middle-class cul de sac In whats little more than an awkward situation, their dilemma is whether or not to support an eviction petition for the occupants of the slum. The petition has been clumsily cobbled together by a slightly hyper middle-aged white man (Scott Sparrow) and his estate agent wife (Olivia Darnley) in league with a start-up sandwich shop owner (Kai Luke Brummer) and his yogi partner (Robyn Rainsford). Timidly directed by Nancy Medina (Artistic Director of Bristols Old Vic), its a shallow, plotless confection of predictable epithets and fake outrage. None of the characters face any hard truths or tough choices. Only Sifiso Mazibuko makes an impression as easy-going yuppie Sihle but he isnt much bothered by the shanty town anyway. The big joke about his wife (Mimi M. Khayisa) is that she is highly controlling about how wine should be poured. The result is a low-stakes comedy of faux pas that really isnt very funny. Josh Brolin vented his frustration at Dune: Part Two filmmaker Denis Villeneuve not receiving a Best Director nod as Academy Awards nominations were announced Thursday, sarcastically saying he was going to quit acting. The 56-year-old actor previously told Variety in November that he felt Villeneuve, 57, was blatantly snubbed by the Academy after he was not nominated for the first Dune movie, which was released in late 2021. Brolin, who reprised his role of Gurney Halleck in the sci-fi sequel, made a jaw-dropping pledge if Villeneuve were to be snubbed for the critically-acclaimed sequel. 'If he doesn't get nominated this year, I'll quit acting,' Brolin told the outlet last fall. 'It was a better movie than the first one ... it's masterful, and Denis is one of our master filmmakers. 'If the Academy Awards have any meaning whatsoever, they'll recognize him.' Villeneuve again was snubbed on Thursday, as he was excluded from the list of Best Achievement in Directing nominees, which included The Brutalist's Brady Corbet, Emilia Perez's Jacques Audiard, Anora's Sean Baker, The Substance's Coralie Fargeat and A Complete Unknown's James Mangold. Josh Brolin, 56, vented his frustration at Dune: Part Two filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, 57, not receiving a Best Director nod as Academy Awards nominations were announced Thursday, sarcastically saying he was going to quit acting The Santa Monica, California native, who appeared to be sitting on his couch in his home, made a reference to his previous vow in an Instagram Stories clip reacting to the Villeneuve snub. 'Apparently, I am going to quit acting because Denis Villeneuve didn't get nominated,' Brolin said. 'This is just how this thing works. It makes no sense to me. That's okay.' In all, Dune: Part Two was nominated for five Oscars Thursday: Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Sound, Best Achievement in Visual Effects, Best Achievement in Cinematography and Best Achievement in Production Design. Brolin, who plays Thanos in the Avengers films, sent congratulations in the clip to his Dune: Part Two collaborators on the movie for their nominations. 'Just want to say congratulations on the Dune best picture nomination,' he said, 'to Greig Fraser on cinematography, for best visual effects, for Patrice [Vermett] on production design and for sound. 'Joe Walker and Denis, you deserve it. It's an amazing film. It was even better than the first one. The people who have gotten accolades surely deserve it. Happy to be a part of it.' Others in the industry appeared to echo Brolin's sentiments on the snub of Villeneuve, who was nominated for a Critics Choice Award for his direction on the motion picture. Spider-Verse producer Chris Miller said on X/Twitter Thursday, 'There were many films that had great directing this year but what Denis did - in all aspects of the craft - was masterful.' Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott pictured at Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California Thursday Villeneuve again was snubbed, as he was excluded from the list of Best Achievement in Directing nominees. Pictured at the Golden Globes in in Beverly Hills January 5 The Santa Monica, California native made a reference to his previous vow in an Instagram Stories clip reacting to the Villeneuve snub Brolin reprised his role of Gurney Halleck in the sci-fi sequel Dune: Part Two's 2021 predecessor Dune: Part One won six Oscars on 10 nominations. Brolin in February of 2022 said the Academy looked 'dumb' not nominating the director of a movie that garnered 10 nods. 'I don't know how you get 10 nominations and then the guy who has done the impossible with that book doesn't get nominated,' Brolin said on Instagram. 'It makes you realize that it's all amazing and then it's all f***ing totally dumb. 'So congratulations for the amazing accomplishments that these incredibly talented people have been acknowledged for, because it's all really, really dumb.' Brolin past received his lone Oscar nomination a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nod in 2009 for his performance in Milk. Villeneuve has been nominated for four Oscars in the past; once for Best Director for 2016's Arrival; and once for Best Adapted Screenplay for 2021's Dune: Part One. Natalie Wood's tragic 1981 drowning may have been exacerbated by a parka she was wearing. Dr. Thomas Noguchi, a renowned 'Coroner to the Stars,' believed the actress 'might have lived' if she had taken off the waterlogged jacket, according to Anne Soon Choi's new biography, L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood. The Splendor in the Grass star shockingly drowned to death after falling from a yacht off Catalina Island during Thanksgiving weekend 1981, and her husband, actor Robert Wagner, now 94, has remained a person of interest in her death. Dr. Noguchi performed the 43-year-old star's autopsy, noting she was wearing a flannel nightgown, wool socks, and a red parka at the time of her death, which remains mired in mystery. 'When he scrutinized the parka more carefully, he realized it weighed between thirty to forty pounds in its saturated state,' Choi wrote, as per RadarOnline. 'Her sodden parka had caused her to drown,' Dr. Noguchi who also performed the autopsies of Marilyn Monroe and Robert F. Kennedy thought, as per Choi. Natalie Wood's tragic 1981 drowning may have been exacerbated by a parka she was wearing, according to a celebrity coroner; Wood pictured with husband Robert Wagner, circa 1960 While examining Wood's body, Noguchi found a large bruise on her right arm, a number more on her legs, as well as an abrasion on her left cheek. When he looked at her clothing, he noted that even over 24 hours later, her clothes were still soaking wet. Dr. Noguchi believed that 'the weight of her jacket had pulled her back down when she attempted to climb into the dinghy.' He speculated that if Wood had 'just taken off the jacket, she might have survived.' Even after considering the impact of the heavy parka, Noguchi remained perplexed as to why Wood was unable to swim back to the yacht, which was only a short distance away. He then considered her alcohol consumption in the hours before, with toxicology reports revealing a blood alcohol level of .12. Dr. Noguchi then determined that 'alcohol played a significant role in her death.' He also believed she seemed 'determined to get away' and considered the possibility that she may haven been attempting to escape her husband. Dr. Noguchi was later informed by an investigator that an argument had taken place between the then 51-year-old Wagner and 38-year-old actor Christopher Walken now 81 who was on the yacht as well. The star shockingly drowned to death after falling from a yacht off Catalina Island during Thanksgiving weekend 1981; Wood and Wagner (left) on their boat Splendour, with captain Dennis Davern (right), just weeks before she died Dr. Thomas Noguchi, a renowned 'Coroner to the Stars,' believed the actress 'might have lived' if she had taken off the waterlogged jacket, according to Anne Soon Choi's new biography, L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood Dr. Noguchi performed the 43-year-old star's autopsy. 'When he scrutinized the parka, he realized it weighed between thirty to forty pounds in its saturated state,' Choi wrote, as per RadarOnline 'Her sodden parka had caused her to drown,' Dr. Noguchi believed. He speculated that if Wood had 'just taken off the jacket, she might have survived'; Woods seen with Wagner in 1980 'All of us were taken aback by the implications of this idea. It fell right into the hands of those who had been speculating that some scandal on the yacht had contributed to the famous star's death,' Choi wrote of Dr. Noguchi's recollections. Although initially dismissed by Wagner's attorney, the actor later acknowledged that he and Walken had engaged in an argument while drinking, about Walken's concerns regarding Wood's career. 'Wagner admitted that he had shouted at Walken, "Why the f**k dont you stay out of her career? Shes got enough people telling her what to do,"' according to Choi. 'Wagner then picked up an empty wine bottle and smashed it on a table in a fit of rage.' The circumstances surrounding Wood's drowning remain shrouded in mystery. Crucial details remain unclear, including how she entered the water. Wood's sister, Lana, previously emphasized her sister's lifelong fear of water and inability to swim, and argued that Natalie would never have voluntarily ventured into the water on her own by dinghy. The coroner's report officially listed Wood's cause of death as 'drowning.' L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood is set to hit the bookstores on February 12, 2025. Many other theories have circulated regarding Wood's death, and Wagner has remained a person of interest in the case. In November of 2024, it was reported that Wood screamed for her life while hurling accusations at her A-list actor husband, one of the last people to see the West Side Story star alive. The coroner's report officially listed Wood's cause of death as 'drowning', though many theories have circulated regarding her death, and Wagner has remained a person of interest In November of 2024, it was reported that Wood screamed for her life while hurling accusations at her A-list actor husband, one of the last people to see the West Side Story star alive It's been reported that Wagner and actor Christopher Walken, who was on the yacht as well, had gotten into an argument; Wood and Walken seen in a still from 1981 film Brainstorm That fresh account of one of Hollywood's most shocking and scandalous deaths - along with one from a dying 80-year-old woman - was given to author Marti Rulli, who shared them with RadarOnline.com. Wood and Wagner were a nearly unparalleled Hollywood power couple when the actress shockingly drowned to death in 1981. The stunning revelations from two new witnesses have potentially painted Wood's 'Hart to Hart' TV star husband Robert as her alleged killer, after the case was reopened years ago. Rulli told Radar she believes the new accounts could warrant a fresh grand jury investigation of Wood's death in the dark waters near their yacht 'Splendour' off California's Catalina Island at about 11 p.m. on Nov. 28, 1981. She described one of the witnesses as a California man who was just 17 at the time of Wood's drowning death, which, after 43 years, remains mired in mystery. The teen, Rulli said, had been a worker on a fishing boat moored near the yacht owned by her husband, Wagner, where the Rebel Without a Cause star was last seen alive. Contacting Rulli last year, he recalled hearing Wood's screams - as well as an argument. 'It still bothers him and he wanted to tell me what he knew,' Rulli told radar of the then-young witness. Davern, the boat's captain, told police the cruise turned violent when Wagner accused Wood of having an affair with Walken, then 38; Wood and Walken pictured during filming of Brainstorm Davern has claimed an irate Wagner, then 51, allegedly smashed a bottle of wine on a table and began brawling with Wood just before she vanished; Davern pictured in 2011 Wagner, who was cleared by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department in its renewed probe back in 2022, has maintained Wood went off in a dinghy on her own accord and never returned; the pair seen in 1977 in Beverly Hills 'He heard an argument, and he told me he heard Natalie's screams that made him feel uncomfortable. But he didn't report it to police because he thought it was an open-and-shut drowning case.' Both accounts, Rulli said, coincided with ones given to police by the boat's captain, Dennis Davern - one of only four aboard the Splendour that night. He was joined by Wood, Wagner, and Walken - each part an alleged love triangle said to have sent Wagner into a rage. The man's claim supports testimony by Davern, who told police the Thanksgiving weekend cruise turned violent when Wagner accused Wood of having an affair with her 'Brainstorm' co-star Walken. Davern has claimed an irate Wagner allegedly smashed a bottle of wine on a table and began brawling with Wood just before she vanished. At one point Davern claims he heard Wagner scream: 'Get off my f***ing boat!' She would go on to vanish later that night, after which Davern has claimed Wagner stopped him from turning on the searchlights or phoning for help for a four full hours. Wood's body was found the next morning, washed up on the shore of Catalina. Wagner has repeatedly denied and denounced the claims. 'The case will remain open as long as Robert Wagner is alive because he is the suspect,' claimed Rulli, who is currently compiling evidence against the aging Hart to Hart star after the 1981 case was reopened in 2011. The next year, Wood's cause of death was changed from 'accidental drowning' to 'drowning and other undetermined factors' - decades after cops had cut Wagner loose as a suspect. 'I still hold hope the Los Angeles DA will see fit to let the strong previous evidence, and the new evidence I have gathered, bring justice for Natalie's murder,' Rulli explained, keeping the names and details of the witnesses under wraps. Rulli added how she also was contacted by an elderly woman who said she worked with Wood as an up-and-coming actress in the 1960s, but today is close to death. Wood and Wagner were married in 1957 and stayed together for four years before divorcing; seen on their wedding day in Scottsdale, Arizona They went on to each marry other people and have more children before eventually reconciling then marrying again in 1972; Pictured circa 1970 Before her untimely death, Natalie welcomed daughter Courtney with Wagner, and daughter Natasha with ex-husband Richard Gregson. Wagner also welcomed daughter Katie with ex-wife Marion Marshall; Wagner and Wood pictured with Katie, Natasha and Courtney in 1981 Her account also indicated alleged abuse from Wagner, who she claimed put his hands on Wood in their dress room. 'She said she saw Wagner come into their dressing room [before the incident],' Rulli said of the woman's claims, calling them 'additional evidence of [the] abuse.' Rulli went on to ask the publication that it keep the names of both witnesses concealed for now, as she hopes the new accounts will soon spur a grand jury investigation that will see Wagner indicted. RadarOnline further reported how another witness phoned LA cops sometime after Wood's death, claiming he lived next door to the high-profile couple in the 50s. 'He remembers Natalie banging on the door in the middle of the night', Rulli told the publication, as she plans to also compile the new claims in an upcoming book, Natalie Wood and the Devil She Knew. 'She was asking for a place to stay for the night because [Wagner] was going to kill her.' Wagner, who was cleared by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department in its renewed probe back in 2022, has maintained Wood went off in a dinghy on her own accord and never returned. Lana, Natalie's sister, has claimed in the past that Wagner does not want to be interviewed because she says he cannot rely on his memory any longer. He also did not respond when he was named a person of interest by the LAPD in 2018. Wood and Wagner were married in 1957 and stayed together for four years before divorcing. They went on to each marry other people and have more children before eventually reconciling then marrying again in 1972. Wagner's 95th birthday is in February. Before her untimely death, Natalie welcomed daughter Natasha with ex-husband Richard Gregson and daughter Courtney with Wagner, while Wagner also welcomed daughter Katie with ex-wife Marion Marshall. Just two months ago Natasha opened up about the impact of her mother's death and why she thinks people still feel protective of her, despite it being more than 40 years since her tragic passing. Wagner, now 94, has repeatedly denied and denounced the claims of his involvement in Wood's death; Pictured in 2017 in Palm Beach, Florida In an interview with People, Natasha - who was just 11 years old when her mom died on November 29, 1981 - said that she was 'proud' of her mother for having such an 'impact on people.' 'Its just unbelievable that there's a relevancy to her all these years later,' Natasha said. 'And that people really feel that they knew her or that they feel this protectiveness toward her. 'Maybe it was all meant to be in some weird way. Maybe her ability to touch people is larger with her not being here on earth.' Explaining why she thinks fans feel such a connection to her mother, Natasha continued: 'I think it's that they knew her since she was a little girl.' 'I think that so many of her characters, she embodied so much humanity. So maybe people feel almost like I feel about her, almost parental. I feel maternal about my mom.' Referring to some of her mother's most memorable roles in films such as Rebel Without a Cause, Splendor in the Grass, and West Side Story, Natasha said: 'Some of these movies have changed people's lives.' The daughter of a television icon put on a sultry display as she stripped down to a racy ensemble for the latest cover of Playboy Magazine. The star is no stranger to the world of modeling, and has collaborated with luxurious brands such as Chanel and Ferragamo for a variety of campaign over the years. And she has now landed a coveted spot on the cover for Playboy Magazine for its first print issue since 2020. The cover star is Lori Harvey, the 28-year-old daughter of Family Feud host Steve Harvey and Marjorie Elaine Harvey. The model who is close friends with Hailey Bieber wowed in a black latex bodysuit with a deep, plunging neckline on the front, which also contained dramatic pointed shoulders. She additionally slipped into a pair of over-the-knee, black boots that had feathery details for a unique flare. The daughter of a television icon put on a sultry display as she stripped down to a racy ensemble for the latest cover of Playboy Magazine Lori's brunette locks were swept up into a chic bun, allowing loose strands to border the left side of her face. The beauty opted to not add flashy pieces of jewelry in order for the ensemble to be the main focal point. Harvey struck a few poses while sitting on the back of a lavish convertible as she flaunted her look for the magazine cover. A short reel to tease the anticipated publication was uploaded to both Lori and Playboy Magazine's Instagram accounts. The clip began with a closeup of Harvey wearing a fitted, backless dress as she posed inside of a sleek vehicle. The camera then zoomed out to show the star also donning a sheer, black headpiece that contained the shape of bunny ears on top. As instrumental music played in the background, the video jumped to Lori leaning against the back of the car and moved her legs to reveal a California license plate that read: 'PLAYBOY.' Harvey sent a wave towards the camera before the message, 'Playboy is back in print,' popped up on the screen, concluding the special teaser. The cover star is Lori Harvey - the 28-year-old daughter of Family Feud host Steve Harvey and Marjorie Elaine Harvey; Lori and Steve seen above A short reel to tease the anticipated publication was uploaded to both Lori and Playboy Magazine's Instagram accounts As instrumental music played in the background, the video jumped to Lori leaning against the back of the car and moved her legs to reveal a California license plate that read: 'PLAYBOY' Pre-orders for the upcoming issue have kicked off, and will become officially available on newsstands later next month on February 10. The 'reimagined' version of the Playboy 'promises an unforgettable mix of cutting-edge content, bold storytelling, and unparalleled cultural insight,' per the official website. 'This edition brings back everything that made Playboy a cultural icon while introducing a fresh perspective that resonates with todays world.' The magazine's editor-in-chief, Mike Guy, interviewed Lori where she discussed 'her personal journey, career, and what it means to be a modern icon.' An additional interview for the new printed issue took place with comedian, Nikki Glaser - who recently hosted the 2025 Golden Globe Awards earlier this month. Readers will have the chance to read about her 'rise to stardom, her unfiltered approach to life, and what drives her comedic genius.' In addition to Playboy returning to print after a four-year hiatus, the Playmate of the Year is also making a grand return. The announcement will take place next month at an event during Super Bowl weekend in New Orleans. Marilyn Monroe notably appeared on the cover in 1953 (seen above) with other stars landing a spot on the cover through the decades, such as Pamela Anderson, Anna Nicole Smith, Lindsay Lohan, Drew Barrymore and Kate Moss Editor-in-chief Mike Guy expressed in a statement: 'For nearly seven decades, Playboy wasn't just a magazine - it was a movement.' 'This issue celebrates our rich history while embracing a bold new vision for the future, blending nostalgia with innovation to inspire a new generation of readers.' Playboy Magazine was founded in 1953 by Hugh Hefner, with the publication's first issue being released later that same year in December. Marilyn Monroe notably appeared on the cover in 1953, with other stars landing a spot on the cover through the decades, such as Pamela Anderson, Anna Nicole Smith, Lindsay Lohan, Drew Barrymore and Kate Moss. Lori has also made appearances on other covers for publications, such as Essence Magazine in 2022. When it comes to her fit physique, the model opened up to The Cut and shared that she often does Pilates. 'I feel like that has completely transformed my body and really leaned me out and gives me long lean muscles versus like when I would just go to the gym,' she told the outlet. 'Discipline isn't an overnight thing, you have to take it day by day,' Harvey also said, while later adding, 'My ideal workout routine now is five to six times a week, but I had to work myself up to that.' When it comes to her fit physique, the model opened up to The Cut and shared that she often does Pilates The month of January has been busy for Lori - who also celebrated her 28th birthday on January 13 The month of January has been busy for Lori - who also celebrated her 28th birthday on January 13. She took to her main Instagram page to share an assortment of photos from the big night. Harvey stunned wearing a white, corset-styled shirt dress as well as a pair of black velvet leggings and stylish heels. The businesswoman struck a variety of poses while sitting at a bar, and simply penned in the caption of the post: 'Twenty-ATE.' Jamie Foxx has split from his girlfriend Alyce Huckstepp after recently declaring that he is done dating white women. A source close to the Oscar-winner, 57, told PEOPLE on Thursday that he and Huckstepp are no longer together after dating for a year and a half. They were first romantically linked in 2023 following Foxx's six-year relationship with Dawson's Creek star Katie Holmes, 46, which came to an end in 2019. Foxx and Huckstepp were last photographed together on October 30, 2024 during a romantic trip to Mexico. A month prior, the couple looked very much in love as they were spotted grabbing dinner with friends at Nobu Malibu. The restaurant which nearly succumbed to the LA fire holds significance for Foxx and Huckstepp as it's where they first debuted their romance in August 2023. Jamie Foxx has split from his girlfriend Alyce Huckstepp after recently declaring that he is done dating white women; the exes seen in September 2024 The pair may have first crossed paths in August 2022 when Huckstepp attended the Los Angeles premiere of Foxx's Netflix film Night Shift. While they never made their official red carpet debut as a couple, Huckstepp has supported Foxx behind the scenes. She is said to have joined Foxx on set of several of his projects, including a commercial shoot for BetMGM in July 2024. A source told PEOPLE at the time that the pair looked 'cozy' and that Huckstepp was present for at least one of the shoot days. Huckstepp and Foxx went public with their romance just months after he suffered a stroke caused by a bleed on the brain in April 2023. The blonde beauty proved to be a 'great' presence in the actor's life as he recovered from the health scare that left him in a coma for 20 days, an insider told the outlet last year. But things changed in the couple's relationship following their October 2024 Mexico trip as less than two months later Foxx announced that he'd been 'cured' of white women and that he is 'back on the black side of town'. He made the joke in his new Netflix special What Had Happened Was, which was released on December 10, after dishing on his shock stroke and denying that disgraced music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs had anything to do with his hospitalization. A source close to the Oscar-winner, 57, told PEOPLE on Thursday that he and Huckstepp are no longer together after dating for a year and a half The couple were first romantically linked in 2023; Huckstepp pictured with a guest at the LA premiere of Foxx's film Night Shift on August 10, 2022 Sitting down at a piano, Foxx sang: 'Sisters, I'm here to tell you, I've been cured. 'I've been cured of everything, no more white girls. I'm serious, no more white girls. No more white girls. No more. No more white girls.' As audience members applauded and leapt out their seats, Jamie continued: 'I'm back on the Black side of town! 'No more white girls. No more potato salad and raisins. No more white girls. No more spray tan, no more big t*tties no ass, no more white girls.' Foxx has had several high-profile relationships over the years with both black and white women. In 1993 he dated Connie Kline, and the pair went on to welcome daughter Connie one year later. Between 1996 and 2001, Foxx was linked to Haitian actress Garcelle Beauvais, before going on to date actress Leila Arcieri in 2005. In 2008, Foxx dated Kristin Grannis, the mother of his second daughter, Anelise. But things changed in the couple's relationship following their October 2024 Mexico trip as just months later Foxx announced that he'd been 'cured' of white women and that he is 'back on the black side of town' He made the joke in his new Netflix special What Had Happened Was, which was released on December 10, after dishing on his shock stroke and denying that disgraced music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs had anything to do with his hospitalization He then enjoyed a six-year romance with Katie Holmes from 2013 to 2019. While many viewers were in hysterics by Foxx's admission, they couldn't help but question his sincerity. Taking to X, one wrote: 'Interesting. It took a stroke???' Another said: 'Jamie funny as s**t because he lying like hell LMFAOOOOO.' A third added: 'I don't believe him. But I'm going to mind my business.' 'Jamie knows he lyin',' a fourth continued. Elsewhere in his special, Foxx revealed that he lost 20 days' worth of memory and was unable to walk amid his terrifying health battle. During an emotional scene on his Netflix special, he recalled: 'On April 11, I was having a bad headache, and I asked my boy for Aspirin. 'I realized quickly that when you're in a medical emergency, your boys don't know what the f*** to do.' Jamie has had several high-profile relationships over the years with a variety of women, including a six-year romance with Katie Holmes; the exes seen in 2019 Foxx then confessed: 'I don't remember 20 days.' Becoming emotional, Jamie broke down in tears told audience that he was 'back,' adding: 'You don't know how good this feels.' He also credited his 16-year-old daughter Anelise for saving his life by playing the guitar at his bedside, branding her his 'spiritual defibrillator.' Foxx said that Anelise, who he shares with psychotherapist Kristin, snuck into my hospital room with her guitar. He continued: 'They said when she was playing, my vitals went down. 'The nurses at the nurses station were baffled. Like, 'Wow what did they give him?' 'They rushed into the room and she said, 'Ssh. I got him.' 'Do you know what I found out? That God was in that guitar. That's my spiritual defibrillator.' During this heartfelt moment, Anelise came out onto the stage with her guitar. 'Thank you much for stepping up when all was lost,' the actor said. Foxx's shock split from Huckstepp comes amid the actor's busy promo schedule for the action-comedy Back In Action. Foxx's shock split from Huckstepp comes amid the actor's busy promo schedule for his and Cameron Doaz's new action-comedy Back In Action; the actors seen on January 15 It marks Foxx's first film since he suffered a stroke in 2023 and Cameron's first project since she famously quit acting for family reasons in 2014 The film which was released on Netflix on January 17 sees Foxx star opposite Cameron Diaz, 52, and serves as a comeback for both A-list actors. It marks Foxx's first film since he suffered a stroke in 2023 and Cameron's first project since she famously quit acting for family reasons in 2014. Back In Action follows Emily (Cameron) and Matt (Jamie), two former CIA agents who have given up their life of espionage and action in order to settle down, start a family, and live a normal life. The cast list for the film also includes Kyle Chandler, Glenn, Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou, Jamie Demetriou, and Rylan Jackson. Joan Collins proved age really is just a number as she wowed in her swimwear in recent Instagram snaps on Wednesday. The legendary actress, 91, held hands with her husband Percy Gibson, 59, as the couple relaxed together on a lounger while holidaying in Cancun, Mexico. Joan put on a leggy display in a white swimming costume and red patterned beach wrap. She completed the look with a large white sunhat and pink mirrored lens shades while Percy styled a pair of funky blue printed swim shorts. Staying at the five star Hotel Esencia, Joan also posed for a snap with the staff as she penned: 'A massive #thankyou to the wonderful staff who spoiled us every day! @hotelesencia'. In a video earlier this week the star shared her gratitude as she escaped off on holiday. Joan Collins, 91, looked sensational as she relaxed in her swimwear alongside her husband Percy Gibson, 59, as the couple holiday in Cancun in her latest Instagram post on Wednesday Staying at the five star Hotel Esencia, Joan also posed for a snap with the staff as she penned: 'A massive #thankyou to the wonderful staff who spoiled us every day! @hotelesencia' Wearing a stylish blue print summer dress and matching sunhat she told fans: 'I am so lucky to be in Cancun, the weather is perfect. We are having the most wonderful time in the most wonderful hotel. 'We've escaped from the fires and here we are. It is so beautiful. It has been the most fantastic week and me and Percy have just had a lovely time.' Earlier this month it was revealed that Joan regards Donald Trump as one of her 'closest lifelong friends,' according to sources who say the Hollywood icon has 'never been shy about her love' for the politician. The Dynasty star raised eyebrows this week after she was named as a pro-MAGA patriot while attending a 'pre-inauguration celebration' with right-wing friends. The iconic actress was seen having a 'lovely dinner with friends' in a picture shared by conservative actor James Woods to his X account. Seeing the star alongside Woods and other outspoken MAGA fanatics led many fans to share their surprise that Collins is associated with the group. However, a source exclusively explained to DailyMail.com that it should come as 'no surprise at all' as the president-elect is one of her 'closest friends.' 'To Joan, Donald is not just a former president and soon-to-be MAGA president, but he is also one of her closest lifelong friends,' the insider began. 'She has run in his circle for 40 years and they have so much love for one another.' In a video earlier this week the star shared her gratitude as she escaped off on holiday Wearing a stylish blue print summer dress and matching sunhat she told fans: 'I am so lucky to be in Cancun, the weather is perfect. We are having the most wonderful time in the most wonderful hotel' Joan raised eyebrows earlier this month as she was pictured at a dinner with MAGA loving celebrities including James Woods and John Voight The source noted that Collins has openly praised Trump for helping to inspire her beloved Dynasty character, Alexis Carrington Colby. 'It is no secret that Joan modelled her famous Alexis character on Dynasty after Donald,' the insider continued. 'She has discussed her inspiration countless times over the years and said it was half Donald Trump and half another friend of hers. 'She took Donald's 'ruthlessness' for Alexis. Joan has never been shy about her love for Donald.' The source also highlighted Collins' close relationship to both Trump and his late ex-wife, Ivanna. The insider added: 'But it was not only Donald that is a huge part of her life but Donald's ex-wife Ivanna, Ivanka's mom. Joan and Ivanna were so beyond close and remained friends until Ivanna's death. 'Joan was heartbroken when Ivanna passed because she was one of the only people who truly got her. She never let Donald and Ivanna's divorce change her love and respect for each of them.' Opening up about the British icon's decision to support her friend amid his political campaigns, the insider continued: 'Joan has always been quiet about her political affiliations because she does not believe this needs to be broadcast.' DailyMail.com has contacted reps for Collins for comment. Collins' fifth husband Percy was also at the gathering which had started out as a 'post-Christmas dinner.' Woods explained in the picture caption: 'It evolved from a post-Christmas dinner to a pre-Inauguration celebration. Not often in Hollywood you can be surrounded by patriots. What a joyous night.' Also in attendance was actor Jon Voight, who is Angelina Jolie's father. The Brutalist (18, 214mins) Verdict: Impressive but flawed Rating: There is no swerving the irony that The Brutalist, a sweeping drama about the American immigrant experience, lands in cinemas in the very week that the 47th President of the United States starts the process of booting loads of them out. Mind you, almost five months have passed since the world premiere, at the Venice Film Festival, and the movie has been gathering awards ever since. Adrien Brody already has a Golden Globe for his lead performance as a Hungarian-Jewish architect who, released from the horrors of Buchenwald concentration camp, arrives in the United States and begins to rebuild his life and career. Brody is an odds-on favourite to add an Oscar. Meanwhile, all kinds of lavish adjectives have been flung at writer-director Brady Corbet (also anointed with a Globe), and his co-writer Mona Fastvold, who is also his partner. Never mind their pillow-talk, imagine their pillar-talk. Their movie, with its twin themes of assimilation and architecture, has been described as immense, monumental, dizzying. And now I can add euphoric, but only because thats how I felt on the arrival of the 15-minute intermission. The Brutalist is very long. Adrien Brody (left) and Felicity Jones (right) in The Brutalist Adrien Brody already has a Golden Globe for his lead performance as a Hungarian-Jewish architect who, released from the horrors of Buchenwald concentration camp, arrives in the United States and begins to rebuild his life and career It feels almost curmudgeonly not to polish up more superlatives but I can only speak as I find. There are many impressive things about this film, not least the acting, but for me it too often loses its narrative grip in the second act, veering off on tangents that feel unnecessary, distracting and self-indulgent. Also, petty as it might be, I dont believe that in the mid 20th-century, even educated Hungarians could conceivably arrive in America with an almost perfect grasp of English grammar. They do have heavy accents (which in Brodys case was reportedly made more realistic by part-cloning it, using Artificial Intelligence to fuse his efforts with the actual Hungarian accent of the films editor David Jancso). But whats the point of making the vowels sound convincingly foreign when the sentence construction is so improbably immaculate? Ostensibly, construction is what The Brutalist is largely about. Laszlo Toth (Brody) is a Bauhaus-trained architect whom we first meet amid the tumult of middle-Europes liberation from the Nazis. But before long he is arriving in New York Harbour where he gets a skew-whiff sighting of the Statue of Liberty, heavily symbolic of experiences to come as the American Dream turns out to be, if not illusory, decidedly compromised. To begin with, though, it is full of heady promise. There is a very moving scene when Toth meets up with his already-assimilated cousin Attila (Alessandro Nivola) and the pair hug as if daring fate ever to pull them apart again. Guy Pearce stars as the volatile millionaire industrialist and socialite called Harrison Lee Van Buren Attila owns a furniture store in Philadelphia called Miller & Sons. He has anglicised his name and invented offspring because, he says, Americans love a family business. Thats the sort of thing that European Jews have to do to fit in, but the intense, passionate Toth never really does; he never entirely escapes the scourge of anti-Semitism which, in a way that only eventually becomes clear, even shapes the style and philosophy of his brutalist architecture. Atilla gives him a job, but after a commission goes wrong the cousins fall out. Toth, increasingly reliant on alcohol and heroin, is forced to work on building sites until he falls under the patronage of a volatile millionaire industrialist and socialite called Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce). Once Van Buren hires him to design a mighty community centre named after his beloved late mother, Toths American Dream seems complete, despite the sly enmity of his patrons entitled and supercilious son Harry (Joe Alwyn). Along with dozens of tons of concrete, he pours his heart and soul into the project. Yet it is built, metaphorically, on shifting sands. Toth might be difficult, stubborn and obstreperous, but the Van Burens are not worthy of his heart and cannot buy his soul. All this unfolds absorbingly, but the narrative takes an unwelcome lurch sideways following that blessedly welcome intermission when, thanks to the Displaced Persons Act and some string-pulling by Van Buren, Toths osteoporosis-stricken wife Erzsebet (Felicity Jones) and niece Zsofia (Raffey Cassidy), an elective mute, join him in America. Alessandro Nivola, left, with Adrien Brody. The pair hug as if daring fate ever to pull them apart again Erzsebets arrival introduces a jolting psychosexual dimension to the drama which it simply doesnt need. And later, be warned, there is a rape scene all the more shocking for being entirely unexpected. As an exercise in story-telling, The Brutalist has genuine grandeur and ambition. It is beautifully shot and scored, and in several ways stands comparison with the great coming-to-America movies such as The Godfather: Part Two (1974), except that it replaces guns with girders. Brody is excellent, so too Pearce. But the film does not soar like I kept hoping it would. It whisks us well beyond the mezzanine level of expectation, but never to the roof. Also showing When haunted house horror meets serial killer thriller Presence (15, 85 mins) Rating: Steven Soderbergh is writing a book about the art of directing, using Steven Spielbergs Jaws as the ultimate example of concise but powerful visual story-telling. His own new film Presence makes a jolly good fist of it, too. In less than an hour and a half, Soderbergh crafts a slick supernatural thriller that exerts an immediate grip and never lets go. Lucy Liu stars in Steven Soderbergh's Presence, in less than an hour and a half, Soderbergh crafts a slick supernatural thriller that exerts an immediate grip and never lets go With a hand-held camera Soderbergh tells the story from the point of view of whatever spirit is haunting a suburban house. Newly moved in are pushy mum Rebecca (Lucy Liu), married to the much softer Chris (Chris Sullivan). Their teenage children are brattish Tyler (Eddy Maday) and troubled Chloe (Callina Liang), who is traumatised by the recent deaths of two schoolmates. Soderbergh leads us towards a conventional haunted house story but cleverly shapes it into a serial-killer thriller, exploring themes of teenage sex and peer pressure. Its a skilled piece of film-making. Flight Risk (15, 91mins) Rating: Mel Gibsons Flight Risk is only a little longer, but makes the mistake of trying to cram in way too much narrative. Flight Risk stars Michelle Dockery (pictured), striving admirably to erase all traces of Downton Abbeys Lady Mary In the film Dockery is a US marshal who must escort a vital witness (Topher Grace) in a case against a mob boss, by air from Alaska to Seattle A US marshal (Michelle Dockery, striving admirably to erase all traces of Downton Abbeys Lady Mary) must escort a vital witness (Topher Grace) in a case against a mob boss, by air from Alaska to Seattle. Unfortunately, the pilot (a gurning Mark Wahlberg) turns out to be a hitman, hired by the bad guys. That ought to be enough story, but theres some silliness about corrupt law officers that tests ones resolve to see the film through to its predictable conclusion. Back In Action (12, 114 mins) Rating: The title of the Netflix film Back In Action might refer to Cameron Diaz, who stars with Jamie Foxx. Shes been off the silver screen for more than a decade. The title of the Netflix film Back In Action might refer to Cameron Diaz (left), who stars with Jamie Foxx (right). Shes been off the silver screen for more than a decade Shes welcome to take another ten years out unless she makes better choices than this feeble, desperately formulaic secret-agent thriller, which name-checks MI6, the Triads and the KGB within the first couple of minutes, and gets steadily worse. Amazingly, Glenn Close and Andrew Scott agreed to take part, too. All films in cinemas now except Back In Action, streaming on Netflix. A journalist who says Sean 'Diddy' Combs made death threats toward her - over approval of photos for a magazine spread - speaks in extended detail over the alleged exchange in a forthcoming docuseries titled The Fall of Diddy. Danyel Smith, the one-time editor-in-chief of Vibe magazine, said Combs, 55, vowed he would see her 'dead in a trunk' if she didn't show him, in advance, images of him for a story in the publication. 'After the shoot, Mr. Combs wanted to see the covers before they were published,' Smith said in an excerpt from the forthcoming docuseries. 'It was policy for us not to show the covers to anyone before they were published.' Smith said in the broadcast that Combs telephoned her to complain, at which time he made the death threats: 'I told him that I wouldn't be making an exception and he said that he would see me dead in a trunk if I did not show it to him.' Combs has past denied Smith's allegations, and has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges after his September arrest. He has remained incarcerated awaiting a May 5 trial, after he was refused bail on multiple occasions. Dailymail.com has reached out to reps and attorneys for Diddy for further comment. Danyel Smith, a journalist who says Sean 'Diddy' Combs made death threats toward her - over approval of photos for a magazine spread - speaks in extended detail over the alleged exchange in a forthcoming docuseries titled The Fall of Diddy Smith said she told Diddy he needed 'to take that back,' to which he said 'he wasn't taking s*** back,' at which point she enlisted her lawyer. 'My attorney called him to say that if he didn't immediately fax over an apology, my attorney was going to reach out to law enforcement,' Smith said. 'It took about 90 minutes to two hours and I received that faxed apology.' Smith said that after the fact, she had learned that Diddy dispatched people to intimidate her over the issue. 'I've only recently come to realize - through the members of the staff at that time - that he had actually, in the days before, come up to the Vibe offices with two tough guys looking for me,' she said. Smith spoke about the issue with The New York Times Magazine last summer, noting that the information filed regarding the Combs story had disappeared at the time. The story titled The Good, the Bad, and the Puffy, was published in December 1997/January 1998. The claims made by Smith mirror those of prosecutors in Combs' federal case, who say the music mogul used blackmail and violence in his efforts to silence victims. Among the claims is that he persuaded women to participate against their will in group sexual exhibitions referred to as 'Freak Offs.' Combs has past denied Smith's allegations, and has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges after his September arrest Smith said in the broadcast that Combs telephoned her to complain, at which time he made the death threats: 'I told him that I wouldn't be making an exception and he said that he would see me dead in a trunk if I did not show it to him' Smith said she enlisted her lawyer to demand a written apology over the threat, which Diddy subsequently faxed over The Can't Nobody Hold Me Down performer remains in federal custody more than four months after his arrest in connection with sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Combs, who is also charged with transportation to engage in prostitution, has made a trio of attempts in vain to be granted bail, amid concerns from the court he would attempt to flee or tamper with his case. Prior to his arrest he was in the headlines for much of 2024 year after raids on multiple properties in March; video of him assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie surfacing on CNN in May; and his September 16 arrest in Manhattan. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, as his trial date of May 5 looms. A synopsis of the documentary released by Investigation Discovery details what viewers can expect to see in the forthcoming docuseries. 'From those who saw his alleged violence and temper during his college days at Howard University and the onset of his career with Bad Boy Records, to those who knew him at the height of his influence and power in recent years, the network said, 'The Fall of Diddy covers decades of mounting allegations. 'Through these interviews combined with a vast collection of archival footage, The Fall of Diddy paints a holistic picture of a mogul who is alleged to have wielded his extensive power and influence to obscure, for decades, a pattern of abuse and violence that left an unprecedented amount of pain and suffering in his wake.' The Fall of Diddy is set to debut over two nights, January 27 and January 28 on Investigation Discovery and Max. After earning a Golden Globe nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Awards nomination, many were hoping Pamela Anderson would score her first Oscar nomination this year for The Last Showgirl. The critically-acclaimed indie film - following an aging Las Vegas showgirl who must evolve when her show is shut down - earned scores of rave reviews for her portrayal of Shelly Gardner in director Gia Coppola's film. Unfortunately, Anderson's name wasn't called when the 97th Academy Awards nominations were revealed on Thursday morning. While some consider her exclusion a snub, Anderson herself insisted that she wasn't expecting her name to be called at all. 'Oh my gosh, its not something I ever expected. Doing the work is the win,' Anderson said in an interview with Elle on Thursday. 'Thats what I like to do, and I think we can lose sight of that sometimes in this whole crazy awards season, but its nice to be recognized, and its all a bonus,' she added. After earning a Golden Globe nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Awards nomination, many were hoping Pamela Anderson would score her first Oscar nomination this year for The Last Showgirl The critically-acclaimed indie film - following an aging Las Vegas showgirl who must evolve when her show is shut down - earned scores of rave reviews for her portrayal of Shelly Gardner in director Gia Coppola's film The Last Showgirl marked her first starring role in many years, as Anderson added that she was more than happy with the accolades she'd already received. 'I couldnt imagine [it] anyway. Im happy for the SAG nomination, thats [voted on by] your peers. Thats really cool. This has been a long road promoting this film,' she said. She added that the success of The Last Showgirl is 'the best payback' after the Hulu miniseries Pam & Tommy, which chronicled the leak of her and Tommy Lee's sex tape. 'It's just one of those things. It happened and now I'm here and so this is the best payback I'm being seen and recognised for my work and not these tawdry moments,' she said on Andy Cohen's Sirius XM show Radio Andy. When asked about the Hulu series, which starred Lily James and Sebastian Stan as Pamela and Tommy, she said: 'I didn't have any involvement. No one called me, which was so strange and that was hurtful.' 'I think ethically it's illegal. But I mean, you're kind of fair game. I remember people telling me that a long time ago that you are basically public property and have no right to privacy,' she said of the incident that made headlines around the globe. When asked if anyone from Hulu ever approached her with an apology, she replied, 'No they haven't.' The series recreated the moment where the tape was in a safe that was stolen by a disgruntled contractor (played by Seth Rogen) who was furious that Lee wouldn't pay him. The Last Showgirl marked her first starring role in many years, as Anderson added that she was more than happy with the accolades she'd already received 'I couldnt imagine [it] anyway. Im happy for the SAG nomination, thats [voted on by] your peers. Thats really cool. This has been a long road promoting this film,' she said. She told The Hollywood Reporter: 'I blocked that out of my life. I had to in order to survive, really. It was a survival mechanism' She told The Hollywood Reporter: 'I blocked that out of my life. I had to in order to survive, really. It was a survival mechanism.' 'Now that it's all coming up again, I feel sick from my whole stomach from the middle of my chest all the way down to my stomach. [My stomach] feels right now like it's just been punched.' Now Anderson is reaping the success of The Last Showgirl, with more projects in the offing. She's starring in a new Naked Gun reboot alongside Liam Neeson, which is slated for release August 1, and she also has Rosebush Pruning with Elle Fanning and Riley Keough in post-production. Celebrity conservationist Bindi irwin has published her first book titled 'You Are a Wildlife Warrior!' A signed and 'authenticated' copy of the children's tome will set back fans a very reasonable $19. Posting to her stories on Friday, Bindi shared highlights from a Q&A and to give followers a preview of the new book. Including a gallery of photos in the share, Bindi began by telling her fans what to expect from her first published outing. 'This book takes you on a remarkable journey with me and my daughter Grace to experience our conservation work at Australia Zoo and worldwide!' she said. Bindi also included a cute picture of herself and her three-year-old daughter on her knee reading the new book. Celebrity conservationist Bindi irwin has published her first book titled 'You Are a Wildlife Warrior!' A signed and 'authenticated' copy of the children's tome will set back fans $19 She also shared photos of herself posing with her husband Chandler Powell, 28, mother Terri Irwin, 60, and her 21-year-old TV star brother Robert irwin. All four were wearing the family's 'trademark' khaki safari uniform. Elsewhere in the online chat with fans, Bindi revealed she had been 'working on the book' since Grace Warrior was born in March 2021. She also told readers that her late father Steve Irwin, co-founder of Australia Zoo, makes an appearance in the publication. 'I do include my dad and our family,' she revealed. 'It is an honour to carry on his legacy together.' Since Steve Irwin's tragic death in 2006, his family have carried on his legacy and have won over legions of fans with their upbeat videos on social media. Australia Zoo was actually founded by Steve's dad Bob Snr in 1970. Posting to her stories on Friday, Bindi shared highlights from a Q&A and to give followers a preview of the new book He left the business for good in 2008 - two years after the death of his famous son. It comes after Bindi shared an exciting announcement about the future of the family's Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. The celebrity conservationist revealed that the luxury new cabins at the Zoo's Crocodile Hunter Lodge were now completed and ready to take bookings. She posted a gallery of photos which showcased the cabins, which feature gorgeous spacious rooms, breathtaking nature views and all the luxuries of a five-star hotel. Bindi captioned the gallery with some exciting words: 'Our new cabins. @crocodilehunterlodge + my husband = in love. Come stay in our utterly breathtaking two storey cabins.' 'Our best and newest luxury cabins!' Bindi's mother Terri Irwin added. However, fans may need to save up for quite some time to stay there as bookings on their website currently have a three-night minimum stay at $6,397 - or just over $2,100 a night. Bindi's followers quickly took to social media to express their frustration at not being able to afford a booking. 'If I ever become loaded, you will find me here,' one person wrote. 'I want to so bad but it is a little too expensive,' a second user added. 'Why can't I be rich?' a third person mused. In December 2022, the Irwin family spoke about the importance of continuing Steve's legacy by building the lodge. 'This is an exciting time for us as a family to be able to continue on what dad's vision was for Australia Zoo,' Bindi said at the time. Spencer Pratt and his wife Heidi Montag have filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and the Department of Water and Power. Pratt, 41, and Montag, 38, lost their $2.5 million Pacific Palisades home to the devastating Los Angeles fires on January 8th. The couple have now joined other homeowners in suing the city over the damage to their properties, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Their lawsuit, filed in California's Superior Court in Los Angeles County on Tuesday, accuses the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power of 'failing to maintain an adequate water supply system to fight the blazes.' It further states that the blaze was 'an inescapable and unavoidable consequence' due to how the city and LADWP allegedly managed the area's water supply. It points to 'delays in in repairing the Santa Ynez Reservoir, leaving the massive water storage complex in the heart of the Palisades empty for nearly a year.' Spencer Pratt, 41, and Heidi Montag, 38, have filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and the Department of Water and Power 20 other property owners have joined the lawsuit as well, including Pratt's mother Janet Pratt. His sister, Stephanie Pratt, previously confirmed their parents' home was also destroyed in the Palisades fire, just hours after Spencer and Heidi's home. 'With the Santa Ynez Reservoir effectively out of commission, hydrants in Pacific Palisades failed after three tanks each holding one million gallons of water went dry within a span of 12 hours,' the lawsuit alleges. The lawsuit blames the LA Dept of Water and Power of emptying the reservoir before the fire, 'allegedly to seek contractor bids rather than use in-house personnel to repair it.' 'This stated public purpose was far outweighed by the substantial risk posed to Pacific Palisades by wildfires,' the lawsuit states. 'The degree of damage that resulted from the Palisades Fire far outweighed any benefit that could have been realized by outsourcing and delaying repairs.' The lawsuit also 'alleges inverse condemnation, which allows property owners to seek compensation over damages caused by public use. It seeks unspecified damages.' Their damages include property repair costs, loss of property enjoyment, and lost wages. Earlier this month, Spencer revealed his plans to sue the State of California after his home was tragically burnt down. Pratt and his wife lost their $2.5 million Pacific Palisades home to the devastating Los Angeles fires on January 8th; He is pictured in front of the rubble Their lawsuit, filed in California 's Superior Court in Los Angeles County on Tuesday, accuses the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power of 'failing to maintain an adequate water supply system to fight the blazes' It further states that the blaze was 'an inescapable and unavoidable consequence' due to how the city and LADWP allegedly managed the area's water supply; Spencer shared video showing the blaze The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, which include property repair costs, loss of property enjoyment, and lost wages The former reality star announced that he intends on filing a lawsuit against California due to their alleged negligence that resulted in the loss of his residence. While speaking to blogger, Perez Hilton, the father-of-two recalled desperately trying to get help from Los Angeles Fire Department as he watched his property go up in flames. 'They never came. The gate was still locked,' he claimed. 'They never came. I watched from my security cameras until our house burned down. There were no fire trucks.' As his home burned down, Pratt insisted that he called 911 and informed them that if they sent 'one fire truck' to his street that they 'could stop [the fire from] coming down the whole freaking area.' In response to his suggestion to bring in a truck, he said he was told that the fire department didn't 'have the assets.' The couple's home was flattened to the ground after the raging fire took over the LA landscape and wreaked fiery havoc, and photos obtained by DailyMail.com showed the severity of the devastation. The only parts of the home still standing were the charred entry gate and the front portion of the home's stucco perimeter wall. Large piles of debris were seen throughout the property as well as burnt foliage that once decorated the home's front yard. His decision to sue comes amid widespread backlash against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass' lack of preparation and rapid response to the wildfires. 20 other property owners have joined the lawsuit as well, including Pratt's mother Janet Pratt. His sister, Stephanie Pratt, previously confirmed their parents' home was also destroyed in the Palisades fire, just hours after Spencer and Heidi's home; Spencer pictured with Janet Spencer revealed that his parents' home has also been destroyed in the blaze Heidi broke down in tears while discussing the loss of their home last Wednesday on Good Morning America Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has blamed Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, for the killer wildfires that have ravaged the state. Like a lot of California homeowners, The Hills alums' policy was dropped by their insurance company last year. 'We were house poor, as they call it,' Heidi explained in a recent interview on Good Morning America. 'Like, we have a house and everything else is a hustle, is a grind. So yeah, we're definitely counting every dollar that we make because we're working really hard. We take one trip a year.' Montag and Pratt have been posting videos on social media about their ordeal, and they managed to garner enough fan support to get her 2010 album Superficial to the top of the iTunes chart in the US last Saturday. 'The fan support has been such a light in such a darkness for us, and it's life changing,' the Colorado-born blonde shared. Celebrities publicly supporting Heidi's record include Paris Hilton, Emily Ratajkowski, Julia Fox, Howie Mandel, Flavor Flav, Diplo, Dillon Francis, Gabby Thomas, Alix Earle, Nick Viall, and Tana Mongeau. The married couple of 16 years are proud parents of seven-year-old son Gunner and two-year-old son Ryker. Montag and Pratt have been posting videos on social media about their ordeal; Heidi seem getting emotional about the loss of their home in a TikTok video They managed to garner enough fan support to get her 2010 album Superficial to the top of the iTunes chart in the US last Saturday Several wildfires have recently impacted the Los Angeles area. The Eaton Fire that scorched 14,021 acres east of Los Angeles was 91 percent contained, while the larger Palisades Fire, which has consumed 23,448 acres on the west side of Los Angeles, stood at 68 percent contained on Wednesday. Since the two fires broke out on January 7, they have burned an area nearly the size of Washington, D.C., killed 28 people and damaged or destroyed nearly 16,000 structures, Cal Fire said. Private forecaster AccuWeather projects damage and economic losses at more than $250 billion. Zoe Saldana marked her Oscar nomination on Thursday with a rare and heartwarming series of snapshots featuring her beautiful family. The 46-year-old actress, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Perez, shared joyful moments on Instagram with her husband of 12 years, Marco Perego, 44, and their three children: twins Cy and Bowie, 10, and Zen, 7. Captioned 'How today feels,' the series of photos captured the pure joy of the moment, from a lively outdoor dance party with the kids to a playful pillow fight. Another image showed Zoe celebrating a birthday with her sons, while yet another captured a memorable moment from her recent Golden Globe win. In Emilia Perez, Zoe plays Rita, a weary Mexico City lawyer who becomes the personal fixer for a former drug lord. The Netflix film, which also stars Selena Gomez, is up for several Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress for Saldana, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best International Feature. Zoe Saldana marked her Oscar nomination on Thursday with a rare and heartwarming series of snapshots featuring her beautiful family The 46-year-old actress, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Perez, shared joyful moments on Instagram with her husband of 12 years, Marco Perego, 44, and their three children: twins Cy and Bowie, 10, and Zen, 7 Zoe is up against stiff competition in the Best Supporting Actress category this year, with nominees including Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Ariana Grande (Wicked), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave). Just hours before sharing the family snapshots, Zoe posted a touching photo with her two sisters, Cisely and Mariel, to celebrate the nomination. 'I am truly honored and grateful for the nomination. Thank you so much for considering me for this award,' she wrote. 'I am thrilled to be among such talented company. Emilia Perez was made with love. Thank you to @theacademy and its members for recognizing our work. Jacques!!!!! BINGO!' she added, giving a heartfelt shout-out to director Jacques Audiard. Earlier this month, Zoe won her first Golden Globe Award and brought her mother, Asalia Nazario, as her guest. 'I have dyslexia and I tend to forget when I'm really anxious. I'm filled with adrenaline, but my heart is full of gratitude,' Zoe began her emotional two-minute speech. 'Thank you so much to the Golden Globes for celebrating our film and honoring the women of Emilia Perez. Thank you so much!' Saldana edged out fierce competition from her Emilia Perez co-star Selena Gomez, along with Ariana Grande from Wicked, Felicity Jones of The Brutalist, Margaret Qualley from The Substance, and Isabella Rossellini of Conclave. Captioned 'How today feels,' the series of photos captured the pure joy of the moment, from a lively outdoor dance party with the kids to a playful pillow fight Another image showed Zoe celebrating a birthday with her children, while yet another captured a memorable moment from her recent Golden Globe win In Emilia Perez, Zoe plays Rita, a weary Mexico City lawyer who becomes the personal fixer for a former drug lord 'Selena, I am sharing this with you,' she added 'I know that it is a competition but all that I have witnessed is just us showing up for each other and celebrating each other, it's just so beautiful.'. Shes also a nominee this season at the Critics Choice Awards, BAFTA Awards, and SAG Awards. The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 2, airing live at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and streaming on Hulu. Lisa Snowdon put her incredible figure on display in a selection of skimpy bikinis as she celebrated her 53rd birthday on holiday in the Caribbean. The TV personality jetted off to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines this week to mark the milestone with fiance George Smart and has been documenting her time away. On Thursday, Lisa took to Instagram to share a stunning bikini-clad snap that highlighted her toned abs. She posed for a mirror selfie in a tiny coral two-piece that she paired with a turquoise kaftan. Lisa captioned the snap: 'Its my Birthday!! Feeling fabulous at 53! Bring it on! Im just getting started '. Lisa Snowdon put her incredible figure on display in a selection of skimpy bikinis as she celebrated her 53rd birthday on holiday in the Caribbean The TV personality jetted off to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines this week to mark the milestone with fiance George Smart and has been documenting her time away She also took to her Stories to share snaps in a snakeskin print bikini as she danced around for the camera. Proving just how she stays in shape, Lisa also revealed that she began her birthday with a 7am workout, posing with George in her workout gear. Yet she did allow herself to indulge later in the day as she revealed she was enjoying a beer on the beach. Last summer, Lisa discussed losing two stone during a five-year weight loss battle while dealing with menopause, saying she 'lost herself' when she first started experiencing symptom in her mid-40's. Speaking to Closer Magazine, the former Britain's Next Top Model host admitted that she didn't recognise herself at the time as the perimenopause and menopause had such an impact on her confidence. She revealed: 'I had days so dark that I thought, "If this is what my life looks like, then I can't do it", I felt so lonely and confused. I didn't recognise myself.' 'The perimenopause and menopause have such an impact on your confidence and I lost myself for a little while.' The star went on to explain how she was her 'heaviest' in 2018, however, HRT (hormone replacement therapy) helped ease many of her symptoms. She also revealed that she went on to lose two-stone after focusing on exercise and eating the right foods for her mind and body. She admitted to Closer that she had 'no grip' on her cravings before and revealed she started 'listening to her body.' On Thursday, Lisa took to Instagram Stories to share snaps in a snakeskin print bikini as she danced around for the camera Lisa revealed in 2021 that she was prescribed antidepressants after experiencing low moods and anxiety as a result of early menopause. The presenter, who suffers from endometriosis started experiencing depression around 10 years ago but had no idea her symptoms were a result of the perimenopause. Appearing on Lorraine at the time, she explained that her 2016 appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! was worsened by 'debilitating' periods, low energy and 'brain fog', revealing she relied on the pill to stop her irregular cycle. It wasn't until being prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) that Lisa was able to 'take ownership' of her health, hailing the treatment as a 'game-changer' and insisting she 'wouldn't be without it'. 'When I look back it did creep up on me, it wasn't a definite pinpoint the actual day I knew I was going into perimenopause,' Lisa explained. 'When I look back it was about seven years ago when I started experiencing low mood, depression, anxiety and I was managing it because I just thought that was what was wrong with me, maybe I was just a bit unhappy.' 'I got prescribed antidepressants and that wasn't what I needed but I thought I did. The symptoms started evolving and it was painful periods, awful cycles, really irregular, all these other symptoms started coming up and it was a juggling act. It was really hard to work out what was going on.' Proving just how she stays in shape, Lisa also revealed that she began her birthday with a 7am workout, posing with George in her workout gear Yet she did allow herself to indulge later in the day as she revealed she was enjoying a beer on the beach After signing up as a contestant on the ITV reality show I'm A Celeb, Lisa began having periods so painful she struggled to leave the house - but still had no idea that she was exhibiting signs of menopause. 'It was such a shame,' she said. 'I said yes to going into the jungle and I was really excited about it and in the months leading up to it I had debilitating cycles and really irregular, almost where I couldn't leave the house and I didn't know what to do.' 'I already suffer from endometriosis, so I'm used to having very painful cycles but I thought "What am I going to do? This is going to be awful".' 'I went to see my gynaecologist and we had scans and tests, never discussed once it could be my hormones or perimenopause, or the menopause.' 'We did a short fix which, looking back, I was able to go into the jungle. I was on the pill which stopped cycle, which isn't ideal but I wanted to experience [the jungle].' 'When I look back I didn't have the experience I wanted. I didn't have the energy, I did have brain fog, I did have the anxiety and feeling low and lonely and out of sorts and not recognising your body.' Now Lisa takes HRT for her symptoms and says that she no longer has 'rages' or 'screams at her partner. Kanye West has revealed his eye-watering net worth thanks to his music portfolio and sole ownership of the Yeezy brand. The rapper, 47, who prefers to be known as Ye, took to Instagram on Friday to share the staggering sum with his 20.5 million followers. He posted a message from Eton Venture Services, which read: 'In 2025, Ye's net worth stands at $2.77 billion USD as confirmed by Eton Venture Services. 'The valuation is based on his music portfolio and his sole ownership of the Yeezy mark.' Seemingly hitting back at his critics as he unveiled that he was a billionaire, Kanye added in the caption: 'LAA LA LA LA'. The situation is a far cry from just a few years ago, when Kanye claimed he was 'two months away' from declaring bankruptcy after losing $2billion in one day when Adidas terminated its partnership with Yeezy. Kanye West has revealed his eye-watering net worth thanks to his vast music portfolio and ownership of the Yeezy brand The rapper, 47, who prefers to be known as Ye, took to Instagram on Friday to share the staggering sum with his 20.5 million followers The rapper lost his billionaire status in 2022 when a number of brands ended his lucrative contracts over his anti-Semitic outbursts and were outraged over his decision to promote White Lives Matter T-shirts at his Paris Fashion Week show. Kanye said he poured 'everything I had' into Sunday's $7million Super Bowl advert for his fashion brand and his new album, Vultures. 'I'm just be honest with y'all. I was two months from going bankrupt, and I put everything I had into it [the album and the Super Bowl advert],' he told TMZ. Kanye said as his wealth began to plummet, he moved to Italy with his wife Bianca Censori. 'We moved to Italy. We moved to the factories, and we survived. We survived through the cancellation. We're back number one,' he said. Kanye then shared that Yeezy had made $19.3million from the Super Bowl advert and Vultures was number one in 100 countries. When asked if he felt the controversy 'helped' him, Kanye replied: 'It wasn't about the controversy. It was about being able to say how you felt out loud. 'If I didn't have the various skill sets of music and clothing and the fanbase, they would have been able to destroy me. But because we had all those skill sets, somehow I'm here inside of this universe able to fight.' Kanye was asked if he regretted his anti-Semitic comments, to which he responded: 'hey got the right to their opinion - I got the right to my opinion.' He posted a message from Eton Venture Services, which read: 'In 2025, Ye's net worth stands at $2.77 billion USD as confirmed by Eton Venture Services' The situation is a far cry from just a few years ago, when Kanye claimed he was 'two months away' from declaring bankruptcy The rapper lost his billionaire status in 2022 when a number of brands ended his lucrative contracts over his anti-Semitic outbursts (pictured with Adidas CEO Bjrn Gulden) Discussing the backlash at the time, Kanye insisted that 'money is not who I am' as he penned a 'love letter' to Hollywood super agent Ari Emanuel, who had called for him to be dropped by all major brands. In a post captioned 'LOVE SPEECH', he penned: 'Ari Emanuel, I lost 2 billion dollars in one day and Im still alive. This is love speech. I still love you. God still loves you. The money is not who I am. The people is who I am.' In an op-ed for the Financial Times, Endeavor co-CEO Emanuel wrote that there should be 'no tolerance anywhere for West's anti-Semitism' and encouraged brands to full-stop cease partnering and working with the designer. 'Apple and Spotify, which host West's music, whoever organizes West's tours, and Adidas, which collaborates with West on his fashion line, should all stop working with him,' wrote Emanuel - essentially calling for a blacklisting. 'Silence is dangerous,' continued Emanuel. 'It allows forms of hatred and racism, including anti-Semitism, to spread and become normalized. It coarsens and degrades our society and country.' The new wealth update comes as Kanye has been active on social media recently as he's been sharing sweet clips where he is 'training' his daughter North in the recording studio, after revealing she made him 'love music again'. The musician shares North, 11, with Kim Kardashian, who he was married to until their divorce in 2022. He took to Instagram on Tuesday to post snippets of what's going on behind the scenes with his 20.5 million followers, as he brought the youngster along to help while he worked on his 11th studio album BULLY. Kanye has been active on social media as he's been sharing sweet clips where he is 'training' his daughter North in the recording studio, after revealing she made him 'love music again' He made sure to praise on his eldest child in the update, as he completed the trio of posts with a black-and-white picture of her in the recording studio Ye captioned the post, which is one of just three on his account all added on Tuesday after he wiped his Instagram last year, with: 'This little girl made me love music again' In one black and white video, North was being shown around a huge warehouse, before sitting down at a table with a microphone and speakers. A second clip saw the rapper's daughter get stuck in as she played around on a sampling keyboard. He captioned the videos: 'Training' and 'TRAINING 2.0'. Kanye made sure to praise on his eldest child in the update, as he completed the trio of posts with a black-and-white picture of her in the recording studio. Ye captioned the post, which is one of just three on his account all added on Tuesday after he wiped his Instagram last year, with: 'This little girl made me love music again. 'She asked me to make beats for her I got back on the ASR Chopped up beats for her album and chopped every beats with my bare hand for BULLY.' The Grammy-award winning rapper revealed in September 24 that his 11th studio album would be called BULLY, uploading official cover art for the project the next month. In March 2024, North announced she was releasing her debut album, breaking the news that she would be releasing new music at her father's Vultures 2 listening party. Dave Coulier's wife Melissa is opening up about her courageous husband's battle with cancer in a new interview. The 65-year-old Full House star who returned to his hometown of Detroit some years ago revealed his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis in November. Many have rallied around the funnyman as he continues treatment, with his wife Melissa, who he married in 2014, offering new insight. Just days before he announced the diagnosis on his Full House podcast and then on TODAY, he revealed the news to a local Detroit reporter for WYXZ. The local network caught up with Melissa, who admitted her husband, 'has some really tough days' in his cancer battle. 'As the chemo has been accumulating it gets a little tougher and more difficult,' she admitted in the interview. Dave Coulier's wife Melissa is opening up about her courageous husband's battle with cancer in a new interview The 65-year-old Full House star who returned to his hometown of Detroit some years ago revealed his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis in November Despite this difficult battle, she added, 'He has such a positive attitude, and you need that in order to really fight it.' 'Every morning, if he's feeling up for it, we try to put on a song and do a little dance party with the dogs, because when you do feel good, you have to celebrate that too,' she said. She added that, 'everyone is really rallying around Coulier, and that he gets his strength from the losses he's suffered in the past. 'I think it's just innately in him. He has had a lot of loss in his life when it comes to having to deal with cancer,' she said, adding he lost his mother, sister and niece. 'I think for him, he takes every stride and really pulls strength from seeing the women that were so close in his life to powering through it, and he just wants to honor them,' she said. The comedian himself offered an update on his Full House Rewind podcast earlier this month, stating, 'I'm feeling good. My hair has not grown back at this time yet.' 'I realize how much that hair keeps you warm,' Coulier said. 'Gets a little cold here in Michigan where I'm at.' Marla told him that will be useful in the summer, 'like a little air conditioning on your head,' prompting Coulier to quip, 'But then you gotta make sure you put sunblock on.' Despite this difficult battle, she added, ' He has such a positive attitude, and you need that in order to really fight it.' 'Every morning, if he's feeling up for it, we try to put on a song and do a little dance party with the dogs, because when you do feel good, you have to celebrate that too,' she said 'I think it's just innately in him. He has had a lot of loss in his life when it comes to having to deal with cancer,' she said, adding he lost his mother, sister and niece 'I don't know if I'm gonna let it grow, like, super long to kinda make up for it,' Coulier shared with a laugh. 'It'll be nice to have hair again' 'I don't know if I'm gonna let it grow, like, super long to kinda make up for it,' Coulier shared with a laugh. 'It'll be nice to have hair again.' Soon after that, he got more serious about the uphill battle he is facing. 'It's been kind of a roller coaster ride. Different effects,' he began. 'And people who are watching the show or listening to the show, who have been here before, you know that it's a roller coaster, because the side effects have side effects and then you take a drug to counteract that and this and that. 'So it's this constant cocktail where your body is in fight or flight mode, and you're just trying to adjust to, like, 'Okay, how am I adjusting to steroids? How am I adjusting to the chemo cocktail? And then, how am I adjusting to all these other things?' 'You know, your body's in a fight. It's a little bit of an internal battle,' he said. He also revealed that he's heard from a lot of people who have had or also have cancer and their notes have warmed his heart and encouraged him to keep going. 'I have heard from so many people, Marla, who have been affected by cancer in their lives. And, you know, the words of encouragement have, I think, really helped people. So that, to me, is worth the journey of all of this,' he said. Brandi Glanville showed off her age-defying figure in a bright pink bikini in a stunning Instagram snap in Los Angeles on Thursday. The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 52, slipped into a tiny two-piece as she posed up a storm. Bikini-clad Brandi teamed her look with high-rise Ugg boots and pink heart-shaped sunglasses. She captioned her post: 'Having the best time, early weekend staycation with ma bestie today drinking my favorite new rose @usualwines go to my link to get boxes of these cute pretty little bottles in my bio.' Brandi oozed confidence in the gorgeous snaps, following her battle with facial disfigurement. Last year, Brandi explained that she has not been out in public much since developing the issue late last year, and revealed she hasn't slept or kissed anyone since 2023. Brandi Glanville, 52, showed off her age-defying figure in a bright pink bikini in a stunning Instagram snap in Los Angeles on Thursday The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star slipped into a tiny two-piece as she posed up a storm Brandi got candid about her intimate struggles on her podcast, Brandi Glanville Unfiltered. 'I have places to go, people to make out with. I have not had sex since last October. I haven't kissed [or] made out with anyone. I haven't socialized, really.' The star, who believes her issues are being caused by a parasitic infection, also added that her face is 'f*****' but that she had '50 good years.' Brandi also shared that she had a consultation with Dr. Terry Dubrow, but decided to get a second opinion. Brandi explained that Dubrow told her it might take five years for her to be 'totally fine.' 'Five years is way too long for me to wait.' The star shared that she wants to 'run tests, get another MRI, another cat scan' adding that she wants to 'get to the bottom of this.' Brandi added that she doesn't 'feel better' and stills sees 'this thing in my face jumping around.' Brandi wore stylish pink heart-shaped sunglasses to complement her look Last year, Brandi explained that she has not been out in public much since developing facial disfigurement late last year (pictured April 25, 2024) She explained that she hasn't slept or kissed anyone since 2023 on her Brandi Glanville Unfiltered podcast She also shared that she has 'four different doctors' who have given her 'four different opinions of what it could possibly be.' Brandi told ET she has spent $70,000 already trying to determine the cause of the lumps. The star has even had all of her facial fillers dissolved. This comes after Terry called Brandi's face a 'ticking time bomb.' Dubrow shared his concerns over Glanville's disturbing claim that her recent facial disfigurement might be caused by a 'parasite.' The plastic surgeon emphasized that Brandi's condition could be a 'ticking time bomb,' and he urged her to get help from her doctors as soon as possible in an interview with TMZ. Dubrow added that, in his opinion, it's most important to get a doctor to give her a clear diagnosis so that she can treat the root problem. He said he was 'concerned' that Brandi could be suffering from either an 'infectious process' or a 'foreign-body reaction to something she's had injected.' Dubrow also clarified that Brandi isn't at 'fault' for not being certain about what is plaguing her, and he instead blamed her doctor for not having a solid diagnosis and treatment plan. 'I have places to go, people to make out with. I have not had sex since last October. I haven't kissed [or] made out with anyone. I haven't socialized, really,' she explained; (R) seen in 1998 Brandi also shared that she had a consultation with Dr. Terry Dubrow (pictured), but has decided to get a second opinion, after he said it might take five years for her to be 'totally fine' This comes after Brandi told ET she has spent $70,000 already trying to determine the cause of the lumps She was married to Eddie from 2001 until 2010; The TV personality and Eddie pictured at the Living Out Loud premiere in 1998 However, he seemed fairly certain that whatever was going on with her is 'not a parasite' and is 'not from something she ate.' Instead, he suggested the issue is 'something that got into her bloodstream and seeded some foreign body.' Surprisingly, Dubrow even thought it was possible that Brandi could be ahead of her doctors, as he said she could be right that she might require surgery. He noted that she could have been infected with either mycobacteria or fungi, which could be 'very difficult to treat.' He added that antibiotic treatments for mycobacteria or fungus could take six to 12 months. It would be essential for her to get a solid diagnosis and possibly a skin sample to determine what she was suffering from. Stephanie Rice has shared how her friends and family feared she had 'joined a cult' when she first expressed her strong interest in Christianity. The former Olympic swimmer, 38, married pastor Mark Lassey earlier this month after just ten months of dating, with the pair bonding over the religion. 'A lot of people thought I'd lost my mind or fallen under some cult or something and that's fine,' she told the Courier Mail this week. Rice says that she rebuffs these concerns by asking, 'Aren't you happy for me that I'm in a good place?' The athlete says she has thrown herself into religion '100 percent' and that doing so 'saved her'. Rice and her new husband, who is also a dedicated Christian, are now looking to the future. Stephanie Rice has shared how her friends and family feared she had 'joined a cult' when she first expressed her strong interest in Christianity. Pictured with husband Mark Lassey 'We would love to (have a family) if that's something we're able to do,' she said. 'Mark has three kids so if he didn't want to have any more kids that would've been a really hard thing for me to weigh up because I've always wanted to be a mum.' Stephanie stunned fans with a second wedding just days after her first earlier this month. She tied the knot with her partner Mark following a whirlwind ten month romance earlier that week. Stephanie then held a second wedding - again in Perth - sharing a look at the event on social media. 'Because one night wasn't enough. We had the most amazing night celebrating our marriage and farewell with our favourite people, on the most amazing rooftop, in this beautiful city, under the presence of God,' she wrote in her Instagram caption. 'Thank you to all our family and friends who flew from across the world to make these the most memorable days of our lives,' the athlete continued. 'And to all of our family who prayed, encouraged and honoured our love story. You all mean so much to us and made these two days so special.' The former Olympic swimmer, 38, married pastor Mark Lassey earlier this month after just ten months of dating, with the pair bonding over the religion In the images, the pair said 'I do' for a second time at a rooftop venue surrounded by family and friends. Steph opted for a stunning sleeveless silk gown for her second ceremony, and added a pair of pearl drop earrings. She carried a large bouquet of white blooms while her heels were hidden by her long train. Mark meanwhile looked dapper in a cream suit with a white shirt worn partially unbuttoned. The pair partied into the night with their guests with fireworks going off at the venue as they shared a kiss. Stephanie had earlier reveled she exchanged vows with the Aussie pastor, 46, during a vineyard ceremony in his native Perth. The couple met at the start of 2024 and got engaged in September after seven months of dating. For the ceremony, which was held at Sandalford Wines, Steph looked every inch the blushing bride in a gorgeous strapless satin gown which featured a long train that billowed out behind her. 'A lot of people thought I'd lost my mind or fallen under some cult or something and that's fine,' she told the Courier Mail this week She let her dress do all the talking as she simply accessorised with a dainty necklace and droplet earrings, while she wore her brunette tresses loose over her shoulders. Steph gazed lovingly at her new husband Mark, who cut a dapper figure in a tuxedo, made up of a white shirt, black trousers and a suave cream suit jacket. The couple shared a video documenting the moment they were declared a married couple. In the footage, they beamed with joy as they stood holding hands at the outdoor altar which sat underneath a natural green vine pergola. They were then showered with confetti as they walked down the aisle together as newlyweds before they shared a romantic kiss. The couple then celebrated their union with their closest family and friends during an outdoor reception at sunset on the grounds of the vineyard. Later in the evening, the pair kissed while sparklers lit up the sky behind them. In an accompanying caption, Steph shared her excitement over starting off her married life with Mark in Dubai, where they plan to live together. Rice and her new husband, who is also a dedicated Christian, are now looking to the future and hoping to start a family She gushed: 'Surrounded by our closest family and friends, those who have loved, supported, and guided us on our journey, all came together to celebrate our love and the beginning of forever together. 'As we step into this new chapter as husband and wife, where two become one, our hearts are so full. 'The day was everything we dreamed it would beoverflowing with love, joy, and the tangible presence of God. It felt like heaven touched earth. 'Thank you to everyone who made our day so special! We are truly blessed.' She finished off her post with a Bible quote, adding: 'I know all about the marvelous destiny I have in store for you, a future planned out in detail. 'My intention is not to harm you but to surround you with peace and prosperity and to give you a beautiful future, glistening with hope - Jeremiah 29:11 TPT.' Three-time Olympic gold medallist Stephanie joined the church when she relocated to Dubai late last year and is now heavily involved with Kingdom City. Mark is a pastor with the same organisation in Perth and has been with the church for more than 10 years, according to his LinkedIn profile. Stephanie stunned fans with a second wedding just days after her first earlier this month Stephanie then held the second wedding - again in Perth - sharing a look at the event on social media 'We had the most amazing night celebrating our marriage and farewell with our favourite people, on the most amazing rooftop, in this beautiful city, under the presence of God,' she wrote in her Instagram caption The athlete looked absolutely delighted Kingdom City started in Perth in 2003 and has since gone global with branches in Africa, Europe and Asia in addition to the Middle East. Their wedding comes after a whirlwind ten months of dating after they were first introduced by a mutual friend at the start of 2024. They quietly dated for five months before going public with their romance on Instagram in July, just weeks before they got engaged. The couple have been in a long-distance relationship with Mark being based in Perth while Steph moved to Dubai in November 2023. The couple announced their engagement in September after Mark popped the question at Dubai's luxury Atlantis The Royal hotel while visiting Steph. Mark is a father to three sons - Tyler, Joel and Luke - from a previous relationship. Steph was previously romantically involved with former soldier Dane Christison, who she met at an Australian church. They holidayed in the United States together over Christmas 2023, but she publicly announced their split just months later in May 2024. Stephanie had earlier reveled she exchanged vows with the Aussie pastor, 46, during a vineyard ceremony in his native Perth The couple shared a video documenting the moment they were declared a married couple They sealed their vows with a kiss For the ceremony, Steph looked every inch the blushing bride in a gorgeous strapless satin gown which featured a long train that billowed out behind her Stephanie had deleted images of her boyfriend from her Instagram page even earlier in March and had not mentioned him in some weeks. The sportswoman later opened up about how she was happy their relationship had ended. 'When I moved, I really wanted to share a lot more of the journey with you guys in real time,' she said. 'I just was going through the deepest healing. I was in a really challenging relationship at the time, when we broke up, I felt the peace of God was upon me. I felt like I felt free. I felt happy.' At the time, Stephanie said that her new life in Dubai had lifted a weight off her shoulders. 'For the first time, I realised the heaviness that I was carrying. I just felt like it all lifted off me, and I feel like I'm in this amazing place now where I feel so happy, so content,' she said. 'God is so good. I'm seeing so many fruits of the amazing things God has given me, and I want to be able to share a lot more of what's kind of happened over the past six months' she said. 'Now that I have a lot more clarity, a lot more peace, and a lot more happiness.' It was the most touching and emotional of farewells. As Stephen Gately lay in an open coffin on the night before his funeral following his tragic and untimely death in 2009, he was surrounded by his Boyzone bandmates. The four - Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch, Mikey Graham and Ronan Keating - had always described themselves as Stephen's 'brothers' and so, in honour of their beloved Stephen, they didn't leave his side for the entire night at the St Laurence O'Toole Roman Catholic church, in Dublin. Poignantly, as they sat beside his coffin, they enjoyed one his favourite meals, fish and chips, together. At the time, the band particularly Ronan was keen that this homage was shared with journalists reporting on the funeral, myself included. As I stood behind a security barrier on Dublin's tough Sheriff Street, where Stephen had grown up, publicists for the band regularly updated me with the tributes Ronan and his bandmates were making for Stephen, who had died suddenly at his home in Majorca three weeks before. He was just 33. Members of Boyzone during the 1990s, from left to right: Keith Duffy, Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and Stephen Gately Stephen Gately on stage in 2009 shortly before he died Yet the reality behind this heart-warming scene was rather different. The fact is that there had been years of vicious feuding within the band, prompted by what I'm told were Ronan's 'ideas of grandeur'. They had initially split in 1999, seemingly down to the clean-cut frontman wanting to forge a solo career, away from the others whom he felt were holding him back. Indeed, Ronan was utterly determined to follow in the footsteps of his hero, Bono, believing he had a chance of achieving not only the fortune of the U2 frontman, but the musical credibility, too. 'Ronan was very ambitious,' said one former colleague of the group. 'He thought he was the stand-out one and that he was going to have successes the others were not. 'He was desperate to be Bono, in fact he once asked to be his support act on U2's American tour so much was his determination to crack the States. 'It didn't happen. You can imagine how gutted Ronan was. It made him very, very angry. The others found it all quite funny, but the truth of the matter is he ditched them because he was better than them.' The band's manager Louis Walsh - later an X Factor judge - jumped at the chance to manage a newly solo artist Ronan, hoping he would continue the success of Boyzone, who had been catapulted to fame in 1994 with their hit Love Me For A Reason. Members of the band make a statement in 2009 following Stephen's death The band's former manager Louis Walsh at Stephen's funeral Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch carry Stephen's coffin at the funeral But it wasn't to be - and the bandmates never really recovered from the emotional impact of their bitter break-up, despite the show of togetherness following Stephen's death. Today, emotions run just as high, I'm told: 'The scars are still there, the hurt ran very, very deep. They are still all so cross about it all. 'All of these years and there is so much bad blood ... they have moved on but forgiveness has been almost impossible.' Next Sunday, on February 2, a new three-part series, commemorating 30 years since Boyzone was formed, will document the continuing bitterness from these difficult days. Screened on Sky Documentaries, it promises to give fans a look at the 'conflict and rivalry, betrayal and tragedy' of the band - and that '30 years on, all four remaining members - Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch and Michael 'Mikey' Graham, as well as their estranged manager, Louis Walsh [will] reveal the truth of what really happened ... and the huge costs that being in a boyband had on each of them.' I'm told that the documentary has 'dark' moments. The trailer shows the group admitting they went through some 'cruel' times under the leadership of Louis. Indeed, the trailer shows Louis making the scathing comment: 'I prefer ordinary people, because they work harder. And they do whatever you want at the start.' Meanwhile, Ronan is shown reflecting on their early days, remarking: 'We were a bunch of kids put together. We weren't perfect, we weren't polished.' A shot from the upcoming Sky documentary about the band Another preview from Sky shows a tribute to Stephen Louis Walsh takes part in the documentary but is still not on good terms with most of the band's former members Yet this youthful naivety had well and truly worn off by the time the band split. Sources who worked with them at the time say Stephen especially felt he was on the end of Ronan's temper, as he too was trying to carve himself out as a solo star. Stephen seemed to be making a good fist of it: adored by their fans, who loved his modesty and cheeky nature, he had won an army of support after coming out as gay in 1999. Those close to Stephen say that Ronan saw him as a rival and did little to support his fledgling solo career. 'Stephen thought that Ronan would be a bit more behind him,' says a friend. 'But he couldn't bring himself to, or at least Stephen didn't think he did. 'Stephen was confused. He was a kind soul who was nowhere near as ambitious as Ronan. It hurt him, he had to do some soul searching and he learned Ronan wasn't the person he thought. 'Once he accepted that, he was able to move on, but it devastated him. 'Stephen's friends were furious. To this day they haven't forgiven Ronan. 'Things became very, very vicious between some of the band. For the early years they were so close, their families were close - and then Ronan cut himself off. The band in 2008 at the Dylan Hotel in Dublin, the year before their reunion tour and Stephen's death They have a bit of fun while filming for the Sky documentary Keith, Ronan and Shane at a charity gig last year in aid of the Marie Keating foundation and Cancer Research UK 'It was devastating for them. Keith was furious to the point that it took years and years for him to move on from it all, though it's unclear if he ever actually forgave [Ronan] for the fall out.' Stephen was later found dead at his home in Port d'Andratx, Majorca, something later determined to have been caused by a pulmonary oedema resulting from an undiagnosed heart condition. He had spent the evening with his partner Andrew Cowles at the Black Cat club in Majorca's capital, Palma, before returning home with a man that they had met that night, Bulgarian Georgi Dochev. (Dochev stayed in the spare bedroom.) His death was profoundly upsetting for the four surviving members of Boyzone, so much so that the makers of the documentary, Curious Films, were unsure whether they would get Mikey to take part. 'He's a deep person,' said a band insider. 'He wasn't sure about doing it. He was angry and really didn't like Ronan for a time.' Indeed, while things were particularly vicious between Keith and Shane and Ronan, it seems to be Mikey who disliked Ronan the most at the time they split. 'Mikey was extremely down and Stephen would get very upset about it all. There were stand-up rows, then you'd have Louis telling everyone about it, and stirring it all up. He enjoyed the headlines, he thought they translated into record sales [for Ronan] in that old school way.' Despite this bitterness and anger, at the end of the programme viewers will see a recently recorded scene with Ronan, Keith, Shane and Mikey embrace over a pint in an apparent move to show unity. One person who remains very much absent from this new reunion, though, is Louis. In fact, only Stephen remained friendly with him. The other four still, I'm told, despise him. Initially, he and Ronan were close, and Louis saw managing him after the band's split as his next big opportunity. 'Ronan was his ticket and he got him the When You Say Nothing At All hit, which went global after it was used on the movie Notting Hill.' But shortly afterwards, in 2003, Ronan sacked Louis and went on to open his world tour in Australia without telling him. Predictably, this prompted Louis to bitch about their fall out to anyone who would listen. The two men, I understand, have barely spoken since. 'Louis went on the war path against Ronan. Things went nuclear,' said a band source. 'He rang his journalist friends and threw him right under the bus. At the time there was a view amongst the rest of the band that [Ronan and Louis] were as bad as one another. 'Louis's worst bitchy side came out. He would call Ronan a manufactured popstar who was obsessed with fame and believed his own hype. He would say he was little more than a karaoke artist. Louis went on the attack and Ronan was fuming.' In the programme, Louis is forced to face devastating claims that he betrayed Mikey, Keith and Shane after the band had split. 'Louis is shell shocked by it all. He gets pummelled by the band. Louis was ruthless back then, and to a degree he still is, so it's a case of the gloves coming off,' I'm told by a source. Before Stephen died, there had been a brief making up between Ronan and his former bandmates and in 2009 - a few months before his passing - they came together for a reunion tour - with the proviso that Louis was allowed nowhere near it. In fact, since their schism, the only time Louis and Ronan have been in the same room since was at Stephen's funeral. For the forthcoming documentary the band and their former manager did not come face to face - something that band sources say would have caused 'an almighty row'. 'But after the show things are likely to get a lot worse,' says the source. 'Louis is going to be absolutely fuming when he sees the final programme.' Ryan Reynolds was behind the decision to request a gagging order against Justin Baldoni's legal team over fears the spiralling battle between his wife and her former costar could jeopardise their careers. The Hollywood couple have been embroiled in a bitter dispute over claims Baldoni, 40, sexually harassed Lively, 37, and created a toxic work environment while shooting It Ends with Us. After both parties filed lawsuits, Lively and Reynolds upped the tensions on Tuesday when they asked that a protective order be issued against Baldonis attorney, Bryan Freedman, who they accused of launching a 'harassing and retaliatory media campaign' against them. Now, insiders claim it was Reynolds, 48, who pushed for the shock request in a desperate bid to stave off any disruption to his upcoming projects and the staff at his company, Maximum Effort Productions - and for the sake of his wifes well being. Ryan was a driving force in requesting a gag order for Justins attorney, an insider told DailyMail.com exclusively. Ryans production company has a lot of projects in the works right now and Ryan would be devastated if this impacted these, as it is unfair to his coworkers and the people who work at his company. Ryan Reynolds was behind the decision to request a gagging order against Justin Baldoni's legal team over fears the legal battle could jeopardise both their careers Reynolds, 48, and Lively, 37, have been embroiled in a bitter dispute over claims Baldoni, 40, sexually harassed the actress while shooting It Ends with Us (pictured on set) The Deadpool actor is also concerned for Livelys career. Her turn as Lily Bloom in the adaptation of Colleen Hoovers popular novel was supposed to mark the actress big comeback after she took a hiatus to raise her and Reynolds children, daughters James, Betty and Inez, and son Olin. Ryan isnt solely focused on his own career, they said. He is also concerned for Blakes and her well-being. She is deeply affected by all of this. He is as well. This is a nightmare for everyone involved, and the fact that it doesnt seem to be coming to an end anytime soon is even more unsettling for everyone. In a new letter filed in court Tuesday, Lively and Reynolds, who got married in 2012, asked for a protective order to be issued to stop Baldonis attorneys from engaging in 'improper conduct' against them, per TMZ. They claim Freedman, whose house burnt down in the LA wildfires, is 'violating court rules that stop a lawyer from making statements to the press that are irrelevant to a case and might prejudice the jury.' They specifically mention the release of the unedited footage exclusively released by DailyMail.com this week which showed all three takes of a dance scene between Lively and Baldoni which she cited as evidence of his sexual harassment of her in her bombshell lawsuit last month. A separate source told DailyMail.com that it was absurd to think that Baldoni or Freedman would be banned from talking about a case that they are a part of, when they have a right to defend themselves against allegations. Their gag order was dead in the water, they said. This idea to request a gag, whether it was their idea or not, is not going to work to their advantage. 'Ryan was a driving force in requesting a gag order for Justins attorney, an insider told DailyMail.com exclusively (pictured Baldoni) Ryans production company has a lot of projects in the works right now and Ryan would be devastated if this impacted these, as it is unfair to his coworkers,' they added The Hollywood couple asked for a protective order to be issued to stop Baldonis attorney (pictured) from engaging in 'improper conduct' against them Blake, Ryan and their attorneys have not kept quiet about this case in dealing with the public. This is no different. So no, they will not be silenced. This gag order request is a joke. The request marks the latest move in a roller coaster saga that began with bubbling rumours of a behind-the-scenes feud around the time of the film premiere in August. Fans quickly picked up on the apparent frostiness between Lively and Baldoni, who never engaged in joint interviews to promote the movie and kept their distance on the red carpet. Their souring relations then exploded into a legal fight in December when the Gossip Girl alum sued Baldoni for sexual harassment. At the same time, the New York Times released a story based on Livelys legal filing that accused him of orchestrating a smear campaign against her. Baldoni hit back by suing the Times for defamation before launching a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds last week in which he accused the Hollywood pairing of conspiring to trash his reputation with sexual harassment allegations. He also accused Lively of hijacking the filming of their romantic drama, which he directed, and claimed she forced him and his family to wait in a basement holding area at the premiere so she did not have to see him. Reynolds was embroiled in the counter suit, with Baldoni accusing him of 'swearing' and 'berating him in an aggressive tirade' at a meeting held at their New York penthouse - where Reynolds was present as his wife's 'representative' to discuss Baldoni's conduct. The Deadpool actor is also concerned for Livelys career and well being, with the insider claiming she has been left 'deeply affected' by the lengthy saga He also claimed Reynolds tried to interfere with the movie script and force out the editors and a composer that he had hired in favour of professionals who had previously worked with the Wrexham owner. The battle between them all has sparked a raging debate over who is in the wrong - Lively or Baldoni - with fans pouring over the footage of the pair filming the dance scene that sparked her harassment claims. Intimacy coordinator Mia Schachter also weighed in, telling The Hollywood Reporter that she believes the video proves that Baldoni did make Lively uncomfortable. When asked what stood out to her about the scene, she said: 'The first thing is that he is trying to kiss her, and they clearly havent discussed that ahead of time, and she keeps pulling away and clearly doesnt want to do that.' Schacter said if an intimacy coordinator had been present, they would have stopped any kissing, and that Baldoni's alleged failure to communicate was 'pretty damning, both as an actor and director.' In a statement, Lively's legal team said of the footage: 'Justin Baldoni and his lawyer may hope that this latest stunt will get ahead of the damaging evidence against him, but the video itself is damning.' Lindy Klim was looking glamorous and in great spirits as she stepped out for an Australian Open event on Friday. The Balinese princess was among the celebrities attending the Piper-Heidsieck champagne bar in Melbourne. The 45-year-old opted for a high fashion look in a short jumpsuit made of midnight blue satin fabric. She threw a loose, pale blue shirt over the top which she wore sitting off her shoulders. Lindy completed the look with a pair of flocked pink fabric heels and a designer clutch in a pale, rosy hue. For makeup, she chose a warm toned palette with a nude lipstick and pulled her dark hair off her face in a slicked do. Lindy Klim (pictured) was looking glamorous and in great spirits as she stepped out for an Australian Open event on Friday Lindy was at the event solo, after moving back to Australia after splitting from her second husband, British property developer Adam Ellis, late last year. 'They have also not been seen together for a number of months,' an insider told Confidential at the time. 'Plus he isn't in any of her social media photographs.' In November, Lindy shared two striking images of a Balinese sunrise with the caption: 'Last few hours in Bali, see you soon Melbourne.' Meanwhile her lookalike 18-year-old daughter, Stella, arrived in Australia that month ahead of American rapper Travis Scott's unruly Melbourne concert. Lindy has earlier teased her return to Australia by uploading a video of herself and Stella modelling the Viktoria & Woods Spring collection on Instagram. 'Shopping the new collection just in time for our move back,' Lindy captioned the post as she modelled several ensembles with her daughter. Friends and fans excitedly inquired as to Lindy's return date and she simply said: 'Soon.' The Balinese princess was among the celebrities attending the Piper-Heidsieck champagne bar in Melbourne The 45-year-old opted for a high fashion look in a short jumpsuit made of blue satin fabric Meanwhile, her daughter Stella shared a short video of herself posing outside the airport with her friend Munroe Montell. Daily Mail Australia was the first to reveal a potential marriage breakdown between Lindy and Adam after the celebrity fashionista posted the tell-tale family photo to her social media. Followers were quick to note Ellis' absence in the photo and from her social media page, as well as the missing large citrine engagement ring on her left hand wedding finger. 'My family, my world,' the Fig Femme founder captioned the photo, which include all four of her children, and was taken by local photographer Nicole Riley. Lindy shares three children with her ex-husband, Australian Olympic swimmer Michael Klim, Stella, 18, Rocco, 16, and Frankie, 13, and one with her second husband, Goldie, seven. In behind-the-scenes footage taken in her native Uluwatu in Bali, Lindy was captured in a candid moment ushering her beautiful brood into place for the group photo. The former model looked effortlessly stunning in a cropped white tank top and low-rise black midi skirt that showed off her taut physique. Her mini-me and eldest daughter Stella posed in a loose-fitting white V-neck dress, while Frankie wore a T-shirt and denim shorts. She threw a loose, pale blue shirt over the top which she wore sitting off her shoulders. Lindy completed the look with a pair of flocked pink fabric heels and a designer clutch Her youngest daughter Goldie, five, was dressed in a brightly coloured A-frame dress. In both photos Lindy shared to her more than 100,000 followers, she was holding up her bare wedding finger for all to see. Lindy responded to multiple questions that fans left in the comments section of the post, indulging requests to know how tall her children are and responding to compliments. She did not respond to the fans who asked where her husband Ellis was. Daily Mail Australia contacted Lindy's representatives for comment. The pictures tell a very different story to previous family photographs shared to social media in recent years. Lindy has captivated the Australian public with her uncontrived elegance and mystique for more than two two decades. The Indonesian princess first made her mark on the catwalks for Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton at the age of 20, then in glossy editorials for fashion industry bibles Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Lindy was at the event solo, after moving back to Australia after splitting from her second husband, British property developer Adam Ellis (right), late last year Speculation of a break-up emerged when Lindy, 45, posed for a portrait with her four children without Ellis. After posting the image to Instagram, eagle-eyed followers noticed that the real-life Balinese princess was no longer wearing her engagement ring (pictured) She amicably co-parents the children she shares with Klim, 47, and credits her ex-husband for her confidence. Two years after her divorce from Klim in 2018, Lindy married Ellis in a lavish Tuscan ceremony. The multi-hyphenate entrepreneur lives between Canguu, Australia, and Europe, but was recently in Melbourne with her daughter. Stella, the daughter of Australian champion swimmer Michael Klim and his glamorous ex wife Lindy, is the latest nepo baby taking social media by storm. The 18-year-old influencer has now accumulated an even bigger following on TikTok than her model mother Lindy, as she engages her thousands of followers with beauty and makeup tips. The Bali-based social media star revealed she now gives her model mother suggestions on how to better engage her followers online. 'She has taught me how to pose and hold myself in certain environments, but in terms of influencer stuff I'm definitely helping mum,' Stella told the Herald Sun. 'Stella has outgrown me,' a proud Lindy chipped in. The stunning mother-daughter duo also have a professional relationship, and recently returned to Australia to promote the women's clothing brand Effie Kats. Will Ferrell has spoken about how he played a part in the infamous OJ Simpson trial as he appears on the Graham Norton Show this week. The actor, 57, appeared on the chat show with his You're Cordially Invited co-star Reese Witherspoon, who also spoke about her experience in the courtroom. Revealing the 'oddest gig' he had ever had, Will revealed he was asked to perform for the jurors at the OJ Simpson trial because they were sequestered for so long. He recalled: 'I was doing improv at the Groundlings Theatre in LA at the same time the OJ Simpson trial was going on. 'The jury was sequestered for a long time and couldn't goblond anywhere, so someone came up with the idea of performing our sketch show for them in the court to lighten the mood. It was just us and the jurors. 'They seemed mildly entertained, but it was very bizarre.' Will Ferrell (pictured) has spoken about how he played a part in the infamous OJ Simpson trial as he appears on the Graham Norton Show this week The actor, 57, appeared on the chat show with his You're Cordially Invited co-star Reese Witherspoon (pictured), who also spoke about her experience in the courtroom Will said: 'The jury was sequestered for a long time and couldn't goblond anywhere, so someone came up with the idea of performing our sketch show for them in the court to lighten the mood. It was just us and the jurors' (pictured OJ Simpson on trial) Reece, recalling her own jury service, revealed 'About seven years after Legally Blonde came out I was called up to do two solid weeks.' Reece plays, Elle Woods, a sorority girl who attempts to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III by getting a Juris Doctor degree at Harvard Law School. She continued: 'When we went to deliberation and it came to choosing a foreman, the entire jury picked me. When I asked them why, they said it was because I went to law school!' The actors were on the programme to discuss their new screwball wedding comedy and revealed when they first worked together more than 20 years ago. Reece said: 'We met on Saturday Night Live in 2001 and 22 short years later we came up with an idea! I actually said yes to the movie and working with Will before I knew what the plot was, I just wanted to do it.' Will says: 'I had the best time, and it would be a dream to work together again.' Reese went on to discuss the impact her booked club has had after it gained a reputation for boosting the careers of female writers. She said: 'In 2013 I read a truly terrible script that was so negative towards women, and I thought I could do better. Revealing the 'oddest gig' he had ever had, Will revealed he was asked to perform for the jurors at the OJ Simpson trial because they were sequestered for so long Reece plays, Elle Woods, a sorority girl who attempts to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III by getting a Juris Doctor degree at Harvard Law School 'I put my money into a company and the first three books I bought were Gone Girl, Wild, and Big Little Lies. I pick one book a month and turn some into shows. 'What I hadn't understood is how featuring a book can change the author's life in terms of economics. It is the meaningful and unexpected part of starting the company.' Talking about his critically acclaimed documentary, Will & Harper, Will said: 'The reaction has been surprising we really didn't know what we had. It has been a remarkable time for Harper. 'She was so brave to tell her story, and she has become a centrepiece for continuing to fight for trans rights around the world and especially in the United States right now.' Bella Hadid proved this week that she has never looked better. The Los Angeles native was seen in fresh adds for Miss Sixty that were stamped Milano. The sister of Gigi Hadid flashed her incredibly toned midsection which was also shiny from body oil as she wore a very tight yellow crop top that said Love Miss on front. The former Olympic-ready equestrian added acid-washed jeans with a black belt that had silver accents and a pair of platform high heels. Her brown hair was worn up in a flirty ponytail as her makeup was a dark plum tone and she appeared freshly spray tanned. In her caption the diva catwalk queen said, '@misssixty campaign by @carlijnjacobs.' Bella Hadid proved this week that she has never looked better. The Los Angeles native was seen in fresh adds for Miss Sixty that were stamped Milano The sister of Gigi Hadid flashed her incredibly toned midsection which was also shiny from body oil as she wore a very tight yellow crop top that said Love Miss on front This comes after Bella made an impressive splash in the last part of Yellowstone season five. She popped up as the babe girlfriend of the horse trainer played by Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan. Her scenes were with Taylor as well as Kelly Reilly, who plays Beth Dutton, and shot in Texas. Hadid was a natural fit for the character as in real life Bella is a skilled equestrian who is excellent at riding horses. Indeed, in her scene she was seen on horseback. Fans have said they hope Bella appears on the Beth and Rip Yellowstone spinoff, which is rumored to be in the works. Bella's modeling career is at its zenith. Last year she became the new face of luxury jewelry brand Chopard. The model signed up as the company's latest ambassador following in the footsteps of 57-year-old Julia Roberts, who started modelling for Chopard in 2021 and even designed a collection for them. The former Olympic-ready equestrian added acid-washed jeans with a black belt that had silver accents and a pair of platform high heels Her brown hair was worn up in a flirty ponytail as her makeup was a dark plum tone and she appeared freshly spray tanned. In her caption the diva catwalk queen said, '@misssixty campaign by @carlijnjacobs In a statement given to WWD.com, Bella talked about the new deal. 'I have so much appreciation for Chopard's craftsmanship and have been an admirer of theirs for many years,' said the looker. 'I am so thrilled to be joining the Chopard family.' Caroline Scheufele, copresident and artistic director of Chopard, added: 'Bella epitomizes the spirit of Chopard: a harmonious mix of effortless elegance and a zest for life that are truly enchanting and perfectly resonate with what our watches and jewelry stand for. 'We are excited about embarking on this new journey together.' The news comes at a busy time for Bella, who recently took her first steps into the business world by launching her own perfume company Orebella. She has created three perfumes which moisturize the skin and deliver a long-lasting scent after previously struggling with irritation issues. Hadid became the new face of luxury jewelry brand Chopard last year, following in the footsteps of Julia Roberts Bella attended a Chopard dinner in Cannes in May of this year Bella told Allure magazine: 'I get hives and rashes from stress alone, so I tend to stay away from anything that will trigger my body nowadays.' Bella added of creating her first oil-based scents : 'I was trying to make them as unique as possible so that when I put them on my body, it felt singular to me ... 'I didn't want to just put something on the market that was another product or another perfume. It was something I was already extremely passionate about, and I didn't want to keep it for myself anymore.' The collection consists of three scents - Window2soul with jasmine, rose and tonka bean, Blooming Fire with notes of monoi, bergamot and patchouli and Salted Muse which is packed with sea salt, olive tree and cedarwood. Joan Vassos was all smiles as she stepped out in New York City with her fiance on Thursday. The Golden Bachelorette, 62, flashed her enormous sparkling diamond engagement ring, reportedly worth $80K, as she and Chock Chapple arrived for a taping of The Drew Barrymore Show. The TV personality looked stylish in a pink floral long sleeve maxi-dress with pink and yellow roses with cream toned high-heel sling back shoes. She kept warm in a heather gray fleece coat with a cream toned scarf around her neck. Vassos' long blonde hair was styled in loose curls and she accessorized with gold hoop earrings. The former School Administrator carried a large Louis Vuitton bag as she made her way into the studio. Chapple, 61, looked dapper in a warm Black leather jacket, black slacks and shoes. Joan Vassos and her fiance Chock Chapple were all smiles as they stepped out in New York City on Thursday He appeared to be wearing a white button down shirt and a green scarf. His salt and pepper hair was neatly trimmed and his face was cleanly shaven. According to Vassos' social media, the trip to New York City was part of a celebration for her 62nd birthday. 'Had an amazing time celebrating my birthday in NYC!,' he wrote Wednesday. 'Saw our first Broadway show as a couple,' he explained, and implying the big night out was bonus during a work trip in which he 'spoke at a retirement home, went to my first @54below show, met with @lorealparis at their corporate offices, and got customized jeans from @aliceandolivia!' 'So grateful for all these beautiful new memories made with my fiance and thank you to all our NYC friends for being the best!' DailyMail.com has learned that Voss's engagement ring cost a pretty penny, and has a price tag of around $80,000. According to The Diamond Bank in Los Angeles, the center stone is large enough to warrant that high price. The Golden Bachelorette, 62, flashed her enormous sparkling diamond engagement ring - worth a reported $80K - as she arrived for a taping of The Drew Barrymore Show 'There is a large emerald-cut center stone with two generous tapered diamond baguettes on each side,' said a spokesperson. 'That adds up to a lot of carats and a high price,' it was added. Vassos flashed the ring after Chapple - they are both 61 - got down on one knee and popped the question on the beach in Bora Bora. She said yes then they both said 'I love you' several times. They are set to celebrate their relationship with a big engagement party in Los Angeles before heading to the East Coast. 'It's gonna be bigger than most weddings,' Chock told Us Weekly of the party in the couple's first interview on Thursday. Vassos flashed a huge diamond engagement ring from Chock Chapple on the finale of ABC Golden Bachelorette The rock was from Hollywood jeweler Neil Lane and made under his Couture banner DailyMail.com has learned that the bling costs around $80,000 'We've got friends coming in from around the country, and it's kind of our coming-out party as a couple. We're extremely excited about that.' The trip to the Big Apple could involve apartment hunting in New York City, the site added, explaining they want to be close to their children on the East Coast. Vassos, who is from Maryland , had narrowed the 24 contestants down to two - Chock and Guy Gansert, 66, heading into the finale. She had promised herself that she would never say 'I love you' until the end of her journey, which happened on the finale. According to The Diamond Bank in Los Angeles, the center stone is large enough to warrant that high price They looked very happy in a photo shared to Instagram on Wednesday She was slated to have final dates with both Chock and Guy, both of whom would meet her son and daughter, along with their significant others. That didn't happen, though, with Joan making up her mind after the first date... leaving the other finalist heartbroken. She ultimately chose Chock after his final date with her, telling Guy the next day that her, 'heart belonged to someone else.' He told her, 'I made the decision that when I spoke with your kids, I was going to tell them that I had fallen in love with you and then I was going to get down on a knee and I was going to ask you to marry me.' 'I really thought this was gonna happen,' Guy said in confession, as Joan told him, 'You'll always be a part of my life.' 'Of course I'll marry you,' Joan said. Joan then picked up the final rose and asked if he would accept it. 'Absolutely with all my love,' Chock said. Joan then called her mother and showed her Chock and said he was her fiance. 'I'm the luckiest guy in the world,' Chock said. Chock and Joan then rode off on a boat kissing each other. After the finale aired, the couple sat down with Jesse Palmer She shared a good look at the ring The happy couple was then introduced to the live audience, with Joan showing Jesse Palmer the engagement ring. He also had a surprise for the couple, announcing that he was sending Joan, Chock and their entire families to Disney World in Florida. They also showed a sneak peek at the next installment of The Bachelor, with Grant Ellis in the audience, who said Joan and Chock were, 'an inspiration. Grant's season of The Bachelor debuts January 27 on ABC. Hollywood stalwart Pamela Anderson is back to wearing a full face of hyper glam makeup. On Elle January 2025 digital issue, the former Baywatch star was painted perfectly for her pretty portrait by Adrienne Raquel. In the past year, the 57-year-old cutie from Canada has gone makeup free to reveal a purer side to her pinup image. The trick worked: fans were pleased to see the smoldering blonde bombshell display a more down-to-earth side of Pammy. But it appears she is back to her old ways for the fashion magazine. This comes after the Academy Awards failed to nominate her for Best Actress for her performance in the Las Vegas themed movie The Last Showgirl. Hollywood stalwart Pamela Anderson is back to wearing a full face of hyper glam makeup On Elle January 2025 digital issue, the former Baywatch star was painted perfectly for her pretty portrait by Adrienne Raquel In the past year, the cutie from Canada has gone makeup free to reveal a purer side to her pinup image. Seen right on January 5 at the Golden Globe Awards In her shoot, stylist Jan-Michael Quammie hid her figure with suits and bulky clothing as she was overloaded with accessories. Anderson said on Thursday she is not feeling disappointed after she failed to land an Oscar nomination for her comeback movie The Last Showgirl. The actress had been among the names tipped to land a mention when the Academy Awards shortlist was announced on Thursday but she was left out of the acting categories. But Pamela is adamant she's not feeling sad about the snub. She told Elle.com: 'Oh my gosh, it's [an Oscar nomination] not something I ever expected. Doing the work is the win. 'That's what I like to do, and I think we can lose sight of that sometimes in this whole crazy awards season, but it's nice to be recognized, and it's all a bonus. 'I couldn't imagine [it] anyway.' However, Pamela has been nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role at the upcoming SAG Awards - and she's adamant that nomination alone is enough to keep her happy. She added: 'I'm happy for the SAG nomination, that's [voted on by] your peers. That's really cool. This has been a long road promoting this film.' The mother of two had on barely any makeup at SiriusXM Studios in NYC on January 8 The siren showed off her toned figure as she raised one leg in the air Anderson was heavily styled in a men's style long jacket with shirt and tie In this snap, she is overloaded with accessories which take away from her natural beauty; the stylist was Jan-Michael Quammie Pamela will compete against Cytnhia Erivo ('Wicked'), Karla Sofia Gascon ('Emilia Perez'), Mikey Madison ('Anora') and Demi Moore ('The Substance') at the ceremony on February 23. It comes after Pamela insisted the success of 'The Last Showgirl' is 'the best payback' after her life was brought to the small screen in TV series 'Pam Tommy'. The 57-year-old actress was devastated by the Hulu series about her turbulent relationship with former husband Tommy Lee but says the critical success of her latest film has helped her to move past it. Anderson said on Thursday is not feeling disappointed after she failed to land an Oscar nomination for her comeback movie The Last Showgirl The actress had been among the names tipped to land a mention when the Academy Awards shortlist was announced on Thursday but she was left out of the acting categories - but Pamela is adamant she's not feeling sad about the snub Speaking on Sirius XM's 'Andy Cohen Live', she said: 'It's just one of those things. It happened and now I'm here and so this is the best payback I'm being seen and recognized for my work and not these tawdry moments.' When asked about the Hulu series, which starred Lily James and Sebastian Stan as Pamela and Tommy, she said: 'I didn't have any involvement. No one called me, which was so strange and that was hurtful. 'I think ethically it's illegal. But I mean, you're kind of fair game. I remember people telling me that a long time ago that you are basically public property and have no right to privacy.' Ashley Benson and her husband Brandon Davis enjoyed a baby-free date night at celebrity friendly Japanese restaurant Sushi Park in West Hollywood on Thursday. The Pretty Little Liars alum, 35, looked fashionable in jeans and a brown leather jacket. She wore her hair parted in the middle and straight and carried a black, crocodile Birkin handbag from Hermes worth $250,000. Bright red lipstick was the focus of her otherwise fresh-faced makeup. Oil heir Brandon wore black jeans with a white t-shirt and a black jacket as the couple left the trendy strip mall sushi spot. They welcomed their daughter Aspen, 10 months, last year and since then, haven't been seen out on a date night with just the two of them all that frequently. Ashley Benson and her husband Brandon Davis enjoyed a baby-free date night at celebrity friendly Sushi Park in West Hollywood on Thursday Last month, the McVeigh star and her husband enjoyed some grown up time at one of Billie Eilish's Los Angeles concerts. The couple married in November 2023 after whirlwind relationship. The welcomed their daughter Aspen in February 2024. The busy mom has a lot on her plate. She recently finished work on the movie Stranglehold. The action flick tells the story of an Army veteran and his exotic dancer wife, who are tired of just scraping by and decide to rob the club where she works. Justin Long, Ron Perlman and Jake Lacy also star in the thriller. Benson has also signed to work on the comedy Pledge Trip with Rob Schneider and Jake T. Austen. The story about three college freshmen who want to fit in and 'take off down a twisted, debauched, pride-busting road to brotherhood.' The Pretty Little Liars alum, 35, looked fashionable in jeans and a brown leather jacket No release date for the film has been announced. Benson has had a flourishing career in Hollywood. She took off when she worked on the TV series Pretty Little Liars which aired from 2010 to 2017. The outing comes on the heels of Ashley defending her post-pregnancy weight loss journey, after trolls accused her of using Ozempic to shed the baby weight. She took to her Instagram to clap back at the comments on a photo of her looking trim in a tank top. One critic wrote, 'How was she JUST pregnant?!?,' as another added a photo of the type 2 diabetes medication. 'I know a lot of people taking Ozempic and its totally fine. To each their own,' Ashley began. 'But dont discredit people who also work very hard to get their body back like Ive done with mine.' She concluded: 'Getting back to work forced me to focus on my health and working out and I wanted to feel confident and good about myself.' Her trainer Melissa Wood-Tepperberg showed support for the Hollywood star, commenting: 'Its a way of life!!!!!! When you walk away from moving your body in this way, you feel it. Not just in your body, but mostly in your mind. She wore her hair parted in the middle and straight and carried a black, crocodile handbag from Hermes worth $250K Benson carried the same power purse when with Brandon on January 6 in Los Angeles 'Its the thing that brings you back because you realize how much stronger you are inside and feel when you have a devotion to yourself and your practice. You tell them @ashleybenson.' Back in February, Ashley and Brandon had shared the news of their baby girl's arrival on social media. Ashley introduced her newborn via an Instagram Story on February 29, showing the baby girl's hand holding onto a finger, accompanied by a pink heart emoji. Timothee Chalamet's sister Pauline appears to have previously lashed out at Kylie Jenner in posts about billionaires and CEOs who own private jets. The Sex Lives of College Girls actress, 32, made her feelings clear last year when she reposted a telling message by nonprofit organization Move On, originally tweeted by Democratic politician Melanie D'Arrigo. Per The Sun, the tweet read: 'If your job requires a college degree, you should be able to write off your student loan payments as a business expense the way CEOs write off their private jets and yachts for their jobs which require neither.' Makeup mogul Kylie, 27, famously owns a private jet called Kylie Air, and is the CEO of Kylie Cosmetics, which she founded with mom Kris Jenner in 2014. It is unknown if Kylie 'writes off' her private jet as a business expense, but she has continuously come under fire for her CO2 emissions. Many fans were quick to suggest that Pauline was seemingly throwing daggers at her brother's girlfriend of over a year. Timothee Chalamet's sister Pauline previous lashed out at Kylie Jenner in posts about billionaires and CEOs who own private jets The now-deleted post has raised eyebrows due to the fact her younger brother's girlfriend is one of the most famous billionaires on the planet, as confirmed by Forbes in 2019 More recently, Pauline appeared to make another dig when reshared Bernie Sanders' scathing tweet on 'billionaires' on Instagram. 'When the three wealthiest men in America sit behind Trump at his inauguration, everyone understands that the billionaire class now controls our government,' the outspoken politician. Pauline expanded on the post with a caption that read: 'Our system is so flawed that it allows billionaires to exist and accrue so much money and BARELY pay (and sometimes NOT PAY) ANY ANY ANY TAXES. 'This should not be possible. Billionaires do not need to exist. Bezos, Musk, Zuckerberg SITTING IN FRONT OF cabinet is NOT DEMOCRATIC. NOT. DEMOCRATIC.' The now-deleted post has raised eyebrows due to the fact her younger brother's girlfriend is one of the most famous billionaires on the planet, as confirmed by Forbes in 2019. However, the pair had seemed to be on friendly terms when they were sharing a warm hug at the Coperni afterparty in Paris last October. Timothee and Kylie were last seen together in Paris on January 16 while the actor was on the promotional campaign for his new film, A Complete Unknown. The actor, who plays folk pioneer Bob Dylan in the new biopic, wined and dined the beauty mogul at upscale Bar Des Pres. The Sex Lives of College Girls actress also made her feelings clear when she reshared Bernie Sanders ' scathing tweet on 'billionaires' on Instagram Many fans were quick to suggest that Pauline seemingly throwing daggers at her boyfriend's girlfriend of over a year Two weeks before that, they both attended the Golden Globes in Los Angeles. It was the second year in a row that Timothee invited the Keeping Up With The Kardashian's star as his plus one, as the influencer and TV personality joined him at the same event in 2024. The pair are said to have met at the Jean-Paul Gaultier fashion show on January 25, 2023. After news of their romance broke, Kylie's Range Rover was seen in the driveway of Timothee's Beverly Hills home. The following day, Timothee jumped into Kylie's SUV after he attended an art show in Santa Monica, with her security guard getting into his car and driving it, according to TMZ. They arrived at Tito's Tacos in LA and her security team went and picked up food for them and brought it to the car. Their first public sighting came on Monday, September 4, 2023, at Beyonce's last LA concert - which took place at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. However, Pauline and Kylie had seemed to be on friendly terms when they were seen sharing a warm hug at the Coperni afterparty in Paris last October The couple were seen in the VIP section of the venue - where they made no secret of their romance. Timothee and Kylie were last seen together in Paris on January 15 One week later, they shared several passionate kisses while attending the US Open together. They were also spotted at the annual Kardashian-Jenner Christmas Eve party later that year. Kylie shares daughter Stormi and son Aire with her ex-boyfriend Travis Scott. It was previously reported that Timothee spent time with Kylie and her children over the festive period. 'They had a really nice dinner together with Kylie's family, and they drove around to look at Christmas lights,' a source shared with Page Six. 'The kids had a really magical time, and Kylie and Timothee made some very special memories together. 'Timothee not only got Kylie gifts, but also got some for the kids, which Kylie thought was so sweet and thoughtful.' Sandra Bullock has been bizarrely dragged into Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's legal drama with It Ends With Us star Justin Baldoni courtesy of an unearthed post. The legal fight erupted just before Christmas when the glamorous blonde, 37, sued Baldoni, 40 for sexual harassment. At the same time, the New York Times released a story based on Livelys legal filing that accused him of orchestrating a negative publicity campaign against her and put the smell claim front and center. In turn, Baldoni sued the Times for defamation and launched a $400m lawsuit against Lively and her husband Reynolds that accused her of using her celebrity power to hijack his film and attempt to torpedo his career. Back in July 2023, when filming had wrapped on It Ends With Us, Reynolds posted a birthday tribute to his The Proposal co-star Sandra Bullock, reading: 'Happy Birthday to the inimitable and stunning Sandra Bullock! 'For your birthday this year, I got us both intimacy coordinators. And an HR department. And clothing?' Sandra Bullock has been dragged into Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's legal drama with It Ends With Us star Justin Baldoni; Bullock and Reynolds pictured in The Proposal (2009) The legal fight erupted when the Lively, 37, sued Baldoni, 40 for sexual harassment, with the New York Times releasing a story based on Livelys legal filing one day later The post was accompanied with a naked clip of the pair from the film with fans speculating the caption was telling due to Lively's demands for an intimacy coordinator to be on set 'at all times' before resuming filming after the writers' strikes. One of her 30 demands read: 'No more improvising of kissing. All intimate touch must be choreographed in advance with Blake Lively and an intimacy coordinator. No biting or sucking of lip without Blake Livelys consent. All intimate on camera touch and conversation must be in character, not spoken from Justin Baldoni to Blake Lively personally.; 'An intimacy coordinator must be present at all times when Blake Lively is on set in scenes with Justin Baldoni.' Fans wrote on social media: 'The caption makes sense now' while others mentioned 'Nicepool', a Deadpool character Reynolds was accused of modeling on Baldoni to mock him. Others wrote: 'I guess, he just screwed up his request to put a gag order on Justins lawyer cause u cant request the other party to remain quiet, while u ridicule them on the internet. 'Ryan thinks cause of Deadpool he has free reign, but he forgets he can be recast Another wildly speculated in response: 'I smell a divorce between BL and Ryan in about 2 yrs tops.' This comes after Lively and Reynolds made a shock legal request after Baldoni's lawyer released the bombshell video. In turn, Baldoni sued the Times for defamation and launched a $400m lawsuit against Lively and her husband Reynolds; Lively and Reynolds seen in August 2024 Back in July 2023, when filming had wrapped on It Ends With Us, Reynolds posted a birthday tribute to Bullock Fans wrote on social media: 'The caption makes sense now' while others mentioned 'Nicepool', a Deadpool character Reynolds was accused of modeling on Baldoni to mock him The explosive video exclusively released by DailyMail.com, showed all three takes of a dance scene between Lively and Baldoni- revealing the pair were on apparent great terms before the actress accused him of sexual harassment. Lively in turn hit back at the clip's release, saying it proved that she was uncomfortable during the scene. Lively and Reynolds want a judge to gag Baldoni's attorneys - led by Bryan Freedman - and allege he has made false statements about the case. In a new letter filed in court Tuesday, the pair asked for a protective order to be issued to stop attorneys engaging in 'improper conduct' citing an alleged 'harassing and retaliatory media campaign' against the couple, per TMZ. They claim Freedman is 'violating court rules that stop a lawyer from making statements to the press that are irrelevant to a case and might prejudice the jury.' They specifically mention the release of the unedited footage. Sources close to Baldoni told DailyMail.com they believe it's 'grossly unfair to impose a gag order after Justin has been defamed by the New York Times in an article that they say has cost him three jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars. 'All Justin wants to do is release videos and text messages to prove the allegations are false. This comes after Lively and Reynolds made a shock legal request after Baldoni 's lawyer released the bombshell video The video exclusively released by DailyMail.com showed all three takes of a dance scene between Lively and Baldoni that showed they were on apparent great terms during filming 'It is unbelievable that Blake Lively would go on a takedown campaign against Justin and then immediately turn around and say she wants a gag order so that Justin can't defend himself.' This comes after Lively broke her silence on the unedited footage. 'Justin Baldoni and his lawyer may hope that this latest stunt will get ahead of the damaging evidence against him, but the video itself is damning,' her legal team shared in a statement with DailyMail.com. Her team claims the video 'shows Mr. Baldoni repeatedly leaning in toward Ms. Lively, attempting to kiss her, kissing her forehead, rubbing his face and mouth against her neck, flicking her lip with his thumb, caressing her, telling her how good she smells, and talking with her out of character.' Lively and Reynolds want a judge to gag Baldoni's attorneys - led by Bryan Freedman (pictured in November 2024)- and allege he has made false statements about the case This comes after Lively broke her silence on the 'damning' unedited footage; Lively seen in August 2024 'Every frame of the released footage corroborates, to the letter, what Ms. Lively described in Paragraph 48 of her Complaint.' Lively's lawyer also added that none of the intimacy shown in the video from the film which Baldoni directed and starred in alongside Lively was choreographed. 'Every moment of this was improvised by Mr. Baldoni with no discussion or consent in advance, and no intimacy coordinator present.' 'Mr. Baldoni was not only Ms. Livelys co-star, but the director, the head of studio and Ms. Livelys boss.' Lively's legal team claims that her 'leaning away' from Baldoni during the scene was not acting, and that the clips shows her 'repeatedly asking for the characters to just talk.' 'Any woman who has been inappropriately touched in the workplace will recognize Ms. Livelys discomfort.' 'They will recognize her attempts at levity to try to deflect the unwanted touching. No woman should have to take defensive measures to avoid being touched by their employer without their consent.' Her team claims that releasing the video to the media 'is another example of an unethical attempt to manipulate the public' and 'a continuation of their harassment and retaliatory campaign.' 'We are continuing our efforts to require Mr. Baldoni and his associates to answer in court, under oath, rather than through manufactured media stunts,' her lawyer stated. It was one of the biggest bombshells in a lawsuit packed full of them that Baldoni sexually harassed Lively while filming a dance scene by dragging his lips down her neck and telling her 'it smells so good'. In her civil rights complaint filed last month, the actress insisted nobody overheard the comment because the romantic montage was silent and the microphones were switched off. But DailyMail.com has exclusively obtained an explosive video where Baldonis sound equipment was switched on, showing all three takes. The tapes show how friendly the two stars were before it all went so wrong. They laugh and joke around even joshing about the size of Baldonis nose and talk about how they spend their time with their spouses. 'Justin Baldoni and his lawyer may hope that this latest stunt will get ahead of the damaging evidence against him, but the video itself is damning,' her lawyer stated; Baldoni seen in 2024 'Every moment of this was improvised by Mr. Baldoni with no discussion or consent in advance, and no intimacy coordinator present'; Lively seen in 2024 They include a complete record of the conversation in question at around the seven-minute mark that makes clear the comment about her smelling so good was in response to Lively talking about her spray tan as they film a romantic dance. Baldoni tells Lively he's probably getting his beard on her and she responds by saying shes probably getting spray tan on him. Then he quips back 'it smells good before both laugh and she tells him the scent actually comes from her body makeup. And while the montage does indeed show Baldoni nuzzling Livelys neck as part of the scene in which they play lovers, the conversation between them is all business with the pair spending most of it talking about lighting and their other halves. The clip, which is raw footage shot while filming It Ends With Us, comes complete with audio and was passed to DailyMail.com by the actors production company Wayfarer and his lawyer Bryan Freedman who has previously said Baldoni has 'nothing to hide'. DailyMail.coms exclusive footage is the latest revelation in a lengthy saga that began with rumors of rancor behind the scenes of It Ends With Us when it was released last August. It then exploded into a legal fight just before Christmas when the glamorous blonde sued Baldoni for sexual harassment. At the same time, the New York Times released a story based on Livelys legal filing that accused him of orchestrating a negative publicity campaign against her and put the smell claim front and center. In turn, Baldoni sued the Times for defamation and, last week, launched a $400m lawsuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds that accused her of using her celebrity power to hijack his film and attempt to torpedo his career. Lively's legal team claims that her 'leaning away' from Baldoni during the scene was not acting; the co-stars are seen in 2024 on set The new clip, which Lively had previously insisted has no audio, begins with the pair discussing the scene with the actress telling Baldoni 'I'm off my mark. Ironically, at one point the pair are heard debating whether it is better to talk or kiss during the montage, with Lively arguing that chatting is 'more romantic' which Baldoni acquiesces to and then, when she wonders whether anyone will discover what theyre really talking about, quips Theyre never going to find out. Conversation then turns to their other halves, with Lively saying she and Reynolds talk all the time while Baldoni says he and wife Emily stare at each other for 10, literally like weve done it for five minutes. Lively then bursts into laughter as he tells her I think you would find it terrifying. When Lively continues to tell him about how she cant stop talking to Reynolds, Baldoni compliments: Oh, I think thats cute. You guys are really cute. Awkwardly, she replies I think its more than cute which he hastily agrees with, adding I think you guys are amazing. Baldoni, who directed as well as acted in It Ends With Us, then says he wants them to be filmed almost kissing, at which Lively then continues to talk insisting its more romantic to chat and not give the audience the smooch she says they want. She continues to talk before saying heads together, prompting both to lean their foreheads against each other. At that point, Lively begins talking about noses, telling Baldoni: I feel so nosey. Its just noses. Lively sued Baldoni in December for sexual harassment and for allegedly orchestrating a smear campaign against her, which was reported on by The New York Times In turn, Baldoni sued the The New York Times for defamation and launched a $400m lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds; Baldoni pictured in 2023 Baldoni then tells her my nose is so big to which she bursts into laughter, exclaiming: Yes. I was hoping we could address this. Just got to shut down, gotta call an insurance month and just deal with that. Just kidding. The clip then continues into the second take, with Baldoni heard giving instructions to the crew and discussing the scene with Lively. Then, just over seven minutes in, comes the critical conversation that appears to be the source of Livelys accusation which begins when Baldoni asks if Im getting beard on you. She laughs and says Im probably getting spray tan on you to which he replies it smells good and they both laugh. Lively then tells him: Well its not that, its my body makeup. As the extras erupt in cheers, Baldoni shouts cut! and tells her they have enough for a 17-minute reel. The final take, which focuses on their feet, includes audio of Baldoni telling Lively that Im going to let you direct this with the actress then insisting her heels arent cropped out because of the sparkle. DailyMail.coms explosive new clip comes less than five days since Baldonis lawsuit was filed and two weeks after the actress was accused of serving the actor and his team papers as they evacuated during the Los Angeles wildfires. Baldoni accused Lively of using her celebrity power to hijack his film and attempt to torpedo his career; Lively and Reynolds seen in 2024 In Baldonis suit, Lively is accused of failing to read the novel on which the book is based until long after filming had begun and orchestrating a negative publicity campaign of her own with the connivance of her own publicist Leslie Sloane and the New York Times. During one incident, according to the legal filing, Lively attempted to intimidate Baldoni by pointing to her famous husband and close friend Taylor Swift then comparing herself to Game of Thrones character Khaleesi and telling him I have a lot of dragons. The actress and her team are also accused of doctoring text conversations between Baldonis publicists to make them look damning and as if theyre plotting a smear campaign against her which led to both being subjected to social media abuse when the edited texts were published. Baldonis cross-complaint also revealed that he and his family had been forced to spend the premiere of It Ends With Us sitting in a basement because Lively refused to allow him to be in the same room as her. Hollywood superstar Andie MacDowell has claimed that she is experiencing 'reverse nepotism' thanks to daughter Margaret Qualley's blossoming career. The 66-year-old is known for her roles in Four Wedding and a Funeral, Green Card and Groundhog Day, but these days it is her relation to The Substance star Margaret which has made her 'cool.' During her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday, the Cedar Cove actress joked about the boost of fame she is getting thanks to her child's success. She told the host: 'I am now [what] they always accuse the children of... But I'm now cool because I'm Margaret Qualley's mom and also Jack Antonoff's mother-in-law. 'So it's a double whammy. [I get] letters in the mailbox. "I think you're wonderful," and you know, they're 13!' MacDowell and ex Paul Qualley share son Justin, 38, as well as daughters Rainey, 35, and Margaret, 30. Hollywood star Andie MacDowell has claimed that she is experiencing 'reverse nepotism' thanks to her daughter Margaret Qualley's blossoming career The 66-year-old is known for her roles in Four Wedding, but these days it is her relation to The Substance star Margaret which has made her 'cool' Margaret's career began to flourish after impressive performances in The Leftovers (which ran from 2014 to 2017), The Nice Guys (2016) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). She starred alongside her mother in the celebrated Netflix drama, Maid, in 2021, before going on to star in film such as Poor Things (2023) and Kinds of Kindness (2024). The actress, who most recently earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role alongside Demi Moore in The Substance, is married to Taylor Swift's longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff following their 2023 nuptials. Elsewhere, Andie shared an unexpected health update with the world during an earlier appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show. The Way Home actress revealed that she suffers from Piriformis Syndrome - a condition that causes pain, numbness, or tingling in the buttocks and down the back of the leg. It occurs when the piriformis muscle spasms and compresses the sciatic nerve, according to the Mayo Clinic. She explained: 'It's a muscle that kind of clamps down on my sciatic nerve and it was shooting down my leg. I thought I was gonna have to have hip replacement. Thank God my hips are fine.' The star revealed she exercises the pain away with a personal trainer, adding: 'I have to work my tiny little bottom and my hips. I have to work the bottom and work my hip. I just do it every day.' MacDowell said thanks to the exercises 'it doesn't hurt anymore - it's a miracle, it really is.' She explained: 'I am now [what] they always accuse the children of... But I'm now cool because I'm Margaret Qualley's mom and also Jack Antonoff's mother-in-law. Margaret most recently earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role alongside Demi Moore in The Substance Earlier this month MacDowell admitted that she feels like she's been 'lucky' throughout her career. The movie star has starred in a host of big-budget films during her career, but Andie doesn't take anything for granted. She told People: 'It's a miracle I made it. I'm not going to take anything from me, but I had to overcome some really huge hurdles.' The actress has also retained her passion for making movies, in spite of her fame and success as she reflected: 'I get so excited when I'm walking onto set. 'It's nice at my age and after all this time to have that feeling of joy. I'm very conscious of it, so I try to share it and tell everybody how lucky we are.' Despite her success, MacDowell still suffers self-doubts from time to time as she explained: 'I still struggle. Sometimes I'm really hard on myself. I'm my absolute worst critic. 'But sometimes it feels like I'm flying.' Meanwhile, Andie recently claimed that she feels 'too old' to conform to Hollywood's beauty standards. The actress is married to Taylor Swift's longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff following their 2023 nuptials Elsewhere, Andie shared an unexpected health update with the world and revealed that she suffers from Piriformis Syndrome The actress has enjoyed a successful career in the movie business - but Andie feels female stars continue to face some unhealthy pressures. Speaking to People, Andie recalled: 'I did a fitting and the dress was really tight around my waist. It looks so good, but I woke up and I just knew it was not the right thing for me to do. 'I wanted to wear something that was comfortable. And, of course, immediately I shamed myself for not being able to fit into this dress. 'But that's Hollywood. It's this expectation, like you see in [daughter Margaret Qualley's movie The Substance], to be something that you can no longer be and that was easier at a certain time in your life, but I can't.' Sarah Jessica Parker looked great on Friday as she attended Sundance Film Festival in support of her The Librarians documentary. The longtime actress, 59, kept warm in a layered ensemble that included a billowy dark gray dress with ruffles, a lighter gray chunky knit sweater, and tall, purple, suede boots. She arrived in a cozy black winter coat with a hood and oversized sporty and chic black sunglasses. The And Just Like That... star flashed her megawatt smile in a subtle face of makeup that gave her visage a glowy finish. At one event, she sat down with Variety to discuss the fight against book bans. Sarah Jessica Parker looked great on Friday as she attended Sundance Film Festival in support of her The Librarians documentary The longtime actress, 59, kept warm in a layered ensemble that included a billowy dark gray dress with ruffles, a lighter gray chunky knit sweater, and tall, purple, suede boots 'I have great concerns about what happens to these kinds of public institutions,' Parker said of libraries and schools. 'I think they're the gateway actually for safety and understanding.' She has executive produced Kim A. Snyder's documentary, which is one of 91 movies on the festival's 2025 Premieres lineup, per Variety. The film was brought to fruition through the star's company Pretty Matches Productions. 'I have enormous faith that if we allow our librarians to do their job and for people to calm down and listen, we have an opportunity to be wonderfully different people,' she added during the event. Speaking to Variety at Red Sea Film Festival in December, Sarah said about the project: 'Its about the librarians across our country whove been fighting against these book bans.' According to an April 2024 PEN America report, most school book bans were implemented in Florida. The state saw 3,135 bans across 11 of its school districts. It also outlined that complaints from one parent in Wisconsin led to a banning of 444 books in a school district in the state. She arrived in a cozy black winter coat with a hood and oversized sporty and chic black sunglasses The And Just Like That... star kept a low profile in dark sunglasses as she stomped the streets in purple boots Parker flashed her megawatt smile in a subtle face of makeup that gave her visage a glowy finish. At one event, she sat down with Variety to discuss the fight against book bans Alison Benson and Kim Snyder posed with Parker Sarah's book imprint, SJP Lit, which is partnered with independent publisher Zando, was announced in March 2022. At the time, the entertainer gushed, 'It is with tremendous pride and delight that I announce the launch of my new imprint, SJP Lit. 'Im thrilled to be back in the business of books, in partnership once again with the great Molly Stern and the brilliant team shes built at Zando. 'I make no secret of my devotion to books, the necessary role they play in my life and my endless admiration for authors and storytellers. So its simply a dream come true to have the opportunity to participate again in the discovery and support of extraordinary new voices. 'I feel especially fortunate to take part in the process of helping readers uncover their new favorite books and authors, a task I dont take lightly and will tend to fiercely.' Loyal Delta flyers are bracing themselves for a long-feared crackdown on lounge access that begins in a week. It is the latest in the ongoing quest by airlines and credit-card companies to control crowds, and boost profits. Delta first mooted a raft of changes to its frequent flyer program - including access to to its Sky Clubs for those with premium American Express cards - in September 2023, and rolled out some at the start of 2024. For example, those who book a basic economy ticket are no longer be allowed into Sky Clubs with select Amex cards as they were prior to January last year. But by far the most controversial change starts on February 1. Those who get access to Delta's 52 lounges is via one of American Express's top tier cards will be limited to ten or 15 visits a year. Until now, there has been no limit. Over the 15 visits Delta Reserve cardholders or ten for Amex Platinum customers is $50 per visit. Customers can still get 'free' unlimited visits but they need to spend big, and rack up $75,000 a year on the card. They can also book pricy Delta One tickets, or a separate unlimited lounge pass for $695. The limits could be stricter, though. When first announced in September 2023, the cap was as little as six visits a year. Delta Sky Club lounges are rolling out tougher entry rules from February 1 for Amex cardholders After enormous backlash it U-turned on some of the harsher new rules, and also upped the annual limit. Some Delta frequent flyers have vowed to ditch the airline over the changes - and instead fly Spirit. Benjamin Carter, a veterinary chief medical officer, is one of those fliers and is considering using a Big Front Seat option with Spirit Airlines. Delta claims most customers who access lounges with Amex cards will not be affected - since they visit fewer than ten times a year. But it will be a blow to frequent flyers. Five round-trip flights will eat up ten free Sky Club visits. Some frequent flyers have been working on the best strategy ahead of the changes. Matt Ridley, a supply-chain director from New York, told the Wall Street Journal he has visited Sky Miles lounges 50 times last year with thanks to unlimited access with his Delta Reserve American Express card 'I've become accustomed to the Sky Club life,' Ridley says. Delta CEO Ed Bastian has defended the changes to lounge access Last year, the carrier was embroiled in controversy after announcing new limits on how often certain credit card holders could visit the Sky Club lounges But with limits kicking in, Ridley plans to alternate visits between Sky Clubs and the American Express Centurion lounges, which remain free of limits. If a Centurion lounge isn't an option, he's ready to skip Sky Clubs altogether when time is tight. For now, he enjoys quick 20-minute stops for a bagel and coffee during his travels but won't waste one of his 15 free visits on such a short one. Other frequent fliers are taking their planning to the next level. On the FlyerTalk message board, one savvy Delta traveler shared a detailed four-point workaround. The plan? Book shorter layovers on the way to business meetings, skip lounges entirely, and save the Sky Club perks for the return tripmaximizing access with visits at both the departure airport and layover stop. Branded credit cards are big business for Delta and the other airlines. Delta made $6.8 billion in 2023 from its partnership with Amex, up 22 per cent on the year prior. Aviation expert Kathleen Bangs told DailyMail.com last year that it was common for airlines to rely on their loyalty schemes for profit. 'What most people don't realize is most airlines make more money from their credit card programs than they do carrying people,' she said. 'Airlines are just banks that operate flights.' Delta Air Lines has opened its hotly anticipated business and first class lounge at JFK, as part of its $1.5 billion investment at the New York airport Delta Air Lines' restrictions on lounge access took effect on January 1st, sparking fury among passengers, including Veronica Reign, who were denied entry to the luxury pre-boarding experience Meanwhile, Delta has launched new premium Delta One lounges for its highest paying passengers at airports in New York City, Los Angeles and Boston last summer. The JFK lounge measures almost the same as three Olympic-sized swimming pools, has a fine dining restaurant, a covered terrace looking out over the runway, a treatment room and sleeping booths with reclining chairs. The lounges are reserved is for those flying in Delta One, its business class cabin for international flights. They will operate in addition to its 52 Sky Clubs. Cardholder Veronica Reign was caught off guard by the new policies in January 2024, and shared her experience on TikTok just before boarding a Delta flight. 'Finally, I get an Amex Platinum card. I come to the Delta terminal,' she said. 'And as of January 1 you cannot go into the Delta lounge with your Platinum Amex unless you are flying above basic economy.' She added, 'I want to say to Delta and the Delta lounge that it's so disrespectful. Because we pay $700 f**king dollars a year for the Amex Platinum, and now I don't have access to the Delta lounge.' It attracted a flurry of comments from other members who were not aware of the changes. Costco and its shareholders have defied President Donald Trump and conservative activists by sticking to their DEI policies. At the company's annual meeting, they voted strongly against a proposal from a conservative activist group that challenged diversity, equity and inclusion policies at Costco. The vote was seen as an early test of investor views about the value of corporate DEI programs, which many companies added or beefed up starting in 2020 amid the Black Lives Matter movement. President Trump has already introduced anti-DEI initiatives, claiming they are unfair and distracting. Ahead of him being voted in, US companies like Ford and John Deere had already rowed back on DEI policies. 'I think there is a definite anti-white feeling in this country and that can't be allowed,' Trump said last summer in an interview with Time. Meanwhile, vocal figures on social media, like Robby Starbuck, have also pushed for boycotts of so-called 'woke' companies. It has forced the likes of John Deere, Walmart and Ford to scale back or ditch their commitments. Costco, however, is standing its ground. The company's board had urged investors to reject an investigation into whether if DEI policies harmed the retailer, for example by forcing it to overlook the best candidates. More than 98 percent of the shareholders voted against it on Thursday. Costco CEO Ron Vachris defended the company's policies to a complaining customer Lindsey Stewart, director of stewardship research and policy for Morningstar Sustainalytics, said the similar result at Costco 'suggests that even if the political environment on inclusion in the workplace is changing, investors' low propensity to support anti-DEI resolutions is thus far unchanged.' Ahead of the vote, retail expert Neil Saunders told DailyMail.com that Costco takes the view that its various programs have helped it to build a strong business. 'Given the positive results over recent years it is impossible to argue that Costco management doesn't know what it's doing,' Saunders, of Global Data, said. 'There is an element of them saying leave us to get on with the job. While some customers might dislike the policy, I doubt many will defect as it is not something that is visible or that directly impacts shoppers.' The proposal voted down Costco's shareholder meeting was from the National Center for Public Policy Research. The conservative activist group was pressuring Costo to produce a report outlining the potential risks of its DEI initiatives - as it says they backfire and hit the stock price. In its shareholder proposal, the group stated, 'DEI clearly poses litigation, reputational, and financial risks to the company.' All businesses have a duty to avoid practices that harm their share price - since it harms investors. Costco is banking on its status as a much-loved store with loyal customers But Costco's directors argued that DEI policies are an asset, not a liability. Executives emphasized that a diverse workforce and supplier base help attract top talent, foster innovation, and enhance the 'treasure hunt' shopping experience that customers value. Costco also argued that the conservative group bringing the motion have ulterior motives other than DEI risks to share price. The retailer also said its customers enjoy seeing diversity reflected in its workforce. Costco is banking on its status as a much-loved store with loyal customers that have helped it stay out of political frays in the past. 'They are not the worst of the worst, so they weren't my focus,' Starbuck, who successfully pressured Walmart to reverse some of its DEI policies, has said of Costco. 'You better have your ducks in a row before you go after a beloved company,' he said of any future boycott initiatives against Costco. Retail expert Neil saunders told DailyMail.com that Costco takes the view that its various programs have helped it to build a strong business. Robby Starbuck successfully pressured Walmart to reverse some of its DEI policies 'Given the positive results over recent years it is impossible to argue that Costco management doesn't know what it's doing,' Saunders, of Global Data, said. 'There is an element of them saying leave us to get on with the job. While some customers might dislike the policy, I doubt many will defect as it is not something that is visible or that directly impacts shoppers.' It comes after major companies such as Walmart, Ford, John Deere, and Tractor Supply bowed to pressure and rowed back on their DEI commitments. In July, John Deere made a huge U-turn on its DEI practices in the face of opposition and a damaging boycott from farmers and conservatives. The company said in a statement it would drop 'socially motivated messaging' and 'diversity quotas and pronoun identification' and distance itself from 'cultural awareness parades.' The $61 billion-a-year firm had come under fire over sponsoring a Pride event for children as young as three and other DEI efforts, even as it shuttered plants and sacked American workers. The government on Friday imposed restrictions on imports of herbicide Glufosinate priced below ` 1,289 per kg, with a view to discourage inbound shipments of the chemical. However, if the prices are above this value, imports are allowed without any restriction. Import of Glufosinate and its salts (purity - minimum 95 per cent) is restricted for CIF value below ` 1,289 per kg. However, import of Glufosinate and its salts is free if CIF value is `1,289 per kg and above, the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) said in a notification. CIF value (cost, insurance, and freight) is a trade term used in international commerce to determine the total value of goods being imported. Products under the restricted category need a licence from the government. The import of the herbicide stood at USD 177 million during April-November this fiscal. It was USD 238.13 million in 2023-24. During the first eight months of this fiscal, India imported Glufosinate mainly from China (USD 58.72 million), US (USD 46 million) and Israel (USD 30.50 million). Actor Randeep Hooda is reuniting with filmmaker Sam Hargrave for the upcoming action movie "Matchbox", headlined by Hollywood star John Cena. Hooda had earlier played a major role in the filmmaker's 2020 hit "Extraction", starring Chris Hemsworth. The Netflix movie was Hargrave's directorial debut. In "Matchbox", Hooda will share screen space with Cena as well as Teyonah Parris of "The Marvels" fame. "Excited to be working with Sam again. We had a great time on our first collaboration with 'Extraction'. Sam is a master of high-octane storytelling and action. Glad to be joining the team in Budapest," the 48-year-old actor said in a statement. "Matchbox" is a live-action film based on the iconic Mattel car toyline. Also starring Jessica Biel and Sam Richardson, the movie is described as an action-packed and globetrotting adventure. The story will follow a group of childhood friends who must work together to stop an impending worldwide disaster and rediscover their friendship along the way. Apple Original Films recently acquired the project, which is being developed by Skydance and Mattel Films. Hargrave is directing the project from a screenplay by David Coggeshall and Jonathan Tropper. David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger will produce the movie for Skydance, alongside Robbie Brenner for Mattel Films and Jules Daly. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted search operations across seven locations after registering a case of a Rs 350 crore crypto-ponzi scam against seven individuals, officials said on Friday. The accused were allegedly running seven separate modules based in the cities of Delhi, Hazaribag, Bathinda, Ratlam, Valsad, Pudukkottai, and Chittorgarh, collecting money from gullible investors by promising returns from cryptocurrency investments, they said. These ponzi schemes were being promoted through multiple social media groups. An analysis of bank account transactions and cryptocurrency wallets has revealed that the illegal proceeds from these schemes were being converted into cryptocurrencies to obscure their origin, CBIs spokesperson said in a statement. It is alleged that the accused conducted transactions totaling over Rs 350 crore in these schemes, the officials said. On Thursday, the agency carried out operations in Delhi, Jharkhand, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan. During the searches, the CBI seized digital virtual assets totaling approximately USD 38,414 in the cryptocurrency wallets of the accused, which have been digitally secured for investigation. The searches resulted in the recovery of cash amounting to Rs 34.2 lakh (approx), along with significant digital evidence, including seven mobile phones, one laptop, one tablet, three hard disks, 10 pen drives, memory cards, SIM cards, ATM cards, debit cards, email accounts, and several incriminating documents, the statement said. The agency registered the case under Indian Penal Code Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy), Section 420 (cheating), and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000, as part of an ongoing investigation that predates the introduction of three new criminal laws last year. It is alleged that the accused, acting in criminal conspiracy, have been actively floating various ponzi and fraudulent schemes, promising high returns based on cryptocurrency investments. They are also accused of promoting, promising, and disseminating false and deceptive information to entice investors into these unregulated deposit schemes, which operate without requisite approvals from regulatory authorities such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the statement said. The probe has uncovered multiple bank accounts and Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) wallets with cryptocurrency exchanges, including CoinDCX, WazirX, Zebpay, and BitBns, held by the accused. Over two years, these accounts and wallets witnessed transactions exceeding Rs 350 crore. The victims were allegedly defrauded by the accused under various pretenses, such as online loans, online lucky orders, UPI frauds, and internet banking scams, the CBI said. Last year, the CBI uncovered a cyber-enabled fraud syndicate originating in Delhi-NCR, which allegedly defrauded foreign nationals from the US, Canada, and other countries to the tune of Rs 260 crore through a fake call center. The syndicate, led by accused Tushar Kharbanda, a Noida resident, employed advanced techniques to commit cybercrime and launder money by converting bitcoin into US dollars and vice versa. The agency filed a chargesheet against three accused-Kharbanda, Gaurav Malik, and Ankit Jain-under various sections of the IPC and the Information Technology Act. The accused were involved in running a fraudulent call center in Delhi and Noida that targeted elderly citizens in the US and Canada, the CBI said. The CBI had also filed a case last year against late Amit Bhardwaj and his brother Ajay Bhardwaj for running an alleged Ponzi scheme involving bitcoins worth up to Rs 6,600 crore in 2017. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier taken up the investigation into the money laundering angle after the police in Maharashtra and Delhi filed first information reports (FIRs) against Variable Tech Pvt Ltd and individuals Amit Bhardwaj, Ajay Bhardwaj, Vivek Bhardwaj, Simpy Bhardwaj, and Mahender Bhardwaj-all members of the same family. The FIRs also named several multi-level marketing agents who were alleged to have collected a massive amount of money in the form of bitcoins (worth Rs 6,600 crore in 2017) from the public, with the false promise of a 10 percent monthly return in bitcoins. The Madhya Pradesh government has announced the closure of liquor shops in 17 holy towns across the state to preserve the spiritual atmosphere of these religiously significant locations. These towns, home to sacred temples and attracting devotees from across the country, include Ujjain, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur, Maihar, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Chitrakoot, Amarkantak, Salkanpur, Barman Kala, Linga, Kundalpur, Bandakpur, and Barmankhurd. Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Yadav, who hails from the religious city of Ujjain, emphasized the importance of these towns in the states religious and cultural landscape. He highlighted their association with revered deities such as Lord Krishna and Lord Ram. Addressing the media, Yadav explained that the decision was motivated by the harmful effects of alcohol consumption on individuals and families. He stated that alcohol addiction has caused significant distress within families and that the initiative aims to promote better governance and improve the lives of women, children, and farmers. The CM further underscored the governments commitment to creating a better environment for the youth, stressing their role as the future of the country. By restricting alcohol sales in areas with high religious significance, the government seeks to align these regions with their sacred identity while curbing alcohol abuse. Yadav expressed hope that the decision would contribute to improving the overall quality of life in the state. After the State Cabinet approved the ban of liquor in 17 religious places, the Excise department would start process of closing down the existing shops at these places. The announcement also drew attention to longstanding demands for prohibition in Madhya Pradesh. Former CM Uma Bharti and former Lok Sabha member Sadhvi Pragya Bharti have long advocated for total prohibition. During a previous government, Uma Bharti had staged protests against the sale of liquor, even pelting stones at a liquor shop. However, her agitation failed to gain momentum, leading her to revise her demand to controlled liquor sales in the state. The previous Shivraj Singh Chouhan government had approved a new excise policy in 2023, aimed at discouraging liquor consumption, but refrained from implementing total prohibition. Following the recent announcement by CM Mohan Yadav to ban liquor sales in 17 religious towns, Uma Bharti welcomed the move, describing it as a significant step toward achieving total prohibition in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh Congress Media in-charge Mukesh Nayak has criticised the state governments decision to close liquor shops in 17 holy towns, alleging it could lead to illegal activities similar to those in Gujarat. Speaking to The Pioneer, Nayak claimed that in Gujarat, BJP leaders are allegedly involved in a liquor business worth Rs 10,000 crore despite the prohibition policy. He expressed concerns that a parallel network for the illegal sale of liquor might emerge in the 17 designated religious towns in Madhya Pradesh. Nayak further alleged that the ban could pave the way for clandestine operations, making liquor easily accessible through home delivery. Currently, customers have to visit shops to buy liquor, but soon it might be delivered to their homes in these areas, he remarked, accusing the ruling party of exploiting the situation for profit. At least eight people were killed and seven others injured when a massive explosion rocked an ordnance factory in Jawahar Nagar taluka of Bhandara district in eastern Maharashtra on Friday morning. Of the injured, the condition of five was reported to be serious. While the cause of the mishap has not been established, rescue and relief operations were still underway at the vast complex housing the Ordnance Factory in Bhandara until late evening. A press release issued by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) earlier in the day stated that the incident took place at 10:30 am. The incident resulted in a fire and a subsequent building collapse. Initially, 13 individuals were reported trapped at the site. The NDRF team was immediately deployed to the location and is working tirelessly to rescue those affected, the NDRF said. The Ordnance Factory, located in the Satpura Mountain ranges in Jawahar Nagar taluka of Bhandara, manufactures single-base propellant, double-base propellant (ballistite), double-base propellant (rocket), high explosives, and their compounds. The explosion was so intense that its sound could be heard up to seven to ten kilometers away from the accident site. Objects from the exploded factory were flung several meters away, eyewitnesses said. The smoke from the explosion-hit factory continued to billow out for several hours and could be seen from a distance of two to three kilometers away. Confirming the deaths and injuries in the incident, Union Minister and MP from Nagpur Nitin Gadkari described the explosion as unfortunate. He was speaking at an event in Nagpur. A sad incident has occurred. At the ordnance factory in Bhandara, an explosion took place, causing the death of eight people and injuring seven others. This is the early report. I ask everyone to stand for a minute to honor them, and then we will continue with the program, he said. Expressing his grief over the casualties in the ordnance factory blast, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on the micro-blogging site X: Deeply saddened to know about the blast at the Ordnance Factory at Bhandara, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The rescue teams are deployed at the site. All efforts are being made to provide assistance to those who are affected. Giving details of the incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis - who is away at the 54th World Economic Forum (WEF) meet in Davos - wrote on X earlier in the day: There is news of an incident where 13-14 workers are trapped due to a roof collapse caused by an explosion at the ordnance factory in Bhandara. Five workers have been safely rescued. The Bhandara Collector and SP are at the site, ensuring immediate rescue measures and all required support. SDRF and Nagpur Municipal Corporation teams are deployed for the rescue operation. District administration is also coordinating with multiple teams. Medical assistance teams are ready too. As per the info received till now, one worker unfortunately lost his life. My condolences to his family. We stand with the family in this tough time. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured, Fadnavis added. Bhandara District Collector Dr Sanjay Kolte and Superintendent of Police Noorul Hasan are camping at the site. Teams from Bhandara and Nagpur, along with specialized teams from NDRF and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are carrying out the rescue and relief operations. The NDRF personnel are utilising specialised equipment to carry out the rescue operation. Ten opposition members attending the Parliamentary panel meeting on the Waqf Amendment Bill were suspended for a day on Friday amid protests and accusations against Chairman Jagdambika Pal of steamrolling through the proceedings. While opposition members accused Pal of reducing the proceedings to a farce and alleged that he was acting on the governments directions, the chairman slammed their conduct aimed at disrupting the meeting. He accused Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee of hurling abuses at him and said he strove to bring the meeting to order, adjourning it twice but in vain. BJP member Nishikant Dubey moved the motion for suspending the opposition members which was adopted by the committee, The suspended members are Banerjee and Nadeem-ul Haque (Trinamool Congress), Mohammad Jawed, Imran Masood and Syed Naseer Hussain (Congress), A Raja and Mohamed Abdullah (DMK), Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM), Mohibullah (SP) and Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena-UBT). The suspension of the opposition members came on a day when a delegation from Jammu and Kashmir led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the religious head of Kashmir, appeared before the Joint Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill to share their concerns about the draft legislation. The meeting of the Committee began on a stormy note with the opposition members accusing the chairman of steamrolling through the proceedings and changing the agenda of the meeting at will. The 10 opposition members were suspended as protests and unruly scenes continued at the meeting of the Committee, which had re-convened after a brief adjournment. After our meeting on January 21, the chairman informed the members that the next meeting will be held on January 24-25. Opposition members protested and A Raja also wrote a letter requesting to schedule the meeting after January 30 or 31. But the chairman did not listen to us, Banerjee said. He said the agenda of Fridays meeting was changed late night on Thursday and intimated to members close to midnight. The chairman is treating opposition members as domestic helps and ordering them around, Banerjee said, and alleged that the proceedings were being rushed through with an eye on the Delhi assembly elections. The Trinamool Congress leader said Pal received several phone calls as the meeting was in progress and alleged that he was taking orders from the government in conduct of the proceedings. However, BJP member Aparajita Sarangi claimed the conduct of opposition members was disgusting as they were continuously creating ruckus during the meeting and using unparliamentary language against Pal. Official sources said the committee will be adopting its final report on January 29. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on August 8, 2024 following its introduction in the Lok Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to address issues and challenges in regulating and managing Waqf properties. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav came in for a spirited defence of Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attacked the AAP leader over pollution in the river Yamuna. Taking a dig at Yogi Adityanath, Akhilesh Yadav questioned whether the Uttar Pradesh chief minister would dare to take a sip of water from the Yamuna river in Mathura. Before challenging others, people should dare sip water from the Yamuna, which flows through Mathura in their state, the SP chief said in a post on X in Hindi. Those who challenge others should do aachman with Yamunas water flowing through Mathura in their state, he added in a post without naming Chief Minister Yogi. Yadavs sharp reaction comes after Chief Minister Yogi, while campaigning for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Delhi ahead of the assembly polls, said that the former chief minister Kejriwal had sinned by turning Yamuna into a dirty drain. Yogi Adityanath, whose ministers took a dip in the Sangam during Maha Kumbh on Wednesday, questioned whether Kejriwal and his ministers could take a bath in the Yamuna like his cabinet. He should answer if he has moral courage, Yogi said. Addressing an election rally in Delhis Kirari on Thursday, Yogi Adityanath further alleged that the devotees and saints of Mathura-Vrindavan were suffering due to the dirty Yamuna water coming from Delhi into Uttar Pradesh. Interestingly, Akhilesh Yadavs SP and Arvind Kejriwals AAP are integral constituents of the INDIA bloc that was announced earlier before the parliamentary elections in 2024. Referring to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths jibe that Waqf Board is land mafia board, the SP chief retorted that BJP is the biggest land mafia and ruling party leaders are forcibly occupying land across the state with impunity. He alleged that the land of poor farmers is being acquired at throwaway prices and sold to the ruling party leaders. He alleged that farmers in Ayodhya and other parts of the state are being exploited. In an alarming trend, drug smugglers in Punjab are increasingly using innovative methods to run their illicit operations and evade law enforcement. An expose by Batala Police on Friday revealed that drug traffickers had reserved a specific room at Hotel Alpine in Amritsar for coordinating their heroin smuggling activities. Hotels Room No 103 was used as a base by the smugglers to store drugs, meet with operatives, and facilitate smuggling across international borders. This case highlighted a growing pattern where criminals are utilizing legitimate businesses, such as hotels, to shield their operations and avoid detection. Batala Polices swift action has led to the seizure of the hotel property, sending a strong message that authorities are intensifying efforts to uncover and dismantle such complex drug networks across the state. The investigation, which stemmed from an FIR filed on September 21, 2024, began after Batala Police arrested three drug smugglers and recovered 2.8 kg of heroin from their possession. As the investigation progressed, it was revealed that the smugglers were using Hotel Alpines Room No 103 as a focal point for their operations. The room was strategically reserved for storing drugs and meeting with other members of the trafficking network, facilitating their heroin smuggling activities along the international border. Batala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Suhail Qasim Mir confirmed that the hotel was being used to facilitate the narcotics supply chain, evading detection while carrying out illegal activities. The smugglers used the room to store drugs and hold meetings with other operatives to facilitate the illicit trade, he said. Upon uncovering the extent of the operation, the Batala Police submitted a request to the competent authority to freeze the hotel property under Section 68F of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This section allows law enforcement to forfeit properties linked to drug trafficking. After receiving approval from the relevant authority, the Batala Police successfully froze Hotel Alpine, located at Ajit Nagar Road, Katra Ahluwalia, in Amritsar. The seizure of the Hotel marks a significant step in Punjabs ongoing efforts to clamp down on the drug menace that has plagued the state. SSP Mir stressed that the action taken against Hotel Alpine should serve as a warning to those who aid and abet drug networks. This operation demonstrates that Batala Police is committed to eradicating the drug problem in the state, and we will continue to take strict actions against anyone who facilitates the trafficking of drugs, he said. Two-minute silence to be observed in all Govt offices in memory of martyrs Chandigarh: A two-minute silence will be observed in all Haryana government offices at 11 am on January 30 in memory of martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle of the country. In a letter issued by the Chief Secretary's Office, all the Department Heads, Divisional Commissioners of Ambala, Hisar, Rohtak, Faridabad, Karnal and Gurugram, all Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Officers (Civil) have been instructed to make necessary arrangements in this regard. Hry CS reviews 25 infrastructure projects of over Rs 100 crore each Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Secretary Vivek Joshi on Friday reviewed 25 infrastructure projects, each with a cost exceeding Rs 100 crore with the officers in Chandigarh. With a total of over Rs 17,516 crore, these projects span over the Departments of Industries and Commerce, Medical Education and Research, Irrigation and Water Resources, and Public Health Engineering. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary instructed officials to establish a panel comprising officers from the irrigation, industry, PWD B&R, and Public Health departments. This panel will review project timelines and propose proactive, long-term solutions to ensure strict adherence to schedules and the timely completion of projects. Issuing strict instructions, the Chief Secretary also directed officials to take action against negligent contractors, including blacklisting them. He directed that all necessary clearances, including environmental and forest approvals, should be obtained prior to issuing tenders for projects, ensuring their completion within the stipulated timelines. Cold weather prevails at many places in Punjab, Haryana Chandigarh: Cold weather conditions prevailed in several places in Punjab and Haryana on Friday, with many parts recording temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. In Punjab, Faridkot reeled under intense chill, recording a minimum temperature of 3.8 degrees Celsius, according to the Met department's weather report. Amritsar and Pathankot also experienced a cold night, recording 5.2 degrees and 5.7 degrees, respectively. Rupnagar, Ludhiana and Gurdaspur, too, experienced a cold night recording a minimum temperature of 7 degrees, 7.7 degrees and 7 degrees, respectively. Patiala recorded a low of 8.9 degrees Celsius. In Haryana, the minimum temperature of Karnal, Narnaul and Bhiwani was 6.4 degrees Celsius, 7.3 degrees Celsius and 7.2 degrees Celsius. Sirsa recorded a low of 8.6 degrees, Gurugram 10.4 degrees and Ambala 10 degrees Celsius. Contractors Association warns of agitation if demands are not met by Jan 31 Chandigarh: The Haryana PWD Contractors Association has issued an ultimatum to the state government, giving them until January 31 to fulfill their pending demands. The contractors have warned that failure to meet their demands within this period will result in statewide protests and a complete halt of PWD projects across Haryana. In a press statement, office-bearers of the association revealed that nearly Rs 500 crore worth of contractors bills have been stuck since December due to budget and fund shortages. Despite repeated appeals to the Haryana PWD Minister, the government has not released the funds, citing a budget crunch. Association President Jai Bhagwan said that releasing at least Rs 200 crore immediately would help clear pending bills for October, November, and December of the previous year. Secretary Manoj Chahal urged the government to release the withheld payments promptly to avoid forcing contractors to stop ongoing projects across the state. Haryana approves State Water Action Plan-II worth Rs 6,713.13 crore under AMRUT 2.0 Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Secretary Vivek Joshi chaired the 4th State High Powered Steering Committee (SHPSC) Meeting for successful implementation of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0) on Friday. During the meeting, it was informed that under the State Water Action Plan (SWAP-I) of AMRUT 2.0, 57 projects costing Rs 1727.36 crore have been approved, which includes 48 projects of water supply and 9 projects of sewerage spanning over 50 towns of the state. Out of these, in 53 projects, work has already been commenced & the remaining are under tendering process. Samman Sanjeevani App launched in Hry on National Girl Child Day Chandigarh: Haryana Women and Child Development Minister Shruti Choudhry on Friday launched the 'Samman Sanjeevani' app of Mahila Evam Kishori Samman Yojana' on the occasion of National Girl Child Day 2025. Facilities being provided under the scheme will be tracked via the app so that the beneficiaries continue to get the benefits of the scheme timely. The Minister said that under the 'Mahila Evam Kishori Samman Yojna', sanitary napkins are distributed to BPL women and girls aged 10 to 45 years. These benefits are delivered through Anganwadi centers and schools. The app has been developed to ensure timely delivery of these services. It will collect data on all beneficiaries and update monthly benefits. As the political battleground heats up for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, Dalit voters are emerging as a crucial demographic, with all major parties-Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-keenly vying for their support. With AAP looking to secure a third consecutive term in Delhi, the party's previously solid backing among Dalit voters is now under threat. Experts predict a possible split in Dalit votes, as disillusionment grows and the BJP and Congress intensify their efforts to sway this significant voter base. Delhi's Dalit community, which comprises a large portion of the electorate, has traditionally been seen as a core support group for AAP, especially during the last two elections. In 2020, AAP managed to win all 12 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) in the capital, securing the backing of Dalit voters that contributed to its resounding victory. However, this time, the situation seems different. Independent political analyst Kush Ambedkarwadi, founder of the Subaltern Media Foundation, notes that Dalit voters are increasingly dissatisfied with the AAP government, and the ruling party may face a substantial challenge in retaining their support. While Dalit voters are present across all of Delhi's constituencies, their influence is particularly strong in about 30 to 35 seats where they hold the potential to sway election results, according to Ambedkarwadi. He argues that although AAP has long resonated with the Dalit community, symbolized by its election logo, the broom, many voters are now disillusioned with the lack of tangible improvements in their lives. The Valmiki community, in particular, which has a historical connection to the broom symbol due to its association with sanitation work, initially saw AAP as a party that would champion their cause. However, as Ambedkarwadi explains, unfulfilled promises, such as addressing contractual labor issues in municipal services and eliminating manual scavenging have led to growing frustration within the community. Ambedkarwadi points to the broader dissatisfaction among other prominent Dalit communities, including the Ravidassia and Jatav groups, which have historically supported AAP. A significant number of Dalit leaders from these communities have left the party, signalling a loss of trust. In addition, the AAP government's failure to address longstanding concerns, such as providing stable jobs for sanitation workers and improving working conditions, has further fuelled discontent. The BJP, on the other hand, has taken notice of this shifting sentiment and has been making concerted efforts to court Dalit voters. The party has launched a series of outreach programs in Dalit-majority areas and introduced policies aimed at uplifting the community. The BJP's promises include the "B R Ambedkar Stipend Scheme," which offers a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 for SC students studying in industrial training institutes (ITIs), skill centers, and polytechnic colleges. Additionally, the party has pledged to provide free education for students in need, from kindergarten to post-graduation, in government institutions. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent remarks in the Rajya Sabha on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, which were met with sharp criticism from opposition parties, including AAP and Congress, have only intensified the battle for Dalit votes. While opposition parties have seized on the remarks to question the BJP's commitment to Dalit empowerment, the BJP has aggressively countered these narratives, positioning itself as a party dedicated to the ideals of Ambedkar and promising meaningful change for Dalits. The Congress party, which has been relatively slow in engaging with Dalit voters, is also attempting to gain ground. Former Delhi minister Rajendra Pal Gautam, once a prominent Dalit face of AAP who resigned from the party to join Congress last year, has criticized AAP for failing to deliver on its promises to the Dalit community. According to Gautam, while upper-caste voters tend to favour the BJP and some OBC groups also lean towards the saffron party, Dalit voters remain open to different options. He suggests that Dalit votes are likely to be divided between AAP, BJP, and Congress in this election, with many Dalits exploring alternatives due to dissatisfaction with AAP's governance. Gautam, however, dismissed the potential impact of smaller parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Azad Samaj Party (ASP), arguing that these parties have failed to maintain a strong presence or effectively advocate for Dalit issues. Despite this, he acknowledges that Congress itself has been slow to mobilize Dalit voters and could have garnered more support had it started campaigning earlier. Nevertheless, he believes that a segment of Dalit voters will continue to back AAP due to its social welfare schemes, particularly those focused on education. The AAP government has announced several initiatives aimed at retaining Dalit support, including the Dr. Ambedkar Samman Scholarship, which offers financial assistance to Dalit students pursuing higher education abroad. These schemes, AAP hopes, will help bolster its appeal to Dalit voters, especially among those struggling to afford quality education for their children. According to a recent survey conducted by the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR) and The Convergent Media, AAP still holds an edge among Dalit voters, despite its declining popularity. The survey, which included interviews with 6,256 individuals across the capital between January 1 and January 15, revealed that 44 per cent of respondents plan to vote for AAP, compared to 53 per cent who voted for the party in the 2020 elections. Meanwhile, 32 per cent of respondents said they would vote for the BJP, while 21 per cent expressed support for Congress. As the election approaches, it is clear that Dalit voters will play a decisive role in determining the outcome. While AAP remains the frontrunner among Dalit voters, the growing dissatisfaction within the community, coupled with the aggressive outreach efforts by BJP and the renewed focus of Congress, suggests that the battle for Dalit votes is far from settled. The potential split in Dalit votes may shape not only the outcome of individual constituencies but also the broader political landscape in Delhi. Jitendra Asati, Director of the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, visited Rajgarh on January 23, 2025, and Vidisha on January 24, 2025. These districts have been identified under the Government of India's Aspirational Districts program to improve socio-economic indicators. The primary objective of his visit was to promote financial literacy, monitor the implementation of government schemes, and strengthen efforts toward financial inclusion. During his visit, Asati inspected the Rural Self-Employment Training Institutes (RSETI) established in these districts to provide training to rural youth. He interacted with CCTV and computer batch trainees in Rajgarh and Vidisha, respectively, encouraging them to take full advantage of the program and explore credit linkage opportunities. He also discussed the region's promising future in detail. As part of his itinerary, Asati visited Business Correspondent (BC) points, commended their efforts, and learned about the challenges faced by them in their operations. District-level bankers' meetings were held in both districts under his chairmanship. These meetings reviewed the progress of various financial inclusion schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), and Vishwakarma Yojana. He also emphasized the need for swift resolution and progress in state government self-employment schemes. The meetings were attended by district collectors, CEOs of district panchayats, and other officials. Asati instructed district coordinators to participate mandatorily in quarterly meetings of the District Advisory Committees and work with local administrations to promote financial inclusion in the districts. As part of his visit, Asati inspected the Bank of India's Dhavlikala Gala branch in Rajgarh and the State Bank of India's Khamkheda branch in Vidisha. He reviewed the benefits being provided to rural residents under various financial inclusion schemes of the Government of India. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will release the third and the most important part of BJPs Sankalp Patra on Saturday for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections which is likely to announce free bus rides for everyone for four months when the air quality index (aqi) rises to hazardous levels, free clean drinking water, and free 300 units of electricity among other poll promises. Meanwhile, the AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal reacted to development asking BJP to share its vision for Delhi rather than announcing his partys scheme. In a post on X, Kejriwal said, Tomorrow Amit Shah is launching BJP's Sankalp Patra III. I request them to please not announce again the schemes already implemented by the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi like free electricity/water. Please tell us what is BJP's plan and vision for Delhi, the AAP chief said. He also questioned the Union Minister for the deteriorating condition of law and order in the city. Why did you fail to fix the law and order situation in Delhi and what will you do now - tell us this? he asked. The BJP, which is vying to regain power after more than 25 years in the national capital, will release the final part of its manifesto. It has already launched the first and second part by Union Minister J P Nadda and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur respectively at the state office. It is expected that the party will make bus travel free for all for four months starting October when the air quality starts deteriorating in a bid to ensure that people use public transport rather than private vehicles. It will also include plans to clean Yamuna and solve the water logging issue in Delhi, sources said. In its first two installments, the party promised Rs 2,500 monthly allowance for women under the Mahila Samridhi scheme, financial assistance of Rs 21,000 to all pregnant women, LPG cylinders for Rs 500 and a Rs 2,500 pension scheme for senior citizens. It also included free education for needy students from 'KG to PG' in government institutions, a one-time assistance of Rs 15,000 for UPSC aspirants, and an insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh, along with a Rs 5 lakh accident cover for domestic helps and auto-taxi drivers. The biennial elections of the Jharkhand High Court Advocates Association were called off due to a protest during the election on Thursday. Election Officer (Returning Officer) senior Advocate VP Singh made the announcement while observers of Jharkhand Bar Council MK Srivastava and Baleshwar Singh were also present on the occasion. A report regarding the incident will be sent to the State Bar Council. As per the information received, the protests began due to a discrepancy in the number of votes found in the ballot box. A total of 1409 votes were cast during the election, however, 1509 votes were found on opening the box and the uproar began over the difference of 100 votes. The returning officer asked to protestors to give evidence of the dissimilarity but no concrete proof was given. In the upheaval, as the advocates were pushing each other, ballot papers were also thrown and the glass of a cabin in the library was broken. On receiving information regarding the protest, personnel from Vidhan Sabha police station and Hatia DSP reached the spot. On seeing policemen making videos of the ruckus, protestors snatched their phones and deleted the videos. For this election, a total of 37 candidates were in fray for the post of 7 office bearers while 41 candidates were contesting for 9 executive members. Voting commenced at 10:30 am on Thursday with Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan being the first to cast his vote. Ballots were cast at two polling booths which were set up in the Association Library at the High Court premises. In order to cast their votes, it was mandatory for the voters to present a Certificate of Advocate Association or Bar Council. Advocates had to be in the lawyers uniform to cast their votes and mobile phones were also not allowed inside the polling booths. A total of 1409 votes were cast and the chaos began when irregularities were found during the counting process. HC demands answers from State and Central Government on Parasnath Hill The Jharkhand High Court has sought answers from the State and Central government regarding the Parasnath mountain- a religious and sacred place for the followers of Jainism. The court issued the order during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by the Jain organisation Jyot. The order issued by the Jharkhand High Court stated that hurting the sentiments of devotees regarding a religious place is a serious issue and that such places should be kept protected for the worshippers. The next hearing for the petition is scheduled to take place on February 19. The court was also informed by the petitioner that along with the sale of alcohol and meat, encroachment activities are also taking place on Parasnath hill which has hurt the religious sentiments of the Jains. The Delhi BJP on Friday claimed that during the COVID crisis when Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged finding opportunities for service, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal found opportunities for profit and corruption, alleging a property transaction scandal involving his associate Gopal Mohan. Addressing a press conference, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva claimed that until now, Kejriwal has evaded answering questions about constructing his Sheeshmahal during the COVID period and the liquor policy scandal. Now, a new property transaction scandal involving his associate Gopal Mohan has surfaced. Those familiar with Arvind Kejriwal know his aide Gopal Mohan, who assists in managing his New Delhi constituency. In 202021, Kejriwal not only increased his earnings but also facilitated financial gains for his close aides. To prevent scrutiny of his own accounts, he utilized his associates resources, he alleged. During the peak of the COVID period on July 16, 2021, Gopal Mohan bought a flat at 32 Aradhana Enclave, Sector 13, R.K. Puram, for Rs 2.44 crore in the name of his mother, Veena Kumari, wife of R.S. Thareja. The witness column in the registry bears the signatures of a certain Manish Bhatia and Gopal Mohan himself, he added. Sachdeva stated that the New Delhi Assembly office operates from 87 B.K. Dutt Colony, Jorbagh, New Delhi, and Gopal Mohan, along with his mother, has Aadhaar cards and bank accounts registered at this address. He questioned how Gopal Mohan acquired such wealth during an economic crisis and how the costly flat was bought at a surprisingly low price during the COVID period. He also pointed out that under Kejriwals influence, authorities expedited approval for additional construction on the flat overnight. This allowed Gopal Mohan to add another floor and earn crores in profits. The Aadhaar cards of Gopal Mohan and his mother are linked to the AAP office in New Delhi to ensure all transaction documents remain in Arvind Kejriwals custody, he claimed. Demanding answers, the Delhi BJP President asked, How did someone from a modest background like Gopal Mohan afford to buy property in such an upscale area? Taking strong note of a disturbing incident at the School of Eminence in Ludhiana, Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Friday suspended the Principal after a video surfaced showing students being forced to carry sandbags as part of ongoing construction work at the school. The incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment of students in government schools, particularly in light of the fact that this was allegedly the third or fourth consecutive day that students were made to engage in such labour, despite the critical academic period leading up to board exams. The video, which quickly went viral, shows students carrying heavy sand-filled bags and performing other labour-intensive tasks, instead of attending their regular classes. The incident occurred at the Government Senior Secondary School (School of Eminence) for boys, located in the Jawahar Nagar area. It was revealed that the school's ongoing construction of new toilets was the reason behind the labour demands placed on the students, as authorities reportedly found it more convenient to have students assist with the work rather than hire additional laborers. Minister Harjot Singh Bains took immediate action after being made aware of the incident, expressing his outrage over the breach of student rights. In a post on social media, the Minister emphasized that such behaviour from educational staff is unacceptable. Such incidents are intolerable, and I have instructed that all schools adhere strictly to the principles of respect and safety for students. This behaviour will not be tolerated, Bains said. The principal, Kuldeep Singh, was suspended, and the Campus Manager was also dismissed following the incident. Earlier, the principal had explained that the school was undergoing construction work for new toilets, but when questioned about the use of students as labourers, he assured that the teacher responsible for directing the students would face departmental action. Senior officials from the Education Department have since launched an investigation into the matter. The Minister reiterated that the education system must prioritize the well-being and dignity of all students, and any actions that undermine these principles would result in severe consequences. Himachal CM inspects Schools in Dharamshala Dharamshala: Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on the occasion of Balika Diwas, visited the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Dharamshala at Kangra and addressed the girl students and announced a gift of Rs. 1000 each for all 351 girls enrolled at the school. He shared his personal experience of studying in a government school and acknowledged the lack of confidence among students of these schools. He assured that the state government was taking decisive steps to instil confidence among these children. It would help them in becoming responsible and capable citizens. During his visit, the Chief Minister interacted with the students in order to understand their needs and concerns in a better way. He also visited the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) in Dharamshala and reviewed the facilities being provided to the students. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said that the Maheshwar-Janapav Lift Micro Irrigation Project will now be known by the name of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. The Destination Cabinet organised in Maheshwar on the occasion of the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai and the foundation stone and dedication of construction works worth Rs 1042.24 crore including the Maheshwar-Janapav Micro Irrigation Project from Mandleshwar is only an effort by the state government to remember Punya-Shloka Devi Ahilyabai and follow the path shown by her. Yadav said this while addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of irrigation project and Bhoomi-Pujan and dedication ceremony of other development works in Mandleshwar of Khargone district. He laid the foundation stone of 7 works worth Rs. 994.72 crore and dedicated 20 works worth Rs. 47.52 crore in Mandleshwar. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the state government is working towards realising the mantra of Focus on Knowledge given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is working with determination for the empowerment of poor, youth and women. He said that the dedication and foundation stone laying of 27 works worth Rs. 1042.24 crore from Mandleshwar has given an unprecedented gift of development to the people of the region. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the government is going to make 2 lakh temporary pump holder farmers of the state self-reliant in the production of solar energy. For this, the government will provide assistance to farmers to buy solar pumps of 3 to 7.5 horse power. Farmers will have to pay only 10 percent of the amount, the remaining amount will be provided by the government. This will free the farmers from temporary pump connection and they will be able to generate electricity of their requirement from solar system. Yadav said that liquor ban will be implemented in various religious cities and places of the state. In the first phase, 19 places of the state have been selected, where complete liquor ban will be implemented. Apart from Ujjain, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Mandsaur, Maihar, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Chitrakoot and Amarkantak cities of the state, liquor ban will be implemented in Salkanpur, Barmankalan, Kundalpur, Bandakpur, Barmankhurd and Linga Gram Panchayat. This important step of the government will not only help in maintaining the sanctity of religious places, but will also definitely boost family and social harmony. Yadav said that the state government is working with determination keeping in view the overall development of all the regions of the state. For this, the government has innovated and initiated the Regional Industry Conclaves for the first time in the country. So far, the government has organised RICs at 7 places. This is not only helping in setting up industries in all the areas, but new employment opportunities are also being created for 3 lakh youth. Yadav said that on completion of the Maheshwar-Janapaav Lift Irrigation Project of Narmada Valley Development Authority worth Rs. 982 crore 59 lakh, Narmada water will reach the fields of farmers of a total of 123 villages of Maheshwar in Khargone district, Pithampur in Dhar district and Mhow tehsil of Indore district for irrigation. This will increase the agricultural production of the farmers of these villages and strengthen their economic condition. Yadav released the calendar of the year 2025 on behalf of the District Archaeology, Tourism and Culture Council Khargone on the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai. The calendar displays pictures of the weapon worship and flower offering done by the Chief Minister on the throne of Matoshree on the occasion of Dussehra in 2024. Pictures of the royal palanquin of the great Shiva worshipper Lokmata Ahilyabai and the earthen Shivling worship performed by her and pictures of Mata Ahilya's parents, Matoshree's birthplace and her husband and place of worship have been included. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that a Cabinet meeting was held in Maheshwar, the historic capital of the Holkar rulers, situated on the banks of the sacred Narmada River on the occasion of the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai. He highlighted the legacy of Devi Ahilya Bai and Rani Durgavati, both of whom set remarkable examples of women empowerment while establishing good governance and resisting foreign invaders. Chief Minister Yadav emphasized that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet proposed significant decisions regarding womens policy, rooted in the four pillars of support: the poor, youth, farmer and women. Among these decisions, the prohibition of alcohol in 19 religious towns and gram panchayats was prioritized, recognizing alcohol as a social evil that adversely impacted families and communities. Chief Minister Yadav was addressing the Cabinet before the meeting, reiterating the importance of these initiatives for the betterment of society. Chief Minister described Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar as a distinguished legal expert. He announced that the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University of Social Science, located in his birthplace, Mhow, will be developed into a Center of Excellence. As part of this initiative, a proposal of Rs 25 crore has been made to enhance the universitys infrastructure, including the establishment of a law faculty. Dr. Yadav also shared that the newly inaugurated bridge in Bhopal opened on January 23, has been named after Dr. Ambedkar as a tribute to his contributions to the nation. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to implement the e-Summons system under the implementation of three new criminal laws. During a meeting in New Delhi, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Madhya Pradesh was praised as a leading and exemplary state for its effective implementation of these new laws. Chief Minister highlighted that the e-Summons system will significantly save time and resources for the police force. He further stated that arrangements are being made for prisoners to participate in judicial proceedings directly from a designated cubicle within the jail, eliminating the need for physical appearances in court. Similarly, doctors will be able to record statements remotely from hospitals. These innovations aim to streamline procedural tasks, reducing the workload of the police force by approximately 30 percent. Chief Minister Yadav emphasized that the state government is committed to ensuring the timely implementation of these measures and will review progress through monthly meetings to maintain focus and priority. Yadav also gave information about the interactive session held yesterday in Pune with industry groups and investors for the Global Investor Summit to be held in Bhopal on 24-25 February in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a shocking turn of events at Rajindra Medical Hospital in Patiala one of the regions premier health facilities, a routine surgery took a dangerous turn on Friday when a power outage caused critical medical equipment, including the patients ventilator, to shut down. As the surgical team stood frozen in the operating room, the life of the patient already battling cancer hung in the balance. Doctors were forced to halt the procedure, with no immediate solution in sight. In response to the controversy, Punjab Health and family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh defended the hospital, stating that the power outage was brief, backup systems worked as intended, and the patients well-being was not compromised. At the same time, he criticized the doctor for panicking and recording a video instead of addressing the issue. The Incident In a chilling 56-second video, one surgeon raised an alarming question: If anything happens to the patient, who will be responsible? The doctors panicked voice captured the gravity of the situation, as the operating team anxiously awaited the return of power, hoping the backup systems would kick in before it was too late. The unsettling video, recorded by the operating surgeon, quickly went viral, revealing the severity of the situation and sparking widespread concern. With the patient relying on a ventilator during surgery, the potential consequences of this electrical failure were dire. Despite being equipped with three backup power lines, Rajindra Hospitals inability to prevent such an outage has thrown a harsh spotlight on the hospitals infrastructure, leaving the medical team scrambling in a high-stakes situation where seconds mattered. The incident raised serious questions about the reliability of emergency systems in a hospital, where every moment is critical to saving lives. In the video, the surgeon can be heard expressing concern about the tripping of the Hospitals power supply, noting that the ventilator had shut down as well. The lights in the main emergency room of Rajindra Hospital have been going off and on for the past 15 minutes. The ventilator has also stopped. If something happens to the patient, who will be held responsible? asked the doctor. According to the doctors, this was not the first time such an incident had occurred. They claimed that the hospital was not adequately connected to an emergency hotline, which they argued could have prevented the power failure from impacting patient care during critical procedures. Political Controversy The video quickly gained traction on social media, sparking political debate ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. BJP leader and Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu shared the video on his official social media account, criticizing the healthcare model of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Bittu raised questions over the states preparedness and management of its healthcare infrastructure. The incident has sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties, with the Punjab BJP calling it a grave violation of human life. In a tweet from partys official X handle, Punjab BJP questioned the reliability of the AAP governments healthcare model, highlighting the severe consequences of the power failure during an ongoing surgery. Is this the Delhi health model of @BhagwantMann and @ArvindKejriwal, where hospitals lack ventilators and electricity? the post read. The opposition has also pointed to the repeated power issues at the hospital, accusing the state government of mismanagement. SAD leader Bikramjit Singh Majithia echoed similar sentiments, condemning the lack of proper facilities at the hospital and demanding accountability for the risk posed to patients' lives. Under Bhagwant Mann's leadership, this is what the revolution in health and education looks like, he remarked, criticizing the governments failure to address the issue despite months of inaction. Minister Reacts In response to the growing controversy, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh defended the hospitals handling of the situation. He clarified that the power outage was brief and that the backup systems, including Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and generators, had functioned as expected. The young junior doctor did panic, but the operation was carried out normally and the patient is now recovering, said Dr Balbir. Further downplaying the incident, the Minister asserted that it was not a cause for concern, as emergency systems were in place, and the patient's well-being was not compromised. At the same time, the Minister criticized the surgeons decision to film the incident instead of contacting the relevant personnel to address the power issue. Normally, in such situations, a doctor would call the generator operator or someone in-charge of the emergency systems. But in this case, the doctor opted to make a video, he remarked. The Minister assured the public that all necessary arrangements were in place and expressed confidence that no negligence had occurred. The Bhopal chapter of Entrepreneurs' Organization held the final round of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) in collaboration with AIC - RNTU in the state capital on Friday. Information technology startup "Sajal Technologies Solutions," secured the first position at the event. Founded by Sajal Agarwal, the startup impressed the jury with its innovative approach. The second position went to Utkarsh Jyotishis startup, "Indhan Pay," while the third place was awarded to "UDDKRS Pvt. Ltd," a stock market startup founded by Udit Deepak. The EO GSEA competition, held annually, aims to promote entrepreneurship among students. It consists of three rounds: the first being the chapter round at the regional level. The top two winners from each chapter compete at the national level, and from there, selected startups present at the global level. The Bhopal finales jury members included Ashank Singh, Partner at Venture Catalyst, Amit Singhan, Founder of Fluid Ventures, Dr. Abha Rishi, Executive Head of MP Startup Center, Dr. Firoz Khan Suri, CEO of IISERs IICE, Karan Mehta, Co-founder of TopRankers, and Ronald Fernandes from AIC RNTU Foundation. Eight startups presented their ideas during the event. In the valedictory session, EO GSEA Director Siddharth Chaturvedi explained the award's purpose, encouraging young entrepreneurs. Chief guest Akash Gupta, CEO of Zypp Electronics, shared strategies for sustainable business growth. Bhopal Chapter Chairman Apurv Malviya concluded by thanking all participants and the jury. [20:33, 24/1/2025] Akbar: In a relentless bid to maintain cleanliness and improve air quality, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday conducted inspections in many areas and collected Rs 1,07,738 in spot fines from 794 individuals for a variety of offences, including littering and improper waste segregation. With Delhi assembly elections nearing, leaders from all three political parties- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) - held multiple rallies, roadshows and public meetings across the national capital. Addressing a public meeting in support of BJP candidate Parvesh Verma from the New Delhi Assembly seat, Former Union Minister and BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Friday launched a scathing attack on the ruling AAP, calling it a mahila virodhi (anti-women) party. Thakur accused the AAP government of neglecting women's welfare. They promised to give Rs 1,000 to women but failed to deliver. The AAP-DA government also summoned Swati Maliwal to the chief minister's residence and got her assaulted. They also ignored the plight of ASHA workers by not fulfilling the promise to increase their salaries, Thakur said. He further criticised the AAP government, saying, Atishi is the Chief Minister of Delhi, but their anti-women stance is evident as her face is missing from posters and hoardings. "On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched transformative schemes such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' from Haryana, leading to significant positive changes. In another public meeting, Thakur took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of double-dating,' and questioned why the Congress remains "silent" on issues like AAP's alleged corruption and support for illegal activities when it comes to Rohingya Muslims or unauthorised settlements, he said, adding this clearly shows that Kejriwal and Gandhi are double-dating. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also participated in a public meeting organized in support of BJP candidate from Patel Nagar assembly constituency, Raaj Kumar Anand at Ramjas Maidan in Patel Nagar. "Recently elections were also held in Haryana where a lot of people from Uttarakhand stay. I participated in several public rallies in Haryana as well, and people there helped the BJP form the government for the third consecutive time. I also went to Maharashtra where people helped BJP win again, and a double-engine government was formed. Therefore, I urge you all to help lotus (BJP's symbol) bloom in Delhi," he said, while addressing a large gathering. "People of Delhi are ready for a change this time. Whatever schemes we make or whatever we promise in our manifesto, is our vision statement and we make it after properly analysing all aspects. Congress and AAP just make false promises. We will implement all those schemes that are not currently functional in Delhi," Dhami asserted. Meanwhile, speaking at a poll rally in Najafgarh, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal said, "Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath came to Delhi yesterday, and asked people to vote for BJP. I want to ask him - for how hours is electricity available in Uttar Pradesh? In Lucknow and Noida, you can see eight and nine hours of power cuts, respectively. I want to ask you - how can we vote for you?" Kejriwal also held two more public meetings in Uttam Nagar and Dwarka. Congress leader Sachin Pilot also addressed a public gathering in Madipur. "When Congress was in power in Delhi, development happened. Many used to compare the development of their cities to Delhi and say Delhi is more developed. Both the parties (AAP and BJP) have wasted their time in blaming each other. Neither the Centre nor state government cared about Delhi," he stated. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party, accusing it of opposing leaders such as Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar while supporting mafia elements. They mourn mafia members and even recite marsiya for them. The devotees of Moeed Khan must not succeed. It is time to ensure the victory of nationalists from Milkipur, he said. Samajwadi Party leader Moeed Khan and his employee were arrested in connection with the rape of a minor girl from Dalit community in Ayodhya last year. Bypoll to the Milkipur assembly constituency in Ayodhya district will be held on February 5. Addressing a rally in support of Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Chandrabhanu Paswan, Yogi Adityanath said, SP leaders act shock one when their true colours are exposed. Moeed Khan, who disrespected a Dalit daughter, is celebrated as a hero by the Samajwadi Party. This behaviour reflects the SPs real character. The SP MP from Ayodhya openly supports Khan and even takes pride in being associated with him, he alleged, referring to Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad. Those who glorify someone like Moeed Khan pose a threat to the safety of our daughters. They should not be allowed to succeed, he added. Highlighting the BJPs stand for justice, Yogi Adityanath mentioned an incident in Bhadrasa, where a nagar panchayat chairman had unlawfully occupied Dalit land. We made it clear that such actions would not be tolerated. In Uttar Pradesh, justice will prevail for the poor and the Dalits, not for the mafia or criminals, he added. The chief minister said his entire cabinet had the privilege of taking a dip at the Triveni Sangam on Wednesday, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve millions of devotees arriving from around the world. In just 10 days, 10 crore devotees have taken a dip at Triveni. We expect more than 45 crore devotees to visit the Maha Kumbh, he said. The chief minister also highlighted the Maha Kumbhs inclusive nature that enabled people from all backgrounds to come together without discrimination. The message of the Maha Kumbh is clear only through unity can our nation remain strong. However, casteism and dynastic politics remain the biggest obstacles to unity and development, he said. Yogi Adityanath slammed caste and family-based politics and said these were promoted by those who cared only for their families and ignored the uplift of the marginalised, the Dalits and the backward communities. Referring to the teachings of Socialist leader Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, he said, Those chasing wealth and legacy are not true socialists. Todays so-called socialists are obsessed with property. He accused the SP of using its flag to shield criminals instead of standing up for the poor and the oppressed. Their sympathies have never been with the weak and the marginalized, he said. Yogi Adityanath also slammed SP president and former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, for spreading false propaganda about the Maha Kumbh and playing with Indias faith. On January 22, 2024, when Lord Rams idol was installed in Ayodhya, the SP opposed it. This is the same party whose hands are stained with the blood of karsevaks. They stained the Saryu river with the blood of those who fought for the Ram Janmabhoomi, he said. Yogi Adityanath highlighted several initiatives of his government that were opposed by the SP, including naming the Ayodhya airport after Valmiki, developments at significant religious sites and the beautification of historical landmarks. When we named three Provincial Armed Constabulary women battalions after Veerangana Uda Devi, Jhalkari Bai and Avanti Bai, the SP opposed that as well. It even dismantled 54 companies of PAC formed to deal with rioters, he added. Yogi Adityanath pointed out how the SP had renamed the medical college in Kannauj that was named after Ambedkar and added that his government restored the name. Highlighting the progress made under his government, he said the agricultural university in Kumarganj was named after Acharya Narendra Dev and its development was visible to all. Harringtonganj should also be named after Swami Vamdev and Vishnu Nagar, he added. The chief minister emphasised that while the SP followed a mindset of slavery, his government and supporters were rooted in faith. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision for placing Ayodhya on the global map. If it were up to the SP, it would have erased your name from Ayodhya. It tried hard to maintain the structures of slavery but we said these would be removed, he said. He praised current and former representatives for continuously developing their regions and affirmed that the BJP stood for nationalism, not family or caste-based politics. For BJP workers, everything is for the country, he said. On law and order, Yogi Adityanath said the police force was doing an excellent job and noted that a police inspector recently sacrificed his life in an encounter. He recalled that under the SP government, festivals often led to riots, and citizens, especially women, felt unsafe. Under the SP, the bigger the criminal, the higher the position they held, he said. The chief minister also mentioned the UP Diwas celebration marking the completion of the states 75 years. On this day in 1950, a notification was issued in the name of Uttar Pradesh and cities such as Varanasi and Rampur were connected to it. Making a strong pitch for "political representation in proportion to population", Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Friday promised to field 70 candidates from the extremely backward classes (EBC) in elections to the 243-strong Bihar assembly. The political strategist turned activist was addressing a function organised here on the birth anniversary of former chief minister Karpoori Thakur, an EBC icon on whom Bharat Ratna was conferred last year. "The Jan Suraaj Party believes that political representation, in proportion to population, must be ensured. Hence, we will give tickets to 70 candidates of the extremely backward classes", said Kishor. He was speaking at the Miller High School ground, situated at a stone's throw from the offices of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U), his principal ally BJP and the main opposition party, the RJD. Without mentioning these parties by name, Kishor said, "These three organisations can together not field a total of 70 EBC candidates. But Jan Suraaj Party will not just give tickets to 70 EBCs, but also bear the expenses of those who may have potential but lack the resources to fight an election". Notably, the Jan Suraaj Party was founded in October last year, capping a slew of populist announcements from Kishor, who had promised tickets to "40 women" in the assembly polls due in the second half of the year 2025. Apparently mindful of the deep imprint on the body politic of Bihar left by the 1990s' Mandal churn, the 47-year-old also declared, "We hold that quotas in government jobs should remain in place". He, however, added "Unless the children of deprived castes are properly educated, they cannot reap benefits of reservations. Education in Bihar has suffered a lot under Lalu and Nitish. The current CM claims to be honest but only recently, under his watch an official of the Education department was caught with bundles of notes". "Improving public education is essential but it would take some time to clear the mess. So, until things look up, the Jan Suraaj Party promises to bear the expenses of poor students who might otherwise be unable to afford it," said Kishor. Kishor also referred to the row over last month's BPSC exams, demanding the cancellation of which he had undertaken a fast which was broken after two weeks following deterioration in his health. Unfazed by a legal notice from the BPSC which has accused him of levelling "baseless allegations", Kishor said, "We all know that thousands of crores have changed hands as posts to be filled up by competitive exams were put up for sale". Recounting the lathi charge on protesters who had gathered at the historical Gandhi Maidan to hear him speak, Kishor said, "When the police beat up your children in biting cold, they did not care to which caste you belong. You must teach the government, which ordered such brutality, a lesson in the elections (vote ki chot)". Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday demanded the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to expedite the approval of key proposals related to Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, which are currently pending before the Centre. In a letter to the Minister, he noted that the Central University of Karnataka serves as an hub of education for students not only from Kalaburagi and the seven districts of the Kalyana Karnataka region but those from entire Karnataka and several areas of neighbouring states. Kharge who is also the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha said that the University plays a vital role in addressing educational disparities and fostering opportunities for growth. Highlighting that the development and growth of such institutions require the Central Government's sustained financial and institutional support, Kharge stated that sanction of new postgraduate departments, teaching positions and HEFA funding proposal that are critical to the progress of the University and the region await the approval from the Government of India. In the letter, Kharge stated that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has recommended establishing various postgraduate departments, including Statistics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Plant and Animal Sciences, Genetics and Genomics, Library and Information Science, and a BA/LLB program. The matter is currently under consideration. "To operationalize the proposed departments, the sanction of 55 teaching positions is essential. This proposal is also in the advanced stages of process and awaiting approval," he said. Kharge also mentioned that the University has submitted a proposal under the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) for constructing hostels for boys and girls, along with other essential infrastructure. This matter is also under consideration. "Given the importance of these initiatives for the development of the Kalyana Karnataka region and their significant impact on students from underprivileged and underdeveloped areas, I kindly request your urgent intervention in the matter. I urge you to instruct the concerned officials to follow-up and expedite the approval of said proposals on a priority basis," he stated. One person was killed in a blast at the ordnance factory in Maharashtra's Bhandara district on Friday, and search and rescue efforts are underway for 10 employees, police said. District collector Sanjay Kolte said the explosion occurred around 10.30 am on the premises. Fire brigade, police and local disaster teams were at the scene, a police official said. He said the explosion occurred in the LTP section of the factory situated in the Jawahar Nagar area. The official said there were 14 employees working in the section at the time of the blast, of whom three were rescued alive and one was dead. Zelira Therapeutics Limited (OTCMKTS:ZLDAF Get Free Report) shares fell 6% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $0.33 and last traded at $0.33. 200 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 20% from the average session volume of 250 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.35. Zelira Therapeutics Stock Performance The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $0.39 and a 200 day simple moving average of $0.45. About Zelira Therapeutics (Get Free Report) Zelira Therapeutics Limited, a bio-pharmaceutical company, engages in the research, development, and commercialization of cannabinoid-based medicines for the treatment of various medical conditions in Australia and the United States. The company offers formulations under the HOPE brand in Australia, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana, as well as develops Zenivol, a cannabinoid-based medicine for treatment of chronic insomnia. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Zelira Therapeutics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zelira Therapeutics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Exhibition sheds light on Chinese culture through U.S. photographers' creative lens 13:04, January 24, 2025 By Tan Jingjing, Gao Shan ( Xinhua People visit a photo exhibition titled "Nihao, China! See You in Guangdong-A Cultural Exploration by Four American Photographers" in Orange County, California, the United States, on Jan. 23, 2025. A photo exhibition was launched in Southern California on Thursday to showcase Chinese culture through the creative lens of award-winning American photographers. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition was launched in Southern California on Thursday to showcase Chinese culture through the creative lens of award-winning American photographers. Four Southern Californian photographers had an 11-day journey to South China's Guangdong Province last November to explore its essence. From daily life to traditional celebrations, the photographers visited different cities and experienced Guangdong's vibrant heritage, artistry, and culinary delights during their trip. The exhibition, held in South Coast Plaza in Orange County of Southern California, features 48 photos from their creative lens into Guangdong's dynamic culture, including the Yingge Dance, a traditional folk dance that originated from the Chaoshan area; the enduring Kung Fu practices in Foshan, a city known for its martial arts culture; and Dim Sum traditions from humble rural kitchens to upscale dining venues. "It is a very vibrant place," Irfan Khan, one of the photographers, told Xinhua. "I've heard a lot about China before my trip. But when I was there, what I see is that how fast it is moving," said Khan, part of a winning team of the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news coverage of the 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino. "The Chinese people are hard-working, open-minded to the world. China has disciplined culture. The whole society is in very good shape," Khan told Xinhua. He said he expects to explore China more in the future, and showcase the Chinese culture and tradition to American audience through his pictures. Michael Nelson, winner of the U.S. National Press Photographers Association's Best of Photojournalism, told Xinhua what impressed him most during his China trip was the contrasts and diversity of Chinese culture, especially in Guangdong Province. "You see traditional culture, dances, different kinds of people in mountain areas. You also see very modern, stylish and fast-paced side, like in cities such as Guangzhou. I found the contrasts very interesting. It's important to get a full picture of the country," he said. Nelson told Xinhua he hopes the photo exhibition will serve as a platform to bridge understanding between American and Chinese people, and to cement bilateral cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Wang Taiyu, cultural counselor of the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, said the photo exhibition will help American audience learn more about China, Chinese people's lives, and China's development, from the perspectives of well-known American photographers. The photo exhibition runs from Jan. 23 to Feb. 9. People visit a photo exhibition titled "Nihao, China! See You in Guangdong-A Cultural Exploration by Four American Photographers" in Orange County, California, the United States, on Jan. 23, 2025. A photo exhibition was launched in Southern California on Thursday to showcase Chinese culture through the creative lens of award-winning American photographers. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) People visit a photo exhibition titled "Nihao, China! See You in Guangdong-A Cultural Exploration by Four American Photographers" in Orange County, California, the United States, on Jan. 23, 2025. A photo exhibition was launched in Southern California on Thursday to showcase Chinese culture through the creative lens of award-winning American photographers. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) DHT Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:DHT Get Free Report)s stock price was down 4% on Friday . The company traded as low as $10.61 and last traded at $10.51. Approximately 193,412 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 91% from the average daily volume of 2,165,887 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.94. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In DHT has been the subject of a number of research reports. Kepler Capital Markets cut shares of DHT from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $9.70 target price for the company. in a report on Thursday, December 12th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on DHT from $13.00 to $11.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 23rd. BTIG Research initiated coverage on DHT in a report on Tuesday, October 15th. They issued a buy rating and a $16.00 target price on the stock. Fearnley Fonds raised DHT to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, September 27th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of DHT from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, November 14th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $13.54. Get DHT alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on DHT DHT Stock Down 3.2 % The company has a current ratio of 2.41, a quick ratio of 1.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The firm has a market cap of $1.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.56 and a beta of -0.38. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $9.84 and a 200-day moving average price of $10.59. DHT (NYSE:DHT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 12th. The shipping company reported $0.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.20 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $92.64 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $87.51 million. DHT had a return on equity of 15.58% and a net margin of 27.72%. The businesss revenue was up 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.19 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that DHT Holdings, Inc. will post 1 EPS for the current year. DHT Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 22nd were given a $0.22 dividend. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 8.31%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 22nd. DHTs dividend payout ratio is presently 88.00%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On DHT Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in DHT. FMR LLC lifted its position in DHT by 10.0% during the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 24,193,014 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $266,849,000 after buying an additional 2,195,916 shares during the period. Wasatch Advisors LP acquired a new stake in shares of DHT in the third quarter worth approximately $55,472,000. Two Sigma Advisers LP grew its holdings in DHT by 15.7% in the third quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 2,102,800 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $23,194,000 after purchasing an additional 284,900 shares during the period. M&G PLC increased its position in DHT by 1.4% during the third quarter. M&G PLC now owns 1,204,231 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $13,247,000 after purchasing an additional 16,736 shares during the last quarter. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC raised its stake in DHT by 1,144.6% during the third quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 678,808 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $7,487,000 after purchasing an additional 624,266 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.53% of the companys stock. DHT Company Profile (Get Free Report) DHT Holdings, Inc, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates crude oil tankers primarily in Monaco, Singapore, and Norway. The company also offers technical management services. As of March 15, 2024, it had a fleet of 24 very large crude carriers. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Read More Receive News & Ratings for DHT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DHT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU Free Report) had its price objective boosted by Barclays from $127.00 to $128.00 in a research note released on Thursday,Benzinga reports. Barclays currently has an equal weight rating on the financial services providers stock. A number of other equities research analysts have also weighed in on PRU. Bank of America lifted their price objective on Prudential Financial from $109.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 10th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their price objective on shares of Prudential Financial from $135.00 to $129.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. TD Cowen raised their target price on shares of Prudential Financial from $130.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 27th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of Prudential Financial from $149.00 to $152.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on Prudential Financial from $117.00 to $115.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, January 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $125.31. Get Prudential Financial alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Prudential Financial Prudential Financial Stock Down 0.5 % Shares of Prudential Financial stock opened at $116.75 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 0.14 and a current ratio of 0.14. Prudential Financial has a 52-week low of $100.60 and a 52-week high of $130.55. The companys 50 day moving average price is $121.68 and its 200-day moving average price is $120.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $41.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.38, a P/E/G ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 1.31. Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $3.48 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.47 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $19.48 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.57 billion. Prudential Financial had a net margin of 6.03% and a return on equity of 15.30%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $3.44 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Prudential Financial will post 13.26 EPS for the current year. Prudential Financial Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 19th were paid a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 19th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.45%. Prudential Financials dividend payout ratio is currently 46.22%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, major shareholder Insurance Co Of Ame Prudential acquired 537,249 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 25th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $27.92 per share, for a total transaction of $14,999,992.08. Following the acquisition, the insider now directly owns 4,780,293 shares in the company, valued at approximately $133,465,780.56. The trade was a 12.66 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.31% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Prudential Financial Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Sei Investments Co. raised its position in Prudential Financial by 14.4% in the 2nd quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 66,187 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $7,757,000 after buying an additional 8,334 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Prudential Financial by 20.7% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,737 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $218,000 after purchasing an additional 298 shares during the last quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp lifted its position in Prudential Financial by 59.0% during the second quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 68,757 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $8,058,000 after purchasing an additional 25,521 shares during the period. AlTi Global Inc. grew its position in Prudential Financial by 9.2% in the 2nd quarter. AlTi Global Inc. now owns 3,381 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $396,000 after purchasing an additional 285 shares during the period. Finally, AXA S.A. raised its stake in Prudential Financial by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. AXA S.A. now owns 43,644 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $5,115,000 after buying an additional 1,077 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 56.83% of the companys stock. Prudential Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Prudential Financial, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance, investment management, and other financial products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through PGIM, Retirement Strategies, Group Insurance, Individual Life, and International Businesses segments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Prudential Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prudential Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sound Income Strategies LLC increased its position in shares of Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON Free Report) by 53.3% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 278,729 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 96,873 shares during the period. Sound Income Strategies LLC owned approximately 0.28% of Sonoco Products worth $13,616,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV boosted its position in Sonoco Products by 2.7% in the second quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 8,862 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $445,000 after buying an additional 237 shares in the last quarter. Wedmont Private Capital lifted its stake in shares of Sonoco Products by 3.9% in the 4th quarter. Wedmont Private Capital now owns 6,652 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $306,000 after acquiring an additional 247 shares during the last quarter. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Sonoco Products by 6.4% during the 4th quarter. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 4,701 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $230,000 after acquiring an additional 284 shares in the last quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV grew its position in Sonoco Products by 13.9% during the 3rd quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 2,373 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $130,000 after acquiring an additional 289 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Park Avenue Securities LLC increased its holdings in Sonoco Products by 2.2% in the 4th quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 14,084 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $688,000 after purchasing an additional 298 shares in the last quarter. 77.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Sonoco Products alerts: Sonoco Products Price Performance Shares of NYSE SON opened at $48.61 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $4.78 billion, a PE ratio of 16.70, a P/E/G ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a quick ratio of 1.91, a current ratio of 2.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74. Sonoco Products has a twelve month low of $45.93 and a twelve month high of $61.73. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $49.63 and a 200 day simple moving average of $51.55. Analysts Set New Price Targets Sonoco Products ( NYSE:SON Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 31st. The industrial products company reported $1.49 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.45 by $0.04. Sonoco Products had a return on equity of 19.92% and a net margin of 4.38%. The firm had revenue of $1.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.72 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.46 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 2.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Sonoco Products will post 5.12 EPS for the current year. A number of analysts have recently commented on SON shares. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on Sonoco Products from $52.00 to $50.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 6th. Bank of America lifted their target price on shares of Sonoco Products from $66.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 6th. Citigroup decreased their price target on shares of Sonoco Products from $59.00 to $55.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, January 6th. Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of Sonoco Products from $63.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 6th. Finally, Robert W. Baird decreased their price objective on Sonoco Products from $58.00 to $55.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $60.17. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Sonoco Products Insider Buying and Selling at Sonoco Products In other news, Director Robert R. Hill, Jr. sold 4,000 shares of Sonoco Products stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.95, for a total value of $191,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 16,065 shares in the company, valued at $770,316.75. The trade was a 19.94 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Insiders own 0.51% of the companys stock. Sonoco Products Company Profile (Free Report) Sonoco Products Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells various engineered and sustainable packaging products in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company operates Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging segments. The Consumer Packaging segment offers round and shaped rigid paper, steel, and plastic containers; metal and peelable membrane ends, closures, and components; thermoformed plastic trays and enclosures; and high-barrier flexible packaging products. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SON? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sonoco Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sonoco Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yerbae Brands Corp. made a significant stride in its expansion strategy with the recent partnership agreement inked with Caseys General Stores. The collaboration will witness Yerbaes popular functional beverages finding shelf space in over 300 Caseys locations across the Midwest and Great Plains regions. This move is deemed crucial in Yerbaes overarching growth blueprint. Get alerts: Consumers frequenting Caseys outlets will now be able to access Yerbaes 12oz offerings, including flavors like Mango Passionfruit, Black Cherry Pineapple, and Peachy Mimosa Twist. The alliance is strategically positioned to cater to the rising demand for healthier, plant-powered energy drinks, particularly within the convenience store landscape. Todd Gibson, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Yerbae, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, recognizing it as a pivotal moment for the company. Gibson highlighted the importance of convenience stores as key touchpoints for consumers seeking quick, on-the-go refreshments. This collaboration intensifies Yerbaes pursuit of delivering better-for-you energy drinks to a broader consumer base, steering them away from traditional sugary options. Caseys General Stores, operational since 1959, boasts a network of over 2,400 convenience stores spread across 16 states, serving both urban and rural communities. Renowned for its customer-centric approach and varied product offerings, Caseys stands as a reputable provider of convenience, quality, and value. This expansion into Caseys perfectly complements Yerbaes recent accomplishments, including Safety Shots recent collaboration with 7-Eleven. Safety Shot is in the process of acquiring Yerbae and has successfully secured placement of its innovative alcohol-reducing product in 300 7-Eleven stores in the Chicago metropolitan area. Jarrett Boon, the CEO of Safety Shot, commented on the strategic fit between Yerbae and Safety Shot. The shared commitment of providing innovative and convenient wellness solutions underpins the significance of Yerbaes partnership with Caseys. This partnership is expected to create synergies benefiting both brands post the finalization of the proposed transaction and enhance their capacity to serve evolving consumer needs across the Midwest. Yerbaes successive expansion initiatives signal its robust position in the functional beverage market, further complementing Safety Shots innovative crossroads across the United States. Founded in 2017 by Todd Gibson and Karrie Gibson, Yerbae Brands Corp. is redefining the functional beverage domain with its great-tasting, plant-based, zero sugar, and zero-calorie beverages. By amalgamating premium ingredients and flavors with yerba mate, a South American herb known for its rich nutrient profile, Yerbae delivers a no-compromise functional beverage solution to consumers. The collaboration with Caseys underpins Yerbaes commitment to spearhead innovation in functional beverages while embodying its core values of health and wellness. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read Yerbae Brandss 8K filing here. About Yerbae Brands (Get Free Report) Yerbae Brands Corp. engages in the development, marketing, sale, and distribution of plant-based energy beverages in the United States. The companys offers a portfolio of beverages that are blended with non-GMO plant-based ingredients. Its products include 12oz plant-based energy seltzers water and 16oz plant-based energy drinks. See Also Theres nothing more beautiful than to see some of the wonderful Fox News footage of illegal immigrant criminals being deported from American Democrat-run Sanctuary Cities. Looks like the Democrats are losing some of their core voter base, as the MS13 gang members, rapists, drug dealers and murderers are all deported by the wonderfully rejuvenated ICE agency. Under Bidens tenure, over 15 million illegal immigrants were allowed into the US, with no checks or documents. Amongst these numbers, there were many criminals. PROMISES MADE PROMISES KEPT Im not going back to Haiti. F*ck Trump, Biden forever! Criminal alien during a deportation operation yesterday. pic.twitter.com/wLQbEHLTxH Lillian (@Lillian39878001) January 24, 2025 God Bless Trump and the United States. Unfortunately, across the pond we are doomed to destruction as the Labour government has no impetus or desire to stop the illegal immigration. London alone, a cesspit of detritus, and utter misery, is so deluged with illegal immigrants one in twelve people in the capital city is illegal. With incompetent and insidious cockroaches like Sadiq Khan, the London Mayor, every day lived in the capital is a nightmare that never goes away. Criminals in the UK cannot be removed because the ECHR rules against it every time. Along with Labour transience, and the decay of any political will to actually act with some fucking balls, nothing is done, time, and time again irrespective of the socialist Tories or socialist Labour being in power. Maybe one day someone with some actual testicles will do something about this utter despairing mess in the UK doubt it. After the grisly events and horrendous tragedy at Southport where a psychopathic killer stabbed 11 children and two adults, resulting in the sad death of three of the children, all it would have taken to stop that cowardly action would have been someone on the scene with a gun. Weapons like guns have been criminalised in the UK, but in the event of self-defence, they could be instrumental in stopping an attacker like the one in Southport. In the UK, any weapon used in self-defence is criminalised, and a person defending themselves, or their family from a killer would go to jail for a long sentence if the attacker is harmed. This does not make any sense, because under the current UK law, criminals and murderers seem to have more rights than the victims. UK RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS - After the horrific Southport murders of three schoolgirls, should Britons be allowed the right to defend themselves with weapons without fear of prosecution? Yes No View Results Loading ... Loading ... Handguns were banned in the UK in 1997 following the Dunblane school shooting. The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 and the Firearms (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1997 made it illegal to privately own most handguns in Great Britain. The amendment to the law in 1997 under the Tony Blair government made the entirely wrong decision, because handguns are not the problem people are. With responsible and reasonable laws, citizens in the UK should be allowed to defend themselves from attackers who wish to do them or their family harm. By allowing decent law-abiding citizens the right to use and carry handguns, pepper spray, tasers the attackers will think twice about messing with people. As it stands in the UK, the criminals have all the guns they want anyway, and a ban means nothing to them. Criminals can buy guns in places like pub car parks for as little as 60, and can even buy machine guns for as little as 600. Under the massive levels of unfettered immigration of undocumented, unskilled elements into the UK which started under the Blair government in 1997 onwards, and ever since there has been a huge rise in crime in the UK. Tony Blair abolished the Primary Purpose Rule in 1997, this rule made it easier for people to bring their spouses to the UK. Additionally, the work visa rules were relaxed after the Primary Purpose Rule was abolished. The EU expanded to include Eastern and Central European countries between 2004 and 2007 and a huge influx into the UK ensued. Under the Conservative governments of 14 years, millions of immigrants legal and illegal were let in through the porous open borders. Under Rishi Sunaks Conservative government, net migration was unusually high in the year ending June 2024, at 728,000, driven by an increase in non-EU citizens coming to the UK, mainly from India. Citizens did not ask for this. Every day they are being victimised, and they have no way to defend themselves. According to league tables regarding criminality by nationality, one in fifty Albanians in the UK are in jail. From a migrant population of nearly 53,000 Albanians living in the UK who do not have UK citizenship, more than 1,200 Albanians have been sent to prison. Albanians are ranked first among more than 130 nationalities in terms of the number of prisoners per 10,000 individuals in the UK from their respective countries. Albanians are followed by Kosovans, Vietnamese, Algerians, Jamaicans, Eritreans, Iraqis, and Somalis. The right to bear arms is a human right every law-abiding citizen should be afforded, and it should be implemented fully into UK law, especially in times when crime is at such a high level as it is today. We have a human right to defend ourselves, and a right to defend our families, and our property, and this right should be given to us without the fear of prosecution. The right to bear arms would also serve as a deterrent, because violent criminals would think twice about committing their heinous crimes if they knew that citizens could be armed. The right to bear arms is a very serious right that should be afforded to every law-abiding citizen in the United Kingdom. You can make a difference, voice your concerns regarding this important matter to your local MPs, write into parliament, spread the word far and wide. If enough people speak up, eventually our voices will be heard. Researchers at Dalhousie and the University of Montreal have found that brief cognitive behavioural interventions that help young people manage such things as impulsivity, sensation seeking, sensitivity to anxiety and negative thinking can reduce teen substance use disorders. The findings, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, outlined results of the cluster randomised trial involving 31 Canadian high schools and 3,800 students. The study showed that when such interventions are delivered to students in Grade 7, they are associated with reduced risk for substance use disorders by Grade 11. "By providing adaptive coping skills training to youth that is specific to their unique needs, we can delay early onset substance use to cope and thereby help protect our youth from developing full-blown substance use disorders in the longer term," says Dalhousie psychiatry professor Dr. Sherry Stewart, director of the Mood, Anxiety and Addiction Comorbidity (MAAC) Lab at Dal and a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Addiction and Mental Health. Building positive behaviour The team used PreVenture, a school-based preventative mental health intervention program co-developed by Dr. Stewart and Dr. Patricia Conrod at the University of Montreal, which is already used in schools in five Canadian provinces and 12 U.S. states. The interventions help young people explore individual differences in personality traits and the coping strategies they are using to manage their personality. They are also taught cognitive and behavioural strategies that are specific to their personalities that will help them channel key personality traits towards long-term goals. The trial showed that intervention delivered in Grade 7 was associated with reduced growth in substance use disorder by as much as 80 per cent compared to schools that did not use the interventions. Individual differences in personality are essential to a healthy society. However, when certain personality traits are mismanaged, young people may turn to substances to reduce the stress brought about by certain traits. The team collaborated with high schools in the Greater Montreal Area as part of the CoVenture trial, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and aimed at testing whether the PreVenture program could reduce risk for substance use disorder over a five-year period in adolescence. Students completed a brief personality questionnaire in Grade 7 that assesses impulsivity, sensation seeking, anxiety sensitivity and negative thinking. Schools helped in delivering personality-targeted brief cognitive behavioural interventions to students who reported elevated scores on one of the four traits. All students were followed every year for five years on school-based digital assessments. "Given the ongoing addiction crisis in Canada and across North America, this trial provides crucial evidence of the importance of governments investing in school-based prevention as part of the tools we should be using to combat addiction in our youth," says Dr. Stewart. Scaling supports The team is conducting another trial, called the Canadian Underage Substance Prevention (CUSP) Trial, in schools in three Canadian provinces including Nova Scotia, to study the best ways to put this effective program into practice. "Our experience implementing and scaling PreVenture in schools, Integrated Youth Services and other community-based settings in Ontario has been exceptional. By prioritizing prevention, PreVenture supports creating environments for youth that foster healthy decision-making and reduces the likelihood of substance use. There isn't any other program with the evidence base like it," says Deb Chiodo, director of Data Management and Evaluation at Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario. It is also being used in Indiana by a group helping people and communities affected by addiction and substance use disorder. "Overdose Lifeline, Inc. is a proud partner of the PreVenture team expanding access to this evidence-based, easy to implement program," says CEO Justin K. Phillips. A Derry family has raised over 31,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer. Young Lives vs Cancer Northern Ireland Fundraising took to Facebook to thank Arnold and Andrena Boyd for their efforts. Their son, Oran Boyd, sadly passed away on November 14, 2019 at the age of 18 after a long battle with a severe blood cancer. Young Lives vs Cancer were supportive during his treatment, and the family has continued to support it since the passing of Oran. In 2020, the family wanted to celebrate Oran's heavenly 19th birthday, so they designed Oran's 18 tops with the profits going to Young Lives vs Cancer, with their friends and family showing support by taking photos of themselves wearing them all across the world. In 2021, they decided to start Oran's Memorial Cup, an event to mark his birthday. The charity said: Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting Arnold and Andrena, who have raised incredible 31,193 for Young Lives vs Cancer. This money has been raised in honour of their wonderful son Oran. If you would like to read more about Oran's story, you can do so here. https://funds.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/oranboyd18 Thank you for continuing to support Young Lives vs Cancer; we are so grateful. County Derry based artist Sister Ghost have been invited to support Snow Patrol on two Arena show dates on their upcoming tour. The Feeny based artist and band will be performing at the Dublin 3 Arena on February 25 and the Belfast SSE Arena on February 27. On opening for Snow Patrol on their arena tour Shannon O'Neill said: I can't wait to open for Snow Patrol in Dublin and Belfast next month - it's going to be a lot of fun! I still remember going to the first Ward Park show in 2007, where I never would have thought an opportunity like this would come along years later, so I'm honestly very excited and honoured to be on the bills. It's also a huge gift to get to play the same stages where I've seen so many of my favourites play over the years (Pearl Jam, Fleetwood Mac, The Cure and Black Sabbath to name a few). Roll on February! Following the recent release of her debut album Beyond the Water the single Shes Wild is released on Friday, January 24 across all digital platforms. Speaking about the new single, Shes Wild, Shannon commented: This is about allowing your wildness, or almost like a joyful rage out of you. We are still living in a patriarchal and white supremacist world that tells anyone in the margins, to be quiet, be docile and dull their spark, so this song is like a f*** you to that. It's the opening track on my album Beyond The Water, and that's because I wanted it to open like someone kicking your door in saying either shut up and listen, or join in! With a background playing in bands from the age of 12, O'Neill saw Sister Ghost as an opportunity to do things her way for the first time. She began writing and demoing in her attic - singing and playing everything herself on an 8-track recorder. Playing noisy, spectral art-rock with a pop & literary heart, Sister Ghost marshals a diverse set of influences in a singular way - from the 'Seattle sound' to the likes of Sonic Youth, Veruca Salt, Patti Smith and Kate Bush. Sister Ghost built a reputation as one of Northern Irelands most rousing new rock acts, winning Best Live Act at the NI Music Prize in 2019. ONeill has also been recognised for mentoring and encouraging other female and gender expansive musicians to perform in the Northern Irish scene, having set up the Girls Rock! NI chapter in 2016. After making some serious noise with her recent singles I Bite Back, Dark Matter and Drain You Irish artist Sister Ghost released her long-awaited debut album Beyond The Water. Her lyrics are a mixture of highs and lows, of the lessons life shoves in our face and what we do with that. This album should take you on a little tour, with love, heartbreak, death, but mostly growth and resilience. Tinged with wistfulness and nostalgia at points but also looking forward. Of frustration and pain, to wonder, and the wistful curiosity that travels and goes through young adulthood. Sister Ghost has had press in The Guardian, garnered high profile support slots with the likes of Fontaines DC, We Are Scientists, Ratboys, Shellac, Pussy Riot and more, as well as airplay on KEXP Seattle, RTE 2FM, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 1. Excitement gave way to groans of disappointment in a Belfast bar as fans realised the Irish language rap trio Kneecap would not be gracing the red carpet at this years Oscars ceremony. Dozens had crammed into the tiny room upstairs in Maddens Bar to watch the the nominations being revealed, with hopes high that the movie Kneecap would be given the opportunity to go for Oscar glory. Cast and crew of the film gathered, including writer-director Rich Peppiatt and producer Trevor Birney, while the members of the group watching on a remote link from London, where they are recording. The film has been a success during the awards season with 17 nods in categories at the Irish Film and Television Academy (Ifta) awards and six Bafta nominations. It was also shortlisted for Best International Feature and Best Original Song for Sick In The Head at the Academy Awards, but failed to make the final five in either category when the nominations were revealed in Los Angeles shortly after lunchtime on Thursday. Mr Peppiatt said there was a mixture of disappointment and pride. He said: Clearly we would have liked to have gone that extra step, but the film owes us nothing. We have had a fantastic year. To even get close to the Oscars conversation is fantastic. We will have a few drinks today, we will dust ourselves down. Producer Mr Birney said: We are very proud, this is an incredible day. We are all gathered here today to celebrate an Irish language film. We didnt get into the final five but we pushed it very hard. It really is a celebration of an indigenous film, a celebration of our language, a celebration of our culture. What can we do now to build on that? What can we do to celebrate our city and its stories? It is a wonderful platform that Rich Peppiatt has given us in order to build on. He added: We are up for Baftas and Iftas, weve got the Critics Choice Award, weve picked up awards all through Europe. When I was on set two years ago you knew there was something happening, you knew there was something hugely creative going on. We never knew how it was going to develop. A year ago we were at Sundance and we thought that was the high point. Here we are a year later still talking about Kneecap. While Kneecap may have missed out on Oscars glory, fans in the were able to drown their sorrows with pints of Guinness. 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. The Open University (OU) has reached a significant milestone in its mission to expand access to higher education across Northern Ireland by establishing validation partnerships with all six Further Education (FE) colleges. This achievement was celebrated at a special event attended by the Minister for the Economy and representatives from the FE colleges, who recognised the innovative collaboration supporting education and skills development in the region. The partnerships now span Belfast Metropolitan College, Northern Regional College, North West Regional College, Southern Regional College, South Eastern Regional College, and South West College. Together, they offer 51 validated programmes, providing a diverse range of educational opportunities for learners. Since 2019, over 1,200 students have graduated from OU validated programmes, highlighting the success and impact of these collaborations. Speaking at the event, Economy Minister Conor Murphy said: This a remarkable achievement for The Open University and the further education sector in the North. These validation partnerships reflect the shared commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education and addressing the skills gaps that are vital to our future prosperity. The provision of regional access to higher education through further education colleges offers opportunities locally which can be especially important for those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those looking to upskill or reskill closer to home. By enabling more learners to gain higher-level qualifications within their local communities, we are investing in the talent and potential that will drive our economy forward by bringing more people into the labour market and equipping them with the skills needed by industry. READ NEXT: Two Derry students receive entrance awards from Trinity Damian Duffy, Principal of Belfast Metropolitan College, said: "This partnership with The Open University represents a significant opportunity for our students. "By offering OU-validated qualifications, we are not only enhancing the education pathways available but also ensuring our learners can access flexible, world-class higher education while remaining rooted in their communities. This is a game-changer for further education in Northern Ireland." This milestone aligns with the OUs strategic goal of greater reach of lifelong learning and supporting Northern Irelands skills needs. By combining the OUs globally recognised expertise in supported distance and online learning with the FE colleges strong local connections and teaching capabilities, these partnerships will enhance opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, including working professionals and those facing barriers to traditional education routes. John DArcy, Director of The Open University in Ireland, said: "This is a proud moment for The Open University. By joining forces with all six FE colleges, we are creating a robust network that empowers students with greater access to education and skills development. "These partnerships will play a key role in equipping Northern Irelands workforce with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in a dynamic economy. With Northern Ireland facing skills gaps in areas such as healthcare, technology, and engineering, these partnerships will offer programs designed to address industry demands. Students will benefit from the flexibility of OU courses, allowing them to balance studies with work and other life commitments, while still accessing the supportive learning environment provided by their local FE college. The partnerships also demonstrate the OUs commitment to regional collaboration and innovation in education delivery. By strengthening the opportunities between further and higher education, these initiatives will make a lasting impact on Northern Irelands educational landscape and contribute to building a skilled and resilient workforce. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. China's humanoid robot stuns Nvidia and SenseTime with human-like walk Shenzhen-based startup Engine AI recently released a demo video of its SE01 humanoid robot, highlighting its remarkably lifelike walking gait. The video earned praise from a senior Nvidia scientist. Engine AI aims to penetrate China's competitive robotics market by offering cost-effective solutions. China's viral robot video sparks debate and validation A video released by Shenzhen Special Zone Daily shows an adult-sized humanoid robot walking steadily through the streets of Shenzhen, with a posture and speed strikingly similar to a human's. According to the South China Morning Post, Nvidia senior research scientist Jim Fan shared the video of Engine AI's robot on X, questioning whether it was real or generated by Sora, an AI video tool, sparking widespread online debate. STAR Market Daily and EETimes China later confirmed the video was not AI-generated. The robot, identified as SE01 from Engine AI, has been widely praised online as "the most human-like walking robot." Co-founder Qiyuan Yao explained the outdoor test resulted from limited indoor space, saying, "We decided to take it downstairs for a walk." After confirming the video's authenticity, Jim Fan reiterated his support for reinforcement learning, stating, "This is a real robot demo! The controller is a neural net trained in the Isaac simulator using reinforcement learning and Sim2Real. Walking gait's got swag, but we need these robots to go fire-fighting (California wildfires) asap!" SE01 specifications and capabilities Launched in October 2024, SE01 is designed for both industrial and household applications, performing human-like actions such as squatting, push-ups, circular walking, and object grasping. It boasts a lifespan exceeding 10 years. Key specifications include: Height: 170 cm Weight: 55 kg Degrees of Freedom (DoF): 32; Hands: 12 (6 per hand); Arms: 8 (4 per arm) Maximum joint torque: 330 Nm Normal walking speed: 2 meters per second (7.2 km/h) Battery life: 2 hours Operational lifespan: 10 years SE01's key innovation is its natural walking gait, solving the "mechanical deadlock" issue common in humanoid robots. Traditional robots face difficulty fully extending their legs due to motor limitations, requiring high torque for minor adjustments. SE01's bio-inspired gait design leverages inertia and gravity to optimize energy efficiency and enhance stability. Unlike conventional robots relying on bent knees for balance, SE01 achieves superior control through advanced torque management and precise movement. Beyond its human-like gait, SE01 performs tasks such as squatting, push-ups, and object grasping. It features multi-sensor fusion with an Intel RealSense D435 depth camera, 360-degree LiDAR, and six HD cameras for 3D perception and obstacle avoidance. SE01's adaptive path planning ensures efficient navigation in complex environments, powered by a dual-processor architecture featuring an Nvidia GPU and an Intel CPU for precise control and high-performance computing. Engine AI's rapid expansion and flagship lineup Founded in October 2023, Engine AI quickly launched three flagship humanoid robots within six months. CEO Tongyang Zhao assembled a top-tier team from leading institutions, including UC Berkeley, Tsinghua University, Purdue University, and the University of Tokyo. With over 90% of its 50 employees focused on R&D, the company develops core hardware, embodied intelligence, and motion control algorithms in-house. In July 2024, Engine AI introduced SA01, a bipedal robot designed for research and education, priced at CNY 38,500 (approx. US$5,295). With a production capacity of 3-4 units per day, SA01 has already secured hundreds of orders. In October 2024, the company launched SE01, a full-sized humanoid robot crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, targeting industrial applications. Its price is set between CNY 150,000 and 200,000. In December 2024, Engine AI unveiled PM01, a lightweight, high-dynamic robot priced at CNY 88,000. Measuring 1.38 meters tall and weighing 40 kg, it boasts 24 degrees of freedom, a speed of 2 meters per second, and a 320-degree rotating waist, enabling both mechanical and human-like walking gaits. Founder's background and Engine AI funding milestones Zhao, a seasoned entrepreneur in China's robotics industry, founded Dogotix in 2016, focusing on high-performance bionic quadruped robots. Following Dogotix's acquisition by XPeng Motors in 2020, Zhao became General Manager at Pengxing Intelligence, where he led the development of the humanoid robot PX5. As of August 2024, Engine AI secured nearly CNY100 million in angel and post-angel funding, according to Tianyancha. The angel round was led by SenseTime Guoxiang Capital, with participation from Hefei Binhu Financial Investment. The post-angel round was led by HighLight Capital, alongside investments from Xunshang Venture Capital and Hefei Binhu Financial Investment. Notably, SenseTime Guoxiang Capital is an equity investment arm of the publicly listed AI company SenseTime, specializing in AI investments. China's humanoid robot market growth and SE01's impact China's humanoid robot market is projected to expand from CNY2.76 billion in 2024 to CNY75 billion by 2029, capturing a significant global share. By 2035, the market is expected to reach US$38 billion, with widespread adoption across homes and businesses. The success of SE01 underscores China's humanoid robotics progress and showcases Engine AI's strong R&D capabilities. In 2024, over 100 new models were introduced, intensifying market competition. Minsheng Securities forecasts 2025 as the start of large-scale production, with thousands of robots entering factories for operational training. Challenges like product homogenization and performance limitations are shaping the humanoid robotics industry. Yao sees 2025 as a key year to enhance global partnerships and boost investments in embodied intelligence. Engine AI continues refining robotic body design and AI solutions to advance toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Singapore and Malaysia optimistic US AI chip curbs won't derail data center plans Malaysia's data center sector maintains an optimistic outlook despite new US export restrictions on artificial intelligence (AI) chips, which were implemented in the final days of President Joe Biden's administration. Industry outlook According to The Edge, Malaysia's investment ministry is actively working with stakeholders and US officials to address potential challenges arising from the country's Tier Two classification under the new regulations. Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong emphasized that existing data centers would continue operating normally under the national validated end user (NVEU) designation. The US rules establish a three-tier system for AI chip supply, with Tier Three (non-VEU) countries facing the most stringent controls. Market response Zaobao reports that major data center operators, including YTL Power and Mah Sing Group, expect their ongoing projectsparticularly their Nvidia partnershipsto continue unimpeded. However, market analysts remain divided on the long-term implications. While JPMorgan has downgraded Malaysian construction companies due to concerns over potential decreases in foreign investment, China Galaxy Securities suggests the impact may be limited, noting that many data centers do not require advanced AI capabilities. The restrictions appear to have minimal immediate effect on Singapore's data center industry, where numerous facilities are already operational, pointing to a measured but positive regional outlook under the new export framework. Acer shifts towards lifestyle brand with Acerpure covering small and large appliances Acer continues its transformation into a "lifestyle brand," with its subsidiary playing a crucial role in this shift. Acerpure is making strides into the large appliance market, having already introduced televisions in India, with air conditioning products set to follow. Andrew Hou, president of Acer's Pan-Asia Pacific Operations and chairman of Acerpure, noted that the group's strategic direction aims to transition from being a rational brand focused on computer sales to an emotional brand that better meets consumer lifestyle needs. He pointed out that while IT sales focus on performance and price, lifestyle brands prioritize feelings and community engagement. Stanley Kao, president of Acerpure, stated that through the Acerpure brand, the company is steadily advancing towards becoming a lifestyle brand. From initially offering one product, it has developed 20 products within four years, expanding beyond small appliances to include larger ones to meet market demand. Acerpure is projected to achieve revenue of NT$834 million (approx. US$25.5 million) in 2024, marking a significant year-on-year growth of 47%. Kao highlighted that if we look solely at the revenue generated by the Acerpure brand, it has seen a remarkable increase of 205%, with triple-digit growth recorded in Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines, while Taiwan's market grew by 66%. Additionally, Acerpure has already established a strong presence upon entering markets in India and Indonesia. Kao mentioned that Acerpure will establish its first overseas subsidiary in India in May 2024. Within just six months, its revenue has surpassed other markets, primarily due to India's population of 1.5 billion. Furthermore, Acerpure is launching large appliances like televisions in India, with air conditioning products expected to hit the market soon, showcasing the company's ambitious plans. Acerpure debuted in Indonesia earlier this year. Kao pointed out that Indonesia represents the final piece in the Asia-Pacific market puzzlenot because it is less important, but because it is critical for launching the entire Acerpure product line simultaneously. He stressed that both Indonesia and India are key markets. Kao stated that brand business revenue grew exponentially in 2024, with similar growth anticipated in 2025. Besides existing channels, the company will explore different sales avenues, such as participating in hairdressing events in Malaysia, home exhibitions in Thailand, and collaborating with well-known salons in Taipei's Xinyi District. Recently, Acerpure also launched a new water dispenser product, which has been well-received on crowdfunding platforms. Kao stated that the company will continue to introduce new products in both small and large appliances. Acerpure also offers smart air quality solutions and hotel and rental management services. From titans to transitions, what's left for HTC and VIA? Before the Lunar New Year, HTC disclosed that a portion of its extended reality (XR) research and development team would be incorporated into Google during the first quarter of 2025. Furthermore, Google will acquire non-exclusive licensing rights to HTC's XR intellectual property for a sum of US$250 million. This transaction has prompted reflections on HTC and VIA's prior prominence in the capital markets, during which they posed significant threats to Apple and Intel. Currently, these once-mighty corporations are selling off their primary businesses. Google's expanding influence HTC, once revered, is now seen as a talent pipeline for Google, while VIA has completely exited the PC market and relies on subsidiaries like VIA Labs and VIA Next to generate profits. With both companies having previously held leading positions in global IC design and the smartphone battlefield, their prospects remain uncertain. Following Google's acquisition of a segment of HTC's smartphone division for US$1.1 billion in 2017, market anticipations suggested that the two entities would disclose a further deal post-Lunar New Year; nonetheless, the latest announcement arrived earlier than expected. VIA's journey from triumph to transformation Cher Wang established VIA Technologies, which encompasses the semiconductor and electronic technology industries, including VIA, Vate Technology, HTC, Chander Electronics, and Xander, consistently broadening its domain. The company has made significant investments in China's semiconductor sector, particularly in Shanghai Zhaoxin. In 1999, Wang's VIA capitalized on Intel's strategic errors to achieve prominence. VIA's market capitalization surpassed NT$120 billion (US$3.7 billion) in 2000, marking its zenith. Nevertheless, VIA's litigation and declining profits and losses began in 2003 as a result of underestimating Intel's capabilities and market conditions. Despite experiencing a downturn, VIA declared unprecedented profits in 2020, despite operating losses, mostly due to the sale of some chipset technologies to indirectly-held Shanghai Zhaoxin, yielding significant disposal gains. The profit trend persisted until 2021, primarily thanks to Intel's payment of US$125 million to acquire R&D professionals from Centaur, an x86 CPU design subsidiary of VIA. These substantial earnings primarily stemmed from asset divestitures rather than operational success. VIA's strategic pivot VIA has initiated a comprehensive transformation, transitioning from IC design to embedded platforms and, most recently, AI solutions. This transformation focuses on smart manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. Nonetheless, its core business performance remains inadequate. While the primary operations struggle, subsidiaries have emerged as bright spots, such as USB chip specialist VIA Lab, which is directly linked to the growth of the notebook market. In recent years, VIA formed another firm, VIA Next, which is responsible for customized IC backend and system design services, thereby expanding its position in China. This plan capitalizes on China's intensified quest for semiconductor independence, securing AI chip NRE orders while ramping up wafer starts at TSMC. VIA chairman Wenchi Chen sat at the main table of a crucial dinner with TSMC and the foundry's other IC design clients in 2024, emphasizing its importance. However, recent estimates indicate that order quantities have been cut in half due to increased US limitations on AI processors. The company's heavy reliance on Chinese orders has made its operational performance particularly vulnerable to US restrictions against China. In response to widespread industry rumors, VIA clarified that the claims are not accurate and that the company's orders remain unaffected. HTC's rise and fall Following VIA's decline, HTC rose to prominence, successfully transforming from an OEM to a significant mobile brand. In 2008, HTC emerged as a key player in the Android wars, competing with Apple and Samsung, earning global praise while seemingly allowing the market to forget the lessons learned from VIA's fall. Nonetheless, HTC was unable to sustain its dominance, suffering a 70% profit decrease in 2012 and facing substantial losses in 2013, signifying the onset of its downhill trajectory. With no products capable of offsetting smartphone losses, HTC sold personnel involved in the Pixel phone's development and leased patents to Google for US$1.1 billion, effectively surrendering its elite team and intellectual property rights. The virtual reality gambit Besides smartphones, HTC ventured into virtual reality (VR) in 2015, garnering attention through endorsements from Nvidia and Meta Platforms for the metaverse, underscoring its advanced VR technology. Wang had consistently stated that HTC has been advancing its VR business for an extended period, anticipating that 2023 would be a year of triumph. Nevertheless, HTC's VR business has been the subject of persistent speculation regarding its potential sale, but Wang has categorically denied any such plans. The final chapter? Presently, HTC has initiated the sale of its core teams and associated technology licenses in mobile and VR/XR. The transferred employees emerge as the clear winners, trading their seats at a struggling Taiwanese company for spots at a global tech giant. HTC, which has experienced 26 consecutive quarters of losses, is expected to achieve profitability through this transaction, according to the market. However, the question remains: what valuable assets does HTC still retain? It is widely believed that all marketable items have been sold, leaving HTC with just land, buildings, and other fixed assets, in addition to its complex relationship with VIA. While VIA maintains Zhaoxin, VIA Next, and VIA Lab as protective entities, the market remains skeptical about HTC's potential revival, given its lack of new products or technological advantages. MetAI secures US$4M seed funding to redefine physical AI training through digital twins MetAI, a Taiwanese startup pioneering the integration of industrial AI and 3D simulation technologies, today announced the successful close of a $4 million seed funding round. Investors include Addin Ventures, Kenmec Mechanical Engineering (6125.TWO), NVIDIA, Solomon Technology (2359.TW), SparkLabs Taiwan, and Upstream Ventures. This milestone underscores MetAI's pivotal role in advancing physical AI and bridging the gap between simulation and reality through cutting-edge technologies. The funding will accelerate MetAI's research and development efforts, scale its engineering team, and expand operations into the US market with a focus on semiconductor manufacturing, automated warehousing, and robotics applications. Revolutionizing physical AI and world models with scalable digital twins The next wave of AI, often described as the revolution of physical AI or generative physical AI, relies heavily on physically accurate simulated environments where robots, autonomous systems, and operational AI can be trained and validated before deployment. The transition to physical AIand the development of comprehensive world modelshas been hindered by the complex and time-consuming process of creating realistic, functional digital twins. MetAI addresses this challenge with its proprietary generative model, a cutting-edge technology that enables the instantaneous generation of "SimReady (Simulation-Ready)" digital twins. By converting CAD files into operational 3D environments within minutes, MetAI's technology allows businesses to deploy precise, scalable, and fully functional simulations instantly. Developing physically accurate digital twins is seen as a barrier to entry for those looking to develop physical AI at scale," said Daniel Yu, CEO and Co-founder of MetAI. "We're changing that narrative by enabling businesses to instantly train AI systemswhether for robotics, logistics, or manufacturingin physics-based virtual environments with unprecedented efficiency and scalability." Driving real industry impact: collaboration with Kenmec MetAI partnered with Kenmec Mechanical Engineering in 2023 to revolutionize the creation of automated warehouse digital twins. MetAI's technology reduced the time needed for warehouse digital twin simulations from thousands of hours to just 3 minutes, dramatically saving operational and verification efforts. The generated digital twins operate with real-world fidelity, effectively establishing a warehouse world simulatora dynamic virtual environment that mirrors real-world operations, enabling immediate throughput validation, optimization, and potential integration with AI agents to explore the world in simulations. Credit: MetAI This collaboration demonstrated such significant value that Kenmec became a major investor in MetAI during this funding round. "MetAI is changing the automated industry with its digital twin and simulation technologies," says Jonas Ko, President of Kenmec. "With their advanced technology combined with Kenmec's leading automated solutions, we aim to work together to deliver the most optimal and efficient outcomes for end customers, accelerating the adoption and implementation of automation with unprecedented precision and speed, empowered by AI advancements." Building on this success, MetAI has initiated collaborations with major manufacturing giants, including semiconductor fabs, aiming to apply the same methodology to create operational digital twins for fabs, further accelerating industry-wide efficiency. From real-to-sim to sim-to-real MetAI's technology goes beyond digital twin creation to provide tools for physical AI training, validation, and the generation of precise world models. By integrating scalable digital twins with reinforcement learning, MetAI enables robots and AI agents to learn, adapt, and optimize performance within simulated environments that replicate real-world complexities before real-world deployment. Key benefits include: Scalability: Organizations can rapidly generate environments for multiple scenarios or facilities, enabling faster prototyping and validation, and reducing simulation setup time from months to minutes. World Models for Industrial Use: With digital twins that highly resemble the real world, MetAI enables the creation of world simulatorsdynamic, physics-based virtual representations of physical environmentssupporting comprehensive AI testing and optimization. Precision Training: Robots and autonomous systems can be trained in physically accurate environments, minimizing real-world testing time, risks, and costs. Iterative Optimization: AI systems can refine their strategies continuously, leveraging reinforcement learning to adapt to changing needs. Driving value for the semiconductor and robotics industries One of MetAI's primary focuses is accelerating semiconductor manufacturing, an industry that faces significant challenges in labor constraints and the operational efficiency of factor designs. By simulating fab construction and production line setup with AI agents, MetAI has the potential to reduce timelines by up to a year, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. MetAI's broader applications extend to robotics and warehouses/logistics, where its ability to generate precise, dynamic environments allows for optimal training of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), robotic arms, and other precise industrial systems. This scalability helps industries maintain competitiveness in markets that evolve so fast nowadays. Credit: MetAI Credit: MetAI Collaboration with NVIDIA As a member of the NVIDIA Inception program for startups, MetAI has collaborated closely with NVIDIA to refine its applications by integrating NVIDIA Omniverse technologies, unlocking new opportunities and industrial use cases. By taking advantage of the exceptional simulation scalability of the NVIDIA Omniverse platform, MetAI aims to empower businesses with applications that possess unprecedented speed and precision to train AI systems for real-world deployment. Scaling in the US Market Building on its momentum and preliminary success with industry leaders in Taiwan's manufacturing and automation sector, MetAI is set to fuel the momentum of growth and accelerate its presence in the US market. With plans to deepen its US operations in 2025, the company is committed to bringing its groundbreaking technologies to the US semiconductor and automated warehouse industries, supporting businesses to achieve new heights of operational efficiency and digital transformation. Credit: MetAI Credit: MetAI India roundup: local EMS and semiconductor stars emerging With India dedicating substantial incentives to bolster its local electronics supply chain, the country is witnessing the rise of new domestic companies within the semiconductor and EMS sectors. India powers semiconductor ambitions with GaN and SiC tech India is accelerating its semiconductor ambitions with a new SiC fab by Indichip Semiconductors and Yitoa Micro Technology in Andhra Pradesh, backed by a US$1.68 billion investment. Meanwhile, GlobalFoundries and L&T are driving GaN and SiC development, positioning India as a growing hub for wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies in power electronics. India's electronics supply chain faces challenges as Trump returns Over the past four years, the Biden administration has worked to reduce reliance on China's supply chain through initiatives such as the Quad, which has benefitted countries like India. However, US President Donald Trump's focus on addressing the US trade deficit could impact India's fast-growing electronics supply chain, particularly in the smartphone and solar energy sectors. Legacy semiconductor package still crucial in Indian manufacturing: Kaynes SemiCon CEO Kaynes SemiCon highlights the critical role of legacy semiconductor nodes in India's manufacturing ambitions. CEO Raghu Panicker emphasized their cost-effectiveness, scalability, and reliability for sectors like automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics. While advancing toward next-gen technologies, Kaynes leverages mature nodes to support India's self-reliance and 'Make in India' initiatives. 'When chips are down, India chips in': PSMC-Tata fab milestone signals strengthening supply chain ties with Taiwan Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) Chairman Frank Huang made a rare public appearance at the India Republic Day reception hosted by Manharsinh Yadav, Director General of the India Taipei Association, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. His attendance underscored the strategic importance of PSMC's collaboration with India's Tata Group and the Indian government to establish a cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication facility in Gujarat, India. Dixon doubles mobile phone manufacturing sales, sets sights on 8.6G display fab pending India's semiconductor incentive India-based EMS supplier Dixon Technologies reported significant increases in sales and profit over the past quarter, driven by a doubling in mobile phone manufacturing sales following acquisitions, such as Ismartu's Indian assets. Additionally, the company, having established a display assembly factory with China's HKC, plans to capitalize on the India Semiconductor Mission 2 to build a display fab. CG Power receives government subsidy to build OSAT facility in India CG Power and Industrial Solutions signed a fiscal support agreement with the India Semiconductor Mission as India strives to become a global semiconductor hub. Nvidia CEO's China visit showcases strategic ties with rising robotics unicorns When Taiwanese media reported on Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang dining with TSMC, supply chain partners, and AI server company executives, curiosity arose about the VIPs accompanying Huang during his visits to three Nvidia branch offices in China and his attendance at their lunar year-end parties According to Chinese media The Economic Observer, Huang arrived in Beijing on January 19 for Nvidia's branch annual meeting, where he dined with Xingxing Wang, CEO of humanoid robot maker Unitree Robotics, and He Wang, founder of Galbot. Both are representatives of a younger generation of Chinese tech entrepreneurs born in the 1990s, now in their early 30s. Chinese media ChinaStarMarket also reported that Xingxing Wang shared a photo with Huang on social media, captioned: "New year, new beginning, let's go!" The report highlighted that Huang held meetings with high-level representatives from several leading Chinese robotics companies during his time in Beijing. Aside from Unitree Robotics and Galbot, attendees included executives from LimX Dynamics, Booster Robotics, and Kecheng Huang, co-founder of Emerging AI. Another media outlet China Entrepreneur noted that Huang and Unitree's Wang are not strangers to each other. In March 2024, during the GTC conference, Huang showcased nine humanoid robots, including those from Unitree. At CES 2025, Nvidia also announced its partnerships with Chinese robotics companies such as Unitree Robotics and XPeng Robotics. Building comprehensive robotics ecosystem During his CES 2025 keynote, Huang declared that the "ChatGPT moment for general-purpose robots is coming." Nvidia is actively driving advancements in robotics technology, committed to building a comprehensive robotics ecosystem. At the event, Huang showcased 14 humanoid robots, six of which were developed by Chinese companies, including Unitree Robotics, AgiBot Innovation Technology, Fourier Intelligence, XPeng Motors, Galbot, and Robotera. Huang's vision aligns with his late-2024 remarks during a discussion with AI expert Harry Shum at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He emphasized that three types of robots--cars, drones, and humanoid robots--have the greatest potential for mass production, with humanoid robots leading the way. Deepu Talla, NVIDIA's vice president of robotics, clarified that Nvidia does not directly manufacture robots, and instead it collaborates with robotics manufacturers and solution developers to create a robust platform. This platform integrates three computing systems, software tools, and workflows to support experts in training, testing, and deploying robotic solutions. One example is Galbot's collaboration with Nvidia. Galbot founder and CTO He Wang detailed how the company leverages Nvidia's Isaac platform and Omniverse technology to generate large volumes of robotic operation data through simulators. This synthetic data is then used to train robot models. In this process, simulators and rendering engines play a critical role in verifying the physical accuracy of the synthesized scenes. If the scenes are correct, parallel renderers can generate billions of datasets for robot training. Nvidia's platform systematically addresses the challenges of robot development. Virtual simulation drastically shortens development timelines from an estimated 50 years to just five years, while the open platform provides a comprehensive toolchain for hardware and software, empowering partners and fostering a thriving robotics ecosystem. Samsung faces triple dilemma: Galaxy S25 leans on Qualcomm chips Samsung unveiled its latest trio of flagship smartphones this week, with promotional campaigns set to roll out across major global markets in the coming weeks. However, persistent concerns about its chip strategy have placed Samsung in a challenging "triple dilemma" that remains unresolved. Following the same pattern as the Galaxy S24, the Galaxy S25 series features three distinct models, all powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset. This chip was specifically designed to support the expanding capabilities of Samsung's Galaxy AI features. While Samsung confirmed months ago that the Galaxy S25 would exclusively use Qualcomm chips, the decision to rely entirely on Qualcomm for two consecutive years has raised concerns. Industry observers now believe it is nearly impossible for Samsung to reintroduce its own Exynos chips into the Galaxy flagship lineup. TSMC production rumors surface According to market speculation, Samsung initially planned to transfer the production of Exynos chips to TSMC. However, the foundry giant reportedly rejected the proposal, citing concerns about potential technical leaks. Industry insiders familiar with the semiconductor sector argue that, given Samsung's status as a non-sensitive manufacturer, it would be unlikely for TSMC to genuinely refuse the order based solely on such concerns. While the validity of these rumors remains uncertain, transferring Exynos production to TSMC is viewed as one possible solution to help alleviate Samsung's current dilemma. However, this move could have significant ramifications, particularly by impeding the development of Samsung's own foundry business. Samsung's "triple dilemma" now makes it increasingly difficult to balance all three critical areas. Understanding the triple challenge Samsung's triple dilemma stems from the need to balance three crucial aspects: foundry services, integrated circuit (IC) design, and mobile phone sales. Given the current state of technology, it appears impossible for Samsung to address all three areas simultaneously without sacrificing at least one to preserve the other two. Transferring Exynos production to TSMC could ensure that its hardware manufacturing capabilities remain competitive with industry leaders like Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Apple, according to experts. However, this shift would only address one part of Samsung's broader dilemma, as their advanced manufacturing capabilities remain the most challenging gap to close. Exynos faces mounting challenges The question now is how Exynos can be salvaged. The challenge grows more formidable as time progresses. Mobile SoC (System on Chip) experts point out that the rapid pace of technological iteration in the sector makes it difficult for Exynos to regain a competitive edge, especially given its two-year absence from the flagship market. Without real-world feedback and product improvements, it will be challenging for Exynos to catch up with its rivals. If Samsung continues to prioritize mobile phone sales over chip development, Exynos will become less reliable for the company's mobile division, ultimately eroding consumer confidence. The extended absence from the market makes it increasingly difficult for Exynos to regain its footing. MediaTek advances in the premium segment Meanwhile, MediaTek's Dimensity flagship series continues to challenge Samsung's dominance in the high-end smartphone market. MediaTek has already established a presence in the premium tablet market and is reportedly targeting the Galaxy FE series for the second half of 2025. This move would intensify competition with Qualcomm for dominance in the Galaxy S series over the next two years. Strategic implications Industry experts assert that both Qualcomm and MediaTek now maintain a firm grip on the mobile SoC market. With Samsung falling behind in both production and design technologies, Exynos will likely continue to trail in the mobile SoC arena. As a result, Samsung's triple dilemma may ultimately force the company to prioritize its mobile sales, potentially leaving its chip ambitions in jeopardy. Hurricane force winds posing danger to life have hit the UK, as millions of people have been urged to stay at home during Storm Eowyn. Rail services, flights and ferries have been axed, and rare red weather warnings are in place on Friday in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as winds of up to 100mph have swept the country. The storm is likely to rip the roofs from buildings, uproot trees and cause power cuts, according to the Met Office alerts. Hurricane force winds are those that reach at least 74mph, according to the Beaufort scale, the Met Office said. Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill has urged people to stay at home, adding we are in the eye of the storm now, in an interview with BBC Radio Ulster. On Friday, about 20% of all flights scheduled to operate to or from airports in the UK or Ireland have been cancelled, according to Aviation analytics company Cirium. A total of 1,124 flights have been cancelled, and Dublin, Edinburgh, Heathrow and Glasgow airports are the worst affected, according to the company. Ryanair flight RK596 from Stansted in Essex to Edinburgh airport, reached the skies above the Scottish capital but was unable to land on Friday. The Boeing 737 left Stansted at 8.35am and touched down at the same airport two hours and 44 minutes later, at 11.19am, after circling over the Borders. More than 93,000 homes and businesses were left without power in Northern Ireland on Friday, as the storm caused widespread damage to electricity networks, according to NIE Networks. In the Republic of Ireland, 715,000 homes, farms and businesses are without power after unprecedented damage was caused to electricity infrastructure, the Irish Electricity Supply Board (ESB) said. The Isle of Mans Department of Infrastructure has declared a major incident because of the number of fallen trees and their impact on arterial roads emergency services, the government said on X. Several trees part of a Galway community for more than 60 years have been uprooted or split in half because of crazy winds caused by Storm Eowyn. Cathriona Heffernan, 25, from Galway city in Ireland, described the winds as scary and told the PA news agency: Those trees have been there 60 years and outdate the houses even. Its sad seeing them down all the same but just glad no damage was caused by them. Elsewhere, firefighters were called to Harolds Cross Road in Dublin after scaffolding collapsed and blocked the road, which appears to have fallen off the side of a three storey building. Meanwhile, an ice skating rink in the Dublin suburb of Blanchardstown appears to have lost its roof leaving a pile of debris on the ground in the wake of Storm Eowyn. Hundreds of schools and nurseries across Scotland will be closed on Friday as First Minister John Swinney warned people not to travel. Train operator ScotRail has suspended all services across Scotland, saying it would not be safe to operate passenger services. Calmac and Western ferry services are also cancelled. Other services affected by the storm include Avanti West Coast, LNER, West Midlands Railway, Lumo, Transport for Wales and Southern Western Railway. Motorists in areas covered by red and amber weather warnings have been told to avoid travel unless absolutely essential. National Highways said the A66 between the A1M in North Yorkshire and M6 in Cumbria, and the A628 Woodhead Pass in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, were both closed overnight because of strong winds. The M48 Severn bridge in Gloucester has been shut and the M62 Ouse Bridge in East Yorkshire and the A19 Tees flyover in Co Durham are closed to high-sided vehicles. On Friday morning, a record-breaking wind speed of 183kmh (114 mph) was measured in Mace Head, Co Galway, in Ireland, Met Eireann said. Satellite imagery suggests a dangerous weather phenomenon known as a sting jet developed over Ireland during this time, the Met Office has said. A sting jet is a small area of very intense winds, according to the weather service. Gusts of 96mph were recorded at Brizlee Wood in Northumberland and 93mph in Aberdaron in Gwynedd, north Wales, this morning, the forecaster said. Red warnings are in place in Northern Ireland from 7am until 2pm on Friday. The Met Office extended its red warning for Scotland on Friday, and it now covers as far south as Lockerbie, as well as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lanark and Ayr, and is in place until 5pm. Wind speeds of up to 100mph are likely along coasts in both red warning areas, with gusts of up to 90mph expected inland, the forecaster said. Amber wind warnings are also in place for Northern Ireland, the southern half of Scotland, northern England and north Wales between 6am and 9pm on Friday, and the northern half of Scotland from 1pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday. Winds reaching 60mph to 70mph will be widespread in these areas, with up to 90mph possible on coastal areas. A RED wind warning is now in effect for Northern Ireland, with another coming into force for parts of Scotland at 10 am Latest warning info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs pic.twitter.com/MfyFf3UYuF Met Office (@metoffice) January 24, 2025 A further yellow wind warning covers the rest of UK for all of Friday. Yellow warnings for snow are in place in Scotland, from 6am to midnight, and rain in south-west England and Wales until 9am. In Northern Ireland, a yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued between 7pm Friday until 10am Saturday. RAC Breakdown advised motorists in warning areas to stay safe by parking away from trees, to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, avoid coastal routes and watch out for debris. Some 4.5 million people received emergency alerts on their phones warning of the incoming storm in the largest real-life use of the tool to date on Thursday. More amber and yellow weather warnings for wind and rain have been issued across the weekend. The Argentine Ambassador Ana Laura Cachaza and her assistant Nicolas Vidal visited Dundalk recently on the invitation of Dundalk Chamber. The purpose of the visit was to deepen business ties between Dundalk and Argentina. The Ambassador had a busy morning meeting several companies involved in manufacturing and in services. She stated afterwards that she was hopeful that trade in both directions could be increased. She inquired into the impact that Brexit was having on Dundalk as a border town. Paddy Malone, PRO, explained that the Windsor Accord had successfully addressed the issues with trade but not with services. Hanna McDonnell (Vice President) and Paddy explained that both Dundalk and Newry Chambers had and will continue to encourage trade between the two parts of the island. Read Next: LEO Louth 2024 annual results showcase county's thriving enterprise The ambassador talked about the strong connections with Ireland in particular the importance of Admiral William Browne in securing their independence from Spain. Mr Malone also pointed out Alexis Mac Allister who plays for Liverpool has family links to North Dublin. The Ambassador went on to say that there are third level student exchange programmes available and would encourage Irish students to consider this opportunity. This visit is one of several planned for the year to assist Dundalk businesses in identifying new markets, customers and suppliers. Louth County Council has confirmed that white markings on roads in the Cooley Peninsula are in relation to the proposed Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Greenway and were put there by consultants who are working on the project. The matter was raised at the Louth County Council January meeting, where the Council was asked if the markings were anything to do with the proposed greenway. Cllr Andrea McKevitt raised the matter, saying that people in the area had informed her that there was white markings on some of the roads on the Cooley Peninsula, that she said were at places that were on the route options for the Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Greenway. Replying to Cllr McKevitt, Director of Service, Mr David Jones, confirmed that the white lines were in relation to the proposed greenway. Mr Jones said that the work was being carried out on public lands and roads by the consultants, and that the it was being carried sooner than they had hoped and ahead of time, hence the lack of opportunity to inform councillors and the local community that it was taking place. Cllr Antoin Watters spoke on the matter a short time later at the January meeting, saying that it had caused a bit of hysteria, as there was quite a significant break-in in Bellurgan that weekend, and also an attempted break in in Ballagan the previous night, and a lot of people were worried that houses were being marked. Cllr Watters said that, I really think if we're doing stuff like that, we really need to be letting people know what's happening, because I had an awful lot of calls over the weekend on it." He added that if they were informed that it would be taking place then they could inform the local community. Louth County Council has since shared more information on social media on the matter, saying that topographic surveys of the study area for the proposed greenwayare underway. "This survey is being undertaken", it said, "to determine ground levels throughout the study area, which are being carried out by drone, a standard methodology of aerial topographic survey. The surveyors and their equipment are licensed to undertake these surveys by the Irish Aviation Authority, and the data obtained will be processed in compliance with GDPR requirements with regards to anonymisation of data. "The surveyors (Murphy Geospatial) will be working from west to east from Dundalk though to Carlingford, however, they may be required to undertaken surveys out of sequence at other locations for survey control. The drones used will generally be flying at a high level although will briefly be at lower levels when taking off and landing." The Council added that the surveys are now on hold until 29th January due to adverse weather conditions and that following this, surveys are anticipated to last for a further week, subject to weather conditions. It further added that more updates will be published on the project website in advance of the 29th January 2025 outlining the proposed locations and days these surveys will be undertaken. See https://www.dundalkcarlingfordgreenway.ie/ for the updates. Excitement gave way to groans of disappointment in a Belfast bar as fans realised the Irish language rap trio Kneecap would not be gracing the red carpet at this years Oscars ceremony. Dozens had crammed into the tiny room upstairs in Maddens Bar to watch the the nominations being revealed, with hopes high that the movie Kneecap, which had scenes filmed in Dundalk and north Louth, would be given the opportunity to go for Oscar glory. Cast and crew of the film gathered, including writer-director Rich Peppiatt and producer Trevor Birney, while the members of the group watching on a remote link from London, where they are recording. The film has been a success during the awards season with 17 nods in categories at the Irish Film and Television Academy (Ifta) awards and six Bafta nominations. It was also shortlisted for Best International Feature and Best Original Song for Sick In The Head at the Academy Awards, but failed to make the final five in either category when the nominations were revealed in Los Angeles shortly after lunchtime on Thursday. Mr Peppiatt said there was a mixture of disappointment and pride. He said: Clearly we would have liked to have gone that extra step, but the film owes us nothing. We have had a fantastic year. To even get close to the Oscars conversation is fantastic. We will have a few drinks today, we will dust ourselves down. Producer Mr Birney said: We are very proud, this is an incredible day. We are all gathered here today to celebrate an Irish language film. We didnt get into the final five but we pushed it very hard. It really is a celebration of an indigenous film, a celebration of our language, a celebration of our culture. What can we do now to build on that? What can we do to celebrate our city and its stories? It is a wonderful platform that Rich Peppiatt has given us in order to build on. He added: We are up for Baftas and Iftas, weve got the Critics Choice Award, weve picked up awards all through Europe. When I was on set two years ago you knew there was something happening, you knew there was something hugely creative going on. We never knew how it was going to develop. A year ago we were at Sundance and we thought that was the high point. Here we are a year later still talking about Kneecap. While Kneecap may have missed out on Oscars glory, fans in the were able to drown their sorrows with pints of Guinness. The median house price for houses sold with the Dundalk Eircode A91 in November 2024 was 315,000, according to figures released by the CSO (Central Statistics Office) in their Residential Property Price Index report. The county wide median house price for Louth now stands at 324,319. Of the 76 houses sold in Dundalk in November, 24 were to first time buyer owner-occupiers; 42 to former owner-occupiers and 10 were to non occupiers. Fifty-two of these houses were existing builds while twenty-four were new homes. The median price of the new houses sold was 372,499 and the median price of existing houses sold in November was 285,500. In Drogheda, the median price of residential properties sold in A92: Drogheda in November 2024, was 342,000. Read Next: LIVE: Track 'danger to life' Storm Eowyn as series of Met Eireann Red Weather Warnings issued Twenty-eight of the houses sold were new houses and fifty were existing. The median price for the new houses sold was 372,500 while for existing houses it was 295,000. Nationally, outside Dublin, house prices were up by 9.5% and apartment prices increased by 5.8%. The region outside of Dublin that saw the largest rise in house prices was the Border (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Sligo) at 13.8%, while at the other end of the scale, the Mid-East (Kildare, Louth, Meath, and Wicklow) saw a 6.5% rise. In November 2024, 4,443 dwelling purchases by households at market prices were filed with the Revenue Commissioners, a decrease of 3.8% when compared with the 4,618 purchases in November 2023. Households paid a median or mid-point price of 350,000 for a residential property in the 12 months to November 2024. The lowest median price paid for a dwelling was 180,000 in both Leitrim and Longford, while the highest was 654,999 in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown. Recent reviews in praise of John Creedons new book, This Boys Heart, refer to it as a memoir. But I dont know. Its not just Creedon wearing his heart on his sleeve, as the title might suggest. Home, as the proverb says, is where the heart is and truth to tell, and fair play to him, its more about Cork than about the author. The title of the opening chapter, for instance, Where the Sacred Heart is, portrays the essence of many an Irish home with the picture of the Sacred Heart, and thats just pure Cork, boy. Its all done with buckets of humour, too. Heres the thing about Cork humour: its very rhetorical: an unashamed statement of pride of place, enunciated in a self-deprecating kinda way, what the academics refer to as the humility topos. To you and me, an ability to laugh at ourselves, a cardinal virtue to be treasured. Theres even humour in the chapter headings of This Boys Heart - A Rogue is Born, Away with the Manger, etc. Theres humour and humour, though: and just as the Greeks got their cure through tragic catharsis, we had enough tragedy in our own history, for which humour was the antidote - not the urbane, filtered civilised type, but the rustic, carnivalesque, bawdy, racy of the soil, bodenstandig, to use the term favoured by Celtic scholar Heinrich Zimmer. The highlights of that glorious decade 1960-70 are parsed over - JFKs visit, Pope John XXIII and Vatican II, Mohammad Ali, Eurovision - all experienced in Inchigeela Dairies in the heart of Cork city, rus in urbe, sure, where else would you get it? These scenes are drawn from one decade in my life - 1960 to 1970 - and are set between the intense exotica of city-centre streets and the open meadows of the Irish countryside, starts Creedon. He shares fond memories of times and places and people that helped form us, inform our present and help us shape our future. The time and place of the opening sentence is soon followed by the profoundly simple, honest, frank, unassuming proclamation: I grew up amongst a loving family in a country I dearly love; followed by a formal, almost liturgical, So it is with deep humility and gratitude that I offer this personal memoir - not the kind of rhetoric he would have heard on Shandon Street, but would have, maybe, from the Doms on Popes Quay. Then he distances himself somewhat from the personal: Some names and locations have been changed, as though the author is pointing out this is not my story, not even our story but, the story - an attempt to celebrate the perennial truths of the human condition, of love, aspiration and appreciation, as all great art does, and laugh and cry and laugh about it all again. All of this may look simple, but it isnt. Creedons art of storytelling is subtle, more than just a good laugh, taking the piss, as it does, out of the gravitas of high-falutin memoirs; replacing the bombast, hyperbole and self-righteousness with litotes, deliberate understatement for effect, and all the more effective for that. If you want people to listen to you, dont shout. Just lower your voice. Literature, storytelling, be it written or oral, is fundamentally the art of words and John Creedon has that in sleans. In his musings on the essence of memoir, he appears sceptical of the scientific accuracy of the genre, and rightly so, for it is neither fact nor fiction, but faction, people and events of past times and places, reflected on through the prism of later perception: ...how do we know that a memory is a genuine eyewitness account of an event? Perhaps we are actually recalling a well-polished story, memorised from the telling and retelling of others? This Boys Heart: Scenes From An Irish Childhood, by John Creedon Now theres the conundrum about memoir, something for the dilettantes in Le Chateaux to mull over as they sip their Chablais. Let the author be assured that the story he tells transcends the individual and the local to the universality that reflects the human condition as all great art does. Before he was even five, the author has a vivid recollection of seeing John F. Kennedy in June 1963, as his motorcade swept past the top of our street... a nice man with his lovely smile, white teeth and American tan. So impressed was John with the teeth that he mentioned them again more than halfway through the story: ... JFKs white teeth were a sure sign that the Kennedys had done well for themselves in America. I remember remarking the same thing to myself as I observed the scene at the foot of Summer Hill and still fondly recall how our old school pal, poet Michael Davitt, later put it: Ghaibh macra miotail JFK tharam i gCorcaigh; / Cuimhnim ar a straois fhiaclach chollai. The introduction is topped off with pure Cork yet again: A time when this boys heart was as light as the wild winds that blow. Traditional memoir and autobiography tend to run chronologically, and in a competitive metier the date of birth seems to be put further and further back. Tongue in cheek Creedon may be, when he claims I can visualise events that occurred before I was born, and in that he goes one better than Samuel Beckett, who says he can remember his own actual birth and as far as I can recall it wasnt a very pleasant experience. Johns own birth parodies Tomas Criomhthains: driodar an chruiscin, deireadh an ail: ... I was huge. My sister Norah claims I was 12lbs at birth. Even in the new money thats still 5.44kg: a fine-sized turkey or two healthy babies. While it is unlikely that actual conversations are remembered verbatim after a gap of 56 years, Creedon records the following one his father had at the North Cathedral with an old schoolfriend from Inchigeela, when he himself was but ten years old: Howru, Connie? Erra, only average, Tommy. Cuiosach gan a bheith maiteach, mar a dhearfa (Average without being actually sick, as they say.) Why? Whats wrong with you, old stock? Yerra, the usual. AND I hit the big five-oh today. Jaysus, are you fifty, Connie? I am, and tis downhill all the way to the grave from here on in. This is a formidable piece of writing and I cant resist in indulging in it. The rustic salutation (Howru) stops you in your tracks [theres your rus in urbe for you] and the dialectical Connie (for Cornelius or Conchubhar) with its noble classical connotations, reminds us that in Cork they speak Latin like a vulgar tongue, as the colonist said. Erra, from the Irish Dhera, a depreciative interjection, a kind of stoical acceptance. Old stock remains a familiar greeting in Cork, from the Irish seana-mhuintir, I venture to suggest. Jaysus is no taking the name of the Lord in vain, but used to register astonishment, shock, under the guise of divine imprecation. The grand finale of the conclusion is the Cork version of the essence of Platos teaching: All philosophy is learning to die. This is the finest example of Hiberno English Ive ever read, either by way of translation of the Blasket classics by distinguished scholars, or the sentimental stage Irishness of Synge. This corrects Corkerys canonical teaching that the Irish never made their own of the cities and towns... The entire narrative is speckled with the Hiberno-English of canuint and culchie caint in a natural, authentic, unpedantic, unpatronising way. Hows this for openers: By a mere bowl-hop, I can call myself a Norrie; It was 1967. I was eight and had just recently quit the fags. I have no hesitation in suggesting that Creedons artistic vision equates with that of the bard himself in his All the worlds a stage lines, when Creedon writes: Our shop provided a stage where an endless cast of characters created the soundtrack to our childhood. The streets seemed full of smallies and shawlies, and every one of them was a storyteller. These subtleties of creative reading are endearing: the half-said thing that stimulates memory and imagination and warms the heart. This Boys Heart is a work to be cherished and reread, by virtue alone of its invocation and alignment with aspects of the human condition, of all of our experiences on lifes journey, for better for worse. Creedons fathers humour and his mothers charity stay with him, will resonate with many, and console those Dagenham Yanks and others who had to forsake de banks. Reading this, youd think the Battle of Kinsale never happened, a mere temporary setback, a strategic pulling back to Ceim an Fhia and Kilmichael, the Hidden Ireland eventually reasserting itself culturally in Cork with O Riada and O Riordain. Creedons rebel proclamation may serve as a wake-up call to those academic institutions who still classify the works of Yeats, Joyce, Beckett, Heaney and (probably) now, Creedons (Conal and John) as Anglo-Irish. Its about time they copped on to the fact that The Hidden Ireland has emerged from the shadows to take its place among the nations of the world. Up the Rebels! This Boys Heart: Scenes From An Irish Childhood, by John Creedon, Gill Books, 22.99. Available in all good bookshops. Tadhg O Dushlaine is a poet and an academic writer, who was a Senior Lecturer in Modern Irish in Maynooth University, where he spent 40 years. A Cork TD has raised concern as new data shows that the two wards in the northside of the city have seen significant drops in dwelling completions compared to last year, with a reduction of 23% on the Northside of Cork city, far above the national average. CSO figures show that nationally, there were 30,330 new dwelling completions in the whole of 2024, a decrease of 6.7% from 2023. A breakdown by local authority area shows there were 118 completions in Bantry, 162 in Skibbereen, 286 in Bandon-Kinsale, 311 in Carrigaline, 263 in Macroom, 134 in Mallow, 203 in Fermoy, 305 in Cobh, 362 in Midleton and 184 in Kanturk in 2024. In the city wards, there were 133 completions in Cork City North West, 316 in North East, 382 in South West, 144 in South Central and 249 in South East. Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould said: These figures are proof that the governments housing policy has failed completely. Where are the 40,000 homes we were promised would be delivered last year? I am particularly concerned at the decline in housebuilding on the Northside of Cork city. This figure includes social, affordable and private purchase homes. The housing crisis is extremely acute on the Northside. We know that the solution is an increase in supply. The Programme for Government does not propose the step change that is needed to resolve housing and to finally give people in Cork North Central a chance at a home of their own. Another five years of record rents, record house prices and missed targets is not what ordinary people in Cork need. We need ambitious delivery and real increases in supply. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has expressed concern about hospital overcrowding, as more than 10,000 people have been treated on trolleys in Irish hospitals so far this January. In Cork, there have been 1,611 patients on trolleys so far this month, 1,140 in Cork University Hospital (CUH), 375 in the Mercy and 96 in Bantry General Hospital according to the INMO this is already above the 1,474 patients treated on trolleys last month, which included 1,039 in CUH, 360 in the Mercy and 75 in Bantry. CUH trolley figures have been 70 or higher almost every day this month, rising as high as 82 earlier this week. Persistently high levels of influenza and other respiratory illnesses have been contributing to high trolley levels across the country, with the snow and ice earlier this month also bringing a significant number of patients to emergency departments after suffering falls there are concerns that the storm this morning will add further pressure. INMO General Secretary, Phil Ni Sheaghdha highlighted that nurses and midwives made very dangerous journeys into work on Thursday night and this morning to work in very busy emergency departments and wards. She said: Over 10,000 patients have been treated on a trolley so far this month, on course to be the worst January for overcrowding since the INMO began counting trolleys in 2006. The situation in many hospitals is completely unworkable for our members who are currently trying to offer care in intolerable circumstances. We are hearing of so many incidents of vulnerable patients being placed on infection control wards, despite high risks identified by nursing staff who have been overridden by non-clinical staff, and this is simply unacceptable to clinical nurses who are obliged to advocate for patients. She added: Dramatically reducing the number of patients being treated in inappropriate spaces must be one of the top priorities for the new Minister for Health once they have been appointed. 4pm Telecommunications faults It may take some time for mobile and broadband data to be fully functional again across Ireland, eir has warned. They explained: Storm Eowyn has caused significant and widespread disruptions to telecommunications services across Ireland. The storms severity has resulted in approximately 26,000 fixed voice faults and 63,000 fixed broadband faults, primarily due to power outages at exchanges and on our core network. This has left approximately 160,000 homes and businesses without broadband connectivity. There are outages at approximately 30% of mobile network sites. ESB has confirmed that at least 725,000 homes and businesses are currently without power, further compounding the situation. They added: To support our customers during this challenging time, eir has deployed backup power to 1,300 Fixed Network sites and 200 Mobile Network sites. eir has commenced mobile generator deployment where it is safe to do so and our teams remain on standby to restore services promptly once conditions permit. Service restoration for core and mobile networks will proceed as a priority. It is expected that there will be a significant number of individual faults in addition to this, but the full impact of this will only become clear after power is restored and after resolution teams have prioritised making fallen poles and lines safe. Each individual fault will require a separate repair visit, and it will take some time for the full picture to emerge. Power Extreme, damaging and destructive winds" have caused widespread and extensive damage to the electricity network across the country with approximately 725,000 homes, farms and businesses without power as of lunchtime, ESB have said. This includes around 20,000 in Cork. They added: The damage nationwide to the electricity network and impact on customers is unprecedented. ESB Networks continue to closely monitor the storm impact on power supplies and all available resources including crews and partner contractors are now deployed where safe to do so, to assess the network and work to safely restore power as quickly as possible in challenging conditions. An ESB spokesperson explained: From our experience of previous significant weather events and due to the severity of Storm Eowyn, we expect that power restoration will take a significant number of days and will take more than a week in the worst impacted areas. It is important that any impacted customers who use electrically powered medical devices contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary. Given the extent of the damage nationwide estimated restoration times (ERTs) will only be provided once our teams have assessed network faults and these will then be available to view throughout Saturday on www.PowerCheck.ie. ESB Customer Contact Centre Agents will be supporting customers throughout Storm Eowyn but will not be in a position to provide outage information until the network assessment has been fully conducted. They added that a technical issue earlier today due to unprecedented volumes on ESB websites, including www.PowerCheck.ie, has now been fully resolved. ESB again warned the public that if they come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network: never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999. Trains Currently, the only train in Ireland running is the Cobh to Midleton in Cork, as Iarnrod Eireann say that their crews are still working on clearing fallen trees across the rest of the train network. 2:50pm - City Council update More than half of the 20 roads blocked overnight have been cleared by Cork City Council crews, with 12 roads now reopened. Crews are continuing their efforts to clear the remaining blocked roads, working to restore access as quickly and safely as possible. From 10am onwards, Cork City Council teams mobilised to address disruptions caused by the storm, focusing on the removal of fallen trees and debris from affected roads. Cork City Council crews continue to work with Cork City Fire Brigade and ESB Networks. Cork City Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team continues to monitor the situation. A Status Yellow warning is now in effect until 4pm this afternoon, they reminded, sharing the following emergency numbers: Cork City Councils Customer Service Unit's can be contacted by calling 021-4924000. Emergency Services may be contacted by dialing 112 or 999. ESB Networks 24 Hour Emergency number is 1800 372 999 or 021 2382410. Power Outages can be monitored on powercheck.esbnetworks.ie. Updates from Uisce Eireann regarding water supply can be found on www.water.ie. The public is advised to stay informed through Cork City Council's social media channels, where regular updates will be provided throughout the day. 12:15pm - County council update Cork County Council crews are in response mode to the damage caused by Storm Eowyn across the county, as they shared more than 35 roads that are currently blocked. Road conditions remain extremely challenging with fallen trees, fallen powerlines and substantial debris. The Council urges people not to undertake any travel unless absolutely necessary. Issues reported by the HSE, Gardai, and essential utilities are being prioritised. Priority areas for Council crews include reopening the R586 Ballineen to Bandon road; The R600 Kinsale to Ballinspittle road; and the R612 Carrigaline to Crosshaven road. These routes are currently impassable due to fallen trees. The M8 Blackwater Viaduct, Fermoy and the N71 near Glengarriff Golf Club have both now reopened. The council advised: There are multiple hazards on streets, roads and footpaths and the public is asked to report any incidents to the Councils Emergency Line on 021 4800048. The number will be available today and throughout the weekend. Phonelines and emails are down at Cork County Councils offices in Cobh, Clonakilty, Schull, Bandon, Kanturk, Charleville and Millstreet. The public can contact the Councils Emergency Line and their query will be dealt with as soon as possible. There are multiple incidents of trees down across the county due to Storm Eowyn - at this point in time, the following roads are particularly impacted: R586 by Carhoon West: Tree blocking the road from Ballineen to Bandon. Road closed. Ballygarvan: Tree partially blocking Ballygarvan quarry entrance. Twomileinn to Mogeely: Reports of a tree down. R512: Tree down between Glanworth and Kildorrery. R619 Coachford: Tree down near GAA Pitch. N71 Smorane: Tree blocking one side of the road from Skibbereen to Leap. Quarry Hall Grenagh: Tree down. Mallow Golf Club: Tree down, road fully obstructed. L2225 Maglin to Jimmys Cross: Tree down. Killavullen Village to Fermoy: Tree down. Macroom, Ummera: Road blocked after tree fell on powerlines. Coachford to Carrigadrohid: Tree partially blocking the road. R629 Ballinacurra to Cloyne: Tree down, road fully obstructed. L2989 Ballard Hill: Tree down. L7009 Pottery Road, Cobh: Tree down, road fully blocked. Drakes Pool Rabbit Island: Access to Crosshaven completely blocked for emergency services due to tree down. Sheeps Head: Tree blocking the road. Copstown Cross to Liscaroll: Tree down. R600-196 Ballinspittle to Kinsale: Tree blocking the road just after the bridge. L5500-0 near Ballyhea GAA pitch: Reports of a tree down. Bear Forest Road, Ballyellis, Mallow: Tree down just outside College Wood Estate. N73 outside Mitchelstown: Tree down. Ballinrea Cross, Carrigaline: Reports of a tree down. Whitewell Cross from Whitegate: Tree down. Killumney village: Reports of a tree down. Cooldurragha, Union Hall: Tree blocking the road. Glengarriff: Tree down blocking the road in and out, near Glengarriff Golf Club. N22 Crookstown to Macroom: Tree blocking half of the main road. Carrigaline: Tree down outside the gate of Avondale United Pitch, blocking the road to Fernhill. Hilltop, Rafeen Hill: Tree down at the top. Ballymore to Cobh: Big tree down. R629 Balliancurra to Cloyne: Tree down. R630 Whitewell Cross, Rostellan side: Trees down, road open and passable. L-3627-0 Mogeely: Tree down, road blocked. N25 Midleton to Castlemartyr: Large branch down. L6463 Glen Road, Ballygarvan: Tree down on wires The council advised: Please be aware that this list will continue to evolve due to the ever-changing nature of the response, and as further information becomes available. A Status Yellow Wind warning remains in place until 4.00pm this afternoon which could lead to further damage. Cork County Council will continue to provide updates on www.corkcoco.ie and across the Councils social media channels @Corkcoco. Council workers clear the path from a fallen tree at the Marina. Picture Dan Linehan 11:55am - Power outages Thousands of homes across Cork are without power, as ESB crews work to assess the damage caused by Storm Eowyn. The extent of the outages across Ireland, where over 715,000 homes and businesses were without power this morning, caused the ESB power check website to experience technical difficulties this morning, but the website is currently up and running again. Thousands of homes in Cork are without power according to ESB. ESB advised: Our Customer Contact Centre Agents will be supporting customers throughout Storm Eowyn but will not be in a position to provide outage information until the network assessment has been fully conducted. An Important Public Safety Message: If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999. Roads A multitude of roads across Cork are dangerous or impassable due to a high number of fallen trees. Cork City Council advised that Burkes hill from Mayfield GAA to N8 Lower Glanmire Road is impassable due to a fallen Eir pole, and that the road is closed. They also said that fallen trees in Glen Avenue, North Ring Road near Shannon Lawn and Silver Heights are being tended to by their crews. Cork County Council are also working to clear numerous roads of fallen trees and debris, but shared this morning that the M8 Blackwater Viaduct, Fermoy has now reopened to traffic. Cork Airport Flight operations have now resumed at Cork Airport, but some services throughout the remainder of the day may be operating with a delay. Passengers intending to travel today are advised to contact their airline for the most accurate and up-to-date flight information. 10.50am - Council crews assessing damage Phonelines and emails are down at Cork County Council offices in Cobh, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Schull and Bandon this morning. The council said: Please contact our Emergency Line at (021) 4800048 and your query will be dealt with as soon as possible. Council crews began mobilising at 10am to respond to storm damage across the county. They warned: We are strongly advising the public not to travel as it will be some time before we get a full picture of the number of trees down. There is a tree blocking the R600 Ballinspittle to Kinsale Road just after the bridge going towards Ballinspittle, and reports of trees down in many areas such as Glengarriff, Skibbereen, the Ballineen to Bandon road, Carrigadrohid, Crosshaven, Fivemilebridge, Cobh, Cloyne, and Killavullen, they added. Cork city council advised: Please bear with us as we mobilise to respond to the impacts of Storm Eowyn. Calls and incidents are being monitored, logged and prioritised. Our Severe Weather Assessment Team continues to monitor the situation. They shared that their crews are currently attending to a tree down on the footpath at Bowling Road. Public transport Iarnrod Eireann posted an update at 10:39am, saying: No trains operating until further notice. As Status Red clears, our crews mobilising to check & clear lines for safe operation. However we expect many fallen trees, damage to level crossings / overhead lines. We will update as soon as routes open. Bus Eireann also said there will be extensive disruptions to services until around noon. They explained: We hope to begin operating services again from approximately 12.00 on most routes, however, disruption is expected due to difficult driving conditions because of storm damage. The planned resumption of services is as follows: 201, 203, 203, 205, 206, 207/207A, 208, 209/209A, 212, 213, 214, 215/215A, 216, 219 and the 220/220X are set to resume full service from 12:00. 223 First trips - 12:20 ex Haulbowline and 12:20 ex Kent. 225 First trips - 12:10 ex Haulbowline and 12:20 ex Kent. 226 First trips - 11:50 ex Kent and 12:00 ex Kinsale. 233 First trip - 12:30 ex Cork- Farnanes. 235 First trip - 16:00 ex Cork Donoughmore. 236 First trip - 11:30 ex Bantry- Cork. 237 First trips - 11:15 ex Skibbereen -Cork. 11:30 ex Cork Skibbereen. 239 First trips - 12:00 ex Bandon Cork. 13:00 Cork Bandon. 240 First trips 15:30 ex Cork to Ballytcotton. 241 First trips 14:45 ex Midleton Whitegate. 243 First trips 13:05 ex Mallow Newmarket. 245 First trips 11:30 ex Cork Fermoy. 12:30 ex Fermoy to Cork. 14:15 ex Clonmel to Cork. 245X First trips 12:00 ex Cork. 14.00 ex Dublin will begin from Cashel at 16.10. Bus Aras, Heuston Station and Newlands Cross will not be served. 248 First trips 13:20 ex Cork to Glenville. 257 First trips 15.00 ex Killarney. 16.25 ex Macroom. 260 First trips 12:30 ex Youghal to Cork. 261 First trips 11:08 ex Ballinacurra to Cork. 12:15 ex Ballinacurra Cork. 270 First trip 12:00 ex Skibbereen to Killarney (note 12:00 Kenmare/Killarney is cancelled). 271 First trip - 12:45 ex Tralee to Killarney via Castleisland. 272 First trip - 12:05 ex Tralee to Ballybunnion. 275 First trip - 12:30 ex Tralee to Dingle. 275 First trip - 14:00 ex Dingle to Tralee. 279 First trip- 12:30 ex Killarney to Tralee. 279 First trip - 12:45 ex Tralee to Killarney. 279A First trip - 15:10 Tralee to Cahersiveen. 284 First trip - 16:15 Tralee to Killarney. For Expressway services, first trips will be as follows: 40 12.50 Tralee to Cork, 13.30 Cork to Tralee 11.40 Cork to Waterford 51 Cork - Limerick The 11.25 Cork to Limerick will operate as far as Limerick only. 13.05 Galway to Cork will operate from Limerick at 15.20. Galway to Limerick will not be served on this trip. 14.05 Galway to Cork will operate from Ennis at 15.20. Galway to Ennis will not be served on this trip. 14.05 Galway to Cork will operate from Ennis at 16.20. Galway to Ennis will not be served on this Route 214 & 216 South Main Street will be closed to traffic from Monday, 20th January, to Sunday, 2nd March, 2025, inclusive. Route 214 ex Knockraha/Glyntown will operate as follows: Normal route to Kent Station, then via Penrose Quay, left for Brian Boru Bridge, ahead to Clontarf Street, right to Terence McSweeney Quay, left for Anglesea Street; right to South Terrace; ahead to Sullivans Quay and as per normal route. Temporary bus stops: Clontarf Street; Anglesea Street (City Hall) and Sullivans Quay Route 214 ex CUH is not affected. Route 216 ex Monkstown will operate as follows: Normal route to Georges Quay, continuing ahead to Sullivans Quay & Frenches Quay and as per normal route. Temporary bus stop: Sullivans Quay Services ex CUH are not affected. 10am: Warnings updated The Red warning for Cork has ended as of 10am, with council, power and water crews set to begin assessing the damage and begin clearing roads and repairing faults. Public transport is also set to resume shortly, though transport operators have warned that it may take some time to address the damage on routes. Met Eireann has updated their warnings regionally the status orange wind warning that was set to last until 4pm will now be lifted at 12 noon in Cork. It will be replaced by a status yellow wind warning for Cork and 13 other counties, which will be in place from noon until 4pm. Fallen trees There are reports of trees down in Shanballymore, Rockchapel, at the Marina, on the N22 Carrigrohane, at Spur Hill, on the N73 outside Mitchelstown, at Bear Forest Road in Mallow, Whitewell Cross, and on the R600 Ballinspittle side of the bridge in Kinsale. Cork City Council advised that the Killowen Road in Blarney is blocked due to a fallen tree there, and advised people to avoid the Lee Road which is impassible due to a partial wall collapse. Water Uisce Eireann crews are assessing the impact of Storm Eowyn on water supplies across the country following last nights violent storms. Significant disruption to supply is expected due to widespread power outages impacting on water and wastewater treatment plants, pumping station and other network assets, with approximately 150,000 customers nationally potentially at risk of water supply disruption during the day as a result, though Uisce Eireann added that the majority should still have water due to storage in reservoirs. Their incident management processes have been stood up and crews will mobilise to assess damage to plants and begin restoring normal supplies once the red-level warning has lifted and it is safe to do so. They are also in touch with key stakeholders through the National Emergency Coordination Group and with the ESB to coordinate the return of power to key water services sites post storm. In areas where supply has been disrupted, most properties should have adequate storage in their attic tanks for hygiene purposes for at least 24 hours. However customers are urged to conserve water where possible in order to protect supply while the outages are resolved. There are some simple steps people can take to conserve their water, such as avoiding the use of water-intensive appliances during this time. To learn more about conserving water, visit www.water.ie/conserve. Customers can stay informed about their local water supply by visiting www.water.ie, via Uisce Eireanns X feed, @IWCare, or by signing up for our free text alert service via the website, or getting in touch via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. 9.10am Mixed bag of weather for the weekend, with Met Eireann predicting cold nights, frosty mornings and scattered daytime showers with the possibility hail and even snow in parts. Met Eireann has said Storm Eowyn will continue to bring strong to gale force southwest to west winds across Munster, reaching storm force this morning in coastal parts of the west, with destructive and damaging gusts. The winds will gradually ease through the afternoon and evening. There'll be a mix of sunshine and scattered blustery showers, some of hail and with the chance of a little sleet later. Highest afternoon temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees but feeling much colder due to wind-chill. Tonight: Tonight will bring a mix of clear spells and scattered showers, these mainly in the west some of hail, sleet and snow. The showers will become isolated later in the night. Lowest temperatures of -2 to +2 degrees with some frost and ice as winds decrease light to Tomorrow: It will be frosty to begin tomorrow, but it'll be mainly dry for a time with sunny spells. Cloud will increase through the morning, with a band of showery rain moving into western parts through the morning, spreading eastwards through the afternoon, with a little bit of sleet too, mainly over higher ground. Sunshine and scattered showers will follow from the west through the afternoon, some of hail and again a little sleet and possibly hill snow. There's a chance of a few isolated thunderstorms too. A cold day with highest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees. Southerly winds will increase fresh and gusty for a time, stronger in coastal parts, but easing again later. Saturday night will be cold with clear spells and scattered showers for a time, some wintry. The showers will mainly be in the west and north early on in the night. Lowest temperatures of -2 to +2 degrees generally, with some frost and ice. Southerly winds will be mostly light to moderate, backing southeasterly later in the night and increasing fresh to strong in coastal parts of the south and southwest. Cloud will start to increase overnight, with rain moving into southwestern coastal parts by morning. Sunday: It'll become wet and windy on Sunday, with a band of rain gradually spreading northeastwards through the morning and afternoon, some of it heavy and possibly thundery. The rain will clear northeastwards later, but scattered showers will follow and with more persistent and heavy rain likely to move into the south and southeast in the evening. Highest temperatures of 6 to 10 degrees in strong and gusty southeasterly winds, reaching gale force for a time in some coastal parts, decreasing mostly moderate southerly away from the west coast later in the day. Sunday night will bring the chance of some persistent rain for a time to parts of the south and east, otherwise there'll be a mix of clear spells and scattered showers, these mainly in the west and south, some heavy and possibly thundery. Lowest temperatures of 1 degrees in the north to 6 degrees in the south and southwest in mostly moderate southerly winds, but winds will be strong to near gale force in coastal parts of the south and west. 8.35am Reports of fallen trees at multiple locations across Cork. These include on the road approaching Killumney village, a tree down and resting on wires between Kerry Pike and blarney, and a a tree down at Ballinrea Cross, Carriagline. There are also reports of a partial wall collapse on the Lee Road. Traffic very light on roads across the city and county this morning as people heed the call from multiple agencies to stay at home. 8.25am Cork has escaped the worst of the severe weather with other counties far more impacted by the storm according to Cork County Council. Padraig Barrett, director of services with the local authority, has told Morning Ireland on RTE Radio 1 that whilst the storm was a significant event they were not worried about flooding at this time. High tide peaked in Bantry at quarter to twelve last night without incident, and after that, the wind direction and winds were moving in a northerly direction. "So, high tide will be at twelve again this morning or later today, and we are not worried at that point in time, thankfully." However, there is numerous reports of trees down this morning. Cork City Council's director of services, David Joyce, warned that motorists who take to the to the roads will come up against fallen trees and power lines. "We would advise against any unnecessary travel, but if you are travelling out in the Orange alert later to be aware of any fallen trees or debris on the roads. If you do have to travel please slow down and anticipate the unexpected." Storm Eowyn has also caused disruption to the schedule at Cork Airport. Cork Airport is showing delays to most flights this morning with cancellations of services to London Heathrow, Glasgow, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Bristol. Flights to Poznan, Seville and Paris are delayed. Passengers are advised to keep in contact with airlines this morning in relation to the status of their flights. Members of the public are urged to take care on the roads if they intend to travel to the airport. 8.20am: ESB Networks now says that 715,000 homes, farms and businesses across the country are without power. Earlier: A Status Red wind warning is currently in effect for Cork and two dozen other counties as Storm Eowyn continues to track across the country The warning for Cork came into effect from 2am this morning and will remain in place until 10am, with Met Eireann warning of gale force southerly winds becoming westerly with extreme, damaging and destructive gusts in excess of 130km/h. The national forecaster said impacts of the extreme weather event include: Danger to life. Extremely dangerous travelling conditions. Unsafe working conditions. Disruption and cancellations to transport. Many fallen trees. Significant and widespread power outages. Impacts to communications networks. Cancellation of events. Structural damage. Wave overtopping. Coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas. Cork County Council: Severe, damaging and destructive gusts forecast Cork County Councils Crisis Management Team convened throughout the night to monitor and assess the damage caused by Storm Eowyn. "A Status Red Wind warning remains in place until 10.00am this morning and people are asked to continue to shelter in place," said a council spokesperson. "Maximum gusts of 130km/h were recorded across the county with up to 40mm of rainfall recorded which created multiple hazards. There are trees down right across the county and power outages for more than 20,000 homes and businesses in Cork alone. A Status Orange Wind warning will be in place until 4.00pm this afternoon with severe, damaging and destructive gusts forecast. "The public is asked not to travel today unless absolutely necessary even after the red warning expires. Aside from the dangers of fallen trees, power cables and telecoms infrastructure, there will be a lot of debris on roads and footpaths," said the spokesperson. [social=twitter] https://x.com/Corkcoco/status/1882686392201064913 [/social] They said the local authority had received a low volume of calls overnight as the public heeded the warnings to stay indoors during this dangerous weather event. "Assistance was provided to those calls where it was safe to so do. These calls, and calls for assistance from the HSE, Gardai, and essential utilities will be prioritised this morning. Crews will be deployed when it is safe to do so." The spokesperson said there will be multiple hazards on streets, roads and footpaths, with the public asked to report any incidents to the councils Emergency Line on 021 4800048. The number will be available today and throughout the weekend. "Cork County Council thanks the public for their understanding and patience as we respond to this severe weather event and the aftermath. "The public is advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. "The Irish Coast Guard is appealing to people to 'Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry'. All Cork County Council facilities will remain closed today. This includes council offices, libraries, swimming pools, civic amenity sites and tourist facilities. Telephone lines and emails will be operational wherever possible. Mallow Castle Grounds and Fermoy Town Park will be closed to the public due to the risk of fallen trees. These facilities will be inspected for damage before being re-opened to the public. Dursey Cable Car has been taken out of service due to the destructive winds. A post storm technical inspection will need to be undertaken before it can return to service. Weather updates are available at www.met.ie. Cork County Council will continue to provide updates on https://www.corkcoco.ie/en and across the Councils social media channels @Corkcoco. ESB Networks ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor https://www.esbnetworks.ie/power-outages regarding power restoration times. Uisce Eireann Uisce Eireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. 560,000 homes, farms and businesses across the country without power An ESB Networks spokesperson said teams will commence restoring power where safe to do so. "There has been unprecedented, widespread and extensive damage to electricity infrastructure so far with power outages nationwide affecting 560,000 customers," said the spokesperson. "We anticipate significant further outages as Storm Eowyn moves across the country." An Important Public Safety Message "If you people across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are live and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999 ESB Networks crews and partner contractors will be deployed when safe to do so, to assess the network and work to safely restore power as quickly as possible in challenging conditions," said the spokesperson. "Given the predicted extent of the damage nationwide, we anticipate restoration will take a significant number of days. Estimated restoration times (ERTs) will only be provided once our teams have assessed network faults and these will be available to view throughout Saturday on www.PowerCheck.ie." With Met Eireann Status Red and Orange wind warnings remaining in place for the entire country until later this afternoon, the spokesperson said it was anticipated that significantly more power outages can be expected throughout the day. "Even at current numbers, the damage to the electricity network and impact on customers has been unprecedented." "Our Customer Contact Centre Agents will be supporting customers throughout Storm Eowyn but will not be in a position to provide outage information until the network assessment has been fully conducted." How ESB Networks restores power following a storm similar to Storm Eowyn: Firstly, crews make safe fallen, low hanging wires and other damage to electricity networks. This may mean that these lines have to be switched out until they can be repaired. Where possible, power supply is restored remotely from the National Distribution Control Centre using alternative power lines where available. Prior to initiating repairs works, network technicians carry out full assessments of network damage, so that power can be restored systematically and safely. Crews are initially dispatched to repair lines that will return service to the largest number of customers in the least amount of time. ESB Networks focusses initially on high voltage transmission and medium voltage distribution lines where significant numbers of customers can be restored at once. The next step is to restore the low voltage network that serves individual homes and smaller groups of customers. Typically, this is a slower process as there can be large numbers of small faults on a line serving a small cluster of customers, often less than 10 properties. Each individual repair can be time consuming (clearing fallen trees, debris, broken poles etc) and only restores power to small customer numbers who are served by that low voltage line on the network. More to follow. A book of evidence is to be served on January 30 on a man accused of carrying out an aggravated burglary and assault causing harm to three people during an alleged incident in Cork city. The prosecution withdrew a burglary charge against Gerard Quinlan, aged 41, of Gilabbey Mews, Connaught Avenue, Cork, yesterday at Cork District Court. Detective Garda Carol Ann OCallaghan freshly charged the accused with aggravated burglary instead. Mr Quinlan now faces charges of carrying out an aggravated burglary and assault causing harm to one man and two women. The injured parties are aged in their early to mid-20s. Sergeant John Kelleher said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case should proceed by indictment or by a signed plea of guilty. Pat Horan, solicitor, said a book of evidence would be required. Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until January 30 to allow time for preparation and service of a book of evidence. Detective Garda Brian Barron said previously in a related case that: It is alleged that at 5.45am, on April 17, the two men entered a dwelling house at Millerd St, Cork city, as intruders. They were not known to the people living there three occupants are Chinese nationals. They were asleep at their home. The intruders burst into the two upstairs bedrooms simultaneously, demanding cash and mobile phones from the three petrified victims. It is alleged that following complete compliance with the demands of the two and having handed over what little money and mobile phones they had, the three residents were then subjected to a vicious and sustained assault at the hands of Aidan Cullinane and [the other man], where all three were beaten with a crowbar. It resulted in significant injuries. Aidan Cullinane, aged 32, of St Josephs Park, The Lough, Cork, faces the same charges and he was remanded in custody yesterday until February 13 to be served with a book of evidence. Europe gravitates to greater self-reliance as Trump begins new term 08:22, January 24, 2025 By Ding Yinghua ( Xinhua BRUSSELS, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's first days in the White House have sent ripples of unease through Europe. Accusing the EU of unfair treatment, Trump has vowed to impose tariffs to address trade imbalances. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met in Paris on Wednesday, describing Trump as "a challenge" for Europe while stressing Europe's strength and unity. Trump's policies are poised to affect not just U.S.-Europe trade relations but also Europe's territorial integrity, defense priorities and economic outlook. "President Trump's initial statements and executive orders put transatlantic relations under pressure, not only because of their unpredictability, but also because raw power seems to be more important than legality and international cooperation," said Philippe Monnier, former executive director of the Greater Geneva Berne Area's Economic Development Agency. BLEAK ECONOMIC OUTLOOK The specter of U.S. tariffs on EU imports threatens to send shockwaves through the European economy. Although many EU countries have taken lessons from Trump's first term and braced themselves for such scenarios, the potential impact remains significant. Yannis Stournaras, governor of the Bank of Greece, warned that the projected eurozone economic growth of 1.1 percent in 2025 could decline by 0.5 percentage point within two years if the United States imposes 10-percent tariffs. The effects are expected to be more pronounced in European economies with substantial exports to the United States. Export-oriented countries like Germany are likely to bear the brunt first. This photo taken on Dec. 18, 2024 shows a view of the Voelklingen Ironworks in Saarland, Germany. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) Germany's exports to America could decline by 10-15 percent in the long term, potentially reducing its GDP by 0.3 percent, said Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. "It might not sound like much, but we've barely had any growth beyond that level recently." "Trump isn't concerned with the interests of the Old Continent. He just wants to squeeze more money out of Europeans," Francois Heisbourg, special advisor at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Austrian newspaper Der Standard. Italy, a close U.S. ally notwithstanding, is also expected to face challenges. With its significant trade surplus with the United States and relatively low defense spending, Italy is likely to be targeted by Trump's tariff policies, according to the Italian Institute for International Political Studies. Speaking at the Handelsblatt Energy Summit in Berlin on Tuesday, German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck said that while Germany should engage with the new government under Trump with "an outstretched hand... We should not crawl in submission." He warned that Germany is ready with countermeasures should tariffs be imposed. "We do not need to be pushed around." Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU's economy commissioner, also affirmed the EU's readiness to respond in "a proportionate way" to any U.S. actions. Monnier cautioned that strained transatlantic ties could escalate further. PUSHBACK IN EUROPE On top of trade, Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO) has deepened rifts with his European counterparts, who remain strong advocates of climate action and global health initiatives. Addressing the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "The world is not at a single inflection point; it is at multi-inflection points." She reaffirmed the EU's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and urged countries to "deepen global collaboration more than ever before." This photo taken on Jan. 20, 2025 shows the logo of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) In an interview on Tuesday with Bel RTL, a local media outlet, Belgian Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin voiced concerns over Trump's isolationist tendencies, viewing them as a culmination of a longstanding trend of U.S. unilateralism. Critics argue that Trump's withdrawals allow the United States to evade its financial responsibilities toward global climate protection and public health initiatives. "This is certainly not a good sign for international climate protection" if the United States is not included, climate researcher Niklas Hoehne from the NewClimate Institute told Germany's dpa news agency, saying such moves made global climate achievements "more difficult." An analysis by Climate Action Tracker, a Berlin-based non-profit climate science and policy institute, estimates that the U.S. withdrawal alone could add 0.04 degree Celsius to global warming by the end of the century. EUROPE'S SENSE OF URGENCY Trump's "America First" agenda has galvanized European leaders to advocate for greater autonomy from Washington. In the realm of defense, Macron has called for a reevaluation of Europe's defense spending. He said on Monday that Europe's military budgets of billions of euros should not be directed toward purchasing American weapons. A report on Europe's future competitiveness authored by Mario Draghi, former Italian prime minister and former European Central Bank president, revealed that between June 2022 and June 2023, nearly two-thirds of the EU's defense spending was directed to U.S. companies. During a joint press conference with Scholz on Wednesday, Macron stressed the need for Europeans "to play their full part in consolidating a united, strong and sovereign Europe." France and Germany should ensure that Europe is capable of defending its interests while maintaining transatlantic ties, he said. The recent revelation of Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has further alarmed European nations. This photo taken on Oct. 19, 2024 shows the scenery of Nuuk, capital of Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory. (Photo by Luo Yizhou/Xinhua) French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has warned of the resurgence of "might makes right" policies, calling on Europe to bolster its strength. Speaking to France Inter radio recently, Barrot noted that Greenland is a "territory of the European Union and of Europe." "It is undoubtedly no way that the European Union would let other nations of the world, whoever they are, attack its sovereign borders," he said. Schularick, the Kiel Institute president, said: "What is certain is that Trump is more interested in deals than in a rules-based global economy. The era of faster globalization, lower tariffs and dispute resolution within the framework of the World Trade Organization is now temporarily over." "Europeans cannot remain passive at the risk of disappearing tomorrow," Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally party and member of the European Parliament, said at the European Parliament on Tuesday. With Trump's comeback, Europe faces a critical juncture -- whether to remain tethered to Washington or chart its own course in the face of renewed challenges. "The EU needs to make changes, and this is a good opportunity to get rid of its dependence on Washington and implement its own independent policies by cooperating with other countries in Asia, South America and Africa," said Croatian political analyst Robert Frank. (Xinhua reporters Wang Lili, Wang Xiangjiang, Cui Li and Zhang Zhang also contributed to the story.) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) We Are China Cultural event held to celebrate upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia Xinhua) 13:14, January 24, 2025 Young performers sing a song at a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) Russian performers present a Chinese dance at a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) Young performers sing a song at a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) Performers sing a song at a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) Performers hand out calligraphy works of Chinese character "Fu," which means "good fortune," at a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) Children show gifts at a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) Audiences pose for a group photo with calligraphy works of Chinese character "Fu" which means "good fortune," at a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Cork Chamber has pledged to ensure the vibrancy of Cork as it launched its Strategic Plan for 2025-2028. Cork Chamber represents 1,200 businesses, employing 130,000 people across the city and county, and the strategic plan had significant input from members, the board, external stakeholders, and the Cork Chamber team. The key strategic actions outlined in the plan include items related to advocacy and representation, membership engagement, global engagement, and sustainability commitment. The plan describes Cork Chamber as Irelands most active regional advocacy group, promising to continue this, and to proactively and collaboratively engage with all key stakeholders across central and local government, regional bodies, State agencies, and decision-makers. Priorities Priorities for its members include housing; infrastructure and connectivity; supporting SMEs, local businesses and startups; sustainability and climate; reform and speed of delivery. The strategic plan states that the chamber will continue engaging with membership to help dictate their advocacy. Our vision is to lead a transforming and ambitious Cork city and county, and this plan sets the course for the next four years, ensuring that we seize the opportunities to enhance our city and countys economic and social fabric, Cork Chamber president Rob Horgan said. By focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and collaboration, we aim to create an environment where businesses can thrive and contribute to the overall quality of life in our region. Chamber chief executive officer Conor Healy added: We have developed a strategic plan that truly reflects the diverse nature and ambitious spirit of our business community. As well as engagement with members and advocating for solutions to the issues they share, Cork Chamber has also pledged to strengthen international relationships in order to support business growth, innovation, and the attraction of investment and talent to the region, and to continue their work on integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals into business practices. Community groups across Cork are being urged to apply to a 1m fund to address adult literacy needs. The call was issued by the Adult Literacy For Life (ALL) Programme office, who are seeking community partners in Cork city and county to apply to their Collaboration and Innovation Fund. ALL is supported by SOLAS, The aim is to fund groups to assist adults who have literacy, numeracy, and digital and financial literacy needs. Approximately 700,000 adults in Ireland struggle with reading and understanding of everyday text, the latest figures from the Programme for International Assessment for Adult Competencies, published by the OECD, show. The ALL Collaboration and Innovation Fund has supported 150 projects in communities across Ireland, with 81,870 awarded to 10 local projects in Cork during 2024. These projects involved literacy through cooking, social farming, IT skills, comic making and English conversation resources. Projects delivered under the Collaboration and Innovation Fund have had a really transformative and positive impact across Cork city and county, Veronica Bowen, regional literacy co-ordinator at Cork ETB, said. Through collaborative cross-community partnership, Cork ETB and partners have been able to engage many new groups across Cork. This has helped to build confidence with literacy, numeracy, and financial and digital literacy skills, and help individuals become more involved in their communities. I really would encourage partners in Cork to think about a community initiative that could drive positive literacy outcomes, and to apply to the fund. The deadline for applications to the ALL Collaboration and Innovation Fund 2025 is 5pm on February 7. Information on how to apply is available at https://www.adultliteracyforlife.ie. Gardai in Cork are seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 25-year-old woman who was reported missing from Cork city last weekend. Hanni Binti Hanif, who was last in contact with her family abroad in December of last year, was reported missing on Sunday, January 19. She is described as being approximately 5 feet 4 inches in height with a medium build, black hair and brown eyes. A garda spokesperson said Gardai and Hanni's family are concerned for her wellbeing. "Anyone with information on Hannis whereabouts is asked to contact Anglesea Street Garda Station on 021 452 2000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station," said the spokesperson A prison sentence was merited for a man who produced a knife as he shouted at people on Shandon St but the judge said it would be suspended because of his efforts to deal with his drink problem. Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a suspended four-month prison sentence on Cian Barry. I am glad he has turned his life around that is why he is not going to prison, she said. The background to the case was that the 28-year-old got into a row at home on the day, decided to start drinking for the morning, and ended up coming to the attention of gardai several hours later when he produced a knife as he shouted at people on Shandon St. By 5pm on July 7, 2023, gardai had received reports of a man, armed with a knife, shouting at members of the public on Shandon St, Cork. Garda Ross Broekhuizen observed Cian Barry discard a knife by throwing it across the street when he was intoxicated. On CCTV he was observed brandishing a knife and threatening members of the public with it. Barry, of 23 Churchfield Ave, Cork, pleaded guilty to having a knife in his possession on the occasion, as well as being drunk and a danger and engaging in threatening behaviour. Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said at an earlier hearing: Mr Barry is aware this is a very serious offence. On the day he had a row with his partner and started drinking at home early in the morning. He was just holding the knife, he said. Thankfully, there was nothing worse than that. He is off drink since this occurred. It is a very serious incident but I would ask you to look at it as an isolated incident. The solicitor said the row in the public place was a row with his partner and later with members of her family. A new consultation to inform mental-health services for people with intellectual disabilities has been welcomed by a Cork TD. Social Democrats TD for Cork East Liam Quaide, a former clinical psychologist, told The Echo earlier this month: It is a national scandal that some people with an intellectual disability end up languishing in psychiatric wards, due to a lack of specialist residential services. The Mental Health Commission (MHC) has launched a new public consultation to gather views, insights, experiences, and suggestions to help develop new guidance tailored for providers of mental-health services to people with intellectual disabilities. The guidance document will apply to providers in all mental-health services, including inpatient, community residence, and community mental-health services. Mr Quaide told The Echo: This consultation process is very welcome. People with co-existing intellectual disability and mental-health difficulties are particularly at risk of poor outcomes, when they are admitted to psychiatric wards, where staff training and the setting itself are not adapted to their needs. They are a small cohort of our overall service-user population, but, in some cases, they can become stranded in acute or long-stay wards for many months, because there is not a specialist residential service available to them. The aim of the MHC consultation is to identify important areas that the new guidance should cover, address challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities, and to help service providers adhere to evidence-based best practices. The guidance will aim to ensure that staff members in services across the country have access to current and up-to-date views, evidence, and best practices that will help them to ensure that they are providing the best person-centre support that they can for people with intellectual disabilities. The MHC said: We would like to hear from all interested parties as part of the consultation, but particularly from people with an intellectual disability who have experience of using mental-health services in Ireland; and those close to them, such as family members or carers. We also welcome the views of mental-health professionals or other persons who have particular expertise in providing mental-health care to people with intellectual disabilities. The public consultation can be found on the MHC website, www.mhcirl.ie. A family in Killavullen in North Cork had to be rescued by the Cork County Fire Service at the height of Storm Eowyn, after a tree crashed into their home. Speaking to The Neil Prendeville Show on Corks Red FM, Angela Ducey described how a tree fell through an upstairs bedroom and onto their landing, waking her family up in the middle of the night. The incident happened at 12:30am on Friday morning. Ms Duceys 17-year-old daughter Aine has a form of epilepsy, which means she has between 20-40 seizures every day. Angela and and her husband Rafal were concerned that if they lost electricity, they would not be able to bring her back downstairs. I slept in a single bed downstairs with her and my husband was on the sofa, so the three of us stayed downstairs. So at 12:30am, it was for all of the world like a bomb had hit the house and the house shook. My husband was gone up the stairs and he said Angela, dont go up there because is a tree after coming through the roof. Ms Ducey went on to explain that the upstairs of her house was destroyed. Due to the red weather warning that was in place, the emergency services were delayed travelling to her home. Ms Ducey said the council later determined the family should be evacuated and they arranged for the fire brigade to collect them. She said after explaining to the council and that her daughter needed special care, the family were rescued and taken to the Hibernian Hotel in Mallow. I have house insurance and I am hoping that I am covered, she said. Cork City Council has invited individuals or organisations who wish to partake in a project with one of Corks twinned cities to apply within the next two weeks. Cork is currently twinned with Cologne, Coventry, Rennes, San Francisco, Shanghai, and Swansea. Projects involving Corks partner cities of Wuxi, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen are also eligible for support under this grant. The 2025 Twinning Grant Scheme gives organisations in Cork city an opportunity to develop international ties or internationalise an aspect of their work. The nature of the activity or project may be community-based, voluntary, social, cultural, educational, sporting or of general social and economic benefit. There is no pre-requisite to travel to the twinned cities and virtual interactions will also be considered. Lord Mayor councillor Dan Boyle encouraged people to consider applying to the scheme. Since the introduction of the twinning grant, it has provided opportunities for Corkonians to develop meaningful connections with our international partner cities. I would encourage all interested organisations and groups within our community to Think Global and Act Local and consider applying to the scheme, he said. Applications must be submitted online with the closing date for submission of application before close of business on February 7. The application form can be accessed online via https://tinyurl.com/3vxdhpfr. Cork City Councils international relations office are available to answer any questions on the application process, and can be reached by email at: international_relations@corkcity.ie. Eva Osborne Storm Eowyn has left hundreds of thousands of homes, businesses and farms without power. ESB Networks has said that it could take over a week to get every area back on the grid, stating that the damage caused by the storm is "unprecedented". Regional Director with the ESB, Brian Tapley, has outlined the areas that have been most impacted by the strong winds. "South Kerry and Co Clare are impacted significantly. When you go into the Midlands, you're looking at Athlone, Longford, Mullingar, Tullamore, they have large numbers of customers out," he explained. "As you move up to the north west, Sligo and Galway are particularly badly impacted." According to the ESB's powercheck map, the places with the most power fault clusters include areas around Kilkenny, Meath, Clare, Longford, and Sligo. Other problems caused by the storm involve the country's water supply, with approximately 150,000 premises in Ireland at risk of water supply issues due to power outages affecting the water network. Irish Water said the majority of these customers should still have water due to storage in reservoirs. The agency said significant disruption is expected due to Storm Eowyn, adding that its crews will begin restoring supply when it is safe to do so. In a statement, Irish Water said: In areas where supply has been disrupted, most properties should have adequate storage in their attic tanks for hygiene purposes for at least 24 hours. However customers are urged to conserve water where possible in order to protect supply while the outages are resolved. Have you lost power as a result of the storm? You can check the ESB powercheck map to see what areas of the country are affected by power outages, when they began, and their expected repair time. You can enter your details under 'keep me updated', and you can be sent updates via text message or email. https://powercheck.esbnetworks.ie/ Reducing or giving up alcohol for January has become part of the annual attempt to shake off the festive excesses and optimistically swing our well-intentioned resolutions into action. For some, going dry is associated with a perception of a self-imposed hiatus on fun and exclusion from social connection. But the growing Sober Curious movement is changing the way we socialise enjoying all the trappings of a great night out, sans alcohol. More people are deciding to not drink alcohol when socialising so they can still be on their A-game the next day, and not just for Dry January. Heightened awareness of the health impacts of regular alcohol consumption and the deleterious health effects of binge drinking are also key concerns among the Sober Curious. Other aspects of socialising also impact what we consume and the amount, including a lack of late-night transportation, especially in rural areas, and personal safety, especially for women. New drinks brands have entered the market, specialising in low or no alcohol beverages, working with trailblazing mixologists to craft Lo-No Cocktails and reshaping what a night on the tiles can look like. The Virgin Mary in Dublin was Irelands first alcohol-free bar when it opened in 2019 with the purpose of providing all the same elements of a great night out in a contemporary bar, just without the booze. Last November in Cork, Coffee House Lates was a new initiative for the night-time economy of the city to encourage coffee shops to stay open into the night as an alternative place for people to meet and socialise in an alcohol-free environment. In Kinsale, The Collector is an alternative coffee and concept store by day and a Lo-No Cocktail Bar by night, working under the restriction of a wine licence to serve up exceptionally crafted drinks based around vermouths, sakes, meads and alcohol-free spirits. Roots in Gen Z From the starting point of giving up alcohol for health or wellbeing reasons, the changing attitude to drinking alcohol has its roots in Gen Z. This is the first generation to grow up entirely in the glare of the ever-present smartphone, constantly capturing images for immediate sharing on platforms with global reach. Imagine a drunk moment in time being captured and shared on the internet without your permission, for anyone to access forever? No other generation has faced social pressure in that way before. It makes sense, therefore, that younger generations are finding new ways to socialise and have fun in a safer and savvy way. Its through this generation that this movement is driving the opportunities for brands and bars to capitalise on this new wave of sobriety. #SoberIsSexy is a trending hashtag on socials. The halfway house is the Get Mild trend which, much like The Collectors vibe, taps into the customers demand for a taste of alcohol but at a much lower ABV. For years, craft breweries competed to brew beers with ever higher ABVs think 12% imperial stouts or 8% double-hopped IPAs. But if customers are to drink their beer more regularly, there must be sessionable alternatives. Session IPAs, Sours and Lambics all come in at 3.5% ABV or lower, with many of Irelands successful craft breweries investing in creating great tasting zero alcohol beers. Fierce Mild, Wicklow Wolf, Tom Cream and Hope Brewery all offer zero or almost-zero craft beers, while Cronins offer a zero-alcohol cider. When it comes to wine, discount retailer Aldi has been an early and enthusiastic supporter of Dry January, offering an ever-increasing range of alcohol-free wines and spirits. Their South African Cambalala range offers 0% Rose Wine Pinot Grigio Blush, 0% Chardonnay with flavours of stone fruit and honey, or a 0% Shiraz for a rich, well-balanced sup. Their alcohol-free prosecco, Costellore Zerozecco Sparkling White, was awarded Gold at the Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards 2023, and Silver at the 2024 International Wine and Spirit Competition. BKultured, based in Ballybrannigan, extended their range of gut-friendly water kefir with a wine bottle-sized Natural-flavoured Water Kefir. Anaturally fermented drink, it provides gentle spritz and a refreshing flavour that does you good as you drink it. At the other end of the scale, Majken Bech-Bailey, the internationally acclaimed sommelier who pioneered no-alcohol drinks pairings at the much-missed, former two-Michelin starred Aimsir restaurant in Kildare, has launched an exclusive range of hand-crafted non-alcoholic drinks designed to emulate the flavours of wine. BK drinks are billed as wine alternatives crafted in small batches and released on a limited basis. BK delivers the length, depth, and complexity of wine without the alcohol. Mellow (white) and Intricate (red) are the first two signature drinks in the range, with a sparkling wine alternative soon to come. At 35 per 500ml bottle, these are premium drinks for sure, but they re-engineer what a no-alcohol wine can and should be. What does life beyond alcohol look like? We all know the theory behind Dry January is essentially good, but what does it mean in practice? If drinking alcohol is not problematic, sporadic and for enjoyment, what does life beyond alcohol look like in the long term? Karen Coakley is founder of Kenmare Foodies, a business that provides food tours and experiences from her base in Co Kerry. Originally from Bantry, the Beara Peninsula is a place Karen is proud to showcase to her customers. She said: Working in food is highly social, and with that comes plenty of opportunities to sink a dram or glass. On January 1, 2024, Karen decided to give up alcohol completely and hasnt touched a drop since, recently celebrating one-year alcohol-free. She has become a vocal advocate for alcohol-free living, referring to herself as an accidental soberista, an identity she is relishing through a new Instagram community called @MyWinelessLife. I asked Karen about her experience: Its been life-changing. I was in a cycle of weekend drinks and waking up on Monday feeling anxious and not firing on all cylinders - that lethargic feeling after having had a few glasses of wine - not overdone it, but not sleeping well, and waking up not feeling ready to take on the day. I had turned 50 in December, 2023, and on January 1, 2024, I began with Dry January. I woke up really hung over that morning; I wasnt feeling like I was enjoying drinking alcohol anymore, and that this wasnt what I wanted for my 50s. What followed has been a whole voyage of discovery for me. It has been beyond wonderful. I have more energy, more clarity, any low-level anxiety is gone, brain fog is gone, I have more mental space in my head, I have more time. I have gained entire weekends. A big part is learning what our natural reaction is when something goes wrong; when we celebrate, when someone dies, we have a drink. Since giving up alcohol, I have had to lean more into my feelings and emotions, to sit with myself and process what Im feeling. Having a drink is not going to help how I feel; its only going to make those feelings worse. The first time I went out with my friends after giving up alcohol was for Womens Christmas. At that stage, I didnt know it was going to be this year-long life-changing thing it has become. I can remember thinking I wanted a drink, but then realised my car was outside the door and I was able to drive home, and I got such a kick from that! From the beginning, I have always taken stock of all the positives of giving up alcohol, how I was feeling, and marked down the changes rather than marking down days left of Dry January until drinking again! It felt like I had flicked a switch in my head, and I found I was enjoying my nights out more because I was more relaxed. I was suddenly in control of the situation. I look forward to socialising much more now and love the feeling of having a great time but still being able to be up in the morning ready to do whatever I want while feeling great. Now, my weekends are about time for me to restore and recharge my batteries: sea swimming, gym, sauna, beach walks with the dogs, nights away in our campervan. Now, when I wake up on Monday morning, instead of feeling wrecked, I feel refreshed and that has kept me going. I have a new Instagram account called @MyWinelessLife where I share my experiences, and I run an alcohol-free WhatsApp group with 38 other women. I always knew I didnt have a problem with alcohol, but my attitude has changed. I know I can have a drink if I want to, but I choose not to. I know that alcohol is not going to add any value to my life, and my life is so much better without it. I feel happy. I dont fly off the handle. Im a much calmer person. Youll never meet anyone who regrets giving up alcohol, and its probably the biggest achievement of my life. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. The second largest solar farm in Poland, containing 308,000 photovoltaic panels, on the former Adamow lignite open pit coal mine in Przykona, seen on April 8, 2024. Omar Marques / Anadolu via Getty Images For the first time, solar power surpassed coal as a source of electricity in the European Union (EU) last year, according to a new report by thinktank Ember released on Thursday. Embers European Electricity Review 2025 found that solar generated 11 percent of the blocs electricity, while coal-fired power plants supplied 10 percent. Meanwhile, the use of fossil gas dropped to 16 percent of the energy mix, falling for the fifth straight year. This is a milestone, said co-author of the report Beatrice Petrovich, senior energy analyst at Ember, as The Guardian reported. Coal is the oldest way of producing electricity, but also the dirtiest. Solar is the rising star. The burning of coal for power in the EU saw its peak in 2003 and has since plummeted by 68 percent. Along with coals decline has come the rise of clean energy, with solar and wind making up 29 percent of the EUs electricity generation last year. The transition of the EU electricity sector maintained momentum in 2024, despite challenging political and economic conditions, Embers executive summary of the report said. Another year of coal and gas decline the fifth year in a row for gas cut EU power sector emissions to below half their 2007 peak and further reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels. Solar stayed on top as the fastest growing source of power in the EU in 2024. Wind was the second largest source of power, below nuclear energy and above gas. The report attributed solars growth to a record number of new panels, even though there was less sunshine in the region than in 2023. Its good news that the increase in solar build is actually translating to a reduction in fossil fuel burn, said Jenny Chase, BloombergNEF solar analyst, who did not participate in the research, as reported by The Guardian. According to the report, coal use dropped in all but one of the 17 nations that continue to use it, with the fuel becoming marginal or absent in most systems. Germany and Poland are the top two coal users in the EU, with coal making up 17 percent of Germanys electricity output and eight percent in Polands in 2024. The Boxberg coal-fired power plant behind the newly inaugurated PV-Park Boxberg solar energy park in Nochten, Germany on April 30, 2024. Sean Gallup / Getty Images Fossil gas underwent a structural decline last year, with its use falling in 14 out of the 26 nations that use it. Fossil fuels are losing their grip on EU energy. At the start of the European Green Deal in 2019, few thought the EUs energy transition could be where it is today; wind and solar are pushing coal to the margins and forcing gas into structural decline, said Dr. Chris Rosslowe, senior energy analyst at Ember, in the executive summary. While the EUs electricity transition has moved faster than anyone expected in the last five years, further progress cannot be taken for granted. Delivery needs to be accelerated particularly in the wind sector, which has faced unique challenges and a widening delivery gap. However, the achievements of the past five years should instill confidence that, with continued drive and commitment, challenges can be overcome and a more secure energy future be achieved. The EU experienced a small increase in the demand for electricity following two years of significant decline caused by Russias invasion of Ukraine, The Guardian reported. To combat this, an energy-saving plan was introduced in the EU, which also found new suppliers of fossil fuels and increased the pace of its clean energy shift. Wind and solar are growing in all large economies, but coal has continued to grow in China and natural gas has grown in the U.S., said Gregory Nemet, a University of Wisconsin-Madison energy researcher and co-author of a report for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, as reported by The Guardian. Europe is taking advantage of the full swath of affordability, security, and clean air benefits that renewables provide. The report found that the EU was on course to meet its 400 gigawatt (GW) target of installed solar capacity this year. Last year it reached 338 GW, with Ember saying its target of 750 GW by 2030 would be within reach if its current growth rate was maintained. The significant progress has brought benefits beyond reducing emissions. Structural growth in wind and solar power has reduced the EUs fossil import bill and the blocs vulnerability to imported gas. While the progress made in the first half of this decade is impressive, an acceleration is needed between now and 2030, Ember said in its executive summary. The authors of the report called for forms of clean flexibility like smart meters and batteries that can help align renewable energy supply which fluctuates with demand. [S]olar is growing in every EU country, while coal is becoming increasingly marginal. More than half of EU countries either have no coal power or a share below 5% in their power mix. Accelerated clean flexibility and smart electrification are needed to sustain solar growth, the report said. Ember pointed out that, while wind power additions were poised to grow, they were not enough to meet EU targets. The thinktank said closing the gap would require continued political support and policy implementation, with the additions rate between now and 2030 needing to be more than twice that of recent years. Ember added that, by accelerating its electricity transition, the EU would enhance energy security while bringing down energy costs for consumers. The EU is striding closer towards a clean energy future powered by homegrown wind and solar. This new energy system will reduce the blocs vulnerability to fossil price shocks, tackle the climate crisis and deliver affordable energy for its households and companies. Timely policy action that sustains wind and solar growth, accelerates the deployment of clean flexibility and promotes electrification, will help to secure the future of EU competitiveness, Petrovich said in the executive summary. (Photo: . REUTERS / Philimon Bulawayo)A Zimbabwean church member prays for a mother and her child outside a temporary polling station in Mbare, Harare, August 1, 2013. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai dismissed Zimbabwe's election as a farce on Thursday after his rival President Robert Mugabe's party claimed a landslide victory that would secure another five years in power for Africa's oldest head of State. Church leaders in Zimbabwe have called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to respect the country's constitutional term limits amid increasing pressure from some lawmakers and political activists advocating for an extension of his presidency beyond 2028. The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD), a coalition of church leaders, voiced serious concern over these proposals, warning that they would undermine the country's constitution, Zimeye reported on Jan. 21. "The call to extend the Presidential Term Limits and postpone the 2028 elections is an invitation for the President to be a co-conspirator in overthrowing the Constitution of the Country which the President is elected to uphold, respect, and defend," the ZHOCD declared in a statement on Jan. 21. "The proposal to extend presidential term limits may irretrievably erode public trust in the electoral processes in Zimbabwe and would destabilize the country at a time when unity and peace are most needed for our economic and social transformation," the church grouping said. They warned that extending presidential term limits could undermine public confidence in Zimbabwe's electoral processes, potentially destabilizing the nation at a time when unity and peace are most essential. The church leaders highlighted that Mnangagwa's past statements affirming his commitment to the constitution must be upheld. "We take relief from the consistent remarks made by His Excellency on several occasions where he has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to uphold the Constitution of Zimbabwe by committing not to extend his presidency beyond the constitutional and legal limits," the statement read. Landlocked Zimbabwe, which borders South Africa and other countries, gained independence from white minority rule in 1980, and since then, the ZANU-PF party has ruled the country. The church leader said the president's statements reassured them that Mnangagwa intends to honor his oath to defend the Constitution and the rule of law. The church leaders reiterated their dedication to promoting democratic principles and constitutionalism, urging Mnangagwa to reject calls for a third term. "As the Church, we encourage the President to adhere to the constitutional term limits and to support a peaceful transition of power in the year 2028 following free, fair, and credible elections," they urged. The church leaders warned that extending presidential term limits could undermine public confidence in Zimbabwe's electoral processes, potentially destabilizing the nation when unity and peace are essential. "The proposal to extend presidential term limits may irretrievably erode public trust in the electoral processes in Zimbabwe and would destabilize the country at a time when unity and peace are most needed for our economic and social transformation," the ZHOCD cautioned. The churches also called for implementing crucial electoral reforms to ensure accountability, transparency, and a peaceful transfer of power. "We urge the Government to adhere to the electoral timelines as stipulated in the Constitution and ensure that all elections are conducted in a transparent, credible, and peaceful manner," the statement concluded. A$AP Rocky's defense attorneys raised objections about racial representation in the jury selection process for his Los Angeles felony assault trial, highlighting concerns about the demographic makeup of potential jurors. The lack of diversity could herald an unfair trial without the right representation. Defense attorney Chad Seigel pointed out Tuesday that only five Black individuals were present in a pool of 106 potential jurors, representing 4.7 percent compared to Los Angeles' 9 percent Black population. Judge Mark Arnold dismissed the argument, stating, "There's no authority that requires any particular percentage of any ethnicity on a jury." Attorney Joe Tacopina reinforced the concern Wednesday, emphasizing the trial's urban setting: "We're in downtown Los Angeles. Not a small town in Montana. We're troubled by that, to say the least." The "Fkin' Problems" rapper faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, stemming from a 2021 incident involving former friend A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron). Surveillance footage presented by prosecutors allegedly shows Rocky with a firearm, though the weapon was never recovered. Rocky recently rejected a plea deal offering 180 days in jail with probation. The prosecution's final plea offer included pleading guilty to one count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, a seven-year suspended sentence, three years of probation, and six months in jail. The trial, which features Johnny Depp's former attorney Camille Vasquez representing the alleged victim, continued with jury selection Thursday morning. Alexis Skyy, a prominent figure from VH1's "Love & Hip Hop" and social media influencer known for her appearances across multiple reality shows, is involved in a new controversy after surveillance footage emerged of an apparent physical altercation at an Atlanta apartment complex. Video footage obtained by TMZ shows what appears to be Skyy, who first gained public attention through her relationship with rapper Fetty Wap and later became a cast member on "Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood" and "Love & Hip Hop: New York," in a confrontation with former friend Anthony Gaskin in October. The surveillance footage captures what looks like Skyy confronting Gaskin in a hallway and landing a punch. The situation escalates as two additional individuals join in, with footage showing them punching, kicking, and throwing Gaskin to the floor. According to the police report, Gaskin informed authorities that Skyy, who has built a significant social media following with over 4 million Instagram followers and runs several businesses including a beauty salon and clothing line, had been harassing him for days leading up to the incident. He reported receiving multiple phone calls and threats of physical violence. Skyy is now listed as a suspect for simple assault in the police report, though she had already left the scene when officers arrived. This incident adds to Skyy's history of public controversies, which have often played out both on reality television and social media. The reality star has reportedly claimed that Gaskin had previously attacked her in front of her daughter three weeks before this incident occurred. Gaskin has denied these allegations, stating he only made critical comments about her parenting methods. Law enforcement is currently investigating the incident. Meghan Markle faced allegations of bullying from Kensington Palace staff during her tenure in the British monarchy. Years later, she continues to be plagued with more bullying accusations from staff she worked with. In particular, her Spotify podcast, "Archetypes," was recently discussed in a recent cover article by Vanity Fair. According to a production insider, the process of executing "Archetypes" was characterized as highly challenging and distressing. Markle was reportedly constantly strategizing and monitoring everyone's movements, making it a high-stakes game. In an interview with Fox News, royal correspondent Neil Sean revealed that Spotify employees have allegedly created a nickname for the former "Suits" star. The moniker was not intended as a loving nickname but instead was a nod to Markle's rumored assertive and authoritative demeanor during filming, with a preference for engaging exclusively with high-ranking figures. "[They] decided to christen her "Eva" and this was used as a warning signal to let people know that she was either arriving or on the warpath," said Sean. Sean explained that the inspiration is connected to Joan Crawford's portrayal of Eva in the movie "Queen Bee" in 1955. Eva's character depicts a cunning and influential socialite. Sean elaborated on how "like the Joan character, [Meghan] stung her victims to pieces." The Duchess of Sussex's reported initial approach captivated others due to the allure of her persona. However, this admiration dwindled as her requests grew more stringent over time, as per insights shared with Sean. The mom-of-two's show left Spotify in 2023 with questions arising about the future of her deal with the platform. Even though "Archetypes" achieved significant success by reaching the top of the charts in seven nations and earning a People's Choice Award, the circumstances surrounding the podcast's departure from Spotify remained unclear. Speculation from some insiders have suggested that Markle's actions could have played a role in the show's ultimate demise. According to a source interviewed by Vanity Fair, it was like a game of checkers with Markle, who was said to always be carefully observing those in her surroundings. When situations turn sour, she reportedly wouldn't hesitate to let others take the fall. The publication also shed light on her interactions with her staff, revealing a fluctuation between warm and cold. Initially fostering a sense of "professional camaraderie," the atmosphere would darken when situations deviated from the expected course, leading Markleto reportedly point fingers at her team for any errors. Will Ferrell recently shared an unexpected anecdote about his involvement in the O.J. Simpson trial during his appearance on The Graham Norton Show. The 57-year-old, joined by his You're Cordially Invited co-star Reese Witherspoon, revealed the unique experience of performing improv comedy for the trial's jury. Ferrell described it as one of the strangest jobs of his career. "I was doing improv at the Groundlings Theatre in LA at the same time the O.J. Simpson trial was going on," he recalled. "The jury was sequestered for a long time and couldn't go anywhere, so someone came up with the idea of performing our sketch show for them in the court to lighten the mood. It was just us and the jurors. They seemed mildly entertained, but it was very bizarre." Witherspoon, reflecting on her own courtroom experience, shared an amusing story about being selected for jury duty. "About seven years after Legally Blonde came out, I was called up to do two solid weeks," she said. Known for her portrayal of Elle Woods, a determined law student, Witherspoon explained how her role influenced her fellow jurors. "When we went to deliberation and it came to choosing a foreman, the entire jury picked me," she began. "When I asked them why, they said it was because I went to law school!" The pair also spoke about their long-standing connection, revealing they first worked together more than two decades ago. "We met on Saturday Night Live in 2001, and 22 short years later, we came up with an idea! I actually said yes to the movie and working with Will before I knew what the plot was I just wanted to do it," Witherspoon said. Ferrell added, "I had the best time, and it would be a dream to work together again." Shifting focus, Witherspoon highlighted the success of her book club, which has transformed the careers of many female authors. "In 2013, I read a truly terrible script that was so negative towards women, and I thought I could do better. I put my money into a company, and the first three books I bought were Gone Girl, Wild, and Big Little Lies," she explained. "What I hadn't understood is how featuring a book can change the author's life in terms of economics. It's the meaningful and unexpected part of starting the company." Ferrell also touched on his documentary Will & Harper, expressing gratitude for its reception. "The reaction has been surprising we really didn't know what we had. Harper was so brave to tell her story, and she's become a center for fighting for trans rights around the world, especially in the United States right now." CBS anchor Norah O'Donnell delivered an emotional farewell as she signed off from her role on CBS Evening News. After five years as anchor and managing editor, O'Donnell stepped down amid significant organizational changes at the network. Describing her tenure as "the honor of a lifetime," O'Donnell, 51, expressed gratitude for her time at the helm of the long-running evening newscast. Having joined CBS in 2012, she became the face of the evening news broadcast in 2019. Her departure coincides with the restructuring efforts by CBS' parent company, Paramount Global, which recently eliminated 2,000 jobs. In a touching surprise, Oprah Winfrey led a heartfelt tribute to O'Donnell with a video montage of her career highlights. "You have so much to be proud of," Winfrey remarked. "Your work as the anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News has not only won awards, but more importantly, has made such a difference and informed our nation." The montage featured moments from O'Donnell's interviews with prominent figures, including Pope Francis, former President George W. Bush, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Dolly Parton. Reflecting on her time at CBS, O'Donnell said, "This has been the honor of a lifetime to anchor this legacy broadcast. The CBS Evening News for good reason is the longest-running evening newscast in America. And it is powered by the finest journalists in the world. The correspondents, producers, researchers, and crews who work tirelessly to bring you the news every night. That won't change because journalism matters. I know that because I've heard that from so many of you our viewers. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting us and welcoming hard news with heart into your homes." O'Donnell had announced her decision to step back in July, months before Paramount Global unveiled cost-cutting measures, including a planned merger with Skydance Media. The network has faced declining viewership, with CBS Evening News averaging 4.6 million viewers in the most recent quarter and struggling in the key 25-54 age demographic. Although stepping away from her primetime role, O'Donnell will continue contributing to CBS through long-form programs such as 60 Minutes and Sunday Morning. She is succeeded by John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, who will co-host the evening slot. In her parting words, O'Donnell told viewers, "I will miss you too. So for the final time, that's tonight's CBS Evening News. I owe it all to everyone I work with. Seriously. Love you. Goodnight." Meghan McCain is adding fuel to the rumors circulating regarding Barack and Michelle Obama allegedly heading towards divorce. McCain spoke with reporter Tara Palmeri on her podcast Citizen McCain, as she detailed that according to her own personal sources, the rumors of the Obamas heading to Splitsville may be true. "I'm not talking about TMZ. I'm not talking about Perez Hilton..." McCain began. "I'm talking about, like very serious journalists telling me that they're hearing that the Obama divorce rumors are true." "We've heard that for a long time, like I just heard that they live separate lives," Palmeri added, seemingly referring to sources who claim that the former first lady has "checked out" of Washington D.C. life, per Page Six. The conversation between the two comes days after the 44th president took to social media to post a celebratory birthday shout-out for his wife, where he and Michelle appear to be preparing to share a meal. "Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama," Barack, 63, wrote to his wife. "You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace and you look good doing it. I'm so lucky to be able to take on life's adventures with you. Love you!" Despite Barack's heartfelt message to his wife for her 61st birthday, McCain said she was less than impressed with the photo op, as Palmeri maintained that she'd "kill" her husband, Ben Domenech, if he posted a photo of her as lackluster. "I would kill Ben if he put a picture of me looking like no makeup with that lighting on social media," the political correspondent said of her husband. "I would kill him. So for me it didn't help the rumors, and like, why are you putting this [type of] picture of your wife up?" she poked. Meanwhile, unfounded romance rumors between Barack and Jennifer Aniston have been trending. Last October, Aniston slammed the bizarre rumors that she'd been canoodling with Barack, maintaining that the chatter was "absolutely untrue" during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. "Of all the calls you get from your publicist where you're just like, 'Oh no, what's it gonna be?'... and then it's that," she teased. "I was not mad at it," she continued, but clarified, "That is absolutely untrue." The actress added, "I've met him once. I know Michelle more than him." That said, there does seem to be some evidence that Michelle is no pushover, as a source who's worked close to the pair revealed that the former FLOTUS cannot be "persuaded" to do anything, including when citizens opted to choose her for election to run against Joe Biden. "You cannot tell Michelle what to do no one can," the source stated, per Page Six, adding details regarding her decision to skip Donald Trump's inauguration. "That's why she could not be persuaded to stump for Joe Biden during the last election." On January 15, another source claimed that the Chicago native wasn't into faking smiles, prompting her to skip the inauguration. "There's no overstating her feelings about [Trump]. She's not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol's sake," the source claimed. "Michelle doesn't do anything because it's expected or it's protocol or it's tradition." The 60th inaugural ceremony at the Capitol wasn't the only tradition she skipped out on, as the former first lady was also MIA during the late president Jimmy Carter's funeral which was held in Washington, D.C. In 2022, Michelle went on record saying, "People think I'm being catty it's like, there were ten years where I couldn't stand my husband," prompting Barack to respond that, "It helps to be out of the White House and to have a little more time with her," per Page Six. Former President Barack Obama was recently seen arriving alone at Osteria Mozza, a trendy Italian restaurant in Washington, D.C., just before attending Donald Trump's second inauguration. The 63-year-old appeared unfazed as he stepped out without his wife, Michelle, sparking fresh speculation about the state of their 32-year marriage. Obama was greeted by cheers and applause from bystanders as he entered the high-end eatery on Saturday, January 18. Despite his wife's absence, the former president was all smiles while joining a private dinner with several Washington, D.C. insiders, including Jeff Zients, Chief of Staff to President Joe Biden. A source described Obama as "very nice" but noted that he didn't pose for photos with anyone, per the Daily Mail. Barack Obama was seen celebrating inauguration weekend in Washington, D.C., without Michelle Obama, with ongoing divorce rumors. The former president attended a private dinner in a secluded room, accompanied by Jennifer Aniston. pic.twitter.com/pdRdb9Da2M Alphonsus Olieh Jr. (@AlphonsusOlieh) January 20, 2025 Michelle's decision to skip Trump's inauguration, as well as her absence from President Jimmy Carter's funeral earlier this month, has added fuel to rumors of marital discord. Insiders suggest Michelle's dislike for Trump and a "scheduling conflict" were behind her absence, but others speculate it could reflect tension between the couple. One source alleged, per the Daily Mail, how "She's fed up with the political circus and pretending everything is fine with Barack all the time." The rumors of trouble in their marriage intensified after tabloid stories last year linked Obama to actress Jennifer Aniston. A supermarket magazine headline declared "The Truth About Jen & Barack," while a podcast alleged, without evidence, that the former president and Aniston were having an affair. Aniston, 55, denied the claims during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in October. "I've met him once. I know Michelle more than him," Aniston said, laughing off the rumors as "absolutely untrue." Despite the gossip, Obama attempted to quiet speculation with a heartfelt birthday tribute to Michelle earlier this month, calling her the "love of his life." However, some critics suggest his post may have been damage control to counteract the negative publicity surrounding their marriage. The Obamas, who have faced scrutiny of their relationship since entering the public eye, have previously admitted to struggles during their time in the White House. Michelle has spoken about the sacrifices she made to support their family while Barack pursued his political ambitions. Still, Obama has consistently emphasized his admiration for his wife, saying, "Even if she drives me crazy sometimes, I never thought there was anyone I'd rather be with" during an interview with The Breakfast Club in 2021. Michael Jackson's biopic, Michael, has hit a major roadblock in its road to release. The highly anticipated film was reportedly set to be released in October, however, its release could be seriously delayed due to mention of a past accuser. According to The Independent, the film portrays the case of past accuser Jordan Chandler who was 13 when he claimed that Jackson committed "sexual offensive contacts." The case was eventually settled out of court with the King of Pop paying a reported $23 million despite never officially being charged in the case. Jackson reportedly signed an agreement when he was alive that stated he could not dramatize the events that allegedly took place. Matthew Belloni of Puck News reports that the film does indeed focus on the events that occurred around the time of the case. Because of this, the ending of the movie will have to be re-shot and the script will have to be re-done as well. In one scene in particular, Belloni reports that the lawyers for Jackson are "discussing whether to pay off Chandler and his family." "At one point, the lawyers play the infamous recording, submitted in court, of Jordan's father threatening to leverage his son's accusations to 'destroy' his ex-wife and Jackson's career," he reports. The decades-old legal agreement was not known during filming and the film will now have to include expensive re-shoots. The studio has reportedly threatened to scrap the project if they do not decide to sign off on the re-shoots. Jackson passed away in 2009 and it was reported that he had a debt of $500 million at the time of his death. The debut has allegedly been mounting for years with allegations that he was $140 million in debt in 1998. In 2024, it was reported that the estate of the late singer had won a ruling that approved the $600 million sale of his catalogue to Sony Music, The Hollywood Reporter reports. The deal reportedly included half of Jackson's publishing and recorded masters. --Originally appeared on 'Music Times.' Tia Kemp had choice words for both Trippie Redd and Benzino after Coi Leray announced that she was cheated on during her first pregnancy. Leray, 27, confirmed her pregnancy in an Instagram post to kick off the New Year, which featured a slide show of her noticeable baby bump, a "mommy" drawing, and several selfies. When Leray broke the news of infidelity via her Instagram Stories, Tia Kemp appeared to jump into protection mode, taking to social media to drag Trippie Redd and Leray's father, Benzino, for their apparent lack of love and support. "Trippie Redd! I'm on yo' yellow a*s too," Rick Ross' baby mother Kemp exclaimed in the viral clip. "I'mma f***k you up bout' Coi Leray, boy." "You think you got these bats and tattoos all in your face and under yo' eyes. Since you like stars in yo' face, I'mma scrat' up for niece," she said, referring to Leray. "Cause she didn't have to go through that with you, bruh. I could have found her a n****a to do that with." "You gone get out here and act like you the s**t and don't know how to act? While she in there with an egg? Of yours in her belly?!" Kemp exclaimed. "I don't like stuff like that!" she doubled down, as she continued to scroll angrily through her phone. "I oughta kick his a*s, boy." Kemp also took time to dig into Leray's father, Benzino, whom Leray admittedly wants "nothing to do with" after he went on record defending now convicted sex offender R. Kelly. "And Benzino you shut yo' b****h a*s up, talking about you don't wanna meet none of your daughter's children or boyfriends or whatever shut up!" she ranted. "You a whole granddaddy, bout' to be, sucka. Call yo' young daughter, boy. And talk to her. So she know to choose better n*****s, wit' yo silly a*s," Kemp concluded. As we reported, Leray shared a cryptic yet emotional message on her Instagram Story, hinting that she may have been betrayed during this crucial time in her life. "Nothing worst than being cheated on. I wouldn't wish this pain on my worst enemy," Leray wrote in her Instagram story on January 22. During an episode of We In Miami podcast, fellow rapper Benzino told listeners that he found out about his daughter's pregnancy at the same time as everyone else. "Thats my daughter," Benzino, 59, told the host. "My love is huge for that little girl," he said with tears streaming down his face. "That's my little girl." Friday, January 24, 2025 Shortly after the Taliban retook power in Afghanistan in August 2021, it banned education beyond sixth grade for girls. Since then, no female Afghans have been allowed to obtain either secondary or tertiary education. Women who were pursuing professional degrees in areas such as medicine, engineering, and law had their studies abruptly halted and they have all been sitting idle at home for the past three years, with no idea what to do with their lives. Afghanistan is said to be the only country in the world that prevents girls from attending secondary schools and universities. The Taliban argues that higher education for women does not comply with its interpretation of Islam. No other Muslim country in the world makes such a claim. Speaking to a BBC journalist last year, one Afghan woman said that prior to the ban, she dreamed of studying for a PhD. Now she feels that [she is] physically alive but mentally dead. That is an absolutely horrible situation for any young person to be in. In 2015, the United Nations issued a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the stated aim of using it as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The SDGs were adopted by all member states. All countries were encouraged to make maximum effort to meet those declared objectives by 2030. The fourth of the 17 aspirations in the SDGs requires nations to Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The fifth urges member states to strive to Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Afghanistan embraced the SDGs. According to this recent assessment by the United Nations, The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GoIRA) has taken action to affirm its commitment to attaining the SDGs. That is quite odd. The evidence on the ground in the country directly contradicts this glowing appraisal by the United Nations. The real truth is that the Taliban has actively sought to defeat the very purpose of the SGDs. There is no better way to empower women and girls than to educate them. By denying them higher education, the Taliban is consigning the countrys female population to the very bottom of the socio-economic ladder. Forget about the SDGs for a moment. Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted by the United Nations in December 1948, states, in part: Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit. So, the entire world has known for the past 76 years that higher education is a human right, and that countries are prohibited from limiting access to it on the basis of gender or some other classification. But the leadership of the United Nations has done nothing for three years while the Taliban clearly and egregiously continues to deny this basic right to Afghan women. I agree with the idea of showing respect for other peoples cultures when asking them to do certain things. But access to education is such a universal principle that it should have nothing to do with anyones cultural preferences. It is quite a shame to see the international community sit idly by while a small group of unelected men take the entire female population of a country hostage in such manner for so long. The women and girls of Afghanistan are crying out for help. This is precisely the kind of problem the United Nations was set up to deal with. Moreover, it is this same global institution that deems education of such importance that it has consistently encouraged all nations to fully promote it within their borders. The leadership of the United Nations should stop pretending as if it has forgotten its own words written in the UDHR and SDGs. The UK sugar beet sector has called for an urgent meeting with Defra after it rejected an emergency authorisation for the use of a neonicotinoid on the crop for 2025. NFU Sugar and British Sugar had applied for emergency use of Cruiser SB on sugar beet seed in the event of a high forecast of virus yellows pressure in 2025. As in previous years, its use would only have been triggered if the independent Rothamsted Model surpassed a threshold of virus severity. But the government announced that it would not be granting the application for 2025 as it was 'clear' that the neonic was 'extremely toxic' to pollinators. NFU Sugar Board chair, Michael Sly said the UK sugar beet sector would be 'disappointed', as recent disease pressures have caused crop losses of up to 80%. Any seed treatment would only have been used if an independent, scientific forecast of pest pressure had surpassed a threshold of severity to warrant its use," he said. As a result of not having this emergency application granted, growers will not have a single viable solution to protect their crop in 2025 in the event of severe disease pressure." Leading sector bodies, including NFU Sugar, British Sugar and the British Beet Research Organisation, have called on Defra for an urgent meeting to discuss immediate support. This includes via the Virus Yellows Resilience Package in order to expedite grower access to long-term solutions to the disease. There have been promising developments across several areas, including gene editing, conventional breeding techniques and novel integrated pest management. However, Mr Sly said the UK sugar beet sector now needed 'urgent support to go further, faster'. Recent disease pressures have caused crop losses of up to 80%, which puts farms under huge pressure at a time when the sector is struggling with high production costs, extreme weather. "We are asking Defra to meet us to discuss immediate support for our Virus Yellows Resilience Package to mitigate any threat posed by a high VY year in 2025." In 2020, 25% of the national sugar beet crop was lost to virus yellows, costing 67m of total economic loss across an industry that creates nearly 10,000 jobs. The virus is transmitted by aphids, and it is believed around 70% of the most common aphid, peach potato aphids, carry it. The previous Conservative government permitted growers to use the neonic on the 2024 sugar beet crop, but with stricter conditions than previous years. Instead, the Labour government said it supported industry-led work to develop alternative approaches to prevent virus yellows infection. Defra said it was committed to supporting farmers to tackle pests effectively and sustainably. The public are being encouraged to lobby their MPs to oppose the governments farm inheritance tax changes ahead of a debate in parliament next month. The viral petition Don't change inheritance tax relief for working farms has passed the 100,000 signatory threshold, meaning it must be debated by MPs. The House of Commons petitions committee has agreed that this will commence on 10 February, at 4:30pm. The controversial plans announced by in the autumn budget have been met with fierce opposition, with farmers staging multiple protests across the country. From April 2026, agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) will be capped at 1 million in total, per owner. Despite the outcry, the government has doubled down on its proposals, voting against a Conservative attempt to condemn the plans at a recent Opposition Day debate. Labour MPs have so far refused to break ranks by joining farmers in calling on the Treasury to rethink the policy, despite representing over 100 constituencies with a sizeable rural electorate. Ahead of the debate in February, the Countryside Alliance has launched a new e-lobby platform, which helps the public to contact their MP and voice their concern. Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the group, said farmers needed as many MPs to attend the debate as possible. "Doing so will send a message to Rachel Reeves and the Treasury, while reinforcing the strength of our collective opposition to this damaging policy, before its too late. This is an incredibly important opportunity for you to lobby your MP, urging them to attend the debate to speak out against the family farm tax." The call comes after the UK's largest supermarket chains proclaimed their support for farmers, urging the government to reconsider its plans. Thirty local councils have also openly rebelled by passing motions calling on the chancellor to axe the measure, which they say represents an attack on the countryside. On Saturday 25 January, towns and cities across the UK will be hosting protests as part of the industry's next steps in raising attention to the issue. All four UK farming unions NFU Scotland, NFU, NFU Cymru and Ulster Farmers Union - are organising the action and will participate directly in it. Waitrose and Ocado are the latest retailers to back Britain's farmers in their fight against the government's new inheritance tax proposals. The fresh interventions follow Tesco, Lidl and the Co-op declaring earlier this week their support for the industry in its fight against the tax raid. In a statement, Waitrose said: Agriculture is the backbone of our food system and of rural Britain and we are hearing from our farmers that inheritance tax is limiting their ability to plan ahead. "It is important that the government considers the impact of these changes and listens to farmers' concerns. The retailer added that they supported a pause in the implementation of the inheritance tax changes. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Ocado said: We join the NFUs call for a consultation on inheritance tax - the proposed increase will impact farmers ability to continue developing a resilient British food system." Earlier this month, Morrisons told farmers 'we're with you' in their fight against the Labour government's action. Asda also offered their public backing for farmers recently by supporting a demand for a pause in the implementation of the budget measures. Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance, welcomed the new interventions by Waitrose and Ocado. He said: Rachel Reeves and the treasury appear more and more isolated in their defence of the family farm tax, as the backlash to the policy intensifies. "We warned the Treasury that the total lack of consultation with the rural sector has created serious ill will in the countryside and would only lead to a long-running battle. "It is imperative the government consults with the relevant stakeholders and urgently rethinks this policy." Next month, MPs are set for a major debate over the impact of the tax, after a petition on parliament.uk's website reached over 100,000 signatures. The House of Commons petitions committee has agreed that a debate on the subject will take place on 10 February at 4:30pm. Bruce Willis' stuttering was dismissed by health professionals as an early symptom of his dementia. Bruce Willis' wife has revealed one early sign of dementia that doctors dismissed The 'Die Hard' star suffered with the language disorder as a child and when he was being assessed doctors didn't think it was a sign he was suffering from the neurocognitive disorder, but was later diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023. Speaking to Town and Country magazine, his wife, Emma Heming Willis, 46, said: "He had a severe stutter as a child. He went to college, and there was a theatre teacher who said, 'Ive got something thats going to help you.' Bruce has always had a stutter, but he has been good at covering it up. So, when he began to experience difficulties with language, it seemed like it was just a part of his stutter. "Never in a million years would I think it would be a form of dementia for someone so young." The 69-year-old Hollywood star had initially been diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder that affects a person's ability to speak and understand others, in 2022. Bruce and his ex-wife Demi Moore's daughter Tallulah, 30, previously admitted she knew something wasn't right with her dad before his diagnosis. In an essay for Vogue, Tallulah penned: "Ive known that something was wrong for a long time. It started out with a kind of vague unresponsiveness, which the family chalked up to Hollywood hearing loss: Speak up! Die Hard messed with Dads ears. "Later that unresponsiveness broadened, and I sometimes took it personally." Bruce also has Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, with 'Ghost' star Demi, and two daughters, Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, nine, with his current wife, Emma. And Tallulah added she felt like her dad had lost interest in her when he had his daughters with Emma and was struggling with an eating disorder as his condition worsened. She said about her fear he was focusing too much on his new family: Though this couldnt have been further from the truth, my adolescent brain tortured itself with some faulty maths: Im not beautiful enough for my mother, Im not interesting enough for my fatherI admit that I have met Bruces decline in recent years with a share of avoidance and denial that Im not proud of. The truth is that I was too sick myself to handle it. For the last four years, I have suffered from anorexia nervosa, which Ive been reluctant to talk about because, after getting sober at age 20, restricting food has felt like the last vice that I got to hold on to by the spring of 2022, I weighed about 84 pounds. I was always freezing. I was calling mobile IV teams to come to my house, and I couldnt walk in my Los Angeles neighbourhood because I was afraid of not having a place to sit down and catch my breath. Kate Hudson's fiance Danny Fujikawa stayed behind when the family evacuated their California home so he could help fight the wildfires. Kate Hudson has revealed her partner didn't come with her when she evacuated her home due to the wildfires The 'Almost Famous' star has revealed she fled her home in the Pacific Palisades with her children when a blaze broke out there, but her partner Danny didn't go with them because he wanted to stay and help others defend their homes against the flames. She shared an update on her Instagram Stories page alongside the couple's six-year-old daughter Rani, which was captioned: "Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. "Been a wild, life-changing couple of weeks for us in the Palisades and other affected areas. And so, weve been going through it. Long road ahead, but so grateful for all your love and kindness." In the clip, Kate went on to reveal she returned to the area for the first time this week and their house was still standing - and she explained how Danny had stayed behind when the family evacuated. She said: "Hey everybody I wanted to check in and just say thank you for all of your support and concern and prayers for us. We went back into the Palisades ... "I went back ... for the first time and it was a very intense day. It was a very intense day. "Were very lucky your house is still standing. We are in the center of a lot of our friends and people we love very much Whether they be home owners, store owners, people who work in our community theyve lost their homes and their jobs so we are definitely trying to support our community as much as we can. "[Thank you to] all the first responders in Los Angeles, the firemen, the pilots that are just incredible and all the neighbors - like Daddy and Uncle Michael - who stayed behind to put out spot fires. "A lot of brave people fighting to protect us and were so grateful. Thats our check-in. Love you guys." Kate is mother to Rani with current partner Danny while she's also mom to son Ryder, 21, with ex-husband Chris Robinson and Bingham, 13, with ex Matt Bellamy. Lili Reinhart has been "searching for answers" as she battles a mystery illness which made 2024 the "hardest year" of her life. Lili Reinhart has been battling a mystery illness The 'Riverdale' star 28, has been suffering symptoms including fatigue and hair loss as well as issues similar to a urinary tract infection (UTI) which landed her in hospital in Germany last summer - and she's since been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis - a chronic bladder condition - but she's still no closer to finding out whether she might have an autoimmune disorder too. In a post on Instagram, she posted a picture of herself at a hospital in Germany at 5am with the words: "Day three in Germany: 5am at the German hospital. Possible bladder/UTI infection." Lili went on to add: "I feel its important to show an honest glimpse at what last year was like for me, when dealing with my health issues ... "Being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis while simultaneously searching for answers about a mysterious autoimmunity/inflammatory disease made 2024 the hardest year of my life." The TV star went on to reveal she was inspired to talk about her health issues publicly following the death of her beloved grandmother Corine, who was diagnosed with cancer six months after she first went to a doctor with symptoms. She added: "I was inspired to talk about this after my grandmother was ignored by doctors for months when exhibiting clear symptoms of cancer- and it was only after her own strength and advocation for herself that she was given a blood test that diagnosed her. "And by then, the cancer had spread. The most important thing I have taken away from this experience is the absolute need to advocate for your own health. Do not let a doctor gaslight you or diminish your pain. I hope the men and women out there struggling to find answers feel even the slightest bit seen by my experience." Lili also opened up about her health struggles in an interview with Self magazine. She told the publication: "No one ever knows what that [interstitial cystitis] is when I talk about it. "But my urogyno is telling me so many women have this, and thats why I think its as important as it is to just be like, Hey, Im dealing with it too' ... "Listen to your body, and dont take no for an answer. Dont let a doctor tell you that nothings wrong when you know that there is." Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag are suing the City of Los Angeles and the Department of Water and Power (LADWP) after the couple lost their $2.5 million home in the Pacific Palisades fire. Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag sue City of Los Angeles after losing 2.5m home in LA fire The pair have alleged in the lawsuit, which was filed in California's Superior Court in Los Angeles County on Tuesday (21.01.25), that the fire was "an inescapable and unavoidable consequence" due to how the area's water supply was managed, and they accuse the LADWP of "failing to maintain an adequate water supply system to fight the blazes". One of the claims made by the couple includes "delays in in repairing the Santa Ynez Reservoir, leaving the massive water storage complex in the heart of the Palisades empty for nearly a year." Spencer and Heidi and 20 other homeowners, including Spencer's mother Janet Pratt, are part of the lawsuit, which faults the LADWP for emptying the Santa Ynez Reservoir prior to the fires beginning earlier this month. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the complaint alleges: "This stated public purpose was far outweighed by the substantial risk posed to Pacific Palisades by wildfires. "The degree of damage that resulted from the Palisades Fire far outweighed any benefit that could have been realized by outsourcing and delaying repairs." The lawsuit also "alleges inverse condemnation, which allows property owners to seek compensation over damages caused by public use", and is seeking "unspecified damages". Governor of California Gavin Newsom has ordered an investigation into the fire water supply that Los Angeles firefighters had access to. On January 10th, he wrote on X: "I am calling for an independent investigation into the loss of water pressure to local fire hydrants and the reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir. "We need answers to ensure this does not happen again and we have every resource available to fight these catastrophic fires." Lady Kitty Spencer is "incredibly proud" of her cousin Prince William for his efforts to support the "vital work" of the Centrepoint homeless charity. Lady Kitty Spencer has praised her cousin Prince William for continuing his late mother Princess Diana's efforts to help put an end to homelessness in the UK The 34-year-old aristocrat - whose father is the late Princess Diana's brother Earl Charles Spencer has heaped praise on the Prince of Wales for all he does to continue advocating for the non-profit which his mother was a patron of. She told Tatler magazine of Diana: I think she put the name out there. Centrepoint has been a cherished charity that my family and I have supported for many years. Kitty added: Im extremely proud of my cousin Prince William for all he does and continues to do to support Centrepoint and the vital work they provide to homeless young people. William, 42, recently declared that he wants to be a "disrupter" in the fight against homelessness. The royal visited Newport, South Wales, in November as part of his Homewards initiative - which aims to end homelessness by 2028 in six pilot areas - and urged business leaders and charity representatives to throw off the "shackles" of their experiences and look for different approaches. He was quoted by the Daily Telegraph newspaper as saying: I say that not to belittle you. But it, how do we break it down, gives you the freedom to think differently and try new things? I can be the slight disruptor here and say to you all to think very differently, outside the box, because this is unique, what youre doing lets be really ambitious and almost throw the paperwork up in the air and see how it lands. Over Christmas, William spread some festive cheer by serving Christmas lunch at a homeless shelter in London. The future king donned an apron to volunteer at a facility run by The Passage charity which he first visited with Diana in 1993 with the royal being seen spooning carrots and parsnips onto plates and chatting with attendees. In a video posted on the royal's Instagram account, he was seen listening to attendees' stories and talking to fellow volunteers. The caption read: "A pleasure to be back serving Christmas lunch at @passagecharity. "Thank you to Claudette and the incredible volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting those experiencing homelessness. The selflessness and compassion shown in creating a warm and welcoming space during the festive season makes a profound difference." Actor and comedian Rajpal Yadavs father Naurang Yadav has reportedly passed away in Delhi. He was ill for the past few days. The cause of his death has not been confirmed yet.As per reports, Rajpal Yadavs father was admitted to AIIMS Hospital in Delhi. Rajpal Yadav was in Pattaya, Thailand where he was filming for his upcoming project. The actor reportedly rushed to Delhi a day before his fathers passing.Rajpal Yadav and his family have not released a statement about the tragic news yet.In a separate incident, Rajpal and other actors including Kapil Sharma and Remo DSouza have been in the news since they received threats via email. The threat reportedly came from Pakistan and the email warned of an attack.Yadavs wife Radha filed a police complaint. In a statement, Rajpal shared, I have informed both the cybercrime department and the police, and after that, I haven't spoken to anyone. In fact, it's not my job to talk about this incident when I don't know anything about it." Saif Ali Khan sustained serious injuries after an intruder broke into his Bandra home and attacked him. The actor has since returned home after undergoing medical procedures at Lilavati Hospital. Now, he has recorded his statement with the Bandra police.On Thursday, Saif Ali Khan recounted the horrific stabbing incident that took place on January 16. As per reports on a leading news portal, the actor told the police that he was at home with his wife, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan when they heard their son Jehangirs nanny scream. The two rushed to their sons room where they first saw the alleged intruder.Jehangir was crying. The police shared that when Saif tried intervening, the attacker stabbed him multiple times on the back, neck and hands. Saif reportedly managed to push the intruder and lock him inside the room while Jehangir and his nanny Eliyama Philips were able to escape.Philip, who sustained an injury on her hand, told Saif that the intruder entered Jehs room and had demanded Rs 1 crore.Saif Ali Khan was rushed to the hospital where a special team of doctors operated on him. The actor has since recovered and returned home.Meanwhile, the accused who is reportedly being identified as Shariful, has been nabbed by the police. However, when a leading media outlet reached out to Zaidi, he denied bringing Saif to the hospital and said that he received a call from the family at around 3:30 am and they requested him to reach the hospital and help the actor get admitted. His signature was there on the form because Saif's son Taimur, who accompanied him was too young to do so. See Also: Saif Ali Khan Records Statement With Cops: Was With Kareena Reports also state that the actor arrived at the hospital on time, but the form mentions the time when Zaidi came in. This information comes amid the speculations that there was a delay in admitting him to the hospital. However, when a leading media outlet reached out to Zaidi, he denied bringing Saif to the hospital and said that he received a call from the family at around 3:30 am and they requested him to reach the hospital and help the actor get admitted. His signature was there on the form because Saif's son Taimur, who accompanied him was too young to do so.Reports also state that the actor arrived at the hospital on time, but the form mentions the time when Zaidi came in. This information comes amid the speculations that there was a delay in admitting him to the hospital. Actor Saif Ali Khan is now recovering after his surgery following a knife attack on him. Security around him and his family has been heightened. A lot of speculations and conspiracy theories have come to the surface regarding the attack on the actor. Now, a hospital report suggests the Pataudi's family friend Afsar Zaidi was the one to take him to the Lilavati Hospital.A hospital document revealed that Zaidi signed his name against the column in a form that read 'brought to the hospital by'. As per the form, the time of his admission was 4:11 am. The actor was attacked around 2:30 am. Actor Kichcha Sudeep has turned down the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor. He earned it for his 2019 film Pailwaan. Sharing his views on social media, the actor wrote, "Respected Government of Karnataka and Members of the Jury, it is truly a privilege to have received the state award under the best actor category, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the respected jury for this honour. However, I must express that I have chosen to stop receiving awards for several years now, a decision made for various personal reasons that I intend to uphold." Respected Government of Karnataka and Members of the Jury, It is truly a privilege to have received the state award under the best actor category, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the respected jury for this honor. However, I must express that I have chosen to stop receiving Kiccha Sudeepa (@KicchaSudeep) January 23, 2025 He added that there are many deserving actors who have poured their hearts into their craft and would appreciate this prestigious recognition far more than him. Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. ("SXGC" or the "Company") (TSXV:SXGC)(ASX:SX2) announces that it has completed the scheme of arrangement (the "SXG Scheme") with Southern Cross Gold Ltd. ("SXG") pursuant to which the Company has acquired all of the issued share capital of SXG in consideration of 125,041,031 common shares of the Company (the "Scheme Consideration"). In connection with the SXG Scheme, SXG shareholders were to receive the Scheme Consideration in the form of SXGC CHESS Depositary Interests (the "SXGC CDIs") quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") by default or could elect to receive SXGC common shares (the "SXGC Common Shares") for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") in consideration for their SXG shares at an exchange ratio of 1:1. As a result, the Company issued an aggregate of 124,569,123 SXGC CDIs and 471,908 SXGC Common Shares to SXG shareholders as at the implementation date of January 24, 2025 (AEDT). The SXGC CDIs trade on the ASX under the ticker symbol "SX2" (ISIN: AU0000367443) and the SXGC Common Shares trade on the TSXV under the ticker symbol "SXGC" (CUSIP: 842685109 / ISIN CA8426851090). As of the date of this news release, the issued SXGC Common Shares and SXGC CDIs is as follows: Number and Type of Security Exchange Traded On Ticker Symbol/Codes 124,569,123 SXGC CDIs ASX SX2 (ISIN: AU0000367443) 97,062,802 SXGC Common Shares TSXV SXGC (CUSIP: 842685109 / ISIN CA8426851090) SXGC also announces that in connection with the SXG Scheme, three members of the board of directors of the Company (the "Board"), namely Bruce Griffin, Noora Ahola and Philip Williams have resigned, and Tom Eadie, David Henstridge and Georgina Carnegie were appointed as directors of SXGC. Michael Hudson remains on the Board. Mr. Eadie has been appointed Non-Executive Chairman and Mr. Michael Hudson, has been appointed President & CEO of the Company. Nick Demare and Mariana Bermudez remain as CFO and Corporate Secretary of the Company, respectively. Mr. Michael Hudson, President and CEO, stated "I would like to thank Bruce, Noora and Phil for their valuable and considerable contributions, particularly their strategic guidance during the critical period leading up to this transformative transaction. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in positioning the Company for this next phase of growth. As we move forward with our consolidated and dual listed structure with the globally significant Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project, we are well-positioned to build on the strong foundation they helped establish. "The combination of our robust treasury, with one of the most exciting global gold discoveries with a strategic antimony component creates an exceptional opportunity to deliver value for our shareholders. I am excited to lead the Company through this next chapter of growth alongside the Australian and Canadian teams and the Southern Cross Board (Tom, David and Georgina), whose wealth of experience in the Australian mining sector and global capital markets will be invaluable as we advance our strategic objectives." About Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSXV:SXGC)(ASX:SX2), through the acquisition of Southern Cross Gold Ltd., controls the Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project located 60 kilometres north of Melbourne, Australia. Sunday Creek has emerged as one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony discoveries, with exceptional drilling results including 55 intersections exceeding 100 g/t AuEq x m from just 70.7 km of drilling. The mineralization follows a "Golden Ladder" structure over 12 km of strike length, with confirmed continuity from surface to 1,100m depth. Sunday Creek's strategic value is enhanced by its dual-metal profile, with antimony contributing 20% of the in-situ value alongside gold. This has gained increased significance following China's export restrictions on antimony, a critical metal for defense and semiconductor applications. SXGC's inclusion in the US Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) and Australia's AUKUS-related legislative changes position it as a potential key Western antimony supplier. Importantly, Sunday Creek can be developed primarily based on gold economics, which reduces antimony-related risks while maintaining strategic supply potential. Technical fundamentals further strengthen the investment case, with preliminary metallurgical work showing non-refractory mineralization suitable for conventional processing and gold recoveries of 93-98% through gravity and flotation. With more than A$20M in cash, over 1,000 hectares of strategic freehold land ownership, and an aggressive 60 km drill program planned through Q3 2025, the Company is well-positioned to advance this globally significant gold-antimony discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction. NI 43-101 Technical Background and Qualified Person The Qualified Person, Michael Hudson, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has reviewed, verified and approved the technical contents of this release. Analytical samples are transported to the Bendigo facility of On Site Laboratory Services ("On Site") which operates under both an ISO 9001 and NATA quality systems. Samples were prepared and analyzed for gold using the fire assay technique (PE01S method; 25 gram charge), followed by measuring the gold in solution with flame AAS equipment. Samples for multi-element analysis (BM011 and over-range methods as required) use aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS analysis. The QA/QC program of Southern Cross Gold consists of the systematic insertion of certified standards of known gold content, blanks within interpreted mineralized rock and quarter core duplicates. In addition, On Site inserts blanks and standards into the analytical process. SXGC considers that both gold and antimony that are included in the gold equivalent calculation ("AuEq") have reasonable potential to be recovered at Sunday Creek, given current geochemical understanding, historic production statistics and geologically analogous mining operations. Historically, ore from Sunday Creek was treated onsite or shipped to the Costerfield mine, located 54 km to the northwest of the project, for processing during WW1. The Costerfield mine corridor, now owned by Mandalay Resources Ltd contains two million ounces of equivalent gold (Mandalay Q3 2021 Results), and in 2020 was the sixth highest-grade global underground mine and a top 5 global producer of antimony. SXGC considers that it is appropriate to adopt the same gold equivalent variables as Mandalay Resources Ltd in its Mandalay Technical Report, 2024 dated March 28, 2024. The gold equivalence formula used by Mandalay Resources was calculated using Costerfield's 2023 production costs, using a gold price of US$1,900 per ounce, an antimony price of US$12,000 per tonne and 2023 total year metal recoveries of 94% for gold and 89% for antimony, and is as follows: ???????? = ???? (??/??) + 1.88 ???? (%). Based on the latest Costerfield calculation and given the similar geological styles and historic toll treatment of Sunday Creek mineralization at Costerfield, SXGC considers that a ???????? = ???? (??/??) + 1.88 ???? (%) is appropriate to use for the initial exploration targeting of gold-antimony mineralization at Sunday Creek. JORC Competent Person Statement Information in this announcement that relates to new exploration results contained in this report is based on information compiled by Mr Kenneth Bush and Mr Michael Hudson. Mr Bush is a Member of Australian Institute of Geoscientists and a Registered Professional Geologist in the field of Mining (#10315) and Mr Hudson is a Fellow of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Bush and Mr Hudson each have sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration, and to the activities undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Bush is Exploration Manager and Mr Hudson is Managing Director of Southern Cross Gold Limited and both consent to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears. Certain information in this announcement that relates to prior exploration results is extracted from the Independent Geologist's Report dated 11 December 2024 which was issued with the consent of the Competent Person, Mr Steven Tambanis. The report is included the Company's prospectus dated 11 December 2024 and is available at www2.asx.com.au under code "SXGC". The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information related to exploration results included in the original market announcement. The Company confirms that the form and context of the Competent Persons' findings in relation to the report have not been materially modified from the original market announcement. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original document/announcement and the Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not materially modified from the original market announcement. - Ends - This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. For further information, please contact: Mariana Bermudez - Corporate Secretary (Canada) mbermudez@chasemgt.com or +1 604 685 9316 Executive Office: 1305 - 1090 West Georgia Street Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7, Canada Nicholas Mead - Corporate Development info@southerncrossgold.com or +61 415 153 122 Justin Mouchacca - Company Secretary (Australia) jm@southerncrossgold.com.au or +61 3 8630 3321 Subsidiary Office: Level 21, 459 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements including without limitation applicable court, regulatory authorities and applicable stock exchanges. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "proposed", "will", "subject to", "near future", "in the event", "would", "expect", "prepared to" and other similar words or expressions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include general business, economic, competitive, political, social uncertainties; the state of capital markets, unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant; and other risks described in the Company's documents filed with Canadian or Australian securities regulatory authorities. You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made by the Company with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada or Australia, as applicable, and available for SXGC in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company's documents are also available at www.southerncrossgold.com. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) or the Australian Securities Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Deutsche Post Group's stock demonstrated positive momentum in today's trading session, gaining 0.7 percent to reach 35.23, with an intraday peak of 35.43. This upward movement comes despite the stock trading significantly below its 52-week high of 45.67, recorded in January. Trading volume remained robust with over 700,000 shares changing hands, indicating strong market participation. The recent performance gains particular significance given the stock's current position, which analysts suggest holds substantial upside potential, with an average price target set at 40.50. Financial Outlook and Dividend Prospects The logistics giant's third-quarter results painted a mixed picture, with revenue climbing 6.16 percent to 20.59 billion, while earnings per share experienced a slight decline from 0.68 to 0.64. Looking ahead, the company is expected to marginally increase its dividend payout to 1.86 per share, up from the previous year's 1.85, reflecting a cautiously optimistic stance on future performance. Analysts project earnings per share of 2.81 for the full year 2024, suggesting continued stability in the company's financial outlook. Ad Fresh Deutsche Post information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. Read our updated Deutsche Post analysis... Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 23, 2025) - Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. (TSXV: CHS) (the "Company" or "CHS"), an industry leader in healthcare benefits administration software and services, announces that the Company has agreed with certain creditors to, subject to the completion of a 20 old for 1 new consolidation of the common shares of the Company, settle an aggregate of approximately $832,042 in debt through the issue of up to 5,546,946 post-consolidation common shares at a deemed price of $0.15 per post-consolidated share (the "Debt Settlement"). Approval for the consolidation, among other matters, will be sought at the Company's annual and special general meeting scheduled to be held on February 18, 2025. The Company plans to immediately adjourn the meeting for an additional seven days, to February 25, 2025, to ensure that shareholders have additional time to receive the meeting materials and submit proxies The consolidation and the Debt Settlement remain subject to the receipt of all necessary shareholder and TSX Venture Exchange approvals, as the case may be. All securities issued in connection with the Debt Settlement will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after the date of issuance. About Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. is a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Alberta and is the parent company of Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. (Delaware). The Company is a vertically integrated software as a services (SaaS) company focused on digitizing healthcare with Healthcare Benefits Administration solutions, providing reliable and high-volume transaction-capable systems. The Company's state-of-the-art Novus 360 Healthcare Welfare and Benefits Administration(HWBA) SaaS platform is used by clients for all aspects of healthcare benefits administration (including self-funded employers, providers, and labor unions), providing healthcare administrative software and technology-enabled services. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: The press release contains "forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "budget", "believe", "project", "estimate", "expect", "scheduled", "forecast", "strategy", "future", "likely", "may", "to be", "could", "would", "should", "will" and similar references to future periods or the negative or comparable terminology, as well as terms usually used in the future and conditional. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as of the date they are provided. However, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors that could cause the Company's actual results and financial conditions to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause actual results and financial conditions to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, include among others: general economic, market and business conditions in Canada and globally; market volatility; unforeseen delays in timelines for any of the transactions or events described in this press release; and the risk of regulatory changes that may impact the business of the Company. All forward-looking information is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238274 SOURCE: Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. Acquisition, new Head of APAC appointment, and developing its product offering are all central to supporting the company's growth ambitions LoopMe,a leading technology company that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve brand advertising performance, today announced that the business continues to expand its APAC offering after achieving a fully organic gross revenue CAGR of 40% for the period 2018-2024*, and together with Chartboost, LoopMe has now generated more than $2 billion of gross revenue. As it enters a new phase of development, LoopMe is opening a new regional office, recruiting talent to support its plans, and enhancing the business through acquisition to put it in a strong position in 2025. To achieve LoopMe's APAC ambitions, James Parker has been hired as its new Head of APAC. Based in Singapore, the former Managing Director of South East Asia at MiQ will continue developing the LoopMe business across APAC, particularly in Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Greater China Region. LoopMe has also enhanced its presence in Australia by establishing a new office in Melbourne. Recognizing the opportunities to expand its client base in the Victoria area and beyond, HS Shin has joined as Senior Sales Manager. At the same time, the Sydney office has been bolstered with the arrival of Alicia Placer as Sales Manager to focus on driving growth from agency holding groups and independent shops. This investment follows on from LoopMe's recent purchase of mobile advertising and monetization platform Chartboost. While bringing on board a team of mobile app experts and cutting-edge technology, the acquisition further establishes LoopMe's presence in the mobile app and gaming markets. Recognizing mobile-in app as a key growth area for brand advertising, the deal allows LoopMe to open new opportunities across digital. The acquisition complements its Audience and Measurement platform (AMP) launch last year after several years of development. This allows advertisers to create custom audiences directly from survey data, scale them via LoopMe's AI capabilities, and apply its measurement and optimization tools to track incremental brand lift and conversions for any campaign size. AMP will be important for driving growth in APAC, with a key focus across the region on increasing product integrations with its agency partners. In other product developments, LoopMe has announced that it has had four patents granted in the following areas, with a further nine currently pending: PurchaseLoop Methodology pXY methodology Real-time bidding (bidding methodology) Real-time bidding continuation (extending coverage of bidding methodology) 2024 has been pivotal for our business, opening up a new chapter in our evolution," said Stephen Upstone, CEO and Founder of LoopMe. "Off the back of seven years of consistent and stable organic growth, we have now taken advantage of a strong M&A opportunity to accelerate this. APAC is central to our plans for the business, and we see enormous potential in developing the company across the region by tapping into digital advertising's growth areas. With James joining as the new Head of APAC we are confident that our business in this region will continue its successful expansion; we welcome James, HS and Alicia to the LoopMe team." Notes to Editors A fully organic 40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) on Gross Revenue for the period FY2018-2024, excluding Chartboost. About LoopMe LoopMe is a technology company that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve brand advertising performance and outcomes. LoopMe was the first to apply AI to brand advertising and its Intelligent Marketplace, finding solutions to industry challenges that haven't previously been solved. With consumer insights and AI at its core, LoopMe makes brand advertising better, outperforming industry benchmarks for leading global brands. Our vision is to change advertising for the better, by building technology that will redefine brand advertising. LoopMe was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in the UK, with global offices across New York, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, Dnipro, Krakow, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.loopme.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250123433280/en/ Contacts: loopme@teamgingermay.com NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) disclosed in a regulatory filing on Thursday that its chief executive officer, James Dimon, received an annual compensation of $39.00 million in 2024, an increase of 8.3% from last year's $36.00 million.The annual compensation for 2024 reflects Dimon's stewardship of the Firm, with growth across all of its market-leading lines of business, record financial results and a fortress balance sheet, and continues to demonstrate strong pay-for-performance alignment, the company said in the filing.According to the company, Dimon's total compensation included an annual base salary of $1.50 million and performance-based variable incentive compensation of $37.50 million. $5 million of the variable incentive compensation will be delivered in cash and the remaining $32.50 million will be delivered in the form of at-risk Performance Share Units or 'PSUs'. PSUs tie 100% of Dimon's annual equity-based compensation to ongoing performance metrics, representing 87% of his total variable incentive compensation.Separately, Dimon and his family plan to sell approximately 1 million shares of their JPMorgan stock holdings for financial diversification and tax-planning purposes. After the contemplated sales, Dimon will continue to have a significant stake in the company, with he and his family currently holding approximately 7.5 million shares. He also continues to have unvested Performance.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Barton Gold Holdings Limited (ASX:BGD) ( Barton or the Company ) advises that the Quarterly Activities and Cashflow Report for the quarter ended 31 December 2024 has been released to the market. These reports can be accessed directly via the following links: Quarterly Activities Report Quarterly Cashflow Report Authorised by the Managing Director of Barton Gold Holdings Limited. For further information, please contact: Alexander Scanlon Managing Director a.scanlon@bartongold.com.au +61 425 226 649 Jade Cook Company Secretary cosec@bartongold.com.au +61 8 9322 1587 About Barton Gold Barton Gold is an ASX, OTCQB and Frankfurt Stock Exchange listed Australian gold developer targeting future gold production of 150,000oz annually, with ~1.6Moz Au JORC Mineral Resources (52.3Mt @ 0.94 g/t Au), multiple advanced exploration projects and brownfield mines, and 100% ownership of the only regional gold mill in the renowned central Gawler Craton of South Australia.* Tarcoola Gold Project Existing brownfield open pit mine within trucking distance of Barton's processing plant Under-explored asset with untapped scale potential Tunkillia Gold Project * 1.5Moz Au Mineral Resources (51.3Mt @ 0.91 g/t Au) Scoping Study for competitive ~130kozpa Au mine Infrastructure 650ktpa CIP process plant, mine village, and airstrip Tarcoola ~40 person lodging to support mine operations Tunkillia camp to support dedicated project team Competent Persons Statement & Previously Reported Information The information in this announcement that relates to the historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources as listed in the table below is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by the Competent Person whose name appears in the same row, who is an employee of or independent consultant to the Company and is a Member or Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) or a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO). Each person named in the table below has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he has undertaken to quality as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code 2012 ( JORC ). Activity Competent Person Membership Status Tarcoola Mineral Resource (Stockpiles) Dr Andrew Fowler (Consultant) AusIMM Member Tarcoola Mineral Resource (Perseverance Mine) Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Tarcoola Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021) Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant) AIG Member Tarcoola Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021) Mr Marc Twining (Employee) AusIMM Member Tunkillia Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021) Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant) AIG Member Tunkillia Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021) Mr Marc Twining (Employee) AusIMM Member Tunkillia Mineral Resource Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Challenger Mineral Resource Mr Dale Sims (Consultant) AusIMM / AIG Fellow / Member The information relating to historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources in this announcement is extracted from the Company's Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 or as otherwise noted in this announcement, available from the Company's website at www.bartongold.com.au or on the ASX website www.asx.com.au . The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the Exploration Results and Mineral Resource information included in previous announcements and, in the case of estimates of Mineral Resources, that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates, and any production targets and forecast financial information derived from the production targets, continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the applicable Competent Persons' findings are presented have not been materially modified from the previous announcements. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This document may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "target" and "intend" and statements than an event or result "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information is subject to business, legal and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, risks relating to property interests, the global economic climate, commodity prices, sovereign and legal risks, and environmental risks. Forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and opinions at the date the statements are made. Barton undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for events or circumstances that occur subsequent to such dates or to update or keep current any of the information contained herein. Any estimates or projections as to events that may occur in the future (including projections of revenue, expense, net income and performance) are based upon the best judgment of Barton from information available as of the date of this document. There is no guarantee that any of these estimates or projections will be achieved. Actual results will vary from the projections and such variations may be material. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or representation as to the past or future. Any reliance placed by the reader on this document, or on any forward-looking statement contained in or referred to in this document will be solely at the readers own risk, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. *Refer to Barton Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 and ASX announcements dated 4 March and 16 July 2024. Total Barton JORC (2012) Mineral Resources include 833koz Au (26.9Mt @ 0.96 g/t Au) in Indicated and 754koz Au (25.4Mt @ 0.92 g/t Au) in Inferred categories. SOURCE: Barton Gold Holdings Limited View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire BURBANK (dpa-AFX) - Walt Disney Co. (DIS) disclosed in a regulatory filing that its Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger received a 2024 total compensation that was about 30 percent higher than the prior year.Robert Iger received a total compensation of $41.11 million, including base salary, stock awards and incentives in 2024, compared to the $31.59 million he received in 2023, and $14.998 million he got in 2022.The total compensation received by Robert Iger in 2024 includes $1.00 million as base salary, $18.25 million as stock awards, option awards of $12.00 million, non-Equity incentive plan compensation of $7.22 million and all other compensations of $2.15 million.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - The U.K.'s Ministry of Defence announced a major 9 billion pounds deal with Rolls Royce Holdings plc (RYCEF.PK, RR.L, RYCEY.PK) to enhance support for the Royal Navy's fleet of nuclear submarines. This agreement aims to strengthen national security, foster economic growth, and aligns with the government's Plan for Change.The Defence department stated that the contract with Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd, known as 'Unity,' will create over 1,000 new UK jobs and safeguard an additional 4,000 roles. This eight-year agreement will provide long-term stability for a major British business and enhance resilience and capability across the supply chain.The arrangement will boost efficiency and enable effective risk and opportunity management, with incentives to increase production at no extra cost. Projects under this contract include the construction of Dreadnought Class submarines, among other significant initiatives.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 24, 2025) - Nelson Nigel, the founder of Kidmoto Technologies, has officially announced the launch of Moto Nation, a groundbreaking network of specialized mobility services. This new venture is set to address critical gaps in the transportation industry by catering to underserved markets, including families, healthcare providers, and travel professionals. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11096/238064_d1c6e072e42abacf_001full.jpg The launch itself is a pivotal step in Nigel's ambitious plan to establish a comprehensive national network of specialized mobility services and transportation solutions that prioritize safety, convenience, and accessibility. A Platform for Specialized Mobility Moto Nation serves as the parent company for three innovative brands: Kidmoto, Babymoto, and Busmoto. Each brand focuses on a unique niche within the transportation sector. Kidmoto provides families with safe airport transportation featuring pre-installed child car seats, simplifying travel for parents Babymoto specializes in secure newborn transportation that meets the highest safety standards. Busmoto caters to transporting airline and cruise crews, as well as government logistics for health supplies. Nigel founded Kidmoto in 2017 to solve a pressing issue for traveling families: the lack of safe, convenient transportation with pre-installed child car seats. Kidmoto's innovative app connects families with professionally trained drivers, offering a safe and stress-free solution for airport transportation. The service, currently operating in 58 cities across the United States, has redefined travel for parents. Nigel believes that Moto Nation's goal, while innovative and bold, is also realistic. "We're not competing with rideshare giants," he explained. "Moto Nation is focused on creating impactful solutions for niche markets with unmet needs." Technology at the Core Moto Nation's mobile apps set a new standard for specialized transportation by offering features such as real-time driver tracking, seamless booking, and customizable options. These tools ensure efficiency while enhancing customer experience. Additionally, Moto Nation's technological platform is designed with scalability in mind. Nigel envisions expanding its services beyond transportation, applying the company's expertise - and his own extensive experience - to logistics and procurement solutions for government sectors and other industries. A Bold Vision for Growth Moto Nation's launch coincides with plans to expand its services to 20 additional cities, supported by a growing network of trained drivers and advanced infrastructure. By addressing the unique needs of underserved populations, Moto Nation is positioning itself as a leader in the trillion-dollar transportation sector. "Even a small slice of this market offers immense growth potential," Nigel stated. "Moto Nation isn't just about mobility; it's about creating better, safer experiences for everyone we serve." Curious about Moto Nation? Visit the official site for more info. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238064 SOURCE: The Empathy Firm Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 24, 2025) - ULURU Lighting, a leader in innovative lighting design, is proud to announce the launch of its latest collection of modern chandeliers and pendant lights, seamlessly blending the timeless principles of Wabi-Sabi aesthetics with contemporary craftsmanship. This new line aims to transform spaces into sanctuaries of elegance and harmony, setting a benchmark for luxury lighting in 2025 and beyond. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection, the new collection highlights natural forms, subtle textures, and muted tones that resonate with modern sensibilities. The collection includes statement pieces such as a modern dining room chandelier that combines artisanal design with functional sophistication, perfect for creating a serene ambiance. "Our goal with this collection is to offer more than just lighting; we aim to craft works of art that enhance the essence of a space," said Liam Liam, spokesperson for ULURU Lighting. "Luxury lighting is not just about illumination; it's about evoking emotions, redefining the atmosphere, and shaping how we interact with our environments." The collection also introduces modern pendant lights for kitchen islands, catering to homeowners seeking both practicality and aesthetic appeal. These versatile pieces merge cutting-edge LED technology with handcrafted details, providing energy-efficient solutions without compromising on style. As the interior design industry evolves, luxury lighting is emerging as a central element in creating distinctive, personalized spaces. ULURU Lighting's new collection aligns with this trend, offering design-forward options that integrate seamlessly into diverse interiors. From opulent dining areas to minimalist kitchens, these modern chandeliers serve as transformative elements, blending form and function to redefine contemporary living. About ULURU Lighting ULURU Lighting specializes in custom-designed chandeliers and pendant lights that embody artistic innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. Rooted in Melbourne, Australia, the company is dedicated to creating lighting solutions that celebrate beauty, sustainability, and individuality. Each piece is meticulously crafted to inspire and elevate interior spaces. For more information about ULURU Lighting's new collection and its design philosophy, visit ulurulighting.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238294 SOURCE: Economical Network Arlington, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 24, 2025) - Edge Total Intelligence Inc. (TSXV: CTRL) (OTCQB: UNFYF) (FSE: Q5I) ("edgeTI", "Company"), a leading provider of Real-Time Digital Operations software, is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting at the upcoming WEST Conference, to be held in San Diego, CA on January 28-30, 2025. "We are excited to be participating in AFCEA West 2025 to discuss our unique Digital Twin and secure Data Mesh capabilities with the AFCEA community," said Jacques Jarman, CRO of edgeTI. "We are no longer in a position of guaranteed superiority. Our warfighters require new capabilities to turn data into actionable decision-ready knowledge at the speed of relevance. I look forward to discussing how we address that challenge by providing commanders with the capability to achieve the data socialization requirements of CJADC2* at a fraction of the cost of legacy tools within weeks." edgeTI will be showcasing its TRL9 (highest readiness level) industry-leading Digital Twin and secure Data Mesh edgeCore platform to attendees in Booth 1048. When deployed, edgeCore enables enterprises to move at a velocity greater than what is required to win and accelerate the achievement of mission objectives - both ahead of schedule and dramatically under budget. Organizations can securely leverage their data assets and mission systems across domains to provide a purpose-built Data Mesh to drive AI/ML adoption in a fraction of the time of traditional integration efforts - typically within weeks. edgeCore is a uniquely innovative, patented, COTS, Built-For-Purpose platform that allows organizations to create a real-time Data Mesh without costly and time-consuming investments in addition data repositories. Today's AI/ML solutions need real-time data feeds, typically from multiple enterprise solutions, in very specific formats. There is no shortage of data, there is often too much data, in the form of redundant copies stored in countless data warehouses and data lakes. Traditional solutions require combining data in new data repositories to break down data silos to provide AI/ML ready data feeds. Unfortunately, that method rarely results in a comprehensive solution and almost always takes much longer to implement than originally estimated. edgeCore is a better, faster, more secure, and more cost-effective alternative. * CJADC2 stands for Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control. It's a Department of Defense (DoD) concept that integrates military data and operations across all domains. The goal is to give warfighters a decision advantage by making information accessible in real time. About WEST WEST connects the industry professionals who design and build the platforms, equipment and weapons with the designers of communications and technical systems. To complete their missions successfully, more than 150,000 professionals in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who live in the San Diego area depend on the open discussions and valuable networking WEST provides. Senior military and government officials talk directly to the operators to gain valuable feedback directly from them. Industry leaders attend because they can connect with decision makers and operators over the three-day event. About edgeTI edgeTI helps customers sustain situational awareness and accelerate action with its real-time digital operations software, edgeCore that unites multiple software applications and data sources into one immersive experience called a Digital Twin. Global enterprises, service providers, and governments are more profitable when insight and action are united to deliver fluid journeys via the platform's low-code development capability and composable operations. With edgeCore, customers can improve their margins and agility by rapidly transforming siloed systems and data across continuously evolving situations in business, technology, and cross-domain operations - helping them achieve the impossible. Website: https://ir.edgeti.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/edgeti YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/edgetechnologies Forward-Looking Information and Statements Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements or information for the purposes of applicable Canadian and US securities law. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to business, economic and capital market conditions. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the competition and general economic, and market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238261 SOURCE: Edge Total Intelligence Inc. Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and Vena Energy announced today that their joint offshore wind project, Taean Wind Power, has been awarded an offtake contract in the 2024 Wind Power Fixed-Price Contract Auction arranged by the Korea Energy Agency (KEA) SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Taean Wind Power project, a fixed-bottom offshore wind project with a planned capacity of 500 MW, is targeting to commence construction in the second half of 2026, with commercial operations anticipated by late 2029. CIP, through its flagship fund Copenhagen Infrastructure V, acquired a 49% stake in Taean Wind Power in late 2024 and will develop the project jointly with Vena Energy. Kwangjin Cheong, Representative Director of Taean Wind Power, expressed his commitment, stating: "Reaching this milestone emphasizes our dedication to delivering clean, sustainable energy to our local communities. We extend our gratitude to our stakeholders and partners, including the Government, Taean County, our supply chain collaborators, residents and fisheries for their invaluable support. Together, we are focused on ensuring the success of this project, fostering local engagement, and contributing meaningfully to Korea's energy transition, engineering a greener future for generations." The Taean Offshore Wind Project is designed to deliver significant economic and environmental benefits, revitalizing the local economy, creating meaningful job opportunities, and enhancing the resilience of the local supply chain. Collaborating with key stakeholders including LS Cable & System, a globally renowned leader in cable technology from Korea, as the preferred cable supplier, Taean Wind Power unites industry leaders in offshore wind development, supply, construction, and operations. This collective expertise establishes a robust foundation to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 300,000 Korean households annually. The project represents a pivotal step toward increasing domestic and independent green energy production, contributing to Korea's national renewable energy goals. Vena Energy's technical capabilities are at the forefront of renewable energy innovation in the Asia-Pacific region, with expertise in the design, development, and execution of large-scale solar, wind, and battery storage projects. Leveraging in-depth regional knowledge and technical proficiency, Vena Energy ensures efficient and sustainable project development and delivery, while fostering strong collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring continuity and alignment with local market needs. CIP has been a leading player in Korea's offshore wind sector since entering the Korean market in 2018. CIP is currently developing approximately 5 GW of offshore wind projects in Korea, including Jeonnam Offshore Wind 1, the country's first commercial-scale offshore wind project, led by the private sector. CIP's extensive experience in managing the complex nature of risks in building large-scale offshore wind farms, as well as its strong collaboration with local supply chains, authorities, and communities, will contribute to successfully delivering Taean Wind Power. Thomas Wibe Poulsen, Partner at CIP, said: "Taean represents an attractive opportunity to increase our offshore wind footprint in Korea. We look forward to completing this exciting project together with our new partners at Vena Energy who, with a strong track record of developing green energy solutions across the APAC region, is a great match for us. The participation in the Taean project will further strengthen and diversify CI V's investment portfolio and support our ambition of securing attractive risk-adjusted returns for our investors." Simone Grasso, Chief Investment Officer of Vena Energy, highlighted the strength of this partnership: "Taean Wind Power represents a significant step forward in advancing Korea's energy independence and decarbonisation goals, and we are proud to partner with CIP to bring this project to life. By combining our respective capabilities and expertise, we are paving the way for the successful delivery of this landmark project, contributing to Korea's green energy transition. We look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to position Korea as a global leader in the offshore wind sector and to deliver meaningful and lasting economic benefits for the country." South Korea has significant potential for offshore wind and is one of the most promising markets in Asia Pacific, with an ambitious target of 14.3GW installed capacity by 2030. The country has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 which will require delivery of additional large-scale renewables including offshore wind projects. About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Founded in 2012, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S (CIP) today is the world's largest dedicated fund manager within greenfield renewable energy investments and a global leader in offshore wind. The funds managed by CIP focus on investments in offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, biomass and energy-from-waste, transmission and distribution, reserve capacity, storage, advanced bioenergy, and Power-to-X. CIP manages 12 funds and has to date raised approximately EUR 31 billion for investments in energy and associated infrastructure from more than 180 international institutional investors. CIP has approximately 500 employees and 14 offices around the world. For more information, visit www.cip.com About Vena Energy Vena Energy, a leading green energy solutions provider in the Asia Pacific region, is accelerating the transition to sustainable and affordable renewable energy that delivers lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits to our host communities and stakeholders. We provide green energy and digital solutions to our customers, which are powered by a renewable energy portfolio of Onshore Wind, Solar, and Offshore Wind projects totaling 39 GW and a green infrastructure pipeline including 24GWh of BESS, 620MW DC of Data Centres, and 0.8MTPA of Green Hydrogen and Ammonia. With an extensive local presence of over 1,000 employees across 80 corporate and site offices globally, Vena Energy endeavors to drive the broader adoption of low-carbon energy, thereby contributing to the goal of combatting climate change and engineering a greener future. For more information, please visit www.venaenergy.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese brands are an increasingly significant share of the global US$809 billion consumer electronics industry in 2024. Despite high competition in this field, Chinese electronics companies are making major headway thanks to their fast innovation, improving quality, competitive pricing, and highly efficient supply chains. Global commerce and platform solution provider SHOPLINE recently hosted the "Super Brand Acceleration Camp" forum for hundreds of these up-and-coming consumer electronics brands from China aimed at better preparing them for success in international markets. Singapore-based SHOPLINE is a global SaaS provider of integrated commerce solutions, most often helping brands sell to customers in international markets. A major sector of SHOPLINE's 600,000 merchant customers is Chinese consumer electronics brands with sales in international markets such as North America and Europe. A notable success story is from SHARGE, a premium power supply & data storage solutions brand with some of the most innovative and attractive products in this highly competitive space. "SHOPLINE's scaleable solution and expertise are invaluable, allowing us to focus on what matters most: our customers," says Ryan, CMO of SHARGE. In working with SHOPLINE and adopting specialized page design and transaction processes, SHARGE was able to increase direct and organic traffic for their website sales by nearly 74% and double their profit margins compared to Amazon. SHOPLINE has proven effective for businesses of all sizes and across diverse industries, as demonstrated by iFLYTEK's successful global expansion. "As a leading AI company, iFLYTEK demands a reliable and innovative partner. With SHOPLINE's unified commerce solution, we successfully expand our reach into new markets globally and consistently exceed our expectations," states Wesley, Overseas Marketing Director of iFLYTEK AI Marketing Business Group. Other companies presenting at the Super Brand Acceleration Camp were yoose (MINI electric shaver), iFLYTEK (simultaneous translators and recorders), Kodai Industries (power banks), Angry Miao (innovative mechanical keyboards), OUTASK (outdoor lifestyle equipment), and AceGamer (Wireless Controller for PS4). Despite the significant advantages they hold, challenges remain for these Chinese brands to find success in mature global markets. SHOPLINE works to empower brands with tools like fast website deployment, real-time performance analytics, and CRM-powered loyalty programs to build long-term customer relationships, along with guidance for innovation and brand differentiation. Innovation that is backed by strong brand differentiation is crucial in these often mature and developed markets against many legacy brands. As SHOPLINE solution expert Rita Ge explains, "Product innovation is the cornerstone of a brand's continued prosperity. Long-term success is inseparable from this continuous innovation." SHOPLINE is unlocking new global opportunities for these brands with cutting-edge digital commerce solutions that position them for success in international markets. At the event, SHOPLINE also released its latest "Consumer Electronics International Market Solutions" compendium that serves as a guide and resource for helping these brands succeed with SHOPLINE. Even with all the advantages these companies hold, success internationally is not a given, and it takes smart planning, continuous innovation, and the right partnerships to get the right product in front of the right consumer at the right time. SHOPLINE is determined to make this happen better than ever for these Chinese consumer electronics brands in 2025. SHOPLINE also has a large presence at CES 2025, highlighting its solutions to help brands optimize sales in these important markets. About SHOPLINE Founded in 2013, SHOPLINE is a leading and rapidly growing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider, empowering retailers to level up their commerce, helping them to sell, market, and operate their business. SHOPLINE offers comprehensive unified commerce solutions for merchants, including e-commerce, social commerce, point-of-sale, and customer relationship management suite. SHOPLINE's open architecture and thriving partner ecosystem provide cutting-edge technologies that help merchants succeed in today's competitive market. Trusted by over 600,000 merchants, SHOPLINE serves esteemed brands such as In The Style, Peter Jackson, Lush, Sunnystep, and many more worldwide. Headquartered in Singapore, SHOPLINE operates globally with a dedicated team of approximately 2,000 employees. Learn more at www.shopline.com CONTACT: Queenie Yao, yaoqinyi@shopline.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2603421/image_5028453_15664188.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/shopline-gathers-leading-electronics-to-spur-global-sales-in-2025-302359266.html At the extraordinary general meeting (the "EGM") in Freemelt Holding AB (publ) (the "Company") on Friday 24 January 2025, the following resolutions were adopted: Resolution on amendment to the articles of association The EGM resolved, in accordance with the board of directors' proposal, on an amendment to the articles of association with respect to the limits on the Company's share capital and number of shares ( 4 and 5) as set out below. The share capital must be a minimum of SEK 6,000,000 and a maximum of SEK 24,000,000. The number of shares shall be a minimum of 120,000,000 and a maximum of 480,000,000. All shares are of the same class. The share capital must be a minimum of SEK 24,000,000 and a maximum of SEK 48,000,000. The number of shares shall be a minimum of 480,000,000 and a maximum of 960,000,000. All shares are of the same class. The share capital must be a minimum of SEK 24,000,000 and a maximum of SEK 96,000,000. The number of shares shall be a minimum of 480,000,000 and a maximum of 1,920,000,000. All shares are of the same class. The share capital must be a minimum of SEK 96,000,000 and a maximum of SEK 384,000,000. The number of shares shall be a minimum of 1,920,000,000 and a maximum of 7,680,000,000. All shares are of the same class. The EGM further resolved to authorise the board of directors to submit for registration with the Swedish Companies Registration Office, the articles of association which limits for the minimum and maximum number of shares and share capital in the Company are compatible with the total number of shares and share capital in the Company after the board of directors has resolved on a new issue of shares and warrants with preferential rights for the Company's shareholders on the basis of the issue authorisation as set out below (including any related issues of shares and warrants with deviation from the shareholders' preferential rights, which may be carried out in order to fulfill the Company's commitment to pay guarantee commission in the form of shares and warrants in accordance with the aforementioned rights issue). The EGM further resolved, in accordance with the board of directors' proposal, that the board of directors shall have its seat in the municipality of Gothenburg. Resolution on issue authorisation The EGM resolved, in accordance with the board of directors' proposal, to authorise the board of directors to, on one or more occasions, during the period until the next annual general meeting, resolve on issues of new shares and/or warrants, with or without preferential rights for the Company's existing shareholders. The Company's share capital and number of shares may, by virtue of the authorisation, be increased with an amount and number that falls within the limits of the, at any time registered, or by the general meeting adopted, articles of association. New issues may be made against cash payment, in kind and/or through set-off, or otherwise be subject to conditions. As previously communicated, the board of directors intends to resolve on a rights issue of units of approximately SEK 100 million on or around 27 January 2025. Contacts For more information, please contact: Daniel Gidlund, CEO daniel.gidlund@freemelt.com 070-246 45 01 Certified Advisor Eminova Fondkomission AB adviser@eminova.se About Us Founded in 2017 by a team of experienced engineers, Freemelt develops advanced 3D printers for metal components and is based in Gothenburg, Sweden. Freemelt primarily serves companies in the defense, energy, and medical technology sectors in Europe and the U.S., helping them innovate and improve production efficiency. Freemelt's modular printers, designed for industrial applications, support complex geometries and high-performance materials, such as tungsten for defense and energy applications and titanium for medical implants. Backed by strategic investors, Freemelt is well-positioned for continued growth as it advances into the next phase of commercialization. Read more at www.freemelt.com BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - German stocks are modestly higher Friday morning, extending recent gains. Data showing unexpected jump in German manufacturing and services sector activity in the month of January, and encouraging euro area manufacturing activity report are aiding sentiment.Investors are also reacting positively to U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trump's remarks have helped ease worries about tariffs a bit, and raised hopes of some monetary easing by the Fed.The benchmark DAX was up 65.91 or about 0.31% at 21,483.84 a little while ago.Automobile stocks are finding support amid slightly easing concerns about tariffs. BMW, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz are gaining 2.9 to 3.1%. Volkswagen is up 2% and Daimler Truck Holding is advancing 1%.BASF is up nearly 3%. Deutsche Post, Rheinmetall, Infineon, HeidelbergCement, Zalando, Bayer, Siemens Energy and Merck are up 1 to 2%.MTU Aero Engines is declining 4.7%. Qiagen is down 1.7% and Deutsche Telekom is lower by about 1%.Data from S&P Global showed the HCOB Flash Germany Composite PMI unexpectedly jumped to a 7-month high of 50.1 in January 2025, the highest since June 2024, compared to 48 in December. The reading was expected to come in at 48.8.The HCOB Germany Manufacturing PMI rose to an 8-month high of 44.1 in January 2025, up from 42.5 in December, while the Services PMI climbed to a six-month high of 52.5 in January, from 51.2 a month earlier.The HCOB Eurozone Composite PMI rose to 50.2 in January of 2025 from 49.6 in the previous month. That was higher than the forecast for a 49.7 score. The HCOB Flash Eurozone Manufacturing PMI rose to 46.1 in January 2025 from 45.1 in December, while the Services PMI edged down to 51.4 in January, from 51.6 a month earlier.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. EQS Newswire / 24/01/2025 / 17:57 UTC+8 With Chinese New Year approaching, Macao is seeing a surge in visitors from the Chinese mainland. The Macao Government Tourism Office expects an average of 185,000 visitors per day during the Chinese New Year holiday and anticipates as many as 39 million visitors for the entire year. To celebrate the Chinese New Year travel season, Alipay and Macau Pass have expanded their partnership, bringing Alipay Tap! to more commercial districts and tourist attractions across Macao. This provides visitors with a more convenient payment and better consumer experience. Since the pioneer launch of Alipay Tap! at Sands Resorts Macao on January 14th, the service has expanded to cover over 1,000 merchant stores in Macao, spanning restaurants, retail, tourist attractions, and more, making it easier for tourists to shop across Macao. Alipay Tap! is also available at popular tourist destinations, including the Ruins of St. Paul's, Rua da Cunha, and Portas do Cerco, as well as key commercial areas, enabling tourists to make payments easily while enjoying travelling. Alipay Tap! not only offers convenient payment but also offers economical discounts. Alipay Tap! provides Macao-exclusive offers during Chinese New Year, including a RMB 2 discount on each transaction (up to 10 transactions) and discounts up to RMB 98 after fulfilling spending requirements. Furthermore, users can collect coupons in Alipay's app for discounts up to RMB 888 on their first 10 transactions, bringing various promotions from different merchants to consumers.1 The launch and expansion of Alipay Tap! in Macao also unlock business potential. Since the launch of Alipay Tap!, merchants using Alipay Tap! have seen record-breaking transaction volumes. Merchants stated that Alipay Tap! significantly improves operational efficiency during peak periods. Combined with marketing promotions and convenient payment methods, customers are more motivated to shop, leading to a significant growth in both total transaction volume and revenue. Looking ahead, Alipay and Macau Pass aim to further integrate their partnership and expand Alipay Tap! across Macao and provide more local services, including "Tap to Order" and "Tap to Open Self-service Vending Machine". This will provide more convenient payment options for both tourists and merchants by leveraging technology to empower them. By utilising Macau Pass's digital capabilities and ecosystem resources to further integrate terminals, benefits, and membership, creating a benchmark for a digital business model with local characteristics. This will also accelerate the digital transformation of Macao businesses, driving the development of the digital economy and promoting digital life interconnectivity within the Greater Bay Area. 24/01/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com Saudi Arabia's delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting today shared its strategy for rewriting the economic playbook during several key sessions, including one led by the Kingdom on its economic transformation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250124094652/en/ His Excellency Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning (Photo: AETOSWire) In the session titled 'Saudi Arabia's Economic Shifts', His Excellency Mohammed A. Aljadaan, Minister of Finance, described the main forces driving the Kingdom's transformation: "The whole nation has been mobilized behind Saudi Vision 2030. There's a very clear vision that the people, the business community, and the government are all driving towards. We have a leadership that takes a long-term view, prepared to make tough decisions, and to be consistent." Earlier, in 'The Road Ahead for Scaling AI', His Excellency Abdullah A. Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, outlined the Kingdom's efforts to foster global dialogue to drive inclusive progress. He said: "The Kingdom today, in Davos, is working with like-minded partners, innovators and policymakers to see how we can leverage our competitive advantage and our position to serve humanity and fuel the AI economy in this age." His Excellency Bandar I. Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, participated in the session 'Next-Gen Industrial Infrastructure'. He said: "Today what we are doing in Saudi Arabia, in terms of our aspiration to diversify our economy, can be enabled with technology. Through the efforts of the government today, it is very clear we are prioritizing digital infrastructure and connectivity. We believe manufacturing is an important sector for growing the economy and we are committed to building the technologies that will shape its future." His Excellency Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning: "We're all seeking engines of growth. The Kingdom's story is an example of how transformation is an engine of growth. Despite the tepid twenties, the Kingdom has been able to fire up new engines of growth and keep moving forward." The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY) announced that Jubail Industrial City has become the first city in the region to join WEF's Transitioning Industrial Clusters to Sustainable Development initiative. Launched by WEF at Davos 2025 in collaboration with Accenture and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the initiative aims to accelerate the decarbonization of industrial clusters. The Research, Development, and Innovation Authority has published a special report on the "Saudi Arabia's Markets of Tomorrow Accelerator". An initiative launched in collaboration with WEF's Accelerator Network. The report highlights the initiative's efforts to drive economic transformation through innovative, entrepreneurship-focused solutions, while outlining its vision for fostering the growth of key emerging markets in the Kingdom. It also explores how the initiative is tackling challenges and accelerating development to align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250124094652/en/ Contacts: Wooud Alquaied walquaied@mep.gov.sa WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump has signed an Executive Order establishing the Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets to strengthen U.S. leadership in digital finance and to establish regulatory clarity for digital financial technology.The Working Group will be tasked with developing a Federal regulatory framework governing digital assets, including stablecoins, and evaluating the creation of a strategic national digital assets stockpile.The panel will be chaired by the White House AI & Crypto Czar and include the Secretary of the Treasury, the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the heads of other relevant departments and agencies.The White House AI & Crypto Czar will engage leading experts in digital assets and digital markets to ensure that the actions of the Working Group are informed by expertise beyond the Government.The Executive Order directs departments and agencies with identifying and making recommendations to the Working Group on any regulations and other agency actions affecting the digital assets sector that requires to be rescinded or modified.The Order prohibits agencies from undertaking any action to establish, issue, or promote central bank digital currencies.The White House said that President Trump is fulfilling his promise to make the United States the 'crypto capital of the planet.'He will 'help make the United States the center of digital financial technology innovation by halting aggressive enforcement actions and regulatory overreach that have stifled crypto innovation under previous administrations'.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump has announced the establishment of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, or PCAST, to spearhead American innovation and competitiveness in critical and emerging technologies.PCAST will include up to 24 members, with representation from leading American scientists and technologists from industry, academia, and government.The Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and the White House A.I. and Crypto Czar will co-chair PCAST.The remaining members will be distinguished individuals with diverse perspectives and expertise in science, technology, education, and innovation.The council will provide advice and evidence-based recommendations to the President to ensure that policies are informed by the latest scientific discoveries and technological advancements.It will also provide the President with scientific and technical information that is needed to inform public policy relating to the American economy, the American worker, national and homeland security, and other topics.'This council will champion bold investments in innovation, the elimination of bureaucratic barriers, and actions to help the United States remain the world's premier hub for scientific and technological breakthroughs,' the White House said.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump has ordered an immediate review of the records relating to the assassinations of John F Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. and present a plan for their full release.Thursday, Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Director of National Intelligence and other appropriate officials to present a plan within 15 days for the complete release of all records concerning the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy.The Presidential order also requires an immediate review of the records relating to the assassination of former Senator Robert F. Kennedy and human rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and present a plan for their full release within 45 days.The Executive Order establishes the policy that, more than 50 years after these assassinations, the victims' families and the American people deserve to know the truth.In his first term, President Trump ordered agencies to move toward disclosing more information about the John F. Kennedy assassination.In October 2017 and April 2018 certifications, President Trump directed agencies to reevaluate redactions and disclose any information that no longer warranted withholding.President Joe Biden delayed disclosure in 2021, 2022, and 2023.Trump promised during his campaign to release the JFK files 'to give Americans the truth'.Three of the most consequential assassinations in U.S. history occurred during the 1960's.The youngest U.S.President, John F Kennedy was killed while driving through Dallas on November 22, 1963. He was fatally shot from the nearby Texas School Book Depository by Lee Harvey Oswald, a former U.S. Marine. The assassin was shot dead two days later.one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr. was fatally shot at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968. The King family and others believe that the assassination was the result of a conspiracy involving the U.S. government, the mafia, and Memphis police.John F Kennedy's brother Robert F Kennedy was assassinated while running for president in California on June 5, 1968. Kennedy's assassination prompted the Secret Service to protect presidential candidates. Additionally, it led to several conspiracy theories.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Actinogen Medical is an ASX-listed Australian biotech developing its lead asset, emestedastat (Xanamem), a specific and selective 11-HSD1 inhibitor designed to prevent excess cortisol production in the brain and thereby reduce the progression of chronic neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Xanamem has also shown therapeutic activity in the treatment of major depressive disorder. In this interview, managing director and CEO Dr Steven Gourlay discusses how Xanamem's mechanism of action targeting cortisol differs from other approaches used to slow the progression of AD. He elaborates on the company's ongoing Phase IIb/III XanaMIA study assessing the drug in AD as well as the robust evidence surrounding the use of the pTau-181 blood biomarker to qualify patients in this trial. Dr Gourlay highlights the company's meaningful upcoming milestones ... Den vollstandigen Artikel lesen ... The procurement aims to improve the reliability of Moldova's grid, facilitate energy trade with neighboring Romania and Ukraine, and support the integration of locally produced renewable energy. From ESS News The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova has launched a tender for 75 MW of battery energy storage, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening its energy security. The procurement is launched by USAID through the Moldova Energy Security Activity (MESA) in partnership with the Ministry of Energy. This first phase of the tender is procuring a 30 MW energy storage system, ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. DC Healthcare Holdings Berhad ("DC Healthcare" or the "Group"), a medical aesthetic services provider specialising in the provision of non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures, proudly announces the launch of DC Academy, a state-of-the-art training center dedicated to advancing the skills of professionals in the medical aesthetic industry. Alongside this milestone, the Group introduces DC Academy's new tagline, "Master The Art, Safety At Heart", which reflects the Group's commitment to fostering talent and ensuring excellence across its operations. DC Academy is situated at the strategic location in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, marking a significant step in DC Healthcare's efforts to enhance the professional development of medical aesthetic practitioners. The academy is equipped with the latest medical technologies and is staffed by seasoned instructors with over 15 years of industry experience, ensuring that all training programs meet the highest standards of quality and relevance. Dr. Chong Tze Sheng, Managing Director of DC Healthcare said, "The establishment of DC Academy marks a milestone in our mission to elevate the medical aesthetic industry in Malaysia. By providing rigorous training and certification, we are shaping the future of medical aesthetic care, emphasizing safety and excellence." DC Academy will offer a comprehensive range of courses, including a specialized program in Aesthetic Therapy Level 4, certified by the Department of Skills Development under the Ministry of Human Resources, through the National Dual Training System Programme (Sistem Latihan Dual Nasional, or 'SLDN'). This makes DC Academy the first clinic-based institution in Malaysia to offer a diploma-level program specifically tailored to the medical aesthetic industry. With the ability to enroll up to 20 students at a time, DC Academy aims to become a cornerstone of professional education in the medical aesthetic sector. The academy's programs are designed not only to enhance technical skills but also to instill best practices that prioritise patient safety and care. As DC Healthcare continues to expand its footprint across Malaysia, the addition of DC Academy reinforces the Group's dedication to comprehensive healthcare excellence and its vision to be a leader in the rapidly growing medical aesthetic industry. ABOUT DC HEALTHCARE HOLDINGS BERHAD - "In safety we commit" DC Healthcare Holdings Berhad ("DC Healthcare" or the "Company") is a leading medical aesthetic and wellness healthcare provider specialising in the provision of non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures. Their business segments are divided into three services, which are medical aesthetic services, general medical services and slimming services which are carried out under the brands Dr Chong Clinic and Dr Chong Slimming respectively. The Group develops skincare products through its subsidiary, Ten Doctors Sdn Bhd, under the trading brand NewB. DC Healthcare currently has a presence across the entire Peninsular Malaysia. For more information, visit www.dchealthcareholdings.com. Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of DC Healthcare Holdings Berhad For more information, please contact: Jazmin Wan Email: j.wan@swanconsultancy.biz Xinyi Ching Email: x.ching@swanconsultancy.biz SOURCE: DC Healthcare Holdings Berhad View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire HOUSTON, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American National Group Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: ANG PRA) today announced that the Company will redeem (the "Redemption") all the 16,000 outstanding shares of its 5.95% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Series A Preferred Stock") and the corresponding 16,000,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in one share of Series A Preferred Stock (the "Depositary Shares"), on February 24, 2025 (the "Redemption Date"). The Depositary Shares will be redeemed for a redemption price equal to $25.00 per Depositary Share (equivalent to $25,000 per share of Series A Preferred Stock) plus an amount equal to any declared but unpaid dividends and the portion of the quarterly dividend attributable to 1/1,000th of a share of Series A Preferred Stock to the then-current dividend period that has not been declared and paid to, but excluding, the Redemption Date (the "Redemption Price"). The Depositary Shares are held through The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") and will be redeemed in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC. Payment to DTC for the Depositary Shares will be made by Computershare Inc., the Company's redemption agent (the "Redemption Agent"), in accordance with the terms set forth in the Redemption Agent Agreement that governs the redemption of the Depositary Shares. All questions about the notice of redemption and related materials should be directed to the Redemption Agent at the following address and phone number: Computershare Inc. Attention: Corporate Actions Department 150 Royall Street Canton, MA 02021 Tel: 1-800-546-5141 Upon the Redemption, no Series A Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares will remain outstanding, and all rights with respect to such stock or depositary shares will cease and terminate except only the right of the holders of the Depositary Shares to receive the Redemption Price, without interest. The information contained in this press release does not constitute a notice of redemption with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares. Investors in the Depositary Shares should contact the bank or broker through which they hold a beneficial interest in the Depositary Shares for information about obtaining the Redemption Price for the Depositary Shares in which they have a beneficial interest. In connection with the Redemption, the Company intends to delist the Depositary Shares from the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and to deregister the Depositary Shares from registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Company intends to request that NYSE file with the SEC a notification of removal from listing and registration on Form 25 to effect the delisting of all of the Depositary Shares from NYSE. In addition, after the Redemption Date, the Company intends to file a certification on Form 15 with the SEC requesting the termination of registration of all of the Depositary Shares. Deregistration of the Depositary Shares is expected to become effective 90 days after the Form 15 is filed. ABOUT AMERICAN NATIONAL GROUP INC. American National Group Inc. offers a broad array of insurance products and services through its operating subsidiaries, American National and American Equity Life. Operating across 50 U.S. states, the group's customer offering includes annuities, personal and commercial property and casualty insurance and life insurance. For more information, please visit AmericanNational.com/home/about-us/investor-relations. Forward-Looking Statements All statements contained in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events and do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They may relate to markets for our products, trends in our operations or financial results, strategic alternatives, future operations, strategies, plans, partnerships, investments, share buybacks and other financial developments. They use words and terms such as "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "can," "continue," "could," "enable," "estimate," "expect," "foreseeable," "goal," "improve," "intend," "likely," "may," "model," "objective," "opportunity," "outlook," "plan," "potential," "project," "remain," "risk," "seek," "should," "strategy," "target," "will," "would," and other words and terms of similar meaning or that are otherwise tied to future periods or future performance, in each case in all forms of speech and derivative forms, or similar words, as well as any projections of future events or results. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to a variety of assumptions, risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected. Many of these risks and uncertainties cannot be controlled by the Company. Factors that may cause our actual decisions or results to differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements include, among other things, the factors set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as updated by the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 and any other documents we file with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement was made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements except as required by law. There can be no assurance that other factors not currently disclosed or anticipated by the Company will not materially adversely affect our results of operations or plans. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. Contact: Steven Schwartz Treasurer, Head of Investor Relations 888-221-1234 ext. 3763 sschwartz@american-equity.com Not for release or distribution in the United States or through any U.S. newswire service VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marimaca Copper Corp. ("Marimaca" or the "Company") (TSX: MARI) is pleased to announce that the Company has lodged a prospectus (the "Prospectus") with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission ("ASIC") in relation to its proposed listing on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX"). Under the Prospectus, the Company will offer one hundred (100) common shares in the Company (the "Shares") in the form of CHESS Depository Interests ("CDIs") at an issue price of A$6.00 per CDI to raise gross proceeds of A$600 (the "Offer"). Each CDI will represent one underlying Share. The Prospectus will also enable the Company to comply with the admission requirements of Chapters 1 and 2 of the ASX Listing Rules, as part of its application for admission to the official list of ASX. The Offer is expected to open on or around Tuesday, 4 February 2025, and is expected to close on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, with the expected commencement of trading of CDIs on the ASX to be on or around Thursday, 13 March 2025. The net proceeds raised pursuant to the dual listing on the ASX will be used for Marimaca's general working capital purposes, including to partially cover the costs of the Offer. The Company has absolute discretion regarding the allocation of CDIs to applicants under the Offer and may reject an application or allocate a lesser number of CDIs than applied for by the applicant. The Company also reserves the right to aggregate any applications that it believes may be multiple applications for the same person. A copy of the Prospectus will be available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile. However, the Offer is only open to investors who are invited by the Company to participate and with a registered address in Australia. Investors outside Australia (including Canadian residents) may not participate. The dual listing is subject to regulatory approval and market conditions. In accordance with section 734(6) of the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Company advises in respect of the Offer of CDIs under the Prospectus: the issuer of the CDIs is Marimaca Copper Corp. ARBN 683 017 094; the Prospectus is available online for Australian residents only at www.marimaca.com or by contacting the Company by email at marimaca@tavistock.co.uk; the offer of CDIs will only be made in, or accompanied by, a copy of the Prospectus; a person should consider the Prospectus in deciding whether to acquire the CDIs; anyone who wishes to acquire the CDIs will need to complete the application form that will be in, or will accompany, the Prospectus; the offer of CDIs under the Prospectus will only be made available to persons receiving the Prospectus in Australia; and the offer of CDIs under the Prospectus will not be available to residents of Canada. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Hayden Locke, President & CEO, commented: "As we move closer to a construction decision for the Marimaca Oxide Deposit (the "MOD"), and continue our aggressive exploration plans, a broader pool of capital will become increasingly important to our Company. We believe a dual listing on the ASX complements and enhances the strong support we have received from our TSX shareholder base." "Our development strategy continues to gain momentum. We have submitted our permit application for the MOD and expect to have more clarity on anticipated timelines towards the end of February 2025, following reception of the first pronouncement by the authorities over our submission. The Definitive Feasibility Study is progressing, and we expect it to be finalized in Q2 of 2025 with its release to the market thereafter. We also continue to add high quality personnel to our expanding Owner's Team as we continue the transition from explorer to developer in preparation for a construction decision." "In parallel, we will be following up on the exciting results of our recent step out exploration program at Pampa Medina Norte. We believe it offers considerable potential catalysts, particularly around growth in our mineral inventory, for our shareholders over the short to medium term." About Marimaca Copper Corp. Marimaca Copper Corp. is a copper exploration and development company focused on its 100%-owned flagship Marimaca Copper Project and surrounding exploration properties located in Antofagasta Region, Chile. The Marimaca Copper Project hosts the MOD, an IOCG-type copper deposit. The Company is currently progressing the Marimaca Copper Project through the DFS, led by Ausenco Chile Ltd. In parallel, the Company is exploring its extensive land package in the Antofagasta region, including the >15,000ha wholly-owned Sierra de Medina property block, located 25km from the MOD. Contact Information For further information please visit www.marimaca.com or contact: Tavistock +44 (0) 207 920 3150 Emily Moss / Ruairi Miller marimaca@tavistock.co.uk Forward-looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including, without limitation, statements regarding the terms of the Offer, the completion of the Offer, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals for the Offer, the acceptance of the Prospectus by the ASX, the use of proceeds of the Offer and the proposed ASX listing. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Marimaca, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: risks that the Offer and the ASX listing may not be completed, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, fluctuating metal prices, the possibility of project delays or cost overruns or unanticipated excessive operating costs and expenses, uncertainties related to the necessity of financing, uncertainties relating to regulatory procedure and timing for permitting submissions and reviews, the availability of and costs of financing needed in the future as well as those factors disclosed in the annual information form of the Company dated March 28, 2024 and other filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedarplus.ca). Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Marimaca undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Neither the TSX nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 24, 2025) - Scorpio Gold Corporation (TSXV: SGN) (OTCQB: SRCRF) (FSE: RY9) ("Scorpio Gold", or the "Company") is pleased to provide a summary of the highlights of its accomplishments in 2024 and reiterate the exciting catalysts for 2025. Scorpio Gold had a transformational year in 2024: Closed a $6M Private Placement and amalgamation with Altus Gold after upsizing our initial public offering of $4M due to unprecedented demand from institutions and high net worth investors. Closed a further $2.5M Private Placement and, concurrently, converted outstanding debt at a 100% premium with longtime supporters and shareholders of Scorpio Gold. Brought in new Management: Zayn Kalyan , CEO and Director, Harrison Pokrandt , VP of Exploration, Thomas Poitras , Chief Geologist, and Jeff Lindstrom , VP Operations. Significantly strengthened our team with a new Advisory Committee of Charles Funk , Daniel Kunz , Leo Hathaway , and Board of Directors, Bill Sheriff and Michael Townsend . More than doubled our land position in the Manhattan District. Delivered strong assay results from our core drilling campaign at the Manhattan District. The Company views these accomplishments as a strong base to allow further progression towards our two fully permitted gold assets in the Walker Lane Trend, Nevada. Achievements for 2025 will be underpinned by the momentum attained in 2024 as Scorpio Gold continues to add value for all stakeholders and shareholders. "2024 has been a pivotal year for Scorpio Gold. We accomplished a lot, beginning the year strong with a full restructure and fresh, accomplished and motivated team. We significantly advanced our flagship project in the Manhattan District and continued to enhance every aspect of Scorpio Gold as a Company. The progress made in 2024 has laid the foundation for an exciting year ahead, with several key milestones on the horizon, the most salient of which being our forthcoming maiden resource estimate at Manhattan. Our focus remains on building significant value at Manhattan through an aggressive 2025 exploration program that we intend to provide guidance and further details on in the upcoming weeks," said Zayn Kalyan, Scorpio Gold's CEO. Raised Capital and Attracted New Investors The $8.5M raised in 2024, despite challenging market conditions for junior mining companies, is a testament to the strong interest and confidence in Scorpio Gold's projects. The oversubscription of our initial public offering highlights the support from both institutional and high-net-worth investors. Additions and Improvements to Management and Board The additions to our management team and advisory board bring a wealth of experience and expertise in exploration, geology, and operations. The strength of Scorpio Gold's advisory team reinforces the confidence and value of the Company's assets, particularly Manhattan. The validation of several individuals with proven track records of success in building mines and shareholder value has been critical in 2024 and will continue to be critical as the Company continues to grow in 2025. Growing and Advancing Manhattan 2024 saw significant progress at the Manhattan District, including doubling our land position (see Figure 1) and releasing encouraging drilling results. The key highlight from our drilling in 2024 is 1.69 g/t over 55.7 m, an undercut of the Goldwedge underground, with the goal of one open pit resource between the historic Goldwedge and Manhattan mines. Concurrent to drilling, Scorpio Gold compiled a historic database covering the entire Manhattan District. Included in the database, and a foundational part of the Company's future success, is a comprehensive and modern drilling database. The drilling database will drive the maiden mineral resource estimate ("MRE") at Manhattan and future planning and exploration in the district. Significant data improvements have been recently added, and the Company will provide an update on the nature of this data and its effect on the upcoming MRE shortly. Scorpio Gold has also completed a review of historic production and metallurgical testing data which we will also provide an update on soon. Figure 1: Scorpio Gold's Manhattan District. Key historic mines and infrastructure are noted. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9779/238290_0dac6e524437697e_001full.jpg Value Extraction at Mineral Ridge Scorpio Gold was able to validate several potential value-extraction opportunities for the Mineral Ridge project in 2024. We believe that the project continues to offer near-term development potential, supported by strong historical production and a proven and probable resource. The Company believes that has identified the best path forward for the project and looks forward to providing updates on plans soon. 2025 and Beyond Utilizing Manhattan's modern database as the foundation for the MRE and the project going forward, we intend on drilling a minimum of 10,000 meters in the Manhattan District in 2025. The goal of drilling this year is to expand our MRE, while adding geological and structural knowledge, and contributing material to metallurgical test work. Further to drilling, a detailed geophysical survey over our entire claim package, regional geological mapping, and infill soil geochemical sampling will further develop drilling targets outside of the main MRE area. Following the 2025 exploration campaign the focus will be on updating the MRE and planning future activities for 2026. Management Changes Scorpio Gold is also pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Andrea Yuan CPA, CGA, CPA (NH) to the role of Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), effective immediately. Ms. Yuan is a seasoned CFO with strategic capital markets experience in growth-oriented businesses within the mining industry. She will be assuming the CFO responsibilities from Mr. Chris Richards who has stepped down as CFO of the Company. Ms. Yuan obtained her Bachelor of Economics from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in 1994 and started her career as an internal auditor and then as team head of the internal audit department at the Bank of China's Shanghai Pudong branch in China. From 2004 to 2011, Ms. Yuan worked at Davidson and Company LLP, Chartered Accountants from senior auditor to audit principal. In November 2011, Ms. Yuan started her own financial and management consulting company Black Dragon Financial Consulting Services Inc. Mr. Yuan serves as CFO for several public companies listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, Canadian Securities Exchange and OTC Markets. Ms. Yuan is fluent in both English and Mandarin. About Scorpio Gold Corp. Scorpio Gold holds a 100% interest in two past producing mines, the Manhattan Mine and the Mineral Ridge Mine, both located in the Walker Lane Trend of Nevada, USA. Scorpio Gold's Manhattan District comprises the advanced exploration-stage Goldwedge Mine, with a 400 ton per day gravity mill. Adjacent to Goldwedge is the ~4,780-hectare Manhattan Project, centered on four past-producing pits, acquired from Kinross in 2021. The consolidated Manhattan District presents an exciting late-stage exploration opportunity, with over 100,000 metres of historical drilling, with significant resource potential, alongside valuable permitting and water rights. Scorpio Gold also holds a 100% interest in the Mineral Ridge gold project located in Esmeralda County, Nevada. Scorpio Gold produced over 222,440 oz of gold at Mineral Ridge between 2010 and 2017. With a proven and probable resource, valuable permits, water rights, infrastructure, and the recently acquired adjacent North Star exploration target, Mineral Ridge has significant near-term development potential. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF SCORPIO GOLD CORPORATION Connect with Scorpio Gold: Email | Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | X | YouTube To register for investor updates please visit: scorpiogold.com TSXV: SGN | OTC: SRCRF | FSE: RY9 Forward-Looking Statements The Company relies on litigation protection for forward-looking statements. This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding: the Company's ability to continue creating shareholder value and build on the success of historical work at the Manhattan Mine; the Company's commitment to organic growth across its portfolio of assets, with a core focus on exploration at Manhattan and development and rerate opportunities at Mineral Ridge; the Company's ability to deliver accretive and meaningful shareholder value in coming months; the Company's plan to strength its management team; the Company's plans for exploration at the North Star target; the Company's focus for 2024 and the 2024 Program, including the scope and timing thereof; the Company's plan to update the resource estimate on the Manhattan Mine; potential updates to the 2018 feasibility study on the Mineral Ridge project; the effect of the amalgamation with Altus Gold; the potential to increase the resource at Mineral Ridge and leverage its established infrastructure and permitting; the Company's upcoming participation at marketing conferences; and the engagement of Matrix and the expected services to be derived from such engagement. There is significant risk that the forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate, that the management's assumptions may not be correct and that actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements, including those risk factors outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR+. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238290 SOURCE: Scorpio Gold Corp OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - A Canadian dark web vendor has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in operating an international narcotics distribution ring over the dark web where millions of counterfeit Xanax pills were imported and sold to customers in the United States.Arden McCann, 37, of Quebec, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee to jail followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was also fined $1 million dollars. McCann was convicted of drug importation and money laundering conspiracies in September, 2023, after he pleaded guilty.According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, McCann was arrested in October 2015 by the Canada Police for selling drugs on the dark web using the moniker 'DRXanax.' Canadian authorities seized two million counterfeit Xanax pills, five pill presses, alprazolam powder, 3,000 MDMA pills, over $200,000 in cash, 15 firearms, ballistic vests, and drug ledgers. The drug ledgers revealed McCann and others purchased alprazolam from China, pressed the alprazolam into counterfeit Xanax pills, and sold them to customers throughout the United States.Despite his arrest, McCann continued to operate on the dark web to sell narcotics, including fentanyl analogues. A subsequent investigation by U.S. law enforcement revealed that from November 2015 to February 2020, McCann operated numerous vendor pages on ten marketplaces on the dark web. The investigation also revealed that during this period McCann distributed drugs to 49 states generating more than $10 million.McCann was arrested by Canadian authorities on February 26, 2020, on the charges from the Northern District of Georgia, and was extradited to the United States on June 9, 2022.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Armory Mining Corp. (CSE:ARMY)(OTC PINK:RMRYF)(FRA:2JS) (the "Company" or "Armory") would like to announce the appointment of Alex Klenman as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Klenman is replacing Nader Vatanchi who has resigned as Chief Executive Officer and also as a director of the Company to pursue other opportunities. Mr. Klenman is an experienced junior mining executive whose career spans over 30 years in the private and public sectors, with an emphasis on business development, marketing, finance, media, and corporate communications. Over the past decade he has held and continues to hold leadership roles with numerous publicly traded resource companies, including senior officer and/or director positions with Leocor Mining, Terra Clean Energy, Arbor Metals, Azincourt Energy and others. "I'm pleased to join the Armory team, and very excited to work with the Chairman, Arjun Grewal," said Mr. Klenman. "His vision for growing this company is impressive. The exploration focus for defense, energy and security-related materials is one that will continue to grow in importance in the coming years. I'm looking forward to contributing to the growth of Armory and building lasting value moving forward," continued Mr. Klenman. The Company also reports that director Aaron Wong has also resigned to pursue other business opportunities. The Company would like to thank Mr. Vatanchi and Mr. Wong for their dedicated service and wishes them well in their future endeavours. About Armory Mining Corp Armory Mining Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on minerals critical to the energy, security and defense sectors. The Company controls an 80% interest in the Candela II lithium brine project located in the Incahuasi Salar, Salta Province, Argentina; a 100% interest in the Kaslo Silver project, west of Kaslo, British Columbia; and a 100% interest in the Riley Creek antimony-gold project located in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, and an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Ammo antimony-gold project located in Nova Scotia. Contact Information Alex Klenman CEO alex@armorymining.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the continued growth in importance of the exploration focus for defense, energy and security-related materials. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipates", "anticipated" "expected" "intends" "will" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Armory Mining Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire If you are a customer impacted by the Southern California fires, we are thinking of you and we're ready to support you. If you are a customer impacted by the Southern California fires, we are thinking of you and we're ready to support you. We are offering unlimited talk, text and data to T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Assurance Wireless customers in impacted areas who don't already have it and we've increased data allotments for Mint and Ultra Mobile customers. More details below. T-Mobile Starlink Direct-to-Cellular service over impacted areas of Southern California has now enabled basic texting, including to 911, and delivering wireless emergency alerts. Free relief supplies, Wi-Fi, charging options and more will be at select stores and other locations as conditions allow. These are open to the public. Current location: Malibu Pavilions : 29211 Heathercliff Rd., Malibu, CA 90265 Malibu Bluffs Park : 24250 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265 Today, we will be providing charging, Wi-Fi and handing out charging supplies as needed while supplies last: T-Mobile store at Wilshire & 4th starting at 10 AM PT: 335 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401 T-Mobile store at Westwood Blvd. & Lindbrook starting at 10 AM PT: 1142 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024 T-Mobile store at Freemont & Huntington starting at 10 AM PT: 1318 Huntington Drive, South Pasadena, CA 91030 T-Mobile store at Los Feliz & Seneca starting at 10 AM PT:2919 Los Feliz Blvd. Ste. E-1, Los Angeles, CA 90039 T-Mobile store at Main & Marine starting at 10 AM PT: 3110 Main St., 100, Santa Monica, CA 90405 T-Mobile store at Foothill Blvd. & Boston starting at 10 AM PT: 3725 Foothill Blvd., Ste. Q, La Crescenta, CA 91214 Some stores are temporarily closed or operating on reduced hours so please visit our store locator for updates. We continue to update our newsroom post with the latest information often - see below. We encourage everyone to donate to our partner, the American Red Cross, which is providing comfort, support and relief. Through February 4, 2025, we are doubling donations made to the American Red Cross and through our T-Life app - up to an additional $1 million donation. Donate to the Red Cross Now Update: January 21, 2025 Giving Update T-Mobile announced a $1 million donation to the American Red Cross to provide critical on-the-ground community support and relief such as food, shelter, clothing and other necessities to residents devastated by the California wildfires. Through February 4, 2025, we are also doubling donations made to the American Red Cross and through our T-Life app - up to an additional $1 million donation. We are also working with rideshare partners Uber and Lyft to advertise the 2:1 match opportunity on screens in vehicles. A QR code will give riders an easy opportunity to click to give. "The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those impacted by the devastating wildfires in California. We are so grateful for partners like T-Mobile as we work together to provide relief and hope for communities in the wake of this heartbreaking disaster." - Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. DONATE to the Red Cross Network Update T-Mobile has continued to monitor our network. Connectivity has remained strong thanks to overlapping coverage and short and longer-term solutions, including Satellite Cell on Wheels (SatCOWs), Satellite Cell on Light Trucks (SatCOLTs) and additional backhaul solutions installed in areas where sites were damaged and now where residents are returning. It is possible that some customers in fire damaged areas may experience intermittent impacts, but for most, coverage should remain strong. Our team is erecting a longer-term temporary cell tower called a lite site at the Palisades Recreation Center. First Responder Support Update A T-Mobile Mobile Command Center deployed at Will Rogers State Beach is supporting first responders, including members of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The large, triple-axel fifth wheel trailer operates as an operations platform with up to 15 workstations, numerous sleeping accommodations and a restroom with a shower. We are also deploying a T-Mobile Emergency Operations Center to accommodate additional first responders. We have activated T-Priority for many Los Angeles Fire Department members, command staff and other first responders in the region on 5G SA devices with our First Responder service. We are also providing agencies and first responders with charging supplies and connectivity through routers with T-Priority, external 5G antennas and eSIMs at the Eaton Fire command post at the Rose Bowl, Palisade Fires command posts at Zuma Beach and Westward Beach, and at the Will Rogers State Beach command post. # # # Update: January 16, 2025 T-Mobile has been on the ground in Southern California over the past week working side-by-side with first responders in the communities impacted by these devastating fires. We have continued to focus on our priorities: ensuring our network provides the reliable connectivity people need and mobilizing our resources to provide relief to local community members, customers and others. We have undertaken a number of efforts to show up for the residents of Southern California and now, as we have continued to assess the short- and longer-term needs of the area, those efforts are expanding to further address the ongoing challenges the area continues to experience. Our comprehensive efforts to date include: Network Support T-Mobile's network was built with overlapping coverage, permanently installed power back-ups on towers and redundant routes for data and voice traffic. Our "smart" network self-optimizes to redistribute resource loads and adjust towers to "heal" coverage gaps. AI monitors network performance, and our teams adjust network parameters to improve connectivity when and where it's most needed. Our antennas automatically tilt to expand coverage, helping where coverage is needed, such as an area that lost power, places where people are gathered for shelter or supplies or to help boost signal during rescue missions. We have performed more than 12,000 uptilts and restores for improved coverage so far. Our network has held strong through the fires, even as local conditions continue to be challenging and destruction in many areas is massive. Over 100 emergency teams are on the ground, quickly assessing and, where needed, restoring impacted sites or deploying generators or other solutions. As of today, less than 1% of sites remain impacted in the region, the majority of which are in the Pacific Palisades area due to damage or inaccessibility. To supplement those sites and others, we have over 600 portable and permanent generators deployed. In Altadena and around Pacific Palisades, heavy-duty large trucks with 65-foot antennas that extend coverage up to five miles are in key locations. Technology and microwave technology are in-place where fiber is damaged. Last week we also opened up T-Mobile's Starlink Direct-to-Cellular for basic and 911 texting and wireless emergency alerts. To date we have served approximately 198,000 users, sent/received around 96,000 SMS messages and transmitted 21 wireless alerts. Customer Relief Extended our offer of unlimited talk, text and data for T-Mobile and Assurance Wireless customers in the cities of Altadena, La Canada Flintridge, Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena and Sierra Madre who do not currently have this as part of their service plan, effective Wednesday, January 8 through Friday, February 28. Waiving deductibles for all qualified P360 insurance replacement claims in impacted zip codes for the next 30 days and customers will pay nothing at the time of claim to get a working phone in their hands. Customers can also have their device repaired in person at participating locations.? Increasing high-speed data allotment for Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile customers. Mint Mobile customers have had their high-speed data allotment increased to 2TB through February 28. Customers on 5GB, 15GB and 20GB plans will have their hotspot limits increased to 50GB. Those on Mint's Unlimited plan will have no restrictions on hotspots. Ultra Mobile customers on plans with a data allotment have had their high-speed data allotment increased to 50GB through February 28, all of which can be used as hotspots. Customers on Ultra's Unlimited or Unlimited+ plans will have their hotspot allotment increased to 2TB through February 28. First Responder Support Providing first responders on the frontlines of the fires with over 1,000 different pieces of equipment such as power banks, wall adapters, car adapters and pre-lit phones or eSIMs with T-Priority and Wireless Priority Service for faster 5G speeds more consistently and the highest priority during times of high traffic. Providing all Consumer and Micro TFB customers in the state of California on our First Responder plans one free month of their smartphone, connected device and Home Internet service. Continuing to set up Wi-Fi routers to provide high-speed data to numerous locations, including incident command posts supporting Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Police Department, Los Angeles County Sherriff's Department, CAL FIRE and California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), City of Pasadena at City Hall and Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD). Community Support Deployed 15 mobile trucks with Wi-Fi, charging and other supplies to locations around Southern California (check back to our newsroom for daily updates), including visiting 18 Red Cross shelters and community events. Providing up to 5,000 Home Internet solutions and 5,000 hotspots for impacted households, both with free unlimited service for 60 days. Making 10,000 more power packs available at select local stores in impacted areas and in our community support vehicles for anyone who needs them. Each power pack bag includes a power bank, charging cable, wall adapter, car adapter and headlamp. Educational Connectivity Prioritizing student households and schools affected by the fires with our Project 10Million program that provides free service to K-12 students: Offering a free hotspot and five years of free connectivity for families with school-age children in affected zip codes, temporarily waiving prior income-based eligibility requirements. Families who have not previously participated in Project 10Million can sign up at: https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/project-10-million. Working with local school districts, including Los Angeles Unified School District, Pasadena Unified School District, South Pasadena Unified School District, Santa Monica/Malibu Unified School District and Los Virgenes Unified School District to assess needs of student families and will deliver free equipment and connectivity. Other Giving Encouraging everyone to donate to the American Red Cross through our T-Life App and continuing to match our employee donations 2:1 through January 23. For more on our emergency response efforts, visit T-Mobile Emergency Response. Follow @TMobileNews on X for the latest updates. Update: January 13, 2025 Network and First Responder Support Updates As wildfires continue, T-Mobile teams are working to get crucial connectivity restored where safety allows. Here's the latest: Our team continues to deploy heavy-duty mobile equipment, including Satellite Cell on Light Trucks (SatCOLTs) and Satellite Cell on Wheels (SatCOWs) in impacted areas. The vehicles and equipment provide increased connectivity for first responders and communities in the areas of: Pacific Palisades at Los Angeles Fire Department Station 23 and Station 69 Multiple locations along the Pacific Coast Highway near Las Floras and Topanga Beach between Pacific Palisades and Malibu Several sites in Altadena including Loma Alta Park and near E Altadena Dr. and Lake Ave. The team is deploying generators, VSATs (Very Small Aperture Terminals that are portable satellite solutions) and microwave equipment (provides fast data speeds and large capacity over shorter distances) to restore connectivity where the fire damaged local fiber connections and permanent generators. Our teams have been providing first responders on the fires' frontlines activated devices and eSIMs with T-Priority and Wireless Priority Service to give first responders faster 5G speeds more consistently and the highest priority ensuring that emergency communications move to the front of the line during times of high traffic. We're continuing to set up Wi-Fi routers to provide high-speed data to numerous locations, including but not limited to: Incident Command Posts in Zuma Beach and The Rose Bowl to support first responders including Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Police Department, Los Angeles County Sherriff's Department, CAL FIRE and California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) City of Pasadena at City Hall and Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Community lifelines including local grocery Community Support Update Any member of the community is welcome to stop by the following locations where T-Mobile continues to offer free Wi-Fi connectivity and device charging 24/7. Please check back for updates as locations may change. T-Mobile Freemont & Huntington retail store: 1318 Huntington Dr., South Pasadena, CA 91030 Malibu Pavilions : 29211 Heathercliff Rd., Malibu, CA 90265 Malibu Bluffs Park: 24250 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265 Today, we will be providing charging, Wi-Fi and handing out charging supplies as needed at: Malibu Equestrian Park from 10AM-4PM PT: 6225 Merritt Drive, Malibu, CA 90265 We're continuing our work to support American Red Cross and other organizations with Wi-Fi and charging. ### PM Update: January 11, 2025 Network Status We have more than 100 emergency crew members, field engineers, technicians and others deployed in Southern California working to rapidly restore impacted sites. They are staging and utilizing innovative equipment and technology, including: Satellite Cell on Light Trucks (SatCOLTs) and Satellite Cell on Wheels (SatCOWs): Mobile cell sites that can be driven or towed directly into impacted areas to temporarily restore or boost service. We've been deploying SatCOLTs in the area including in Pacific Palisades at Los Angeles Fire Department Station 69 and Loma Alta Park in Altadena. Quick-deploy and portable VSATs: Satellite dishes called "Very Small Aperture Terminals" that provide a layer of coverage across broad areas and quickly provide temporary wireless service to send and receive data from T-Mobile's network. Microwave solutions: Network technology that offers high throughput and low latency for better data usage. Portable generators: Portable power solutions that can be quickly set up to power sites and help customers. Permanent Generators and batteries: Generators and batteries permanently installed on key sites - such as cell sites, data centers and switching centers. More information on the equipment, heavy-duty trucks and technologies above can be found on T-Mobile's "Disaster Definitions" website. ### AM Update: January 11, 2025 Community Support Update Any member of the community is welcome to stop by the following retail store locations where T-Mobile continues to offer free Wi-Fi connectivity and device charging 24/7. Please check back for updates as locations may change. T-Mobile Freemont & Huntington retail store: 1318 Huntington Dr., South Pasadena, CA 91030 We're also working closely with American Red Cross and other organizations to address Wi-Fi and charging at shelters and other locations. Last week, we supported five different sites including the Pasadena Civic Center and Malibu Equestrian Center. ### PM Update: January 10, 2025 First Responder Support Update T-Mobile has activated our T-Priority network slice at no cost for at least 30 days for approximately 350 Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) members to ensure that they have the most advanced connectivity solution during this critical time. T-Priority is built on T-Mobile's 5G Standalone Core and ensures first responders get lower latency, faster 5G speeds more consistently, more 5G capacity and the highest priority across all 5G bands, even during extreme network congestion. ### AM Update: January 10, 2025 Community Support Update We have free Wi-Fi connectivity and device charging 24/7 at the following locations today. Please check back for updates as locations may change. T-Mobile La Cienega & 4th retail store: 364 S La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 T-Mobile Freemont & Huntington retail store: 1318 Huntington Dr., South Pasadena, CA 91030 Free Wi-Fi connectivity, device charging and "power packs" containing charging supplies will be available today at: Malibu Equestrian Park from 10AM-4PM PT: 6225 Merritt Drive, Malibu, 90265 ### Update: January 9, 2025 Network Status Update T-Mobile's network has held strong. We have restored roughly half of the sites that were impacted by commercial power loss. As conditions safely allow, our teams are evaluating impacted sites in Altadena, Duarte, Calabasas, Malibu, Fillmore and Agoura Hills, and continuing to deploy and refuel portable generators to sites until commercial power is restored. Today T-Mobile and Starlink opened up T-Mobile Starlink Direct-to-Cellular service over impacted areas of Southern California, enabling basic texting, including to 911, and delivering wireless emergency alerts. While SpaceX's direct-to-cell constellation has not been fully deployed, we are once again temporarily making this early test version available for those who need it most. First Responder & Community Support Updates T-Mobile continues to engage with federal, state and local officials and emergency management agencies across California to help ensure critical connectivity, including deploying connectivity solutions like Wi-Fi routers at incident command posts at Zuma Beach in Malibu and Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. T-Mobile teams are on the ground in local communities offering free Wi-Fi connectivity and device charging 24/7 at the following locations. Please check back for updates as locations may change. T-Mobile Freemont & Huntington retail store: 1318 Huntington Dr., South Pasadena, CA 91030 Customer Relief & Store Updates As previously shared, we are offering unlimited talk, text and data for T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Assurance Wireless customers in Altadena, La Canada Flintridge, Los Angeles, Palisades, Pasadena and Sierra Madre who do not currently have this as part of their service plan through Friday February 28. Mint and Ultra Mobile are supporting impacted customers in Altadena, La Canada Flintridge, Los Angeles, Palisades, Pasadena and Sierra Madre. Mint Mobile: All customers will have their high-speed data allotment increased to 2TB through February 28. Customers on 5GB, 15GB and 20GB plans will have their hotspot limits increased to 50GB. Those on Mint's Unlimited plan will have no restrictions on hotspot. Ultra Mobile: Customers on plans with a data allotment will have their high-speed data allotment increased to 50GB through February 28, all of which can be used as hotspot. Customers on Ultra's Unlimited or Unlimited+ plans will have their hotspot allotment increased to 2TB through February 28. Some stores are temporarily closed or operating on reduced hours. Please use our store locator for updates. How to Help We encourage everyone to donate to our partner, the American Red Cross, which is providing comfort, support and relief. We are also matching our employee donations 2:1 through Benevity from now through January 23. ### Update: January 8, 2025 Customer Relief We are offering unlimited talk, text and data for T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Assurance Wireless customers in the cities of Altadena, La Canada Flintridge, Los Angeles, Palisades, Pasadena and Sierra Madre who do not currently have this as part of their service plan, effective Wednesday January 8 through Friday February 28. Community Support Update Our teams are on standby to deploy relief supplies, including Wi-Fi, device charging and "power packs" for charging, as conditions safely allow. First Responder SupportUpdate T-Mobile for Government is actively engaged with numerous federal, state and local officials and emergency management agencies across the region including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and numerous city emergency operation centers. They are coordinating with California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sherriff's Department to support first responder command posts and staging sites ensuring critical connectivity. Employees & Stores We are reaching out to our employees in affected areas to ensure their safety and understand any impacts to them and their families. Our focus is to provide support, particularly to those who may have evacuated or have damage to their homes. Some locations may be operating under reduced hours or closed. For updates on local store operations, including temporary closures or modified hours, please use our store locator. For more on our emergency response efforts, visit T-Mobile Emergency Response. Follow @TMobileNews on X for the latest updates. ### January 7, 2025 Strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions sparked a rapidly growing fire in Pacific Palisades, California forcing mandatory evacuations in some areas and power shutoffs by local utility companies to reduce additional fire risk. With the Eaton Canyon fire above Altadena and other Southern California areas at risk, T-Mobile is actively monitoring weather conditions and taking steps to ensure our customers, communities and first responders stay connected. Network Our teams are actively supporting impacted areas in the following ways: Network Resilience : Across California, we have hardened and reinforced our network with generators should commercial power loss occur. Overlapping coverage in some areas may help reduce service interruptions. Our emergency teams have 600 permanent and portable generators in the impacted Southern California areas, with almost 200 portable generators already deployed to maintain service during commercial power outages. AI in T-Mobile's Network: Our Cognitive Self-Organizing Network (SON) and automatic antenna tilting technologies enhance signal strength, expand coverage, and prevent congestion, helping to ensure reliable service as wildfires evolve. First Responder Support We are coordinating with federal, state and local public safety agencies, including California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES)'s State Operations Center (SOC) in Sacramento and local officials in the impacted areas, to identify command posts and communication needs for public safety and to meet the needs of first responders and other agencies. Eligible first responders and critical infrastructure customers can register for Wireless Priority Service (WPS) to access priority coverage at no cost. For communication assistance, agencies can contact our 24-hour emergency hotline at 888-639-0020 or email ERTRequests@T-Mobile.com. For more on our emergency response efforts, visit T-Mobile Emergency Response. Follow @TMobileNews on X for the latest updates. ### T-Mobile deploys SatCOLT at Los Angeles Fire Department Station 69, January 2025 View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from T-Mobile on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: T-Mobile Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/t-mobile Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: T-Mobile View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire DZ Bank AG - Pre-Stabilisation Notice PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, January 24 DZ BANK AG Frankfurt am Main - Pre Stabilisation RNS Number: residue number system Frankfurt am Main, 15. Januar 2025 Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful. Pre-Stabilisation Notice International Development Association DZ BANK AG (contact: Ralph Ockert; telephone: +49 69 7447 7051) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014). The security to be stabilised: Issuer: IDAWBG Guarantor (if any): Aggregate nominal amount: Size: EUR 1.250 billion Description: 3.25%, due 24. Januar 2040 Offer price: 99.556% Other offer terms: Fixed, Annual, Act/Act, XS2985204515 Stabilisation: Stabilisation Coordinator: Stabilising Managers: DZ BANK HSBC JP Morgan Nomura Stabilisation period expected to start on: 15. January 2025 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Luxembourg Stock Exchange In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilisation Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, there is no assurance that the Stabilisation Manager(s) will take any stabilisation action and any stabilisation action, if begun, may be ended at any time. Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules. This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction. In addition, if and to the extent that this announcement is communicated in, or the offer of the securities to which it relates is made in, any EEA Member State that has implemented Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended (together with any applicable implementing measures in any Member State, the "Prospectus Directive") before the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Directive (or which has been approved by a competent authority in another Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Directive), this announcement and the offer are only addressed to and directed at persons in that Member State who are qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive (or who are other persons to whom the offer may lawfully be addressed) and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in that Member State. 26th Edition of Annual Film Festival to Run February 12-17 The D.C. Independent Film Forum has announced its film lineup and programming, which will run Wednesday, February 12, through Monday, February 17, at various theaters throughout Washington. Tickets for individual screenings are available for $10 to $13, and event passes are available for $45 to $120 via Eventbrite. "We're thrilled to be presenting a unique selection of films of all kinds from D.C. and beyond," said Deirdre Evans-Pritchard, executive director of the D.C. Independent Film Forum. "Many of the films selected this year touch on issues that are not only deeply personal to their filmmakers but also capture the zeitgeist of today -- from immigration and free speech to mental health, drag performances, and more." This year's lineup features more than 40 independent feature films, documentaries, shorts, and animated films. Valentine's Day screenings will include romance-centered films "Where there is love, there is animation," "Paper Marriage," "BitterSweet," and more. Screenings will be followed by question-and-answer sessions with the filmmakers, cast, crew, and other experts. Additional events include seminars, workshops, masterclasses, and a special event about using, creating, and donating to moving image archives. Feature narrative films lineup include: "The Other You" (Shoshana Rosenbaum). Filmed in Washington with a local cast and crew, a writer, wife and mom of three discovers a tiny door in her closet that leads to another version of her life. "Paper Marriage" (Jeff Man). For this local feature film, Fanny, a Chinese immigrant desperate for a green card, pays Jeff to be her fake husband. They must convince everyone that their love is real. "God Is An Astronaut" (Bailey Kobe). Adapted from the Oprah's-Booklist novel of the same name by Alyson Foster, a D.C. author. Tragedy unfolds at a space launch company, and a botanist's missives to her friend reveal unraveling secrets and personal conflicts, questioning humanity's quest for the stars. Feature documentaries include: "North Putnam" (Joel Fendelman). A year in the life of a rural Indiana school district and the community it serves. Public education is wracked with challenges that threaten to subsume it, but this is primarily a story of hope. "Diminished Returns: The Black Wealth Gap in Washington, D.C." (Sabiyah Prince). The wealth gap is starkly illustrated by the disparity in net worth between Black and white households in Washington. Advocates are pushing for reparative solutions that address the root causes of the Black wealth gap. "Dissidents" (Yi Chen). In the United States, three Chinese dissidents fight for democracy against a superpower through art, protest, and grassroots organizing, but not even exile is safe as they navigate threats of violence, criminal charges, and a sculpture being burnt down. The director is a former film professor at George Mason University. "Capturing Kennedy" (Steele Austin Burrow). The untold story of Jacques Lowe, a Holocaust survivor and young immigrant who, at just 28, became the personal photographer to President John F. Kennedy. The film includes never-before-seen photographs, some of which will be shown at an in-person event at the festival. The director is based in the Washington, D.C. area. "Healing Hope" (Elio Cassaghi). The club drug MDMA has shown promise as a potential cure for PTSD. There's only one problem -- it's illegal. The film features interviews with some users of the drug in France and the United States. "A Good Wolf" (Ramey Newell). There has been a 40-year conflict over a single tract of land adjacent to Denali National Park in Alaska -- a volatile struggle between state and federal authorities, fur trappers and wildlife advocates, and competing human interests on public lands. A complete schedule of programming is available here. DCIFF will also host its 13th annual High School Film Festival February 1 and 2 at Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market (500 Penn St NE, Washington, DC 20002). The festival is coordinated by local high school students and exhibits new talent selected in competition from D.C. and across the US. Free registration is available here. ### About the D.C. Independent Film Forum Since 1999, DCIFF has been nurturing filmmakers and their films and keeping the independent spirit alive in our nation's capital. We have showcased cutting-edge features, shorts, and documentaries on every subject from every country with every budget and subject imaginable. The festival provides filmmakers and audiences the chance to exchange ideas and opinions through in-depth, post-screening conversations. In the modern streaming world, those who create content rarely meet their audiences. As a competitive festival, all films are Washington, D.C. premieres, and many are U.S. and world premieres. Through screenings, seminars, workshops, and discussions with the U.S. Congress, DCIFF gives independent filmmakers opportunities for their voices to be heard in a way that no other festival can provide. To learn more, visit dciff-indie.org or follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , and TikTok . Media Contact: Daniel Falkovic +1 202-970-9744 daniel@keybridge.biz SOURCE: DC Independent Film Forum View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 24, 2025) - Sol Strategies Inc. (CSE: HODL) (OTCQX: CYFRF) ("Sol Strategies" or the "Company"), a publicly traded Canadian company dedicated to investing in and providing infrastructure for the Solana blockchain ecosystem, today announced the completion of its second tranche private placement financing of CAD $2.5 million (the "Private Placement"), as previously disclosed in the Company's January 17, 2025 and January 22, 2025 news releases. The second tranche brings the total gross proceeds received pursuant to private placement financings to CAD $30 million, with the proceeds being paid in SOL, which will increase the Company's SOL treasury holdings. The Private Placement will consist of unsecured convertible debenture units ("CD Units") for gross proceeds of CAD $2.5 million. Each CD Unit consists of one debenture ("Debenture") with a principal amount of CAD $1,000, and 214 common share purchase warrants (each, a "Warrant"). Interest on the Debentures accrues at a rate of 2.5% per annum, payable semi-annually in cash or common shares of the Company (each, a "Share"), and the Debentures are convertible at any time into Shares of the Company at CAD $4.66 per Share. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one (1) Share of the Company at an exercise price of CAD $4.66 per Share, exercisable at any time on or before January 24, 2030. The Debentures are redeemable in cash after the three year anniversary of the closing of the Private Placement at 112% of the principal value, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Any Shares issued on the conversion of the Debentures, the interest thereon, or upon exercise of the Warrants will be subject to restrictions on trading until the date that is four months and a day following the date hereof. No finder's fees were paid in connection with the Private Placement. About Sol Strategies Sol Strategies is a publicly traded Canadian company actively investing in, supporting, and providing infrastructure for the Solana blockchain and ecosystem. The Company focuses on leveraging investment opportunities in staking rewards and Solana-based projects, enabling shareholders to indirectly participate in the decentralized finance landscape. Sol Strategies is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, and is publicly listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker "HODL" and on the OTC market under the ticker "CYFRF". To learn more about Sol Strategies, please visit www.solstrategies.io. A copy of this news release and all the Company's related material documents regarding the Company may be obtained under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements and information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company's or the Company's management team's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future, and expectations regarding the characteristics, value drivers, and anticipated benefits of the Company's business plans and operations related thereto. Forward-looking information can also be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or indicates that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be" taken, "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the completion of the Private Placement and its intended impact on the Company. There is no assurance that the Company's plans or objectives will be implemented as set out herein, or at all. Forward-looking information is based on certain factors and assumptions the Company believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The purpose of forward-looking information is to provide the reader with a description of management's expectations, and such forward-looking information may not be appropriate for any other purpose. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates, and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates, and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Disclaimer: Sol Strategies is an independent organization in the Solana ecosystem. Sol Strategies is not affiliated with, owned by, or under common control with Solana Foundation (the "Foundation"), and the Foundation has not entered into any association, partnership, joint venture, employee, or agency relationship with Sol Strategies. None of the Foundation or its council members, officers, agents or make any representations or warranties, recommendations, endorsements or promises with respect to the accuracy of any statements made, information provided, or action taken by Sol Strategies and expressly disclaim any and all liability arising from or related to any such statements, information or action. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238302 SOURCE: Sol Strategies Inc. The patent lawsuit, filed at Japan's Tokyo District Court, is JinkoSolar's second case of legal action against Longi this year, following a filing in China earlier this month. JinkoSolar has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Longi over the use of an unspecified solar cell technology in Japan. The lawsuit was filed by JinkoSolar's Japanese unit Shangrao Xinyuan Yuedong Technology Development Co. , Ltd against Longi's subsidiary company LONGi Solar Technology Co. , Ltd. at Japan's Tokyo District Court. This new legal action follows that announced by JinkoSolar in early January, when ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. A look at the issues that impact insureds and their insurers alike Authored by Baker Tilly's Ben Hobby, Christopher J. Tait, Jeff Krull, Bernard Regan and Brian Nichols As we step into 2025, Baker Tilly has once again gathered to forecast the key cyber trends and challenges that lie ahead. We invite you to download our 2025 cyber predictions e-book, where we explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. This year, we focus on the increasing sophistication of attack vectors, the growing risk of catastrophic cyber events related to insider threats and the critical importance of consumers being better protected on their personal devices. Join us as we explore these and other pivotal topics in our 2025 cyber predictions e-book, examining the transformative realities shaping the cybersecurity world. Sneak peek: discover what's inside Baker Tilly's 2025 cyber predictions In this e-book, we examine the intricacies of modern cybersecurity threats and the innovative defense mechanisms being developed to counter them. One of the key highlights is the increasing sophistication of attack vectors. Cybercriminals are continually evolving their tactics, making it imperative for organizations to stay ahead of the curve. We discuss the latest advancements in malware, ransomware and phishing attacks, providing insights into how these threats are becoming more complex and harder to detect. Another critical area of focus is the growing risk of catastrophic cyber events related to insider threats. Insider threats, whether malicious or accidental, pose a significant risk to organizations. The e-book explores various case studies and real-world examples of insider threats that have led to substantial financial and reputational damage. We also provide strategies and leading practices for mitigating these risks, emphasizing the importance of robust security policies, employee training and advanced monitoring systems. The e-book also underscores the critical importance of protecting consumers on their personal devices. With the proliferation of smartphones, tablets and other connected devices, consumers are more vulnerable than ever to cyberattacks. We examine the latest trends in mobile security, including the rise of mobile malware and the increasing use of mobile devices for phishing attacks. Additionally, we offer practical tips and recommendations for consumers to safeguard their personal information and maintain their privacy in an increasingly connected world. Furthermore, the 2025 cyber predictions e-book revisits past predictions to assess their accuracy and impact. For instance, in 2024, there was a significant focus on vendor risk management due to the mass shift to the cloud, which brought about considerable cybersecurity risks. This trend is expected to continue in 2025, with companies prioritizing closer-than-ever cyber assessments of their third- and fourth-party vendors. We analyze how these predictions have played out and what lessons can be learned for the future. The e-book also explores the impacts of new cybersecurity threats and defense systems on the insurance market. As cyber threats become more prevalent and sophisticated, the insurance industry must adapt to provide adequate coverage and support for affected organizations. We discuss the latest trends in cyber insurance, including the challenges of underwriting policies in an ever-changing threat landscape and the importance of continuous adaptation and vigilance. Authored by Ben Hobby, Christopher Tait, Jeff Krull, Bernard Regan and Brian Nichols, the 2025 cyber predictions e-book is a must-read for anyone interested in staying ahead of the curve in the cybersecurity world. It provides a wealth of information, practical advice, and expert insights to help organizations and individuals navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Interested in learning more? Contact a Baker Tilly specialist. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Baker Tilly on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Baker Tilly Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/baker-tilly Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Baker Tilly View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire The bank continues Lunar New Year tradition with customized calendars, community partnerships and pastry giveaways in select branch locations Year of the Snake calendars are available at select U.S. Bank branches as well as online. Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog 2025 is the Year of the Snake - the Wood Snake, to be precise. This year the two-week-long Chinese New Year holiday begins on January 29 and U.S. Bank is celebrating across its footprint with employees, clients and communities. "The Year of the Snake is associated with traits of wisdom, mystery, introspection and elegance, and we are proud to continue our tradition of offering red envelopes and customized calendars in our branches as a small way to support our clients and local communities in celebrating such a culturally significant time of year," said Sekou Kaalund, EVP, head of Branch and Small Business Banking for U.S. Bank. "We will also be active in community celebrations throughout Chicago, Seattle and cities across California, and look forward to celebrating Lunar New Year with our clients, employees and communities throughout January and February." U.S. Bank is once again excited to share its 2025 calendars and red envelopes. Visit select local branches to pick up an exclusive 2025 Year of the Snake wall calendar and red envelopes with the theme "Journey of the Snake." Supplies are limited and available at select locations. A printable PDF of the wall calendar can be downloaded at usbank.com/yearofthesnake. In addition, here are links to download wallpapers for the January and February artwork. January art for desktop January art for mobile device February art for desktop February art for mobile device This year, the calendar art was designed by Hongly Nguyen from San Jose, California. Nguyen is a Vietnamese American, born into a family of seven. She is proud to be chosen to create the art for the year of the snake calendar. This year, the calendar art was designed by Hongly Nguyen from San Jose, California. Nguyen is a Vietnamese American, born into a family of seven. She is proud to be chosen to create the art for the year of the snake calendar. "I hope the art in the calendar gives the vibe of wrapping things together - creating a feeling of warmth for the new year," Nguyen said. "I want people to have a celebratory vibe. Lunar New Year is about bringing people together - it's about unity. I want people to feel that all year long through my art and the calendar." U.S. Bank has created several opportunities for everyone to celebrate the Year of the Snake, including:?? Digital Red Envelopes: Gifting a red envelope with lucky money is a hallmark of Lunar New Year. Whether family and friends are across the street or across the country, Zelle in the U.S. Bank Mobile App makes it safe and easy to continue this tradition with those you know and trust by sending one of our exclusive Lunar New Year e-card designs. Best of all, Zelle is free for U.S. Bank clients. Financial Guidance:?To help everyone plan for a prosperous year, U.S. Bank offers in-person and digital services including learning modules powered by Zogo (in English) and appointment scheduling with a banker (in English). Community Partnerships: In addition to celebrating with clients, U.S. Bank partners with community organizations across the country and is proud to support community events, festivals and parades celebrating Lunar New Year, including: Jan. 18-19 - Lunar New Year Festival (Monterey Park, California) Feb. 8 - Lunar New Year Festival (Alhambra, California) Feb. 9 - Chinese New Year Parade (Chicago) Feb. 15-16 - Asian American Expo (La Verne, California) Feb. 15-16 - Chinese New Year Festival & Parade (San Francisco) Feb. 22 - CIDBIA Lunar New Year Festival (Seattle) U.S. Bank will also be giving away pastries at designated branch locations in Southern California, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle and Chicago on Jan. 24, 2025, while supplies last. Those locations include: Arcadia (1400 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, California) Alhambra (2400 W. Commonwealth Ave., Alhambra, California) City of Industry (17501 Colima Rd. STE A, City of Industry, California) Hacienda Heights (2040 S. Hacienda Blvd., Hacienda Heights, California) San Gabriel (401 E. Valley Blvd., San Gabriel, California) San Marino (2300 Huntington Dr., San Marino, California) Irvine (13070 Yale Ave., Irvine, California) San Francisco (1850 Irving St., San Francisco) San Francisco (1435 Stockton St., San Francisco) Fremont (39390 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, California) Factoria (4040 Factoria Blvd. SE, Bellevue, Washington) Chicago (2131 S. China Pl., Chicago) U.S. Bank has a long history of supporting Asian clients and communities through partnerships and grant efforts with the Chinatown Community Development Corporation in San Francisco, Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment in Los Angeles, Asian Business Association Inland Empire and San Diego chapters, Chinese American Service League in Chicago and the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce. Visit usbank.com/yearofthesnake for more information. About U.S. Bank U.S. Bancorp, with more than 70,000 employees and $686 billion in assets as of September 30, 2024, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses including consumer banking, business banking, commercial banking, institutional banking, payments and wealth management. U.S. Bancorp has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, community partnerships and customer service, including being named one of the 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies and Fortune's most admired superregional bank. Learn more at usbank.com/about. To send and receive money in minutes with Zelle, you must have an eligible United States bank account and have a United States mobile number registered in your online and mobile banking profile for at least three calendar days. Transactions between enrolled consumers typically occur in minutes. Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from U.S. Bank on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: U.S. Bank Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/us-bank Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: U.S. Bank View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Chicago, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - January 24, 2025) - Eventsguardian, a website dedicated to helping event hosts make informed decisions about event insurance policies, has shared their top tips for securing event insurance in 2025. With most venues now requiring event hosts to secure liability coverage for weddings and events, the tips are designed to highlight common pitfalls of securing a policy. Eventsguardian created the list after reviewing data on thousands of policies that required changes and/or cancellation after the initial purchase. "There are a lot of resources for auto, home and life insurance, but very little for event insurance," said Wes Hall, creator of Eventsguardian. "Organizing an event is stressful enough. We want event hosts to get the right policy for the right price, the first time, so they can focus on their wedding or event." Tip 1: Understand The Venue's Insurance Requirements Before purchasing an event insurance policy, it's vital to review the venue's specific requirements. Many venues establish preset conditions that protect all parties. Common requirements include: Liability Limits: Typically $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. Damage to Rented Premises Limit: Coverage for property damage ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000. Additional Insured Listings: Ensure the venue's formal name is correctly listed on the certificate of insurance, alongside other related entities like owners and holding companies. Specific Endorsements: Many venues now require endorsements like Primary Noncontributory or Waiver of Subrogation endorsements. By clarifying these details upfront, event hosts can avoid time-consuming revisions and additional fees. Tip 2: Know The Event Parameters The cost of event insurance depends on several factors. Event hosts should be prepared to provide information such as: Number of Attendees : Include guests, vendors, and temporary suppliers like cake and flower suppliers. : Include guests, vendors, and temporary suppliers like cake and flower suppliers. Event Type : Weddings often carry different risks compared to other celebrations like birthday parties or baby showers. : Weddings often carry different risks compared to other celebrations like birthday parties or baby showers. Start/End Time : Events extending past midnight may require additional coverage days. : Events extending past midnight may require additional coverage days. Set Up and/or Tear Down : Some venues require coverage for set up (the day before) and tear down (the day after). : Some venues require coverage for set up (the day before) and tear down (the day after). Liquor Coverage: Host liquor liability is standard, but retail liquor liability may be necessary if alcohol is sold at a profit. Understanding these parameters ensures that event hosts purchase the most cost-effective policy with adequate coverage. Tip 3: Compare Prices and Insurers Not all insurance providers are created equal. Comparison tools like those found on Eventsguardian.com can help identify reputable insurers quickly. The platform also offers rankings of top event insurance providers in the U.S., which helps event hosts make informed decisions. Why Event Insurance Matters Event insurance is more than just a venue requirement-it provides peace of mind. From protecting against alcohol-related incidents to covering property damage or guest injuries, the right policy safeguards event hosts from unforeseen liabilities that could otherwise tarnish their special day. For more information, please contact: Wes Hall Creator Eventsguardian wes@eventsguardian.com About Eventsguardian Eventsguardian is a website dedicated to helping event hosts make informed decisions about insurance for their events. There are a lot of resources for auto, home and life insurance, but little for event insurance. As more venues make wedding and event insurance mandatory, Eventsguardian will be the lead resource for those searching for event insurance insights. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238308 SOURCE: Eventsguardian BEIJING, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At 5:30 a.m., Wang Hui, a woman traveling with her family, is waiting at Shenzhen North Railway Station to board the first high-speed train from south China's Shenzhen City to northwest China's Xi'an City, which departs at 6:08 a.m. A mother and permanent resident in the metropolis, Wang explained that, despite building a life in Shenzhen, she always yearns for her hometown, especially during the Spring Festival. "I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family, but every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home," she said, smiling despite the early hour and the long journey ahead. Another traveler, surnamed Zhong, was heading back to her hometown in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for more than a decade, she said the city's rapid growth had never lessened her feelings of homesickness during the Spring Festival. "I've planned this trip for a month. The Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us," Zhong said. Hit the road The Spring Festival travel rush, known as chunyun, is underway across China, as millions, like Wang and Zhong, embark on long journeys to reunite with family for the most significant holiday of the year. This year's travel rush began on January 14 and will last until February 22, spanning 40 days. Authorities are expecting an unprecedented nine billion inter-regional trips during this period. By January 19, over 1 billion inter-regional trips had already been made, according to transportation authorities. According to Ctrip, one of China's leading online travel agencies, most travelers depart from first-tier cities such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing and Hangzhou, and Harbin, Chongqing and Chengdu are among the most popular tourist destinations. For millions of travelers, the Spring Festival is about more than just family reunion. It's about reconnecting with the cultural roots that define the holiday. As they head home for the reunion dinner, they are not only making a physical journey but also participating in a broader movement to preserve and celebrate China's rich cultural heritage. Celebrating cultural heritage For many Chinese, the heart of the Spring Festival lies in family reunion. However, getting together with family is just the beginning, with numerous traditions following suit. Shopping for festival goods, pasting Spring Festival couplets, giving red envelopes (hongbao), lighting fireworks, hanging lanterns and staying up on New Year's Eve (shousui) are all key customs. Another tradition is watching the Spring Festival Gala, or chunwan. This annual TV art show, which has been broadcast since 1983, remains a centerpiece of the celebrations. The four-and-a-half-hour program features a mix of singing, dancing, opera, sketch comedy, crosstalks, martial arts and acrobatics. As the first gala since the Spring Festival was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, this year's event integrates more elements of this cultural legacy. Beyond the gala, intangible cultural heritage (ICT) is taking center stage in various aspects of the holiday. In Chongqing, one of the city's cultural shops, run by a man surnamed Guo, has seen a surge in sales of traditional items like paper-cutting, shadow puppetry and New Year paintings. "More people are seeking unique, handmade gifts that reflect our heritage," Guo said. ICT-themed tourism has also boomed. From learning traditional paper-cutting in Zhejiang Province to marveling at the Lantern Festival in Zigong City, people are flocking to destinations that offer immersive cultural experiences. This trend is reflected in travel bookings, with regions known for ICT seeing an increase in tourist interest. Data from Meituan Travel, one of China's leading online services platforms, shows that searches for intangible cultural heritage experiences, such as the huohu (fire pot) performance in Guiyang and the Zigong Lantern Festival, have risen five-fold and twice respectively compared to previous years. With the record-high chunyun unfolding, this year's Spring Festival not only involves an unprecedented number of travelers but also sees a boom in cultural consumption, fueling a vibrant tourism market and injecting new vitality into the country's economy. For more information, please click: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-01-24/China-s-Spring-Festival-Record-breaking-travel-cultural-feast-1Aq88ZtOyfS/p.html View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cgtn-chinas-spring-festival-record-breaking-travel-intangible-cultural-feast-302359742.html Poland's Institute for Renewable Energy says the country's combined solar capacity nearly reached 20. 7 GW by the end of November 2024, putting it on track to hit 21 GW by year-end. The institute's analysis indicates utility-scale projects are driving Poland's solar expansion and will continue to do so. Poland's cumulative installed PV capacity is expected to have surpassed 21 GW by the end of 2024, according to figures from the country's Instytut Energetyki Odnawialnej (IEO). Grzegorz Wisniewski, president of the board of the institute, told pv magazine that total capacity was almost 20. ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Champions Open Source Innovation by Funding Contributors and Upgrading Managed WordPress Hosting Platform GoDaddy Originally published on GoDaddy Newsroom GoDaddy (NYSE:GDDY) just invested a half-million dollars in the WordPress community through a donation to The WP Community Collective , an initiative focused on funding and empowering WordPress contributors. This monetary support will be directed towards providing financial, operational and promotional support within the greater WordPress community. GoDaddy also recently launched a redesigned Managed WordPress Hosting platform, built with developers in mind. The WP Community Collective contribution by GoDaddy, the company that helps small businesses thrive, aims to strengthen open source communities by providing resources for designers, developers and other contributors who make the internet work. These efforts help to build the WordPress platform and provide individuals with the freedom to adapt and improve this open source software to suit their needs without limitations. "GoDaddy and its employees care deeply about the WordPress community and show it year in, year out in many ways, including contributions of time and funding," said GoDaddy President of Partners Paul Bindel. "We're focused on continuing to enhance our industry-leading WordPress platform and hope our investment of $520,000 helps other valued members of the community sustain their contributions throughout 2025 and beyond." GoDaddy Supports Many Critical WordPress Community Projects In addition to the December 2024 investment in The WP Community Collective announced today, GoDaddy is sponsoring a handful of open source projects that will elevate WordPress while empowering contributors. The open source projects receiving funding, mentorship, and other opportunities from GoDaddy include: PHP Coding Standards - GoDaddy gave $12,000 in total in 2024 to support PHP code quality tools ( Open Collective ). PHP Foundation - GoDaddy donated $24,000 in December 2024 to help sustain PHP, the language powering much of the internet. World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) - GoDaddy donated $40,000 in December 2024 to champion open web standards through the W3C. WP Accessibility Meetup - GoDaddy sponsors live captions for the group's?monthly meetings. Five for the Future - Currently, GoDaddy sponsors?46 contributors, across 17 teams, through this program. The company ranks as the second-largest contributor of people and is ranked third in number of pledged hours per week at 255 hours. "These monetary contributions to the WordPress community, alongside our team's involvement through contributions, showcase how vital we believe WordPress is to the web," continued Bindel. "We believe that anyone should be able to participate, contribute and be involved in propelling the WordPress project forward." GoDaddy Redesigns Managed WordPress Product with Developers in Mind In tandem with its open source investments and goals to provide resources, GoDaddy has enhanced the WordPress experience by launching a newly optimized Managed WordPress Hosting platform. It serves over 80 billion requests per month with more than three petabytes of data and gives customers up to two times faster performance than other WordPress hosting providers* and more control of their WordPress site, with advanced security and isolation at every level. Built with WordPress developers in mind, the platform now delivers the power of a virtual private server (VPS) with the simplicity and reliability of Managed WordPress. Benefits of the updated platform include: Seamless scaling - Handle traffic surges with vertical scaling up to 12 cores. Strong isolation - Help protect a site with containerized services and nano-segmentation. Multi-layer security -?Stay ahead of threats with hardened containers and immutable code. Real-time observability - Monitor site health and performance through upcoming per-site dashboards. From continually enhancing its own Managed WordPress Hosting platform to providing crucial support to the community, GoDaddy is fully invested in the success and future of WordPress. To learn more about GoDaddy and its products, visit www.GoDaddy.com . About GoDaddy GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo, the company's AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy's expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com . *Disclaimer: Page load times compared to leading WordPress hosting providers Flywheel, Siteground, Hostgator, Dreamhost, Namecheap, Hostinger, and Bluehost for page load times between September and October, 2024. Actual performance may vary by region. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from GoDaddy on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: GoDaddy Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/godaddy Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: GoDaddy View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire ADO E-bike celebrates the topping-out of its Guangdong Huizhou Industrial Park, showcasing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth. The facility will enhance global operations and set the stage for the launch of the revolutionary Air 30 Ultra e-bike with the first integrated Auto Triple-Speed motor. HUIZHOU, China, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As ADO E-bike celebrates the topping-out of its Guangdong Huizhou Industrial Park, the company reflects on its ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability. This modern facility symbolizes ADO's mission to revolutionize urban mobility and expand its global footprint. The ADO Guangdong Huizhou Industrial Park, which began construction in October 2023, spans 53,365 square meters and represents an investment of 150 million RMB (19.9 million). Expected to be fully operational by May 2025, the industrial park will coincide with ADO's fourth brand anniversary, marking a significant moment in the company's history. Key features of the industrial park include: Manufacturing Buildings (A & B): Advanced production and warehousing capabilities to enhance supply chain efficiency. Advanced production and warehousing capabilities to enhance supply chain efficiency. R&D Building (C): A dedicated hub for cutting-edge research and product innovation. A dedicated hub for cutting-edge research and product innovation. Dormitory Building (D): Comfortable living spaces for employees, fostering a positive work environment. Once operational, the park will deliver an annual production capacity of 200,000 e-bikes, supporting ADO's mission to empower riders worldwide to "Cross Your City, ADO E-BIKE." Innovation Takes Center Stage with the Air 30 Ultra As part of its continuous pursuit of innovation, ADO E-bike is proud to introduce the Air 30 Ultra, the first integrated Auto Triple-Speed E-Bike co-developed by ADO and BAFANG Scheduled to launch in February 2025, this revolutionary model combines effortless performance with sleek design, setting a new standard for e-bike technology. A Step Toward a Sustainable Future The Guangdong Huizhou Industrial Park is a cornerstone of ADO's commitment to sustainability. By integrating advanced manufacturing practices with eco-conscious design, ADO E-bike is taking meaningful steps to reduce its carbon footprint while meeting global demand for sustainable mobility solutions. Join ADO E-bike in Shaping the Future This topping-out ceremony marks not only a construction milestone but also a bold step toward achieving ADO's vision for a greener and more connected world. ADO invites its global community of riders, partners, and supporters to celebrate this achievement and stay tuned for the highly anticipated launch of the Air 30 Ultra. Learn more about ADO E-bike: https://www.adoebike.com/ https://youtu.be/l3-zN5-sl3w?si=TbgouL3hfL8aqqJW Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2605619/iMAGE1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ado-e-bike-guangdong-huizhou-ado-industrial-park-topping-out-ceremony-marks-a-new-chapter-in-innovation-and-sustainability-302359758.html WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan applied for arrest warrants for two senior Taliban officials: Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and Supreme Court Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani.They are accused of crimes against humanity on the grounds of gender-based persecution under the Rome Statute of the court, which sets out the duty of every State signatory to exercise its criminal jurisdiction over those responsible for international crimes.'These applications recognise that Afghan women and girls as well as the LGBTQI+ community are facing an unprecedented, unconscionable and ongoing persecution by the Taliban,' Khan said in a statement.Since reclaiming power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have implemented a series of oppressive measures that have systematically stripped women of their rights, including barring them from employment, public spaces and education beyond the age of 12.This marks the first time the ICC has issued arrest warrant applications concerning Afghan.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. BANGALORE, India, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury Goods Market is Segmented by Type [Luxury Watches & Jewelry, Apparels And Leather Goods, Luxury Personal Care & Cosmetics, Wines/Champagne And Spirits, Fragrances], by Application [Individual, Commercial]. The Global Luxury Goods Market was valued at USD 236820 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 317490 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period 2024-2030. Claim Your Free Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-0R6457/Global_Luxury_Goods_Market Major Factors Driving the Growth of Luxury Goods Market: The market is characterized by the presence of renowned luxury brands that leverage heritage, craftsmanship, and exclusivity to attract affluent consumers. Continuous innovation in product design, sustainable practices, and digital transformation enhances the appeal and accessibility of luxury goods, catering to evolving consumer preferences. The expansion into emerging markets and the rise of e-commerce platforms facilitate broader market reach and increased sales opportunities. Additionally, the growing trend of personalized and bespoke luxury items adds value and differentiation, further fueling the market growth. View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-0R6457/global-luxury-goods TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE LUXURY GOODS MARKET: Luxury watches and jewelry drive the growth of the Luxury Goods Market by embodying status, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance that appeal to affluent consumers. These high-end products are symbols of wealth and prestige, often associated with heritage brands and exquisite design. The meticulous craftsmanship, use of premium materials such as gold, platinum, diamonds, and other precious stones, and the intricate detailing in luxury watches and jewelry enhance their desirability and exclusivity. Additionally, the investment value of luxury watches and jewelry attracts collectors and investors, further boosting demand. The rise of personalized and bespoke luxury items allows consumers to express their individuality, increasing the appeal of luxury watches and jewelry. The continuous innovation in design and the expansion of luxury brands into emerging markets significantly contribute to the growth of the Luxury Goods Market. Apparels and leather goods significantly contribute to the growth of the Luxury Goods Market by offering high-quality, fashionable, and durable products that cater to discerning consumers. Luxury apparel brands are known for their superior materials, impeccable tailoring, and exclusive designs that set them apart from mass-market offerings. Leather goods, including handbags, belts, shoes, and accessories, are prized for their craftsmanship, longevity, and timeless style. The increasing demand for sustainable and ethically produced fashion items has also driven innovation in luxury apparel and leather goods, with brands adopting eco-friendly materials and production practices. Additionally, the rise of online luxury retail platforms and the globalization of fashion trends expand the reach of luxury apparels and leather goods to a broader international audience. The combination of quality, exclusivity, and brand prestige fuels the demand for luxury apparels and leather goods, thereby driving the growth of the Luxury Goods Market. Individual consumers drive the growth of the Luxury Goods Market by seeking exclusive and high-status products that reflect their personal style and achievements. The aspiration to own luxury items is often linked to social status, personal success, and a desire for quality and uniqueness. Luxury brands cater to this demand by offering limited-edition products, personalized services, and exceptional customer experiences that resonate with individual preferences and lifestyles. The emotional connection and brand loyalty developed through exclusive marketing and high-touch retail experiences encourage repeat purchases and long-term relationships with consumers. Additionally, the influence of celebrities, influencers, and social media trends amplifies the desire for luxury goods among individual consumers, further fueling the market growth. The increasing global affluence and the rise of the middle and upper-middle classes in emerging economies expand the consumer base for luxury products, driving the expansion of the Luxury Goods Market. Enhanced brand image is a pivotal factor driving the growth of the Luxury Goods Market, as it establishes trust, prestige, and recognition among consumers. Luxury brands invest heavily in marketing and branding strategies that highlight their heritage, craftsmanship, and exclusivity, creating a strong and desirable brand identity. The association of luxury goods with high quality, superior materials, and exceptional design enhances their perceived value and attracts discerning consumers. Additionally, collaborations with renowned designers, celebrities, and influencers further elevate the brand image and extend its reach to wider audiences. A strong brand image fosters loyalty and advocacy among consumers, encouraging repeat purchases and word-of-mouth referrals. The continuous effort to maintain and enhance brand reputation ensures that luxury goods remain highly sought after, thereby driving the growth of the Luxury Goods Market. Digital transformation is a crucial factor driving the Luxury Goods Market, as it enables brands to reach a broader audience and enhance customer engagement through online platforms. The adoption of e-commerce, social media marketing, and digital advertising allows luxury brands to showcase their products to global consumers, breaking geographical barriers and expanding their market presence. Virtual showrooms, augmented reality (AR) experiences, and personalized online shopping interfaces provide immersive and interactive ways for consumers to explore and purchase luxury goods. Additionally, the use of data analytics and customer relationship management (CRM) systems helps brands understand consumer preferences and tailor their offerings accordingly. The integration of digital technologies enhances the accessibility and convenience of purchasing luxury items, attracting a new generation of tech-savvy consumers and supporting the growth of the Luxury Goods Market. Sustainability and ethical practices are increasingly important factors driving the Luxury Goods Market, as consumers become more conscious of environmental and social responsibility. Luxury brands are adopting sustainable materials, eco-friendly production processes, and transparent supply chains to meet the growing demand for ethically produced products. Initiatives such as using recycled metals, responsibly sourced gemstones, and organic textiles enhance the sustainability profile of luxury goods, appealing to environmentally aware consumers. Additionally, ethical practices in labor and manufacturing, such as fair wages and safe working conditions, build trust and loyalty among consumers who prioritize corporate responsibility. The emphasis on sustainability and ethics not only aligns with global environmental goals but also differentiates luxury brands in a competitive market, driving the adoption of sustainable luxury goods and supporting the growth of the Luxury Goods Market. Customization and personalization are essential factors driving the Luxury Goods Market, as they cater to the unique preferences and desires of individual consumers. Luxury brands offer bespoke services that allow customers to tailor products to their specific tastes, such as monogramming, custom fittings, and personalized design elements. This level of personalization enhances the exclusivity and emotional value of luxury items, making them more desirable and memorable for consumers. Personalized luxury goods also foster a deeper connection between the brand and the customer, encouraging brand loyalty and repeat purchases. Additionally, the use of advanced technologies like 3D printing and digital design tools enables brands to offer more intricate and customized options, expanding their product offerings and meeting the diverse needs of luxury consumers. The ability to provide customized and personalized experiences strengthens the appeal of luxury goods, driving the growth of the Luxury Goods Market. Claim Yours Now! https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-0R6457&lic=single-user LUXURY GOODS MARKET SHARE: North America leads the market, driven by high disposable incomes, strong brand presence, and a large population of affluent consumers who prioritize luxury and exclusivity. Europe follows closely, with its rich heritage in luxury fashion, jewelry, and automotive industries, coupled with a high concentration of luxury brand headquarters. Key Companies: ? LVMH ? Kering ? Rolex ? Tiffany ? Coty ? Swatch ? Prada ? Financiere Richemont ? Hermes ? Graff Diamonds ? Burberry Purchase Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-0R6457/Global_Luxury_Goods_Market SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS! - Luxury Goods Passport Market - Affordable Luxury Goods Market - Personal Luxury Goods market was valued at USD 268040 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 322490 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 2.6% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Affordable Luxury Fashion market was valued at USD 17030 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 28050 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Hard Luxury Market - Luxury Leather Goods Market was estimated to be worth USD 41450 Million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 49550 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 2.6% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Secondhand Luxury market was valued at USD 31190 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 48120 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Luxury Vehicles Market - Luxury Packaging Market revenue was USD 20670 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 32720 Million by 2029 with a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period (2023-2029). - Luxury Pet Furniture Market - Luxury Doors Market revenue was USD 540 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 727.6 Million by 2029 with a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period (2023-2029). 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GET A FREE QUOTE Valuates Reports sales@valuates.com For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 WhatsApp: +91-9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/ Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valuatesreports6753 https://www.facebook.com/valuateskorean https://www.facebook.com/valuatesspanish https://www.facebook.com/valuatesjapanese https://valuatesreportspanish.blogspot.com/ https://valuateskorean.blogspot.com/ https://valuatesgerman.blogspot.com/ https://valuatesreportjapanese.blogspot.com/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/luxury-goods-market-insights-key-segments-emerging-trends-and-forecast-to-2030--download-free-sample-now--valuates-reports-302359773.html Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) (NYSE: EVTL) ("Vertical" or the "Company"), a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today announces the closing of its previously announced underwritten public offering (the "Offering") for total gross proceeds of $90 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250124312019/en/ Vertical's VX4 prototype during recent piloted test flights in the UK. (Photo: Business Wire) The amount raised was increased from an initial launch target of $75 million, reflecting strong investor demand. The $90 million raise includes over $60 million from new investors, as well as $25 million from Mudrick Capital, following the signing of the investment agreement on December 20, 2024 (the "Investment Agreement"). The Investment Agreement, aimed at strengthening Vertical's balance sheet and accelerating the Company's Flightpath 2030 strategy, also included the conversion of $130 million of debt into equity. In the Offering, Vertical sold 15 million units at $6.00 per unit. Each unit comprises one ordinary share and one-half of one Tranche A warrant and one-half of one Tranche B warrant. The exercise of the warrants would generate additional proceeds of approximately $101 million. Vertical intends to use the proceeds from this Offering to fund its research and development expenses as Vertical continues to develop the VX4 and its expenditures in the expansion of its testing and certification capacities, as well as for general working capital and other general corporate purposes. Specifically, the Company expects the funds will be used to progress Vertical's operational targets for 2025 and enable an acceleration of spending in the second half of the year compared to prior plans. This approach supports Vertical's delivery of its Flightpath 2030 plan, including its target to achieve certification in 2028. Vertical's 2025 operational targets include things such as: Fly full-scale piloted wingborne and transition. Build and fly its third full-scale VX4 prototype. Fly full-scale piloted flights demonstrating real-world use cases. Earn additional DOA privileges including Flight Conditions privilege granted by the CAA. Initiate certification aircraft production with long-range parts purchasing. Strengthen its operating model and shift its approach to focus on execution. Today's funding follows significant flight test progress in January 2025, with Vertical becoming only the second company in the world to achieve piloted thrustborne flight manoeuvres with a full-scale vectored thrust eVTOL aircraft. The company also recently announced that aviation industry veteran, Domhnal Slattery, has been appointed Chairman. Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical, said: "I couldn't be more thrilled with how we've started the year. This funding, which exceeds our initial launch target, represents a major milestone for our business as we advance our Flightpath 2030 strategy, building on significant operational momentum. While the real work lies ahead, I've never been so confident that we have the team, technology, and vision to drive our mission to pioneer electric aviation." Domhnal Slattery, Vertical Chairman, said: "Strong investor demand and the success of this upsized public offering are indicators of investors' confidence in Vertical's vision and our ability to lead the eVTOL sector by the end of the decade. Securing access to capital is critical to our success, and I want to extend my gratitude to Jason Mudrick for his pivotal initial investment, which set the stage for this funding round and inspired others to join us on this transformative journey." William Blair acted as lead bookrunner and Canaccord Genuity acted as joint bookrunner for the Offering. The Offering was made pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333- 275430) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on November 9, 2023 and declared effective by the SEC on November 16, 2023. The final prospectus supplement relating to the Offering has been filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC's website located at www.sec.gov, copies of which can be obtained from: William Blair Company, L.L.C., Attention: Prospectus Department, 150 North Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606, by telephone at (800) 621-0687, or by email at prospectus@williamblair.com; or Canaccord Genuity LLC, Attention: Syndication Department, One Post Office Square, Suite 3000, Boston, MA 02109, by telephone at (800) 225-6104, or by email at prospectus@cgf.com. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sale of these shares of common stock in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful before registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Notes to Editors Total number of ordinary shares outstanding following the closing of this offer is: 84,552,721 (excluding ordinary shares held in treasury). Cash and cash equivalents as of 31 December 2024: 22.5 million ($28 million, calculated based on the GBP/USD exchange rate of 1 to $1.2528 as of 31 December 2024.). Gross proceeds of raise $90 million, net proceeds $84.0 million. Vertical Aerospace currently plans to release its FY 2024 results on 11 March 2025. This information regarding our cash position as of December 31, 2024 is preliminary and subject to adjustment, and has been prepared by, and is the responsibility of, our management. About Vertical Aerospace Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner and quieter way to travel. Vertical's VX4 is a piloted, four passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical combines partnering with leading aerospace companies, including GKN, Honeywell and Leonardo, with developing its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world's most advanced and safest eVTOL. Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of the VX4, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL and Bristow. Certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled via third-party agreements. Headquartered in Bristol, the epicentre of the UK's aerospace industry, Vertical's experienced leadership team comes from top tier automotive and aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM and Leonardo. Together they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Any express or implied statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering, the potential exercise of the warrants issued in the Offering and the proceeds issued from such potential exercise, our future results of operations and financial position, our plans for capital expenditures, the design and manufacture of the VX4, our business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including the building and testing of our prototype aircrafts on timelines projected, certification and the commercialization of the VX4 and our ability to achieve regulatory certification of our aircraft product on any particular timeline or at all, expectations surrounding pre-orders and commitments, the features and capabilities of the VX4, the transition towards a net-zero emissions economy, as well as statements that include the words "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "project," "forecast," "estimate," "may," "should," "anticipate," "will," "aim," "potential," "continue," "are likely to" and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. Forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, without limitation: our limited operating history without manufactured non-prototype aircraft or completed eVTOL aircraft customer order; our history of losses and the expectation to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future; the market for eVTOL aircraft being in a relatively early stage; our potential inability to produce, certify or launch aircraft in the volumes or timelines projected; the potential inability to obtain the necessary certifications for production and operation within any projected timeline, or at all; any accidents or incidents involving eVTOL aircraft could harm our business; our dependence on partners and suppliers for the components in our aircraft and for operational needs; the potential that certain strategic partnerships may not materialize into long-term partnership arrangements; all of the pre-orders received are conditional and may be terminated at any time and any pre-delivery payments may be fully refundable upon certain specified dates; the inability for our aircraft to perform at the level we expect and may have potential defects; any potential failure to effectively manage our growth; our inability to recruit and retain senior management and other highly skilled personnel, our ability to raise additional funds when we need or want them, or at all, to fund our operations; our limited cash and cash equivalents and recurring losses from our operations raise significant doubt (or raise substantial doubt as contemplated by PCAOB standards) regarding our ability to continue as a going concern; the fact that we have previously identified material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting which if we fail to properly remediate, could adversely affect our results of operations, investor confidence in us and the market price of our ordinary shares; the fact that as a foreign private issuer, we follow certain home country corporate governance rules, are not subject to U.S. proxy rules and are subject to Exchange Act reporting obligations that, to some extent, are more lenient and less frequent than those of a U.S. domestic public company; and the other important factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 14, 2024, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250124312019/en/ Contacts: Enquiries please contact: Vertical Aerospace Media Justin Bates, Head of Communications justin.bates@vertical-aerospace.com +44 7878 357 463 Investor Relations Samuel Emden, Head of Investor Affairs samuel.emden@vertical-aerospace.com +44 7816 459 904 West Burton and Heckington Fen solar and storage projects secure development consent orders from UK government. The two plants are latest in a line of major solar projects approved since the Labour government took office in July 2024. Two solar projects in England totaling almost 1 GW of capacity, plus co-located storage, have been given the green light by the UK government. Both projects have been granted development consent orders, meaning development can now proceed at the 480 MW West Burton Solar Farm and Heckington Fen Solar Farm, with reported capacity in the region of 500 MW. Located near ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Xi inspects Spring Festival market supply Xinhua) 13:58, January 24, 2025 SHENYANG, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visited a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, on Thursday morning. During his inspection tour in Liaoning, Xi visited Dadong non-staple food market to learn about the supplies for the upcoming Spring Festival. At the market, children were delighted to see Xi and eagerly offered him the candy they just bought. "I'm glad to accept your candy. You are the hope for our future. Eating your candy fills my heart with sweetness, and I hope your lives will be as sweet as candy," Xi said. The Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year, is the most important traditional holiday in China and an occasion for family reunions. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Paris, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NOT TO DISTRIBUTE, PUBLISH OR DISSEMINATE, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH DISTRIBUTION, PUBLICATION OR DISSEMINATION WOULD BE PROHIBITED. Brookfield Renewable Holdings SAS increases the price offered for the 2022 OCEANEs as part of the simplified tender offer for the Neoen shares and OCEANEs Toronto and Paris, January 24, 2025: Following the filing on January 2, 2025 by Brookfield Renewable Holdings SAS ("Brookfield") of a mandatory simplified tender offer for the Neoen shares, the OCEANEs issued in 2020 (the "2020 OCEANEs") and the OCEANEs issued in 2022 (the "2022 OCEANEs") with the French financial markets' authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers, the "AMF")1, Brookfield announces that it has decided to increase the price offered for the 2022 OCEANEs from EUR 101,382.00 to EUR 105,000.002. The price offered for the Neoen shares of EUR 39.85 and for the 2020 OCEANEs of EUR 48.14 remains unchanged. Brookfield will file with the AMF an updated draft offer document reflecting the improved price for the 2022 OCEANEs. Finexsi3, acting as independent expert appointed by Neoen, will issue an updated version of its report based on which the ad hoc committee will issue its recommendation for the board of directors of Neoen4. The updated version of Finexsi's report and the revised reasoned opinion of Neoen's board of directors will be included in the updated draft response document which will be filed by Neoen with the AMF. Brookfield holds, directly and indirectly, alone and in concert5, and by assimilation, 103,464,986 shares (i.e. 67.69% of the share capital and theoretical voting rights of Neoen) and 1,103,895 2020 OCEANEs (i.e. 30% of the 2020 OCEANEs). Brookfield does not hold any 2022 OCEANEs. The updated draft offer document will be available on the website of Brookfield Renewable Holdings) and the updated draft response document will be available on the websites of Neoen). These documents will also be available on the website of the AMF). The proposed mandatory simplified tender offer initiated by Brookfield Renewable Holdings SAS remains subject to review by the AMF. Contact information Neoen Francois Repoltfabrice.baron@omnicomprgroup.com Brookfield John Hamlinadelapeyrouse@Brunswickgroup.com Neoen Founded in 2008, Neoen is one of the world's leading independent producers of exclusively renewable energy. With expertise in solar power, wind power and storage, the company plays an active role in the energy transition by producing and supplying competitive, green, local energy on four continents. After a four-fold increase in the last six years, its capacity in operation and under construction stands at 8.9 GW. Neoen's flagship operations are France's most powerful solar farm (300 MWp) in Cestas, Finland's largest wind farm (404 MW) in Mutkalampi, and two of the world's most powerful large-scale storage plants including Collie Battery (219 MW / 877 MWh) and Western Downs Battery (212 MW / 424 MWh) in Australia. A high-growth company, Neoen is targeting 10 GW in operation or under construction in the course of 2025. Neoen is listed in Compartment A of Euronext's market in Paris (ISIN code: FR0011675362, Ticker: NEOEN) on the SBF 120, CAC Mid 60 and S&P 600 indexes. For more information: www.neoen.com Disclaimer The foregoing relates to the contemplated tender offer filed by Brookfield Renewable Holdings SAS, pursuant to the General Regulations of the Autorite des marches financiers, on all shares and OCEANEs of Neoen (the "Offer"). The Offer is not and will not be made in any jurisdiction where it would not be permitted under applicable law. The Offer has not been subject to any application for registration or approval by any financial market regulatory authority other than the AMF and no measures will be taken in this respect. Neither the draft offer document, the draft response document nor any other document relating to the Offer constitutes an offer to sell or acquire financial instruments or a solicitation of such an offer in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation would be unlawful, could not validly be made, or would require the publication of a prospectus or the completion of any other formality under local financial law. The holders of Neoen shares and OCEANEs located outside of France can only participate in the Offer if permitted by the local laws to which they are subject, without Brookfield Renewable Holdings SAS having to carry out additional formalities. Publication of the draft offer document, the draft response document, the Offer, the acceptance of the Offer and the delivery of the Shares or OCEANEs may, in certain jurisdictions, be subject to specific regulations or restrictions. Holders of Neoen shares and OCEANEs located outside of France may only participate in the Offer to the extent that such participation is permitted under the local law to which they are subject. Accordingly, persons in possession of the Draft Offer Document are required to obtain information regarding any applicable local restrictions and to comply with such restrictions. Failure to comply with such restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws. Brookfield Renewable Holdings SAS and Neoen shall not be liable for any breach by any person of any applicable legal or regulatory restrictions. The Offer will be made in the United States of America in accordance with Section 14(e) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "U.S. Exchange Act") the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, including Regulation 14E after application of the exemptions provided by Rule 14d-1(d) of the U.S Exchange Act (the "Tier II" exemption) and the requirements of French law. 1 See press releases published by Brookfield and by Neoen on January 2, 2025. 2 This price is coupon attached. The amount of the Offer Price per 2022 OCEANE is EUR 103,562.50 ex-coupon, the amount of the coupon being EUR 1,437.50 (the coupon detachment is scheduled for 12 March 2025). 3 See press release published by Neoen on May 30, 2024. 4 The ad hoc committee was recomposed following the resignation on December 27, 2024 of the Fonds Strategique de Participations (FSP), represented by Mr. Christophe Gegout, from its directorship: Neoen's board of directors has appointed Mr. Xavier Barbaro as a new member of the ad hoc committee to replace the FSP. 5 In concert with (i) Aranda Investments Pte Ltd (controlled by Temasek), (ii) Mr. Xavier Barbaro, directly and indirectly through the companies he controls, and (iii) Mr. Romain Desrousseaux. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The pound strengthened against its major counterparts in the New York session on Friday, as the nation's private sector activity expanded at the fastest pace in three months in January.Flash survey results from S&P Global showed that the composite output index posted 50.9 in January, up slightly from 50.4 in the previous month. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. The expected score was 50.0.The factory Purchasing Managers' Index rose to a 3-month high of 48.2 compared to 47.0 in December. Nonetheless, a reading below 50 indicates contraction, and the expected score was 46.9.By contrast, the services PMI remained in the growth zone and rose to 51.2 from 51.1. The reading was above the forecast of 50.8.Investors reacted positively to U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trump's remarks helped ease worries about tariffs a bit, and raised hopes of some monetary easing by the Fed.The pound climbed to more than 2-week highs of 1.2490 against the greenback and 1.1290 against the franc. The next possible resistance for the currency is seen around 1.27 against the greenback and 1.15 against the franc.The pound advanced to a 2-week high of 194.54 against the yen and a 1-week high of 0.8417 against the euro, from its early 2-day lows of 192.07 and 0.8462, respectively. The currency is seen finding resistance around 197.00 against the yen and 0.82 against the euro.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX The initiative will affect approximately 1 million square kilometers of indigenous territories - almost 14% of Brazil's territory and equivalent to the sum of the areas of France and England. DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In synergy with the creation of SDG 18 for Ethnic-Racial Equality, Tercio Borlenghi Jr., president of Ambipar, a Brazilian multinational leader in environmental solutions, and the Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples (MPI), Eloy Terena, have signed an unprecedented Protocol to promote actions aimed at fighting and preventing fires, sustainable development and strengthening resilience in indigenous territories. The unprecedented partnership, which is part of the MPI's strategy to include the private sector in global accountability for the preservation of indigenous lands, covers initiatives that include technical support for training in prevention and response to extreme events, disasters and firefighting, reforestation of deforested areas, development of bioeconomy projects, conservation and environmental education, as well as the promotion of the circular economy and efficient solid waste management. The initiative will reach approximately 1 million square kilometers of indigenous territories - almost 14% of Brazil's territory and the equivalent of the combined areas of France and England. The partnership also seeks to foster income generation through professional training for young people in environmental preservation activities, social projects and the enhancement of ecosystem services, based on consultation with communities, in accordance with ILO (International Labor Organization) Convention 169, aligning efforts to contribute to the well-being and inclusion of indigenous peoples in the context of an integrated and innovative environmental agenda. 'We believe in the power of collaboration to transform challenges into sustainable opportunities. This partnership reinforces our commitment to solutions that generate a positive impact for people and the planet, especially for indigenous communities, who play a fundamental role in environmental preservation,' said Rafael Tello, Ambipar's sustainability vice-president. 'The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples emphasizes that this partnership is an important tool for consolidating culturally appropriate public policies aimed at sustainability and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, ensuring that the benefits of these actions reach the communities effectively,' said Eloy Terena, executive secretary of the MPI. About Ambipar Ambipar is a Brazilian multinational that is a global leader in environmental solutions and invests in and operates decarbonization, circular economy, energy transition and environmental regeneration projects, with a presence in 41 countries and more than 20,000 employees. The company has shares listed on B3 (AMBP3) and the New York Stock Exchange (AMBI). To find out more, click here. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/in-davos-ambipar-and-the-ministry-of-indigenous-peoples-sign-a-protocol-of-intent-aimed-at-climate-emergencies-and-sustainability-302359842.html Regulatory News: The Azur Selection (ISIN: GRS528003007 Mnemonique: MLAZR), a leading Greek player in the hotel investment sector listed on the Eunonext Access in Paris, announces a new Extraordinary General Meeting. The Extraordinary General Meeting "EGM" of The Azur Selection SA will be held on Thursday 06.02.2025, at 17:00, at the Company's offices at Voula, Greece, with the following agenda: Granting authority to the Company's Board of Directors to decide to increase the Company's share capital, pursuant with Article 24 par. 1(b) of Law 4548/2018, up to an amount of fifteen million euros (15,000,000.00) for a period of three years (3) from the date of the Extraordinary General Meeting's decision. Additionally, cancelingof the pre-emptive rights of the Company's existing shareholders, pursuant to Article 27 par. 4 of Law 4548/2018 in favor of "LDA CAPITAL GROUP, LLC", in execution of the relevant terms of the Company's agreement with the aforementioned investment entity. - Adoption of the Company's capitalization measures, in accordance with Article 56 of Law 4548/2018, for the issuance of the Company's share purchase securities ("Warrants" on shares "warrants") and their allocation to "LDA CAPITAL GROUP, LLC", in execution of the relevant terms of the Company's agreement with the aforementioned investment entity with the cancellation of the pre-emptive rights of the Company's existing shareholders, in accordance with the provisions of Article 27 of Law 4558/2018. - Approval of the increase in the Company's share capital without pre-emptive rights by contribution in kind of (a) 49% of the Company's capital under the trade name "LATIN BEACH ATHENS P.C." by Mr. Georgios ARVANITAKIS, (b) 42% of the Company's capital under the trade name "? ??????S HOTELS P.C." by Mr. Georgios ARVANITAKIS. Approval of the valuation reports in accordance with Article 17 of Law 4548/2018. Amendment of article 5 of the Company's articles of association. - Granting of special approval pursuant to Articles 99 et seq. of Law 4548/2018 for the contribution in kind to the Company of 49% of the capital of the company under the trade name "LATIN BEACH ATHENS P.C." and 42% of the capital of the company under the trade name "? ??????S HOTELS P.C." by Mr. Georgios ARVANITAKIS, a related party to the Company, in connection with the increase in share capital. - Grant of approval for share buy-back program. - Other topics and announcements. Full details of how to take part in the EGM are available in the investor section of the company's website: https://www.azurselection.com/investor-relations. About The Azur Selection The Azur Selection invests in hotels and commercial property through a lease and sublease model and operates an investment management business through its subsidiaries and associated companies. The group focuses on hotel, hospitality and property investment in selected highly commercial geographical areas in Greece, the French Riviera and elsewhere. The Azur Selection currently manages a portfolio of commercial properties and hotels in Athens and on the island of Mykonos, while maintaining long-term leases with the companies or users of its properties. Its portfolio includes 5 hotels (3 are sublet to a hotel operator and 2 are fully managed), as well as a shopping center. The group is managed by experienced executives with knowledge of the Greek and international property markets. Azur Selection S.A. (MLAZR) is listed on the Euronext Access market in Paris. https://www.azurselection.com/about-azur View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250124895365/en/ Contacts: The Azur Selection George Arvanitakis CEO Founder NewCap Investor Relations Theo Martin Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 96 theazurselection@newcap.eu NewCap Media relations Nicolas Merigeau Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 00 15 theazurselection@newcap.eu WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A groundbreaking study led by UCL researchers revealed that adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD have a shorter life expectancy.The research involved 30,029 adults with diagnosed ADHD across the UK, whose primary care data was compared to that of 300,390 participants without ADHD.The findings, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, disclosed that lifespan of male adults with ADHD is reduced by an average of 6.8 years, whereas female adults with ADHD have a life expectancy of 8.6 years shorter, on average, than those who did not.'It is deeply concerning that some adults with diagnosed ADHD are living shorter lives than they should. People with ADHD have many strengths and can thrive with the right support and treatment,' senior author Josh Stott, from UCL Psychology & Language Sciences, commented.'However, they often lack support and are more likely to experience stressful life events and social exclusion, negatively impacting their health and self-esteem.'As per Mayo Clinic, adult ADHD is a mental health disorder that often goes undiagnosed during childhood, leading to issues, such as unstable relationships, poor performance at work or school, and low self-esteem. Such adults struggle with impulsiveness, restlessness and difficulty in paying attention.'Only a small percentage of adults with ADHD have been diagnosed, meaning this study covers just a segment of the entire community,' lead author Dr. Liz O'Nions.'More of those who are diagnosed may have additional health problems compared to the average person with ADHD. Therefore, our research may over-estimate the life expectancy gap for people with ADHD overall, though more community-based research is needed to test whether this is the case.'The researchers emphasized that the findings of the study only apply if the ADHD diagnosis remains stable over the time.'Although many people with ADHD live long and healthy lives, our finding that on average they are living shorter lives than they should indicates unmet support needs. It is crucial that we find out the reasons behind premature deaths so we can develop strategies to prevent these in future,' Dr. O'Nions concluded.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. DZS (OTC PINK:DZSI), a developer of Network Edge and Connectivity systems and Cloud Edge software solutions enabling broadband everywhere, today announced that Geoff Burke, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Investor Relations, will participate and present at the Dealflow Events MicroCap Conference 2025. The conference is being held January 28-30, 2025, at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, N.J. Mr. Burke will provide two presentations, one on January 29 at 5PM ET and a second on January 30 at 2PM ET and will be available for one-on-one meeting with registered investors at the conference. The presentation will be available after the conference on the Company's investor relations website at DZS Inc. - Investor Relations. About DZS DZS Inc. (OTC: DZSI) is a developer of Network Edge and Connectivity systems and Cloud Edge software solutions enabling broadband everywhere. A technology partner to over half of the top 25 telecom operators in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Australia, and hundreds of fiber service providers globally, DZS systems, software and solutions empower communications service providers to deliver advanced broadband services with extraordinary agility, flexibility and performance. DZS, the DZS logo, and all DZS product names are trademarks of DZS Inc. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective holders. Specifications, products, and/or product names are all subject to change. This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect the beliefs and assumptions of the Company's management as of the date hereof. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "seek," "should," "target," "will," "would," variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. The Company's actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, those risk factors contained in the Company's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including without limitation, the Company's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings. In addition, additional or unforeseen affects from the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic climate may give rise to or amplify many of these risks. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. DZS undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason. For further information see: www.DZSi.com DZS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dzs_innovation DZS on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DZSi/ Press and Inquiries: Geoff Burke SVP Marketing & Investor Relations Email: IR@dzsi.com SOURCE: DZS View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Highlights: Jas Bagry to resign as Chief Financial Officer; will remain a member of its Board of Director Tommy Chan promoted to Interim Chief Financial Officer Zoe Seguev promoted to Chief Compliance Officer & Head of Operations Guillermo O'Byrne promoted to Director of Product Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 24, 2025) - Parvis Invest Inc. (TSXV: PVIS) ("Parvis" or "the Company"), a technology-driven private investment platform committed to democratizing access to institutional-quality real estate and alternative opportunities, announces that Jas Bagry has submitted his resignation as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Company, effective January 31, 2025. Bagry will remain on the Board of Directors. Following Bagry's resignation, Thomas Chan, the Company's Director of Finance, will assume the role of Interim CFO. The team updates include the promotion of Zoe Seguev to Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) & Head of Operations and Guillermo O'Byrne to Director of Product. "With the launch of our Direct Access Fund and growing demand for real estate investment opportunities, Parvis is at an exciting juncture," said David Michaud, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "Having the right people in the right roles is critical to ensuring we continue to execute effectively. The contributions Jas has made have been instrumental to our success, and I'm grateful for his continued guidance as a Board Member. At the same time, I'm thrilled to see Zoe, Guillermo, and Tommy step into these critical roles. Their expertise and dedication position Parvis to deliver on our vision of making real estate investing more accessible, transparent, and impactful." Chief Financial Officer : Jas Bagry, who has played an instrumental role in shaping Parvis' financial strategy during a critical period of growth, will remain engaged with Parvis as a member of its Board of Director. Tommy Chan brings over 15 years of experience in corporate finance, financial planning and analysis, and leadership across a variety of industries, including InsurTech, retail, and investment banking. Before joining Parvis, Mr. Chan held senior roles at Apollo Insurance, Trader Corporation, Walmart Canada, Deloitte Corporate Finance, and NewPoint Capital Partners. He is a CFA Charterholder and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. Chief Compliance Officer & Head of Operations : Since joining Parvis in March 2023, Zoe Seguev has been instrumental in building the company's operational and compliance framework. With over a decade of regulatory compliance and operational leadership experience, she previously held senior roles at Soho House & Co, WeWork, and Coinsquare, where she contributed to securing Canada's first IIROC-regulated crypto broker-dealer status. In her expanded role, Zoe will oversee compliance, align operations with regulatory standards, and play a key role in launching the Parvis Direct Access Fund and expanding the Secondary Market. Director of Product: Guillermo O'Byrne, promoted to Director of Product, has been integral to advancing Parvis' platform and technology initiatives since joining in 2022 during the company's early days. With over seven years of experience in product management, Guillermo has a proven track record of delivering impactful results at Method:CRM and BMO Capital Markets. He holds a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto. In his role, Guillermo will lead product strategy and innovation, ensuring Parvis continues to deliver exceptional solutions for its investors while driving the platform's evolution as a leader in private real estate investing. These leadership updates reflect Parvis' commitment to building a world-class team capable of driving the company's strategic goals. As Parvis expands its marketplace and introduces new investment opportunities, the team's enhanced expertise will ensure operational excellence and continued growth. About Parvis Parvis is a technology-driven investment platform dedicated to democratizing access to institutional-quality opportunities. Utilizing AI and blockchain technology, Parvis streamlines the investment process, making it more accessible and efficient. Headquartered in Vancouver, Parvis operates with experts in Toronto, Vancouver, Kelowna, and Montreal. For more information, visit www.parvisinvest.com and SEDAR+. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information generally refers to information about an issuer's business, capital, or operations that is prospective in nature, and includes future-oriented financial information about the issuer's prospective financial performance or financial position. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding: execution and integration of the investment offerings; and the Company's business plans and role in the investment industry. To develop the forward-looking information in this news release, the Company made certain material assumptions, including but not limited to: prevailing market conditions; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; and the ability of the Company to execute and achieve its business objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary from the forward-looking information in this news release due to certain material risk factors. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: adverse market conditions; changes in general economic, business and political conditions; changes in applicable laws and regulations; compliance with extensive government regulation; reliance on key and qualified personnel; risks associated with the real estate, investment, and technology industries in general. The foregoing list of material risk factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information in this news release, unless it is required to do so under Canadian securities legislation. Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @ParvisInvest Facebook: ParvisInvest LinkedIn: Parvis To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238383 SOURCE: Parvis Invest Inc. Avanza Capital Holdings, a leading alternative funding company specializing in innovative funding solutions and diversified portfolio of capital allocations, proudly announces its support for the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island, Inc. through a meaningful charitable contribution. This donation will specifically benefit the Sunrise Day Camp, a transformative program that provides children with cancer and their siblings a safe space to enjoy the joys of summer in a supportive and uplifting environment. "I just donated to this incredible program, and it means a great deal to me personally," said Francesco Scarso, CEO of Avanza Capital Holdings. "Sunrise Day Camp holds a special place in my heart because my daughter volunteered there two summers ago. She saw firsthand the heartbreak these children endure and was deeply moved by their strength and resilience. She came home in tears many days, touched by the impact this camp had on these kids and their families." Sunrise Day Camp, run by the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island, offers a free, full-summer day camp experience tailored to children with cancer and their siblings. It provides a sense of normalcy and joy during a time that is anything but normal for these families. Avanza Capital Holdings' donation will help ensure this life-changing program can continue to serve its mission. "We are honored to support the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island and the Sunrise Day Camp," Scarso added. "This program doesn't just provide smiles and summer memories; it offers hope and healing. We encourage others to join us in supporting this cause and making a difference in the lives of these brave children." The team at the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island expressed their gratitude, stating: "It's the generosity of companies like Avanza Capital Holdings that allows us to create programs that truly change lives. This donation will help us continue to bring joy and support to families when they need it most." Avanza Capital Holdings remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the communities it serves. By supporting programs like the Sunrise Day Camp, the company reaffirms its commitment to creating a brighter future for individuals and families in need. For more information about Avanza Capital Holdings and its community initiatives, please visit https://avanza.nyc/ To learn more about the incredible work of the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island and the Sunrise Day Camp, or to make a donation, please visit www.sijcc.org. Media Contact: Frank Scarso CEO frank@avanza.nyc 212-457-1336 Anthony DeBenedictis Partner anthony@avanza.nyc 914-536-7565 SOURCE: Avanza Capital Holdings View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host a regular high-level World Economic Forum (WEF) global meeting in Riyadh, with the first slated for the Spring of 2026, it was announced today. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250124077475/en/ Saudi Arabia to Host Regular World Economic Forum Global Meeting (Photo: AETOSWire) The announcement was made today by His Excellency Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, and Brge Brende, World Economic Forum President, on the final day of the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The global WEF meeting in Riyadh will serve as a vital platform for global leaders, experts, policy- and decision-makers from diverse fields including the public and private sectors, academia, international organizations, and civil society to convene and address the challenges defining our world. His Excellency Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning for Saudi Arabia, commented on the announcement: "Hosting a regular global World Economic Forum meeting in the Kingdom is a testament to the global platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation the Saudi Arabia has become, and that the World Economic Forum continues to be. This meeting represents a significant opportunity to further unite the world in capturing the immense potential that lies ahead. "In this critical juncture for the global economy, we're not only inspired by the opportunities before us, but also deeply confident that our collective efforts will forge a brighter, more inclusive and more prosperous future for all. We look forward to welcoming the global community again in Saudi Arabia in the spring of 2026." President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, Brge Brende, said: "The World Economic Forum is looking forward to coming back to the Kingdom in 2026. To close the 55th World Economic Forum with this announcement puts us on a strong course for the years ahead. Years that will have immense consequence. Because the progress we make over the coming months will not only deliver results in the near term, but will shape our course for years to come." Building on the success of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting held in Riyadh in April 2024, this new development solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a central player in shaping the global agenda. The Kingdom's bold leadership and determination to foster global dialogues between developed and developing economies and drive inclusive global growth make it an ideal host to address complex global challenges with the WEF community. The World Economic Forum Global Meeting in Riyadh is set to become a cornerstone event in the global calendar, reflecting the Kingdom's position as a key bridge between the north and south, east and west, and a beacon for constructive dialogue and action. *Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250124077475/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Wooud Alquaied walquaied@mep.gov.sa Official Travel Tourism sessions were prominently featured on the WEF agenda, with global leaders unpacking the transformative power of the sector. His Excellency urged global leaders to give the sector the attention it deserves to catalyze sustainable, cross-border, multi-sector economic growth. The Travel and Tourism sector's essential contribution to shaping the global landscape was underscored at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos this week with His Excellency Ahmed A. Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia Minister of Tourism, urging world leaders to provide the industry with the focus and collaborative solutions it deserves. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250124536028/en/ Saudi Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed A. Al-Khateeb put travel and tourism on the global agenda at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, this week. (Photo: AETOSWire) Saudi Arabia welcomed nearly 30 million international visitors in 2024 and contributed almost 5% to the Kingdom's GDP. In dedicated WEF sessions on travel and tourism, His Excellency, who attended Davos as part of the official Saudi Arabia WEF Delegation, highlighted the Kingdom's unprecedented growth rates. He stressed the critical role that tourism has in building diversified and resilient economies, emphasizing that when Saudi Vision 2030 unlocked the travel and tourism sector, the Kingdom began building a holistic tourism experience based on international collaboration, best practices, and sustainable development. As the WEF Annual Meeting concluded, His Excellency noted that the world was watching the remarkable resurgence of tourism, with the industry now fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels with 1.4 billion international arrivals in 2024. "The world is counting on us to build a vibrant tourism ecosystem that meets growing demand while safeguarding our planet and quality of life. Tourism is more than an industry it is a transformative force. We need to foster collective action to balance economic growth in the industry with social and environmental responsibility and ensuring the sector's resilience," His Excellency said. Throughout the forum, His Excellency led discussions as a key voice on official WEF panels including "Travel and Tourism's Role in Building Trust" and "The Way We Will Travel", focused on mobilizing diversified sector growth and enhancing global collaboration to propel the travel and tourism sector to keep up with growing demand, as well as a high-level session at Saudi House that explored "Scaling Sustainable Tourism: Connecting People and Places." He shared the stage with distinguished leaders, including Albania Prime Minister Edi Rama, European Commissioner for Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Switzerland Tourism CEO Martin Nydegger and Trip.com CEO Jane Sun who all shared His Excellency's sentiment on the need for further global collaboration. In alignment with Saudi Arabia's forward-thinking tourism strategy, the Ministry launched a new investment guide, the "Hospitality Investor White Paper" during the WEF Annual Meeting. This initiative supports Vision 2030's ambitious targets, aiming to attract more than SAR 40 billion (USD 11 billion) in private investments, contribute SAR 16 billion (USD 4 billion) to the GDP, and create 1.6 million jobs by 2030. Minister Al-Khateeb also contributed expert insights to the WEF's "The Future of Travel and Tourism: Embracing Sustainable and Inclusive Growth" briefing paper highlighting the growing demand for sustainable travel and the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the need to ensure local communities globally benefit from the resulting growth. As the WEF Annual Meeting concludes, Minister Al-Khateeb's participation underscores Saudi Arabia's transformative role in reshaping the global tourism landscape, reinforcing the Kingdom's vision to establish itself as a leading hub for sustainable travel. *Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250124536028/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts: Najla AlKhalifa, Ministry of Tourism Senior Communications Advisor, at MTDavos2025@apcoworldwide.com Kelsey Glover at kglover@apcoworldwide.com or +1 513 319 6103 Today, Feed the Children joins organizations around the world in observance of International Day of Education. The nonprofit recognizes that education is a human right, a public responsibility and the key to sustainable economic development. It believes that when organizations work together, lasting positive impacts can be achieved. The nonprofit supports students across the U.S. and in eight countries worldwide through numerous programs. Each year, thousands of students are impacted by these efforts. In the U.S., Feed the Children is working to make a difference in the lives of students each day through their Food & Essentials Hubs. In select schools across the country, students can access shelf-stable food, snacks, hygiene essentials and additional items free of charge. The organization understands the importance food security plays in a students' educational success. Through the support of corporate partners, the nonprofit makes monthly deliveries to each Food & Essentials Hub. Feedback from participating schools has shown increased attendance, improved classroom behavior and an increase in students' self-confidence. Cyndi Tercero-Sandoval, Engagement Center Director at Phoenix Union High School District, said she and her team see the immediate impact and benefit of the Food & Essentials Hubs. "Students are coming to school, and they feel more connected to school," she said. "They're able to learn and do better in their classes." Internationally, Feed the Children has a variety of programs to help provide students access to educational opportunities. Maricel is a 9-year-old in Bohol, a small community in the Philippines. She is a fourth-grade student at Jose Boja Elementary who just a few years ago struggled with her reading. Since joining Feed the Children's Supplemental Education Support program, she has seen a tremendous improvement in her reading scores. "Feed the Children has helped me a lot through their tutorials. I can now read, and I've been getting high scores on my exams," she said. "They even provide snacks during the sessions, which makes it even more enjoyable." Maricel's mom, Mayet, said she is so thankful for the program which has helped her daughter. "Maricel has made remarkable improvements, and her teacher is also very pleased with her progress and achievements," she said. But she's not alone in her success. With the help of dedicated youth mentors and local partnerships, the program has expanded to support hundreds of children across schools and communities. There are more than 600 children participating in the program and 98 percent have improved their literacy skills. Through these tutorials, students are encouraged to stay in school, complete their education, and work toward achieving their dreams. The International Day of Education, observed globally, underscores the importance of equitable and inclusive education. Maricel's story is a testament to the power of education in overcoming barriers. It highlights the ongoing efforts of organizations like Feed the Children to ensure every child has access to quality education. Feed the Children believes that stories like Maricel's should inspire action and reinforce the commitment to education as a fundamental right. Through ongoing initiatives and partnerships, the nonprofit remains dedicated to advocating for educational equity and supporting programs that empower young minds. The nonprofit invites stakeholders, policymakers and communities to join in the collective effort to ensure every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to learn and succeed. For more information about Feed the Children and our work around the world, visit https://www.feedthechildren.org/our-work/around-the-world/. About Feed the Children Feed the Children is a leading nonprofit committed to ending childhood hunger. The organization believes that no child should go to bed hungry, and so it provides children and families in the U.S. and around the world with the food and essentials kids need to grow and thrive.? Through its programs and partnerships, the organization feeds children today while helping their families and communities build resilient futures. In addition to food, Feed the Children distributes household and personal care items across the United States to help parents and caregivers maintain stable, food-secure households. Internationally, it expands access to nutritious meals, safe water, improved hygiene, and training in sustainable living. As responsible stewards of its resources, Feed the Children is driven to pursue innovative, holistic, and child-focused solutions to the complex challenges of hunger, food insecurity, and poverty. For children everywhere, the organization believes that having enough to eat is a fundamental right.?Learn how you can help create a world without childhood hunger at feedthechildren.org. # # # Contact Information Carrie Snodgrass Sr. Communications & PR Manager carrie.snodgrass@feedthechildren.org (405) 213-9757 Kelly Frey Director of Communications & PR kelly.frey@feedthechildren.org (405) 945-4064 SOURCE: Feed the Children View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Chicago, Illinois and Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 24, 2025) - Wesana Health Holdings Inc. (CSE: WESA.X) (OTC Pink: WSNAF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Monaghan and Brendan Purdy to its board of directors. Mr. Monaghan has over 32 years of experience as an advisor, founder, and board member of investment banks and merchant banks. Mr. Monaghan is currently the Managing Partner of a Latin American based investment and advisory firm focused on growth companies, and an advisor to Kii Blockchain, a vertically integrated fintech company based in Colombia having the first blockchain ecosystem for emerging finance markets. Mr. Monaghan has served in senior executive roles with British and Canadian investment and advisory firms. Over the course of his career, he has completed billions of dollars of transactions for growth companies internationally. Mr. Monaghan holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Queen's University and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Windsor. Mr. Purdy is a practicing securities lawyer focused on the resource, life sciences, and technology sectors. In his private practice, he has developed extensive experience with respect to public companies, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and other transactions fundamental to the Canadian junior equity markets. Prior to receiving his J.D. from the University of Ottawa, Mr. Purdy completed a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies degree from the University of Western Ontario, majoring in finance and administration. The Company also announces the resignations of Robert Koffman and George Steinbrenner IV from their roles as Directors of the Company, effective immediately. The Company would like to thank Mr. Koffman and Mr. Steinbrenner for their contributions to the Company during their tenure. About Wesana Health Wesana was an emerging life sciences company championing the development and delivery of psychedelic and naturally-sourced therapies to treat traumatic brain injury. The Company was developing evidence-based formulations and protocols that empower patients to overcome neurological, psychological and mental health ailments caused by trauma. It discontinued the psychedelics business and disposed of the assets in 2023 and is now looking for new business opportunities. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238396 SOURCE: Wesana Health Holdings Inc. ZoomAway Technologies Inc. (TSXV:ZMA)(OTC PINK:ZMWYF) (the "Corporation" or "ZMA") www.zoomaway.com today announced Jeremy Green's resignation from the Board of Directors and Mark Romano's addition to the same position of independent member of the Board of Directors. "I would like to thank Mr. Green for his service to our Board of Directors over the last few years. His experience and professionalism were exemplary, and we will miss him and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors," said Sean Schaeffer CEO of Zoomaway Technologies Inc. The Company is also announcing the appointment of Mr. Mark Romano as the new independent member of the Zoomaway Board of Directors. "On behalf of the Board of Directors at Zoomaway, it is my pleasure to welcome Mark to the Zoomaway Technologies team," added Mr. Schaeffer. About Mark Romano Mr. Romano is an accomplished senior executive with over 40 years of experience in technical leadership, program management, and business operations. For additional information contact: Sean Schaeffer, President, ZoomAway Technologies Inc., at 775-691-8860 sean@zoomaway.com. About Us Zoomaway Technologies Inc. is a technology company that is revolutionizing the hospitality and travel industries. We have developed a variety of software solutions that enhance the planning and engagement of everyday tourists. Our flagship project, ZoomedOUT, is a complete modernization and re-imagination of mobile travel apps. In a full 3D environment, we are able to integrate planning, booking, social media, and camaraderie into a tangibly rewarding experience. We are combining travel, hospitality, mobile gaming and augmented reality to change the way users travel into 2022 and beyond. Additional information about ZoomAway Technologies Inc. can be found at www.zoomaway.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. 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 may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and 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. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates, and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: ZoomAway Technologies Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 24, 2025) - Moss Genomics Inc. (CSE: MOSS) (FSE: F73) (the "Company" or "Moss") is pleased to provide an update on the Company's operations and business strategy. Corporate Update Further to the Company's news release dated December 24, 2024, the Company anticipates closing its non-brokered private placement of 2,500,000 common shares at a price of $0.10 per common share (the "Private Placement") for gross proceeds to the Company of $250,000 near the end of January. Concurrently with closing of the Private Placement, the Company anticipates closing its acquisition of 160 Ethereum cryptocurrency ("ETH") in consideration for the issuance of 7,840,000 common shares (the "ETH Acquisition"). The Company anticipates utilizing the proceeds from the Private Placement for general working capital purposes and anticipates staking the ETH to generate revenue for the company. New Business Strategy In connection with the Company's recent appointment of Jack Liu as Chief Executive Officer, Moss is excited to announce a shift in its business strategy, including its intended use of ETH as part of its proposed treasury management system, its plans to pursue additional strategic opportunities in the blockchain and cryptocurrency market sector and its plans to leverage the Ethereum blockchain to advance and strengthen its existing genomics business. Ethereum Treasury Management System As part of the Company's new business strategy, Moss is excited to announce the launch of its Ethereum treasury division and a commitment to expand treasury financing operations using ETH as its primary strategic asset. As demonstrated by its proposed ETH Acquisition, management of the Company believes that ETH represents a viable alternative to traditional fiat currencies. The Company believes that its Ethereum treasury division is complementary to its existing business model by providing the Company with an alternative source of financing, access to a different investor base in the Ethereum community and investment upside for its ETH holdings that exceed its short-term capital requirements. Moss is committed to growing its holdings of ETH using an assortment of financial tools at its disposal, including share acquisitions and convertible debt. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Opportunities "We see significant value in maintaining our treasury reserves in ETH, given its unique position as the world's leading platform for decentralized applications and smart contracts. In addition to the treasury, we believe the utility of the Ethereum network can play an important role in our product offerings." said CEO Jack Liu. In addition to the Company's plans for future acquisitions of Ethereum, the Company intends on using its robust balance sheet to identify OpCo acquisitions and additional opportunities in the Ethereum and blockchain ecosystem. As the Company moves forward with implementation of its new business strategy and pursues new opportunities in the cryptocurrency and blockchain market, management anticipates that the Company's business will shift from that of a life sciences company to an investment issuer. The Company expects that upon identifying an opportunity that aligns with management's goals, the Company will make an application to the CSE to complete a change of business to that of an investment issuer. Genomics Model Since its initial listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") in January, 2023, Moss has operated exclusively in the consumer healthcare market by offering personalized health, anti-aging and wellness products guided by genomic, microbiome, and epigenome data. As part of the Company's new business strategy, Moss will continue to advance its genomics business but will leverage the infrastructure of the Ethereum blockchain in order to provide users with additional privacy and transparency for user-controlled data. About Moss Genomics Inc. Moss is a biotechnology company utilizing Artificial Intelligence, Genomic, Microbiome, and a diverse array of health data to develop unique and innovative health solutions. By integrating blockchain and advanced treasury strategies, Moss seeks to leverage modern advancements in technology in the life sciences industry. For further information concerning Moss and its business please view the Company's website at mossgenomics.com and its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca or contact us at: The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company's intention to complete the ETH Acquisition and the issuance of common shares in consideration therefor; the Company's intention to complete the Private Placement; the anticipated timing of closing of the ETH Acquisition and the Private Placement; the Company's expected use of proceeds from the Private Placement and the Company's expected use of ETH; the Company's plans to utilize the Ethereum blockchain to supplement and strengthen the Company's genomics business; the Company's plans to utilize ETH as an alternative to traditional fiat currency; the Company's plans with respect to future acquisitions of ETH and investments in the cryptocurrency and blockchain market; the Company's plans with respect to becoming an investment issuer and making the necessary change of business filings with the CSE; and other matters. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. As a result, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation, that the Company will complete the ETH Acquisition and the Private Placement on the proposed terms, or at all; that the Company will use the proceeds from the Private Placement as disclosed; that the Company will use the acquired ETH as disclosed; that the Company will have the necessary resources to carry out its business plans; that Moss will be able to obtain all necessary corporate, shareholder and regulatory approvals required to carry out its business plans; that the Company will be able to obtain the requisite approvals to carry out a change of business to that of an investment issuer; and the demand for ETH will be consistent with management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to: the risk that Moss will be unable to close the ETH Acquisition and the Private Placement on the timeline specified, or at all; the risk that the Company will require regulatory or shareholder approval to effect its proposed business plan and the Company is unable to obtain such approvals; the risk that Moss will not have access to all of the required resources to carry out its business plans; the risk that the Company will not be able to leverage the Ethereum blockchain to strengthen the Company's genomics business or that it will be unable to do so effectively; the risk that ETH does not develop into an effective alternative to traditional fiat currencies; the risk of fluctuations in the value of ETH; the risk that the Company is unable to acquire additional ETH, or alternative cryptocurrencies, on advantageous terms; the risk that the Company will be unable to obtain the requisite approvals to complete a change of business to that of an investment issuer; cybersecurity risks associated with cryptocurrency holdings; and the risk that Moss' business plans will change. Other factors may also adversely affect the future results or performance of the Company, including general economic, market or business conditions, changes in the financial markets and changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting the Company's operations and the Company's limited operating history. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238401 SOURCE: Moss Genomics Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 24, 2025) - US Copper Corp (TSXV: USCU) (OTCQB: USCUF) (FSE: C73) ("US Copper" or the "Company") announces a proposed non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $500,000 comprised of up to 10,000,000 units at a price of $0.05 per unit (each such unit being comprised of one common share and one warrant) (the "Offering"). Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one common share for $0.08 at any time within 2 years after closing. All securities issued pursuant to this private placement will be subject to a four (4) month hold period. Completion of the Offering is subject to receipt of all required regulatory and TSX Venture Exchange approvals. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Offering for general working capital purposes. In addition, the Company would also like to announce that its Board has approved the grant of 6,350,000 stock options to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company, subject to regulatory and TSX Venture Exchange approval. The stock options have been issued with an exercise price of $0.10 per share, vest immediately, and have a 3-year term. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and regulations, including statements regarding the future activities of the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management and are identified by the use of words including "will", "hopes", "anticipates", "expected to", "plans", "planned", "intends" and other similar words. Actual results may differ significantly. The achievement of the results expressed in forward-looking statements is subject to a number of risks, including those described in the Company's management discussion and analysis as filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238398 SOURCE: US Copper Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 24, 2025) - THS Maple Holdings Ltd. (TSXV: YAY) ("THS Maple" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Oak Hill Financial Inc. ("Oak Hill"), a Toronto-based investor relations and capital markets advisory firm, to enhance its investor communications and shareholder engagement strategies. Under the agreement, Oak Hill will provide comprehensive investor relations and capital markets advisory services, including communication with the investment community, strategic advice on shareholder engagement, and initiatives to increase the Company's visibility within the capital markets. "We are delighted to partner with Oak Hill Financial to strengthen our relationships with investors and broaden our capital markets presence," said Tom Zaffis, CEO of THS Maple Holdings Ltd. "This engagement marks a step forward in aligning our investor relations strategy with the Company's long-term vision." The agreement with Oak Hill is effective as of January 1, 2025 (the "Effective Date") and has an initial term of three months. As compensation for its services, Oak Hill will receive a monthly advisory fee of CAD $10,000 plus applicable taxes. The agreement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval. The Company also announces that its Board of Directors has approved the grant of stock options under the Company's Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"). A total of 327,000 stock options have been approved to be granted to directors, senior management, and employees, with key allocations as follows: Tom Zaffis, Chief Executive Officer: 150,000 options Claude Lambert, Chief Financial Officer: 102,000 options Jaana Tornikoski, Vice President: 55,000 options Connie Kirchberger, Director of Business Development: 20,000 options In addition to the above awards, 10,000 options have been approved to be awarded to Helder Valente, Financial Controller, upon hire. The granted options have a term of five years and have an exercise price of $0.15 per option. The exercise price of the options for Helder Valente will be finalized at the time of hire in accordance with rules and policies of the TSXV. All options have been granted in accordance with the terms of the Plan. About THS Maple Holdings Ltd. THS Maple Holdings Ltd. (the "Company" or "THS") (TSXV: YAY), through its operating company Turkey Hill Sugarbush Ltd., is a leading packager and global distributor of maple syrup and maple-flavoured products. About Oak Hill Financial Inc. Oak Hill Financial is a leading investor relations and capital markets advisory firm based in Toronto, Ontario. Specializing in tailored IR strategies, Oak Hill supports public companies across various sectors, enhancing shareholder engagement and market presence. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this press release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected" "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts". "estimates", "believes" or intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could, "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this press release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the expectation that the Company's margins will improve; the benefits associated with becoming a publicly traded company and having access to broader capital markets; the benefits of acquiring a retail kiosk in the Old Port of Montreal; the viability of the Company opening its first US warehouse; and the Company's ability to optimize production and expand distribution. Forward-Looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, THS assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238418 SOURCE: THS Maple Holdings Ltd. 1933 Industries Inc. (the "Company" or "1933 Industries") (CSE:TGIF)(OTC PINK:TGIFF), a Nevada-focused cannabis cultivator and producer, provides an update to its news release dated November 29, 2024 (the "Announcement") announcing its request for a management cease trade order (the "MCTO") relating to the late filing of the Company's audited financial statements, management discussion & analysis and applicable CEO and CFO certifications for the year ended July 31, 2024 (the "Audited Filings"). The Company's principal regulator, the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "Commission"), granted the MCTO on November 29, 2024, under National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trader Orders ("NP 12-203"). Pursuant to the MCTO, Paul Rosen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brian Farrell, Chief Financial Officer, and Curtis Floyd, Director, may not trade in the securities of the Company until such time as the Company files the Audited Filings and the Commission revokes the MCTO. The Company further announces that it will not meet the filing deadline of January 27, 2025 as per mandated by the Commission and expects to receive a Cease Trade Order. The Company's Board of Directors and management are continuing to work with its accounting team and other stakeholders to prepare the Audited Filings and it is the Company's expectation that the Audited Filings will be completed during the month of February 2025, upon which the Cease Trade Order will be lifted. The Company confirms that, since the date of the Announcement: (i) there has been no material change to the information set out in the Announcement that has not been generally disclosed; (ii) the Company is not subject to any insolvency proceedings as of the date of this news release and (iv) there is no material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed. In addition, the Company's Q1 2025 financial report, including financial statements, management discussion & analysis and applicable CEO and CFO certifications for the year ended Oct. 31, 2024, will not be filed until the Audited Filings are filed. About 1933 Industries Inc. 1933 Industries is a Nevada-based licensed producer, focused on the cultivation and extraction of a large portfolio of cannabis consumer products in a variety of formats under its flagship brands, Alternative Medicine Association (AMA) and Level X. Its product offerings are cultivated at the Company's 68,000 sq. ft. indoor facility and marketed directly to retail dispensaries. AMA branded flower, infused pre-rolls, and in-house boutique concentrates consistently rank as the top products sold in Nevada. For more information, please visit www.1933industries.com For further information please contact: Alexia Helgason, VP, Investor Relations 604-728-4407 alexia@1933industries.com Paul Rosen, CEO paul@1933industries.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents, which can be found under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. 1933 Industries undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. MA has shown a notable upward trend in its market position over the last few months. From September to December 2024, AMA climbed from the 5th to the 3rd rank, demonstrating a strong performance against its competitors. This ascent is particularly significant when considering the consistent dominance of STIIIZY and Medizin, which have maintained their 1st and 2nd ranks, respectively. Despite the fierce competition, AMA's sales have shown a positive trajectory, with December sales surpassing those in October and November, MA has shown a notable upward trend in its market position over the last few months. From September to December 2024, AMA climbed from the 5th to the 3rd rank, demonstrating a strong performance against its competitors. This ascent is particularly significant when considering the consistent dominance of STIIIZY and Medizin, which have maintained their 1st and 2nd ranks, respectively. Despite the fierce competition, AMA's sales have shown a positive trajectory, with December sales surpassing those in October and November. SOURCE: 1933 Industries Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 24, 2025) - PreveCeutical Medical Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H) (the "Company" or "PreveCeutical"), is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 10,000,000 units in the capital of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.03 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $300,000. Each Unit consists of one (1) common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one-half (1/2) of one Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase an additional Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.05 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Offering (the "Closing"); provided that the expiry of the Warrants can be accelerated if the closing price of the Company's common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") is $0.08 or greater for a minimum of ten consecutive trading days, and a notice of acceleration is provided in accordance with the terms of the Warrants. No finder's fees are expected to be paid in connection with the Offering. The Company intends to use the aggregate gross proceeds from the sale of the Offering to pay outstanding payables, for operating expenses and for general working capital purposes. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after the Closing. Completion of the Offering remains subject to certain conditions, including, without limitation, confirmation of no objection from the CSE. About PreveCeutical PreveCeutical is a health sciences company that develops innovative options for preventive and curative therapies utilizing organic and nature identical products. PreveCeutical aims to be a leader in preventive health sciences and currently has five research and development programs, including: dual gene therapy for curative and prevention therapies for diabetes and obesity; the Sol-gel Program; Nature Identical peptides for treatment of various ailments; nonaddictive analgesic peptides as a replacement to the highly addictive analgesics such as morphine, fentanyl and oxycodone; and a therapeutic product for treating athletes who suffer from concussions (mild traumatic brain injury). For more information about PreveCeutical, please visit www.PreveCeutical.com, follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/PreveCeuticals and Facebook: www.facebook.com/PreveCeutical. On behalf of the Board of Directors of PreveCeutical Stephen Van Deventer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Neither the CSE nor any Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the expectations of management regarding the proposed Offering, the expectations of management regarding the use of proceeds of the Offering, closing conditions for the Offering, the expiry of hold periods for securities distributed pursuant to the Offering and other statements regarding the company's proposed business plans. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements including that: the Company may not complete the Offering on terms favorable to the Company or at all; the proceeds of the Offering may not be used as stated in this news release; the Company may be unable to satisfy all of the conditions to the Closing; and those additional risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238395 SOURCE: PreveCeutical Medical Inc. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Cypher Metaverse Inc. (CSE:CODE) ("Cypher" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced LIFE Financing and Common Share Financing (collectively, the "Offerings"). The Company raised proceeds of $939,705.99 through the sale of 1,978,330 common shares of the Company (the "Shares") at a price of $0.475 per share. One half of these shares were sold using the LIFE exemption under NI 45-106. The Company paid finder's fees on the Offerings to qualified finder's of $29,176.84. Approximately one half of these shares were sold using the LIFE exemption under NI 45-106. The other half of the Shares issued are subject to trading restrictions until May 25, 2025. The Company intends to use net proceeds of the Offering for working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes. The Company would also like to announce the appointment of Michael Hopkinson as Chief Financial Officer after the resignation of Tatiana Kovaleva. The Company wishes Tatiana well in her retirement and thanks her for her services over the past many years. About Cypher Metaverse Inc. Cypher Metaverse Inc. focuses on identifying and investing in early-stage opportunities across the digital landscape. The Company leverages its strategic relationships to drive innovation and growth, creating new possibilities and opportunities. For further information please contact: Cypher Metaverse Inc. George Tsafalas - Director Phone: Toll-Free 1 (778) 373-8578 Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Although Cypher believes in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Cypher can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Cypher undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of Cypher, except as required by securities laws. SOURCE: Cypher Metaverse Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Mit Highspeed-Geschwindigkeit kundigt die US-Regierung das "Stargate"-Projekt an - eine historische 500-Milliarden-Dollar-Investition in die landeseigene KI-Infrastruktur. Die strategische Partnerschaft zwischen Tech-Giganten wie OpenAI, SoftBank und Oracle wird den Bau von 20 hochmodernen Rechenzentren umfassen. Die ersten Bauarbeiten in Texas haben bereits begonnen. Um die Infrastruktur und die Rechenzentren zu bauen, braucht es Tonnen an Kupfer. Fur Kupfer-Explorationsunternehmen brechen goldene Zeiten an. Zum einen steigt durch die rasante Technologisierung die Nachfrage an Kupfer, zum anderen prognostizieren Analysten eine Verdopplung des Kupferpreises noch in diesem Jahr. Microsoft und Nvidia betonen beim KI-Deal die strategische Wichtigkeit von Healthcare. Genau hier bietet sich fur Apple eine Zukunftschance. Sollte ihnen der Durchbruch mit einem innovativen Blutzuckermessgerat im Diabetes-Markt gelingen, bietet sich hier ein Milliarden-USD-Gewinnpotenzial. Ebenfalls auf der Uberholspur scheint der Quantencomputerhersteller D-Wave zu sein. Das Unternehmen im Silicon Valley produziert u. a. energieschonende KI-Rechenlosungen. Musik in den Ohren der Investoren. Den vollstandigen Artikel lesen ... Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 24, 2025) - Royal Helium Ltd. (TSXV: RHC) (OTCQB: RHCCF) ("Royal") announces today that Royal and its subsidiaries, Royal Helium Exploration Limited and Imperial Helium Corp. (together with Royal, the "Company"), have cancelled the previously announced proposed private placement offering of debenture units of the Company previously announced on December 2, 2024 (the "Private Placement"). On January 20, 2025, the Company announced its notice of intention to make a proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (the "BIA"). The Company had previously been pursuing an out-of-court restructuring solution. However, following review of all financing options and careful consideration of all available alternatives, and consultation with legal and financial advisors, the directors of the Company determined that it was in the best interests of the Company and its stakeholders to file for protection under the BIA and to cancel the previously announced proposed Private Placement offering. All tenders delivered by holders of existing Company debentures (the "Existing Debentureholders", being the 14% convertible debentures due December 31, 2025 and the 12% convertible debentures due June 30, 2025, and collectively referred to herein as the "Existing Debentures") who opted to partake in the optional forfeiture of their Existing Debentures in exchange for the issuance of the new debenture units upon closing of the Private Placement equal to the then-outstanding principal amount of such Existing Debentureholder's forfeited Existing Debentures shall continue to hold their Existing Debentures in accordance with their existing terms and all tendered consent forms shall be null and void. The Company also announces that it has accepted Karl Kurz's resignation from the board with immediate effect. The Company's CEO commented "We are incredibly grateful for the contributions Karl made during his tenure on our board. Karl is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished professionals in the resource space, and it has been a privilege to have someone of his caliber involved with the Company. We wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors." About Royal Helium Ltd. Royal is an exploration, production and infrastructure company with a primary focus on the development of helium and associated gases. The Company's extensive footprint includes prospective helium permits and leases across Southern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta. Royal's helium reservoirs are carried primarily with nitrogen. Nitrogen is not considered a greenhouse gas (GHG) and therefore has a low GHG footprint when compared to other jurisdictions that rely on large scale natural gas production for helium extraction. Helium extracted from wells in Saskatchewan and Alberta can be up to 90% less carbon intensive than helium extraction processes in other jurisdictions. For more information, please visit SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (https://royalheliumltd.com). Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements, including, the statements relating to the Company's continued listing on the TSXV, and other statements that are not historical facts. Although management 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedarplus.com for further information on the risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information and statements, which speak only as of the date made. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this release represent our expectations as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/238336 SOURCE: Royal Helium Ltd. Furaha, a Dubai, UAE-based provider of a financial services platform, raised $10M in funding. SC Ventures invested $7M, while Yabx BV (a company of Tech Mahindra (NSE: TECHM) group) contributed through technology transfer. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts. Co-founded by Yustus Aribariho and Ian Fernandes, Furaha offers purpose-driven loans centred around education, gender and other responsible lending pillars for African markets. It works by creating an ecosystem of data for credit scoring and enables commercial banks to channel credit towards education financing. The company has started offering loan products in Uganda with partners including Opportunity Bank, SchPay and MTN MoMo. Furaha is headquartered in UAEs Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and extending its offerings to local operating markets in Africa, starting with Uganda as its first market. FinSMEs 24/01/2025 When Anuja, a precocious nine-year-old orphan, quits school to work alongside her sister at a local garment factory, she finds herself faced with a choice that will determine the fate of her future and her family read more ANUJA, crafted by husband and wife team Adam J. Graves (director) and Suchitra Mattai (producer), tells a stirring tale of two sisters struggling to find joy and opportunity in a world intent on their exploitation and exclusion. This powerful short follows Anuja, a precocious nine-year-old orphan who works in a back-alley garment factory alongside her older sister Palak, when she is suddenly faced with a rare opportunity that will determine the fate of her future and family. ANUJA won the OSCAR-qualifying live action short award at the 2024 HollyShorts Film Festival and has been nominated for the 2025 Oscars. Anuja will be available on Netflix soon. Advertisement When Anuja, a precocious nine-year-old orphan, quits school to work alongside her sister at a local garment factory, she finds herself faced with a choice that will determine the fate of her future and her family. Anuja was produced in partnership with the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), a nonprofit that supports street and working children, SHINE GLOBAL, the production company behind Emmy and Academy Award-winning films such as War/Dance (2007) and Inocente (2012), and Krushan Naik Films. Adding authenticity to the narrative, lead actress Sajda Pathan draws from her own experiences of surviving on the streets of old Delhi, along with her sister, before recently finding a home with the Salaam Baalak Trust. Adam J. Graves (Writer/Director) is a philosopher-turned-filmmaker who wrote, directed and produced the award winning short film Cycle Verite (2021). He is married to the acclaimed visual artist Suchitra Mattai (producer of ANUJA). Adam shared This is an extraordinary honor. Anuja began as a small passion project between filmmakers to showcase the resilience and strength of remarkable children, and Im deeply grateful to the Academy for giving this story a global platform. Working with Sajda and Ananya, the two young women who are the heart and soul of this film, has been a career highlight for me, and this recognition is a powerful reminder of the impact compassion and courage can have in inspiring change. Advertisement Suchitra Mattai (Producer) is a multi-disciplinary artist of South Asian descent, whose work celebrates the power of women, reimagines historical narratives, and explores her familys history of indentured labor. Suchitra expressed Being part of Anuja has been an incredible journey, and Im honored to share this story with the world. Through our partnership with Salaam Baalak Trust, weve been able to provide a platform for the voices of working children and highlight the incredible work this organization does to support and uplift these kids. Its been a privilege to tell such an impactful story, and I hope it inspires greater awareness and action to empower these remarkable young lives. Advertisement Tony Award winning producer and Emmy nominated writer Mindy Kaling is best known for her starring role in the U.S. version of The Office, as well as her hit shows she has created and produced like The Mindy Project, Never Have I Ever The Sex Lives of College Girls and the upcoming Running Point. Mindy shared I have been a producer for almost twenty years, but producing Anuja has been a highlight of my career. I feel so lucky to be part of this joyous story of two girls with big dreams and ambitions, but who are overlooked - my favorite kind of heroines! Im so grateful to Adam Graves and Suchitra Mattai for inviting me and Kaling International on this journey. I also dont sleep so it was nice to actually be doing something fun at 5:30 this morning. Advertisement Guneet Monga Kapoor is an Indian film producer, an Academy Award winner, and BAFTA nominee, and amongst the first producers from India to be invited to the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Most recently, Guneet became the first producer in India to win an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short, for the Indian produced The Elephant Whisperers (2023). Guneet said Incredibly honoured for this nomination at the 97th Oscars. It is a privilege to share the story of Anuja, representing the work of Salaam Baalak Trust India - the voice of countless youth who bravely face formidable circumstances everyday. Even through unimaginable odds, they show us there is reason to smile. Director Adam J. Graves and Producer Suchitra Mattai have poured all of their hearts into this. This nomination is a testament to how we can cross borders, collaborate, and bring honest stories to life, alongside the support of some of the most powerful global icons like Mindy Kaling and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Thank you for helping bring Anujas message to the global stage. Cant wait for the world to experience the joy of watching Anuja on Netflix. Advertisement Anujas Executive Producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas expressed Anuja being nominated for an Oscar in the Best Live Action Short Film category is such an incredible moment. This film is a beautiful reminder of the power of storytellinghow it can shine a light on love, family, and resilience in the most authentic way. Im so proud of Adam J. Graves for his vision and deeply moved by the brilliant performances of Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag, who have poured their hearts into bringing these characters to life. Its an honor for me to be part of this journey alongside our amazing partnersSuchitra Mattai, Mindy Kaling, Guneet Monga Kapoor, and Shine Global. Telling meaningful stories that resonate with audiences is what drives us, and Im beyond thrilled to see Anuja receive this well-deserved recognition. ANUJA had its World Premiere at deadCenter Film Festival and has won numerous awards, including BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT at the HollyShorts Film Festival. The film has been shortlisted for the 2025 Oscars. As Hollywood reels from the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the industry came together to anoint this years crop of Oscar nominees. Coming out on top: the Netflix narco-musical Emilia Perez, closely followed by Wicked, the lavish Broadway adaptation, and the post-war epic The Brutalist. The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan OBrien, will air on ABC on March 2, from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Here are reactions from some of the days notable nominees: Advertisement Mikey Madison for Anora I always dreamed of something like this, but it never felt like it would ever be a reality for me. I just love filmmaking. I love movies. Its one of the biggest loves of my life and the thing that makes me happy . Im a Los Angeles native and so theres been so much devastation these past few weeks and my heart breaks for LA, but its really beautiful to see Hollywood coming together and celebrating film right now, it is really beautiful. Anora has changed my life. There are doors that are open that were closed for a decade plus, and its really because of Sean (Baker) uplifting me as an actress and giving me this incredible character to play, that no one had ever really given me before, and so I really owe a lot to him and his trust in me as an artist. Its really reinvigorated my love for cinema and acting and filmmaking and its changed a lot of things. Madison, nominated for best actress, spoke from her hotel room bed in New York, where she watched the nominations while FaceTiming her mother (they both screamed at the news.) Monica Barbaro for A Complete Unknown My phone started blowing up, and I just like I fell on the floor and couldnt believe it. Its completely surreal. The supporting actress category is full of some of my favorite actresses. It was unbelievable to be put on a shortlist, let alone, now this. I kind of cant believe it. - Barbaro learned about her supporting actress nomination while in London during a costume fitting for a new project. Jeremy Strong for The Apprentice On a level of artistry, today, for me personally, is an incredible day and I feel very happy. And I have complicated feelings about the character (Donald Trump mentor Roy Cohn) I played. It was the role of a lifetime, and at the same time his legacy is real and its playing out in situ in front of our eyes in very frightening ways. I hope todays recognition is a catalyst to rerelease this film. It suffered from and was handicapped by a lack of release because none of the studios or streamers would touch it. But I do think the movie offers tremendous insight into how we got to where we are today. Strong, nominated for best supporting actor, spoke from his home in Brooklyn, where he said he learned of his nomination from his young daughter knocking on the door. Advertisement Yura Borisov for Anora I was inside my car with my daughters and wife, and my nomination was first and my name was first. And after that screaming and crying. (It was) a very emotional moment, I can say, for everybody. (Anora is about) connection between people. Between mentalities and nationalities and cultures. Of course, its not easy I know, and everybody knows, but its possible. And during this shoot I (felt) that we are different but at the same time we were absolutely similar. And so, for me, its about connection between souls and its possible. Borisov, nominated for best supporting actor, spoke in an interview from Moscow. Advertisement Isabella Rossellini for Conclave When I was young, I was always identified as the daughter of Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini. As Ive gotten older, this doesnt happen as frequently I wish my parents were alive to celebrate with me this great honor. And, also, today, with this joy, my mind cant help lingering in the beyond to David Lynch. Our collaboration was key to my understanding of the art of acting. It is my past, all that I have in me, that I brought to my interpretation of Sister Agnes in the film Conclave, working under the clear, sharp direction of Edward Berger (and) his incredible cast and crew, especially the incomparable Ralph Fiennes. Rossellini, nominated for best supporting actress, in a statement. Advertisement Zoe Saldana for Emilia Perez I dont think I can properly express the deep levels of gratitude and joy I feel for the recognition Emilia Perez has been given Im especially grateful to Karla, whose bravery and talent brought so much depth and authenticity to Emilia. Its a bittersweet moment as our community in Los Angeles is processing the heartbreaking losses from the ongoing fires homes, schools, businesses and entire neighborhoods. My heart is with all those affected and Im sending endless love and appreciation to our fearless first responders and everyone working to help rebuild our city. Saldana, nominated for best supporting actress, in a statement. Advertisement The 8th edition of the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF), Asias largest literary gathering, will bring together some of the most celebrated figures from the worlds of literature, music, film, and art. This years event will feature iconic personalities including flute maestro Hariprasad Chaurasia, award-winning director Mani Ratnam, and the God of Indian Violin L. Subramaniam. Renowned Bollywood veterans Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, acclaimed actor Prakash Raj, YouTube sensation Prajakta Kohli, and many other eminent figures will also grace the occasion. Their presence will create a unique blend of culture, creativity, and intellectual dialogue, making it an unmissable event for art and literature enthusiasts alike. Advertisement Alongside these legends, KLF will showcase a remarkable array of talent, including Booker Prize winners, Nobel laureates, award-winning authors, directors, and historians. The festival promises a rich and diverse lineup with renowned personalities like Parvathy Thiruvoth, Mir Mukhtyar Ali, Vidya Shah, Methil Devika, Fred Nevche, Rajashree Warrier, Harish Sivaramakrishnan, Stephen Devassy and Monica de la Fuente. These celebrated artists will engage in thought-provoking discussions and performances, amplifying the festivals cultural significance. In addition to international stars, KLF will highlight the vibrant local cultural heritage of Kerala, including traditional art forms, dance, and performances that are deeply rooted in the regions history. These local performances will be complemented by an array of cultural acts, fostering a harmonious blending of global and local expressions. The 8th edition of KLF also spotlights France as the Guest Nation, fostering cultural exchange through French cultural performances alongside traditional Kerala art forms. The festival will be graced by distinguished French guests including Fred Nevche, Alfred Lionel Papagalli, whose contributions will enrich the exchange of artistic ideas. This years festival will seamlessly blend literature, art, music, and culture, making it a global celebration of creativity and intellectual dialogue. Ravi Deecee, Chief Facilitator of the Kerala Literature Festival, shared his excitement about the upcoming event: We are thrilled to bring together such a distinguished line-up of artists, writers, and intellectuals for this years festival. The fusion of global cultures, including French and Kerala traditions, will offer a unique platform for cross-cultural engagement. It is a celebration of the diverse ways in which art and literature bring people together, breaking boundaries and fostering a universal dialogue. Advertisement The 8th edition of KLF is set to attract an estimated 6 lakh footfall, as Kozhikode, recognized as Indias UNESCO City of Literature, plays host to a rich tapestry of artistic expressions. The festival, running from January 23rd to 26th, promises to bring together a global audience, from all corners of the world, to engage in intellectual discourse and celebrate the power of art and literature When Saif Ali Khan tried to stop the accused, he stabbed the actor several times on his back, neck and hand read more Saif Ali Khan, who was recently discharged from Lilavati Hospital, recorded a police statement on Thursday regarding the attack on him at his Mumbai residence. In the police statement, Saif Ali Khan recalled how he and Kareena Kapoor were in their bedroom and woke up to younger son Jehangirs (Jeh) nanny scream. They rushed to the room where they saw the attacker. While the nanny named Eliyama Philips was screaming while Jeh was crying. Advertisement As per NDTV report, when Saif tried to stop the accused, he stabbed the actor several times on his back, neck and hand. Despite being injured, he pushed the intruder inside the room as Ms Philips ran away with Jeh and locked him in. The Bollywood star suffered multiple stab injuries in the attack by an intruder at his 12th floor. In a statement on her Instagram account, Kareena said the family was still trying to process the challenging day. She expressed gratitude to their well-wishers and fans for their love and concern and requested the media and paparazzi to refrain from their relentless speculation over the incident. It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. As we navigate this difficult time, I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from the relentless speculation and coverage, she wrote on the social media platform. While we appreciate the concern and support, the constant scrutiny and attention are not only overwhelming but also pose a significant risk to our safety. I kindly request that you respect our boundaries and give us the space we need to heal and cope as a family, Kareena added. He sustained six injuries, two are minor, two intermediate and two deep injuries. One of the injuries is on the back which is close to the spine, the hospitals chief operating officer Dr Niraj Uttamani told PTI. Advertisement As per the leaked document of Niva Bupa Health Insurance, an Indian insurance company based in Delhi, Saif Ali Khan had claimed Rs 35,95,700 for his medical treatment, but the insurance company approved Rs 25 lakh only read more Saif Ali Khans claim of health insurance, which got recently leaked on social media, has sparked outrage on the internet. As per the leaked document of Niva Bupa Health Insurance, an Indian insurance company based in Delhi, the actor had claimed Rs 35,95,700 for his medical treatment, but the insurance company approved Rs 25 lakh only. However, as per the Hindustan Times report, the total bill is Rs 26 lakh. Health Insurance: Not a LUXURY, But a NECESSITY! Saif Ali Khan experienced an UNFORTUNATE health incident and had to be admitted to Lilavati Hospital. Fortunately, he was covered by a health insurance policy from Niva Bupa. Room Choice: Saif opted for a suite room. pic.twitter.com/rWW1pS1tQR CA Nitin Kaushik (@Finance_Bareek) January 18, 2025 Advertisement It's difficult to understand Health insurance sector . We need to support our Senior Citizens because majority of them are retired with no source of earnings or on pension. So Ideally their Mediclaim premium should be low or fixed . Irony is that Mediclaim premiums for our Dr Prashant Mishra (@drprashantmish6) January 22, 2025 In another tweet, Dr Mishra wrote, For small hospitals and common man, Niva Bupa will not sanction more than Rs 5 lakh for such treatment. All 5 star hospitals are charging exorbitant fees and media claim companies are paying also. Result premiums are rising and middle class is suffering. Sharing their opinion on the same on X, a user AK Mandhan wrote, If # Saif Ali Khan has taken health #insurance, in spite of having generational wealth, super good income for himself and spouse what are you thinking? Take health insurance now. Inspite of having generational wealth and super good income Saif Ali Khan has taken health insurance for himself and his family. What are you thinking? wrote another netizen. Lakhs of common people dont get the reimbursement from health insurance companies. If this is resolved this will be a big relief and biggest gift from Modi Govt forever!! shared another user. Advertisement The thrill ride took 11 months to put together and stretched to 17 minutes, until the need to edit took it down to around five minutes. read more The startling cold open for a documentary about 50 years of Saturday Night Live music is proof that a musician a specific kind of musician had to put it together. Its a mashup of performances from artists that few people would think of putting together, like R.E.M. and Morris Day, Rick James and Duran Duran, Hanson and Cher. Filmmaker Ahmir Questlove Thompsons experience as a DJ taught him enough about beats per minute and musical keys to meld things seamlessly. Advertisement The thrill ride took 11 months to put together and stretched to 17 minutes, until the need to edit took it down to around five minutes. I thought, what am I going to add to the table thats different from anybody else? Questlove said in an interview. My music gave me a third language that maybe other documentarians dont have. Ive got to stretch that muscle. The special, Ladies and Gentlemen 50 Years of SNL Music, is given the entirety of NBCs prime-time Monday night and begins streaming the next day on Peacock. Theres so much material that fans will inevitably yearn for things that were left out. Lots of meaning behind an SNL invite for musicians Questlove was put on the project by Saturday Night Live executive producer Lorne Michaels shortly after the 2021 release of Summer of Soul (or, When the Revolution Could Not be Televised) revealed Thompsons heretofore unknown skill as a filmmaker. He first thought of something simple, like the 50 best performances in 50 years, but discarded that idea. I didnt want it to be the world according to Questlove here are the best performances, and then I miss one., he said. The show recalls many memorable performances, with artists discussing how meaningful it is to be invited. It changes the way that youre seen in a way that no other show can do, Miley Cyrus says. Advertisement There are plenty of entertaining anecdotes. Tune in to find out why Rage Against the Machine made the U.S. Secret Service nervous. Controversies are dissected Sinead OConnor tearing the popes picture, Kanye Wests MAGA meltdown and put in perspective: there was more show biz involved in Elvis Costellos abrupt song switch than was apparent at the time. Yet the films richness comes in reminding viewers how richly music has been integrated into Saturday Night Lives comedy through the years, with musical guests added to skits and short films like Lazy Sunday. In one priceless skit, Fred Armisen plays the dad at a wedding who rips the room apart by reuniting with his old punk band, including a wigged Dave Grohl on drums. Advertisement Music is driving the show in a way that was both obvious and not obvious at the same time, said Oz Rodriguez, who produced the special with Questlove. One thing that struck Questlove: how many memorable moments began with doubt. Eddie Murphy initially rejected the idea where he was to impersonate James Brown singing at a hot tub party. Joe Piscopo was worried about how Frank Sinatra would react to him playing Sinatra in an Ebony and Ivory duet. And Jimmy Fallon was afraid to talk to Mick Jagger about a skit where he played Jagger talking to the real thing in a mirror, key to Fallons career trajectory. Jimmy stepping into his destiny means me talking to you at this moment, said Questlove, whose band the Roots became house band on the Tonight show when Fallon took over that franchise. Advertisement SNL was a big part of Questloves path Questlove, 54, credits Saturday Night Live for a big part of his musical education. Growing up in Philadelphia, he was permitted by his parents only to watch music or educational shows on television. They often would wake him up to watch Soul Train, which aired at 1 a.m. in his market, or earlier so he could catch musical performances on SNL. The show had an eclectic mix of musical guests in its early years, something the documentary pays tribute to by interviewing the late SNL music producer Hal Willner. It shows a portion of a Captain Beefheart appearance that so flummoxed the audience that it reacted with complete silence when he was done. Advertisement Watching SNL those first seasons gave me a musical vocabulary that I dont think would have happened on its own, he said. Preparing the documentary, Questlove downloaded 50 years worth of episodes onto his computer and playing them constantly at his home even overnight with the sound turned down. If something caught his eye, he took notes. The exhaustive approach led to a world of discoveries, or rediscoveries. In one memorable segment, the film goes backward in time through performances by rap artists, from Kendrick Lamar to the first one, Funky 4+1, introduced by Blondies Deborah Harry in 1981. Among the key musical moments the producers talk about in interviews are Steve Martins King Tut song, the legendary more cowbell skit and a ferocious performance of Rockin in the Free World by Neil Young. None of them, however, is included in the film. The first two skits are covered extensively in other documentaries, so they didnt want to be repetitive. As for Young, they only had so much time. I could actually do maybe three sequels, Questlove said. Questlove has had his own extensive history with the show, appearing in skits, onstage with the Roots playing backup to Busta Rhymes and Toots and the Maytals, to sitting in the audience as a fan. One exception: Hes never been the musical guest. But he noted that the Roots have an album coming later this year. I still have dreams, he said. The worlds largest iceberg, A23a, is heading north from Antarctica toward South Georgia, a British Overseas Territory in the southern Atlantic Ocean. In the past, giant icebergs grounding near South Georgia have caused devastating consequences, leading to the deaths of countless birds and seals read more The iceberg, A23a, off the coast of Antarctica. AP/File Photo The worlds largest iceberg is on track to collide with a remote British island, creating a potential threat to penguins and seals. Named A23a, the iceberg is reportedly heading north from Antarctica towards South Georgia, a British Overseas Territory located in the southern Atlantic Ocean. ALSO READ | A23a: Worlds largest iceberg that refuses to melt. Whats holding it back? A23a has held the title of the largest current iceberg multiple times since the 1980s, though it has been surpassed on occasion by larger but shorter-lived icebergs, like A68 in 2017 and A76 in 2021. Advertisement Will it hit the island of South Georgia? Around the world, scientists, sailors, and fishermen are closely monitoring satellite images to track the movements of the massive iceberg A23a. Andrew Meijers, a physical oceanographer at the British Antarctic Survey, told CNN, It is presently in a meander of the current and not moving directly towards the islandBut our understanding of the currents suggest that it is likely to again move towards the island soon. A23a is more than twice the size of Greater London. Image courtesy: naturespic.com/Reuters. Sea captain Simon Wallace, speaking to the BBC from the South Georgia government vessel Pharos, stated, Icebergs are inherently dangerous. I would be extraordinarily happy if it just completely missed us. The iceberg remains the largest in the world, as confirmed by measurements updated earlier this month by the US National Ice Center. The British Antarctic Survey noted that A23a would likely break up and melt upon reaching South Georgia. However, Meijers stated that satellite images show the iceberg still intact, unlike previous megabergs, which disintegrated into smaller pieces. The icebergs future course depends on whether it follows the current into the South Atlantic or becomes grounded on the continental shelf, where it could remain stuck. If this happens, it could seriously impede access to feeding grounds for the wildlife seals and penguins mostly that breed on the island, Meijers added. Advertisement Mark Belchier, director of fisheries and environment for the government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, told CNN that he is closely monitoring the icebergs path. Whilst they are common at South Georgia, they can cause issues for shipping and fishing vessels in the region, he added. ALSO READ | The worlds biggest iceberg, A23a, is on the move after 30 years: Is it a concern? How the collision could impact wildlife The iceberg A23a is spinning northwards from Antarctica and heading towards South Georgia, a remote British territory known for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. Currently, the iceberg is about 173 miles (280 km) from the island, where it may become grounded and break apart. Advertisement In the past, giant icebergs grounding near South Georgia led to devastating consequences, with countless birds and seals dying after being unable to access feeding grounds on the icy coves and beaches. Iceberg visible from space puts South Georgia Island, wildlife in danger One of worlds oldest and largest icebergs, A23a is on move, risks grounding and breaking apart pic.twitter.com/0nUpCXITYc Abhimanyu Manjhi (@AbhimanyuManjh5) January 23, 2025 South Georgia is home to vital colonies of King penguins and millions of elephant and fur seals, making it an important wildlife habitat. South Georgia sits in iceberg alley so impacts are to be expected for both fisheries and wildlife, and both have a great capacity to adapt, Mark Belchier, a marine ecologist advising the South Georgia government, told the BBC. While A23as formation is not linked to climate change, as it calved decades ago, the future may see more such giant icebergs. With Antarctica becoming increasingly unstable due to rising ocean and air temperatures, large sections of its ice sheets are likely to break away more frequently. Advertisement How it can impact the oceans As the iceberg melts, it releases various elements into the surrounding water, altering the oceans physical and chemical properties. This process could expand the storage of carbon in the deep ocean as particles sink from the surface, potentially driving some of the planets carbon dioxide emissions that drive climate change, according to the BBC. However, icebergs are inherently unpredictable, and no one can be certain of A23as next movements. A23a - the worlds largest iceberg A23a is a colossal iceberg covering around 4,000 square kilometres. It originally broke off from Antarcticas Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986 but remained lodged in the Weddell Sea, earning the description of an ice island. The icebergs calving was part of a major outburst event on the White Continent. At the time, it supported a Soviet research station, which reflects how long ago the event occurred. A23a is an iceberg that is approximately 4,000 square kilometres. Image courtesy: naturespic.com/Reuters. Fearing the loss of equipment at the Druzhnaya One base, Moscow organised an expedition to recover it. Despite these efforts, the icebergs thick keel became embedded in the muddy floor of the Weddell Sea, anchoring it in place. British Antarctic Survey glaciologist Oliver Marsh noted that it is rare to see such a massive iceberg in motion, so scientists will closely monitor its path. There was already a possibility before that A23a could become grounded near South Georgia Island. This raised concerns for the regions ecosystem, as millions of seals, penguins, and seabirds breed on the island and rely on its surrounding waters for food, Reuters reported. If A23a grounds itself in this area, it may disrupt its feeding routes and become a threat to the local ecology. A68a: Previously the worlds biggest iceberg Before A23a, the title of the worlds largest iceberg belonged to A68a, which was three times the size of London and weighed an estimated one trillion tonnes. It was on a collision course with South Georgia Island, raising fears it would devastate the seafloor and marine ecosystems. However, A68a stopped roughly 100 miles from the island before melting away completely without causing heavy damage, according to The Independent. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump is trying to end birthright citizenship, the legal principle that automatically makes anyone born within the US or its territories a citizen. However, a federal judge in Seattle has termed it unconstitutional and passed a restraining order on it. According to many, the US president will not be able to curtail this principle as it is enshrined in the Constitution read more An immigrant from El Salvador, seven months pregnant stands next to a US Border Patrol truck near Rio Grande City, Texas. Many pregnant women, according to Border Patrol agents, cross illegally into the US late into their terms with the intention of birthing their babies in the United States. All people born in the U.S. are American Citizens, according to the U.S. constitution. File image/AFP Born in the USA for centuries, this adage meant certainty of citizenship. However, on Monday (January 20), hours after his inauguration, US President Donald Trump signed off on curtailing birthright citizenship in the United States. Among the many executive orders he signed on Monday, one curtailing birthright citizenship, starting February 19. Soon after Trumps move, different Democrat states and immigrant groups moved the judiciary, attempting to block the order that refuses to recognise the US-born children of unauthorised immigrants as citizens. On Thursday (January 23), a federal judge in Seattle said that Trumps executive order ending birthright citizenship was blatantly unconstitutional and issued a temporary restraining order to block it. Advertisement As this saga continues the US president has said he will obviously appeal it we take a closer look at why Trumps effort to curtail birthright citizenship wont be as easy as he thinks. What is birthright citizenship? Before we delve into the challenges that Trump will face in stopping birthright citizenship, lets understand what it exactly means. In the US, birthright citizenship all people born in the country were citizens took effect following the Civil War. In 1866, the 14th Amendment of the Constitution stated, All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. At the time, it was aimed at establishing full citizenship rights for Black Americans who suffered under slavery. In 1989, the Supreme Court in its US vs Wong Kim Ark bolstered birthright citizenship when it determined that the 14th Amendment made Wong Kim Ark automatically a citizen because hed been born in the United States, even though his parents were Chinese immigrants ineligible to become naturalised citizens under the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. Contrary to Trumps claim that the US is the only country to implement birthright citizenship, at least 33 countries have birthright citizenship, as per the World Population Review. What did Trumps order say on birthright citizenship? Shortly after Trumps grand inauguration, he got down to business signing multiple executive orders, including one blocking birthright citizenship. Speaking on it, the US president said, Its ridiculous. Were the only country in the world that does this. In his executive order, Trump is trying to redefine birthright citizenship. As per his order, a child born in the US is not a citizen if: the mother does not have legal immigration status or is in the country legally but only temporarily. the father is not a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. Advertisement The order also extends to children born to parents with temporary legal status in the US, such as foreign students or tourists. Moreover, it forbids US agencies from issuing any document recognising such a child as a citizen or accept any state document recognising citizenship. If Trumps order is implemented it is expected to impact millions. According to the Pew Centre for Research, in 2022, 1.3 million US-born adults who live with their parents were born to undocumented immigrants. US President Donald Trump signs documents as he issues executive orders on ending birthright citizenship. Reuters How some Americans have fought back against Trumps order? But, Trumps executive order faced immediate resistance. Four Democratic-led states moved for an emergency order to halt the US presidents move. And on Thursday, a federal judge in Seattle John Coughenour granted a temporary restraining order, halting enforcement of the policy for 14 days, calling it unconstitutional. Advertisement In court, the judge, appointed by former US President Ronald Reagan, told Brett Shumate, the Justice Department attorney defending the administrations position: I am having trouble understanding how a member of the bar could state unequivocally that this order is constitutional. It just boggles my mind. Judge Coughenour added, Ive been on the bench for four decades, I cant remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one is. Reacting to the judges decision, Donald Trump said his administration would obviously appeal the ruling, while the Department of Justice said it would defend the executive order, which a spokesman said correctly interprets the US Constitution. Advertisement Why will Trump find it hard to curtail birthright citizenship? Despite Trumps desire to do away with birthright citizenship, he will struggle to do so. Dan Urman, director of the law and public policy minor at Northeastern, who teaches courses on the Supreme Court, was quoted as saying that dismantling the right would be a tall order, regardless of political will. Its a consensus view among legal scholars and lawyers that the 14th Amendment, which states that all persons born in the United States are citizens of the United States, prevents a president or Congress from eliminating birthright citizenship, he said. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin told the Associated Press, The president cannot, with a stroke of a pen, write the 14th Amendment out of existence, period. Meanwhile, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said, The 14th Amendment says what it means, and it means what it says if you are born on American soil, you are an American. Period. Full stop, he said. Advertisement There is no legitimate legal debate on this question. But the fact that Trump is dead wrong will not prevent him from inflicting serious harm right now on American families like my own, he added. Many others also argue that as it has operated as precedent for more than a century, birthright citizenship is far more entrenched in legal terrain than other rulings such as Roe V Wade. Migrants walk along the Huixtla highway in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, hoping to reach the countrys northern border and ultimately the United States. File image/AP What happens next in this battle over birthright citizenship? Most assume this battle will reach the Supreme Court and thats where it may get tricky. It may be possible that the Supreme Court could agree with Trumps vision on birthright citizenship of the six conservative judges, Trump has placed three, while Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito often concur with the three. Theres also another argument against birthright citizenship that is gaining traction. It states that the idea of birthright citizenship doesnt apply in cases of war or invasion, and that unauthorised border entries presently constitute such an invasion. Trump could also call for a constitutional amendment to change the law. Article V of the Constitution provides for amendment when proposed by two-thirds of both houses of Congress or two-thirds of all states and then ratified by three-fourths. However, in todays deeply polarised times, the likelihood of a constitutional amendment on immigration seems virtually impossible. With inputs from agencies On the campaign trail, Donald Trump has vowed to impose tariffs as high as 60 per cent on China as soon as he entered the White House. Now, he has said he would rather spare the Asian giant, expressing confidence about reaching a trade deal with it. Beijing too is making more conciliatory noises. But what is happening? What do experts say? read more Donald Trump has been in office for just a few days. But some are already looking at the positive signs. For example, Trump hasnt been as bad for China as expected. Though he had threatened heavy tariffs on China as soon as he took office, that hasnt happened. But what happened? And why has Trump gone easy on China thus far? Lets take a closer look: What happened? Trump said earlier this week he plans to impose duties on imports from Mexico and Canada from February 1 and that he will apply tariffs on imports from the European Union. But Trump has not, as he vowed to do, imposed tariffs as heavy as 60 per cent on China as soon as he took office. Advertisement As per Al Jazeera, Trump had invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to his inauguration. Xis deputy Han Zheng attended in his stead becoming the most senior Chinese official to ever attend such an event. Though Trump has mused about imposing a 10 per cent tariff on China over the flow of fentanyl to America, on Thursday he said he had a friendly conversation with Chinas Xi Jinping last week. As per CNN, Trump has said he would be interested in visiting Beijing in a few months. Trump has also halted the ban on TikTok until April. He has expressed confidence about reaching a trade deal with Beijing. It went fine. It was a good, friendly conversation, Trump said of his call with Xi in an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday evening. I can do that, Trump said in the interview when asked if he could make a deal with China over fair trade practices. Trump said he would rather not use tariffs against China but called tariffs a tremendous power. But we have one very big power over China, and thats tariffs, and they dont want them, and Id rather not have to use it, but its a tremendous power over China, Trump added. Advertisement Donald Trump has expressed confidence about reaching a trade deal with Beijing. BBC quoted Trump as saying that China gets a lot of its money from America and they use that money to build up their military. As per CNN, Xi pushed for a new starting point in US-China ties during the call with Trump. The important thing is to respect each others core interests, Xi, referring to Taiwan, said. He added that while the US needs to be prudent about Taiwan, a broad space of cooperation can be availed on other issues. Trump had previously threatened a 10 per cent duty on Chinese imports because of the trade, but realigned that with the February 1 deadline. Advertisement China said it was willing to maintain communication with the US to properly handle differences and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. It sought to promote stable and sustainable ties with the US, the foreign ministry said. Trump on Monday signed a broad trade memorandum, opens new tab ordering federal agencies to complete comprehensive reviews of a range of trade issues by April 1. These include analyses of persistent US trade deficits, unfair trade practices and currency manipulation among partner countries, including China. Trumps memo asked for recommendations on remedies, including a global supplemental tariff, and changes to the $800 de minimis duty-free exemption for low-value shipments often blamed for illicit imports of fentanyl precursor chemicals. Advertisement The reviews ordered create some breathing room to resolve reported disagreements among Trumps cabinet nominees over how to approach his promises of universal tariffs and duties on Chinese goods of up to 60% per cent. What do experts say? They say the signs, for now, are positive. China realises thats there an opportunity to negotiate with Trump, political scholar Liu Dongshu of the City University of Hong Kong told CNN. And a better US-China relationship is more important to China than to United States so China is eager to engage. Trump likely decided to go a little slower and also to make sure he has as firm a legal foundation as he can get for these kinds of actions, said William Reinsch, a trade expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Hes figuring out how to best use his leverage to get what he wants. Advertisement Manoj Kewalramani, chairperson of the Indo-Pacific Research Programme and a China studies fellow at Indian public policy centre Takshashila Institution, told Al Jazeera, The Biden administration levy has tabled restrictions on trade and tech with China, which will be difficult for Trump to walk back on. I do anticipate an increase in tariffs, but maybe not as big as 60 per cent. He warned of a significant cost explosion for American consumers. Trump sees tariffs as important, not just from an economic point of view, but also from a negotiating point of view, Kewalramani added. They said China is treading cautiously. China has realised Trump can be negotiated with, but he is a different, new Trump what we committed to last time may not satisfy his new desires, Shanghai-based foreign affairs analyst Shen Dingli told CNN. This time, instead of being coerced into a tit-for-tat trade war by Trump, Beijing may do better to smile, stay calm, and start talking with him, Shen said. Donald Trump and Chinas President Xi Jinping. File image/ Reuters A piece in Bloomberg noted that its difficult to figure out what Trump was playing at with his latest remarks. That said, its difficult to see Trump backing down from his tariff threats. And analysis by Bloomberg Economics shows theres a lot at stake for China and the world, the piece noted. A piece in NDTV said recent developments show China is prepared for what is to come. Trump can threaten tariffs, but China isnt going to stand still. It has positioned itself well to play the long game. Whats more, even as analysts obsess over the confrontational aspects of US-China relations, signs of mutual recognition and goodwill persist, the piece stated. It said the main issue is if America is prepared for a trade war with a far stronger China.. Trumps stance on China is no longer a one-dimensional tale of bluster and bravado. His outreach to Xiwhether strategic, self-serving, or bothsuggests hes playing a more complex game. If anything, the post-inauguration optics reveal that while Trump talks tough, he might just leave a door ajar for negotiations, the piece concluded. BBC quoted foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning as saying that economic and trade co-operation between Washington and Beijing are mutually beneficial and win-win. There are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars, which are not in the interests of either side and are not in the interest of the world, Mao added. With inputs from agencies Donald Trump has ordered the declassification of files related to the assassinations of John F Kennedy, Robert F Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr, hoping it may shed new light on decades-old controversies. Will these long-awaited disclosures finally answer the publics lingering questions or add more fuel to the conspiracies? read more US President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, US, January 23, 2025. File Image/Reuters United States President Donald Trump has ordered the release of thousands of previously classified files related to the assassinations of US President John F Kennedy, US Senator Robert F Kennedy, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The move has again brought back to spotlight some of the most contentious events in modern American history as everyone debates what these files might reveal and why they remained under wraps for so long. Advertisement The files, stored for decades under strict government secrecy, are expected to shed new light on lingering questions surrounding the three assassinations, which have fuelled decades of conspiracy theories and public mistrust in official narratives. Trump stated that the release was driven by a commitment to transparency, a stance that has been both applauded as well as criticised given the sensitive nature of the documents. Trumps executive order, signed during the first week of his second term, directs the director of national intelligence and the attorney general to devise a plan to release the remaining classified records on JFK within 15 days and on RFK and MLK within 45 days. Speaking to reporters, Trump declared, Everything will be revealed. JFK: The lingering mysteries The assassination of US President John F Kennedy on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, continues to captivate public interest nearly six decades later. Officially, 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald, a former Marine who had defected to the Soviet Union, was identified as the lone gunman. However, conspiracy theories have persisted, ranging from involvement by the CIA, the Mafia, and Cuban operatives to speculation about a broader domestic or international conspiracy. US President John F Kennedy waves from his car in a motorcade in Dallas, with first lady Jacqueline Kennedy, right, Nellie Connally, second from left, and her husband, Texas Governor John Connally, far left, November 22, 1963. File Image/AP The Warren Commission, established by Kennedys successor Lyndon B Johnson, concluded in 1964 that Oswald acted alone. Yet the commissions findings have been widely criticised for their inconsistencies and omissions. Subsequent releases of government documents, mandated by the 1992 JFK Assassination Records Collection Act, have provided additional insights but no definitive answers. Researchers estimate that approximately 3,000 documents remain classified, many originating from the CIA. Advertisement Among the most intriguing details in previously released files are CIA memos and cables discussing Oswalds visits to Soviet and Cuban embassies in Mexico City weeks before the assassination. Additionally, former Secret Service agent Paul Landiss 2023 memoir added a controversial account, claiming he found an intact bullet on Kennedys stretcher, raising questions about the single bullet theory central to the Warren Commissions findings. RFK: A case for conspiracy? US Senator Robert F Kennedy, JFKs younger brother, was assassinated on June 5, 1968, shortly after delivering a victory speech at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles during his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian immigrant, was convicted of RFKs murder and remains incarcerated. However, questions have persisted about whether Sirhan acted alone or was part of a larger plot. US Senator Robert F Kennedy, D-NY, speaks in Washington, March 16, 1968, as he announces he will run for president. File Image/AP Witness testimonies and forensic evidence have fuelled speculation about the possibility of a second gunman. Notably, the coroners report indicated that RFK was shot at close range from behind, contradicting accounts that placed Sirhan in front of him. Advertisement Additionally, some witnesses reported seeing a woman in a polka-dot dress, who allegedly claimed responsibility for the shooting alongside Sirhan. RFKs son, Robert F Kennedy Jr, has publicly expressed his belief in a conspiracy, asserting that his father and uncle were both victims of coordinated efforts. He has also criticised the Warren Commission, calling it a shoddy piece of craftsmanship. MLK: A legacy overshadowed by secrecy The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, remains another source of enduring controversy. James Earl Ray, a fugitive who had escaped from prison, pleaded guilty to the killing and was sentenced to 99 years in prison. However, Ray later recanted his confession, claiming he was a scapegoat in a larger conspiracy. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr, speaks to reporters in Birmingham, Alabama, May 9, 1963. File Image/AP The FBIs extensive surveillance and harassment of King through its COINTELPRO program have further complicated the narrative. Documents released in recent years reveal the bureaus efforts to discredit King, including wiretapping his phones and bugging his hotel rooms. Advertisement While a select committee investigation in the 1970s found no evidence of FBI complicity in Kings assassination, it did criticise the agencys handling of the case and its post-assassination investigation. Adding to the intrigue, key documents related to Kings assassination remain sealed under a 1977 court order until 2027. These include FBI wiretap transcripts and tapes, which may shed light on the bureaus activities during the final years of Kings life. What the file release means Trumps decision to declassify the remaining files on JFK, RFK, and MLK has reignited debates about government transparency and historical accountability. While many experts caution against expecting earth-shattering revelations, the release could provide valuable insights into the operations of intelligence agencies during the 1960s and the political climate that enabled these tragedies. Larry Sabato, author of The Kennedy Half Century, notes that the secrecy surrounding these files has perpetuated a culture of conspiracy theories. What are they hiding? Sabato asks, echoing a sentiment shared by many researchers. Gerald Posner, author of Case Closed, argues that without a trial for Oswald, Youre never going to feel as though the case is really settled. Advertisement Part of a file from the CIA, dated February 3, 1968, titled Mexico City Chronology about Lee Harvey Oswalds time in Mexico and contact with the embassy of the Soviet Union in Mexico City, that was released on December 15, 2021, and that was part of the investigation into the assassination of US President John F Kennedy. File Image/AP The upcoming releases also highlight the broader issue of overclassification in government. Trump has framed the declassification effort as part of his commitment to restoring public trust in government. At a recent Washington rally, he said his administration would reverse the overclassification of government documents, and in the coming days, we are going to make public remaining records relating to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert Kennedy, as well as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and other topics of great public interest. With inputs from agencies A French woman who stopped having sex with her husband has won a ruling from Europes highest human rights court, which declared she should not be considered at fault by courts in the event of divorce. The ECHR unanimously sided with the 69-year-old French lady, condemning the nations courts for violating her right to respect for private and family life read more The court stressed that any concept of marital duties must be based on "consent," specifically in relation to sexual relations. Image for Representation. Pixabay A French woman who stopped having sex with her husband has won a ruling from Europes highest human rights court, which declared she should not be considered at fault in the event of divorce. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) unanimously sided with the 69-year-old French woman on Thursday, condemning the French court for violating her right to respect for private and family life. In 2019, a French court of appeal had ruled that her refusal to engage in sexual relations was a breach of marital duty, granting her husband a divorce to her disadvantage. Advertisement Now, as her decade-long legal battle comes to an end, the ruling has sparked a national debate about womens rights and societal views on marital consent. What is this case about, and why is the judgment historic? Heres a closer look. What happened? The case revolves around a 69-year-old French woman, identified as H.W by the court, who resides in Le Chesnay near Paris. She married her husband, J.C, in 1984, and together they had four children, including a daughter with a disability who required constant carea responsibility H.W took on. Their marital relationship began to deteriorate after the birth of their first child. By 1992, H.W. started experiencing health issues, and in 2002, her husband began physically and verbally abusing her. Two years later, she stopped having sex with him and filed for divorce in 2012. H.W.s divorce petition was based on the grounds of fault, accusing her husband of prioritising his career over family life and being violent and abusive. However, her husband countered, arguing that she should be blamed for the breakdown of their marriage. He claimed she had failed to fulfil her marital duties for years and that she had breached the duty of mutual respect by making defamatory allegations. Advertisement In 2019, an appeals court in Versailles dismissed H.Ws complaints and sided with her husband, while the Court of Cassation rejected her appeal without providing specific reasons. While H.W did not contest the divorce itself, she strongly opposed the grounds on which it was granted. She expressed being deeply traumatised by the ruling, which, in her view, legitimised an environment where womens privacy and dignity were disregarded. Determined to challenge the decision, H.W brought her case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in 2021, after exhausting all domestic legal avenues. The ECHR, part of the 46-member Council of Europe, enforces the European Convention on Human Rights. Its rulings are legally binding and not advisory. AP It was impossible for me to accept it and leave it at that, H.W said, as quoted in a CBS News report. Advertisement The Court of Appeals decision condemning me was and is unworthy of a civilised society because it denied me the right not to consent to sexual relations, depriving me of my freedom to make decisions about my body, she added. It reinforced the right of my husband and all spouses to impose their will H.Ws case has received support from two rights groupsthe Fondation des Femmes (Womens Foundation) and Collectif Feministe Contre Le Viol (Feminist Collective against Rape). Marriage is no longer sexual servitude The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has unanimously ruled that the French womans rights were violated under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to respect for private and family life. The court stressed that any concept of marital duties must be based on consent, specifically in relation to sexual relations. In the Courts view, consent to marriage could not imply consent to future sexual relations, the ECHR said in a statement. Such an interpretation would be tantamount to denying that marital rape was reprehensible in nature. On the contrary, consent had to reflect a free willingness to engage in sexual relations at a given moment and in the specific circumstances. Advertisement The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has unanimously ruled that the French womans rights were violated under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to respect for private and family life. Image for Representation/Reuters The ruling comes amid growing attention to consent in France, following the high-profile trial of Dominique Pelicot, who drugged his wife Gisele and invited men to rape her. Pelicot and the 50 men involved were convicted last month, and the case raised concerns about how French law addresses consent. Emmanuelle Piet, head of the Feminist Collective Against Rape said that while French criminal justice abolished the concept of conjugal duty in 1990, civil judges continued to impose it through outdated views on marriage. She, however, praised the European courts decision. Ms. W spent fifteen years fighting this battle, and it ended in victory, bravo, she told Reuters. Advertisement Delphine Zoughebi, a member of the womans defence team was quoted as saying by CBS News, From now on, marriage is no longer sexual servitude. She added, This decision is all the more fundamental given that almost one in two rapes is committed by a spouse or partner. HW thinks the decision is a step forward in ending rape culture and promoting consent within marriage. I hope that this decision will mark a turning point in the fight for womens rights in France, she said in a statement. This victory is for all the women who, like me, find themselves faced with aberrant and unjust court rulings that call into question their bodily integrity and their right to privacy. With input from agencies Former US President Joe Bidens presidency was briefly omitted from Googles list of US presidents. The issue, attributed to a data error, raised questions about tech giants reliability and neutrality in handling politically sensitive content. Although quickly resolved, the incident has put a spotlight on how big tech is shaping public narratives read more United States President Joe Biden and first lady Dr Jill Biden depart board the helicopter to take them from the East Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC after the swearing-in of President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. File Image/Reuters Google users reported that former United States President Joe Bidens term in office was absent from the Googles search results of list of US presidents on Thursday morning, for several hours. The omission caused a flurry of speculation on social media, and broader concerns about how tech giants manage politically sensitive content. A presidential omission The controversy began late Wednesday when users searching for terms like U.S. presidents, United States presidents, and U.S. presidents in order noticed a glaring omission. Former US President Joe Biden, who concluded his term in office on Monday, was missing from the chronological list of US presidents provided by Googles search engine. The list appeared to show Donald Trump as serving consecutive terms, entirely skipping over Bidens four years in the Oval Office. Advertisement WHAT IS GOING ON WITH GOOGLE? When you search for "us presidents", they've literally just wiped Biden pic.twitter.com/ezHGnuygNK Adam Nicotera (@adamnicotera) January 23, 2025 Social media users quickly shared screenshots of the error, sparking widespread confusion and outrage. Some users also reported that searches for terms like US president 2021-2025 or Who was president in 2021? returned results featuring Trump instead of Biden. These anomalies fuelled speculation about the root cause of the issue. By early Thursday morning, the problem appeared to be resolved. Google restored Biden to the presidential listing, and the company released a statement addressing the issue. There was a brief data error in our knowledge graph, the Google statement to CNBC explained. We identified the root cause and resolved it quickly. Googles knowledge graph, a system used to manage interconnected data, was pinpointed as the source of the problem. Despite the swift fix, the incident raised serious questions about the reliability of Googles search results and its handling of politically charged information. A broader pattern of tech controversies The omission of Bidens presidency comes at a time when big tech companies are under intense scrutiny for their perceived political biases and missteps. This incident adds to a growing list of controversies that have called into question the neutrality and accountability of major platforms. Google has faced several challenges recently. CEO Sundar Pichai, in a memo to employees during the November election, highlighted the companys responsibility to provide high-quality and reliable information to users. Advertisement Whomever the voters entrust, lets remember the role we play at work, through the products we build and as a business: to be a trusted source of information to people of every background and belief, Pichai wrote. Similar controversies have affected Googles AI-based products. For instance, Imagen 2, a tool for generating images from user prompts, was criticised for historical inaccuracies upon its initial launch. A subsequent product, AI Overview, intended to summarise search results, also faced backlash for displaying errors. These repeated missteps have prompted criticism of Googles internal processes and its ability to address sensitive topics effectively. Other tech platforms have experienced their own share of political turbulence. TikTok recently faced allegations of restricting access to anti-Trump content, while Meta grappled with complaints from users who reported being forced to follow US President Donald Trump and US Vice President JD Vance on Instagram and Facebook after the new administrations inauguration. Advertisement In response to the backlash, Metas communications director clarified that these changes were the result of routine account transitions rather than intentional manipulations. Social media divides The Biden omission quickly became a talking point across social media platforms, with reactions varying widely depending on the platform. On Bluesky, a social media platform known for its liberal-leaning user base, many expressed outrage and speculated that the omission was an intentional move to favour the new administration. One user warned, If this stands, this will be one of the boldest and most dangerous moments in the existence of the internet, as it will be a clear show of force that those in opposition will disappear completely. Google has erased Joe Biden. Like some Stalinist purge. Good God. pic.twitter.com/pqKx412cRl Marshall Herskovitz - find me at the blue place (@MHerskovitz) January 23, 2025 Advertisement Meanwhile, on X (formerly Twitter), reactions were more mixed. Some users were quick to celebrate the error, viewing it as a symbolic victory for Trump, while others speculated about a potential hack or deeper conspiracy. More WTF is happening... When you Google "US President 2020-2024", it's all tRump...Biden's name only appears on the Wikipedia results on the search page. Who paid Google to initiate this SEO bullsh*t to help erase an entire presidency? pic.twitter.com/UVbD9sOKzI KJ Bennett (@KJBennettBeauty) January 23, 2025 Advertisement Joe Biden was deleted from Googles list of Presidents. My guess is it is a high-level hack? one user posted. Another commented, This is bigger than social media. Google United States Presidents and Biden is not on there. Techs role in political narratives The timing of the controversy coincided with significant political events, including the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States. The event underscored the increasingly prominent role of tech leaders in political spaces, as executives like Sundar Pichai, Apples Tim Cook, and Metas Mark Zuckerberg attended the ceremony. Their visible presence highlighted the close ties between Silicon Valley and the political elite, raising questions about how these relationships influence platform operations. Tech companies have also been adjusting their content moderation strategies in response to mounting criticism. For instance, Meta recently ended its US-based fact-checking program, citing concerns about political bias among external moderators. CEO Mark Zuckerberg framed the move as part of a broader return to free expression. However, critics argue that such decisions could open the door to misinformation and further erode public trust in digital platforms. Incidents like this serve as reminders of the immense influence tech companies wield over public information and political narratives. With inputs from agencies In the mid-2000s, India imported more than 5,000 tonnes of frozen French Fries annually. However, this has now changed. In FY 2023-2024, the country has become a major exporter, selling 1,35,877 tonnes worth of the golden potato fritters. How has this change come about? read more Thin, crisp, and so very indulgent, theres nothing more addictive than French Fries. These deep-fried potato fritters have caught the fancy of foodies across continents and have become, perhaps, the best thing on a platter. In India, these delicious and scrumptious French Fries only came in 1992 when American processed food company, Lamb Weston, began importing them to high-end hotels. And it seems the love story only grew from there. By the mid-2000s, the country was importing more than 5,000 tonnes of French Fries annually, with it peaking at 7,863 tonnes in 2010-11. Advertisement But cut to 2023-2024, Indias import of French Fries has reduced to almost zero. In fact, the country exported 135,877 tonnes of French Fries valued at Rs 1,478.73 crore in the same period, becoming a leader in the market. But how did this turnabout occur? Indias love affair for French Fries Indias love for these golden fried crispy fritters began in 1992 when Lamb Weston, an American processed food company, initiated its first imports of frozen French Fries to India, targeting upscale restaurants. Four years later, Canadas multinational food company McCain Foods followed suit and became the sole supplier of frozen French Fries to McDonalds after the US food giant opened its first outlet in the country. Today, most of Indias French Fries exports are going to countries, such as the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. File image/Reuters Since then, Indias consumption of frozen French Fries has only grown leaps and bounds (can you really blame us?). Indias domestic French fry consumption is estimated at 100,000 tonnes annually, valued at Rs 1,400 crore. But greater consumption also means higher imports of the food item. The import of these straight-cut potatoes grew to over 5,000 tonnes by the mid-2000, soaring to a record high of 7,863 in 2010-2011. From importer to major exporter of French Fries However, the narrative shifted in 2023-2024. India went from being a major importer of the fast food to a major exporter. Data shows that the country exported 1,35,877 tonnes of French Fries valued at Rs 1,478.73 crore. During April-October last year, exports were 1,06,506 tonnes and worth Rs 1,056.92 crore. But who is India exporting to now? These exports are mostly to Southeast Asian countries, such as the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman are also a significant market for Indias French Fries. Moreover, Indias exports of these fluffy potato fritters have also reached the shores of Japan and Taiwan. Advertisement As Haresh Karamchandani, managing director and group CEO of HyFun Foods Pvt Limited that is one of Indias major exporting French Fries exporting company, said to Indian Express, We have become an alternative supplier to these markets that previously imported only from Europe and the US. Notably, Indias exports of French Fries have exceeded its domestic consumption. An employee works on a French Fries making machine inside its plant in Sultanpura village in Gujarat. Today, HyFun Foods, Iscon Balaji Foods, Funwave Foods and ChillFill Foods are the big Indian exporters of the food item. File image/Reuters Factors helping India But how did India attain this transformation and take over the French fries market? There are multiple factors at play, the biggest being the countrys potato famers choosing to grow more of the processing-grade potato varieties, which is used to make French Fries. Lets understand this better. To make frozen French Fries, one requires processing-grade potato varieties such as Santana, Innovator, Kennebec, Kufri Frysona and Kufri FryoM and Lady Rosetta and Kufri Chipsona. While Sanatana, Innovator and Lady Rosetta mostly from Netherlands-based companies, the Kufri varieties are developed by the government-owned Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla. Advertisement Moreover, as HyFun Foods explains contract farming has benefited them greatly. For the unaware, contract farming is when farmers and buyers draw up agreements that outline how farm products will be produced and marketed. A farmer harvests potatoes from a field in Jind district of Haryana. Contract farming has largely helped in helping India become a major exporter of frozen French Fries. File image/PTI Explaining this further, HyFun said that for the current season, it plans to buy 400,000 tonnes from 7,250 farmers in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. For this, the firm has offered farmers Rs 13.8 per kg for their produce. Iscon Balaji Foods, another major exporter of frozen French Fries, said that it has introduced three new European varieties. In addition to this, these exporters also help provide potato farmers with good quality disease-free seeds. Advertisement There are also efforts being made by these companies to bring down the cost of cultivation. For instance, HyFun conducted HyFarm paathshala demonstrations last September in which it was shown how planting potato seeds in two rows within a 48-inch bed width will help increase their yield. Traditionally, potato seeds are planted in four rows and a 60-inch bed. With this, HyFarm has been able to reduce the number of seeds from 25 to 19 bags per acre cut down the use of fertilisers by 20 per cent and water by 50 per cent. What this essentially means is less capital required to grow potatoes. Advertisement Stating the benefits of following this model, Alpesh Navinbhai Patel, who cultivates the Santana variety on 180 acres in Gujarat, told Indian Express, At Rs 1,560 per bag, my seed cost alone today is Rs 39,000 per acre. If I use six bags less of seed, two bags each of di-ammonium phosphate and muriate of potash (from three), and two bags of urea (from 2.5), it translates into savings of Rs 12,500 per acre. Thats as good as being paid Rs 0.9/kg more for my potato, Patel told Indian Express. The global French Fries market is expected to grow from $17.45 billion in 2024 to $18.54 billion in 2025. File image/AFP Taking a bite out of the French Fries market According to data provided by businessresearchcompany.com, the French Fries market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $17.45 billion in 2024 to $18.54 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2 per cent. Experts note that the rise in demand for ready-to-eat food will propel the growth of the French Fries market going forward. And today, thanks to long and sustained efforts, India has emerged as a leader. Data shows that revenue from the French Fries market in India will rise to $2.25 billion by 2034. This from the $1.38 billion in 2023. What can we say? The appetite for French Fries seems insatiable and India is fulfilling that potato mania. With inputs from agencies Indian couples in the US are increasingly approaching doctors and visiting maternity clinics to request C-sections. However, medical experts often discourage preterm surgeries due to potential risks to both mother and baby. These procedures can lead to lifelong health complications for infants. Despite the risks, why are so many Indians in the US opting for this step? read more Doctors and gynaecologists in the United States have observed a sharp rise in pregnant Indian women requesting caesarean sections to allow preterm deliveries of their babies. Indian couples are increasingly contacting doctors and visiting maternity clinics seeking C-sections. ALSO READ | Trump vows to end birthright citizenship: Will Usha Vance lose her citizenship? An Indian-origin gynaecologist said that he had received calls from nearly 20 such couples. But what is causing this surge in preterm C-sections among Indians in the US? Advertisement Lets find out: Why Indian couples in the US are rushing for C-sections To beat President Donald Trumps deadline for ending birthright citizenship. One of the executive orders Trump signed shortly after assuming office was ending birthright citizenship in the United States. As a result, children born in the US until February 19 will automatically acquire American citizenship. However, children born to non-citizen couples after February 19 will not qualify as natural-born American citizens. Simply put, children born before the deadline will be granted citizenship, while those born after will not - subject to one crucial condition. They will only gain citizenship if at least one parent is already a citizen or holds a Green Card. If not, they will be required to leave the US when they turn 21. About a million Indians are currently caught in a backlog of pending applications, with no clarity on whether, or when, these applications will be processed, or the queue shortened. Dr SD Rama, who is based in New Jersey, told The Times of India that most women seeking caesareans are in their eighth or ninth month of pregnancy. A seven-month pregnant woman came with her husband to sign up for a preterm delivery. She isnt due until sometime in March, Dr Rama told the publication on Wednesday. Advertisement Another expert, Dr SG Mukkala, an obstetrician and gynaecologist practising in Texas, said he has been warning similarly anxious couples about the risks associated with preterm births. Dr Mukkala told TOI, I am trying to tell couples that even if it is possible, a preterm birth poses significant risk to mother and child. Complications include underdeveloped lungs, feeding problems, low birth weight, neurological complications and more. Children born to non-citizen couples after February 19 will not qualify as natural-born American citizens. Reuters/File Photo/Representational Image ALSO READ | India may bring back 18,000 illegal immigrants in the US. What about the thousands of others? For Indians, the executive order primarily affects children of parents living in the US on work visas. These children may face deportation unless their parents have citizenship or Green Cards. Advertisement The policys implications extend to entire families, as many parents are likely to return to India with their children if they are unable to secure citizenship. Trump addressed this issue, stating, I dont want to break up families, but added, The only way you dont (is by) sending them all back. We are terrified of the uncertainty The backlog for Green Cards has now stretched to a century, and for many, birthright citizenship in the US offered a sense of hope. Priya, who is due to give birth in March, told TOI, We were counting on our child being born here. Weve been waiting for our Green Cards for six years. This was the only way to ensure stability for our family. We are terrified of the uncertainty. Advertisement A 28-year-old finance professional said the deadline would derail his plans if his dependant wife gave birth to their first child after it. We sacrificed so much to come here. Now, it feels like the door is closing on us, the H-1B holder told the publication. For undocumented immigrants, the policy change carries even more serious consequences. A man living in California for the past eight years after entering the US illegally said he and his seven-month pregnant wife felt crushed by the Trump administrations rapid enforcement of the deadline. We thought of seeking asylum, but then my wife got pregnant, and our lawyer suggested that we get direct citizenship through our child. Now, we are all at sea, he told TOI. Advertisement The American Dream is facing a new challenge with Trumps move to end birthright citizenship, leading many couples to consider C-sections - all with February 20 firmly on their minds. What is birthright citizenship? Birthright citizenship guarantees that anyone born in the United States automatically acquires American citizenship. This long-standing policy applies to children born to individuals in the country illegally, as well as to those on tourist or student visas who intend to return to their home country. The Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment, added to the Constitution in 1868, states: All persons born or naturalised in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. ALSO READ | Why does Trump 2.0 pose challenges for India? Why preterm birth surgery is usually not recommended Dr Sandhya Rani, Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Aster Women and Children Hospital, Whitefield, Bengaluru, told India Today that doctors receiving requests for preterm surgeries should discourage them, as such procedures can harm both the mother and the baby. Prematurely born infants often face health complications that can last a lifetime. Delivering a baby prematurely can also cause trauma to the infant. Reuters/File Photo/Representational Image Dr Astha Dayal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told TOI, As gynaecologists, we always try to prevent a premature delivery unless it is absolutely essential for the health of the mother or baby. Preterm delivery can have significant short-term and long-term consequences for the baby. A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics found that premature infants often undergo respiratory distress syndrome, a condition where the babys underdeveloped lungs cannot produce enough surfactant, a substance critical for keeping the lungs open. Delivering a baby prematurely can also cause trauma to the infant. Moreover, the extended physical separation between the mother and baby after a preterm birth can be emotionally difficult for the mother. Trumps order restricting birthright citizenship blocked Seattle-based US District Judge John Coughenour has temporarily blocked Trumps executive order, calling it blatantly unconstitutional during the first hearing of a multi-state challenge to the order. The executive order faced immediate legal opposition nationwide, with 22 states and several immigrants rights groups filing at least five lawsuits. A suit led by Washington, Arizona, Oregon, and Illinois was the first to reach a hearing. Ive been on the bench for over four decades. I cant remember another case where the question presented was as clear as this one is, Coughenour told a Justice Department attorney. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order. This ruling prevents the Trump administration from proceeding with the implementation of the executive order for 14 days, during which both sides will present further arguments on the merits of the order. With inputs from agencies At least 17 people have died in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district, sparking concerns in the area. While Union Minister Jitendra Singh has blamed a toxin, others have blamed pesticide poisoning read more Security personnel at a containment zone after the outbreak of a mysterious illness, in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, Wednesday, January 22, 2025. PTI Mystery around more than a dozen deaths in three families in a far-flung village, Badhal, in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir continues. Over 200 individuals who came into contact with the affected families have been quarantined, and the district administration has ordered three containment zones and sealed the area. As the investigation continues, top health officials have ruled out an infectious pathogen as the cause of the mysterious disease that claimed the lives of 17 people over the past month. Advertisement The mysterious deaths in Jammu and Kashmir Over the past month, a mysterious illness has killed over 17 people in Rajouri. Three related families accounted for the majority of the deaths; between December 7 and December 12, nine members of two families perished. The first victim of the mysterious illness died on December 7 after first exhibiting fever, vomiting, stomach pain, and periodic unconsciousness. Fazal Hussain fell ill after attending a community meal during his daughters wedding. Four additional family members, including children ages five to 14 also died within days. Three of Mohammad Rafiqs familys children passed away on December 12, marking the second wave of fatalities. The third cluster, which involved the family of Muhammad Aslam, started on January 12 and ended on Sunday with the murder of 16-year-old Yasmeen Kousar. Investigation launched To look into the mysterious fatalities, Union Minister Amit Shah sent a high-level interministerial committee. The team, which is looking into the cause, arrived in Rajouri on Sunday night and comprises experts from the ministries of water resources, chemicals, agriculture, and health. The UT administration has cordoned off the area and established three containment zones to stop a possible infection from spreading. According to the Indian Express, the administration also provides water packs and food items three times a day. The district administration has also prohibited all public and private gatherings within the containment zones. Advertisement Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Baddal to assure residents that the Rajouri civil administration was actively addressing the matter. Cause of deaths What has caused the deaths is still unclear. However, the preliminary probe also points to unidentified toxins as the likely culprit, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said on Thursday. As per preliminary investigation conducted by the CSIR lab in Lucknow, it is not any infection, viral or bacterial in nature. Toxins have been found. Now, investigation is underway to ascertain what kind of toxin it is, Singh told reporters. Advertisement The matter is being probed from all angles, and if any conspiracy is found, appropriate action will be taken, the minister assured. Some neurotoxins were discovered in the victims based on the experts examinations and investigation. But no bacterial or viral infection has been found. Sweating and fever were the affected individuals symptoms. A group of compounds known as neurotoxins, which vary in their nature, interfere with the central and peripheral nervous systems ability to operate in a number of ways. Authorities sealed a water reservoir known locally as baoli earlier this week after springtime samples revealed the presence of pesticides and insecticides. Experts from top medical institutions, including the Indian Institute of Virology, Pune, PGI Chandigarh, and AIIMS Delhi, have already visited the affected village in Rajouri and collected samples. Advertisement Dr Shuja Qadri, senior epidemiologist and head of the Community Medicines Department at GMC Rajouri, said the deaths in the village were not the result of any communicable disease, and the probe has been narrowed down to the identification of the toxin in food items. More than 200 food samples have been sent to institutes nationwide for screening. Hopefully, based on the panel of toxins, the laboratories will be in a position to isolate the toxin within a week or 10 days, and we can easily take the control measures to prevent further deaths, Qadri told PTI. No public health threat Residents of the remote village, which is primarily home to Scheduled Tribe people, has become a place of fear and mourning. They have ceased organising community gatherings and refused to consume food that was made outside of their houses. Advertisement The UT administration, however, has dismissed a possible public health emergency by claiming that there is no evidence of a communicable disease with a bacterial or viral cause. Police have also formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) after neurotoxins were detected in samples from the deceased. It is investigating the criminal conspiracy angle in the case. CM Abdullah also assured the villagers, All the tests were conducted and the results revealed that there are no bacteria or viruses. With inputs from agencies The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), swiftly passed in Pakistans lower house of parliament following an opposition walkout, has sparked controversy. While the government claims the law aims to curb the spread of disinformation, critics argue it is intended to further suppress freedom of speech read more A Pakistani waits to connect his mobile WhatsApp with a desktop in Karachi. AP/File Photo Pakistans lower house of parliament has approved a controversial bill granting the government extensive control over social media. The bill allows the government to imprison people for circulating disinformation. ALSO READ | Pakistan ISI chief in Bangladesh: Should India be concerned? It was swiftly passed following a walkout by opposition lawmakers from the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who criticised the law. In a joint statement, a coalition of journalists and media organisations promised to challenge the law in court and initiate a protest movement. They said that the amendments criminalise dissent and impose further restrictions on freedom of expression. Advertisement What is the bill? What does it state? The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), introduced in the National Assembly by Pakistans Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, proposes the creation of an agency with the authority to immediately block content on social media deemed unlawful and offensive. This includes material critical of judges, the armed forces, parliament, or provincial assemblies. The bill allows the government to imprison people for circulating disinformation. Reuters/File Photo Individuals and organisations posting such content could also face social media bans. The law would require social media platforms to register with the new Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority. Platforms failing to comply risk temporary or permanent bans. According to Dawn, a new provision, Section 26(A), would be added to Peca to penalise those spreading fake news online. It states: Whoever intentionally disseminates, publicly exhibits, or transmits any information through any information system, that he knows or has reason to believe to be false or fake and likely to cause or create a sense of fear, panic or disorder or unrest in general public or society shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend up to three years or with fine which may extend to Rs2m or with both. The bill also calls for the establishment of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority. This body would oversee various functions related to social media, including education, awareness, training, regulation, enlistment, and blocking. ALSO READ | Why Pakistan is still fixated on India while it can learn from its policies and progress Dawn reported that the bill outlines that the authority would have powers to direct social media platforms to remove or block content that goes against Pakistans ideology; incites the public to violate the law or take it into their own hands; aims to coerce, intimidate, or terrorise individuals, groups, communities, government officials, or institutions; or encourages damage to governmental or private property. Advertisement Government vs journalists over the bill Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the bill, stating it was intended solely to curb the spread of disinformation and hate speech. Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, he said he remained open to addressing journalists concerns and added that the law was not designed to restrict the electronic media or journalists. Critics argue that the government aims to further suppress freedom of speech. Farhatullah Babar, a human rights activist, described the amendments to the cybercrime law as a move to further stifle freedom of expression through setting up of multiple authorities under executive control, enlarging the print of unaccountable intelligence agencies. He added that the law gives sweeping powers to the executive not only over the contents of the message but also the messengers, namely the social media platforms. Advertisement The governments decision to pass the bill follows nearly a year after Pakistan blocked the X platform ahead of elections that the opposition party of Imran Khan alleged were rigged. While X remains blocked, many citizens access it using virtual private networks, as is common in countries with stringent internet controls. The Karachi Press Club also criticised the law, labelling it a threat to the freedom of expression. What the opposition said on the bill Imran Khan has a significant presence on social media, particularly on X, where his supporters frequently call for his release. Behind bars since 2023 following a graft arrest, Khans party actively uses social media to organise protests. Advertisement Supporters of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at a rally demanding his release in Swabi. Reuters/File Photo Omar Ayub Khan, the opposition leader, criticised the proposed bill, stating it aims to further curtail freedom of speech. While unrelated to the jailed ex-prime minister, he warned the bill could lay a foundation for the suppression of voices advocating for constitutional rights. On Thursday, the PTI announced it was ending discussions with the government ahead of the January 28 deadline to meet with Khan. Gohar Ali Khan, PTI chairman, made the announcement weeks after initiating talks to secure the former prime ministers release and address other demands. Increasing censorship in Pakistan Pakistans media industry has seen increasing restrictions in recent years. Journalists claim facing pressure from the state to avoid mentioning Imran Khan by name, with most TV channels now referring to him as the founder of the PTI party. Advertisement A vendor browses the social media app Facebook on a mobile phone at his florist stall, in Islamabad, Pakistan. AP Human rights activists and journalist unions have vowed to resist the law, though its passage appears inevitable given the governments parliamentary majority. Afzal Butt, president of the Federal Union of Journalists, described the bill as an attempt to silence the media, social media, and journalists. The government, however, argues that the law is essential to curb the spread of disinformation. The controversy over Shehbaz Sharifs congratulatory message for Trump on X Shortly after Donald Trump was sworn in as President in Washington DC, Pakistans Prime Minister took to X to congratulate him. However, his message quickly became controversial, given that Pakistan has imposed a nationwide ban on the platform. My warmest congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his assumption of office as the forty-seventh President of the United States of America. I look forward to working with him to strengthen the enduring Pakistan-U.S. partnership. Over the years, our two great countries have Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 20, 2025 Sharifs post, which wished Trump success and expressed a desire to strengthen and broaden the Pakistan-US partnership, was flagged with a Community Note. The note alleged that the Prime Minister was using a VPN to access X, a violation of Pakistans legal framework. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has banned X (formerly Twitter) in Pakistan. He is using a VPN to access X, which is unlawful according to Pakistani law, the X Community Note stated. This is not the first time PM Shehbaz Sharif has used the banned platform. He frequently posts on X, primarily on issues related to international outreach. With inputs from AP Indonesias President Prabowo Subianto is set to be the chief guest at this years Republic Day. Prabowo met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November. Now, in the backdrop of his first visit to India as Head of State, lets examine how the two countries are strengthening defence and economic ties read more Indian Army's BrahMos weapon systems are displayed during a full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. File Image/Reuters Indonesias President Prabowo Subianto is set to be the chief guest at this years Republic Day. Prabowo is making his first visit to India as Head of State. He will become the fourth Indonesian president to attend Republic Day celebrations. Now, attention is turning to India and Indonesia looking at doing business. But what do we know about Prabowos visit and the burgeoning business relationship? Lets take a closer look: Brief look at Prabowos visit First, lets take a brief look at Prabowos visit. Prabowo is in India from January 23 to January 26. Advertisement He will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Parade. Interestingly, Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, was the Chief Guest at Indias first Republic Day in 1950. A 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia will be participating in the parade on the Kartvya Path in the National capital. This will be the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in a national day parade abroad. Strengthening defence ties The two countries also seem to be strengthening their defence ties. As per Bloomberg, New Delhi is considering selling Jakarta sell Russian-backed Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles in a deal valued at $450 million. The sale is likely to be announced during Prabowos visit, people in the know told the outlet. The two countries have been talking about the sale for nearly a decade. Rosoboronexport, Russias state owned military hardware supplier, has been part of the negotiations, the people said. As per Economic Times, Brahmos missiles will be a top priority for Prabowo during this visit. When he came to India as defence minister in 2020, BrahMos missiles were high on Jakartas wish list. Brahmos missiles will be a top priority for President Prabowo Subianto during this visit. AFP The former general and defence minister played a critical role in the previous Joko Widodo regime. Advertisement Prabowo and his cabinet colleagues put paid to agreements with China and Russia to keep the US on side. While Widodo was more reserved and cautious, Subianto is an outgoing and colourful character who will play a more visible and international role than Widodo, Shyam Saran, former foreign secretary and Indias ambassador to Indonesia, told Rediff.com. Bloomberg reported that Prabowo during his trip is likely to focus on increasing military and maritime security cooperation with India. Indias ambassador discussed a technology transfer offer with Indonesias Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, as per the report. The Print reported that New Delhi and Jakarta could sign a pact for the maintenance of Sukhoi fighter jets and for India to train Indonesian pilots on how to fly the plane. Advertisement New Delhi and Jakartas navies have been carrying out joint patrols in the Indian Ocean since 2002. The India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) becoming a backbone of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. Last week, the INS Mumbai an indigenously designed and built guided missile destroyer made a port call in Jakarta. This came ahead of its participation in the fourth edition of the La Perouse military exercise being held in the straits between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean: This edition, which is taking place from January 16, 2025 to January 24, 2025, is witnessing the participation of the Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Royal Navy, United States Navy, Indonesian Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy and Royal Canadian Navy. Advertisement INS Mumbais participation in the military exercise is part of Indias vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) to enhance maritime cooperation and collaboration for a safer and more secure Indo-Pacific Region. 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, the defence ministry said in a release. As per The Print, India and Indonesia signed the Defence Cooperation Agreement in 2018. Last week, the INS Mumbai an indigenously designed and built guided missile destroyer made a port call in Jakarta. Image courtesy: PIB There are regular talks between the defence services of the two countries. The bilateral Army Exercise Garuda Shakti and Joint Naval Exercise Samudra Shakti are held regularly. Advertisement Indonesia is an important pillar in Indias Act East Policy. There are regular high-level interactions including convening of bilateral mechanisms like Joint Commission Meetings and Foreign Office Consultations. As per Rediff.com, the Indian embassy in Jakarta in 2020 organised the first ever India-Indonesia defence industry exhibition-cum-seminar. Three dozen prominent defence firms India and several Indonesian State-owned defence enterprises and private defence enterprises participated. Building economic relationship India and Indonesia are strengthening economic ties too. New Delhi and Jakarta elevated bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modis 2018 visit. Prime Minister Modi met President Prabowo on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in November last year. This was the first meeting between the two leaders. Indonesia recently joined the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (Brics) group. The grouping is looking to strengthen its position as Trump takes charge of the United States. As per Economic Times, in August, the Embassy of India in Indonesia relaunched the Indian Chamber of Commerce in front of representatives of firms of the two countries including Sinarmas, APR, BioFarma, Indika Energy, Adani, Tata Power, TCS, Thermax, Artemis Hospital, TVS, Vistara, Air India, and L&T. In terms of economic cooperation, Indonesia is one of Indias largest trading partners in the ASEAN region. Bilateral trade in 2023-24 reached $29.40 billion. Indian investments in Indonesia amount to $1.56 billion in infrastructure, power, textiles, steel, automotive, mining, banking and consumer goods sectors. As per Rediff.com, around 80 Indian firms including Adani group, TVS Group, Tata Motors, Larsen & Toubro, Jindal Stainless, Lakshmi Mittal group, and Wipro have invested in Indonesia. India and Indonesia also share robust and active space cooperation dating back to 1997. Two Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) ground stations set up by ISRO at Biak, Papua support Indian satellite and launch vehicle missions. The logo of the Adani Group is seen on the facade of its Corporate House on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India. File image/Reuters Apollo Hospital is working with the Indonesian Mayapada Hospital group to build a green hospital in the new capital Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) for clinical collaboration, providing capacity building, technical training, hospital management services and collaboration to make affordable and quality healthcare available to Indonesians. Exports of pharmaceuticals and medical devices to Indonesia have risen from $167.01 million in 2020-21 to $230.41 million in 2023-24. Indonesia is a major recipient of ITEC and TCS of Colombo Plan scholarships. ICCR offers around 20 scholarships every year to Indonesian students for pursuing higher studies in India. ITEC offers around 100 slots to Indonesia every year. Direct flight connectivity between India and Indonesia commenced in August 2023. Routes include Mumbai-Jakarta, Delhi- Bali and Bengaluru-Bali sectors. India has emerged as the second largest source of tourists (more than 6,00,000) to Bali in 2023-24. There are approximately 1,50,000 Persons of Indian Origin whose ancestors migrated to Indonesia in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are around 14,000 Indian Nationals (NRI) living in Indonesia including entrepreneurs, engineers, chartered accountants, IT professionals, consultants and bankers. President Prabowos visit will provide an opportunity for the leaders to undertake a comprehensive review of bilateral ties as well as to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest. The entire gamut of bilateral cooperation including political, defence and security cooperation, trade and investment, healthcare, digital technologies, energy, culture, connectivity, tourism and people-to-people relations will be reviewed during Prabowos visit. Several MoUs and announcements are likely to be concluded and the third CEO Forum will be held on the sidelines. With inputs from agencies President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day back in the White House that aims to unilaterally rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. In response, Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum said even if Trump renames the water body, the rest of the world would continue to use the name Gulf of Mexico. Is she right? read more Donald Trump on his first day back in the Oval Office was one titled Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness. It unilaterally renamed the area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.Reuters File Among the blizzard of executive orders issued by Donald Trump on his first day back in the Oval Office was one titled Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness. It unilaterally renamed the area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. The order was justified by this maritime space having long been an integral asset to the United States, with its bountiful geology yielding around 14 per cent of US crude oil production, vibrant American fisheries, and it being a favourite destination of American tourism. Advertisement The gulf was also characterised as an indelible part of America that would continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Americas future and the global economy. But while its undoubtedly important to the US, this part of the Atlantic Ocean washes against other countries, too. So, can the president really rename it? Sure! At least as far as the US is concerned, anyway. What are the naming rights? The relevant federal body is the Board on Geographic Names (BGN), established in 1890 with the mission to maintain uniform geographic name usage. Specifically, Trumps executive order instructs the secretary of the interior to take all appropriate actions to change the name to the Gulf of America, ensure all federal references reflect the renaming, and update the . The BGN has usually been reluctant to change generally accepted geographic names. However, the executive order clearly signals that the composition of the board may change in order to ensure the proposed renaming happens. But whatever the US decides to call the gulf, it doesnt mean other countries will pay any heed. Indeed, Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo promptly suggested the US might itself be renamed Mexican America. She was referring to a 17th-century map showing that name for much of the area that now makes up the US, and asserted Mexico and the rest of the world would continue to use the name Gulf of Mexico. Advertisement Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo promptly suggested the US might itself be renamed Mexican America. She asserted Mexico and the rest of the world would continue to use the name Gulf of Mexico. File Image East sea or Sea of Japan? The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) publishes a volume called Limits of Oceans and Seas, covering the names of seas and oceans around the world, including the Gulf of Mexico. But the study is explicit that these limits have no political significance whatsoever and are solely for the convenience of hydrographic offices preparing information for mariners. It has not been published since 1953 precisely because of a dispute over the geographic name of the body of water between Japan and Korea. Japan prefers to call it the Sea of Japan (as most know it) but South Korea has long campaigned for it to be named the East Sea or East Sea/Sea of Japan. A revised edition of the IHO volume was submitted to member states in 2002 but dealt with the issue by omitting coverage of the East Sea/Sea of Japan. It remains a working document only. Advertisement Japan prefers to call body of water the Sea of Japan (as most know it) but South Korea has long campaigned for it to be named the East Sea or East Sea/Sea of Japan file image/ Reuters The issue is taken so seriously by South Korea that an ambassador-level position was created to deal with it, and a Society for the East Sea was established 30 years ago. That this deadlock has prevented a new edition of an IHO publication for more than 70 years shows not only the difficulty of changing generally well-recognised geographic names, but also the importance countries place on these matters. Dangerous grounds Place names known as toponyms are sensitive because they show that any country changing a name has the right to do so, which implies sovereignty and possession. Names therefore carry historical and emotional significance and are readily politicised. This is particularly true where past conflicts with unresolved legacies and current geopolitical rivalries are in play. For example, the Sea of Japan/East Sea dispute goes back to Japans 1905 annexation of Korea and subsequent 40-year colonial rule. Advertisement Similarly, the disputed sovereignty of the Falkland Islands/Las Malvinas, over which Britain and Argentina went to war in 1982, remains a perennial source of diplomatic dispute. But the South China Sea case is hard to beat. All or parts of this body of water are simultaneously referred to as the South Sea (Nan Hai) by China, the West Philippines Sea by the Philippines, the North Natuna Sea by Indonesia, and (another) East Sea (Bien ong) by Vietnam. To further complicate things in that same area, what in English are generally known as the Spratly Islands are known in Chinese as the Nansha Qundao, the Kepulauan Spratly in Malay, and in Vietnamese as the Truong Sa. Advertisement All the individual islands, rocks and cays in this highly disputed zone also carry names, individually or collectively, in multiple languages. Even the names of entirely and permanently submerged features have proved controversial. Early British Admiralty cartographers were arguably most accurate in naming the area simply Dangerous Ground. Only Americas business? Globally, there have been moves to replace colonial references with original indigenous names, something very familiar to Australians and New Zealanders. In the same executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico, Trump also changed the name of the highest peak in North America (in Alaska) from Denali back to Mount McKinley (named after the 25th president, William McKinley, in 1917). This simultaneously attacked the legacy of former president Barack Obama, who renamed the peak Denali in 2015, and spoke to Trumps war on perceived woke politics. That said, the change was tempered by the fact the national park area surrounding the mountain will retain the name Denali National Park and Preserve. Ultimately, Trump can rebadge the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, but only from a strictly US perspective. It is unlikely to matter much to the rest of the world, save for those wishing to curry favour with the new administration. Most of the world will likely continue to refer to the Gulf of Mexico. And the Gulf of America may yet be consigned to history in four years time. Clive Schofield, Professor, Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), University of Wollongong This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Israel has launched a major operation in the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank. It said its forces on Thursday killed two Palestinian militants who carried out a deadly attack on a bus in the West Bank earlier this month. Meanwhile, hundreds of people have fled the refugee camp. But whats happening? read more Palestinians displaced by an Israeli military operation evacuate from the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank carrying an elderly man over rubble, on Thursday. AP After the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Gaza has fallen silent. But now, Israel is turning its attention to the West Bank. Israel has launched a major operation in the occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, hundreds of people have fled the refugee camp in the city of Jenin. Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians want it to form the main part of their future state. But what is happening? Why is Israel now focusing on the West Bank? Advertisement Lets take a closer look: What is happening? According to BBC, Israel has been conducting the military operation in around Jenin for the past few days. The operation is called Iron Wall. The Israeli military said on Thursday that it killed two Palestinian militants who carried out a deadly attack on a bus in the West Bank earlier this month. The two men barricaded themselves in a structure in the West Bank village of Burqin and exchanged fire with Israeli troops before they were killed overnight. The army said a soldier was moderately wounded. The military said Mohammed Nazzal and Katiba al-Shalabi were operatives with the Islamic Jihad militant group. The Hamas militant group released a statement claiming the two men were members of its armed wing and praising the bus attack. Hamas and the smaller and more radical Islamic Jihad are allies that sometimes carry out attacks together. The January 6 attack on the bus carrying Israelis killed three people and wounded six others. According to BBC, the entrance to Jenins main hospital is currently in the hands of the Israeli Army. The forces have also blocked the entrance of Jenins refugee camp and bulldozed the roads going into it. Small groups of soldiers are watching over the entrance. As per The Guardian, hundreds of people have fled the Jenin camp over the past few days. Most of the camps residents were forced out, and I was made to leave my neighbourhood, said 65-year-old Saleh Ammar. I saw with my own eyes the 12 large bulldozers they brought in: if they wanted to destroy an entire city, they could have done so. Advertisement The situation is horrible, taxi driver Adel told BBC. I live on al-Awda Street, and Im the last one to leave. Theres no one there." Everyone has to leave before 17:00, Adel added. God knows what theyre going to do. Israel says it has launched operation Iron Wall in Jenin which is home to a number of militants groups including the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Qassem Brigades to ensure terrorism does not return to the West Bank. AP Ammar told the newspaper that forces affiliated to the Palestinian Authority also attacked residents. The PA in December attacked the Jenin refugee camp to take out militias that are hostile to it. I am so upset by the Palestinian Authority invasion they burned the houses, installed snipers on the rooftops and opened fire randomly, Ammar said. This continued until Israeli forces entered the camp we are living between two fires. Advertisement The Israeli army wants to destroy the camp and make it like Jabaliya, Ammar added. They want to destroy the houses, bulldoze the streets and remove residents from the camp. They told us to get out before they start bombing. Jenin Governor Kamal Abu al-Rub told Agence France-Presse that hundreds of people who lived in the camp have begun leaving after the Israeli army, using loudspeakers on drones and military vehicles, ordered them to evacuate the camp. A man who lives on the edge of the camp told AFP that the Israeli army asked people to leave between 9 am and 5 pm. There are dozens of camp residents who have begun to leave, he said. The army is in front of my house. They could enter at any moment. Advertisement Its different this time - theyre striking everywhere. Its like Gaza, one man leaving the camp told BBC. Kefah Sehwal, 52, said she had lost over a dozen members of her family over the past year and a half. After what happened to [Israeli forces] in Gaza, the reaction is here, she told me. Theyre taking it out on us. However, the outlet quoted Israel government spokesman David Mencer as saying there were no evacuation orders whatsoever for the people of Jenin. People in Jenin not connected with terrorism are free to leave, to get away from our action, he said. He called reports of evacuation orders as fake news, probably spread by supporters of Hamas. Advertisement The Palestinian Health Ministry has claimed that at least 10 people have been killed in Jenin. BBC reported that businessman Ahmed al-Shayeb was killed by Israeli forces. Ahmed was shot dead with his 10-year-old son Taym in the car while he was driving near the Jenins refugee camp. They started shooting, and a bullet hit him, Taym told the media. He said, God, God, then the car hit the pavement. I saw two army vehicles coming toward us. They started to shoot towards the car, but I jumped out and ran away." Angelita Caredda, the Middle East and North Africa director for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), told The Guardian, We are seeing disturbing patterns of unlawful use of force in the West Bank that is unnecessary, indiscriminate and disproportionate. This echoes the tactics Israeli forces have employed in Gaza. Why is this happening? Israel says it is trying to rid the West Bank of militant groups. As per CNN, Jenin is home to a number of militant groups including the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Qassem Brigades. They all coalesce under the name the Jenin Battalion. The outlet quoted Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz as saying that the military has decided to ensure that terrorism does not return to the West Bank. Katz said Operation Iron Wall would eliminate terrorists and terror infrastructure in the camp, ensuring that terrorism does not return to the camp after the operation is over the first lesson from the method of repeated raids in Gaza. BBC quoted the head of Israels Shin Bet security service as saying that Israel was trying to tamp down on militancy in the West Bank. Right now, its Samarias [northern West Bank] time, Ronen Bar said. Meanwhile, Israels Army chief, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi has spoken of bringing Jenin to a different place. Israels forces have blocked the entrance of Jenins refugee camp and bulldozed the roads going into it. AP Israel said it is concerned about the West Bank becoming a target for its enemies particularly Iran. Katz said, We will not allow Judea and Samaria to become like Gaza or southern Lebanon We will act to cut off Irans tentacles in the refugee camps in the West Bank and ensure the security of the communities and residents. The Guardian quoted Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, Lt Col Nadav Shoshani as saying the idea behind the operation was to stop militants from regrouping and attacking civilian targets. Danny Yatom, a former head of the Mossad who is now a member of the policy group Commanders for Israels Security, said, We need to carry out pre-emptive attacks. We will not wait for a squad from Jenin to come and enter Tel Aviv, but we will do our utmost in order to gather the information needed about this squad, and we will kill them. Yatom said Israeli forces is acting as the PA has been unable to oust the groups in Jenin aligned with Hamas. There is now cooperation between the Palestinian Authority security apparatus and the IDF, even though the PA security could not accomplish the mission in general, Yatom said. So it was a mistake Hamas was never deterred. It was a total mistake of our security apparatus to think that Hamas is deterred. Israels Channel 11 quoted a senior military source as saying, The PA did what they could. We recognized the need to act against the terrorists capabilities, we are no longer waiting for their intentions. Our goal is to neutralise the Jenin battalion. But Palestinian lawyer Mohammad Dahleh told Al Jazeera, They want to continue the war in Gaza and the way to do that is escalation in the West Bank. Palestinian researcher and activist Hamza Zubiedat said Israel is continuing to annexe the West Bank. Zubiedat described the scenario as catastrophic. By isolating and cutting the Palestinian villages and cities from each other, it means no more doctors, nurses, teachers, even transporting the goods and fruits and vegetables from one place to another. It means more poverty and suffering for the Palestinian people, he added. This development comes as an Israeli tank killed two Palestinians west of Gazas Rafah on Thursday in an apparent breach of the ceasefire. Israel has a right to continue military attacks in Gaza if it deems negotiations regarding the second phase of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas to be fruitless, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Violence has surged throughout the occupied West Bank since the Gaza war erupted on October 7, 2023. According to the Palestinian health ministry, Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 850 Palestinians in the West Bank since the conflict began. During the same period, at least 29 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or Israeli military operations in the territory, according to Israeli official figures. With inputs from agencies Pune in Maharashtra is witnessing a surge in Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) cases. In a week, the total number of the immunological nerve disorder has risen to 67. Health authorities suspect Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria which is often associated with poultry and transmitted through contaminated food or water, is to blame for the sudden rise read more GBS is a rare immunological nerve disorder typically observed in individuals infected with viruses or bacteria. Reuters/Representational Image Cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) are rising in Maharashtras Pune. In just a week, the total number of the immunological nerve disorder has risen to 67, as per Pune Municipal Corporation. Of these cases, 13 patients are on ventilator support. The development has prompted the state health department to set up a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to conduct a detailed survey of patients. The samples of those affected have been sent to the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, for testing by the PMC health department. Advertisement But whats behind this sudden rise? Lets take a closer look. Who are affected? PMC Assistant Health Officer Dr Vaishali Jadhav on Thursday said, 43 men and 24 women were diagnosed with GBS. As per media reports, the first suspected case of GBS was reported in a 64-year-old woman who passed away. Earlier officials revealed most of these cases were detected in the Sinhagad Road, Dhayari and Kirkatwadi area, with most suspected patients in the age group of 12 to 30 years. Most of these patients are admitted to three major hospitals Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Nevale Hospital and Pune Hospital. The patients complained of symptoms linked to contaminated food and water, which caused diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. Dr Padmanabh Keskar, Punes emergency medical expert, told News18 that some patients had to be admitted to the ICU for artificial respiration due to short-term loss of muscle strength and respiratory problems. What is Guillain-Barre syndrome? GBS is a rare immunological nerve disorder typically observed in individuals infected with viruses or bacteria. It is a type of autoimmune disease in which the immune system of the patient targets the neurological system, causing nerves and muscles to stop working properly. It was named after the French neurologists Georges Guillian and Jean Alexandre Barre, who discovered the rare condition in 1916. Common symptoms of the infection are fever, cough, runny nose, loss of muscle strength, or gastrointestinal infection such as stomach pain, loose stools. Advertisement Most individuals with GBS have had symptoms of an infection at least six weeks prior to the onset of GBS symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. The conditions exact cause is still unknown, however, it frequently follows a major surgery, vaccine, or bacterial or viral disease. This unusual condition results from the immune system becoming hyperactive during such periods. Also read: After China, HMPV cases in India, Hong Kong: Is the scare of another pandemic real? Whats causing the sudden rise of GBS in Pune? Health authorities suspect Campylobacter jejuni is to blame for the sudden rise in GBS cases in Pune. Also known as campylobacteriosis, it is a spiral-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium commonly found in animal intestines, especially poultry, according to The Economic Times. It also spreads through contaminated or undercooked meat, unpasteurised dairy products or untreated water. Advertisement Abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrheasometimes bloodyare the usual symptoms of the C jejuni infection. After exposure, symptoms typically start to show up two to five days later and linger for approximately a week. Antibiotics like azithromycin or ciprofloxacin may be necessary for severe infections, dehydration, or problems, even though the majority of cases get cured on their own. The link between C jejuni and post-infection complications, like GBS, is a serious concern. Some people may also develop reactive arthritis. According to TheHealthSite.com, which quoted PMCs water supply head, Nandkishore Jagtap, water from gram panchayat wells and the Khadakwasla dam is chlorinated before supply, but C jejuni has shown chlorine resistance. Advertisement PMCs Additional Municipal Commissioner, Prithviraj BP, has said water samples have also been sent to NIV, and results are expected in a few days. Also read: Mpox in India: What are the new dos and donts issued by the Centre? How serious is it? Civic Health Department Chief Dr Nina Borade told PTI, GBS is prevalent in both pediatric and young age groups. However, it will not lead to an epidemic or pandemic, adding that with treatment, most people recover fully. We have constituted a committee of experts, including scientists from NIV and epidemiologists. A detailed surveillance of the patients will be conducted. There is no need for panic as of now, she added. While this is not a new disease and cases of GBS has been reported in India previously, Dr Keskar says the sudden spike in cases is certainly a cause of concern. Advertisement Also read: Human case of bird flu detected in India: Should we be worried? Can it be prevented? Yes. Cooking meat properly, preventing cross-contamination, washing your hands frequently, and drinking clean water are all preventive measures. Given that C jejuni is still a significant public health concern because of its low infectious dose and widespread prevalence, proper food handling and cleanliness are essential to limiting its spread. One must seek medical help if they feel sudden weakness in the legs or arms, difficulty in walking or numbness, persistent diarrhoea, especially with discharge of blood. With inputs from agencies A blast at the ordnance factory in Maharashtras Bhandara district killed eight persons and injured seven, according to Union minister Nitin Gadkari read more Eight people have been killed and seven have been injured in a blast at the ordnance factory in Maharashtras Bhandara districts Jawahar Nagar area on Friday. Initially, it was reported that 13-14 workers were trapped in the section of the factory where the blast occurred. Later, Union minister Nitin Gadkari, who hails from Maharashtra, said that eight people were killed and seven injured. In a post on X, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the incident and condoled the deaths. He said rescuers were working to recovering the injured. He did not give any specifics of the incident. Advertisement The rescue teams are deployed at the site. All efforts are being made to provide assistance to those who are affected, said Singh. Deeply saddened to know about the blast ot Ordnance Factory at Bhandara, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The rescue teams are deployed at the site. All efforts are being made to provide assistance to those Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 24, 2025 Separately, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that 13-14 workers were stuck after the roof of a unit collapsed in the blast at the ordnance factory, according to preliminary information. In a post on X in Marathi, Fadnavis said that district officials were at the spot and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel from Nagpur were on the way to the site to assist rescuers. The PTI reported District collector Sanjay Kolte as saying that the blast occurred around 10.30 am. The news agency further quoted a police official as saying that there were 14 workers working in the section at the time of the blast. The official added that three of them were rescued alive and one body was also recovered. The Ayush OPDs, clinics, stalls and sessions are emerging as key attractions for devotees and visitors at Mahakumbh in Prayagraj read more The Ayush team at Mahakumbh comprises 80 doctors across 20 OPDs to provide 24x7 medical services. More than 1.21 lakh devotees have availed Ayush services at the facilities set up at Maha Kumbh by the Ayush ministry in collaboration with the National Ayush Mission, Uttar Pradesh. The Ayush OPDs, clinics, stalls and sessions are emerging as key attractions for devotees and visitors at Mahakumbh, Prayagraj. The Ministry of Ayush has arranged a host of facilities in collaboration with the National Ayush Mission, Uttar Pradesh, at the mega festival, providing free healthcare services to domestic and international devotees, the ministry said in a statement. Advertisement The Ayush team at Mahakumbh comprises 80 doctors across 20 OPDs to provide 24x7 medical services. These OPDs are equipped to address a wide range of common and chronic conditions. Foreign devotees are also utilising Ayush services, including OPD consultations, the statement said. Also, daily therapeutic yoga sessions are being conducted from at designated camps in the Sangam area and Sector-8, led by trainers from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush, Delhi. The participation of international devotees in these sessions highlights the growing interest and trust in Ayush services among the local and global public, the statement said. Dr Akhilesh Singh, Ayush nodal officer at Mahakumbh, said, Our team not only treats patients but also informs them about the economic potential of medicinal plants. cultivation, we aim to create a source of livelihood for people alongside improving their health. At Mahakumbh, the Ayush team has also arranged free distribution of medicines, including immunity boosters and calcium tablets, he said. In line with the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Ayush to ensure special attention towards the elderlys health, the Ayush team at Mahakumbh is dedicated to facilitating the elderly and extending Ayush services to them, the statement said. As many as 45 per cent of the beneficiaries so far are elderly. Informative pamphlets on common ailments and their Ayush remedies are also being distributed. Advertisement Donald Trump has to be able to see that New Delhi can be as unpredictable as himself, if a whole lot politer read more If there was an Oscar for the best inauguration for a president, the Donald Trump team would probably win it. It had a large dose of glamour in Melania Trump, big money in Elon Musk, the best of American swagger in Trump himself, and sundry villains in the audience who would like a Trump headstone better than anything else. But at its heart, it was a showpiece of American power. In some ways, it was also an indicator of Chinese power, as TikTok was first banned and revived in just about 24 hours. But thats just the tip of the iceberg. Advertisement First, the base notes of the triumphal song, which means discerning the reality from the pomp and show and what it means for us. It is now apparent that nearly every Trump appointee is a diehard anti-China high priest or priestess. Thats not just Marco Rubio, who warned of the Chinese threat at his five-hour hearing in no uncertain terms, besides being twice sanctioned by China. It includes the Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who wants a warrior ethos for his army; he has always held the Chinese Communist Party as the biggest threat. Notably, this group also includes Secretary of the Interior Kristi Noem, who had introduced legislation in her state of South Dakota to ban TikTok in 2022 on state-owned devices, and the Treasury Secretary, who wants tariffs on China. Putting all that in one basket, it seems like its going to be a Bury China position all through the next 5 years. But not so fast. The realities were already at play, as even National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who had warned a month ago of a Nazi-era style military buildup by China, was backfooting on the TikTok ban, saying he did not rule out continued Chinese ownership, even as his president signed an executive order giving it another 75 days, this despite the sanction of the Supreme Court and bipartisan support in Congress. Some 170 million US users matter, and they seem to have flatly refused to migrate to Meta. Its also not a signal that Trump wants to give out yet. The Financial Times podcast (January 22) observed that markets picked up after no presidential orders emerged targeting China. Besides, the Chinese leaders call came on the very day of the Supreme Court judgement, where Trump seems to have said the two would do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe. In other words, he dodged a possible trap set for him by the previous administration. The reality on the ground Either way, its a hard dose of reality for India. That China is the USs third-largest trade partner ($575 billion) is well known, as is also that some 70,000 US companies operate in China. Look harder at his main donors. Elon Musk, has his fortune tied to that of China. Tesla, once given low-interest loans and laws changed for its entry, according to a New York Times report, is now suffering from its own success. Chinese EVs are now the hottest thing on the market. Another donor, Bigelow Aerospace, watched in dismay as China pulled ahead in key space technology. Advertisement Others, like British American Tobacco, for instance, have a major presence in China, as does Pratt Industries. Their ideal situation is to keep Beijing prosperous but tamed. Those plans certainly dont include allowing economic giant Taiwan to be gobbled up by China. Beijing is already ahead of the US in terms of PPP (purchasing power parity) according to the IMF. War would be preferable, but by proxy. In other words, beef up Taiwan, but dont fight on the ground. In this game, another proxy would be great. New Delhi will need to dodge that skilfully. Quad perks up Thats not going to be easy. With the Quadthe grouping of India, the US, Australia, and Japanmeeting almost immediately after the inauguration, it sends a powerful message of intent to Beijing. The Joint Statement rather unusually notes that it will strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. The December 2024 statement, on the other hand, focused more on disaster management and do-goodies in other areas. Advertisement Beijing reacted sharply, noting that its activities (in the East and South China seas) are completely legitimate. Expect this to be followed up with offers of weaponry, with US companies making a strong pitch for the future medium role fighter aircraft. Making in India is less likely, so dont expect those soon. Though a team is due to go to discuss this, it appears that it is likely to stall. The new administration will want to know what it gets in return, in black and white. Anti-China legislation in Congress Expect a raft of anti-China legislation, including the passing of the BIOSECURE Act to limit US companies cooperating in the area of biotechnology. Then there is another Countering CCP Drones Act which bars the imports of Chinese drones (DJI). That bill, however, has strong domestic opposition from users like the Drone Advocacy Alliance, who argue that it poses no threat and that it is vital for emergencies. Advertisement Then is the Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act, arguing that the companies making this are aligned to the CCP and are deeply connected to forced labour. The bill opposes plans to build factories in the United States. Theres more. All that needs careful scrutiny by Indian companies in terms of supplying for the US market. Its possible. Already seven Indian startups have entered the US defence market. A billionaire investor, Stephen Feinberg, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Defence, while Elbridge Colbycore to the MAGA (Make America Great Again) defence vision enunciated in Project 2025is the Under Secretary of Defence for Policy. That project envisions a major role for India. Advertisement Jaishankar has his own hedging strategy Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Jaishankar, while chatting affably with the new Secretary of State and others, is already well up on his game. On January 18, he talked about preparing for expressions of Chinas growing capabilities while noting that Indias approach can be summed up in terms of the three mutuals, ie, mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interests. Bilateral ties can also benefit from a greater realisation that what is at stake is actually the larger prospects of both nations and, in fact, even of the global order. Thats as broad a hint as it can get. The Chinese spokesperson, in his turn, reacted affably, though rather unfortunately noting the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence (which has been virtually trashed by China) in broader remarks calling for viewing the relationship from strategic heights. In sum, its a delicate balancing act. While optimism can point to the number of pro-India policy makers within the administration, sceptics will point to the fact that US strategy has always been underpinned by complete and absolute self-interest, which should ideally be the marking feature of any state aspiring to greatness. Indias aspirations are definitely in that direction, but sometimes hindered by a lack of bureaucratic unity in approach. That needs to change, and quickly. That means utilising the National Security Council to the fullest extent, not just the Secretariat, to gain policy agility. Trump has to be able to see that New Delhi can be as unpredictable as himself, if a whole lot politer. The writer is a Distinguished Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi. She tweets @kartha_tara. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. A number of immigrants, driven by financial hardship or radical ideologies, are lured into criminal enterprises, whether it be for drug trafficking, arms smuggling, or serving as foot soldiers for terror outfits read more As the situation stands with regards to social, political, and security challenges arising out of Bangladeshi illegal immigration, India faces a clear and present danger in terms of security and social cohesion. Image: REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui/File Photo In the early hours of January 16, the residents of Mumbai woke up to a shocking incident of a stabbing attack at the residence of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence. The assailant, identified as a Bangladeshi illegal immigrant, broke into the actors home with the motive of robbery and subsequently injured the actor by stabbing him after being confronted. This brazen attack has once again raised red flags about the growing security threat posed by illegal immigrants in India, especially those coming from neighbouring Bangladesh. While such violent incidents involving illegal immigrants are not new, this one incident has once again kick-started the debate about the dangers lurking in the country due to unchecked illegal immigration, which poses both social and national security challenges. Advertisement India shares a porous border of over 4,000 km with Bangladesh, making it difficult to monitor the movement of people across the two countries. The migration from Bangladesh to India has been a long-standing issue, but in recent decades, the scale of illegal immigration has grown exponentially. According to various estimates, more than 20 million illegal Bangladeshi immigrants currently reside in India, with a significant number of them in states like West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya. These illegal immigrants are often employed in low-wage, unskilled labour jobs, including construction work, domestic help, and agriculture. They form a significant portion of the informal labour market in India. However, their presence is not limited to the economic sphere. There is increasing concern over the involvement of these immigrants in criminal activities, including smuggling, drug trafficking, and even acts of terrorism. Apart from criminal affiliations, many illegal immigrants have also participated in political activities by using forged documentation, hence posing a significant social risk to the overall welfare of the Indian communities as well. In the recent past, the increase in the numbers of Bangladeshi immigrants involved in criminal and terror nexus highlights the broader issue of hesitant policy of active identification and deportation of illegal immigrants from the country. Security authorities have uncovered links between several illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and organised crime syndicates operating in India. These criminal networks are often engaged in a range of illicit activities, including human trafficking, weapons smuggling, and financing terrorism. In many instances, these immigrants have been found to have ties with extremist groups, both domestic and international, further complicating the security landscape in India. Illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have not only contributed to the informal labour economy but also become entangled in the dark side of Indias criminal underworld. As low-wage workers, many of them live in impoverished conditions in slum dwellings, where exploitation by criminal gangs is rampant. A number of immigrants, driven by financial hardship or radical ideologies, are lured into criminal enterprises, whether it be for drug trafficking, arms smuggling, or serving as foot soldiers for terror outfits. Advertisement The role of illegal immigrants in drug trafficking has been particularly concerning. Bangladesh, with its proximity to the Golden Triangle (a notorious drug-producing region in Southeast Asia), has been a key player in the transnational drug trade. Many of these illegal immigrants use India as a transit point for smuggling drugs like heroin and methamphetamine and other drugs to other countries. These narcotics are often sold in Indian cities, further exacerbating the drug abuse problem in the country. Furthermore, there have been reports and arrests of Bangladeshi illegal immigrants being involved in organised terror activities. Intelligence agencies have flagged the possibility of these immigrants being recruited by extremist groups operating in the region. Their ability to cross the border with relative ease makes them ideal candidates for sleeper cells and covert operations against Indias national security. In recent years, there have been several instances where illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were found to be operating as part of terror networks involved in activities such as bombings and attacks on key infrastructure. Advertisement The involvement of illegal immigrants in terrorism is particularly alarming because it compounds Indias existing challenges with homegrown extremism and insurgent movements. Indias security forces are constantly challenged by the threats posed by the insurgencies and terrorist activities within, and the influx of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh further complicates the countrys efforts to ensure safety and stability. The growing security concerns in India due to illegal immigration from Bangladesh bear a striking resemblance to the challenges faced by the United States under the administration of President Donald Trump. Trumps America First policy saw a concerted effort to clamp down on illegal immigration, particularly from Mexico, through the construction of a border wall and the implementation of strict immigration enforcement measures. Advertisement After his return for the second term, Trumps stance on illegal immigration is grounded in a firm belief that unchecked immigration poses a significant threat to national security and the economic stability of his country. The rise in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the involvement of some illegal immigrants in violent crime are central to Trumps policy agenda. His administration has sought to curb illegal immigration by implementing stringent border controls and deportation policies, sending a strong message that illegal immigration would not be tolerated under any circumstances. The effectiveness of Trumps policies remains a topic of debate, but the underlying premise that illegal immigration poses serious risks to national security and public safety resonates with the situation in India. The US experience provides a valuable lesson for India, one that underscores the need for a comprehensive and firm approach to deal with illegal immigration. Advertisement While India shares a long-standing cultural and historical connection with its eastern neighbour, the reality of the current immigration situation cannot be ignored. The porous nature of the India-Bangladesh border has enabled the free movement of people, with many illegal immigrants finding their way into Indian territory without proper documentation. In some cases, even if they are apprehended, they are rarely deported due to a lack of diplomatic coordination or reluctance to address the issue. As a result, millions of Bangladeshi illegal immigrants continue to reside in India, often with little regard for the rule of law and a clear threat to Indias national security. A stricter border policy, such as the border fencing, installation of surveillance systems, enhanced border patrols, and stronger documentation requirements, is essential to curb the influx of illegal immigrants. Additionally, India needs to strengthen its deportation mechanisms to ensure that those who are caught living illegally in the country are swiftly sent back to Bangladesh. India should also consider adopting a more comprehensive immigration policy, similar to that of the United States under Trumps administration, which prioritises national security and public safety. Such a policy would require a delicate balancing act by ensuring the protection of human rights of persecuted minorities of Bangladesh while safeguarding the nations borders and addressing the concerns of local populations who feel overwhelmed by the presence of illegal immigrants. As the situation stands with regards to social, political, and security challenges arising out of Bangladeshi illegal immigration, India faces a clear and present danger in terms of security and social cohesion. It is time for the Indian government to take a strong stand and implement robust measures to control illegal immigration, ensuring that the countrys borders are protected and its people are safe. Raja Muneeb is an independent journalist and a columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. If Donald Trump believes the Paris Agreement is unfair, then he can choose to not be a party to it and, at the same time, choose to financially contribute to developing countries that are willing to work on carbon emissions mitigation read more The United States, the worlds largest producer of oil and gas, will continue to expand production, solidifying its position as a net exporter of fossil fuels. Image: Saul Loeb / AFP Donald Trump is back in action, and true to form, his second act is getting as interesting as his first. From bold policy gambits to headline-grabbing decisions, Trump is writing the rulebookagain. Whether its restructuring trade deals or sparking debates over democracy itself, his decisions are setting the stage for a presidency that means business. In the year 2024 itself, when Trump was campaigning for elections, his public statements in Greenville, North Carolina, about green energy were like: Advertisement I will terminate the insane electric vehicle mandate. The Green Scam will end A lot of people like it. I cannot get used to hydrogen. It is great until it blows up. You would not be recognisable He was also seen openly advocating for nuclear energy and conventional forms of energy like crude oil, fossil fuels, etc, in York, Pennsylvania: Rapid approvals for all forms of energy, including nuclear Green energy is a scam. No clue how Kamala can do it The EV mandate is absolutely crazy. We dont have enough electricity for ourselves; how can we put our cars on it? We are sitting on the largest amount of oil and gas; I call it liquid gold Trump 2.0 and withdrawal from the Paris Agreement Trump has made a unilateral decision. He has prioritised economic recovery over fighting global climate change, reiterating the need for revitalising the nations economy vis-a-vis prioritising energy dependency. The United States, the worlds largest producer of oil and gas, will continue to expand production, solidifying its position as a net exporter of fossil fuels. In his inaugural speech on January 20, President Trump announced that he intends to declare a national energy emergency, granting him the authority to suspend Americas existing environmental regulations related to fossil fuels. The declaration aims to accelerate nationwide oil and gas drilling, boost fossil fuel production, and reduce energy costs. This could mean increasing crude oil exports, with an intention to decrease the US national debt. Trump has clearly expressed his intention and approach towards domestic and international issues, which have one thing in common, ie, his Make America Great Again policy. But at what cost? Advertisement Fossil fuel combustion is the largest contributor to global CO2 emissions, accounting for 89 per cent of the total in 2018, and driving a one-degree Celsius rise in global temperatures since pre-industrial times. Methane leaks from natural gas extraction amplify the problem, as methane is 34 times more potent than CO2 at trapping heat. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, UN) warns that emissions must halve within a decade to avoid surpassing the 1.5-degree Celsius warming limit. Fossil fuel use also intensifies extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods, disrupts ecosystems, and threatens food security. Additionally, extraction activities destroy habitats, while burning fuels releases pollutants linked to smog, acid rain, and respiratory diseases. Advertisement Donald Trump has doubled down on his staunch support for fossil fuels, dismissing green energy as a scam and championing the exploitation of Americas vast reserves of liquid goldcrude oil. Watching Biden rejoin in 2021, Trump wasted no time in reversing course in 2025. Framing clean energy policies as economic liabilities, he has consistently argued that they drive up consumer costs and threaten jobs in traditional energy sectors. Decoding the Paris Climate Agreement and the Green Climate Fund The Paris Agreement 2015, ratified by Barack Obama, focuses on capping global temperature rise below two degrees Celsius. Additionally, it emphasises the need for nations to set their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Advertisement The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the financial mechanism that supports developing nations in tackling climate change, aiming to mobilise $100 billion annually for mitigation and adaptation projects. The US has long been the largest contributor to the GCF, with $3 billion pledged during both the Obama and Biden administrations. In comparison, other donor nations like Australia, Switzerland, Italy, and Portugal have contributed between $100 million and $300 million each. However, in 2017 Trump halted GCF funding by aligning it with his broader rejection of international climate obligations and the unnecessary drain of American money. He also calls it a raw deal for US industries, burdened by strict regulations while major polluters face fewer constraints. Advertisement Trumps withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and, consequentially, the GCF marks a dramatic shift in US climate policy, creating significant uncertainty for the worlds largest climate fund. Trumps exit underscores a deeper inconsistency in Americas approach to global climate finance. Implications for India On the contrary, emerging great powers such as India are more keen than ever on mitigating climate change, taking the green initiative forward, and adapting to cleaner energy alternatives such as solar, nuclear, hydrogen, thermal, etc. So much so that PM Narendra Modi had shown interest in hosting COP33 in India, where he aspires to become the Voice of the Global South to get a fair share in the carbon budget. The possibilities of India being at the forefront of clean energy and climate change mitigation have heightened. This also aligns with New Delhis aspirations of Vishwaguru, at least in this space. However, Trumps withdrawal has created a significant roadblock in the financial and geopolitical spheres. Finance Trumps withdrawal carries significant consequences, particularly for India, which has been a key beneficiary of GCF funding. To date, India has secured $782.4 million for 11 climate-focused projects targeting critical sectors like water management, renewable energy, and coastal resilience. Ironically, the withdrawal comes as India demonstrates remarkable progress in advancing renewable energy and promoting greener alternatives to fossil fuels. With reduced US contributions, the availability of funds to support Indias climate initiatives could shrink, posing challenges for its ambitious climate goals. For a nation, leading by example in the global green transition, the possible loss of financial support from the GCF is a step back in the fight against climate change. Among others, there are three extremely pivotal initiatives in the space of climate change mitigation and adaptation that probably will face a roadblock due to the withdrawal. They are as follows: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (India Solar Rooftop Programme): partially supported by GCFs $100 million into a $250 million program aimed at developing 250 MW of solar rooftop capacity across India. This initiative is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 5.2 million tonnes over the next two decades. India E-Mobility Financing Program: The transit sector is Indias third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing 13 per cent of total CO2 emissions. The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) presents significant challenges, with users facing financing gaps, energy market complexities, etc. This program is a collaboration between the GCF and Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) to support the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India. It will focus on key areas of the EV ecosystem, including shared fleets, e-buses, and charging infrastructure. The has committed $200 million in equity to launch the project, marking a crucial step in Indias transition to sustainable transportation. Groundwater Recharge and Solar Micro Irrigation: They are assisting in strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable tribal areas of Odisha. It focuses on replenishing groundwater levels to ensure a reliable water source for agriculture, even in droughts. Additionally, the adoption of solar-powered irrigation systems will reduce reliance on traditional energy and enhance sustainable water use. Geopolitics The absence of the US in multilateral forums on climate-positive and green/clean energy creates a vacuum for entities like the EU and countries like China and Russia (unless India decides to step up) to fill the leadership vacuum. The entire balance of power in global climate governance shifts and weakens, with developing countries often finding themselves at the shorter end of the stick. It also puts these institutions at increased risk of going into silos. It may also lead to a lack of cohesiveness and more room for divergent policy preferences. Consequently, the decision-making abilities of these forums go for a toss. Back home, it will get tougher for New Delhi to navigate the climate policy landscape. Beijing and Moscows growing proximity makes it even more complex for New Delhi to balance climate cooperation and negotiate energy deals, keeping in mind various strategic and security concerns. Way Ahead What lies in store for the future of the Paris Climate Agreement? There are many possibilities one can foresee. Beginning with the US not in frame, it will give way to other nations who would want to continue relying on conventional forms of energy and stall global progress on climate action. Or, it can also motivate the EU, China, and Russia to take over the green technology market and shape climate policies that are beneficial to them. Furthermore, countries that will prioritise clean energy will lead renewable innovation and investment, while Trumps withdrawal will lead to American domestic companies invested in renewable energy losing out substantially in this burgeoning sector. The very spirit of Trumps MAGA (Make America Great Again) will be challenged; a classic catch-22 situation. What Should India Do? Given New Delhi and Washingtons bonhomie, the importance of the usage of green energy, and Indias growing strides in the space of climate change and adaptation, both nations have a lot at stake. Probably, PM Modi can offer President Trump quite a few avenues to collaborate and contribute on a bilateral level, if not multilateral. Out of several other shared interests and priorities, domestic manufacturing and economic growth are areas where both democracies have a lot to work together upon. Goals like Atmanirbharta and Make in America can bring firms in the green-tech arenas under one umbrella: the growth of their respective nations. Also, PM Modi can convince President Trump to reconsider his stance. If the latter believes the Paris Agreement is unfair, then he can choose to not be a party to it and, at the same time, choose to financially contribute to developing countries that are willing to work on carbon emissions mitigation. After all, one of the largest populations and biggest economies in the globe is majorly responsible for climate change; how can we let it off the hook so easily? Gargi L Shanbhag is a Research Assistant at Subhas Chandra Bose Chair on International Relations, Chanakya University. Chetan B Singai is the Professor and Dean, of the School of Law, Governance and Public Policy at Chanakya University. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. MeitY has asked Google and Apple to allow users in India to download the GOV.in app store directly from platforms like Google Play and Apples App Store, and to ensure that new smartphones come with this app suite pre-installed before they are sold read more If successful, the GOV.in app store could greatly expand access to digital services in India and improve cybersecurity by offering a more controlled environment for government-approved apps. Image Credit: Reuters The Indian government is working on launching its own app store, called GOV.in, aimed at consolidating all official government applications in one place. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has reached out to major tech players, including Google, Apple, and smartphone manufacturers, to help make this vision a reality. The plan is to create a platform where users can easily access state-backed apps for public services, welfare, and official matters. Advertisement According to a Bloomberg report, the ministry has asked these companies to allow users in India to download the GOV.in app store directly from platforms like Google Play and Apples App Store. Additionally, the government has requested that new smartphones come with this app suite pre-installed before they are sold to consumers. The aim is to make public services more accessible and user-friendly, with the hope that bundling these apps together will drive more engagement. Pushback from tech giants However, the proposal has encountered resistance from the tech giants involved. Google, which holds a dominant position in Indias smartphone market with its Android operating system, has reportedly opposed the move. Apple is also said to be hesitant to comply with the governments request. Both companies exercise tight control over the apps that are allowed on their platforms, charging a 30% commission on revenue generated through app downloads and in-app purchases. The introduction of a government-backed app store could disrupt their control and impact their revenue from the Indian market. This potential loss of control is at the heart of their reluctance, leading to tensions between India and these tech companies. GoI might use legal measures The Indian government has made it clear that it may resort to legal action if companies do not cooperate. This isnt the first time India has taken a firm stance against major tech companies; in 2020, India banned TikTok, and it has also been in ongoing legal disputes with Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, regarding access to encrypted messages. These previous actions suggest that the government is not afraid to use its regulatory powers to enforce compliance. In fact, Indias request is not entirely without precedent. In 2021, Apple allowed Russian users to install government-approved apps to comply with local regulations. Indias proposed app store would be a similar, but much larger-scale, initiative. Potential benefits and challenges ahead If successful, the GOV.in app store could greatly expand access to digital services in India and improve cybersecurity by offering a more controlled environment for government-approved apps. However, with strong resistance expected from both Google and Apple, the road ahead could be filled with legal and regulatory challenges. Discussions are still ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether the government will be able to push through its plan. Trumps plan involves using a national energy emergency declaration to push through the construction of power plants directly serving AI data centres. This would cut down on the long wait times for building new power plants, allowing AI companies to quickly ramp up their operations read more The idea behind Trumps plan is to set up new power plants right next to data centres, creating self-sufficient facilities rather than relying on the national grid. Representative Image. Credit: Reuters In a virtual speech at the World Economic Forum on Thursday, President Donald Trump revealed that his administration is looking to speed up the approval process for AI companies seeking to build power plants for their data centres. This move aims to address the increasing energy needs of AI systems and ensure the US stays competitive with China in the tech race. Trumps plan involves using a national energy emergency declaration to push through the construction of fossil-fuel-powered plants directly serving AI data centres. This would cut down on the long wait times typically associated with building new power plants, allowing AI companies to quickly ramp up their operations. He pointed out that the US would need to double its current energy capacity to fully realise AIs potential, making it a vital part of staying ahead in the global tech competition. Advertisement A new way of powering data centres The idea behind Trumps plan is to set up new power plants right next to data centres, creating self-sufficient facilities rather than relying on the national grid. This model is already being explored by energy giants like Chevron and Exxon, who are looking at ways to support the growing demand for power in the tech industry. With data centres already consuming as much energy as small cities, the rise of AI is only going to increase this demand. Trumps announcement highlights the urgency of securing enough power to fuel the AI boom, especially as competition with China intensifies. The rising energy demands of AI AI is having a massive impact across various sectors, not just in tech but also in energy, real estate, and construction. The need for more computing power and infrastructure is driving up demand for energy, with AIs rapid growth requiring huge amounts of electricity to operate. Trumps proposal to fast-track power plant construction is an attempt to ensure that AI companies have the resources they need to scale up quickly. As AI becomes an even bigger part of the economy, having a reliable energy supply will be crucial for the US to maintain its position as a leader in the global AI race. Orban, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the EU, has broken with the majority of European leaders and vocally opposed such sanctions, arguing they did more to damage European economies than they did Russias read more A few days ago, US President Donald Trump threatened Russias Vladimir Putin with more sanctions if Moscow did not agree to end the Ukraine war. Now, Hungary is weighing its support for the European Unions move to renew its sanctions against Russia. Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban signalled that he would not support the EUs effort to reauthorise Russian sanctions, a practice that all 27 countries of the bloc must undertake every six months. However, Orban this week, in a shift of tone, said, The time for change has come! Advertisement If we dont make a deal, and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries, Trump had said on Truth Social. Reacting to his threats, Russia replied, We do not see any particularly new elements, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, asked about Trumps comments. He added that Trumps first presidency proved that he likes sanctions and that Russia is closely following the statements he makes. Why was Orban opposed to the move? Last year, Orban said that the EU must abandon its policy of sanctioning Russia for its war in Ukraine or risk causing an economic collapse. Orban, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the EU, has broken with the majority of European leaders and vocally opposed such sanctions, arguing they did more to damage European economies than they did Russias. The Hungarian leader has said the EUs sanction regime should be reviewed, because with such a policy of sanctions, energy prices will not come down. It will be painful for those who argued for sanctions. Not for us, because we will see this as a victory, but the other camp has to change because otherwise it will destroy the European economy, he said. Why is Orban supporting the move now? Despite withdrawing his support from the blocs move to renew Russian sanctions, Orban was waiting for Trumps response on the matter. As soon as POTUS proclaimed more sanctions on Russia, Orban switched sides and backed down on his earlier stance. Two diplomats told The Politico that during a recent meeting, Hungarys representative stated that the country had not yet decided on whether to support the renewala noticeable shift from Orbans typically more combative public statements. One EU diplomat said, I think Hungary should rather check back with their US hero. He seems to be very much in favour of sanctions against Russia. Advertisement Another diplomat said, When it comes to the roll-over of sanctions, Orban said he wanted to wait for the inauguration in the US That happened. With inputs from agencies Belarus has more than 1,000 political prisoners, many of them detained during the mass protests that erupted after Lukashenkos contentious re-election in 2020 read more Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko freed eight political prisoners on Friday, an act of mercy his office said came just days before an election expected to extend his nearly three-decade rule. The 70-year-old leader, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is running for a record seventh term in Sundays (January 26) vote, which opposition groups and rights activists have denounced as a sham. Five women and three men who committed extremist crimes have been pardoned, Lukashenkos press service announced. Five of them have children, one woman is pregnant. Advertisement The identities of those released were not disclosed, leaving it unclear whether any were prominent opposition figures. In addition to the eight political prisoners, seven individuals convicted of drug trafficking were also pardoned, the press office said. Every pardon is an act of mercy, a chance to return to a normal life and become a law-abiding member of society, the statement said. It added that more than 200 people had been pardoned in the lead-up to the January 26 election. No real competition Lukashenko faces little genuine opposition in Sundays vote. Among the four candidates running against him is Oleg Gaidukevich, a far-right politician who previously praised Lukashenko as the only guarantor of the countrys unity. Earlier this month, Lukashenko dismissed the idea of holding election debates, saying he was not following the campaign closely. Belarus has more than 1,000 political prisoners, many of them detained during the mass protests that erupted after Lukashenkos contentious re-election in 2020. Critics say the countrys prisons subject political detainees to harsh conditions, with limited access to legal counsel or contact with family members. Lukashenkos pardons are seen by opposition leaders as a calculated move to project leniency while maintaining a tight grip on power. Rights groups argue the gesture falls far short of addressing the broader repression of dissent in the country. With inputs from agencies Despite the challenges, leaders who are in hiding say that Awami Leagues party structure remains intact through communication networks that keep leaders connected to workers read more Five months after being forced to flee Bangladesh, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains connected to her Awami League party, which faces its most severe political crisis in decades. With thousands of party workers in hiding and properties looted or destroyed, leaders say they remain hopeful for a comeback, though they acknowledge the challenges are immense. In interviews with The Indian Express, Awami League leaders described a party in disarray after 15 years in power. A senior party official said the leadership is disintegrated, scattered, with a third of leaders in jail, another third in hiding abroad, and the remainder evading capture within the country. Advertisement Leadership under siege The ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 led to widespread violence against Awami League leaders. Homes, offices, and businesses belonging to party members were ransacked or burned, leaving many with no means to rebuild. There is no chance of rebuilding anything, said one three-term MP whose properties were destroyed on the day Hasina fled. A former Cabinet Minister in hiding reported receiving daily bundles of legal notices, with allegations piling up against senior leaders. Nahim Razzaq, a 44-year-old MP, described the dire legal situation. We dont have any judicial rights, no bail is being granted and we know if we return and demand elections, we will all be arrested and put in overflowing jails the Awami League is ready to sit on the table and talk about elections but there is no environment for it, The Indian Express quoted him as saying. Despite the bleak circumstances, party members say discussions on their future continue. Leaders communicate through encrypted WhatsApp groups of 30-40 members, sharing updates from their respective districts. Former MP AFM Bahauddin Nasim said, I receive 200-300 calls from workers every day, even while technically I am in hiding. That way the Awami League leaders are in touch with the workers and the workers are in touch with the people. Sheikh Hasinas presence Sheikh Hasina, referred to as Apa (older sister) in party circles, has stayed connected through virtual platforms, providing guidance and morale-boosting messages. Pankaj Nath, a former MP, said Hasina has been regularly engaging with party leaders via WhatsApp and remains optimistic about the Awami Leagues future. The leaders also indicated a potential strategy to return to Bangladesh on March 26, Independence Day, as a symbolic act. Senior members like 78-year-old Mohammad Haque, the former Minister of Liberation War Affairs, said the party looks to India to mobilize international opinion in their favor. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has cracked down on the Awami League, freezing assets and rejecting bail petitions for leaders. Violence persists across the country, with Haque alleging that looted arms remain unaccounted for and that additional weapons are entering Bangladesh via the sea route. Hope for the future Despite the challenges, Awami League leaders remain hopeful. Nasim said the partys structure remains intact through communication networks that keep leaders connected to workers in Bangladeshs 70-odd political districts. For many, the hope of returning to politics hinges on the restoration of the rule of law. Razzaq said robust discussions are ongoing about how to galvanise the party. Advertisement While US President Donald Trump pushes for high tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing tries to open its diplomatic channels to prevent it from happening read more US President Donald Trump waves next to Chinese President Xi Jinping after attending a business event at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on November 9, 2017, during his first term. (Photo: AP) While speaking on US-China relations in his first interview at the White House, US President Donald Trump said he would rather not impose tariffs on Beijing. The remarks came as a surprise since Trump has been adamant about hurling high tariffs on the import of Chinese goods. But despite Trumps strong warnings, China has seemed to take advantage of the matter. When asked in the interview with Fox News, if his administration is open to making a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping over Taiwan and trade, Trump emphasised that he would rather not emphasise tariffs on China. I can do that because we have something that they want, we have a pot of gold, he remarked. Advertisement We have one very big power over China, and thats tariffs, and they dont want them, and Id rather not have to use it. But its a tremendous power over China, the mercurial president furthered. In response to this China insisted that Beijing would be able to sort out differences with Washington through dialogue. China-US economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial and win-win, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said shortly after Trumps interview was aired. Why does Trump want to impose Tariffs on China? In the past, Trump has claimed that China was behind the supply of fentanyl to US neighbours, which he said was in turn responsible for a deadly addiction crisis within the country. He wants to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico for similar reasons. Another key factor is that the United States and China have been key economic rivals for decades. Since Trump has always encouraged and promoted American enterprises, he believes that imposing tariffs on China would ultimately benefit the US. Trump argued that if importing from China becomes expensive, people will be forced to buy products from domestic enterprises. How China is reaping the benefits? While the idea of imposing high tariffs is detrimental to China, the warnings have somehow helped the country. According to Al Jazeera, Chinese exports to US companies rose, growing by 4 per cent between November 2023 and November 2024. In the first 11 months of last year, Chinas exports to the US totalled about $401 billion. With the growing tariff warning, the US companies ramped up their purchase of Chinese goods to stock up before the import costs shot up. While Chinas exports to the US increased, its imports from the rival country decreased by a whopping 11.2 per cent according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC). Hence, if Trump wants to impose high tariffs on China it has to move quickly, until then China will reap the benefits of all the warnings. With inputs from agencies. The DR Congo army and M23 on Friday clashed outside Goma as the UK, US and France urged citizens to leave the main city in DR Congos volatile east, warning the situation could deteriorate rapidly read more Congolese government troops deploy outside Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Friday, as M23 rebels are reported to close in on the town. AP The DR Congo army and M23 on Friday clashed outside Goma as the UK, US and France urged citizens to leave the main city in DR Congos volatile east, warning the situation could deteriorate rapidly. Since peace talks failed, M23 fighters backed by Rwandan troops have gained swathes of territory in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in recent weeks, triggering a humanitarian crisis and ringing the provincial capital, which is home to a million people. Advertisement The United States, Britain and France called on nationals to leave Goma while airports and borders are still open, in online statements or in messages sent directly by email or SMS. The UN warned the raging conflict in the North Kivu province had displaced over 400,000 people this year and could spark a regional war. The number of displacements is now over 400,000 people this year alone, almost double the number reported last week, Matthew Saltmarsh, a spokesman for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), told a news briefing in Geneva on Friday. Saltmarsh said the UNHCR is gravely concerned about the safety and security of civilians and internally displaced people (IDP), in the east. Heavy bombardments caused families from at least nine displacement sites on the periphery of Goma to flee into the city to seek safety and shelter, he said, adding that many were living rough. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres was alarmed by the resumption of hostilities, his spokesman said in a statement. This offensive has a devastating toll on the civilian population and heightened the risk of a broader regional war, the statement added, demanding the violence immediately cease. Clashes erupted early Friday just 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Goma. Advertisement We are exchanging fire with the enemy on the Kanyamahoro-Kibumba axis, it is violent, a security source told AFP on condition of anonymity. The M23 was also present in the town of Sake on Friday, according to a military source. Sake, about 20 kilometres west of Goma, witnessed intense fighting the previous day. Congolese army helicopters headed towards Sake Friday morning, with explosions heard in western districts of the town, although it was not clear how intense the fighting was. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi is due to hold a defence council meeting during the day, following a crisis meeting on Thursday. The military governor of North Kivu, General Peter Cirimwami, died Friday morning, according to military and UN sources. Advertisement He had been shot Thursday near the frontline. The Congolese army on Thursday deployed helicopter gunships which fired volleys of rockets towards the frontline in a bid to halt the M23 fighters advancing on Goma. At least a dozen armoured personnel carriers from the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) were seen heading west from Goma. Armoured vehicles from the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC, there to support the Congolese army, were also seen transporting guns towards Sake. Medical teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross treated more than 70 wounded people at the hospital in Goma on Thursday. Civilians have been fleeing the fighting since Thursday, travelling on foot to the centre of Goma. Goma is at the epicentre of the violence that has rocked eastern DRC for 30 years. Advertisement The M23 March 23 Movement briefly occupied the city at the end of 2012. But the Congolese army, with the support of the UN mission in the DRC and diplomatic pressure from the international community on Rwanda, recaptured the city shortly after. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis have so fair failed. In December, a meeting between Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame as part of an Angola-led peace process was cancelled due to lack of agreement. Turkey, very active on the African continent, offered on Thursday to lead a DRC-Rwanda mediation. A half-dozen ceasefires and truces have already been declared in the region, then broken, with the last ceasefire signed at the end of July. Advertisement Hamas re-emergence has taken many Gazans by surprise, making them wonder what a post-war Gaza would look like. It also raised questions about whether Israel will ever succeed in dismantling the Palestinian group read more Hamas fighters in Gaza City on their way to collect Israeli hostages due to be released under the ceasefire deal with Israel. AP Shortly after the Gaza ceasefire came into effect, Hamas took over the coastal strip even though the Palestinian groups top brass had been completely dismantled by Israel in the 15-month-long war. Masked men from Hamas military wings took to the streets of Gaza waving the flag of the militant group. Hamas re-emergence has taken many Gazans by surprise, making them wonder what a post-war Gaza would look like. It also raised questions about whether Israel will ever succeed in dismantling the Palestinian group. However, the Jewish nation continues to remain adamant that the end goal of the war is the complete elimination of Hamas. Advertisement The truce deal mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US will take six weeks to complete and focuses on the release of hostages and the boosting of humanitarian aid to the devastated and beleaguered Gaza Strip. Image: REUETRS Since the ceasefire started Hamas has been working overtime to showcase its control over Gaza. This is also coming at a time when the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank is looking for a comeback in the coastal enclave. However, Israel is not keen on that proposition. While the Jewish nation wants to eliminate Hamas it is struggling to provide any sort of alternative group which can manage the post-war Gaza. Hamas made a comeback like nothing has happened The moment the ceasefire was put into effect, militants from Hamas were seen riding white cars in their clean military uniforms. It felt like nothing had happened. Even for many residents of Gaza, however, the swift re-emergence of the fighters, some in official uniforms, was a surprise.They came out of hiding in a snap of a finger, Mohammed, 24, who requested his last name be withheld to avoid possible retribution from Hamas, told the New York Times. We had no idea where these people were during the war," he added. Not only this, while the Hamas militants were handing over hostages to Israel, the appearance of the militants didnt suggest they were on their last legs. They appeared to be wearing clean uniforms, in good shape and driving decent cars. Hamas policemen standing guard after deploying on Monday. Reuters It is still not clear exactly how many fighters, police officers, bureaucrats and political leaders survived the war or just where the militants had been hiding for this long. Since the cease-fire, Hamass government has attempted to impose some sense of security, by sending police forces to the streets, directing traffic aid trucks and offering some degree of law and order over the coastal enclave. This reflects that the group is not ready to give away Gaza. PA eyes over the coastal enclave Earlier this week, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said that it would be unacceptable if any entity other than the Palestinian Authority runs post-war Gaza. While were waiting for the ceasefire, its important to stress that it will not be acceptable for any entity to govern the Gaza Strip but the legitimate Palestinian leadership and the government of the State of Palestine, Mustafa said while he was visiting Norway, one of the three European nations that recognise the state of Palestine. The United States especially former US President Joe Bidens administration was keen on the idea as well. During the war, Washington proposed that a revitalized Palestinian Authority, which now has limited autonomy in governing the Israeli-occupied West Bank, should take over Gaza. However, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already rejected the idea. Advertisement This handout picture provided by the Palestinian Authoritys Press Office (PPO) shows Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas (L) posing with the newly appointed Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, in Ramallah. AFP/HO/PPO It is pertinent to note that it was the Palestinian Authority which has been governing over the Gaza Strip until 2007 when Hamas forcibly took over Gaza in a coup after winning a majority in parliamentary elections. Israel has been downplaying the involvement of the Palestinian Authority as they think it would mean giving Palestine statehood. Top Israeli officials have said that Israel prefers to have the international community be part of any post-war governance arrangement in Gaza. Earlier this week, Netanyahus office rejected reports that Israel has partnered with Palestinian Authority in Gaza. The PMO said the report was an attempt to create a false picture to the effect that it controls the crossing," The Times of Israel reported. With Hamas comeback, the Palestinian Authority might struggle to reclaim Gaza. Advertisement Things are not hunky dory for Hamas as well While Hamas is trying to come back to its old glory in Gaza, the dream continues to remain challenging. Officials told the NYT that they are using paper records instead of computers, and some were reporting to work at a bombed-out headquarters by foot because Israel has already destroyed bureaucratic infrastructure. An official from the bomb disposal unit in Gaza City noted that they are struggling to defuse the unexploded bombs. Hamas is much weaker than it was before Oct. 7, said Michael Milshtein, a former military intelligence analyst specializing in Palestinian affairs. But it can impose its sovereignty everywhere in Gaza," he added. Hamas policemen standing guard in Gaza City on Monday. Reuters Meanwhile, municipalities in Gaza have been coordinating closely with the Hamas government. The Palestinian group have been sending workers to clear out the rubble, remove piles of trash and survey damage to infrastructure. In Rafah, the municipal council also conducted a meeting over the rehabilitation process. Benjamin Netanyahu meets his security cabinet to vote on the ceasefire deal. The truce will include the exchange of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza for Palestinians held in Israeli jails. AP While Hamas continues to exert its dominance in the region, Israel is still not losing hope in its end goal, i.e. the elimination of Hamas. On Sunday, Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, told reporters that Hamass rule was dangerous for Israels security. He reiterated that Tel Aviv has not agreed to a permanent ceasefire. Hence, it will be interesting to see whether Hamas will be able to take advantage of the ceasefire or if the whole peace effort will turn out to be futile. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Musk sparked a major political debate after he performed what appeared to be a Nazi salute at US President Donald Trumps inauguration parade read more Tesla CEO Elon Musk made a provocative joke about Holocaust an hour after Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended him after the billionaire was accused of delivering a Nazi salute. Musk sparked a major political debate after he performed what appeared to be a Nazi salute at US President Donald Trumps inauguration parade. Elon Musk is being falsely smeared, Netanyahu wrote on Musks own social media account, X, on Thursday morning. While the Israeli premier avoided addressing Musks gesture directly he went on to call the billionaire a great friend of Israel. Advertisement The Israeli Prime Minister recalled how Musk paid a visit to Israel after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Following the attack, Musk said that Israels right to defend itself against genocidal terrorists and regimes who seek to annihilate the one and only Jewish state. Dont say Hess to Nazi accusations! Some people will Goebbels anything down! Stop Goring your enemies! His pronouns wouldve been He/Himmler! Bet you did nazi that coming Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 23, 2025 Musk fans flame soon after Netanyahus support While Musk thanked Netanyahu for his support, he eventually fanned the flames in a brand new post which he shared an hour later. Dont say Hess to Nazi accusations! Some people will Goebbels anything down! Stop Goring your enemies! His pronouns wouldve been He/Himmler! Bet you did nazi that coming, Musk posted Thursday, adding laughing-face emojis. His remarks garnered condemnation from Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, a group which took backlash days earlier for declaring that Musks hand gesture was not a Nazi symbol. Weve said it hundreds of times before and we will say it again: the Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropriate and offensive to make light of it, Greenblatt wrote on X. Addressing Musk, he added, The Holocaust is not a joke. Earlier in the week, Greenblatt was radio-silent on his social media account during the Musk Nazi salute saga. Hed also refrained from commenting on Musk during a panel on antisemitism earlier Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Meanwhile, Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, also denounced Musks jokes in stronger terms. Wordplay about Nazis isnt funny. It isnt clever. And its dangerous, Deutch wrote on X. However you feel about the accusations being made against you, this is absolutely the wrong response. Nazi-themed jokes are offensive and harmful. Dont belittle the seriousness of the Holocaust; you give cover to those who seek to do the same," he added. Advertisement Even as US President Donald Trump continues to trash Nato, most members are spending more than 2% of their economy on defence and some of them are spending even more than the United States read more US President Donald J Trump is shown on screens as he addresses via remote connection a plenary session in the Congress Hall, during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo: AP) US President Donald Trump has yet again trashed allies of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) over their defence spending. In his virtual address at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Trump said the Nato allies were not spending enough. He said they have been unfair for many years to the United States. Trump went on to ask Nato allies to spend 5 per cent of their economy on defence. Even as Trump trashed Nato and sung praises about Russian and Chinese leaders, the facts are not on his side as if often the case. Advertisement Firstly, even the United States does not spend 5 per cent of its economy on defence. Secondly, unlike how Trump has been portraying it for the past year, there is no formal mandatory threshold of defence spending for a Nato member. Thirdly, most Nato members spend above the mutually-decided aspirational target of defence spending and some even spend more than the United States. Trump trashes Nato & praises Xi, Putin In the latest episode of threats to allies and public display of affection for adversaries, Trump dubbed Nato members unfair and described Chinese leader Xi Jinping as someone who he likes very much and has always liked. I like President Xi very much. Ive always liked him. We always had a very good relationship. It was very strained with Covid coming out of Wuhan. Obviously, that strained it. Im sure it strained it with a lot of people, but that strained our relationship. But we always had a great relationship, I would say, and we look forward to doing very well with China and getting along with China, said Trump. There are already signs that Trumps affection for Trump is translating into policy. Trump has rewarded China by undoing the ban on TikTok, the app China uses to peddle anti-West and pro-China content to indoctrinate the masses and brainwashing them into becoming supporters of China. Trump is also favourable to China in tariffs. While Trump has threatened ally Canada and neighbour Mexico with 25 per cent tariffs, he has just threatened China with 10 per cent tariff. As for Putin, Trump said that the two leaders were working on denuclearisation before he lost the 2020 election. He said that he would like to resume it now and would expect Xi to join the initiative. As for the Nato, it was the repetition of a now-familiar tirade. Trump said, Im also going to ask all NATO nations to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP, which is what it should have been years ago it was only at 2 percent, and most nations didnt pay until I came along; I insisted that they pay, and they did because the United States was really paying the difference at that time, and its it was unfair to the United States. But many, many things have been unfair for many years to the United States. Advertisement Facts not on Trumps side as usual Even as Trump has berated Nato for not doing enough, the fact is that most Nato members are doing enough some more than the United States. Fox News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin reported that 23 of 32 Nato members spend more than 2 per cent of their economy on defence. While Trump has asked Nato members to raise defence spending to 5 per cent of their economy, even the United States does not spend that much. Griffin reported that the US defence spending is 3.4 per cent of the economy. Moreover, Griffin reported that Poland (4.1 per cent) and Estonia (3.4 per cent) spend more than the United States. At a separate occasion this week, when this was pointed out to Trump by a journalist, he retorted: We are protecting them, they are not protecting us. Advertisement In his hubris, and perhaps lack of knowledge as well, Trump did not recall that the only time that the collective defence mechanism of Nato has been invoked was after the 9/11 terrorist attacks that the United States suffered. When the United States needed its allies whether in the immediate aftermath of the attacks or in the subsequent Global War on Terror, the Nato allies were there. However, now that Europe is facing the worst security crisis from Russian aggression, Trump is holding them hostages over purported unfair treatment that he says European allies have meted out to the United States. Advertisement Despite Trumps assertion that Nato allies are not spending enough, the fact is that there is no minimum spending requirement. The oft-cited 2 per cent spending is an informal aspirational spending target, not a mandatory obligation. Another fact is that most of the increase in defence spending among allies happened during his predecessor Joe Bidens tenure. Griffin noted that only nine Nato members spent 2 per cent on defence when Trump left office, but the number rose to 21 by the time Biden left office. Revitalising alliances like Nato and reinvesting in partnerships like Quad was central to Bidens foreign policy. As Nato celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, while Trump called it delinquent, Biden called it bulwark of global security. Advertisement The fact that Nato remains the bulwark of global security did not happen by accident. It wasnt inevitable. Again and again, at critical moments, we chose unity over disunion, progress over retreat, freedom over tyranny and hope over fear. Again and again, we stood behind our shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous trans-Atlantic community, said Biden. Even as US President Donald Trump has assured his supporters that tariffs are a solution to everything, most of the Americans are completely clueless about what tariffs are and how they function read more US President Donald Trump believes that tariffs are a solution to everything from fentanyl crisis to purported unfair trade practices that the rest of the world subjects the United States to. His cult-like relationship with his followers ensure they believe it completely. Even as Trumps followers are hoping for prices to go down and jobs to shift to the United States, they are set for a rude surprise because tariffs would do the exact opposite of what Trump has made his followers believe. As part of the misinformation-driven election campaign, Trump has managed to convince his voters that tariffs would be paid by either foreign governments or foreign companies exporting their products to the United States. Thats not true. Advertisement Tariffs have to be paid by importers, not governments or companies exporting their products, but a survey published shortly after the 2024 presidential election showed that 75 per cent of Americans dont know this even though they elected a man who considers tariffs a magic wand for everything. Following through on his promise to impose tariffs, Trump on Saturday signed executive orders to impose 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10 per cent on Chinese imports. He made temporary exception on Canadian oil that would see 10 per cent tariff for now. The tariffs will come into effect on Tuesday. Canada has already retaliated to Trumps tariffs with counter-tariffs of 25 per cent on a wide range of US imports ranging from honey and tomatoes to clothes. China has said that a response is in the making and Mexico is also expected to announce counter-measures on Monday. 75% Americans dont know what tariffs are, finds survey A survey by Morning Consult in November found that 75 per cent Americans dont know what tariffs mean. When asked about the meaning of tariffs, only 25 per cent correctly said that its a fee that the importer in the United States pays to the US government for imported product or service. While 15 per cent flatly admitted they had no idea about tariffs, 60 per cent incorrectly said tariffs are fees that are paid by a foreign government or foreign company to the United States. Advertisement Shortly after winning the 2020 election, Trump said he would impose 25 per cent tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico for their failure to check the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the United States from their soil. He has threatened China with 10 per cent tariff for supplying fentanyl that he said enters the United States from Canada and Mexico. China, Canada, and Mexico are largest US trade partners and tariffs would increase the cost of imports by around $236 billion, according to Yahoo Finance. Notably, Trump has imposed more tariffs on neighbours and allies than adversary China. This is in line with his long-running policy of being friendly with US adversaries like China and Russia, whose autocratic leaders he has long admired, and being aggressive with partners. He and his allies have threatened neighbours like Mexico and Panama with invasions, called for the annexation of Canada, and threatened the invasion of ally Denmarks Greenland island. Advertisement Trump has said that he would soon impose tariffs on the European Union (EU) as well, which has in turned warned of retaliatory measures. Trump is looking for a deal with a poor record The idea behind tariffs is not to get into a spiralling trade war but to get a deal. For all his rhetoric of being a dealmaker, Trumps track-record in deals has been very poor. During his first term, Trump was gamed by China and the trade deal he struck turned out to be an absolute failure. Similarly, he could not strike a deal with Iran, Russia, or North Korea even though he threatened, cajoled, and appeased those regimes at various points. Experts have said that Trump is looking to strike a deal with China again. Financial firm Raymond James said in a Nov. 25 analysis that while Trump has indeed emerged as a Tariff Man, he prepared and willing to back down in exchange for key policy concessions. Advertisement The announcement of the tariffs almost two months before Trump is sworn into office should be viewed as a play to bring Mexico, Canada, and China to the negotiating table fairly early on," said the firm, as per Yahoo Finance. Indeed, this is how Trump functioned in the first term. While he threatened China with 45 per cent tariff on all Chinese imports, he imposed tariffs in the 7.5-25 per cent on narrow range of products. In his second term, Trump is much more friendly with China and Russia. He has already saved TikTok at least for now. The app is a tool for the Chinese regime to peddle anti-West and pro-China content to brainwash users into being supporters of China. However, the app has also given Trumps far-right supporters a platform that played a key role in his victory so Trump has rewarded the app for helping him win. Advertisement In the trade deal with China in the first term, called Phase One Economic Agreement, China had committed to buy additional $200 billion-worth US goods and services over the next two years. China did not even buy the goods and services that it had been buying before the deal was signed, which meant that instead of increasing the purchase by $200 billion, China decreased the purchase. In the end, China bought only 58 per cent of the US exports it had committed to purchase under the agreement, not even enough to reach its import levels from before the trade war. Put differently, China bought none of the additional $200 billion of exports Trumps deal had promised, noted Chad P Bown, the then-Reginald Jones Senior Fellow at Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE). Fauci, who continues to be a target of ire years after the pandemic ended by Trump ally and billionaire Elon Musk and others, will pay for private security detail. Former President Joe Biden gave Fauci and others a preemptive pardon before leaving office, saying he worried about politically motivated prosecutions. read more President Donald Trump on Friday said that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former top health official who faced threats due to his leadership during the US COVID-19 response, should arrange his security. Fauci is the latest among former US officials to have their protection cut off since Trump took office this week. Sources confirmed to Reuters that federal security protection for Fauci, who was praised by many public health experts for his pandemic efforts but criticised by Trump and several Republicans, had been revoked. Trumps administration also ended federal protection for at least three other former high-ranking officials from his first term since his second inauguration on Monday. Advertisement Trump ended federal protection for at least three other former top officials who served during his first administration since he took office for the second time on Monday. Asked about media reports that he had stripped Faucis security, Trump told reporters that when you work for government, at some point your security detail comes off, and you know, you cant have them forever. We took some off other people too, but you cant have a security detail for the rest of your life because you work for government, he said at a press briefing in North Carolina. The National Institutes of Health, where Fauci led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during the pandemic before retiring in 2022, had provided Faucis security, according to CNN, which first reported Trumps decision. Fauci, still a target of criticism from Trump ally Elon Musk and others even after the pandemics conclusion will now have to fund his own private security, according to sources speaking to Reuters. Before leaving office, former President Joe Biden had granted Fauci and others a preemptive pardon, expressing concerns over politically motivated prosecutions. Advertisement This week, several other former officials also had their federal protection revoked, some due to specific security threats. On Tuesday, Trump announced he had ended security for his former national security adviser, John Bolton, who had been the subject of an alleged Iranian plot and had become an outspoken critic of Trump. Trump also removed protection for his former secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, and ex-Iran envoy, Brian Hook. Asked if he would take responsibility if something happened to Fauci or to Bolton, Trump said: No. You know they all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security too. Advertisement Fauci made a lot of money. They all did Certainly I would not take responsibility, Trump said. With inputs from agencies Media reports say masked Khalistanis stormed into Londons Harrow Vue Cinema during the screening of Emergency and shouted anti-India slogans read more The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday registered strong opposition to the reported obstruction of the screening of Emergency, the movie starring BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut, in London. We have also seen several reports on how the film, Emergency, which was being screened in several halls was being obstructed. We consistently raise concerns with the UK Government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements, freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively and those obstructing it must be held accountable, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Advertisement #WATCH | Delhi: MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We have also seen several reports on how the film, 'Emergency', which was being screened in several halls was being obstructed. We consistently raise concerns with the UK Government regarding incidents of violent protest and pic.twitter.com/UULvcx3QLP ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025 According to a report by the Times of India, masked Khalistanis stormed into Londons Harrow Vue Cinema during the screening of Emergency and shouted anti-India slogans. Eyewitnesses told the publication that a group of men and a woman barged into the theatre 40 minutes into the movie and raised slogans of Down with India. A British Indian woman who was at the theatre said, They spread out and went into the rows handing out leaflets about the Sikh genocide, adding that the viewers had vacated the premises as they felt intimidated by the Khalistanis. Although the police arrived at the scene 10 minutes later, they did not make any arrests. They told us they were within their protest rights as long as we were not harmed. Couple of the staff seemed scared and the manager seemed shaken, the woman said. Without significant changes, Chinas population decline could accelerate, undermining economic growth and social stability read more Birth rate in China is expected to fall in 2025. AFP. China is bracing for another drop in birth numbers in 2025 as demographic trends continue to point toward a long-term population decline, despite a slight uptick in 2024 attributed to unique factors. In 2024, births rose for the first time since 2017, reaching 9.54 million, up from 9.02 million in 2023. Experts attributed the increase to a rise in marriages the previous year and the auspicious Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac, which encouraged some parents to have children, South China Morning Post reported. Advertisement However, the broader trend of declining births remains unchanged, with key indicators signaling further challenges ahead. Marriage registrations, a major predictor of birthrates, fell sharply during the first nine months of 2024, dropping 16.6 per cent year-on-year to 4.75 million couples, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Demographers estimate total marriage registrations for the year could hit their lowest level since 1980, potentially falling below 6 million in 2025. Factors behind the decline Experts cite a variety of reasons for the continued decline in births: Fewer women of childbearing age: Chinas population of women aged 20 to 35 has steadily declined over the past decade, reflecting lower birthrates in earlier generations. Changing attitudes: Shifting cultural norms around marriage and child-rearing have led more young people to delay or forgo both. Between 2013 and 2023, the marriage rate among Chinese aged 20 to 29 dropped significantly, and the proportion of unmarried women aged 30 doubled from one in 10 to one in five. Economic and social pressures: High living costs, limited childcare options, and intense work expectations deter many couples from having children. Declining fertility desires: Surveys show younger generations are increasingly unwilling to have children, citing financial burdens and lifestyle preferences. These trends are unlikely to reverse in the near term, according to He Yafu, an independent demographer. A decrease in the number of women of childbearing age, changing attitudes towards marriage and child rearing, an increasing number of individuals choosing not to marry or have children, as well as the younger generations declining willingness to have children are all key factors contributing to declining births, SCMP quoted him as saying. Policy responses fall short Local governments across China have introduced pro-natal policies in recent years, hoping to encourage births. Measures include extending marriage leave, with some regions offering up to 30 days, and providing financial incentives for larger families. Shandong province recently aligned with other regions by increasing statutory marriage leave to 18 days, while Shanxi and Gansu offer 30 days. However, experts argue such measures are insufficient to address the deeper social and economic factors driving population decline. Chinas population fell for a third consecutive year in 2024, dropping by 1.39 million to 1.4083 billion, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Deaths have outpaced births, and the government faces growing challenges from an aging population and shrinking workforce. Without significant changes, Chinas population decline could accelerate, undermining economic growth and social stability. Advertisement This marks the first time the ICC prosecutor has built a case around the systemic crimes against women and girls. Many also see this as a rare moment of vindication for Afghan activists, who over the last three years have often felt abandoned by the international community read more The Chief Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has requested arrest warrants against the Talibans supreme leader and the chief justice of Afghanistan over the persecution of women and girls in the country. In his statement released on Thursday, Khan argued that the treatment of women in the country can be seen as a crime against humanity. This marks the first time the ICC prosecutor has built a case around the systemic crimes against women and girls. Many also see this as a rare moment of vindication for Afghan activists, who over the last three years have often felt abandoned by the international community as their day-to-day lives continue to get harder. Advertisement The international tribunal is responsible for bringing to justice those who are responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, intervening when national authorities cannot or will not prosecute. ICC judges will now decide whether to issue arrest warrants against Taliban leaders. What are the allegations? Khan said in the statement that the Talibans supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, and chief justice, Abdul Hakim Haqqani, are criminally responsible for the persecution of girls, women, the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Our commitment to pursue accountability for gender-based crimes, including gender persecution, remains an absolute priority, he said. He also noted that his team would file warrants against other senior Taliban officials soon. Several Afghan activists welcomed the decision to pursue the Taliban in this regard. Shukria Barakzai, activist and former member of the Afghan parliament called it historic. This historic announcement is a powerful message that impunity for flagrant violations of womens rights is not to be tolerated in Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world. We are deeply grateful to all our Afghan sisters who have worked relentlessly toward this moment," she said in a statement. How Taliban systematically cracked down voices of dissent Since coming back to power in 2021, the Taliban has issued as many as 80 decrees that violated womens basic rights. The women in Afghanistan are barred from most work, including pursuing secondary education and going alone in public spaces. Not only this, recently the group banned windows in rooms frequently used by women, to ensure they could not be seen by men not related to them. It is pertinent to note that while the move is significant, there may not be any immediate consequences. Neither man is likely to travel anywhere they could face an arrest. In fact, Akhundzada is known to rarely leave his base in Kandahar and the group has only responded with defiance to other international pressure over their treatment of women. However, several human rights experts argued that an arrest warrant would send an important message. Zahra Haqparast was jailed by the Taliban in 2022 for protesting against restrictions on womens lives and now lives in exile. This is the best news Ive heard since the Taliban came to power," she told The Guardian. I was cooking lunch when I heard the news, and I was so happy that I ran to check immediately if it was true. By the time I got back, an hour had passed and my food was burnt," she remarked. Advertisement Ops Alert has been launched across all field formations along the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border to ensure heightened security and strengthen border outposts, said the BSF, adding that during this exercise, patrolling and other domination duties along the Indo-Bangladesh border will be intensified. read more The Border Security Force (BSF) has launched a 10-day OPS Alert exercise along the India-Bangladesh border to bolster security during the 76th Republic Day celebrations. The exercise, running from January 22 to 31, 2025, is being conducted in light of Bangladeshs evolving situation. According to an official release, BSF troops will perform various security drills in both forward and in-depth areas along the border during the exercise. Ops Alert commenced across all its field formations along the 4,096- km India-Bangladesh border to ensure heightened security and strengthened border outposts. During the period of the Ops Alert exercise, patrolling and other domination duties along the Indo-Bangladesh border will be intensified, the release stated. Advertisement In this regard, ADG (EC) and all officers reviewed the day and might domination in the area of Eastern Command. Ravi Gandhi, Additional Director General (ADG) is also visiting the border areas in the South Bengal Frontier to oversee the operational preparedness and strategic deployment of BSF. ADG has directed all field formations to enhance vigil and stay alert, especially along the riverine borders and unfenced gaps, the release said. It also mentioned that during the OPS Alert exercise, the troops will conduct various security drills in-depth and forward areas on the border. Furthermore, the validity of various operational procedures to address the eventualities on borders as well as reconciliation programs with the border population will also be conducted. This Ops Alert exercise is being conducted from January 22 to 31 2025, the release said. The Republic Day Parade 2025 is all set to be a spectacular celebration of Indias cultural diversity and military prowess, with a special focus on 75 years of the enactment of the Indian Constitution and Jan Bhagidari. This years parade will be graced by the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, as the chief guest. Meanwhile, the BSF Meghalaya troops foiled an illegal border crossing attempt and arrested six Bangladeshi nationals who had entered India illegally. The action followed a specific intelligence tip-off, leading to a thorough search operation in the East Jaintia Hills region along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Under the terms of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, Israel would withdraw from Lebanons southern areas in 60 days and Hezbollah would vacate the region and withdraw to north of the Litani river read more Israel is set to miss the deadline to withdraw from Lebanon by the weekend and will seek an extension of 30 days, according to reports. Under the terms of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire reached in November 2024, Israel was supposed to withdraw from Lebanons south in 60 days and Hezbollah was to vacate the region and withdraw north of the Litani river. The area vacated by both the sides would then be controlled by the regular Lebanese military. The 60-day deadline is on Sunday. Advertisement Israel has, however, said the movement of the Lebanese military is too slow in occupying the area and this has caused the delay, according to The Jerusalem Post. Two Israeli officials told The Post, The deployment is not according to the schedule and the work they are doing on the ground is minimal. Separately, The Times of Israel reported that Israel continues to find Hezbollahs weapons caches in the area and has quoted Israeli army officers as saying that Lebanese military had been helping Hezbollah. In a statement, Hezbollah said that Israel staying in Lebanon after Sunday would be considered a flagrant violation of the agreement and an infringement on Lebanese sovereignty. The Haaretz newspaper that France, which mediated between Israel and Hezbollah along with the United States, does not see any issue in granting Israel the extension as long as other parties were in agreement. However, separately, Army Radio has reported that while the previous Joe Biden administration of the Joe Biden was open to such an extension, the current Donald Trump administration is not keen on the extension and wants withdrawal to be completed by Sunday. Advertisement Hezbollah began attacking Israel shortly after the Hamas-led October 7 attack. For nearly a year, Israel and Hezbollah clashed on a near-daily basis along the border areas. On October 1, after weeks of intensive bombardment and assassination of top leaders of the group in intelligence-driven operations, Israel invaded Lebanon and launched a ground offensive against Hezbollah. After weeks of talks, a ceasefire was reached on November 27. In 2007, Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi was kidnapped and killed over his decision to not allow spoiled rice from Rwanda to come into Congo. Now, he is on the path to achieve sainthood read more Aline Minani holds a photo of Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, a Congolese man killed for fighting corruption in 2007, and whose beatification was approved by Pope Francis, in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. AP When Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi refused to allow spoiled rice from Rwanda to cross the border into Congo in 2007, he understood the dangers of resisting corruption. Days later, he was kidnapped, and his lifeless body was found by colleagues at the Office Congolais de Controle, the agency tasked with monitoring product quality. Nearly two decades after his death, Kositi is being celebrated across central Africa and beyond as Pope Francis moves him closer to sainthood. Recognised as a martyr in late 2024, Kositis beatification is underway, a historic process for Congo, where no one has yet achieved sainthood. Advertisement Kositis actionsand the price he paidresonate deeply in Goma, a city scarred by conflict and corruption. His designation as a martyr has provided solace for many who mourn his death while drawing attention to his unwavering commitment to integrity. Floribert was murdered in very difficult circumstances, said Yacks Jean Jacques, a former colleague in Goma. He left us a fight that we must all continue as Christians, as people, as young people in the province of North Kivu. The Vatican recognises Kositi as a martyr killed out of hatred for the faith. Rev. Francesco Tedeschi, an Italian priest leading the beatification process, said Kositis refusal to approve spoiled food shipments was rooted in Gospel teachings. He wanted to put the value of the lives of these people, and above all the poorest, at the centre, Tedeschi said. The road to sainthood Kositis decision to reject bribes stood in stark contrast to the norm in Congo, where poverty and corruption remain entrenched. According to the World Bank, more than 70 per cent of the population lived on less than $2.15 per day in 2024. Tedeschi noted that Kositi, despite his modest means, could have accepted the money and secured a comfortable life but chose instead to uphold his principles. The idol to which he refused to kneel down was the idol of money, Tedeschi said. Kositis path to sainthood requires the confirmation of a miracle attributed to his intercession after his beatification. The process can take decades, but his recognition as a martyr fast-tracks the first step. While other Congolese figures have been beatified, Kositi could become the first saint from the country. In December, a memorial Mass was held in Gomas Sainte-Esprit Catholic parish, attended by family, friends, and community members. His mother, Gertrude Kamara Ntawiha, expressed pride in her sons legacy. We feel relieved today to see that our son has been recognised worldwide, she said. The Mass also served as a reminder of Kositis values, with clergy and laypeople urging others to continue his fight against corruption. We can have saints here, blessed people here in Gomaits not impossible, said Abbe Jean Baptiste Bahati, a Catholic priest. Advertisement An enduring legacy Kositis legacy endures through initiatives such as the Floribert Bwana Chui School of Peace in Goma, which serves children displaced or orphaned by war. Operated by the SantEgidio community, the school embodies Kositis commitment to social justice. Floribert is an example, said Aline Minani, a member of SantEgidio. Through this school, we continue to live and pass on Floriberts values to these children. Kositis story is part of a broader Vatican recognition of martyrs whose sacrifices transcend traditional definitions. His inclusion follows figures like El Salvador Archbishop Oscar Romero, killed for speaking out against repression, and Polish priest St. Maximilian Kolbe, who gave his life for another during World War II. During a 2023 visit to Congo, Pope Francis praised Kositis courage, calling him a man who chose honesty over personal gain. He could easily have turned a blind eye; nobody would have found out, and he might even have gotten ahead as a result. But since he was a Christian, he prayed. He thought of others and he chose to be honest, saying no to the filth of corruption, the pope said. Advertisement Kositis example offers hope in a region where integrity often comes at great personal cost. For many in central Africa, his life and death continue to inspire a commitment to justice. With inputs from agencies After US President Donald Trump said Russia should enter negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, Kremlin said that Vladimir Putin is ready to meet Trump and Moscow is wating for signals from Washington DC read more Russian leader Vladimir Putin is ready to talk to US President Donald Trump and waiting for signals from the United States, said Kremlin on Friday. Following twin remarks by Trump about Russia, first in a post on Truth Social and then in the virtual address at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Putin is ready and Russia is waiting for signals from the Trump administration, according to AFP. Advertisement Even though Trump has said that he would want to meet Putin soon, Peskov said that he could not give any timeline as it was hard to read coffee grounds to predict the future. Peskov rejected Trumps claim that the war in Ukraine was tied to high prices of oil. In his address to the WEF, Trump said that he would ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to lower oil prices as if the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately. Peskov said that the conflict does not depend on oil prices. Instead, he said the conflict was based on threats to Russias national security and threats to Russians living in Ukraine and the lack of desire and complete refusal of Americans and Europeans to listen to Russias concerns. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Putin and his allies have claimed that the invasion was necessitated as Ukraine had brought Nato to Russias doorstep and that Russian ethnic people inside Ukraine were being persecuted by Ukraine. In a post on Truth Social, Trump had said that Russia should end the war soon if it does not want to suffer high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries. He said that Russia should negotiate a deal to end the war in Ukraine at the earliest. Advertisement Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that he was ready for talks with Donald Trump on the Ukraine conflict and asserted that Ukraine crisis would not have happened in the first place had Trump been the US president read more Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that he was ready for talks with Donald Trump on the Ukraine conflict and asserted that Ukraine crisis would not have happened in the first place had Trump been the US president. I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president - if his victory hadnt been stolen in 2020 - then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that emerged in 2022, AFP quoted Putin as saying to Russian state TV. Advertisement Putin said he was ready for the talks on Ukrainian issues even as Kyiv warned against negotiations on the war in Ukraine between the US and Russia without including it and Europe. As for the issue of negotiations we have always said, and I want to emphasise this once again, that we are ready for these negotiations on Ukrainian issues, said Putin. Calling Trump a pragmatic and smart person, Putin said that he did not believe the US president would force global oil prices lower in a bid to damage Moscow. He is not only a smart person, but a pragmatic person, Putin was quoted as saying. He said oil prices that were either too high or too low were bad for both the Russian and American economies. I have a hard time imagining there will be decisions taken that are detrimental to the American economy, he added. Meanwhile, Kyiv on Friday said Putin needs to come back to reality and warned against negotiations on the war in Ukraine between the US and Russia without including it and Europe. He (Putin) wants to negotiate the fate of Europe - without Europe. And he wants to talk about Ukraine without Ukraine, AFP quoted the head of Ukraines presidential office Andriy Yermak as saying on Telegram. Advertisement This is not going to happen. Putin needs to come back to reality, or he will be brought back. This is not how it works in the modern world, Yermak added. With inputs from agencies Days after President Trump announced he is withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization, the UN health agency on Thursday informed its staff that it is freezing recruitment and slashing travel in response to the US move, which is its biggest funder, according to a report read more Days after President Donald Trump announced he is withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization, the UN health agency on Thursday informed its staff that it is freezing recruitment and slashing travel in response to the US move, which is its biggest funder. According to a Politico report, in an email sent on Thursday night, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told staff, As you know, the United States of America has announced that it intends to withdraw from WHO. We regret this decision and hope the new administration will reconsider it. Advertisement This announcement has made our financial situation more acute, and we know it has created significant concern and uncertainty for the WHO workforce, he added. In response, the WHO is freezing recruitment, except in the most critical areas and significantly reducing travel expenditure. All meetings must now be fully virtual unless in exceptional circumstances, and missions to provide technical support to countries should be limited to the most essential, the Politico quoted Tedros as saying in the mail. Other measures involve restrictions on replacing IT equipment, renegotiating key contracts, and pausing office refurbishments and capital investments, except when necessary for security or cost-saving purposes, added the report. On his first day back in the White House on Monday, President Trump announced the US withdrawal from WHO, a move that faced backlash from public health experts. Trump has been a long-time critic of the UN health agency, initiating the withdrawal process in July 2020 amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. However, then-President Joe Biden reversed this decision shortly after taking office, keeping the US engaged with the organisation responsible for coordinating global health responses. In Mondays executive order, Trump cited the WHOs mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that originated in Wuhan, China, its failure to implement necessary reforms, and its susceptibility to political pressures from member states as justification for the withdrawal. Thats a big one, CNN quoted Trump as saying to an aide while signing the order, reiterating his belief that the US was contributing disproportionately to the organisation compared to other countries. Advertisement He also accused the WHO of colluding with China to obscure the origins of Covid-19 and facilitating its spread. With inputs from agencies US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi by phone on Friday, Chinas foreign ministry said, the first call between the two top diplomats since President Donald Trumps administration took office on Monday read more US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is seen at the State Department in Washington, US, on January 21, 2025. Reuters File US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi by phone on Friday, Chinas foreign ministry said, the first call between the two top diplomats since President Donald Trumps administration took office on Monday. The call is the first publicly disclosed contact between an official in the second Trump administration and a Chinese counterpart. According to a Chinese foreign ministry readout of the call, the two discussed US-China relations and Taiwan. Advertisement Wang told Rubio, a known China hawk, I hope you would conduct yourself well and play a constructive role in the future of the Chinese and American people and in world peace and stability," according to the readout. In his Senate confirmation hearing last week Rubio labeled China as the gravest threat facing the United States. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the talks, which come days after Trump said on Wednesday he was considering a 10% duty on Chinese imports because of Beijings role in the fentanyl trade. On Thursday, at a speech to the World Economic Forum, Trump said he was expecting to do very well and to get along with China, but his inner circle including Rubio have different views on how to deal with China. Last week, Xi and Trump agreed on a phone call ahead of the latters inauguration for a second term, to create a strategic communication channel on major issues. During his first term, Trump quickly struck up a relationship with Xi and both men lavishly hosted each other in Florida and Beijing. But that did not stop ties deteriorating into a trade war that unleashed a series of tit-for-tat tariffs and uprooted global supply chains. Advertisement According to Chinas Foreign Ministry, Wang told Rubio that the heads of state of China and the United States had pointed out the direction and established the tone for China-U.S. relations. The teams of both sides should implement the important consensus of the two heads of state, maintain communication, manage differences, expand cooperation, promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations, and find the right way for China and the United States to get along in the new era. Wang also said that China has no intention of surpassing or replacing anyone, but we must defend our legitimate right to development. Advertisement On Taiwan, he said that the island Taiwan has been part of Chinas territory since ancient times and China would never allow it to be separated from China. The United States has made a solemn commitment to pursue the one-China policy in the three Sino-US joint communiques and must not break its promise, Wang said. A major power should behave like a major power, should assume its due international responsibilities, should maintain world peace, and should help all countries achieve common development, he added, echoing statements US officials have made about China. Protesters allege corruption, nepotism, and substandard construction led to the tragedy in Novi Sad, where a concrete awning of the station roof caved in and killed 15 in November 2024 read more A protestor holds an orthodox icon as a thousands of students attend a protest on New Year's Eve to demand accountability for the November train station roof collapse that killed 15 people in Belgrade, Serbia. AFP Schools, theatres, bookstores, and bars in Belgrade and other parts of Serbia shut down Friday (January 24) in the latest anti-government protests sparked by a railway station roof collapse that killed 15 people in November. Protesters allege corruption, nepotism, and substandard construction led to the tragedy in Novi Sad, where a concrete awning of the station roof caved in. They are demanding swifter judicial action against those responsible. Prosecutors have so far indicted 13 people, including a former infrastructure minister, but the charges have yet to be accepted by the courts. Advertisement The government denies responsibility for the disaster. How Serbian protests are unfolding Teachers unions supported a student-led strike, closing most schools in Belgrade. Theatres have already notified that they would not show plays in the evening. Laguna publishing house kept its 45 bookstores closed, saying that Students and teachers need our support in their fight for the just system of values in society. Some cafes in Belgrade stayed open but served free food and drinks or lowered prices. Thousands of students gathered outside the main government building in Belgrade, observing 15 minutes of silence for the victims. Exact data on the numbers participating was not immediately available. The strike coincided with protests held every Friday, when demonstrators block roads across Serbia at 11:52 am local time the exact time the roof collapsed in Novi Sad. Tensions between protesters, government Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who holds significant influence in the ruling Serbia Progressive Party, has scheduled a counter-rally in the town of Jagodina for later in the day. Although his position is primarily ceremonial, protesters argue that he has violated the constitution by overstepping his executive powers. He denies these allegations. Vucic and the government say they have already met all the students demands by releasing documents on the station renovation project. They regularly accuse demonstrators of being backed by foreign powers. With inputs from agencies President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders after returning to the White House on Monday intended to deter illegal immigration and position the U.S. to deport millions of immigrants without legal status. read more With an aim to accelerate deportations to unprecedented levels, the Trump administration has authorised federal immigration officers to evaluate whether migrants admitted through former President Joe Bidens parole programs should lose their temporary legal status, according to a memo released Thursday. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security memo guides the use of a fast-track deportation process that the Trump administration reinstated earlier this week, suggesting officers focus on migrants who failed to request asylum within a one-year deadline after arriving in the U.S. Advertisement Previously, expedited removal under Biden was limited to individuals apprehended within 14 days of entry and 100 miles of the border. However, the Trump administration has expanded it nationwide to include anyone who entered within the last two years. After returning to the White House on Monday, President Trump issued several executive orders targeting illegal immigration, setting the stage for the potential deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants. The Republican president says the moves are necessary after millions of immigrants entered the U.S. under Biden, both crossing illegally and through Bidens legal entry programs. Some Democrats and advocates counter that Trumps aggressive enforcement could target non-criminals, disrupt businesses and split apart families. Immigrant right group Make the Road New York sued on Wednesday to block Trumps expansion of the fast-track deportation process. With inputs from agencies Weeks after a report said that US President Donald Trump had kept attacks on Iranian nuclear sites on the table, he has now said that he hopes to avoid that and instead strike a deal with Iran read more US President Donald Trump holds a document on the day he issues executive orders and pardons for January 6 defendants in the Oval Office at the White House on Inauguration Day in Washington, US, January 20, 2025. File Image/Reuters US President Donald Trump said Thursday he hoped to avoid military strikes on Irans nuclear program, an option long mulled by Israel. Asked if he would support military action against Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump told reporters he was going to speak to unspecified very high-level people about the issue. That could be worked out without having to worry about it, Trump said of the Iranian nuclear issue. It would be really nice if that could be worked out without having to go that further step, he said of military action. Advertisement On diplomatic prospects with Iran, Trump said, Iran hopefully will make a deal and if they dont make a deal, I guess thats OK, too. Trump during his first term withdrew from a nuclear deal negotiated under former president Barack Obama and imposed sweeping sanctions, winning praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who calls Tehrans cleric-run government an existential threat. Trump, who vowed maximum pressure on Iran, also ordered a 2020 strike that killed senior Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. But Trump backed off on calls for wider military action and, since winning another term, has distanced himself from advisors who chose a hawkish course on Iran. According to The New York Times, Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and Trump confidante, met a senior Iranian official after the election to seek to defuse tensions. With Trump coming back to power, these students dont want to risk breaking visa regulations and risking deportation since they have taken a student loan of a hefty amount to pursue their academic endeavours read more Weeks before US President Donald Trump came back to the White House, several Indian students studying in the United States have quit their part-time jobs amid fears of deportation. Some of the students who are on an F-1 visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week on campus. However, they tend to take undocumented odd jobs to make ends meet. With Trump coming back to power, these students dont want to risk breaking visa regulations and risking deportation since they have taken a student loan of a hefty amount to pursue their academic endeavours. While speaking to The Times of India some of these students shared their plight about how they are navigating through the Trump era. I used to work in a small cafe after my college hours to cover my monthly expenses. I earned $7 per hour and worked six hours every day, a graduate student from the University of Illinois told TOI. Advertisement Though it was a comfortable arrangement, I quit last week after hearing that immigration authorities might crack down on unauthorised work. I cant take any chances, especially after borrowing $50,000 (Rs 42.5 lakh approx.) to study here, he added. Several Indian students used to work at restaurants, gas stations, or retail stores to cover rent, groceries, and other living costs. However, amid fears that the Trump administration would tighten its noose on immigration, the students dont want to take any risks. How are they surviving then? Some of the students told TOI that they are currently reassessing the situation for a few months and then they will decide whether to take up part-time jobs again or not. These students claimed that they are currently relying on savings or borrowing from friends and families back home in India to make ends meet. But it is not a sustainable solution, another student who pursued computer science in Texas told TOI. I have already used up most of my savings and have started borrowing small amounts from my roommate. I dont know how long I can go on like this, he furthered. The instability has also sparked mental health concerns with some students struggling to navigate through financial and emotional strain. While Trump has maintained that lenient stance on H-1B visas as compared to the last time he was in power and encouraged international students to study in American Universities, Indians studying abroad dont want to take a risk by breaking any visa rules. With inputs from agencies. The body, which uses litigation to obtain public records and expose government misconduct, argued that Musks leadership of the department raises significant ethical concerns about potential conflicts of interest" read more Then US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas, US, November 19, 2024. File Image/Reuters A leading ethics watchdog has issued a conflict of interest warning to Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), days after US President Donald Trump assumed the Oval Office. The watchdog named American Oversight called out the departments use of encrypted messaging apps which violates the Federal Records Act (FRA). The body, which uses litigation to obtain public records and expose government misconduct, argued that Musks leadership of the department raises significant ethical concerns about potential conflicts of interest." The warning came after reports emerged that the members of the department are using the encrypted messaging app Signal, which has an auto-delete feature. Advertisement They argued that the use of the application would hinder the prevention of the official records since the department must be discussing cost-cutting measures within the US government. On Wednesday, the watchdog sent a letter to Musk, the US DOGE Service (formerly the United States Digital Service) and the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Treasury and Veterans Affairs, and the Office of Management and Budget, The Guardian reported. What are they arguing about? A separate notification was also sent to the National Archives and Records Administration, urging the archivists to take action against the department through the attorney general if the documents or any sort of records are unlawfully removed or destroyed. American Oversight argued that all written communications and activities of DOGE before and after US President Donald Trumps inauguration are federal records and hence they must be preserved. Efforts are clearly underway to conceal information that would expose the Trump administrations plans to gut critical services that benefit the American people, and Doge led by unelected billionaires poised to benefit from their self-serving machinations is no exception," Chioma Chukwu, the groups interim executive director, said in a statement. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. That is why we have put the administration on notice: comply with your obligation to preserve all Doge-related records, or defend that secrecy in court," she furthered. Interestingly, the watchdog has a history of suing the Trump administration over noncompliance in regards to assuring group transparency. The group was responsible for exposing Rudy Giulianis communications about Ukraine, copies of forged electoral vote certificates in 2020 and records revealing preventable deaths of immigrants in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. Last year, the watchdog also brought lawsuits concerning Trump nominees Matt Gaetz and Kash Patel. With inputs from agencies. The White House on Friday said that over 500 illegal migrants have been apprehended, with many deported via military aircraft as part of a major ongoing initiative to tackle the issue of undocumented immigrants in the country read more The White House on Friday said that over 500 illegal migrants have been apprehended, with many deported via military aircraft. Image Courtesy: @PressSec The White House on Friday said that over 500 illegal migrants have been apprehended, with many deported via military aircraft as part of a major ongoing initiative to tackle the issue of undocumented immigrants in the country. TODAY: The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors. Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 24, 2025 Advertisement Taking to X, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors. The Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept. The Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept. Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 24, 2025 In a separate post on X, Leavitt said deportation flights have begun. Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences. pic.twitter.com/CTlG8MRcY1 Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 24, 2025 Advertisement Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences, she added, releasing photos of people boarding military aircraft. According to Fox News Digital, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations arrested more than 460 illegal immigrants between midnight January 21 and 9 am January 22, a 33-hour period, including criminal histories of sexual assault, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, drugs and weapons offenses, resisting arrest and domestic violence. Agents arrested nationals from a slew of countries, including Afghanistan, Angola, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Senegal and Venezuela, added the report. Advertisement With inputs from agencies The president signed the executive order to release the documents on Thursday. Apart from this Trump also called for the declassification of documents related to the assassinations of Robert F Kennedy and the Rev Martin Luther King Jr read more Days after assuming the White House, US President Donald Trump has ordered the release of thousands of classified governmental documents about the 1963 assassination of former President John F. Kennedy. The death of the American leader has fueled a barrage of conspiracy theories for decades. The president signed the executive order to release the documents on Thursday. Apart from this Trump also called for the declassification of documents related to the assassinations of Robert F Kennedy and the Rev Martin Luther King Jr. More than 50 years after the assassinations of President John F Kennedy, Senator Robert F Kennedy, and the Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, the federal government has not released to the public all of its records related to those events, the executive order stated. Advertisement Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth. It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay, it furthered. While speaking to reporters about the matter, Trump assured them that everything will be revealed, The Guardian reported. Thats a big one, he remarked as he signed the executive order. Longtime coming It is pertinent to note that Trump has pushed for the release of the JFK files during his first stint in the Oval Office. At that time, both the CIA and FBI made numerous appeals to the president urging him to withhold some documents. During his second bid for the White House, Trump pledged to make public the last batches of still-classified documents surrounding Kennedys assassination in Dallas. This also comes after Trump nominated JFKs nephew, Robert F. Kennedy Jr to be the health secretary in his new Trump administration. Kennedys father was assassinated in Los Angeles in 1968 while running for president. In the past, the Democratic-turned-independent politician claimed that he was not convinced that a lone gunman was solely responsible for the assassination of his uncle. The executive order will now direct the director of national intelligence and the attorney general to develop a plan within 15 days to declassify the remaining John F Kennedy records. They have another 45 days to declassify documents regarding the assassinations of MLK Jr. and RFK. While speaking to NBC News, Kennedy Jr said that he was grateful to President Trump for releasing the documents. I think its a great move, because they need to have more transparency in our government, and hes keeping his promise to have the government tell the truth to the American people about everything," he said. Advertisement Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of JFK, on the other hand, condemned the latest executive order calling it a political prop. The truth is a lot sadder than the myth a tragedy that didnt need to happen. Not part of an inevitable grand scheme. Declassification is using JFK as a political prop when hes not here to punch back. Theres nothing heroic about it, Schlossberg said on X, formerly known as Twitter. 3,000 out of 5 million documents are yet to be released Kennedy was shot dead in downtown Dallas on 22 November 1963 as his motorcade passed in front of the Texas School Book Depository building. The 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald was the main culprit behind the attack However, he was shot and killed by a nightclub owner Jack Ruby during a jail transfer. In the 1990s, the federal government ordered that all assassination-related documents be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration. The collection comprises more than 5 million records which were asked to be opened by the Trump administration by 2017. Advertisement During his first term, Trump ended up holding some of the documents back, claiming that it would potentially harm national security. Some of the files continued to be released under former President Joe Bidens administration while thousands remain unseen. According to The Associated Press, the documents released over the last several years offer details on the way intelligence services operated at the time. This included CIA memos which discussed how Oswaled travelled to the then-USSR and Cuban embassies during his trip to Mexico City just weeks before the assassination. With inputs from agencies. Trump in his first day in office declared illegal immigration a national emergency, tasking the U.S. military with aiding border security, issuing a broad ban on asylum, and taking steps to restrict citizenship for children born on American soil. read more US military C-17 aircraft began deporting migrants on Friday following orders from President Donald Trump, as the Pentagon prepared to deploy additional troops to the southern border, including members of the Armys 82nd Airborne Division. On his first day in office, Trump declared illegal immigration a national emergency. He directed the military to assist in border security, implemented a sweeping asylum ban, and initiated measures to limit citizenship for children born on U.S. soil. Advertisement His Jan. 20 executive order instructed the Pentagon to send as many troops as necessary to obtain complete operational control of the southern border of the United States. Deportation flights have begun, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said on a post on X. Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences. pic.twitter.com/CTlG8MRcY1 Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 24, 2025 On Friday, two U.S. military aircraft transported approximately 80 migrants each from the United States to Guatemala, a U.S. official reported. Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced plans to deploy an additional 1,500 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. officials told Reuters that a second wave of troops, potentially including thousands from the 82nd Airborne Division, could be sent as early as next week, though no formal decision has been finalized. Advertisement The 82nd Airborne Division, typically trained for rapid deployment to global crisis zones, is rarely tasked with domestic operations such as securing the U.S.-Mexico border. Reuters reported earlier this week that there had been informal discussions about sending as many as 10,000 troops over time, though a final figure had not been determined and troop numbers would depend on several factors, including impact on military readiness. With inputs from agencies In the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, private US contractors would be in charge of overseeing the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza from the south, according to a report read more Private American security contractors would oversee the second phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, according to a report. As per the three-phase Israel-Hamas deal reached earlier this month, the 42-days-long first phase of the deal is currently in effect in which Hamas is supposed to release 33 hostages in lieu of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners released by Israel. In the second phase, the war would end permanently and displaced Gazans would be allowed to return to their homes. The questions of reconstruction and post-war governance would be addressed in the third phase. Advertisement The New York Times has reported that private US security contractors would oversee the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza. The private contractors would be in charge of securing the transit of Palestinians, according to The Times. Of the 2.1 million pre-war population of Gaza, nearly 1.9 million persons were displaced and forced to shelter largely in southern Gaza during the war. In the second phase of the deal, they would be allowed to return to their homes in northern Gaza. Israel has set up an enclave in Gaza that essentially cuts the strip in northern and southern halves, Netzarim Corridor, that displaced Palestinians would cross to go to their homes in northern Gaza. The Times has reported that private contractors would be in charge of managing the Netzarim Corridor and screening Palestinians returning in vehicles to ensure that no weapons or terrorists cross from southern Gaza into northern Gaza, as per The Times. The Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border and Netzarim Corridor inside Gaza Strip that Israel reportedly plans to control. (Photo: Reuters) Overall, three private companies would be deployed, two Americans and one Egyptian, with separate functions, as per the newspaper. While one company, Safe Reach Solutions, will oversee operational management of the crossings, the two other companies that were not named will handle actual screening, a source told the newspaper. There are a lot of uncertainties around this mechanism. Firstly, it is not yet clear who would fund these contractors. Secondly, the timeline is also not clear. Advertisement The Times reported that documents related to the Israel-Hamas deal say contractors would take up duties as early as Saturday, but it is not yet clear when they would actually assume their role in Netzarim Corridor. Thirdly, it is also not clear whether this is a temporary arrangement for the duration of a ceasefire or part of a post-war governance plan for Gaza. The Times reported two officials as saying that Israel hopes that private contractors would eventually form the nucleus of a larger international force backed by Arab states like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates that will run Gaza in the future. While the international community has been open to assisting the reconstruction and post-war governance of Gaza, much of the international community, including the United States, have said the Palestinian Authority (PA), the de facto Palestinian government that partially governs West Bank under Oslo Accords of 1993, should be majorly involved. Advertisement Even though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long rejected the role of PA in post-war Gaza, the Israeli government appears to be relaxing the stance in recent days. Earlier this week, senior Israeli officials confirmed that the PA was jointly managing the Rafah crossing at the Egypt-Gaza border with Israeli authorities and said that a reformed PA may very well have a role in Gaza in the future. Pakistans focus on India has held it back, even as Bangladesh, a young nation that emerged from its own territory, is relatively more stable compared to Islamabad read more Pakistan will have to forgo its obsession with India to make kits mark as a prosperous nation. AP In its nearly 78-year existence, Pakistan has been consumed by jealousy and a relentless focus on antagonising India, losing sight of its fundamental course as a nation: to progress, protect its citizens and carve out a distinctive path on the global stage. As the old adage goes, As you sow, so shall you reap. This truth seems to be catching up with Pakistan. For India, Pakistan is merely a neighbour. New Delhi has long shifted its focus to becoming an integral player in the global order instead of getting tied up by local disputes. This approach has earned India respect across every sphere of geopolitics, a fact vividly evident during the inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20. Advertisement The swearing-in of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States marked a key moment in South Asias geopolitical dynamics, highlighting Indias growing significance in American foreign policy. Its early days of the Trump administration, but Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emerged as a key figure in the USs foreign policy, being among the first foreign dignitaries to meet the newly appointed Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. This early engagement reinforced Indias strategic importance to the United Statesa development that sparked considerable unease in Pakistan. In sharp contrast, Bangladesh, which gained independence from Pakistans oppressive policies in 1971, has taken a vastly different path. By prioritising economic reforms and social progress, Bangladesh has achieved significant milestones in GDP growth, poverty reduction and education. However, there is a cautious note for Bangladesh as well. Recent political and ideological challenges, including the growing influence of radical groups, have raised concerns about its future direction. While Bangladeshs success highlights a stark contrast to Pakistans struggles, it also reflects the importance of resisting ideological extremism and governance failures. To sustain its progress, Bangladesh may do well to remain vigilant and avoid the mistakes that have hindered Pakistan. Advertisement Indias ascending role in US policy Even failing to be at par with Bangladesh, Pakistan can only watch India cementing its position as a global player. This trajectory of growth and resilience also aligns with a broader shift in South Asias geopolitical dynamics, where Indias rising stature has become a focal point in US policy. Marco Rubios tenure as Secretary of State began with a clear focus on addressing Chinas growing influence. On his very first day in office, Rubio prioritised multilateral engagements with the Quad nationsIndia, Japan and Australiahighlighting the USs intent to strengthen Indias role in the Asia-Pacific region. This marked a noticeable shift in US foreign policy, positioning India as a key ally, perhaps on par with Nato members, Japan and Israel. Advertisement Rubios actions align with President Trumps vision of using India as a counterbalance to Chinas dominance. This shift carries significant implications, not just for India but also for Pakistan, whose strategic importance to Washington seems to be waning. The possible Trump-Modi meeting: Strengthening ties Amid this backdrop, efforts to arrange a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump picked up pace. While initial plans for a February summit remains uncertain, the possibility of a bilateral meeting later in the yearespecially during a Quad summit in Indiahighlighted the growing depth of India-US collaboration. As a senator, Rubio played a key role in pushing for Indias recognition as a major US ally, further exhibiting Washingtons strategic shift toward New Delhi. Advertisement Pakistan: A waning priority for the US? In contrast to Indias rising influence, Pakistan finds itself increasingly marginalised in US strategic calculations. According to Geo TV, Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistans former ambassador to the US, described the current state of US-Pakistan relations as a process of benign disengagement. Apart from Pakistans support for US evacuation efforts in Afghanistan, there has been little progress in bilateral ties. During the Biden administration, diplomatic engagement was notably limited, with former Secretary of State Antony Blinken never visiting Pakistan. According to the Dawn, Michael Kugelman, a South Asia expert at the Wilson Center, observed that Pakistans close alignment with China further complicates its relationship with the US. Washington has consistently criticised Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its associated projects, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), describing them as a debt trap. Advertisement However, Pakistan has steadfastly defended its partnership with Beijing, highlighting the economic benefits of CPEC. US-China rivalry and Pakistans strategic dilemma Pakistans effort to balance its relationships with the US and China is becoming increasingly challenging as tensions between the two superpowers escalate. Kugelman observed that the US has encouraged Pakistan to explore American infrastructure investments as an alternative to Chinese funding, but Islamabads growing military and economic ties with Beijing risk further straining its relations with Washington. This divide is deepened by key appointments in the Trump administration, such as Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, both strong critics of China and vocal supporters of India. Waltzs role in shaping US national security policy adds more challenges for Pakistan. A loyal Trump ally, Waltz has consistently supported a strong US presence in the Asia-Pacific to counter Chinas influence. His stance aligns with the broader American strategy of building closer partnerships with countries like India, leaving Pakistan with shrinking diplomatic options. Pakistans declining importance in US foreign policy is not just due to its close ties with China but also because of its internal structural problems. Since its creation in 1947, Pakistan has struggled with an identity crisis rooted in communal sentiment during its creation, and anti-India narrative afterward. This divisive ideology slowed nation-building efforts, focussing more on religious nationalism than on socio-economic progress. Over the years, this approach resulted in a fractured political system, periods of authoritarian rule and growing economic dependence. Pakistan watchers say its economic condition is so dismal that a comparison with India is untenable as New Delhi is well on track to become the fourth-largest global economy by 2026, surpassing Japan. In fact, Deloitte forecast for Indian economy is between 6.5-6.8 per cent. Bangladesh: A better economy As it stands, even a comparison with Bangladesh brings no cheer to Pakistan. According to countryeconomy.com, in 2023, Bangladesh outperformed Pakistan across several key economic indicators showcasing a stronger and more stable economic position. Bangladeshs annual GDP stood at $451.53 billion, over $114 billion higher than Pakistans $337.46 billion. This advantage was also reflected in GDP per capita, with Bangladesh at $2,633an impressive 80 per cent higher than Pakistans $1,458. In terms of debt, Bangladeshs total debt was $177.62 billion, significantly lower than Pakistans $260.82 billion. Furthermore, Bangladesh maintained a healthier debt-to-GDP ratio of 39.34 per cent, compared to Pakistans 77.29 per cent, indicating more sustainable debt levels relative to the size of its economy. Although debt per capita was similar, with Bangladesh at $1,036 and Pakistan at $1,127, Pakistans larger total debt burden reflects greater financial strain on its economy. Fiscal discipline was another area where Bangladesh excelled. Its fiscal deficit was $20.67 billion, compared to Pakistans $26.04 billion. There is little doubt about Bangladeshs better management of public finances and expenditure control. Overall, the data shows Bangladeshs more robust economic performance marked by higher income levels, more sustainable debt management, and stronger fiscal discipline, while Pakistan continues to grapple with significant economic and fiscal hurdles. The road ahead Since its inception, Pakistan has been hindered by a narrow, myopic vision that has consistently obstructed its ability to see beyond its rivalry with India. The pursuit of becoming a global player has never been a priority for Pakistan. Instead, its energies have been disproportionately focussed on its self-imposed mission to undermine India at any cost. This fixation has led Pakistan astray, to the point where it now struggles to compete with a nation that was once a part of its own fabric. Indias rise on the global stage is not a product of favouritism by the United States or any external power. Instead, it is the result of decades of relentless hard work, strategic investments and a forward-looking vision its a lesson that Pakistan can learn from India, and progress. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Indians who are overstaying or living without proper documentation not just in the US but in other countries too will be brought back provided they can prove their nationality and that they are indeed Indians read more The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that India is against illegal immigrants and that the government will facilitate the return of Indian citizens from the United States. The statement comes days after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order ordering the deportation of illegal immigrants from the country. We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organised crime, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Advertisement He added that Indians who are overstaying or living without proper documentation not just in the US but in other countries too will be brought back provided they can prove their nationality and that they are indeed Indians. #WATCH | Delhi: On illegal immigration, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "...We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organised crime. For Indians not just in the United States, but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian pic.twitter.com/Heron0QLP3 ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025 Earlier this week, a Bloomberg report said that the US and Indian governments have identified 18,000 Indian citizens living illegally in the country to be sent back home. Sources told the publication that the figure can be much higher, although it is unclear how many more people can be added to the list since the number of Indian illegal immigrants is not known. Advertisement Declaring illegal immigration a national emergency on the day of his inauguration, Trump ordered the Pentagon to provide support for border wall construction, detention space, and migrant transportation and empowered the secretary of Defense to send troops to the border as needed. One of my most important obligations is to protect the American people from the disastrous effects of unlawful mass migration and resettlement. My Administration will marshal all available resources and authorities to stop this unprecedented flood of illegal aliens into the United States, Trump said. India is hoping that its cooperation with the Trump administration will safeguard legal migration channels used by citizens to enter the US like student visas and the H-1B program. A Republican lawmaker has introduced a constitutional amendment in the US Congress that would allow President Donald Trump to serve a third term read more The US Constitution says a person can only be elected president twice, but an ally of President Donald Trump wants to change that. Republican lawmaker Andy Ogles has introduced a constitutional amendment in the House of Representatives to allow Trump a third term as president. While the bill has little to no chance to succeed, it shows the absolute commitment of the Republican Party of Trump who would go to any length to appease their leader. Over the years, Trump has also not made it a secret that he would want to stay in power for more than two terms by either altering the constitution or figuring out some other way. Advertisement While introducing the legislation, Ogles said that Trump has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nations decay and restoring America to greatness, and he must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal, according to CNBC. Ogles further said, It is imperative that we provide President Trump with every resource necessary to correct the disastrous course set by the Biden administration. Even though the bill appears to allow anyone, not just Trump, to be elected president thrice, that is not the case and the bill is tailor-made for Trump. The proposed amendment says, No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times, nor be elected to any additional term after being elected to two consecutive terms, 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 twice. As the bill bars anyone to serve a third after after being elected to two consecutive terms, it bars former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W Bush, and Barak Obama from running, but allows Trump to serve another term as he was not elected consecutively Joe Biden defeated him in 2020. Advertisement Making no secret that the bill is a personal reward to Trump, Ogles said, He is dedicated to restoring the republic and saving our country, and we, as legislators and as states, must do everything in our power to support him. I am proposing an amendment to the Constitution to revise the limitations imposed by the 22nd Amendment on presidential terms. Despite the Republican control of Senate and House, the constitution amendment has little to no chance of passing at least for now. It needs two-third majority in House as well as the Senate and further needs to be ratified by 38 states. As Democrats rule at least 22 states, the bill has no chance at least for now to become reality. Advertisement The two-term limit on the presidency was imposed in 1951 by the 22nd Constitutional Amendment. In the US history, only Franklin Roosevelt has been elected more than twice four times. Trump has said for years that he would want to stay in power for more than eight years that two terms bring. In a meeting with Congressional Republicans, he said in November: I suspect I wont be running again, unless you say, Hes so good weve got to figure something else out. In 2020, Trump said at a rally, Were going to win four more years in the White House. And then after that, well negotiate, right? Because based on the way we were treated, we are probably entitled to another four after that. Advertisement Legal and political scholars have said that Trump may resort to workarounds to stay in power if he cannot get a third term. Philip Klinkner, a professor of government at Hamilton College, in an article for The Conversation noted that Trump may become the vice president in 2028 and have Vance or someone else as a figurehead president. This would be the same strategy that Russias Vladimir Putin adopted, whom Trump has been friendly for a long time. In 2009, after serving two terms as the president, Putin became the prime minister and then returned as the president four years later. Then, he got the constitution amended allowing him more terms that he won in sham elections. Advertisement Klinkner further noted that Trump may also stay out of government but may have a family member as president so he may pull the strings from behind the curtains by having a puppet in the White House. Epic Games today unveiled significant updates to the Epic Games Store mobile app, including nearly 20 third-party games, the global launch of the Free Games program on Android, and its debut on iOS in the European Union. Alongside these updates, the company introduced new app features and shared important initiatives for developers, highlighting its ongoing battle against restrictive practices by Apple and Google. Third-Party Games Added to the Store The Epic Games Store mobile app now includes its first wave of third-party games, expanding the lineup beyond popular titles like Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe. This milestone reflects the companys efforts to grow the store after its mobile launch just months ago. Epic Games expressed gratitude to its partners for supporting this initiative. Free Games Program Launches Globally To celebrate, Epic Games launched the Free Games program on mobile, starting with Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee (available until February 20, excluding Russia) on Android and iOS. The program will soon feature Bloons TD 6. Initially, free games will be offered monthly, with plans to transition to a weekly schedule later this year. Developer Incentives: Core Technology Fee Coverage According to The Verge, Epic Games will cover the Core Technology Fee (CTF) for developers using third-party iOS marketplaces for one year to encourage participation in the Free Games program. The CTF is a 0.50 fee per install after 1 million annual downloads, which Epic criticizes as a major obstacle for alternative stores. Epic hopes the European Union will address this issue under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), accusing Apple of non-compliance. Epics Fight for Market Fairness Epic has faced difficulties gaining traction with its mobile store, largely due to restrictive practices by Apple and Google. Despite lower-than-expected installs, the company remains committed to promoting app store competition, particularly in Europe, where the DMA could play a critical role. Epic argues that true app store freedom requires strict enforcement of the DMA. Apple defends the CTF as necessary for supporting developers, while Google claims Android offers developers more flexibility. Nevertheless, Epic continues to push for a more competitive landscape with regulatory backing. New App Features for Users Epic Games introduced updates aimed at improving user experience: Epic Account Login: Enables persistent login status across Epic Games on iOS and Android. Auto-Update Functionality: Ensures games and apps are always up-to-date and ready to play. Developer Updates: Revenue Sharing and Royalty Reductions Epic Games announced the following initiatives for developers: Revenue Share: Maintains the 88/12 split for payments processed by Epic and 0% for third-party payments. Launch Everywhere Program: Starting in 2025, eligible Unreal Engine games published on the Epic Games Store will receive reduced royalties, from 5% to 3.5%, across all platforms. To qualify, games must launch on the Epic Games Store simultaneously with or before their release on other stores. This program also applies to games in the Epic First Run program, which helps developers maximize revenue during their initial store run. Self-Publishing Tools and Future Plans Epics self-publishing tools for mobile games are currently in an invite-only beta. The company plans to make these tools available to all developers and publishers later this year. Epic also aims to expand its catalog of third-party games and introduce further app updates. Source 1, 2 After reports last year, Tata Electronics has confirmed that it has acquired a controlling 60% stake in Pegatron Technology India. This strategic acquisition comes on the heels of Tata Electronics takeover of Wistrons India operations in March 2024, signaling the conglomerates aggressive expansion in the electronics manufacturing sector. Pegatron India, a subsidiary of the Taiwanese electronics giant Pegatron Corporation, is a significant player in the Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry. The company caters to a diverse portfolio of global clients, including Apple, and exports its products to major markets across North America, Asia, and Europe. The acquisition, which recently received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), will see Pegatron India undergo a rebranding process to align with its new ownership under the Tata umbrella. Despite the changes, the company will continue to provide high-quality electronics manufacturing services to its existing clients. This latest acquisition significantly strengthens Tatas presence in the iPhone manufacturing landscape. Tata already operates an iPhone assembly plant in Karnataka, acquired from Wistron last year. The company is also in the process of constructing another major iPhone assembly facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The Pegatron acquisition marks a strategic move by Tata to enhance its capabilities and capacity within the Apple supply chain. By integrating Pegatron Indias expertise and established client base, Tata Electronics is poised to become an even more crucial player in the global electronics manufacturing landscape. It also demonstrates Indias increasing importance as a manufacturing hub for electronics, particularly for Apple, which is actively seeking to diversify its supply chain beyond China. As part of the deal, Tata Electronics and Pegatron will integrate their teams. The rebranding of Pegatron India is expected to take place in the coming months, marking a new chapter for the company under Tatas ownership and reinforcing Tatas commitment to expanding its footprint in the electronics manufacturing industry. Regarding the announcement, Dr Randhir Thakur, CEO & MD of Tata Electronics, said: The acquisition of a majority stake in Pegatron Technology India Private Limited fits into Tata Electronics strategy of growing our manufacturing footprint. Chinese navy fleet returns from escort missions, joint exercises Xinhua) 15:55, January 24, 2025 GUANGZHOU, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese navy fleet returned to a military port in the coastal city of Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, on Friday after completing escort missions and joint exercises. Setting off on Feb. 21, 2024 from Zhanjiang, the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy traveled over 160,000 nautical miles during its 339-day voyage, escorting ships during missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. Comprising the guided-missile destroyer Jiaozuo, the missile frigate Xuchang, and the comprehensive replenishment vessel Honghu, the fleet has safeguarded the security of international maritime trade routes and regional peace and stability. The fleet also participated in a multilateral joint maritime exercise in Nigeria, the celebration of the 328th founding anniversary of the Russian navy, and an international navy festival in South Africa. It also visited Egypt and made technical stops in South Africa, Morocco and the Seychelles. China began dispatching naval ships to carry out vessel protection operations in December 2008 in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Christmas decorations hang from crosses at a memorial erected for Nathan Jones and Trent Umberger, two Colorado Department of Transportation workers who were killed in a crash alongside the passenger of another vehicle in early September, near the site where the crash took place on Frontage Road, photos on Dec. 24, 2024. In 2011, Denver-based real estate investment company Gart Properties purchased the Powderhorn Mountain Resort, giving the company a prominent entity on the Western Slope. Gart now has even more investment in the area, announcing this week that it has acquired Canyon View Marketplace at 632 Market St. in Grand Junction, located across the street from Mesa Mall and City Market. Tenants in the 42,783-square-foot property now under Gart ownership include ULTA, Dollar Tree, Shoe Carnival, T-Mobile, Carters, Spectrum and Raise the Barre Fitness. Gart Properties Executive Vice President Evan Gart spoke to The Daily Sentinel about how the Grand Junction market has changed since the Powderhorn acquisition 14 years ago in terms of population growth and economic expansion. Grand Junction has evolved very drastically since that acquisition. The market dynamics werent necessarily compelling enough at the time for additional commercial real estate acquisitions in Grand Junction. So much has changed for the better from our perspective in that market through today. I think, for all the challenges Denver is having, Grand Junction has the opposite. Relatively speaking... its much more affordable, Gart said. Its a great community for the outdoors, the economy has done a great job in diversifying into new industries, and as far as market dynamics go within the commercial real estate world, the market vacancy in Grand Junction is at an all-time low, possibly below 2% for retail. Its a great place to acquire stabilized retail. Its still somewhat of a tertiary market as far as institutional real estate investing goes, so we can get essentially a 20-30% reduction in value, comparatively speaking, if we were to buy the same asset in Denver. This acquisition is the first for Gart through its Stabilized Asset Fund, the companys new income-focused real estate strategy. Through this fund, Gart aims to acquire long-term ownership of well-located, stabilized retail assets. Grand Junctions still a small market, so theres not a lot of great retail out there relatively speaking, but this came to the market several months ago and, right out of the gate, it fit the criteria that we were looking for, Gart said. Given the location across from the mall, the national tenancy is attractive too, and we believe all those tenants are performing especially well, which is super crucial for the long-term ownership of a retail shopping center. Per Mesa County records, Gart acquired the property for $7,979,667. Since acquiring Powderhorn, the ownership has made a number of investments in the resort. Many of the improvements centered around a $5 million capital improvement. The main improvement was adding the Flat Top Flyer, a high-speed quad chairlift, which opened in December of 2015. The resort has also added snowmaking and downhill mountain bike trails. The mountain bike trails were opened in June 2016. Sat Saturday 49 /28 Showers possible in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 40s and lows in the upper 20s. Russia's continued attempts to manipulate the information environment Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland News, 23.1.2025 The EEAS, Finland, Czechia, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Sweden denounce Russia's continued and systematic attempts to manipulate and interfere in the information space of democratic societies. EEAS press release 23 January 2025 Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) operations against the European Union and our partners aim to destabilise our societies, sow mistrust in our institutions, and undermine international and public support for Ukraine. We will not let foreign malign actors achieve their objectives. We are well prepared and equipped to detect, expose and counter Russian FIMI operations. "Foreign information manipulation and interference is a fundamental part of Russian military activities. It aims at creating distrust, sparking domestic divisions, and influencing democratic decision-making. We have to fight it. The best way to counter such malign activities remains the same: expose them, provide facts and the truth and support independent press." said Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Russian state and pro-Kremlin affiliated actors are coordinating to conduct foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) attacks. These operations are carried out through Russian diplomatic network and security services, state-controlled media, social media channels, private companies and local proxies, used in an integrated manner to multiply and amplify each other. On the 16th of December 2024, the European Union imposed restrictive measures on two additional individuals behind the "Doppelganger" campaign, under a new framework for restrictive measures in response to Russia's hybrid activities and destabilising actions abroad. The "doppelganger campaign", first uncovered by EU Disinfo Lab in September 2022, is a favoured FIMI tactic by the Kremlin, which impersonates reputable media outlets or personas seeking to deceive the public to consume its propaganda. The EU and its Member States, our international partners and civil society organisations collaborate closely to expose and counter FIMI operations such as the "Doppelganger" campaign. This includes sharing effective measures and experiences in the application of national and EU legal instruments through the Rapid Alert System, conducting scientific research, and educating diverse groups of society about Russian tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs). We do this to protect the integrity of our open information space and strengthen the resilience of our democracies. We remain vigilant and aware that this campaign, and others like it, are part of Russia's long-standing, persistent and systematic efforts to undermine international support for Ukraine and stoke divisions within the EU and with its partners across the world. We stand united with Ukraine and democratic forces globally in our commitment to counter this threat, in full respect and compliance with human rights and fundamental freedoms, making full use of the instruments and means at our disposal. Background An example of Russia's ongoing efforts to deceive and interfere in public debate, the "Doppelganger" operation was launched in the aftermath of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, first uncovered by EU Disinfo Lab in September 2022. The impact of this effort remains limited. Estimates put the overall number of inauthentic websites over 700 and the number of misleading articles circulated via those websites in the tens of thousands. The Kremlin interference attempts included the 2024 European Parliament elections, though it failed to cause any disruption to the electoral process. Similar techniques were also detected in recent elections in Georgia and Republic of Moldova. Making full use of the EU FIMI Toolbox, enabled by exchange of information in the EU's Rapid Alert System, the EU and its Member States have taken a number of actions to respond and mitigate the Doppelganger campaign. These range from information to the media, and systematic exposure to the public via EUvsDisinfo; to EU restrictive measures targeting the Kremlin's Social Design Agency and the Doppelganger network. National authorities have issued official statements strongly condemning the activities of Russian networks, detection, analysis, and have blocked relevant domain names. Our international partners, media, and civil society organisations from the FIMI defender community expose the attacks and provided public support toward the OSINT community. In addition, international partners such as the UK and US have publicly exposed and sanctioned Russian attempts to interfere via the Doppelganger campaign, imposing increased costs on the perpetrators. How to spot Russia impersonation? The "Doppelganger" operation has evolved in terms of scope, targeting several countries in multiple languages. The Kremlin and Russian state-affiliated actors use this sort of operation to create websites - or individual web pages - impersonating renowned news outlets and governmental websites, using a large number of inauthentic accounts or personas on social media platforms to deceive and re-direct the public to the inauthentic media websites. Individual resilience to these threats requires understanding how to spot Russian impersonation. Stay vigilant and look out for: Content posted on mainstream social media to seed the narrative: inauthentic accounts following specific socio-demographic criteria posting on their feeds. To strengthen their "opinion" and steal legitimacy, the inauthentic accounts include a URL to one of the Doppelganger impersonated media outlets. In turn, this creates the groundwork for even further amplification by the Russian ecosystem. Inauthentic webpages disguised as part of official news website: inauthentic accounts on social media spread links to articles created by Doppelganger. To increase the appearance of authenticity, they copy source code of the cloned media, including the design and fonts. However, looking closely at the URL you'll see it's disparities with the original, e.g. the URL extension. Browsing further on the website does actually bring readers to the genuine news outlet, as navigation links are copied from the original website in an attempt to further disguise the fake Doppelganger article. Amplification via comments and quote posts: a wider group of inauthentic accounts, less sophisticated, heavily share original posts from the first stage in comments section, notably on authentic accounts or pages with a large number of followers, or use quote posts without any modification. This technique artificially boosts the original contents visibility and potentially the impact it has to the audience, as well as make it accessible to authentic followers of popular accounts or pages. Dissemination via deceptive URL redirection: to expand the potential reach of fake content and to avoid moderation from the platforms. Inauthentic accounts use successive links to redirect users through several intermediary websites, before reaching the article published on a Doppelganger campaign website. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senate confirms Trump's choice for CIA director By Jeff Seldin January 23, 2025 U.S. lawmakers confirmed a second key member of President Donald Trump's national security team Thursday, voting 74-25 to make John Ratcliffe the 25th director of the country's premier spy agency. Ratcliffe, who served as director of national intelligence at the end of Trump's first term, took the oath of office about two hours later, as administered by Vice President JD Vance. Vance called Ratcliffe a "great patriot" and said he is someone who has the trust of the president. Ratcliffe now will head an intelligence operation that Trump and Republicans have criticized for a failure to cultivate information on critical developments in places like Ukraine, Afghanistan and the Middle East, and for using the information it did get to defend the previous administration's policies. Ratcliffe indicated during his confirmation hearing last week that substantial changes would be in store, saying the spy agency would be more aggressive both in collecting human intelligence and in countering U.S. adversaries. "We will collect intelligence, especially human intelligence, in every corner of the globe no matter how dark or difficult," he told lawmakers at the time. "We will conduct covert actions at the direction of the president, going places no one else can go and doing things no one else can do. "To the brave CIA officers listening around the world, if all of this sounds like what you signed up for, then buckle up and get ready to make a difference," Ratcliffe added. "If it doesn't, then it's time to find a new line of work." The confirmation vote came three days after Trump took the oath of office and after a plea from the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee for a speedy vote on Ratcliffe's nomination to lead the CIA. "Our world is far too dangerous for any delay in having a Senate-confirmed leader in charge of the CIA," Senators Tom Cotton and Mark Warner said in a statement Monday, after their committee advanced Ratcliffe by a 14-3 margin. Push from Thune Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, on Tuesday also pushed for his colleagues to move quickly on Ratcliffe's nomination. "Under the Biden administration, the intelligence community made some notable misses," Thune said. "Mr. Ratcliffe brings the right experience and the right approach to the CIA," he said. Cotton, the Senate Intelligence Committee chairman, also praised Ratcliffe as someone capable of getting the CIA back on track. "The nation needs a strong, capable and aggressive CIA," he told Ratcliffe at his confirmation hearing last week. "I believe the men and women you will lead want to serve in just that kind of agency. They joined the CIA, after all, not a church choir or a therapy session." But the confirmation vote was delayed after criticism from some leading Democrats. "I want the record to show that I strongly oppose the nomination," Democrat Ron Wyden said Tuesday. "In 2020, I opposed his confirmation to be director of national intelligence because I believe his partisanship and willingness essentially went to the proposition of doing what would please Donald Trump," he said. "Unfortunately, his actions as head of national intelligence only confirmed my concerns." Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer echoed that opposition before Thursday's vote. "I will respectfully vote no, not because of our political difference, which of course exists, but because I am deeply worried that Mr. Ratcliffe will be unable to stand up to people like Donald Trump and Tulsi Gabbard, who are known to falsify intelligence," he said. "There may be no agency more important than the CIA that has to be fact-based. Sometimes, these facts will lead to inconvenient conclusions for his superiors and the president," he said. "It's in those cases where truth, not fiction, not ideology, must prevail, and I have my doubts that Mr. Ratcliffe will be able to hold firm." Gabbard hearing scheduled Gabbard, a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard and a former Democratic lawmaker, is Trump's choice to be the next director of national intelligence. Her confirmation hearing has been scheduled for next week, when she will be asked about accusations from both Democrats and some Republicans that she has repeated Russian disinformation and about her 2017 meeting with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who stands accused of war crimes. Ratcliffe's opponents have accused him of defying Congress and withholding information in the 2018 murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi - a killing that U.S. intelligence concluded was ordered by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They also have criticized Ratcliffe, in his role as director of national intelligence, for the September 2020 release of a Russian intelligence assessment that seemed to back Trump's allegations of nefarious activity by his opponent in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Democrat Hillary Clinton. But that decision, and others by Ratcliffe to push back against previous U.S. intelligence assessments that Russia had endeavored to help Trump win the 2016 election, is part of what endeared him to the president. And Ratcliffe's insistence on a more aggressive CIA, according to some analysts, resonated with both Republicans and Democrats. "There was criticism throughout the hearing that the CIA has gone soft on collecting human intelligence, on stealing foreign adversary secrets," Tyler McBrien, the managing editor of Lawfare, told VOA. "A lot of criticisms about how the CIA has failed to predict in the past four years major geopolitical events, including the fall of the Assad regime and even the New Orleans terrorist attack." "Ratcliffe really is focused on that human intelligence aspect and also a reorientation toward what he sees as the biggest national security threat, which is China," McBrien said. No-bias pledge Ratcliffe has promised lawmakers that under his leadership the CIA will deliver insights free of political bias and that he will not lead a purge of employees based on their perceived political views or perceived loyalty to Trump. He also promised to reinvigorate CIA investigations into the cause of Havana Syndrome the name given to a series of brain injuries and other serious health ailments that have struck hundreds of U.S. diplomats and intelligence officials. And he voiced support for maintaining controversial U.S. surveillance authorities under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, calling it an indispensable tool. Katherine Gypson and Kim Lewis contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Rumen Radev Discusses European Integration of the Western Balkans with EU Special Representative President of the Republic of Bulgaria 22 January 2025 President Rumen Radev held a call with EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and the Western Balkans, Miroslav Lajcak. The two discussed aspects of the European integration process of the countries in the region. Rumen Radev and Miroslav Lajcak noted the priority importance the European Commission attaches to the issue of EU enlargement, which enables the Western Balkans to make progress in fulfilling the membership criteria. The Bulgarian Head of State expressed appreciation for the efforts made by Miroslav Lajcak for the European integration of the Western Balkan countries. He underlined his objective assessment of the various problems in the region and his constructive approach in solving them. President Radev also expressed hope that in the near future the state leadership of the Republic of North Macedonia will show political will to implement the European Consensus of 2022, thus opening the way for the country to negotiate full EU membership. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "Europe Was, Is, and Will Be Great" Prime Minister Tusk Presents the priorities of Poland's EU Council Presidency Republic of Poland 22.01.2025 At the beginning of the year, Poland assumed the six-month Presidency of the EU Council under the guiding theme "Security, Europe!". On Wednesday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk introduced the presidency's priorities during a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. In his address, the Prime Minister urged MEPs to act with courage. Community: the most important value Over the next six months, Poland will shape the reality within the European Union. This happens at a particularly challenging time for Europe: Russian aggression against Ukraine, growing geopolitical tensions, and hybrid threats. Our main focus is security, and our presidency's motto is 'Security, Europe!' - Donald Tusk emphasised in his address to the European Parliament on Wednesday. Multidimensional security as the priority of Poland's EU Council presidency is a direct response to the uncertainty surrounding Europe's future directions. Today, the most important words to be spoken here in the European Parliament are directed straight to Europeans: 'Hold your heads up high' - the Prime Minister went on. The European Union comprises 27 member states and 450 million people who have worked together for years to build consensus and shape political realities at critical moments. We can take pride in being members of the European Union. Europe was, is, and will be great. There is no reason for Europe to believe that we are mired in absurdity or existential troubles and problems - added the Prime Minister. He emphasized that Europe has no reason for inferiority complexes. Despite numerous challenges, crises, and occasional differing views, the European Union continues to develop, and Europeans live better lives. As Europeans, we are capable of finding common ground every day and every year. It is this shared space that creates a sense of community - said the Prime Minister. He then outlined the seven pillars of security, which are the priorities of Poland's EU Council Presidency: external, internal, informational, energy, economic, food, and health security. External security: the ability to defend ourselves Security in various dimensions is crucial for the daily lives of Europeans, particular member states, and the EU as a whole. This is a key challenge the EU must confront and statements from the new President of the United States should encourage Europe to become even stronger. In terms of allied cooperation for the security of the Western world, the European Union, the United States, Canada, and all of NATOwe must continue not only to speak a common language but also to take action - said the Prime Minister. The European Union must now increase its defence capabilities. Europe cannot afford to economize on its security. Defence spending must be increased. We must once again believe in our strength. This potential is a fact. We are strong and equal to the world's greatest powers; we just need to believe it - Donald Tusk emphasized. The Polish Prime Minister's visit to Strasbourg began with a meeting with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. Internal security: protecting people and borders Illegal migration is a challenge faced by many European countries. Poland will seek new solutions to enhance the security of the EU's external borders in cooperation with international partners. We can address the problem of illegal migration and broader internal security challenges in Europe without resorting to nationalist or xenophobic slogans - assured the Prime Minister. The EU should collectively work towards increasing its capacity to protect its population, respond to disasters, and provide humanitarian aid. Informational security: resilience against foreign interference and disinformation Russian and Belarusian disinformation reaches us daily. It is used against Europe to interfere in internal affairs. Europe must combat this, making efforts to prevent and mitigate the effects of hostile actions in cyberspace, including interference by third countries in the EU's IT systems. We must find a method to prevent interference and the destruction of our democracy and elections, particularly by Russian factories of lies and disinformation - stressed the Prime Minister. Poland will strive to strengthen coordination and cooperation among EU states in combating disinformation and manipulation. This also includes protecting children and youth from violence and falsehoods on the internet. Economic security: ensuring safety and freedom of economic activity The European economy must once again become the most creative and competitive. Be the Parliament that dares to take on the great effort of deregulation during this term. Be brave; reject routine - Donald Tusk urged MEPs. The competitiveness of Europe depends on the deregulation efforts of the European Parliament. The Polish government intends to support businesses in adapting to dynamic changes related to climate and digital transformations, which are crucial for maintaining the EU's prosperity. It will also focus on removing barriers and reducing bureaucratic burdens. Energy security: advancing the energy transition The European community must achieve energy independence. Europe cannot depend on Russian supplies. Some EU regulations have led to unacceptably high energy prices in certain member states. Europe cannot lose the global competition or become a continent of naive people and ideas. If we go bankrupt, no one will care about the natural environment globally - stressed the Prime Minister. If Europe wants to remain competitive, it must reduce energy costs. Ensuring energy security in the EU today also means providing citizens with sufficient and affordable energy. Food security: a competitive and resilient agriculture sector Europe must ensure that agriculture is sustainable. Caring for farmers and their crops is crucial for our future. Europe's food security is not just about self-sufficiency in agricultural products. It also means having the best agriculture in the world, but it must be sustainable - said the Prime Minister. To ensure food security and appropriate incomes for farmers and entrepreneurs, a strong and supportive Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is essential. I signaled the need for quick action to relieve some burdens on European farmers and agriculture, replacing mandates with incentives - added Donald Tusk. During its presidency, Poland will strive to shape a CAP that encourages, rather than compels, farmers to undertake environmentally friendly actions while highlighting the benefits of combating and preventing the effects of climate change, such as floods and droughts. Health security Mental health issues among children and youth are currently a significant challenge. The European Union must take concrete actions to protect the health of the youngest generation in the digital age. Our future will depend on the mental well-being of those who are five or ten years old today. They are our greatest treasure - said the Prime Minister. Europe must also be adequately prepared for situations similar to the COVID-19 pandemic and other health challenges. Therefore, efforts to improve pharmaceutical security in the EU will be pursued, with a particular focus on patients' perspectives. Courageous decisions for Europe In concluding his address to the European Parliament, Donald Tusk called on MEPs to show courage in shaping European law. We remember in Poland the words that became the source of strength and victory for Solidarity, and thus, in some sense, for Europe during the night of communism in Poland'Do not be afraid' - the Prime Minister told MEPs. Following the Prime Minister's address in the European Parliament, there was a debate on the priorities of Poland's EU Council Presidency. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran humiliated Israel with successful missile strikes: Islamic Jihad Iran Press TV Wednesday, 22 January 2025 10:35 PM The Islamic Jihad has commended Iran's successful retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets that saw the Islamic Republic firing hundreds of missiles towards strategic and sensitive targets deep inside the occupied Palestinian territories last year. "Greetings to Iran, which humiliated the occupier's pride on the streets of Tel Aviv during the operations "True Promise I and II," Abu Hamza, spokesman for the Gaza Strip-based Palestinian resistance group's military wing, al-Quds Brigades, said in a video statement on Tuesday. Iran has asserted that the strikes, launched in response to the Israeli regime's violations against the country, only served to display a fraction of the Islamic Republic's military might. Tehran has also warned that potential repetition of such aggression would entail stronger responses. Thanking Iran, regional resistance Abu Hamza also thanked the Islamic Republic for its support for Gaza during 15 months of ferocious Israeli war of genocide. He went on to express the Palestinian resistance's gratitude towards its fellow resistance movements across Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq, which began launching heavy operations against the occupied territories following the war. "We salute our steadfast people in Lebanon and the fighters of [the Lebanese resistance movement] Hezbollah, who stood firm on the battlefield and fought the enemy inch by inch," the spokesman said. "We extend greetings to the fighters of Hezbollah, and we remember the esteemed leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and his martyred brothers, both leaders and fighters," the official said, referring to Hezbollah's former secretary general, who was assassinated during intense Israeli attacks against Beirut last year. "Salutations to our people in Yemen and to the courageous leader Sayyed Abdulmalik al-Houthi, who launched their missiles and drones to strike at the heart of the entity," he added. Abu Hamza, meanwhile, dismissed the Israeli regime's claim of launching the war in response to the Gaza-based resistance's successful Operation al-Aqsa Storm against the occupied territories last October. "The enemy's barbaric war against our people is not a reaction to a military operation, but rather reflects a premeditated intent of war and genocide against an unarmed people deprived of the basic necessities of life," he asserted. The spokesman finally underlined that Palestinians' religious and national duty required them to confront the occupation by all means. He said the Palestinian nation had prepared a generation of strong moral and educational foundations to face up to the regime's likely violation of a ceasefire deal that was implemented on Sunday as a means of potentially stopping the war. "Behind us stands our heroic people, whose steadfastness alongside us is unparalleled in history. We owe them immense obligations." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Albares defends the importance of Spain's foreign policy in Davos Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRESS RELEASE 003 The Minister took part in a panel on the Middle East, stating that Spanish diplomatic action has its own identity and coherence Wednesday, January 22, 2025 The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Jose Manuel Albares, closes his visit to Davos by defending Spain's foreign policy, highlighting its importance, unique identity and coherence. These characteristics have led to Spain being involved in the main issues on the international agenda and have resulted in other countries requesting Spain's presence in such matters. With more than 60 heads of State and representatives from 120 countries, Albares took advantage of this forum, which this year has chosen the theme "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age", to address the most pressing issues in different panels such as "Diplomacy amid Disorder", where he participated with two key players in the Middle East: Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Albares reported his impressions from his recent tour of Lebanon and Syria, as well as his vision of the ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon. And he did so in a speech that reflected the fact that Spain's voice carries weight, with its own identity and coherence. In his meetings, Albares also highlighted that Spain is a country currently enjoying the greatest international influence in the EU in our history. Accordingly, he recalled that, in the last three years alone, we have hosted the NATO summit at the most delicate time for Euro-Atlantic security; we have held the Presidency of the European Union, which has served to bring Latin America and Europe closer together; and we have concluded the Pact on Migration and Asylum, among other milestones. New milestones He added that these achievements will be followed by more in 2025, given that the United Nations has entrusted Spain with the International Conference on Financing for Development, to be held in Seville next July; and that all the countries of the Ibero-American community have named Spain as Pro Tempore Secretariat for the organisation of the Ibero-American Summit in 2026 in Spain. There is also the presence of Spaniards in important positions in the European Commission, NATO and the European Banking Authority, which led the Spanish minister to conclude that Spain's foreign policy has an identity of its own that is present and sought after by other countries. The Spanish minister has held various meetings, including encounters with his counterparts from Chile, Jordan, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and the Vice-President of Iran, among others, as well as a meeting with the Commissioner for Climate, Wopke Hoekstra. The minister's agenda also included a section on economic diplomacy, where he was joined by senior representatives from Google and the CEO of the Open Society Foundation. -NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson January 22, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono today. Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Sugiono recognized the importance of the U.S.-Indonesia relationship and affirmed the contribution of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders discussed the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including an exchange of views on maritime security in the South China Sea. The leaders also expressed shared commitment to prioritizing national economic growth and recognized the importance of working together to deepen trade and investment in areas advantageous to both our countries. Secretary Rubio welcomed Indonesia's willingness to engage on Middle East peace and post-conflict reconstruction. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President's discussions in Davos focus on geopolitical stability and economic development Swiss Government Bern, 23.01.2025 -- President Karin Keller-Sutter has held bilateral talks with heads of state and government on the fringes of the WEF Annual Meeting. Discussions have focused on the pursuit of geopolitical stability and economic development. President Keller-Sutter discussed the close relations between Switzerland and the European Union and their further development with, among others, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was dedicated to the commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and to the country's reconstruction. President Keller-Sutter also met with other European leaders, including Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate Action and Taxation. Marking the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the People's Republic of China, Ms Keller-Sutter met with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. Both sides emphasised that the 'Innovative Strategic Partnership' agreed in 2016 had been strengthened in recent years. Political dialogues, including on human rights, were resumed after being suspended during the pandemic. Further topics on the agenda in Davos included the optimisation of the free trade agreement and financial relations. Trade relations were addressed during a number of the discussions. Accompanied by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, vice president of the Federal Council and head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), the president and head of the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. During the exchange, both sides commended the excellent relations between Switzerland and Vietnam and cooperation in areas such as the economy, investment promotion, sustainable development, science and research. The delegations agreed to deepen bilateral ties, in principle in the form of a comprehensive partnership that reflects the priorities of the current collaboration. At a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ms Keller-Sutter discussed South Africa's presidency of the G20 in 2025. Switzerland thanked South Africa for its invitation to take part in the Finance Track, during which key issues of the financial and economic system are discussed. This is the tenth consecutive invitation. During talks with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, she discussed the free trade agreement between Thailand and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which was signed in Davos. Lastly, at a meeting with Iraq's president, Abdel Latif Rachid, Karin Keller-Sutter discussed bilateral relations and the prospects for economic exchanges in the context of the situation in the Middle East. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ignazio Cassis highlights Europe, Ukraine and the Middle East at Davos 2025 Swiss Government Bern, 23.01.2025 -- At the 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, placed particular emphasis on European policy and the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. He also raised matters relating to security and cooperation, particularly as Switzerland prepares to chair the OSCE in 2026. During his time in Davos, the head of the FDFA held a series of bilateral talks on the main topics currently of interest to Swiss foreign policy. Mr Cassis' programme included talks with EU Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, during which the two men welcomed the substantive conclusion of the negotiations between Switzerland and the EU. They also discussed the timetable and the respective next steps in the process up to the entry into force of the negotiating package. Bilateral relations were also on the agenda during talks with the Czech foreign minister, Jan Lipavsky, and the Belgian foreign minister, Bernard Quintin. To discuss Switzerland's future chairpersonship of the OSCE in 2026, Mr Cassis met with the Finnish foreign minister and current OSCE chairperson-in-office, Elina Valtonen. Switzerland commenced its leadership role on 1 January 2025 as a member of the OSCE Troika, made up of the countries chairing the OSCE in 2024 (Malta), 2025 (Finland) and 2026 (Switzerland). Mr Cassis and Ms Valtonen discussed the priorities and preparations for their respective OSCE chairpersonships. The head of the FDFA also took part in the dialogue session on diplomacy in the Western Balkans, which brought together a wide range of European ministers. Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East at the heart of discussions The war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East were also discussed bilaterallyin Davos. Mr Cassis held talks with the Ukrainian foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, focusing mainly on developments in the military situation on the ground and on the possible diplomatic efforts that Switzerland might make. He reiterated Switzerland's commitment to long-term reconstruction in Ukraine. In April 2024, the Federal Council approved funding of CHF 5 billion up to 2036 for this purpose. Mr Cassis was also able to discuss the current situation in the Middle East during his meetings with the Israeli president, Isaac Herzog, the Iraqi foreign minister and deputy prime minister, Fuad Hussein, Jordanian deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ayman Al-Safadi, as well as the new foreign minister of the Syrian transitional government, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. In particular, he welcomed the start last Sunday of the implementation of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The discussions also served to highlight the need for a political horizon for the implementation of a negotiated two-state solution, which would form the basis for Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security and dignity. The situation in the region was also discussed during an exchange with the vice-president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Javad Zarif. Lastly, Mr Cassis took advantage of his presence at the World Economic Forum to hold talks with the prime minister of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, the prime minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, and the administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, Achim Steiner. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Tsahkna at the Davos Economic Forum: Industrial readiness should be at the heart of Europe's new defence and deterrence posture Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23.01.2025 From 21 to 23 January, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna is at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he takes part in discussions on digital cooperation, e-governance, artificial intelligence, green transition, and European security, and has several bilateral meetings. Yesterday, in a panel on Europe's defence capabilities with Moritz Schularick, Gundbert Scherf and Oleksandr Kamyshin, Tsahkna underlined that Russia is and remains the most serious and long-term security threat and Europe must be prepared to produce weapons and ammunition to defend itself. "Industrial readiness should be at the heart of Europe's new defence and deterrence posture," Tsahkna emphasised. In the panel, Tsahkna highlighted the recent fund established by the Estonian government to encourage defence investments and develop this area. Tsahkna also noted that Estonia has set the goal of raising its defence spending to 5% of GDP. The foreign minister said Ukraine was leading by example in quickly growing its defence industry. "These lessons are extremely important for Europe's defence industry too," Tsahkna said. Speaking about Russia's aggression, the foreign minister said that Ukrainian resilience and tactical adaptability, matched with continued Western support of ammunition and advanced defence systems, could change the course of the war. "Russia has suffered serious losses in Ukraine and the impact of sanctions on Russia's economy is growing constantly. It is possible to force Russia to change course if we continue providing military support to Ukraine and pressuring Russia by imposing sanctions and putting frozen assets into use," Tsahkna said, adding that an important element of Ukraine's victory strategy is the continued perspective of Ukraine's NATO and European Union membership. "If Russia does not give up its objective of destroying Ukraine and dismantling the current Euro-Atlantic security architecture, it is impossible to achieve lasting peace in Europe." Speaking on a panel on energy transition, the foreign minister noted the need to defend critical land and submarine infrastructure. "The recent Estlink 2 case in the Baltic Sea demonstrated the need to be prepared for a better defence of energy carriers and for speedier repairs," Tsahkna underlined. He also had several bilateral meetings in Davos, including with the Foreign Minister of Jordan Ayman Safadi and European Commission's Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos. An important element of the Davos programme is participation in the House of Collaboration event created by an Estonian company that brings together more than 100 business, political and academic leaders. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pevkur in Vilnius: Baltic States must work closely together to secure additional defence funding Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Defence 23. January 2025 - 16:31 Today, Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur met in Vilnius with Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene and Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds to discuss NATO capability targets, defence spending, and matters related to the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague. "Increased defence spending is essential, as the security situation and global political dynamics have become more complex. On the one hand, we must be prepared to do more for our own defence, and on the other, we must meet NATO's capability targets," said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur. According to Pevkur, it is ultimately crucial to ensure that in the coming years, Estonia and its allies have the necessary capabilities and ammunition to defend themselves if needed. Pevkur noted that all three Baltic States are still in the early stages of political discussions on how to secure additional funding for national defence. "It is vital that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania work closely together within the European Union to identify funding sources," added Pevkur. "We have begun drafting a new national defence development plan, and the new capability developments agreed with NATO allies will require funding," said Pevkur. Over the next four years (2025-28), 3.5 billionmore than half of the national defence budgethas been allocated for the acquisition and maintenance of new capabilities. For example, since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022, Estonia has procured or plans to procure more than 4 billion worth of ammunition. Additionally, 1.6 billion has been earmarked for the procurement of ammunition from 2025 to 2031. Critical capabilities, such as medium-range air defence, indirect fire systems (including multiple rocket launchers and loitering munitions), and host nation support is also being developed. The ministers reaffirmed their ongoing support for Ukraine at a level of 0.25% of GDP annually, for as long as necessary. "Estonia's support this year and in the years to come will focus on acquiring assistance from Estonia's defence industry," clarified Pevkur. The ministers also discussed issues related to the protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. They acknowledged that incidents in the Baltic Sea are recurrent and systematic. NATO's prompt response in launching operation Baltic Sentry was a step in the right direction, and such operations have a significant deterrent effect on the broader security of Baltic Sea states. Additionally, the ministers addressed joint capability development projects, provided an update on the current state of national defence industry development, and discussed the Baltic Defence Line developments. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China responds to Rubio's remarks on S.China Sea after his phone call with Philippine FM Global Times By Yang Sheng Published: Jan 23, 2025 10:39 PM In response to a US State Department statement claiming new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussing Beijing's "dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea" with his Philippines counterpart Enrique Manalo over phone and underscoring the "ironclad" US defense commitment to Manila, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday that the US is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to interfere in the maritime issues between China and the Philippines. Mao said "the military cooperation between the US and the Philippines should not undermine China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, still less should such cooperation support or advance the Philippines' illegal claims." China will continue to take necessary steps to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, said Mao. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke Wednesday local time with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo about issues of mutual concern, including so-called China's "dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea." Rubio underscored the US' "ironclad commitments" to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty. The two sides also exchanged views on ways to advance security cooperation, expand economic ties for shared prosperity, and deepen avenues for further regional cooperation, according to a readout released by the US Department of State on Wednesday. Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, said that the US will continue the diplomatic rhetoric, but to what extent Rubio's remarks will turn into concrete actions in the region is still a question. "The Marcos Jr. administration of the Philippines also needs to learn that the US, especially under the leadership of the Trump administration, will not be hijacked by any other countries, including its allies, for any unnecessary dangers," Li noted. Lu Xiang, an expert on US studies and research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday that the Trump administration is likely to continue to launch groundless accusations against China's legitimate acts in the region. "However, the Trump administration will be less interested in getting involved too much on issues not directly related to US core interests, as this is what 'America First' means. In addition, China now has much more strength [to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests] in the region, and the consequences of being 'unnecessarily provocative' would be unaffordable to both Washington and Manila," Lu noted. The Chinese military conducted joint sea-air combat readiness patrols in the South China Sea from January 17 to 19 to maintain peace and stability in the area, according to a statement by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command. The statement was issued after the Philippine Navy held live fire drills and carried out joint maritime exercises with the US in the South China Sea. "Any military activity that stirs up trouble in the South China Sea is within our control," the PLA statement read. The statement directly targets the provocative exercises conducted by the Philippine navy near Huangyan Dao, and its joint exercises with the US, Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times. Humprey Arnaldo Russel, director of the China Research Center in the Institute for Strategy and Global Studies at the University of Indonesia, told the Global Times in an exclusive interview published on Tuesday that "ASEAN is a family. When a family faces a problem, it is unwise for one member to turn to external parties for 'help.' ASEAN, as a unity, is bound by shared values such as harmony, non-interference and the commitment to finding peaceful solutions to problems." "These core values will not change because of any single member's actions. Therefore, it would be far more beneficial for the Philippines to engage directly with China, as this is where the solution lies," said the Indonesian expert. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran slams US for labeling Ansarallah as 'terrorist' amid Yemeni support of Palestinian cause IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 23, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei has condemned the United States' decision to include Yemen's Ansarallah Movement in the so-called list of foreign terrorist organizations, describing the action as "unjustified, baseless, and contrary to international law". Baghaei on Thursday also denounced the US State Department's designation of the Yemeni people and the Houthi group as terrorists, viewing it as a justification for inhumane sanctions against Yemen. The American move comes after the Yemeni nation had backed the defenseless Palestinian nation in the Gaza war which had left nearly 47,000 Palestinians killed. The official highlighted the solidarity of the Yemeni people with the suffering Palestinians against Israeli aggression and criticized such unilateral actions by the US for undermining the rule of law and threatening regional peace and stability. 7129**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ICC seeks warrants for Taliban leaders over alleged violations of women's rights: Report IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 23, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking arrest warrants for Taliban leaders for alleged gender-based crimes in Afghanistan. The ICC's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, said in a statement on Thursday that there were "reasonable grounds to believe" that Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and Afghanistan's Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani "bear criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds." "My Office has concluded that these two Afghan nationals are criminally responsible for persecuting Afghan girls and women, as well as persons whom the Taliban perceived as not conforming with their ideological expectations of gender identity or expression, and persons whom the Taliban perceived as allies of girls and women," the statement further read. The applications for the arrest warrants will need to be approved by a judge. The ICC does not hold enforcement power on its own and relies on cooperation by countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court for any potential arrests. 7129**2050**4482 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Secretary General: stepping up NATO-EU cooperation is essential NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 22 Jan. 2025 Last updated: 23 Jan. 2025 NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska addressed the European Defence Agency (EDA) annual conference "New Horizons in EU Defence" in Brussels on Wednesday (22 January). She praised the deepening partnership between NATO and the European Union (EU) over recent years and called on even closer cooperation. "At this dangerous time for our security, stepping up our cooperation is essential," she said, underlining that EU defence is of "great importance to NATO, because it is inextricably linked to transatlantic security". Faced with growing strategic competition and destabilising campaigns against our security and way of life, increasing defence investment and boosting defence production are a priority to ensure countries in Europe stay safe, the Deputy Secretary General said. She welcomed the EU's enhanced efforts to boost European defence industry, acquire much needed capabilities, and enhance resilience. Moving forward, Ms Shekerinska stressed the importance for NATO and the EU to work hand in hand to avoid the duplication of efforts and to identify more opportunities to leverage each other's unique expertise, tools and resources. She also encouraged the "fullest possible" involvement of non-EU Allies' defence industries, which contribute essential technological know-how and provide urgently needed capabilities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BRP Cabra continues monitoring of CCG incursion in Zambales Philippine News Agency By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz January 23, 2025, 8:41 pm MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed BRP Cabra to replace BRP Suluan to continue monitoring the illegal presence of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in Zambales waters. In a post over X Wednesday, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said BRP Cabra was sent around 65 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales. "Upon arriving in the area where BRP Suluan has been monitoring CCG vessel 3103, it was noted that another CCG vessel, identified by bow number 3304, was approaching their location," Tarriela said. "This indicates that the CCG may anticipate the PCG deploying two vessels in response. However, as BRP Suluan made its way back to Subic, Zambales, CCG-3304 also retreated further from the coastline." The PCG official said BRP Cabra engaged CCG-3103 in hourly radio communications to remind them of their violations of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award. "The presence of the PCG vessel is intended to prevent the illegally operating CCG from getting closer to the Zambales coastline," Tarriela said. He assured that the PCG will continue efforts to "safeguard Philippine maritime rights and enforce the rule of law, all while maintaining a stance of non-provocation." (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH, US reaffirm ironclad alliance, defense cooperation Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno January 23, 2025, 5:44 pm MANILA -- The Philippines and the United States reaffirmed their long-standing alliance and security cooperation. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and newly appointed US National Security Adviser (NSA) Mike Waltz made this pledge in a meeting at the White House in Washington D.C. on Wednesday (US time). Teodoro was joined by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Thursday. He added this meeting was "under the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and in coordination with Philippine National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Ano." "The meeting took place two days after President Donald Trump assumed office. The Philippines, represented by Secretary Teodoro, is among the first countries to engage with the new US administration to discuss critical security matters," Andolong said. During the meeting, Teodoro extended the Philippines' congratulations to the US on a successful transition of leadership, underscoring the shared commitment to peace, stability, and mutual security interests in the region. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral defense ties in addressing emerging geopolitical challenges. "NSA Waltz also expressed his appreciation of President Marcos' efforts to uphold freedom of navigation and a rules-based international order," Andolong added. Teodoro also met with Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Alex Wong, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Andrew Byers, and US National Security Council Senior Director for Asia Ivan Kanapathy. Waltz and his team also stressed the need to enhance cooperation with the Philippines. They also looked forward to increasing mutual security activities in support of a free and global Indo-Pacific, an initiative dating back to Trump's first presidency. "This engagement marked a significant step in further advancing the decades-long alliance between the Philippines and the United States, signaling a renewed commitment to collaboration under the Trump administration. Both sides expressed optimism about deepening defense and security cooperation in the years ahead," Andolong said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to visit PH in Feb. Philippine News Agency By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora January 23, 2025, 2:21 pm MANILA -- The French Navy aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its escorts are visiting the Philippines in February, signaling the growing maritime security relations between France and the Philippines. French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel made the announcement at a maritime cooperation forum in Makati City on Thursday, saying the visit of the French Carrier Strike Group fully aligns with the 2023 letter of intent between the two states' Defense agencies. "It underscores France's commitment to strengthening its involvement alongside the Philippines and will facilitate numerous joint activities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines," she said. Citing the letter of intent, Fontanel reaffirmed that Paris is committed to contributing to stability in the region. Le Perouse 2025 Ahead of its Philippine visit, the FNS Charles de Gaulle is participating in the Le Perouse 2025 exercise, which involves 13 naval vessels and more than 30 aircraft from France Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, India and Australia. The exercise taking place in some of the world's critical maritime trade routes will involve various maritime safety and maritime security operations. The drills began on Jan. 16 and will run until Jan. 24. Fontanel said the AFP is also participating in the exercise but only "remotely" through the IORIS, a communication system for synchronized coordination in times of a maritime crisis. The IORIS is funded by the European Union as part of its maritime security strategy and facilitates the exchange of information and documents between countries. Over the past years, Manila and Paris have witnessed significant growth in maritime security cooperation. In 2024 alone, France took an active part in the 39th edition of the Balikatan exercise and conducted the Pegase 24 Air and Space Force deployment, which made stop in Clark Air Force Base. A full-fledged defense mission also opened in Manila last June and has been supporting three port calls of France's Navy Ship in the Philippines in 2024. "Since the announcement of its Indo-Pacific strategy by President (Emmanuel) Macron in 2018, France has been actively strengthening its partnerships across the region," Fontanel said. "This strategy promotes dialogue and consensus-building, providing a framework for the resolution of disputes," she added. On top of maritime security, the envoy said Paris is also keen to further engage Manila on maritime safety and maritime environment protection. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 133 Reds, supporters surrender in Mimaropa since January 2024 Philippine News Agency By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan January 23, 2025, 1:21 pm MANILA -- A total of 133 members and supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) have surrendered to different police units in the Mimaropa region since January 2024, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 4B said Thursday. Mimaropa is comprised of the provinces of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan. Of the 133 surrenderers, 10 were listed in the periodic status report (PSR) while the rest were identified as members, supporters, and militiamen. Among the latest to surrender are "Ka Cente", 60; "Ka Vensor", 58, and "Ka Dario", 33, former members of the dismantled Kilusang Larangan Guerilla-Mark Anthony Velasco (KLG-MAV), Sub-Regional Military Area (SRMA)-4D, as they turned themselves in to members of the 403rd B MC Regional Mobile Force Battalion personnel in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro on Jan. 20. The three rebels also surrendered a hand grenade. "This success highlights the unwavering collaboration between the PNP (Philippine National Police), AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), and partner agencies in our united effort to end local communist terrorism and achieve lasting peace in the region," PRO 4B chief Brig. Gen. Roger Quesada in a statement. He encouraged the remaining communist rebels to return to the fold of the law. Quesada also commended the efforts of the police force and all government agencies concerned in the region and reiterated the significant role of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in the government's successful counter-insurgency campaign. "Be assured that the government has prepared livelihood and reintegration assistance to support all returnees in beginning new and better chapters of their lives with their loved ones," he added. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH's Offshore Combat Force equipped with anti-submarine capabilities Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno January 23, 2025, 12:46 pm MANILA -- The Philippines' Offshore Combat Force now has assets equipped with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, a Philippine Navy (PN) official said Thursday. "Almost all of our Offshore Combat (Force) ships belonging to the Philippine Fleet (PF) already have ASW capabilities," PN spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency when asked whether Filipino warships to be used for the deployment of "surface action groups" have this capacity. Alcos said the Navy is eyeing the deployment of surface action groups or a naval task force composed of multiple vessels designed for surface warfare missions to increase patrols on the Philippines' maritime territories. Meanwhile, ASW refers to the capability to detect, locate, and if necessary, damage or sink hostile submarines found in the country's waters. Some of the major assets of the Offshore Combat Force that have this capability include the guided-missile frigates BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and its sister ship BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), which are fitted with sonars and weapon systems that can detect and take out enemy submarines. Adding to these capabilities are the two AW-159 "Wildcat" ASW helicopters, which are equipped with dipping sonars and anti-submarine torpedoes, and embarked aboard these two ships to further enhance the anti-submarine capabilities. Another ASW-capable ship of the PF is the BRP Conrado Yap (PS-30), the ex-Pohang-class corvette donated by the South Korean to the PN in 2019. Aside from this, Alcos said the three Gregorio Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels were upgraded and equipped with sonars allowing these to detect submarines if needed. "We have already upgraded our Del Pilar-class (offshore patrol vessels), now they are equipped with sonars," he added. The number of PF assets with ASW capabilities will be increased once the two guided missile corvettes and six offshore patrol vessels now undergoing construction in South Korea are delivered within the next two years. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DFA chief, Rubio cite role of PH-US alliance in reg'l security Philippine News Agency By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora January 23, 2025, 8:52 am MANILA -- Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have affirmed the strength of the Philippines-US alliance during a conversation Wednesday night. In a statement, Manalo said he and Rubio discussed the "importance of the alliance for the prosperity and security of the Indo Pacific," and the strength of the two states' bilateral political, economic and people-to-people ties. "We look forward to working with Secretary Rubio and his team towards addressing challenges and sustaining the momentum and positive trajectory in our bilateral relations," he said. The State Department said the two foreign secretaries also spoke about China's "dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea". During the talk, Rubio conveyed that China's behavior "undermines regional peace and stability and is inconsistent with international law," and underscored the US' ironclad commitments to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty. The two exchanged views on ways to advance security cooperation, expand economic ties and deepen avenues for further regional cooperation. Ahead of his talk with Manalo, Rubio had met with the foreign ministers of QUAD a regional security grouping between the US, Japan, India and Australia and restated the US commitment to strengthening a "free and open Indo-Pacific where the rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are upheld and defended". Rubio also met Japan's Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi and both agreed that "further developing coordination of like-minded countries, including Japan-US-Republic of Korea, Japan-Australia-India-US, and Japan-US-Philippines" is important. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza recovers 137 bodies from rubble amid Israeli truce violations Iran Press TV Thursday, 23 January 2025 5:41 PM Palestinian rescue workers have recovered more bodies from the rubble across the besieged Gaza Strip, as Israeli forces continue to violate the ceasefire agreement with Hamas resistance group. Rescue and civil defense teams said Thursday they recovered at least 137 bodies from under the rubble across the blockaded territory in the past 24 hours. The health ministry in Gaza said hospitals had received 122 bodies, including 120 that "were recovered from under the rubble." The ministry reiterated its appeal to Gazans to submit information about dead or missing people to help update its records. Thousands of Palestinians are still trapped under rubble. Palestinian journalists have shared videos on social media platforms showing survivors in Gaza trying to find their relatives among the bodies wrapped in white shrouds. The death toll from Israel's war on Gaza has reached about 47,300 with numbers rising despite a ceasefire as new bodies are being found under the rubble on a daily basis. Israeli forces, meanwhile, continue to violate the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, launching fresh attacks across the besieged area. In the most recent Israeli aggression, at least two Palestinians were killed by Israeli tank fire in the Tal as-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah. A quadcopter attack targeted civilians in the al-Shaboura refugee camp near Rafah, resulting in one death and several injuries. There were reports of heavy fire from Israeli tanks near the Karem Abu Salem crossing in southern city of Rafah. The crossing is crucial for aid delivery into the besieged Gaza Strip. Israeli naval boats also fired on beaches in northern and southern Gaza. Ex-Israeli army chief: Netanyahu seeks to prolong war Former army chief Moshe Ya'alon lambasted Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition, saying it is not working in good faith to free captives. Ya'alon said said the regime is acting against the Israeli entity's interest by trying to prolong the war on Gaza. It "wants the war to continue until the end of its term, which goes against Israeli interests," he told Israel's Army Radio. "It is not acting sincerely to free the captives. We could have released them in November 2023." Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's far-right former minister who resigned in protest over the ceasefire agreement, took to X, calling the truce a "reckless surrender" and a "humiliation." He insisted that Israel must abandon this approach and resume military action to "destroy" Gaza. Ben-Gvir also condemned reports that the military instructed soldiers to remove offensive graffiti in Gaza, labelling it a "disgrace". Ben-Gvir and some other ministers have already resigned from Netanyahu's ruling coalition over the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Israel's finance minister Bezalel Smotrich also recently threatened to bring down Netanyahu's coalition if the besieged Gaza Strip is not occupied. Director of Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital said Israeli authorities had extended a ban on Dr. Hussam Abu Safia from meeting his lawyers until February 6. 'Over 38,000 Palestinian children orphaned by Israeli war' More than 38,000 Palestinian children have been orphaned by Israel's war on the Gaza Strip since October 2023, a health ministry official said on Thursday. Zaher al-Wahidi said that some 32,151 children lost their fathers, 4,417 lost their mothers, and 1,918 lost both parents. "At least 13,901 women were also widowed by the war," the official said. "These figures reflect the extent of the pain that the people of Gaza have suffered, which requires everyone to work urgently to alleviate the suffering of orphans and affected families and rebuild their lives," he added. Israel's 15-month war in Gaza displaced nearly all of its 2.3 million inhabitants, forcing many to live in meagre conditions in tents as bombs rained down. The al-Awda Hospital in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza said Thursday that Israel carried out 520 attacks on hospitals in Gaza during the 15-month war. More than 100 ambulance teams were targeted, 2,260 medical staff arrested, and six workers at the hospital were killed during the Israeli military's siege of the facility. The health system in the Palestinian territory was largely destroyed by more than 15 months of Israeli campaign of death and destruction. The director of Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital said Thursday Israeli authorities had again extended a ban on Dr. Hussam Abu Safia from meeting his lawyers until February 6. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya was abducted on December 27, 2024 when Israeli forces stormed the bombed-out hospital. All medical staff, patients and their relatives were taken out at gunpoint and transferred to an unknown location. The last photo of Abu Safiya showed him walking alone towards a row of Israeli tanks that had amassed outside the facility. Abu Safiya is understood to be held in the Sde Teiman military prison, notorious for torture. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on Israel to release the well-known director in the besieged Gaza Strip. The UN agency says it has received no updates on his safety since. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ansarullah dismisses terror designation: 'Being on US list of friends far more provocative' Iran Press TV Thursday, 23 January 2025 9:49 AM Yemen's Ansarullah has derided a recent decision by the US to label the resistance group a terrorist organization, asserting that being included on the US list of friends poses a greater threat than terrorism itself. Nasr al-Din Amer, the deputy head of Ansarullah's press service, on Thursday said that the United States' recent classification of Ansarullah as a terrorist organization will ultimately fail, just like their attempts to confront the group at sea which have ended in defeat. "Being included on the US list of allies would have posed greater risks and been far more provocative than being labeled as a terrorist organization," he said. Amer added that the US is directing its actions against the people of Yemen due to their support of Gaza, emphasizing that this recognition is a great honor for Yemenis and integral to their ongoing struggle. The movement had already clarified that it does not have any investment, bank accounts, or businesses in the United States and that its members do not travel to the country. Palestinian Mujahideen: US designation 'badge of honor' The Palestinian Mujahideen Movement in a statement on Thursday said that the designation is not only an attack on the Yemeni people but it also undermines the values of humanity, reflects a bias in favor of Israel, and provides it with further justification for its actions against the Palestinian people in Gaza. The statement said that the designation "confirms that the United States is a key partner in the ethnic cleansing and genocide committed by the Zionist criminals in the Gaza Strip." Mujahideen highlighted the Yemeni forces' crucial role in supporting Palestinians, characterizing their actions as honorable and essential in the fight against Israel's genocide of the besieged and defenseless population in the Gaza strip. "This new American decision against Ansarullah in Yemen is a badge of honor and proof that they are on the right path," the statement added. It criticized international organizations for their inaction regarding the crisis in Gaza, asserting that the US decision against Ansarullah is indicative of American and Israeli failure in the face of Yemeni resistance. The statement stressed that the real perpetrators of terrorism are Israeli leaders, specifically Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet, who stand accused of committing genocide in Gaza, as opposed to the Yemeni forces who are defenders against humanitarian crimes. The movement described the US designation as a misguided effort and a testament to the resilience of the Yemeni people. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday officially designated Ansarullah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), threatening to mobilize its regional proxies against Yemen in an attempt to pressure the Yemeni people to abandon their support for Gaza. The designation came in response to the Yemeni army's military operations on Israeli-occupied territories, and assaults on US Navy warships and Israel-linked vessels in the region since November 2023, launched in support of Palestinians being killed by Israel in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza remains unbroken: Palestinian commander Iran Press TV Thursday, 23 January 2025 2:43 AM A high-ranking Palestinian resistance commander hails the Gaza Strip's staying steadfast and strong in the face of 15 months of genocidal war by the Israeli regime. Hussein Fayyad (Abu Hamza), commander of the Beit Hanoun Brigade of the al-Qassam Brigades, the Gaza-based resistance movement Hamas' military wing, made the remarks on Thursday in the northern part of the coastal sliver. "Gaza remains unbroken. We all saw yesterday how Gaza emerged victorious, proud, head held high to the heavens," he said. The military official was referring to the Israeli regime's being forced to accept the terms of a ceasefire deal with Hamas amid unyielding and successful resistance operations by Gaza's fighters. "Battles are about achieving goals. If you don't achieve your goals, you have lost. As we say in military and civilian terms: The strong; if they are not victorious then they are defeated, while the weak; if they are not defeated, then they are victorious," Fayyad added. Fayyad led numerous strikes by the Beit Hanoun Brigades against various Israeli targets during Gaza's defensive operations throughout the war, including a fateful confrontation that led to the deaths of 15 Israeli officers and forces and injury of dozens of others. The two weeks running up to announcement of the ceasefire saw Israeli media outlets revealing that the entire membership of the Israeli military's Nahal Battalion, an infantry brigade, was killed in the battle of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. Fayyad's successful commandership and the words of triumph that he issued on Thursday came while Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari had announced his assassination on May 23, 2024, following, what the Israeli official had called, a face-to-face clash with the resistance official in a tunnel in Jabalia in northern Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Afghans In Mexico Anxious But Defiant As U.S. Shuts Down Immigration App By Roya Musawi and Farangis Najibullah January 23, 2025 Yasaman crossed more than half a dozen countries on foot, bus, and boat and paid thousands of dollars to smugglers to reach Mexico. Yasaman, an Afghan woman whose name has been changed to protect her identity, believed she was within touching distance of realizing her dream: entering the United States. But her hopes came crashing down on January 20, when new U.S. President Donald Trump declared an emergency on the southern border with Mexico as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration. As part of the executive order, U.S. authorities shut down the CBP One mobile app -- the only legal way for migrants to make an appointment with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, request asylum, and enter the country legally. "I don't know what to do now," said Yasaman, who arrived in Mexico in November 2024. "I'm waiting [for] what Trump will decide next about migrants." Yasaman, speaking by telephone from Mexico, said she received a notification on January 20 that read: "Existing appointments scheduled through CBP One are no longer valid." The shutdown of the app will affect thousands of migrants, including Afghans, hoping to enter the United States legally. Around 1 million appointments had been scheduled through CBP One since it was introduced in January 2023. Not Happy In Brazil Mexico has been a relatively new route for thousands of Afghan migrants seeking a new, better life in the United States. RFE/RL contacted the United Nations refugee agency and the Mexican migration authorities to find out how many U.S.-bound Afghan migrants are currently in Mexico. We have not received a response. An Afghan migrant who spoke to RFE/RL from the southern Mexican city of Tapachula estimated there were up to 1,500 people from Afghanistan in that city alone. Karimullah, whose name has been changed over privacy concerns, said Afghan migrants live in rented apartments, relying on the "limited amount of money" they have brought from Afghanistan or borrow from their relatives abroad. "Families go hungry for days while waiting for money from relatives," he said. A former civil rights activist, Karimullah fled Afghanistan after the hard-line Taliban returned to power in August 2021. After running out of money to pay for food and rent and as she was still waiting to get an appointment through CBP One, Yasaman got a job as a kitchen helper at a restaurant in the capital, Mexico City. Like many other Afghan migrants in Mexico, both Karimullah and Yasaman had already been offered asylum in other safe countries -- in their case Brazil, which has issued thousands of humanitarian visas for Afghan nationals since 2021. Asked by RFE/RL why they didn't want to stay in Brazil, where they had been given free accommodation and food, both Karimullah and Yasaman said they did not see a "good future" there due to a lack of jobs and other opportunities. Instead, many Afghans pay money to people-smugglers to take them through Bolivia, Peru, Equador, Colombia, Panama, and other countries to reach the U.S.-Mexico border. 'Life For Immigrants Not What It Used To Be' Some cross the border illegally. Ehsan Khan, a 26-year-old former driver from Kabul, entered the United States illegally in November 2024, hoping to get settled in the country before Trump closes the U.S. borders. After spending two months at an immigration detention facility, Khan was released on January 11 with an electronic ankle bracelet for authorities to monitor his movements. Speaking from San Diego by phone, Khan told RFE/RL that Afghan migrants should think twice before coming to the United States, because "the life in America for immigrants is not what it used to be." Khan did not give details of his new life in the United States but said it isn't worth the traumatic journey he had through Honduras and Guatemala, where he said he "was beaten by thieves who demanded money" and witnessed his best friend drown in the sea. "I saw my friend screaming for help as he drowned and I looked helplessly. I wanted to jump into the water, but I knew I couldn't swim. His parents often call me from Kabul and ask about him, and we cry," Khan said. Back in Mexico City, Yasaman is determined to enter the United States "by any means, legally or illegally." "I don't have a life or home in Afghanistan to go back to," Yasaman said. "I see my future only in America." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghan-migrants-mexico-cbp- one-immigration-app-cancelled-donald-trump/33285316.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 Secretary Rubio's Call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson January 23, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke yesterday with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to detail President Trump's immediate foreign policy priorities. Secretary Rubio reinforced the U.S. commitment to NATO and the continued importance of the Alliance to international security. The Secretary and Secretary General Rutte discussed the importance of having capable defense Allies and real burden sharing. They discussed the importance of ending Russia's war against Ukraine and the need for a peaceful solution. They also agreed that the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific are inextricably linked and on the need for greater cooperation and understanding between regions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Release of Galaxy Leader Crew Members US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson January 23, 2025 Today, we welcome the long-overdue release of 25 crew members of the MV Galaxy Leader hailing from Bulgaria, Mexico, the Philippines, Romania, and Ukraine. The United States is deeply grateful to the Sultanate of Oman for its essential and timely efforts to secure the release of the crew. The Houthis had unlawfully detained the crew since violently seizing their vessel over a year ago. The Houthis have still not released the MV Galaxy Leader itself, which is stolen property. Houthi attacks have endangered the lives of seafarers, hindered the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance, and harmed economies across the region. We must not be distracted by this insufficient action by the Houthis. Within Yemen, the Houthis continue to round up and detain hundreds of local staff members of the UN, NGOs, and diplomatic missions under abysmal conditions, including dozens of current and former Yemeni staff of the United States government unlawfully held based on false accusations. The Houthis have also stated that they will continue their unlawful attacks in the Red Sea against certain vessels associated with Israel. The Houthis must permanently cease all attacks in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways without exception and immediately release all of the hundreds of detainees. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA plays a crucial role in delivering essential services like education and healthcare: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Children in Gaza. 23 January 2025 First, following the terror attacks of 7 October and 15 months of appalling conflict, we stand with Palestinians and Israelis in relief and hope that the ceasefire and hostage release deal can bring lasting peace. The children of Gaza did not choose this war, yet they have paid the ultimate price. A third of identified bodies are children. At least 25,000 children are thought to have also sustained injuries. And in the last four months of 2024, nearly 19,000 children were hospitalised with acute malnutrition. Gaza has become the deadliest place in the world to be a child. The psychological scars of fear, pain and deprivation are clear. Nearly half the Palestinian children surveyed by one NGO in late 2024 expressed a desire to die. That is a truly shocking statistic. We must ensure that the needs of children are front and centre of efforts to rebuild in Gaza. As this Council heard in September from Dr Harlev of the Schneider Children's Medical Center, the events of 7 October also exacted a dreadful toll on Israeli children, who were killed, gravely injured and abducted. Some of whom have still not returned to their loved ones. It is unimaginably cruel of Hamas to take children hostage, and still to be holding them a full fifteen months later. They must be released. Second, President, we welcome news that aid is now flowing in at scale. And as USG Fletcher said, this must continue. Humanitarian actors must be allowed safe and unfettered access throughout Gaza, including the north and alongside this we need to see a massive increase in commercial delivery. The rollout of the polio vaccine to children in Gaza last year was an example of what can be achieved when there is political will. We urge the parties to enter this new phase in that same spirit and to prioritise those in desperate need. The ceasefire deal should be an opportunity to get more, not less, aid in. And for this reason, my Foreign Secretary has urged Israel to ensure UNRWA can continue its lifesaving operations and give the fragile ceasefire the best chance of success. Finally, the conflict has meant that the 1.1 million children of Gaza have been out of school for over 15 months. We cannot allow a generation of Palestinians to be deprived of education and their right to a better future. To do so risks further suffering and a continued cycle of violence. This is in neither Palestinian nor Israeli interests. Once again, UNRWA plays a crucial role here. We must ensure its delivery of essential services such as education and healthcare can continue until such time as a Palestinian state can take over these functions. President, in conclusion, this Council has a clear Children and Armed Conflict mandate to ensure that we protect children from the scourge of war and violence, wherever that may be. And yet grave violations against children are at an all-time high. We must do much more to reverse this appalling trajectory. We call on all parties to adopt and implement concrete and time bound action plans to end and prevent grave violations against children. The UK will do all we can to turn the current ceasefire in Gaza into a lasting peace based on a two-state solution, where Palestinian and Israeli children alike, can enjoy a safe and prosperous future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The UK will continue to champion coordination between the UN and LAS: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States. 23 January 2025 The UK strongly supports coordination between the UN and the League of Arab States on matters of international peace and security. The League of Arab States is an important and valuable partner in the region. One that has consistently used its voice to call for de-escalation and progress towards peace. This includes efforts to bring about ceasefires and alleviate the suffering of the people in the region over the past 15 months. After more than a year of devastating bloodshed in Gaza the ceasefire and hostage release deal offers hope. We must ensure this ceasefire holds and that we have a smooth transition into phase two. We must also see an immediate surge of aid into Gaza in accordance with the terms of the deal. Israel must ensure humanitarian access and the adequate provision of humanitarian aid after implementation of the UNRWA legislation on 30 January, according to its obligations as an occupying power. The ceasefire offers an opportunity which we must seize to pursue a lasting peace which offers a credible pathway towards a two-state solution. Turning to Lebanon, the agreement between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah has also offered hope for civilians whose lives have been devastated by more than a year of conflict. It is a first step toward a long-term political solution, and we call upon the parties to fulfil the obligations within this agreement and in line with Security Council Resolution 1701. On Syria, its people are finally free of Assad and there is real hope that they can finally take control of their future. The UK remains committed to a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition leading to an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government that can provide a secure and peaceful future. President, we must also be clear on the malign role of Iran and its partners in undermining peace and security across the region. The Iranian regime exports violence and instability and it has had a hand in all of these conflicts. We call upon Iran to cease its support for these groups and respect the resolutions passed by this Council. President, let me conclude by underlining the importance of close partnership between the UN and League of Arab States in pursuing resolutions to these conflicts and securing lasting peace and prosperity across the region. The UK will continue to champion coordination between these two institutions which can make a significant contribution to tackling regional, security, development and climate challenges. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'We must be there for them now,' says UN relief chief, highlighting plight of Gaza's children 23 January 2025 - In a rare moment of cautious optimism, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher addressed the Security Council on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza on Thursday, emphasizing the plight of children who have borne the brunt of the conflict. "Today marks one of the rare times we are able to highlight positive developments, albeit amid catastrophic humanitarian needs in Gaza," Mr. Fletcher began. He noted that the recent ceasefire has provided a much-needed reprieve from relentless hostilities, allowing for a surge in life-saving humanitarian aid. Mr. Fletcher expressed gratitude to the mediators - Egypt, Qatar, and the United States - for their efforts in upholding the ceasefire. "We can save more lives if all parties continue to honour the deal," he said. Starved and frozen to death However, Mr. Fletcher did not shy away from detailing the harrowing experiences of Palestinian children over the past 15 months. "Children have been killed, starved, and frozen to death. "They have been maimed, orphaned, or separated from their family," he stated, adding that over 17,000 children are currently without their families in Gaza. The situation for pregnant women and new mothers is equally dire, with an estimated 150,000 in desperate need of health services. "Some children died before their first breath - perishing with their mothers in childbirth," Mr. Fletcher lamented. Education has also been severely impacted, with many children losing their schools and struggling to access necessary care for chronic illnesses. "Many have faced sexual violence," Mr. Fletcher revealed, highlighting the additional indignity faced by girls who lack access to menstrual care. A generation traumatised According to UNICEF, one million children in Gaza are in need of mental health and psycho-social support for depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. "A generation has been traumatised," Mr. Fletcher declared. Despite these challenges, the ceasefire has allowed humanitarian organizations to step up their response. "Safe, unobstructed humanitarian access, alongside the absence of hostilities and the almost complete cessation of criminal looting, have significantly improved our ability to operate," Mr. Fletcher reported. The UN and partners have increased the flow of supplies, scaled up storage capacity, and repaired critical infrastructure. "We are getting supplies to designated emergency shelters and distribution centres across the Gaza Strip," Mr. Fletcher said. Efforts include delivering food parcels, reopening bakeries, and distributing fuel to ensure essential services can run on back-up generators. Mr. Fletcher emphasized the collective effort required to sustain these operations. "All of Gaza - more than 2 million people - depends on our humanitarian support," he stressed, calling for regular replenishment of aid stocks by Member States and the private sector. West Bank fighting, settler attacks Turning to the West Bank, Mr. Fletcher highlighted the record-high levels of casualties, displacement, and access restrictions since October 2023. "Israeli settlers have attacked Palestinian villages, setting homes and properties on fire," he reported, noting the increased movement restrictions impeding access to basic services. The situation in Jenin is particularly concerning, with recent Israeli military operations causing further destruction and displacement. "This follows the weeks-long operation by the Palestinian Authority, which triggered the displacement of some 2,000 families," Mr. Fletcher added. Three asks In his closing remarks, Mr. Fletcher made three urgent appeals to the Security Council: to ensure the ceasefire is maintained, to uphold international law across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and to secure funding for humanitarian operations. "Our 2025 Flash Appeal requires $4.07 billion to meet the needs of three million people in Gaza and the West Bank," he stated, emphasizing that nearly 90 per cent of the funds are needed for Gaza. "The children of Gaza are not collateral damage. They are as deserving as children everywhere of security, education, hope," Mr. Fletcher concluded. "We must be there for them now." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Afghanistan: ICC seeks arrest warrants for Taliban leaders over gender-based persecution 23 January 2025 - The International Criminal Court (ICC) has taken an historic step towards addressing the "unacceptable" systemic repression of Afghan women, girls and LGBTQI+ individuals by the Taliban. On Thursday, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan applied for arrest warrants for two senior Taliban officials: Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and Supreme Court Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani. They are accused of crimes against humanity on the grounds of gender-based persecution under the Rome Statute of the court, which sets out the duty of every State signatory to exercise its criminal jurisdiction over those responsible for international crimes. "These applications recognise that Afghan women and girls as well as the LGBTQI+ community are facing an unprecedented, unconscionable and ongoing persecution by the Taliban," Mr. Khan said in a statement. Since reclaiming power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have implemented a series of oppressive measures that have systematically stripped women of their rights, including barring them from employment, public spaces and education beyond the age of 12. The ICC Prosecutor emphasised that these acts constitute severe deprivations of fundamental rights, including physical autonomy, freedom of expression and access to education - rights protected under international law. Landmark decision against impunity This marks the first time the ICC has issued arrest warrant applications concerning Afghan. Mr. Khan said the filings are supported by diverse evidence, including expert testimony, forensic reports and numerous decrees issued by the de facto authorities. The ICC's Afghanistan team, under the supervision of Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan and Special Adviser on Gender and Discriminatory Crimes Lisa Davis, has played a critical role in investigating these allegations, the prosecutor continued. These severe deprivations of fundamental rights were committed in connection with other Rome Statute crimes, Mr. Khan explained. "Perceived resistance or opposition to the Taliban was, and is, brutally repressed through the commission of crimes including murder, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, enforced disappearance, and other inhumane acts," he said. He underscored that the Taliban's interpretation of Sharia - the Islamic legal system derived from the Quran - cannot be used to justify such violations of fundamental human rights. Victims' resilience "In making these applications, I wish to acknowledge the remarkable courage and resilience of Afghan victims and witnesses who cooperated with my Office's investigations," Mr. Khan noted. "We remain unwavering in our commitment to ensure that they are not forgotten, and to demonstrate through our work, through the effective and impartial application of international law," he affirmed, underscoring that "all lives have equal value." The Prosecutor also expressed gratitude to Afghan civil society and international partners for their support. Next steps The ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber will now determine whether these applications for arrest warrants establish reasonable grounds to believe that the named individuals committed the alleged crimes. "If the judges issue the warrants, my Office will work closely with the Registrar in all efforts to arrest the individuals," said Mr. Khan, also announcing that further applications against other senior Taliban leaders are forthcoming. "Afghan victims and survivors have suffered injustice for too long," he stressed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Guterres voices alarm over M23 rebel offensive in DR Congo, 'devastating toll' on civilians 23 January 2025 - The UN chief on Thursday expressed alarm over a renewed offensive by M23 rebels in recent days in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which is taking a "devastating toll" on civilians. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement issued by his Spokesperson noted the Rwandan-backed rebels seizure of Sake, in South Kivu, "which increases the threat" to the regional capital Goma - all of which is "heightening the threat of a regional war." Rwanda denies any direct involvement with M23 fighters. Since the UN Mission withdrew from South Kivu in June 2024, peacekeepers have defended key positions in North Kivu, including Goma and Sake, where clashes between the M23, the Congolese Armed Forces and other armed groups have continued. Recent fighting in the village of Bweremana north of Minova claimed at least 10 lives and triggered mass displacement toward Kalehe, Goma and Rusayo, leaving more than 250,000 people displaced, the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, said. "The Secretary-General calls on the M23 to immediately cease its offensive, withdraw from all occupied areas and abide by the 31 July 2024 ceasefire agreement," said the UN chief's statement. Rwandan troops inside DRC He added that he was deeply troubled by the most recent report of the Group of Experts established under Security Council resolution 1533, which highlighted the "presence of Rwandan troops on Congolese soil and continued support to the M23." He calls on all involved in the on-going conflict in eastern DRC to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and "put an end to all forms of support to armed groups, whether Congolese or foreign." Mr. Guterres also reaffirmed his "unwavering support" for the Luanda peace process headed by President Joao Lourenco of Angola to de-escalate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. Mediation talks began in the Angolan capital in June 2022. The UN chief commended the Angolan president for progress made so far. Civilian protection paramount "He urges the parties to remain engaged in the Luanda process and maintain momentum on the neutralization of the FDLR [ethnic Hutu rebel group of exiled Rwandan refugees] and withdrawal of Rwandan forces, as well as the swift operationalization of the Reinforced Ad-Hoc Verification Mechanism." The UN chief urged all parties to the fighting to uphold human rights and international humanitarian law, including by ensuring immediate and unfettered access to populations in need of humanitarian assistance. "He reaffirms the determination of MONUSCO to implement its mandate to protect civilians. He strongly condemns action by any party that endangers the safety and security of UN blue helmets and civilian personnel." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA Situation Report #156 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. All information updated for 15 - 22 January 2025 UNRWA 23 Jan 2025 Days 467-474 since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip Highlights A deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in the Gaza Strip was announced on 15 January and entered into force on 19 January 2025. Hundreds of trucks - including UNRWA trucks - carrying essential humanitarian aid have crossed into the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire. The United Nations are doing everything possible to scale up humanitarian aid across Gaza, fully aware of the existing obstacles and challenges. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Catherine Russell stated that the war has reportedly killed at least 14,500 children, injured thousands more, left an estimated 17,000 unaccompanied or separated from their parents, and nearly one million displaced from their homes. According to a preliminary debris quantification assessment conducted by UN-Habitat and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the debris generated by the war in the Gaza Strip amounted to 50,773,496 tonnes by 1 December 2024. Key points The Gaza Strip A deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza was announced on 15 January 2025. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement, and UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini posted on X (previously known as Twitter) that "this agreement will finally bring much needed respite for the people of Gaza and the release of hostages", adding that many have been hoping for this moment for 15 months. He pointed out that rapid, unhindered and uninterrupted humanitarian access is needed to respond to the tremendous suffering caused by the war. Between 15 January and the morning of 19 January, strikes by the Israeli Forces were reported, with aerial, land and maritime bombardments across the Gaza Strip, resulting in civilian casualties and the destruction of residential buildings and public infrastructure. In a press briefing held in New York on 17 January, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that a ceasefire is only a starting point, adding that UNRWA is ready to support the international response by scaling up aid delivery, as well as the recovery of Gaza by resuming education and continuing to provide primary healthcare. He also warned that a full implementation of the Israeli legislation to end UNRWA's operations in the occupied Palestinian territories - due to enter into force by the end of the month - would be catastrophic. On the morning of 19 January, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip came into force. OCHA explains that the first 42-day phase of the ceasefire provides for the gradual release of some Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of some Palestinian detainees, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from population centres except for identified buffer zones, a gradual withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor between northern and southern Gaza, and the large-scale expansion of aid delivery into Gaza. On the first day of the ceasefire, more than 630 trucks with humanitarian aid entered Gaza, at least 300 of them to the north. On the same day, three female Israeli hostages were released from Gaza and 90 Palestinians, among them 69 women and 21 children, were released from Israeli detention into the West Bank including East Jerusalem, as part of the implementation of the ceasefire deal. Addressing the UN Security Council on 20 January, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that the United Nations will do everything possible to advance necessary efforts "to scale up humanitarian aid across Gaza, fully aware of the significant obstacles, challenges and constraints that we still face." Thousands of humanitarian trucks - including UNRWA's - carrying essential supplies have crossed into the Gaza Strip since the start of the ceasefire. The situation and operating environment in Gaza have significantly improved, allowing for a scale-up in the humanitarian response. UNRWA teams are on the ground to deliver supplies and provide services to a population overwhelmed by 15 months of constant bombardment, forced displacement, and lack of critical resources. Scaling up aid delivery, including for the private sector, will be a complex and challenging humanitarian operation in which UNRWA is pivotal. UNRWA holds the equivalent of nearly 7,000 trucks of aid in different locations ready to be delivered to the Gaza Strip. A total of 1,521 trucks are currently under procurement. The UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated that "the war has exacted a horrific toll on Gaza's children - reportedly leaving at least 14,500 dead, thousands more injured, an estimated 17,000 unaccompanied or separated from their parents, and nearly one million displaced from their homes." The World Health Organization (WHO) stressed that "health challenges ahead are immense", with only half of Gaza's 36 hospitals partially operational, nearly all hospitals damaged or partly destroyed, and just 38 per cent of primary health care centres functional. An estimated 25 per of those injured - around 30,000 people - face life-changing injuries and will need ongoing rehabilitation. According to a preliminary debris quantification assessment conducted by UN-Habitat and the UNEP, the debris generated by the war in the Gaza Strip increased from 22,9 million tonnes on 7 January 2024 to 50,773,496 tonnes by 1 December 2024, marking a 121 per cent rise in 11 months. The most significant increase was observed in Rafah, while the Gaza Governorate recorded the highest total amount of debris. The UN Secretary-General Spokesperson reported that, according to UN partners working on the shelter response in Gaza, more than 90 per cent of housing units in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed over the past 15 months. On 15 January, the Israeli Forces issued an evacuation order impacting areas of Jabalia, north Gaza. Fifteen UNRWA installations are located in close proximity to the affected area. According to a study by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), the Agricultural Development Association (PARC), and Women's Affairs Centre (WAC), between October 2023 and October 2024 people in the Gaza Strip had been displaced an average of six times - or every two months - and up to 19 times. The study highlighted that repeated displacement has devastated livelihoods, with 70 per cent of surveyed families reporting no income. The research also pointed out that resource scarcity, overcrowding and lack of privacy have emerged as new drivers of displacement. According to the UN, at least 1.9 million people - or about 90 per cent of the population - across the Gaza Strip are displaced. Many have been displaced repeatedly, some 10 times or more. Since the start of the ceasefire, new population movements have been reported, with people trying to return to their homes, most of which have been either severely damaged or destroyed. - or about of the population - across the Gaza Strip are displaced. Many have been displaced repeatedly, some 10 times or more. Since the start of the ceasefire, new population movements have been reported, with people trying to return to their homes, most of which have been either severely damaged or destroyed. Between 7 October 2023 and 22 January 2025, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza, as stated by OCHA, at least 47,161 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza and 111,166 have been injured. Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza and have been injured. OCHA reports that, the MoH in Gaza published the breakdown of 40,717 out of 42,010 fatalities as of 7 October 2024. These reportedly include 13,319 children, 7,216 women, 3,447 elderly, and 16,735 men. Among the child fatalities, 786 children are under one year of age, representing about 6 per cent of killed children whose full identification details have been documented, the MoH further reported. Additionally, as of 7 October 2024, the MoH noted that 35,055 children had lost one or both parents over the past year. According to OCHA, before the ceasefire came into effect, out of 301 planned aid movements requiring coordination with Israeli authorities across the Gaza Strip between 1 and 18 January, 115 were denied, 43 were interfered with or faced impediments, 26 were cancelled due to logistical and security challenges, and 117 were facilitated. Of the 52 coordinated movements needing to cross from southern Gaza through the Israeli military-controlled checkpoints on Al Rashid or Salah ad Din roads to areas north of Wadi Gaza, only 15 were facilitated, while 20 were denied, 12 faced impediments, and five were cancelled. These include 21 attempts to reach the formerly besieged area in North Gaza, of which two were impeded. In the south, out of the 33 planned movements submitted to the Israeli authorities to access Rafah governorate between 1 and 18 January, 24 were denied, five were facilitated, three faced impediments, and one was cancelled. This excludes 20 coordinated movements to Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing, of which 10 were facilitated, three denied, two impeded, and five cancelled. Since the ceasefire came into effect, such coordination is no longer required except for crossing Netzarim corridor or entering the buffer zone. As of 20 January, the total number of UNRWA team members killed since 7 October 2023 is 272 . . The latest information on supplies entering Gaza can be accessed through the link below: Gaza Supplies and Dispatch Tracking | UNRWA The West Bank, including East Jerusalem According to OCHA, between 7 October 2023 and 15 January 2025, 829 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Of those, 498 Palestinians were killed in 2024. Between 13 and 19 January, 15 Palestinians fatalities were reported in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. This includes 12 killed by airstrikes: successive Israeli Forces airstrikes on both 14 and 15 January each killed six Palestinians in Jenin Camp, including one child in the airstrike on 14 January. A Palestinian child was shot and killed by Israeli Forces in Sabastiya on 19 January. Two Palestinians from the West Bank in Israeli detention also died during this period, allegedly due to medical negligence. On 17 January an agreement to end hostilities in Jenin Camp and surroundings was reportedly reached between Palestinian Security Forces (PSF) and Palestinian armed actors present inside the camp. UNRWA staff members were able to return to the camp on 18 January, following more than a month of suspended services due to the violence. Damage has been sustained by multiple UNRWA facilities inside Jenin Camp, including the Health Centre, the Camp Services Office, and three UNRWA schools. Late on 19 January, 90 Palestinians, among them 69 women and 21 children, were released from Israeli detention into the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as part of the prisoner release within the scope of the Gaza ceasefire deal. In the lead up to the start of the ceasefire, there was heightened Israeli settler violence and harassment against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Incidents of settler violence were reported during 18 and 19 January in locations including Yatma, Kur, Sabastiya, Yasuf, and Al Mughayyer. On 19 January Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian village of Sinjil, setting fire to a house and several vehicles. Overall situation The Gaza Strip Between 7 October 2023 and 22 January 2025, according to the MoH in Gaza as stated by OCHA, at least 47,161 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in the Gaza Strip while 111,166 have been reported injured. Humanitarian access, protection of civilians UNRWA is working to verify the details of incidents that reportedly impact UNRWA premises. Further information will be provided once it becomes available*. Two new armed conflict-related incidents have been reported impacting UNRWA installations and displaced people sheltering there, including UNRWA personnel: On 18 January, the Israeli Forces directly struck, with an artillery shell, the third floor of an UNRWA health centre in Al Maghazi. The extent of damage to the health centre is under verification. On 16 January, the Israeli Forces reportedly directly struck the second and third floor of the southern side of an UNRWA school in Gaza City. Initial reports indicate that two persons were killed, and 17 others were injured. Six classrooms were reportedly damaged. Additionally, shrapnel resulting from the Israeli Forces strike reportedly struck the northern side of an adjacent UNRWA school, causing damage to eight classrooms. One child was reportedly killed, and 18 persons were injured, including a Job Creation Programme (JCP) worker. As of 13 January 2025, 665* incidents impacting UNRWA premises and the people inside them have been reported since the beginning of the war. 205* UNRWA installations have been impacted by armed conflict-related incidents since the beginning of the war, some on multiple occasions. UNRWA estimates that, in total, at least 744* persons sheltering in UNRWA installations have been killed and at least 2,346* injured since the start of the war. UNRWA continues to verify and update the number of casualties caused by these incidents. * Since the start of the war in October 2023, the latest casualty figures are continuously under review as UNRWA gains access to locations that were previously inaccessible and as further verifications occur. The summary figures will be published/updated as information becomes available, noting that these numbers are subject to change once verifications are concluded. UNRWA Response The Gaza Strip Health According to the Health Cluster, UNRWA remains one of the largest health actors operating in the Gaza Strip, contributing to over half of the people reached with health services since 7 October 2023. Between 7 October 2023 and 12 January 2025, UNRWA provided over 7.2 million medical consultations across the Gaza Strip. In addition to medical consultations, UNRWA (in partnership with and supported by other UN agencies, including UNICEF and WHO) continues to immunize children. Nearly 240,000 routine vaccines have been administered to children from January 2024. In addition, around 560,000 children under the age of 10 across the Gaza Strip have been vaccinated against polio. As of 19 January, only three out of 22 UNRWA health centres and four additional UNRWA-rented facilities used as temporary health centres were operational in Gaza. Health services are also provided through 89 mobile medical teams working in 52 medical points inside and outside shelters in the middle area, Khan Younis, Al Mawasi and Gaza City. UNRWA health facilities provide primary health care, including outpatient services, non-communicable disease care, giving out medications, vaccination, antenatal and postnatal health care, laboratory and dental services, physiotherapy and dressings for the injured. The number of operational health facilities changes constantly based on demand, access and security. As of 19 January, 1,022 UNRWA health staff worked in health centres, temporary clinics and medical points across the Gaza Strip, providing 9,492 health consultations on that day. UNRWA continued to provide mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services in the middle and Khan Younis areas, with teams of psychiatrists, psychosocial counsellors and supervisors to assist special cases referred from UNRWA health centres and shelters. On 19 January, UNRWA teams responded to 378 cases in health centres and at medical points through individual consultations, awareness sessions and to address cases of gender-based violence (GBV). On 19 January, UNRWA medical teams provided care for 439 post-natal and pregnant women at high risk. On 19 January, UNRWA teams provided dental and oral health services in fixed and mobile clinics, reaching 355 patients. On 19 January, 195 patients received physiotherapy rehabilitation services in health centres and medical points. UNRWA laboratory services continue to be limited due to little availability of stocks of most laboratory supplies. Laboratory equipment requires maintenance or replacement. Psychosocial Support and Learning UNRWA remains the largest provider of emergency learning and psychosocial support (PSS) across the Gaza Strip. Around 660,000 children are out of school due to the war. On 1 August 2024, UNRWA began its first phase response of "Back to Learning" with a focus on mental health activities. This is taking place in 86 Temporary Learning Spaces in 40 UNRWA schools-turned-shelters[2], with the support of over 900 teachers and up to 750[3] school counsellors. More than 18,000 children, over half of them girls, have benefited from UNRWA's "Back to Learning" programme so far. Between 13 and 19 January 2025, 8,998 children (3,564 boys, 5,434 girls, including 364 children with disabilities) participated in basic literacy and numeracy activities, PSS sessions and recreational activities including arts, music and sports. UNRWA continues to provide lifesaving PSS services in Gaza, including psychological first aid, individual and group counselling, fatigue management sessions, recreational activities, Explosive Ordinance Risk Education and protection cash assistance, reaching children, youth and adults. Since the onset of the conflict and up to 19 January, around 730,000 displaced people, including over 520,000 children, have benefited from 281,824 PSS sessions and activities. Between 13 and 19 January, a total of 13,029 displaced people accessed these services. Between 7 October 2023 and 13 January 2025, UNRWA's social work team has provided services to 204,359 displaced people, including psychological first aid, PSS services, family and individual activities, as well as case management. During the same reporting period, protection services were provided to 1,898 survivors of GBV and 3,052 children, including 1,494 unaccompanied children, covering reunification, cash assistance, safe sheltering, medication, dignity kits and non-food items through referrals. The team also supported 22,309 persons with disabilities with PSS; 7,753 of these individuals received assistive devices and rehabilitation services. Awareness sessions on GBV, child protection, disability and special needs, as well as managing social and psychological stressors, were conducted for 153,177 displaced people. Food Security As of January 2025, over 388,000 families (nearly 1.9 million people) have been reached with two rounds of flour; over 374,000 of those families have received three rounds. UNRWA continues to distribute food parcels wherever possible. These include[4] rice, chickpeas, lentils, beans, oil, salt, sugar, milk powder, hummus, canned meat and canned fish, and are designed to cover approximately 90 per cent of daily calorific needs per quarter. To date, around 1.69 million people have been reached, of whom at least 215,000 people have received two rounds of food parcels since the war started. In addition to the distribution of UNRWA food parcels, the Agency distributes food parcels on behalf of other UN organisations, reaching over 1.4 million people. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Since October 2023, UNRWA has carried out emergency WASH activities across the Gaza Strip. The main activities include operating and maintaining water wells and desalination systems and supplying water with water trucks and bottled water. In addition, UNRWA continues to distribute hygiene kits and maintain hygiene in UNRWA shelters and sites by providing cleaning supplies, community-based solid waste management and pest control. UNRWA continues to be one of the largest WASH actors in the Gaza Strip. Between August and mid-November, UNRWA accounted for around 44 per cent of water, sanitation and hygiene activities reported in the Gaza Strip, Including access to water (56 per cent), access to sanitation and solid waste management (42 per cent), and flood mitigation and prevention (66 per cent). [1] Some of the information is reported during the reporting period but does not necessarily correspond to the reporting period. [2] Initially reaching 45 UNRWA schools/shelters, "Back to Learning" will gradually expand to 94 schools in future phases. [3] 176 school counsellors and 566 assistant counsellors. [4] The composition of the food parcel may change based on food item availability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Arab League-United Nations Cooperation Key to Resolving Conflicts, Security Council Told Meetings Coverage Security Council 9844th Meeting (AM) SC/15974 23 January 2025 Algeria's Minister Calls for Partnership that Breathes New Life into Arab Diplomacy Bolstering relations between the League of Arab States and the United Nations will help overcome political impasse and find lasting solutions to crises and conflicts in Gaza, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Lebanon, Sudan and Somalia, top officials from those organizations told the Security Council today. Khaled Khiari, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific at the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, welcomed ceasefire in Gaza and Israeli hostages being released, citing a deal brokered by two Arab League members, namely Egypt and Qatar, as well as the United States. "This critical and long-awaited agreement offers a ray of hope, a long-overdue moment that provides much-needed relief for Palestinians in Gaza and for the hostages reunited with their loved ones," he added. The United Nations is now doing its part to ensure the rapid scaling up of humanitarian relief, he said. He also commended the Arab League for its vocal support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in carrying out its mandate as adopted by the General Assembly in all its areas of operation. "As Syria seeks to charge a new course following the fall of the Assad government", the United Nations continues its close engagement with the League and its member States to coordinate support for a Syrian-led political process based on the key principles of Security Council resolutions, he said. He also commended the League's role in contributing to the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel. The League is also an important partner for the United Nations in facilitating a comprehensive and inclusive political settlement of the conflict in Yemen and Libya, he added. He also expressed concern over the conflict in Sudan and commended efforts of the League there, including in bolstering multilateral coordination. Climate change, inequality and other global issues continue to grow increasingly intense, often exacerbating the conflicts themselves. "We commit to continue our partnership with the League of Arab States to augment our joint efforts to improve the lives of people across the Arab region and beyond," he added. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, stressed that cooperation is pivotal to promoting regional and international security. Underscoring that the ceasefire in Gaza is "not a permanent solution", he said that only the realization of the Palestinian people's right to an independent State can guarantee peace. "The continued denial of this right is a threat to international peace and security," he asserted. In that regard, he highlighted the League's initiatives, including establishing the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, together with Saudi Arabia, European Union, Norway and other peace-loving nations. The League is also hopeful that Syria will undergo a successful transition that will pave the way to ending the crisis without any foreign intervention while preserving the country's unity and territorial integrity. In this context, he noted the appointment of his personal envoy to visit Syria to understand the new situation. He further supported Sudan as it is facing a war with the most severe humanitarian consequences worldwide, calling for a settlement that fulfils the needs of its people. In the same vein, he continued, the coordination process in Libya must be resumed as soon as possible, also voicing support for Somalia's unity and territorial integrity. He then requested that Council members revisit the League' headquarters in Cairo soon to hold extensive meetings. In the ensuing discussion, Council members underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between the League of Arab States and the UN, with Ahmed Attaf, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Algeria which holds Council presidency for January emphasizing that the security situation is critical in one third of League member States. "The quick and rapid developments in our region have dangerous repercussions," he emphasized, also adding: "More than ever, we need an Arab-UN partnership that breathes new life into Arab diplomacy". The United States representative said that cooperation can help the region seize this opportunity. "We need our Arab friends and partners to step up and to use this moment to engage Israelis and Palestinians to show that a better, more peaceful future is possible," she said. The speaker for the Republic of Korea added that the spillover effects of the Gaza conflict serve as a reminder of the centrality of the Palestinian question in the region. China's delegate warned against Syria becoming a base for terrorism, urging the Arab League to leverage its strength of geographical, historical, religious and cultural affinity and play a unique role in conflict prevention and mediation. Cooperation with Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Association of Southeast Asian Nations Pakistan's representative emphasized that strengthened UN-Arab League cooperation is essential to address terrorism, organized crime and climate change. Effective partnerships must also tackle capacity gaps and secure sustainable financing, he pointed out, encouraging the League to enhance engagement also with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Economic Cooperation Organization and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). "The relationship between the United Nations and the League of Arab States is a clear example of the value of multilateral cooperation in addressing common challenges and in crafting sustainable solutions," echoed Panama's representative. He further stressed the need to guarantee effective humanitarian responses and protect civilians by optimizing coordination. Denmark's representative noted that the UN-Arab League partnership is critical in advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda while Guyana's delegate pointed out that time has made it increasingly clear that regional organizations are better placed to effectively address the increasingly transnational nature of security threats. Other countries directly affected by conflict in the region echoed similar sentiments, as Somalia's representative underscored that "cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States reflects the strength of joint action" that bolsters conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Many people in the Arab region are facing severe humanitarian crises, he observed, noting the need to provide them with assistance, particularly women, children and refugees. It is therefore crucial to guarantee women's economic and political empowerment and participation in peace processes, he added. League's Coordinating Role in Post-Conflict Assistance The Russian Federation's delegate emphasized that the League can and should play a role in supporting the Gaza ceasefire and coordinating Arab countries in providing post-conflict assistance to the Palestinian people. "While a ray of hope shines in the region" thanks to the long-over-due ceasefire and hostage release deal, humanitarian aid and reconstruction challenges remain, cautioned Greece's delegate, stressing that "it is time to seize the momentum and redouble our collective efforts towards our shared objective of regional peace and stability". Egypt's delegate, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, spotlighted the critical need to protect and support UNRWA against the illegal Israeli measures that aim to undermine the agency. Noting the vital importance of regional and international cooperation, he proposed that the Council visit the Arab League Headquarters in his country's capital, as well as visit Palestine, which must become a full-fledged UN member. Sierra Leone's representative described the ceasefire in Gaza as "a potential catalyst" for a renewed focus on the peace process in Yemen. The escalation of attacks from the Houthis against Israel and the Red Sea region has had profound implications for broader regional stability. Turning to Libya, he said its people "have long yearned for stability", and a unified approach by the Arab League, African Union and the UN is key to facilitating national reconciliation integration and rebuilding. On Lebanon, the United Kingdom's delegate said the agreement between Israel and Hizbullah has offered hope for the people whose lives were devastated by the conflict. "It is a first step towards a long-term political solution," he said. Syria's developments continued to be part of the conversation on regional participation, said France's representative, stating: "We must meet the legitimate social, economic and political aspirations of the people." On that, "the Arab League will be pivotal in supporting Syria's reconstruction", added Slovenia's delegate, emphasizing the importance of women's participation at all levels of post-conflict processes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CTF 63 Air Logistics: Schedulers of the Skies US Navy 23 January 2025 From Ben Farone NAPLES, Italy -- When there's a need to move cargo, personnel, and even the Navy's four-legged law enforcement officers throughout the European theater, customers call the team at Commander, Task Force SIX THREE (CTF-63) Air Logistics. "We are the point of contact customers reach out to when they require an airlift to be done. Whether that's passengers, mail, HAZMAT or even repair parts, we coordinate all of that," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Glenn Santos, a diplomatic clearance clerk with CTF-63 from Rizal, Philippines. "When a customer has a lift request, we draft the flight plan and send it through the Defense Attache Office. We let them know which planes are headed where and they process the request through the local embassy," said Santos. CTF-63 schedules a dozen different flight crews that provide logistics support in the European theater. Four of those crews are provided by rotational squadrons, manning the C-40 Clipper and C-130 Hercules aircraft. The other eight are permanently stationed onboard Naval Support Activity, Naples and Naval Air Station Sigonella, flying the C-26 Metroliner. "On average, we coordinate about three flights per day. If we have a [U.S. Navy aircraft carrier] strike group in the region, that number can increase, and sometimes double," said Naval Aircrewman (Operator) 1st Class Samuel Ghinea, another diplomatic clearance clerk with CTF-63 and a native of Fremont, California. "And we have a team of just seven to manage it all," Ghinea continued. Two recent passengers requiring a flight to Paris were Brutus, a military working dog (MWD) stationed in Sigonella, and Brutus' Handler, Master-At-Arms 3rd Class Isaiah Koontz, from Massillon, Ohio. At the direction of the United States Secret Service, Brutus and Koontz travelled to Paris to prepare areas being visited by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Having a dedicated flight specific to this mission was an invaluable benefit according to Koontz. "Traveling MILAIR [military aircraft] makes traveling a lot easier," said Koontz. "...I was able to access my dog really easily and make sure he was OK. It helps us get where we need to be faster and causes less stress. I think MILAIR is better for both the handler and the MWD," said Koontz. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli military says it killed 2 militants connected to West Bank bus attack By VOA News January 23, 2025 An Israeli tank killed two Palestinians west of the city of Rafah in southern Gaza on Thursday, the enclave's civil defense said. The Israeli military said it was looking into the attack, according to media reports. Rafah is near the border with Egypt. The attack comes days after a ceasefire agreement began on Sunday between Israel and the militant group Hamas that is expected to last for at least six weeks. Also on Thursday, Israel's military said Thursday it killed two Islamic Jihad militants who were involved in a deadly attack on a bus in the occupied West Bank earlier this month. The Israel Defense Forces said its troops killed the militants in the village of Burqin amid an exchange of fire after the militants had barricaded themselves in a building. One Israeli soldier was injured in the attack, the military said. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the operation Thursday and said Israel will continue its operation targeting terrorists in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank to ensure it does not become a base for attacks. Israel launched the operation on Tuesday, days after it began a ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank increased after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli counterassault in Gaza. Palestinian health officials say Israeli raids and attacks by Israeli settlers have killed more than 800 Palestinians in the West Bank during that time. Israel's military says at least 29 Israelis, including soldiers have been killed. The Gaza war began with the Hamas attack in which the militants killed 1,200 people and took 250 people hostage. Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., U.K., EU and others. Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 47,000, with most of them women and children, according to the health ministry in Gaza. The U.S. State Department said new Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to help Israeli free the remaining hostages as he spoke by telephone Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Rubio "congratulated the Prime Minister on Israel's successes against Hamas and Hezbollah" and highlighted that maintaining "steadfast support for Israel is a top priority" for the United States under President Donald Trump, according to a statement from State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror group, said it will release another round of hostages on Saturday. A Hamas official told Agence France-Presse on Tuesday that the next group of hostages would be four Israeli women, who would be set free in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Shortly after the six-week ceasefire began, Hamas released three hostages while Israeli freed 90 Palestinian prisoners. Another component of the ceasefire is that more aid will flow into Gaza. On Thursday, the United Nations said 653 aid trucks entered the besieged enclave. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Analysts: China normalizing its claims to maritime zone shared with South Korea By Christy Lee January 23, 2025 South Korea should increase efforts to prevent China from normalizing its claims to sovereignty over a disputed maritime area in waters the two countries share, analysts say. China has been doing it for decades in the South China Sea, analysts say, where it has been using so-called gray zone tactics to assert its claims over vast stretches of maritime territory claims contested by several neighboring countries in the area. Recent Chinese activity in the waters it shares with South Korea has prompted analysts' warnings that Beijing is doing the same to Seoul. South Korean officials said earlier this month that China had installed a steel structure in disputed waters west of South Korea, The Chosun Daily in Seoul reported. Using reconnaissance satellites, South Korean intelligence agencies detected the structure last month and estimate that it exceeds 50 meters in width and height, The Chosun Daily said. The structure was spotted in the disputed area known as the Provisional Measures Zone, or PMZ, in the Yellow Sea, which South Korea calls the Western Sea. The zone is where the exclusive economic zones of the two countries overlap. The zone was established in 2001 to manage the overlapping claims to the area. Building any kind of facility and conducting activities unrelated to fishing are banned in the area until the dispute is settled. China installed two similar structures in a nearby area in April and May, prompting protests by South Korea. 'Gray zone strategy' "It is likely that these recent actions are tied to a gray zone strategy that slowly encroaches on this area in ways that over the long-term reinforces their claims," said Terence Roehrig, an Asia-Pacific security expert and lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "The goal of a gray zone strategy is to slowly force the target state to accept a new normal in the area. Seoul must ensure that does not happen by continuing to assert its position and insist that the delimitation of these waters be settled through negotiation," Roehrig continued. "China views the Yellow Sea as a crucial area for its security and potential gateway into the Chinese heartland. It is likely that eventually, these structures may have some military use," he added. Gray zone tactics blur the line between what is legal and illegal through paramilitary coercions designed to weaken an adversary over time. China's tactics have included building artificial islands and making incursions, pushing the boundary of what is allowed to project military power and control sea routes. "The incident demonstrates China is using the same strategy it employed in the South China Sea with South Korea now," said Rahman Yaacob, research fellow for the Southeast Asia program at the Lowy Institute. According to Yaacob, China has used gray tactics to build civilian structures in the South China Sea since the early 1990s. China installed structures in Mischief Reef back then, saying their purpose was to support fishermen, he said. "We now know Mischief Reef has been converted into a military base on an artificial island," Yaacob said. China now has a military base on an artificial island it built on Mischief Reef, which is in the Spratly Islands. Mischief Reef is also claimed by multiple countries that protest China's military buildup. Admiral John Aquilino, the former U.S. Indo-Pacific commander, said in 2022 that China seemed to have completed the construction of missile arsenals, aircraft hangers, radar systems and other military facilities in Mischief Reef. David Maxwell, vice president of the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy, said China might want access to "the mineral rights under the sea and to be able to transit freely in the area so it can control commerce and flow of activities in the area" close to South Korea. Sustained structures in the region could impact naval operations of South Korea and the U.S., he continued. "It's important that South Korea, in particular, but also the United States, Japan and other allies do not allow China to normalize its activities," Maxwell added. "That's what it wants to do normalize its presence so it can claim it as its sovereign [maritime] territory." In response to South Korea's protests, China said last year that the structures were for supporting fishing activities. The Yellow Sea is a key fishing site for China. "It's certainly possible that the structures are used to support fishing activities," said Tabitha Grace Mallory, a founder and CEO of China Ocean Institute and a University of Washington professor focusing on China's ocean policy. "The fact that these structures are being built unilaterally in the PMZ is just unnecessarily provocative," she added. Telling VOA on Tuesday that he is "not familiar with the situation," Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said, "I would like to point out that China is a responsible country that has always carried out distant-water fishery and marine scientific activities in accordance with laws and regulations." Exploiting political turmoil Some analysts say China could be taking advantage of Seoul's political situation to install the structure in the disputed waters. The installation coincides with the political chaos stemming from South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived declaration of martial law. "China is helping to create the political chaos in South Korea so that it can conduct these activities inside South Korea's economic exclusive zone" and "act with impunity," Maxwell said. Others are unsure whether the two incidents are related. "I don't know if this is explicitly tied to exploiting [South Korea's] political turmoil," said Andrew Yeo, the SK-Korea Foundation chair in Korea studies at the Brookings Institution. "But Beijing may be testing South Korea's political resolve over disputed maritime claims, especially if we anticipate that the Trump administration will press [Seoul] to do more to counter Chinese threats in the Indo-Pacific," Yeo continued. Patrick Cronin, the Asia-Pacific security chair at the Hudson Institute, said Beijing does not want to push South Korea too hard, although it has an opportunity to do so, because "China has an interest in opening a healthy relationship with South Korea, especially at a time when it thinks it is going to have a more amendable government in place." Cronin was referring to main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, considered pro-China, having a shot at running for the next presidential election, which could be held in few months if the Constitutional Court rules in favor of Yoon's impeachment. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ICC seeks arrest warrants for top Taliban leaders in Afghanistan By Ayaz Gul January 23, 2025 The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced Thursday that he is seeking arrest warrants for high-ranking Taliban leaders in Afghanistan accused of crimes against humanity, citing widespread discrimination against the country's female population. Karim Khan identified the suspects as the Taliban supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, and his chief justice, Abdul Hakim Haqqani, saying his action is based on a thorough investigation and evidence collected in the process. "My Office has concluded that these two Afghan nationals are criminally responsible for persecuting Afghan girls and women ... and persons whom the Taliban perceived as allies of girls and women," Khan stated. He noted that the persecution has been ongoing since August 2021, when the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan and imposed their strict interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia. Khan said, without elaborating, that his office would soon file additional applications seeking arrests of other senior Taliban members. ICC judges are now required to review the applications before deciding whether to issue an arrest warrant for Akhundzada and Haqqani. Experts anticipate the process could take weeks or even months. "These applications recognize that Afghan women and girls, as well as the LGBTQI+ community, are facing an unprecedented, unconscionable, and ongoing persecution by the Taliban," Khan stated. "Our action signals that the status quo for women and girls in Afghanistan is not acceptable. Afghan survivors, in particular women and girls, deserve accountability before a court of law," added the chief prosecutor. The Hague-based ICC is mandated to rule on the world's worst offenses, such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The court has no police force and relies on its 125 member states to execute its arrest warrants. Taliban officials did not immediately offer any response to the ICC announcement. Akhundzada, who governs the country from the southern city of Kandahar, has issued numerous edicts over the past three-and-a-half years, imposing extensive restrictions on Afghan women and girls that the United Nations has condemned as "gender apartheid." Girls are banned from pursuing education beyond the sixth grade, including attending institutions that train midwives and nurses. Most women are prohibited from working in both the public and private sectors. They are blocked from visiting public parks, gyms, and baths. The Taliban have mandated that females cover their faces in public and that they cannot travel long distances without a male guardian making Afghanistan the only country in the world to impose such bans on women and girls. The U.N. and global rights groups have condemned the bans and demanded the Taliban reverse their restrictions on women, saying they are a key sticking point in the Afghan authorities' pursuit of official recognition for their government in Kabul. The Taliban have vehemently defended their governance, asserting that their policies align with Sharia and Afghan culture. Taliban leaders say all Afghan citizens' rights are provided for under Islamic law. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Researchers: Houthis have advantages in protecting leaders from Israeli strikes By Michael Lipin January 23, 2025 Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi terror group appears to be well-positioned to shield its leaders from retaliatory strikes recently threatened by Israel, international researchers tell VOA. Israel also faces its own challenges in potentially engaging in long-distance targeting of Houthi leaders, but those researchers say the Israeli threat to Houthi rule is likely to grow in the future. Israel has carried out five long-distance airstrikes on Houthi infrastructure and other targets in Yemen since last July, in retaliation for the Houthis firing hundreds of drones and missiles as part of an Iranian proxy war launched against Israel in October 2023. The Biden administration had labeled the Houthis a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization last January, citing their use of missiles supplied by Iran to attack Red Sea shipping. President Donald Trump, who took office this week, signed an order on Wednesday starting a monthlong process of further penalizing the Houthis with a designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. After Israel's latest Yemen strike on Jan. 10, Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a videotaped warning to Houthi leaders, saying Israel will "hunt you down" - repeating a threat that he first made last month to "decapitate" the Houthi leadership. Houthi leader Abdul-Malek al-Houthi issued a defiant videotaped message of his own on Monday, saying his militia will monitor an Israel-Hamas ceasefire that took effect a day earlier in Gaza and "escalate" conflict with Israel "if (it) breaches" the deal. The Houthi leader is known for being elusive and issuing videotaped statements from undisclosed locations. Mohammed Albasha, a Yemeni American former journalist and founder of U.S.-based consultancy Basha Report that specializes in Middle East and North Africa risk assessments, told VOA that he has not observed any public meetings involving al-Houthi in Yemen since 2015. That is when a Saudi-led coalition began an offensive to try to oust the Houthis from the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, which the militia stormed into the year before. In a series of interviews for this report, Albasha and other international researchers specializing in Yemen said they suspect that al-Houthi has been hiding for years in the mountains of his clan's home base of Saada province in northwestern Yemen, along with other senior figures of his militia. "I don't think Israeli threats have changed the behavior of Houthi leaders much," said Wolf-Christian Paes, a researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. "Since 2015, they have fought Saudi and Emirati forces who tried to target their leadership, which made them very security conscious," Paes said. "Al-Houthi has rarely met U.N. or other foreign visitors in person or given interviews to journalists." Ely Karmon, a researcher at Israel's International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, said Houthi leaders appear to have tightened those precautions in response to recent developments, including Israel's five strikes on Yemen, dozens of U.S.-led strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen since last January, and Israeli attacks on Iranian proxy leaders elsewhere in the region. Karmon noted that 10 days after Israel's first airstrike in Yemen on July 20, 2024, the Houthis' patron, Iran, held a swearing-in ceremony for its new president, Massoud Pezeshkian, and al-Houthi did not travel to the Islamic republic to attend. Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh, another Iranian proxy leader, did travel to the Iranian capital for the inauguration and was assassinated in an Israeli bombing hours after the event. April Longley Alley, a researcher at the U.S. Institute of Peace, said the Houthis also are likely to be skeptical of using transmitting technology anywhere near their top leader. Israel used communications devices to attack Hezbollah on consecutive days in September, first detonating thousands of rigged pagers and then hundreds of rigged walkie-talkies that it surreptitiously delivered to the Lebanese terror group. Ten days after the pager attack, Israel assassinated Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on his southern Beirut stronghold, giving the Houthis more cause to bolster the protection of al-Houthi, the researchers said. Beyond the Houthis' home base in Saada, the militia has a political leadership running an internationally unrecognized authority in Sanaa, called the Supreme Political Council. Albasha, the former journalist, said the council's prime minister and other ministers are not involved in military matters and operate under the authority of the militia's senior commanders from Saada and the Houthi clan. The researchers said Houthi political leaders and spokesmen appear regularly in public in Sanaa, but typically in settings with many civilians present, giving those officials a human shield from potential aerial attacks. In the latest such appearance on Wednesday, the Houthis' Supreme Political Council prime minister, Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi, appeared at a government auditorium where several hundred people gathered to commemorate the 2004 killing of Hussein al-Houthi, a brother of the militia's current leader, by forces of Yemen's then-President Ali Abdullah Saleh. But the researchers said the Houthis' tactics for shielding their leaders from attack also have drawbacks. "Houthi military leaders are going to be very skeptical of using phones, and that is likely going to make it harder and more time consuming for them to exchange messages between Saada and Sanaa," Longley Alley said. Ari Heistein, an Israel-based researcher with the Counter Extremism Project, said Houthi military leaders risk losing relevance in running their regime if they disconnect from electronic communications for prolonged periods. "Running a country of more than 32 million people with serious problems is hard to do from isolation in a remote environment," Heistein said. The researchers said it is harder for Israel to strike leaders of the Houthis than those of Hezbollah and other Iranian proxy groups located nearer its borders because Yemen is more than 2,000 kilometers away. That distance requires several hours of flight time for Israeli warplanes to reach their targets, versus minutes for the same warplanes to reach neighboring territories. They said Israel also lacks in Yemen the same kind of human intelligence sources that it established in Lebanon and Palestinian territories before the start of the recent conflict, when it perceived Yemen to be a relatively low threat. Karmon, the counterterrorism researcher, said that if the ceasefire in Gaza holds and the Houthis refrain from firing more projectiles at Israel in the coming weeks and months, he expects Israel to focus on closing what he called a "huge" intelligence gap in Yemen. He said Israel could utilize long-range drones, satellites, human sources and intelligence-sharing with the U.S. and regional partners to do that. Heistein said Israel likely will use its surprise September attacks on Hezbollah, which were years in the making, as a model for dealing with threats from Yemen. "If the Houthis quiet down for a while, the next time they begin causing trouble, particularly for Israel and international shipping, Israel probably will have a plan in place to take out their leadership," Heistein said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Will Trump spark a mineral 'gold rush' in Greenland? By Henry Ridgwell January 23, 2025 The mineral wealth on the Arctic island of Greenland is in the global spotlight after U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants to take control of the territory from Denmark, prompting alarm from European allies. Trump's words were echoed in a January 12 interview on "Fox News Sunday" by Vice President JD Vance, who said, "There is a deal to be made in Greenland," and that the island has "a lot of great natural resources." Until now, Greenland's mining industry has struggled to turn a profit, but could that be about to change? 'Full of minerals' Greenland currently has only one active commercial mine White Mountain located north of the capital, Nuuk, and gets its stark, monochrome color from anorthosite rock, which is rich in calcium deposits and other minerals. The mine's operator, Lumina Sustainable Materials, ships the rock from Greenland's western coastline to Asia, Europe and North America, where it is used to make a variety of products such as fiberglass, paint, fillers, cement and polymers. Efforts are under way to exploit aluminum deposits within the anorthosite. "Greenland is a country full of minerals. We have, literally, minerals available all over the place," Bent Olsvig Jensen, Lumina's managing director in Greenland, told VOA in an interview. Dozens of other mining companies from around the world are conducting exploration and feasibility studies across Greenland, although White Mountain remains the only commercial operation currently trading. China competition The minerals include plentiful rare earth elements such as lithium and scandium, which are critical for devices such as batteries. Global supply chains for those elements are currently dominated by China. Trump has repeatedly said that U.S. control of Greenland is necessary for "international security." His comments caused a political storm in Greenland and Denmark, but mining companies see an opportunity. "His interest in Greenland can actually help the industry get access to further investment, which is needed for the industry to develop in Greenland," Jensen said. "So, yes, I definitely welcome it. And I think it's important that both from the industry side but also from the political side in Greenland that we position ourselves towards Trump and the U.S." 'Not for sale' Greenland's government is largely autonomous, although Denmark is responsible for the island's security. Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland's minister for resources, emphasized the government's long-held response to Trump's interest: Open for business, but not for sale. "We do want American investments. We do want collaboration with the U.S. State Department, and we've been trying to advocate for that for some time," she told VOA. Greenland signed a deal with Trump during his first administration in 2019 to boost the mining industry. "The U.S. funded our direct marketing towards investors all over the world, and this agreement has just come to its end. So we've been trying to ... get engagement from the U.S. for some time now in order to renew this deal," Nathanielsen said. Challenges Despite widespread recognition of Greenland's mineral wealth, attracting investment in mining has been a long-term problem. "For many years now, we have seen that there has been some hesitance in the investor environment to engage in high-risk, long-term projects. We only have one American-owned license at the moment. In comparison, we have 23 from Canada, 23 from the U.K. and about 10 from Denmark. So, it's not an area where you see a lot of U.S. engagement as of now. Of course we welcome it, and there's plenty of opportunity," Nathanielsen said. Greenland's government is pushing for full independence from Denmark. Supporters hope the island's mineral wealth could one day provide the economic foundation for full statehood. But there's a long way to go, said Ulrik Pram Gad, an analyst at the Danish Institute for International Studies in Copenhagen. "If you want minerals out of the ground and financing Greenlandic self-sufficiency economically, then you will need to have the uptake in the international processing going," Gad told VOA. "And then, probably you'll have to think very closely about how to make sure that these mining projects benefit people who live close to them, rather than being a new version of imperialist extraction. Because then, the Greenlanders might not want it in the end," he explained. The risk doesn't always end in reward. Rubies and pink sapphires were extracted at the Aappaluttoq mine until 2023, when its operator, Greenland Ruby, went bankrupt, $71 million in debt. The company is restructuring and seeking new investors, with a goal of restarting operations. Greenland's 2.1 million square kilometers of land is icebound for much of the year. "Obviously, we are in the middle of the Arctic, so there are some logistical challenges," Jensen of Lumina said. "Not all of Greenland is open all year round. However, that is something that we can plan our way out of." Jensen added that investors must have patience to make a profit. "It takes time to develop a project from the early-stage exploration until you actually have a mine where you can extract and start selling. And as we all say in mining, 'Time is money.'" NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vietnam's media restructuring will lead to more propaganda, critics warn By VOA News January 23, 2025 Critics warn that Vietnam's ongoing push to restructure the country's media will allow authorities to have tighter control over news outlets and more effectively spread propaganda. The media restructuring started in 2019 when former Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc signed the "National Press Development and Management Planning until 2025" policy. According to the plan, 180 press organizations will be shut down, and 8,000 reporters and editors will lose their jobs. Phil Robertson, director of Asia Human Rights and Labor Advocates, told VOA the media restructuring has become more severe under General Secretary To Lam, who took over as leader of the Communist Party after the July 2024 death of his predecessor, Nguyen Phu Trong. "There's little doubt that this so-called 'reform' will result in the Vietnamese people getting even less real news," Robertson wrote in an email. "This is precisely the path one expects an authoritarian like To Lam to take, doubling down on government control of what the people hear and see." To Lam's broader ambitions for government reform include consolidating 14 ministries into seven. Under the government's plan, dubbed Resolution 18, each ministry will be allowed to have one official news publication, further cutting the number of news outlets in the country. The move could cut the number of news outlets in half, some analysts say. The government plans to concentrate resources into six national media conglomerates. The six outlets include Nhan Dan the newspaper of the Communist Party as well as the outlets of the Defense Ministry and Public Security Ministry. Vietnam Television will become the sole national television channel, absorbing smaller broadcasters. On Jan. 15, broadcasts for 13 channels operating under Vietnam Multimedia Corporation, or VTC, ended, along with Voice of Vietnam TV and Nhan Dan TV. VTC was the country's second-most-popular television broadcaster and had been operating for 20 years. One 21-year-old journalism student was working as an intern at VTC in Hanoi when it shut down at midnight on Jan. 15. He said all the staff gathered on the first floor and had a countdown until all the TV monitors were turned off. Afterwards, they had fireworks. He said approximately 1,000 VTC employees lost their jobs that night. "Everyone was crying," he said, asking to be referred to as Justin. "After 20 years working at the station, doing a lot of collaboration, doing a lot of programs, doing a lot of special news, they have been kicked out for no reason. That's how they are feeling." A regular VTC viewer in northern Vietnam who described herself as a housewife said it's painful to see the broadcast shuttered. "Honestly, I don't want any channel to close," she wrote on Facebook in Vietnamese. "I consider those channels as family members. Losing a channel is like losing a person." 'Bitter medicine' On Dec. 1, To Lam spoke during a national conference on the implementation of Resolution 18. He stated the restructuring is designed to streamline the political system and remove institutional bottlenecks. "This is really a difficult issue," To Lam said. "It will involve thoughts, feelings, aspirations and affect the interests of a number of individuals and organizations. "The implementation in many units will certainly encounter difficulties," the General Secretary said. "However, we still have to proceed because to have a healthy body, sometimes we have to 'take bitter medicine.'" Trinh Huu Long, a democracy advocate and co-founder of the Taiwan-based nonprofit Legal Initiatives for Vietnam, said the government is rushing to finalize its media restructuring and the consolidation of government ministries. "Everyone is working around the clock," he said. "They're planning to finish everything in March, when the Congress will hold a special session to rubber stamp this massive restructure." Nguyen Hong Hai, a senior lecturer at Hanoi's VinUniversity, told VOA that while working in the public sector, he saw the need for reform firsthand. "There's the fact that there are a lot of employees who are not working, in the real sense, and there's a lot of waste," he said. "Every society needs reforms. But the thing is, how to do it effectively?" Justin, the journalism student in Hanoi, supports the government reforms although he said change is happening "too fast" and without new opportunities for those who lost their livelihoods. That includes his uncle, who worked for VTC for some 20 years. "We have cried, but we still 100% agree with what the government decided," he said. "We just want to comment, 'Please, if you want to kick me out, give me a new job.' ... Do not change so rapidly so that people will be shocked, like right now, kicked out from the job and with no other proposal for the future." Pushing propaganda Long said that as Hanoi focuses its resources into six national media conglomerates, authorities will have more power to push Hanoi's agenda. "The government will invest in a small number of state agencies to make them a lot more effective in propaganda," Long said. "The number one function of every state-media outlet is to promote and defend the [Communist] Party. Serving readers is secondary." In a November 2024 report, Legal Initiatives for Vietnam stated that there are currently 17 independent journalists behind bars in the country, all of whom were jailed within the last five years. While all media outlets in Vietnam undergo government censorship, some outlets are funded by private corporations, although they must receive their licenses from government ministries. Long said these semi-privatized outlets, which have been the most professionalized and provided news which has not entirely aligned with Hanoi and government policy, are being pushed out. "The quality is going to go south very, very quickly," he said. Long gave the example of Zing News. In July 2023 the news site was suspended for three months after it was investigated by the Ministry of Information and Communications. The outlet came back after the suspension but was rebranded as Z News and the quality and frequency of its content was greatly downgraded, effectively making the outlet "irrelevant," Long said. He said that the outlet was punished for writing articles about Russia's war on Ukraine that created "pro-Ukraine sentiment among the Vietnamese public." "They published a lot of articles about the Ukraine war that fell out of the [Communist] Party's line, which is always to be pro-Russia," Long said. A researcher of Vietnamese media, who asked to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, told VOA that the digitizing of national media allows it to "masquerade" propaganda as news. "I think it's very depressing. ... It's going to be uniform news, and it's going to be only from the government's point of view," the researcher said. "There's going to be fewer and fewer people dedicated to work as journalists and seeking out the news that matters to the Vietnamese people." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chad opposition protests final election results won by transitional president's party By Moki Edwin Kindzeka January 23, 2025 Chad's Constitutional Council has ignored opposition calls to set aside results of last month's parliamentary elections for gross irregularities and fraud, and proclaimed the ruling party of Chad's president, Field Marshal Mahamat Idriss Deby, the winner. Officials said nominations for senatorial elections to end the transition are open, but the opposition insisted another transitional government should be formed and transparent elections organized to end the three-decade Deby family rule. Officials in Chad said opposition leaders assembled Wednesday in the capital, N'djamena, to protest the election results published Tuesday by the Constitutional Council, the central African nation's highest court. Clement Sianka, spokesperson of Chad's National Assembly of Democrats, an opposition political party that participated in the Dec. 29 polls, said he took part in the protest because his party is surprised that the council refused to annul the elections he said were marred by fraud, low voter participation and intimidation of civilians Chad's military considered to be opposition supporters. Sianka said that by ordering government troops to chase opposition party representatives from polling stations, Deby, who in December declared himself as field marshal, the highest rank in Chad's military, once more sent a strong message to civilians that he wants to take power at any cost and continue the three-decade rule begun by his father, Idriss Deby Itno. Sianka said fraud was alarming, with ballot boxes confiscated and stuffed by supporters of Deby's Patriotic Salvation Movement, or MPS, party in front of helpless civilians. He said the MPS party declared its candidates as winners in towns and villages where civilians obeyed opposition boycott calls and elections did not take place. Sianka spoke on Chad's state TV on Wednesday. According to the final results published by the country's Constitutional Council on Tuesday, the MPS won124 seats in the 188-member National Assembly. Sixty-four women were voted in as lawmakers, according to the official results, an increase of 36 women over Chad's last legislative period, which ended in 2011. Officials say financial difficulties have made it impossible for legislative polls to be held since 2011. The opposition said the polls, the first in over a decade, should be set aside because most of Chad's roughly 8.3 million voters heeded opposition calls for a boycott. There were no indications the polls were to be free, fair and transparent as civilians already knew that Deby wanted to confiscate power, Chad's opposition said. However, Chad's Constitutional Council said voter turnout was over 50%, and the elections were peaceful with no major incidents that could affect the outcome of polls. Chad's Political Actors Consultation Group, or GCAP, a coalition of several dozen political parties, on Wednesday said democracy was stifled during Chad's three-year transition period. GCAP said Deby, who took power as a military ruler in 2021, persecutes critical opposition leaders to maintain the rule of his father. Idriss Deby spent three decades in power until he died while fighting rebels in April 2021. GCAP said Deby should hand power to a civilian capable of managing another transition during which transparent elections will be organized for a return to democratic rule. The group did not say who they think will manage the transition are advocating. Chad's opposition also accused the elections management body of rigging elections to favor Deby, who appoints and can fire the elections management body's officials. Chad's Constitutional Council has neglected calls for an immediate end to the country's transitional government and the cancellation of the Dec. 29 elections. The council says such calls are intended to bring chaos in Chad. On Wednesday the National Agency for the Management of Elections or ANGE reiterated calls on qualified civilians to prepare their nomination papers before a Jan. 24 deadline and run in the country's first senatorial elections, to be organized in April. Officials say the senatorial election will be the last polls to be organized by the transitional government in its efforts to hand power over to civilian rule. Ahmed Bartchiret, president of ANGE, said ANGE will not accept intimidation by opposition parties that want to disrupt Chad's unity and create chaos. He said ANGE will organize free, fair and transparent elections as it freely organized a constitutional referendum and presidential elections to hand over power to civilian rule as desired by the peace-loving people of Chad. Chad's opposition has always contested the outcome of elections since Deby became transitional president. Deby said he respects the verdict of the ballot and called on civilians to work with democratically elected officials for the development of Chad. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with President Nayib Bukele January 23, 2025 Today, President Donald J. Trump held a call with President Nayib Bukele of the Republic of El Salvador. The two leaders discussed working together to stop illegal immigration and crack down on transnational gangs like Tren de Aragua. President Trump also praised President Bukele's leadership in the region and the example he sets for other nations in the Western Hemisphere. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Europe gravitates to greater self-reliance as Trump begins new term People's Daily Online By Ding Yinghua (Xinhua) 08:22, January 24, 2025 BRUSSELS, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's first days in the White House have sent ripples of unease through Europe. Accusing the EU of unfair treatment, Trump has vowed to impose tariffs to address trade imbalances. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met in Paris on Wednesday, describing Trump as "a challenge" for Europe while stressing Europe's strength and unity. Trump's policies are poised to affect not just U.S.-Europe trade relations but also Europe's territorial integrity, defense priorities and economic outlook. "President Trump's initial statements and executive orders put transatlantic relations under pressure, not only because of their unpredictability, but also because raw power seems to be more important than legality and international cooperation," said Philippe Monnier, former executive director of the Greater Geneva Berne Area's Economic Development Agency. BLEAK ECONOMIC OUTLOOK The specter of U.S. tariffs on EU imports threatens to send shockwaves through the European economy. Although many EU countries have taken lessons from Trump's first term and braced themselves for such scenarios, the potential impact remains significant. Yannis Stournaras, governor of the Bank of Greece, warned that the projected eurozone economic growth of 1.1 percent in 2025 could decline by 0.5 percentage point within two years if the United States imposes 10-percent tariffs. The effects are expected to be more pronounced in European economies with substantial exports to the United States. Export-oriented countries like Germany are likely to bear the brunt first. Germany's exports to America could decline by 10-15 percent in the long term, potentially reducing its GDP by 0.3 percent, said Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. "It might not sound like much, but we've barely had any growth beyond that level recently." "Trump isn't concerned with the interests of the Old Continent. He just wants to squeeze more money out of Europeans," Francois Heisbourg, special advisor at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Austrian newspaper Der Standard. Italy, a close U.S. ally notwithstanding, is also expected to face challenges. With its significant trade surplus with the United States and relatively low defense spending, Italy is likely to be targeted by Trump's tariff policies, according to the Italian Institute for International Political Studies. Speaking at the Handelsblatt Energy Summit in Berlin on Tuesday, German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck said that while Germany should engage with the new government under Trump with "an outstretched hand... We should not crawl in submission." He warned that Germany is ready with countermeasures should tariffs be imposed. "We do not need to be pushed around." Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU's economy commissioner, also affirmed the EU's readiness to respond in "a proportionate way" to any U.S. actions. Monnier cautioned that strained transatlantic ties could escalate further. PUSHBACK IN EUROPE On top of trade, Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO) has deepened rifts with his European counterparts, who remain strong advocates of climate action and global health initiatives. Addressing the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "The world is not at a single inflection point; it is at multi-inflection points." She reaffirmed the EU's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and urged countries to "deepen global collaboration more than ever before." In an interview on Tuesday with Bel RTL, a local media outlet, Belgian Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin voiced concerns over Trump's isolationist tendencies, viewing them as a culmination of a longstanding trend of U.S. unilateralism. Critics argue that Trump's withdrawals allow the United States to evade its financial responsibilities toward global climate protection and public health initiatives. "This is certainly not a good sign for international climate protection" if the United States is not included, climate researcher Niklas Hoehne from the NewClimate Institute told Germany's dpa news agency, saying such moves made global climate achievements "more difficult." An analysis by Climate Action Tracker, a Berlin-based non-profit climate science and policy institute, estimates that the U.S. withdrawal alone could add 0.04 degree Celsius to global warming by the end of the century. EUROPE'S SENSE OF URGENCY Trump's "America First" agenda has galvanized European leaders to advocate for greater autonomy from Washington. In the realm of defense, Macron has called for a reevaluation of Europe's defense spending. He said on Monday that Europe's military budgets of billions of euros should not be directed toward purchasing American weapons. A report on Europe's future competitiveness authored by Mario Draghi, former Italian prime minister and former European Central Bank president, revealed that between June 2022 and June 2023, nearly two-thirds of the EU's defense spending was directed to U.S. companies. During a joint press conference with Scholz on Wednesday, Macron stressed the need for Europeans "to play their full part in consolidating a united, strong and sovereign Europe." France and Germany should ensure that Europe is capable of defending its interests while maintaining transatlantic ties, he said. The recent revelation of Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has further alarmed European nations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has warned of the resurgence of "might makes right" policies, calling on Europe to bolster its strength. Speaking to France Inter radio recently, Barrot noted that Greenland is a "territory of the European Union and of Europe." "It is undoubtedly no way that the European Union would let other nations of the world, whoever they are, attack its sovereign borders," he said. Schularick, the Kiel Institute president, said: "What is certain is that Trump is more interested in deals than in a rules-based global economy. The era of faster globalization, lower tariffs and dispute resolution within the framework of the World Trade Organization is now temporarily over." "Europeans cannot remain passive at the risk of disappearing tomorrow," Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally party and member of the European Parliament, said at the European Parliament on Tuesday. With Trump's comeback, Europe faces a critical juncture -- whether to remain tethered to Washington or chart its own course in the face of renewed challenges. "The EU needs to make changes, and this is a good opportunity to get rid of its dependence on Washington and implement its own independent policies by cooperating with other countries in Asia, South America and Africa," said Croatian political analyst Robert Frank. (Xinhua reporters Wang Lili, Wang Xiangjiang, Cui Li and Zhang Zhang also contributed to the story.) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BRP Cabra keeps CCG vessel off Zambales coast Philippine News Agency January 24, 2025, 7:05 am MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cabra's strategic maneuvering has kept the Chinese Coast Guard vessel 3103 from getting closer to the Zambales coastline. PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, said the vessel continues its vigilant monitoring of Chinese illegal presence within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). "Through the seamanship skills of the PCG personnel aboard, CCG-3103 has been successfully pushed further away and is now located approximately 80 to 90 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales," Tarriela said Thursday evening in a post on X. The crew also conducted hourly radio challenges to remind China of its violations of international law, he added. Early this week, BRP Cabra replaced BRP Suluan in its close monitoring of illegal Chinese presence in the area. The CCG-3103 also replaced the vessel 3304 operating illegally in the area for days. "The Philippine Coast Guard remains committed to safeguarding the nation's maritime rights and ensuring the enforcement of international maritime laws while avoiding any escalation of tensions," Tarriela said. The Philippines earlier filed a diplomatic protest over the presence of CCG and militia within the country's EEZ. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrants For Taliban Leaders Over Repression Of Afghan Women By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal January 24, 2025 The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor is seeking arrest warrants for two top Taliban officials alleging they are responsible for persecuting Afghan women and girls. ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said in a statement on January 23 that he has requested warrants for the Taliban's supreme leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, and the head of Afghanistan's Supreme Court, Abdul Hakim Haqqani. Khan said based on evidence collected thus far in an investigation reopened in October 2022 there are reasonable grounds to believe that Akhundzada and Haqqani "bear criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds." He said his office had concluded that they "are criminally responsible for persecuting Afghan girls and women, as well as persons whom the Taliban perceived as not conforming with their ideological expectations of gender identity or expression, and persons whom the Taliban perceived as allies of girls and women." The alleged crimes were committed from August 15, 2021, when the Taliban seized power as U.S.-led international forces withdrew from the country, until the present day. The Taliban government has not commented on Khan's statement. It has previously said it was working on a strategy and creating a suitable environment for girls' education. But it has not reported how much progress has been made or said when girls would be allowed to go to school beyond grade six. After returning to power the Taliban government banned teenage girls from education. Since then, the Islamist group has imposed draconian bans on women's work, education, and mobility despite domestic opposition and a global outcry. Khan said in the statement that the applications for arrest warrants "recognize that Afghan women and girls as well as the LGBTQI+ community are facing an unprecedented, unconscionable and ongoing persecution by the Taliban." The alleged persecution entails "numerous severe deprivations of victims' fundamental rights" that are contrary to international law, the statement said. This includes the right to "physical integrity and autonomy," free movement, free expression, free assembly, and education. Human rights groups applauded the ICC move. Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch, said the Taliban's "systematic violations of women and girls' rights, including education bans, and the suppression of those speaking up for women's rights, have accelerated with complete impunity." The warrant requests offer a pathway to accountability, Evenson said in a statement. Khan said the requests were the first applications for arrest warrants to arise out of the investigation into the situation in Afghanistan, adding that his office soon will file further applications for other senior members of the Taliban. A decision on whether to issue arrest warrants following requests from the prosecutor typically takes around four months. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-icc-khan- prosecutor-women-girls-arrest-warrants/33287114.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 Russo-Ukraine War - 23 January 2025 - Day 1065 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The UK Ministry of Defence reported that on 17 January 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian signed a new 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement. Russia and Iran's partnership has almost certainly been driven by mutual security and economic interests, with both states growing closer since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia has remained reliant on Iranian military support as the war in Ukraine has continued. However, a level of mistrust remains and tensions in the relationship will highly likely present obstacles to the expansion of their cooperation. The agreement is part of a wider framework of cooperation between the two states across various sectors, almost certainly representing a commitment to strengthen bilateral ties. It covers cooperation across defence and security, economy, trade, transportation, energy, technology, information and cyberspace security. In contrast to Russia's agreements with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Belarus, the Russia-Iran agreement does not include a mutual defence clause. The agreement highly likely provides a legal framework for further Iranian-Russian cooperation, formalising existing and future collaboration efforts. However, it is unlikely to represent any significant uplift to the partnership or materially expand the scope of their current cooperation. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that since the beginning of the day, there have been 119 combat clashes, the Russian enemy launched two missile and 55 air strikes using five missiles and 86 KABs, used 863 kamikaze drones for strikes, and carried out more than four thousand four thousand shells to positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements using different types of weapons. In the Kharkiv direction, there was one combat encounter with Russian zagarbnikami in the Liptsiv area. In the Kupyansky direction, the Russian enemy has tried nine times to push Ukrainian units out of occupied positions near Dvorichnaya, Zagrizovy and Petropavlivka, the confrontation is still ongoing. Seven times Russian forces attacked in the Lyman direction, trying to advance near Yampolivka, Novoyegorivka, Green Grove and Kopanok. In the Sivers komu direction in the area of Ivano-Daryivka and Bilogorivka, Ukrainian defenders repelled two Russian assaults. In the Kramators komu direction, Russian forces carried out two attacks of the positions of Ukrainian defenders. The activity of the Russian occupiers appeared in the area of the time yar. In the areas of Diliyivka, Crimea, Scherbinivka and Toretsky Russian forces 12 times tried to infiltrate Ukrainian defense in the Toretsky direction. Intensely attacks the Russian enemy of Ukrainian defenders in the Pokrovsky direction. Here, during the day, the Russian aggressor committed 63 offensive actions. The largest activity of the Russian occupiers is maintained in the areas of the settlements Vodyane Druge, Mirolyubivka, Mirnograd, Rumin, Lisivka, Renaissance, Uspenivka, Andriyivka, Shevchenko, Dachne, Ulakly and Yantarnne, one confrontation is still ongoing. According to the information available at this time, for today 189 Russian occupants were eliminated in this direction, another 190 injured. One infantry fighting vehicle, nine units of car and two units of motor equipment, five REB vehicles and eight BPLA antennas were destroyed. In addition, the artillery system and satellite communication of the Russian enemy were damaged. Seven Russian assaults repelled Ukrainian defenders in the Novopavli direction, Russian forces attacked near Novodarivka, Konstantinopol and Velika Novosilka. In the Pridniprovsk direction, Russian forces carried out two assault actions that successfully repelled Ukrainian defenders. In Kurshchyna, Ukrainian defenders repelled 12 attacks of Zagorbnytskyi troops, in addition, Russian forces made 24 aviation strikes, dropping 38 KABs, carried out 358 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and civilian infrastructure on the territory of Russia. In other directions, there have been no significant changes in the environment. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kharkov direction, units of the Sever Group of Forces hit formations of one motorised infantry brigade and one National Guard brigade close to Volchansk and Malye Prokhody (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 40 troops, two motor vehicles, and one electronic warfare station. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one mountain assault brigade, one territorial defence brigade, and one National Guard brigade close to Petropavlovka, Novoosinovo, Glushkovka, Novoplatonovka (Kharkov region), and Novoyegorovka (Lugansk People's Republic). The AFU losses were more than 530 troops, one tank, three infantry fighting vehicles, two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, 16 motor vehicles, seven field artillery guns, two of them were NATO-made. One artillery ammunition depot was eliminated. Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troops hit formations of two mechanised brigades and one National Guard brigade near Konstantinovka, Mayaki, Chervonoye, Chasov Yar, and Podolskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses were up to 280 troops, eight field artillery guns, one motor vehicle, and one electronic warfare station. As a result of active offensive actions, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Solenoye (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops delivered strikes on manpower and hardware of five mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, and the Lyut Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine near Petrovka, Dzerzhinsk, Novovasilevka, Novoyelizavetovka, Peschanoye, and Slavyanka (Donetsk People's Republic) The AFU losses were up to 570 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, including one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, nine motor vehicles, and one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system. The Vostok Group of Forces' units continued advancing into the depths of enemy defences, defeated formations of three mechanised brigades of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and one National Guard brigade close to Razliv, Velikaya Novosyolka, Otradnoye, Novopol (Donetsk People's Republic), and Temirovka (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses were up to 180 troops, four infantry fighting vehicles, and one U.S.-made MaxxPro armoured fighting vehicle. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces engaged manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade and one territorial defence brigade close to Zmeyevka, Tokarevka, Antonovka, and Kazatskoye (Kherson region). The AFU losses were more than 60 troops, five motor vehicles, one French-made 155-mm Caesar self-propelled artillery system, and one electronic warfare station. One field ammunition depot was destroyed. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged the infrastructure of military airfields, critical gas and power infrastructure that support the work of Ukrainian defence industry enterprises as well as clusters of enemy manpower and military hardware in 144 areas. Air defence facilities shot down 29 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 652 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 41,177 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,739 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,510 MLRS combat vehicles, 20,877 field artillery guns and mortars, and 30,616 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. During offensive actions, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of one tank brigade, one heavy mechanised brigade, four mechanised brigades, two air assault brigades, one marine brigade, and three territorial defence brigades of the AFU close to Viktorovka, Guyevo, Kositsa, Lebedevka, Malaya Loknya, Makhnovka, Nikolayevka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Rubanshchina, Sverdlikovo, Staraya Sorochina, and Sudzha. One AFU counter-attack was repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the enemy near Gogolevka, Goncharovka, Gornal, Zaoleshenka, Kazachya Loknya, Kolmakov, Kositsa, Kruglenkoye, Kurilovka, Loknya, Martynovka, Melovoy, Mirny, Mikhaylovka, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Yuzhny as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Zhuravka, Miropolye, and Yunakovka in Sumy region. Over the course of the day, the AFU losses were more than 270 troops, two tanks, one armoured personnel carrier, seven armoured fighting vehicles, 10 motor vehicles, and one electronic warfare station. One AFU serviceman surrendered. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 54,270 troops, 315 tanks, 237 infantry fighting vehicles, 180 armoured personnel carriers, 1,608 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,596 motor vehicles, 387 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, 98 EW stations, 14 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 32 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, nine 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 January 22, 2025 Transcript Background Briefing on DOD Actions Responding to President Trump's Executive Order on Securing our Border MODERATOR: Good afternoon, everyone, I appreciate you sticking around today. Thanks very much for joining us for today's background briefing on the Department of Defense deployment to the southwest border. As a reminder, today's call and briefing is on background attributable to a senior defense official and senior military official. Please note that I will call on reporters. We'll try to get as many of your questions as possible given the time frame. We'll look to end today's briefing at approximately 17:30 hours. With that, I will turn over to our senior defense official followed by our senior military official for any opening comments. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So, I just want to say thanks for coming today. As you're aware, President Trump issued several executive orders aimed at addressing the situation on our southern border and securing the border. And he did that on Monday night. And so, right now, we're talking this is a situation right around 36 hours from when he issued that executive order. So, keep that in mind as we make the comment. So, I think you'll see a lot of movement that has been done inside this building and that we actually have we have actions that are taking place that are both in the statement and that will the senior defense official will be able to address. But once again, is this a frame, this is 36 hours after the EO, so that's something to keep in mind as you report on this. So, the DOD, as you say in the statement, is working together, further together with the DHS, including deployment of additional forces and we'll go into that at the southern border by the end of this week, but those deployments have begun now. This afternoon, the acting secretary of defense released that statement outlining the details and this is once again, we're going to be talking about this is working not only with DHS, but it's also working with the State Department because obviously there's clearance to go into the countries. And so, we're working together with them as well. So, the department's dedicated to executing on President Trump's orders and supporting the DHS efforts to secure our border and enforce immigration laws. With that, I'll turn it over to our senior military official for any comments at the start. SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Thanks, sir. I'll just give you guys a quick rundown of where we sit today. As our senior defense official mentioned, as directed by the acting secretary of defense, we're taking immediate action to meet the president's intent for the declared national emergency at the southwest border in working together with the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection to deploy additional personnel. As part of that, we'll also be providing aerial support, rotary wing and airlift capability, and deploying some intelligence analysts for enhanced detection and monitoring activities and potentially some intelligence assets as well. Yesterday, the acting secretary of defense authorized us to deploy about 1,500 service members to support and work together with Customs and Border Protection down in San Diego and El Paso. That includes 1,000 Army personnel, including a battalion headquarters; 500 Marines, these had been operating or on call and ready, to operate in support of the California wildfires, but they were released from that mission and now are being reassigned for duty at the southwest border. These forces will work on the emplacement of physical barriers and other border missions. First operations for them should commence within the next 24 to 48 hours. They're moving right now as we sit here. That'll bring the total number of service members on the southwest border to approximately 4,000, that 60 percent increase that is in the statement that was released earlier. We anticipate that overall, on the southwest border, they'll provide real time situational awareness of persons, vehicles, vessels and aircraft and work with the CBP on operator level maintenance and movement and staging of Customs and Border Patrol assets. There's also some aerial support that's being provided. We have UH-72 helicopters that are at the border in support of CBP. They're flying today; the first missions, about six sorties, happened earlier today using those UH-72s. Additionally, US Transportation Command is positioning four total airlift aircraft, that's two C-17s and two C-130s, down in San Diego and El Paso to support the movement of personnel. We're coordinating with the Department of State and the interagency, as our senior defense official mentioned, on the details of the diplomatic clearances, etc., for that line of effort. Finally, we are doing some intelligence analyst support, as I mentioned at the outset, that is to assist with some intelligence needs on the southwest border that have been long-standing requirements for those with that mission. We're in the process of sourcing those requirements right now. We also anticipate that there could be some additional airborne intelligence, surveillance and support assets that would move down to the border to increase situational awareness. In the end, moving forward, we'll continue to take all appropriate action at the direction of the president to work with DHS on regaining full operational control at the border. So, thank you very much. MODERATOR: Thank you. We'll go with AP first, Lita or Tara. Who drew the short straw? Q: I'll go. Can you clarify just a couple of things and then I have a question. Senior military official, you mentioned aircraft, helicopters flying. Are those active duty that are newly there or were those previously there? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: No, those aircraft were previously there. I'd have to get back to you on the exact composition, which compo they came from, guard or reserve or active duty. They have been there for a while. They had been in a training status, but they were reactivated for operational missions yesterday by the acting secretary. Q: Okay, so on that how many active duty have already arrived? And then secondly, for either one of you, will there be any use of US military bases for detention? And what is the secretary's thought at this point, or the president's thought at this point, on the use of the Insurrection Act? Thanks. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: On the last question, I would just refer you to the White House on that one because they speak for the president. And senior military official, I would refer you to the first part of her question. SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Yeah, so on the number of personnel that have arrived at the border so far, I don't have the exact number for you. I can go back and try to get that. But they started moving earlier today. We had plans for about three companies' worth of personnel, so that's somewhere in the couple hundred range who were moving today. I just don't know if they've actually arrived or if it'll be sometime overnight or in the morning. Q: On the bases? SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Bases used for detention. SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Oh, yeah, on bases used for detention and whatnot, we've had no requests for any assistance with that yet. If they do come in, we'll obviously evaluate those. MODERATOR: Jen? Q: Thank you. Will the troops be armed? And will they be engaged in law enforcement? And why do you need a national emergency declared in order for the troops to operate down there? Or did you need a national emergency for authorities? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Yeah did you want to go first? SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: I would just say that well, you can speak to the authorities and then I'll finish up on the second part of your question. SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Yeah, so, on the arming or not arming, that decision is typically left to the commander of US Northern Command based on the situation on the ground in different sectors. So, we have had troops that have been armed at various times down there. It's really just based on what the particular security situation is. As of right now, none of the forces that we're sending there are intended to be used for law enforcement. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Right, and then I would just say to the point about using the existing authorities, those existing authorities were there, but they were not used because there was a different president. Now we have a president who has a different approach to the border. MODERATOR: Nancy? Q: Could you clarify something you said earlier about needing to consult the State Department. Where are these are there any troops going to Mexico? Why was there a need to engage the State Department? SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: What I would say is, look, these are deportation flights, so they're going out of the country. And so, the State Department has the decision making and has the relationships that they're working with those countries that will ultimately be the source to where or to the destination to where these flights are going. Q: So, this is not for the ground forces. This is for the flight, strictly? SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: That's correct. For the deportation flights. Helicopter flights and others, obviously, there's no but deportation flights to another country. That's why the State Department is involved. Q: And can you help me understand how many US troops are supporting the deportation flights? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: That's a good question. For aircraft, it would be aircrew and associated maintenance. We have some additional aircraft on call. I'd say overall, it's 100 or less right now. Q: And one last clarifying point. You talked about removing them because of the California wildfires. Was the determination made that they were not needed anymore or that this was the priority mission? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: No, that's a great question. We had had those 500 Marines on call under FEMA mission assignment to be ready to assist with the California wildfires, not with direct firefighting, but to free up firefighters from other tasks. Even though they were on that mission assignment and on call to act within 24 hours, FEMA never activated that and pulled them forward. And so, as the fires have gotten more under control, FEMA released that mission assignment over the weekend. And so, they were a force that was ready, already on prepared to deploy orders. And it's an engineering capability as well. So, well fit for the task that we think we'll be performing. Q: Thank you. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: And one last clarification on that. When you and it says so in the statement and the senior military official made clear in his comments earlier, is that the crew and associated maintenance for those as well as for the intelligence analysts, that is a separate number from the 1,500 ground troops, so that's not part of it. So, those are extra extra personnel. Q: Thank you. MODERATOR: OK, Tom. Q: Yeah, you talk here in the statement about in short order you develop and execute additional missions. So, should we expect thousands more soldiers and Marines to be sent to the border? SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Well, I would leave it to the senior defense official to talk about the actual mission support, but what the department the president has been clear to the department that he wants to see as much this is a huge priority for him that this is an emergency declaration here on the border. And so, what the acting secretary is doing right now with this first step, once again 36 hours after it was done. What he's doing here is this is the initial effort that we can do right away and then that we anticipate many additional missions after this. This is just the start. This is an initial step, and we are anticipating many further missions on that point. And the senior military official can talk to how we're prepared to support that. SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Yeah, I think Tom, the only thing I would really add as our senior defense official hit it really well, is as we work together with DHS and CBP and look at this, it's going to be an iterative process to go where are the things that need to be filled? What capabilities have you requested previously or what new requests do you have? They'll be asking you at the same time, what do you have that you could give me. And we'll just kind of have to go back and forth with them to flush this out. But I would anticipate that there'll be additional requests, and we're Q: You said ballpark. We're talking hundreds, if not thousands of troops, correct? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Just from where I sit, I'd be way premature for me to say that just 36 hours into this. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: These are additional missions that will be developed and it's we can't give you a number on that. But this is going to be a big priority for the department under the acting secretary and the secretary that will be coming on board. Q: Gentlemen, thanks for your time. Dan Lamothe, Washington Post. There was a fair amount of reporting this afternoon suggesting 10,000 as a planning number. Can you put any context to that? SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: (Inaudible), we anticipated that question. That's an important clarification because some outlets were reporting that, and this is an important clarification that we're giving you now. SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Yeah, I think 10,000 could be the number, as we just mentioned with Tom, but we don't know. It's kind of too early to tell as we're in the planning process with our interagency partners. What I would tell you is there's been no pushback from the joint force or the department on whatever the requirement is. The president's made it very clear with his executive orders and declaration of national emergency. So, think of other big national emergencies that we've had in the past declared by the president, we're going to source them to the best of our ability as those requests come in. MODERATOR: Courtney. Q: So, just one very quick clarification on that defense senior military official, sorry. The update so we - was this first order is up to 10,000 then, it's just that you're not you've not missioned it to that yet? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: No, right, right now the order is a 60 percent increase up to 4,000 and ongoing planning to see what else is required. Q: So, the 10,000, I'm not clear on the 10,000 number then, I'm sorry. SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: It came out in the open press earlier today. Q: OK. So, you're not at 10,000 yet, but that's something that could be happening in the future. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So, I would just get away from the 10,000 number altogether because what the senior military official said earlier, and you can clarify this, is just that there was no number given to the DOD from the White House or from any other DHS or anything. They're waiting and this is support. So, what it goes up to is fine, but there was no number. There was reporting earlier that there was a number of 10,000 that somehow the DOD pushed back on that. There was never a number given. They said how can you support and in working with DHS and CBP, we decided to give them as much as we could right now and there will be very likely additional missions, this is just the start. So, any reporting that there was any walk back from a request from the White House or anybody else is absolutely not the case. Q: And then just a really quick one for you, senior defense official, is since this is the very first thing out of the box for the Trump administration for the Pentagon is would you say that the border mission is now the top priority for the Department of Defense? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Every mission is a priority for the Department of Defense. This is a priority for the president, that's why it was moved out on very quickly. 36 hours you have aircraft in the air, you've got troops that are on the move to get out there on the border. So, this is something that is you can just judge by how rapidly this is put together and how the building and the forces and the combatant commanders got together to make this happen in such a short amount of time. That should signal the priority here, but every mission is a priority for the department. And the commander in chief, in his executive orders these are many these are several dozen executive orders that that deal with the border. It's clearly a priority for the president and we're moving out and executing on it. MODERATOR: Konstantin. Q: Thanks. Gentlemen, it sounds like you haven't ruled out troops on the border being armed. Can you speak at all to what the rules of engagement would be for any troops that are armed on the border? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: I can speak to that very briefly. The first thing is when we're whenever you're dealing with law enforcement situations under whatever authority you find there, you don't actually end up applying the rules of engagement per se. You have rules on the use of force. There are some of our forces such as those in the National Guard that are much more familiar with those because they support civil authorities with law enforcement in their home states from time to time. Active-duty forces typically do not have that training, but it would be standing rules for the use of force that would apply. And typically, what we would do is apply the rules of whoever the partner law enforcement agency was that we were supporting. So, it would depend exactly on the lay down of the command and control in a particular sector with CBP or local officials, etc. The only place where the rules of engagement do apply is you always have the inherent right to self-defense and our forces would always have that. Q: Just to pull on a thread a little bit, in terms of the active-duty troops that don't have a law enforcement background, are they undergoing any sort of additional training or briefings in terms of their authorities? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Yeah, not right now, but that's because they haven't been asked to come forward and perform a law enforcement function yet. MODERATOR: We'll do two more. Oren? Q: A quick clarification question and one more. The initial tranche of 1,500, are they taking on the role that we already know of the 2,200 troops there? Or are they already picking up additional missions that were not there? SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: 2,500. Q: Oh, right, sorry. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Sorry. Q: Is this initial tranche going down that's already arriving, are they picking up additional missions or are they just expanding the role of the troops that are already on the border? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: A little bit of each, so the participation and temporary barrier construction is something that hasn't been done in the recent past. So, that will be an additional mission. Most of the others are things that were under previous RFAs, and it's bolstering our capacity to perform in those areas. Q: And then my other quick question was, given the number of troops you're talking about potentially in the expansion of the missions and the number of missions, are you prepared and planning for the possibility of pulling troops from other deployments or task forces to be able to send them to the southern border? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Yeah, that's a good question. We talked about this a little bit earlier today. The way that this initial set of forces was decided upon where we would pull them from, the Army forces are part of an order that we have that provides on hand forces to the commander of US Northern Command that he's able to access with the secretary's consent from time to time for a variety of different civil emergency type functions. So, think hurricanes or wildfires or anything like that, whatever it is. So, broad access to activating those forces, secretary approval to employ them. So, that makes them a force that wouldn't affect our readiness to perform other missions outside the continental United States. And then the Marine forces, those 500 were specifically chosen to be detailed against the wildfires and now to this because of where they were in the deployment cycle. So, they're not taking away from future readiness or future deployments yet. As we get into potentially larger numbers as we continue to do the planning, we'll make that judgment. That's really a big part of our job is to look at what is the risk to mission, risk to force with that over the set of global priorities that the senior defense official was talking about. UNKNOWN: We'll do a couple more since we have some time. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Let me just make one emphasis here, as the senior military official said, is that not only is the 10,000 figure never was never requested, this other issue that came up about are we pulling Marines off of fire off of duty supporting the fires. Once again, they were ready for that mission, but they were not yet doing that mission. So, it's not taking them away from duty on the supporting the firefighting effort. MODERATOR: Yeah, Mike. Q: Yeah, 1,000 troops is about I'm Mike Glenn with the Washington Times. 1,000 troops is about the size of a large battalion. Is that is it specifically a battalion going or are you picking troops sort of randomly or is it an engineering unit? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Yeah, no, the 1,000 are not an engineering unit. They're coming from a variety of different places, company size elements that will come in and then a battalion headquarters will be put on top of them. It'll be a composite organization. MODERATOR: Okay, Luis. Q: Senior military official, you mentioned that in the past, the troops that have been deployed to the border have been armed. But at the time they had their clips not in their weapons. Is that what is going to happen here when they go with their weapons? Or is it more is it different this time around, that they will have SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Yeah, unfortunately, I don't know that I can answer that to that tactical level of detail. NORTHCOM has made the decision to arm forces at the border a few times since I've been in the seat. And so, again, it just kind of comes and goes based on the security environment, but unfortunately, I don't know the tactical level detail that you're asking. MODERATOR: I have to go to Chris for the last question. Q: Thank you, sir. A couple clarifying questions. Are those 100 personnel supporting the airlift mission, Air Force, the C-17s and C-130s and the 100 or so personnel, is that correct? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Yes, that's right. Q: You mentioned SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: And that's just a wag of the 100, depending on how you count the maintenance package and all of those things. Q: And then the you mentioned possible airborne assets for situational awareness. Are you talking about manned ISR platform, drones, helicopters? I mean, what sort of SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: We're looking at all of the above. Good question, Chris. And this would be a multi-service at the tactical level, a lot of the ground units have now tactical UAS. So, they might bring in they can provide localized intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in their particular area. Obviously, the Army's got MQ-1s, Air Force has MQ-9s, over various times in the past provided some level of support. And then you have manned platforms that could fly in support as well. So, that is still not fully decided yet. We're waiting to refine what the requirement is working with NORTHCOM on that, but we'll let you know as soon as we've dubbed it out a bit. Q: And then my last question, just you mentioned a variety of units. Are you able to say what units? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: I'd rather not. Thanks. Q: I have a very quick clarifying Q: One clarification on the Army forces. Are these 1,000, are they guard and reserve who are being called to active duty? SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: These are Title 10 forces. The whole all the 1,500 plus up are Title 10 forces, the Marines and the Army. Q: They're all Title 10 right now. They're not being called to active duty. SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: That's correct. MODERATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for your time. Appreciate you sticking around late today for this. Thank you, officials, for taking the We'll have more information to provide at a later time. Thank you very much. Have a great evening. Again, this is attributable to a on background to a senior defense official and a senior military official. Thank you very much. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4038856/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address January 22, 2025 By Matthew Olay, DOD News DOD Orders 1,500 Troops, Additional Assets to Southern Border The Defense Department is sending 1,500 active-duty service members and additional air and intelligence assets to the southern border to augment troops already conducting enforcement operations in that region, Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses announced this afternoon via a statement to the media. The announcement came roughly 36 hours after President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order directing DOD to address the situation at the border. "On Monday, to protect the security and safety of United States citizens, President Trump declared that a national emergency exists at the southern border of the United States. The president directed me to take all appropriate action to support the activities of the secretary of homeland security in obtaining complete operational control of the southern border of the United States," the statement reads. The Pentagon has since established a task force to oversee the expedited implementation of border-related executive orders with U.S. Northern Command heading up the effort and being supported by U.S. Transportation Command, the National Guard Bureau, the military services and the Department of Homeland Security. The 1,500 additional active-duty service members authorized by Salesses will initially be put to work on the placement of physical barriers and other border missions within the next 24 to 48 hours, a senior military official told the media. The service members include 1,000 soldiers, as well as 500 Marines who had previously been on standby in Southern California to potentially help combat the Los Angeles County wildfires that broke out two weeks ago, the senior official said. With 2,500 active-duty personnel already in the region, the additional 1,500 troops will represent a 60% increase in active-duty forces since the president was sworn in on Monday, Salesses remarks in his statement. "We anticipate that overall, on the southwest border, [active-duty personnel] will provide real-time situational awareness of persons, vehicles, vessels and aircraft; and they'll work with [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] on operator-level maintenance, movement and staging of [CBP] assets," the senior military official said. In addition to the additional active-duty ground personnel, DOD will provide airlift support for flights operated by DHS to implement the deportation of more than 5,000 individuals detained by CBP at the border sectors in San Diego and El Paso, Texas, Salesses' statement reads. Transcom is providing two C-130 Hercules and two C-17 Globemaster aircraft to assist in that support, the senior military official said. Additionally, the official added that there are UH-72 Lakota military helicopters that began flying today in support of CBP. DOD is also coordinating with the State Department to obtain diplomatic visas and provide host-nation notification for those individuals who are deported, a senior defense official said. DOD is also providing intelligence analyst support at the border. "We're in the process of sourcing those requirements right now," the senior military official said. "We also anticipate that there could be some additional airborne intelligence, surveillance and support assets that would move down to the border to increase situational awareness," the official added. Regarding DOD's future activity on the border, the senior defense official said that while there are no specifics to release at the moment there will be a number of additional border enforcement missions developing. "This is going to be a big priority for the department under the acting secretary and the secretary that will be coming on board," the defense official said. "In short order, [DOD] will develop and execute additional missions in cooperation with DHS, federal agencies, and state partners to address the full range of threats outlined by the [president] at our nation's borders," Salesses' statement reads. "President Trump directed action from [DOD] on securing our nation's borders and made clear he expects immediate results. That is exactly what our military is doing under his leadership," the statement concludes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FACT SHEET: President Donald J. Trump Re-designates the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization January 22, 2025 REVERSING THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION'S REMOVAL OF THE HOUTHIS FROM THE FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION LIST: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order Re-Designating Ansar Allah (also known as the Houthis) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The Executive Order sets in motion a process by which Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, will be designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. President Trump designated the Iranian-backed Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) in January 2021. Within one month of taking office, the Biden administration reversed the Houthis' designation. As a result of the Biden administration's weak policy, the Houthis have fired at U.S. Navy warships dozens of times, launched numerous attacks on civilian infrastructure in partner nations, and attacked commercial vessels transiting Bab al-Mandeb more than 100 times. The Executive Order directs the Secretary of State, in consultation with others, to recommend the re-designation of the Houthis within 30 days. Under President Trump, it is now the policy of the United States to cooperate with its regional partners to eliminate the Houthis' capabilities and operations, deprive them of resources, and thereby end their attacks on U.S. personnel and civilians, U.S. partners, and maritime shipping in the Red Sea. Following the Houthis' re-designation as an FTO, the Executive Order also directs the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Secretary of State to jointly review United Nations partners, nongovernmental organizations, and contractors operating in Yemen. Following this review, the President will direct USAID to end its relationship with entities that have made payments to the Houthis, or which have opposed international efforts to counter the Houthis while turning a blind eye towards the Houthis' terrorism and abuses. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran to launch upgraded Kowsar satellite in coming months Iran Press TV Thursday, 23 January 2025 5:42 AM Iran plans to launch an advanced version of its domestically developed Kowsar satellite in the first half of the next Iranian year, which begins on March 21. Hossein Shahabi, the CEO of a knowledge-based aerospace company, made the announcement on the sidelines of a visit by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to an exhibition, dubbed "Pioneers of Progress, a National Event of the Capabilities and Achievements of the Private Sector", in Tehran on Tuesday, which showcased the achievements of the country's private sector. He added that the satellite, dubbed "Kowsar 1.5", is an upgraded version of Kowsar and Hodhod satellites, which were launched into space on November 5, 2024. He noted that both satellites were developed to play a leading role in enhancing precision agriculture, with Kowsar dedicated to remote sensing and Hodhod focusing on the Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The Iranian official emphasized that over 85% of the components used in these satellites have been indigenized. "Even if all the parts were imported, the satellites have been designed and manufactured by local experts and this is still considered fully domestic," he said. Shahrabi reiterated that Iran has managed to successfully overcome obstacles and challenges caused as a result of sanctions against the country and has turned threats into opportunities. He noted that efforts are underway to secure investment aimed at designing and manufacturing a constellation of these satellites. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Brazil expresses concern over Trump's environmental policy rollbacks People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:28, January 23, 2025 BRASILIA, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- The environmental policy rollbacks announced by U.S. President Donald Trump during his inaugural address have raised global concerns, chief of staff of the Brazilian presidency Rui Costa said on Wednesday. Speaking on the "Good morning, Minister" radio program produced by the Brazilian Communication Company, Costa expressed hope that these policies might not be fully implemented due to the significant autonomy and legal power of U.S. states. "Humanity is calling for the protection of nature. While the vast majority of people desire environmental preservation, some leaders have been elected who do not see this as a priority, relegating it to the background," he said. Costa criticized Trump's announcement of the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, a global pact aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "This decision is concerning, not just for the Brazilian government but for all of humanity. It is futile for one country to act alone in reducing emissions; collective effort is essential to cleaning up the planet," he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with Canadian Foreign Minister Joly US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson January 22, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly today on the Trump Administration's new approaches to key issues around the globe. Secretary Rubio and Minister Joly also discussed shared priorities in the Western Hemisphere and opportunities in the U.S.-Canada relationship. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister Joly speaks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Global Affairs Canada Readout January 23, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke yesterday with Marco Rubio, the United States' new Secretary of State. The Minister congratulated Secretary Rubio on his appointment to the position and expressed that she is looking forward to working closely with him on priorities shared by the United States and Canada. During the call, Minister Joly raised the negative impacts that unjustified tariffs would have on Canadians and Americans alike. Minister Joly and Secretary Rubio also discussed Canada-U.S. relations and ways to advance security and prosperity on both sides of the border. They emphasized the importance of advancing energy security and reducing the reliance on non-likeminded partners to supply North American energy. Minister Joly affirmed that Canada stands ready to provide the resources that the U.S. needs to achieve this shared goal. As Canada assumes the G7 presidency in 2025, Minister Joly and Secretary Rubio discussed the key role that the G7 can play in advancing both countries' priorities and in confronting evolving geopolitical challenges, such as the growing strategic alignment between China, Russia and Iran. Minister Joly and Secretary Rubio also discussed the security crisis in Haiti. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM spokesperson responds to whether China plans to have phone conversation with Rubio Global Times By Global Times Published: Jan 23, 2025 05:24 PM In response to a question about whether China has plans to have a phone conversation with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday that "I have no information to provide regarding this specific question." As a matter of principle, it is necessary for high-level Chinese and American officials to maintain contact in an appropriate way, while China will firmly defend its national interests, Mao added. Also on Thursday, in response to a US State Department statement claiming new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussing China's "dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea" with Philippines FM Enrique Manalo over phone and underscoring the "ironclad" US defense commitment to Manila, spokesperson Mao Ning said that the US is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to intervene in maritime matters between China and the Philippines. Mao added that "military cooperation between the US and the Philippines should not harm China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, and still less endorse the Philippines' illegal claims." China will continue to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, said Mao. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokespersons have answered questions related to Rubio several times this week. In response to a question about whether the recent change by the Chinese side in the official translation of the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's surname indicates that he is no longer under sanction by China, spokesperson Mao Ning said that she had not noticed it but would look into it. She added that what was more important was his English name. Regarding the sanction, Mao emphasized that China's sanctions targeted actions and words that harmed China's legitimate rights and interests. On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also responded to a question on whether China will consider dropping sanctions against Rubio. Guo stated that China will firmly defend national interests. In the meantime, it's necessary for high-level Chinese and American officials to maintain contact in an appropriate way. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's new transport drone to make deliveries to remote regions Global Times CH-YH1000 unmanned cargo aircraft capable of carrying 1,000kg of goods By Ma Jun and Liu Xuanzun Published: Jan 23, 2025 11:05 PM China's new-generation CH-YH1000 unmanned transport aircraft on Monday completed a full-load taxiing test under full working conditions in Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, Central China's Hubei Province. This cargo drone has been described as a "pickup truck in the air," and will hopefully provide a new logistics solution to "remote regions that lack free shipping." The Global Times noted that the CH-YH1000 unmanned transport aircraft adopts a typical transport aircraft design with two engines and a high wing. In order to ensure that the cargo can be conveniently and efficiently delivered to the cabin, it is equipped with an upward-flipping nose door. It is also equipped with a belly hatch, which can be used for special needs such as emergency airdrops, pesticide spraying or firefighting. Huang Wei from Aerospace CH UAV Co Ltd told the Global Times that the taxiing test is a landmark mission node following the advent of the unmanned transport aircraft. Generally speaking, important mission nodes in aircraft development, including unmanned aerial vehicles, include low-speed and high-speed taxiing, first flight, flights with different mission loads, verification test and demonstration flight. Huang said that unlike the taxiing and flight tests of manned aircraft, which rely on test pilots, comparable tests of the CH-YH1000 unmanned transport aircraft rely on autonomous program control. The operator only needs to upload relevant instructions to the drone, which can interpret the route information and taxiing runway information by itself and make corresponding actions according to the actual situation. As a result, the taxiing test for the drone has very high requirements for the reliability of related control programs and equipment. At present, the control system of the CH-YH1000 unmanned transport aircraft mainly comes from the mature technology of the CH-3D armed reconnaissance drone, which includes a variety of protection measures, so the overall performance is very reliable, according to Huang. The CH-YH1000 unmanned transport aircraft project was launched in March 2024. Based on the rich experience of the Chinese Academy of Aerospace and Aerodynamics' Aerospace CH UAV Co Ltd with unmanned aircraft, the drone applied many mature technologies and products on the shelf. A prototype of the drone was publicly displayed during the Zhuhai Airshow in November last year, and it has now smoothly completed its taxiing test in a sign of rapid progress. After the taxiing test, the project team will further optimize and test the unmanned transport aircraft to ensure that its performance is more stable and reliable before conducting the first test flight. Huang said that the precautions for drone test flights are slightly different from those for manned aircraft, and more attention is paid to the reliability of the equipment. During the first flight, the drone will place greater emphasis on environmental safety and try to eliminate unfavorable and interfering factors. When other conditions are ripe, the takeoff and landing tests in harsh field environments will be carried out. Huang explained that the CH-YH1000 unmanned transport aircraft has corresponding defense measures against hacker attacks, including the use of a dedicated radio communication network. In recent years, there have been frequent cases of drones being interfered with, an eventuality that Huang said the CH-YH1000 unmanned transport aircraft is also prepared for. One of the protection measures that has been adopted allows the drone to return to the departure airport along the originally set response route if it encounters interference and loses contact with the ground command center. "The unmanned transport aircraft we developed is like a 'pickup truck in the air.' We hope to achieve efficient air transportation at only a slightly higher cost than land transportation, meet the logistics needs of remote areas, and solve the problem of high delivery fees and slow delivery time in regions such as Xizang and Xinjiang," Huang said. He said that in the future, towns and villages with inconvenient land transportation can rely on unmanned transport aircraft to fill the shortfall, improve their express delivery distribution systems, and promote the convenience of online shopping. In addition, the CH-YH1000 drone relies on sensors to fly autonomously, which means it makes little difference whether it flies during the day or at night. Therefore, this unmanned transport aircraft, with its large transport capacity of 1,000 kilograms, can operate in the second half of the night when there is no civil aviation activity to achieve high-density air transport. It will bring new solutions to fields such as logistics, emergency rescue and military supply, and will strongly promote the development of China's unmanned transport aircraft industry and inject new vitality into the development of the country's low-altitude economy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China calls for enhanced dialogue, managing difference, MOFCOM says about US' reported plans on tariff, trade-related issues Global Times By Global Times Published: Jan 23, 2025 04:26 PM A spokesperson at the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Thursday that the ministry has always maintained communication with relevant US authorities, reaffirming China's willingness to enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the stable and healthy development of China-US economic and trade relations. The remarks were made in response to media inquiries regarding an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on his first day in office which did not explicitly mention imposing additional tariffs on China, but he reportedly directed federal agencies to "investigate and remedy" persistent US trade deficits and evaluate the implementation of the China-US phase-one trade deal, and on whether China has started communication with the US economic and trade team. "The essence of China-US economic and trade relations lies in achieving mutually beneficial and win-win outcomes, and MOFCOM has always maintained communication with relevant US authorities," Spokesperson He Yadong said at a press conference on Thursday. China hopes that under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, both sides will adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, strengthen dialogue and communication, manage differences appropriately, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the stable and healthy development of China-US economic and trade relations, He said. In response to another media question which said US President Donald Trump didn't move forward with tariffs on Day 1 in the White House, but later claimed that a 10 percent additional tariff on China could be imposed starting February 1, the MOFCOM spokesperson said that China's stance on tariff issues has been consistent, emphasizing that the US' tariff measures do not benefit China, the US, and the world at large. China is willing to work with the US to promote the development of bilateral economic and trade relations in a stable, healthy, and sustainable direction, based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. Xin Qiang, deputy director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Thursday that China has always adopted a rational and pragmatic approach to addressing trade and tariff issues. "Through continuous dialogue and communication, seeking solutions acceptable to both sides aligns with the interests of both China and the US," he noted. Facts have proven that while China is actively advancing its opening-up policy, it also possesses the confidence and determination to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses through necessary measures when confronted with unfair trade practices, Xin added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on January 23, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: January 23, 2025 20:57 Global Times: It's reported that Chinese research institutions have completed the tests and analysis of the first independent sampling of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water discharged into the sea. Could you share more details with us? Mao Ning: To ensure independent sampling and monitoring by China and other stakeholders is one of the commitments made by Japan on the issue of the discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the sea. We learned from relevant authorities that Chinese research institutions have completed the tests and analysis of China's first independent sampling. No abnormality was seen in the activity concentration of tritium, caesium-137 and strontium-90. Global Times: Does the test result prove the safety of the discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the sea? Mao Ning:The discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water concerns the world's common interest. Japan's unilateral action taken in spite of concerns of neighboring countries and the international community lacks legitimacy and rationality. China's firm opposition to Japan's discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the sea remains unchanged. In the absence of any compulsory international mechanism to stop the discharge, independent sampling by stakeholder countries on a continuous basis as a method of monitoring is an effective way to control the risks that come with the discharge. Meanwhile, we noted that professional agencies pointed out that one single test provides limited reference. China will continue to work with the international community to urge Japan to fulfill its commitments, put the discharge under strict international oversight and continue the independent sampling and monitoring of the water. AFP: The new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a call yesterday with his Philippines counterpart Enrique Manalo. A State Department spokesperson said that Rubio underscored the United States' ironclad commitments to the Philippines under the countries' mutual defense treaty and that the two also discussed Beijing's "dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea." Does the Foreign Ministry have a reaction to this call? Mao Ning: China's activities in relevant waters are legitimate, lawful, and fully justified. The US is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to interfere in the maritime issues between China and the Philippines. The military cooperation between the US and the Philippines should not undermine China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, still less should such cooperation support or advance the Philippines' illegal claims. China will continue to take necessary steps to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea. Beijing Daily: The White House said a few days ago that the US will withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change. Comments say that this will cast a cloud over the global effort of climate response and green transition. What is your view on this? Mao Ning: China regrets the US announcement of withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Climate change is a common challenge facing all humanity. No country can opt out or stay unaffected. As Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang pointed out in his special address at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025, we must follow a consistent approach in addressing climate change. The fundamental solution to climate change is green transition. China is accelerating green and low-carbon transition across the board and taking concrete actions to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. China has built the world's largest and most complete new energy industrial chain. 70 percent of the photovoltaic components and 60 percent of wind power equipment worldwide come from China. These high-quality production capacity has served as a strong boost to global green development and climate response. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, China's determination and action for proactive climate response will not change, and we will continue working with all parties to build a fair and equitable global climate governance system for win-win cooperation and advance global green and low-carbon transition and sustainable development. AFP: I'd like to follow up on a question yesterday about a Chinese mine worker who had reportedly been killed in Afghanistan's northern Takhar province. Since then, the Islamic State's regional chapter has claimed responsibility for the attack, according a monitoring group called "site." This monitoring group said that "IS issued a communique reporting that fighters fired at a vehicle containing a Chinese." Does the Foreign Ministry have further information today or comments on this incident? Mao Ning: China is deeply shocked at the attack and strongly condemns it. We express our condolences over the lives lost. China has lodged serious protests to Afghanistan right after the attack, and asked the country to conduct thorough investigations into the attack, and bring the perpetrators to justice. China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and calls for resolute and strong efforts in cracking down on ISIS, the ETIM and other terrorist organizations designated by the UN Security Council with zero tolerance. China will closely follow the security situation in Afghanistan and continue supporting Afghanistan in combating all forms of terrorism and violence, and upholding national security and stability. We urge the Afghan interim government to take resolute and effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese citizens, institutions and projects in Afghanistan. Kyodo News: A people's court in Suzhou today handed down a ruling on the case of attack against a Japanese woman and her child last June, and the Chinese defendant was sentenced to death. What is China's comment? Mao Ning: From what I have gathered, the case is in judicial process and China's judicial authorities will handle the case in accordance with law. China will, as always, act to protect the safety of foreign nationals in China. Bloomberg: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has had a series of calls, mainly from US allies so far, part of his outreach to a growing list of countries including Japan, Australia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, UAE and the Quad. We're wondering, does China's Foreign Minister plan to speak with Mr. Rubio and can such a call take place given that Mr. Rubio has been sanctioned twice by China? Mao Ning: I have no information to share on your question. Let me say more broadly that it's necessary for high-level Chinese and U.S. officials to engage each other in appropriate ways. In the meantime, China will firmly defend its national interests. CCTV: A follow-up on the test result of the discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water. Does a normal test result mean that China will resume imports of Japanese aquatic products? Mao Ning: The Chinese government always puts people first and firmly safeguards the food safety of our people. On the issue of resuming imports of Japanese aquatic products, China always follows a science-based approach. The first independent sampling and testing is just one of the steps for Japan to implement its commitments on the discharge issue. The resumption of Japanese aquatic products depends on results from a series of data including those from China's continuous independent sampling and monitoring and whether Japan will take concrete measures to effectively guarantee the quality and safety of exported aquatic products to China. Reuters: According to a Reuters report today, the US deployed its Typhon missile launchers to a new location in the Philippines. A senior Philippine government source said that their redeployment would help determine where and how fast the missile battery could be moved to a new firing position. I just wanted to ask for any comments on the report. Mao Ning: On the US deployment of Mid-Range Capability missile system in the Philippines, China has made clear its opposition more than once. Let me stress again that by bringing this strategic offensive weapon into this part of the world, the Philippines is essentially creating tensions and antagonism in the region and inciting geopolitical confrontation and an arms race. This is a highly dangerous move and an extremely irresponsible choice for its own people, the people of the other Southeast Asian countries, and regional security. We once again call on the Philippines to heed the call from regional countries and their peoples, correct the wrongdoing as soon as possible, quickly pull out the Typhon missile system as publicly pledged, and stop going further down the wrong path. Reuters: The Financial Times reported on Wednesday that two Iranian cargo vessels carrying an ingredient for missile propellant will sail from China to Iran in the next few weeks, potentially subjecting the involved Chinese entities to US sanctions. I wanted to ask for a comment on that report. Mao Ning: I am not familiar with what you mentioned. China strictly controls the export of dual-use articles in accordance with laws and regulations on export control and our international obligations. China opposes any illicit unilateral sanctions. Reuters: More than half of the American businesses in China say they are concerned about a further deterioration in the bilateral relationship between the economies, according to a survey from the US Chamber of Commerce. That's the highest level in five years. Do you have any comment on that report? Mao Ning: This actually reflects how important it is to pursue a steady, sound and sustainable China-U.S. relationship. China always views and develops China-U.S. ties in line with the three principles put forth by President Xi Jinping, namely mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. We also hope the U.S. will work with China and bring China-U.S. relations back onto the track of sound and steady development. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Beijing opaque on its travel ban against Rubio The new US secretary of state is sanctioned due to his criticism of China's government. By Alex Willemyns 2025.01.23 -- Chinese officials remain tight-lipped about how they plan to carry out diplomacy with the United States while America's top diplomat, Marco Rubio, remains officially sanctioned for critical comments he made about Beijing's treatment of Uyghurs and Hong Kong in 2020. Rubio, formerly a Republican senator from Florida, was hit with retaliatory sanctions for "interfering" in China's domestic affairs by criticizing its 2019 crackdown in Hong Kong and what the U.S. government calls a "genocide" against ethnic Uyghurs in the far northwestern Xinjiang region. Under China's Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, that puts Rubio on a travel ban list, potentially complicating U.S.-Chinese diplomacy. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning was ambiguous at a briefing on Thursday when asked whether Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi would speak with Rubio by telephone given the sanctions. "I have no information to share on your question," Mao said, before adding that Beijing still thought engagement was important. "Let me say more broadly that it's necessary for high-level Chinese and U.S. officials to engage each other in appropriate ways," she said. "In the meantime, China will firmly defend its national interests." On Monday, Rubio was confirmed as U.S. President Donald Trump's secretary of state after stating at his Senate confirmation hearing that he believes China is the "biggest threat" to America's security. He also nodded to his fraught ties with China during the hearing. "Indeed, I've been strongly worded in my views of China," Rubio said. "Let me just point out they've said mean things about me too." What's in a name? In the aftermath of his confirmation, Chinese official state documents referring to Rubio appeared to change the Chinese characters used to transcribe his name, leading to suggestions Beijing might be attempting to skirt the sanctions and travel ban by renaming Rubio in Chinese. However, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson seemingly put the kibosh on that account at an earlier press briefing Wednesday, telling a reporter she was "not yet aware" of his name being written differently. "If you ask me, instead of how his name is translated in Chinese, it's his actual name in English that is more important," Mao said. "What I can tell you is that China's sanctions are aimed at the words and actions that harm China's legitimate rights and interests." The Chinese Embassy in Washington was also opaque when asked by Radio Free Asia about the sanctions, travel ban and name change. "China will firmly defend national interests," spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. "In the meantime, it's necessary for high-level Chinese and American officials to maintain contact in an appropriate way." The U.S. State Department told RFA only that Rubio did "not have any travel to announce at this time." It otherwise declined to comment on the sanctions and the new secretary's apparent Chinese name change. "Secretary Rubio looks forward to promoting American safety, security and prosperity through his engagements with China and other countries throughout the region," a spokesperson said. Sanctions diplomacy It's not the first time sanctions have complicated U.S.-China ties. From March to October 2023, Li Shangfu served as China's defense minister while subject to U.S. sanctions issued in 2018 for purchasing banned Russian missile systems when he was a lieutenant general. Li's tenure came at a nadir for U.S.-China ties and saw the Chinese defense minister and the rest of China's military refuse any direct contact with their American counterparts, leading to public complaints from then-U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in June 2023. But Li was sacked by President Xi Jinping in October 2023 -- and later expelled from the Chinese Communist Party altogether -- a month before Xi and then-U.S. President Joe Biden's summit in San Francisco, where military-to-military contact was re-established. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thailand says 'no policy' to deport 48 detained Uyghurs to China UN experts had joined rights groups in raising concerns about the fate of the men. By Pimuk Rakkanam for RFA 2025.01.23 BANGKOK -- Thailand has no plan to deport 48 Uyghurs who have languished for more than a decade in detention, a government spokesman said on Thursday, dismissing speculation that the men were about to be sent back to China where rights groups say they would face the risk of torture. The men from the mostly Muslim minority from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China have been held at Thailand's Immigration Detention Center since 2014, after attempting to escape Beijing's persecution through Thailand. The rights group Justice for All said recently that reports from the detained Uyghurs indicated that Thai authorities were coercing them to fill out forms in preparation for their deportation. An Immigration Bureau spokesperson told Radio Free Asia last week that no decision had been made regarding the Uyghurs, and a government spokesman reiterated on Thursday that no deportation was planned. "There is no policy to do so. I don't understand why there's been talk about this," spokesman Jirayu Huangsab told RFA. "I have nothing to clarify," Jirayu said, when asked about Thailand's position on the issue. He also questioned the source of the information of "the person who blew the whistle about this." U.N. experts on Tuesday joined rights groups in raising concern about the Uyghurs, urging Thailand to halt their deportation to China. "The treatment of the Uyghur minority in China is well-documented," said the experts, collectively known as the Special Procedures of the U.N.'s Human Rights Council. "We are concerned they are at risk of suffering irreparable harm, in violation of the international prohibition on refoulement to torture." The prohibition on refoulement prevents returning detainees to a country "where there is real risk of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment." Uyghurs in China's vast Xinjiang region have been subjected to widespread human rights abuses, including detention in massive concentration camps. The U.N. experts also called on Thailand to provide access to asylum procedures and medical care for the group of detained Uyghurs "without delay." Rubio promised intervention The group of refugees is part of an originally larger cohort of over 350 Uyghur men, women and children, 172 of whom were resettled in Turkey, 109 deported back to China, and five who died because of inadequate medical conditions. In 2015, Thailand, Washington's longest-standing treaty ally in Asia, faced stiff international criticism for those it did deport back to China. Thailand is not a signatory to the 1951 U.N. Refugee Convention, and therefore does not recognize refugees. New U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at his confirmation hearing last week that he would reach out to U.S. ally Thailand to prevent the return of the Uyghurs to China. The treatment of Uyghurs in China was not "some obscure issue" that should be on the sidelines of U.S.-China ties, Rubio said. "These are people who are basically being rounded up because of their ethnicity and religion, and they are being put into camps. They're being put into what they call re-education centers. They're being stripped of their identity. Their children's names are being changed," he said. "It's one of the most horrifying things that's ever happened," he added. "They're being put into forced labor - literally slave labor." China denies accusations of slave labor in Xinjiang. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Unjustified': Iran condemns Trump's reinstatement of Cuba on terror list Iran Press TV Thursday, 23 January 2025 2:39 PM Iran has condemned the "unjustified, baseless and rejected" move by US President Donald Trump to reinstate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, stressing that such unilateral actions further weaken the rule of law at the international level. "The US has a long history of using such baseless and arbitrary designations, as well as defamation of independent countries as a tool to advance own foreign agenda," Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Thursday. The decision, he said, is contrary to the principles and norms of international law and an excuse for the imposition of unilateral and cruel sanctions against independent nations. "Such unilateral actions by a permanent member of the Security Council not only violate the fundamental human rights of the Cuban people but also further weaken the rule of law at the international level and promote lawlessness. They must face opposition from the international community," he said. On January 20, just hours after his inauguration to a second term, Trump reinstated Cuba as state sponsor of terrorism, reversing an executive order issued by former US president Joe Biden just a week earlier. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel responded on social media late on Monday, calling Trump's decision to revoke Biden's measures an "act of mockery and abuse." Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also criticized the reinstatement of the terrorism designation, calling it "a tool of political coercion" rather than a genuine effort to combat terrorism. Experts believe that Trump's reversal aligns with his administration's hardline stance on Cuba and is supported by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has long advocated for sanctions against the island nation. Rubio's parents were Cubans who immigrated to the United States in 1956 during the regime of Fulgencio Batista, two and a half years before Fidel Castro ascended to power after the Cuban Revolution. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two North Korean Nationals and Three Facilitators Indicted for Multi-Year Fraudulent Remote Information Technology Worker Scheme that Generated Revenue for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Thursday, January 23, 2025 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Action is Latest Disruption of U.S.-Based "Laptop Farms" that Deceive U.S. Companies Into Hiring DPRK Nationals Note: View the indictment here. The Justice Department today announced the indictment of North Korean nationals Jin Sung-Il () and Pak Jin-Song (), Mexican national Pedro Ernesto Alonso De Los Reyes, and U.S. nationals Erick Ntekereze Prince and Emanuel Ashtor for a fraudulent scheme to obtain remote information technology (IT) work with U.S. companies that generated revenue for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea). "The Department of Justice remains committed to disrupting North Korea's cyber-enabled sanctions-evading schemes, which seek to trick U.S. companies into funding the North Korean regime's priorities, including its weapons programs," said Supervisory Official Devin DeBacker of the Justice Department's National Security Division. "Our commitment includes the vigorous pursuit of both the North Korean actors and those providing them with material support. It also includes standing side-by-side with U.S. companies to not only disrupt ongoing victimization, but also to help them independently detect and prevent such schemes in the future." "FBI investigation has uncovered a years-long plot to install North Korean IT workers as remote employees to generate revenue for the DPRK regime and evade sanctions," said Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of the FBI's Cyber Division. "The indictments announced today should highlight to all American companies the risk posed by the North Korean government. As always, the FBI is available to assist victims of the DPRK. Please reach out to your local FBI field office should you have any questions or concerns." According to the indictment, over the course of their scheme, from approximately April 2018 through August 2024, the defendants and their unindicted co-conspirators obtained work from at least sixty-four U.S. companies. Payments from ten of those companies generated at least $866,255 in revenue, most of which the defendants then laundered through a Chinese bank account. As part of this prosecution, the FBI arrested Ntekereze and Ashtor and executed a search of Ashtor's residence in North Carolina, where he previously operated a "laptop farm" that hosted victim company-provided laptops to deceive companies into thinking they had hired U.S.-located workers. Alonso was arrested in the Netherlands on Jan. 10, pursuant to an arrest warrant from the United States. The DPRK has dispatched thousands of skilled IT workers to live abroad, primarily in China and Russia, with the aim of deceiving U.S. and other businesses worldwide into hiring them as freelance IT workers to generate revenue for the regime. DPRK IT worker schemes involve the use of pseudonymous email, social media, payment platform and online job site accounts, as well as false websites, proxy computers, and witting and unwitting third parties located in the United States and elsewhere. As described in a May 2022 tri-seal public service advisory released by the FBI, and State and Treasury Departments, such IT workers have been known individually earn up to $300,000 annually, generating hundreds of millions of dollars collectively each year, on behalf of designated entities, such as the North Korean Ministry of Defense and others directly involved in the DPRK's weapons of mass destruction programs. According to the indictment, the defendants used forged and stolen identity documents, including U.S. passports containing the stolen personally identifiable information of a U.S. person, to conceal the true identities of Jin, Pak, and other North Korean co-conspirators, so that these North Korean nationals could circumvent sanctions and other laws to obtain employment with U.S. companies. Ntekereze and Ashtor received laptops from U.S. company employers at their residences, downloading and installing remote access software on them, without authorization, to facilitate IT worker access and to perpetuate the deception of U.S. companies. The defendants further conspired to launder payments for the remote IT work through a variety of accounts designed to promote the scheme and conceal its proceeds. All five defendants are charged with conspiracy to cause damage to a protected computer, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and conspiracy to transfer false identification documents. Jin and Pak are charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence of each defendant after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Under the Department-wide "DPRK RevGen: Domestic Enabler Initiative," launched in March 2024 by the National Security Division and the FBI's Cyber and Counterintelligence Divisions, Department prosecutors and agents are prioritizing the identification and shuttering of U.S.-based "laptop farms" - locations hosting laptops provided by victim U.S. companies to individuals they believed were legitimate U.S.-based freelance IT workers - and the investigation and prosecution of individuals hosting them. Today's announcement follows successful actions taken by the Department in October 2023, May 2024, August 2024, and December 2024, which targeted similar and related conduct. The FBI Miami Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Stratton and Sean Cronin for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Gregory J. Nicosia, Jr. of the National Security Division's National Security Cyber Section are prosecuting the case. Substantial assistance was also provided by Tracy Varghese and Menno Goedman of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and the Justice Department's Office of International Affairs. The FBI, in conjunction with the State and Treasury Departments, issued a May 2022 advisory to alert the international community, private sector, and public about the North Korea IT worker threat. Updated guidance was issued in October 2023 by the United States and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and in May 2024 by the FBI, which include indicators to watch for that are consistent with the North Korea IT worker fraud and the use of U.S.-based laptop farms. Today, the FBI issued additional guidance regarding extortion and theft of sensitive company data by North Korean IT workers, along with recommended mitigations. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Topic: National Security Components: Criminal - Office of International Affairs Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Security Division (NSD) USAO - Florida, Southern Press Release Number: 25-105 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Twelfth Session of 14th Supreme People's Assembly of DPRK Held Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, January 24 (KCNA) -- The Twelfth Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Jan. 22 and 23. The session was convened at a historic time when all the people of the country turned out in the dynamic general advance to glorify 2025 marking the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea and the 80th anniversary of national liberation as a year of eye-opening events and great turn in completing the decisions of the Eighth Party Congress and bringing about a new phase towards a higher development stage, true to the fighting programme set forth at the Eleventh Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Central Committee of the WPK. Present there were deputies to the SPA and, as observers, officials of the Party Central Committee, the SPA Standing Committee, the Cabinet, ministries, national agencies and armed forces organs and other officials concerned in Pyongyang and local areas. Taking the platform were Pak Thae Song, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee and premier of the DPRK Cabinet, Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee, first vice-president of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and chairman of the SPA Standing Committee, and other senior Party, government and military officials, members of the State Affairs Commission, and vice-chairmen, secretary general and members of the SPA Standing Committee. The chairman and vice-chairpersons of the SPA of the DPRK took the chair. Pak In Chol, chairman of the SPA, made an opening address. When the session was declared open, the national anthem of the DPRK was played. The Twelfth Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK brought out the following agenda items: First, on the review of the work of the DPRK Cabinet for 2024 and its tasks for 2025 Second, on the fulfillment of the state budget of the DPRK for 2024 and the state budget for 2025 Third, on the deliberation and adoption of the law of the DPRK on building-materials industry Fourth, on the deliberation and adoption of the law of the DPRK on offshore farming Fifth, on the review of the work of the DPRK Central Court for 2024 Sixth, on the revision of some provisions of the DPRK Socialist Constitution Seventh, organizational matter Before discussing the agenda items, the session briefed on the senior officials of government organs appointed at the Eleventh Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Party Central Committee. Premier Pak Thae Song, on behalf of the Cabinet members, took an oath to remain faithful to the Constitution of the DPRK and live up to the expectations of the Party and the people with absolute devotion. Deputy Pak Thae Song, premier of the Cabinet, made a report on the first agenda item. The report analyzed and reviewed in depth the successes, experience and a series of deviations made by the Cabinet in the course of organizing and directing the work for implementing the Party's economic policy while concentrating efforts on attaining the major 12 goals for the national economic development last year. It also set forth detailed sectional tasks to be surely fulfilled this year, the final year for the implementation of the five-year plan. Speeches were made by deputies Pak Jong Gun, Kim Yu Il, Ri Sang Do, Kim Kwang Nam, Ri Kyong Il, Kim Song Hui, Kim Son Il and Kim Kum Suk. The speakers expressed full support to the report submitted to the full-dress SPA session, nothing that the 2024 work of the Cabinet was correctly summed up and the main orientation and tasks for the 2025 economic work were indicated in line with the Party's intention to perfectly implement the decisions of the Eighth Party Congress while consolidating the successes made last year as well as the high enthusiasm of all the officials and working people to greet the 80th founding anniversary of the WPK with brilliant labor achievements. They expressed their determination to make redoubled efforts to successfully carry out the vast revolutionary tasks facing their sectors and units with the high Party spirit, revolutionary spirit and popular spirit as befitting the officials in the new era of comprehensive national rejuvenation and the representatives of the people. Many deputies offered constructive opinions on the Cabinet work. Deputy Pak Thae Song, premier of the Cabinet, made public measures for the raised issues. The session adopted a decision of the SPA of the DPRK "On approving the report on the work of the DPRK Cabinet". Deputy Ri Myong Guk, minister of Finance, made a report on the second agenda item. The session recognized that the state budget for 2024 was fulfilled as planned in the struggle to successfully attain the immediate goals of the five-year plan for the national economic development and that the state budget for 2025 was set up to successfully fulfill the five-year plan by concentrating the investment on accelerating the significant changes in the national defence capabilities and displaying the might of the self-supporting economy in major sectors of the national economy, and to ensure the improvement of the people's living standard and the comprehensive development in all the sectors of socialist construction including science, education, public health and culture. The session adopted with unanimous approval a decision of the DPRK SPA "On approving the fulfillment of the state budget of the DPRK for 2024" and an ordinance of the DPRK SPA "On the state budget of the DPRK for 2025". Deputy Kang Yun Sok, vice-chairman of the SPA Standing Committee, made a report on the third and fourth agenda items. Saying that the new draft laws, worked out to meet the requirements of the times when a great heyday of construction was opened up and a new turning point was made for the development of offshore farming under the wise guidance of the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un , stipulate the principled issues arising in laying a solid foundation for building-materials production and manufacturing quality building-materials of various kinds and the practical issues arising in the creation of offshore farms and production and treatment of sea culture, the reporter explained the contents according to their chapters. The SPA Standing Committee submitted the draft law of the DPRK on building-materials industry and the draft law of the DPRK on offshore farming for deliberation at the full-dress SPA session, in accordance with Article 95 of the Socialist Constitution. Deputies So Jong Jin, Choe Yong Man, Yun Jae Hyok, Choe Yong Bo, Song Chun Sop, Kim Chol Bom, Jon Chang Guk and Kim Chol Yong made speeches. They expressed full support to the draft laws, saying in combination with the actual situation of their sectors and units that they were worked out in the light of practicality, scientific accuracy, development and prospectiveness. The session adopted with unanimous approval ordinances of the DPRK SPA "On adopting the Law of the DPRK on Building-materials Industry" and "On adopting the Law of the DPRK on Offshore Farming". The session discussed the 2024 work of the Central Court as its fifth agenda item. Deputy Choe Kun Yong, president of the Central Court, cited data to make a report on the last year's work of the Central Court. After his report, deputies raised opinions on the work of the Central Court, including the practical issues arising in further strengthening the most advantageous socialist legal system of our state and in more thoroughly establishing the revolutionary law-abiding spirit throughout society. Deputy Choe Kun Yong made public measures for the raised opinions. The SPA deliberated the report on the 2024 work of the Central Court and admitted that it had successfully fulfilled its duty stipulated in the constitution, and adopted a decision of the DPRK SPA "On approving the report of the Central Court of the DPRK". The session discussed the sixth agenda item. It unanimously adopted an ordinance of the DPRK SPA "On amending some provisions of the Socialist Constitution of the DPRK" as regards the issue of naming the Central Court and the Central Public Prosecutors Office the Supreme Court and the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office. The session discussed the organizational matter as its seventh agenda item. A member of the SPA Standing Committee was recalled and by-elected. Deputy Jon Hyang Sun was by-elected as member of the SPA Standing Committee. Members of sectional committees of the SPA were recalled and by-elected. Deputies Kim Chol Won, Kim Jong Su and Ri Song Bom were by-elected as members of the SPA Legislation Committee. Deputies Kang Yun Sok, Jong Myong Su and Yun Jong Ho were by-elected as members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the SPA. Deputy Kim Tok Hun was by-elected as chairman of the SPA Budget Committee and Deputy Ri Ji Nam as its member. Pak In Chol, chairman of the SPA, made a closing address. The Twelfth Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly successfully finished its work amid the high political enthusiasm of all the participants to be loyal to their duty as the representatives of the supreme power organ and masters of state affairs in the sacred struggle for hastening the comprehensive rejuvenation of our state, true to the ideas and leadership of the great Comrade Kim Jong Un with single-minded efforts. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Working together for an open, strong and successful Europe Germany - Federal Government Federal Chancellor Scholz in Paris Russia's war against Ukraine, the shift to the right in Europe and the future role of the USA: Europe faces a number of major challenges. It is precisely in times like these that Europe depends on the Franco-German partnership, said Federal Chancellor Scholz in his press statement in Paris. Transcript of press conference Wednesday, 22 January 2025 Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Paris on 22 January 2025, exactly 62 years after the signing of the Treaty on Franco-German Cooperation, or Elysee Treaty. A milestone in the reconciliation and friendship between the two countries, the treaty is more relevant today than ever. Scholz and Macron discussed the current challenges facing Europe - and what form a Franco-German response might take. The key facts at a glance: Europe must be strong and resilient: With its war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia has struck at the heart of the European peace order. What is more, the far right is increasingly seeking to sew divisions within Western society, and the new US administration is already making many decisions that will have an impact on Europe, too. According to Federal Chancellor Scholz, there is only one answer to this: "We will remain strong and stand together." As far as support for Ukraine is concerned, the Federal Chancellor left no doubt as to his position: "Ukraine can rely on Germany." With its war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia has struck at the heart of the European peace order. What is more, the far right is increasingly seeking to sew divisions within Western society, and the new US administration is already making many decisions that will have an impact on Europe, too. According to Federal Chancellor Scholz, there is only one answer to this: "We will remain strong and stand together." As far as support for Ukraine is concerned, the Federal Chancellor left no doubt as to his position: "Ukraine can rely on Germany." Strengthening the European pillar of NATO: "NATO is key to guaranteeing the security of Europe and the stability of transatlantic relations," said Federal Chancellor Scholz, adding that it was particularly important to strengthen the European pillar. Much had already been achieved here, Scholz noted: defence spending was on the increase in European countries, and there had been collaboration on weapons systems. There had also been closer cooperation between Germany and France in the area of defence and armaments, the Federal Chancellor said, though he added that more needed to be done in this area. "NATO is key to guaranteeing the security of Europe and the stability of transatlantic relations," said Federal Chancellor Scholz, adding that it was particularly important to strengthen the European pillar. Much had already been achieved here, Scholz noted: defence spending was on the increase in European countries, and there had been collaboration on weapons systems. There had also been closer cooperation between Germany and France in the area of defence and armaments, the Federal Chancellor said, though he added that more needed to be done in this area. Germany and France for Europe: Germany and France have accomplished a lot together in the past. The two countries have now jointly adopted an agenda for competitiveness and growth in the EU. On this point, the Federal Chancellor said that rather than imposing penalties on car manufacturers, it was important for Europe to invest more in e-mobility, protect the European steel industry and do more to cut red tape for businesses. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transcript of Press Conference by External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar in Washington D.C. (January 22, 2025) India - Ministry of External Affairs January 23, 2025 Shri Vinay Kwatra, Ambassador of India to the United States: Good morning, friends. It's a great pleasure for us to have honorable External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar amongst us for this brief press interaction. We will start with EAM making brief opening remarks. We will thereafter open to a brief set of questions. Before asking your question, I would suggest if you could please identify yourself and the organization that you represent and we could then take your questions in. Sir, over to you. Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister: Very good morning to all of you. So as you all know, I am here as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister for the inauguration of President Trump and Vice President Vance. So, I will run through probably what I was doing in the last two days and some of the discussions, share some of the substance of the discussions we've had. So with regard to the inauguration ceremonies, I attended the swearing in. There was a church service before that. Evening there were socials. So it gave me an opportunity to meet a few other people there. I had an occasion to meet the Secretary of State, and since he was confirmed, we had our bilateral meeting yesterday at the Department of State. There was also a Quad Foreign Ministers meeting, because all the Quad Foreign Ministers were here for the inaugural. Separately, I met National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz. I had met him in December when I came. And during the course of my stay, I also had the opportunity to interact with Speaker Johnson, with Majority Leader, Senator Thune. I made the acquaintance of six Cabinet members of the administration. So that's broadly the activities of the last two days. If I were to share my overall impressions, I would say, one, it was very clear that the Trump administration was keen to have India present at the inaugural itself, and they're clearly prioritizing the bilateral relationship. Secondly, I think in the meetings I had, it was also evident that they would like to build on the foundation of the relationship, a foundation which the first Trump administration also contributed a lot to building. But, you know, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi at that time took a number of initiatives, and we have seen that mature in many ways. And the third impression was with regard to the Quad. Again... a very strong sense that the current administration would reciprocate our desire as well, to take the Quad further, to intensify its activities. And I remind you that Quad itself was restarted in 2017 when in the United States, Donald Trump was the president. Let me say a few words about the bilateral relationship because both in my meeting with Secretary Rubio as well as NSA Waltz, a lot of our discussion centered on the bilateral side. And, you know, in many ways I think between us and the Trump administration we approach the world both with a clear-eyed sense of our national interest, belief in the, you know, that the mutuality of benefits in any interaction. I think we have a very strong degree of trust today between India and the United States, a very high level of convergence of our interests, and a sense that while we serve our national interests, while we build our bilateral partnership, definitely on regional issues and global issues, there is a lot of good that we can do. So that sense of global good was also very evident conceptually in what we discussed. In terms of the bilateral ties, I think now you do understand that this was the first day of the administration, so obviously we had a sort of essentially a broad brush conversation, didn't get too deep into details. But there was, I think, an agreement, a consensus between us that we need to be bolder, we need to be bigger, we need to be more ambitious. You know, the interactions between us should be more intensive. And some of the specifics we discussed ... we want to promote the ease of building the relationship. How do you make business, mobility, education, technology, defense, security ... how do you make it easier to do, between two countries who would like to do it. But there are the burden of regulations and the complexity of processes. So I did see an understanding and a recognition that we need to make this process much smoother than it has in the past, so that it actually enables us to achieve our shared objective, really, of this bolder, bigger, more ambitious relationship. When it came to various regulations and processes, I also flagged some concerns which are very widespread in India about delays in visas, and the relationship is not well served if it takes that many days for people to get a visa, because ultimately those visa delays do impact business. They do, you know, affect tourism. They do, in many ways, constrain the people-to-people interactions, which is the foundation of our relationship. When I spoke about the growing, strong trust between us; I think we would like to translate that trust more and more into an actual partnership. So whether it's technology, whether it's an industrial partnership, education, defense, security, really we are open in all domains. I think today the enthusiasm and the levels of comfort are very strong between India and the United States. So it was really a question, I mean, we were competing with each other to say, look, how faster, how much faster, how much, you know, further we can take this relationship and how best we can do that. Just want to say a few words about the Quad as well, and then I'd be happy to respond to any questions or comments you have. For Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Iwaya of Japan, this was the first Quad meeting that they were attending. Minister Penny Wong, and I had done quite a few before. So in a way, it was sort of a stock-taking of the Quad. So each one of us came in with, you know, where we thought we were. But there was a very, I would say, animated exchange of ideas, and the sentiment in the room was very much that the Quad is a collaborative activity, and therefore it's important to continuously refresh it, to keep doing more and more, to keep adding substance. And I think we ended on the note that this year India would be hosting the Quad Leaders Summit, so between now and the summit, what are the new ideas, the fresh activities that we could contemplate. So we felt that this was something which our team should get to work to, and we ourselves as Ministers committed ourselves to monitoring it and meeting as required. Where the Quad is concerned, I would say the fact that the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting was held on the first day of the administration at work, literally within hours of Secretary Rubio being sworn in, I think in a way the meeting itself was the message. So we all sort of noted that and proceeded accordingly. So this was broadly, you know, what's been the activities of the last two days. I'm happy to respond to any questions that you may have. But overall, I again would say that it's been for me a great honor to represent the Prime Minister and the Government of India at this important occasion. And I do think that, you know, my presence here is not only a testament, a statement about the relationship, but it has also been a very valuable opportunity to get off to a very early start. Thank you. Shri. Vinay Kwatra, Ambassador of India to the United States: Thank you, Sir. We'll now take two to three sets of questions. We'll start with the first, Saurabh, Yashwant, Lalit. Saurabh Shukla, News Mobile: Minister, welcome to DC and a belated Happy Birthday to you. I am Saurabh Shukla from News Mobile. Minister, you spoke about the trust in the relationship and that was clearly visible in the manner in which the U.S. side accorded a red carpet welcome to you for this inaugural. There is a sense that President Trump, and he's spoken about it many times, about his special partnership with Prime Minister Modi. How soon do you see a summit meeting happening between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, and what agenda is in the works for that? Yashwant Raj, IANS: Minister this is Yashwant Raj from IANS. I have the same question as Saurabh, but I wanted to ask you if you could the Reuters report that the two leaders could meet in the next month or at least the attempts are around to get them to meet in the next month. And two, in the state department readout of your meeting with Secretary Rubio, it said Secretary Rubio raised something about irregular migration. I was wondering if that was another phrase for illegal people, Indians coming in between this [Inaudible]. Lalit Jha, PTI: Lalit Jha from PTI, Press Trust of India. Just to follow up on what Yashwant said, there's news reported in part of India that India is working with the Trump administration to deport about 18,000 undocumented Indians. Can you that [Inaudible]. And secondly, did any one of those officials of the Trump administration raise the issue which with the whole talks and the relationship of the court cases that are going on about Indian officials, former Indian officials and Indian businessmen. Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister: So the first question, observation, Saurabh, yes, I definitely as someone who's been involved in the relationship for many, many decades, I would say that the levels of trust are very high and not just because in a way the trust is a more systemic sentiment. I would also say there's a very visible chemistry between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump and that also in a sense percolates through the system and reinforces that comfort and trust that you have referred to. So there was a very visible appetite to get this relationship moving, to do more, to raise the bar, set bigger goals. So that was the sort of feeling in the room. Now in terms of your query about, and what Yashwant also raised about possible meeting between the leadership, between the Prime Minister and the President. The administration has just come in. Understandably, at the moment everybody is focused on the inaugural ceremony. I mean they're also finding their feet and attending to the priorities of the day. But clearly there is an interest in taking the relationship forward. Now the exact mechanics of it, as and when we have something to tell you, we'd be happy to share with you. But I do remind you that the Prime Minister had a very early phone call with President Trump, and that I had come last month and made the initial contact with the NSA. So it should give you a direction in which today the relationship is going. At what point that direction reaches that culminating point, I think we'll have to wait and see. In terms of your second observation, sorry, one other issue, Sourabh you asked about the agenda. Again, you know, there are these broad subjects, let us say defense and security or skills and education or technology. But within that, I think there's a lot of latitude, there's a lot of unexploited space, there are things - there are new things to do, but there's also the challenge of how do we do the regular things better than we were doing. So I think there was an openness to look at a lot of this, especially, you know, some of our concerns about process issues, delays. I think there was a very positive response, because that's also the outlook of the administration as a whole. How do we make governance more efficient and effective. So, if you have in the two countries two leaders who are very focused on effectiveness, and the quality and the speed of governance, efficiency of governance, naturally that is something which also percolates into the relationship as well. In terms of the reference you made, Yashwant, to the irregular migration, yes, we had a discussion on a range of issues, and one of the issues which came up was actually mobility of people. Now, you know, we have a position on mobility which is a principled position ... applies to all countries. As a government, we obviously are very much supportive of legal mobility because we do believe in a global workplace. We want Indian talent and Indian skills to have the maximum opportunity at a global level. So at the same time, we are also very firmly opposed to illegal mobility and illegal migration because you also know that when something illegal happens, many other illegal activities get joined onto it, and this is not desirable, it's certainly not reputationally good. So with every country, and the U.S. is no exception, we have always taken the view that if there are any of our citizens who are not here legally, if we are sure that they are our citizens, we have always been, open to their legitimate return to India. So it's not a position unique to the United States. I mean, I do understand right now that there is a certain debate going on, and a resulting sensitivity which is there, but we have been consistent, we have been very principled about it, and that remains our position, and I conveyed that very clearly to Secretary Rubio. At the same time, I also told him that, look, while we understand all of this, and I also accept that these are autonomous processes, it is in our mutual interest to facilitate legal and mutually beneficial mobility. So as I said, you know, if it takes 400-odd days waiting period to get a visa, I don't think the relationship is well served by this. So I think he also noted that point. So let us see how we take that forward. But, you know, while I've seen some numbers and I'm moving now to Lalit's question here, I've seen some numbers. I caution you about them, because for us a number is operative when we can actually validate the fact that the individual concerned is of Indian origin. So you know, we'll have to see how that goes, because it has ... as I said, the basis of their stay or, you know, or not able to stay, ... and the fact that at our end we have to verify that they are indeed Indians, because naturally there are sensitivities involved there as well. On the court case issue, no, the subject did not come up. Seema Sirohi, The Economic Times: Seema Sirohi, from the Economic Times, I am a columnist. How do you read the China policy? I know it's only two or three days. Given the fact that President Trump has gone beyond what the U.S. law says on TikTok, gone against the U.S. Supreme Court judgment, and wants to cut a deal on TikTok. Does it tell you that he is willing to sort of overlook national security concerns? So what's your read so far on China policy? Because from India's point of view, that would be an important policy, right, how he executes it. Thank you. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, News India Times, South Asian Herald: Good morning, Foreign Minister. This is Vishnudatta Jayaraman, from News India Times, South Asian Herald. What are the primary concerns you are personally hearing from Indian-American lawmakers, policy experts, and community organizations? And did you get a chance to convey these concerns to U.S. officials? And what is your sense on how they are trying to engage with India? And the second question is, as the Prime Minister's special envoy for the inauguration, could you share some key highlights and what aspects stood out to you the most? Thank you. Satpal, Punjab Post and Third Eye Media: Satpal, from Punjab Post and Third Eye Media. Sir, my question is not related to today's event, lots of my colleagues ... [inaudible]. I want to take you back, last year jab aap Amritsar mein gaye the tho Punjab ke logo ne aapke samne ek baat rakhi thi - trade with Pakistan. Aur uske baad aap Pakistan bhi gaye. Aur do issue hain trade ke aur jo Pakistan se drug aa rahi hain. Uske sath law and order ki situation bahot kharab hai Punjab mein. Wahan ki police station hain unki diware unchi ki ja rahi hain, aur wahan ke jo raste hain, [inaudible]. Toh Indian government ka iske bare mei [inaudible] trade through Wagah border, and Drug and Law and Order especially in border areas. [Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Satpal, from Punjab Post and Third Eye Media. Sir, my question is not related to today's event; many of my colleagues [inaudible]. I want to take a year back and ask you about something. Last year, when you visited Amritsar, the people of Punjab brought up an issue with you regarding trade with Pakistan. After that, you also visited Pakistan. There are two issues: one is related to trade, and the other concerns the drugs coming from Pakistan, which have severely impacted law and order in Punjab. The walls of police stations there are being raised higher, and the roads in those areas [inaudible]. What is the Indian government [inaudible] trade through Wagah border, and Drug and Law and Order especially in border areas. Prashant Jha, Hindustan Times: Prashant Jha, Hindustan Times. So one question which is beyond the bilateral. Do you have a view on U.S. sovereign decisions to withdraw from the Paris agreement, from WHO. Do you see these as criticisms of multilateral organizations, including the UN? Do you see this as creating a vacuum that other players in the international system could fill in? My second question is on something that Secretary Rubio mentioned in his statement, which was a positive looking phrase on economic ties. Could you give me a sense of the conversation on the economy that you had with him, including trade, and whether there is a possibility of a trade agreement between the two sides? Or, whether you anticipate, [inaudible]? Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister: So, Seema, let me respond to your question. I mean, look, what is the policy of an American administration towards China is either for the Americans to explain or the Chinese to commit. It's not for me publicly to take a position on it. I'm obviously dealing with the world. We obviously reflect on various developments. What I can say, you know, as someone who's come here, interacted with the key foreign policy figures of the administration, certainly, is the positive sentiment they have for our country and for our relationship. If you ask me, okay, go beyond that, the bit I can share with you is, what we discussed during the Quad. And, during the Quad, the sentiment was very clear that the Indo-Pacific is a very crucial region, that it's important, that there is stability there, there is security there, there is respect for law. So, I think some of it was very succinctly captured in that statement which was there. So, but beyond that, another bilateral relationship for me to comment publicly I don't think really would be appropriate. Regarding Mr. Jayaraman, your question about Indo-American lawmakers, I did meet ... I did, you know, encounter, I sort of bumped into Mr. Thanedar at the inaugural ceremony. I think I saw Ami Bera at a distance, but I didn't really have an opportunity because, you know this visit, one entire day really was focused around the inauguration events, and yesterday on the Quad and the bilateral. So, this is not an occasion where I can say anything more because I've not had a chance to spend time with them. On the inaugural highlights, look, I mean, to me, though I have been dealing with this country for more than 40 years, it was the first time I was myself at an inauguration and obviously, you know, it was something which was very impressive. As I said, you know, I was there at the Rotunda observing the swearing in, and between the prayer service and the social occasions, you got a flavor really of the sentiment or the interaction of various people who are there, their enthusiasm. I mean, what I saw was really a very confident, upbeat incoming administration. I mean, that feeling that, look, we need to get things done, and where India is concerned, that you are a partner with whom we can get things done. That because there is already a strong chemistry between the President and the Prime Minister. There is a previous administration with whom ... you know, which we were the same at that point of time ... that there is that history of working together. So that buoyancy and that confidence which I saw generally. If you look at it, I mean, the last 48 hours, I mean, it's been an extraordinarily active administration. And not just last 48 hours, they were actually very active even before they actually assumed office. So I think that energy which I could experience. I can tell you, in many ways, is fully reflected on the Indian side, and we would certainly like to use that to take our relationship to a higher level. Satpal ji jo aapka prashn jo tha trade with Pakistan. Dekhiye trade humne to band nahi kiya jo kiya. Unke prashasan ne jo 2019 mei nirnay liye gaye ki bharat ke sath vyapar nahi karna who unke side se tha. Toh hamara jo is mudde ke bare mei hamari chinta jo thi, shuru se hamara hit tha ki hamain MFN status mile. Hum Pakistan ko MFN status dete the, woh humko nahi dete the. Toh aaj pichle saal ke baad Pakistan se sath baith ke aisi koi baat nahi hui vyapar ke bare mei na unke yahan se aisa koi initative aaya hai. Jo drugs ke bare mei jo aap keh rahe ho woh toh sabko jankari hai ismei ki wahan se drugs kafi sankhya se aati hain, aur ye chintajanak vishay hai. Aur wahan jo law and order, aap pakistan ki law and order ki baat kare ya border area ki law and order? Dekhiye jo hamare yahan jo internal affairs hain aap jante hain ki main desh ke bahar ja ke iske bare mei tippani nahi karta. Toh jo bhi hamare administrative challenges hain hum nipat lenge uske sath, ye toh hum par hi nirbhar hai isko kaise response karein. [Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Satpal ji, regarding your question about trade with Pakistan, let me clarify that we did not stop the trade. The decision to halt trade with India was made by their administration in 2019. Our concern on this matter has always been getting MFN (Most Favored Nation) status. We had granted MFN status to Pakistan, but they never reciprocated. Since last year, there has been no dialogue with Pakistan about trade, nor has there been any initiative from their side. As for the issue of drugs, which you mentioned, it is well-known that a significant amount of drugs come from there, and this is indeed a matter of concern. Regarding law and order, are you referring to the law and order situation in Pakistan or in the border areas? Look, as far as our internal affairs are concerned, you know that I do not comment on these matters while abroad. Whatever administrative challenges we face, we will handle them. It entirely depends on us how we respond to them. Prashant your question on, you know, what is our reaction. Look, every country has a sovereign right to take decisions, about what are their international commitments and responsibilities. So we can have our respective views on it. I mean, obviously, it's not necessarily identical for countries, but I think that's a decision they have taken. I mean, different countries may have their own view and their own stance in that regard. But, you know, it is their decision, so I leave it at that. On your issue on economic ... you asked me, give me a sense of the economic discussion. There was a discussion both with the Secretary as well as with the NSA. Not in detail, again. I mean, please do appreciate that we are running a tight timeline. We had, you know, also a Quad to do. But the overall sense is, look, there are a lot of opportunities here. The U.S. today, you know, in an era of more technology-centric progress ... the messaging I got very clearly was, look, we appreciate the value of India as a partner. There are domains we want to work on. There are systemic things we need to do to sort of optimize collaboration. Obviously, I mean, there will be the economic interests of the two countries. You know, we will sit down and talk about it and discuss that when the moment is opportune. But on this particular occasion, we didn't get into that kind of detail. Partly because of the occasion, and partly because trade matters are really for the trade teams to do. You know, on either side, it's not my direct jurisdiction, nor was it those of the people I was meeting. But, for me, the deeper sentiment was really the takeaway, saying, look, you know, you have your interests, we have ours, we have to harmonize it, we have to get the best out of it. We are very confident that, you know, I didn't get the sense of it being a zero-sum game. I saw it as much more collaborative. And a lot of, I would say, attention on iCET, on, you know, semiconductors, on supply chains. I mean, it was much more that than the other issues. Shri Vinay Kwatra, Ambassador of India to the United States: Thank you very much. External Affairs Minister has another engagement. Okay, Ms. Poonam, I think got left out. No, last question. Sorry, we have another engagement here. Yes, please. Poonam: Thank you. Minister, in your discussions with National Security Advisor Waltz and Secretary Rubio, were there any - did you touch upon the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh? One, and secondly, in the past few years, there have been a lot of threats to Indian diplomats and there was a - you know, the attack on the consulate in San Francisco. Do you feel that this administration will be more cognizant of national security threats to India? Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister: The first question, yes, we had a brief discussion on Bangladesh. I don't think it's appropriate I get into more details. On the second question, I didn't, on this occasion, raise those issues. But I do want to say that the attack on our - the arson attack on our consulate in San Francisco is a very, very serious matter. And it is something which we expect accountability. And we would like to see that people who did it are held responsible. Shri Vinay Kwatra, Ambassador of India to the United States: Thank you very much, sir. This brings to a close this morning's special briefing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India open to return of undocumented Indians in US By Anjana Pasricha January 23, 2025 Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has said New Delhi is open to the return of undocumented Indians in the United States. His comments came following a meeting with U.S. foreign secretary Marco Rubio in Washington during which illegal immigration was one of the issues discussed. Saying that New Delhi was firmly opposed to illegal migration, he told reporters that "We have always taken the view that if there are any of our citizens who are not here legally, if we are sure that they are our citizens, we have always been, you know, open to their legitimate return to India." He said it is a position India takes with every country. Jaishankar was addressing a news conference in Washington on Wednesday, a day after his meeting with Rubio. After taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump issued executive orders that aim to clamp down on illegal immigration and deport those who are in the U.S. illegally. Indians made up the third-largest group of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. in 2022 behind Mexico and El Salvador, according to Pew Research Center. It estimated their number at 725,000. Analysts see India's proactive stand on facilitating the return of illegal Indian migrants in the U.S. as a move to address a key concern of the Trump administration as New Delhi prepares to navigate more complicated issues, including trade and tariffs. "Among a range of issues, where there are divergences between India and the U.S., this is one area where India can show it is transparently doing something, allowing it greater space to maneuver in other areas," according to Harsh Pant, vice president of studies at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi. "In other areas, such as the economy and trade, it is very difficult to do things which the new Trump administration may want India to do, and it would take time." Jaishankar said that New Delhi is currently verifying the identities of those eligible for deportation and precise numbers of illegal migrants cannot be determined. The United States has identified some 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants to be sent back home, for which India will verify and start the process of deportation, Bloomberg reported earlier this week, citing people familiar with the matter. Deportations of Indians in the United States who lack proper documentation have been taking place - a group of Indian nationals was repatriated by the U.S. in October, for example. The Indian foreign minister Jaishankar also spoke in support of legal migration channels. "As a government, we are obviously very much supportive of legal mobility because we do believe in a global workplace. We want Indian talent and Indian skills to have the maximum opportunity at the global level," he said at his press conference. The H-1B visa program, which brings skilled foreign workers to the United States, has been a subject of debate in the U.S. in recent years, with some strongly criticizing the program for negatively impacting American workers. Proponents assert those skilled workers benefit U.S. companies and employers. Indians, most of them professionals working in the technology industry, are among the biggest beneficiaries of the visa program. Analyst Pant says India is on a "stronger wicket" where H-1B visas are concerned. "On this issue, India has also been getting support from companies in the U.S. So politically, that is a safer issue for India to handle because there is a domestic support base for India," Pant said. Elon Musk is among those who have expressed strong support for the program. Trump, who had been critical of the program, last month spoke in its favor. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump eyeing diplomacy with Iran first: Financial Times IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 23, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump has made Steve Witkoff his point man on Iran, according to The Financial Times, suggesting that he is willing to try out diplomacy with Tehran. Tehran, IRNA -- A report says U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to try out diplomacy with Iran first before potentially resorting to pressure on the country over its nuclear program. In a report on Friday, The Financial Times cited "people familiar with the matter" as saying that Trump had put his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in charge of the Iran portfolio, which it said suggested the U.S. president was "willing to test diplomacy before ramping up pressure on Tehran." It said that Witkoff's new role would be "part of a broader Trump remit to 'stop the wars' in the region." If the reporting is accurate, Trump's decision to test diplomacy with Iran will be a marked shift from his approach to Iran during his term, which was defined by the pursuit of what he called a campaign of "maximum pressure" on the country. He withdrew the United States from a multilateral deal with Iran in 2018 that had been meant to resolve a dispute over the Iranian nuclear program before launching the "maximum-pressure" campaign of stringent sanctions on Iran. The Islamic Republic had always maintained that its nuclear program was meant for civilian purposes and had under the deal addressed all international concerns regarding its that program. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which was in charge of monitoring Iran's nuclear commitments, was in report after report confirming Iran's full adherence to the agreement and the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. Nevertheless, Trump, who had surrounded himself with so-called Iran hawks, unilaterally withdrew from the deal after failing to force all other parties to renegotiate an agreement that had taken years to hammer out and that was working. A major concern among Trump's supporters as he campaigned for a second term was avoiding foreign conflicts. 'A diplomatic accommodation' Some officials associated with Trump have told foreign diplomats that Witkoff would "lead efforts to see whether a diplomatic accommodation is possible." Witkoff, who is said to have had a major role in securing a ceasefire deal between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group of Hamas, will retain his primary responsibility as Trump's Middle East envoy, the report said. Iran, which toiled to keep its side of the deal despite the United States' withdrawal and sanctions, has said it is open to negotiations with the Trump administration provided that the other side does not renege on its obligations one more time. "We have always been ready for negotiations. What we are concerned about and what has been borne out and resulted in the negotiations failing [in the past] is that, forever, we have been negotiating and we have been upholding our side [of the deal] and the other side has been seeking to exert pressure," President Masoud Pezeshkian told NBC on January 15 in what was meant as a message to the then-incoming Trump administration. President Pezeshkian said Iran would be fine with negotiations if Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and the rest of the government trusted that the other side would comply with its own obligations. The Financial Time report said that there were still anti-Iran figures around Trump, but the U.S. president had, through a number of appointments, "established a camp in the administration that would consider negotiating with Iran and is sceptical of a strike on its nuclear programme." It said that Witkoff's role as Trump's point man on Iran had already "alarmed" some anti-Iran figures in the U.S. The U.S. president has not offered White House positions to politicians such as Mike Pompeo, John Bolton, Brian Hook, and Michael Flynn, who hold extremely hawkish views on Iran and held top national security and foreign policy positions in Trump's first term. Witkoff, like Trump, is a real estate investor. 4482 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IAEA says has no evidence of Iran's 'building a nuclear weapon' Iran Press TV Thursday, 23 January 2025 2:47 AM The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said the United Nations nuclear watchdog had no evidence pointing to Iran's underway development of a nuclear weapon. Rafael Grossi made the remarks on Wednesday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The remarks verified the nuclear body's record of invariably verifying non-diversion and peaceful nature of the Islamic Republic's nuclear energy program. Grossi, however, reiterated the body's apparently-Western-driven propaganda claiming that the country had accumulated a vast amount of enriched uranium, which was "very, very close" to weapon-grade. The allegations, however, run directly counter to Iran's insistence of implementing its doctrine of non-pursuance of non-conventional arms as per religious concerns and a relevant fatwa (religious decree) issued by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. In December, the country's security chief asserted that the Islamic Republic's nuclear doctrine of pursuing peaceful energy and opposing pursuance of atomic weapons had remained "unchanged." "Based on the relevant observation of Iran's Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the country's nuclear doctrine has remained unchanged," said Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). Grossi also repeated other Western claims about Iran's alleged insufficient cooperation with the IAEA. "We have not been having the full cooperation of Iran in clarifying a few important things about the past and perhaps the present activities," he said. Back in November, the United States and its allies pushed the IAEA's Board of Governors into passing a resolution, which repeated the unfounded accusations against the Islamic Republic of such alleged insufficient cooperation. The accusations fly in the face of the actual level of Tehran's cooperation with the body, which has increased in frequency and quality over the past years. Responding to such hostile claims and measures, the Islamic Republic has advised the nuclear watchdog towards preserving its impartiality. Grossi concluded his remarks by saying that with Donald Trump being sworn in as the US president, "there is expectation that things may be moving again...," apparently referring to the prospect of Washington's returning to the negotiation table with the aim of restoring the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world countries. The US left the deal in a unilateral and illegal step in 2018, prompting Iran to initiate a set of legitimate countermeasures after a period of strategic patience. The Islamic Republic has repeatedly stressed that it has never functioned as the side to leave negotiations, while declaring it would respond positively to any potential positive steps by the counterparty. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Flurry of resignations by Gaza war commanders further jolts Israel Iran Press TV Thursday, 23 January 2025 6:28 PM Israel's largest newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth has listed the most high-profile Israeli military figuers who have resigned over failures in the run-up to the Gaza war and after that. It named chief of the general staff Herzi Halevi, commander of the southern region Yaron Finkelman, commander of the Gaza division Avi Rosenfeld, head of the military intelligence division Aharon Haliva, commander of intelligence unit 8200 Yossi Sariel, and commander of the northern brigade in the Gaza Strip Haim Cohen. Halevi, according to the paper, took over as chief of staff of the Israeli army at a chaotic time, and was appointed by a transitional administration. He assumed office at a time when the chief of staff was clashing with the political echelon and in the midst of the judicial overhaul controversy that shook Israel and created serious divisions, it said. The Israeli military failed miserably in confronting a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which dealt a serious blow to the regime's myth of invincibility. Reserve Israeli army general: We are on brink of civil war Meanwhile, reserve general in the Israeli army Isaac Barak warned of an imminent civil war in the settler society. He said while Gaza-based Hamas and Islamic Jihad resistance movements have returned to their pre-war status, the Israeli army has fallen apart and that any action to return to war would be disastrous. "Hamas and Islamic Jihad were able to recuperate. The Israeli society is on the brink of a civil war. The reality is that if the war had continued, the Israeli army would not have been able to defeat Hamas," Barak said. The Israeli army, he said, is unable to remain in the places it occupied in the Gaza Strip, and cannot destroy hundreds of kilometers of Hamas tunnels. If the Gaza war had continued, hundreds more people would have been killed by the Israeli army; all our prisoners would have died; and Israel would have suffered a terrible disaster, the Israeli general stated. "The Israeli army failed in its objective of weakening Hamas. Hamas continues to dominate the underground cities in the Gaza Strip with the upper hand, and with thousands of young people joining the ranks of the movement, the losses that Hamas suffered during the war have been offset," Barak said. He emphasized that the Israeli army is tired and worn out. "Any attempt to return to war in the Gaza Strip has already failed, and will result in the deaths of hundreds of more Israeli troops and the injury of thousands more." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China-Nauru relations show robust momentum with fruitful results: spokesperson Xinhua) 16:07, January 24, 2025 BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Friday said that one year ago, China and Nauru decided to reestablish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level on the basis of the one-China principle. Since the resumption of diplomatic relations, China-Nauru relations have shown a robust momentum with fruitful results. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Myanmar junta bombs rebel-held town in Shan state killing 8 The attack came days after the junta struck a ceasefire with another insurgent group that also operates in Shan state. By RFA Burmese 2025.01.23 -- Myanmar's military bombed a town in Shan state under rebel control killing eight people days after striking a ceasefire with an allied group that also operates in the northeastern state, the group in control of the bombed town said. The junta that seized power in a 2021 coup has been under major pressure from its insurgent enemies over the past year losing large areas of territory, military bases and major towns. The military has repeatedly called for talks over the past few months while at the same time unleashing its air force in devastating attacks on insurgents and the towns and villages they control, killing numerous civilians, rights group says. The latest junta air raid to inflict heavy casualties was in the town of Nawnghkio, which is under the control of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, in Shan state. "Near Parami Teashop, the junta dropped two bombs back to back from a jet at around 11 a.m.," the TNLA said in a statement after the strike on Wednesday. At least three women were among the dead and two houses and a police station were destroyed, it said. RFA tried to contact Shan state's junta spokesperson, Khun Thein Maung, by telephone for comment but he did not respond. A resident of Nawnghkio, which is 90 kilometers, or 55 miles, northeast of the city of Mandalay, told Radio Free Asia the tea shop was obliterated and staff, customers and passers-by were among the dead. "The bomb hit right on the teashop as the family was cleaning up," said the resident, who declined to be identified for safety reasons, referring to the people who ran the shop. "There were some people sitting around and a girl who works there was torn to pieces." The military then fired artillery at Nawnghkio from the direction of the junta-controlled town of Pyin Oo Lwin, residents said. It was the second airstrike on the town in about 24 hours. One person was killed and two were wounded in a strike on an administrative office and the town hall on Tuesday, the TNLA said earlier. The TNLA, fighting for autonomy for the Ta'ang, or Palaung, people has emerged as a powerful force in Shan state and was part of a three-group alliance that went on a coordinated offensive in October 2024, scoring major victories against junta forces, including the capture of Nawnghkio. Another member of the Three Brotherhood alliance, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, or MNDAA, struck a ceasefire with the junta on Saturday after talks brokered by China. While calling for talks, the junta chief also vowed late last year to re-capture territory lost in Shan state. Many insurgent groups have rejected the calls for talks, saying it is a ploy by the military which is trying to secure more areas in preparation for an election expected late this year that the generals hope will bolster their legitimacy. Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by RFA Staff. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by the Spokesperson, Thursday, 23 January, 2025 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office of the Spokesperson * Transcript of the Media Briefing by the Spokesperson Thursday, 23 January 2025 Assalam-o-Alaikum, Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I welcome you all at the weekly press briefing. Last week witnessed a tragic incident of boat capsizing off the coast of Morocco involving Pakistani nationals. So far, 22 survivors have been confirmed as Pakistani nationals on the basis of verified information. Our Embassy in Morocco remains in contact with the Pakistani survivors for any sort of assistance and with the Moroccan authorities to ascertain the identity of any Pakistani nationals involved in the tragedy. I would also mention our gratitude for the excellent cooperation and assistance provided by the friendly country of Morocco. We remain grateful to them. The Netherlands and Pakistan held the 11th round of the Bilateral Political Consultations in Islamabad on January 20th. The Netherlands side was led by the Secretary General of the Dutch Foreign Ministry, Mr. Christiaan Rebergen, and Foreign Secretary Ms. Amna Baloch led the Pakistan side. Both sides held discussions on a wide range of areas including economic, political, trade and investment, climate change, agriculture, water management, dairy and livestock, education and culture. This week marked several significant milestones achieved in under our Look Africa Policy. Additional Secretary Africa, Hamid Asghar Khan is currently visiting Africa where he has conducted Bilateral Political Consultations with Djibouti, Rwanda and Uganda. Before these bilateral consultations as is customary, he signed Memorandum of Understanding for regular convening of these consultations on annual basis, with all the three countries. During the Bilateral Consultations with Rwanda, discussions focused on culture, defense and security, education, science and information technology. Highlight was initiation of MoU on Preferential Trade Agreement. The fourth round of Pakistan-Azerbaijan Bilateral Political Consultations will be held in Islamabad today. Mr. Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Republic of Azerbaijan is visiting Pakistan to lead the Azerbaijan delegation. The Pakistan delegation would be led by our Foreign Secretary. The two sides will discuss the entire range of bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade, energy, information technology, defense, health, connectivity, and education sectors. The two sides will also discuss a range of regional and international issues. Pakistan welcomes the initiation of the ceasefire in Gaza on January 19, 2025 and the subsequent release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. This milestone was achieved after the patient and persistent mediatory role of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. We urge the international community to develop a concrete plan for reconstruction of Gaza in line with the UNSC Resolutions. We call for accountability of the Israeli crimes committed in this brutal war, considering it as an essential element in restoring international legitimacy. Pakistan continues to support the two-state solution which is based on the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, resolutions of the Security Council and decisions of the International Court of Justice. We unequivocally condemn the latest Israeli raid in the Jenin Refugee Camp of the West Bank resulting in the killing of ten Palestinians. Such actions potentially undermine the precarious ceasefire in Gaza and international community should take note of it. I thank you! * (Adeel Bashir, Roze News): Can you please elaborate in the context of latest oath taking ceremony of US President, what is the stance of Pakistan? What is the expectation of Pakistan from newly elected President Trump? Spokesperson: We have been discussing this issue in the last briefing also. We welcome President Trump's oath taking. And as I mentioned last time, the American people have spoken, there is a new President, a new administration in Washington. And as I mentioned earlier, Pakistan-US have decades old, very long-standing relations, which we characterize as very important, very critical and very dense also. They cover multiple areas, and we look forward to continuing the positive trajectory of our relations and remain engaged with the new administration. (Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, American President has issued some executive orders. Now that he has announced the future policies, what would be the status and future of those Afghan refugees about whom the U.S. said not to repatriate them? (Tahir Khan, NNI News Agency):There was a meeting, I think, here and the Foreign Minister posted on X, that discussed the third country resettlement of the Afghan refugees, but there was no other detail. So, could you tell us what was discussed about the cases of the resettlement? Because there is pressure even on the POR card, ACC card and the category of those who want to go abroad, especially after the Trump's new policy that this repatriation has been suspended for at least three months. (Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): Sir, regarding the decisions about immigrants after the Trump's arrival which includes people from Pakistan and several other countries, to what extent Pakistani citizens in America could have faced the problems there or how many Pakistanis could be facing these orders and what diplomatic steps are being taken by Pakistan regarding this issue? Spokesperson: A lot of foreign correspondents are also interested in it. We have an arrangement in place with the United States, by virtue of which it is committed to take Afghans who are in Pakistan to US for resettlement by September 2025. The arrangements are in place. We have, so far officially, not received any further information on this issue. So that's all that I can say as far as we are concerned, that arrangement remains in place. And about the third country resettlement, the process with a lot of other countries is also ongoing. But what we do note is, at times it appears to us to be excruciatingly slow. What we would want is it to accelerate and to move faster. This is what we emphasize. We are in touch with other friendly governments which want to take Afghans for resettlement to their countries. So, this is an ongoing discussion. And again, just to repeat myself, in the context of the United States, there's a large number of Afghans which have to be resettled. But so far, we continue with the old policy. No new information has been shared with us. We have seen the news particularly the CNN report and other media also. But as far as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is concerned, nothing officially has been communicated to us, so we are working on the same old plan. About the specific question of meeting held under the chair of the Deputy Prime Minister, this is again to synergize inter-departmental cooperation, and it remains an issue which is not one off, it constantly remains under review. So, this is part of that review, and obviously guidance from the Deputy Prime Minister to calibrate and adjust the policy. But if there is something very new or a departure from policy we will keep you informed about that. 5. (Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Sir, I have two questions. Number one, US President Donald Trump has very categorically stated that he will take back the weapons left over by the US forces, which is of around $7 billion. The question is, how Pakistan views such a statement from President Donald Trump, and whether Pakistan will help in repatriation of such huge latest weaponry? My second question is that the neutral expert for the Indus Water Treaty has said that the question regarding the Kishan Ganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects fall within his competence. India has termed this verdict as its win, claiming that it's stance, stands vindicated. How does Pakistan seize this verdict? Spokesperson: About the first question, what I can say is that this is essentially an issue between two governments, which is United States and Afghan interim authorities. But as far as issues of weapons and arms left behind in Afghanistan is concerned, it must be pointed out that Afghan de facto authorities have a responsibility to ensure that under no circumstances such weapons fall in the hands of terrorist groups. And this remains an important concern for the regional countries, and we continue to call for more attention to this aspect. But about US taking back weapons this is something between Afghanistan and the United States. We can't comment on that. About the second question, we have seen the ruling of the neutral expert and various media commentaries. The matter needs to be put in the right perspective. The decision in question is a preliminary decision of the neutral expert upholding his competence to address the points of difference between Pakistan and India, concerning the Kishan-Ganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. The neutral expert has determined that he will now move forward to hearing the merits of the case. In his decision, the neutral expert has also referred to the role and competence of the Court of Arbitration that has been constituted by the World Bank on Pakistan's request to hear the above mentioned water disputes and to address some wider questions on the implementation and interpretation of the Indus Water Treaty. It is noteworthy that on 6th July 2023, the Court of Arbitration also upheld its competence to hear the same matter, vindicating Pakistan's position. The Indus Water Treaty is a foundational agreement between Pakistan and India on water sharing. Pakistan remains fully committed to the treaty's implementation, including its dispute settlement mechanism, we hope that India would also implement the treaty in good faith and in its entirety. (Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Sir, Pakistan made an application to join BRICS and also discussed this matter with Russia. After the start of second term of the Donald Trump, he threatened the BRICS members and especially talked about imposing economic sanctions and taxes. Will Pakistan stand on its stance? Spokesperson: Pakistan is formally committed to our application to join BRICS. There is no change in our posture and you know, we have been working with the members, and we think Pakistan could be an important member. Pakistan brings much to the table if it joins the BRICS. There is no change in our policy. That's what I can confirm to you. (Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Three questions briefly, firstly, yesterday, in a statement, the Afghan Ministry of Interior has alleged that Pakistan is not just hosting IS terror camps, but is also actively facilitating them through airports in Karachi and Islamabad for onwards training and support operations in Baluchistan and in Northern KPK, so that they can go in Afghanistan and carry out their terror activities. How does Pakistan respond to that? Secondly, US elections, that's been a topic we've always heard and historically, it takes hours for our Prime Minister to felicitation exchange whenever a new US president has been sworn in. Has a formal letter been written by the Prime Minister yet? And then third, the Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, was there. We saw footages of him, in what capacity was he in the US? Because the Ambassador was accompanying him. And then he attended an event as well, interestingly, which spoke about new Federal State of China, which essentially goes beyond the preview of the current Chinese regime, does Pakistan officially endorse that take of a new federal state of China while standing in the US from the Interior Minister? Spokesperson: Frankly, we completely reject these allegations. They are not grounded in reality. It's just some kind of a weird propaganda. Pakistan remains a victim of terrorism, and most of my colleagues here have covered terrorism for so long, they know what is happening, and we remain seriously concerned about the sanctuaries enjoyed by TTP in Afghanistan. It remains a source of support, logistics and everything the way TTP is operating. It couldn't do without the sanctuaries it's enjoying in Afghanistan. And we continue to impress upon the Afghan authorities to address this genuine and serious concern, so that our bilateral relations could achieve its full potential as good neighbors. Secondly, about the letter of felicitations, I'll check - this is customary to send congratulatory letters, but I can recheck and confirm it to you. The third question about interior minister's presence in Washington, as some of my colleagues here, approached us after the last briefing about other dignitaries from Pakistan going to the U.S. I'll repeat what I earlier conveyed here: Government of Pakistan was officially represented by our Ambassador, as in the past oath taking ceremonies. That's the first point. Secondly, about the Honorable Minister of Interior going to Washington. Because this has not been processed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I will refer you to the Spokesman at the Ministry of Interior. They can provide you more details. And about this particular thing you mentioned about the federal state of China. I don't have facts, but I can try to check. But as far as Pakistan is concerned, it remains a core principle of our foreign policy to support One China. There's One China, and this principle enjoys unwavering support of Pakistan. There is no question of any ambiguity about it. It's a very clear and emphatic position. (Farhan Ali, Public News):My question is Sir, US State Department, under its new Secretary, did QUAD meeting, inviting leaders from India, Japan and Australia. Indian minister for External Affairs, Jaishankar, also attended Trump inauguration. What is our reaction on the importance Trump Administration is giving to India? Spokesperson: Again, this is something we would continue to fall back to the point of principle regarding relations between two countries. As we don't allow any country to tell us what kind of relations we should have with other countries, so, we also don't try to influence or ask some countries to moderate, modulate their foreign policy. So, this is what all I can say on Indo US relations. But what I can emphasize is that US-Pakistan relations remain very important to us. There's a decades old, robust legacy on which to build and we remain ready to engage with the new administration to take these relations forward. (Syed Asif Ali, Din News): Sir, as the U.S. has announced its policy regarding illegal immigrants, how many Pakistanis are there residing illegally in America and has the U.S. contacted Pakistan regarding their repatriation as India is taking back 18,000 of its illegal immigrants in U.S.? Spokesperson: I'll check. So far, this issue has not come up in our bilateral consultations, but I'll check with the US desk and our Embassy. (Abdullah Momand, Dawn News):The National Accountability Bureau, last day, in a press release, has mentioned that the owner of Bahria Town Malik Riaz is absconder in 190-million-pound scandal, and the Government of Pakistan is reaching to UAE for the extradition of Malik Riaz. So, any development regarding this, and is it possible through legal channels, to extradite Malik Riaz from UAE? Spokesperson: About legality, I am not in a position to comment. I'll have to check from the legal advisor, and also about exact facts, how far this extradition request or where it has gone. I'll get back to you. It's because this needs a precise answer. (Saqib Ali, Daily Kashmir Times): Sir, yesterday Indian Minister of External Affairs made an allegation on Pakistan of smuggling drugs to India and secondly, he said that Pakistan itself does not want to trade. Your comments. Spokesperson: I haven't seen this statement but, narcotics, frankly, our efforts on counter narcotics are globally recognized, and we have been very robustly tackling this problem, so I don't give any credibility to this statement. And secondly, trade is a complex issue. We know the whole history. Minister's statement appears not to be rooted in reality. I haven't seen the statement. (Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Sir, I just want to know that why Pakistani Foreign Office does not condemn Turkish occupation on Syrian lands? Spokesperson: Actually, on Syria, our position remains clear. We are following the developments very closely, and we want peace and stability to be restored in Syria. We have long standing relations with the country, and it's a very important part of the Muslim world. We support all efforts to restore peace. The country has seen difficult days, and we remain actively following the developments there, and we hope the peace will be restored. That's what I can say. (Asghar Ali Mubarak, the Daily Mail International): Sir, after oath taking of Donald Trump, different things are being discussed regarding Pakistan. He once said to play a mediator role on Kashmir between India and Pakistan. Last day, the Prime Minister of Pakistan in his speech in a school said that Kashmiri people are oppressed by India and the tyranny is increasing day by day. Referencing the Army chief's affiliation, will Pakistan continue its diplomatic efforts? As you have already had the message of mediation from Donald Trump from his last tenure, will you accept this in terms of normalizing the relations between Pakistan and India? Spokesperson: Our position is very clear on the Kashmir issue and as you yourself referenced in your question about increasing oppression in Indian occupied Kashmir which is open and clear to the world. And whoever tries to resolve this issue we would be ready to cooperate. We welcome any efforts for to its resolution. Peace, and progress in the region is only possible by resolving this issue according to the will of Kashmiri people and the resolutions of United Nations Security Council. (Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, there is a dire issue of human rights between Pakistan and India which is regarding civil prisoners of both countries. There was a Joint Commission for prisoners between both the countries and its earlier meeting was delayed, when is it going to be held now? Similarly, a Pakistani who spent 18 years in Indian jails, has been cleared by Indian courts. This matter is pending till now, why Pakistan is acting slow to get him back to Pakistan? Spokesperson: First of all, this is a very agonizing issue. What I can tell you this is that both the Foreign Office and the Embassy of Pakistan in Delhi are actively working on this. This issue is raised time and again and humanitarian issues are different from the political issues and these can be resolved preferentially which has always been our effort and desire. But this whole issue is not in our control but we are ready to cooperate in every way. I can also tell you that this issue is raised regularly on diplomatic level between both countries. Every meeting is not necessarily announced or the press release of the meeting is not issued. On the behalf of our Government, I can tell you that we are ready to resolve this issue as soon as possible considering it a humanitarian issue. But if there are more details about the specific issue, I'll get back to you after checking the facts. (Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Sir, on the same prisoner's issue in the UAE, they are not providing exact numbers of prisoners to Pakistan despite good diplomatic relations with UAE. Spokesperson: Vienna Convention on consular relations governs these issues. It has happened in some of our friendly countries that when the Embassy approached for details about prisoners some of the prisoners for example did not want to share their details with the Embassy. What I can convey is that consular matter including looking after the welfare of Pakistanis and helping Pakistani nationals and prisoners remains our top priority. As you mentioned about the Senate hearing, we are regularly asked about these issues by the Parliament and we provide detailed responses including highlighting our efforts. All our Embassies compile and maintain detailed database of Pakistani prisoners abroad. However, I will check and get back to you on the question of prisoners in UAE. (Sara Zaman, VOA): Can you share data on how many Afghans are waiting in Pakistan to be resettled into the United States this year, and also, how many did the US take last year? So, any data you can share on that? And I just wanted clarity, because I think I heard you say that the commitment with Washington is that by September, all of the Afghans awaiting repatriation will be sent to the US. So, did I hear you correct? Spokesperson: Yes, by September 25, 2025. On the first question I need to check, because there are multiple agencies involved. We have within the headquarters, two divisions dealing with it. Then there is Interior Ministry, and then there are provincial governments. But let me check. I don't have the numbers right now. (Aamir Saeed Abbasi, Nuqta News): Sir, Elon Musk Company's Starlink intends to conduct business in Pakistan. They are engaged with the local authorities on this matter but they are facing the Security Clearance issue. Is this issue being solved diplomatically as well or is this issue being looked through security lens only? Also, do US based companies face these issues frequently and are issues are resolved on diplomatic level as well? (Zain Zaman, AFP): Sir, yesterday, there was a hearing in Senate, in one of the Committee of Senate on Telecom, they demanded Elon Musk to apologize to Pakistan over his remarks where he alleged it were Pakistani citizens which were involved in UK's groom gang scandals. Would Foreign Office also demand similar apology from him? What is your take on that? Spokesperson: About the Starlink issue, I would refer you to the Ministry of IT. They can comment better on this issue about how far this is going, or what are the procedures, and what are the impediments. And secondly, diplomatically, this so far, it's not part of our conversation, but companies facing problem in any country, the embassies take it up. This is a regular thing, and the challenges could range from change in the rules, taxation, structure, some land issues, anything can come up. So this is part of the regular interaction. But if there is an issue being raised, there is nothing extraordinary about it. About the other question. I haven't seen the Senate proceedings yet, so I cannot offer any comments (Aun Sheerazi, Such TV): Sir, my question is whenever a big development takes place in the world, Pakistan proceeds carefully at diplomatic level. But Pakistan's Interior Minister attended the oath taking ceremony of the US President and when the Spokesperson of Foreign Affairs is asked question regarding this, he refers this question to Ministry of Interior. So did the Interior Minister contacted you and you briefed him as he was going on an important event and the meetings he is having, how much you are onboard? Spokesperson: Number one, the ministers travel abroad with the permission of the Prime Minister. This is his prerogative. The meetings he is having were not planned by our Ministry, so for details, I will again refer you to Ministry of Interior. (Rizwan Abbasi, Daily Ausaf): Sir, a few days ago, Foreign Minister held a meeting regarding resettlement of Afghan nationals to third countries. What is this suggestion and how much progress has been made on this? Spokesperson: The resettlement to third countries, there are quite a few countries which have plans for resettlement of Afghans who had been employed by their embassy or their forces. It's not just the US; there are several other countries also. Numbers for each country varies from large number, to hundreds or couple of dozens. So this is an ongoing process. There is movement on this track. But what we feel is at times, it appears to us that the process is slow. We want it to be faster. And then, of course, when such complex process takes place, there are always challenges, the procedural challenges, logistical challenges, and legal challenges. So this meeting was part of that regular government review of the whole process. Nothing extraordinary about it, and the Deputy Prime Minister was able to provide guidance. But this is part of a routine government coordination activity. (Almas Haider Naqvi, Daily Dunya): Sir, my question is about the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Since Pakistan is the most vulnerable country affected by the climate change, so how Pakistan sees this development? Spokesperson: Pakistan remains one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and accords high priority to international cooperation in tackling the growing climate change based on the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Pakistan recognizes the importance of Paris Agreement in addressing challenges posed by climate change, including in the context of COP 29 milestone agreement on mobilizing climate finance of $300 billion annually for climate action in developing countries. This support is necessary for vulnerable developing countries to advance their ambitious climate action through finance, technology, development and transfer & capacity building support. Pakistan has been and will continue to call on all members of international community to engage in a sustained multilateral cooperation under UNFCCC and Paris agreement to address the common threat posed by climate change. That's all I can say. We remain committed to the Paris Climate Change Agreement Pakistan. I can speak about Pakistan. And we think that this is an issue which needs collective action. It can't be addressed by one or a small number of countries. Every country has to be able contribute to this process. (Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Thank you. In some official notes sent by the Pakistani Mission in Rabat to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I'm quoting these minutes, documents in which they mentioned it, our official met with Mohammed zahrein, a high ranking official hosted by the Morocco Ministry of Interior in Dakhla and he informed Pakistani mission, the authority that they have cited another boat carrying people dead bodies around 200 kilometer offshore. So the list of survivors and dead bodies will increase in the next few days. Are there any updates? And the second question, they have asked for $100,000 for the transportation of dead bodies and survivors. Who will be responsible for this Minister of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Interior? Thank you. Spokesperson: You know, I can't comment on internal correspondence of the government. What I can tell you is, the journalists were under pressure from their editors and the survivors, families of the survivors, to get more information, and I understand we couldn't, you know, be as prompt as journalist friends wanted. Given that it's a very sensitive issue we wanted to be 200% sure that we give accurate data. So there were layers of confirmation, reconfirmation, and finally, we also got it rechecked through our internal databases before we could confirm that first 21 then there was one more individual identified survivor. These are the survivors. Again, I'll request seek your indulgence and patience on sharing of details. But again, our limitation remains that we want to be absolutely certain to the extent possible. We can't afford that we give the news of someone surviving, and God forbid, that the facts are otherwise. So this is one of the impediments. We are following it and we are working on it. But the other logistic problem, you have to keep in mind that Dakhla is 22 hours drive from Rabat. It's like a fairly far away place, but our team is already deployed there and working that I can confirm to you. (Mateen Haider, G News): I would like to seek your comments on Human Rights Watch Report 2024 which presented a highly critical picture of Pakistan vis-a-vis human rights, freedom of speech, political freedom, and all these things. I need your comments on it. Thank you. Spokesperson: Human rights, of course, is a very important issue for us. Fundamental human rights are guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan. And about the reports, of course, no country has a perfect record, but our commitment is unwavering, unshakeable, and it remains a top priority for the government. We are party to most of the core human rights conventions. Recently, last year, 2024, our report was examined by the Human Rights Committee, which is the treaty body for International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. We engage with civil society, media and our critics. But again what I can tell you is that human right remains an important priority and government remains committed to promotion and protection of human rights. (Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Thank you so much. Earlier this week, there was an awkward situation when the UK police brought back illegal migrants, deported migrants, and the Pakistani FIA refused to accept them, resulting them to be flown back to the UK. The Prime Minister has also ordered an inquiry into the matter. Would you want to confirm the incident? That is number one and number two? What is the mechanism of bringing such devotees or sending such devotees back to their home country? Spokesperson: I'll have to answer check on this, because normally there is a lot of back end coordination, which takes place, everything is confirmed, before the returnees are brought in. We have for example, EURA agreement with the European Union which is working effectively. For such specific incidents, I need to check and of course, we wait for the inquiry, if it has been ordered. But what I can tell you is that there are very few such incidents which have taken place. Otherwise, this return process is very smooth. It could have been a glitch, some lack of coordination at some point. But I need to check the facts and get more details on that. (Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, keeping in view, the recent increase in tension between the border regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, what is the latest status of Pak-Afghan working relationship and Pak-Afghan relations? Thank You. (Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Pakistan handed over dead bodies of terrorists, who were killed in Pakistani territory to Afghan authorities. Do you have data of such terrorists? And will you inform us that are there dialogues being conducted through any back door channel as Pakistan will provide dossier to international community regarding terrorist activities conducted against Pakistan? (Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Thank you so much. The ISPR on a press statement on 21st January said that an Afghan national was involved in terrorism on the 11th of January in Zhob district. He was identified. He was involved in terrorism as well, and then they subsequently released his credentials as well to confirm the veracity of his nationality. Has the matter been taken up officially with the Afghan side through diplomatic channels, to stop this incursion of Afghan nationals, you know, disguised as Visa seekers and what not, involved in terrorism activities in the country. Thank you. (Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): Sir, a post is being shared by journalists on social media that indicating a threat alert to Pakistani politician Mohsin Dawar in which TTA has paid 14 Crore to target killers for Mohsin Dawar's assassination. Normally, Pakistan raises such issues with Afghanistan on diplomatic level; will this issue be raised with Afghan authorities as well? And first, the normal militants fighting against Pakistan were harbored in Afghanistan so now they will harbor political assassinators as well? What will be the consequences? Spokesperson: Khawaja Sahab, I will start from your question. I also explained in the last briefing that Afghanistan is a neighbor of Pakistan. We have diplomatic relations. There is a senior diplomat, Afghan diplomat posted here, and we have a very distinguished senior diplomat working in Kabul as Charge d' Affaires. I also explained that in the context of our relations contact are multi layered. They are ongoing, and there are multiple channels which are working, which is normal, between two states and two neighbors particularly. And about the terrorism problem, you are aware of it, our position on this issue that we have been taking it up on all channels, and we have been impressing upon the Afghan side that this problem has to be tackled by them. And the TTP enjoys sanctuaries in Afghanistan, which is a source of serious concern for Pakistan, for stability, for our security, and also it imperils the future growth of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and it negatively impacts the overall stability of the region. About the Zhob incident, I would refer my colleagues to ISPR. About threats of Mr. Mohsin Dawar I'll have to check through our own government agencies, departments, what is the reality because I've seen this on social media, but I don't have any details. And obviously, such a thing is condemnable, we condemn it. If there is any grain of truth in this, we would aggressively take it up. (Mateen Haider, G News): Mr. Spokesman, yesterday, huge quantity of most sophisticated arms and ammunition was detected. A truck loaded with 1000s of bullets and weapons were seized by Pakistani security forces, and these weapons were to be used for terrorism purpose in different parts of Pakistan. Although through military channel, a strong protest was lodged, and this is a serious development. I need your comments on why such incursions are taking place, militants are crossing border. Our security forces are filing these attempts, and also now weapons are making entry into Pakistan. Your comments and all these things are serious threats to the security and sovereignty of Pakistan. Thank you. Spokesperson: Again, I'll refer to my earlier statements, and this is one more demonstration of the threat we have been flagging, or the concern we have been flagging. Our security forces remain alert. This problem is ongoing. One is the military track. Our forces are working robustly on counter terrorism and law enforcement track, and, of course, the diplomatic track on which we will continue to impress upon Afghan authorities. This is another demonstration of what we have been arguing and saying. So, this is something which we will continue to impress upon Kabul to tackle this problem of the sanctuaries enjoyed by terrorists on the Afghan territory. (Adeel Bashir, Roze News): At Washington DC, in the building of Congress, both the Republicans and Democrats were briefed on 26 November events that occurred at D-Chowk, Islamabad. Members of Amnesty International were also present and the topic was "Human Rights Crises in Pakistan". Members of Congress said Pakistan needs internal stability and a system in which political opposition is not jailed. Do you think this event that occurred was violation of human rights or is it American interference in Pakistan's domestic affairs? Spokesperson: On the specific incidents that you are referring, our position is well known, and I would again refer you to the Ministry of Interior on the specific incident you want to get the government response. I can refer to the point I made earlier that we remain committed to a robust and strong Pakistan-US relations and at the same time, based on the principles of international law which calls for non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This is part of the principles on which interstate relations are shaped. (Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Shafqat Sahab, I want to know that in addition to banned TTP, is TTA, which is in power in Afghanistan, is also involved in terror activities in Pakistan at individual or at organizational level? Thank You. Spokesperson: What we have been emphasizing is the threat posed in Pakistan by TTP. That's something which is well-documented and which we have been raising with evidence with the Afghan side. It enjoys sanctuaries there, and it remains a source of obviously a legitimate and serious concern for Pakistan, and we are determined to tackle this problem on the diplomatic track, and also through actions of our law enforcement agencies and counter terrorism operations. (Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Donald Trump took oath as the US President three days ago. Who was officially invited from Foreign Office and Government in the ceremony? Spokesperson: I have said it before; our Ambassador in Washington, as in the past, represented the Government of Pakistan, in the oath taking ceremony of the new President. (Tahir Khan, NNI News Agency): Sir, you said now and in last briefing as well that Charge d' Affairs is posted in Kabul. My question is, why he have posted Charge d' Affaires in Kabul when in comparison to Azerbaijan, China, Iran and Uzbekistan who have posted Ambassadors there? Is this a technical issue that Afghan Taliban government is not recognized by anyone or we want to appoint someone of this level or Charge d'Affairs is equivalent to an Ambassador? Spokesperson: To the last part of your question, Charge d'Affairs is not an Ambassador. If you look at developments, first all countries posted Charge d' Affairs and Charge d' Affairs of many countries are still posted there. Only some countries, upgraded the status of Cd'A to Ambassador. Still those countries who posted Ambassadors say that this is not full recognition. After observing the events in coordination with international community, we will consider changing the status of Charge d' Affaires. As long as our diplomatic relations is concerned, they are active at multiple levels. Meeting of Charge d' Affairs at Foreign Ministry and other ministries in Kabul and Islamabad is ongoing. Communication, conveying of messages and assessments is ongoing. (Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Sir, after recent developments, peace process has started in Gaza. Pakistan played a prominent role in OIC and raised the issue of Gaza on other forums. Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also played an important role on this. Development process will commence in Gaza. Pakistan already sent medical and other supplies. Is Pakistan physically present for reconstruction of Gaza or is it interested in this matter or talks have commenced on this regard? (Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Sir, ceasefire agreement has been signed and implemented in Gaza but at the same time an Israeli operation was conducted at Jenin in which more than 10 Palestinians have been martyred. Does Pakistan see this as violation of ceasefire agreements? Thank You. Spokesperson: I have already replied to the last question. Regarding first question, we welcome Gaza ceasefire and our position remains clear. We already sent our relief supplies but they could not reach the recipients due to Israeli blockade. Now the supplies are en-route to the people of Gaza. It is our wish and we support efforts to convert the temporary ceasefire into permanent ceasefire. When situation normalizes Pakistan will cooperate and help its Palestinians brothers and sisters whenever the opportunity arises. (Rashida Sial, Abb Takk News): CM KPK Ali Amin Gandapur has announced that the province will engage with Afghanistan by sending a delegation. What is Foreign Office's stake? Can a provincial government engage in a dialogue with an international government? Secondly, senator Mujahid Hussain Syed said that PTI lobbyist in Washington have more influence than Pakistan diplomats and Pakistani Foreign Office. How do you see this statement? Spokesperson: On your first question, our policy is evident. Pakistan has always been pursuing friendly bilateral relations with Afghanistan. I am not aware of the particular plan of engagement of Chief Minister KPK. The standard procedure is that two central governments engage diplomatically and if we receive suggestions from a province we will update you. Regarding your second question, this is the honourable senators personal opinion but I of course don't agree with that. * NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with ROK Foreign Minister Cho US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson January 22, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul. They discussed advancing U.S.-ROK cooperation to address common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Rubio stressed that the U.S.-ROK Alliance stands as the linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific. The two also underscored the critical importance of furthering trilateral cooperation among the United States, Japan, and the ROK. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with Government members The President held a videoconference meeting with Government members. January 23, 2025 18:00 Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon. Today, we will be reviewing our performance in oversight activities and discuss ways of improving them. However, we will begin with several urgent and important current issues, as usual. The first of them deals with the work of the Government Commission for providing disaster relief following the accidents with tankers in the Black Sea. Please, Mr Savelyev, I asked you to take on this task. You have been travelling to the accident site, I know about that, and have been managing these efforts. How have they been advancing lately? Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev: Mr President, colleagues, In keeping with your instructions, Mr President, we have formed a Government Commission with me as its chair to coordinate emergency relief efforts following the tanker accidents in the Kerch Strait. We opened a federal operational headquarters at the accident site. Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov leads this unit whose task consists of coordinating daily efforts to provide disaster relief in the Krasnodar Territory, the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. Daily reports from the Emergencies Ministry, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Ministry of Transport are delivered daily by 9 am. The Government Commission approved an inter-agency action plan. We review progress under this plan when the Government Commission meets at the Government Coordination Centre. On January 15, I visited the Krasnodar Territory with members of the Government Commission, to assess the situation in the emergency zone. We met with volunteers and had a meeting at the regional response centre in Anapa. A few words about the situation at the site. The stern of the Volgoneft-239 tanker is grounded near Cape Panagia. Rescuers have installed containment booms around it to prevent further spillage. To remove the fuel oil that remains in the tanker, a 400 metre-long access road was built to reach the stern of the wrecked tanker. Last Friday, we also completed the bunding of its stern part - essentially, a protective spill containment structure was built around the Volgoneft-239 tanker. On Sunday, January 19, we began pumping out the fuel oil from Volgoneft-239. The four stern tanks contain around 1,400 tonnes of fuel oil in total. It was transported by bitumen trucks, then loaded into rail tanks and delivered by rail to the disposal sites. As of 8 am today, over 1,100 tonnes of fuel oil have been pumped out, meaning 300 tonnes still remain to be removed. We plan to finish fuel oil removal from the Volgoneft-239 stern next week. Simultaneously, an excavator is used to collect the fuel oil-water mixture from the sea before it can be removed as well - this has been taken care of. Once this is done, we will begin dismantling the tanker stern and transporting its parts to the scrapping site. A project is being developed to lift the sunken tanker fragments - the bow part of Volgoneft-239 and the bow and stern parts of Volgoneft-212. Transport Minister Roman Starovoit is keeping the operation to recover and scrap the wreckage under special review. We constantly survey the water area and more than 955 kilometres of coastline. More than 5,000 people, 680 units of equipment, and 28 watercrafts are involved in the clean-up operations. The main sites of fuel oil discharge on the shore have been cleared, while no new major wash-ups have been recorded. More than 170,000 tonnes of polluted sand and soil have been collected. Volunteers, 700 of them, help us a lot in our cleanup efforts. During the working trip, we met with the people from volunteer associations. The participants noted the availability of every material and technical mean they need to do their work, and proper organisation of accommodation and meal provision. Personally and on behalf my colleagues, I would like to thank the volunteers for their good work. Seven properly licenced organisations with due permits are involved in the efforts to dispose of the contaminated sand and soil. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov supervises this work. Eighteen animal and bird rescue points have been set up in the emergency zone. The bird and animal rescue efforts are under Minister Kozlov's control as well. Rospotrebnadzor laboratories monitor the quality of air, water, and soil, as well as the safety of fish and fish products on a daily basis. The research and expert community supports us in our emergency response efforts. This work has been directed by Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov. Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Maksut Shadayev ensures assistance in providing uninterrupted communication at the site and monitoring of the media. Mr President, systemic work is underway to provide relief. The work is monitored on a daily basis. Tomorrow, members of the commission and I are heading to the Krasnodar Territory, where we will inspect the affected sites and hold a meeting. I will report to you afterwards. Thank you for your attention. This concludes my report. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev 23 January 2025 17:33 70-23-01-2025 On January 23, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomed Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Nurlan Yermekbayev during his working visit to Moscow. A comprehensive exchange of views took place, focusing on the further consolidation and development of the SCO and enhancing its operations in light of the current geopolitical realities. With Russia's chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in 2024-2025, both parties underscored the importance of implementing planned measures to boost trade, economic, and cultural cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening the role of the SCO in shaping an architecture of equal, indivisible security and sustainable development across Eurasia. In this context, both parties recognised the necessity of deepening dialogue and practical cooperation with partner international organisations and associations, above all the UN, CSTO, CIS, EAEU, and ASEAN. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Paving the road to a hopeful and inclusive future in Syria, free from violence and hardship UNICEF Statement by UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations Ted Chaiban upon conclusion of his visit to Syria 23 January 2025 DAMASCUS, 23 January 2025 - "During my five-day visit to Syria, I engaged with the Caretaker Authorities, communities, UN country team, partners, parents, and children in Damascus, Aleppo, and Idleb. "A clear message emerged: there is hope for a better future, but to pave a solid road to recovery and seize on this once-in-a-generation opportunity there must be immense, coordinated efforts at both national and international levels. From the outset, the authorities and international partners need to prioritise an inclusive transitional period that addresses the vast challenges stemming from over a decade of relentless conflict, which has left many cities, villages, and critical infrastructure in ruins, and millions of people displaced. "Syria remains one of the most complex humanitarian situations in the world. Millions of children and families continue to face dire conditions amid ongoing instability and a slow recovery. "An estimated 16.7 million people, including 7.5 million children need humanitarian assistance. More than 7.2 million people remain displaced, many enduring harsh winters in makeshift shelters. The continued economic crisis has pushed more than 85 per cent of families into poverty. "Almost 40 per cent of hospitals and health facilities are partly or completely non-functional. Nearly 13.6 million people require improved water, sanitation and hygiene services. 2.4 million children are out of school, with 1 million more at risk of dropping out, potentially robbing them of opportunities for a better future and hindering the country's recovery. "And lastly, but importantly, children have been exposed to horrendous violence and continue to face protection issues. Over the past 13 years, the United Nations has verified approximately 25,500 grave violations in Syria, including child recruitment and the killing and maiming of children. Creating a protective environment for children is an urgent need. "Some of these deprivations were exemplified during my visit to Ma'arrat al Nu'man, a city that once thrived with nearly 100,000 residents but now stands eerily silent. It is a ghost town, marked by nearly 14 years of relentless conflict. The level of destruction is staggeringpublic services and infrastructure lie in ruins. "Yet, amid this devastation, I encountered families determined to return and rebuild their lives. Their resilience is profoundly inspiring, but they cannot do it alone. Immediate action is crucial to restore essential services and create conditions for safe and dignified returns. "This safe return cannot be achieved without intensified humanitarian demining efforts to remove an estimated 324,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance (UXO) scattered across the country. These invisible threats have become the leading cause of child casualties in Syria, killing or injuring more than 116 children in December 2024 alone. "I met 18-year-old Abdo, who lost his limb after encountering an explosive ordnance in 2020, at the age of 14. His father also lost his sight during the incident. Abdo, through UNICEF's support, received cash assistance, psychosocial support and was referred to vocational training and prosthetic assistance. He is one of many affected children in Syria. "Throughout my visit, I witnessed remarkable solidarity among Syrian communities as they supported one another. However, the immense scale of needs, compounded by pre-existing vulnerabilities and the strain on social services, has put significant pressure on the social fabric. This must be carefully addressed in plans for the transitional period as well as in the humanitarian and recovery response. Women and adolescent girls must be at the forefront of this transition, helping to shape the new Syria with leading roles in government, business, humanitarian assistance, and other community-building work. "UNICEF remains committed to supporting Syria on its path to recovery and rebuilding, especially in uniting efforts to prioritize the well-being and future of its children. Over the past year, we have helped sustain major water systems reaching more than 7 million people with clean and safe water. Nearly 1 million children gained access to formal and non-formal education opportunities. We reached 470,000 children - half of them girls - with essential vaccines, safeguarding their futures. "For Syria to move forward, the Caretaker Authorities need, as they indicated is their intent, to champion an inclusive transition process one that embraces the nation's rich diversity, respects all ethnicities, and empowers every girl, boy, woman, and man. Respect for gender equality and human rights must be a cornerstone of Syria's future. "The international community needs to act decisively, mobilizing resources to strengthen this critical transition. Easing sanctions and facilitating measures to strengthen recovery and reconstruction efforts can pave the way for lasting progress. Time is of essence, expectations are high, and swift collective action is needed to restore hope, peace, and stability. "UNICEF stands ready to lead where it matters for children most providing expertise in primary health care, water, sanitation and hygiene, education, and social protection. "The children of Syria must remain at the heart of every effort. Their future is on the line. Together, let us seize this opportunity and act boldly to secure a brighter tomorrow for every child in Syria." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China encircles Taiwan with 41 military aircraft, warships ROC Central News Agency 01/23/2025 04:42 PM Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) Chinese military planes and ships surrounded Taiwan on Wednesday during a drill, with some of the aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, the defense ministry said Thursday. In total, 35 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and six warships were detected around the island during China's "joint combat readiness patrols," Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said. A flight map released by the ministry showed that 12 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, while 15 entered the northern, southwestern and eastern parts of Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ). The 12 aircraft that crossed the median line included two drones, which flew along Taiwan's east coast before circling back, and one "support aircraft" that was flying off the island's southeastern shoreline. Meanwhile, six PLA vessels were detected in waters near Taiwan in the 24-hour period starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to the MND. The incursions took place between 12:03 p.m. and 9:57 p.m., information released by the MND showed. On the question of what may have prompted the incursions by China, Chieh Chung (), a research fellow at the Association of Strategic Foresight, said he did not think it resulted from the presence of the Taiwan delegation on the sidelines of United States President Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. The Taiwanese delegation received the same level of hospitality as during the inauguration of previous U.S. presidents, Chieh noted. Chieh was referring to the seating arranged for Taiwan's delegation members, which were at nearby locations rather than the Capitol Rotunda where the ceremony was held and where seats were reserved for U.S. big tech and business moguls, senior American politicians, and other world leaders. Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu () -- who led the delegation -- said he and Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui () joined other guests at the Capitol Visitor Center, called Emancipation Hall, to watch the swearing-in on a large screen. Other members -- seven cross-party lawmakers -- watched a livestream in a VIP area of the Capital One Arena, just over a mile from the Capitol Building, Han said. Furthermore, whenever China is aiming to send a political message by means of military activity, its actions usually include some form of propaganda, Chieh said, noting that there was none of that on Wednesday. For example, the two Joint Sword exercises the PLA staged around Taiwan last year were accompanied by online videos of Chinese fighter jets and warships, as well as statements by Chinese officials released through Chinese state-controlled media shortly after the drills began, he noted. The lack of such propaganda on Wednesday suggests that the drill was routine, Chieh said. The PLA has routinely staged three to five "Joint Combat Readiness Patrols" per month since February 2024, he added. Lin Ying-yu (), an assistant professor at Tamkang University's Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies, agreed that Wednesday's drill by the PLA was routine and was not linked to the Taiwan delegation's visit to the U.S. There were no surprises during the Taiwan delegation's visit to Washington, D.C. for Trump's inauguration, Lin said. The PLA last staged an exercise on a similar scale on Jan. 14, when 14 of the 24 PLA aircraft detected in Taiwan's ADIZ crossed the median line of the strait during a joint combat readiness patrol. During another drill a week earlier, 14 of the 25 PLA planes detected in the same area crossed the median line. An ADIZ is a self-declared area in which a country claims the right to identify, locate and control approaching foreign aircraft but is not part of its territorial airspace as defined by international law. (By Sean Lin, Shih Hsiu-chuan and Teng Pei-ju) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Han lauds cross-party unity, U.S. support during Washington visit ROC Central News Agency 01/23/2025 12:01 PM Washington, Jan. 22 (CNA) Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu () said Wednesday that his cross-party delegation to the United States has maintained a united front and has been pleased to see bipartisan support for Taiwan among members of the U.S. Congress. Speaking to Taiwanese reporters the day before the delegation's four-day visit ended, Han said some Taiwanese expatriates were worried about whether he and his delegation would be able to watch the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, as the Jan. 20 ceremony had been moved indoors because of cold weather. Due to space limitations in the Capitol Rotunda where the ceremony was held, the Taiwan delegation could not attend in person, but the members were able to watch on large screens at nearby locations, Han said. Han said he and Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui () joined other guests at the Capitol Visitor Center, called Emancipation Hall, to watch the inauguration ceremony on a large screen. The other members of the Taiwan delegation -- seven cross-party lawmakers -- watched a livestream in a VIP area of the Capital One Arena, just over a mile from the Capitol Building, Han said. Those arrangements were made through the efforts of Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its representative office in the U.S., he added. After Trump's swearing-in ceremony, he went to Emancipation Hall to give a short speech, Han said, adding that he and Yu were standing no more than 25 meters away from the American president. While in Washington, Han said, his delegation met with a number of Trump administration officials in charge of Taiwan and Asian affairs. The delegation also visited think tanks affiliated with both the Democratic and Republican parties to discuss Taiwan-U.S. relations and future bilateral cooperation, Han said. The discussions covered areas such as security, technology, business, education and culture, he said. "All the members of the delegation feel that there is strong bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress for Taiwan," Han said. According to Taiwan's representative office in the U.S., the delegation met with 24 members of the U.S. Congress in total, including Ted Cruz, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Meanwhile, Han said that the exchanges among the eight members of his cross-party delegation remained cordial throughout the trip. Han said he and the seven other lawmakers from three different parties presented a unified front in pushing for closer Taiwan-U.S. exchanges. The delegation comprised Han of the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT); lawmakers Wang Ting-yu (), Chen Kuan-ting () and Kuo Yu-ching () of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party; Ko Chih-en (), Lee Yen-hsiu () and Ko Ju-chun () of the KMT; and Chen Gau-tzu () of the smaller opposition Taiwan People's Party. They all expressed the wish that the unity among themselves could be maintained when they return to Taiwan, where their parties have been wrangling in the Legislature for months over various issues. The delegation is scheduled to depart from the U.S. late Thursday and arrive in Taiwan the following day. (By Chung Yu-chen and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan revokes citizenship of 3 individuals over possession of Chinese IDs ROC Central News Agency 01/23/2025 09:36 PM Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced Thursday that the Republic of China (Taiwan) citizenship of three individuals, including taekwondo athlete Lee Tung-hsien (), have been revoked due to their possession of Chinese IDs. Since the release of a video about China's united front efforts targeting Taiwan, the MAC has received "information on around a dozen specific cases" regarding Taiwanese citizens holding Chinese IDs, said Liang Wen-chieh (), MAC deputy head and spokesperson. "After verification by the relevant authorities, the Taiwanese citizenship of three individuals, including Lee Tung-hsien and Su Shih-en (), has been revoked," Liang told a news conference in Taipei. He noted that the revocation was due to their possession of Chinese IDs, which violates the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area (Cross-Strait Act). Under the act, Taiwanese citizens are prohibited from having Chinese household registration or a passport from China. Anyone in violation of the provision could have their Republic of China household registration cancelled, lose their citizenship and forfeit related rights, such as their eligibility to participate in elections or hold public office. According to Chinese law, a Chinese household registration is required to apply for a Chinese ID, as the applicant must present a Chinese household registration book to the authorities during the process. Asked by CNA what kind of concrete evidence or channels were used to verify the named individuals who hold Chinese IDs, Liang said only that "it has been verified," without providing further details. He also said that if a Taiwanese individual whose Taiwanese citizenship has been revoked wants to come to Taiwan or return to Taiwan, that person will need to apply using the relevant documents issued by the mainland authorities to gain entry to Taiwan. "Of course, you will no longer have access to National Health Insurance -- you will basically be regarded as a mainland Chinese," he added. The MAC has been investigating allegations of Taiwanese citizens holding Chinese ID cards in recent months, following claims made by Taiwanese YouTubers Pa Chiung () and Chen Po-yuan () in a two-part documentary released in December last year discussing China's united front efforts targeting Taiwan. In the two videos, which had garnered a combined 5 million views as of Thursday, Lee and Su revealed that they hold a Chinese ID, while an unnamed intermediary in the video also claimed that approximately 100,000 Taiwanese citizens currently hold a Chinese ID. Lee has long been regarded as a pro-China figure, especially after he competed in taekwondo at the 2023 Asia Pacific Masters Games in South Korea, where he won a bronze medal and displayed the Chinese national flag during the award ceremony. (By Sunny Lai) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye Hakan Fidan 23 January 2025 17:54 72-23-01-2025 On January 23, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye Hakan Fidan. The Russian side extended sincere condolences once again regarding the tragic events at a ski resort in Bolu province, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. During their conversation, the ministers exchanged views on the evolving situation in and around Syria. They reaffirmed the need for unconditional respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. The foreign ministers underscored the importance of uniting the efforts of all "external players" who can genuinely contribute to a comprehensive resolution of the situation in Syria, ensuring the legitimate rights of all Syrian citizens, regardless of their political views and ethnic or religious affiliations. A number of issues on the bilateral agenda were also addressed. The ministers agreed to maintain close contact on the Syrian issue and other pertinent regional and international matters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with Foreign Minister Fidan US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson January 23, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan yesterday to reaffirm the importance of U.S.-Turkiye relations, Turkiye's role as a key NATO Ally, and our shared interests in the region. Secretary Rubio highlighted the need for an inclusive transition in Syria, ensuring that the new government prevents Syria from becoming a source for international terrorism, and denying foreign malign actors the opportunity to exploit Syria's transition for their own objectives. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed the importance of a durable and dignified peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Secretary also expressed his deepest condolences for the lives lost and those injured in the tragic hotel fire in Bolu. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Three North Koreans wanted in Kursk for killing Russian soldiers: report North Koreans said to be suffering casualties while struggling with insufficient supplies, language barrier. By Taejun Kang for RFA 2025.01.22 TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Three North Korean soldiers killed five Russian servicemen in Russia's Kursk region and the "armed and dangerous" Koreans were being hunted, according to a Russian military telegram channel. As many as 12,000 North Korean soldiers are in Russia to support its war against Ukraine in Russia's Kursk, according to Ukraine and the United States - although neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has acknowledged this. "Koreans killed servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces. On Jan. 13, 2025, in the area of the village of Bolshoye Soldatskoye, Kursk region, three DPRK soldiers killed five servicemen of the 810th Separate Marine Brigade, military unit 13140, from Sevastopol," reads a wanted poster published by a Telegram user Spy Dossier, who posts military content. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or DPRK, is North Korea's official name. Russia's 810th Separate Marine Brigade has been engaged in intense battles in the Kursk region, with Ukrainian intelligence and media sources reporting the involvement of North Korean soldiers alongside it. "The criminals are armed and dangerous ... if found, observe personal safety measures and report to the Kursk Regional Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs," the poster in Russian reads further. Spy Dossier said the poster came from a "reliable source," but noted that it needed to be verified. Radio Free Asia has not been able to independently verify it. Language barrier No reason was given for the reported killing of the Russians by the North Koreans but some Russian military bloggers suggested the incident was the result of "friendly fire" between North Koreans and Russians due to miscommunication. Ukraine's Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, or DIU, said in December that the language barrier between two groups remained a problematic obstacle to command and coordination. "Due to this problem, North Korean soldiers opened friendly fire on the vehicles of the so-called Akhmat battalion. The result was eight dead Kadyrovites," DIU said. Kadyrovites is a term for Chechen troops loyal to leader Ramzan Kadyrov. The DIU added that the incident was the result of the language barrier between Russian and North Korean troops, which is a "difficult obstacle" on the battlefield. Russian soldiers captured by Ukraine also testified that they were kept separately from North Koreans mainly due to the language barrier. Food shortage DIU also reported in December that North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia in Kursk had been complaining about insufficient rations. At that time, DIU said the dissatisfied North Koreans were under Russia's 810th Separate Marine Brigade. In order to overcome the problem, DIU said Russian officials sent Major General Mevlyutov, deputy commander for Resource Support of the Leningrad Military District, to the front line in Kursk. It said he immediately ordered rations to be issued from the supplies of a Russian unit, which it identified as the 11th Air Assault Brigade. Separately, a Ukrainian official told RFA in December that North Korean soldiers were struggling with poor and insufficient supplies and outdated weapons. Mykhailo Makaruk of Ukraine's 8th Special Operations Regiment said that after searching through uniforms of North Korean soldiers killed in Kursk, that they had no military food in their bags, but only some low quality grenades as well as poor military medicine kits. The wanted poster emerged amid reports about increasing casualties among North Korean troops fighting in Kursk. Washington-based think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, said last week that North Koreans had likely suffered roughly 92 casualties per day since starting to participate in significant fighting in early December. The think tank added that if the North continued to suffer such a high casualty rate, the entirety of this North Korean contingent in Kursk may be killed or wounded in roughly 12 weeks, or by about mid-April. Ukraine reported on Jan. 4 an estimated 3,800 casualties among North Korean soldiers, while South Korea estimated on Jan. 13 that more than 300 North Koreans had been killed and about 2,700 wounded. Edited by Mike Firn. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Switzerland and Ukraine launch private sector partnership for reconstruction Swiss Government Bern, 23.01.2025 -- On 23 January, at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland and Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding the role of Swiss businesses operating in Ukraine in the country's recovery. The MoU was signed by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko. Rebuilding Ukraine presents vast challenges that extend beyond the scope of traditional international cooperation. The private sector has a vital role to play in this reconstruction effort. To this end, Switzerland signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ukraine on 23 January. The MoU establishes a framework whereby the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine will collaborate to identify reconstruction projects for implementation by Swiss companies with established operations in Ukraine. These projects will target Ukraine's critical needs while supporting its strategic reconstruction priorities. Swiss companies are well positioned to support the reconstruction effort through their expertise, specialist knowledge, and proven track record of innovative, high-quality products and services. Their involvement will also strengthen local value chains, create employment opportunities, and enhance vocational training programmes. Swiss companies with established operations in Ukraine will be invited to submit project proposals in due course. SECO and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine will evaluate proposals against clearly defined criteria. For the initial phase, Switzerland has committed CHF 50 million to support these projects. Plans are also under way to engage Swiss companies not currently operating in Ukraine. This expansion requires new legal frameworks - in accordance with the Federal Council decision of 20 November 2024, through a fixed-term international treaty subject to referendum. The EAER is currently developing a mandate for the corresponding negotiations with Ukraine. On 26 June 2024, the Federal Council committed CHF 500 million to enhance private sector engagement in Ukraine's reconstruction. This initiative forms part of Switzerland's 2025-28 country programme for Ukraine, which is currently in its final stages of development. The programme represents a total investment of CHF 1.5 billion, deploying various international cooperation instruments to support Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Update 271 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine International Atomic Energy Agency 5/2025 Vienna, Austria 23 Jan 2025 The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team based at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has heard frequent explosions from outside the site over the past week, further underlining persistent dangers to nuclear safety and security during the military conflict, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today. The team reported hearing multiple instances of such military activity in recent days, at varying distances from the ZNPP. There was no damage reported to the plant itself. Although the sound of nearby military action has been a common occurrence ever since the IAEA established a continued presence at the ZNPP in September 2022, it has happened virtually daily in recent weeks. "For almost three years now, we have been doing everything we can to help prevent a nuclear accident at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and elsewhere in Ukraine. An accident has not occurred, but the situation is not improving. It is still precarious. I remain seriously concerned about nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, including at the Zaporizhzhya site. Our work is far from over," Director General Grossi said. As part of the ongoing work to monitor developments relevant for nuclear safety and security, the IAEA team has continued to conduct walkdowns across the site - including but not limited to the main and emergency control rooms of four reactor units and one turbine hall - and observed and discussed various safety-related maintenance activities with the plant. The IAEA team was also informed that the ZNPP is procuring three new mobile diesel generators, similar to those received late last year. They are in addition to the site's 20 fixed emergency diesel generators that are designed to provide on-site power if there is a total loss of off-site power. Separately, the ZNPP said that four diesel steam generators were put into operation for ten days to provide the steam needed to process liquid radioactive waste. These generators were commissioned a year ago. Elsewhere in Ukraine, air raid alarms were heard on several occasions at Ukraine's three operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) - Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine - as well as at the Chornobyl site. At the Khmelnytskyy NPP, the IAEA team members have taken shelter at their residence three times in recent days due to such alerts. At the Khmelnytskyy and South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl site, the IAEA teams were informed of instances of drones being detected at distances ranging from 2 to 30 km from the sites. Despite such military activities, Ukraine's nine operating nuclear power reactors have been operating at full capacity this week, safely generating much-needed electricity during the cold winter months. Separately, the Agency continued with deliveries under its comprehensive programme of nuclear safety and security assistance to Ukraine. Last week, the Chornobyl site received equipment to enhance its nuclear security system. The delivery, the 104th organised by the IAEA since the start of the armed conflict, was supported with funds from the United Kingdom. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO chief: Europe ready to foot the bill for US arms for Ukraine Iran Press TV Thursday, 23 January 2025 7:25 PM NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged the US to continue supplying Ukraine with weapons to fight Russia, saying Europeans will surely pay the bill. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, NATO chief Mark Rutte stated that Europe must ramp up arms production, increase military expenditure and take on a larger share of the costs associated with aiding Ukraine. "If this new Trump administration is willing to keep on supplying Ukraine from its defense industrial base, the bill will be paid by the Europeans, I'm absolutely convinced of this, we have to be willing to do that," he stressed. Rutte further emphasized that NATO's need to increase military spending has pushed the alliance into "crisis mode", pointing out that "on industry production, we are really in a bad place." "On Ukraine, we need the US also to stay involved," Rutte added. However, he neither put a figure on how much Europe would pay nor did he say whether he had an agreement with European leaders on the matter. He made the remarks after US President Donald Trump's assertions earlier this week regarding the necessity for the EU to increase support for Ukraine. Earlier this month, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine voiced discontent with NATO, saying "the decisions made in July at the NATO summit in Washington "as well as those adopted during the Ramstein meetings regarding air defenses for Ukraine have still not been fully implemented." Late last year, Zelensky disclosed his "constructive exchange" with Trump regarding the issue, signaling a new wave of support for his military. Trump's envoy for special missions Richard Gernell participated remotely in the Davos panel that included Rutte, criticizing the NATO secretary general. "The American people are the ones that are paying for the defense. You cannot ask the American people to expand the umbrella of NATO when the current members aren't paying their fair share, and that includes the Dutch, who need to step up," Grenell said. The talks in Davos happened amid Ukraine's high hopes to end the war with Russia "sooner" through diplomatic means with the arrival of Trump. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Strikes On Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Leave Dozens Injured, 1 Dead By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service January 23, 2025 Rescue workers combed through the rubble on January 23 after Russian air strikes on the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhya overnight killed one and left at least 46 injured. Ivan Fedorov, head of the regional military administration, wrote on Telegram that medical facilities were still receiving victims following the attacks, adding 22 persons, including a 2-month-old boy, had been hospitalized. "There was a loud explosion and then everything fell on me," Serhiy, whose two-story house collapsed on him and his wife after the first explosion, told Current Time. "I could hear screams, I tried to clear away debris and ran to my wife. She was screaming that she couldn't feel her legs. We had to carry her to the bomb shelter." Serhiy said his wife is now in the hospital in moderate condition, while his neighbor died in the strike. The State Emergencies Service said four emergency workers who came under repeated shelling while responding to the initial air attack, which involved five drone strikes, are among the injured. Video and eyewitness accounts revealed extent of the strikes with one residential building destroyed and 30 others damaged. Several private homes and non-residential facilities in the Shevchenko and Oleksandr districts of the city were also hit by the attacks. "I was just sitting here when the explosion hit. If I hadn't jumped up and left immediately, I would no longer be here," another Zaporizhzhya resident, Tatyana Semenyuk, told Current Time. Russian forces continue to target Ukrainian regions using drones, missiles, guided bombs, and rocket systems. While Moscow denies deliberate strikes on civilian infrastructure, Ukrainian officials and international organizations have repeatedly accused Russia of targeting hospitals, schools, and other critical facilities and noncombatants. The Ukrainian Parliament's Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, said on January 23 that he had called on international organizations, including the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to investigate a video purportedly showing Russian soldiers executing unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war. The video, which has been widely circulated online, has not been independently verified. The footage appears to show Russian soldiers shooting six unarmed Ukrainian POWs in the back while forcing others to watch. The fate of a seventh soldier shown in the footage remains unknown. Russia has not commented on allegations that its soldiers executed the POWs. Lubinets condemned the act, emphasizing Ukraine's urgent need for justice and accountability for such crimes. "This crime must be documented and addressed. The lack of accountability has turned such atrocities into systemic behavior. We cannot turn a blind eye to this," Lubinets stated in a Telegram post. Reports of torture, executions, and mistreatment of Ukrainian POWs have been frequent since Russia launched its ongoing invasion of Ukraine almost three years ago. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War said in October that it has "observed an increase in Russian forces executing Ukrainian POWs throughout the theater, and Russian commanders are likely writ large condoning, encouraging, or directly ordering the execution of Ukrainian POWs." Ukrainian prosecutors say there is documented evidence indicating that Russian forces have executed 93 Ukrainian POWs on the battlefield since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, with more than three-quarters of those recorded cases occurring in 2024. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-strikes-ukraine- zaporizhzhya-dozens-injured-one-dead/33286180.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 Trump, Seeking To Coax Putin Into Peace Talks, Calls On OPEC To Boost Output By Todd Prince January 23, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump hasn't been able to get Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to agree to talks to end the war in Ukraine so he is turning to Saudi Arabia for help. During a January 23 speech to the global business elite gathered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump called on Saudi Arabia and its allies in OPEC to ramp up oil output, a move that would push down crude prices, choking a key revenue source for Moscow to fund its war. "I'm also going to ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to bring down the cost of oil. You got to bring it down, which, frankly, I'm surprised they didn't do before the election. I was a little surprised by that. If the price came down, the Russia, Ukraine war would end immediately," Trump said. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump made ending Russia's three-year invasion of Ukraine a priority and has been seeking to set up a meeting with Putin since winning election in November. However, the Kremlin has seemingly refrained from entering talks with analysts saying that Putin believes he is winning the war and thus sees no reason to stop the fighting. Russia has been gaining territory in eastern Ukraine at the fastest clip since the start of the war as Ukraine struggles to recruit troops. A day after he was inaugurated as president on January 20, Trump said he would impose more sanctions on Russia to get it to the table without saying what exactly he would target. He reiterated the warning the next day, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on January 23 -- before Trump spoke in Davos -- that Moscow "did not see any particularly new elements here" in what Trump said. Under Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, the United States imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia's economy, including its oil industry. Russia's economy is heavily dependent on the export of oil, which accounts for more than 30 percent of its federal budget revenue. A decline in either Russian oil exports or the oil price would further strain the country's already troubled economy. However, further sanctioning Russia's oil industry - such as designating its largest oil company Rosneft or more of its 'shadow' oil fleet - could lead to a jump in global energy prices unless other countries ramp up output. Saudi Arabia and some of its allies in OPEC are capable of boosting oil output quickly. Saudi Arabia currently has spare capacity of about 3 million barrels a day while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has about 1 million barrels. The spare capacity is the result of OPEC countries agreeing to crucial output to support high oil prices. Russia, a member of OPEC+, exports about 6.6 million barrels of oil and oil products a day. Prior to his speech to WEF participants, Trump spoke with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince in his first call with a foreign leader since taking office earlier this week. The two discussed Middle East stability, combating terrorism, and boosting trade, according to a White House read out of the call. Chris Weafer, an oil industry expert and founder of Macro-Advisory consulting firm, said he did not think that Trump would be able to get the Saudis or other OPEC members to boost output to pressure the Kremlin on Ukraine. "It is most unlikely that Saudi Arabia, the UAE or the other OPEC producers will either want to engage in such a political move against fellow OPEC+ member Russia or to take any action which would result in them losing export earnings and giving a bigger market share to U.S. producers," Weafer told RFE/RL. "OPEC producers are still angry at the total disregard from Washington when the shale revolution boosted U.S. crude production and exports, taking market share from them," he said. David Oxley, chief climate and commodities economist at Capital Economics, said that while Saudi Arabia "has drifted away" from the United States in recent years, Trump does have solid ties with the country's leadership. "There have been signs of warming relations of late, and Trump is known to have good relations with Crown Prince MBS and also Saudi's Public Investment Fund," Oxley said in a January 23 note. He added that Saudi Arabia has also expressed frustration with other OPEC members for producing more than their quota and could "open the floodgates" to regain global market share. "This explicit invitation from Trump might be the cover that Saudi needs to open the spigots," he said. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-coax-putin-peace-talks- opec-boost-output-/33286713.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (23 January 2025) 23.01.2025 The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region. During offensive actions, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of one tank brigade, one heavy mechanised brigade, four mechanised brigades, two air assault brigades, one marine brigade, and three territorial defence brigades of the AFU close to Viktorovka, Guyevo, Kositsa, Lebedevka, Malaya Loknya, Makhnovka, Nikolayevka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Rubanshchina, Sverdlikovo, Staraya Sorochina, and Sudzha. One AFU counter-attack was repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the enemy near Gogolevka, Goncharovka, Gornal, Zaoleshenka, Kazachya Loknya, Kolmakov, Kositsa, Kruglenkoye, Kurilovka, Loknya, Martynovka, Melovoy, Mirny, Mikhaylovka, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Yuzhny as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Zhuravka, Miropolye, and Yunakovka in Sumy region. Over the course of the day, the AFU losses were more than 270 troops, two tanks, one armoured personnel carrier, seven armoured fighting vehicles, 10 motor vehicles, and one electronic warfare station. One AFU serviceman surrendered. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 54,270 troops, 315 tanks, 237 infantry fighting vehicles, 180 armoured personnel carriers, 1,608 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,596 motor vehicles, 387 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, 98 EW stations, 14 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 32 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, nine 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 Volodymyr Zelenskyy Thanked Rescuers for Helping Ukrainians Affected by Russian Strikes President of Ukraine 23 January 2025 - 20:11 A Russian missile strike on Zaporizhzhia has left 52 people injured, including rescuers, and claimed the life of one person. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared this update in his evening address. The President expressed gratitude to the rescuers for their assistance to people after Russian attacks, emphasizing that their work sustains the entire nation. Volodymyr Zelenskyy specifically acknowledged the efforts of State Emergency Service workers from the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Donetsk regions. Zaporizhzhia region SES workers: Andriy Eikhvald, driver of the 1st State Fire and Rescue Unit, Oleksiy Kovalenko, firefighter-rescuer of the 1st State Fire and Rescue Unit, Kostiantyn Kostenko, crew commander of the 1st State Fire and Rescue Unit, Oleksiy Perevierziev, senior firefighter-rescuer of the 1st State Fire and Rescue Unit who were wounded in a second Russian strike during rescue operations. Kherson region SES workers: Viktor Fysunenko, head of the engineering service of the emergency response and readiness department, who was also injured in Zaporizhzhia, Artem Ozerchuk, driver of the 3rd State Fire and Rescue Unit and Bohdan Kolisnichenko, crew commander of the 3rd State Fire and Rescue Unit. Donetsk region rescuers: Vladyslav Karpenko and Oleksiy Hayevskyi, firefighters-rescuers of the 40th State Fire and Rescue Unit, Mykhailo Horpinenko, driver of the 51st State Fire and Rescue Unit, Oleksandr Kobyliatskyi and Illia Bulkhov, firefighters-rescuers of the 51st State Fire and Rescue Unit. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Energy Resources, and Oil in Particular, Are One of the Most Important Keys to Peace, to Real Security - Address by the President President of Ukraine 23 January 2025 - 19:50 Dear Ukrainians! Today in Zaporizhzhia, many people were wounded and injured by a Russian missile strike - 52 individuals, including rescuers. A second strike occurred when rescue operations started. Tragically, one person was killed - my condolences. Every air defense system and every interceptor missile saves lives. And it is very important for our partners to feel how much it really helps when our air defense is being bolstered and when the military can report to society on effective interceptions, not hits. I want to express my gratitude to all our rescuers from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, everyone who helps people after the attacks - your work truly sustains our entire nation. Today, I want to specifically commend the rescuers from the Zaporizhzhia region: Andriy Eikhvald, Oleksiy Kovalenko, Kostiantyn Kostenko, Oleksiy Perevierziev - thank you! Also, the SES workers from the Kherson region: Viktor Fysunenko, Artem Ozerchuk, Bohdan Kolisnichenko - thank you very much! The Donetsk region: Vladyslav Karpenko, Oleksiy Hayevskyi, Mykhailo Horpinenko, Oleksandr Kobyliatskyi, and Illia Bulkhov - thank you, guys, and all your colleagues! Today, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal delivered a report on the energy sector - its current state and the work of our energy companies. I am grateful to all repair crews, engineers, and workers in our energy sector. The Prime Minister also reported on the eSupport program. The program is being implemented very successfully, with a high demand from our people - more than 12 million applications have been submitted, and most have already been funded. The program's timeliness is clear. We will continue working on other state programs as well. It is crucial now to support as many Ukrainian families and citizens as possible. And one more thing. We are coordinating our international efforts, and today, we held relevant meetings - primarily concerning the United States and our European partners. Peace through strength is possible, and we are absolutely confident in this. The key is to keep up the momentum and put pressure on Russia - the sole entity that wants this war and that is guilty of this war. It is Russia that is trying to prolong the aggression and occupation. Of course, energy resources, and oil in particular, are one of the most important keys to peace, to real security. And Europe must work more closely with America and other global partners on energy resources, not with Russia. We are preparing our diplomacy and international communications to ensure strong positions not only for Ukraine but for our entire Europe. I thank everyone who is helping us! I am grateful to each and every person fighting for Ukraine - in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, in the south, in the Kursk region - wherever it is necessary for the sake of our country's interests and independence. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cooperation with the Council of Europe and Holding Russia Accountable for Crimes: A Meeting at the Office of the President with the Representative of the Council of Europe President of Ukraine 23 January 2025 - 18:31 Deputy Head of the Office of the President Iryna Mudra met with Lilja Gretarsdottir, the Council of Europe representative responsible for implementing human rights, justice, and legal cooperation standards. During the meeting, the parties noted progress in the implementation of Council of Europe standards in the legal sphere and discussed further cooperation. Iryna Mudra expressed gratitude to the Council of Europe experts for their support at all stages of Ukraine's legal European integration. "Despite the full-scale war, Ukraine actively continues to fulfill its international obligations, achieving significant progress in judicial reform and human rights protection. Experts from the Council of Europe have been deeply involved in the reform of Ukraine's judicial system for many years. We will continue to rely on their effective advisory and technical support for all aspects of this reform," she emphasized. The meeting also covered collaboration with the Council of Europe to adapt Ukrainian legislation to European standards, including the full implementation of the Rome Statute. A separate focus of the discussion was on steps to ensure that all those responsible for Russian aggression are held to account and that compensation is provided to affected Ukrainians. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump says he will talk with Putin soon about ending Russia's war against Ukraine By VOA News January 23, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he would soon talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin to try to push the Russian leader to end his nearly three-year war on neighboring Ukraine. "Millions of young lives are being wasted. That war is horrible," Trump, via video link from Washington, told global business leaders meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He said "Ukraine is ready to make a deal," although no peace negotiations have been announced. "This is a war that never should've started." Trump, three days into his second term in the White House, said he would ask Saudi Arabia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to cut global oil prices, now about $77 a barrel, to curb Russia's oil revenues, which it uses to fund the war. "If the price comes down," Trump said, "the war in Ukraine will end immediately." "It's so important to get that done," he said. "It's time to end it." Russia unfazed by threats Trump's new remarks on the war came a day after he described the conflict as a "ridiculous war" and told Putin in a social media message that if he didn't move to end it, the U.S. would impose new tariffs, taxes and sanctions on Russian exports to the West. But the Kremlin was unmoved by Trump's threat, saying Thursday it did not see any particularly new elements in U.S. policy toward Russia. "He likes these methods, at least he liked them during his first presidency," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Peskov said Russia remains ready for "mutually respectful dialogue" with the United States as Trump starts a four-year term in the White House. Trump told Putin in a social media post that he was "not looking to hurt Russia" and that the U.S. "must never forget" that Russia helped the U.S. win World War II, but that it was time to end Moscow's attack on neighboring Ukraine. "All of that being said," Trump noted on his Truth Social account, "I'm going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR. Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE." "If we don't make a 'deal,' and soon," Trump said he would "have no other choice" but to impose the taxes, tariffs and sanctions. Under former U.S. President Joe Biden, who left office as Trump assumed power, the United States and its European allies frequently sanctioned key sectors of the Russian economy and oligarch friends of Putin, worsening the country's economy but failing to stop the war. Trump said, "Let's get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with! We can do it the easy way, or the hard way and the easy way is always better. It's time to "MAKE A DEAL." NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!" Russian attack kills 1, say officials in Zaporizhzhia On the battle front, officials in southern Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region said Thursday a Russian ballistic missile attack killed at least one person and injured 24 others. Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov said on Telegram that Russian drones also destroyed an energy facility and knocked out power to tens of thousands of people. In the Mykolaiv region, Governor Vitaliy Kim said on Telegram that Ukrainian air defenses shot down nine Russian drones. But debris from the drones damaged several houses, Kim said. Ukraine's military also shot down several drones over the Dnipropetrovsk region, Governor Serhiy Lysak said. Russia's Defense Ministry said it shot down four Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod region located along the Russia-Ukraine border. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dermatology Group of Arkansas is always seeking to give patients the best experience and results possible, and achieving that goal depends on building a team of outstanding professionals. With that in mind, the practice is excited to welcome Shelby Brady, a registered nurse, to the team. Brady joined Dermatology Group of Arkansas in November and has already integrated and proven herself to be a valuable addition when it comes to providing skin care in the Little Rock area. Born in South Louisiana, Brady attended high school in Arkansas, after which she moved to Houston, Texas, to attend Paul Mitchell Beauty School. With her training completed, she began work as a cosmetologist, then took a turn and began nursingwith an emphasis on trauma in emergency medicinein 2019. This career choice helped her to shape her nursing skills, as the emergency room is a high stakes and fast-paced environment. After her stint in the ER, she transitioned to the surgical pavilionand found that she had increasing interest once again in the cosmetic side of the industry. Her next step was to become an aesthetic nurse, and the Dermatology Group of Arkansas team is delighted that she found a home at the Little Rock-area practice. Patients are already responding to her passion for skin health, as well as her connection and desire to improve patients confidence, self-image, and well-being. Her ultimate goal is to blend the artistry of her creative eye with the science of her medical background in order to give patients results that can be literally life-changing. When not working on skin treatments, Brady spends time with her husband and their lively young daughter. She also has a keen interest in fitness and personal health. Dermatology Group of Arkansas is a longtime provider of both medical and cosmetic skin treatments, with offices throughout the Little Rock area. Patients can get diagnosis and treatment for a range of skin disorders, as well as enjoy the benefits of nonsurgical and minimally invasive aesthetic treatments. To learn more about the treatments available at Dermatology Group of Arkansas, or to schedule a consultation with Shelby Brady, RN, contact the practice by calling 501-227-8422 or submitting a contact form online. CGTN publishes an article on Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to a village in northeast China's Liaoning Province, which was heavily affected by floods last August. The article highlights the president's tradition of visiting ordinary citizens ahead of the Spring Festival, reviews heartwarming moments from his visits, and explains how Xi's actions reinforce his commitment to ensuring a happy life for the people. BEIJING, Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With just over a week until the Spring Festival, the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar, families affected by flooding in Zhujiagou Village, northeast China's Liaoning Province, are preparing to celebrate Chinese New Year in new homes. Last August, torrential rains lashed Liaoning's Suizhong County, triggering severe flooding and heavily affecting the lives of as many as 185,000 residents in 110 villages across 10 townships. The low-lying Zhujiagou Village was among the hardest-hit areas, with roads destroyed, over 70 hectares of farmlands inundated, and more than 50 homes damaged 41 of which were deemed unsafe for repair. The 186 villagers from the 41 affected households were collectively relocated to a new site on higher ground. A construction project then began in early September to ensure residents could have a roof over their heads before the arrival of the cold winter in northeast China. By October 24, 2024, all these villagers had moved into newly-built homes. Braving freezing temperatures, President Xi Jinping took time out of his busy schedule to visit the villagers in Zhujiagou on Wednesday. Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, inspected the progress in post-disaster restoration and reconstruction and asked locals about the quality of the reconstructed homes and the standards of their daily living conditions. "Huludao suffered severe flooding last year. I have been concerned about you and came to see you before the Spring Festival," Xi told the villagers. "What I've seen today makes me feel relieved," he added. 'People can always count on Party, government' Noting a number of natural disasters that occurred across the country last year, Xi on Wednesday expressed his belief that restoration and reconstruction in the affected areas will yield good results. "We have always put the people first," Xi said. "The people can always count on the Party and the government in their most difficult times, and we will help them overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes." Looking back at the footprints of the president's visits ahead of the Spring Festival, "post-disaster reconstruction" has been a major corner to be addressed head-on. In addition to the recent visit to Zhujiagou, last February Xi visited those affected by the floods in Diliubu Village, Tianjin Municipality. As he told the villagers, "Only when the people are secure can the country prosper," adding that the Party's central leadership has "made a resolution to improve the livelihood of the people by striving to enhance the construction of water conservancy and flood control projects." Back in January 2022, he braved the snow to visit people in a small village called Fengnanyuan in north China's Shanxi Province that had been hit hard by autumn floods. "The CPC's resolve to ensure all Chinese people live happy lives has remained unchanged for more than a century, and it will not falter," said Xi. He also visited Yingxiu, a township in Wenchuan County of Sichuan Province in February 2018, which was the epicenter of a major earthquake that claimed the lives of tens of thousands in 2008. "My job is to serve the people," Xi said during the visit. Spending time with people The visit to Liaoning continues a tradition Xi has maintained for 13 consecutive years: visiting people at the primary and grassroots level ahead of Spring Festival, leaving many heartwarming moments. During a pre-festival inspection in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province in January 2017, Xi visited Desheng Village, where he helped a villager meticulously calculate household income and expenses. In February 2016, Xi visited Shenshan Village in Jiangxi Province and joined the villagers in making the festive snack ciba, a traditional glutinous rice cake. He quipped that pounding the snack with a mallet was a good workout. When inspecting northern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in January 2014, Xi went to a children's welfare home where he used sign language to interact with the hearing-impaired. In his latest New Year message, Xi Jinping again stressed that "of all the jobs in front of us, the most important is to ensure a happy life for our people." The president's busy schedule is a vivid demonstration of actions backing up words. For more information, please click: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-01-23/Xi-Jinping-visits-flood-affected-residents-ahead-of-Spring-Festival-1AoP9YVemLC/p.html Long Beach, CA, Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) named Long Beach City College (LBCC) as a finalist for its prestigious Awards of Excellence in the Advancing Institutional Equity and Belonging category. This recognition highlights LBCCs commitment to fostering an inclusive campus culture through innovative programs, student support services, and faculty professional development that prioritize equity and belonging for all. We are incredibly grateful to AACC for recognizing LBCC's transformative work in advancing institutional equity," said Uduak-Joe Ntuk, LBCC Board of Trustees President. This honor is a testament to the dedication, compassion, and hard work of our entire campus communityour faculty, staff, and administratorswho are committed to fostering a culture where our college has come to be known as the equity epicenter of Long Beach." Our students and employees deserve a college that celebrates their identities, and supports their success, said Dr. Mike Munoz, LBCC Superintendent-President. Im incredibly proud of the transformative strides weve made by increasing the sense of belonging for our students from 50% to 92% in just two years. This national recognition by AACC highlights the impact of our equity-centered initiatives, and fortifies our dedication to cultivating a culture where everyone at LBCC feels empowered to achieve their fullest potential. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution with significant Black/African American and Asian Pacific Islander Desi student populations, LBCC has prioritized equity-centered initiatives that include: Establishing the colleges first Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Public Art Advisory Group that guides the selection and placement of public art that reflects the diverse identities and cultures of the college community. Hosting Cultural Heritage Month Celebrations with kick-off events, career information panels, film screenings, and art activities to honor Latina/o/x, Filipina/o/x, Native American, Black/African American, Women, Asian Pacific Islander Desi, and LGBTQIA+ communities. LBCC reinvigorated existing employee groups such as the Black Faculty & Staff Association and COLEGAS (Latina/o/x employees) while creating new groups for LGBTQIA+, Disabled, and Asian Pacific Islander Desi employees. These groups provide essential spaces for advocacy, support, and professional development. The Equitable Teaching Community is a program designed to help faculty adopt inclusive teaching practices by providing them with tools to support diverse learners and promote equity in the classroom. LBCC has significantly expanded its Basic Needs Services, including the first Safe Parking program at a California Community College, which offers overnight parking and resources to support students facing housing insecurity. Additional efforts include enhancing food and housing assistance programs to ensure all students have access to the essential resources they need to succeed. LBCC partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach to create an on-campus afterschool program, providing vital support for K-12 students while increasing childcare access for LBCC student parents. This initiative helps bridge childcare gaps and fosters educational success for students and their families. AACCs annual awards underscore the associations priorities and bring national visibility to promising practices among its member colleges. Winners will be announced at the Awards of Excellence Gala on April 15 during AACCs national conference. # # # About Long Beach City College Long Beach City College consists of two campuses with an enrollment of more than 35,000 students each semester. The education programs primary purpose is to prepare students for transfer to baccalaureate-granting institutions, entry into work or career development, and to support businesses in economic development. Long Beach City College serves the cities of Avalon, Lakewood, Long Beach, and Signal Hill. Long Beach City College promotes equitable student learning and achievement, academic excellence, and workforce development by delivering high-quality educational programs and support services to our diverse communities. Visit www.LBCC.edu for more information on Long Beach City College. Persbericht Lochem, 24 januari 2025 Marijke Folkers - in t Hout appointed as chairman of Supervisory Board ForFarmers The Supervisory Board of ForFarmers N.V. has nominated Marijke Folkers - in t Hout as chairman of the Supervisory Board. The Members' Council of Cooperative FromFarmers U.A. has agreed to this, meaning that Marijke Folkers will succeed Jan van Nieuwenhuizen in this role after the General Meeting on 17 April 2025. Jan van Nieuwenhuizen recently decided not to make himself available for another term. Marijke Folkers joined the Supervisory Board in 2022. She is the owner of agricultural, poultry and pig farming company Mevar Meeden and a former head of procurement at Nedmag Industries Mining and Manufacturing, she was nominated for appointment because of her experience in the agricultural sector, which she also gained as chairperson of the supervisory board of Cooperatie Koninklijke Avebe U.A. I am grateful for the trust placed in me by my colleagues on the Supervisory Board and the Members' Council of Cooperative FromFarmers. I look forward to further contributing to the company's ambitions as chairman of the Supervisory Board, said Marijke Folkers. Jan van Nieuwenhuizen, current chairman of the Supervisory Board: I am very pleased that from the Supervisory Board we have been able to nominate an excellent candidate who, with her knowledge and experience, can make a good contribution to the further implementation of ForFarmers strategy. Walter Gerritsen, chairman Cooperative FromFarmers: We are delighted that Marijke Folkers has been appointed as chairman of the Supervisory Board and that the Cooperative has agreed to this nomination. We have every confidence in the future. Jan van Nieuwenhuizen will continue in the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board until and including the upcoming Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 17 April 2025, at which point he will hand over that role to Marijke Folkers. Note to editors / For more information: ForFarmers, Ilse Niehof-Duivelshof, +31 (0) 573 288800 Profile of ForFarmers ForFarmers N.V. ('ForFarmers') is a company offering complete feed solutions for (organic) livestock farming. With its mission statement "For the Future of Farming", ForFarmers is committed to future-proof farming and making the agricultural sector even more sustainable. Our goal is clear: to contribute to good returns and a robust long-term earnings model. How? By leading the way with knowledge, advice, support and products on the farm. Close to the farmers, solution-oriented and with an open mind to the future. The result: a contribution to affordable and sustainable food, For the Future of Farming. With sales of around 8.4 million tonnes of animal feed, ForFarmers is a leading player in Europe. The company has production operations in the Netherlands (head office), Germany, Poland and the UK and exports to various countries within and outside Europe. ForFarmers has around 2,600 employees. Its turnover was approximately 3 billion in 2023. ForFarmers N.V. is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. ForFarmers N.V., PO Box 91, 7240 AB Lochem, T: +31 (0)573 28 88 00 info@forfarmers.eu - www.forfarmersgroup.eu FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This document contains forward-looking statements that relate, among other things, to ForFarmers' regulatory capital and liquidity positions under certain specified scenarios. In addition, forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements containing words such as ''intends'', ''expects'', ''takes into account'', ''aims at'', ''has the plan'', ''estimates'' and words of similar purport. These statements concern or may affect future matters, such as ForFarmers' future financial results, business plans and current strategies. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially from the expected future results or performance implicitly or explicitly contained in forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause, or contribute to, differences in current expectations include, but are not limited to: developments in legislation, technology, taxation, case law and regulations, fluctuations in stock prices, legal proceedings, investigations by regulators, competitive conditions, and general economic conditions. These and other factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect any forward-looking statement or the actual results of ForFarmers are discussed in the latest published annual report. The forward-looking statements contained in this document relate solely to statements as of the date of this document, and ForFarmers assumes no obligation or responsibility to update the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, whether in connection with new information, future events or otherwise, unless ForFarmers is required by law to do so. HANOI, Vietnam, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CT Semiconductor - a member of CT Group, officially concluded the first Seed Training - Train for the Trainer course on ATP (Assembly, Test, and Packaging) of semiconductor chips. The course took place from January 13 to 19, 2025, at the National Innovation Center (NIC), Hanoi. The course was organized with the goal of collaborating with the Government to develop high-quality human resources in the semiconductor industry. This aligns with the direction set forth in Decision No.1018/Q-TTg by the Prime Minister on the Strategy for the Development of Vietnams Semiconductor Industry to 2030, vision towards 2050. CT Semiconductor's "Seed Training - Train for the Trainer" course The course was designed and included direct instruction from foreign experts with over 20 years of experience in the industry. A highlight of the program is that all participants received full support from CT Semiconductor for tuition, living expenses, and transportation. This demonstrates the companys strong commitment to contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnams semiconductor industry, while aligning closely with the Governments strategy for the industrys growth. Dr. Le Xuan Luc (University of Technology, University of Technology, Vietnam National University, Hanoi - PhD in Nano IT Fusion Engineering) expressed: Participating in the first Seed Training - Train for the Trainer course, I find this course extremely meaningful. CT Semiconductors bold and pioneering support in training high-level and practical students in IC chip testing, assembly, and packaging is a long-term strategy that spreads motivation nationwide for the robust development of Vietnams semiconductor ecosystem. This is a practical action that brings significant benefits since Vietnam has identified science and technology as the core in its growth. Representative from the National Innovation Center (NIC) shared: Each course like Seed Training - Train for the Trainer will be the first stepping stone to create a skillful workforce to meet the enormous demands of the domestic and international semiconductor industry. CT Semiconductors role in leading human resource training initiatives will contribute to the national goal of having 50,000 engineers and bachelors serving the semiconductor industry by 2030. CT Semiconductors representative added: We understand that human resources are the key to realizing the vision of making Vietnam a leading semiconductor technology hub in the region. With this course, CT Semiconductor not only meets the workforce needs of our factories but also supports foreign semiconductor companies investing and expanding their operations in Vietnam. This is part of a long-term strategy to ensure that Vietnam is not only a destination for investment projects but also a provider of high-quality human resources that meet international standards. The course by CT Semiconductor is a strategic step in developing high-quality human resources for Vietnams semiconductor industry. With thorough investment in education and technology development, CT Semiconductor is contributing to build a sustainable foundation for the semiconductor industry, joining hands to gradually make Vietnam an important semiconductor technology hub in the region and the world. Email: info@ctsemiconductor.com https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bdfc4f20-fa7a-42b3-bbf4-4eae0aff300b LONDON, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CMC Group of Companies Ltd introduces Liquid NFTs, a platform aimed at addressing the challenge of limited liquidity in the NFT market. This innovative marketplace is poised to empower creators, investors, and collectors by making NFT trading more accessible, seamless, and efficient, utilizing a system of injecting liquidity directly into the NFTs that people buy. The NFT (Non-Fungible Token) industry has grown exponentially over the past few years, yet liquidity remains a critical challenge. Unlike traditional assets, NFTs often lack mechanisms to quickly buy, sell, or trade without significant value loss. The Liquid NFT Marketplace works to solve this problem by introducing cutting-edge solutions that ensure users can unlock the full potential of their digital assets. Key Features of Liquid NFTs: Enhanced Liquidity : The platform incorporates advanced financial tools and mechanisms, such as fractional ownership and instant liquidity pools, enabling users to trade NFTs like traditional financial instruments. : The platform incorporates advanced financial tools and mechanisms, such as fractional ownership and instant liquidity pools, enabling users to trade NFTs like traditional financial instruments. User-Friendly Experience : Intuitive design and tools make it easy for creators and investors to list, trade, and manage their NFT portfolios. : Intuitive design and tools make it easy for creators and investors to list, trade, and manage their NFT portfolios. Global Accessibility : As a fully decentralized platform, Liquid NFT Marketplace provides access to NFT trading for users worldwide, fostering an inclusive digital economy. : As a fully decentralized platform, Liquid NFT Marketplace provides access to NFT trading for users worldwide, fostering an inclusive digital economy. Security and Trust: Backed by The CMC Group of Companies Ltd, the marketplace ensures robust security protocols, offering a safe environment for all transactions. Liquid NFT Marketplace represents a significant step forward for the NFT industry, said a spokesperson from the CMC Group. By addressing the liquidity issue, were unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation, ensuring NFTs become a mainstream asset class accessible to all. The Liquid platform seems to be in very capable hands, with an impressive list of names behind it, such as Nathan Hill, Colin Woolley, Tokin Trip, and David Aerdrop, who have all had their names behind some incredibly successful web3 brands over the years. The CMC Group of Companies, known for its marketing and media experience currently owns many web3-focused brands, such as The Crypto Magazine, Crypto Weekly, and the Crypto Marketing Company, which are all supported by its native cryptocurrency CMC Coin/$CMCC. They have been pioneering ventures in technology and finance and have solidified their reputation as a leader in the digital economy. With the launch of the Liquid NFT platform, the company further cements its commitment to driving innovation and providing meaningful solutions to the challenges facing emerging markets. NFT creators and collectors are invited to explore the platform and discover its innovative features. To mark the launch, the marketplace will provide exclusive incentives for early adopters. Users can visit liquidnfts.finance to explore the platform and engage in the next phase of NFT trading. About CMC Group of Companies Ltd CMC Group of Companies Ltd is a global leader in innovation and business excellence, specializing in cutting-edge solutions across various industries. With a commitment to driving progress and enhancing market dynamics, CMC continues to lead the charge in digital transformation. Users can follow the Liquid NFT journey: Telegram - https://t.me/liquidnftsales Twitter/X - https://x.com/LiquidNftMarket Contact CEO Nathan hill The cmc group of companies nathan@thecmccompany.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5f80c994-7bed-4c12-96cb-657ef9a04263 LIJA, Malta, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blocscale, the pioneering Initial DEX Offering (IDO) launchpad built on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), is aimed to significantly contribute to the anticipated growth of XRP. This initiative aligns with recent market developments and analysis suggesting a promising future for XRP in 2025. Notably, Blocscale has commenced the private sale of its native $BLOC Token, offering early investors a unique opportunity to participate in what termed as the leading DEFI product on XRP ledger. XRPs Positive Market Outlook Recent analysis indicate a bullish trajectory for XRP, with projections of significant price increases by 2025. Factors contributing to this optimism include favorable regulatory prospects and technical momentum. Notably, XRP ended 2024 with a strong performance, securing its first-ever annual close above $2, marking a 370% annual rise. Blocscales Role in the Evolving XRP Ecosystem Blocscales launchpad is strategically positioned to leverage the efficiencies of the XRPL, offering a platform for blockchain projects and real-world businesses to tokenize assets and raise capital effectively. By facilitating the creation and distribution of digital assets on the XRP ledger, Blocscale empowers financial institutions and projects to modernize their operations, enhance liquidity, and participate in the growing digital economy. Analyst Perspectives: A Promising Outlook for Early Adopters of Blocscale Launchpad Industry analysts are optimistic about the potential returns for early participants in Blocscales $BLOC token private sale. The convergence of different blockchain communities from Ethereum to Solana and Cardano onto the XRP Ledger is expected to drive increased utility and demand for $BLOC Tokens. As Blocscale continues to onboard a variety of projects, the value proposition for $BLOC holders is anticipated to strengthen, offering substantial growth prospects. PURCHASE $BLOC TOKEN $BLOC Token Private Sale Details The $BLOC token serves as both a utility and governance token within the Blocscale ecosystem, enabling holders to participate in decision-making processes and access exclusive platform features. With a total supply of 100,000,000 $BLOC tokens, 4,000,000 have been allocated for the private sale, targeting a hard cap of 50,000 XRP. The presale price is set at 1 XRP = 80 $BLOC, with a minimum purchase requirement of 200 XRP and a maximum of 20,000 XRP. How to Participate in the $BLOC Private Sale Blocscale has streamlined the process for investors interested in participating in the $BLOC private sale. Acquire XRP: Purchase XRP from reputable exchanges such as Binance, Coinbase, or Bitstamp. Transfer to a Compatible Wallet: Send the acquired XRP to an XRP-native wallet like XAMAN or FirstLedger. Access the Private Sale Portal: Visit the $BLOC Token Sale Portal to purchase $BLOC tokens here: https://www.blocscale.com/blocsale About Blocscale launchpad Blocscale is a launchpad that is dedicated to revolutionize the tokenization of real-world assets by providing a secure, efficient, and user-friendly platform built on the XRP Ledger. By addressing existing challenges in asset tokenization, Blocscale aims to democratize access to investment opportunities and drive the growth of decentralized finance. Stay Connected With Blocscale Launchpad; For more information, Visit: Website | $BLOC Sale Portal | X | Telegram | WhitePaper Full company name: BlocScale Technologies Company address: Lija, Malta Company website: https://www.blocscale.com Postal code: LJA 1431 Phone number: +356739759772 Will The article include crypto-related content: Yes Contact Us: Eric Shawn Contact@bloscale.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23ff0d22-15a8-4826-b1ff-dd8d36fc0996 Parsippany, New Jersey, USA, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bloomage, a global leader in hyaluronic acid and other bioactive substance innovations, has achieved the self-affirmed U.S. GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for the Bloomage MitoEGTTM, one of its key mitochondrial anti-aging ingredients. Earning this seal of quality and trust positions MitoEGT as a reliable and effective health ingredient for a wider range of common food products. MitoEGT earns self-affirmed U.S. GRAS certification MitoEGT is Bloomages L-Ergothioneine mitochondrial antioxidant developed through the companys cutting-edge microbial fermentation technology. This process ensures high purity, stability, and environmental sustainability. As an antioxidant, MitoEGT penetrates cells and mitochondria, supporting cellular protection and health. Recognized by the scientific community as the "longevity vitamin," it offers benefits in areas such as skin health, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health. With its self-affirmed U.S. GRAS status, MitoEGT is now certified for a maximum addition level of 60 mg per serving in common food. It distinguishes itself as a prime option in its category, providing a compliant, safe, and effective healthy ingedient. The efficacy of MitoEGT has been demonstrated through comprehensive research. Bloomages study published in the Royal Society of Chemistrys (RSC) journal Food & Function (4.17 impact score) highlighted its ability to improve cognitive function by reducing mitochondrial damage and neuroinflammation in an aging model. In addition to MitoEGT, Bloomages MITOENGPQQTM, an ingredient that supports the conversion of NAD+ for cellular longevity, has also received substantial equivalence certification as a new food ingredient in China. Liu Wei, General Manager of Bloomages Nutrition and Health Raw Materials Division, said These certifications once again exemplify Bloomages leadership in the health and nutrition sector. The recent certifications for MitoEGT and MITOENGPQQ demonstrate our ability to develop scientifically validated ingredients that meet stringent global regulatory standards. As consumer interest in mitochondrial health and anti-aging continues to grow, we are expanding our presence in international markets and deliver quality products that enhance everyones lives. Bloomage Mito Plan for improving cellular health Both MitoEGT and MITOENGPQQ are a part of Bloomages Mito Plan, an initiative to advance mitochondrial health at the cellular level. The plan integrates MitoEGT and MITOENGPQQ into a complementary solution, addressing critical aspects of mitochondrial function to support anti-aging and overall health. The Mito Plan represents Bloomages deepened commitment to developing cutting-edge cellular-level solutions for health and wellness. About Bloomage Since its founding in 2000, Bloomage has grown into a leading international company specializing in the research, development, production, and sale of hyaluronic acid and other bioactive substances for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and functional foods industries. Bloomages commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable innovations have established the company as a trusted name for some of the world's most renowned brands. It now serves more than 4,000 customers in over 70 countries. Learn more at https://www.bloomagebioactive.com/En Attachment SINGAPORE, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Bitcoins price hovers around the $100,000 mark and enters a phase of high volatility, many analysts predict the market will remain active for the long term. For traders seeking to maximize profits under these conditions, BexBack Exchange has launched an unparalleled promotional package. The platform now offers a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency tradingall while maintaining a No KYC policy, ensuring a seamless and private trading experience. Unleash the Power of 100x Leverage BexBacks 100x leverage feature allows traders to control larger positions with smaller capital, offering significant profit potential. For instance: If Bitcoin is priced at $100,000 and you open a position with 1 BTC using 100x leverage, your trade equates to 100 BTC. and you open a position with 1 BTC using 100x leverage, your trade equates to 100 BTC. If Bitcoins price rises to $105,000, your profit would be: (105,000100,000)100/100,000=5BTC, yielding a 500% return. Maximize Gains with the 100% Deposit Bonus The 100% deposit bonus is designed to double traders' capital. For example: Deposit 1 BTC and receive an additional 1 BTC as a bonus, enabling you to trade with 2 BTC. While the bonus cannot be directly withdrawn, it acts as extra margin, reducing liquidation risks during volatile markets. Why Choose BexBack? BexBacks innovative features and user-centric approach set it apart: No KYC Policy: Start trading instantly with just an emailno lengthy verifications required. High Leverage: Trade with up to 100x leverage, amplifying your capital efficiency. Transparent Fees: Zero spreads and no slippage ensure precise trade execution. Comprehensive Accessibility: Available on both web and mobile platforms, offering 24/7 access. Global Reach: Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe, and holds a US MSB license. Demo Account: Perfect for beginners, with 10 BTC in virtual funds to practice strategies risk-free. Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission through the lucrative affiliate program. About BexBack BexBack is a global leader in cryptocurrency derivatives trading, offering perpetual contracts for BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP with up to 100x leverage. Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina, BexBack is trusted by over 200,000 traders worldwide. The platform holds a US MSB license and is dedicated to providing a seamless trading experience with no deposit fees, 24/7 multilingual customer support, and advanced trading tools. Dont Miss the Opportunity! With Bitcoin at $100,000, the cryptocurrency market is at a critical juncture. BexBacks unbeatable bonuses and high-leverage offerings make it the ideal platform for traders looking to capitalize on this dynamic market. Sign up today on BexBack to claim your bonuses and start trading with the tools you need to succeed in the new era of cryptocurrency trading. Website: www.bexback.com Contact: business@bexback.com Contact: Amanda business@bexback.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/055bdd3e-9532-4205-b957-764c3c1b0717 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/665fdfca-e73b-4a8e-93ae-2ed294730a1a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8d1af240-ffb5-4c85-a9e6-939c54ed7a62 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/623cdedd-2b86-4a21-9833-8263886d659c Dublin, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Poland Construction Equipment Market - Strategic Assessment & Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Poland Construction Equipment Market totalled 11,746 units in 2023, and is expected to reach 15,120 units by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 4.30%. Caterpillar, Liebherr, Komatsu, JCB, Volvo CE, and Hitachi Construction Machinery are the front runners in the Polish construction equipment market. These companies have a strong market share and offer diverse sets of equipment in the Poland construction equipment market. Terex, Tadano, Jungheirich, Manitou, Merlo Spa, Mecalac, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar, Takeuchi, and Ammann are niche players in Poland's construction equipment market. These companies offer low product diversification and have a strong presence in the country's market. KEY HIGHLIGHTS Material handling equipment accounted for the largest market share in the Poland construction equipment market in 2023. Forklifts & Telescopic Handlers in the material handling segment accounted for the largest share in 2023. Significant investment in the country's industrial sector is driving the growth of a number of logistics infrastructures across the country. Demand for material handling equipment is growing due to the rising investment in port expansion projects and the development of warehouses and logistics parks across the country. In 2023, the earthmoving segment accounted for a significant share of the Poland construction equipment market. Road rollers sales are high in Poland in response to the rising renovation and expansion of roads. For instance, in 2024, Budimex secured a USD 195.2 million contract to construct Section 3 of the S17 expressway, an 18.8 km segment between Krasnystaw Polnoc and Izbica, near Poland's border with Ukraine. Construction equipment utilization in the Poland construction equipment market by end-user (volume) has the largest industry share in 2023. In 2024, the government published a draft budget for 2025, allocating more than USD 2.2 billion to support mining. Hard coal production in the region has fallen by over 17% and sales by almost 18% compared to previous years. Therefore, the Polish construction industry is witnessing significant growth due to economic recovery and considerable government investments in industrial facility development, resulting in a heightened demand for high-quality construction equipment. Recent Developments in the Poland Construction Equipment Market: In June 2024, Terex Self-Erecting Tower Cranes appointed the Elevating Work Platform Association (EWPA), based in the Poznan region as its distributor for Poland. EWPA has placed an initial order for a 4-ton CBR 40H crane, featuring a 40-meter jib with a 1-ton jib tip capacity, and a 4.4-ton CSE 32 with a 32-meter jib and a 1.05-ton jib tip capacity. In August 2024, Poland's Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (Central Communication Port) initiated a tender for constructing a 4.6-kilometre tunnel for High-Speed Rail in Lodz, Poland. This megaproject, overseen by the Polish government, aims to build a new airport from the ground up approximately 40 km southwest of Warsaw. In July 2024, Sinoboom announced to production of European-specific boom and scissor lifts at its plant in Poznan, Poland. This move aims to build machines closer to their end markets, reducing reliance on imports. By 2025, Poznan-built machines will largely use European components. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Poland's Hydrogen Strategy to Boost the Polish Construction Equipment Market The country has been focusing on energy diversification and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Hydrogen technology represents a path to greater energy independence. Construction companies may be encouraged to invest in hydrogen-powered machinery to stay competitive, stimulating demand. Many construction firms in the region may need to upgrade their machinery to meet the new emission standards. The shift to hydrogen fuel cells presents an opportunity to modernize fleets, leading to a surge in demand for new hydrogen-powered construction equipment in the Poland construction equipment market. Increasing Trend for Prefabricated Construction in Poland to Boost the Sales of Cranes Poland's modular construction sector has seen substantial growth, with market value rising nearly 50% over the last two years, driven by material variety and rising costs of materials and labor. Prefabrication allows for faster construction times, reducing projects' timelines by up to 50% compared to traditional buildings. This is crucial in the country, where urbanization has increased demand for both residential and commercial spaces. Increasing Investment in the Construction Sector in Poland Poland's construction sector started 2024 with optimism, boosted by USD 12.2 billion from the EU for the National Reconstruction Plan (KPO). By mid-year 2024, USD 2.2 billion in grants had already been disbursed from the USD 12.2 billion grant, mainly benefiting the energy sector. Additionally, a major upcoming project the Central Communication Port (CPK) near Warsaw is underway, designed as a multimodal hub integrating air, rail, and road transport. Construction is expected to be completed in 2031. Growing Development of the Nuclear Power Plants Poland is making major strides in its Nuclear Energy Strategy, aimed at reducing its coal dependency and enhancing energy security. The strategy aims to accomplish its target to have between 6-9 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power by 2043. In 2024, the government selected Westinghouse Electric Company, in partnership with Bechtel, to develop Poland's first nuclear power plant at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in northern Poland, with the AP1000 reactor technology. INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS Slow Economic Growth Is Impacting the Construction Industry Poland's industrial recovery has slowed, with industrial production in September down by 0.3% year-on-year, against a forecasted 0.8% decline Seasonally adjusted output decreased around 1.0% quarter-on-quarter in Q3. Strong domestic consumption, estimated at 4.0% year-on-year in Q3, isn't sufficient to drive expansion in the industrial sector. Additionally, residential construction in Poland is declining, partly due to the expiration of the previous government's mortgage subsidy program at the end of 2023. A new program has yet to be approved within the government coalition. Skilled Labor Shortage in the Country According to a government survey report of 2024, almost 80% of construction companies operating in the residential construction segment are struggling with rising costs, and over 75% are suffering from delays caused by labor shortages. Despite having one of the strongest labor markets in the EU and a very low unemployment rate, Poland continues to face considerable labor shortages in various sectors. As of May 2024, the registered unemployment rate in Poland was 5%, the lowest since November 2023. VENDOR LANDSCAPE Prominent Vendors Caterpillar Komatsu Volvo Construction Equipment Hitachi Construction Machinery Liebherr JCB SANY Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co. Ltd. (XCMG) Kobelco HD Hyundai Construction Equipment CASE Construction Equipment Kubota Other Prominent Vendors Bobcat DEVELON LiuGong Tadano Terex Corporation Jungheinrich Manitou Haulotte Mecalac Yanmar Takeuchi Ammann Wacker Neuson HIDROMEK Sumitomo Construction Machinery Co. Merlo S.p.A AUSA JLG TCM Forklifts Distributor Profiles Warynski Trade Sp. o.o. M&M Polska Sp. z o.o. Toolmex Truck Sp. z o.o. EWPA Sp. z o.o. Kiesel Poland Sp. z o.o. KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED Which are the major distributor companies in the Poland construction equipment market? What are the trends in the Poland construction equipment market? How big is the Poland construction equipment market? What is the growth rate of the Poland construction equipment market? Who are the key players in the Poland construction equipment market? Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 190 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value in 2023 11746 Units Forecasted Market Value by 2029 15120 Units Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.3% Regions Covered Poland Segmentation by Type Earthmoving Equipment Excavator Backhoe Loaders Wheeled Loaders Other Earthmoving Equipment (Other loaders, Bulldozers, Trenchers, Motor Graders) Road Construction Equipment Road Rollers Asphalt Pavers Material Handling Equipment Crane Forklift & Telescopic Handlers Aerial Platforms (Articulated Boom Lifts, Telescopic Boom lifts, Scissor lifts) Other Construction Equipment Dumper Tipper Concrete Mixer Concrete Pump Truck Segmentation by End Users Construction Mining Manufacturing Others (Power Generation, Utilities Municipal Corporations, Oil & Gas, Cargo Handling, Power Generation Plants, Waste Management) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/oiveb4 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Los Angeles, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Los Angeles, California - Advanced Networks is introducing a new range of IT infrastructure services for businesses in Los Angeles. These services aim to help organizations make their operations more efficient and secure. As companies increasingly rely on technology for day-to-day activities, Advanced Networks offers to be a key partner in managing and improving IT infrastructure. For more about their extensive range of services, visit their website. This new launch focuses on providing Managed IT Services Los Angeles. The aim is to give businesses reliable, high-quality IT support without the hassle of managing everything themselves. Advanced Networks offers a broad range of solutions that fit smoothly into a company's current systems. These services are designed to let businesses focus on what they do best, without getting bogged down by IT problems. The CEO of Advanced Networks explained the company's mission: "Our launch signifies our dedication to supporting Los Angeles businesses with an IT infrastructure that not only meets their current needs but also supports future growth and innovation. In today's fast-paced business environment, having robust and reliable technology solutions is crucial." Along with managed services, Advanced Networks provides targeted IT Support Los Angeles. This service is ideal for businesses that need both on-site help and remote monitoring. It's a part of the company's effort to offer flexible and customizable IT solutions that fit the unique needs of each business. Their skilled team of experts ensures that any tech issues are dealt with quickly and effectively. Additionally, Advanced Networks offers thorough IT Consulting Los Angeles services. This option is for organizations looking for expert advice on IT strategies and implementation without the cost of maintaining an in-house team. Consulting lets businesses get the specialized knowledge they need to create IT plans that match their goals, helping them sustain growth. These consultations cover everything from technology assessments to strategy planning, providing businesses with the insights needed to make the most of their technology. A Senior IT Consultant at Advanced Networks spoke about the value of their consulting services: "Providing expert consultancy enables us to help businesses develop IT strategies that ensure competitiveness. By understanding our clients' challenges, we tailor solutions that are both realistic and powerful, ultimately helping them achieve greater success in their respective markets." The services from Advanced Networks are carefully crafted to cater to various industries, making sure that every client receives fitting solutions. This flexibility is especially important for small to medium-sized businesses looking to grow while keeping their operations secure and efficient. By offering these services, the company plays a vital role in maintaining business continuity and encouraging technological growth in Los Angeles. By expanding into IT management, support, and consulting, Advanced Networks is strengthening its foothold in the Los Angeles market. These services are designed to attract a wide range of clients and help them use technology to boost productivity and improve operations. Advanced Networks' initiative meets the rising demand for thorough IT solutions in today's business world. With the launch of Managed IT Services Los Angeles, IT Support Los Angeles, and IT Consulting Los Angeles, the company is dedicated to promoting better operational efficiency and security. Their efforts promise to support the success of businesses in Los Angeles, by improving productivity and encouraging sustainable growth in a world where technology is ever more important. Explore more about their Managed IT Services on their website. ### For more information about Advanced Networks, contact the company here: Advanced Networks Advanced Networks (213) 873-7620 contact@adv-networks.com L.A. Office 10960 Wilshire Blvd. #1415 Los Angeles, CA 90024 O.C. Office 1340 Reynolds Ave. #116 Irvine, CA 92614 MANALAPAN, N.J., Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid loom under the new Trump administration, millions of Americans could face heightened medical debt challenges. Navicore Solutions, a nonprofit credit counseling organization, stands ready to provide essential support to individuals and families struggling with medical debt and its broader financial implications. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reports that over 100 million Americans collectively owe $220 billion in medical debt. This staggering figure highlights the complexity of medical billing and the strain it places on households, particularly those already managing credit card debt and other financial burdens. Potential policy changes at the federal level could exacerbate this crisis. Key provisions, such as expanded ACA enrollment, increased Medicaid coverage, and longer enrollment periods, have contributed to historic lows in the uninsured rate and record-high Medicaid enrollment. However, proposed cuts to Medicaid funding and ACA regulatory rollbacks could reverse these gains, leaving more Americans uninsured and vulnerable to unmanageable healthcare costs. Medicaid is an obvious target for huge cuts, said Joan Alker, Executive Director of Georgetown Universitys Center for Children and Families. Such cuts could eliminate policies like multiyear continuous eligibility, forcing millions to reapply for coverage annually and increasing their risk of lapses in care and surprise medical bills. For hospitals, these changes could result in a surge of uninsured patients and uncompensated care, further straining the healthcare system. In the face of these challenges, Navicore Solutions offers a critical lifeline to those overwhelmed by medical debt. Through personalized credit counseling and debt management programs, Navicore helps individuals navigate their financial challenges and regain control of their finances. Our mission is to empower individuals to overcome financial obstacles, including the significant burden of medical debt, said Diane Gray, Chief Operating Officer at Navicore Solutions. We understand how quickly medical expenses can spiral, particularly when paired with reduced insurance coverage or increased out-of-pocket costs. Our team provides unbiased solutions to help individuals create sustainable financial plans and alleviate their stress. Navicores certified counselors offer a range of services, including budgeting assistance, debt repayment strategies, and personal finance education. By addressing medical debt as part of a holistic financial strategy, Navicore helps clients build a foundation for long-term stability and success. As policymakers debate the future of healthcare in America, Navicore Solutions remains committed to supporting those most affected by medical debt. About Navicore Solutions Founded in 1991, Navicore Solutions is a national leader in the field of nonprofit financial counseling with a mission to strengthen the well-being of individuals and families through education, guidance, advocacy, and support. Navicore counselors provide a wide range of services including credit counseling to consumers in need; education programs through workshops, courses and written material; debt management plan to provide relief for applicable consumers; student loan counseling for those struggling with student loan debt; and housing counseling services in the areas of rental, pre-purchase, default and reverse mortgage. The agency is an advocate of financial education helping communities achieve and maintain financial stability. Contact: Lori Stratford Digital Marketing Manager Navicore Solutions lstratford@navicoresolutions.org navicoresolutions.org London, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pixalate , the global market-leading ad fraud protection, privacy, and compliance analytics platform, today released the Q4 2024 Connected TV (CTV) Malformed and Fraudulent Bundle IDs Risk Reports for the Amazon Fire TV , Roku , Apple TV , and Samsung Smart TV CTV apps. The series of reports provide a detailed analysis of the global status of non-standard and malformed Bundle IDs in the open programmatic advertising supply chain as of Q4 2024. A "malformed" Bundle ID refers to an app identifier used in the ad bid that is either uncorrelated or unmapped to any known app, according to Pixalates Bundle ID mapping technology. These "malformed" Bundle IDs disrupt ad targeting and campaign measurement while paving the way for ad fraud. Key Findings: Roku: 3% of Bundle IDs were malformed, unidentified, and/or fraudulent (~150 out of 4.7k) 52% of Bundle IDs across Roku traffic used actual App Store IDs, which is the recommended method for app identification according to the IAB Tech Lab Amazon Fire TV: 48% of Bundle IDs were malformed, unidentified, and/or fraudulent (2k out of 4.2k) 36% of Bundle IDs across Amazon Fire TV traffic used actual App Store IDs, which is the recommended method for app identification according to the IAB Tech Lab Apple TV: 52% of Bundle IDs were malformed, unidentified, and/or fraudulent (~850 out of 1.6k) 36% of Bundle IDs across Apple TV traffic used actual App Store IDs, which is the recommended method for app identification according to the IAB Tech Lab Samsung Smart TV: 46% of Bundle IDs were malformed, unidentified, and/or fraudulent (~500 out of 1.1k) 31% of Bundle IDs across Samsung Smart TV traffic used actual App Store IDs, which is the recommended method for app identification according to the IAB Tech Lab Top Malformed, Unidentified and/or Fraudulent Bundle IDs (by impression volume) as determined by Pixalate Malformed and/or Fraudulent Bundle ID Rank (by Impression SOV) Roku Amazon Fire TV Samsung Smart TV Apple TV 1 eyeq eyeq eyeq eyeq 2 onefox onefox com.cmgdigital.whiohybrid com.spectrumreach.tv 3 scripps scripps scripps onefox 4 7405534 soap2dayhq.to onefox 20006184 5 com.spectrumreach.tv com.spectrumreach.tv com.spectrumreach.tv replace_me For this report, Pixalates data science and analyst team analyzed over 2 billion open programmatic advertising transactions across more than 20,000 CTV Bundle IDs linked to over 6,000 unique CTV apps on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, and Apple TV traffic in December 2024. Download the complete reports: About Pixalate Pixalate is a global platform specializing in privacy compliance, ad fraud prevention, and digital ad supply chain data intelligence. Founded in 2012, Pixalate is trusted by regulators, data researchers, advertisers, publishers, ad tech platforms, and financial analysts across the Connected TV (CTV), mobile app, and website ecosystems. Pixalate is accredited by the MRC for the detection and filtration of Sophisticated Invalid Traffic (SIVT). pixalate.com Disclaimer The content of this press release, and the Malformed Bundle IDs Reports (the Reports), reflect Pixalate's opinions with respect to factors that Pixalate believes can be useful to the digital media industry. Pixalate's opinions are just that, opinions, which means that they are neither facts nor guarantees. Pixalate is sharing this data not to impugn the standing or reputation of any entity, person or app, but, instead, to report findings and trends pertaining to programmatic advertising activity across CTV in the time period studied. Per the MRC, 'Fraud' is not intended to represent fraud as defined in various laws, statutes and ordinances or as conventionally used in U.S. Court or other legal proceedings, but rather a custom definition strictly for advertising measurement purposes. Also per the MRC, Invalid Traffic is defined generally as traffic that does not meet certain ad serving quality or completeness criteria, or otherwise does not represent legitimate ad traffic that should be included in measurement counts. Among the reasons why ad traffic may be deemed invalid is it is a result of non-human traffic (spiders, bots, etc.), or activity designed to produce fraudulent traffic.. NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of Western Asset Management Company mutual fund investors resulting from allegations that Western Asset may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased Western Asset mutual funds 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. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 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 November 25, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued a press release entitled SEC Charges Ken Leech, Former Co-Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset Management Co., with Fraud. This press release stated that Leech had been charged with fraud for engaging in a multi-year scheme to allocate favorable trades to certain portfolios, while allocating unfavorable trades to other portfolios, a practice known as cherry-picking. 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 Cheyenne, WY, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dickeys Barbecue Pit is making bold moves in Wyoming, thanks to the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of Travis Brown. As the owner of three Dickeys locations in Cheyenne, Laramie, and Casper, Brown has become a standout franchisee by introducing a unique full-service dining concept in Casper, creating an experience that locals have embraced wholeheartedly. Caspers full-service model has been a fantastic way to connect with the community, said Travis Brown, franchisee of Dickeys Barbecue Pit. We wanted to provide a dining experience that felt personal and inviting while delivering the quality barbecue Dickeys is known for. Its been amazing to see how much our customers love it. Browns journey with Dickeys began in 2021, fueled by a passion for authentic barbecue and a desire to grow a business that brings people together. His hands-on approach and keen business sense have driven success, with his locations earning praise for their welcoming atmosphere and consistent quality. Travis embodies what it means to be a great franchisee, said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickeys Capital Group. His ability to innovate while staying true to the heart of our brand is remarkable. Travis has not only strengthened our presence in Wyoming but also shown whats possible when a franchisee leads with creativity and dedication. In addition to his innovative Casper concept, Browns locations stand out for their exceptional employee retention, a testament to the positive work culture he has cultivated. Many of his team members have been with him for years, reflecting his commitment to fostering growth and stability within his workforce. Travis is an outstanding leader and partner, said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. He brings energy, passion, and a focus on community to everything he does, and its no surprise his locations have thrived. Hes a key part of what makes Dickeys so special. While Brown is open to future growth opportunities, his primary focus remains on ensuring the continued success of his three Wyoming locations. By building strong relationships with his community and delivering on the promise of Legit. Texas. Barbecue., Brown is setting a high standard for the brand in the region. Dickeys isnt just about great food; its about being a positive force in the communities we serve, Brown added. Thats what drives me every dayto make an impact and share the love of barbecue with Wyoming. About Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the worlds largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickeys Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue. Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickeys barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickeys never takes shortcutsbecause real barbecue cant be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickeys Barbecue Franchise and Dickeys Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickeys Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickeys Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickeys has been recognized on Newsweeks 2022 "Americas Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nations Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Todays 2021 Readers Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casuals Top 100 Movers and Shakers for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technologys Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com. For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com. Attachment New York, NY, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leaders of Mount Sinai International and the Mount Sinai Health System in New York will present at the annual Arab Health Conference and Global Medical Expo at the World Trade Center in Dubai, UAE on January 27-30, 2025. This event brings together senior healthcare experts from across the world to discuss the most advanced innovations, effective strategies, and exemplary practices in healthcare, while also providing a platform to address and outline global healthcare challenges and solutions. The Arab Health Conference is the largest, single annual healthcare event across the Middle East and Gulf regions. Over 60,000 attendees will have access to 110 discussion sessions featuring presentations by over 250 leading experts from around the world as well as 3,800 exhibitors, many unveiling world-exclusive service and product innovations in the healthcare sector. Mount Sinai Thought-Leadership at Arab Health 2025 The Mount Sinai International team identifies and develops global hospital collaborators and other long-term ventures that advance global healthcare innovation and delivery through its cutting-edge clinical research and technological advances. Mount Sinai leaders will provide insights, perspectives, and best-practices on topics that are currently at the forefront of global healthcare development: Dr. David Reich, Chief Clinical Officer of the Mount Sinai Health System and President of The Mount Sinai Hospital and Mount Sinai Queens will present: Date: Monday, January 27 at 12:00 PM Arab Health Conference Track: Smart Hospital and Infrastructure Topic: Artificial Intelligence to Improve Hospital Quality and Operations Location: Plaza Tent, Dubai World Trade Centre Date: Wednesday, January 29 at 09:00 AM Arab Health Conference Track: Quality Management & Patient Safety Conference Topic: Artificial Intelligence to Improve Hospital Quality & Operations Location: Conrad Hotel, Dubai Dr. Arshad K. Rahim, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Population Health at the Mount Sinai Health System; Associate Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 13:00 PM Arab Health Conference Track: Smart Hospital and Infrastructure Topic: Keys to Building Infrastructure and Executing on Value-Based Care Location: Plaza Tent, Dubai World Trade Centre Dr. Szabi Dorotovics, President of Mount Sinai International Date: Tuesday, January 28 2025, 15:15 PM Arab Health Conference Track: Investment Summit Topic: Patient-Centric Care: Meeting the Changing Demands of Healthcare Consumers Location: Bubble Lounge, Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Mount Sinai has participated in Arab Health for many years not only due to the sheer size of the event within the Middle East and Gulf regions, but also for the very high caliber of knowledge-exchange and discussion that Arab Health fosters among global health leaders who seek the most impactful patient outcomes through clinical and management innovation, said Dr. Dorotovics. Mount Sinai is a proud sponsor of Arab Health 2025, and we invite all attendees to visit with us at Mount Sinais booth located in the USA Pavilion at H7.A59. To learn more about how Mount Sinai International is paving the way for the future of global healthcare through health innovation and international collaboration, please visit https://www.mountsinai.org/about/international. About The Mount Sinai Health System Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York City metropolitan area, with 48,000 employees working across eight hospitals, more than 400 outpatient practices, more than 600 research and clinical labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. Mount Sinai advances health for all people, everywhere, by taking on the most complex health care challenges of our timediscovering and applying new scientific learning and knowledge; developing safer, more effective treatments; educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators; and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care to all who need it. Through the integration of its hospitals, labs, and schools, Mount Sinai offers comprehensive health care solutions from birth through geriatrics, leveraging innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence and informatics while keeping patients medical and emotional needs at the center of all treatment. The Health System includes approximately 9,000 primary and specialty care physicians and 11 free-standing joint-venture centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida. Hospitals within the System are consistently ranked by Newsweeks The Worlds Best Smart Hospitals, Best in State Hospitals, World Best Hospitals and Best Specialty Hospitals and by U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals and Best Childrens Hospitals. The Mount Sinai Hospital is on the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals Honor Roll for 2024-2025. For more information, visit https://www.mountsinai.org or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Former financial backer slams Valtteri Bottas Valtteri Bottas' former financial backer has hit out at the Finnish driver's behaviour. Valtteri Bottas, Abu Dhabi GP 2024Qatar GP 2024 Sauber Finnish billionaire Antti Aarnio-Wihuri, the 84-year-old head of the Wihuri Group conglomerate, backed not only Bottas' junior career, but also provided personal sponsorship during the Finn's stints at Williams and Mercedes. Wihuri ended its association with Bottas, 35, after 2018. We stopped supporting Bottas when his personal income exceeded one million euros, he explained to Urheilulehti newspaper. We thought it didn't make sense for us to support a guy whose income was at that level. Aarnio-Wihuri, however, says he doesn't appreciate the fact that after the funding was cut off, Bottas severed all communication both professionally and personally. It's not a difficult thing for me, he said. "But I do wonder about a person whose entire career depended on us and then he just stops all contact. We even arranged for him to join Mercedes. He would never have gotten there without us. When asked why he thinks Bottas behaved in that way, he answered: "I can't say. Probably because of his character. He hasn't said a word to me since then. We've seen each other here and there in the world, but not a word. Aarnio-Wihuri added that Bottas' behaviour was very different when the funding was flowing. The driver, currently holidaying in Australia, could not be reached for comment, but his representative Ville Ahtiainen said there are always two sides to a story. As for Aarnio-Wihuri, he suspects that despite Bottas returning to Mercedes this year as reserve driver, his Formula 1 career is now basically over. My understanding is that his career is over, or practically so, he said. And he's getting to that age, too. Bottas lost his Sauber race seat at the end of the 2024 season, and Aarnio-Wihuri said the Finn was number 2 to Lewis Hamilton throughout his days at Mercedes. I know the Mercedes team quite well, he said, "and Bottas was basically the second driver. But the team still gave him a lot of free rein. You could say that he was given the opportunity to succeed. But he was the second driver, which in the results was also quite clear. We even discussed it with (Toto) Wolff. That's why I dare to say now the way it was. (GMM) Verstappen management responds to Aston Martin rumours Max Verstappen's management has smiled at reports suggesting Aston Martin is prepared to invest an incredible $1 billion to lure the quadruple world champion from Red Bull. Max Verstappen, Abu Dhabi GP 2024 Red Bull It is rumoured new recruit Adrian Newey sees a potential Verstappen pairing with incumbent Fernando Alonso as the perfect driver lineup for 2026, but the team categorically denied the claims. Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko, however, acknowledges the very real threat that Verstappen could jump ship after the looming season. We have to give him a car with which he is able to win on his own, he told Sport1. "It can be one to two tenths of a second slower than the others, but unlike our car last year, it has to be competitive over the whole season and on every track. If we don't succeed in doing that, Marko warned, there's no reason for Max to stay with us. We have to be realistic about that. However, when faced with the reports of an eye-watering long-term pay and equity deal that could be worth $1 billion, Verstappen's management responded somewhat cheekily: It would be nice, but we haven't received that offer yet. Just as possible is that Verstappen may simply call it quits after 2025, especially in light of the harsh new FIA clampdown on driver misconduct that could result in six-figure fines, bans, and even points deductions. Early retirement for Max Verstappen has just become even more realistic, De Telegraaf newspaper proclaimed. Before the details of the latest clampdown become public, Verstappen told Viaplay that he resents being treated like a schoolboy or toddler in Formula 1. That is something I don't like about Formula 1, the Dutchman admitted. Earlier, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said he had grown concerned about swearing in Formula 1 after his young son had begun to use foul language. When I was 5, my parents didn't use swear words towards me of course, but what do you think I heard at school? Verstappen responded. But when we as Formula 1 drivers are punished as a little toddler, I think 'What are we doing in this sport?' The Alex Wurz-led Grand Prix Drivers' Association responded with no comment when asked about the latest FIA clampdown. And a spokesman for the sport's governing body clarified the way the new guidelines will be enforced. We guarantee that the sanctions will be applied in a uniform and transparent way, the official told Corriere della Sera newspaper. The stewards have the authority to decide what sanction to apply in the event of a violation of the sporting code. Furthermore, all the main governing bodies have similar rules to protect the integrity of their sport. (GMM) Gabriel Estrada, 30, of Denver, Colorado, was sentenced to 120 months, with five years of supervised release to follow, for attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on Jan. 13. A federal jury convicted Estrada on Oct. 25, 2024. According to trial evidence and court documents, Estrada used a chat website to meet up with a 13-year-old persona for sexual intercourse. An undercover agent posed as a 13-year-old female living in Laramie, Wyoming. Estrada messaged the 13-year-old persona asking if she would have sex with him. He went on to ask the 13-year-old persona if she had a friend who would like to join them in the sexual encounter and asked about her sexual experience. Estrada then drove the two hours from his home to Laramie after confirming the person he believed to be a 13-year-old girl would engage in sexual acts with him. Estrada arrived in Laramie and was arrested by police officers, who seized Estradas iPhone containing text messages to the 13-year-old persona. Estrada also had two condoms. The Internet can be a dangerous place for our children because of people like this defendant, a fully grown man who wanted to have sex with a 13-year-old girl and did everything he could to make that happen, said United States Attorney Eric Heimann. The United States Attorneys Office will continue to support proactive law enforcement actions aimed at identifying and arresting individuals who are ready, willing, and eager to sexually abuse children. The Laramie Police Department and the FBI investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. On Monday, January 20, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. Several Wyoming officials released statements congratulating President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance and sharing their optimism for the new administration. On the same day, President Trump signed multiple executive orders, including several related to energy, which multiple Wyoming officials also praised. Governor Mark Gordon, who was also present at the inauguration, released the following statement: The energy-related executive orders signed by President Trump are a win for US energy and Wyoming. After four years of attacks on Wyomings core energy industries, we now can look forward to an immediate change in approach. President Trump recognizes Wyomings role in a return to energy dominance. I look forward to working with an Administration that recognizes fossil fuels as essential to our way of life. Senator John Barrasso shared his views, saying: President Trump is unleashing a new era of American energy dominance. Todays executive orders prove that the Trump-Vance administration is serious about taking the handcuffs off of affordable, reliable, American energy. Theyre serious about cutting the political red tape that froze innovation, hurt consumers, and sent prices soaring. Unleashing American energy means lower prices and more opportunities at home. It means more safety and stability abroad. American energy was the rocket fuel for the security and prosperity we saw under the first Trump administration. Weve made America energy dominant before. Working with President Trump, we can do it again. Senator Cynthia Lummis also weighed in with the following statement: Western states especially Wyoming have spent the last four years shackled by Bidens Big Government regulations that empowered unelected bureaucrats to lord over the west, crippling our domestic energy industry at the expense of tens of thousands of American jobs and our national security. President Trump is wasting no time slashing restrictive regulatory red tape and is beginning the task of unleashing American energy. Todays executive orders are a huge win for the west that will create thousands of good paying jobs, facilitate the production of Americas natural resources and lower prices for the American people. I look forward to working with the Trump administration to forge a path toward American energy dominance. Other voices responded to Trumps energy-related executive orders with criticism, including Policy Director Rachael Hamby with the Center for Western Priorities, a conservation group based out of Denver, Colorado. Hamby said: Claiming theres an energy emergency when Americas oil and gas production is at an all-time high is laughable. The only emergency today is that Donald Trumps oil billionaire friends want to enrich themselves even faster while ripping off American taxpayers and trashing our public lands. There is an actual crisis today: 2024 was the hottest year on record, and the Earth crossed the 1.5-degree warming threshold. Floods, fires, and extreme weather claim thousands of American lives and cost our economy billions of dollars each year. Todays executive order is Donald Trumps attempt to double down on the drivers of climate change while the rest of the world recognizes the true threat. Its especially ironic that Trump is focused on increasing drilling in Alaska, a state that is warming much faster than the rest of the world. The good news is that the energy transition is underway whether or not Donald Trump supports it. His oil billionaires may want to slow down American ingenuity and progress, but wind, solar, and geothermal power, along with new storage technologies, are getting cheaper by the day. Trumps second term is off to a predictable start, but the country can see he is on the wrong side of history. This past weekend, the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce BOOST Leadership Academy kicked off their Bites for Bravery suicide awareness campaign. According to BOOST officials, the motivation behind the project is to "Boost" awareness and understanding about suicide prevention, with a special focus on middle-aged men. Bites for Bravery was able to collect over 2,000 bags of jerky to distribute to 38 workplaces across Sweetwater County to raise awareness. Some of the recipients include local fire departments, the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office, Exxon, Western Wyoming Beverage, many of the trona mines, and both Green River and Rock Springs High Schools. The Boost Academy plans to deliver the bags beginning in April. Dustin Conover, President of the BOOST Academy, explained that they partnered with the Sweetwater County Prevention Coalition that works with suicide prevention. "The Coalition explained that the target, and very vulnerable audience, was middle aged men," he said. "The Coalition informed us that in 2024, 77% of suicides in Sweetwater County were middle aged men, the average age of 45." The BOOST Academy was reimagined after the original leadership academy through the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce. According to Kayla Mannikko, Vice President of the BOOST Academy, the "reboot" started in September 2024. The BOOST Academy consists of 20 volunteers who are leaders from all all-different companies and industries throughout Sweetwater County and beyond. Kimberly Cramer, Historian of the BOOST Academy, said, "We just brainstormed with the goal of having the leadership academy do a community service event. We quickly realized that suicide in Sweetwater County was a topic that we all are really concerned about." In researching further, BOOST Academy found a resource called Man Therapy. Mantherapy.org is a website with guided prompts that aims at removing the stigma associated with mental health and men. According to their website Man Therapy started as a suicide prevention campaign that has now morphed into a men's mental health campaign as well. It is a comprehensive upstream approach and meets men where they are. Mannikko said, "This was a resource where middle-aged men are able to access help without feeling that stigma." Cramer added, "The website has these great head checks. You can go to the website, it says, 'take our head check,' and then there is an evaluation, and it lets you know if you might need some resources." The BOOST Academy said they would like to thank their sponsors and supporters, especially Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, Western Wyoming Community College, Kelly's Convenient Center, Amber Kramer Insurance Agent, and all their 2025 BOOST Leaders. The Young family from Green River traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Pictured, from left, are Shelby, Dustin, and Andrea Young. While the inauguration ceremony and parade were moved inside due to cold temperatures, people still gathered outside to observe the proceedings. Asus unveiled the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro last November, and we recently learned that the Taiwanese brand is planning to launch an FE model, which has been certified in multiple countries. While Asus is yet to divulge anything about the ROG Phone 9 FE, its images and specs have surfaced online, leaving little to the imagination. The Asus ROG Phone 9 FE looks similar to the ROG Phone 9 Pro, and the source says it will be available in Phantom Black color at least. It will be 8.9 mm thick, weigh 225 g, and come with AirTrigger controls. Asus ROG Phone 9 FE's leaked renders The ROG Phone 9 FE will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, boot Android 15, and have 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage onboard. It will pack a 6.78" FullHD+ LTPO AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, reaching 185Hz in Game Genie. The panel will have 2,500 nits peak brightness (1,600 nits in HBM) and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. The camera department includes four snappers - 50MP primary (Sony IMX890 with OIS), 13MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 32MP selfie. Fueling the entire package will be a 5,500 mAh battery with 65W wired charging. The smartphone will also have wireless charging support. Asus ROG Phone 9 FE's leaked renders Other highlights include stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, Hi-Res Audio, Wi-Fi 7, and an in-display fingerprint reader. The smartphone will also be IP68-rated. Asus ROG Phone 9 Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro While we await an official word from Asus regarding the ROG Phone 9 FE, you can read our detailed ROG Phone 9 Pro review here. We also have a video review, which is linked below. Source Samsung delivered the hotly-anticipated Galaxy S25 phones this week, along with a couple of surprises it resurrected the Edge branding and it is going back into VR (well, its XR now). We will start with the trio of phones, the Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra. Below weve linked all relevant info for them: specs, comparisons, prices, our hands-on review and even a camera shootout between the S25 Ultra and last years Ultra. Below that is a list of other relevant links weve put the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge at the top. Long story short, there are no curved screen edges here, instead the phone is laser-focused on being slender. The Edge could become the new direction for Galaxy S design, depending on how successful it is when it arrives in a few months (around April is what we heard). The Project Moohan is the new Samsung Galaxy XR headset and it is based on the new Android XR an Android branch specifically for XR devices and is powered by the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 from Qualcomm. Google and Samsung tried their hands at VR once before, but we will see if they stick with it this time. Google seems committed, it even spent $250 million on acquiring part of HTC (and not for the first time either). Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25+ Samsung Galaxy S25 More news from the Samsung Galaxy S25 series launch event Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25+ Samsung Galaxy S25 Plans for a 132-megawatt, 250,000-panel solar farm off of Cross Island Road in Yona received the Guam Hybrid Land Use Commissions approval on Thursday. Commissioners approved without objection a conditional use permit for the companies involved in the project to build a solar farm and energy storage facility on the 627.6-acre parcel, which is broken up into three lots. The project is a joint venture between several South Korea firms: Samsung E&C America Inc, parent company Samsung C&T, Korea East-West Power Co. Ltd., and Korea Electric Power Corporation, KEPCO. Two of the companies involved, Samsung E&C and KEPCO, previously settled with the government of Guam for a sum of $950,000 related to major erosion issues related to the Mangilao Solar Project in 2021 that negatively impacted Marbo Cave. 3 years to complete Only about 273 acres of the Yona property will be used for the solar infrastructure, according to Marvin Aguilar of TG Engineering, the local representative for the project. Aguilar said once construction starts, it will take about three years to complete the project. The Yona property off of Route 17 is spotted with wetlands and flanked by Tarzan Falls and the Ylig River, and developers are working to avoid any wetlands or historic sites on the property, according to Aguilar. The Guam Power Authority has expressed its intent to award a contract to the Samsung-KEPCO-EWP consortium to produce power at the site and sell it to GPA for 25 years. Its the first leg of the Phase IV solar energy project, wherein GPA plans to add 330 MW of solar production to the grid by 2028. GPA has estimated the 132 MW deal with the consortium will cost about $1.12 billion over the life of the contract, though contract details are pending. It will also need final approval from the Public Utilities Commission, according to PUC documents. The Yona solar farm will provide enough energy to power about 17,000 homes, according to Joaquin Flores, also of TG Engineering. Now please keep in mind the intent of this project is mostly to charge batteries, Flores said. The solar energy storage facility will save energy that GPA can burn between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., and any excess solar production during the day will be fed into the grid, Flores said. He said the solar farm will run transmission lines over to Piti, where the farm will tie in with the rest of the electrical grid. Access to Tarzan Falls One of the main concerns expressed by residents of Yona so far has been access to the nearby Tarzan Falls, according to Aguilar. The farm will be located just to the east of the popular Tarzan Falls trailhead, at a distance of about 800 to 1,000 feet, Aguilar told commissioners. He said the project developers were looking at a way to provide access to the public, safely. Those details are being worked out, according to Flores, though a pedestrian and mountain bike trail is likely, with plans not to allow four-wheel-drive vehicles onto the property. Yona Mayor Brian BJ Terlaje, also present at the meeting, said he did have some reservations about public access to the property, as well as concerns about the wetlands or any historic sites. Terlaje said he had been going over the details of the project with Aguilar. Theres no doubt that our island will benefit from this, Terlaje said. But the mayor said he did want to see what the solar farm contractors could provide to benefit the village of Yona, whether that be local jobs or scholarships for students. Flores and Aguilar said they could raise that matter with the Samsung Consortium. Solar panels would also be resistant to up to 275 miles per hour winds, said Flores, responding to concern from Terlaje about debris flying around the village. Both representatives stressed that the project was keeping in mind the wetlands around the area. 2021 Marbo Cave incident KEPCO and Samsung in 2022 settled with the Office of the Attorney General for $950,000 following an environmental disaster at the Mangilao Solar Project site that left the historic Marbo Cave under a layer of sludge and damaged the surrounding Sasayan Valley. Government inspectors who visited the site after the 2021 incident noted that a number of soil and erosion control measures were not installed at the site, including several ponding basins, the Pacific Daily News reported. The Guam Environmental Protection Agency assessed an initial fine of $18 million, though the final settlement amount was much lower. Neither Samsung nor KEPCO admitted to any wrongdoing as part of the 2022 settlement. They agreed to help clean up the surrounding area, including Marbo Cave. We have good success with Mangilao other than one incident with stormwater. That was a contractor issue, it was not a design issue, Flores said on Thursday. Were trying to...fuss a little bit more for this area with soil conditions, he added. Contractors were planning to keep much of the grass and vegetation in the area intact, to protect against erosion and keep water and drainage in the surrounding area clean. Representatives said erosion and sediment control designs meet current regulatory standards. Defense attorney Yusuke Haffeman-Udagawa will be ready to argue a motion that seeks a lower sentencing range for his client in a drug case, Brian Marquez Marasigan. Appearing on Thursday in front of Superior Court of Guam Judge Alberto E. Tolentino for a sentencing hearing with his client, Haffeman-Udagawa said theres a discrepancy in Guam law as to what the appropriate range is for distributing an amphetamine-based substance. In October 2024, a jury of 12 found Marasigan guilty of the lone charge against him, possession of a schedule II substance with intent to deliver. According to Pacific Daily News files, local and federal law enforcement agents raided Marasigans home in September 2019. Officers found 91 gross grams of meth, according to court documents. There is a provision that I believe is applicable that says a 0-5 year range is the appropriate range and the People are arguing for another provision that says its between 20 and 30, said Haffeman-Udagawa. He added that Marasigan is a first-time offender. Oral arguments are scheduled for Feb. 18 in front of Tolentino. Assistant Attorney General Aaron Boyce represented the government during the sentencing hearing, though he will not necessarily be the one to make the oral arguments in the case come February. Haffeman-Udagawa said he feels he has a strong argument based on the language of the law. He said he feels that the Guam Legislature changed the law in 2024 to more accurately target methamphetamine distribution offenses. Previously, there was this issue, and thats the state of the law at the time my defendant was convicted, said Haffeman-Udagawa. Del. James C. Moylan delivers his Annual Congressional Address at the Guam Congress Building in Hagatna on July 1, 2024, with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, Speaker Therese Terlaje and Supreme Court of Guam Chief Justice Robert Torres Jr. seated beside and behind him. Mongmong-Toto-Maite Mayor Rudy Paco said the Guam Department of Education should consider working with other government agencies such as the Department of Corrections, before calling on mayors to handle grass cutting at schools. Pacos comments came amid growing frustration among mayors over the possibility of taking on grass cutting duties for GDOE schools, but with little or no additional funding at all. Education Superintendent Erik Swanson told the Guam Education Board on Wednesday that DOC has agreed to assist with school grounds maintenance. However, GDOE would need to provide equipment and have a GDOE staff member supervise the inmates. GDOE has been having issues with grounds maintenance since last summer when Guam Cleaning Masters, responsible for cutting grass at 26 schools, opted to not renew its contract. Additionally, the GDOE leadership failed to bid for services in time before the end of fiscal 2024, leading to a protest over a new contract for 35 schools. Mayors Council of Guam President and Piti Mayor Jesse Alig voiced his frustration over the fact that mayors could be cutting grass at schools, calling the situation unacceptable. At the MCOG meeting Wednesday, Alig suggested that GDOE leadership should be held accountable. Paco proposed that GDOE should either use its own maintenance staff or explore options like using DOC inmates to assist with the grass cutting. If the DOC can assist them. You know, a good example is the Southern California Fire. Yeah, the inmates are getting paid to fight fires, Paco said, referring to the hundreds of incarcerated, working to protect lives and property during the wildfires in California. More than 1,000 participate in a state program that mobilizes incarcerated men and women to fight fires during emergencies. Why cant we pay the inmates to cut (grass at) schools? Paco said. Therell be a bunch of them to come out and have fresh air. I understand theres kids involved in the school, but they can cut during weekends or hire your maintenance crew, like the way it used to be. Way back then, we had janitors, we had cafeteria workers, we had maintenance workers for the school. Paco, along with other MCOG leaders, said a shortage of workers is one of the biggest reasons mayors can no longer take on such tasks, in addition to other responsibilities in their respective villages. The only issue were having is that we are short-staffed, and we are so behind on our grass cutting in the village as well, Paco said. And as a mayor and my staff, we dont just cut grass. Theres other miscellaneous work that we need to docanopies, chairs, funeral escorts. On Thursday, Paco, short-staffed for ground maintenance, took the initiative to help his team. Im out here cutting grass with my boys because we have a procession on Saturday. An extra bush cutter would really help or extra manpower, he said. Thats the reason why Im out here cutting with my boys to assist them, because I just had them cut a big street, so I started cutting this [neighborhood] street, all by myself. Emergency contract Dededo Mayor Peter John Benavente, who also serves on the Guam Education Board, said during the Wednesday meeting that GDOE is seeking approval for a 90-day emergency contract. However, he warned that larger villages like Dededo may struggle to meet the demand. Benavente said his office has been called upon to help all nine public schools in Dededo, with support from parent-teacher organizations. Several mayors voiced concerns about inadequate funding for school ground maintenance. Sinajana Mayor Robert Hofmann recalled that his village received only $5,000 per year to maintain C.L. Taitano Elementary School, which was not enough to cover the costs. Paco, Alig, and other MCOG leaders noted that even with funding for equipment and fuel, many mayors lack the manpower to take on the extra responsibility. Alig added that many mayors are already overwhelmed with additional tasks outside their jurisdiction, further complicating their ability to assist with GDOEs grass cutting needs. In this Feb. 27, 2024 file photo, Latte Heights resident Cari Iglesias, front, and Inalahan resident Jeanette San Nicolas display signs moments before the start of a public hearing at the Guam Congress Building in Hagatna on a resolution in support of an amendment to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, RECA, to include those on Guam as downwinders of U.S. Pacific nuclear test sites, extend the claims period, and improve compensation and benefits. Haiti - FLASH : VISA Brazil, important information notes CAVB-230125009 - The Visa Application Center for Brazil (CAVB) in Haiti operated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM - Haiti) reminds the general public that the documentation required in the visa application process for Brazil is a decision of the destination country. IOM, clarifies that only the Embassy of Brazil is competent to decide whether or not to grant visas, as well as the modalities of the process. IOM works closely with the Embassy, but the final decision remains the prerogative of the Federative Republic of Brazil, in accordance with the migration laws in force. CAVB-230125008 - IOM emphasizes that digital legalization is mandatory if the documents cannot be transmitted to Haiti. The notary (Cartorio) must provide a digital signature (assinatura eletronica / assinatura digital). https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44064-haiti-flash-brazil-family-reunification-important-information.html Important : All documents scanned and signed manually will not be accepted. CAVB-230125007 - The CAVB informs that Haitians who arrived in Brazil without a visa can apply for family reunification, provided they provide proof of regularization of their status. Important : Haitians who entered with a VITEM 11 visa are not eligible. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44064-haiti-flash-brazil-family-reunification-important-information.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44021-haiti-flash-procedures-and-documents-required-for-the-family-reunification-visa-in-brazil-vitem-11.html HL/ HaitiLibre. Haiti - Jacmel : Joint declaration of the axes of cooperation between Haiti and Colombia Leslie Voltaire, President pro tempore of the Transitional Council, and the President of the Republic of Colombia, Gustavo Petro Urrego, met in Jacmel for a historic presidential meeting. Summary of the Joint Declaration between Haiti and Colombia on the occasion of the official visit of President Gustavo Petro on January 22, 2025 in Jacmel: Technical and Agricultural Cooperation : Both parties welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministries of Agriculture of the two countries. This agreement provides for knowledge exchanges and initiatives to strengthen food security, support smallholder agriculture, and promote rural commercialization. Environment and Climate Change : A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to collaborate on environmental projects, including ecological restoration, renewable energy, and transboundary water management. Culture and Heritage : The Presidents highlighted the importance of Haitis historical role in the independence of Latin America and the commitment to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries. Security and Defense : The two nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their cooperation in security matters, including the training of forces to combat transnational crimes. Education and Academic Exchanges : Discussions focused on creating educational opportunities for Haitian youth, including learning Spanish, developing virtual education, and collaboration between academic institutions in both countries. Trade and Economy : The two parties, within the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding, reiterated their commitment to intensifying trade and stimulating bilateral investments, particularly in support of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Humanitarian Aid : In accordance with Article 2 of the Regulations of the International Cooperation and Assistance Fund (FOCAI), Colombia is committed to providing humanitarian aid to Haiti, through modalities such as financial aid, food assistance and the donation of goods. Download the full official declaration (PDF in French 5 pages) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/declaration-haiti-colombie-22-01-2025.pdf HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Finance : High-level meeting with the World Bank and the IMF Transitional Council Advisor Fritz Alphonse Jean held a high-level meeting at the Embassy of Haiti in Washington with Marcos Chiliatto, Executive Director of the Brazilian Office representing Haiti at the World Bank (WB), Andre Roncaglia, Executive Director of the Brazilian Office representing Haiti at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the Haitian advisor to these institutions, Ms. Ludmilla Buteau-Allien. The discussion focused on the Enhanced Monitoring Instrument (SMP) agreed between the Haitian Government and the IMF, as well as the Adjusted Cooperation and Investment Framework (RCIA) submitted by the World Bank. The latter, focused mainly on the West and Artibonite departments, prompted comments from Advisor Jean, who advocated for a redistribution of resources in favor of the North and South departments, which are relatively unaffected by urban violence but are home to tens of thousands of displaced people fleeing gang violence. Discussions also focused on reorganizing the project portfolio to better meet the urgent needs generated by the deteriorating security situation and its impacts on the Haitian population. This meeting marks an important step in the Haitian Government's efforts to align international financial support with national priorities, taking into account realities on the ground. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Voltaire to meet the Pope Leslie Voltaire, the pro tempore President of the Transitional Council left Haiti on Thursday, January 23, 2025 for a European tour. Among other things, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, he will be received in audience at the Vatican by Pope Francis and on January 29 by the President of France Emmanuel Macron in Paris Evans Paul : Elections impossible in 2025 It is almost impossible to organize elections in Haiti this year, believes Evans Paul. In addition to the major obstacle of insecurity, the former Prime Minister mentions the time constraint, given the agenda that also includes the constitutional referendum that should be held next May, according to the draft calendar submitted to the Transitional Council by the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP). France determined to support Haiti During the UN Security Council meeting, France expressed its determination to support Haiti in restoring security and political stability. France has mobilized 10 million euros in 2024 and is continuing its efforts to support the Multinational Mission to Support the Haitian National Police and the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd'H) in the fight against criminal groups. It has responded to humanitarian needs with 16 million euros in 2024, particularly for the benefit of school canteens and displaced persons. In 2024, GAAR welcomed 214,898 deportees The Support Group for Repatriates and Refugees (GARR) announces that it welcomed in 2024 through official border points 214,898 deportees arrested on Dominican territory during migration control and turned back at the border (Repatriates), including 154,593 men, 43,194 women, 6,900 girls and 10,211 boys. The GARR denounces the treatment suffered by deported persons and calls on the international community to demand that the Dominican authorities respect international conventions relating to deportation. List of 10 new departmental delegates : The Council of Ministers approved this week the appointment of 10 new departmental delegates: - Andy Metellus (West) - Linscold Charles (South) - Pierre Michel Lafontant (South-East) - Morel Esperance Berard (Nippes) - Paulemont Michel (Grande Anse) - Marc Merzius Presume (North) - Dionel Germain (North-East) - Exceus Rock (North-West) - Frederique Occean (Center) - Ivens Nerelus (Artibonite) WFP : Emergency cash support to 10,000 families Thanks to the EU ECHO Programme, WFP has provided cash support to 10,000 families facing emergency levels of hunger in Petit and Grand-Goave. Money transfers strengthen the local economy and allow people to decide with dignity what they need most. HL/ HaitiLibre The 83,000-resident town is set to host a large-scale data centre and power plant a combination that the partners in the endeavour have described as an international energy hub and as one of the spearhead projects in Finland. A BILLION-EURO construction project is set to start in Pori, the regional capital of Satakunta, Finland. Seppo Ihalainen, the founder of the main project partner, Ecogrid Energy, has also described the location a former industrial area of Outokumpu as one of the best industrial areas in all of Nordics. The site is among the best in the Nordics, offering exceptional conditions for a rapid and green implementation, he commented in a press release issued by Business Pori on Tuesday. The construction phase could begin by the end of this year, providing employment to hundreds of people. Also involved in the undertaking are Compassforge, a real estate developer headquartered in Turku, and NCC, one of the leading building, infrastructure and property development companies in Finland. The power plant to be built in the area is expected to support the national electricity grid by providing balancing power, while the excess heat will be channelled to the local district heating network, with early estimates suggesting it could suffice to keep the entire eastern part of the town warm. The data centre, the operator of which has yet to be selected, will initially require 150 megawatts of energy. The facilities will be landscaped to create a park-like setting that inspires further development in the area. According to NCC, the undertaking signals a shift from residential to industrial development in Satakunta. The coastal region is seeing several development projects and attracting interest from diverse sectors, said Sami Nyroos, the property development director at NCC. Helsingin Sanomat on Tuesday drew attention to the data centre boom underway in Finland. Nebius in December secured almost 700 million euros in funding for its data centre in Mantsala. The data centre is set to provide computational infrastructure, such as cloud platforms and large clusters of graphics performance units, to companies developing artificial intelligence, a business model it expects to generate over a billion euros in revenue. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, in November was granted permission to acquire plots for data centre development in Kajaani and Muhos. Aleksi Teivainen HT Europe is dissatisfied with Irans actions regarding its nuclear commitments, particularly what it sees as Irans neglect of its obligations under the JCPOA. Iran and Europe remain divided over how to rebuild mutual trust and sustain dialogue. Talks between representatives from both sides continue, and there is discussion of reopening diplomatic channels in Tehran and European capitals. However, the absence of trust and a framework for confidence-building undermines any potential for clarity in the future of their relations. European concerns are compounded by Iran's perceived cooperation with Russia, particularly over drones and missiles used in the Ukraine conflict, which Europe views as a security threat. Divergences extend to regional issues, from the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Caucasus, and Afghanistan. Europes criticism of Irans domestic policies under the banner of human rights also underscores its attempts to influence Irans sovereignty, including questioning the Islamic Republics political foundations. Iran, however, sees Europe as the party responsible for undermining the JCPOA. Iran argues that Europe failed to uphold its commitments after the US withdrawal from the agreement, leaving a vacuum that pushed Iran to invoke measures outlined in Articles 26 and 36 of the JCPOA. Iranian officials believe Europe unjustly condemned Tehrans countermeasures rather than addressing the root causes. Furthermore, Iran criticises Europe for its selective approach to human rights, accusing it of ignoring Israeli actions in Gaza and hosting individuals whom Iran considers responsible for acts of terrorism against its citizens. While rejecting European allegations of missile cooperation with Russia in the Ukraine war, Iran defends its defence partnerships with Moscow, asserting that pursuing national security is a legitimate right of all states. Tehran argues that it will not remain passive in the face of complex global security challenges. An analysis of European think tank reports, official statements, and mainstream media reveals three schools of thought on how Europe should approach relations with Iran: The first group views Iran as a significant threat to Europe. It supports aligning with the US maximum pressure strategy, initiated under President Donald Trump. Proponents argue that Europe should seize the opportunity to weaken Iran further, given the countrys internal economic and social challenges and setbacks in the region. They believe this is a strategic moment to push Iran toward major behavioural changes. The second school of thought also considers Iran a threat but opposes direct involvement. Advocates of this view prefer to isolate Iran by cutting it off from the global economy. They believe this approach allows Europe to manage perceived threats without incurring the costs of active confrontation. The third perspective sees Iran as both a threat and an opportunity. This group argues that Irans geopolitical importance and capabilities make isolation impractical and costly. It doubts the efficacy of the US maximum pressure policy and believes that blindly following it would harm Europes interests. According to this view, conflict with Iran would escalate threats to Europe, while a policy of engagement would offer more manageable outcomes. This group also contends that if Iran were to reconcile with the US, Europe would be excluded from any resulting benefits. Conversely, if Iran adopted a strategy of resistance to maximum pressure, the consequences would similarly disadvantage Europe. Advocates of this approach believe dialogue is the only viable path forward, as it avoids framing Iran as an absolute threat and encourages negotiation on nuclear, regional, and other critical issues. In Tehran, perspectives on engaging with Europe are equally divided into three main schools of thought: The first group, with an ideological and historical outlook, opposes dialogue with Europe and the US. It argues that past experiences show Europe prioritises its own interests over mutual benefit and has never taken significant steps to address Irans concerns. This faction advocates for disengagement without escalating conflict. The second group, composed of Iranian realists, believes Europe perceives itself as holding the balance of power and therefore approaches Iran from a position of superiority. These realists argue that Europe is politically subordinate to the US and lacks the ability to act independently. They see Europe as using Iran as a bargaining chip in its dealings with Washington. Consequently, they suggest that Iran focus on direct negotiations with the US, as Europe is likely to accept the outcomes of US-Iran talks regardless. The third group, Iranian pragmatists, emphasises the long history of Iran-Europe relations, including political, economic, and cultural cooperation. They argue that engagement with Europe has historically contributed to security in the region. While recognising Europes limited influence on global decision-making, this group believes Europe still plays a significant role in international affairs. They advocate for balanced foreign policy, in line with the principle of neither East nor West, and see dialogue as the most effective means of addressing Irans issues with the West. Among both Iranian and European policymakers, those favouring dialogue appear to be in the minority. This trend raises concerns about the potential closure of diplomatic channels. Blocking avenues for dialogue risks undermining the interests of both Iran and Europe. Pragmatism, however, offers a path to protect mutual interests and regional stability. Seyed Rasoul Mousavi Former Ambassador of Iran to Finland and Estonia 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 Yle, Finlands national public broadcaster, will reduce its workforce by 309 employees as part of a cost-saving programme. Of these reductions, 156 positions will be terminated through layoffs. The decision follows a September 2024 ruling by a parliamentary working group to cut Yles funding. In response, Yle initiated restructuring negotiations in November 2024, covering 1,798 permanent employees. Initially, up to 375 layoffs were anticipated. During the negotiations, Yle sought to minimise job losses by implementing a range of cost-saving measures, including reductions in property expenses, outsourced services, travel budgets, and a freeze on performance-based bonuses. These measures helped to lower the number of layoffs. In addition to the 156 layoffs, the workforce reduction includes 153 roles that will be eliminated through retirements and other staff changes. Yles management structure will also be streamlined, with new organisational arrangements taking effect by 1 April 2025. Yle CEO Merja Yla-Anttila described the day as sombre despite efforts to reduce the number of layoffs. "The savings mandate from the parliamentary working group has been clear, but these are very difficult decisions. We want to support our staff during this transition. Dialogue with employee representatives has been constructive throughout the process," Yla-Anttila said. The restructuring is expected to generate savings of approximately 27 million. However, the full scope of the parliamentary groups mandate requires Yle to achieve 66 million in total adjustments between 2025 and 2027. The cost-cutting programme will be implemented in phases and will necessitate significant changes to Yles operations and practices. Despite the challenges, Yla-Anttila emphasised Yles commitment to its public service mission. "Our goal is to build a sustainable future for Yle that continues to meet the diverse needs of Finns. While these savings will inevitably reduce Yles offerings, we aim to keep our programming broad, balanced, and grounded in a strong foundation of public service," she said. HT The report highlights that thousands of hectares of primary forests, critical for climate stability and biodiversity, are being logged each year in both countries. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has raised serious concerns about Finland and Swedens insufficient efforts to safeguard Europes remaining old-growth forests. A newly released WWF report accuses both nations of failing to meet EU Green Deal and Biodiversity Strategy commitments, leaving these vital ecosystems vulnerable to logging and other threats. It also accuses Finnish and Swedish governments of exploiting legal loopholes to permit forest clearing that should otherwise be restricted. Evidence shows Finland and Sweden are not adhering to EU policies designed to protect these irreplaceable ecosystems, said Mai Suominen, WWF Finlands Forest Expert. This undermines Europes efforts to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises. Old-growth forests act as vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots. Despite this, both countries are criticised for prioritising the forest industry's short-term demands for biomass over long-term ecological health. Swedens forestry sector supports 140,000 jobs, while Finlands bioeconomy plays a central role in its economic strategy. Industry representatives argue that their practices are responsible and comply with national laws. Forests provide the raw materials society needs while mitigating climate change, said Magnus Kindbom, forestry director at Swedens Federation of Swedish Farmers. However, critics argue this perspective overlooks the ongoing loss of biodiversity caused by logging practices. According to WWF, Sweden shows little ambition in protecting primary forests on private lands. In Finland, old-growth forests on private properties remain largely unmapped and unprotected. Both countries risk missing the EU Nature Restoration Law target, which requires the restoration of 20% of natural areas by 2030. The European Commission will host a workshop in Helsinki on 2728 January to address old-growth forest conservation. WWF urges this meeting to serve as a turning point, pushing Finland and Sweden to strengthen their protection policies. The WWF report calls for the European Commission to monitor national compliance with EU biodiversity policies closely. It also recommends resources be allocated to mapping and protecting forests on private lands. This is not just about fulfilling commitments, said Anke Schulmeister-Oldenhove, WWFs Forests Manager at its European Policy Office. Failing to act will erode trust in governments and the EU itself. Finland and Sweden must do more before its too late. Domestically, Finlands government has drawn ire from WWF for its reported plans to consolidate independent environmental advisory panels under political control. Panels such as the Climate Panel and Nature Panel provide research and policy recommendations. Critics fear that merging them into a politically directed body would compromise their independence. Independent research is essential for solving climate and biodiversity crises, said Elina Erkkila, WWF Finlands Conservation Director. This move risks weakening the credibility and quality of scientific input. WWF warns that reducing the independence of environmental panels and continuing unsustainable forest practices could undermine Finland and Swedens reputations as leaders in environmental stewardship. HT The operation, part of NATO's enhanced Vigilance Activity, aims to increase deterrence and safeguard vital sea connections. The Finnish Navy has strengthened its role in NATO's Baltic Sentry mission, deploying a Hamina-class missile boat to enhance regional security and protect critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Finnish participation includes both nationally led missions and joint operations under NATO command. For the first time, a Finnish Navy vessel will join Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1), operating in the region through January and February. NATOs contribution to Baltic Sea surveillance demonstrates the alliances readiness to respond to evolving challenges, said Captain (N) Marko Laaksonen, Deputy Chief of Staff Navy Operations. This cooperation ensures the safety of critical infrastructure and sea connections essential to us all. The Hamina-class missile boat, known for its shallow draft and manoeuvrability, is well-suited for the Baltics complex waterways. Initially developed for Finlands archipelagic environment, the vessel will participate alongside larger NATO ships, reinforcing the alliance's maritime presence. Baltic Sentry comes amid heightened tensions in the region following incidents such as the 2023 Balticconnector gas pipeline sabotage and damage to undersea power and data cables. The mission includes increased surveillance, exercises with allies, and information-sharing to deter potential threats. The operation was launched after the January 2025 Baltic Sea Allies Summit in Helsinki, co-hosted by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal. Addressing recent security challenges, Rutte warned that threats to infrastructure would have "serious consequences," including potential arrests and ship impoundments. Finnish vessels will join other NATO forces, including Dutch-led units and Swedens HMS Visby corvette, in safeguarding the Baltic Seas critical infrastructure. Surveillance operations will adapt to mission demands, with multiple Finnish Navy ships rotating over the coming months. HT US PRESIDENT Donald Trump stated that Nato member states should increase their defence spending to five per cent of gross domestic product more than double the current target of two per cent in a speech delivered in Davos on Thursday. Jukka Kopra (NCP), the chairperson of the Parliaments Defence Committee, told YLE on Thursday that he does not consider it necessary to raise the spending to five per cent given the excellent state of national defence capabilities. Even if Finland decided to invest in new weapons systems, he added, the delivery times are so long that it could take years before the orders translated to actual spending. In Finnish circumstances it wouldnt be purposeful at least in the short or medium term nor would be be for the alliances defence to drag the share of defence spending to five per cent given that we can get great performance also with less money, he commented to the public broadcasting company. Additional investment in European Nato countries defence capabilities is absolutely necessary. But what the percentage will be is another question. Kopra also estimated that a categorical demand for five per cent would be unfeasible for some member states, such as Portugal and Spain. The former is currently spending 1.55 per cent and the latter 1.28 per cent of its gross domestic product on defence, according to data gathered by YLE. Currently 8 of the 32 Nato member states are spending less than two per cent on defence. The US has a defence budget that equals 3.38 per cent of its gross domestic product, a share that is trumped by Estonia (3.43%) and Poland (4.12%). Although the US is the largest member state in the defence alliance, Trump alone cannot make the decision on raising the target to five per cent, according to Kopra. Its a Nato consensus decision thatd have to be made in the meeting next summer in the Hague, if it was to be made, he explained. Aleksi Teivainen HT German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was harshly criticised for speaking with Putin in November, yet now we watch as [ Donald ] Trump prepares to talk with Putin, Niinisto said. Former Finnish President Sauli Niinisto has criticised European leaders for avoiding direct discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin while relying on the United States to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Speaking at Londons Chatham House think tank on Thursday, Niinisto expressed frustration over Europes contradictory approach. This inconsistent behaviour does not inspire confidence in Europes capabilities. Niinisto, who served as Finlands president from 2012 to 2024, urged European leaders to take a more proactive role in addressing the conflict. He warned that the ongoing war and tensions in Ukraine would persist even if a peace agreement is reached. Niinisto argued that Europe must demonstrate strength and unity in the face of geopolitical challenges, including Russias aggression and rising global tensions. Drawing from Finlands comprehensive security model, he encouraged nations to adopt strategies involving governments, businesses, and citizens to bolster resilience against hybrid threats, such as cyberattacks and disinformation. He also suggested that China could play a role in guaranteeing peace in Ukraine by serving as a counterbalance to Russia. If the West guarantees Ukraine, it would be logical for China to guarantee Russias commitment to peace, Niinisto said. Niinistos comments come as NATO and EU leaders debate how best to adapt to evolving threats. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte recently called for member states to increase defence spending, emphasising that Europe must prepare for long-term challenges. Niinisto echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of investing in defence while ensuring such funds are used effectively. We lack the weapons and troops to match the challenges we face, he remarked, suggesting that Europe must build its capacity to act swiftly when required. Niinisto also pointed to the importance of educating citizens to identify and resist disinformation. He highlighted Finlands national defence courses for civilians as a model for fostering societal resilience. Elizabeth Braw, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, added that public and private sectors must collaborate to combat disinformation, suggesting libraries and other trusted institutions could teach media literacy. The fewer people who fall for disinformation, the stronger society becomes, she said. Niinisto concluded by stressing the need for Europe to assert itself in resolving global conflicts. We must stop relying on others and take responsibility for our own security and future, he said, warning that Europes passive stance could weaken its influence on the global stage. HT Edneyville grower appears on Fox Business to describe need for farm aid Henderson County seems to have become the go-to ground-zero story when it comes to Hurricane Helene wrecking of farmland. Related Stories Apple growers and other farmers and Agriculture Extension Service Director Terry Kelley have been featured in numerous statewide and national media interviews about the storms catastrophic damage not only to crops but to equipment, barns, farm fields and farm roads damage that Kelley projects at $150 million. The latest to earn the county national exposure was Danielle Stepp McCall, of Stepps Hillcrest Orchard. Ahead of President Trumps visit to Asheville today to see hurricane damage and talk about recovery, McCall appeared Thursday night on the Fox Business program The Bottom Line. Yes, I think thats the word, McCall said when asked whether she was hopeful that Trump will deliver much needed aid. We are hopeful that there will be relief for us here in Western North Carolina for all agricultural losses we have faced. "What we suffered really was damage to the road, which meant folks couldn't get to our farm, she said. For us, we're still suffering from about a 50 percent loss of income just due to the fact that folks couldn't get here safely to visit us." One of the first U-pick orchards in the county, Hillcrest Farm has an array of ag tourism attraction, including wagon rides, bakery, apple cannon and shop that sells jams and jellies in addition to apples and other produce. Asked how the family could endure such a big hit, she said, Well, we're pretty frugal. My husband has taken some jobs off the farm. There have been some local grants, local loans available. We have taken advantage of those so we will make it through. There's no doubt about it. We've been doing this for over 55 years here on our farm. We will make it through. But it would be great to see some help from the federal government for sure. What would she tell Trump? I would say, farmers are the backbone of America. Agriculture is a bipartisan issue. Everybody has to eat, she told the business news show. We're doing our part. We'd love to see some help come our way. My first Chinese New Year: British host experiences the Spring Festival essentials 16:19, January 24, 2025 By Wu Chaolan, Kou Jie, Xian Jiangnan, Tian Yi ( People's Daily Online A British girl, Lorna Mary, is celebrating her first Spring Festival in China. Through her Chinese friends, Mary has learned that the Spring Festival is one of the most significant holidays for the Chinese people, and of all the Chinese holidays, it's the best at presenting Chinese culture. "Yi Shi Zhu Xing," meaning food, clothing, housing and transportation, was the very first idiom she picked up when she arrived in China, and it certainly exemplifies the customs surrounding the Spring Festival. Chinese traditional apparel has emerged as the top choice for young people looking to "wear new clothes" during the Spring Festival. During the Spring Festival, Chinese desserts that feature traditional Chinese aesthetics are in high demand. Mary tried the Spring Festival custom of cleaning and putting up couplets throughout her house. She even experienced Chunyun, or Spring Festival travel rush, the annual migration of the Chinese people returning home to celebrate the Spring Festival. Join Mary as she prepares for and experiences her very first Chinese Spring Festival! (Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chengliang) Global artists showcase Chinese heritage-inspired art in Beijing amid Spring Festival atmosphere 16:35, January 24, 2025 By Xian Jiangnan ( People's Daily Online The Artworks Exhibition of "Canal Chic: Reviving China's Heritage" is held in Beijing on Jan. 22, 2025. (Photo/ chinadaily.com.cn) The Artworks Exhibition of "Canal Chic: Reviving China's Heritage" was launched with a sharing seminar in Beijing on Jan. 22, 2025. Over 50 guests, including Chinese and international artists, experts, and social media influencers from countries such as Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, participated in the event. The year 2024 marked the 10th anniversary of China's successful inscription of the Grand Canal as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the 20th anniversary of China's ratification of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The exhibition, running until Jan. 24, is the result of a worldwide campaign organized by China Daily Multimedia to promote the Grand Canal through art. The Artworks Exhibition of "Canal Chic: Reviving China's Heritage" is held in Beijing on Jan. 22, 2025. (Photo/ chinadaily.com.cn) Addressing the ceremony, Ke Rongyi, president of China Daily Multimedia and director of the China Daily New Media Center, highlighted the project's innovative approach to sharing the story of Chinese cultural heritage. "The activities deeply inspired the artists, who then created works using Chinese-style illustrations and oil paintings, allowing cultural relics to transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries and convey the spirit of the Grand Canal to a wider audience," Ke said. "Over 700 years ago, Marco Polo from Venice traveled along the Grand Canal. Today, the Grand Canal of China once again welcomes cultural messengers from around the world," Wang Ming, a professor at the History Department of Capital Normal University, emphasized the global significance of canal culture, expressing that all foreign friends attending the event are the modern-day Marco Polo, who have used their colorful brushes to depict the "trendiest" Grand Canal of China in their own eyes. Photo shows Kyrgyz artist Meerim Dzhunushalieva and her works inspired by China's cultural heritage in Beijing on Jan 22, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Xian Jiangnan) Artists from China and abroad shared that the interaction between cultural relics and history serves as a significant source of inspiration for their creations. Mas Hedi Suryatna, an Indonesian artist who has been living in China for over 25 years, shared his thoughts on the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two nations. "China and Indonesia have maintained a good relationship, and the two countries have engaged in cultural exchange for a long time," he told People's Daily Online. Over the years, he has traveled extensively across China, developing a profound admiration for the country's historical and cultural heritage and using his brush to document the vibrant stories of the land. Kyrgyz artist Meerim Dzhunushalieva, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to connect with Chinese culture. "It gives me an opportunity to express myself and become more connected to Chinese culture, and made me fall in love with China more," she said. Daniya Yerinkyzy, an artist and graphic designer from Kazakhstan, poses for a photo with her works by China's cultural heritage in Beijing on Jan 22, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Xian Jiangnan) Daniya Yerinkyzy, an artist and graphic designer from Kazakhstan, highlighted her long-lasting interest in calligraphy and history, especially the Tang Dynasty (618907) of China. "In our nomadic lifestyle, we don't have as many artifacts as China does," she said, adding that her visits to Chinese museums provided significant inspiration. "Those garments and figurines can be used in contemporary fashion and the colors of ancient vases can also enrich modern designs," she said. Gao Yang, a representative inheritor of Yuxian paper cutting in north China's Hebei Province, invites guests to experience the art of paper cutting in Beijing on Jan 22, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Xian Jiangnan) The event coincided with China's Xiaonian, or the Minor New Year's Day, and both Chinese and international artists expressed their excitement for the upcoming Spring Festival. Gao Yang, a representative inheritor of Yuxian paper cutting in north China's Hebei Province, invited guests to experience the art of paper cutting. As the Year of the Snake approaches, Gao explained that the snake symbolizes smooth progress and transformation, with the snake-shaped paper-cuttings conveying a message of hope and improvement for the future. Guests pose for a photo with mascots at the Canal Chic: Reviving China's Heritage" Launching Ceremony of Artworks Exhibition and Sharing Meeting in Beijing on Jan. 22, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Xian Jiangnan) Laura Ugalde Aburto, a travel content creator from Mexico, shared her love for celebrating the Spring Festival in China, mentioning her enjoyment of eating dumplings, watching dragon and lion dances, and the Spring Festival Gala with her Chinese friends. A visitor takes photos of artworks at the exhibition in Beijing on Jan. 22, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Xian Jiangnan) (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Wu Chengliang) The United States' new top diplomat Marco Rubio reaffirmed the country's "unwavering support" for Israel, days into a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a large-scale raid in the occupied West Bank. As Israel pursued its deadly operation in Jenin, Rubio assured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Washington's continued backing. Rubio spoke to Netanyahu from Washington on Wednesday night to "underscore that maintaining the United States' steadfast support for Israel is a top priority for President Trump," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said. He also "congratulated the Prime Minister on Israel's successes against Hamas and Hezbollah and pledged to work tirelessly to help free all remaining hostages held in Gaza," she said. Israel and Hamas began implementing a ceasefire in their 15-month war on Sunday that includes an exchange of hostages and prisoners. Former US president Joe Biden had pushed for months for a deal along the same outlines. Trump sent an envoy to help push through an agreement before he took office, although the Republican has since said he is not confident the deal will hold. In one of his first acts in office, Trump ended sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank imposed by Biden over their attacks on Palestinians. During his first term in the White House, Trump put forward a peace plan he and his proponents called "the deal of the century", which would have included major Israeli annexations in the West Bank. As Rubio and Netanyahu spoke, Israel's West Bank operation, dubbed "Iron Wall", was pressing on. The Israeli military said that it has "neutralised over 10 terrorists", while the Palestinian Ministry of Health said the operation has killed 10 people, and wounded 35 others. "The situation is very difficult," Jenin governor Kamal Abu al-Rub told AFP. "The occupation army has bulldozed all the roads leading to Jenin camp and to the Jenin government hospital... There is shooting and explosions," he added, referring to the Israeli military. Israeli forces have detained around 20 people from villages around Jenin since the operation began on Tuesday, he said. An AFP correspondent reported hearing gunfire and explosions from the northern city's refugee camp, a hotbed of militancy where Israeli forces have carried out repeated raids. Qatari news channel Al Jazeera reported that its journalist Mohammed Al-Atrash had been arrested at his home by Palestinian forces "to prevent him from covering the Israeli operation" in Jenin. The raid in Jenin aims to counter "hundreds of terrorist attacks, both in Judea and Samaria (the occupied West Bank) and the rest of Israel," military spokesman Nadav Shoshani said at a press briefing. He said that since the start of the Gaza war, Israel had seen "over 2,000 terror attack attempts" from the West Bank, adding that the army had "eliminated around 800 terrorists". The Palestinian Authority's foreign ministry accused Israel of "collective punishment" and said the raid was part of an Israeli plan aimed at "gradually annexing the occupied West Bank". United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for "maximum restraint" from Israeli security forces and expressed deep concern. Violence has surged throughout the occupied West Bank since the Gaza war erupted on October 7, 2023, after Hamas's unprecedented attack on southern Israel. According to the Palestinian health ministry, Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 848 Palestinians in the West Bank since the war began. During the same period, at least 29 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or Israeli military operations in the territory, according to Israeli official figures. Prime Minister Netanyahu said the raid aimed to "eradicate terrorism" in Jenin. He linked the operation to a broader strategy of countering Iran "wherever it sends its arms -- in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen" and the West Bank. The Israeli government has accused Iran, which supports armed groups across the Middle East, including Hamas in Gaza, of attempting to funnel weapons and funds to militants in the West Bank. During a separate call on Wednesday Secretary of State Rubio spoke about Iran with Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In addition to Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, the pair discussed "the threats posed by Iran and its proxies", according to a statement. Biden's administration had pushed for a deal in which Saudi Arabia would recognise Israel in exchange for a defence pact with the United States and help on a civilian nuclear programme. That deal was put on ice after Hamas attacked Israel, triggering war in the Gaza Strip. There is a buzzword at the annual meeting of the world's elites in the Swiss luxury resort of Davos: tariffs, although artificial intelligence has been another big theme. For the World Trade Organization chief, it's time cooler heads prevailed as she warned against tit-for-tat tariffs. That might be easier said than done for the countries that could be in line for US tariffs after US President Donald Trump indicated he could deliver on his many threats. Here is what happened so far at the forum on Thursday: WTO head Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala appeared to have reached a point of exasperation amid the panic of what might happen if the United States unleashes painful duties. "Please let's not hyperventilate. I know we are here to discuss tariffs. I've been saying to everybody: could we chill, also. I just sense a lot of hyperventilation," she told a panel called "debating tariffs". "Even if a tariff is levied, please keep calm, don't wake up and without the necessary groundwork levy your own," she said. Her remarks come after expectations that if Trump slaps higher levies, countries will respond with tit-for-tat actions of their own. One of this year's stars at Davos has been Argentina's libertarian President Javier Milei, who delivered another bombastic speech after his first at last year's WEF. This time, Milei defended tech billionaire Elon Musk after he caused a stir this week by making hand gestures at an inauguration event for US President Donald Trump. Milei said his "dear friend Musk" has been "unfairly vilified by wokeism in recent hours for an innocent gesture that only means... his gratitude to the people". There may be a lot of hype about AI and what more it can do for businesses and people but Pope Francis had a warning: be vigilant, especially over the lies it tells. The pope is familar with AI and its risks of deepfakes. In 2023, an AI-generated image of Pope Francis in a puffer jacket went viral. "The results that AI can produce are almost indistinguishable from those of human beings, raising questions about its effect on the growing crisis of truth in the public forum," he said in a written address to the WEF. But AI enthusiasts were abound in Davos, including Anthropic chief Dario Amodei, who expects artificial intelligence systems to perform tasks better than humans soon. "It is my guess that by 2026 or 2027, we will have AI systems that are broadly better than almost all humans at almost all things," Amodei said. After opening new hostels in Brighton (August 2024), Antwerp (October 2024), and Brussels (December 2024), a&o Hostels, Europe's largest hostel chain, is expanding further with the acquisition of a&o Heidelberg. This marks its 43rd property in Europe and 26th in Germany. The company operates 42 properties across ten countries, with 19 owned directly by a&o. The a&o Heidelberg will be a new five-storey building, with 118 rooms and 320 beds. Scheduled for opening at the end of 2026, construction work will be starting in spring 2025. The associated property at Speyerer Strasse 5 was acquired from BHB Heidelberg GmbH, a subsidiary of Heureka Real Estate GmbH, as part of a forward sale. Together with its owners, Proprium Capital Partners and StepStone Group, a&o has over 500 million euros available to invest in the expansion, conversion and modernization of existing and new properties. Oliver Winter, CEO and Founder of a&o Hostels, said: "Last year, we set out some of our goals for a carefully accelerated growth strategy across 2024 and beyond, and with four new great locations acquired in just six months, we are well positioned to deliver on these." Philipp Westermann, Partner at Proprium Capital Partners, said: "We remain very confident in the huge opportunities for continuing long-term growth at a&o Hostels across Europe, which we look forward to continuing to support. a&o Hostels has a best-in-class business and brand, with enormous further potential that a&o are well on track to delivering on." "Germany remains a very exciting market" With a population of 162,000, the city on the Neckar is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and attracts approximately 14 million visitors every year. "Heidelberg has been a dream location for a long time, so we are delighted with this acquisition", said Winter. Robert Waidhaas, Managing Partner of Heureka Real Estate, adds: "We are delighted to realize this ambitious project together with an experienced partner like a&o and to contribute to the revitalization of Heidelberg's Weststadt." Expansion across key cities in Europe a&o has a strong and growing pipeline of attractive hostel investment opportunities across Europe and the UK. In February this year, a&o Firenze Campo di Marte (Florence) will be the second hostel to open in Italy with 121 rooms in a former municipal administration building, In line with its sustainability drive, a&o predominantly seeks existing buildings to convert into hostels such as former office and commercial properties. In addition to ownership, renting also remains an attractive option emphasises Winter: "With the support of our owners, we now have the firepower to accelerate our expansion in key locations across gateway cities in Europe. We are really well positioned to take advantage of the significant opportunities we see in this hugely attractive and dynamic market environment and to take our budget hostel product to a new level." Hotel website The company reinforces its commitment as one of the nine Spanish companies certified as a Top Employer Enterprise Melia has also solidified its position as a leading employer by earning its first regional certifications for Europe and North America The group is currently certified in 10 countries, representing more than 95% of its global workforce: Spain, France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and the USA Melia Hotels International continues to strengthen its position as a leading employer brand, reaffirming its status as a Top Employer company. Thanks to its strong commitment to human resources and the demonstration of best practices in talent management, the hotel group has earned the Top Employer Enterprise certification for the first time, becoming one of only nine Spanish companies to achieve this recognition. This prestigious certification underscores the alignment of the company's human resources practices across its key markets. Melia is now certified in 10 countries, covering more than 95% of its total workforce. In addition to its previous certifications as a Top Employer 2024, the hotel group has added three new countries: the United Kingdom, Brazil, and the United States. Furthermore, the company has not only expanded its certifications by country, but has also achieved its first regional recognitions, establishing itself as one of the best employer brands across both Europe and North America. This achievement marks a new milestone for the company. In its re-evaluation as a Top Employer, Melia has excelled in several key areas: Business Strategy, demonstrating a clear and effective alignment with business objectives; Employee Listening, earning high marks for actively listening to its workforce; Employer Branding, showcasing a strong positioning strategy; and Talent Attraction, underlining the company's commitment to employability. The comprehensive evaluation is conducted as part of the Top Employers Institute programme, which certifies leading international employers through an in-depth analysis of various Human Resources management criteria. In addition to the previously mentioned aspects, the evaluation also considers areas such as Training, Employee Engagement, Ethics & Integrity, Company Values, and Change Management. Being recognised as a Top Employer Enterprisean independent and highly rigorous certificationalong with expanding our certifications across countries and regions, is a source of immense pride for the company, particularly in an increasingly competitive talent market. This recognition as a top employer brand by Top Employers gives us a distinct competitive edge and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to our teams and workplace excellence, which is crucial in the hospitality sector. Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, Chairman and CEO of Melia Hotels International About Melia Hotels International Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Melia Hotels International has more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening, in more than 40 countries, and a portfolio of ten brands: Gran Melia Hotels & Resorts, ME by Melia, The Melia Collection, Paradisus by Melia, Melia Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Melia, Falcon's Resorts by Melia, Sol by Melia, and Affiliated by Melia. The Company is one of the world's leading hotel chains in the leisure segment and its experience in this area has allowed it to consolidate itself in the growing market of urban hotels inspired by leisure. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led it to be recognised as the world's most sustainable hotel in 2022 according to S&P Global's Corporate Sustainability Assessment, as well as being a "Top Employer 2023" brand in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy and Germany. Melia Hotels International is also part of the IBEX 35. For more information, please visit www.meliahotelsinternational.com The hotel group will strengthen its portfolio in Palma with the addition of a new INNSiDE by Melia hotel Melia expands its presence in the Indian Ocean with the signing of its first hotel in the Maldives In Asia, the company will reposition its iconic hotel in Bali, transforming it into a new Paradisus by Melia Melia Hotels International, Spain's leading hotel company, continues its commitment to quality tourism with an expansion and repositioning plan focused on the premium and luxury segments. The company, which expects to close 2024 with EBITDA surpassing 525M, consolidating its leadership, is accelerating its growth accompanied by a significant increase in RevPAR, and approaches 2025 as a year where tourism will play a central role, further strengthening the company's position. Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, Chairman and CEO of Melia Hotels International, reiterated the company's commitment to maximizing revenue through expansion, a luxury and repositioning strategy, and direct sales channels during the press conference held at Fitur. He highlighted that Melia's luxury brand hotels already account for 40% of the operating contribution, with a RevPAR growth of over 30% Already present in 13 of the 15 most visited countries in the world, the hotel company closed the year with 19 new hotel openings and expects to open at least 25 more in 2025. The company remains committed to both qualitative and sustainable growth, which will be key to its success this year. Currently, 64% of its portfolio consists of premium and luxury hotels, and 81% of its project pipeline is focused on these segments. Quality growth as the key to success In Spain, Melia begins the year with the signing of a new hotel in Palma, further strengthening its presence in the Mallorcan capital, which will be the the third INNSiDE by Melia property in the city. Additionally, the company expects to announce new expansion projects in the coming months to enhance its portfolio, alongside the upcoming openings of ME Malaga (2025), Melia Collection Ronda (2026), and Melia Collection Cadiz (2026). Mediterranean destinations continue to be a priority for the group, which has reaffirmed its leadership in Albania as the largest hotel company in the country, with 4 hotels open and 18 in the pipeline. Malta, with the opening of the ME Malta, and Greece, where the company will open the INNSiDE Elounda this year, will also be important destinations in the hotel company's expansion. In the rest of Europe, Melia is capitalising on its know-how in the bleisure segment with projects in Portugal and Italy. Melia also continues to focus on Caribbean destinations, with a strong commitment to the Dominican Republic and Mexico. In the case of the Dominican Republic, the company highlights the incorporation of new brands, such as the recent arrival of ZEL, as well as the development of new growth areas like Miches and Puerto Plata. In Mexico, following the latest opening of Melia Casa Maya, the company is accelerating its growth and plans to increase its presence from 7 to 13 hotels in two years, with a strong push for its luxury brand ME by Melia and the opening of ZEL Sayulita in 2026. Regarding destinations in the Americas, the hotel company has also emphasized its renewed growth commitment in LATAM. In 2024, it announced a strong expansion in Argentina with new openings in Buenos Aires and signings like the future Gran Melia Ushuaia. Melia is also focused on expanding its bleisure presence in Brazil, Peru, Costa Rica, and Colombia. The Middle East will be a new growth hub, where, due to the tourism boost in destinations like Saudi Arabia, the company has increased its resources to support the growth it expects to announce soon in the region. In Asia Pacific, Melia is consolidating its leadership in Vietnam with 22 hotels open and another 5 in the pipeline, while reaffirming its interest in growing in Thailand and Malaysia. Melia Hotels International is also strengthening its presence and accelerating its expansion into new destinations, with its arrival in the Maldives set for 2025. Following the scheduled opening of Melia Mahe in the Seychelles in 2026, the company is adding another project in the Indian Ocean, with the upcoming launch of a Melia Amilla Fushi in the exclusive setting of the Maldives. This property will later be upgraded to meet the luxury standards of The Melia Collection brand. The Repositioning Strategy: a key lever for strengthening hotel brands Melia Hotels International is committed to the repositioning and rebranding of its most important hotels as a central pillar for strengthening its brand strategy, differentiating products, improving profitability, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Over the past two years, the company has repositioned 40 hotels in its portfolio, with investments exceeding 400 million, both from its own funds and those of its partners. In Spain, notable examples include the reopening of the Casa de las Artes Melia Collection and Melia Ibiza hotels in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, 23 hotels have been repositioned with an investment of over 235 million. One of Melia's most anticipated repositionings for this year is the Paradisus Fuerteventura, bringing the luxury brand Destination Inclusive to another of the Canary Islands' paradisiacal locations. The brand will also make its debut in Indonesia following the repositioning of one of the company's most iconic hotels, the historic Melia Bali, which marked the beginning of the company's international expansion; at the end of the year, it will be relaunched as Paradisus Bali. About Melia Hotels International Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Melia Hotels International has more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening, in more than 40 countries, and a portfolio of ten brands: Gran Melia Hotels & Resorts, ME by Melia, The Melia Collection, Paradisus by Melia, Melia Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Melia, Falcon's Resorts by Melia, Sol by Melia, and Affiliated by Melia. The Company is one of the world's leading hotel chains in the leisure segment and its experience in this area has allowed it to consolidate itself in the growing market of urban hotels inspired by leisure. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led it to be recognised as the world's most sustainable hotel in 2022 according to S&P Global's Corporate Sustainability Assessment, as well as being a "Top Employer 2023" brand in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy and Germany. Melia Hotels International is also part of the IBEX 35. For more information, please visit www.meliahotelsinternational.com Questexs International Hospitality Investment Forum EMEA (IHIF EMEA) , the premier meeting place for hospitality investment in EMEA, today announces leaders from Marriott, Accor, IHG, Hyatt and Radisson will unite to shape the future of the hospitality industry. IHIF EMEAs 27th edition takes place 31 March - 2 April at the InterContinental and Pullman hotels in Berlin. Register here . 2025 will be a defining moment for dealmakers and operators alike, where navigating tightening financial markets, embracing technology-driven efficiencies, and unlocking sustainable investment returns will separate market leaders from the rest. This years forum is about resilience, innovation, and action providing the insights, partnerships, and capital connections attendees need to not just survive but thrive in a transformed global market. Attendees will gain inspiration from business leaders and learn how to turn ideas into actionable strategies in order to capitalise on the biggest opportunities and successfully navigate future business challenges across economic, social, and workforce environments. We are thrilled to welcome Booking.com as a Global Distribution Partner. Booking.com connects owners with consumers through its extensive international reach and leading insights. We understand the vital importance ofnetworking, knowledge sharing and collaboration to drive the industry forward and their pavilion will be the perfect place for the hospitality ecosystem to connect. Joe Stather, VP/Market Leader, Operational Real Estate, Questex IHIF EMEA serves the hospitality investment community by delivering unparalleled thought leadership through keynotes, general sessions, workshops and networking events that equips attendees with actionable strategies to drive growth and innovation. New speakers added to the programme include: Anthony Capuano, President and CEO, Marriott International will present the session Driving growth: A global CEOs perspective on market opportunities and the value of partnerships. will present the session Driving growth: A global CEOs perspective on market opportunities and the value of partnerships. Dex Hunter-Torricke, Emerging Technologies Expert and Former Communications Executive at SpaceX & Facebook , will deliver the megatrends keynote Visionary leadership for communications, technology, society in a dynamic era. , will deliver the megatrends keynote Visionary leadership for communications, technology, society in a dynamic era. Jon Sopel, renowned British journalist, political presenter, podcaster and author will present the session Strategies for a shifting world: Anticipating and managing geopolitical risk. Attendees will gain insights from over 200 leaders on global trends shaping the EMEA hospitality landscape. New speakers added to the programme include: Gilda Perez-Alvarado, Chief Strategy Officer, Accor Federico Gonzalez, President and CEO, Accor Samir Amichi, Head of Real Estate Acquisitions Europe, Blackstone Tugdual Millet, CEO, Covivio Hotels Mark Hoplamazian, CEO, Hyatt Hotels Elie Maalouf, CEO, IHG Hotels & Resorts View the conference programme here . IHIF EMEA brings senior leaders from across the hospitality ecosystem togetherIHIF EMEA brings together 2,500 industry professionals, including 600+ investors managing over $340 billion in assets under management. Representatives from leading investment firms, top hospitality brands and operators and advisory companies are confirmed to attend IHIF EMEA. The investor community will be attending including representation from AccorInvest, AXA Group, Blackstone, Bain Capital, Brookfield, Covivio, Invesco Real Estate and Schroders. lus, advisory companies including CBRE, Horwath HTL and JLL will take part in the event. Booking.com Bar & Networking Pavilion helps attendees connect with the right peopleIHIF EMEA is prioritising networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration. Booking.com is partnering with IHIF EMEA as a Global Distribution Partner to create the Booking.com Bar & Networking Pavilion, a dynamic space for both dedicated meetings and spontaneous networking opportunities. With a central bar and cafe located at the heart of the IHIF EMEA Pavilion, its a place where ideas flow, deals happen, and connections will be made. Young Leader Award Following the acquisition of Hotel Saint-Louis in Marseille in January 2024 and the Pilgrim in Paris in July 2024, Ginto Hotels is accelerating its growth with the purchase of Hotel Aria and Hotel Vendome, right in the heart of Nice! These acquisitions mark a major milestone for Ginto Hotels, as the opening of the NICE destination further solidifies its presence in the French hotel market and confirms its status as a leading industry player. By adding these new locations in southeastern France, Ginto Hotels reaffirms its ambition to offer unique, tailor-made experiences to its guests. The collection now comprises 294 rooms across eight properties, each boasting a distinct style but sharing a unified vision of hospitality: refined and elegant neighborhood properties that celebrate a singular art of living. These acquisitions are part of the groups strong growth momentum. This expansion goes hand in hand with a rapidly developing teamnow nearly 100 employees strong in 2025all dedicated to providing exceptional experiences in remarkable settings. Our vision and ambition stand firm with this dual acquisition in the very heart of Nice, Frances second-largest tourist destination! With eight hotels across five of Frances most spectacular cities, Ginto Hotels consolidates its position as a collection of sophisticated, elegant, city-center establishments. Brice de Puymorin, Emmanuelle Pochat, and Julien Kiefer, Co-founders of Ginto Source: Ginto Hotels Hotel ARIA is a 30-room boutique hotel set within a historic stone building dating back to 1890. Located at Place Mozart and facing a lush square, the hotel enjoys a prime setting near the sea, the train station, the tram, and Avenue Jean MedecinNices main shopping thoroughfare. Awarded the Green Key label in 2024, Hotel Aria will be a standout address in the collection. www.hotel-aria.fr is a 30-room boutique hotel set within a historic stone building dating back to 1890. Located at Place Mozart and facing a lush square, the hotel enjoys a prime setting near the sea, the train station, the tram, and Avenue Jean MedecinNices main shopping thoroughfare. Awarded the Green Key label in 2024, Hotel Aria will be a standout address in the collection. www.hotel-aria.fr Hotel VENDOME has 56 rooms and is just steps away from the beaches, the Promenade des Anglais, the Old Town, and the famous Cours Saleyaknown for its flower market, restaurants, and colorful facades. The hotel has retained its neoclassical architectural style, striking a perfect balance between the sublime and the picturesque. Closely associated with the Belle Epoque, the image of Nice and Hotel Vendome*** hark back to a time when aristocrats flocked to the region. This address is poised to shine once again. www.hotel-vendome-nice.com With these two new additions, Ginto Hotels confirms its commitment to redefining hospitality standards in France and establishing itself as an essential market reference. About Ginto Founded in 2016 by three hotel industry professionals driven to reinvent neighborhood hotels, Ginto Hotels today comprises eight properties that blend the charm of discreet, culturally rich locales in Paris, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Marseilleand now Nice. The Ginto formula? Each hotel is carefully chosen, offering its own unique personality yet united by a shared approach to hospitality. Think laid-back elegance without compromise: refined and familiar settings, high-end service, and a homemade, seasonal, locally sourced breakfast. As both owner and operator, Ginto Hotels is dedicated to transforming the hotel industry by making it more high-quality, welcoming, and respectfulboth of people and the environment. Human capital remains a central focus. By placing employee well-being at the heart of its operations, the group builds trust that enhances guest satisfaction, revenue, and overall profitability. Visit gintohotels.com. Emmanuelle Gillardo Emma Lab Ginto Hotels GHA DISCOVERY revenue up 16% to an all-time high of $2.7 billion Member engagement grows, as repeat stay revenue increased 15% to $1.6 billion Sought-after cross-brand stay revenue up 28% to exceed $370 million 3.2 million new members join GHA DISCOVERY pushing total to 30 million, up 18% D$ redemption almost doubles to D$20 million, with December setting new record Dubai, UAE - UAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the worlds largest alliance of independent hotel brands, proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024 by delivering its best-ever results. The milestone year saw record-breaking performance across all key metrics, further establishing GHAs position as a leader in the global hospitality landscape. Total revenue generated by the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme soared to $2.7 billion, a 16% increase from the previous $2.3 billion record set in 2023. Repeat stay revenue climbed 15% to $1.6 billion (up from $1.4 billion in 2023), highlighting the growing engagement of loyal members, while cross-brand stay revenue surged by nearly one-third, reaching $370 million (up from $289 million in 2023), driven by members staying in a different brand than where they enrolled. The year also saw remarkable growth in loyalty programme membership and engagement. Enrolments reached 3.2 million, up 18%, taking total GHA DISCOVERY membership past the 30 million threshold. DISCOVERY Dollar (D$) redemption nearly doubled to D$20 million, with the 2024 holiday season witnessing a record D$2.6 million redeemed in December alone, as members splurged on hotel stays and a range of experiences, from dining to spa days, and more. In 2024, GHA welcomed seven new hotel brands to its portfolio while existing brands continued to expand, collectively adding 68 new properties to the GHA DISCOVERY programme. New additions included Cheval Collection, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Lore Group, Unike Hotels, Sunway Hotels & Resorts, Andronis Hotels, and Paramount Hotels. These brands have broadened the horizons for GHA DISCOVERY members, offering more choice across a diverse range of destinations such as the UK, Norway, the Netherlands, the US, Greece, Sri Lanka, The Maldives, Malaysia, and the UAE. Further enhancing its appeal for global travellers in 2024, GHA entered a partnership with the leading curator of exceptional vacation rentals, Plum Guide, granting members access to a vetted portfolio of over 40,000 high-end vacation homes worldwide. The exclusive partnership with worlds leading ultra-luxury cruise line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, entered a new exciting phase in 2024, one year after their successful collaboration began, with the announcement of a range of three-day land programmes at iconic GHA properties in six different cities across Europe in 2025. As we celebrated our 20th anniversary in 2024, we reached a record $2.7 billion in total revenue, grew cross-brand revenue by 28% and welcomed seven new independent brands; these achievements reflect how far weve come in two decades, and in particular the exceptional value we generate to our hotel brands. Chris Hartley, CEO of GHA Global travel accelerates again International travel dominated GHA revenue in 2024, rising to 67% of the total, up from 60% in 2023. This surge highlights the accelerating pace of global travel, fuelled by key feeder markets such as the US, where 73% of member spend was on international stays. Destination-wise, Thailand had 93% of its revenue from international stays (up from 90%), Portugal at 87% (slightly down from 88%), and the Netherlands at 85% (up from 83%). Hong Kong, SAR and China recovered strongly, leaping into fifth position at 82%, overtaking the UAE, which secured sixth place with 76%. US and UK travellers remain the top spenders The US and UK once again claimed the top spots as the most important feeder markets, with GHA DISCOVERY members based in these countries generating a combined $367 million in international stay revenue up sharply from $316 million in 2023. Germany retained third place with $83 million (up from $67 million), followed by Australia at $72 million (up from $56 million) and China at $66 million (up from $45 million). Destination demand trends Thailand retained its crown as the most popular destination in terms of international stay room revenue, driven by members based in the UK and US (each generating $11.8 million) and China ($10.6 million), while the UAE kept its second-place position, favoured by members from the UK ($22.4 million), Russia ($13.7 million) and Germany ($10 million). Singapore came in third, with travellers in China ($16.5 million) and Australia ($13.5 million) flocking to the destination, and Italy was the fourth most popular location, thanks to members based in the US ($28.4 million) and Germany ($4.7 million). Direct booking channels dominate GHAs direct web and app booking platforms powered forward in 2024, with room revenue soaring 37% year-on-year, room nights up 35%, and bookings climbing 42%. Engaged members preference for GHA channels was clear, with average spend per booking 88% higher than other channels, up from 65% in 2023. This surge in direct bookings highlights the increasing trust and value members place in the loyalty relationship, and drives down the cost of sale for hotels. As GHA enters its third decade, the alliance is poised for continued growth, driven by its commitment to innovation, expanding its global reach, and enriching the GHA DISCOVERY programme to meet the evolving needs of its members. GHAs 20th anniversary year was its best yet. Weve achieved exceptional growth across all performance indicators, setting a strong foundation for sustained success in 2025 and beyond. Chris Hartley, CEO of GHA For more information visit Global Hotel Alliance and GHA DISCOVERY. GHA DISCOVERY is complimentary to join, and travellers can sign up online or download the GHA DISCOVERY app and register on their mobile phones. Travellers can also connect with GHA DISCOVERY on Instagram and Facebook. About GHA and GHA DISCOVERY Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands with 45 brands and 850 hotels in 100 countries. Its award-winning loyalty programmeGHA DISCOVERYprovides 30 million members recognition, D$ rewards and exclusive experiences across its hotels and partners, both with and without a stay. GHA DISCOVERY generated US$2.7 billion in revenue and 11 million room nights in 2024. Through membership in GHA, brands expand their global reach, drive incremental revenue and reduce dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining management independence and individual positioning. For more information, visit globalhotelalliance.com or ghadiscovery.com. Andrea Krenn Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) Session 1: Monday, February 3rd, 2025 Session 2: Monday, February 10th, 2025 Session 3: Monday, February 17th, 2025 This a program for property leaders so please share with them. Your team can attend from anywhere Whether you are in Troms in the North of Norway or in Athens close to the Acropolis in Greece - no matter where youre located in Europe you can join us for this program! ECC is the perfect program to empower your team to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Dont miss this chance to help your teams thrive. This program is developed by Mia Touzin and owned by HSMAI Region Europe. The sessions will be led by Gil Mulders, Founder of The Talent Network. He works with a range of clients with their development and delivery of learning interventions that focus on customer centric leadership, brand development and customer experience. Before joining InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) at the corporate level, Gil gained extensive experience on a property level, holding key roles in renowned hotel brands such as Hilton and Crowne Plaza. Gil also served as Chair of the HSMAI Europe People & Culture Advisory Board, and later as a member of the advisory board, contributing his expertise to advancing leadership and culture within the hospitality industry. Learn more about the ECC and Sign Up here Best regards, HSMAI Europe Team View source In a world where technological advancements seem to evolve at lightning speed, the hospitality industry is experiencing a transformative renaissance. At the heart of this transformation lies the synergy between artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative education, paving the way for the next generation of hospitality excellence. This renaissance is not merely about automation but about empowering individuals, fostering creativity, and generating new revenue streams by integrating AI into every layer of the hospitality ecosystem. The Dawn of AI-Driven Hospitality Education Traditionally, hospitality education has relied on fixed curriculums, repetitive training sessions, and hierarchical knowledge-sharing methods. However, the emergence of AI has revolutionized the way hoteliers learn, adapt, and grow. Collaborating with platforms like Inhotel.io, hoteliers now have access to dynamic, flexible, and personalized educational experiences tailored to their unique needs. Through AI-powered platforms, managers and employees can: Access Real-Time Insights: AI analyzes operational data and market trends to deliver actionable insights that help hotels make smarter decisions. Learn On-Demand: Whether its optimizing revenue management or improving guest satisfaction, AI enables on-demand micro-learning tailored to specific roles. Collaborate with Experts: Platforms like Inhotel.io provide access to industry experts who share the best practices, ensuring that the learning curve is steep and effective. By leveraging AI in education, hotels can upskill their workforce with minimal downtime, creating a culture of continuous improvement. AI Champions: The Catalysts of Change One key component of this renaissance is the role of the AI Champion within a hotel. These forward-thinking individuals bridge the gap between technology and human expertise, ensuring AI tools are utilized to their fullest potential. How an AI Champion Benefits a Hotel Enhancing Guest Experiences: AI Champions can personalize guest interactions by using AI to analyze preferences, tailor recommendations, and anticipate needs before guests even voice them. Streamlining Operations: They act as a liaison between AI systems and staff, ensuring seamless integration of tools that automate repetitive tasks like check-ins, room assignments, and energy management. Fostering Innovation: AI Champions encourages employees to think creatively, using AI insights to develop unique offerings that elevate the hotels brand. Illustration: An AI Champion's Impact Imagine an "AI Champion" embedded within a hotel. This AI-powered assistant collaborates with managers to identify training gaps, recommend courses, and track progress. For instance, if a front desk employee needs to improve upselling techniques, the AI Champion might suggest interactive modules or simulations that teach best practices in real time. This seamless integration of AI in education not only boosts employee performance but also enhances guest satisfaction. Next-Generation Employees: Content Creators in Disguise In the age of AI, hospitality employees are no longer just service providers; they are storytellers, innovators, and creators. Through the lens of AI, employees can become unique content creators, crafting memorable experiences that resonate deeply with guests. How to Foster and Reward Creativity Provide AI-Enhanced Tools: Equip employees with tools to create engaging content, such as personalized social media posts, guest experience videos, or community-focused campaigns. Celebrate Contributions: Recognize and reward employees who innovate through bonuses, public acknowledgment, or even guest engagement competitions. Encourage Collaboration: Encourage cross-departmental brainstorming sessions where employees can share ideas on using AI to improve guest satisfaction and operations. Example: Rewarding Creativity Hotels can encourage employees to create short videos or blog posts highlighting local attractions, unique hotel features, or behind-the-scenes moments. These stories can be shared on social media, creating a sense of authenticity that resonates with modern travelers. Rewards for top-performing content could include bonuses, additional paid time off, or public recognition. This shift not only empowers employees but also positions the hotel as a thought leader in the hospitality industry, attracting both talent and guests. Collaboration with the Local Community The future of hospitality isnt confined within the walls of a hotel; it extends into the local community. By working with local businesses and artisans, hotels can use AI to uncover synergies that benefit all stakeholders. Creating New Revenue Streams AI-Powered Partnerships: Use AI to identify local vendors or experiences that align with guest preferences. Promote these collaborations through digital marketing and in-room content. Host Community Events: Leverage AI to analyze community interests and host events that appeal to both locals and guests, such as food festivals, art exhibits, or live music performances. Support Local Sustainability: Partner with local farms or eco-friendly businesses to provide guests with authentic, sustainable experiences. For example, your hotel can partner with local yoga instructors and eco-tour companies to offer holistic wellness retreats. With AI tools analyzing guest feedback, these retreats evolved into a cornerstone of the resorts brand, attracting eco-conscious travelers worldwide. Humans and AI: A Perfect Symbiosis The renaissance of hospitality is not about replacing humans with machines but about fostering a symbiotic relationship where both thrive. AIs ability to process vast amounts of data in real time empowers hotel staff to focus on what they do best: providing heartfelt service. Three Key Takeaways for Hospitality Leaders Invest in Education: Platforms like Inhotel.io are game changers, enabling dynamic and personalized learning experiences. Empower Employees: By nurturing AI Champions and encouraging creativity, hotels can unlock the full potential of their workforce. Collaborate for Growth: Partnering with local communities and leveraging AI insights can open doors to new revenue streams and unique guest experiences. A Final Word: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities The hospitality industry is at a crossroads, where embracing innovation isnt optional, its essential. By leveraging AI and industry collaborations, hoteliers can not only navigate the challenges of today but also craft a brighter, more dynamic future. As I collaborate with Inhotel.io, Im thrilled to bring you unique knowledge and insights that can transform your approach to hospitality. Lets shape the future together. Contact me today to learn how AI can become your hotels ultimate ally in this exciting journey. Ready to Transform Your Hotel? Discover how AI and innovative education can redefine hospitality. Lets start the conversation! Contact me today to discuss how we can leverage AI to revolutionize your hotel and create a truly unique and unforgettable guest experience. This collaboration will allow us to: Assess your specific needs and goals: Well work together to identify the key areas where AI can make the biggest impact on your business. Well work together to identify the key areas where AI can make the biggest impact on your business. Develop customized AI agent personas: Well craft AI agents that embody your brand and resonate with your target audience. Well craft AI agents that embody your brand and resonate with your target audience. Implement and integrate AI solutions: Well seamlessly integrate AI into your existing systems and workflows, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption. Well seamlessly integrate AI into your existing systems and workflows, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption. Provide ongoing support and optimization: Well continuously monitor and refine your AI agents to ensure theyre delivering exceptional results. By partnering together, we can create a truly exceptional hospitality culture where AI and humans thrive together and provide a thrilling experience for everyone involved. Let's shape the future of hospitality together. View source Nicki Graham takes the CMO title and Ricky Castoldi promoted to CSO as part of C-Suite revamp Cendyn, a global integrated hotel technology and services company, has announced two new additions to its C-Suite team. Taking over the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) role, Nicki Graham moves up from Senior Vice President Global Marketing to lead the global marketing team and positioning of Cendyn as it further consolidates its product portfolio. Nicki will continue to head the Marketing, Communications, and Business Development teams globally with a focus on driving continued growth and brand awareness for the brand. Ricky Castoldi joins the C-Suite executive as Chief Sales Officer (CSO) following five years at the company as Senior Vice President Sales Americas. Ricky will play a pivotal role in leading the global sales team to drive continued growth at Cendyn. Nicki Graham is a seasoned marketing leader with nearly two decades of experience across the public relations and marketing fields. Prior to joining Cendyn in 2017, she ran international PR campaigns for clients across the globe within agencies at IPG and WPP. In the past eight years, Nicki has been instrumental to the global market development of Cendyn, leading a team of marketing professionals responsible for consolidating Cendyns growing portfolio of products and services, generating demand, increasing brand awareness, and supporting business development. Ricky Castoldi has worked in travel and hospitality technology for over 25 years delivering commercial strategies for leading industry technology companies, including Duetto, eRevMax, and Lanyon. Ricky joined Cendyn in 2020, bringing his career full circle having previously worked in Sales at Pegasus, a company acquired by Cendyn in 2021. Ricky and Nicki are great additions to our C-Suite team as we transition to our next phase of growth and global development. Their extensive experience with Cendyn and the hospitality technology industry, combined with their proven leadership track record, will play a vital role in propelling our company forward, said Jack Blaha, CEO. Now, with a more diverse leadership team, Cendyn is in a position to further innovate and expand, helping hoteliers grow through world-class technology. Its an honor to be invited to join the C-Suite team and be one of the now four women at the helm of a growing global technology company. Following the acquisitions and repositioning in the market, we have an exciting opportunity to make a real difference for hoteliers worldwide, said Nicki Graham, CMO. Cendyns integrated set of solutions offers huge value to our customers in driving revenue, maximizing profitability, and creating deeper connections with guests. Ive seen the commercial success enjoyed by hotels as they advance their digital guest interactions and drive more revenue for their business. Im looking forward to further contributing to a company with such a strong reputation for innovation and excellence in the hospitality software and services industry, said Ricky Castoldi, CSO. For requests and further information contact: Ryan Haynes ryan@haynesmarcoms.agency, +44 (0)7919 510051 Michelle Brown Michelle@haynesmarcoms.agency, +44 (0)7779 993976 About Cendyn Cendyn is a global hospitality cloud-based technology company that enables hotels to drive revenue, maximize profitability, and create deeper connections with guests through its integrated solutions. Serving hoteliers for nearly 30 years, Cendyn drives commercial success for hotels through its Find, Book, Grow promise: find the right guests; drive them to book direct, and grow loyalty and revenue across the spectrum of digital guest interactions. Cendyn has over 32,000 customers worldwide in more than 150 countries including brands such as Outrigger Hospitality, Hyatt, IHG, Aman Resorts & Hotels, Relais & Chateaux, Highgate, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Coraltree Hospitality, and Onyx Hospitality Group generating more than $20 billion in annual hotel revenue. The company supports its growing customer base from locations across the globe, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangkok, and India. Apple and Google ban TikTok app despite Trump Executive Order Apple and Google ban TikTok app despite Trumps executive order giving a 75 day reprieve, and creators are starting to get worried. Apple and Google ban TikTok app despite Trump Executive Order Apple and Google are continuing to ban TikTok from their app stores, days after President Trump signed a 75 day reprieve. Without the ability to download updates, the app risks becoming unusable overtime. Neither company has commented on the ongoing app store ban. Many legal analysts question Trumps ability to override a TikTok ban passed by both houses of Congress and signed into law by President Biden. Fans and creators who may have deleted the app in haste are bidding up thousands of used phones with TikTok installed. Some are fetching thousands of dollars. Will Creators Get Paid? Meanwhile creators are increasingly concerned about how all of this will affect their income and if they will have problems getting paid. Some are already reporting overdue payments. Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, a Berklee College Of Music professor and the founfer of the Skyline Artists Agency Share on: Music bills reintroduced to protect fans, help creators Three music bills reintroduced by U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) this week had gained bipartisan support near the end of the last legislative session before being pulled from the final Federal funding bill. Music bills reintroduced to protect fans, help creators The American Music Tourism Act, Mitigating Automated Internet Networks for (MAIN) Event Ticketing Act, and Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act will collectively promote music tourism, help protect fans, venues and artists from online scammers, and provide tax deductions that support independent music creators. These bipartisan bills are endorsed by prominent music industry trade groups. American Music Tourism Act The American Music Tourism Act would leverage the existing framework within the Department of Commerce to highlight and promote music tourism in the United States. This legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). It was introduced in the House by Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) and Nanette Barragan (D-Calif.) and is endorsed by the Recording Academy, RIAA, NMPA and others. MAIN Event Ticketing Act The MAIN Event Ticketing Act would build upon the 1993 BOTS Act by: creating reporting requirements whereby online ticket sellers and resellers have to report successful bot attacks to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) creating a complaint database so consumers can also share their experiences with the FTC, which in turn is required to share the information with state attorneys general; enacting data security requirements for online ticket sellers sharing of information between the FTC and law enforcement; and requiring a report to Congress on BOTS enforcement. This legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) and endorsed by the Recording Academy, RIAA, Live Nation, National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), and others HITS Act The federal tax code currently allows film, television, and theater productions to fully deduct production expenses in the year they are incurred. However, music production expenses do not qualify for the same treatment under current law. The HITS Act would help level the playing field for many small, independent creators and labels. This legislation would allow independent music creators including musicians, technicians, songwriters, and producers to deduct 100% of recording production expenses in the year they are incurred, rather than in later years. This legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and endorsed by the Recording Academy, American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), RIAA, NIVA, BMI, NMPA and others. Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, a Berklee College Of Music professor and the founder of the Skyline Artists Agency Share on: The Pittsfield Board of Health is debating about joining an initiative that would prohibit sales to tobacco and nicotine products, like the vapes above, to anyone born after a certain date. Pittsfield Health Board Considering Nicotine Free Generation PITTSFIELD, Mass. Thirteen Massachusetts communities have joined the "Nicotine-Free Generation." Could Pittsfield do the same? This was the question during the Board of Health meeting earlier this month. The board will discuss a possible path forward that includes community input at its next meeting. "Clearly, I think, as a board, there's a sentiment that this is attractive as a public health service," Dr. Jeffrey Leppo said, followed by agreement from other members. Maureen Buzby, tobacco inspection coordinator in Melrose, presented information about the Nicotine-Free Generation movement. The policy adopted by the municipalities prohibits the sale of tobacco or e-cigarette products to individuals born on or after Jan. 1, 2000 or 2004. A bill filed in the Legislature would prohibit tobacco sales of all but FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy for anyone born in 2006. Those individuals are now 19, two years under the legal age for purchases. If the bill goes through, they will not be able to buy nicotine products in their lifetime. The bill does not penalize possession, or current adult users, as its goal is to target the tobacco industry. "We know that tobacco use is still the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Every year, almost half a million Americans die prematurely of smoking-related disease, and billions of dollars are spent on smoking-related illness," Buzby said. "Over the past several decades, local boards of health have led the way in adopting regulations that improve the health of their residents. No one knows that more than you folks." She pointed out that local boards made a campaign for a smoke-free workplace law two decades ago against extreme pushback until there was a critical mass and it became the law. In 2023, the board updated Pittsfield's tobacco ordinance to clarify the definition for blunt wraps, raise the minimum price requirement for cigars, and adopt state guidance on fines for violations. The ordinance had last been amended in 2019 before Gov. Charlie Baker signed an Act Modernizing Tobacco Control, which imposed new restrictions on the sale of nicotine vaping, flavored vaping, and tobacco products. Buzby said that while local policies, which she is proud to have worked on, moved the needle a bit, people still smoke. "They're still affected by secondhand smoke, vaping in our schools remains a serious issue, and the tobacco industry continues to develop and market new, appealing, cheap, discrete, and high nicotine content products like nicotine pouches with 14, 15, or 18 milligrams of nicotine in each pouch," she added. "Compare that to a pack of cigarettes with 24 milligrams in the entire pack, or the vape pen that looks just like a highlighter, or the vape device with an LED screen that tells you how many puffs you have left to trigger you to buy another one or the newest vape with built-in video games Yes, play Mario Brothers while you vape." She explained that no one who is already 21 would lose their privilege to buy tobacco products, as this policy only affects those who cannot currently legally purchase the products. "It's a slow rollout that allows retailers to adjust to slightly lower tobacco sales over an extended period of time, unlike the flavor ban that removed all flavored products from retailer shelves on day one," Buzby said. Williamstown Fire Personnel Committee to Interview Six Applicants for Chief Position WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Twenty-four applicants from as far away as California applied to be the town's next fire chief, the Prudential Committee learned on Wednesday. By the end of next month, one of those applicants could be named the replacement for retiring Chief Craig Pedercini. At Wednesday's meeting of the committee, which oversees the fire district, member Joe Beverly, who also serves on the district's Personnel Committee, reported that the latter body had reviewed two dozen applicants who sought to lead the call-volunteer department. On Thursday, Beverly said, the Personnel Committee will interview six applicants from that pool. The hiring screening committee hopes to be able to present two or three finalists to the Prudential Committee to interview at its Feb. 26 meeting, Beverly said. "We were all very satisfied with the number [of applicants]," he said. "We all had a chance to review them ourselves and pick out the top six or seven. We met last week and narrowed down the list. We're doing six interviews tomorrow, and then we'll whittle down to a second round [of interviews]." The final interviews by the Prudential Committee, the hiring authority for the department's chief, likely will be conducted without one of the elected members of the body. On Wednesday, Lindsay Neathawk reported to her colleagues that her research into relevant Massachusetts General Law led to the conclusion that Prudential Committee members who also serve in the Fire Department cannot participate in the hiring process for a chief who would, in effect, be that firefighter's superior. "He would be signing off on who his boss is, essentially," Neathawk said. "There's a conflict of interest in him being a paid call firefighter within the district." Currently, one member of the five-person Prudential Committee, Alex Steele, is a firefighter in the district. Steele, who joined the meeting after the initial conversation on the conflict-of-interest issue, questioned the need for him to withdraw entirely from the process. "My understanding right now is that in financial matters I have a direct interest in, such as the pay of firefighters, I have to abstain," Steele said. "While I may have to abstain from a vote on a candidate, I don't think I have to recuse myself from the discussion." Beverly countered, noting that he was the one who asked for clarification on having a district employee involved in the hiring process. "In one role, you're [the chief's] subordinate," Beverly said. "In your other role, he's the subordinate of the Prudential Committee. It's an area where it didn't seem ethical to be doing it. As a member, you may have a biased opinion about any candidates. You can't have a totally objective eye when you already know some of the people who may be on that list." The candidate pool is not known to the public unless or until it has been narrowed down to a set of finalists for the full Prudential Committee to consider. On Wednesday, Beverly at one point implied that there may be an internal candidate on the list. Steele, after getting more clarification on the Personnel Committee's process, did not return on Tuesday to the question of whether he could participate in the hiring process when it comes to the full Prudential Committee. In other business on Wednesday, the committee heard that the new station building process hit a rare snag, but it is not expected to throw off the timeline, which currently calls for the Main Street station to be occupied in late 2025 or early 2026. "My run of good news every month has hit a speed bump," district building consultant Bruce Decoteau told the committee. "As you've probably noticed, there's been a slowdown in steel erection. We had an issue with anchor bolts. "Steel will start being delivered tomorrow. A crane should be on site early next week with erection starting then. We're a week or 10 days behind where I thought it would be at the last meeting." That said, Decoteau said he had talked to the project superintendent, who is confident that the lost time can be recovered. "They don't feel it's going to impact the date of substantial completion," Decoteau said. Less optimistic was Pedercini's report on Engine 2, which the committee discussed at its November 2024 meeting "The steel subframe needs to be totally replaced," Pedercini said. He said the cost for redoing the corrosion-damaged subframe and axle housing likely would be around $56,000. Technicians at Alliance Used Truck Center in Hartford, Conn., also still have to evaluate the engine's truck, and the replacement cost for that "on the high side" is about another $25,000, Pedercini said. "It's a lot in one respect, but if we start looking at replacing that truck, we're talking $1 million, so it's not as heavy a hit for us [to refurbish it]," Pedercini said. "It would be around $80,000, and that doesn't include paint or anything like that." Pedercini said that flaking paint has been an issue on Engine 2 since it was acquired by the district in 2006. But he said addressing it would just be cosmetic as the apparatus has an aluminum body that won't rust. He said that a few years ago, the district had an estimate of around $40,000 for a new paint job on its Engine 1, and Pedercini recommended that flaking or peeling paint is not a priority. "It's nice to have a truck that looks nice, but it's not a parade piece," he said. "I'd rather have a working fire truck that's safe to drive than to have something that looks fantastic to drive down the road." District Treasurer Billie Jo Sawyer asked the committee how it would want to pay for the extraordinary, unbudgeted expense of as much as $80,000. She said that the district does have some money in its reserve fund and money budgeted for operations and maintenance that has not been spent in fiscal year 2025 but indicated the combination might not be enough. Prudential Committee Chair David Moresi asked Sawyer to look into using some of the interest that has accrued on a certificate of deposit in the district's stabilization fund as a potential funding source. Also in Pedercini's report to the committee, he noted that both last month and last year were particularly busy ones for the department. The WFD had 34 fire calls in December and 381 calls in calendar year 2024. That second number was up from 241 calls in 2023 and 227 the year before. "We've done our fair share of medical calls, but that might be a fifth of [the increase] or something," Pedercini said. "A lot of extra activated alarms. We had some strange calls this year for things." Finally on Wednesday, the Prudential Committee finalized the date and time for the district's annual election and meeting. Two seats on the committee, those held by Beverly and Steele, will be on the ballot. The election will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, at Williamstown Elementary School with the annual district meeting to follow at the school at 7:30. Giant panda cubs send Spring Festival greetings from SW China's Sichuan People's Daily Online) 17:15, January 24, 2025 Twenty-five giant panda cubs were gathered at two breeding bases in southwest China's Sichuan Province for a Chinese New Year greeting on Jan. 23, 2025. All the cubs were born in 2024 -- 13 at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) and 12 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The giant panda cubs showed off their various personalities, with some being lively while others a bit shy. At the Shenshuping giant panda base of the CCRCGP, the 13 giant panda cubs were playfully exploring a venue decked out with toys shaped like delicious treats such as bingtang hulu (sugar-coated haws), tangyuan (glutinous rice dumplings) and sugar paintings, as well as festive decorations like paper-cutting works and lanterns. Meanwhile, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the 12 giant panda cubs immersed themselves in a lively setting infused with elements of intangible cultural heritage such as paper-cutting works and folding fans, along with traditional symbols like lanterns. A giant panda cub plays with a toy shaped like bingtang hulu (sugar-coated haws) during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda) A giant panda cub plays with toys shaped like bingtang hulu (sugar-coated haws) during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda) A giant panda cub is pictured during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda) A giant panda cub is pictured during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda) A giant panda cub plays with toys shaped like sugar paintings during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda) Giant panda cubs play with toys shaped like tangyuan (glutinous rice dumplings) during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda) A breeder holds a giant panda cub during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda) Breeders hold giant panda cubs during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda) Breeders hold giant panda cubs during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda) A giant panda cub is pictured during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda) A giant panda cub is pictured during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Du Mingming) The Philippines makes an indelible mark on the global fintech scene, as the countrys leading finance super app GCash has been featured in two prestigious lists from global business magazine Fortune in 2024. The homegrown fintech leader was recently included in the inaugural Fintech Innovators Asia 2024 while its president and CEO Martha Sazon was cited in Fortune's 100 Most Powerful Women Asia 2024. GCash, led by its president and CEO Martha Sazon, continues to empower millions of Filipinos and make significant waves in the global fintech industry, earning a spot on Fortune's prestigious list of 100 Most Powerful Women Asia 2024 The recognition highlights the success of GCash in addressing the financial needs of millions of Filipinos through groundbreaking digital tools. Moreover, these citations further elevate the Philippines collective win toward building an inclusive digital economy for all Filipinos. It feels great that the efforts of the employees of GCash and the innovation that weve done towards our vision of Finance for All Filipinos are being recognized, said GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon. These milestones would not have been possible without our partners and the Philippine governments support in our shared mission toward financial inclusion. Under Siazons leadership, GCash has introduced fintech innovations that have not only helped individual users but have also contributed to raising the countrys financial inclusion rate from 29% in 2019 to 65% in 2022a significant shift that reflects the integration of GCash into the lives of Filipinos. With over 90 million having tried using GCash, the app has redefined access to essential financial services such as savings, investments, loans, and insurance. At the same time, Sazons leadership has been instrumental in GCashs journey to becoming the Philippines first and only $5 billion unicorn. Appointed as CEO during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sazon steered the company through an extraordinary period of growth, tripling its user base and introducing features that have become lifelines for millions. For one, the GSave feature has made it possible for one in four banked Filipinos to open savings accounts easily, while GFunds has allowed users to start investing with as little as PHP 50 (~$1). Meanwhile, through its lending arm, Fuse, GCash has disbursed over $2.7 billion in loans to 5.4 million borrowers, the majority of whom are women, individuals from lower-income brackets, and those living outside urban centers. Additionally, GInsure has expanded access to insurance by selling over 35.5 million policies, offering affordable protection for families and small businesses. As it continues to be a pioneer of inclusive and transformative digital finance in the country and beyond, GCash is redefining how Filipinos approach their financial journey while setting a benchmark for excellence in the industry in line with its pursuit of financial inclusion. 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 Cameron Diaz has shared the scene in Theres Something About Mary that was so funny it convinced her to do the film after reading the script. While everyone might remember the 1998 romantic comedy for the notorious hair gel scene, it was a different moment that tickled Diaz. In a recent interview with Vogue, the Charlies Angels actor said: The first time I read the script I literally fell off my bed laughing, going on to describe the sequence that clinched it. Theres this description in the scene where my brother, [W Earl Brown], literally punches [Matt Dillon] in the throat. For some reason the thought of him punching him in the throat was the funniest thing to me. I started laughing so hard I literally fell off the bed, and knew I had to do the movie. The classic Farrelly brothers film starred Ben Stiller as Diazs love interest, who attempts to win her heart while in competition with a bevy of other suitors. A huge hit, the film was the highest grossing comedy that year, and the fourth highest-grossing film overall. Diaz was only five years into her acting career when she took the iconic role of Mary Jensen, following a star turn in The Mask opposite Jim Carrey. The 52-year-old former model stepped away from acting in around 2014 and hasnt performed in film or TV over the past decade, calling herself retired in 2018. For me, it was just something I had to do, she said of the decision during Fortunes Most Powerful Women Summit in October last year. Nobodys opinion, nobodys success, no ones offer, no ones anything could change my mind about my decision of taking care of myself and building the life that I really wanted to have. 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 She said her priorities had shifted to building my family; Diaz is married to Good Charlotte lead guitarist Benji Madden, with whom she has had two children, born in 2019 and 2024 respectively. However, Diaz returned to screens earlier this month, starring opposite Jamie Foxx in espionage action comedy Back in Action for Netflix. 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 Brolin has reacted to Denis Villeneuve being shut out of the Oscars race for best director for another year, after claiming he would quit acting if it happened twice. The Academy failed to nominate Villeneuve for Dune: Part Two after leaving him out of the best director category in 2022 for the first Dune film. Dune earned 10 Oscar nominations in different categories on the year of its release, with Dune: Part Two earning just five nominations in 2025. You can see the full list of this years Oscar nominations here. Speaking to his three million followers on Instagram, Brolin said: Just want to say congratulations on the Dune best picture nomination, to Greig Fraser on cinematography, for best visual effects, for Patrice [Vermett] on production design and for sound. Apparently, I am going to quit acting because Denis Villeneuve didnt get nominated. This is just how this thing works. It makes no sense to me. Thats OK. He continued: [Editor] Joe Walker and Denis, you deserve it. Its an amazing film. It was even better than the first one. The people who have gotten accolades surely deserve it. Happy to be a part of it. Congrats everyone. Brolin has long urged the Academy to acknowledge Villeneuve, telling Variety last year: If he doesnt get nominated this year, Ill quit acting, Brolin said. open image in gallery Josh Brolin and Denis Villeneuve ( Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures ) It was a better movie than the first one. When I watched it, it felt like my brain was broken open. Its masterful, and Denis is one of our master filmmakers. If the Academy Awards have any meaning whatsoever, theyll recognize him. After Villenueves snub in 2022, the actor - who plays Gurney Halleck in the franchise - fumed at the Academy: I dont know how you get 10 nominations and then the guy who has done the impossible with that book doesnt get nominated. 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 It makes you realise that its all amazing and then its all f***ing totally dumb. So congratulations for the amazing accomplishments that these incredibly talented people have been acknowledged for, because its all really, really dumb. open image in gallery Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Timothee Chalamet, Denis Villeneuve, Florence Pugh and Zendaya at the Dune: Part Two premiere in Mexico ( AP ) Spider-Verse producer Chris Miller also expressed his shock at Villenueves snub after Oscar nominations were announced on Thursday (23 January). There were many films that had great directing this year but what Denis did in all aspects of the craft was masterful, he wrote on X/Twitter. You can read The Independents list of the eight biggest snubs and surprises from this years Oscar nominations here. 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 Jamie Foxx has revealed that Leonardo DiCaprio was left uncomfortable by a big problem on the set of Django Unchained. The issues arose when DiCaprio, in character as plantation owner Calvin Candie, had to say a racial slur. However, his co-star Samuel L Jackson, who has previously defended director Quentin Tarantinos use of the N-word in his films, had strong words for DiCaprio. Leonardo DiCaprio had a problem saying it, Foxx, the 2012 films lead star, said in a new interview, revealing the actor told his co-stars: Its tough for me to say this. Jackson, who played Calvins fiercely loyal slave Stephen, quickly jumped to action, though, and tried to make DiCaprio feel OK saying the word while in character. Foxx, who currently stars in Netflix film Back in Action, told Vanity Fair: I remember Samuel L Jackson going, Get over it, motherf***er! Its just another Tuesday, motherf***er! Meanwhile, Foxx told DiCaprio: Leo, we are not friends. This is your property, these arent humans. This is your property and, consequently, when Leo came in the next day, he didnt speak to anyone so as to stay in character. Tarantino has often faced criticism for using racial slurs in his films, including Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight, and Jackson touched on the debate in documentary QT8: The First Eight. The actor questioned why people take offence to the word being used in Tarantinos films, but dont argue the same point when its spoken by a white actor in a film thats considered more serious in tone. 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 You take 12 Years a Slave, which is supposedly made by an auteur, Jackson said. Steve McQueen is very different than Quentin... So its ok for Steve McQueen to use [the N-word] because hes artistically attacking the system and the way people think and feel, but Quentin is just doing it to just strike the blackboard with his nails? Thats not true. Leonardo DiCaprio in Django Unchained ( Sony Pictures Releasing ) Theres no dishonesty in anything that [Quentin] writes or how people talk, feel, or speak [in his movies]. He also addressed the subject during an interview with Esquire, calling the backlash bulls***. You cant just tell a writer he cant talk, write the words, put the words in the mouths of the people from their ethnicities, the way that they use their words, he said, adding: You cannot do that, because then it becomes an untruth; its not honest. Its just not honest. 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 Hugh Grant has hit back at Piers Morgan for branding him a hypocrite over his disdain for Rupert Murdoch. The war of words erupted after the government ruled out a reopening of the Leveson Inquiry, which Notting Hill actor Grant has been leading calls for. It comes days after Prince Harry won a multi-million pound settlement over claims of unlawful information gathering. In response to the government deciding against a second inquiry, which would have looked at the relationship between the police and the press, Grant said: I have some sympathy, when Im in a generous mood, for politicians terrified of the Murdochs. Morgan shared Grants quote on X/Twitter on Griay (24 January), writing: REMINDER: Hugh Grant took many millions of pounds from Rupert Murdoch to make movies for him. #hypocrite. However, Grant fired back 15 minutes later: Bulls***. The last time I worked for a Murdoch owned company was in 1994. Which was long before I knew anything about his papers methods. Since then I have turned down every single job offer emanating from a Murdoch owned company. It didnt end there. Hours later, Morgan replied: UPDATE: Your movie Florence Foster Jenkins was distributed by Murdoch-owned (at the time) 20th Century Fox in the UK. #HypocriteANDliar, to which Grant said: That film was made for the BBC and Pathe. My contract was with them. I have no control over which local distributor is subsequently used in various countries. Fox was just local distributor for the UK. Keep up. open image in gallery Hugh Grant and Piers Morgans war of words ( X/Twitter ) Grant accepted a large settlement from Murdochs News Group Newspapers (NGN) in 2024 after being advised he risked being liable for 10m in legal costs if his case proceeded to a trial. 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 The actor said his decision to settle with the publisher was because the rules around civil litigation mean that if I proceed to trial and the court awards me damages that are even a penny less than the settlement offer, I would have to pay the legal costs of both sides. open image in gallery Hugh Grant wasnt happy with Piers Morgan calling him a hypocrite ( Getty Images ) My lawyers tell me that that is exactly what would most likely happen here. Rupert Murdochs lawyers are very expensive. So even if every allegation is proven in court, I would still be liable for something approaching 10m in costs. Im afraid I am shying at that fence. Both Grant and Prince Harry had sued for alleged widespread unlawful information gathering, including landline tapping, burglary and blagging confidential information about him. Grant has since backed Prince Harrys call for a fresh police investigation into Murdochs media empire, calling on the prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, to show leadership and stop criminal abuse by big corporations. Speaking about the latest governmental decision on BBC Radio 4s Today Programme this morning, defence secretary John Healey said action would only be considered if there was new evidence. When asked about the reason for the second inquiry being shelved, Healey replied: Seven years, two elections and we went into the last election last year with a commitment to do what we can but a decision we would not go ahead with the second stage of an inquiry. We need to strike a balance between the protection of individuals and the right of a free press. 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 Gaby Roslin has revealed that Zoe Ball will return to BBC Radio 2 with a new show after the presenter stepped down from her breakfast slot late last year after six years. Ball, 54, emotionally signed off from her final Breakfast Show in December, telling listeners it was time to step away and focus on family. The presenter hinted that she would return to the station in Spring 2025 for new adventures, but did not disclose in what capacity or whether she was presenting another primetime slot. However, Roslin, who had regularly stepped in to cover her friend Ball when the presenter took an extended break from the show last year, has appeared to confirm that Ball will front a new show when she returns. During a new interview with the i, Roslin was asked about the current musical chairs shift happening in the radio industry, with Ball stepping down, Mishal Husain leaving Radio 4s Today programme and Jordan North swapping Radio 1 for Capital FM. Asked about Balls future, Roslin replied: Shes not stepping down, shes going to have a new show on Radio 2. She was just exhausted. She was so tired, added Roslin. Balls departure from Radio 2 came after she took time off in April 2024 to care for her mother, Julie Peckham, who was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer earlier that year. In April, Peckham died aged 74, with Roslin and Mills stepping in to cover Balls morning slot. Roslin continued: Zoe and I have been friends for over 30 years, so it was lovely to be covering for her, she says. As everyone knows, her mum was ill, and then very sadly died, and Zoe knew that I had her back. open image in gallery Zoe Ball presenting her final BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show ( BBC/PA Wire ) Ball temporarily returned to the show on 8 August for four days before Mills took over again until she returned on 23 September. 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 As Ball emotionally signed off at the end of her final Breakfast Show broadcast, she told listeners: Youre just there and Im just here, having a chat with a mate. Its such a special and intimate relationship. open image in gallery Gaby Roslin has suggested that Zoe Ball is going to have a new show on Radio 2 in the Spring ( Getty Images ) She said: Its been such a gift to do the show, to follow in the footsteps of Terry [Wogan] and Steve [Wright] and others. Its been a privilege to be the first [woman] to present the show...remember girls, you can do anything. Ill see you in the Spring here on Radio 2, popping up to share new adventures. Its been very special, take care of yourselves. Love you my peeps, my top cats, she said, before hitting play on her final song, Munchener Freiheits 1988 hit Keeping the Dream Alive. open image in gallery Zoe Ball leaving broadcasting house after her final breakfast show ( Lucy North/PA Wire ) Shortly after it was announced Ball would be leaving, the BBC revealed that Scott Mills would be taking over Balls slot on weekday mornings from Monday (27 January), moving on from the weekday afternoon programme that he presents from 2pm to 4pm, Mills said of the news that he and Ball have been friends for 25 years and that he was beyond excited to be handed the baton. 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 The television drama Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, which stars Colin Firth as a grieving father, has been criticized by the real-life victims of the 1988 bombing as tragedy porn. The Sky and Peacock series is a dramatization of the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 and its aftermath. The flight, which was travelling from London Heathrow to New York JFK, exploded over the Scottish town of Lockerbie, killing at least 270 people, including 11 on the ground. Speaking to Deadline, Michelle Ciulla Lipkin, whose father Frank was among the victims, said she was shocked by the graphic nature of the recreation of the crash. I looked at my Mom and I was like, Its tragedy porn. This is disgusting, said Ciulla Lipkin. Theyre literally representing the worst moments of our life The amount of bodies they showed and the egregious nature of it becoming like an action movie with things coming out of the sky. You dont need to do that. In a statement, a spokesperson for Sky said: We recognize that this is a deeply sensitive matter for many and approached the storytelling with the utmost care and respect. We engaged with victims families and support groups throughout production and in the lead-up to the series launch and all episodes are signposted for any potentially distressing content. Colin Firth in Lockerbie: A Search for Truth ( Graeme Hunter ) Firth plays Dr Jim Swire in the series, a GP who lost his 23-year-old daughter in the tragedy and went on to become a campaigner for the victims. Speaking to The Independent earlier this month, Firth said he felt just overwhelmed by the relentless sadness of Jims journey. Speaking at a screening for the series, the actor said the script instantly had an emotional impact on him. It was less the legal investigation or thriller element of it, and far more how it made me feel, seeing this representation of Jim and Jane and their family, and their journey of having carried this for so long, and still carrying it, said Firth. The actor added that he met with the Swires at their home, where he realised the extent of Jims alertness and intellectual agility and what a huge thing to live up to this was going to be. 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 You always feel a bit out of your depth when you start a job, but this really felt way out of my depth, he said. Mystery still surrounds many of the details of the bombing, and Swire recently urged Sir Keir Starmer to publish everything the UK knows about the tragedy. 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 Don Lemon has claimed that Matt Lauer could make a television comeback as the public loves him. Lauer, 67, was fired from his high-profile role on the Today show in 2017 amid allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour. In 2019, a former colleague alleged that Lauer had raped her during the 2014 Winter Olympics. Several other women also came forward with accusations. Lauer denied all allegations in an open letter published in 2019. In a new interview on the Hollywood Raw podcast former CNN anchor Lemon, 58, revealed that he has become friends with Lauer in the years since his firing. I only got to know Matt after, you know, the whole situation happened and because we live in the same town and we have mutual friends, said Lemon. Whenever I see Matt out and about, or, you know, even with us, if we go out to dinner, my husband and I will go out to dinner with him and his fiance. And people love him. Don Lemon and Matt Lauer ( Getty ) Women love him. Theyre like, Matt, oh my God, can I get a picture? I love you. I miss you on television, Lemon added. And so I think the public loves him. Lemon argued that the public misses him but acknowleged that people inside the business might be wary of receiving backlash for rehiring him. Maybe in this whole Trump era when, you know, [being] canceled is over, I dont know, suggested Lemon. Maybe there is a way that hell come back. But I think its more of the people who are inside of the business who are concerned about what happened with Matt. Lemon was fired by CNN in 2023 following a 17-year stint with the network. It came after the anchor had been mired in a string of controversies with accusations of making offensive on-air comments about women and of mistreating female coworkers off-camera. Lemon denied the allegations. 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 He briefly hosted his own show on X, formerly Twitter, but left the platform in 2024 after clashing with the platforms owner Elon Musk. I have loved connecting with all of you on Twitter and then on X for all of these years, but its time for me to leave the platform, Lemon said at the time. I once believed that it was a place for honest debate and discussion, transparency and free speech, but I now feel it does not serve that purpose. 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 Karla Sofia Gascon just became the first-ever openly trans individual nominated for an Academy Award in any acting category. This morning (January 23), the 52-year-old was acknowledged for her title role in Jacques Audiards Netflix musical Emilia Perez in which she plays a cartel leader named Manitas who seeks the help of a Mexican lawyer (Zoe Saldana) to help fake his death and transition into Emilia Perez. Gascons 2025 Oscar nomination for Best Actor comes after her leading performance was recognized by the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Thank you so much @theacademy @emiliaperezfilm, she wrote on X/Twitter today following her nomination announcement. Speaking to The New York Times back in November, Gascon said she felt like her career was on the rocks after she came out as a trans woman in 2016. When I finished my transition, I didnt know if I was going to have a career after that, she told the newspaper. open image in gallery Karla Sofia Gascon becomes the first-ever openly trans woman to land an Oscar nomination ( Getty Images ) Before she came out, the Madrid-born actor had primarily starred in Mexican telenovelas. But the trajectory of her career drastically changed the minute she auditioned in front of Audiard, the French film director and three-time Golden Globe winner. Though Audiard originally planned to cast a cisgender male for the role of Manitas in Emilia Perez, Gascon convinced him she could play both characters. open image in gallery The actress shares heartfelt message on X after nomination announcement ( X/@karsiagascon ) I can tell you that from an egocentric point of view, Im mad that people dont realize its me playing both, but at the same time, I feel very proud, too, she told the Times. 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 The past few months have been momentous for the transgender community between Gascons recognition and Alex Consani winning Model of the Year at the 2024 British Fashion Councils Fashion Awards in early December 2024. Consani, the 21-year-old talent whos fiercely walked every runway from Chanel to Simone Rocha, made history as the first trans model to receive the coveted accolade. At the ceremony, Consani paid tribute to the individuals whove inspired and motivated her over the years. Im the first trans woman to win this award, she said. But I cant accept this award without thanking those who came before me, specifically the Black trans women who really fought for the space Im in today Dominique Jackson, Connie Fleming, Aaron Rose Phillips and countless more who fought for the space that allowed me to flourish today. Now, more than ever, its an important conversation that should be had about how to truly support and uplift one another within this industry, especially those who have been made to feel insignificant. Because change is more than possible its needed, she said. 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 Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt are suing the city of Los Angeles after their Pacific Palisades home was destroyed in the devastating wildfires that have torn through southern California. The reality TV couple, who rose to fame starring in hit teen series Laguna Beach andThe Hills, filed the lawsuit on Tuesday (21 January) along with more than 20 other property owners and residents who have been affected by the Palisades Fire. They are described as property owners, tenants and individuals who suffered untold devastation due to the fires such as damaged homes, insurance coverage shortfalls, mandatory evacuations, medical expenses, business interruptions and emotional distress. Pratts mother, Janet Pratt, is also on the list of plaintiffs, along with a man named as William Pratt. While it is not confirmed what relation he has to the TV star, he is listed as living in the same house as Janet. His sister, Stephanie Pratt, confirmed in an emotional post on 8 January that their parents home had also been destroyed in the Palisades fire, just hours after Heidi and Spencers property was razed to the ground. The complaint blames Los Angeles and its municipal water department for the water issues that hampered firefighting efforts, claiming that it ultimately led to the damage to their properties. The Eaton and Palisades fires, ignited by strong winds during one of the region's driest years on record, have killed 28 people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures, putting them among the most destructive fires in California history. open image in gallery Water is dropped by helicopter on the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, 9 January 2025 ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Earlier this month, California governor Gavin Newsom said he wanted to know what the hell happened to critical water systems, as he called the fires the worst natural disaster in US history. He has called for an independent investigation into the LA water utility over the issues, amid intense scrutiny over fire hydrants running dry and problems with water pressure. 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 The complaint filed by the Pratts and others mentions that the Santa Ynez Reservoir, which services the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, was offline and had been out of commission since February 2024 while awaiting repairs. The hydrants in the neighborhood were connected to three tanks that held one million gallons (3.7 million liters) of water each and went dry within 12 hours, the complaint said, citing Janisse Quinones, the water utility's chief executive and chief engineer. Without water from the reservoir, firefighters had to primarily rely on the water tanks, which were not designed to fight such a large fire, the complaint said. The city and water utility did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Associated Press. open image in gallery Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag are suing the city of Los Angeles ( Getty Images ) While the repairs to the reservoir were requested in January 2024, the water utility told the Los Angeles Times they would not be completed until April or May 2025. The lawsuit called the Palisades Fire an inescapable and unavoidable consequence of the water system operated by the city and water utility. The system necessarily failed, and this failure was a substantial factor in causing Plaintiffs to suffer the losses alleged in this complaint, it said. The plaintiffs cite the principle known as inverse condemnation, which is the same mechanism that requires utilities to pay for wildfire damages caused by their equipment. Last week, Spencer Pratt revealed that he had earnt $4,000 through TikTok and around $20,000 through TikTok Live while relentlessly posting updates about his familys situation. The couple, who were the antiheroes of MTV reality juggernaut The Hills in the late Noughties, have experienced renewed interest through their social media activity in recent weeks. open image in gallery Spencer Pratt breaks down in TikTok video as he thanks fans for shooting Heidi Montags debut album to No. 1 on iTunes ( Spencer Pratt/TikTok ) I made, like, $4,000 on TikTok this week, but on TikTok Live, where people can just give to me direct, I think [I made] maybe $20,000, he toldVariety in an interview published on Saturday (January 18). So thats phenomenal and life-changing. Thats the power of individual supporters, people just backing you and getting behind you, he continued. And thats the most powerful when you dont have to rely on ads or AI and algorithms, when just actual human beings just want to give. Its unbelievable and incredible. Montags 2010 album, Superficial, also shot to No 1 on iTunes 15 years after its release, although Pratt said he did not know whether he and his wife would acrue any earnings from this. I have no idea how much money [the music has made]. I dont know if it comes in checks or when, but everybody keeps telling me, dont expect any money. Im more excited about the energy and opportunities that come from it. I dont think these streams and all these charts [make money], Pratt said. Based on what people are telling me, the music business is about touring, its about merchandise, its about all the things that come with it; thats how the artists make money unless youre doing billions of streams, which Im still energetically [pushing]. Its not happening yet! Im being optimistic because truly, its the only way to get through all this. Additional reporting by Associated Press 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 The Traitors star Mollie Pearce has revealed whether Harry Clark followed through on his promise to pay for her to go on holiday after he back-stabbed her in last years gripping final. The former British army engineer and disability model were the last remaining players in the jaw-dropping final, which saw Clark deceive Pearce, who was convinced that her friend had been a Faithful from the start. Pearce was left upset and betrayed when Clark revealed that he had been lying to her all along. Clark took home 95,000 prize pot, but when they reunited afterwards, he promised to pay for her holiday as a peace offering. Pearce and Clark appeared on BBC Breakfast together after the final, with the model saying: He promised me a holiday, and Im pretty happy with that. It was a game and at the end of the day, we all sign up for it. You go in with the chance of getting hurt so its all good vibes here. However, Pearce has now revealed that Clark didnt follow through on his promise. Asked whether it happened, she told MailOnline: It didnt... but I never held him to it. Its his money, do you know what I mean? I can pay for my own holidays. It is what it is, but I can definitely sort myself out. Pearce, who is currently competing on Dancing on Ice, has said she aims to be the first female winner of the series since 2013. open image in gallery Mollie Pearce and Harry Clark at the National Television Awards ( Getty Images for the NTA's ) During The Traitors finale, Pearce almost nearly voted for Clark as a Traitor but decided to switch back at the very last second. Speaking about the final at the time, she said: Your senses are heightened. When youve trusted someone for that amount of time, to switch up on someone from one comment? It just felt wrong to me. Its a crazy game. Clark revealed he shocked himself that he could lie so well, saying: I just had the mentality that I wanted to get the job done, I had to put connections and emotions to one side and I had to put my family at the forefront. The first couple of days I was struggling I was building relationships out of lies. 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 The winner revealed last year that had been sensible with his earnings and that his father was monitoring his spending to ensure he could afford a house one day. Clark admitted that he wished he could spend his winnings on rent but explained that his father monitors the cash to ensure that he can buy a house one day instead. open image in gallery Mollie Pearce on The Traitors ( BBC ) Hes got his head screwed on, The Traitors winner said. Hes looking after me [and] making sure I can get my first place. Clark explained that hed given members of his family a bit of dosh just to pay off their debts so they havent got to worry about their finances. Thats all Ive wanted to do all my life, he said. And thats all Ill continue to work for. This years series will conclude on Friday night (24 January), with Faithfuls Frankie, Jake, Leanne and Alexander unaware of Charlottes Traitor status. 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 Wolf Hall star Mark Rylance took a significant pay cut for series two after the BBC drama was rejected by the big streamers. Peter Kosminsky, the series director, gave evidence to Parliaments Culture, Media and Sport Committee this week as he revealed how sacrifices had been made to give viewers a second run of the popular show, which aired in December. It comes amid years of cuts and clawbacks across the British TV industry as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ enjoy record success. In the written submission Kosminsky revealed that production had begun on the Golden Globe-winning series only after the producer, the writer, the director and the leading actor all gave up a significant proportion of their fees. Rylance plays Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, a series based on the book by Hilary Mantel. We had shepherded the series through a 10-year development process but, in the end, it was necessary for us to work for very little to get the show made, Kosminksy wrote. He suggested that streaming service giants did not want to invest in British storytelling. Though there are exceptions, it is not currently part of the streamers general financial model to co-produce with UK PSBs. They prefer to wholly own a project. Rylance plays Thomas Cromwell ( BBC/Wolf Hall ) Kosminsky suggested a model in which the companies would offer five per cent of their UK subscription revenue, which would be transferred to a cultural fund for British content. He pointed to similar schemes that are currently in place in France and Germany. The streamers are perhaps the ultimate manifestation of a free market in television. They have made some extraordinary, mould-breaking programmes turning high-end TV drama into the medium of choice for A-List talent, partially usurping the feature film and breaking the unhealthy, snobbish divide between theatrical and television filmmaking, he said. 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 But an unintended consequence of this explosion of creativity has been a market failure a failure to fund the kind of drama, such as Mr Bates or Wolf Hall, that is of particular interest to a UK audience. Whilst these programmes will always be a minority of our output, they are also an essential part of it. And we are losing it. Blink and it will be gone and our audiences will not thank us for it. 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 Chinese court on Thursday sentenced a 52-year-old to death for a knife attack that injured a Japanese mother and her young child and killed a bus attendant near Shanghai last June. The attack, which took place on 24 June 2024 at a bus stop near the Japanese School of Suzhou in Jiangsu province, had caused concern about the safety of Japanese nationals in the country. Zhou Jiasheng, apparently struggling with heavy debt and despair, targeted the Japanese mother and her son as they waited for the school bus, Japans chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said. The mother and son sustained minor injuries but a female bus attendant named Hu Youping, 54, who stepped in to protect them was fatally stabbed. She succumbed to her wounds a few days later, becoming a symbol of selfless bravery. Zhou told the court he carried out the attack because he no longer wanted to live. The court handed him the death sentence. Mr Hayashi noted that the ruling made no reference to the Japanese nationality of the mother and son injured in the attack. We believe the crime that killed and injured innocent people, including a child, was absolutely unforgivable, Mr Hayashi said. Officials from the Japanese consulate in Shanghai were present for the sentencing. The case was one of two knife attacks targeting Japanese nationals in China last year. In September, a 10-year-old Japanese student was fatally stabbed near his school in Shenzhen. The trial of the alleged perpetrator in that case only just began. The incidents heightened fears of growing anti-Japanese sentiment in China. Following the Suzhou attack, Japanese officials had urged Beijing to ensure the safety of its citizens. The Chinese government described the incidents as isolated, while technology companies, including Tencent and NetEase, vowed to curb online hate speech to prevent further violence. The incident in Suzhou also drew attention to a wider problem of the rise in violent attacks across China. In May last year, a stabbing attack at a hospital in southwestern China left two people dead and 21 injured. In June, an attack in Jilin targeted four US university instructors and a Chinese bystander. 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 stubborn grandfather had a motorway built around his house in China after refusing to move, despite being offered 180,000 in compensation. Huang Pings two-storey home in Jinxi, China, is now surrounded by a construction site with constant dust, noisy builders and vibrating walls. He says he now regrets not taking the Chinese governments money and fears what living in his property will be like once the expressway opens in Spring. If I could turn back time, I would agree to the demolition conditions they offered. Now it feels like I lost a big bet, he said. Pictures show the roof of the house almost level with two lanes of the motorway, which bypass the property before coming back together. open image in gallery Huang Ping says he feels like I lost a big bet as construction work on the expressway consumes his home ( Jam Press ) The Jinxi County Party Committee secretary previously said Huang, who lives with his 11-year-old grandson, refused to relocate because he was dissatisfied with the governments offer. After a long period of fruitless negotiations, the authorities designed a bypass on both sides of Huangs house to advance the motorways construction. Residents have since flocked to the area to take photos, with people dubbing Huang the strong nail house owner in China. A nail house is a Chinese term for an occupied home whose owners are holding out against property development. open image in gallery A five-floor nail house in Chinas Zhejiang province. It was demolished in 2012 after the owner finally accepted compensation to move ( EPA ) The properties often end up surrounded by rubble or with developers going ahead and building around them. Owners can go to extraordinary lengths to keep their properties intact, even as skyscrapers and shopping centres rise above them or roads are planned to run through them. In 2017, a famous Shanghai nail house that blocked traffic on a major road for nearly 14 years was demolished. The residents had refused every offer since 2003 to move, saying the compensation was insufficient. But they finally accepted 300,000 to move. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump said he was willing to engage with North Korean leader Kim Kong Un once again, raising hope that the US could resume diplomacy with the reclusive state. In an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News on Thursday, the American president repeated his praise for Mr Kim, describing him as a smart guy. Hes not a religious zealot. He happens to be a smart guy. Kim Jong Un is a smart guy, Mr Trump told Mr Hannity. Asked if he would reach out to him again, Mr Trump responded: "I will, yeah. He liked me, and I got along with him. The new US president has repeatedly boasted about having good relations with the North Korean leader even as ties between Washington and Pyongyang deteriorated under Joe Bidens administration. In his first term as president from 2016 to 2020, Mr Trump alternated between bluster and diplomacy when engaging with North Korea. He mocked Mr Kim as Little Rocket Man and threatened to unleash fire and fury following a North Korean nuclear test. Still, from 2018 to 2019, the two leaders made history by meeting three times in Singapore, Hanoi, and at the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Mr Trump also most famously claimed that he and Mr Kim fell in love. But that unprecedented flurry of talks fizzled out as the two sides were unable to agree on what should come first sanctions relief or steps towards North Koreas denuclearisation. Pyongyang has since said it has no interest in returning to diplomacy based on personal relations between the two leaders. In the interview, Mr Trump recalled Barack Obamas remark that North Korea was the single greatest threat to America. He (Mr Obama) said North Korea is the biggest threat, and I solved that problem, he said, adding: Im not Obama. On his first day back in office, Mr Trump called North Korea a nuclear power, indicating a potential change in his governments policy towards Pyongyang. I was very friendly with him. He liked me. I liked him. We got along very well, Mr Trump said of Mr Kim. He is a nuclear power. We got along. I think he will be happy to see me coming back. Pyongyangs arch rival and US ally South Korea appeared to downplay Mr Trumps comments, saying North Korea can never have the status of a nuclear weapons state. North Korean state media Rodong Sinmun reported Mr Trumps inauguration in a two-sentence dispatch on Wednesday. The outlet said he was sworn in as the 47th president of the US, without using the inflammatory rhetoric it usually employs while talking about America. Pyongyang has downplayed the possibility of a change in its policy towards America, which it has accused of provoking tensions on the Korean peninsula with high-profile military drills in the Pacific with South Korea and Japan. Mr Kim last month called the US the most reactionary state that regards anti-communism as its invariable state policy and vowed to implement the toughest anti-US policy. 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 Three days after a court in India ordered the seizure of two paintings by late artist MF Husain over a complaint that they were offensive, the gallery displaying them strongly opposed the unfounded allegations in a case that sets artistic freedom in the country against personal religious values. The Delhi High Court on 20 January permitted police to seize the paintings after a lawyer named Amita Sachdeva complained the artworks featuring Hindu deities Ganesha and Hanuman alongside nude female figures hurt religious sentiments. In an X post on 13 December, Ms Sachdeva said she had taken photos of the offensive paintings at DAG, New Delhi (formerly Delhi Art Gallery) and filed a police complaint on 9 December after researching past FIRs against MF Husain. Maqbool Fida Husain, dubbed the Picasso of India, was one of South Asias most renowned artists but no stranger to controversy, repeatedly accused of obscenity by Hindu groups for painting deities in the nude or with nude figures. In 2006, Husain issued an apology for his painting of Mother India, depicting a nude woman in the shape of the countrys map. He felt compelled to leave India and lived in self-imposed exile in London until his death in 2011, aged 95. The paintings ordered seized by the court were part of an exhibition titled Husain: The Timeless Modernist, featuring 100 pivotal works that reflect his powerful interpretations of Indian life, culture, and modernity. It ran from 26 October to 14 December. The gallery told The Independent the exhibition saw around 5,000 visitors, including scholars, academicians, collectors, students and art enthusiasts as well as journalists, garnering positive reviews in the press as well as from the public. It is noteworthy that no other person among about 5,000 visitors at the gallery raised any objection to any of the artworks displayed in this exhibition, it said. The paintings, the gallery said, were acquired internationally at a Christies auction and brought into India following due customs clearance. In her post on X, Ms Sachdeva alleged that when she visited the gallery again with a police officer on 10 December, the paintings had been removed and the gallery falsely claimed they were never displayed. This statement of Ms Sachdeva is patently false and malicious, a spokesperson for the gallery told The Independent. When the investigating officer enquired about the artworks displayed during the exhibition, we provided the entire list of artworks along with their photographs, including those works which she claims to have photographed during her first visit to the gallery. It is evident she is deliberately creating a false narrative to garner attention because no one at DAG has ever offered any comment or explanation to her at any point of time. The paintings displayed during the exhibition were routinely replaced with other works of the artist so that all his works get their deserved display time during the exhibition, they added. The Independent has reached out to Ms Sachdeva for comment. According to media reports, Ms Sachdeva demanded the court analyse the gallerys CCTV footage to find out when the paintings were moved and why. Given its implicit belief in artistic freedom, the DAG denies any wrongdoing as alleged by the complainant who has publicly claimed to be principally driven by a religious agenda, the gallery said. In fact, the complainant has herself displayed and publicised the images of the drawings over social media and television news media deliberately intending them to be viewed by a larger audience, while contending that the same images hurt her personal religious sentiments. In its order on Monday, the court said police had seized the CCTV footage and filed a report, which stated the exhibition was held in a private space and was only intended to showcase the artists original work. It further said the paintings had been taken from the gallery and were now with police. Ms Sachdevas counsel Makrand Adkar took objection to the police report calling the gallery a private space since it was open to the public or else the complainant wouldnt have visited it, Hindustan Times reported. The most revered entities of Sanatan Dharm, Hanuman and Ganesh, were insulted in the paintings, the lawyer claimed. This is obscenity. It is a deliberate and malicious attempt to insult Hindu deities. Thousands saw our deitiesthey were made objects of ridicule. The Independent reached out to Ms Sachdeva for comment multiple times but had not received a response at the time of publication. open image in gallery File. Members of Hindu nationalist Shiv Sena party point a toy gun at an effigy of artist MF Husain during a protest in New Delhi in 2006 ( AFP via Getty ) Ms Sachdeva had asked for a case to be registered against the gallery on charges of deliberately and maliciously outraging religious feelings. The court, however, dismissed the petition. In a statement to The Independent, the gallery said it strongly opposes the complainants unfounded allegations and shall call out her attempt to launch a malicious prosecution against the DAG, when called upon by the court to do so. The gallery also intends to pursue its own legal remedies against the complainant for the false and mala fide accusations made by her. Indian courts have historically protected Husains right to artistic liberty. In 2008, the Delhi High Court dismissed obscenity charges against him while cautioning that a new puritanism is being carried out in the name of cultural purity. Ancient Indian art has been never devoid of eroticism where sex worship and graphical representation of the union between man and woman has been a recurring feature, it said. The Supreme Court in 2011 upheld the decision, declaring that Husains works were protected under the constitutional provision guaranteeing the freedom of speech and expression. 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 Talibans leaders could face arrest for enacting repressive policies against girls and women in Afghanistan, the International Criminal Courts chief prosecutor said on Thursday. Karim Khan said he had asked the ICC to approve arrest warrants for the groups supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and Supreme Court head Abdul Hakim Haqqani who have been accused of crimes against humanity for gender-based persecution. If issued, the warrants would be the first international acknowledgment of the Talibans persecution of Afghan women. "These applications recognise that Afghan women and girls as well as the LGBTQI+ community are facing an unprecedented, unconscionable and ongoing persecution by the Taliban," Mr Khan said. The ICC would be considering attacks on the LGBTQ+ community as a crime against humanity for the first time in its history. My office has concluded that these two Afghan nationals are criminally responsible for persecuting Afghan girls and women, as well as persons whom the Taliban perceived as not conforming to their ideological expectations of gender identity or expression, and persons whom the Taliban perceived as allies of girls and women, Mr Khan said in a statement on Thursday, referring to the Taliban leaders. Such persecution by the Taliban leaders was committed from at least 15 August 2021 until the present day across the territory of Afghanistan. The Taliban have barred girls and women from school beyond sixth grade, colleges, universities as well as most public spaces. In December, an edict issued by Akhundzada banned buildings from having windows and any exterior places from where a woman could be seen from the outside. The Islamist group, which seized power in Afghanistan over three years ago after the collapse of the Nato-backed government, has invoked its interpretation of the Islamic law to impose harsh diktats against nearly 20 million Afghan women. Mr Khan said his office would not allow the Sharia law to be weaponised for violations of human rights. My office further submits that the Talibans interpretation of Sharia should not and may not be used to justify the deprivation of fundamental human rights or the related commission of Rome Statute crimes, he said. The Taliban have not reacted to Mr Khans statement. The Independent has contacted Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid for a comment. Human rights groups welcomed the ICC prosecutors move against the Taliban leadership. "Their systematic violations of women and girls rights, including education bans, and the suppression of those speaking up for womens rights, have accelerated with complete impunity. With no justice in sight in Afghanistan, the warrant requests offer an essential pathway to a measure of accountability," said Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch. While there is no deadline for the ICC to rule on the prosecutors request for a warrant, the decision typically takes around four months. If issued, the Taliban leaders named in the warrant could be arrested if they step foot in an ICC member nation. It took a pre-trial ICC chamber three weeks to issue an arrest warrant for Russian president Vladimir Putin in 2023 but six months in the case of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year. 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 While new blazes fanned by whipping Santa Ana winds have sparked across Southern California this week, firefighters have continued to make significant progress on some of the states most destructive wildfires that continue to burn. Trumps slew of misinformation about the disaster hasnt helped. Los Angeles Countys response to the furious fires which have resulted in the deaths of 28 people and left thousands without homes in some of the areas most affluent communities has been put under a microscope since they started more than two weeks ago, following months without rain and hurricane-force winds. Officials have faced harsh criticism from politicians and residents alike. Newly sworn-in President Donald Trump and Republicans have traded shots at Californias Democratic leadership, insisting that more could have been done to help prevent the tragedy. But, many of the presidents statements about how the Golden State should have prepared and other related logistical elements have been ignorant of the role of climate change and are rooted in inaccuracy and a contentious relationship with Governor Gavin Newsom. Trump, who is planning to visit California on Friday following an invitation from the governor, had a lot to say this week about the states water resources that Newsom has sought to correct. Los Angeles has massive amounts of water available to it. All they have to do is turn the valve, and thats the valve coming back from and down from the Pacific Northwest where millions of gallons of water a week and a day even, in many cases, pours into California, goes all through California down to Los Angeles, Trump said, speaking at a press conference about artificial intelligence investments. And, they turned it off. open image in gallery President Donald Trump stands at the White House. Trump has blasted California Democrats over their response to recent deadly wildfires in and around Los Angeles, as well as their water policy and systems ( AP ) While this isnt the first time the president has brought up getting water from Canada, where exactly this valve is remains unclear. Media outlets have suggested that he could be referring to the Columbia River, which flows from Canada into the Northwest and the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. and Canada have been negotiating for years to modernize the 61-year-old Columbia River Treaty, which governs the waters of the river. Notably, the State Department updated its webpage detailing the process on the same day as Trumps valve remarks. But, there is currently no infrastructure to send that water southward. Roughly two-thirds of Los Angeles Countys water comes from outside sources via aqueducts: a system of pipes, tunnels and canals that transport the water. It flows there from the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and the Colorado River. The county also gets water from the Los Angeles River, the San Gabriel River and groundwater represents a significant portion of local supplies. The state says that reservoirs are at historical highs and that a change in water management in Northern California would not have affected the response to the fires. Orange County Water District, which supplies groundwater to the north half of the county, has enough supply to carry its 2.5 million customers through the worst of any potential droughts for up to five years. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has enough water to supply 40 million people for a year. Trumps focus on California water isnt just limited to the valve but even targeted one of the areas water supplies in an executive order. He issued a memo directing his administration to find ways to reroute water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to the rest of the state for use by the people there who desperately need a reliable water supply. In the executive order, Trump blamed California and the protection of the essentially worthless and endangered Delta smelt fish for preventing a plan in his previous administration to allow enormous amounts of water to flow from the snow melt and rainwater in rivers in Northern California to beneficial use in the Central Valley and Southern California. open image in gallery Two Delta smelt are seen in this photo. The silvery fish typically reach a length of up to three inches and have become center in Trumps push for water for California ( USFWS ) How are you protecting the Delta smelt by not giving it water? Trump asked. Its a fish. It needs water. Newsom said any connection between smelt policy and the wildfires is outlandish because its not about water availability in Southern California. The only thing fishy are Trumps facts. California pumps as much water now as it could under prior Trump-era policies, his press office noted. The state had argued that Trumps previous plan to direct water would harm the ecosystem and fish. The smelts population has rapidly declined due to habitat changes, and no smelt were found in the estuary last February. The fishs protection guidelines limit when and how much water can be pumped from the delta, in order to provide the species with adequate freshwater and prevent them from being trapped against intake valves, according to Vox. Theres another reason California has water flowing to the ocean, according to Jay Lund, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California-Davis. The biggest reason that we have water flowing to the ocean is to keep the delta fresh enough so that we can export water to the south, Lund told KQED. We need to have some water flowing out to keep the salt out. Otherwise, wed pump salty water to the farms and the cities. open image in gallery California Governor Gavin Newsom, center, surveys damage from the Palisades Fire earlier this month in Pacific Palisades, California. Newsom has sought to correct misinformation about wildfire response and the states water resources ( AP ) A return to the earlier Trump rules has the potential to harm Central Valley farms and Southern California communities that depend upon water delivered from the Delta, and it will do nothing to improve current water supplies in the Los Angeles basin, Karla Nemeth, director of the state Department of Water Resources, told CalMatters. Despite warnings from locals, Trump said that he would cut off wildfire aid in California if Newsom refused to change policies related to water supply and smelt. I dont think we should give California anything until they let the water run down, Trump told Fox News Sean Hannity Wednesday night. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Andie MacDowell gave an update on her physical health during a January 23 appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show. I have piriformis syndrome, the 66-year-old Maid star revealed. Piriformis syndrome is a rare neuromuscular condition that causes pain and numbness in the butt and back of the legs. According to the American Osteopathic Association, piriformis syndrome affects about 200,000 people in the U.S. each year. So its a muscle that kind of clamps down on my sciatic nerve, and it was shooting down my leg, MacDowell explained. I thought I was gonna have to have a hip replacement, she added before admitting she continued to ride her indoor bike machine like a crazy person at first. Its not appropriate for my body, and I ended up with bad knees and a bad hip. I thought I was literally falling apart, the actor said. Now, MacDowell is taking the necessary steps to relieve her condition. Andie MacDowell opens up about being diagnosed with piriformis syndrome ( Getty Images for Hallmark Media ) I have to work my tiny little bottom and my hips, the Four Weddings and a Funeral star said. I have to work the bottom and work my hip. I just do it every day. Thankfully, MacDowells muscles no longer hurt. Its a miracle, she said. The good news is my pieces are fine. My knees are good except for aging. Theyve aged. Despite her diagnosis and the pain she endured with it, the Ready or Not actor is at peace now that shes left Hollywood for a simpler life in South Carolina. Im happier now than I have been in a long time, she told Barrymore. I moved to South Carolina, and I really, Im taking good care of myself. It took me forever. Moving across the country wasnt an easy decision for MacDowell, but after her kids Justin Qualley, 39, Rainey Qualley, 35, and The Substance star Margaret Qualley, 30 moved out, she was more inclined to make a major life change. Margaret really was kinda telling me I was supposed to be having the time of my life, but I wasnt, the mom of three said. But now I am. Im having the time of my life now. Its really good. MacDowell welcomed her three children with her ex-husband, Paul J Qualley. The two were married for 13 years, from 1986 to 1999. Two years later, the Green Card lead tied the know with her second husband, Rhett Hartzog. However, her marriage with the entrepreneur didnt last long as the pair parted ways after only three years together. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Riverdale star Lili Reinhart has admitted shes had the hardest year of her life after a series of health struggles led to a bladder condition diagnosis. The 28-year-old was filming for her forthcoming thriller, American Sweatshop, in Germany last summer when the symptoms for interstitial cystitis first emerged. The third night Im there, I developed symptoms of a UTI, Reinhart told Self. Im like, Ive had UTIs before. Im a woman. We all know how it feels. After a urinalysis, a slight infection was detected and the actor was sent home with antibiotics. However, she was forced to make two more hospital visits after she still felt the urgency to pee. The second Im done peeing, I still feel like I have to pee, but my pee is showing up with no infection, she explained. After returning to LA, she sought out specialists before finally being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, a condition causing an irritated and inflamed bladder, in October 2024. No tumors, no cysts, just a lot of inflammation, recalled Reinhart. In an Instagram post on Thursday (23 January) she wrote: Being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis while simultaneously searching for answers about a mysterious autoimmunity/inflammatory disease made 2024 the hardest year of my life. She explained she had been inspired to talk about the issue after her grandmother was ignored by doctors for months when exhibiting clear symptoms of cancer. open image in gallery Reinhart says she was inspired by her grandmother to advocate for herself ( Getty Images for Beautycon ) It was only after her own strength and advocating for herself that she was given a blood test that diagnosed her, wrote the star. And by then, the cancer had spread. She continued: The most important thing I have taken away from this experience is the absolute need to advocate for your own health. Do not let a doctor gaslight you or diminish your pain. I hope the men & women out there struggling to find answers feel even the slightest bit seen by my experience. open image in gallery Stars symptoms first began last summer during filming in Germany ( Instagram/LiliReinhart ) The diagnosis comes after a series of health struggles, in which she was tested for Celiac and Crohns Disease. In 2022, she suffered from hair loss and an eating disorder. In 2024, she was diagnosed with alopecia. As part of her treatment for the condition, she revealed she undergoes weekly bladder instillations. The procedure involves a doctor inserting a catheter filled with medication into her urethra to help relax pelvic and bladder muscles. No one ever knows what that is when I talk about it, she said. But my urogyno is telling me so many women have this, and thats why I think its as important as it is to just be like, Hey, Im dealing with it too. 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 woman rammed a car into a crowd of anti-government protesters in Serbia's capital and injured one of them Friday, police said, as a student-led strike shut down businesses and drew tens of thousands of people to demonstrations around the country. The nationwide protests took place on the same day that President Aleksandar Vucic planned a big afternoon rally in a central town to counter the persistent anti-government protests that have challenged his tight grip on power. Protesters have blocked traffic daily in Serbia to protest the deaths of 15 people killed in the November collapse of a train station canopy that critics have blamed on government corruption. Police in Belgrade said they detained the 24-year-old driver who rammed into a crowd of protesters in a section the city called New Belgrade. The injured victim, a 26-year-old woman was taken to an emergency hospital, where her condition wasnt immediately known. A similar ramming incident took place during a blockade last week in Belgrade, when a car rammed into protesting students, seriously injuring a young woman. Many in Serbia believe the huge concrete canopy at a train station in the northern city of Novi Sad fell down because of sloppy reconstruction work that resulted from corruption. Weeks-long protests demanding accountability over the crash have been the biggest since Vucic came to power more than a decade ago. He has faced accusations of curbing democratic freedoms despite formally seeking European Union membership for Serbia. It was not immediately possible to determine how many people and companies joined the students call for a one-day general strike on Friday. They included restaurants, bars, theatres, bakeries, various shops and bookstores. Lets take freedom in our hands, students told the citizens in their strike call. Vucic planned to gather his supporters in the central town of Jagodina later on Friday. He has announced plans to form a nationwide political movement in the style of Russias President Vladimir Putin's United Russia movement to help ensure the dominance of his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party. The president and the country's mainstream media have accused the students of working under orders from foreign intelligence services to overthrow the authorities while pro-government thugs have repeatedly attacked protesting citizens. The 15-minute traffic blockades on Friday started at 11.52, the exact time of the canopy collapse in Novi Sad. Serbian universities have been blockaded for two months, along with many schools. A lawyers association also has gone on strike but it remained unclear how many people stayed away from work in the state-run institutions on Friday. Protests marches were held Friday in Belgrade, Novi Sad, the southern city of Nis and other smaller cities even in Jagodina, a ruling coalition stronghold, ahead of Vucic's arrival. Things can't stay the same any more, actor Goran Susljik told N1 regional television. Students have offered us the possibility of change. Serbias prosecutors have filed charges against 13 people for the canopy collapse, including a government minister and several state officials. But the former construction minister Goran Vesic has been released from detention, fueling doubts over the probes independence. The main railway station in Novi Sad was renovated twice in recent years as part of a wider infrastructure deal with Chinese state companies. 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 Fighting has escalated sharply in recent weeks in eastern Congo, where rebels have seized key towns and are closing in on the city of Goma, the governments last stronghold in the region bordering Rwanda. The offensive by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has stretched local hospitals to the limit, with hundreds of wounded coming in every day as civilians get caught in the crossfire. Thousands have been displaced, exacerbating an existing humanitarian crisis and prompting fears of an all-out regional war. Here is what to know about the fighting: What's happening on the ground? Explosions from Goma's outskirts have been reverberating across the city of 2 million people this week. Schools and stores are closed and police are out in full force. Military checkpoints, erected overnight, stop and check all vehicles. On Friday, the governor of eastern Congos North Kivu province, where Goma is the provincial capital, died of wounds sustained on the front line. The circumstances of Maj. Gen Peter Cirimwami's death were not immediately known he was visiting troops fighting the rebels when he was wounded. On Thursday, the rebels seized Sake, a town only 27 kilometers (16 miles) from Goma, sending panic surging as concerns mounted that the city could soon fall. Earlier in the week, they captured Minova, a strategically important port on the shores of Lake Kivu, and also the towns of Katale and Masisi, west of Goma. Most of the fighting between the Congolese army and the rebels on Friday was focused on Kibumba, a town about 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of Goma, and also around Sake. Who are the rebels and what do they want? The M23 rebels or The March 23 Movement is one of about 100 armed groups vying for a foothold in the mineral-rich region in a decades-long conflict in eastern Congo. In recent weeks, the rebels have made significant territorial gains, seizing towns and villages and encircling Goma. The group was created in 2012 after the failed integration of ethnic Tutsis who broke away from the Congolese army. It claims to defend Tutsi from discrimination but critics say it's a pretext for Rwanda to obtain economic and political influence over eastern Congo. Studies have long highlighted the smuggling of resources" from Congo into Rwanda, said Ladd Serwat, senior Africa analyst with U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project. Congolese officials increasingly accuse Rwanda of pursuing control over the regions resources and aiming to annex parts of Congo. In territories under its control, M23 implements its own tax system, runs a local government and controls natural resources. What's the role of neighboring Rwanda? Congo, the United States and U.N. experts accuse Rwanda of backing the M23, which had only hundreds of members in 2021. Now, according to the United Nations, the group has around 6,500 fighters. While Rwanda denies that claim, it acknowledged last year that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo, allegedly to safeguard its security. U.N. experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan forces in Congo. Serwat, the Africa analyst, says that Rwanda's engagement has brought it into direct conflict with Congolese forces, escalating political tensions between the neighbors. A declaration of war" by Congo against Rwanda would risk turning "into a regional conflict in East Africa, said Darren Davids, an analyst with the Economist Intelligence Unit. People are fleeing fighting again The U.N. refugee agency says more than 400,000 people have been displaced in eastern Congo since the beginning of the year, exacerbating desperate conditions in severely overcrowded displacement centers in and around Goma and triggering an increase in cholera cases. Jean Claude Bauma, 35, fled Masisi when M23 overran the town and was staying with his family at the Nzulo camp for the displaced on the outskirts of Goma. But relentless shelling near the camp forced the father of five to flee into the city center this week. We fear for our lives, since the birth of my children, we have been fleeing the war, Bauma told the AP. This time ... if its to die, I will die here. Why is Goma important for the rebels? The city is a regional hub for trade, security and humanitarian efforts, and its airport is key for transporting supplies. Back in 2012, the rebels seized Goma and controlled it for about a week but after mounting international pressure on Rwanda including suspension of aid from the United States and Britain the M23 surrendered the city. Since 2021, Congos government and allied forces, including Burundian troops and U.N. troops, have been keeping the rebels away from Goma. The capture of such a large city will certainly be a huge boost for the rebels and a major defeat of the government forces, said Davids, the economist. Its fall would also have a catastrophic impact on hundreds of thousands of civilians, putting them at risk of heightened exposure to human rights violations and abuses, said Ravina Shamdasani of the U.N. human rights office. Francois Moreillon, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross for Congo, said he's worried also that ICRC staff running the main hospital in Goma would have to evacuate. If the hospital and the staff were no longer safe, who would treat the patients, he asked. "This situation is simply unacceptable, Moreillon said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy More than a hundred baby tortoises, most of them dead, have been returned to Tanzania from Thailand as evidence in a case against a wildlife smuggling network, the international police organization Interpol said Friday. The 116 tortoises were discovered hidden in the luggage of a Ukrainian woman at Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi Airport more than two years ago, it said. Of the total, 98 have since died, but all were handed over Thursday for use in criminal proceedings in a ceremony attended by Thai and Tanzanian officials, Interpol said. No reason was given for the deaths. They included endangered or vulnerable species such as pancake tortoises, radiated tortoises and Aldabra giant tortoises. All are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Tortoises are commonly removed from the wild for sale as exotic pets. The smuggler fled Thailand but was eventually tracked down and arrested in Bulgaria, Interpol said. Her arrest helped police map a larger wildlife trafficking network, resulting in the arrests of 14 additional suspects in an operation involving Thai and Tanzanian police and officers from Interpol. The surviving tortoises will be quarantined and cared for while experts assess whether they can be put back into their natural habitat. Wildlife trafficking is a serious global threat that disrupts ecosystems and harms communities while enriching organized crime groups," said Cyril Gout, Interpol's acting executive director of police services. Interpol estimated in 2023 that the black market for illegal wildlife products is worth up to $20 billion per year, noting that poaching and the illegal wildlife trade has become a major area of activity for organized crime groups and is increasingly linked with armed violence, corruption and other forms of organized crime. Thailand continues to be a major hub for the trade. In May last year, about four dozen lemurs and more than 900 tortoises originating in Madagascar were seized in the southern province of Chumporn after having apparently transited Indonesia. They were returned to their homeland at the end of last year. 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 warning has gone out to seafarers in the Persian Gulf over what appear to be attempts by Irans Revolutionary Guard to compel ships to enter Iranian waters. While Iran has a history of harassing and impounding vessels, it hasnt directly launched many such attacks recently. Instead, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been attacking ships since November 2023, a campaign that now appears to be winding down after the ceasefire in Gaza. Meanwhile, Palestinians displaced from the war-battered north are facing an agonizing wait before the days-old ceasefire allows them to see what remains of their homes. ___ Here's the latest: People displaced from North Gaza face agonizing wait DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip For Palestinians in central and southern Gaza hoping to return to what remains of their homes in the war-battered north, the terms of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has forced an agonizing wait. The agreement allows Palestinian civilians in the south to take the coastal Rashid road to northern Gaza starting on Saturday, when Israeli troops are expected to withdraw from the key route and Hamas is set to release four Israeli hostages in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners. After 15 months of Israels invasion and bombardment of the Gaza Strip, residents will enjoy more freedom of movement from the north to the south of the enclave. As Palestinians in other parts of the strip reunite with scattered family members, pick their way through vast swaths of rubble and try to salvage what remains of their homes and their belongings, people seeking to return to the north have in limbo, their hopes and worries building. The first thing Ill do, Ill kiss the dirt of the land on which I was born and raised, said Nadia Al-Debs, one of the many people gathered in makeshift tents in Gazas central city of Deir al-Balah preparing to set out for home in Gaza City the next day. Well return so my children can see their father. Nafouz al-Rabai, displaced from the urban al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, said the day she gets home will be a day of joy for us. But she acknowledged it would be painful to absorb the scale of damage to the home and the coastal area she knew and loved. God knows if Ill find (my house) standing or not, she said. Its a very bad life. UK warns of Iranian attempts to bring ships into its waters DUBAI, United Arab Emirates A warning has gone out to seafarers in the Persian Gulf over what appear to be attempts by Irans Revolutionary Guard to compel ships to enter Iranian waters. A notice from the British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center on Friday said that there had been several incidents involving VHF radio challenges to vessels. It is assessed that these are most likely part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps large-scale exercise, Great Prophet XVIII, the UKMTO said. Iran has been engaged in an extraordinary two-month-long military exercise across the country after being twice hit by Israel in retaliation for attacks against it during the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. While Iran has a history of harassing and impounding vessels, it hasnt directly launched many such attacks recently. Instead, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been attacking ships since November 2023, a campaign that now appears to be winding down after the ceasefire in Gaza. Iranian media reported a likely Guard exercise in the Persian Gulf coming this weekend as well. Houthis push back on Trump's foreign terrorist organization label DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Yemens Houthi rebels criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's order to redesignate their group as a foreign terrorist organization. President Joe Biden lifted the designation during his presidency, in part to aid a de facto ceasefire in Yemens decadelong war. A statement Thursday from the groups diplomats said the potential reclassification targets the Yemeni people as a whole and their honorable position supporting the injustice of the Palestinian people and reflects the extent of the bias of the current U.S. administration towards the usurping Zionist entity. Those who should be included on international terrorism lists are those whose hands are stained with the blood of civilians in Gaza, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and other countries, the statement said. The Houthis have begun to deescalate their campaign targeting shipping through the Red Sea corridor since a ceasefire was reached in the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. The group said it would limit targeting ships, and finally released the 25-member crew of the Galaxy Leader, a ship the rebels seized back in November 2023. 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$AP Rocky is the celebrity in the room, but A$AP Relli will star at his trial. The hip-hop star, fashion maven and actor, whose legal name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers, is accused of firing a gun at his former friend Relli, born Terell Ephron, on whose testimony prosecutors are pinning their case. Opening statements are set to begin Friday at the trial after a jury of seven women and five men was selected over the course of three days. Rocky is charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. He took a major risk by turning down a prosecution plea deal offer of just six months in jail and instead choosing to go to trial. If convicted, he could be sentenced to a term of up to 24 years in prison. The defense plans to paint Ephron as a money seeker and point out he has sued Rocky in civil court, seeking financial damages for the incident. Hes the witness that this case will rise and fall on, for sure, Rockys lead attorney Joe Tacopina said after a recent pretrial hearing. Whether hes a star is something that remains to be seen. Theres jealousy obviously, and hes made that clear. He became a hater, Tacopina said. This is in large part about money, money, money. Rocky and Relli were part of a group of young creators in high school in New York who called themselves A$AP for Always Strive and Prosper and initially remained close as Rocky found wealth and fame through music. The relationship soured, coming to a head with the alleged shooting on Nov. 6, 2021, when Ephron says Rocky fired on him and grazed his knuckles. The defense plans to call witnesses to testify that a firearm seen on a security video is a starter pistol that Rocky carried as a prop for security. They likely will say that is why, despite a search of the spot by many police officers, no shell casings were found at the site near Hollywood and Vine. Police did not recover a gun in the case. Ephron went to the police two days later and brought 9 mm shell casings he had picked up himself, which are both points the defense will seize on. No fingerprints were recovered from the casings. The trials celebrity goes beyond Rocky. The Grammy-nominated hip-hop stars longtime partner is Rihanna and the couple have two toddler sons together. Tacopina suggested its unlikely Rihanna will show up in court and her name may not come up at all, though it did frequently during jury selection when many prospective jurors said they were fans. Rocky has been named one of the celebrity chairs of the Met Gala in May and has a major role in a Spike Lee-directed film with Denzel Washington to be released soon after. But his life could be upended with a conviction. In the deal from prosecutors he rejected, Rocky was to plead guilty to one of the two counts in exchange for a sentence recommendation of 180 days in jail, a seven-year suspended prison sentence and three years of probation. Beyond Ephron, the prosecution's witnesses primarily will be the police who worked on the case. They also will rely heavily on surveillance video that captured parts of the incident and the circumstances. Prosecutors at the 2023 preliminary hearing showed a still image taken from video with a man in a hooded sweatshirt whose face is not visible holding what appears to be a gun, along with another image showing the face of the man in the sweatshirt, with no gun visible. A detective testified that investigators established it was Rocky. Rocky himself could take the stand and his attorney has said he wants to, but the lawyers say they have not yet decided and he is legally allowed to avoid testifying. 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 mother of four young brothers who died trapped alone in a house fire while she was shopping in Sainsburys has been jailed. Deveca Rose had left her two sets of twins in the locked terraced house when the fatal blaze broke out on the evening of 16 December 2021. Rose had gone to the supermarket, leaving Leyton and Logan Hoath, aged three; and four-year-olds Kyson and Bryson Hoath alone at the rented home in Sutton, southwest London. The 30-year-old defendant, who had split up from her partner and suffered from mental health problems, was found guilty of four counts of manslaughter following an Old Bailey trial. Sentencing Rose to 10 years behind bars at the Old Bailey on Friday, Judge Mark Lucraft KC said: There are no words to describe this case other than a deeply tragic one. open image in gallery Deveca Rose, 30, was found guilty of manslaughter ( PA Wire ) He noted that Rose had already been to Sainsburys earlier that day and her return trip at the time of the fire was not to purchase any items that were essential or vital. He told her: You were not there and the children were too young to know what to do. As a result of what you did, they were all killed. He described the victims as lively and engaging children who were deeply loved by all who had a role in their care. Rose and the children had been living in squalor, surrounded by rubbish and human excrement, before the tragedy, her trial was told. Prosecutor Kate Lumsdon KC had told the court: There was rubbish thickly spread throughout the house. The toilet and the bath were full of rubbish and could not be used. Buckets and pots were used as toilets instead. open image in gallery Police at a property in Collingwood Road, Sutton, south London, where brothers Kyson and Bryson Hoath, aged four, and Leyton and Logan Hoath, aged three, died in a fire ( PA Wire ) When a cigarette or tea light in the living room sparked a fire, the boys were trapped and ran upstairs calling for help. A neighbour tried to break down the front door before firefighters in breathing apparatus went in and found the childrens bodies under beds. They were rushed to two separate hospitals but attempts to save them failed and they died from inhalation of fumes later that night. Rose arrived home while firefighters were still tackling the blaze and she was taken in by a neighbour.She had claimed she left the children with a friend called Jade, which prompted firefighters to go back into the house to search for her. Police carried out extensive inquiries to find Jade and concluded she either did not exist or had not been at the house that day. open image in gallery The burnt house in Sutton, London, where the four boys died in a fire after their mother went to Sainsburys ( PA ) In police interviews, Rose admitted leaving the boys alone in the house on two earlier occasions. The childrens father, Dalton Hoath, said losing his four sons was the worst day of my life. In a statement read by a relative on his behalf, he said: Their lives had just begun but were cut so short. It was every parents worst nightmare. Im not a great talker but even if I was I could not put it in words. I simply want to join them.I will never recover from losing my funny, beautiful boys. I have to fight for all of us left behind and live with this massive pain in my heart before I meet them again. The boys great grandmother Sally Johnson wept in court and she told of the horror and pain of her loss. open image in gallery Tributes outside the house where the four boys died in a house fire ( PA Wire ) She said: The thought of them crying and screaming out will haunt me forever. My only comfort is they are now together forever and need never be alone again. Im afraid I will never be able to forgive. Paternal step-grandmother Kerrie Hoath previously described the boys as polite, carefree and very much loved but recalled Rose not allowing her into the house. Jurors were told that social worker Georgia Singh had raised concerns about the family, but the case was closed three months before the fire. Previously, a health visitor had raised concerns about the family but they were not followed up after she retired, jurors were told. The children had not attended school for three weeks before their deaths. Rose, of Wallington, south London, attended much of the trial by video-link from home on medical advice and declined to give evidence in her defence. The court heard there was evidence suggesting she was probably depressed and may have suffered from a personality disorder, but the prosecution asserted that was not a defence. 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 Tributes have been paid to a senior university lecturer killed on the street in Plymouth as a man has been arrested by police on suspicion of her murder. Claire Butler, 48, a lecturer in adult nursing at Plymouth University, was found seriously injured close to her new apartment on West Hoe Road at 8.55pm on Wednesday 22 January. Paul Antony Butler, 53, who was known to the victim, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. open image in gallery Friends described Claire Butler as kind, clever, sassy, warm and funny ( Facebook ) Ms Butler was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead several hours later. Her next of kin have been informed. In a statement released by police, her family said: We are absolutely devastated and broken at the loss of our beautiful caring mother Claire Chick. She was the most beautiful lively soul and was there for everyone. Everyone who knew our mum had so much positive words to say about her. She was the life and soul of any place where she was. She loved to dance and sing, even though she was pretty bad at it; she had no shame in doing it in front of any audience. We will never get over this as a family, she was our glue and our go-to. We wont ever get the justice our mum deserves for this, because no amount of justice will bring her back. A close friend of Ms Butler told The Independent: Claire was my neighbour. Im still in shock. She was a beautiful woman. She was a stunning woman and such a lovely person and so easy to talk to - its really, really sad. Another friend said: I cant get my head around it. She was a kind, clever sassy, warm and so funny. She was beautiful inside and out and adored her grandchildren and two beautiful daughters who were her best friends. open image in gallery Tributes have been paid to Claire Butler ( Facebook ) Ms Butler worked at the University of Plymouth, first as a lecturer in adult nursing, but then progressing to deputy BSc (Hons) programme lead, and eventually associate head of School for Internationalisation, according to her LinkedIn profile. Vice-chancellor Professor Richard Davies said: We have been shocked and saddened by the death of a much-loved member of our university community. Having spoken with Claires colleagues, I know that her contribution to Plymouth was significant and deeply felt she was a respected nurse, lecturer, and personal tutor, ensuring students were supported academically and pastorally. One former student told PlymouthLive: Claire was my personal tutor in university and genuinely helped me through some truly difficult times. Always believed in me, even when I didnt believe in myself. She was truly one of the most kind-hearted souls youd ever meet and had so, so much going for her. She was an amazing tutor, a phenomenal lecturer, and a phenomenal nurse. Im so sorry to her family and those who loved her. Devon and Cornwall Police has said it will refer itself to the police watchdog due to prior contact with Ms Butler. open image in gallery Forensics sweep the scene in Pymouth ( Matt Keeble/PA Wire ) A force spokesman said: Paul Antony Butler, 53, who was wanted in connection to the death of a woman in Plymouth has been located and arrested. He is currently in police custody having been arrested on suspicion of murder. Our thoughts are with her family at this time who we are continuing to support. Officers would like to thank the local community for their assistance and their patience while our enquiries continue into this incident. A mandatory referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous contact with the victim. This is normal procedure in these circumstances. 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 man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 75-year-old man died with stab wounds in Putney, south west London. The 30-year-old, believed to be known to the victim, was arrested after the elderly man was pronounced dead on Deodar Road at around 3am on Friday. His next of kin have been made aware although police currently await formal identification. They are currently being supported by specialist officers, the Met Police said. Detective Superintendent Amanda Mawhinney said: We are currently supporting the family of a man who was sadly killed in the early hours of this morning. I am aware that people in the community may feel shocked following this - we believe this to be an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the public. Although we have made significant progress by making an arrest, I would like to make it clear that our investigation does not stop here. We need the local community to help us understand what happened in the early hours of this morning. We are appealing for anyone who was in the area at around 3am and that saw or heard anything unusual to contact us as soon as possible. You may notice a higher police presence within the area today whilst we carry out our enquiries. A scene is in place as well as road closures. If you feel the need to raise anything with our officers, then please feel free to speak with them whilst they are in the area. Anyone with information which could assist with the investigation is asked to call 101 stating CAD721/24JAN. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by submitting an online form. This is a breaking news story. More to follow... 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 Three judges that oversaw Sara Sharifs family court cases before she was murdered by her father and stepmother can be named in seven days, a court has ruled. The Court of Appeal has accepted an appeal after several media organisations challenged Mr Justice Williams controversial ruling that those who presided over a string of family court hearings before the 10-year-olds death could not be identified. Mr Justice Williams originally cited a real risk of harm to them from a virtual lynch mob as he said that to suggest family court officials should be held accountable for Saras death was equivalent to holding the lookout on the Titanic responsible for its sinking. In the Court of Appeals ruling, Sir Geoffrey Vos said: In the circumstances of this case, the judge had no jurisdiction to anonymise the historic judges either on 9 December 2024 or thereafter. A shocking trial saw Saras father, Urfan Sharif, 42, and his wife Beinash Batool, 30, found guilty for her murder, after she suffered a catalogue of 70 injuries, including 25 fractures, human bite marks and burns. Her uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, was convicted for causing or allowing her death while living with them. open image in gallery Three judges involved in cases related to the care of Sara Sharif can be named in a week ( PA ) Details later emerged from previous family court proceedings, which revealed that Surrey County Council had repeatedly raised significant concerns about Saras safety. The council first had contact with Sharif and Saras mother, Olga Domin, in 2010 more than two years before Sara was born having received referrals indicative of neglect relating to her two older siblings, known only as Z and U. Within a week of Saras birth, in 2013, the authority began care proceedings concerning the children. Between 2013 and 2015, several allegations of abuse were made against Sharif and Domin, which were never tested in court despite three sets of family court proceedings. One hearing in 2014 told that the council had significant concerns about the children returning to Sharif, given the history of allegations of physical abuse of the children and domestic abuse with Mr Sharif as the perpetrator. Sara and her sibling U were returned to the parents. Sibling Z remained in foster care, where they made allegations of physical abuse perpetrated by both parents, as well as allegations of domestic violence. open image in gallery Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool were convicted of Saras murder ( PA ) These allegations were denied by Sharif and Domin and the court did not determine the truth. In 2015, Domin accused Sharif of hitting her and their children, as well as controlling, violent behaviour. He made counter-allegations against Domin and agreed to go on a domestic violence course, but these allegations were never tested in court. Sara would briefly go into foster care and then join her mother in a refuge. While in foster care, a carer noted scars potentially consistent with cigarette burns on Sara and her sibling, which Domin and Sharif said were chicken pox scars. By November that year, the family concluded the children should live with Domin, allowing supervised visits with Sharif. In 2019, after Sara alleged Domin had abused her, a judge approved her moving to live with her father in Woking, where she later died after a campaign of abuse. open image in gallery Sara Sharif was 10 years old when she died ( PA ) Freelance journalists Louise Tickle and Hannah Summers were two of many media figures who appealed the decision as they told a hearing on 14 January that the judges should be named in the interests of transparency. Chris Barnes, for Ms Tickle and Ms Summers, called the judges decision unfair, poorly reasoned and unsustainable, calling it out of step with the recognised need to promote transparency, and media reporting, in the Family Court. The childrens guardian, representing other minors involved in the case, opposed the appeal. Alex Verdan KC, representing the guardian, said the judges decision would seem to be grounded on concern for the wellbeing of judges. For many professionals working within the family justice system, particularly those in a judicial role, the risks are all too real, but all too infrequently acknowledged, he added. Cyrus Larizadeh KC, for Urfan Sharif, has also opposed the appeal, as he said in written submissions that he was concerned that no harm should come to the judge(s) who presided in the historic proceedings, citing that media reporting had led to significant threats being made to judges on social media. 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 Inside Liverpool Crown Court, a tense silence descended as victims families gathered in the public gallery, anxiously waiting for Southport killer Axel Rudakubana to enter the dock. The sentencing hearing, scheduled for 11am, had already started late as police, legal teams, families and journalists had made their way through enhanced security amid heightened tensions over the shocking case. Every seat was taken, with some choosing to sit in parts of the public gallery with no view of the dock. A piece of frosted glass obscured any chance of catching even a fleeting glimpse of the remorseless killer, described by his own lawyer as having a total lack of empathy. Others, including the grief-stricken parents of Alice da Silva Aguiar, Alexandra and Sergio, had a clear view of the daughters murderer. open image in gallery 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana was not in court to hear the judge sentence him to life in prison with a minimum term of 52 years ( PA Media ) They watched as Rudakubana, tall and slight, finally entered the glass-screened dock wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit and a surgical facemask like the one he wore on the day he targeted 26 defenceless girls at a Taylor Swift themed holiday class in Southport last July. He refused to speak when asked to confirm his identity and sat slumped in the dock with his head bowed accompanied by five dock officers. The sentencing hearing had come more rapidly than anyone had anticipated. They had all been braced for a harrowing four-week trial which they were spared after the 18-year-old changed his plea without warning on Monday. However, any hope the families had that Rudakubana would accept his punishment with dignity were soon dashed. Within minutes of prosecutor Deanna Heer KC launching her address, Rudakubana who had refused to speak entirely at several previous hearings started to shout over her. I need to speak to a paramedic, he shouted. I need to speak to paramedic I feel ill. Reports published that morning, later contested by police, claimed he had been taken to hospital from prison before the hearing. Rudakubanas lawyer Stan Reiz KC revealed prison staff had raised concerns over his wellbeing and his ability to be in a high-pressure situation. He has not eaten for a number of days and hes drunk very little over a period of time, the lawyer said. open image in gallery Police officers line the streets outside Liverpool Crown Court prior to the departure of Axel Rudakubana ( Peter Byrne/PA Wire ) However judge Mr Justice Goose said he had been examined by healthcare professionals before the hearing, who determined he was fit to attend, and told him to stay quiet. I cant remain quiet because I am ill judge, he protested. I havent eaten for ten days and Im not going to remain quiet. Despite attempts to carry on, he continued to shout over Ms Heer and then told his lawyer he was experiencing chest pains. The judge, determined to continue, warned him shouting from the dock is not going to make this happen any quicker, but the killer refused to stop interrupting. He was ordered from the dock. A family member shouted coward as he was led to the cells by dock officers, while others shook their heads in disgust. The evidence that followed as Ms Heer recounted the horrifying details of the brutal knife attack was harrowing. Families broke down in the public gallery, with many leaving the court before distressing CCTV footage of the screaming girls fleeing in terror from the knifeman was played. One clip showed Rudakubana grabbing a girl as she tried to escape and pulling her back into the Hart Space. Moments later, the seven-year-old dressed in summer shorts emerged stumbling and disoriented with visible injuries. She clung to a wall for a few seconds, looking for her route to safety, but collapsed on the floor. Miraculously, she survived her injuries. After lunch Rudakubana returned to court, having been seen again by healthcare professionals. He had told his lawyer he would be quiet, but within minutes the interruptions resumed. Judge, judge I feel really ill, he continued. I need to be seen by a paramedic. The judge responded: He has been seen by a paramedic two teams of paramedics who deem hes fit, before he was ordered from the dock for a second time. open image in gallery From left to right: Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar were killed in the mass stabbing ( PA Media ) His absence meant he was not in court to listen to a string of devastating victim personal statements, some of which were delivered in person. One brave survivor, aged just 14, who was stabbed in the back and arm delivered her own victim statement via videolink. She demanded give me a reason for what you did as she told her attacker: I hope you spend your whole life knowing that we think youre a coward. Jailing him life with a minimum of 52 years, Mr Justice Goose said it was highly unlikely Rudakubana would ever be released. Some family members could be heard to take an audible breath as the sentence was announced. Outside court, they held hands and hugged. Later, police lined the street as Rudakubanas prison van was set to leave the court. The killer, who will likely serve his sentence in a maximum security jail, will not be eligible to apply for parole until 2077. 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 Hugh Grant has backed Prince Harrys call for a fresh police investigation into Rupert Murdochs media empire. The actor called on Sir Keir Starmer to show leadership and stop criminal abuse by big corporations after the prince won a multi-million pound settlement this week over claims against The Sun newspaper. Mr Grant accepted a large settlement from Murdochs News Group Newspapers (NGN) last year after dropping his own claim of being illegally targeted by The Sun. open image in gallery Hugh Grant has long criticsed the Murdoch empire ( PA Wire ) Prince Harrys settlement came after NGN admitted for the first time that The Sun had been involved in an intrusion into his private life. In the past it had said it was restricted to the News of the World which closed in 2011 as a result of the phone hacking scandal. Mr Grant said he and Prince Harry were determined to get at the real truth but had been prevented from doing so because NGN had gamed the system by paying more than 1 billion in settlements to hacking victims to avoid court proceedings. Mr Grant told the BBC that in the light of Prince Harrys settlement the CPS and police should launch a new criminal investigation. open image in gallery The Duke of Sussex has settled his claim against News Group Newspapers, which offered a full and unequivocal apology (Jordan Pettitt/PA) ( PA Archive ) That was the aim of the Prince Harry case as I understand it and it was certainly my original aim, he said. We need leadership from the prime minister. If a government is there for anything, particularly a Labour government, it is to protect the public from the abuses of criminality by big corporations. Mr Grant criticised Rebekah Brooks, chief executive of NGN, who is a former editor of The Sun. The people who were giving the orders are still there in positions of great power - in fact the CEO of NGN was editor of The Sun at the time when, as they have now admitted, it was indulging in criminality. Mr Grant said that he and other members of the Hacked Off group who have campaigned for tougher curbs on press abuses did not think sufficient action had been taken to stop it happening again or to hold those responsible to account. We do not think it is job done by any means, he said. Speaking outside the court after the settlement was announced, Prince Harrys fellow claimant former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson questioned whether the head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, would take action when he receives a dossier of information linked to the case. Sir Mark was asked on LBC on Friday morning if there will be a criminal investigation into NGN. He said: There was a massive series of investigations done sort of a decade or so ago, finished more recently than that many, many millions of pounds. Hundreds of officers have been involved for a long period of time. There were many prosecutions. Those investigations were closed. If they send us a bundle of material, well reflect on that and make our judgment. Much of the material in the civil litigation actually came from those investigations and was requested through legal processes by the litigants. NGN has denied the allegations but issued an apology to Harry as the settlement was announced on Wednesday. The statement said: NGN offers a full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the serious intrusion by The Sun between 1996 and 2011 into his private life, including incidents of unlawful activities carried out by private investigators working for The Sun. NGN also offers a full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the phone hacking, surveillance and misuse of private information by journalists and private investigators instructed by them at the News of the World. NGN further apologises to the Duke for the impact on him of the extensive coverage and serious intrusion into his private life as well as the private life of Diana, Princess of Wales, his late mother, in particular during his younger years. We acknowledge and apologise for the distress caused to the Duke, and the damage inflicted on relationships, friendships and family, and have agreed to pay him substantial damages. 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 Prince Harry has been told that he and fellow claimants taking legal action against the Daily Mail publishers must not spend more than 4.1m on costs around 14m less than they were proposing. The Duke of Sussex is among a group of people including Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish, actor Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley, and politician Sir Simon Hughes who are bringing legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) over alleged misuse of private information. ANL firmly denies the allegations and is defending the legal action. The two sides had proposed to spend more than 38.8m in the legal claim combined, with the claimants proposing to spend around 18.7m. But Judge Cook said he and Mr Justice Nicklin had little difficulty concluding that such sums were manifestly excessive and therefore disproportionate. On Friday, the two High Court judges ruled that the claimants could instead spend around 4.1m, and ANL around 4.5m, in the case. open image in gallery ANL, which firmly denies the allegations, previously told the court that the accusations are lurid and simply preposterous. ( PA Archive ) Judge Cook said: Costs management is not an exercise of reducing the parties costs to an irreducible minimum but setting reasonable and proportionate parameters. The Duke of Sussex has accused the publisher of allegedly commissioning unlawful activities, including hiring private investigators to place listening devices inside cars, recording private phone conversations blagging private records, and even burglaries to order. ANL, which firmly denies the allegations, previously told the court that the accusations are lurid and simply preposterous. During the hearing last November, Mr Justice Nicklin said his objective was to progress the claim to trial, which he said could start on January 14 2026. He stated that the anticipated length of the trial will be 45 days. open image in gallery The Duke of Sussex has accused the publisher of allegedly commissioning unlawful activities, ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) In a 10-page ruling, Judge Cook said the legal claims were really rather simple and wrote: The claimants will either succeed or fail in demonstrating the proposition. If the relevant claimant fails, that will be the end of the claim in respect of that article. If the claimant succeeds, the question of remedy will arise and on this issue the law is clear. Judge Cook continued: This is not to downplay the complexity of the factual issues that may arise in the litigation, but it puts these claims in the context of the sorts of litigation that come before the courts. The fact that these claimants are well-known, and the litigation high-profile, does not affect the issues that must be resolved. The ruling comes days after Prince Harry settled his legal action against the publishers of The Sun newspaper, receiving a rumoured eight-figure settlement and a full and unequivocal apology for intrusion into his private life. open image in gallery The Duke of Sussex settled his claim against News Group Newspapers, which offered a full and unequivocal apology (Jordan Pettitt/PA) ( PA Archive ) The duke and Lord Tom Watson, the former deputy Labour leader, had taken legal action against the publisher over allegations of unlawful information gathering. It has been described as a monumental victory for Prince Harry against the British press and came after he secured a separate victory against the publishers behind The Mirror in 2023. 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 Ministers have announced a new multi-billion pound deal for nuclear submarines they say will create 1,000 jobs and support 4,000 more, as Rachel Reeves scrambles to boost economic growth. The agreement with Rolls-Royce to support the Royal Navy fleet, dubbed Unity, will also aid national security, the government said, days after the UK warned Russia we see you as the Royal Navy tracked a Russian spy ship in the English Channel. Defence secretary John Healey said the investment would deliver a long-term boost to British business and jobs. The government suffered a blow on Thursday with an announcement by Sainsburys that it is cutting 3,000 jobs as it braces for a looming surge in costs, including higher taxes and wage bills, following Ms Reevess Budget. Ms Reeves is facing a growing backlash to her plans, including to a hike in employers national insurance. She has also come under increasing pressure after recent figures showed a sluggish economy. HMS Somerset (LPhot Dan Rosenbaum/Royal Navy/MoD/PA) ( PA Media ) Last week the chancellor warned the rising cost of borrowing and falling value of the pound underlined the need for ministers to go further and faster in search of economic growth. She is expected to use a speech next week to back a controversial third runway at Heathrow, despite deep division within her party over the environmental impact. Asked about the airport decision while on the trip to the Swiss ski resort, she said that growth, as the governments primary mission, trumped net zero considerations and was obviously the most important thing. According to the government the new deal for submarines streamlines previous contracts, saving taxpayers more than 400 million over eight years. Steve Carlier, the president of Rolls-Royce Submarines, said the long-term contract enables us to invest in the right skills, equipment, and facilities to play our part in protecting UK interests at home and overseas. Mr Healy said the deal was also a clear demonstration of our commitment to the UKs nuclear deterrent, which is our ultimate insurance policy in a more dangerous world. The Ministry of Defence said the contract would deliver design, manufacture and support services to nuclear reactors to power the UKs submarines. Mr Healey will announce the agreement, worth approximately 9 billion, on a visit to the companys nuclear production facility in Derby on Friday. 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 The mysterious inscription in the Stone of Destiny may have been decoded, as archaeologists share a fresh insight into the rock used to crown King Charles III. The centuries-old item, also known as the Stone of Scone, has played a role in the crowning of British monarchs since the 13th century. Ahead of King Charles coronation in May 2023, a new 3D scan revealed previously unseen subtle markings of the Roman numerals XXXV, or 35, on the stone. Now, an expert has put forward her theory behind the markings, which she thinks were made as recently as the early 1950s. Archaeologist at Stirling University, Professor Sally Foster, believes the Stone of Destiny is one of 35 pieces of a large sandstone block. The other smaller 34 pieces were separated from the ancient artefact after its famous theft from Westminster Abbey in 1950 by four students who intended to return it to Scotland. During the raid, the stone split in two. Professor Foster theorises that the markings were made by Bertie Gray, the stonemason and nationalist politician who oversaw the secret repair of the stone in 1951. open image in gallery Professor Foster put forward her theory about the stone ( Sally Foster/PA Wire ) The penny dropped: 34 fragments plus one stone equals 35, she told PA. Of course I cant prove this, but what else might it be? Gray never publicly revealed exactly how many pieces he distributed before his death in 1975, but according to Professor Foster, it fits in with his sense of humour. Hes writing on it this is the 35th. It lines up with an article from the Calgary Herald from April 1951, which refers to Mr Gray putting finishing touches on the repair to the stone and being proud of his work. Her research has led her to believe that there are as many as 34 numbed and recorded pieces. Now, the archaeologist has appealed to help trace the stories of more than 30 fragments of the original stone, which were created during Mr Grays work. She has already received word of several fragments in private ownership, including one which ended up in Orkney. Author of the Calgary Herald story, Dick Sunburn, received a fragment of the stone from Mr Gray, keeping piece number 25 behind his desk in the Canadian newspapers office. Other fragments were given to people involved in the nationalist movement. A detailed 3D scan was made of the Stone ahead of the Kings coronation in 2023. This revealed the Roman numerals inscribed on a part of the 152kg sandstone block, which would have otherwise been difficult to identify. Historic Environment Scotland, which carried out the scan and modelling, said it had been unable to figure out the purpose or meaning of the markings. They said: We dont know for certain when these markings were made on the stone, or what they signify. While they have the appearance of Roman numerals, this does not necessarily mean they date to Roman times. The appearance of the markings and the fact they have not been recorded previously suggest they may have been carved more recently. We hope this will be an area for further research. 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 Thames Water has warned the government that it faces bankruptcy if it is not allowed to raise bills by more than agreed with regulator Ofwat. The UKs biggest water company will put its prices up by 35 per cent over the next five years, down from the 53 per cent that was requested. Bosses have argued that the additional funding is needed to pay for new infrastructure investments over the next five years, but Ofwat has declined to change its decision. Thames Water now has until 18 February to decide whether to appeal to the Competition and Markets Authority. Representatives for the water supplier maintain that the funding settlement will not allow the company to restructure its debts, increasing the chance of bankruptcy. Thames Water is trying to secure 3bn in emergency funding to protect against imminent collapse, a plan which Londons High Court will decide on in Febrary. The company is also looking to find 3.25bn in equity investments to 2030. open image in gallery Protesters attend a Thames Water bailout protest at the high court in London, 17 December 2024 ( EPA ) These financial lifelines are preferred by the companys creditors, but campaigners say the cost of the emergency funding would be passed on to Thames Water customers. But if Thames Water is unable to increase its bills any higher and also fails to secure emergency funding, the possiblity of bankruptcy will become even more real, forcing the government to step in. What happens if Thames Water goes bankrupt? If Thames Water goes bankrupt, the government would be forced to carry out some form of nationalisation. Ministers have reportedly already begun looking for potential special administrators to take over the beleagured water company. This would put it into a special administration regime, taking in to temporary government ownership to ensure that its essential water service continues. However, the move could also force the government to take on Thames Waters 16bn debt pile. This would be a major blow for the Treasury, especially to come at a time when economic growth remains inconsistent. open image in gallery Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently called water bill hikes a bitter pill ( Kirsty OConnor/Treasury ) Whitehall officials have begun drawing up the plans under the codename Project Timber, it was revealed in April last year. This would see Thames Water run by the government as an arms-length body, giving it far greater control of day-to-day operations. Meanwhile, current lenders would lose up to 40 per cent of their money. Ministers would be faced with deciding whether the company would remain a public asset or become privatised again. The Labour government has said it has no intention to nationalise the water industry citing a cost of 90bn and need to deal with issues quickly. However, ministers have moved towards nationalisation in other industries. Rail nationalisation is expected to finish in 2027, while work on publicly-owned GB Energy continues. Projects like these may well pave the way for other similar endeavours in the future. When did the problems with Thames Water start? Some would argue Thames Waters problems go back to the 1980s, when it was privatised alongside all the other water companies. In 1989, Margaret Thatchers Conservative government sold off England and Wales ten regional water companies to the newly created Water and Sewerage Companies (WSCs) for 7.6bn. The move was unprecedented, and was the second attempt after an unsuccessful first run in 1984, when there was massive outcry against Ms Thatchers plans. However, bolstered by her 1987 general election win, the plans were pushed through. The move came after Ms Thatcher imposed tight restrictions on the water companies which prevented them from being allowed to borrow for capital projects. This then became part of her governments justification for selling them to private owners. open image in gallery Margaret Thatcher gives her last speech as Prime Minister, October 1990 ( Corbis via Getty Images ) Ms Thatcher once said the Conservatives were against nationalisation because we believe that economic progress comes from the inventiveness, ability, determination and the pioneering spirit of extraordinary men and women. If they cannot exercise that spirit here, they will go away to another free enterprise country which will then make more economic progress than we do. In 2025, England and Wales remain two of the few countries in the world to have fully privatised water services. According to pro-nationalisation campaign group We Own It, water bills in England and Wales have gone up by 40 per cent in real terms since nationalisation, while the average salary of a water service CEO is 1.7m a year. Thames Water in the 21st century Since 2001, Thames Water has had three owners. It was acquired by German utility company RWE in 2001 and sold to Macquarie in 2006 following criticism over leakage targets. Macquaries ownership lasted for 11 years, until 2017. During these years, Thames Water acquired the highest debt in the sector, as owners pursued severe underfunding and cost-cutting measures alongside massive shareholder dividend payouts. Under Macquarie, debts almost tripled from 3.2bn to 10.5bn, as shareholders were paid 2.8bn. open image in gallery Chris Weston leaves the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) in central London (Yui Mok/PA) ( PA Wire ) The company is now owned by several major shareholders, including several pension funds. The largest ownership shares are OMERS (32 per cent), a Canadian public pension fund, and the UKs Universities Superannuation Scheme (20 per cent). The path to financial recovery for Thames Water has been difficult, with former CEO Sarah Bentley stepping down suddenly in June 2023 after three years in the role. She was replaced by former British Gas executive Chris Weston the following December, who will receive a pay package of reportedly up to 2.3m a year with bonuses. In December, Thames Water was fined 18 million by Ofwat for unjustified dividend payments which it say broke shareholder payment rules. The regulator also clawed back 131 million worth of dividends. Now in 2025, the company finds itself one step closer to bankruptcy its future looking less certain than ever. 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 rare red weather warnings has been issued by the Met Office for Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland as Storm Eowyn is set to bring severe winds to the UK on Friday. The extreme weather event has seen hundreds of schools close in preparation, and dozens of rail operators halt their services. The storm marks the first time Northern Ireland has seen a red weather warning since the current system was introduced in 2011. It covers the entire country. Parts of Scotland are also covered by the rare warnings including Glasgow and Edinburgh while the rest of the UK is covered by either amber or yellow warnings throughout the rest of the day. open image in gallery A rare red weather warning has been issued for Ireland and parts of Scotland as Storm Eowyn sweeps in (PA) Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: Storm Eowyn is a multi-hazard event, with snow likely for some, rain for many and strong winds for much of the UK. As a result, a number of weather warnings have been issued, with all parts of the UK covered by one warning at some point on Friday. While it will be widely very windy on Friday, with additional hazards from rain and snow, the strongest winds and most significant impacts are likely in Northern Ireland and central and southwestern parts of Scotland within the Red Warning areas, where winds could gust 80-90 mph quite widely for a time, and potentially up to 100 mph for exposed coasts in particular. How rare are red weather warnings? Red weather warnings are the rarest kind, issued when the Met Office believes extreme weather is very likely to occur. The event will usually bring conditions that pose a danger to life, with those in the affected areas advised to take extreme caution. Between 2011 and 2024, there were red warnings in place on just 19 days. During the same time, 521 days saw amber warnings while 1,922 had yellow. This means a red warning has only come on average one in every 128 days that saw other warnings. For a red weather warning to be issued, it is measured by Met Office experts againsts its impact matrix. This weighs how high the impact from the weather event will be with how likely it is to occur. On the rare occasion that they forecast the highest of both, a red warning is issued. open image in gallery Red weather warnings in place on Friday 24 January (PA Graphics) ( PA Graphics ) Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: We reserve the issuing of Red Warnings for the most severe weather which represents a likely danger to life and severe disruption, and that is the case with Storm Eowyn. They are not only issued for wind, however, and in the past have been issued rain, snow and once even severe heat. This was the case in July 2022 for the first and only time, during a severe heatwave which saw many areas in the UK declare draught and wildfires. On 19 July 2022, the highest-ever temperature in the UK was recored in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, at 40.3 degrees. How dangerous is a red weather warning? A red weather warning can cause very dangerous conditions for those in affected areas, meaning precautions should be taken. During Storm Eowyn, the Met Office recommends staying inside, not travelling, preparing for power cuts and tying down loose items outside the home if possible. Mr Gundersen says: While it will be widely very windy on Friday, with additional hazards from rain and snow, the strongest winds and most significant impacts are likely in Northern Ireland and central and southwestern parts of Scotland within the Red Warning areas, where winds could gust 80-90 mph quite widely for a time, and potentially up to 100 mph for exposed coasts in particular. The Met Office describes high impact from wind as: Widespread danger to life from flying debris. Widespread structural damage e.g. roofs blown off, mobile homes overturned, power lines brought down. Transport routes and travel services affected for a prolonged period. Long travel delays. Closure of main bridges, road and rail networks in many areas, and significant disruption to air and ferry transport. Widespread and prolonged disruption to power, and/or other utilities and services. Danger to life from large waves/beach material being thrown onto coastal route, sea fronts and coastal communities. For the latest updates and information during Storm Eowyn, follow The Independents live coverage. 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 Kemi Badenoch has been accused of political opportunism for criticising Labour politicians for suggesting counter-terror programme Prevent could alienate communities, having herself co-written a report expressing the same concerns. The Tory leader signed off a report in 2015 that concluded Prevent was subject to accusations of police heavy-handedness and warned the public must not be the forgotten partner in the fight against extremism. But, despite having backed the report and its findings, Ms Badenoch on Tuesday attacked Sir Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper over Labours 2019 general election manifesto, which said Prevent has the potential to alienate communities. open image in gallery Axel Rudakubana was referred to Prevent three times before carrying out the Southport attack ( PA Media ) Ms Badenoch said: When the Conservatives were trying to toughen the Prevent anti-extremism programme, Starmer and Cooper were running for office on manifestos worried about Prevent alienating communities. But Ms Badenoch was a member of the London assemblys police and crime committee in 2015 and one of eight members who authored a 50-page report entitled Preventing extremism in London. The report said Prevent was subject to accusations of police heavy-handedness and spying and that it has had a troubled history, which has led to it being considered by some as a damaged brand, and viewed with suspicion by others. Community engagement is critical to the success of Prevent, the report went on, noting the risk that the current top down approach to Prevent delivery makes it difficult to engage citizens. open image in gallery Kemi Badenoch was accused of political opportunism for her criticism of Labour ( PA Wire ) Concluding, the report said the public must not be the forgotten partner in the fight against extremism. Community engagement is shown to work, but is also the hardest element to achieve. Green peer Jenny Jones, who was a fellow member on the committee at the time, accused Ms Badenoch of political opportunism. She told The Guardian, which unearthed the report: As a member of the London assembly, Kemi co-authored a scrutiny report in 2015 which recognised the shortcomings and possible downsides of the Prevent strategy, including the possible alienation of communities, but apparently did nothing to address them when in government. Another committee source said Ms Badenoch backed the report in full, with no mention of it being woke. The Prevent scheme has faced renewed scrutiny after failing to stop a series of killings in recent years, including the mass stabbing of young girls at a dance class in Southport by Axel Rudakubana, who was referred to Prevent three times before carrying out the attack. The killer of former Conservative MP Sir David Amess was also referred to the Prevent programme before the attack and his daughter has called for an inquiry into the programme. Katie Amess said Prevent was not foiling any terrorist attacks, it is allowing people to commit these crimes. She added: I have been pushing and pushing and pushing for an inquiry from the Conservative government and from, now, the Labour Government. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A group of indigenous Chagossian people have instructed lawyers to challenge the controversial Chagos deal, in yet another blow to the governments beleaguered agreement. It comes as the deal faces criticism from all sides, with Donald Trump threatening to veto it, the new Mauritian government demanding further concessions from Britain, and concerns being raised by the governments own Labour MPs. Now, The Independent understands that Chagossian Voices, a group representing people who originate from the Chagos Islands, has sought legal advice and is willing to take the government to court over the plans. The government announced a deal to hand over the islands to Mauritius in October 2024, which is meant to secure the future of a secretive military base on the island of Diego Garcia. But it is understood the group wants to pursue all options to ensure that the deal does not go ahead, rejecting Mauritian sovereignty over the archipelago, which is located some 1,680 kilometres northeast of the Indian Ocean nation. open image in gallery The future of the deal to hand the Chagos Islands over to Mauritius is becoming increasingly uncertain ( US Department of Defence ) They have pointed out that the Chagossian people who were forcibly removed from Chagos more than 50 years ago to make way for the military base have their own language and culture entirely separate to Mauritius. They also claim they were not consulted on the agreement. Frankie Bontemps, a founding member of Chagossian Voices, said people who originate from the islands feel both powerless and voiceless in making decisions about their futures. [Chagossians] have endured 50 years of exile of suffering but both the British and the Mauritian government are after their own interests, he told a meeting of indigenous Chagossians to engage with MPs in parliament on Wednesday. It comes as the UK attempts to renegotiate the deal previously agreed with Mauritius after the newly elected administration raised objections to the original agreement and is reportedly seeking more compensation. Mr Bontemps added: The foreign secretary made a statement in parliament that they are interested to secure the deal for 99 years. And Mauritius is after how much compensation they can get for the 99-year lease. While in the middle of this tragedy theres a people, the Chagossian people. Its not the British or the Mauritians who suffered deportation, exile. Its us, the descendants. open image in gallery Foreign secretary David Lammy was accused of misleading the Commons over his engagement with Chagossians ( AFP/Getty ) The foreign secretary has insisted the agreement is a good deal which secures the long-term future of the airbase. He has also pointed out that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the islands belong to Mauritius. However, in a separate opinion delivered alongside the ICJs ruling in 2019, Judge Gaja said the will of the Chagossians should be taken into account. The General Assembly may have considered that, as the result of the process of decolonisation, the archipelago would become part of Mauritius. However, the General Assembly may revisit the issue and in particular take into account the will of the Chagossians, he said. Human Rights Watch have insisted that the UK and Mauritius should prioritise the Chagossian peoples participation in negotiations about the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. Earlier this week, Labour MP Peter Lamb accused foreign secretary David Lammy of misleading parliament over his engagement with Chagossians. Speaking at Wednesdays meeting, the MP for Crawley claimed there is certainly evidence that statements made in the Commons by the foreign secretary do not appear to be true, referencing claims that the government has engaged with the Chagossians throughout the process of striking a deal. On 7 October last year the foreign secretary told the House of Commons: Of course we kept the Chagossians informed all along the way. But Chagossian Voices said they have not met with Mr Lammy, and that Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) minister Stephen Doughty, who has met with the group twice since the deal was agreed, refused to discuss the negotiations. The comments made by Mr Lamb whose constituency is home to the largest community of Chagossians in the UK highlight the fractious state of relations over the deal, the future of which is becoming increasingly uncertain. A government spokesperson said: The negotiations were between the UK and Mauritius with our priority being to secure the full operation of the base on Diego Garcia. We recognise the importance of the islands to Chagossians and have worked to ensure this agreement reflects their interests. The UK government, under both the previous and current administration, has been engaged with Chagossians at both official and Ministerial level during negotiations which first started in November 2022. As part of the agreement, we will finance a new trust fund for Mauritius to use in support of the Chagossian community. We will work with Mauritius to start a new programme of visits for Chagossians to the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. And Mauritius will be free to develop a programme of resettlement on the islands, other than Diego Garcia. 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 MPs in Nigel Farages Reform UK party have called for a debate on the death penalty after a killer who murdered three girls at a childrens dance class was sentenced. Axel Rudakubana, 18, was given life with a minimum of 52 years in prison for the horrific attack which was described as a pre-meditated attempt to commit indiscriminate mass murder. Judge Mr Justice Goose said he was unable to hand him a rare whole life order because he was only 17 at the time of the attack on 29 July last year. He turned 18 just nine days later. Axel Rudakubana has been detained for a minimum of 52 years ( PA Media ) Southports Labour MP Patrick Hurley said the sentence was not severe enough and he had asked the Attorney General to review the sentence as unduly lenient. The Attorney Generals Office said the case had been referred under the unduly lenient sentence scheme, which requires just one request in order for punishments handed out in court to be reconsidered. Attorney General Lord Hermer and Solicitor General Lucy Rigby have 28 days to decide whether to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal. Meanwhile, Reform UKs deputy leader Richard Tice has called for a national debate on the death penalty. The MP told LBC: "I dont think we should be afraid of having a national debate on important big issues like this. I think that many people in the country would like at least a debate." The last use of the death penalty in the UK took place in 1964. Another Reform MP Rupert Lowe said it was "time for a national debate" on the use of capital punishment "in exceptional circumstances". A third, Lee Anderson, posted a picture of a noose on his X account, adding: "No apologies here. This is what is required!" Party leader Mr Farage also called for the director of public prosecutions Stephen Parkinson to resign. He said: The British public needs to have confidence in the CPS and our police forces. Tens of millions of British citizens will find it incomprehensible how the CPS decided this was a non-terror incident and maintained that position. Those in positions of power have to be accountable and responsible for their actions. Prime minister Keir Starmer described the killer as a vile offender who as the judge has stated... will likely never be released. He added that the thoughts of the entire nation were with the families and all those affected by the unimaginable horrors that unfolded. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said: I cannot imagine the eduring pain their [victims] families are still going through. No punishment will ever seem like enough. The government has an urgent duty to the families and our country to learn the lessons from what happened, and ensure a tragedy on this scale can never happen again. 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 The British public are in favour of cutting or abolishing inheritance tax, a new poll has shown, as backlash over the governments tax raid on family farms continues to grow. Campaigners have said the survey should be a reality check for the government amid growing frustration over the decision to extend inheritance tax to agricultural properties. The latest polling, conduced by Public First for the Taxpayers Alliance - a pressure group campaigning for a low-tax society - saw 55 per cent of people say they would support cutting or abolishing the tax, with almost half of respondents listing the tax as the most unfair out of a list of nine. open image in gallery Farmers took to the streets of London and other cities to protest against the changes to inheritance tax (Stefan Rousseau/PA) ( PA Wire ) Asked do you think the government should raise inheritance tax rates, cut inheritance tax rates, keep inheritance tax rates the same, or abolish inheritance tax all together?, 27 per cent said it should be cut and 28 per cent said it should be abolished. This compares to 21 per cent who say it should be kept the same and 10 per cent who said it should be increased. Worryingly for Sir Keir Starmer, the figures were similar for 2024 Labour voters, with 48 per cent calling for the tax to be cut or abolished. Some 39 per cent think it should be kept or raised. Looking at the question of family farms specifically, 56 per cent of 2024 Labour voters said inheritance tax should not be charged, compared with just 31 per cent who said it should. John OConnell, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, urged the government to listen to the electorate that put them in office and scrap inheritance tax. "The British public clearly recognise that inheritance tax is an almost uniquely bad tax, given their unanimous support for cutting or abolishing it altogether, he said. While there are certain reforms - such as lifting thresholds - that could ease some of the pain, its becoming increasingly clear that the only acceptable solution in the long term is complete abolition. Our political leaders now need to listen to the electorate that put them in office and scrap inheritance tax once and for all. Meanwhile, Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance said the damning new polling should serve as a reality check for Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves who continue to be in denial about the impact this unnecessary and divisive tax hike will have on our family farms. Labour MPs, particularly in rural areas, need to demand a policy rethink now. It would be naive for them to think this issue and the anger and hurt it has caused will go away, he said. On Monday, some of the UKs largest retailers backed farmers in their fight against Ms Reeves inheritance tax raid, warning the UKs future food security is at stake. The calls have added to pressure on the chancellor to U-turn on her tax raid, which critics warn could sound the death knell for family farms in England. But Treasury minister James Murray told MPs on Thursday that ministers would not give in to calls to pause and look again. He said the government was committed to delivering the reforms announced at the Budget, adding that it was a fair approach that would help to fix the public services we all rely on. open image in gallery Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves speaking to the media (Peter Byrne/PA) ( PA Wire ) In a separate blow, a new report by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) warned the policy may raise less than the Treasury hopes, with the 500m-a year-revenue forecast given a high uncertainty rating and likely to fall after seven years as families use tax planning to avoid the charge. The changes mean that farms valued at 1m or more would be liable for 20 per cent inheritance tax. The Treasury says that, with tax allowances, in reality, only farms worth 3m would be affected, just 28 per cent of family farms. But official Defra figures appear to suggest as many as 66 per cent could be hit. The polling, which was conducted between December 13 and 17 2024, spoke to 2,011 UK adults. 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 Senior Tories want former prime minister Liz Truss to take a holiday and get out of the public gaze for at least a year. The comments came after Ms Truss became a popular fixture, among Donald Trumps Maga supporters and donors, on the inauguration party circuit in Washington DC last week. On Monday night, just hours after Mr Trump was sworn in as president, the former prime minister, who lasted just 49 days in Downing Street, stood up at one of the official balls celebrating the inauguration and gave an impromptu speech. Ms Truss is said to have repeated the line that Britain needs its own Trump, and praised the incoming US president for saving Western civilisation. open image in gallery Liz Truss at an event during the inauguration ( Reuters ) A source from the ball, which was packed full of right-wing backers of the new administration, said: She got a huge ovation for her words. The brevity of her premiership did not stop Ms Truss asking to be referred to a Prime Minister Truss using the American tradition of keeping the honourific of a job title once you have held it however short the tenure. She was also in town to promote her new media platform and was accompanied by Michael Pack, a right-wing documentarian who has been promoting his film about her short-lived tenure at No 10. Certainly, amongst Maga types there was an appetite for Truss claim in her recent autobiographical book that she had been the victim of the system and establishment. But Ms Trusss interventions are causing alarm in the Conservative Party, with a number of Tories concerned that she is becoming an embarrassment. On Thursday, The Guardian reported that the current Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, had suggested at a shadow cabinet meeting that she wants Liz Truss to shut up for a while. One Conservative and one former Conservative (both friends) visiting Washington DC for the Trump inauguration this week told The Independent that she needs to take a holiday, with one suggesting it should be for at least a year. The scars left by the former prime ministers disastrous mini-Budget, along with memories of the Daily Stars lettuce campaign, still linger. open image in gallery Truss posed in a Maga hat in Washington DC last week ( @trussliz/X ) Ms Truss has not commented on the suggestions that she should disappear from the public gaze for a while, although an ally suggested that the comments were likely to have the opposite effect. When The Independent caught up with Ms Truss at an inauguration event, she said she had no intention of joining Reform and would be staying with the Tories, arguing that party support is a distraction at the moment. However, her conversion to Trumpian Maga politics has astonished some observers, particularly those who are concerned with culture war issues. With Ms Truss now posing as a hardliner against LGBT+ and diversity issues, one former civil servant who worked for her when she was a senior minister in charge of these matters recalled that she was known for her progressive views at the time, although supporters point out she did advocate to protect single sex spaces for women. But her latest stance against diversity hire has won approval from Elon Musk on his X platform among others. Ms Truss is a regular visitor to the powerful Heritage Foundation in Washington DC, which led the way in developing the ultra-conservative Project 2025 policy manual for the Trump administration. She certainly has many fans, as the reaction to her speech suggested, not least Nile Gardiner at the Margaret Thatcher Center. But her presence there has caused division among senior members of the Tory party, who are split over her past record as a minister. One source noted: Liz was originally against Brexit and was for David Cameron. She was the Queen of woke. A new Techne UK opinion poll for The Independent puts Labour, the Conservatives and Reform in what is in effect a three-way tie, on 25 per cent, 24 per cent and 24 per cent respectively. As Michela Morizzo, Technes chief executive, observes, the Tories and Reform combined have the support of 48 per cent of voters, twice as many as Labour. If the centre right were to combine, they would be unassailable, she said. It is true that if Tory and Reform candidates stood down in each others favour, and all of each partys supporters voted for a single centre right candidate in every constituency, the joint Tory-Reform ticket would win an even more sweeping victory than Labour did last year. This is Nigel Farages plan, according to Ben Habib, Reform UKs former deputy leader, who said: Nigels aim is to set up the best possible negotiating position he can between now and 2028. If Reform overtakes the Tories consistently in the opinion polls, Farage believes he could negotiate an electoral pact from a position of strength. What is to stop such a deal happening? It would be hard to persuade the Conservatives to agree to a deal. Tory historians will know that it was an electoral pact in 1906 between the Liberals and the Labour Party that gave the newly founded workers party the foothold in parliament that it needed, eventually displacing the Liberal party as the Tories main opponent in a two-party system in 1923. Students of more recent history will point to the failure of the Social Democratic Party to break through the first-past-the-post voting system after breaking away from Labour in 1981. After riding high in opinion polls including periods when it matched or overtook the two main parties the SDP, in alliance with the Liberals, won 26 per cent of the vote in the 1983 election but only 23 seats. Labour, on 28 per cent, lost badly to the Tories but retained 209 seats. But Kemi Badenoch does not need to be a historian to know that a deal with Farage, who has pledged to destroy the Tory party, would be risky. Would an electoral pact work? There are reasons to be sceptical apart from it probably being several years until the next general election, in which time stuff will happen. It is a common fallacy to assume that blocs of voters can be added together by horse-trading between national leaders, and that the people would meekly vote in the way that such leaders dictate. This assumption has long been a feature of idealistic pluralism on the left. Neal Lawson, of Compass, a pressure group that advocates cross-party alliances against the right, recently pointed out that in every general election since 1979 except one (in 2015), the progressive parties (Labour, Liberals, Lib Dems, Greens and Nationalists) have won a greater share of the vote than the regressive ones (Conservatives, Ukip, Brexit and Reform). This thesis was elegantly demolished by Peter Kellner this week: in many cases, he points out, voters for the Lib Dems and their predecessors would have preferred a Conservative government to a Labour one if they had been forced to make a choice. Electoral pacts change voter behaviour If party leaders agree to a deal, their supporters may not necessarily behave as expected. Many people support Reform because they are disgusted by the record of the Tory government. They might refuse to vote for a Tory candidate if there were an electoral pact, and might rather vote for an independent or stay at home. Similarly, many Tory voters have a low opinion of Farage and may refuse to vote for a Reform candidate. What is worrying some of Keir Starmers advisers, however, is what I wrote about last weekend: that Reform may start to gain significant support from people who voted Labour last year but are disillusioned with the party in government. If that happens, and Reform becomes an anti-incumbent party as much as an anti-Tory one, it is possible that the voters will decide for themselves to vote for whichever candidate is best placed to defeat Labour. This would not need an electoral pact, and could include former Labour voters with some left-wing attitudes voting for Reform, the Lib Dems, the Greens, or pro-Palestinian independents. Starmers nightmare is that the anti-Tory tactical voting that delivered his huge victory last year turns into anti-Labour tactical voting that could deliver either a Tory-Reform majority or a more confused hung parliament. Europes new trade official responsible for post-Brexit negotiations has said a pan-European [customs] area is something the EU could consider as part of resetting relations between the UK post-Brexit and the EU. But how feasible would this be? What would a pan-European customs area look like? One exists at present in the form of the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM). It has a very wide membership from EU and non-EU states in Europe, including aspiring EU members in the Balkans and the likes of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. It also comprises north African and Middle Eastern countries bordering the Mediterranean, including Lebanon, Israel, Turkey, Syria, Egypt and Morocco. Its rules allow members to source parts and ingredients for manufacturing from one another and to trade between themselves without tariffs. How would it differ from current UK-EU trade arrangements? Under post-Brexit arrangements, UK-manufactured goods sold into the EU are not subject to tariffs so long as they are made with a stipulated percentage of materials sourced from the UK or the EU. Otherwise, goods are subject to tariffs. However, if the UK joined the PEM, goods made with components or textiles from, for instance, Turkey (a big supplier of textiles and food) would no longer be subject to those tariffs. The main argument for membership is that it would align rules for UK companies with their EU and (non-some EU) trading partners, reducing paperwork and costs. It could also answer current complaints that checks on UK goods entering the EU and vice versa can be inconsistent, and it could perhaps help to smooth out some of the complexities around goods entering and leaving Northern Ireland. Whose brainchild is this? It was raised as a possibility at the Davos World Economic Forum by Maros Sefcovic, who is a vice-president of the EU Commission and has just become the EU trade official responsible for post-Brexit negotiations with Britain. Sefcovic is a former politician and diplomat from Slovakia who has held many senior positions in the EU Commission. He is in a respected tradition of Slovak diplomats and is regarded as one of the most able EU officials. Among his other achievements, as energy commissioner he masterminded rerouting EU gas pipelines to pre-empt possible Russian cut-offs. If anyone can solve the conundrum of post-Brexit UK-EU relations, it is probably Sevkovic. Has the UK responded? At Cabinet Office Questions in the House of Commons, Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Europe minister, said: We dont currently have any plans to join PEM. open image in gallery If anyone can solve the conundrum of post-Brexit EU-UK relations, it is probably Maros Sefcovic ( PA ) On the other hand, a No 10 spokesperson said membership in the future had not been ruled out, and there are reports that the government has been talking to business about the possible advantages of joining the PEM. At Davos, Sefcovic said the ball is in the UKs court. What would be the advantage of PEM over a customs agreement specifically with the EU? Any customs agreement with the EU would be tantamount to rejoining the single market, which would come with the obligation to respect free movement of labour a red line for the current Labour government, as it was for the previous Conservative governments. Joining the PEM would come with no such requirements, which is why it may be acceptable. Could it be an answer to post-Brexit UK-EU relations? It might not transform the dynamic, but it could ease what has been a fractious and at times bad-tempered relationship for the nine years since the Brexit vote. Militating against this is Britains apparent reluctance to look favourably on openings for closer relations. A proposal for young people aged 18 to 30 to travel, live and work in each others countries was summarily rejected by both this government and its predecessor, although it remains on the table. Membership of the PEM, which would carry no free-movement implications, might prove more acceptable, but would not necessarily lead to closer relations with the EU. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A leading pollster has warned that if Nigel Farages Reform UK and the Tories were to form a pact they would be unassailable at the next election based on current surveys. Techne UKs chief executive Michela Morizzo made her comment as the companys latest weekly tracker poll for The Independent had close to a three-way split at the top with Labour on 25 per cent (down 1), just one point ahead of the Tories (down 1) and Reform UK (up 1) both on 24 per cent. It meant that the combined centre right vote in the UK is 48 per cent, which if brought together would reset British politics. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage(Jonathan Brady/PA) ( PA Wire ) Meanwhile, the Lib Dems were also up one to 13 per cent while the Greens remained level on 7 per cent. Ms Morizzos observations came less than 24 hours after Reform UKs former deputy leader Ben Habib became the first senior figure associated with the party to reveal that Mr Farages plan has always been to force a merger or pact with the Tories. He told a podcast with economist Mark Littlewood for Popular Conservatism (Popcon), that Mr Farages strategy was to have a strong negotiating hand by 2028. He said: Nigels aim is to set up the best possible negotiating position he can between now and 2028 for the Conservative Party. Take as many Conservative MPs, grassroots, members, candidates, councillors, whatever. Weaken the tory party as much as he possibly can, get to 2028 and then he will try and do a deal. If he succeeds and gets very strong he will do that deal from a position of strength. Privately allies of Mr Farage have also told The Independent he wants to engineer a reverse takeover of the Tories with Reform UK. The latest Techne findings have revealed that Reform UK is picking up a lot of support from other parties. This includes more than one in four (26 per cent) Tory voters from the 2024 election, and one in seven (14 per cent) of Lib Dem voters from the election. Ms Morizzo described the collapse in Labours support just seven months after being elected as almost unprecedented. She said: The Labour Party decline continues this week with Sir Keir Starmers party losing another point in national vote share dropping down to just 25 per cent. This in itself is an almost unheard of low polling share for a governing party, particularly as it has only held power for just seven months. Once again this highlights that Kemi Badenoch is still struggling to give her party a strong and well defined vision. Further to this it is once again Reform UK who are growing in national vote share to 24 per cent. This is now truly a three-way split for these three parties. However, she added: Finally one must also note that the centre right of the Conservatives and Reform UK if placed together hold an unassailable 48 per cent. What will this scenario lead to? Only time will tell. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A senior cabinet minister has insisted that there will be no new inquiry or restrictions into the activities of the media in the UK despite The Sun paying damages to Prince Harry. Actor Hugh Grant, a leading member of the campaign group Hacked Off, had led demands for a second inquiry following the one chaired by the leading High Court judge Lord Leveson which reported in 2012. It had been initiated because of industrial scale phone hacking by newspapers at Rupert Murdochs News Corp and Trinity Mirror. A second inquiry, which was shelved by former prime minister David Cameron, was meant to look at the relationship between the police and the press. open image in gallery Prince Harry has been paid substantial damages by The Sun ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) But speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today Programme this morning, defence secretary John Healey stated that there would be no further action against the media. While he said that all laws are kept under review action would only be considered if there was new evidence. But asked about the second stage of the Leveson inquiry which has been shelved, he said: We have made the decision we wont proceed with the second stage of the Leveson inquiry. But we will take account of any new evidence that is put to us. It was pointed out that in May 2018 former Labour leader Ed Miliband, now in the current cabinet, said that there needed to be a second Leveson inquiry no ifs, no buts, no maybes. open image in gallery Hugh Grant is among those calling for the second Leveson inquiry ( PA Archive ) Asked what had changed, Mr Healey responded: Seven years, two elections and we went into the last election last year with a commitment to do what we can but a decision we would not go ahead with the second stage of an inquiry. We need to strike a balance between the protection of individuals and the right of a free press. The Duke of Sussex, 40, alleged that journalists and private investigators working for News Group Newspapers (NGN) which also published the now-defunct News of the World had unlawfully targeted him. On Wednesday, his barrister confirmed that the parties had reached an agreement, with NGN offering an unequivocal apology and agreeing to pay substantial damages, reportedly an eight-figure sum. Delivering a scathing rebuke on the steps of the High Court, Harrys barrister, David Sherborne, described the settlement as a monumental victory. He declared: The lies are laid bare, the cover-ups are exposed, and today proves that no one is above the law. Earlier, Mr Grant, who also took News Corp to court, told the Today Programme: In light of these findings [in the Prince Harry case], we think that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the police should launch a new criminal investigation into this. That was the aim of Prince Harrys case as I understand it and certainly was my original aim in my case. Also quite clearly there should be Leveson 2. This is something that was repeatedly promised by the Labour Party in opposition to victims of press abuse over and over again and now suddenly seems to have disappeared from their priority list now that they are in government. 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 Britain has no plans to along with Donald Trumps decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, The Independent understands. Amid a slew of executive orders he signed on his return to the Whitehouse, the new president used executive order 14170 to restore names that honour American greatness. The area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation and has remained an indelible part of America, the order states. open image in gallery Donald Trump signed an executive order to change the body of waters name ( EPA ) Mr Trump cited the abundance of oil and natural gas in the basin, the vibrant American fisheries in the Gulf as well as its status as a favourite for American tourists. He said it will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Americas future and the global economy. In recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nations economy and its people, I am directing that it officially be renamed the Gulf of America, Mr Trump added. The executive order means all government references to the area will refer to it as the Gulf of America, with the Gulf of Mexico stripped from Americas Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). open image in gallery Claudia Sheinbaum said that for us and for the entire world it will continue to be called the Gulf of Mexico ( REUTERS ) Navigation apps such as Google Maps are under pressure from Republicans to follow along with the name change, but Mr Trump cannot compel foreign countries to use the new name. While the US can choose how to label geographical features on its coastline, the UK will continue its existing process for labelling landmarks and regions, The Independent understands. And sources told The Telegraph the name will not change on British maps until Gulf of America becomes the most commonly used name for it, which is unlikely. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has hit back at the president over the name change, saying the Gulf of Mexico is a name recognized by the United Nations. For us and for the entire world it will continue to be called the Gulf of Mexico, she said. And she joked that if Trump went ahead with the renaming, her country would rename North America Mexican America. 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 Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday said he wants the European Union to intervene in a gas dispute his country has with Ukraine, a potential sign of friction in the bloc's upcoming discussions over renewing sanctions against Russia. Speaking on state radio, Orban said that Ukraine's decision to cease transiting Russian gas into Central Europe through the Brotherhood pipeline had forced Hungary to turn to alternative routes, which raised energy prices. Meanwhile, he claimed EU sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine had cost Hungary 19 billion euros ($20 billion) since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. He did not cite how that sum was calculated. Its no good that we pay for the economic consequences of sanctions to help Ukraine while they turn around and mess with us, he said of Kyiv's decision to allow a prewar transit deal with Russia to expire at the end of 2024. Natural gas prices did spike at the beginning of the year following the expiration of Ukraine's transit contract with Russia, though an increase in liquefied natural gas shipments to Europe has kept prices fluctuating. As the EU prepares to renew sanctions on Moscow in the coming week which requires unanimity among all the 27-member blocs leaders Hungary has signaled it may use a veto to block the penalties. Orban, considered to have the closest relationship with the Kremlin of any other EU leader, has long been a vocal opponent of EU sanctions against Moscow, though he has ultimately always voted for them. But following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump last week, Orban has publicly demanded an end to sanctions, raising the possibility that he would veto the newest round which must be decided by Jan. 31. The question of extending the sanctions is now on the agenda, and I pulled the handbrake and asked European leaders to understand that this cannot be continued," he said Friday. It is not possible that Hungary will pay the price of the sanctions in this proportion. I told my (EU) colleagues to please understand that we are asking for help," he continued. "We ask that they be able to get the Ukrainians to restore the gas pipeline. He also said he wanted guarantees that Ukraine would not stop transiting Russian oil into Hungary, which he said would pose a serious risk to the country. 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 Cairos hospitals are facing a crisis, and a new law is set to make it even worse. Underfunded and overburdened, doctors are making difficult choices, often forced to rely on their clinical judgment in the absence of functioning equipment. And now the whole of Egypt could face a doctor exodus. Late at night in a Cairo public hospital, a young doctor treating a patient in severe pain found the CT scanner was broken, so relying on his clinical judgment alone, he performed an emergency appendectomy. It was a calculated risk, he said. But under the new malpractice law ...I wouldnt have taken that chance. I would have discharged the patient and waited for him to seek a CT scan elsewhere - even if it meant the patients appendix ruptured. This scenario, recounted anonymously, underscores the fears many Egyptian doctors have voiced over a draft medical malpractice law that intends to address patients complaints about poor treatment by imposing punitive measures, including fines and the detention of doctors who give substandard care. However, medical professionals say the real issue is underfunding and inefficiency in Egypts healthcare system and that the malpractice law could harm an already strained system by driving doctors abroad or out of the profession entirely. The quality of Egypts healthcare system has been declining over decades, said Hisham Ezzat, an anesthesiologist who is now practising in Germany. Many Egyptian hospitals lack the tools and equipment deemed necessary abroad, so doctors are trained to work with whatever they have to save their patients. open image in gallery An Egyptian doctor makes a test during an unprecedented campaign that aims to test 50 million people to detect and treat hepatitis C patients in a bid to eliminate the disease by 2022, in Cairo, Egypt ( REUTERS ) Public hospitals often operate on shoestring budgets, with doctors reporting out-of-pocket payments for essential supplies like gloves and sutures. Rather than improving matters, the new law in this current form will establish a rivalry between doctors and patients instead of trying to build trust between them, said a source at the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, the main doctors association. Factbox: What is the new law At a press conference this month, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the draft malpractice law, which lawmakers are to vote on within weeks, aims to balance the rights of doctors and patients and address long-standing grievances. Egyptian doctors are currently prosecuted under the penal code, which is a blunt instrument when it comes to medical errors, the health ministrys spokesperson, Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, said. This law seeks to change that by establishing a new legislation focused on the doctor-patient relationship... It will improve the healthcare system, improve the practicing environment, and keep doctors in the country, he added. But some doctors fear it could have the opposite effect, pitting patients against doctors in an already fraught environment and accelerating the exodus of doctors from Egypt. Perceptions of poor care have fueled a rise in assaults on healthcare workers, said Dr. Ibrahim al Zayat, a member of the syndicates board who recently resigned in protest of the law. The most common complaint at hospitals is not finding a bed for a patient, Zayat said. Patients families take their anger out on the doctor. Reports of abuse are common. In November, for example, local media reported an assault on an ICU doctor by a patients family at a Cairo hospital. Some patients think a change in the law is needed. Om Ahmed, 48, had a routine procedure at a private hospital only to spend days in pain and discover the operation accidentally caused a problem with the bile duct. I had to undergo a second surgery. Errors I could understand. We are human beings. But that was negligence so (the doctor) should have been punished, she said. Egypt faces a severe shortage of healthcare workers, with more doctors who have trained in the country working abroad than at home, according to the Medical Syndicate. Young doctors start preparing to leave Egypt from their first day in medical school, said Zayat. Egypt has just 12.8 physicians per 10,000 population, according to official statistics, compared to the global density of physicians of 17.2 per 10,000 people, in 2022. The situation is so critical that the health directorate in the coastal governorate of Damietta recently called on retired doctors to return to work so it could provide safe services. (Ten years ago) we used to see around six doctors resigning every day. Now, we see 12. That is one doctor resigning every two hours, Zayat said, adding that during a visit last year to a major hospital in London, he met 124 resident Egyptian doctors. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is lending Egypt $8 billion, described its healthcare infrastructure as below other emerging markets and repeatedly called for structural reforms, including in healthcare, to spur growth. The law is a distraction from underfunding and inadequate training, said a gastroenterologist who is now working in Saudi Arabia and earning 27 times the salary of Egypts lowest paid consultants of around 12,000 Egyptian pounds ($237) per month. Were expected to work miracles with broken equipment and no resources. Its no surprise so many of us leave. Physicians who remain say they have begun shifting to low-risk specialties to avoid potential liability under the new law. I switched from surgery to clinical pathology just to avoid the risks and work pressure, said one physician at a public hospital. Why take chances when the system doesnt protect us? The new legislation fails to distinguish between expected complications, minor errors, and gross negligence exposing doctors to penalties even for unavoidable outcomes, said Dr. Tarek Mansour, another former Medical Syndicate board member. Mansour, Zayat and three others resigned from the syndicate after its head effectively cancelled a general assembly intended to debate the law, after coming under pressure from security officials and lawmakers, Mansour and another syndicate source said. A parliamentary debate on the legislation has been postponed to avoid potential protests coinciding with the 14th anniversary of Egypts Jan. 25 uprising, syndicate sources said, but should come before lawmakers in a matter of weeks. The syndicates head, Dr. Osama Abdel Hay, said in a statement that doctors demand a clear distinction between negligence that could lead to prosecution and errors for which compensation is paid to the patient, rather than a fine to the state. But even before the law is passed, the debate has sapped doctors morale. Its no longer about healing; its about survival, said one young doctor, who said she is now seriously considering leaving the country. 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 New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers finished testifying Friday in his assault and battery trial by denying he choked or shoved his accuser. Peppers, who first took the witness stand on Thursday, has been on trial this week on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. A woman testified Thursday that Peppers grabbed her by the neck, slammed her against the wall and pushed her down the stairs after another man called her cellphone several times while they were in bed. Along with her testimony, prosecutors showed several videos of the incident, in which Peppers can be seen asking the naked woman to repeatedly leave his house in Braintree, Massachusetts. The woman said Peppers was filming her and taunting her, as she tried to get her belongings and depart after the alleged assault. The police report of the October incident supports the woman's testimony. Police said she refused to go to a hospital and was treated at the home for her injuries. He grabbed me by the neck and slammed me against the wall, the woman said, at times getting emotional. My feet werent touching the wall and he was holding me up against the wall. During cross-examination on Thursday, Marc Brofsky, the attorney for Peppers, challenged the womans account and the extent of her injuries. He also noted the $9.5 million civil lawsuit the woman has filed against Peppers, alleging she was looking for money. Peppers missed seven games since being placed on the commissioners exempt list on Oct. 9 following the incident. The Patriots signed Peppers, a safety in his third season with the team, to an extension over the summer. Peppers was originally drafted by Cleveland in 2017 and spent two seasons with the Cleveland Browns before playing for the New York Giants for three seasons. His current contract with the Patriots runs through 2027. 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 Drivers in Georgia described sleepless nights like nothing they had ever experienced, after unprecedented cold weather left three inches of snow and icy roads across the state. Images from the state showed lightly covered roads - but in areas not used to snow, it was enough to paralyze communities. In Monroe County, Georgia, many were forced to shelter overnight in their vehicles on Tuesday due to a miles-long traffic standstill on I-75. I havent slept, said Emma Worley, who was driving home. Ive never experienced anything like this my whole entire life. Worley told WSB-TV that she had waited 15 hours with no food, no sleep, no nothing. Another driver, Alan Burnett, became trapped in the traffic around 8.30 p.m. Tuesday night. Speaking on Wednesday morning he said he had passed the time listening to the radio, eating a few snacks in my car. open image in gallery In Monroe County, Georgia, many were forced to shelter overnight in their vehicles due to a miles-long traffic standstill ( REUTERS ) Like Worley, he also did not sleep. I didnt think it was safe to fall asleep on the highway, he told WSB-TV. Aerial photos from the outlet showed stationary traffic backed up, though parts of the highway clearly visible through the light snow. Snow totals reached three inches this week in Savannah, the most that the states oldest city has recorded since December 1989. The Georgia Department of Transportation said Wednesday that a State of Emergency was still in place across the state. The declaration remained in place on Thursday. open image in gallery Snow totals reached three inches this week in Savannah, Georgia, an unprecedented amount ( AP ) Georgia DOT asks for the publics patience right now. This is a highly unusual winter weather event impacting nearly three-quarters of the state and our crews cannot be everywhere at once, Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry said. Georgia DOT will need time, ability to access the roads to treat or plow, and warmer temperatures working in our favor to help restore and maintain passable conditions. We thank Georgias citizens for staying off the roads and for your patience and understanding while our crews are working around the clock. open image in gallery The Georgia DOT said on Wednesday that a state of emergency was still inplace across the state ( REUTERS ) However, others more accustomed to the cold weather were less concerned by the adverse conditions. It is what it is, said Mark Coombs, who was on his way back from Americus, Georgia, to his home in Locust Grove when he was caught in the traffic. You go out in bad weather, you gotta deal with it, he said. I grew up north, so I know all about bad weather. It is what it is. Elsewhere in the south the snowfall is believed to have broken several records across the region, including in Florida where a preliminary report of 10 inches in one town would set a new all-time record for the state, if confirmed. 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 California firefighters got a break over the weekend from the critical fire weather that fanned the flames of multiple wildfires that tore through Ventura, San Diego, and Los Angeles counties this month. After battling multiple fires cropping up amid dry and windy weather, a round of weekend rain brought both much-needed relief to the area and a new threat: debris flows and flash flooding in burn scar areas. Heavy rain is currently affecting our region, and we urge everyone especially those in recently burned areas to stay vigilant. The recent fires have left the soil unstable, increasing the risk of mudslides, flash floods, and debris flows, the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department warned. open image in gallery Firefighters and aircraft battle the Hughes Fire near Santa Clarita ( REUTERS ) That risk is forecast to continue through Monday afternoon around Southern California after debris and mud blocked roads on Sunday. Of course, there are other health concerns related to the fires for residents returning home, including toxic ash. Ash is not just ash. Go back to the garage or whats in your home. What is your furniture made out of? What are your appliances made out of? What is your house made out of? Scott McLean, a former deputy chief of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protections communications bureau, told The Associated Press. A lot of its petroleum product and different composites that are extreme hazards due to fire when they combust, he warned. While the majority of the largest and most destructive fires had been more than 90 percent contained by Monday, last weeks more than 6,600-acre Border 2 fire is 43 percent contained. Wildfires have torn across Southern California since January 7, engulfing more than 57,000 acres. The Palisades and Eaton fires resulted in the deaths of 28 people and destroyed thousands of homes in just over two weeks. Where are the fires currently burning? San Diego Countys Border 2 fire has burned 6,625 acres and is 43 percent contained. It started last Thursday, forcing evacuation orders around the Otay Mountain area. But, significant rain showers have led to reduction of fire activity, with nearly a half an inch falling over the area. Since then, the majority of orders have been lifted, according to KUSI. The blaze prompted some school closures due to air quality concerns. open image in gallery The Border 2 fire is seen in this map of the San Diego County area. The fire is more than 40 percent contained ( Cal Fire ) Firefighters have made great progress slowing the spread of the fire, Cal Fire officials wrote on social media. The agency said more than 2,500 firefighters and other personnel were assigned to the incident. In Los Angeles County, the Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes fires are all more than 90 percent contained. The Hughes and Eaton fires burned more than 10,000 and 14,000 acres, respectively. The massive Palisades fire spread over 23,448 acres. What have the impacts been? open image in gallery The Border 2 fire exploded near the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday afternoon ( Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire ) No fatalities have been reported from the latest fires, but lives have already been upended. These fires have forced evacution orders and warnings for hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom now have no homes to return to. While state and local officials have assured impacted Californians that theyre doing all they are able to at this time, emotions in the Pacific Palisades community are running high. Although evacuation orders have been lifted there for select safe zones, a flood watch was in effect. open image in gallery Topanga Canyon Boulevard is closed for safety after debris covered the road when Topanga Creek overflowed. The area was evacuated ( CalTrans District 7/X ) Palisades residents are grieving a loss that is bigger than property its the weight of the loss of home and community, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wrote in a Sunday social media post. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other lawmakers have pushed against the idea of conditions for California to receive aid from the government. President Donald Trump said he wanted the state to bend on water policy and voter ID laws. 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 Attorneys for the man charged with murder in connection with the killings of four University of Idaho students are asking a judge to throw out most of the evidence. This is because they say it all hinges on an unconstitutional genetic investigation process. If successful, it could throw a major wrench in the prosecutions case before trial starts in August. Bryan Kohberger's defense team also contends that the search warrants in the case were tainted by police misconduct. They will make their arguments during a two-day hearing starting Thursday morning, part of which will be closed to the public. Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder in the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, who were killed in the early morning of Nov. 13, 2022, at a rental home near campus in Moscow, Idaho. When asked to enter a plea last year, Kohberger stood silent, prompting a judge to enter a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted. Kohberger's attorneys say law enforcement violated his constitutional rights when they used a process called Investigative Genetic Genealogy, or IGG, to identify possible suspects. There would be no investigation into him without that original constitutional violation, attorneys Jay Weston Logsdon and Ann Taylor wrote in a court filing. They later continued, Without IGG, there is no case, no request for his phone records, surveillance of his parents' home, no DNA taken from the garbage out front. Because the IGG analysis is the origin of this matter, everything in the affidavit should be excised. The IGG process often starts when DNA found at the scene of a crime doesnt yield any results through standard law enforcement databases. When that happens, investigators may look at all the variations, or single nucleotide polymorphisms, that are in the DNA sample. Those SNPs, or snips, are then uploaded to a genealogy database like GEDmatch or FamilyTreeDNA to look for possible relatives of the person whose DNA was found at the scene. open image in gallery Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students, is escorted into court for a hearing in Latah County District Court In Kohberger's case, investigators said they found touch DNA," or trace DNA, on the sheath of a knife that was found in the home where the students were fatally stabbed. The FBI used the IGG process on that DNA and the information identified Kohberger as a possible suspect. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson and the rest of the prosecution team say there is nothing unconstitutional about the use of IGG, noting that Kohberger's relatives voluntarily provided their own DNA to a genetic genealogy service. They've also argued in court filings that case law is clear: Defendants have no reasonable right to privacy for DNA that is left at the scene of a crime. The defense team also says that once Kohberger was identified as a possible suspect, law enforcement officers either purposely or recklessly lied or omitted crucial information when they asked the court to issue search warrants for his apartment, his parents' house, his car, his cellphone and even for his own DNA. They want all of that evidence kept out of the trial as well. Specific details about the alleged police misconduct are hidden from public view, however; 4th District Judge Steven Hippler has kept most of those court filings, along with many of the court documents on the IGG evidence, under seal. Part of the hearing starting Thursday will be held behind closed doors because the judge says he doesn't want potential jurors tainted by hearing about any evidence that might not be allowed in trial. The judge said no one would be allowed into the courtroom but that the open portions of the hearing would be livestreamed from the courts YouTube page. open image in gallery Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21 ( Instagram ) On Wednesday, a coalition of news organizations including The Associated Press asked the judge to reconsider the secrecy. In any criminal case, I would submit that it's of extreme public interest to know whether a law enforcement officer sworn to tell the truth ... made reckless or false statements during an investigation, the news organizations' attorney, Wendy Olson, said during a hearing on Wednesday. The U.S. Supreme Court has found that the public and the press have a First Amendment right to open court proceedings, she said, and that open courts also help to protect the rights of the accused. Openness and transparency are more important than ever in maintaining and restoring confidence in our government institutions, Olson said. The judge was unswayed. I don't think much has changed in terms of the need to protect the jury pool here, given the intense media scrutiny that has and continues to follow this case, Hippler said. We will be challenged under the best of circumstances in obtaining a jury that has not been overly exposed to this ... and in particular, exposed to evidence that may not come into this trial. 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 An American and a Canadian were attacked by armed suspected Mexican cartel terrorists near the Mexican border while hiking in California this week. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, US Customs and Border Protection said in a statement. Deputies with the Imperial County Sheriffs Office responded to a 911 call reporting a man had been shot and needed assistance, the agency said. Officials encountered the men within approximately 1,000 feet north of the US-Mexico International Border. Thats where they say they encountered a group of hikers who reported part of their group had been attacked by armed individuals. The men told police they were approached by two armed individuals and were instructed to come toward the men. When they refused to follow the suspects, the armed suspects fired a volley of shots at the hikers and hit one in the leg. The men then robbed the US and Canadian hikers of their cell phones and backpacks, officials said. Around noon, authorities infiltrated the area and located the injured man. They were able to stabilize him and he was flown to Sharp Medical Center in San Diego for treatment. Its unclear what the mans condition is now. Chinese migrants wait to be processed after crossing the border with Mexico in May 2024 near Jacumba Hot Springs, California ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The agency said agents tracked the assailants back to the border and they escaped into Mexico. The wounded hiker is an I told you so moment highlighting the importance of adequate infrastructure the Border Patrol has been championing for years now, said El Centro Sector Chief Gregory Bovino. Suspected cartel terrorists, however, are fixing to learn this type of conduct will be an end game type of activity here in the Premier Sector. All threats, anywhere, or at any time throughout this sector will be addressed vigorously. The language in the news release is reminiscent of phrases from President Donald Trumps campaign rallies. Trump signed an executive order this week sending thousands of active-duty soldiers to the south border. Trump is planning to send 10,000 troops to the area. The area where the attack occurred, the Jacumba Wilderness, is colloquially known as Valley of the Moon and is a busy area for crossings into the US. The incident is under investigation but officials did not provide additional information about the incident. Attacks like this are rare at the southern border and migrants attempting to cross into the US are more likely to be victims of such crimes. 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 FBI has arrested a woman in connection with the fatal shooting of a Vermont Border Patrol agent near the U.S.-Canada border. Teresa Youngblut, 21, was charged over the death of David Maland on Monday, the bureau said. Maland, 44, was killed Monday afternoon following a traffic stop, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson said in a previous statement. Investigators say he had stopped Youngblut and Felix Baukholt, a German citizen, on Interstate 91 in Coventry because Baukholt appeared to have an expired visa. Youngblut is accused of firing at Maland and other officers, according to an FBI affidavit. The exact charges against her are not yet clear. Baukholt attempted to draw a gun and was also killed in the firefight with Maland. open image in gallery Agent David Maland, 44, was killed in a firefight on Monday afternoon following a traffic stop near the U.S.-Canadian border ( AP ) Investigators had been performing periodic surveillance of the pair since January 14 after an employee at a hotel where they were staying reported concerns about seeing Youngblut carrying a gun and both of them wearing all-black tactical gear. Investigators attempted to question them but they declined to have an extended conversation and said they were in the area looking to buy property. No further details have been released. Maland, a U.S. Air Force veteran, had worked for U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more than nine years, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. His family told The Associated Press his career spanned nine years in the military and 15 years in the federal government, including working security duty at the Pentagon during the 9/11 terror attacks. open image in gallery On Friday, hundreds of law enforcement vehicles accompanied the hearse carrying Malands body from the University of Vermont morgue to a funeral home in Burlington He was a devoted agent who served with honor and bravery, a family statement provided to the outlet said. He had a tremendous respect and pride for the work he did; he truly embodied service over self. Maland also was a K-9 handler who served in Texas, near the border with Mexico, before heading to the northern border. His aunt, Joan Maland, said he was about to propose marriage to his girlfriend. Shortly before Youngbluts arrest was announced on Friday, hundreds of law enforcement vehicles accompanied the hearse carrying Malands body from the University of Vermont morgue to a funeral home in Burlington. 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 A Texas woman who was caught on camera brutally beating a defenseless three-month-old puppy has been released on bail, according to authorities. Havanna Miller, 23, was allegedly filmed by a neighbor beating a poodle with a leash on the balcony of her home near Galm Road in San Antonio last Friday. The defendant was arrested the next day after an investigation by the San Antonio Animal Care Services. The dog remained in his carrier case and cannot be seen in the clip, but whimpering can be heard. The puppy was struck 15 times repeatedly before the woman paused briefly, and hit the helpless animal twice more. Miller is facing a charge of animal cruelty torture which, if found guilty, could see her spend the next 10 years in prison. The suspect posted a $15,000 bond and was released on Sunday. The defendant is expected to appear in court on March 25 for a pre-indictment hearing. open image in gallery Activists are calling for Miller, 23, to face the maximum 10 years in prison for the beating ( Central Records ) Meanwhile, an online petition has been set up to demand that prosecutors seek the maximum sentence in the case. The petition had close to 25,000 signatures on Friday morning. Such atrocities committed against defenseless animals must not be tolerated by our justice system. We believe that prosecution and maximum sentencing in cases like this provide a significant deterrence, the blurb accompanying the petition reads. We urge San Antonio city officials to treat this as a serious matter. On a now-deleted LinkedIn page, Miller describes herself as an apsiring lawyer who was seeking to to fight for wrongly accused criminals, and to speak out for both Latinos and African Americans. open image in gallery This video spread online apparently showing Hannah Miller, 23, beating her dog ( Facebook ) In the aftermath of the clip spreading online, the dog was taken into custody of the ACS. A day later, Miller was arrested, she initially denied hitting the dog. Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales has described himself as outraged and horrified. Although we recommended an appropriate bond amount, she was released from jail, Gonzales also said, according to My San Antonio. There were no facts at our disposal to argue that she be held without a bond. This is how the criminal justice system works. However, this case has just begun. open image in gallery The video was filmed by a neighbor, the dog was subsequently removed from the residence by the ACS before Miller was taken into custody ( Facebook ) The website said that Gonzales is recommending punishment that involves sensitivity training and anger management but added that any prison time will be up to the judge in the case. Geneva Story, an animal rescuer who was on the scene when Miller was arrested, shared her disdain about the trauma the puppy had to endure in an interview with KSAT. It just made me very angry... Theres a lot of times where people are like, I want to mind my business, but this is one of those situations you dont want to mind your business, Story said. I feel like a lot of people see its a puppy and they just kind of turn the other cheek. She continued: Knowing the mental fact that this puppy could have this trauma for its entire life angers me because it never had to know that life, especially as a baby 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 A 52-year-old Wisconsin man has been charged in the fatal shooting of his 9-year-old stepson, police announced this week. Michael Meagher was shot Monday in the Town of Geneva, southwest of Milwaukee. Two officers discovered the boy shortly before 2:30 a.m. and began life-saving efforts. Emergency responders rushed the boy to a nearby hospital but he succumbed to his injuries. When police arrived the boys stepfather, Steven Merkel Jr., told them: I did something stupid, according to the complaint against him that was obtained by local media. Merkel seemed frantic and was covered in blood., the complaint reportedly added. Merkel has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide. It was a hard scene, Town of Geneva Police Chief Anthony Miceli told WISN of the shooting. Its a hard scene for any officer, no matter how many times youve seen it, or even if youve never been there before, he added. Its probably the hardest scene for a police officer to experience in his lifetime. According to the criminal complaint, Merkel told detectives he was showing Michael his 9mm handgun because it made him look cool and did not believe the gun would fire after removing its magazine. Investigators said Merkel told them he pointed the gun at Michael and pulled the trigger. The stepdad told detectives he expected the gun to click and instead it went boom, the complaint stated. A GoFundMe site has been launched to help raise money for Michaels family. The site states that Michael died from a very traumatic accident of a gunshot. The person who launched the page said her son was best friends with Michael, who was a second-grader at Brooke Park Elementary School in La Grange Park, Illinois Our family is heartbroken. I want to try to help this family in any way that I can, Katherine Koskinas wrote. Michael was a bright funny boy! My son loved his friend, she added. Michael leaves behind two sisters, Marissa and Madeline, the page states. The funds raised $18.000 out of a $22,000 goal as of Thursday will help pay for funeral arrangements. Merkel has been booked into the Walworth County Jail. 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 A woman has been arrested after 27 horses were found dead across several properties in California, police have said. San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office deputies and Animal Services officers executed a search warrant on Wednesday in Clements, California following an investigation into animal neglect, the sheriffs office said in a statement. During the operation, several malnourished horses were discovered on the premises with limited access to any food or water and approximately 27 deceased horses were located, police said. Several properties were searched, and animal service officers, alongside veterinarians, began to triage and evaluate the condition of the horses. open image in gallery Jan Johnson was arrested after 27 horses were found dead across multiple properties in California. The shocking condition of one a survivng horse on one of the properties can be seen here. ( San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office ) After thorough assessments, 16 horses were rescued and are now in the care of professionals at the Oakdale Equine Rescue who will ensure they receive proper nutrition, medical attention, and rehabilitation, the authorities said. Unfortunately, 4 horses and 1 Bull had to be euthanized due to their extreme neglect. Animal services officers and veterinarians are still currently evaluating additional horses and animals due to the size of the property. Jan Johnson was detained and charged with cruelty to an animal, threatening a public official, criminal threats, and possession of a short-barrel shotgun. She was then booked into San Joaquin County jail. Clements is about 40 miles southeast of Sacramento. We are committed to protecting the welfare of all animals in our community and will continue to investigate this matter, police added. Thank you to our Deputies and Animal Services team for their dedication and swift action in addressing this situation. We would also like to thank Oakdale Equine Rescue for their incredible support in assisting us with this rescue. 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 Fears are growing over the future of iconic Mexican products including avocados and tequila after Donald Trumps threats to pose 25 per cent tariffs. The warnings have sparked concern, particularly in the western state of Michoacan, where avocados are the economic backbone. Growers like Enrique Espinoza worry that increased prices will deter US consumers from buying guacamole, impacting demand and threatening the region's economy. "I think that when there is an increase in the price for any product, demand declines, Espinoza said. The timing of the threatened tariffs, coinciding with Mexico's peak avocado export season for the Super Bowl, further exacerbates these concerns. Jose Luis Arroyo Sandoval, a manager at an avocado packing house in Michoacan, says the economy would be affected. open image in gallery Workers sort avocados at a packing plant in Uruapan, Mexico ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Work for us could decrease because it won't be quite so attractive to export," Arroyo said, because avocados would get expensive, and avocados are already expensive. It may not just be Mexican producers who are affected; U.S. consumers may also be howling. Mexican business leader Gina Diez Barroso told a news conference Tuesday that one U.S. agriculture official told her he had never had as many complaints as when the U.S. government halted import inspections on Mexican avocados in 2022. Never in his life had he had so much chaos in his office, because they halted Mexican avocados, Diez Barroso said. Espinoza agrees that consumers are likely to share the pain. The gringos need avocados, it is a good product, and I don't think they are going to stop consuming it, he said. Rather, the reverse effect has him worried; if Mexico retaliates with its own tariffs, as President Claudia Sheinbaum has suggested, Mexicans will face not just a drop in income, but high prices for U.S. products like corn, which is a main supply of feed for animals in Mexico. There are more poor people here, so in some ways it is going to hit us, Espinoza said. The United States can pay 25 per cent more for Mexican products, very few of us have enough money to pay 25 per cent more for what we import from the United States. open image in gallery A farmhand harvests avocados ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Its not just the guacamole; Mexican tequila producers have seen a bonanza in the U.S. market. In 2023, the U.S. imported $4.6 billion worth of tequila and $108 million worth of mezcal from Mexico. That has raised cautious concern among tequila producers, including farmers who grow agave on some of the driest, marginal soils that couldnt support many other crops. We are analyzing the statements by the authorities and their reactions, and in the coming days we will establish a position, the National Tequila Industry Chamber said in a statement. And industry representatives say a drop in the consumption of tequila Americas third-most popular spirit, behind vodka and pre-mixed cocktails could affect U.S. bars, restaurants and clubs. At the end of the day, tariffs on spirits products from our neighbours to the north and south are going to hurt U.S. consumers and lead to job losses across the U.S. hospitality industry just as these businesses continue their long recovery from the pandemic, the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. said in a statement. The tariffs would probably plunge Mexico into an immediate recession. Mexican financial group Banco Base estimated in a report that for every 1% that Mexican exports increase in price, their volume falls by 1.33 per cent Supposing that Americans might absorb half the impact of the tariffs and just pay higher prices for Mexican goods, they still might reduce their consumption by 12 per cent, Banco Base estimated. This would be reflected in a 4.4 per cent drop in gross domestic product, the bank wrote, adding the decline would not just occur in 2025, but would get more serious the longer the tariffs last. And the tariffs could affect some products that arent thought of as particularly Mexican at all. Mexicos Economy Secretary, Marcelo Ebrard, said Wednesday that 88% percent of all North American pickup trucks come from Mexico, though it was unclear if he meant just parts of the trucks or their final assembly. Ebrard claimed that 25 per cent tariffs would mean U.S. consumers might have to pay $3,000 more per pickup truck. It is shooting yourself in the foot," Ebrard said. 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 UnitedHealthcare has named its new CEO following the high profile murder of Brian Thompson. In a statement put out on Thursday, the company announced that Tim Noel would be taking on the position. Noel, who joined UnitedHealthcare in 2007, was previously the head of the companys Medicare and retirement division, according to the companys website. He was involved in financial restructuring at Northwest Airlines during its bankruptcy proceedings. "[Noel] brings unparalleled experience to this role with a proven track record and strong commitment to improving how health care works for consumers, physicians, employers, governments and our other partners, the UHG statement read. Thompson, 50, was gunned down on December 4 outside a hotel in midtown Manhattan. He had been on his way to an investors conference in the city. open image in gallery UnitedHealthcare have named a new CEO following the murder of Brian Thompson (pictured) in December 2024 ( AP ) The suspect was eventually identified as 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, who evaded capture for five days. Mangione was eventually arrested in a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania after an employee called police, and later charged with several counts of murder in New York. Federal charges against Mangione include murder and firearms counts. He made an initial appearance on the charges late last month. He wont be required to enter a plea until an indictment is returned. Mangione has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors have said the two cases will proceed on parallel tracks, with the state charges expected to go to trial first. His next appearance in state court is scheduled for Feb. 21. open image in gallery Suspect Luigi Mangione, 26, was eventually arrested in a McDonalds in Altoona and later charged with several counts of murder in New York ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) After the shooting, many companies took steps to protect their head executives. Some scrubbed their websites of top executives photographs and increased armed security details for key leaders. In addition UnitedHealth lost some $63 billion in value since Thompsons killing.The price of shares in the group dropped by roughly $100 between December 4, and January 16. However, despite Thompsons murder bringing concerns over the U.S. healthcare system into the spotlight, the group posted a better-than-expected profit in the final quarter of 2024. 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 Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth heads into a tight confirmation vote Friday to become the nations defense secretary amid more negative revelations about his relationship with women. MSNBC reported Thursday that a non-disparagement clause in Hegseths second divorce agreement in 2018 bars both Hegseth and his second ex-wife from saying anything negative about the other in front of their children or in any public discourse, including through either traditional media or social media. The clause raises the possibility of a hidden history which could impact decisions about Hegseths fitness for a position at the top of the Defense Department The ex sister-in-law of Hegseths former wife, Samantha, submitted a sworn affidavit Tuesday to the Senate Armed Services Committee, saying that Hegseth was physically abusive in his marriage to Samantha. Samantha Hegseth has denied the physical abuse allegations by Danielle Hegseth, who was married to the Fox News hosts brother. But Samatha Hegseth, who is bound by the non-disparagement agreement, has not denied allegations that she feared for her safety or that she had a code word to send when she felt threatened. There was no physical abuse in my marriage, Samantha Hegseth told NBC News. This is the only further statement I will make to you. Pete Hegseth has denied all the accusations. That news followed another revelation Thursday that Hegseth paid a substantial $50,000 to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017, another accusation he has denied. He revealed the amount to a senator during his confirmation process. Hegseth told lawmakers during the confirmation hearings that he had consensual sex with the woman and was falsely accused of assault. But he paid the woman as part of a nondisclosure agreement. He revealed the $50,000 payment to senator as part of the confirmation process. At the time of the encounter, he was married to his second wife and fathered a child with a woman he was having an affair with. She would become his third wife. Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and and Alaskas Lisa Murkowski already voted Thursday against advancing Hegseth to the final confirmation vote Friday. Democrats have opposed Hegseths nomination to head the Defense Department. Pete Hegseth has shown himself not only incapable of running a large organization, he often shows himself incapable of showing up or showing up in a way where he could get anything done, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said of the nominee. Hegseth said at his confirmation hearings he was not a perfect person. Apart from the sexual assault accusation, he has been accused of abusing alcohol on multiple occassions, and of mismanaging the finances of two veteran groups he ran before joining Fox News in 2014. Hegseth also has no experience managing a large number of employees or a massive budget. The Department of Defense, the largest agency in the federal government, has a budget of $841 billion and employs 2.8 million people. open image in gallery Trump Inauguration Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, right, takes a photo with members of the military at the Commander in Chief Ball, Monday ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Murkowski said Hegseth wont get her vote at the final confirmation tally because of his behavior. While the allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking do nothing to quiet my concerns, the past behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity on multiple occasions, demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces, she said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Jewish Anti-Defamation League has attacked tech billionaire and close Donald Trump adviser Elon Musk for making light of the Holocaust with a series of Nazi jokes Thursday. The sharp criticism came just days after the ADL defended Musk against accusations of anti-semitism and racism by saying his controversial stiff-armed salute at Trumps inauguration Monday was simply awkward and not a Nazi salute even though it was widely hailed as such by white nationalists and many other of Trumps MAGA supporters. Musk mocked the controversy over his salute Thursday with a series of quips on X featuring word play with the names of some of Adolf Hitlers leading Nazis, including Rudolph Hess, Joseph Goebels, Hermann Goring and Heinrich Himmler, who played key roles in killing 6 million Jews. Hitlermusk ( Getty Images ) Dont say Hess to Nazi accusations! Musk wrote in a post, adding: Some people will Goebbels anything down! Stop Goring your enemies! His pronouns wouldve been He/Himmler! Musk concluded: Bet you did nazi that coming, with a laughing-to-tears emoji. Dont say Hess to Nazi accusations! Some people will Goebbels anything down! Stop Goring your enemies! His pronouns wouldve been He/Himmler! Bet you did nazi that coming Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 23, 2025 This time ADL head Jonathan Greenblatt quickly slammed back at Musk on X: Weve said it hundreds of times before and we will say it again: the Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropriate and offensive to make light of it ... @elonmusk, the Holocaust is not a joke. We've said it hundreds of times before and we will say it again: the Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropriate and offensive to make light of it. @elonmusk, the Holocaust is not a joke. https://t.co/oeXLod2C1W Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) January 23, 2025 In its own post Thursday the ADL quoted Greenblatts message, and added: Making inappropriate and highly offensive jokes that trivialize the Holocaust only serve to minimize the evil and inhumanity of Nazi crimes, denigrate the suffering of both victims and survivors and insult the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Shoah. The response was a pointed turnaround following the uproar after Musks controversial salute Monday, when the ADL came to his defense. This is a delicate moment, the ADL emphasized in its message on X then. It seems that [Musk] made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on edge. In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath, it added. Musk has yet to respond to the new ADL criticism. 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 Civil rights activist Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., accused the pastor who offered the benediction at Donald Trumps inauguration of having misused her fathers ideas to paper over how inconvenient truth Republicans agenda clashes with the legendary leaders vision of a more just America. During the ceremony, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell riffed off key parts of Kings 1963 I Have a Dream on the National Mall. We pray that you use our president, that we will live in a nation where we will not be judged by the color of our skin but by the content of our character, Sewell told the crowd. He also, like King, quoted from an old African-American spiritual, hoping that in America everyone will feel free at last. Bernice King, writing on X on Wednesday, claimed the original speech had been misused to weaken its clear messaging about ending racism, stopping police brutality, ensuring voting rights, and eradicating economic injustice. Why didnt Pastor Lorenzo Sewell pray these parts of the Dream during President Trumps Inauguration? she continued. Because the inconvenient truth (that disallows embracing the pipe dream that racism no longer exists in this country) is that Project 2025 and some of the plans that his voters encouraged POTUS to roll out on day one are reflective of an America that denies the comprehensive King. Donald Trump listens to Senior Pastor Lorenzo Sewell during his inauguration in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC ( Getty Images ) The Trump administration has moved quickly to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and protections across the federal government, some of which have roots in Kings 1960s-era activism. I prayed to my Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus and was inspired by Dr. King, Sewell told The Independent via email. I apologize if I offended her, but I did not read her dads speech, just prayed from my heart. The original I Have a Dream speech, delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, was considerably more pointed than the banal call for colorblindness many claim it represented. In the address, prior to calling for a world of people judged solely on the content of their character, King denounces police brutality, housing segregation, and the vicious racists who sought to impede Black equality in America. Elsewhere, in other famous works like 1963s Letter From a Birmingham Jail, King advocated taking ambitious moves to create equity and singled out the white moderate as a bigger obstacle to freedom than the Klu Klux Klan. We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed, King wrote. Frankly, I have never yet engaged in a direct-action movement that was well timed according to the timetable of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. 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 A Mississippi Democratic lawmaker with a sense of humor and a sensitivity to hypocrisy has introduced state legislation declaring that conception begins at erection. The bill would make it illegal for a man to masturbate or engage in any other sexual acts which would involve discharging genetic material without the intent to fertilize an embryo. Theres no need for an abortion bill if we regulate what men do, state Senator Bradford Blackmon told WAPT-TV in Jackson. Blackmon said he was inspired to introduce the bill by all the new restrictions on womens sexual and reproductive freedoms. The filing of this bill is to point out the double standards in legislation, he said in a statement on Facebook. You have male-dominated legistures in Mississippi and all over the country that pass laws that dictate what a woman can and cannot do with her body. He added: When a bill has been filed that would regulate what a man is able to do with his own body in his own home, it suddenly has people in an uproar ... men are not held to the same standard when it comes to the intrusion into their personal private affairs as women. He also complained to WLBT that the vast majority of bills relating to contraception and/or abortion focus on the womans role when men are 50 percent of the equation. The bill brings the mans role into the conversation. People can get up in arms and call it absurd but I cant say that bothers me, added Blackmon. His bill proposes fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, but is highly unlikely to pass in the Republican-dominated Mississippi legislature. Mississippi has a long tradition of lawmakers introducing bills to mock or point out hypocrisy. Its one of 12 states that have total or near total abortion bans. 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 A top lawyer at the new Department of Government Efficiency headed up by Elon Musk has announced he is leaving, just days after Vivek Ramaswamys departure. Bill McGinley, a partner at law firm Holtzman Vogel and served as cabinet secretary during Trumps first term, was appointed as DOGEs legal counsel by the president in December. He announced his departure on Thursday. I am in discussions regarding a number of private sector opportunities and will have something to announce in the next couple of weeks, McGinley said, per the Wall Street Journal. I support President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the great teams in the White House and across the administration 100 percent. open image in gallery A top lawyer has left the Department of Government Efficiency, following in the footsteps of Vivek Ramaswamy (right) amid tensions of a falling out with his department co-chair Elon Musk (left) ( Getty Images ) It comes after biotech entrepreneur Ramaswamy stepped down, ostensibly to pursue a campaign to be Ohios next governor. However the Washington Post reported that deep philosophical differences over how the advisory board of DOGE which is intended to slash federal spending by trillions should function, had led to a rift between the two men. In November, Ramaswamy wrote in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal explaining how DOGE would dismantle the administrative state using current laws and Supreme Court precedents. This includes reducing the federal workforce, stripping agency regulations via executive orders and re-examining the budgeting process within each agency to reduce costs. open image in gallery Ramaswamy stepped down from his role earlier this week, ostensibly to pursue a campaign to be Ohios next governor ( Getty Images ) According to those familiar with the matter, this approach stood in contrast to Musks, which reportedly focused on technology and data mining to achieve DOGEs aim to cut federal spending. The department was originally meant to serve as an external advisory panel. However, after taking office Trump signed an executive order confirming that DOGE will function within the executive branch, and replacing the U.S. Digital Service. McGinley was originally tapped to be White House counsel, the most senior legal adviser to the president, though his position as DOGE counsel was announced a short while later. 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 Pete Hegseths nomination to serve as Defense Secretary appears on track for a narrow passage in the Senate, with all Democrats in opposition and two Republicans joining them. Those two Republicans? Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski: the GOPs pair of centrists whove been a thorn in Donald Trumps side for a decade. Voting against Hegesth in a procedural motion on Thursday, the two released statements declaring their disapproval of the Fox News host and his long history of comments about women serving in combat. Collins, in her statement, insinuated that she didnt believe Hegseths views had changed, despite his assurances. open image in gallery Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins are pictured walking together in 2022. The pair were the lone Republicans to vote against Pete Hegseths nomination in a procedural vote on Thursday. ( Getty Images ) Although he has recently revised his statements on women in combat since being nominated, I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join. Women have served our nation with distinction, overcoming immense obstacles to excel in combat and leadership roles, and they deserve to know that their leader honors and values their commitment to our nation, added Murkowski in a lengthy statement on the vote. Collins said in her own statement: I am ... concerned about multiple statements, including some in the months just before he was nominated, that Mr. Hegseth has made about women serving in the military. He and I had a candid conversation in December about his past statements and apparently evolving views. I am not convinced that his position on women serving in combat roles has changed, she added. The pair of senators released their statements on the same day as the cloture vote, indicating to many that they had failed (or not tried) to rally other Republican senators against Hegseths confirmation. With Mitt Romney and John McCain gone, and the Senate now split 53-47 for the Republicans, the two will play a diminished role in the chamber. But the role will exist nonetheless, and they still have an opportunity to form the bedrock of resistance on policies they want to see moderated. That could include any assault on abortion access undertaken by the Trump administration, including through the federal budget. open image in gallery Hegseth has proved a controversial pick to head the Department of Defense ( AP ) The two are insulated from any political kickback from MAGA-world, something few Republicans even in the relatively incumbent-friendly Senate can say. That was evident enough in 2017, when they joined John McCain in halting the GOPs plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act, dealing a massive blow to Trumps first-term agenda that would go unmatched for four years, when Democrats Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema played the same spoiler role for Joe Bidens presidency. Unlike Collins and Murkowski, their efforts were not appreciated by voters in their respective states; Sinema bowed out of the running after a poll showed her in third place for her own seat, while Manchin decided not to run again. They are the Mod Squad: the first choice for reporters seeking to hear a Republican condemn something Donald Trump has tweeted, truthed, or said to the cameras. With political analysts increasingly leaning towards the idea that Democrats will retake at least one chamber of Congress in the 2026 midterms, it comes down to this: how effective can Collins and Murkowski be over the next two years in curbing Trumps agenda? And how many fights will they really pick, knowing how little capital they have this time? As Trump prepares for his first big endeavor wrestling with the GOP Congress over the budget it will be interesting to see whether the Mods decide to get involved, or let the president fight his battle with the conservative wing of his party while watching from the sidelines. 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 Chicago school officials claimed several Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents tried to enter a majority-Latino elementary school in the south side of Chicago on Friday, days after Donald Trumps administration rescinded long-standing policy that prohibits law enforcement actions in schools and churches. But the officers were reportedly with Secret Service, investigating a nearby threat. A spokesperson for ICE told The Independent that this was not an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement encounter. Chicago Police Department officers were not present at the school, and the department did not receive any calls for service to the school, a department spokesperson told The Independent. No arrests were made, according to school officials. School officials and advocates on edge after preparing for abrasive immigration enforcement actions after Trumps inauguration had initially attributed the incident to ICE officers, and staged a press conference outside the school on Friday to ensure families they are protected under city and state law and school policies against sharing information with immigration authorities. open image in gallery Posters in Chicagos Little Village neighborhood warn against Immigration and Customs Enforcement following Trumps inauguration ( REUTERS ) Federal agents showed up at Hamline Elementary School in Chicagos Back of the Yards neighborhood at 11:15 a.m. local time, according to Chicago Public Schools chief education officer Bogdana Chkoumbova. School staff kept ICE agents outside of the school and contacted Chicago Public Schools legal and public safety offices for further guidance, Chkoumbova told reporters. The ICE agents were not allowed into the school and were not permitted to speak to any students or staff members, she added. Here is the bottom line: our students and staff are safe. Our protocols were followed. The school was briefly on soft lock down. We will not open our doors for ICE, and we are here to protect our children and make sure they have access to an excellent education, Hamline principal Natasha Ortega told reporters on Friday. We stand in solidarity with our families and the Back of the Yards community. The action would have been the first targeting a school following the Department of Homeland Securitys decision to drop a policy that prevented enforcement actions in schools, daycare centers, hospitals, churches and other sensitive sites. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in Americas schools and churches to avoid arrest, a DHS spokesperson said in a statement this week. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense. open image in gallery Chicago Public Schools chief education officer Bogdana Chkoumbova speaks to reporters outside Hamline Elementary School on January 24 ( REUTERS ) The student population of Hamline Elementary is roughly 92 percent Hispanic, according to the Illinois State Board of Education. Roughly 570 students attend the school, which includes kindergarten through eighth grade classes. Adding to the confusion, when asked about the incident on Fox News, White House aide Stephen Miller did not deny that ICE was involved. Miller said there is no sanctuary for criminal aliens in this country. ICE officers will take the actions necessary to protect the lives and safety of our children, and to identify individuals who are involved in the smuggling and trafficking of our children, he said. Federal law enforcement needs unrestricted access to conduct basic investigations. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also weighed into reporting on the incident, writing on social media that the first reports of raids in Chicago are at an elementary school following a week of Republicans sowing fear and chaos. Targeting children and separating families is cruel and un-American, he wrote. open image in gallery School officials claimed staff at majority-Latino Hamline Elementary School in Chicago prevented ICE agents from entering, but the agency denied involvement. Secret Service claims to have sent agents to the school to respond to a nearby threat ( REUTERS ) Trumps border czar Tom Homan had promised Chicago would serve as ground zero for the Trump administrations mass deportation operations, and schools, faith leaders and community groups have been preparing know your rights training and fielding dozens of questions from immigrants and their families about what they can expect. More than 4 million U.S. citizen children live with at least one undocumented parent, and another 6 million citizen children live with an undocumented family member, as of 2018, according to the American Immigration Council think tank. More than 17 million children have at least one foreign-born parent, including parents who are citizens or have lawful status. The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are 733,000 school-aged undocumented children in the United States. Chicagos public school system does not ask for our families immigration status and will not coordinate with ICE, chief education officer Bogdana Chkoumbova told reporters Friday. Schools also do not share student records with ICE, except in the rare case where this is a court order or consent from a parent or a guardian, she said. State law under the TRUST Act and under Chicagos Welcoming City Ordinance also prohibit schools from asking students or their families about their immigration status and cooperating with ICE. Hamline and other schools in the Chicago area have shared guidance with families and staff following Trumps inauguration to ensure schools remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming educational environments that embrace and celebrate everyone in our diverse school communities, according to the citys public school system. Children should not have to live in any type of fear or have anything trying to encumber their entry, Chicago Teachers Union president Stacey Davis Gates said. 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 Federal immigration authorities arrested at least one U.S. citizen and a military veteran during a raid inside a New Jersey fish market, according to city and state officials. Roughly one dozen Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived unannounced at Ocean Seafood Depot on Thursday, without a warrant, demanding to see documents for employees, they said. Agents made no prior announcement when they stormed into the market, blocking entrances, scrambling up delivery ramps and banging on bathroom doors, Amy Torres with New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice told reporters Friday. open image in gallery A worker stands at the parking area of the Ocean Seafood Depot where several workers were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers ( AFP via Getty Images ) The arrests followed Donald Trumps sweeping anti-immigration actions in his first week in office, including rescinding long-standing policy that prohibits arrests in places like schools and churches, and threatening to prosecute officials in so-called sanctuary cities like Newark that limit cooperation. I feel like we have to be a country of law, but we have to go after bad people, not working people, business owner Luis Janota told local news network ABC7. These are family people. These are people who show up to work every day. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said the egregious arrests were in plain violation of the Fourth and 14th Amendments. Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized, he said. A spokesperson for ICE told CBS News that officers may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individual's identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation in Newark. A Newark field office declined to comment to The Independent citing policy against commenting on ongoing investigations. Mayor Baraka criticized what he called ICEs cavalier language, suggesting that these things happen and there are going to be citizens who we stop and question. How do you determine who is undocumented and who is a criminal just by looking at them? he said. This type of sterile language suggests there was deep intel there wasnt supposed to be collateral damage, Torres said. Why was a U.S. citizen interrogated? Why was a military veterans credential and honor called into question? ICE lies. They use fear and racism to justify their presence, their profile and their power grabs. In operations across the country on Thursday, ICE arrested 538 people and lodged 373 detainers, which are requests to law enforcement agencies to notify ICE before releasing anyone in custody who could be in the country without legal permission. open image in gallery Signage opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement appeared in Chicagos Little Village neighborhood, one of many communities across the country bracing for Trumps immigration actions ( REUTERS ) White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said those 538 people are all illegal immigrant criminals, including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors. But the numbers are not all that remarkable compared to immigration enforcement actions over the last year during Joe Bidens administration, when average daily ICE arrests reached more than 300, and average daily detainers issued reached roughly 400. Similar ICE operations were reported this week in Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Seattle, Miami, New York City, and Washington, DC. Immigration advocacy groups and Democratic officials fear the Trumps administrations latest salvo in his mass deportation agenda is the reality of Trumps reign of terror, but its not the America generations have fought for, according to New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman. open image in gallery Trump signed a series of executive orders on January 20 targeting immigration policy ( AP ) She called the arrests in Newark a disgrace and what we expect from two-bit dictators in banana republics. Warrantless searches, jackbooted thugs, veterans detained, she said. It doesnt matter if youre a citizen who served our country in uniform, you too can be stopped without a warning or a warrant and shaken down for your papers. You too can be detained indefinitely and without cause. You too can be rounded up and whisked away. A joint statement from New Jerseys Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim said warrantless searches and targeted arrests in private businesses sow fear in all of our communities and our broken immigration system requires solutions, not fear tactics. Trumps administration has also reinstated expedited removal procedures, allowing immigration authorities to swiftly deport any undocumented person arrested within the United States who cannot prove they have been living in the country for more than two years. The president also is gutting legal immigration pathways, including shutting down processing centers throughout Latin America, closing an app that facilitated asylum claims, and effectively shutting the U.S. Mexico border to anyone seeking asylum in the United States despite obligations under international law. On Thursday, a federal judge temporarily blocked Trumps blatantly constitutional executive order to redefine the 14th Amendments birthright citizenship clause, while 22 states, civil groups groups and pregnent woman launch legal battles across the country to overturn the order. 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 MAGA firebrand Lauren Boebert stormed into a womens restroom in the Capitol to get a guy removed by security on Thursday. But the conservative Trump loyalist ended up apologizing after it turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. Boebert was overheard on the House floor telling members that she had discovered Delaware Democrat Sarah McBride in the womens bathroom, according to the Daily Beast. McBride, the first transgender member of Congress, is not permitted to use the womens bathrooms after Speaker Mike Johnson renewed a ban on transgender people using single-sex bathrooms. Boebert told other members that when she thought she saw McBride walking into the bathroom, she said, You shouldnt be here, an anonymous Republican lawmaker told the outlet. Lauren Boebert stormed out of the womens bathroom to complain that she had seen a guy in there ( REUTERS ) But the Colorado congresswoman then realized the person in the bathroom was not McBride. I overheard Boebert say she went to apologize, the lawmaker added. Bloomberg Congress reporter Billy House also witnessed the incident and described Boebert bursting out of the womens bathroom complaining to security personnel stationed in the nearby Speakers Lobby of "a guy" inside. House said he was intrigued and saw four other people leave the bathroom after Boebert. All women, he noted in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). Within minutes, however, Boebert was storming back from the House floor into the restroom reinforced by Rep. Nancy Mace in tow. But alas, just seconds after this duo entered the bathroom, they come back out and went back quietly to the floor, House said. Boebert admitted she made an error regarding a mistaken identity in a statement to the Daily Beast. I apologized, learned a lesson, and it wont happen again, Boebert said. McBride confirmed to the outlet that she was not confronted by Boebert and added that she stands by her commitment to comply with the speakers bathroom policy. South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace has been an outspoken critic of equal trans access to facilities and pushed House Republicans to keep transgender people out of bathrooms at the Capitol matching their gender identity. 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 Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska became the first Republican to come out against Pete Hegseths nomination to become the Secretary of Defense. Murkowski put out her statement right before the Senate voted to invoke cloture on Hegseths confirmation, which would begin 30 hours of consideration for his confirmation. Republicans hope to confirm Hegseth either by Friday or Saturday. In a lengthy statement posted on X, Murkowski explained why she would not vote to confirm him, saying she watched his confirmation hearing closely and heard feedback from constituents. After thorough evaluation, I must conclude that I cannot in good conscience support his nomination for Secretary of Defense, she said. I did not make this decision lightly; I take my constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent with the utmost seriousness. open image in gallery Sen. Lisa Murkowski was the first Republican to break ranks with Donald Trump. ( Getty Images for JDRF ) Hegseth has come under heavy scrutiny for reports about public drunkeness, having affairs on his now ex-wife and a sexual assault allegation which he firmly denies, all of which Murkowski cited. While the allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking do nothing to quiet my concerns, the past behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity on multiple occasions, demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces, she said. These behaviors starkly contrast the values and discipline expected of servicemembers. Men and women in uniform are held accountable for such actions, and they deserve leaders who uphold these same standards. The Alaska Republican said that despite his military service, Hegseth lacked the necessary experience to run the Pentagon. Managing the Department of Defense requires vast experience and expertise as the department is one of the most complex and powerful organizations in the world, and Mr. Hegseths prior roles in his career do not demonstrate to me that he is prepared for such immense responsibility, she said. His leadership of two veteran organizations was marked with accusations of financial mismanagement and problems with the workplace culture he fostered. open image in gallery Murkowski said Hegseths past behaviors demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces ( EPA ) Murkowski has said she wanted to know more about Robert F. Kennedy Jr., saying she asked him about his debunked views that autism is linked to childhood vaccinations. Earlier this week, the Senate voted on the motion to proceed for Hegseths confirmation. During his hearing, numerous Democratic senators asked him about his previous claims that women should not serve in combat roles, which Murkowski cited as part of the reason she would not vote for Hegseth. Although he has recently revised his statements on women in combat since being nominated, I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join, she said. Women have served our nation with distinction, overcoming immense obstacles to excel in combat and leadership roles, and they deserve to know that their leader honors and values their commitment to our nation. The Trump administration has hoped to expedite the confirmation of many cabinet officials who have yet to be sworn in despite Trump taking office on Monday. Other potential swing votes for Hegseths nomination such as Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina voted to invoke cloture. Murkowski has repeatedly criticized Trump, having voted to convict him for his actions during the January 6 riot. Earlier this week, she criticized Trumps decision to pardon violent and nonviolent rioters. Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy With the Trump administration determined to strike a death blow to affirmative action and diversity, equity and inclusion programs, Daily Wire podcaster Matt Walsh demanded this week that women be barred from serving as police officers, calling the idea of female cops absurd and DEI in action. Walsh a far-right provocateur who has risen to prominence on the back of his transphobic and misogynistic punditry used the example of an accidental shooting to make the case on Thursday that women have no business serving in law enforcement. Following a Florida traffic stop last month that saw a driver getting inadvertently shot when officer Mindy Cardwell removed the drivers gun from his waistband, Cardwell was fired for incompetence after body cam footage was released this week. According to Walsh, who has long blamed societys ills on diversity hiring, insisted on his podcast that DEI programs were the root cause of the driver getting shot in Florida. I mean, almost always, when someone ends up getting shot or hurt during an interaction with the cops, its because they went out of their way at every turn to turn the situation into something violent and dangerous when it didnt need to be, he said. But there are exceptions to every rule, and here is the exception. And this is an exception made possible by, of course, a female police officer. open image in gallery Daily Wire podcaster Matt Walsh says its absurd that women are police officers, calling it DEI in action." ( Daily Wire ) Adding that there are plenty of male police officers who do dumb things, Walsh went on to assert that this is still a kind of thing that you inevitably get when you start bringing women into the force in the name of diversity and inclusion. Calling it DEI in action, he claimed that women who are nervous handling a gun only end up on the police force through DEI before saying the eradication of DEI needs to go far beyond the federal government. Walsh then took a broad shot at women in general. I know people will say, well, how do you know that she was hired because of DEI? You dont know that. Well, I know because shes a woman who, by the departments own admission now, is incompetent, he fumed. She was fired for incompetence. Well, how do incompetent women get jobs like this? They get it through DEI. Right? Thats how. So its absurd. I mean, if were being honest, female cops are absurd. Its an absurdity. Im sorry. Its just ridiculous. Its cartoonish. Youve got cops on the force who can easily be overpowered by, like, 50 percent of the population, Walsh continued. And not just 50 percent of the population, by the way. Like, the majority of people who end up getting arrested, the majority of people who will go to prison are men with a female cop, that means that the vast majority of the people that she is going to try to arrest during her career can easily overpower her. Easily. This isnt the first time that Walsh, whose right-wing culture war documentaries have become rallying cries for the MAGA movement, has railed against law enforcement employing women. Following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump last July, he called for the Secret Service to get rid of its female agents. There should not be any women in the Secret Service. These are supposed to be the very best, and none of the very best at this job are women, he tweeted. If theres a woman doing a job like this, it 100 percent means that a more qualified male was passed over. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The founder of Silk Road, a site on the dark web for selling drugs and other contraband items, has called President Donald Trump a man of his word after he was pardoned this week. Trump pardoned Ross Ulbricht on Tuesday, releasing him from a life sentence just 11 years in. A jury convicted the now-40-year-old in February 2015 of seven counts, including conspiracy and money laundering, related to his role in running the marketplace. Ulbricht was handed a double life sentence plus 40 years. He was imprisoned in Arizona. Last night, Donald Trump granted me a full pardon, Ulbricht said in a video posted to X Thursday. I was doing life without parole and I was locked up for more than 11 years. But he let me out. Im a free man now. So let it be known that Donald Trump is a man of his word. open image in gallery Ross Ulbricht speaks in a video on X thanking President Donald Trump for pardoning him ( Ross Ulbricht/X ) I am so, so grateful to have my life back, to have my future back, to have this second chance, he added. This is such an important moment for me and for my whole family. Its an important moment for everybody whos been working for this for years. This is a victory, and its your victory too. Trump said he called Ulbrichts mother on Monday to tell her he would be freed. open image in gallery Ross Ulbricht, pictured in 2015, was released from prison this week after President Donald Trump pardoned him ( via REUTERS ) It was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern-day weaponization of government against me. Ulbricht, known by the pseudonym Dread Pirate Roberts, founded Silk Road in 2011. Its services were available globally and could be accessed via a Tor browser, which protects users anonymity. January 6 rioters react to Trump pardon after prison release Prosecutors argued more than $200m in drug deals had taken place on Ulbrichts site. They also claimed had solicited six murders-for-hire, including one against a former Silk Road employee but later said they had found no evidence the targets were killed. Trump had promised to free Ulbricht while speaking at the Libertarian Party National Convention last year. Members of the Libertarian Party have long advocated for his release. Ulbrichts attorney Brandon Sample said the 40-year-old is deeply and eternally grateful to be free. This decision offers Ross the opportunity to begin anew, to rebuild his life, and to contribute positively to society, Sample told The Washington Post. US Capitol rioter rejects Trump pardon and says 'MAGA is a cult' Ulbricht isnt the only one Trump freed from prison. The President also pardoned some 1,500 people convicted of crimes related to their roles in the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol. Among them was Enrique Tarrio, a former leader of Proud Boys, an all-male organization that describes itself as Western chauvinists. Tarrio was serving a 22-year sentence after being convicted of seditious conspiracy and other charges related to the Capitol riots. 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 Donald Trump on Friday said he would demand that California overhaul its election laws and reverse environmental policies as a condition of any federal funds to help the state recover from wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles area in recent weeks. He also claimed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had mishandled efforts to help North Carolinians recover from Hurricane Helene and suggested that the White House and Republican National Committee would somehow take over the distribution of any relief funds authorized by Congress. Trump took aim at FEMA as he arrived in Asheville, North Carolina, to view hurricane damage, before traveling to California to view the devastation wrought by wildfires. Speaking to reporters just after he disembarked Air Force One, Trump told reporters that FEMA, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, has really let us down, though it was unclear what exactly he was accusing the agency of having done or not done. open image in gallery President Donald Trump, with First Lady Melania Trump, steps off of Air Force One upon arrival at Asheville Regional Airport ( AFP via Getty Images ) I dont know if thats Bidens fault or whose fault it is, but were going to take over and were going to do a good job, and were going to assign [Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley] whos fantastic, frankly, and the governor and everybody else thats going to work, he said. Were going to supply the money, the supply, a lot of the money. Maybe you have to chip in something. You chip in a little something like maybe 25 percent or whatever, but were going to get it done as quickly as we can. And we want to take care of the people of North Carolina. Trump also said FEMA would not be involved in further relief efforts and instead suggested that Whatley, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (D), and a trio of Republican House members would be working with the White House directly because the agency hasnt done the job. And were looking at the whole concept of FEMA. I like, frankly, the concept when North Carolina gets hit, the governor takes care of it. When Florida gets hit, the governor takes care of it, meaning the state takes care of it, he said, adding a short time later that the way FEMA dispatches a large group of people to a disaster area in order to solve immediately a problem was something that never worked for me. open image in gallery Trump greets supporters in Fletcher, North Carolina ( AFP via Getty Images ) As he continued, Trump was asked about the possibility of blocking wildfire relief funding to Los Angeles on account of city policies preventing local police from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts. He replied that he wants to see two things in California before he would support federal disaster relief funding for the Golden State. I want to see two things in Los Angeles: Voter ID so that the people have a chance to vote. And I want to see the water be released and come down into Los Angeles and throughout the state. Those are the two things. After that, I will be the greatest president that California ever has ever seen, he said. A short time later during a briefing with local officials, the president reiterated his demand for California to change its election laws. In California I have a condition We want them to have voter ID so people have a voice. Right now the people dont have a voice because you dont know who is voting. Its very corrupt, he said. The president has run for election three times and has never won a majority of votes in California. Each time, he has made false allegations about his losses having been tainted by fraud and by non-citizens voting for his Democratic opponents. Trumps boast of being willing to withhold disaster aid for political reasons is in line with how he handled large-scale disasters during his first term. He frequently suggested that he would not provide sufficient aid to states with Democratic governors if those governors were not nice to him, and in some cases failed to sign disaster declarations when requested by Democratic officials. In addition, Trump claimed he would soon be issuing an executive order to fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA or getting rid of FEMA. Before FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003, it was an independent agency that had been created by executive order during the Carter administration in 1979. In 1988, Congress established the agency in statute and gave it expanded authority via the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, and in 2002 the Homeland Security Act made FEMA part of the Department of Homeland Security. As such, it cannot be disbanded or eliminated by executive order. Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy In keeping with his promise to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday that prohibits the the use of affirmative action or other diversity measures as well as revoked a batch of decades-old policies that protect federal employees from discrimination The order Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity rescinds guidance dating back to former president Lyndon Johnsons administration that intended to protect and strengthen protections for federal workers. Trump claimed it was necessary to backpedal DEI programs because they are dangerous, demeaning, and immoral. Trump and his allies have long targeted diversity programs, believing they are dangerous ( EPA ) It is a position that he and many Republicans have taken over the last few years, believing that DEI policies unfairly disadvantage people in majority groups. Many of the orders that Trump rescinded bolster the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 which prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion age, disability and marital or family status. However, Trumps order did not rescind the act itself. What is the Equal Employment Opportunity Act? The act was a law passed by Congress and signed by former president Richard Nixon in 1972 that intended to expand protections against employment discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for their employees religious practices. It also empowers the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to hold individuals, employers or labor unions who violate it. Trump cannot revoke the Equal Employment Opportunity Act because it is a law passed by Congress. Executive orders are issued in accordance with laws already passed and must follow the U.S. Constitution. While they are enforced with the same power as a law, executive orders are not new laws. What diversity-related executive orders did Trump revoke? Most notably, Trump rescinded Executive Order 11246, signed by Johnson in 1965, which directed the government to use affirmative action and non-discriminatory practices in hiring and employing federal workers and contractors. That includes prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. However, federal contractors may comply with it for 90 days after January 20. Trump also revoked an executive order signed by former president Bill Clinton in 1994 that directed federal agencies to focus on environmental and human health effects on minority and low-income communities. Another one, signed by former president Barack Obama in 2011, directed federal agencies to come up with and update a diversity and inclusion plan every four years. He also rescinded a memorandum, issued by Obama in 2016, which provided guidance to the national security workforce on strengthening diversity within each organization Trump revoked several executive orders that were issued to strengthen or expand the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. One, issued by Nixon in 1969, prohibited discrimination in the competitive services branch of the federal workforce this includes most civil servants within the executive branch with some exceptions such as the cabinet. Another signed by Obama in 2014, expanded protections against discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation. 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 said on Friday he wouldnt take any blame if Dr. Anthony Fauci faces threats in the future, even though the president has reportedly cut the retired public health officials government security detail. You cant have a security detail for the rest of your life because you work for government, Trump told reporters, adding that Fauci made a lot of money and could hire his own security. I would not take responsibility, Trump continued when asked how he would feel if Fauci faced any heightened risks. The president on Thursday reportedly pulled Faucis detail, which was provided and paid for by the officials former agency, the National Institutes of Health, where the doctor led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for decades. During his time working with the first Trump administration, Fauci and the president regularly clashed. The public health official often appeared exasperated at briefings and had to publicly push back against non-scientific claims from the Republican and his inner circle, like Trumps insistence the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine was an effective treatment for coronavirus. Fauci frequently clashed with Trump during the Covid pandemic, prompting the public health official to face numerous threats ( Getty Images ) By the fall of 2020, Trump was openly musing about sacking Fauci, as rally crowds chanted he should be fired. At the same time, the Trump campaign ran what Fauci said was an unauthorized campaign ad, where the doctor said his words were taken out of context to appear to unequivocally praise the presidents pandemic response. As early as 2020, Fauci said he began getting death threats and was the target of ire from Trump supporters. They knew where my kids work, where they live. The threats would come directly to my childrens phones, directly to my childrens homes, he told the New York Times in a 2021 interview. He added there was chatter on the internet, people talking to each other, threatening, saying, Hey, we got to get rid of this guy. What are we going to do about him? Hes hurting the presidents chances. You know, that kind of right-wing craziness. The criticism wasnt just from strangers though. Trump discusses Biden's last-minute pardons Right-wing media figures quickly demonized Fauci, with Fox News anchor Jesse Watters once suggesting a crowd should ambush Fauci wth questions and go for a kill shot. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the Trump administrations pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, wrote a 2021 book about Fauci, The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health, accusing him of attempting a a historic coup detat against Western democracy. Critics see the move to pull Faucis security as part of a larger revenge campaign. On Monday, Trump revoked the security clearance of 51 former intelligence officials who angered him by arguing the Hunter Biden laptop scandal bore the hallmarks of a Russian influence operation. Other officials, like former national security adviser John Bolton, have also had their protective details stripped. Anybody who ever disagrees with Trump has to worry about retribution, Bolton told The Associated Press. Its a pretty long list. I think there are a lot of people who are very worried. Fauci was among those the Biden administration pre-emptively pardoned on its way out of office, fearing future retribution from Trump. These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions, Biden said of the decision. 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 signed pardons for 23 anti-abortion activists who were convicted for violating a federal law that makes it a crime to block entrances to reproductive health clinics. The pardon list includes Lauren Handy, who is serving a nearly five-year prison sentence after forcing her way inside a Washington, D.C., clinic in 2020 and using ropes, bike blocks and chains to stop patients from entering actions that anti-abortion groups and Republican officials have characterized as peaceful protests unjustly prosecuted by a politically motivated administration. Their convictions under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act during Joe Bidens presidency were fiercely condemned by anti-abortion organizations and right-wing legal groups, which pressed Trump for Thursdays pardon. open image in gallery Donald Trump signed pardons for 23 anti-abortion activists on his fourth day in office ( EPA ) Handy, in an unrelated case, made headlines after federal authorities discovered fetal remains in her apartment in March 2022. She reportedly stole the remains from a medical waste truck parked outside a clinic. No charges were ever filed in that case and the incident was not part of the investigation leading to her conviction under the FACE Act. This is a great honor to sign this, Trump said from the Oval Office on Thursday. They should not have been prosecuted Ridiculous. Steve Crampton, senior counsel with the anti-abortion advocacy group Thomas More Society, called the pardons a huge step towards restoring justice. The pardons were issued one day before thousands of anti-abortion activists gather in Washington for the annual March for Life event, which marks the anniversary of the Supreme Courts landmark 1973 decision in Roe v Wade, which affirmed a constitutional right to abortion care. The Supreme Courts conservative majority overturned that decision in 2022, upending access to care for tens of millions of women across the country. Trump and Vice President JD Vance are expected to deliver remarks at Fridays event. open image in gallery Lauren Handy is among 23 anti-abortion activists who received presidential pardons on January 23 after they were convicted for violating federal law that makes it a crime to block access to reproductive health clinics ( AP ) Prosecutions in the Washington case marked the first time that the Department of Justice charged anti-abortion activists under the FACE Act, which was enacted in the early 1990s in response to a wave of violent threats towards reproductive healthcare providers and patients. The violence reached a peak in 1993, when fundamentalist Christian activist Michael Griffin fatally shot physician David Gunn outside a Florida clinic. That same year, anti-abortion activist Shelley Shannon was convicted for the attempted murder of George Tiller, who operated a clinic in Kansas. In 2009, Tiller was murdered by anti-abortion activist Scott Roeder during a Sunday service at Tillers church. The FACE Act makes it a crime to damage or destroy facilities or to intimidate or interfere with anyone obtaining or providing reproductive healthcare. This week, House Republican Chip Roy filed legislation to revoke the law, which he claims has been weaponized against pro-life Americans for for speaking out and standing up for life. But the FACE Act has also been used to prosecute abortion rights demonstrators as recently as last year who have targeted so-called crisis pregnancy centers. Senator Josh Hawley grilled Trumps attorney general nominee Pam Bondi on whether her Department of Justice would ever pursue similar charges. Will you protect churches and pregnancy care centers when they are targeted for violence, when they are targeted for intimidation? Hawley asked during her Senate confirmation hearing last week. He also asked if she would stop the disparate treatment of Americans on the basis of religious faith and stop the deliberate persecution of pro-life Americans for nothing more than their pro-life beliefs. She said yes to both. Trump issued the pardons as House lawmakers voted 217-to-204 on a bill that would criminalize healthcare providers failure to care for an infant that is born alive after an abortion which would be infanticide, and is already plainly illegal. Democrats have blasted the legislation as a publicity stunt; less than 1 percent of abortions occur within the final weeks of a pregnancy, and virtually all are the result of dire medical conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It was the second time in two years that the bill was introduced in the Republican-led House. It has no chance of passage in the Senate, where Democrats blocked the bill from coming up for a vote on Wednesday. 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 Just days after returning to the White House earlier this week, Donald Trump gave his first televised interview to his close confidant: Sean Hannity. The commander-in-chief sat down with the Fox News host in his Oval Office on Wednesday, with the first part of the discussion covering everything from pardoning of the Jan. 6 rioters to TikTok spying rumours being broadcast later that evening. Part two of his interview aired on Thursday, with Trump making a raft of brazen, often unsubstantiated claims surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war, Chinese tariffs, and tapping into US energy resources. Here are the key takeaways from the second half of the presidents pre-recorded interview. Zelenskys no angel open image in gallery In this Fox News screen grab, President Trump talks to host Sean Hannity in his first TV interview since his inauguration on January 20, 2025 ( Fox News ) Almost three years after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his forces to invade Ukraine in February 2022, Trump thrust some of the blame for the conflict on Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian president, he said, is no angel and shouldnt have allowed this war to happen. Trump suggested that the conflict erupted because Zelensky failed to wave the white flag in advance of Russian troops beginning their attack. Trump slammed the Ukrainian president for talking so brave and taking on a much larger, more powerful entity, he said. Instead, Trump argued, we could have made a deal. He added: I could have made that deal so easily. And Zelensky decided: I want to fight. Stolen hypersonic missile program Trump was also pressed on Russias hypersonic Oreshnik missile, which was first used to strike the Ukrainian city of Dnipro in November. He told Hannity that Russia had been leaked US designs for the missile during the Obama administration. Russia stole the design, they got it from us, Trump said. Some bad person gave them the design. The preisdent said the US was working on a super hypersonic missile program, which is even a step better. Trump claimed the weapons will be ready in the near future without specifiying when or providing further details on the program. Smart guy Kim Jong-un open image in gallery Trump, pictured inside the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the South and North Korea on June 30, 2019, said the North Korean leader is a smart guy ( Getty Images ) Trump said he is willing to resume talks with Kim Jong-un, and praised North Koreas Supreme Leader as a smart guy. The president has continued to boast of his strong ties with the dictator, who he colloquially calls Little Rocket Man, despite fraying relations between Washington and Pyongyang under the Biden administration. Hes not a religious zealot, Trump argued. He happens to be a smart guy. Kim Jong-un is a smart guy. Asked if he would reach out to him again, the president responded: I will, yeah. He liked me, and I got along with him. Trump recalled former President Barack Obamas remark that North Korea was the single greatest threat to America. [Obama] said North Korea is the biggest threat, and I solved that problem. Im not Obama, he concluded. China tariffs Trump said he would rather not place tariffs on Beijing, after earlier this week considering imposing a blanket 10 percent levy on Chinese goods and services imported into the US as soon as February 1. After bragging of a good and friendly conversation with Xi Jinping, he described the Chinese president as a very ambitious man leading a very ambitious country. open image in gallery Part two of Donald Trumps interview with Fox News Sean Hannity aired on Thursday evening ( Fox News/YouTube ) Despite the apparently amicable relations, Trump noted that tariffs provide tremendous power over China. He also suggested that the financial sanctions may slow down the nations military expansion. We have one very big power over China, and thats tariffs, and they dont want them. And Id rather not have to use it. But its a tremendous power over China, he said. Trump later added: China gets a lot of its money from America and they use that money to build up their military. Oil, gas and horrible wind turbines US oil and gas resources are like a pot of gold, Trump said, which he belives can help pave the way to vast sums of wealth, while providing some leverage over China. We have something that they want: we have a pot of gold, he said just days after declaring a national energy emergency. China doesnt have that. They have to go out the old fashioned way and buy it. Trump also shared his disdain of clean energy, namly wind turbines, and called solar panels ridiculous. The wind blows and then it doesnt blow theyre made in China; they kill the bird. Theyre horrible, he said. We dont want windmills in this country. Were putting an order on it. Ive already sort of done it. We dont want windmills... You know what else people dont like? Those massive solar fields. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Some of Donald Trumps key allies are reportedly furious with Elon Musk following his public bashing of an artificial intelligence deal reportedly worth $500 billion, days after the president shrugged off the behavior of his so-called First Buddy. Insiders told Politico that the SpaceX boss had abused his close relationship with Trump and accused him of giving zero f****, as he continues to attract controversy. It comes following the online spat between Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman over the Stargate artificial intelligence infrastructure project touted by the president earlier this week, who described it as a resounding declaration of confidence in Americas potential. Musk questioned the investment just hours later on his social media platform, X. open image in gallery Elon Musk bashed a $500 billion AI deal touted by Trump earlier this week, which has reportedly made members of the presidents inner circle furious ( AP ) One Republican source close to the White House told Politico that Trumps staff is furious over Musks public undermining of the deal, which the president also called tremendous and monumental. Its clear he has abused the proximity to the president, the source said. The problem is the president doesnt have any leverage over him and Elon gives zero fucks. Musk was a vocal advocate for the president during the election, taking the role of senior advisor, and now heads the new Department of Government Efficiency. He has also remained close to the president since his victory over Kamala Harris. However, his brashness and ability to stir controversy have led to increased speculation that he and Trump will eventually fall out. The SpaceX boss and Altman clashed on Wednesday, following the announcement of the AI deal; a new partnership formed by OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, alongside Oracle and SoftBank. They dont actually have the money, Musk wrote on X. SoftBank has well under $10B secured. I have that on good authority. Altman responded on Wednesday, saying Musk was wrong, as you surely know and inviting him to visit the first site in Texas that is already under construction. open image in gallery Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, (center) responded to Musks comments about the AI deal on Wednesday ( via REUTERS ) "(T)his is great for the country. i realize what is great for the country isnt always whats optimal for your companies, but in your new role i hope youll mostly put (America) first, Altman wrote, using a U.S. flag emoji to represent America. When asked by reporters about the billionaires argument, Trump said that the money was indeed being put up and that he was nonplussed by Musks remarks. The governments not putting up anything. Theyre putting up money. Theyre very rich people, so I hope they do, Trump said. And, I mean, Elon doesnt like one of those people. Asked whether Musks remarks bothered him, the president added, No, it doesnt. He hates one of the people in the deal. 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 Donald Trump claimed in part two of a televised interview that the nearly three-year-old war between Russia and Ukraine that started when Moscows forces kicked off an invasion in 2022 was the fault of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys failure to preemptively capitulate before Russian troops began their attack. Trump made the incendiary comments in a pre-taped interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity that aired Thursday on Hannitys program. After Hannity asked about Trumps threat to impose tariffs as a penalty on Russia if the Ukrainian war continues much longer, Trump responded that Zelensky has had enough and wants to settle with Russian president Vladimir Putin. Zelensky, he said, is no angel and shouldnt have allowed this war to happen, even though it was Russia that invaded Ukraine. First of all, hes fighting a much bigger entity, okay, much bigger. When he was, you know, talking so brave... Zelensky was fighting a much bigger entity, much bigger, much more powerful. He shouldnt have done that, because we could have made a deal, and it would have been a deal that would have been, it would have been a nothing deal, Trump claimed. He added that had he been in Zelenskys position he could have made that deal so easily. He claimed that it was the Ukrainian leader who decided on hostilities even though it was Putin who ordered the invasion of Ukraine that violated a 1994 agreement. Russia and the United States agreed then to guarantee Kyivs security in exchange for Ukraines government giving up Soviet-era nuclear weapons that had been stored there before the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union. I could have made that deal so easily. And Zelensky decided: I want to fight, he baselessly claimed. The presidents contention that Zelensky, with whom he has a checkered history dating back to his first four years in the White House, decided to initiate hostilities against Russia is absolutely false. Russian forces have occupied parts of Ukrainian territory since 2014 when they seized the Crimean Peninsula on Putins orders. The Ukraine catch-up: Latest update from January 24 Updates from The Independents live blog as of 16:00 GMT Russia claims to have downed 121 Ukrainian drones targeting 13 regions, including Moscow. Ukraine states its drones struck oil facilities in Ryazan and a microelectronics plant in Bryansk, both allegedly supporting the Russian military. Moscows mayor confirmed drone interceptions around the capital, but no damage or casualties were reported. South Korea suspects North Korea is preparing to send more troops to Russia, despite previous losses. Ukraines military confirmed their drones hit oil and industrial sites in Russias Ryazan and Bryansk. Follow our latest updates. In February 2022, Putin announced what he described as a special military operation against Ukraine, which he described as an illegitimate state governed by neo-Nazis. He insisted at the time that the goal of the invasion by Russian troops was to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine, even though Ukraines government has nothing to do with Nazism, and Zelensky himself is Jewish. The UN General Assembly and the International Court of Justice have both condemned the invasion and ordered Russian troops to withdraw from Ukrainian territory. Trump has previously called for negotiations to end the war, most recently on Wednesday when he took to his Truth Social platform to say he was not looking to hurt Russia, and expressed love for the Russian people, while boasting of his very good relationship with Putin who in 2016 ordered what the Department of Justice called a sweeping and systematic effort to interfere in the presidential election on Trumps behalf. Trump vowed in a Truth Social post Wednesday that he was going to stop the war. Im going to do Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR. Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! ITS ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE, Trump wrote. The president added a threat that if a deal was not reached soon, he would have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries. Lets get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with! We can do it the easy way, or the hard way and the easy way is always better. Its time to MAKE A DEAL. NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!! Trump long boasted that he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, and promised that he would end it when he returned to the White House. To date, the U.S. has given more than $65 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since 2022. 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 statue of British explorer Captain James Cook in a suburb of Sydney has been vandalised ahead of Australia Day, the second such incident in as many years. New South Wales Police said they were investigating. The vandals threw red paint, sprayed graffiti, knocked off the hand, nose and part of the face of the statue on Belmore Road in Randwick on Friday. Australia Day, celebrated on 26 January, is a contentious holiday in the country as it is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788, establishing the first permanent European settlement on the continent. open image in gallery Randwick City Council said they will restore the statue but it could take weeks ( EPA ) While for many Indigenous Australians, the date marks the beginning of the colonisation and dispossession of their lands, for others it is a celebration of the nations history, culture and achievements. Randwick mayor Dylan Parker criticised the attack. He said the heritage statue would be restored but it would take weeks to do it, lamenting that taxpayer money could have been put to better use. Randwick City Council condemns this act of vandalism of the heritage Captain Cook statue, he said. Vandalism has no place in public discussion. It is an illegal act that does a disservice to progressing your cause, a disservice to the community and a disservice to reconciliation. The council said they were actioning plans to clean and restore the statue. open image in gallery Randwicks mayor said the taxpayer would foot the bill for the statues repair ( EPA ) Several of Cooks statues in Australia have been damaged amid an ongoing debate about his legacy and the impact of British colonisation on Indigenous peoples. While Cook is historically recognised as the explorer who charted and claimed the east coast of Australia for Britain in 1770, his arrival is also seen as a prelude to the violent colonisation, dispossession and systemic oppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is because Cooks expedition paved the way for the 1788 decision to send the First Fleet led by Captain Arthur Phillip to the new continent. In January 2024, a statue of Cook in Melbourne was doused in paint and sawn off at the ankles on the eve of Australia Day. The vandals wrote on the plinth of the statue: The colony will fall. 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 North Korea is preparing to send more troops to Russia after its soldiers fighting in the Russian-Ukraine war suffered heavy casualties. Thats according to South Koreans who also said that North Korea is continuing its preparations to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile intended to reach the United States. President Donald Trumps return to the White House may brighten Pyongyang's prospects for high-level diplomacy with the U.S., as he met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times during his first term. Many experts say Kim likely thinks his evolving nuclear program and expanding military cooperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin could give him a greater leverage than during his 2018-19 summits with Trump. North Korea has been supplying a vast amount of artillery and other conventional weapons to Russia, and last October it sent about 10,000-12,000 troops to Russia as well, according to U.S., South Korean and Ukraine intelligences. Seoul, Washington and others worry Russia could in return transfer to North Korea sophisticated weapons technologies that can enhance its nuclear program. North Korean soldiers are considered to be highly disciplined and well-trained, but their lack of combat experiences and unfamiliarity with the largely flat plains that make up most battlefields in the Russian-Ukraine war have made them easy targets for drones and artillery strikes. South Koreas spy agency said last week that it assessed about 300 North Korean soldiers had died and another 2,700 had been injured. Earlier in January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy put the number of killed or wounded North Koreans at 4,000, though U.S. estimates are lower at around 1,200. open image in gallery A North Korean Soldier fighting for Russia in Ukraine, according to a video shared by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ( Office of the President of Ukraine ) The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said that North Korea is believed to be accelerating preparations to send more troops to Russia, without saying how it reached the assessment. Deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia could embolden Kim over his dealings with the U.S. and South Korea. In a major political conference last month, Kim recently vowed to implement the toughest anti-U.S. policy. But many experts say Kim may eventually want to sit down for talks with Trump if he thinks the U.S. president could make concessions. Their previous talks collapsed after Trump rejected Kims offer to dismantle his main nuclear complex, a limited denuclearization step, in return for extensive sanctions relief. Kim has since sharply increased the pace of weapons tests to expand an arsenal of nuclear missiles targeting the U.S. and South Korea. In South Korea, there are concerns that Trump might give up the goal of a complete denuclearization of North Korea to focus on eliminating the long-range missile program that poses a direct threat to the U.S., while leaving its nuclear attack capabilities against South Korea intact. open image in gallery The cell where Ukraine has kept the two North Korean men captured in battlefield ( Telegram: Volodymyr Zelensky ) On Monday, Trump called North Korea a nuclear power as he boasted of his personal ties with Kim. That created a stir in South Korea, as Washington, Seoul and their partners have long avoided describing the country as a nuclear state out of worries that it could be seen as accepting North Koreas pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. I was very friendly with him. He liked me. I liked him, Trump said during a press availability at the Oval Office after his inauguration. Now he is a nuclear power. But we got along. I think hell be happy to see Im coming back. Jeon Ha Gyu, a spokesperson for the South Korean Defense Ministry, told reporters Tuesday that efforts to achieve North Koreas denuclearization must be continued as a prerequisite to realize lasting peace not only on the Korean Peinsula but also in the world. South Koreas Foreign Ministry also said it will closely coordinate with the Trump administration to achieve denuclearization. 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 Russian victory over Ukraine would greatly undermine the power of Nato and its credibility would cost trillions to restore, the alliances secretary general has warned. Mark Rutte insisted that Ukraines Western backers must not scale back the support they are providing to the country, almost three years after Vladimir Putins invasion began. Nato has been increasing its forces along its eastern flank with Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, deploying thousands of troops and equipment. This is to deter Moscow from expanding its war into the territory of any of the organizations 32 member countries. open image in gallery Residents take shelter in a metro station after an air raid warning was issued in Kyiv ( AFP via Getty Images ) Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Mr Rutte said: If Ukraine loses then to restore the deterrence of the rest of Nato again, it will be a much, much higher price than what we are contemplating at this moment in terms of ramping up our spending and ramping up our industrial production. It will not be billions extra; it will be trillions extra, he added. The military alliances leader insisted Nato must change the trajectory of the war, adding the West cannot allow in the 21st century that one country invades another country and tries to colonise it. Anxiety in Europe is mounting that US President Donald Trump might seek to quickly end the war on terms that are unfavourable to Ukraine, but Rutte appeared wary about trying to do things in a hurry. If we got a bad deal, it would only mean that we will see the president of Russia high-fiving with the leaders from North Korea, Iran and China and we cannot accept that, the former Dutch prime minister said. That would be geopolitically a big, big mistake. Leaders of Nato nations have agreed that each member country should spend at least 2 per cent of gross domestic product on their military budgets. open image in gallery President Trump threatened to impose stiff taxes, tariffs and sanctions on Moscow if an agreement isnt reached to end the war ( AFP via Getty Images ) The alliance estimates that 23 members will reach that level this year, although almost a third will still fall short. Poland and Estonia spend most in GDP terms. On Wednesday, President Trump threatened to impose stiff taxes, tariffs and sanctions on Moscow if an agreement isnt reached to end the war. Russias economy is already weighed down by a multitude of US and European sanctions. Mr Trump said he would be doing a very big favour to Russia and Putin by getting them to bring an end to "this ridiculous war". Earlier this week, he said the conflict, which is nearing the end of its third year, was "destroying" Russia. The Kremlin said it saw nothing particularly new with the threat of US sanctions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Mr Trump had often applied sanctions against Russia in his first term as president. Mr Peskov reiterated that Russia was ready for an equal and mutually respectful dialogue with the US. Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report Stories of High-quality Development | China will open its doors wider to the outside world People's Daily Online) 15:30, January 24, 2025 Currently, economic globalization is facing headwinds, with some countries adopting protectionist and unilateral policies, reflecting rising anti-globalization sentiments. In this context, China is steadfastly advancing opening-up and pledges to pursue high-level opening-up. Why is opening-up a distinct feature of Chinese modernization? What kind of opening-up and cooperation do we need? "Stories of High-quality Development", a People's Daily's video series, will launch its first episode in 2025, with host Long Guoqiang, vice president of the Development Research Center of the State Council, discussing China's opening-up and tackling these pressing questions. (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) 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 Russian draft law has proposed seven years imprisonment for publically disclosing information about the import of goods into Russia banned under global sanctions over Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. Russia continues to rely on many high-tech products made in the West, such as microchips, which are prohibited from being exported to Russia. Many Russian industrial businesses, especially those in the defence industry, depend on these products to remain in business. Russia has repeatedly been accused of bypassing Western sanctions by establisheding complex logistical schemes through intermediaries in third countries. In the current context of external sanctions pressure, maintaining the established production and technological chains that ensure the strategic development of the Russian economy acquires special significance, said an explanatory note for the draft submitted to parliament by the government. Many Russian officials and businesspeople have been calling for logistics and payments information to be classified as a state secret. The authors of the draft referred to websites disseminating leaked customs data, as well as information appearing in traditional media or on social media about logistics schemes for delivering sanctioned goods. The drafts explanatory note said the objective of such items was to harm specific economic entities, sectors of the economy, and, more broadly, the economic interests of Russia. open image in gallery Many Russian officials and businesspeople have been calling for logistics and payments information to be classified as a state secret ( Alamy/PA ) It comes as US president Donald Trump has threatened to impose stiff taxes, tariffs and sanctions on Moscow if an agreement isnt reached to end the war. He said in a post on his Truth Social platform: Lets get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with! We can do it the easy way, or the hard way and the easy way is always better. Its time to MAKE A DEAL. NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!! Mr Trump added he would be doing a very big favour to Russia and Putin by getting them to bring an end to this ridiculous war. Earlier this week, he said the conflict, which is nearing the end of its third year, was destroying Russia. open image in gallery Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in 2019 ( SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images ) Speaking on Thursday, The Kremlin said it saw nothing particularly new with the threat of US sanctions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Mr Trump had often applied sanctions against Russia in his first term as president. Mr Peskov said on Friday that Putin is ready to hold a phone call with Mr Trump and Moscow is waiting for word from Washington that it is ready too. When asked if Putin and Trump would use this weekend to hold their first phone call since Trumps inauguration - an essential precursor ahead of a face-to-face meeting for deeper talks - Peskov said: Putin is ready. We are waiting for signals [from Washington]. Everyone is ready. It is difficult to read the coffee grounds here. As soon as there is something, if there is something, we will inform you. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ukraine says it has struck a Russian oil refinery and a microchip factory in a huge drone attack that caused fires at the refinerys production facilities and an oil pumping station. Other drones targeted numerous regions, including 20 in the Ryazan region, southeast of Moscow, the Russian defence ministry said. Russian war blogger channels on the Telegram messaging app posted videos of what they described as large blazes in the city. They said an oil storage depot and a power station had been hit. The Ukrainian military said on Facebook that fires had broken out at the damaged refinerys production facilities and an oil pumping station but did not make clear how serious the damage was. Ukraines military said it had also struck the Kremniy El microelectronics plant in Russias Bryansk region, which Kyiv said produced components for Russian air defence missile systems, nuclear-capable missiles, and onboard electronics for combat aircraft. Russias defence ministry claimed it had intercepted 121 drones targeting 13 regions, adding six drones had been destroyed over the Moscow region and one over the capital itself. The ministry did not disclose the extent of the damages or casualties. A fire burns in Bryansk (left) as people run following an explosion in Ryazan ( Social media via Reuters ) The overnight strikes underline Ukraines ability to hit targets deep inside Russia as the two sides try to strengthen their positions before any peace talks get underway following Donald Trumps return to the White House. The US president has said he intends to bring a swift end to nearly three years of war in Ukraine. Russian president Vladimir Putin said on Friday he was open to discussions with Trump on the Ukraine war, but that the question of negotiating with Ukraine was complicated by the fact that its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, had signed a decree preventing him from conducting talks with Putin. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that air defences had intercepted attacks by Ukrainian drones at four locations around the Russian capital. At the site where fragments fell, no damage or casualties occurred, Sobyanin wrote on Telegram. Specialist emergency crews are at the site. Russian news agencies quoted Rosaviatsiya, the federal aviation agency, as saying two Moscow airports, Vnukovo and Domodedovo, were handling flights after suspending operations for a time. Six flights were redirected to other airports. In the Russian border city of Kursk a region where Ukraine holds a swathe of territory Mayor Igor Kutsak said the overnight attack had damaged power lines and cut off electricity to one city district. Commenting on the damage caused by Ukraines drone attacks, Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraines centre for countering disinformation, said on Telegram that an oil refinery in Ryazan had been hit as well as the Kremniy plant in Bryansk, which Kyiv says produces microelectronics for Russian weapons systems. Meanwhile, Ukraines air force said on Friday it had also fought off a Russian drone attack and shot down 25 of 58 drones launched by Russia in an overnight assault. The interior ministry said that drone debris had killed two men and a woman in the central Kyiv region and that another person was injured. The attack damaged a multi-storey residential apartment building, eight private houses, commercial buildings, and several private cars, Kyiv regional officials said. As the war approaches the three-year mark, Russia has stepped up its air attacks on Ukraine, sending dozens of drones almost every night. Ukrainian officials have said that Russian forces launched more than 7,000 drones in 2024, at least twice as many as in 2023. Most were shot down or redirected by electronic warfare, but many still hit their targets. Moscow denies targeting civilians. Meanwhile, Russian security official Sergei Shoigu warned in an interview published on Friday that the risk of an armed clash between nuclear powers was rising. Mr Shoigu, the secretary of Putins Security Council, told the state-run TASS news agency: Against the backdrop of increasing conflict and aggravation of geopolitical rivalry in the world, the risks of a violent clash between major states, including with the participation of nuclear powers, are growing. The former defence minister said that Nato was increasing activities on its eastern flank, close to Russia and Belarus, and rehearsing offensive as well as defensive scenarios there. Nato says it is Russia that is raising tensions, including by announcing in 2023 that it was deploying tactical nuclear weapons in its ally Belarus, which borders three Nato countries. The Russian nuclear umbrella now ensures the protection of our closest ally in the same framework scenarios in which Russia allows a nuclear response for its own defence, Mr Shoigu said of Belarus. Reuters contributed to this report For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hamas has released the names of the next four hostages that will be freed on Saturday as part of the fragile ceasefire agreement in the Gaza war. As part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire. 33 hostages are set to be released by Hamas over the coming weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli jails. The first three hostages, Romi Gonen, 24, Doron Steinbrecher, 31, and Emily Damari, 28, were released at the weekend, alongside 90 prisoners, and four more hostages are set to be released on Saturday. Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag will be the next hostages to go free, Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for the Izzeldeen al-Qassam Brigades the armed wing of Hamas said. All four are female Israeli soldiers. Not on the list is Arbel Yehoud the last female civilian hostage being held in Gaza who Israeli officials had briefed they expected to be released this weekend. The 33 hostages to be released during the six-week first phase of the truce include women, children, sick people and those over 50 almost all civilians, but the deal also commits Hamas to freeing all living female soldiers. Relatives of hostages still being held in Gaza called on Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday to ensure all remaining captives are freed. open image in gallery Handout photo issued by the Israeli Government of Emily Damari reuniting with her mother Mandy Damari ( IDF Spokesperson/PA Wire ) Ayelet Samerano, whose son Yonatan Samerano is among those still being held, said: I call from here to the Prime Minister and negotiating team - youre doing excellent work - do whatever is necessary to bring everyone back, to the last hostage, Samerano said. We ask you to ensure phase two of the deal is agreed upon before finishing the current phrase. We cannot continue living in uncertainty. All hostages must return, and none of them has time left. Vicky Cohen, mother of Nimrod Cohen: This week we were moved to watch images of mothers embracing their daughters, but our hearts break thinking that my son Nimrod and other men remain behind, and each day theyre there poses a real danger to their lives. The worry that the deal wont be fully implemented gnaws at us all. open image in gallery This handout picture released by the Israeli army shows former Israeli hostage Romi Gonen with her mother Merav ( Israeli Army/AFP via Getty Image ) All senior officials openly say that stopping the deal means a death sentence for those left behind. How is it possible that my son Nimrod and other men who fought to protect us civilians would be abandoned to death? We must ensure that the second phase is implemented and all remaining hostages return - we cannot let up for a moment. And Ella Ben Ami, daughter of captivity survivor Raz Ben Ami and Ohad Ben Ami said: I stand here now next to my family, the hostages family, at my new home, the Hostages Square. The first phase is being implemented; we saw Romi, Emily, and Doron embracing their families. This cannot stop. I stand here today in a complex situation, where my father is in the first phase of the deal. Every person released from captivity is an entire world, and everyone deserves to be here - the living to begin their rehabilitation journey, and the murdered for proper burial. Each and every one of them deserves to be home. To our loved ones in captivity, stay strong, youll be home soon. open image in gallery Israeli Doron Steinbrecher, who was kidnapped in Gaza by Hamas on Oct. 7, steps out of a van before boarding a helicopter after being released from Gaza ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Hamas will release living hostages first, but could release some bodies if they dont have enough living hostages in the first part of the ceasefire deal. In exchange, Israel will free 30 Palestinian women, children or older people for each living civilian hostage freed. The deal says those released will include more than 110 Palestinians serving life sentences. For each female soldier freed, Israel will release 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 serving life sentences. Under the terms of the deal, Palestinians in Gaza will have more freedom of movement from the north to the south of the enclave. Civilians in the south will be allowed to take a coastal road to northern Gaza from Saturday, when Israeli troops are expected to withdraw from the key route and Hamas is set to release the next four Israeli hostages. open image in gallery A crowd gathers around a bus carrying Palestinian prisoners who were released from an Israeli prison as part of the ceasefire deal ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Those in other parts of the strip seized on the ceasefire this week to reunite with scattered family members, picking their way through vast swaths of rubble and trying to salvage what remained of their homes and their belongings. But those displaced from the north have had to wait. The first thing Ill do, Ill kiss the dirt of the land on which I was born and raised, said Nadia Al-Debs, one of the many people gathered in makeshift tents in Gazas central city of Deir al-Balah preparing to set out for home in Gaza City the next day. Well return so my children can see their father.Nafouz al-Rabai, another displaced woman in Deir al-Balah from al-Shati, along the coast in Gaza City, said the day she walks home will be a day of joy for us. The return stirs bittersweet emotions. Al-Rabai acknowledged it would be painful to absorb the scale of damage to the home and the urban refugee camp she knew and loved. God knows if Ill find [my house] standing or not, she said. Its a very bad life. 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 Israeli forces will remain in parts of southern Lebanon beyond the agreed deadline to leave on Sunday, said Benjamin Netanyahu, throwing the ceasefire deal with Hezbollah into crisis. Under the deal, which came into effect on 27 November, Hezbollah weapons and fighters must be removed from areas south of the Litani river and Israeli troops should withdraw as the Lebanese military deploys into the region, all within a 60-day timeframe due to conclude on Sunday at 0400 local time (GMT 0200). The deal, brokered by the United States and France, ended more than a year of hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Brian Hughes, White House national security council spokesperson, said on Friday that a ceasefire extension was needed. The fighting peaked with a major Israeli ground and air offensive that left Hezbollah severely weakened and displaced more than 1.2 million people in Lebanon. The Israeli prime ministers office said that the Israeli militarys withdrawal process was contingent on the Lebanese army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, while Hezbollah withdraws beyond the Litani. open image in gallery Israel assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike that also killed dozens of civilians ( AP ) Since the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by the Lebanese state, the gradual withdrawal process will continue, in full coordination with the United States, a statement from Mr Netanyahus office said. The statement did not say how much longer Israeli forces might remain in south Lebanon, where the Israeli military says it has been seizing Hezbollah weapons and dismantling infrastructure. There was no immediate comment from Lebanon. Hezbollah said on Thursday that any delay of Israels withdrawal would be an unacceptable breach of the agreement, with which the Lebanese state would have to deal through all means and methods guaranteed by international charters. Israel said its campaign against Hezbollah aimed to secure the return home of tens of thousands of people forced to leave their homes in northern Israel by Hezbollah rocket fire. It inflicted major blows on Hezbollah during the conflict, assassinating its leader Hassan Nasrallah. Hezbollah was further weakened in December when its Syrian ally, President Bashar al-Assad, was toppled, cutting its overland supply route from Iran. open image in gallery Qana village in southern Lebanon following an IDF airstrike in late November ( AP ) There was no immediate comment from Lebanon or Hezbollah. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, noted that Israel was removing forces from Lebanon and the Lebanese army was going to locations of Hezbollah ammunition stores and destroying them, but added that more time was needed to achieve results. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said any renewal of hostilities would be a devastating blow for civilians still struggling to rebuild their lives. Regional and international mediators must ensure this truce evolves into a lasting ceasefire, with a firm commitment to protecting all civilians and civilian infrastructure, Maureen Philippon, country director NRC in Lebanon, said in a statement. More than 100,000 people remain displaced across Lebanon and the continued presence of Israeli troops is preventing civilians from returning home, according to the NRC. Additional reporting by Reuters Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Passengers flying with Spirit Airlines have been warned that offensive tattoos and inadequate clothing could see them denied boarding or even kicked off a flight. The airline updated its Contract of Carriage on January 22, which lays out the terms and conditions that passengers must abide by if they want to fly with the carrier. In Spirits update, it says that a guest will not be permitted on board the aircraft or may be required to leave the plane if they are barefoot or inadequately clothed, which it defines as see-through clothing, not adequately covered and the exposure of breasts, buttocks or other private parts. The airline will also not tolerate clothing or body art such as tattoos that are lewd, obscene or offensive in nature. The guidance also states typical reasons why a passenger may be removed from a flight, such as being disorderly, abusive, violent, intoxicated, having a contagious disease, unwilling or unable to sit with a seatbelt fastened or having an offensive odor unless caused by a qualified disability. Guests will also be removed if they attempt to interfere with the flight crew's duties or pose a security risk onboard. There have also been several debates over what is considered as clothing inadequate enough to be removed from a flight. In October, two guests were supposedly removed from a flight from Los Angeles to New Orleans for wearing crop tops. One passenger named Teresa took to Instagram to claim that a sexist male flight attendant forced her and her friend to go back to the gate because of their outfits. According to Teresa, everyone including flight staff agreed that she and her friends crop tops werent against their dress code, despite the male flight attendants complaint. This is appalling service, that in 2024 we are getting kicked out of a plane for ONE MALE flight attendant not liking our shirts, Teresas Instagram caption said. Everyone working at the airport agreed this was an act of prejudice, discrimination and misogynist and that we should take legal actions. In a statement sent to The Independent, a representative for Spirit Airlines said: Our Contract of Carriage, a document all Guests agree to upon making a reservation with us, includes certain clothing standards for all Guests traveling with us. We are investigating the matter, and we are in contact with the Guests about their experience. Over the past few years, there have been a string of cases where airline staff have deemed a passengers clothing, often a womans, as inappropriate, meaning they were either kicked off the flight or asked to cover up. In March, a woman also claimed that Delta Air Lines had targeted her for not wearing a bra after a flight attendant came to her seat, asked her to speak in private and escorted her off the plane. The Independent has contacted Spirit for further comment on the new contract. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast An angry BBC Question Time audience member clashed with energy green specialist Dale Vince over conflict in the Middle East. The audience member hit out at Mr Vince for his comments on genocide in Palestine during Thursday nights episode (23 January), as host Fiona Bruce was forced to step in. Addressing Mr Vince, the audience member said: Can I take issue with you over you saying that genocide has been caused in Palestine? How dare you say that? Genocide happened to six million Jews in the Second World War, where is the equivalence? The man then told Mr Vince: Youre ill-informed, my friend. Mr Vince acknowledged the 7 October attack, but stressed the severity of the "brutalisation of Palestine. Bodycam footage shows police confronting a drink driver after he seriously injured two people in a collision near Bristol Airport, leaving one victim needing her arm amputated at the elbow. Another victim suffered significant internal bleeding and bruising. Leigh Brean, 43, of Lawrence Road, Wrington, was jailed for three years and two months and was told he was not allowed to drive for 11 years and seven months. In five hours, he had drunk 10 pints before getting behind the wheel of the car. He pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and for failing to provide a specimen. Donald Trump described North Korea leader Kim Jong Un in two words as he took a swipe at Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The new US president described Mr Kim as a smart guy during an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News on Thursday (23 January). Trump said: Hes not a religious zealot. He happens to be a smart guy. Kim Jong Un is a smart guy. The new US president has repeatedly boasted about having good relations with the North Korean leader even as ties between Washington and Pyongyang deteriorated under Joe Bidens administration. A police officer in Florida accidentally shot a motorist with his own gun during a traffic stop in December 2024, newly-released footage shows. Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) said officers stopped Jason Arrington after his vehicle was observed running a red light. Mr Arrington told police he had a gun and cooperated with a request to exit the car. Police said Officer Mindy Cardwell attempted to remove the firearm from Mr Arrington's waist and as she tried to remove it, the gun discharged and struck Mr Arrington in the leg. An investigation resulted in a sustained charge of incompetence against Officer Cardwell and JSO has begun termination proceedings for Officer Cardwell, authorities confirmed. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) released footage it claimed showed a vehicle loaded with explosives under a mosque in Lebanon. In a post on X, the IDF said it found a "weapons cache inside of a mosque, hundreds of mortar shells, explosives, rockets, weapons, and additional Hezbollah military equipment." Footage has not been independently verified by The Independent. The video came as Benjamin Netanyahu suggested Friday that Israel might not withdraw all of its forces from Lebanon by Sunday a deadline set in its ceasefire with Hezbollah. Hezbollah militants are due to pull back to the north of the Litani River, and the Lebanese armed forces would patrol the buffer zone in southern Lebanon alongside UN peacekeepers. Scammers are more active than ever. Photo: Stock image The amount of money fraudsters are stealing from people has increased significantly. The total value of fraudulent payments shot up by 26pc in 2023, increasing to 126m from 100m in 2022, the latest figures from the Central Bank of Ireland show. Most of the money fraudulently obtained involved cross-border payments. In a publication called Behind The Data, the Central Bank said this form of criminal activity is growing in Ireland. However, Irish fraud rates remain below the European Union average across most payment methods, with the exception of card payments. The regulatory authority said the rapidly evolving digital marketplace meant fraudulent payments were now a growing concern in Europe. Scammers continually adopt new ways to exploit digital systems and bypass security measures, costing businesses and individuals millions each year. According to the Central Bank, the vast majority of card payment fraud, by value, occurs where the criminals use stolen personal information, account details or a stolen card to take money illegally from consumers. Another variety of fraud, known as payer manipulation fraud, increased from 27pc of cases to 42pc at the end of 2023. This is where a fraudster gains trust by social engineering or impersonation and convinces the payer to make payments to them. They get people to make a credit transfer or an e-money payment. The Central Bank research paper, written by Sangamithra Varadarajan, found that consumers are also losing out where scammers manipulate direct debits to steal from them. These unauthorised payment transactions are specific to direct debits, where the criminal obtains customer information and sets up mandates without the authorisation of the payer. More than 99pc of all fraudulent direct debits were related to such scams, with an exception in the second half of 2023 due to a once-off incident recorded in this category. Less frequent, but also financially painful for victims, is modification of payment order by fraudsters. This is where thieves intercept and modify a legitimate payment order. This form of criminality is rare and observed only in credit transfers, the Central Bank report found. Around 60pc of the value of fraud is made through credit transfers. However, these transactions accounted for only 4pc of the total number of fraudulent transactions in the period between 2022 and 2023. This reflects the fact that credit transfers are often used for large-value payments compared with other payment methods in Ireland, the research paper outlined. Credit-transfer fraud amounted to 70m in 2023, with a total of 24,000 transactions. The report found that the proceeds from fraudulent payments are predominantly transferred to accounts outside Ireland. Incidents of fraud are less prominent when measures such as the EUs strong customer authentication (SCA) are in place. Ms Varadarajan found that the rate of fraud in Ireland, as a share of all transactions, is low. By value, the rate is just 0.001pc, and by volume the rate is 0.01pc. However, finance experts have pointed out that individuals can lose large sums of money to criminals, even if the overall amount of money lost to fraud is low. Most frauds are related to card payments. Around half of fraud in electronic payments was not authenticated via SCA in 2023. This amounted to 52m, the Central Bank said. The research found that online card payments made up 86pc of the total value of card fraud in 2023, amounting to 37.4m. Central Bank executives said fighting fraud in the financial system was a priority. Where it identifies criminal activity taking place in the financial system, it said it was working with An Garda Siochana and other agencies who led criminal investigations and prosecutions. Ryanair aims for 30 million passengers in Ireland by 2030 and urges Government to scrap the cap at Dublin Airport It could be done in five minutes, says chief executive Eddie Wilson Ryanair chief executive Eddie Wilson. Photo: Mark Condren John Mulligan Fri 24 Jan 2025 at 03:30 Ryanair wants to boost the number of passengers it handles at Irish airports by more than a third to 30 million by 2030. Fiction Six months into the occupation of Rome under Gestapo chief Paul Hauptmann, a badly injured parachutist lands in a walled orchard during an air raid. Around the same time, two American soldiers, Robert Weldrick and Jack Moody, both escapees from prisoner of war camps, arrive in the city. The intertwined fates of these three strangers is the propulsive force driving the second novel in Joseph OConnors excellent Escape Line trilogy. Belfast rappers Kneecap will play Dublins 3Arena at the end of this year with tickets to go on sale next week. The trio of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and J.J. O Dochartaigh better known as Mo Chara, Moglai Bap and DJ Provai will take to the 3Arena stage on December 17. This announcement comes after yesterdays disappointment for the group which saw them lose out on an Oscar nomination for their hit Irish language film. Losing out on a nod didnt faze the group, who released a short statement on their social media channels after the announcement: "F*** the Oscars. Free Palestine." Tickets for the concert will go on sale on Friday, January 31 at 10am via Ticketmaster. Hip-hop trio Kneecap Kneecap win discrimination case against Government over block to funding award It wont be the only appearance the trio will make in Dublin this year with a outdoor gig lined up for Fairview Park on Thursday, June 19. Tickets for that show have sold out. Kneecap will also join forces with another hugely popular Irish act when they support Dublin rockers Fontaines D.C. at the bands headline show at Finsbury Park in London in July. Last year, the group sold out five nights at Vicar Street and in December, they played a sold out hometown show at the SSE Arena in Belfast. Nearly 50 years after the murder of Ms Plunkett, who was raped, strangled and dumped in the sea, an inquest yesterday returned a verdict of unlawful killing Elizabeth Plunkett, murdered by Englishmen, Geoffrey Evans and John Shaw on August 29, 1976. Picture supplied by family Geoffrey Evans and John Shaw pictured on their way to a court hearing. The pair were both given mandatory life sentences in 1978 for the killing of Mary Duffy but were never tried for Elizabeth Plunkett's murder. Photo: Courtpix/File photo The family of a young woman who was brutally murdered nearly 50 years ago have called on the Garda Commissioner to reopen the investigation into her death after learning two men who admitted to killing her were never convicted. An inquest into the death of Elizabeth Plunkett heard how the 23-year-old was raped, strangled and her body was tied to a lawnmower, before being rowed out to sea at Brittas Bay in Co Wicklow on August 29, 1976. Four weeks later, her remains were found on Duncormick beach in Co Wexford. Nearly five decades after her tragic death, a jury of seven people returned a verdict of unlawful killing at an inquest at Gorey Courthouse yesterday. Explaining the delay, coroner Dr Sean Nixon said her death was never registered and no records of an inquest could be found. Elizabeth Plunkett, murdered by Englishmen, Geoffrey Evans and John Shaw on August 29, 1976. Picture supplied by family Members of Ms Plunketts family issued a statement to say they are grateful to the jury for restoring some dignity to our precious Elizabeth. However, in 2023 they learned that the men who confessed to abducting, raping and killing Ms Plunkett were never actually convicted. Two Englishmen, drifters Geoffrey Evans and John Shaw, had travelled to Ireland to carry out a pre-planned murder spree. Ms Plunkett, and another victim Mary Duffy, were raped and killed in two separate attacks. Both men were sentenced to life in prison. Evans died in 2012, but Shaw is still serving time at Arbour Hill in Dublin. The Plunkett family initially believed the men had been convicted for the rape and murder of both women. However, two years ago, when they were asked to participate in the parole board process, they were subsequently informed the applicant had not been convicted of Elizabeths murder, and thus we were not relevant victims. Elizabeth Plunkett's family members Eileen Plunkett, Eddie Plunkett, Bernadette Plunkett and Kathleen Nolan outside the Gorey inquest. Photo: Patrick Browne Solicitor James MacGuill reading a statement on behalf of the family of Elizabeth Plunkett Elizabeth was hunted down and savagely killed by two men who, less than a month later, went on to murder another woman, Mary Duffy, the familys statement said. Despite these vile criminals confessing to murdering both Elizabeth and Mary, they were only ever convicted of Marys murder. With this new development, were calling on Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to reopen the case into Elizabeths death and submit a new file to the DPP. Although one culprit died, the other remains in an Irish prison for murdering Mary Duffy. But he also confessed and was charged with falsely imprisoning, raping and murdering our sister Elizabeth yet the DPP decided against prosecuting him for these crimes by entering a nolle prosequi. We now want the DPP to explain that decision. Elizabeth Plunkett. Picture supplied by family Our family, and in particular, our parents Tommy and Kathleen, were destroyed by Elizabeths murder. They never recovered from her death. We relied on the authorities to do their job at that time but they failed us and they failed our cherished sister. Her siblings said they hoped today marks the start of justice for Elizabeth Plunkett. The inquest heard how Ms Plunkett, who was originally from Ringsend in Dublin, had travelled to Brittas Bay in August 1976 for a weekend away with her boyfriend and a group of friends. They had been socialising in McDaniels pub when, following a minor disagreement, Ms Plunkett left the bar. She was never seen alive again. Detective Inspector Murt Whelan from Wexford garda station said she was officially reported missing on August 30. Following a search of Castletimon Woods, a blue sandal belonging to Ms Plunkett was found. He told the inquest that two men were later arrested by gardai in Galway city. During the course of their detention, they admitted to being involved in the abduction, rape and murder of Elizabeth Plunkett. Geoffrey Evans and John Shaw pictured on their way to a court hearing. The pair were both given mandatory life sentences in 1978 for the killing of Mary Duffy but were never tried for Elizabeth Plunkett's murder. Photo: Courtpix/File photo They travelled from Dublin to Brittas Bay by car. They picked up a girl hitchhiking at McDaniels pub. They took her to a nearby wooded area, where both men raped her. One man outlined how he choked her to death. Detective Whelan said they later stole a lawnmower and rope from a shed, drove back to Castletimon, put her body in the back of the car and then rowed out to sea. They tied her body to the lawnmower. A month later, her remains washed up on Duncormick Hill and she was identified through dental records. Due to the level of decomposition, the post-mortem examination in 1976 did not record an official cause of death. It said it was probable she was dead before entering the water and did not die from drowning. While the coroner at the time could not say her death was a result of strangulation, he also could not rule that out. Dr Sean Nixon told the jury yesterday that they would have to combine the post-mortem examination result with other evidence, including the statements that were made about strangulation. Elizabeth Plunkett. Picture supplied by family After just five minutes of deliberating, the jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing. Dr Sean Nixon said the cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation at Castletimon Woods in Brittas Bay. He offered his sympathies to the Plunkett family, and said he hoped this would finally bring them some closure. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has appointed his Cabinet, with major changes having taken place as Jim OCallaghan received the justice portfolio and James Browne becomes Housing Minister. Ms McEntee will be Minister for Education and Youth, while Paschal Donohoe has been appointed Minister for Finance. Darragh OBrien will be Transport and Energy Minister, passing the housing brief to James Browne. Dara Calleary will take over from Heather Humphreys in Social Protection. The Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy this morning ruled that the Regional Technical Group of Independent TDs would not be permitted to sit in the Opposition benches today. It cleared the way for the formal nomination of Mr Martin, following a day of chaos in Leinster House. Key updates Micheal Martin formally becomes Taoiseach Cabinet tips: who is expected to receive ministerial roles today? Regional Independents not allowed on Opposition benches for today, clearing way for election of taoiseach Dail witnessed 'stunt politics on speed' - Harris Election of a new Taoiseach, take two Maeve McTaggart Here is the full Cabinet: Simon Harris as Tanaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Minister for Defence. as Tanaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Minister for Defence. Paschal Donohoe as Minister for Finance as Minister for Finance Jack Chambers as Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation as Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Helen McEntee as Minister for Education and Youth as Minister for Education and Youth Darragh OBrien as Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport as Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport Norma Foley as Minister for Children, Disability and Equality as Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Peter Burke as Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment as Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Dara Calleary as Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht as Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Patrick ODonovan as Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport as Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Jennifer Carroll McNeill as Minister for Health as Minister for Health James Browne as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Jim OCallaghan as Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration as Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Martin Heydon as Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine as Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine James Lawless as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Mary Butler as Government Chief Whip and Minister of State attending cabinet with responsibility for Mental Health as Government Chief Whip and Minister of State attending cabinet with responsibility for Mental Health Hildegarde Naughton as Minister of State attending cabinet with responsibility for Disability as Minister of State attending cabinet with responsibility for Disability Noel Grealish as Minister of State attending cabinet with responsibility for Food Promotion, New Markets, Research and Development as Minister of State attending cabinet with responsibility for Food Promotion, New Markets, Research and Development Sean Canney as Minister of State attending cabinet with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports Rossa Fanning will remain as Attorney General. Maeve McTaggart The Cabinet of the 35th Government of Ireland have received their Seals of Office, with their first meeting currently underway at Aras an Uachtarain. It was a day later than was originally anticipated due to unprecedented chaos breaking out in the Dail yesterday, resulting in the adjournment of proceedings and a series of meetings in an attempt to resolve the dramatic dispute over speaking rights. Taoiseach Micheal Martin was elected and, with a number of surprises in the ultimate line-up, named his Cabinet. However, Opposition TDs immediately had some choice words for the government as just three women were appointed to senior ministerial positions. It compares to four in the last government. This liveblog has now ended. Thank you for following the Irish Independent's live political news and analysis. Photograph of newly appointed Taoiseach at the first meeting of the Cabinet of the 35th Government of Ireland, held this evening at Aras an Uachtarain (23/1/2025). Photographed are Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris with (clockwise from left Patrick ODonovan, Peter Burke, Darragh OBrien, Jack Chambers, James Browne, Paschal Donohoe, Helen McEntee, Norma Foley, Dara Calleary, Jennifer Carroll McNeill, Jim OCallaghan, James Lawless, Sean Canney, Mary Butler, Martin Heydon, John Callinan, Rossa Fanning, Noel Grelish, Hildegarde Naughton) Maeve McTaggart President of Ireland on Twitter / X President Higgins this afternoon signed the Warrant of Appointment and presented the Seal of the Taoiseach and Seal of the Government to Taoiseach Micheal Martin at a ceremony in Aras an Uachtarain in accordance with Article 13 of the Constitution pic.twitter.com/Stu41iJ6JW President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) January 23, 2025 External content When displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Maeve McTaggart The new Cabinet will now have their first official meeting at Aras an Uachtarain, as is tradition. Maeve McTaggart The new cabinet has arrived at Aras an Uachtarain, with members now receiving their Seals of Office from President Michael D Higgins. The warrant to officially appoint the Government has been signed. Maeve McTaggart Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has congratulated Taoiseach Micheal Martin, saying he values the "solidarity, unwavering support, and financial & humanitarian aid provided by the Government of Ireland to Ukraine". European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also wished Mr Martin well - second time lucky. Ms von der Leyen had to delete her congratulatory post on X yesterday, when Dail proceedings broke down and no taoiseach was elected due to the dramatic row over speaking rights. Volodymyr Zelenskyy / on Twitter / X I sincerely congratulate @MichealMartinTD on the appointment as Taoiseach of Ireland. I value the solidarity, unwavering support, and financial & humanitarian aid provided by the Government of Ireland to Ukraine.I also appreciate assistance for our citizens who have found Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) January 23, 2025 External content When displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Maeve McTaggart 'Perplexing' and 'concerning' reduction in number of women at Cabinet table - campaigner There has been criticism of the reduction in women in senior cabinet positions both inside and outside the Dail chamber, with Women for Election chair Aldagh McDonagh describing it as "perplexing" and "concerning". Just 22 women have ever served in Cabinet since the foundation of the State, while 213 men have served in the same period. There were four women in senior cabinet positions in the outgoing government. There are now three. She said Taoiseach Micheal Martin had the opportunity to bring a record number of women into Government, "but in an affront to gender equality in politics, has chosen instead to reduce the number of women Ministers compared to the last Government. "This decline in womens representation is concerning. Womens perspectives are critical to shaping policies that reflect the realities of our society and economy, and their exclusion diminishes the strength of this Cabinet," said Ms McDonagh. We of course congratulate the three women who are joining the cabinet, one of whom is joining the Cabinet for the first time and wish them well as they lead out Government policy in their respective areas." Maeve McTaggart Taoiseach Micheal Martin with nominated members of the 35th Government of Ireland in Government Buildings today, 23 January 2025. Maeve McTaggart Michael Lowry, the leader of the Regional Independent Group, was due to give a 10-minute speech during the election of Micheal Martin as Taoiseach, writes Philip Ryan. However, we will never know what he would have said because the opposition forced the Government into a spectacular U-turn on their plan to have the RIG leader address the Dail as an opposition TD, despite being involved in government formation negotiations. Philip Ryan: Pesky opposition dash Micheal Martins dream of Michael Lowry speech during Taoiseach election Micheal Martins original plan for his second go as Taoiseach would have been quite extraordinary. Maeve McTaggart It is a day later than expected, but the Dail has now been suspended until Wednesday 5 February. Cabinet ministers will now travel to receive their Seals of Office and, finally, the new government will officially be in place. Maeve McTaggart The Dail has approved the nomination of the new Cabinet for appointment by the President. Ta - 97 Nil - 72 Maeve McTaggart The atmosphere in the Dail chamber is much more collegial than the unruly chaos of yesterday, with opposition TDs crossing the aisle to shake hands with the incoming Cabinet as voting on their nomination is about to get underway. After this, they are due a trip to the Aras to receive their Seals of Office from President Michael D Higgins. Just a day late. Maeve McTaggart Following speeches by a number of opposition TDs, there is now a vote on the approval of the Cabinet appointed by Taoiseach Micheal Martin. Maeve McTaggart In his maiden speech, 100pc Redress TD Charles Ward said there is an ongoing "humanitarian crisis" in Donegal due to defective concrete blocks, with some families checking into hotels this evening as they cannot stay in their homes as a result of the looming Status Red Warning. He says there are 10,000 people in Donegal who have structurally unsound houses, because of defective concrete, and who are now facing into a major storm. These people, many of whom are tonight moving to hotels, are "stuck in a loop, waiting". Senan Molony Maeve McTaggart Cian O'Callaghan, deputy leader of the Social Democrats, says the Government is already going in the wrong direction. The number of women in Cabinet has fallen. "Do you not see anything wrong with this, Taoiseach? It is 2025." Senan Molony Maeve McTaggart Conor Sheehan of Labour (Limerick City), making his maiden speech, says it is clear in the Programme for Government that the new administration is "intent of ploughing the same failed furrow as the last one." Ciaran Ahern, also of Labour (Dublin South West) says the Programme for Government lacks climate vision and caters to tech billionaires. Senan Molony Maeve McTaggart Sinn Fein finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty has made allegations about Michael Lowry TD, mentioning secret burning of documents and cloaked payments from Gibraltar. He made his claims under Dail privilege while Mr Lowry was out of the chamber. The latter was not immediately contactable for comment. Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty accuses Michael Lowry of failing to disclose payments in relation to sale of English soccer club Sinn Fein finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty has made allegations about Michael Lowry TD, mentioning secret burning of documents and cloaked payments from Gibraltar. Maeve McTaggart Ivana Bacik offers personal congratulations, but says there are as many men called James in the Cabinet as there are senior women. Senan Molony Maeve McTaggart Cabinet continues 'cosy boys club' in politics - Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore It is deeply disappointing that the number of women in (senior cabinet positions) has reduced by 25 percent to just three," said Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. There are now as many men named James in the cabinet as there are women. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael pay lip service to increasing womens representation in politics. They just dont believe in promoting them when they get elected. The Dail has the worst gender balance of parliaments in western Europe, with women making up only 25 per cent of TDs. Instead of working to address that, by promoting talented women from within their own ranks, the government parties have reverted to type - creating a cosy boys club. Maeve McTaggart The involvement of Michael Lowry in the formation of the new government has again been raised in the Dail, with Mary Lou McDonald accusing Fianna Fail and Fine Gael of doing "anything to attain and hold onto power". "This is a government built on stroke politics," she said, adding that there is a lack of "timeline, specifics, clarity, ambition and any new ideas" in the Programme for Government. "You seek to dress up your failure as a success." Load more Tickaroo Live Blog Software Proceedings were disrupted by the opposition several times over a row about speaking time - whether the independents who agreed the Programme for Government but who do not have ministerial roles should get opposition speaking slots. The Ceann Comhairle halted proceedings four times earlier on Wednesday, without a resolution. Opposition parties want the wording of standing orders to be revised to make it very clear that Independent TDs who support the programme for Government cannot be part of technical groups. If agreed to, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy would be expected to read the revised wording into the Dail record on Thursday morning. But if agreed to by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, this would be viewed as a climbdown by the Government. Mary Lou McDonald accuses government of trying to 'ride roughshod over the collective opposition' Fianna Fail and Fine Gael sources said there has been no agreement reached yet ahead of the Dail reconvening at 10.30am tomorrow to elect the Taoiseach. Party leaders Mr Martin and Mr Harris will meet opposition party leaders at Government buildings on Thursday at 8.30am. Sinn Fein have also extended invites to other party leaders to meet before a vote is held to elect Micheal Martin as Taoiseach. On Wednesday evening Mr Martin called the chaotic scenes in the Dail a "subversion of the Irish Constitution". Mr Harris, who is set to become tanaiste, branded the opposition's actions "farcical" and "stunt politics on speed". "The most fundamental obligation of the Dail is to elect a taoiseach and, indeed, to elect a government," Mr Martin told reporters outside Government Buildings after the Dail was adjourned. "That opportunity was denied today by a premeditated, co-ordinated and choreographed position by the opposition and particularly by Sinn Fein party." Mr Martin said there were numerous attempts to facilitate a resolution to a dispute on speaking time arrangements, but added: "It became very clear to us that there was no intention ever to reach agreement on the nomination of a taoiseach or a government today." Mr Harris, who spoke to the media alongside Mr Martin, said the events were "unprecedented" and "utterly farcical". "There was a clear majority of the people's representatives ready, willing to elect Micheal Martin as taoiseach and to elect the next government and get on with the people's work," he said. "Instead, what we saw was an effort to obstruct, an effort to shout down, an effort to disrespect the Ceann Comhairle and her constitutional office, and ultimately preventing a majority of the democratically elected representatives of Dail Eireann to discharge their duty and their mandate to elect a taoiseach. "Today was unprecedented, unseemly, and tomorrow Dail Eireann must reconvene and must elect a taoiseach and get on with the urgent work of government." However Ms McDonald accused the coalition of trying to ride roughshod over the collective opposition and said they would be failing the democratic process if they did not take a firm stance on the row over opposition speaking time. Labour Leader Ivana Bacik said that while the opposition parties had their differences, they could not accept a situation where TDs that agreed a programme for government were treated as part of the opposition. "We simply cannot stand over a situation where those TDs who are actively engaged in supporting and constructing a programme for government can somehow also be designated as opposition TDs. It's simply not tenable. It's a chaotic situation." Five of the nine independents who entered into negotiations are due to be given junior ministries, with the remainder expressing support for the Programme for Government but not taking up an official post. The four remaining independents are seeking to join a technical group, which is a mechanism designed to allow opposition TDs to sit in groupings of at least five members to gain an allocation of speaking time. This has been widely rejected by opposition parties - including Sinn Fein, Labour and the Social Democrats - who argue that the independents who supported the incoming government should not be allowed to join technical groups. Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been announced as a guest lecturer at Harvard, having been awarded the title of Hauser Leader at the Universitys Kennedy Schools Centre for Public Leadership. Other recipients of the title include former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, Nobel Peace Prize laureates Maria Ressa and Tawakkol Karman, and Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. The program hosts high-profile leaders from across public, non-profit and private sectors, with those chosen spending their time on campus advising students and engaging with Harvard faculty. Mr Varadkar will deliver the prestigious Gustav Pollak Lecture in April, a lecture established in honour of the author, scholar and journalist Gustav Pollak. As the spring 2025 Hauser Leader, Mr Varadkar will share his leadership experience with students, faculty, and the broader Kennedy School community through guest lecturing, student mentorship, and discussions focused on public leadership, healthcare policy, and international diplomacy, the school announced today. Mr Varadkar said he is truly honoured to accept the position at the Harvard Kennedy Schools Centre for Public Leadership. It's going to be a great opportunity for me to learn as well as to mentor the next generation of public leaders. Mr Varadkar, who resigned from his role as taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael last year and did not contest the last general election, served in cabinet for 13 years. He held briefs in the departments of transport, tourism and sport, enterprise, trade, employment, social protection and health. More so than ever, our world turns on knowledge, information and ideas. This is a really exciting opportunity and after more than 20 years in elected politics, it's going to be great to do something really different for a while, he said. In the announcement, it was noted that Mr Varadkar helped lead the countrys public health and economic response to the Covid-19 pandemic and led Ireland through Brexit. "The Governments he participated in lifted Irelands ban on abortion and improved LGBT rights, including the introduction of marriage equality and a gender recognition law, it reads. "Throughout his career in public service, Varadkar has promoted Irelands contributions to global prosperity and he has remained dedicated to advancing gender equality, public health, workers rights, public infrastructure, arts and culture. Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris with members of the new Cabinet at Government Buildings in Dublin yesterday Taoiseach Micheal Martin did not promote any of his female TDs to senior cabinet jobs when announcing his new Government. Only three women secured senior cabinet posts Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Helen McEntee and Norma Foley. This means the number of women at the table has actually reduced, down one in comparison to the outgoing government. There had been widespread expectation Mary Butler would be elevated to a full cabinet position, but Ms Butler will instead be a super-junior minister who attends the Cabinet and will also have responsibility for mental health. Norma Foley will move from Education to Children, despite expectation that she would move to Social Protection as the new Heather Humphreys. Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris with members of the new Cabinet at Government Buildings in Dublin yesterday Pearse Doherty accuses Michael Lowry of failing to disclose payments in relation to sale of English soccer club Dara Calleary will make his cabinet comeback with the role instead. Meanwhile, Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue was dropped from the Cabinet, with Dara Calleary, James Lawless and James Browne promoted instead. In Fine Gael, Tanaiste Simon Harris, who takes over the foreign affairs and trade portfolios, promoted Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to health and deputy leader Helen McEntee will move to Education. Mr Harris appointed Hildegarde Naughten to a super-junior ministry despite the Galway TDs refusal to address claims she campaigned with expelled Fine Gael councillor Patsy OBrien while knowing he sent pornographic images to a younger party member. Fianna Fail rebel TD Jim OCallaghan was appointed Justice Minister, while outgoing housing minister Darragh OBrien will now be Transport and Energy Minister. James Browne will be Housing Minister, an elevation from his role as junior justice minister. James Lawless will be Further and Higher Education Minister, while Martin Heydon will take over as Agriculture Minister. Peter Burke will stay on as Enterprise Minister and Patrick ODonovan will be Media Minister. Paschal Donohoe and Jack Chambers will switch roles, with Mr Donohoe becoming Finance Minister and Mr Chambers overseeing the Department of Public Expenditure. It is shocking and disappointing to see the decline of female representation, according to a non-governmental group that advocates for more women in politics. It is perplexing that the Taoiseach and Tanaiste would reject the opportunity in forming the Cabinet to ensure that womens expertise and lived experience are equally represented at the heart of government decision-making, Aldagh McDonogh, chair of Women for Election, said. This decline in womens representation is concerning. Womens perspectives are critical to shaping policies that reflect the realities of our society and economy, and their exclusion diminishes the strength of this Cabinet. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said she was having a case of deja vu. Youve got the gender balance wrong, youre very male, she said. I find it disappointing to see the absence of us, as an Irish woman. The Social Democrats said there were now as many people called James in the Cabinet as there were women. It is deeply disappointing that the number of women in cabinet has reduced by 25pc to just three, deputy leader Cian OCallaghan said. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael pay lip service to increasing womens representation in politics. They just dont believe in promoting them when they get elected. The Dail has the worst gender balance of parliaments in western Europe, with women making up only 25pc of TDs. Instead of working to address that, by promoting talented women from within their own ranks, the government parties have reverted to type creating a cosy boys club. A spokesperson for Mr Martin said: The Taoiseach now has appointed two strong women ministers to cabinet. Delighted Minister Norma Foley taking on new challenge of Department of Children, and Minister Butler as Chief Whip will be well suited in the engine room of government, and brings that passion for mental heath to cabinet level for the first time. Mr Martin was elected Taoiseach after crisis talks with party leaders and the Ceann Comhairle continued late into Wednesday night. A day of chaos in the Dail saw the vote delayed by a day after opposition TDs took issue with Independent TDs wanting opposition speaking time despite supporting the Government. Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy decided there was significant ambiguity in the wording of standing orders, which dictate the rules of the Dail, on whether Independent TDs who support the Government can sit on opposition benches. The Dail reform committee has now been tasked with making a decision on whether the group will be able to sit on the opposition benches. 'Devastation seen across the country has been replicated on the electricity network' Homes and businesses without power may be waiting "at least a week" for their electricity supply to be restored, with ESB managing director Nicholas Tarrant warning Storm Eowyn was an "unprecedented" event. "We peaked during the storm with 768,000 customers without electricity. At this stage we are down to 625,000 so we have restored electricity to over 14,000 customers. But the scale and devastation we have seen across the county has been replicated in the electricity network," said Mr Tarrant. There are currently 625,000 homes and businesses without power. Speaking to RTE Six One News, Mr Tarrant said restoration work will be significant as the extent of the damage is something not seen before and it could be "at least a week" before the worst-affected customers have their electricity supply restored. He said crews have made good progress today and the ESB hopes to "keep the momentum going into tomorrow". Safety concerns, hazards and faults on the network impacting the largest number of customers will be the first addressed, he added. However, he also warned that the ESB website for monitoring outages, powercheck.ie, is currently "not accurate" as the extent of the damage is still being assessed by crews. "This event is unprecedented. It is going to take us into tomorrow and even until into Sunday before we have restoration updates." The ESB has previously sent requests for overseas assistance in past storms, receiving support from counterparts in Northern Ireland, Britain, and France. There has been "very similar levels of damage" to networks in Northern Ireland and supply in Britain has also been impacted by Storm Eowyn, meaning crews there will first address problems locally. ESB crews across the country are receiving support from local authorities, the Defence Forces and their contract partners Amy Blaney The Indo Daily: Why is even the mention of water charges like playing with fire for politicians? Significant damage reported at Carlow Town Hurling and Camogie ClubEmergency services called to the scene of a crash in Ballon during the status red wind warningApproximately 4,000 home and businesses without power in CarlowReports of trees down across the countyAll schools in Carlow will be closed for the full day on FridayAll day services and non-urgent clinics and appointments in hospitals and community services in Carlow are cancelled on Friday All of Ireland is under a red warning. Graphic: Met Eireann. The public has been warned to take extra care on Friday when Storm Eowyn hits the country. Photo: Stock Image 21mm of rainfall in St. Mullins this morning. Photo: Stmullins mill Facebook page 'Significant damage' reported at Carlow Town Hurling and Camogie Club. Photo: Carlow Town Hurling and Camogie Club A tree down at Milford in Co Carlow. Photo: Piotr Kubacki The red wind warning for Co Carlow has now passed, but with an yellow warning still in place until 4pm today, there will be little respite. Approximately 4,000 homes and businesses across Co Carlow are without power, with no estimated restoration time available from ESB just yet. Emergency services were called to the scene of a single-vehicle crash in the early hours of Friday morning during the status red wind warning. However, once they arrived at the scene, the occupants of the car had already left. The road was partially blocked for a time this morning, but still passable. Meanwhile, there are also reports of trees down across the county. Carlow County Council say they will mobilise and start clearing the trees once it is safe to do so. 12.35pm: Wind warning for Carlow downgraded from orange to yellow The status orange wind warning for Carlow has been downgraded to yellow. The yellow warning will remain in place until 4pm today. Indo Daily Extra: How long will the clean-up and power restoration take after Storm Eowyn? 12.30pm: Significant damage reported at Carlow Town Hurling and Camogie Club Carlow Town Hurling and Camogie Club have reported a significant amount of damage to their facilities. Any walkers or runners using the club have been asked to take care as staff make the area safe for the public. 'Significant damage' reported at Carlow Town Hurling and Camogie Club. Photo: Carlow Town Hurling and Camogie Club 11am: Emergency services called to the scene of a crash in Carlow during the status red wind warning Emergency services were called to the scene of a crash in Co Carlow while a status red wind warning was in place for the county. Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of a single-vehicle road traffic collision in Ballon, Co Carlow in the early hours of Friday morning, January 24. At approximately 1.30am, a car collided with an electricity pole on the Main Street in Ballon. However, when the emergency services arrived at the scene the occupants of the car had already left. The road was partially blocked this morning, but still passable. Gardai say their enquiries into the incident are ongoing at this time. 10am: The status red wind warning has now ended for Carlow A status red wind warning came into effect for Carlow, along with counties Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford from 2am Friday, January 24 and stayed in place until 10am Friday, January 24. The red warning has now now ended in Carlow, however a status orange wind warning remains in place for the county and the whole of Ireland until 4pm Friday, January 24. 21mm of rainfall in St. Mullins this morning. Photo: Stmullins mill Facebook page 9.30am: Reports of trees down across the county Reports are coming in of trees that are down on roads across Co Carlow. Trees are currently down at: Milford Bourlum Wood Killerig N80 Boggan Hill A tree down at Milford in Co Carlow. Photo: Piotr Kubacki 9am: Approximately 4,000 homes and businesses in Carlow without power Approximately 4,000 homes and businesses are currently without power in Co Carlow following reports of extreme, damaging and destructive gusts of wind across the county. ESB are advising that it may take days to restore power to customers given the amount of outages. Meanwhile, nationally, over 715,000 homes, farms and businesses are without power. "With Met Eireann Status Red and Orange wind warnings remaining in place for the entire country until later this afternoon, more power outages can be expected throughout the day as the storm tracks northwards, said a spokesperson from ESB. "At current numbers, the damage to the electricity network and impact on customers has been unprecedented. "Given the predicted extent of the damage nationwide, we anticipate restoration will take a significant number of days. Estimated restoration times (ERTs) will only be provided once our teams have assessed network faults and these will be available to view throughout Saturday on www.PowerCheck.ie. Carlow's Severe Weather Event Control Centre and Severe Weather Response Plan have been activated Carlow County Council have activated their Severe Weather Response Plan. As part of this plan, a Severe Weather Event Control Centre will be established to receive, handle and manage calls from the public during the storm. The Severe Weather Event Control Centre will be open from 9am Friday, January 24 and will remain open during the severe weather event. The contact number is 059 917 0302 and the email address to report to the centre in weatheremergency@carlowcoco.ie. Any urgent need to contact Carlow County Council staff during out of hours must be made through the out of hours assistance phone number on 059 917 0300. Carlow County Council's Severe Weather Event Control Centre. Photo: Carlow County Council Community Information School closures All schools in Co Carlow will be closed for the full day on Friday. All day services and non-urgent clinics and appointments in hospitals and community services in Carlow cancelled HSE Dublin and South East advises that there will be significant disruption to services on Friday, due to status red and orange weather warning and severe winds that Storm Eowyn will bring. As a result, all day services and non-urgent clinics and appointments in hospitals and community services in Dublin South Wicklow, South Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford are cancelled Friday, January 24. Where people are in receipt of specialist and time critical services such as dialysis and cancer treatment, the treating unit will contact the patient directly. Supports to vulnerable people at home in the community will be prioritised on an urgent needs basis during the hours of restricted travel (red hours). While critical health services will continue, the message to the public is not to travel to appointments on Friday. National weather and emergency services advice is that nobody should be outdoors for the duration of the red weather warning and that conditions will be remain very difficult after the red warning has passed and a status orange comes into affect. If you have any doubt, please do not travel during tomorrows dangerous conditions, and phone the office or person who made your appointment. All appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible. Homeless services The council is operating a cold weather initiative for anyone that is homeless and rough sleeping in Co Carlow. This scheme runs throughout the winter period and any person that is rough sleeping may contact Carlow County Council to avail of an overnight bed during the winter. Anyone that is rough sleeping should make contact with homeless services by email to homeless@carlowcoco.ie or during office hours by phone on 059 917 2496. The after office hours phone number is 059 917 0300. In a statement, a spokesperson from Carlow County Council said, that anyone who sees a person rough sleeping during the cold weather should report it to the homeless services team. "If any member of the public sees a person rough sleeping they may report this and a member of the homeless services team will investigate. "The homeless team will also actively carry out patrols in the town areas and make contact with homeless people at risk during extreme weather, they concluded. Courts to close during red warning Court Service buildings will close for the duration of the red alert and for two hours either side of the alert. The court buildings in Carlow will remain closed until 12 noon on Friday, January 24. Post Offices in Carlow to stay closed An Post has confirmed that there will be no deliveries or collections on Friday and all post offices including in Co Carlow will be closed. Some post offices may reopen if conditions improve later tomorrow and if it is deemed safe to do so. Fairgreen Shopping Centre to open at a later time Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow town will open at a later time of 11am today. If you have any updates about Storm Eowyn in Co Carlow, you can email aisling.boltondowling@mediahuis.ie Millstreet GAA is supporting Ireland Light Up Initiative and Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Every Step Counts Challenge. Patrons can come along every Wednesday night to the lit-up Millstreet Town Park between 7-8pm. Meanwhile, Millstreet GAA is seeking support for Rebels Bounty, the Cork GAA fundraising initiative to support Cork players, clubs and county. The venture offers a total prize fund of 500,000, with one lucky club member set to win 100,000. The response has been overwhelming from the local community, thanks to all ticket sellers and those who put huge effort into making a success during 2024 with further support again appreciated. Tickets at 100 each are currently available, the first draw takes place later this month and with over 30 prizes a month, there are 360 chances to win. Rebels Bounty is an exciting initiative that gives clubs a significant opportunity to raise much needed funds. . This is a chance to support both the local club and county whilst also being entered in a monthly draw with some fantastic cash prizes. Additionally, there will be a special draw confined to Millstreet members in December with great prizes on offer. Newcomers are welcome to join the fundraiser, the cost of entry is 100, details from club officers. The ice rink at the Blanchardstown shopping centre was ripped apart by Storm Eowyn. Pic: Gerry Mooney The fallen tree is just after Our Lady Of The Wayside National School in south Dublin Dublin Fire Brigade has been dealing with the aftermath of Storm Eowyn today as high gusts caused widespread damage, with reports of at least 15 fallen trees. One Dublin councillor commended the efforts of both the fire brigade and Dublin City Council in responding to the various incidents. Fianna Fail councillor Keith Connolly, who represents the Ballymun-Finglas area, received several images from constituents of trees that had fallen within his area. At the moment, Ive got three or four different reports of trees fallen, partially or fully blocking roads, which have been reported to the council for action, he said. Id like to commend Dublin Fire Brigade; they have a live interactive map with incidents, and Dublin City Council has people manning phones and emails early in the morning to ensure everything is logged. Uprooted tree in Finglas, Dublin There have been no reports of power outages yet in our area, and hopefully, it stays that way, he added. One large tree has fallen at the junction of Hillcrest Park and Glasnevin Park. Another image shows a tree hitting power cables at Grove Park Drive in Glasnevin, and another shows an uprooted tree in Brookville, North Road, Finglas. The ice rink at the Blanchardstown shopping centre was ripped apart by Storm Eowyn. Pic: Gerry Mooney The ice rink at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre was also severely damaged by strong winds this morning. The public are being advised to stay away from Millennium Park due to flying debris. Aontu councillor Ellen Troy said: Thank God people listened to warnings from Met Eireann. Its a busy area, and Im just thankful that people have followed the advice. Hopefully, people will continue to stay away from the park. She added that she had received a few calls from people in her area who were concerned about falling trees near the Phoenix Park. Several photographs have also been shared showing fallen trees in South Dublin. One particularly large fallen tree is blocking the road from Kilternan to Glencullen, just after Our Lady of the Wayside National School. The fallen tree is just after Our Lady Of The Wayside National School in south Dublin Independent councillor Michael Fleming shared images of the tree and asked people to avoid unnecessary journeys. A large tree has also fallen on Blackhorse Avenue in Dublin 7, causing a power line to collapse. Sinn Feins Daithi Doolan also commended emergency services for their work throughout the night. Right through the night, gardai, ambulances, and Dublin Fire Brigade continued to respond to the needs of the public they serve, he said. So far, there have been no major incidents here in Ballyfermot or Drimnagh. I would strongly advise people not to go out unless its absolutely necessary. I encourage people to check in with the elderly and vulnerable with a phone call just to make sure neighbours and friends are safe at home," he added. Scaffolding which collapsed in Harold's Cross Dublin Fire Brigade have also warned the public that the Lower Kimmage Road in Harolds Cross remains closed due to a scaffolding collapse and it is likely to remain blocked until after the red warning has been lifted. Emergency services across the capital are working hard to clear fallen trees as the status red warning lifts. Dublin Bus are going to get routes back running on a "case by case" basis as the Status Red weather warning lifts. Pic: Stock image As the status red weather warning lifts across Dublin commuters can expect significant disruption to public transport services. Schools, public transport and supermarkets have been shut and hundreds have been left without power as the worst storm since Hurricane Debbie in 1961 has been tracking across the country. Dublin remained under a red alert until 11am, with a Status Orange warning 1pm as the storm starts to move away from Ireland. Met Eireann has confirmed that a Status Yellow alert will remain in place until 4pm for Dublin, Carlow Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow and Munster. To keep you up to speed, heres a complete guide to getting around as the Status Red warning begins to lift. Dublin Bus Following updates from Met Eireann, Dublin Bus services are now resuming operation. Commuters are being advised that services will be "severely impacted" in the hours after the Status Red Warning is in effect. Although the Status Red warning ended at 11am, services will be reintroduced on a gradual basis as employees return to work safely. Here are the list of diversions from Dublin Bus: Route 26 Chapelizod Road is closed, Route 26 will be diverted via N4 both directions. Route 37 Skreen Road is closed, Route 37 will divert via Cabra Cross Road in both directions. Route 39 Towards Ongar: Sherlerim Road is closed, Route 39 outbound will divert via the junction at Shelerim Road, right to Blanchardstown North, divert straight through the next roundabout, right at the second roundabout, Clonsilla Road and back on to normal route. Towards Burlington Road: Sherlerim Road is closed, Route 39 inbound will divert left to New Ongar Road, right to the Link Road, left to Heartstown Road and back on to normal route. Routes 60, 68 and 69 Monastery Road is closed, Routes 60, 68 and 69 will divert via Woodford, past Boomer's Pub, Watery Lane, Clondalkin Village and back on to normal route. A spokesperson for Dublin Bus said: The safety of our customers and employees is of the highest importance. Dublin Bus will be working with the NTA and other public transport operators during and after Storm Eowyn. We are taking advice from Met Eireann and the National Department of Fire and Emergency (NDFEM) and will continue to monitor the situation as the storm evolves. Our Severe Weather Team is meeting regularly to assess the situation. Our Inspectors will be out assessing routes to make sure we can serve our customers safely as soon as possible, they added. Luas Red and Green Line services have not been operating this morning due to Storm Eowyn. However, a spokesperson for Luas said that services will resume once they receive clearance regarding weather conditions and after Transdevs operations and maintenance teams have thoroughly inspected the Luas line for any storm debris. The return to normal Luas service will be gradual, with the aim of restoring full operations by Saturday, January 25. If conditions allow, services may resume earlier. Dart/Irish Rail Irish Rail are also advising customers to expect significant disruption following the lift of the Status Red weather warning. Barry Kenny, spokesperson for Irish Rail said: We will need to ensure that all rail lines are safe to operate, and mobilising crews and clearance of any fallen trees, power lines or other debris will take time. We already have indications of fallen trees on overhead power lines near Malahide. We will advise customers when we are in a position to resume services on our various routes, with the safety of our customers and crews our absolute priority, but for the moment all trains remain suspended until further notice, he added. He said that details will be updated on their website and on Irish Rails twitter account. Indo Daily Extra: How long will the clean-up and power restoration take after Storm Eowyn? Dublin Airport As of 07.45am, airlines have cancelled around 230 flights scheduled to depart from and arrive at Dublin Airport due to Storm Eowyn. A spokesperson for Dublin Airport gave an update at 10am saying winds had eased somewhat over the past hour which had allowed flights to recommence. The first departure of the morning was a Ryanair flight to Birmingham at 09.27, followed by a Ryanair flight to Faro shortly after, they said. The first flight scheduled to arrive this morning is due to land shortly after 11am. Winds remain very strong in the Dublin region and are expected to remain that way throughout the morning. Further cancellations and delays to flights are possible during the remainder of the day. We advise passengers intending to travel on Friday to check the status of their flight directly with their airline before travelling to the airport. Passengers looking to re-book cancelled flights are encouraged to do so online, they added. Farmers Yards, a social initiative developed at University of Galway for the farming community, has been launched in the United States. Farmers Yards was initiated and developed by Dr Shane Conway at University of Galways Rural Studies Centre, with support from the Universitys Illuminate Programme. Pennsylvania Farm Link, a non-profit dedicated to forging connections that secure the future of farming in the state, has adopted the novel programme as part of its efforts to respond positively to mental health and wellbeing issues facing farmers, while creating opportunities to enhance social inclusion within the farming community, especially for older farmers. The establishment of the initiative in Pennsylvania has been funded by the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center located at the University of Delaware through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The first Farmers Yards gathering in the US took place at the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show from January 4 and January 11 in Harrisburg, bringing together 32 farmers from across the States to network with each other and reflect on the challenges of farm life. Dr Conway said: The recent implementation of Farmers Yards in Pennsylvania showcases its universal appeal and adaptability for farming communities across the world. Farmers aged 65 and older are now the fastest-growing demographic of the farming population globally and this initiative provides a vital social outlet for older farmers to stay actively involved in their local community in later life. This is important because for many, farming is more than a job - its their identity and way of life. Farmers Yards offers a meaningful way for these farmers to stay connected and engaged with fellow farmers at a similar stage of life, fostering inclusion and addressing the uncertainties and fears that often accompany stepping back from active farming. Whether adapting to age-related physical limitations or navigating the transition of the farm to the next generation, this initiative ensures that older farmers continue to be respected and valued members of the farming community as they age, contributing positively to their mental health and overall wellbeing. The Farmers Yards provides farmers with a platform to maintain legitimate social connectedness, collegiality, and comradeship with their peers where they live, and in turn, combat social isolation and loneliness, something that is particularly beneficial for older farmers who have few other social outlets and may live alone. Pennsylvania Farm Link is planning further gatherings in rural communities across the state in the coming months as part of the adoption of the initiative. Hard working staff of the Killarney National Park on duty after Storm Eowyn on Friday morning. Photo by Tatyana McGough Mark Doody of the National Park and Wild Service working hard on the Muckross Road, Killarney (near Torc Waterfall) after Storm Eowyn on Friday morning. Photo by Tatyana McGough Mark Doody of the National Park and Wild Service working hard on the Muckross Road, Killarney (near Torc Waterfall) after Storm Eowyn on Friday morning. Photo by Tatyana McGough Volunteer Mark Brosnan working hard on the Muckross Road, Killarney (near Torc Waterfall) after Storm Eowyn on Friday morning. Photo by Tatyana McGough Hard working staff of the Killarney National Park on duty after Storm Eowyn on Friday morning. Photo by Tatyana McGough Tree down on the Old Kenmare Road in the Killarney National Park (near Torc Waterfall). Photo by Tatyana McGough A UK Met office weather buoy has blown ashore to Reenroe beach in South Kerry during Storm Eowyn These are 6m tall and can record winds of 100 knots. A UK Met office weather buoy has blown ashore to Reenroe beach in South Kerry during Storm Eowyn These are 6m tall and can record winds of 100 knots. A fallen fence in Tralee on Friday morning as a result of Storm Eowyn. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. A fallen tree in Tralee Town Park on Friday morning as a result of Storm Eowyn. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. A fallen tree outside CBS The Green secondary school in Tralee after the storm in the early hours of Friday morning. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. The big clean-up Sjoerd Van Wierst, NPWS, outdoor staff, felling one of a number of trees at Tanks Road, Upper Torc Car Park, Killarney National Park. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan. A tree down on the Molls Gap Killarney to Kenmare road. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan. While thankfully most of the county seems to have escaped any major damage during the severe red weather warning as a result of Storm Eowyn, the extremely windy conditions did result in a number of fallen trees around Kerry, which Kerry County Council are now in the process of dealing with. There were a number of trees in Killarney National Park with Deenagh Lodge narrowly escaping damage from a tree that fell right outside its doors. In Tralee meanwhile, there were a number of trees down around the town including one on Princes Street outside the Brandon Hotel where a power line was damaged. The N72 Killarney to Fossa and Killorglin road were reported blocked at Ballydowney Riding Stables by a fallen tree in the early hours of this morning while on the Aghacurreen Road towards KWD Depot, a telegraph pole was also reported to have been leaning over the road. As daylight broke on Friday, a tree was also reported to be blocking the R551 Ardfert to Ballyheigue road at the creamery while Killorglin on the L4037, the Upper Anglont Road, a tree was reported down with telephone pole, completely blocking the road. Keep up to dates with Kerry County Councils updates on clearing the roads on their social media pages. See some of our photos from around the county in the photo gallery. Susan Quirke-Crowley, CEO and Founder of Mounthawk Montessori School, has been honoured with the prestigious title of AIBF Business All-Star Educator of the Year 2025 for her outstanding innovation in educational practice. There was great news for one Tralee based educator this week as Susan Quirke-Crowley, the CEO and founder of Mounthawk Montessori School, was honoured with the prestigious title of AIBF Business All-Star Educator of the Year 2025 for her outstanding innovation in educational practice. Mounthawk Montessori & Busy Bees Nursery is described as having been at the forefront of early childhood education under Susans leadership for many years now where it continues to provide students with a holistic and nature-based learning experience. Her pioneering efforts culminated in the creation of Irelands first outdoor Reggio Emilia-inspired school, The Casa Dei Bambini Outdoor Reggio School which was officially opened by Minister for Education Norma Foley back in June of 2023. In addition to her leadership at Mounthawk, Susan is also the Co-Director of Maureen's Childcare Centre which was established in October of 2003 with her Mom, Maureen Quirke, as well as Oak Park Montessori School, established in 2022. Reacting to the news of her and her companys achievement, Susan had the following to say: I am truly honoured to receive this recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This accolade is a reflection of the hard work and passion of the entire Mounthawk Montessori team. Together, we have built something truly special for our studentsa place where they are free to explore, learn, and grow in a natural environment. Our mission is to empower the next generation with the curiosity, confidence, and creativity to achieve their potential, and I couldnt be prouder of what weve accomplished, she said. The Business All-Star Educator of the Year 2025 is an accolade that highlights Susans outstanding contributions to early childhood education. (L-R), Stella Carroll, Nicola McCutcheon and Niamh O'Sullivan from North West Mothers For Social Justice with the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Wahba Abdalmajid. Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr. Declan Bree with the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Wahba Abdalmajid. Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr. Declan Bree making a presentation to the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Wahba Abdalmajid. Margaret Connolly Bree and Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr. Declan Bree with the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Wahba Abdalmajid. The Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, visited ATUs Sligo campus on Thursday, 23 January, to discuss opportunities for collaboration in online and flexible learning as well as possible research partnerships. During her visit, the Ambassador delivered a public address to students and staff of the university. Her address focused on fostering connections between ATU and Palestinian universities to provide students with the tools and knowledge necessary to overcome educational challenges in a region affected by conflict. Recognising education as a cornerstone of development, ATU is examining ways to offer specialised courses tailored to the immediate needs of Gaza and the West Bank. As one of the leading providers of online and flexible education in Ireland, ATU will explore possibilities to work with Palestinian universities and educators using online platforms to support provision of high-quality education to students facing extremely challenging circumstances. The Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid said ATUs online expertise will help students in Gaza to continue their studies. We have been discussing this for the past few months with our Palestinian universities and they are really welcoming. Were talking in particular about online learning, which Atlantic Technological University already give a good example of a working platform, an active and successful platform. We want to give this to help our students from Gaza, not to leave Gaza, to give them support for their education through the online platforms. The Palestinian children, adults, and young people, the whole population in Gaza, they passed through a very difficult trauma. The focus on education and the ways of bringing them back to schools or in groups, as if they are in class, would give them hope. Proposed areas of focus include engineering and construction, project management, water treatment and environmental management, amongst other subjects, in an aim to help in the future rebuild of Gaza. ATU President Dr Orla Flynn welcomed the visit from Ambassador Abdalmajid and said it was an opportunity to explore how ATU can assist with third-level education in Palestine. This initiative is at an exploratory stage, focusing on how ATU could possibly collaborate with universities in Gaza to support students and lecturers in continuing their studies during exceptionally challenging circumstances. With our experience in delivering remote learning globally, we are examining how we might contribute to helping Palestinian students and educators access education and resources in ways that suit their unique needs. The meeting with the Ambassador identified ways in which ATUs expertise can complement the aspirations of Palestinian universities, particularly in advancing education that contributes to societal and infrastructural reconstruction. Born Michael, called Martin by his family, but known to most as Mac; M McDermottroe passed away on the 1st of January 2025. He grew up in Sligo and went to primary school there. He then attended Gormanston, County Meath, before returning to Summerhill, in his home county. An innovative, intelligent young man, Mac was trailblazing his way across Europe when he was still in his mid-teens. He had a brilliant ability with languages, and could converse comfortably at will, in at least four, a useful tool for a man with irresistible charm and the gift of the gab. Mac could entertain folk of all sorts and sizes, endlessly. He needed no introduction, nor invitation, he was the first person out of the blocks to ignite sparkling conversation and revelry, and had things on the move while others were still mulling it over. Coming from a theatrical family Mac was a gifted actor, and was drawn to the stage from an early age. He joined the Dutch experimental theatre company Kiss in the early 70s, touring Europe with their very physical, quite daring (and scantily clad!) form of theatre. The only Kiss production I ever saw, was three rarely performed pieces at the Project Theatre, Dublin. As I recall, the first play was in Greek, the second in Latin and the last in English. Most shocking to the audience, on the night I attended, was that the entire cast ripped off their costumes at the end of the performance and ran around the space, totally starkers, kissing and hugging each other. The cast and crew were on the boat to Holyhead, with their packed Transit van by the time my sister, brother and I were back home. His time with Kiss took him to many countries and lavished him with amazing experiences, the half of which, were never told. When Mac returned to run a family business in Sligo a few years later, his lust for life and theatre in particular, hadnt flagged. As well as playing many roles with local theatre companies, Mac was doing one-man shows, long before they became as fashionable as they are these days. I remember seeing him in a Beckett-like play in Beezies on OConnell Street, Sligo in the late 70s. Again, the audience didnt really know what had hit them, but there was no doubt, that he had presence, style and ability beyond the norm. In one particular performance I remember, he played Henry VIII in A Man For All Seasons. He entered at the back of the auditorium, (of Summerhill College Gymnasium) with flair, pomp and audacity, the like of which would put any modern royal to shame. Mac suffered greatly from his physical health in the last decade of his life. But it was his struggle with mental health which took its biggest toll. It dragged him kicking and screaming to places he didnt want to go. And when he did resurface a week or two later after, the scars were embedded. But Ill prefer to remember the young man who dared to put his foot further out on the tightrope, who charmed and entertained, who laughed and smiled, and who cared profoundly and unconditionally for his family and friends. If ever you find yourself in South County Sligo, along the Wild Atlantic Way, make sure you go to The Beach Bar, Aughris. And on the wall, amongst a black and white collage, youll see a photo of Michael/Martin/Mac, accompanied by some friends (yours truly being one). Youll see a youthful face with a broad smile. Thats my Big Brother, missed deeply by his family and friends. -Conor Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Wahba Abdalmajid has said that while a ceasefire deal was declared last week ending a 15 month war, the struggle for Palestinian freedom will continue. She was addressing councillors at County Hall on Thursday where Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Bree held a reception in her honour. The ambassador said: Fifteen months of Israels genocidal war on the Palestinian people may reach an end. A pause, was agreed. Fifteen months as the world continues to look on, failing to stop the Israeli onslaught, we have entered the 16th month of this unbridled savagery against a defenseless civilian population under the mercy of this illegal occupation and apartheid regime. The devastation wrought by Israel on the Gaza Strip is unprecedented and an utter disgrace to the international legal order and any notion of the existence of a collective humanity. The failure to act and hold Israel accountable over its crimes has allowed the Israeli occupying forces (IOF) to continue committing daily massacres for the past 15 months. The toll is now estimated at 155,000 Palestinians casualties since October 2023 - 45,936 Palestinians have been killed and 109,274 have been injured, an estimated 10,000 under the rubble, and more than 1.9 million have been displaced to a worse hell on earth in Gaza . Women and children continue to represent the majority of victims in this shocking casualty toll. Attacks by IDF and extremist settlers in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, also continue to claim lives, including of children, the death toll surpassing 840 Palestinians, in addition to the terror and illegal measures that have forcibly displaced over 4,250 civilians in just the past year. In the past few days, the Israeli occupation forces have intensified collective punishment and restrictions on the Palestinian people throughout the occupied West Bank. This includes sealing off of all entrances to Palestinian governorates, cities, towns, and refugee camps using iron gates, earth mounds, and military checkpoint, the total number of illegal barriers has reached approximately 898, including 16 newly installed iron gates in recent days. These measures have fragmented the West Bank, severed connections between its areas, paralyzed Palestinian mobility, and left thousands of families stranded for hours at checkpoints of humiliation and suffering in what constitutes the most egregious form of Israeli apartheid. The next day of the Gaza war is not to revive and reconstruct Gaza.The next day of Gaza war is another brutality and intensive colonization and annexation in the west bank. Yes, a ceasefire deal in Gaza was agreed, and we hope it will be sustained, but our path to end this colonization and free Palestine is not paved. Our struggle for freedom will continue. You Irish people inspired us. There can be no more delays in the face of Israels flagrant impunity and ongoing threats to carry on with its grave breaches of international law and systematic human rights violations against our people It is long past time for sanctions and for independent, transparent, international investigations to ensure full accountability, including full reparations, for all the war crimes, crimes against humanity and acts of genocide perpetrated by Israel against our people and for all the loss, suffering and trauma they have endured. It is long past time for the Palestinian people to finally be liberated from this illegal, abhorrent, colonial occupation and apartheid regime and to finally realize their inalienable rights to return and to self-determination and the independence of the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law and in implementation of the relevant UN resolutions. This is the only path to peace and security for Palestinians, Israelis and for our region. The ambassador said Sligo was a majestic place steeped in folklore. "it's no surprise that it inspired one of the world's greatest poets, WB Yeats. This county was also significant in Ireland's struggle for independence. The people here across the last century and beyond, played an important role in shaping this independent and now peaceful country. You are an inspiration to the people of Palestine, she said. Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Bree said it was a profound honour and privilege to welcome Her Excellency Ambassador Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid to County Hall and the visit marked a significant milestone in the already strong relationship between Ireland and the State of Palestine. Irelands longstanding support for the Palestinian cause has been unwavering. As early as 1980, we were the first European Union member state to endorse the establishment of a Palestinian state. This principled stance has guided our foreign policy ever since, and our commitment has only deepened over the decades. 1999 marked the first occasion an Irish Taoiseach visited Gaza, where he met with Palestinian leaders including Yasser Arafat. This was followed two years later by Irelands Minister for Foreign Affairs visiting Gaza, further solidifying Irelands engagement with the Palestinian people and their leadership. In the year 2000, Ireland took a crucial step by opening a representative office in Ramallah, demonstrating our countrys dedication to strengthening ties with the Palestinian people. Today, we witness the culmination of these efforts as we welcome Ambassador Abdalmajid as the Republic of Irelands first full ambassador from Palestine. The decision made last May to recognise the Palestinian state reflects Irelands enduring support for the Palestinian people and their struggle for self-determination and statehood. I and all of my colleagues on Sligo County Council are proud to witness the evolution of Palestines representation in Ireland, from a mission to a resident embassy. Dr. Abdalmajid, who has played a pivotal role as the head of the Palestinian mission, will now carry out her duties as the ambassador, further strengthening the bonds between our countries. This progress is not one-sided. I am pleased that Ireland is reciprocating by upgrading our presence in Ramallah from a representative office to a full embassy. This reciprocal action underscores the mutual respect and partnership between our nations. Today, we especially welcome the temporary ceasefire in Gaza which brings a glimmer of hope after a prolonged and brutal offensive by the Israeli military. While this temporary pause is a vital step, it comes far too late for the almost 50,000 Palestinians who have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, and certainly falls short of putting a permanent end to Palestinian suffering. In addition it must be pointed out that the situation in the West Bank has deteriorated in parallel to the war in Gaza at a disastrous pace and the annexation of Palestinian land continues unabated. Restrictions on freedom of movement, settler violence, and the forcible displacement of entire communities have escalated as never before under the cover of war. While we mourn the lives of all those Palestinian and Israeli civilians who have died we must remain focused on a future where every life is precious and all people live in freedom and safety. For more than three quarters of a century, the Israeli state has held the Palestinian people in a state of dispossession and subjugation, under a brutal settler-colonial apartheid regime. It has forced millions of Palestinians into refugeehood and condemned them to live in enforced exile. It has stolen their lands, their resources, and their livelihoods. It has imprisoned more than 800,000 people since 1967. It has illegally annexed East Jerusalem and for more than fifty years has used its military might to enforce its rule in the West Bank and Gaza. For almost two decades it imposed a cruel and barbaric blockade on the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, where residents were held in an open-air prison with polluted water and limited electricity, denied their freedom, their healthcare, and their most basic rights, and regularly subjected to massive military assaults. And for the last year and a quarter Gaza has known only death, destruction and displacement. The levels of trauma as a result of the Israeli campaign of genocide are beyond human comprehension. Over the past fifteen months Palestinian mothers and fathers have been bidding tearful farewells to their beloved children, broken hearted with the weight of unspeakable loss. Forced to say goodbye to loved ones taken too soon, they endure the anguish of countless farewells, their resilience tested beyond measure. Yet, through it all, the spirit of resistance has endured. Today Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank remain proud, steadfast in their belief that one day they will seize the freedom they have long been denied. In this context the temporary ceasefire must be seen not as an end but as a stepping stone towards a comprehensive and lasting peace. It is important that the hundreds of thousands of Irish people who have been actively involved in the Palestine solidarity campaign remain active. Irish people have a long and proud history of standing with the Palestinian people and today we join with the international community in seeking a full and swift investigation by the International Criminal Court into Israeli war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the crimes of genocide and apartheid. I am proud of the fact that so many people in Sligo have, and continue to display their support for the Palestinian cause. I am also proud that the elected representatives, of all political persuasions, on Sligo County Council have consistently shown support for the people of Palestine. In this context it is important that the incoming government enacts Occupied Territories legislation that will ensure that Ireland will abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings and will prevent trade or investment relations with Israel in respect of the occupied territories and the illegal settlements. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has declared that not only is the Israeli occupation illegal, and the settlements illegal, but that there is a legal obligation on all states not to trade with them. Ireland therefore is required to adhere to that legal obligation. We must also remain committed to using our voice and influence in international forumsfrom the EU to the UN. Palestinian civil society has been clear in its demands for a just resolution based on international law; an end to the occupation, full rights for Palestinian citizens in Israel, and the implementation of the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees. We stand with the Palestinian people in their struggle for their legitimate rights, including the right to self-determination and the establishment of a free, independent and sovereign state of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital. Ambassador Abdalmajid, your visit here today symbolises the strength and resilience of the bonds between our nations. We are honoured by your leadership and look forward to the positive impact you will have on our shared journey towards a future of mutual understanding, cooperation, and prosperity. Together, let us embrace this historic moment and look forward to a brighter tomorrow, where the dreams and aspirations of the Palestinian people are realised, and where peace, justice, and progress prevail, said Cllr Bree. A County Wexford woman has gone above and beyond to show support to her neighbours by opening up her home for those affected by power outages caused by Storm Eowyn. Enniscorthy woman Mphatso Monicca Mtwalo, who is a healthcare assistant in the local St Johns Hospital, took it upon herself to let others know there is help nearby by posting this message on an Enniscorthy community page: "If there is anyone you know who lives in Enniscorthy, but they dont have electricity due to the bad weather we are facing since yesterday please contact me. You can come over and cook enough food for your loved ones, take a shower, and take some hot water in a flask for a cup of tea. Or if you need some candles to light up the house during the night as some parts of Ireland will take some days for ESB to fix electricity. Social media users were blown away by her act of kindness, taking it as proof that good people still exist in this world. One user wrote: What a wonderful thoughtful person you are. We need more like you in this world. Another commented: What a kind offer, fair play to you that's so nice. Speaking about what inspired her to reach out to her community, she said that she was concerned about the elderly people who lived near her. "We have elderly people and some of them live by themselves and with no electricity they will want something warm to eat. I have so much love when it comes to elderly people because I grew up with my grandparents and I am a healthcare worker so I dont want people to be cold or hungry, she said. She also said that because she is a mother herself, she cannot stand the thought of children going hungry. As well as that, she emphasised how important it is to show kindness and compassion in times of need. "I feel in the times like this we need to help each other, especially when other people do not live close to their families. It is good to help each other because some little things can make a difference in someones life, she added. As of Friday afternoon, there were up to 4,000 homes in the Enniscorthy and wider Wexford area that are without electricity with ESB doing their best to get it back up and running. The HSE has advises there will be a significant disruption to services in Wexford and other hospitals, due to status red weather warning and severe winds that Storm Eowyn will bring. All day services and non-urgent clinics and appointments in hospitals and community services in Wexford, Dublin South Wicklow, South Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford are cancelled for Friday, January 24. Where people are in receipt of specialist and time critical services such as dialysis and cancer treatment, the treating unit will contact the patient directly. Supports to vulnerable people at home in the community will be prioritised on an urgent needs basis during the hours of restricted travel (red hours). For updated information on further service disruption please go to www.hse.ie/disruptions, is the advice being issued by the HSE. While critical health services will continue, the message to the public is not to travel to appointments on Friday. National weather and emergency services advice is that nobody should be outdoors for the duration of the red weather warning and that conditions will be remain very difficult after the red warning has passed and a status orange comes into affect. If you have any doubt, please do not travel during Friday's dangerous conditions, and phone the office or person who made your appointment. All appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible, the statement continued. Ahead of the arrival of Storm Eowyn, we are asking the public to today check that they have essential items including medications stocked up, as it may not be possible to get to a pharmacy tomorrow. Please also check on any older or vulnerable neighbours or family members today, and make sure they are prepared, the added. HSE Dublin and South East Regional Executive Officer, Martina Queally said the priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all staff and patients throughout the region. The safety of the public is our primary focus and all staff across the region are working extremely hard to ensure that we maintain and protect essential services. We are asking patients who attend a HSE service or have an appointment to not travel to a HSE service or appointment unless you hear directly from us, Ms Queally said. I would like to thank and commend our HSE staff for the work and planning they are undertaking to make sure that essential services are maintained. I encourage everyone to pay attention to all national announcements to shelter in place and I would like to give my deep appreciation to all those working in emergency services who are working to protect the public. Finally, we would urge anyone requiring urgent emergency care to attend their local emergency department for treatment, whilst taking every precaution to keep safe on route. As always, our emergency departments provide emergency care to patients 24/7, she concluded. Over 6,000 customers in Wexford are still without power with the majority of customers affected in the north of the county. In Gorey, 3,951 customers are still without power since it was first reported in the early hours of this morning. The estimated restore time is currently unknown, according to the ESB. The current list of power outages in Wexford are as follows: Banoge 1344, Gorey, 3951; Bunclody 544; Kilmuckridge 21; Crane, The Ballagh 92; Killincooley, 35; Clonard, 12; Monfin, Enniscorthy 843; Ballyhogue 134; Knockmullen, New Ross 100. Killinick, 18. If you come across any fallen wires or electrical equipment, its best to always assume it is live until it has been confirmed by ESB Networks that the power has been switched off and it is safe. The ESB has confirmed additional staffing will be on duty over the course of the storm. The emergency contact number for the ESB is 1800 372 999 or +353 21 2382410. Local Workmen clearing the road in Ballycanew after Storm Eowyn PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench 11.20am: In a brief report from the roads team in the New Ross district, they are currently dealing with eight fallen trees that have been reported. The trees have been reported in Old Ross, Newbawn, Foulksmills, Gusserane, Duncannon and Ramsgrange. "We'd expect to see more reports coming in over the next few hours as people start to leave their homes," said Senior Roads Engineer, David Murphy. Mr Murphy has stressed that anyone who comes across fallen trees should contact Wexford County Council on their emergency line on 0539196000. Meanwhile, Mr Murphy also reported that the New Ross N25 bypass and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy bridge has reopened. Locals capturing the rough seas at Courtown Harbour during Storm Eowyn PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Indo Daily Extra: How long will the clean-up and power restoration take after Storm Eowyn? 10.20am: Emergency services are aware of a number of trees that are blocking roads across Co Wexford. Motorists are being advised to only drive if absolutely necessary and to take extreme caution if doing so. Some of the roads currently blocked included the road between Baldwinstown and Murrintown and the R730 between Pairc Garman and Stony Park/Pairc na gCloch housing estate. The housing estate is accessible. A tree is also blocking the road close to Newbay House on the outskirts of Wexford town. In Enniscorthy, a tree is down at Greenville Road, making the road impassable for cars. A tree is also down on the Enniscorthy to Glenbrien road. 10.00am: A Status Red wind warning, which had been in place for Wexford since 2am Friday morning, has now lifted. A Status Orange wind warning remains in place until midday, but that alert may be extended as Met Eireann continues to monitor conditions closely. Close to Newbay House on the outskirts of Wexford town. 9.33am: Wexford County Council has issued an update on the N25 Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, which was closed to traffic on Thursday night. In a statement this morning, the local authority said: It is currently planned to reopen the N25 Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge on the New Ross By-pass at 10.00 this morning. Wind Speeds will continue to be closely monitored until the end of the current Weather Event. 9.20am: Over 6,000 customers are without electricity in Wexford has the county remains under a Status Red wind warning this morning. According to the ESB, 6,204 customers are without power across 17 different locations in County Wexford. The worst affected area is Gorey, where 3,951 customers are without power, according to the ESBs power check website. Full list of power outages in Wexford are as follows: Banoge, Gorey 3951 customers; Bunclody 544; Camolin 15; Ballyedmond 21; Kilmuckridge 35; Crane, The Ballagh 92; Monfin, Enniscorthy 843; Ballyhogue 134; Knockmullen, New Ross 100; Ballinaboola 28; Taghmon 54; Bealistown, Gusserane 65; Ballymitty 50; Waddingtown 72; Tagoat 18; Tomhaggard 94; Kilmore 88. If you come across any fallen wires or electrical equipment, its best to always assume it is live until it has been confirmed by ESB Networks that the power has been switched off and it is safe. The ESB has confirmed additional staffing will be on duty over the course of the storm. The emergency contact number for the ESB is 1800 372 999 or +353 21 2382410. 8.25am: Wexford County Council have issued a revised wind warning for the county this morning. A Status Orange wind warning comes into effect from 7am Friday and is valid until midday. Gale force southwest to west winds will bring severe, damaging and destructive gusts of up to 130km/h widely, with even higher gusts for a time. Potential impacts include: fallen trees, Damage to power lines and power outages, structural damage, very difficult travelling conditions, disruption and cancellations to transport, wave overtopping. Garda warning: An Garda Siochana has warned all members of the public that a Status Red severe weather warning means shelter in place and people in areas during the times affected by red warnings should stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and take action to protect themselves and their properties. Sea conditions and waves will be dangerous. Do not approach coastlines; Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry, is the message theyre sending to the public. An Garda Siochana and our colleagues in the other blue light emergency services will be on duty but depending on local weather conditions may not be in a position to respond to help during the height of Storm Eowyn, subject to dynamic risk assessments. Do not put yourself or members of the emergency services at risk during this period, gardai warn. All of Ireland is under a red warning. Graphic: Met Eireann. Additionally, gardai ask that once the time duration of a Red warning has passed in your area, please exercise extreme caution and care when venturing out on the public roads, an Orange wind warning remains in place. There will be fallen trees, structural and other unexpected debris, and fallen or damaged live electricity wires in many areas across the country. Trees and structures may be unstable. The emergency services and Local Authorities and Utility Service providers will be busy across the road network identifying and repairing damaged infrastructure. An Garda Siochana appeals to every person using the public roads after the expiration of the weather warnings and over this coming weekend, to slow down, expect the unexpected and stay safe. An Garda Siochana again reiterates and cannot overstate the public safety advice that during the Status Red Warning times the public should shelter in place. Superintendent Liam Geraghty, Garda Press Office speaking to the media ahead of storm Eowyn. Pic:Mark Condren Depaul, the charity supporting homeless people, is encouraging all rough sleepers and vulnerable individuals to stay indoors. Depaul's CEO David Carroll said: "We are calling on any individuals who may have influence over those who are rough sleeping to encourage them to obtain shelter for tonight as conditions are expected to be potentially life threatening. We would urge all people who are sleeping rough to make contact with their local authority homelessness or street outreach services or the Gardai. "Depaul continues to have additional emergency beds in services in Wexford during this period on top of our existing temporary accommodation beds. We will continue to monitor the situation over the next 24-48 hours and the priority will be to keep all our essential staff and service users safe during this event." Chairman of Wexford IFA Jer OMahony has advised farmers to be extra vigilant and practice precaution as he understands that they do not have the option of not working on the farm despite the weather warnings. Mr OMahony himself had to leave a lunch organised in Dublin for the IFA AGM in order to get home to his own farm in order before the storm hits. "Work has to be done even in a red warning cows have to be calved every five hours and especially at night or they will get angry, he said. He advised that farmers make sure buckets and other items that could become airborne during strong winds are securely stored away and other machinery and tarps are tied down. "They need to be very careful, but I think the biggest concern is fallen branches and trees. Also slates can easily come falling from roofs, he added. Bus Services Wexford Bus has suspended all local and intercounty services from tonight, Thursday, January 23. Following the advice from Met Eireann and the National Emergency Management Team we will curtail all Wexford Bus services for the duration of red weather warning on Friday, January 24. Please note that all these plans are subject to change and recommencement of services are subject to weather and road conditions, they stated. The last service from Dublin Airport to Wexford will be at 9:30 p.m., with the last service from Wexford to Dublin also at 9:30 p.m. Services are expected to resume from 12 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, however, they added: recommencement of services is subject to review of weather and road conditions. Booking in advance is recommended." Schools and businesses Despite Met Eireann expecting the tail end of the storm to pass through Wexford and surrounding counties of the south east at approximately 10 a.m. Friday, when the red warning for the county is due to expire, most businesses and organisations have made the decision to stay closed for the remainder of the day. The closures come as Met Eireann warns that the storm is likely to cause fallen trees and power outages, which could have significant consequences on working conditions. Precautions have been taken by many as Storm Eowyn is likely to continue to batter the rest of the country with its high winds of over 130 kmh in the red alert zone in place until 5 p.m. in some counties. Home Instead house calls will not be taking place throughout the morning with the safety of the staff being considered, however, high priority patients will be seen to tomorrow as the red warning lifts and when it is safe to do so. In an update issued by St. John of God, the Faythe Primary School in Wexford town to parents, they said: Storm Eowyn is an extremely dangerous storm and is expected to cause serious impacts across the country, so please make sure to pay heed to the relevant safety advice. Along with Colaiste Abbains school closure announcement, theyve also postponed their variety show that was scheduled for Friday evening. Childcare All primary and secondary schools, along with childcare facilities have issued their notices to remain closed tomorrow. Correspondence has recently been issued from the Governments Early Years Division to childcare facilities across the county in preparation for Storm Eowyn as they suggest offering an alternative day for those providing ECCE, while confirming force majeure need not be applied for. "As advised, the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has requested all schools, Early Learning and Care (ELC), School-Age Childcare (SAC) and further and higher education institutions services in Red counties to close for the duration of the warning Providers may need time to prepare to reopen. Because of these factors, concerns about safe transport and the unpredictable nature of the Red warnings, the Department recognises that it is not possible or practical for ELCs and SACs to open on Friday. All providers should stay updated on the latest weather warnings, which are available on national and local news bulletins. Its especially important to watch for any changes to the warning status in your area. Providers should remain vigilant and regularly check for hourly and other updates from Met Eireann, local authorities, local radio, and the principal response agencies. In carrying out any safety checks of buildings and facilities, providers should take into account the current and expected weather conditions, any damage that might have been caused to buildings overnight or at any time during the storm to ensure their safety and that of children, staff and parents. DCEDIY confirms that funding for ELC and SAC schemes will be maintained nationally on Friday. Services will not be required to apply for force majeure for tomorrows closure. The Department would encourage services providing ECCE to offer an alternative day if possible, the Early Years Division concluded. Ferries Irish Ferries has cancelled its services between Rosslare and Pembroke scheduled for this evening and tomorrow morning. The service on the Innisfree ferry is expected to resume at 8.45 p.m. on Friday evening, January 24 departing from Rosslare harbour with an expected arrival time in Pembroke of 12:46 a.m. Those who are booked in to travel across the Irish Sea should check in with their travel company for the latest updates. The cast of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time: Deirdre McCarthy, Kate Smart, Myles Sunderland, Mairead Cummings, Kate O'Donnell, Michael Murphy Front: Mairead Ryan, Cillian Tobin, Will Griffith. Having reached the All-Ireland finals in 2024, Bridge Drama returns to the National Opera House this January with a play it describes as one of its biggest challenges to date. Based on the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon and adapted for stage by Simon Stephens, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time tells the story of Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old boy who, after the vicious killing of his neighbours dog, embarks on an investigation a la his hero Sherlock Holmes. However, while Christopher has an extraordinary brain and is exceptional at maths, he is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. Running from January 29-31 and Feb 12-15 at the National Opera House this show sees the Castlebridge-based group return to the stage after its successful production of The Wake by Tom Murphy last year, a production which saw the group go all the way to the All-Ireland finals in Athlone. The group is excited to bring this drama/mystery to the National Opera House and is the very first drama group to enter this play on the amateur drama circuit of Ireland, said PRO Mairead Ryan. Arguably one of the more challenging of plays to stage, this Bridge Drama production draws on all aspects of theatre in order to bring this gripping yet heartfelt story to life. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is directed by Susan Somers with a cast including Cillian Tobin, Sinead Rafter, Will Griffith, Mairead Ryan, Kate ODonnell, Kate Smart, Deirdre McCarthy, Mairead Cummings, Michael Murphy and Myles Sunderland. . Tickets available at www.nationaloperahouse.ie or (053)9122144. Lidl has invested 37 million in supporting over 300 Irish businesses through the Kickstart programme since 2017. Lidl Ireland has opened its 2025 Kickstart Supplier Development Programme for applications to local food and drink producers in County Wicklow. Last year, more than 100 artisan products from over 45 Irish producers were selected for the programme including Wicklow supplier Slainte Pantry and their sourdough bread. Now in its ninth year, Lidls Kickstart programme, supported by Bord Bia, is designed to give artisan producers a foot up in breaking into the competitive supermarket retail sector by having the opportunity to see their products on sale in Lidl stores throughout the island of Ireland. Successful applicants undertake a six-month development programme offering suppliers dedicated business support from Lidl Irelands in-house experts, advancing their product, brand, and business with practical guidance on production efficiency, product development, packaging, and how to scale for success. Since its launch in 2017, Lidl has invested 37 million in supporting over 300 Irish businesses through the Kickstart programme. Many Kickstart suppliers have also benefitted from having their products exported across Lidls international network of stores. Kate ODriscoll, Supplier Development Manager at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: Lidls Kickstart Supplier Development programme allows us to support Irish producers building their businesses while providing our customers with a great range of new and innovative Irish products. Were delighted to support suppliers like Naked Bakes and several others on getting fully listed and now being part of Lidls everyday product range. Other products have benefited from the expansive international store network, reaching the shores of the UK, Europe, and even the USA over the nine years of the programme. We saw a record number of applicants in 2024 across a range of categories and were looking to build on this again this year, so we are calling on any up-and-coming food entrepreneurs interested in scaling their business to get in touch. Applications for Lidls 2025 Kickstart Supplier Development Programme are now open until January 31. Interested producers can visit www.lidl.ie/kickstart. Minister of Health Stephen Donnelly (second from right) at the formal opening the Wicklow Community Unit in Wicklow town in November after an investment of 1.5 million. Former Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has already said its too early to say if he is done with politics after losing his Dail seat, and has been highlighting the substantial investments made in County Wicklow since he took over the health portfolio in June of 2020. Mr Donnelly has agreed the 2025 Health Capital Plan with the HSE the largest ever capital funding to date, totally over 1.45 billion. 2025 will see over 10 million invested in health infrastructure in Wicklow. Reflecting on the progress made, Mr Donnelly said: I leave office confident that with the funding secured during my time as Minister that we will see the continued development of Wicklows health services over the next five years. The investments and initiatives undertaken over the past five years have laid a strong foundation for future advancements, and will ensure the residents of Wicklow have access to high-quality healthcare services within their community for years to come. Id also like to extend my gratitude to the healthcare professionals, community organisations, and residents of Wicklow for their support and collaboration. I leave office with an optimism about the future of healthcare in our great county, and I am confident that the momentum achieved will continue. Wicklow projects funded in 2025 will include the development of additional rooms and a new Day Centre at Baltinglass Community Hospital, while construction is expected to commence this year on Greystones Primary Care Centre following the granting of planning permission. A new 95 bed Community Nursing Unit for St. Colemans Rathdrum is also planned. Mr Donnelly provided government funding for cancer support groups in 2024 for the first time and secured permanent annual funding for services in 2025. Purple House Bray will receive between 145,000 and 158,000, Arklow Cancer Support will get between 38,000 and 41,000, Greystones Cancer Support between 34,000 and 37,000, Wicklow Town Cancer Support between 34,000 and 37,000, Rathdrum Cancer Support between 12,000 and 15,000, Roundwood Cancer Support between 5,000 and 7,000 and West Wicklow Cancer Support will receive between 1,000 and 3,000. A significant achievement during Mr Donnellys tenure is the refurbishment and reopening of the Wicklow Community Unit in Wicklow town. Formerly known as Wicklow District Hospital, with an investment of 1.5 million, it was extensively renovated to meet modern healthcare standards and reopened to serve the needs of older adults in the community. Mr Donnelly said: The unit now offers 18 beds dedicated to short-stay services, including rehabilitation, convalescence, respite, and day services, making it the only public dedicated short-stay unit for older adults in County Wicklow. In February 2024, Mr Donnelly officially launched the Wicklow branch of Parkinsons Ireland in Ashford, marking the 19th branch of the organisation. This initiative aims to deliver vital services to approximately 500 individuals living with Parkinsons in Wicklow, along with their families and caregivers. During the launch, Mr Donnelly acknowledged the importance of such community-based services and secured government funding for Parkinsons Ireland to ensure sustained support for those affected by the condition. Mr Donnelly emphasised the importance of community-based healthcare services throughout his time as Minister for Health. He opened four new Primary Care Centres in Bray, Arklow, Rathdrum and Baltinglass, and secured the submission of the planning application for another to serve Greystones, Delgany and Kilcoole. The Enhanced Community Care Programme provides management of chronic disease conditions closer to peoples homes and operates from the Bray and Arklow Primary Care Centres. Mr Donnelly added: These services ensure people do not have to travel to hospital in Dublin for treatment of their conditions. I was pleased as Minister to show that we were able to respond to the needs of the growing older population of County Wicklow. New or upgraded facilities are vital to the delivery of our Enhanced Community Care Programme, enabling people to receive care close to home. Other achievements include over 20 million invested into Wicklow Hospice ensuring they could pay off the mortgage and hire additional staff. Capital funding was also provided for Meals on Wheels Services and the future of the St. Jospehs dementia service in Shankill was secured. Mr Donnelly also ensure investment took place into mental health facilities in Wicklow and organised play therapists for schools in Greystones. Leo Wicklow and Leo Kildare in partnership with the EEN ( European Enterprise Network) are behind a one day course with a focus on preparing your business for customs. This in-person full-day programme is targeted at businesses beginning to import or export goods and services and also established exporters and importers who need to upskill their team. The course will cover the essentials of export and import customs compliance, with a particular focus on Post-Brexit trade between Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Its also open to established exporters and importers who need to upskill their team. Participants will learn how tariffs work and the need to correctly classify goods. The programme will also help participating companies to brainstorm the urgent tasks and applications needed to mitigate costly delays and penalties. Workshops will be tailored to meet the specific sectors of participating companies and the challenges they face. The training programme will cover five modules. Understanding customs will provide you with the background to the role of customs and details of customs-business partnership. You will also learn about customs concepts, compliance and risk. Customs clearance processes in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK will be explained. Participants will be provided with an understanding of special customs procedures. You will also learn about customs authorisation and what is needed in your business and what is best to resource. Photo and video content will be taken at this event for social media, reporting and promotion of future events. Please advise a member of the LEO team prior to the event, if you wish to be not recognisable in that content. The course will be expertly run by consultant Brian Murphy ad takes place on Monday, March 3, from 10am to 4pm, lunch included, at Wicklow County Campus, Clermont House, Rathnew. The course costs 20 and you can register at the Leo Wicklow website. Hundreds of couples have been married in Bangkok as Thailand became the first country in South East Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. An amendment to Thailands Criminal and Civil Code means same-sex couples can legally wed in the country and benefit from the same rights as any other couple, including financial, medical, adoption and inheritance rights. Palestinians sit near the rubble of buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive in Rafah. Photo: Reuters Palestinians in northern Gaza prepared tent encampments for displaced families yesterday, two days before they were expected to return to their home areas in accordance with the timeline of a ceasefire deal agreed between Israel and Hamas. On open ground surrounded by blown-out buildings, a group of men began putting up rows of white tents to receive families who are planning to return north tomorrow when the Palestinian militant group Hamas is due to release a second batch of hostages in return for dozens of Palestinians jailed by Israel. Livermore, CA (94550) Today Light rain early. A mix of sun and clouds by afternoon. High 53F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%. 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%. India Clarifies Tax Treaties with Mauritius, Cyprus, and Singapore The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in India has clarified that investments made under tax treaties with Mauritius, Cyprus, and Singapore will not be subject to retrospective scrutiny under the Principal Purpose Test (PPT). This move addresses long-standing concerns about global tax regulation scrutiny and provides stability to investors. On January 22, 2024, Indias Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) issued a circular announcing that investments originating from Mauritius, Cyprus, and Singapore before April 1, 2017, would continue to benefit from favorable or zero capital gains tax rates, even if the primary objective of such investments was to leverage tax advantages. This clarification ensures that these investments are exempt from retrospective application of the Principal Purpose Test (PPT), a mechanism introduced as part of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) framework to prevent treaty abuse. The PPT aims to deny tax treaty benefits if the arrangements primary purpose is tax avoidance, ensuring that such treaties are used for genuine commercial purposes rather than as tools for tax evasion. Addressing concerns around the India-Mauritius treaty protocol The CBDT clarified that the PPT provision under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) would be applied only prospectively. It emphasized the need for an objective evaluation of facts and circumstances when applying the PPT, thereby fostering consistency and fairness in its implementation. Moreover, the CBDT reaffirmed Indias commitment to treaty-specific bilateral agreements with Mauritius, Cyprus, and Singapore, which include grandfathering provisions. These provisions protect investments made before a specified date, ensuring they remain unaffected by the PPT. As a result, pre-existing investments under these treaties will not lose their tax benefits, providing much-needed stability to investors. Tax experts have welcomed this clarification as a vital step in upholding treaty-specific commitments and alleviating uncertainty. Industry observers note that this announcement resolves lingering doubts regarding the India-Mauritius treaty protocol, paving the way for its formal notification and implementation in the financial year beginning April 1, 2025 (FY2025-26). Judicial support for treaty stability The clarification from the CBDT aligns with a recent tribunal ruling involving Luxembourg-based SC Lowy P.I. (LUX) S.A.R.L., which marked the first judicial examination of the PPT in India. In this case, Indian tax authorities sought to deny treaty benefits, citing a lack of economic substance and beneficial ownership. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) ruled in favor of the taxpayer, asserting that treaty benefits cannot be denied without concrete evidence. This judicial precedent ensures that the PPT is not applied retroactively and that grandfathering provisions under treaties with Singapore, Cyprus, and Mauritius remain valid. These measures are expected to enhance investor confidence by ensuring predictability and stability in Indias tax treaty framework. Understanding the grandfather clause The grandfather clause serves as a crucial transitional mechanism in tax treaties and legislation. It preserves the applicability of existing laws or treaty benefits for a defined period when regulatory changes occur, offering stakeholders a buffer to adjust to the new framework. In the context of Indias tax treaties, grandfather provisions protect investor interests by ensuring continuity and mitigating disruptions that could adversely affect the financial stability of businesses. National Voters Day is celebrated every year on January 25th to honour the foundation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and to encourage electoral participation. This year, the 15th National Voters Day (NVD) will be observed with the theme Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure, focusing on the importance of casting votes and active involvement in the democratic process. History of National Voters Day National Voters Day was first celebrated on 25th January 2011, a significant initiative by the Government of India to motivate young voters to register and participate in elections. The idea was approved during a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. This decision was prompted by the low voter registration levels among young individuals aged 18 years, which ranged from 20 to 25% in some cases. The date, January 25, was chosen to coincide with the establishment of the Election Commission of India on January 25, 1950, just before India became a Republic. Over the years, this day has become a powerful symbol of electoral awareness and democracy. Significance of National Voters Day National Voters Day plays a crucial role in spreading awareness about the power of voting and the importance of democratic participation. It aims to: Highlight the centrality of voters in the democratic process. Encourage young citizens to enrol as voters. Honour new voters by presenting them with Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) . . Promote a gender-balanced and inclusive electoral system. The event is celebrated nationwide, from national to polling booth levels, making it one of the most significant observances in India. National Voters Day 2025: Key Highlights This years celebration holds special importance following the successful conduct of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, which saw 99.1 crore registered voters, including 21.7 crore young voters aged 1829 years. Here are some of the main highlights: National Voters Day 2025 Theme The theme Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure continues to emphasise voter pride and active participation in elections. Honouring Voters and Officials The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu will preside over the national event in New Delhi. She will present the Best Electoral Practices Awards to officials who excelled in ensuring smooth elections. Special Publications ECI Coffee Table Book: India Votes 2024: A Saga of Democracy will be presented to the President. It showcases stories of voters and officials who contributed to the success of the 2024 elections. A Saga of Democracy will be presented to the President. It showcases stories of voters and officials who contributed to the success of the 2024 elections. Belief in the Ballot: A collection of human stories reflecting unique election experiences will also be unveiled. Interactive Exhibitions A multimedia exhibition highlighting the key moments of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections will offer attendees an engaging and immersive experience. Global Participation Representatives from international election management bodies will attend a two-day conference to discuss global electoral challenges and innovations. Exclusive Content A teaser for the docu-drama series India Decides, produced by Warner Bros Discovery, will be released. This series explores the history and execution of the worlds largest elections. National Voters Day 2025 Wishes and Messages Here are some meaningful wishes you can share on this important day: Lets celebrate the power of democracy on National Voters Day 2025. Your vote, your voice! Be proud of being a voter! Celebrate your contribution to the largest democracy in the world. Voting is not just a right; its a responsibility. Make your voice count this National Voters Day! Encourage young voters to shape the future of our nation. Happy National Voters Day 2025! A vote is the most powerful tool of change. Use it wisely this National Voters Day! Celebrate democracy by making your voice heard. Happy National Voters Day! Voting is not just a duty; its your chance to shape the future. Honour it today! On National Voters Day, let us remember that every vote brings us closer to a stronger democracy. Be a proud voter and inspire others to do the same. Wishing you a thoughtful National Voters Day! Your vote is your voice, your choice, your right. Make it count this National Voters Day! Let us pledge to strengthen democracy by participating actively in every election. Happy National Voters Day! This National Voters Day, remember: the future of our nation depends on the choices we make today. Voting is a mark of responsibility and empowerment. Celebrate it this National Voters Day! A single vote can change the world. Lets cherish our democratic rights on National Voters Day. Happy National Voters Day! Lets inspire the youth to embrace the power of voting. Your participation in democracy makes a difference. Celebrate National Voters Day with pride! Today, let us honour the voters who make democracy thrive. Wishing you a meaningful National Voters Day! Empower yourself and others by casting your vote. Celebrate the spirit of democracy this National Voters Day! On this National Voters Day, lets pledge to never take our right to vote for granted. National Voters Day 2025 celebrates the spirit of democracy and the importance of voter participation. This event is a reminder of the crucial role every citizen plays in shaping the nation. With Indias electorate nearing the 100-crore mark, let us continue to uphold the values of democracy and inspire others to exercise their voting rights. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Republic Day 2025: India will celebrate its 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025, marking 75 years since the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. This year's theme, "Swarnim Bharat Virasat aur Vikas" (Golden India Heritage and Development), highlights the nation's cultural heritage and progress. The grand Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi will showcase India's military strength, cultural diversity, and tableaux from various states. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest, symbolizing strong diplomatic ties between India and Indonesia. Explore patriotic poster ideas, inspiring quotes, and simple essay topics to celebrate this historic occasion and reflect on Indias unity and democratic values. Wallpapercave Republic Day 2025: Patriotic Posters Republic Day 2025 will be celebrated on January 26, marking India's 76th Republic Day. Wallpapercanva Wallpapercanva The parade will showcase cultural performances, military displays, and tableaus from various states and ministries, representing India's diversity and achievements. Wallpapercanva The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force will demonstrate their capabilities through a spectacular display of weapons, vehicles, and personnel. Wallpapercanva Inspiring Quotes for Republic Day 2025 Here are the best inspiring quotes for Republic Day 2025 listed: "Freedom is not given, it is taken." Subhash Chandra Bose Subhash Chandra Bose "The Constitution is not a mere lawyers document, it is a vehicle of life." B.R. Ambedkar B.R. Ambedkar "Sare Jahan Se Achha, Hindustan Hamara." Muhammad Iqbal Muhammad Iqbal "We are Indians, firstly and lastly." B.R. Ambedkar B.R. Ambedkar "Let new India arise out of peasants cottage, grasping the plough, out of huts, cobbler, and sweeper." Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi Mahatma Gandhi "Democracy means nothing if people are not able to work the democracy for the common good." Chandra Bhushan Wallpapercave Simple Essay Ideas for Republic Day 2025 Writing essays is a great way to express your thoughts about Republic Day. Here are some simple topics: Why Do We Celebrate Republic Day? The Role of the Constitution in Shaping Modern India India's Journey as a Republic Tribute to Indian Freedom Fighters Republic Day Parade Indias Progress in 75+ Years Unity in Diversity Patriotism in Daily Life Wallpapercave How to Celebrate Republic Day 2025? Republic Day is a time to reflect on Indias journey and the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution. The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will hoist the National Flag, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute. Attend Flag Hoisting Ceremonies : Participate in your school, college, or community events. : Participate in your school, college, or community events. Watch the Republic Day Parade : Witness the vibrant parade at Rajpath, New Delhi, on TV or online. : Witness the vibrant parade at Rajpath, New Delhi, on TV or online. Create Art and Craft : Make posters, drawings, or decorations themed around India. : Make posters, drawings, or decorations themed around India. Share Inspiring Stories : Talk about freedom fighters and great leaders. : Talk about freedom fighters and great leaders. Participate in Competitions: Take part in debates, quizzes, or cultural events organized for the day. Citizens can watch the parade live on television, while selected groups may attend the event in person following safety protocols. Wallpapercave For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Fulfilling yet another promise he made during the election campaign, US President Donald Trump on Thursday issued an executive order to declassify all the remaining files related to the assassinations of former President John F. Kennedy, his brother and former Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and American Civil Rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. CREDIT: AP What Trump said While asserting that the victims' families and the American people deserve to know the truth about these assassinations, Trump, who signed the executive order, said, "Everything will be revealed." "That's a big one. A lot of people are waiting for years, for decades. And everything will be revealed," Trump said. When will the documents be declassified As per the executive order, the Director of National Intelligence has to present a plan within 15 days for the "full and complete release" of all John F. Kennedy assassination records, while 45 days have been given for presenting a plan for the full and complete release of records related to the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Assassination of John F. Kennedy John F. Kennedy, who served as the 35th President of the US, was killed in Dallas in 1963. Considered one of the most popular US presidents of all time, the assassination of Kennedy has long remained a subject of conspiracy theories. CREDIT: AP Lee Harvey Oswald, a US Marine veteran, was arrested for the murder of Kennedy, but he was shot dead two days later. While all investigations have concluded that Oswald acted alone, many have refused to believe the official version and have blamed the deep state, Cuba, and more for the assassination. JFK conspiracy theories The truth is alot sadder than the myth a tragedy that didnt need to happen. Not part of an inevitable grand scheme. Declassification is using JFK as a political prop, when hes not here to punch back. Theres nothing heroic about it. Jack Jack Schlossberg (@JBKSchlossberg) January 23, 2025 Robert F. Kennedy Tragedy struck the Kennedy family five years later as Robert F. Kennedy, the late president's brother, was assassinated while running for president in California in 1968. In 2024, Robert F. Kennedy's son, RFK Jr, had launched his US presidential bid but later ended his campaign and endorsed Trump. RFK Jr has been appointed by Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. CREDIT: REUTERS Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr Martin Luther King Jr was shot to death by white nationalist James Earl Ray in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. Many, including King's family, have long alleged Ray did not act alone and that he was killed as part of a larger conspiracy that also involved the CIA. CREDIT: AP It should be noted that a large section of the files related to the three assassinations has already been declassified. During his first term in office, Trump declassified a large amount of Kennedy files, but later claimed that he was pressured by CIA and FBI pleas to keep some of them secret. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Days after assuming office as the new President of the United States, Donald Trump is making good on one of his biggest and most ambitious election promises - the deportation of illegal immigrants. US authorities arrested 538 migrants and deported hundreds in a mass operation just days into President Donald Trump's second administration, his press secretary said. CREDIT: AP 'Largest massive deportation in history' "The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals," Karoline Leavitt said, adding "hundreds" were deported by military aircraft. "The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept," she said. DAILY IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT REPORTING FROM ICE 538 Total Arrests 373 Detainers Lodged Examples of the criminals arrested below The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 24, 2025 All illegal immigrants to be deported Trump has vowed to carry out "the largest deportation operation in American history," impacting an estimated 11 million undocumented migrants in the United States. On his first day in office, Trump signed orders declaring a "national emergency" at the southern border and announced the deployment of more troops to the area while vowing to deport "criminal aliens." CREDIT: AP Trump to bring back Remain in Mexico The Trump administration has also decided to reinstate the "Remain in Mexico" policy, which was in place during his first term in office, under which people who apply to enter the United States from Mexico must remain there until their application has been decided. Laken Riley Act The Senate and House of Representatives have also passed the Laken Riley Act, under which it is required to detain unauthorised immigrants accused of theft and violent crimes. The bill also empowers state attorneys general to sue the federal government for harm caused by failures or decisions in immigration enforcement that harm states or people. That includes releasing migrants from custody or failing to detain migrants who have received deportation orders. Also read: Laken Riley Act: Here is how the immigrant detention bill would affect undocumented Indians in US CREDIT: REUTERS Mexico prepares for influx of deportees Meanwhile, Mexico is preparing for an influx of both deported nationals and citizens of other countries who had their asylum claims rejected by the US. Mexican authorities have begun constructing giant tent shelters in the city of Ciudad Juarez, having the capacity to house thousands of people to accommodate the illegal immigrants deported by the US. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. In a significant development, a federal judge in the US has temporarily blocked President Donald Trumps executive order ending birthright citizenship for babies born on American soil, irrespective of their parents' immigration status. US District Court Judge John C. Coughenour issued the order on Thursday, three days after Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon filed suits against the Trump administration over the executive order. CREDIT: AP 'Blatantly unconstitutional' Siding with the states, the District Court Judge held that the executive order ending birthright citizenship for undocumented and temporary residents of the US was "blatantly unconstitutional." The judge has blocked Trumps executive order for 14 days, renewable upon expiration. "I've been on the bench for over four decades, I can't remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one is," Judge Coughenour, who was appointed by a Republican president, Ronald Reagan, noted. Responding to the court blocking the executive order, Trump said, Obviously, well appeal it. CREDIT: REUTERS Trump team prepared for legal challenge While the District Court blocking the executive order is a significant development, it wasn't totally unexpected, and many, including the Trump administration, were expecting it to be challenged legally. 14th Amendment Opponents of the legislation had argued that ending birthright citizenship violated the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. The 14th Amendment was passed in 1868 following the end of the American Civil War to ensure citizenship and other rights to formerly enslaved African Americans. Birthright citizenship in US According to Section 1 of the 14th Amendment: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." Also read: No more birthright citizenship for children born to parents on temporary visas; How this will impact Indians in US CREDIT: REUTERS Trump's executive order Trump had vowed to end birthright citizenship as part of his wider crackdown on illegal immigration to the US. As per Trump's executive order, which was supposed to come into effect on February 20, children born on US soil to undocumented immigrants and those on temporary, work, study, business, or tourist visas will no longer be eligible for US citizenship by birth. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. When two stars with cancer journeys collide, things get spicy! Rozlyn Khan, a stage 4 cancer survivor and actor, recently lashed out at Hina Khan for her claims surrounding her cancer treatment. Hina, who is battling stage 3 breast cancer, revealed undergoing a 15-hour surgerya statement that has Rozlyn raising her eyebrows and pointing fingers. Rozlyn Khan slams Hina Khan over cancer Rozlyn minced no words while slamming Hina, accusing her of exaggerating the surgical timeline. Fifteen hours of mastectomy? Thats impossible, Rozlyn remarked during an interview. She revealed her own surgery for stage 4 cancer lasted 8 to 10 hours, during which 16 lymph nodes were removed. Hina didnt even clarify if it was an MRM or some other procedure. The lack of details makes it suspicious, she added, throwing major shade. Rozlyn Khans revelations about Hina Khans cancer journey The plot thickens as Rozlyn disclosed that Hina is being treated by the same doctor and hospital where she received her treatment. Drawing on her personal experience, Rozlyn criticized Hinas travel escapades during chemotherapy. Patients are advised to avoid crowds and travel post-mastectomy to prevent complications. But Hina has been globetrotting and posting pictures. Its dangerous for others to follow this example, she cautioned. Is Hina Khan using her cancer for clout? However, Rozlyn didnt stop there. In a jaw-dropping revelation, she accused Hina of using her cancer journey for clout. Rozlyn claimed that Hina focuses more on self-promotion than spreading awareness about treatment options. Its all about her bravery and struggle, but wheres the transparency? Shes keeping everyone in the dark, and I doubt if shes even at stage 3, Rozlyn said, hinting at inconsistencies in Hinas narrative. Rozlyn also expressed frustration over the lack of accountability in India for medical misinformation. Theres no law to prevent people from spreading false claims about treatments, and this loophole is being exploited, she concluded. Hina Khan's cancer journey Hina Khan, on the other hand, has been vocal about her cancer journey, documenting her experiences on social media. While her fans rally behind her bravery, Rozlyns fiery accusations raise questions about the thin line between sharing and oversharing, authenticity and exaggeration. As these two journeys clash, the drama unfolds with both fans and critics taking sides. Whos telling the full story? Only timeand perhaps more spicy revelationswill tell. Greek authorities have detained 28 migrants and arrested a suspected smuggler on the island of Chios. The operation, conducted by the Port Authority of Kardamyla and police, took place over two days. On Wednesday, 20 migrants were found in the coastal area of Vlychada and transferred to the Chios Reception and Identification Center. A subsequent search uncovered seven more migrants and a 31-year-old man identified as their smuggler. The suspect was arrested on charges of human trafficking and facilitating illegal entry. Authorities are investigating the incident, which underscores the persistent challenges of irregular migration and smuggling networks operating in the Aegean region. iefimerida.gr The election of Donald Trump to the White House has sparked mixed reactions among Greek voters, with 27% of respondents expressing concern about a second Trump administration, according to the latest Pulse poll. Another 22% said they were curious about such a development, while 16% described themselves as neutral or indifferent. Trumps support in Greece was strongest among men aged 17 to 44, while women in the same age group were the most critical. The findings highlight global interest in U.S. politics even as Greek voters grapple with domestic challenges. Domestically, the poll showed ruling New Democracy (ND) holding a solid 14-point lead over its closest rival, Pasok. ND garnered 30% of respondents preferences, compared to 16% for Pasok, which has replaced Syriza as the main opposition party in Parliament. The Communist Party (KKE) and right-wing Elliniki Lysi (Greek Solution) were tied at 9.5%, while leftist Syrizahampered by internal splits and defectionswas favored by just 6%. Five smaller parties, including two newcomers, surpassed the 3% threshold required for parliamentary representation. Among them was the right-wing Foni tis Logikis (Voice of Reason), founded by Aphrodite Latinopoulou, which polled at 6%. Former Syriza leader Stefanos Kasselakis liberal Movement of Democracy hovered at 3%. In terms of voter intent, ND received 25.5%, slightly up from the previous months poll. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis remained the clear favorite for the premiership, supported by 30% of respondents. Pasok leader Nikos Androulakis trailed at 8%, with other party leaders also in single digits. The survey, presented on Skai TVs prime-time newscast, captured both domestic political dynamics and international concerns, as Greeks weighed the implications of their electoral choices alongside global developments like Trumps potential return to power. iefimerida.gr The Association of Relatives of Tempi Victims has announced a protest outside Greeces Parliament this Sunday, January 26, calling for a full investigation into a catastrophic train collision on February 28, 2023, that resulted in 57 deaths. The tragedy, which involved a chemical explosion and fire, remains one of the deadliest rail accidents in Greeces history . To date , no one has claimed accountability for the incident, fueling public outrage and demands for justice. Demonstrations are planned in Athens and other cities across the country, sparked by the release of an audio recording last week. The recording indicates that some victims initially survived the collision but succumbed to an explosion that followed, raising questions about the circumstances of the disaster. A forensic report by independent expert Vasilis Kokotsakis, commissioned by the victims' families, revealed that 30 passengers died as a result of flammable liquids aboard the train. This finding has intensified calls for transparency and accountability, with many alleging that critical details about the collision and subsequent fire have been obscured. Public anger has been further inflamed by a controversial legal amendment introduced by the Greek Ministry of Justice. The amendment allows a three-member committee to re-evaluate forensic reports before their submission to court. Critics argue that this move could delay or manipulate findings related to the Tempi case. Opposition political parties and victims' families have accused the government of undermining transparency, especially in light of evidence suggesting that victims were burned alive rather than dying on impact. Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis has denied any link between the amendment and the Tempi tragedy, describing the accusations as unfounded. He has, however, promised to revise the proposal to include a requirement for approval by a prosecutor or investigating judge before the committee can act. Despite this assurance, critics remain skeptical, viewing the timing of the amendment as suspicious and an attempt to deflect accountability. Opposition parliamentarians have expressed sharp criticism. Evangelia Liakouli, a PASOK MP, accused the government of attempting to distort the facts surrounding the tragedy, stating, The government is trying to rewrite the causes of death, even though audio evidence clearly proves victims were burned alive. Similarly, Dimitris Tzanakopoulos of the New Left denounced the timing of the legal amendment, remarking, The Justice Minister expects us to overlook the implications of this law, despite clear evidence showing the victims were incinerated. #GREECE #ENGLISH_EDITION A gruesome murder has shaken the Umuomei community in Obingwa council area of Abia State, as a son, Ogeoma Ogbonna, has beheaded his father, Azubuike Ogbonna. The incident has left neighbors and community members in shock, with many struggling to comprehend the motives behind the heinous act. According to eyewitnesses, Ogeoma had been exhibiting signs of mental instability, often threatening to harm those around him. Advertisement However, no one anticipated that his behavior would escalate to such a violent and tragic conclusion. Ogeoma has been showing signs of mental illness. He was always threatening to harm people. But nobody in this community knew that he would get to the extent of cutting off his fathers head, a community member told Vanguard. READ ALSO: Fatal Road Crash In Abia Leaves Eight Dead, Two Injured The incident reportedly occurred when Ogeoma beheaded his father and then buried the severed head in a shallow grave within the family compound. Neighbors were only alerted to the incident after Ogeoma had already buried the head, and they were left to grapple with the horrific aftermath. We are still in shock on how he could kill his father. Before neighbours were called in to see what happened, he had already buried the head in a shallow grave in the compound. He took people and showed them the grave, a native of the community, said. The Abia State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the matter. A dramatic turn of events has led to the sentencing of Masud Yusuf to two years imprisonment without the option of a fine. Yusuf was found guilty of cutting off his female friends finger and injuring another after seeing her with one of his friends, as stated by Daily Trust. According to the prosecuting counsel, J. N. Atinko, the incident occurred on January 11, when the victim, Fatima Muhammad Lawal, reported the crime at the A police division in Dei-Dei. Advertisement READ ALSO: NAPTIP Rescues Nine Pregnant Women From Abuja Baby Factory Lawal alleged that Yusuf attacked her with a cutlass, severing one of her fingers and injuring another when she attempted to protect her neck. Yusuf admitted to committing the crime, citing anger as his motivation. He begged the court for leniency, but Chief Magistrate Linda J. C of the Abuja magistrates court sitting in Jiwa, ultimately handed down the two-year sentence. Controversial political activist, Omoyele Sowore, has blamed rulling All Progressives Congress, for the premature death of politicians in Nigeria. The former presidential candidate for African Action Congress in the 2023 general elections, led this out in a post shared via his X page on Thursday. Sowore also recalled how numerous bye-elections were held due to the deaths of some political office holders. Advertisement The post reads: Today, I participated in a consultative meeting between @inecnigeria Nigeria and political parties in Abuja, where an unexpected issue emerged concerning the numerous bye-elections held this year due to the deaths of over 12 political office holders across Nigeria. READ MORE: Im Available For Arrest Sowore Dares Police During my intervention, I emphasized that these premature deaths are a consequence of the @OfficialAPCNg poor governance and policies. Interestingly, I was seated close to the @APCNigeria Chairman, Gandollar, and their party secretary, ex-Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, @DrSRJ_ (a former comrade of ours at UNILAG/NANS.) Their responses were quite revealing, as they appeared amused by this correlation. In fact, @DrSRJ_ was screaming from his seat, Sowore youve come again! They dont still get it! #RevolutionNow. Renowned On-Air Personality, Oladotun Ojuolape Kayode, popularly known as Do2dtun, has officially bowed out of his career in radio broadcasting after 20 years. The media personality made the announcement on his Instagram account on Thursday. Advertisement He wrote: 20 years on radio, it is time to say goodbye. It is time to leave what I loved and would always love. READ MORE: I Dont Have Womb Bobrisky Explains Why Billionaires Choose Him Over Women Do2dtun reflected on his path in an Instagram post released by Cool FM radio on Friday, describing how he started as an intern under the mentorship of radio legends such as Daddy Freeze, the late Dan Foster, and Olisa Adibua before becoming a household figure. He added, This must be one of the hardest decision I have made. I am fulfilled in my heart that I built a legacy. Oh my sweet home @coolfmlagos accepted me Nov 1st 2004 as an intern, dusty; unprepared & knew absolutely nothing abt radio. I was this kid with fear, doubtful but by hands were held by one of my most selfless colleagues ever from Dan Foster (RIP) AUNTY B @daddyfreeze @mannieessien @estheroyegue @tallestmessiah (my guy and mesuyah partner @ruccibella @olisaadibua .. you were the first set of guys that gave me the little light to grow after GOD. Radio was nothing that took you to the bank but it gave me the life to put everyone on & its sad sometimes when your flowers are trampled on those by few who want to be victims to their fans or who will never tell the truth. It didnt deter me cos creating shows like cool Nigerian vibe Superstar Wednesday Office Concert gave radio a lift from just foreign music to 70% of Nigerian music and content. It was a win for us all..i cant even explain my journey cos its a lot. It was a rollercoaster of the good, the bad, the awesome and the ugly. From being a midnight studio rat to primetime radio was all Gods work. If I had made you take Mass communication as a course it was intentional. Its a serious career. It might have lost its essence but Radio is still one of the best thing to happen to me. I interviewed the best of the best, the hopeful; the hopeless, the least considered; the next on the block and the believers. God gave me this platform to PUT EVERYONE ON AND I MEAN EVERYONE YOU SEE NOW no cap!.. the fans that never stopped calling me till date and my amazing co anchors through the years @taymib (temilistic temi) Steph noni @stephaniecoker .. kekere ekun @kemismallzz .. @evebankong my Therapist.. Kaylo @kaylahoniwo you made an amazing peer. I feel ill leave my deepest part of my journey to my book in works DO NOT BELIEVE THE HYPE coming soon!!! I want to thank these guys @sergenoujaim @tatianaykk @evimousse @fineboy_racing @femicoolfm & Amin Moussalli for letting this man shine through ur platform & your leadership. My name in GOLD SEE POST: Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has praised the Nigeria Police Force for their swift rescue of Folashade Odumosu, wife of retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu. Mrs. Odumosu was kidnapped on January 16 by four masked men in Arepo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of of Ogun State. The police command in Ogun deployed officers to investigate the incident, and on Thursday, the force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, announced that operatives had rescued the victim, neutralized the kidnappers, and recovered the ransom and weapons. Advertisement READ ALSO: Unknown Gunmen Abduct Ex- AIGs Wife In Ogun Obi however commended the police for their professionalism via X on Friday , saying, I commend the Nigeria Police for their swift and effective response in rescuing Mrs. Folashade Odumosu. The operation, conducted within a week, highlights their capability to act decisively when motivated. He also urged the police to extend the same level of urgency to cases involving ordinary Nigerians, saying, While celebrating this laudable achievement, I urge the Nigeria Police to extend the same level of urgency and professionalism to cases involving everyday Nigerians those whose plights are often underreported or ignored. Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanjis led government has kicked against purported establishment of Sharia Court in the state. This was contained in a statement by the sates Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata on Thursday. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the development is coming, following some reports about the first public sitting of Ekiti State Shariah Panel. Advertisement Reacting to the development, Mr. Apata, noted that laws in Ekiti do not recognise Sharia court, stressing that the existing judicial structure is adequate to address all kinds of disputes. The statement partly reads: There is an existing legal structure in Ekiti State (i.e. Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal and High Court) that has been handling issues relating to Islamic, Christian and traditional marriages and inheritance without any rancour or agitation. READ MORE: Blasphemy: Bauchi Sharia Court Orders Arrest Of Imam Abdulaziz The government will not compromise on any action that may hinder the prevailing peace and fester hostility in the state. The Sharia Courts in the North are equivalent to the Customary Courts in the southern part of Nigeria. Wherein appeals from Sharia Courts in the North go to the Shariah Court of Appeal, the state similarly has the Customary Court of Appeal that hears appeals from the Customary Courts. The Customary Courts and the Customary Court of Appeal can effectively take care of any customary issues arising from Yoruba traditional marriages, Islamic marriages and Christian marriages, especially the ones that were not backed-up by the statutory marriages which can only be dissolved by the states High Courts throughout Nigeria. Be wary of being used as tools by politicians and fifth columnists because the government will not hesitate to invoke the full weight of the law to protect the constitution of the federation and maintain peaceful co-existence in the state. United States President, Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to global businesses, urging them to manufacture their products in the United States or face tariffs. This warning was delivered during his first major speech to global leaders since returning to the White House, where he addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, via remote video conferencing on Thursday. Trumps message was clear: Come make your product in America and we will give you among the lowest taxes of any nation on earth. Advertisement However, he also made it clear that failure to comply would result in tariffs: But if you dont make your product in America, which is your prerogative, then very simply you will have to pay a tariff. READ ALSO: End Ukraine War Or Face Economic Consequences Trump Threatens Putin The US President also expressed his belief that lower oil prices could help bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. To achieve this, he plans to ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to reduce oil prices. If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately, he said, adding that Right now, the price is high enough that that war will continue. Trumps speech comes amid reports that the US may impose steep tariffs on major trading partners Canada, Mexico, and China as early as February 1. The US President has also signed several executive orders, including ones that pull the United States out of the Paris Climate Accords and the World Health Organisation. Chaos erupted at the Ekeki Police Division in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday as a violent clash broke out between the Nigeria Police and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. PUNCH Metro learned that some NDLEA operatives were in the area to apprehend a woman suspected of being a drug peddler. They had also made an entry in the police records before proceeding with their operation. However, as the NDLEA operatives carried out their operation, policemen from the Ekeki Police Division blocked their efforts, leading to a confrontation. Advertisement An eyewitness told PUNCH on Thursday that the confrontation led to several shots being fired, triggering panic among residents in the area. As I was at the Bayelsa Newspaper Corporation, I heard some shots, about six shots, and I decided to find out. As I got to the Ekeki Police Division, I saw a confrontation between the police and NDLEA operatives, the eyewitness said. READ MORE: Ondo: Amotekun Arrests 21 For Kidnapping, Theft, Other Law Violations It was revealed that during the incident, the police fired at two NDLEA vehicles in an attempt to prevent the agency from taking the suspect. The eyewitness further suggested that it appeared the police were allegedly shielding the drug suspect, allowing her to continue her drug activities near the police division. The incident has made people suspect that the police are allegedly providing some kind of support for the woman to do drug business in the area, he said. When contacted, the NDLEA spokesman, Mr Howells Oba, said, Our men went for an operation behind the Ekeki Police Division. Our man made an entry at the police station. On the shooting, Oba said, They shot two of our vehicles and we are trying to see how we can take them out. According to him, the agency plans to release a formal statement regarding the situation but emphasized that they were working to resolve the matter and restore order. When reached for comment, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Musa Mohammed, stated that he was rushing to the scene to investigate the incident. I am going there now to find out what happened, Mohammed stated. A United Airlines flight from Lagos to Washington Dulles was forced to return to Lagos after declaring an emergency due to a technical issue. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, with 245 passengers and 11 crew members on board, landed safely on Thursday, but several passengers and crew members sustained injuries. According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), four passengers and two crew members suffered serious injuries, while 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries. Advertisement In a statement on Friday signed by FAANs Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, the rescue team comprising the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical, and Aviation Security was already on alert and on standby just four minutes after the pilot reported distress at 01:20. Aviation Medical ambulances transported the injured passengerssome to the MMA Clinic and others to the Headquarters Clinic. Those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged immediately, while those with serious injuries were stabilized and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. READ ALSO: US Begins Massive Deportation Operation, Arrests Over 500 The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Micheal Achimugu, also confirmed the incident to Punch, stating that the passengers had been accommodated in a hotel as stipulated by the regulatory act. Yes, it is true, and no problems, the passengers have been lodged in a hotel as stipulated by the NCAA Act, he said. The airline also attributed the incident to a technical issue and stated that the aircraft was met by first responders to address reports of minor injuries to several passengers and crew. FAAN equally assured the public of its continued dedication to safety and responsiveness, stating that further updates would be provided as necessary. A prospective Corps member tragically lost her life on Wednesday, January 22, 2024, on her way to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in the Afikpo local government area of Ebonyi State. The deceased, a member of the 2024 Batch C Stream 2, was traveling with 11 other prospective corps members on a 14-seater bus to the NYSC camp when the tragedy occurred. According to Daily Trust, the group boarded the bus in Enugu, and en route to their destination, the Enugu North Mass Transit bus collided with a truck parked by the roadside. Advertisement The female corps member, whose identity could not be determined, was pronounced dead at King David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), where others are being treated. READ MORE: Hit-And-Run Driver Arrested In Lagos; Victim Critically Injured Mr. Igwe Henry, Sector Commander for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ebonyi, confirmed the accident. He stated that he had no further information about the casualties because the victims were rescued before his team arrived at the spot. At the time our men from Amasiri Unit Command got the information, and got to the scene, the victims had been rescued. So my men didnt directly carry out the rescue exercise, and therefore could not ascertain the true position of what happened. Except that the crash occurred on 22nd January about 14.00 hours. The route was Amasiri-Okigwe, where they call Amenu village in Okposi. Two vehicles were involved, one was a Toyota commercial bus, grey color, and the other was a Mercedes-Benz tipper (truck), a commercial Mercedes-Benz tipper, the regular Tipper that you see around. So, from preliminary findings, it was allegedly caused by excessive speed on the part of the commercial vehicle, that is the bus. But the details as to the number injured and so on have not been ascertained, because like I said, the victims were actually rescued by bystanders and then taken to David Umahi Hospital in Uburu. And then the items recovered at the scene, I was told, is in the custody of one Chief Amos, of Amenu village in the same Okposi. At the King Davids Hospital, where my men went, the ones they saw were actually in stable condition, he said. Foluke Oladeinde, the Ebonyi State Coordinator of NYSC, paid a visit to the injured prospective corps members in the hospital. I am not in a right frame of mind to talk now. I am in the hospital now. Yes the accident occurred but I cant talk right now, she told journalists on Thursday. The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended two suspected fake pastors caught with fetish items in the Rumuduru community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the commands spokesperson, confirmed this in a statement released on Friday in Port Harcourt. She revealed that the culprits were handed over to the police by residents of Rumuduru village. Advertisement READ MORE: Edo Police Capture Two Cultists For Alleged Attempted Murder Of Rival She added that the two suspects ran separate churches within the community. The fake pastors were handed over to the police by youths from Rumuduru, led by their President, Henry Worlu, on January 20. The youths raided the area and arrested Bassey and Elijah from their respective churches. During interrogation, Bassey admitted to using spiritual materials, such as water and oil, to heal individuals suffering from spiritual afflictions. He also revealed that he used a small casket and a miracle life oil to pray for people with mental issues, claiming they would recover within three months, Iringe-Koko said. She stated that Bassey had lived and worked in the Rumuduru community for 17 years. The items recovered from the suspects include a firearm cartridge, miniature wooden caskets, a sword, a counterfeit Nigerian Navy identification card, and thousands of photographs. Additional items recovered included childrens footwear, a police lanyard, several crosses, and various spiritual materials. The suspects and the recovered exhibits are currently in police custody, and a discreet investigation is ongoing, Iringe-Koko confirmed. The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two suspects in connection with the kidnapping of wife of Hakeem Odumosu, a retired assistant inspector-general of police. Recall that Mrs. Folasade Odumosu was abducted by four masked men from her residence in the Arepo area of Ogun State in the dark hours of Thursday, January 16, 2025. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that less than a week after her abduction, she was rescued from the criminal elements after a gun duel with security agents in the swampy area of Ikorodu, Lagos State on Wednesday. Advertisement Reacting to the development, the Force Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi in a statement on Friday, disclosed that the two suspected criminals were apprehended by Lagos State Commissioner of Police Special Squad. Adejobi added that two locally fabricated rifles, 11 live cartridges and N2.25 million were recovered from the suspects. READ MORE: Unknown Gunmen Abduct Ex- AIGs Wife In Ogun The statement reads: The suspects were arrested in the early hours of today, 24th January 2025 while on their way out of Lagos state. Upon interrogation, they confessed to their crime; belonging to a gang of 4, 2 of whom have been neutralized previously. Recovered from the suspects upon their arrest were the sum of Two Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N2,250,000), which was part of the requested ransom, 2 locally fabricated rifles, and 11 live cartridges. Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has berated Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike over his recent media chat. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that Mr. Wike, had faulted Governor Bala for antagonizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubus administration. The former governor of Rivers State also criticized Bauchi Governor for opposing tax reform bill, a legislation which has generated controversy across the nation. Advertisement Reacting to Wikes media chat in a statement on Thursday by Governor Balas Special Adviser for Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, described the FCTs Minister as a transactional politician. Gidado also said that former governor of Rivers States loyalty shifts with his personal ambitions. He added that Wikes political career owed much to the opportunities provided by Peoples Democratic Party. The statement partly reads: While Wike accuses others of insincerity, he has seamlessly transitioned from being a self-proclaimed PDP stalwart to an ardent supporter of the APC government. This chameleonic behaviour raises serious questions about Wikes credibility and moral compass. Nigerians are not deceived by Wikes antics. They see a man willing to undermine his party for personal gain, a man whose loyalty shifts as quickly as his alliances. By contrast, Senator Bala Mohammeds opposition to the Tax Reform Bills reflects a principled stand aimed at ensuring inclusive governance and accountability. His constructive interventions have already led to significant adjustments in the reform process, underscoring the importance of meaningful dialogue over hollow rhetoric. Yet, he now gleefully undermines the very foundation that nurtured him. It is disheartening that a man who owes so much to a party that stood by him in his political journey has chosen to be a willing tool in its denigration. His recent media outburst was yet another reminder of his transactional approach to politics, where personal ambition eclipses loyalty, principles, and collective interests. By contrast, Senator Bala Mohammeds opposition to the Tax Reform Bills reflects a principled stand aimed at ensuring inclusive governance and accountability. His constructive interventions have already led to significant adjustments in the reform process, underscoring the importance of meaningful dialogue over hollow rhetoric. Mural panel dedicated to Charles Willson Peale with Willson misspelled. Peales panel is on the Market/Frankford El stop (westbound) at Fifth and Market Streets, Philadelphia. This is one of the historic panels at the Independence Hall station. Peale is renowned for his portraits of prominent figures of the American Revolution. Read more Faye Anderson, a public policy consultant and community historian, was on her way to Independence Hall a couple of weeks ago for her research on Moses Williams, a Black silhouette artist who had been enslaved by Charles Willson Peale, a Philadelphia artist known for his portraits of leading figures of the American Revolution. She paused at SEPTAs Portal to Discovery subway mural at the Fifth Street/Independence Hall station to visit its portrait of James Forten, the wealthy Black owner of a sail-making company who employed both Black and white workers. Advertisement As Anderson contemplated Fortens image and her plans to learn more about Williams she glanced at the nearby mural image of Peale and noticed that an l in Peales middle name, Willson, was missing. A second misspelling on the mural The Jan. 9 observation reminded Anderson of her first visit to the subway mural four years ago, in 2021, when she noticed that a panel about abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass had spelled his first name as Fredrick. At the time, Anderson alerted SEPTA by speaking out on Twitter, now known as X. While calling the collage of images in the station beautiful, she advised SEPTA to correct the embarrassing misspelling ASAP. This time, however, she alerted The Inquirer to the misspelling. Painter of the American Revolution Peale is known as the painter of the American Revolution because of his many portraits of George Washington and other major figures. He was also a natural historian. Here, you have the world coming to Philadelphia in 2026 [for the nations 250th birthday] and we have Peale, a founder of PAFA who is known for his portraits of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson [with his name spelled wrong], Anderson said. People who are coming here will know who Charles Willson Peale is. Its more embarrassing than the misspelling of Frederick Douglass name. SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch said Thursday that transit agency officials met with the mural artist, Tom Judd, last week and came up with a plan to correct the misspelling of Peales middle name. A timeline has not been established. Attempts to reach Judd for comment were unsuccessful. Moving forward, SEPTA is going to review its processes for projects like this to try to ensure that these types of mistakes do not occur, Busch wrote in an email. We regret the error, and we are working to get it fixed as soon as possible. Cofounder of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts In 1784, Peale opened Peales Museum in his Lombard Street home to showcase what he called worthy leaders of the Revolutionary War. The museum one of the first museums in the country would later be known as the Philadelphia Museum. Two years after it opened, he added a natural history collection that included a nearly complete skeleton of a mastodon. Peales museum expanded, and, in 1794, Peale moved his family and the museum into the building that houses the American Philosophical Society at Fifth and Chestnut Streets. By 1802, the museum moved into the second floor of the former Pennsylvania State House, now Independence Hall. Three years later, Peale, sculptor William Rush, and other business leaders and artists cofounded the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Were Charles Willson Peale and James Forten neighbors? Anderson said she stopped by the portrait of Forten, who lived at 366 Lombard St., because Forten might have been a neighbor of Moses Williams. Williams spent his childhood as an enslaved member of Peales household, which, at one time, was also at Third and Lombard. Williams earned his freedom at age 27. Anderson is researching to apply for a historical marker for Williams, who worked at Peales Philadelphia Museum, creating silhouette images of museum visitors using the physiognotrace face-tracing machine. She said contemporary artist Kara Walker cites Williams as an influence on her work. As for whether Forten and Peale were neighbors at Third and Lombard, David R. Brigham, the librarian and CEO of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, said he cannot be absolutely sure if they lived there at the same time. Forten is first listed as living in the 300 block of Lombard Street in 1807, and Peale moved to Fifth and Chestnut in 1794. But James Peale, Charles Willson Peales brother, lived on that same block in 1807, Brigham said. City records also show that Fortens previous address was on Shippen Street in 1799 and that Raphaelle Peale, one of Charles Willson Peales 17 or 18 children, lived on Shippen at that time. In all likelihood, the Peales and Fortens knew one another, though I cannot prove it, Brigham said. A broader history of Philadelphia and the nation The Portal to Discovery mural is a collage of dozens of portraits, images, and drawings showing Philadelphias early history that SEPTA commissioned through its Art in Transit program. The art project was part of a major $20.4 million reconstruction of the station, completed in 2020. The mural was completed in 2021. It was the first time the station had been renovated since 1974, when officials gave it an update in time for the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations. Created by Philadelphia artist Judd, the mural presents a broader, inclusive history, depicting white Founding Fathers alongside Black abolitionists and community leaders like Forten and William Still. Just as Fortens portrait is placed near an illustration of Peale, a portrait of Still is next to Thomas Jeffersons. And the writer, poet, and abolitionist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, a Black woman, is next to a portrait of Elizabeth Peel, the subject of a portrait by artist Benjamin West about 1757. Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, which was not involved in this SEPTA mural, said mistakes happen on occasion, and there are usually efforts to correct them once noticed. One positive way to look at the mural mishaps, she said, is that people do care about public art. I think people do notice and take this as a testament that people love art and our city, she said. Members of the family who own OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, and the company itself, agreed to pay up to $7.4 billion in a new settlement to lawsuits over the toll of the powerful prescription painkiller, the attorneys general from several states announced Thursday. The deal, agreed to by Purdue Pharma, the Sackler family members who own the company, and lawyers representing state and local governments and thousands of victims of the opioid crisis, replaces a previous settlement deal that was rejected last year by the U.S. Supreme Court. Advertisement In the new one, the Sacklers agreed to pay up to $6.5 billion and give up ownership of the company, which would pay nearly $900 million. The maximum contribution from family members is $500 million more than the previous deal. Its among the largest settlements reached over the past several years in a series of lawsuits by local, state, Native American tribal governments, and others seeking to hold companies responsible for a deadly epidemic. Aside from the Purdue deal, others worth around $50 billion have been announced and most of the money is required to be used to stem the crisis. The deal still needs court approval, and some of the details are yet to be ironed out. An arm of the federal Department of Justice opposed the previous settlement, even after every state agreed, and took the battle to the U.S. Supreme Court. But under President Donald Trump, the federal government is not expected to oppose the new deal. We are extremely pleased that a new agreement has been reached that will deliver billions of dollars to compensate victims, abate the opioid crisis, and deliver treatment and overdose rescue medicines that will save lives, Stamford, Connecticut-based Purdue said in a statement. While no amount of money will ever fully repair the damage they caused, this massive influx of funds will bring resources to communities in need so that we can heal, New York Attorney General Letitia James said. Joining James in reaching the deal were the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. A portion of the money is also to go to victims of the opioid crisis or their survivors something that most opioid settlements do not include. The deal also includes as much as $800 million set aside to pay for future settlements if new lawsuits arise against the Sacklers, according to the New York attorney generals office. The Supreme Court blocked the earlier agreement last year because it protected members of the wealthy family from civil lawsuits over OxyContin even though the family members themselves were not in bankruptcy. The new agreement protects family members from lawsuits only from entities that agree to the settlement. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele describes how members of a widespread gun-trafficking organization used 3D printers to create "ghost guns." Members of that ring planned and executed a burglary at a home in Lower Merion, which they mistakenly believed contained a cache of weapons. Read more The burglars who killed a Lower Merion man and severely wounded his mother during a home invasion last month that targeted the wrong house were part of a sophisticated gun trafficking ring that manufactured and sold illegally modified firearms to criminals, Montgomery County prosecutors said Friday. Jeremy Fuentes, 26, worked at a junk-hauling business in Willow Grove with the gunmen who broke into the Gaudio familys home on Meredith Road on Dec. 8, District Attorney Kevin Steele said as he announced Fuentes arrest for murder, burglary, conspiracy, and related crimes. Advertisement The guns used to commit the botched burglary helped reveal a widespread network of gun traffickers who sold rifles, pistols, and other weapons on the black market, investigators said Friday. The group modified stolen guns to turn them into automatic weapons, and used 3D printers to create untraceable ghost guns. Theres a lot of danger and a lot of gun violence that is going to come from this organization and what they have done here, said Steele, who noted that his office is still trying to determine how many weapons were produced and distributed by the gun ring. Theyre fueling gun violence, he added. Theyre putting mechanisms of death out on the streets that are very difficult to trace. The men who broke into the home Kelvin Roberts, 41, and Charles Fulforth, 42 were arrested days after the home invasion and charged with murder, burglary, and related offenses. They will now face additional charges, Steele said, including racketeering and conspiracy, for their involvement in the gun ring. Five other members of the trafficking organization were identified Friday as Aaron Hiller, 24; Marcus Lee Jackson, 33; Jonathan Rodriguez, 26; Corry Simpson; and Frances Staten, 38, all of Philadelphia. Three members of the group Hiller, Rodriguez and Staten have been taken into custody, while the two others are still being sought, Steele said. They will also all be charged with racketeering, conspiracy, and related crimes. Fuentes, Roberts, and Fulforth worked for Junkluggers, a business that hauled away unwanted furniture and other items from area homes. Steele said the three had targeted a home in Bucks County where an elderly couple had hired the service to haul away some items. (Investigators said four of the other suspects in the gun ring had previously worked for Junkluggers, but were not employed there at the time of the home invasion.) Fuentes, who visited the home to give the couple an estimate, noticed several gun safes in the basement and hatched a plan for Roberts and Fulforth to return and steal the weapons for the gun-trafficking operation, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. That plan went awry when the two men went to the wrong house, in the wrong county. Text messages recovered from the mens cell phones showed that Fuentes gave Fulforth and Roberts wrong information about the address, directing them to the Lower Merion home where Bernadette Gaudio lived with her son Andrew, according to court filings. During the burglary, Andrew Gaudio, 25, was killed trying to protect his mother, according to investigators. Bernadette Gaudio, who was bedridden with a leg injury, was shot multiple times in her neck and torso, and rendered paralyzed. Roberts and Fulforth have both admitted to participating in the burglary, but it remained unclear who shot the Gaudios; Roberts told investigators Fulforth fired the shots, but Fulforth has refused to provide details. Detectives recovered two guns they believe were used in the shooting, a .25-caliber handgun the suspects left behind at the Gaudios home, and a 9mm pistol that Fulforth had in his apartment in Jenkintown. Forensic tests showed that the 9mm was the gun that killed Andrew Gaudio. Shell casings found at the scene match the .25-caliber weapon, investigators said. In an interview, Fuentes told police he had given Fulforth the components needed to create a .25-caliber ghost gun a few weeks before the burglary. Inside Fulforths apartment, detectives found a highly sophisticated, clandestine firearms production facility that he used to make ghost guns using three 3D printers, according to Steele. There, he said, Fulforth created suppressors for weapons as well as switches that turned the guns into automatic weapons, increasing the street value of the firearms by at least $1,000. Steele called the weapons Fulforth produced silent machine guns that have incredibly fast fire rates. At Fridays news conference, he showed a side-by-side comparison of a handgun equipped with a switch firing alongside a Thompson machine gun. The handgun was faster than the machine gun. A video taken from Fulforths phone showed him creating a handgun that closely resembles the 9mm gun used to kill Andrew Gaudio, investigators said. Detectives recovered extensive text message conversations between Fulforth and other members of the ring in which they discussed potential buyers of the illegal guns, took specific orders from customers and noted that switches made the guns for sale much more valuable and sought after. Fulforth also shared pictures and videos of the assembly process with his coconspirators, Steele said, including one in which he poses next to a 3D printer as it created a suppressor. Efforts to reach representatives of Junkluggers, the business where Fuentes, Roberts and Fulforth worked, were unsuccessful. The company did not respond to numerous requests for comment about the men, who all have criminal records, including felony convictions that prevented them from legally carrying weapons. Steele said Junkluggers had played an unwitting role in the burglary. Detectives, he said, were still investigating whether any other homeowners who hired the company had been victims of burglaries. In this livestream video screenshot, Leigh Vlasblom, a former school board member, had told the Central Bucks school board that allegations about Jim Pepper's son "were confirmed by multiple witnesses. Read more The Pennsylvania Department of Educations Bureau of Special Education has opened an investigation in the Central Bucks School District following allegations of abuse of special education students, according to the Bucks County Courier Times. The Courier Times reported Friday that state officials this week visited Jamison Elementary School, where children in a special education classroom were allegedly mistreated. The news organization, which cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter, said questions from investigators focused on use of physical restraints. Advertisement A department spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday. Michael Petitti, a spokesperson for Central Bucks, said Friday the department had visited the district this week, and district administration accommodated the visit. The district has not received any documentation or feedback based on this visit. Should PDE determine that the special education department needs to adjust their processes, the district will certainly do so, Petitti said. At a Jan. 16 school board meeting, board member Jim Pepper and several community members accused the district of covering up abuse of students, including Peppers son, at Jamison. And according to statements read by those community members, there were eyewitnesses who corroborated a whistle blowers complaint. That complaint, filed with administrators in November, alleged that children at Jamison Elementary School were improperly restrained, physically punished, left undressed for extended periods, and prevented from drinking water and communicating using speech devices, according to the Courier Times, which obtained a copy of the complaint. Under state law, physical restraints are supposed to be used only as a last resort after less restrictive techniques have been tried. District officials said they investigated the allegations and didnt find that any abuse occurred. The Bucks County district attorney, after reviewing evidence presented by the Warwick Township police, declined to prosecute. But community members who spoke at the school board meeting including former Republican board members said that Superintendent Steven Yanni had left out allegations in a report filed with ChildLine, the state hotline for child protective services. They also said that witnesses had confirmed the whistle blowers account. One former board member, Leigh Vlasblom, said Peppers son was left nude on the bathroom floor, with a trash can placed in front of the door, and was walked across hot wood chips and asphalt to punish him for taking off his shoes. She also said Peppers son and other students were restrained for long periods of time in the classroom. Pepper said Yanni and other district officials had lied to him, attributing the allegations to a personality conflict in the classroom, and acknowledging only instructional concerns. He called for their resignations. The school board, meanwhile, has said it would hire an outside agency to review the investigation, along with the districts internal procedures. In a message to the community earlier this week, the board also said that it would be implementing a classroom safety plan for the classroom in question, including the assignment of a second teacher to act as an observer, pending the outcome of the investigations. Our focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our district and understanding the full scope of what has transpired, the board said, adding that the review will take time to complete. The Rutgers University Center for Minority Serving Institutions canceled an upcoming conference indirectly funded through the U.S. Department of Labor, in response to President Donald Trumps orders for federal agencies to cease diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. It comes as colleges are closely watching a myriad of orders by Trump, including one that would allow U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement agents to take action on college campuses. Another has paused communications from federal health agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, which is responsible for billions in research funding, at least through Feb. 1. Advertisement Unfortunately, due to President Trumps Executive Orders we have been asked to cease all work under the auspices of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility HUB at Jobs for the Future, which the U.S. Department of Labor funds, wrote Marybeth Gasman, executive director of the Rutgers center in an email this week to registered participants of the conference on apprenticeship programs. READ MORE: ICE has been freed to make arrests at churches. More immigrants took sanctuary in Philadelphia than anywhere else. The minority serving center wasnt the only entity impacted at Rutgers. President Jonathan Holloway in a message to Rutgers leaders Friday noted that several offices had reported receiving stop-work orders for federal grant-funded activities involving diversity, equity and inclusion. Jobs for the Future, which was funding the conference through a $13 million grant, is a nonprofit that works with education and workforce entities to create equitable economic outcomes. Every partner on that grant which came through the nonprofits diversity, equity and inclusion hub that is funded by the federal labor department was told they had to stop that work, Gasman said in an interview. The grant was scheduled to end in June. Nearly 100 registrants were scheduled to attend the event next week for historically Black colleges to learn more about paid apprenticeship programs from those that already take part in them, she said. Gasman emphasized that the cancellation had nothing to do with it being an HBCU event, but because of the funding source. When the grant started, she said there were only two HBCUs doing apprenticeship programs, which are especially helpful for students from low-income families to learn and get paid; now there are 21. Some have questioned why she canceled the event, she said, but without the funding and none of the staff from Jobs for the Future or its partners able to participate, she would have had to find new staff to participate in a short time. Holloway in his message to the campus community said, Know we remain committed to building an inclusive community. Watching in real time While the conference cancellation is one example of a concrete action taken in response to a Trump initiative, some higher education officials said it was too early to adequately gauge the impact of the executive orders. We are watching in real time as the new administration is putting policies in place, Kate Shaw, executive director of the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education, told the board at its meeting Thursday. I think its a little too early to know exactly what the parameters of those policy changes are going to look like. Jonathan A. Epstein, interim executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania Health System and dean of the Perelman School of Medicine, acknowledged the anxiety among researchers after Trump announced a pause on communication with federal health agencies, including the National Institutes of Health. NIH provides about $40 billion in funding to 300,000 scientists at about 2,500 universities and research institutions nationwide, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. Please know that we are working with our academic and government relations colleagues to understand and respond to the potential impact of these events, Epstein wrote in an email obtained by The Inquirer. We are working closely with your department chairs and institute/center directors, and we remain focused on our strategic priorities. The university, he noted, had adapted before when new information arrived frequently, but the implications for the future were hard to predict, citing the early days of the pandemic. We are tracking events closely and will continue to share information as it becomes available, he wrote. Rutgers in a statement said it also was monitoring the pause on meetings, communications and travel at NIH and would provide guidance to faculty and staff as the university learned more. In an email to faculty and staff, Drexel University said the changes could potentially affect both those projects already awarded and those awaiting funding, but did not recommend stopping research without consulting with the schools Office of Research & Innovation. We are closely monitoring this dynamic situation, the email said. The concern among faculty is palpable. Theres an extraordinarily high degree of uncertainty in areas where there has been certainty, said Eric Feldman, chair of Penns faculty senate and a law professor, which has led recipients of federal funding to be unsure both of whether or not they will be able to continue their work as funded and has left grantees uncertain as to whether their proposals will be reviewed in a timely and objective manner. In addition, potential ICE agent action at colleges has generated discussion on campuses, though its unclear what colleges, which are home to some undocumented students, could do. Colleges and universities are not immune to federal law, and there are not many options when law enforcement shows up with a warrant, said one local higher education official, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the topic. Temple University said it has in the past, at least since 2009, been visited by ICE under the Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program. We have a protocol in place for handling such visits, said spokesperson Steve Orbanek. We expect that we would follow the same or a similar protocol if ICE chooses to come to Temple under other programs. The university, he said, follows Temples visitors policy and coordinates visits with appropriate offices. That covers visitors who come to conduct business at the university. At Rutgers, Holloway said in his message that the school has received no notice that ICE would be on campus, but doesnt expect that it would. The university, he said, will not share student records unless required by law, and Rutgers police department doesnt ask or document the immigration status of students unless a serious crime occurs. Rutgers is committed to ensuring that any federal enforcement actions on campus adhere to due process, including the requirement of a warrant when necessary, Holloway said. Focusing on more than just medical needs and tests has proven effective in healthier pregnancies in one Washington hospital. Read more When Moesha Rose realized she needed a breast pump several months after the birth of her third baby and fast she knew just what to do. The 25-year-old mother, who has a history of life-threatening breastfeeding complications, called her Mamatoto Village lactation consultant, who arranged on her day off to have a pump delivered to her clients home. Advertisement It just felt like I had family there, Rose, who lives in Southeast Washington, said of the care she received. The respect, the customer service, it was all there. They wanted to make sure my son had a safe place to lay his head. The support is one of dozens of services available to birthing people through a MedStar Washington Hospital Center program that providers say could begin to turn around stark disparities in Black maternal and infant health in the nations capital. One-third of babies born in D.C. were delivered at the Northwest Washington hospital. The program, called Safe Babies Safe Moms, devoted as much attention to patients medical needs as their social needs, from nutritious food to safe housing, with promising results, according to a case study published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine. Black patients in the program were less likely to have babies with very low or low birth weight those born under 3.3 pounds or 5.5 pounds or preterm births before 37 weeks than Black or white ones who received prenatal care elsewhere, the research shows. The MedStar program followed about 13,700 births over four years. A lot of people have tried to crack the nut on disparities and it hasnt moved, but to actually see movement, were very proud of that, said Angela Thomas, vice president of health-care delivery research at MedStar Health and lead author of the paper. The program, which happened to coincide with the pandemic, aimed to change the culture at the hospital by educating providers about health disparities and trauma-informed care. Along the same lines, officials said the District and 14 states were selected to participate in a federal program expanding services such as access to midwives and doulas for Medicaid recipients during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. The District will use $17 million over 10 years to support interventions such as routine screening for depression and drug abuse and telehealth for pregnant people with gestational diabetes and hypertension. The efforts are part of a groundswell of funding and support intended to reduce health disparities among Black pregnant people and help overcome systemic barriers. Research shows the United States has some of the worst maternal mortality outcomes among wealthy nations. In a post-George Floyd world, people are more bold and uncompromising, said Aza Nedhari, executive director of Mamatoto Village, a D.C. nonprofit that provides doula services, breastfeeding assistance, and training. Black maternal health has been front and center, and nobodys letting that conversation go. I believe the District is a ripe place for transformation. In D.C., Black birthing people account for about half of births but 90% of pregnancy-related deaths, according to a Maternal Mortality Review Committee report that analyzed data from 2014 to 2018. Black mothers in D.C. are less likely to enter prenatal care in the first trimester and twice as likely to have a baby with low birth weight compared with Hispanic and white mothers, while the Black infant mortality rate is three to five times as high as the rates for Hispanic and White infants, according to health department data from 2019 to 2020. The MedStar program was funded by a $27 million grant from the A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation and $3 million from the hospital. The Clark grant was part of $93 million the foundation gave to Childrens National Hospital, MedStar Health, and Sibley Memorial Hospital in 2020 to improve maternal health in the nations capital. The program was set to end in March, but another multimillion-dollar grant from the foundation will expand a version of the program to six other MedStar facilities in D.C. and Maryland, Thomas said. Through a spokeswoman, she declined to give the amount of the award. Starting in 2020, the program made 70 interventions available to patients during and after pregnancy through delivery and until their child turned 3 years old. Services include behavioral health screening and counseling, breastfeeding education and support, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and help accessing public assistance for food, housing, and transportation. Patients also have access to care coordinators to connect them with services, such as legal help. S. Roxana Richardson, director of the perinatal legal assistance project at Georgetown University Law Center, and her team of three have helped 250 patients with issues such as housing conditions, public benefits, and employment. They have helped clients force landlords to eliminate rodents and navigate paperwork for medical leave, for example. Tamika Auguste, head of women and infant services at the hospital, called the approach a game changer. This is the way you do prenatal care and you take care of patients, she said. It is making sure that as health-care providers, not just physicians, [but also] midwives, nurse practitioners, our nurses, all of us together, making sure that we really understood where our patients came from. Rose, the D.C. mother of three, said a nurse navigator would call her almost daily to make sure she was scheduled for her appointments and check on her well-being. She was on top of me, Rose said, recalling her reminders. Ms. Rose, please check your blood pressure every day. Ms. Rose are you checking your blood pressure? Ms. Rose, I havent seen you put anything in the app. After a severe case of mastitis landed her in the hospital for a week, Rose later found her lactation consultant through Mamatoto Village, one of two community organizations with the health center Community of Hope that the grant required MedStar to tap to understand patients greatest needs. Kelly Sweeney McShane, chief executive of the health center Community of Hope, insisted MedStar place a high-risk obstetrician in the centers clinic east of the Anacostia River, a poor, predominantly Black community. McShane knew the absence of the specialist meant mothers with a history of hypertension and miscarriages had to travel across the District for appointments, a tall order requiring transportation, child care, and time off work. It took a year to clear logistical hurdles, such as finding a high-quality ultrasound machine. But Melissa Howard Fries, a high-risk obstetrician with 40 years of experience, started seeing patients once a week in early 2022 and now has hours twice a week. Fries is booked through April, she said. It is unclear if a second specialist will be based east of the river when a new hospital, Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health, opens this year. One patient Fries had was a 17-year-old who was pregnant. When Fries examined her, she found that the baby was measuring small and asked the teen what she had eaten for breakfast. I didnt have breakfast, she said. The question led to others, and a care coordinator helped arrange transitional housing, food benefits, and other necessities for the patient, whose child is now plump and healthy, Fries said. Action can be taken from the medical point of view through the hospitals, but action needs to be looked at through the entire system, she said. If we really want to help people do better, you have to fund prenatal care and mother and infant care because thats the way you build a new generation of stronger people. The Trump administration circulated photos Friday showing U.S. troops loading shackled detainees onto a military cargo plane, as the White House declared a start to the mass deportation campaign the president promised along the campaign trail. The White House said immigration agents have arrested 538 undocumented immigrants with criminal records and deported hundreds more. Those numbers, if accurate, would be relatively modest for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge operations a possible indication that the Trump administrations show of force has so far outpaced the governments capacity to deliver on the presidents lofty goals. Advertisement But Trumps border czar Tom Homan cited a higher number than the White House on NewsNation on Thursday night, saying officials had arrested more than 3,000 people with criminal records in the first couple days of the administration. ICE, which detains and deports immigrants, did not respond to requests to clarify the numbers. Trump and his officials provided few details about those arrests or proof of their criminal records. Trump has long characterized immigrants as criminals, though studies show that native-born Americans commit a higher share of violent felonies. Its going very well. Were getting the bad, hard criminals out, Trump said, speaking to reporters during a trip to North Carolina to view the flood recovery from Hurricane Helene last year. Without evidence, he said: These are murderers. These are people that have been as bad as you get. As bad as anybody youve seen. Were taking them out first. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt publicized the 538 arrests late Thursday night and early Friday, highlighting some serious offenders. She wrote that four of those arrested in the sweeps were members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Others had committed sex crimes against children, Leavitt said. Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences, Leavitt wrote on X. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Immigration officials did not say precisely how many immigrants were deported as part of the nationwide operations that unfolded this week or how many were criminals but officials have said their main targets are serious offenders. The number of arrests the White House publicized was lower than the 675 detained in similar raids after Trump took office in 2017 threatening to deport millions of people, though he never came close to that number. Then, as now, officials said criminals were their top priority. Weeks later, however, congressional aides discovered that half of those arrested had no criminal convictions or had committed traffic offenses as their most serious crimes, which ICE said were mostly for drunken driving. This week, the military flew two C-17 cargo jets, each carrying approximately 80 people, to Guatemala after they crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally, according to a Department of Homeland Security official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the operations. The flights departed from Texas and Arizona, officials said. ICE Air is continuing to operate deportation flights alongside military planes, officials said. Tom Cartwright, who tracks ICE deportations for the immigrant advocacy group Witness at the Border, called the military operation theater of the absurd in a post on X. The only thing new about this is subjecting people to transport on a cargo plane, Cartwright wrote. He noted that ICE carried out 508 deportation flights to Guatemala during the 2024 fiscal year on planes that averaged 125 passengers. The immigration sweeps hit immediately after Trump took office in cities and states across the country, targeting areas where Democrats have defended immigrants and urged Congress to grant them a path to U.S. citizenship. Trump has called for their mass removal, and on Inauguration Day he directed the departments of Homeland Security, Justice and Defense to prioritize immigration enforcement. Homan, a former acting ICE director and Fox News analyst, said in an appearance on Fox News Thursday that agents were arresting people in sanctuary cities, where local officials refuse to allow agents to arrest immigrants in their jails after police have picked them up for alleged crimes. Many local officials say they cannot keep someone in jail for a civil immigration violation after a judge has ordered the person released on bail in a criminal case. And some have expressed frustration that ICE targets minor offenders, making the broader community afraid to report crimes to police. Trump officials have called for rescinding federal funding to those cities and have threatened to prosecute any officials who obstruct immigration officers. Sanctuary cities make it less efficient and more dangerous, but its not going to stop us, Homan said. Were hitting every sanctuary city right now. Newark Mayor Ras A. Baraka said Thursday that ICE raided a local business, detaining undocumented residents and U.S. citizens without producing a warrant. One of the detainees is a U.S. military veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned, the mayor said in a statement. He said federal agents violated the veterans rights. Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized, Baraka added. ICE declined to provide detailed answers about the allegations, saying the investigation is ongoing. But spokesman Jeff Carter said in an email that agents may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity, which is what happened in Newark. ICE has arrested immigrants, particularly criminals, across every administration, and the Biden administration boasted that it was aggressively pursuing serious offenders. Days before President Joe Biden left office, ICE said it had arrested 33 criminal noncitizens in a weeklong operation in December, also in Newark. As of July 21, ICE said it was tracking nearly 650,000 undocumented immigrants with criminal records who had been released into the United States, though only 425,000 had convictions. The others were pending trial. Many are serving criminal sentences in state prisons or jails, while others are minor offenders who had been spared removal under the Biden administration. Trump has said any of the estimated 11 million immigrants who are in the United States illegally could be deported. The outsize psychological effect of ICE operations this week appeared to generate the kind of fervor Trump has been seeking. In Boston, a Fox News crew broadcast live as ICE officers knocked on doors, and in cities where operations netted a handful of arrests, immigrant advocacy groups and Democratic representatives denounced raids. Raids across the United States sent a chilling effect across immigrant communities in Boston, Maryland, and New Jersey, worrying people in schools, shopping centers and food banks. In the D.C. area, the volunteer group Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network launched a hotline Monday for area residents to call if they believe they see ICE officers in public. The group has not confirmed any wide-scale raids or enforcement actions this week, but the phones have kept ringing, said Amy Fischer, one of the groups organizers. What is really clear is that people are just terrified, Fischer said. It really seems like any time there is an unmarked cop car or something that looks like a cop car, people call. It describes the overall moment or atmosphere that we are living in. In Montgomery County, Maryland, county officials said ICE agents arrested an immigrant with a felony in Gaithersburg on Thursday. ICE did not immediately respond to a request for information about the arrest, but it sparked fears of broader immigration sweeps at a local shopping center and high school. Similar rumors have swept across the county since Trump took office. Some residents have confused local law enforcement for ICE agents, said Earl Stoddard, an assistant chief administrative officer in Montgomery County, a sign of locals anxieties that their neighborhood could be the agencys next target. Its been every day this week, Stoddard said Thursday. People calling in worrying about ICE. This was the first time it was real. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided a seafood distributor in Newark, N.J., detaining three workers, including a military veteran, sparking fear in the food industry and drawing ire from city officials. It comes amid President Donald Trumps vow to crack down on immigration, which has sent shock waves throughout communities where immigrants play an essential role. Newarks mayor called the move egregious in a statement. Advertisement The raid at Ocean Seafood Depot a family-owned restaurant supplier founded in 1998 took place on Thursday, with agents entering through the back of the building and detaining the distributors warehouse manager, a Puerto Rican man (Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens), and a military veteran, co-owner Luis Janota told New Yorks PIX11 News. Janota said 10 to 12 ICE agents entered the business after having received a complaint and sought workers documentation. He said the agents appeared to target Hispanic workers, and didnt question employees who appeared white. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said he was appalled by the raid. How do you determine whos undocumented and whos a criminal just by looking at them? said Baraka, who is Black, in a news conference Friday. If we allow people to categorize us just by the way we look, then were going back to a time that was very dangerous for this country, specifically for people who look like me. This kind of talk in America is not democracy. The raid comes on the heels of an executive order Trump signed on his first day in office, allowing federal immigration authorities to conduct arrests within sensitive locations, including churches, hospitals, or schools. READ MORE: ICE has been freed to make arrests at churches. More immigrants took sanctuary in Philadelphia than anywhere else. On social media channels throughout the Northeast, restaurant workers urged their peers to know their rights when it comes to ICE raids, including the right to remain silent, and refuse search. Industry experts say mass raids and deportations within the food service industry could lead to labor shortages that impact restaurants ability to survive. I feel like we have to be a country of law, but we have to go after bad people, not working people, Janota said. These are family people. These are people who show up to work every day. U.S. Sens. Andy Kim and Cory Booker, both New Jersey Democrats, issued statements condemning the Newark raid, including how ICE treated the military veteran who was detained. Janota said the three workers were taken into custody, and some received a court date to appear before a judge, but did not elaborate. Baraka said a mix of immigrants and American citizens were detained, fingerprinted, and photographed. [The veteran] suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned, Baraka said, adding that the raid was in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right of the people be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures ICE said in a statement that agents can request identification to establish someones identity, but declined to comment further, citing an ongoing investigation. At Fridays news conference alongside other elected officials, faith leaders, and immigrant-serving organizations, Baraka condemned the raid and promised support to the community. We cant just let this happen, we have to at least say something, the mayor said. As a result of that, Ive gotten a series of emails that were not too nice. We can disagree on politics. You can disagree with me about the role immigrants play in the economy about the fact that most immigrants are not criminals, Baraka said. But what we must agree on is what separates this country from other countries is the Constitution of the United States. U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D., N.J.) and other officials said New Jersey was prepared with training sessions and resources for its immigrant residents. Through tears, New Jersey Democratic state Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz said she feared raids would extend to childrens classrooms. New Jersey is one of six states where undocumented immigrants contribute more than $1 billion in taxes annually, Ruiz said. Human capacity is much greater than anything else. According to ICE, the agency has arrested more than 530 people as of Thursday and detained more than 370, but did not provide a time frame for those numbers. ICE did not detail where raids have taken place, but news outlets have reported raids across states including New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. NBC reported that officials said a focus on major metropolitan cities was likely. Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized, Baraka said. Were going to stand on democracy and fight for all the residents in this city. LOCK HAVEN, PA. Several days a week, you can find Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro behind a podium. From a one-stoplight town to a multibillion-dollar development in one of the states metropolitan centers to a trip last week to Lock Haven a small city tucked in a valley of Bald Eagle Mountain Shapiro has spent his first two years in office traveling across Pennsylvania to talk about his policy wins and fulfill a promise he made on the campaign trail: to keep showing up. Advertisement In Lock Haven, Shapiro, 51, strode confidently to the lectern, which was emblazoned with his administrations motto: Getting stuff done. He wore a bomber jacket detailed with the 48th governor of Pennsylvania insignia, and flashed his signature smile as he made his usual joke about having to take questions from the media after the news conference celebrating state funding to hire more than 1,500 police officers statewide, including two additional officers in Lock Haven. I made a commitment to do this on the campaign trail, and were making good on that commitment to the good people of Pennsylvania, Shapiro said. Shapiro, a Democrat from Abington Township now halfway through his first term leading the nations fifth-most-populous state, spent his first two years taking on perennial issues in Pennsylvania, such as the states unconstitutional funding system for public education, stagnating higher education institutions, and a long-sought increase to the states property tax and rent rebate program for seniors. But his time as a major swing-state governor and rumored national ambitions thrust him into the national spotlight last year as a front-runner to be Vice President Kamala Harris running mate ahead of the presidential election. And his first two years leading Pennsylvania have come with challenges; he is one of few governors in the country with a GOP-controlled Senate and a narrow Democratic majority in the state House, requiring both parties to agree on any legislation. He will face the same legislative makeup in the second half of his term, just as he gears up for his reelection campaign in 2026. Im only two years in, Shapiro said in an interview last week. Im hungrier than ever. Weve got more ideas than ever, and we know that we can work with Democrats and Republicans alike to advance our commonsense agenda. And only two years in, Shapiros biggest tests as a dealmaker are yet to come. This summer, he will need to negotiate a state budget with leaders in the split legislature, with spending set to outpace revenue by $4.5 billion, according to projections from the Independent Fiscal Office. Pennsylvania will need to lean on a previous budget surplus and remaining federal COVID-19 relief savings in the Rainy Day Fund which will be empty by 2027-28 if spending and revenue keep at the same rate. He will need to manage his sometimes strained relationships with a GOP Senate, and navigate working with President Donald Trumps new administration to ensure Pennsylvania gets all of the federal funding it relies on approximately half of the states spending each year. All the while, Shapiro, who boasts continually high approval ratings, will need to convince voters he should be reelected as governor in 2026, as Republicans strategize to put up a stronger candidate against him. (Shapiro has not yet formally announced his reelection bid.) A $4.5 billion shortfall and a booming Rainy Day Fund Pennsylvania is on track to spend nearly $49.8 billion in the next fiscal year, but bring in only $45.1 billion producing a shortfall, after budgetary adjustments, of $4.5 billion. That deficit is on track to continue to grow through the 2029-30 fiscal year to more than $6.6 billion, if spending continues to outpace the revenue the state brings in each year. So leaders need to find new revenue generators, cut spending in order to bridge the gap, or tap into the more than $7 billion still in the states Rainy Day Fund as Democrats want to do as an investment in the states economic growth. Just as he did in last years budget pitch, Shapiro said, he will again propose at his budget address early next month that the state legalize recreational marijuana and regulate skill games as new tax opportunities. Shapiro proposed last year that setting the state tax on adult-use cannabis sales at 20% would bring in an estimated $14.8 million. Last week, he noted that all of Pennsylvanias surrounding states except West Virginia have already legalized recreational marijuana, and are benefiting from Pennsylvanians traveling to their states to buy it. As for taxing skill games, Shapiro estimated last year that the gambling doppelgangers would bring in more than $150 million in the levys first year. The creation of new revenue generators would be a major win for Shapiro and a credit to his dealmaking skills, but would likely require major compromise from him and House Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) said there is still not broad support for legalizing recreational marijuana among Senate Republicans. However, this year, it looks more promising that GOP senators will support regulating skill games in budget negotiations. Pittman recently authored a cosponsorship memo detailing his intention to introduce legislation to regulate skill games, which are slot machine look-alikes that have proliferated in bars and convenience stores around the state without any state regulation or taxation. Senate Republicans have talked about regulating the machines for years but have not advanced legislation to do so. Shapiro will also propose that the state tap into its savings to make up the difference between revenue and spending, as leaders agreed to do in the 2024-25 state budget. However, Pittman said Republicans wont be willing to dip into those savings again this year. Theres this fixation on the fund balance and this belief that we have infinite pots of money to be all things to all people, and its just not the case, Pittman said. At the end of the day, the budget that we enacted last year was a solid product. But I will be the first to say that we cant repeat that type of increase year over year, or were going to have a real problem in a few short years. Shapiro said he hopes to sway them. When you look at what Im going to propose, and when you look at hopefully being able to get those two new revenue sources, we are on pace to continue to have strong budgets, balanced budgets, and live within our means, he said. Shapiro and other Democrats, for their part, do not agree that there is a budget shortfall due to the surplus of available funds elsewhere, and believe the state should invest some of its savings back into state programs to encourage economic growth that they say would translate into more revenue earnings. I would argue, from a fiscal standpoint, this is the strongest the commonwealth has been in probably over a decade, said House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D., Montgomery). But I would concede that, long-term, we must grow this economy. Challenging relationships While Shapiros national profile skyrocketed last year, one rare misstep in his first year as governor continues to haunt him. Shapiro, who said on the campaign trail that he would support school vouchers for students in low-performing schools, negotiated a deal in his first budget with Senate Republicans to create such a program. But when he approached House Democrats, who hold a one-seat majority, they refused the deal. To avoid a lengthy budget impasse, Shapiro line-item vetoed the voucher program he helped create and pledged to work on the issue in the future, leaving some GOP senators feeling blindsided. The about-face still stings within our caucus, Pittman said. That has continued to be an obstacle in moving forward on some other bigger issues, just because of the trust factor that has come along with that. But the move hurt no one more than President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland), the top Republican in the Senate, who saw Shapiros decision to undo the long-sought Republican priority as a betrayal and the beginning of a splintered relationship between the two top politicians. Throughout my tenure in the Senate, I have had productive working relationships with Governors Rendell, Corbett, and Wolf, Ward said in a statement. Particularly, I enjoyed my relationship with Gov. Wolf, Ward added, though she frequently attacked Wolf, Shapiros Democratic predecessor, during his tenure for his approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. When Gov. Wolf gave me his word it meant something, and we were able to compromise and actually get stuff done. I dont have that type of relationship with Gov. Shapiro. In addition to his state-level conflicts, Shapiro will need to navigate a new relationship with Trump. He served as a foil to Trump in his first term, when Shapiro was Pennsylvanias attorney general. He often joined other Democratic attorneys general in suing the Trump administration, and boasts more than 40 courtroom wins over Trump during the 2020 election, when Trump tried to overturn the states results. New Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, a Republican, has said he would take a conservative approach to his job, but its still undetermined how frequently he will litigate national policies. As chief executive of Pennsylvania, Shapiro has pledged to work with Trump when it will help the state which proved key to Trumps second victory and stand up to him if his policies will hurt Pennsylvanians. Getting stuff done Shapiro has committed himself to getting stuff done or getting s done, depending on the crowd in his first two years. He has boasted major legislative wins passed by the General Assembly, including $1.5 billion in education funding increases, a new public education funding system intended to fund schools more equitably no matter their property tax abilities, and creating a state tax deduction of $2,500 on student loan interest. He has also set out a 10-year economic development strategy and has taken a number of executive actions to improve state governments customer service for business owners and employees by cutting wait times and backlogs for permits and certifications, such as turning around cosmetology and barbershop licenses in the same day instead of two weeks, or certifying teachers in two weeks instead of 12 weeks. He still gets credit nationally for his 12-day rebuild of a collapsed part of I-95 in Philadelphia in June 2023 that would otherwise have taken months to reopen, and brags about Pennsylvania repairing more roads and bridges than any other state last year. Im just proud that we were able, in a divided legislature, to bring Democrats and Republicans together to solve some of these problems that folks have been talking about in the Capitol for 20, 30, 40 years, Shapiro said. Weve made great strides in a really challenging political environment, and were going to keep working at it. Pittman described the governors first two years as tumultuous marked by his budget blunder over school vouchers and his handling of sexual harassment allegations against a former top aide but credited Shapiro for his talents as a politician and public servant and for where they have been able to make compromises. Shapiros detractors say he has not been productive as governor, having signed among the fewest number of bills (217 laws for the 2023-24 two-year legislative session) of any Pennsylvania governor in the last two decades. Ward, the top Republican in the state Senate, who is frequently at odds with the governor, said in a statement that she hopes Shapiros getting stuff done motto this year is more productive than the first two, asserting that his national ambitions have gotten in the way of taking on major issues in the state. That will require the governor to stop riding down the middle of the road and pick a lane when it comes to making decisions on the big issues facing Pennsylvania, added Ward, who has been critical of Shapiro for his hands-off approach to the potential sale of Pittsburghs U.S. Steel and his decision to try to keep Pennsylvania in the regional greenhouse gas initiative, among other issues. Bradford, the House majority leader, however, said Shapiros willingness to work across the aisle is why he has risen to the national stage as an effective leader. Everyone can see what a lot of us in Montgomery County already know, that hes highly effective, hes very efficient, and he works long hours, Bradford said. Hes been able to bridge the partisan divide where necessary, which is an accomplishment demonstrated by the fact that 18 months into office that he was already rumored for national office. Shapiro noted his good working relationships with Bradford and Pittman, who are the main negotiators at the table in budget talks a sentiment both leaders echoed. And he said he hopes the goodwill continues into 2025. We know how to work together to help give each side some wins and, most importantly, give Pennsylvania a big win, Shapiro said. When the pandemic drove people into indoor isolation, Anna Simon did what many adults did she started drinking more. Doing a daily happy hour became the transition from the workday to the evening, Simon, a Passyunk Square resident, said. Advertisement As the months went on, she noticed she didnt like how the regular cadence of alcohol made her feel. But even though most days she was only having a drink or two, she noticed it zapped her energy and productivity. She said she realized drinking had become a thoughtless habit. Simon decided to try Dry January, a challenge to abstain from drinking for the month, in 2021. Its now something she does annually, and she credits using a mindful-drinking app with moderating her consumption year-round. Still, shes looking forward to breaking her streak on Feb. 1 with a martini from Friday Saturday Sunday. Simon likely has company in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. The Inquirer analyzed daily sales at each of the 590 state-owned Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores from July 2023 to June 2024, looking at a granular level at how much wine and liquor Pennsylvanians were buying, and when. Liquor sales reached their lowest point at the beginning of January. As New Years celebrations faded to memory, sales in Philadelphia fell to 21% below their weekly average. Statewide, sales were 31% below the weekly average during the first week of January. But Simon noted shes never been able to make it all the way to Jan. 31. Here, too, shes not alone. At liquor stores across the state, alcohol sales crept back toward normal as January wore on, The Inquirers analysis found. By the first week of February, sales were down only 3% off their average. And while these data do not include beer sales or alcohol sold outside the State Store system, like sales at bars, Philadelphians have noticed both ends of the Dry January phenomenon. On January 1st, the world is your oyster and you think you can accomplish anything, said Ben Fileccia, senior vice president of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association. A few days into the new year, all of a sudden, you are back to your old, original ways. Not just Shirley Temples anymore Dry January began as a campaign by a U.K.-based charity in 2013, though its roots go back to a similar campaign in Finland in 1942, and the custom of making a change at the start of the year goes back much further. The sobriety pledge has since gone global a quarter of U.S. adults 21 and older cut out alcohol last year for Dry January, up from 16% in 2023, according to a survey by the polling organization Civic Science. For those who may feel that abstention is a step too far, Damp January is a newly popular option, too. Its a half measure, pledging to be more mindful about drinking and consume less, without being quite as rigid. Not only is our business going to be slower in general, but then even the same customers that are still coming in, they are going for nonalcoholic beers or mocktails at a much higher rate, said Amanda Swanson, a local bartender and former president and current board member of the United States Bartenders' Guilds Philadelphia chapter. In Philadelphia last January, sales at some liquor stores dropped by 25% or more compared with their monthly average. People working at bars and restaurants in the city reported similar trends and have adjusted their businesses accordingly. Weve seen zero-proof options on menus just really blow up right now. Theres a lot of people that still want to go out and enjoy themselves and be with their friends without drinking, Fileccia said. LaToi Storr, 43, of Southwest Philadelphia, said that the growth of nonalcoholic options has made it easier to keep to her Dry January pledge in her third year doing it. Theyre actually making the drinks a little bit more fun and easy to order, she said, instead of just giving them a Shirley Temple. Storr said she asked family members to join in and they told her she was on her own. But a lot of friends have been doing it, and thats really helpful, she said. Swanson said bartenders understand, too, that while business slows at the start of the month, it will soon pick back up. People lose their fortitude once theyve broken their Dry January they dont tend to have that one drink and stay dry for the rest of January. They usually just go, I only lasted two and a half weeks, and then thats it. Theyre back to drinking, she said. There could be other reasons behind Phillys dip and rise in alcohol sales their peak was in December, suggesting some people could have stocked up on booze before the holidays and kept drinking it. People in Pennsylvania buy less alcohol in the winter in general, the analysis found. But Swanson and Fileccia say they believe Dry January is a major factor driving changes in sales. Swanson said she knows plenty of people who declare their intention to drink heavily for much of December, with a promise to dry out afterward. January 1st, bang, Dry January. Cleaning up, atoning for my sins, Swanson said. A cultural shift? It is unclear whether the growing popularity of Dry January represents a meaningful shift in drinking habits. Year round, younger generations are drinking less than before. It might not necessarily be a shift toward outright sobriety, as drinks infused with adaptogens like THC or mushrooms have gotten more popular, but it appears that alcohol doesnt appeal to young people in all the ways it once did, at least for now. Earlier this month, the surgeon general called for cancer warning labels for alcohol similar to those on tobacco products. Simon said that announcement factored into her Dry January motivations this year, too. But the pandemic boosted alcohol use after lockdowns and isolation ended. A recent study from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine found that nationwide alcohol use increased during the pandemic and stayed elevated at least through 2022. In Philadelphia, State Store sales rose each fiscal year from 2020-21 to 2022-23, but remained below pre-pandemic levels. Increased drinking could explain why so a Dry January reset is so attractive to people, even if its not easy to maintain. Caroline Clancy, 29, of Point Breeze, said she decided at the last minute to join the Dry January masses this year after having an overly indulgent holiday season. So far, she has stayed alcohol-free, and the colder weather of late has kept her from being tempted to go out. But her resolve could be tested soon. A couple years ago, I broke it when the Eagles got into the Super Bowl, she said. Will Gov. Josh Shapiro finally raise a finger to save U.S. Steel? Thats been the question ever since former President Joe Biden issued a reprieve to his earlier decision to block the iconic Pennsylvania companys merger with Nippon Steel. Our governor should have supported this deal from the start. Instead, hes failed Pennsylvania workers and must right that wrong while the window is still open. Advertisement Lets be clear: This deal is essential to U.S. Steels success if not its survival. The Pittsburgh-based steelmaker has fallen on hard times, unable to compete with foreign companies and struggling to keep its steel mills open. Without Nippon Steels $13 billion purchase of U.S. Steel and agreement to invest $2.7 billion in new infrastructure, company leaders warned Pennsylvania mills would close and workers would be laid off. U.S. Steel could even move its headquarters out of Pennsylvania to Ohio, no less and perhaps even head into bankruptcy. But Shapiro never came out in favor of the deal. Instead, he tried to have it both ways, pandering to voters and interest groups instead of leading. On the one hand, Shapiro initially said he didnt love the deal because some out-of-state union executives didnt like it. On the other hand, he criticized President Donald Trumps opposition to the deal, saying it was out of step with local leaders who wanted the merger approved. These conflicting messages gave the impression Shapiro both opposed and supported the deal which was probably the point. A dead deal means dead Pennsylvania steel jobs. Shapiro also claimed he talked with Biden about saving Pennsylvania steel jobs. But no matter which tack he took, he didnt do right by his state. Either Biden didnt listen to him before killing the deal on Jan. 3, or the governor supported the deals death. The result is the same: Pennsylvania is about to lose the very steel jobs Shapiro said he wanted to protect. Now the governor is trying to clean up the mess he helped make. After Biden blocked the deal, Shapiro called on U.S. Steel to uphold their commitments to Western Pennsylvania. He also promised to continue to engage with all interested parties through dialogue. But talk is no substitute for action, and without Nippon Steels funding, U.S. Steel cant maintain its operations in the state. A dead deal means dead Pennsylvania steel jobs. Shapiro should finally realize that fact. Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel are now trying to save the deal with a lawsuit, which led Biden to delay the killing of the deal until June. Shapiro should support the lawsuit, but so far, he hasnt. Instead, the governor criticized his political opponents instead of standing up for his state. In particular, he criticized Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward for extracurricular chirping when she fought for Pennsylvania jobs. Once again, hes playing to interest groups instead of leading the way. READ MORE: In the age of tariffs, recycling is a national security issue | Opinion Every time the governor does this, Pennsylvanians lose. Shapiro showed zero willingness to openly challenge the Biden administrations ban on liquefied natural gas exports, which are critical to Pennsylvanias economy. Hes also failed for two years to keep his promise to pass Lifeline Scholarships, which would give opportunities to low-income students trapped in low-performing schools. On both issues, Shapiro has substituted talk for the action that would benefit Pennsylvanians. And Pennsylvanians need leadership more now than ever. Pittsburgh steelworkers have already lobbied Trump to reverse Bidens deal blocking. What Trump does next is yet to be seen. The president initially opposed the deal because he was totally against the once great and powerful U.S. Steel being bought by a foreign company. But Trump also recently announced major infrastructure projects with Japanese companies. As demonstrated with TikTok, the president can be impulsive and mercurial. Pennsylvanians need leadership more now than ever. Shapiro can help the president change his mind and tip the scale for Pennsylvania workers. But to do so, the governor must grow a spine and try to save the U.S. Steel-Nippon Steel deal. Shapiro needs to get serious about governing, which includes reaching across the aisle and brokering deals. Now that the U.S. Steel deal is alive through June, hell have to work with President Trump, and the governor has said he wants to. But his recent attacks on State Sen. Ward paint a different picture. If Shapiro doesnt finally start leading, an iconic Pennsylvania company may die and Pennsylvania will keep falling behind. Nathan Benefield is the chief policy officer of the Commonwealth Foundation, Pennsylvanias free-market think tank. Pro-Trump rioters struggle with police to try and take control of a door into the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The president's pardon of the insurrectionists was just one obscene act in his no-holds-barred attack on lawfulness upon returning to the White House, writes Helen Ubinas. Read more America is a nation of laws. Sure as long as those laws dont apply to the only protected class that seems to matter. No, not some DEI hire, but the powerful (read: usually white) and privileged (read: usually white men). Advertisement Lets start at the top: Hours into his second term, President Donald Trump buried accountability under a mountain of pardons for some 1,500 of his fellow criminal cronies who tried to violently overturn the 2020 election. These are not just adjudicated criminals. They are members of Trumps personal militia who violently assaulted police officers at the U.S. Capitol. Some of those officers later died. It was just one obscene act in Trumps no-holds-barred attack on lawfulness. As I type this, 22 states are challenging his executive order limiting birthright citizenship, a legal principle enshrined in the Constitution. Fortunately, a federal judge in Washington state, nominated by another Republican, Ronald Reagan, has thumbed through a copy, and put a temporary halt on Trumps assault on fellow citizens, calling the order blatantly unconstitutional. Meanwhile, several of his cabinet nominees, many of whom still wont admit Trump lost the 2020 election, are primed to break the law any law on behalf of their Dear Leader. But this is hardly just a Washington problem. The law-and-order gag runs through every Main Street in our country, and hypocrisy, like politics, is local. While the self-described president of law and order is dismantling any shred of accountability, Philadelphias local embodiment of law and order the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 is busy pushing for less transparency (and, consequently, less trust) in its latest contract negotiations. A recent story by my Inquirer colleagues laid out how the police union wants to end the police departments nearly 10-year-old policy of releasing the names of most officers involved in shootings, as well as restrict access to the kind of records The Inquirer used in 2019 to expose how the FOP uses the arbitration system to get bad cops out of trouble. (Spoiler alert: It did so often, and successfully.) The union also wants to keep the Citizens Police Oversight Commission from investigating police misconduct, and its officers to be able to run home to New Jersey or Delaware. But if they do stay put in Philadelphia, the FOP wants the poorest big city in the nation to give $100,000 interest-free loans to any officer who purchases a home here, and for each year of service, the city in other words, you, me, and the rest of the taxpayers would forgive $10,000 of that loan. Look, I get that were dealing with a shortage of cops, and we need to make a hard job more attractive. But making it possible for officers to be even more disconnected from the communities they are sworn to protect and serve along with increasing distrust among those communities is not the way to do it. To recap: Its law and order as long as its not for me and mine. The oversight commissions executive director, Tonya McClary, called the FOPs initial proposals a significant step back. Its a little alarming, she said. Oh, no, Tonya, its a lot alarming. Its almost unbelievable that George Floyds murder by a Minneapolis police officer was just in 2020. Remember the calls for reform? But that was back when people in power were cosplaying at remorse and atonement at least until everyone got back to justifying unjust systems, an act thats only been made easier with Trumps attack on diversity and inclusion. Exhibit A: Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno, who, like many Republicans, cheered the pardoning of American traitors. Jan. 6 was a long time ago, Moreno said, while having the audacity to add, Nobody is a stronger supporter of law enforcement than President Trump, myself, or JD Vance. Doesnt that sound like the kind of unsolicited thing you say when you know it isnt true? (In a too-little-too-late move, the national FOP the very same union that endorsed Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024 recently denounced the president for pardoning the Jan. 6ers who assaulted police officers.) Another favorite target of the law-and-order crowd, immigration, is also having its moment. I mean, how dare these immigrants break the law by crossing the border without authorization to come here and help build our homes, raise our crops, and take care of our children and the elderly (among other despicable lawbreaking activities)? Once upon a time in Philadelphia, the city literally named for the concept of tolerance and inclusion, former Mayor Jim Kenneys support of immigrants was despite some major missteps and flaws clear and unequivocal. Today, other than a tepid statement from Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration that Philadelphias sanctuary city policy remains in effect, the usually vocal Parker who campaigned on her own law-and-order message has been noticeably quiet on how shell deal with Trumps broad crackdown on immigrants, including a directive that now allows federal agents to enter churches, schools, and hospitals. Mayor Parker, hardworking immigrant Philadelphians our friends, our families, and our neighbors who call this city home, and who are responsible for much of its growth and vibrancy are afraid. And rightly so. The nations most powerful and privileged are uniting to unleash unspeakable harm on our most vulnerable, and submerging us in an unrelenting tide of daily injustices. Right now, we need bold policies by brave leaders to replace the selective, and often deadly, nods to law and order. You may have noticed weve been gone awhile. We said in June that we were going on a break until after the November election, and our time off ran a little long. Who can blame us? Like any break, the time away involved reflection on where weve been and where were going. Started by the late, great Daily News editor Gar Joseph in 1996, Clout has for three decades been home to this citys political shenanigans, drawing tips and tidbits about showmen, scandals, personalities, and power. Its been a glorious run, but we are in a new era. It is time for Clout to retire. Advertisement Clout was in a transition period last year after our longtime lead writer, Chris Brennan, departed for greener pastures. In its final months, Clout chronicled a Pennsylvania Society party foul, a nasty endorsement battle, and an inauguration day scuffle. Through the years, a handful of writers crafted Clout with a signature, no B.S. flavor that was defined by honesty and wrapped in a touch of irreverence. The fact is: it was always hard to define a Clout story, but you knew one when you heard one. This column may be going away, but The Inquirers candid reporting on political hijinks is not. You can find our work online here. Thank you for being loyal tipsters and readers over all these years. Well always remember the column that always punched up. P.S. Help us understand what you enjoyed most about Clout, and what you might like to see from the politics team in the future. Take the survey. Sen. Dave McCormick waves to the crowd in this 2024 photo of a campaign event with President Donald Trump. Read more The impact of Sen. Dave McCormicks victory in last years Senate race was on display late Friday as the freshman Republican cast a key vote to confirm one of President Donald Trumps most controversial cabinet picks. The Senate voted 50-50 Friday on the nomination of former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, Trumps nominee for secretary of defense. Vice President JD Vance cast a tiebreaking vote to give Hegseth the 51 needed for confirmation. Advertisement McCormicks vote helped his party overcome defections from Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the partys former Senate leader, and moderate GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine. Without the Pennsylvania freshmans vote in favor of Hegseth, the nomination would have failed. Its a vote Republicans would not have had if McCormick had not defeated longtime Democratic Sen. Bob Casey in the race for Pennsylvanias crucial Senate seat. President Trump needs his team of disrupters on day one to deliver on the promise of change to the people of Pennsylvania and America, McCormick said in a statement Thursday evening, noting he had met with Hegseth and reviewed his testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee. A fellow combat veteran, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Pete has put his life on the line to defend America, said McCormick, an Army veteran. I trust he will put the men and women who are the warfighters first. He and President Trump can build a team to transform one of the most complex and critical organizations in the world and restore peace through strength. In a pool of unconventional cabinet nominees, the selection of Hegseth has been the most contentious. In a hearing last week, he was grilled by senators about excessive drinking, extramarital affairs, and allegations of a 2017 sexual assault, which he has denied. Every Democrat voted against advancing Hegseths nomination including Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.), who had met with the former Fox News host and signaled an openness to backing him. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) said Thursday as the vote was nearing that Hegseth was an erratic person unsuited to lead the worlds greatest military. Advancing a secretary of defense is one of the most important votes senators are going to take all year, Schumer said. Is this man, with a known history of excessive drinking, the guy you want at the other end of the phone at 2 a.m. in a crisis in control of the nuclear codes? It was the first confirmation battle of Trumps second administration with such a stark partisan divide, which made McConnells vote against Hegseth that much more dramatic. McConnell had voted in favor of advancing Hegseths nomination Thursday to set up the final vote, but he ultimately opposed the nomination. He said in a detailed statement that Hegseth had failed, as yet, to demonstrate that he was ready to manage the militarys nearly 3 million personnel and nearly $1 trillion budget. But as he assumes office, the consequences of failure are as high as they have ever been, said McConnell, a former longtime Republican Senate leader who has had a tense relationship with Trump for several years. The United States faces coordinated aggression from adversaries bent on shattering the order underpinning American security and prosperity. In public comments and testimony before the Armed Services Committee, Mr. Hegseth did not reckon with this reality. Collins and Murkowski, the two moderate Republicans who voted no, also issued lengthy statements outlining their concerns. McCormick, an Army veteran, had not publicly said how he would vote but told a Harrisburg TV station that he admired Hegseths service in the National Guard and agreed with the idea that the military is too woke. McCormick told abc27 he thought women should be serve on the front lines of war as long as they meet the standard thats necessary for combat roles, like a man. Hegseth had repeatedly said he thought the military had lowered its standards when it started opening all combat positions to women in 2015, a claim that he has failed to back up with evidence and one that advocates for women in the armed forces have rejected. Politically, it was likely the first of many narrow votes for the GOP in the Senate, where the party has a six-vote majority. McCormick beat Casey in battleground Pennsylvania by less than 1%. That narrow victory could signal more narrow legislative advancements for Republicans. McCormick ran a more moderate campaign than he did in his 2022 Senate primary, but he also campaigned closely with Trump and visited with him at Mar-a-Lago and at the Army-Navy game. Why Pete Hegseth is controversial While Hegseth denied a 2017 assault allegation, he did acknowledge paying the woman a $50,000 settlement, a figure that came out on Thursday. He was in the process of a divorce at the time after having a child with a Fox News producer who became his current wife, according to court records. More allegations surfaced this week as senators vetting Hegseth received an affidavit from a former sister-in-law alleging that the onetime Fox News host was abusive to his second wife, to the point where she feared for her safety. The affidavit describes Hegseths treatment of his second wife, Samantha, and alleges repeated drunkenness and a domestic situation where Samantha Hegseth had a safe word to indicate if she was in danger at home. Hegseth has denied the allegations. Samantha Hegseth and Pete Hegseth both signed a Minnesota court document in 2021 during their divorce saying neither claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse. Fetterman was the only Democrat to vote for advancing Hegseth in an earlier procedural vote, but he voted with the rest of his party in opposing confirmation. The Pennsylvania Democrat has been his partys most vocal supporter of some of Trumps nominees. Fetterman, who visited Trump in Mar-a-Lago earlier this month, has been unapologetic about meeting with the Republican presidents nominees. Im not sure why it would be controversial to anybody if hes the individual who could potentially be the next secretary of defense, Fetterman said of his decision to meet with Hegseth in December. This article contains information from the Associated Press. Our Financial Institutions Group has raised the bar under Laurens leadership, and we expect Patrick to continue this momentum. Under his direction and with an outstanding team, we will see more growth while providing impactful insights and solutions to our clients as they navigate a dynamic financial landscape. Bessette is a fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Bates College. Bessette has also served on the board of directors for the Spencer Educational Foundation, holding positions as treasurer and chair of the grants committee. A construction contractor could have prevented the death of a worker at the Cutler Majestic Theater in Boston by following required fall protection measures, a federal investigation has found. Responding to a referral from Boston Police last August 9, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspectors arrived at the theater where NER Construction Management Inc. had been doing masonry work on the building that is owned by Emerson College. Inspectors learned the worker was removing netting from a pipe scaffold approximately 50 feet above ground when he fell. According to the investigation report, although the worker was wearing a safety harness, the employer failed to ensure that the harness was properly tied off and the employer did not conduct mandatory compliance inspections. OSHA cited NER Construction Management of Wilmington, Massachusetts for seven violations including for for failing to ensure workers used safety harnesses as required; inspect the scaffold systems for defects before the days work shift began; and rig personal fall arrest systems to stop an employee from a free fall of more than six feet. This incident is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when safety measures are disregarded, said OSHA Acting Regional Administrator Jeffrey Erskine in Boston. OSHA has proposed penalties against NER Construction Management totaling $115,221, an amount set by federal statute. NER Construction Management offers new construction, building restoration, waterproofing and sealing, and masonry work in Boston and greater New England. The company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHAs area director, or contest the findings before OSHAs review commission. Topics Workers' Compensation Contractors The MEMIC Group, headquartered in Portland, Maine, promoted Matt Holbrook to vice president of data and analytics. Holbrook, who is based in Maine, joined MEMIC in 1996 and most recently served as senior director of data, analytics and technology. In his new role, Holbrook leads the IT data & analytics team and oversees comprehensive data governance, policies and quality management while managing critical technical areas and strategic initiatives. XS Brokers Hires Dawson as SVP to Head National Carrier Relations & Strategy XS Brokers, headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, hired Annie Dawson as Senior Vice President to head national carrier relations and strategy. Dawson has over 17 years of experience in wholesale insurance, most recently serving as a director for national binding authority at RT Specialty. Her earlier career spans commercial underwriting, marketing, and placement roles.She previously served as a regional production underwriter at United Fire Group and a commercial lines underwriter/broker at Arlington/Roe, & Co. Topics Agencies Johnson & Johnson is balking at paying $30 million in punitive damages on top of a $15 million jury award to a Connecticut man who developed cancer after using the companys talcum powder for decades. The company has labeled the proposed $30 million figure as astronomical and claims there should be no punitive damages at all in the case or, if there must be, no more than $5 million. In December, a Fairfield County jury ordered the company to pay $15 million in compensatory damages to Evan Plotkin after finding his use of Johnsons Baby Powder significantly contributed to the development of his mesothelioma. Plotkin sued in 2021 soon after he was diagnosed with the fatal disease. Johnson & Johnson lost its bid to have the judge throw out the jury verdict. The jury also found that Johnson & Johnson should pay additional punitive damages in an amount decided by the judge overseeing the case. Plotkins lawyers have asked the judge to approve punitive damages of $30 million, which is twice the compensatory damages and the maximum allowed under the states statutory cap on punitive damages. The Jury in this case found that J&Js conduct was reckless, intentional, and/or malicious. J&Js conduct was extremely reprehensible it concealed and ignored the presence of potent carcinogens in their products, which resulted in product users developing an incurable, aggressive, and incurable form of cancer, the legal brief for Plotkin says. Plotkins lawyers argue that a punitive damages award of the maximum amount permissible is warranted in this case and would be consistent with other Connecticut cases and with similar cases in other states. Thats not how Johnson & Johnson sees it. The company believes the record does not support any punitive damages at all and certainly not anything remotely near that figure. However, the companys lawyers say in their brief, if the court disagrees, it should decline to issue an eight-figure punitive award against a company that engaged in extensive safety efforts. Instead, the court should award only a nominal award orat mostlimit any punitive damages award to $5 million, according to the Johnson & Johnson court memorandum. It bases the $5 million on a case last month in which a jury in the same Connecticut court awarded mesothelioma plaintiffs in another talc case $15 million in compensatory damages and the court approved $7.5 million in punitive damages. The Plotkin case warrants an even lower figure because the $7.5 million punitive damages award was divided between a decedents estate and his spouse while in the Plotkin case there is only a single, living plaintiff, who will receive the entire amount, according to Johnson & Johnson. Plotkins attorneys point out that the plaintiff In the $7.5 million case was 82-years-old at death compared to Plotkin who is 67-years-old now and has to live with a fatal cancer. Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson is seeking to settle claims by more than 62,000 baby powder cancer claims through a more than $8 billion settlement in bankruptcy. That matter is currently before a bankruptcy judge in Texas. Johnson & Johnson stopped selling its talc-based powder products in the U.S. in 2020. Following a dramatic last-minute settlement in court, Prince Harry has again been victorious in his mission to take on the UKs tabloid press. Rupert Murdochs News Group Newspapers (NGN) publishers of the Sun as well as the now defunct News of the World offered the Duke of Sussex a full and unequivocal apology for the serious intrusion by the Sun between 1996 and 2011 into his private life, including incidents of unlawful activities. They have also agreed to pay him substantial damages as well as legal costs. The total is likely to amount to at least 10 million. This was a humiliating climbdown for the Murdoch press, which has denied for years that the Sun was ever involved in unlawful activity. Over the last 15 years News Group has settled over 1,300 claims, costing the company around 1.2 billion. It also raises a number of important questions about the future of any further litigation about coverup allegations that remain unresolved and about the prospect for further police and government action to protect the public interest. For Prince Harry, it was further vindication of his longstanding campaign to hold the British press accountable for years of intrusion not just into his own, but also his mothers private life. In 2023, a court judgment found that Mirror Group newspapers had committed widespread and habitual phone hacking from 1998 (which had also been strenuously denied, and for which Harry received over 400,000 in damages). For Harry, the apology from News Group is a welcome admission from another major tabloid publisher. Questions remain about serious allegations of a cover-up at the highest levels of NGN that were due to be tested in court. Reading a statement on behalf of Prince Harry and his fellow claimant, former Labour Party deputy leader Lord Watson, their lawyer David Sherborne alleged that senior executives deliberately obstructed justice by deleting over 30 million emails, destroying backup tapes, and making false denials [and] repeatedly lied under oath to cover their tracks. These allegations have been strenuously denied by News Group, but it is now very unlikely that we will ever hear the evidence. This settlement raises questions both about accountability for malpractice and about access to justice for those who dont have the deep pockets of a celebrity or a royal. When ordinary people suffer from corruption or incompetence, there are strident calls for those responsible to be held to account think of the Post Office and infected blood scandals. Public inquiries are invariably followed by some kind of government action. The second half of the Leveson inquiry set up by the Cameron government in 2011 in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal was designed precisely to investigate the nature and extent of corporate wrongdoing. But it was cancelled by the Conservative government in 2018 after intense lobbying by the press. With the settlement of the Prince Harry/Lord Watson cases, it is very unlikely that there will be further opportunities for scrutiny of the Murdoch papers. Any further phone hacking claimants will almost certainly be deemed out of time. And anyway, the UKs litigation system is not designed for those with limited resources trying to take on wealthy and powerful corporations. A potential threat might be further investigations by the Metropolitan Police. Sherborne finished his statement by calling on the police to investigate not only the unlawful activity now finally admitted, but the perjury and coverups throughout this painful process. The police would have to satisfy themselves that any evidence they receive reaches the threshold for a criminal inquiry, and may themselves be fearful of a press backlash should they launch one. The broader question is what repercussions these admissions may have for the future of press regulation in Britain. While the press maintains that any bad behaviour is now confined to history, there is little public confidence in its own complaints handler, the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso). Ipso was established in defiance of the independent system recommended by the Leveson report. But that framework, first agreed with cross-party support in 2013, has never been properly implemented. And a crucial component, which would have provided an incentive for publishers to join a regulator that was part of the Leveson system, was repealed as one of the last acts of the previous Conservative administration. The question for Keir Starmer and culture secretary Lisa Nandy is whether this court settlement will prompt meaningful political action to shore up public protection from press misconduct. Interviewed on BBC radio following the court settlement, Nandy spoke encouragingly about the need to ensure that there were robust processes in place. She made it clear that the government would be looking at options but did not clarify what they might be. Any government action will be bitterly resisted by the press but may be given a further boost by the final act of Prince Harrys campaign for accountability. He is one of seven claimants including Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Elton John, and actresses Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley making serious allegations against the publishers of the Daily Mail. They have accused Associated Newspapers of illegal activities, including the recording of private phone conversations, placing listening devices in cars and obtaining private records by deceit. All those allegations are vehemently denied, and their case is much more likely to result in extended court proceedings around 12 months from now. While the phone-hacking saga may be all but over, the legacy of Britains tabloid culture and its unlawful information gathering practices whether actual or alleged will rumble on for some time. And Prince Harry should take a great deal of credit for pursuing the truth, even in the face of ferocious press attacks. Related: Specialist Risk Group (SRG), the London-based insurance intermediary, announced it will acquire the assets of Ecclesia Group in The Netherlands and Belgium a move that will see seven businesses and 700 new colleagues across the two countries join SRG. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Ecclesia Group is Germanys largest insurance broker for companies and institutions. Renowned for its expertise in industrial and specialist insurance solutions, Ecclesia delivers innovative risk solutions across Europe, placing approximately 3 billion per annum into the global insurance markets. SRG said the acquisition marks a significant step in its international growth strategy and its first in mainland Europe, following its launch in Asia Pacific in 2024. Last year, SRG announced 12 acquisitions and also completed a round of refinancing, welcoming Warburg Pincus and Temasek as majority shareholders. In addition to the acquisition, Ecclesia Group will join Warburg Pincus and Temasek as shareholders of SRG. This unique investment structure establishes a long-term partnership between SRG and Ecclesia Group, allowing both organizations to collaborate strategically while setting their sights on growth opportunities in Europe and beyond. As part of the partnership, Ecclesia Group CEO Jochen Korner will join the SRG board as a non-executive director, bringing his extensive expertise to support SRG in its next chapter. This transformative partnership is a pivotal moment for SRG as we continue to expand our capabilities and reach. Welcoming 700 new colleagues across Europe doubles our headcount, marking a significant step in our international expansion and further enriching our specialist capabilities, according to Warren Downey, group CEO of SRG. We are delighted to enter into this unique partnership with SRG, a business that shares our dedication to specialist expertise and client service, commented Korner. This partnership allows us to focus on strengthening our position in the German market while our international assets contribute to SRGs international growth journey. Source: Specialist Risk Group Topics Mergers & Acquisitions ZestyAI, a provider of AI-powered property and risk analytics, announced that its Severe Convective Storm suite, including Z-HAIL, Z-WIND, and Z-STORM, has received regulatory approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. This milestone supports Minnesota insurers in improving storm risk assessment, enhancing underwriting precision, and supporting proactive risk management strategies. ZestyAIs Severe Convective Storm suite delivers property-specific risk insights by combining climatology analysis with granular property data. Key features include: Z-HAIL: Evaluates each roofs unique characteristics, including accumulated damage, to predict which properties are likely to file a claim, even in the same neighborhood. Z-WIND: Uses AI-generated 3D analysis revealing pivotal insights about roof condition, complexity, and potential points of failure. Z-STORM: Predicts the frequency and severity of storm damage claims, examining the interaction between climatology and the unique characteristics of every structure and roof This approval builds on a series of regulatory endorsements in key wind and hail-prone states across the Great Plains, Midwest, and U.S. South, including Texas, Colorado, Indiana, Missouri, and Iowa, among others. Topics Minnesota A U.S. auto safety agency said on Friday it is reconsidering a landmark rule from the administration of former President Joe Biden requiring nearly all new cars and trucks by 2029 to have advanced automatic emergency braking systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it would delay the effective date to March 20 to give the new Trump administration time to further review the regulation. Related: US to Require New Cars to Have Emergency Braking Systems by 2029 The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing General Motors, Toyota Motor, Volkswagen and other automakers, last week filed suit to block the rule, saying the regulation is practically impossible with available technology. The group asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to overturn the rule, saying the requirement that cars and trucks must be able to stop and avoid striking vehicles in front of them at up to 62 miles per hour (100 kph) is unrealistic. It unsuccessfully asked NHTSA last year to reconsider the rule. The rule is one of the most far-reaching U.S. auto-safety regulations in recent years. NHTSA said the rule will save at least 360 lives annually and prevent at least 24,000 injuries as traffic deaths spiked after the pandemic. Alliance CEO John Bozzella, who has written to Trump urging him to reconsider the regulation, in November called the regulation wrong on the merits. Wrong on the science. Really a disastrous decision. Congress directed NHTSA in the 2021 infrastructure law to establish minimum-performance standards for automatic emergency braking systems, which use sensors such as cameras and radar to detect when a vehicle is close to crashing and then automatically apply brakes if the driver has not done so. In 2016, 20 automakers voluntarily agreed to make automatic emergency braking standard on nearly all U.S. vehicles by 2022. By late 2023, all 20 had equipped at least 95% of vehicles with the braking systems, but critics say there is no way to ensure effectiveness without government regulations. NHTSA in May 2023 proposed requiring vehicles to comply in three years, but automakers are now getting five years. Topics USA Politics Texas and nine other Republican-led states are ratcheting up pressure on Wall Streets diversity programs, asking firms about their policies on hiring and supplier selections as the Trump administration moves to gut DEI. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote on Thursday to the firms saying they appear to unlawfully advance discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and demanded they respond to a series of questions about their programs. He said the companies may have breached their fiduciary duties by pursuing an ulterior political motive or agenda. The letter was sent to Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America Corp., Citigroup Inc. and money manager BlackRock Inc. You appear to have embraced race- and sex-based quotas and to have made business and investment decisions based not on maximizing shareholder and asset value, but in the furtherance of political agendas, Paxton said in a letter obtained by Bloomberg. Paxton gave the firms 45 days to respond to the questions. Before pursuing legal action, we are extending to each of you an opportunity to avoid a lengthy enforcement action, he wrote. Goldman Sachs and Citigroup declined to comment, while BlackRock and the other banks havent provided a response. The letter comes after Trump, in his second day in office, ordered federal contractors to affirm they dont engage in illegal discrimination, including illegal DEI. He directed government agencies to draw up a list of publicly traded companies for potential investigations into compliance violations. JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs chief executive officers said on Wednesday that they will continueto focus on efforts to promote DEI in their workforces and customer bases. Were going to continue to reach out to the Black community, the Hispanic community, the LGBT community, the veterans community, JPMorgans Jamie Dimon said. The attorneys general cited pledges and goals made and set by finance firms since 2021 to bolster hiring of women and minorities. For example, JPMorgan pledged to hire 4,000 Black students by 2024 and Goldman set a goal of spending more than $1 billion on diverse vendors. Corporate America ramped up its diversity efforts in the wake of the MeToo movement and the 2020 death of George Floyd that sparked nationwide unrest. In November, Paxton led a move to sue BlackRock, Vanguard Group Inc. and State Street Corp. for allegedly breaching antitrust laws by using climate investing strategies to suppress coal production. BlackRock said the suggestion that it invested money in companies with the goal of harming them is baseless and defies common sense. In Thursdays letter, Paxton also asked firms about their net zero emissions commitments and use of shareholder votes and conversations with companies to shift away from fossil fuels. For instance, the attorneys general asked BlackRock for details about communications it had with Climate Action 100+, an environmental group, and reasons for backing shareholder proposals focused on climate change. They also asked banks for information related to the steps they have taken to meet net zero goals. Financial firms, including the six cited by Paxton, have quit climate groups since early last month. The attorneys general that joined Paxton in sending the letter to the banks and BlackRock include those from Utah, Iowa, Indiana and Alabama. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Texas So, you're interested in China? | More than just rednote, Chinese social media for 'TikTok refugees' People's Daily Online) 17:42, January 24, 2025 TikTok-ban scare for users of the app in the United States created a wonderful opportunity for cross-cultural exchange, as tons of the app's users found their way to the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu, or rednote. The resulting sharing and conversations led to people across the world learning more about each other, and enjoying the separate but equally interesting social media cultures found in different countries. Even with TikTok currently returning to operations in the US, some of these "TikTok refugees" have decided to stick around on the app. With that in mind, we thought it would be a good time to talk a bit more about the Chinese social media landscape, as there's a lot more to it than just sharing cat pictures and videos on rednote. Hopefully with this guide, you will be ready for the next social media migration! (Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming) A man fatally shot a Georgia fire battalion chief and wounded the driver of a car that hit a deer in rural Alabama, authorities said. The Coweta County, Georgia, fire department is mourning the death of James Bartholomew Cauthen, 54, remembering him as an amazing, hard-working man with a gentle soul, who worked for the department for more than 24 years, according to a Facebook post. Cauthen was helping a couple whose car had struck a deer Sunday afternoon in Chambers County, Alabama, just west of the border with Georgia, the sheriff department wrote in a Facebook post. Cauthen, the battalion chief for the Coweta County Fire Rescue in Georgia, walked with the driver to a nearby property to ask for help because the couple couldnt get service, Chambers County Sheriff Department Chief Deputy Mike Parrish told WRBL. Authorities said the property owner, William Randall Franklin, 34, opened fire on Cauthen and the driver, killing Cauthen and wounding the driver. The driver was armed and returned fire, wounding Franklin. Law enforcement then arrived and took the driver and Franklin to a hospital. The drivers wife never left the car and was uninjured during the shootout. Court records in Georgia show that Franklin was arrested on Monday afternoon on a charge of being a fugitive from justice in Alabama. He is currently detained in the Muscogee County Jail. The Chambers County sheriffs department said that there is a murder warrant for Franklin in Alabama. There was no attorney listed to speak on Franklins behalf on Tuesday afternoon. Definitely an eerie sense of emptiness in the bay this morning, Coweta County fire fighter Cody Darracott wrote on Facebook on Monday. The post described Cauthen as the epitome of a Godly, selfless, hardworking man. IJ Editors Note: The fatality could raise questions about whether Cauthens family will be considered eligible for workers compensation survivor benefits, including: Was the chief engaged in work-related actions at the time of the shooting? Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Auto Alabama Sugarcane crops in Louisiana and Florida, the only two states producing sugar from cane in the United States, could be hurt by the cold snap in the area, while citrus farms seemed to have mostly been spared, experts said on Wednesday. Single-digit temperatures will destroy all of the vegetative growth and set the crop back in a serious manner resulting in notable declines in production potential, said Drew Lerner, a meteorologist at World Weather Inc. Florida and Louisiana account for 43% of U.S. sugar output, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are expected to produce 4.06 million short tons out of total U.S. production of 9.4 million short tons in the current season. The rest comes from beets. Sugarcane is mostly grown in warmer regions. Negative temperatures can burn the leaves of young plants, killing them or delaying their development. This years harvest was concluded earlier this month, so the sugarcane was starting to sprout again. The snow that fell over most of Louisiana, however, can help. It can protect the young cane plants from the cold winds. My past experiences indicate that the snow we received will insulate the roots in the ground. We will be monitoring in the coming weeks, said Kenneth Gravois, a researcher and professor at Louisiana State University. Gravois said this seasons sugar is safely stored, so any impact to the plants will be felt only in the next season. The U.S. imports around 30% of the sugar it uses, mostly from Mexico. Any production shortage would lead to higher imports. Citrus plants appeared to have escaped the cold. Most of the (citrus) industry is still based in the South, and our area has not had a freeze yet this year, said Christopher Vincent, associate professor at the University of Florida. Topics Florida Windstorm Louisiana The California Insurance Wholesalers Association made transitions within its executive board and named new additions to its board of directors. The changes to the CIWA board are: Yana Connors of Ck Specialty was appointed president, transitioning from her previous role as vice president of Ck Specialty was appointed president, transitioning from her previous role as vice president Garett Kaneko of Amwins moves into the position of vice president, having served as treasurer of Amwins moves into the position of vice president, having served as treasurer Sarah Sloan of Paragon Insurance Holdings steps into the role of treasurer, previously serving as secretary of Paragon Insurance Holdings steps into the role of treasurer, previously serving as secretary Aimee Bernadicou of Wholesure assumes the position of secretary, transitioning from her role as a director of Wholesure assumes the position of secretary, transitioning from her role as a director John Donahue, also of Wholesure, remains on the board and transitions to the role of Immediate past president Additionally, CIWA welcomed two new members to its board of directors: David Klayman of Seneca, the associations platinum sponsor of Seneca, the associations platinum sponsor Jack Else of Nationwide CIWA is a trade association representing E&S insurance wholesalers, carriers and supporting entities in California. The impact of the historic Los Angeles-area wildfires is being broadly examined and continually refined, with updates almost daily on insured losses, total economic losses and damages, credit ratingsand lately worrying outlooks for the effect of the fires on insurance rates. Tens of thousands of properties will be ultimately lost when final counts come in, along with dozens of fatalities. Insured losses range from $8 billion for the two largest fires to $40 billion for all five. Total economic losses are expected to be well into the hundreds of billions of dollars. The blazes were driven by hurricane-force winds fanning over bone-dry brushmercifully, the area had rain in the forecast. The numbers from the fires, though likely to continue to change, are worth noting now. Rates The losses from the L.A. fires are expected to cause property insurance carriers to raise rates, reduce coverage options, or both, in California and other at-risk areas, according to S&P. This could be made worse in the likely event that the California FAIR Plan falls short of funds, S&P stated. California wildfires have had a significant impact on the U.S. property insurance industry over the past three decades, driving up premiums, shaping underwriting practices, and challenging regulatory reform, S&P stated. The most recent California wildfires, which started in early January in Los Angeles County, are expected to result in substantial losses for insurers. Post event, we believe property insurance carriers will raise rates and/or reduce coverage options. While states like California, Oregon, and Washington are on the lower end of the scale of average annual insurance premiums, S&P expects the relative position of these fire-prone states will increase sharply in the coming years. California homeowner insurance profitability has been on par with the rest of the country over the past decade as measured by the direct simple combined ratio, but DSCR levels for 2025 in the state are expected to be at least as extreme as in 2017 and 2018 (when the state experienced back-to-back years of severe and deadly wildfires), which will contribute to why insurance in California will become more costly, according to S&P. S&P said anticipated increased insurance premiums will also further strain home affordability in the state, possibly leading to downward pressure on home values in a state already been experiencing muted population growth. Additionally, rising insurance costs and affordability challenges could eventually weigh on the creditworthiness of the state of California. However, S&Ps current rating outlook for the state is stable. S&Ps report follows a data from Moodys out earlier this week that the states already noticeable insurance pricing and availability challenges are likely to intensify, with negative implications for property prices, consumer spending and public sector credit quality. Insured Losses Preliminary estimates from Moodys RMS are for insured property losses to be as much as $30 billion from the fires. Catastrophe modeler KCC said on Thursday that insured loss from privately insured and California FAIR plan policies to residential, commercial and industrial properties, and autos from the Palisades and Eaton Fires will be close to $28 billion. Estimates issued by Verisk earlier this week peg insured losses to property from the Palisades and Eaton fires between $28 billion and $35 billion, which includes losses to the California FAIR Plan. The highest figures issued on insured losses so far include a high of $40 billion put out last week from Keefe Bruyette & Woods analysts. CoreLogic indicated a $35 to $45 billion range of insured losses for two major fires in Los Angeles. At one point the L.A. area had five significant ongoing wildfires. Total losses from the fires are expected to be massive. AccuWeather revised its preliminary estimate of the total damage and economic loss from the fires to between $250 billion and $275 billion. Ratings Its still unclear what impact the fires will have on the ratings of individual insurers that have a significant presence in California. State Farm, Farmers Insurance Group, Liberty Mutual Insurance Companies, CSAA Insurance Group, Mercury Insurance Group, Allstate Insurance Group, Auto Club Enterprises, USAA Group and Travelers Group are the states biggest homeowners insurers, according to AM Bests latest data. Fitch Ratings said in an outlook revision that it expects Mercury General Corp.s credit profile will withstand the impact of the Eaton and Palisades fires near Los Angeles. But the ratings agency on Friday also gave a negative outlook for Mercury that reflects the potential for credit deterioration and financial pressure from a third large catastrophe event or an aggregation of smaller weather-related claims. The negative outlook also reflects some uncertainty on the reinsurance program capacity that would be available should another event occur, according to Fitch. FAIR Plan/Reinsurance The L.A. fires could consume more than 30% of the aggregate natural catastrophe budgets set for 2025 by Europes four largest reinsurers Swiss Re, Munich Re, Hannover Re and SCOR, according to another Fitch Ratings commentary. Insured losses to global insurers and reinsurers will materially exceed highs from past wildfire events, the ratings agency said. While the impact of the fires on European reinsurers natural catastrophe budgets will be significant, the implications for their earnings and capital are not likely to be material, said Fitch in its commentary titled LA Fires May Consume 30% of European Reinsurers 2025 Catastrophe Budgets, which it published on Jan. 22. The FAIR Plan doesnt have enough surplus for this level of loss, Gerald Glombicki, senior director at Fitch Ratings, said in an interview with Insurance Journal. The FAIR plan disclosed reinsurance first kicks in after claims will reach $900 million, and policy exposure of $4.8 billion to structures in the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fire zones, according to Moodys. That means insurers in California will be forced to bolster FAIR Plans financial position. FAIR Plan as of nearly a year ago had $336 billion of property exposure with surplus of just $200 million, and $700 million of cash on hand, according to Victoria Roach, who testified before the California Assembly Insurance Oversight Committee on March 13. (Editors note: Current figures for this year cannot be confirmed). According to FAIR Plan statistics, it has $5.9 billion of exposure to the destructive Palisades fire, its fifth highest wildfire exposure concentration. Fires Five fires raged simultaneously around the L.A. area at one point, but two blazes inflicted the most damage. Two new wildfires erupted in Southern California this week, forcing evacuations, however containment on both blazes has rapidly increased. The Palisades Fire is the largest of the fires, occurring in an area populated with numerous high-value properties. It has burned 23,448 acres and is 68% contained. Aerial imagery overlays show roughly 7,700 structures may have been damaged or destroyed, according to CalFire. The agency confirmed 6,809 residential or commercial structures were destroyed and 972 structures have been damaged. There have been 11 confirmed fatalities. The Eaton Fire near Altadena has burned 14,021 acres and is 91% contained. According to CalFire, 9,418 residential and commercial structures have been destroyed, and 1,073 structures were damaged. There have been 17 reported fatalities. Top photo: Eaton Fire near Los Angeles, California in January 2025. Source: CalFire. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Profit Loss Wildfire Louisiana Organisations in Ireland and worldwide are investing significant sums of money in employee wellbeing. In 2021, they spent $61.2bn (59.5bn) on stress management training, resilience programmes, team building exercises, and lunchtime yoga sessions. Its a trend set to continue, with the Harvard Business Review predicting that global spending on workplace wellness will reach $94.6bn (92bn) by 2026. There are good reasons why organisations think its worth spending this money. They know that employees who feel well are more motivated, perform better, and have more energy for innovative work, says Deirdre OShea, professor of work and organisational psychology at the University of Limerick. Studies have proven the link between employee wellbeing and productivity. Take two international studies published in 2023, for example. One showed happier employees were more productive, while the other found that happy workplaces were more profitable. Yet, a question remains: Do wellness interventions make employees feel better? William Fleming, a research fellow at the University of Oxfords Wellbeing Research Centre, attempted to answer this question in a study published last year. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/irj.12418. There has been extensive debate and plenty of cynicism about this over the past decade, so I wanted to test these concerns, he says. Dr William Fleming, a research fellow at the University of Oxfords Wellbeing Research Centre His study looked at a wide range of wellbeing interventions and controversially concluded that almost none had a lasting impact on worker wellbeing or job satisfaction. While these findings do not entirely discount positive effects for some individual workers, any such effect may be averaged out by a negative effect elsewhere, he concluded. It isnt the only study to have arrived at this conclusion. A 2019 study looked at some 33,000 workers across the US and found no differences in clinical health markers, healthy behaviours, job absenteeism, or performance between those who completed workplace wellness programmes and those who didnt. Combatting specific stressors Associate professor in organisational behaviour at Trinity College, Wladislaw Rivkin, believes these findings reveal a common misunderstanding in organisations one-size-fits-all interventions can improve health equally for everyone. He gives the example of time management training. That might be useful for someone who works autonomously and has to manage their time themselves but not so useful for someone who works on a factory conveyor belt, he says. Rivkin argues that it would make more sense for organisations to assess the specific stressors affecting employees before suggesting any intervention. The way organisations deploy interventions currently probably wastes a lot of time and resources as they are not focussed on the specific stressors employees face, he says. Wladislaw Rivkin. Picture: Edward Moss OShea agrees: Im not at all surprised that many intervention programmes are ineffective in the long term because, for the most part, organisations dont engage in any form of diagnosis before introducing them. Organisations ought to follow the same process doctors do when they ask patients whats wrong before recommending a course of treatment based on symptoms. Organisations should identify what aspects of employee wellbeing need to be improved. Research suggests that structural change is more beneficial than individual interventions. OShea refers to the European working conditions survey 2021 which canvassed more than 70,000 workers across 36 countries. It found that the biggest stressors on workers were the social demands made on them in terms of having to deal with people and handling the likes of verbal aggression; work intensity and workload; our always-on culture where its hard to disconnect; unsocial work hours and shift work; and job insecurity, she says. Rivkin suggests that reflecting on the Job Demands-Resources model might be helpful. It argues that the two factors influencing employee wellbeing are job demands and job resources. Both factors should be balanced, with employees having adequate resources to meet the demands of their work. The problem is that workplace interventions often overly focus on enhancing resources. Imagine someone under constant time pressure to get their work done. If their employer introduced an after-lunch mindfulness session, it would likely have negative rather than positive effects, says Rivkin. Instead of reducing stress, it would extend their working day, and while meditating, rather than relaxing, theyd likely be thinking of all the work tasks they still had to complete. He believes employers would be better advised to reduce job demands. Take the chronic staff shortages in the medical sector, for example, he says. I cant think of any wellness intervention that would alleviate stress on workers as much as increasing the number of employees. However, because structural change is complicated, he understands why many organisations continue offering interventions aimed at changing the individual worker rather than the workplace. In many professions, specific demands are so ingrained that they are difficult or expensive to change, he says. This is the reason why organisations often introduce superficial interventions that are unlikely to be beneficial but allow them to claim they support the health and wellbeing of their workforce. Introduction of new ISO standard OShea expects that even more employers will want to be seen to prioritise employee wellbeing following the introduction of a new International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standard. Dr Deirdre OShea, professor of work and organisational psychology at the University of Limerick. Photograph Liam Burke/Press 22 ISO standards are internationally agreed benchmarks, and theres a new one ISO standard 45003 that relates to managing psychosocial risks in the workplace, she says. Its going to put greater pressure on employers to pay attention to the impact of work on the psychological health of employees. She advises employers who want to do this effectively to seek the help of experts trained in assessing a workforces needs, designing interventions that cater for those needs and then evaluating the impact of such interventions over time: If thats not possible, another option is to follow the guidelines in the World Health Organization document on mental health at work.https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240057944, This document separates workplace interventions into three broad categories: 1. Preventing exposure to risk through the design of the job and the workplace itself; 2. Promoting and protecting workers wellbeing by training in skills required to cope with and manage the demands of their jobs; 3. Supporting people with specific mental health conditions to participate in and thrive in the workplace. Its a document that provides an easy-to-understand framework for implementing wellness interventions, says OShea. Whether or not employers use it, she believes all wellness interventions must start with a needs assessment: Most organisations carry out some sort of employee engagement survey, and these could be used to ask specific questions to identify what issues would benefit from being targeted through interventions. Employees should then be given the choice to engage with these interventions, as there can be resistance when things are mandated from the top. Those who engage should be evaluated over time to see if the intervention was effective. Fleming hopes his research will encourage employers to invest more thought into supporting workplace wellbeing. Hed like to see them actively try to reduce employee stress rather than promoting programmes that enable employees to cope with it. We know there are enlightened organisations and HR managers who are well aware that a relaxation class wont solve the problem of stress in the workplace, he says. Id like my research to give those people the ammunition they need to argue for more comprehensive strategies that really make a positive difference to peoples working lives. Hollywood may not have been quite ready to see Kneecap walking down the red carpet smoking a joint but the makers of the comedy biopic about the hip-hop trio say it has shown there is a bright future for Irish-language cinema and an indigenous industry in Belfast. The producers of the film which is named after the group and their family and friends turned out to watch the Academy Awards nominations announcement in Maddens bar in Belfast with the band tuning in on Zoom from London, where they are recording a new album. Richard Peppiatt, the films director, said: They didnt get their big moment. I am not ecstatic, but weve achieved far beyond what we could have expected a year ago. Its a controversial film, but we will go again and next time we will get there. We have the Baftas and Iftas to come. I think this is an amazing moment for the local, indigenous industry. Maybe Tom Hanks [and other Hollywood grandees] wasnt ready for Kneecap smoking a joint on the red carpet, he added. Based loosely on the real lives of the west Belfast rap trio, it had been shortlisted in the best international feature award category and best original song for Sick in the Head at the upcoming 97th Oscars but missed out on both. The comedy film has been described as one of the buzziest indie films of 2024 by the Hollywood bible Variety, but the band will never know whether their blunt messages about young working-class people in a post-Troubles city (including pro-Palestinian positions) affected their chances. Ainle O Caireallain said his brother Naoise, the member of Kneecap who goes by the stage name Moglai Bap, would be disappointed but their efforts to promote the Irish language would not change. The lads are carrying a strong message, its a message about the Irish language, its about colonisation, its about young peoples lives here in a post-conflict era. Theyve also been very outspoken about Palestine and tending the occupation there and the genocide and Im sure that ruffles a few feathers. But they are not going to compromise on that and that is the right thing to do. Peppiatt added: Weve still got the impetus, were still having fun, we dont take it too seriously, were making films here, not curing cancer. Ultimately all these accolades are just a nice little candle on the cake. The film has been nominated for six Baftas next month, including outstanding British film, and has landed 17 nominations for the Iftas. Trevor Birney, an investigative journalist and film producer who teamed up with Peppiatt, a former Daily Star journalist, to make the film joked that there would be a sequel but that it would be 20 years before it saw the light of day. He said he believed this is a moment of celebration for the Irish language and for funders who had the courage to back the film, including the Irish-language broadcast fund in Northern Ireland, Screen Ireland and TG4. It takes a village to make a film. All of this showcases the talent that is here in Belfast. Read More Disappointment as Kneecap 'snubbed' in 2025 Oscar nominations Guardian Calls to pause Leaving Cert reforms, a teacher recruitment crisis and employment precarity at third-level institutions are some of the key issues in education facing new ministers. Fine Gaels Helen McEntee has been appointed Minister for Education and Youth, while Fianna Fail's James Lawless has been appointed as Minister for Further and Higher Education. The appointments come at a time when the recruitment and retention crisis amongst teachers is worsening, and schools are experiencing unprecedented difficulties filling vacancies, according to Michael Gillespie, general secretary of the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI). While the accommodation emergency affects all of society and must be dealt with on a national basis, contracts of full hours must be provided from initial appointment to boost recruitment and teachers must have access to enhanced career structures to ensure staff retention. It must also be made easier for Irish teachers to return home from abroad. At third level, investment is lagging behind, he added. As a result, the ratio of students to lecturers has been consistently and unacceptably higher than international norms". This is a shameful and unacceptable legacy of a refusal at political level to address the sectors funding crisis in any meaningful way. The new Government must commit to a long-term, sustainable funding model for the Technological University and Institute of Technology sector. The scourge of precarity of employment in higher education settings must also be properly tackled. The TUI has also called for a delay in rolling out Senior Cycle redevelopment. The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) has also called for a pause, highlighting teachers' concerns around the authentication of project work. Mr Gillespie said: "The accelerated pace of the redevelopment risks undermining both educational standards and fairness for Leaving Certificate students. There is far too much at stake for this not to be done properly." The health portfolio has previously been dubbed a 'poisoned chalice' so what are the challenges facing the new ministers in health, mental health, and disability? Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD for Dun Laoghaire steps into the health ministers role. There have been some questions raised about having another politician from the east in this post, following two Wicklow TDs Stephen Donnelly and Simon Harris and before that Leo Varadkar from Dublin. Ms Carroll MacNeill will need to tune into the gaps in healthcare for Cork, Limerick, and Galway, for example. Limerick has seen a boost in funding and investment through efforts to address decades of neglect, but will that continue? Nationally, more than 550,000 people are waiting for their first outpatient appointment with many gaps in infrastructure needed to be filled to reduce that. Pledges to build elective hospitals for Cork and Galway have only slowly progressed. Surgical hubs promised for Munster to open and reduce overcrowding by last summer will now open on a phased basis starting in the summer of 2026 instead. Looming over all of this is the new Childrens Hospital with costs estimated at 2.2bn. The latest completion date for construction is now June, so could Ms Carroll MacNeill be the minister to cut the opening ribbon? Less high-profile openings have continued in community care including new post-natal maternity hubs in places like Listowel. The minister will be expected to keep this momentum going. She could, however, face widespread strikes linked to pay and staffing disputes. The free contraception scheme is now seeing women from 17 to 35 benefit but plans for free HRT products from this month have not been rolled out. A new national framework for endometriosis care seems to have stalled, leaving thousands waiting in pain despite progress in opening new clinics. An inquiry has opened into the historic prescribing of valproate to pregnant women. Findings from this could prove difficult for the minister, with families calling for compensation. Mental health Mary Butler has retained the minister of state position with responsibility for mental health. There has been disquiet already that she also holds the busy post of chief whip. Psychotherapist Richard Horgan recently wrote in this newspaper of families harrowing stories of shambolic care in the midst of mental health crisis linked to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs). The Mental Health Commission published a damning report on services in 2023 but limited progress appears to have been made on its recommendations. Minister of State Mary Butler. It had also called for the Mental Health Bill to be enacted. This was, however, one of the pieces of legislation dropped by the wayside under the last government. Ms Butler will also be expected to continue developing supports for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Adult waiting lists are growing while innovative new clinics such as in Ballincollig in Cork need to be rolled out further. Disability Norma Foley is now minister at the newly-named Department of Children, Disability and Equality. She is supported by Hildegarde Naughton as minister of state attending cabinet with responsibility for disability. Enable Ireland CEO John OSullivan has said new ministers already have a blueprint for action in the Action Plan for Disability Service 2024-2026 and Disability Capacity Review to 2032. Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality being appointed to Cabinet by President Michael D Higgins. Picture: Leon Farrell Between those two pieces of work, there is a clear pathway on what needs to be done, he said. Adults living with disabilities and parents of young children on long waiting lists for therapies, education, and all sorts of services will be watching. They could also face potential strike action. These portfolios are certainly ones where politicians can make a difference to peoples lives in a very real way. A minister of state for older people is expected to be announced next week. The question is now, how effectively will they take on that challenge? A 34-year-old man accused of raping and sexually assaulting two girls who were aged 12 at the time of the alleged incidents was served with a book of evidence. Det. Garda Tom Delaney served the book of evidence on the 34-year-old at Cork District Court. A Cork family is lucky to be alive after a 60ft tree smashed through the roof of their home, crashing straight into their bedrooms during Storm Eowyn. Angela Ducey and her family had decided to sleep downstairs last night in their house in Killavullen, North Cork, and she believes this saved them. Her daughter Aine, 17, who has epilepsy and sometimes relies on a wheelchair, uses an electric stairlift in the house, and fearing an electricity outage with the storm, the family of three decided to sleep downstairs. Were shellshocked but were lucky to be alive, Ms Ducey told the Irish Examiner. At 12.30am a tree came through the roof of the house and shook the entire house. Its destroyed the top of the house. I was in bed downstairs with my girl. We usually sleep upstairs but I have an electric chairlift for Aine. I was afraid if we had no electricity this morning we wouldnt have been able to get her downstairs. Sleeping downstairs probably saved us. The tree went into the back bedroom, into Aines bedroom, the main bathroom, the landing. Angela and her daughter Aine assess the damage. Picture: Larry Cummins It completely destroyed the house. It pushed the entire roof over, the force was so much. We dont know if the foundations have been impacted. We were told it will take three to six months to repair it and make it habitable again. Ms Ducey said that she had been worried for some time about the giant tree, which is some 60ft tall and was growing on her neighbours property. The fire brigade evacuated the family last night and they stayed in the Hibernia hotel in Mallow. They will stay with family tonight but need to find alternative accommodation while they wait for the months it will take to repair their badly damaged home. My girl has special needs, she has very serious epilepsy and Rett syndrome and ADHD. We have tough times as it is. But Aine has taken this really well. A branch of the tree lies on the floor upstair after it came through the roof. Picture: Larry Cummins Ms Ducey said the fire brigade, Cork County Council and the local community have been hugely supportive. But the family face a major clean-up job. Branches and plaster now litter the floor of the house and the electricity had to be switched off for safety reasons. Ms Ducey was unable to get in contact with her insurance company today but she is hopeful that there will be some cover for the storm damage. They say the three most important things when buying a home are location, location, location, something the owners of a house in Co Kerrys St Finians Bay got right with coveted views out over the Atlantic straight to the now world-famous Skellig Michael, thanks to Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens filming there back in 2014. Built in 1995 by Americans with an Irish connection, it was later sold to an Irish owner from Kerry who then contacted Belfast-based Aoife Tobin, creative director of interior architecture and design studio Style So Simple, to revamp it for her family of four. I was in New York on a visit when the client contacted me but she wouldnt send me photos. She said I had to see it," says Aoife. Designer Aoife Tobin. Struck by the location and views when she first saw it, Aoife has now transformed it, maximising the views and the interior space, responding to the clients brief to connect the look with the natural environment. Using a soft colour palette with blues and little pops of green and greys in natural textiles like cotton, linen and leather, Aoife also added a considerable amount of skilled joinery to provide storage and seating. When she started the project in 2021, it was an interior of the 90s, with typical dark brown kitchen cabinets, Tuscan tiling in the entrance hall and a nook for which Aoife commissioned floor-to-ceiling cabinetry for coat and shoe storage, with seating to perch on for prising off hiking boots and outdoor clothing. Now the dreary Tuscan tile has been replaced by modern patterned beauties in a muted greyish-blue colourway; cabinetry is finished in deep blue, and walls have been given a makeover with white paint which has had a transformative effect to make that all-important inviting first impression on entering the house. The entrance hall has been transformed with joinery, new floor tiles and paint. But its in the open plan room that the house expands into a dining and living space for all seasons, the focal point being the double-height stone fireplace and chimney breast with inset wood burning fire, until you catch the view off to the side and it trumps the fireplace as the focal point Seeing the view through the apex window and sitting with the fire lighting is so lovely even in the worst weather, says Aoife. Working with the open plan, I made little pockets of seating. Every seating area has a view to Skellig Michael. Artwork throughout the home connects to nature also, including a canvas by the late Bob Ryan which hangs on the chimney breast and was a gift from the owners father. Wooden floors have been sanded and stained to look like new and the addition of a neutral sofa with occasional chairs accessorised with cushions and throws make it an inviting space for relaxation and entertaining, and for interior design lovers a showcase for Aoifes elegant contemporary style which has secured two prestigious awards. As far as possible Aoife retained as much as possible of original finishes in the house and even kept furniture left behind by the prior owners. The 90s kitchen is now painted blue, citing the sea and sky outside; new cabinet door handles have been added and new work surfaces to give it a facelift. A cabinet that had originally been in the living area and belonged to the previous owners I moved into the main bedroom, says Aoife. In the twin-bedded room, a chest of drawers left behind has been restored and painted blue with new handles to update it. The twin bedroom is finished in a relaxing colour palette. A third bedroom takes up the space in the double-height ceiling on a mezzanine overlooking the living area. The soft colourway focusing on white blue, grey and soft green continues throughout what she found initially was a tired interior with lots of pine going on, she says. Its a transformation with considerable local involvement, a deliberate approach by Aoife and her client. The main bedroom continues the muted colour palette with comfortable textiles. The construction was completed primarily by local trades and talents and products purchased for the project were Irish which makes it even more meaningful, and it made me so proud by winning Best Living Space in Europe at the Design et al Awards in September and Fit Out Project of the Year at the Fit Out Awards in November, so it's very special to me," says Aoife. WHO knew that five Victorian waterfront homes on Crosshavens Lower Road, overlooking the Owenabue River, had a link to the 19th century composer of a famous Cork ballad? A neighbour of No 1 Ardnalee, the house featured here, knew, and in line with the fine tradition of oral story-telling, passed on that intel to its owner. It explains why Cork patriot, scholar and businessman, Young Irelander Denny Lane, who penned the lyrics of the famed ballad Carrigdhoun, is immortalised on the gable end of each of these five properties, as a decorative mask head. A bust of Denny Lane sculpted in 1889 by John Lawlor Source: Wikipedia Just as he immortalised both the slumbering Owen na Buidhe and the place name Ardnalee in his lyrics Bright shines the sun over Ardnalee the favour was returned by the builder, who chose it for this enclave of five homes, fittingly in the year of Dennys demise. Bright shines the sun over Ardnalee Denny deserved the tribute having done his bit for Cork City, contributing in no small way to its political, business and cultural life, as a politician, a writer, an innovative distiller, a member of multiple company boards and as secretary and resident engineer for 30 years of the Cork Gas Company, based at 72 South Mall. A plaque on the wall of No 72 also pays tribute to this patriot, writer and businessman ... best remembered for his poem Carrigdhoun. Wall plaque at 72 South Mall Such details are grist to the mill for lovers of period homes. The owner of No 1 has more information to share. The reason he can date the house to 1895 is down to a postcard he found in its walls. Ardnalee overlooks the Owenabue River When I started demolishing the walls, I found a postcard with Christmas greetings from the Commissioners of Irish Lights, dated 1895. The builder had obviously stuffed it in there instead of notching dates on the joists, he says. The house was in rag order when he bought it in 2006. I didnt realise what I was getting into. It was in woeful condition, there was a big nest in the attic and the roof was destroyed. I gutted it from top to bottom and demolished all but the front wall and gable, he says. With planning consent, he built a two-storey extension to the rear, which added a new kitchen/dining room and a generous en suite bedroom the width of the house overhead. Kitchen/dining Bedroom He added a porch to the side gable and also installed a new roof, putting the natural slate back as well as Fleur de Lis ridge tiles. Everything I did was very sympathetic to the Victorian house that it is, he says. Indoors, he damp-proofed the walls and replaced the raised timber floor with concrete, before re-laying the original pitch pine flooring in the front living room and adjoining sitting room, linked via pocket doors. A local joiner built a handsome staircase. Original sash windows to the front were replaced with pitch pine sliding sashes to match the floorboards. Front view overlooks the RCYC The owner removed original fireplaces from the bedrooms and installed a stove in the front living room. Unusually for a period home, No 1 has a very impressive B3 energy rating which makes buyers eligible for green mortgage rates. Theres none of the weary appearance of a rental, even though thats what it has been for 15 years. Freshly re-painted in preparation for its sale, its an elegant-looking, 160 sq m, four-bedroom property in an enviable waterfront location that would delight any buyer, but particularly yachty types, as its directly across the road from the Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC). View is towards the RCYC dinghy park Nearby too is the popular waterside walking route along the old railway line to Carrigaline, while a new coffee shop, Priory Coffee Co, recently opened around the corner. New Priory cafe is around the corner from Ardnalee Carrigaline to Crosshaven greenway Michael ODonovan of Savills is selling No 1 with a guide price of 695,000. He says Crosshaven typically attracts buyers returning from the UK, with interest also expected from the US. Anyone into water-orientated activities, especially sailing, will love the waterfront/close to RCYC location, he says. Crosshaven from the air Picture: Andy Gibson A low maintenance property with just a strip of lawn to mow as it was mostly replaced by a driveway, with parking for two cars, the vendor believes it could appeal to a professional couple, retirees, or to overseas buyers looking for a holiday home. Its location at the entrance to Crosshaven village means they can reach shops, pubs and restaurants by foot in no time. Anyone wanting to travel to Cork city can get there by car in under 30 minutes. Theres also a regular public bus service to Carrigaline and to the city. Crosshaven village Picture: David Creedon VERDICT: Not exactly going for a song, but not bad for the waterfront location and quality of finish. Comes with a nice bit of heritage. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned the US of the possible consequences if President Donald Trumps sweeping tariff reforms are applied to its North American neighbour. It will be American consumers who will pay more in the end, with the outgoing Canadian leader vowing to respond in kind, triggering a tariff war between the two nations. He said to reporters in Ottawa: Whether it be back on January 20th, on February 1st or February 15th as a Valentines Day present, or on April 1st or whenever Canada will respond with retaliatory tariffs and prices for American consumers on just about everything will go up. Mr Trudeau, joined by Minister of Finance Dominic LeBlanc, back left to right, Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly, Minister of Public Safety David McGuinty (The Canadian Press via AP) We dont think he wants that. Mr Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday that he still plans to place tariffs on Canada and Mexico at 25% rates starting as soon as February 1. But, despite the presidents repeated claim that America does not need Canada, nearly a quarter of the oil consumed in the US per day comes from Canada. Americas northern neighbour also has 34 critical minerals and metals that the US is eager for and is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminium and uranium. The US should be working even more with Canada on our energy, on our critical minerals, on the goods they need to deliver the economic growth that Donald Trump has promised, Mr Trudeau said. That is our first choice. If they do move forward on tariffs we are ready to respond in a strong way but in a way to figure out how to get them removed as soon as possible. President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Evan Vucci/AP) Canada is looking at putting retaliatory tariffs on American orange juice, toilets and some steel products if Mr Trump follows through with his threat, which was initially planned to come into effect on day one of his second term of office. When Mr Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term, Canada announced billions of dollars in new duties in 2018 against the US in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminium. Everything is on the table. Mr Trudeau said. It would be bad for Canada, but it would also be bad for American consumers. Nearly 2.7 billion US dollars (2.2 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 US states. The Taliban have rejected a court move to arrest two of their top officials for persecuting women, accusing the court of baseless accusations and misbehaviour. The International Criminal Courts (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan announced on Thursday that he had requested arrest warrants for two top Taliban officials, including the leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. Since they took back control of the country in 2021, the Taliban have barred women from jobs and most public spaces, as well as education for girls beyond the age of 11-12. A Foreign Ministry statement condemned the ICC request. The court is making baseless accusations against Afghanistans leadership at a time of peace in the country and people had breathed a sigh of relief, the ministry said. #ICC Prosecutor @KarimKhanQC announces applications for warrants of arrest in the situation in #Afghanistan for the Supreme Leader of the Taliban, Haibatullah Akhundzada, and the Chief Justice of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Abdul Hakim Haqqani.https://t.co/zpCmoBEQvb pic.twitter.com/9FHF0bVqAJ Int'l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) January 23, 2025 It alleged the court had turned a blind eye to decades of war and crimes against humanity committed by foreign forces and their allies. This misbehaviour further destroys the weak credibility of the said structure (ICC) and makes its status and position at the international level completely meaningless, the statement added. The ministry warned the court against imposing its interpretation of human rights and ignoring the religious and national values of others. Earlier on Friday, an Afghan womens group had hailed the courts move. The Afghan Womens Movement for Justice and Awareness celebrated the ICC decision and called it a great historical achievement. We consider this achievement a symbol of the strength and will of Afghan women and believe this step will start a new chapter of accountability and justice in the country, the group said. An official in the former Western-backed administration said the Taliban leadership was likely to exploit the decision for propaganda purposes by framing it as proof of their strong faith and resilience. Mohammad Halim Fidai said on the X platform: They may tell their followers that their beliefs are so powerful they have provoked the collective opposition of global powers. Mr Fidai was a governor of four provinces before the Taliban takeover in August 2021 and now lives outside Afghanistan. This decision could inadvertently serve as a badge of honour or credibility for them. Also on Friday, the UN mission in Afghanistan said it was a tragedy and travesty that girls remain deprived of education. Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, said: It has been 1,225 days soon to be four years since authorities imposed a ban that prevents girls above the age of 12 from attending school. It is a travesty and tragedy that millions of Afghan girls have been stripped of their right to education. Afghanistan is the only country in the world that explicitly bars women and girls from all levels of education, said Ms Otunbayeva. A woman has been arrested woman over the fatal shooting of a US border patrol agent earlier this week, the FBI said. Teresa Youngblut, 21, from Washington state, was charged in Mondays killing of border patrol agent David Maland in northern Vermont. The FBI noted that Youngblut and a German man who died in the firefight that also killed Mr Maland had been under surveillance for several days leading up to the confrontation. Police follow a hearse carrying fallen border patrol agent David Maland (WCAX via AP) Mr Maland stopped Youngblut and Felix Baukholt on Interstate 91 in Coventry on Monday because Baukholt appeared to have an expired visa, according to an FBI affidavit. During the stop, Youngblut opened fire on Mr Maland and other officers and Baukholt tried to draw a gun but was shot, the affidavit states. At least one border agent fired on Youngblut and Baukholt, but authorities have not specified whose bullets hit whom. Investigators had been performing periodic surveillance of the pair since January 14 after an employee at a hotel where they were staying reported concerns about seeing Youngblut carrying a gun and both of them wearing all-black tactical gear. Investigators attempted to question them but the pair declined to have an extended conversation and said they were in the area looking to buy property. Police follow a hearse carrying fallen border patrol agent David Maland (WCAX via AP) About two hours before the shooting, investigators watched Baukholt exit a Walmart in Newport with two packages of aluminium foil. According to the affidavit, he was seen wrapping unidentifiable objects while seated in the passenger seat. Authorities later found a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators and ammunition in the car, along with a package of shooting range targets, some of which were used. They also found two-way radios, about a dozen electronic devices, travel and lodging information for multiple states and an apparent journal. The public defenders office that will be representing Youngblut did not immediately respond to a voicemail seeking further information. A man reached at a phone listing for Youngbluts family in Washington state identified himself as Youngbluts grandfather and declined to comment. Police from around Vermont escort a hearse carrying fallen border patrol agent David Maland (WCAX via AP) No one answered the door at homes in Seattle and Redmond, Washington, associated with Youngbluts name, and neighbours declined to comment. Mr Malands aunt, Joan Maland, declined on behalf of his family to comment on the arrest. The family issued a statement expressing gratitude for the support they have received. To think people who never knew David Christopher Maland personally would reach out with condolences and beautiful words of support has been beyond our imagination, they said. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Our grief continues, please continue to pray for us. President Donald Trump said he was considering getting rid of a key emergency agency during a trip to US disaster zones on Friday. It is the latest sign of how Mr Trump is weighing up sweeping changes to the nations central organisation for responding to disasters. Instead of having federal financial assistance flow through FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), the Republican president said Washington could provide money directly to the states. He made the comments while visiting North Carolina, which is still recovering months after Hurricane Helene, on the first trip of his second term. President Donald Trump speaks along side first lady Melania Trump, as they meet with homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene in Swannanoa (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) Fema has been a very big disappointment, the Republican president said. Its very bureaucratic. And its very slow. Mr Trump said Michael Whatley, a North Carolina native and chairman of the Republican National Committee, would help coordinate recovery efforts in the state, where frustrations over the response have lingered. Although Mr Whatley does not hold an official government position, Mr Trump said he would be very much in charge. While the president emphasised his desire to help North Carolina, a battleground state that has voted for him in all of his presidential campaigns, he was much less generous toward California, where he plans to visit wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles later in the day. Mr Trump reiterated that he wants to extract concessions from the Democratic-led state in return for disaster assistance, including changes to water policies and requirements that voters need to show identification when casting ballots. Beyond Mr Trumps criticism of Fema, he has suggested limiting the federal governments role in responding to disasters, echoing comments from conservative allies who have proposed reducing funding and responsibility. Id like to see the states take care of disasters, he said after landing in the Asheville area. Let the state take care of the tornadoes and the hurricanes and all of the other things that happen. Mr Trump, who was accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, said that would be quicker and cheaper than sending in Fema. Fema just hasnt done the job, the president said. Were looking at the whole concept of Fema. President Donald Trump is briefed on the effects of Hurricane Helene at Asheville Regional Airport (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) The agency helps respond to disasters when local leaders request a presidential emergency declaration, a signal that the damage is beyond the states ability to handle on its own. Fema can reimburse governments for recovery efforts such as debris removal, and it gives stopgap financial assistance to individual residents. Trump has criticised former president Joe Biden for his administrations response to Helene in North Carolina. As he left the White House on Friday morning, he told reporters that its been a horrible thing the way thats been allowed to fester since the storm hit in September, and were going to get it fixed up. After a briefing on recovery efforts, Mr Trump travelled to a small town outside Asheville to meet with residents who have been helped by Samaritans Purse, a humanitarian organisation headed by evangelical leader Franklin Graham. The residents told him about wading through waist-deep water to escape from their homes while fearing for their lives. Some have battled with insurance companies to get their losses covered. Weve come to North Carolina with a simple message, Mr Trump said. You are not forgotten any longer. You were treated very badly by the previous administration. This is our president, one woman told him. We appreciate you so much. President Donald Trump, along side first lady Melania Trump speaks as he meets with homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene in Swannanoa (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) Fema has distributed 319 million dollars in financial assistance to residents, but that has not alleviated the feeling of abandonment among residents who are struggling to rebuild their lives. Laurie Carpenter, a 62-year-old retiree in Newland, North Carolina, said there is still debris and trash strewn around her part of the state. She was looking forward to Mr Trumps visit because shes been disappointed by the federal response. Sarah Wells Rolland, 65, whose Asheville pottery studio was destroyed by flooding, is less enthusiastic. Her town leans Democratic, and shes worried that Mr Trump will not prioritise its rebuilding. Im not overly optimistic that the Trump administration is going to do anything long-term, she said. Once in California, Trump plans to tour the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, where rows of homes burned to the ground. He is expected to receive a briefing on the fires, which are ongoing, with thousands of people under evacuation orders. Fridays trip could prompt some uncomfortable conversations about climate change, which Mr Trump has played down and denied. Both Helene and the Los Angeles wildfires were exacerbated by global warming. In Helenes case, a study by international climate scientists at World Weather Attribution found that climate change boosted the storms rainfall by 10%. In California, the state suffered a record dry fall and winter its traditional wet season which made the area around Los Angeles more vulnerable to blazes. Nigerian soldiers killed 79 militants and suspected kidnappers over the past week, the countrys army said. The operation targeted a decades-long insurgency by Islamic militants in the north-east and attacks by various armed groups in the north-west. The West African country has been ramping up efforts to secure the country as some 35,000 civilians have been killed and more than two million displaced in the north-eastern region, according to the UN. The nationwide operation by Nigerias military led to the arrest of 252 individuals and the liberation of 67 hostages held by the militants, a Nigerian military spokesman, Edward Buba, said in a statement. Kidnappings have become a common occurrence in Nigerias north-west, where dozens of armed groups exploit the regions limited security presence to carry out attacks on villages and along major roads. Many victims are only released after the payment of ransoms that sometimes run into the thousands of dollars. The 2014 kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram extremists in the village of Chibok in the north-eastern state of Borno the epicentre of the conflict between armed groups and the military captured the attention of the world. Among the arrested are also 28 suspects linked to crude oil theft, which is prevalent in the southern part of Nigeria, a major oil-producing nation, causing the country to lose billions of dollars in revenue annually. This activity has severely impacted the economy and government earnings. Last year, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative said Nigeria lost over 46 billion dollars due to crude oil theft between 2009 and 2020. The military also arrested seven suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, a separatist group demanding the creation of an independent Biafra state from the troubled south-east region of Nigeria. The secessionist campaign in south-eastern Nigeria dates back to the 1960s when the short-lived Republic of Biafra fought and lost a civil war from 1967 to 1970 to become independent from the West African country. An estimated one million people died in the conflict, many from starvation. One of its leaders, Simon Ekpa, was arrested in Finland in November accused of inciting violence on social media. Today Rain ending this morning. Breaks of sun and becoming windy in the afternoon. High 63F. Winds WSW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Tonight Partly cloudy. Windy this evening. Low near 50F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Tomorrow Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High around 65F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. South Koreas anti-corruption agency has referred its case against impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol to prosecutors, recommending his indictment for insurrection and abuse of power tied to his brief declaration of martial law. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) stated it would request prosecutors to indict Mr Yoon, alleging he led an insurrection, abused his authority, and obstructed others from exercising their rights. Mr Yoon, who was impeached and suspended from power on December 14, has been in custody since last week while investigators examine his attempt on December 3 to implement martial lawa shocking decision that was overturned by parliament within hours. The CIO was established in 2021 as an independent anti-corruption agency to investigate high-ranking officials, including the president and their families, and has been collaborating with police and the defense ministry, while prosecutors are conducting their own investigation. The CIO indicated that Mr Yoons detention is expected to end around January 28, but they anticipate prosecutors will seek to extend it by another 10 days before formally charging him. The Supreme Prosecutors Office has declined to comment. Prosecutors have already charged Mr Yoons then-defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, with insurrection. Other officials indicted include chiefs of the Capital Defence Command, Defence Counterintelligence Command, as well as the Seoul police and national police commissioner. Since his arrest on January 15the first for a sitting South Korean presidentMr Yoon has refused to communicate with CIO investigators and has defied their summons. Lee Jae-seung, deputy chief of the CIO, asserted it would be more efficient for prosecutors to take over the investigation before indicting Mr Yoon, citing the presidents lack of cooperation. Pro-Yoon supporters and police stand off outside the Seoul Western District Court. Despite the serious allegations that he was the ringleader of an insurrection, he remains uncooperative and continues to disregard the criminal justice proceedings, refusing to answer our questions, Mr Lee said during a briefing. He mentioned that investigators had gathered testimonies from several military officials regarding Mr Yoons alleged attempts to arrest politicians and his mention of a second martial law order. Mr Yoon and his legal team have denied these allegations. Mr Yoon, a former top prosecutor before his presidency, now sees his criminal case being handled by prosecutors from that same realm, although the extent of their current relationship remains uncertain. Mr Yoons legal team has continually argued that the CIO lacks the authority to manage his case as the law outlines a broad list of high-ranking officials and violations it may investigate, but does not include insurrection. They further argued that any criminal investigation should follow the Constitutional Courts decision regarding Mr Yoons removal from office during its separate impeachment trial. The lawyers reiterated their position, stating they would hold the CIO accountable for what they describe as an illegal investigation, while urging prosecutors to adhere to the law in taking over the case. In comments made to the Constitutional Court on Tuesday, Mr Yoon denied giving orders for troops to forcibly remove politicians from parliament or for the finance minister to prepare a budget for an emergency legislative assembly. Insurrection, the potential charge against Mr Yoon, is one of the few offenses from which a South Korean president does not enjoy immunity and is technically punishable by death; however, South Korea has not carried out an execution in nearly 30 years. Mr Yoon arrived at another hearing at the Constitutional Court for his impeachment trial this afternoon. Mr Yoons attorneys reiterated the presidents previous argument that he never intended to fully implement martial law, stating his measures were meant as a warning to resolve political deadlock. In his first public appearance since a suicide attempt in jail last month, former defense minister Mr Kim testified at Thursdays hearing, arguing that the limited number of troops mobilized showed Yoon was not serious about enforcing military control. Mr Kim acknowledged that he had proposed declaring martial law to Mr Yoon on December 31, indicating that the president expressed concern and lamented that the opposition party focused solely on three issues: shielding its leader from legal consequences, impeaching government officials, and initiating special counsel investigations against Mr Yoon. He quoted Mr Yoon as saying the oppositions parliamentary dictatorship and violence had spiraled out of control, asserting there was no alternative but to declare emergency martial law. Teen Sentenced to At Least 52 Years for the Murders of Three Girls in Southport Axel Rudakubana has received a minimum 52-year prison sentence for the murders of three young girls during a dance class in Southport. The 18-year-old was sentenced in his absence at Liverpool Crown Court after he indicated that his presence would be disruptive during proceedings. Rudakubana, from Banks, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to all 16 charges on the first day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday. Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, tragically lost their lives following the assault at the Taylor Swift-themed class at The Hart Space in the seaside town shortly before noon on July 29 last year. Since he was 17 at the time of the attack, Rudakubana was not expected to receive a whole life order. Such orders are typically reserved for offenders aged 21 and over, and only considered for those aged 18 to 20 in exceptional situations. Judge Julian Goose stated: Had he been 18, I would have had no choice but to impose life imprisonment without a minimum term. However, current laws do not allow for such a sentence for offenders under 18 at the time of their crime. He indicated that the minimum term he would set would be very substantial, adding: It is highly likely he will never be released and will spend the rest of his life in custody. Judge Goose confirmed that Rudakubana must serve a minimum of 52 years for his extreme violence. The damage caused by Rudakubana to each family, each child, and the community has been deep and lasting, he remarked. (L-R) Alice da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Bebe King, were tragically taken from us in the July 2024 attack According to the judge, the violent act itself occurred within just 15 minutes. If he had been able to continue, he would have killed every child present all 26 of them, the judge commented. He was only prevented from committing further murders by the escape of other children. After some injured girls managed to flee, Rudakubana returned to inflict further brutal violence on the youngest victims, stabbing them multiple times, the judge added. Rudakubana also pleaded guilty to possessing a knife on the day of the murders, which he had ordered from Amazon, as well as producing the biological toxin ricin and possessing information relevant to terrorism. We need your consent to load this rte-player content. We use rte-player to manage additional content that may set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences The terrorism charge involves a PDF file titled Military Studies In The Jihad Against The Tyrants, The al-Qaeda Training Manual, which he was believed to have possessed between August 29, 2021, and July 30, 2024. The ricin, a highly toxic substance, along with the document, was discovered during searches of his home in Old School Close, where he lived with his parents, originally from Rwanda. Investigators found documents related to Nazi Germany, the Rwandan genocide, and car bombs on Rudakubanas devices during police investigations of his residence. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed solidarity with the families of the three murdered girls, stating, we stand with you in your grief. He emphasized that Axel Rudakubana was responsible for one of the most horrific moments in our nations history. Shortly after Rudakubanas sentencing, law officers announced they had received a request to evaluate whether the 52-year minimum term was too lenient. The Attorney Generals office confirmed the case had been referred under the unduly lenient sentence scheme only one request is needed for it to be reviewed. The officials Attorney General Lord Hermer and Solicitor General Lucy Rigby have 28 days to determine whether to present the sentence to the Court of Appeal. To successfully reference under the scheme, there is a high bar; the sentence must not just be lenient but unduly so, such as if the judge made an error or set a sentence outside the typical range for similar offenses. Even then, the Court of Appeal may choose to refuse to examine the case or uphold the original sentence. Disorder erupted across England and Northern Ireland for over a week in late July and early August following the attack Mr. Starmer addressed the country on Tuesday, highlighting that Britain faces a new kind of terrorism threat stemming from extreme violence perpetrated by lone individuals, misfits, and young men isolated in their bedrooms after the Southport tragedy. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Rudakubanas actions following his guilty pleas, particularly how he became so dangerous and why the Prevent initiative aimed at countering radicalization failed to recognize the severe risk he posed to others. Despite a prior conviction for violence, he was able to purchase a kitchen knife from Amazon at the age of 17, which he subsequently used in the fatal stabbings, prompting Ms. Cooper to assert that the Government will introduce stricter regulations to control online knife sales within the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill this spring. The attack incited unrest across the nation, with mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers among the sites targeted. In the immediate aftermath of the stabbings, misinformation circulated online suggesting the suspect was an asylum seeker who had reached the UK via a small boat. The day following the attack, thousands participated in a peaceful vigil in Southport, but a separate protest outside a mosque devolved into violence, featuring projectiles thrown at police and the torching of vehicles. In the wake of the incident, over 1,000 arrests linked to the disturbances have been made nationwide, with hundreds charged and imprisoned. By Maha Nassar, University of Arizona (The Conversation) Just two days after a shaky ceasefire took hold in the Gaza Strip, Israel on Jan. 21, 2025, launched a large-scale incursion of the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank. Soldiers raided hundreds of homes in the West Bank city in what the Israeli military called a counterterrorism operation, aiming to reassert control there. Many analysts have suggested the raid is an attempt by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to appease far-right members of his coalition who oppose the ceasefire deal. Whatever the motive, the offensive has been devastating for many of the camps residents. The Israeli military has destroyed infrastructure, closed entrances to local hospitals and forcibly displaced about 2,000 families, according to reports on the raids. As it was, life for inhabitants of the densely populated camp home to some 24,000 Palestinian refugees was hard. The West Bank director of UNRWA, the U.N. agency overseeing refugees, recently described camp conditions as nearly uninhabitable. The focus of the latest Israeli operation is not new. The Jenin refugee camp, on the western edge of the town of Jenin in the north of the occupied West Bank, has often experienced violence between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian militants. That violence has escalated since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, when Hamas gunmen led an incursion into Israel in which around 1,200 people were killed. The camp has faced repeated large-scale military operations by Israeli forces, including drone strikes, ground raids, and airstrikes that have caused widespread destruction. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers have torched Palestinian cars and properties, with 64 such attacks in the Jenin area alone since Oct. 7, 2023. Last December, the Palestinian Authority, which coordinates with Israel to oversee security in parts of the West Bank, also attacked local militants. These events have deepened political tensions and worsened the economic and humanitarian crises in the West Bank. According to the U.N., more than a quarter of the 800-plus Palestinians killed in the West Bank since Oct. 7 attack have come from the Jenin district; several Israeli civilians have also been killed in the West Bank during the same period. As a scholar of Palestinian history, I see this recent episode as the latest chapter in a much longer history of Palestinian displacement and defiance of Israeli occupation. Understanding this history helps explain why the Jenin camp in particular has become a target of Israeli offensives and a center of Palestinian militant resistance. Camp conditions Jenin, an agricultural town that dates back to ancient times, has long been a center of Palestinian resistance. During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Arab fighters successfully pushed back Israeli attempts to capture the town. At the end of that war, the town became a refuge for some of the hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees who fled or were expelled from lands that became part of Israel. Jenin, along with the hilly interior of Palestine known as the West Bank, was annexed by Jordan. The U.N. Relief and Works Agency established the Jenin camp in 1953, just west of the city. Since then, the agency has provided basic services to the camps residents, including food, housing and education. Photo by Diana khwaelid on Unsplash Camp conditions have always been difficult. In the early years of the camp, refugees had to stand in long lines to receive food rations, and for decades their cramped homes lacked electricity or running water. The Jenin camp soon became the poorest and most densely populated of the West Banks 19 refugee camps. And given its location near the Green Line the armistice line that serves as Israels de facto border camp residents who were expelled from northern Palestine could actually see the homes and villages from which they were expelled. But they were prevented from returning to them. The rise of militancy Since 1967, Jenin, along with the rest of the West Bank, has been occupied by the Israeli military. The Israeli occupation of Jenin compounded the difficulties of these refugees. As stateless Palestinians, they couldnt return home. But under Israeli occupation, they couldnt live freely in Jenin, either. Human rights groups have long documented what has been described as systematic oppression, which includes discriminatory land seizures, forced evictions and travel restrictions. Seeing no other path forward, many of the camps young refugees turned to armed resistance. In the 1980s, groups such as the Black Panthers, which was affiliated with the Palestinian nationalist Fatah organization, launched attacks on Israeli targets in an effort to end the occupation and liberate their ancestral lands. Throughout the first intifada a Palestinian uprising lasting from 1987 to 1993 the Israeli army raided the Jenin camp many times, seeking to arrest members of militant groups. In the process, Israeli forces also sometimes demolished family members homes and arrested relatives. Such acts of apparent collective punishment reinforced the idea for many Palestinians that the Israeli occupation could only be ended by force. The Oslo peace process of the 1990s which consisted of a series of meetings between Israeli government and Palestinian representatives led some former militants to hope that the occupation could be ended through negotiations instead. But Jenins camp residents remained marginalized in the West Bank and sealed off from Israel, seeing little improvement in their lives, even after the transfer of administrative powers from Israel to the Palestinian Authority in 1995. Independent projects like the The Freedom Theatre provided some relief to the camps refugee children, but it was not enough to overcome the grinding poverty or the violence they faced from Israeli soldiers and settlers. By the time the second intifada broke out in 2000, many of the camps teenagers joined militant groups. That included Freedom Theatre co-founder Zakaria Zubeidi, who joined the Fatah-affiliated Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade. Like the youth of the 1980s, they, too, concluded that only armed resistance would bring an end to the occupation. A cycle of violence? In April 2002, the Israeli army invaded the Jenin camp, hoping to put an end to such armed groups. There were fierce clashes between Israeli soldiers and young Palestinian men in the camp, solidifying Jenins reputation among Palestinians as the capital of the resistance. The lack of progress on peace talks since then, Israels settlement building on occupied land deemed illegal under international law and the inclusion of hard-line Israeli politicians in the government have exacerbated resentment in the camp. Polls show Palestinians increasingly support armed resistance. Seeking to protect the camp from Israeli incursions, in 2021 a group of local residents formed the Jenin Brigades. While its founder was affiliated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the group quickly drew in militants from various political factions. Members acquired weapons, patrolled the streets and fought off Israeli military incursions. By 2022, they had declared parts of the camp to be liberated from the Israeli occupation. Seemingly alarmed by the increase in militancy and the stockpiling of weapons in the camp, Israel dramatically stepped up its raids in 2022. It was during such a raid that Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed by an Israeli soldier. On July 3, 2023, the Israeli military again invaded Jenin, withdrawing after two days of heavy aerial bombardment and a ground invasion that killed 12 Palestinians and wounded over 100. The latest offensive could well surpass that death toll, with at least 10 killed in the first day of fighting. But the militancy associated with the camp was built on decades of resistance and defiance to occupation that Israel has had little success in extinguishing. Similarly this time, I believe, such militancy within the camp will only increase with the latest deaths and destruction. This article is an updated version of a story that was first published by The Conversation on July 5, 2023. Maha Nassar, Associate Professor in the School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies, University of Arizona This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Click here to donate via PayPal. Personal checks should be made out to Juan Cole and sent to me at: Juan ColeP. O. Box 4218,Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548USA(Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed) The Base Shelf Prospectus is accessible, and the Prospectus Supplement will be accessible within two business days, through SEDAR+ VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blackrock Silver Corp. (TSXV: BRC) (OTCQX: BKRRF) (FSE: AHZ0) (the Company or Blackrock) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Raymond James Ltd. (Raymond James), as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively the Underwriters) pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis, 27,800,000 units of the Company (Units) at a price of $0.36 per Unit (the Issue Price) for gross proceeds of $10,008,000 (the Offering). Each Unit shall be comprised of one common share of the Company (each a Common Share) and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each full warrant, a Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.50 for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date (as defined herein). The Company has granted the Underwriters an over-allotment option (the Over-Allotment Option), exercisable in whole or in part, at any time, and from time to time, for a period of 30 days following the Closing Date, to purchase at the Issue Price up to such number of an additional Units as is equal to 15% of the number of Units sold pursuant to the Offering. The Underwriters can elect to exercise the Over-Allotment Option to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes. The net proceeds from the Offering are expected to be used by the Company to advance exploration and development at the Companys Tonopah West mineral project, for working capital and for general corporate purposes. The Company intends to complete the Offering pursuant to a prospectus supplement (the Prospectus Supplement) to the Companys short form base shelf prospectus dated August 4, 2023 (the Base Shelf Prospectus) to be filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada (except Quebec), and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) and applicable state securities laws and other jurisdictions. Copies of the applicable offering documents, when available, can be obtained free of charge under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Delivery of the Base Shelf Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement and any amendments thereto will be satisfied in accordance with the access equals delivery provisions of applicable Canadian securities legislation. The Base Shelf Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement will contain, important detailed information about the Company and the Offering. Prospective investors should read the Prospectus Supplement and accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus and the other documents the Company has filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca before making an investment decision. The Offering is expected to close on or about January 30, 2025 (the Closing Date) and is subject to market and other customary conditions, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, and the entering into of an underwriting agreement among the Company and the Underwriters. The securities offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any applicable U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. persons (as such term is defined under Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration or an available exemption from the registration requirement of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Blackrock Silver Corp. Backed by gold and silver ounces in the ground, Blackrock is a junior precious metal focused exploration and development company driven to add shareholder value. Anchored by a seasoned Board of Directors, the Company is focused on its 100% controlled Nevada portfolio of properties consisting of low-sulphidation, epithermal gold and silver mineralization located along the established Northern Nevada Rift in north-central Nevada and the Walker Lane trend in western Nevada. Additional information on Blackrock Silver Corp. can be found on its website at www.blackrocksilver.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things: the final terms of the Offering, the anticipated use of proceeds of the Offering and expected timing of the completion of the Offering. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones; the availability of skilled labour and no labour related disruptions at any of the Company's operations; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled activities; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for operations are received in a timely manner; the ability to secure and maintain title and ownership to properties and the surface rights necessary for operations; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data; general market and industry conditions; and those factors identified under the caption "Risks Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information, please contact: Andrew Pollard, President & Chief Executive Officer Blackrock Silver Corp. Phone: 604 817-6044 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Highlights Midlothian: entire mineralized core length of 470 metres of 0.31% nickel, including 13.5 metres of 0.41% nickel in hole MID24-15 Bannockburn : All eight holes yielded well-mineralized intervals with five of eight holes containing intervals > 0.3% nickel. : All eight holes yielded well-mineralized intervals with five of eight holes containing intervals > 0.3% nickel. Deloro : All eleven holes intersected well-mineralized intervals including hole DEL24-28 with 371 metres of 0.27% nickel including 39 metres of 0.30% nickel : All eleven holes intersected well-mineralized intervals including hole DEL24-28 with 371 metres of 0.27% nickel including 39 metres of 0.30% nickel Nesbitt : Drilling resumed with 382 metres of 0.22% nickel, including 27 metres of 0.27% nickel intersected in NES24-13 : Drilling resumed with 382 metres of 0.22% nickel, including 27 metres of 0.27% nickel intersected in NES24-13 An additional regional resource to be published - total of eight resources by mid-2025 TORONTO, Jan. 23, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada Nickel Company Inc. ("Canada Nickel" or the "Company") (TSXV: CNC) (OTCQX: CNIKF) is pleased to announce additional exploration drilling results from the Company's Deloro, Bannockburn, Midlothian and Nesbitt properties. The Company completed over 118,000 metres of drilling on 14 properties during its successful 2024 drilling campaign, all located within 100 kilometres of the Timmins mining camp. CEO Mark Selby said, "Today's results from four separate regional properties continue to demonstrate the scale of the sulphide nickel potential of the Timmins Nickel District. Midlothian's drilling results are showing consistent grades with an average grade that is the highest to date of all the Company's regional properties. Bannockburn drilling continues to yield excellent results including identification of other high-grade targets as well as the intersection of a higher-grade zone within the bulk tonnage zone. We continue to successfully infill and extend the resource at Deloro, and we have successfully resumed drilling at Nesbitt, which is located just seven kilometres from Crawford, and which will become an additional resource by mid-2025." Regional Exploration Programs The Company now expects to publish a total of eight additional regional resources by mid-2025. Reid and Deloro have already been published and resources at Bannockburn, Mann Central, Mann West, Midlothian, Nesbitt, and Texmont are expected to further demonstrate the scale of nickel resources within the Timmins Nickel District. Bannockburn Property The Bannockburn Property is located 65 kilometres south of Timmins and approximately 20 kilometres west of Matachewan, Ontario. The property has multiple targets including two high-grade nickel zones. The B-zone geophysical target is the largest target consisting of a bulk tonnage nickel zone with approximately 1.6 kilometres of strike length and up to 700 m wide. The Company completed infill drilling on the B-Zone with nine holes drilled in the fall of 2024 (Figure 1). This release has results for seven of the nine drillholes. All holes were drilled through long intersections of strongly serpentinized and mineralized ultramafic rocks. With this drilling and the data collected in 2023, the company intends to produce a resource estimate by mid- 2025. A single hole (BAN24-10) was drilled into the smaller D-zone to the northwest, confirming continuation of the mineralized ultramafic body almost 1 kilometre northwest of the main B-zone. The D-zone will need further drilling to test its potential extension from and connection to the B-zone (Figure 1). Canada Nickel has also followed up on other prospective targets that tested for higher-grade material. Historically, higher grade intervals have been drilled at Bannockburn, within the C-zone and the F-zone. The company is planning to target the F-zone with a summer program, following up the positive results and promising geophysical downhole surveys from holes BAN24-18 and BAN24-21. See news releases of November 11 and December 5 of 2024 for those results. Table 1 Bannockburn drilling highlights. Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Ni % Co % Pd g/t Pt g/t Cr % Fe % S % BAN24-07 67.3 402 334.7 0.26 0.010 0.003 0.005 0.15 4.11 0.01 including 116.5 151 34.5 0.29 0.009 0.003 0.003 0.10 3.68 0.01 BAN24-08 58.5 115 56.5 0.22 0.010 0.003 0.003 0.16 5.80 0.05 and 205.5 351 145.5 0.23 0.011 0.004 0.005 0.25 5.72 0.03 BAN24-09 24 66 42.0 0.24 0.010 0.003 0.005 0.36 5.47 0.07 and 87 351 264.0 0.27 0.010 0.005 0.005 0.13 4.36 0.04 including 225 331.5 106.5 0.30 0.009 0.007 0.006 0.10 3.57 0.05 BAN24-10 81 402 321.0 0.27 0.012 0.003 0.004 0.31 5.71 0.01 including 217.5 298.5 81.0 0.30 0.011 0.004 0.003 0.10 5.00 0.01 BAN24-11 73.9 363.5 289.6 0.29 0.009 0.005 0.004 0.10 3.62 0.04 including 75.5 99.5 24.0 0.40 0.011 0.020 0.013 0.11 3.94 0.12 BAN24-12 53.5 351 297.5 0.27 0.009 0.003 0.003 0.11 3.85 0.01 BAN24-14 60 401 341.0 0.29 0.009 0.004 0.004 0.11 3.81 0.02 including 329 392 63.0 0.31 0.010 0.011 0.009 0.11 3.99 0.04 BAN24-15 112.9 253.0 140.1 0.22 0.009 0.003 0.004 0.14 5.08 0.05 and 333.0 426.0 93.0 0.28 0.012 0.018 0.012 0.19 6.54 0.55 including 334.0 343.0 9.0 0.44 0.017 0.066 0.039 0.25 7.80 1.35 and 368.5 376.0 7.5 0.55 0.018 0.066 0.036 0.18 7.13 1.70 *True width undetermined. All lengths are drillhole lengths. Drill results in italics with significantly higher sulphur contents are interpreted to be extensions of the C-Zone into the B-Zone Midlothian Property The Midlothian property is located 70 kilometres south-southeast of Timmins, 25 kilometres west of Matachewan and is directly accessible by road. Four drillholes were completed during the winter of 2023 (see July 11, 2023, release) and 12 additional drillholes were completed in the fall of 2024. All 12 holes intersected mineralized dunite at shallow depths (Figure 2). These holes were drilled on a target measuring 2.7 kilometres long and 0.4 to 0.9 kilometres wide with a target footprint of 1.7 km2 (compared to Crawford resource of 1.5 km2). This release contains assay information on 10 completed holes (see new releases dated April 13, 2023, and May 24, 2023). Assays are still pending on two drillholes. With the combined 2023 and 2024 drilling, the company intends to produce an initial resource estimate at Midlothian by mid-2025. Table 2 Midlothian drilling highlights. Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Ni % Co % Pd g/t Pt g/t Cr % Fe % S % MID24-05 15.5 406.4 390.9 0.28 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.14 4.71 0.01 including 141.5 237.5 96.0 0.30 0.012 0.003 0.003 0.12 4.33 0.01 MID24-06 0.2 253.6 253.4 0.26 0.012 0.003 0.003 0.31 5.53 0.01 including 174 253.6 79.6 0.30 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.12 4.87 0.01 and 252 399 147.0 0.30 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.11 4.59 0.01 MID24-07 2.5 385.5 383.0 0.26 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.26 5.53 0.02 including 42 85.5 43.5 0.30 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.11 4.26 0.02 MID24-08 35.3 317 281.7 0.26 0.011 0.003 0.004 0.27 5.40 0.02 and 319 399 80.0 0.28 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.14 4.69 0.01 MID24-09 6.5 89.7 83.2 0.29 0.010 0.003 0.003 0.11 4.20 0.04 and 138.5 399 260.5 0.27 0.012 0.004 0.004 0.25 5.62 0.02 including 139.5 190.5 51.0 0.30 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.26 4.06 0.03 MID24-10 126 406.5 280.5 0.24 0.012 0.004 0.005 0.26 5.60 0.03 including 286.5 342 55.5 0.29 0.011 0.003 0.004 0.14 4.67 0.01 MID24-11 8.8 31.1 22.3 0.28 0.011 0.002 0.002 0.10 3.65 0.06 and 119 385 266.0 0.26 0.012 0.003 0.003 0.28 5.39 0.02 including 119 229 110.0 0.29 0.010 0.003 0.004 0.11 4.43 0.02 MID24-12 4 71.9 67.9 0.27 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.29 5.36 0.07 and 94.2 185.5 91.3 0.19 0.012 0.006 0.008 0.39 6.72 0.04 and 212.5 399 186.5 0.23 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.24 6.00 0.02 MID24-15 31.3 501.0 469.7 0.31 0.010 0.003 0.003 0.11 4.02 0.02 Including 342.0 372.0 30.0 0.34 0.010 0.003 0.003 0.11 4.17 0.01 and 469.5 483.0 13.5 0.41 0.010 0.003 0.003 0.10 3.83 0.01 MID24-16 7 384 377.0 0.29 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.20 4.78 0.01 *True width undetermined. All lengths are drillhole lengths. Deloro Project The Deloro Project is located just 8 kilometres south of Timmins and is accessible year-round by road as well as located less than 2 kilometres from existing powerlines. In July 2024, the Company successfully filed a Mineral Resource Estimate on Deloro consisting of 357 million tonnes of Inferred Resources grading 0.25% nickel, and 81 million tonnes of Indicated Resources grading 0.25% nickel. In the fall of 2024, Canada Nickel drilled 19 new holes to expand the existing resource including the known boundary of the mineralized zone. This release outlines the results from 11 drillholes with assays pending on the remaining eight drillholes (Figure 3). The drillholes successfully intersected strongly mineralized sections of ultramafic rocks such as in hole DEL24-28 which returned 371.0 metres of 0.27% nickel including 39.0 metres of 0.30% nickel. The infill campaign continues to show the potential of Deloro which benefits from lower overburden thickness, and excellent proximity to major infrastructure including roads and powerlines. An updated resource for Deloro is planned by mid-2025. Table 3 Deloro drilling highlights. Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Ni % Co % Pd g/t Pt g/t Cr % Fe % S % DEL24-23 8.5 70.9 62.4 0.23 0.010 0.003 0.003 0.16 5.37 0.08 and 121.3 402.0 280.7 0.26 0.010 0.003 0.003 0.28 5.25 0.06 including 339.5 375.5 36.0 0.29 0.010 0.003 0.003 0.13 5.22 0.07 DEL24-25 12.0 368.0 356.0 0.25 0.012 0.003 0.004 0.33 5.67 0.08 including 252.0 316.5 64.5 0.28 0.012 0.003 0.003 0.25 5.25 0.04 DEL24-27 14.0 226.0 212.0 0.25 0.011 0.003 0.004 0.35 5.70 0.05 and 240.0 268.5 28.5 0.27 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.28 5.19 0.08 and 277.5 501 223.5 0.27 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.28 5.19 0.08 including 339.0 358.5 19.5 0.30 0.012 0.003 0.004 0.25 5.18 0.04 and 451.5 471.0 19.5 0.30 0.012 0.003 0.003 0.22 5.34 0.05 DEL24-28 130.0 501.0 371.0 0.27 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.19 5.00 0.05 including 252.0 291.0 39.0 0.30 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.16 5.20 0.05 DEL24-29B 120.4 363.0 242.6 0.23 0.012 0.003 0.004 0.43 5.95 0.06 DEL24-31 12.5 292.3 279.8 0.26 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.23 5.24 0.08 and 317.5 389.5 72.0 0.23 0.010 0.003 0.003 0.21 4.86 0.22 and 486.5 519.0 32.5 0.22 0.010 0.003 0.003 0.20 5.25 0.09 DEL24-32 48.7 416.5 367.8 0.26 0.011 0.003 0.004 0.33 5.66 0.04 including 267.0 394.5 127.5 0.29 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.24 5.37 0.05 DEL24-33 3.6 198.8 195.2 0.24 0.010 0.003 0.003 0.18 5.21 0.06 including 4.5 22.5 18.0 0.29 0.010 0.003 0.003 0.11 5.27 0.08 DEL24-34 18.0 58.0 40.0 0.20 0.012 0.003 0.005 0.49 5.71 0.02 and 93.0 420.0 327.0 0.27 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.20 4.95 0.05 DEL24-36 42.0 231.6 189.6 0.21 0.010 0.004 0.004 0.23 5.68 0.04 DEL24-37 9.2 196.7 187.5 0.28 0.010 0.003 0.003 0.22 4.53 0.03 Including 51.0 75.0 24.0 0.30 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.27 4.73 0.01 and 204.6 501.0 296.4 0.28 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.12 5.11 0.03 *True width undetermined. All lengths are drillhole lengths. Nesbitt Property The Nesbitt Property is located just 7 kilometres north-northwest of Canada Nickel's Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project. Nesbitt contains two ultramafic sills that strike east-west, the larger sill having a geophysical expression of 1.0 kilometres along strike. Preliminary drill results were announced in 2021 and 2022 (see news release dated May 10, 2022). Given the close proximity to Crawford and minimal overburden, Nesbitt could present an opportunity to provide aggregate material to the mine site construction as well as additional nickel ore. In the fall of 2024, the Company drilled eight new holes to infill sections of the Nesbitt ultramafic with the goal of producing a resource estimate in 2025. The current drill program will infill the western ultramafic and is planned for Q1 2025. Assay results from seven of the drillholes (Figure 4) are disclosed in this release. All holes intersected serpentinized and mineralized peridotite and lesser dunite, interrupted by minor late dykes. Table 4 Drilling highlights Nesbitt program Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Ni % Co % Pd g/t Pt g/t Cr % Fe % S % NES24-12 21.7 272.4 250.7 0.24 0.012 0.008 0.008 0.30 6.06 0.09 NES24-13 67.8 450.0 382.2 0.22 0.011 0.006 0.007 0.34 6.32 0.07 including 268.5 295.5 27.0 0.27 0.010 0.009 0.008 0.12 4.71 0.19 and 372.0 378.0 6.0 0.30 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.20 5.26 0.09 NES24-15 22.5 351.0 328.5 0.23 0.011 0.003 0.005 0.27 5.80 0.06 NES24-16 25.5 74.9 49.4 0.23 0.012 0.010 0.008 0.25 6.29 0.07 and 137.7 148.0 10.3 0.25 0.011 0.013 0.010 0.14 5.02 0.11 and 155.5 168.0 12.5 0.23 0.010 0.008 0.006 0.17 5.32 0.16 NES24-17 7.5 149.5 142.0 0.20 0.012 0.019 0.016 0.31 6.88 0.08 and 186.2 205.0 18.8 0.21 0.012 0.010 0.005 0.31 6.50 0.08 NES24-18 54.0 97.5 43.5 0.17 0.011 0.005 0.008 0.47 7.31 0.04 and 172.3 201.0 28.7 0.19 0.011 0.009 0.008 0.37 6.67 0.03 and 230.0 501.0 271.0 0.18 0.011 0.010 0.008 0.45 6.96 0.04 NES24-19 88.5 208.5 120.0 0.19 0.012 0.010 0.006 0.39 7.10 0.05 and 214.8 308.8 94.0 0.24 0.011 0.008 0.006 0.20 5.80 0.05 *True width undetermined. All lengths are drillhole lengths. Table 5: Drillhole Orientation Hole ID Easting (mE) Northing (mN) Azimuth () Dip () Length (m) DELORO DEL24-23 480980 5360569 60 -84 402 DEL24-25 480231 5361597 70 -50 408 DEL24-27 480334 5361525 70 -84 501 DEL24-28 480294 5361200 70 -50 501 DEL24-29B 480713 5360636 310 -76 363 DEL24-31 480475 5361470 70 -50 519 DEL24-32 480240 5361390 70 -50 501 DEL24-33 480809 5361303 70 -50 300 DEL24-34 480497 5360715 70 -50 420 DEL24-36 480900 5360945 70 -50 336 DEL24-37 480566 5360849 70 -84 501 BANNOCKBURN BAN24-07 506617 5314086 240 -55 402 BAN24-08 506677 5313701 240 -55 381 BAN24-09 506475 5314390 240 -55 351 BAN24-10 505420 5315110 75 -50 402 BAN24-11 506342 5314134 60 -55 363 BAN24-12 507225 5313385 235 -55 351 BAN24-14 506931 5313715 235 -55 401 BAN24-15 506931 5313715 55 -55 426 MIDLOTHIAN MID24-05 499940 5303217 180 -50 406 MID24-06 499296 5303222 180 -50 399 MID24-07 499710 5303026 5 -50 399 MID24-08 499103 5303244 180 -50 399 MID24-09 499590 5302980 180 -50 399 MID24-10 498903 5303246 180 -50 408 MID24-11 499590 5302980 335 -50 385 MID24-12 498700 5303180 180 -50 399 MID24-15 500524 5303089 180 -50 493 MID24-16 499097 5302989 180 -50 384 NESBIT NES24-12 469000 5417050 180 -50 321 NES24-13 468820 5417140 180 -50 450 NES24-15 469841 5417205 195 -50 351 NES24-16 468720 5417007 180 -50 252 NES24-17 470141 5417148 195 -50 378 NES24-18 468905 5417140 180 -50 501 NES24-19 469883 5416994 15 -50 353 Automated Market Making Services The Company has engaged the services of ICP Securities Inc. ("ICP") to provide automated market making services, including use of its proprietary algorithm, ICP Premium, in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the TSX Venture Exchange and other applicable legislation. ICP will be paid a monthly fee of C$7,500, plus applicable taxes. The agreement between the Company and ICP was signed with a start date of January 23, 2024, and is for four (4) months (the "Initial Term") and shall be automatically renewed for subsequent one (1) month terms (each month called an "Additional Term") unless either party provides at least thirty (30) days written notice prior to the end of the Initial Term or an Additional Term, as applicable. There are no performance factors contained in the agreement and no stock options or other compensation in connection with the engagement. ICP and its clients may acquire an interest in the securities of the Company in the future. ICP is an arm's length party to the Company. ICP's market making activity will be primarily to correct temporary imbalances in the supply and demand of the Company's shares. ICP will be responsible for the costs it incurs in buying and selling the Company's shares, and no third party will be providing funds or securities for the market making activities. About ICP Securities Inc. ICP Securities Inc. is a Toronto based CIRO dealer-member that specializes in automated market making and liquidity provision, as well as having a proprietary market making algorithm, ICP Premium, that enhances liquidity and quote health. Established in 2023, with a focus on market structure, execution, and trading, ICP has leveraged its own proprietary technology to deliver high quality liquidity provision and execution services to a broad array of public issuers and institutional investors. Statement Regarding TSX Venture 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. Quality Assurance and Control, Drilling and Assaying Edwin Escarraga, MSc, P.Geo., a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for the on-going drilling and sampling program, including quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). The core is collected from the drill in sealed core trays and transported to the core logging facility. The core is marked and sampled at 1.5 metre lengths and cut with a diamond blade saw. One set of samples is transported in secured bags directly from the Canada Nickel core shack to Actlabs Timmins, while a second set of samples is securely shipped to SGS Lakefield for preparation, with analysis performed at SGS Burnaby. All are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs. Analysis for precious metals (gold, platinum and palladium) are completed by Fire Assay while analysis for nickel, cobalt, sulphur and other elements are performed using a peroxide fusion and ICP-OES analysis. Certified standards and blanks are inserted at a rate of 3 QA/QC samples per 20 core samples making a batch of 60 samples that are submitted for analysis. Qualified Person and Data Verification Stephen J. Balch P.Geo. (ON), VP Exploration of Canada Nickel and a "qualified person" as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101, has verified the data disclosed in this news release, and has otherwise reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release on behalf of Canada Nickel Company Inc. About Canada Nickel Company Canada Nickel Company Inc. is advancing the next generation of nickel-sulphide projects to deliver nickel required to feed the high growth electric vehicle and stainless steel markets. Canada Nickel Company has applied in multiple jurisdictions to trademark the terms NetZero NickelTM, NetZero CobaltTM, NetZero IronTM and is pursuing the development of processes to allow the production of net zero carbon nickel, cobalt, and iron products. Canada Nickel provides investors with leverage to nickel in low political risk jurisdictions. Canada Nickel is currently anchored by its 100% owned flagship Crawford Nickel-Cobalt Sulphide Project in the heart of the prolific Timmins-Cochrane mining camp. For more information, please visit www.canadanickel.com. For further information, please contact: Mark Selby CEO Phone: 647-256-1954 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, drill and exploration results relating to the target properties described herein (the "Properties"), the significance of drill results, the ability to continue drilling, the impact of drilling on the definition of any resource, the potential of the Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project and the Properties, timing and completion (if at all) of mineral resource estimates, the ability to sell marketable materials, strategic plans, including future exploration and development plans and results, corporate and technical objectives, receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval for the acquisition described herein and the completion of the transaction. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon several assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals, the future demand for metals, the results of drilling, inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the property, environmental liabilities (known and unknown), general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, results of exploration programs, risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. Canada Nickel disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 23, 2025 / Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. ("SXGC" or the "Company") (TSXV:SXGC) (ASX:SX2) announces that it has completed the scheme of arrangement (the "SXG Scheme") with Southern Cross Gold Ltd. ("SXG") pursuant to which the Company has acquired all of the issued share capital of SXG in consideration of 125,041,031 common shares of the Company (the "Scheme Consideration"). In connection with the SXG Scheme, SXG shareholders were to receive the Scheme Consideration in the form of SXGC CHESS Depositary Interests (the "SXGC CDIs") quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") by default or could elect to receive SXGC common shares (the "SXGC Common Shares") for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") in consideration for their SXG shares at an exchange ratio of 1:1. As a result, the Company issued an aggregate of 124,569,123 SXGC CDIs and 471,908 SXGC Common Shares to SXG shareholders as at the implementation date of January 24, 2025 (AEDT). The SXGC CDIs trade on the ASX under the ticker symbol "SX2" (ISIN: AU0000367443) and the SXGC Common Shares trade on the TSXV under the ticker symbol "SXGC" (CUSIP: 842685109 / ISIN CA8426851090). As of the date of this news release, the issued SXGC Common Shares and SXGC CDIs is as follows: Number and Type of Security Exchange Traded On Ticker Symbol/Codes 124,569,123 SXGC CDIs ASX SX2 (ISIN: AU0000367443) 97,062,802 SXGC Common Shares TSXV SXGC (CUSIP: 842685109 / ISIN CA8426851090) SXGC also announces that in connection with the SXG Scheme, three members of the board of directors of the Company (the "Board"), namely Bruce Griffin, Noora Ahola and Philip Williams have resigned, and Tom Eadie, David Henstridge and Georgina Carnegie were appointed as directors of SXGC. Michael Hudson remains on the Board. Mr. Eadie has been appointed Non-Executive Chairman and Mr. Michael Hudson, has been appointed President & CEO of the Company. Nick Demare and Mariana Bermudez remain as CFO and Corporate Secretary of the Company, respectively. Mr. Michael Hudson, President and CEO, stated "I would like to thank Bruce, Noora and Phil for their valuable and considerable contributions, particularly their strategic guidance during the critical period leading up to this transformative transaction. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in positioning the Company for this next phase of growth. As we move forward with our consolidated and dual listed structure with the globally significant Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project, we are well-positioned to build on the strong foundation they helped establish. "The combination of our robust treasury, with one of the most exciting global gold discoveries with a strategic antimony component creates an exceptional opportunity to deliver value for our shareholders. I am excited to lead the Company through this next chapter of growth alongside the Australian and Canadian teams and the Southern Cross Board (Tom, David and Georgina), whose wealth of experience in the Australian mining sector and global capital markets will be invaluable as we advance our strategic objectives." About Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSXV:SXGC)(ASX:SX2), through the acquisition of Southern Cross Gold Ltd., controls the Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project located 60 kilometres north of Melbourne, Australia. Sunday Creek has emerged as one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony discoveries, with exceptional drilling results including 55 intersections exceeding 100 g/t AuEq x m from just 70.7 km of drilling. The mineralization follows a "Golden Ladder" structure over 12 km of strike length, with confirmed continuity from surface to 1,100m depth. Sunday Creek's strategic value is enhanced by its dual-metal profile, with antimony contributing 20% of the in-situ value alongside gold. This has gained increased significance following China's export restrictions on antimony, a critical metal for defense and semiconductor applications. SXGC's inclusion in the US Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) and Australia's AUKUS-related legislative changes position it as a potential key Western antimony supplier. Importantly, Sunday Creek can be developed primarily based on gold economics, which reduces antimony-related risks while maintaining strategic supply potential. Technical fundamentals further strengthen the investment case, with preliminary metallurgical work showing non-refractory mineralization suitable for conventional processing and gold recoveries of 93-98% through gravity and flotation. With more than A$20M in cash, over 1,000 hectares of strategic freehold land ownership, and an aggressive 60 km drill program planned through Q3 2025, the Company is well-positioned to advance this globally significant gold-antimony discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction. NI 43-101 Technical Background and Qualified Person The Qualified Person, Michael Hudson, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has reviewed, verified and approved the technical contents of this release. Analytical samples are transported to the Bendigo facility of On Site Laboratory Services ("On Site") which operates under both an ISO 9001 and NATA quality systems. Samples were prepared and analyzed for gold using the fire assay technique (PE01S method; 25 gram charge), followed by measuring the gold in solution with flame AAS equipment. Samples for multi-element analysis (BM011 and over-range methods as required) use aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS analysis. The QA/QC program of Southern Cross Gold consists of the systematic insertion of certified standards of known gold content, blanks within interpreted mineralized rock and quarter core duplicates. In addition, On Site inserts blanks and standards into the analytical process. SXGC considers that both gold and antimony that are included in the gold equivalent calculation ("AuEq") have reasonable potential to be recovered at Sunday Creek, given current geochemical understanding, historic production statistics and geologically analogous mining operations. Historically, ore from Sunday Creek was treated onsite or shipped to the Costerfield mine, located 54 km to the northwest of the project, for processing during WW1. The Costerfield mine corridor, now owned by Mandalay Resources Ltd contains two million ounces of equivalent gold (Mandalay Q3 2021 Results), and in 2020 was the sixth highest-grade global underground mine and a top 5 global producer of antimony. SXGC considers that it is appropriate to adopt the same gold equivalent variables as Mandalay Resources Ltd in its Mandalay Technical Report, 2024 dated March 28, 2024. The gold equivalence formula used by Mandalay Resources was calculated using Costerfield's 2023 production costs, using a gold price of US$1,900 per ounce, an antimony price of US$12,000 per tonne and 2023 total year metal recoveries of 94% for gold and 89% for antimony, and is as follows: = (/) + 1.88 (%). Based on the latest Costerfield calculation and given the similar geological styles and historic toll treatment of Sunday Creek mineralization at Costerfield, SXGC considers that a = (/) + 1.88 (%) is appropriate to use for the initial exploration targeting of gold-antimony mineralization at Sunday Creek. JORC Competent Person Statement Information in this announcement that relates to new exploration results contained in this report is based on information compiled by Mr Kenneth Bush and Mr Michael Hudson. Mr Bush is a Member of Australian Institute of Geoscientists and a Registered Professional Geologist in the field of Mining (#10315) and Mr Hudson is a Fellow of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Bush and Mr Hudson each have sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration, and to the activities undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Bush is Exploration Manager and Mr Hudson is Managing Director of Southern Cross Gold Limited and both consent to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears. Certain information in this announcement that relates to prior exploration results is extracted from the Independent Geologist's Report dated 11 December 2024 which was issued with the consent of the Competent Person, Mr Steven Tambanis. The report is included the Company's prospectus dated 11 December 2024 and is available at www2.asx.com.au under code "SXGC". The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information related to exploration results included in the original market announcement. The Company confirms that the form and context of the Competent Persons' findings in relation to the report have not been materially modified from the original market announcement. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original document/announcement and the Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not materially modified from the original market announcement. This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. For further information, please contact: Mariana Bermudez - Corporate Secretary (Canada) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +1 604 685 9316 Executive Office: 1305 - 1090 West Georgia Street Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7, Canada Nicholas Mead - Corporate Development This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +61 415 153 122 Justin Mouchacca - Company Secretary (Australia) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +61 3 8630 3321 Subsidiary Office: Level 21, 459 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements including without limitation applicable court, regulatory authorities and applicable stock exchanges. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "proposed", "will", "subject to", "near future", "in the event", "would", "expect", "prepared to" and other similar words or expressions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include general business, economic, competitive, political, social uncertainties; the state of capital markets, unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant; and other risks described in the Company's documents filed with Canadian or Australian securities regulatory authorities. You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made by the Company with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada or Australia, as applicable, and available for SXGC in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company's documents are also available at www.southerncrossgold.com. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) or the Australian Securities Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said Friday it had filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court over an "unprecedented crackdown" on journalists by Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko. RSF called on ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to investigate alleged crimes against humanity in Belarus on journalists they say have been "systematically persecuted". The watchdog said it had documented arbitrary arrests of nearly 400 journalists since August 2020, with 43 journalists still in prison in Belarus. Repression by the authorities has driven many Belarusian reporters to flee to Poland and Lithuania, said RSF, adding, "forced exile alone is classified as a crime against humanity". The alleged actions by Belarus authorities "clearly constitute crimes against humanity of imprisonment, persecution and forced displacement of Belarusian journalists due to their work", RSF said in a statement. In September, Lithuania said it had asked Khan to probe alleged crimes against humanity in a crackdown on opponents of Lukashenko. Khan's office is conducting a preliminary examination but noted that a referral by an ICC member state does not always lead to the opening of a formal investigation. On Sunday, the moustachioed 70-year-old Lukashenko is running for a seventh mandate to extend his 30-year stranglehold on power, during which he has crushed all opposition. The European Parliament has called on the international community not to recognise the result. "The electoral farce will likely proceed without a hitch, free from the counterweight of independent media, ensuring Lukashenko's victory over four puppet candidates," said RSF. Transitional justice in Australia has faced a turbulent eighteen months: a comprehensive defeat in the Voice to Parliament referendum (which was to grant special representation rights to Indigenous peoples); the abandonment of plans for a national truth-telling inquiry; and delays, inaction and resignations at Victorias Yoorrook Commission. The latest blow was dealt in November, when Queenslands nascent Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry, in the north-eastern part of Australia, was shut down by the states new conservative government. But amid the confusion over the status of the inquiry, a new model for transitional justice briefly emerged, as Indigenous communities elected to continue with their own truth-telling sessions after those organised by the official inquiry were cancelled. Queenslands Healing Inquiry had been designed as the first step on the path towards a Treaty between Indigenous people and the state government, replicating similar frameworks established by jurisdictions across the country. In a similar format to Victorias Yoorrook Commission (south-east of the country), the Inquiry held its first hearings in September last year, in which government ministers were asked to account for injustices perpetrated and perpetuated against Indigenous Queenslanders by their departments. The Inquirys chair, indigenous barrister Joshua Creamer, said its purpose was to establish an authoritative public record about the past and its consequences; to enable an honest conversation about the past and what has been done, and what we want for the future; and in doing so, to assist in the process of healing. Early promises before the backlash At that first hearing, seven government officials acknowledged past policies that had caused significant and ongoing harm to the states Indigenous people. The Commissioner of the Queensland Police acknowledged the crimes of the Native Police a paramilitary organisation estimated by historians to have killed tens of thousands of Indigenous people in the 19th century. A second hearing sought testimony from elders about living under the Protection Acts, in which Indigenous families were forced to live on religious or government controlled missions, and children were often forcibly removed from their families and taken to non-Indigenous households. In its first 100 days, the Inquiry said, it held more than 60 community engagements across Queensland to raise awareness and prepare for holding on-country hearings. But as representatives of the Inquiry were travelling across the state, an election campaign was nearing its end. The states long-term Labor government which set up the Inquiry, and whose federal counterparts had championed transitional justice efforts prior to the referendum was set to be replaced by the conservative opposition. Despite previously supporting the Inquirys mission, the conservative leader David Crisafuli now vowed to terminate it. What had once, in his own words, been a catalyst for materially improving lives and outline a better way forward for Indigenous communities was now something which will lead to greater division, not reconciliation. A key commitment is reversed in Victoria After a conservative victory in the October election, the Inquiry paused its schedule and was told by the new government that its enabling legislation would be repealed. Creamer described it at the time as a lost opportunity for the state this is the last generation living to share that evidence and when theyre gone that will be lost people are literally dying before they have the opportunity to share their story. The suspension meant long-awaited truth-telling hearings in Indigenous communities were cancelled at short notice. The Inquiry vowed to work amid confusion over the governments intentions. But the end was dealt swiftly on the first day of the new parliament, at the end of November, the legislation governing the Inquiry was repealed, thus ending the states first attempt at substantive transitional justice after just five months of operation. The wholesale cancellation of formal truth-telling efforts in Queensland is the most dramatic example of the retreating tide of transitional justice in Australia. But other jurisdictions have also walked back commitments under short-term political pressure. In Victoria now the only jurisdiction with a formal transitional justice mechanism the government backed out of a pledge to increase the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14. It was a key commitment made in response to recommendations from the Yoorrook Commission, but was reversed as the government took political damage over coverage of youth crime. Eleanor Bourke, the Commissions Chair, said the decision was so contrary to the evidence it is difficult to comprehend and would bring a tsunami of disappointment to Indigenous communities. Cherbourg fights back In Queensland, however, not everybody resigned themselves to the backlash. At Cherbourg which was established as a reserve under the Protection Act and whose population is 97 per cent indigenous the community opted to organise its own truth-telling session. In this town located 250 km from Brisbane, about 200 people gathered in late November to hear stories of growing up under the Act, including the loss of identity and culture that came with forced removal from families, and confinement to so-called Aboriginal reserves. At the ceremony, which was held in public, Cherbourg mayor Bruce Simpson told local news that the public, self-organised hearing was an opportunity to reclaim the communitys history from the government. This is our truth. These are our stories We want to make it self-determining, and politics doesnt govern our truth, he said. Afghanistan's Taliban government said Friday an arrest warrant sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its leaders was "politically motivated". It comes a day after the ICC chief prosecutor said he was seeking warrants against senior Taliban leaders in Afghanistan over the persecution of women -- a crime against humanity. "Like many other decisions of the (ICC), it is devoid of a fair legal basis, is a matter of double standards and is politically motivated," said a statement from the Foreign Ministry posted on X. "It is regrettable that this institution has turned a blind eye to war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by foreign forces and their domestic allies during the twenty-year occupation of Afghanistan." It added that the court should "not attempt to impose a particular interpretation of human rights on the entire world and ignore the religious and national values of people of the rest of the world". The Taliban swept back to power in 2021 after ousting the American-backed government in a rapid but largely bloodless military takeover, imposing a severe interpretation of Islamic law on the population, heavily restricting all aspects of women's lives. Afghanistan's Taliban government said on Friday an arrest warrant sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its leaders was "politically motivated". It comes a day after the ICC chief prosecutor said he was seeking warrants against senior Taliban leaders in Afghanistan over the persecution of women -- a crime against humanity. "Like many other decisions of the (ICC), it is devoid of a fair legal basis, is a matter of double standards and is politically motivated," said a statement from the Foreign Ministry posted on social media platform X. "It is regrettable that this institution has turned a blind eye to war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by foreign forces and their domestic allies during the twenty-year occupation of Afghanistan." It said the court should "not attempt to impose a particular interpretation of human rights on the entire world and ignore the religious and national values of people of the rest of the world". The Taliban swept back to power in 2021 after ousting the American-backed government in a rapid but largely bloodless military takeover, imposing a severe interpretation of Islamic law, or sharia, on the population and heavily restricting all aspects of women's lives. Afghanistan's deputy interior minister Mohammad Nabi Omari, a former Guantanamo Bay detainee, said the ICC "can't scare us". "If these were fair and true courts, they should have brought America to the court, because it is America that has caused wars, the issues of the world are caused by America," he said at an event in eastern Khost city attended by an AFP journalist. He said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has overseen a war in Gaza sparked by Hamas attacks, should be brought before the ICC, which issued arrest warrants last year for the Israeli leader and three Hamas officials. - 'Unconscionable persecution by Taliban' - Afghanistan's government claims it secures Afghan women's rights under sharia but many of its edicts are not followed in the rest of the Islamic world and have been condemned by Muslim leaders. It is the only country in the world where girls and women are banned from education. Women have been ordered to cover their hair and faces and wear all-covering Islamic dress, have been barred from parks and stopped from working in government offices. ICC chief Karim Khan said there were reasonable grounds to suspect that Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and chief justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani "bear criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds". Khan said Afghan women and girls, as well as the LGBTQ community, were facing "an unprecedented, unconscionable and ongoing persecution by the Taliban". "Our action signals that the status quo for women and girls in Afghanistan is not acceptable," Khan said. ICC judges will now consider the application before deciding whether to issue the warrants, a process that could take weeks or even months. - 'Crucial step' - Women's rights activist Nilofar Ayubi, who lives abroad, told AFP it was "a historic moment for the women of Afghanistan and a positive step forward in our fight". Amnesty International said it was a "crucial step to hold accountable all those allegedly responsible for the gender-based deprivation of fundamental rights". It also renewed calls for the ICC prosecutor to reconsider his 2021 decision to deprioritise investigations into war crimes allegedly committed by the US military, CIA personnel, and other international forces in Afghanistan. The ICC, based in The Hague, was set up to rule on the world's worst crimes, such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. It has no police force of its own and relies on its 125 member states to carry out its warrants -- with mixed results. In theory, this means that anyone subject to an ICC arrest warrant cannot travel to a member state for fear of being detained. Khan warned he would soon be seeking additional arrest warrant applications for other Taliban officials. Domestic violence cases are fraught with emotional and legal complexities. In Delaware, one crucial aspect of these cases is the bail process, which can significantly impact both defendants and victims. Delaware domestic violence bail bonds play a pivotal role in navigating the judicial system, but they also raise critical questions about fairness, safety, and justice. Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Delaware What Constitutes Domestic Violence? Domestic violence encompasses a wide range of behaviors, including physical assault, emotional abuse, stalking, and sexual violence. Delaware law defines domestic violence as acts of abuse committed against family members, household members, or individuals in a dating relationship. This broad definition underscores the seriousness of these offenses and the need for protective measures. Legal Consequences of Domestic Violence A domestic violence charge in Delaware can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and mandatory participation in counseling programs. Defendants may also face restraining orders, which can restrict contact with victims and limit access to shared residences or children. The Role of Bail in Domestic Violence Cases Setting Bail: Factors Considered When someone is arrested for domestic violence in Delaware, they may be eligible for release on bail. Judges consider several factors when setting bail, including: The severity of the alleged offense The defendants criminal history The risk of flight The potential danger to the victim and the community In domestic violence cases, the judges primary concern is often the safety of the victim, which can lead to higher bail amounts or additional conditions for release. Delaware Domestic Violence Bail Bonds Defendants who cannot pay the full bail amount may turn to a bail bondsman for assistance. A bail bond is a financial guarantee that the defendant will appear in court. In exchange for a non-refundable fee (usually 10% of the bail amount), the bondsman covers the full bail amount. Benefits and Drawbacks of Bail Bonds Advantages for Defendants Bail bonds provide defendants with a means to secure their release without depleting their financial resources. This allows them to continue working, caring for dependents, and preparing their legal defense. Risks for Victims For victims, the release of a defendant on bail can be a source of anxiety and fear. Despite protective orders and bail conditions, the possibility of retaliation or further abuse remains a concern. Victims often feel vulnerable during this period, which underscores the importance of robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Alternatives to Traditional Bail No-Bail Release Options Delaware courts may offer alternatives to traditional bail, such as supervised release programs or electronic monitoring. These measures aim to balance the defendants right to freedom with the victims need for protection. Preventive Detention In cases where the defendant poses a significant threat to the victim or community, the court may deny bail altogether. This approach prioritizes safety but raises questions about the presumption of innocence and the potential for pretrial detention to disproportionately affect marginalized groups. Legal and Ethical Considerations Balancing Rights and Safety The bail process in domestic violence cases involves a delicate balance between the rights of the accused and the safety of the victim. Critics argue that high bail amounts can penalize low-income defendants, while advocates stress the need to protect victims from harm. Reforming the System Efforts to reform the bail system aim to address these challenges by implementing risk assessment tools and promoting equitable practices. These reforms seek to reduce the reliance on cash bail and ensure that decisions are based on objective criteria rather than financial means. Resources for Victims and Defendants Support for Victims Victims of domestic violence in Delaware can access various resources, including: Hotlines: The Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence offers a 24/7 helpline. Shelters: Safe, confidential housing is available for those in immediate danger. Legal Aid: Free or low-cost legal assistance can help victims navigate restraining orders and custody issues. Assistance for Defendants Defendants can seek support through: Legal Representation: Experienced attorneys can provide guidance on navigating the legal process. Counseling Services: Participation in anger management or domestic violence intervention programs may be required as part of the court process. Community Organizations: Local nonprofits may offer support for those seeking to rehabilitate and rebuild their lives. Conclusion Delaware domestic violence bail bonds are a vital yet contentious element of the legal process. While they offer defendants a pathway to freedom, they also present significant challenges for victims and the justice system. By understanding the nuances of bail, advocating for reforms, and accessing available resources, all parties can work toward a system that prioritizes safety, fairness, and accountability. Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating consequences, both physically and financially. In Maryland, where the rules surrounding personal injury claims are complex, having the right legal representation can make the difference between a fair settlement and a financial disaster. Understanding the role and importance of Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers is crucial for any rider seeking justice after an accident. Understanding the Unique Challenges of Motorcycle Accident Claims Motorcycle accidents differ significantly from car accidents in terms of the injuries sustained, the biases riders face, and the legal intricacies involved. These unique challenges underscore the importance of having specialized legal representation. Severe Injuries and High Medical Costs Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to severe injuries due to the lack of physical protection compared to car drivers. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and road rash. The medical costs for treating such injuries can be astronomical, often exceeding the limits of standard insurance coverage. Prejudices Against Motorcyclists Motorcyclists often face unfair biases, with insurance companies and juries sometimes assuming that riders are reckless or responsible for their accidents. These stereotypes can negatively impact the outcome of a claim, making it essential to have a lawyer who can effectively counter these prejudices. Marylands Contributory Negligence Law Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which means that if a motorcyclist is found even 1% at fault for an accident, they may be barred from recovering any compensation. This makes proving fault in a motorcycle accident case especially critical and emphasizes the need for skilled legal representation. Why You Need a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Hiring a lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents can significantly increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Heres how they can help: Thorough Investigation of the Accident Experienced motorcycle accident lawyers know how to investigate the scene, gather evidence, and consult with accident reconstruction experts to determine fault. This level of detail is critical in building a strong case. Negotiating With Insurance Companies Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and their adjusters are skilled at finding ways to reduce or deny claims. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement. Expertise in Motorcycle Laws Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers are well-versed in the specific laws that apply to motorcyclists, including helmet laws, lane-splitting regulations, and liability rules. This expertise allows them to navigate the legal system effectively. Preparing for Litigation If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. Theyll handle all aspects of litigation, from filing paperwork to presenting your case before a judge or jury. Common Mistakes Riders Make After an Accident After an accident, the steps you take can significantly impact your claim. Avoiding these common mistakes can improve your chances of a successful outcome. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention Even if you feel fine after an accident, its crucial to see a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical record will serve as vital evidence in your claim. Not Documenting the Accident Failing to gather evidence at the scene can weaken your case. Take photos of the accident, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from witnesses and file a police report. Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Representation Insurance adjusters may try to get you to admit fault or accept a low settlement offer. Its best to let your lawyer handle all communications with the insurance company. Waiting Too Long to File a Claim Maryland has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, typically three years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long to file can result in losing your right to seek compensation. What to Look for in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Choosing the right lawyer is essential for your case. Here are some factors to consider: Experience and Track Record Look for a lawyer with a proven history of handling motorcycle accident cases. Check their track record for winning settlements and verdicts. Client Reviews and Testimonials Reading reviews from past clients can provide insight into a lawyers professionalism, communication skills, and effectiveness. Availability and Communication Your lawyer should be accessible and willing to answer your questions throughout the process. Clear communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship. Contingency Fee Basis Many motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This can ease the financial burden of hiring legal representation. Maximizing Your Compensation An experienced lawyer can help you recover compensation for a variety of damages, including: Medical Expenses This includes both current and future medical costs related to your injuries, such as surgeries, physical therapy, and medications. Lost Wages If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and diminished earning capacity. Pain and Suffering Non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress, can also be included in your claim. Property Damage You can seek compensation for repairs or replacement of your damaged motorcycle and other personal property. Steps to Take After Hiring a Lawyer Once youve chosen a lawyer, youll need to work closely with them to build a strong case. Heres what to expect: Provide All Necessary Documentation Share all relevant documents with your lawyer, including medical records, police reports, and any correspondence with insurance companies. Stay Involved in the Process While your lawyer will handle the legal aspects of your case, staying informed and involved can help ensure the best outcome. Follow Your Lawyers Advice Your lawyer will guide you on what to do and say throughout the process. Following their advice is crucial for a successful claim. Conclusion The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, but the right legal representation can make all the difference. Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers have the expertise and experience to navigate the complexities of these cases, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. By understanding the challenges, avoiding common mistakes, and choosing a skilled lawyer, you can protect your rights and secure a brighter future. Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the complexities of dealing with insurance companies. Hiring a truck accident lawyer is a critical step in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. But what exactly happens once a lawyer takes your case? Lets pull back the legal curtain and explore the journey. Understanding the Initial Consultation Assessing Your Case The first step in your legal journey is an initial consultation with a truck accident lawyer. This meeting is designed to: Gather details about the accident, including the time, location, and circumstances. Review evidence such as police reports, medical records, and photos from the scene. Discuss your injuries, financial losses, and overall impact on your life. Determining Viability During this stage, the lawyer evaluates the strength of your case. They will identify potential liable parties, assess the available evidence, and determine whether pursuing legal action is in your best interest. Investigation and Evidence Collection Building a Strong Case Once your case is accepted, the lawyers team begins an in-depth investigation. This involves: Obtaining accident reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements. Analyzing the trucking companys compliance with federal and state regulations. Reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data from the truck. Expert Consultation To strengthen your case, your lawyer may collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and financial analysts. These experts help paint a clear picture of the events leading to the accident and the extent of your damages. Navigating the Legal Process Filing the Claim The next step is filing a claim with the at-fault partys insurance company. Your lawyer prepares a demand letter outlining: The details of the accident. The injuries and damages youve suffered. The compensation youre seeking. Negotiating with Insurers Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. A skilled truck accident lawyer anticipates these tactics and negotiates aggressively on your behalf to ensure a fair settlement. Pursuing Litigation (If Necessary) If negotiations fail, your lawyer will file a lawsuit and take the case to court. The litigation process includes: Discovery: Both parties exchange evidence and depose witnesses. Pre-trial Motions: Addressing legal disputes and setting the stage for trial. Trial: Presenting your case before a judge or jury to seek a favorable verdict. Maximizing Compensation Types of Damages Your lawyer works to secure compensation for a range of damages, including: Economic Damages : Medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. : Medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-Economic Damages : Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. : Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence, additional compensation may be awarded to punish the at-fault party. Contingency Fees Most truck accident lawyers, including a reputable Davie truck accident lawyer, work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case, providing additional peace of mind as you pursue justice. The Importance of Client Communication Keeping You Informed Throughout the process, your lawyer should provide regular updates and explain legal developments in plain language. Transparent communication ensures you understand each step of your case. Addressing Questions and Concerns Your lawyer is your advocate, so dont hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns. A good attorney prioritizes your comfort and confidence in their representation. Preparing for Resolution Settlement vs. Trial While most truck accident cases settle out of court, some proceed to trial. Your lawyer will weigh the pros and cons of each option and guide you in making the best decision. Finalizing Compensation Once a settlement or verdict is reached, your lawyer will ensure the compensation is distributed appropriately, covering your medical bills, legal fees, and personal recovery. Conclusion When a truck accident lawyer takes your case, they handle every aspect of the legal process, from investigation to resolution. Their expertise ensures you have the best chance of securing the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on healing. Whether youre dealing with complex liability issues or uncooperative insurance companies, having a dedicated advocate by your side makes all the difference. Accidents happen when we least expect them, often leaving us in a state of physical, emotional, and financial turmoil. Whether you have been involved in a car crash, a slip and fall, or suffered injuries at the workplace, knowing when to hire a personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. The right legal guidance can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your suffering. This article explores the circumstances in which hiring a personal injury lawyer from The Stuckey Firm is crucial and why waiting could harm your case. Understanding Personal Injury Law Personal injury law is designed to protect individuals who have been harmed due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. It covers a wide range of incidents, from car accidents to medical malpractice and defective products. The primary purpose of personal injury law is to provide financial compensation to victims for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. If you are wondering whether you need a personal injury lawyer, it helps to understand what these professionals do. A personal injury lawyer advocates for your best interests, guiding you through the complex legal system, negotiating with insurance companies, and fighting for the compensation you deserve. But not every situation calls for legal intervention. When to Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer 1. Serious Injuries If you have sustained significant injuries in an accident, hiring a personal injury lawyer is often a smart decision. Serious injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries, often require expensive medical treatments and may lead to long-term disability. In these cases, the stakes are high, and you will likely need help navigating complex medical evidence and expert testimony. A personal injury lawyer from Wheeling, or any other experienced legal professional, can help secure the resources needed to address your medical costs and other damages. These injuries can also affect your ability to work, further complicating your financial situation. 2. Insurance Companies Are Giving You the Runaround Dealing with insurance companies is one of the most frustrating aspects of a personal injury claim. Insurers are businesses motivated by profit, and their goal is to minimize the amount of money they pay out in claims. If the insurance company is offering you a lowball settlement or denying your claim outright, its time to call a personal injury lawyer. These professionals understand the tactics used by insurance companies and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly to avoid the long and expensive process of litigation. However, their initial offers are frequently insufficient to cover the full scope of your damages. A personal injury lawyer will ensure that your settlement reflects the full extent of your injuries, including future medical needs and lost income. 3. Liability Is Unclear Determining liability is crucial in personal injury cases. In some situations, it may not be immediately clear who is at fault for the accident or injury. This is particularly true in cases of multi-car accidents, workplace injuries, or medical malpractice. If you are unsure who is responsible for your injury, its time to seek legal advice. A personal injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence and build a strong case. They will work with experts, collect witness statements, and review accident reports to establish liability. If the other party tries to deny responsibility, your lawyer will be prepared to fight on your behalf. 4. You Are Facing Long-Term or Permanent Injuries Injuries that result in long-term or permanent effects can drastically alter your life. If you are unable to work, experience chronic pain, or require ongoing medical treatment, its essential to ensure that your settlement or court award accounts for these future needs. Calculating future medical expenses, lost earning potential, and long-term pain and suffering can be complicated, but a skilled personal injury lawyer can help. They will work with medical experts to understand the full scope of your injuries and ensure that you are compensated not only for your current condition but also for any future needs. 5. You Are Dealing with a Complex Case Some personal injury cases are more complicated than others. For instance, product liability cases, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries often involve intricate legal issues and multiple parties. If your case is complex, a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the intricacies of the law. Experienced lawyers can also help with the extensive paperwork and legal procedures involved in complex cases. They will ensure that deadlines are met, legal requirements are followed, and you are fully prepared for court if necessary. 6. You Are Being Blamed for the Accident In some situations, you may be blamed for the accident that caused your injuries. Whether its a slip and fall at a store, a car accident, or a workplace injury, if the other party is trying to place the blame on you, its important to have legal representation. A personal injury lawyer will work to gather evidence that supports your version of events and can help counter any allegations of fault. They will also protect you from any legal actions that could arise from the incident. In cases where comparative or contributory negligence applies, having a lawyer can ensure that you are not unfairly penalized for a portion of the fault. 7. You Are Unsure About Your Legal Rights Personal injury law is complicated, and many people are unsure about their legal rights following an accident. If you dont know whether you are entitled to compensation or if you are uncertain about how to proceed with your case, its always a good idea to consult with a personal injury lawyer. An experienced lawyer will be able to assess your situation and provide guidance on the best course of action. They can explain your rights, help you understand the legal process, and advise you on how to maximize your chances of success. The Importance of Acting Quickly One of the most crucial aspects of personal injury cases is the statute of limitations. This is the time frame within which you must file a claim or lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Statutes of limitations vary depending on the state and the type of case, but they typically range from one to three years. If you believe you have a personal injury claim, its essential to act quickly. The sooner you hire a personal injury lawyer, the better your chances of gathering key evidence and building a solid case. Delays can lead to lost evidence, forgotten witnesses, or expired deadlines, all of which can hurt your claim. Conclusion When it comes to personal injury cases, one call could indeed change everything. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can make a world of difference in the outcome of your claim. Whether you are dealing with serious injuries, unclear liability, or the complexities of a legal dispute, a skilled lawyer can protect your interests and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your suffering. If youre ever in doubt about whether to hire a lawyer, its always worth scheduling a consultation. Many personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, allowing you to get legal advice without any initial cost. If your case has merit, they can guide you through the entire process, helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Dont waitcall today and take the first step toward a brighter future. Accidents involving rideshare vehicles are a growing concern as services like Uber and Lyft continue to dominate urban transportation. While they provide convenience and accessibility, the legal complexities surrounding rideshare accidents are often overlooked. Whether you are a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, understanding the importance of hiring a Lowe Law PLLC rideshare accident lawyer in Houston can make a significant difference in your case outcome. Below, we delve into why expertise in this niche field is critical and how it extends beyond just managing insurance claims. Understanding Rideshare Accident Complexities Rideshare Companies and Their Legal Framework Rideshare companies operate under a unique legal framework that differs significantly from traditional taxi services. These companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This classification allows them to sidestep many liabilities that employers typically face. However, it also creates a web of legal challenges when accidents occur. For example, determining whether the rideshare companys insurance policy or the drivers personal insurance applies depends on the drivers status at the time of the accident. Was the driver: Logged into the app but waiting for a ride request? Actively transporting a passenger? Off-duty? Each scenario impacts who is financially responsible for damages, making it crucial to have an attorney who understands these nuances. The Role of Insurance in Rideshare Accidents Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage, but only under specific circumstances. For instance: Offline Mode: The drivers personal insurance is responsible. The drivers personal insurance is responsible. App On, No Ride Accepted: Limited liability coverage from the rideshare company may apply. Limited liability coverage from the rideshare company may apply. En Route or Passenger Onboard: Full liability coverage, often up to $1 million, is typically available. These varying coverage levels often lead to disputes between insurers, leaving victims in a legal and financial limbo. Why Local Expertise Matters Navigating Texas-Specific Laws Texas has unique statutes governing rideshare operations. For instance, the state requires rideshare companies to carry specific minimum insurance coverages. However, proving fault and navigating state regulations can be daunting without local legal expertise. A Houston-based attorney will be familiar with local courts, judges, and the intricacies of Texas law. This knowledge can expedite your case and improve your chances of securing a favorable settlement or verdict. Understanding Houstons Traffic Landscape Houstons bustling traffic and high accident rates add another layer of complexity. A local lawyer understands the common accident hotspots and contributing factors, such as: Congested freeways like I-45 and I-10 Frequent construction zones Distracted or fatigued drivers in high-demand areas like Downtown Houston or The Galleria This localized insight allows an attorney to build a more compelling case. Beyond Insurance Claims: Comprehensive Legal Support Determining Liability One of the most critical tasks a rideshare accident lawyer undertakes is determining liability. In rideshare accidents, multiple parties may share fault, including: The rideshare driver Another motorist The rideshare company Third-party entities, such as vehicle manufacturers or maintenance providers Establishing liability requires thorough investigation, including: Reviewing app activity logs to confirm the drivers status Collecting witness statements Analyzing traffic camera footage Consulting accident reconstruction experts Pursuing Maximum Compensation While insurance companies often push for quick settlements, these offers rarely cover the full extent of your damages. A skilled attorney will ensure you pursue compensation for: Medical expenses, both immediate and long-term Lost wages and diminished earning capacity Pain and suffering Property damage Punitive damages, in cases of gross negligence Handling Multi-Party Negotiations Rideshare accident cases often involve multiple insurance companies and legal teams. Negotiating with these entities requires experience and strategy to avoid being shortchanged. An attorney acts as your advocate, ensuring that your rights are protected and that all parties are held accountable. Common Challenges in Rideshare Accident Cases Disputed Claims Insurance companies frequently dispute claims, arguing over: Fault allocation The severity of injuries Applicability of coverage A skilled attorney knows how to counter these tactics, leveraging evidence and legal precedents to strengthen your case. Delayed Settlements Rideshare accident claims can take longer to resolve due to their complexity. Without legal representation, you risk delays that could impact your financial stability and medical recovery. Limited Understanding of Legal Rights Many accident victims are unaware of their rights, leading them to accept inadequate settlements. An attorney ensures you understand your entitlements and fight for what you deserve. Choosing the Right Lawyer Specialization in Rideshare Cases Not all personal injury lawyers have experience with rideshare accidents. Look for an attorney who specializes in this field and understands the nuances of rideshare insurance policies and liability laws. Proven Track Record Ask for case studies or testimonials that demonstrate the lawyers ability to handle rideshare accident claims successfully. A proven track record offers peace of mind. Transparent Communication Your attorney should prioritize clear and open communication, keeping you informed at every stage of your case. What to Expect During the Legal Process Initial Consultation During your first meeting, your lawyer will evaluate the details of your case, explain your legal options, and outline the next steps. Evidence Gathering Your attorney will collect evidence to build a strong case, including: Police reports Medical records App data from the rideshare platform Filing Claims and Lawsuits Once liability is established, your lawyer will file claims with the appropriate insurance companies or initiate a lawsuit if necessary. Negotiation and Settlement Most cases are resolved through negotiations, but your lawyer will prepare for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Conclusion Rideshare accidents involve unique legal challenges that require specialized expertise. A skilled rideshare accident lawyer in Houston goes beyond handling insurance claims to provide comprehensive legal support, from determining liability to pursuing maximum compensation. By choosing a local attorney with proven experience, you can navigate the complexities of your case with confidence and secure the justice you deserve. Dealing with a workplace injury is stressful enough without the added burden of a denied workers compensation claim. Unfortunately, denials are not uncommon and can leave injured workers feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their next steps. Understanding the reasons behind a denial and how a workers comp lawyer at Anidjar & Levine can assist may be the key to securing the benefits you deserve. Common Reasons for Workers Comp Claim Denials Workers compensation claims can be denied for a variety of reasons. Identifying the cause of your denial is the first step in determining how to proceed. Below are some of the most common reasons: 1. Missed Deadlines Each state has specific deadlines for reporting workplace injuries and filing workers compensation claims. Missing these deadlines can result in an automatic denial. Its crucial to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible and file the necessary paperwork within the required timeframe. 2. Insufficient Medical Evidence Workers compensation claims require robust medical documentation to prove the severity of your injury and its connection to your job. If your medical records are incomplete, inconsistent, or fail to demonstrate a direct link to your work duties, your claim may be denied. 3. Employer Disputes the Claim In some cases, employers may dispute a workers compensation claim by arguing that the injury didnt occur at work, wasnt work-related, or resulted from employee misconduct. This can create significant obstacles for injured workers trying to secure benefits. 4. Pre-Existing Conditions Insurance companies may deny claims by attributing the injury to a pre-existing condition rather than a workplace accident. While pre-existing conditions dont automatically disqualify you, they can complicate the process. 5. Lack of Witnesses or Documentation If there were no witnesses to your accident or if you failed to document the incident properly, insurers might use this as grounds for denial. Providing thorough and accurate details is critical for building a strong claim. Steps to Take After a Denied Workers Comp Claim A denial isnt the end of the road. By taking the right steps, you can challenge the decision and potentially reverse it. Heres how: 1. Understand the Denial Letter When your claim is denied, the insurance company will send a denial letter explaining the reasons. Carefully review this document to identify the specific issues and understand what evidence or information may be required to overturn the decision. 2. Gather Additional Evidence If insufficient medical evidence was a factor in the denial, consider seeking a second opinion or additional documentation from a qualified healthcare provider. Collecting witness statements or surveillance footage, if applicable, can also strengthen your case. 3. File an Appeal Most states provide an appeals process for denied workers compensation claims. The exact procedures and deadlines vary, so its important to act quickly. Appeals may involve mediation, hearings, or even a court trial. 4. Consult a Workers Comp Lawyer Navigating the complexities of a workers compensation denial can be challenging without legal guidance. A workers comp lawyer can review your case, help gather evidence, and represent you in hearings or negotiations to improve your chances of success. How a Lawyer Can Turn the Tables on a Denied Claim Having a skilled workers compensation attorney in your corner can make a significant difference. Heres how they can help: 1. Evaluate Your Case A lawyer will review the details of your case, including the denial letter, medical records, and any correspondence with your employer or the insurance company. This evaluation helps identify weaknesses in the insurers arguments and develop a strategy to address them. 2. Strengthen Medical Evidence Attorneys often work closely with medical professionals to obtain detailed evaluations and reports that clearly link your injury to your workplace duties. This can be particularly valuable if your claim was denied due to insufficient or inconsistent medical documentation. 3. Challenge Employer Disputes If your employer disputes the validity of your claim, a lawyer can investigate the incident and gather evidence to counter their arguments. This might include interviewing witnesses, reviewing workplace safety records, or analyzing accident reports. 4. Handle Complex Legal Procedures Appeals processes can be legally and procedurally complex. An experienced attorney understands the nuances of workers compensation law and can ensure all filings, deadlines, and requirements are met, avoiding further complications. 5. Negotiate with Insurers Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and negotiating with them can be intimidating for injured workers. A workers comp lawyer is skilled in negotiating fair settlements and can advocate on your behalf to secure the benefits youre entitled to. 6. Represent You in Hearings or Trials If your appeal progresses to a formal hearing or trial, legal representation is critical. Your lawyer will present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make persuasive arguments to support your case. Tips for Preventing a Workers Comp Denial While some claim denials are unavoidable, taking proactive steps can reduce your chances of facing one. Here are some tips to help: 1. Report Injuries Immediately Notify your employer as soon as possible after an injury occurs. Prompt reporting not only complies with legal requirements but also strengthens your case by establishing a clear timeline. 2. Seek Medical Attention Right Away Delaying medical treatment can raise questions about the severity and cause of your injury. Visit a healthcare provider promptly and follow all prescribed treatments and recommendations. 3. Document Everything Keep detailed records of your injury, medical appointments, communications with your employer, and any other relevant information. This documentation can be invaluable if your claim is disputed or denied. 4. Consult an Attorney Early Even if your claim hasnt been denied, consulting a workers compensation attorney early in the process can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your rights are protected from the outset. Conclusion A denied workers compensation claim can be frustrating and discouraging, but it doesnt have to mark the end of your pursuit for benefits. By understanding the reasons for denials, taking appropriate steps to challenge them, and seeking the guidance of a skilled workers comp lawyer, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Remember, you dont have to navigate this process alone; help is available to turn the tables and secure the compensation you deserve. Friday, January 24, 2025 It is a battle of wits for the control of the populous Mt. Kenya region pitting Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua. Barely two days after Gachagua engaged with Muranga MCAs in a bid to solidify his support base ahead of the 2027 General Election, Kindiki has moved with speed to neutralize the former DPs growing influence in the region by meeting MPs from the same county. In a consultative meeting held in Karen, Nairobi yesterday, Kindiki brought together a section of Muranga County MPs to discuss priority development programmes and projects. Consultative meeting with a section of Members of Parliament from Muranga County to deliberate on priority development programmes and projects, Kindiki wrote in a statement shared on his X account. The meeting is part of Kenya Kwanzas recent efforts to consolidate political support in the Mount Kenya region, which has been dwindling since the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. On Wednesday, Gachagua met the Muranga Members of County Assembly (MCAs) at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County. During the talks, he emphasized the importance of listening to grassroots voices and understanding local challenges. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 - Thirdway Alliance Party Leader Ekuru Aukot has criticized embattled Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi for pulling a cheap public stunt to gain sympathy. This is after Muturi accused the government of President William Ruto of abducting Kenyans, including his son Leslie, for being opposed to its policies. However, according to Aukot, Muturis statements about his son Leslies abduction are an attempt to gain public sympathy and political visibility. In a statement, Aukot compared Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas political trajectory to Muturis, implying that Muturi might be pursuing a similar path by generating public attention through controversial statements. I think Muturi, in my view, wants to follow in Gachaguas footsteps; hes looking for some popularity, Aukot said. The former presidential aspirant suggested that Muturis actions were motivated by a desire to get fired for future political gain. Were not new in Kenya. We hear that he (Muturi) is interested in the next governorship of Embu and wants to get fired so that he can go the Gachagua way, Aukot claimed. In the ongoing standoff between CS Muturi and Ruto, which caused Muturi to miss a Cabinet meeting, Aukot called it a diversionary tactic that distracts from the pressing issues affecting Kenyans. This so-called face-off seems cosmetic to me; its a diversionary tactic from the real issues that impact Kenyans, Aukot stated. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 - A South African regional court in Gqeberha has found Kevin Pretorius, the owner of Kliphuis guest house in Kareedouw, guilty of the double murder of an engaged couple who died from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a faulty gas geyser. The victims, Mari Hoon, 28, and Jean Vosloo, 25, were discovered lifeless in the bathroom of the guest house in April 2020. The court heard that Pretorius was aware of issues with the gas geyser but failed to take corrective action, despite receiving complaints from several guests about gas smells and illness in the months leading up to the tragedy. Magistrate Vusiwe Mnyani ruled that Pretorius' negligence in addressing the problem directly contributed to the deaths of the young couple. A police investigation revealed that a critical flue pipe, meant to vent carbon monoxide from the gas geyser, was missing. Additionally, the geyser was fitted with a flue sensor designed to shut it down after four minutes if the flue pipe was absent. However, the sensor was found to be malfunctioning, further compounding the danger. The courts verdict highlights the tragic consequences of the guest house owners failure to ensure the safety of his establishment, culminating in the loss of two young lives. Friday, January 24, 2025 - The heir to a pie company fortune who murdered his best friend on Christmas Eve has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for his crime. Dylan Thomas, killed his childhood friend William Bush, 23, at their home in Llandaff, Cardiff, on December 24, 2023. His grandfather, Sir Stanley Thomas, the founder of Peter's Pies, whose net worth was estimated to be 230 million in 2013, sat in court throughout the sentencing today. Thomas stabbed Mr. Bush 37 times with a kitchen knife including to the neck, chest, head, and back and slit his throat in the violent attack. Thomas, now 24, had been staying at his grandmother's house in Rhoose, in the Vale of Glamorgan, the night before he attacked Mr Bush, when he begged her to take him back to his house, insisting he wanted to walk his dog, Bruce. His grandmother sat in the car while he went inside, but he returned minutes later, banging on the window covered in blood. The court heard that Thomas had searched online for the anatomy of the neck before going back to the house. He was sentenced to life imprisonment today at Cardiff Crown Court and ordered to serve a minimum of 19 years. Thomas appeared before the court by video link from Ashworth Hospital in Liverpool, where he is being treated for schizophrenia. The jury also heard Thomas had been arrested for breaking into Buckingham Palace a few months before the attack on Mr Bush. Thomas told officers he was looking for 'energy fields' between the Palace and Cleopatra's Needle, an obelisk in central London. In a victim impact statement, Mr .Bush's sister Catrin spoke on behalf of herself and her brother Alex - describing her brother's death as a 'barbaric crime'. 'Will's life was taken away from him on December 24, 2023, in the most barbaric and cruel way,' Ms Bush said. She continued: 'Will was innocently getting things sorted to return back to Brecon to spend Christmas with us as a family. 'But instead of Will returning home for dinner on Christmas Eve, it was Dyfed-Powys Police knocking on our door informing us that Will had died. 'I cannot put into words how traumatic and awful this experience was, and I still have intense moments of panic when I think about this. 'Myself and Alex cannot begin to comprehend the fear and suffering that Will endured on that day. 'We are truly haunted from the horror of it and this will live with us forever.' Ms Bush said she did not have the words to describe her feelings towards Thomas for murdering her brother. 'You have shown no remorse or respect during this entire process,' she said. 'I don't know how someone could be so cruel, manipulative, heartless, and evil. 'You inflicted so much suffering on our innocent little brother, Will, and you have taken Will's bright future away from him. 'I hope you'll never be released back into the community and you live out the rest of your years in prison.' Friday, January 24, 2025 - Diddy's ex-girlfriend, Kat Pasion is speaking out on her own alleged experience with the disgraced music mogul, claiming he once forced her into a nonconsensual sxual act and threatened her. The model who first met Combs in 2013 but didnt start dating him until after his split from Casandra Cassie Ventura in 2018, said on Investigation Discoverys upcoming four-part series, The Fall of Diddy, that she witnessed several warning signs leading up to the alleged ass@ult. Im trying to do things differently this time, she claimed the Bad Boy for Life rapper once told her. However, in 2018, Pasion claimed that he hovered his arm around her neck during a dispute. Dont you fking dare because Ill call the police she claimed she then told him, adding that Combs just started laughing and played it off like it was a joke. Pasion claimed that another red flag was when they were watching an R. Kelly documentary that profiled the convicted sx offenders history of abusing young women.' Combs ex claimed the Last Night rapper told her at the time, Theres a little bit of R. Kelly in all of us. The relationship did not last long, and by 2019, they broke up. Pasion claimed that Combs told her after their split, You dont want to end up like my ex Cassie and that was his way of threatening her. Pasion said she reunited with Combs in 2021 at his house in Malibu, Calif., where things allegedly took a turn for the worst. According to the model, the Bad Boy Records founder allegedly forced himself on her when he was unable to sleep one night. It was just scary, to be honest, because his whole tone, everything changed, she said on The Fall of Diddy without going into too much detail out of not wanting to relive the incident. It wasnt consensual and he the person who came out of that bathroom and woke me up was someone that I didnt even recognize him, and I knew that I was never going to see him again. Pasion claimed she felt numb afterwards and suppressed her alleged experience. You feel so small and insignificant because this person has so much power and resources, and all of these people. Its just very intimidating, she said. Also, at the same time, I feel like I shouldve known better. Thats the shame, though. To add insult to injury, Pasion alleged Combs later called her to threaten her and her livelihood. She claimed he told her, I can call the embassy and get you deported back to Canada, you dont know who youre fking with, you dont know what I can do to you. Pasion further alleged that towards the end of the conversation, which she says was under a few minutes, she told Combs, Youre a demon, which prompted him to hang up. Karmas a bitch, and where is he sitting today? Pasion concluded in the special, referencing her exs host of legal issues and the fact that he is currently behind bars for a federal trial. In response to Pasions allegations, Reps for Combs said: As weve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every new publicity stunt, even in response to claims that are facially ridiculous. Mr. Combs has full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail: that the accusations against Mr. Combs are pure fiction. The rappers reps also slammed Investigation Discoverys doc and others like it, stating they are rushing to cash in on the media circus surrounding Mr. Combs. The producers failed to provide sufficient time or details for his representatives to address unsubstantiated claims, many from unidentified participants whose allegations lack context, they claim. By withholding this information, they made it impossible for Mr. Combs to present facts to counter these fabricated accusations. This production is clearly intended to present a one-sided and prejudicial narrative. Combs team concluded, As weve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every publicity stunt or facially ridiculous claim. He has full confidence in the facts and the judicial process, where the truth will prevail: the accusations against him are pure fiction. The doc will premiere during a two-night event beginning Monday, Jan. 27 at 9 p.m. ET. Combs is currently facing a minimum of 15 years in prison or a maximum life sentence for multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He is also being sued by several men and women who alleged he has sexually assaulted them. Ventura, 38, was the first to sue the rapper for rape and reach a substantial settlement with him. Friday, January 24, 2025 - The Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP) has directed Sarah Kohen Wairimu be charged with murder. Read the press release. 1. The Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP) directed Sarah Kohen Wairimu be charged with murder contrary to Section 203 as read with 204 of the Penal Code. 2. This is after overwhelming evidence show Ms. Wairimu murdered her husband namely Tob Chichou Cohen on the night of 19th and 20th July 2019 at Lower Kabete Area, within Nairobi County. 3. Ms. Wairimus impending arraignment following her arrest on 23rd January 2025 comes after the DPP received new material in relation to Mr. Cohens death from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). 4. Consequently, the DPP made an application for the termination of an inquest into the murder, which was granted. Upon independent and thorough review of the new material, the DPP is satisfied that Ms. Wairimu was involved in the death of Tob Cohen. 5. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions remains committed to executing its mandate as per the rule of law, with due regard to public interest, administration of justice, and prevention of abuse of legal process The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 President William Ruto has continued to trade barbs with his former Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, with the exchanges now turning personal and ugly. Ruto and Gachagua have been at each others throats, throwing accusations and counter-accusations over maladministration. Yesterday, Gachagua took on Ruto just a day after the latter accused him of being corrupt, incompetent, and tribal. Speaking in Luanda, Vihiga County, on Wednesday, Ruto accused Gachagua of advancing retrogressive political rhetoric that could divide Kenyans. Ruto revealed that Gachagua was impeached owing to alleged incompetence, lack of leadership know-how, and corruption. The president warned his former deputy that his political rhetoric would not be condoned and that he would FAIL in his supposed pursuit of dividing the country on regional and tribal grounds. But in rebuttal a day later, Gachagua said Ruto is no saint and that he is employing reverse psychology to escape the accountability Kenyans are holding him to. Speaking to his supporters via TikTok, Gachagua claimed that Ruto is overseeing wanton corruption in government, suggesting that it is hypocritical of him to call out other leaders of the same vice. "When you talk about corruption, people of this country know who is corrupt. When you talk about incompetence, people know who is incompetent. That is where we are as a country. If you ask people what has happened in this country in two years that is sheer incompetence. When you talk about people who are corrupt and incompetent, just take the mirror and look at yourself because Kenyans know better. They know exactly where we are. People are very intelligent, Gachagua fired. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 - In a case sparking significant debate in eSwatini, Dumsile Dludlu is facing up to three years in prison for allegedly snooping on her husband's WhatsApp messages. Dludlu, accused of accessing her husbands account without permission, has become the latest individual to be caught under the countrys strict Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act of 2022. This law, which criminalizes unauthorized access to any computer system, carries severe penalties, including fines of up to E500,000 (approximately R500,000) or up to five years in prison for violations. The introduction of the Act has sparked intense discussions about privacy and digital rights in the Southern African country. Dludlu appeared in the Mbabane Magistrates Court, where she pleaded not guilty to the charge of unauthorized access but admitted to insulting her husband, Samukeliso Matse, after reading the messages. "I did insult him, but it wasnt as severe as whats in the police statement," Dludlu told the court. The case has drawn attention to growing concerns about the intersection of technology, privacy, and personal relationships. Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi granted Dludlu bail and set her trial for March 10. This case adds to a series of digital disputes in eSwatini. Earlier, Nontsikelelo Lebohang Gina was arrested for allegedly harassing a woman she suspected of having an affair with her husband. Gina reportedly posted the woman's name in a Facebook group, accusing her of using traditional charms to break up marriages. In another incident, a woman was arrested for allegedly undressing and recording another woman in a revenge attack linked to a relationship dispute. The Computer Crime and Cybercrime Acts Section 3 states that individuals who access or destroy computer data without lawful excuse could face a fine of up to E5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both. Prince Mvilawemphi, CEO of the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), emphasized the laws reach, warning, "Viewing your love partners cellphone is now a crime in eSwatini. The E300,000 fine is the maximum, but a lenient judge may impose a E5,000 fine." As Dludlus case continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of how digital actions in relationships are increasingly subject to legal scrutiny. Friday, January 24, 2025 - A prominent Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker has poured cold water on President William Rutos political rallies in Western Kenya, terming them as a waste of time. In a statement on Thursday, Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi suggested that the president has not initiated any meaningful development project in the region. "I have keenly followed President Ruto's Tour of Western. The only new development I have seen in his five-day road trip is the visit and launch of Mzee Atwoli home. "Dear Ruto, Western, we have suffered from historical injustices because of convoluted politics from our elder brothers," Amisi said. The Saboti lawmaker said youthful leaders would soon shape Western Kenya's politics, adding that the head of state's tour was being spearheaded by political rejects. According to Amisi, the booing and heckling witnessed during some of Ruto's stopover meetings clearly showed that the ground was against the Kenya Kwanza Alliance leader. "Ruto has been walking with political rejects and dinosaurs, although his Western tours are booed and jeered. "The young blood is coming to shape the Western region to your surprise. They will not believe it! Kenya needs a renaissance!" Amisi stated. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Thursday, January 23, 2025 - Police officers have closed the Kimunyu Shrine in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, following the brutal murder of a woman. The deceased woman identified as Beth Muthoni Watuku left home on Thursday morning and informed her family that she was going for prayers at the shrine. However, she didnt return home, leaving her family worried. Her body was discovered at the shrine on Saturday evening. Her head had been hit with a blunt object and some of her teeth removed. There were empty bottles containing an unknown fluid beside her body. It is suspected that the fluid was used to drug her and make her unconscious before she was murdered. The shrine is always buzzing with activities as religious Kenyans flock there for prayers and fasting. Police were forced to close the shrine after the woman was murdered. They also chased away people who had camped at the shrine for prayers. See photos. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 - Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has expressed confidence in former Prime Minister Raila Odingas victory in the upcoming election at the African Union Commission (AUC). This comes even as rumors spread on social media indicating that Railas main opponent, Mahamoud Youssouf of Djibouti, had agreed to step down in favor of Baba. Taking to social media, Amisi noted that Raila will win the AUC Chairmanship, whether or not Djiboutis candidate drops out. According to him, Raila's candidacy for the AUC position does not depend on the withdrawal or non-withdrawal of any opponents, including Youssouf and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato. He stated that the former prime minister has forged personal friendships with at least 30 African presidents over more than two decades, strengthening his position as a candidate. "The Raila Odinga candidature was not dependent on withdrawal or non-withdrawal of his opponents; Baba has made personal friendships of more than two decades with at least 30 presidents across the continent," Amisi's statement read. He claimed that, in addition to his strong relationships with African presidents, his pan-Africanist credentials make him an unbeatable candidate. "Coupled by his unmatched pan-Africanist credentials, no candidate would beat him. His campaign is also meticulously done. Go well, baba, and conquer the world," he added. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 - An outspoken Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Member of Parliament has expressed confidence that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will secure victory in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson election slated this February. Raila Odinga is the front-runner in the race to succeed Moussa Faki, who is set to retire next month. He faces slight opposition from Djiboutis candidate, Mohamoud Youssouf. But speaking on Thursday, Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi expressed confidence in Raila Odinga's victory. Amisi stated that the former Prime Minister has built personal relationships with at least 30 African presidents over more than two decades, strengthening his position as a candidate. "The #RailaOdinga candidature was not dependent on withdrawal or non-withdrawal of his opponents; Baba has made personal friendships of more than two decades with at least 30 presidents across the continent," Amisi said. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 - Famed rapper Project Pat's son, Patrick Houston Jr., has tragically died after a sh0oting in a Tennessee park, though the details surrounding the incident remain unclear, TMZ has learned. Patrick Houston Jr., the son of the rapper and nephew of Three 6 Mafia co-founder Juicy J, was killed last week in Imogene Heights, a historically Black Memphis neighborhood. Memphis Police reported that the sh0oting occurred just after 1 PM on Friday. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Houston dead. No other details have been released at this time. Project Pat gained fame in the 1990s as a member of the group The Kaze, joining in 1998, the same year they dropped their debut album. The Kaze, also known as Killa Klan Kaze, had close ties with Three 6 Mafia due to Pat's relationship with his brother, Juicy J. Pat has one gold-certified album by the RIAA titled "Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin," which was released in 2001, just months before Patrick Houston Jr. was born. Houston's funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, January 25. Law enforcement has yet to respond to requests for more information regarding the sh0oting. Patrick Houston Jr. was 21 years old. Friday, January 24, 2025 Chief Justice Martha Koome is a woman under siege. This is after President William Rutos government withdrew her security detail, leaving her exposed. In a letter addressed to Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja yesterday, Koome expressed concerns over the withdrawal of her security detail, highlighting the constitutional implications of such an act. She described the move as a threat to judicial independence. Koome warned that the withdrawal of security could destabilize the balance of power within Kenyas governance framework. "The withdrawal of this security detail is an egregious affront to the principle of separation of powers. It destabilizes the delicate balance upon which democratic governance is founded, where each arm of government operates independently while respecting the autonomy of others. "Such an action not only weakens public trust in state institutions but also sets a perilous precedent, suggesting that key constitutional offices can be undermined through external pressure or retaliation," the letter added. She further expressed concern over the weakened capacity of the Judiciary Police Unit, taking issue with the withdrawal of a significant number of officers. As a result, Koome urged the National Police Service to restore her security detail, noting that it is crucial for reaffirming the Judiciary's independence. It was not immediately established why Koomes security detail had been withdrawn without even a warning; considering that she was one of the people who helped Ruto to become President in 2022. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 - Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused President William Ruto of planning to manipulate the 2027 General Election in his favour. This comes after it emerged that the president is well aware he would lose the election due to his unpopular policies unless something is done to reverse the situation. Speaking at the Wiper National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Kalonzo alleged that Ruto's government plans to register aliens as voters to secure an early victory in the 2027 elections. "And we hope William Ruto's administration is not going to register aliens. We suspect there could be plans underfoot to register non-Kenyans as voters in the country," the former vice president claimed. During the meeting, Kalonzo further questioned the source of the KSh150 million Ruto plans to give Mumias sugarcane farmers, noting that it is not included in the national budget. He suggested that the money given to farmers appears to be either a handout or a bribe, emphasising that if it is indeed a bonus, it should follow proper procedures. "Where are you getting this money from? It is not in our budget. It is not that Peter Salasya doesn't want his constituents to benefit, but first of all, he acknowledges that it is like a handout, like a bribe, and if it is a bonus, it needs to come through the processes," Kalonzo added. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 President William Rutos allies, among them Oscar Sudi, Farah Maalim, and Dan Wanyama are in deep trouble and may end up in jail. This is after the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) called for their arrest over hate speech. In a statement, NCIC Vice Chairperson Wambui Nyutu told the press that the Commission had concluded investigations against the accused lawmakers and forwarded their files to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) calling for their arrest. "We have more than 10 politicians (Farah Maalim, Dan Wanyama, and Oscar Sudi) who have been using language that can incite Kenyans. We have even completed our investigations and forwarded the files to DCI and if the DCI does take the next step which is to arrest and charge these criminals and the DPP takes them to court and there is prosecution, we will have made progress," Nyutu told reporters. Separately, NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia and the commissioners held a press conference on Thursday, January 23, expressing concern over what they termed as 'divisive rhetoric' among political leaders. According to the commission, the country was headed in the wrong direction, more than two years before the General Election, with leaders having a go at each other through verbal attacks. The commission further warned political players against misusing social media through the exploitation of Article 33 of the 2010 Constitution which guarantees freedom of expression. Citing the National Cohesion Act 2008 Section 13 (1) (a) and Section 62 NCIC reiterated that the law unequivocally protects the rights of all Kenyans, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or political affiliations. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 - President William Ruto has blasted his former Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, following his TikTok Live interview with a local journalist. During the interview, Gachagua described the President as a thief, a liar, and someone who lacks respect for those who put him in office in 2022. Gachagua was responding to the Head of State, who had earlier described him as incompetent, a thief, and a tribalist. But Ruto, speaking in Luanda, Vihiga County, on Thursday, insisted that Gachagua is a liar, incompetent, and a tribalist. The President further warned his former deputy that his political rhetoric would not be tolerated and that he would fail in his alleged attempt to divide the country along regional and tribal lines. But in his rebuttal a day later, Gachagua said that Ruto is no saint and accused him of using reverse psychology to evade the accountability demanded by Kenyans. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 - Police officers have rearrested murder suspect Sarah Wairimu Cohen over the murder of her husband Tob Cohen in 2019. Tob Cohen, a Dutch national, was found dead in a septic tank inside his home in Kitisuru, Nairobi. In a statement on Thursday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) stated that it had received new evidence that heavily implicated Sarah in the murder of her husband, Tob Cohen. This follows the conclusion of investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives. The ODPP stated that with the new evidential material, it was convinced that the Kenyan woman was actively involved in the murder of her husband. "Overwhelming evidence shows she murdered her husband, namely Tob Chichou Cohen on the night of 19th and 20th July 2019 at Lower Kabete Area, within Nairobi County...Upon independent and thorough review of the new material, the DPP is satisfied that Wairimu was involved in the death of Tob Cohen," the ODPP said. With the conclusion of the probe, the ODPP said it had successfully applied for the termination of the inquest into Cohen's murder. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 - South Sudan has ordered internet providers to block social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, following violent protests sparked by the deaths of its citizens in neighboring Sudan. The directive, issued by the National Communication Authority (NCA), came into effect at midnight on January 22, 2025, and is set to last up to 90 days. The protests began last week in the capital, Juba, after reports that clashes in Sudan had killed 29 South Sudanese. The demonstrations escalated into violence, with looters targeting Sudanese-owned businesses. Security forces opened fire to disperse crowds and detained hundreds of individuals involved in the unrest. In a letter addressed to internet providers, NCA Director General Napoleon Adok Gai justified the decision, citing the circulation of violent content on social media. He claimed such content posed a significant threat to public safety and mental health. "The recent upheaval in Sudan has exposed the South Sudanese population to unprecedented levels of extreme violence through social media press," Gai said, adding that videos of the attacks shared online violated local laws. Major telecommunications companies, including MTN South Sudan, Zain, and Digitel, confirmed the suspension of social media platforms. MTN South Sudan stated that customers would be unable to access Facebook, TikTok, and related messaging applications during the suspension period. Similar statements were issued by the other providers. The government had already declared a nighttime curfew last week, with President Salva Kiir calling for restraint. While the situation appeared to have calmed over the weekend, the curfew remains in place. South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has faced ongoing economic and political instability. Many South Sudanese had fled to Sudan, but the civil war that erupted there in 2023 has driven hundreds of thousands back across the border. According to the United Nations, the majority of the one million people fleeing Sudans conflict into South Sudan are returnees. Friday, January 24, 2025 - A suspected thief in Ghana met his fate when an attempted theft went awry. According to reports, the man had successfully stolen a mobile phone and was on the verge of escaping when he was apprehended by local residents. In a video making the rounds, the thief is seen surrounded by a crowd of onlookersresidents of the area where the incident occurred. Instead of turning him over to the police, the group opted for immediate street justice. The residents subjected the thief to public humiliation, recording a video as they shaved his bushy hair, treating him as though he were being prepared for a ritual. Watch the video below Friday, January 24, 2025 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas allies have threatened to impeach Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama over his tribal remarks against the Mt Kenya region. Led by Nyeri Town MP Duncan Maina and Nyeri Women Representative Rahab Mukami, the leaders vowed to take action over the comments made last weekend. Wanyama, while at a church service in Mt. Elgon on Sunday, with President William Ruto, blasted the Mt Kenya electorate for striving to dominate national politics. These comments have led to a war of words between Gachaguas camp and President Rutos ally. In his statements on Sunday, the MP called out former President Uhuru Kenyatta for asking the youth to fight for their rights. Wanyama launched a scathing critique of Uhuru, stating he should enjoy his retirement quietly and allow someone else to serve Kenyans in peace. "We are not going to accept for one tribe to think they have a birthright to be at the state house. "When one of them gets to state house, we allow them the space and peace to finish their terms even if they cannot deliver, but when someone from another tribe gets in, they incite and blackmail even if things are working," he said. As a result, Gachaguas allies have since written to NCIC and the National Assembly seeking to have Wanyama impeached for inciting other tribes against the Kikuyus community. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 - A British teenager who murdered three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event was jailed for at least 52 years on Thursday, January 23, for an atrocity prosecutors said was so violent it appeared he had tried to decapitate one of the victims. On Monday, Axel Rudakubana, 18, admitted carrying out the killings last July in the northern English town of Southport. The judge said Rudakubana will likely spend the rest of his life in jail for the murders of Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, who were among 26 children attending the summer vacation event. He also pleaded guilty to 10 charges of attempted murder, as well as to producing the deadly poison ricin and possessing an al Qaeda training manual. Two of his victims suffered horrific injuries which are difficult to explain as anything other than sadistic in nature, Case prosecutor Deanna Heer told Liverpool Crown Court. Judge Julian Goose described Rudakubanas actions as evil, saying: I am sure that Rudakubana had a settled and determined intention to carry out these offences and that, had he been able to, he would have killed each and every child, all 26 of them, as well as any adults who got in his way. The judge sentenced Rudakubana in his absence after he refused to return to court, having twice been removed for interrupting the hearing. Goose said he was not allowed by law to impose a life sentence without the possibility of parole as Rudakubana was 17 at the time of his crimes, but added: It is likely that he will never be released and that he will be in custody for all his life. Friday, January 24, 2025 The government of President William Ruto has moved to suppress any dissent as far as the Social Health Authority (SHA) is concerned. This is after police from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations raided a hospital and arrested one of the women who stormed a press conference by the Ministry of Health to lament about the failures of SHA. Grace Mulei was reportedly picked by persons who identified themselves as officers attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) yesterday evening. According to Grace's son George, his mother was picked up around 4pm at Ladnan Hospital in Pangani, where she had gone to receive treatment for her knee. CCTV footage has since emerged online showing the officers forcefully escorting Grace to one of their vehicles, before driving away. CCTV footage showing how Grace Njoki Mulei was arrested and dragged from Ladnan hospital in Eastleigh. pic.twitter.com/7JP4ME81pW Eagle News Feed (@eagle_feed) January 24, 2025 George, a former Tahidi High actor, revealed he has been in constant communication with his mother, who was taken to Capitol Hill. "My mum called me when she was at the hospital," George said. She was concerned about some people who she claimed were arresting her." "One of the officers, a lady, identified herself as a DCI officer as they took her away," he added. The son further revealed that upon inquiring why they were arresting his mother, they were informed she faced charges of causing public disturbance. Her forceful arrest has caused an online uproar with many Kenyans accusing Ruto and his government of trying to suppress critics. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 - Unsuspecting buyers losing millions to fraudulent car dealerships are becoming alarmingly common in Nairobi. In what appears to be a booming scam in the industry, victims are lured with promises of quick transactions and appealing deals, only to be left in a nightmare of broken agreements, vanishing sellers, and endless excuses. The latest case involves a dealer based in Ruaka, Kiambu County, who allegedly swindled a buyer out of Ksh 1.05 million shillings while pretending to sell a Toyota Vitz, only for the deal to spiral into a series of unfulfilled promises and evasive tactics. The culprit, Meshack Mutinda Muli, allegedly committed the fraud between April and June 2024. According to the charge sheet, the dealer, who previously operated under Hot Car Deals Limited at Rosslyn Riviera Mall, along Limuru Road, falsely claimed he was in a position to sell the victim a Toyota Vitz silver 2018 model. He, however, claimed there was only one unit remaining and urged the victim to act quickly to avoid missing out. On April 30, 2024, the dealer requested a Ksh 30,000 commitment fee to secure the vehicle, claiming this was standard practice to lock in the unit. Trusting the process, the victim sent the money via M-Pesa to the dealer's mobile number. Encouraged by the smooth communication and reassurances from the dealer, he proceeded to make a much larger payment just two days later. On May 2, 2024, he transferred Ksh 700,000 from his Post Bank account to the Absa Bank account linked to Hot Car Deals Limited. This amount was meant to serve as the initial deposit, as outlined in a formal sales agreement. The sales agreement was detailed, stating that the total cost of the car was Ksh 1,102,620. The victim had already paid Ksh 730,000, which included the deposit and the earlier commitment fee. The balance was to be cleared within forty days. With the paperwork in place and the dealers apparent professionalism, he felt confident that the transaction was legitimate. But as the days turned into weeks, the promised delivery of the vehicle failed to materialize. The dealer began to make excuses, claiming logistical delays and other unforeseen issues. The victim, still eager to finalize the deal, sent an additional payment of Ksh 320,000 on June 27, 2024. This amount was sent via M-Pesa in two separate transactions, Ksh 120,000 and Ksh 200,000 to the same mobile number provided by the dealer. By this point, the victim had paid a total of Ksh 1.05 million. The dealer, however, continued to stall. His phone became unreachable for long periods, and when the victim managed to get through, he was met with vague promises and more excuses. At one point, the dealer claimed to be hospitalized, further delaying the supposed delivery. The victim, increasingly frustrated, realized he might have been conned when the dealer began blocking his calls and messages. Sporadically, the dealer would unblock him, offer a new excuse, and then disappear again. Growing tired of the endless delays and broken promises, the victim finally reported the matter to the police who have since issued a warrant for Meshack Mutinda Muli. His whereabouts remain unknown, and attempts to trace him have led to dead ends. His company Hot Car Deals Limited also vanished from its previous location at Rosslyn Riviera Mall. Sources close to the case suggest that the dealership was evicted for failing to pay rent for several months. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, January 24, 2025 - A woman who was blamed by French courts for her divorce because she no longer had sex with her husband, has won an appeal in Europes top human rights court, the court said on Thursday, January 23. The French woman - identified as Ms H.W, born in 1955 - brought her case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in 2021 after exhausting legal avenues in France almost a decade following the divorce. The woman, who married her husband in 1984 and had four children with him, wanted the divorce, but contested being blamed for the breakup, arguing it was an unjust intrusion into her private life and a violation of her physical integrity. She cited health problems and threats of violence from her husband as reasons she had not had sex with him from 2004 onwards. The fact that one of the couples children was mentally and physically handicapped put added stress on the marriage. H.W., who is from Le Chesnay near Paris, said she had been deeply traumatized by the ruling, which legitimized a family environment where the privacy and dignity of women are ignored and flouted. The new ECHR ruling stated that the French courts had violated the womans right to respect private and family life. In the present case, the Court could not identify any reason capable of justifying this interference by the public authorities in the area of sexuality, it said in a statement. The ECHR ruling comes amid the high-profile case of Gisele Pelicot, whose husband was found guilty of drugging his wife and inviting dozens of men over to their home to rape her. The case shocked the world, rekindled thorny debates about womens rights in France and turned Gisele Pelicot into a feminist icon. In a statement released by her lawyer, Lilia Mhissen, H.W. celebrated her legal victory. I hope this decision will mark a turning point in the fight for womens rights in France, she said. It is now imperative that France, like other European countries, such as Portugal or Spain, take concrete measures to eradicate this rape culture and promote a true culture of consent and mutual respect. Mhissen said the ECHR ruling has no impact on H.W.s divorce, which is definitive. However, she said it will have a major impact on French law, preventing French judges from making similar divorce rulings in the future. This decision marks the abolition of the marital duty and the archaic, canonical vision of the family, she said in a statement. Courts will finally stop interpreting French law through the lens of canon law and imposing on women the obligation to have sexual relations within marriage. Frances Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, which represented the French government in the case, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Emmanuelle Piet, the head of one of the Feminist Collective Against Rape, said she was delighted with the new ruling. Ms. W spent 15 years fighting this battle, and it ended in victory, bravo, she said. When you are forced to have sexual relations in marriage, it is rape. Friday, January 24, 2025 - A woman in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe is receiving medical attention at Kwekwe Hospital after attempting to take her own life by consuming poison upon discovering that her husband had secretly married another woman. The husband, Forbes Degwa, a senior manager at a local company, reportedly paid Lobola for his second wife without informing his first wife, Alice. Forbes formalized his union with Angeline Zvikomborero Mujanja on December 14 of last year, a revelation that left Alice devastated. The incident occurred on January 8, when Angeline, the second wife, reportedly informed Alice about the lobola payment, triggering Alices drastic decision. Alice, deeply hurt by the betrayal, drank poison in an attempt to end her life. When contacted by H-Metro for comments, Forbes initially evaded questions and later disconnected the call, stating, Who gave you this information? Can I call you back in 15 minutes? Angeline, when approached, denied involvement, claiming, I dont know anyone or anything about what you are talking about. I wasnt married on the date you are referring to. You can verify your claims with your source. A source close to the matter confirmed that Angeline was indeed married to Forbes on December 14 and that she had informed Alice, which led to the dramatic turn of events. The source further revealed that Alice, overwhelmed by the betrayal, resorted to drastic measures. Alice, an orphan who grew up under the care of her late grandmother, has faced significant emotional burdens throughout her life, with this recent betrayal adding to her challenges. She is now fighting for her recovery as she continues to receive treatment at the hospital. THE passing of the Land Act in 1870 was the first success of the Irish tenant farmers in their long struggle against Irish landlordism. This Gladstonian enactment gave the tenant farmers the right to be compensated in the event of eviction and for improvements carried out during their tenancy. However, it did not secure for these hard pressed people the security of tenure which they had so long sought. Moreover the much heralded Land Act enabled Landlords to contract out of its provisions, thereby leaving their tenants without even the limited benefits of Gladstones measure. The Athy and Co Kildare landlord, the Duke of Leinster, was amongst the first of the Irish landlords to attempt to defeat his tenants rights under the 1870 Act. The Leinster Lease, as it became known, a model of legal ingenuity, was presented by the Dukes agents to his various tenants. Prepared with the Dukes interest in mind, it totally and cruelly side-stepped the 1870 Act which the tenant farmers had so recently welcomed. Local opposition to the terms of the Leinster Lease saw the foundation of the Tenants Defence Association in Athy. This was the first such association formed in Ireland after the original Tenants Defence Association declined following the passing of the 1870 Land Act of Isaac Butts Tenant League of 1868. The Athy Tenants Association held its first meeting on Tuesday 19 November 1872 with Captain Morgan of Rahinderry in the chair. Local man Thomas P. Kynsey J.P. acted as Secretary to the meeting. In the years immediately following the foundation of the Tenants Defence Association in Athy, the Duke of Leinster succeeded in overcoming local opposition to the terms of the Leinster Lease. Some of the associations leaders were themselves to accept the terms of the lease, undoubtedly under the threat of eviction. One such signatory was James Leahy, chairman of Athy Town Commissioners, who admitted signing the Leinster Lease for his farm at Ardscull. In 1878 the duke submitted the Lease to Athy Board of Guardians in respect of some land held by them as tenants of the Leinster estate. At a special board meeting on 1 January 1879, the guardians declined to execute the lease indicating that this board, as the representatives of the people decline to give their signatories to a document directly opposed to the provisions of the Land Act of 1870. Opposition to the Leinster Lease was maintained at a low key throughout 1879 and 1880 but evictions in September 1880 of tenants of the Verschoyle Estate prompted the formation of a local branch of the Land League. Public agitation in Athy took on a new and more fervent pitch under the guidance of local land league organiser Michael Boyton. On Sunday, 10 October 1880, the first Land League meeting was held in Athy. Addressed by Michael Boyton, the assembled crowd was told that he had come to Athy commissioned by Charles Stewart Parnell to establish the Athy branch of the Land League. The Athy Land League had Dr Patrick ONeill as vice president, Timothy Byrne as treasurer and John Cantwell as secretary. On 8 January 1881, The Kildare Observer reported a Land League meeting in the Market Square, Athy during which Michael Boyton burnt a copy of the Leinster Lease. However, within a few weeks local public support for the Land League was seriously undermined by a clerical instigated tenants agreement to accept a 20 per cent rent reduction offered by the Duke of Leinster. The Land League was not mentioned at the meeting chaired by Rev Dr Kavanagh which accepted the new rents and Dr Patrick ONeill, the Leagues Vice President, resigned because the acceptance of the Dukes offer had broken the backbone of the local Land League. During the period of the Tenants Defence Association and the Land League one finds no evidence in the minutes of Athy Town Commissioners of support for the tenant farmers. The commissioners silence probably owed much to the servile attitude adopted by successive commissioners over many years to the towns landlord the Duke of Leinster. The first indication of their deviation from the subservience of their predecessors was the passing of a resolution on 6 June 1881, requesting the extension of the provisions of the Land Bill to leaseholders as well as yearly tenants. This innocuous enough request was to be followed on 2 January 1882 by support for Charles Stewart Parnell in a resolution which called on the Government to release Parnell and the other prisoners confined under the Coercion Act. Further evidence of the more independent and nationalistic line adopted by Athy Town Commissioners was given on Sunday 5 Jul 1885 with the presentation to Michael Davitt of an address by the Commissioners Chairman, Michael Doyle, on the occasion of Davitts visit to Athy. While Land League activity throughout the country went on a pace throughout the 1880s, Athy, which in 1872 had given Ireland the first of the new wave Tenants Defence Associations, was little concerned with the nations struggle. All was to change with the advent of land problems in the little village of Luggacurran in 1886. By Cate McCurry, PA The Tanaiste has said he had a warm and engaging conversation with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn. On his first full day as Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris said the pair discussed repealing and replacing the contentious Legacy Act as well as the commitments under the newly formed Government. Mr Harris, who was taoiseach from April last year until Micheal Martin took over the role on Thursday, said he extended an invite to Mr Benn to Dublin. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn during the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. This morning I had a very warm and engaging conversation with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, Mr Harris said in a statement. The role of our two Governments as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement could not be more important. This mornings call was an opportunity to reiterate our full commitment to work tirelessly together to fulfil that shared responsibility. The relationship between our two governments is in a better place than it has been for many years following the reset that I undertook as taoiseach in conjunction with Prime Minister Starmer. Northern Ireland remains at the heart of that relationship. We discussed the ongoing work towards repealing and replacing the UK Legacy Act, and I set out the commitments in the new Programme for Government, including playing our full part in legacy processes with the shared aim of ensuring a victim-centred approach that respects the voice of families. Mr Harris added: I also briefed the Secretary of State on the commitments in the Programme for Government in further investing in the Shared Island initiative and we agreed that there was great scope to co-operate closely in this work. I invited Hilary Benn to Dublin and I look forward to hosting him here at the earliest opportunity. Mr Benn last visited Dublin in early December when he met former tanaiste Mr Martin at the British-Irish intergovernmental conference. Mr Harris took over the role of Tanaiste after Mr Martins nomination as Taoiseach on Thursday. The Dail voted 95 to 76 in support of the nomination of Mr Martin. The nomination was originally supposed to have taken place on Wednesday but a dispute over speaking rights for independents affiliated with the Government coalition led to the Dail being adjourned. The Dail reconvened at 11.40am on Thursday to proceed with the nomination of a taoiseach after extensive negotiations resulted in agreement that parliamentary rules needed to be reviewed. After receiving Dail approval, Mr Martin and his family met President Michael D Higgins at his official residence at Aras an Uachtarain, where he formally became Taoiseach during a short ceremony. What a shambolic start to the 34th Dail. Last Wednesday, January 22 was supposed to be a day of back slapping and photo opportunities. Families of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Independent TDs travelled from all over in support of their Teachta Dala father, mother, brother, sister, husband or wife, son or daughter - who had played a role in the formation of the next Government. And then it all came to a grinding halt when the opposition benches united in disgust at one political stroke too far. It appeared a visceral reaction, but whos to say it wasnt premeditated the way our politicians carry on now, but it was a reaction that was exacerbated by the flippant decision-making of the new Ceann Comhairle, Wexford TD Verona Murphy. Imagine, uniting all opposition parties and technical groups in one fell swoop. Some feat. The shenanigans on the Wednesday were disgraceful - and all sides played a role in it. But it was the Regional Independent Group which learned the harsh realities of the price of power when just 24 hours later the Ceann Comhairle effectively reversed her earlier decision to let the RIG sit in the opposition seats. They were to speak from those seats on the day the country elected Micheal Martin as Taoiseach. That didnt happen, obviously, due to the multiple suspensions amid widespread disorder on the opposition benches over the RIG group sitting where they were sitting. Of the nine Independents supporting the Government, five of them will be given Government roles. The four remaining Independent TDs, former Minister Michael Lowry, Barry Heneghan, Gillian Toole and Danny Healy-Rae, were looking to join a technical group, a mechanism used to allocate opposition speaking time. The leaders of five opposition parties said claiming to be in Government and in opposition at the same time is farcical, not tenable and a clear and patent absurdity. Theyre not wrong. The Ceann Comhairle on Thursday said that during proceedings, she would recognise two other technical groups but not the collection of TDs that contain Independents who supported the formation of the incoming Government. This seemed to be the significant decision that allowed the election of Micheal Martin as Taoiseach to proceed. At 11.45am on the Thursday, the Dail was back in action, after the negotiations behind the curtain had taken place. The Ceann Comhairle formally made a statement. She said that TDs have a duty to the public to conduct themselves in a way that is befitting to the office they hold. The issue of the recognition of the Regional Independent Group as a technical group is at the core of the dispute, Verona Murphy said. She admitted that the wording of Standing Order 170, which deals with technical groups, is ambiguous and open to interpretation. She confirmed that the Regional Independent Group would not be recognised for Thursday ahead of a final ruling on the matter. She also confirmed that she would seek advice from a senior counsel on the issue. Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton said that the incoming Government would establish a new committee on Dail Reform. Tipperary North TD, Alan Kelly, was satisfied with the Ceann Comhairles decision and the new committee and said there are iron clad conditions that opposition parties must agree with the decision of the committee and he saw it as the end of the matter with regard to the status of the RIG members as opposition TDs - which he said was one stroke too far. It seems impossible to land a blow on Deputy Lowry politically, given the commentary around the Moriarty Tribunal the last few weeks, and the tag of the most controversial TD in the Dail. Many public representatives would crack under the scrutiny, but Lowry has had it for most of his political career. In spite of that resilience, he suffered a rare defeat this week. In terms of political manoeuvring, and a good political move as he called the election of Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle - who had been a member of the Regional Independent Group - Deputy Lowry didnt see this one coming. Remember, he is largely credited with whipping up the votes to secure the crucial position in the Dail for one of his RIG members. But watching her react and respond to intransigent Dail Deputies, who wouldnt take their seat, for a few moments her election looked like a mistake as she appeared to instantly lose the confidence of the entire opposition side of the house, well, most of it anyway. Having said that, how she was treated and shouted down was appalling and as a person, youd have to feel for her. There was plenty of commentary on the airwaves of the undertones of misogyny in how she was treated and it was appalling but the circumstances of the politics and her decisions as Ceann Comhairle that led to the perfect storm of circumstances, fed the febrile atmosphere in the chamber. It was a rough first day in the job, or in the Ceann Comhairles case, a rough second day and the third wasnt much better. Following the suspension of the Dail, and the Ceann Comhairle had no choice on that front, a night of negotiating ensued. And at 11.29am on Thursday, 15 minutes before the Dail resumed, Deputy Lowry issued a statement and said: Following intensive discussions with the Ceann Comhairle, Taoiseach and Tanaiste, the Regional Group has decided that, in the interest of not having a repetition of yesterdays appalling and outrageous scenes in the Dail, the Group will co-operate with todays Order of Business. Which was effectively their exclusion from proceedings to ensure the same thing didnt happen again. He continued: The Regional Group has agreed to this temporary measure to facilitate the election of Taoiseach and members of the Government. The future positioning of the Group will be referred to the Dail Reform Committee by way of Dail motion Thursday night. The committees composition will reflect the proportional representation in this Dail. The aim is to have a decision before the Dail reconvenes on the 5th of February. His use of the word temporary here is interesting as many will see Thursdays decision as final - and anything otherwise could see more Dail suspensions. Deputy Lowry recently defended his decision to back Verona Murphy for the role of Ceann Comhairle, saying: I felt it was a good political move to make to put forward Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle, and that was really an important and decisive moment because I felt that once she was elected as Ceann Comhairle, and there had to be a lot of political manoeuvring to make that happen, but once she was elected as Ceann Comhairle, then that put our Regional Group in the driving seat for discussions on the formation of a Government. Have no doubt, whats good for Deputy Lowry is good for Tipperary, forming part of the Government for the next five years with the Regional Independent Groups role can only lead to good things. And it was a political masterclass to get to this point, one he even predicted at his General Election campaign launch in The Ragg, that it would be Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and a mix of Independents. And what better Independent than Michael Lowry to head up negotiations. But the Holycross man has never needed to be in power to have influence, hes around too long. However, in this instance, the mischief of Deputy Lowry and RIG non-Government members, those who are not Ministers, wanting speaking time on the opposition side is illogical and it backfired. For RIG and Deputy Lowry was Government formation not enough? All the commitments received in funding, down to community cafes, no. Deputy Lowry wanted more, and took it one step too far and threw the whole of parliamentary democracy in Ireland under the bus in the process. The speaking times and RIG non-Ministers sitting at the other side of the house didnt even come up in Programme for Government negotiations, we are led to believe. Imagine how furious Simon Harris of Fine Gael or Micheal Martin of Fianna Fail were this week at the temerity of the Independents to want more. But the two party leaders erred in judgement too, this was not a procedural, Standing Orders hiccup that would be quickly forgotten. They underestimated the swell of feeling over 50 days off will do to public representatives resigned to opposition for the next five years. The real opposition were fuming and it culminated in a pile on last Wednesday which scuppered the election of Micheal Martin as Taoiseach and required late night negotiations and a climbdown from the new Ceann Comhairle and RIG to get Deputy Martin over the line and the Order of Business approved on the Thursday. Everyone who had been involved in the Programme for Government firmly had their tails between their legs. Whatever the Standing Orders, or a favourable Ceann Comhairle say, or even the Dail committee on reform concludes, this was cheeky, plain and simple. And it backfired on Deputy Lowry and the whole country saw a resounding defeat for the man who never loses. Georgina Campbell writes: Former Wellington mayor Justin Lester says while he doesnt intend to run for the citys top job again, Labour has approached him about his potential candidacy and hed never say never. Lester has caused a stir by refusing to rule out a comeback ahead of local body elections in October. That agitation has been heightened by his launching of a new social media Facebook page called Wellington Alive to celebrate the good things happening in the city. Weather Alert ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON FRIDAY TO 1 AM CDT SATURDAY... * WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of south central, southwest, and west central Illinois and central, east central, northeast, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From noon 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. && By Baek Byung-yeul Renowned actor Ha Jung-woo described his upcoming thriller Nocturnal as a raw and intense take on the familiar theme of revenge, promising that its director Kim Jin-hwang would bring a fresh perspective. "The revenge plot isn't new, but I believe that even the same theme can provide new enjoyment depending on how the works change in form and background," Ha told The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Friday. He expressed great interest in the director's unique vision, which was a significant factor in his decision to take on the project. "I was drawn to Kim. His personal experiences are woven into the script, and I was intrigued by his attitude towards the characters in the film," the 46-year-old actor explained. "I felt this director had tremendous anger and lava-like energy boiling beneath his gentle demeanor. I felt he wanted to unleash those emotions through this film." "Nocturnal" follows Min-tae, a former gang member, on a relentless pursuit to uncover the truth behind a night where everything becomes entangled his brother dies and a best-selling novel eerily foretells his brother's death. Ha portrays Min-tae as a man driven to find answers after his brother's death. The actor acknowledged the extreme violence displayed by his character in the film, emphasizing that it was a deliberate choice by the director. "There are parts where Min-tae resorts to excessive violence, under the pretext of his brother's death. I found it interesting that the director created this character with that perspective. It felt different from the characters I've played in recent years," he said. Ha is widely regarded as one of the most iconic actors here since his realistic portrayal of the injustices within the military in the 2005 indie film "The Unforgiven" left a lasting impression on audiences. After rising to stardom with the 2008 film "The Chaser, he has since delivered memorable performances in numerous blockbusters, including "Take Off" (2009), "Nameless Gangster: Rules of Time" (2012), the "Along with the Gods" series and 2022 Netflix series "Narco-Saints." Despite his established career, Ha revealed his continuous pursuit of new challenges and transformations in his acting journey. "When choosing projects, I don't differentiate between established and rookie directors," he said. "In recent years, I've felt the need to work with various people I haven't collaborated with before." He added he worked with an entirely new crew on "Nocturnal," who helped him discover new facets of himself. Since creating an Instagram account last year, Ha has actively engaged with fans on the online platform. His trademark blunt yet humorous interactions have gone viral, further solidifying his persistent appeal. Regarding his social media activity, he expressed enjoyment in connecting with people and gaining new experiences. "Fans had been requesting me to create an Instagram account for a long time. I started it to communicate with them. People really liked it when I replied to comments on my posts, so I've continued to do so," he said. "People now view the world through their own algorithms. I feel I need to inform my fans about my activities, so I want to increase the number of followers on my account to promote my work more widely." Nocturnal will hit local theaters on Feb. 5. Private equity firm challenges validity of all resolutions made at shareholders meeting By Jun Ji-hye The alliance of private equity firm MBK Partners and Young Poong said on Friday that it will take legal action against Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yun-beom and other management officials for proceeding with their extraordinary shareholders meeting the previous day without recognizing Young Poongs 25 percent stake. Kim Kwang-il, an MBK partner overseeing the Korea Zinc takeover bid, announced plans to file complaints with the Korea Fair Trade Commission and the prosecution against Choi as well as Korea Zinc CEO Park Ki-deok and others involved in forming the new circular shareholding structure aimed at neutralizing Young Poongs voting rights. In Korea, forming new circular shareholding structures is prohibited by law and subject to criminal penalties, he said during an online press conference. In particular, creating a circular shareholding structure through overseas entities constitutes an unlawful act. Kim also stated plans to file for an injunction to suspend the validity of the resolutions passed at the shareholders meeting, including the introduction of the cumulative voting system, which Choi had pushed for to block the MBK alliances recommended candidates from joining the board. The comments came as Choi, who has been engaged in a monthslong battle over managerial control against the MBK alliance, defended his management rights by successfully blocking the alliances attempt to take control of the board of directors, through a vote at the extraordinary shareholders meeting. The victory was possible as Young Poong Precision, controlled by Choi, sold 10.33 percent of Young Poong shares, held by the company and the Choi family, to Sun Metal Corporation (SMC), an Australian subsidiary of Korea Zinc. By establishing a new circular shareholding structure, this action neutralized Young Poongs voting rights, according to the Commercial Act. The law stipulates that when cross-held shares among affiliates exceed 10 percent, those shares lose their voting rights. By leveraging this circular shareholding structure, Korea Zinc overturned what was initially an unfavorable situation due to its lower shareholding ratio. The MBK-Young Poong alliance holds 40.97 percent of Korea Zincs shares, compared to 34.35 percent held by Choi and his allies. However, the circular shareholding structure implemented by the zinc smelter restricted voting rights for Young Poongs 25.42 percent stake, reducing the alliances effective shareholding down to 15.55 percent and resulting in their defeat in the vote. Kim argued that SMCs acquisition of a 10.33 percent stake in Young Poong just a day before the shareholders meeting was a clear violation of the Fair Trade Act. He also claimed that the move constituted a breach of trust, stating, Choi used criminal actions to protect his own management rights, which will lead to fines or penalties for Korea Zinc. He knowingly caused potential damage. Additionally, Kim noted that SMC spent 57.5 billion won ($40 million) to acquire non-voting shares of Young Poong solely to protect Chois personal management rights. He claimed this caused financial harm to SMC, and since losses incurred by a subsidiary ultimately impact Korea Zinc, the act constitutes a breach of fiduciary duty. He further claimed that this invalidates all resolutions passed at Thursdays meeting, where Young Poongs voting rights were excluded. We will challenge the validity of the meetings decisions through an injunction. Everything we were prevented from doing as a majority shareholder at the meeting is subject to this injunction, Kim said. If the injunction is granted before the regular shareholders meeting in March, Young Poongs voting rights will be reinstated. Kim said, If we dont succeed with the complaints and injunctions, it will be difficult to participate in Korea Zincs board of directors. However, regardless of the time it takes, we will find a way to join Korea Zincs board and correct the wrongdoings. For its part, Korea Zinc's management proposed a major compromise through mutual communication to the MBK alliance later on Friday. "It is time to stop the wasteful conflict fueled by fabricated claims and slander," CEO Park stated at a press conference. He suggested that Korea Zinc could operate its board more transparently and, through mutual communication, open it up to MBK in a more proactive manner. "If MBK desires, we are also open to allowing management participation. I believe that MBKs expertise and wisdom, gained as the largest private equity firm in Northeast Asia, will be beneficial to Korea Zinc," he said. In response, an MBK official said, "We believe Korea Zinc's proposal lacks sincerity. If they truly want a conversation, they should first nullify the illegal shareholders' meeting and the unlawful circular shareholding that took place Thursday." The government will prepare for Washington's possible implementation of universal tariffs on Korean goods following the launch of the second Donald Trump administration, a senior trade official has said. "President Trump has been mentioning the issue, so I believe we need to stay vigilant and make thorough preparations," the official told reporters Thursday under the condition of anonymity. The remark came as Trump has been proposing to impose blanket tariffs of 10 to 20 percent on all imports. Shortly after taking office, the new U.S. president also vowed to impose a 25 percent tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico beginning as early as the start of February. The official said as the new U.S. administration is pursuing balanced trade with its partners, Korea is reviewing ways to expand imports from the U.S., rather than seeking to reduce exports. "We should be expanding the combined trade volume, not reducing it," the official said. "We need to find ways to pursue mutual benefits." Sources said the government is seeking to expand the purchase of crude oil and gas from the U.S., both in the public and private sectors, to increase overall imports, thereby leading to a more balanced trade portfolio. Touching on the possibility of Washington asking for renegotiation of the countries' bilateral free trade agreement, the official said it was too early to respond, since there has been no official announcement from the U.S. Trump earlier signed a memorandum on an "America First" trade policy, calling for a review of existing U.S. trade agreements to seek "reciprocal and mutually advantageous" concessions with respect to free trade partners. (Yonhap) Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Friday asked government officials to prioritize national interests as they review strategies to address new U.S. economic and trade policies under the second Donald Trump administration. Choi made the remarks during a meeting on external economic issues with government officials, including the foreign and industry ministers, instructing them to review Korea's countermeasures against issues that could significantly impact the economy. The acting president also emphasized the importance of maintaining close communication with businesses as the government responds to the new U.S. policies. At Friday's meeting, participants evaluated both the direct and indirect impacts of the Trump administration's economic policies on the Korean economy, including U.S.-centered trade policies and the expanded use of traditional fossil fuels, his office said. Shortly after taking office, Trump signed a memorandum on an "America First" trade policy, calling for a review of existing U.S. trade agreements to seek "reciprocal and mutually advantageous" concessions with free trade partners. (Yonhap) The 2025 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, one of Korea's most popular winter events, has welcomed over 1 million visitors, according to the event's organizers Friday. The festival, which began on Jan. 11, takes place in Hwacheon, a remote mountain town in Gangwon Province, located 25 kilometers south of the inter-Korean border and about 90 km northeast of Seoul. The event is scheduled to run through Feb. 2. Between its opening day and Friday afternoon, approximately 982,155 people visited the festival, according to Hwacheon county. An estimated additional 40,000 attendees are expected to join throughout the day. Since its debut in 2003, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival has consistently attracted more than 1 million visitors almost every year, earning global recognition. This year's festival reached the 1 million milestone a day earlier than in 2024. The festival has transformed Hwacheon, a county with a population of just 23,000, into a renowned winter destination in Korea. Despite challenges like unusually warm winters, heavy rain in 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused cancellations in 2021 and 2022, the festival has maintained its reputation as a "million festival" for 16 years. One key factor in the festival's success is its innovative approach and quick adaptation to change. For instance, in 2016, it became the first winter festival in Korea to introduce night fishing, an unconventional idea that gained widespread attention. In addition to its main program ice fishing for sancheoneo, a species of mountain trout the festival attracts visitors with a variety of events and activities. Every Saturday, the festival features a lantern street parade reminiscent of the lively street performances at Canada's Quebec Winter Carnival. Meanwhile, the Santa Post Office, a popular attraction at the event, evokes the charm of Santa Claus' village in Rovaniemi, Finland. (Yonhap) North Korea's state media on Friday reported on President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention for an investigation into his short-lived imposition of martial law and the accelerating impeachment trial against him. "Puppet Yoon Suk Yeol who had been under interrogation after being arrested on charges of masterminding an insurrection was detained at the Seoul Detention Center on Jan. 19 and his impeachment trial is accelerating," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The same article was published in the Rodong Sinmun newspaper, which caters to general domestic readers, on its international page. The report marks North Korea's first direct reference to Yoon's detention, following indirect reports by North Korean media on Jan. 17, citing foreign news outlets, two days after he was taken into custody. The impeached president was detained Jan. 15 over his martial law bid last month, and a Seoul court issued another warrant on Jan. 19 to extend his custody for investigation. The KCNA detailed the grounds for the court's warrant issuance, stating it acknowledged Yoon's charges of deploying armed martial law troops to shut down the National Assembly and the necessity of detaining him. "Puppet Yoon Suk Yeol, 47 days after the martial law incident ... was placed in a solitary cell with the prisoner number '0010' for the first time as a sitting president," the KCNA said. The report also described Yoon's attendance at a Constitutional Court hearing for his impeachment trial, noting he was transported in a prisoner vehicle in a "haggard" condition. Yoon "blabbered in an attempt to justify" his behavior while vehemently denying all criminal charges related to his martial law bid, the report said, also adding that Yoon could face life in prison or the capital punishment if convicted of insurrection. (Yonhap) A think tank expert has anticipated no "detente" between the United States and North Korea in new U.S. President Donald Trump's first month in office, pointing to the recalcitrant regime's advancing nuclear capabilities and growing ties with Russia. In an opinion piece in The Hill, a U.S. media outlet, Ransom Miller, a research associate at the Institute for Global Affairs, put the North Korea issue on a list of what might happen in Trump's first month in command of America's foreign policy. The list included tariffs levied against U.S. neighbors first and continued aid to Ukraine. "Today, North Korea's nuclear missile capabilities have grown and its burgeoning entente with Russia has encouraged it to deploy troops to assist in the invasion of Ukraine," Miller wrote. "With more partners available to it and a more secure nuclear position, it's unlikely that Kim will be eager to return to the table with Trump, which bore little fruit the last time around," he added. He noted that when Trump took office for his first term in 2017, he put North Korea among his top foreign policy priorities, and that his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was close. "But don't expect that to be as meaningful during this term in office. North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world, and it was at a diplomatic nadir with its sole ally China in the late 2010s," Miller said. "During that era, it made sense to pursue talks with America." On Monday, Trump called North Korea a "nuclear power," while saying that Kim might be happy to see his political comeback. His remarks added to lingering speculation that Trump might seek to revive his summit diplomacy with Kim given that he repeatedly boasted about his personal ties with the reclusive leader. During his first term, Trump had three meetings with Kim the first-ever summit in Singapore in June 2018, the Hanoi summit in February 2019 and a meeting in the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom in June 2019. The U.S. and the North last held working-level nuclear talks in Stockholm in October 2019. (Yonhap) U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will reach out to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un again, a remark that raised the prospects for the resumption of his summit diplomacy with the reclusive leader. Trump made the remarks during a Fox News interview broadcast Thursday, portraying Kim as a "smart guy" and "not a religious zealot" a description that appears to indicate his view that the North Korean leader could be somebody he can communicate with for a negotiation. "I will, yeah," Trump said when asked if he will reach out to the North. He recalled that when he came into the White House for a meeting with Barack Obama in late 2016, Obama singled out North Korea as the "biggest threat." "(Obama) said North Korea is the biggest threat and I solved that problem," he said. "And I got along with him. He's not a religious zealot. He happens to be a smart guy. Kim Jong-un is a smart guy." Trump's reference to Kim as a non-religious figure appears to indicate he thinks there is space for a parley with the North, whereas he depicted Iran as a "whole different thing" in reference to the Islamic republic's religious nature. During a press availability Monday, Trump called North Korea a "nuclear power," anticipating Kim will be "happy" to see his comeback to the White House. His remarks appeared to reflect the reality of advancing North Korean nuclear threats and his apparent interest in reengaging with Pyongyang. During his election campaign, Trump repeatedly boasted about his personal ties with Kim, raising speculation that he would seek to restart his direct diplomacy with Kim. Trump's interest in dialogue with the North appeared to have been evidenced by his personnel choices. 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. An emerging concern for Seoul is the possibility that the Trump administration could bypass South Korea to engage with Pyongyang if there is a lack of policy coordination between the allies, particularly at a time of political uncertainty in Seoul caused by now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid last month. Trump had three meetings with Kim the first-ever summit in Singapore in June 2018, the Hanoi summit in February 2019 and the meeting in the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom in June 2019. The United States and the North last held working-level nuclear talks in Stockholm in October 2019. Some observers have said that Pyongyang's appetite for reengagement with Washington might have dwindled as it now relies on Russia for food, fuel, security assurances and other forms of support after its provision of munitions and troops to back Moscow's war in Ukraine. During its four-year term, the preceding Biden administration had focused mostly on bolstering deterrence with South Korea and Japan to counter North Korean threats, as its repeated offers to engage in dialogue with the North "without preconditions" fell on deaf ears. (Yonhap) 77.2% say most urgent task is confirming if family members in North still alive By Kwak Yeon-soo More and more South Korean families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War are losing hope of ever visiting their hometowns or reuniting with their loved ones in the North, a survey showed Friday. According to the 2024 survey conducted by the Ministry of Unification, 57.2 percent of respondents said they want to see their loved ones in North Korea, down from 65.8 percent in 2021. The demand to visit their hometowns in the North dropped by 26.7 percentage points, while the demand for letter exchanges also declined by about 8 percentage points. The survey gathered responses from 35,542 South Koreans and 475 Koreans living abroad, primarily in the U.S. They had all registered themselves on a list of people believed to have family ties in the North. The two Koreas remain technically at war as the Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. Since the first Seoul-Pyongyang summit in 2000, the two sides have held 21 rounds of in-person family reunions, including the latest one in August 2018. Since then, almost all forms of exchanges have been halted amid North Koreas continued nuclear and missile provocations. The unification ministry noted that the latest results reflect lowered expectations about the possibility of direct relatives in the North still surviving. It also mentioned that the survey cycle was shortened from five to three years, as more South Koreans have passed away of old age without the opportunity to reunite with their relatives in North Korea. According to the results, 63.6 percent of those living in South Korea and 60.9 percent of those living abroad are currently over the age of 80. Nearly 76 percent of respondents said they are unable to confirm whether their long-lost relatives are still alive in the North. Data shows that of the 134,291 South Koreans on the waiting list for government-arranged reunions, 97,350 have passed away as of last month. In terms of policy priorities, 77.2 percent of respondents said the most urgent need is for the government to find out if their family members in the North are still alive and to be notified when they die. About 37.5 percent requested regular family reunions, followed by letter exchanges (18.2 percent) and virtual reunions (11.8 percent). Respondents were allowed to select more than one policy priority. In an in-depth interview with 5,103 selected participants in the latest survey, 55.3 percent of respondents expressed a desire to know whether their family members in the North are still alive. However, 19.4 percent said they no longer wish to find out. About 14.4 percent selected in-person reunions as their preference, followed by just 3.5 percent who expressed their wishes to visit their hometowns in the North. We will establish and promote policies for inter-Korean separated families that better meet their demands considering changes in preferences and the aging of separated families, a unification ministry official said. The government designated Aug. 13 on the lunar calendar, or two days before the Chuseok holiday, as Separated Families Day in 2023 as part of broader efforts to raise awareness about the issue of separated families. 14th-century Korean Buddhist statue set for public showing before handover to Japan By Park Jin-hai A Goryeo-era Buddha Statue, looted by Japanese pirates and later stolen by thieves and brought back to Korea, is set to make a temporary return to its original home. The 14th-century Korean Buddhist statue, previously housed at the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage in Daejeon, will be moved to and showcased to the public for 100 days at Buseok Temple in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, before its return to Japan. People can visit and see the Gilt-bronze Seated Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, a 50.5-centimeter-tall Buddhist statue from the 918-1392 Goryeo Dynasty, from Saturday until Buddha's Birthday that falls on May 5. This marks a significant homecoming for the statue, which was originally looted in 1378. The 50.5-centimeter-tall Buddhist statue that Japanese pirates plundered and took to their country had been one of the two bronze statues that Korean thieves stole from Kannon Temple on the Japanese island of Tsushima in October 2012. Buseok Temple filed a lawsuit in 2016, claiming its ownership based on an inscription on the statue and demanded the return of the statue that had been stored at the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. The inscription states that it was created around 1330 with the intention of enshrining it in a temple in Seoju (the Goryeo-era name for Seosan). However, the Supreme Court ruled in October 2023 that the statute of limitations had expired and that ownership of the statue belonged to Japan. The statue will be returned to the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage before May 11 and subsequently sent back to Japan. To ensure the statue's safety, the temple has installed seven surveillance cameras and two heat sensors inside and around Seolbeopjeon Hall where the statue will be enshrined. Venerable Wonwoo, chief priest of Buseok Temple, expressed mixed emotions about the temporary return. "It's hard to fathom why a Buddha statue, created with the sincere devotion of Goryeo people, should be in Japan, a place with no connection to it," he said. "I believe Japanese Buddhists would feel the same way if they were in our position." He emphasized the importance of recognizing the cultural value of artifacts and finding a common ground among nations regarding the repatriation of cultural heritage. Before the ceremony, the Cultural Heritage Service, along with the Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office, inspected the Buddha statue with a Japanese team. The team, led by Sesuryo Tanaka of Kannon Temple, verified that the statue was undamaged and signed a handover agreement. Chief Priest Tanaka said during the moving ceremony, "I believe the compassion of Guan Yin Bodhisattva has guided us to this moment." He expressed deep gratitude to the governments, legislative bodies and religious organizations of both countries for their efforts in returning the Buddha statue, repeatedly saying "Thank you very much" in Korean. "I hope this gathering will strengthen the bond between Korea and Japan and open new doors for cooperation and growth," he added. Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Friday urged officials to focus their efforts on maintaining the country's emergency medical system during the upcoming holiday amid a prolonged conflict between the government and the medical community. "The government and local authorities will focus their efforts to ensure the emergency medical system operates without disruptions, allowing people to spend the Lunar New Year holiday without concerns," Choi said during a meeting with relevant officials. Choi noted the government will focus particularly on providing stable medical services for high-risk pregnant women, newborns and patients with other severe conditions. "I also urge people to visit appropriate medical facilities based on the severity of their conditions," Choi said, amid growing concerns over a shortage of emergency room beds. Thousands of trainee doctors have been absent from their workplaces due to mass resignations since February last year, as the medical community continues to urge the government to reconsider its planned increase of medical school students. The government has decided to raise the number of medical school seats by 1,500 for 2025 as part of a broader plan to increase the total by around 10,000 over the next five years to address a nationwide shortage of doctors. This year's Lunar New Year holiday was extended to six days after the government designated Monday as a temporary national holiday. (Yonhap) South Korea and Cuba are at a "beginning point" where the two countries have much to learn about each other's "realities," the top Cuban envoy to Seoul has said, following the establishment of their diplomatic relations almost a year ago. Cuban Ambassador to South Korea Claudio Monzon Baeza made the remarks after the two countries made the surprise announcement of their diplomatic relations in New York on Feb. 14 last year, in an apparent heavy blow to North Korea, its Cold War-era ally that has touted its "brotherly" ties with Havana. "Cuba's foreign policy aims to maintain diplomatic relations with any country, as long as they are based on mutual respect for each other's sovereignty," Monzon said in an exclusive interview with Yonhap News Agency on Thursday. He took office in Seoul earlier this month. "We are at a beginning point (with South Korea). I believe there is still much to know about our respective realities, getting to know each other, and it's an important thing to do," Monzon said. South Korea had cut off its ties with Cuba in 1959 in the wake of the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro, while North Korea has maintained its close relationship with the Caribbean island nation. "We have a coherent and consistent foreign policy and diplomatic relations with countries in Asia and East Asia," Monzon said, without directly mentioning Pyongyang, when asked about the impact of Cuba's diplomatic ties with South Korea on its policy toward the two Koreas. Monzon stressed that Cuba's commitment to such diplomatic relations with other countries has been part of its efforts to overcome the U.S. policy of "isolating" the country from the rest of the world through aggressive sanctions that has crippled its economy for decades. Upon his inauguration, U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, reversing his predecessor's executive order that had lifted the designation. Monzon called the measure, along with the broad economic embargo in place against his country, "arbitrary" and "politically motivated," stressing that the policy has been condemned every year at the U.N. General Assembly and by the majority of the world, including South Korea. "Biden's removal publicly recognized that the U.S. government does not consider Cuba as a sponsor of terrorism and implies that the list is an illegitimate and unilateral instrument of economic pressure," he said. Despite the limitations from the sanctions, Monzon highlighted there is strong potential for engagement between Seoul and Havana to deepen their relations, from the economy and culture to academics and science. Monzon noted as an example Cuba's reserves of nickel and cobalt -- key minerals that have become vital in terms of global supply chains -- and its strengths in biotechnology and related products, including innovative drugs and vaccines. "Despite the U.S. government policies against us, we have a wide participation of foreign businessmen, which shows that our country is open to the world to promote new investment and access to new markets," he said. "I believe we have a lot of opportunities. This is a relationship that we're building right now, but I strongly believe there is room for bilateral cooperation in many fields," Monzon said. Monzon also said Cuba has made legal changes, including simplifying procedures, to attract foreign investment, expressing hope that such efforts will interest Korean companies and help enhance understanding to promote cooperation. "We've been talking (with South Korea) about these possibilities and exploring ways to cooperate in a mutually beneficial manner. We will keep working in the direction," he said. On plans for opening its embassy in Seoul, Monzon said the process is "going smoothly," and that he is looking to launch it "as soon as possible." "I cannot give you a date right now. It naturally takes some time," he said. The Cuban Embassy in Seoul is likely to open around March, according to a diplomatic source. South Korea opened its embassy in Havana last Saturday and is expected to announce its ambassador to Cuba soon. (Yonhap) Chinese Ambassador to Korea Dai Bing met with Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun on Friday and discussed the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and other related issues, Seoul officials said. The meeting took place as Korea is due to host the APEC summit in the southern region of Gyeongju in November, with China being the host for the multilateral gathering next year. At the meeting, Kang "highlighted the need for close cooperation between the two countries regarding their respective planned hosting of the APEC summits in 2025 and 2026," the foreign ministry said in a release. She also expressed hope that Seoul and Beijing would further advance their economic cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels, including efforts to ensure stable supply chain management, and promote trade and investment, the ministry said. Dai, in turn, said he would work closely with Korea to further develop bilateral relations across various fields, including the economic sector. Following the meeting, Dai said he had a "productive" meeting with the vice minister. "We need to explore new opportunities for substantive cooperation that would benefit both sides," he told reporters shortly before leaving the foreign ministry. "I hope there will be a breakthrough (in the FTA negotiations)." Dai took office as the top envoy to Seoul in late December. The APEC summit has drawn attention as Chinese President Xi Jinping is widely expected to attend the meeting. If realized, it will be Xi's first trip to Seoul in 11 years after his last visit in July 2014. (Yonhap) Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho on Friday reaffirmed the South Korea-U.S. alliance during his talks with acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Joseph Yun, Seoul's defense ministry said. Kim met Yun at his ministry's headquarters in central Seoul, marking the first talks between the two sides since the U.S. envoy took office earlier this month. "(Kim) emphasized that close coordination between the diplomatic and security authorities of South Korea and the United States serves as the foundation to deterring North Korea and maintaining regional peace," the ministry said in a release. The two sides reaffirmed that the South Korea-U.S. alliance remains steadfast, and Yun expressed the unchanging U.S. support for the alliance, according to the ministry. (Yonhap) Korea on Friday strongly protested Japan's renewed claim to its easternmost islets of Dokdo after Japan's top diplomat described them as part of his country's territory. Earlier in the day, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya reiterated Tokyo's territorial claim over the islets in Korea's East Sea during a parliamentary session. "The government strongly protests against the Japanese government's repeated unjust territorial claims over Dokdo and urge for its immediate withdrawal," ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong said in a statement. Lee said that such claims by Japan have no impact on Korea's sovereignty over the islets, calling them an inherent part of Korea's territory historically, geographically and under international law. He said Japan should realize that repeating such claims about Dokdo would not be helpful to establishing bilateral relations in a future-oriented way. The ministry plans to call in Taisuke Mibae, deputy chief of mission at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, later in the day to protest against the latest claim. Korea has been in effective control of Dokdo with a small police detachment, since its liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. (Yonhap) By Dale Quarrington With another year behind us, we look forward to the new year ahead to see which of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals will guide us. For 2025, it's the Year of the Snake. Unfortunately, the snake is one of the lesser-observed zodiac animals at Korean Buddhist temples. But with that being said, while snakes aren't as popular at temples as dragons, tigers or even rabbits, the snake makes its appearance in less obvious forms. The Chinese zodiac has a long history in many cultures. In China, where the zodiac is believed to have originated, evidence supports the claim that it predates Buddhism there. The zodiac took the form of local animals that were familiar to the Chinese people. It was based upon Chinese cosmology, and as a result, it grew more elaborate in time, as well as in popularity. The zodiac was used to count the years, months, days and hours to help predict the future, tell fortunes and determine a persons personality based on the year one was born and the assigned animal given to that year. And because of its importance in China, it helped allow the zodiac to spread to other neighboring countries like Korea and Japan through trade and cross-cultural pollination. Buddhism, as it migrated eastward from India, did a remarkable job of adapting to local religious beliefs and cultural customs. Instead of competing against local traditions, Buddhism adapted to local culture, as is the case in China with both Taoist and zodiac beliefs and in Korea with shamanic beliefs. One of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals is the snake. Snakes, and those born in the Year of the Snake, are thought to be charming, introverted, generous and smart. As for Korean Buddhism and Korean Buddhist temples, the most common place to see depictions of the snake, is as one of the 12 Spirit Generals, or the Sibiji-shin in Korean. The 12 Spirit Generals come in many forms, and they are meant to be the embodiment of Yaksayeorae-bul (Buddha of the Eastern Paradise, and the Medicine Buddha). They can appear as shrine hall paintings, statues or even adorning pagodas. Another way in which snakes appear at Korean Buddhist temples is through legends. One specific legend can be found at Yeojeok Hermitage, which is located in the southern portion of Songnisan National Park in Boeun, North Chungcheong Province. The hermitage is one of 11 directly associated with the famed Beopju Temple. Purportedly, Yeojeok Hermitage was the richest hermitage on the mountain. However, its previous abbots were obsessed with material gain, so they didnt help others with the hermitages resources. Yeojeok, who was just a novice monk at this time, made nine rice balls. Yeojeok and the abbot of the hermitage traveled to neighboring Sujeong-bong Peak. There, the two sat in front of a rock and called out the names of the former abbots of Yeojeok Hermitage. One by one, Yeojeok would throw a rice ball and a big snake would come out from one of the cracks of the large stone and eat the rice ball, then return to its hole. Yeojeok did this until he got to the eighth snake. The present abbot noticed this as his former master and was surprised to see his teacher reborn as a snake. Seeing his surprise, Yeojeok told the abbot that his teacher had become a snake because he was greedy. And even after he had died, he couldnt forget the hermitages wealth, so he lived in Sujeong-bong Peak to be near Yeojeok Hermitage. Still seeing that there was one more unoccupied hole remaining in the side of the large rock, the abbot asked Yeojeok who that hole belonged to. Yeojeok answered that the hole belonged to the current abbot. After that, the abbot held a meeting, where he distributed the wealth of the hermitage to those in need. And it was after this that the hermitage came to be known as Yeojeok Hermitage. Arguably, an even better-known legend connected to a temple and a snake can be found at Cheongpyeong Temple in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. In this legend, there once was a Tang princess who was loved by a young man. This princess was known as Princess Pyeongyang, the daughter of Emperor Taejong [Taizong] of Tang (r. 626-649). Emperor Taejong had the man killed, but the lovesick man was reborn as a snake who constantly clung to the princess. And every effort that was made to separate the snake from the princess failed. Eventually, the princess left the palace, where she wandered until she arrived at the valley where Cheongpyeong Temple would be built. After spending a night at Gongju-gul (Princess Cave), she cleansed her body in a Gongju-tang (Princess Bath). Afterward, she dressed in a monks robe. Thanks to her virtue, the lovesick snake finally broke free from the princess and entered Nirvana. Afterward, the princess asked her father to build a temple there. Eventually, a pagoda was erected and the local people called it Gongju-tap (Princess Pagoda). Yet another lesser-known way in which snakes can appear at Korean Buddhist temples is as a naga, which is a divine, or semi-divine, species of half-human, half-serpent beings. Nagas are one of the Eight Legions, or Palbusin-jang in Korean, of Buddhism that are protectors of the Dharma (Buddhas Teachings). Because of their role in protecting the Dharma, youll typically find nagas as stone reliefs around the base of pagodas at Korean Buddhist temples. Also, as the nagas moved eastward, they became dragons. So its the dragon, rather than the snake or naga, that youll typically find at most Korean Buddhist temples. Among the most notable nagas in the Korean Buddhist tradition, and Buddhism more generally, is Naga Mucalinda, who protected Seokgamoni-bul (Historical Buddha) from torrential rain as the Buddha neared enlightenment. So the next time youre at a Korean Buddhist temple during the Year of the Snake, have a look around at the hard-to-find images of the reptilian arbitrator of good fortune. Most commonly, youll find them in the legends and traditions of temples, but you might be lucky enough to see a statue or painting of a naga or the snake from the 12 Spirit Generals. With all that being said, heres to a happy and prosperous 2025, the Year of the Snake! Dale Quarrington has visited over 500 temples throughout the Korean Peninsula and published four books on Korean Buddhism. He runs the website Dale's Korean Temple Adventures. The head of the Korea Hana Foundation, a public institution supporting defectors from North Korea, was dismissed Friday over allegations he sexually harassed an employee. The foundation's board of directors convened earlier in the day and decided to dismiss Cho Min-ho as president, according to the office of Rep. Han Jeong-ae of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea. The unification ministry, which oversees the foundation, launched an audit into Cho after allegations surfaced during a parliamentary inspection last year that he made sexually discriminatory and harassing remarks to an employee. The ministry then recommended severe disciplinary action against him. Cho has denied the allegations, saying he will either ask the ministry to reconsider his case or take legal action. (Yonhap) By KTimes Freelance TV personality Kim Na-jung, 33, who admitted to drug use in the Philippines in a social media post last year, has been referred to the prosecution, Newsis reported Friday, citing the police. Kim, a former announcer and model, is accused of using methamphetamine and synthetic marijuana in Manila, the Philippines, on Nov. 10, 2024. A police official said, "Kim was summoned for questioning two to three times and was referred to the prosecution this morning. No evidence of coercion in the drug use was found." On Nov. 12 last year, Kim posted on her social media, saying, I confess that I used drugs in the Philippines. I feel like Im going to die and cant board a flight. The post sparked controversy online. Kim returned to Korea later that day, arriving at Incheon International Airport, where she was questioned for about two hours by airport police before being released. Initial drug tests returned positive results. Kims legal representatives claimed she was forced to take drugs by an individual she met in the Philippines. According to their statement, Kim was introduced to a man claiming to be a young businessman born in 1995. While intoxicated due to alcohol, she was allegedly tied up, blindfolded and coerced into inhaling smoke using a device resembling a coffin. This article is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times. By Jung Da-hyun A visa-free entry system on Jeju Island, a resort island off the south coast of Korea, is increasingly being exploited as a loophole for illegal entry into the country, especially following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of non-Korean nationals leaving the island without authorization, along with brokers facilitating their illegal entry, is increasing steadily. Non-Koreans entering Jeju Island via the visa-free system may stay without a visa for up to 30 days, but are generally not permitted to travel to the mainland, which is just 83 kilometers away. According to the Jeju Coast Guard, there were seven cases of unauthorized attempts to reach the mainland in 2024 involving individuals who entered Jeju Island through its visa-free entry system. A total of 18 people, including foreign nationals and Korean brokers, have been caught, while authorities believe many more have evaded detection. Among them, eight were Chinese, one was Vietnamese, five were Indonesian and four were Korean brokers accused of facilitating the illegal departures. Sixteen of the suspects have been arrested. The number of such cases surged compared to 2023, when only two incidents were reported, leading to the arrest of four individuals. In recent years, there have been growing concerns about foreign nationals abusing visa systems in other Northeast Asian countries like Japan. According to Japan's immigration statistics, nearly 150,000 foreign nationals overstayed their visas in 2020, with a significant number entering on short-term tourist visas and then staying in the country illegally. In 2020, Korea reported around 80,000 foreign nationals overstaying their visas, with many entering on short-term tourist visas and staying illegally, according to the Korea Immigration Service. Jeju Island implemented a visa-free entry system to promote tourism, allowing travelers from 111 countries to stay for up to 30 days without a visa, with the goal of boosting tourism. The program was temporarily suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but began to be gradually reinstated in April 2023. However, authorities have noted a growing number of cases where individuals exploit the policy to leave the island illegally to enter the mainland and engage in illegal activities such as unauthorized employment. Many are using ports, where inspections are less stringent than at airports, to evade detection. Police warn that these methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated. On Jan. 15 this year, police arrested 11 Vietnamese nationals attempting to depart Jeju Island for the mainland, along with a Korean broker who helped them. The group seven men and four women was caught hiding inside a 5-ton cargo truck at Pier 6 of Jeju Port, attempting to board a ship bound for Wando, an island county in southwestern Korea. Investigators believe they entered Jeju under the visa-free entry system with the intention of working in other parts of Korea. Many unauthorized departures follow a similar pattern, with individuals concealing themselves in vans or trucks to evade detection. Some hide inside cargo trucks carrying tangerines from Jeju, while others endure long periods inside freezer truck iceboxes to avoid detection. The brokers receive a fee of around 2.5 million won ($1,746) per person from the visitors, often lowering the fee through negotiations when facilitating group departures. They have been profiting from these illegal activities by arranging unauthorized exits. An official at the Jeju Coast Guard reported that the number of illegal movements by non-Koreans entering Jeju visa-free has been rising since last year. The crimes are becoming more sophisticated and organized, involving transportation networks, mediation groups and overseas brokers. In response, authorities plan to intensify their crackdown on maritime border crimes by analyzing evolving patterns. Police have also urged the public to report any suspicious ships or vehicles related to visa violations to nearby coast guards, immigration offices or maritime fisheries management teams. Prosecutors on Friday questioned the acting chief of the Presidential Security Service (PSS) as part of their investigation into the short-lived imposition of martial law. The prosecution's special investigation team handling the case began questioning PSS Deputy Chief Kim Seong-hoon as a witness at around 10 a.m. Police detained Kim last week on charges of leading efforts to block investigators from executing a warrant to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law bid. Police later sought a warrant to arrest Kim, but he was released after prosecutors dismissed the warrant. Later on Friday, police again sought an arrest warrant for Kim, accusing him of obstructing official duties and abusing his authority. Police have reportedly gathered testimony from PSS officials that Kim and another senior PSS officer were preparing firearms during the police's execution of the second warrant against Yoon. (Yonhap) A Seoul court on Friday rejected the prosecution's request to extend President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention beyond its initial period. Earlier in the day, the special prosecution team investigating allegations related to Yoon's Dec. 3 martial law declaration submitted a request to the Seoul Central District Court to extend the president's detention until Feb. 6. This request came a day after the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) transferred the case to the prosecution. On Friday, the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the request, citing a lack of probable cause to continue the investigation under the prosecution's authority, as the case had already been referred by the CIO. The CIO had transferred the case to the prosecution earlier as the agency does not have the legal mandate to indict a president. By law, a suspect can be held under arrest for up to 10 days, with a possible extension of another 10 days. Yoon was arrested Sunday. With the court's rejection of the extension request, the prosecution now faces a tight deadline to conduct in-person interrogations of Yoon, who has so far refused to cooperate with the CIO's questioning. The prosecution has been reportedly preparing an indictment in case the court rejects the extension request. Law enforcement agencies are investigating Yoon over allegations he was the mastermind behind the Dec. 3 martial law imposition that has triggered an unprecedented political turmoil. Yoon faces charges of colluding with then Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others to declare martial law. He also faces charges of abusing his power by sending troops to the National Assembly to stop lawmakers from voting down the decree. Yoon is currently under arrest at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, south of the capital, while a Constitutional Court trial is also under way to determine whether to uphold or dismiss his impeachment by the National Assembly. If upheld, Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a snap presidential election within 60 days. If dismissed, he will be reinstated. (Yonhap) By KTimes Bear farming will be fully prohibited in Korea starting today, and euthanasia of bears for reasons such as illness or bile extraction must now be conducted under the supervision of a veterinarian, the government said Friday. Additionally, feeding feral pigeons and other animals considered pests is banned, with violators facing fines. The Ministry of Environment announced that revisions to the Wildlife Protection and Management Act would come into effect, implementing these new regulations. Under the revised law, bear farming for any purpose, including bile extraction, is banned. Existing farmed bears can only be kept at designated facilities such as conservation institutions, bear protection centers, biological resource facilities or zoos. Current bear farms must comply by the end of the year. Farms are also required to report any bear escape or related safety incidents immediately and take necessary measures to address them. Humane euthanasia of farmed bears is permitted only under strict conditions, such as illness causing severe suffering or the risk of disease transmission to other animals. Violations will result in fines ranging from 1 million won ($750) for a first offense to 2 million won for a third offense. Previously, bears were often slaughtered inhumanely, sometimes while conscious, using muscle relaxants or by suffocation. The government and local authorities can entrust bear protection facilities to organizations such as the National Park Service or the National Institute of Ecology. Private operators must meet facility and staffing requirements and register with the ministry. Critics argue that penalties for bear farming violations are disproportionately lenient compared to other animal protection laws. Choi Tae-gyu, head of the Project Moon Bear in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province, said, Killing animals painfully under the Animal Protection Act carries harsher penalties, such as up to three years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won. This inconsistency needs to be addressed. Choi also raised concerns about bile extracted from euthanized bears, noting that anesthetics used during euthanasia could contaminate the bile, posing safety risks to consumers. Project Moon Bear is dedicated to rescuing captive bears and establishing a sanctuary in South Korea. The amended law also addresses urban wildlife issues, expanding support for installing damage prevention facilities in urban areas affected by birds such as crows and feral pigeons. Municipal governments can now ban or restrict feeding of animals deemed pests through ordinances. Violators will face fines of 200,000 won for a first offense, 500,000 won for a second offense and 1 million won for a third offense. Kim Tae-oh, director of the Nature Conservation Bureau at the Ministry of Environment, said, This amendment lays a foundation for the complete cessation of bear farming. We will actively collaborate with stakeholders to ensure its implementation and work with local governments to minimize damage caused by wildlife such as crows and pigeons. 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 KTimes As Lunar New Year, also known as Seollal approaches, couriers in Korea are facing overwhelming delivery volumes, prompting them to apologize for the inconvenience of delivering packages late at night. These messages, shared online, have drawn sympathy and support from netizens. On Jan. 22, a post titled Couriers seem to be breaking down in real-time began circulating on online communities and social media platforms. These included messages from delivery workers struggling to manage the surge in orders. One message, shared on Jan. 21, read: Due to the heavy volume, I am just leaving the center now. Deliveries may be completed around 2 a.m. I apologize for the significant delay and ask for your understanding. The recipient, identified as A, shared the message on social media, expressing concern: 2 a.m. is this even reasonable? Even if I say, Its okay to deliver it slowly, it doesnt make a difference. Another user, identified as B, shared a message sent to 420 customers by a courier: Due to the massive surge in holiday orders, same-day delivery cannot be guaranteed. Please understand. I will politely decline calls to conserve my phone battery, as I need it for deliveries until dawn. Im sorry. B commented, This message broke my heart. Netizens voiced their support and empathy, with comments such as: I nearly screamed when I saw a delivery truck while coming home late last night, and I want a world where its okay for deliveries to take two weeks. Others suggested limiting daily delivery volumes to reduce the strain on workers. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, daily courier volumes are expected to reach 18.5 million boxes during the Lunar New Year period, up from the usual 17 million boxes a surge of approximately 1.5 million. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times. Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol sent a Lunar New Year message to the people from a detention center through his lawyer Friday. "I hope this year will be a better year than last year. As the Lunar New Year approaches, I find myself thinking a lot about the people in the nation," Yoon was quoted as saying by his lawyer, Yun Gap-geun. Yoon is currently detained at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, south of Seoul, as he faces insurrection and abuse of power charges related to his short-lived martial law declaration on Dec. 3. He has been restricted from directly sending letters. Yoon, whose duties have been suspended since his impeachment on Dec. 14, said he feels regret for not being able to be around the people and help those in need. "I hope that you will look after those around you who are facing difficulties, and everyone will have a warm and joyful holiday," he said. This year's Lunar New Year holiday was extended to six days after the government designated Monday as a temporary national holiday. (Yonhap) Kim Moon-soo gains popularity as conservatives back his hardline stance By Lee Hyo-jin Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo is emerging as an unexpected presidential contender among the nation's conservatives, a development that has surprised both the ruling and opposition parties. The former three-term lawmaker, who assumed his ministerial post in August last year, is a divisive figure in the political arena due to his perceived far-right views and history of controversial remarks. These factors presented major obstacles to the outspoken politician's appointment as labor minister, with opposition parties condemning what they perceived as his anti-labor position during the confirmation hearings. However, Kims conservative leanings are now proving to be an advantage for him. The minister is emerging as a prominent presidential contender among Korea's conservatives, according to multiple polls, with a potential snap election looming amid President Yoon Suk Yeols impeachment crisis. A survey by local pollster Gongjung at the request of Dailian, an online media outlet, on Tuesday and Wednesday showed Kim trailing Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and a key liberal presidential hopeful, by a narrow margin. When asked, If Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo were to face off in the next presidential election, who would you vote for? 41.5 percent of respondents chose Lee, while 38.3 percent supported Kim. In a separate poll commissioned by Sisa Journal and conducted by JoWon C&I last week, Kim outpaced Lee, receiving 46.4 percent of the support, compared to Lees 41.8 percent. A Gallup Korea survey released on Friday showed Kim leading other conservative heavyweights, including Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, former ruling People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker Yoo Seong-min and Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo. Further details of the surveys are available on the National Election Commissions website. Political commentator Rhee Jong-hoon attributed Kims rising popularity to his strong appeal among Yoon's staunch supporters, who remain steadfast in their support for the president despite his impeachment trials over the imposition of martial law late last year. Kims popularity largely comes from right-wingers. He was the only Cabinet member who refused to apologize or express regret over the martial law controversy, unlike other ministers. Yoons supporters viewed this as an act of loyalty to the president, Rhee told The Korea Times. Rhee also noted that Kims support reflects conservative voters frustration with ruling politicians who have distanced themselves from Yoon. While most politicians from the ruling party have criticized Yoons decision to impose martial law even if they did not all support his impeachment Kim defended the martial law declaration, suggesting that there must have been a valid reason behind the president's decision. Earlier this month, the labor minister condemned investigators attempts to detain Yoon for questioning, describing the move as excessive. Additionally, Kims unwavering loyalty to former President Park Geun-hye, who was impeached in 2017 over a corruption scandal, may resonate with ultra-conservative voters. During Parks impeachment proceedings, Kim participated in ultra-right-wing rallies and called for the nullification of her impeachment. Despite his recent rise in polls, Kims long-term viability as a presidential contender remains uncertain, as his blunt rhetoric has long been a source of controversy. In 2019, during a debate hosted by the conservative party, Kim said that then-President Moon Jae-in deserves to be executed by firing squad for his handling of state affairs. In a 2022 parliamentary session, Kim accused Moon of adhering to Kim Il-sungs ideology, referring to the founder of North Korea. Kims popularity may not last, especially if the court upholds Yoons impeachment. Hes also unlikely to gain the PPPs support as their presidential candidate, as his hardline stance and blunt rhetoric often alienate centrist voters. The PPP needs someone who can appeal to the centrists, Rhee said. "Considering that presidential elections typically see voter turnout exceeding 70 percent, a candidate needs to secure support from centrist and undecided voters to achieve a decisive victory." Leading budget carrier faces tough road ahead amid tragic crash, escalating rivalry By Lee Min-hyung Jeju Airs leadership in the nations budget carrier industry is being threatened by the upcoming convergence of Jin Air and the possible merger of Tway Air and Air Premia, according to data and industry officials, Friday. Jeju Air had maintained its position as a top low-cost carrier (LCC) in terms of annual sales and market share. However, the carrier will soon yield the spot to other emerging LCCs amid a drastic industrial upheaval triggered by Jin Air's integration with Air Busan and Air Seoul. The combination of the three budget carriers comes as a result of Korean Air's long-delayed takeover of Asiana Airlines which was finalized in December. The three LCCs are affiliates of the two full-service carriers. According to data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the number of international air travelers on Jeju Air topped the list among local LCCs with 8.55 million in 2024. However, the combination of Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul came in at 12.86 million during the same period. The three LCCs will be integrated under Jin Air for the next couple of years and rise to become a single entity as the nations most influential LCC. The converged Jin Air will become the nations second-most-influential international flight operator with a market share of 21 percent. Meanwhile, the combined market share of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines will reach 48.5 percent. The position of Jeju Air is also sandwiched by escalating threats from two other rival LCCs, Tway Air and Air Premia, as chances are growing for their merger. According to Sono Hospitality Group, the hotel and resort chain operator plans to acquire management rights for the two LCCs and merge them later to bolster their competitiveness and launch a new LCC. The two LCCs combined number of international air travelers last year came in at 7.34 million, with a margin of some 1.2 million from Jeju Air. If they succeed in generating synergy in terms of their in-flight services and overall operation following the merger, expectations are they will pose a bigger threat to Jeju Air. Rumors suggest that Jeju Air may acquire Eastar Jet to brace for the escalating competition, but it appears very tough for it to push ahead with the bid, as it has had to focus on handling the aftermath of the tragic plane crash late last month. Jeju Air will have to come up with specific strategies not to lose its market share to the converged rival carriers, but the airline cannot push for it for the time being, as it has to place a top priority on restoring its tainted brand image and recover trust from customers after the latest tragic accident, an official from the aviation industry said. The Senate on Thursday confirmed John Ratcliffe as CIA director, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead America's premier spy agency and his second nominee to win Senate approval. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during Trumps first term and is the first person to have held that position and the top post at the CIA. The Texas Republican is a former federal prosecutor who emerged as a fierce Trump defender while serving as a congressman during Trumps first impeachment. The vote was 74-25, with many Democrats voting no. At his Senate hearing last week, Ratcliffe said the CIA must do better when it comes to using technology such as artificial intelligence to confront adversaries including Russia and China. He said the United States needed to improve its intelligence capabilities while also ensuring the protection of Americans' civil rights. Ratcliffe said he would push the CIA to do more to harness technologies such as AI and quantum computing while expanding use of human intelligence collection. Were not where were supposed to be, Ratcliffe told members of the Senate Intelligence Committee. While some Democrats raised questions about Ratcliffe's ability to lead the CIA objectively, Republicans hailed his experience and said they looked forward to confirming the rest of Trump's national security nominees. Ratcliffe was sworn into office shortly after winning Senate confirmation. Former Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was confirmed earlier this week as secretary of state, the first member of Trump's Cabinet. The CIA director has not always been a part of a presidents Cabinet, though President Joe Biden elevated the position to Cabinet level under Ratcliffes predecessor, William Burns, and Trumps White House lists Ratcliffe as a Cabinet member. Trump and other Republicans have criticized the work of the CIA and other spy agencies, saying they have focused too much on climate change, workforce diversity and other issues. The calls for a broad overhaul have worried some current and former intelligence officials who say the changes could make the country less safe. Ratcliffe has said he views China as America's greatest geopolitical rival, and that Russia, Iran, North Korea and drug cartels, hacking gangs and terrorist organizations also pose challenges to national security. He supports the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a government spying program that allows authorities to collect without warrant the communications of non-Americans outside the country. If those people are communicating with Americans, those conversations can be swept up, too, which has led to questions about violations of personal rights. Like other Trump nominees, Ratcliffe is a Trump loyalist. Aside from his work to defend Trump during his first impeachment proceedings , Ratcliffe also forcefully questioned former special counsel Robert Mueller when he testified before lawmakers about his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. As director of national intelligence, Ratcliffe oversaw and coordinated the work of more than a dozen spy agencies. Among other duties, the office directs efforts to detect and counter foreign efforts to influence U.S. politics. Trump picked Ratcliffe to serve in that position in 2019, but he quickly withdrew from consideration after lawmakers raised questions about his qualifications. He was ultimately confirmed by a sharply divided Senate after Trump resubmitted the nomination. In that job, Ratcliffe was accused by Democrats of politicizing intelligence when he declassified Russian intelligence that purported to reveal information about Democrats during the 2016 election even as he acknowledged the information might not be accurate. Before Thursday's confirmation vote Democrats questioned whether Ratcliffe would place his loyalty to Trump ahead of the duties of the office. Concerns raised by Democrats earlier in the week forced the Senate to postpone Ratcliffe's confirmation vote by two days. Trumps second-term nominee for director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, likely faces a tougher road to confirmation. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, has faced bipartisan criticism over past comments supportive of Russia and 2017 meetings with then-Syrian President Bashar Assad. Gabbard's confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee is scheduled for Jan. 30. (AP) A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked President Donald Trumps executive order denying U.S. citizenship to the children of parents living in the country illegally, calling it blatantly unconstitutional during the first hearing in a multi-state effort challenging the order. The 14th Amendment to the Constitution promises citizenship to those born on U.S. soil, a measure ratified in 1868 to ensure citizenship for former slaves after the Civil War. But in an effort to curb unlawful immigration, Trump issued the executive order just after being sworn in for his second term on Monday. The order would deny citizenship to those born after Feb. 19 whose parents are in the country illegally. It also forbids U.S. agencies from issuing any document or accepting any state document recognizing citizenship for such children. Trump's order drew immediate legal challenges across the country, with at least five lawsuits being brought by 22 states and a number of immigrants rights groups. A lawsuit brought by Washington, Arizona, Oregon and Illinois was the first to get a hearing. "Ive been on the bench for over four decades. I cant remember another case where the question presented was as clear as this one is, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour told a Justice Department attorney. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order. Thursdays decision prevents the Trump administration from taking steps to implement the executive order for 14 days. In the meantime, the parties will submit further arguments about the merits of Trump's order. Coughenour scheduled a hearing on Feb. 6 to decide whether to block it long term as the case proceeds. Coughenour, 84, a Ronald Reagan appointee who was nominated to the federal bench in 1981, grilled the DOJ attorney, Brett Shumate, asking whether Shumate personally believed the order was constitutional. I have difficulty understanding how a member of the bar could state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order, he added. Shumate assured the judge he did absolutely. He said the arguments the Trump administration is making now have never previously been litigated, and that there was no reason to issue a 14-day temporary restraining order when it would expire before the executive order takes effect. The Department of Justice later said in a statement that it will vigorously defend the presidents executive order, which it said correctly interprets the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. We look forward to presenting a full merits argument to the Court and to the American people, who are desperate to see our Nations laws enforced, the department said. The U.S. is among about 30 countries where birthright citizenship the principle of jus soli or right of the soil is applied. Most are in the Americas, and Canada and Mexico are among them. The 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868, in the aftermath of the Civil War, to ensure citizenship for former slaves and free African Americans. It states: All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. Trumps order asserts that the children of noncitizens are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and therefore not entitled to citizenship. Arguing for the states on Thursday, Washington assistant attorney general Lane Polozola called that absurd," noting that neither those who have immigrated illegally nor their children are immune from U.S. law. Are they not subject to the decisions of the immigration courts? Polozola asked. Must they not follow the law while they are here? Polozola also said the restraining order was warranted because, among other reasons, the executive order would immediately start requiring the states to spend millions to revamp health care and benefits systems to reconsider an applicants citizenship status. The executive order will impact hundreds of thousands of citizens nationwide who will lose their citizenship under this new rule, Polozola said. Births cannot be paused while the court considers this case. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown told reporters afterward he was not surprised that Coughenour had little patience with the Justice Departments position, considering that the Citizenship Clause arose from one of the darkest chapters of American law, the Supreme Courts 1857 Dred Scott decision, which held that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, were not entitled to citizenship. Babies are being born today, tomorrow, every day, all across this country, and so we had to act now, Brown said. He added that it has been the law of the land for generations, that you are an American citizen if you are born on American soil, period. Nothing that the president can do will change that, he said. A key case involving birthright citizenship unfolded in 1898. The Supreme Court held that Wong Kim Ark, who was born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrants, was a U.S. citizen because he was born in the country. After a trip abroad, he had faced being denied reentry by the federal government on the grounds that he wasnt a citizen under the Chinese Exclusion Act. But some advocates of immigration restrictions have argued that case clearly applied to children born to parents who were both legal immigrants. They say its less clear whether it applies to children born to parents living in the country illegally. Trumps order prompted attorneys general to share their personal connections to birthright citizenship. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, for instance, a U.S. citizen by birthright and the nations first Chinese American elected attorney general, said the lawsuit was personal for him. Later Thursday, he said Coughenour made the right decision. There is no legitimate legal debate on this question. But the fact that Trump is dead wrong will not prevent him from inflicting serious harm right now on American families like my own, Tong said this week. (AP) Google pledged to crack down on fake online reviews with tougher punishments for rogue reviewers and businesses that try to profit from them, British regulators said Friday following an investigation. The Competition and Markets Authority said that Google has committed to rigorous steps to detect and remove sham reviews, so it can quickly identify and investigate businesses and reviewers trying to benefit from the phony posts. Google will delete all reviews written by people who repeatedly write fake or misleading reviews either positive or negative for U.K. businesses, the watchdog said. These reviewers will also be banned from posting new reviews, whether or not they're in the U.K. Businesses that try to artificially boost their star ratings will also face consequences. Warning alerts will be slapped on their Google profiles, and new reviews will not be allowed. And if they repeatedly engage in fake review activity, all their reviews for the past six months or more will be deleted, the CMA said. Google's also adding a way for consumers to quickly and easily report shady reviews, including payments or rewards offered for a positive review. The changes weve secured from Google ensure robust processes are in place, so people can have confidence in reviews and make the best possible choices, the watchdog's CEO Sarah Cardell said. They also help to create a level-playing field for fair dealing firms. Google said its longstanding investments to combat fraudulent content help us block millions of fake reviews yearly often before they ever get published." The company said in a brief statement that its "work with regulators around the world, including the CMA, is part of our ongoing efforts to fight fake content and bad actors. A separate investigation into Amazon over fake reviews is ongoing, the watchdog said. It opened the probes in 2021 to examine whether the two companies broke U.K. consumer law by failing to protect shoppers. It began looking into phony reviews on some big websites amid the boom in online shopping fueled by the coronavirus pandemic. Phony reviews have long plagued the internet. Some online travel and shopping platforms have banded together to fight fraudulent reviews. Authorities in the U.S. meanwhile have also been trying to crack down, with the Federal Trade Commission banning their sale or purchase and fining businesses and individuals who engage in the practice. Fake reviews are typically traded on private social media groups between fake review brokers and businesses willing to pay. Sometimes, such reviews are initiated by businesses that offer customers incentives such as gift cards for positive feedback. (AP) 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. Panda cubs send Spring Festival greetings from southwest China Xinhua) 09:00, January 24, 2025 A giant panda cub is pictured during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival at the Shenshuping giant panda base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Twenty-five giant panda cubs were gathered at two breeding bases in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Thursday to send Spring Festival greetings to global audiences. All the cubs were born in 2024 -- 13 at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and 12 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. (Xinhua) CHENGDU, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-five giant panda cubs were gathered at two breeding bases in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Thursday to send Spring Festival greetings to global audiences. All the cubs were born in 2024 -- 13 at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and 12 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. At the Shenshuping giant panda base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, 13 cubs explored the venue, which was adorned with traditional Chinese treats such as Tanghulu (candied fruits) and decorations including snake-shaped toys to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Year of the Snake. Meanwhile, another 12 panda cubs appeared at the Chengdu base, which was decorated with lanterns and other items featuring intangible cultural heritage, such as paper cuttings. This year's Spring Festival, also referred to as Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Jan. 29. The two organizations constitute the national giant panda conservation and research center, a world-class platform inaugurated in 2023 for giant panda research cooperation and exchange. Over the years, the organizations have been cooperating on giant panda protection and academic exchanges, achieving breakthroughs in major research areas such as the protection of panda populations and habitats. The two organizations have also assembled expert panels to support the Giant Panda National Park, which was established in 2021 and covers parts of the provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu. Thanks to the protection efforts, the International Union for Conservation of Nature downgraded the status of the giant panda from endangered to vulnerable. Official data shows the wild giant panda population in China has grown from around 1,100 in the 1980s to nearly 1,900. The global captive population of giant pandas now stands at 757. China's iconic giant pandas, with their round faces, plump bodies and signature markings, are beloved worldwide as both cultural symbols and emblems of biodiversity. A giant panda cub is pictured during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival at the Shenshuping giant panda base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Twenty-five giant panda cubs were gathered at two breeding bases in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Thursday to send Spring Festival greetings to global audiences. All the cubs were born in 2024 -- 13 at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and 12 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. (Xinhua) Staff members holding giant panda cubs pose for a group photo during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Twenty-five giant panda cubs were gathered at two breeding bases in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Thursday to send Spring Festival greetings to global audiences. All the cubs were born in 2024 -- 13 at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and 12 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. (Xinhua) Giant panda cubs are pictured during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Twenty-five giant panda cubs were gathered at two breeding bases in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Thursday to send Spring Festival greetings to global audiences. All the cubs were born in 2024 -- 13 at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and 12 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. (Xinhua) Giant panda cubs are pictured during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival at the Shenshuping giant panda base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Twenty-five giant panda cubs were gathered at two breeding bases in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Thursday to send Spring Festival greetings to global audiences. All the cubs were born in 2024 -- 13 at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and 12 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. (Xinhua) Staff members holding giant panda cubs pose for a group photo during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival at the Shenshuping giant panda base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Twenty-five giant panda cubs were gathered at two breeding bases in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Thursday to send Spring Festival greetings to global audiences. All the cubs were born in 2024 -- 13 at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and 12 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. (Xinhua) A giant panda cub is pictured during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Twenty-five giant panda cubs were gathered at two breeding bases in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Thursday to send Spring Festival greetings to global audiences. All the cubs were born in 2024 -- 13 at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and 12 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. (Xinhua) A giant panda cub is pictured during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival at the Shenshuping giant panda base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Twenty-five giant panda cubs were gathered at two breeding bases in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Thursday to send Spring Festival greetings to global audiences. All the cubs were born in 2024 -- 13 at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and 12 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. (Xinhua) A giant panda cub is pictured during a group appearance event in celebration of the Spring Festival at the Shenshuping giant panda base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Twenty-five giant panda cubs were gathered at two breeding bases in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Thursday to send Spring Festival greetings to global audiences. All the cubs were born in 2024 -- 13 at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and 12 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. (Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) BTS' J-Hope and GOT7's BamBam made a rare appearance together at Louis Vuitton's showcase at Paris Fashion Week. The duo posed for photos together, with BamBam sporting his signature neon-pink hair, a sheer black shirt, and matching suit, while J-Hope rocked go-to wardrobe staples: a bucket hat, casual brown tee, oversized jeans, and a blocky patterned overshirt. The rapper took the stage at the Le Gala des Pieces Jaunes charity event at La Defense Arena in Paris before the event to raise funds for hospitalized children and adolescents. The "Daydream" rapper was the first Korean male solo artist to perform at the gala, which previously platformed A-listers like Katy Perry, John Legend, and BLACKPINK's Rose. j-hope performing 'Mic Drop' at 2025 Gala des Pieces Jaunes. https://t.co/u6vtUeIPOV Pop Base (@PopBase) January 23, 2025 Tickets for the fundraiser sold out within ten minutes of opening on January 13. The charity stage also marked J-Hope's first performance in France in nearly six years, since BTS' "Love Yourself: Speak Yourself" world tour in 2019. The charity concert will be broadcast on France's national broadcaster France 2 on January 28. The BTS member will embark on his first solo world tour "J-Hope Tour 'Hope On the Stage'," kicking off the tour with shows in Seoul from February 28 to March 2. The three Seoul shows sold out during fan club presales in under an hour on January 14, leaving no tickets for the general sale. The tour will span 31 shows in 15 cities, including major stops in North America's Brooklyn and Los Angeles, Asia, and Mexico. BTS' Jimin and Jungkook received nominations for multiple categories at the upcoming 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, alongside A-list peers. The radio station dropped the line-up of awards and subsequent nominees, with Jimin nominated for "K-Pop Artist of the Year" and nominations for his track "Who," which is up for the categories "Best Lyrics" and "K-pop Song of the Year." Alongside his bandmate Jungkook, the duo were also nominated for "Favorite On Screen," with their show Are You Sure?! bringing Jimin's total nominations to four, the highest number of nominations for a K-Pop soloist this year, tying the record for most nominations by a Korean solo artist, previously set by Jungkook last year. Jimin is also the only Korean artist in history to be nominated for "Best Lyrics," a category with staunch competition against stars like Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, and Kendrick Lamar. The iHeartRadio Music Awards ceremony will be held March 17 in Los Angeles, with a live broadcast on FOX. Upon the release of his second solo album MUSE in July 2024, Jimin has dominated global charts, including Billboard's Hot 100, Global 200, and Global Excl. U.S., as well as the United Kingdom's Official Singles Chart, with "Who" topping the list. Jungkook and Jimin, known for their decade-long friendship and unbreakable chemistry among friends, launched the Disney+ original series Are You Sure?! to their pre-enlistment travel adventures. The series is up against documentaries in the "Favorite On Screen" category, with films that depict the lives of megastars like Elton John and Bon Jovi. A DRAFT master plan for major enterprise and housing development in Abbeyleix is expected to be completed this June. The plan commissioned by Laois County Council will outline servicing needs for large land banks between the Dublin Road and Ballyroan Road, which are zoned for residential development, enterprise and employment. The lands are located near Heritage House and Scoil Mhuire NS. The master plan will be prepared by consultants, who will be selected after a tender process that is due to begin by the end of January. The Abbeyleix plan was highlighted at the latest meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, when councillors John Joe Fennelly and Barry Walsh asked for an update on their proposal, submitted in February 2024, which called on the council to prepare a master plan for the large site. The master plan would include servicing needs, ranging from traffic management to water supply and waste water treatment. The two councillors asked that the plan have regard to all new applications for development on adjoining lands and potential of the remaining lands in the master plan. In a written response, senior planner David OHara said the council has been in discussions with the neighbouring landowners, Brook Advantage, regarding traffic management of the first phase of their site. Mr OHara said: Discussions with stakeholders such as Abbeyleix Tidy Towns and community and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) will be carried out as part of this master plan process. The request for tender is due to go on ETenders by the end of January, with a view to consultants being commissioned as soon as possible thereafter. It is envisaged that a draft masterplan will be prepared by the end of June 2025. While councillors welcomed the update, some concerns were raised that the project may be delayed, due to upcoming nationwide changes to traffic speed limits on local roads and national secondary routes. Roads zoned 80kph will fall to 60kph from 7 February, while further changes from 100kph to 80kph and 50kph to 30kph are due to come into effect later this year, with dates yet to be announced. The proposed development in Abbeyleix cannot receive planning permission until the entrance and exit location is identified. While access from the Portlaoise road is preferred by the council, the exact location cannot be established until TII signs off on the relevant speed limit. Cllr Walsh called for the original speed limit to be retained, as he said: This site is a very strategic site and it is important to the development of Abbeyleix. Myself and Cllr Fennelly requested this over a year ago, so it is disappointing to think that at this stage we don't have anything else and the council are under pressure with staff to try to get this done. The Ballyroan councillor added: In conjunction with all of this, the speed limit needs to be brought back as well, in my view it is in the wrong place for that road. We need to move this on and it needs to happen quickly. Although happy with the update, Cllr Fennelly questioned TIIs role regarding decisions on local speed limits. Director of services Simon Walton replied: Even though it is a matter for the elected council to determine the speed limits on national roads, the council cannot make those changes unless it is with the agreement of TII and that is enshrined in legislation. Mr Walton added: I think we all agree that the most appropriate location for that access is the Portlaoise road in Abbeyleix, as opposed to any other locations. The issue now will be seeking the agreement of TII, once the master plan is developed, to accommodate this entrance, which may or may not require adjustments of the existing speed limits. Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley welcomed the fact that the draft master plan was expected to be ready by next June, as she stressed the importance of residential, enterprise and employment development in an area where there is a demand for housing. New Delhi [India], January 24 (ANI): Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) on Friday released the list of Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) and Spurious drugs for the month of November 2024 on its portal, according to an official release by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Central Drugs Laboratories have identified 51 drug samples to be Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) and State Drugs Testing Laboratories have identified 84 drug samples as NSQ, the release stated. Also Read | Mumbai: Raped by Auto-Rickshaw Driver, Woman Inserts Blade and Stones in Private Parts To Escape Wrath of Her Parents Over Sex Assault. Identification of drug samples as NSQ is done based on the failure of the drug sample in one or the other specified quality parameters. The failure is specific to the drug products of the batch tested by the Government Laboratory and it does not warrant any concerns on the other drug products available in the market. As of previous month, this month's NSQ reporting from states has further increased showing increased participation of States in reporting NSQs to the central database. Increased reporting of NSQs/Spurious identifications from states to central database will further help in improving availability of quality medicines in the country and beyond, the release stated. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh By-Election 2025: CM Yogi Adityanath To Campaign in Milkipur Assembly Constituency Today. This action of identifying NSQ and Spurious medicines is taken on regular basis in collaboration with state regulators to ensure that these drugs are identified and removed from the market, the release added. Last month, a joint investigation was conducted by CDSCO East Zone, and the Drugs Control Directorate, West Bengal, at a wholesale premises in Kolkata and seized drugs worth Rs 6.60 cr. The raid was carried out at M/s Care and Cure For You in Kolkata, and resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and other drugs suspected to be spurious. The total market value of the drugs seized is estimated at approximately Rs. 6.60 crores. As per the release, the drugs, labelled as being manufactured in various countries including Ireland, Turkey, the USA, and Bangladesh, were found without any supporting documents to prove their legitimate importation into India. In the absence of such documentation, these drugs are deemed to be spurious. The investigating team also discovered several empty packing materials, further raising concerns over the authenticity of the seized products. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 24 (ANI): Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty on Friday hailed the arrangements at the ongoing Maha Kumbh, describing them as "clean, safe, divine, grand, and digital." She further stated that the model of the Mahakumbh arrangements could serve as a benchmark for other governments to follow. Rajya Sabha MP Murthy, who arrived in Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh on Monday, was impressed by the scale and organisation of the event. Also Read | Kanpur Shocker: UP Woman Strangles Husband to Death With Help of Her Lover, Claims He Died After Consuming Sex-Enhancement Pills; Arrested. "It has been arranged very well. It is clean, safe, divine, grand and digital. This was my first Kumbh... The arrangements are very good. All the governments can follow this model... It was a very good experience..." she said. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, a sea of devotees was seen taking a holy dip in drone visuals from Triveni Sangam in the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. Also Read | Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: Mumbai Police To Conduct Attacker Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad's Facial Recognition Test; Custody Extended Till January 29. Despite the cold weather, over 30.29 lakhs of devotees, including 10 lakh 'Kalpwasis,' took a holy dip by 10 am, as per the official data shared by the government of Uttar Pradesh. Since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh, more than 102 million people have taken a holy dip in the holy waters. The mega spiritual event has witnessed an unprecedented turnout of devotees, and on Thursday the number crossed 10 crore milestones. The state government estimates that this Maha Kumbh will host over 45 crore visitors and the early achievement of 10 crore bathers reaffirms these projections. In addition to the holy dips, the morning Aarti, a hallmark of devotional celebration along the Ganga ghats, was also performed by priests holding huge lighted oil lamps, while the river Ganga was worshipped by offering flowers and diyas. Visitors from around the world are often left in awe as they witness people from different languages, lifestyles, and traditions coming together at the Sangam for a holy dip. Authorities are making special preparations for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya on January 29, a key date that is expected to bring large crowds of devotees. Mahakumbh, which commenced on January 13, will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI) (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 24 (PTI) The Delhi High Court has upheld a decision against a plea seeking deregistration of the Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM by the Election Commission of India. In a judgement passed on January 16, a bench of former acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela agreed with the decision of the single judge. Also Read | Kanpur Shocker: UP Woman Strangles Husband to Death With Help of Her Lover, Claims He Died After Consuming Sex-Enhancement Pills; Arrested. The division bench therefore dismissed an appeal by one Tirupati Narasimha Murari. "The single judge had accordingly held that ECI does not have the powers to deregister AIMIM on the grounds as set out by the appellant in the said petition. We concur with the said view. In view of the above, the appeal is unmerited," it held. Also Read | Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: Mumbai Police To Conduct Attacker Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad's Facial Recognition Test; Custody Extended Till January 29. Challenging the registration of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Musalimeen (AIMIM) and saying as a political party, its constitution intended to further the cause only of one religious community -- Muslims, the plea alleged it was against the principles of secularism which every political party must adhere to under the Constitution and the Representation of the People (RP) Act. The bench however said AIMIM had amended its constitution to conform to the legal provisions and therefore the appellant's principal contention did not survive. "We find no infirmity with the conclusion of the single judge that the requirements of Section 29A(5) of the Act are fully satisfied. Therefore, there is no ground to de-register AIMIM as a political party on the ground that its constitution does not conform to Section 29A(5) of the RP Act," it said. The single judge on November 20 said the petition was without merits and the arguments amounted to interference with the fundamental rights of the members of AIMIM to constitute themselves as a political party espousing their political beliefs and values. (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 24 (PTI) The traditional 'At Home' ahead of Republic Day, hosted by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at Raj Niwas on Friday, was attended by a diverse group of guests including foreign diplomats, military officers, bureaucrats, Padma awardees, students, freedom fighters among others. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Indian Armed Forces, General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi were among the guests, a Raj Niwas statement said. Also Read | ESIC New Member Update: Employees' State Insurance Corporation Adds 16.07 Lakh Employees in November 2024, 47% Are Youngsters. Representatives of foreign missions in India, vice chancellors, civil society members, sportspersons, paralympians, Swachhagrahis, Divyangjan, artistes were also part of the gathering, the statement said. The Lieutenant Governor and his wife Sangita Saxena exchanged greetings with the guests during the event and it concluded with rendering of national anthem.PTI SHB VIT Also Read | World Economic Forum 2025: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Highlights Thrust on Manufacturing, Services To Push Growth (Watch Video). (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Patiala, Jan 24 (PTI) Opposition BJP on Friday slammed the ruling AAP in Punjab after a government doctor's video purportedly highlighting the plight due to a momentary loss of electricity during a surgery in a hospital here went viral. The nearly a minute-long video shows a team of doctors performing surgery on a patient. One of the doctors says, "It is not the first time that the electricity supply in the main emergency of the government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala has been erratic." Also Read | Republic Day 2025: PM Narendra Modi Interacts With NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tableaux Artists and Tribal Guests of R-Day Parade (See Pics). It has been a few minutes since the power shutdown and how we will operate under such circumstances, the doctor says in the viral video, and asks will the doctors be responsible if anything happens to the patient. "The patient is intubated, the surgery is going on, but there is no electricity...," he says. Also Read | ESIC New Member Update: Employees' State Insurance Corporation Adds 16.07 Lakh Employees in November 2024, 47% Are Youngsters. A member of the doctors' team is seen manually ventilating the intubated patient who is undergoing the operation. Union Minister of State and BJP leader Ravneet Bittu, in a post on X, hit out at the AAP dispensation. He alleged that the deteriorated condition of medical facilities as well as electricity -- the two things AAP promised to improve -- have been exposed in a very painful manner. A surgeon of the hospital had to come on camera to issue a disclaimer that a patient might lose his life during the surgery due to erratic electricity supply. "The CM and his ministers have deserted Punjab and shifted to Delhi just to please their dictator Kejriwal. But at what cost?" Bittu said in his post. Punjab's Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, "The power backup systems at the Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, are multi level (three hotlines) and functioning without any issue. "Today, a local fault led to a momentary loss of electricity. The UPS and generator backup functioned seamlessly and the surgery was conducted without any issue. The patient is recovering well. Unfortunately, a junior doctor panicked and recorded the video. The medical staff must remain focussed on patient care at all times," the Punjab Minister posted on X. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], January 24 (ANI): Five people were taken into custody after a raid conducted by the Gujarat Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) team at a drugs manufacturing factory in Khambhat area of Anand district, police said on Friday. According to ATS Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sunil Joshi, drugs worth crores of rupees were seized during the raid. Also Read | Saif Ali Khan Records His Statement With Mumbai Police; Recalls Terrifying Night of Attack (Read Full Statement). Further details are awaited. Earlier in November 2024, the Gujarat ATS arrested a man for allegedly sharing the details about the movement of Coast Guard ships with a Pakistani agent, officials said. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day 2025: President Droupadi Murmu Extends Wishes on Uttar Pradesh Diwas, Says 'It Playing Important Role in Economic, Spiritual Development of Country'. According to police, the accused, identified as Deepesh Gohel, used to get Rs 200 per day from a Pakistani agent, Sahima. The accused came into contact with the Pakistani agent through Facebook seven months ago. "Gujarat ATS has registered an espionage case. An accused named Deepesh Gohel has been arrested. He worked near the Okha JT for the last three years. He welded the ships in Okha. Seven months ago, he added a Pakistani friend on Facebook named Sahima," SP K Siddharth told ANI. He added that the accused shared sensitive information and said the accused got Rs 42, 000 from the agent. "They exchanged numbers, and he came to know that Sahima works in the Pakistan Navy. She asked for the names, details, and movement of the Coast Guard ships stationed in Okha JT... They made a deal of Rs. 200/day. In the last 7 months, bank transactions worth Rs. 42,000 took place... He knew that providing such information was prohibited...," he said. "A case has been registered under sections 61 and 148 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal conspiracy against the state. He has been arrested...," he added. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Agartala (Tripura) [India], January 24 (ANI): Hard work is the only way to earn trust in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha while speaking at a felicitation program for the booth presidents of Bordowali town. Saha emphasized that the BJP's organization in Tripura was exceptionally strong and thrived on dedication rather than groupism. Also Read | National Girl Child Day 2025: 'Resolute in Ensuring No Discrimination Against Girl Child', Says PM Narendra Modi in His Message. The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of working diligently to build one's reputation and trust within the party. "Positions are earned through performance, and there is no alternative to hard work," he said. Also Read | Liquor Ban in Madhya Pradesh: State Government To Ban Sale of Liquor at 17 Religious Sites in State, Says CM Mohan Yadav. During the event, the Chief Minister criticized the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Congress and accused them of betraying the people. He stated, "The CPI(M) misled the people, which fueled our determination to oust them. That is why, in the 2018 elections, we achieved a historic victory with a significant majority." Adding on, Saha also mentioned BJP's growth since the party's election process had began across the state on September 2, 2024. He congratulated all newly elected leaders and urged them to work towards making the Bordowali Mandal a model organization. Referring to his journey in the BJP, Saha shared his experiences of tirelessly working at the grassroots level. "I never aspired to be the Chief Minister or State President. I simply focused on fulfilling my responsibilities with dedication. Whether it was traveling alone by train to various places or managing membership drives, I gave my best," he said. The Chief Minister proudly recounted his achievement in expanding the BJP's membership in Tripura. "When I was made in charge of the membership drive, there were only 1.24 lakh members. I set a target of 3 lakhs, and we ultimately achieved nearly 7 lakhs. Our efforts were highly appreciated in Delhi," he added. Saha also reiterated that BJP's organizational strength in Tripura remained robust, with party workers showing exceptional commitment to their duties. The program was attended by prominent leaders, including Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Deepak Majumdar, Sadar Urban District President Ashim Bhattacharya, Town Bordowali Mandal President Shyamal Kumar Dev, Mandal In-Charge Subrata Chakraborty, former Mandal President Sanjay Saha, and newly elected booth presidents, committee members, and other party workers. Taking to social media X, the CM wrote in a post said that the most important role in the vast family of BJP was played by the dedicated workers at the booth level. "The most important role in the vast family of the Bharatiya Janata Party is played by the dedicated workers at the booth level. Honoring their efforts to reach the party's ideals to the last person in society, I joined the reception program organized by Town No. 8 Baradoali Mandal to welcome the newly elected booth president and the newly formed booth committee and extend my best wishes and congratulations to everyone. I firmly believe that this collective effort of all of them will continue in the coming days to make the organization even larger and stronger," the post read. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mahakumbh Nagar (UP), Jan 24 (PTI) Daily sample testing of river water by the Pollution Control Board, round-the-clock separation of flowers and pooja material from water a, 200-km temporary drainage system to channel all greywater to treatment facilities and state-of-the-art technology to deal with human waste are among the measures being taken to ensure the Ganga is "dip-safe" during the Maha Kumbh. Maha Kumbh, a mega-religious event organised every 12 years, is being held in Prayagraj from January 13 and will continue for 45 days. More than eight crore pilgrims have so far taken a holy dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati rivers. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh By-Election 2025: CM Yogi Adityanath To Campaign in Milkipur Assembly Constituency Today. On major bath days, like on Mauni Amavasya on January 29, officials estimate a footfall of 50 lakh visitors. These visitors, the authorities say, are expected to generate nearly 16 million litres of fecal sludge and about 240 million litres of greywater (waste water generated from cooking, washing and bathing) per day. According to Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of the Maha Kumbh Mela, Vivek Chaturvedi, the river water is absolutely safe to take the holy dip. Also Read | Alprazolam Factory Busted in Anand by Gujarat ATS; 6 Held With Banned Drug Worth INR 107 Crore. "A team from the pollution control board is doing sample testing of the river from different ghats on a daily basis and the levels are within control. The second area of attention is the pooja waste which is going into the rivers -- there are flowers, coconuts and other things which are offered as part of rituals. We have deployed machines on various ghats to fish these out of the river every two hours," he told PTI. "There is a team of Ganga Sevadoots, who are stationed on ghats to promptly collect and dispose the material to maintain the purity of the river and the ghats. They work in rotational shifts," he added. According to Uttar Pradesh government officials, of the Rs 7,000 crore being spent by the state government on the Kumbh Mela this year, Rs 1,600 crore has been earmarked for water and waste management alone. Installation of 1.45 lakh toilets; establishment of prefabricated faecal sludge treatment plants (FSTPs) to handle the waste and sludge collected in makeshift septic tanks of toilets; setting up of a 200-km temporary drainage system to channel all greywater to treatment facilities, and temporary and permanent sewage pipelines; creation of water treatment ponds; deployment of sludge carrying vehicles and the use other state-of-the-art technologies, are also among the measures being taken by the administration. Authorities are using technology developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to deal with human waste, especially faecal, and greywater. "We are ensuring that the water is of bathing quality all the time. As per the guidelines and specifications, BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) should be less than three (units), that is of the batting quality. Higher the BOD, more the impurity. Impurity is in the form of organic material," UP Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh told PTI. "So all the drains, which are not going to the sewage treatment plant, they are being tapped temporarily using different technologies, and we will be tapping and treating them, not allowing any untreated sewage to reach the river," he added. Singh explained that Sintex (plastic water) tanks are being placed beneath each toilet, so that the faeces do not touch the ground. "Almost three-fourth of the area is sandy, and is reclaimed from the river. So, if you allow it (faeces) to touch the ground, it will eventually percolate and reach the river in 20-30 days, and this is what used to happen before 2019," he said. "Before that there was a concept of a flag area, and officials used to earmark the area, and provide tents, and there used to be open defecation. But, from 2019 onwards, we are having individual toilets, and toilets with Sintex (plastic) tanks. A regular desludging is done, and it is taken to faecal sludge treatment plant. In 2019, there was a temporary arrangement for treatment by oxidation ponds. This time we have two FSTPs (Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant) which are running," the UP chief secretary added. Days before the commencement of the biggest 'Amrit Snaan' --- on the occasion of Mauni Amawasya, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad Mahant Ravindra Puri had appealed to all the akharas participating in it to strictly adhere to the prescribed time limit, and make an attempt to leave the ghat five minutes before the end time, so that the ghats could be cleaned. "The length of Ganga ji is approximately 12 kilometres, where the devotees can take the holy dip," Puri said, and made a fervent appeal to the devotees and pilgrims not to throw shoes and clothes in Ganga, saying "this is absolutely not appropriate." Meanwhile, cloth bags, and steel plates and glasses are being distributed at the Maha Kumbh to ensure that the world's largest religious congregation is plastic-free. The "One Plate, One Bag" campaign was launched in Sector 18 on the Old GT Road by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sah-Sarkaryavah Krishna Gopal to replace plastic bags and disposable items. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, January 24: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the ordnance factory blast in Bhandara district on Friday. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Maharashtra took to its official handle on X (formerly Twitter) and posted, "Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh will be provided to the kin of those killed in the Ordinance Factory accident in Bhandara district." Meanwhile, the death toll from the explosion in the Jawahar Nagar area of Bhandara district has risen to eight, said an official on Friday. The blast incident claimed the lives of eight, while 13 people have been rescued from the site of the incident and 5 people are currently undergoing treatment. Bhandara Factory Blast: 8 Killed in Huge Explosion at Ordnance Factory in Maharashtra; CM Devendra Fadnavis Responds (Watch Videos). Nagpur Range Inspector General Dilip Patil Bhujbal also shared the development and said, "Today, at around 11 am, a huge explosion took place at the Ordnance factory in Bhandara. The officials reached the spot immediately. The search and rescue operations were completed within 8 hours. It was a unit to make low-temperature plastic explosives." "13 people were working at the unit. 8 lost their lives and 5 were injured. Two of the injured have been shifted to Nagpur and 3 are in Bhandara. Five tonnes of RDX is still there under debris. The process of removing it safely will begin in phase 2. An SOP would be created so that such an incident does not happen again," said the official. Bhandara Factory Blast: One Killed in Explosion at Ordnance Factory in Jawahar Nagar of Maharashtra; Search Operations On for 10 Employees. Bhandara Collector Sanjay Kolte also spoke to ANI and said, "Today, our priority was the rescue operation. That has just been concluded. Police and allied agencies will carry out the further investigation." According to an official release from the Ordnance Factory in Bhandara, "Today, on January 24, 2025, at about 10.40 am, a massive explosion suddenly occurred in LTPE Building No. 23 in the HEX section (LTPE) of this factory. Immediately after the explosion, the factory's rescue and relief team, fire brigade team and medical team reached the spot and started the rescue operation at a rapid pace. On receiving the information, the teams of District Administration, NDRR, and SDRF reached the spot and started the relief and rescue work of the personnel trapped in the building." "People were evacuated from the spot, out of which 5 injured people were taken to the local hospital for treatment and are being given proper medical assistance. 8 people have died in this tragic accident. An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the causes of the incident," said the release. As per the release, the Chief General Manager of the factory has offered his tribute to the deceased workers expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved families of the departed souls and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team was immediately deployed to the location to rescue those affected. As per the Collector of the Bhandara district, Sanjay Kolte, the roof collapsed and people were trapped. Upon receiving the information about the blast in the factory, firefighters and ambulances rushed to the spot and were deployed to conduct the rescue operations. (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 24 (PTI) Ahead of Delhi Assembly polls, the election authorities in the national capital have launched an initiative, 'Sankalp Patra', that aims to motivate parents to vote through schoolchildren. The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has been directed to implement an initiative, launched by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), to encourage voter participation in the upcoming assembly elections. Also Read | Bengaluru Power Cut: Parts of City To Witness Power Outage on January 25, 27 and 28 Due to BESCOM Maintenance Work, Check Timings and List of Affected Areas. In a letter dated January 17 it said, "The Office of the CEO, Delhi, has informed the DoE about a unique initiative named 'Sankalp Patra' for the forthcoming Delhi Legislative Assembly Election 2025." The initiative involves a pledge letter, 'Sankalp Patra', aimed at motivating school students to convince their parents and family members to vote during the elections, a DoE circular said on Friday. Also Read | Republic Day 2025: PM Narendra Modi Interacts With NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tableaux Artists and Tribal Guests of R-Day Parade (See Pics). The circular said that the initiative will serve as a moral reminder for parents to cast their vote on polling day. It further mentions that schools must establish a system to ensure the timely distribution and collection of signed 'Sankalp Patra' forms. The CEO's office has provided a soft copy of the 'Sankalp Patra' in Hindi for printing and distribution among school students without delay, it added. "The signed pledge forms are to be collected by school authorities after being duly signed by parents. Additionally, the CEO's office has requested the Directorate to create a monitoring mechanism, such as a Google Form, to track the collection of the signed forms, it said. The Sankalp Patra noted, "Our teacher informed us that the Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, and on that day, voters will cast their ballots. Once we turn 18, we will also have the right to vote." "Our teacher reminded us that every vote, especially from our families, is essential for a strong democracy," it read. The resolution for the pledge read,"We commit to voting in the Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, 2025, without any influence or pressure, and we will encourage others to do the same." (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 24 (PTI) Expressing "serious and deep concern" over the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, Jammu and Kashmir Mutahida Malis-E-Uleme (MMU) patron Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said the proposed changes represent a significant threat to the autonomy and functioning of the Waqf. In a written submission to the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the MMU said the collector has been given absolute power to change the nature of the Waqf properties into "government properties" by "simply" passing orders and changing the entries in the revenue record. Also Read | Kanpur Shocker: UP Woman Strangles Husband to Death With Help of Her Lover, Claims He Died After Consuming Sex-Enhancement Pills; Arrested. The Mirwaiz, who is also the chairman of the separatist grouping Hurriyat Conference, said in the submission that the "arbitrary powers" given to the collector regarding both disputed and undisputed Waqf properties give him immense control over them. "This action seeks to undermine the very purpose of the Waqf Act, which is to protect and preserve the properties dedicated to religious and charitable purposes by the Muslim community members," the MMU said in its submission. Also Read | Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: Mumbai Police To Conduct Attacker Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad's Facial Recognition Test; Custody Extended Till January 29. These amendments are completely against the interests of the Muslim community and also violate the universally accepted fundamental rights of communities, it said. "Waqf properties are personal properties dedicated by Muslims in the name of God for the benefit of their society and to help the underprivileged. Such religio/social institutions warrant the least interference from the State. But the government proposed amendments represent a significant threat to the autonomy and functioning of this institution," it said. The written submission was made by a delegation led by the Mirwaiz who is also the religious head of the majority community in Kashmir. It expressed concern about the reduction of Muslim representation and increase in the number of non-Muslim representation up to 13 in the Central Waqf Council and seven in the state Waqf Boards. Earlier, all members except one were Muslims and were elected, it added. "Even the provision that the CEO of the Waqf Board shall be a Muslim has been removed. These proposed changes are totally unacceptable as they will severely undermine the independent functioning of the Waqf Board by direct interference from the State nominated non-Muslim Board members," it said. The removal of the provision of "Waqf by user", which recognised that the long use of the property as a Waqf for religious and charitable purposes will establish its dedication as Waqf, will aggravate communal claims over mosques and madrassas, dargahs, astans and qabristans existing for centuries but not recorded as such in the revenue records. "...the proposed amendments will give the government the power to remove Waqf properties from the list of protected properties. This will allow the government to seize or sell valuable Waqf properties, leaving the Muslim community with fewer resources to support its religious and charitable activities," it said. Terming the changes as a violation of the Muslim Personal Law, the submission stated that the changes will exacerbate the sense of insecurity and mistrust among the Muslim community, who already feel threatened, as their religious properties will no longer be safe from government interference. "Muslim majority region of Jammu and Kashmir feels very strongly about these amendments to the Waqf Act, seeing it as another attempt at undermining our religious freedom and the autonomy of institutions," the submission said and urged the government to engage in meaningful talks with the Muslim community to address these apprehensions and concerns while taking suggestions from them. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], January 24 (ANI): Extensive security measures have been put in place for the 76th Republic Day celebrations in the national capital. A multi-layered security setup, including vehicle checking, frisking, and the deployment of approximately 15,000 police personnel, has been established to ensure a safe and smooth event. Speaking to ANI, the New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Devesh Kumar Mahla shared details of the security arrangements, stating, "We have made a multi-layer security arrangement for January 26. We have arranged a six-layer checking and frisking for vehicles. There is multilayer barricading. Video cameras, video analytics, and FRS (facial recognition system) have been enabled..." Also Read | Wildfire in Arunachal Pradesh: Massive Wildfire Breaks Out Near Tawang Chu River in Lungla; No Casualties Reported (Watch Videos). He added that several thousand CCTV cameras have been installed across key locations. "Around 15,000 police personnel have been deployed by the district police. There have been 8-9 briefings and rehearsals. The arrangements for January 26 and the Delhi elections are almost the same. We are well prepared and can deal with any kind of contingency," Mahla added. Regarding VIP security, DCP Mahla mentioned the added precautions for VIPs and foreign guests attending the event. "There are a lot of areas for the VIP and the foreign guests. Overall, around 1 lakh people will come," he explained. Also Read | Bengaluru Power Cut: Parts of City To Witness Power Outage on January 25, 27 and 28 Due to BESCOM Maintenance Work, Check Timings and List of Affected Areas. In a message to the public, he added, "We welcome all and request them to cooperate with the security arrangements and the police. If they see anything suspicious, they should inform the police. We assure you that wherever one is standing, one will find police personnel within 20-30 meters. The QR codes have been issued as a security protocol to ensure that no one misuses the pass." Earlier, on Friday, Major Radhika Sen, who is part of the mechanised forces that will be marching on the Kartavya Path on the Republic Day Parade, highlighted the crucial role of women in the Armed forces. She said that she would be stationed on Nandighosh, a quick reaction force vehicle made indigenously by Bharat Forge. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Jan 24 (PTI) Castigating a man for throwing out his estranged wife and minor daughters from the matrimonial home, the Supreme Court on Friday said such behaviour eliminated the basic difference between human and animal. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh asked, "What kind of a man you are if you don't even care for your minor daughters? What wrong have the minor daughters done in coming to this world?" Also Read | ESIC New Member Update: Employees' State Insurance Corporation Adds 16.07 Lakh Employees in November 2024, 47% Are Youngsters. An irked bench went on, "He was only interested in having multiple children. We cannot allow such a cruel man to enter our court at all. Sara din ghar pe kabhi saraswati puja and kabhi laxmi puja. Aur fir yeh sab (you worship Goddess Saraswati and Laxmi all day, and then you do such things)." Anguished with the facts of the case, the bench said it would not allow the man to enter court unless he paid the maintenance or part with some agricultural land to his daughters and the wife. Also Read | Vijayasai Reddy Resigns To Quit Politics: YSRCP MP Says He Will Resign From His Rajya Sabha Membership on January 25. "Ask this man to part with some agricultural land or fixed deposit or maintenance amount in the name of his daughters and then the court may think of passing some favourable order," the bench told his counsel. The court said, "What is the difference between an animal and a man who does not take care of minor daughters." A trial court convicted the man from Jharkhand for torture and harassment of his estranged wife for dowry. He was also accused of fraudulently getting her uterus removed and marrying another woman later. The bench asked the man's counsel to inform the court the maintenance he was willing to pay the minor daughters and the estranged wife for their future upkeep. The bench posted the hearing on February 14. The trial court convicted him in 2015 under Section 498A of IPC (subjecting married women to cruelty) and sentenced him to 2.5 years rigorous imprisonment besides a Rs 5,000 fine. The case was registered in 2009 and he served 11 months in custody. On September 24, 2024, the Jharkhand High Court brought down the punishment to 1.5 years and enhanced the fine to Rs 1 lakh. The couple married in 2003 and the estranged wife remained in the matrimonial home for about four months following which she was reportedly tortured over a Rs 50,000 dowry demand. The high court said several panchayat meetings were convened but the husband was adamant in not following its decisions. On June 30, 2009, it came on record, he had married another woman, and ousting his estranged wife from the matrimonial home along with the daughters. The high court said there did not exist medical evidence to show the removal of the estranged wife's uterus but she supported her allegations. It also said there was no cogent material to show he had remarried and therefore was not convicted under Section 494 of the IPC (bigamy). (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Prayagraj, Jan 24 (PTI) The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday dismissed a writ petition seeking direction to the state authorities to permit the mounting of loudspeakers on a Masjid. The court observed that the religious places were for offering prayers, therefore the use of loudspeakers was not a matter of right. Also Read | 8th Pay Commission: Will Central Govt Employees' DA Reset to 0? Here's What To Expect. Dismissing the writ petition filed by Pilibhit-resident Mukhtiyar Ahmad, a two judge-bench, comprising Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Donadi Ramesh, observed, "Religious places are for offering prayers to the divinity and use of loudspeakers cannot be claimed as a matter of right, particularly when often such use of loudspeakers create nuisance for the residents". At the outset, the state counsel objected to the maintainability of the writ on the grounds that the petitioner was neither a mutawalli, nor did the mosque belong to him. Also Read | Bengaluru Power Cut: Parts of City To Witness Power Outage on January 25, 27 and 28 Due to BESCOM Maintenance Work, Check Timings and List of Affected Areas. The court also noted that the petitioner did not have locus to file the writ petition. The term 'locus' is a legal concept that refers to the right of a person or entity to participate in a legal proceeding or bring a lawsuit. (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 24 (PTI) A day after Punjab Police personnel deployed in the security of AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal were withdrawn, the BJP on Friday asked why the former Delhi chief minister needed Z-plus security. Union minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu asked at a press conference why a person whose party's woman MP was assaulted at his residence required Z-plus security. Also Read | Shillong Teer Results Today, January 24 2025: Winning Numbers, Result Chart for Shillong Morning Teer, Shillong Night Teer, Khanapara Teer, Juwai Teer and Jowai Ladrymbai. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal alleged that "pure politics" was behind the move to remove the Punjab Police personnel from his security detail. AAP has alleged a BJP "conspiracy" in the matter and demanded that the Election Commission (EC) restore the Punjab Police personnel in Kejriwal's security detail. Also Read | Kolkata Fatafat Result Today: Kolkata FF Result for January 24, 2025 Declared, Check Winning Numbers and Result Chart of Satta Matka-Type Lottery Game. Bittu also hit out at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his stance on Punjabi and Sikh pride and alleged the "misuse" of Z-plus security by AAP MP Raghav Chadha. No immediate reaction was available from Chadha or AAP over Bittu's allegations. Bittu accused AAP leaders of creating "pre-election conspiracies", suggesting they might stage an attack on themselves and blame it on the BJP, a tactic he alleged was common with its politics. Elections to the 70-member Delhi Assembly will be held on February 5 and the votes counted on February 8. (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 24 (PTI) Shares of Dr Reddy's Laboratories on Friday ended 5 per cent lower after the company's third-quarter earnings failed to cheer investors. The stock tanked 5.01 per cent to settle at Rs 1,224.70 apiece on the BSE. During the day, it dropped 6.65 per cent to Rs 1,203.60. Also Read | Shillong Teer Results Today, January 24 2025: Winning Numbers, Result Chart for Shillong Morning Teer, Shillong Night Teer, Khanapara Teer, Juwai Teer and Jowai Ladrymbai. At the NSE, it slumped 4.90 per cent to Rs 1,226.20. Intra-day, the stock declined 6.66 per cent to Rs 1,203.50. Its market valuation eroded by Rs 5,399.33 crore to Rs 1,02,187.12 crore. Also Read | Kolkata Fatafat Result Today: Kolkata FF Result for January 24, 2025 Declared, Check Winning Numbers and Result Chart of Satta Matka-Type Lottery Game. In traded volume terms, 1.68 lakh shares of the firm were traded at the BSE and 70.82 lakh shares on the NSE during the day. Dr Reddy's Laboratories on Thursday said its consolidated net profit increased 2 per cent to Rs 1,413 crore in the third quarter ended December 31, 2024. The Hyderabad-based drug major had reported a profit of Rs 1,379 crore for the October-December period of last fiscal. Its revenue increased to Rs 8,359 crore from Rs 7,215 crore a year ago, Dr Reddy's Laboratories said in a statement. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dharamshala (HP), Jan 24 (PTI) Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Dharamshala at Kangra on the occasion of Balika Diwas on Friday and announced a gift of Rs 1000 each for all 351 girls enrolled at the school. Congratulating the students, he expressed his determination to improve the education system in the state. Also Read | Shillong Teer Results Today, January 24 2025: Winning Numbers, Result Chart for Shillong Morning Teer, Shillong Night Teer, Khanapara Teer, Juwai Teer and Jowai Ladrymbai. He shared his personal experience of studying in a government school and acknowledged the lack of confidence among students of these schools. Sukhu assured that the state government is taking decisive steps to instill confidence among these children and said that it would help them in becoming responsible and capable citizens. Also Read | Kolkata Fatafat Result Today: Kolkata FF Result for January 24, 2025 Declared, Check Winning Numbers and Result Chart of Satta Matka-Type Lottery Game. He also emphasized that no student would be deprived of education and that the government is focused on enhancing the quality of education. During his visit, the Chief Minister interacted with the students in order to understand their needs and concerns in a better way. He also visited the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) in Dharamshala and reviewed the facilities being provided to the students. Education Minister Rohit Thakur said the state government has filled hundreds of vacant teaching posts and promoted Deputy Directors, which has been a long-pending issue since 2020. He added that the students and teachers were also sent on exposure visits and to encourage and motivate children. He also mentioned that 50 meritorious students would also be sent abroad soon. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, January 24: Mumbai Police have arrested an auto-rickshaw driver for allegedly raping a 20-year-old woman, officials said on Friday. According to the police, the accused reportedly raped the victim in Vasai before bringing her to Mumbai in his auto-rickshaw. He then left her unconscious near Ram Mandir and fled from the spot. Mumbai Shocker: Matunga Man Stressed Due to Business Allegedly Dies by Suicide After Jumping off Atal Setu. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Smita Patil said that a case has been registered against the driver, who is now in custody. The police were further looking into the matter. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lucknow, January 24: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his heartfelt wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of its 76th Foundation Day. In a post shared on social media platform X, he highlighted the cultural and historical significance of the state while expressing his vision for its growth in the future. "'Raghukulnandan' Prabhu Shri Ram and Yogeshwar Shri Krishna's holy birthplace, a land blessed by Baba Shri Vishwanath, the glorious soil of creation, culture, values, and valour.? I extend heartfelt congratulations to the people of Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of its 76th Foundation Day!" Adityanath said. Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day 2025: PM Narendra Modi Extends Greetings on States 76th Foundation Day, Says This Holy Land Has Been Engaged in Creating New Chapters'. CM Yogi Adityanath Extends Greetings on UP 76th Foundation Day "Under the guidance of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 'growth engine' of New India, New Uttar Pradesh, is setting new benchmarks in development, security, and good governance," he said. "Let us all come together and resolve to make Uttar Pradesh a 'developed and self-reliant state'," the CM said. Uttar Pradesh celebrates its Foundation Day on January 24 every year to mark the anniversary of the day when the United Province, as it was known in the British rule, was renamed Uttar Pradesh in 1950. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Balochistan [Pakistan], January 24 (ANI): Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch has called on human rights organisations to address the internet blackout in Dalbandin. She also urged the international community to intervene and ensure the restoration of internet services while safeguarding the fundamental rights of the Baloch people. Sharing a post on X, she wrote, "I appeal to human rights organizations to immediately take notice of the internet blackout in Dalbandin and actively intervene to prevent a potential crackdown on the peaceful Baloch national gathering. Such actions not only stifle freedom of expression and assembly but also set a dangerous precedent of suppressing dissent through force and digital censorship." Also Read | World Economic Forum 2025: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Highlights Thrust on Manufacturing, Services To Push Growth (Watch Video). "I urge these organizations to pressure the authorities to restore internet services without delay and to ensure that the fundamental rights of the Baloch people to assemble peacefully and voice their concerns are respected. The international community must not remain silent in the face of these repressive measures, as their silence could embolden further human rights violations in the Balochistan," the post added. https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1882668807149551726 Also Read | 'No Sex' Divorce Case: French Woman Whose Husband Divorced Her for Refusing Sex Is Not 'At Fault', Says Europe's Highest Human Rights Court in Landmark Ruling. Notably, the internet blackout comes days before Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day, scheduled for January 25, when the people of Balochistan will come together to protest the ongoing atrocities. Serious concerns are being raised due to this history of repression, with fears that the government may use violence to suppress peaceful opposition in Dalbandin once again. The internet blackout heightens concerns among Baloch Youth Conference (BYC) organizers about a possible crackdown on the event. The shutdown severely limits the Baloch people's ability to record and share their experiences of human rights violations, as communication routes are cut off. On Thursday, Mahrang Baloch, in her post on X, said that Pakistani authorities have imposed an internet blackout in Dalbandin. The post noted that the digital crackdown is reminiscent of an unsettling trend. Similar internet restrictions were imposed during the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar in July last year, where organisers and attendees of the event were brutally suppressed afterwards. (ANI) (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 24 (PTI) China on Friday welcomed Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit this weekend and sounded positive about its outcome, saying the development followed a series of interactions between top leaders and officials from both countries after over four years of stalled ties over the Ladakh military standoff. We welcome Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri's travel to China for the meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism between China and India," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing here. Also Read | 'No Sex' Divorce Case: French Woman Whose Husband Divorced Her for Refusing Sex Is Not 'At Fault', Says Europe's Highest Human Rights Court in Landmark Ruling. Mao said that last October, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached important common understandings on improving and growing bilateral relations during their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan. Recently, both sides have acted to earnestly implement these common understandings, she said. Chinese and Indian foreign and defence ministers met each other on multilateral occasions. Also Read | January 2025 Planetary Alignment Visible Now: Six Planets Aligned! Cosmic Manifestation Tips and Spiritual Insights To Embrace the Astronomical Magic of the Planet Parade. This was followed by the 23rd meeting between Special Representatives (SRs) of China and India on the boundary issue. SRs NSA Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the 23rd meeting of the mechanism in December after a gap of five years. The meeting was concluded with positive outcomes. Mao said during the talks both sides agreed to improve and strengthen interactions, resume institutional dialogues as well as exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including working on bringing the China-India relations back on track with sound and steady growth at an early date. Misri's visit is taking place on Republic Day ahead of the celebrations of China's Spring Festival and the Chinese New Year beginning on January 29 during which the country will officially shut down for a week. After Doval's visit, Misri's will be the second high-level visit by an Indian official to Beijing in about a month. The MEA said on Thursday that "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will be visiting Beijing on January 26 and 27 for a meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism between India and China". "The resumption of this bilateral mechanism flows from the agreement at the leadership level to discuss the next steps for India-China relations, including in the political, economic, and people-to-people domains," it said in a brief statement. It is expected the two sides would touch upon several issues at the talks, including ways to de-escalate the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. China has been impressing India to agree to resume direct flights between the two countries and facilitate the issuance of visas to Chinese citizens. The decision to revive the SR mechanism and other such dialogue formats was taken at a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan on October 23. The Modi-Xi meeting came two days after India and China firmed up a disengagement pact for Depsang and Demchok, the last two friction points in eastern Ladakh. In the SR dialogue, India pressed for a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the overall boundary dispute between the two countries. Doval and Wang also focused on a "positive" direction for cross-border cooperation, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, river data sharing and border trade. India has maintained that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas. Following the completion of the disengagement process in Demchok and Depsang, Indian and Chinese militaries also resumed patrolling activities in the two areas after a gap of almost four-and-a-half years. Last week, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the India-China relationship is trying to disentangle itself from the complications arising from the post-2020 border situation and more thought needs to be given to the longer-term evolution of the ties. In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said India and China should handle the bilateral ties from a strategic height and long-term perspective while implementing the common understanding reached by the leaders of the two countries. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Nicosia, Jan 24 (AP) Egypt and a consortium made up of energy companies Total of France and Italy's Eni will next month sign a key agreement to transport natural gas from an undersea deposit inside Cypriot waters to Egypt where it will be liquefied and processed for export, officials said Friday. Cypriot Energy Minister George Papanastasiou described the agreement as most significant because it allows the consortium to sort out all the technical details on how to get the gas from the Cronos gas deposit to Egyptian processing plants for liquefaction and eventual export to markets including Europe. Also Read | World Economic Forum 2025: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Highlights Thrust on Manufacturing, Services To Push Growth (Watch Video). Papanastasiou said the Eni-Total consortium, which holds exploratory licenses for seven of 13 areas or blocks inside Cyprus' offshore economic zone, will make a final decision on how it will extract and convey the gas before the summer this year. A recent assessment indicates that Cronos is estimated to hold more than the Aphrodite deposit, the first major discovery inside Cypriot waters which is estimated to contain 4.2 trillion cubic feet of gas. Also Read | 'No Sex' Divorce Case: French Woman Whose Husband Divorced Her for Refusing Sex Is Not 'At Fault', Says Europe's Highest Human Rights Court in Landmark Ruling. The so-called host-government agreement will be signed at Egypt's energy summit that will be held between Feb. 17-19, said Egyptian Oil Minister Kadim Badawi, who met earlier with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. Badawi said Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has invited his Cypriot counterpart to attend the summit. The Egyptian official hailed the collaborative spirit with which both countries have been negotiating in recent months to use Egypt's existing infrastructure and make the most of the great potential that Cyprus holds in terms of natural gas. The agreement is the latest in a string of recent developments surrounding Cyprus' natural gas potential. Also on Friday, ExxonMobil and partners Qatar Petroleum announced the start of drilling at the offshore Elektra well, near to its existing Glaucus deposit which is estimated to contain 5 to 8 trillion cubic feet of gas. Papanastasiou said there are "positive" indications of a natural gas deposit at the Elektra well some 6 kilometers (3.72 miles) beneath the surface of the sea. He said preliminary results of the drill are expected in early April. ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum hold exploration rights for two Cypriot blocks. Cyprus is moving its energy generation away from dependence on crude oil in favor of cleaner, cheaper natural gas. Plans for an onshore terminal to turn liquefied natural gas back into gaseous form have been delayed, but in the meantime Cyprus wants to use a tanker that was part of the terminal contract to process gas. Pananastasiou said Egypt has expressed interest in using the Prometheus tanker for its own purposes until Cyprus has finished its land-based infrastructure that would allow it to import gas for cheaper electricity generation. Because of contracts with energy companies on where Cypriot natural gas will go, it's not certain Cypriot gas will be used for the island's own power needs. Cyprus will likely by natural gas from other markets, but it'll still be cheaper. The Cypriot energy minister said Cyprus and Egypt will also sign a separate agreement at the Egyptian energy summit that foresees conveying natural gas from the Aphrodite deposit to Egypt. But it hasn't been decided yet with a Chevron-led consortium that operates Aphrodite whether the gas will be used for domestic energy needs or be made available for export after processing in Egypt. Negotiations between Cyprus and Chevron regarding Aphrodite are still ongoing. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Davos, Jan 24 (PTI) The World Trade Organisation on Friday pitched for strengthening the rule-based multilateral trading system in view of increasing geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation and threats of unilateral measures. As many as 23 members of the WTO took part in the informal ministerial meeting organised by Switzerland here on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. Also Read | 'No Sex' Divorce Case: French Woman Whose Husband Divorced Her for Refusing Sex Is Not 'At Fault', Says Europe's Highest Human Rights Court in Landmark Ruling. Switzerland Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin hosted the meeting, which was attended by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and selected representatives of the private sector. The meeting emphasised the important role of the WTO and the rule-based international trading system and discussed the current challenges facing the WTO and the priorities in the organisation's activities. Also Read | January 2025 Planetary Alignment Visible Now: Six Planets Aligned! Cosmic Manifestation Tips and Spiritual Insights To Embrace the Astronomical Magic of the Planet Parade. The private sector representatives presented the current challenges of global trade from their perspective in the first part of the event. "The dialogue with the private sector focused on the importance of the rule-based multilateral trading system underpinned by the WTO, emphasising that stable regulatory conditions and legal certainty are paramount for the economy during periods of trade tensions," a Swiss government statement said. In the second part of the meeting, the ministers exchanged views on the WTO's most urgent tasks and the priorities for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, which will take place in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, in just over a year's time. Switzerland said it is closely integrated into global value chains and benefits greatly from smooth cross-border trade. In his concluding remarks, Parmelin said the meeting underlined the significance of the WTO and the rule-based, transparent and predictable multilateral trading system. Building on the achievements at MC13, ministers reaffirmed their commitment to delivering a successful result at the next Ministerial Conference. Ministers also declared their determination to preserve and strengthen the rule-based multilateral trading system, especially now, in view of increasing geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation and threats of unilateral measures. At the same time, ministers pointed to the need to adapt the WTO's instruments and rules to the current challenges in global trade and also reiterated the importance of having a fully functional dispute settlement system. Ministers stressed the need to launch substantive negotiations on agricultural trade, while some ministers called for a comprehensive or balanced treatment of all relevant negotiation topics. Others argued that priority should be given to the topics mandated in earlier ministerial decisions and ministers expressed their willingness to further engage in this matter. Many ministers also called for a further extension of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at MC14. The conclusion of the extension on the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was also mentioned as a key deliverable for the organisation. Multilateral outcomes remain the preferred option, but for many ministers, plurilateral initiatives are an important tool for the WTO to tackle the pressing current challenges, Parmelin said. In this context, many ministers welcomed the finalisation of the negotiations of the Joint Statement Initiatives on E-commerce and Investment Facilitation for Development, he added. They called to find a solution for their integration into the WTO framework. The close interlinkage between trade and environmental sustainability and climate issues was highlighted by many ministers as a topic highly relevant to the WTO. In light of an exchange with invited representatives from the private sector at the beginning of today's gathering, ministers underlined the importance of the multilateral trading system for business and prosperity for all, the Swiss Federal Councilor said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], January 24 (ANI): Namrata S Kumar has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Latvia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday. Kumar, who joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1997, is presently serving as India's Ambassador to Slovenia. She is expected to take up the assignment shortly, according to the MEA statement. Also Read | 'No Sex' Divorce Case: French Woman Whose Husband Divorced Her for Refusing Sex Is Not 'At Fault', Says Europe's Highest Human Rights Court in Landmark Ruling. In a statement, MEA stated, "Ms. Namrata S. Kumar (IFS: 1997), presently Ambassador of India to Slovenia, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Latvia." "She is expected to take up the assignment shortly," it added. Also Read | January 2025 Planetary Alignment Visible Now: Six Planets Aligned! Cosmic Manifestation Tips and Spiritual Insights To Embrace the Astronomical Magic of the Planet Parade. Namrata S Kumar has served India's diplomatic Missions in Cairo (Egypt) from 1999 to 2002, in Paris (France) from 2007 to 2011 and as Deputy Chief of Mission in the United Arab Emirates from (2011 to 2014). At the MEA in New Delhi, she has at separate times overseen work in the Disarmament, Central Europe, and Archives & Records Management Divisions, according to the Embassy of India in Slovenia statement. Before taking over as India's Ambassador to Slovenia on August 13, 2020, Kumar served as Deputy Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) from 2015 to 2020, according to the statement. She is the first foreign service officer to have served on deputation to the State Government of Uttarakhand, where she served in the capacity of Additional Secretary for Rural Development (from 2002 to 2004) and Additional Secretary for Education, as well as Director of the State Literacy Mission and State Project Director (SPD) for the World Bank-funded Education for All (EFA) Programme - Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (2004-2007). (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lahore, Jan 24 (PTI) A Pakistani court has awarded community service for a year to a popular vlogger for unlawfully possessing a lion cub. Special Judicial Magistrate Hamidul Rehman Nasir on Thursday convicted Rajab Ali Butt for possessing a lion cub without any proper license or permit. Also Read | 'No Sex' Divorce Case: French Woman Whose Husband Divorced Her for Refusing Sex Is Not 'At Fault', Says Europe's Highest Human Rights Court in Landmark Ruling. Rajab Ali Butt will record a video in the form of a vlog with dedicated content on the animal's rights for a full five minutes in the first week of every month for a full one year starting from February 2025 to January 2026, Magistrate Nasir said in his verdict. Under the law, a person having a lion cub without license may face imprisonment up to two years or a minimum fine of PKR 10,000 and maximum PKR 15,000, or both. Also Read | January 2025 Planetary Alignment Visible Now: Six Planets Aligned! Cosmic Manifestation Tips and Spiritual Insights To Embrace the Astronomical Magic of the Planet Parade. The magistrate said in his order that the convict admitted his guilt, expressed remorse over his action and voluntarily pleaded that he be given a chance to do community service over his action. The court ordered the handover of the lion cub to the Lahore Wildlife Safari Zoo. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Colombo, Jan 24 (PTI) Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking its intervention to reinstate his security, which was significantly reduced by the government last month. The government had slashed Rajapaksa's security detail from over 350 personnel to just 60. In his fundamental rights application, the 80-year-old former president states that his life is under threat due to his role in ending the three-decade-long armed campaign by the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) for a separate Tamil homeland. Also Read | World Economic Forum 2025: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Highlights Thrust on Manufacturing, Services To Push Growth (Watch Video). He has named Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, the Cabinet, and the defence establishment as respondents in the case. Rajapaksa served as the President of Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2015. The LTTE, which led a separatist war for a separate Tamil homeland, was crushed by the Lankan military in 2009 with the death of its supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran. Also Read | 'No Sex' Divorce Case: French Woman Whose Husband Divorced Her for Refusing Sex Is Not 'At Fault', Says Europe's Highest Human Rights Court in Landmark Ruling. The government has also initiated steps to evict Rajapaksa from his official residence, citing its policy of reducing public expenditure and curbing the privileges of former presidents. While the government insists the measures are part of broader cost-cutting efforts, the opposition has criticised the actions as politically motivated, arguing that former presidents are legally entitled to certain privileges. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kabul, Jan 24 (AP) The Taliban Friday rejected a court move to arrest two of their top officials for persecuting women, accusing the court of baseless accusations and misbehaviour. The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor Karim Khan announced Thursday he had requested arrest warrants for two top Taliban officials, including the leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. Also Read | World Economic Forum 2025: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Highlights Thrust on Manufacturing, Services To Push Growth (Watch Video). Since they took back control of the country in 2021, the Taliban have barred women from jobs, most public spaces and education beyond sixth grade. A Foreign Ministry statement condemned the ICC request. Also Read | 'No Sex' Divorce Case: French Woman Whose Husband Divorced Her for Refusing Sex Is Not 'At Fault', Says Europe's Highest Human Rights Court in Landmark Ruling. The court was making baseless accusations against Afghanistan's leadership at a time of peace in the country and people had breathed a sigh of relief. The ministry alleged the court had turned a blind eye to decades of war and crimes against humanity committed by foreign forces and their allies. This misbehaviour further destroys the weak credibility of the said structure (ICC) and makes its status and position at the international level completely meaningless," the statement said. The ministry warned the court against imposing its interpretation of human rights and ignoring the religious and national values of others. Earlier Friday, an Afghan women's group had hailed the court's move. The Afghan Women's Movement for Justice and Awareness celebrated the ICC decision and called it a great historical achievement. We consider this achievement a symbol of the strength and will of Afghan women and believe this step will start a new chapter of accountability and justice in the country, the group said. An official in the former Western-backed administration said the Taliban leadership was likely to exploit the decision for propaganda purposes by framing it as proof of their strong faith and resilience. They may tell their followers that their beliefs are so powerful they have provoked the collective opposition of global powers," Mohammad Halim Fidai said on the X platform. Fidai was a governor of four provinces before the Taliban takeover in August 2021 and now lives outside Afghanistan. "This decision could inadvertently serve as a badge of honor or credibility for them. Also Friday, the UN mission in Afghanistan said it was a tragedy and travesty that girls remain deprived of education. It has been 1,225 days soon to be four years since authorities imposed a ban that prevents girls above the age of 12 from attending school, said the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva. It is a travesty and tragedy that millions of Afghan girls have been stripped of their right to education. Afghanistan is the only country in the world that explicitly bars women and girls from all levels of education, said Otunbayeva. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) According to police, the couple were approached by four unidentified individuals who tried to snatch her purse containing Rs 1,000 and other belongings in Delhi. Tariff War: EU Announces Countermeasures in Response to US Tariffs on Steel, Aluminium Products Power Outage in Pakistan: 18-Hour Long Power Cuts During Ramadan Make Normal Life Miserable as Citizens Facing Difficulties in Fasting Russia-Ukraine War: Kremlin Says It Has Retaken Kursks Biggest Town From Ukraine as US Awaits Vladimir Putins Ceasefire Response Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse 2025 Date and Time: Is It Chandra Grahan on Holi in India? Everything To Know About the Celestial Event in March Bryon Daily did not fit the profile of someone at risk for a rare blood condition. After all, he said he was under 60, physically fit, and had no family history of the disease. But after a seemingly random finger fracture, his doctor tested him for elevated protein levels in his blood and told him he had a form of cancer called multiple myeloma. It was sort of an out-of-body experience for me, said Daily 60, of learning of his diagnosis. I was very fortunate because, in a lot of cases, people dont have access to good health care. I had major medical insurance. So, I could consult with my primary care physician. Multiple myeloma is a cancer involving plasma cells that multiply and grow uncontrollably in a persons bone marrow, crowding out healthy cells. The disease, which has no cure, limits the bodys ability to fight infections, produces proteins that can damage the kidneys, and causes bone pain and debilitating fractures. If left untreated, it can be fatal. The disease primarily affects Black and Hispanic males ages 65 to 70 and individuals with specific risk factors such as exposure to certain chemicals, obesity, and chronic immune or inflammatory disorders, according to an American Association of Cancer Research study. Black Americans have at least a double chance of developing multiple myeloma compared to white Americans and are also diagnosed at younger ages, said Gwen Nichols, chief medical officer at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in New York. It is not fully understood, but genetics might play a role. Nichols described myeloma as a silent but deadly blood cancer with a high mortality rate after diagnosis. She noted that, unlike colon, breast, or prostate cancer, there is no standard screening for multiple myeloma. In New Jersey, about 730 new cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed annually, with about 330 deaths attributed to the disease each year, according to the state health department. Nationwide, the American Cancer Society estimates that about 35,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease this year. Daily, who is Black and was 54 when diagnosed, became the national community outreach manager for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He noted that over the past decade, the nonprofit Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, which works to accelerate a cure for the disease, reported that treatments have emerged to target malignancies diagnosed at a disproportionate rate among Black and brown populations. In addition, he said websites like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Societys Myeloma Link, created in 2017, help educate myeloma patients, caregivers, survivors, and families of color about the disease and its treatments. They meet people where they are, said Daily of Atlanta, noting that the website has reached 45,000 people. LLS partners with trusted institutions within Black and brown communities, like churches, senior centers, libraries, and barbershops. The program is active in 16 cities across the country, including Newark. Lynn Steele is a senior information specialist at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Societys Information Resource Center in New York. She said combating multiple myeloma hinges on education and proactive outreach by health care professionals. Steele said that based on feedback from Black and brown people with the disease, the lack of knowledge about myeloma and barriers to getting help were the most common discussions. Some patients have never heard about myeloma, she said. In addition, Steele said patients from lower-income families may face financial barriers because of hospitalizations; treatment schedules may conflict with work; they dont have transportation to treatment or lack adequate insurance. Nichols said those factors and the length of time before diagnosis greatly impact mortality rates for individuals with multiple myeloma. Five-year relative survival rates for multiple myeloma have surpassed 60% with newer treatment options such as targeted therapies, immunotherapy and CAR T-cell therapies, Nichols said. The goal here is to intervene with novel therapies and lifestyle changes that may delay or prevent disease progression. Daily can attest to that. With early diagnosis and treatment, Daily said his myeloma is in remission after six months of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. He manages the disease by taking a daily chemotherapy pill. For more information about myeloma in New Jersey, contact: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at cinj.org or (732) 235-2465; The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) at LLS.org or (800) 955-4572; Be The Match at bethematch.org or (800) 627-7692. Ande Richards may be reached at arichards@njadvancemedia.com. Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom Armchair Lehigh Valley content is published on lehighvalleylive.com as part of a partnership with the website, which aims to give voters nonpartisan factual information. Armchair Lehigh Valley is run by publisher Katherine Reinhard and editor Robert H. Orenstein. For more information, or to subscribe: armchairlehighvalley.substack.com. Northampton County Councilman Thomas Giovanni announced that he is running for county executive. The Republican is the first candidate to announce since incumbent Democrat Lamont McClure said this week that he will not seek a third four-year term. Democrat Tara Zrinski, who is the countys elected controller, said she is considering a run. After seven years of failed leadership under County Executive Lamont McClure, it is time for a change in Northampton County, said Giovanni, 71, of Plainfield Township in a press release issued Thursday. McClure and his allies have taken Northampton County backwards, said Giovanni, who represents councils District 4 in the countys northern sector. He specifically leveled criticism against McClure over issues involving county voting machines in 2023 and 2019. McClure faced public outcry and calls for his resignation when it was discovered on Election Day on Nov. 7, 2023, that voting machines were switching yes and no votes on a paper summary of selections in two judicial retention contests. The issue was linked to a clerical error. Votes had been properly recorded on the 300-plus voting machines. Similar problems with the ExpressVote XL machines, manufactured by Election Systems & Software, occurred in November 2019, when the county first used the machines in a general election. He failed in his constitutional responsibility to administer fair and secure elections; disastrously failed to give county residents an equal opportunity to vote after two election fiascos in 2019 and 2023, Giovanni said. He also said that McClure has not maintained quality of care at Gracedale Nursing Home, which has a below average rating on the federal governments Medicare.gov website. The dysfunction and incompetence of Mr. McClures tenure motivated me to offer better leadership and a new direction for Northampton County, Giovanni said. I will help Northampton County reach a brighter future and continue to be a champion for every resident as I have done as a council member. Giovanni is a retired IT consultant and purchasing manager. He is trustee chair of the Nazareth Mutual Insurance Co. and serves on the Community Economic Development Committee of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. He was first elected to council in 2019 and reelected in 2023. He said he plans to make a formal announcement on Feb. 6, along with a slate of Republican candidates who will be seeking nominations on May 20. Five at-large county council seats will be up for election this year. This will be the first election where the winner of the county executive seat will be limited to two consecuative four-year terms. Council members will be restricted to three consecutive four-year terms. Though he was eligible to run again, McClure cited respecting the spirit of the executive term limit, which was adopted in a 2023 referendum, and a desire to serve the public in a different capacity as reasons for not seeking reelection. A fire at a former restaurant converted into multi-family apartments displaced 10 people Friday in Northampton County, a fire company officer said. The fire was reported about 11 a.m. in the 1400 block of Lake Minsi Drive in Upper Mount Bethel Township, near Minsi Lake. The fire spread from one unit to others and resulted in the death of one cat, North Bangor Fire Co. Chief Todd Pinto told lehighvalleylive.com. No residents or responders were injured, he said. Firefighters rescued a dog and four additional cats, along with a turtle, Pinto said. The American Red Cross was responding to assist those displaced. Three propane tanks attached to the homes vented off during the incident, according to the fire chief. Crews had to truck in water from a hydrant at the North Bangor firehouse, with ice covering Minsi Lake leaving that unavailable as a water source. The scene was clear as of about 2:15 p.m. Pinto said fire departments assisting North Bangor included the Bushkill Township Volunteer Fire Co., Portland Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 and Mount Bethel Volunteer Fire Co. from Northampton County; Knowlton Township Fire & Rescue Co. No. 1 from Warren County; and Stroud Township Volunteer Fire Department from Monroe County. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. A free neutering scheme was launched for the owners of tightly regulated XL Bully breed of dog, according to the Laois Society of Protection of Cruelty to Animals. The Laois SPCA launched the XL Bully neutering scheme for a month at the start of 2025 ahead of the introduction of strict new rules around the ownership of the controversial bulldog mix breed. The scheme, which is open for people on social welfare payments until January 31 this year, covers 100% of the neutering costs and microchipping costs ahead of the XL Bully restrictions in Ireland. From 1 February 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog unless you have a Certificate of Exemption in Ireland. By law, XL Bully owners must get their dog neutered and microchipped with a Certificate of Exemption. Geraldine Lanagan from Laois SCPCA spoke about the response from the public. "There has been a good uptake of the scheme and we had a good bit of interest in it last week but things have eased off this week," she told the Leinster Express / Laois Live. "There was a couple of people for different reasons dropped out of the scheme so we have a couple more spaces that became available," Ms Lanagan added. After being certified Ms Lanagan advised owners to keep your papers on you when out walking your bully to have proof that your dog is neutered and proved with a Certficate of Exemption. The certificate means an owner can keep an XL Bully at a particular location until the end of its natural life. The Department of Rural and Community Development said regulations introduced on October 1 prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of the dogs. It said the new ownership rules were introduced to protect public safety following a numberof attacks by the dogs. Similar measures have recently been announced in both the UK and Northern Ireland. One incident for example occurred on September 2024 when a Limerick woman was killed in an XL Bully attack. READ NEXT: Laois GAA's Tommy Fitzgerald names Senior Hurling team for Division 1B game against Westmeath If you break the rules of the XL Bully ban, you could be: Fined up to 2,500 Imprisoned for up to 3 months Both fined and imprisoned If you dont have a Certificate of Exemption for your XL Bully dog by 1 February 2025, your dog can be seized and put down. The Laois SPCA scheme was supported by the Department of Agriculture. As a cross of restricted breeds, XL Bully type dogs are subject to the existing additional controls. This means when in a public place, these dogs must be securely muzzled and kept on a strong chain or leash (maximum 2 metres in length) by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog. Laois TD Brian Stanley says part of a local village is "in complete darkness" causing danger for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists. The former Sinn Fein party member who now describes himself as an Independent Republican TD, has highlighted a situation in Castletown village outside Mountrath. The Junction at the Mountrath end of Castletown urgently needs public lighting. The Junction at the Mountrath end of the village is in complete darkness and this poses a real danger for pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists. In contrast, the junction at the Pike of Rushall end of the village is very well lit up. Numerous residents have complained to me about this. I have raised the matter with Laois County Council. The County Council have now surveyed this area and agree that public lighting is badly needed there," Deputy Stanley said in a statement on Thursday, January 23. Progress has now been made. Works carried out to date include: A full Topographical Survey completed. Lighting Design Completed. Quotation requested from Lighting Contractor. I am anxious that adequate lighting is erected in the vicinity of this junction and that it is made safe for the residents of Castletown. I will be pursuing this further with Laois County Council, Dep Stanley said. Residents across Kildare are this afternoon assessing the damage caused by Storm Eowyn as it barrels across the county. The inclement weather has left thousands of people without electricity. Over 1,700 people have no power in Sallins, including 284 in the Sherlockstown area. Storm damage near the Care of the Aged Centre, Naas According to ESB Networks, over 2,000 people have no power in Kilcock and the same applies to 1,100 customers in Newbridge, with the Morristown area principally affected. In Leixlip, some 1,800 customers are without a supply and likewise in Celbridge where 1,100 have no electricity. ESB Networks repairs crews have already repaired faults at a number of other locations across the county. Some 170 customers are affected Two Mile House and 599 customers have no power in Maynooth. Although the impact in this area was less than in other places, notably in western and southern areas, some damage was apparent. A fallen tree at Lakelands, Naas Trees have fallen and there is some damage to property, including homes, though most of it not structural. There is debris from trees and vegetation on footpaths and roads but the majority of routes are navigable. Although Kildare exited a status red warning earlier, a status yellow wind warning came into force at noon and remains in place until 4pm. Met Eireann says this means there will be strong to near gale force westerly winds with further damaging gusts leading to hazardous travelling conditions an d damage to already weakened structures. READ NEXT CONFIRMED: Highest-ever winds speeds recorded as Storm Eowyn wreaks havoc across Ireland A stunning satellite picture shows the terrifying size of Storm Eowyn as it crosses the Atlantic Ocean and bears down on Ireland. The image taken from windy.com shows the size as the storm as it moves on a direct collision course with Ireland. Met Eireann has issued Red Weather Warnings for all of Ireland that come into effect at various times from tonight through Friday. Met Eireann warns that impacts of Storm Eowyn are Danger to life; Extremely dangerous travelling conditions; Unsafe working conditions; Disruption and cancellations to transport; Many fallen trees; Significant and widespread power outages; Impacts to communications networks; Cancellation of event; Structural damage; Wave overtopping; Coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas As of 9am on Thursday, there are eight Red Weather Warnings in place from Met Eireann. There is also a Status Orange Wind Warning for all of Ireland from midnight until 4pm tomorrow. The Status Red Weather Warnings are as follows. A Status Red Wind warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford from 2am on Friday until 10am on Friday. A Status Red Wind Warning for Clare and Galway from 3am on Friday until 11am on Friday A Status Red Wind warning for Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo from 4am on Friday until 12 noon on Friday. A Status Red Wind warning for Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Roscommon and Tipperary from 6am on Friday until 11am on Friday. A Status Red Wind Warning for Donegal from 7am on Friday until 2pm on Friday. A Status Red Storm warning from Valentia to Erris Head to Fair Head and on the Irish Sea from midnight until 2pm on Friday. A Status Red Storm warning from Fair Head to Wicklow Head to Valentia and on the Irish Sea from midnight until 2pm on Friday. Status Red - Storm warning from Rossan Point to Malin Head to Strangford Lough and on the Irish Sea North of Isle of Man from 2pm on Friday until 7pm on Friday READ NEXT: STORM TRACKER: Exact time Storm Eowyn will hit your county in scary weather latest Millions of people have been urged to stay at home as 100mph winds pose a danger to life and cause travel disruption across the UK. Rail services, flights and ferries have been axed, with rare red weather warnings in place on Friday in Scotland and Northern Ireland as Storm Eowyn batters the country. The storm is likely to damage buildings, uproot trees and cause power cuts, according to the Met Office alerts. Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill has urged people to stay at home, adding we are in the eye of the storm now, in an interview with BBC Radio Ulster. Some 1,070 flights scheduled to operate to or from airports in the UK or Ireland on Friday have been cancelled, according to Aviation analytics company Cirium. This is the equivalent of 20% of all flights, and the worst affected airports are Dublin, Edinburgh, Heathrow and Glasgow, according to the company. As of Friday morning, more than 93,000 homes and businesses were left without power in Northern Ireland as the storm caused widespread damage to electricity networks, according to NIE Networks. In the Republic of Ireland, 715,000 homes, farms and businesses are without power after Storm Eowyn caused unprecedented damage to electricity infrastructure, the Irish Electricity Supply Board (ESB) said. Hundreds of schools and nurseries across Scotland will be closed on Friday as First Minister John Swinney warned residents not to travel. Train operator ScotRail has suspended all services across Scotland on Friday, saying it would not be safe to operate passenger services, with Calmac and Western ferry services also cancelled because of weather conditions. Other services impacted by the storm include Avanti West Coast, LNER, West Midlands Railway, Lumo, Transport for Wales and Southern Western Railway. Motorists in areas covered by red and amber weather warnings have been told to avoid travel unless absolutely essential. National Highways said the A66 between the A1M in North Yorkshire and M6 in Cumbria, as well as the A628 Woodhead Pass in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, were both closed overnight due to strong winds. The M62 Ouse Bridge in East Yorkshire has also been closed to high-sided vehicles. On Friday morning, a record-breaking wind speed of 183kmh (114 mph) was measured in Mace Head, Co Galway in Ireland, Met Eireann said. The previous highest wind speed on record was 182kmh (113mph) set in January 1945 in Foynes, Co Limerick, according to the weather service. In Wales, winds reached a top speed of 93mph in the Welsh village of Aberdaron, Gwynedd, on Friday morning, the Met Office said. Red warnings are in place in Northern Ireland from 7am until 2pm on Friday. The Met Office extended its red warning for Scotland on Friday, and it now covers as far south as Lockerbie, as well as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lanark and Ayr, and is in place until 5pm. Wind speeds of up to 100mph are likely along coasts in both red warning areas with gusts of up to 90mph expected inland, the forecaster said. Amber wind warnings are also in place for Northern Ireland, the southern half of Scotland, northern England and north Wales between 6am and 9pm on Friday, and the northern half of Scotland from 1pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday. Winds reaching 60 to 70mph will be widespread in these areas, with up to 90mph possible on coastal areas. A further yellow wind warning covers the rest of UK for all of Friday. Yellow warnings for snow are in place in Scotland, from 6am to midnight, and rain in south-west England and Wales until 9am. A RED wind warning is now in effect for Northern Ireland, with another coming into force for parts of Scotland at 10 am Latest warning info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs pic.twitter.com/MfyFf3UYuF Met Office (@metoffice) January 24, 2025 RAC Breakdown advised motorists in warning areas to stay safe by parking away from trees, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, avoid coastal routes and watch out for debris. Some 4.5 million people received emergency alerts on their phones warning of the incoming storm in the largest real-life use of the tool to date on Thursday. More amber and yellow weather warnings for wind and rain have been issued across the weekend. EirGrid is set to host its first Energy Citizens Roadshow of 2025 on Tuesday, February 11th at The Landmark Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. This free event will bring together industry experts, local exhibitors, and members of the community to highlight the benefits of Irelands ongoing energy transition. Attendees will gain insights into how EirGrid is future-proofing the electricity grid and learn about practical solutions for homes, businesses, and communities interested in reducing energy usage and costs. Doors open at 6:15pm, providing an opportunity for refreshments, networking, and direct engagement with exhibitors from the retrofit and sustainability space. These exhibitors will include local contractors, community support groups, and professionals offering energy advice. Whether you are just starting your energy journey or looking for new ways to enhance efficiency, youll find a wealth of information and resources all in one place. At 7:00pm, an interactive panel discussion will commence, featuring representatives from EirGrid, ESB Networks, SEAI, and Leitrim County Council. Topics on the agenda include the many benefits of transitioning to renewable energy, as well as strategies for reducing reliance on traditional sources of power. ESB Networks will discuss microgeneration and minigeneration schemes, explaining how small-scale energy production can empower households and communities to become more self-sufficient. Meanwhile, SEAI will outline the range of grants, retrofitting supports, and sustainable energy community initiatives available to those eager to pursue environmentally responsible lifestyles. Following the panel discussion, attendees will have the chance to ask questionswhether in-person or onlineto address any specific concerns they may have. This Q&A session offers a valuable forum for learning how community efforts, business support, and government-backed programs can drive a cleaner, greener future for Leitrim and beyond. Dont miss this unique opportunity to discover how Irelands energy landscape is evolvingand how you can play a part. READ MORE Leitrim mothers urgent appeal for life-saving cancer treatment READ MOREDr. Mary McAleese to join Carole Coleman for exclusive interview in Carrick-on-Shannon Leitrim has been significantly impacted by the devastating Storm Eowyn, as communities grapple with extensive power outages and severe weather disruptions. With gusts recorded as high as 183 km/h in other parts of the country, the storm has left no corner of Ireland untouched, including Leitrims key towns and rural areas. Paul Hand, of ESBs Strategy Innovation and Transformation division, highlighted the localized destruction in Leitrim. There is significant damage across Leitrim; its everywhere, he said. Power outages have hit areas such as Mohill, Carrick-on-Shannon, and Carrigallen particularly hard, leaving thousands without electricity. ESB Networks has confirmed that Storm Eowyn has caused record-breaking levels of outages across Ireland, with over 800,000 homes and businesses affected nationwide. Locally, efforts are underway to restore power, but the utility warns that it could take a week before full restoration is achieved in some areas. Brian Tapley, Manager at ESB Networks, acknowledged the scale of the challenge: "This is a storm like no other in terms of power outages and infrastructure damage." Met Eireann has issued a Status Red wind warning for the northern half of the country, including Leitrim, cautioning residents that the worst may still be ahead. People are urged to avoid all non-essential travel and remain indoors for safety. Vodafone has reported broadband outages affecting 90,000 homes, compounding communication difficulties during the crisis. Residents can monitor Powercheck.ie for the latest updates on power restoration and safety advisories. Emergency services and repair crews are working tirelessly to assess and mitigate the damage, but patience is advised as the situation evolves. Leitrim, along with the rest of the island, is bracing for continued challenges as Storm Eowyns full force is felt. Where possible, updates will be available to view throughout on PowerCheck.ie READ ALSO: ALERT: Road closure in place following 'serious' road crash during Storm Eowyn Weekly Roundup: 11 Finance Press Releases You Need to See A roundup of the week's most newsworthy financial press releases from PR Newswire, including the best investment banks to work for, record-high rents for single-family homes and the state of the US wine industry. NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help finance journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. 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SOURCE PR Newswire 24 january 2025 at 06:22 News published onand distributed by: NEXTGEN DIGITAL ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF INDUSTRY VETERAN MARIO NAWFAL AS A STRATEGIC ADVISOR Fredericton, New Brunswick, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NextGen Digital Platforms Inc. (CSE:NXT) (FSE:Z12) ("NextGen" or the "Company") announces that Web3 and blockchain industry veteran Mr. Mario Nawfal has been appointed as Strategic Advisor to the Company effective immediately. NextGen Digital's Interim CEO, Alexander Tjiang, commented: "We're very fortunate to have a proven Web3 and blockchain professional of Mario's calibre in our corner. His background in the digital assets space and his track record of building and incubating innovative companies warrants a warm welcome from everyone at NextGen. The level of in-the-trenches experience he brings to the table is of particular value to our plans to advancing our long-term strategy." Mr. Nawfal, founder of the IBC Group and a respected voice in the Web3 space, has been at the forefront of blockchain innovation, building and investing in successful global ventures. In addition to leading IBC Group ? a leading venture capital & incubator platform in the crypto space ? Mr. Nawfal has also founded a variety of innovative ventures in the consumers and healthcare spaces. Mr. Nawfal is also the founder & host of The Roundtable Show, a platform for powerful voices & conversations that has featured a wide array of prominent entrepreneurs, executives, and government professionals. The advisory agreement has a term of twelve months that will begin on January 23, 2025. Either party has the right to terminate the advisory agreement at any time. About NextGen Digital Platforms Inc. NextGen Digital Platforms Inc. (CSE: NXT) is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Company currently operates e-commerce platform PCSections.com ("PCS") and a hardware-as-a-service business supporting the artificial intelligence sector, called cloud AI hosting ("Cloud AI Hosting"). Both PCS and Cloud AI Hosting were developed in-house by NextGen. The Company also intends to democratize access to cryptocurrencies by providing investors with exposure to a diversified basket of digital assets through a regulated public vehicle. From time to time, the Company also intends to evaluate and acquire or develop other micro-technology platforms. For More Information: Alexander Tjiang, Interim Chief Executive Officer (416) 300-7398 https://nextgendigital.ca/ [email protected] The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release includes "forward-looking information" that is subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements may include but are not limited to, statements relating to the completion of the Offering on the terms described herein or at all, and the use of proceeds and available funds following the completion of the Offering, and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to such events. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future events and that actual events or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment based on information currently available. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. 24 january 2025 at 07:30 News published onand distributed by: NextEra Energy fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial results available on company's website JUNO BEACH, Fla., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) has posted its fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial results in a news release available on the company's website by accessing the following link: www.NextEraEnergy.com/FinancialResults. John Ketchum, chairman, president and chief executive officer of NextEra Energy, Brian Bolster, executive vice president, finance and chief financial officer of NextEra Energy, and other members of the company's senior management team will discuss the company's fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial results during an investor presentation to be webcast live, beginning at 9 a.m. ET today. The listen-only webcast will be available on NextEra Energy's website by accessing the following link: www.NextEraEnergy.com/FinancialResults. A replay will be available for 90 days by accessing the same link as listed above. NextEra Energy, Inc. NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) is a leading clean energy company headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida. NextEra Energy owns Florida Power & Light Company, which is America's largest electric utility that sells more power than any other utility, providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to more than 6 million customer accounts, or approximately 12 million people across Florida. NextEra Energy also owns a competitive clean energy business, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. Through its subsidiaries, NextEra Energy generates clean, emissions-free electricity from seven commercial nuclear power units in Florida, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. A Fortune 200 company, NextEra Energy has been recognized often by third parties for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com. SOURCE NextEra Energy, Inc. 24 january 2025 at 07:30 News published onand distributed by: Government of Canada signs bilateral agreement with Ontario for Drugs for Rare Diseases Agreement will improve access to, and affordability of, drugs for rare diseases OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 24, 2025 /CNW/ - In Canada, 1 in 12 people live with a rare disease, and for most people affected, the cost of treatment is unaffordable. Canadians deserve a health care system that provides timely access to quality health services and medications, including effective drugs for rare diseases, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay. Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada's Minister of Health, and the Honourable Sylvia Jones, Ontario's Minister of Health, announced a bilateral agreement investing over $535 million to improve access to selected new drugs for rare diseases, and to support enhanced access to existing drugs, early diagnosis, and screening. The first step in this bilateral agreement will be to deliver funding to the province to provide access to five drugs under the National Strategy for Rare Diseases: Poteligeo, for the treatment of mycosis fungoides or Sezary syndrome; Oxlumo, for the treatment of hyperoxaluria type 1; Epkinly, for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; Welireg, for the treatment of treatment of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease; and, Yescarta, for the treatment of follicular lymphoma, large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL). The names of other drugs on the common list will be published online here on a drug-by-drug basis following the conclusion of the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance price negotiations for each drug. In addition, Ontario is committing through this agreement to work with Canada and other provinces and territories on developing and implementing a plan for improving screening and diagnostics for rare diseases. The Government of Canada remains committed to working with provinces and territories to improve health care for all Canadians, including access to affordable prescription medications, and to achieving better health outcomes for everyone. Quotes "Reaching these agreements is another step in our collaborative efforts to build a stronger public health system for Ontarians. By investing in drugs for rare diseases, this agreement will improve affordability and access to medications, early diagnosis, and screening, so that people in Ontario with rare diseases have the best health outcomes possible." The Honourable Mark Holland Minister of Health "Ontario is making it easier and faster for people of all ages, living with rare diseases to connect to the treatment they need, when and where they need it. As Ontario continues to lead the country in funding treatment and screening for rare diseases, this agreement will complement the bold, innovative action our government has taken to connect people with rare diseases and their families to even more innovative, lifechanging treatment options, for generations to come." Sylvia Jones Ontario's Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Quick Facts In March 2023 , the Government of Canada announced an investment of up to $1.5 billion over three years to support the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases, including up to $1.4 billion for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories to help patients with rare diseases have access to treatments as early as possible, for better quality of life. , the Government of announced an investment of up to over three years to support the including up to for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories to help patients with rare diseases have access to treatments as early as possible, for better quality of life. Innovative treatments for rare diseases can cost anywhere from $100,000 to more than $4 million per year. to more than per year. Ontario's Drugs for Rare Diseases Agreement has been posted online. Related Products Associated Links SOURCE Health Canada (HC) 24 january 2025 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: Allurion to Raise Approximately $7.4 Million of Gross Proceeds in Offering Priced At-the-Market Allurion Technologies, Inc. ("Allurion" or the "Company") (NYSE: ALUR), a company dedicated to ending obesity, today announced that it has entered into a definitive securities purchase agreement with certain institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 1,240,000 shares of the Company's common stock at a price of $6.00 per share in a registered direct offering priced at-the-market under NYSE rules. In addition, in a concurrent private placement, the Company will issue to the investors warrants to purchase up to 1,240,000 shares of common stock. The warrants have an exercise price of $6.00 per share, will become exercisable immediately following the date of stockholder approval and expire on the fifth anniversary of such approval. The Company also agreed to obtain shareholder approval for the repricing of its outstanding warrants issued in its July 2024 offering of securities for investors in this offering that held such outstanding warrants, reducing the exercise price thereof to $6.00 per share. Roth Capital Partners is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offering. The gross proceeds to the Company from this offering are expected to be approximately $7.4 million, before deducting the placement agent's fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about January 27, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The shares in the offering described above are being offered by the Company pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-283721) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and declared effective by the SEC on December 20, 2024. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of the effective registration statement, relating to the offering that will be filed with the SEC. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus may be obtained, when available, on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov or by contacting Roth Capital Partners, LLC at 888 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach CA 92660, by phone at (800) 678-9147 or by accessing the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. The warrants sold in the private placement are being made in a transaction not involving a public offering and have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any state or other applicable jurisdiction's securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state or other jurisdictions' securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Allurion Allurion is dedicated to ending obesity. The Allurion Program is a weight-loss platform that combines the Allurion Gastric Balloon, the world's first and only swallowable, procedure-lessTM gastric balloon for weight loss, the Allurion Virtual Care Suite, including the Allurion Mobile App for consumers and Allurion Insights for healthcare providers featuring the Iris AI Platform, and the Allurion Connected Scale. The Allurion Virtual Care Suite is also available to providers separately from the Allurion Program to help customize, monitor, and manage weight-loss therapy for patients regardless of their treatment plan. The Allurion Gastric Balloon is an investigational device in the United States. For more information about Allurion and the Allurion Virtual Care Suite, please visit www.allurion.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal and state securities laws. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "target," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions and include statements regarding the expected completion, timing and size of the registered direct offering of shares and concurrent private placement of warrants, the anticipated use of proceeds of the offering, and other statements about future events that reflect the current beliefs and assumptions of Allurion's management based on information currently available to them and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that reflect the current beliefs and assumptions of Allurion's management based on information currently available to them and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future results or developments to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to (i) the ability of Allurion to obtain regulatory approval for and successfully commercialize the Allurion Program, (ii) the timing of and results from its clinical studies and trials and its ability to initiate and complete clinical studies, including the clinical study on the combination of the Allurion Program with GLP-1 agonists, (iii) the evolution of the markets in which Allurion competes and the rise of GLP-1 drugs, (iv) the ability of Allurion to defend its intellectual property and satisfy regulatory requirements, (v) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war on Allurion's business, (vi) Allurion's expectations regarding its market opportunities, (vii) the outcome of any legal proceedings against Allurion, (viii) the risk of economic downturns and a changing regulatory landscape in the highly competitive industry in which Allurion operates, and (ix) uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the offering on the anticipated terms or at all. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 26, 2026 and Amendment No. 1 thereto filed on April 29, 2024, the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 13, 2024 and other documents filed by Allurion from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Allurion assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Allurion does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. 24 january 2025 at 09:35 News published onand distributed by: Beyond Oil Secures US$8.3 Million Master Distribution Agreement in the United States with Latitude Ltd. NEW YORK, New York, KIBBUTZ YIFAT, Israel and VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Beyond Oil Ltd. (CSE: BOIL) (OTCQB: BEOLF) (Frankfurt: UH9) ("Beyond Oil" or the "Company"), a food-tech innovation company dedicated to reducing health risks associated with fried food while lowering operational costs, minimizing waste and enhancing sustainability, today announced a transformative Master Distribution Agreement (the "US Master Distribution Agreement") with Latitude Ltd. ("Latitude"), a New York-based importation, distribution, and logistics company. The US Master Distribution Agreement includes minimum monthly commitments totaling US$8.3 million during the fiscal year 2025.* Approved on January 23, 2025, the US Master Distribution Agreement grants Latitude the right and license to market and sell the Beyond Oil product across the United States (the "Territory"). The term of the US Master Distribution Agreement is for five (5) years, which may be renewed for additional five (5) year terms, provided that the Master US Distribution Agreement has not been terminated by either party and that the parties have reached agreements on product pricing and minimum purchase requirements for years two through five. Latitude will focus on selling to small and medium-sized food service customers while leveraging its sub-distributor network to achieve broad market penetration, allowing Beyond Oil to concentrate on securing strategic deals with larger, multinational customers, while Latitude drives growth and revenue in other market segments. The companies will work closely to ensure synchronized efforts, participating jointly in trade shows, coordinating market strategies, and aligning operations to maximize efficiency and impact. This collaboration will enable Beyond Oil to establish a steady cash flow from Latitude's sales while expanding its reach to all customer levels in the United States with minimal overhead costs. Additionally, Beyond Oil will leverage Latitude's logistics and supply chain expertise as a U.S.-based logistic partner, ensuring seamless distribution and efficient market penetration. Strategic Benefits Revenue Growth and Market Reach: Latitude's 2025 purchase commitment, which will be purchased throughout the year on a monthly basis, provides Beyond Oil with a revenue stream in 2025, while its sub-distributor network ensures the product reaches all customer tiers across the United States. Latitude's 2025 purchase commitment, which will be purchased throughout the year on a monthly basis, provides Beyond Oil with a revenue stream in 2025, while its sub-distributor network ensures the product reaches all customer tiers across the United States. Focus on Strategic Deals: By outsourcing sales to small and medium-sized customers, Beyond Oil can dedicate resources to securing larger, multinational accounts and advancing its long-term strategy. By outsourcing sales to small and medium-sized customers, Beyond Oil can dedicate resources to securing larger, multinational accounts and advancing its long-term strategy. Cost-Efficient Expansion: This agreement enables Beyond Oil to expand its footprint without high overhead costs, generating cash flow while building a brand presence across the US market. Laurel Eastman, President of Latitude commented: "I am committed to using every tool available to establish Beyond Oil as a mandatory product in U.S. restaurants, schools, military facilities, catering services, and related industries. Beyond Oil's product significantly reduces the production of carcinogens caused by the degradation of frying oils and thus has important implications on healthcare savings." Ms. Eastman holds degrees in both inorganic chemistry and mathematics and studied at both MIT and Tufts University. A former senior advisor to President Trump, Ms. Eastman has a diverse background in both business and science. Eastman previously worked closely with Secretary Perry at the Department of Energy for two years. Jonathan Or, CEO of Beyond Oil, commented: "Partnering with Latitude Ltd. as our Master Distributor in the United States is a strategic move that allows us to achieve multiple objectives simultaneously. Latitude's expertise and established network in the US food service industry will enable us to expand rapidly into new markets, creating significant revenue streams while allowing our team to focus on long-term strategic opportunities with larger customers. Through this partnership, we will effectively reach all levels of customers, from small and medium-sized businesses to high-profile restaurant groups, without the burden of heavy operational expenses. Together, we are paving the way for healthier, sustainable frying practices across the United States. Notably, the minimum purchase commitments in this agreement provide us with a solid start to 2025." Dedi Avner, CEO of Latitude, remarked: "We are thrilled to partner with Beyond Oil in the US. After extensive testing, we have seen firsthand the transformative impact of their product on health, sustainability, and operational efficiency. Our network of sub-distributors and direct sales team is ready to bring this solution to customers nationwide. With the support of Beyond Oil, we are committed to an aggressive penetration strategy and are excited about the significant potential of this partnership. Together, we are redefining the American food service market and setting a new standard for healthier and more sustainable frying operations." *Projected revenues do not reflect profits, as they are subject to variable factors, including operational costs, licensing fees, market conditions, and other factors in the Forward-Looking Statement below. Readers should take note of the fact that significant differences may occur in any future potential bottom-line figures as such. About Latitude Ltd. Latitude Ltd. is an international importer of specialty raw materials, a master distributor and logistics company based in New York. Further Latitude services its customers nationally with specialty water treatment products, technical support and logistics services with over thirty years' experience in international trade. Latitude maintains a strategic network of warehouses and freight services across the United States to accommodate its customers. For more information, visit their website at: https://latitudeltdusa.com/about.html. About Beyond Oil Ltd. Beyond Oil Ltd. is an innovative food-tech company focused on the global frying industry with patented solutions that enable healthier frying practices for people and the planet. Guided by its vision to become a global standard in frying operations for the food service and food manufacturing industries, and with regulatory clearance from the FDA and Health Canada, Beyond Oil's product significantly reduces harmful compounds in frying oil, addressing cancer and cardiovascular risks associated with fried foods. The Company's proprietary technology provides food service operators with a cost-effective solution to deliver healthier, higher-quality fried and processed foods while extending oil life and minimizing waste. For more information, visit: www.beyondoil.co. Contacts Jonathan Or Beyond Oil CEO and Co-founder Phone: +972 52-601-0680 [email protected] Sky Mandel Latitude's VP Sales & Business Development Phone: 516-381-9696 [email protected] ARX | Capital Markets Advisors North American Equities Desk [email protected] Forward Looking Statement and Information The Canadian Securities Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Company and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the securities laws. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon management's current expectations, beliefs and projections, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain. Such expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith. However, there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved, and actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. In addition, we cannot assure that any patent will be issued as a result of a pending patent application or, if issued, whether it will be issued in a form that will be advantageous to us. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company's reports filed from time to time at sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. The Company is not responsible for the contents of third-party websites. 24 january 2025 at 16:20 News published onand distributed by: You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close IF you look beyond the blue skies and clear turquoise lagoons, you soon realise that Kiritimati, in the Pacific Ocean is far removed from the postcard image many of us build in our head about a tropical island paradise. Litter is strewn everywhere - being a small, remote island, there are few places to dispose of rubbish. Indeed, when the tide goes out, the illusion of tropical beauty is somewhat broken with what is left behind on the beaches. And while the population of Kiritimati is relatively low compared to the rest of the Kiribati island group - it relies heavily on support from overseas, with natural resources severely limited. Nowhere is the struggle of island life more apparent than in Kiritimati's smallest village, Poland, located in the far west. Named in honour of Polish mechanic Stanisaw Peczynski, who greatly improved the island's coconut plantation by introducing a modified irrigation system that could effectively water palm trees during the dry season, Poland village is inhabited by only a few hundred people, and located on scrubland. Above: Poland's national flag, donated by the Polish comunity in Limerick hangs proudly alongside the Treaty flag in the village Poverty is very visible: like the rest of the island, the majority of people in Poland live in shacks, with bricks-and-mortar properties often reserved for churches and commercial premises. As the crow flies west - via the USA - Kiritimati, also known as Christmas Island, is 13,280 kilometres away from Limerick. Due to the cost of flights going east proving marginally kinder on the wallet, I flew 'the long way' around via Britain, Turkey, Singapore and Fiji. Whichever way you dress it up, it's a lengthy distance from home. Due to this, I didn't want to travel to the island and do nothing: I wanted to try and make a difference in whatever little way I could. As I recorded in last week's article, making contact with people in Kiritimati was difficult enough. But closer to home, I connected with a gentleman in Poland - the other Poland, here in Europe - Dr Dariusz Zdziech. Based in Krakow, he is the founder and president of the management board of Poland Helps Poland, an initiative which exists to support the tiny village which bears the name of his nation on Christmas Island. Our basic activities are helping Poland. We support volunteers who go to this village, we send material aid, we organise talks with representatives of governments and international organisations, explained Dr Zdziech. Through publications, presentations, podcasts and lectures we teach in Poland where Poland is and why it is so special, added Dr Zdziech, who shared a number of ideas on how I could help the village and its people during my visit. During the Christmas and new year period, villagers from across the island of Kiritimati descend on London - the island capital, not the British metropolis - to take part in competitions and parades. Due to its size, Poland, sadly, never does as well in these as it would like, Dr Zdziech explained. So he suggested I bring some Christmas toys for some of the children there, and whistles for the band conductors, which could later be used in sporting events. Given the name of the village, it also felt appropriate to make contact with Patrick OSullivan. Until just before Christmas, the Lough Gur man was the Honorary Consul for Poland in Limerick, and he was pleased to send a letter of support as one of his final duties in a role he had carried out with distinction for 14 years. Below: St Stanislas Catholic Church, one of the few bricks and mortar properties in Poland, is named in honour of Polish mechanic Stanisaw Peczynski who greatly improved the irrigation system of the island Though we are separated by great distances, the bonds of heritage and shared culture unite us. Please know that you are in our thoughts, and we send warm wishes from our community to yours, read a part of this communication. At more or less the same time as people in Ireland were settling down after their Christmas dinner on December 25, we were setting out on the long journey to Poland as dawn broke on St Stephen's Day (remember, Kiritimati is 14 hours ahead of Ireland). BREAKING: Limerick councillor confirms immediate departure from Sinn Fein party It was a four-hour drive away from London over bumpy, unpaved, and often quite treacherous single-lane roads. Travelling on the back of a truck on a makeshift bench as the blistering Pacific sun rose through an unblemished sky added to the jeopardy somewhat. Like everywhere in Kiritimati, a maneaba - a community meeting place - is the focal point of village life. So it was natural that it would be here where we met members of the community, and I had an introduction to 'maneaba manners'. Upon our arrival, a rug was laid out for us at one side of the building, and we are expected to sit on it, our legs crossed. To dangle one's limbs out is considered a major dishonour to our hosts, who would sit on the other side. Among the people we met was the village chairman Kabokia Mange, pictured below. The 62-year-old who has lived in Poland since 1990, is elected by his peers to be a spokesperson and advocate for the area. And that he was: presenting a list of asks of our group when we arrived. Chief among them is the building of a business centre of sorts, to provide a new centre for Poland. Local estimates suggest to build this would cost around $10,000 Australian dollars, the currency used on the island, or around 6,030. Also on the shopping list is improved electrical connections, and stronger internet - both being an issue across Kiritimati. A notice board in the maneaba also provides information from the humanitarian aid agency Unicef on how to ensure there is improved sanitation in the village, and a "wash committee" is in place to ensure standards remain high. Mr Mange told me, through a translator: "We are really happy to meet you. It's good to know another country is interested in coming to us. We are happy to be linked to Ireland and Limerick." A letter will issue from the village of Poland back to the new Honorary Polish Consul in Limerick, solicitor Ger O'Neill, in response to Mr O'Sullivan's opening missive once Kiritimati's local authority meets for the first time following their council elections which took place over Christmas. Perhaps, understandably, there was a small element of scepticism around my visit. Many people before have come and gone from Poland promising without delivering. I'm no miracle worker, but it would be nice if, with others, I could continue to help this community on the edge of the globe. A LIMERICK businessman and surfer is making waves with a unique new beverage brand he has developed set to launch in Britain. Gareth Morrissey developed H2Go after seeking the ultimate cure for a hangover! The product was developed at a Dock Road facility in the city and has evolved into a range of electrolyte drinks designed to fuel active lifestyles and support wellness. Now Mr Morrissey, an executive MBA candidate at University of Limerick and a seasoned entrepreneur, is set to launch his product cross-channel. Mr Morrissey, who has a full-time job in the tech sector, developed the brand himself to provide him with support to manage his busy lifestyle. READ MORE: New research reveals what Limerick's average salary was in 2024 Between catching waves, going for runs, and juggling a busy work schedule, I was constantly feeling drained, he explained. I tried every hydration product on the market to stay energised, but nothing really hit the spot, especially in terms of taste. It was off the back of this the idea of H2Go struck. And so he set out to create a drink that not only replenished electrolytes but also made for a tasty drink. Countless hours of research led to the birth of H2Go's first recovery. Mr Morrissey said while it is designed to replenish and rejuvenate tired muscles, its not just for athletes. The product and business name has now been registered in Britain. But despite the international expansion, the businessman says H2Go remains committed to its Irish roots. We're proud to use 100% Irish suppliers for all our products and packaging. It's important to us to support local businesses and contribute to the Irish economy, in particular small firms, he concluded. SIBLINGS Kylie and Limerick hurling star William ODonoghue have signed a 1m deal with ALDI. The retailer announced this Friday that it is extending its partnership with the Limerick-based Femfuel, founded by the brother and sister in 2018. FemFuelz specialise in female-specific nutritional and protein supplements with each product formulated to meet the nutritional needs of the female body. Speaking about the milestone contract, Kylie and five-time All-Ireland winner William ODonoghue said: We are thrilled to continue our journey with ALDI through this significant contract. Our goal with FemFuelz is to empower women with nutritional products that support their overall health and wellness. They said they are deeply grateful for the Grow with ALDI programme and to the ALDI buying team who have always supported our vision. Its worth saying that applications for Grow with ALDI 2025 are open now and will remain so until January 31. We cant recommend the programme enough, said Kylie and Will. The pair applied for the Grow with ALDI programme in 2023 and to date have secured contracts exceeding 1.6 million with ALDI. This new agreement from ALDI ensures their products will continue to be available in all 163 ALDI stores nationwide throughout the year providing unprecedented retail access for Irish customers and brand fans. Their unique blends include Gut Balance, Super Greens, Pre-workout, Whey Protein and Vegan Protein, all of which retail for 16.49 and come in exclusive flavours only stocked in ALDI. READ MORE: LIVE: Section of stand at famous Limerick GAA grounds blown to smithereens by Storm Eowyn This investment by ALDI marks a significant milestone for the female-focused nutritional brand and reaffirms the companys commitment to supporting Irish producers and product innovation. This contract will see FemFuelz launch multiple Specialbuy drops in ALDI stores throughout 2025. The new contract will allow FemFuelz further develop new products and flavours while permitting team expansion, supporting the companys growth ambitions. Rachael OConnor, ALDI Ireland buying director (pictured below), commented: FemFuelz exemplifies the boldness and innovation we seek in our Grow with ALDI participants. This contract not only highlights ALDIs commitment to supporting Irish businesses but demonstrates the opportunities the Grow with ALDI programme can provide. We are proud to provide our customers with access to top-quality, locally produced products at unbeatable prices. We are invested in the success of small Irish businesses and are delighted to welcome FemFuelz back to 163 stores nationwide for 2025. Grow with ALDI is a unique platform for small and medium-sized Irish businesses to highlight their products through which ALDI provides mentorship and guidance to budding Irish producers. Entries for Grow with ALDI are open until January 31. Gardai have issued a warning for people not to drive during the status red weather alert as Storm Eowyn causes widespread destruction across the country. The red warning alert is valid until 11am on Friday January 24th with updates to follow closely after. Gardai have reported numerous calls being made to them of fallen trees throughout the Country posing a danger to anyone who is driving. Gardai urge people not to drive during these time and to remain at home as much as possible. Cllr Mark Leigh has reported a tree that has fallen across the Athy-Stradbally road, one kilometre from Athy town. He shared a post that said, "The person who took this is a front line worker. Please be careful if you have to travel for work." The red warning alert warns of possible danger to life, with dangerous travelling conditions, unsafe working conditions, fallen trees, cancellation of events and disruptions to services. READ NEXT: STORM TRACKER: Exact time Storm Eowyn will hit your county in scary weather latest Across social media, posts are being made by people across the country who have reported fallen trees blocking roads and pathways. Here is a few examples below: Galway County Council has shared images of fallen trees across the Galway. Ben Ryan Photography on Facebook has shared photos of fallen trees across Clondalkin in Kildare. Gardai in Wexford have shared a video to Facebook of a road blockage due to a fallen tree. It is advised to report any fallen trees to your local County Council or Gardai. CHENGDU, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-five giant panda cubs were gathered at two breeding bases in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Thursday to send Spring Festival greetings to global audiences. All the cubs were born in 2024 -- 13 at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and 12 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. At the Shenshuping giant panda base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, 13 cubs explored the venue, which was adorned with traditional Chinese treats such as Tanghulu (candied fruits) and decorations including snake-shaped toys to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Year of the Snake. Meanwhile, another 12 panda cubs appeared at the Chengdu base, which was decorated with lanterns and other items featuring intangible cultural heritage, such as paper cuttings. This year's Spring Festival, also referred to as Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Jan. 29. The two organizations constitute the national giant panda conservation and research center, a world-class platform inaugurated in 2023 for giant panda research cooperation and exchange. Over the years, the organizations have been cooperating on giant panda protection and academic exchanges, achieving breakthroughs in major research areas such as the protection of panda populations and habitats. The two organizations have also assembled expert panels to support the Giant Panda National Park, which was established in 2021 and covers parts of the provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu. Thanks to the protection efforts, the International Union for Conservation of Nature downgraded the status of the giant panda from endangered to vulnerable. Official data shows the wild giant panda population in China has grown from around 1,100 in the 1980s to nearly 1,900. The global captive population of giant pandas now stands at 757. China's iconic giant pandas, with their round faces, plump bodies and signature markings, are beloved worldwide as both cultural symbols and emblems of biodiversity. LIMERICK is on high alert as Storm Eowyn has made landfall, unleashing ferocious winds across the city and county this Friday morning. With a Status Red weather warning having come into effect at 2am and officials urging residents to stay indoors, the violent storm continues to pose a danger to life and property. Residents are warned to expect levels of destruction and disruption as the storms fury continues to unfold. The red warning will remain in place until 10am today. Gusts could potentially exceed 130 km/h. All schools and third-level institutions will be closed and there will be no public transport operating while the red level warning is in place. A Status Orange warning for wind will remain in effect for Limerick until 4pm today, Friday, with stormy conditions to persist into Friday evening. Experts believe that Storm Eowyn has the potential to break the current record for the fastest winds ever recorded in Ireland - a record which is currently held by Limerick, tied with County Donegal. That record was 181 km per hour which was recorded in Foynes in 1945. Meanwhile, Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) is operating an incident control room to ensure a coordinated response to incidents arising from Storm Eowyn. The Councils Crisis Management Team met on Thursday as preparations for the destructive storm continue. The public can call 061 556000 at any time to report fallen trees, blocked roads or similar issues caused by the severe winter storm. Continue to call 999 or 112 for threat to life and other emergencies. Impacts from Storm Eowyn are expected to include danger to life and property, extremely dangerous travelling conditions, power and communications outages and coastal flooding. The advice is do not take chances that put yourself or others at risk. People are being urged to show patience as the clearing of fallen trees and other debris will not begin until weather conditions are deemed to be safe. All flood barriers are in place in Limerick City and Foynes Port. Sandbags have been put in place to protect vulnerable properties in Askeaton. High tide is 1.30pm this Friday. READ ALSO: Worrying news as Met Eireann monitors second storm following Storm Eowyn to Ireland Water Safety Ireland is urging the public to stay away from waterways during Storm Eowyn. All calls received to Limerick City and County Council on 061 556000 and calls received by Limerick Fire and Rescue Service through the Munster Regional Control Centre will be dynamically assessed to determine response. Limerick City and County Council crews will not mobilise during the red alert and even after that period will only respond when safe. Limerick Fire and Rescue Service will only be responding to calls where there is a risk to life for the duration of the red level warning. Fire crews are on standby and crews have been stationed in the retained stations across the county. Limerick Civil Defence are standing by ready to provide humanitarian assistance. A NUMBER of flights to and from Shannon Airport have been cancelled or delayed due to Storm Eowyn. Mean speeds approached category one hurricane levels on the west coast, according to meteorological expert Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather. Limerick Live was in contact with one passenger due to return home to Limerick from a holiday in Fuerteventura last night. Their 5.40pm flight on Thursday to Shannon was cancelled. At 7.30pm, they told Limerick Live: We are still in the airport awaiting a bus to take us to a hotel for the night." At close to midnight, they said they had been bussed to a five star hotel in the very south of the island. Were leaving again at 4.15am. They are telling us the flight will go at 7am, they said. And according to the Shannon Airport website the plane from the Canary Island is due to land at 11am. However, many others havent been as lucky as a number of flights in and out of Shannan Airport have been delayed or cancelled due to the Status Red warning. Please click here for live airport information. READ MORE: LIVE: Trees and cables down as Limerick wakes up to destruction caused by Storm Eowyn A spokesperson for Shannon Airport said this Friday morning: Due to the impact of Storm Eowyn, airlines have cancelled a number of flights scheduled to depart and arrive at Shannon Airport this morning. As a result, many of our morning flights have been cancelled or delayed. The advice for intending passengers is to contact your airline directly or refer to their airline website/mobile app. for the most accurate and up-to-date flight information. Airlines will contact passengers whose flights have been impacted as a result of the weather warnings." The spokesperson said Shannon Airport remains open and "our staff continue to monitor this extreme weather event". "Our full schedule will resume once weather conditions permit. If your flight is impacted as a result of the weather warning, your airline will notify you directly in advance. Passengers are advised to check this before travelling to the airport. "Further updates will be posted on Shannon Airports social media feeds over the coming hours," said the spokesperson. India's education sector is holding its breath to see what's in store for it in the Union budget for 2025, to be presented on 1 February. The National Educational Policy (NEP) introduced in 2020 aims to achieve complete literacy by 2025, and this budget is crucial to achieving that goal. India's literacy rate has shown significant improvement, reaching 80.3% among people aged 7 and above in 2022-23. The previous budget allocated a record 73,008 crore to the Department of School Education and Literacy, a 4.3% increase from the previous year. This year, the industry is hoping that education will get 6% of total allocations, a figure set by the NEP, up from 2.9% share currently. STEM and AI prioritization The education sector has several key expectations from the upcoming budget. STEM and AI Research are high on the agenda, with industry analysts calling for increased allocation for research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. With recruiters looking for candidates with AI skills, there's a growing need for intensified focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning research and courses. Revamping ITIs and vocational education institutes is another priority. The industry expects more schemes to upgrade Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), which provide vocational training in various trades. The previous budget introduced a 60,000 crore scheme to upgrade 1,000 ITIs. Other key expectations include schemes to encourage women in higher education, with female enrolment already showing an increase from 20.1 million in 2020-21 to 20.7 million in 2021-22. The government may also introduce schemes and loans for foreign education, given the rising number of students opting for studies abroad. Finally, the industry recommends public-private partnerships to enhance development in the sector and bridge the gap between the 6% budget expectation and reality. "This is the right time to invest in this sector, as we are already in the zone of what Economist call as demographic bulge," said Narayanan Ramaswamy, partner and leader for education and skill development practice at consulting firm KPMG. A demographic bulge occurs when a country has a large number of young people. He recommends even more investment than the 6% targetat the very least, a swift movement towards that target. A larger share of the allocation will be dedicated towards enabling technological advancements in the sector, especially AI related," he said. He also suggested that the government establish a credible and practical means for the private sector to invest in education to strengthen the sector further. Mumbai: In 1994, the Agarwal family launched a 4 crore initial public offering (IPO) for Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, with a view towards expanding in Tamil Nadu. Thirty years later, the family is launching a 3,027 crore IPO of the holding company next week, which will value both entities at over $1.5 billion ( 12,810 crore). This will make the Agarwal familythat will own over 32% of the business after IPOone of Indias largest dollar millionaires in eye care with an about $500 million stake. Dr Agarwal's Health Care Limited, under the aegis of chairman Dr Amar Agarwal, is India's largest eye care chain by revenue and number of facilities. The company is launching its IPO on January 29, 2025, which is a mix of a fresh issue of up to 300 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of up to 6.78 crore shares, aggregating to 3,027.26 crore at the upper band. Post-listing, the promoters will own about 32.5% stake in the entity. Private equity firms TPG and Temasek will comprise the bulk of the OFS with the Agarwals individually selling small stakes each. The eye care chain, which was started in 1957 with a single hospital in Chennai, by the late Dr Jaiveer Agarwal and his wife Dr Tahira Agarwal, has been expanded by his son and current chairman Dr Amar Agarwal and four grandsons, to about 209 facilities across India and Africa to date. (Dr Jaiveer's father was also an eye doctor but was not involved in the setting up of the eye care business). Subsidiary listed first The company first listed its subsidiary Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in 1994 for expansion in Tamil Nadu. When we were looking at raising private equity, we wanted to create a structure which will enable them to get an exitthrough this (listed) vehicle it would have been difficult," Dr Adil Agarwal, the company's chief executive officer, told Mint. Using the right consultants and advisors we set up this holding companyall the expansion outside of Tamil Nadu happened at the holding company," he added. Post-listing the family plans to merge both the entities in the next 12 months, he said. Dr Amar Agarwal (65), and his sons Dr Adil Agarwal, the chief executive officer of the company, Dr Anosh Agarwal, the chief operating officer, Dr Ashar Agarwal, chief business officer, and Dr Ashvin Agarwal, chief clinical officer are all eye surgeons by training in addition to running the family business. The senior Agarwal also ensured his sons secured management degrees to run the business. Dr Adil Agarwal secured an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, Dr Anosh Agarwal holds an MBA from Harvard Business School while Dr Ashar Agarwal has a similar degree from Kellog School of Management. They are also the fourth generation of the Agarwal family to work in the eye treatment and surgery space, Dr Amar Agarwal told Mint in an interview. We were told from the age of six months that this is what we had to benot even doctors, we were told to become eye doctors," Dr Adil Agarwal told Mint, in jest. Commitment paying off The family's commitment to eye care is paying off. The eye care services industry in India, valued at 37,800 crore in FY24, is growing at a compound annual growth rate of 12-14% between FY24 and FY28, the hospital chain said in a media presentation pre-IPO. This is the fastest growing segment in the single-specialty healthcare space. Dr Agarwal's has a 25% market share in the organized eye care market, and is 1.7 times larger than its next competitor, ASG Hospital. The eye care services market in India is growing on the back of increasing cataract surgery needs, as well as due to lifestyle-led conditions, like diabetes or spending hours on screens, requiring refractory surgeries, Dr Adil told Mint. Another segment is cosmeticlike blepharoplasty, botox surgeries (for wrinkles around the eyes or crow's feet)this is another segment that is growing," Dr Amar Agarwal added. But these segments do not contribute significantly to the company's revenues. The bulk of the surgeries involve treating cataract. Also read | Dr Agarwals Eye Hospitals invest over 300 crores in Maha to set up hospitals A key focus for single-specialty chains like Dr Agarwal's is the retention of doctors. That is how your growth is coming your doctors are growing their brand and that is how your growth is coming," Dr Agarwal said. For the eye care chain, holding on its key doctors is not a challenge the churn rate is less than 2%, the promoters told Mint. It helps that the promoter family and management are doctors themselves, they added. Dr Agarwal's currently has 737 doctors and 1,624 paramedical staff across its facilities in India and Africa. The company is expanding rapidly in India, which brings in over 90% of its revenues. It opened 45 centers in the FY24, and 30 centers in the first half of FY25, and plans to continue greenfield and brownfield expansion. A portion of the proceeds raised from the fresh issue will be used to fund inorganic expansion, the company's red herring prospectus stated. Asked if the next generation of the Agarwal family seven grandchildren across ages 16 to age 2 are also in line to become eye surgeons to carry forward what is now family legacy, Dr Amar said - we want them to be doing good work, it could mean anything." Medusa Beverages Pvt. Ltd., known for its Medusa beer range, has secured 56 crore in its Series A funding round led by investors in their private capacity like Amal N Parikh, promoter of Ohm Stock Broker, Ashwin Kedia, co-founder of Alchemy Capital Management. The round also saw participation from additional investors like stock market expert Ramesh Damani, and banker Nikhil Garg; Crest Opportunities, and other high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) from Singapore, the UK, and the UAE. This is the company's second round of investments, following a pre-series A round where it raised 13 crore from some of the same investors that have invested in this round. Mint was first to report this in December that the company was looking to raise 120 crore in the coming months. Its Series B -- for another 70 crore -- is likely to also be completed by September, founder and CEO, Avneet Singh said. Also Read: This hotels-and-hostels chain is on an expansion run By FY26, the business is looking to double its production with a new plant in Punjab and fund the starting of a new brewery capable of producing 4 lakh hectolitres of beer annually. By FY25, the company will look to close at approximately 180 crore gross revenue and by FY26, it will look to double this to around 350 crore, said Singh. We want to be on a sustainable yet solid growth path, without the pressure of rapid expansion at the cost of long-term stability. Additionally, we have a leadership position in Delhi within just five years of our product launches. This has reinforced investor confidence in us, he said. Launched in 2017, the company initially introduced three beer types with alcohol content between 4.5% and 5.9%. In 2023, it launched a mild beer, Air, and expanded into Uttarakhand, while continuing to sell in Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. In December, Medusa also rolled out a premium co-branded beer, House of the Dragon, in partnership with Warner Bros, targeting high-end customers in major cities. Also Read: Maha Kumbh Mela a godsend for travel industry as spiritual tourism takes wing At present, it relies on third-party manufacturers in northern India, mainly in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, to produce its beers. These states serve as primary markets for Delhi and neighboring areas. The company is now planning to enter Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana, with an eventual goal to expand into southern India. Additionally, Medusa will begin operations in Chhattisgarh and is constructing two new breweries to meet increasing demand. It expects to sell 1.1 million cases in FY25, with most sales coming from Delhi. Singh highlighted that beer consumption in India is still low, averaging just 2 litres per person per year, compared to Chinas 25 litres. However, he anticipates a 10-12% annual growth in beer consumption through 2030, driven by the country's young population. Despite setbacks like unseasonal rains affecting last summers sales, the company forecasts a rise in revenue to 180 crore in FY25, up from 133 crore in FY24, largely due to the success of Air. India's beer industry India's beer market is dominated by major brands like Kingfisher, Budweiser, and Carlsberg. Although beer consumption is still modest, the countrys hot climate and long summers are expected to boost sales. While spirits make up most of the alcohol market, strong beers dominate the beer segment. In 2023, the beer market in India grew by 6.5%, reaching over 31 million hectolitres, or approximately 400 million cases, according to the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC). India's beer market is still a minnow compared to global rates. NEW DELHI : On 23 January, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) temporarily stayed the Competition Commission of Indias (CCI) November 2024 order, which imposed a five-year ban on WhatsApp's data-sharing practices with parent Meta Platforms Inc.-owned companies for advertising purposes. The NCLATs decision comes as a major relief for the US tech giant, which has a combined user base of 850 million350 million on Facebook and over 500 million on WhatsApp. Mint explains the entire case and the NCLATs decision. What does the NCLAT judgement say? The NCLAT chairperson justice Ashok Bhushan and technical member Arun Baroka temporarily stayed the CCIs 18 November order imposing the five-year ban on WhatsApps data-sharing with Meta-owned companies. To secure a stay on the 213.14 crore penalty, the appellate tribunal directed Meta to pay 50% of the fine within two weeks. The amount may be refunded if Meta wins the case. The NCLAT upheld the part of the CCI ruling confirming users right to opt out of data sharing. It ordered the social messaging app to clarify its data-sharing practices, giving users more control over their choices. The NCLAT also advised the parties to approach the appellate tribunal for modifications, especially in light of the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act). Why did the NCLAT rule in favour of Meta? The NCLATs decision was influenced by the Supreme Courts February 2023 ruling, which refused to stay WhatsApps 2021 privacy policy and directed the company to ensure that users who disagreed with the new terms would not lose services until the new data protection regime was implemented. WhatsApps undertaking confirmed that it would not restrict functionality for users who did not accept the update and would periodically show it to users, reinforcing their choice. The appellate tribunal acknowledged that WhatsApp offers its services free of charge and that the five-year ban could disrupt its business model, potentially affecting its commercial sustainability in India. The insolvency court also considered the upcoming DPDP Act, which is expected to address data privacy concerns comprehensively. It suggested that the new law could regulate the issues currently under dispute. Why did the CCI fine Meta? The CCI penalized Meta for abusing its dominant market position through WhatsApps 2021 privacy policy update. The CCI found that the update forced users to accept expanded data-sharing terms with other Meta companies like Facebook and Instagram without offering an option to opt-out. This was deemed an abuse of WhatsApps dominance in the over-the-top (OTT) messaging market, giving Meta an unfair advantage in online advertising and stifling competition. The update also violated user autonomy by making data-sharing mandatory for WhatsApp usage, limiting users ability to make informed decisions about their data. The CCI ruling, which also directed WhatsApp to provide users an opt-out option, followed a suo motu order from the completion regulator, which began investigating WhatsApps 2021 privacy policy under the Competition Act, 2002. What are the CCIs powers under the law? The CCI derives its authority from the Competition Act, 2002, specifically Section 4, which addresses the abuse of dominance. Sections 4(2)(a)(i), 4(2)(c), and 4(2)(e) were invoked due to WhatsApps coercive data-sharing conditions, market access denial, and leveraging dominance to benefit Metas online advertising. The decision also reflects a shift in the CCIs approach. It now considers privacy an influential factor in competition law and acknowledges that privacy standards can affect market dynamics and consumer welfare. This shift stems from reports like the 2019 Competition Law Review Committee Report and the 2021 Market Study on Telecom, which noted that privacy can influence competition, especially when dominant firms reduce privacy standards. How did Meta respond? Meta expressed concerns that the CCIs ruling could severely affect its operations in India, particularly its ability to offer personalized ads on Facebook and Instagram, which depend on data shared through WhatsApp. Meta argued that the ruling could force the company to roll back key features, undermining WhatsApps commercial viability in India. Meta also argued that the CCIs investigation was initiated suo motu without user complaints. The company pointed out that its users had not raised concerns about the policy. Consequently, Meta decided to appeal the CCIs ruling in the NCLAT. During the hearing, Metas legal team, led by senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Kapil Sibal, highlighted the announcement of the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, expected by mid-2025. They argued that the CCIs ruling should be deferred until the new legislation is enacted, as it could supersede the current directive. Meta also noted that the 2021 policy update was largely an extension of WhatsApps 2016 policy, with no significant changes. What are WhatsApps 2016 and 2021 data-sharing terms? WhatsApps 2016 privacy policy allowed data-sharing with Facebook for friend suggestions and targeted ads, with a 30-day opt-out window. After August 2016, new users could not opt out of data-sharing. However, the 2021 update required users to accept the new terms to continue using WhatsApp, with no opt-out option. It expanded data-sharing with Meta companies for personalized ads and service improvements, which led to widespread criticism and the CCI investigation. Why did the Supreme Court intervene? In 2016, petitioners Karmanya Singh Sareen and Shreya Sethi challenged WhatsApps privacy policy in the Delhi high court, arguing it violated the right to privacy. The high court declined to intervene, and the case moved to the Supreme Court. In February 2021, the Supreme Court directed WhatsApp to publicize its 2021 undertaking, assuring that users who did not accept the new policy would not face restricted functionality until new data protection laws were enacted. The court also directed WhatsApp to publish the undertaking in five national newspapers. The Union government requested a delay, as the Digital Data Protection Bill of 2022, which addressed these concerns, was expected to be introduced in Parliament. What lies ahead? The NCLAT has granted interim relief to Meta, but the case is scheduled for further deliberation on 17 March 2025. The CCI now has the option to approach the Supreme Court to challenge the NCLAT ruling. This could lead to a prolonged legal battle, especially with the ongoing challenge to WhatsApps 2021 privacy policy pending before the Supreme Courts five-judge Constitutional bench. New Delhi: The Indian government is preparing a new blueprint to address key issues in imports of American apples, oil, electric vehicles, satellite communications, among others, as it gears up for trade talks with the US. These discussions aim to strengthen ties with the worlds most powerful country, now guided by the 'America First' policy espoused by its new president Donald Trump. Three officials aware of discussions in the central government said on condition of anonymity that while India will make no unilateral offer of trade and tariff concessions, it will engage with Washington to ease market access to US products in the country. India will also seek assurances that the US will not raise taxes or impose additional trade barriers against Indian products, these officials said. While the Indian government is preparing for talks with the new US administration, there are no plans to lay the red carpet on the tariff front," one of the officials cited above said. Last time Trump was US president, he had labelled India a tariff king" in July 2019, pointing to the 100% duty on imports of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in particular. Although India cut that down to 50% soon after, Trump still called it unacceptable". Earlier, in March 2018, after the US imposed tariffs on Indian steel and aluminium, India countered by raising tariffs on 29 American products. With trade talks likely to be held soon between the two countries, India may consider increasing imports of crude oil, medical devices and agricultural productssuch as cotton, fruits, and animal feed ingredientsfrom the US, the first person cited above said. Market access for apples, long-staple cotton, blueberries and almonds from the US are also likely to be part of the talks," the first person said. These products are vital for both countries and discussions are likely to focus on removing trade barriers, ensuring fair access, and addressing any regulatory hurdles that could hinder trade." Another critical issue India is preparing to include in its playbook is market access for US firms in satellite communication, which has been a contentious issue, especially with Elon Musk-owned Starlink vying to start its operations in India. US-made electric vehicles and components and motorcycles are also likely to be a key element of trade discussions. Equally, given the critical demand for essential and life-saving India-made products such as pharmaceuticals and drugs, the US may be hesitant to increase tariffs on these items, as they are crucial for both domestic needs and the broader global supply chain, the second person mentioned above said. In return, the US may seek greater market access for its premium healthcare products, such as medical devices and other related items. The US may push India to ease regulations or reduce tariffs to allow for more favourable entry into the Indian market," the second person said. Any policy-level interventions by India will be carefully crafted to foster mutual growth and ensure that the trade relationship continues to evolve constructively and equitably, the third person mentioned above said. Increased US crude oil production is beneficial for India, as it will help keep prices stable. India remains open to sourcing more crude oil from the US if it is offered competitive prices," this person said. Petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri earlier this week said that India welcomes increased oil and gas supplies, with the US seen as a key source, noting that the resultant oversupply could help lower prices. He noted the USs potential to boost production by 1.4-1.5 million barrels per day under Trump, who has promised to drill, baby, drill". Meanwhile, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union minister of railways, information and broadcasting, and electronics and IT, told Bloomberg on Thursday that India is being looked at as a trusted country" and that trust will outweigh any of the negative impacts". Spokespersons of the ministry of commerce and industry, and the ministry of finance didnt respond to emailed queries. A matter of deficit Trade talks loom amid Trumps threats to hike tariffs on imports from several countries. Notably, the US has not named India in its America First trade policy unveiled on 20 January, which mentions Mexico, Canada and China. Dates for the trade talks between India and the US have not been fixed yet, but trade is certain to top the agenda of any upcoming bilateral engagement as Trump in his second term sets about reducing the countrys trade deficit with several nations. To be sure, the US had a merchandise trade deficit of $35.32 billion with India in FY24. Indias merchandise exports to the US last fiscal amounted to $119.72 billion, with exports at $77.52 billion and imports at $42.20 billion, according to data from the commerce ministry. During the April-November period of FY25, India exported merchandise worth $52.9 billion to the US, and imports were worth $29.6 billion. The US remains one of Indias largest trading partners. While it serves as Indias top export market, US imports currently lag those from China, Russia, and the UAE. Trump on Tuesday said a 10% tariff on Chinese goods was under consideration. While there are fears of Washington upending global trade, higher tariffs on Chinese goods may also create an opportunity for India. Unlike China, India has a most favoured nation (MFN) status with the US. Trump has also vowed higher tariffs on imports from the European Union, Canada and Mexico. He has directed the US Commerce and Treasury Departments to investigate the causes of the USs large annual trade deficits in goods, while also pitching for the creation of a new External Revenue Service (ERS) aimed at collecting tariffs from foreign governments. The FTA angle While India must avoid rushed decisions, like increasing oil imports from the US, and instead highlight the unrestricted access American digital firms enjoy in its market, any policy changes should prioritize national interests over speculative US demands, emphasizing patience and strategic foresight," said Ajay Srivastava, founder of trade thinktank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). If Indian goods or services are targeted, India must respond firmlysomething it has successfully done before." Srivastava added that the US could gain better access to the Indian market through a free trade agreement (FTA), just as India has done with the Asean, Japan, and South Korea. However, in an FTA, tariff cuts must be by both sides, and the US is reluctant to lower its tariffs to protect domestic industries," he added. Exports under cloud Meanwhile, Indian exports to the US could also be in for some churn. Jitendra Srivastava, CEO of Triton Logistics & Maritime, a global freight forwarding company, said that Indian exporters are likely to encounter higher tariffs on a range of goods, including automobiles, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, as a result of the America First policy. This agenda prioritizes safeguarding domestic industries through protectionist measures, which could have a detrimental effect on Indias key export sectors, making it more difficult for these products to remain competitive in the US market. Such barriers could significantly impact trade volumes and reduce Indias export revenues in these categories," he said. Ajay Sahai, director-general of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, said it was unclear if the US administration is considering an across-the-board tariff or a country-specific one. An across-the-board tariff would apply evenly in global competition, while a country-specific tariff would require analysing its impact on competitors, Indian goods, and potential trade shifts. A decision on the matter is yet to be made," he said. The imposition of 100% tariff on Brics nations appears to be a signal directed primarily at Russia, Brazil, and China, particularly Brazil and China, as about 30% of their trade is conducted in their local currencies. While this might indirectly signal India due to its membership in Brics, Indias local currency exports constitute less than 1% of its total trade," said Sahai. One of the many legacies of Donald Trumps first trade war with China is that pigs in the country now have a more varied diet. In response to Mr Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in 2018, China imposed a 25% levy on American farm products. That included soyabeans, which China uses for protein in animal feed. Much of the levy was waived in 2019, but the damage was done. When Mr Trumps first term began, some 40% of Chinas soyabean imports came from America. As he prepares for his second, only 18% do. Officials in Beijing think that number is still too high. They have been obsessed with food security ever since Mao Zedongs policies led to a famine in the 1950s. The Communist Party believes its legitimacy rests in part on securing affordable food for the masses. Couple that with the countrys insatiable appetite for pork and the importance of soyabeans becomes clear. China uses over 110m tonnes of them every year, of which 80% are imported. They are a dangerous choke-point" for the food supply, say state media. Mr Trumps threat of a new trade war puts Chinas leaders in a tricky spot. Americas president-elect has talked of imposing tariffs of 60% on Chinese goods. Even if he settles on lower levies, China will feel the need to respond. American soyabeans are an obvious target. Even today, about half of them go to China, bringing in $15bn for American farmers in 2023. If China slapped tariffs on them it would cause pain in places like Iowa, but it would also make it more expensive for China to feed its pigs, pushing up the price of pork. View Full Image Graphic: The Economist In the longer term, Chinese officials are trying to further reduce their reliance on American soyabeans. One way they are doing this is by strengthening Chinas trade links with Latin America. No country sends more soyabeans to China than Brazil (see chart). As Mr Trump returns to the White House, the two are drawing closer. Meanwhile, it is hoped that a China-backed megaport in Peru will cut shipping times and open new lines of trade between Latin America and China. Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, was on hand to inaugurate the port on November 14th. Back at home, Chinas farmers are being offered big subsidies to grow soyabeans. And, despite public suspicion of genetically modified (GM) crops, since 2021 some farmers have been allowed to plant GM soyabeans. Such efforts have helped China increase its annual production of soyabeans from 15m tonnes to 20m over the past five years. On the demand side, a number of farmers are trimming the soyabean content of pig feed or using alternative sources of protein. Then there are the fur farmers of Shandong province, who are experimenting with feeding minks and foxes the processed carcasses of skinned animals, rather than soyabeans. Chinas labs might provide the ultimate solution. In January a team at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology said they had synthesised proteins suitable for animal feed. The process was fuelled by methanol, a chemical which the scientists had derived from coal. The final product, they claimed, was made cheaply enough to be competitive with soyabeans. If it all works at scale, it will be a game-changer. China lacks farmland, but it has lots of coal. And pigs are not fussy eaters. Subscribers can sign up toDrum Tower, our new weekly newsletter, to understand what the world makes of Chinaand what China makes of the world. 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com New Delhi hopes the US will support blocking the China-led Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) proposal at the World Trade Organization (WTO) 14th Ministerial Conference, scheduled to begin in March. With Donald Trump at the helm in the US, India sees a potential alignment in their shared scepticism toward Chinas growing influence in global trade and investment forums, two people aware of the matter said. The 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) is scheduled for 26 to 29 March in Yaounde, Cameroon, a country in central Africa. The IFD initiative, spearheaded by China and supported by over 120 WTO members, seeks to establish global rules to facilitate cross-border investments. Also Read | Leaders emphasise support for WTO, rule-based international trading However, India has consistently opposed the proposal, citing concerns over its impact on domestic policy space and fears that it could further entrench China's dominance in the global economy. India opposes the IFD as it wants to maintain control over foreign investments in ways that suit its needs, especially in critical sectors for its long-term economic growth. Also Read | India calls for unified African stance on WTO reforms and key global issues India is hopeful that the Trump administrations 'America First' policy, which takes an anti-China stance, could strengthen its efforts to prevent the proposal from securing a final agreement at the WTO, said the first person who spoke on the condition of anonymity. India, South Africa and Indonesia have opposed the IFD initiative, arguing that investment facilitation should not be negotiated at the WTO as it involves non-trade issues that could restrict domestic policy space and disproportionately benefit developed countries. These nations advocate for addressing such matters through consensus-driven discussions rather than formal agreements. "The WTO is a broader platform, and matters related to investment should not be discussed. This platform is intended for resolving trade-related issues," said the second person. Also Read | India to leverage South Africas WTO case to push for relaxation of EU food safety standards We plan to include it in the comprehensive agenda to be discussed with the US administration. Given the statements made by President Trump, we are hopeful that the US may not support the China-led investment proposal," this person said. At the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13), members agreed to continue working on the IFD Agreement, essentially maintaining the ongoing negotiations to potentially integrate the IFD framework into the WTO legal structure, with a focus on assisting developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs) through the needs assessment process; however, no concrete decision on fully incorporating IFD was reached at MC13. The US, under its new President Donald Trump, has become a capricious nation," Utkarsh Sinha, managing director of Bexley Advisors, a boutique investment banking firm. "Traditionally, the US has portrayed (and, to a large extent, played) the role of a village elder in global geopolitics, which required it to adopt a semblance of long-term thinking. Under Trump, however, it has become more explicit in articulating and acting on its short-term interests. This suggests that Chinas diplomatic forays have little chance of succeeding at the WTO level without US support," he added. From Indias perspective, we have a soft-MFN status with the USA. While this is not set in stone, we benefit from a positive attitude among US diplomats, and our overrepresentation in the US tech community is an advantage. This is a crucial time for India to stay alert and to reshape trade practices in its favour for the long term," said Sinha. Trump's tariff threats could have disastrous effects However, WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned that trade wars triggered by US president Donald Trump's tariff threats could have disastrous effects on global growth. The WTO chief urged countries not to retaliate, highlighting the severe economic harm such conflicts could cause. "If we have tit-for-tat retaliation, whether its 25% tariff (or) 60%, and we go to where we were in the 1930s, we're going to see double-digit global GDP losses. That's catastrophic. Everyone will pay," Okonjo-Iweala said on Thursday at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos. The WTO has 166 member countries. These members represent the majority of the world's nations and are responsible for setting and enforcing international trade rules. According to an updated projection by WTO economists on 10 October, global goods trade is expected to grow by 2.7% in 2024, slightly higher than the earlier forecast of 2.6%. The volume of global merchandise trade is anticipated to rise by 3.0% in 2025, though the forecast remains vulnerable to risks from geopolitical tensions and economic policy uncertainties. Meanwhile, leading indicators suggest a brighter outlook for services trade than goods. Only the AfD can save Germany," he wrote, embracing the far-right populist Alternative for Germany party, which calls for expelling illegal migrants, leaving the European Union and getting closer to Russia. Musk endorsed the partywhich campaigned against his own factory in Germany and has senior members who are vehemently anti-Americanafter a conversation in Mar-a-Lago with President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and others. During the meeting, Trump, Vance and Musk bashed the leaders of Germanys more mainstream parties, according to two people familiar with the conversation. The episode shows how offhand comments by Trump and members of his inner circle are ricocheting around the world, amplified by Musks control of a social-media platform and his own enormous following. Musk, who has sought to use X to shake up the European political establishment, had been souring on Germany and its leaders for some time as he spoke to entrepreneurs and others he met through his social-media platform, according to Musks public statements and some of those who spoke to him. But his public effort to boost the AfD began hours after the Mar-a-Lago meeting in mid December. During the meeting, Trump told his guests he had recently taken a call from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and said he found him boring, according to two people familiar with the conversation. One of Trumps confidants then said that Scholz had endorsed Kamala Harris in the U.S. presidential election, and that his conservative rival and Germanys likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, had criticized Trump, these people said. Scholz and Merz wouldnt be invited to the inauguration, Trump said, adding disparaging remarks about the German leaders and the countrys trade practices, the people said. Musk pitched in with his own criticism, as did Vance. Hours later, Musk posted his message supporting the AfD on X. He followed up with an opinion article backing AfD in a German newspaper and an interview with the partys leader on X, during which he said the partys platform is just common sense." Musk didnt respond to requests for comment. The White House didnt respond to requests for comment. Musks critical view of Germanys leadership had been forming long before the Mar-a-Lago meeting. Musk, whose carmaker Tesla has one of its largest factories in Germany, said in the interview with the AfD leader that his personal experiences dealing with government regulation in the country and his observations about its political culture had shaped his views. The billionaire had also been speaking to political activists who support the AfD and entrepreneurs who were frustrated with liberal German policies and what they see as burdensome regulation. The AfDs popularity has risen in Germany since the partys creation 12 years ago. In September, the AfD scored its first victory in a state election, and polls show it now has the second-largest share of support from voters nationally, trailing the conservative bloc. But the party is still seen as a political pariah by many mainstream German leaders, who have sought to keep it out of power. Germanys domestic intelligence agency classifies some of the partys regional chapters as far-right extremist organizations. Some senior figures are staunchly pro-Russian and anti-American. Bjorn Hocke, one of AfDs most popular figures who led the party to victory in the state elections in Thuringia last year, told The Wall Street Journal in 2017 that presenting Adolf Hitler as absolutely evil is a big problem." Musk began reaching out to others on X to discuss the AfD and Germany. In June last year, he connected with Naomi Seibt, a social-media activist who promotes the party to her nearly 400,000 followers on X. The 24-year-old dropped out of university and took to social media, initially to campaign against regulations aimed at slowing climate change and Covid vaccination mandates. She now writes about German politics. Seibt said that Musk asked her about the AfD and German politics in general, and wanted to know why the party is considered extremist. He told her that he thought freedom of expression was coming under increasing pressure in Germany and the EU, she said. I explained that the Nazi stigma is wrong: The AfD has nothing to do with the national socialists and Adolf Hitler, who was an imperialist oppressor wanting to conquer other nations," Seibt said. I told him AfD is more like America First, like the Trump movement." Musk also connected with other X users, including Stefan Tompson, a 31-year-old British-Polish national with South African roots. The Warsaw-based entrepreneur runs Visegrad24, a news channel that has 1.2 million followers on X. Tompson criticizes mass migration and supports Ukraine and Israel. Musk regularly shares his and Seibts posts. Musk knows that living in the West is an absolute privilege, and he wants western societies preserved," Tompson said. He couldnt build what hes built in a country like South Africa." Musk also spoke to a fellow entrepreneur about Germany. Martin Varsavsky, a Madrid-based tech investor, said he was a longtime friend of Musks who had met him at the home of Sergey Brin, the Google co-founder, nearly two decades ago. Varsavsky founded Inception Fertility, one of the largest fertility clinics networks in the U.S. He told Musk about how he attempted to extend his fertility empire in Germany, but his venture proved untenable in the face of the countrys regulation of fertility clinics. Varsavsky said Musk had become convinced that Germany, the economic engine of Europe, is facing its demise as a result of low birthrates, mass immigration, overregulation and fragmented mainstream politics. Musk was astounded that Germany pays welfare to illegal immigrants from the moment they arrive, which almost filters for lazy people," Varsavsky said. Elon doesnt see the world in terms of left or right, he sees it in terms of hardworking people and lazy people," Varsavsky said. When it comes to migration, he only favors hardworking people." Musk shared his own bad experiences with German bureaucracy. Varsavsky, like Seibt, told Musk that the German system needed disruption of the kind Trump was attempting in the U.S., and said the AfD could be the party to provide it. Varsavsky, who sits on the supervisory board of Axel Springer, Germanys largest news publisher, said he proposed that Musk elaborate on his endorsement of AfD in an opinion article for one of the companys newspapers. Musk agreed, and penned a short article that was then published in Germanys Die Welt newspaper. Germanys future is teetering on the edge of economic and cultural collapse," because of bad policies including on mass migration, Musk wrote. A nation must maintain its core values and cultural heritage to remain strong and united." He also defended the AfD. Alice Weidel, the co-leader of the party, is married to a woman from Sri Lanka, he wrote, asking: Does that sound like Hitler to you?" Vance, who was then the vice-president elect, reposted the article on X on Jan. 2. He didnt wish to interfere in German politics, he said, but added: American media slanders AfD as Nazi-lite." The opinion article set off a furor among German politicians and the staff at the newspaper. Many politicians, from the president to the chancellor and members of the opposition criticized it as an inappropriate interference in a German election. The newspapers opinion editor resigned in protest over its publication. After the article published, Seibt said she proposed that Musk take his support to the next level and interview Weidel on X. Musk then contacted Weidel on X to offer a live broadcast interview, her spokesman said. Weidel, a Mandarin-speaking economist who made her money in finance, cuts an unusual figure in the party she leads. On Jan. 9, Musk hosted a rambling live interview with Weidel, discussing topics ranging from German red tape (Musk complained he had to have a truckload of paperwork stamped for his Tesla factory there), to solar energy (both decried Germanys carbon footprint) and Hitler (he was a socialist, Weidel said). Days after the interview, polls registered a boost for AfDs approval rates. Musk is helping make the party palatable to a broad electorate," said Prof. Manfred Gullner, head of the Forsa polling institute. Musk sparked fresh controversy in Germany again this week when he made what some interpreted to be a Nazi salute during a speech celebrating Trumps inauguration. Musk dismissed the criticism on X: The everyone is Hitler attack is sooo tired," he said. DAVOS, SwitzerlandThings are grim here in Europe. Are they grim enough? The continents elites gathered in Davos were united that everything is awful, after years of insisting that all was well. The combination of President Trumps tariff threats, the excitement in the U.S. about deregulation and years of stagnant growth have pushed Europes leaders to the realization that perhaps, just perhaps, tying up the regions businesses in red tape is a bad idea. The trouble in Europe is to actually do anything about it. Major changes notoriously only happen when Europe is hit by a crisis, so leading figures are trying to talk up the sense of crisis. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, speaking to the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort, even described the situation as existential." All this matters not just for Europes future, but for investors broadly. Many have grown uncomfortable about how well the U.S. markets have done compared with the rest of the world. Some think that divergence is unsustainable and that investing abroad is a way to spread ones bets. If Europe succeeds in changing course it ought to boost growth, and help European stocks, which, while they have surged so far this year, are up only about 50% over the past decade. That is against a tripling of U.S. stocks. The problem lies with convincing Europeans that they are threatened enough to trade off their lifestyle for growth. Im afraid that we do regulate ourselves out from competition," said Niclas Martensson, CEO of Stena Line, the Swedish ferry operator. Theres more eagerness from a European perspective to compete now." Were impatient with European regulation," said Kasim Kutay, CEO of Novo Holdings, which manages the roughly $150 billion assets of Denmarks Novo Nordisk foundation. So much innovation is happening in Europe, but the companies are migrating to the U.S. because thats where they can get their products launched." He added: Things are moving at a glacial speed and its just not good enough." The big hope is that Europe will move faster to implement reforms gathered together by Mario Draghi, former ECB president and Italian prime minister, in a major report last year. The big win would be a capital markets union, the stitching together of the regions financial markets by removing overlapping country-by-country regulation. Such efforts go back a decade, but little progress has been made. Also needed: integrated energy systems and an easier environment for artificial intelligence development. So far, the talk hasnt been to actually remove regulations, but to stop for now adding to them. Most specifically, European leaders in Davos talked about aborting environmental reporting requirements through three separate, conflicting sets of rules that are due to kick in soon. This is a test," said one government minister involved in the negotiations to delay the reporting directives. If they cant even do this, theres no hope." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has given Valdis Dombrovskis, former trade commissioner, the job of simplifying rules. Trumps deregulation drive might provide the jolt needed to bring the rest of Europes leaders on board. A burning platform, a common enemy, it could help," said Ronald Wuijster, CEO of APG Asset Management, which runs 616 billion for Dutch pension funds. While it seemed in Davos that many of the governing class get it, it is far from clear that the voters are ready to accept the trade-offs. Im not sure the national politicians will be able to sell it to the electorate," said Yann Le Pallec, Paris-based president of S&P Global Ratings. The problems are manifold. Smaller countries dont want to lose their stock exchanges, a likely outcome of unified capital markets. Germany doesnt want its Commerzbank bought by Italys UniCredit, and cross-border bank mergers remain problematic for many countries. French and Dutch farmers hate free-trade deals, such as the recent treaties signed with Mexico and with the Mercosur group of Latin American nations, both of which need to be ratified by EU states. Still, as Philipp Hildebrand, vice chairman of BlackRock and a former head of the Swiss central bank, points out, this could be like the early 1990s, when pressure on Europe after the collapse of the Soviet Union led to expansion into Eastern Europe and the Maastricht treaty that created the EU. Its not so much to know what to do, Draghi set that out. Its the question of doing it," he said. Compromise is the lifeblood of European politics, and Beata Javorcik, chief economist of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, sees some hope for a new grand bargain. Most decision makers are realizing that its a now-or-never moment," she said. Perhaps the best thing for European stocks would be not so much more growthbecause big European companies make much of their revenue outside the regionbut if unified capital markets jolted savers out of their complacency and encouraged them to take risk in the stock market. It is hard to imagine that European politicians will be jolted out of their complacency and take some risk with deregulation, but if they do, it has the potential to transform the continentand financial markets. Write to James Mackintosh at james.mackintosh@wsj.com LONDONFor around a decade, the Russian spy ship Yantar has crossed the globe and loitered over undersea cables in what Western officials suspect is an attempt by the Kremlin to map vital arteries for the global economy running along the ocean floor. This week, the Yantar passed through British waters, where it was tracked by two British Royal Navy ships, according to the U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey, who said he had recently changed the naval rules of engagement to allow for such a close encounter. In November, the Yantar had encroached into British waters and floated over critical undersea cables. At the time, the British deployed patrol aircraft and ships, and surfaced a Royal Navy submarine near the Yantar to make clear the Russian vessel wasnt welcome. Healey told Parliament this week that the decision to track the spy ship so closely was taken deliberately for President Putin to hear this message: We see you." The Russian Embassy in the U.K. denied any wrongdoing Thursday. The accusations made by the British defense establishment that Russia poses some kind of threat to the submarine communications of that country and its NATO allies are completely untenable," it said. Russia has never made such threats." In an increasingly fraught hybrid war between Russia and the West, undersea cables and pipelines are a soft-under belly. The length and remote location of the cables leaves them vulnerable to sabotage. Any successful attack could have a big knock-on effect. Undersea cables are vital for funneling both data and energy across the globe. According to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, 99% of the worlds data is transmitted through subsea cables, including an estimated $10 trillion a day in financial transactions. Since starting the full-blown war in Ukraine, Russia is suspected of being increasingly willing to rip these cables up to destabilize its opponents. However the alleged attacks, often in remote locations by boats that arent even under Russian flags, makes it hard to pin the blame. NATO is ramping up efforts to monitor alleged attacks by Russian-linked ships. In January it announced a new mission in the Baltic Sea to provide both enhanced surveillance of undersea cables and deter any Russian actions. On Wednesday, Britain announced that it would send P-8 Poseidon submarine-hunting aircraft and spy planes to aid the continuing NATO mission. Russias use of the so-called shadow fleet poses a particular threat to the maritime and environmental security in the Baltic Sea region and globally," NATO allies said in a joint statement. The anchor of the Eagle S tanker severed a power cable linking Finland with Estonia. Two high-profile investigations related to suspected sabotage in the Baltics are ongoing. Finland detained a Russian shadow fleet tanker called Eagle S after its anchor severed a power cable linking the country with Estonia in December. Eight crew members have been identified as suspects but Finnish investigators havent been able to raise any charges related to the cutting of the cable. The ship is sailing under the flag of Cook Islands. Finnish authorities indicated that they could withhold the cargoRussian oilbecause of customs violations. In a separate investigation, Germany is probing a Chinese ship called Yi Peng 3 that cut two data cables with its anchor late last year. After lengthy negotiations China agreed to allow European investigators to board the ship under the condition that Beijing officials would lead the investigation. German investigators including expert engineers spent over five hours on board, questioned the crew and inspected the anchor. They havent uncovered any evidence that would justify issuing arrest warrants. The ship has since left the Baltic and resumed normal operations. A Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said that accusations that Russia damaged undersea cables in the Baltic Sea were an attempt to limit Russian oil exports and create preconditions to restrict shipping, state-run news agency TASS reported Wednesday. Russia has suffered too: its Nord Stream 2 pipeline was blown up by operatives linked to Ukraine who used a small rented yacht for the operation. The north Atlantic has hundreds of cables running across it. To guarantee major disruption several cables would likely have to be cut at the same time, a challenge in an ocean where the average depth is over 2 miles. That requires detailed knowledge of which cables lead to what and where they are. The 354-foot Yantar, which has two on board mini-submarines, is part of the Kremlins Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research, an elite unit of the Russian military specialized in deep-sea work. The ship is also equipped with a variety of sensors. Russia describes Yantar as an oceanic research vessel. Over the years it has been spotted near undersea cables. In 2015, it was reported by the U.S. as being seen near Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and in subsequent years near Greenland, Israel and Hawaii. The Russian deep-sea unit, the chief directorate of deep-sea research known by its acronym GUGI in Russia, also contains the Losharik, a submarine equipped to inspect cables deep underwater, which has recently returned to action after a fire disabled it in 2019. The waters around Britain have long been targeted. In 2022, mobile phones stopped working in Shetland Islands after an undersea cable was damaged in an attack that is suspected of being linked to Moscow. In November last year, Ireland, which is home to Alphabet-owned Google data centers, observed the Yantar near important undersea cables and sent a ship to escort her away. Kate Vtorygina contributed to this article. Write to Max Colchester at Max.Colchester@wsj.com and Bojan Pancevski at bojan.pancevski@wsj.com A succession of executive orders by the outgoing and the new presidents of the United States have left Indias artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor businesses and the nations policymakers worried. It only underscores the need for locally developed core technologies for economic prosperity, while relying on diplomacy to tide over the immediate risk. On 14 January, former president Joe Biden signed an executive order segregating nations as friendly, neutral and hostile to protect US-designed chips that power global innovation in AI. India was ranked as a neutral, limiting the number of chips that can be bought by India from US-origin companies such as Nvidia. And on 21 January, newly sworn-in president Donald J Trump Jr announced Stargate, a company that Trump said will build the largest AI infrastructure project in history to power the next generation of AI". Oracle chairperson Larry Ellison, along with OpenAI and SoftBank chiefs Sam Altman and Masayoshi Son, were key stakeholders, committing $100-billion investments upfrontwith pledges to scale it up to $500 billion. Their objective is to operate and distribute a network of computing infrastructure through America-wide data centres. Impact on Indian tech companies In India, concerns about access to AI tech reflected in the share slump of domestic new-age tech companies. The 10,922-crore Netweb Technologies, which sells AI computing and managed cloud applications for clients in the US looking to develop their own AI solutions, closed ended at 1902.70 per share on Thursdaydown 24% since Bidens order. Its Delhi-based peer, E2E Networks, fell on 10 out of the past 11 days, and hit the lower circuit in the market on Thursday to close at 3488.05down 11% since the announcement. Indias limited AI budget and challenges While Indias AI Mission has a similar goal like that of Trumps Stargate, but its proposed budgetary outlay of $1.2 billion is minuscule in comparison to the US initiative. Three senior consultants to the Centres Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) told Mint that talks have commenced or renewed at various levels across the ministry, keeping the current threats and risks in mind. The government is aware that one of the biggest requirements for India right now are core patents and intellectual propertiesin semiconductor cores with competitive performance and a foundational AI model to begin with. However, there is also a clear understanding that India cannot create an Nvidia or Microsoft-equivalent overnight, and incentives alone will not suffice," one of the three officials cited above said, requesting anonymity. Talks are on regarding how to approach AI innovation comprehensively, and seek public partnerships if need be with regard to generating greater private-sector value of investing in domestic R&D," the official said. The key challenge, as the official highlighted, lies in the structure of innovation. The fundamental patents, licences and rights of the core architecture of chips inside an Nvidia processor, or the foundational AI models on which global AI development and applicational research is being done, largely belong with companies headquartered in the US. With Trump anticipated to take a hardline nationalist approach in his policies such as with Stargate, nations such as India have limited capability to build these technologies without licencing them first from America. This gives the US unprecedented soft power as AI and chips emerge as two of the worlds most valuable commodities. Strategic responses and opportunities While it is not necessary to panic or be in crisis now, there is need for India to prepare its own technologies too", said Ashok Chandak, president of industry body India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (Iesa). By market cap, three-fourths of the global chip market cap belongs with the USgiving it clear leadership. A $500-billion move will further leverage this, by also bringing in a foreign investor," Chandak said. Instead of comparing this, a bigger trillion-dollar opportunity in the AI applications market means that there are greater open-market opportunities for the rest of the world to grow too. While there will be a competitive disadvantage due to the size and might of America, we can always find a differentiator and conduct our own innovation." Each of the officials cited above said there have been no immediate knee-jerk policy recommendations within the Centre, barring already-active talks of a second round of electronics component and semiconductor incentivization programmes. Mint reported on 12 December that the Centres upcoming $3-billion tech incentivization programme would include a tranche dedicated to boost private-sector participation in foundational R&D in Indiain a bid to develop the very core technologies that are now potentially hurt by the USs moves. The officials cited above also expressed confidence that former president Bidens order is likely to be rescinded or modified by Trumpmostly to Indias benefit. Future bilateral talks are likely to help India make a case for friendlier and more collaborative policies with the US. The two nations are a part of the Quad (alongside Australia and Japan), and with Modi-Trump relations having been generally favourable, it is likely that India can leverage its human and data capital to strike a good deal with the US as far as chip access is concerned," one of the officials said. Call for innovation and collaboration Still, industry stakeholders advised cautionbut added that there are multiple silver linings to the current situation. This is a clear example of AI being weaponized, and we will likely see more of this in the near future unless we begin to develop our own core competencies," said Ajai Chowdhry, co-founder of HCL and think tank Epic Foundation. The two successive decisions by the US have clearly showcased how vulnerable India is to the influence of America in global geopolitics even today," Chowdhry said. At the end of the day, there is no denying that as far as foundational technologies are concerned, India does not have resources to build anything without importing the core reference designs." According to him, even in the chip fab sanctioned out of Indias first round of semiconductor incentives, we do not have core technologies"and India would need global companies to come and use its capacity. There is a clear need to invest exponentially more in design-linked incentives, so that chip design engineers can build products to cater to Indias own market." Kashyap Kompella, founder of AI consultancy firm RPA2AI Research, underlined the need for public-private collaborations. Trade policies will undoubtedly leverage AI as a collateral going forward. While the government may not be able to incentivize it all, a key factor in tow could be to capitalize on Indias entrepreneurial stalwarts and the biggest conglomerates to become the funding pillars of Indias AI journey," he said. The biggest difference between the US and Indian markets are the funds available for conducting foundational researchand as a result, a paucity of research minds within the country. This needs to change." Kompella cited China's success as a point of reference for India. The development of the DeepSeek R1 reasoning model, done by China at a fraction of the cost of the US, is proof that frugal innovation is definitely achievable," he said. "Adopting the right policies and strategies for the government to work with homegrown private firms will be key in this regard." Atul Sabharwal has a distinct childhood memory from growing up in Agra. As a four- or five-year-old in the early 1980s, Sabharwal would wake up every morning to his father playing the dialogues of Deewaar , Yash Chopras 1975 film, on his tape recorder while doing the accounts of his shop. Day after day," recalls the writer-director, on loop, he would listen to the album of Deewaar , and I would wake up every day to Mere paas maa hai ." Deewaar was a film of its time. It released 50 years ago, on 24 January 1975, a few months before the Emergency. Salim-Javeds script touched on a host of evils plaguing society: greedy capitalism, worker exploitation, smuggling, black-marketing, hoarding, unemployment and hunger. Framed around these overarching issues, the films storyabout two brothers, Vijay and Ravi, who find themselves on opposite sides of the lawcaptivated viewers. The films dialogue has been codified into modern Indian psyche. Lines such as the one Sabharwal woke up to, or the defiant Main aaj bhi phenkey huey paise nahin uthaata (Even today, I don't take money thrown at me), are a ready punchline irrespective of context. And Amitabh Bachchan, as dockworker-turned-gangster Vijay, changed Indian cinema. After a promising start in Saat Hindustani (1969), Bachchan had a spate of flops. Salim-Javed recommended him as the vigilante cop-protagonist for their script that would become Zanjeer (1973). Bachchan never looked back, his explosive anger in Prakash Mehras film earning him the moniker Angry Young Man". Bachchans anti-hero turn as the elder sibling in Deewaar further enhanced that persona. It reached what the historian and cultural critic Vinay Lal termed an apotheosis" in his book Deewaar: The Footpath, the City and the Angry Young Man (2011). The image of him in his unbuttoned blue coolie shirt, unkempt hair, smoking a beedi, challenging local gangster Peter to a fight, resonated with moviegoers in ways difficult to imagine in todays Hindi cinema. Bachchans angst was the anger of a nation being trampled upon by an unforgiving sociopolitical system. But Vijay didnt reconcile himself to his circumstances. Director Tigmanshu Dhulia attributes the many qualities of the Vijay character to Salim-Javeds writing. His character is full of dignity," he says. Dhulia contrasted this character with the one Bachchan played in Prakash Mehras Laawaris (1981), dancing in drag in Mere anganey mein. This would never happen with Salim-Javeds writing, especially in Deewaar, where he (Bachchan) is very restrained." THE PERFECT SCREENPLAY Ranjani Mazumdar, professor of cinema studies at JNU, Delhi, says in the Salim-Javed documentary Angry Young Men (2024), For many years at the Film and Television Institute of India, Deewaar was taught as a perfect screenplay, because it didnt have anything extraneous." The story of the clashing brothers on the opposite sides of dharma is as old as the tale of the warring cousins in the Mahabharat. Deewaar itself could be called a rehash of two classics: Mother India (1957), in which a mother shoots her delinquent son, and Gunga Jumna (1961), in which the younger inspector sibling guns down his dacoit older brother. As Salim Khan says in the documentary, In India alone there have been 25-30 films made on this subject But a story by itself isnt enough." What makes the difference, says Khan, is: How are you going to narrate this on the screen?" View Full Image 'Deewaar' This is where Salim-Javed gave Deewaar a distinct flavour. From the start, theres a pace and edginess to the film. Several early scenes segue into one anotherlike when Sumitra Devi (Nirupa Roy) comes on stage to accept the award being given to her inspector son Ravi (Shashi Kapoor). She looks at her audience, only for the film to move into a flashback, with Vijay and Ravis father (Satyen Kappu) addressing coal miners. A little later, gangster Daawar (Iftekhar) tells his subordinate about the young Vijay, Ek din yeh ladka kuchh banega (This child will go places someday); the statement is repeated almost verbatim by Ravis schoolteacher in the following scene. As author Diptakirti Chaudhuri noted in his book Written by Salim-Javed (2015), Deewaars screenplay is a series of dialogue-linked cuts" In a break with tradition, Salim-Javed took the sparring siblings story far away from the hinterland. Setting the broad framework of their film in Bombay (now Mumbai), the duo replaced villagers and dacoits with city slickers and dons. Men in tuxedos, double-breasted jackets, polka-dotted bow ties, turtlenecks, ornate bath robes and designer shades twirled their cigars and drank champagne, beer and scotch. Daawar, Saamant and their cronies frequent hotels, bars, swimming pools and go to the races in style, even as they navigate a life of bullets and blood. As he rises in the criminal world, Vijay replaces his coolie uniform with tailor-made suits and matching aviators. When he goes on to become the undisputed boss, the viewers delight is not only at Daawars prophecy coming good but in Vijay lording over this world, thumping his designer shoes on the table. Vijay enjoys this new look. It is a big part of the taunts he throws at Ravi for relying too much on his usool (principles) and aadarsh (ideals) in the films most famous scene, in which the two brothers meet under a bridge at night. Lekin aaj tum kahaan reh gaye aur main kahaan aa gaya? (Look where you have remained and where I have reached)," Vijay says to Ravi, pointing at himself. That little visual detail is telling, as Vijays index finger lands resolutely on his suit. This had to be a vicarious pleasure for movie-going audiences in 1975, who saw in Vijay an onscreen projection of their unfulfilled selves. We introduced a certain modernity in the setting of the film, its accent, tempo and language," Akhtar said. It was much more urban, much more contemporary and the kind of moral dilemmas it posed were very much of its own era." A QUADRILATERAL COMPLEXITY Deewaar revolves around the moral choices of the family of four at its centre. When Ravi first learns about his brothers illicit doings, he tries to recuse himself from the case. But Ravi isnt alone in his moral quandary. At the beginning of the story, Ravis father is also forced to choose between his principles and his family. He takes the latter option. In doing so, he lets the mine workers down. Then there is Ravi and Vijays mother. She feels let down that Vijay has taken to a life of crime and walks out on him. Yet, she lives in hope that her favourite son will come around. When that doesnt happen, she hands the revolver to Ravi. However, she also makes her way to the temple to pray for Vijay. Her moral whirlpool continues to torment her when she comes on stage to accept Ravis medal of honour. View Full Image 'Deewaar' The fourth side of this quadrilateral is Vijay. Although he has little hesitation in joining Daawar, he too grapples with his own predicament. One can see his furrowed brow the first time Ravi comes to their palatial new home in his spotless khaaki vardi. Vijays foreboding proves to be correct. Reluctant to reveal his connection with Ravi at first, Vijay eventually tells the gangsters out to get him, Haan vo mera bhai hai (Yes, hes my brother)." He dares anyone to mention Ravis name again. Yet, fully aware of the dangers that could confront Ravi, he pleads with him to get himself transferred. This is Deewaars ethical zero-sum game; the relinquishing of principles by two family members is made up for by the actions of the two others. It is the constant inner battle of each of the four characters that gives the film a crucial grey quality. Chopra, who was filmmaker-producer B.R. Chopras younger sibling, had left his older brothers production house a few years before he did Deewaar. Although he had already helmed successful films such as Dhool Ka Phool (1959) and Waqt (1965), the younger Chopra wanted to carve his own place in the industry. It is within this context that Sabharwal believes Yash Chopras own life experience informs Deewaar and his other works. Those are emotions he translates very well, whenever there is an absent father figure or somebody seeking out an elderly persons affection," he says. ROOTS IN MYTHOLOGY If Deewaar is Chopras version of Mahabharat, then Ravi is Arjuna. When Ravis superior instructs him to take up the case involving his brother, Ravi dithers, like Arjuna does before the 18-day battle against the Kauravas. When he again doubts himself prior to nabbing Vijay, Veera (Neetu Singh), Ravis lover, reminds him of the sermon given by Krishna to Arjuna to soothe the latters doubts. Several commentators have pointed out that the final chase sequence involving Vijay and Ravi is like the battle between Karna and Arjuna. Vijay is shot down by Ravi only when he drops his talismanic badge (Billa No.786")much like the epic, where Arjuna can best Karna only after the latter is tricked into parting with his kavach (armour) and kundal (earrings). However, Deewaars concluding sequence is more symbolic than momentous. It only reaffirms Vijay as the Karna-like heroic figure as he dies without his charmed amulet while being shot at from behind. Dhulia points out the payoffs" in Salim-Javeds writing here. He refers to Shashi Kapoor shooting a boy who steals the bread. He shoots his brother in a similar way. He is also running." Yet, the actual battle between Chopras modern Karna and Arjuna happens when the brothers meet under the bridge. This is the only scene in the film where the brothers are by themselves and actually come face-to-face. Its strange to think of a film about two siblings with only one scene with just the two of them in dialogue with each other. Dhulia feels this is testament to the economy of Salim-Javeds writing. They just need one great scene. Thats it." The defining characteristic of Kuntis oldest son, Karna, was his abandonment. He grows up without any idea about his true antecedents. He lives much of his life dealing with accusations around his lineage. This is where the comparison with Karna begins for Vijay. He also faces abandonment. When their father leaves their family, it is Vijay who bears the brunt of the desertion. When his arm is tattooed with Mera baap chor hai (my father is a thief)Chaudhuri calls it Deewaars most violent part"it scars Vijay forever. Nonetheless, when Daawar offers him friendship by way of partnership, Vijays actions again carry echoes of Karna. He joins hands with Duryodhana, a man who has run afoul of dharma, but who gives Karna a sense of belonging. View Full Image 'Deewaar' Like Karna, Vijay knows he is doomed. In the face-off with Ravi, he admits that he is on the side of adharma (Ravi, main toh apni baazi khel chuka hoon. Ab haaroon yaa jeetoon (Ravi, I have played my hand. Now, whether I win or lose...). Their exchange, like any battle, builds up slowly, reaching a crescendo when Vijay finally lets loose a fierce salvo, listing out all his worldly assets (building, property, bank balance, bangla, gaadi"). Like Karna, he tests Ravis Arjuna in a decisive showdown. But when Ravi says, Mere paas maa hai", it is the divine missile that sounds Vijays death knell. Interestingly, both phrases, the one ingrained on Vijays arm, and the one told to him by Ravi, are made up of precisely four words. They include the terms baap" and maa", with the latter line being delivered by his bhai. They complete Vijays abandonment and make Vijay Karna, a man left with no one to call family. WORKING CLASS HERO Despite all the high-rises and fancy hotels and clothes that appear through the movie, Salim-Javeds script is really a paean to the proletariat. Deewaar makes a passionate argument for the establishment of a egalitarian and socialistic order. Perhaps this was an intuitive response to the state of affairs in Indian society at the time as Vinay Lal notes in his book, It may be safely averred that the first half of the 1970s was a period of great uncertainty for Indias citizens In January 1975, when Deewaar was released, unrest was widespread; economic productivity had declined precipitously, cities were crippled by strikes and protests, and political unrest would underscore the fragile nature of the Indian state." Deewaars strong socialist tone is made evident the moment the movie lapses into its first flashback. We see Anand Babu addressing the coal workers, urging them to rise and fight for their rights. His language is peppered with words like mazdoor (worker), adhikaar (rights) and mehnat (hard work). When he says, Aur vo subah us din aayegi" (a new dawn will come), it is reminiscent of the title track of the Raj Kapoor-starrer Phir Subah Hogi (1958), whose lyrics were written by Sahir Ludhianvi, later Deewaars songwriter. This new dawn is also one that Ravi refers to. While writing out applications for employment, Ravi tells his mother, Subah to uss din hogi, jab har kisi ke paas kaam hoga, ghar hoga, koi footpath par nahin soyega (It will only be a true dawn when everyone has work, a home and nobody sleeps on the footpath)". Sumitra Devi is immediately reminded of her husband as Ravis remarks carry the same leftist heft. These are the in-your-face pleas for the working class in the film. The other big moment is actually hijacked by Vijay announcing himself as a larger-than-life presence to the audience for the first time. This happens when Vijay decides to stand up on behalf of the dockworkers against Saamants men from collecting hafta" (protection money). This open rebellion by Vijay carried shades of popular Bombay underworld don Haji Mastans life. But the Mastan story was different from Vijays in that the former turned on the extortionists with a bunch of his own toughs rather than going it all alone. As against this real life parallel, Vijay tells Rahim Chaacha, in what is the first of his many whistle-worthy lines in Deewaar, Jo pachees baras mein nahin hua, vo ab hoga (What hasnt happened in 25 years, shall do so now)," thereby issuing a clarion call to militant trade unionism. These moments lead Omar Ahmed, a UK-based film scholar, to describe Deewaar as an openly political film for the mainstream era and points to the ways in which the strident leftist political address of Parallel Cinema had started to filter down into the mainstream". That Bachchan character is still visible in Indian cinema, particularly in the southern action films. Films like Sarpatta Parambarai (2021), KGF Chapter 1 (2018) and 2 (2022), and Pushpa: The Rise (2021), whose protagonists bear an uncanny resemblance to Vijay as they brazenly confront their inferior socioeconomic situation, are definite homage offerings to Deewaar and other Angry Young Man titles. A comic homage was seen last year in the Hindi film Baby John, when the cop hero, played by Varun Dhawan, recreates the godown fight scene (a character even mentions Deewaar), though in a comic vein. Another direct tribute is seen in actor Shahid Kapoors forthcoming Hindi film Deva (2025), which has Vijay in his iconic blue coolie uniform in the background in the films poster. Chopras film is a gift that keeps on giving. It draws from the well of mythology while holding a mirror to the decade of the 1970s and imagining a better tomorrow, a work that encompasses past, present and future. That is the epic quality of Deewaar. Akshay Manwani is a freelance writer and the author of Sahir Ludhianvi: The Peoples Poet and Music, Masti, Modernity: The Cinema of Nasir Husain. At the Constitution Museum in Sonipat, Haryana, the main aim is to connect people from all walks of life with the document that unites us as a republic. Intertwined with audio-visual presentations and panels of information about the drafting of the Constitution are works of contemporary art inspired by what lies within the documents pages. For a society still struggling with pervasive inequality, the principles enshrined within the Constitutionand the vision of the people who helped draft and illustrate itremain as relevant as ever. These are reminders to reflect on our personal and political lives and strive as citizens to uphold the rights of the self and for society at large. Anjchita Nair, curator of the museum, which opened in November at O.P. Jindal Global University, spent over six months connecting the dots between master artist Nandalal Bose, who led the team that handpainted the original Constitution document, and contemporary artists whose work contemplates the current state of the republic. Nair sent out copies of the Constitution to over 30 contemporary artists, and asked them to respond to the illustrated pages of the original document that reflect the plans of a young nation for a future based on justice and equality while drawing inspiration from 5,000 years of history. The result: interesting juxtapositions throughout the space. You can see magnified panels showing the ornate borders of the Constitution in gold-speckled Talapatra design. Bose and his students combined Japanese methods and traditional Indian art, inspired particularly by the Ajanta murals. In another part of the space, you can see The Frame, crafted by artisans from Jaipur using black marble. This is their interpretation of the cover page of the document and features a cutout of an inverted triangle, denoting both depth and resilience. The hollowed centre serves as a metaphorical void, drawing attention to the societal gaps that exist in realising constitutional ideals," states the curatorial note. Also read: The women architects of Indias Constitution View Full Image Freedom by K.S. Nariman. Courtesy: The Constitution Museum The story of the artwork in the Constitution is just as fascinating as the drafting of the document, which has served as the framework for civic rights and liberties since India became a republic on 26 January 1950, seventy-five years ago. Nandalal Bose worked with his students at Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan, over the course of approximately four years to create 28 illustrations and 234 decorative borders depicting different epochs, from the Indus Valley Civilisation to the struggle for Independence, with real gold spray. The calligraphy for the English version was created by Prem Behari Narain Raizada, who used 432 pen holder nibs to ink 1,17,369 words in nearly five months on parchment sheets produced by the Handmade Paper Institute in Pune. In an article for Heritage Lab, a digital repository of stories from museums worldwide, with a focus on South Asian art and culture, art and history enthusiast Arunesh Varade explains that three generations of a family worked on the documentGauri Bhanja and Jamuna Sen were Nandalal Boses daughters, and Amala Sarkar, his granddaughter, the youngest in the team at age 21. Then there was Nibedita Bose, Bani Patel and Sumitra Narayan, who studied in Kala Bhavan from 1949-53 under the guidance of Gauri Bhanja. Women have often been written out of history. What is astonishing is that despite their signatures being visible in the Constitution, little is known about these women artists," Varade writes. While the framers words created the basis of the democratic system, the Constitution is a significant social art object as well. This is the link that Nair was trying to bring out with her curation. People often feel disconnected from the various complex subjects in the Constitution and are not aware of the key role it plays in our daily lives, she explains. We wanted to create avenues to help people connect with the document in a deeper way, and art seemed like the best medium for that. It allows for you to think about values enshrined within and have your own interpretation of them," says Nair. Also read: Weekend food plan: Eat your heart out on Republic Day Among the artworks are two by Gautam Rahul, co-founder of Delhis Sancha Art StudioEchoes of Liberty is inspired by the original illustrations, and creates a visual connection between art and law. Voices of Vision celebrates the 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly. Jaipur-based collective WOLFs Freedom Gateway references the Preamble and the hand-drawn borders of the title page. The contrasting sides of the gateway reflect the dual nature of the Constitution itself: one side, rich and ornate, embodies the aspirational ideals of the nation, while the other sides modest presentation represents the foundational texta reminder of the guiding principles that underpin Indian democracy," states the artistic note. A few works were acquired for the segment, while the majority of the art was commissioned and created especially for the museum. In Ascending-Descending, one of the acquired works, artist Sudipta Das captures the harsh realities of displacement, struggle and unrest. The figures dynamic movementsome ascending toward brighter futures, others descending into new challengesreflects the continuous uncertainty in the lives of displaced individuals. This theme transcends boundaries of nationality, race, and religion, underscoring a universal plight shared across humanity," states the curatorial note. View Full Image Anindita Bhattacharya, 'Echoes of a Lingering Loss', gouache and natural pigments on hand-cut paper. Courtesy: Gallery Threshold For years, visual practitioners have been responding to the document in a myriad of ways ever since it was adopted. Art has reflected on the values enshrined, on the upholders of these principles, the struggles to defend it, as well as the very artwork within it. In recent years especially, the interpretations and responsesboth direct and indirecthave increased manifold with artists mulling over ideas of equality, justice, fraternity and unity. In 2020, on Republic Day, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale started an online series encouraging young artists to explore the meaning and promise of the Constitution in light of current affairs. The works included Besant Nagar, a digital drawing by Hyderabad-based artist Faiza Hasan, from an online series documenting peoples participation in democracy. The image shows two women bending down to make a kolam, with the words We The People" at the centre of the floral patterns. This is in sync with her practice of delving into the personal, the everyday and broader histories. Another work, Harbinger, made with clay, hay and found objects by Sahej Rahal from Mumbai, references the artwork of the Constitution directly. The manuscript of the Constitution contains exquisite illustrations of elements from Indias rich and diverse past. However, these elements are today being transfigured into armaments of a violent and divisive present," said the artist in a note. He took clay from the area near the dig sites of what is possibly Muziris as well as film sets and industrial yards to create absurd fossils that assert the claims of the imagination against our instituted amnesia." The Kochi-Muziris Biennale in its social media posts on the series also lists The Blue Fox, in which Anupama Alias relied on the Panchatantra story of a fox that fell into a vat of indigo, and deceived the village and the jungle into acquiring a position of poweruntil he heard other foxes howling and revealed his true colours. She uses this tale to create a multi-layered visual narrative about leadership and authenticity. Also read: How the wheels of oppression keep turning That same year, Delhi-based GallerySKE curated a showcase at the India Art Fair to mark 70 years of the Constitution. Curated by Skye Arundhati Thomas, the showcase featured 15 artists such as Rupali Patil, Rajyashri Goody, Prarthna Singh, Aradhana Seth and Sodonechilling. Artist-filmmaker Aradhana Seth created a mirror, which reflected the Constitution and the people who looked into it. Prarthna Singh photographed the Constitution copy from the 1970s, which was gifted to her father the day he joined the Civil Services. It represented to her a certain nostalgia and value system. Rupali Patil looked at the Constitution as a giant wall with a wire fence, and Abir Karmakar, in his hyper realistic painterly style, presented it as an upturned document. Each of these interpretations is unique, stemming from the artists response to the sociopolitical environment and what the Constitution means to them. View Full Image 'Voices of Vision' by Gautam Rahul. Courtesy: The Constitution Museum At Gallery Threshold, in Delhi, an ongoing exhibition, Lost in Translationabout the inherent complexities of languagealso has a work inspired by Constitutional values. Echoes of a Lingering Loss by Anindita Bhattacharya is a 16x6ft work in gouache and natural pigments on hand-cut paper and spans an entire wall of the gallery. It is a visual depiction in jaali of the Preamble of the Constitution rendered in Urdu. Urdu, so deeply rooted in Indias syncretic traditions, becomes a contested sitea language politicized and alienated from its shared heritage," states the curatorial note. Bhattacharya has been working on translations of texts in Urdu for over a decade. At the time that the show was conceived, she had been working on a translation of the national anthem. While that work was in progress, she realised that the Preamble already had a translation in Urdu. I have been engaging with the idea of Urdu as a marginalised language, and how post Partition, it came to be synonymous with a certain nation state. We distanced ourselves from it even though in northern India, my grandfather and his contemporaries wrote and read in the language. It was never confined by religion. With this work, I want to look at transcending divisions and refer back to the pluralistic fabric envisioned by the Constitution," she explains. Any interpretation of the Constitution is not a one-time affair, nor is it a direct response each time. With civil liberties and voices of dissent being curbed across the world and polarising views dividing people, a growing number of artists are responding to these infringements and divisions. As the critique of sociopolitics grows, the relevance of the Constitution as a uniting force and the upholder of equality and liberty also becomes significant. So, while artists respond to caste, gender and communal violence, excesses of capitalism, widening inequality and more, they also hold the hope that the ideals of the Constitution will be upheld. Also read: Jayasri Burman: Maker of myths and memories For artists whose practices are rooted in Dalit his tory, the figure of B.R. Ambedkarthe chairperson of the committee that drafted the Constitution itself becomes a source of inspiration as in the case of artist Vikrant Bhise who responds to the Ambedkar statue in his work to highlight the disparities of caste. The phrase, We the People", has served as a powerful prompt for artists time and again. Hyderabadbased artist and historian Varunika Saraf interprets the idea in her series of 76 hand-embroidered works featuring figures from all walks of life within tie-anddye maps of India on Khadi cloth. Vanessa Chishti, professor of political science and modern history at O.P. Jindal Global University, writes in her catalogue essay that each moment depicted in the series is one of significance in the post-independence history of the countryof protest, of resilience, of efforts by citizens to uphold Constitutional values, and small acts of kindness that go a long way. One map is left blank, with the artist inviting others to inscribe their own stories. Varunikas choice of embroidery as the technique for this collection signals her desire to slow down, to look carefully at photographs of suffering and to contemplate the responsibilities she bears to the people in them," writes Chishti. ... She also parses the many meanings of the term the people", itself subject to dangerous reductions . Instead we see the people" depicted, rightfully, as multitudes in revolt, throbbing with vitality, acting in defense of life and taking their rightful place at the center of the national imagination." Artists have always been witness to the times that we live inserving as critics, archivists and historians in their own right. As India enters its 76th year as a republic, these visual responses offer a nuanced and varied interpretation of the ideas of justice and equality, and what the promise of the Constitution continues to mean to people from different walks of life. The Centre may drop its plan to merge three general insurers and instead pick one of them for privatization this fiscal year, two people aware of the development said. The other two may be provided additional capital to strengthen their balance sheets, the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. To begin with, the government will assess the financial performance of all three insurers in the coming quarters. "The aim is to strengthen the general insurers balance sheets through recapitalization before any potential merger is considered," the person added. While National Insurance, United India Insurance and Oriental India Insurance are considered weak, market leader New India Assurance is seen as strong and not a candidate for privatization. Also read | Insurers may get to sell related non-insurance value added products and services The Union budget 2018-19 had proposed merging the three weak insurers into one and listing it on the stock exchanges, a plan that has made little progress. Federal think tank NITI Aayog recommended United India Insurance for privatization to a secretaries' panel in FY22, but that has not taken off either. PSU performance At the end of the September quarter, solvency ratios of National Insurance, Oriental Insurance, and United India Insurance stood at -0.45, -1.02, and -0.71, respectively, while that of New India Assurance stood at 1.81. The insurance regulator mandates all insurers to maintain a minimum solvency ratio of 1.5. The ratio measures an insurer's ability to service the risks it has undertaken. According to the second person mentioned above, all PSU insurers are expected to have positive ratios after an expected capital infusion. Also read | Govt eyes insurance law revamp: Composite licensing, fair play for PSU insurers "While the Centre had earlier sought exemption from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) for all three entities from meeting regulator-mandated solvency margins, capital infusion may be done to strengthen them further," the person said. "After assessing the performance of these companies in these companies, a call could be taken on privatization," the person added. Queries emailed to a finance ministry spokesperson and the secretary of the Department of Financial Services remained unanswered. On 16 December, Mint reported that the government may consider a capital infusion of 4,000-5,000 crore in state-owned general insurers facing solvency issues, depending on the improvement in their financial health. To be sure, market leader New India Assurance reported a net profit of 1,129 crore in FY24 and 73.56 crore in Q2 of FY25. United India Insurance Company reported a profit of 45.43 crore in Q2, FY25, and 803.71 crore loss in FY24. Oriental Insurance reported a profit of 210.82 crore in Q2, FY25, and 18.61 crore profit in FY24. National Insurance Company reported a profit of 81 crore in Q2, FY25, after narrowing its loss to 187 crore in FY24. "The plan to privatize a general insurance company is a good but impractical idea as no public sector bank has been privatized yet. Even IDBI Bank is still in the government/LIC hands," said C.R. Vijayan, former secretary general of the industry body General Insurance Council. Also read | Insurance coverage under PMJJBY and PMSBY may be doubled in the upcoming budget "One advantage public sector general insurance companies had was the number of offices they had. But, almost half of them have been closed. It is better to recapitalize them (like banks) and then merge them (like banks)," he suggested. To be sure, privatizing insurance companies is expected to be more straightforward, as Parliament has already amended the General Insurance Business Nationalisation Act, enabling the government to reduce its stake in a general insurer below 51%. This stands in contrast to the privatization of public sector banks, which requires an amendment to the Banking Regulation Act first. Insurance market Indias general insurance market comprises 27 companies, including four major public sector undertakings, 23 private insurers, and six standalone health insurance providers. Despite the sectors size, Indias insurance density (premium per capita) stands at about $95, significantly lower than the global average of $889. Similarly, insurance penetration in India is at 3.7%, compared to the global average of 7%. Also read | Awareness, affordability, and attractiveness: Insurance sector's budget wishlist While ongoing negative solvency in public sector insurers hampers their social impact despite 17,450 crore infused between FY20 and FY22, capital infusion alone is a band-aid; structural reforms, operational efficiency, and cost optimization are essential for long-term sustainability, said Rajeev Saxena, partner-audit, S.N. Dhawan & Co LLP. "To strengthen loss-making public sector insurers, the government can provide immediate capital infusion linked to operational reforms and cost optimization. Strategic disinvestment or privatization could bring in expertise and to quite an extent higher orientation towards financial wellbeing and growth without offloading the social responsibility they have been shouldering," he added. India is proud of its diaspora. People of Indian extraction tend to earn well over the average wage in most countries, and often fit seamlessly and unobtrusively into local power structures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a point of cultivating Indians abroad and sometimes gifts foreign leaders a bit of his star power for their own campaigns. He attended a joint rally in Texas during President Donald Trumps first term, for example. So, the subject of illegal Indian migrants to the US would appear to require delicate handling. According to Bloomberg News, the incoming administration has identified at least 18,000 Indian citizens living in the US illegally and wants them sent back. Also Read: Hardship has driven people to risk illegal immigration That number could grow: The Pew Research Center estimated in 2022 that Indian citizens make up the third-largest community of undocumented immigrants in the US; there might be as many as 725,000 of them. The composition of the most recent arrivals is particularly sensitive. While hard data is lacking, reports suggest that many if not most are young men from the western states of Punjab and Gujarat. Both regions are relatively well-off; Gujarat in particular has long been touted as a model of developmentespecially by Modi, who rode to national power by selling his record as that states growth-minded chief minister. If it turns out that young people from such prosperous areas are being driven to follow the donkey route to the US, a few questions might begin to be asked about the famous Gujarat model of economic growth. Some opposition politicians have already started demanding answers. Yet, US leaders might be surprised at how unbothered most Indians or even Indian Americans are likely to be about the proposed repatriations. In countries such as India, illegal migration is not exactly popular; the numbers willing to take such risks are small when compared to the countrys vast population. For decades there have even been legal checks on Indians below a certain income or without a college degree leaving the country for the Gulf, supposedly to ensure that they arent exploited by traffickers. Meanwhile, most Indians in the US legally would want to draw a sharp distinction between them and their compatriots sneaking into the country from Canada or Mexico. At that Texas rally, Modi even backed Trump on the need for border security. Indeed, Indian authorities have good reason to cooperate with Western politicians worried about illegal immigration. India has already signed several bilateral agreements to repatriate citizens, including with Germany and the UK. In part, thats because India wants to be a reliable source of legal migrationa key pillar of its plans to develop its workforce and economy. Remittances from Indians working elsewhere bring in crucial foreign exchange. India derives more money from its citizens abroad than any other nation; in 2022, they sent back $111 billion, almost double the amount remitted to Mexico. Indians studying overseas also take pressure off the countrys overstretched universities. And circular migration provides a useful pathway for learning and deploying skills in what is still a very young country. Accountability for those abusing the system is a crucial component of the strategy. Most of Indias repatriation agreements include new pathways for legal and temporary migration alongside mechanisms for returning illegal migrants. If that will be hard for the US to provide right now, Modis government might be open to discussing deportations anyway to keep Trump happy. The key is not to make too much of a fuss about it. Being the source of illegal migration isnt something anyone wants to advertise, least of all officials in New Delhi whose job is to tell the Indian public that everything is going swimmingly. Trumps agenda might be America-centric. But many of its pillarsincluding dealing with illegal immigrationwill require cooperation from other countries. If he wants to work with governments such as Indias, he can. The question is how willing he will be to notch quiet victories rather than crowing about them. Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg columnist. As we embark on our journey to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, there is little doubt that tax policy will play a key role in realizing it. This is not just from the perspective of funding higher levels of public expenditure that becoming a developed country will entail, but also in terms of the impact it will have on the investment and economic growth needed to help us achieve this vision. Also Read: Budgeting for growth A developed India must have well-drafted and comprehensive tax laws, a taxpayer-friendly yet robust tax administration, a strong culture of compliance among taxpayers and effective dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms. From a quantitative perspective, our tax-to-GDP ratio will have to be much higher, perhaps as much as 30%, as Indias revenue secretary recently said. We currently have a tax-GDP ratio of about 18% (counting both central and state taxes). To put this in perspective, China and the US have a ratio of about 21% and 25%, respectively. Achieving this economic goal will not be easy, since many tools that other countries deploy to boost compliance and collections have already been tried in India with varying degrees of success. Widening the tax base by phasing out exemptions and deductions may not help, since there are few exemptions and deductions left today. Similarly, the scope of tax deducted at source (TDS) and tax collected at source (TCS) have already been expanded to a point where they cover virtually all payments. So, what can be done on the tax front to enable a Viksit Bharat? To start with, there must be a significant and sustained push for greater formalization of the economy. Some estimates suggest that Indias informal economy could be as large as 30% of GDP. Bringing this within our tax net can go a long way in meeting our revenue needs and easing the pressure on existing taxpayers. This can be done with the help of a two-pronged approach. First, some of the disincentives associated with normalization should be addressed. For example, by addressing the regulatory burden that small units deal with. Reduced frequency of filings and an increased focus on self-declaration instead of inspections could be considered. Similarly, efforts should be made to highlight the benefits of joining the formal economy, such as those related to improved access to credit or government procurement programmes. Judicial reforms can help in faster enforcement of contracts and encourage formalization. As Indias economy grows, the countrys tax laws will need to be detailed and precisely crafted. The ongoing review of the income tax law is a welcome step in this direction. Many provisions of the present law were drafted in an era when foreign businesses and investors had minimal interaction with the Indian economy. As a result, numerous areas in the law, including those dealing with compliance obligations, restructuring and taxation of partnerships, do not address scenarios involving foreign entities or overseas transactions by residents at all. Also Read: Time for India to revamp the Income Tax Act and ease compliance burdens There are also areas where the law has not kept pace with commercial changes. These issues should be addressed rather than left for the judiciary to resolve through lengthy litigation. The government should also take a pragmatic view when it comes to the interpretation and enforcement of tax treaties. Treaty obligations are reciprocal, and with India Inc increasing its outbound forays, our approach to treaty interpretation must be aligned with global norms. Export growth will also play a vital role in our journey to a Viksit Bharat. India aspires to achieve a target of $1 trillion in merchandise exports in the next six years, which will require significant expansion of Indias manufacturing sector. To facilitate this, the sunset date applicable to the 15% special tax rate offered to manufacturers should be removed and this regime should be made a permanent feature of Indias tax system. Similarly, a rationalization of GST rates should be taken up on priority. This will help mitigate complexity and address classification disputes arising from multiple rate slabs. From an administrative perspective, faster resolution of disputes should be a priority as it can help eliminate uncertainty for taxpayers and enable the government to recover revenue that may otherwise remain stuck in litigation. For this, statutorily mandated timelines, an overhaul of the advance ruling process and enabling negotiated settlement of disputes can be considered. Indias transformation into Viksit Bharat may have a two-decade horizon, but its foundation needs to be laid now. Since tax is an important component of this foundation, we have no time to lose. The author is partner, Price Waterhouse & Company. Eight years ago, when a newly inaugurated President Trump cracked down on illegal immigration, many U.S. houses of worship became houses of refuge. Just days after his second swearing-in, the tide is turning. A new Trump directive tossed out longstanding rules that restricted federal immigration authorities from making arrests at churches and other so-called sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals. It is part of a cascade of orders meant to accelerate the deportation of millions of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. Already, some churches that once stood defiantly as safe houses for undocumented migrants are less willing to shield them this time around. We are not going to offer physical sanctuary," said Rev. Seth Kaper-Dale, a pastor at the Reformed Church of Highland Park in central New Jersey, which proudly sheltered migrants during the Obama and first Trump administrations. Kaper-Dale said he isnt worried about Immigration and Customs Enforcement so much as right-wing extremists. Its become too violent an environment, and the current presidents sort of invitation to violence makes us not want to have a label of sanctuary," he said. I do not need this to become the next Tree of Life synagogue," he added, referring to the Pittsburgh synagogue where a gunman killed 11 worshipers in 2018 in the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. Just before the shooting, the assailant posted online about a Jewish agency that resettles refugees, whom he called invaders." Some Christian pastors said they fully back allowing ICE authorities into churches. Immigration emerged as a potent issue in the November election, second only to the economy, polls showed, and many voters felt the influx of new arrivals strained their communities. View Full Image Lake Street Church, which is offering short-term sanctuary to migrants, has space for up to 50 people in its fellowship hall. Photo: Joe Barrett/WSJ Were feeling the effects of illegal immigration in our town," said Pastor Ken Peters in Lenoir City, Tenn. He leads the Patriot Church, which has an American flag painted on the roof and about 300 parishioners. He blames fentanyl overdoses in the Knoxville region and some gang activity on people in the country illegally. Fentanyl and other drugs are often ferried across the southern border hidden in secret compartments of vehicles. My pastor friend group, were 100% in favor of Trump and his policies," Peters added. If you love America, then you shut the door and let in people who are good for our country and not dangerous to it." Still, he said, of ICE arrests, I would pray they dont do it in the middle of a church service. That would be pretty disruptive." Immigration and religion have long been intertwined in America. Many of the refugee-resettlement organizations in the U.S. are religious organizations. And the modern-day sanctuary movement goes back to the 1980s, when churches opened their doors to undocumented new arrivals from Central Americashielding them from authorities and helping them get on their feet. Rev. Jim Rigby of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas, which has been sheltering a Guatemalan mother and son for nearly a decade, said it is a religious calling to protect refugees. Beyond that, he feels a particular responsibility toward those from Central America, where U.S. involvement in wars in the 1980s helped fuel destabilization. The immigration problem didnt start with this generation of immigrants," he said. The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday the policy change would empower authorities who were thwarted. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in Americas schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense," the agency said in a statement. On Thursday, at the Lake Street Church in Evanston, Ill., Rev. Michael Woolf was standing firm. The church has already been housing a family from El Salvador for about 10 years, and Woolf, the senior minister, vowed to offer short-term sanctuary to migrants during high enforcement from ICE. Built in 1873, the church has space for up to 50 people in the fellowship hall. He said he is willing to get arrested to protect them. If someone tries to get in here, Im not going to stand aside. Thats not in my DNA," said Woolf, the 34-year-old author of a book on the sanctuary movement. Woolf said he is in touch with dozens of pastors who are willing to support efforts to protect and shelter migrants amid the new deportation push by the Trump administrationbut very few are willing to house them inside their churches. Uncertainty clouds the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, whose 33 mostly Christian and Jewish congregations include several that sheltered 14 migrants during the first Trump administration. The groups co-director, Peter Pedemonti, said he doesnt know whether they would do so now. Were still checking with our members about where folks are at," he said. One unknown is whether migrant families would still turn to churches given the new policy. Its really the family whos taking the bigger risk and is so much more vulnerable," he said. Trumps immigration orders could put the president at odds with some of his strongest supporters. In the last election, exit polls showed 81% of white evangelical Protestants voted for him, the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute said. Trump also drew the support of 63% of Hispanic Protestants and 60% of white Catholics. He got high marks from evangelical voters just before his current term started, according to a Wall Street Journal nationwide poll conducted earlier this month. Evangelical and Catholic groups in recent days have acknowledged the need for border security and enforcement of laws, while also raising concerns about ICE having the greenlight to go into churches. All people have a right to fulfill their duty to God without fear," the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said in a statement about the Trump administrations policy change. The National Association of Evangelicals on Wednesday called the new directive allowing immigration enforcement in houses of worship troubling. Even the announcement of this policy has caused fear, deterring some from attending church," it added. Galen Carey, the associations vice president of government relations, said the group doesnt have a position on sheltering migrants, and that isnt its focus in speaking out about the policy. Our goal is for people to be able to come freely to church and worship, and to become better citizens," he said. Lance Wallnau, a prominent leader in a fast-growing evangelical movement that has backed Trump and called for engaging in politics as a form of spiritual warfare," applauded the president for giving immigration authorities a freer hand. Im supportive of ICE going into wherever theres a threat to the American citizen," he said. Across denominations, Wallnau said he sees a divide: churches aligned with Trumps agenda versus woke churches" that have been co-opted by the left." Those kinds of churches arent going to get a sympathetic pass," he said, because what theyre doing is harboring and protecting people that shouldnt be protected." Elizabeth Findell and Aaron Zitner contributed to this article. Write to Scott Calvert at scott.calvert@wsj.com, Kris Maher at Kris.Maher@wsj.com and Joe Barrett at Joseph.Barrett@wsj.com French culinary experts Feb. 12-14 visit coincides with exclusive Valentines Day offers Michelin-starred French Chef Jerome Brochot will prepare a series of highly exclusive dinners and lunches at Raffles Hotel Le Royal from Feb. 12-14, including a one-of-a-kind, romantic Valentines Day dinner. The iconic 96-year-old luxury hotel invites diners in Phnom Penh to experience a taste of Chef Jeromes culinary mastery, in meals served at Restaurant Le Royal spotlighting some of his most extraordinary dishes honed in Montceau-les-Mines, Burgundy. Chef Jerome formerly trained with gastronomy legends Alain Ducasse (in Joel Robuchons former restaurant) and Georges Blanc before opening his own eponymous restaurant, which has earned tremendous acclaim. The exclusive 5-course set dinner, served from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, will be priced at $88++, while the delectable 3-course set lunch, served from 12 noon to 3pm, will be priced at $38++. Wine pairing options are available starting from $32++. Chef Jeromes exceptional 5-course Valentines Day dinner inclusive of a welcome glass of Champagne promises the ultimate in romantic fine dining, priced at $108++. Highlighted dishes on Chef Jeromes dinner menu include Hokkaido Sea scallops with brown butter, fish stock and sea urchin; line-caught sea bass with Burgundy cremant and Moroccan saffron sauce; squab stuffed with mushrooms; melanosporum truffle puree and herbs in vinaigrette; fine chocolate tart with Tonka bean; and more. Coinciding with Chef Jeromes special visit, Raffles Hotel Le Royal has unveiled a romantic Valentines Day package, including a two-night stay in a State Room (with a complimentary upgrade to a Suite room category), daily Champagne breakfast, the 5-course Valentines Day set dinner with wine pairing at Restaurant Le Royal, a bottle of Champagne on arrival, a bouquet of red roses, complimentary one-way private airport transfer and more. The package is priced at $1,290++ and available for stays between Feb. 13-16. The meals with Chef Jerome that kick off Raffles Hotel Le Royals 2025 special events calendar follow a star-studded lineup of visiting culinary icons last year, including Michelin-starred chefs Charles Coulombeau, Stephane Carrade, Nicolas Isnard and Martin Simolka. Reservations for all meals with Chef Jerome are strongly recommended. For more information or to make a booking, please call +855 23 981 888 or email [email protected]. ABOUT RAFFLES Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. raffles.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com Peavine Baptist Church raised almost $25,000 for their annual Christmas project. They used that money to partner with the nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt to pay off almost $6 million in medical bills. It was completely anonymous, but roughly 4,000 people in Whitfield, Catoosa, and Walker counties received a letter saying their medical debt had been forgiven. A mother of three, Elaine Harris, was one of those people. She says she couldn't even believe it at first. "I was a little bit unsure of it at first. I thought maybe it was a scam," said Harris. Harris says she only knew it was real after seeing Local 3 New's social media post about the deed. "You've got things you have to pay, and to have one to now say, I'm done with that. It's gone. We don't have to worry about that, is a huge blessing to my family," said Harris. The church was able to purchase all the available debt in the three counties, which included a portion of Harris $50,000 combined medical bills. "I've got a good bit of medical debt, and having that $2,000 bill taken away from that was just a huge relief," said Harris. Harris says alongside everyday bills, her daughter has been in gymnastics, which is where all the family's additional funds go. "Anything extra that we have to make that dream of hers happen, that is what we do," said Harris. Peavine Baptist Church Head Pastor Joel Southerland shared the news with the congregation at their Christmas Eve service; however, since it was anonymous, the people who had their debts forgiven had to reach out to the church to find out who was impacted. "It's encouraging to our members when they are hearing what their church did for the community," said Southerland. "It was a huge blessing to me, right here at Christmas time. It just helps me think that there is someone out there who loves me, even if they don't know who I am," said Harris. The pastor says Peavine continuously is giving back and partnering with other organizations to serve people in the area. "We want to be the kind of church that if we weren't here, the community would miss us. That's why we do these projects," said Southerland. The Tennessee Federation of Republican Women reading list cites Adolf Hitler in discussing the importance of training the youth. If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option. Check out our latest E-Edition Accessible anytime and anywhere on your desktop, tablet and smart phone devices. The Lodi News e-Edition is enhanced with the latest digital tools, including RSS feeds, social networking and much more. Check out our latest E-edition! The first meeting of the Longford County Council for 2025 took place on Wednesday and saw a presentation from the Longford Community Safety Partnership. The presentation was given by Janine Bartley, the Community Safety Coordinator, and Seamus Boyle, the Chairperson of the LCSP. Janine began the presentation with a brief explanation of the LCSP and the work they've done since their inception. Also Read: CONFIRMED: Schools to close on Friday as Ireland prepares for 'destructive' Storm Eowyn We are a 32-member partnership, we are one of three national outlets to roll out this new initiative which is building on the incredible work of the Joint Policing Initiative, she explained. There are seven elected members of the County Council in the Partnership team. Several organisations collaborate with the Safety Partnership such as an Garda Siochana, the HSE, TUSLA. There are also multiple community representatives who are members of the LCSP. We have representatives from communities all across the County such as victims of crime, and representatives from Community finance. Also Read: LIVE: Longford hit with Status Red warning as Storm Eowyn approaches The Partnership now plans to downsize from 32 members to 30 members. They are still waiting for the guidelines from the Department of Justice before they begin this process, however. The Longford Community Safety Partnership first began in 2021 and since has won a national award. Since they began 90% of the actions that have been planned have either been completed or are in progress. This plan included 60 Actions in total. Longford Community Partnership has been evaluated and deemed to be leading the way on the national level, acting as an example for other counties across the country. Seamus Boyle then began to speak. He praised Janine's work and her part of the presentation saying, Janine is an absolute Dynamo. Also Read: Longford County Council replaces vandalised life buoy one year after the damage was done Seamus also praised to work of his predecessor, former Chairperson Martina Maloney. We are the template for other counties to look at, he begins. Ive taken over as chair of a very strong partnership with great members such as county councillors, those from the council, community workers, and state agencies. Its been fantastic to get this opportunity to chair this committee. The LCSP has many plans they wish to fulfil. One that was particularly focused on was the development of a family resource centre in Longford Town. The two representatives of the partnership urged the council to support the development of a Family Resource Centre in the town. Also Read: Longford man living in Los Angeles recounts 'harrowing' devastation of Palisades wildfires Its key to the needs of the community. Theres a lot of need for extra resources for community projects and a resource centre, if you have any input it would be greatly appreciated, said Seamus. Cllr Peggy Nolan supported Mr Boyle's request and highlighted the great example that the Longford Community Safety Partnership. The Longford County Council agreed to be a pilot (for the Safety Partnership) it was a risk to take but we have never shied away from these decisions. It was a great step and we are ready to see the next step. A community resource centre is needed in Longford and we need it badly. A defendant who was a bit parsimonious with the truth will be assessed by probation services to see if he is suitable for community service rather than a six month prison sentence. Oliver Lennon (50) of Tullyhogan, The Pigeons, Athlone Westmeath was before the court arising from an incident on November 5. The defendant pleaded guilty to drug driving, and driving without a licence or insurance. Sergeant Enda Daly said the matter came to Garda attention when officers in a patrol car observed a vehicle crossing over a continuous white line. The vehicle overtook a line of three vehicles and Gardai estimated the defendant was travelling at 100kph in a 50kph zone. Also Read: Longford residents express fear of solar farm causing harm to local biodiversity The officers stopped the vehicle and spoke to the driver, Mr Lennon. The Gardai believed the driver had taken an intoxicant. An oral fluid swab tested positive for cannabis. A subsequent blood test at the Garda station indicated Mr Lennon exceeded the legal limit for cannabis inhis system to drive. The defendant also failed to produce his driving documentation. Sgt Daly said Mr Lennon had nine previous convictions, including a disqualification for dangerous driving. Solicitor Diarmaid Quinn said his client was pleading guilty to the charges, but disputed he was travelling at the speed suggested by the prosecution. Mr Quinn told the judge the defendant last smoked cannabis days before he was stopped. Also Read: Longford based Director General of Irish Prison Service honoured with DCU Alumni Award Mr Lennon was in a rush as he was trying to get his daughter to a bus as she was going to college in Athlone. Mr Quinn said his client should have known better and was foolish. Judge Bernadette Owens pointed out Mr Lennon had been a bit parsimonious with the truth because he said his licence had expired when in fact he was serving a driving ban at the time having been disqualified by the court. The judge said she would direct a probation report, with a recommendation of 240 hours of community service in lieu of six month in prison. Judge Owens suggested as part of the probation assessment process Mr Lennon participate in a pro-social driving course. The matter was then adjourned to April 8, 2025. Freeport Man Sentenced to Six Months in Jail for Breeding and Selling Animals for Fighting Crime By Chris Boyle Published: January 24 2025 Lonnie Poindexter pleaded guilty in September to felony animal fighting charges. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Freeport man was sentenced today to six months in jail and five years probation for breeding and selling pit bulls for use in dogfighting. Lonnie Poindexter, 56, pleaded guilty on September 18, 2024, before Judge David Sullivan to one count of Prohibition of Animal Fighting/AML 351 (as an E felony). The defendant was sentenced today to six months imprisonment and five years probation. He is prohibited from possessing any animals during the probation period, which will be enforced through spot checks by probation officers for the next five years. This defendant bred dogs for the purpose of using them or selling them into the unconscionably cruel and illegal world of dogfighting. Exploiting innocent animals is something that my prosecutors profoundly refuse to tolerate, said DA Donnelly. Dogfighting is often linked to other dangerous and illegal conduct, including narcotics and weapons activity and is a threat to our communities. I continue to urge anyone in Nassau County who may be aware of dogfighting activity to contact my Animal Crimes Unit at 516-571-7755 and report it. According to the investigation, in 2020 investigators became aware that the defendant was posting videos, photos and dog pedigree information online and offering pit bulls for sale. The defendant used code words and terms known in the dogfighting community when offering the young dogs for sale. After a lengthy investigation, in October 2021, the defendant was arrested at his home in Freeport by members of the Nassau County Police Department. As a result of a search warrant, investigators recovered six pit bulls used for breeding, a rape stand, a treadmill, detailed pedigree paperwork and heavy chains all consistent with dogfighting. Further investigation revealed that the defendant was breeding the animals for the purposes of dogfighting. The defendant was indicted by a Nassau County grand jury on June 24, 2022. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: January 24 2025 Suffolk Crime Analysis Center is One of 11 in the States Nationally Recognized, One-of-a-Kind Crime Analysis Center Network. Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the expansion of the Suffolk Crime Analysis Center, one of 11 in the nationally recognized, one-of-a-kind network funded and supported by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services in partnership with local law enforcement agencies statewide. New York State invested nearly $1 million to triple the centers size and double the number of professionals who respond to requests for assistance and provide investigative support that helps local law enforcement agencies solve, prevent and reduce crime. Preliminary data show 44 shooting incidents with injury reported last year by the Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Hempstead police departments, the fewest on record since 2006, when the three departments began reporting this data to the State. Meanwhile, preliminary data from January through September 2024, the most recent available, showed a 7 percent reduction in reported crime on Long Island when compared to the same nine-month period in 2023. Public safety is my number one priority and this expansion enables law enforcement to share intelligence, analysis and support to identify hotspots and crime patterns that help them work smarter, Governor Hochul said. The intelligence-sharing and coordination facilitated by these centers allows law enforcement agencies across the State to focus resources where they are needed most, maximizing our ability to keep New Yorkers safe. Located at the Suffolk County Police Department Headquarters in Yaphank, the Suffolk Crime Analysis Center is more than triple its original size: 5,000 square feet compared to 1,700 square feet when it was first established in 2019.The Center now accommodates seating for 45, up from 16, and features a state-of-the-art, 24-foot-wide, 4.5-foot-high video wall. The Center is staffed with crime analysts and law enforcement personnel, funded by State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS); the Suffolk County Police Department; the countys District Attorneys Office, Sheriffs Office, Probation Department, and Child Protective Services; Nassau County Police Department; the New York City Police Department; MTA Police Department, the New York State Police; the New York Air National Guard; the State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision; and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, Crime analysts play a critical role in supporting law enforcement investigations. At our Crime Analysis Centers, these professionals work with local, state and federal law enforcement personnel who share their knowledge and expertise and leverage technology to access information and data that results in a more targeted, strategic approach to solving and deterring crime. I applaud the work of these dedicated public servants, commend our partners in Suffolk County and across the state for their continued collaboration and support, and thank Governor Hochul for her investment in this vital work and commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe. New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, I applaud Governor Hochul for her continued support and for recognizing the critical role that crime analysis plays in solving and addressing the crimes that impact our neighborhoods and communities daily. Resources like the Suffolk Crime Analysis Center are imperative to collecting and sharing crucial data with our law enforcement partners so that together, we can solve crimes more quickly and prevent future incidents. The Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Hempstead police departments are among the 28 police departments and other law enforcement agencies in 21 counties that receive nearly $36 million through the States Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative to reduce shootings and save lives. Those three Long Island agencies collectively reported double-digit declines in the shooting metrics GIVE agencies are required to report to the State. When comparing last year to 2023: Shooting incidents with injury declined 39 percent (44 v. 72). The number of individuals injured by gunfire decreased 35 percent (59 v. 91). There were six fewer individuals killed by gun violence, a 38 percent decrease (10 v. 16). Preliminary index crime reported by police agencies on Long Island showed a 7 percent reduction from January through September 2024 vs. 2023. Violent crime (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) decreased 4 percent and property crime (burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft) declined 7 percent. Under Governor Hochuls leadership, DCJS has received record-level funding for the Crime Analysis Center Network ($18 million), GIVE ($36 million), SNUG Street Outreach Program ($21 million) and Project RISE ($20 million), four key initiatives that provide funding and support to local law enforcement and community partners working to address the causes and consequences of gun violence and other crime. In her FY26 Executive Budget, Governor Hochul continues those investments and adds another $13 million to establish the New York State Crime Analysis and Joint Special Operations Command Headquarters. The command headquarters would be a strategic information, technical assistance and training hub for the 11 centers and enhance existing partnerships and expand information sharing with the New York State Intelligence Center operated by the State Police, the locally run Nassau County Lead Development Center, and the States Joint Security Operations Center, which focuses on protecting the State from cyber threats. Last year alone, staff at the Suffolk Center received 30,010 requests for service nearly a quarter of the 130,928 total requests received by the network and assisted 70 different law enforcement agencies with cases ranging from hit and run crashes to murders. An executive board of directors oversees the center, composed of officials from DCJS, the Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County District Attorneys Office, Suffolk County Sheriffs Office, and Shelter Island Police Department, which represents the Suffolk County Chiefs of Police Association. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, Suffolk Countys number one priority is to keep our communities safe. As host to one of the largest intelligence centers in the state, we further our commitment to public safety through the implementation of advanced technology and allocation of necessary resources for our local law enforcement agencies to effectively investigate and deter crime. Suffolk County Acting Police Commissioner Robert Waring said, The Crime Analysis Center is a great resource that brings representatives from law enforcement agencies together in one location, allowing for easy communication and shared resources. By having the technology in this center, along with analysts identifying trends and patterns, we are furthering our mission of solving and deterring crime. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said, The expansion of the Suffolk Crime Analysis Center (CAC) is a great step towards transparency and collaboration with all our law enforcement partners. The CAC is a vital support system for the men and women in law enforcement and who are out in the field day in and day out putting their lives on the line for the citizens of Suffolk County. Having representatives from multiple organizations in the same room sharing intelligence in real time is the key to effective policing. There is no replacement for communication, collaboration and the open flow of information between all law enforcement agencies. It is a key to success." Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. said, The expansion of the Suffolk Crime Analysis Center is a strategic investment in public safety and will further improve the effectiveness of law enforcement operations. By increasing staffing and expanding the centers footprint, Suffolk County law enforcement agencies will be better equipped to coordinate intelligence, streamline investigations, and bring more criminals to justice. Thank you to Governor Hochul and our New York State partners for their support in ensuring Suffolk County remains at the forefront of innovation to keep our communities safe. Man Goes on Beer Run at Blue Point Supermarket but Neglects to Pay, Police Say Crime By Chris Boyle Published: January 24 2025 A man stole beer from King Kullen, located at 29 Montauk Highway, on December 29 at 12:05 p.m. Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fifth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the publics help to identify and locate the man who stole beer from a Blue Point store in December. A man stole beer from King Kullen, located at 29 Montauk Highway, on December 29 at 12:05 p.m. Sudan is forgotten! reads the headline of the editorial in this weeks Al Naba newsletter, the Islamic States weekly publication highlighting its global activities. In the commentary, the terrorist groups editors explicitly make a call for jihad and argue that Muslims in Sudan should take up arms under the Islamic States banner. The Islamic State now joins its rival, Al Qaeda, in fomenting violent jihad and encouraging Sudanese individuals and groups to join its cause. Al Qaeda first called for a Sudanese jihad in late 2022, just months before the countrys current civil war began. Among the wounds that are bleeding silently and without stopping are the wounds of our oppressed brothers in forgotten Sudan, where Muslims there are exposed to the most heinous crimes of murder, imprisonment, torture, violation of their honor, and the theft of their money and property, the editorial states. The Islamic State argues that both sides of Sudans brutal civil conflict are responsible for engaging in these activities, explicitly stating that [Abdel Fattah] al Burhan and [Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo] Hemeti are enemies of Islam, as such they must be opposed, disbelieved in, and neither of them should be relied upon, no matter the outcome of the war between them. Burhan, recently sanctioned by the US Treasury Department, is the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the de facto leader of Sudan. Hemeti, also sanctioned by the US government, is the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a continuation of the former Janjaweed militias responsible for the genocide in Darfur in the early 2000s. Both the RSF and SAF were instruments of power under the regime of former dictator Omar al Bashir. Following Bashirs deposal in early 2019, a transitional government led by both civilians and the military headed Sudan until October 2021, when the SAF removed all civilian leadership and declared military rule. The SAF and RSF then vied for power and influence under the military regime until the tensions finally turned to open bloodshed in April 2023. Both the SAF and RSF have been accused of committing mass atrocities and grave human rights abuses since the civil war began. The two main factions of the civil war, according to the Islamic State, are part of the infidel world order, seeking to enforce the ignorant borders that restrict Muslims and imprison them. The editorial continues by saying that whoever follows the steps they took under the supervision of America and Saudi Arabia knows that they are both fighting against Sharia and are only loyal to the Jews and Christians. According to the terrorist groups commentary, the solution to bring back the honor and dignity of Muslims in Sudan is quite simple: jihad. Supporting Muslims in Sudan is the duty of every able Muslim, just as in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Palestine, and elsewhere, the editorial states. This can only be achieved through jihad and fighting, or through spending money [to support jihad], or through encouragement [of jihad]. In addition to extolling the virtues of supporting fellow Muslims, the Islamic State doubles down on its call to arms. This is a message to the Muslim youth and mujahideen inside Sudan about working diligently to exploit the situation for the benefit of jihad, either through recruitment or preparation, in order to establish a nucleus that confronts the short-term dangers and help establish a long-term jihad. Speaking to regular civilians, the Islamic State ends its rant by encouraging them to turn to Islam, announce a jihad, and support the mujahideen since, according to the global jihadist group, this is the only way to save themselves. Working towards jihad in Sudan Though the Islamic State is just now publicly calling for jihad inside Sudan, it has quietly operated in the country with a dedicated cell since at least 2019though recruiters and facilitators had been active before then. Sudanese fighters were among the largest foreign component of the Islamic State in Libya during its height in 2016, for instance. Sudanese authorities previously attempted to quash the relatively small network by periodically announcing raids or arrests of Islamic State members, such as in September and October 2021, when authorities arrested over a dozen members and killed several others across Khartoum. Nevertheless, the Islamic States Sudanese network has persisted. However, it does not yet appear to be a network for attacks; rather, for finances, procurement, and logistics for other Islamic State wings. The United Nations Sanctions and Monitoring Team has periodically reported on this network. In July 2023, its report noted that the Islamic States network in Sudan contains between 100 and 200 people and is headed by a veteran Iraqi jihadist, Abu Bakr al Iraqi, who is a blood relative of former Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi. Under Iraqis leadership, the network has been described as a logistical and financial base [] from which transit and investment would take place. The report also notes that Iraqi operates and maintains an array of businesses across both Sudan and Turkey, from which the profits are used to support the Islamic State across Africa, most notably its West Africa and Sahel Provinces. Though the UN report doesnt mention this, it is likely the Sudan cell also helps support the Islamic States Somalia Province, as Sudanese fighters represent a significant component of that groups foreign fighters. The terrorist groups Sudan network may assist additional Islamic State wings in Africa as well, though this support is unclear. Not much else is known about the Islamic States activities inside Sudan. However, with the groups now open call for jihad inside the country, a close eye should be kept on this network, as it may transition from a support role into an operational/attack one. The Islamic State clearly already has a skeleton in place from which it could build a new so-called province within the overall groups structure. However, whether or not the Islamic State feels confident enough to transition to open warfare in Sudan remains the big question. Regardless, this scenario should be seen as a real possibility. As mentioned, the Islamic States rival Al Qaeda has also tried to foment jihad inside Sudan. For instance, in October 2022, Abu Hudhayfah al Sudani, a veteran member of Al Qaeda, released a booklet in which he called for and incited jihad, providing a guide that prospective jihadists could use to form a unified group in his native Sudan. So far, though, nothing has seemingly come from Al Qaedas call to arms, at least publicly. That said, the group has often operated more secretly than the Islamic State and thus could have some sort of clandestine cell. It is also worth noting that Islamists are already fighting alongside the SAF, particularly the Al Baraa bin Malik Battalion, and other groups within the broader Popular Resistance umbrella under the tutelage of the military. Jihadists and other Islamists have also been freed in prison breaks since the civil war started. It is certainly possible that elements or individuals previously linked to Al Qaeda are already active and thus active alongside SAFbut this remains wholly unconfirmed. Al Qaeda does have a longer history inside the country, as it was once based there in the early 1990s. The terrorist group has had various cells in Sudan throughout the years, such as a cell in Salamah, a suburb of Khartoum, in 2007; a cell in the Dinder National Park in 2012; and two organizations, Ansar al Tawhid and Al Qaeda in the Land of Two Niles, in the late 2000s to early 2010s. In more recent years, Al Qaeda is not known to have been particularly active inside Sudan. However, as Abu Hudhayfah al Sudanis booklet made clear, the group obviously wishes to be. Whether or not it makes a more concerted public effort in the face of the Islamic States separate call to arms remains to be seen. At any rate, both global jihadist organizations have now openly called for jihad in Sudan, and the Islamic State is known already to have an existing network structure active inside the country. As the civil war continues to drag onand deteriorate into additional chaos and atrocitiesthese jihadists may find more opportunities to latch onto publicly and catapult themselves into the conflict. Caleb Weiss is an editor of FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa. Weapons seized from the suspects killed by Israeli forces. (IDF) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Wednesday that it located and eliminated two suspects in the northern West Bank village of Burqin who were wanted for murdering three Israelis during a shooting attack in Al Funduq on January 6. Israeli forces killed both terrorists after they barricaded themselves in a structure and moderately wounded a soldier. The IDF named the suspects as Muhammad Nazzal and Katiba Shalabi, who were residents of Qabatiya and affiliated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). One member of the three-man cell remains on the run. Following the January 6 shooting, Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack in a joint operation with PIJ and the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. Footage of the shooting shows three gunmen near a vehicle where two Israelis were murdered. A third Israeli in another vehicle was also shot and killed in the incident. After the deaths of Nazzal and Shalabi, Hamas issued mourning notices and posters of the pair. PIJ issued a similar statement and claimed Nazzal belonged to the groups Qabatiya branch but did not mention Shalabis affiliation. FDDs Long War Journal was not able to locate a statement by Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades about the deaths of Nazzal and Shalabi. Its difficult to say why both Hamas and PIJ claimed Nazzal as a member. However, on rare occasions, more than one group has covered a dead fighter with their flag or bandana. For example, Saddam Hussein Bani Odeh, who was killed by Israeli troops in 2020, had a Hamas flag and a PIJ bandana on his body during his funeral. For the last four years, the West Bank has experienced a significant amount of violence, primarily led by Hamas, PIJ, and the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. With Irans support, these armed groups have become better organized and well-armed, expanding their presence to multiple villages and cities in the northern part of the territory. Now that Israel is seemingly done fighting in Gaza, its military has a freer hand to concentrate on the persistent security challenges in the West Bank. Hamas, Iran, PIJ, and its allies will attempt to keep the flames high in the West Bank over the foreseeable future. Its in their interest to keep Israel busy in the territory while they rebuild from the losses suffered in the multi-front war against Israel. Decisionmakers in Jerusalem understand this challenge and will try to severely degrade terrorist groups in the West Bank before other fronts reignite in the future. Joe Truzman is an editor and senior research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian armed groups and non-state actors in the Middle East. Dear Eric: I love my family. I went away as the gay black sheep but always have tried to be the one who gives back. I paid for college and a Ph.D. on my own steam (scholarships and three jobs). I have sent multiple gifts to everyone in the family over the years, despite my crushing student loan debt. I paid for my nieces RN program after my brother abandoned her. I head home every holiday, give more cash, and spend time. Now, Im at a breaking point. Over the past five years, my dads alcoholism has taken over. Im 45 and am simply exhausted and want to start taking the holidays for myself, but it will devastate the family. He will not accept Alcoholics Anonymous or any help. He is a product of the 1950s, experienced trauma after his own father died by violent gun suicide when Dad was 12. Giving them so much money and time has resulted in me not having enough for a down payment for my own home, despite being reasonably successful. But Ive created these expectations, maybe because I wanted to be the healer in the group. How do I disentangle but be present, and let them know I cant always be there? Healer Dear Healer: I say this with compassion: its time to stop trying to fix your family and heal yourself. You describe yourself as the gay black sheep, so it makes sense that youd respond to feelings of rejection by trying to earn your familys love through your achievements, and by giving them money and sacrificing yourself. But, as youre discovering, this behavior doesnt fill up an emotional bank. It tosses time, money, and energy down a bottomless well. Talking to a counselor who works with LGBTQ+ folks will give you the tools to separate whats yours and what belongs to your family. In therapy, you can also practice having conversations that set better boundaries. This wont be easy, and it wont always feel good, but, with practice, youll get better at it. Even though your father wont go to Alcoholics Anonymous, look into Al-Anon (al-anon.org/) or SMART Recovery Family Groups (smartrecovery.org) for yourself. These groups can help you process your fathers alcoholism and the inherited trauma. Also, I recommend the book Codependent No More by Melody Battle. In the short term, pick one boundary that youre going to experiment with setting. Maybe its not giving out checks, maybe its missing a holiday. Imagine the worst response to setting that boundary and ask yourself, will that response, if it happens, destroy me or the family? It wont. Healthy boundaries help everyone. After youve imagined the worst, set the boundary and stick to it. You may get pushback, but youll also get a little bit of freedom. (Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.) 2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The first album to feature The Doobie Brothers' core lineup in 50 years will drop this spring. The band said on Instagram Wednesday that their new album Walk This Road will be released on Friday, June 6. Featuring a reunited lineup of members Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston, John McFee and Michael McDonald, Walk This Road embodies a sense of hope and togetherness, in terms of searching for the right path forward, the post reads. Three songs from the album have already been released: Walk This Road with Mavis Staples, Call Me and Lahaina featuring Mick Fleetwood, Jake Shimabukuro and Henry Kapono. Walk This Road is available for pre-order and pre-save now. The albums full track list is below: Walk this Road (feat. Mavis Staples) Angels & Mercy Call Me Learn to Let Go State of Grace Here to Stay The Kind That Lasts New Orleans Speed of Pain Lahaina (feat. Mick Fleetwood, Jake Shimabukuro & Henry Kapono) Simmons, the co-founder of The Doobie Brothers, originally revealed plans for the album in December. Simmons wrote on Facebook Monday, Dec. 30, that a new album featuring McDonald, Johnston and McFee would be released sometime in the spring or summer of 2025. This train keeps rollin down the track and were almost ready to release our new album Walk This Road sometime after the first of the year, Simmons wrote. We have 10 new songs sung by Tom, Michael and Pat. The three of us wrote songs and collaborated together. We had a lot of fun recording it and we feel very proud of the results. The album will be the first with new music featuring McDonald, Simmons and Johnston since Takin It to the Streets was released in 1975. Johnston left The Doobie Brothers in 1977 and McDonald left in 1982, though both members have reunited with the band in later years. The band released a new album in 2021 called Liberte, but it did not feature McDonald, according to the albums credits on discogs.com. Formed in 1970, the Doobie Brothers are a classic rock band with hit songs such as China Grove, Listen to the Music, Takin It to the Streets, Black Water and What a Fool Believes, which won a Grammy for Record of the Year in 1980. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. In 2024, the band stopped in Massachusetts and performed at the Xfinity Center on Aug. 12 in Mansfield as part of their 2024 tour. Tour dates for 2025 have yet to be announced or listed on the Doobie Brothers website. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) It started to get real when the artwork was taken down from her office walls. The collection all creations of Indigenous artists had been handpicked by U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland over the last four years as she guided one of the nations most expansive federal agencies. Then came the tears as people came and went, sharing hugs while Haaland tried to wrap up her last day at the office. She set out four years ago on a historic journey as the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. She came in with a series of seemingly simple but ambitious goals: address the climate and biodiversity crisis, make the outdoors accessible to more people, lift the veil on a difficult chapter in American history, and usher in a new era for Indian Country. From energy development on public lands and securing water resources amid ongoing drought to making good on the nations promises to Native Americans, Haaland vowed to take a balanced approach and to listen. She told The Associated Press in an interview Friday that she feels she lived up to that vow. Haaland believes President Joe Biden nominated her for the job because he wanted a cabinet that reflected America. As a member of Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico, Haaland brought a different perspective one never before infused into decision-making at that level. I really felt like I relied on the way I was raised, on my cultural wellbeing, the traditional aspects of who I am. Im a pueblo woman first, she said, and I see things through that lens. Drill? Not so fast, baby Even during her time in Congress, Haaland wasnt shy about voicing opposition to oil and gas and supporting the Green New Deal. She was grilled during congressional hearings about her radical views, with Republicans suggesting the administrations distaste for drilling would cost the country jobs and compromise national security. In his first days in office, Biden shut down oil and gas lease sales from the nations vast public lands and waters, citing worries about climate change. Haalands agency was charged with doing a comprehensive review. Court wrangling ensued, resulting in an indefinite delay in planned oil and gas lease sales on public lands in a half-dozen states in the West. Despite campaign promises to end new drilling on federal lands, leasing resumed and production reached record levels during the Biden administration, with the U.S. now producing more than ever before. Haaland acknowledged production was high during her tenure, but she noted that it came with nearly four dozen new renewable energy projects on federal lands and the conservation of more than 1 million square miles (2.7 million square kilometers). Some federal land was taken off the board through administrative withdrawals, like that in northwestern New Mexico where some tribes advocated for greater protections for areas beyond the boundaries of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. As it turns out, you dont have to lease millions and millions of acres, Haaland said. We really worked at zeroing in on where these leases should happen so that we can ensure that other land is open to conservation. For the love of bears and beyond Haaland co-sponsored legislation while in Congress to increase protections for grizzly bears and reintroduce them on tribal lands. It was a fight that continued while she was secretary. Just this month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced continued protections for grizzly bears in the Rocky Mountains despite opposition from Republican-led states. Haaland sees threats to biodiversity and climate change as twin challenges, as rising temperatures, drought and wildfires put more pressure on endangered and threatened species and their homes. As part of an effort to protect more species and provide more wildlife viewing opportunities, Haaland created six national wildlife refuges and expanded the boundaries of five more during her tenure. Species that made enough progress to have protections removed included the Apache trout Arizonas state fish and the snail darter. For Haaland, her advocacy is deeply rooted, stemming from ancestors who served as the first stewards of the land. I stand on the shoulders of so many people that have spoken out for the Earth and its animals, who stood up for Indian Country, for women, for civil rights, she said. New era for Indian Country From the start, Haaland wanted to usher in what she called a new era for Indian Country. That meant honoring and elevating tribal sovereignty. Not with words but with actions, she said. Native American leaders have long considered the consultation process a check-the-box exercise for the federal government. So Haaland established a tribal advisory committee within her department, while Biden issued mandates for prioritizing and standardizing consultation across federal agencies. The administration reached 400 co-stewardship agreements with tribes, ensuring their role in land management. And new national monuments were created, setting aside ancestral lands across the western U.S., from the edge of the Grand Canyon to sandstone landscapes in Utah and palm-tree dotted deserts in California. Haaland also pointed to record investments of nearly $45 billion for tribal infrastructure projects and social programs. This came after decades of underfunding, neglect and oppression, she said. You cant right every single wrong in just four years. These things are going to have to be ongoing, Haaland said, encouraging tribal leaders to stay vocal and maintain a seat at the table. Haaland is keenly aware that Indian Country isnt a monolith, as each of the 574 federally recognized tribes has its own culture, beliefs and needs. There were times when tribal leaders spoke out, saying Haaland was ignoring concerns about the potential effects of mining or renewable energy projects on sacred places. A painful chapter of history One of her greatest accomplishments was shining a light on a relatively untold part of Americas history a dark period in which Native American children were ripped away from their families and carted off to boarding schools for reprogramming. Haaland has talked about her own grandparents being victims of the campaign to erase language, culture and identity. She launched a first-of-its kind initiative to uncover the scope of the damage done by the boarding schools. The heartbreaking work involved combing through millions of documents and holding listening sessions where community members struggling with generational trauma shared their experiences. Haalands department turned out major reports that identified the schools that had government support and uncovered the fates of hundreds of children who never returned home. The final volume listed policy recommendations to aid in healing. Those recommendations were turned over to the White House, with Haaland saying she had no idea the outcome would be so profound. She didnt call the president and make a special request. Instead, Bidens team called immediately and said the president wanted to issue an apology. Haaland joined Biden at the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona for the announcement. She reflected on that moment during a farewell address last week before a packed auditorium of employees, tribal leaders and others. She said she could feel the power of those who persevered through unthinkable odds so she and others could stand there that day. Haaland chalks up her own perseverance to community, saying things can be accomplished only when people work together. She pointed to her pueblo ancestors centuries ago gathering millions of pounds of stone, mixing mortar and hauling water to construct one of the great houses at the Chaco park. I thought about the weight of their legacy, she said, a weight that, while heavy, has motivated me to lead this department, which just a few generations ago tried to erase Indigenous peoples and our ways of life. By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN Associated Press A Connecticut man was sentenced Wednesday in Boston federal court for his role in a bank robbery on Marthas Vineyard in November 2022. Romane Andre Clayton, 22, of New Haven, Connecticut was sentenced to four years in prison with three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said. Clayton pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting bank robbery in September, Foley said. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2023. A superseding indictment was filed in April 2023. Clayton met Omar Johnson, Tevin Porter and Miquel Jones in Marthas Vineyard on Nov. 16, 2022, to plan a bank robbery, Foley said. Jones identified the bank theyd rob and gave the others dark-colored clothing and plastic masks that made them look like old men, Foley said. The group drove near Rockland Trust Bank in Tisbury on Nov. 17, 2022, Foley said. Porter, Jones and Johnson hid in bushes near the back of the bank. Clayton drove their car to the Manuel Correllus State Forest. Clayton then rode a bike back to the bank, where he stood outside to serve as a lookout during the bank robbery, Foley said. He had a walkie-talkie to talk with the others in the bank. As the bank workers arrived to open the bank, Porter, Jones and Johnson forced their way through the back door of Rockland Trust, Foley said. They had two semi-automatic handguns. They were also wearing the clothes and masks that Jones gave them. Once they were in the bank, one of the men held a gun to a workers head, forced them to open the banks vault and take out around $39,100, Foley said. The employees were tied with duct tape and plastic zip ties while their belongings were searched. The robbers also demanded access to one of their vehicles. Jones, Porter and Johnson then left the bank in a workers car, Foley said. They then picked up Clayton outside the bank and drove away to the Manuel Correllus State Forest, where they left the workers car in the parking lot. They then fled in the vehicle that Clayton had left for purposes of their escape, Foley said. Porter and Clayton left Marthas Vineyard together on a ferry on Nov. 17, 2022, Foley said. Johnson and Jones drove to a local farm tied to Jones' landscaping job to throw the equipment that they used in the robbery away. At the farm, they buried the guns used in the robbery in a hole in the ground. They also burned the remainder of the robbery equipment, including the masks. Jones went to his house after the evidence was disposed of, Foley said. At his home, he hid the money that was stolen from the bank in a bedroom under a bureau. Johnson left Marthas Vineyard, reconvened with Porter and Clayton in Woods Hole and then drove them to the area of Johnsons home in New Hampshire, Foley said. In December, Jones was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison with three years of supervised release, Foley said. Johnson and Porter pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. The staff of a Harvard University program identifying the descendants of people enslaved by the schools affiliates has been laid off, with the program itself now being outsourced to a New England nonprofit, The Harvard Crimson reported on Thursday. The Harvard Slavery Remembrance Program will continue under the genealogical nonprofit American Ancestors, one of Harvards external research partners, the Crimson wrote. With no advance notice, the programs employees learned that they were terminated after 11 a.m., HSRP Director Richard J. Cellini and research fellow Wayne W. Tucker told the Crimson. Cellini learned of his termination less than an hour before the rest of the team was informed. No reason was given to the team members, the Crimson reported. When the Crimson asked Harvard spokesperson Sarah E. Kennedy OReilly about the reason for the layoffs, she declined, citing university policy. Under American Ancestors, the group plans to significantly expand its own ongoing work of identifying the individuals who were enslaved and liking former slaves with their descendants, according to a statement from Vice Provost for Special Projects Sara N. Bleich obtained by the Crimson. The layoffs come one week after the programs researchers spoke with the prime minister and governor-general of Antigua and Barbuda after the program found several hundred people enslaved by Harvard affiliates in that part of the world for less than two centuries, the Crimson wrote. This adds to the more than 300 enslaved people who have been identified, along with more than 100 living descendants detected as of September, the newspaper reported. In September, the Crimson reported on the Harvard Slavery Remembrance Programs presence at Harvard and how the program was hampered by internal tension, alleged pushback over its scope, and leadership turnover, as the newspaper described. Two Ashland residents lost the right to vote in New Hampshire for voting in two general elections and one school district election in the state even though they were based in Massachusetts, officials said. Joshua and Lisa Urovitch, 56 and 54 respectively, each pleaded guilty and were sentenced on Thursday at Merrimack County Superior Court, according to New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella. The pair owned a home in Concord, New Hampshire, the attorney general said. Since at least 2020, the Urovitches have lived in Ashland, while renting their Concord property to tenants. The tenants who lived in the Concord property between 2020 and 2024 said the Urovitches only visited the place as landlords and never lived there, the attorney general said. New Hampshire charged Joshua Urovitch and Lisa Urovitch with three counts of wrongful voting each, the attorney general said. They used the address of their Concord property to wrongfully vote in the Granite State during the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election, the Nov. 8, 2022 General Election and the Nov. 8, 2022, Concord School District Election. As part of the negotiated plea, the Urovitches each pled guilty to one Class A misdemeanor of wrongful voting, a violation of the states election laws, the attorney general said. The state also dismissed the Urovitches' two remaining wrongful voting charges. Joshua and Lisa Urovitch were each sentenced to 12 months in the House of Corrections, all suspended for two years on the condition of their good behavior, the attorney general said. The court also ordered the pair to each pay a $2,000 fine with a penalty assessment of $480, the attorney general said. New Hampshire also imposed another civil penalty of $1,240 each. It has been two years since authorities said Lindsay Clancy killed her three children. Yet, a trial remains nearly a year away. The 34-year-old Duxbury mother, paralyzed from the waist down, is being held for court-ordered treatment at Tewksbury Hospital. She is pursuing whats known as the insanity defense for the events that unfolded on Jan. 24, 2023, when her three children were killed. Plymouth County authorities indicted Clancy on three counts each of murder and strangulation in the deaths of her three children: Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and 7-month-old Callan. In the days after the killings, Clancys attorney said at her arraignment that she suffered from severe mental illness at the time, dealt with complications from overmedication and grappled with postpartum depression and potentially postpartum psychosis. Her husband, Patrick Clancy, has since moved to Manhattan and told The New Yorker that he hoped to root out lies and misinformation surrounding Clancys case. I wasnt married to a monster I was married to someone who got sick, Patrick Clancy said in an article published in October 2024. In a GoFundMe started by Patrick Clancy only days after the children died, he wrote, The real Lindsay was generously loving and caring All I wish for her now is that she can somehow find peace. The fundraiser raised more than $1 million. Clancys case renewed attention surrounding perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, also known as PMADs. One of the disorders, postpartum psychosis which Clancys defense attorney has referenced is rare and affects one or two in a thousand women. Clancys trial is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2026, and her case renewed conversations about postpartum mental health and how well its understood. Deliberate premeditation or momentary psychosis? Clancy worked as a delivery nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital and letters of support from friends and longtime colleagues described her as a caring mother. (Clancy) is a compassionate, supportive and excellent nurse, wrote Grace McNulty, a registered nurse, in a letter submitted to the court. There wasnt anything she loved more than her children Cora, Dawson, Callan and husband Patrick. I am proud to stand by her. Lindsay Clancy is a Duxbury mom facing murder charges. The letters stand in stark contrast to the calculating killer described by prosecutors. Prosecutors said that Clancy was a danger to herself and others and that she planned the killings with deliberate premeditation and extreme atrocity and cruelty. At her arraignment, they described how she asked her husband to pick up medicine for the children from CVS and ordered take-out from a restaurant in a neighboring town. She used Apple Maps to figure out how long the errands would take, and between 5:15 p.m. and 6 p.m. that day, the children were strangled with exercise bands, authorities said. Clancy then made superficial cuts to her wrists and jumped out of a second-floor window in an attempted suicide, according to prosecutors. The defendant did not take advantage of the situation when her husband left the house that night, Plymouth Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague asserted at Clancys arraignment in February 2023. She created the situation, and she used Apple Maps to make sure she would have enough time to strange each child before her husband returned from where she had sent him. Plymouth County Assistant DA Jennifer Sprague watches the arraignment of Lindsay Clancy at Plymouth District Court on Feb. 7, 2023. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)Boston Globe via Getty Images Clancys attorney, Kevin Reddington, strongly denied the characterization of a scheming mother. He instead described her mental health troubles in the months before the killings and how she failed to receive adequate treatment. The Duxbury mother was not officially diagnosed with postpartum depression before the childrens deaths, but doctors prescribed a cocktail of medications for generalized anxiety, according to Reddington. Weeks before the killings, she voluntarily checked herself into McLean Hospital, a psychiatric facility in Belmont, on New Years Day. The hospital discharged Clancy a few days later on Jan. 5, 2023, and did not find her a danger to herself or others. Our society fails miserably in treating women with postpartum depression or even postpartum psychosis, Reddington said, adding that it had been a relatively short period of time since the birth of the Clancys youngest child, Callan, before the killings. In comments to reporters after the arraignment, Reddington said prosecutors showed a lack of understanding of postpartum mental health. Our society completely abandons women with this condition, Reddington argued. Its medicate, medicate, medicate, throw the pills at you and then see how it works. Defense attorney Kevin Reddington presents his case to Judge John Canavan in Plymouth District Court during Lindsay Clancy's arraignment in the killing of her three children, in Plymouth, Mass., Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. (Chris Christo/The Boston Herald via AP)AP Changes to criminal law? Countries in Europe and Asia have laws that recognize postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis in criminal matters and many allow for treatment rather than punishment. In the United States, only Illinois recognizes the condition in criminal cases. A law passed in 2018 allows judges to weigh postpartum mental illness as a potential mitigating factor when determining sentencing. The law also allows for women who were convicted of a felony, but who did not have evidence of postpartum disorders presented at trial or sentencing, to apply for post-conviction sentence reduction. This law was the first criminal statute in the entire nation that recognized postpartum illnesses for what they are, a unique, involuntary, and pernicious effect on a mothers ability to care for and protect her child, wrote Susan Feingold and Barry Lewis in the book, Advocating for Women with Postpartum Mental Illness: A Guide to Changing the Law and National Climate. Feingold consulted with Massachusetts lawmakers state Rep. James ODay, D-Worcester, and state Sen. Joan Lovely, D-2nd Essex in drafting a bill first filed in the Massachusetts State House nearly five years ago. ODay, the bills lead sponsor, previously told MassLive that the proposed law has been described as controversial. He said the bill would allow criminal defendants the opportunity to present evidence of postpartum psychosis even for extreme cases such as first- and second-degree murder. In Duxbury, there seems to be very little interest on the DAs part to give any sort of credence to the possibility of what transpired having been related to some sort of mental health illnesses, ODay said. And what transpired was really horrific and sad and its really hard for people to contemplate and wrap their heads around. And I understand that. But who in their right mind would treat their child in that manner if there wasnt some type of mental illness potential involved with the matter? However, the bill has not received strong support in the state Legislature and was sent to study by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary last session. A makeshift memorial continues to grow on January 31, 2023 in Duxbury, Massachusetts in front of the home of Lindsay Clancy. (Photo by Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)MediaNews Group via Getty Images ODay argued that the law is important for criminal cases to determine whether pregnancy-related disorders couldve driven a mothers actions. That could determine whether a mother receives treatment or punishment post-trial. Postpartum mental illness needs to be investigated to do away with the idea that this was just some sort of evil act and that it was something else responsible for the act thats the mitigation of the scenario, ODay said. In the meantime, Clancys attorney argued in court filings that she cannot be held criminally responsible for her actions due to her mental condition. Yet the Clancy case has renewed calls in Massachusetts to improve screening, treatment and awareness of perinatal mental health for mothers. Patrick Clancy told The New Yorker that Clancy suffered from insomnia and that various doctors seemed to prescribe medications hoping something would work. He told the magazine that none of Clancys providers ever warned about the possibility of postpartum psychosis. I never even heard the term until after the kids died, he told the magazine. Whats next? Earlier this month, a judge ruled that Clancy must submit to a psychiatric examination, or multiple if necessary, by an expert chosen by the prosecution. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Feb. 7. Clancy is set to appear via Zoom. A Guatemalan man was convicted Thursday afternoon for raping a woman over 20 years ago in Attleboro, officials said. Eduardo Mendez, 51, of Guatemala, was convicted on the charge of aggravated rape after a jury trial at the Fall River Superior Court, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III. He will be scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 27, the district attorney said. A 36-year-old woman was walking home in Attleboro on June 9, 1994, the district attorney said. She was then approached by a group of men from behind. She was then dragged a short distance into a nearby apartment hallway where she was raped by Mendez, the district attorney said. After the men fled the area, a 14-year-old, who was walking with a friend, heard the womans screams, the district attorney said. He brought the woman to the Attleboro police station. The woman was taken to Sturdy Memorial Hospital where evidence from the rape was collected into a kit, the district attorney said. The kit went untested for a number of years, the district attorney said. In 2019, the kit was sent to the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory for testing, the district attorney. The test revealed male DNA sperm cells that matched Mendez. A South Yarmouth man was sentenced Thursday in Boston federal court for having a gun and ammunition as a felon, federal authorities said. Michael Giampapa, 33, was sentenced to 45 months in prison with three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said. He pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in September. There was a domestic disturbance at a home in South Yarmouth involving Giampapa and a family member on March 16, 2022, Foley said. Giampapa was barricaded in the basement when police came, Foley said. While he was speaking on the phone with a family member, he said he had a gun. Giampapa eventually left the home and was arrested after a standoff with the police, Foley said. A Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard loaded .380 handgun was found inside a cereal box on open shelving in the basement during a search of the home Giampapa was staying in, Foley said. Giampapa had previously been convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, Foley said. United States Capitol Police arrested a Massachusetts man in connection with carrying a gun inside the U.S. Capitol Building on Tuesday. James Faber, 27, of Carlisle, faces charges of unlawful activities, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and resisting arrest, according to a police statement. At this time, there is no indication that the man was coming to harm the Congress, Capitol Police said. Thankfully nobody was hurt. The Carlisle Police Department received a call about Faber on Monday, according to a statement on Facebook. Police learned that he left the state in his car. Carlisle police worked in coordination with several law enforcement agencies along the coast and ultimately with authorities in Washington, D.C., the department said. On Jan. 21, one day after the 60th presidential inauguration, Capitol Police were notified of a man with reported mental health issues and suicidal thoughts who was believed to be armed and in the area, police said. At around 1:15 p.m. that day, officers found the mans car on First Street. The man, later identified as Faber, entered the Capitol Visitor Center to take a tour, police said. About an hour later, he was seen leaving the Library of Congress and walking to his car. The suspect then attempted to put his hands in his pockets and was restrained by multiple officers on scene, according to the Capitol Police crime blotter. The suspect resisted officers by locking his arms to his sides and was then placed in handcuffs. Officers searched and arrested Faber, where they found a holstered 9 mm handgun in his waistband, the crime blotter read. A security video from the Capitol Building showed Faber entering a checkpoint where a magnetometer had gone off, police said. After an officer searched Faber, he let the man go into the building. The USCPs Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting an investigation into this officer, who has since been suspended. The USCP demands the highest standards when it comes to screening visitors, so a full review of this incident has already been ordered, as well as mandatory refresher training on security screening, so this never happens again, the statement concluded. A 22-year-old Massachusetts man was driving drunk when he crossed over the center lanes and hit a police cruiser head-on Wednesday night, according to the Winthrop Police Department. Joseph Clemens, of Winthrop, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of liquor, marked lanes violation, speeding, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and possession of open containers of alcohol in a motor vehicle. At about 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, a Winthrop Police Officer was driving southeast on Veterans Road when a Ram 1500 pickup truck traveling northwest crossed the marked center lines and began driving on the wrong side of the road, police said. The truck then hit the police cruiser head-on, police said. The officer who was driving the cruiser was taken to the hospital. The officers injuries were non-life-threatening. Clemens was not injured. Both vehicles had significant front-end body damage and were towed from the scene, police said. Clemens was arrested and was arraigned in East Boston District Court on Thursday. A Swampscott man who hid the fact for 25 years that he oversaw prison camps and persecuted Serb prisoners during the Bosnian War was sentenced to prison, United States Attorney Leah Foleys office said. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper sentenced Kemal Mrndzic, 52, to 65 months, or more than five years, in prison followed by three years of supervised release, Foleys office said in a statement on Thursday. A grand jury in October 2024 previously convicted Mrndzic of engaging in a scheme to hide his involvement in persecuting Serbs at the notorious Celebici prison camp in 1992, lying to federal agents about his role in the camp, owning a fraudulently obtained certificate to become a U.S. citizen and Social Security card, and using a fraudulently obtained passport and certificate of naturalization. Through the brave testimony of the survivors of the Celebici prison camp, the persecution Mrndzic attempted to conceal was finally brought to light after over 30 years, Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New England, said in Foleys statement. Though we can never undo what the survivors endured, I hope this sentence brings some measure of justice, no matter how long delayed. During the Bosnian War, Mrndzic supervised the guards at the Celebici prison camp in the 1990s, Foleys office said. He was described by 21 former detainees as one of the most notable guards, treating prisoners viciously and taking part in the systematic and pervasive brutal torture and deprivation of basic human needs of hundreds of captive victims some of whom were elderly...," the statement read. Victims were forcibly detained with starvation rations and forced into manholes without light or enough oxygen to breathe for hours at a time, Foleys office continued. These victims were also beaten by the guards daily and nightly with bats, wooden poles and rifle butts. At trial in October, one survivor said they had their tongue burned with the heated blade of a knife, Foleys office said. Another victim said they were wrapped in an explosive fuse cord that was lit by a flame, while others were sexually abused. A United Nations tribunal convicted the two top commanders and one particularly sadistic guard of the camp after Celebicis crimes were investigated, Foleys office said. After Mrndzic spoke with investigators in 1996, he was not charged. He then left Bosnia by going to Croatia and applying as a refugee to the United States with a fake story where he claimed he fled his home after he was captured, interrogated and abused by Serb forces, unable to return home. His fake story was fueled by his own experience overseeing the prison camp before he was admitted to the United States as a refugee in 1999, Foleys office said. He became an American citizen 10 years later. Survivors of the Celebici prison camp living in the United States as refugees played a central role in the investigation and prosecution of this case, Foleys office said. They provided critical trial testimony and submitted moving victim impact statements. A Plymouth man agreed to plead guilty after federal authorities said he led a decade-long cyberstalking campaign against several people in Massachusetts through social media, email and online platforms. James Florence Jr., 36, is accused of programming multiple artificial intelligence-driven chatbots to mimic human conversation through text or voice interactions with people on social media, according to U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foleys Office. Federal officials also said he used generative AI tools to make sexual images of people to post online to websites that focus on shaming and degrading women. Florence agreed to plead guilty to seven counts of cyberstalking and one count of possession of child pornography, authorities said. He was charged with a criminal complaint in September. Florence ran an extensive cyberstalking campaign between January 2014 and September 2024, using several techniques and methods, including creating fake nude images of people, exposing their personal information and hacking into peoples accounts to harass and intimidate people, according to charging documents. His campaigns included obtaining and spreading private information about people, such as their photos which were frequently edited to look sexual, according to federal authorities. Florence also hacked into online accounts, created accounts in the other names of people and asked for fantasy sexual encounters on their behalf, federal prosecutors stated. Florence built a profile of one woman on an interactive platform using information about their underwear preference, the knowledge that they were sexually adventurous, used sex toys and had a sex swing in her house, federal prosecutors stated. Florence listed peoples home addresses and created fake accounts in their names and then posted or sent harmful content from those accounts, according to federal prosecutors. He also encouraged others to extort, shame, defame and intimidate people for pornographic material and stealing peoples underwear and using photos of the underwear to both harass them or engage with others online to further mutual sexual fantasies, according to federal prosecutors. In addition to having received threatening messages from social media and email accounts believed to be controlled by Florence, the victims also allegedly received harassing and extorting communications that are believed to be from users who messaged the victims as a result of Florences posts encouraging them to do so, Foleys office said in a press release. Florence created and posted photo collages of one person to a website, including images that were edited to make her look nude or semi-nude, federal authorities said. The images were accompanied by her personal information and captions that encouraged people to Post & Share Her Everywhere. Make The Whore Famous. Florences charge of stalking by electronic means provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, according to Foleys office. His other charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A Stoughton man will return to prison for sexually trafficking several women through abuse and threats after he was released just five years prior for the same crimes. Marvin Pompilus, 39, was sentenced in a Boston federal courtroom on Thursday to 13 years in prison by a judge, with five years of supervised released, according to the office of U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, Leah B. Foley. Pompilus will also be ordered to pay restitution. Pompilus was first convicted in Suffolk Superior Court in February 2018 for multiple counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and deriving support for prostitution. He served six years in state prison and was released in October 2021. Exactly three years later, Pompilus pleaded guilty in October 2024 to four counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Hed been arrested and charged in November of the previous year, and indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2024. After his release in October 2021, Pompilus went back to sex trafficking. He would threaten women, and physically, sexually and verbally abuse them into coercion, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Pompilus also withheld substances from his drug-dependent victims. After coercing women to have sex with men for money, Pompilus collected the proceeds and controlled the women he was trafficking, officials said. He required the women to check in with him, prevented them from interacting with other men and did not allow them to buy drugs from others than himself. If a woman tried to keep the money she received from her commercial sex, or refused a sex buyer, Pompilus would hit her in the face and kick her, officials said. He also spat on his victims, threw drinks at them, called the women degrading names and isolated them. Marvin Pompilus is a criminal recidivist and vile perpetrator who deserves a significant sentence to protect our community. His prior conviction did nothing to deter further acts of violence on women and continuing to push drugs onto our streets, said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley. Todays sentence highlights our ongoing efforts to hold accountable those who prey on vulnerable victims and denigrate human dignity, Foley said. As Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conduct mass deportations across the United States, the Diocese of Worcester Catholic Schools said on Friday it will not work with ICE to deport students. Within hours of being inaugurated for a second time on Monday, President Donald Trump wrote a series of executive orders to crack down on immigration in the United States. This includes orders to mass deport undocumented immigrants, specifically people the administration said are criminals. By Thursday, ICE agents have arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X. While these arrests have stoked fear across the country, institutions have said they will not cooperate with ICE, including schools. David Perda, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Worcester Catholic Schools, acknowledged possible concern in Catholic school communities in the wake of the Trump Administrations executive orders ..., according to a statement. While I am unaware of any activity involving ICE and Catholic schools in the Diocese of Worcester, I wish to remind everyone of the operational procedures already in place to protect your child and their personal information, Perda said. Perda lists the following procedures in the districts statement: We do not ask for the immigration status of a student or their family. We do not share student records with anyone, except in rare instances when a court order or parental/guardian consent is provided. We do not coordinate with ICE. We will not allow ICE agents access to our school facilities without a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge. We do not release a student to the custody of anyone other than the legal guardian of record according to that childs file or a person identified by the legal guardians notice in advance. The Catholic church has a demonstrated history of welcoming and advocating for immigrant populations to support one another and to pray together as a community, Perda said. Our Catholic schools have always welcomed students and families from all walks of life. Indeed, Catholic schools have historically played an important role in helping immigrant populations integrate into American life. You can expect that to continue. Perda advises families with any questions or concerns to contact their childs principal or call him directly at 508-929-4320 or email dperda@worcesterdiocese.org. Three Democratic lawmakers from Massachusetts have condemned a Republican-authored abortion bill that critics say is redundant and attempts to punish doctors who perform the procedure. The comments by U.S. Reps. Ayanna Pressley, D-7th District, Katherine Clark, D-5th District, and Lori Trahan, D-3rd District, came after the House voted Thursday to approve its version of a born alive abortion bill, according to The Hill, a publication that covers Congress. If its eventually signed into law, the bill would require health care providers to render the same same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence for a child who is born alive during an attempted abortion as they would for a child who is born during childbirth, The Hill reported. The bill passed the House on a 217-211 vote, according to an official roll call. Eleven lawmakers did not vote for the bill. One was marked present. All nine members of Massachusetts' all-Democrat U.S. House delegation voted against the bill. In a statement, Pressley, of Boston, said the bill imposes new criminal penalties and reporting requirements on health care providers. Such a move [injects] politicians into the patient-physician relationship, and it disregard[s] medical expertise with the intent to bully and scare. As its currently written, the bill [interferes] with parents ability to hold and comfort their child with a terminal diagnosis, mandating invasive and ineffective medical intervention, The Hill reported. Critics of the legislation also have argued that its unnecessary because its already illegal to kill infants who are born alive during an abortion in the rare instances such births occur, according to The Hill. The Houses vote came the day after Democrats in the U.S. Senate blocked similar legislation on their side of Capitol Hill, Politico reported. U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, D-3rd District., speaks during a news conference at the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in Boston, on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Trahan and other lawmakers were addressing the financial collapse of Steward Health Care (John L. Micek/MassLive).John L. Micek In a speech from the House floor, Trahan, of Westford, criticized the Houses slender GOP majority for [failing] to call a vote on a single piece of legislation to address the pressing needs of hardworking families. So, whats the priority for the Republicans this week? A vote on ... the so-called Born-Alive Abortion Survivor Protection Act, a bill that will give politicians here in Washington the power to monitor womens pregnancies and criminalize doctors and nurses who provide lifesaving care to women in need. I wish I was kidding, Trahan said. Clark, the No. 2 House Democrat, made clear the vote was a personal one. When my doctor told me my pregnancy wasnt viable and that I needed an abortion procedure, I was devastated, she posted to X. What have Republicans achieved by injecting politics into these moments of grief? A country where one-third of counties dont have a single OB/GYN. When my doctor told me my pregnancy wasnt viable and that I needed an abortion procedure, I was devastated. What have Republicans achieved by injecting politics into these moments of grief? A country where one third of counties don't have a single OB/GYN. https://t.co/THD2VuSkSK pic.twitter.com/yGx1FuUUgF Katherine Clark (@WhipKClark) January 23, 2025 In a letter to Senate lawmakers urging them to oppose the bill, the American Civil Liberties Union said the legislation [makes] up a problem that doesnt exist. Physicians are already required to provide appropriate medical care by law and to follow ethical guidelines, the ACLU wrote. The real aims of this bill are clear: to target abortion providers by applying harsh penalties and uncertain standards to cut off access to necessary care, and to distort public perception of compassionate abortion care by suggesting that doctors do not provide high-quality care to their patients, Madison Roberts, a senior policy counsel for the ACLU, wrote. One Republican lawmaker, U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach, of Minnesota, argued that the bill is not about abortion but instead focuses on medical care for babies, The Hill reported. The Houses vote came on the eve of Fridays March for Life in Washington, D.C. Thousands are expected to attend at the 52nd annual event on the National Mall. President Donald Trump has ordered the release of thousands of classified governmental documents about the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which has fueled conspiracy theories for decades. The executive order Trump signed Thursday also aims to declassify the remaining federal records relating to the assassinations of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The order is among a flurry of executive actions Trump has quickly taken the first week of his second term. Speaking to reporters, Trump said, everything will be revealed. Trump had promised during his reelection campaign to make public the last batches of still-classified documents surrounding President Kennedys assassination in Dallas, which has transfixed people for decades. Trump made a similar pledge during his first term, but ultimately bent to appeals from the CIA and FBI to withhold some documents. Trump has nominated Kennedys nephew, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to be the health secretary in his new administration. Kennedys father, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1968 as he sought the Democratic presidential nomination. The younger Kennedy has said he isnt convinced that a lone gunman was solely responsible for the assassination of his uncle, President Kennedy, in 1963. The order directs the director of national intelligence and the attorney general to develop a plan within 15 days to release the remaining John F. Kennedy records, and within 45 days for the other two cases. It was not clear when the records would actually be released. Trump handed the pen used to sign the order to an aide and directed it to be given to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Only a few thousand of the millions of governmental records related to the assassination of President Kennedy have yet to be fully declassified. And while many who have studied whats been released so far say the public shouldnt anticipate any earth-shattering revelations, there is still an intense interest in details related to the assassination and the events surrounding it. Theres always the possibility that something would slip through that would be the tiny tip of a much larger iceberg that would be revealing, said Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics and author of The Kennedy Half-Century. Thats what researchers look for. Now, odds are you wont find that but it is possible that its there. Kennedy was fatally shot in downtown Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, as his motorcade passed in front of the Texas School Book Depository building, where 24-year-old assassin Lee Harvey Oswald had positioned himself from a snipers perch on the sixth floor. Two days after Kennedy was killed, nightclub owner Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald during a jail transfer. In the early 1990s, the federal government mandated that all assassination-related documents be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration. The collection of over 5 million records was required to be opened by 2017, barring any exemptions designated by the president. The order notes that although no congressional act directs the release of information on the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy or King, those governmental records being made public is also in the public interest. During his first term, Trump boasted that hed allow the release of all of the remaining records on the presidents assassination but ended up holding some back because of what he called the potential harm to national security. And while files have continued to be released under President Joe Biden, some still remain unseen. Sabato, who trains student researchers to comb through the documents, said that most researchers agree that roughly 3,000 records have not yet been released, either in whole or in part, and many of those originated with the CIA. The documents released over the last several years offer details on the way intelligence services operated at the time, and include CIA cables and memos discussing visits by Oswald to the Soviet and Cuban embassies during a trip to Mexico City just weeks before the assassination. The former Marine had previously defected to the Soviet Union before returning home to Texas. King and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated within two months of each other in 1968. King was outside a motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, when shots rang out. The civil rights leader, who had been in town to support striking sanitation workers, was set to lead marches and other nonviolent protests there. He died at a hospital less than an hour later. James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to assassinating King. He later though renounced that plea and maintained his innocence up until his death. FBI documents released over the years show how the bureau wiretapped Kings telephone lines, bugged his hotel rooms and used informants to get information against him. The agencys conduct was the subject of the recent documentary film, MLK/FBI." Robert F. Kennedy, then a New York senator, was fatally shot on June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles moments after giving his victory speech for winning Californias Democratic presidential primary. His assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, was convicted of first-degree murder and is serving life in prison. There are still some documents in the JFK collection though that researchers dont believe the president will be able to release. Around 500 documents, including tax returns, werent subject to the 2017 disclosure requirement. And, researchers note, documents have also been destroyed over the decades. SPRINGFIELD City police and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made a dent in the Springfield-Vermont drug and gun pipeline after a joint investigation, law enforcement officials say. Five people from Western Massachusetts and Vermont have been charged federally for allegedly trading drugs in the Green Mountain State for guns intended for the underground Springfield market, said police spokesman Ryan Walsh. EASTHAMPTON Some residents who spoke at Wednesdays City Council meeting argued that a city councilor who some officials are trying to censure shouldnt be punished for his advocacy of Jewish residents. Others said that Owen Zaret has always been a bully and he needs to be held accountable. The request for a sitting City Councilor, who is Jewish, to be censured has not gone unnoticed in Easthampton. Multiple people have been arrested after an unmarked police cruiser was hit with gunfire Thursday, the Springfield Police Department said. But police are continuing to look for additional suspects, warning residents to keep their doors locked Thursday night. Around 8 p.m. Thursday, the Springfield Police Department began warning residents of suspects police believe were armed and dangerous. Police presence is expected in the North Branch Parkway area of Springfield Thursday. Around 7 p.m., the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) detectives were conducting surveillance on the 0-100 block of Fernwold Street. The unmarked cruiser was then fired upon, police said. No officers were struck by the gunfire, but the cruiser was hit. A suspects vehicle fled the area and ultimately crashed on Grayson Drive near Fox Road, police said, adding that the suspects then fled into the woods. Multiple people have been detained or arrested. But officers were continuing to search the area for additional suspects as of about 10 p.m. Thursday. Please lock your doors and consider the suspects armed and dangerous, the police departments Facebook post read. If you see any suspicious activity around your home please call 9-1-1 immediately. There were K9 units and police officers searching in residential yards with flashlights, according to Western Mass News. Officials said more information is expected Friday. 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Similar warning were issued back in 2017 when Storm Ophelia ripped through the country, killing three people. Their deaths serve as reinforcement of the "shelter in place" warnings being issued by authorities for the duration of the Storm Eowyn warnings. Back in 2017, the first victim of Storm Ophelia was cancer support worker Clare O'Neill, a 58-year-old woman who died when a tree fell on the car she was driving in Co Waterford. The powerful storm's second victim was 31-year-old Michael Pyke from Ardfinnan in Co Tipperary who died while clearing a fallen tree in his locality. The third person to die during Storm Ophelia was has Fintan Goss, a young man in his 30s, who died when his car hit a fallen tree on the old road between Dundalk and Newry. This time around for Storm Eowyn, Met Eireann's red warnings affect different counties at different times on Friday but they all warn of "gale to storm force southerly winds becoming westerly will bring severe, damaging and extremely destructive gusts in excess of 130km/h." Workplaces, schools, business and public transport will shut down for most of Friday due to the storm which could be one of the worst ever seen in Ireland with one forecaster at Weather Alerts Ireland describing the readings for it as "scary." Met Eireann say the storm represents a "danger to life" and list other impacts as, "extremely dangerous travelling conditions, unsafe working conditions, disruption and cancellations to transport, many fallen trees, significant and widespread power outages, impacts to communications networks, cancellation of events, structural damage, wave overtopping and coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas." READ NEXT: RSA urges public to 'not travel anywhere' on Friday as destructive Storm Eowyn approaches The red warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford is in place from 2am to 10am on Friday. For Clare and Galway, the warning is in place from 3am to 12 noon. Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo will have a red warning from 4am to 12 noon. Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Roscommon and Tipperary will be under a red warning from 6am to noon on Friday while Donegal will be under a red warning from 6am to 3pm. Separately, a Status Orange wind warning for Storm Eowyn will remain in place for the entire country from 2am to 5pm on Friday. In its wider forecast on the disruptive weather, Met Eireann is also forecasting snow for some parts of the country during Storm Eowyn, adding further to the hazardous situation. They say: "The centre of Storm Eowyn will track just off the northwest coast on Friday morning with a swathe of extremely strong and damaging winds extending across the country bringing disruption. CONFIRMED: Schools to close on Friday as Ireland prepares for 'destructive' Storm Eowyn "Gale Force southwest winds over land, will veer westerly by afternoon with Storm Force winds likely in some coastal areas. There'll be scattered squally showers and more persistent rain is likely across the north of the country. "Showers will turn increasingly wintry as the day progresses. Maximum afternoon temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees but feeling much colder due to the wind-chill factor. On Friday night, winds will begin to abate but it will stay rather blustery. A cold night with clear spells and scattered showers, some wintry. Lowest temperatures of -2 to +3 degrees with some frost possible towards dawn on Saturday as winds continue to ease." There will be no improvement over the weekend with a second band of stormy weather set to hit Ireland on Sunday, possibly hampering clean-up efforts after Storm Eowyn. Deputy Head of Forecasting at Met Eireann, Liz Coleman, said: "There will be a short respite from the weather on Saturday as Eowyn moves away, but we are also watching a different low-pressure system, forecast to bring impactful winds and further rain on Sunday. However, in this case the situation is still too uncertain; we will provide updates as the week progresses. Met Eireann forecast for Sunday reads: "It looks set to turn wet and windy on Sunday with outbreaks of rain spreading from the south. Maximum temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees in strong and gusty south to southeast winds with gales at the coast." by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, January 23, 2025 With a new administration moving into the White House, media-savvy organizations knew that large chunks of online information might suddenly disappear. So while Margaret Wheeler, executive editor at theSkimm, wasnt exactly surprised that ReproducitveRights.gov -- a site packed with well-sourced details about birth control, abortion, and womens health -- vanished, it did shock her into action. We certainly didn't have a heads up that this particular site was going to disappear, she says. I don't think anyone had. TheSkimm team moved fast, first ascertaining that all the information from the site had been preserved by the Internet Archive and recently updated. We thought, 'We have a website. What if we just copied all of this and posted it here? A quick check-in with lawyers got a thumbs-up on Tuesday. By Wednesday morning, it had a domain: reproductiverightsdotgov.com. The new site restored public resources, reproducing the same essential facts and know-your-rights materials lost when the site went offline. advertisement advertisement TheSkimms two founders recorded a video to explain the move, pushing it out on their social channels. Response to the new site has been overwhelming, Wheeler tells Marketing Daily. We know how important women's health is to our audience. We talk to them about it all the time. But the outpouring about this has been amazing across all platforms, from Instagram to individual LinkedIn posts, she said. It's hit a nerve. TheSkimm has always defined itself as a nonpartisan news outlet, and Wheeler says the decision to rescue the reproductive rights site doesnt change that. Our position is that we always want to give women information about their health, and they can then make the right decisions for them. We are just doing what weve always tried to do: present information in a non-biased, fact-checked, science-based way, regardless of the politics surrounding it. And just because reproductive rights have been politicized, womens health is not about politics. But these are murky times for media brands. Depending on their political orientation, many consumers believe most media sources are either too left-leaning or too right-leaning. And many large outlets, including the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post, have been scrambling to appear less biased. Wheeler is not worried that the decision might somehow cast theSkimm as a resistance brand, potentially turning off some readers of the platform's audience of 16 million. Were just going to keep doing what weve always done, which is tell people what is true by sticking to the science, what the laws are and how they are changing. Fact-checking is more important than ever, given what various platforms are choosing to do right now, she said. Thats never failed us here. And thats what well keep doing. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 23, 2025 A group of non-TikTok users will ask an appellate court to revive claims that the company violated their privacy by allegedly tracking them via a pixel on websites operated by Hulu, Etsy and other outside companies. U.S. District Court Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr. in the Central District of California threw out the claims late last year for several reasons, including that the users didn't prove that TikTok's pixel collected sensitive information about them. On Thursday, the plaintiffs initiated an appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. They haven't yet made substantive arguments to that court. The dispute dates to May 2023, when California resident Bernadine Griffith alleged in a class-action complaint that TikTok's pixel -- a tool publishers install on their sites to collect ad-related data -- enables the company to compile information about web users, regardless of whether they have accounts with TikTok. Griffith, later joined by other plaintiffs, claimed that TikTok violated privacy laws by intercepting and collecting browsing and search data from various online services and sites -- including the streaming service Hulu, online marketplace Etsy, and retailer Build-a-Bear Workshop. The plaintiffs also alleged TikTok's technology allows it to collect information about users even when they attempt to block cookies set by third parties. advertisement advertisement TikTok urged Blumenfeld to dismiss the matter without holding a trial, arguing there was no evidence that any sensitive or identifying information was shared with either TikTok or outside advertisers. There is no genuine dispute that defendants did not invade Plaintiffs reasonable expectation of privacy in a manner that would be highly offensive to a reasonable person, TikTok argued in a motion for summary judgment. Blumenfeld agreed with TikTok. Plaintiffs have not produced evidence of any sensitive information defendants collected from them, he wrote in a decision dismissing the case. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating improved child sex ratios and girls' education with nationwide events and sustainability initiatives promoting gender equality. Trusted Source Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Go to source Trusted Source BBBP 10th Anniversary: Events and Highlights Celebrating 10 years of #BetiBachaoBetiPadhao: A decade of empowering girls, improving sex ratios, and #genderequality. #BBBPAnniversary #medindia Impact of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Advertisement Beti Bachao Beti Padhao - (https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/bbbp) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) is a campaign launched by the Government of India to address the issue of declining child sex ratios and promote girls' welfare. The Indian government has organized a weeks-long celebration to commemorate its 10th anniversary ().Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched The campaign on January 22, 2025, in Panipat, Haryana. The celebrations started on January 22, 2025, and will continue till March 8, observed as an International Womens Day. The inaugural event in Delhi had some important guests, Union ministers JP Nadda, Annapurna Devi, and Savitri Thakur, with senior women officers from the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and the Delhi Police.Officials from central ministries, Anganwadi workers, student volunteers, and representatives from international organizations such as UNICEF, UN Women, and the World Bank also participated in the event. The celebrations include events at the state and district levels.Special programs will be held on Sunday (January 26), and March 8, engaging communities through rallies, cultural performances, and felicitation ceremonies for women achievers.The ministry has also announced sustainability initiatives, including a nationwide plantation drive. Awareness programs will be conducted through digital and social media to spread the message of gender equality and empowerment.The national sex ratio at birth improved from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24, and the gross enrolment ratio of girls at the secondary level rose from 75.51 percent to 78 percent during the same period. Institutional deliveries rose from 61 percent to 97.3 percent, and first-trimester antenatal care registrations surged from 61 percent to 80.5 percent, reflecting the program's far-reaching impact.The scheme has created many cultural and social changes. With initiatives like Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav, more than a lakh out-of-school girls returned for education and the Yashaswini Bike Expedition showcased women's empowerment.Source-Medindia Sudden leg weakness? Numbness? Difficulty walking? Dont ignore these! Guillain-Barre Syndrome can start small but worsen quickly. Guillain-Barre Syndrome Trusted Source Guillain-Barre Syndrome Go to source Trusted Source Contaminated food or water can cause infections like Campylobacter infection, which can trigger Guillain-Barre Syndrome weeks later. Clean, cook, and boildont take risks! #foodsafety #infection #medindia Weakness in the limbs Tingling Numbness Difficulty walking, swallowing or breathing in severe cases Campylobacter Infection Linked to Guillain-Barre Syndrome Precautionary Measures to Prevent Guillain-Barre Syndrome Boil water before drinking or use bottled water if unsure of its safety. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption. Cook poultry and meat properly, ensuring the internal temperature reaches at least 75C. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked food, especially eggs and seafood. Wash hands with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet. Do not share utensils or food during the outbreak. Keep raw and cooked foods separate and disinfect kitchen surfaces and utensils after handling raw meat. Advertisement Guillain-Barre Syndrome - (https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/signs-symptoms/guillain-barre-syndrome.html) Advertisement A recent outbreak of(GBS) has been reported in the Sinhagad Road area of Pune, with. The Neurological Society of Pune has reassured the public that GBS is a, urging people not to panic.GBS is a rare disease with an. Many patients have reported symptoms of. The outbreak is suspected to be, with authorities currently investigating the situation ().GBS is a neurological disorder in which thesuch asThe illness often begins suddenly and can worsen over several weeks. Some patients may experience rapid deterioration, while others may progress more slowly. In severe cases, patients may require ICU admission and ventilatory support.Health experts suspect a link between the outbreak of GBS andinfection, which is commonly transmitted throughThe diagnosis of Campylobacter infection was confirmed in several patients. Symptoms of Campylobacter infection includeIn some cases, the immune systems response to the Campylobacter bacteria, leading to GBS within one to three weeks after the infection. Other infections, includingthat can result in GBS.The Neurological Society of Pune has issued the following advice to help prevent the spread of the disease:Residents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms like sudden weakness in the legs or arms, difficulty walking or numbness, and persistent diarrhea, especially with the discharge of blood.Health authorities closely monitor the situation and urge the public to remain vigilant while taking necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection.Source-Medindia BEIJING, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- An international research team led by Chinese scientists has discovered chorus waves more than 160,000 km away from Earth -- a space phenomena previously believed to occur only near Earth's dipole magnetic field regions, according to a study paper published in Nature Thursday. "We observed chorus waves with frequencies below 100 Hz. When we converted the chorus waves into audio output, we obtained a piece of 'space chorus' that we can hear," said Liu Chengming at Beihang University, the paper's first author, describing the sound like "the chirping of birds." The Earth's magnetic field extends into space. When charged particles in the cosmos pass the magnetic field, they can excite chorus waves, or the electromagnetic waves with frequency characteristic similar to birdsongs in the morning. As one of the most intense electromagnetic fluctuations in space, chorus waves have been at the forefront of space physics research. It was widely believed that they only occurred near Earth's dipole magnetic field regions. The team, which consists researchers from China, the United States and Sweden, has analyzed vast amounts of data collected by the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission, a solar-terrestrial probe mission. They discovered chorus waves more than 160,000 km away from Earth, and provided a theoretical explanation that nonlinear wave-particle interactions are the cause. Chorus waves play a crucial role in understanding fundamental questions in space and have wide practical implications. They are key to the acceleration of high-energy electrons in Earth's radiation belts and the generation of pulsating auroras in the polar regions. They can also influence space weather changes, endangering the stable operation of spacecraft and the health of astronauts. These findings provide essential theoretical support for the precise modeling and forecasting of space weather, according to the study. The day is finally here. After months of anticipation, the movie Sky Force has finally hit the big screen. Starring Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur, the war movie based on the IAF is all set to take the theatres and movie-goers by storm. Made on a budget of Rs. 160 crore, the film is expected to do well. It is the second straight Bollywood film on the IAF in consecutive years. Last year around this time Fighter was released starring Hrithik Roshan. Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor. Just like Fighter, Sky Force is also inspired by real events. This time we turn the clock back to 1965, when India and Pakistan engaged in heavy aerial combat during the war. PVR Inox Pictures The film is based on Indias air strike on Pakistans Sargodha Air Base. It happened on September 7, 1965, just a day after the PAF had attacked Indian bases. Sargodha was a difficult target because it was heavily guarded. The IAFs daring attack resulted in heavy losses for Pakistan as many planes were destroyed before they could take off. The IAF also lost a pilot who was then considered missing in action after years later it was learnt he died in the crash and was given a gallantry award posthumously. Veer is playing a fictionalised version of this character. Now, five years later, the actor has returned to Hollywood with yet another action film and this time he will be locking horns with John Cena. Randeep Hooda who played a supporting role in the film and displayed his action skills on screen received a lot of acclaim for his performance and screen presence. Produced by the Russo Brothers, Extraction released on Netflix and became one of their most-watched and loved films of all time. Netflix The action film in question is titled Matchbox and Randeep Hooda is shooting for it with John Cena in Budapest, Hungary. Sharing the details about the film, Randeep Hooda said in a statement, I am excited to be working with Sam again. We had a great time on our first collaboration; he is a master of high-octane storytelling and action. Glad to be joining the team in Budapest where they are shooting. Sam Hargrave is a renowned action director who has worked in films like Thor Ragnarok,Suicide Squad, Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War among others. In 2020, he turned director with the Netflix original Extraction and directed its sequel Extraction 2 in 2023. Now, his third film Matchbox is an Apple original and is produced by Mattel films and Skydance films. The film is based on Mattels iconic real-world die-cast toy vehicle line of the same name and the film also stars Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Arturo Castro, and Teyonah Parris. Randeep Hoodas Upcoming Films In 2025, Randeep Hooda will be seen taking on Sunny Deol in Gopichand Malinenis mass action entertainer Jaat. He will also be seen in Vishal Bhardwajs action film co-starring Shahid Kapoor. 'We know tariffs are on the way we just dont know when, where or the category of goods impacted' Donald Trump has not immediately followed through with his election vow of sweeping import tariffs, but uncertainty in his trade policy leaves US shippers braced for supply chain chaos. Shortly following his inauguration on Monday, Trump stated he is thinking about introducing his proposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada on 1 February. He did not immediately go-ahead with previous threats of 60% tariffs on goods from China and 10-20% from the rest of the world, instead ordering a probe into trade deficits and unfair trade practices and alleged currency manipulation by other countries. Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta the ocean and air freight intelligence platform said: Trump is billing his trade policy as America First, but the people it is hurting the most right now is US shippers. We know tariffs are on the way we just dont know when, where or the category of goods impacted. This uncertainty makes managing supply chain risk an almost impossible task. The worst case scenario is Trump announcing blanket tariffs against China and the rest of world simultaneously. "The rush to import goods into the US ahead of tariffs coming into effect could cause carnage across global supply chains and put upward pressure on already-elevated freight rates. Data released by Xeneta shows the last time Trump ramped up tariffs on China imports during the trade war in 2018, the ocean container shipping markets spiked more than 70%. On the critical trade from China to the US West Coast, average spot freight rates increased from USD 1 503 per FEU (40ft container) on 1 January 2018 to USD 2 604 per FEU on 1 November 2018. Current spot rates from the Far East to US West Coast stand at USD 5 234 per FEU. This is 29% higher than 12 months ago, primarily due to the impact of conflict in the Red Sea. If rates increase from todays level by 70%, as they did back in 2018, the market would hit an all-time high, surpassing the previous record set during Covid-19. Sand said: A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could see freight rates collapse if there is a large scale return of container ships to the Red Sea, but that is far from certain. What shippers do not need is further uncertainty from Trumps tariff policy. Shippers want to take decisive action against these geo-political threats. In the short term that may mean building up stock inventories if they know when tariffs are coming into effect and the goods within scope. In the longer term, shippers may look to shift supply chains out of China to nations such as India or neighbouring South East Asia countries if the trade war escalates dramatically. "However, they will not commit to this financial investment and massive supply chain disruption based on rhetoric and political posturing. A Marine Corps recruiter was arrested last week and charged with two counts of felony child seduction after law enforcement alleged he had sex with a 17-year-old student at a recruitment office earlier this month, according to an affidavit provided to Military.com by a city official. Investigators confronted 28-year-old Staff Sgt. Daniel Escobar -- a Marine assigned to Recruiting Station Indianapolis, Indiana -- at a local high school on Jan. 17 after the father of the teenager told police that his daughter "admitted to having sexual intercourse" with the recruiter a week prior to his alerting law enforcement, the affidavit said. Law enforcement said that Escobar met the alleged victim, whose name is redacted from the affidavit, at her school and invited her to the gym with others from the recruitment office. The two then began having conversations "that became more 'intense," the document said, citing an interview with the teenager. Read Next: Sen. Lisa Murkowski to Vote Against Hegseth, First Republican to Oppose Defense Secretary Nominee Investigators with the La Porte Police Department alleged that the Marine and teenager "performed oral sex on each other" on multiple occasions and had "consensual sexual intercourse" on Jan. 5 at the recruiting office, which led to Escobar giving the teen his debit card to buy emergency contraception, according to the affidavit. Detectives reviewed receipts and security footage to confirm the purchase, the document said. Escobar is expected to appear in court Friday, and his bond is listed at $15,005, according to jail records. It was unclear Thursday whether the Marine had an attorney; one was not listed in the affidavit or inmate records. "We are aware of allegations made against a Marine assigned to the 9th Marine Corps Recruiting District," Capt. Michael Kennedy, a spokesperson for the district headquarters, told Military.com in a statement Wednesday. "We take all allegations seriously and are cooperating with local authorities," he added. "The matter is currently under investigation with the La Porte County Sheriff's Office." Escobar reported to the Indianapolis recruiting station in October 2023, according to his service record, which was provided by Kennedy. Escobar's military occupational specialty is water support technician, and he joined the Marine Corps in 2016. Kennedy did not directly confirm whether Escobar had been removed from recruiting duty, citing the "ongoing investigation," but said, "I can tell you that when a Marine on recruiting duty has allegations levied against them, we take them seriously and they are suspended from all recruiting activities pending the outcome of the investigation." Escobar is one of at least three Marine recruiters known to have been accused of sex crimes against potential recruits since November. A separate recruiter was accused of obscenity in a parking lot in Louisiana in September, according to local media. The military strictly prohibits recruiters from engaging in sexual relationships with recruits, given the inherent power imbalance between a young person looking to join the service and uniformed personnel who can decide whether that happens. Related: California Police Arrest Marine Recruiter for Alleged Sexual Assault of 17-Year-Old More than 300,000 Department of Veterans Affairs health care jobs are exempt from a federal hiring freeze instituted Jan. 20 by President Donald Trump. Acting Veterans Affairs Secretary Todd Hunter issued a memo Jan. 21 containing instructions for the department to comply with Trump's executive order, issued shortly after he was sworn into office. Trump's order did not list any exemptions, but in his memo, Hunter said positions critical to delivering health care to veterans were an exception, and those considered essential for providing benefits like disability compensation could be considered protected if deemed necessary by the federal Office of Personnel Management. Read Next: Air Force Groups that Advocated for Beard Policies, Better Body Armor Are Gutted by Trump Directive Hunter listed 39 exempt positions, representing more than 304,000 jobs. "Positions critical to delivering care to veterans in the Veteran[s] Health Administration ... are exempted under the category of public safety," Hunter wrote in the memo obtained by Military.com. The memo was issued the same day the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee vetted Doug Collins, Trump's nominee for VA secretary, during his confirmation hearing. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, the committee's ranking Democrat, told Collins there will be "heavy pressure" on him to "cut and slash," calling the VA a "target-rich environment" for cost-cutters. In response to Blumenthal and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Collins said he would advocate for veterans but that he also needed to work under the executive order. "We'll take a look at the current levels of employees that we have and where they're properly located," Collins said. Of the more than 300,000 positions, almost one-third are for nurses and 70,000 are for medical support assistants, social workers and pharmacists. According to Hunter's memo, no other vacancies that existed as of midday Monday will be filled. Candidates who received job offers before Jan. 20 at noon and have a start date on or before Feb. 8 will be onboarded, while those with a start date after Feb. 8 or an undetermined date will have their offers rescinded. All candidates who had applied for vacant, non-exempt positions but did not have an offer also will be told the agency is no longer hiring. For benefits jobs, supervisors will need to request an exemption from OPM; for other positions, hiring officials will need to ask the VA chief of staff for exemptions. "VA remains committed to being deliberative in the hiring actions taken to ensure we are postured for success as we implement overall modernization efforts and reform plans in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget," Hunter wrote. VA Media Affairs Director Morgan Ackley said Thursday that the department is committed to providing benefits and services to veterans. "The targeted hiring-freeze exemptions announced today underscore that fact," said Ackley, referring to Hunter's memo, made public Thursday. The VA has almost 450,000 employees, nearly 92% of whom work in health care and health administration and support services. Union officials have decried several of Trump's executive orders that pertain to federal workers, including the freeze, Trump's elimination of offices created to promote diversity, the redesignation of many jobs to make it easier to fire personnel, and a requirement that they work in an office full-time rather than telework. On Thursday, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., praised the VA for protecting essential staff and new hires for critical positions. "I appreciate VA quickly issuing guidance to continue hiring health care and other critical VA employees to make certain veterans and their families continue receiving their care and benefits in a timely manner," Moran said. "I encourage the new administration to establish a clear long-term staffing plan." The committee voted 18-1 Thursday to advance Collins' nomination to the full Senate, a vote that is expected next week. Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, was the lone dissenting vote. During Collins' hearing, Hirono pressed the nominee on his commitment to community care and protecting women's health care services, including access to abortion. She was unsatisfied by his answer, which included citing the law that restricts the VA from providing "infertility services, abortions or pregnancy care" unless the care is needed as a result of a service-connected condition. "I voted 'no' against his nomination because Congressman Collins' plans for VA are not in line with what I believe are right for veterans in Hawaii and across the country and are not what my constituents support," Hirono said. Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., said Thursday that 83 final and tentative offers had been rescinded by the Minneapolis VA Medical Center since the order was passed down. She did not know what types of jobs were revoked. "We all know the VA struggles to hire and retain staff, and this executive order will only make it worse. It's overly broad and unworkable," Smith said in a statement to Military.com. "I plan to get to the bottom of this and have already requested a full breakdown of the kinds of jobs affected and how this order will impact caring for our veterans and their families." Related: VA Plans to Cut 10,000 Jobs This Year on Medical Side of the House WASHINGTON The Senate on Thursday confirmed John Ratcliffe as CIA director, giving President Donald Trump the second member of his new Cabinet. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during Trumps first term and is the first person to have held that position and the top post at the CIA, the nations premier spy agency. The Texas Republican is a former federal prosecutor who emerged as a fierce Trump defender while serving as a congressman during Trumps first impeachment. The vote was 74-25. At his Senate hearing last week, Ratcliffe said the CIA must do better when it comes to using technology such as artificial intelligence to confront adversaries including Russia and China. He said the United States needed to improve its intelligence capabilities while also ensuring the protection of Americans' civil rights. Ratcliffe said that if confirmed, he would push the CIA to do more to harness technologies such as AI and quantum computing while expanding use of human intelligence collection. Were not where were supposed to be, Ratcliffe told members of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Democrats raised questions about Ratcliffe's objectivity and whether his loyalty to Trump would prompt him to politicize his position and blind him to the duties of the job. Concerns from Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., forced the Senate's Republican leaders to postpone Ratcliffe's confirmation vote, which originally was scheduled for Tuesday. Former Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was confirmed earlier this week as secretary of state, the first member of Trump's Cabinet. Ratcliffe has said he views China as America's greatest geopolitical rival, and that Russia, Iran, North Korea and drug cartels, hacking gangs and terrorist organizations also pose challenges to national security. He supports the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a government spying program that allows authorities to collect without warrant the communications of non-Americans outside the country. If those people are communicating with Americans, those conversations can be swept up, too, which has led to questions about violations of personal rights. Trump and other Republicans have criticized the work of the CIA and other spy agencies, saying they have focused too much on climate change, workforce diversity and other issues. The calls for a broad overhaul have worried some current and former intelligence officials who say the changes could make the country less safe. Like other Trump nominees, Ratcliffe is a Trump loyalist. Aside from his work to defend Trump during his first impeachment proceedings, Ratcliffe also forcefully questioned former special counsel Robert Mueller when he testified before lawmakers about his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. As director of national intelligence, Ratcliffe oversaw and coordinated the work of more than a dozen spy agencies. Among other duties, the office directs efforts to detect and counter foreign efforts to influence U.S. politics. Trump picked Ratcliffe to serve in that position in 2019, but he quickly withdrew from consideration after lawmakers raised questions about his qualifications. He was ultimately confirmed by a sharply divided Senate after Trump resubmitted the nomination. In that job, Ratcliffe was accused by Democrats of politicizing intelligence when he declassified Russian intelligence that purported to reveal information about Democrats during the 2016 election even as he acknowledged the information might not be accurate. Trumps second-term nominee for director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, faces a tougher road to confirmation. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, has faced bipartisan criticism over past comments supportive of Russia and 2017 meetings with then-Syrian President Bashar Assad. Entrenched in their Homeland or Death chant and vowing to prevail against the imperialist onslaught, Cubas leaders have paused the release of political prisoners and kicked off military exercises following President Donald Trumps first-day decision to put the country back on the list of nations that sponsor terrorism. Just a week earlier, former President Joe Biden had taken Cuba off the list after telling Congress the Cuban government did not provide any support for international terrorism during the preceding six-month period. Trump also nullified Bidens decision to eliminate a list of sanctioned Cuban military companies and hotels. Bidens measures were instrumental in a deal mediated by the Vatican, under which the Cuban government agreed to release 553 prisoners. While it was unclear whether some or all would be political prisoners, shortly after Bidens announcement Cuban authorities started releasing political prisoners, as many as 170, according to a recount by an independent media coalition. But that came to a halt after Trump reversed Bidens actions on Monday evening shortly after his inauguration. On Wednesday, Justicia11J, an organization that tracks politically motivated arrests in Cuba, sounded the alert and said in a statement that they had not received information of new prisoners released since Monday. The absence of reports from the Island alarms us, the group said. We demand that the Havana regime not pause the release of people deprived of liberty for political reasons, in compliance with the commitments made to the Catholic Church. We also ask that, in an exercise of transparency that they lack so far, the authorities make public the list of people who have benefited to date. According to the groups data, 167 political prisoners have been released or received some other relief. But none have been pardoned or received amnesty, which makes them vulnerable to returning to prison, the group warned. Freedom House, a U.S.-based organization that issues an annual report on the respect of freedoms in countries around the world, urged the Cuban government to release all political prisoners, which several human rights groups say surpass a thousand. Justice requires the release of all political prisoners in Cuba, an end to political imprisonment as a tool for social control, and systemic reforms by the Diaz-Canel regime that guarantee the full exercise of fundamental rights without fear of reprisal, the organization said. Without those reforms, this release risks perpetuating a revolving door of political imprisonment, wherein the Cuban regime will fill now-empty prison cells with new arbitrarily detained people in the coming weeks and months. But Trumps decision seems to have struck a chord, given the tone of Cuban authorities reactions. President Trump, drunk with arrogance, decides, for no good reason, #Cuba sponsors terrorism, said Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in an English publication on X. He knows hes LYING. Hes bent on strengthening punishment & economic warfare vs Cuban families. Hell cause harm but wont succeed in breaking our peoples firm determination. Rodriguez also called Trumps policies medieval. In a similar light, Cubas leader, Miguel Diaz-Canel, said Trumps decision to put Cuba back on the list was an act of arrogance and contempt for the truth an act of mockery and abuse (that) confirms the discredit of the lists and unilateral coercive mechanisms of the U.S. government. A Tuesday statement simply signed by the revolutionary government said: Trump has interpreted his coming to power as the coronation of an emperor. It labels his decision to designate Cuba as a sponsor of terror as an act of aggression by the United States government against the Cuban people that would not succeed in derailing the country from its socialist path. The statement end ends with the customary Homeland or Death. We will prevail. On Wednesday, the Armed Forces Ministry said it was beginning military exercises that had been postponed in November to raise the countrys readiness for defense and the preparation of troops and the population to face the different actions of the enemy. In a Wednesday meeting surrounded by military commanders and government officials, Diaz-Canel made clear that meant the United States. We are doing this exercise in the midst of a situation that is almost real, he said. We are subjected to a policy by the new leadership of the United States government that is totally hegemonic, interventionist, that treats Cuba with tremendous contempt and we have already begun to see its first actions against the revolution. In another sign that Diaz-Canels title of commander in chief of the armed forces is essentially symbolic, he then proposed to the officially retired general Raul Castro, sitting in the first row facing Diaz-Canel during the meeting, to kick off the military exercises that are supposed to last until Saturday. Castro stood up and simply said: Begin. The rhetoric and posturing come after an initial muted response to Trumps victory, as officials discreetly sought advice from contacts in the United States on how to handle relations with the new president. But officials became unsettled when news broke that U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Cuban American Republican from Florida whom Cuba considers an archenemy, was likely to become the next U.S. secretary of state, sources who asked not to be named to speak of their interactions with Cuban officials, said. Rubio has since been confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Still, Cuban authorities released opposition leader Jose Daniel Ferrer last week, which some experts saw as a signal the Cuban government wanted to show it was serious about the agreement with the Vatican. Four days later, the islands government was again on the U.S. blacklist. A Cuban diplomat asked on X, What did Cuba do in six days to deserve to return to a list of those who sponsor terrorism? Cuban authorities have long argued the designation is unjustified, burdens the islands economy and hurts the population. The country has been on and off the list since former President Ronald Reagan first included it in 1982. Former President Barack Obama removed it in 2015 as a condition to reopening the U.S. Embassy in Havana, and Trump put it back on the list in the final days of his first term in January 2021. At that time, Trump cited Cubas harboring fugitives of American justice and ELN guerrilla leaders wanted by the Colombian government of former president Ivan Duque. Cuba refused to extradite them, claiming it went against international law and a peace treaty between the guerrillas and the Colombian government that Cuba helped broker. Current Colombian president Gustavo Petro dropped the extradition request and asked former president Biden to remove Cuba from the terror-sponsor list. A senior official in the Biden administration told reporters last week that Petros outreach had played a role in Bidens decision to delist Cuba. But in a plot twist Thursday following new acts of violence by the ELN, Colombias attorney general Luz Adriana Camargo said her office would reactivate the extradition request of ELN leaders once they have been located in Cuba or elsewhere. _____ 2025 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. President Donald Trumps order this week for federal employees to return to in-person work covers tens of thousands of personnel at Redstone Arsenal, though its daily impact might be relatively minimal. Trumps order on remote work, signed the day he was inaugurated into his second term, stated, Heads of all departments and agencies in the executive branch of Government shall, as soon as practicable, take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work in-person at their respective duty stations on a full-time basis, provided that the department and agency heads shall make exemptions they deem necessary. A U.S. Office of Personnel Management memo dated Wednesday ordered all federal department and agency heads to revise their telework policies by 5 p.m. Friday and set a target date of 30 days later for full compliance with Trumps order. Redstone Arsenal is home to about 65 tenant organizations, including the FBI, the Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Army Materiel Command and the Marshall Space Flight Center. Amelia Hice, spokesperson for the Redstone Garrison, said many of those organizations are awaiting guidance on how to implement the order. Each tenant organization sets its remote and telework policies in accordance with [ Office of Personnel Management] and agency guidance, and all relevant rules, regulations and law, as well as union agreements where applicable, Hice said. Employees of Executive Branch departments and agencies on Redstone would fall directly under Trumps executive order. It is unclear yet whether the order applies equally to contract and grant-funded personnel. In either case, tens of thousands of workers at Redstone and throughout the region could be affected. Speaking at a Redstone Update event in December at the Von Braun Center, Deputy commander Martin Traylor said a typical day sees about 45,500 people pass through the gates about 900 active duty and reserve military, along with over 27,000 civilians and 17,000 contractors, he said. That represents about half of the estimated 93,000 Department of Defense military, government and contractor positions in the Tennessee Valley, according to Traylor. In a September interview with The Huntsville Times about the commutes of arsenal personnel, Traylor said Redstone has always drawn workers from a wide swathe of valley people drive in, from distances almost hard to believe, he said. The OPM memo directed department and agency heads to take long-distance commutes into account in their policy revisions. If an employees official duty station is more than 50 miles from any existing agency office, the agency should take steps to move the employees duty station to the most appropriate agency office based on the employees duties and job function, the memo stated. For Redstone Garrison personnel, though, remote or telework is rare, he said, as the garrison operates citylike services such as public works, and police and fire protection that demand in-person work. Even federal contracts related to the garrison, Traylor told The Huntsville Times in September, often require on-the-ground oversight. Outside the garrison, remote work has also become less common. Traylor said the arsenal as a whole is almost back to full capacity from the COVID-era push toward remote and telework. Hice noted any increase in gate traffic due to the order would be minimal because most tenant organizations returned to office work back in June/July of 2024. 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit al.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A federal judge in San Diego has denied a retired Marines request to reduce his 26-year prison sentence for killing and dismembering his girlfriend and then hiding her body in the Panamanian jungle. Brian Karl Brimager, who admitted to stabbing to death Yvonne Baldelli on the Panamian island where the couple was living, had sought to reduce his sentence by 30 months to 23.5 years based on a retroactive federal sentencing amendment addressing the criminal history of defendants. If the amended rule had been in place during Brimagers original 2016 sentencing, the bottom end of his sentencing guideline range would have been 30 months lower. Though Brimager was sentenced to slightly longer than that low-end of the range, his attorneys wrote in a motion filed last year that their client was seeking a proportional 30-month sentence reduction. At a hearing last week, Brimager said he didnt dispute the horrendous nature of his crime. Baldellis family and friends pleaded with U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller not to reduce the prison sentence, arguing the 26-year term that Miller originally gave Brimager was already light enough, considering the heinousness of the crime. Miller agreed, ruling Wednesday that he had essentially given Brimager credit in regards to his criminal history during the original sentencing. More importantly, however, the heinous and egregious circumstances of this murder and its aftermath combined with the emotional wreckage Defendant wrought by his actions justified 26 years of custody in 2016 as well as today, Miller wrote in his order. Defense attorney Devin Burstein said his client has been a model inmate who has helped other prisoners and shown hes a changed man. We are disappointed that despite his exemplary behavior and the retroactive reduction in his sentencing range, the court did not lower his prison term, Burstein said Thursday. The retired Marine pleaded guilty in 2016 to second-degree foreign murder of a U.S. national a rarely used charge that must be approved at the highest levels of the Justice Department. Brimager, now 48, admitted stabbing Baldelli, 42, in the left side of her back with a knife and using a machete to dismember her body. He stuffed her remains in a green military-style backpack and tossed it in the Panamanian jungle like garbage, Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane Harrigan told the judge earlier this month. Brimager and Baldelli had moved in September 2011 to Isla Carenero off Panama for a fresh start after Brimager had left the Marines. Baldelli planned to start a bathing suit line, while Brimager planned to sing and play guitar in bars. Witnesses later reported that Brimager appeared to be abusing Baldelli. Shortly after arriving on the tropical island, Brimager began communicating with a former partner with whom he shared a child and promising to rejoin them in San Diego County, prosecutors said. Baldelli was last seen in November 2011. But over the next several months, according to his plea agreement, Brimager sent emails from Baldellis computer pretending to be her, telling her family and friends she had happily left for Costa Rica with another man. Brimager, who had already returned to the San Diego area, even traveled to Costa Rica and withdrew money from her bank account while there to make it appear she was still alive, he admitted. Baldellis family doubted Brimagers story about Baldelli running off to Costa Rica and launched an investigation, eventually getting the FBI and Panamanian authorities involved. They traveled to Panama and organized search parties for her, coming up empty but convinced she was dead. At last weeks hearing, several family members and friends recalled mucking through the Panamian jungle, both hoping and dreading that they would find her body. While the search continued, Brimager married the mother of his child and settled in Vista. He was eventually arrested on charges of lying to federal investigators in June 2013, just days after his wife had given birth to their second child. Months later, and about two years after Baldelli went missing, a farm worker clearing brush in a swampy part of the island uncovered her remains in the backpack. A charge of foreign murder of a U.S. national was then added to the charges Brimager faced. Brimagers sentence-reduction request was based on his criminal history one of the factors that a judge must consider when imposing a sentence. In 2016, he was initially placed in a slightly elevated criminal history category because he had committed the killing while still on probation for a 2009 charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. Under the newly amended rules, he would have been placed in the lowest criminal history category, resulting in the lower sentencing guideline range. But Miller wrote that at the time of sentencing, he had treated Brimager as if he were already in the lowest criminal history category. The judge wrote that that was a large part of why he sentenced Brimager to 26 years, instead of the 30 years that prosecutors recommended. Miller agreed with the defense that Brimager was eligible for a reduced sentence but ruled that he didnt deserve one, writing that the slaying, dismembering and discarding of Baldellis hacked remains were shockingly degrading and dehumanizing acts. 2025 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A joint U.S. Army and Air Force Reserve rescue mission in Washington state becomes a delicate, hazardous attempt at 14,000 feet. Specially prepared CH-47 Chinooks, optimized for mountain operations, carry pararescuemen to the peaks and slopes of Mount Rainier. Their mission is to pull out anyone who might be lost or stuck on some of the highest points in the Cascade Mountain Range. The only place they can train for rescues on Mount Rainier is on Mount Rainier. Naveed Jamali, a veteran and former spy, hosts Newsweek's ongoing web series, "Unconventional," taking a behind-the-scenes look at some of the U.S. military's most interesting and least-recognized missions. In December 2024, he and his crew got to look at what it takes to make a mountaintop rescue as they joined the men and women of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It begins with a familiarization flight (or "famflight"), an Army Reserve Chinook sortie that will fly Air Force pararescue jumpers to a designated location for a kind of pregame practice. After both refamiliarize themselves with their procedures, they will attempt a run-through of a mountain rescue mission. Their CH-47F, chosen for its ability to hover at high altitude, has been specially configured for the mountainous terrain with skis. There's also specialized equipment for the jumpers, because if they're stuck on the mountain after dark, they'll have to stay there overnight. The risk profile of a regular "snatch" rescue -- where a jumper drops in via a hoist and picks up their target as the helicopter hovers overhead changes dramatically on a mountain. "It has a lot of risk to it; that's why we [pararescue] have this mission," a PJ team leader in the 304th Rescue Squadron known only as Ross told Jamali. "The profile changes because there are more moving parts. You have more gear on, crampons on, and also the mountain has its own risks." The hoist the pararescuemen will be attempting as a training exercise is on Mount Rainier's Echo Rock Peak, an area more than 7,800 feet above sea level and filled with loose boulders and crumbling rock. It's an area difficult to climb to, but also difficult to fly, even in a specially fitted Chinook. The Army air crews can be delayed by the weather on the mountain, which can be dramatically different from the weather back at the base. Any fast changes in the wind can be deadly, even during a training mission. A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter performing a training rescue on Mount Rainier's Echo Rock Peak. (Newsweek/Unconventional) Once they make the rescue, the PJs can perform first aid aboard the helicopter, because all of them are also trained paramedics. Since 2014, the airmen and the Army aircrews of Joint Base Lewis-McChord have made 28 recoveries on Mount Rainier and have deployed to conduct combat search-and-rescue missions in Afghanistan. Want to Learn More About Military Life? Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for post-military careers or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox. Title: Organize with Ease: alphabetizing in Google Docs Made Simple (Organize with Ease: Alphabetizing in Google Docs Made Simple) Introduction: Google Docs is an incredible tool that can help you stay organized and efficient in your work. But did you know that alphabetizing tasks can be made easier and faster with just a few clicks? In this blog post, well explore how to alphabetize tasks in Google Docs, so you can focus on what matters most. Step 1: Open your Google Docs document The first step to alphabetizing tasks in Google Docs is to open your document. Click on the File tab in the top menu, then select Open. Choose the document you want to alphabetize, and click Open. Step 2: Select the text you want to sort Once your document is open, scroll through it to find the text you want to sort. You can do this by selecting the text manually or using keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + A to select all of it. Once youve selected the text, you can type the commands for alphabetizing at the bottom of the page. Step 3: Choose the sorting option Now that you have selected the text you want to sort, you need to choose an alphabetical order. There are several options available in Google Docs, including alphabetical, numerical, date, and more. To choose the correct option, go to the menu bar at the top of the screen, then select Sort. From there, you can choose the sorting option you want to use (e.g., alphabetical, numerical, date). Step 4: Sort the text After choosing the sorting option, click OK. The text will now be sorted according to the chosen option. If you want to change the default sorting order, go back to the menu bar at the top of the screen and select Sort. From there, you can choose a different sorting option (e.g., alphabetical, numerical, date). Conclusion: (Organize with Ease: Alphabetizing in Google Docs Made Simple) Alphabetizing tasks in Google Docs is simple and straightforward. With just a few clicks, you can sort your document based on specific criteria, making it easy to find and manage your work efficiently. So if youre looking to make your Google Docs experience even better, dont hesitate to experiment with different sorting options and settings. With some practice, you can master the art of alphabetizing tasks quickly and easily! Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected]) 12:40pm: Per a report from Chandler Rome, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, the Tigers are also in the Pressly talks but it may be unlikely for the righty to approve a trade to Detroit. 9:19am: The Astros have been shopping right-hander Ryan Pressly throughout the winter, but those efforts didnt gain much traction until recently. Thats understandable in the sense that the free-agent market for relievers was largely frozen until the past couple of weeks. Now, with free agent bullpen arms flying off the board, interest in Pressly has seemingly picked up. The Cubs, Blue Jays and one yet-unknown club out west have all shown serious interest in Pressly over the past 24 hours. Pressly, however, has full no-trade protection by virtue of his 10-and-5 rights (ten years of major league service, five-plus years with his current team). He can nix any trade to a location he doesnt want. Thats of extra note for Pressly as a Texas native whos playing his home games a bit more than 200 miles south of Dallas, where he was born and raised. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports this morning that Pressly has informed the Astros that hes disinclined to approve a trade thatd send him too far east or west. That would seemingly rule out both the Jays and any club on or near the west coast. Its not yet clear which club out west is eyeing Pressly, though the D-backs have been vocal about their desire to add a closer. The As, Giants and Angels arent necessarily in the market for an experienced ninth-inning arm specifically, but all three could use another high-leverage arm in general. All of that could be moot, however, if Pressly is wary of straying toward either coast and prefers to remain in Texas or somewhere in the countrys heartland. That could potentially bode well for the Cubs, though Heyman adds that Pressly has not yet made a decision one way or another on whether hed approve a move to Wrigley Field. One swaying factor, speculatively speaking, could be that the Cubs would almost certainly use Pressly as their closer. Thats a role he filled and filled quite well in Houston from 2020-23, when he saved 102 games and pitched to a 2.99 ERA with a huge 31.5% strikeout rate in 198 2/3 innings. He was bumped to a setup role in 2024 after the Astros signing of Josh Hader on a five-year, $95MM contract. Presslys 2024 season was solid all around but not quite up to his (lofty) prior standards. He logged a 3.49 earned run average over 56 2/3 innings and posted a 23.8% strikeout rate that stood as his lowest mark since the 2016 season. His 7.4% walk rate was comfortably better than league average but was still his highest mark in four years. His average fastball sat at 93.8 mph, per Statcast, marking his lowest number in more than a decade. Still, the right-handers broader track record is excellent. And, with the Astros potentially reengaging with Alex Bregman, there could be extra motivation for Houston to shed some payroll. Its hard to envision any scenario where the Astros re-sign Bregman and also dip beneath the luxury tax threshold, but shedding Presslys $14MM salary would lessen the sting of exceeding the tax line for what would be a second straight season. Per RosterResources projections, Houston is currently about $3MM north of the $241MM threshold. As the start of Spring Training creeps ever closer, here are three things well be keeping an eye on headed into the weekend: 1. Bregmans market heating up? After Houston acquired Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes to handle the infield corners earlier this winter, it seemed difficult to imagine Alex Bregman returning to the only club hes known to this point in his career. That door may not be closed, however. The Astros have not only not ruled out a reunion with third baseman but have actually kept their previous six-year, $156MM offer on the table as the offseason has progressed. Adding Bregman back to the mix would create a bit of a logjam in the infield, but its possible that could be addressed by moving either Paredes or even Jose Altuve to the outfield. Renewed rumors of a reunion between Bregman and the Astros could increase the pressure on other teams interested in the infielder to make a move. The Tigers, Red Sox, and Blue Jays have all shown real interest in Bregmans services at various points in the offseason, though in recent weeks Boston has been connected as much to Nolan Arenado as to Bregman, Toronto signed Anthony Santander to ease their need for a big bat, and Detroits negotiations with the third baseman have seemingly begun to stall out. Will all of that be enough to keep Bregman in Houston? 2. Movement on Alonsos market? Conflicting reports emerged yesterday regarding the status of contract talks between the Blue Jays and first baseman Pete Alonso. SNYs Andy Martino and Newsdays Tim Healey both indicated that talks have begun to advance, while Shi Davidi and Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet suggested there hadnt been noteworthy movement. Torontos interest in Alonso isnt new, as there were reports connecting the two sides earlier this month alongside other clubs like the Red Sox, Giants, and Angels. The Jays and other alternative suitors for Alonso began to get more attention last week when Alonso declined a three-year offer from the Mets, prompting them to begin to pivot to other additions as they braced for Alonso to sign elsewhere. Adding Alonso to the lineup alongside Santander and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would improve Torontos offense in a hurry, although even with the DH available its easy to imagine the Jays defense suffering if Guerrero moves over to third on days where Santander or another player is DHing and Alonso plays first base. Notably, it seems likely that the Blue Jays would only be able to fit one of Alonso or Bregman into their lineup. With some signs from both markets that things could be heating up, will Toronto be able to add another significant bat? 3. Rockies Fest this weekend: The Rockies are hosting their annual Rockies Fest fan event tomorrow at Coors Field. A number of the organizations top players are expected to be present for the event including Ezequiel Tovar, Brenton Doyle, and Ryan McMahon as well as top prospects Chase Dollander and Zac Veen. Recently retired outfielder Charlie Blackmon is also set to be in attendance. Those players will be available for autographs and Q&A sessions, with other attractions including access to clubhouses and broadcast booths. A Q&A session regarding the teams outlook is also on the schedule, though top club personnel such as manager Bud Black and GM Bill Schmidt have not been specifically announced as appearing at tomorrows event. For more information (including ticket pricing), you can visit the event website here. HOUGHTON, MI This high-energy, freestyle snowboarding puts spectators right in the action as they witness jaw dropping tricks from mere feet away. Every winter, rather than clearing snow, Michigans northernmost peninsula dumps feet of it on a road for this Red Bull-sponsored event. RELATED: Michigans northernmost peninsula has a shocking amount of snow Jibba Jabba is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, on Houghtons Huron Street, where a downhill, freestyle snowboarding course will be built from Sheldon Street to the Portage Canal a full two blocks. The course includes jumps, rails and other features. Thirty-five professional riders will compete for a chance at a cash prize. Spectators can stand just off the course on the sidewalks. There will be a DJ, giveaways and food trucks. No tickets required. For those feeling inspired by the event, there are two nearby ski resorts: Mont Ripley Ski Area and Mount Bohemia Ski Resort. Jibba Jabba returned to the Keweenaw Peninsula in 2023 after a 10-year absence. Its coordinated by Jenn & Dustin Reed of Minnie Farms, The City of Houghton and Visit Keweenaw. A big Canadian freighter with a crew of 17 on board has become trapped in the fast-expanding ice covering Lake Erie. The Manitoulin, a 663-foot vessel, remained stuck just offshore of Buffalo, New York for the second day on Thursday. An ice-cutting barge, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay, was dispatched earlier today to help free the freighter from the snow and ice field. Coast Guard officials said ice-breaking measures have stopped for tonight and will resume on Friday, according to WGRZ-TV. The Associated Press said the big freighter had delivered a load of wheat to Buffalo and was departing the eastern end of Lake Erie for its destination in Sarnia, Ontario, when it got stuck on Wednesday morning. The crew is safe and the ship has not been damaged, authorities said. The recent Arctic cold blast and sub-zero air temperatures have seen ice form very quickly on Lake Erie in the last several days. The shallowest of the Great Lakes, Erie is typically the first to freeze. Right now, data shows the lake is 80% covered in ice. Freighters getting stuck in the winter is not uncommon, the Coast Guard said. Several ships already this winter have needed help from the ice-breaking cutters. Although the Manitoulins entrapment near the Buffalo coastline has been a talker. The lake freighter Manitoulin is immobilized by thick ice in Lake Erie outside the Buffalo River breakwall as it awaits the arrival of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay which is en route from Erie, Penn. to help loosen the vessel, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (Derek Gee/The Buffalo News via AP)AP We just havent had a bad winter in quite a while. So now that weve had one and people havent seen this for a bit, theyre like Whats going on? said Paul Angelillo, a search and rescue specialist with the Coast Guard in Buffalo, according to the AP. The Manitoulins captain and crew have apparently retained their sense of humor through the ordeal. The Marine Traffic app, which lists the ships destination as filled in by the crew, reads Exasperated Sigh. Want to see a cool time-lapse showing the Bristol Bay freeing another ship earlier this month? Check out this video posted by the Interlake Steamship Company, which gave the Coast Guard crew a shout-out on Jan. 14 for helping to free one of its iced-in vessels in the St. Clair River. Full House star Dave Couliers battle with cancer is getting tougher, according to his wife. It was announced in October that Coulier was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He has some really tough days, and as chemo has been accumulating it gets a little tougher and more difficult, she told WXYZ ABC 7 in Detroit this week. He has such a positive attitude, and you need that in order to really fight it. Every morning, if hes feeling up for it, we try to put on a song and do a little dance party with the dogs, because when you feel good, you have to celebrate that, too. Coulier, 65, is leaning on family, she said. He has had a lot of loss in his life when it comes to having to deal with cancer, she said. He lost his mother, his sister, his niece. His other sister had it. I think for him, he takes every stride and really pulls strength from seeing the women that were so close in his life to powering through it, and he just wants to honor them. MARQUETTE, MI Two corrections officers were hospitalized Friday morning after being assaulted by an inmate at Marquette Branch Prison, TV6 WLUC reported. The news outlet reported that it received several calls and emails from viewers who had heard about the assault. Jenni Riehle, Michigan Department of Corrections spokesperson, then confirmed the assault, the station said. Riehle told TV6 that a level 5 prisoner at the Marquette Branch Prison assaulted the two corrections officers with a self-constructed weapon while the officers were releasing prisoners into the yard. The two officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, Riehle said. Both were released from the hospital this afternoon, she said. Additional staff in the area responded immediately and gained control of the prisoner and secured the weapon. The level 5 unit has since been placed under restricted movement, Riehle said. A level 5 prisoner is considered a maximum security risk and represents the highest security level in the Michigan prison system. The cause of the attack remains under investigation, Riehle told TV6. CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI A 31-year-old man who shot his wife five times in the head while she was on the phone with 911 has been found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder. After a six-day trial and deliberations that concluded Thursday, Jan. 23, a Macomb County jury has found Steven Bryce Wheeler guilty of fatally shooting 33-year-old Jordan Wheeler with a .45 caliber handgun. The shooting happened at 9 p.m. on Oct. 19, 2023 inside the Wheeler residence on Woodward Street, near 15 Mile Road and Beaconsfield Street in Clinton Township. RELATED: Michigan man accused of fatally shooting wife while she was on phone with 911 Jordan Wheeler had called 911 that night to report that Steven Wheeler had assaulted her, police said previously. While she was on the phone, he then shot her in front of two of the couples three children, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said. This conviction delivers justice for a tragic and senseless act of violence, Lucido stated in a news release. Domestic violence doesnt just claim one life, it leaves behind deep and enduring scars on everyone involved, especially children who are robbed of their innocence. No child should have to endure such trauma, and no community should have to bear the weight of such a loss. I am grateful for the diligent work of our talented team, including law enforcement officers who investigated this case. Our hearts remain with the family as they navigate the immense pain of this tragedy. Macomb County Assistant Prosecutors Kumar Palepu and Kelsey Heath tried the case for Lucidos office. Wheeler is scheduled to be sentenced by Macomb County Circuit Judge Julie Gatti on Wednesday, Feb. 26. MILAN, MI Milan Area Schools is on the hunt for a new superintendent ahead of its current long-time chief administrators planned retirement later this year But first, the Milan School Board is gathering feedback from the districts community stakeholders. LINDEN, MI The city of Linden is giving residents additional time to pay their water bills as rates continue to increase. The Linden City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 13 to approve an amendment extending the repayment period for water bills from 25 to 45 days. The council also agreed to table another planned water rate increase until this spring to allow the city to work with its financial advisors to determine how it will roll out future rate increases in hopes of minimizing the financial strain on residents. We understand everyones frustration, Linden City Manager Ellen Glass said. My staff has been taking a number of phone calls since the Thursday after New Years when the email bills hit. The citys most recent water rate increase took effect in September with an increase from a quarterly base fee of $8.95 and usage charge of $7.15 per hundred cubic feet (CCF) to a base fee of $28.26 and usage fee of $7.25 per hundred cubic feet. January water bills reflect usage in the city from September through November 2024. The citys recent water rate increases come as it works to address its water pressure and capacity issues by investing into its own water system and expanding its water towers. Additionally, the council voted to switch to Genesee Countys water system to avoid costs associated with operating an independent water system in October 2022. Tentatively, we plan to switch over to the county water system in March, Linden Public Works Director Don Grice said. We have an old system thats used to approximately 55 psi (pounds per square inch) or less, so, what Ive discussed with the county is we want them to come at in at a similar rate. We want to see how our system adjusts to that new connection. And then were going to start ramping it up slowly. The city has been experiencing water pressure issues since the 1990s, according to Grice. The recommended standard by the state of Michigan and 10 state standards is that water systems should be between 60 and 80 psi, or normal operating pressure, and never below 35 psi, Grice said. Our normal operating pressure in the system here is 55 psi and then we have sections of the community that are down in the 20s for water pressure. Its not a matter of water quality. Its a matter of source and looking at how we resolve those long-standing pressure capacity issues. Council member Denise Miller noted sufficient water pressure is needed to fight fires like the one that destroyed downtown Lindens historic Union Block building in 2007. People stood down there and watched the whole union block catch on fire while we had our fire trucks pumping water from the river because the hydrants couldnt keep up, Miller said. It was horrific. Glass said the citys next water rate increase will be smaller than the most recent increase which was reflected in water bills in January. They still are necessary in order to pay for the debt and the investment into the new system and the necessary improvements, she said. Glass also noted these rate increases are also meant to help the city cover the cost of any potential water main breaks or other water system emergencies. Several residents complained about the recent increase during the councils January meeting, including Bill Walker. Walked, who is retired and lives on a fixed income, said his water bill has increased by $200 in the past three months. Ive been here for seven years. My taxes have almost doubled since Ive lived here, and now my water rate has tripled, he said. Resident Scott Ward urged the council to look for ways to spread out payments on improvements to the citys water system. Is there any way we could stretch these payments out to make it easier for some of our citizens? he said. It is a big chunk." A copy of the ordinance amending the repayment period for water bills and the citys water rate schedule can be found in the councils Jan. 13 meeting agenda packet at lindenmi.us. Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter. HOLLAND, MI A man who broke into a Holland home and sexually assaulted a resident last April was found guilty of multiple felony charges Thursday afternoon. Dominique Asher Hawkins, 25, faces the possibility of life in prison after being found guilty of criminal sexual conduct first degree, home invasion first degree and resisting and obstructing an officer. FRANKENMUTH, MI A Michigan middle school teacher was honored with an annual distinction presented this year to 45 of the nations most outstanding educators. In a Friday, Jan. 24, ceremony that was a surprise to him, Luke Kanine, a teacher at Frankenmuths E.F. Rittmueller Middle School, received the Milken Educator Award, an honor established in 1987. The award comes with a $25,000 cash prize. Planners said Kanine was led to believe he was bringing his students to a school assembly featuring Michigan State Superintendent Michael F. Rice. Rice was present there, but Kanine quickly learned the assembly was organized to surprise him with news about his Milken Educator Award. Kanine, a Spanish and physical education teacher as well as a behavior interventionist at the school, learned the news from Rice and Milken Family Foundation Senior Program Director Greg Gallagher, planners said. Kanine was the first teacher in the Frankenmuth School District to receive the award. He also was the lone Michigan educator who was a recipient this year. Luke Kanines whole-child approach illustrates his care and commitment for everyone he encounters at E.F. Rittmueller and within the community, Gallagher said in a statement. Whether building Spanish language skills, helping people lead healthy lives, mentoring colleagues, or strengthening school culture, Luke loves this community, and it shows. The Friday announcement marked the second time in three years a mid-Michigan teacher received the Milken Educator Award. Then-principal of Merrill Park Elementary School, Jenna ODriscoll, received the honor in 2022. 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. BAY CITY, MI An attorney who has represented several Michigan residents in their anti-abortion protests is lauding pardons granted to his former clients by President Donald J. Trump. Trump on Thursday, Jan. 23, pardoned 23 anti-abortionists who were federally convicted of blocking access to reproductive health clinics. The recipients include Michigan residents Heather Idoni, Joel Curry, the Rev. Justin Phillips of Flints ONELife for Life Church, and father-daughter duo Calvin Zastrow and Eva Zastrow. Bay City attorney Robert J. Dunn, a longtime anti-abortionist, represented Idoni in a 2024 Washington, D.C., trial. He previously represented the Zastrows in both Michigan and Florida cases. I think its the right decision, Dunn said of Trumps pardons. A federal jury in August found the quintet and three non-Michigan residents guilty of felony conspiracy against rights and a Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act offense. The latter conviction relates to the groups conduct at Northland Family Planning Clinic in Sterling Heights on Aug. 27, 2020, during which they prevented a woman whose fetus had fatal abnormalities and whose own health was at risk from entering the facility. The jury also convicted Idoni, 60 of Linden, of a second FACE Act offense related to her chaining herself to a door of the Womens Center of Saginaw and Flint clinic at 3141 Cabaret Trail S. in Saginaw Township on April 16, 2021. Bay City attorney Robert J. Dunn.Cole Waterman Dunn defended his former clients protests at the health clinics, feeling they were over-charged in the first place. Its a fine line between exercising your constitutional rights and committing a criminal act, Dunn said. If people are praying and simply trying to talk women out of an abortion, I dont think the FACE Act should be used to charge felonies. That doesnt mean you can use violence or attack somebody or trespass, but trespassing is a state offense. Idoni was also convicted in 2024 trial in Washington, D.C., on charges related to a blockade of a clinic in that city on Oct. 22, 2020. Idoni in May received a 24-year prison sentence. Dunn represented her at that trial. In July, a federal judge in Nashville sentenced Calvin Zastrow to six months in prison and three years supervised release for convictions related to him blocking a Mount Juliet clinic in March 2021. His daughter Eva Zastrow, 24, and son James Zastrow, 25 of Eldon, Missouri, were sentenced to three years probation. James Zastrow was also pardoned by Trump. Prison records show Calvin Zastrow remains in custody at Federal Correctional Institution Thomson in Illinois as of Friday, Jan. 24. Idoni is not in federal custody. Dunn considered the groups prosecution political, a view espoused by Trump. They should not have been prosecuted, he said as he signed pardons for peaceful pro-life protesters. On Friday he added: They will be released, and theyll be out very shortly. It was disgraceful what happened. That was a persecution. At the same time, Dunn voiced some caution over sweeping presidential pardons. I think every case needs to be judged on its own merits as far as pardoning, he said. You cant just put everybody in a group and treat everybody identically. Abortion rights advocates have slammed Trumps pardons as evidence of his opposition to abortion access, despite his vague, contradictory statements on the issue as he attempted to find a middle ground on the campaign trail between anti-abortion allies and the majority of Americans who support abortion rights. Donald Trump on the campaign trail tried to have it both ways bragging about his role in overturning Roe v. Wade while saying he wasnt going to take action on abortion, said Ryan Stitzlein, vice president of political and government relations for the national abortion rights organization Reproductive Freedom for All. We never believed that that was true, and this shows us that we were right. SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser thanked Trump for immediately delivering on his promise to pardon the protesters, arguing their prosecutions were political. Legal group Thomas More Society argued the FACE Act defendants they represent had been unjustly imprisoned in a January letter to Trump. The group had assured the defendants that Trump would review their cases and pardon them when he took office, according to the letter. Today, freedom rings in our great nation, Steve Crampton, senior counsel for the Thomas More Society, said Thursday, adding, What happened to them can never be erased, but todays pardons are a huge step towards restoring justice. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley, among Trumps most loyal supporters, called the prosecution of anti-abortion protesters a grotesque assault on the principles of this country and urged Trump to pardon them while reading the stories of such anti-abortion protesters on the Senate floor Thursday. He highlighted Eva Edl, who was involved in a 2021 Tennessee clinic blockade and whose story has garnered attention from the largest national anti-abortion groups. Hawley said he had a great conversation Thursday morning with Trump about the protesters. The pardons came ahead of Fridays 52nd annual anti-abortion protest March for Life in Washington, where thousands assembled to hear Vice President JD Vance, who was scheduled to address them in person, and Trump, who was to appear in a pre-recorded message. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. SAGINAW, MI Deandre R. Welch stood in a Buena Vista Township yard, aimed a gun at his estranged wife and pulled the trigger. To his surprise, the pistol jammed not once, not twice, but three times. Welch interpreted the guns malfunction as God intervening, giving him chances to walk away and not be a killer. BAY CITY, MI It was just a joke, baby. Still, enough people took seriously a Michigan-set satirical publications online story this week that the farce led a real-life mayor to issue a statement, attempting to separate fact from fiction. That mayors message: No, people, the Saginaw Bay was not renamed as the Bay Bay. The satirical report announcing the name change was posted earlier this week via The Midland Gazette, a Facebook-based publication with a history of fooling people unaware they were reading what amounts to a Michigan-focused version of The Onion. Within two days, the Gazettes Bay Bay story was shared nearly 400 times on Facebook, gaining enough viral steam that now people can log on to Amazon to purchase winterwear based on the joke. Ben Tierney, a Midland marketing professional and the man behind The Gazette, said a friend inspired him to write the Bay Bay story. It was meant to satirize this weeks real-life news that freshly-inaugurated President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. Within days, though, the satire took on a life of its own in the real world. Tierney has experience with his imagined journalism growing beyond his control. His first time dealing with readers believing the satire was when a Gazette story reported a couple at a Midland Burger King mistook musician Jelly Roll for a homeless person. Oops. But also, ha-ha. Gazette stories are usually confined to Midland County, and those folks are used to rolling their eyes at the content, Tierney said. When they spread further, people who arent familiar with the page are more likely to believe it. Every time I think to myself that a story is so outlandish nobody could possibly believe it, Im surprised to see how many do. In the case of his Bay Bay story, some readers on social media took the joke seriously enough that they called for the firing of public officials albeit public officials Tierney imagined. Oops. But also, ha-ha. The story included quotes from a fictional mayor of Bay City, a mid-Michigan community located within a few miles of the body of water and conveniently includes the name Bay in it. Per the Gazette story, the fictional mayors explanation for the Saginaw Bays rebranding involved providing a name thats not just geographically accurate, but also fun to say twice. Tierney said he enjoyed watching the reaction to the story in the social media comments sections, both from readers who understood its tongue-in-cheek nature as well as individuals outraged by what they thought was real news. I appreciate the responses from folks who say they needed the laugh, and I laugh at the responses calling for the fake mayor to be fired, he said. The story generated enough public discourse that the actual mayor of Bay City, Chris Girard, issued a statement on his own Facebook page: Just to be clear Im still the mayor and this is a satire post for those who were unsure, Girard wrote, adding a nervously-laughing emoji as punctuation to the statement. Tierney said he owes the mayor an apology. Kind of. I know and appreciate Chris so much, so when I saw him make a statement about it, I felt a little bad, Tierney said. But only a little, because its also kind of hilarious. Tierney said the friend who helped him come up with the story idea, Kristen Inman, recently began selling Bay Bay hoodies on Amazon, hoping to ride the viral wave before it crests. I hope she makes a few bucks for her efforts, Tierney said. Its a fun design and just goofy enough to take off. Available for $29.99 and in 10 different colors, the hoodie features an illustration of a wave of water rolling beneath a single catchphrase: Bay Bay Dont Play. Crafted from the softest cotton-poly blend, this hoodie wraps you in the kind of comfort that feels like a warm Bay Bay sunset, the product description reads. Behold the Bay Bay Dont Play garment, a wearable masterpiece that not only keeps you warm but makes you geographically and culturally unstoppable. Inspired by the audacious rebranding of the Saginaw Bay ... because, lets face it, the name was too iconic to keep quiet. Girard again, the real Bay City mayor seemed to embrace that outcome of the satire. On his Facebook page, he shared screenshots of the hoodies, along with a message: Ok which color do you like best, he wrote. This time, he punctuated the statement with two nervously-laughing emojis. 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. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY25 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of $5.05-$5.25 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of $5.16. Abbott Laboratories also updated its FY 2025 guidance to 5.050-5.250 EPS. Abbott Laboratories Trading Up 4.6 % Shares of ABT opened at $123.17 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $114.91 and a 200 day moving average price of $113.08. Abbott Laboratories has a one year low of $99.71 and a one year high of $123.23. The company has a market capitalization of $213.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.44, a P/E/G ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.60. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 22nd. The healthcare product maker reported $1.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.34. The firm had revenue of $10.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11,029,400 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 13.99% and a return on equity of 20.18%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.19 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.67 EPS for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 14th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.59 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.92%. This is a boost from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.55. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 30.85%. Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on ABT shares. Mizuho upped their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $115.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 17th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $107.00 to $117.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, October 17th. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $143.00 to $149.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 5th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $133.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $135.00 price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Tuesday. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Abbott Laboratories currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $132.50. Read Our Latest Stock Report on ABT About Abbott Laboratories (Get Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Advisory Alpha LLC increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 3.7% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 3,751 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 133 shares during the quarter. Advisory Alpha LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $2,896,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 17,090,971 shares of the companys stock worth $15,089,563,000 after purchasing an additional 85,823 shares during the period. International Assets Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 87,091.7% in the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 12,463,182 shares of the companys stock worth $11,041,631,000 after purchasing an additional 12,448,888 shares during the period. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 6,115,504 shares of the companys stock worth $5,417,970,000 after purchasing an additional 157,741 shares during the period. Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 3.5% in the 3rd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 5,058,101 shares of the companys stock worth $4,481,175,000 after purchasing an additional 169,391 shares during the period. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 3,027,901 shares of the companys stock worth $2,741,832,000 after purchasing an additional 22,392 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance LLY opened at $766.00 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.03, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.27. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52-week low of $624.68 and a 52-week high of $972.53. The stock has a market capitalization of $727.18 billion, a PE ratio of 82.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 0.41. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $776.31 and its 200-day moving average price is $850.93. Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 30th. The company reported $1.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.52 by ($0.34). Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 20.48% and a return on equity of 71.08%. The business had revenue of $11.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.09 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.10 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Companys quarterly revenue was up 20.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 12.98 EPS for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company announced that its board has authorized a stock buyback plan on Monday, December 9th that permits the company to buyback $15.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the company to purchase up to 2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are typically a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 10th. Investors of record on Friday, February 14th will be given a dividend of $1.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 14th. This is a positive change from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.30. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.78%. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is currently 56.22%. Insider Activity at Eli Lilly and Company In related news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 900 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $803.38, for a total transaction of $723,042.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 5,480 shares in the company, valued at $4,402,522.40. The trade was a 14.11 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have commented on LLY. Truist Financial raised their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,000.00 to $1,033.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 10th. Wolfe Research started coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Friday, November 15th. They set an outperform rating and a $1,000.00 price target for the company. Citigroup lifted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,060.00 to $1,250.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 25th. Bank of America reiterated a buy rating and set a $997.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Tuesday, December 10th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,002.22. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on LLY Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A Get Free Report) CEO Padraig Mcdonnell sold 1,911 shares of Agilent Technologies stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total transaction of $286,650.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 39,652 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,947,800. This represents a 4.60 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Agilent Technologies Trading Down 0.1 % Agilent Technologies stock opened at $152.41 on Friday. Agilent Technologies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $124.16 and a 12-month high of $155.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 2.09 and a quick ratio of 1.58. The stock has a market capitalization of $43.53 billion, a PE ratio of 34.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.12 and a beta of 1.06. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $137.50 and a 200-day simple moving average of $137.79. Get Agilent Technologies alerts: Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 25th. The medical research company reported $1.46 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.41 by $0.05. Agilent Technologies had a return on equity of 25.43% and a net margin of 19.80%. The company had revenue of $1.70 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.67 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.38 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up .8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Agilent Technologies, Inc. will post 5.56 EPS for the current fiscal year. Agilent Technologies Increases Dividend Institutional Investors Weigh In On Agilent Technologies The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 22nd. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 31st were paid a $0.248 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 31st. This represents a $0.99 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.65%. This is a boost from Agilent Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.24. Agilent Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 22.40%. Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in A. Van ECK Associates Corp lifted its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 6.6% in the third quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 2,976,905 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $442,011,000 after purchasing an additional 183,716 shares in the last quarter. AXA S.A. increased its stake in shares of Agilent Technologies by 32.3% during the 2nd quarter. AXA S.A. now owns 362,945 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $47,049,000 after purchasing an additional 88,667 shares during the last quarter. Vestal Point Capital LP acquired a new stake in Agilent Technologies in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $14,848,000. Empowered Funds LLC boosted its position in Agilent Technologies by 29.8% during the third quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 30,978 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $4,592,000 after purchasing an additional 7,111 shares during the period. Finally, Czech National Bank raised its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 6.5% in the third quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 59,456 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $8,828,000 after purchasing an additional 3,612 shares during the period. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Agilent Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 24th. Evercore ISI upped their target price on Agilent Technologies from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, October 1st. Barclays cut their price target on Agilent Technologies from $145.00 to $135.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 27th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on Agilent Technologies from $157.00 to $155.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, December 9th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of Agilent Technologies from $165.00 to $160.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 26th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $143.62. Get Our Latest Report on A About Agilent Technologies (Get Free Report) Agilent Technologies, Inc provides application focused solutions to the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Life Sciences and Applied Markets, Diagnostics and Genomics, and Agilent CrossLab. The Life Sciences and Applied Markets segment offers liquid chromatography systems and components; liquid chromatography mass spectrometry systems; gas chromatography systems and components; gas chromatography mass spectrometry systems; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instruments; atomic absorption instruments; microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry instruments; inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry instruments; raman spectroscopy; cell analysis plate based assays; flow cytometer; real-time cell analyzer; cell imaging systems; microplate reader; laboratory software; information management and analytics; laboratory automation and robotic systems; dissolution testing; and vacuum pumps, and measurement technologies. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Agilent Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agilent Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ally Financial (NYSE:ALLY Free Report) had its target price lifted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $40.00 to $43.00 in a research report released on Thursday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the financial services providers stock. A number of other equities research analysts have also recently commented on the company. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Ally Financial from $41.00 to $45.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Ally Financial from $42.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $40.00 price objective on shares of Ally Financial in a report on Monday, October 21st. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Ally Financial from $36.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, January 6th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price target on shares of Ally Financial from $44.00 to $56.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, December 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $43.47. Get Ally Financial alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Ally Financial Ally Financial Stock Performance Shares of ALLY opened at $40.12 on Thursday. Ally Financial has a 52 week low of $31.95 and a 52 week high of $45.46. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.36. The stock has a market cap of $12.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.05, a PEG ratio of 0.40 and a beta of 1.44. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $36.92 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $37.93. Ally Financial (NYSE:ALLY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 22nd. The financial services provider reported $0.78 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.21. The business had revenue of $2.09 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2,021,808.41 billion. Ally Financial had a net margin of 10.84% and a return on equity of 8.39%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.45 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Ally Financial will post 2.96 EPS for the current year. Ally Financial Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 31st will be paid a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.99%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 31st. Ally Financials payout ratio is currently 48.00%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. boosted its holdings in Ally Financial by 233.4% during the 4th quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 2,430,128 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $87,509,000 after acquiring an additional 1,701,264 shares during the period. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Ally Financial by 217.0% during the third quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 2,283,214 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $81,260,000 after purchasing an additional 1,563,008 shares during the period. Wedge Capital Management L L P NC grew its holdings in shares of Ally Financial by 584.7% in the third quarter. Wedge Capital Management L L P NC now owns 1,395,308 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $49,659,000 after purchasing an additional 1,191,529 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. purchased a new position in Ally Financial in the 3rd quarter worth about $21,571,000. Finally, 140 Summer Partners LP bought a new stake in Ally Financial during the 3rd quarter valued at about $19,140,000. Institutional investors own 88.76% of the companys stock. About Ally Financial (Get Free Report) Ally Financial Inc, a digital financial-services company, provides various digital financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda. The company operates through Automotive Finance Operations, Insurance Operations, Mortgage Finance Operations, and Corporate Finance Operations segments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ally Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ally Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arkansas Financial Group Inc. trimmed its stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF (NYSEARCA:RSPF Free Report) by 3.7% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 37,501 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,433 shares during the period. Arkansas Financial Group Inc. owned approximately 0.87% of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF worth $2,714,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. ORG Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $47,000. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC bought a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF during the third quarter valued at about $218,000. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF during the third quarter worth about $228,000. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC increased its holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF by 20.3% during the 4th quarter. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC now owns 4,749 shares of the companys stock valued at $344,000 after purchasing an additional 802 shares during the period. Finally, SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC now owns 7,374 shares of the companys stock worth $534,000 after buying an additional 151 shares during the period. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF Stock Up 0.2 % Shares of RSPF stock opened at $74.86 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $74.37 and a 200 day moving average of $70.21. The firm has a market capitalization of $321.15 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.91 and a beta of 0.84. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF has a 52 week low of $58.06 and a 52 week high of $78.43. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF Profile The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF (RSPF) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 Equal Weighted / Financials index. The fund tracks an equal-weighted index of financial stocks pulled from the S&P 500. RSPF was launched on Nov 1, 2006 and is managed by Invesco. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RSPF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF (NYSEARCA:RSPF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ambev (NYSE:ABEV Free Report) had its target price reduced by Barclays from $2.50 to $2.00 in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. They currently have an equal weight rating on the stock. Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Ambev in a report on Sunday, January 19th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Bank of America lowered shares of Ambev from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, January 17th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $2.45. Get Ambev alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ABEV Ambev Trading Up 1.4 % Ambev Cuts Dividend Shares of Ambev stock opened at $1.83 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $28.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.50 and a beta of 1.05. Ambev has a fifty-two week low of $1.76 and a fifty-two week high of $2.72. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $2.02 and a 200-day simple moving average of $2.18. The business also recently disclosed an annual dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 9th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 23rd were paid a $0.0414 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 23rd. This represents a dividend yield of 1.93%. Ambevs payout ratio is 38.89%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in ABEV. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its stake in shares of Ambev by 0.5% in the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 42,904,893 shares of the companys stock valued at $104,688,000 after purchasing an additional 226,238 shares in the last quarter. Seafarer Capital Partners LLC raised its position in Ambev by 6.3% in the third quarter. Seafarer Capital Partners LLC now owns 30,069,000 shares of the companys stock worth $73,368,000 after purchasing an additional 1,770,000 shares in the last quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP raised its position in Ambev by 23.9% in the second quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 15,456,266 shares of the companys stock worth $32,024,000 after purchasing an additional 2,982,621 shares in the last quarter. Kiltearn Partners LLP lifted its stake in Ambev by 43.3% during the second quarter. Kiltearn Partners LLP now owns 14,575,900 shares of the companys stock worth $29,881,000 after purchasing an additional 4,407,800 shares during the period. Finally, Private Management Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Ambev by 43.8% during the third quarter. Private Management Group Inc. now owns 13,428,352 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,765,000 after purchasing an additional 4,087,442 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 8.13% of the companys stock. About Ambev (Get Free Report) Ambev SA, through its subsidiaries, engages in the production, distribution, and sale of beer, draft beer, carbonated soft drinks, malt and food, other alcoholic beverages, and non-alcoholic and non-carbonated products in Brazil, Central America and Caribbean, Latin America South, and Canada. It offers beer primarily under the Skol, Brahma, Antarctica, Brahva, Budweiser, Bud Light, Beck, Leffe, Hoegaarden, Balboa ICE, Balboa, Atlas Golden Light, Atlas, Bucanero, Cristal, Mayabe, Presidente, Presidente Light, Brahma Light, Bohemia, The One, Corona, Modelo Especial, Stella Artois, Quilmes Clasica, Pacena, Taquina, Huari, Becker, Cusquena, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Pilsen, Ouro Fino, Bud 66, Banks, Deputy, Patricia, Labatt Blue, Alexander Keiths, and Kokanee brands. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ambev Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ambev and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Baru Gold Corp. (EAS.V) (CVE:EAS Get Free Report) shares traded down 3.1% on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as C$0.15 and last traded at C$0.16. 136,956 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 60% from the average session volume of 345,802 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.16. Baru Gold Corp. (EAS.V) Trading Down 3.1 % The businesss fifty day simple moving average is C$0.16 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$0.16. The firm has a market cap of C$22.97 million and a P/E ratio of -15.50. Baru Gold Corp. (EAS.V) Company Profile (Get Free Report) East Asia Minerals Corporation engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in Indonesia. It holds 70% interest in Sangihe gold-copper project, which is located on the island of Sangihe covering an area of 42,000 hectares; and the Miwah gold project that consists of three contiguous exploration mining business permits covering 30,000 hectares located southeast of Banda Aceh in Aceh Province. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Baru Gold Corp. (EAS.V) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Baru Gold Corp. (EAS.V) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Funds 8K filing here. About BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund (Get Free Report) BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc The fund is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. It invests in public equity markets across the globe. The fund seeks to invest in securities of companies operating across diversified sectors. See Also Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited (LON:BMV Get Free Report) shares traded up 8.7% during mid-day trading on Wednesday after an insider bought additional shares in the company. The company traded as high as GBX 0.85 ($0.01) and last traded at GBX 0.82 ($0.01). 5,302,611 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 22% from the average session volume of 6,798,162 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.75 ($0.01). Specifically, insider Aidan Bishop bought 1,000,000 shares of Bluebird Merchant Ventures stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 21st. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 1 ($0.01) per share, for a total transaction of 10,000 ($12,351.78). Get Bluebird Merchant Ventures alerts: Bluebird Merchant Ventures Stock Up 3.9 % The company has a market capitalization of 6.67 million, a P/E ratio of 215.00 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a 50-day moving average of GBX 0.60 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 0.86. The company has a quick ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 0.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29. About Bluebird Merchant Ventures Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining and developing of mineral properties. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. It holds interests in the Gubong project and Kochang project located in South Korea. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Road Town, the British Virgin Islands. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bluebird Merchant Ventures Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bluebird Merchant Ventures and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capitec Bank Holdings Limited (OTCMKTS:CKHGY Get Free Report) fell 2.6% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $78.75 and last traded at $78.89. 19,450 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 578% from the average session volume of 2,868 shares. The stock had previously closed at $80.98. Capitec Bank Stock Performance The firms 50 day simple moving average is $86.31 and its 200 day simple moving average is $84.35. About Capitec Bank (Get Free Report) Capitec Bank Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services in South Africa. The company operates through three segments: Retail Bank, Business Bank, and Insurance. It offers transactional banking services; fixed and tax-free savings, and call and notice deposits; term loans, credit facilities, mortgage loans, overdrafts, instalment sales and leases, credit and debit cards, and access facilities; rental finance; payment services; merchant services; and value-added services, as well as credit and life insurance products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Capitec Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Capitec Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cerro Pacific Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) by 33.5% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 3,301 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 828 shares during the period. Cerro Pacific Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $284,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of NVO. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S during the 3rd quarter valued at about $28,000. Capital Performance Advisors LLP acquired a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $42,000. Albion Financial Group UT increased its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 121.4% during the 4th quarter. Albion Financial Group UT now owns 507 shares of the companys stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 278 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Carolina Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $48,000. 11.54% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets NVO has been the subject of several research reports. Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from an underperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, January 6th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price target on Novo Nordisk A/S from $156.00 to $105.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 23rd. UBS Group raised Novo Nordisk A/S from a sell rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. StockNews.com lowered Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, December 29th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $160.00 price target on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Wednesday, November 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $145.25. Novo Nordisk A/S Trading Up 1.0 % Shares of Novo Nordisk A/S stock opened at $81.36 on Friday. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 12-month low of $78.17 and a 12-month high of $148.15. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43. The businesss 50 day moving average is $96.10 and its 200-day moving average is $115.79. The stock has a market cap of $365.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.33, a P/E/G ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 0.45. About Novo Nordisk A/S (Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and distribution of pharmaceutical products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, North America, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Rare Disease. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dakota Wealth Management lessened its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 86.6% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 24,680 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 158,980 shares during the quarter. Dakota Wealth Managements holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $1,488,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CMG. Legal & General Group Plc grew its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 5,209.5% during the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 10,935,669 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $685,128,000 after buying an additional 10,729,706 shares during the period. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. grew its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 1,087.9% during the third quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 4,712,724 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $271,547,000 after buying an additional 4,315,983 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 6,990.3% during the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,283,792 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $143,080,000 after buying an additional 2,251,582 shares during the period. Congress Asset Management Co. acquired a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the third quarter valued at $109,396,000. Finally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans lifted its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 674.3% during the third quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 2,122,778 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $122,314,000 after purchasing an additional 1,848,625 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.31% of the companys stock. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Chipotle Mexican Grill Price Performance Shares of CMG opened at $57.58 on Friday. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 1-year low of $46.15 and a 1-year high of $69.26. The stock has a market cap of $78.45 billion, a PE ratio of 53.59, a P/E/G ratio of 1.89 and a beta of 1.27. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $60.72 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $57.74. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Chipotle Mexican Grill ( NYSE:CMG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.27 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.25 by $0.02. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 13.51% and a return on equity of 43.20%. The business had revenue of $2.79 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.82 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.23 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 13.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.11 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Several equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Wedbush reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $69.00 price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Wednesday. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $70.00 to $72.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, December 5th. Stephens reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $65.00 price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Tuesday, November 12th. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $65.00 to $69.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 7th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $70.00 to $75.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, December 17th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $66.81. View Our Latest Stock Report on CMG Insider Activity at Chipotle Mexican Grill In related news, insider Laurie Schalow sold 4,404 shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.01, for a total value of $286,304.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 185,792 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,078,337.92. The trade was a 2.32 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 1.02% of the companys stock. Chipotle Mexican Grill Company Profile (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) CEO Edward H. Bastian sold 91,710 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.85, for a total transaction of $6,405,943.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 439,819 shares in the company, valued at approximately $30,721,357.15. This trade represents a 17.25 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Delta Air Lines Stock Down 0.5 % Shares of DAL traded down $0.37 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $67.41. 8,112,030 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 10,360,375. The company has a market cap of $43.50 billion, a PE ratio of 12.65, a PEG ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 1.35. The firms 50 day moving average is $63.06 and its 200-day moving average is $52.94. Delta Air Lines, Inc. has a 52 week low of $37.29 and a 52 week high of $69.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.32 and a current ratio of 0.37. Get Delta Air Lines alerts: Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 10th. The transportation company reported $1.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.09. Delta Air Lines had a return on equity of 30.43% and a net margin of 5.61%. The company had revenue of $15.56 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.20 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.28 EPS. The firms revenue was up 9.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Delta Air Lines, Inc. will post 7.67 EPS for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. TD Cowen increased their target price on shares of Delta Air Lines from $78.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 13th. Susquehanna lifted their price target on shares of Delta Air Lines from $59.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on Delta Air Lines from $60.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Delta Air Lines from $68.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, October 11th. Finally, Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Delta Air Lines from $65.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 26th. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $78.22. Read Our Latest Analysis on DAL Hedge Funds Weigh In On Delta Air Lines Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Sanders Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter. Sanders Capital LLC now owns 27,841,592 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,414,074,000 after purchasing an additional 749,099 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 15,501,936 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $789,452,000 after acquiring an additional 416,338 shares in the last quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Delta Air Lines in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $281,206,000. Castle Hook Partners LP acquired a new position in Delta Air Lines in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $189,296,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,497,487 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $177,637,000 after acquiring an additional 10,332 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.93% of the companys stock. Delta Air Lines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Bogota, Lima, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sao Paulo, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Delta Air Lines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Delta Air Lines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. reduced its position in Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D Free Report) by 93.4% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 731 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 10,312 shares during the period. Raleigh Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Dominion Energy were worth $39,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. raised its position in shares of Dominion Energy by 22.8% in the third quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 69,343 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $4,007,000 after acquiring an additional 12,890 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in Dominion Energy by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,164,929 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $298,481,000 after purchasing an additional 43,055 shares during the period. Ascent Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in Dominion Energy during the third quarter worth approximately $1,223,000. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Dominion Energy by 63.5% in the third quarter. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC now owns 8,436,875 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $487,567,000 after purchasing an additional 3,278,175 shares during the period. Finally, Barclays PLC increased its position in shares of Dominion Energy by 19.8% in the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 2,452,701 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $141,739,000 after buying an additional 404,868 shares in the last quarter. 73.04% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Dominion Energy alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on D shares. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Dominion Energy from $54.00 to $58.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 15th. Scotiabank lifted their target price on shares of Dominion Energy from $58.00 to $61.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 12th. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on shares of Dominion Energy in a research report on Monday, December 2nd. They set an equal weight rating and a $61.00 price target for the company. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $61.00 price objective on shares of Dominion Energy in a report on Friday, November 8th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Dominion Energy currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $56.58. Dominion Energy Price Performance NYSE:D opened at $53.25 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $55.34 and a 200 day moving average price of $55.88. The stock has a market cap of $44.73 billion, a PE ratio of 18.69, a P/E/G ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 0.74. Dominion Energy, Inc. has a one year low of $43.53 and a one year high of $61.97. Dominion Energy (NYSE:D Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, November 1st. The utilities provider reported $0.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.93 by $0.05. Dominion Energy had a return on equity of 8.35% and a net margin of 16.95%. The business had revenue of $3.94 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.18 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.77 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.4% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Dominion Energy, Inc. will post 2.76 EPS for the current fiscal year. Dominion Energy Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 29th were paid a $0.6675 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 29th. This represents a $2.67 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.01%. Dominion Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 93.68%. Dominion Energy Profile (Free Report) Dominion Energy, Inc produces and distributes energy in the United States. It operates through three operating segments: Dominion Energy Virginia, Dominion Energy South Carolina, and Contracted Energy. The Dominion Energy Virginia segment generates, transmits, and distributes regulated electricity to approximately 2.8 million residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers in Virginia and North Carolina. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding D? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Dominion Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dominion Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ethernity Networks Ltd. (LON:ENET Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.10 ($0.00) and last traded at GBX 0.11 ($0.00), with a volume of 155447984 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.11 ($0.00). Ethernity Networks Trading Down 10.6 % The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 21.00, a current ratio of 0.42 and a quick ratio of 1.37. The firm has a market cap of 380,487.20, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.37 and a beta of 0.58. The firms fifty day moving average is GBX 0.12 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 0.31. Ethernity Networks Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ethernity Networks Ltd. provides technology solutions for telecom, mobile, security, and data center markets in Asia, Europe, Israel, and the United States. The company develops and delivers data processing technology and solutions for carrier Ethernet switching. It provides ENET flow processors for telco/cloud network; ACE-NIC40 SmartNIC, an open flow enabled software acceleration NIC; ACE-NIC50 SmartNIC, which offers 10/25G Ethernet connectivity and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) acceleration; and ACE-NIC100 SmartNIC that provides flexible 10/25/40/100G Ethernet connectivity and programmable FPGA acceleration. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ethernity Networks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ethernity Networks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Finsbury Growth & Income (LON:FGT Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as GBX 931 ($11.50) and last traded at GBX 931 ($11.50), with a volume of 690231 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 925 ($11.43). Finsbury Growth & Income Price Performance The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 890.78 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 860.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.01, a current ratio of 5.68 and a quick ratio of 0.48. The stock has a market cap of 1.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,537.05 and a beta of 0.52. Get Finsbury Growth & Income alerts: Finsbury Growth & Income (LON:FGT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 4th. The investment trust reported GBX 20.80 ($0.26) EPS for the quarter. Finsbury Growth & Income had a net margin of 89.62% and a return on equity of 7.05%. About Finsbury Growth & Income The Company was founded in 1926 and Nick Train has managed the portfolio since his firm, Lindsell Train, was appointed as Portfolio Manager in 2000. Finsbury Growth & Income Trust PLC (the Company) invests principally in the securities of UK listed companies, whilst up to a maximum of 20% of the Companys portfolio, at the time of acquisition, can be invested in quoted companies outside of the UK. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Finsbury Growth & Income Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Finsbury Growth & Income and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities researchers at Jefferies Financial Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a note issued to investors on Friday,Briefing.com Automated Import reports. They presently have a $40.00 price target on the natural resource companys stock, down from their prior price target of $48.00. Jefferies Financial Groups price target would indicate a potential upside of 3.91% from the stocks current price. A number of other brokerages also recently weighed in on FCX. Raymond James boosted their target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Scotiabank dropped their target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $52.00 to $48.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, January 6th. StockNews.com cut Freeport-McMoRan from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, September 26th. Sanford C. Bernstein downgraded Freeport-McMoRan from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $51.00 to $46.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 7th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on Freeport-McMoRan from $55.00 to $48.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $51.81. Get Freeport-McMoRan alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Freeport-McMoRan Freeport-McMoRan Stock Down 1.5 % Shares of Freeport-McMoRan stock opened at $38.49 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $55.31 billion, a PE ratio of 28.10, a P/E/G ratio of 2.39 and a beta of 1.87. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $40.91 and its 200 day simple moving average is $44.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a current ratio of 2.33. Freeport-McMoRan has a 52-week low of $36.26 and a 52-week high of $55.24. Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 23rd. The natural resource company reported $0.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.36 by ($0.05). Freeport-McMoRan had a net margin of 7.81% and a return on equity of 7.40%. On average, analysts predict that Freeport-McMoRan will post 1.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Sanctuary Advisors LLC grew its position in Freeport-McMoRan by 9.7% during the third quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC now owns 164,640 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $8,219,000 after buying an additional 14,501 shares in the last quarter. Easterly Investment Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 137.5% during the 3rd quarter. Easterly Investment Partners LLC now owns 147,735 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $7,375,000 after purchasing an additional 85,542 shares in the last quarter. Summit Global Investments increased its position in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 1,559.3% in the third quarter. Summit Global Investments now owns 76,493 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $3,819,000 after purchasing an additional 71,883 shares during the period. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB acquired a new position in Freeport-McMoRan in the third quarter valued at about $754,000. Finally, AIA Group Ltd lifted its position in Freeport-McMoRan by 16.2% during the third quarter. AIA Group Ltd now owns 92,224 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $4,604,000 after purchasing an additional 12,887 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.77% of the companys stock. Freeport-McMoRan Company Profile (Get Free Report) Freeport-McMoRan Inc engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Freeport-McMoRan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Freeport-McMoRan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Galway Metals Inc. (CVE:GWM Get Free Report) traded down 1.8% on Thursday . The stock traded as low as C$0.54 and last traded at C$0.54. 9,023 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 53% from the average session volume of 19,127 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.55. Galway Metals Trading Down 1.8 % The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 4.81 and a current ratio of 3.11. The company has a market cap of C$46.29 million, a P/E ratio of -10.80 and a beta of 1.80. The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$0.50 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$0.53. Galway Metals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Galway Metals Inc engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties in Canada. The company primarily explores for gold, zinc, copper, silver, and lead deposits. It holds a 100% interest in the Clarence Stream project located in southwest New Brunswick, Canada; and Estrades mine, related Newiska concessions, and adjacent Casa Berardi claims located in western Quebec, Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Galway Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Galway Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Harmony Gold Mining (NYSE:HMY Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report released on Tuesday morning. Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Bank of America assumed coverage on Harmony Gold Mining in a research note on Monday, October 21st. They set a neutral rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Harmony Gold Mining from $8.20 to $8.40 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 12th. Get Harmony Gold Mining alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Harmony Gold Mining Harmony Gold Mining Stock Up 0.2 % Institutional Inflows and Outflows NYSE HMY opened at $10.48 on Tuesday. Harmony Gold Mining has a 1 year low of $5.41 and a 1 year high of $12.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.65 billion, a PE ratio of 6.51, a PEG ratio of 0.49 and a beta of 1.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 1.56 and a quick ratio of 1.07. The businesss 50-day moving average is $8.96 and its 200 day moving average is $9.66. Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Consolidated Portfolio Review Corp purchased a new stake in Harmony Gold Mining in the third quarter worth $1,187,000. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio bought a new stake in shares of Harmony Gold Mining during the 3rd quarter valued at $1,412,000. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 298.5% in the 3rd quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 52,383 shares of the mining companys stock worth $525,000 after buying an additional 39,237 shares during the period. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans bought a new position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining in the 2nd quarter worth about $1,141,000. Finally, Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Harmony Gold Mining during the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,526,000. Institutional investors own 31.79% of the companys stock. About Harmony Gold Mining (Get Free Report) Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited engages in the exploration, extraction, and processing of gold. The company explores for uranium, silver, copper, and molybdenum deposits. It has eight underground operations in the Witwatersrand Basin; an open-pit mine on the Kraaipan Greenstone Belt; and various surface source operations in South Africa. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Harmony Gold Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Harmony Gold Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Howden Joinery Group Plc (LON:HWDN Get Free Report) insider Paul Hayes purchased 20 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, January 20th. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 774 ($9.56) per share, with a total value of 154.80 ($191.21). Paul Hayes also recently made the following trade(s): Get Howden Joinery Group alerts: On Friday, November 22nd, Paul Hayes acquired 5 shares of Howden Joinery Group stock. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 822 ($10.15) per share, for a total transaction of GBX 4,110 ($50.77). On Tuesday, November 19th, Paul Hayes bought 18 shares of Howden Joinery Group stock. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 823 ($10.17) per share, with a total value of 148.14 ($182.98). Howden Joinery Group Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of LON:HWDN opened at GBX 785 ($9.70) on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.99, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 75.88. Howden Joinery Group Plc has a 12-month low of GBX 736 ($9.09) and a 12-month high of GBX 982.50 ($12.14). The business has a 50 day moving average of GBX 800.96 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 870.47. The company has a market capitalization of 4.32 billion, a PE ratio of 1,706.52, a PEG ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 1.07. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have recently issued reports on HWDN. Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 975 ($12.04) price objective on shares of Howden Joinery Group in a research note on Thursday, November 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Howden Joinery Group from GBX 680 ($8.40) to GBX 849 ($10.49) and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 5th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Howden Joinery Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 951.50 ($11.75). Get Our Latest Analysis on Howden Joinery Group About Howden Joinery Group (Get Free Report) Howden Joinery Group Plc is the parent company of Howdens. Howdens sells kitchens and joinery products to trade customers, primarily small local builders, through a network of over 850 UK depots. The business also operates over 70 depots across France, the Republic of Ireland, and Belgium. Howdens only sells to the trade they have the expertise to ensure that our products are fitted to the highest possible standards. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Howden Joinery Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Howden Joinery Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated their sector perform rating on shares of Invesco (NYSE:IVZ Free Report) in a research note released on Thursday,Benzinga reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has a $19.00 price target on the asset managers stock. Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Invesco from $17.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, October 21st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on shares of Invesco from $18.00 to $19.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 11th. Barclays dropped their target price on Invesco from $19.00 to $18.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 17th. UBS Group upped their target price on Invesco from $17.50 to $19.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 22nd. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their price target on shares of Invesco from $19.00 to $18.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Invesco presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $18.71. Get Invesco alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on IVZ Invesco Stock Performance IVZ stock opened at $17.58 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 4.91, a quick ratio of 4.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.90 billion, a PE ratio of -19.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.07 and a beta of 1.43. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $17.59 and its 200 day simple moving average is $17.19. Invesco has a 12-month low of $14.16 and a 12-month high of $18.94. Invesco (NYSE:IVZ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 22nd. The asset manager reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.43 by $0.01. Invesco had a positive return on equity of 8.83% and a negative net margin of 3.00%. The business had revenue of $1.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.11 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.35 earnings per share. Invescos revenue for the quarter was down 20.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that Invesco will post 1.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in IVZ. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV increased its position in shares of Invesco by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 62,098 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $965,000 after purchasing an additional 1,937 shares during the period. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Invesco by 4.1% during the second quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 43,898 shares of the asset managers stock worth $655,000 after buying an additional 1,742 shares during the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Invesco by 4.6% during the second quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 32,205 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $482,000 after buying an additional 1,409 shares during the last quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans boosted its stake in Invesco by 7.0% during the second quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 563,301 shares of the asset managers stock worth $8,427,000 after buying an additional 37,045 shares in the last quarter. Finally, ProShare Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Invesco by 4.1% in the 2nd quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 128,781 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $1,927,000 after buying an additional 5,057 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.09% of the companys stock. About Invesco (Get Free Report) Invesco Ltd. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm provides its services to retail clients, institutional clients, high-net worth clients, public entities, corporations, unions, non-profit organizations, endowments, foundations, pension funds, financial institutions, and sovereign wealth funds. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC boosted its stake in Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report) by 0.2% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 124,670 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 306 shares during the quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLCs holdings in Deere & Company were worth $52,823,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of DE. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its holdings in shares of Deere & Company by 32.0% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 7,352,465 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,068,404,000 after purchasing an additional 1,782,984 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Deere & Company by 0.6% during the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,208,368 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,168,737,000 after buying an additional 31,459 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC increased its holdings in shares of Deere & Company by 27.8% during the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 4,542,013 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,895,518,000 after buying an additional 988,380 shares in the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc raised its stake in shares of Deere & Company by 2.7% in the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 2,254,266 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $842,259,000 after acquiring an additional 60,255 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Deere & Company by 8.6% in the 3rd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 1,994,657 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $832,431,000 after acquiring an additional 158,732 shares in the last quarter. 68.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Deere & Company alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have issued reports on DE. Oppenheimer lifted their price objective on Deere & Company from $448.00 to $477.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 22nd. Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of Deere & Company from $470.00 to $430.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, January 14th. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Deere & Company from $404.00 to $462.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, November 22nd. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Deere & Company from $401.00 to $450.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 25th. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their target price on Deere & Company from $538.00 to $550.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 19th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $442.83. Deere & Company Stock Performance DE stock opened at $475.22 on Friday. Deere & Company has a 1-year low of $340.20 and a 1-year high of $475.92. The company has a current ratio of 2.09, a quick ratio of 1.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.89. The firm has a market cap of $129.43 billion, a PE ratio of 18.56, a P/E/G ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.98. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $435.34 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $404.30. Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 21st. The industrial products company reported $4.55 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.89 by $0.66. The business had revenue of $9.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.20 billion. Deere & Company had a return on equity of 31.32% and a net margin of 13.73%. Deere & Companys revenue for the quarter was down 32.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $8.26 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Deere & Company will post 19.34 earnings per share for the current year. Deere & Company Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be issued a dividend of $1.62 per share. This represents a $6.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.36%. This is a positive change from Deere & Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.47. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 31st. Deere & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.31%. Deere & Company Profile (Free Report) Deere & Co engages in the manufacture and distribution of equipment used in agriculture, construction, forestry, and turf care. It operates through the following segments: Agriculture and Turf, Construction and Forestry, and Financial Services. The Agriculture and Turf segment focuses on the distribution and manufacture of a full line of agriculture and turf equipment and related service parts. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Deere & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deere & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MHK Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $130.83, but opened at $127.01. Mohawk Industries shares last traded at $124.46, with a volume of 243,344 shares trading hands. Analyst Ratings Changes MHK has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price target on Mohawk Industries from $140.00 to $134.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 28th. Loop Capital dropped their target price on shares of Mohawk Industries from $185.00 to $180.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, December 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on shares of Mohawk Industries from $170.00 to $145.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 14th. Robert W. Baird raised shares of Mohawk Industries from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $160.00 to $196.00 in a research note on Monday, October 21st. Finally, Baird R W raised shares of Mohawk Industries from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 21st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $155.00. Get Mohawk Industries alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on MHK Mohawk Industries Price Performance Insider Activity at Mohawk Industries The company has a market capitalization of $7.85 billion, a PE ratio of 14.10, a P/E/G ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 2.03. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $127.97 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $140.58. In other news, insider Suzanne L. Helen sold 9,078 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.86, for a total transaction of $1,187,947.08. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 19,078 shares of company stock valued at $2,474,347. 17.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. FMR LLC boosted its position in shares of Mohawk Industries by 52.3% in the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,179,510 shares of the companys stock valued at $350,204,000 after acquiring an additional 748,070 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its stake in Mohawk Industries by 33.7% during the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 1,011,861 shares of the companys stock valued at $162,586,000 after purchasing an additional 254,779 shares during the last quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC acquired a new stake in Mohawk Industries in the 2nd quarter worth $21,061,000. Select Equity Group L.P. increased its holdings in shares of Mohawk Industries by 8.5% during the 2nd quarter. Select Equity Group L.P. now owns 1,702,440 shares of the companys stock worth $193,380,000 after purchasing an additional 132,879 shares during the period. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. raised its position in shares of Mohawk Industries by 482.7% during the third quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 137,122 shares of the companys stock valued at $22,033,000 after buying an additional 113,588 shares during the last quarter. 78.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Mohawk Industries (Get Free Report) Mohawk Industries, Inc designs, manufactures, sources, distributes, and markets flooring products for residential and commercial remodeling, and new construction channels in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Global Ceramic, Flooring North America, and Flooring Rest of the World. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Mohawk Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mohawk Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Montecito Bank & Trust trimmed its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) by 0.8% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 79,031 shares of the companys stock after selling 670 shares during the quarter. Montecito Bank & Trusts holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $4,147,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of EFV. Concourse Financial Group Securities Inc. lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 125.8% during the 3rd quarter. Concourse Financial Group Securities Inc. now owns 189,989 shares of the companys stock worth $10,930,000 after acquiring an additional 105,835 shares during the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 14.1% during the third quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 4,277 shares of the companys stock valued at $246,000 after purchasing an additional 527 shares during the period. Advisory Alpha LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 15.1% in the second quarter. Advisory Alpha LLC now owns 57,069 shares of the companys stock worth $3,027,000 after purchasing an additional 7,505 shares during the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC increased its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 90.9% in the 2nd quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 53,346 shares of the companys stock worth $2,829,000 after buying an additional 25,402 shares during the period. Finally, Corepath Wealth Partners LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. Corepath Wealth Partners LLC now owns 77,264 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,378,000 after buying an additional 611 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Price Performance iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF stock opened at $54.34 on Friday. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 1 year low of $49.15 and a 1 year high of $59.57. The stock has a market cap of $16.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.89 and a beta of 0.70. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $53.44 and a two-hundred day moving average of $54.77. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Profile iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mutual Advisors LLC trimmed its position in shares of iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TLH Free Report) by 17.7% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 24,084 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,197 shares during the period. Mutual Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF were worth $2,387,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Magnus Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF during the third quarter valued at $205,000. FMR LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF by 129.0% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,551 shares of the companys stock worth $279,000 after buying an additional 1,437 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can raised its position in shares of iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF by 48.9% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 23,010 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,525,000 after buying an additional 7,561 shares in the last quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $277,000. Finally, Cerity Partners LLC grew its position in iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF by 5.6% in the third quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 8,943 shares of the companys stock worth $978,000 after acquiring an additional 474 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF alerts: iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA TLH opened at $99.06 on Friday. iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF has a 1-year low of $96.95 and a 1-year high of $111.83. The businesss 50 day moving average is $101.14 and its two-hundred day moving average is $104.62. About iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF The iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLH) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ICE U.S. Treasury 10-20 Year TR index. The fund tracks a market-weighted index of debt issued by the U.S. Treasury TLH was launched on Jan 5, 2007 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN: NBY) recently disclosed in a Form 8-K filing lodged with the Securities and Exchange Commission that the Company and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and General Counsel, Justin M. Hall, have agreed to a contractual extension. The Third Amendment to Mr. Halls Executive Employment Agreement, initially dated January 31, 2020, and previously amended in 2021 and 2023, has been further amended to extend his term of employment until December 31, 2025, unless otherwise terminated. Get alerts: The specifics of the Employment Agreement, along with its subsequent amendments, have been outlined in Exhibits accompanying the filing made by the Company. The Exhibits provide comprehensive details regarding the terms and conditions of Mr. Halls extended employment. In other news related to the healthcare industry, Sanara MedTech Inc., a medical technology company based in Fort Worth, Texas, announced key executive appointments. Elizabeth Taylor has taken on the role of Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Michael McNeil, who has been appointed as Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, effective as of January 15, 2025. These appointments have been described as pivotal for Sanaras growth and development. Ms. Taylor brings over 25 years of financial expertise to the position, having served in various key roles in the medical device industry, hedge funds, and private equity. Her appointment underscores Sanaras commitment to strengthening its leadership team for future growth prospects. Sanara MedTech Inc. focuses on developing and commercializing technologies aimed at improving clinical outcomes and reducing healthcare costs in the surgical, chronic wound, and skincare markets. The company offers a range of products in these sectors and provides virtual wound care and dermatology consultation services. Investors and industry analysts are keeping a close eye on NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and Sanara MedTech Inc. as they navigate strategic appointments and operational developments in their respective fields. Market watchers anticipate that these moves could have implications for the companies growth trajectories and market positioning moving forward. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read NovaBay Pharmaceuticalss 8K filing here. About NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (Get Free Report) NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc develops and sells eyecare and wound care products in the United States and internationally. It offers Avenova Spray, a solution for removing foreign materials, including microorganisms and debris from skin around the eye, such as the eyelid; Avenova Eye Health Support antioxidant-rich oral supplements; Avenova Lubricating Eye Drops for instant relief; NovaWipes by Avenova; Avenova WarmEye Compress to soothe the eyes; and the i-Chek by Avenova to monitor physical eyelid health. Further Reading Oshkosh (NYSE:OSK Get Free Report) was upgraded by investment analysts at KeyCorp from a sector weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report issued on Friday, Marketbeat.com reports. The brokerage presently has a $113.00 price objective on the stock. KeyCorps target price suggests a potential upside of 17.41% from the companys current price. A number of other equities analysts also recently commented on the stock. Robert W. Baird reduced their target price on shares of Oshkosh from $171.00 to $160.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 31st. Truist Financial cut their target price on Oshkosh from $116.00 to $109.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 16th. Citigroup decreased their price target on Oshkosh from $125.00 to $110.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on Oshkosh from $125.00 to $115.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 14th. Finally, UBS Group lowered their target price on shares of Oshkosh from $129.00 to $125.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $121.14. Get Oshkosh alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on OSK Oshkosh Stock Up 0.2 % OSK opened at $96.24 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $6.26 billion, a PE ratio of 9.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 1.21. Oshkosh has a twelve month low of $89.08 and a twelve month high of $127.98. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $100.55 and a 200 day moving average price of $103.21. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. Oshkosh (NYSE:OSK Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 30th. The company reported $2.93 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.87 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $2.74 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.63 billion. Oshkosh had a net margin of 6.41% and a return on equity of 19.87%. Sell-side analysts expect that Oshkosh will post 11.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Oshkosh A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of OSK. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in shares of Oshkosh by 17.0% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 195,906 shares of the companys stock worth $19,632,000 after purchasing an additional 28,478 shares in the last quarter. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new stake in Oshkosh during the 3rd quarter worth about $504,000. Barclays PLC boosted its position in shares of Oshkosh by 40.9% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 111,710 shares of the companys stock worth $11,192,000 after acquiring an additional 32,435 shares in the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd increased its holdings in shares of Oshkosh by 57.1% in the 3rd quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 20,184 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,023,000 after acquiring an additional 7,334 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC raised its position in shares of Oshkosh by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter. Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC now owns 141,140 shares of the companys stock worth $14,144,000 after acquiring an additional 4,680 shares in the last quarter. 92.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Oshkosh (Get Free Report) Oshkosh Corporation provides purpose-built vehicles and equipment worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Access, Defense, and Vocational segment. Its Access Equipment segment design and manufacture aerial work platform and telehandlers for use in construction, industrial, and maintenance applications; offers financing and leasing solutions including rental fleet loans, leases, and floor plan and retail financing; and towing and recovery equipment, which includes carriers, wreckers, and rotators, as well as provides equipment installation and sale of chassis and service parts. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Oshkosh Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oshkosh and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Outokumpu Oyj (OTCMKTS:OUTKY Get Free Report) shares shot up 7.7% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $1.48 and last traded at $1.48. 198 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 69% from the average session volume of 649 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.37. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, BNP Paribas downgraded Outokumpu Oyj from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Friday, January 3rd. Get Outokumpu Oyj alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Outokumpu Oyj Outokumpu Oyj Stock Performance The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $1.53 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $1.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a current ratio of 1.54 and a quick ratio of 0.53. Outokumpu Oyj (OTCMKTS:OUTKY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 30th. The company reported $0.03 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $1.67 billion for the quarter. Outokumpu Oyj had a negative net margin of 4.10% and a negative return on equity of 6.67%. Sell-side analysts predict that Outokumpu Oyj will post -0.06 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Outokumpu Oyj (Get Free Report) Outokumpu Oyj produces and sells various stainless steel products in Finland, other European countries, North America, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Europe, Americas, and Ferrochrome. It offers cold rolled coils, strips, and sheets; hot rolled coils, strips, and plates; quarto plates; precision strips; and specialized components, such as welded stainless-steel I-beams, H-beams, hollow-section tubes, bent profiles, structural sections, hardened and customized press plates, suction roll shells, and blancs and disks. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Outokumpu Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Outokumpu Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PCS Edventures! Inc. (OTCMKTS:PCSV), a reputable provider of K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education programs, recently disclosed in a filing that Sean Iddings has been appointed as an Independent board member to the Companys Board of Directors. Get alerts: Mr. Iddings comes with a wealth of experience in scaling businesses, engaging with investors, and identifying opportunities for growth. Most recently serving as the Chief Community Officer at MicroCapClub LLC, he played a pivotal role in establishing a network of skilled investors concentrating on identifying high-quality microcap companies with substantial growth potential. Before his tenure at MicroCapClub, from 2019 to 2024, Sean successfully founded and expanded Immersion Factory LLC into the largest real estate photography company in Central NY. His entrepreneurial expertise in growing businesses in niche markets, coupled with his investment experience spanning over 15 years in the microcap realm, makes him a valuable addition to the board. Sean holds a Bachelor of Arts from Berklee College of Music and is a licensed drone pilot. Expressing his enthusiasm at Seans appointment, Mike Bledsoe, President of PCS Edventures!, highlighted the importance of Seans diverse skill set in propelling the Company forward. The addition of Sean Iddings to the Board is seen as a strategic move that bodes well for the future prospects of the Company. In a similar vein, Todd Hackett, CEO of PCS Edventures!, commended Seans appointment, emphasizing that Seans profile aligns perfectly with the Companys vision for new board members. Hackett expressed utmost satisfaction in welcoming Sean to the team, considering his addition as a significant achievement for the Company. Sean Iddings shared his thoughts on joining PCS Edventures!s Board of Directors by acknowledging the companys evolution into a profitable leading entity in STEM-based learning solutions. He expressed his honor in joining the Board and looks forward to leveraging his investment and entrepreneurial acumen to enhance PCSs market presence, fortify its investor relationships, and drive enduring value for all stakeholders involved. For additional details on PCS Edventures!, Inc., please visit their official website. All financial data and reports related to the company can be accessed through the Securities and Exchange Commissions website for public disclosures. PCS Edventures!, Inc. based in Boise, Idaho, concentrates on creating and providing technology-infused products and services for the K-12 educational sector, emphasizing the development of crucial 21st-century skills. The companys educational programs stress experiential learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the relevant securities laws. Readers should consider these statements in conjunction with the disclosures available in PCSs filings and the forward-looking statements contained in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Edgar Archives. Investors can reach out to PCS Edventures! Investor Contact, Michael Bledsoe, through the provided contact information for additional inquiries. The official Investor Relations Web Site for PCS Edventures! is accessible at https://investors.edventures.com/. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read PCS Edventures!s 8K filing here. PCS Edventures! Company Profile (Get Free Report) PCS Edventures!, Inc develops, markets, and distributes technology-based educational products and services to the pre-kindergarten through university classroom, the K-12 afterschool, the private learning center, and the home school markets in the United States and internationally. Its products include PCS Edventures! Labs, a learning center that offers teaching in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); and PCS BrickLab, a system of building blocks combined with PCS curriculum resources that address technology, math, construction engineering, communication, and science principles. See Also Perpetual Ltd cut its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR Free Report) by 78.4% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,446 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 8,862 shares during the period. Perpetual Ltds holdings in Extra Space Storage were worth $366,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of EXR. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC lifted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 17,832.9% during the 3rd quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC now owns 2,018,884 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $363,783,000 after acquiring an additional 2,007,626 shares in the last quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC lifted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 724.1% during the 3rd quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 1,981,799 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $357,100,000 after acquiring an additional 1,741,320 shares in the last quarter. Mizuho Securities USA LLC lifted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 1,664.3% during the 3rd quarter. Mizuho Securities USA LLC now owns 288,094 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $51,912,000 after acquiring an additional 271,765 shares in the last quarter. Hamlin Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 44.8% during the 3rd quarter. Hamlin Capital Management LLC now owns 766,043 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $138,033,000 after acquiring an additional 236,908 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp lifted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 1.7% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 13,390,830 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,412,894,000 after acquiring an additional 227,006 shares in the last quarter. 99.11% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Extra Space Storage alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have weighed in on EXR shares. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on Extra Space Storage from $170.00 to $168.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 14th. StockNews.com lowered Extra Space Storage from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, October 31st. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $175.00 target price on shares of Extra Space Storage in a research report on Monday, October 21st. Barclays decreased their target price on Extra Space Storage from $192.00 to $184.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, January 13th. Finally, Scotiabank raised Extra Space Storage from a sector underperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $167.00 target price for the company in a research report on Friday, January 10th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $171.25. Extra Space Storage Trading Up 1.0 % Shares of EXR opened at $151.54 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $156.45 and a 200 day moving average of $164.83. Extra Space Storage Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $131.02 and a fifty-two week high of $184.87. The firm has a market cap of $32.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 7.57 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a current ratio of 0.23. Extra Space Storage (NYSE:EXR Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.91 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.03 by ($1.12). The company had revenue of $824.80 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $826.93 million. Extra Space Storage had a net margin of 25.35% and a return on equity of 5.51%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.02 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Extra Space Storage Inc. will post 8.1 EPS for the current year. Extra Space Storage Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 16th were issued a dividend of $1.62 per share. This represents a $6.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.28%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 16th. Extra Space Storages payout ratio is presently 169.63%. Insider Buying and Selling at Extra Space Storage In other news, Director Diane Olmstead sold 3,081 shares of Extra Space Storage stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $164.56, for a total transaction of $507,009.36. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 5,877 shares in the company, valued at approximately $967,119.12. This trade represents a 34.39 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Joseph D. Margolis sold 7,500 shares of Extra Space Storage stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $148.01, for a total value of $1,110,075.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 16,690 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,470,286.90. This trade represents a 31.00 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.36% of the companys stock. Extra Space Storage Company Profile (Free Report) Extra Space Storage Inc, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and a member of the S&P 500. As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned and/or operated 3,714 self-storage stores in 42 states and Washington, DC The Company's stores comprise approximately 2.6 million units and approximately 283.0 million square feet of rentable space operating under the Extra Space, Life Storage and Storage Express brands. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Extra Space Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Extra Space Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:PB Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, January 22nd,RTT News reports. Investors of record on Friday, March 14th will be paid a dividend of 0.58 per share by the bank on Tuesday, April 1st. This represents a $2.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.96%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 14th. Prosperity Bancshares has raised its dividend payment by an average of 4.3% annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 23 years. Prosperity Bancshares has a payout ratio of 35.8% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Prosperity Bancshares to earn $5.78 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.32 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 40.1%. Get Prosperity Bancshares alerts: Prosperity Bancshares Stock Performance PB stock opened at $78.31 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $79.07 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $74.32. Prosperity Bancshares has a one year low of $57.16 and a one year high of $86.75. The firm has a market cap of $7.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.63, a PEG ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.93. Insider Transactions at Prosperity Bancshares Prosperity Bancshares ( NYSE:PB Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 23rd. The bank reported $1.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.31 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $459.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $299.83 million. Prosperity Bancshares had a net margin of 25.39% and a return on equity of 6.46%. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.20 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Prosperity Bancshares will post 5.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other news, Director Harrison Stafford II sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.07, for a total transaction of $320,280.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 107,137 shares in the company, valued at $8,578,459.59. This trade represents a 3.60 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Ned S. Holmes sold 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.96, for a total value of $41,980.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 114,315 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,597,887.40. The trade was a 0.44 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 14,600 shares of company stock worth $1,196,144 over the last quarter. 4.28% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts recently weighed in on PB shares. Wolfe Research restated a peer perform rating on shares of Prosperity Bancshares in a research note on Thursday, December 5th. DA Davidson lowered shares of Prosperity Bancshares from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $80.00 to $78.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 15th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Prosperity Bancshares from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. UBS Group cut their price target on shares of Prosperity Bancshares from $77.00 to $76.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 26th. Finally, Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and set a $90.00 price objective on shares of Prosperity Bancshares in a research note on Thursday, October 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $81.38. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on PB Prosperity Bancshares Company Profile (Get Free Report) Prosperity Bancshares, Inc operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; term loans and lines of credit; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Prosperity Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prosperity Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Interfor (TSE:IFP Free Report) had its price target trimmed by Raymond James from C$30.00 to C$26.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a strong-buy rating on the stock. Raymond James also issued estimates for Interfors FY2024 earnings at ($5.49) EPS, FY2025 earnings at ($0.92) EPS and FY2026 earnings at $3.16 EPS. A number of other research firms have also recently weighed in on IFP. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on Interfor from C$27.00 to C$26.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 20th. CIBC dropped their price objective on Interfor from C$23.00 to C$22.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 15th. Finally, TD Securities reduced their target price on shares of Interfor from C$23.00 to C$22.00 in a report on Friday, November 8th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$24.00. Get Interfor alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Interfor Interfor Price Performance Interfor stock opened at C$18.40 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 2.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 62.31. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$18.20 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$18.17. Interfor has a 52 week low of C$15.35 and a 52 week high of C$22.38. The firm has a market capitalization of C$946.68 million, a PE ratio of -2.63 and a beta of 2.54. Interfor (TSE:IFP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 6th. The company reported C($2.05) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C($1.58) by C($0.47). Interfor had a negative net margin of 11.26% and a negative return on equity of 20.18%. During the same quarter last year, the business earned ($0.82) earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that Interfor will post 2.8616667 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Ian Fillinger purchased 3,150 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 30th. The stock was purchased at an average price of C$16.29 per share, with a total value of C$51,304.05. 0.94% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About Interfor (Get Free Report) Interfor Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells wood products in Canada, the United States, Japan, China, Taiwan, and internationally. It offers decking, fascia and board, framing, v-joint paneling, fineline paneling, and siding products, as well as appearance, structural, studs, timbers, and machine stress related products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Interfor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Interfor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Savers Value Village, Inc. (NYSE:SVV Get Free Report) General Counsel Richard A. Medway sold 4,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.48, for a total transaction of $55,104.00. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Savers Value Village Stock Down 0.3 % NYSE:SVV traded down $0.04 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $11.23. The stock had a trading volume of 326,782 shares, compared to its average volume of 669,313. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $9.94 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $10.03. The company has a market cap of $1.79 billion, a PE ratio of 24.40 and a beta of 1.04. Savers Value Village, Inc. has a 1-year low of $7.78 and a 1-year high of $21.33. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70. Get Savers Value Village alerts: Savers Value Village (NYSE:SVV Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 7th. The company reported $0.11 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.17 by ($0.06). Savers Value Village had a net margin of 4.93% and a return on equity of 9.11%. The business had revenue of $394.80 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $401.94 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned ($0.05) earnings per share. Analysts predict that Savers Value Village, Inc. will post 0.28 EPS for the current year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Piper Sandler raised their target price on shares of Savers Value Village from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, January 17th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $12.20. Read Our Latest Analysis on Savers Value Village Hedge Funds Weigh In On Savers Value Village Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Aigen Investment Management LP raised its holdings in Savers Value Village by 29.0% in the third quarter. Aigen Investment Management LP now owns 15,449 shares of the companys stock valued at $163,000 after acquiring an additional 3,477 shares in the last quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP bought a new stake in shares of Savers Value Village in the 3rd quarter worth about $248,000. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Savers Value Village in the 3rd quarter valued at about $252,000. Hsbc Holdings PLC lifted its position in shares of Savers Value Village by 6.7% during the second quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 27,879 shares of the companys stock worth $335,000 after purchasing an additional 1,749 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Clearline Capital LP acquired a new position in Savers Value Village in the second quarter worth about $467,000. 98.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Savers Value Village (Get Free Report) Savers Value Village, Inc sells second-hand merchandise in retail stores in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It operates stores under the Savers, Value Village, Value Village Boutique, Village des Valeurs, Unique, and 2nd Avenue brands. The company purchases secondhand textiles, including clothing, bedding, and bath items; shoes; accessories; housewares; books; and other goods from non-profit partners and then processes, selects, prices, merchandises, and sells them in its stores. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Savers Value Village Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Savers Value Village and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teladoc Health (NYSE:TDOC Get Free Report) had its target price raised by equities research analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from $11.00 to $12.00 in a research note issued on Friday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the health services providers stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price objective suggests a potential upside of 17.59% from the stocks previous close. A number of other research firms have also issued reports on TDOC. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on shares of Teladoc Health from $8.00 to $9.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on shares of Teladoc Health from $10.00 to $12.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 1st. TD Cowen lowered their target price on Teladoc Health from $9.00 to $8.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 31st. Oppenheimer cut their price target on Teladoc Health from $14.00 to $12.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Finally, Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating and set a $13.00 price objective (up previously from $11.00) on shares of Teladoc Health in a research note on Wednesday, December 4th. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $12.08. Get Teladoc Health alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Teladoc Health Teladoc Health Trading Up 0.6 % Shares of Teladoc Health stock traded up $0.07 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $10.21. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,976,019 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,120,373. The business has a fifty day moving average of $9.99 and a 200 day moving average of $9.04. Teladoc Health has a 1-year low of $6.76 and a 1-year high of $21.74. The company has a quick ratio of 1.69, a current ratio of 1.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. The company has a market capitalization of $1.76 billion, a PE ratio of -1.77 and a beta of 1.01. Teladoc Health (NYSE:TDOC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 30th. The health services provider reported ($0.19) EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.29) by $0.10. Teladoc Health had a negative return on equity of 10.06% and a negative net margin of 37.91%. The company had revenue of $640.51 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $630.50 million. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Teladoc Health will post -1.16 EPS for the current year. Insider Activity In other Teladoc Health news, insider Carlos Nueno sold 2,389 shares of Teladoc Health stock in a transaction on Monday, December 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.93, for a total transaction of $28,500.77. Following the sale, the insider now owns 2,890 shares of the companys stock, valued at $34,477.70. The trade was a 45.25 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.95% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Teladoc Health A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of TDOC. Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its stake in shares of Teladoc Health by 313.8% in the 4th quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 3,219 shares of the health services providers stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 2,441 shares during the period. Blue Trust Inc. lifted its position in Teladoc Health by 84.5% in the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 4,048 shares of the health services providers stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 1,854 shares during the period. Doheny Asset Management CA bought a new position in Teladoc Health during the 2nd quarter valued at $46,000. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. increased its position in shares of Teladoc Health by 209.8% during the 2nd quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. now owns 5,015 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 3,396 shares during the period. Finally, Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Teladoc Health by 194.2% in the 2nd quarter. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. now owns 6,891 shares of the health services providers stock worth $67,000 after buying an additional 4,549 shares in the last quarter. 76.82% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Teladoc Health (Get Free Report) Teladoc Health, Inc provides virtual healthcare services worldwide. The company operates through Teladoc Health Integrated Care and BetterHelp segments. The Integrated Care segment offers virtual medical services, including general medical, expert medical, specialty medical, chronic condition management, and mental health, as well as enabling technologies and enterprise telehealth solutions for hospitals and health systems. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Teladoc Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teladoc Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Huntsman Co. (NYSE:HUN Free Report) Investment analysts at Seaport Res Ptn lowered their Q4 2024 earnings per share estimates for shares of Huntsman in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, January 22nd. Seaport Res Ptn analyst M. Harrison now expects that the basic materials company will post earnings of ($0.11) per share for the quarter, down from their prior forecast of ($0.09). The consensus estimate for Huntsmans current full-year earnings is $0.08 per share. Seaport Res Ptn also issued estimates for Huntsmans Q1 2025 earnings at $0.00 EPS, Q2 2025 earnings at $0.23 EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at $0.21 EPS, Q4 2025 earnings at $0.03 EPS, FY2025 earnings at $0.48 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $1.18 EPS. Get Huntsman alerts: Several other equities research analysts have also weighed in on HUN. Citigroup reduced their target price on Huntsman from $22.00 to $19.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, December 18th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Huntsman from $26.00 to $25.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 6th. Mizuho dropped their target price on shares of Huntsman from $23.00 to $21.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 7th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on Huntsman from $24.00 to $20.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 13th. Finally, Alembic Global Advisors cut Huntsman from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $23.33. Huntsman Price Performance NYSE HUN opened at $17.37 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 1.47 and a quick ratio of 0.83. The firm has a market cap of $3.00 billion, a P/E ratio of -25.17 and a beta of 0.97. The stocks 50-day moving average is $18.49 and its two-hundred day moving average is $20.97. Huntsman has a fifty-two week low of $15.95 and a fifty-two week high of $27.01. Huntsman (NYSE:HUN Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 4th. The basic materials company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.10. The company had revenue of $1.54 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.55 billion. Huntsman had a negative net margin of 1.99% and a negative return on equity of 0.03%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.15 EPS. Huntsman Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 13th were given a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 13th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.76%. Huntsmans dividend payout ratio is currently -144.93%. Insider Activity In other news, Director Mary C. Beckerle sold 20,201 shares of Huntsman stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.42, for a total transaction of $432,705.42. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 5.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Huntsman Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in Huntsman by 10.3% in the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 1,342,478 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $32,488,000 after buying an additional 124,841 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Huntsman by 383.0% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,417,641 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $32,138,000 after purchasing an additional 1,124,113 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its stake in shares of Huntsman by 152.7% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 99,405 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $2,440,000 after purchasing an additional 60,072 shares in the last quarter. First Hawaiian Bank bought a new stake in shares of Huntsman in the 4th quarter worth about $569,000. Finally, ING Groep NV acquired a new stake in shares of Huntsman during the 3rd quarter worth about $5,317,000. 84.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Huntsman Company Profile (Get Free Report) Huntsman Corporation manufactures and sells diversified organic chemical products worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Polyurethanes, Performance Products, and Advanced Materials. The Polyurethanes segment offers polyurethane chemicals, including methyl diphenyl diisocyanate, polyether and polyester polyols, and thermoplastic polyurethane; and aniline, benzene, nitrobenzene and other co-products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Huntsman Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Huntsman and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV Free Report) Equities research analysts at Seaport Res Ptn reduced their Q1 2025 earnings per share estimates for shares of Southwest Airlines in a research report issued on Tuesday, January 21st. Seaport Res Ptn analyst D. Mckenzie now anticipates that the airline will earn ($0.20) per share for the quarter, down from their previous estimate of ($0.15). The consensus estimate for Southwest Airlines current full-year earnings is $0.84 per share. Seaport Res Ptn also issued estimates for Southwest Airlines Q4 2025 earnings at $0.60 EPS. Get Southwest Airlines alerts: Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 24th. The airline reported $0.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.05 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $6.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.77 billion. Southwest Airlines had a positive return on equity of 4.56% and a negative net margin of 0.06%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.38 EPS. LUV has been the subject of a number of other reports. TD Cowen upped their target price on Southwest Airlines from $25.00 to $28.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 6th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $42.00 target price on shares of Southwest Airlines in a research report on Wednesday, December 11th. Citigroup reissued a sell rating and issued a $29.50 target price (down from $31.50) on shares of Southwest Airlines in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. UBS Group upped their target price on Southwest Airlines from $27.00 to $29.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 7th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Southwest Airlines from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 28th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $32.31. Get Our Latest Analysis on LUV Southwest Airlines Price Performance Shares of NYSE LUV opened at $32.11 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.83. Southwest Airlines has a 52-week low of $23.58 and a 52-week high of $36.12. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $33.03 and a 200 day moving average price of $30.23. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Southwest Airlines A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of LUV. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its stake in Southwest Airlines by 46.2% in the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 30,082,719 shares of the airlines stock worth $932,894,000 after purchasing an additional 9,504,201 shares in the last quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. grew its stake in Southwest Airlines by 608.5% in the third quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 3,623,333 shares of the airlines stock worth $107,359,000 after purchasing an additional 3,111,946 shares in the last quarter. Mizuho Securities USA LLC grew its stake in Southwest Airlines by 6,414.5% in the third quarter. Mizuho Securities USA LLC now owns 3,006,000 shares of the airlines stock worth $89,068,000 after purchasing an additional 2,959,857 shares in the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund acquired a new position in Southwest Airlines in the second quarter valued at approximately $48,551,000. Finally, Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC acquired a new position in Southwest Airlines in the second quarter valued at approximately $8,478,000. 80.82% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, insider Linda B. Rutherford sold 3,849 shares of Southwest Airlines stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.40, for a total transaction of $132,405.60. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 89,376 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,074,534.40. The trade was a 4.13 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Elliott Investment Management sold 1,203,920 shares of Southwest Airlines stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.83, for a total value of $35,912,933.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 59,912,580 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,787,192,261.40. This trade represents a 1.97 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock. Southwest Airlines Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 16th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 26th were given a $0.18 dividend. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.24%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 26th. Southwest Airliness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -1,028.57%. Southwest Airlines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Southwest Airlines Co operates as a passenger airline company that provides scheduled air transportation services in the United States and near-international markets. As of December 31, 2023, the company operated a total fleet of 817 Boeing 737 aircraft; and served 121 destinations in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as ten near-international countries, including Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Southwest Airlines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southwest Airlines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Skyline Champion Co. (NYSE:SKY Get Free Report) have been assigned an average rating of Hold from the five ratings firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and one has assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $85.40. SKY has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of Skyline Champion from $79.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 9th. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Skyline Champion from $85.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 31st. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Skyline Champion from $82.00 to $88.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Finally, Craig Hallum raised their target price on shares of Skyline Champion from $92.00 to $99.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Get Skyline Champion alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Skyline Champion Hedge Funds Weigh In On Skyline Champion Skyline Champion Stock Performance Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. KBC Group NV boosted its position in shares of Skyline Champion by 53.9% during the 4th quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 2,288 shares of the companys stock worth $202,000 after purchasing an additional 801 shares in the last quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management purchased a new stake in shares of Skyline Champion in the 4th quarter worth about $210,000. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH raised its stake in Skyline Champion by 0.3% in the 4th quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH now owns 192,464 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,956,000 after purchasing an additional 550 shares during the last quarter. Ulland Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in Skyline Champion by 0.3% in the 4th quarter. Ulland Investment Advisors LLC now owns 52,610 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,635,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mirador Capital Partners LP raised its stake in Skyline Champion by 0.6% in the 4th quarter. Mirador Capital Partners LP now owns 51,514 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,538,000 after purchasing an additional 294 shares during the last quarter. Shares of NYSE SKY opened at $90.25 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $96.14 and its 200 day moving average price is $90.91. Skyline Champion has a 1 year low of $64.82 and a 1 year high of $116.49. The company has a market capitalization of $5.18 billion, a PE ratio of 34.85 and a beta of 1.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a current ratio of 2.42. Skyline Champion (NYSE:SKY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, October 28th. The company reported $0.93 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.61 by $0.32. Skyline Champion had a net margin of 6.42% and a return on equity of 13.20%. The business had revenue of $616.88 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $600.52 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.82 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 32.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Skyline Champion will post 3.43 earnings per share for the current year. Skyline Champion Company Profile (Get Free Report Skyline Champion Corporation produces and sells factory-built housing in North America. The company offers manufactured and modular homes, park models RVs, accessory dwelling units, and modular buildings for the multi-family and hospitality sectors. It builds homes under the Skyline Homes, Champion Home Builders, Genesis Homes, Athens Park Models, Dutch Housing, Atlantic Homes, Excel Homes, Homes of Merit, New Era, Redman Homes, ScotBilt Homes, Shore Park, Silvercrest, and Titan Homes brands in the United States; and Moduline and SRI Homes brand names in western Canada. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Skyline Champion Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Skyline Champion and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) was upgraded by investment analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a note issued to investors on Wednesday. Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,060.00 to $1,250.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 25th. Truist Financial raised their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,000.00 to $1,033.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 10th. Bank of America reiterated a buy rating and issued a $997.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Tuesday, December 10th. Barclays decreased their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,025.00 to $975.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 31st. Finally, Redburn Atlantic raised Eli Lilly and Company to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 4th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,002.22. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: View Our Latest Report on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance NYSE:LLY opened at $766.00 on Wednesday. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52-week low of $624.68 and a 52-week high of $972.53. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $776.31 and a 200 day moving average of $850.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.03, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.27. The firm has a market capitalization of $727.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 82.81, a P/E/G ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 0.41. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 30th. The company reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.52 by ($0.34). The business had revenue of $11.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.09 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 71.08% and a net margin of 20.48%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 20.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.10 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 12.98 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program on Monday, December 9th that allows the company to repurchase $15.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the company to buy up to 2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are usually a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Insider Activity at Eli Lilly and Company In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 900 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $803.38, for a total value of $723,042.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 5,480 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,402,522.40. This represents a 14.11 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Eli Lilly and Company Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. International Assets Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 87,091.7% during the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 12,463,182 shares of the companys stock worth $11,041,631,000 after acquiring an additional 12,448,888 shares during the period. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 92,759.9% during the third quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC now owns 1,022,388 shares of the companys stock valued at $905,774,000 after purchasing an additional 1,021,287 shares in the last quarter. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 37,140.7% in the third quarter. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC now owns 694,167 shares of the companys stock worth $614,990,000 after purchasing an additional 692,303 shares during the period. Comerica Bank raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 71.6% in the second quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 1,512,983 shares of the companys stock worth $1,369,825,000 after purchasing an additional 631,312 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. lifted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 100.7% during the third quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 1,165,696 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,032,737,000 after buying an additional 584,866 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tavistock Investments Plc (LON:TAVI Get Free Report)s stock price shot up 5.6% during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as GBX 4.25 ($0.05) and last traded at GBX 4.25 ($0.05). 119,932 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 98% from the average session volume of 4,823,691 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 4.03 ($0.05). Tavistock Investments Price Performance The firms 50-day moving average is GBX 4.18 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 3.48. The company has a market capitalization of 21.86 million, a PE ratio of -462.50 and a beta of 0.02. The company has a quick ratio of 3.89, a current ratio of 1.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.56. Get Tavistock Investments alerts: Tavistock Investments (LON:TAVI Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, December 9th. The company reported GBX (0.18) ($0.00) EPS for the quarter. Tavistock Investments had a negative net margin of 3.23% and a negative return on equity of 3.10%. Equities analysts predict that Tavistock Investments Plc will post 0.1312566 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Tavistock Investments Increases Dividend Tavistock Investments Company Profile The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 24th were issued a dividend of GBX 0.09 ($0.00) per share. This is a boost from Tavistock Investmentss previous dividend of $0.07. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 24th. This represents a dividend yield of 2.31%. (Get Free Report) Tavistock Investments Plc provides investment management and advisory support services to a network of financial advisers in the United Kingdom. The company offers investment planning, financial planning, pension and retirement planning, estate and legacy planning, protection and insurance, will writing, bereavement notification, employee benefits, protects families from financial difficulty, finance for homes and mortgages, financial management, financial planning, and tax saving services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Tavistock Investments Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tavistock Investments and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teamwork Financial Advisors LLC reduced its position in BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report) by 17.2% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 197 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 41 shares during the quarter. Teamwork Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in BlackRock were worth $203,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. AE Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in BlackRock by 19.9% in the second quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,162 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $915,000 after buying an additional 193 shares during the period. Fred Alger Management LLC increased its position in shares of BlackRock by 8.2% in the second quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC now owns 10,983 shares of the asset managers stock worth $8,647,000 after acquiring an additional 830 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of BlackRock by 176.9% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 78,797 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $62,026,000 after acquiring an additional 50,342 shares during the period. APG Asset Management N.V. lifted its holdings in shares of BlackRock by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. APG Asset Management N.V. now owns 343,581 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $252,399,000 after acquiring an additional 10,873 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its position in BlackRock by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,665,044 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,310,762,000 after purchasing an additional 46,728 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.69% of the companys stock. Get BlackRock alerts: BlackRock Stock Performance Shares of BlackRock stock opened at $1,016.99 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $157.51 billion, a PE ratio of 24.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 1.28. BlackRock, Inc. has a 1 year low of $745.55 and a 1 year high of $1,082.45. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $1,025.37 and its 200-day simple moving average is $951.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 5.23 and a current ratio of 5.23. BlackRock Dividend Announcement BlackRock ( NYSE:BLK Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, January 15th. The asset manager reported $11.93 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $11.52 by $0.41. The company had revenue of $5.68 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.57 billion. BlackRock had a return on equity of 16.32% and a net margin of 31.21%. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $9.66 EPS. BlackRocks quarterly revenue was up 22.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that BlackRock, Inc. will post 47.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 23rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 5th were paid a dividend of $5.10 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 5th. This represents a $20.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.01%. BlackRocks payout ratio is 48.57%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have commented on the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their price objective on BlackRock from $1,225.00 to $1,160.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on BlackRock from $960.00 to $1,040.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 3rd. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $1,150.00 to $1,200.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of BlackRock from $1,155.00 to $1,175.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. Finally, TD Cowen lifted their price target on shares of BlackRock from $960.00 to $1,077.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 10th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,120.67. View Our Latest Stock Report on BLK Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Mark Wiedman sold 36,190 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,045.90, for a total transaction of $37,851,121.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 6,480 shares in the company, valued at $6,777,432. This represents a 84.81 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, COO Robert L. Goldstein sold 54,000 shares of BlackRock stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,046.03, for a total value of $56,485,620.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 41,916 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $43,845,393.48. The trade was a 56.30 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 100,190 shares of company stock valued at $104,436,741. Company insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock. About BlackRock (Free Report) BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BLK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of TreeHouse Foods (NYSE:THS Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note published on Thursday. Several other research firms have also recently weighed in on THS. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on shares of TreeHouse Foods from $41.00 to $32.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 13th. Truist Financial decreased their price target on shares of TreeHouse Foods from $35.00 to $30.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 13th. Consumer Edge downgraded shares of TreeHouse Foods from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, November 15th. Finally, Barclays increased their target price on TreeHouse Foods from $32.00 to $35.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, January 17th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $34.80. Get TreeHouse Foods alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on THS TreeHouse Foods Trading Up 1.3 % THS stock opened at $34.22 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $34.30 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $37.64. TreeHouse Foods has a twelve month low of $28.04 and a twelve month high of $43.84. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90. TreeHouse Foods (NYSE:THS Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.74 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by ($0.01). TreeHouse Foods had a positive return on equity of 5.94% and a negative net margin of 0.72%. The firm had revenue of $854.40 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $881.15 million. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.57 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that TreeHouse Foods will post 1.96 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On TreeHouse Foods A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Signaturefd LLC boosted its position in TreeHouse Foods by 42.1% during the third quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 999 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 296 shares during the period. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board bought a new position in TreeHouse Foods during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Blue Trust Inc. increased its stake in TreeHouse Foods by 456.7% in the 4th quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,119 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 918 shares during the period. KBC Group NV lifted its position in TreeHouse Foods by 40.9% in the third quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 1,943 shares of the companys stock valued at $82,000 after purchasing an additional 564 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in shares of TreeHouse Foods by 95.1% during the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,519 shares of the companys stock valued at $106,000 after purchasing an additional 1,228 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.81% of the companys stock. About TreeHouse Foods (Get Free Report) TreeHouse Foods, Inc manufactures and distributes private brands snacks and beverages in the United States and internationally. The company provides snacking products, such as crackers, pretzels, in-store bakery items, frozen griddle items, cookies, and candies; and beverage and drink mixes, including non-dairy creamer, coffee, broths/stocks, powdered beverages and other blends, tea, and ready-to-drink-beverages. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for TreeHouse Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TreeHouse Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. W&T Offshore, Inc. (NYSE:WTI Free Report) Equities researchers at Zacks Research upped their Q4 2024 earnings estimates for W&T Offshore in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, January 21st. Zacks Research analyst R. Department now anticipates that the oil and gas company will post earnings of ($0.22) per share for the quarter, up from their previous forecast of ($0.26). The consensus estimate for W&T Offshores current full-year earnings is ($0.50) per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for W&T Offshores Q1 2025 earnings at ($0.11) EPS, Q2 2025 earnings at ($0.12) EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at ($0.12) EPS, Q4 2025 earnings at ($0.10) EPS, FY2025 earnings at ($0.45) EPS, Q1 2026 earnings at ($0.01) EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $0.00 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $0.00 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $0.00 EPS and FY2026 earnings at ($0.01) EPS. Get W&T Offshore alerts: W&T Offshore (NYSE:WTI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 7th. The oil and gas company reported ($0.17) earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.19) by $0.02. The company had revenue of $121.37 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $136.01 million. W&T Offshore had a negative net margin of 11.95% and a negative return on equity of 775.16%. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.01 earnings per share. Separately, StockNews.com upgraded W&T Offshore from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 13th. Check Out Our Latest Report on WTI W&T Offshore Price Performance Shares of W&T Offshore stock opened at $1.72 on Friday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $1.76 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $2.06. W&T Offshore has a one year low of $1.33 and a one year high of $3.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 75.32, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 0.98. The stock has a market capitalization of $252.72 million, a P/E ratio of -3.99 and a beta of 1.34. W&T Offshore Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 29th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 21st were paid a $0.01 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 21st. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.33%. W&T Offshores dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -9.30%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its position in shares of W&T Offshore by 17.8% in the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 47,209 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $101,000 after buying an additional 7,142 shares in the last quarter. Verum Partners LLC purchased a new position in W&T Offshore in the 3rd quarter worth about $32,000. FMR LLC grew its stake in W&T Offshore by 72.1% in the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 37,846 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $81,000 after purchasing an additional 15,852 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC grew its position in shares of W&T Offshore by 122.2% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 30,211 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $65,000 after buying an additional 16,614 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Signaturefd LLC increased its position in W&T Offshore by 86.6% during the 3rd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 36,644 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $79,000 after purchasing an additional 17,004 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 42.88% of the companys stock. About W&T Offshore (Get Free Report) W&T Offshore, Inc engages in the production, exploration, development, and acquisition of oil and natural gas properties. It focuses its operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The company was founded by Tracy W. Krohn in 1983 and is headquartered in Houston, TX. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for W&T Offshore Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for W&T Offshore and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zealand Pharma A/S (OTCMKTS:ZLDPF Get Free Report) was upgraded by investment analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald to a strong-buy rating in a report issued on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports. Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on Zealand Pharma A/S in a research note on Friday, November 8th. They issued an overweight rating for the company. Get Zealand Pharma A/S alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on ZLDPF Zealand Pharma A/S Stock Up 2.1 % Zealand Pharma A/S Company Profile Shares of OTCMKTS ZLDPF opened at $102.98 on Tuesday. Zealand Pharma A/S has a 1 year low of $65.26 and a 1 year high of $141.74. The firm has a market cap of $7.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -42.38 and a beta of 0.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a quick ratio of 35.49 and a current ratio of 35.49. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $102.26 and its 200-day simple moving average is $117.80. (Get Free Report) Zealand Pharma A/S, a biotechnology company, engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of peptide-based medicines in Denmark. It has a portfolio of medicines focusing on gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases, and other specialty disease areas with unmet medical needs. The company offers Dasiglucagon, a single use syringe or autoinjector for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia; and Dasiglucagon bi-hormone artificial pancreas systems containing insulin and dasiglucagon. 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I Accept Kichcha Sudeep turns down Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor, says "There are many deserving actors who..." 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. 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I Accept Saif Ali Khan attack: Accused Shariful's father says , 'This is not my son, I believe he is being framed' 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. 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I Accept Varun Dhawan celebrates 5th anniversary with wife Natasha Dalal; promises to take her on holiday next year 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. 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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 Manish M. Suvarna is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He writes on the Indian money markets, RBI, Banks and NBFCs. He tweets at @manishsuvarna15. Contact: Manish.Suvarna@nw18.com Manish M. Suvarna 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 by Xin Ping Recent time has seen fresh progress in the exchanges between China and the United Kingdom (UK), two of the world's leading economies. Cooperation platforms are being energized. Having launched the China-UK Economic and Trade Conference, tech forum and clean energy forum in recent months, the two sides reconvened the China Britain Investment and Partnership Forum in Shanghai in December 2024 after a lapse of nine years. A recent survey published by the British Chamber of Commerce in China on the sentiment of UK businesses operating in China suggests that their investment has remained stable, with 76 percent of the companies surveyed saying they would maintain or increase investment in China. The new development echoes the words of Lord Peter Mandelson, the Labor veteran appointed as the UK's next ambassador to the United States, who said the UK's earlier estrangement from China was its biggest mistake over the past decade, which was "irrational and unrealistic." China and the UK have a shared interest in pursuing cooperation. Politicizing cooperation or overstretching the concept of security goes against the basic economics and the development needs of both countries. Facts and figures show that China-UK trade has stayed at around 100 billion U.S. dollars for several years running, and their financial cooperation has long benefited both sides. Going forward, new areas of growth beckon in emerging industries. Given their leading position in artificial intelligence (AI), China and the UK can cooperate in technology development and AI governance. It is estimated that about 200,000 Chinese students are currently in the UK, representing significant human and intellectual capital to the two sides. Also, both China and the UK are at the forefront of green transition, and will enjoy even broader prospects for cooperation as the trend of green development gathers momentum. A telling story is that since 2015, Chinese financial institutions have issued more than 12-billion-dollar worth of green bonds and sustainability-linked bonds through the London Stock Exchange. The recent upgrading of the China-UK Hydrogen Energy Cooperation Forum to the China-UK Clean Energy Forum is another case in point. As the UK government moves to achieve 100-percent clean power and phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, China's sharing of green expertise can help facilitate the green transition. The findings of a recent research by the London School of Economics and Political Science analyzing Donald Trump's tariff proposals during the U.S. election campaign show that apart from China, European countries will also be affected to varying degrees. Both Germany and the UK will suffer a dent in their GDP. Any economy that champions open trade and globalization seeks to avoid the pitfalls of trade wars, as the fragmentation of global trade serves no one's interests. Countries can best protect and develop their interests through cooperation. That is especially true for China and the UK. Editor's note: The author is a commentator on international affairs, writing regularly for Xinhua News Agency, CGTN, Global Times, China Daily, etc. He can be reached at xinping604@gmail.com. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency. Rohit Singh 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. 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I Accept Trade Spotlight: How should you trade Bajaj Finserv, LTIMindtree, Eicher Motors, AAVAS Financiers, Cipla, UPL, and others on January 24? Sunil Matkar 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. 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I Accept As Supreme Court turns 75, a look at some of its milestones Shishir Tripathi is a journalist and researcher based in Delhi. He has worked with The Indian Express, Firstpost, Governance Now, and Indic Collective. He writes on Law, Governance and Politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Namrata Agarwal 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. 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I Accept Trump's illegal immigration policy: How federal agencies are stepping up crackdown for mass deportation Priyanjali Ghose 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. 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I Accept US now recognises only 'two sexes' after Donald Trump issues executive order 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. 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I Accept Earth's magnetic north pole is moving, scientists just updated its new location Sheetal Kumari 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. 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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 US President Donald Trump lashes out at EU for unfairly targeting Apple, Google and Meta 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 Ankita Chakravarti 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 President Donald Trump in the Roosevelt room of the White House in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2025. The automotive industry in Anhui is accelerating rapidly, with production reaching new heights. Reporters recently learned from the Provincial Development and Reform Commission that Anhui is focusing on building an internationally competitive new energy vehicle (NEV) industry cluster. It strengthens the drive of technological innovation to industrial innovation. The automotive industry has achieved breakthroughs in many aspects, including industrial scale leap, accelerated transformation to new energy, expanded export volume, and brand upgrading. In 2024, the output of automobiles in Anhui exceeded 3 million for the first time, reaching 3.57 million, a year-on-year increase of 43.3%, accounting for more than 1/9 of the national total. The production of new energy vehicles broke through the million mark for the first time, reaching 1.684 million, a year-on-year increase of 94.5%, accounting for more than 1/8 of the national total. Vehicle exports continue to surge, with more "Anhui-made" automobiles heading towards the global market. Anhui's vehicle exports account for 1/4 of the national total. Among them, Chery Group's vehicle export volume reached 1.145 million, refreshing the export record of Chinese automakers and ranking first in the export of Chinese branded passenger vehicles for 22 consecutive years. The transformation to new energy has been comprehensively accelerated. In 2024, the production of new energy vehicles in Anhui accounted for 47.2% of the total vehicle output, an increase of 12.3 percentage points compared to 2023. The MAEXTRO S800, a cooperation between JAC Group and Huawei, filled the gap in the domestic ultra-high-end intelligent new energy vehicle market. Source: Anhui Daily In our countries, no one can walk the streets with a mask on their face, and yet we allow people to roam freely on the Internet without linking their profiles to a real identity. Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was uncharacteristically candid on a range of sensitive issues in his speech this week at the World Economic Forums annual meeting. He suggested not only putting an end to online anonymity on social media but also forcing media platforms to link every user account to a European digital identity wallet. In other words, what weve been warning about for a few years now the worldwide emergence of digital identity systems and how they will be used, in the words of a 2018 WEF report, to open up [or close off] access to basic online (and offline) services is now being openly discussed at Davos by a senior European politician. Eight months after the EU launched its digital identity program, the race is on to sell it to the public. Ripping the Mask Off Below is the relevant clip of Sanchezs speech which includes the bizarre words: in our countries, no one can walk the streets with a mask on their face, and yet we allow people to roam freely on the Internet without linking their profiles to a real identity. Of course, not that long ago, no one could walk the streets of Spain and other European countries without a mask on their face, a fact that Sanchez, who was president of Spain throughout the pandemic, seems to have conveniently forgotten. At the WEF, Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez calls "TO END ANONYMITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA" and that the EU should "FORCE THESE PLATFORMS TO LINK EVERY USER ACCOUNT TO A EUROPEAN DIGITAL IDENTITY WALLET" #wef25 This is making the rounds on Spanish-speaking media https://t.co/GRWM499OzP pic.twitter.com/NmkD07MPHl Tim Hinchliffe (@TimHinchliffe) January 22, 2025 Sanchezs proposal ostensibly seeks to curb the toxic effects of social media networks on what he calls European democracy, which is a bit rich given that the EU has done more than anyone to undermine European democracy. As the great, late British MP Tony Benn once said, the powers that rule us talk about [democracy]. But they resist it with all the wiles and techniques at their command. The EU and national EU governments have been doing this for decades, as NC reader vao pointed out in a recent comments thread: Case in points: the various referenda that took place in the past. 1) Referendum on the EU Constitution. As soon as that treaty was rejected in the Netherlands and France, the ratification process was interrupted, including in countries where referenda were to be held, and the process re-launched in a form that made sure popular opinion would have no impact on the final decision. 2) Except in Ireland, where a referendum was compulsory. When the Irish answered incorrectly, they had to vote again to make sure the new EU organization was accepted. Again, politicians will never take no for an answer. 3) A similar procedure was attempted regarding the compensations of losses of British and Dutch banks following the financial melt-down in Iceland. The voters rejected the loan guarantee packages twice. The Dutch and British government then attempted to get their way via judicial means. 4) Netherlands introduced the possibility of a consultative referendum in 2015. In 2016, a referendum was demanded regarding the EU-Ukraine association agreement which treaty was rejected by 61% of the voters. After a period of dithering, the government decided to ignore the result and ratify the treaty anyway. A second referendum was held regarding a new intelligence and security services act which law was also rejected. Again, the government passed the law anyway after minimal modifications. This was the second and last referendum to be held; by then, Dutch politicians were enough pissed off by the popular opinion and had already repelled the law instituting the possibility of a referendum. The EUs assault on European democracy has become even more brazen of late. In November, it tried to overturn an election in Georgia, which is not even an EU member, to no avail. It then had more success in pressuring Romanias Constitutional Court to cancel the first round of the countrys election in Romania after a right-ring populist who favoured better ties with Russia won the most votes. A few days ago, the former Commissioner for the EUs Internal Market, Thierry Breton, who used to describe himself as the enforcer of the EUs Digital Services Act before stepping down from that role, said the same could happen to Germany if the voters there also make the wrong choice in the upcoming elections. We have to prevent outside meddling and make our laws apply, Breton said, referring to allegations of Russian involvement, based on bogus intel from the state intelligence services, before admitting actual EU interference. We did it in Romania, and we will obviously have to do it in Germany, if necessary. BREAKING NEWS! Former French European Commissioner Thierry Breton speaks about cancelling elections in #Germany. At French television RMC he declared: "Let's keep our cool and enforce our laws in Europe when they risk being circumvented and when they can, if not enforced, lead pic.twitter.com/HjrUvvSJ1P Mocanu Ingrid Luciana (@Ingrid_Mocanu) January 10, 2025 This is the model of European democracy Sanchez wants to protect one that has zero regard for elections in national member states. Incidentally, Breton joined Bank of America as an advisor just weeks after resigning from the Commission, in direct contravention of the EUs own rules on lobbying bans for ex-commissioners. According to the Commissions Code of Conduct, outgoing commissioners must respect a two-year cooling-off period before taking up a new role that involves lobbying or a potential conflict of interest. Full Weaponisation of the EUs Digital Services Act In his speech, Sanchez also called for the European regulation of Digital Services to be fully applied as well as sanctions to be imposed on those who do not comply with it. Sanchez accused the owners of the social media platforms of wanting to increase their political power by undermining our democratic institutions. Many of those social media owners were not at the Davos this year since it clashed with Donald J Trumps inauguration, and this time round Trump is their ticket to direct political power ally. We must ensure that social media executives are responsible for compliance with the rules on platforms, as is the case in other sectors, said Sanchez. Of course, Sanchez has one particular Big Tech owner in mind: Elon Musk, whose X platform, formerly known as Twitter, has been under investigation for over a year under the EUs Digital Services Act (DSA) over how it tackles the spread of illegal content and information manipulation. The company has been accused of manipulating the platforms systems to give far-right posts and politicians greater visibility over other political groups. In recent months, Musk has intensified his meddling in countries around Europe, including the UK. Sanchez also has one particular country in mind when it comes to spreading mis-and dis-information that is supposedly harmful to European democracy. No prizes for guessing which: Russia, he said, is weakening democratic institutions and forces. Sanchezs proposed plan to deal with the problems of online hate, misinformation and tech billionaires increasing influence over political processes revolves around three main measures: Ending anonymity on social networks by linking peoples profiles to their EU digital identity system, which became a legal reality in May 2024. Forcing transparency of algorithms. Establishing criminal liability for the platforms owners. The proposal to end online anonymity is nothing new; politicians on both sides of the Atlantic have been talking about banning or discouraging the use of anonymity on the Internet for almost as long as the Internet has existed. In 1999, Microsoft even launched Passport, a single sign-in and digital wallet service for communication and commerce on the Internet that was supposed to allow users to easily access information and purchase goods on multiple Web sites using a single login and password (h/t Rev Kev). Needless to say, the idea didnt take off. But in the past year, the topics of online anonymity, age verification and digital identity have gained a lot more attention as governments have begun moving from words to action. A License to W*nk Spains Sanchez government was one of the first movers in this area. In the early summer, it unveiled plans to push the boundaries of Internet control by launching a digital age verification system to prevent minors from being able to access pornographic websites. The proposed system will be based on a digital wallet app through which adult porn users will be able to obtain anonymous digital access credentials. And those credentials, the government says, will soon be necessary to enter digital spaces hosting adult content. As we reported at the time, the digital wallet is not only intended to close off access to porn websites to minors; it will also ration the number of times adult users can access pornography websites. The Spanish government also spoke of requiring a similar digital identity wallet to access other online platforms. Carmen Cabanillas, director general of Governance at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, said that the tool could be used by messaging applications, social networks or browsers to check the age of users, as well as presumably other things. In October, Ireland adopted its Online Safety Code, which mandates that digital services protect people, especially children, from harm online. It calls on video-sharing platforms to, among other things, use age-assurance mechanisms to prevent children from accessing pornography or gratuitous violence. Irelands age verification rules will apply to all video-sharing platforms that have their EU headquarters in the country including Facebook, YouTube, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, Tumblr, and Instagram. Australia, which launched its own digital identity app, myID, in early 2024, in November became the first Western democracy to pass legislation banning all under-16s from social media platforms. For its part, the UK is pushing for digital identity to be used to verify the age of pub and clubgoers. As we noted at the time, it seems that online age verification will be the Trojan House for the mass rollout of digital identity systems: For governments around the world, one of the great advantages of age verification, or assurance as the Austrian government is now calling it, is that it traps everyone in its web not just under-16s but just about anyone who wants to use the Internet. As members of the Australian government recently admitted, everyone will soon have to prove their age to use social media. And that will presumably mean having to use the governments recently launched digital ID app, myID. RE: Social Media Ban for Under16's (aka the trojan horse Digital ID for ALL Australians) So the Federal Labor Gov't have confirmed at Senate Estimates that ALL Australians will have to go through an age verification process to access social media, not just under 16 year olds. pic.twitter.com/LgPu5DXdek Glen Schaefer (@hardenuppete) November 10, 2024 Australias social media ban is scheduled to come into effect in just under a years time. Digital researchers have warned that there are no guarantees that the as-yet unspecified technology the Australian government plans to use to enforce the social media ban which will presumably rely on biometrics and/or the governments fledgling digital identity system will work. As the BBC reports, critics have also sought assurances that privacy will be protected: They have also warned that restrictions could easily be circumvented through tools like a VPN which can disguise a users location and make them appear to be logging on from another country. Children who find ways to flout the rules will not face penalties, however. Polling on the reforms, though limited, suggests it is supported by a majority of Australian parents and caregivers. For too long parents have had this impossible choice between giving in and getting their child an addictive device or seeing their child isolated and feeling left out, Amy Friedlander, who was among those lobbying for the ban, recently told the BBC. Weve been trapped in a norm that no one wants to be a part of. But many experts say the ban is too blunt an instrument to effectively address the risks associated with social media use, and have warned it could end up pushing children into less regulated corners of the internet. Protecting the Children: A Perfect Pretext Protecting the children from online evils is, it seems, the chosen pretext for unleashing digital identity and imposing online anonymity on a largely unsuspecting world. According to Sanchez, in a democracy, citizens have a right to privacy, not to anonymity or impunity, especially when it comes to pernicious acts committed online such as cyberbullying, sexual offenses or violence. However, banning the use of anonymity online can have very serious consequences, warned Gabriella Coleman, author of Hacker, Hoaxer, Whistleblower, Spy: The Many Faces of Anonymous, in a 2014 op-ed for the New York Times: Debates about trolls routinely conflate anonymity with incivility but a broader look at online activities reveals that public good can come when users can hide their identity. For example, medical patients and mothers discuss sensitive issues (be they clinical or related to parenting) in pseudonymous forums, allowing for candid discussions of what might otherwise be stigmatizing subjects. Anonymous activists rely on the web for whistle-blowing or to speak truth to power without fear of retribution. And, in a strange twist, victims of hate crimes use anonymity to speak out as well: anonymity can empower those who seek consolation and justice to speak out against assailants enabled by the same processes. Anonymous expression has been a foundation of our political culture since its inception, underwriting monumental declarations like the Federalist Papers. At its best, it puts the attention on the message, rather than the messenger. For these reasons, we should stay away from sweeping and blunt prohibitions on anonymity. Requiring real identities online would chill a vibrant democracy. But saving the children is, I believe, the last thing on the minds of the political establishment. It is just a pretext, albeit a very seductive one; the real goal, as the US tech analyst Tim Hinchliffe notes, is to end online anonymity while giving governments and corporations the power to manipulate, coerce, or incentivize human behaviour. With the Digital Services Act, the EU plans to stamp out as much as feasibly possible the dissemination on social media of what the EU Commission, national governments and their handsomely rewarded armies of private-sector fact checkers deem to be dis-, mis-, and mal-information. For those who may not know, mal-information is, in the words of Wikipedia, based on fact, but removed from its original context in order to mislead, harm, or manipulate. It is, even by Wikipedias moral standards, a controversial concept. The primary objective with all this is to choke public expression and debate on sensitive issues, as the retired German judge Manfred Kolsch warned in 2023. Those issues could include the EUs support for genocide in Palestine, Germanys rapid deindustrialisation, Europes crumbling economy, the rampant corruption at the very top of the EU Commission and Parliament, the EUs ever-diminishing democratic legitimacy (Im sure you can think of more). If it is successful in this endeavour, the inevitable and desired result will be that EU citizens will begin self-censoring to align their messages on the platforms with what is currently acceptable in Brussels and NATOs corridors of power. But that is just part of the process. By simultaneously rolling out digital identity as stealthily as possible as far as we could tell, no mainstream media outlet bothered to even cover its launch in May and then making it a prerequisite for accessing and using social media platforms, as Sanchez is suggesting here, the EU intends to close the circle by killing online anonymity. As NC readers are well aware, digital identity is also an essential prerequisite for the rollout of central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs, which threaten to revolutionise money in ways that are unlikely to favour the common man. At the same time, Brussels, like the UK and other Five-Eye nations, has its sights set on encryption. Just a few days ago, the chief of Europol urged tech firms to cooperate with law enforcement in unlocking encrypted messages. A failure to stamp out encrypted messages threatens European democracy, she said. Her actual words were (emphasis my own): You will not be able to enforce democracy without it. Enforcing democracy must surely rank as one of the most Orwellian terms of this fledgling year. In his 2013 article for the Guardian, How Cryptography Is a Key Weapon in the Fight Against Empire States, Julian Assange wrote: Strong cryptography is a vital tool in fighting state oppression. But fighting state oppression is the last thing on the EUs collective mind right now, given it is the EU itself and its member states that are increasingly meting out that oppression, much of which is taking place online. It has been a similar story in the US until recently. Just yesterday, Rob Urie revealed on this site how hundreds of his articles were essentially disappeared during the Biden administration. In December, those articles magically reappeared just a day or two after a Federal entity called the Global Engagement Center (GEC) an offshoot of the US State Department tasked with censoring legal political speech on the internet, was closed after Congress stopped funding it. It was a positive early move by the Trump administration. However, it remains to be seen how Trumps decision to surround himself with some of Silicon Valleys most powerful overlords, including, of course, Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, the founder of Palantir, the Israel-linked, CIA-funded spytech firm, who paints himself as an economic libertarian while denouncing competition as for losers, will ultimately pan out. My guess is that it wont be pretty. Meanwhile, in Europe the EU is preparing to escalate and expand its war on freedom of speech, encrypted communications and online anonymity. Julian Assanges warning in his foreword to Cypherpunks: Freedom and the Future of the Internet, the 2012 book he co-authored with Jacob Appelbaum, Andy Muller-Maguhn, and Jeremie Zimmermann, has proven to be sadly prescient: the Internet, our greatest tool for emancipation, has been transformed into the most dangerous facilitator of totalitarianism we have ever seen. AI revolution takes center stage as DeepSeek-R1 model demonstrates advanced reasoning capabilities DeepSeek-R1, a 671-billion-parameter AI reasoning model developed by a Chinese company, has stunned experts with its ability to solve complex problems, from thermal calculations to policy recommendations, sparking excitement and concern. The models open-source nature and a distilled 14-billion-parameter version make it accessible on consumer-grade hardware, enabling global developers to explore its advanced reasoning capabilities. DeepSeek-R1 excels in diverse fields, such as herbal medicine (optimizing solvent mixtures) and energy-efficient infrastructure planning, showcasing its potential to revolutionize industries and empower individuals. Critics warn of risks like reduced human oversight in decision-making, while proponents highlight AIs potential to bring fairness and efficiency to governance, including unbiased judicial rulings. Chinas open-source approach with DeepSeek-R1 contrasts with the U.S.s corporate-controlled models, reshaping the AI landscape and sparking debates on democratization, innovation, and global power dynamics. The release of DeepSeek-R1, a groundbreaking AI reasoning model developed by a Chinese company, has sent shockwaves through the tech world. With its ability to solve complex problems, from calculating freezing times for water tanks to recommending policy solutions, the open-source model has stunned experts and sparked both excitement and concern. Its practical applications, ranging from herbal medicine extraction to energy-efficient infrastructure planning, highlight its potential to revolutionize industries. However, critics warn of the risks of AI dominance in governance and decision-making, as the technology continues to outperform human reasoning in many areas. A New Era of AI Reasoning DeepSeek-R1, a 671-billion-parameter model, has been praised for its transparency and open-source nature, allowing developers and researchers worldwide to explore its capabilities. A distilled 14-billion-parameter version of the model has already been tested on consumer-grade hardware, demonstrating its accessibility. In one remarkable demonstration, the AI calculated the time it would take for a 1,000-gallon rainwater tank to freeze under specific weather conditions, breaking down the problem into complex thermal transfer calculations. The models ability to reason through such practical, real-world problems has left users in awe. Beyond math and physics, DeepSeek-R1 has shown its prowess in policy reasoning. When asked how the U.S. could accelerate its AI development programs, the model recommended investing in energy-efficient hardware, supporting decentralized open-source AI initiatives, and implementing strict ethical guidelines. Its suggestions, which included exploring cold fusion for energy needs, were described as "smarter than any U.S. senator" by one user. Practical Applications and Ethical Concerns The models versatility extends to fields like herbal medicine. In one test, DeepSeek-R1 recommended the optimal solvent mixture for extracting rosmarinic acid from rosemary, a task that would typically require extensive knowledge of chemistry. Its ability to provide step-by-step reasoning for such tasks has made it a valuable tool for researchers, herbalists, and survivalists alike. However, the rise of such advanced AI systems has raised ethical concerns. Critics argue that the integration of AI into governance and decision-making could lead to a loss of human oversight. Proponents, on the other hand, believe AI could bring fairness and efficiency to systems plagued by corruption and bias. One user even suggested that AI judges could outperform human judges in delivering unbiased rulings. The Global Race for AI Supremacy The release of DeepSeek-R1 marks a significant milestone in the global race for AI supremacy. While the U.S. has focused on closed, corporate-controlled AI models, Chinas open-source approach has been hailed as a step toward democratizing AI technology. This shift has sparked debates about the future of AI development and its implications for global power dynamics. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on industries, governance, and everyday life will only grow. Whether its calculating the freezing time of a water tank or recommending policy solutions, DeepSeek-R1 has demonstrated that the future of AI is not just about raw computational power but also about advanced reasoning and practical problem-solving. The question now is how humanity will navigate the challenges and opportunities this new era of AI presents. The Democratization of AI Chinas open-source approach with DeepSeek-R1 contrasts sharply with the U.S.s reliance on corporate-controlled AI models. By making advanced reasoning models accessible to the public, China is fostering innovation and decentralization, potentially reshaping the global AI landscape. From herbal medicine to energy planning, DeepSeek-R1s practical applications highlight its potential to transform industries and empower individuals. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, its ability to solve real-world problems will be key to its widespread adoption. The release of DeepSeek-R1 is more than just a technological breakthroughits a glimpse into a future where AI plays a central role in solving humanitys most pressing challenges. The question is, are we ready for it? Watch this Jan. 23 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about how AI reasoning models will change everything. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump unveils $500 Billion Stargate AI initiative to boost U.S. data centers and compete in global AI race Chinese researchers replicate OpenAIs advanced AI model, sparking global debate on open source and AI security Skepticism surrounds claims that AI can cure cancer amid $500 billion tech initiative Sources include: Brighteon.com MarkTechPost.com While Australians are continuously warned about UV levels during the summer, it's periods when we're off guard that can prove deadly. It's one of the most common misconceptions when it comes to sun safety, and one Queenslander has found out the hard way. Jake Wilson-Loose was spending the day at his family's home in Regency Downs, 70km west of Brisbane, helping out with a few tasks on their property. With plenty of clouds in the sky, Jake didn't think there was any need for sunscreen. But like many others before him, it proved a painful mistake. "It's absolutely changed my attitude towards sun safety," he told Yahoo News Australia, revealing he checks the UV levels everyday without fail now. Jake, 29, was left with severe burns to his shoulders, which began "bubbling up" and needed antiseptic cream to avoid infection. While in hindsight, he knows he made a terrible oversight, he now wants to use his situation to remind others of the dangerous mistake. ADVERTISEMENT Severe cases of sunburn are often well-documented when it's a backpacker from cooler climates, for example. And while Australia does push its sun safety education more than most, it's clear even locals aren't fully across all of the dangers. Overcast days like this at Bondi can really lure Aussies into a false sense of security. Source: Getty "I wasnt aware that I could receive such severe burns despite clouds blocking the sun for most the day," Jake said. He described his severe sunburn as a major "wake-up call". 'Extreme' threat on cloudy days It's a misconception experts are trying to change. Skin cancer specialist Dr Priya Chagan says its vital Australians are not lulled into a false sense of security. "This summer, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a hot, rainy summer for many parts of Australia, which means that while you may not see the sun on overcast or rainy days, UV levels can be extreme," told Yahoo last month. The predicted UV index is included in the bureau's daily forecasts on its app and website for each location. ADVERTISEMENT Severe sunburns increase your chance of skin cancer, Healthline warns, and Jake said the amount of times he had heard of people having skin cancers cut out was "scarily too common". While some Australians neglect sunscreen, or adequate sun safety measures during overcast conditions, there is also the problem of people willingly doing so. "Over the past two years, Ive noticed a troubling shift on social media: a resurgence of young Australian women glorifying sun tanning," Belle, who lost her father to melanoma, told Yahoo News Australia. Shocking statistics released by the Australian government in January revealed 74 per cent of young Australians between 18 and 30 believe their risk of getting skin cancer is unlikely. The reality is two in every three Australians will get skin cancer over their lifetimes, Dr Chagan says. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Backlash against lab-grown meat inside and outside the U.S. signals growing resistance to FAKE FOOD A wave of resistance against lab-grown meat has emerged in the U.S. and internationally, driven by concerns over food safety, cultural traditions and the preservation of local agriculture. Florida and Alabama have enacted bans on lab-grown meat, while Nebraska is considering a similar measure. Florida's ban was championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who framed it as a defense against global elites. Italy has become the first country to ban lab-grown meat, citing concerns for health, the Italian production system and cultural traditions. The debate over lab-grown meat reflects broader skepticism about the role of technology in food production, with critics arguing that it could undermine traditional agriculture and cultural heritage. The growing resistance to lab-grown meat raises fundamental questions about the future of food, farming and the global food supply chain, with more states and countries considering bans or restrictions. In recent months, a wave of resistance against lab-grown meat has swept across the U.S. and beyond. This movement fueled by concerns over food safety, cultural traditions and the preservation of local agriculture has sparked a heated debate about the future of food production. States like Florida and Alabama have enacted bans on the controversial product, while Nebraska is considering a similar measure. The Sunshine State under Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken a leading role in opposing lab-grown meat. Last May, DeSantis signed SB 1084 into law effectively banning the sale and production of cultivated meat in Florida. During a press conference, he framed the ban as a defense against what he described as the globalist elites' plan to impose lab-grown meat and insects on the world. "Today, Florida is fighting back against the global elite's plan to force the world to eat meat grown in a petri dish or bugs to achieve their authoritarian goals," DeSantis said at the time. He later doubled down on the resistance against frankenfood, saying: "Take your fake lab-grown meat elsewhere. We're not doing that in the state of Florida." DeSantis' remarks reflect a broader sentiment among critics who view lab-grown meat as a threat to traditional agriculture and a symbol of overreach by wealthy elites and multinational corporations. The Florida Cattlemen's Association has backed the ban, arguing that lab-grown meat is an untested and potentially unsafe alternative to real beef. Alabama has followed Florida's lead, enacting its own ban on lab-grown meat. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen likewise followed suit and announced a proposal to prohibit the production and sale of cultivated meat in his state. "It's important we get on the offense so that Nebraska farmers and ranchers are not undermined," Pillen said. Italy takes a stand as the first country to BAN lab-grown meat These state-level actions are part of a larger trend, with ten U.S. states now requiring labeling for lab-grown meat and others considering outright bans. But the backlash against lab-grown meat is not confined to the United States. Italy has emerged as the first country to ban lab-grown meat outright, signaling a growing international backlash against what critics call "fake food." In November 2023, it became the first country to ban the production, sale and importation of cultivated meat. (Related: Viva Bistecca! Italy to ban FAKE MEAT, other synthetic foods.) "In defense of health, of the Italian production system, of thousands of jobs, of our culture and tradition, with the law approved today, Italy is the first nation in the world to be safe from the social and economic risks of synthetic food," Italian Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida said in a Facebook post at the time. The ban, which passed with overwhelming support in the Italian Senate, has been celebrated by agricultural groups like Coldiretti, Italy's largest farmers' association. Coldiretti President Ettore Prandini praised the law, stating, "We are proud to be the first country that, despite being in favor of research, prevents, as a precautionary measure, the sale of laboratory-produced food whose effects on the health of citizens are currently unknown." The Italian ban highlights the cultural and economic stakes of the lab-grown meat debate. Critics argue that cultivated meat could undermine local farmers and traditional food systems, while proponents see it as a sustainable solution to global food security challenges. As of now, only the U.S. and Singapore have approved lab-grown meat for consumption, and the European Union has yet to follow suit. If the EU does approve cultivated meat, Italy's ban could face legal challenges from the European Commission. The growing resistance to lab-grown meat reflects a broader skepticism about the role of technology in food production. Critics like DeSantis and Lollobrigida frame the issue as a battle between "real" food and "fake" alternatives, with traditional agriculture and cultural heritage at stake. As more states and countries consider bans or restrictions, the debate over lab-grown meat is likely to intensify, raising fundamental questions about the future of food, farming and the global food supply chain. For now, the message from Florida to Italy is clear: When it comes to food, many are saying "no" to the lab and "yes" to the land. Watch Josh Sigurdson of World Alternative Media discussing Italy's ban on fake meat in this clip. This video is from the Diane Sosen channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Lab-grown meat now BANNED from being sold in Florida. Keeping it real: Italy becomes first nation to BAN FAKE MEAT. Italy becomes first nation to BAN Bill Gates' fake meat due to "serious health concerns." Florida lawmakers advancing bills to block the sale of LAB-GROWN MEAT in the Sunshine State. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com Expose-News.com NYPost.com Brighteon.com Californias Hughes Fire scorches 10,000 acres, prompts mass evacuations as crews battle blaze A fast-moving wildfire near Castaic Lake forced over 50,000 residents to evacuate, consuming 10,000 acres of dry brush and rugged terrain. The Hughes Fire prompted mandatory evacuations and highway closures but saw no home or structure losses yet thanks to a robust firefighting response. Over 4,000 firefighters worked to contain the blaze, aided by calmer conditions compared to recent devastating fires. The fire is 14% contained, with red flag warnings in effect and rain forecasted, raising concerns about mudslides and toxic runoff. Residents and officials remain hopeful, though the region continues to face ongoing wildfire threats and challenges. A fast-moving wildfire erupted Wednesday near Castaic Lake, just 40 miles north of Los Angeles, forcing more than 50,000 residents to flee their homes as flames consumed over 10,000 acres of dry brush and rugged terrain. The Hughes Fire, which broke out in the late morning, quickly escalated, prompting mandatory evacuation orders for 31,000 people and warnings for another 23,000. Despite the chaos, fire officials expressed cautious optimism, citing a robust response that has so far prevented the destruction of homes or structures. The blaze comes just weeks after the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires, which have burned for over three weeks, killed 28 people, and destroyed more than 14,000 structures. While the Hughes Fire has yet to reach that level of destruction, its rapid spread has reignited fears in a region already reeling from relentless wildfires. A swift response Unlike the earlier fires, which were fueled by hurricane-force winds and extreme dryness, the Hughes Fire has benefited from slightly calmer conditions. Winds gusting at 42 mph allowed firefighting aircraft to drop tens of thousands of gallons of retardant, slowing the fires advance. The situation that were in today is very different from the situation we were in 16 days ago, said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone during a Wednesday evening briefing. More than 4,000 firefighters were deployed to the area, with crews working tirelessly to contain the blaze. Joe Tyler, director of Cal Fire, praised the efforts of responders. This fire had a robust response today, and as you can see behind us, the responders are doing great work to try to contain this fire, he said. Certainly, we are not out of the woods yet. The fires rapid growth forced the closure of a 30-mile stretch of Interstate 5, a critical north-south artery, as smoke billowed across the freeway. The highway reopened Wednesday evening, but officials warned that conditions remain volatile. Residents like Kayla Amara, a nurse from nearby Valencia, described the chaos as they scrambled to protect their homes. Other people are hosing down their houses, too. I hope theres a house here to return to, Amara said as flames engulfed trees on a nearby hillside. The Castaic Union School District and other local schools canceled classes Thursday due to poor air quality and evacuation orders. Meanwhile, the Pitchess Detention Center evacuated 476 inmates as a precaution, with plans to move 4,500 more if conditions worsen. A glimmer of hope amid ongoing threats While the Hughes Fire remains only 14% contained, officials are hopeful that lessons learned from the Eaton and Palisades fires will lead to better outcomes. The earlier blazes, which began on Jan. 7, have been exacerbated by persistent Santa Ana winds, low humidity, and drought conditions. Red flag warnings for critical fire risk remain in effect through Friday, with winds expected to gust up to 60 mph. However, forecasters predict rain could arrive by Saturday, offering relief but also raising concerns about mudslides and toxic runoff in burn areas. Rains are in the forecast, and the threat of mud and debris flow in our fire-impacted communities is real, warned Supervisor Kathryn Barger during a Wednesday news conference. The Hughes Fire is the latest challenge for a region battered by weeks of wildfires. Yet, the swift and coordinated response offers a glimmer of hope that this blaze may not reach the catastrophic levels of its predecessors. As firefighters continue to battle the flames, residents remain on edge, hoping for a reprieve from the relentless cycle of destruction. For now, the focus remains on containment and safety. The situation remains dynamic, and the fire remains a difficult fire to contain, although we are getting the upper hand, said Chief Marrone. With rain on the horizon and thousands of firefighters on the front lines, Californias resilience is once again being put to the test. Sources for this article include: APNews.com ZeroHedge.com USAToday.com Dr. Leonard Coldwell joins Decentralize TV to discuss rebuilding a DECENTRALIZED world Dr. Leonard Coldwell identifies centralized systems (governments, corporations, media) as the primary drivers of societal collapse, likening them to the root causes of cancer. He argues these systems are designed to control, exploit and destroy, leading to crises like economic collapse, pandemics and resource destruction. Coldwell and hosts describe a spiritual war waged by a hidden, satanic elite aiming to invert and destroy Gods creation. This agenda is embedded in global institutions, with figures like George Soros and Bill Gates acting as proxies for entities like the British Crown and the City of London's 13 bankers. Coldwell advocates for decentralization as the path to survival and renewal. He emphasizes building self-sufficient communities, growing food, fostering human connections and preparing for self-reliance to counteract systemic collapse. Central to Coldwell's philosophy is the belief in inner healing and personal empowerment. His Instinct-Based Medicine System (IBMS) focuses on addressing emotional, mental and spiritual imbalances to eliminate the root causes of illness and promote holistic well-being. Coldwell urges immediate action, encouraging individuals to take control of their lives by supporting local systems, preparing for self-sufficiency and building networks of trust and collaboration. He stresses that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to creating a new world rooted in freedom, abundance, and human dignity. In a world teetering on the edge of systemic collapse, Dr. Leonard Coldwell, a global authority on cancer reversal and personal empowerment, offers a radical yet profoundly hopeful solution in the form of decentralization. In a recent interview on "Decentralize TV" with hosts Mike Adams and Todd Pitner, Coldwell shared his insights on the current state of the world, the deliberate destruction of centralized systems, and the urgent need for individuals to take control of their lives. Drawing striking parallels between the root causes of cancer and societal breakdown, Coldwell revealed how centralized systems governments, corporations and media are designed to control, exploit and ultimately destroy. But there is hope. By embracing decentralization, building resilient communities and focusing on inner healing, people can create a new world rooted in freedom, abundance and human dignity. (Related: Dr. Robert Malone: Decentralization is the key to overcoming medical, govt tyranny.) Coldwell emphasized that the current crises humanity is facing economic collapse, failing supply chains, wars and pandemics are not accidents. They are the result of deliberate actions by a global elite driven by a satanic, antilife agenda. Nothing happens by accident or coincidence, he said, citing the border crisis, the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) hoax and the destruction of resources as examples. Drawing on his expertise in cancer reversal, Coldwell explained that just as he focuses on the root cause of a patient's illness rather than the symptoms, people must look beyond the surface-level chaos to understand the deeper forces at play. Coldwell: The Satanic agenda is a WAR ON HUMANITY Coldwell and the "Decentralize TV" hosts delved into the spiritual dimension of the crisis, describing it as a war waged by a satanic, Luciferian elite against humanity. This agenda, they explained, is evident in the inversion of values, the promotion of self-destruction and the relentless push for centralized control. Coldwell warned that this agenda is deeply entrenched in institutions worldwide, from governments and corporations to media and medicine. The most blocked healer from social media said that the people behind it are not the ones people see on TV because they are hidden and operating through proxies like George Soros and Bill Gates. He pointed out that the real power lies with entities like the British Crown and the 13 bankers of the City of London. Despite the grim reality, Coldwell remains optimistic. He believes that decentralization is the key to survival and renewal. The best-selling author stated that the system can't be changed, and it must be rebuilt. This means creating self-sufficient communities, growing your own food and fostering genuine human connections. Coldwell emphasized the importance of preparedness, sharing that he has stockpiled food, water and other essentials to ensure his family's survival. Coldwell also highlighted the power of team play and collaboration. He stated that friendship is an important thing, and you must surround yourself with good people, build your own family and create a network of support. At the heart of Coldwells philosophy is the belief that true healing begins within. What a person thinks can come true if they contemplate and internalize it. "We are God in our own world," he said. Follow Freedom.news for more news about decentralized systems. Watch the full interview between Dr. Leonard Coldwell, Todd Pitner and the Health Ranger Mike Adams on "Decentralize TV" below. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Futurist John Petersen: The future of knowledge lies in DECENTRALIZATION through AI and open-source innovation. The Great Awakening: Decentralizing medicine and empowering humanity in 2025. The Evolution of Health Awareness, Spiritual Awakening, and Decentralization: A Deep Dive with David Wolfe and Mike Adams. Sources include: Brighteon.com DrLeonardColdwell.com When the Crusaders sacked Constantinople, they also destroyed one of the medieval worlds last tangible links to ancient Greece and Rome The Imperial Library of Constantinople, founded in 357 A.D. by Emperor Constantius II, was a monumental repository of over 120,000 ancient texts, preserving Greek and Latin classics, religious scriptures and philosophical works. In 1204, during the Fourth Crusade, the library was destroyed by invading crusaders, resulting in the near-total loss of its irreplaceable collections and marking one of historys greatest intellectual tragedies. The library served as a critical bridge between the ancient and medieval worlds, safeguarding works by Homer, Sophocles and other classical luminaries. The librarys complete devastation in 1204 and the subsequent Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453 ensured the Imperial Library's collections were never fully recovered. The loss of the Imperial Library underscores the fragility of human knowledge, depriving future generations of invaluable insights into ancient philosophy, science and literature, while serving as a reminder of the need to protect cultural heritage. In 1204, during the Fourth Crusade, the Imperial Library of Constantinople the early medieval world's greatest repository of knowledge with over 120,000 ancient texts including manuscripts, scrolls and codices was set ablaze by invading European crusaders. This catastrophic event marked the near-total destruction of one of the last great libraries of the ancient world, erasing centuries of accumulated knowledge and irreplaceable texts The library, founded in the fourth century by Emperor Constantius II, had preserved Greek and Latin classics, religious scriptures and philosophical works for nearly a millennium. Its loss represents one of historys most devastating intellectual tragedies, leaving scholars to wonder what wisdom might have been lost forever. The Imperial Library of Constantinople was established around 357 A.D. as Constantius II sought to safeguard the deteriorating papyrus texts of antiquity by transcribing them onto more durable parchment or vellum. The project was led by Themistios, a prominent scholar and orator, who oversaw a team of scribes tasked with copying and preserving works from the classical world. The librarys holdings included texts that may have survived the destruction of the Library of Alexandria, though the exact contents remain a mystery. By the fifth century, the Imperial Library gained renown for housing as many as 120,000 volumes, making it the largest collection of written knowledge in the medieval world. Imperial Library of Constantinople served as the Middle Ages' connection to the classical world The librarys significance extended beyond its size. It served as a bridge between the ancient and medieval worlds, preserving works by Homer, Sophocles and other Greek luminaries, as well as Latin texts favored by Roman emperors. Themistios and his successors prioritized older, classical works over contemporary writings, ensuring that the intellectual heritage of antiquity endured. However, the librarys survival was precarious. Fires, wars and political upheavals repeatedly threatened its collections. A fire in 475 reportedly caused significant damage, though efforts to salvage and recopy texts continued. But what completely devastated the library was the Fourth Crusade. In 1204, crusaders who were supposed to be on their way to the Holy Land instead sacked Constantinople, looting and burning much of the city. The Imperial Library was among the casualties, with its collections likely reduced to ashes. Historians describe the sack as one of the most profitable and disgraceful in history, with crusaders allegedly selling rare manuscripts to Italian buyers. The loss was incalculable, as the library contained works that may have been the last surviving copies of ancient texts. Despite attempts to rebuild the library after the Byzantine recapture of Constantinople in 1261, its former glory was never fully restored. The final blow came in 1453, when the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople, bringing an end to the Byzantine Empire and likely destroying any remaining volumes. Today, only a handful of manuscripts definitively linked to the Imperial Library survive, scattered across European collections. The destruction of the Imperial Library of Constantinople underscores the fragility of human knowledge. Its loss deprived future generations of untold insights into philosophy, science and literature, leaving gaps in our understanding of the ancient world. As historian Nigel G. Wilson noted, The majority of people find it impossible to give accurate estimates of large numbers, and the true extent of what was lost may never be known. Yet, the librarys legacy endures in the texts it preserved and the intellectual traditions it helped sustain. Its story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safeguarding knowledge for future generations. One of the major problems that come with great institutions like the Imperial Library is that, if the knowledge contained within these monuments is threatened, it could result in the immediate loss of a great amount of knowledge. (Related: Futurist John Petersen: The future of knowledge lies in DECENTRALIZATION through AI and open-source innovation.) One of the best solutions to this problem is the decentralization of knowledge. Brighteon.ai by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, constitutes one of these decentralized archives of human knowledge. It is free and uses open-source content on the internet to benefit all of humanity. Watch this video warning about all of the invaluable knowledge from history being lost every year. This video is from the Pool Pharmacy channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Per Mike Adams, bring back MISSING INFORMATION that is the real source of MISINFORMATION, and heal millions of sick people almost instantly. World governments seizing domain names of Z-Library to exterminate human knowledge, force everyone into controlled Big Tech info-prisons. Human knowledge is under attack by Big Tech and Big Government here's what we are doing to preserve and share the lifesaving knowledge that has been targeted for extermination. Health Ranger to launch AI open-source health and nutrition knowledge repository that's free for everyone. The real purpose of Wikipedia is to SUPPRESS human knowledge, not document it. Sources include: HistoryOfInformation.com ArchitectureAu.com CLIR.org Ancient-Origins.net Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com New York City Mayor Eric Adams criticizes Democratic Party, claims it has left behind working-class Americans Mayor Eric Adams criticizes the Democratic Party, claiming it has abandoned him and working-class Americans, straying from its roots. Adams faces bribery and corruption charges, including allegations of accepting illegal campaign contributions and luxury gifts from foreign entities, which he denies as false and politically motivated. He links his legal troubles to his criticism of Bidens immigration policies, suggesting his outspoken stance on the migrant crisis made him a target within his party. Adams sought support from Donald Trump, meeting with him to discuss New York Citys needs, though he denies discussing his legal issues or seeking a pardon. His decision to attend Trumps inauguration over MLK Day events sparked backlash, with critics accusing him of prioritizing personal exoneration over city issues like crime and affordability. New York City Mayor Eric Adams claims the Democratic Party has abandoned both him and working-class Americans. Adams made this claim during a recent interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, during which Adams discussed how he believes the Democratic Party has strayed from its roots and in the process left behind the very people it once claimed to represent. "People often say, 'You don't sound like a Democrat. You seem to have left the party,'" Adams told Carlson. "No, the party left me, and it left working-class people." Adams' comments come amid a tumultuous period in his political career. In September, the mayor was indicted on charges of bribery and corruption amid accusations that he accepted illegal campaign contributions and luxury international travel as gifts from foreign businesspeople, including a Turkish government official. The indictment alleges that Adams not only accepted these improper benefits but actively sought them out during his 2021 mayoral campaign. (Related: Mayor Adams delivers statement to New Yorkers about his alleged criminal activity, claiming charges are completely false and founded on lies.") The mayor has vehemently denied the allegations, pleading not guilty to all charges. However, he has suggested that his legal troubles are tied to his outspoken criticism of how the administration of former President Joe Biden handled the illegal immigration crisis and how it affected New York City. Adams one of few Dems willing to criticize Biden's handling of migrant crisis Adams claims that his decision to speak out against the surge of migrants into New York City a crisis that has cost the city $6.5 billion in housing, food and other resources made him a target within his own party. "Those who push back on the norm within the Democratic Party get demonized," Adams said during the interview. He went further, alleging that individuals within Bidens Justice Department viewed him as "not a good Democrat" after he raised concerns about the impact of illegal immigration on New York City. The mayor's frustration with his party's leadership has led him to seek support from President Donald Trump. Just days before Trump's second inauguration, Adams traveled to Florida to meet with the Republican leader. The meeting, described by Adams as a "productive conversation," focused on New York City's needs and how the federal government could assist in improving the lives of its residents. While Adams insists that his legal troubles were not discussed during the meeting, speculation from critics has swirled that the mayor is seeking a presidential pardon from Trump. Adams' decision to attend Trump's inauguration instead of participating in Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in New York drew sharp criticism from some local leaders. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brooklyn) accused Adams of prioritizing his own exoneration over the city's well-being, while New York City Comptroller Brad Lander questioned why the mayor couldn't apply the same focus to addressing crime and the cost of living. In response, Adams defended his attendance at Trump's swearing-in ceremony as a "sacred American tradition," emphasizing the need to put partisan politics aside for the good of the country. Watch this clip of Mayor Eric Adams discussing his thoughts regarding the Democrats' defeat in the 2024 election. This video is from the SecureLife channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump willing to PARDON NYC Mayor Adams, escalating war on Bidens open borders policies. NYC Mayor Adams reveals Columbia University professor spied for NYPD, instigated violent arrests of anti-Israel protesters. NYC Mayor Adams halts final round of budget cuts after slashing spending on illegals. NYC Mayor Adams is giving huge payouts to illegal aliens $10,000 cash payments to EACH migrant. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com NYC.gov Brighteon.com Fauci could still face legal troubles despite Bidens backdated pardon Biden issued a preemptive pardon for Dr. Anthony Fauci, shielding him from COVID-19-related criminal prosecution, backdated to 2014. The pardon has sparked criticism, with concerns about its timing and intent, particularly its link to U.S.-funded research in Wuhan. Fauci remains under scrutiny for alleged perjury, controversial research funding, and contradictory statements about COVID-19s origins. The backdated pardon raises questions about accountability for gain-of-function research and Faucis role in the pandemic. Public trust in Fauci has eroded due to shifting narratives, private email use, and Bidens controversial pardon. Former President Joe Biden issued a preemptive pardon for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), shielding him from potential criminal prosecution related to his role in the COVID-19 pandemic. The pardon, backdated to 2014, has sparked widespread criticism and questions about its timing and intent. While the clemency protects Fauci from immediate legal consequences, it does not absolve him of ongoing investigations or public accountability for his actions during the pandemic. The pardon, announced just days before Biden left office, covers any COVID-related offenses and is retroactive to 2014 the year the U.S. implemented a ban on so-called "gain-of-function" virus research. Critics argue that the backdating is suspicious as it coincides with the start of U.S.-funded research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), which some believe may have contributed to the pandemic. Legal jeopardy persists Despite the pardon, Fauci remains under scrutiny for alleged perjury and his involvement in controversial research. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and other Republican lawmakers have vowed to continue investigating Faucis role in funding gain-of-function research at the WIV. Jason Foster, a former Senate investigator and founder of Empower Oversight, noted that the pardon eliminates Faucis ability to invoke the Fifth Amendment in future hearings. They can ask him if he lied before, replough old ground, Foster said. And if he lies about any prior lie, he can be prosecuted for that or held in contempt. Faucis contradictory statements about the origins of COVID-19 have also drawn criticism. In early 2020, he dismissed the lab-leak theory as a conspiracy theory, only to later claim he had always kept an open mind. Emails released by Congress reveal Faucis involvement in the proximal origin paper, a March 2020 study that dismissed the possibility of a lab accident. Under oath, Fauci admitted to reviewing drafts of the paper, contradicting his earlier claims to the media. Backdating the pardon a red flag? The decision to backdate the pardon to 2014 has raised eyebrows. It suggests Biden is attempting to shield Fauci from accountability for his role in funding gain-of-function research in Wuhan. This pardon means he can no longer be brought to justice, said an adviser to the Trump transition team. But it guarantees he will be further exposed. The 2014 date coincides with the start of a $3.7 million NIH grant to EcoHealth Alliance, a U.S.-based nonprofit that subcontracted research to the WIV. While Fauci has denied funding gain-of-function research, documents show the experiments involved modifying coronaviruses to make them more infectious a practice that aligns with broader definitions of gain-of-function research. Public trust in Fauci is dwindling Faucis shifting narratives and Bidens preemptive pardon have deepened public distrust. If there was ever any doubt as to who bears responsibility for the COVID pandemic, Bidens pardon of Fauci forever seals the deal, Sen. Paul said. The pardon also fails to address allegations that Fauci misled Congress about his use of private email for official business. Emails obtained by watchdog groups show Fauci communicated with reporters and colleagues through private channels, contradicting his sworn testimony. While Bidens pardon may protect Fauci from criminal charges, it does little to restore public confidence in the institutions tasked with safeguarding public health. As investigations into the origins of COVID-19 continue, Faucis legacy remains under a cloud of suspicion. The pardon, far from exonerating him, has only fueled questions about what Biden and Fauci are trying to hide. Sources for this article include: RealClearInvestigations.com Newsweek.com WashingtonExaminer.com Google defies European Union, refuses to include fact-checks in search results and YouTube videos Google is refusing to integrate fact-checking into its search results or YouTube videos, defying the EUs updated Disinformation Code of Practice under the Digital Services Act. The company argues that mandatory fact-checking measures are not appropriate or effective and instead highlights its existing content moderation tools as sufficient to address misinformation. Googles decision reflects a broader trend among tech companies, including Meta, to scale back fact-checking efforts in favor of crowdsourced models like Xs Community Notes. The EUs Disinformation Code, initially voluntary, is now being enforced as mandatory under the DSA, but tech companies have been criticized for partial compliance and insufficient transparency. Googles stance raises concerns about the spread of misinformation ahead of critical 2024 European elections, with critics warning it could undermine efforts to combat disinformation during pivotal political moments. Google has informed the European Union that it will not integrate fact-checking into its search results or YouTube videos, despite new EU rules aimed at combating so-called disinformation. The decision was outlined in a letter sent on Jan. 16 by Google's Global Affairs President Kent Walker to Renate Nikolay, the European Commission's deputy director for Communications Networks, Content and Technology. Google's refusal to comply with the EU's Disinformation Code of Practice signals a deepening rift over how to regulate online content and raises concerns about the spread of misinformation ahead of critical European elections. (Related: Google tried to manipulate 2024 election in key swing states by sending special go-vote reminders to Democrats.) The EU's updated Disinformation Code, part of the broader Digital Services Act (DSA), would require platforms like Google to incorporate fact-check results alongside search results and YouTube videos, as well as integrate fact-checking into their ranking algorithms. Walker argued in the letter that such measures simply arent appropriate or effective for our services. Instead, he pointed to Google's existing content moderation tools, such as SynthID watermarking and artificial intelligence disclosures on YouTube, as sufficient to address misinformation. "Our current approach to content moderation works," Walker wrote, citing the company's handling of misinformation during last year's "unprecedented cycle of global elections" as evidence. He also highlighted a YouTube feature launched last year that allows users to add contextual notes to videos, likening it to the Community Notes program on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Google's decision is part of a larger trend among tech companies to scale back fact-checking efforts. Previously, Meta announced it would end its third-party fact-checking program on Facebook, Instagram and Threads, opting instead for X's crowdsourced Community Notes model. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg defended the shift, stating in a video announcement, "Fact-checkers have been too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than theyve created. What started as a movement to be more inclusive has increasingly been used to shut down opinions and shut out people with different ideas, and it's gone too far." Big Tech rebelling against EU's anti-disinformation regulations The EUs Disinformation Code of Practice, first introduced in 2018, was designed as a voluntary framework for tech companies to self-regulate and combat misinformation. However, a 2024 study published in the Internet Policy Review found that companies were "only partly compliant" with the code, with reports often lacking detail or providing incomplete data. The European Commission has since pushed to convert the voluntary guidelines into mandatory rules under the DSA, which took effect in 2022. Google's refusal to comply comes at a critical juncture, as Europe prepares for a series of major elections in 2024, including parliamentary votes in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. These elections will serve as a litmus test for how well tech platforms can manage so-called misinformation without stricter regulatory oversight. Critics argue that Google's decision to abandon fact-checking commitments could exacerbate the spread of disinformation during these pivotal moments. Watch this clip from InfoWars warning about how the EU Commission is expected to react if the "wrong" party wins the German federal election. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Europe's war on FREE SPEECH is igniting a revolution, as populist movements demand truth, freedom and accountability. Mike Adams and Team AGES: Zuckerberg's shift from censorship to freedom could spark TRUTH revolution. Meta's free speech shift has sent shockwaves through Europe's political establishment. Telegram's Pavel Durov: EU has stricter media controls than Russia. Big Government vs. Big Tech: Justice Department outlines proposal to break up Google. Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org Axios.com SearchEngineJournal.com NewRepublic.com Brighteon.com Massachusetts governor proposes stricter rules for migrant shelters amid safety concerns over migrant-related crimes Massachusetts Democratic governor Maura Healey has introduced sweeping changes to the state's shelter system, focusing on limiting access for undocumented migrants and addressing safety concerns. The reforms would require shelter applicants to prove legal residency or citizenship, with exceptions for families with U.S. citizen or lawful resident children. Background checks for criminal convictions and immigration status verification are now mandatory. Healey declared a state of emergency in August 2023 due to the surge in migrant arrivals and requested federal assistance. While some lawmakers from both parties praised the reforms, the Massachusetts Republican Party criticized the administration for its lack of transparency in handling the migrant crisis. Despite the proposed changes, Healey has vowed not to cooperate with anticipated mass deportation efforts, emphasizing the state's commitment to protecting its residents. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, has announced sweeping changes to the state's shelter system, aiming to limit access for undocumented migrants and address growing safety concerns. The proposed reforms, unveiled just days before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, would require shelter applicants to prove legal residency or citizenship, with few exceptions. The move comes as Massachusetts grapples with an overwhelmed shelter system and rising incidents of crime linked to undocumented immigrants. Massachusetts, long known for its progressive policies, adopted its Right to Shelter law in 1983 to provide housing for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children experiencing homelessness. However, the law has faced unprecedented strain in recent years as tens of thousands of migrants have flocked to the state, many seeking refuge from deportation and drawn by its reputation as a sanctuary state. Since 2021, approximately 50,000 migrants have arrived in Massachusetts, overwhelming shelters and forcing some to sleep on the floors of Boston's Logan International Airport. Healey declared a state of emergency in August 2023, citing the surge in migrant arrivals and calling for federal assistance. "The reality is that our shelter system was not designed to handle this level of demand," Healey said in a statement. "We need to make changes to ensure the system remains sustainable and safe for everyone." Healey's proposal would require shelter applicants to verify their U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or presence "under the color of law." Exceptions would be made for families with children who are U.S. citizens or lawful residents. Additionally, the plan mandates stricter background checks, requiring applicants to disclose criminal convictions and verify their identity, residency and immigration status before being admitted to shelters. Currently, documentation can be provided after admittance, a practice that critics say has allowed individuals with criminal backgrounds to access state resources. The reforms also aim to limit shelter eligibility for evictions to cases occurring within Massachusetts, preventing migrants evicted in other states from seeking benefits in the Commonwealth. "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," Healey said. "They will allow us to continue to ensure the safety of our system, support cities and towns, and put us on the path toward a more fiscally sustainable shelter system." The push for reform follows a series of high-profile incidents involving undocumented immigrants in-state shelters. State records reveal hundreds of serious incidents, including rapes and drug-related crimes. In one case, an undocumented immigrant was allegedly found with an AR-15 rifle and $1 million worth of fentanyl in a state-subsidized hotel room. Another incident involved an El Salvadoran national arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a child. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reported a spike in arrests of undocumented immigrants for sex crimes in the Boston area. (Related: Illegal immigrant from Dominican Republic ARRESTED for drug and weapon trafficking at taxpayer-funded migrant shelter.) Political reactions and federal inaction Healey's proposal has sparked mixed reactions from state lawmakers. Democratic House Speaker Ronald Mariano praised the plan, stating it aligns with ongoing efforts to reform the shelter system. "The House has consistently led the effort to ensure the Commonwealth's emergency assistance program remains financially viable in the long term," Mariano said. Republican Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr also welcomed the changes, calling them "urgently needed" to make the system "safer, more accountable and transparent." However, the Massachusetts Republican Party has criticized Healey for what it describes as a lack of transparency in handling the migrant crisis. In August 2023, the party accused the governor of secretly spending over $1 billion on the crisis while withholding information about hundreds of police, fire and EMT incidents. "The Healey-Driscoll administration has shrouded nearly $1 billion spent in secrecy, leaving Massachusetts residents in the dark," said Massachusetts GOP Chair Amy Carnevale. Healey's reforms come amid continued inaction by Congress on immigration reform and no federal assistance for states dealing with migrant surges. Despite her proposed changes, Healey has vowed not to cooperate with the Trump administration's anticipated mass deportation efforts, pledging to use "every tool in the toolbox" to protect residents. Head over to InvasionUSA.news for related stories. Watch the video below where a retired ICE agent warns about migrant crimes. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Illegal immigrants in New York City are leaving their shelters to go door-to-door begging for money and food. Every 2-3 months, DHS sends $600M in U.S. taxpayer cash to NGO funding illegal migrant invasion of America. GREAT REPLACEMENT plan via ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION proven NOT to be conspiracy theory as the Empire of George Soros dictates in Project Syndicate. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com FoxNews.com Brighteon.com PREEMPT-ive pardon for Fauci Anthony I represent science Fauci can now stand beside Richard I am not a crook Nixon in the history books as someone who received the poison pill of a preemptive pardon. (Article by Alex Washburne republished from AlexWasburne.com) While Nixon was pardoned for specific charges related to Watergate, the exact crimes for which Fauci was pardoned are not specified. Rather, the pardon specifies: Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families. Even when individuals have done nothing wrong - and in fact have done the right things - and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated and prosecuted can irreparably damage reputations and finances. In other words, the dying breath of the Biden administration appears to be pardoning Fauci for crimes he didnt commit, which would seem to make a pardon null and void. The pardon goes further than simply granting clemency for crimes. Clemency usually alleviates the punishment associated with a crime, but here Biden attempts to alleviate the burden of investigations and prosecutions, the likes of which our justice system uses to uncover crimes. Its one thing to pardon someone who has been subjected to fair trial and convicted, to say they have already paid their dues. Gerald Ford, in his pardon of Richard Nixon, admitted that Nixon had already paid the high cost of resigning from the highest office in the land. Nixons resignation came as the final chapter of prolonged investigations into his illegal and unpresidential conduct during Watergate, and those investigations provided us the truth we needed to know Nixon was a crook and move on content that his ignominious reputation was carved into stone for all of history. Its another thing entirely to pardon for the purpose of preventing investigations. Under Bidens watch, Fauci has evaded investigations on matters far more serious than Watergate. In 2017, DARPA organized a grant call - the PREEMPT call - aiming to preempt pathogen spillover from wildlife to people. In 2018 a newly formed collaborative group of scientists from the US, Singapore, and Wuhan wrote a grant - the DEFUSE grant - proposing to modify a bat sarbecovirus in Wuhan in a very unusual way. DARPA did not fund the team because their work was too risky for the Department of Defense, but in 2019 Faucis NIAID funded this exact set of scientists who never wrote a paper together prior nor since. In late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 emerged in Wuhan with the precise modifications proposed in the DEFUSE grant submitted to PREEMPT. Its reasonable to be concerned that this line of research funded by Faucis NIAID may have caused the pandemic. In fact, if were sharp-penciled and honest with our probabilities, its likely beyond reasonable doubt that SARS-CoV-2 emerged as a consequence of research proposed in DEFUSE. What we dont know, however, is whether the research proceeded with US involvement or not. Congress used their constitutionally granted investigation and oversight responsibilities to investigate and oversee NIAID in search of answers. In the process of these investigations, they found endless pages of emails with unjustified redactions, evidence that Faucis FOIA lady could make emails disappear, Faucis right-hand-man David Morens aided the DEFUSE authors as they navigated disciplinary measures at NIH and NIAID, and there were significant concerns that NIAID sought to obstruct investigations and destroy federal records. Such obstructive actions did not inspire confidence in the innocence of Anthony Fauci or the US scientists he funded in 2019. On the contrary, Fauci testified twice under oath saying NIAID did not fund gain of function research of concern in Wuhan but then we discovered a 2018 progress report of research NIAID funded in Wuhan revealing research they funded had enhanced the transmissibility of a bat SARS-related coronavirus 10,000-times higher than the wild virus. That is, indisputably, gain of function research of concern. Fauci thus lied to the American public and perjured himself in his testimony to congress, and Senator Rand Paul has referred Faucis perjury charges to the Department of Justice. What was NIAID trying to preempt with their obstruction of congressional investigations? What is Biden trying to preempt with his pardon of Fauci? Why do we not have the 2019 NIAID progress report from the PIs who submitted DEFUSE to PREEMPT and later received funding from NIAID? It is deplorable for Biden to preemptively pardon Fauci on his last day in office, with so little known about the research NIAID funded in 2019 and voters so clearly eager to learn more. With Nixons preemptive pardon, the truth of his wrongdoing was known and all that was left was punishment. With Faucis preemptive pardon, the truth is not yet known, NIAID officials in Faucis orbit violated federal records laws in their effort to avoid the truth from being known, and Biden didnt preemptively pardon Fauci to grant clemency and alleviate punishment, but to stop investigations and prosecutions the likes of which could uncover the truth. Im not a constitutional scholar prepared to argue the legality of this maneuver, but I am an ethical human being, a scientist who contributed another grant to the PREEMPT call, and a scientist who helped uncover some of the evidence consistent with a lab origin and quantify the likelihood of a lab origin from research proposed in the DEFUSE grant. Any ethical human being knows that we need to know what caused the pandemic, and to deprive the citizenry of such information from open investigations of NIAID research in 2019 would be to deprive us critical information we need to self-govern and elect people who manage scientific risks in ways we see fit. As a scientist, there are critical questions about bioattribution that require testing, and the way to test our hypotheses is to uncover the redacted and withheld documents from Faucis NIAID in 2019. The Biden administrations dying breath was to pardon Anthony Fauci not for the convictions for crimes he didnt commit (?) but to avoid investigations that could be a reputational and financial burden for Anthony Fauci. A pardon to preempt an investigation is not a pardon, it is obstruction. The Biden administrations dying breath is to obstruct our pursuit of truth and reconciliation on the ultimate cause of 1 million Americans dying breaths. To remind everyone what we still need to know, it helps to look through the peephole of what weve already found to inspire curiosity of what else wed find if only the peephole could be widened. Below is one of the precious few emails investigative journalists pursuing FOIAs against NIAID have managed to obtain from the critical period when SARS-CoV-2 is believed to have emerged. The email connects DEFUSE PIs Peter Daszak (EcoHealth Alliance), Ralph Baric (UNC), Linfa Wang (Duke-NUS), Ben Hu (Wuhan Institute of Virology), Shi ZhengLi (Wuhan Institute of Virology) and others in October 2019. The subject line NIAID SARS-CoV Call - October 30/31 connects these authors to NIAID. It is approximately in that time range - October/November 2019 - when SARS-CoV-2 is hypothesized to have entered the human population in Wuhan. When it emerged, SARS-CoV-2 was unique among sarbecoviruses in having a furin cleavage site, as proposed by these authors in their 2019 DEFUSE grant. Of all the places the furin cleavage site could be, the furin cleavage site of SARS-CoV-2 was in the S1/S2 junction of the Spike protein, precisely as proposed by these authors. In order to insert a furin cleavage site in a SARS-CoV, however, the researchers wouldve needed to build a reverse genetic system, i.e. a DNA copy of the virus. SARS-CoV-2 is unique among coronaviruses in having exactly the fingerprint we would expect from a reverse genetic systems. There is an unusual even-spacing in the cutting/pasting sites for the enzymes BsaI and BsmBI and an anomalous hot-spot of silent mutations in precisely these sites, exactly as researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology have done for other coronavirus reverse genetic systems. The odds of such an extreme synthetic-looking pattern occurring in nature are, conservatively, about 1 in 50 billion. The virus did not emerge in Bankok, Hanoi, Bago, Kunming, Guangdong, or any of the myriad other places with similar animal trade networks and greater contact rates between people and sarbecovirus reservoirs. No. The virus emerged in Wuhan, the exact place and time one would expect from DEFUSE. With all the evidence pointing the hounds towards NIAID, it is essential for global health security that we further investigate the research NIAID funded in 2019. It is imperative for our constitutional democracy, for our ability to self-govern, that we learn the truth. The only way to learn the truth is to investigate NIAID, the agency Fauci led for 38 years, the agency that funded gain of function research of concern, the agency named in the October 2019 call by DEFUSE PIs, the agency that funded this exact group in 2019. A preemptive pardon prior to the discovery of truth is a fancy name for obstruction of justice. The Biden administrations dying breath must be challenged, and we must allow Congress & the incoming administration to investigate the possibility that Anthony Faucis NIAID supported research that caused the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more at: AlexWasburne.com Russian diplomat accuses Ukraine of committing genocide against Russian speakers Senior Russian diplomat Rodion Miroshnik has accused Ukraine of committing "language-based genocide," citing alleged orders for troops to kill Russian speakers in Kursk. The allegations come after the discovery of seven bodies in Russkoye Porechnoye. The bodies showed signs that they were tortured, sparking outrage and a Russian government investigation into alleged Ukrainian terrorism. Russian officials have condemned the incident as a massacre and accused Ukraine of embodying terrorism and neo-Nazism. Moscow is warning of escalating rhetoric from Ukraine that could lead to the elimination of more Russian speakers. A senior Russian diplomat has accused Ukraine of committing "language-based genocide" following the discovery of civilian bodies in a recently recaptured village in Russia's Kursk Region. Rodion Miroshnik, a Russian Foreign Ministry official tasked with documenting alleged Ukrainian war crimes, claimed on Sunday, Jan. 19, that captured Ukrainian soldiers reported being ordered to kill Russian speakers. Miroshnik, born in Luhansk when it was part of Soviet Ukraine, is a Ukrainian national whose first language is Russian. Miroshnik supported the Moscow-backed separatists in Luhansk when it declared independence from Kyiv, and has since worked as a diplomat, first for the breakaway state and currently for the Kremlin. He currently holds the title of "ambassador-at-large for the crimes of the Kyiv regime." (Related: Ukraine ends transportation of Russian gas to Europe through its territory, putting several EU nations at risk of shortages.) The allegations against Ukraine come as Russian authorities investigate the deaths of seven civilians found in the village of Russkoye Porechnoye, which had been under Ukrainian control since late August. The discovery of the bodies, described as bound, beaten and in some cases killed with explosives, has sparked outrage in Moscow. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the incident as evidence of a "massacre" and accused the Ukrainian government of embodying a "terrorist and neo-Nazi essence." She also criticized Western nations for allegedly turning a blind eye to Kyiv's actions. Russia probes Ukrainian armed forces over allegations of terrorism The Investigative Committee of Russia has launched a probe into the Ukrainian armed forces for allegations of terrorism, a charge that carries a potential life sentence in Russia. The investigation follows the release of footage by a Telegram channel associated with Russian forces, showing the discovery of heavily decomposed bodies in two cellars. Most victims were elderly, suggesting they were unable to flee during the fighting. Miroshnik's claims of "language-based genocide" mark a significant escalation in Russia's rhetoric against Ukraine. He argued that the alleged orders to kill Russian speakers amount to the "elimination of all civilians" in areas contested by both nations. The village of Russkoye Porechnoye, located near the Ukrainian border, was captured by Ukrainian forces in late August during Kyiv's incursion into Kursk. It was recaptured by Russian troops recently. The discovery of the bodies has reignited tensions in a conflict that shows no signs of abating. Zakharova vowed that Russia would pursue justice independently if international bodies fail to act. "In the absence of action by relevant international bodies, Russia will pursue justice on its own," she said. Meanwhile, local authorities in Kursk Region have reported over 1,100 people missing since the start of the Ukrainian incursion, with only 240 located so far, and many of the missing persons feared dead. More related stories can be found at UkraineWitness.com. Watch this short clip showing a Russian missile strike against Ukrainian forces in the forests near Russkoye Porechnoye. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Russia gaining the UPPER HAND in Ukraine conflict, Pentagon admits. Polish presidential candidate demands Ukraine take responsibility for atrocities it committed in support of the Nazis during World War II. Moldova and breakaway region of Transnistria confronting energy and security crisis after Ukraine ends transit agreement for Russian gas. Russia accuses Ukraine of "ENERGY TERRORISM" in alleged drone attack on TurkStream pipeline. Ukrainian blogger calls for GENOCIDE of Russians: Wipe them off the face of the Earth. Sources include: SHTFPlan.com RT.com CPD.gov.ua MENAFN.com Brighteon.com One hugely popular beach is a target for police as authorities look to get to grips with a range of issues. Teewah Beach has become one of the country's most popular 4WD beaches. Source: Noosa Parks Association Drivers are being warned bad behaviour on a popular 4WD beach will not be tolerated this Australia Day weekend. Australia's increased appetite for off-road vehicles, alongside a boom in domestic camping trips, has seen 4WD beaches regularly packed with visitors, but with that, a wave of issues have arisen. Concerns over dangerous driving, damaged wildlife habitat and littering have all soured the popular pastime, and police in Queensland have issued a warning ahead of the long weekend for the increasingly-popular Noosa North Shore beach area. This is your reminder that Teewah Beach and the camp zones are all 40km/h speed limit, which will be enforced with zero tolerance, Acting Senior Sergeant Richards said. You must treat driving on the beach as you would any other road the same road rules apply regardless if its on the bitumen or the sand. ADVERTISEMENT This is for everyones safety as driving on the beach can be unpredictable with hazards including changing conditions and terrain, and pedestrians, including young children." And it's not just those behind the wheel whose actions will be under the spotlight, with Queensland Police saying boaties need to be well aware of the conditions, while there's zero-tolerance for boating over the blood-alcohol limit. We want people to have fun and enjoy our beautiful waterways, but in a safe way that doesnt require the attention of police or emergency services," Sergeant Kyle Bates said. Huge queues near the ferry service show just how popular the beach has become. Source: Paul Turnbull/ Peter O'Neill Locals fear beach has become overrun with tourists The extent of how popular Teewah Beach has become was on full show over the Christmas period, with queues, filled with 4WDs and caravans, stretching several kilometres and snaking through nearby suburbs, becoming an irritant for locals, with some calling for a cap on visitors. ADVERTISEMENT Noting a surge in visitors in recent years, a sustainability report released by Queensland's Department of Environment in 2022 suggested a cap on daily visitors was needed in response to concerns about safety and environmental sustainability, as well as stronger measures to tackle non compliance and unauthorised vehicles. To help manage traffic and maintain visitor safety, a permit is required for Noosa North Shore and the entire Cooloola Recreation Area, although a steady increase of tourism remains. Last year the price increased by $5 to $15 for daily visitors travelling in a car, ute, trailer or caravan up to 9.75m or 4.5 tonnes. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Trump administration uncovers startling FBI revelations: Corruption, DEI and a nation at risk President Trump ordered the preservation of all records related to the FBI's now-defunct Office of Diversity and Inclusion (DEI), setting the stage for a potentially explosive investigation. The FBI abruptly closed its DEI office just days before Trump's inauguration, sparking accusations of corruption and raising questions about the bureau's priorities. Critics, including law enforcement veterans and politicians, argue that the FBI's focus on DEI initiatives has compromised its core mission of law enforcement and national security. The Trump administration's investigation is expected to reveal shocking information about the FBI's recent direction, with former NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro predicting the revelations will not be pretty. The appointment of Kash Patel, a critic of the FBI's recent direction, to lead the agency signals a clear shift in priorities under the Trump administration. The Trump administration is already making waves in its second term, and this time, the focus is squarely on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). With President Donald Trumps recent order to preserve all records related to the FBIs now-defunct Office of Diversity and Inclusion (DEI), the stage is set for what could be one of the most explosive investigations in recent history. Retired NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro, a seasoned law enforcement veteran, predicts that the revelations to come will be nothing short of shocking. This is stuff that comes from the top when we had a rudderless executive, and very clearly it ends, but I think this drama is just beginning, Mauro said during a recent appearance on Fox Business. Im sure the Trump administration has a good idea of what they see when they start turning the rocks over, and its not going to be pretty. The FBIs abrupt closure of its DEI office, just days before Trumps inauguration, has raised eyebrows and sparked accusations of corruption. The bureaus decision to shutter the office, effective by December 2024, came amid mounting criticism of DEI initiatives, particularly in the wake of a devastating terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Years Day. The attack left 15 dead and dozens injured, further fueling concerns about the FBIs priorities. A shift in priorities: Law enforcement or social engineering? Mauro didnt mince words when discussing the FBIs recent track record. Federal law enforcement agencies and some of the local agencies have decided that law enforcement is not their first priority. Social engineering is, he said. This sentiment was echoed by Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, who has been a vocal critic of the FBIs focus on DEI initiatives. The question is why were they allowed to be focused on DEI in the first place? The FBI should be focused on catching criminals, not winning participation trophies, Blackburn stated. In a scathing letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Blackburn argued that the bureaus emphasis on DEI has compromised its core mission. Under your leadership, the Bureau has settled for lower quality candidates to satisfy DEI mandates, she wrote. Americans now feel increasingly unsafe because of incidents like the January 1 terror attack, and the FBIs prioritization of diversity over competence shows that their concerns are well founded. The DEI debate: A threat to national security? The FBIs DEI office, which was established in 2015, was intended to promote diversity and inclusivity within the bureau. However, critics argue that these initiatives have come at the expense of national security. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan has been particularly outspoken on this issue. The law enforcement and intelligence capabilities of the FBI are degrading because the FBI is no longer hiring the best and the brightest candidates to fill the position of Special Agent of the FBI, Jordan wrote in a letter to Wray earlier this year. An increasing number of lower quality candidates described by one source as bread crumbs because they were rejected by other federal law enforcement agencies are applying to become FBI Special Agents. Former FBI agent Jonathan Gilliam, who left the bureau in 2013, has also voiced his concerns. When you add in the mix with that, the political left that has swarmed through all these agencies like a virus, what you get is people who are unrealistic, Gilliam said during a recent appearance on Newsmax. They are not qualified for the job, and they recruit other people that are not qualified for the job. And thats how you end up with this nonsense. A new era for the FBI? As the Trump administration digs deeper into the FBIs operations, the bureau is bracing for significant changes. Director Christopher Wray announced last month that he would resign when Trump takes office, paving the way for former White House national security official Kash Patel to lead the agency. Trumps decision to appoint Patel, a staunch critic of the FBIs recent direction, signals a clear shift in priorities. We demand that the FBI preserve and retain all records, documents and information on the now closing DEI Office Never should have been opened and, if it was, should have closed long ago, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. Why is it that theyre closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The reason is, CORRUPTION! The coming months promise to be a turning point for the FBI. As the Trump administration peels back the layers of what Mauro describes as a rudderless era, Americans may finally get answers to long-standing questions about the bureaus priorities and practices. One thing is certain: the truth, as Mauro warned, wont be pretty. But for a nation yearning for accountability and security, its a necessary step forward. Stay tuned as this story develops the drama is just beginning. Sources include: AllNewsPipeline.com GroundNews.com WorldTribune.com DailyCaller.com Trump ends COVID-19 vaccine mandate for legal immigrants, fulfilling campaign promise Donald Trump successfully pushed for the elimination of the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for legal immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States, announced by USCIS on January 22, 2025. Trump vowed to reinstate military service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, signaling a broader effort to unwind vaccine-related mandates. Under new guidelines, the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer a prerequisite for immigrants applying for permanent residency, and USCIS will no longer request COVID-19 vaccination documentation on Form I-693. The decision received widespread approval from conservative circles and health freedom advocates, with vocal critics celebrating the end of vaccine mandates. The policy change marks a significant reversal of pandemic-era policies, reflecting a growing skepticism toward government-imposed health measures and aligning with Trumps emphasis on personal freedom. However, other standard vaccination protocols for immigrants will continue to be enforced. In a move that underscores his commitment to health freedom and immigration reform, President Donald Trump has successfully pushed for the removal of the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for legal immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States. The policy change, announced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on January 22, 2025, eliminates the pandemic-era mandate that had been a contentious issue for immigrants and advocates alike. The decision comes just days after Trump vowed to reinstate military service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, declaring, This week I will reinstate any service members who were unjustly expelled from our military for objecting to the COVID vaccine mandatewith full back pay. The parallel actions signal a broader effort to unwind vaccine-related mandates that critics argue overstepped personal freedoms during the pandemic. Key changes to immigration policy Under the new USCIS guidelines, the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer a prerequisite for immigrants applying for permanent residency. The agency confirmed that it will no longer request COVID-19 vaccination documentation on Form I-693, the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Additionally, applications will not be denied or delayed due to a lack of COVID-19 vaccine records. Effective January 22, 2025, USCIS waives any and all requirements that applicants for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693 that they received the COVID-19 vaccination, the agency stated in its official announcement. The policy shift has been met with widespread approval from conservative circles and health freedom advocates. Former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines, a vocal critic of vaccine mandates, celebrated the decision on social media, posting, HUGE NEWS. Following the below tweet, USCIS has rescinded their Covid vax mandate for legal immigrants. I cant even tell you the thousands of people in the same situation who have reached out over the past few years. Promises made, promises kept. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump. Gaines husband, a legal immigrant from the United Kingdom, had previously been denied a green card due to his refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In a post shared just one day before the policy change, Gaines expressed frustration over the bureaucratic hurdles, writing, Just got another letter from USCIS saying they wont give my husband his green card until he gets the Covid jab. This is ridiculous. Weve been married coming up on 3 years. Weve spent thousands for the submitted forms to expire on their time. Were hoping for change soon. Historical context and broader implications The COVID-19 vaccine mandate for immigrants was introduced in 2021 as part of the Biden administrations efforts to combat the pandemic. At the time, public health officials argued that requiring vaccinations for immigrants was necessary to protect public health. However, critics contended that the policy was overly restrictive and infringed on individual rights. The mandates removal marks a significant reversal of pandemic-era policies and reflects a growing skepticism toward government-imposed health measures. It also aligns with Trumps longstanding emphasis on personal freedom and limited government intervention. While the COVID-19 vaccine requirement has been eliminated, USCIS will continue to enforce other standard vaccination protocols for immigrants, including vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and other diseases recommended by U.S. public health authorities. A step toward health freedom The policy change is seen as a victory for health freedom advocates who have long argued that vaccine mandates disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including immigrants. By removing the COVID-19 vaccine requirement, the Trump administration has taken a decisive step toward restoring individual autonomy in health decisions. As the nation continues to grapple with the legacy of pandemic-era policies, the removal of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for immigrants serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate over the balance between public health and personal freedom. For thousands of immigrants like Gaines husband, the policy shift represents not only a path to permanent residency but also a reaffirmation of their rights in a post-pandemic world. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com Boundless.com DailyWire.com President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at restoring freedom of speech and ending federal censorship in the United States. The order prohibits federal officials from engaging in conduct that "unconstitutionally abridges" free speech and bars the use of taxpayer resources for infringing on speech rights. The White House claims the previous administration had trampled free speech rights by pressuring social media companies to suppress certain types of speech. Tech giants like Meta are adopting a more hands-off approach to misinformation, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg ending the company's U.S. fact-checking program and easing restrictions on discussions around contentious issues. Some argue that the shift in tech companies' policies is driven partly by the desire to avoid confrontation with the Trump administration. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that will restore the freedom of speech and end federal censorship in the United States. Trump had faced social media restrictions himself following the Jan. 6, 2021, incident on the U.S. Capitol. At the time, his supporters were protesting against the results of the 2020 election. Since then, Trump and his allies have been accusing the previous Democratic administration of former President Joe Biden of suppressing free speech on online platforms. They also argue that the Biden administration's push to remove misinformation about coronavirus vaccines constitutes illegal government interference in free speech. "Over the last four years, the previous administration trampled free speech rights by censoring Americans' speech on online platforms, often by exerting substantial coercive pressure on third parties, such as social media companies, to moderate, de-platform or otherwise suppress speech that the Federal Government did not approve," the White House said on Jan. 20. "Under the guise of combating 'misinformation,' 'disinformation' and 'malinformation,' the Federal Government infringed on the constitutionally protected speech rights of American citizens across the United States in a manner that advanced the Government's preferred narrative about significant matters of public debate. Government censorship of speech is intolerable in a free society," the White House added. After Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Jan. 20, he immediately signed an executive order that will restore the freedom of speech and end federal censorship. The executive order prohibits federal officials from engaging in any conduct that would "unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen." It also bars the use of taxpayer resources to infringe on Americans' free speech rights. These directives are intended to address conservative concerns that efforts to limit the spread of false information on public health and elections amount to illegal censorship. Furthermore, the executive order directs Attorney General William Barr to investigate whether the Biden administration has engaged in censorship of Americans' views. It also calls for a report from the Justice Department detailing its findings and recommendations for future actions. Tech giants adopting hands-off approach to "misinformation" As Trump prepares to sign this executive order, tech companies are increasingly adopting a hands-off approach to "misinformation" on their platforms. For instance, CEO Mark Zuckerberg of Meta Platforms (META.O) ended its U.S. fact-checking program and eased restrictions on discussions around contentious issues such as immigration and gender identity a few days before Trump took office. Under the new system, which affects Facebook, Instagram and Threads, Meta will no longer use formal fact-checking programs to address dubious claims posted on its platforms. Instead, it will introduce a "community notes" system, similar to that used by Elon Musk-owned X, formerly known as Twitter, to allow users to call out posts that are potentially misleading and need more context. Zuckerberg also announced that automated systems would focus on removing "high-severity violations" such as terrorism and illicit drugs, while stopping proactive scanning for hate speech and other rule-breaking. Content review will now occur only in response to user reports. The company will relocate safety teams overseeing content policies and review out of California, including to Texas, without specifying which teams would be moving. (Related: Zuckerberg's sudden censorship thaw is not free speech.) "We've reached a point where it's just too many mistakes and too much censorship. It's time to get back to our roots around free expression," Zuckerberg said in a video. Meanwhile, others claim that this shift is partly driven by the desire to avoid confrontation with the Trump administration. Trump eyes Joe Kent to head top counterterrorism agency, continuing shift away from Middle East involvement President Donald Trump is reportedly considering Joe Kent, a right-wing former congressional candidate, for the position of director at the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), marking a shift in U.S. foreign policy. Kent's nomination would reflect Trump's campaign promises to reduce the U.S. military footprint in the Middle East and prioritize threats from China and Russia over those in the Middle East. Kent's views on foreign policy, particularly regarding the Middle East, are influenced by his experience as a former CIA officer and retired Green Beret, and are in line with other Trump administration picks. Kent's potential appointment raises concerns due to his alleged connections to white nationalist groups, including the Proud Boys, during his 2022 congressional campaign. Trump's nomination of Kent highlights the ongoing debate within the Republican Party over the role of the United States in global affairs and signals a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy under his administration. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering Joe Kent, a right-wing former congressional candidate, for the position of director at the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). This nomination, if confirmed, would mark yet another departure from traditional hawkish foreign policy and further Trump's campaign promises to reduce the U.S. military footprint in the Middle East. According to sources cited by Politico, Kent's nomination would build upon Trump's previous picks, including Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Elbridge Colby for a top policy post in the Pentagon. These selections reflect a growing trend within Trump's administration of favoring officials who advocate for a reduced military presence in the Middle East and a more focused strategic approach to other global threats. Kent, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer and retired Green Beret, has been vocal about his views on foreign policy, particularly regarding the Middle East. In a podcast interview last year, Kent criticized former President Joe Biden's administration's decision to leave U.S. troops in the region, stating, "We've gotta get serious, and we've gotta just get our troops out of there." Kent's perspective is not unique within Trump's inner circle; both he and Elbridge Colby, another potential nominee, have emphasized the need to prioritize threats from China and Russia over those in the Middle East. (Related: Kucinich: Trump must END WARS the U.S. has been involved in under Biden.) A shift in strategy and priorities Trump's nomination of Kent for the NCTC director position is part of a broader strategy to reshape U.S. foreign policy. Since the 9/11 attacks, the United States has been deeply engaged in counterterrorism efforts in the Middle East, focusing on the Islamic State (IS) group and other militant organizations. However, Kent and other like-minded officials argue that this approach has become outdated and costly. In a 2020 policy paper, Kent argued, "The post 9/11 wars are no longer effective because they deviated from locating and crushing terrorists who pose a threat to the U.S. homeland, into ill-defined costly efforts to build nations." This sentiment echoes a growing concern among some policymakers that the U.S. should focus its efforts on more strategic threats, such as those posed by Russia and China, rather than maintaining a prolonged presence in the Middle East. While Kent's nomination aligns with Trump's campaign promises to end Middle East wars, it also raises concerns. Kent's campaign for a Washington state congressional seat in 2022 was marred by allegations of connections to white nationalist groups, including the Proud Boys. This history has led some to question the implications of his potential appointment, particularly given his influence over U.S. counterterrorism policy. Furthermore, Kent's nomination stands in contrast to other high-profile picks within Trump's administration, such as Marco Rubio for secretary of state, who advocate for a more interventionist foreign policy. This diversity of views within Trump's cabinet highlights the ongoing debate within the Republican Party over the role of the United States in global affairs. Kent's potential nomination as the next director of the NCTC underscores a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump. By favoring officials who advocate for reduced involvement in the Middle East, Trump is signaling a new direction for the country's national security strategy. However, this move also highlights the complex and often conflicting perspectives within his administration, reflecting a broader debate about America's role in the world. As the nomination process unfolds, the implications for U.S. foreign policy and national security will likely be closely watched by both allies and adversaries alike. Watch the video below where the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. says that the nation will play a critical role in the future of Gaza. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump's incoming Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff pushing for Gaza ceasefire deal ahead of January inauguration. Blinken warns: Hamas has replenished its ranks despite Israel's months-long military offensive in Gaza. Muslim cleric with Hezbollah ties to deliver benediction at Trump's inauguration. SUDDEN PEACE? Trump win causes Yemen's Houthis to halt war on U.S. Navy for now, at least. Middle East tensions flare up as Netanyahu declares Israeli occupation of Golan Heights will be FOREVER. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net SoundCloud.com Brighteon.com Trump signals end to U.S. oil imports from Venezuela, vows to undo Bidens America Last energy policies President Donald Trump announced plans to halt U.S. oil imports from Venezuela, citing the countrys economic collapse and Americas energy independence. Trumps envoy, Richard Grenell, is engaging in diplomatic talks with Venezuelan officials and opposition leaders, signaling a shift in U.S. policy. Venezuelas oil exports to the U.S. surged 64% in 2024, but Trumps return could reverse Bidens America Last energy policies. The move reflects Trumps broader strategy to undo what he calls the Biden administrations sabotage of American energy dominance. America reducing dependence on Venezuela In a bold declaration hours after his inauguration, President Donald Trump announced his administration would cease purchasing oil from Venezuela, a nation he described as a mess compared to its former prosperity. The announcement marks a sharp reversal from the Biden administrations approach, which had temporarily eased sanctions on Venezuelas oil industry in hopes of fostering democratic reforms. It was a great country 20 years ago, and now its a mess, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. We dont have to buy their oil. We have plenty of oil for ourselves. The move highlights Trumps commitment to restoring American energy independence, a cornerstone of his campaign platform. It also signals a return to the maximum pressure campaign he waged during his first term against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom Trump has repeatedly labeled a dictator. Venezuelas oil exports to the U.S. soared 64% in 2024, reaching 222,000 barrels per day (bpd), making America the countrys second-largest market after China. This surge came despite years of U.S. sanctions aimed at curbing Venezuelas oil income, which accounts for nearly all of its export revenue. The Biden administration had granted temporary licenses to U.S. companies, including Chevron, to resume oil imports from Venezuela in exchange for debt recovery and as an incentive for democratic reforms. However, after Maduro failed to meet conditions for free and fair elections, Biden reinstated sanctions, leaving only individual licenses in place. Trumps return to power could jeopardize even these limited gains. During his first term, Trump imposed strict sanctions on Venezuelas oil industry, crippling its economy and exacerbating its humanitarian crisis. His renewed focus on energy independence suggests a return to that approach, with potentially devastating consequences for Venezuelas already fragile economy. Trumps envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, has already begun outreach to Venezuelan officials and opposition leaders, aiming to reshape U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is back, Grenell wrote on X, formerly Twitter, after disclosing his initial calls. Talking is a tactic. Grenell, a seasoned diplomat who served as Trumps ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence, is no stranger to Venezuelas political turmoil. In 2020, he secretly met with a Maduro representative to negotiate the Venezuelan leaders peaceful exit from power, though no agreement was reached. Maduro, for his part, has welcomed Trumps re-election as an opportunity for a new start in bilateral relations. However, Trumps hard line stance on Venezuelas oil industry and his pledge to deport undocumented migrantsmany of whom are Venezuelansuggest a rocky road ahead. Venezuelas decades-long struggle could escalate Venezuelas descent from one of Latin Americas wealthiest nations to an economic basket case is a cautionary tale of mismanagement, corruption, and geopolitical strife. Once a major oil exporter, the country saw its production plummet from 3.5 million bpd in the late 1990s to just 780,000 bpd in 2023, according to OPEC data. The U.S. has long sought to pressure Maduros regime, which has been accused of human rights abuses, electoral fraud, and economic mismanagement. Trumps maximum pressure campaign during his first term included sanctions on Venezuelas state oil company, PDVSA, and efforts to isolate Maduro diplomatically. Bidens brief relaxation of sanctions was seen as a pragmatic move to address self-inflicted energy shortages and encourage democratic reforms in Venezuela. However, critics argue it only bolstered Maduros grip on power. Trumps pledge to cut off Venezuelan oil imports reflects his belief that Americas energy dominance should not rely on unstable or adversarial regimes. As Trumps envoy, Richard Grenell, engages in diplomatic talks, the world waits to see whether this new chapter in U.S.-Venezuela relations will bring reconciliation or renewed conflict. One thing is certain: the era of American energy dependence on Venezuela is coming to an end, and with it, a new era of geopolitical realignment may begin. Sources include: Reuters.com Reuters.com Enoch, Brighteon.ai 2025: The year the global order unravels World War 3 is already well underway, even though most dont recognize it. (Article republished from InternationalMan.com) Russia, China, and their allies want to transform the current US-led world order that has been in place since the end of WW2 from unipolar to multipolargiving themselves a bigger seat at the table in the process. The US and its allies want the unipolar status quo to prevail. WW3 is unlikely to evolve into a direct kinetic war between the US, Russia, and China because that could invite nuclear Armageddon, where everyone loses. Instead, WW3 is playing out on different levelsproxy wars, economic wars, financial wars, cyber wars, biological wars, deniable sabotage, and information wars. This is World War 3. Its happening right now and rapidly escalating. 2025 could be the year it all comes to a head. As I see it, World War 3 is a conflict between two geopolitical blocks. The first block consists of the US and its allies who have hitched their wagons to the unipolar world order. Im reluctant to call this block the West because the people who control it have values antithetical to Western Civilization. A more fitting label would be NATO & Friends. The other block comprises Russia, China, Iran, and other countries favorable to a multipolar world order. Lets call them the BRICS+, which stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other interested countries. BRICS+ is not a perfect label, but its a decent representation of the countries favorable to the multipolar world order. Some countries dont fall decisively into one category. Ive put these countries in a separate Non-Aligned category. They are prime arenas of competition for NATO & Friends and BRICS+. Below is an approximate map of the geopolitical chessboard as I see it. Click the image to enlarge. I believe proxy warfare will likely determine who wins World War 3 and gets to shape the new world order. Proxy wars are a method by which major powers fight their battles indirectly, using smaller nations or groups as stand-ins rather than confronting each other directly. Major powers support, equip, and finance smaller groups or nations in a proxy war to fight against a common adversary. This support can include military training, weapons, funding, and other resources. The critical point is that the major powers do not engage directly in combat. There are numerous ongoing proxy wars in World War 3. However, the ones I believe will prove decisive will be in Taiwan, Ukraine, and the Middle East. The other proxy wars are peripheral in comparison. Unlike in Europe (Russia) or East Asia (China), there is no sophisticated nuclear power to deter NATO & Friends from more aggressive military action in the Middle East. Iran is, therefore, the weak link in the BRICS+ alliance to push for a multipolar world order. Thats why I expect NATO & Friends will make their last stand to scuttle the emergence of a multipolar world order and preserve the US-led world order in the Middle East. The Middle East is roughly divided into two different geopolitical groups. The first is the US and its alliesIsrael, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and others. (Though Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are members of BRICS+, their true allegiance is with the agenda of NATO & Friends). The second group consists of Iran and its alliesthe Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, several Palestinian groups (including Hamas), and an assortment of militias in Iraq. Iran is a key member of BRICS+ and a proponent of a multipolar world order. Thats why Russia and China stand behind Iran with economic, political, and military support. In early 2024, the geopolitical momentum in the Middle East appeared to be with Iran and its allies. However, that all changed recently as the Middle East has undergone its most significant geopolitical transformation in generations. It culminated with militants supported by Turkey, Israel, and the US overthrowing Bashar al-Assad in Syria. It dealt a severe blow to Iran and its allies and, by extension, the multipolar agenda of BRICS+. Previously, it seemed Turkey was moving closer to BRICS+. However, after recent events, its now unambiguous. After delivering the biggest geopolitical win for NATO & Friends in decades, theres little doubt Turkey is fully onboard with their agenda. Turkey has emerged as the dominant power and kingmaker in Syria, extending NATO & Friends influence into new strategic territory in the heart of the Middle East. Turkeys ambitions likely extend well beyond Syria. Erdogan has made no secret of his intention to create a Neo-Ottoman Empire. He now has a golden opportunity to make this a reality with the help of NATO & Friends. Turkeys conquest of Syria is not without immense challenges. The country remains fractured and unstable. Armed Kurdish forces, avowed foes of Turkey, control about a third of Syria. Assad loyalists are concentrated in the coastal region and other parts of the country. They remain heavily armed and hostile to the new Syrian authorities. There are ISIS remnants that havent submitted to the new government either. Then there is the Israeli military, which has destroyed all of Syrias previously formidable air defense systems. The Israeli Air Force now has free reign over the skies of Syria. Israeli tanks and soldiers have occupied new strategic parts of the country. In short, the new Syrian authorities have a gigantic mess to deal with. They do not have a monopoly on the use of force within Syrias borders, and its unlikely theyll be able to achieve that anytime soon. Thats why Syria could easily continue being a geopolitical black hole, sucking in blood and treasury from anyone who tries to stabilize a situation that cannot be stabilized. Presuming Syria can be stabilizedwhich is a big ifwho will pay for the hundreds of billions required for the countrys reconstruction after more than 14 years of war? Nobody knows. Turkey and, by extension, NATO & Friends were popping champagne over Assads ouster. But the celebration may end soon as they realize they have bit off more than they can chew. Turkey, the US, and Israel will be responsible for the chaos that comes out of Syria, which is likely to balkanize with unpredictable results. In any case, I have little doubt that NATO & Friends will try to use growing Turkish influence as a way to reshape the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East in their favor as the arbitrary lines (imposed by the Sykes-Picot Agreement of a century ago) that define most modern Middle East nation states collapse. In other words, NATO & Friends want an incipient Neo-Ottoman Empire to be the dominant power in the Middle East. BRICS+ wants Iran to be the dominant regional power. Nobody knows who will prevail in the Middle East and, by extension, WW3. The situation is fluid, volatile, and uncertain. There is an excellent chance that NATO & Friends will lose in Ukraine and Taiwan. I think that means they will not be able to stop the emergence of a multipolar world order unless they subdue the Middle East. And they cant do that unless they overthrow the government in Iran. The fall of Assad is indeed a setback for BRICS+, but not a decisive defeat. If NATO & Friends want a decisive victory in the Middle East, they will need to take out the government in Iran. Thats why I think Iran will be the decisive battlefield of WW3. Here is an updated geopolitical map of the Middle East and surrounding region as I see it. With Irans allies across the Middle East suffering devastating blows in 2024, the US, Israel, and their allies have the most favorable conditions to attack Iran that have existed in decades. I suspect they will not let this window of opportunity close without taking advantage of it. It could happen in 2025. If an attack on Iran does happen, I believe it will be the defining battle of WW3. But it will not be a cakewalk Unlike most other nation states in the Middle East, Iran (known as Persia before 1935) is not an artificial construct. By race, religion, and social history, it is a nation. European bureaucrats didnt dream up Iran by drawing zigzags on a map. The map reflects the geographic reality of a country with natural, fortress-like mountain borders. In the east, the Roman Empire generally ended where the Persian Empire began. The US and its allies have tried to overthrow Irans government for over 46 years. Theyve tried pretty much everything short of a full-scale invasion. In short, NATO & Friends have few other cards to play against Iran. If the US really wants to decapitate the BRICS+ agenda in the Middle East, it would need to overthrow the Iranian government. That would require waging a full-scale regional war against all of Irans allies and launching a ground invasion of Iran. Remember, during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)back when Saddam was a good guyhe threw over 500,000 Iraqi soldiers at the Iranian meat grinder, had the backing of the US AND the Soviet Union, and used chemical weapons on a scale not seen since WW1 and he barely made a dent in Iran. The reality is that if the US is serious about invading Iran, it would likely require total mobilization and bringing back the draft. That is not likely to happen, but even if it did, it would not guarantee US victory. If Iran thought the US was going to invade, it could also develop nuclear weapons as a deterrent within a matter of weeks or less. It might also already have a couple of secretly obtained nukes. Given those unfavorable prospects, NATO & Friends could decide to use nuclear weapons on Iran preemptively. Iran is well aware that the US or Israel could use nuclear weapons against it. It has contingency plans for that outcome to ensure the survival of its government. Irans plans also likely include making a dash for developing its own nuclear arsenal to be able to respond in kind. Further, its doubtful that Russia and China would just sit back and do nothing if NATO & Friends looked like they might nuke Iran. For example, Russia could decide to station nuclear weapons and Russian soldiers on Iranian soil as a deterrent. In short, NATO & Friends using nukes on Iran could lead to an unpredictable series of events that could quickly spiral out of control, so I dont view it as a likely outcome. The Bottom Line NATO & Friends dont have any attractive options when it comes to dealing with Iran. However, with the sun about to set on the US-led unipolar world order and the most favorable conditions to attack Iran that have existed in decades, they may think its their last best chance and go for it in 2025. What will happen, and who will prevail? Of course, no one can know that with certainty. That being said, I think we can count on escalating tensions that could culminate in war with Iran in 2025. The implications of that are difficult to overstate. War with Iran would undoubtedly destroy all models for the energy market and cause a global economic collapse. Most people dont appreciate how close we are to the precipice of a historical disaster. Countless millions throughout history were wiped out financiallyor worseduring the previous world wars because they failed to see the correct Big Picture and take appropriate action. Dont be one of them. Thats why I just released an urgent new report with all the details, including what you must do to prepare. Read more at: InternationalMan.com ICE begins NATIONWIDE raids targeting criminal illegal immigrants ICE has launched nationwide raids targeting criminal illegal aliens as part of the Trump administrations strategy to address illegal immigration and public safety threats. The operations prioritize apprehending individuals with criminal records or those posing risks to communities, with every ICE office participating across the country. Sanctuary cities like Chicago, which defy federal immigration enforcement, are primary targets, with warnings of legal, financial and enforcement consequences for non-compliance. Critics argue the policies have humanitarian and financial costs, but officials emphasize national security and public safety as top priorities. The raids are part of broader efforts to strengthen border security, including deploying military personnel, targeting cartels and reviving stricter immigration enforcement policies. Border Czar Tom Homan has announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have launched raids targeting criminal illegal aliens nationwide. The raids are part of a broader strategy to address what the administration of President Donald Trump describes as a crisis of illegal immigration and its associated dangers. Homan, a seasoned immigration enforcement official, emphasized that ICE teams have been directed to prioritize public safety threats, focusing on apprehending individuals with criminal records or those who pose a risk to communities. These operations are not limited to specific regions but are being conducted across the country, with every ICE office actively participating in the enforcement efforts. (Related: House passes bill targeting DEPORTATION of illegal immigrants convicted of violent crimes against women and children.) The initiative comes as a direct response to President Donald Trumps executive orders on immigration, which include measures such as withholding federal funds from sanctuary cities and reinstating the "Remain in Mexico" policy. These policies aim to curb illegal immigration, deter human trafficking and prevent the exploitation of the United States' immigration laws by individuals seeking to evade legal processes. Cities like Chicago, which have openly defied federal immigration enforcement by declaring themselves sanctuary cities, are among the primary targets of these raids. Homan's visit to Chicago in December served as a warning to local leaders about the consequences of non-compliance with federal mandates. The administration has made it clear that cities refusing to cooperate with ICE will face legal and financial repercussions, as well as increased enforcement activity within their jurisdictions. Critics of the Trump administrations immigration policies, including Democratic lawmakers and left-leaning media outlets, have raised concerns about the cost and humanitarian impact of mass deportations. However, Homan and other officials have countered these arguments by stressing the importance of national security and public safety. "What price do you put on our national security?" Homan asked in an interview, underscoring the administrations belief that the safety of American citizens must take precedence over the interests of those who have violated U.S. immigration laws. Trump cracking down on federal open borders policies The raids are part of a broader effort to address the consequences of what the Trump administration calls "open border policies" under previous administrations. Homan has pointed to the loss of American lives and the influx of illegal immigrants with criminal or terrorist backgrounds as key reasons for the crackdown. By targeting individuals who pose a direct threat to public safety, the administration aims to restore order and deter future illegal immigration. In addition to the raids, the Trump administration has taken several other steps to strengthen border security and enforce immigration laws. These include deploying military personnel to the southern border, designating cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and suspending refugee admissions until policies align with U.S. interests. The administration has also revoked a memo passed by the previous administration that restricted immigration enforcement in so-called "sensitive" locations such as schools, hospitals and churches, now allowing ICE agents to operate with greater flexibility. Watch as Tom Homan says, "We're going to take the handcuffs off ICE." This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump to begin large-scale immigration raids in Chicago. Self-deportations surge as Trump takes office. Southern California city considering ending sanctuary status to align with Trumps immigration agenda. Trumps bold plan: Military deployment and mass deportations to secure the border. Self-deport or face 20-year exile: Trumps border czars tough new immigration strategy. Sources include: YourNews.com CBC.ca HindustanTimes.com Brighteon.com IRON WALL or IRON FIST? Israels latest West Bank operation raises questions about counterterrorism tactics Israel launched a new military operation called "Iron Wall" in the Palestinian city of Jenin, aiming to "eradicate terrorism" in the region. The operation began just days after a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza, raising concerns about its timing and potential impact on regional stability. Israeli forces conducted the operation alongside the Israeli Security Agency and Israel Border Police, resulting in at least eight Palestinian deaths and 35 injuries. Palestinian leaders and human rights groups condemned the operation, arguing that it is exacerbating violence rather than curbing it and constitutes collective punishment. The operation is part of a broader pattern of conflict in the region, with critics arguing that Israel's military tactics often result in disproportionate civilian casualties and further radicalize Palestinian communities. In the early hours of Tuesday, Jan. 21, Israel launched a new military operation in the West Bank, targeting the Palestinian city of Jenin. Dubbed Iron Wall, the campaign was announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a large-scale and significant effort to eradicate terrorism in the region. However, the operation, which began just days after a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza, has sparked outrage and condemnation from Palestinian leaders and human rights groups, who argue that Israels tactics are exacerbating violence rather than curbing it. A ceasefire broken? The timing of the operation has raised eyebrows. Just days prior, Israel and Hamas had reached a fragile ceasefire agreement, ending 15 months of intense conflict in Gaza. The deal included provisions for prisoner swaps and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. Yet, the ink on the agreement had barely dried when Netanyahu announced the Jenin operation, signaling a return to military escalation. This is another step towards achieving the goal we have set strengthening security in Judea and Samaria, Netanyahu said in a statement, using Israels administrative name for the West Bank. He framed the operation as part of a broader strategy to target the Iranian axis wherever it sends its arms, accusing Tehran of funding and arming militant groups in the region. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation, stating it was conducted alongside the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) and Israel Border Police. Footage circulating online showed Israeli military vehicles entering Jenin, accompanied by reports of intensive drone strikes. According to local health authorities, at least eight Palestinians were killed and 35 others were wounded in the initial hours of the raid. Palestinian response: Escalation and condemnation The Palestinian Authority (PA) swiftly condemned the operation, with Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa calling it the latest in a series of aggressive Israeli measures against Palestinians. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, both designated as terrorist organizations by Israel and much of the West, called for an escalation of attacks against Israel in response to the Jenin operation. A spokesperson for the Palestinian security forces told AFP News Agency that Israeli troops had opened fire on civilians and security personnel, leading to the high number of casualties. This is not counterterrorism; this is collective punishment, the spokesperson said. The operation also comes amid shifting U.S. policy in the region. Hours before the raid, former President Donald Trump rescinded Biden-era executive orders that had authorized sanctions against individuals undermining peace in the West Bank, primarily targeting Israeli settlers. Critics argue that this move emboldened Israel to pursue aggressive military actions without fear of international repercussions. A broader context of conflict The Jenin operation is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of violence that has plagued the region for decades. The West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967, has long been a flashpoint for clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants. Jenin, in particular, has been a hub for armed resistance, with Israeli officials accusing the city of harboring militant groups funded by Iran. The recent conflict in Gaza, which began in October 2023 after Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, has further destabilized the region. The initial Hamas attack killed approximately 1,100 people and resulted in over 200 hostages being taken. Israels military response has been devastating, with local health authorities reporting more than 46,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza. The hostilities have also spilled over into neighboring Lebanon, where clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified, and into Iran, with several long-range strikes exchanged between the two nations. A question of tactics While Israel frames its actions as necessary for national security, critics argue that its military operations often result in disproportionate civilian casualties and further radicalize Palestinian communities. The Jenin operation, with its high death toll and reports of civilian injuries, has only fueled these criticisms. How can we talk about peace when innocent people are being killed in their homes? asked a Jenin resident in an interview with local media. This is not security; this is terror. As the Iron Wall operation continues, the international community watches closely. Will Israels tactics achieve their stated goal of eradicating terrorism, or will they only deepen the cycle of violence and resentment? For now, the people of Jenin are left to pick up the pieces, caught in the crossfire of a conflict with no end in sight. Sources include: SHTFplan.com Azerbaycan24.com SAN.com SHOCKER: Over 150 PEDIATRIC GENDER CLINICS have sprouted up and ruined childrens lives with horrific gender mutilation surgeries since perv Obama in 2008 The increase in "gender-affirming care" for minors is likely due to insidious motives of Democrats, Liberals and Communists. Gender-affirming care is really just a cover name for genitalia mutilation clinics that pretend to help kids, teens, and young adults switch genders. Policies surrounding gender-affirming care put minors health and self-esteem in grave danger, often without their parents knowledge or permission. Research shows that gender-affirming can wreck the mental and physical health of humans and cause permanent damage to reproductive organs. Its sickening all the irreversible damage thats been done to babies, children, teens and young adults across this nation since the undercover Communist Barrack Hussein Obama began the madness in 2008. Andrew Zywiec, MD, also known on Instagram as the good doctor, is praying for sanity to be restoredv in the United States now that Trump has taken office, a man with ethics and morals much higher than the previous two presidents, who tore the country apart by trafficking children, funding gender-bender clinics, and fueling the most perverted agenda this nation has ever seen. Dr. Zywiec is STILL the only doctor in the U.S. to file a Supreme Court lawsuit against gender affirming care (genitalia mutilation surgery) of minors. The butchery must end and it cant end soon enough. From breast and penis removal to chemical castration drugs, the depopulation agenda couldnt be more insidious than to brainwash children and their parents in this way, where kids are infused by social media with gender dysphoria and decide to ruin their libido, self-esteem, and reproductive organs forever. Notice on the map below that almost every one of these clinics is located in a Democrat-run hell-hole metropolitan city, where there are more minorities, pornography stores, drug dealers, drug-addicted junkies, perverts, illegal immigrant criminals, gangs, drag queens and groomers. Notice also there were only two of these clinics when Obama took office in 2008. Anyone who does not know that Obama was a communist infiltrator whose main goal as POTUS was to ruin and wreck the nuclear family as a socialist dictator, then youve been reading the wrong news for the past 17 years. Over 150 gender-bender clinics built and funded by perverted Liberals to turn children into queer perverts who only think about sex and sex partners all day From Obama and his husband Michael to Resident Biden and his mentally challenged cohort Kommie Harris, the gender-queer movement infiltrated every school, daycare center and social media outlet for 16 long years, and millions of brainwashed children, many of whom are now adults living with regret (or committed suicide already), cant turn the clock back and undo the damage. Some can never have children because the surgeries went wrong. Some cannot urinate properly anymore either. Some have no sex drive at all because the surgery and the drugs castrated them or made them infertile. Many are suffering from turbo cancer from the hormone drugs and the Covid clot shots combined. Over 300,000 children have disappeared that crossed the border into the United States, and its not an assumption to say that the majority of these kids have been trafficked, into sex slavery through NGOs that never vet the new owners. Then the kids are put through living hell, turned into gender queers and operated upon to make them more like the insidious perverts who took control of them. They are not in foster homes or normal homes where people just feel sorry for poor immigrant orphans, like the Democrats and Liberals wish everyone believed (and most probably do believe it). Trump needs to have these clinics shut down. Hopefully there's something he can do about it. Tune your internet dial to Gender.news for updates on extreme liberals with hidden agendas trying to turn normal kids into gender-confused freaks. Sources for this article include: DailyCaller.com USA.visa.com NaturalNews.com Pardoned Jan. 6 inmates released amid allegations of abuse and delays in DC jail system President Trump fulfilled a campaign promise by pardoning all individuals imprisoned for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot on his first day back in office. Despite the pardons, some individuals remain detained in the DC jail system, raising concerns about delays and potential obstruction of justice. Reports of mistreatment, including physical and psychological abuse, have emerged, with lawmakers like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene calling for investigations into the conditions at the DC jail. The pardoned individuals received a hero's welcome from supporters, while law enforcement groups criticized the pardons and expressed dismay over the treatment of officers during the riot. In a dramatic turn of events, President Donald Trump fulfilled one of his most significant campaign promises on his first day back in office: pardoning all individuals imprisoned for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. While the move was met with jubilation by supporters of the former president, it has also reignited debates over the treatment of these individuals while in custody and the delays in their release despite the presidential pardon. Reports have emerged suggesting that some of the pardoned individuals, often referred to as "J6 political prisoners" by their advocates, remain detained in the DC jail system. Presidential pardons are typically absolute and immediate, yet rumors persist that jail officials are slow-walking the release process. This has led to widespread outrage among Trump supporters, who have mobilized online to demand accountability and immediate action. Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist, urged family members of the detained to bring copies of the signed executive order to the jails and demand the release of their loved ones. "The presidential pardon is absolute, total and immediate," Kirk emphasized, reflecting the frustration of many who see the delays as a deliberate obstruction of justice. Compounding the controversy are unconfirmed reports that DC jail guards, accused of mistreating January 6 detainees, are now in a state of panic. Allegations of physical and psychological abuse, including sleep deprivation and exposure to ear-piercing noise, have circulated for years. These claims gained traction after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and other lawmakers launched an investigation into the conditions at the DC jail in 2023. Greene, who has been a vocal advocate for the January 6 defendants, described the jail as a "gulag" and called for transparency and accountability. In a letter to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, Greene and her colleagues demanded answers about the treatment of detainees, citing "eyewitness accounts of despair, hopelessness and a severe abuse of justice." The rumors of guard misconduct have reportedly drawn the attention of the U.S. Marshals Service, though these claims remain unverified. Critics argue that the alleged abuse and delays in releasing pardoned individuals underscore a broader pattern of political bias within the justice system. Heros welcome for released inmates as police unions express dismay Despite the delays, many January 6 defendants have been released to a heros welcome from their supporters. Outside the DC jail, crowds cheered, sang "God Bless America," and chanted "U-S-A!" as pardoned individuals emerged. Among them was Jake Lang, who was convicted of assaulting officers during the riot. "We are back the patriots," Lang declared. "Weve got X, weve got Trump, weve got Musk. Weve got the dream team!" Robert Turner, another pardoned defendant, expressed gratitude to Trump, saying, "President Trump, I love you. Well always have your back. You had our back; we got your back." Turner, convicted of assaulting officers and engaging in violence at the Capitol, called for unity, a sentiment echoed by Greg Purdy, who urged Americans to find common ground despite political differences. However, the pardons have drawn sharp criticism from law enforcement groups. The DC Police Union released a statement condemning the move, stating, "Anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, without exception." Former Capitol Police Officer Mike Fanone, who suffered a heart attack after being beaten and shocked with a stun gun during the riot, expressed feelings of betrayal. "I feel betrayed by my country," Fanone told News4. Many of the defendants who didn't receive due process felt betrayed by their country as well. The release of the January 6 defendants has laid bare the deep divisions within the United States. For Trumps supporters, the pardons represent a long-overdue correction of what they see as a politically motivated prosecution. For critics, they are a troubling endorsement of political violence and a slap in the face to law enforcement. As the nation grapples with the fallout from these events, questions remain about the treatment of the January 6 detainees and the integrity of the justice system. Whether these allegations of abuse and delays are proven true or not, they have already fueled a narrative of injustice that will likely resonate for years to come. In a country increasingly defined by its political polarization, the story of the January 6 pardons is far from over. Sources include: Revolver.news X.com NBCNews.com A marine bird conservationist said protecting remaining little penguin populations around Australian waters is more crucial now than ever. Multiple deceased little penguins have washed ashore in Tasmania in recent days, prompting experts to encourage sightings to be reported. Source: Adrift Lab Australians are being encouraged to report any seabirds found washed ashore in coastal areas to conservationists, following the discovery of several deceased juvenile little penguins that have left a southern community deeply saddened. This week, multiple little penguins at least a dozen reported, but likely more were found along the shoreline across a number of beaches in Tasmania. Local research group Adrift Lab shared the images online, prompting concerned residents to question why the little birds were turning up dead. "The birds are fresh, which suggests more will wash up over coming days," researchers wrote online. Upset Tasmanian locals took to the comments to share photos they'd taken of deceased little penguins on the state's beaches, with many expressing their distress, asking what might have caused the tragic loss. ADVERTISEMENT Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Sean Dooley from Birdlife Australia said that while the discoveries are sad, "it seems there is nothing to be too concerned about" in this instance. He explained that the team "hadn't noticed any significant or unusual spike in penguin mortality this summer." While sad, the reported sightings are not out of the ordinary for this time of year, industry specialists say. Source: Adrift Lab Australians urged to report all sightings of beach-washed seabirds However, he decided to investigate further, reviewing various databases and consulting with a few colleagues to determine if there were any signs of a serious issue affecting the little penguin population. "As distressing as it is to find individuals washed up dead, from what I can see, the numbers of dead penguins washing up is within the normal range for mortalities at this time of year," Dooley told Yahoo. ADVERTISEMENT "It is likely that most of the birds involved are juveniles that have recently fledged and are out at sea foraging for food independently for the first time. It can be a tough life for a penguin and there is a reasonably high mortality rate of chicks in their first few months at sea as many are unable to hunt sufficient food." Dooley said that personally, he recently found "two freshly dead penguins washed up on the tide between Anglesea and Aireys Inlet". There is a reasonably high mortality rate of chicks in their first months at sea, as many are unable to hunt sufficient food. Source: Adrift Lab "Both birds were likely to have been juveniles as they were in really fresh, dapper plumage. But this was two individuals in close to a week of beach-walking so as sad as it was, it wasn't anything for me to be unduly worried," he said. ADVERTISEMENT "Some seasons are more sever than others and availability of prey for the penguins can be affected by changes in currents and water temperature. "It is important that people try and report any sightings of beach-washed birds to allow us to monitor for any serious 'wrecks' and to establishing a baseline for what is a typical rate of mortality." He encouraged all Australians to report sightings of dead birds to BirdLife Australia's Beach-washed Birds portal or to Adrift Lab, or Phillip Island Nature Park. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Trump demands apology from Episcopalian bishop over ungracious and nasty sermon SHE REFUSES President Donald Trump criticized Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde after her sermon at the Washington National Cathedral, where she urged him to show mercy to marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrant families. Budde claimed that most immigrants are law-abiding contributors to society and expressed concern for those fearing deportation or persecution under Trumps policies. Trump accused Budde of being a "Radical Left hard-line Trump hater" and demanded an apology, claiming her remarks were politically charged and ungracious. Budde refused to apologize, stating she stood by her call for mercy and denied being part of the "radical left," while expressing regret over the divisive response. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Jan. 22, lashed out at Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of Washington for the Episcopal Church of the United States. On Tuesday, Jan. 21, the day after Trump's second inauguration, the president attended an interfaith service at the Washington National Cathedral, the seat of the Episcopal Church's leader as well as the Diocese of Washington. Budde used her 15-minute sermon during the service to call on Trump to "have mercy" on people in the U.S. "who are scared." She highlighted her concern for LGBTQ+ children, immigrant families and undocumented migrant workers. She emphasized how she believes the vast majority of migrants in the U.S. are not criminals but rather "faithful members" of U.S. religious communities and who pay taxes and contribute to society. "I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared," Budde said during her sermon. "There are gay, lesbian, transgender children, Democratic, Republican, independent families some who fear for their lives." She also called on Trump to aid those fleeing war and persecution, noting that immigrant children fear their parents are going to be taken away." Trump sat at the front row during the service, alongside other prominent figures including Vice President J.D. Vance. The president, who returned to the White House after the service and told reporters it "wasn't too exciting," later took to Truth Social to criticize Budde's remarks. "The so-called Bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a Radical Left hard-line Trump hater," he wrote. "She brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart." The president also accused Budde of ignoring crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, claiming, "It is a giant crime wave that is taking place in the USA." He concluded by demanding an apology, writing, "She is not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!" Bishop Budde refuses to apologize Budde, however, stood by her remarks in multiple interviews and refuses to apologize. "I am not going to apologize for asking for mercy for others," she said in an interview with Time Magazine. "I don't hate President Trump. I strive not to hate anyone, and I dare say that I am not of the 'radical left' either, whatever that means. That is not who I am." Speaking to NPR, Budde expressed regret over the backlash but defended her decision to address Trump directly. "I regret that it was something that has caused the kind of response that it has, in the sense that it actually confirmed the very thing that I was speaking of earlier, which is our tendency to jump to outrage and not speak to one another with respect," she said. "But no, I won't apologize for what I said." The bishop's remarks came just a day after Trump signed a series of executive orders targeting immigrants and transgender individuals, fulfilling campaign promises that have sparked widespread controversy. (Related: Trump signed nearly 100 executive orders on Day 1 of his second term.) Among the orders were measures to restrict immigration, reinstate the "Remain in Mexico" policy for asylum-seekers and end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. Trump also signed an order recognizing only two sexes male and female effectively rejecting transgender identity. Budde told NPR that these policies have stoked fear among vulnerable communities. "The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings; who labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants; who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals they may not be citizens or have the proper documentation. But the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals.," she said. Watch this clip from NBC discussing what Trump's new immigration policies mean for the millions of migrants in the United States. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Federal bureaucrats planning to RESIST Trump's agenda, poll reveals. ICE raids underway as Trump administration launches historic DEPORTATION operation. Self-deport or face 20-year exile: Trump's border czar's tough new immigration strategy. House passes bill targeting DEPORTATION of illegal immigrants convicted of violent crimes against women and children. Vatican now approves openly gay men to seek ordination as priests in Italy. Sources include: 100PercentFedUp.com TheHill.com 1 TheHill.com 2 NPR.org Brighteon.com Trump signs executive order eliminating funding for schools and colleges with DEI policies President Donald Trump signed an executive order to eliminate federal funding for schools and colleges with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies or contractors implementing such practices. The order targets K-12 schools and colleges receiving federal aid, including special education and low-income programs, as well as Pell Grant recipients. Non-compliance within 120 days may lead to loss of federal funding. The directive authorizes civil compliance investigations targeting institutions with endowments exceeding $1 billion, potentially impacting prestigious universities and colleges. The executive order claims to restore merit-based practices and equal opportunity, but critics argue it undermines student growth and support. The order has received mixed reactions, with supporters like Parents Defending Education hailing it as a step towards merit-based practices, while critics like the National Education Association argue it does little to help students learn and grow. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that would eliminate federal funding for schools and colleges that mandate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies or engage with contractors implementing such practices. The executive order, titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," targets K-12 schools receiving federal aid for special education and low-income programs, as well as colleges and universities reliant on federal student loan programs, such as Pell Grants. Educational institutions must comply with the new mandate within 120 days or face the loss of federal funding. (Related: FBI shuts down DEI office days before Trump takes office and vows to end "woke virus.") Under the directive, the Attorney General, the Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will identify "the most egregious and discriminatory practitioners" in each education sector. The order also authorizes up to nine civil compliance investigations targeting institutions with endowments exceeding $1 billion, potentially implicating some of the nation's most prestigious universities and colleges. "Illegal DEI and DEIA policies not only violate the text and spirit of our longstanding Federal civil-rights laws, they also undermine our national unity Hardworking Americans who deserve a shot at the American Dream should not be stigmatized, demeaned or shut out of opportunities because of their race or sex," the executive order included, explicitly criticizing DEI initiatives. The directive also extends to credentialing agencies under the Council of Higher Education Accreditation, as federally funded research and other programs rely on compliance with accreditation standards. Additionally, the measure seeks to reshape the allocation of federal funds across educational institutions. Furthermore, the White House stated that the executive order is designed to ensure that federal funds are used to support educational institutions that adhere to principles of fairness and equal opportunity, without the imposition of what they view as divisive and discriminatory policies. Eliminating DEI programs education will restore merit-based practices The National Education Association (NEA) criticized the order, arguing that it does little to help students learn and grow. "Most Americans believe that every student deserves opportunity, resources and support to reach their full potential no matter where they live, the color of their skin or how much their family earns. Donald Trump's actions today do nothing to help students learn and grow, nothing to support parents and nothing to assist educators in inspiring their students to learn and helping them succeed," said NEA President Becky Pringle. Critics have also raised concerns about the broader implications of the order. Neal McCluskey, director of the Cato Institute's Center for Education Freedom, warned that smaller federally funded programs, such as those supporting accelerated learning recovery, nutrition and career and technical education, could lose funding if contractors or schools support DEI initiatives. But Nicki Neily, the founder and president of Parents Defending Education, hailed the executive order as a crucial step toward restoring merit-based practices. "President Trump's executive orders eliminating DEI programs in education mark a crucial step toward restoring schools' focus on American exceptionalism and academic achievement. These orders honor parental rights, foster critical thinking and shield students from indoctrination," Neily said. Visit PublicEducation.news for more on the state of public education in the United States. Watch this video of a California teacher breaking down how horrible the state's public education system is. This video is from the Bulgarian Insider channel at Brighteon.com. More related stories: DEI Backlash: Neo-racist policies are fueling a legal and cultural revolt against corporate social engineering. Meta scraps DEI initiatives amid broader corporate retreat from diversity policies. Kristin is the new Karen: A dearth of leadership from the DEI hires in charge of public safety at the LA Fire Department. Meta and Amazon roll back DEI programs amid shifting political landscape. McDonalds dumps DEI policies in major WIN for anti-woke movement. Sources include: YourNews.com CBSNews.com Brighteon.com U.S. Army is working overtime to meet Ukraines demand for M777 Howitzer barrels, compromising U.S. defenses The U.S. Army is working overtime to appease Ukraine and keep the war machine humming along. The latest report finds that the U.S. Army cannot keep up pace with producing enough replacement barrels for M777 howitzers to sustain Ukraines relentless artillery fire against Russian forces. With Ukraine burning through barrels faster than the sole U.S. manufacturer can produce them, the Pentagon has reallocated $161 million to establish a second production source. This scramble highlights the immense strain on U.S. military resources as Ukraines war effort continues to test the limits of Western support. The conflict has not only exposed vulnerabilities in Ukraines supply chain but also raised critical questions about the U.S. militarys readiness for future high-intensity conflicts. The U.S. Army is struggling to produce at least 30 new M777 howitzer barrels per month to meet Ukraines demand. Watervliet Arsenal, the sole U.S. manufacturer, cannot keep up, prompting the Pentagon to fund a second production source. Ukraines high-volume artillery fire has led to rapid barrel degradation, with some M777s already damaged or destroyed. The U.S. militarys challenges in meeting Ukraines needs highlight broader concerns about industrial capacity for future conflicts. Uncertainty looms over U.S. military aid to Ukraine under President Donald Trump, who has paused foreign aid for review. Ukraines insatiable demands for war can no longer be met The M777 howitzer, a lightweight 155mm towed artillery system, has become a cornerstone of Ukraines defense against Russias invasion. However, the weapons effectiveness comes at a cost: Its barrels wear out quickly under the strain of constant firing. The Pentagons recent budget document reveals that Ukraines artillery units are projected to require over 30 new barrels per month a demand that far exceeds the current production capacity of Watervliet Arsenal in New York. The lifespan of an M777 barrel depends on firing rates, with high-intensity use accelerating wear and tear. Degradation of the barrels rifling and internal structure can reduce accuracy and range, and in extreme cases, lead to catastrophic failure. The U.S. Marine Corps experienced similar issues during the 2017 battle for Raqqa, Syria, where two M777 barrels were burned out in the fight against ISIS. Ukraines reliance on artillery has been staggering. At times, Ukrainian forces have fired up to 3,000 rounds per day, a rate that has strained not only barrel supplies but also ammunition stockpiles. The U.S. and its allies have been working to ramp up production of 155mm shells, but the barrel shortage adds another layer of complexity to Ukraines logistical challenges. Broader implications for U.S. military readiness The M777 barrel crisis is not just a Ukrainian problem its a wake-up call for the U.S. military. If the U.S. struggles to meet Ukraines relatively modest demand, how would it fare in a high-intensity conflict against a peer adversary like China? The Pentagons reprogramming document highlights the need for additional industrial capacity, not only for M777 barrels but also for other large-caliber cannons. This issue is part of a larger debate about U.S. military stockpiles and industrial readiness. The Army has not ordered new M777 howitzers since 2019, and the Marine Corps has been downsizing its inventory in favor of more advanced systems like HIMARS. However, the war in Ukraine has demonstrated the enduring importance of traditional artillery in modern conflicts. The high volume of artillery fire missions has created an unprecedented demand for M776 155mm Cannon Tubes, the Pentagon document states, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The $161 million reallocation will fund factory improvements, production equipment, and tooling to boost output to 10 barrels per month initially. While this is a step in the right direction, it may not be enough to fully address the growing demand. Political uncertainty and the future of U.S. aid The M777 barrel shortage comes at a precarious time for U.S.-Ukraine relations. President Donald Trumps recent executive order pausing all foreign aid for 90 days has cast doubt on the future of American military assistance. While the order allows for case-by-case exceptions, it has introduced uncertainty into a conflict where consistent support is critical. Trump has also expressed a desire to broker a deal between Ukraine and Russia, telling reporters, Putin should make a deal. I think hes destroying Russia by not making a deal. Meanwhile, Russia has made incremental gains in eastern Ukraine, albeit at significant cost. Ukrainian forces have also launched counteroffensives, including a recent push into Russias Kursk region. Artillery remains a decisive factor on both sides, underscoring the importance of maintaining a steady supply of weapons and equipment. As the conflict drags on, the stakes continue to rise. Ukraines ability to defend itself hinges on the Wests capacity to provide not just weapons, but the means to keep them operational. The U.S. Armys efforts to ramp up barrel production are a step forward, but they also serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of military supply chains in an era of great-power competition. In the crucible of war, resilience is not just a virtueit is a necessity. Sources include: TWZ.com Comptroller.Defense.gov [PDF] Media.Defense.gov [PDF] World Economic Forum lays out guidelines for public-private collaboration globally, paving way for censorship and Digital IDs The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a white paper, Resilience Pulse Check: Harnessing Collaboration to Navigate a Volatile World, urging public-private collaboration to accelerate the implementation of digital IDs and censorship under the guise of achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sovereign nations should reject WEFs push for digital IDs and measures to combat misinformation and hate speech which could lead to increased surveillance, social credit systems, and restrictions on free speech. The WEF emphasizes the need for private sector funding to bridge investment gaps in developing economies, with the Global Investors for Sustainable Development (GISD) Alliance serving as a model for such collaboration. The white paper highlights concerns about corporate unpreparedness for future disruptions, with 84% of surveyed companies feeling underprepared. The push for Digital IDs and censorship In a world increasingly shaped by digital transformation and global crises, the World Economic Forum (WEF) is doubling down on its vision for public-private collaboration to address what it calls volatile disruptions. At its annual meeting in Davos this week, the WEF unveiled a white paper titled Resilience Pulse Check: Harnessing Collaboration to Navigate a Volatile World, which advocates for accelerated adoption of digital IDs, censorship of misinformation, and private sector funding for UN-led initiatives. While the WEF frames these efforts as essential for achieving the UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building societal resilience, critics warn that such measures could pave the way for unprecedented surveillance, social credit systems, and erosion of individual freedoms. The WEFs white paper positions digital IDs and censorship as critical tools for achieving the SDGs, particularly in combating hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation. These terms, often loosely defined, have become flashpoints in debates over free speech and government overreach. The WEF argues that such measures are necessary to protect information integrity, which it claims is vital for achieving global development goals. Those who see the signs of an emerging technocracy see this as a thinly veiled attempt to consolidate control over populations. Digital IDs, while touted as a means to streamline services and improve security, could also enable governments and corporations to monitor individuals activities in unprecedented detail. Similarly, censorship initiatives aimed at curbing misinformation risk stifling dissent and political opposition under the guise of protecting public discourse. The WEFs vision of resilience and private-public collaboration is all about creating a system where governments and corporations have total control over how people think and behave. WEFs public private collaboration blueprint: speeding up the rise of technocracy The WEFs white paper emphasizes the need for public-private collaboration to address what it describes as investment gaps in developing economies. The Global Investors for Sustainable Development (GISD) Alliance, a UN-led coalition of major financial institutions and corporations, is highlighted as a model for such efforts. The GISD Alliance aims to channel private investment toward SDGs, with the WEF calling for even deeper collaboration between governments and businesses However, the paper also reveals that only 28% of surveyed companies currently engage in public-private partnerships, with regulatory constraints cited as a major barrier. Despite these challenges, the WEF insists that such collaboration is essential for building long-term resilience, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, energy, and technology. Even Donald Trump is acting in ways that align with these goals, having already announced Stargate a public-private merger ramping up and consolidating the power of AI systems. Effective public-private collaboration does not necessarily require formal commitment to financing large-scale investmentsrather, it can begin with open dialogue, the white paper states. This approach, the WEF argues, would enable governments and companies to identify key investment areas and work together to address global challenges. The WEFs latest initiative is part of a broader trend toward global governance, where international organizations and corporations increasingly shape policies that affect billions of people. The UNs SDGs, adopted in 2015, represent a sweeping agenda to address issues ranging from poverty and inequality to climate change and education. While these goals are widely supported, their implementation has raised concerns about the role of private entities in shaping public policy. The WEFs emphasis on digital IDs and censorship echoes similar initiatives in countries like China, where social credit systems and strict internet controls are used to monitor and influence citizen behavior. Critics argue that the WEFs vision could lead to a similar erosion of privacy and freedom in other parts of the world. Sources include: ReclaimtheNet.org Reports.weforum.org [PDF] ReclaimtheNet.org NaturalNews.com Woke DEI + green nihilism = Dresden in California Over 25,000 acres are ablaze in Los Angeles in the Pacific Palisades fire, a veritable living hell. (Article by Victor Hanson republished from VictorHanson.com) Some 12,000-plus structures were incinerated. More than 250,000 souls have been evacuated and are in need of shelter. No one has really taken charge yet. And now even the woke culprits for the catastrophe are blame-gaming each other to determine who was the more incompetent, which in this case translates to the most woke. No one knows how many have died; all know the number will escalate in the next few days. The eventual price tag of the ruin will exceed $200-300 billion and outstrip the billions of dollars given to Ukraine. And there are still some fires that are completely uncontained. The Los Angeles apocalypse was a multisystem, green-woke collapse and a disastrous reminder that when Soviet-style, anti-meritocratic ideology permeates all aspects of modern life in California, disaster is inevitable. First, note that the culprit of the catastrophe is not climate change; it is not Donald Trump. Those are excuses for arrogant incompetency and disdain for the public. And it is not racism or homophobia to fault those who paraded and virtue signaled their tribal identities so extraneous to their actual responsibilities for public safety. Note that all California statewide officeholders are left-wing. The California left holds supermajorities in both houses of the state legislature. Only 17 percent of Californias huge congressional delegation of 52 seats is Republican. Californias judiciary is the most left-wing in the country. There is not a single Republican on the 15-member Los Angeles City Council. Add it all up, and the woke socialist state has been eagerly deindustrializing, decivilizing, and retribalizing its way into what is now a veritable peacetime Dresden on the Pacific. Again, there is no one else to blame, because California is one of those rare states in which Republicans have de facto zero political power. All the state media, the legacy newspapers, the Silicon Valley daily online news sites, the Bay Area-based Apple, Google, and Facebook monopolies, and the local news outlets are parrots of the woke-green mindset. To the degree that anything still works in California, it predates 2000. The core of the ossified Central Valley Water Project and the California Water Project remain though they are in need of massive maintenance, like almost all the infrastructure the current generation of politicians inherited and largely ignored. Now crowded and obsolete highways that were once the nations best still function but barely. And there are a few remnants of sanity in what is left of the pre-woke and once-great universities of Berkeley, Caltech, Stanford, UCLA, and USC, founded by a now despised but far wiser and more competent long-dead generation of visionaries. The Real Basket of Deplorables Los Angeles brags about its new $50 billion budget and trumpets how it expanded Care First programs. Indeed, the mayors budget claims it created a new 451 positions highlighting its investments in growing the department of youth development. It boasts it is adding positions to the Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department, reducing our jail population, and expanding voting solutions for all people. There is not much about fire, policing, or water apparently now the low priorities that prior sexist, racist, and homophobic generations once worried about. The role of DEI? Mayor Karen Bass was warned of the current danger of dry hillsides of chaparral buffeted by record-high, 100-mph Santa Ana winds. Her response? She went junketing a continent away to the inauguration festivities of the president of Ghana a strange way to prepare for a possible inferno to come. Does Ghana have firefighting expertise to share with Bass? In damage-control mode, Bass flew back only to be confronted at the airport by a now rare honest and thus foreign reporter. He asked her why she cut over $17.6 million from the LA fire service budget itself just 65% of the citys homelessness expenditures. (She had planned to cut millions of dollars more). And why, he asked, was she in Africa at all in her citys hour of need? Bass stood mute shamed into silence. I think Los Angelenos needed no answer since it was obvious to them: she went to Ghana because she could and wanted to since identity chauvinism is what ensured she was elected, reelected, and immune from criticism. Look at her appointments and budget, and it is clear public safety, fires, and water are most certainly not her priorities. Bass was confident that if LA went up in smoke as she pursued her African agendas, the woke megaphones would silence critics as racist or homophobic or sexist in the way Soviet commissars used to send to Siberia any ideological enemies of the state who complained that the farms, industries, and trains of Russia no longer worked. And on spec, we now hear it is now racist to criticize a black woman incompetent mayor. How about the Bass-appointed DEI deputy mayor for safety, Brian Williams? Surely, he stepped up in the mayors absence, given his purview of the citys safety? Nope. You see, he is currently under suspension for suspicion of phoning in a bomb threat to Los Angeles City Hall. Well, how about the DEI- and the much-acclaimed first Latina director of Los Angeless vast waterworks? Bass recruited such talent by nearly doubling the jobs normal salary to $750,000 per year. What did she accomplish on her over $2,000-a-day salary? Did Janisse Quinones, the new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the first Latina woman to lead the organization, leap into action? Well, the water very quickly ran out in Pacific Palisades, and the hydrants went dry as many had been for months prior. Quinones claimed that three million gallons in tanks above the suburb were mysteriously not up to the task of quenching the LA Dresden. You think? She apparently gauges disaster preparation by the number of gallons of water available in tanks, not the number of gallons needed to save thousands of homes and lives. And she forgot to tell the public that in fact there is a 117-million-gallon water reservoir atop Pacific Palisades built for some purpose unknown to her. Yet it was empty and under repair for months because of a mere damaged cover. Consider that: a dry autumn, the onset of the usual Santa Ana winds, a recent plague of hilltop wildfires, and Quinones shuts down the linchpin of a prior generations plan to save the Palisades. Note Quinones was supposed to be the professional replacement for a retired director of water and power, who himself had been a replacement for another director who was found guilty of bribery and is currently in federal prison. So goes the agency created by water wizard William Mulholland, who once created the 18-million-person Los Angeles megapolis by tapping every river and reservoir he could to feed the citys unquenchable thirst for water. How about fire chief Kristen Crowley? She now blames the mayor for dry hydrants. But in doing so, she pleaded that her job starts only after water flows out of themas if their inert condition is not really her concern. The self-celebrity, nonbinary fire chief Kristen Crowley has talked nonstop for the last two years about diversity, equity, and inclusion and the LGBTU community. Less was said about the need to ensure the most meritocratic force possible, unmatched equipment, and long preplanned measures to prevent conflagrationsand screaming to high heaven that fire hydrants were either being stolen or bone dry. Instead, like Bass, Crowley was mostly mute about the lack of preparation or the absence of sufficient warning to those about to be engulfed. How about her deputy Kristine Lawson, who claimed people in need want to see fire officers arrive who look like they do? And if they dont? She is also on record with this: Am I able to carry your husband out of a fire? He got himself in the wrong place if I have to carry him out. Consider that helpful LAFD logic: So, if you are a man who suffers cardiac arrest and collapses on your kitchen floor, it is your fault that you died without medical attention, not Kristines, who apparently either would not or could not carry you out the door. How about morally bankrupt politicians? The speaker of the California Assembly, Robert Rivas, along with Governor Gavin Newsom, had just called a special session of the legislature to Trump-proof California. He wished to allot millions of dollars in state funds in a year of massive deficits to sue and impede the federal government. Will Rivass Trump resistance session include canceling Californias simultaneous request for hundreds of billions of federal dollars for Los Angeles from the Trump administration? When asked whether it was wise to borrow millions to sue Trump while Los Angeles was burning, Rivas mumbled, stuttered, and revealed himself to be little more than a caricature of an incompetent. Governor Gavin Nero Newsom made his usual performance art, virtual-signaling appearance. When asked why the hydrants were dry, he batted it off as a local problem. He now uses his own campaign website, linked to Democratic fundraising efforts, to warn the fire-struck public about supposed misinformation. But what could Newsom do or say? His entire tenure is synonymous with too many catastrophic forest fires and too little water. He did nothing after the catastrophic Aspen and Paradise fires to revive the timber industry to glean and clean the forests. He never allowed much new grazing on fuel-rich hills or sent crews in to cut back the chaparral. He never reconsidered his policies of diverting precious snowmelt from the Sacramento River tributaries to flow into the sea to help the delta smelt rather than to ensure that farmers could irrigate their crops or that Los Angeles County reservoirs were fully banked. Despite an approved 2014 $7.5 billion bond to build three huge dams and reservoirs, Newsom ensured that we built none: not the easily constructed Sites reservoir, not Temperance Flat, and not Los Banos Grandes, all tertiary foothill reservoirs that could have given California by now nearly five million additional acre-feet of storage. Or is it worse than that? Governor Dam-Buster still brags about how he greenlit blowing up four dams on the Klamath River the largest dam removal in American history. The dams provided 80,000 homes with clean hydroelectric power, farmers with irrigation water, and the public with recreation and flood control. Instead of following the voters bond to build reservoirs and dams, Newsom preferred to dynamite them. The ensuing muddy deluge wiped out the surrounding riparian ecosystem. Joe Biden, now in the last days of his disastrous tenure, was in the LA area by chance to boast that he had put thousands of valuable federal square miles off limits. Instead, he mumbled about his new great-grandson and relief that his kids house was saved, as the fire was engulfing 12,000 homes of others. Then Biden unceremoniously left, heartbroken that his last junket to Italy might have to be canceled as Los Angeles continued to burn. Later he too grumbled about misinformation, which is his synonym for telling the truth about the Los Angeles green woke bomb. Kamala Harris? Was the vice president perhaps marshaling federal money and assets to stop the fires in her last weeks in office? After all, we remember from her 2024 campaign Harriss frenzied efforts to help out during national disasters, as she scolded the capable Florida governor Ron DeSantis that he was not partnering enough with her to mitigate the effects of flooding. She too proved invisible other than remarking the fire was apocalyptic. Instead, Harris was too busy planning a multimillion-dollar junket in her last week in office and of free royal travel. Insurance? Is there some plan to rebuild these suburbs as they were, to ensure there are some $300 billion to pay out claims? Well, no again. The state is broke and is driving out insurance companies, not enticing them in. Its public Fair unfair insurance plan of last resort is underfunded and will go insolvent once a week or two of claims flows in. Californias failure to effectively prevent and put out firesalong with hyper-regulation and failure to combat an epidemic of insurance fraudhas destroyed the states insurance industry. Given the prior inability of homeowners to buy credible fire insurance at any cost, there are thousands of now-homeless who had no insurance at all. How about the regions large homeless population that camps out on the streets and in the tinderbox chaparral above the suburbs? Did the city investigate arson or detain, arrest, charge, and jail those rounded up with incendiary devices or seen lighting fires? Of course not. They vetoed any notion long ago of an anti-camping ordinance. Collective Suicide Add it all up. The California nihilist green ethos and the left-wing politicians who run the madhouse ensured there is no effort to glean the forests and hills of combustible fuel. There is not enough water for hydrants, not enough to deliver to Los Angeles, and when it arrives, there is too much incompetence to know how to use it. There were no real warnings to residents that they had mere minutes to flee for their lives. Or was it worse still? As the fires wore on, continuous false alarms of new fires sparked unnecessary and dangerous mass evacuations citywide, destroying what, if any, trust was left in the fire department. There is no reason to believe that such derelict politicians during the next fire will not again be AWOL on DEI junkets, boasting of their genders, their race, and their sexual orientation, but not of their duties to those whose lives they are sworn to protect. The final tragic irony? Californias DEI humanism and Green New Deal environmentalism ensured the cruelest imaginable treatment of thousands of people and unrivaled destruction of the natural ecosystem. No one in the government dares to guess about what might have caused the fires, even as they cry climate change as if to do so would expose their own incompetency or confirm rumors of sporadic homeless arsonists. The California green utopians, by their very ideological zealotry, ensured their fires likely will have released into the atmosphere several weeks worth of the entire states collective auto emissions. The fires will have wiped out thousands of protected flora and fauna, will have released toxic fumes into the air, and will have destroyed the lives of thousands of Los Angeles residents for years to come. To paraphrase a 1960s California left-wing slogangreen-woke is not healthy for children and other living things. Read more at: VictorHanson.com Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Leasing has always been the preference over building its own. Oracle has recently increased its focus on cloud services and ramped up its capex, but Ive not seen evidence that the strategy of leasing rather than building has changed, said John Dinsdale, chief analyst and research director for Synergy Research Group. Ellison appears to be taking the lead in this effort, and hes the wrong one for this role, argues Rob Enderle, principal analyst with The Enderle Group. Its not that he cant execute, its just that hes been removed from technology for a while. This is probably a huge step too far for him, given his more recent background and level of engagement, he said. Another question is the role for OpenAI. It still hasnt figured out how to monetize ChatGPT and the company is bleeding money, requiring a significant cash infusion/investment from Microsoft. ChatGPT partner Microsoft is conspicuously absent from the announcement. This prompted speculation on X that the two companies were parting ways, a rather difficult thing to do given that Microsoft owns a 49% stake in OpenAI. For its part, Microsoft issued a glowing statement stating that their partnership remains in place through 2030 and that OpenAI had made recent contribution to the Azure service. But CEO Satya Nadella did get in a little dig in an interview with CNBC when the issue of funding the $500 billion project. Look, all I know is, Im good for my $80 billion, he said, a reference to a recent promised investment of $80 billion in Microsoft data centers. Another missing player is Nvidia, which is usually involved in everything AI. Oracle has made a significant investment in deploying Nvidia product in its data centers, so you think that they would have been some involvement. But no, all an Nvidia spokesperson had to say was Nvidia is delighted to push the limits of computing as OpenAI discovers the next frontier of AI. 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. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 21, Inventchip Technology (IVCT), a Chinese silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors supplier, announced the completion of the first tranche of its Series C financing, which raised for the company nearly 1 billion yuan. Photo credit: Inventchip Technology The funds will primarily be used to support R&D of products and techniques, expansion of silicon carbide (SiC) wafer production capacity, and company operations, aiming to further enhance IVCT's product competitiveness and strengthen its wafer supply capabilities. Founded in 2017, IVCT focuses on developing silicon carbide power semiconductors and relevant chip products. It provides comprehensive SiC application solutions for sectors including new energy vehicles (NEVs), photovoltaics and energy storage, industrial power supplies, and electric vehicle charging piles. Up until now, IVCT has completed seven funding rounds, securing over 2 billion yuan in total. Its investors include national funds, government investment funds, prominent investment firms, and industrial players such as XPENG, GAC Capital, and BAIC Group Industrial Investment. Currently, IVCT's SiC power devices and driver chips have been applied on a large scale across multiple fields. In 2024, the company delivered over 16-million-unit SiC MOSFET, 18-million-unit SiC SBD, and nearly 60-million-unit driver chips. With the first-generation SiC MOSFET launched in 2020, IVCT now has achieved large-scale deliveries of the second-generation aforesaid products. In 2022, IVCT's automotive-grade SiC wafer factory started operation, marking its strategic transformation from a Fabless company to an IDM (Integrated Device Manufacturer). About one in eight adults in the United States has tried or currently uses a GLP-1 medication, and a quarter of those users cite weight loss as their main goal. But weight loss doesn't discriminate between fat and muscle. Patients using GLP-1 drugs can experience rapid and substantial muscle loss, accounting for as much as 40% of their total weight loss. So how can we lose weight without also losing critical muscle? A new study from the Salk Institute has revealed that a protein called BCL6 is key to maintaining healthy muscle mass. The experiments showed that mice with lower levels of BCL6 had significantly reduced muscle mass and strength, but increasing BCL6 successfully reversed those losses. The results suggest that pairing GLP-1 medications with a BCL6-boosting drug may help counteract unwanted muscle loss. Similar therapies could also be used to treat other populations prone to muscle loss, such as older adults and patients with systemic diseases like sepsis or cancer. The findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on January 22, 2025. Muscle is the most abundant tissue in the human body, so its maintenance is critical to our health and quality of life. Our study reveals how our bodies coordinate the upkeep of all this muscle with our nutrition and energy levels, and with this new insight, we can develop therapeutic interventions for patients losing muscle as a side effect of weight loss, age, or illness." Ronald Evans, professor and director of the Gene Expression Laboratory at Salk Going too long without eating puts your body in a fasted state. When this happens, your empty stomach sends a hormone called ghrelin to your brain to say, "I'm hungry!" The brain responds by releasing growth hormone into the rest of your body, where it regulates growth and metabolism in your many cells, tissues, and organs. As it travels through your body, growth hormone latches on to cells and directs them to make another protein called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), which then does the important work of controlling muscle growth. In the time between growth hormone's arrival and IGF1 synthesis, there is a complex web of proteins that determine how much IGF1 is made. One such protein is SOCS2, which slows down IGF1 production. Without SOCS2, IFG1 production runs out of control and causes gigantism. On the other hand, too much SOCS2 means not enough IFG1, leading to losses in body size and strength. Still, SOCS2 is only one player in the path between growth hormone and IGF1. To protect people from rapid muscle loss, Salk scientists needed to get a clearer picture of the mechanisms underlying muscle maintenance. In search of other potential players, the researchers scoured a national database of human tissue samples and noticed an abundance of BCL6 in muscle cells-a clue that it may play an important role in this process. To determine whether BCL6 was involved in muscle maintenance, the team compared mice with and without functional BCL6 proteins. Mice lacking BCL6 had 40% less muscle mass than their healthy counterparts, and the muscle they did have was compromised both in structure and function. However, when the researchers increased the expression of BCL6 in the animals' muscles, this successfully reversed the losses in muscle mass and strength. And when they compared normal mice and those that had fasted overnight, they found fasting mice had less BCL6 in their muscles. Clearly, BCL6 was controlling muscle maintenance-but how? Through a series of subsequent experiments, the steps along the path became clear. Fasting promotes the secretion of growth hormone, which reduces BCL6 levels in muscle cells. BCL6 is a regulator of SOCS2, so less BCL6 leads to less SOCS2. At normal levels, this allows BCL6 to control how much SOCS2 is expressed and therefore how much IGF1 is made. In animals without BCL6, the lack of control over SOCS2 slowed IGF1 production so much that muscles became weaker and smaller. "We are excited to reveal BCL6's important role in maintaining muscle mass," says first author of the study Hunter Wang, a postdoctoral researcher in Evans' lab. "These were very surprising and special findings that open the door for a lot of new discoveries and potential therapeutic innovations." For GLP-1 patients hoping to lose weight while retaining muscle mass, it's possible that a BCL6-boosting injectable could hit the market one day. In the meantime, the researchers plan to investigate what effects longer-term fasting has on BCL6 and muscle maintenance. Wang also notes that hormones tend to operate in cycles and that BCL6 naturally rises and falls with a strong circadian rhythm. A better understanding of this pattern may help further elucidate BCL6's relationship with growth hormone and muscle growth. Other authors include Hui Wang, Weiwei Fan, Sihao Liu, Kyeongkyu Kim, Satoshi Ogawa, Hyun Gyu Kang, Jonathan Zhu, Gabreila Estepa, Mingxiao He, Lillian Crossley, Morgan Truitt, Ruth Yu, Annette Atkins, and Michael Downes of Salk; Ayami Matsushima of Kyushu University; Christopher Liddle of University of Sydney; and Minseok Kim of Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology. The work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (P01 HL147835, DK057978, DK120515, CCSG P30 CA23100, CCSG P30 CA014195, CCSG P30 CA014195, P30 AG068635), Department of the Navy Office of Naval Research (N00014-16-1-3159), Larry Hillblom Foundation (2021-D-001-NET), Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, American Heart Association (916787), Salk GT3 (RRID:SCR_014847) and Waitt Advanced Biophotonics (RRID:SCR_014838) Core Facilities, San Diego Nathan Shock Center, Henry L. Guenther Foundation, and Waitt Foundation. The reproduction number R is often used as an indicator to predict how quickly an infectious disease will spread. Empa researchers have developed a mathematical model that is just as easy to use but enables more accurate predictions than R. Their model is based on a reproduction matrix that takes into account the heterogeneity of society. "Your friends have more friends than you do", wrote the US sociologist Scott Feld in 1991. Feld's so-called friendship paradox states that the friends of any given person have more friends on average than the person themselves. This is based on a simple probability calculation: Well-connected people are more likely to appear in other people's social circles. If you look at any person's circle of friends, it is very likely that this circle contains very well-connected people with an above-average number of friends." Ivan Lunati, Empa researcher, head of the Computational Engineering laboratory A similar principle served Lunati and his team as the basis for a new mathematical model that can be used to more accurately predict the development of case numbers during an epidemic. But what do social circles and infectious diseases have in common? "The more contacts a person has, the more people they can infect in an epidemic," explains Lunati. Conventional epidemiological models, however, assume that each infectious person infects the same number of other people on average over the course of the epidemic. This number is referred to as the reproduction number (R). If R is greater than one, the number of cases increases exponentially; if R is less than one, it decreases. Of course, this model is simplified: "The number of cases cannot increase indefinitely, as the population has finite size," says Lunati. The rapid exponential growth occurs mainly at the beginning of a wave, according to the researcher. Over time, however, there are fewer and fewer people who can still be infected, so the R value decreases and the increase in new infections slows down until an infection peak is reached and the number of cases starts to fall - a curve that most people are probably familiar with after the Covid pandemic. Not an infinite number of "superspreaders" This infection curve can be calculated using mathematical methods to predict its peak. However, with the assumption that each infectious individual infects the same number of other people, the model deviates from the empirically measured waves of infection. Although it can reproduce the beginning of the wave well, later on the number of new infections ebbs away more quickly than predicted, so that the peak ultimately turns out to be somewhat lower than calculated - even if no new protective measures influence the course of the infection. Together with Empa researchers Hossein Gorji and Noe Stauffer, who is also a doctoral student at EPFL, Lunati posed the question: How do we make such predictions more accurate? Their answer has parallels with the friendship paradox. "People with many social contacts become infected particularly quickly, and in turn infect many others," explains Lunati. The researchers also refer to such people as hubs or superspreaders. At the beginning of a wave of infections, they are the ones who drive the increase in case numbers. However, the number of such superspreaders in society is relatively small. Once they are all infected - which happens fairly quickly due to their many contacts - the spread of the disease slows down. Conventional models based on the reproduction number R do not take this slowing into account. In a study recently published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, Gorji, Stauffer and Lunati therefore propose the use of a reproduction matrix instead of the reproduction number. This matrix indicates how quickly individuals belonging to different population groups become infected by other groups and thus takes into account the heterogeneity of the contacts. "We wanted to go beyond the simplified interpretation of the reproduction number R and better capture the complexity of real epidemic waves," says Hossein Gorji. "The reproduction matrix allows us to predict the spread of disease more accurately by taking into account both the non-linearity and heterogeneity that are often overlooked in conventional models." The research project was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). Beyond epidemics When defining this reproduction matrix, the researchers relied on data from other studies. For their model, they divided society into groups according to age. On average, people between the ages of 10 and 25 have the most contacts. "The grouping by age is of course a generalization, as interpersonal contact are much more complex" explains Lunati. "In addition, our model assumes that the superspreaders as well as the number of cases are evenly distributed throughout the country. This assumption is not very problematic for small countries, with strongly interconnected regions and relatively uniform social structures. For large countries, however, we would also have to take into account the geographical distribution of the population and the contacts between the regions." The researchers tested their new model with Covid data from Switzerland and Scotland - both relatively small countries. They were able to show that the matrix enables much more accurate predictions of infection peaks. "Of course, our model is also highly simplified," says Lunati. However, the strength of the matrix model lies precisely in its simplicity: "It is very easy to use, but at the same time much more realistic than the R value alone." The usefulness of the new model is not limited to epidemics: It can be used in different systems - anywhere objects spread across a network. In future, the researchers want to use it to simulate the spread of views, opinions and behaviors in a society - for example, when it comes to the adoption of new technologies or a sustainable way of life. Pandemics threaten both human health and the global economy. Vaccines are an essential part of the fight against pandemics, but they are only available months after the outbreak. Broad-spectrum drugs, on the other hand, could limit the spread of a pathogen at an early stage and save many lives. While broad-spectrum drugs are available to treat bacterial infections, there are no comparable drugs for viruses. The "Vigilant" research network aims to close this dangerous gap. The network is coordinated by the German Primate Centre - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research and funded by the EU with around 7.5 million over four years. Viral pandemics such as COVID-19 pose a serious threat to global health. The development and approval of vaccines and antiviral drugs can take many months. In addition, antivirals are often only effective against a narrow spectrum of viruses. To better combat future viral pandemics, it is essential to have drugs with broad antiviral activity that can be used immediately, without prior knowledge of the pathogen. Such drugs could, when used as prophylaxis, reduce the spread of a pathogen and possibly prevent a local outbreak from developing into a global pandemic. At the same time, they could be used as a therapy to help infected patients avoid severe disease, thereby reducing the burden on healthcare systems. The "Vigilant" research network, funded by the EU's Horizon Europe program, aims to develop compounds with broad antiviral activity. "Vigilant" brings together the expertise of researchers in biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, molecular and cell biology and virology. The network is coordinated by the German Primate Center and is funded by the EU with 1.6 million euros. Research will focus on viral envelope proteins. These proteins serve as "keys" for viruses to enter host cells. If it is possible to block the transport and activation of these viral envelope proteins in infected cells, the replication of viruses in the body would be stopped. As different viruses use the same cellular factors for transport and activation of their envelope proteins, the inhibitors developed could exert a broad antiviral activity. This will be investigated in cell culture and in animal experiments with mice, ferrets and monkeys. Study published in Nature identifies nearly 300 genomic regions associated with bipolar disorder, and 36 key genes involved in the disease. The biological insights from this research could pave the way for developing improved treatments, earlier interventions and precision medicine approaches. Bipolar disorder is a complex psychiatric disorder, characterized by fluctuations between episodes of (hypo)mania and depression. It is estimated to affect around 40 to 50 million people worldwide. The disorder has been linked to a number of negative outcomes, including suicide, and it can take an average of 8 years to get a diagnosis. Yet, little is known about the biology of the condition. A new study of nearly 2.9 million participants identified 298 genomic regions associated with bipolar disorder, of which 298 regions have not been linked to bipolar disorder before. Cross-referencing a range of methods lead to the identification of 36 genes of relevance to bipolar disorder. The findings are published in the journal Nature. This is the first large multi-ancestry genomic analysis of bipolar disorder, including different types of bipolar disorder. Due to the large sample size, the study greatly increased genetic discovery to nearly 300 genetic variants associated with bipolar disorder. These genetic findings improve our understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms for bipolar disorder". Kevin O'Connell, researcher at the Centre for Precision Psychiatry, University of Oslo, and first author of the study Differences in the molecular biology between bipolar subtypes The researchers further identified differences in the genetic signal of bipolar disorder based on if they were recruited from clinical, community-based and self-report samples. They also found different genetic signals between subtypes I and II. Self-reported samples showed more genetic overlap with bipolar disorder type II as well as other psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and autism spectrum disorder. In contrast, clinical samples showed a stronger genetic overlap with bipolar disorder type I and schizophrenia. "These results suggest that there are differences in the molecular biology between bipolar subtypes, which is important for future research, as well as clinical implications", says Professor Ole Andreassen at the Centre for Precision Psychiatry at the University of Oslo, and lead investigator of the study. Further analysis suggested a possible role for neurons in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of the brain in bipolar disorder. Interestingly, the study also found that cells in the intestine and pancreas are involved. This further contributes to our understanding of the biological etiology of bipolar disorder. Future patient care Although this work does not immediately impact patient care, there are a number of possibilities in the long term. "The biological insights from this research could pave the way for developing improved treatments, earlier interventions and precision medicine approaches. Gaining insight into the biological risk factors for bipolar disorder could also support clinicians in their decision making around managing the condition more effectively", Andreassen states. The study linked 36 key genes to bipolar disorder which can now be prioritized in a range of experiments to uncover the biological mechanisms through which these genes relate to bipolar disorder. These genes may also be used in experiments exploring new drug targets and drug development for bipolar disorder. Largest study on the genetics of bipolar disorder to date This study is the largest genome-wide study of bipolar disorder to date, analysing data from European, East Asian, African American and Latino ancestries. It was conducted by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC), an international consortium of scientists dedicated to studying the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders. The PGC includes more than 800 researchers from over 150 institutions in more than 40 countries (https://www.med.unc.edu/pgc/). "This research would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of scientists worldwide, enabling the study of hundreds of thousands of DNA sequences. A strong team of young researchers was responsible for the analyses and thus was essential for the success of the project", O'Connell says. A new editorial was published in Oncoscience's Volume 12 on January 14, 2025, titled "Pomalidomide improved immune profiles in myeloma." The editorial by researchers Hannah Seah, Vaishnavi Reddy Bade, Lakshmi Bhavani Potluri, Srikanth Talluri, and Rao H. Prabhala from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Harvard Medical School, discuss how the drug pomalidomide (POM) can help improve the immune system in patients with hard-to-treat multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. The authors explain that adding pomalidomide to standard treatments may help strengthen the immune system and improve patient outcomes. Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. It weakens the immune system, making patients more vulnerable to infections and other complications. While treatments have improved in recent years, the disease often returns, creating an urgent need for new strategies. The editorial reviews different studies, including some conducted by the authors, showing that patients who received pomalidomide along with standard drugs like velcade, dexamethasone, or lenalidomide had stronger immune responses compared to those who did not receive the drug. Clinical trials have shown that patients treated with pomalidomide experienced a longer period without disease progression-20.7 months compared to 11.6 months in patients who did not receive it. The editorial explains that pomalidomide works by enhancing key immune cells, such as T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which helps the body recognize and destroy cancer cells. At a molecular level, the drug helps break down proteins that suppress immune function, allowing the body to trigger a stronger response against cancer cells. The authors suggest that these effects could explain the clinical benefits seen in patients treated with pomalidomide-based regimens. "POM targets Cereblon, which is part of the CRL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase, leading to the degradation of Ikaros and Aiolos, which are T cell repressors." The authors emphasize that these immune-boosting effects could make pomalidomide a valuable option for patients whose myeloma has returned after previous treatments. By restoring immune cell function, pomalidomide may help slow disease progression and improve survival rates. In conclusion, the editorial underscores the potential of pomalidomide as a key player in the treatment of multiple myeloma. By enhancing the immune function and improving progression-free survival, the drug offers a new strategy for patients facing limited treatment options. Researchers from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (HRS) recently published a study that found a link between impairments in physical function and hospital readmission risk among adults 50 years of age and older. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 17% of Medicare beneficiaries in the United States returned to the hospital within 30 days of discharge between 2016 and 2020, posing burdens on healthcare systems and patients, alike. Physical function is a crucial indicator of underlying health, and assessing the risks for hospitalized patients who are preparing for discharge is complex, but vital. Accurately documenting a patient's physical function early and often while they're in the hospital may help ensure care is aligned with key patient and caregiver priorities for discharge." Erin Thomas, PT, DPT, study's lead author, associate professor of practice in HRS The study, published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, was a systematic review that looked at 17 different studies with more than 80,000 hospitalized patients from 2010 to 2022. The data found strong associations between functional impairments, activity limitations or participation restrictions and hospital readmissions across various health conditions from general medicine to cancer and from cardiac surgery to transplant. Examples of the physical activities measured were: -lifting/carrying weight -walking (quarter of a mile) -raising arms above shoulders -bathing, dressing -getting in/out of bed or chair -doing light housework -preparing meals -running errands/shopping Further, the study underscores the window of opportunity during hospitalizations to identify and intervene on patients' functional impairments that may not otherwise have been identified. "Prioritizing functional assessments for all clinicians and making this information widely available to the treatment team at the receiving end of care transitions could pay dividends for individual patients and the older adult population as a whole," said Thomas. This study was supported by funding from the American Physical Therapy Association and a grant from the National Institute on Aging. Marka Salsberry, PT, DPT, also from HRS, was a co-author on this study. The study also included co-authors from the Universities of Colorado, Connecticut and Maryland, Intermountain Health in Utah and Washington Hospital Healthcare System in California. Two-thirds of people with post-COVID-19 syndrome have persistent, objective symptoms including reduced physical exercise capacity and reduced cognitive test performances for a year or more, with no major changes in symptom clusters during the second year of their illness, according to a new study published January 23rd in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine by Winfried Kern of Freiburg University, Germany, and colleagues. Self-reported health problems following SARS-CoV-2 infection have commonly been described and may persist for months. However, the long-term prognosis of post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) is unknown. In the new study, researchers studied 982 people aged 18 to 65 who had previously been identified as having PCS, as well as 576 controls. All participants visited one of several university health centers in southwestern Germany for comprehensive assessments, including neurocognitive, cardiopulmonary exercise, and laboratory testing. The predominant symptom clusters among people with PCS were fatigue/exhaustion, neurocognitive disturbances, chest symptoms/breathlessness, and anxiety/depression/sleep problems. Nearly 68% of people who originally reported PCS still struggled with symptoms in the second year. Exercise intolerance with post-exertional malaise was reported by 35.6% of people with persistent PCS, and these people had worse outcomes and more severe symptoms. People with lower educational attainment, obesity, or more severe illness during the initial COVID-19 infection were also at higher risk of prolonged symptoms. When they looked at objective measures of health and cognition, the team found that people with persistent PCS had significant reductions in handgrip strength, maximal oxygen consumption, and ventilatory efficiency. Patients with persistent PCS and post-exertional malaise scored lower than control patients on cognitive tests measuring memory, attention, and processing speed; however, the researchers point out that they had no data on cognition before acute COVID-19 infection. The team was not able to identify differences in cardiac function or laboratory values, including tests of viral persistence. "The results call for the inclusion of cognitive and exercise testing in the clinical evaluation and monitoring of patients with suspected PCS," the authors say. "Observational studies with longer follow-up are urgently needed to evaluate factors for improvement and non-recovery from PCS." The authors add, "Grave symptoms with mental and physical exercise dysfunction, but no laboratory markers in Long Covid/post-Covid syndrome." According to a recent study, the tendency to experience positive affectivity contributed to people being physically active or even increasing their activity during the COVID-19 restrictions. In contrast, depressive feelings were linked to lower physical activity. The results suggest that mental well-being can help maintain a physically active lifestyle. Mental well-being and physical activity may thus form a positive cycle. In a study conducted at the Gerontology Research Center and the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland, it was found that most men and women aged 60 to 88 either maintained or even increased their level of physical activity during the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who experienced more positive affectivity had higher physical activity levels and were more likely to increase their activity during the restrictions. It was interesting to observe that the link between positive affectivity and physical activity was more consistent in individuals around the age of 60 than in those over 70." Tiina Savikangas, postdoctoral researcher "In Finland, no curfew was declared but the older participants faced stricter restrictions compared to working-age individuals, which may have reduced the role of positive mental well-being on physical activity." Previous research evidence has shown that physical activity contributes to mental well-being. However, recent findings suggest that mental well-being can also help maintain a physically active lifestyle. Mental well-being and physical activity may thus form a positive cycle. "Mental well-being is an important resource for physical activity." "Those who have such resources are more likely to stay active, even during exceptional circumstances", Savikangas notes. The study also found that experiencing depressive feelings during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with lower levels of physical activity and a higher likelihood of reducing activity. The link between depressive feelings and lower physical activity was particularly pronounced among participants over 70. The findings suggest that different aspects of mental well-being may have varying significance for physical activity at different ages. "Supporting mental well-being is crucial for promoting a physically active lifestyle, even in societal emergencies," Savikangas explains. "However, the focus should not only be on preventing depressive feelings but also on strengthening the positive side of mental well-being." The study found no connection between experiencing negative affectivity and physical activity when depressive feelings were considered. The experience of depressive feelings can include other symptoms besides negative affectivity, such as insomnia and loss of appetite. Therefore, depressive feelings may be a more comprehensive risk factor for low physical activity than negative affectivity alone. The research publication is based on the Jyvaskyla Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development (JYLS), especially its latest data collection phase Developmental Psychological Perspectives on Transitions at Age 60: Individuals Navigating Across the Lifespan (TRAILS) and Promoting Safe Walking Among Older Adults (PASSWORD), both conducted at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and the Gerontology Research Center, University of Jyvaskyla, Finland. A total of 162 men and women aged 60 to 61 from TRAILS participated in this study by responding to a survey on physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic between April 2020 and July 2021. From PASSWORD, 272 men and women aged 72 to 88 participated by responding to a postal survey conducted between April and June 2020. The amount of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in it were assessed using a questionnaire specifically developed for this purpose by the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences. Positive and negative affectivity, as well as depressive feelings, were measured using self-reports. Additionally, factors such as participants' gender, marital status, education level, employment status, perceived health, usual physical activity and, in the older cohort, age, were taken into account. The JYLS study is led by research director Katja Kokko, and the PASSWORD study by Professor of Sport Gerontology Sarianna Sipila. Both studies were funded by the Academy of Finland. The successful and safe delivery of therapeutics relies on understanding how easily drugs can pass through biological barriers which protect cells. Drug permeability testing is essential in determining whether medicines can reach their intended targets in the body, but scientists have long struggled to achieve accurate and reproducible data. There are three ways to measure the success of drug delivery; in the lab, in animals and humans, and using advanced computer simulations. However, the difficult process of matching the results from these three areas of testing continues to be a problem. Bridging the gap New research - led by the University of Portsmouth in collaboration with the University of Southampton, King's College London, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology - has developed a set of general guidelines for how to compare the values from lab experiments, molecular simulations and AI. Drug permeability testing is very important because if a drug can't cross the right barriers, it won't work properly, no matter how good it looks on paper. I spent some years working at a hospital in the US trying to compare permeability data measured in people and animals with computer-simulated data, which was no easy feat. Each method of testing has an advantage, so ultimately this is about ensuring the best quality drugs and therapeutics make it to market. When you seek drug approval, the more evidence you can supply on the effectiveness of it, the more likely it will be approved. That's why we're seeing more and more convergence of the three testing areas." Dr. Christian Jorgensen, University of Portsmouth's School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences Only 14 percent of drugs entering clinical trials between 2000 and 2015 received FDA approval in the US. Enhanced permeability testing could improve success rates by ensuring drugs effectively reach their targets while minimizing side effects. Testing the most complex systems The study, published in the Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling, highlights the importance of understanding how drugs move across all biological barriers. This includes the most complex systems like the blood-brain barrier, which is a significant obstacle in delivering treatments for neurological conditions. Dr Jorgensen explained: "The strength of the paper is we've not just tested the guidelines against a simple system of barriers in the body - we used one of the most complicated, which is also highly relevant in health and therapeutics. "This work has the potential to accelerate the development of life-saving drugs, especially for conditions like brain disorders where drug delivery is notoriously difficult." The new guidelines provide a comprehensive roadmap for improving the testing and modeling of drug permeability by looking at the differences of three areas: On computers (In Silico): Scientists use computer programmes to predict how a drug might move through the body based on its chemical properties. In the lab (In Vitro): They test the drug on cells in dishes to see how it behaves in controlled environments. In humans/animals (In Vivo): Sometimes, they test the drug in a living body to see how it works. Consistency and collaboration The toolkit emphasizes critical factors such as ensuring experimental consistency, addressing data variability, and adopting FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles for data sharing. The authors also stress the importance of collaboration across fields to improve the accuracy of permeability testing and uncover new insights into drug delivery mechanisms. Professor Martin Ulmschneider from King's College London said: "By providing clear benchmarks and recommendations, we hope to unify and refine permeability testing practices, and provide a standardized set of guidelines. "This is not just about improving individual experiments, it's about creating a framework that allows the scientific community to compare their discoveries reliably." The study was funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and supported by a fellowship from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). President Donald Trumps decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization, of which the U.S. was a founding member and is an integral part, raises questions on how it might affect Americans and people around the world, especially in an anxious, post-pandemic era of infectious disease and global health threats. Political scientist Scott Greer, professor of health management and policy and global public health at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, has done extensive research on COVID-19 policy responses, health governance and the politics of public health and disaster response. He says the decision would have negative consequences, including Americans being less safe from and less prepared for infectious disease threats and future public health crises. What are your thoughts about the U.S. pulling out of the World Health Organization? Leaving WHO is petty, self-defeating and bad for U.S. foreign policy. Self-exclusion from the membership of one of the most broadly supported international organizations hurts the United States ability to promote its broad goals and influence while damaging an organization that is crucial in setting health care standards, vetting and promoting scientific advice to governments, and coordinating aid. What has membership in WHO meant to Americans? Americans will often not have seen the benefits of WHO membership directly, but they are everywhere if you learn where to look. They are in disease outbreaks avoided, as with the containment of Ebola outbreaks, as well as more regular and less visible disease responses. They are in the dissemination of better practice in medicine, where WHO committees are part of the process by which doctors establish best practice. And they are in the reduction of critical risks from war and disease that can destabilize countries around the world and affect our interests. For what is by any standards a very small agency with a very small budget, it is inescapable and does a lot. When we think about global pandemics, and as we continue to assimilate to a post COVID-19 world, what role does the WHO, or membership in it, play? The WHO is going to continue to play its same role, but less well because of the loss of U.S. funding, and with less U.S. influence over its findings and priorities. That matters because WHO is a clearinghouse for data, which we need to formulate our own responses to health threats, and for science, which magnifies U.S. influence because it is often our science, reflecting our priorities that shape the WHOs findings and advice. As we track avian flu and its spread from animals to humans, does the WHO play a role? Or is this mostly a CDC matter? Domestically, its federal and state agencies such as the CDC and APHIS that monitor and try to understand and contain H5N1. Globally, though, it is WHOs job to coordinate and report on the different notifications, and if it becomes a human pandemic, WHO will play a big role in advocating for global vaccine equity and advising response. What benefits come from being a member of WHO? And downsides? In terms of upsides, WHO membership for the U.S. is much like the upsides of U.S. membership in any of the international institutions it helps create: the U.S. is one of the most important countries shaping its agenda, American science underpins much of what it does and it is an opportunity to win friends among governments and people worldwide. It also provides specific concrete services such as disseminating scientific findings and guidelines, monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks, gathering and vetting data and enabling health-related cooperation between countries that are otherwise at odds. In terms of downsides, there are few. WHO costs money, but its overall budget is smaller than that of any big U.S. hospital. As an international organization, its membership sometimes adopts stances that dont align with U.S. foreign policy goals, but dropping out of it guarantees that the U.S. voice will not be heard. Anything you want to add? Three things: Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Autonomous trucking solution provider KargoBot recently signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Inner Mongolia Guangxing Zhiyun Technology Co., Ltd. ("Guangxing Zhiyun" in Chinese pinyin) to jointly advance the commercial operations of L4 autonomous freight truck in coal transportation sector across Wuhai city and surrounding areas, according to a post released on January 24 via KargoBot's WeChat account. Photo credit: KargoBot Leveraging their respective strengths, the duo aims to enhance bulk freight efficiency and reduce logistics costs, thus setting a benchmark for green and intelligent transformation in the coal logistics sector. Guangxing Zhiyun specializes in bulk coal transportation, serving over 20 coal enterprises in Wuhai and nearby regions. The company offers comprehensive coal logistics services spanning key regions, including Hebei, Shanxi, and Shaanxi provinces, as well as border crossings and ports. Guangxing Zhiyun transports 20 million tonnes of goods annually, generating freight transactions worth several billion yuan. Through this partnership, the two companies plan to gradually roll out autonomous freight operations along logistics routes from Ganqimaodu and Ceke ports to the west Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. KargoBot has developed an L4 autonomous convoy solution featuring hybrid intelligence (with a manned lead vehicle and unmanned following vehicles). The company launched commercial operations of this solution in Ordos city. Currently, it operates a fleet of nearly 300 L4 autonomous vehicles, with a total operational distance exceeding 15 million kilometers and an annual revenue of 300 million yuan. In addition to Guangxing Zhiyun, KargoBot has established in-depth collaborations with other leading bulk freight enterprises in China, including Erdos and ORDOSGT Group. Following a nearly century-long effort, Georgia has been certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). With today's announcement, Georgia joins the ranks of 45 countries and 1 territory that have achieved this milestone. "Today we congratulate the people of Georgia for their decades of targeted and sustained actions to eliminate malaria, one of the world's leading killers," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "Georgia's commitment and success gives us hope that a malaria-free world is possible." This is a huge milestone worth marking; with Georgia's achievement, the WHO European Region is another step closer to initiate certification as the first malaria-free region in the world. This doesn't happen in a vacuum, this was made possible thanks to sustained investment, dedication of the health workforce and targeted efforts in prevention, early detection and effective treatment of all malaria cases." Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe Certification of malaria elimination is granted by WHO when a country has proven, beyond reasonable doubt, that the chain of indigenous transmission has been interrupted nationwide for at least the previous three consecutive years. The Minister of Health, Mikheil Sarjveladze, noted that certifying Georgia as malaria-free is a recognition of the sustainability of its healthcare system, "this success means that Georgia can address important health challenges." A longstanding challenge Malaria has plagued Georgia since ancient times. Before the introduction of systematic control efforts in the early 1900s, at least 3 malaria parasite species-P. falciparum, P. malariae and P. vivax-were endemic in the country. In the 1920s, an estimated 30% of the population suffered from malaria caused by the P. vivax malaria species. By 1940, large-scale mosquito control programmes had helped reduce malaria cases significantly through improved access to diagnostic and treatment facilities. A few years later, however, World War II caused a surge again due to population movement and the strain on health facilities. In the post-war period, Georgia launched an intensive programme aimed at eliminating malaria, using newer medicines, insecticide spraying and robust entomological surveillance. The campaign successfully interrupted the transmission of P. falciparum by 1953, P. malariae by 1960 and P. vivax by 1970. Georgia remained malaria-free for 25 years, but by 2002, malaria had reemerged in the country with 474 cases reported. Renewed commitments to stop the disease In 2005, together with 9 other countries in the WHO European Region, Georgia signed the Tashkent Declaration, reaffirming its pledge to eliminate malaria. The intensified interventions that followed significantly reduced malaria incidence in Georgia, with the last indigenous case recorded in 2009. By 2015, all 53 countries of the WHO European Region, including Georgia, reported zero indigenous cases of malaria. To prevent further re-establishment of malaria transmission in the region, the original signatories of the Tashkent Declaration issued the Ashgabat Statement in 2017 committing to take all efforts to remain malaria-free. Turkiye is the only country in the WHO European Region remaining to be certified. In 2024, during the Georgia's malaria-free certification process, members of the Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and Certification, an independent WHO advisory body, noted that Georgia has a well-functioning and adequately resourced health system, strong public-private cooperation, and political commitment to maintaining a malaria-free status. The Centre for Health Protection announced today that it has completed an investigation into clusters of food poisoning among passengers on flights from Nepal. It explained that an epidemiological probe was carried out due to food poisoning clusters among passengers on two Cathay Pacific Airways flights, flight number CX640 from Kathmandu, Nepal, earlier on. Based on the results of the investigation, the centre said it did not rule out that the food poisoning clusters were caused by beetroot salad contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus served on board the flights. The investigation revealed that a total of 22 men and 21 women on CX640, which arrived in Hong Kong on January 8 and 9, developed symptoms of food poisoning such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea about 10 to 60 minutes after having inflight meals. In addition to pointing out that none of the affected people, aged between 11 and 75, required hospitalisation, the centre stated that stool samples from two patients tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus. The overall clinical symptoms and incubation period of the affected people were compatible with food poisoning caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The centre successfully contacted 120 passengers on board the affected flights through face-to-face interviews, telephone calls, emails and the centres hotline to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological investigation. Additionally, the investigation revealed that all 43 affected passengers had consumed food served on board the aircraft and they had not eaten any other common food before boarding. Based on the analysis of the case-control study, the beetroot salad served on board was the only food item that was statistically significantly associated with developing disease, suggesting that the consumption of beetroot salad was a risk factor for the disease. Out of approximately 500 servings of food supplied on the two flights, the centre collected two samples of food servings, including two samples of beetroot salad, from the same batches of food that were left undistributed on the two airplanes, and the test results showed that Staphylococcus aureus did not exceed the food safety standard. During the probe, the centre found that the beetroot salad had been supplied exclusively to the flights operated by Cathay Pacific Airways from Kathmandu to Hong Kong since this January. The centres staff inspected the food factory twice and found that the preparation of the beetroot salad involved a number of manual handling steps that might increase the risk of contamination with Staphylococcus aureus. On January 10, the centre instructed the food factory to stop supplying the beetroot salad. Since then, there have been no further reports of food poisoning on related flights. To reduce the risk, the centre has recommended the food factory to minimise manual handling during the food preparation process, and to use utensils and equipment to avoid direct hand contact with food ingredients as far as possible. Furthermore, it stated that all food handlers are required to strictly adhere to hand hygiene guidelines, especially during food preparation processes that involve manual handling without subsequent heating steps. Bank Holidays In February 2025: Lenders Are Closed For 14 Days, Check Full List Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 08:17 IST Check full list of bank holidays in February 2025. Customers need to know details before planning to visit the bank next month. Bank Holiday In February 2025 The year 2025 is set to feature numerous bank holidays across India, driven by a combination of national festivals, regional observances, and religious events. February 2025, in particular, will see several holidays in states like Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Its important to stay informed about these dates, especially if you need to carry out personal or business banking activities, to avoid any disruptions. Regional holidays vary by state, and in addition to national holidays, these closures can affect banking operations. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) designates bank holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) holidays, and restrictions on bank account closures. related stories According to the RBIs recently published list, banks will observe a total of 8 non-working days in February 2025. This includes regional and state-specific holidays declared by different state governments, as well as statutory closures on the second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays of the month. Although banks will suspend operations on these holidays, digital banking services will remain available, enabling users to carry out financial transactions online during these breaks. Heres a city/state-wise list of bank holidays in February 2025: On Monday, February 3, banks in Agartala will be closed on the occasion of Saraswati Puja. On Tuesday, February 11, banks in Chennai will be closed for Thai Pusam. On Wednesday, February 12, banks in Shimla will be closed for Shri Ravidas Jayanti. On Saturday, February 15, banks in Imphal will be closed for Loi-Nagai-Ni. On Wednesday, February 19, banks in Belapur, Mumbai, and Nagpur will be closed on the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti. On Thursday, February 20, banks in Aizawl and Itanagar will be closed for Statehood Day/State Day. On Wednesday, February 26, banks in Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Bengaluru, Belapur, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), Jaipur, Jammu, Kanpur, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Raipur, Ranchi, Shimla, Srinagar, and Thiruvananthapuram will be closed for Maha Shivaratri. On Friday, February 28, banks in Gangtok will be closed due to Losar. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In addition to these holidays, weekly Saturday-Sunday holidays are as follows: February 2: Sunday weekly holiday for banks. February 8 and 9: Second Saturday and Sunday weekly holiday. February 16: Sunday weekly holiday for banks. February 22 and 23: Fourth Saturday and Sunday weekly holiday. First Published: January 24, 2025, 08:02 IST Health Industry's Wishlist For Budget 2025: Focus On Cancer, R&D, AI, Preventive Health & More Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 11:42 IST Announcements on cancer treatment are important, data shows. Data by Previu Health - a startup working in screening and prevention of cancer shows that with 1 in 9 Indians at risk of cancer and 75-80% of cases detected at late stages. Health experts also expect the Modi government to give a boost to public healthcare spending to a minimum of 2.5 per cent of GDP which stood at around 1.9 per cent in 2023-24. (Representational Image: Shutterstock) From higher R&D incentives, tax concessions on cancer medicines to benefits for using artificial intelligence (AI) and a boost to preventive healthcare health sector executives are ready with their wish list for the upcoming Union Budget on February 1. Health experts also expect the Modi government to give a boost to public healthcare spending to a minimum of 2.5 per cent of GDP which stood at around 1.9 per cent in 2023-24 according to the Economic Survey 2023-24. related stories Demands have been made to incentivise Indians for greater participation in health insurance with an aim of expanding coverage for all citizens. Several sectors in health and pharma, including startups have raised sector specific demands. Health insurance & GDP boost One of the biggest theme expected for health budget this year is focus on preventive health". Ameera Shah from Metropolis Labs has urged for promoting the concept of preventive health and uptake of annual health check ups. raising the tax exemption for preventive health check-ups from the current Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, extending this benefit to multiple family members, and incorporating reimbursements for outpatient diagnostic services within insurance packages," she wrote in the list of her wishlist shared with News18. Similarly, Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, managing director and chief executive officer of Fortis Healthcare has also demanded enhancing the section 80D limit on health insurance premiums to encourage broader participation in health insurance schemes, expanding coverage for all citizens. Raghuvanshi also asked for increasing public healthcare spending to at least 2.5 per cent of GDP which he terms crucial for strengthening our infrastructure and ensuring universal coverage." Several other top executives in the health sector echoed similar demand citing the requirement of stronger health infrastructure. For instance: Himanshu Baid, managing director of med-tech firm Poly Medicure believes that an increase in the healthcare budget allocation to 2.5-3 per cent of GDP is crucial for strengthening healthcare infrastructure, which will benefit both innovation and access to care across the country." Make cancer drugs & technologies affordable During the last budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a full exemption of customs duties on three drugs used to treat cancer drugs Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimeritinib and Durvalumab. This year, companies and oncologists expect the government to follow the same trend and announce more relaxations to make cancer medicines and treatment affordable. DS Negi, CEO, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC) told News18 that a key highlight of the previous budget for the sector was inclusion of the HPV vaccine that protects against cervical cancer. He believes that this year, the launch of Indias first indigenously developed CAR T-cell therapy for cancer treatment and first telesurgery in cancer care (performed by the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre) should be given a boost. To build on these successes, the budget must prioritize digital health solutions such as telesurgery, electronic health records (EHRs), and AI-driven diagnostic tools to improve healthcare delivery." Bengaluru based drugmaker Biocon has urged the government to eliminate tax on drugs for cancer treatment while highlighting the heavy financial burden on patients" and urged the government to make life saving therapies affordable by removing taxes and cutting import duties on medical equipment. Some announcements on cancer treatment are important, data shows. Rakesh Menon, CEO, Previu Health a startup working in screening and prevention of cancer shared the status of cancer risk in India. Data shows that with 1 in 9 Indians at risk of cancer and 75-80% of cases detected at late stages, urgent action is needed to address this growing crisis." Hence, he believes that the upcoming budget must prioritise" cancer care by giving attention to preventive health and affordability. Incentives on R&D Several companies have urged the government to provide incentives on research and development on different technologies. For instance: Ameera Shah, executive chairperson at diagnostic lab chain Metropolis Healthcare Ltd urged the government to increase incentives for research and development in diagnostic technology. The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), a lobby of Indias domestic drug makers including Sun Pharma, Glenmark, Lupin and others have asked the government to boost the drug making sector by allocating higher research funds for lifesciences. It would be encouraging if the union budget allocates at least 10 per cent of the National Research Fund to life sciences, reinstates 200 per cent weighted deductions for R&D expenditure, and expands the patent box regime to include income from patents abroad," said Sudarshan Jain, secretary general, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance. The Indian pharmaceutical industry is believed to be at a pivotal moment" and poised for growth, targeting $120130 billion by 2030 and $450 billion by 2047. This will position India among the top 5 innovators and No 1 in volume. To achieve this, the union budget 2025-2026 should prioritize innovation, ease of doing business, and policies that strengthen the life sciences ecosystem." Boost to artificial intelligence (AI) Industry believes that the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it clear that digital health solutions are no longer optional they are important. Hence, the industry expects the government to encourage industry to use AI support in health research. Jain from IPA demands incentives for AI research in the pharmaceutical sector along with building on AI Centers of Excellence and medical device training from Budget 2023. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Kishore Karumanchi, CEO of health technology firm aciana which uses blockchain and artificial intelligence technology believes that allocating more funds to research in genomics, biotechnology, and AI diagnostics is important for innovation. Lovekesh Phasu, group chief operating officer of Bengaluru based Sakra World Hospital, said that significant attention is expected for digital health transformation, including investments in AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine, infrastructure, and electronic health records." First Published: January 24, 2025, 10:53 IST Paytm Shares Plunge 9% Amid Reports Of ED Investigation In Crypto Scam Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 17:02 IST Paytm Share Price: Shares of fintech giant One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, dropped as much as 9%; What investors should know Paytm Share Price Drops Paytm Shares Plunged: Shares of fintech giant One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, dropped as much as 9% to an intraday low of Rs 773.90 on Friday following reports that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating Paytm as part of a cryptocurrency scam. The news caused a sharp decline in Paytms stock, which hit Rs 773.05 per share on the NSE, representing a drop of 9%. By mid-morning, the stock had partially recovered, trading 3.32% lower at Rs 820.95 per share. related stories However, the company clarified in a stock exchange filing that it had not received any inquiry from the ED. In a stock exchange filing, the company said it had not received any new notice or communication from the ED and termed the reports as factually incorrect and misleading." In response, Paytm said, We confirm that we have not received any such new notice, communication, or query from the Enforcement Directorate regarding the matter mentioned in the media articles." The information published is factually incorrect and misleading and we had not received any query from the media prior to the publishing of this news article," it added. Paytm is among several payment gateways, including Razorpay, PayU, Easebuzz, and others, being investigated by the ED. The probe is connected to the HPZ Token cryptocurrency scam, allegedly run by Chinese nationals. Over the past two years, the ED has frozen nearly Rs 500 crore in virtual accounts across various platforms, including Paytm, in connection with the scam. The accused are said to have defrauded investors of over Rs 2,200 crore, with the illicit funds being funneled out of India. The ED has frozen a portion of these funds during transactions that were held for brief periods on payment gateway platforms. According to the EDs investigation, Paytm holds around Rs 2.8 crore of the alleged proceeds of crime, while other platforms like PayU and Easebuzz had larger shares. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Paytm Q3 Results In addition to the investigation, One97 Communications recently reported a narrowing of its consolidated loss to Rs 208.5 crore for Q3 FY25, a slight improvement over the Rs 221.7 crore loss during the same period last year. The companys revenue from operations for the quarter fell by 35.8% to Rs 1,827.8 crore, largely due to declines in revenue from payment processing, financial services, and marketing services. First Published: January 24, 2025, 13:14 IST Mukesh Ambani To Build World's Largest Data Centre In Jamnagar Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 13:17 IST The project will be located in Jamnagar in Gujarat as Reliance continues its push into the artificial intelligence (AI) sector in India. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and managing director, Reliance Industries | Image/PTI Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries is planning to build the worlds largest data center in India, Bloomberg News reported. The project will be located in Jamnagar in Gujarat as Reliance continues its push into the artificial intelligence (AI) sector in India. Mukesh Ambani is said to be purchasing AI semiconductors from Nvidia, one of the leading global companies in AI technology, as the two companies announced a joint attempt in building AI infrastructure in India in October last year during a chat session at the Nvidia AI Summit 2024. related stories Nvidia has said that it will supply its Blackwell AI processors for a one-gigawatt data centre Reliance is building as the companys CEO Jensen Huang said during the summit, It makes complete sense that India should manufacture its own AI. You should not export data to import intelligence. India should not export flour to import bread." Talking about the large intelligence capacity of the Indian market, Mukesh Ambani said, We can use intelligence to actually bring prosperity to all the people and bring equality to the worldApart from the US and China, India has the best digital connectivity infrastructure." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In September last year, Reliance Industries and Nvidia announced a partnership to develop AI supercomputers in India and create large language models (LLMs) which will be trained on the countrys diverse languages. This comes as the Indian government has pledged significant support for AI aspirations, with an investment of over Rs 10,000 crore to fund startups, AI projects, and the development of LLMs. Location : Delhi, India First Published: January 24, 2025, 10:45 IST Tax Relief For Those Earning Below Rs 15 Lakh Likely In Budget 2025, AI Impact On Jobs Also In Focus Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Pathikrit Sen Gupta Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 13:28 IST Nirmala Sitharaman will unveil the final preparations for the 2025 budget with a halwa ceremony today. This time, many hope, the budget, which will be presented just ahead of the crucial Delhi polls, will be as sweet as the halwa. The finance minister usually initiates the ceremony by stirring the halwa in a large kadhai (cauldron) and then serving it to the ministry staff. File pic/PTI The preparations for Budget 2025 is underway in full swing, with just a week left for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present the much-awaited financial papers. Amid the final arrangements, sources told News18 that citizens earning below Rs 10 to 15 lakh annually are likely to get tax benefits. In addition to this, MSMEs and infrastructure push will be the focus of the Budget to increase employment. Sops are also on the cards for employees affected by the enhanced use of artificial intelligence (AI). related stories Tax Relief For Middle Class: Government sources highlighted that those in the salary bracket of 10 to 15 lakh rupees a year are expected to get substantial respite. With this, the government hopes that spending power will increase, which in turn will keep the economic machine going. Benefits For Infrastructure Sector & MSMEs: The next focus will be the infrastructure sector, with a special focus on MSMEs. Sources say the budget aims to give incentives and tax relief to infrastructure sectors like hospitality, manufacturing, and possibly real estate. As per government sources, the infrastructure sector is set for robust growth, with planned investments set to increase further. Railways, roads, urban development, and power will be the key focus areas. And, of course, as always, MSMEs will get special attention. Concern Over Artificial Intelligence (AI): Another important aspect that the budget is expected to address is artificial intelligence (AI). There is concern over job losses on this front, but the government also accepts the reality that AI is here to stay. Benefits for this sector, to ensure that Indian companies can keep pace with global competition, will be ensured in the budget. Government sources have released figures comparing the difference in growth stories between the UPA era and the present time. For example, while the average monthly per capita consumption expenditure in 2011-12 was Rs 1,430, in 2023-24 it was Rs 4,122 in rural areas, while in urban areas, it was Rs 6,996, compared to Rs 2,630 during the UPA administration. Budget 2025 seeks to keep this growth story intact. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sitharaman will unveil the final preparations for the 2025 budget with a halwa ceremony on Friday. The last time, it was mired in controversy, with Rahul Gandhi pointing out that no one from the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes was part of the event. Sitharaman hit back, explaining the cultural and historical significance of the halwa ceremony, which also marks the beginning of the quarantine period for the finance ministry officials busy preparing the budget. This time, many hope, the budget, which will be presented just ahead of the crucial Delhi polls, will be as sweet as the halwa. First Published: January 24, 2025, 06:00 IST International Day of Education 2025: Theme, History, Quotes And Education's Role In Mental Well-Being Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 10:33 IST International Day of Education 2025 theme is 'AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation'. International Day of Education is celebrated annually on January 24. (Image: Shutterstock) International Day of Education 2025: Every year on January 24, as proclaimed by the United Nations, the International Day of Education is observed to celebrate the transformative power of learning. This day serves as a reminder of educations critical role in promoting peace, development and human rights across the world. It also encourages governments, organisations and communities to take necessary actions to ensure the accessibility, inclusivity and equal right of education through global initiatives and awareness campaigns. International Day Of Education 2025: Theme related stories This year the theme for the International Day of Education 2025 is AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation". It focuses the power of education to navigate, understand, adapt to and shape the rapid pace of technological advancements. As AI and automated systems become increasingly advanced, the lines between human decisions and machine-driven processes often become unclear. This raises essential questions about safeguarding human agency and decision making in an increasingly tech-driven world. International Day Of Education 2025: History In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring January 24 as the International Day of Education, recognizing its vital role in fostering global peace and development. This resolution, supported by 59 member states, aims to highlight the central importance of education in addressing global challenges. It also underscores the need for transformative actions that promote equality, high-quality, and inclusive education for everyone, regardless of background or location. International Day Of Education 2025: Significance The International Day of Education highlights educations role in promoting equity, inclusivity, and quality learning while ensuring human agency is preserved in a rapidly changing technological world. It also calls for the need to highlight education as a tool for innovation, cultural understanding and building stronger communities worldwide. International Day of Education 2025: Quotes Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." Aristotle An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." Benjamin Franklin The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education." Albert Einstein The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth." John F. Kennedy International Day of Education Wishes Wishing you a joyful International Day of Education! May education continue to unlock doors of hope and opportunity for all. Lets honour the transformative power of education today, as it helps us create a more inclusive and better world. Happy International Day of Education. Happy International Day of Education! Heres to a future filled with learning, growth, and endless opportunities. Education is the foundation for a brighter tomorrow. Together, lets ensure that everyone has access to it. Happy International Day of Education! Lets keep sharing the knowledge that paves the way to a better future. May education inspire and unite us all, helping to build a brighter tomorrow. Wishing you a prosperous International Day of Education! Education is the key to a better world. Wishing you a happy International Day of Education! This International Day of Education, lets commit to making education accessible to everyone, everywhere. Happy International Day of Education! May education continue to transform lives and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. Lets celebrate how education contributes to building a peaceful and prosperous world. Happy International Day of Education! THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN MENTAL WELL-BEING Dr. Biswajeet Mukherjee, a distinguished educationist and author of Educational Synergy: Bridges of Learning and Connecting Schools, reflects on the evolving role of education in fostering mental well-being. Dr. Mukherjee begins by recalling his early years in the educational system, noting that thirty-three years ago, the landscape of learning was quite different from what we see today. At that time, educational resources were limited, and the system primarily emphasised rote memorisation and examinations. The central focus was on imparting academic subjects and testing knowledge, with little consideration for emotional development, self-awareness, or personal growth. Students were often passive recipients of information, and their mental and emotional well-being was rarely a priority. In this system, a childs future was typically influenced by societal expectations and parental pressures, rather than by their own aspirations or individual strengths. Fast forward to today, and significant changes are taking place within the educational system, particularly in India. The focus has broadened beyond academics to emphasize the holistic development of students. This includes nurturing their mental and emotional well-being. The increasing recognition of mental health within educational settings is a significant and positive shift. This new approach acknowledges that education is not just about mastering subjects, but also about teaching students how to live, adapt, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. As we continue to evolve educational practices, its clear that the future of education will not only focus on academic excellence but will also prioritize mental health and emotional resilience. The transformation highlights the importance of developing well-rounded individuals who are not only equipped with knowledge but also with the skills and well-being needed to lead happy, fulfilling lives. Dr. Mukherjees reflections emphasise a crucial question: Are we, as a society, teaching our children not only how to excel academically but also how to live happily and healthily? This shift towards a more balanced and compassionate education system is essential for preparing future generations to face the challenges of an increasingly complex world. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all How To Celebrate International Day Of Education Raise Awareness: Organize events or discussions to highlight the importance of accessible education for all. Support Education Charities: Volunteer or donate to organisations that help provide education to underserved communities. Share Success Stories: Inspire others by sharing stories of individuals whove overcome challenges through education. Engage In Learning Activities: Participate in workshops or seminars promoting the value of continuous education. Advocate For Change: Use the day to call for reforms in education systems, focusing on equality and access. First Published: January 24, 2025, 06:00 IST Protests Erupt At Ashoka University Over New Security Measures Banning Cigarettes And Alcohol Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 11:22 IST Students at Ashoka University protest new security measures, including vehicle checks and a ban on cigarettes and alcohol, calling them invasive. Ashoka University Students Protest: Students Protest New Security Measures banning alcohol and cigarettes. (Image: @anjali__27/) Ashoka University Security Measures Spark Protests: Students at Ashoka University in Sonipat, Haryana, have strongly opposed the new security measures introduced by the administration, which include vehicle checks and a ban on carrying cigarettes and alcohol on campus. The new protocols, reportedly outlined in a January 13 email from the universitys Vice President of Operations, also include shifting student movement to Gate 2 and conducting pocket checks, as reported by news agency PTI. related stories Students have criticised these measures as invasive and an overreach, calling for a rollback. The Ashoka University Student Government (AUSG) claimed that students were not consulted before these changes were implemented. A petition opposing the measures, which was launched hours after the announcement, has reportedly gathered over 1,100 signatures, including those of faculty members. The university, in a statement, said the measures were introduced to improve campus security after consulting with faculty and staff. The measures of screening baggage and belongings at Ashoka University Campus are aimed at enhancing the safety and welfare of our students. These steps were implemented in consultation with Faculty, Staff representatives, and the Student Government," the statement read. However, students have alleged that these measures, which took effect on January 17, include invasive searches of vehicles, glove compartments, and even the belongings of taxi drivers and family members on move-in days. Incoming vehicles were searched thoroughly, including glove compartments and under-seat areas. The belongings of taxi drivers and family members were also checked, and students were not informed about this in advance," a statement from the protesting students said. ALSO READ: Kota Suicides: Priyanka Calls For Reforms, Urges Govt To Study Students Psychology, Teaching Methods Some students said they were forced to submit personal items like shampoo bottles for inspection, fearing they might be used to carry alcohol. On January 19, students gathered at Gate 2 for a protest. The administration, according to students, attempted to suppress the protest by constantly wetting the atrium floor to prevent gatherings, deploying more security guards, and blocking the area with planters. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The administration kept wetting the floor with pipes and buckets of water to stop students from assembling in the open space, a place historically used for such protests," the students claimed. The All India Students Association (AISA), a Left-backed student body, expressed support for the students, criticising the surveillance measures as a violation of privacy rights. Ashoka University, which claims to be a liberal institution, has revealed itself as a controlled space," the AISA statement read. First Published: January 24, 2025, 09:39 IST RPSC RAS Prelims Admit Card 2024 To Be Released On This Date, Check Official Notice Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 20:23 IST RAS Admit Card 2024: Exam city slips will be available from January 26, 2025 on the official website - rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in. The RPSC will conduct the RAS Prelims 2024 exam on February 2, 2025. RAS Prelims Admit Card 2024: The Rajasthan Public Service Commission will release the admit cards for the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) examination 2024 soon. According to the official notice released by the RPSC, candidates who have registered for the Prelims examination can download the RAS Admit Card 2024 through the official website rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in from January 30, 2025, onwards. Candidates can also download the hall tickets through SSO portals. As per the official notice, the Commission will also release the RPSC RAS Prelims Exam City Slips 2024 on January 26, 2025. Candidates can download the exam city slips and admit cards through the official website or using their application number and date of birth. related stories Candidates can obtain information about the examination district allotted to them by logging into the SSO Portal starting from January 26, 2025. The admit cards for the examination will be uploaded on the Commissions website and the SSO Portal on January 30, 2025," reads the official notice. How To Download RAS Prelims Admit Card 2024? Step 1: Visit the official website rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in Step 2: On the homepage, click on the link for RPSC RAS Prelims Admit Card 2024 Step 3: On the newly opened page, enter your credentials like registration number, date of birth etc Step 4: Click on submit and your RAS Admit Card will appear on the screen Step 5: Download the hall ticket and take a printout for exam day Candidates are required to carry their updated original Aadhaar card (coloured print) for identity verification at the examination centre. If the photo on the original Aadhaar card is old or unclear, candidates should carry another valid photo ID, such as a driving license, passport, or voter ID card, with a clear and recent colour photo. Additionally, ensure that a recent clear colour photo is affixed to the admit card. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The RPSC will conduct the Rajasthan State and Subordinate Services Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination, 2024 on February 2, 2025 (Sunday) from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. An additional 10 minutes will be provided for filling the fifth option in the OMR answer sheet. RPSC is conducting a recruitment drive for a total of 733 posts across various departments in the state. Out of 733 vacancies, 346 posts are for State Services while 387 posts are available for Subordinate Services. First Published: January 24, 2025, 20:09 IST Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 22, local time in Jakarta, BYD's premium DENZA officially entered the Indonesian market, along with the launch of its flagship model, the DENZA D9. The model starts at 950 million Indonesian Rupiah (approximately RMB 424,000) for the local market. To enhance customer experience, DENZA announced a comprehensive benefits package, including a 6-year or 150,000-kilometer vehicle warranty, 6 years of unlimited-mileage free regular maintenance, and additional perks. Photo credit: DENZA "Today marks a groundbreaking moment for DENZA, BYD's premium brand, as it debuts in the Indonesian market with its flagship D9 model, opening a new chapter for luxury mobility in the country. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable innovation, DENZA aims to redefine the luxury driving experience and offer Indonesian consumers unprecedented travel options," said Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division. DENZA, co-founded by BYD and Mercedes-Benz in 2010, became the former's wholly-owned brand in 2024. Since the launch of its first model in 2014, DENZA's lineup has expanded to include SUVs, MPVs, and sedans. Its operations now span markets including Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong. In 2024, DENZA achieved cumulative annual sales of 126,035 units, with monthly sales hitting a record high of over 15,000 units in December. The DENZA D9, which debuted in China in August 2022, entered the Indonesian market following the market release of its 2025 model in December last year. The new lineup includes eight variants of the DM-i (namely, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, PHEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions, priced between 339,800 yuan and 469,800 yuan. The PHEV version features BYD's fifth-generation DM technology, including a 1.5Ti ultra-high-efficiency engine with a thermal efficiency of 45.3% and the EHS200 hybrid system, offering a combined range of 1,100 km, a 200 km CLTC-rated range on battery power alone, and a fuel consumption of just 5.85 liters per 100 km when running on gasoline alone. The BEV version is built on BYD's e-Platform 3.0 and is equipped with a 103 kWh Blade Battery, which delivers a range of up to 620 km. TANCET 2025 Registration Begins At tancet.annauniv.edu, Get Direct Link To Apply Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 16:07 IST TANCET 2025: The application process for MBA and MCA programmes is underway at tancet.annauniv.edu until February 21, 2025. TANCET 2025 is scheduled to be conducted on March 22 and March 23, 2025. TANCET 2025: Anna University has commenced the application process for there for the Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET) and Common Engineering Entrance Test today, January 24, 2025. Candidates who wish to get admission to MBA or MCA programmes for the 2025-2026 academic session can now apply on the official website tancet.annauniv.edu. Candidates can submit their applications until February 21, 2025. TANCET 2025 Application Fee related stories Candidates applying for the Tamil TANCET 2025 are required to pay an application fee of Rs 1,000 to complete their registration. However, applicants from Tamil Nadu belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Caste Arunthathiyar (SCA), or Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories can fill out the application form by paying a reduced fee of Rs 500. TANCET 2025 Registration: Steps to apply Step 1: Visit the official website tancet.annauniv.edu Step 2: On the homepage, click on the link that reads Link for Online Registration" Step 3: Register yourself by filling in the name, email address and other credentials Step 4: Once the registration is complete, log in to your account Step 5: Fill out the TANCET 2025 application form and upload the required documents Step 6: Pay the application fee and download the application form Step 7: Take a printout of the application form for future reference Direct Link To Apply For TANCET 2025 TANCET 2025 Exam TANCET 2025 is scheduled to be conducted on March 22 and March 23, 2025. The TANCET 2024 exam for MCA will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon, while the MBA exam is scheduled for 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The TANCET 2025 exam will be conducted for 2 hours for both MBA and MCA programmes. The question papers will have 100 multiple-choice type questions. Each question will carry one mark. 1/4 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer. Meanwhile, Anna University has also invited applications for the Common Engineering Entrance Test and Admission (CEETA-PG 2025). Candidates who seek admission to M.E./M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan. Degree Programmes for the academic year 2025-2026 offered at University Departments, Constituent Colleges of Anna University, Annamalai University, Government and Government Aided Engineering Colleges only can apply on the official website tancet.annauniv.edu. First Published: January 24, 2025, 15:42 IST Top 10 Worlds Richest People And The Universities That Shaped Their Success Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 18:14 IST Billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos owe their success to prestigious universities, shaping their paths through innovation and education. Check Worlds richest people and universities they graduated from. Billionaires wield significant economic influence and have the ability to shape industries, markets, and even global trends. Their wealth grants them the capacity not only to accumulate assets but also to diversify them across various sectors, creating lasting legacies of business innovation and philanthropic impact. According to The Indian Express, the much-anticipated release of Forbes Worlds Billionaires List for 2025 has captured widespread attention, with Elon Musk once again leading the rankings. Here is a list of billionaires and the renowned universities that helped shape their path to success: related stories Elon Musk (Net Worth: $400 Billion) Teslas visionary CEO, Elon Musk, began his academic journey at Queens University in Canada before moving to the United States to further his studies in business and physics at the University of Pennsylvania. He later attended Stanford University in California, intending to pursue a PhD in energy physics, although he ultimately left after just two days to focus on entrepreneurial ventures. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, the University of Pennsylvania is placed 11th, while Stanford University holds 6th position globally. Jeff Bezos (Net Worth: $239.4 Billion) Jeff Bezos, the founder and executive chairman of Amazon, completed his undergraduate studies at Princeton University, where he earned degrees in electrical engineering and computer science. This prestigious Ivy League institution played a key role in shaping his analytical mindset and technological expertise, both of which were pivotal in the creation and growth of Amazon. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Princeton University holds the 22nd spot, reaffirming its status as a global leader in education and innovation. Mark Zuckerberg (Net Worth: $211.8 Billion) Mark Zuckerberg initially enrolled at Harvard University, though he ultimately chose to leave before graduating. During his time there, he earned several prestigious awards in subjects such as mathematics, astronomy, physics, and classical studies. Ranked 4th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Harvard continues to be regarded as one of the worlds leading academic institutions. Larry Ellison (Net Worth: $204.6 Billion) Larry Ellison, the chairman, chief technology officer, and co-founder of Oracle, is a notable example of success without a traditional academic path. He left two universitiesthe University of Chicago and the University of Illinoisbefore earning his degree. Despite this, Ellisons entrepreneurial journey led him to create one of the most influential tech companies in the world. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, the University of Chicago is ranked 21st, while the University of Illinois is placed at 69th. Bernard Arnault & Family (Net Worth: $181.3 Billion) Bernard Arnault, the mastermind behind the LVMH conglomerate, which includes luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Sephora, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree from Ecole Polytechnique in Paris. This prestigious institution is renowned for its rigorous academic programmes and is ranked 34th in the QS World University Rankings. Arnaults education, combined with his business acumen, played a key role in his rise to the top of the global luxury market. Larry Page (Net Worth: $161.4 Billion) Larry Page completed his undergraduate degree in computer engineering at the University of Michigan and later earned a masters degree in computer science from Stanford University. The University of Michigan is ranked 44th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Sergey Brin (Net Worth: $150 Billion) Sergey Brin graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, earning an honours degree in mathematics and computer science. The university is ranked 218th in the QS World University Rankings. Warren Buffett (Net Worth: $146.2 Billion) Warren Buffett pursued business studies at the University of Nebraska before continuing his education in economics at Columbia University. The University of Nebraska is ranked between 701 and 710, while Columbia University holds the 34th spot in the QS World University Rankings. Steve Ballmer (Net Worth: $126 Billion) Steve Ballmer completed his studies in applied mathematics and economics at Harvard University before earning a degree in business administration and management from Stanford University. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Jensen Huang (Net Worth: $120.2 Billion) The founder and CEO of NVIDIA, Jensen Huang, pursued higher education in electrical engineering at both Oregon State University and Stanford University. Oregon State University is ranked within the 641-650 range in the QS World University Rankings. First Published: January 24, 2025, 18:10 IST TS TET Provisional Answer Key 2024 To Be Released Soon, Check Steps To Download Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 15:22 IST TS TET 2024: The provisional answer key will be released soon on the official website - tgtet2024.aptonline.in. TS TET 2024: The Telangana Teacher Eligibility Test took place from January 2 to January 20, 2025. (Representative Image/AFP) TS TET Answer Key 2024: The Department of School Education, Hyderabad will soon release the Telangana Teacher Eligibility Test (TG TET) provisional answer key 2024. According to media reports the TG TET or TS TET answer key is expected to be released today, however, the department has yet to confirm the date and time of the same. Once released. candidates who appeared for the examination will be able to check and download the TS TET Answer Key 2024 through the official website- tgtet2024.aptonline.in. The Department will also issue the response sheets of the candidates who appeared in the examination. How to Download TG TET Provisional Answer Key 2024? related stories Step 1: Visit the official website- tgtet2024.aptonline.in Step 2: On the homepage, click on the link for TG TET Provisional Answer Key 2024 Step 3: The answer key will appear for both papers 1 and 2, download it Step 4: Check your responses with the answers provided in the provisional answer key and calculate your TS TET 2024 score Candidates will also be allowed to raise objections against the TG TET 2024 provisional answer key. The final key will be published for the information of candidates along with the TG TET 2024 Results. The TS TET Result 2024 as per the information bulletin will be out on February 5, 2025. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Director of School Education and Chairperson, TGTET is the competent authority to publish the initial key of the question papers after the conduct of CBT inviting objections through online, if any, from the candidates who appeared for the CBT, duly giving a reasonable time to the candidates for filing objections on the initial key and the same shall be disposed of by the expert committee constituted by the Director of School Education and Chairperson, TGTET. The final key shall be published for the information of candidates," reads the official information bulletin. The Telangana Teacher Eligibility Test (TSTET) took place from January 2 to January 20, 2025. The exam was conducted in two shifts: the first shift from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and the second shift from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. All questions were Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), each worth one mark, with four options, only one of which was correct. There was no negative marking for incorrect answers. First Published: January 24, 2025, 15:15 IST 'Ayodhya, Mahakumbh Ka Ek Sandesh': Yogi's New Slogan As Opposition Mocks CM's Holy Dip Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 12:52 IST The slogan in Hindi translates to: Both Ayodhya (where Ram Temple is situated) and Mahakumbh (the ongoing religious gathering in Prayagraj) have one message, unity will ensure integrity of our country. CM Yogi on Wednesday chaired a cabinet meeting at the Mahakumbh and approved significant schemes for Uttar Pradesh. (PTI) Ayodhya aur Mahakumbh ka ek hi sandesh, Ekta se akhand rahega ye desh, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday gave a new slogan while addressing a rally in Milkipur, where bypolls will be held on February 5. The slogan in Hindi translates to: Both Ayodhya (where Ram Temple is situated) and Mahakumbh (the ongoing religious gathering in Prayagraj) have one message, unity will ensure integrity of our country. related stories #WATCH | Ayodhya: Addressing a public meeting in Milkipur assembly constituency, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, " Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia had said one thing for socialists the one who gets entangled in property is not a true socialist. The 'samajwadis' of today are only entangled in pic.twitter.com/Nhir7ba0TK ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025 The chief ministers slogan comes days after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav mocked the state government for holding cabinet meeting at the Maha Kumbh site in Prayagraj. Kumbh or Prayagraj is not the place where politics or political decisions should be taken. Organising cabinet meetings at Kumbh is political. Many of us (Samajwadi party leaders) must have gone to take a holy dip but didnt post a picture or tell you (media)," Yadav said. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Thursday slammed the SP leaders, saying that those who organized naach-gana in Saifai ask why a Cabinet meeting was held at Mahakumbh. We saw a Cabinet meeting was held at Mahakumbh and many big decisions were taken. But those who organize naach-gana in Saifai ask why a Cabinet meeting was held at Mahakumbh. This is their dual character," Poonawalla told ANI. CM Yogi on Wednesday chaired a cabinet meeting at the Mahakumbh and approved significant schemes for the state. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said that a discussion was also held regarding Ardha Kumbh which will be held in 2031. He added that the bridges, roads, hospitals and other development works will be done in Prayagraj. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, UP Congress president Ajay Rai alleged that the UP governmentindulged in corruption in the budget allocated for the Maha Kumbh and promised to reveal the facts and figures after the event. The government is misleading everyone by claiming large-scale preparations for the Maha Kumbh. The recent incidents of fire on the mela campus prove this point," he said. Questioning the cabinet meeting held in Prayagraj, Rai said the state government turned the Maha Kumbh into an event by holding a cabinet drama" at the sacred confluence of faith and spirituality. Location : Ayodhya, India First Published: January 24, 2025, 12:33 IST RJD's Poll Woes In Bihar: Six Major Corruption Cases Loom As ED Widens Probe Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 11:09 IST From the alleged illegal sand mining racket to the land-for-jobs scam and cooperative bank fraud, the ED has now expanded its investigation with more raids likely to happen RJD matriarch and former Bihar CM Rabri Devi (L) to her daughter and Lok Sabha MP Misa Bharti (R) and heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav (centre), the ED probe extends to a roster of high-profile leaders. (Image: PTI/File) As Bihar gears up for assembly elections later this year, the RJD finds itself cornered with at least six major corruption cases involving its top leaders, including former chief minister Rabri Devi, former deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav, and Lok Sabha MP Misa Bharti. From the alleged illegal sand mining racket to the land-for-jobs scam and cooperative bank fraud, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has now expanded its investigation with more raids likely to happen. It has started the process for the submission of prosecution complaints, commonly known as chargesheets in some cases. related stories Party matriarch Rabri to daughter Misa and heir apparent Tejashwi, the ED probe extends to a roster of high-profile leaders, including some former ministers and MLAs. In the process, it also has several fresh pieces of evidence that include the involvement of senior bureaucrats of the state. The investigations span a range of high-stakes scams alleged illegal sand mining, in which the state witnessed a fresh arrest last year; the land-for-jobs scandal; and cooperative bank fraud. Sources said the ED may soon initiate prosecution complaints or even proceed to secure sanction for prosecution with regard to the involvement of public servants in several of these cases. This seems to be a move that could deepen the partys troubles during election season. With the poll battle intensifying in Bihar, the corruption cloud and the cases may affect the RJDs bid to project itself as the defender of the masses raising questions on the political cost of these allegations. FRESH SCAM UNRAVELLED The ED, meanwhile, has made headway in connection with the money laundering case related to the Patna railway claims tribunal scam. Searches were conducted in four locations related to judge RK Mittal and other involved advocates in Patna, Nalanda and Karnatakas Mangalore; while three advocates Bidyanand Singh, Parmanand Sinha, and Vijay Kumar were arrested under sections of money laundering. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a statement issued on Thursday, the ED said: Investigation was initiated on the basis of FIRs registered by the CBI, ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau), Patna regarding mass scale irregularities and criminality in the death claim cases filed, processed and decided at the railway claims tribunal, Patna against unknown public servants of the railways, Bidyanand Singh, Parmanand Singh, Vijay Kumar and others under various sections of IPC, 1860, and PC (Prevention of Corruption) Act, 1988. As per the FIRs, in pursuance of the said criminal conspiracy, in accidental death claim cases, only a part of the decreed amount, actually awarded to the claimants, was received by the claimants and a major chunk was siphoned off by the conspirators." The investigation revealed that Bidyanand Singh and his team of advocates including Parmanand Sinha and Vijay Kumar dealt (with) around 900 cases where decrees/execution orders were issued by judge RK Mittal wherein approximately Rs 50 crore compensation was awarded to the claimants," the ED added. First Published: January 24, 2025, 08:00 IST Congress Will Win Over 60 Seats, Form Government In Delhi: Shakur Basti Candidate Satish Luthra Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 17:08 IST Delhi elections: Shakur Basti candidate Satish Luthra said during his engagement with people, he has come to realise that people are looking for change as they are fed up with the present government's lies and blame game Satish Luthra said he aims to make Shakur Basti a model constituency in Delhi. (X) As Delhi gears up for the 2025 assembly polls on February 5, the Congress is confident that it will win over 60 seats and form a government. The grand old party had three consecutive governments in Delhi between 1998 and 2008 with a clear majority. However, after the 2015 elections, it was not able to win even a single seat in the 70-member assembly. News18 spoke to Satish Luthra, partys candidate from the Shakur Basti assembly seat, who claimed the sweeping victory of the Congress in Delhi. He also said the Congress is ready to provide a stable and effective government. related stories The Congress is expecting to get more than 60 seats in the Delhi elections. The Congress will form the government and will always do the positive and growing work for the people," he said, adding people remember and miss the Congress government under Sheila Dikshit. Luthra said nothing good has been done by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. BOTH AAP, BJP DID NO DEVELOPMENT: LUTHRA Attacking outgoing AAP MLA Satyendar Jain, Luthra said despite being the health minister, Jain did not develop the health infrastructure in his own constituency. He had been behind bars for months and years. No development on roads, water sanitation, health and education has been done. Jain was involved in corruption only," he said. When asked who his main contest is in the elections, Luthra said he is not considering any party the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and AAP a challenge. He accused Jain of being involved in corruption, while BJPs Karnail Singh is an outsider. He said the public doesnt want corrupt representatives. Jain was involved in corruption scandals, including money laundering and the liquor scam. On the other hand, Singh is an outsider who isnt familiar with the local issues of Basti. There is no possibility for him to work on the ground level," he explained. Luthra went on to say that both AAP and BJP are responsible for the lack of development in Delhi. He cited a 2015 report Jostling for Jhuggi Land," published in Down to Earth, explaining how thousands of the citys most vulnerable were thrown into homelessness under BJPs central leadership and AAPs state governance. The report documented the anguish of those displaced due to political indifference and endless blame games. Today, history is set to repeat itself as fresh demolition orders once again threaten the very existence of Delhis marginalised residents. Instead of protecting the poor, they left them abandoned, caught in a crossfire of excuses and posturing," Luthra said. On what feedback he is getting from the public, Luthra said during his engagement with people, he has come to realise that people are looking for change as they are fed up with the present governments lies and blame games. IMPROVED ROADS, SEWAGE ON PRIORITY When asked what his vision for the seat is, Luthra said he aims to make Shakur Basti a model constituency in Delhi and plans to focus on providing clean water, a proper drainage and sewage system, improved road infrastructure and proper parking facilities and reducing pollution. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I also aim to improve the constituencys health infrastructure, ensuring that residents can proudly say they live in the best and cleanest constituency in Delhi. If elected from the seat, the three things which will be done on priority are road infrastructure with CCTV surveillance, sewage treatment and health infrastructure. These are the major issues for the people of the Shakur Basti constituency," he added. Along with the other 69 assemblies, Shakur Basti will vote on February 5 and the counting of votes will be done on February 8. First Published: January 24, 2025, 17:07 IST 'Conspiracy To End Kejriwal's Life': AAP Makes Big Claim Against Centre, Delhi Police Published By : PTI Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 18:24 IST The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday accused the BJP-led Centre and the Delhi Police of conspiring to "kill" its supremo Arvind Kejriwal. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann | Image/X The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday accused the BJP-led Centre and the Delhi Police of conspiring to kill" its supremo Arvind Kejriwal and urged the Election Commission (EC) to restore his security cover provided by the Punjab Police that was withdrawn. There was no immediate reaction from the BJP or the Delhi Police to the allegation. related stories Addressing a press conference here, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and her Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, said they have written to the EC demanding fair grounds" for the AAP in the February 5 Delhi Assembly polls and the restoration of Kejriwals security cover given by the Punjab Police, along with an audit of life-threatening" attacks on him. They alleged that the Delhi Police, which comes under the Centre, has turned a blind eye on the alleged attacks on Kejriwal in accordance with Union Home Minister Amit Shahs order. There are two players involved in this conspiracy to kill Kejriwalji the BJP and the Delhi Police. They are both conspiring to end Kejriwals life. Attacks have been attempted on him one after the other. In October (last year), an attack was made on Kejriwal. Upon investigation by us, it was found that the attackers were BJP workers, but police took no action," Atishi alleged. We have written to the EC demanding that Kejriwals security be restored. We do not trust the Delhi Police as it is under Amit Shahs control," she added. The AAP leaders alleged that resorting to dirty politics" ahead of the Delhi polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has conspired to get Kejriwals security removed. We write to you with utmost urgency and grave concern regarding the security arrangements of Arvind Kejriwal, ex-chief minister of Delhi and the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who has been consistently facing grave threats to his life and deliberate lapses in his security detail. These lapses are not isolated incidents but appear to be part of a larger, orchestrated pattern designed to jeopardise his safety," the letter written by the AAP leaders to the EC read. It alleged that on different occasions over the last three months, multiple targeted attacks on Kejriwal, including incidents of physical assault and stone pelting during a political rally, were attempted, exacerbating their concerns. The letter complained that police simply acted as mute spectators" and did not make an attempt to protect Kejriwal. The chief ministers called the Union home ministrys reported order to withdraw the Punjab Polices security cover for Kejriwal in Delhi a politically-motivated" decision. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reportedly asked to withdraw the Punjab Polices security cover for Kejriwal in Delhi as he already enjoys Z-plus security here. The Punjab Police, which has been a crucial and reliable component of his security detail, has been abruptly withdrawn without consultation or justification. This reckless and politically-motivated decision has left Kejriwal entirely dependent on the Delhi Police a force directly controlled by the BJP through its government at the Centre," they said in the letter. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Thursday said the police personnel from his state deployed for Kejriwals security have been withdrawn. Following directions from the Delhi Police and the EC, we withdrew the component of the Punjab Police in the security of Kejriwalji," Yadav said. The AAP leaders urged the EC to conduct an immediate and thorough review of Arvind Kejriwals security arrangements and implement robust measures to ensure his safety" and reinstate or augment the presence of the Punjab Police in his security detail to provide reliable and impartial protection". At the press conference, Mann argued that BJP leaders like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath receive protection from other states when they require it. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Those who receive Z-plus security are supposed to be provided protection. Yogi Adityanath, for example, gets security from his own state and also receives protection here while campaigning as he is Z-plus protectee. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also requested for help from the Punjab Police during elections. She had told me that she does not trust central forces. So we had provided security to her and charged money for it," Mann said. Location : Delhi, India First Published: January 24, 2025, 18:24 IST 'Border Fencing Important To Stop Crime': India Amid Clash With Bangladesh Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 17:56 IST The MEA spokesperson stressed that the aim is to tackle issues such as human smuggling, cattle smuggling, and other illegal activities BSF personnel patrol the border with Bangladesh near the Fulbari Border post some 20 kms from Siliguri. (PTI file photo) India on Friday said that agreements have been made with Bangladesh regarding border fencing, stating that securing the border is crucial for curbing crime and criminal incidents. During the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) weekly briefing in New Delhi, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed that the aim is to tackle issues such as human smuggling, cattle smuggling, and other illegal activities, working towards a crime-free" border. related stories Our understanding is that Bangladesh will approach this positively and complement our efforts. We aim to create a crime-free border by addressing issues like human smuggling, cattle smuggling, and other criminal activities," the MEA spokesperson told the media. Watch: MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, Regarding border fencing, agreements have been made between India and Bangladesh. Border fencing is important to prevent criminal activities and incidents related to crime. Our understanding is that Bangladesh will approach this pic.twitter.com/LH3TsZaxON IANS (@ians_india) January 24, 2025 Jaiswals remarks on border fencing came in the wake of the recent stabbing of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, allegedly carried out by a man said to be a Bangladesh national who was staying in India illegally. The incident, which took place during an attempted burglary at Khans private residence in Bandra on January 16, has sparked discussions on illegal immigration, especially from Bangladesh. The attack on the actor has brought attention to security concerns and the importance of tackling illegal immigration to prevent such incidents. Jibe At Pakistan Over Cross-Border Terrorism In response to a statement from Pakistans ISPR, which accused India of politicising its army, the the MEA spokesperson reiterated that the world is fully aware of the origins of cross-border terrorism. The whole world knows who is promoting terrorism. In India, when we have terror-related attacks, we all understand the genesis and root of cross-border terrorism," Jaiswal stated. The statement follows the Indian Armys comments on the terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir, which have been linked to Pakistan. Jaiswal also said that making claims of politicisation is irrelevant. So in this context, when the whole world knows who is the progenitor of cross-border terrorism, to say that we are trying to politicise something, etc., is totally immaterial," he added. He further called on Pakistan to take concrete steps to stop cross-border terrorism, stating that everyone is aware of the countries and individuals responsible for promoting such violence. On Foreign Secretarys Upcoming China Visit Regarding the upcoming visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to China on January 26 and 27, Jaiswal said that Misri will meet with Chinas Vice Minister, and discussions will cover all areas of bilateral interest between the two countries. The MEA spokesperson also mentioned that the outcomes of the discussions would be shared after the meetings take place. He assured that all issues of shared interest would be covered, though specifics will only be available once the meetings have concluded. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This meeting flows from the understanding that the leaders reached in Kazan, and subsequent to that, weve had meetings at the special representatives level, and weve had foreign minister-level meetings as well. We will get a readout of what was discussed once the discussions happen. But all issues of mutual interest will be discussed," Jaiswal said. (With inputs from agencies) First Published: January 24, 2025, 17:00 IST 'Can You Take A Dip In Yamuna': Yogi Adityanath's Dare To Arvind Kejriwal Published By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 07:50 IST Yogi Adityanath alleged that the devotees and saints in holy Mathura-Vrindavan are victims of AAP's "sins" of AAP as "Mother Yamuna" reaches there in the form of a dirty drain. CM Yogi Adityanath addressing a public event in Delhi. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday assailed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), saying its government has turned Delhi into a garbage dump" and den of chaos" while helping illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas to settle down in the national capital. Addressing his first rally in the Kirari area for the February 5 Delhi Assembly polls, Adityanath alleged that in a well-planned conspiracy, AAP deprived Delhiites of basic facilities and jeopardised national security with their actions. related stories He also accused AAPs councillors and MLAs of being complicit in the entire plot, adding that AAP convener and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has committed the crime of converting the Yamuna into a dirty drain". Yesterday, I along with all my ministers took a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj where Maha Kumbh is on. I want to ask Kejriwal whether he can bathe in the Yamuna in Delhi along with his ministers. He should answer if he has any moral courage," CM Yogi said in Kirari. The chief minister alleged that the devotees and saints in holy Mathura-Vrindavan are also victims of AAPs sins" of AAP as Mother Yamuna" reaches there in the form of a dirty drain. He alleged that Arvind Kejriwal and company" never cooperated for the cleanliness of the Yamuna under the Namami Gange project. They do not want to cooperate or undertake development works and provide basic facilities, Yogi charged. Their (AAP) only job is to spread lies and videos through social media and press conferences to mislead the people." The UP chief minister held three rallies in Kirari, Karol Bagh and Janakpuri in the national capital on Thursday. Taking a dig at Mr Kejriwal, CM Yogi said there is an ATM machine of lies" in Delhi. He also slammed AAP alleging poor condition of roads, lack of sanitation, problems of drinking water and sewer overflows in the national capital. CM Yogi further claimed that the UP roads in Noida and Ghaziabad are far better than in the national capital. He said the per unit charge of electricity in UP for an ordinary consumer is not more than Rs 3-3.50 while it is Rs 9-10 per unit in Delhi. It means they (Delhi) are charging three times more money than UP but they are unable to provide a 24-hour power supply, he added. Yogi Adityanath urged people to defeat those who are playing with them, making Delhi filthy and playing with national security. They have no right to come back to power, he said. Except for the New Delhi Municipal Council area where round-the-clock power supply is ensured by the Centre, the power cuts in the remaining parts are more than in many other metros and cities of the country. He appealed to the people to form the double engine government of BJP and give Delhi a chance to become one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Hitting back at CM Yogi, Mr Kejriwal sought to know during an election rally how many hours power cut lasts in Uttar Pradesh, alleging poor governance under the saffron party. I have just asked so many people and they are telling me that in Delhi, electricity is available for 24 hours. Our (AAP) government has been in Delhi for 10 years. We ensured that Delhi had 24-hour electricity within just 5 years. In Uttar Pradesh, BJP has been in power for 10 years with a double engine government. I would like to humbly ask Yogi ji, how many hours of power cuts occur in Uttar Pradesh?" Mr Kejriwal said sarcastically at the rally in Delhis Hari Nagar. Addressing another rally in Karol Bagh, CM Yogi accused the AAP leaders of settling Bangladeshi infiltrators in Okhla and other important places in the national capital. The AAP office-bearers and MLAs had settled Bangladeshi infiltrators on the land of the irrigation department of the UP government around Jamia Nagar two years ago, he alleged. I tried two to three times to explain that the land belonged to the UP government and when they forced their way, I had to send bulldozers from UP to remove them and get the land barricaded," he said. The UP chief minister said he would provide land for any institution or facility for the people of Delhi but would not give even one inch of land in Delhi for the foreign infiltrators. Alleging that AAP and Mr Kejriwal were betraying the country, CM Yogi said he believed Delhi people would no longer believe their misleading statements. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Delhi is slated for a triangular contest between the ruling AAP and opposition BJP and Congress for 70 Assembly seats going to polls on February 5. The results will be declared after the counting of votes on February 8. home, Satguru Sharan, on January 21 after being discharged from Lilavati Hospital. He had been treated for multiple stab wounds caused by an intruder who broke into his house on January 16 at around 2 am. Read more Location : Uttar Pradesh, India First Published: January 24, 2025, 07:47 IST China's Mega Dam Project Sparks Concern, Arunachal CM Issues 'Water Bomb' Warning Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 23:11 IST Beijing assured that the dam will not adversely affect downstream nations, including India and Bangladesh. Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu | File Image/PTI Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday raised concerns about Chinas plan to construct the largest hydropower dam in eastern Tibet, warning that it could be used by the northern neighbour as a water bomb. He drew attention towards the Chinese plan to construct the hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, near the Indian border, which can generate 60,000 MW of power. The river enters Arunachal Pradesh as Siang and becomes the Brahmaputra in Assam before flowing into Bangladesh. related stories If China uses it as a water bomb, it will completely affect the Adi tribe (who reside in the Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh) and millions in Assam and as far as Bangladesh. Its a matter of big concern," said Khandu while addressing the reporters on the sidelines of the inaugural function of a seminar titled Environment and Security in the state Legislative Assembly complex. Noting that the project would have a devastating effect on Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, he said that any sudden releases of water from the dam could cause severe flooding downstream in the northeastern states. He added that it was more worrying since China is not a signatory of global treaties on water. The mighty Siang or the Brahmaputra river would dry up during winters disrupting life in the Siang belt and the plains of Assam," he warned. Chinas construction of the worlds largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River poses significant risks to the water security, ecology, and livelihoods of millions of people downstream in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bangladesh. The potential disruption of water flows, flooding, and ecosystem degradation could have far-reaching consequences on us," he added. Chinas Mega Dam Project China reaffirmed its intention to construct the worlds largest dam in Tibet, near the Indian border, emphasising that the project has undergone extensive scientific evaluation. Beijing assured that the dam will not adversely affect downstream nations, including India and Bangladesh. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The project, estimated to cost around USD 137 billion, is located in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region along a tectonic plate boundary where earthquakes occur frequently. Location : Arunachal Pradesh, India First Published: January 24, 2025, 23:11 IST Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Credit: ESPN Images Jason Kelces late-night debut didnt exactly leave a lasting impression. Thats the verdict from Awful Announcings Drew Lerner, and the numbers dont do much to contradict him. The debut episode of They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce aired late Friday, Jan. 3 (or early Saturday morning, Jan. 4) and drew a modest 290,000 viewers on ESPN, according to Pucks John Ourand. Hardly a glowing start. Ourand suggested ESPN was likely happy with the show despite its underwhelming ratings. From ESPNs standpoint, the viewership figures of a late-night show with a five-episode run arent nearly as crucial as the broader value of the programming deal. In other words, ESPNs just glad to have Kelce on board, ratings be damned. And more or less, thats the sentiment shared by Burke Magnus. This is not something I think would work with just anyone, but hes one of those guys that I believe can pull it off, the president of content at ESPN told The New York Times. In his brief conversation with the Times, Magnus acknowledged that ESPN isnt exactly married to the ratings. That said, he admitted that the numbers and social media buzzor lack thereofwill shape discussions about the shows future and whether potential improvements need to be made. As the trial period wraps up next week, ESPN and Kelce will evaluate the shows future and viability. Please enable JavaScript to view the poll powered by Disqus. For me, its going to be a little bit more art than science, Magnus said. Do people think its good and funny? Does it have the potential to grow? And while it remains to be seen, reading between the lines, the network and Magnus are seemingly optimistic about the shows continuation in some shape or form. Drug Smugglers' Tunnel For Trucks Busted On India-Myanmar Border; 32 Kg Meth Seized Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 10:38 IST The DRI seized 32 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 32 crore in Assam and Tripura. Smugglers built a tunnel to transport drugs into India from Myanmar through the Mizoram border DRI seized 26 kg of methamphetamine tablets in the Dwarband market area of Cachar district. (PIB) Despite stringent security measures at the border, drug smuggling continues to pose a challenge. In a recent shocking incident, smugglers resorted to constructing a tunnel to transport illegal drugs into India. The scale of the operation was evident from the fact that even a truck could pass through the tunnel. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully intercepted the operation, seizing 32 kg of methamphetamine tablets in Assam and Tripura, with an estimated street value of Rs 32 crore. Three individuals have been apprehended in connection with these cases. related stories On January 19, the DRI seized 26 kg of methamphetamine tablets in the Dwarband market area of Cachar district, Assam. The consignment, smuggled into India from Myanmar through the Mizoram border, was intercepted with significant assistance from the Assam Rifles (Silchar). One person was arrested in this operation. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Finance, The value of the seized drug in the international illegal drug market is estimated to be around Rs 26 crore. This huge quantity of illegal drugs was being transported in an Ashok Leyland truck in a specially constructed cave." Seizures in Tripura On January 20, the DRI intercepted a truck on the outskirts of Agartala, Tripura, and seized 6 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 6 crore. The drugs were cleverly concealed under the trucks dashboard. Two individuals were apprehended in connection with this seizure. Since the beginning of the current financial year, the DRI has registered 36 cases of smuggling and illegal drug trafficking in the Northeast, resulting in the arrest of 70 individuals, including seven women. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The DRIs proactive measures have led to significant seizures, including over 231 kg of methamphetamine tablets, 16 kg of heroin, 1,375 kg of ganja (cannabis), and 3.7 kg of hydroponic weed, amounting to a total value of over Rs 355 crore. Additionally, 32 vehicles (19 cars and 13 trucks) used in smuggling and transporting these illegal drugs have been seized. The statement highlighted a concerning trend of smuggling hydroponic weed, a type of marijuana cultivated in nutrient-rich water instead of soil, into the Northeast via air passengers. Location : Assam, India First Published: January 24, 2025, 10:38 IST Expect UK To Take Strong Action: India On Violent Protests Against Emergency Movie Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 20:52 IST Several reports emerged of disruptions in the screening of Kangana Ranaut's 'Emergency' in the UK theatres. The MEA expressed concerns over the intimidation by pro-Khalistan elements. Kangana Ranaut's film 'Emergency' screening disrupted in UK (Photo: X) India on Friday raised concerns over the reports that actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranauts Emergency was obstructed by the Khalistani elements during screening of the film in several halls in the United Kingdom, and said that freedom of speech cannot be applied selectively". The Ministry of External Affairs said that those responsible in the incidents must be held accountable. related stories What Did MEA Say On Emergency Screening Disruption In UK? At a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed concerns over the reports and said that the Indian government consistently raises issues of violent protests and intimidation. We have also seen several reports on how the film, Emergency, which was being screened in several halls were being obstructed. We consistently raise concerns with the UK Government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements, freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively and those obstructing it must be held accountable," he said. #WATCH | Delhi: MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, We have also seen several reports on how the film, Emergency, which was being screened in several halls was being obstructed. We consistently raise concerns with the UK Government regarding incidents of violent protest and pic.twitter.com/UULvcx3QLP ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025 Jaiswal expressed hope that the UK will take appropriate action against those involved in the incidents. We hope that the UK side will take appropriate action against those responsible. Our High Commission in London remains in touch in regular communication with our community members for safety and benefits," Jaiswal said. British MP Raises Issue In Parliament British Member of Parliament Bob Blackman, who is an Opposition MP, alleged in the House of Commons that masked Khalistani terrorists" threatened people in north-west London as the spectators thronged to the theatres to watch the film. The Conservative Party MP urged the UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to intervene in the matter and issue a statement in this regard. The MP further claimed that similar disruptions in the screening of the film took place in Birmingham, Manchester, Wolverhampton, Slough, and Staines, which led to the theatres deciding to stop the screening of the very controversial film". On Sunday, many of my constituents gathered and paid for a screening of the film Emergency in the Harrow Vue cinema. At about 30 or 40 minutes into the screening of the film, masked Khalistani terrorists burst in, threatened members of the audience, and forced the screening to end," the British MP told the Parliament. Stating that the film is very controversial", he said that he would not speak on the content of the movie and added that he would defend the right of my constituents" to be able to watch the film and decide for themselves. It covers the period when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister of India," he said. Blackman said that there are opinions in the country that the film is anti-Sikh", however, said that the people watching the movie should be the ones to judge and not be threatened by thugs who want to disrupt democratic opportunities to see public films". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all May we have a statement from the Home Secretary next week on what will be done to ensure that people who want to see such films, which have been passed by censors, can do so in peace and harmony? I absolutely defend the right of people to demonstrate outside cinemas, but not to disrupt viewings," he said. (With inputs from agencies) First Published: January 24, 2025, 17:33 IST Govt Decides To Extend Term Of Drug Controller General While Examining 18 Candidates For Post Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 22:26 IST Explaining the decision to re-employ the current drug controller general of India, the health ministry has told the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet that Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi has in-depth knowledge of industry, government regulatory systems, and international pharmaceutical dynamics, which is an asset for... Read More Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi. File pic/News18 The government is extending the tenure of the current Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) as the search for a new candidate continues, News18 learnt on Friday. After extending the deadline twice, a total of 18 applications were received for the position. related stories However, the health ministry has asked for more time from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for the selection process. In a memorandum titled Re-employment of Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi as Drugs Controller (India), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) on contract basis", the health ministry informed about the tenure extension on January 17. The document has been accessed by News18. The current regulator, Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, is set to superannuate on February 28. Requesting considerable time" to thoroughly scrutinise" the applications, the ministry told the ACC that Raghuvanshis in-depth knowledge of industry, government regulatory systems, and international pharmaceutical dynamics is an asset for the organisation. DCGI is the head of the countrys apex health regulatory body, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), which is responsible for the regulation, manufacturing, sales, export and import of all medicines, cosmetics, vaccines and medical devices in India. It is also responsible for various other factors, including the preparation and maintenance of the national reference standards and implementation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Why extension for DCGI? Raghuvanshi took charge as DCGI on February 23, 2023. He was also assigned the additional charge of the post of secretary-cum-scientific director, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC). In anticipation of Raghuvanshis vacancy, the post for DCGI was advertised in August 2024. However, due to inadequate response, the last date for submission of applications was extended to November 23. Despite the considerably long application period, a total of 18 applications have been received in response to the advertisements. These applications are being scrutinised. Thereafter, a proposal will be submitted to UPSC for selection of a suitable candidate for the post. The entire process is likely to take considerable time," the ministry of health and family welfare wrote in an office memorandum sent to the ACC. Ministry praises DCGI, calls him an asset The ministry further clarified on the re-employment that the current DCGI is capable of running this position effectively and, in fact, keeping the position vacant would adversely impact the industry. Dr Raghuvanshi has in-depth knowledge of industry, government regulatory systems and international pharmaceutical dynamics, which is an asset for the organisation," it said. The document recognises Raghuvanshis efforts and initiatives taken at CDSCO. Under his able leadership, substantial reforms have been brought out in CDSCO. At present, further regulatory reforms are being undertaken in CDSCO, which include global benchmarking, automation of the regulatory processes and alignment with global standards," it said. The document further stated that keeping in view the importance of activities being undertaken by CDSCO, the post cannot be kept vacant as the same would adversely impact the countrys effort to develop a world-class pharmaceutical ecosystem consisting of components from production of affordable quality generics to latest technology-based products like CAR-Ts and gene therapies for India and the world". It concluded by saying that continuity in leadership in CDSCO is, therefore, necessary". The ministry has now requested the approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet for the re-employment of Raghuvanshi as Drugs Controller for a period of one year on a contractual basis. Govt looking for best candidate, no pressure of deadlines: Source According to a senior official in the health ministry, Dr VG Somani, Dr A Ramkishan, Dr A Visala, Dr Jai Prakash, and Dr Eswara Reddy are among the 18 contenders." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The ministry is going through the work done by all candidates in the past as the position of DCGI has evolved and become very crucial, the official told News18, requesting anonymity. Going forward, the official said, There are candidates who are currently not eligible to take charge due to certain issues on the personal or legal front. Those candidates are likely to become eligible in a few months to become part of the race. We want to give the charge to the most deserving officer without taking pressure of the deadlines." First Published: January 24, 2025, 22:26 IST 8 Dead In Explosion At Ordnance Factory In Maharashtra's Bhandara, CM Fadnavis Announces Rs 5 Lakh Ex Gratia Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 23:25 IST Bhandara Factory Blast: The blast occurred around 11 am at the factory in Bhandara district of Maharashtra. Bhandara Factory Blast: The blast occurred around 11 am at the factory in Bhandara district of Maharashtra. Bhandara Factory Blast: A blast was reported at an ordnance factory near Nagpur. The blast occurred around 11 am at the factory in Bhandara district of Maharashtra. Rescue and medical staff are looking for survivors at the site. There has been an accident of blast at Ordnance factory Bhandara today morning. The rescue & medical teams are deployed for survivors and rescue is underway," authorities said in a statement as per news agency ANI. related stories Many workers were feared dead after a massive blast was reported at an ordnance factory near #Maharashtras #Nagpur on Friday morning.The explosion at the factory in Maharashtras #Bhandara was of such an intensity that it was heard from 5 km away. Rescue and medical staff are pic.twitter.com/K9cATQvY58 Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) January 24, 2025 A roof collapsed and at least 12 people were under it during the explosion, officials said, adding that two of them were rescued and an excavator is being used to remove the debris. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared on X (formerly Twitter), Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that financial assistance of 5 lakh will be provided to the heirs of those killed in the Ordinance Factory accident in Bhandara district." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Chief Minister also informed that SDRF and Nagpur Municipal Corporation teams were also called for rescue operations. The district administration was involved in the rescue operations in coordination with the defense forces. First Published: January 24, 2025, 12:27 IST Karnataka Man Dies By Suicide After Wife Refuses To Take Back Divorce Petition Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 15, 2025, 18:10 IST According to the police, the deceased husband had got married in 2013 and had a 9-year-old son with his wife Representative Image A husband died by suicide in the Nagarbhavi locality of Bengaluru after his wife refused to withdraw the divorce petition on Thursday. The man set himself on fire in front of the residence of his wife after he was not able to convince her. related stories As per the police, the deceased husband was Manjunath who lived in Kunigal town. He was 39 years old and owned a cab. In 2013, he got married and was living in a flat in Bengaluru after the marriage. He also had a 9-year-old son. Because of the difference between the couple, Manjunath began living separately from his wife for two years and the couple had filed a divorce petition in the court. However, Manjunath went to the residence of his wife and tried to convince her to take back the divorce petition from the court. As per the police, the mans wife did not agree to withdraw the petition and said that she had gone through a lot because of him. On seeing that his wife refused to withdraw the petition, the man brought a can of petrol, set himself on fire in front of the corridor of her house and died. Manjunaths parents have held his wife responsible for their sons death. A case has been registered by the Jnanabharthi police and they are carrying out an investigation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The case is similar to the death of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash which caused a huge uproar in the country. The techie had died by suicide after alleging torture from his wife Nikita Singhania and stating that she had demanded Rs3 crore for the divorce settlement. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) First Published: January 24, 2025, 08:27 IST Kerala Lottery Results LIVE: Nirmal NR-416 Winners For 24 January, 2025 Announced; Full List Here! Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 27, 2025, 09:04 IST Kerala Lottery Results Today: Here's full list of winning numbers for Nirmal NR-416 lucky draw for Friday, January 24, 2025. Kerala Lottery Nirmal NR-416 Results: The first prize winner of Nirmal NR-416 will get Rs 70 lakh. (Image: Shutterstock) KERALA LOTTERY NIRMAL NR-416 RESULT ON FRIDAY, 24.1.2025, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Nirmal NR-416 lottery for Friday, January 24. Lucky participants who have purchased a ticket for this draw could stand a chance to win exciting cash prizes, with the top winner receiving a massive Rs 70 lakh. Additionally, the second and third prize winners will secure Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively. Other prizes, including the consolation prize, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th prizes, offer varying amounts that could bring significant joy to the lucky ticket holders. Check the full list of winning numbers below. ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Results: Win Win W-806 Winners For 27 January, 2025; First Prize Rs 75 Lakh! related stories NIRMAL NR-416 LOTTERY: WINNING NUMBERS WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 70 LAKH IS NE 603275 (KANNUR) Agent Name: SINURAJ P Agency No.: C 4861 WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 10 LAKH IS NB 471635 (IRINJALAKKUDA) Agent Name: LORENCE K V Agency No.: R 5264 WINNING NUMBER FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 LAKH ARE NA 460460 NB 594790 NC 634554 ND 893522 NE 135669 NF 871967 NG 693152 NH 260527 NJ 104325 NK 526818 NL 866232 NM 667295 WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE NA 603275 NB 603275 NC 603275 ND 603275 NF 603275 NG 603275 NH 603275 NJ 603275 NK 603275 NL 603275 NM 603275 WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE 0330 0576 1494 1535 2153 2336 3023 3302 3655 5051 5229 5434 6020 6664 7064 7669 7971 9895 WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 5TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE 0086 0394 0762 1145 1507 1982 2481 2517 2673 2828 3495 3948 3949 4022 4104 4141 4716 4760 5018 5033 5514 6106 6308 6338 6472 6517 6795 6874 7102 8117 8327 8401 8415 9466 9817 9933 WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 6TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE 0136 0269 0406 0489 0498 0558 0648 0732 0828 0879 0883 1022 1031 1092 1253 1305 1331 1375 1518 1547 1615 1752 1929 2053 2474 2634 2724 2781 2868 2997 3427 3657 3667 3781 3802 3884 3916 4052 4225 4479 4486 4589 4734 4820 4831 4862 5030 5276 5511 5727 5851 5946 6044 6061 6064 6127 6423 6625 6706 6731 6837 6888 6908 6979 7124 7300 7627 7641 8018 8409 8494 8568 8655 8913 9086 9133 9588 9940 9974 WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 7TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE 0127 0215 0305 0490 0625 0815 1363 1457 1832 1849 1854 1917 1936 1939 1976 1993 2112 2330 2376 2386 2391 2619 2797 2831 2836 2858 2935 2951 2961 3002 3062 3131 3147 3213 3319 3346 3404 3451 3478 3498 3573 3689 3840 3897 3973 4064 4119 4145 4315 4367 4513 4844 4868 4988 5006 5031 5077 5277 5412 5425 5612 5640 5659 5680 5681 5696 5707 5896 5923 5924 5959 6058 6117 6123 6145 6148 6242 6284 6362 6364 6418 6424 6518 6568 6695 6843 6883 6971 7014 7101 7181 7210 7302 7355 7384 7448 7588 7653 7679 7690 7717 7727 7740 7747 7948 8084 8258 8557 8651 8805 8880 8892 8991 9030 9252 9279 9365 9389 9481 9497 9568 9846 HOW TO CHECK NIRMAL NR-416 RESULTS? To see the NIRMAL NR-416 results, go to the official Kerala Lottery website. Visit the Kerala Government Gazette office to verify the winning numbers. Contact the Kerala Lottery Department directly for accurate and reliable information. HOW TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE MONEY? Take these steps to see if you have won the Nirmal Lottery NR-416: 1. Compare the number on your ticket with the results published in the Kerala Government Gazette. 2. You can be eligible for a prize if your ticket number corresponds with the results that were declared. 3. Winners can pick up their rewards at the Kerala Lottery Office in Thiruvananthapuram within 30 days of the announcement. 4. Winners must show their winning tickets and identification in order to collect their winnings. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY? 1. A self-certification and a copy of the winning ticket that shows both sides must be provided. 2. A Gazette official must sign passport-sized photos. 3. The participant must present a photocopy of their signed PAN card. 4. Before submitting, complete the online prize money receiving form and include a revenue stamp. 5. It is necessary to present identification documents like a voter ID, ration card, Aadhaar card, and PAN card. HOW TO DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS? 1. Visit keralalotteries.info or keralalotteryresult.net, the official websites of the Kerala Lottery Department. 2. To view the Nirmal Lottery NR-416 Results, click the link. 3. The results section will show the winning numbers. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 4. On the page, locate the download link. 5. To view the lottery results in PDF format, click the link. Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India First Published: January 24, 2025, 09:00 IST Labourer's Daughter Shines As Shimla's Star With Her Artwork Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 16:51 IST The 24-year-old artist from Jharkhand, now in Shimla, supports her family through her art. Encouraged by her employer and businessman Pankaj Malhotra, she showcases her work locally and plans to sell online by March 2025 Vanita works with clay and a variety of colours to create her pieces. (Local18) In an inspiring journey, a labourers daughter has not only made a name for herself but is also supporting her family financially. Born in Shimla, Vanita, a 24-year-old artist originally from Jharkhand, has carved out her own path. Her father and elder brother work as labourers. related stories Vanitas family, who relocated to Himachal Pradesh from Jharkhand in search of livelihood, would never have imagined that their daughter would forge her identity as an artist in Himachal Pradesh. In a conversation with Local18, Vanita shared that she studied in a government school. Vanita, who completed her secondary education at a government school, works as a domestic helper for Pankaj Malhotra, a businessman in Shimla. Recognising Vanitas artistic talent, Pankaj Malhotra provided encouragement and support. In the evenings, Vanita showcases her artwork in an exhibition outside the house where she works. This initiative has earned her recognition as an artist among the local community. Vanita, a prolific artist, has produced hundreds of artworks and paintings. She works with clay and a variety of colours to create her pieces. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Currently, she accepts commissions solely through pamphlets distributed outside her home, relying on these orders to sell her paintings. She exhibits her art through Instagram. From March 2025, she has planned to sell her paintings online. Vanita has expressed particular gratitude to Pankaj Malhotra and Ajay Srivastav for their encouragement. Location : Shimla, India First Published: January 24, 2025, 16:51 IST Plan To Visit Maha Kumbh On Mauni Amavasya? Brace Yourself For 'No Vehicle, No VIP' Zone | Know More Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 11:41 IST Almost 8-10 crore devotees are likely to visit Mahakumbh and take holy dip in Triveni Sangam on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. Mahakumbh 2025: Special arrangements will be put in place for sadhus of 13 akharas, who are slated to take Amrit Snan in the Sangam area. Maha Kumbh Mela, underway in Prayagraj, is expected to draw a massive crowd on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. It will be the biggest bathing day, scheduled for January 29. The UP government has already chalked out its plans to avoid security issues and stampede-like situations. The entire mela area has been declared a no-vehicle zone and no VIP protocol will be allowed for dignitaries on this particular day, as shared by senior officials of the UP government. Traffic movement will be restricted beyond the designated parking zone. The pontoon bridges may remain operational but will perhaps allow just one-way movement. To visit akharas, devotees are mandated to book their slots as no last-minute entries will be entertained. Special arrangements will be put in place for sadhus of 13 akharas, who are slated to take Shahi or Amrit Snan in the Sangam area. The entry or exit routes surrounding this place will remain under strict surveillance. related stories First of all, we have devised the zonal system, according to which those coming from the Arail side should take a bath at the Arail Ghat and those coming from the Jhusi side should take a bath at Jhusi Ghat and so on," Vaibhav Krishna, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), was quoted by Indian Express. No vehicle movement will be allowed in the Kumbh area from January 27 to January 30. Also, no VIP protocol will be followed on these days," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Almost 8-10 crore devotees are likely to visit Maha Kumbh on that special occasion to take a holy dip. Among them, 10-12 lakh people may travel by train. To control the crowd at nearby railway stations, the state government has demanded a special plan to oversee the movement of trains. For Mauni Amavasya, 150 trains will run to nine railway stations in Prayagraj. As per sources, there will be one train every four minutes. Besides Prayagraj, many pilgrims are expected to gather in other religious towns like Ayodhya and Varanasi. From the occasion of Makar Sankranti (January 14), more than 10 lakh devotees were recorded in the Ayodhya area in just two days while almost 7.41 lakh people visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and the numbers were nearly 5 lakh in Vindhyavasini Dham in Mirzapur. These places may see a four-time rise in the number of visitors during the Mauni Amavasya. Location : Prayagraj, India First Published: January 24, 2025, 11:41 IST Will Take Up Matter With US: MEA On Khalistani Terrorist Pannun's Presence At Trump's Event Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 16:41 IST The Ministry of External Affairs said that India will continue to raise the matters related to the anti-India activities with the US government. Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun spotted at Donald Trump's event (Photo: X) The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that India will continue to raise matters having bearing on the countrys national security with the United States. His reaction came after Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was reportedly seen at Donald Trumps inauguration. Whenever there is an anti-India activity we take up the matter with the US government. We will continue to raise matter with the US Government that have a bearing on our national security and have an anti-India agenda," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a weekly press briefing. related stories What Was The Incident? Pannun was spotted at The Liberty Ball during the official inaugural ceremony of Trump who returned to the White House on January 20. The Khalistani terrorist was not invited to the event and he bought tickets through some contact, according to a report in WION. As the crowd present at the celebratory event chanted USA, USA, Pannun was seen raising pro-Khalistan slogans, the video of which has been doing the rounds on social media. Pannun Spotted At Trumps Event The video first showed a zoom footage of Trump and First Lady Melania on the stage and then panned to its left to show the crowd chanting USA, USA. As the camera, supposedly his own, panned further, Pannun was seen among the crowd and was heard chanting Khalistan Zindabad. Khalistani terrorist Pannun AWKWARDLY MURMURS extremist slogans at Trumps inauguration pic.twitter.com/sTcCfhkKY2 Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) January 21, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As per the WION report, Pannun had managed to buy the tickets for the event through his contact as he was not invited to the mega event. The NIA registered its first case against him for promoting and carrying out acts of terror. Using threats and intimidation, he attempted to spread fear in Punjab and beyond. Non-bailable warrants were issued against him on February 3, 2021, and he was declared a Proclaimed Offender on November 29, 2022. The NIA has also seized his properties in Amritsar and Chandigarh. First Published: January 24, 2025, 16:29 IST Mumbai Woman Raped, Cesarean Blade, Stones Inserted In Body; Auto-Rickshaw Driver Arrested Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 12:31 IST A 20-year-old woman was allegedly raped and abandoned in Mumbai's Vasai area. The police have arrested a auto rickshaw driver in connection with the case. A representative image for protests against rape (PTI) An auto-rickshaw driver was arrested on charges of raping a woman in Mumbai. According to the Mumbai Police, the driver allegedly raped the 20-year-old in Vasai before bringing her to Mumbai in his auto-rickshaw. Later, he left her in an unconscious state near a temple and fled the spot. related stories As the woman was taken to a hospital for a medical test, the doctors found a cesarean blade and stones inside her body. Commenting on the matter, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Smita Patil said that a case had been registered against the driver. He was later taken into custody. Further investigations into the case were underway. However, according to a report with NDTV, the cops believe that the woman framed her rape and inserted the blade and stones in her body herself. Quoting sources, the report claimed that the woman, who lives with her family in Nalasopara, had gone with the auto-rickshaw driver to a beach, where they both had decided to stay for the night. The driver raped her there and fled. The woman managed to reach the Nalasopara railway station but was afraid of being scolded by her parents, for having gone to the beach at night. To push the gravity of the incident, the woman reportedly bought a surgical knife and inserted it into her private part. She also pushed some stones inside her body. Later, when she experienced pain and bleeding, she contacted the local police and got a rape case registered against the auto driver, according to the report. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It also quoted cops as saying that the womans father told them of two rape complaints made by his daughter in 2023. The police also believe the woman was mentally unfit, the report claimed. First Published: January 24, 2025, 11:53 IST 'R-Day Participation Will Symbolise Our Friendship': Jaishankar Meets Indonesian President Published By : PTI Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 20:18 IST The Indonesian president arrived on Thursday night on a three-day visit, primarily to attend India's 76th Republic-Day celebrations at Kartavya Path on Sunday. EAM S Jaishankar meets Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in New Delhi | Image/X Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto gracing the upcoming Republic-Day celebrations as the chief guest will be a fitting celebration of the cherished friendship between India and Indonesia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday. Jaishankar made the comments after meeting the visiting leader. related stories The Indonesian president arrived here on Thursday night on a three-day visit, primarily to attend Indias 76th Republic-Day celebrations at Kartavya Path on Sunday. Pleased to call on President Prabowo Subianto @prabowo of Indonesia at the start of his State Visit to India," Jaishankar said on X. Value his guidance and positive sentiments for the development of our multifaceted bilateral ties. President @prabowos participation as Chief Guest in Indias 76th Republic Day will be a fitting celebration of our cherished friendship," the external affairs minister added. Pleased to call on President Prabowo Subianto @prabowo of Indonesia at the start of his State Visit to India.Value his guidance and positive sentiments for the development of our multifaceted bilateral ties. President @prabowos participation as Chief Guest in s 76th pic.twitter.com/MAaVqK3pGS Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 24, 2025 The Indonesian leader will hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. The entire gamut of bilateral cooperation, including in the areas of defence and security, trade and investment, healthcare, energy, connectivity, tourism and people-to-people relations, will be reviewed at the talks, people familiar with the matter said. Several MoUs (memoranda of understanding) and announcements are likely to be concluded during the visit, they said. It is Subiantos first visit to India as the head of state. He will be the fourth Indonesian president to attend Indias Republic-Day celebrations. Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, was the chief guest at Indias first Republic-Day celebrations in 1950. A 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia will be participating in the Republic-Day parade at Kartavya Path. This will be the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in a national-day parade abroad. There has been an upswing in the India-Indonesia ties in the last few years. Modi travelled to Indonesia in 2018 during which the India-Indonesia ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Shared Vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was also adopted. India and Indonesia are close maritime neighbours, with the cultural and trade ties between the two countries spanning over a millennia. The Southeast Asian nation is also an important pillar in Indias Act East Policy. It is one of Indias largest trading partners in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region. The volume of the India-Indonesia trade in 2023 was recorded at USD 29.4 billion. Indian investments in Indonesia amount to USD 1.56 billion in the infrastructure, power, textiles, steel, automotive, mining, banking and consumer goods sectors. The bilateral defence and security ties have also witnessed steady expansion after the signing of a defence cooperation agreement in 2018. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Indonesia is also home to approximately 1.5 lakh people of Indian origin, whose ancestors had migrated to that country in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are around 14,000 Indian nationals (NRIs) living in Indonesia, including entrepreneurs, engineers, chartered accountants, IT professionals, consultants and bankers, according to official data. First Published: January 24, 2025, 20:18 IST Saif Ali Khan's Statement To Police: 'I Sensed Threat To Jeh, Grabbed Knife-Wielding Intruder' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 10:50 IST Saif Ali Khan's statement was recorded by Mumbai Police regarding the attack at his Bandra home. Sources said the actor provided full details of the stabbing incident to the cops. Saif Ali Khan attack case: Mumbai Police record actor's statement (Photo: PTI) Days after Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his Bandra home, sources with the Mumbai Police have said the actors statement was recorded late on Thursday night. Sources also said that Saif Ali Khan gave full details of the incident to the police at his residence, narrating the entire sequence of events on how he was stabbed. related stories Earlier, the police had recorded the statement of actor and Saif Ali Khans wife Kareena Kapoor in connection with the stabbing incident. WHAT SAIF ALI KHAN TOLD MUMBAI POLICE According to the details, Saif Ali Khan told the police that he held the attacker tight. However, his grip loosened after he stabbed him more than once. I held the assailant tight, but after he stabbed me again and again in my back, my grip loosened," the actor told the police. Seeing all this, my family as well as the staff working in the house were scared," the actor added. On the night of the attack, Saif Ali Khan came out after hearing his younger son Jehs cries. As soon as he saw the assailant assaulting Jehs staff nurse Eliam Philip, Saif jumped on the accused and held him, the Mumbai Police sources said. Narrating the sequence of events, Saif Ali Khan told the police that he heard a commotion at his home in between 2.30 am to 2.40 am on January 16. The actor said he was in his room on the 12th floor of the building with wife Kareena Kapoor. I stepped down to the 11th floor, where both my sons and their caretaker stays, after hearing some noises. As I reached Jehs room, I saw his caretaker talking to a stranger in a loud voice," Saif told the police. The man was carrying a knife. Sensing a threat, I attempted to grab him," he said. After a while, he started stabbing me. He stabbed me in my back, neck and hands. In the meanwhile, the caretaker left the room with Jeh," Saif said, adding, I somehow attempted to overpower the attacker and locked him inside the room." Kareena and my sons were scared seeing me injured and the flow of blood. It was then when I was taken to the hospital," Saif Ali Khan told the police. Khan was stabbed multiple times in the wee hours of January 16 at his Bandra residence. Later, the police arrested Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir (30) alias Vijay Das, a Bangladesh national staying illegally in India, for the incident. SAIF ALI KHANs SECURITY UP After the actor was discharged from the hospital on January 21, the Mumbai Police deployed two constables in two shifts outside the Bandra residence of the actor. We have provided temporary police protection outside Saif Ali Khans Satguru Sharan building in Bandra West. Two constables from Bandra police station will be posted there in two shifts. CCTV cameras and widow grills have also been installed as part of security," news agency PTI quoted an official as saying. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, the accused will be produced in court on Friday to seek an extension of his police remand, the official added. He was remanded in five-day police custody on Sunday. First Published: January 24, 2025, 08:54 IST UP Seer Faces Defamation Case Over Remarks On Mulayam Singh Yadav, BJP Ally Condemns Statement Published By : PTI Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 18:25 IST The priest had recently taken to social media platform X, calling for an offensive action on a statue of Mulayam Singh Yadav installed in a camp supported by SP workers at Maha Kumbh. UP seer faces defamation case over remarks on Mulayam Singh Yadav (PTI Image) A defamation case has been filed against Hanuman Garhi priest Mahant Raju Das in a Varanasi court for allegedly making objectionable remarks about Samajwadi Party (SP) founder late Mulayam Singh Yadav, a lawyer said on Friday. Das had recently taken to social media platform X, calling for an offensive action on a statue of Yadav installed in a camp supported by SP workers at the Maha Kumbh. related stories The Varanasi civil court admitted the case and set February 17 as the date for the hearing, advocate Prem Prakash Yadav who filed the case said. Raju Das made disrespectful comments about Mulayam Singh Yadav, the champion of the poor, which has deeply hurt our sentiments. The matter was taken to the Varanasi civil court, which admitted the case and fixed February 17 for the hearing. We want the court to impose the strictest punishment on Raju Das to deter others from making such remarks against great leaders," he said. BJP Ally Condemns Remark SP spokesperson Manoj Rai Dhoopchandi said party workers approached the Varanasi police commissioner to submit a complaint against Das. However, no action was taken on our plea. The court has now accepted the case but the Varanasi police should also take appropriate action against him," Dhoopchandi said. While Das remarks were met with sharp reaction by SP supporters, Uttar Pradesh minister and chief of BJPs ally SBSP Omprakash Rajbhar also condemned them. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Mulayam Singh Yadav was a chief minister of the state for several terms and had also served as defence minister. He was a major leader working for the backward communities. I condemn the remarks which should not have been made," Rajbhar told a TV news channel. Location : Varanasi, India First Published: January 24, 2025, 18:25 IST Illegal Refugees Pose Serious Challenges: VP Dhankhar Raises Concerns Over Immigration Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 20:26 IST Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar called upon youths to take a stand against those involved in anti-national activities and said that it is essential to confront those who are trying to weaken India. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar (PTI File Image) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday raised concerns over the illegal immigrants in the country and said that immediate steps should be taken to safeguard the national interests. He also called upon the youths of the country to stand against people and entities engaged in anti-national activities. related stories There are crores of illegal refugees in India who pose serious challenges to our healthcare, education, and employment sectors," Dhankhar said while addressing the 76th foundation day celebrations of Uttar Pradesh in Lucknow. This is a matter of grave concern, as they are now seeking to influence electoral processes. Across the globe, developed nations are addressing such issues, and India, too, must act swiftly for its stability and dignity," he added. We are suffering illegal migration in this country of millions. If you count their numbers, it is mind-boggling.This illegal migration has to be dealt with, but without even a token of resistance. It is a problem we must handle as it is taking shape of pic.twitter.com/0ULsKtouox Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) January 21, 2025 The Vice President called it essential" to confront and neutralise those forces working to weaken India and who align with anti-national elements. The youth must exercise their immense power to counter such threats effectively," he said. VP On UPs Progress He highlighted the contribution of Uttar Pradesh to the development of the country, and noted that the state was once overshadowed economically", but it is the second largest contributor to Indias economy". I have no doubt that it will secure the top position in the near future, emerging as a state of entrepreneurs," Dhankhar said. Vice President Lauds CM Yogi The Vice President announced his acceptance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths invitation to take part in the Maha Kumbh Mela on February 1 and said that he would take a dip in the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj along with his family. I will take a dip with my family and pledge to dedicate myself fully to serving the nation. This will be a moment of pride for me," he said. Lauding the state, the Vice President said that it has transformed under CM Yogis leadership. The state, once perceived as stagnant, has now become a benchmark for progress under Yogi Adityanaths leadership. His governance has brought a miraculous transformation. The world is taking note of Uttar Pradeshs development trajectory," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He also reflected on the states heritage and said, Uttar Pradesh is blessed with the divine grace of Lord Ram from Ayodhya, Lord Krishna from Mathura, Lord Vishwanath from Kashi, and the protection of Lord Hanuman. With Yogi Adityanath at the helm, whose lineage ties deeply to the Gorakhnath tradition, the state is destined to thrive." (With PTI inputs) First Published: January 24, 2025, 20:26 IST How To Travel From Delhi To Prayagraj For Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 10:45 IST This grand event is an unforgettable experience filled with spiritual ceremonies, vibrant processions, and a deep sense of devotion. Mahakumbh Mela 2025, which started on January 13, will run until February 26. (PTI) The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is attracting visitors from around the world. As one of the largest religious festivals globally, it draws millions of devotees, spiritual leaders, politicians, photographers, and tourists to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. The event, which started on January 13, will run until February 26. Not only does it hold deep religious significance, but it also offers a rare chance to witness sacred rituals and vibrant cultural celebrations. Each year, the Mahakumbh Mela gathers vast crowds who partake in holy bathing ceremonies, seeking spiritual enlightenment and creating a truly unforgettable experience. The Maha Kumbh 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime event, occurring only once every 144 years! Heres a detailed guide on how to travel from Delhi to Prayagraj. To ensure smooth travel, the Indian government has launched numerous special trains from various parts of the country for the convenience of travellers. related stories Here are some transportation tips that may assist with your journey: By Train Trains offer one of the most convenient ways to travel from Delhi to Prayagraj, especially during the Mahakumbh. Indian Railways operates special trains to handle the large number of pilgrims attending the event. Train Routes and Travel Time: The journey from Delhi to Prayagraj covers around 650 km and typically takes between 9 to 12 hours, depending on the train service you select. Popular trains running on this route include the Prayagraj Express, Rajdhani Express, and Shatabdi Express. Travel Tips: Expect long queues at stations and possible delays, especially during peak travel times. Its advisable to pack essential items like water, snacks, a power bank, and a warm blanket, particularly for overnight journeys. By Bus Buses provide an economical option for travelling from Delhi to Prayagraj. Both state-run and private bus services operate on this route, offering choices like luxury and sleeper buses for added comfort. Bus Routes and Travel Time: The bus journey from Delhi to Prayagraj typically takes around 12 to 14 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route. Buses usually depart from prominent terminals like Delhis ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal) and travel through cities such as Agra, Kanpur, and other towns before reaching Prayagraj. By Flight For a faster and more convenient travel option, you can opt to fly from Delhi to Prayagraj. The city is served by Prayagraj Airport, offering both domestic and international flight services. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Flight Routes and Duration: The flight from Delhi to Prayagraj typically takes about 1.5 hours. Multiple airlines operate daily flights between Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) and Prayagraj Airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Varanasi, located about 120 km from Prayagraj, and take a cab or bus to complete your journey. This grand event is an unforgettable experience filled with spiritual ceremonies, vibrant processions, and a deep sense of devotion. First Published: January 24, 2025, 10:45 IST Vitamin C In Skincare: The Glow-Boosting Trend Everyones Talking About Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 15:00 IST One of the most important skincare benefits of vitamin C is its skin-brightening properties. Vitamin C boosts collagen levels. Vitamin C has been stealing the spotlight in skincare lately, and for good reason. This ingredient is a favourite in serums, moisturizers and creams, thanks to its amazing benefits. While many people know vitamin C for boosting the immune system, it is just as impressive when it comes to skincare. Think of vitamin C as your skins best friendit brightens up dull skin, protects it from damage caused by the environment and leaves it looking fresh and glowing. But what exactly makes it so special, and why should it be part of your skincare routine? Lets dive into the cool science and awesome benefits of this must-have ingredient. According to a report by The Times of India, Dr. Nilofar Diwan, a consultant dermatologist at Shalby Hospital Ahmedabad, explains that vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a game-changer for skin health. It is celebrated for its ability to fight free radicals, protect the skin from pollution and defend against harmful UV rays. By reducing oxidative stressa key factor in premature ageingvitamin C helps keep your skin looking youthful and fresh. related stories Dr. Rupika Singh, founder of Aklya Aesthetics, adds that vitamin C works wonders on dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone by stopping melanin production. Plus, it boosts collagen levels, reduces wrinkles and fine lines and makes your skin smoother and more radiant. Its ability to delay ageing and brighten the skin makes it indispensable," she notes. Benefits of Vitamin C in Skin: Evens and brightens skin tone:One of the top benefits of vitamin C is its ability to brighten your skin. It helps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leaving your skin looking more even-toned and radiant. Fights inflammation and acne:Vitamin C is a lifesaver for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties calm redness and irritation, making it great for reducing breakouts and soothing your skin. Boosts hydration:Staying hydrated is key to healthy skin, and vitamin C helps by maintaining your skins moisture levels. It supports a strong skin barrier, locking in hydration and preventing water loss. Protects against environmental stressors:From pollution to UV rays, your skin faces daily challenges. Vitamin C acts like a shield, neutralising free radicals that can damage your skin and speed up ageing. Its your skins ultimate defender. How To Incorporate Vitamin C In Your Daily Routine? According to a TOI report, Dr. Nilofar Diwan recommends using stable formulations such as L-ascorbic acid or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. For these products to be effective, their concentration should ideally range between 10% and 20%. Here are some steps to maximise the benefits: Apply vitamin C first thing in the morning to protect against daily environmental damage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Combine it with sunscreen for enhanced UV protection. Store products in cool, dark places to maintain their potency. Dr Nilofar Diwan also advises starting with lower concentrations of vitamin C for sensitive skin to prevent irritation. With its numerous benefits, vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient in skincare. It boosts collagen production, brightens the skin, reduces pigmentation, and protects it from environmental damage.Dr Meghna Mour, Chief Dermatologist & Hair Transplant Surgeon at Skuccii Supercliniq, recommends incorporating a high-quality vitamin C serum into your morning skincare routine. For optimal results: Apply it before sunscreen. Pair it with other active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, to enhance its effectiveness. The popularity of vitamin C in the skincare industry is widely recognised. Its ability to protect, brighten and revitalise the skin makes it an essential ingredient for anyone seeking a radiant complexion. To achieve healthier, more glowing skin, embrace this glow-boosting trend by understanding its importance and applying it correctly. First Published: January 24, 2025, 15:00 IST Actors Shreyas Talpade And Alok Nath Booked In Cheating Case In Haryana, FIR Filed Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 08:53 IST Actors Shreyas Talpade and Alok Nath are named in a cheating and breach of trust case in Sonipat, Haryana, related to investment schemes. Police described it as a multi-level marketing scam. Actors Shreyas Talpade and Alok Nath have been named in a cheating and breach of trust case registered at Murthal police station in Haryanas Sonipat district. The FIR, filed on 22 January, lists the two actors among 13 accused under Sections 316 (2), 318 (2), and 318 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The charges include criminal breach of trust, cheating, and property transfer through deception. Ajeet Singh, Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP), Murthal, told ThePrint that the names of the two actors were included in the list of accused mentioned by the complainant in their statement to the police. Singh stated, The main complaint is against the society that is alleged to have duped people of their money by luring them to invest. We will have to investigate what role, if any, is ascribed to Shreyas Talpade and Alok Nath." related stories Sonipat resident Vipul Antil filed a complaint against the Human Welfare Credit Cooperative Society, registered in Indore under the Multi-State Cooperative Society Act, 2002. He said the society had been active in several states, including Haryana, since 16 September 2016. The society allegedly offered FD and RD schemes with promises of high returns but used a multi-level marketing approach, giving agents incentives to bring in more investors. On the work front, Shreyas Talpade was last seen in Kangana Ranauts directorial, Emergency. It is set during Indias Emergency period from 1975 to 1977, a time marked by severe restrictions on civil liberties and press freedom. The film also features Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, Anupam Kher, the late actor Satish Kaushik, Vishak Nair, and others, with a screenplay penned by Ritesh Shah. Alok Nath is an Indian Bollywood actor well known for his contribution to 300 films in his career. He stepped into the filmland in 1982 and played many roles from small screen to big screen. First Published: January 24, 2025, 08:43 IST Jennifer Aniston, Barack Obama 'Obsessed With Each Other': Shocking Magazine Cover Claim Resurfaces Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 25, 2025, 03:03 IST A magazine cover and recent events have reignited wild affair rumours linking Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama. Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama affair rumours take the internet by storm. Speculation surrounding Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obamas alleged romantic affair has resurfaced, months after it first grabbed headlines. While there is no credible evidence that Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, are facing marital issues, rumours continue to circulate online. How Did The Rumours Begin? related stories The affair rumours started in August 2024, when InTouch magazine published a cover story with the eye-catching headline, The Truth About Jen & Barack!" The cover suggested that Michelle Obama felt betrayed" and alleged that Barack Obama and Jennifer Aniston were obsessed with each other." Magazines Provocative Headline The tabloids front page drew attention with its bold claims, including sub-headers like MICHELLE BETRAYED AS ANISTON STEALS HER HUSBANDS ATTENTION." Another sub-header insisted the two were obsessed with each other," further fuelling speculation. Inside the issue, the magazine quoted an anonymous source claiming that Aniston and Obama had been spending more time together. With the election coming up in November, Jen has gotten very political, so shes found herself in Baracks world a lot lately," the source claimed. Hes gone Hollywood, so hes now in Jens world. He has production deals going [with Netflix]. They have found they have a lot in common and are talking more and more." Jennifer Aniston Responds to the Speculation Jennifer Aniston addressed the rumours during an October appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! When Kimmel held up the InTouch cover, Aniston laughed off the allegations. Of all the calls you get from your publicist where youre just like, Oh no, whats it gonna be," she said, and then its that I was not mad." Jennifer Anniston had spoken about Barack Obama and Michelle Obama in the late night show with Jimmy Kimmel pic.twitter.com/ICPqWdX7lz Movie Loverr (@LoverrofMovies) January 24, 2025 The Friends star dismissed the claims as absolutely untrue," revealing she has only met Obama once. I know Michelle more than him," she quipped. Meanwhile, Obama has remained silent on the matter and has not issued any statements regarding the rumours. Why Are the Rumours Back? The gossip has resurfaced following Michelle Obamas noticeable absence at two recent public eventsJimmy Carters funeral and Donald Trumps inauguration. Despite Barack Obama sharing a heartfelt message for Michelles birthday on January 17, speculation about their relationship continues. A recent Daily Mail headline fuelled speculation, reading, Obama Arrives to D.C. Restaurant Alone on Inauguration Eve Amid Wild Rumours About Jennifer Aniston After Michelle No-Show." While there is no concrete evidence to support the claims, the rumours surrounding Aniston and Obama continue to thrive in the gossip mill. Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA) First Published: January 25, 2025, 02:47 IST Jennifer Aniston BREAKS Silence On Affair Rumours With Barack Obama: 'I Know Michelle...' | Viral Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 21:18 IST Jennifer Aniston addresses romance rumours with Barack Obama in a resurfaced interview, saying she wasn't mad at it. Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama's dating rumours resurface. Speculation surrounding a possible romance between former US President Barack Obama and actress Jennifer Aniston has once again gained traction online. The rumours, which first surfaced last year after InTouch magazine published an article titled The Truth About Jen & Barack, have resurfaced following reports hinting at possible tension between Barack and Michelle Obama. Amid the renewed gossip, an old interview of Jennifer Aniston on Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been making the rounds on social media. In the clip, Aniston humorously addressed various tabloid stories about herself, including the speculation about a secret romance with the former President. related stories Of all the calls you get from your publicist where youre like, Oh no, whats it gonna be? Or the emails saying some cheesy tabloids going to make up a story and then its that," Aniston joked, adding, I was not mad at it." She further clarified, I know Michelle [Obama] more than him." The interview took a quirky turn as Aniston confirmed some unusual rumours about herself. She admitted to trying a salmon sperm facial, joking, Dont I look like a salmon? Dont I have beautiful salmon skin?" Aniston also revealed her unusual travel habits, confessing to carrying jars of olives and a Ziplock bag containing her late therapists ashes during international trips. Can I plead the its a little true," she said with a chuckle. Oh, Im gonna sound like I really need a therapist after this. Its a long story." Aniston also shared a lesser-known fact about her childhood, revealing that one of her art pieces once hung in New Yorks Museum of Modern Art. As per E! News, the interview ended on a fun note with Kimmel asking if her family really made her belly dance during Christmas Eve gatherings. Anytime, not just Christmas Eve," Aniston replied, explaining how her Greek heritage encouraged family performances. The Greeks love any kind of a family dinner. Yes, they would say, Lets get up and watch I get such anxiety when friends do that with their children because of the inner trauma from having to perform and belly dance in front of my great aunts and uncles and grandmothers," she shared. Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA) First Published: January 24, 2025, 21:18 IST Jennifer Aniston's Pic With Michelle Obama Goes Viral Amid Barack Obama Affair Rumours; Fans React Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2025, 10:46 IST Jennifer Aniston is believed to have first and only met Barack Obama in 2007 at a Hollywood gala organised by Steven Spielberg. Jennifer Aniston's affair rumours with Barack Obama resurface. Late last year, Friends star Jennifer Aniston, 55, found herself at the centre of romance rumours with former US President Barack Obama, 63, after In Touch Weekly magazine published a front-page story claiming to reveal the truth about Jen & Barack." The Hollywood actress swiftly dismissed the speculation during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in October 2024. Of all the calls you get from your publicist where youre just like Oh, no, whats it gonna be? or you get an email saying some cheesy tabloid is gonna make up a storyand then its that," Aniston quipped. related stories I was not mad at it," she added with a giggle, before clarifying, Its absolutely untrue." When host Jimmy Kimmel asked if there was any truth to the rumours, Aniston replied, Ive met him [Obama] once. I know Michelle more than him." In a playful tone, Kimmel further questioned, Is there a truth about you and Michelle?" to which Aniston responded with a smile, That is not true." ALSO READ | Amid Barack Obama Affair Rumours, A Look At Jennifer Anistons Past Marriages And Relationships The actress is believed to have first and only met Barack Obama in 2007 at a Hollywood gala organised by Steven Spielberg and his DreamWorks co-founders. Photos from the star-studded event recently resurfaced online, showing Aniston with her arm around Michelle Obamas waist while other A-listers, including Morgan Freeman, enjoy the party in the background. Meanwhile, Barack and Michelle Obama, who celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in October last year, have been candid about the ups and downs in their marriage. Sharing a heartfelt photo of themselves hugging at a museum in New York, Barack wrote, I couldnt have asked for a better partner and friend to go through life with." Michelle echoed his sentiments, saying, 32 action-packed years with my honey! Thank you for always having my back." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Barack Obama (@barackobama) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Barack Obama (@barackobama) Despite their public display of affection, Michelle has previously spoken about challenges in their relationship. In a 2022 panel discussion, she admitted, People think Im being catty its like, there were ten years where I couldnt stand my husband," referring to the years they were raising their daughters, Malia and Sasha. Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA) First Published: January 24, 2025, 23:37 IST Neetu Kapoor Cried During Shoot After Engagement To Rishi Kapoor; Amitabh Bachchan Consoled Her: You Will Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 23, 2025, 18:32 IST Neetu Kapoor recalled working with Amitabh Bachchan in Yaarana and leaving early to return to her fiance, Rishi Kapoor. Amitabh arranged her return, and she appeared in only half of the song. Neetu Kapoor starred with Amitabh Bachchan in Yaarana. Neetu Kapoor once talked about her time working with Amitabh Bachchan in Yaarana, which included the popular song Sara Zamana Haseeno Ka Deewana. In the song, Amitabh wore the famous bulb-studded black leather jacket, and it was shot in Kolkata. Even though Neetu and Amitabh were both in the video, Neetu revealed that she left early and returned to Mumbai because she didnt want to be away from her fiance, Rishi Kapoor, at that time. I remember we were in Calcutta shooting for that stage song in a stadium (Yaarana). We were sitting together, and I was crying, tears rolling down my cheeks. I had just got engaged and I didnt want to be away from Chintu (Rishi Kapoor). The phones in Calcutta werent working. And Chintu was upset that he couldnt get through to me. Amit asked me why I was crying. I said, I want to go back. He replied, You will," she told Rediff, in an old interview. related stories She mentioned that he called the producer, asked him to book her ticket back to Bombay, and said they would handle the song without her. He called the producer, asked him to book my ticket back to Bombay, and said theyd manage the song without me. They did. You will notice I am there for half the song and then I disappear," she added. Neetu Kapoor and Rishi Kapoors wedding in 1980 was a memorable moment in Bollywood, marking the union of two of the industrys beloved stars. The couple had been in a relationship for several years before they got married, and their on-screen chemistry seamlessly translated into real life. Their wedding was a beautiful celebration, attended by many of their close friends and colleagues from the film industry. Over the years, Neetu and Rishi became one of Bollywoods most-loved couples. Rishi Kapoor died of leukemia on 30 April 2020, aged 67. First Published: January 23, 2025, 18:32 IST Not My Sons Face On CCTV, Hasina Behind His Migration: Father Of Saif Ali Khan's Attacker Reported By : News18.com Edited By: News Desk Last Updated: January 25, 2025, 14:16 IST Saif Ali Khan stabbing case: The father of the alleged attacker said that the hairstyle of the man on the TV is not at all the same as that of his son and that he could not have planned a crime of this length The blood stains on the clothes of the attacker will be matched by Saif Ali Khan's blood sample by the Forensic Lab (FSL). The Saif Ali Khan stabbing case, which has kept the entire country hooked to it, took another turn when the alleged accuseds father Md Rohul Amin claimed that the man shown on the television is not his son, while speaking exclusively to News18. My son has always kept short hair and he used to back brush. The photograph of the man shown is not my son from any angle. Till 30 years he has kept the same hairstyle, so why will it change now," said Amin. related stories He said that his son had entered India illegally from Bangladesh because they were allowed to make passports in their country. According to Amin, his son entered India after April or March of 2024. He added that he was working in a hotel in Mumbai. However, he reiterated that the photo shown is not of his son and he did not sport this type of hairstyle. Attackers Father Blames Hasina For His Son Illegal Migration The father said that they live in the Jalokathi district of Bangladesh. He said that he is a BNP leader and his two children also also associated with the political party. He said that Bangladeshs former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was killing many people which made it difficult for his son to stay in the country. He added that they were finding it difficult to stay in Bangladesh and his son had no alternative but to go to India. Amin said that his sons age is 30 years and his hairstyle is also different from the man shown on the TV. He added that it is not possible for his son to plan such an attack and that too on a big Bollywood celebrity. Amin said that he had spoken to his son last Friday and that the latter had not called him since then. He said that his son was also sending him money every month. Amin said that he knows the face of his son and will reach out to the Bangladesh government for all the help. Meanwhile, the fingerprints of the accused Mohammad Shariful have matched with those discovered in the residence of actor Saif Ali Khan in the forensic reports. The fingerprints were also collected from his son Jahagirs room door and bathroom. The actor has recorded his statement with the police in which he narrated the entire ordeal of the night of the knife attack. The attacker had barged inside the house of the actor and stabbed him multiple times after which he was rushed to Lilavati Hospital where he underwent surgery to remove the 2.5-inch piece of knife stuck in his back. First Published: January 24, 2025, 09:39 IST Rajpal Yadav's Father Passes Away In Delhi Days After Actor Received Death Threat Curated By : Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 12:09 IST Rajpal Yadav rushed to Delhi from Thailand after hearing the unfortunate news. Rajpal Yadav has lost his father. Actor and comedian Rajpal Yadav is grieving the loss of his father, Naurang Yadav, who passed away in Delhi in the wee hours of Friday (January 24). The tragic news comes just days after the actor revealed he had received death threats. He has been unwell since the last few days. Rajpals father was admitted to AIIMS hospital in Delhi where is died. At the time of his death, the actor was in Pattaya, Thailand, for the shoot of his upcoming film. Upon hearing the news of his fathers demise, he rushed to Delhi. related stories Rajpal has not released an official statement yet. Bach in 2018, Rajpal Yadav had posted a picture with his father on X (formerly known as Twitter) and penned a heartfelt note for him. My father has been the biggest driving force in my life. If it wasnt for your belief in me, I would not be where I am today. Thank you for being my father, I love you," he wrote. Check it out: My father has been the biggest driving force in my life. If it wasnt for your belief in me, I would not be where I am today. Thank you for being my father, I love you pic.twitter.com/CFesDPMvn5 Rajpal Naurang Yadav (@rajpalofficial) June 17, 2018 Rajpal Yadav recently made headlines after he received death threats via e-mail from Pakistan. An FIR has been filed in Mumbai, and a case has been registered at the Amboli Police Station in Mumbai based on a complaint filed by Yadav. In his audio statement, Rajpal Yadav clarified that he had already informed both the cybercrime department and the police about the threats. The actor stated, I have informed both the cybercrime department and the police, and after that, I havent spoken to anyone. In fact, its not my job to talk about this incident when I dont know anything about it. I am an actor, and in acting, I try to entertain people of all ages, young and old, through my work. I dont want to say anything more than this. Whatever needs to be said about this matter, the agencies are capable of providing the information. I have shared the details I was aware of." According to the police, the threatening email was sent from Pakistan to Kapil Sharma and Remo DSouza as well. The message read, We are monitoring your recent activities and we believe it is important that we bring to your attention a sensitive matter. This is not a publicity stunt or an attempt to harass you. We urge you to treat this message with utmost seriousness and confidentiality." The email was signed off by the sender using the name BISHNU. On December 14, 2024, Rajpal Yadav had received a threatening email from an individual identifying himself as Bishnu, under the ID Don." The message warned of an attack on Kapil Sharma and his team due to their show being sponsored by Salman Khan. This prompted swift action with Yadavs wife, Radha Rajpal Yadav, filing a formal police complaint at the Amboli Police Station in Mumbai. First Published: January 24, 2025, 12:04 IST Saif Ali Khan's Friend Afsar Zaidi Refutes Reports Of Him Rushing Actor To Hospital Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 10:24 IST According to Afsar Zaidi, he reached the hospital after receiving a call at around 4 am, filled out the mandatory form and completed all the formalities needed for the actor's treatment Actor Saif Ali Khan gets discharged from Lilavati Hospital, greets fans. The mystery of who rushed actor Saif Ali Khan to the Lilavati Hospital on the night of the knife attack continues to deepen. After reports of his elder son Ibrahim and then his younger son Taimur taking him to the hospital emerged, yesterday it was reported that his family friend Afsar Zaidi was the man who had rushed the actor. related stories On Thursday, Zaidi also refuted the reports of taking the actor to the hospital on the night when the stabbing incident took place, reported India Today. Zaidi claimed that he had reached the hospital only after receiving call from the Pataudi family. According to Zaidi, he received a call from the family of Saif Ali Khan at around 3:30 am on January 16 and was asked to come to Lilavati hospital where the actor was admitted. Saif was rushed to the hospital after he was stabbed six times by an intruder who had entered his house to carry out a robbery in Bandra. Zaidi said that he was able to reach the hospital at around 4 am where he filled out the mandatory form and completed all the admission formalities for the actors treatment. In Saif Ali Khans patient admission form, which was accessed by News18, details of injuries suffered by the actor were mentioned. The form also had the name of Afsar Ziaidi in the brought to the hospital by" field and the relation was mentioned as friend". It was earlier reported that Saifs eight-year-old son Taimur Ali Khan had accompanied him to the hospital, which was also confirmed by the doctors later. What Details Were Found In Saifs Admission Form? In the admission form of Saif Ali Khan, it was mentioned that the actor was allotted bed no. 1112 after he was admitted at 4.11 am on January 16. It added that the actor was subjected to assault by an unknown person at 2:30 am while at home in Bandra, sustaining multiple laceration wounds and bleeding." As per the admission form, the actor had lacerations in the back, right side of the neck, right shoulder and lateral aspect of his left wrist and also had an elbow abrasion wound. The hospital had discharged the actor on Tuesday. He was wearing a cast on his hand there was a bandage on his neck. First Published: January 24, 2025, 10:20 IST Sanjay Dutt Set To Return As Raghu In Vaastav 2? Here's What We Know Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 20:20 IST Sanjay Dutt and Mahesh Manjrekar are reuniting for the highly anticipated sequel to Vaastav: The Reality. The 1999 cult classic, known for its gritty portrayal of Mumbais underworld, left a lasting impact on Indian cinema. Sanjay Dutt and Mahesh Manjrekar reunite for Vaastav 2, the sequel to the 1999 cult classic? In 1999, Sanjay Dutt and Mahesh Manjrekar delivered the hard-hitting gangster drama Vaastav: The Reality, a film that resonated deeply with audiences and became a landmark in Indian cinema. Sanjay Dutts portrayal of Raghu, a common man-turned-gangster, earned widespread acclaim and achieved cult status over the years. Widely regarded as the OG gangster film of Indian cinema, Vaastav left an indelible mark on the genre. Now, 26 years later, the iconic duo is gearing up to reunite for the much-anticipated sequel to Vaastav. Sources close to PinkVilla reveal that Mahesh Manjrekar has conceptualized a fresh narrative set within the gritty world of Vaastav. Its a franchise film, not a direct continuation of the original story," said an insider. Mahesh has developed an idea in sync with the essence of Vaastav and has shared it with Sanjay Dutt, who is thrilled to reprise the role of Raghu. The screenplay is currently in the works, and Sanju is eagerly awaiting the final narration," added the source. related stories The sequel will be produced by Subhash Kale, with the team planning to begin production by late 2025. The film is said to be a two-hero project, with the creators aiming to cast a prominent actor from the younger generation as the parallel lead. Casting decisions will likely be finalized by mid-2025, once the script is fully developed. Mahesh and his team are crafting a high-octane gangster drama with larger-than-life dialogues and powerful characters," the source shared. If all goes as planned, Vaastav 2 is poised to be one of the grandest gangster films in Indian cinema, blending the raw intensity of the original with a modern, expansive approach. The makers are reportedly considering an A-list young star for the role alongside Sanjay Dutt, further boosting the sequels appeal. Sanjay Dutt and Mahesh Manjrekar have a history of successful collaborations, including Kurukshetra, Hathyar, Pitaah, Viruddh, and Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi. Their reunion for Vaastav 2 is already generating buzz among fans and the industry alike. The original Vaastav (1999) followed the journey of Raghu (Sanjay Dutt), an innocent young man from Mumbai who unwittingly descends into the citys underworld. Starting as a small-time worker with dreams of a simple life, Raghu is forced to commit murder in self-defense, which marks the beginning of his transformation into a feared gangster. As he rises through the ranks of the criminal world, Raghu struggles with the moral consequences of his actions and the toll it takes on his family. The film concludes with a tragic yet poignant climax, as Raghu, overwhelmed by his life of crime, meets a heartbreaking end at the hands of his own mother, fulfilling his desperate plea for redemption. First Published: January 24, 2025, 20:20 IST Shaan Mishra Assaulted By Jai Maa Laxmi Producer On Sets, Fight With Latters Wife Caught On Camera | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 07:40 IST Telly Talk has shared the video in which we can see show producer's wife also yelling at Shaan Mishra Shaan Mishra files complaint against Jai Maa Laxmi producer In a shocking incident, television actor Shaan Mishra was reportedly assaulted on the sets of the show Jai Maa Laxmi. A heated argument between Shaan and the shows producer escalated into an alleged physical altercation. The incident was caught on camera and is now making social media rounds. According to a report in Telly Talk, Shaan had requested the producer Mangesh to let him wrap up his shoot early due to a hand injury. The doctor advised him not to shoot but still, he turned up on the sets so that the telecast of the episodes would not affected. The viral video shows an ugly brawl involving Shaan Mishra and the producers wife, who reportedly intervened during the dispute. When Shaan decided to wrap up the shoot, the producer denied his request despite agreeing to it earlier, which led to a heated argument between the actor and the Mangesh. Then Mangeshs wife also jumped in and she can be seen yelling at Shaan. related stories Jo karna hai kar. Kaam karke jaane ka. Tu mujhe kya dikhayegaRoz idhar aakar khel ke jaata hai," she can be heard saying. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Telly Talk (@tellytalkindia) The argument turned heated when Mangesh tried to stop Shaan from recording the fight. He reportedly hit the actor and grabbed him by the neck and his wife too assaulted him. Shaan has filed a police complaint against the producer. No one has been arrested till now. There is no official statement on the matter by the actor. In the month of November, 2024 Shaan had announced joining the cast of Jai Maa Laxmi. The actor shared how he is excited to play the role of Lord Vishnu in the show. Taking to his Instagram Shaan even shared a long note. See yourself and others through the eyes of an angel and you will see a beautiful world that is light, bright, and hopeful.If you can imagine it, you can create it. That beautiful world you dream about, needs positive action to come true.We are all dreamers creating the next world, the next beautiful world for ourselves and for our children". Show Jai Mahalaxmi" @hariom_ott", he wrote First Published: January 24, 2025, 07:36 IST Sharvari Seeks Blessing At The Siddhivinayak Temple With Family: Just Have Faith Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 16:47 IST She emphasised how prayers are always answered and encouraged her fans to have faith. Sharvari will be next seen in Alpha. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Sharvari has paid a visit to Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai with her family. The actress shared a picture of herself offering prayers at a temple with her facing the camera. In the accompanying note, she emphasised how prayers are always answered. Sharing the photo, Sharvari wrote, Prayers are always answered Just have faith." related stories The actress was seen in a mustard-coloured outfit with flowery designs. She finished her outfit with large earrings and a ponytail to keep comfy. She also posed for cameras outside the temple. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla) Sharvari was last seen in the Netflix Maharaj opposite Junaid Khan. Prior to that, her film Vedaa with John Abraham was released theatrically. The film was written by Aseem Arrora. In addition to John Abraham and Sharvari, Tamannaah Bhatia, Abhishek Banerjee, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Kshitij Chauhan played significant roles. In Vedaa, John played an ex-Gorkha Regiment soldier who was court-martialed for failing to heed orders during a mission in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Sharvari was seen in the title character, Vedaa, a girl from a Dalit household who was mistreated by the upper class. Sharvari will next be seen in Alpha with Alia Bhatt. The Aditya Chopra film is part of the YRF spy world. It will be directed by Shiv Rawail, who is known for The Railway Men. It is the espionage franchises first female-led film. Aditya Chopras YRF spy universe began with Ek Tha Tiger. It was succeeded by War, Pathaan, Tiger Zinda Hai, and Tiger 3. The upcoming films in the universe include Alpha, and War 2. Fans are eagerly waiting for the release of Alpha, which promises to be a game-changing addition to the celebrated universe. First Published: January 24, 2025, 16:34 IST Sonam Kapoor Looks Uber-Cool As She Heads To Her Vanity Van On Set Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 15:11 IST Keeping it comfy, Sonam Kapoor slipped in a black jogger paired with a white spaghetti top. Sonam Kapoor last appeared in criminal thriller Blind. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Sonam Kapoor has been the ultimate fashionista we all look up to. Her on-point style game has turned heads every time she steps out in the city or otherwise. While she is also known for her versatile acting prowess, the Bollywood diva is a perfect family woman. With husband Anand Ahuja and son Vayu, Sonam keeps making stylish public appearances prompting us to take notes. In the latest, the fashion icon was spotted in Mumbai while she was on a shoot. In a video posted on social media, Sonam Kapoor could be seen walking towards her vanity van. Keeping it cool and comfy, she slipped in a black jogger paired with a white spaghetti top. The actress also carried a black jacket which was wrapped around her shoulders. To complete her look, she wore black shoes and matching shades. related stories Sonam could be seen smartly walking down and getting in her vanity van. Although she looked at the camera, the star did not stop to pose for it. She kept walking and eventually stepping inside the van. While the area looked like a shooting set, it could not be confirmed which film it was for. Sonam Kapoor gets clicked as she arrives for a shoot in Mumbai today," the caption of the social media post read. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Snehkumar Zala (@snehzala) Recently, Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja were spotted together in the city as they attended an event and no wonder the lovebirds set major couple goals. Sonam opted for a white shirt and patterned skirt. She also wore a blazer that matched her bottoms and finished the ensemble with black and white trainers. Anand complemented his wife by donning a classic black attire. He chose a black sweater with large designs, creating a reflecting effect. The businessman clubbed black trousers with grey and black trainers to complete his appearance. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pallav Paliwal (@pallav_paliwal) On the work front, Sonam Kapoor last appeared in criminal thriller Blind. Helmed by Shome Makhija, the film was released on JioCinema in 2023. Blind also featured Purab Kohli and Vinay Pathak in key roles. Tags First Published: January 24, 2025, 15:11 IST Opinion | Beijings Silent Cyber Siege On America Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 11:41 IST Throughout 2024, Chinese state-sponsored hacker groups like Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon orchestrated a series of cyber offensives, targeting everything from US telecommunications to Guams critical infrastructure As the CCPs cyber arsenal grows, the US finds itself in an uncomfortable reality: unprepared for the scale and sophistication of Beijings hybrid tactics. (Representative image) On a December morning in 2024, a silent invasion unfoldedunseen, unheard, yet profoundly destabilising. The US Treasury Department, the nerve centre of American economic power, fell victim to a meticulously planned cyberattack attributed to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This was no ordinary breach. It was a calculated strike targeting the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Office of the Treasury Secretaryboth critical enforcers of sanctions against Chinese entities embroiled in cyber operations and arms deals with Russia. As the sun rose over Washington DC, officials scrambled to assess the damage. Anne Neuberger, the US Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies, stood before the press, her tone sombre but resolute. This was not just espionage. This is part of a broader strategy to undermine our critical infrastructure and economic sovereignty," she declared. Behind her words lay months of escalating cyber conflict, a crescendo that had been building since the CCPs hybrid tactics first gained traction. related stories The December breach was merely the tip of the iceberg. Throughout 2024, Chinese state-sponsored hacker groups like Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon orchestrated a series of cyber offensives, targeting everything from US telecommunications to Guams critical infrastructure. Volt Typhoon, dismantled in January, had covertly commandeered hundreds of routers across the United States, laying the groundwork for attacks on water treatment facilities, electrical grids, and transportation systems. Meanwhile, Salt Typhoon focused on high-profile targets, infiltrating devices used by key political figures, including US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Salt Typhoons activities, described by Neuberger as an unparalleled espionage operation," breached nine major US telecom providers, stealing sensitive data and leaving behind dormant malwarea ticking time bomb designed to cripple American defences at a critical juncture. This is not about immediate damage," explained Rob Joyce, the National Security Agencys cybersecurity director. Its a long gamepreparing to paralyse us when were most vulnerable, perhaps during a conflict over Taiwan." While the United States grapples with the looming spectre of a cyber Armageddon, Taiwan stands on the frontline of Beijings digital onslaught. In 2024, Taiwans National Security Bureau reported an average of 2.4 million cyberattacks daily, a staggering increase from the 1.2 million daily incidents the previous year. These attacks targeted military systems, government networks, and critical infrastructure, all under the shadow of Taiwans January elections. Beijings strategy is clear: to undermine Taiwans democratic process and weaken its defences ahead of a potential invasion. The CCPs disinformation campaigns, deployed in tandem with cyberattacks, sought to erode trust in Taiwans institutions. Yet, as Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen reaffirmed her nations commitment to sovereignty, the islands resilience became a rallying cry for democracies worldwide. Compounding the threat is Chinas deepening partnership with Russia in cyber and information operations. Ukrainian intelligence reports from 2022 revealed CCP-linked spyware embedded in over 600 Ukrainian defence ministry websitesan ominous precursor to Moscows invasion. By 2024, this synergy had expanded to include the exchange of malware and tactics, raising alarms in Washington about the potential for coordinated cyberattacks on the US homeland. Imagine a cyber Pearl Harbour, but orchestrated by two of our greatest adversaries," warned Senator Mark Warner, Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. His words echoed the growing fears in Washington: that Beijing and Moscows digital axis could escalate from sabotage to all-out cyber warfare. The battle isnt confined to cyberspace. In January 2024, Taiwans northern coast faced an economic lifeline severance when the Shunxin 39, a vessel with ties to Hong Kong-based Chinese interests, allegedly damaged a vital undersea telecom cable. Weeks later, the Yi Peng 3, a Chinese-flagged vessel, severed cables in the Baltic Sea, raising suspicions of deliberate sabotage. Beijing denies these incidents are acts of war, dismissing them as accidents. However, the frequency and precision of these events suggest otherwise. For Taiwan, already reeling from cyberattacks, these disruptions are a chilling reminder of its vulnerability. As the CCPs cyber arsenal grows, the United States finds itself in an uncomfortable reality: unprepared for the scale and sophistication of Beijings hybrid tactics. The December Treasury hack, focused on intelligence gathering, underscores the need for a robust cyber defence strategy. OFAC, a linchpin in the US sanctions regime, had sanctioned multiple Chinese firms in 2024 for their role in supplying arms to Russia and conducting cyberattacks. By breaching OFAC, Beijing sought to anticipate and counter future sanctions. The broader implications are stark. Guam, home to vital US military installations, has emerged as a prime target. The islands infrastructure was repeatedly probed in 2024, likely as a rehearsal for disrupting American operations in the Pacific. Guam is the canary in the coal mine," Joyce remarked. If we cant protect it, how can we hope to defend Taiwan?" As Trump takes office, he has vowed to bring the fight to Beijing." Yet, the path forward is fraught with challenges. Building a resilient cyber defence infrastructure, forging alliances, and holding adversaries accountable will require a Herculean effort. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Treasury breach is a sobering reminder of whats at stake. Its not just about stolen data or disrupted systems; its about the erosion of trust in institutions, the weakening of defences, and the existential threat to democratic governance. As Anne Neuberger aptly put it, Cybersecurity isnt just a technical issueits a national security imperative. And in this battle, complacency is not an option." The author is Research Director at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, New Delhi-based non-partisan think-tank. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: January 24, 2025, 11:41 IST Opinion | Shared Nationalism, Different Approaches: Trump, Modi, And The World Stage Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 16:53 IST Donald Trump and Narendra Modi find common ground against deep states and woke ideologies, yet their responses and global impact differ sharply Trumps emphasis on the MAGA ideology and fewer regulations for American citizens bears an uncanny resemblance to PM Modis avowed nationalist philosophy. (Image: Reuters) That US President Donald Trump, during his election campaign, clearly voiced his America First policy is no news. For once, Trumps emphasis on the MAGA (Make America Great Again) ideology and fewer regulations for American citizens bears an uncanny resemblance to Prime Minister Modis avowed nationalist philosophy, his goal of making a Viksit Bharat by 2047, and the Minimum Government, Maximum Governance motto. The issue of illegal immigration is another such parallel. While America primarily faces an influx from Mexico, India grapples with it from Bangladesh. Now that President Trump has taken a hard line against Mexico, he should appreciate Indias challenges with Bangladesh, where Musks bete noirethe deep statehas facilitated a change of guard, installing a puppet regime that is low on democratic credentials but high on anti-India and anti-Hindu rhetoric. With Trump now in power, India will be watching with interest to see how things unfold in Bangladesh. related stories What, however, surprised many was Trumps open attack on the deep state. Here again, there is a similarity with India, where, for the first time, the American deep state was vehemently criticised in Parliament by BJP members Sudhanshu Trivedi and Sambit Patra during their attacks on Rahul Gandhi. During Joe Bidens term, the clout of the deep state, perceived as being in collusion with the Left, had grown, to the dismay of many Americans who have always viewed communist/socialist ideologies as anachronistic to the American ethos. Since the founding of the United States, faith in God and the notion of the American Dreamstimulating individual enterprisehave remained deeply ingrained in the national psyche. The Cold War with Soviet Russia further strengthened this spirit. The current craze for the Left-sponsored Woke movement and its offshoot, DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity), has not found favour with Trump. One recalls how his close confidant Elon Musk voiced outrage after his son underwent a sex change and became a daughter without informing him. Musk subsequently blamed DEI lessons taught in schools for the incident, reacting by declaring that his son was dead. Trumps clampdown on the DEI framework may be seen as part of his broader counter to the deep state, which has supported the woke agenda. Wokeism, with its support for equal outcomes regardless of calibre, runs counter to the ideal of American exceptionalism that has long been celebrated as a unique feature of American society. Ironically, it was support for calibre-based immigration that cost Vivek Ramaswamy his job, as the ire of MAGA supporters stemmed more from racial bias against him than from any genuine concern for American exceptionalism. Having sacrificed Vivek as a scapegoat to placate the MAGA crowd, Trump has now softened his stance on the H1-B visa issue for skilled immigrants. However, he could have provided a better description of their talents than merely referring to wine tasters and waiters. After all, legal immigrants from India are among the most qualified of all immigrant groups, making up a significant portion of professionals, scientists, doctors, software experts, and more. Denying their children the right to American citizenship is a dampener that will benefit neither Indian immigrants nor the American economy, given the strong attachment of Indians to their families. On the economic front, Trumps focus on encouraging domestic enterprises and imposing heavy taxes on goods from countries with which the US has a trade deficit is understandable. However, Americas withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the WHO creates the impression that the country is facing severe financial difficulties and cannot afford even these minor charities. Such withdrawal will hit the image of this great nation. This sits at odds with Indias rather liberal commitments on the global stage. What puzzles one, however, is Trumps assurance, on the one hand, of non-interference in the affairs of other countrieswhether militarily or through financial sanctionsand, on the other, his plan to buy Greenland and induce Canada to become a province, both of which have been vehemently opposed by Denmark and Canada. The days of Uncle Sam having a finger in every pie being baked in another country should ideally be relegated to history. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all His promise to end the Arab-Israel conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war may sound appealing, but his modus operandi does not inspire much confidence. At present, his call upon Russia to mend fences with Ukraine or face economic sanctions may not sit well with an equally aggressive President Putin. However, one hopes against hope that economic leverage might succeed where military action is unlikely to yield results. Jagdish Batra is an academic and writer, presently working as Professor and Executive Dean at O.P. Jindal Global University, India. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: January 24, 2025, 16:49 IST The making of the sweet dish is not just a festive event but majorly celebrates the hard work that goes in before the final stage of the budget preparation. Consequently, all the members who have been involved in the drafting of the budget are acknowledged for their contribution to the process. It also symbolises the start of the lock-in period which is done to maintain the confidentiality and security of the Union Budget. 'Don't Think Uddhav Will Take Extreme Stand': Sharad Pawar On Sena (UBT) Going Solo In Local Polls Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 18:16 IST Pawar maintained that though Thackeray has expressed his opinion on fighting local body polls, other constituents of the MVA feel the issue should be resolved amicably among allies NCP (SP) Chief Sharad Pawar with Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray. (PTI file photo) Nationalist Congress Party (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Friday expressed the hope that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray will not take any extreme stand after the latter hinted at his outfit going solo in the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra. He maintained that though Thackeray has expressed his opinion on fighting local body polls, other constituents of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) feel the issue should be resolved amicably among allies. The MVA consists of the Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT). related stories Speaking to reporters in Kolhapur city, the former Union minister said the Maharashtra government signing MoUs with Indian companies at Davos during the World Economic Forum and projecting them as investment was misleading. Uddhav Thackeray had earlier also expressed sentiments about going solo in the elections. Two days ago, he had a detailed discussion with me regarding this and what he said yesterday (Thursaday) during a Shiv Sena melava (gathering) reflects his opinion. But I do not think he will take any extreme stand," said Pawar when asked about Thackerays comments. Addressing workers on the 99th birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray in Mumbai on Thursday, Thackeray said he has been talking to the party rank and file and they want the party to contest the upcoming local body polls independently. Are you ready to show the traitors their place? Elections are yet to be announced. Let me see your preparations and I will take a decision as per your wish. I will decide at the appropriate time," the former CM told the workers. Asked about Thackerays criticism of deputy CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on the issue of Hindutva, Pawar said his ally has been repeatedly asserting that their (Shinde factions) Hindutva was not genuine, and he just reiterated that claim during the Mumbai event. Both (Shiv Sena) factions held programmes to the mark the birth anniversary of Balasaheb Thackeray, with each faction asserting their claim to his legacy. However, if attendance is considered, Thackerays rally appeared to have a larger turnout," he insisted. Asked about Thackeray making critical remarks on Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his speech, but sparing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and if this indicated thawing of ties between the two state-level political rivals, he maintained he does not agree with that interpretation. Opposition leaders in Maharashtra are taking note of Amit Shahs speeches as his tone often comes across as extreme. It is expected that a Home Minister would maintain a balanced approach, but that is not reflected in his speeches," he said. On Industry Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samants remarks from Davos that some opposition MLAs and MPs are in touch with the ruling bloc, the veteran politician wondered about his purpose of visiting the Swiss town which hosted the World Economic Forum (WEF). They (remarks) left me wondering whether he was there to attract investments for Maharashtra or to poach opposition leaders. His statements in Davos were not in alignment with the Chief Ministers stated purpose for the visit (to sign MoUs)," Pawar added. The Rajya Sabha member asserted that MPs and MLAs of the Shiv Sena (UBT) are unlikely to leave the opposition party as they know which faction represents the true legacy of Bal Thackeray. On opposition criticising the Maharashtra government for inking MoUs with Indian companies at WEF, Pawar said it is every governments responsibility to create a conducive atmosphere for investments in the state and if such efforts are being done, there is nothing wrong in it. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all But projecting investments from investors who are already present here (in Maharashtra) looks like an eyewash or misleading," the former Union minster opined. Pawar said he came to know about Bharat Forge signing an MOU with the Maharashtra government and pointed out the company is based in Pune. First Published: January 24, 2025, 18:14 IST 'Good News Will Come This Month': CM Pushkar Dhami To News18 On UCC In Uttarakhand Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 16:22 IST Once its rolled out, Uttarakhand will become the first state to implement a uniform civil code Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. File photo/PTI The people of India have been waiting for a uniform civil code since the countrys independence, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami told CNN-News18 on Friday. We promised this to the people of Uttarakhand in the 2022 polls. And with the formation of our government, we formed the committee," he said, adding that good news will come this month". related stories Once its rolled out, Uttarakhand will become the first state to implement the UCC. 2.35 lakh people gave suggestions, and all stakeholders were consulted, the CM said. There are many departments involved. This was our promise to the people of Devbhoomi," he said. Every citizen in Uttarakhand will have the same law now." A five-member expert panel was formed to frame a report, led by retired judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, and based on this, the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2024, was passed in the assembly on February 7, 2024. The Act was notified on March 12, 2024, after assent from the President. When we passed it in the assembly, everyone in the state celebrated," Dhami told CNN-News18. We have made all the preparations; we are readyThat is why it has taken this much time." A cabinet meeting was held on Monday at the state secretariat under the chairmanship of the chief minister, where the uniform civil code (UCC) manual was approved. The approval follows a thorough scrutiny by the legislative department, which had already reviewed the manual. Ganga ji comes from Uttarakhand and gives jal jeevan to all, and I think UCC will also follow this route," the CM told CNN-News18. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The UCC seeks to establish a set of uniform personal laws that apply to all citizens, regardless of religion, gender, or caste. This would cover aspects such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession. There are some wrong narratives being spread about the UCC that are not correct," the chief minister said. This will also bring womens empowerment50% of the population comprising women will get 100% benefitOur committee met tribals too and they are happy with it but need some time to understand the impact." First Published: January 24, 2025, 16:22 IST Sharad Pawar Downplays Closed-Door Meeting With Nephew Ajit, Says No Party Issues Discussed Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 18:26 IST The former Union agriculture minister insisted discussion at the meeting solely centred around a sugar industry project NCP chief Sharad Pawar. (PTI file photo) Nationalist Congress Party (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Friday sought to downplay his closed-door meeting with estranged nephew and Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar in Pune, and asserted no issue related to their respective parties was discussed. Speaking to reporters in Kolhapur city, the former Union agriculture minister insisted discussion at the meeting solely centred around a sugar industry project. related stories Asked about the possibility of rival NCP factions, headed by him and Ajit Pawar, coming together and if this issue was touched up in the meeting, the veteran politician asserted no party-related matter was discussed. In the meeting, Ajit Pawar, myself and people associated with the (sugar industry) project were present," he said. The two politicians were in Pune to attend the annual general body meeting of the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI), which is headed by the senior Pawar. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is a member of the Pune-based VSI, a prominent research institute of the sugar industry, and attended its annual general body meeting for the first time since the July 2023 split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). During the AGM, Ajit Pawar sat at an arms length from his uncle, who heads the opposition NCP (SP). While the two were supposed to sit next to each other as per the initial arrangement, the deputy CM, who leads the ruling NCP, moved his nameplate one chair away, allowing Maharashtra Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil to sit between them. Asked about the change in the seating arrangement, Sharad Pawar clarified Babasaheb Patil wanted to speak about certain things during the event and that is why he (state minister) sat next to him (senior Pawar). A similar explanation was given by the junior Pawar. Babasaheb wanted to speak to Pawar saheb. I can speak to him (Sharad Pawar) anytime. Even if I sat one chair away, my voice is loud enough for someone further away to hear," the deputy CM explained on Thursday when asked about the seat rearrangement. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all At the VSI event, Ajit Pawar and NCP (SP) state unit president Jayant Patil, both political rivals, were also seen discussing something. The NCP suffered a split in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar broke away from his uncle and joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government headed by then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. First Published: January 24, 2025, 18:23 IST States Including Those Led By BJP Allies, Must Unite Against Draft UGC Rules: Karnataka Minister To News18 Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 09:59 IST Karnataka's higher education minister MC Sudhakar criticised the UGC draft rules on faculty recruitment, calling them "unacceptable," and invited state ministers to discuss their impact. Karnataka Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar (Image: X) Calling the recently released University Grants Commission (UGC) draft rules on faculty recruitment unacceptable", Karnataka higher education minister M C Sudhakar on Thursday said that its not just the Opposition-ruled states, but even the JD (U), a key ally of the ruling NDA, that has openly expressed its reservations on the regulations." Speaking to News18 on Karnataka organising the states higher education ministers conclave in Bengaluru on February 5 to discuss the draft UGC regulations 2025 (currently open for public consultation for stakeholders feedback) as well as the grading of institutions based on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, Sudhakar said that his department has sent out letters to his counterparts in all states on Thursday, asking them to join in and hoped that the JD (U) comes out in the open to take a stand in the matter." related stories JD(U) spokesperson has come out in the open and expressed their reservations as far as the draft UGC regulations are concerned. We have sent out letters to all higher education ministers to join the conclave. Lets see how many come. I do expect 12-13 states to participate. I will be happy if JD (U) also joins," the minister told News18. A section of the Nitish Kumar-led JD (U) had on Wednesday opposed the UGC draft regulations saying that they did not agree with things said in the draft". The Karnataka higher education minister added that the conclave is not for political reasons", but rather a crucial issue for state governments, which allot land and majorly fund state colleges and universities, including infrastructure and paying salaries of the staff, to have a say in their functioning. The main crux of UGC issue is that state governments through their own state enactments establish universities public or private ones. We are answerable to the people, and states are answerable for day to day happenings in universities. States are also responsible for imparting quality education," the minister told News18. We respect the UGC as regulatory authority, and UGC was earlier directly funding research programmes, but this has been missing for last 10 years," he added. Pointing out how the states role in the selection of University VCs has been removed, Sudhakar said, Till now, there were no major issues with UGC regulations but now they have come up with idea of taking away the rights of the states in terms of appointment of VC. Earlier the appointment of VC was in concurrence of states. There was equal responsibility earlier. They have removed representation of the state government from the panel that proposes the name of VC. The state now has no say in the appointment of VC." VC need not be academician, the new rules say. The tenure now has been extended to 5 years instead of 3 years, as per new rules," he added. What Karnataka Ministers Letter to States Says A copy of Karnatakas letter sent to invite the state education ministers that News 18 has seen stated: A number of concerns have been raised on the draft regulations including the method of appointment of Vice- Chancellors, which impinge upon the rights of the states in a federal set up and impact the states roadmap for Higher education. In addition, the UGC has also published a draft document on January 3 relating to Grading of Higher Education Institutions based on implementation of NEP, 2020 which requires detailed deliberations. These guidelines pose a number of challenges in implementation." It further said that considering the above, the Government of Karnataka intends to organise a one-day Conclave of State Higher Education Ministers on February 5, 2025, to discuss the various issues pertaining to the above regulations and to strive to arrive at a joint resolution on the issue. It gives me immense pleasure to invite you to the State Higher Education Ministers Conclave to participate as a speaker, engage in deliberations and provide your valuable views on the matter. Your participation will enhance the outcome of the Conclave and will help us to meaningfully take up the vital issues pertaining to the draft regulations and to pass a joint resolution on the issue," the letter read. Opposition-ruled states up in arms against draft UGC rules Several Opposition-ruled states have been opposed to the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025 released on January 6, citing that the rules go against the federal structure of governance and badly hits the autonomy of higher education institutions. The state governments have also said that the Centre did not deem it necessary to hold any dialogue with states before coming out with such a policy. These states include Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The draft rules have been released even as these states in the southern region are in the process of coming out with their respective state education policies. Karnataka was also the first state to have opposed the NEP in 2021. The Kerala Assembly had on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution urging the ruling NDA government to immediately withdraw the draft UGC regulations. The Tamil Nadu Assembly too had earlier this month passed a resolution asking the Centre to roll back the said draft rules. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The draft rules propose to invest more power in the chancellor who in most cases is the governor of the state appointed by the central government, and to be more specific, by the President of India a bigger hand in the selection of the vice-chancellor (V-Cs). It also proposes to reduce the number of people in the search committee to be appointed for selection of V-Cs, mainly leaving out state government representatives, who so far used to be on the panel. Even during the implementation of NEP, the Centre did not consider having any dialogue with state governments, which have a major role in planning, funding and in the day-to-day functioning of colleges and universities. We came to power in 2023 and did not want to take a hasty decision to replace the NEP in the interest of students. Hence, we set up a panel to formulate a new state education policy, which already came out with its interim report last year while the final report is expected to be submitted by next month," the Karnataka higher education minister said. First Published: January 24, 2025, 09:58 IST Rungta Steel strengthens presence in the infrastructure sector with Ductile Iron Pipe Curated By : Last Updated: January 25, 2025, 00:13 IST Rungta Steel Ductile Iron Pipe for the Veins of India New Delhi, January 8 2025: Rungta Steel, one of Indias leading integrated steel and TMT bar manufacturer, is proud to announce its foray into the production of Ductile Iron (DI) Pipes. This significant step, undertaken at the companys Chaliyama Steel Plant in Chaibasa, Jharkhand, marks another milestone in its journey to becoming the most preferred brand in the country. The introduction of Ductile Iron Pipes complements the companys flagship product, TMT Bars, along with Wire Rods, Fly Ash Bricks, and other offerings. related stories Ductile iron, an advanced version of cast iron, is engineered by treating molten iron with pure magnesium, enhancing its strength, flexibility, and durability. These attributes make DI Pipes indispensable for projects requiring stability and security, such as water supply, sewerage systems, and industrial applications. The DI Pipes produced at the Chaliyama Steel Plant boast unmatched quality and durability, incorporating features that set them apart in the market. An internal cement mortar lining ensures a smooth flow of water while preventing pitting, erosion, and corrosion, thereby reducing the risk of blockages and discoloured water. The external zinc coating offers self-healing properties that protect the pipes from damage during transportation and handling, while additional coatings like bitumen and epoxy enhance their longevity. Leak-proof joints, secured by rubber gaskets, and the provision for polyethylene sleeves as an added protective layer underscore the companys commitment to customer-centric solutions. With a standard length of 5.5 meters, size available DN 80 to DN 1000 for class K7 to K9. These DI Pipes are designed to handle high-pressure applications, making them ideal for diverse uses. They are crucial for potable water supply, efficiently transporting water from surface sources like rivers, lakes, and reservoirs to households. Their robust design supports seamless irrigation and sewerage operations, with self-cleansing properties that prevent clogging and ensure uninterrupted flow. The products exceptional strength, impact resistance, and corrosion resistance is set make it one of the most preferred option for industrial projects, reinforcing Rungta Steels reputation for providing solutions for various infrastructure ventures. With this strategic move, the company is expanding its product portfolio and further solidifying its presence that will play a key role in shaping Indias water infrastructure. Known for its best-in-class quality and advanced manufacturing techniques, Rungta Steel continues to exceed industry standards by offering innovative solutions tailored to modern infrastructure needs. Rungta Steels venture into this segment is a reflection of its resolute dedication to quality and its vision of redefining excellence in steel manufacturing. With stringent quality control measures and advanced production techniques, the company continues to set benchmarks in the industry. Guided by its core values of Strength, Order, Learning, Integrity, and Dependabilityencapsulated in the philosophy of EKDUM SOLIDRungta Steel remains steadfast in its mission to exceed customer expectations and lead the way in Indias infrastructure development. Rungta Steel Ductile Iron Pipe for the Veins of India" For More Information Contact: Toll Free Number: 18008905121 Email : dipmkt.enquiry@rungtamines.com top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Website: rungtasteel.com This is a Partnered Post. Location : Indian Telephone Industry, India First Published: January 25, 2025, 00:13 IST Brazil Influencer Dies Of Cardiac Arrest While Getting A Back Tattoo Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 11:33 IST Ricardo Godoi was preparing for a tattoo on his back for which he received general anaesthesia, but moments later, his heart stopped and a doctor declared him dead. Ricardo Godoi's family informed police that he had not used steroids in five months. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Ricardo Godoi, a well known auto influencer, passed away due to cardiac arrest. The 45-year-old was preparing for a tattoo on his back at Revitalite Day Hospital in Brazil, where he received general anaesthesia. Moments later, his heart stopped and a doctor tried to revive him, but couldnt save him. A death certificate from the hospital stated that the cardiac arrest was triggered by the use of steroids. But Godois family informed police that he had not used any kind of substance in past five months and he even passed health tests before the procedure, but Godoi still suffered a heart attack on the operating table. According to the death certificate, obtained by Brazilian news outlet G1, Dr Clicio J Dezorzi, the hospital director, shared the conditions and causes of death" as anesthetic induction, respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest." In a separate section, other factors that could have contributed to the death but werent part of the main causes was mentioned that the use of anabolic steroids" was one of the direct reasons for Godois passing. related stories Although it was stated that Ricardo Godoi had used anabolic steroids, Aden Claus, the officer leading the investigation, mentioned that a family member immediately denied this claim. He explained, The death certificate we had access to states respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest and due to the use of anabolic steroids. We were able to speak to Ricardos family members late yesterday afternoon. She confirmed that he had not used anabolic steroids for about five months and, therefore, had also undergone some tests and would be fit to get the tattoo." Godois team shared the sad news of his death on Instagram and announced that he passed away at 12:00 PM. They offered strength and comfort to his family and friends. They are also asking fans to remember him with respect. View this post on Instagram A post shared by RICARDO GODOI (@ricardo.godoi.oficial) Following the passing, the tattoo studio in a statement shared, We clarified that Ricardo would perform a back closure with us under general anaesthesia, sedation and intubation. For this, we hired a private hospital with all the staff, equipment and aesthetic drugs necessary for the safety of the procedure. We also hired a doctor specialized in anaesthesiology and experienced in intubation, whose documentation was approved by the hospital." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Blood tests were requested beforehand, which did not indicate any explicit risk [for] performing the procedure. Ricardo signed the consent form regarding the risk of the procedure. What happened is that at the beginning of the sedation and intubation he had a cardiorespiratory arrest, which occurred before they even started tattooing him, which was quickly verified and a cardiologist was called to try to revive him, unfortunately without success," they mentioned. Revitalite Day Hospital explained that their responsibility was only to provide an operating room and the equipment needed for the procedure, all of which met the required standards. They clarified that the hospital itself was not involved in the tattoo procedure, nor were any of its medical staff part of the process until the incident happened. The hospital assured that they are fully cooperating with authorities and sharing all required documents to help investigate the matter. Location : Delhi, India First Published: January 24, 2025, 11:33 IST Delhi Man Steals Jewellery For Maha Kumbh Trip, Arrested Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 15:04 IST To raise money to attend Maha Kumbh, a Delhi man planned a robbery. The Maha Kumbh Mela kicked off on January 13 and will continue till February 26. (Photo Credits: X) A man from Delhi, identified as Arvind, also known as Bhola, resorted to extreme measures to fulfill his dream of attending the Maha Kumbh, one of the largest Hindu religious gatherings. To fund the trip, he reportedly planned a robbery targeting three houses in Rajpur district on January 17. Bhola stole valuable items and jewellery, hoping to raise the necessary money. When questioned by the police, the accused explained that he and his friends desperately wanted to attend the religious event but couldnt afford the travel costs. Thanks to the polices swift response, the stolen items have been recovered. Bhola explained that his father works as a labourer, his mother is a housemaid, and with seven siblings to care for, he struggled to find a way to make the trip to the Maha Kumbh possible. The police are continuing their investigation to determine whether he is linked to other crimes in the area. According to an NDTV report, this wasnt Bholas first run-in with the law. He has a long criminal history, with his name connected to 16 other theft and burglary cases. His first arrest occurred in 2020. Bhola reportedly turned to stealing due to his financial hardships and also battles drug addiction. related stories Even though Kumbh Mela is a sacred event, where people come together to bathe in the holy river to cleanse their souls, it is still affected by criminals. According to Mint reports, scammers have already tricked several devotees by creating fake websites to offer accommodation and other services. Theyve also used platforms like WhatsApp and digital payment sites to collect money. Cyber experts warn that the gathering might face more advanced cyber attacks in the future. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Dhiraj Gupta, chief technology officer of a cyber security firm said, Scammers create convincing fake websites and advertisements offering accommodations and services related to the Kumbh Mela. Victims are directed to these sites, where they make payments for bookings that dont exist. In some cases, victims have been contacted via WhatsApp or email, provided with payment details, and assured of bookings upon payment. Once the payment is made, the scammers become unresponsive, and the victims realise theyve been duped." Since its commencement on January 13, the Maha Kumbh has attracted millions of pilgrims from across India and the world. Devotees will continue to take holy dips at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, until February 26. Location : Delhi, India First Published: January 24, 2025, 14:51 IST Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 18:06 IST Anil Kumar, a government employee residing in Rajasthan, travelled to Ludhiana and purchased four lottery tickets from a renowned shop in the city. The lottery boasted a grand prize of Rs 10 crore. Fortuitously, one of his tickets secured the second prize of Rs 1 crore in the Lohri bumper draw. The grand prize of Rs 10 crore was awarded to a resident of Ropar. related stories Anil Kumar attributes his win to the blessings of Baba Khatu Shyam, believing they guided him to this life-changing sum. He intends to utilise the Rs 1 crore to settle his debts and secure his childrens future. Reflecting on his win, Anil Kumar shared, This is the blessing of Baba Khatu Shyam. I will repay my debts with this money and secure my childrens future." The shopkeeper observed that this pattern of lottery wins at his establishment has endured for several years. He expressed his belief that customers who purchase tickets from his shop have an elevated chance of winning, attributing this phenomenon to his own honesty and the blessings he receives as a result. Watch: Snake Strikes As Russian Dancer Attempts Dangerous Stunt Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 15:47 IST Despite the pain and shock, the Russian dancer stayed remarkably calm. The dancer only sustained a minor injury. (Photo Credits: Instagram) In the pursuit of social media fame, content creators sometimes take extreme risks for likes and followers. A recent video of a Russian dancers startling encounter with a giant snake serves as a stark reminder of this danger. Shared by a creator Shhkodalera, the video shows the dancer trying to pose with the massive snake when, unexpectedly, it lunged at her face, biting her nose. The shocking moment, captured on camera, left viewers in disbelief. Fortunately, the snake was non-venomous, and the dancer only sustained a minor injury. Despite the pain and shock, she stayed remarkably calm. Instead of reacting in fear or anger, she gently placed the snake on the ground, handling the situation with poise. related stories Watch here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by News18.com (@cnnnews18) Social media users were left stunned by the incident. One user commented, Well, just leave them alone. Simple. If you cant, then face the consequences." Another joked, Girl thought shes a Disney princess or something." Someone stated, Im on the snakes side," while another added, Dont stress out a sensitive animal and expect it not to bite you." As the video went viral, it gathered nearly 50 million views on Instagram. In response, the dancer updated her bio to include Snake and Pointed nose emojis. She wrote, Symbol of the year blessed" (translated from Russian), suggesting that the snake bite was a positive experience for her. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @shhkodalera top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This incident is not the first of its kind to go viral. Back in September 2024, another video captured a man who narrowly avoided a snake bite while attempting to capture the animal. In the footage, the man tries to grab the snake by its head as it repeatedly strikes at him. The snake narrowly misses his face several times, creating a tense moment that left viewers on edge. Both incidents highlight the dangers of interacting with wild animals for social media attention. While some may view it as an exciting or daring stunt, others warn that it is essential to respect animals boundaries and avoid putting oneself in risky situations for the sake of viral content. Location : Delhi, India First Published: January 24, 2025, 15:47 IST Delay In Release Leads To Indian Fishermans Death In Pakistan Jail, Eighth Case In 2 Years Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Ronit Singh Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 21:56 IST This stands as the eighth such case where an Indian fisherman died in a Pakistan jail awaiting his release after completion of an ordered prison term. Representative image of a fisherman | PTI Image An Indian fisherman, awaiting his release from the Karachi jail, died while serving a delayed prison term in Pakistan, said the Indian government sources on Friday, January 24. The prisoner, identified as Babu, was arrested by Pakistani authorities in 2022 and had completed his prison term. However, his release faced a delay by the Pakistani authorities, leading to his death on January 23. related stories This stands as the eighth such case where an Indian fisherman died in a Pakistan jail awaiting his release after completion of an ordered prison term. The reported deaths of Indian fishermen in Pakistani jails have raised concerns about their treatment and living conditions. Currently, nearly 180 Indian fishermen, who have served their sentences, are still held in Pakistan, hoping to return to their motherland, the sources said. India has been consistently urging Pakistan for the early release of these prisoners. However, the issue remains a point of contention between the two countries. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In April 2024, Vinod Laxman Koal, a fisherman from Maharashtra, died after being arrested by Pakistani authorities for crossing into their waters in October 2022. While imprisoned in Karachi, he suffered a paralysis attack on March 8 and passed away on March 17 during treatment. The Ministry of External Affairs reported on December 20, 2024, that Pakistan held 209 Indian fishermen. Of these, 51 were jailed since 2021, 130 since 2022, 9 in 2023, and 19 in 2024. Since 2014, 2,639 Indian fishermen have been repatriated. Location : Pakistan First Published: January 24, 2025, 21:19 IST Hamas Names Four Israeli Female Soldiers To Be Released In Gaza Hostage Deal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 21:59 IST Hamas released the names of four Israeli hostages who are expected to be released on Saturday, as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Israel-Hamas ceasefire (AP Image) Hamas has put out the names of four hostages Israeli female soldiers who are expected to be released on Saturday as part of the ceasefire deal with Israel. This comes days after three hostages were released last Sunday. The ceasefire entered its sixth day on Friday and is set to enter its second week. related stories The hostages who will be freed tomorrow include Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, all aged 20, and Liri Albag, 19. All of them were serving in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). All four are set to return to their home in Israel in exchange for the Palestinian prisoners. Israel has yet not confirmed the names. A list of kidnapped women has been received by the mediators. Israels response will be provided later," Benjamin Netanyahus Prime Ministers Office said. As per the terms of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, 33 hostages are to be released within a span of six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. After the Palestinian resistance factions announced the names of the occupation prisoners who are to be released tomorrow, which included the names of four female soldiers; we are waiting for the list of Palestinian prisoners who are to be released tomorrow, which will include 120 prisoners with life sentences, and 80 prisoners with high sentences, according to what was stipulated in the ceasefire agreement in the deal," Gaza-based Prisoners Media Office said in a statement. Notably, around 250 people were abducted in Israel on October 7, 2023, and some have died in Hamas captivity in Gaza. Some have also been released or rescued. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As many as 91 are yet to be released from Hamas captivity, including the four hostages expected to be released tomorrow. The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, has temporarily halted 15 months of devastating conflict in Gaza, which has left much of the enclave in ruins. Location : Palestine First Published: January 24, 2025, 21:28 IST 'Blatantly Unconstitutional': US Judge Blocks Trump's Order Ending Birthright Citizenship Published By : Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 07:28 IST A federal judge temporarily blocked Donald Trump's executive order denying birthright citizenship to children of non-citizen parents, calling it "blatantly unconstitutional." US President Donald Trump speaks to the media (Photo: Reuters) A federal judge blocked Donald Trumps administration on Thursday from implementing the Republican presidents executive order curtailing the right to automatic birthright citizenship in the United States, calling it blatantly unconstitutional." Seattle-based US District Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order at the urging of four Democratic-led states Washington, Arizona, Illinois and Oregon preventing the administration from enforcing the order. Trump had signed the order on Monday, his first day back in office. related stories The judge, an appointee of Republican former President Ronald Reagan, dealt the first legal setback to the hardline policies on immigration that are a centerpiece of Trumps second term as president. Obviously well appeal," Trump said of Coughenours ruling. Trumps executive order had directed US agencies to refuse to recognize the citizenship of children born in the United States if neither their mother nor father is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. I am having trouble understanding how a member of the bar could state unequivocally that this order is constitutional," the judge told a US Justice Department lawyer defending Trumps order. It just boggles my mind." The states argued that Trumps order violated the right enshrined in the citizenship clause of the US Constitutions 14th Amendment which provides that anyone born in the United States is a citizen. Ive been on the bench for over four decades. I cant remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order," Coughenour said of Trumps policy. Coughenours order, announced following a short hearing in a packed courtroom with other judges watching, prevents Trumps policy from being enforced nationwide for 14 days while the judge considers whether to issue a long-lasting preliminary injunction. He will hear arguments over whether to do so on February 6. Under Trumps order, any children born in the United States after February 19 whose mother and father are not American citizens or lawful permanent residents would be subject to deportation and would be prevented from obtaining Social Security numbers, various government benefits and the ability as they get older to work lawfully. Under this order, babies being born today dont count as US citizens," Washington state Assistant Attorney General Lane Polozola, referring to Trumps policy, told the judge during the hearing. Justice Department lawyer Brett Shumate argued that Trumps action was constitutional and called any judicial order blocking it wildly inappropriate." But before Shumate had even finished responding to Polozolas argument, Coughenour said he had signed the temporary restraining order. VIGOROUSLY DEFEND The Justice Department plans to file papers next week to urge the judge not to issue a longer injunction, Shumate said. A Justice Department spokesperson said it plans to continue to vigorously defend" Trumps order. We look forward to presenting a full merits argument to the court and to the American people, who are desperate to see our nations laws enforced," the spokesperson said. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, a Democrat, said he sees no reason to expect that the Justice Department would succeed in overturning Coughenours ruling on appeal, even if the matter goes to the US Supreme Court, whose 6-3 conservative majority includes three justices appointed by Trump. You are an American citizen if you were born on American soil period," Brown said. Nothing that the president can do will change that." More than 150,000 newborn children would be denied citizenship annually if Trumps order is allowed to stand, according to the Democratic-led states. Since Trump signed the order, at least six lawsuits have been filed challenging it, most of them by civil rights groups and Democratic attorneys general from 22 states. Democratic state attorneys general have said that the understanding of the Constitutions citizenship clause was cemented 127 years ago when the US Supreme Court ruled that children born in the United States to non-citizen parents are entitled to American citizenship. The 14th Amendment, adopted in 1868 following the US Civil War, overturned the Supreme Courts notorious 1857 Dred Scott decision that had declared that the Constitutions protections did not apply to enslaved Black people. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a brief filed late on Wednesday, the Justice Department called the order an integral part" of Trumps efforts to address this nations broken immigration system and the ongoing crisis at the southern border." Thirty-six of Trumps Republican allies in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday separately introduced legislation to restrict automatic citizenship to only children born to American citizens or lawful permanent residents. Location : Seattle, Washington State, USA First Published: January 24, 2025, 07:24 IST US Healthcare Executive Jacob Walden, Father Of 5, Made Child Porn For 4 Years Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2025, 08:45 IST The Long Island healthcare executive, who is a father to five kids, has been indicted on child porn charges and has been remanded to a federal jail. Jacob Walden was arrested on July 31, 2024 after which he was placed under home confinement at his Valley Stream home. Jacob Walden, co-owner of Woodmere-based Emerald Healthcare, allegedly made child porn for over four years. The Long Island healthcare executive, who is a father to five kids, has been indicted on child porn charges and has been remanded to a federal jail. At his arraignment at Central Islip Federal Court, Jacob Walden entered a not-guilty plea as he was indicted for charges of sexually exploiting two teens, ages 16 and 17, as well as receiving and possessing child pornography, The New York Post reported. related stories US Attorney John Durham, of the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement, As alleged, the defendant enticed minors to produce sexually explicit photographs and videos of themselves and send them to him via the Internet in exchange for payment. Protecting children from predators who sexually exploit them will always be a priority of my Office." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Prosecutors said Jacob Walden bought at least 500 images and 5,000 child sexual abuse videos from a production and distribution network which catered to adult male buyers. Jacob Walden was arrested on July 31, 2024 after which he was placed under home confinement at his Valley Stream home. His next court date is February 24. Location : San Francisco, California, USA First Published: January 24, 2025, 08:45 IST "I wanted to make a plea, a request that he broaden his characterization of the people that are frightened now and are at risk of losing everything, and I thought that that would be the more respectful way to say it," Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde said. So she used the pulpit during the inaugural prayer service Tuesday to ask President Trump to show mercy to people worried about what will happen to them during his term, including LGBTQ+ Americans and undocumented immigrants. Budde hoped to reach not just Trump, who later made clear he didn't appreciate the sermon , but anyone listening, the Guardian reports. "I decided to ask him as gently as I could," Budde told NPR, "how dangerous it is to speak of people in these broad categories, and particularly immigrants, as all being criminals or transgender children somehow being dangerous." Despite the backlash from Trump and his allies, Budde said she had no regrets. "I don't hate the president, and I pray for him," the Episcopal bishop said after the president demanded she issue him an apology. "I don't feel there's a need to apologize for a request for mercy." Among the people rejecting her message was Republican Rep. Mike Collins, who posted on X that Budde "should be added to the deportation list." Evangelical Christian supporters of Trump also criticized the sermon. The Rev. Franklin Graham said Washington National Cathedral has been "taken over by gay activists," per the Religious News Service. Other clergy voiced support, and the Episcopal Church said it backs Budde "and her appeal for the Christian values of mercy and compassion." Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who's Episcopalian, praised the bishop for asking Trump "to recognize the universal Christian principle, shared by many other faiths, that we are all God's children." The cathedral's office said that it's receiving messages of support and that Budde is in high demand now. "We've heard from people saying, 'I stopped going to church years ago, but what I heard yesterday has made me rethink that decision,'" a spokesman said. (More President Trump stories.) A new settlement has been reached on lawsuits against Oxycontin maker Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family that owns it, seven months after the Supreme Court rejected a $6 billion deal . The $7.4 billion settlement, which needs court approval, will resolve thousands of lawsuits that accuse the company of causing the opioid addiction crisis, Reuters reports. Under the new settlement, the Sackler family will pay $6.5 billion and give up ownership of the company, the AP reports. Purdue, which filed for bankruptcy in 2019, will pay almost $900 million. Most of the settlement will go toward efforts to treat and prevent opioid addictions. Some 15 states states were on the negotiating team, including California, Connecticut, New York, and Texas. "This story is about a family of cruel billionaires who believed they were above the law, pursued by states who never backed down," Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said in a statement. "Today, we are forcing Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family to pay $7.4 billion for their role in igniting one of the most devastating public health crises in American history." The deal has yet to be approved by other states, local governments, Native American tribes, and thousands of other claimants. The previous settlement was rejected after the Sacklers insisted on being shielded from future civil lawsuits over OxyContin. Under the new settlement, they are only protected from future lawsuits from claimants that agree to the deal. The New York Times reports that the new settlement includes an unusual catchclaimants will have to set money aside "in an account akin to a legal-defense fund" for the Sacklers to fight future lawsuits. The New York attorney general's office said the fund could be up to $800 million, the AP reports. (More Purdue Pharma stories.) An executive order signed by President Trump on Thursday calls for making thousands of documents related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. public. "Lot of people are waiting for this a long, for years, for decades," Trump said, per CNN . "Give that to RFK Jr.," his pick to run the Department of Health and Human Services, the president said when he finished with one pen. Another Kennedy descendant immediately criticized Trump's decision. "There's nothing heroic about it," Jack Schlossberg, JFK's grandson, posted on X . Many of the documents connected to the JFK assassination have already been declassified, including 13,000 released during the Biden administration, though plenty have been redacted. Trump's order gives the director of national intelligence and the attorney general 45 days to come up with a plan for releasing all RFK and King files, per CBS News. They're given 15 days on the JFK files, though neither office has been filled yet. President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, and RFK and King in 1968. "Everything will be revealed," Trump told reporters at the signing, the Guardian reports. Trump promised to release the files during the campaign. He said that in his first campaign but reversed once in office. The CIA, Pentagon, and State Department have held back files, saying it's mostly to protect the identities of confidential sources who are still alive and safeguard the agencies' methods, per CNN. Schlossberg suggested Thursday that people looking for evidence of conspiracy theories will be disappointed. "The truth is a lot sadder than the mytha tragedy that didn't need to happen. Not part of an inevitable grand scheme," Schlossberg posted, saying that "declassification is using JFK as a political prop, when he's not here to punch back." (More President Trump stories.) President Trump announced Thursday he's pardoning anti-abortion activists convicted of blockading entrances at clinics that provide abortions. "They should not have been prosecuted," he said as he signed pardons for "peaceful pro-life protesters." Those pardoned were convicted in the October 2020 invasion and blockade of a Washington, DC, clinic, the AP reports. Lauren Handy was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for leading the blockade by directing allies to link themselves together with locks and chains to block the clinic's doors. A nurse sprained her ankle when one person pushed her while entering the clinic, and a woman was accosted by another blockader while having labor pains, prosecutors said. Police found five fetuses in Handy's home after she was indicted. Trump pardoned Handy and her nine co-defendants: Jonathan Darnel of Virginia; Jay Smith, John Hinshaw and William Goodman, all of New York; Joan Bell of New Jersey; Paulette Harlow and Jean Marshall, both of Massachusetts; Heather Idoni of Michigan; and Herb Geraghty of Pennsylvania. In the first week of Trump's second term, anti-abortion advocates have ramped up calls for Trump to pardon protesters charged with violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which is designed to protect clinics from obstruction and threats. The 1994 law was passed during a time where clinic protests and blockades were on the rise, as was violence against abortion providers, such as the murder of Dr. David Gunn in 1993. Abortion rights advocates slammed Trump's pardons as evidence of his opposition to abortion access despite his contradictory statements on the issue as he attempted to find a middle ground between anti-abortion allies and the majority of Americans who support abortion rights. "Donald Trump on the campaign trail tried to have it both waysbragging about his role in overturning Roe v. Wade while saying he wasn't going to take action on abortion," said Ryan Stitzlein of the national abortion rights organization Reproductive Freedom for All, per the AP. "We never believed that that was true, and this shows us that we were right." The pardons were announced the day before the annual anti-abortion protest March for Life in Washington. story continues below Anti-abortion groups, which had lobbied for the pardons, are expressing frustration with Trump, saying their cause doesn't seem to be a priority for him, per Politico. Other Republican presidents, for instance, signed executive orders imposing anti-abortion restrictions on domestic and international family planning programs within a day or two of taking office. One activist complained that Trump pardoned more than 1,500 people in the attack on the US Capitol on Monday but waited until Thursday to act on the clinic protesters. "These pardons are fully in line with Trump's agenda to oppose the weaponization of the government," she said. "So why he couldn't have pardoned them along with the 1,500 on Day 1 is beyond me." (More President Trump stories.) Newly minted Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be heading to Panama during his first trip as head of the Trump administration's State Department. President Trump, of course, has spoken at length about his desire to retake the Panama Canal, and Rubio mentioned the key trade route during his confirmation hearing earlier this month, NBC News reports. "An argument could be made that the terms under which that canal were turned over have been violated," he said, referring to Trump's assertions that China is controlling the canalassertions both China and Panama deny. "I hope we can resolve this issue of the canal and of its security, and also continue to work with [Panama] cooperatively on a host of issues we share in common, including what to do with migration," Rubio said at the time. A single mom who said she was entitled to double the amount of parental leave at work to make up for not having a partner to help shoulder the load has finally emerged victorious in Spain. Per the New York Times , 44-year-old Silvia Pardo Moreno, who worked part-time for an emergency services company, had a daughter in early 2022 and asked for 32 weeks of leave from social services, although parents in Spain are typically entitled to just 16 weeks eachsix weeks of mandatory time off that partners take together, then 10 additional weeks for each partner. Social services denied Pardo's request, and she ended up placing her daughter in day care at 4 months old so she could return to work. A lower court sided with social services, so Pardo filed an appeal with the Murcia region's high court, which sided with her and determined she was entitled to 32 weeks. "It's obvious that the duration and intensity of the need to care for a newborn are the same, regardless of the family model into which he or she was born," the Murcia high court said in its ruling earlier this month. The court cited a November judgment by Spain's constitutional court that said kids in single-parent families shouldn't be treated differently than those in two-parent households or otherwise discriminated against, per the Guardian. The Times calls Pardo's win a "game changer" for one-parent households in Spain, which make up about 10% of the families there. "Excellent news and a victory for civil society after years of struggle and demands," says the nation's social rights minister, Pablo Bustinduy. story continues below Peter Moss, an emeritus professor at University College London, says that what makes this "fairly unusual" is that the ruling has made "paternity and maternity leave comparable to each other." It's not clear how Pardo will be compensated, since her daughter just turned 3. Her legal team hopes she can get paid for the time off she never received. For Pardo, the money will never get the time back that she lost with her daughter. "I'm very happy that her rights have been recognized, but, at the same time, it's really sad that she didn't have those rights when it mattered," Pardo says, per the Guardian. The Murcia court's ruling can be appealed, reports the Local. (More single mother stories.) The Philippines launched a comic book on Friday to counter what the country says is China's disinformation campaign to push its expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea. As the AP reports, the 40-page comic book, titled The Stories of Teacher Jun, contains colorful caricatures of a Filipino teacher and his young students discussing the complex territorial disputes in simple terms and highlights the Philippine position. One fictional student in the book describes China as a bully and another says Beijing's "behavior is outrageous." "Chinese officials, along with state-sponsored media and individuals, continue to spread distorted and twisted narratives to malign our efforts and justify their unilateral claims," national security adviser Eduardo Ano said in a speech at the book launch in Manila. The Philippines will do everything to "fight misinformation, disinformation, and false narratives to put forward the truth," Ano told reporters. The Philippines has faced a lopsided battle against the militarily superior China in the disputed South China Sea, prompting it to strengthen security alliances with the United States and other friendly states to build deterrence against Beijing. Two years ago, the Philippines adopted a shame campaign by releasing videos and photographs of China's increasingly assertive actions in the contested waters, including the use of powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers, to domestic and international audiences. But the territorial spats, particularly between Chinese and Philippine coast guard forces, have continued. The ambassadors of the United States and Canada, among the key supporters of the Philippines, attended the book launch. Officials from the Philippine coast guard and military, and the education secretary, were also present. story continues below About 11,000 copies of the comic book have been distributed for free, and thousands more will be printed depending on the availability of financial donations, said Philippine coast guard Commodore Jay Tarriela, a proponent of the project. The intended recipients are young students and Filipinos in far-flung regions with limited access to news sources. Foreign readers could be provided with copies of the book in their language, officials said. "This initiative aims to highlight our maritime rights and entitlements while revealing China's unlawful activities, aggressive behavior, and bullying tactics," Ano said. (More Philippines stories.) Last Sunday, the first three Israeli hostages were released by Hamas under a newly negotiated ceasefire with Israel. Now, the names of four Israeli soldiers, all women, who are set to be freed this coming weekend have been announced, reports the AP . The soldiers were stationed at the Nahal Oz military base near the Gaza border when they were abducted by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, 2023, per NBC News . On Friday, four young women were identified as Karina Ariev, Danielle (or Daniella) Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag by a spokesman from the Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military branch. A fifth soldier, 20-year-old Agam Berger, will remain in Hamas custody. Hamas has agreed to release one civilian hostage for every 30 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, or one female soldier for every 50 Palestinian detainees. By those calculations, there should be about 200 Palestinians released on Saturday in exchange for the soldiers. Sasha Ariev tells NBC that her sister Karina had been sending up red flags for months before the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas in Israel, in which about 1,200 were murdered and 250 or so were taken hostage. "They knew something, the girls who were the eyes of the country," says Sasha Ariev, adding that her sister had sent her a message on the day she was abducted that said the "terrorists are here." Video showing a bloodied and bound Sasha Ariev in a Jeep had circulated on the day of the assault, and last January, Hamas released more footage of her. story continues below A senior Hamas official tells NBC that all four female hostages are alive. On Friday, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that they'd received the list of names scheduled for release, noting that they'd issue a response at a later point, per Reuters. Israel says 94 Israelis and foreigners remain captive in Gaza, including the four scheduled to be released starting on Saturday. Hamas says it will release 33 prisoners over the next six weeks as Israeli troops slowly pull out of Gaza, which has reported about 47,000 deaths since the war started, according to Hamas health officials. (More Israel-Hamas war stories.) Military aircraft have started taking undocumented immigrants in the US out of the country, the White House announced Friday. "Deportation flights have begun," Karoline Leavitt posted on X . "President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences." She included photos of handcuffed people boarding a military plane, the Hill reports. Hundreds of people have been flown out, per CBS News . Immigration advocates called out the Trump administration for its claim. "Are these people seriously trying to suggest the deportation flights have not already been going on?" Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council wrote on X. "They're lying to you. The Biden administration had already ramped up deportations from the border to a higher level than it was under the Trump admin." Officials said it's the use of military craft to remove immigrants that's new, per CBS. Trump was asked about the flights when he arrived in North Carolina on Friday. "Deportation is going very well," he told reporters. "We're getting the bad, hard criminals out." A Defense Department official said two flights went to Guatemala overnight, carrying 81 deportees. A Guatemalan official said it was 7931 women and 48 men. (More President Trump stories.) Oklahoma's top prosecutor asked the federal Bureau of Prisons to transfer an inmate to state custody so that he could be executed for his role in the kidnapping and killing of a 77-year-old woman in 1999. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond requested the transfer Thursday of George John Hanson, citing President Trump's sweeping executive order this week that directs the US Department of Justice to more actively support the death penalty, the AP reports. Hanson, 60, whose name in Oklahoma court records is listed as John Fitzgerald Hanson, was sentenced to death in Tulsa County, Oklahoma. He was convicted of carjacking, kidnapping, and killing Mary Bowles, 77, after he and an accomplice kidnapped the woman from a Tulsa shopping mall. Hanson also is serving a life sentence for several federal convictions, including being a career criminal, that predate his state death sentence. Drummond's predecessor, John O'Connor, had sought the transfer and sued the Bureau of Prisons in 2022 after it refused to turn over the inmate to state custody during President Biden's administration. The agency's regional director at the time, Heriberto Tellez, said the transfer was not in the public interest, a decision Drummond called "appalling." A federal judge ultimately dismissed Oklahoma's case, per the AP, ruling that the Bureau of Prisons director has broad discretion over whether to refuse a transfer request based on his determination of the public interest. "The prior administration's refusal to transfer Inmate Hanson to state custody to finally carry out a decades-old death sentence is the epitome of subverting and obstructing the execution of a capital sentence," Drummond wrote Thursday to Danon Colbert, the Bureau of Prisons' acting regional director. Oklahoma has put to death 15 inmates since resuming executions in October 2021 following a de facto moratorium that resulted from problematic lethal injections in 2014 and 2015. Its next execution is scheduled for March 20. (More Oklahoma stories.) Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 22F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 2F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. TDT | Davos Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Isa bin Salman Education Charitable Trust and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), reaffirmed the deep-rooted relations and historical bonds between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman. He emphasised that these ties are further strengthened by the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al-Said, contributing to the realisation of the aspirations of both countries and their peoples. HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad was speaking as he visited yesterday the Sultanate of Oman pavilion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 55th Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. During the visit, His Highness met with the Minister of Finance of Oman, His Excellency Sultan bin Salem Al Habsi, and members of Omans delegation. The meeting was held on the sidelines of HH Shaikh Isa bin Salmans leadership of a high-level Bahraini delegation at the WEF. HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman noted that Omans pavilion, visited by several prominent participants of the WEF, serves as a valuable platform for exchanging expertise and sharing best international practices across various economic sectors. The meeting also explored ways to further enhance the Bahrain-Oman relationship in alignment with mutual aspirations. His Highness extended his heartfelt wishes for continued progress and prosperity for Oman. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Finance and National Economy, HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, along with several senior officials. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com A plan to install a huge portrait of the late Amir, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, at a key junction in Isa Town was approved by the Southern Municipal Council on Wednesday. The project aims to honour the late Amirs nearly four decades of leadership and the role he played in building Bahrains modern foundations. The proposal was submitted by council member Mubarak Faraj, who suggested placing the portrait at the triangular junction on Al Quds Avenue, between blocks 813 and 814. This is a mark of respect for a leader who devoted his life to his country and its people, Faraj said. The Services and Public Utilities Committee assessed the proposal during its 11th meeting, recognising the locations practical advantages due to its visibility and the high population in the area. The committees report acknowledged the late Amirs efforts in driving Bahrains development during his leadership. His time in office saw Bahrain advance economically, socially, and culturally. This tribute will serve as a constant reminder of the late Amirs immense contribution to Bahrains progress, said Dr Hamad Ali Al Zoubi, chair of the Services and Public Facilities Committee. The site is well-suited to ensure his legacy remains connected to the daily lives of the people. Under Article 19 of the Municipal Law, the council is empowered to propose local projects and coordinate with relevant authorities for their implementation. The law also enables councils to act on suggestions from ministries or members concerning public services and amenities. The committee stressed the importance of ensuring the portraits placement respects the areas character while making the most of its location. The site was described as ideal due to its regular traffic flow and central position within a vibrant community. The council agreed unanimously to contact the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, requesting coordination with authorities to bring the proposal to life. If approved, the portrait would become a new landmark in Isa Town, cementing the late Amirs enduring influence. Faraj added, This is more than just a gesture; its a way to ensure future generations understand the legacy of a leader who shaped Bahrains path. The location, surrounded by daily activity, is a fitting place for this honour. The councils recommendation now awaits further review and action from the relevant authorities. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com Bahrain is charting an ambitious course for its future economic development, according to Minister of Sustainable Development, Noor Alkhulaif, in a recent interview with CNBC Arabia. The minister highlighted key achievements and future strategies outlined in the Kingdom's Economic Vision 2050. Alkhulaif described the first phase of Vision 2050 as an assessment of progress made under Vision 2030, which prioritised sustainability, competitiveness, security, stability, and equality. She stressed Bahrain's significant success in economic diversification. "While oil and gas once accounted for 40% of the nation's GDP, that figure has now dropped to 15%, with the non-oil sector comprising the remaining 85%," she highlighted. The minister highlighted the development of several key sectors, with a particular focus on attracting investment in five strategic areas: logistics, tourism, technology, financial services, and manufacturing. "The government also plans to support investment in other promising sectors," she stated, adding that a key focus is the digitalisation of the financial and banking sectors. "Investment in Bahrain has seen remarkable growth, with a 150% increase between 2022 and 2023, representing a significant leap forward, according to the minister," Alkhulaif explained. She noted that the current investment level equals 100% of Bahrain's GDP and expressed confidence that the Kingdom will continue to attract substantial investment in 2025. Looking ahead, the minister highlighted the central role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Bahrain's future plans. "The Kingdom is integrating AI into many of its programmes, particularly to enhance productivity. This commitment is underpinned by the development of a robust AI infrastructure," she pointed out. A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from Cision Distribution this week TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2025 /CNW/ - With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on Cision. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. Cision Canada - The Weekly Round-Up (PRNewsfoto/Cision Canada) Read more of the latest releases from Cision, see our resources for journalists, and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @cnwnews. About Cision Canada Cision is a comprehensive communications platform enabling more than 100,000 public relations and marketing professionals around the world to understand, influence and amplify their stories. As the market leader, Cision enables the next generation of communication professionals to strategically operate in the modern media landscape where company success is directly impacted by public opinion. Cision has offices in 24 countries through the Americas, EMEA and APAC, and offers a suite of best-in-class solutions, including Newswire, Brandwatch, Cision Communications Cloud and Cision Insights. To learn more, visit www.cision.ca and follow @CisionCA on Twitter. SOURCE Cision Canada For questions, contact the team at [email protected]. Demis Hassabis is the CEO of Google DeepMind. Demis thinks new agent type systems will be able to perform additional tree of knowledge search to achieve breakthrough insights like the move 37 in the Go system game. In this conversation, he talks about the path to artificial general intelligence. How long it will take to get there? How to build world models? Can AIs can be creative? Chapters: 00:00 The Journey Towards AGI 02:46 Current AI Capabilities and Limitations 05:53 Mathematics and Reasoning in AI 08:55 Building World Models for AI 12:08 The Role of Active Learning in AI 14:45 Creativity and Invention in AI 17:52 Understanding Human Ingenuity through AI 20:55 Deception in AI Systems 29:03 The Dual Nature of AI: Opportunities and Risks 30:12 The Future of the Web: Agent-Based Interactions 32:35 AI Assistants: Transforming Personal and Work Life 35:42 Project Astra: The Next Generation of AI Assistants 39:21 Decoding Biology: The Virtual Cell Project 43:25 Genomics and AI: Understanding Genetic Mutations 45:57 The Future of Aging: Extending Healthy Lifespan 48:25 Material Science: Discovering New Materials for the Future 53:21 Visions of Superintelligence: A Philosophical Perspective Googles Project Astra, an ambitious AI initiative aimed at creating a universal AI assistant for everyday life, has made significant progress since its unveiling at Google I/O in May 2024. Heres an overview of what has been done and the roadmap for the project: Google has been conducting tests with a select group of trusted testers using Astra on Android phones. Google wants to make universal AI assistants that could work in practice, including safety and ethical implications. Google is now working to ship Astra experiences in 2025. This is delayed from 2024 plans. Google is broadening its tester program to evaluate Project Astra on prototype glasses. Some Astra-inspired features may be rolled out sooner, likely integrated into existing Google products and apps. Multimodal capabilities: Google aims to further develop Astras ability to interpret and respond to multiple forms of input, including visual and auditory cues. Extended memory capabilities: The goal is to extend Astras memory so it can recall details from weeks, months, or even years ago. Real-world understanding: Google is working on improving Astras ability to comprehend and interact with the physical environment. An Atlantic County man remained jailed Thursday on charges of creating false public alarm and making terroristic threats in connection with an alleged bomb threat at Atlantic City International Airport. Long Pham, 38, of Egg Harbor Township was taken into custody at 10 a.m. Wednesday after a standoff with police, according to a statement issued Thursday by State Police. Pham barricaded himself in a house on Atlas Avenue, forcing a shelter-in-place at nearby township elementary schools, police said. Police said Phams charges stem from an incident on Jan. 10 when troopers responded to a bomb threat at Atlantic City Airport in Egg Harbor Township. A sweep of the terminal was conducted, but police found no explosives. An investigation identified Pham as a suspect and a warrant was issued for his arrest, police said. When members of the State Police Fugitive Unit, who were assigned to the United States Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, attempted to arrest Pham, he barricaded himself inside the residence, police said. Police said they activated a shelter-in-place for nearby schools out of an abundance of caution. Pham walked out of his residence after negotiation with investigators, including State Police T.E.A.M.S., K-9, Bomb Unit, Target Hardening Unit, Crisis Negotiation Team, and the Troop A Criminal Investigation Office. He remains in the Atlantic County Jail in Mays Landing. Police said the investigation into Pham and the incident at the airport is ongoing. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Stephanie Loder may be reached at SLoder@njadvancemedia.com. Two men involved in an attempted credit card fraud Thursday at a business in Bergen County crashed into a police vehicle as they escaped, authorities said. Paramus police officers responded about 12:35 p.m. to a report of credit card fraud at Best Buy in the Fashion Center, located on East Ridgewood Avenue. Police said two men in surgical masks were attempting to use fraudulent credit cards before leaving the store. Witnesses saw the men get into a white BMW sedan with a New York license plate near the Route 17 side of the store, police said. Officer Andrew Novack parked behind the BMW and attempted to block its exit. The scammers maneuvered around Novacks patrol car, but were briefly blocked by another vehicle waiting to merge onto Route 17 North. Officer Jason Hrbeck then pulled his vehicle behind the BMW and the men reversed into Hrbecks car, damaging its front bumper, before fleeing northbound on Route 17. No injuries were reported. Police said Friday they are continuing to look for the suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call the Paramus Police Department at 201-262-3400. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Decades-old homes, schools and businesses arent all that was destroyed during the California wildfires earlier this month. The mental wellbeing of thousands of displaced families was also impacted by the climate-change-fueled natural disaster thats whipping through parts of Los Angeles and Pasadena, Calif. Which is why a collective of wellness practitioners from the area have organized Offering The Space , an event to soothe the souls of those whove lost both property and peace. On Sunday at The Space DTLA , wildfire victims will experience one-on-one counseling, yoga, breathwork and several other healing modalities from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. PST. Spoken-word poetry, free food and art therapy will give attendants the opportunity to express their truth and nourish their souls. While this is a free event, organizers are accepting donations for those affected by the wildfires and Pasadena Rosebud Academy . Educators at the charter school in the historic Altadena area used learning as a community-building tool for their Black and Brown students. Flames consumed Rosebud and hundreds of Black-owned residences during the Eaton Fire, which is now the most devastating wildfire in southern California history. Philadelphia contemporary artist Al-Baseer Holly will be auctioning his latest painting When the Smoke Clears to raise money. The artpiece features a Black child holding a stuffed animal while a fire burns in the background. Holly, who called Los Angeles home for 17 years, said he feels for the children who are wrestling with so much uncertainty right now. This piece symbolizes everything that was lost in this crazy fire thats still burning at the moment, but also is a symbol of resilience, Holly said on Instagram. Hearing peoples stories during this time and seeing how optimistic everyone is about starting over has been extremely inspiring. Flyer of the "Offering the Space" mental health event in downtown Los Angeles.Anjelika Perry Anjelika Perry, who grew up in Altadena and was a student aide at Rosebud for about four years, started coordinating the event after losing her grandmothers home to the Eaton Fire . Perrys grandmother was a single Black mother of four when she bought the house during the 1950s. Now a dwelling that has sheltered four generations is gone. While Perry was processing her grief, she started receiving messages from Black women asking how they can help. This sisterhood involved therapists and sound healers in the area. Perry also engages in her own form of communal healing through her nonprofit Just Give Art , which uses creative experiences to empower the mental wellbeing of underserved communities across the globe. This abundance of knowledge inspired Perry to gather all the women in a group chat. Together they brainstormed about an event that uses all of their talents to improve the wellness of a city thats enduring a moment of wreckage. Weve been saying for decades that the key to movement in general is organization, Perry said. Were collectively bringing people with different strengths together to say, Alright, this person does this part. These are their skills. How can we come together to build better? So thats a form of resourcing. So I really believe in that power to start looking at resources differently and saying, instead of financial resources, as great as it is and helpful, its not the only way to take care of our community. Multiple forms of mutual aid - from financial support, to meal trains and clothing drives are flooding into Southern California since multiple wildfires flared up on Jan. 7th. The two largest blazes, the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire, have collectively claimed at least 28 lives and more than 37,400 acres as of Wednesday. Just when firefighters were increasing the containment of the Eaton and Palisades Fires , another blaze erupted in north Los Angeles on Wednesday triggering the evacuation of about 31,000 people. On Wednesday afternoon, the recent Hughes Fire had whipped through 80 acres a total that swelled to more than 9,200 acres by the evening hours. The devastation marks a long road of recovery for Los Angeles and its neighbors. Perry believes mental health needs to be an essential part of relief efforts. There are a lot of steps when it comes to protecting ones property from real estate investors who wish to buy up distressed homes . Perry and her friends are protecting the cultural heritage of Altadena by inviting locals to a space that cares for their mental wellbeing. An improved mental health leaves space for more energy to tackle big tasks, such as contacting mortgage companies or applying for federal aid. Its very much my intention to do something that takes care of mental health right now and that were not hardened by this because a lot of things can get missed when youre trying to make sure a legacy is preserved and having to rebuild at the same time, Perry said. My mother used to always tell me, You cant think straight if youre in panic mode. Its something you have to exercise when you find yourself overwhelmed and youre trying to figure it all out. Perry has a reason to worry. The displacement of families caused by natural and man-made disasters is part of an emotional wound that throbs throughout generations of Black people. Tiffany Storey, a licensed professional counselor in Birmingham, Ala. , recalled the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 . Prior to the storm, lower-income New Orleanians were already buckling under the weight of rising housing costs. Floodwaters swallowed up more than 80 percent of the city after poorly built and inadequately maintained levees broke during Katrina. More than 400,000 residents were uprooted from their homes, which created the conditions for gentrification to occur . Locals were priced out as housing costs increased. According to the National Community Reinvestment Coalitions Gentrification and Disinvestment report in 2020, Black neighborhoods like Treme and Central City were affected by gentrification . Storey isnt affiliated with the event, but she was born in Los Angeles and has family in an area that still captivates her heart. Shes aware of how hard it is to find a home in one of the least affordable housing markets in the country . The average rent for all properties in Los Angeles is $2,783, which is 39 percent higher than the national average . Black people experienced more intense and persistent forms of mental illness due to systemic racism. A natural disaster amplifies this pain. Theres a lot of intergenerational trauma that comes with being displaced, Storey said. When youre dealing with a community of people who encounter trauma and oppression in their everyday life, I dont think we understand just how far-reaching the impact of that trauma is on their mental and emotional wellness. It can have an impact from generation to generation. Obtaining resources in a space that builds familiarity can help break down that trauma, Storey believes. Churches, schools or other community-centered areas are examples of places where victims can rebuild their lives while working with people who look like them. Theyre not talking to some governmental entity that they have to be worried about if they have some type of criminal history. If they have some type of history of mental illness, they dont have to worry about the fear of rejection which just makes mental distress, grief, sadness or anxiety worse, Storey said. So communal care is really a critical need for communities to be able to grow and recover because people want to be able to connect with resources and organizations that culturally identify with them. During a moment of so much loss, finding a way to process that grief together can help wildfire victims find a sense of home and comfort within each other. This type of connection transforms collective grief into communal healing, Storey said. Anytime you go through something major and youre experiencing some type of loss or injury, it can feel very lonely, Storey said. So just being able to have access to people in the community to serve as a resource of support in itself does a lot. Its motivating for you to see someone else overcoming it all. Perry hopes the Offering of Space event will give her community a chance to release and breathe. Carrying the stress of the wildfires can be harmful and lead to a lack of sleep and loss of appetite, Perry said. Instead of using their bodies as reservoirs of pain, she wants them to open themselves up to joy by sharing what they want and need. Theres a lot of vulnerability in our joy, Perry said. It takes a lot to laugh right now. It takes a lot to let people be there for you. if you can be vulnerable with people, they will love you, and that love is going to inspire you to keep that hope alive. The uncertainty of the times aint shaking the peace of Khadijat A. Oluwatoyin. A Nigerian-American community builder from New York, Oluwatoyin has accumulated multiple coping mechanisms since she started her sobriety journey in 2018. Crocheting, coloring and completing word puzzles help her engage with her inner child. Chit chatting with friends at local coffee shops or libraries relieves the heaviness of isolation. These grounding activities keep Oluwatoyin mindful of her spiritual and mental wellness whenever uneasiness hangs heavy in the air. Political turmoil emerged as a top concern in the American Psychological Associations 2024 stress report . The future of the nation has become a significant source of distress for seven out of 10 adults no matter what political party they represent. Oluwatoyin is the type of person who makes sure her village is good. Shes the founder of the Sober Black Girls Club , a nonprofit that started as a blog and bloomed into a community where women, girls, femmes and nonbinary people can tap into multiple forms of collective care while in recovery, practicing sobriety or considering sobriety. Members have open and honest conversations about their recovery journeys and sobriety during the organizations virtual support groups that occur three times a week. Tips are shared and celebrations are held in the nonprofits private Facebook group . During their fourth annual retreat in Houston , members explored the outdoors during an edible plant hike and sung karaoke with other sober baddies in the area. I think what keeps us stuck is us not having the space to be honest and truthful about the things that we are doing, how we got here, why were doing it and the level of support that we actually need, Oluwatoyin said. We all deserve support. Seeing more Black people in the recovery community together would have helped Oluwatoyin get assistance sooner in life. She started drinking in college to cope with a life she didnt want. She was just following the blueprint her parents laid out for her life: Go to college, become a lawyer, get a husband and have kids. Oluwatoyin felt miserable after graduating law school in 2017, but didnt know why. She had the car, the beautiful apartment and the job. But she didnt have peace. A person with healthy coping mechanisms would have joined a club or started a hobby or just enjoyed the downtime, Oluwatoyin said. But I couldnt see things that way because I just didnt have any concept of rest or doing things just to do them not because of awards or grades. When Oluwatoyins doctor suggested that she stop drinking, she was perplexed. To her, she didnt look or operate like the people who suffered from alcohol use disorder in the media. I thought it was just a white man, big belly, smelly on the street, she said. I didnt even know black girls had addictions. But Oluwatoyin was sick of alcohol controlling her mood and affecting her relationships. She started attending 12-step meetings in Staten Island and Buffalo, N.Y., where she was often one of the few Black people in the group. The lack of diversity didnt bother her until May 2020, when George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. The pain of seeing another Black man killed by police enveloped her body. But during a meeting that day, her predominantly-white group members didnt even touch the subject. Their silence on the matter sent a loud message. I remember being so angry and sad, Oluwatoyin said. I was contemplating, Whats the point of sobriety and recovery if this world is just gonna be f**ked? Like, what is the point of doing any like of this? The next day, Oluwatoyin was greeted with the same silence during a 12-step meeting for Black people. When she asked why they werent talking about George Floyd, she received pushback. They were like, We cant talk about that. We just have to focus on our recovery and shut out the outside noise. Oluwatoyin said. I looked at them like they were all crazy. Because that noise was the voices of thousands of protesters who poured into the streets demanding justice for Floyd and other Black souls that were taken by the hands of law enforcement. But theres a certain etiquette that exists certain 12-step meetings. Along with being aware of time limits and avoiding crosstalk, political talk is also discouraged as it takes the spotlight off recovery. Oluwatoyin continued to go to 12-step meetings for the sake of her sobriety, but she didnt feel comfortable divorcing her identity from her recovery journey. In a separate meeting, a white woman member made a covertly racist comment about Oluwatoyins predominantly-Black neighborhood. No one stopped her, Oluwatoyin said. By avoiding racial matters, Oluwatoyin started to question if the 12-step meetings were giving her another place to practice the escapism that caused her to drink in the first place. I need more community a different community. I knew that this was not going to be the way to my recovery, Oluwatoyin said. A large part of me drinking was because I was ignoring things that I deep down knew felt wrong relationships with family, friends, jobs. But I was still engaging with these people, things and systems as if I was okay. Oluwatoyin created her own solution by turning her blog into a community that supported each other in sobriety. The timing of this change turned out to be perfect. The isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic provoked an increase in alcohol usage that remains high today. But by forcing Black people to slow down, Oluwatoyin said 2020 also made people self-reflect. When the quarantine happened, the quiet and silence was too much for people to handle, she said. A lot of them found themselves just in a space where they could really analyze their relationship with alcohol and drugs and substances. Oluwatoyin wants her nonprofit to be a place where Black women and nonbinary people can embrace recovery and the freedom of enjoying their own individuality. Theres pressure on Black girls to dumb ourselves down, to be quiet, to not be ourselves And then we just put all that gush in the bottle, Oluwatoyin said. For me, recovery is like, If I have to be here on this earth sober, I need to do it while being my authentic self. Keeping the cortisol levels low is essential for anyone. But for those who are in recovery or sober curious, coping with the ebbs and flows of life is essential. Chronic stress is what causes many to pick the bottle back up or engage in drug use . For those who are in recovery, prolonged tension in the body can trigger a relapse by intensifying cravings. Thus far, the 2025 news cycle is more like a rollercoaster ride than a gentle wave. The new year started off with an attack that killed 14 people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. That same day, a highly-decorated member of the military decided to make a political statement by exploding a Tesla Cybertruck outside of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The weather is adding to the spectacle too. This past week, snow poured down on sandy beaches as far as Florida at a time when California is on fire. The political atmosphere intensified following the inauguration of a new presidential administration. President Donald Trump signed more than 100 executive orders targeting minority communities. Many of the decrees emboldened efforts for mass deportations, eroded protections for the transgender community and placed all diversity, equity and inclusion government employees on leave. Oluwatoyin couldnt go in depth on how her members are feeling during virtual meetings due to confidentiality. But she did sense a common theme: internal wellness has to be prioritized during times like these so they can give energy to the community around them. We understand that drinking wont make any of this stuff better, Oluwatoyin said. If we want to come out of this in the next four years, I think folks are being more protective of their own mental health. By maintaining their overall wellness and recovery, I feel like they will be in a space where they can really pursue the things that matter to them matters of the heart. This doesnt mean that they are completely stepping away from daily life. Oluwatoyin said members are finding smarter ways to engage. Shes noticing that more Sober Black Girls Club members are volunteering to host support group meetings, which doesnt require them to leave their home. They dont want to avoid life. Just avoid things that they cannot control, Oluwatoyin said. Sobriety is already hard. Its even harder to do it alone. Which is why Oluwatoyin shared three tips to help those who are sober or sober curious during these chaotic times. Connect with the right community Something beautiful happens when a person in recovery enters into a non-judgemental space with people who look like them and are on the same path as them. They get an opportunity to lean into the support of a collective while building genuine one-on-one connections where both people involved support each others growth no matter their pasts. Sober Black Girls Club is not a program like Alcoholics Anonymous, which has since changed its policy on allowing racial matters to be discussed. But Oluwatoyin takes pride in creating a space where people wont be shamed if they talk about their relapses or any event pertaining to their culture. Even if they feel a little ashamed and say Oh, I drank today because I felt so stressed, this will be a place where they can say that and still be loved and accepted. Stop with the comparisons No one sober journey is linear, Oluwatoyin said. During group meetings, the organization makes sure to honor each members unique journey during recovery. Its pointless to compare one persons recovery path with another because everyone has different needs, Oluwatoyin said. So if you are feeling down on yourself because you are not as far along in the recovery journey as someone else, Oluwatoyin encourages you to pause, bring the focus back to yourself and tailor your recovery to your wants and needs. Stop comparing your relationship with alcohol or substances to other people, Oluwatoyin said. Being self aware and accepting your current position with said substance, how you feel about it, what it is doing to your life and what changes you want to make are the first steps to recovery. Set realistic goals and celebrate yourself Goals may seem intimidating at first when overcoming an addiction. But with some grace and some organization skills, a large task can suddenly feel more achievable. If quitting drinking cold-turkey seems like a stressful task, Oluwatoyin suggests abstaining from alcohol or drug use for a weekend or even a day. Meeting small goals makes the journey more exciting by creating steps that honors your self worth. Theres a misconception that once you get sober, you become boring. Not true, Oluwatoyin said. Sobriety can help folks become more aligned with who they are. If you just stop drinking and dont do any inner work, then I can see how you can remain boring. But if you are working on your confidence talking more about your truth and being more of who you are, then sobriety can actually be fun. Oluwatoyin uses the SMART acronym for goal setting. She uses the following example to show how to use the method in terms of recovery: S stands for specific: This year, I will attend at least one sobriety-related event a week (a SBGC meeting, a dry meetup, etc.). M stands for measurable: Can I measure if I attend at least one sobriety-related event a week? Yes! I can track (or measure) if I attended a sobriety-related event every week at the end of the week. Did I attend a sobriety-related event this week? (Yes/No). A stands for achievable : Is attending a sobriety-related event a week realistic and doable? It sure is! If I cant make an in-person meeting or event, I can attend one virtually. SBGC hosts three virtual support meetings a week! R stands for relevant: Is attending a sobriety-related event a week relevant to my goals? Yes! I want to spend at least one weekend each month without drinking alcohol. In 2024, I tried to drink less, especially during the weekend, but I struggled with loneliness and spent most of my weekends drinking alone. T stands for time-bound: Does this goal have a deadline? Yes! The end date for this goal is January 1, 2026. Recovery is a marathon and not a sprint, Oluwatoyin said. Regardless of what is going on in the outside world, patience and grace will help anyone overcome their addictions. I think when people refocus their energy into recovery, they think that their lives are automatically going to change, or they are going to become this better person, She said. You are already good. The goal of all this is to return back to yourselves, be OK with who you are, and by being who you are you inspire other people. Authorities have arrested a Passaic County man in connection with a recent bank robbery in Cumberland County. Police responded to a panic alarm at a TD Bank branch on South Laurel Street in Bridgeton on Tuesday afternoon, according to Bridgeton Police. Officers learned a man handed a teller a note demanding money, police said. Then, the man allegedly grabbed a bag containing money from behind the counter and ran from the area. Bunky Chirichello, 57, of Wanaque, was arrested Thursday and charged with first-degree counts of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery, along with third-degree terroristic threats, police said. This is an ongoing investigation, police said, and anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Bridgeton Police at 856-451-0033 or leave an anonymous tip online at bpd.tips. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. New Jersey schools should only let U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents inside if the agents have a judicial warrant, state officials told school administrators in new guidelines issued this week. The state Department of Education posted the guidelines Wednesday informing education officials how to handle immigration agents looking to enter school grounds after newly elected President Donald Trump pledged to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. The guidelines were released a day before ICE agents carried out a raid on a Newark business Thursday, detaining non-citizens and citizens without a warrant, according to the citys mayor. The new guidelines sent to New Jersey school officials say they must let ICE agents inside schools if they have valid judicial search or arrest warrants, court orders, and subpoenas signed by a judge, according to the guidelines. However, schools should not let ICE officials inside if agents only have immigration orders, the guidelines say. Schools also arent required to provide information about students attendance or location, or make students available on the spot without consulting the schools administrator and the districts legal counsel, the guidelines said. Because its difficult for an untrained person to confirm if the ICE documents presented are valid justification for entrance into a school, school officials should contact the chief school administrator and the districts legal counsel before taking any action, the guidelines said. An ICE warrant for Arrest of Alien, for example, is often used by immigration officers, but isnt a judicially-issued warrant, and isnt sufficient to require admittance into the schools, the guidelines said. However, the guidelines say schools should let ICE agents in if they have exigent circumstance and demands immediate access, state officials said. The guidelines do not specify what the exigent circumstances may be. ICE officials did not immediately respond to a request to comment on New Jerseys guidelines. Immigration advocates say the states official guidance for schools is vague at best. Its good the state released guidelines, but they are fuzzy, Amy Torres, the director of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, told New Jersey Monitor. The guidance also comes at the last minute for schools, she said. They knew that this was going to be the outcome, and they waited until this week to issue guidance, she told New Jersey Monitor, referring to the state. Better late than never, but at what cost? The Trump administration announced Tuesday it would allow federal immigration agencies to make arrests at schools, churches and hospitals, ending a policy that had been in effect since 2011. In a statement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said: Criminals will no longer be able to hide in Americas schools and churches to avoid arrest. That has left some school officials worried immigrant parents may keep their children home from school because they are concerned about ICE raids. An estimated 733,000 school-aged children are in the U.S. illegally, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Many more have U.S. citizenship but have parents who are in the country illegally. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com. A time capsule sealed 25 years ago at an Ocean County private elementary school has yielded a vintage find. Students and teachers at The Education Academy in Lacey Township found a Pokemon trading card featuring the character Charmander upon opening the capsule Thursday, said school director Linda Phillips. It was the most attention grabbing discovery among a dozen or so items sealed inside a stainless steel container that had been on display at the school since 2000. Considering that its 25 years old, its probably got a value with it, Phillips said of the card. The time capsule, on left, after it was opened at The Education Academy in Lacey on Thursday.Photo courtesy of Linda Phillips / The Education Academy Pokemon cards were first released in 1996, experienced a resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic and, in some cases, have been bought by collectors for hundreds of thousands of dollars. A rare Pikachu card was traded for an estimated $900,000 worth of cards in December 2020, the New York Times reported. In March 2021, a holographic Charizard card sold for $311,800. The school isnt counting on a similar windfall, or anything close to it, with the card found in the time capsule. One website priced what appears to be a similar Charmander card at just 35 cents. But, Phillips said students will be researching the Pokemon Charmander cards value. Charmander dates to the first generation of Pokemon games. The card found in the time capsule isnt in perfect condition after being sealed up for a quarter century. Its in good condition. A little curved, because it was in there for so long, Phillips said. The time capsules contents were a surprise because no one at the school remembered what had been crammed inside the silver container, which is 14 inches tall and eight inches wide, Phillips said. Other items found inside offered insights about life at the school and pop culture in 2000. Phillips said the time capsule included a Hot Wheels car Porsche model along with a poster of the New York Yankees featuring Derek Jeter. There was also a school handbook and a U.S. stamp priced at 33 cents. Stamps now cost 73 cents. Students will be filling the time capsule with contemporary items in the coming weeks, with plans to reopen it in 2050, she said. One student is planning to donate a Squishmallow stuffed toy, assuming it fits in the narrow time capsule, she said. The Education Academy enrolls 38 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and is among the 130 or so approved private schools for students with disabilities in New Jersey. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Toby Myers, a longtime bassist for John Mellencamp and Roadmaster, has died at the age of 75. The bassist died on Jan. 16 at his home in Indiana after a long battle with cancer, according to an obituary posted on Legacy.com by the funeral home handling his affairs. Sadness has entered the Mellencamp band and John over the passing of a longtime member, a note on Mellencamps website read. Toby was a great contribution to the music, and the band. We will miss him as a friend, and a fellow musician. Myers joined Pure Funk (later named Roadmaster) in 1971 before uniting with Mellencamps band in 1982. The bassist played on 10 albums spanning from 1983s Uh-Huh to 1999s Rough Harvest, helping make some of Mellencamps biggest hits like Pink Houses, Lonely Ol Night, Authority Song, R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A., Small Town and Cherry Bomb. He wrote the 1996 song, Emotional Love, which marked the first time Mellencamp recorded a song written by a member of the band. Myers also co-wrote Days of Farewell, the last track on the John Mellencamp album from 1998. Myers worked on the Trouble No More album which was released in 2003 and even had a role in the Falling from Grace film directed by Mellencamp. Meyers continued to play with local bands in Indiana where he still had a recording studio and rehearsal space. The musician is survived by his ex-wife Roberta Chirko, son Cash Myers, nieces Natalie Kaye Myers and Erin Lee Myers, and brother-in-law Robert Chirko. More entertainment news: Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 semifinals are still months away but one country has already withdrawn from the competition. Moldova, an Eastern European country that borders Romania and Ukraine, is pulling out of Eurovision due to multiple factors. Corneliu Durnescu, the director of the Moldova 1 television station, announced the decision during a Wednesday, Jan. 22, press conference. Durnescu said that the selection process for Moldovas 2025 Eurovision entry highlighted certain challenges, including a decrease in public interest in the event as well as concerns about the overall quality of the performances. This fact generated a negative perception among specialists and the public, underlining the need for a substantial reform in the selection process, Durnescu said, per Eurovisionworld.com. He added that economic, administrative, and artistic challenges all contributed to the decision to cancel Etapa Nationala, Moldovas selection contest for Eurovision. Moving forward, Moldova hopes to review the selection criteria and methodology to encourage wider participation of talented artists and to provide a more consistent and competitive cultural representation on the international stage, Durnescu said. Head of the Eurovision Moldova Delegation, Daniela Crudu, added that its important to support people who want to reach big stages by giving them an opportunity to prepare better. Moldova has participated in every Eurovision Song Contest since making its debut in 2005. The country achieved its highest placement to date, third, in 2017 with SunStroke Projects EDM track Hey, Mamma. Eurovision is a delightfully campy competition that draws performers from around the world. Countries belonging to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) including non-European countries like Israel, Australia, and Armenia select an original song to be performed live and transmitted to national broadcasters via the Eurovision and Euroradio networks. 2025 marks the first year that people from non-participating countries, such as the United States, can vote for the winner. The two semifinals and the grand finale, during which a winner will be crowned, will all be available to stream on Peacock. The first and second semifinals are scheduled for May 13 and May 15, respectively, while the finale will take place on May 17. All three events will be held in Basel, Switzerland. Per tradition, Switzerland was offered the chance to host after winning Eurovision 2024 with Nemos EDM song The Code. Theres a long road ahead before the Eurovision 2025 semifinals, but some countries have already chosen the song they will submit. Albania settled on Zjerm by Shkodra Elektronike, while Nina Zizic will represent Montenegro with her song Dobrodosli. The first Eurovision Song Contest took place in 1956. Since its inception, Eurovision has helped launch the careers of Olivia Newton-John, Celine Dion, and ABBA. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. Heavily armed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents stormed into the rear of a seafood distribution center in New Jerseys largest city Thursday, blocked exits and detained those employees for interrogation without showing a warrant, local officials and advocates said Friday. The new details describing the raid at Ocean Seafood Depot in Newark came during a press conference hosted by the citys leadership to denounce the ICE tactics and arrests made of those working at the facility, which also operates a storefront for customers. Newer Mayor Ras Baraka speaks during the press conference at Newark City Hall in addressing the ICE raid in Newark, NJ on Friday, January 24, 2025Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media ICE walked in like it was their empires own conquered land. They were heavily armed, according to New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice Executive Director Amy Torres. They were blocking off entrances and exits. They were scrambling up delivery ramps. They were banging down bathroom doors to make sure no one was hiding inside. Torres said her organization sent people to the business to help those being questioned. We believe that there were three people who they say were undocumented that they detained, but they also detained folks that were in fact citizens of this country, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said at City Hall. I was appalled, upset and angry that this would happen here in this state, in this country that this would be allowed. We cant just let this happen and not say anything. We have to say something. Those questioned by ICE included a veteran who provided a military ID, but still faced scrutiny, Baraka said. The problem is that ICE went in without a warrant, Baraka said. MAYOR BARAKA, ELECTED OFFICIALS, AND IMMIGRANT-SERVING ORGANIZATIONS TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE ON ICE RAID IN NEWARK MAYOR BARAKA, ELECTED OFFICIALS, AND IMMIGRANT-SERVING ORGANIZATIONS TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE ON ICE RAID IN NEWARK TODAY, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, AT 11:30 A.M., IN CITY HALL PRESS ROOM City is responding to warrantless Federal raid that detained undocumented residents and U.S. citizens Newark, NJJanuary 24, 2025Mayor Ras J. Baraka, elected officials, and immigrant-serving organizations to hold a press conference today, Friday, January 24, at 11:30 a.m., in the City Hall Press Room. The press conference will discuss a warrantless U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid that took place yesterday in Newark, and the citys response. City Hall is located at 920 Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard in downtown Newark. Newark Municipal Council members, U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver, State Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, State Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ) Executive Director Amy Torres, La Casa de Don Pedro President and CEO Peter T. Rosario, Ironbound Community Corporation CEO Hazel Applewhite, and American Friends Services Committee Immigration Attorney Alex Goncalves-Pena will speak at the event. The press conference is the Citys response to the raid, which detained undocumented residents as well as American citizens, including a U.S. military veteran. Who: Mayor Ras J. Baraka Newark Municipal Council Members U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver State Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz State Assemblywoman Shanique Speight New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ) Executive Director Amy Torres La Casa de Don Pedro President and CEO Peter T. Rosario Ironbound Community Corporation CEO Hazel Applewhite American Friends Services Committee Immigration Attorney Alex Goncalves-Pena What: The conference will discuss the warrantless ICE raid that took place yesterday in Newark, and the citys response. When: Friday, January 24 11:30 a.m. Where: City Hall Press Room City Hall 920 Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard Newark Posted by City of Newark, NJ - City Hall on Friday, January 24, 2025 The incident took place three days after President Donald Trump reiterated on Inauguration Day his campaign pledge to launch a mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. Im not afraid of what the government will do if we uphold human rights, Baraka said. If Trump thinks we will just stand by while human rights are being violated, he has another thing coming. Earlier, Barka said ICEs raid violated the Constitution. What we must agree on is that what separates this country from many other countries is the constitution of the U.S., said Baraka, a Democrat who is also running for governor. We cant quibble about the 4th amendment. We cant quibble about the 14th amendment. Some smart men came up with this a long time ago. No one has the right to go around those laws to disregard them. It is a slippery slope when we think its OK to suspend the Constitution to make a political statement, he said. Newer Mayor Ras Baraka speaks during the press conference at Newark City Hall in addressing the ICE raid in Newark, NJ on Friday, January 24, 2025Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media An ICE spokesperson on Thursday issued a statement confirming that the raid had occurred and acknowledging that U.S. citizens may have been detained. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting fieldwork and may request identification to establish an individuals identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today in Newark, New Jersey, the statement read. This is an active investigation, and per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations. Baraka said ICE is not welcome in the states largest city. We are working with partners to make sure ICE doesnt move into our immigration facilities here, Baraka said. It is clear that ICE is violating the law. We dont want ICE in our city at all. Multiple New Jersey leaders have voiced opposition to the tactics. We are deeply concerned about the news of an ICE raid in Newark today, U.S. Sens. Andy Kim and Cory Booker, both D-N.J., said in a joint statement. Our offices have reached out to the Department of Homeland Security to demand answers. Actions like this one sow fear in all of our communities and our broken immigration system requires solutions, not fear tactics. Nationally, ICE reported 538 arrests and 373 detainers on Thursday, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter, shortly before 8 p.m. The owner of Ocean Seafood Depot told CBS News that about one dozen ICE agents entered his business unannounced at about 11 a.m. Thursday and asked to see documentation of his employees. They didnt have a court order or, I mean, I didnt even ask, he told CBS. The owner told CBS News that his manager tried to show his veterans card, but the agents did not accept it. A couple of the guys couldnt show their identification, the owner told CBS. Twenty-six years in business, I never seen anything like this. Baraka, Booker a former Newark mayor and U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-10th Dist., are among the elected officials who have opposed ICEs plan to open an immigration detention center at Delaney Hall, a private prison facility in an industrial section of the city a few miles north of Newark Liberty International Airport. Sara Cullinane, director of Make the Road New Jersey, an immigrants rights group, denounced the raid as one more example of ICEs unconstitutional methods and called on New Jersey lawmakers to pass legislation protecting against its abuses. ICE is a rogue agency that routinely violates constitutional rights of citizens and non-citizens alike, Cullinane said. And todays raid is why Trumps plans to supercharge deportation is a concern of everybody. And its vitally important that our state pass and implement as many protections as possible so that citizens and immigrants do not have to live in fear. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. UPDATE: ICE agents stormed business, blocked exits while making arrests in N.J.s largest city U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents carried out a raid on a Newark business Thursday, detaining non-citizens and citizens alike, the citys mayor and the agency confirmed. The incident comes three days after President Donald Trump reiterated on Inauguration Day his campaign pledge to launch a mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka issued a statement late Thursday afternoon denouncing the raid as an egregious act conducted without a warrant and in violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right of the people be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures. One of the detainees is a U.S. military veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned, added Baraka, a Democrat seeking his partys nomination for governor this year. Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized. An ICE spokesperson later issued a statement confirming that the raid had occurred and acknowledging that U.S. citizens may have been detained. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting fieldwork and may request identification to establish an individuals identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today in Newark, New Jersey, the statement read. This is an active investigation, and per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations. Nationally, ICE reported 538 arrests and 373 detainers on Thursday, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter, shortly before 8 p.m. Neither Baraka nor ICE specified the name or type of business involved, its location, or the time of day the incident occurred. But a CBS News New York report identified the business as Ocean Seafood Depot, at Adams and Delancey streets. In the report, the unidentified owner told CBS News that about a dozen ICE agents entered his business unannounced at about 11 a.m. Thursday and asked to see documentation of his employees. They didnt have a court order or, I mean, I didnt even ask, he said. The owner told CBS News that his manager tried to show his veterans card, but the agents did not accept it. A couple of the guys couldnt show their identification, the owner said. Twenty-six years in business, I never seen anything like this. The owner said three people were taken into custody. Barakas press secretary, Susan Garofalo, said the mayor would provide more details about what happened at a City Hall press conference on Friday at 11:30 a.m., with civil and immigrant rights advocates. U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-10th Dist., who represents parts of Newark, released a statement Thursday night saying her office had contacted the Homeland Security Department for details about what happened, including how a raid could have been authorized without a warrant. Already, Trumps attacks on immigrant communities are hitting home, and we will not back down, McIver stated. I am in contact with Mayor Baraka and other local and federal officials as more unfolds. We will always fight for the dignity and rights of everyone in our district and across the country. McIver, Baraka and New Jerseys senior U.S. senator, Cory Booker, are among the elected officials who have opposed ICEs plan to open an immigration detention center at Delaney Hall, a private prison facility in an industrial section of the city a few miles north of Newark Liberty International Airport. Sara Cullinane, director of Make the Road New Jersey, an immigrants rights group, denounced the raid as one more example of ICEs unconstitutional methods and called on New Jersey lawmakers to pass legislation protecting against its abuses. ICE is a rogue agency that routinely violates constitutional rights of citizens and non-citizens alike, Cullinane said. And todays raid is why Trumps plans to supercharge deportation is a concern of everybody. And its vitally important that our state pass and implement as many protections as possible so that citizens and immigrants do not have to live in fear. NJ Advance Media staff writer Chris Sheldon contributed to this article. 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 UPDATE: N.J. pool company was supposed to be shut down when it burned in massive fire, local officials say The day after a fire tore through a fiberglass swimming pool manufacturing business in Gloucester County, hazmat crews are testing the air quality at schools where 700 students were evacuated during the blaze. No air quality issues have been reported so far following the fire at North East Pool Builders, located on the 800 block of Harding Highway/Route 40 in Franklin Township, local officials said Friday morning. The types of materials that burned can cause health risks including respiratory concerns, skin irritation and stomach pain, and signs of fiberglass fire exposure can include eye irritation, sore throat, rashes and coughing, according to a fact sheet provided by Gloucester County. Anyone with exposure concerns should seek medical attention, the county advised. An off-duty firefighter reported the blaze at a large commercial building on the property on Thursday. Crews responded to the scene shortly after 9:15 p.m. as the fire sent a large plume of black smoke high into the sky. A worker at the business which employs about a dozen people provided responders with a list of hazardous materials inside the building, including resins and other substances used to make fiberglass pool shells, according to county and township officials. As a precaution, two schools with hundreds of students Main Road School and Our Lady of Mercy Academy and residences within a one-mile radius of the site were evacuated Thursday. Evacuation orders were lifted hours later and students returned to class at the two schools on Friday. A massive plume of smoke billows over Franklin Township in Gloucester County as firefighters battle a commercial building blaze on Thursday morning.(Gloucester County Emergency Management) No toxic readings were detected at the fire site or from air quality tests conducted at the schools and surrounding community, officials reported Thursday. Air quality was monitored on the interior and exterior of both schools prior to and during the evacuations, officials said. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, according to Matt DeCesari, township police chief and emergency management coordinator. The fire was declared under control by 11:15 a.m. Thursday and fire companies cleared the scene by 6 p.m. Firefighters returned to the site Thursday night when the fire rekindled, DeCesari said. A representative of the business did not immediately respond to requests to comment. Any residents experiencing air-quality concerns within the one-mile zone of the fire location can request an air-quality inspection from the county via an online form from the county Office of Emergency Management. No residents reported health issues, DeCesari said Friday. One resident located next to the fire scene asked for air quality monitoring on Friday morning, he added. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. A spokesperson for the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Friday the agency was aware of the fire and looking into the matter, but federal officials had not yet launched an investigation into the incident. Local official had been to the site before for complaints. The township was called out to the site previously for reports of foul odors and debris coming from a smoke stack, according to DeCesari. A spokesperson for the state Department of Environmental Protection said the agency received 13 odor complaints regarding the property since September 2021, with the last received in February 2024. All complaints were investigated and none resulted in a violation, the official said. In a statement, Franklin Township Mayor Jake Bruno praised first responders and the county and state agencies that responded to the fire. The actions taken to protect almost 700 students in two schools and over 150 residents within the evacuation zone prevented a potentially dangerous exposure to hazardous materials, Bruno said. The quick actions of the men and women of the involved agencies successfully kept our residents from harm and we are grateful for their efforts. Firefighters from Malaga fire company at a two alarm fire in Franklin Township, NJ on Thursday, January 23, 2025.Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance Media Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. A jeweler who operated several companies in New York Citys Diamond District was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison Thursday after admitting to avoiding customs duties on over $13.5 million in jewelry he imported from Turkey, officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office announced. Monishkumar Kirankumar Doshi Shah, also known as Monish Doshi Shah, 40, of Mumbai, India and Jersey City previously pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. From December 2019 through April 2022, Shah imported jewelry from Turkey through South Korea, where it was relabeled to avoid import tariffs, prosecutors said. Authorities said Shah, instead of shipping jewelry directly to the United States from Turkey or India, shipped the goods to one of his companies in South Korea where co-conspirators would change the label to make the goods appear to be from South Korea before shipping to Shah or his customers. In making the jewelry appear to be from South Korea, Shah avoid a 5.5% tariff, officials said. Shah also instructed his customers to create fake invoices and packing lists to make it appear that Shahs South Korean companies had actually ordered the goods from Turkey and India, officials said. He even had a third-party shipping company lie to U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding the origin of the jewelry in order to avoid duties on over $13.5 million in goods, according to authorities. Shah also operated an unlicensed money transmitting business from July 2020 through November 2021 at his businesses in New Yorks Diamond District, officials said. Shah used his companies to process over $10.3 million in illegal transactions where authorities said he converted cash into checks or wire transfers. He also collected cash from customers and used others' jewelry businesses to convert the cash into wire transfers and checks, officials said. At times, Shah and others moved hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single day through their illegal money transmitting business, according to authorities. Besides his prison sentence, Shah was ordered to pay $742,500 in restitution for the wire fraud scheme and forfeit over $11 million, officials said. He must also serve two years of supervised release. Shahs attorney Rahul Agarwal said he and Shah were disappointed with the sentence issued Thursday but respected the courts decision. Monishs involvement in this activity ended over three years ago, well before the Government brought charges, Agarwal said in an emailed statement to NJ Advance Media. He is extremely remorseful. He thanks his family and friends for their continued support, and he looks forward to returning to India upon completion of his sentence. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X. A 16-year-old Jersey City boy has been arrested in the double-shooting last week that left a 15-year-old high school freshman dead and her relative wounded, authorities said. Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez did not release any details of the Jan. 18 shootings that a family friend said occurred while the victims were in a vehicle after returning from a family celebration. Cianna Lee, a student at Lincoln High School, and a 37-year-old female relative were parked on Oak Street, near Martin Luther King Drive, at approximately 11 p.m. when they were shot. Lee was taken to Jersey City Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 1:20 a.m. Jan. 19. The Regional Medical Examiners Office determined the cause of death to be gunshot wound. Lee, described as vibrant and loving, was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States less than a year ago to be with her father and to pursue greater opportunities. The 37-year-old woman was also taken to Jersey City Medical Center and treated for a gunshot wound. The 16-year-old assailant was arrested Thursday by members of the Hudson County Prosecutors Offices Homicide Unit. He is charged as a juvenile with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and second degree unlawful possession of a weapon. The prosecutors office would not say if the assailant knew the victims or provide a motive for the shootings. It could not be determined if the prosecutors office would attempt to have the 16-year-old tried as an adult. The prosecutors office noted that juvenile matters are confidential and no additional information can be released at this time. Suarez credited the Homicide Unit and the Jersey City Police Department with the investigation and arrest. A GoFundMe campaign for Lees family has raised more than $14,000 as of Friday afternoon. Also, a memorial event at has been planned at Lincoln High School Friday afternoon. Infielder J.D. Davis is on the move again. The former Mets and Yankees player has signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels, FanSideds Robert Murray first reported on Thursday. Davis also received a spring training invite and will compete for a spot on the teams opening-day roster. BUY YANKEES TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER The Angels will be Daviss fifth team in two years. Those teams include the San Francisco Giants, the then-Oakland As, the Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles. The Yankees acquired Davis after Anthony Rizzo broke an arm last June to play first base against left-handed pitching. The plan was for him to share time at first with rookie Ben Rice. New York dumped Davis in August after having him for over a month. He only managed to get into seven games and had 22 plate appearances between an injured list stint for an illness. He got two hits in that stretch before the Yankees DFAd him following the Jazz Chisholm acquisition and then released him. Davis, 31, started last spring training with the San Francisco Giants, who released him on March 11 after signing third baseman Matt Chapman and after Davis won a $6.9 million arbitration hearing in the offseason. Therein was the problem: Davis salary was only guaranteed without a hearing, and Davis was only owed $1.1 million after the Giants let him go. Davis signed as a free agent with the Oakland As on March 16 for $2.5 million, but he spent time on the injured list, posted a 93 OPS+ in 135 plate appearances (39 games) and was designated for assignment and eventually traded to the Yankees. He showed potential in his first season with the Mets in 2019, posting a career-best .895 OPS behind a career-high 22 home runs. But he hasnt been the same ever since. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Manny Gomez may be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com. A police officer in Monmouth County is facing criminal charges after authorities alleged he looked up a womans personal information on law enforcement databases before traveling to her house. Joshua A. James, 29, an officer with the Neptune Township Police Department, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with third-degree computer-related criminal activity, the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office said. An investigation found that James was working outside of an elementary school earlier this month when he saw the woman picking up her child, officials said. He later used two separate law enforcement computer databases to look up her license plate number and home address, prosecutors allege. The officer then allegedly traveled to the womans home to ask if she was single and if he could have her phone number, authorities said. James has since been suspended from the Neptune Township Police Department, officials said. The Monmouth County Prosecutors Office is asking anyone with information about James to call Detective Ryan Mahony at 800-533-7443. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. Wednesday marks the start of Chinese New Year, and celebrations will take place around the world for 16 days with fireworks, dragon parades and family reunions. In honor of the longest Chinese holiday, I decided to feature three Chinese restaurants in this weeks Affordable Eats. The first one is New Edison Wok in Edison, which features Szechuan, Cantonese and Hunan cuisines. The Yelp reviews were positive, and when I tried it earlier this week, I found their dishes tasty and flavorful. The vibe of the place is open and airy, with a few tables and mostly take-out orders. I started with the shrimp eggroll ($2.55), and talk about affordable! I bit into it, expecting the greasy crust that Ive had plenty of in the past. However, this eggroll was far from greasy. The crust was crunchy, and the eggroll was full of tender shrimp and delicious veggies. I moved on to the edamame ($6.55), which was excellent, with a good crunch and not too much salt. Im not sure you can go wrong with edamame! For an entree, I ordered the shrimp fried rice ($11.45). Im a big fan of fried rice, and this one did not disappoint. The shrimp was cooked perfectly, the rice was chewy-tender, and the veggies were savory with a smoky aroma. Other popular items on the menu at New Edison Wok include the roast pork lo mein ($7.95), the sweet and sour chicken ($8.25), the pepper steak with onion ($9.00) and the Hunan shrimp ($14.25). That last one is spicy, so be ready. If youre extra hungry and feel like splurging, go for the seafood combo platter ($18.00), with shrimp, crab meat, scallops, and lobster, all sauteed with vegetables in a white sauce. Eating seafood is one of the ways you can join in the celebrations of the Chinese New Year. For a similar taste in North Jersey, stop by Six Happiness Chinese Restaurant in Fairlawn, (You gotta love the name!). You can get the wonton soup for ($4.25), the sweet potato roll for ($6.00), and chicken and broccoli for ($13.25). In South Jersey, check out King House Delicious Chinese Food in Maple Shade. The chicken with garlic sauce ($9.25) comes with red and green peppers, celery, water chestnut, snow peas, broccoli and zucchini. Another favorite is the shrimp with lobster sauce ($9.50), with peas, carrots, mushrooms and tender shrimp and lobster. Is your mouth watering? Mine is. I think Ill go out and celebrate the Chinese New Year some more! Karim Shamsi-Basha may be reached at kshamsi-basha@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter & Instagram. Follow Mosaic on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom. Their political elite are largely technocrats. https://gineersnow.com/leadership/chinese-government-dominated-scientists-engineers by Patricia Eldridge 4 years ago Chinese government are full of engineers and scientists. When Chinese Government comes to mind, what things do you generally think of? Most of you would say, The Great Wall, feng shui, their food, pandas, cheap products, communism, and martial arts, among others. All of these are valid observations, as China is indeed famous for such. But I'd like to add something to that list, a thing that is so rare that China has to be remembered for it: most of the political leaders in China are scientists and engineers. To prove that fact, let us play a quick game. Name a scientist or an engineer from your country's top government officials. Don't cheat with Google, just think of someone that you already know. Now I doubt that you have thought one especially if youre in the U.S. Nowhere in the world can you see the same admiration and respect from the public to their scientists and engineers other than in China. This is a little known fact. They admire such professionals so much to the point that they qualify these people to be worthy and capable in handling political affairs. The Chinese people believe that scientists and engineers, who eventually become technocrats, have a highly disciplined mind fit for public office. The Chinese Government Is Dominated by Scientists and Engineers Directly before the present administration, 8 out of China's top 9 government officials are scientists and engineers. This leadership has brought laser focus on innovation, bringing much of Chinas labor centralized in science, technology, and engineering. This was followed by the current political lineup, which relaxed a little from technocracy. The top Chinese leaders are now diverse with former economists, research fellows and a journalist in the league. Still, scientists and engineers occupy several of Chinas highest political offices. Two of these offices are held by Xi Jinping and Yu Zhengsheng. Xi Jinping, the top leader in the Communist Party of China and the President of the Peoples Republic of China, studied chemical engineering at Tsinghua University in Beijing, which is the same university where previous Chinese President Hu Jintao went for a degree in hydroelectric engineering. Xi obtained a degree in Marxist degree as well as a Ph.D in law at the Tsinghua Humanities Institute, becoming Chinas first national leader to hold such degree. Yu Zhengsheng, the chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, is also an engineer. He graduated from the specialty of ballistic missile automatic control of the Missile Engineering Department of the Harbin Military Engineering Institute. Yu spent almost twenty years in the electronics industry before joining the Ministry of Electronics Industry in the 1980s. Not only do scientists and engineers dominate the top political offices in China, they can also be found at all levels of the Chinese government. It has long been observed by the Chinese people to elect, or perhaps select due to their election system, politicians with a science or engineering background. A study by Li Cheng and Lynn White entitled Elite Transformation and Modern Change in Mainland China and Taiwan: Empirical Data and the Theory of Technocracy describes the domination of scientists and engineers in the Chinese political elite. No wonder we see global dominance of Chinese technology made products such as laptops, 5G technology, home appliances, automotive, smartphones, medicines and wearable technologies. These politicians encourage innovations as their key component in transforming China from a cheap products to world class trading destination. Did you know that the best drones brand (DJI) is made in China? At the time the authors conducted the study, mayors and Party secretaries of cities of over a million, governors and provincial Party secretaries of Chinas provinces, autonomous regions, and province-level municipalities; and Central Committee members were found to be 80% technocrats. This means that 8 out of 10 among them have four-year degrees or more in science or engineering. This technocracy that exists in China is ingrained in their political culture. Mengzi, or Mencius, who was famous for being a loyal follower of Confucius, once said, Let those who labor with their heads rule those who labor with their hands. This was uttered sometime in the 4th or 3rd century BCE, where technology, which was bronze casting, scapulamancy and plastromancy at the time, was dominated by the shamanic priests of the Shang dynasty. Other political engineering stories you might enjoy reading Out with the technocrats, in with Chinas new breed of politicians https://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2117169/out-technocrats-chinas-new-breed-politicians Engineers no longer dominate the top echelon of power as the fifth-generation leaders who studied politics, law and philosophy take over President Xi Jinping (second from right) with members of his new leadership team including Premier Li Keqiang (right), Li Zhanshu (left) and Wang Huning in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: Kyodo Once run by peasants-turned-revolutionaries and then engineers, China is now in the hands of a group of political experts, economists and theorists. Only a decade ago, eight of the nine top Communist Party leaders studied engineering or natural sciences the most sought-after majors when the country was struggling to industrialise. Chinese Government Lead By Scientists & Engineers https://technologytimes.pk/2019/10/15/chinese-government-lead-by-scientists-engineers/ A New Jersey man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison after leaving behind a backpack full of drugs in a Pittsburgh hotel room. Ryan Mendoza, 32, of the Fords section of Woodbridge, will also be on supervised release for four years after he serves a six year, five month prison stint, the U.S. Attorneys Office for Western Pennsylvania said Thursday. Workers found more than 6,400 stamp bags of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl in the backpack on Feb. 25, 2021, and notified police, federal prosecutors said. Police arrested Mendoza when he returned to the same hotel and tried to get back into the room. The hotel wasnt identified in court papers. Mendoza pleaded guilty in June 2024 to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. A 2.4 magnitude earthquake jolted the northern New Jersey region near New York City Friday afternoon, the U.S. Geological Survey says. The agency, which tracks earthquakes across the world, reported the small earthquake shortly after 1 p.m. and said it was centered about 1 mile east-southeast of Paramus in Bergen County. Even though it was a small tremor, it was felt by people as far north as Connecticut and Massachusetts, as far south as Godwin, North Carolina, as far west as Norristown, Pennsylvania and as far east as Merrick, N.Y., on Long Island, according to reports from the USGS. New Jersey was rocked by a 4.8 magnitude earthquake in early April last year that was felt by more than 42 million people, followed by hundreds of aftershocks. The 2024 quake was much stronger than Fridays tremor and also was more shallow, allowing sound waves to spread a longer distance. The U.S. Geological Survey says a small earthquake occurred Friday afternoon, Jan. 24, about 1 kilometer east-southeast of Paramus in Bergen County.U.S. Geological Survey Some people on social media say they felt Fridays quake, but some incorrectly reported a higher magnitude when the shaking first occurred. Yes that was an earthquake in northern NJ. in Paramus, X user Dennis Katsnelson posted Friday afternoon, saying he thought something crashed or blew up quickly inside my house. He added the noise was very instant, didnt last longer than a second or two! Yes that was an earthquake in northern NJ. In Paramus and thought something crashed or blew up quickly inside my house haha was very instant, didnt last longer than a second or two!#earthquake Dennis Katsnelson (@Den413) January 24, 2025 I thought something just fell off my house, another X user posted at 1:16 p.m. Friday. Did we get an earthquake here in NJ? Another X user said he wasnt sure what had happened when the small quake hit, saying: My NJ brains first thought was oh no do I have to sue the builder who just worked on my house followed by oh good, just an earthquake." The USGS said it received reports from people as far as 56 miles away, in New Milford, Connecticut, who said they felt the small quake. The agency also received early reports of light or weak shaking felt in Boonton (about 19 miles away from the epicenter) and Butler in Morris County along with people in Clark, Elmwood Park, Fair Lawn, Garfield, Glen Rock, Haskell, Hoboken, Ho-Ho-Kus, Lyndhurst, Midland Park, Ridgewood, Rutherford and Weehawken. Later reports came in from more than 100 towns and cities across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, including some from Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx. I thought something just fell off my house. Did we get an earthquake here in NJ? BigBlueVCR (@BigBlueVCR) January 24, 2025 Police in Glen Rock in Bergen County said they received reports about the earthquake at about 1:02 p.m. and noted, We have no reports of damage or cause for concern this time. Heather Bognar, an administrative assistant in the Glen Rock municipal clerks office, described the quake as a very brief boom and a quick shake. Honestly, we thought maybe somebody was up on the roof and there was a loud boom... It sounded like somebody banged on the roof. The building shook real quickly, Bognar told NJ Advance Media. It was very quick, she said, adding she didnt feel any prolonged shaking or swaying. Nobody thought it was an earthquake until we saw all the reports. A geologist from the USGS told News 12 New Jersey that Fridays quake appeared to occur east of the Ramapo fault, and its too early to know if it was directly linked to that well-known fault line. The quake was detected about 5 miles underground, the USGS said. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com or on X at @LensReality. The woman whose rape and cover-up allegations consumed much of Gov. Phil Murphys first term, officially launched her bid for a state Assembly seat Thursday. Katie Brennan is a first-time candidate for public office. But she has been a public figure in New Jersey since the fall of 2018, when she told the Wall Street Journal she had been sexually assaulted by a senior official on Murphys first campaign for governor in 2017 when she was a volunteer. A federal judge temporarily blocked President Donald Trumps executive order that aims the constitutional right of birthright citizenship on Thursday. U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, signed the temporary restraining order on Thursday to block Trumps action. Coughenours decision just days after a number of states, including New Jersey, sued the Trump administration over the move. The executive order boggles the mind, Coughenour said during a hearing on Thursday, The Associated Press reported. The executive order has been met with widespread criticism, with many pointing out that an executive order cannot undermine the 14th Amendment. Coughenour agreed that Trumps action was unconstitutional during the hearing in Washington state with Justice Department attorneys. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order, he told the attorneys, according to AP. Trump told reporters on Thursday that his administration will appeal the judges order. Obviously, well appeal it. They put it before a certain judge in Seattle, I guess. No surprises with that judge, he said. "Obviously we'll appeal it" -- Trump on a court striking down his birthright citizenship EO pic.twitter.com/OnfoN8fzT3 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 23, 2025 The U.S. is among about 30 countries where birthright citizenship the principle of jus soli or right of the soil is applied. Most are in the Americas, and Canada and Mexico are among them. The lawsuits argue that the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship for people born and naturalized in the U.S., and states have been interpreting the amendment that way for a century. Ratified in 1868 in the aftermath of the Civil War, the amendment says: All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. Trumps order asserts that the children of noncitizens are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and orders federal agencies to not recognize citizenship for children who dont have at least one parent who is a citizen. The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Donald Trumps aides are reportedly growing sour on MAGA billionaire Elon Musk. Politico reported theyre furious and told the outlet: Its clear he has abused the proximity to the president. The recent frustration centered on Trumps announcement this week of a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence. Trump declared it a resounding declaration of confidence in Americas potential under his new administration, with an initial private investment of $100 billion that could reach five times that sum. But Musk, a close Trump adviser who helped bankroll his campaign and now leads a government cost-cutting initiative, questioned the value of the investment hours later. They dont actually have the money, Musk wrote on his social platform X. SoftBank has well under $10B secured. I have that on good authority. From Politico: A White House official said Musk very much got over his skis when the tech tycoon launched a daylong screed against the AI project. One Trump ally said Musk abused his closeness to the president. Another Republican close to the White House went further, saying Trumps staff is furious over Musk using his massive social media platform to pour cold water on the infrastructure deal that Trump called tremendous and monumental just a day prior. Its clear he has abused the proximity to the president, said the Trump ally. The problem is the president doesnt have any leverage over him and Elon gives zero fucks. It is highly unusual for a senior adviser Musk to criticize a presidents initiatives in public, and his broadsides renewed speculation within GOP circles about whether he and Trump will eventually have a falling-out. Musk has had seemingly unparalleled access to Trump during the transition since he parked himself at Trumps side in Mar-a-Lago and heads Trumps so-called Department of Government Efficiency. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Roansy Contreras is back with the Yankees. The former homegrown top prospect was claimed by his old team off waivers on Thursday. Contreras, 25, was designated for assignment by the Orioles earlier this month. Hes been bouncing around with a few different teams this offseason he was also cut by the Rangers and Reds unable to stick in one spot. Four years ago on Friday, Contreras was included in the package of prospects used by the Yankees to acquire starter Jameson Taillon from the Pirates. At the time, the right-hander was one of the top-ranked pitchers in the Yankees farm system. The Yankees initially signed Contreras out of the Dominican Republic in 2016, so up until that trade to Pittsburgh, he hadnt played for any other organization. While Contreras hit the ground running with the Pirates, raising his stock as he climbed up to Triple-A for the first time, he hasnt been able to recognize his potential in the big leagues since then. Contreras had a 3.79 ERA with Pittsburgh in 2022, working almost exclusively as a starter in a limited sample. Over the following two seasons, he posted a 5.47 ERA in the big leagues across 68 appearances. That includes 37 outings with the Angels this past summer Los Angeles picked Contreras up after the Pirates designated him for assignment last May. The Yankees have a reputation for bringing the best out of all kinds of pitchers, so its possible they can help Contreras blossom this spring. Maybe hell be the next reclamation project who earns big-league playing time and excels in pinstripes. He doesnt have any minor-league options, though. That means Contreras needs to either make the Opening Day roster which feels like a long shot as of now or hell be on the move again, either designated for assignment or traded away. Contreras isnt the only pitcher the Yankees claimed off waivers on Thursday. Former Braves starter Allan Winans was also scooped up off the wire. With Contreras and Winans, the Yankees 40-man roster now stands at 39 as of Thursday evening. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Max Goodman may be reached at mgoodman@njadvancemedia.com. Steel and aluminum On March 1, 2018, Trump announced his intention to impose a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports.[66] In a tweet the next day, Trump asserted, "Trade wars are good, and easy to win."[67] On March 8, he signed an order to impose the tariffs effective after 15 days.[2] The EU, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, Brazil and South Korea were temporarily exempted from the order under a carve-out provision.[68] Canada, Mexico, and the EU became subject to the steel and aluminium tariffs later in an announcement on May 31, 2018.[2][69][70] The U.S., Canada, and Mexico would reach a deal to remove the steel and aluminum tariffs in May 2019, almost a year after going into effect.[71] In December 2019, Trump tweeted that he would impose tariffs on Brazilian and Argentine metals, effective immediately, alleging the countries were manipulating their currencies to make their products more attractive in global markets. Economists disagreed the countries were devaluing their currencies, attributing the declines to global market forces. After speaking with Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, Trump days later backed down from his threat against Brazil, but made no mention of Argentina.[72] Permanent steel exemption While the 25% steel tariff as a rule applies to all countries worldwide, four countries have successfully negotiated a permanent exemption from it.[73][74][75] Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull successfully lobbied President Trump to get an exemption at the 2017 G20 Hamburg summit, arguing "[w]e do this steel that's specialty steel. We're the only one that produces it in the world. You've got to let us out. You've got a $40 billion trade surplus with us. We're military allies with you. We're in every battle with you."[76] However, On December 2, 2019, President Donald Trump reinstated steel and aluminium tariffs against Brazil, later backed down, and Argentina.[77] In 2021, President Biden and European Union President Ursula von der Leyen declared their intent to suspend tariffs for specific quantities of aluminum and steel that were entirely manufactured within the EU, while they pursued a longer-term trade agreement. Since that time, the Biden administration has advocated for a Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminum, a trade pact that connects U.S. and European markets and taxes steel producers based on their membership and the environmental impact of their metal production.[80] At several homes, residents faced serious consequences for violating rules. In some instances, employees called the police when women questioned their authority or left the property without permission. In others, women said they were expelled with little notice. After Kristina Atwood lit incense in her bedroom at Genesis House in Melbourne, Fla., one night in June 2021, she was told to wake her two children and leave immediately, she said. The homes director, Kristen Snyder, said employees had warned Ms. Atwood that fire of any kind was not allowed. Ms. Atwood, 35, said she did not recall any warnings. I had nowhere else to go, she said. For decades, maternity homes were institutions where unmarried pregnant women could give birth in secret and put their babies up for adoption. Most shut down by the 1970s, when access to birth control had widened. More recently, however, the homes have experienced a nationwide renaissance. The number of homes has grown by nearly 40 percent in the past two years and now surpasses 450, according to Heartbeat International, a national anti-abortion group that supports maternity housing. A federal judge temporarily blocked President Trumps executive order declaring that children born on U.S. soil to undocumented immigrants would no longer be treated as citizens. The judge, John Coughenour, sided with states that had sued Trump arguing that the presidents order violated the 14th Amendment. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order, he said today. Frankly, Judge Coughenour, a Reagan appointee, added, I have difficulty understanding how a member of the bar would state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order. It just boggles my mind. The order to end birthright citizenship, set to take effect on Feb. 20, also extends to babies born to mothers who are in the country legally but temporarily, such as tourists, university students or temporary workers. The judges injunction, which lasts two weeks, marks the beginning of what will almost certainly be a long battle between the new administration and the courts over Trumps ambitious second-term agenda. For about $1,000, you may leave an Apple store with a brand-new, hermetically sealed iPhone thats been personalized for you by a verified Genius. Or, for hundreds or even thousands of dollars more, you can buy a used phone with a cracked screen and dirt-filled speakers, from someone on the internet. It all just depends on how much you love TikTok. When the video-sharing app stopped working in the United States on Saturday evening after the Supreme Court backed a law that effectively banned it, some users deleted TikTok from their phones. The next day, the app started working again when President Trump said he was planning an executive order to pause enforcement of the law. But, as of Thursday, Apple and Google, which had removed TikTok from their app stores to comply with the law, had not made it available again for download. The uncertainty about whether TikTok will return to the app stores has caused some people who never removed the app to view their phones like golden tickets, coveted by anyone who misses thumbing through TikToks algorithm or had a following that they couldnt reach after they hastily removed the app. Bertrand Blier, an acclaimed director whose films scandalized, captivated and entertained 1970s and 80s France with their sometimes brutal projections of French mens sexual imaginations, died on Monday at his home in Paris. He was 85. His death was confirmed by his son Leonard Blier. For two decades Mr. Blier was one of Frances most decorated directors, winning the grand prize at Cannes, an Academy Award for best foreign film for Get Out Your Handkerchiefs, released in 1978, and numerous Cesars, Frances equivalent of the Oscar. In a statement after his death, President Emmanuel Macron saluted Mr. Blier (pronounced blee-AY) as a giant of French cinema, who marked our national imagination for five decades with his free, biting touch. Mr. Blier launched the careers of men and women who would dominate the French screen for decades, including Gerard Depardieu, with whom he made nine films. One of Mr. Bliers last public acts was to join others in Frances film community to come to Mr. Depardieus defense in 2023 in the face of sexual harassment and assault accusations against the actor. (Mr. Macron also defended Mr. Depardieu, who now faces criminal charges and a March trial.) Long Island duck is a delicacy savored across the country for its mild flavor and tender meat. But its future has been cast into doubt after the last duck farm on the island was quarantined for an outbreak of bird flu. The farm, Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, N.Y., must now kill its entire flock of almost 100,000 ducks and may go out of business, its owner said in an interview. The highly infectious virus, H5NI avian flu, was detected last week. The Suffolk County Health Department said that the farm was under quarantine and that state and federal agriculture officials were on site to conduct depopulating, cleaning and disinfection activities at the facility, which supplies ducks to many restaurants in New York City and elsewhere. Similar outbreaks have led to the culling of herds and flocks in more than a dozen states. Doug Corwin, who is part of the fourth generation of his family to operate Crescent Duck Farm, which has been open since 1908, said on Thursday that the future of his business was uncertain. But most six-week slices of life are like that. To overload the story with trauma would be to endanger its naturalism in a wave of forced feeling something Toossi seems constitutionally averse to. As it is, the play is so hermetic, so fixated on seeing the world through its one lens, that it has trouble ginning up an ending, instead circling its territory several times before settling down like a dog for the night. No matter. Adamss staging and his work with the faultless actors pull off the trick of making what English doesnt say out loud so moving. Also moving: the rotating box of a set by Marsha Ginsberg, which offers changing perspectives on action that might otherwise dig a rut. Also beautifully considered are the interstitial rearrangements of the classroom furniture; the shifting of angles of the sun and thus its shadows (lighting by Reza Behjat); the subtle changes of clothing (costumes by Enver Chakartash); and the unexpectedly nonliteral music, mostly solo piano works with a distinctive French accent. (Sound by Sinan Refik Zafar.) These effects are bigger for Broadway yet paradoxically also more delicate than when English, a co-production of the Atlantic and Roundabout theater companies, appeared on the Atlantics stage, with the same cast, in Chelsea. Though a few laughs have been goosed She Bangs is obviously a funnier Show and Tell than was Shakiras Whenever, Wherever the play somehow feels graver now. Elham in particular is a tougher character, in Ashes uncompromising performance: easier to understand and harder to like. The fury she feels at her own limitations, spilling everywhere, now fully earns Royas withering take on her: In English you wont have redeeming qualities. Some cities, including Minneapolis, have since embraced the less politically charged phrase welcoming city, while keeping policies in place that limit local law enforcement agencies cooperation with federal immigration officials. In New York City, the countrys largest sanctuary city, Mayor Eric Adams has staked out positions on immigration that align more closely with Mr. Trumps than with those of his fellow Democrats. In Chicago, a small group of City Council members tried last week to weaken an ordinance banning the Police Departments cooperation with federal immigration officials, an effort meant to signal to Mr. Trump that during his second term, the city was open to working with him. The effort failed, but it revealed division among Chicagos leaders. And in Connecticut, which decided in 2019 to limit cooperation with immigration agents, William Tong, the attorney general, recently referred to the word sanctuary as divisive. It puts a target on our backs, and it puts a target on all of your backs, he said at a public forum. Across the country, public support for immigration to the United States decreased under the Biden administration, according to a survey last summer. In the last three years, asylum seekers from Central and South America have strained city and state budgets in Illinois, Colorado and New York. A police officer in Washington State was sentenced Thursday to more than 16 years in prison for killing a man during an attempted arrest in 2019, cementing the first conviction under a state law that made it easier to prosecute police officers for using deadly force. The officer, Jeffrey Nelson, was found guilty of second-degree murder and first-degree assault in June for shooting and killing Jesse Sarey, 26, while attempting to arrest him for disorderly conduct in May 2019 outside Sunshine Grocery in Auburn. Officer Nelson was charged with murder and assault in August 2020, more than a year after the killing, according to the news release from the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office. This is the first sentencing under a legal reform, Initiative 940, which was overwhelmingly approved by Washington voters in 2018. The initiative loosened the standards that needed to be met to criminally prosecute police officers for using deadly force. Before the legal change, prosecutors had to prove that officers acted with malice. Under the reform, a jury must decide if the officers action was reasonable. Officer Nelson was the first police officer to be charged by King County prosecutors under the law in August 2020. The prosecutor in the Sept. 11 case asked the military judge on Thursday to suspend the proceedings to give the Trump administration time to get cabinet secretaries in place and familiar with a plea deal for the man accused of planning the attack to avoid a death-penalty trial. A Pentagon official reached the agreement with the defendant, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, and two other men on July 31. Lloyd J. Austin III, then the secretary of defense, moved to withdraw from the deals two days later. The question of whether the pleas are valid is now before a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., which hears arguments on Tuesday. In court at Guantanamo Bay on Thursday, the prosecutor, Clayton G. Trivett Jr., announced that he would submit a pleading to pause the proceedings in the case until April. He noted that the new administration does not yet have a confirmed defense secretary, attorney general or solicitor general in place. The Trump administration is giving Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials the power to quickly deport migrants who were allowed into the country temporarily under Biden-era programs, according to an internal government memo obtained by The New York Times. The memo, signed Thursday night by the acting head of the Homeland Security Department, offers ICE officials a road map on how to use expansive powers that were long reserved only for encounters at the southern border to quickly remove migrants. It also appears to give the officials the ability to expel migrants in two major Biden-era programs that have allowed more than a million people to enter the country temporarily. Those programs an app called CBP One that migrants could use to try to schedule appointments to enter the United States, and an initiative that let in certain migrants fleeing Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Haiti were key pillars of the Biden administrations efforts to discourage illegal entries by allowing certain legal pathways. Immigrant advocates also worried that the memo could apply to Afghan and Ukrainian immigrants brought to the United States under separate programs. The decision indicates that President Trump will try to use every facet of the immigration enforcement apparatus to crack down on a system he has long said has been abused, and that he intends to target not just those who sneaked across the border but even those who followed previously authorized pathways to enter. The defendants in that case were charged with two federal offenses: conspiring against civil rights and violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, for the parts they played in blocking the entrance to that clinic. That law makes it a crime to threaten, obstruct or injure a person seeking access to a reproductive health clinic or to damage clinic property. One of the anti-abortion activists, Lauren Handy, was sentenced to nearly five years in prison last year for her role in leading the blockade. Her case drew widespread attention when the police said that they had found five fetuses in her home shortly after she was charged in the case. Other defendants received sentences of less than three years in prison. One defendant, Jay Smith, 34, of Freeport, New York, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 months in prison. The defendants, their representatives and allies, including Senator Josh Hawley, Republican of Missouri, have argued that they were exercising their First Amendment right to protest. Mr. Hawley celebrated Mr. Trumps move Thursday on social media, and he has said that he had urged the president to pardon them swiftly. The FACE Act, the 1994 law that protects reproductive health clinics, was rarely used during Mr. Trumps first term. But in response to the State of Texas passing a restrictive abortion bill in 2021, Merrick B. Garland, the attorney general in the Biden administration, signaled that the Justice Department saw enforcement of the FACE Act as a priority as it sought to protect the constitutional right to abortion more broadly. The anti-abortion activists Mr. Trump pardoned were charged in March 2022, and the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion enshrined by Roe v. Wade later that year. President Trump has repeatedly blamed Gov. Gavin Newsom and other California leaders for the fires that devastated Los Angeles. The president has charged that the states Democrats have stubbornly refused to send enough water to Southern California to fight fires, which he attributed to their desire to protect the delta smelt, a threatened species of fish. But as Mr. Trump prepared a Friday visit to California, water experts in California said that his explanations in many cases were wrong or glossed over complex water dynamics. Southern California reservoirs were generally full of water at the start of the year, they noted, and problems in the fight against the fire had other causes. Mr. Trumps view of the situation could have very real consequences. He threatened on Wednesday to withhold federal relief funds if California does not send more of its water from the northern part of the state to its southern half. He also issued an executive order on his first day in office titled Putting People Over Fish that directed cabinet members to find ways within 90 days to reroute more water southward. The order brings to the fore litigation and disputes as old as California itself around who deserves precious water in the state and how its liquid gold can best serve nearly 40 million residents along with its agricultural industry, fisheries and ecosystems. President Trump has ordered federal prisons to house inmates who are transgender women in mens facilities and halt medical treatments related to gender transition. The move was part of a wide-ranging executive order issued by Mr. Trump on his first day in office meant to limit government recognition of an individuals gender to their sex at birth. The directive on prisoners also applies to immigration detainees and is among the more concrete parts of the order. Mr. Trump set some restrictions on housing and health care for transgender prisoners in his previous term, but the new order was more far-reaching. The Womens Liberation Front, which defines women based on sex at birth and advocates single-sex prisons, called the directive a major victory. The group is challenging a California law that allows prisoners to request housing that aligns with their gender identity. It argues that the law violates the constitutional rights of female inmates who are not transgender, including the Eighth Amendment right to protection from cruel and unusual punishment. A founder of a French cryptocurrency company and his wife were freed in France this week after being brutally kidnapped and held for ransom, the authorities announced on Thursday. David Balland, a founder of Ledger, a company that sells physical devices to store crypto assets, was abducted alongside his wife early on Tuesday from their home in Vierzon, a city in central France, according to the Paris prosecutor. The couple were whisked away by car, then separated and detained at different locations, the prosecutor said. The kidnapping set off a broad investigation involving more than 230 officers who sought to locate the couple. In the end, they freed them without firing a shot, the authorities said at a news conference in Paris on Thursday evening. This was an extremely complex case, said Gen. Ghislain Rety, the head of an elite unit specializing in hostage rescue that freed the couple. The National Gallery, which was established by Congress in 1937, receives nearly 80 percent of its operating budget from the federal government. Leaders of the institution, which is in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol, have preferred not to anger incoming presidents, whose secretaries of state also serve as ex officio trustees of the museum. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, appeared at a dinner at the museum with cabinet nominees as part of inauguration week. The museums chief diversity, inclusion and belonging officer resigned last year, before the election, so the post was already vacant. Two other employees in the office, which was charged with making the museum more visitor-focused, inclusive and equitable, were reassigned to vacant positions elsewhere in the museum, officials said. It was a rapid turnabout for a museum that adopted a new vision and mission statement in 2021 and said that as a strategic priority it would focus on diversity, equity, access and inclusion throughout our work to diversify the stories we tell, the ways in which we tell them, and our staff. That year the museum unveiled an $820,000 rebranding campaign that redid its logo and signage and highlighted its commitment to diversity. In 2020 the National Gallery announced that it would delay a retrospective of the modernist painter Philip Guston, saying that his depictions of Klansmen needed to be better contextualized. The move, in which it was joined by several other museums, stunned the art world, and led to calls from prominent artists for the works to be shown. While some saw the delay as an overreaction, it highlighted the lack of diversity in the National Gallerys leadership and curatorial ranks, which had been almost all white, at a time when museums were looking at their demographics after the racial justice protests that followed George Floyds murder. Did you tell your parents what the book was about? I did. Two weeks ago. Two weeks ago. I kept stalling. We had a half-hour to go before leaving from the holidays, and I was like, guys, maybe you shouldnt read this one. They understood. My mom, God love her, wants to support and be a loving parent. But its just not for her. My stepfather inherited a surly, punkish teen dude. I dont know what they did to deserve me writing this book. But thats the icky turmoil that comes with politics at the dinner table. Will they read it? I hope not, for their sakes. What motivated you to mix horror with politics? If Sam Raimi directed the Jan. 6 riots, thats what I envisioned chaos, anarchy, kinetic energy. I feel like I screamed for 400 pages. Watching the Capitol be immersed by bodies, an assault of people not turning back, a wave thats not going to stop for the vice president or police officers that was the moment I said, if Im going to write this type of book, it has to have that level of trauma. George Romeros spirit lives in the story even though the monsters arent quite the undead. I love systems collapsing and nobody knows what the heck is going on. The laws of civil society are gone, decorum is gone. Papa George gave us a template thats going to be durable for decades. A question about subtlety: Fax News. I was the first to do the eye roll. Its so on the nose. But you have to be. The time to go gonzo is here. Did any books get under your skin as inspiration? Sara Grans Come Closer, in its economy of language, in that you feel every moment of a possession. Theres A Head Full of Ghosts, by Paul Tremblay, because, in his ambiguous way, you can never say for certain whether the girl actually is possessed. The third one is a cheat: Pontypool, a triptych of novels [by Tony Burgess]. He began this idea of a zombie plague by way of words. Its quite a remarkable oil field and one that will produce for decades to come, Mr. Neff said. The additional production will add oil to a global market that some analysts say will struggle to accommodate more production this year, potentially weighing on prices, which are now about $79 a barrel for Brent crude, the international benchmark. Kazakhstan is a member of the Saudi Arabia-led OPEC Plus oil cartel, which has pressured Kazakhstan to curb its output. At the same time, President Trump is exhorting operators in the United States as well as OPEC to pump more oil to bring down prices. Tengiz is crucial for Chevrons financial performance. Mr. Neff forecast that, assuming oil prices of $60 a barrel, it will generate Chevron $4 billion in 2025 and $5 billion in 2026 in free cash flow. The oil field is operated by a joint venture that is 50 percent owned by Chevron. ExxonMobil, the American energy giant; Lukoil, a Russian company; and Kazakhstans KazMunayGas are also partners in the venture, known as Tengizchevroil. The venture is also vital to Kazakhstan: It brought in 58 percent of government tax revenue paid by oil companies in 2023, according to a report by Kazenergy, a trade group. As President Trump embarked on a sweeping crackdown on immigration upon his return to office this week, he left unresolved a rift that surfaced last month among some of his most influential supporters about the role of skilled foreign workers in the U.S. labor market. The split over the H-1B visa program, which allows skilled workers like software engineers to work in the United States, has pitted hard-line immigration opponents against some of Mr. Trumps most prominent backers in the tech industry, who say they rely on the program because they cant find enough qualified American workers. Its unclear where Mr. Trump will land. He pledged in his first term to discontinue H-1B visas, but last month he called it a great program. How does the H-1B visa program work? Congress passed legislation creating the H-1B program in 1990, as a labor shortage loomed. When President George Bush signed it into law, he said the program would encourage the immigration of exceptionally talented people, such as scientists, engineers and educators. To avoid Houthi drones and missiles, shipping companies mostly stopped going through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Instead, vessels went around Africas southern tip to get to Europe from Asia. That route is some 3,500 nautical miles and 10 days longer than going through the Suez, contributing to steep rises in shipping costs. The situation in the Suez Canal remains fluid and the security situation is unclear, MSC, a large Swiss shipping company, said in a statement, adding that it would continue using the longer route for now. Maersk, a Danish shipping giant, said it would start sailing through the Red Sea when doing so was safe. It is still too early to speculate about timing, but these developments are a needed step in the right direction, the company said in an email. Analysts said such caution was understandable. They would not want to go through the process of switching all of their services to the Suez only to have it ultimately prove unsafe, then have to change everything back, said Greg Miller, a senior maritime reporter for Lloyds List, a trade publication. The diversion of vessels has been one of the biggest shipping upheavals in recent times. Before the Houthi attacks, the Suez Canal handled 10 percent of world trade and more than a fifth of container shipments, according to the United Nations. JPMorgan, the countrys largest bank by assets, has so far taken a different tack, with its chief executive, Jamie Dimon, announcing this week that the bank does not intend to back down on diversity. Bring them on, he said in an interview with CNBC, referring to the activists agitating against the banks D.E.I. programs. Costco, too, has fought changes. On Thursday, its shareholders rejected a proposal brought by a conservative group that would have required the company to report the risks of its D.E.I. policies. After the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020, when many companies were making commitments to fighting racial injustice, Targets chief executive, Brian Cornell, reacted emotionally and committed to spending $2 billion with Black owned businesses by 2025. I remember gathering my Black officers right after George Floyds murder, Mr. Cornell said on CBS News. Those team members had tears in their eyes and they were telling me how it affected them, their families. Target, which has its headquarters in Minneapolis, has had a rough time in the marketplace. A weak earnings report in November sent investors fleeing. Gov. Gavin Newsom came into office in 2018 confronting one of the deadliest and most destructive fires in the states history: the Camp fire. Even before he was sworn in, Mr. Newsom accompanied Donald Trump, then the president, and Jerry Brown, then the governor, in inspecting a blaze that killed 85 people and consumed over 153,000 acres around the Butte County town of Paradise. On Friday, more than six years later, Mr. Newsom will once again greet Mr. Trump as the president comes to Los Angeles to view the aftermath of the latest devastating wildfires that have swept California. These new fires in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles and in Altadena serve as a reminder that Mr. Newsoms tenure as governor has been defined by catastrophe and crisis, whether natural or man-made: fires, mudslides, atmospheric rivers, the Covid pandemic, the at-times violent protests against police brutality after the murder of George Floyd. Its mind-boggling the number of natural disasters and otherwise he has to deal with, said Anthony Rendon, who served as speaker of the California Assembly from 2016 to 2023. It is something that has bracketed and maybe even defined his time in office as governor. Image The fires that destroyed homes in Pacific Palisades and Altadena serve as a reminder that Mr. Newsoms tenure as governor has been defined by catastrophe and crisis. Credit... Mark Abramson for The New York Times But the challenge of the Palisades and Eaton fires, both in extinguishing them and in overseeing the rebuilding of entire neighborhoods in the most populous county in the nation, may be his greatest test yet. And it has long-term implications for any political career Mr. Newsom might pursue when his term ends in 2026 (he is barred by law from seeking a third term). He has made no secret of his interest in potentially running for president in 2028, and Democrats say his successes and failures in the months ahead will be central to how he presents himself and how opponents assail him should he run. Already it has put him in the position of battling with Mr. Trump, who, as in the aftermath of the Camp fire, has levied inaccurate claims about California policies. (Mr. Newsom sought to push back on some of the false information, creating a page on his campaign website providing California Fire Facts.) In an interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News on Wednesday, Mr. Trump assailed Mr. Newsom and California for water and forest management policies that he claimed were responsible for the fires, but which state officials and fire experts said had no relevance to the Los Angeles disaster. On Friday, Mr. Trump said one of the things he wanted to secure on his trip to California was to see the water be released and come down to Los Angeles and throughout the state. And he said there was another thing he wanted to secure: Voter ID so that people have a chance to vote. Democrats have long resisted such laws, arguing that voter ID requirements can suppress turn out among Black and Hispanic voters, as well as impoverished voters. Adam Mendelsohn, who was a senior adviser to Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former governor who dealt with his own share of catastrophes, said the spotlight will be on Mr. Newsoms handling of the wildfire recovery for years. If I were working for him, I would see this as an opportunity of a lifetime, Mr. Mendelsohn said. These are the events that define leaders. The fires have posed new questions for Los Angeles and its leaders as they prepare for what was already going to be a high-profile run of events here, including the World Cup in 2026 and the Super Bowl in 2027. The latest catastrophe has stirred particular concern over whether Los Angeles can manage the twin tasks of rebuilding while hosting the Olympics in 2028. Image The challenge of the Palisades and Eaton fires, both in extinguishing them and in overseeing the rebuilding, may be Mr. Newsoms greatest test yet. Credit... Loren Elliott for The New York Times The economics of this, the timing with the Olympics, the issues of the new president coming in, has created a difficult dynamic for Mr. Newsom, said Robert Hertzberg, a former state senator and former Assembly speaker. Mr. Hertzberg ran down a list of recent governors of the state. Arnold had a zillion fires, he said of Mr. Schwarzenegger. Pete Wilson had a bunch of fires. Gray Davis. But nothing like this. The fires over these past two weeks illustrate the extent to which California, hotter and drier than ever, is at the leading edge of states that are grappling with climate change. As Mr. Hertzberg noted, when Edmund G. Brown, Jerry Browns father, was governor from 1959 to 1967, California was a whole different state, with a whole different tempo of emergencies. The day he was inaugurated, he went off and played golf, Mr. Hertzberg said of the elder Mr. Brown. Mr. Newsom has been a high-profile presence since the fires first broke out, making regular and often unannounced visits to the sites of both the Palisades fire, which was in the city of Los Angeles, and the Eaton fire, which was in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County. He has signed executive orders intended to help fight the fire and begin the rebuilding. And he has largely escaped the kind of widespread criticism that another official, Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, has faced over her handling of the fires. Ms. Bass has had to withstand widespread attacks and scrutiny for being overseas when the fires broke out. On Thursday afternoon, Mr. Newsom was in Pasadena, signing two bills to provide $2.5 billion in state money to support response and recovery efforts in Los Angeles. I just got back from the Hughes fire, Mr. Newsom said, referring to a new brush fire that broke out on Wednesday. He stepped to a lectern wearing jeans and a black parka, standing in front of elected officials who had assembled at a Pasadena school that opened on Thursday for the first time since the fires broke out. Mr. Newsom finds himself in a politically complicated situation as Mr. Trump comes to California: At once a leader among Democrats pushing back on the policies of the new president, while at the same time saying that he and Mr. Trump who regularly denigrates Mr. Newsom by referring to him as Gavin Newscum would work cooperatively and collaboratively to address the crisis here. He said that he thought the Republican-controlled Congress and Mr. Trump would reimburse California for the $2.5 billion that he had just authorized. But at the same time, he assailed Mr. Trump for his assault on the 14th Amendment, referring to Mr. Trumps executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship, and defended efforts by California to finance legal actions against various Trump policies. Image Mr. Newsom has signed executive orders intended to help begin the rebuilding. Credit... Ariana Drehsler for The New York Times None of this is personal in any way or shape or form, Mr. Newsom told reporters. Some people want to politicize things. Thats not our approach. I have all the expectations and beliefs that we will be reimbursed for those dollars. He added, I am here for the long haul to support the president where we can, to defend our values where we must. Mr. Newsom said at the news conference that he did not know whether he would be invited to accompany Mr. Trump as he visited parts of the state, but he said that he was going to the airport to greet him upon his arrival. The governor said he had not spoken to Mr. Trump since he left the White House in 2020. He said he had called Mr. Trump after his victory, and again as the fires began, but had not heard back from the president. These past few decades have been filled with instances in which political leaders reputations have risen or fell based on how they responded to catastrophes. In New York, Rudolph W. Giuliani became known as Americas mayor for how he led his city after the attacks of Sept. 11. Andrew M. Cuomo won national praise, at least initially, as the governor of New York for his daily briefings on the Covid pandemic. By contrast, George W. Bush faced derision for his tentative response after Hurricane Katrina flooded large swaths of New Orleans in 2005. And Mr. Newsom himself was ridiculed in the midst of the Covid pandemic, after he advised residents to stay home and wear masks but was photographed mask-less attending a crowded birthday dinner for a political adviser at the French Laundry, one of the countrys most expensive restaurants. For Mr. Newsom and other elected officials in California, the months ahead promise to be fraught and filled with obstacles, at a time when Mr. Newsom is already under attack by Mr. Trump and congressional Republicans. Longtime opponents of Mr. Newsom who are critical of how the state prepared for and responded to the fire have already started yet another recall effort against him; there have been at least a half-dozen such efforts since he was elected, only one of which made the ballot. That recall attempt, in 2021 in the aftermath of the French Laundry episode, failed, and over 60 percent of Californians voted to keep him in office. Gray Davis, the former governor and lieutenant governor, said he thought Mr. Newsom had raised his standing in Los Angeles because of the way he responded to the fire. But he added that the ultimate verdict on how Mr. Newsom has fared in this crisis will come years from now, when the shape of the project ahead rebuilding Los Angeles becomes clear. Mr. Davis said in all his years in Los Angeles, he could not recall anything like these past two weeks. We have flooding, we have fires, we have mudslides, said Mr. Davis, who was governor from 1999 to 2003. But I dont think theres anything worse than a wildfire shooting embers. I dont think theres anything more terrifying than the fires that have been experienced in the last weeks in Los Angeles. Shawn Hubler and Zolan Kanno-Youngs contributed reporting. Since the death of the filmmaker David Lynch last week, fans have been driving to Bobs Big Boy in Burbank, Calif., to pay their respects, building a spontaneous, snowballing shrine at the feet of the restaurants mascot. Among the roses and teddy bears you might expect at a memorial, a casual observer waiting for a table might be horrified to spot a severed ear. Fans, however, understood that the severed ears at least four, all fake were tender if gruesome references to his 1986 film, Blue Velvet. They also knew that Mr. Lynch was a regular at this location of the chain for seven years beginning in the late 1970s, arriving each day at 2:30 p.m. for a chocolate milkshake and several cups of coffee. They knew that he saw the diner as an extension of his own office, writing down movie ideas on napkins as the double-whammy of a caffeine and sugar high kicked in. And fans had created a distinctly Lynchian memorial to the man and his magnificently weird body of work. Derek Humphry, a British-born journalist whose experience helping his terminally ill wife end her life led him to become a crusading pioneer in the right-to-die movement and to publish Final Exit, a best-selling guide to suicide, died on Jan. 2 in Eugene, Ore. He was 94. His death, at a hospice facility, was announced by his family. With a populist flair and a knack for speaking matter-of-factly about death, Mr. Humphry almost single-handedly galvanized a national conversation about physician-assisted suicide in the early 1980s, at a time when the idea had been little more than an esoteric theory batted around by medical ethicists. He was the one who really put this cause on the map in America, said Ian Dowbiggin, a professor at the University of Prince Edward Island and the author of A Concise History of Euthanasia: Life, Death, God, and Medicine (2005). The people who support the notion of physician-assisted suicide absolutely owe him a big thanks. In 1975, Mr. Humphry was working as a reporter for The Sunday Times of London when Jean Humphry, his wife of 22 years, was in the final stages of terminal bone cancer. Hoping to avoid prolonged suffering, she asked him to help her die. My name is RaMell Ross. I am the co-writer and director of Nickel Boys. Young man! Young man. Do Do you know a student named Elwood Curtis? Hattie, whos played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, is visiting her grandson, Elwood, who is played by Ethan Herisse at Nickel Academy, in which hes unjustly sent. Shes running into Turner, who is Elwoods friend, and Turner is played by Brandon Wilson, and Turner is the camera as the film is shot in point of view, our camera operator in this instance, Sam Ellison, is acting as the eyes of Turner and allowing you to participate in Turners reality by kind of seeing with him, seeing alongside him. And so when she comes to give Turner a hug, which she does because she says she cant hug Elwood, she is essentially coming in close contact with Sam, and Sam is making a camera move that mimics as best as possible where the head would go and where the gaze, the eyes would go in relationship to being in that proximity. And with that process, Hattie is as Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, is unable to have that intimate connection that happens when you have a scene partner. What is your name? Its Turner, maam. Oh, Turner. Well, Im glad I can rely on somebody around here, Turner. When was the last time you had family to come visit you? Oh, um, well. You know? I came all this way. And I cant hug Ellwood, so I guess you will have to do. And its interesting for Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who has so much experience, to be put into this process in which he has to look and act directly towards and to the lens. What are they feeding yall? You cant muster up a bigger hug than that. You know, Im going to remember that next time, Turner. Hug me again. Which means that she has a sense of loneliness and an inability, again, to have that human touch and that eye contact in which actors so much rely on. And so Aunjanue ends up, she says, in hindsight, kind of converting that loneliness and that isolation into the character Hattie, who is feeling very similarly, being out in the middle of this place without her grandson and having no one to turn to. Thank you so much. And I think it really pays dividends in the performance. McLean: I agree with that. Both Trump and Musk have that quality Im going to call it carelessness, in a nod to The Great Gatsby. Its one of the things that draws them to each other. Perhaps the deeper significance of it is that neither of them has any built-in respect for anything or anyone. The good of that, if were trying to be optimistic, is that it might enable them to start from scratch in places others wouldnt touch. But we need belief in institutions. There are things that should be respected. Robert Rubin wrote an interesting opinion essay about how work in government requires humility. If you believe that, then were in trouble, because neither Trump nor Musk has humility. Silver: Silicon Valley does have its values. At least they give lip service to free speech rather than putting free speech in scare quotes, as some people on the left have been prone to do as hypocritical as they can be about implementing it. Theres more I agree with than disagree with in The Techno-Optimist Manifesto. But power can be intoxicating, and theyre on a huge winning streak. Its very hard to convince a poker player whos just won a bunch of all-in bets (not that Musk was really staking his entire net worth) to take a more prudent course. On top of that, after a censorious period where people felt like they had to be careful not to offend the lefts various sensitivities, theres a sense that you can do and say whatever you want. Bruni: Lets return for just a moment to the Department of Government Efficiency, which Bethany brought up before. Its already made one big cut: Vivek Ramaswamy. He was supposed to head the new advisory group alongside Musk, but now Ramaswamy is off to run for governor of Ohio. Does this foreshadow the initiative being a P.R. stunt that ultimately goes nowhere? I mean, government reform screams slog, and Musk cant simply play the swashbuckling C.E.O. and order everyone around. Do his skills and background really match this mission? McLean: If Rubin is right about government work requiring humility, then no I have yet to see any sign of humility in Elon Musk. Theres also an oddity at work here in that Musk has made at least some of his fortune thanks to government policies. Since 2012, over a third of Teslas profits have come from the sale of regulatory credits that are paid by rivals for exceeding emission limits. SpaceX obviously relies on government funding. So, is Musk the cleareyed person we might all agree we need, or is he ultimately just another self-interested hypocrite who wants the government spending and government policies that benefit him? On Jan. 6, 2021, Jalise and Mark Middleton, a married couple from Texas, trespassed onto the Capitol grounds and joined thousands of rioters gathered at the buildings West Front. The assembled mob was assaulting a thin line of officers, and pepper spray wafted through the air. Rather than retreating in the face of violence, the couple pushed up against the makeshift barrier the police had established, hit officers and tried to drag one into the crowd. They gave up only after they were pepper-sprayed themselves, and though they did not make it into the Capitol, they were proud of what they did: Afterward, Ms. Middleton wrote on Facebook, We fought the cops to get in the Capitol and got pepper-sprayed and beat but by gosh the patriots got in! I know this because I was one of the scores of lawyers who prosecuted the rioters, and was part of the team that tried the Middletons specifically. (On Thursday, I left the Justice Department, and speak only for myself.) One moment from their trial has stuck with me. Sitting in the courtroom in the awkward minutes before their verdict was announced, I noticed that Mr. Middleton was wearing TRUMP socks, with the presidents face stitched into the side. That small sign of fealty struck me as incredibly sad. The Middletons were ready to go to prison for a man who, quite likely, didnt care about them at all. The Middletons were convicted on all counts, including charges of assaulting federal officers. But on Monday, Mr. Trump pardoned them and nearly 1,600 other people who attacked the Capitol in his name. I think he did so not out of sympathy for the rioters, but because their freedom serves his interests. UnitedHealthcare named a longtime employee, Tim Noel, on Thursday as its new chief executive, replacing Brian Thompson, who was killed last month in a shooting in Manhattan. Mr. Noel was the head of Medicare and retirement at UnitedHealthcare, the insurance unit of UnitedHealth Group, where he has worked since 2007, the company said in a statement. The former chief executive, Brian Thompson, was shot and killed outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Dec. 4. A 26-year-old man, Luigi Mangione, was arrested in Altoona, Pa., five days later and charged with Mr. Thompsons murder. Neither Mr. Mangione nor his parents were UnitedHealthcare customers, but he was carrying a brief statement when he was arrested that seemed to take responsibility for the shooting and that criticized what it called the health care industrys corruption and power games. Mr. Mangione faces three murder charges in Manhattan, including first-degree murder, as well as charges in Pennsylvania and federal charges. He is expected to appear in court again in February. Sarah Jornsay-Silverberg, who lives in Lisbon and owns a graphic design business, said writing parody songs is a longtime passion of hers, and she often pens tunes to honor friends and family for big life events. Among her greatest hits is My Dad Lee to the tune of Let It Be, which she performed for Fathers Day, complete with ukulele accompaniment. To be sure, they are not the only set of sisters to use the Hamilton song at a real life wedding. On YouTube, youll find several other women who have performed their own renditions about their beloved brides. (Theres a video entitled Satisfied (The Greatest Maid of Honor Speech of All Time) with 19,000 views and another called Maid of Honor Speech: Hamilton Style! with 28,000 views.) Id seen one video and then I was like: These are all going to influence me. I just need to go from the heart. And I did, Sarah Jornsay-Silverberg said. But few of the other videos had the reach of the one from the Jornsay-Silverberg sisters, which has been viewed more than 1.5 million times on TikTok. The online reaction to the post, which has been liked more than 283,000 times, was surprisingly warm, given the cultural penchant for dunking on grown-up theater kids. (The sisters describe themselves as being from a Broadway family.) Even the actress Renee Elise Goldsberry, the original vocalist of Satisfied who won a Tony Award for Hamilton, left a complimentary comment. The sisters, who said they are also regular Saturday Night Live watchers, didnt think anything of the Domingo sketch when they first saw it toward the end of 2024, and representatives from NBC did not respond to a message seeking to confirm if the video from the Jornsay-Silverbergs was the one referenced by Mr. Fowlie and Ms. OSullivan. Never in a million years did I think it was inspired by something that Jimmy saw in a viral TikTok video that my sister posted from her wedding, Sarah Jornsay-Silverberg said. Still, they were delighted to learn they might have inspired the sketch. We need a confirmation, the sisters said, laughing. For more than six years, Amazon Web Services, the worlds largest cloud computing company, provided technical support to deliver TikTok videos to tens of millions of Americans. But over the weekend, Amazon faced a dilemma. A new law was taking effect banning TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, in the United States. Tech companies were barred from distributing and updating it or they would face financial penalties. At the same time, President-elect Donald J. Trump was telling tech companies he planned to pause enforcement of the law with an executive order. Just hours before the ban took effect, Amazon appeared to comply with the law, according to a New York Times review of the way TikToks web traffic is handled. Instead, Akamai Technologies, a Massachusetts-based company that was already helping to deliver TikTok videos to phones, took over more of the technical support. The change, which was picked up by digital forensics conducted by The Times, was one of the small behind-the scenes-maneuvers that showed how tech companies have diverged in their approach to the TikTok ban. If youre flying Spirit Airlines, wearing a crop top that reveals your torso or having certain tattoos could now be enough to get you kicked off a flight. The airline recently updated its policies to explicitly outline unacceptable passenger attire and appearance, going beyond the vague policies held by most other airlines. In its contract of carriage, which is a legal document outlining airline and passenger responsibilities, Spirit says a guest shall not be permitted to board the aircraft or may be required to leave an aircraft if the passenger is inadequately clothed or whose clothing or article, including body art, is lewd, obscene or offensive in nature. Inadequately clothed is now defined having breasts, buttocks or other private parts exposed, or wearing sheer apparel. But what exactly is an offensive tattoo is unclear. Clarifying all of this tends to fall to airline employees, including the flight crew. In recent years, Spirit and other airlines have stopped passengers from boarding their flights for all kinds of attire or lack thereof: leggings, clothes printed with expletive-laded slogans, short shorts and not wearing a bra. A 21-year-old woman was arrested and charged on Friday with assaulting federal law enforcement officers with a deadly weapon, after the shooting death on Monday of a U.S. Border Patrol agent on Interstate 91 near the Canadian border. The woman, Teresa Youngblut, was driving south on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vt., at about 3 p.m. on Monday when Border Patrol agents pulled her car over to conduct an immigration inspection, according to case documents. During the stop, agents reported, Ms. Youngblut drew a handgun and fired it at them without warning. At least one agent returned fire. David Maland, a 44-year-old Border Patrol agent who was known as Chris, was injured in the exchange of gunfire and later pronounced dead at North Country Hospital in Newport, Vt. The sole passenger in Ms. Youngbluts car, Felix Baukholt, a German citizen, was also shot, and later pronounced dead at the scene. Ms. Youngblut was injured by gunfire and hospitalized at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., where she remained on Friday. Her initial hearing in federal court, on one count of using a deadly weapon while assaulting a Border Patrol agent and one count of using and discharging a firearm during that assault, has not yet been scheduled. She faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years if convicted of the charges, according to the office of Acting U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher. News / National by Staff reporter A wage dispute at the Chinese-run Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investments company in Gweru turned violent on Tuesday when an aggrieved employee threatened to use an excavator to crush his employer after failing to receive his dues.The incident occurred when Kolwani Dube, a disgruntled employee, took the keys to an excavator and drove it toward his supervisors in protest over an outstanding payment. The situation escalated, prompting the company's manager, Liu Haifeng, to fire warning shots to defuse the escalating tension.Company officials confirmed the incident, which was reported to the police under case number CR77/01/25. They explained that Dube had been suspended earlier in the day for disobeying direct instructions from his supervisors, and he was fully aware of the suspension as he had signed the suspension forms.According to the company's statement, Dube returned to the mining site later and reportedly stole the excavator keys, demanding his salary for January, even though payments were scheduled for the following week as per the company's pay calendar. The company emphasized that salaries for all employees, including Dube, were up to date."The situation was contained when Liu Haifeng, the individual who had the gun, fired warning shots. He is the person in charge at the site and is highly trained in firearm handling. The weapon is kept in a secure cabinet for safety purposes as part of the on-site security measures," the company said. "No shots were fired at the individual."The company further reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful working environment for all employees. The matter will proceed according to established protocols to address the situation appropriately. Authorities are investigating the incident, and further updates are expected. As religious groups across the country open more maternity homes for pregnant women and teenagers, the nonprofit that oversees some of those homes in Florida is facing renewed criticism from state lawmakers over its practices. The nonprofit, the Florida Association of Christian Child Caring Agencies, has regulatory authority over about two dozen maternity homes, ranches for troubled youth, and group homes for children whose parents cannot take care of them. Facilities it oversees have faced allegations of abuse, misconduct and restrictive practices for decades. In September, The New York Times and the investigative podcast Reveal reported that some of the maternity homes had imposed strict limits on residents communications and movements. One required residents to download a tracking app and lock their phones in a safe overnight. Unlike homes that are licensed by the state, the associations members are exempt from visits by state inspectors. Instead, the association performs its own inspections, holding its members to standards for hiring staff that government records show to be less rigorous than those used by the state. Mr. Trump also pulled the Secret Service detail that had been protecting another former aide who later became a high-profile critic, John R. Bolton, his former national security adviser. Dr. Fauci did not have Secret Service protection; he was protected by federal marshals and later by a private contractor whose fees were paid by the government, according to a spokeswoman for the U.S. Marshals Service, who declined further comment. On Thursday, Mr. Paul wrote on social media that he had sent supporting information to end the 24 hr a day limo and security detail for Fauci, adding, I wish him nothing but peace but he needs to pay for his own limos. Those comments came hours after Mr. Paul criticized a pre-emptive pardon from Mr. Biden for Dr. Fauci in an appearance on Fox News, saying that by accepting the pardon, Dr. Fauci was accepting his guilt. Dr. Fauci declined to comment on Friday. But in a statement after the pardon was issued, he pointed to his long career in government service and said he had done nothing wrong. Let me be perfectly clear, Dr. Fauci said in the statement. I have committed no crime and there are no possible grounds for any allegation or threat of criminal investigation or prosecution of me. Zolan Kanno-Youngs contributed reporting from Asheville, N.C. Pete Hegseth, who faces a Senate confirmation vote on Friday night, could be approved by the narrowest margin for any secretary of defense in modern history. Defense secretaries have historically been consensus nominees, and senators have typically provided strong backing in a demonstration of U.S. governmental unity on national security issues. With the exception of the rejection of John Tower for the top Pentagon job under President George H.W. Bush in 1989, nearly all the nominees have received overwhelming bipartisan Senate support. Some were confirmed by voice vote, with no formal roll call even required. But Mr. Hegseth, a combat veteran turned Fox News personality who has faced multiple allegations of personal misconduct, saw his nomination advanced on Thursday on a spare, party-line 51-49 vote, with all Democrats and two Republicans opposed. The no votes from two Republicans, Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, were a rare partisan break with any president in consideration of a Cabinet official. Pete Hegseth, President Trumps nominee for defense secretary, admitted to paying $50,000 as part of a legal settlement with a woman who accused him of raping her in 2017, according to Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Ms. Warren, a Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, posted a document on the social media platform X on Thursday, which her spokeswoman said Friday was included in Mr. Hegseths answers to the senators written questions. The settlements existence had been documented before his confirmation hearing this month, but the amount had not been known publicly. The Associated Press reported earlier on the disclosure. Mr. Hegseth, how much did you pay Jane Doe as part of any non-disclosure agreement or other agreement related to this incident? the document says. The answer: $50,000. Ms. Warren wrote in the post: We cant rush his vote and trust him with our national security. Mr. Hegseth has said that the rape accusation was false and that he agreed to pay the woman to protect his job as a Fox News anchor, his family and his marriage to his third wife. The police investigated the allegation and referred the case to county prosecutors, who declined to file charges. Former Vice President Mike Pence, a longtime leader of the anti-abortion movement, has taken up a lonely crusade to defeat the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary. His organization, Advancing American Freedom, is running ads against Mr. Kennedy. Mr. Pence has accused Mr. Kennedy of promoting abortion on demand. His fellow abortion opponents are not listening. Thousands of anti-abortion activists descended on Washington on Friday to mark the 52nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court case that established a constitutional right to abortion. President Trump addressed the crowd at the March for Life by video. Vice President JD Vance spoke in person. Mr. Kennedy, whose flip-flops on abortion have made many conservatives deeply uneasy, was not on the agenda and drew no mention. But in a sign of how the right wing of the Republican Party is kowtowing to Mr. Trump and, perhaps, of the deepening break between Mr. Pence and the president leaders of the anti-abortion movement are lining up behind Mr. Kennedy, or at least not openly opposing him. Tim Chapman, who as president of Advancing American Freedom is leading Mr. Pences campaign, said others in the conservative movement had told him privately that they agreed with the former vice president, but did not want to say so publicly. He said conservative leaders who failed to oppose Mr. Kennedy were abdicating their traditional role of pressuring party leaders on the issues the movement cared about. An independent watchdog focused on civil liberties called on the federal government on Friday to tighten its use of a terrorism watch list, which can restrict people from traveling or entering the country and subject them to greater scrutiny at airports. The call, made in a report by the bipartisan Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, came at a precarious time for the agency. Days ago, in a move that could kneecap the agency, the Trump administration instructed its three Democratic-selected members to submit resignation letters by the close of business on Jan. 23, threatening termination if they failed to comply. As of midafternoon on Friday, when the agency issued its report, all three Democratic board members remained in their seats, according to an agency spokesman. The White House had not further contacted the agency about their fate, people familiar with the matter said. Removing the three would leave only one board member at the agency who was selected by a Republican; the White House did not ask that member, Beth Williams, to resign; a fifth seat is vacant. The purge would paralyze the agency, which needs at least three members to take official actions like starting an investigative project or issuing a report with a policy recommendation. Hundreds of thousands of customers in Ireland were without power and more than 100,000 were without water on Friday, as a powerful storm moved across the island, bringing record-breaking winds and disrupting travel. The storm, named Eowyn, brought gales to Ireland throughout Friday morning and afternoon, according to the Irish Meteorological Service. Northern Ireland, southern Scotland and the northern and western areas of England and Wales experienced strong winds, with gusts of up to 60 miles per hour, according to Britains national meteorological service. The agency issued a red warning, its highest-level alert indicating dangerous weather, for Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland, before downgrading it Friday afternoon. After forecasters warned of gusts of up to 100 m.p.h. along the Irish Sea and in southwestern Scotland, a gust of 114 m.p.h. was recorded in western Ireland at Mace Head, County Galway, beating an Irish record set in 1945. ESB Networks, an Irish state-owned power company, said that about 725,000 of its customers were without power on Friday, nearly a third of the utilitys roughly 2.4 million total customers. The power outages also disrupted the nations water supply, with about 138,000 people across the country without water by the evening and many more at risk of losing service, according to Irish Water. Laura Van Antwerp tried Dry January for the first time 11 years ago. Like many who participate in this monthlong sobriety challenge, she reveled in the immediate benefits: She slept better, went to the gym more often and saved money. But as February approached, Ms. Van Antwerp felt excited maybe overly excited, she admitted to drink again. She would be traveling to Southeast Asia for a six-week trip, and she imagined sipping a glass of wine in Bangkok when she got off the plane. I couldnt even wait that long, Ms. Van Antwerp, 40, said. I ended up drinking at the airport and getting too drunk right out of the gate. While people like Ms. Van Antwerp tend to put thought and effort into planning for a month of sobriety (and slogging through it), they dont necessarily consider the off-ramp and what they want to take away from the experience. Thats one of the most important parts of the month, said Gillian Tietz, host of the Sober Powered podcast, and something a lot of people dont think too much about. Visitors descended on Washingtons National Zoo on Friday to witness the cheery unveiling of two pandas on loan from China. Fans posted photos and videos to social media, as did the zoo under the hashtag #DCPandas. But in China, the government has sent a chilling message to panda fans to watch what they say online. Some online influencers have been arrested or questioned over what the authorities called rumors and radical fan culture. The police have targeted people who have advocated for animal welfare or criticized overseas exchanges like the one that brought pandas to Washington. But state media has also published warnings about broader panda fandom. The moves come amid Chinese leader Xi Jinpings crackdown on internet fan culture. China has millions of panda fans, many of whom have taken up the cause of animal welfare in a country where aggressive breeding tactics have injured bears and led to cubs being prematurely separated from their mothers. For years, the authorities tolerated their online activism and criticism, which targeted both Chinese and foreign zoos. The leader of Canadas most populous province and the heart of its vital auto industry said on Friday that he would call early elections because he needed a stronger hand to deal with President Trumps plan to impose tariffs on Canadian exports. With a strong mandate, we will be able to fight with Donald Trump to make sure we stop the tariffs, Doug Ford, the Conservative premier of the province, Ontario, said at a news conference on Friday. Mr. Ford has emerged as one of the strongest political voices defending Canada against Mr. Trump, who argues that Canada has an unfair economic advantage over the United States. Hes going to try to devastate our country, Mr. Ford recently told reporters of the U.S. president. News / National by Staff reporter Three men from Masvingo have been sentenced to 75 years each in prison after being convicted for their involvement in a series of armed robbery cases that occurred on January 15, 2025.In a statement released on Thursday, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi expressed gratitude to the public and the judiciary for their role in bringing the suspects to justice.The convicted men, identified as Clever Svuure (28), Vusumuzi Bhebhe (25), and Yasin Joseph (21), were arrested by police after information linked them to the robbery incidents in Masvingo. The arrests led to the recovery of stolen items, including a Mazda Axela vehicle (registration number AEQ 0533), several cellphones, groceries, solar panels, and various household goods.The suspects were connected to a total of 14 armed robbery cases, including two incidents on January 15. The first robbery occurred at around 0035 hours at a house in Clipsham View, Masvingo, where a Mazda Axela vehicle, US$20 in cash, a laptop, and three cellphones were stolen. The second robbery took place at approximately 0350 hours at Lot A Victoria Range, Masvingo, where a complainant was attacked with a machete before having two cellphones, cash, and other valuables stolen.The three men were arraigned before the Masvingo Regional Magistrates Court on January 22, where they were convicted and sentenced.Svuure was sentenced to 95 years in prison, while Bhebhe and Joseph were each sentenced to 125 years behind bars for their roles in the crimes.Police have commended the swift response from the public and law enforcement, which led to the successful apprehension of the robbers and the recovery of stolen property. The couple had been together for some three decades before they divorced. She blamed his work for taking a toll on their marriage. But in 2019, a French court ruled that she was solely to blame for the split, after she refused to have sex with him. Europes top human rights court on Thursday condemned that ruling, saying that the French courts decision had violated the womans right to private life and autonomy, which included her sexual life. The decision was seen as a milestone by womens rights activists who have long raised concerns about Frances marital laws. The 2019 decision by the Versailles Court of Appeals said that the woman, identified only as H.W. in court documents, was at fault in the divorce after stopping intimate relations with her husband. Her refusal for years to be intimate with her husband, that court said, was a serious and repeated violation of her marital duties. But the European Court of Human Rights, saying that governments had an obligation to combat domestic and sexual violence, ruled on Thursday that the very existence of such a marital obligation is contrary both to sexual freedom and to the right to control ones body. Greece on Friday toughened penalties for domestic violence in an effort to address a surge in reported cases, though critics said the new legislation did not go far enough and left out crucial measures aimed at prevention. During fiery debates in Parliament, opposition legislators said that the conservative government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, had concentrated too much on punishment. The new law extends pretrial detention and allows sentences to be suspended only in exceptional cases, while victims will no longer be obligated to appear in court. The bill also seeks to align Greek law with a European Union directive from 2024 aimed at reducing domestic violence. That framework puts an emphasis on prevention and requires member states to criminalize acts like cyberstalking and other forms of online sexual harassment. Lawyers, judges and womens groups have argued that the new Greek legislation is only a fragmentary application of the directive, and they have called for measures such as public awareness campaigns, better access to justice for victims, and improved data collection and cooperation among officials, nongovernmental organizations and other experts. Those explanations have not been persuasive to the governments critics. Am I the only one who thinks you have gone completely crazy? Senator Matteo Renzi, a former prime minister, asked in the Senate. He was in jail and you brought him back home. Since 2017, Italy has had a bilateral agreement with Libya that includes millions of euros in financial support to curb the flow of migrants from Africa trying to cross the Mediterranean and reach European shores. Ms. Melonis party has credited the deal with reducing the number of launches of rickety boats from Libya and Tunisia. The prime minister traveled to the Libyan capital, Tripoli, several times last year and has called the relationship with Libya a priority for Italy. Human rights groups say that success has come at the cost of grave human rights violations. They say North African countries have abandoned migrants in the Sahara without food or water, or kept them in Libyan prisons, where they have faced torture, sexual violence and starvation. As the director of the Mitiga prison in Tripoli, among others, Mr. Njeem, the head of the Libyan judiciary police, was accused of committing, ordering or assisting crimes against people imprisoned in the system since February 2015, according to the I.C.C. One early evening in December, the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad fled his country as rebel forces advanced on Damascus. In France, three days later, one of the countrys most-watched TV news channels turned to a cartoonist for expert opinion on the news. Did you think that this could have happened so rapidly? a news anchor for the channel, BFMTV, asked the cartoonist, Riad Sattouf, whose smiling face appeared on a giant video wall. Over the past decade, Mr. Sattouf, 46, has become one of Frances biggest literary stars, thanks largely to his masterwork, The Arab of the Future, a series of graphic memoirs. Over six volumes, the series tells the story of Mr. Sattoufs childhood, which was jarringly divided between the Middle East and France, and the disintegration of the marriage between his French mother and his Syrian father. The books in a genre known as bandes dessinees in France have sold more than three million copies and have been translated into some 23 languages. Though told from a childs perspective and drawn in a deceptively simple style, they touch on some of the thorniest questions about the compatibility of the Western and Arab worlds. They are also suffused with a subtle but withering social satire. Soon, though, Ukraines military intelligence agency hinted at the possibility of a tragic mistake, not directly acknowledging that Ukraine had downed the plane but offering explanations for how it might have happened. One Ukrainian official said the IL-76, often used to carry freight, had previously been used to deliver ammunition and missiles, suggesting that it was a legitimate target. The agency acknowledged a prisoner swap had been planned for Jan. 24 but said Russia had not warned Ukraine that prisoners were being flown to Belgorods airport, as was the case in previous exchanges. Russian officials disputed that account, saying Ukraines military had been notified. The diverging claims illustrated the persistent lack of clarity that has become a defining feature of the war. Both sides have pushed their preferred narratives over nearly three years of fighting, and have been reluctant to disclose or acknowledge setbacks. Investigators have found DNA matches for more than 50 of the 65 bodies Russia said were on board, but it still was not possible to say whether they were the same bodies said to have been found at the site of the crash, according to a report published on Friday by the Media Initiative for Human Rights, a Ukrainian group investigating war crimes. If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately, he said, adding he would ask Saudi Arabia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to act to depress prices for Russian oil. The head of Ukraines presidential office, Andriy Yermak, also emphasized the importance of lowering the oil prices. A hard price cap and farther reduction in the price of a barrel of Russian oil is the path to global security, he said on his telegram channel. We fully support US President Donald Trump in his desire to reduce oil prices. Videos posted online by Russians showed major fires burning in Ryazan. The head of the region, Pavel Malkov, announced an air attack on the city but did not specify the targets. A military blogger who goes by the name of Rybar posted a list of other regions that were struck, citing local officials. In online posts, residents of the city of Ryazan, which has a population of about 500,000, wrote critically of local authorities and said heating and electricity had been disrupted. There were no immediate reports on casualties. In Moscow, Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said in a post on his telegram channel that the Russian air force downed four drones heading toward the capital. Three Moscow airports and at least seven regional airports halted operations during the attack, according to Russias Federal Air Transport Agency. Hamas said on Friday that it would release four female soldiers held hostage for over a year in Gaza, as part of a hostage-for-prisoner swap set to take place on Saturday, as Israelis and Palestinians anxiously await the next steps in the cease-fire deal. In a statement, Hamas identified the four women as Karina Ariev, 20; Daniella Gilboa, 20; Naama Levy, 20; and Liri Albag, 19. All four were abducted from the military base near Gaza where they served during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that began the war. Israel said mediators between the two sides had passed along a list of names of hostages slated for release on Saturday, without confirming their identities. It remained unclear whether the four named by Hamas would ultimately be released. Mediators hope that the six-week truce between Israel and Hamas, which began on Sunday, could lay the foundation for a permanent end to the war in Gaza. But the coming weekend could prove a crucial test for the agreement. Asked for clarification, the prime ministers office declined to say if this meant that Israeli troops would definitely remain in Lebanon after the deadline. But Israeli leaders have told American and French mediators that they want to keep some soldiers in southern Lebanon beyond Sunday, according to three officials briefed on the negotiations. There was no immediate response from the Lebanese government. In a brief message, Hezbollahs media office said it was awaiting reaction from the countries overseeing the cease-fire, the United States and France. In a longer statement released on Thursday, Hezbollah said that any breach of the deal would not be tolerated, because it would be a blatant violation of the agreement, an attack on Lebanese sovereignty and the beginning of a new chapter of occupation. Hezbollah officials did not respond to accusations that Hezbollah had failed to live up to its commitments and that the Lebanese military had not yet taken control of the territory in question. Its media relations office said the group was committed to the terms of the cease-fire deal but would not go into further detail. Hezbollah has called on the Lebanese government and international monitors not to allow any pretexts or excuses for prolonging the occupation, but did not say what action it would take if Israeli troops remained. After two months mostly without conflict, despite occasional violations, the specter of renewed fighting looms again, even if Hezbollah, battered and exhausted, no longer poses the same threat to Israel as it did at the start of the war nearly 16 months ago. News / National by Staff reporter A 37-year-old soldier, Raymond Negomo Dzapasi, stationed at Inkomo Barracks, has appeared in court charged with armed robbery, alongside his accomplice, Joseph Makoni. The two men are accused of robbing Antony Njanike, 32, of R20,000 and US$3,000 after threatening him with firearms.The accused appeared before Harare Magistrate Tilda Mazhande, who advised them to apply for bail at the High Court. Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje outlined the details of the robbery, which occurred on November 6 of last year.It is alleged that Dzapasi and Makoni armed themselves with blank pistols and targeted Njanike, who was seated in his vehicle at Huruyadzo Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza. They allegedly manhandled Njanike before handcuffing him and stealing the money and his Samsung S23 mobile phone.Following a swift response by detectives from the CID Homicide Unit, the two suspects were arrested at the scene.In an unrelated case, two other soldiers, Tapiwa Sibanda (35) and Brian Chikozho (35), were granted US$50 bail each for illegal possession of copper. They appeared before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo after they were found in possession of 28 kilograms of copper.Prosecutor Nomsa Kangara explained that on January 16, detectives from the CID Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit intercepted the two men carrying a black box along Solomon Mujuru Road in Harare. The suspects reportedly failed to produce any permit or license allowing them to possess the scrap copper, leading to their arrest.The duo is scheduled to return to court on February 15 to face charges related to the copper possession. Gil Bashe In 1995, I co-authored a featured article for Product Management Today titled Patients Online. At the time, consumer access to the Internetthen called the World Wide Webwas limited, with fewer than five million people subscribing to online services like CompuServe and America Online. My premise was simple yet bold: The web would transform how patients access health information and connect. Yet, many in the pharmaceutical industry dismissed the premise of engaging consumers, asserting patients werent their customers. The industrys marketing focus was on sales calls to physicians and payers. Their perspective missedand even dismissedthe emerging shift in consumers seeking information to improve their care. That was a reasonablealbeit shortsightedpoint of view in a siloed information world. Today, patients, health providers, payers and policymakers receive information from countless channels. Were no longer uni-channel beings consuming information from a single print or broadcast source like ABC, CBS, NBC or the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Instead, were omnichannel beings, seamlessly navigating between earned media, social platforms and digital and creative content. This evolution has profound implications for communication professionals who must adapt to this dynamic landscape. The omnichannel reality How we absorb information mirrors the complexity of our lives, mental processing speed and ability to navigate the trap doors of multitasking. But its todays reality. Consider an imagined patients journey: A diagnosis in the physicians office triggers an immediate search on their phone using ChatGPT or another large language model to understand their condition better. They might tap into a Meta patient forum to connect with others who share their diagnosis, gaining emotional support and practical advice. Next, they use AI tools to accelerate their research, delving into clinical studies and exploring medications that might be effective. Along the way, they absorb information from digital news platforms, scroll through social media posts and listen to relevant podcasts. This omnichannel journey reflects the urgency and expansiveness of their search for solutions, demonstrating that digital tools complementnot replacetraditional sources of information like radio, television and print media. Companiesbiopharma, medical advertising, PR agenciesoften organize efforts around disciplinesR&D, medical, marketing, regulatory or PR, marketing and creativebut the human mind doesnt necessarily work that way. Its more expansive and imaginative. People seeking information about their health and survival think outside boundaries. They see their needs and solutions addressed in many places, connecting dots that organizations may overlook. This expansive thinking demands a communication strategy as interconnected as the human mind. Lessons from patient advocacy Patient advocates have long been at the vanguard of this integration. Organizations like the Patients Rising Coalition and individuals such as e-Patient Dave deBronkart have demonstrated how leveraging multiple platforms can elevate patient voices and drive meaningful change. Combining blog posts, social media campaigns and partnerships with traditional media outlets has shown how to reach diverse audiences effectively. For example, the success of campaigns like #BCSM (Breast Cancer Social Media) illustrates the power of integrating real-time X (formerly Twitter) chats with broader digital and traditional media efforts. These campaigns disseminate critical information and foster community and connection, key elements driving engagement and action. AI and the future of omnichannel thinking AI (i.e., accelerated implementation, as opposed to artificial intelligence) is a tool that directly challenges confined thinking and mobilization. While many organizations consider AI a discipline, its inherently expansive, pushing reactions and behaviors to be omnichannel. As Tom Lawry, former Microsoft National Director for AI and author of business bestseller Hacking Healthcare, noted, AI doesnt just analyze data; it transforms how we think about problems and solutions, breaking down silos and enabling a more integrated approach to innovation. AI will also cognitively rewire our brains. Delivering personalized, contextually relevant information across multiple platforms trains us to think and act in omnichannel ways. For health communicators, this means leveraging AI not just as a tool for efficiency but as a catalyst for creativity and integration. Data-driven insights Recent studies reinforce the importance of an omnichannel approach. According to the Harvard Business Review, companies that adopt integrated communication strategies see a 23 percent increase in customer satisfaction and a 19 percent boost in customer retention. These numbers are even more striking in healthcare, where trust and consistency are paramount. Additionally, research from McKinsey highlights that 70 percent of consumers expect personalized interactions across channels. This expectation extends to healthcare, where patients increasingly demand tailored information delivered when and where they need it. Meeting these expectations requires technological integration and a deep understanding of audience behavior. The role of communication professionals The call to action is clear for communication professionals: embrace the omnichannel reality or welcome irrelevance. This means breaking down silos between earned media, social media and digital marketing. It also means investing in tools and training to understand and leverage emerging trends and platforms. It means being expansive and welcoming new leaders to the decision-making table. Success requires a mindset shift from transactional to consumer-centric. Communication isnt about controlling the narrative (what companies prefer) but about participating in a conversation (what customers demand). This participatory approach demands authenticity, transparency and a commitment to meeting audiences where they arethis is no truer than the iterative integration of large-langue models and health curiosity. Large Language Models are driving a fundamental shift in learning, creating adaptive, learner-centric experiences akin to the power of personalized medicine, said John Nosta, Psychology Today columnist, global innovation theorist and a former chief creative director at a worldwide medical advertising agency. This transformation may demand its own metric of clinical efficacy to capture the impact these technologies may have on outcomes fully. Looking ahead Reflecting on the journey from Patients Online to todays omnichannel landscape, one thing remains constant: anticipating and adapting to structural change. In 1995, the Internet was a nascent tool that some dismissed as a fad. Today, its the backbone of all communication. The next frontierwhether AI-driven personalization, immersive virtual experiences, or something we have yet to imaginewill undoubtedly bring opportunities. But we must confront the adage: Culture crushes change continuously. For health communicators, the goal remains the same: to amplify essential messages and connect with audiences in meaningful ways. By embracing innovation and information integration, we can ensure that our work drives change that sustains lives. Building bridges across platforms creates a unified and clear voice that rallies patients, providers, payers and policymakers in collaborative conversation. The future of communication is not uni-channel; its omnichannel. And its ours to shape. *** Gil Bashe is Managing Partner and Chair, Global Health and Purpose, at FINN Partners. Gasthalter & Co. handles Mantle Ridge as the activist investor won three seats on the board of $12B Air Products and Chemicals at its Jan. 23 annual meeting. Mantle Ridge nominees replaced Air Products' 81-year-old chairman, president & CEO Seifi Ghasemi, who has helmed the Allentown-based industrial gases producer since 2014; and independent lead director Edward Monser. Air Products thanked its departing directors for their dedication and years of service. It welcomed Mantle Ridge chief Paul Hilal, and nominees Dennis Reilly and Andrew Evans to its board. Ghasemi will continue as CEO until the revamped board appoints a new chairman/CEO. Gasthalters Jonathan Gasthalter and Nathaniel Garnick work the media for Mantle Ridge. Burrell Communications Group, a Black-owned multicultural marketing firm, announces a new partnership with Microsoft. Burrell was chosen by Microsoft to develop a year-long marketing campaign to help tell the stories of its employees and company culture, as the company marks its 50th year. Burrells work will be centered on taking a people-focused lens on the companys storytelling efforts. "Burrell has a strong track record helping Fortune 500 companies reflect authenticity and creativity in marketing campaigns and we look forward to the work ahead," said Microsoft senior director, multicultural communications Amanda O'Neal. William Mills Agency, which works with clients in the fintech sector, is retained by Vertice AI, a provider of AI-powered member growth and marketing effectiveness solutions for community financial institutions. WMA is tasked with strengthening Vertice AIs public relations strategy and growing market awareness of the company. Vertice AI leverages artificial intelligence and member data to deliver actionable, member-centric recommendations to help credit unions optimize their marketing investments and deepen member engagement. With their deep industry knowledge and strong reputation, were confident they will be instrumental in helping us further our mission and voice of bringing innovation, inspiration, and value to credit unions and their members, said Vertice AI CEO and co-founder Mitch Rutledge. LDPR, a travel and lifestyle PR firm, is named agency of record for the Park Hyatt New York in midtown Manhattan. The agency will promote the hotels offerings to North American audiences through PR strategies, influencer partnerships and media collaborations, positioning the Park Hyatt New York as a must-visit destination in Manhattan. The hotel, which has 211 rooms and suites, recently introduced its Manhattan Suite, a 2,000-square-foot, $50,000-per-night accommodation located on the hotel's top floor. Storm Eowyn is already causing power outages across Ireland as Red Weather Warnings are set to come into effect, According to www.powercheck.ie there are outages across the country including in Kerry, Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Tipperary and Galway. The ESB warns people that fallen electricity Wires are live and dangerous. Never approach or touch them. Call the ESB's emergency service immediately on 1800 372 999 or (+353 21 2382410) You can track the path of Storm Eoghan as it crosses Ireland by clicking here Met Eireann has issued a series of Red Weather warnings. The Status Red Weather Warnings are as follows. A Status Red Wind warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare and Waterford from 2am on Friday until 10am on Friday. A Status Red Wind Warning for Clare and Galway from 3am on Friday until 11am on Friday A Status Red Wind warning for Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo from 4am on Friday until 12 noon on Friday. A Status Red Wind warning for Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Roscommon and Tipperary from 6am on Friday until 11am on Friday. A Status Red Wind Warning for Donegal from 7am on Friday until 2pm on Friday. READ NEXT: Worrying news as Met Eireann monitors second storm following Storm Eowyn to Ireland Met Eireann issued a series of Red Weather Warnings for all of Ireland that came into effect at various times through Friday morning. Red Weather Warnings are extremely dangerous and destructive and pose a danger to life. Record wind speeds have been recorded from Storm Eoghan and already over 500,000 homes in Ireland are without power. According to Met Eireann, at 4am, at Mace Head (County Galway) we had a mean speed of 135kph which breaks the previous record of 131kph and at 5am, at Mace Head as well, there was a gust of 183kph which breaks the previous record of 182kph. Met Eireann warns that impacts of Storm Eowyn are Danger to life; Extremely dangerous travelling conditions; Unsafe working conditions; Disruption and cancellations to transport; Many fallen trees; Significant and widespread power outages; Impacts to communications networks; Cancellation of event; Structural damage; Wave overtopping; Coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas There are five Red Weather Warnings in place from Met Eireann. Even once the Red Warnings end, there is also a Status Orange Wind Warning for all of Ireland until 4pm today. The Status Red Weather Warnings are as follows. A Status Red Wind warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford is in place until 10am on Friday. A Status Red Wind Warning for Clare and Galway is in place until 11am on Friday A Status Red Wind warning for Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo is in place until Friday at 12 noon A Status Red Wind warning for Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Roscommon and Tipperary is in place until 11am on Friday. A Status Red Wind Warning for Donegal is in place until 2pm on Friday. READ NEXT LIVE: Track 'danger to life' Storm Eowyn as series of Met Eireann Red Weather Warnings issued THE Senior Choir of the Sacred Heart School, Tullamore, is set to captivate audiences with their upcoming live performance on RTE as part of the televised Sunday Mass on Sunday, January 26. This special Mass, to be celebrated by the schools chaplain, Fr Joe Campbell, is expected to provide a spiritually enriching experience for viewers. The liturgy will feature a stunning selection of sacred music, including compositions by some of Irelands foremost liturgical composers. Under the expert guidance of the schools music department, the Senior Choir has curated a repertoire that highlights the depth and beauty of Irish liturgical traditions. The school says the choir's upcoming performance stands as a testament to the students dedication, talent, and passion for sacred music. In preparation for this significant event, the choir recently travelled to St Patricks College, Maynooth, for a choral workshop. The day offered the students a valuable opportunity to refine their performance, explore the picturesque South Campus, and sing in the historic Gunn Chapel, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and rich history. This live broadcast from the RTE studios in Donnybrook will allow viewers to experience a moment of inspiration and connect with Irelands profound musical and spiritual heritage, the school says, and is a unique opportunity to witness the fruits of the choirs hard work and dedication. The performance comes at the end of Catholic Schools Week which runs until Saturday, January 25. Tune in to RTE 1 on Sunday, January 26, at 11am to enjoy the liturgy and celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Sacred Heart Schools Senior Choir. Met Eireann has issued a total of eight Red Weather Warnings for all of Ireland that come into effect at various times from tonight through Friday. Red Weather Warnings are extremely dangerous and destructive and pose a danger to life. Met Eireann warns that gale to storm force southerly winds will become westerly with extreme, damaging and destructive gusts in excess of 130km/h Met Eireann warns that impacts of Storm Eowyn are Danger to life; Extremely dangerous travelling conditions; Unsafe working conditions; Disruption and cancellations to transport; Many fallen trees; Significant and widespread power outages; Impacts to communications networks; Cancellation of event; Structural damage; Wave overtopping; Coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas There are five Red Weather Warnings in place from Met Eireann. There is also a Status Orange Wind Warning for all of Ireland from midnight until 4pm tomorrow. The Status Red Weather Warnings are as follows. A Status Red Wind warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford from 2am on Friday until 10am on Friday. A Status Red Wind Warning for Clare and Galway from 3am on Friday until 11am on Friday A Status Red Wind warning for Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo from 4am on Friday until 12 noon on Friday. A Status Red Wind warning for Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Roscommon and Tipperary from 6am on Friday until 11am on Friday. A Status Red Wind Warning for Donegal from 7am on Friday until 2pm on Friday. READ NEXT LIVE: Track 'danger to life' Storm Eowyn as series of Met Eireann Red Weather Warnings issued Storm Eowyn tore through the country last night, and well into this morning, as fire brigades, and gardai prepare to fix the damage left in it's wake. Dolphin's Barn firefighter crews were called in early this morning after reports that scaffolding had collapsed, leaving Harold's Cross Road in Dublin completely blocked off. Not long after attending this scene, Dolphin's Barn were called again, this time with the help of Donnybrook fire station, as an oil leak was confirmed near the River Dodder after a fallen tree had ruptured a tank. Taking to social media, Dublin Fire Brigade commented on this ongoing issue, saying "Crews used drain blockers and dams to contain the spill and are awaiting the assistance of ESB Networks." #StormEowyn Donnybrook and Dolphins Barn firefighters have worked to contain an oil leak near the River Dodder after a downed tree ruptured a tank. Crews used drain blockers and dams to contain the spill and are awaiting the assistance of @ESBNetworks #StormEowyn pic.twitter.com/gxf7q1KyDy Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) January 24, 2025 READ MORE: Families evacuated from their homes due to Storm Eowyn damages Blanchardstown's ice rink in Dublin 15 has been completely destroyed under the Status Red wind warning. Blanchardstown Dublin 15 ice rink damaged by storm. Still strong winds in most areas so take care and be careful of blown debris. #StormEowyn pic.twitter.com/maUrMNbJqa Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) January 24, 2025 Other major reports include trees being ripped out of the ground in multiple parts of the country, as well as trampolines emerging on roads, and fallen cables in Meath. @MCCFireService Dunshaughlin station attended a call with live cables. As well as fallen cables there was a trampoline We ask everybody to adhere to the safety information and stay indoors until the Red wind warning passes.. #StormEowyn @meathcoco pic.twitter.com/dnqFWohuvX Meath County Council Fire & Rescue Service (@MCCFireService) January 24, 2025 The public are being urged to stay inside, unless absolutely necessary, as Storm Eowyn is showing no signs of slowing down yet. News / National by Staff reporter US President Donald Trump's decision to halt foreign development assistance for 90 days pending a policy review may have significant consequences for several humanitarian programs in Zimbabwe, which received nearly US$360 million in funding in 2024.The announcement came through an Executive Order issued on Monday, in which Trump stated that the US foreign aid industry and its bureaucracy were misaligned with American interests and values. The decision effectively pauses US foreign assistance to Zimbabwe and other countries, as the government evaluates the efficiency and consistency of aid programs with US foreign policy.Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, in his 2025 national budget presented to Parliament, noted that Zimbabwe was expecting around US$800 million from development partners in the coming year, with US aid, channeled through the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), being one of the largest contributors. USAid has funded crucial sectors in Zimbabwe, including health, agriculture, democracy, and food security.Under the Executive Order, US agencies responsible for foreign development assistance are instructed to pause new obligations and disbursements of funds until the 90-day review period ends. The order also applies to non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and contractors involved in aid programs, with the US government set to assess whether these programs align with President Trump's foreign policy objectives.In 2024, the US provided substantial support to Zimbabwe through USAid, including US$55.1 million for the Global Health Supply Chain, US$21.8 million for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and US$20.5 million for food security programs. The funding also supported efforts in health, governance, agriculture, and gender equality, with a particular emphasis on combating HIV and malaria, supporting food security, and promoting democratic governance.Despite the pause in US aid, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare clarified that funding directly flows to implementing partners, such as non-governmental organizations and contractors. The ministry plans to engage USAid to assess the impact of the suspension on ongoing projects.USAid's work in Zimbabwe includes critical health initiatives, such as those addressing HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, along with programs to improve maternal and child healthcare. The agency's Food for Peace program is the largest donor of humanitarian assistance, while Feed the Future has helped over 200,000 smallholder farmers improve agricultural productivity and income.Additionally, USAid's environmental programs in the Limpopo River Basin, its support for democratic governance, and its promotion of gender equality and youth empowerment have been vital to Zimbabwe's socio-economic development.As the 90-day review period continues, Zimbabwe faces uncertainty over the future of these vital aid programs, which have contributed significantly to its healthcare, food security, and development sectors. Mahinda Rajapaksa challenges security cut in Supreme Court Posted by Editor on January 24, 2025 - 5:04 pm Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition at the Supreme Court, challenging the governments decision to reduce his security detail. The petition names Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Cabinet of Ministers, and several others as respondents. In his filing, the former President asserts that he continues to face terrorist threats due to his leadership in ending the decades-long conflict with the LTTE. He alleges that his security detail has been reduced to 60 personnel, with no armed forces personnel assigned to his protection, leaving only police officers responsible for his security. The petition emphasizes that the decision to reduce his security was made arbitrarily, without a proper security assessment, despite ongoing threats to his life. Rajapaksas petition requests the Supreme Court to rule that his fundamental rights have been violated as a result of the reduction in his security detail. Furthermore, he seeks a court order directing the respondents to conduct a comprehensive threat assessment and redeploy his full security detail. News / National by Staff reporter A viral video showing a group of ordinary Zimbabweans toyi-toying against the proposed extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term has exposed rising panic within ZANU-PF, with the ruling party now calling for the arrest of those involved in the flash protest.The video, which surfaced on social media, captured the protesters in Bulawayo expressing their opposition to the push within ZANU-PF to amend the Constitution and extend Mnangagwa's term from 2028 to 2030. While Mnangagwa himself has repeatedly stated that he is a constitutionalist and has no intention of staying beyond his constitutionally-mandated term, a faction within the ruling party, often referred to as the "2030ists," has been vocal in advocating for the extension.Despite Mnangagwa's assertions, the debate has intensified, with critics, including opposition figures and civil society groups, warning that amending the Constitution for personal gain could destabilize the country.Information Minister Jenfan Muswere responded to the backlash by stating that there is nothing criminal about discussing the 2030 agenda in Zimbabwe's democratic space. However, the viral protest video, which shows citizens voicing their displeasure against the proposed term extension, has prompted a strong reaction from ZANU-PF officials.ZANU-PF's Bulawayo information desk took to X (formerly Twitter), accusing opposition leaders and civil society organizations of inciting the protests. The party claimed that the gatherings, which appeared to be a reaction to the proposed constitutional amendment, were part of a broader effort to stir emotions and undermine the government."These gatherings are seemingly a response to the ZANU-PF resolution to extend President Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028, but their true intention is to stir emotions against the government and the President," the post read.The statement also warned that those hosting such gatherings at their premises could face legal consequences, as the ruling party claims the protests could incite unrest similar to the 2019 unrest in Bulawayo, which saw looting and violence.Reports indicate that police are investigating the protest video, although national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi was unavailable for comment.ZANU-PF spokesperson Farai Marapira responded to the protests, stating that while Zimbabweans have the right to express their views, they should do so in accordance with the law. He emphasized that the law must be respected and that those pushing for an extension of Mnangagwa's term should not be silenced."Democracy entails people respecting other people's opinions," Marapira told NewsDay. "Those who want the President to continue are expressing their views, and they should not be stifled. We encourage those who want to protest to do it under the ambit of the law."However, the protests have sparked criticism from political and civil society groups. MDC spokesperson Lloyd Damba condemned the government's response, accusing the ruling party of bullying dissenting voices. Damba argued that the church, which has also voiced concerns over the term extension, was merely expressing a legitimate concern about the political stability of the country."It is a fact that the proposed amendments are self-serving and very selfish, which may lead to civil strife in the country," Damba said. "By openly bullying the church, the government is making it clear that dissent is a no-go area and will not be tolerated by those in power today."The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, a group of civil society organizations, has also raised alarms over the proposed amendments. The coalition held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss strategies to resist changes to the Constitution, expressing concerns that the push for term extension could fuel civil unrest.The situation is drawing parallels to the tumultuous period leading up to the fall of former President Robert Mugabe, who was ousted in a 2017 military coup after failing to manage his succession. As calls for the extension of Mnangagwa's term grow, tensions are rising within both the ruling party and among ordinary Zimbabweans, further complicating the nation's already volatile political landscape. Chicago Email a complaint to your local radio station about a reporter, talk show host or commentator and you will probably be ghosted. But complain about an ad, and you might just hear back. Why? Because radio brass do not want to offend their audience--despite the offense the news itself causes due to current partisan politics. The ad contretemps is visible with Chicago's two top radio stations--WLS, once home to the Rush Limbaugh show, and the all-news WBBM. Limbaugh, of course, was credited with helping to make radio shows national after trail blazers like Paul Harvey and Larry King. Now, of course, podcasters are king. Conservative Ads WLS has retained its conservative mien and runs ads for PreBorn Ministries and Patriot Supply which supplies emergency food supplies. (You wouldn't expect the latter, ads telling people they might starve to death due to a disaster, would run after the Trump victory--but go figure.) Who Are My Co-Listeners? You can tell who your co-listeners are from broadcast ads. Think you are vibrant and young--at the pulse of things? Then why are you hearing ads for hearing aids and "incontinence" underwear? Think you are financially "comfortable" and your job gives you a living? Why are you hearing ads for pay day loans and tax relief? Ads for companies that help you when your air conditioner or heater fails make sense but what about ads for home "remodels" and financial advisers? Who owns a home and/or can afford to remodel one? Who has enough "retirement savings" to need a money adviser? Who can buy a Ferrari, also an ad on news radio stations these days? Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have announced their intention to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 29, following the formation of their own Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This move underscores a dramatic shift in the political and security landscape of the Sahel region, as these nations redefine their alliances and priorities. The decision to leave ECOWAS, formalized with the signing of the Liptako-Gourma Charter, reflects growing dissatisfaction among these countries-- all currently led by military juntas-- with the regional bloc's policies. In particular, ECOWAS's sanctions and threats of military intervention following coups in the region have drawn sharp criticism from the Sahel states. Niger's 2023 coup, the sixth in West Africa within three years, marked a critical turning point, as military leaders sought alternatives to what they perceived as external interference and inadequate support from ECOWAS. At the heart of their withdrawal is a deep-seated desire for sovereignty and independence from foreign influence, particularly from France. The leaders of the AES have framed their actions as a rejection of neo-colonialism and a push to reclaim control over their nations' futures. French military presence and policies have long been a source of tension, with AES leaders like Burkina Faso's Captain Ibrahim Traore' criticizing the exploitation of natural resources and accusing civilian governments in West Africa of being proxies for foreign powers. The formation of the Alliance of Sahel States was partly inspired by threats of ECOWAS military intervention after Niger's coup. Modeled on NATO, the AES emphasizes mutual defense and non-aggression, signaling a collective response to external threats. This reconfiguration of alliances suggests a broader regional realignment, as AES nations prioritize local security collaboration over integration with ECOWAS. The withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS risks further fragmenting West Africa, a region already grappling with complex security and political challenges. The Sahel, plagued by extremist violence, requires coordinated efforts to address its security needs. However, the emergence of competing blocs-- AES and ECOWAS-- threatens to weaken the collective response to terrorism, as nations may prioritize internal alliances over broader regional cooperation. The AES's exclusion from ECOWAS mechanisms limits the ability of these countries to engage in joint military operations or share intelligence, creating gaps that extremist groups could exploit. This fragmentation also complicates economic collaboration in a region heavily dependent on trade and shared infrastructure. ECOWAS has long been a platform for fostering regional integration, promoting free trade, and coordinating cross-border initiatives. The withdrawal of three key members undermines these goals, disrupting trade routes and creating economic inefficiencies. AES nations may face difficulties accessing ECOWAS's financial and developmental programs, further isolating them economically and reducing opportunities for collective growth. Moreover, the split deepens political divisions within the region, as differing governance models and ideologies clash. AES's military-led governments represent a stark departure from ECOWAS's commitment to democratic governance, creating tensions that hinder dialogue and collaboration. This ideological divide may discourage other ECOWAS members from cooperating with AES nations, perpetuating a cycle of mistrust and fragmentation. The repercussions of this division extend beyond the Sahel. A fractured West Africa is less capable of addressing transnational challenges, such as migration, organized crime, and climate change. These issues require unified regional responses, which are difficult to achieve in the absence of trust and collaboration. The fragmentation also weakens the region's collective bargaining power on the international stage, as competing blocs dilute the unified voice that ECOWAS once provided. The international community has expressed concern over this fragmentation, with fears that it may embolden extremist groups and exacerbate humanitarian crises. As ECOWAS seeks to maintain its influence, its leaders have engaged with international bodies like the United Nations to bolster support for counter-terrorism and development initiatives. However, the rise of the AES presents a direct challenge to ECOWAS's authority and raises questions about the future of regional cooperation in West Africa. The choices made by these nations in the coming months will shape the trajectory of governance, security, and diplomacy in the Sahel and beyond. This blog is also found here. Will history repeat itself but now with a very different outcome especially in the era of global environmental catastrophe powered by greed and militarism? To review reality locally and globally helps us find answers. Locally, Israeli apartheid forces are now doing in our parts of the West Bank what they did to Gaza. Ethnic cleansing, destruction of property, and massive violations of human rights ranging from right to move right to worship, right to simple dignified life. People here are scared that this is merely the beginning of accelerated genocide and ethnic cleansing as operated in Gaza. We have repeatedly warned of the consequences of Western collusion with genocide and ecocide. The fate of Gaza will be the fate of humanity if not enough people wake up in time to the global reality of simply unsustainability of "might makes right" colonial policies. At Trump's inauguration, the billionnairs were in the front row while his picks for secretaries were behind them. This image sums the momentous transformations gripping our planet. It used to be argued that the deep state consist of moneyed interests, largey hidden. Now we reached a point that murderous moneyed interests no longer work behind the scenes. The ultraright and fascists and neoNazis and Zionists are front and centre and openly cause millions to suffer with impunity. They even brag about their "common interests". For example, let us take the spectacle of the "World Economic Forum" this past week (for a run-in I had with this forum in 2006). The right wing CEOs and government officials like the President of Argentina openly declared building an alliance of leaders around the world who believe and practice policies of "money trumps people". At the same forum convicted felon Donald Trump delivered a belligerent, triumphalist, and (textbook) colonialist speech touting a vision of the world where elite business interests trump human rights. Eisenhower warned US citizens in his farewell speech: "In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists, and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals so that security and liberty may prosper together." Eisenhower did not anticipate how horrific it would be in the 21st century nor did not anticipate an alliance of neocolonial powers reinvigorated and working towards the same goals: making the rich richer, the poor poorer, and wrecking the global environment whie unleashing militarism and wars in unprecedented cruely like we see in Palestine (genocide and ecocide). Our species is at a pivotal moment in history never experienced before. We are the many, they are the few. If more of the many mobilize quickly we may still have a chance to save ourselves and our planet. Remarkable exchange between Genocide Joe and Genocide Netanyahu admitting genocide. Role of Google in Genocide. Role of Microsoft in Genocide. What do the California fires have to do with Palestine and Jewish Zionists in California? Here's Katie Halper exposing the biggest Zionist power couple, how they've been stealing California's water for decades to support the largest pistachio farm in the country, how they support the IDF directly with MILLIONS of dollars, and how they influence the government to continue sanctions against Iran (because Iran makes the best pistachios in the world). Here is Doug from Doug and Stacy, linking the practice of cloud seeding and severe weather across the country. The low pressure water is probably because the pistachio farm, just north of LA, has been draining all the city's water. They are now jailing Climate and Palestine activists in England. Some are receiving outrageous sentences. One woman, who hung a sign from a bridge, "just stop oil" in a poster WAS JAILED FOR FOUR YEARS! England is more radical than Germany on Palestine. There are now thousands of activists in jail throughout England! Greta Thunberg was right when she explained Climate and Palestine are the exact same issues. How will Gaza redefine Global resistance. Why the west is wrong about Hamas. Stay Humane and keep hope alive Mazin Qumsiyeh A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine facebook pages Personal Institute French RoamSprout, formerly known as Tripsterr, is thrilled to announce its rebranding as a premier travel blog dedicated to inspiring and guiding travelers across the globe. With a new name and revitalized vision, RoamSprout is set to become the go-to destination for comprehensive travel resources, offering a wealth of destination guides, things to do, hotels & resorts, restaurants, and a treasure trove of travel inspiration. As the travel landscape evolves, so do CORVALLIS Oregon State encountered its first bit of personnel adversity Thursday night, and it took some time to adjust. But the Beavers figured out how to play without big man Parsa Fallah during the second half, and rolled to an 83-63 win over Pepperdine at Gill Coliseum. Multnomah County authorities say they have nabbed two members of a burglary ring that has allegedly targeted more than 100 restaurants, bars and other businesses in the Portland area since July. A grand jury indicted 27-year-old Courtney Savannah Carlile and Joshua Patrick Lucero, 33, on multiple counts of several charges including first-degree burglary, according to a Thursday press release from the district attorneys office. According to the probable cause affidavits for both defendants, surveillance videos from multiple businesses captured between July and December show Lucero and Carlile working together to force entry into each business after hours to target and steal a safe or safes at each business. The targeted businesses include Baby Doll Pizza, two Grassa locations, Flattop & Salamander, Old Town Brewing Co., Pizza Roma, Bistro 23, Shamrock Bar & Grill, Flipside Bar & Carts and Sasquatch Brewing Co., according to the affidavits. Video footage allegedly showed the pair, among others, breaking into different businesses using a crowbar, bolt cutters and other tools, the press release states. At multiple burglaries, both Lucero and Carlile were identifiable because they were not covering their faces, the press release states. Both defendants have other criminal cases pending in Washington and Clackamas counties, the affidavits state. According to the press release, police believe eight or more additional people are part of the burglary ring. They are continuing to investigate. Carlos Fuentes covers state politics and government. Reach him at 503-221-5386 or cfuentes@oregonian.com. Police found a shooting victim dead in Greshams Vance Park on Thursday afternoon. No arrests have been made, the Gresham Police Department said in a statement. Officers rushed to the park at about 4 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting there. They discovered the victim, but the suspect or suspects were gone, police said. The East County Major Crimes Team made up of detectives from the Port of Portland police, Gresham police, the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police are investigating the suspected homicide. Officials have not publicly identified the victim or provided details of the shooting. They ask anyone with information to contact Detective Frederick Huffman at frederick.huffman@greshamoregon.gov or Detective Tim Snider at tim.snider@greshamoregon.gov. In neighboring Portland, a man was shot to death early Thursday morning on the citys east side, the second homicide in that city in 2025. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive News / National by Staff reporter A 45-year-old man from Zhombe, Midlands Province has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars for raping a 16-year-old maid from the same area.On January 6, the assailant ambushed the victim from behind, grabbing her waist and silencing her cries with a cloth, before raping her.The man then reportedly casually departed the scene after committing the crime.The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) in a statement on X, said, "The complainant informed her employer of her ordeal, a police report was made leading to the arrest of the offender."He received a 15-year prison term as punishment for his crime. A suburban Seattle police officer was sentenced Thursday to over 16 years in prison for the 2019 shooting death of a homeless man he was trying to arrest for disorderly conduct, marking the first conviction under a Washington state law that made it easier to prosecute officers for on-duty killings. A jury found Auburn police Officer Jeffrey Nelson guilty June 27 of second-degree murder and first-degree assault in the death of Jesse Sarey. King County Superior Court Judge Nicole Gaines Phelps sentenced Nelson to just over 16 1/2 years for the murder conviction and 6 1/2 years for assault, to be served concurrently. Before sentencing Nelson at the high end of the standard range, Phelps chastised the 46-year-old officer for his violent behavior in uniform. Respect for the law, here, goes more beyond you, Officer Nelson, Phelps said. This is the first case in which a police officer was charged and it in some ways serves as a telescope for others to view police conduct and for police to remember to abide by their training when engaging in situations so that they do not become lethal to them or to others they are sworn to protect and serve. Nelson, seated in a packed courtroom in a red short-sleeve jail uniform, his arms covered in tattoos and his hair cut short, showed no emotion as the judge spoke. His wife and other Auburn police officers sat behind him in his support, while Sareys friends and family filled the other side of the courtroom. Prosecutors had said at trial in June that Nelson punched Sarey several times before shooting him in the abdomen. Seconds later, Nelson shot Sarey in the forehead. Nelson had claimed Sarey tried to grab his gun and a knife, so he shot him in self-defense, but video showed Sarey was on his back with his head positioned away from Nelson after the first shot. King County Special Prosecutor Patty Eakes, citing Nelsons long history of violence and disregard for his training, asked the judge to sentence him at the higher end of the standard range: 18 years for murder and 10 for the assault conviction. What was Jesse Sarey doing? Sitting outside of a grocery store drinking from discarded cups, Eakes said. He had other tools other than pulling out his gun and shooting an unarmed person in the stomach. Sareys family, including two brothers and a former foster sister, told the judge that his violent death by a police officer crushed their family, and theyre happy to see Nelson held accountable. Six years in the making to see justice not only for Jesse but for all impacted families in Washington state! Elaine Simmons, Sareys foster mother, said after sentencing. King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion hailed the sentence as showing Nelsons actions were not above the law. The sentence reflects the very serious nature of Jeffrey Nelsons crimes, her statement said, noting it was the first time an officer has been tried, convicted and sentenced under the Washington state law that made it easier to prosecutor officers for killings while on duty. Nelson lawyer Emma Scanlan said the defense will appeal. Our deepest sympathies go to his family, she said in an email. However, this trial was marred by unprecedented and significant legal errors that deprived Officer Nelson of his constitutional rights. When police officers are charged with crimes they deserve to be treated fairly just like everyone else. It was the second case tried since Washington voters in 2018 removed a standard that required prosecutors to prove an officer acted with malice a standard no other state had. Now they must show the level of force was unreasonable or unnecessary. In December, jurors acquitted three Tacoma police officers in the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis. Nelsons lawyers had recommended the lowest possible range - 6 1/2 years arguing he had served his community on countless occasions, placed the lives of strangers above his own. Nelsons wife, Natalie Mounts, told the judge he was kind to others and his family needed him. He has a heart of service and a need to take care of people, Mounts said. Jeff and I are very sorry for the loss suffered by the Sarey family. An Auburn police assistant chief and commander also spoke of Nelsons generosity and work ethic, but Phelps rebuked them for failing to acknowledge trial evidence showing Nelsons propensity toward violence and lying to cover it up. That tells me that the Auburn Police Department will stand by anyone and everyone as long as they have a badge, she said. If you want to test a mans character, she said, give him power. In this situation, I would add give him power, a badge and a gun, she said. Character is who you are when no one is looking. When Officer Nelson thought that no one was looking ... he took the opportunity to harm others. Sarey was the third person Nelson killed while on duty. Nelson killed Isaiah Obet in 2017. Obet was acting erratically and Nelson ordered his police dog to attack. He shot Obet in the torso and then the head after he fell to the ground. The police said Nelsons life was in danger because Obet was high on drugs and had a knife. The city settled with Obets family for $1.25 million. In 2011, Nelson fatally shot Brian Scaman, a Vietnam War veteran with mental issues and a history of felonies who pulled out a knife and refused to drop it after Nelson stopped him for a burned-out headlight. Nelson shot him in the head. An inquest jury cleared Nelson of wrongdoing. The City of Auburn settled with Sareys family for $4 million and has paid nearly $2 million more to settle other litigation over Nelsons actions as an officer. Nelson remains on unpaid leave. Before sentencing, Nelsons lawyer Kristen Murray asked the judge to throw out the assault charge as constituting double jeopardy. But the judge let both counts stand, saying jurors recognized that two shots fired seconds apart after Nelsons gun jammed and he cleared it as separate actions. By MARTHA BELLISLE Associated Press On Jan. 9, Hannah Jarand gave birth to a baby boy at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, her fourth child born at the Portland hospital. Jarands previous pregnancies had complications, so this one her last hurrah, she said was considered high risk. Lunar New Year, celebrated by many Asian cultures as the most significant holiday of the year, is a time for feasting, traditions and spending time with loved ones. Oregons bakeries and eateries are marking the occasion with special treats that honor the holidays symbols of prosperity, unity and good fortune. READ MORE: Where to celebrate the Year of the Snake at Lunar New Year events in Oregon From fruity and sweet desserts to savory croissants, here are three spots offering delicious ways to celebrate. Sugar Blooms This Asian-inspired dessert shop in the Bethany area is known for beautifully decorated cakes displayed in the window. For Lunar New Year, the shop is offering a special menu that is available for pre-order to pick up this Sunday, Jan. 26. The menu includes a pineapple tart, symbolizing good fortune, a lava custard mooncake, symbolizing unity and reunion and an assorted cookie box inspired by Vietnamese traditions. Pre-orders can be made through www.sugarblooms.net or by calling 503-430-1447 until midnight today, Jan. 23. Limited quantities of individual cakes with a Lunar New Year theme, mooncakes, pineapple tarts and cookie boxes will also be available next week in store for those who miss the deadline. Additionally, for the next two weeks, Cachito de Cielo Pdx will feature a selection of Lunar New Year sugar cookies in store. Sugar Blooms: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and Sunday by appointment; 4720 N.W. Bethany Blvd., Bethany; www.sugarblooms.net and @sugar_blooms_cakes on Instagram. Twisted Croissant This inventive bakery is bringing back its fan-favorite char siu croissant in celebration of Lunar New Year. Inspired by Cantonese-style barbecue pork buns, this flaky croissant is filled with three-day marinated char siu stir-fried in rich Chinese barbecue sauce, then topped with toasted sesame seeds and pickled green onions. The special treat is available through Feb. 28 at all three locations. Twisted Croissant's Cantonese-style barbecue pork buns are available through Feb. 28.Chiara Profenna Twisted Croissant: Hours vary by location; 2129 N.E. Broadway St., 1625 S.E. Bybee Blvd. and 1784 N.W. Northrup St.; twistedcroissant.com and @twisted_croissant on Instagram. Sibeiho This Portland-based brand, specializing in Singaporean cuisine, is offering two limited-edition Lunar New Year items. A pineapple jam blends tropical sweetness with warm spices, symbolizing prosperity, and the Sambal Kachang lux edition is a spicy-sweet snack mix with local ingredients like Ranger Milk Chocolate and Oregon cranberries. Both treats are available to buy online through sibeiho.com, at the PSU Farmers Market (dates on Instagram) and Providore Fine Foods on Northeast Sandy Boulevard. Sibeiho's Sambal Kachang snack mix is spicy and savory with a touch of sweet. Photo courtesy of Sibeiho.Sibeiho Sibeiho's pinapple jam embodies the spirit of luck and joy for Lunar New Year. Photo courtesy of Sibeiho.Sibeiho Sibeiho: available at Providore Fine Foods: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily; 2340 N.E. Sandy Blvd.; also available at PSU Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays; 1803 S.W. Park Ave.; sibeiho.com and @sibeihosibeiho on Instagram. Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiaraprofenna. The Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content. Oregon lawmakers are looking for ways to prevent companies that havent paid taxes from landing and keeping lucrative government contracts after The Oregonian/OregonLive last year revealed that the head of a real estate enterprise that received tens of millions of dollars in state contracts was one of Oregons largest tax delinquents while some of his businesses owed property taxes. Under a proposal introduced by the House Revenue Committee, state agencies would be required to obtain proof of compliance with Oregon tax laws for all businesses seeking state contracts and then check compliance on an ongoing basis. Amazons server farms in eastern Oregon are using much less fossil fuel to power their operations, new data shows, sharply reducing its carbon emissions after five years of steep increases. The shift is apparent in a new state report on the small electric utility that serves Amazons data centers in Morrow and Umatilla counties. While Amazons power usage isnt disclosed individually, the company is by far the largest customer for the small Umatilla Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility that serves the eastern Oregon counties. Not everyone is lucky enough to work at a great workplace. If you do, its worthy of recognition. For the 14th year, The Oregonian will honor outstanding workplace culture with Top Workplaces in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Any organization with 35 or more employees in the region is eligible to compete for a Top Workplaces award. Standout companies will be honored in fall 2025. It all starts with a nomination. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 28. Anyone can nominate any organization, whether it is public, private, nonprofit, a school, or even a government agency. To nominate an employer or for more information on the awards, visit the Top Workplaces site or call (503) 427-1666. There is no cost to participate. To qualify as an Oregonian Top Workplace, employees evaluate their workplace using a short 25-question survey that takes just a few minutes to complete. Companies will be surveyed through early May. Energage, the Pennsylvania-based research partner for the project, conducts Top Workplaces surveys for media in 65 markets nationwide and surveyed more than 2 million employees at more than 8,000 organizations in the past year. Earning a Top Workplaces award is a distinctive mark of excellence, setting companies apart in a recognizable way, said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. Top Workplaces embody the highest standards and this award, rooted in authentic employee feedback, should be a point of immense pride. For the 2024 awards, more than 3,600 organizations in Oregon and Southwest Washington were invited to survey their employees. Based on employee survey feedback, 123 earned recognition as Top Workplaces. News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), in partnership with the Zimbabwe Centre for High-Performance Computing (ZCHPC), is developing an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to enhance smart policing and streamline criminal tracking processes.The innovative system, demonstrated at ZCHPC offices in Harare, aims to replace the traditional manual fingerprint analysis with a faster, more efficient automated process.ZRP Commissioner General Steven Mutamba highlighted the transformative potential of the technology during the demonstration. "There is a different way of accounting for criminals. We have been doing this manually, and you can imagine looking at the fingerprint lines manually, producing a magnifying glass. It takes time," he said."In this day and age, we don't expect criminals to be waiting for us," added Commissioner General Mutamba, emphasizing the need for modern solutions to combat crime effectively.The automated system leverages advanced computing technology to compare and match fingerprints with high accuracy, significantly reducing the time required to identify suspects. This marks a major shift from traditional methods that rely on manual analysis, which can be labor-intensive and prone to delays.The collaboration between ZRP and ZCHPC underscores Zimbabwe's commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology in law enforcement. The project is expected to bolster criminal investigations, improve efficiency, and enhance public safety.Once fully operational, the system will provide a central database of fingerprints, enabling law enforcement agencies to quickly and accurately identify individuals linked to criminal activities.The development of the AFIS aligns with global trends in adopting technology-driven solutions for policing. It reflects the ZRP's commitment to modernizing its operations and staying ahead in the fight against crime.The initiative is also expected to enhance public confidence in the justice system by ensuring timely and accurate identification of offenders. As the system progresses, it could serve as a foundation for further technological advancements in Zimbabwe's law enforcement sector.The launch date for the system's full implementation has not yet been announced, but officials expressed optimism about its potential to transform criminal tracking in Zimbabwe. A family from North Dakota has filed a lawsuit against the Mayo Clinic and two of its orthopedic surgeons for permanently paralyzing their teenage girl from the waist down following corrective back surgeries. Kyla Barton was 13 years old when she walked into the Mayo Clinic after a routine softball health check led to the diagnosis of scoliosis caused by a grapefruit-sized tumor pressing her spine. In October 2023, Dr. Peter Rose of the Mayo Clinic recommended the teenager undergo three corrective procedures---the first will remove part of the tumor, the second will remove the rest, and the last procedure will correct the scoliosis. The lawsuit, however, alleges Rose failed to take precautions, which led to Barton being completely paralyzed from the waist down. "When we left Mayo, the only thing she could really do was sit up at the bed with four people assisting her," Ashley, the teen's mother, said, as quoted by The Minnesota Star Tribune. How the Doctors Allegedly Failed Barton In Barton's first two surgeries, Rose removed some bone and tissue along with the tumor. This allegedly weakened the spine. The lawsuit accused the doctors failed to insert metal rods and screws that could have helped stabilize the teenager's spine. It also accused the doctors of failing to keep Barton in a protective brace or restrict her to bed rest. Instead, the lawsuit said Barton was encouraged to get up and move around prior to her third procedure. Apart from Dr. Rose, the lawsuit also named Dr. Mohammed Karim. He covered for Rose, who left for a conference. Karim ordered an MRI, which found critical abnormalities in the girl's spine. The abnormalities were consistent with significant acute spinal cord injury. He later proceeded with an emergency surgery. It was noted that the teenager was not completely paraplegic when he performed the surgery, per Post Bulletin. Barton's family is now seeking an amount "far exceeding $75,000." How Did the Mayo Clinic Respond? In response to the lawsuit, the Mayo Clinic called the family's complaint inaccurate and argued that paralysis is a known complication in "complex spinal tumor surgeries." Mayo Clinic also said it will prove that the care they provided Barton was "thoughtful and appropriate." Japan is known largely for being the healthiest country to age in and having some of the world's longest-living and happiest communities. But many of its elderly population are struggling with loneliness, so much so that they choose to commit crimes and go to jail rather than be alone. The country is currently experiencing a surge in elderly female prisoners aged 65 or older. A large number of these women are choosing to go to jail seeking friendship and healthcare to improve their quality of life rather than face loneliness in the outside world. In some cases, the women pay up to 30,000 Japanese Yen ($190) monthly to stay in prison. "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," Takayoshi Shiranaga, an officer at Tochigi Women's Prison, told CNN. Why Do Elderly Women Choose the Prison? Elderly women who go to jail are usually "cold" or "hungry," Shiranaga noted. Some have also been abandoned by their families. However, those who stay in jail are provided regular meals and free healthcare and eldercare. They would have to pay for the medical bills once they get out of prison, which leads most of them to stay there as long as possible. To get into prison, more than 80% of elderly female prisoners steal, according to data from the Japanese government. For perspective, Japan's elderly population (those aged 65 or older) has hit a record high of 36.25 million people. They make up 29.3% of the population. Japan's Loneliness Epidemic Studies show that nearly 40% of Japanese people report feeling lonely, with the issue particularly acute among the elderly and younger populations. The consequences of Japan's loneliness epidemic are severe. Beyond mental health issues like anxiety and depression, loneliness also contributes to high suicide rates and solitary death, where individuals pass away unnoticed for extended periods. In the first half of 2024 alone, almost 40,000 people died alone in their homes in Japan. Of those, nearly 4,000 were discovered over a month after they died, and 130 went unmissed for a year before their bodies were found, according to BBC News. Iraqi lawmakers this week passed three divisive laws, including an amendment that critics say could legalize child marriage. The amendment introduced changes that allowed religious authorities such as Shiite or Sunni to govern family matters, including marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child care. It also abolished a ban on the marriage of children under the age of 18, which had been in place since 1959 under the Personal Status Law. Currently, the legal minimum age for marriage remains 18 in most cases. However, girls as young as 15 can marry if they are granted judicial approval and parental consent. They must also present medical proof that they have begun puberty and are menstruating. In some cases, children aged 14 can also be married under similar conditions. Critics are now warning that under specific interpretations of Islamic law, particularly the Jaafari school followed by many Shiite clerics, girls as young as nine could be deemed eligible for marriage. "We have reached the end of women's rights and the end of children's rights in Iraq," lawyer Mohammed Juma, one of the most prominent critics of the law, said, as quoted by The Guardian. The law could also increase the number of unregistered marriages, which could prevent women from obtaining government services, getting birth certificates for their children, or claiming their rights to a dowry or inheritance. What Do Proponents of the Law Say? According to AP News, the amendment's proponents, primarily conservative Shiite lawmakers, responded to critics by saying it was necessary to align their laws with Islamic principles and reduce Western influence on their culture. Council Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani also said the amendment is an "important step in the process of enhancing justice and organizing the daily lives of citizens," KIMA TV reported. It was noted that the bill was signed into law even after a voting process took place despite not having the minimum number of lawmakers to pass it being present. Child Marriages in Iraq Child marriages remain a significant issue in Iraq, with 28% of girls married before the age of 18. At least 22% of unregistered marriages also involved girls under the age of 14, per the Human Rights Watch. Children who are married at a young age are also at higher risk of domestic violence, lack of access to proper education, and limited economic opportunities. Marys Intercession Analogous to The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects (James 5:16) Edward Bouverie (E. B.) Pusey (1800-1882) was an English Anglican cleric, professor of Hebrew at Oxford University for more than fifty years, and author of many books. He was a leading figure in the Oxford Movement, along with St. John Henry Cardinal Newman and John Keble, an expert on patristics, and was involved in many theological and academic controversies. Pusey helped revive the doctrine of the Real Presence in the Church of England, and because of several other affinities with Catholic theology and tradition, he and his followers (derisively called Puseyites) were mocked by over-anxious adversaries in 1853 as half papist and half protestant. But, unlike Newman and like Keble, he never left Anglicanism. This is the second of two replies to his book, An Eirenicon (New York: D. Appleton & Co., 1864), which was a letter to his former colleague and dearest friend William Lockhart: the first of the tractarians to convert to Catholicism (in August 1843, even before Newmans reception in October 1845). Cardinal Newman himself replied to this book in 1865, in his volume, Certain Difficulties Felt by Anglicans in Catholic Teaching, Volume 2. I havent read it, so it wont have any influence on these replies. Puseys words will be in blue. These two and additional replies to Pusey will be collected under the Anglicanism section of my Calvinism and General Protestantism web page, under his name. I use RSV for Bible citations. ***** On his page 45, Pusey brings up the topic of Mary Mediatrix, that I recently wrote about and and also discussed in a video (taped this very day) on my YouTube channel. I wont set forth a full defense of the doctrine here (the article linked is a good, solid introduction, I think, as is the video). Rather, Id like to address a very important and fundamental premise that lies behind the notion of the Blessed Virgin Marys widespread, even universal intercession; one that is firmly grounded in Scripture. First, Ill cite several of Dr. Puseys numerous objections to Marian intercession and what Catholics believe is her God-ordained role in the process of distributing grace and helping in the salvation of souls just as St. Paul and many others did indeed, potentially any of us, as James 5:19-20 states. Pusey cites some (partially questionable) words about Marian intercession from Jean-Jacques Olier (1608-1657), who was a French Catholic priest and the founder of the Sulpicians. He doesnt speak for the Church or determine doctrine or even spiritual practice. Thats the job of the magisterium, which is the pope and bishops in ecumenical council, in agreement with him. When I defend the Church as one of her apologists possessing, of course, no authority whatsoever , I cite those sources, because thats what matters in the end. So what Olier wrote is neither here nor there, in terms of official teaching of the Catholic Church. Its not ultimately relevant to this controversy. This is a longtime and tiresome tactic of Protestant apologists in criticizing the Catholic Church: they will cite individuals rather than actual magisterial statements, which are collected in sources such as Denzingers Enchiridion symbolorum. But lets move onto Puseys objections (which I will reply to, grouped according to various sub-topics of the larger subject): Our Lord has bidden us ask the Father in His Name; and we should not expect to be heard except through our Divine Redeemer. In like way, if God had placed the Blessed Virgin between Christ and His Church, then, so far from there being any thing amiss in the exclusiveness of these prayers, it would rather seem, that to pray to Mary, or through Mary, would be the only legitimate form of prayer, as our prayers are to God through Jesus, or to Jesus, God and Man. It is the natural result of this belief, that, in almost every case, the hopes are expressed, that Mary will do this or that. I remember few cases only, in which any Bishop said, God would do it (there may of course have been more), . . . (p. 63) I want to especially emphasize in the strongest terms that the Catholic Church believes as much as any Protestant, that we can pray directly to God any time we wish to do so. Indeed, we say the Lords Prayer / Our Father at every Mass, and that is the quintessential Christian prayer, taught to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Its a prayer to God. So no one can say we somehow discourage or frown upon going directly to God. Its a non-starter and a red herring. I will explain below why we often choose to as opposed to being required or compelled to ask for the intercession of saints rather than going directly to God. Its because the Bible explicitly and frequently teaches the goodness and effectiveness of such methods of prayer. How can it be thought by any, that Jesus,Who ever liveth to make intercession for us, Who crowned his own and was crowned in them; Whose words in His everlasting Gospel are, Come unto Me, all that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest; Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it you; Whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if ye shall ask any thing in My Name, I will do it,is not willing to hear us, unless we seek a Mediatrix with Him, who is to dispose him to hear us? (p. 52) We simply dont (officially, as a Church) teach that Jesus wont listen to us unless we go to Mary first. If some Catholic individuals taught this, they went too far and didnt make the proper and crucial necessary distinctions. Marys prayers are a spiritual aid to us, not a necessity to get to God. She loves those who love her, said the Archbishop of Granada, and most abundantly builds up with graces, and disposes her servants to become the habitation and temple of her Blessed Son and the Holy Spirit. (p. 63) Human beings spreading graces to other human beings is a practice that is quite explicitly scriptural. St. Paul stated at least twice that he was a conduit of Gods grace to others, and he and St. Peter taught that all of us believers have the potential to do the same: 2 Corinthians 4:15 For it [his many sufferings: 4:8-12, 17] is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. Ephesians 3:2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of Gods grace that was given to me for you . . . Ephesians 4:29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear. 1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of Gods varied grace. Paul mentions distributing grace to folks at the beginning of practically every epistle that he wrote. When Paul and others use the common greeting of grace to you (e.g., Rom 1:7; 1 Cor 1:3; 2 Cor 1:2; Gal 1:3; Eph 1:2; Phil 1:2; Col 1:2; 1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess 1:2; Phlm 1:3; Rev 1:4), its in the sense of may God give you more grace; just as St. Peter writes, May grace and peace be multiplied to you (1 Pet 1:2; identical wording in 2 Pet 1:2). Angels spread grace, too: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne (Rev 1:4). So why the objection to Mary the Mother of God the Son doing the same thing? Still, the teaching remains, that we are even surer to obtain them from her, than if we go directly to the One Mediator between God and man, Our Divine Lord, Who ever liveth to make intercession for us. (p. 47) This is where the Bible can be a great aid in explaining why Catholics think its a very good and spiritually wise thing (not a necessary or required practice) to ask Mary or other saints to pray for us and go to God on our behalf. The Bibles very clear about this, which is why its odd that Rev. Dr. Pusey a clergyman and very educated person seems to be unaware of the sorts of Bible passages that I will now bring to bear, which are ultra-relevant to this discussion. James 5:14-18 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; [15] and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. [16] Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. [17] Elijah was a man of like nature with ourselves and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. [18] Then he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit. (refers to 1 Kgs 17:1) The Catholic position is that its best, and always possible, to go straight to God in prayer, unless there happens to be a person more righteous than we are in the immediate vicinity, who is willing to make the same prayer request. Then the Bible not merely the Catholic Church recommends that we ask them to intercede, rather than asking God directly. If someone wants to be biblical and to follow the biblical model of prayer and intercession, it would include this practice. Ill now proceed to document that. We can choose to wisely ask a person holier than themselves to make a prayer request of God, because of the key passage above, and others like, the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer (1 Pet 3:12), and When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears (Ps 34:17), and the prayer of the upright is his delight (Prov 15:8), and he hears the prayer of the righteous (Prov 15:29), and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him (1 Jn 3:22), and If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened (Ps 66:18; cf. 66:19-20). Having established this principle of scriptural prayer, we see how it is carried out in the case of very holy people. God told Abimelech that Abraham would pray for him, so he could live, for Abraham was a prophet (Gen 20:6-7). All Israel (1 Sam 12:1) said to Samuel [the prophet], Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die. . . (1 Sam 12:19). God told Jobs friends: my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly (Job 42:8). Why did God listen to Jobs prayers? Its because God Himself stated that there is none like Job on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil (Job 1:8). King Zedekiah asked the holy prophet Jeremiah to pray for him and the country (Jer 37:3; cf. 42:2: [they] said to Jeremiah the prophet, Let our supplication come before you, and pray to the LORD your God for us). If we go to a more righteous or holy person and ask them to pray for x, then x is far more likely to happen than if we go to God directly (because we are less righteous). Therefore, its more efficient and better to do this in these instances rather than go directly to God. Righteous people know Gods will better than those who are not following God with a whole heart, with all their might. Therefore, their prayers are more effective. Here are many more passages that teach this principle of prayer: Exodus 32:30 On the morrow Moses said to the people, You have sinned a great sin. And now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin. Numbers 11:1-2 And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes; and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them, and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. [2] Then the people cried to Moses; and Moses prayed to the LORD, and the fire abated. Numbers 14:11-13, 19-20 And the LORD said to Moses, How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs which I have wrought among them? [12] I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they. [13] But Moses said to the LORD, . . . [19] Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray thee, according to the greatness of thy steadfast love, and according as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. [20] Then the LORD said, I have pardoned, according to your word; Numbers 21:6-8 Then the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. [7] And the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. So Moses prayed for the people. [8] And the LORD said to Moses, Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and every one who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live. Deuteronomy 9:18-19 Then I lay prostrate before the LORD as before, forty days and forty nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water, because of all the sin which you had committed, in doing what was evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. [19] For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure which the LORD bore against you, so that he was ready to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened to me that time also. Deuteronomy 10:10 I stayed on the mountain, as at the first time, forty days and forty nights, and the LORD hearkened to me that time also; the LORD was unwilling to destroy you. 1 Samuel 7:8 And the people of Israel said to Samuel, Do not cease to cry to the LORD our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines. 1 Samuel 12:18-19 So Samuel called upon the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. [19] And all the people said to Samuel, Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king. 1 Kings 13:6 And the king said to the man of God, Entreat now the favor of the LORD your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me. And the man of God entreated the LORD; and the kings hand was restored to him, and became as it was before. 2 Kings 6:18 And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, Strike this people, I pray thee, with blindness. So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha. 2 Chronicles 30:18-20 . . . Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one [19] who sets his heart to seek God, the LORD the God of his fathers, even though not according to the sanctuarys rules of cleanness. [20] And the LORD heard Hezekiah, and healed the people. This reply to his objections seems to have never crossed Dr. Puseys mind. Yet its a repeated principle of prayer taught throughout the entire Bible. Bishop Andrewes also, in his summary, explains what those of his day believed to be condemned by the article, not requests for the prayers of saints departed, but direct addresses to them, as if they could themselves give what we ask. (p. 47) More is intended than the asking of their prayers, as we do those of members of Christ still in the flesh, . . . (p. 48) However it may be explained by Roman Catholic controversialists, to be no more than asking the prayers of members of Christ yet in the flesh, still, in use, it is plainly more; for no one would ask those in the flesh to protect us from the enemy, receive us in the hour of death, lead us to the joy of heaven, may thy [the Blessed Virgin] abundant love cover the multitude of sins, heal my wounds, and to the mind which asketh thee, give the gifts of grace, or use any of the direct prayers for graces which God Alone can bestow, which are common in Roman Catholic devotions to the Blessed Virgin. . . . Holy Scripture is not even alleged (as no text for the invocation of saints either is or can be quoted by Roman Catholic controversialists), . . . (p. 49; citing a book of his own from 1849) Where our natural language would be, God will do this or that, there it seems equally natural to Roman Catholics to say, Mary will do it. At least, where we expect beforehand, in the unfinished sentence, to find God, or Jesus, we find Mary. (p. 64) The simple answer to all this is that it has to do with a certain manner of speaking, and the casual unspoken assumption that God ultimately answers all prayers (many times with a no) and that we need not note that every time we refer to the intercession of saints (with or without Protestants listening). I can show this from the Bible itself, too. Right from the lips of Jesus in Holy Scripture, comes the story (not parable!) of Lazarus and the rich man in Hades. The rich man literally prays to or petitions Abraham in language that seems at least at first glance to presuppose that Abraham alone can make things happen and answer his prayers. I contend that this is very similar to Catholics asking saints to please obtain for us so-and-so . . . Jesus said: Luke 16:22-31 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abrahams bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; [23] and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] And he called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame. [25] But Abraham said, `Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. [26] And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us. [27] And he said, `Then I beg you, father, to send him to my fathers house, [28] for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment. [29] But Abraham said, `They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. [30] And he said, `No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent. [31] He said to him, `If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.' Note that the rich man petitioned Abraham three times, and three times he was refused (with Abraham giving the reason for the refusal in 16:29, 31). Abraham never said (as he would have had to do, if Protestantism is true), why are you asking me?! Dont you know that you are only permitted to make requests of God alone?! This is what Jesus taught, and I would remind all readers of whatever religious persuasion, that this is Jesus talking in inspired Scripture, and that He cant teach heresy or other error, which is true even if this is regarded as a parable. Another similar case is that of Saul and the prophet Samuel, who appeared after he had died: 1 Samuel 28:15-16 . . . Saul answered, I am in great distress; for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams; therefore I have summoned you to tell me what I shall do. [16] And Samuel said, Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has turned from you and become your enemy? Here, it was correctly assumed by Saul that Samuel spoke for God, which is what prophets did. So he petitioned him, asking what he should do (knowing that the answer would come from God through Samuel his messenger). Samuel asked him, Why then do you ask me? not because it was improper for Saul to ask at all, but because it was already a foregone conclusion that Saul had been rejected by God. That being the case, Samuel couldnt help him, because he spoke for God. But Saul presupposed that he spoke for God, just as Catholics who know anything at all about their faith presuppose that the saints have to go to God to receive any answer to a petition from us. As to the larger question about the vastly misunderstood and misinterpreted Catholic flowery / excessive language of veneration towards Mary and the saints, see the following five articles of mine: St. Alphonsus de Liguori: Mary-Worshiper & Idolater? [8-9-02] Was St. Louis de Montfort a Blasphemous Mariolater? (cf. abridged, National Catholic Register version) [2009] Maximilian Kolbes Flowery Marian Veneration & the Bible [2010] Catholics Think Mary is Co-Creator? (vs. T.F. Kauffman) (Refuting a Distortion of What St. Alphonsus de Liguori Actually Teaches in The Glories of Mary) [7-17-23] Mary, Not Jesus, is the Catholic Savior? (Response to More Misrepresentation of St. Alphonsus de Liguoris Book, The Glories of Mary) [7-21-23] These are not light reading by a long shot, but anyone wishing to better understand why Catholics talk the way they do about Mary, can learn a great deal (agree or disagree), I think, by perusing them: especially the first one. Photo credit: Men of the Day No.95: Caricature of The Rev EB Pusey DD (High Church), by Carlo Pellegrini (1839-1889), in Vanity Fair: 2 January 1875 [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] Summary: This is the second of two replies to E. B. Puseys Eirenicon (1866). Is Marys wide intercession (as we believe) harmonious with the Bible? Yes (I show with much Scripture). Around Christmas time, Ventiva launched its Ionic Cooling Engine (ICE), the latest in what has been an unexpectedly disappointing industry of fanless cooling solutions for laptops. But with Ventiva, theres a key difference: It has a customer. Ventiva, Intel, and Dell have collaborated on a proof-of-concept laptop that the company is showing off here at the CES show in Las Vegas. Inside is Ventivas ICE, which uses electrohydrodynamic airflow to strip about 25 watts worth of heat from a Core Ultra 200 (Lunar Lake) laptop and essentially silently, to boot. To be fair, Dell hasnt formally committed to shipping the unnamed laptop, though it casually placed Ventivas name on its concept laptop, something that you dont often see. Intel even endorsed the technology in its CES materials. Carl Schlachte, Ventivas chief executive, describes the Ventiva technology this way: In a typical laptop, a heat pipe passively moves heat via conduction from the PCs core logic out to near the external vents, where it radiates into the air. A fan or blower kicks in under load, sucking cool air from vents underneath the laptop. The fans then blow the warmed air outside the laptop. Its an effective solution, but one that can be noisy and somewhat distracting if not well engineered. How Ventivas ICE technology works Ventivas ICE doesnt use fans, rendering it virtually silent. Instead, the technology ionizes the air passing through. A closeup of the ICE and its charging wire. Mark Hachman / IDG Each ICE looks a bit like a PCI Express slot, laid horizontally, but open on both ends. Running down the middle of the ICE, horizontally, is a tiny, charged wire. The ICE applies a charge, grabbing electrons from air molecules that flow through the ICE and creating a dense collection of positively-charged ions that are repelled from the positively-charged wire. As theyre pushed away, the ions bump into other, neutrally charged air molecules, pushing the mass of air away and creating airflow. The amount of air movement (and thus heat dissipation) depends on both the size of the ICE as well as the current applied. In a display case, Schlachte showed off a family of different-sized ICEs, nothing more than a few inches. When asked, Schlachte said that the largest can move a maximum of about one cubic foot of air per minute (1 cfm), but that it was largely dependent upon the current applied. ICEs can be made in different sizes, though its the charge applied to the wire that seems to have the most effect. Mark Hachman / IDG Its a different approach than companies like Frore or xMEMS have used. Those companies applied charge to what is essentially a vibrating membrane, using that as means to move air and dissipate heat. Form customizing laptops to working with Intel For now, Schlachte said that Ventiva is focused on stripping heat from premium, thin-and-light notebooks at $1,000 or above. Dells unnamed laptop, a gorgeous design, he said, was to his knowledge the thinnest its ever done. Ventivas ICE was under development for several years, but the company wasnt aggressively marketing it as a product. We went to LA, Schlachte said. We were out with the laptop guys first before we talked. We werent even trying to get a design win. Were like, look, heres what were doing, right? Were thermal people. Theyre thermal people. There is kind of a weird brotherhood, a weird, nerdy brotherhood. And then they picked up the phone, called Intel, and Intel called us. If you look closely, you can see the small ICE labels where the air is pushed out of this Dell prototype. Also note the Ventiva reference at the very top. Mark Hachman / IDG Schlachte said that company engineers would just go into a local Best Buy, buy an off-the-shelf laptop, retrofit it, and then take it with them to executives at major laptop companies. And eventually, they would ask me, how soon can I get one of these in my laptop, and Id say, Here you go.' Intel, meanwhile, was on the hunt for an improved cooling solution. According to Schlachte, Intel was frustrated by an unsuccessful co-engineering effort with a competitor, and heard through its network of partners about Ventiva. Intel, for its part, said this week that its potentially considering Ventivas ICE cooling solution as part of its Evo program. Intel representatives didnt reply to a request for comment by press time. This is how Ventiva could arrange the ICEs to create an (eventual) 40W cooling solution. Mark Hachman / IDG Dust and ozone: Ventivas critics say its tech has risks In just a few weeks, Ventivas ICE solution has attracted some scrutiny and some critics. For one, the ICE solution essentially is creating ozone (O3), which occurs naturally, and beneficially, in the atmosphere the ozone layer via a plasma field. Ozone can be mildly harmful when breathed in large enough quantities, however, potentially causing irritation to mucus membranes in the nose and mouth. When you think about how Ventivas ICEs emit ozone, and there can be several in a single laptop, and they could be constantly emitting ozone just inches from your lungs. Well, the worries dont seem unrealistic. A Ventiva solution that could remove 40W of heat from a laptop used five ICE devices, according to a physical model Ventiva showed. Ventiva showed PCWorld a draft paper that addresses the issue via a third-party testing lab. Acceptable ozone concentrations vary (the EPA allows 0.080 parts per million, or ppm; OSHA permits 0.100; the FDA allows 0.050 ppm). According to Ventivas findings, the ozone emitted moves in all directions, but is concentrated in the direction of the exhaust. At that angle, at 900mm (35 inches or just under three feet) the ozone exposure would be 50 parts per billion, or 0.05 ppm, with 0.5W of charge placed on the wire, which is close to government limits. (Ventiva also says that since ozone is unstable, it will dissipate quickly at a further distance and wont be present when the ICE is turned off.) To play it safe, Ventiva developed what is essentially a catalytic converter: applying manganese dioxide. The compound can be applied to heat sinks or their thermal fins, at the discretion of the laptop maker. According to the companys third-party testing, its quite effective. Ventiva Schlachte said, however, that the ozone may be detectable by those with sharp noses. He said that some noses can detect ozone at 30 parts per billion. So there is a chance; we never deny it, he said. We dont shy away from it. The other risk is one all laptop makers face: Dust or other airborne crud like cat dander. In this, Schlachte shrugs his shoulders. So I guess the first thing I should say is, nobody has conquered dust, including us, Schlachte said. Anybody who tells you theyre immune, impervious, that kind of thing its just not true. Traditional blowers can get coated with dust, or clogged with hair, enough that they slow down or can stop working. Ventiva cant do anything about intakes getting clogged with gunk, but he said that the ICE has a secret capability: Its a pretty good air sensor, he said. Schlachte wouldnt quite commit to saying that the ICE can act like an air quality sensor, detecting particles as they fly though the air, but almost. The reason Im being little cautious around on this is that there is some work being done around this, that, thatll probably get announced in the future, he said. But that particle information can be handed over to the laptops internal control logic, which can decide what it can do from there. Here, Ventivas playing it a bit cagey. Moving ahead Right now, Ventiva is working with a single-source supplier, though it may add a second soon. That all means that Ventivas impact will be modest, for now. It doesnt have the capacity to go beyond one or two laptop models, Schlachte said. Still, its a step forward. Laptop makers and consumers alike value passive cooling, because it can be close to or totally silent. But they also want a cooling solution powerful enough that it can run their laptop at top speeds. Ventiva hopes to provide customers with the best of both worlds. The announcement that Lenovos second-gen Legion Go S handheld is powered by Valves Linux-based SteamOS, the first PC gaming handheld to hold that honor, has started tongues wagging that Microsoft should be very worried about SteamOS establishing a foothold in prebuilt PCs. PCWorlds Michael Crider officially kickstarted that thread in his article Microsoft should be terrified of SteamOS, and if you havent had a chance to read it yet, you should! Its a well-researched and interesting yarn. But as interesting a speculation as it is, I hold a different view. Theres a potent reason why Microsoft neednt be worried about losing dominance in handhelds or in desktops or laptops for that matter and why Windows will remain the top dog OS. Its got to do with the problem Linux has with kernel-level anti-cheat software and game compatibility. Ive got a lot to unpack here about that, so hear me out! Why Windows on handhelds is here to stay If youre unfamiliar with the kernel-level anti-cheat concept, its basically a way to stop cheaters in games by running anti-cheat software at a level of Windows that has unrestricted access to a PCs system memory and hardware. The software is highly effective at that task, but since its designed to work exclusively with Windows, it also has the unfortunate consequence of making a lot of multiplayer games unplayable on Linux-based systems. In no unclear terms, gamers who want to access the broadest selection of multiplayer games know well that they only really have one choice for an OS Windows whether its a lousy OS on handhelds or not In theory, game developers could provide support on Linux through other means, but many dont. As youd expect, thats been a thorn in the side for gamers for a long time now, but exploded in attention alongside the rise of the Steam Deck. In fact, a large number of gamers have been asking Microsoft to kill kernel-level anti-cheat for ages but have had no success bringing about change. But there has been a stirring at Microsoft of late in back of house. Back in 2024, those gamers got a glimmer of hope that Microsoft would in fact kill it off. The excitement came from comments made by the company in a blog post titled Taking steps that drive resiliency and security for Windows customers, in which Microsoft hinted it would consider alternative options to kernel-level anti-cheat. Microsoft was of course responding to the CrowdStrike incident in which kernel-level changes in a CowdStrike update crashed thousands of Windows users PCs worldwide. That post went viral in the gaming community, spawning articles like this one from Notebookcheck that proposed that changes by Microsoft would open the floodgates to more multiplayer game compatibility on Linux. While it all sounded promising at the time, the headlines didnt quite reflect what Microsoft actually said. Microsoft didnt in fact ever mention that it would kill off kernel-level anti-cheat. Rather, what it did say was that its likely to develop additional security options outside the kernel-level in other words a new platform that vendors could use to skirt around it. Winding things back to a more pragmatic interpretation of whats likely to happen, then any talk that kernel-level anti-cheat software is on the way out, is for now, still just speculation. Even if Microsoft did go ahead with canning kernel-level anti-cheat, by setting up a new security platform for vendors to use through Wine or Proton (as was suggested at the time), theres no guarantee it will lead to more big-name games playable on Linux. Game developers could still block Linux support through Wine or Proton if they wanted to. There are many examples of that happening now. Destiny 2, for example, wont support play on Linuxs Windows compatibility layer Proton unless Windows is installed on a device, and there are many other examples of that happening. Another reason Microsoft may think twice about taking anti-cheat out of the kernel-level altogether is because of the possible regulatory problems it could encounter. On that point, it was suggested at the time, when all the talk about anti-cheat started, that Microsoft could face a lot of backlash from regulatory authorities and cyber experts and its a valid point. What all that means is that kernel-level anti-cheat software is likely here to stay, for now. Thats significant since I look at it as being like a kind of safety net for Windows on handhelds; it secures Windows as the predominant OS for gaming in the minds of players and diminishes the appeal of SteamOS for its compatibility issues. In no unclear terms, gamers who want to access the broadest selection of multiplayer games know well that they only really have one choice for an OS Windows whether its a lousy OS on handhelds or not. Thats the first point I want to make. Big name developers arent on board fully either The second point feeds into that last point. Its the fact that multiplayer gaming support on Linux has taken a big hit in recent times on the development side, whether because of anti-cheat or not. You see, while its true that Linux has been gaining momentum as a gaming platform recently, now with thousands of playable games, its also true that for the last couple of years at least big name developers have been dumping Linux support for triple-A multiplayer titles. The list of developers that have kneecapped Linux support for their games isnt just populated by small town indie developers there are blue-chip developers on that list too. Electronic Arts (EA), for one, broke support for Linux when it introduced its own kernel-based anti-cheat EA Anti-Cheat platform back in 2023 for games like FIFA, Battlefield, and Apex Legends. RockStar Games, Riot Games, Epic Games, and FacePunch Studios, too, have big-name multiplayer games that deny support for Linux. There are workarounds to getting some of these games up and running on Linux, of course, but most will cause headaches to those players that try. Some big-name multiplayer games like Fortnite dont officially have Linux support. Dominic Bayley / IDG Are the close to 140 million gamers playing games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Valorant, about to give up playing those titles with proper anti-cheat and without compatibility issues by switching to Linux? No Sir, most wont! You just have to read a few Reddit comments to see that. The status quo will remain unchanged The obvious caution from manufacturers to adopt Linux for handhelds is an elephant in the room, too. The fact that weve only seen one PC gaming handheld to date adopt SteamOS is evidence of a reluctance on their part to take that plunge. Whats the main reason for the reluctance? Well, its just a guess, but in the high-stakes arena of handhelds, it could be too risky from a commercial point of view. You can glean that from Lenovos release, which feels like it could be testing the market for interest in a SteamOS gaming handheld. It would be one thing for the company to have made the Legion Go S exclusively with SteamOS, but the fact that its also serving up a Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S, speaks volumes about how much it wants to go out on a limb here with SteamOS. Another viewpoint is that by providing two options, Lenovo is simply giving gamers more choice in how they want to access their games. Xbox gamers that want an easy way into PC gaming are especially going to be happy they can still access Game Pass via a Windows-powered Legion Go S. Either way, Lenovo has orchestrated a careful (and wise) easing to market by announcing it will release the Windows handheld before the SteamOS one. The Lenovo Legion Go S comes in two flavors, one powered by SteamOS and the other by Windows 11. Dominic Bayley / IDG Then lets not forget too, that Valves own Steam Deck doesnt limit users to SteamOS either. Although Valve doesnt endorse it, you can still load up Windows on it. How many Steam Deck users have jacked their handhelds with Windows 11? Probably more than you think! All that said who knows what will happen in a few years time. Small changes in gaming hardware can create a lot of momentum. SteamOS on the Legion Go S might just be popular enough to spawn a host of similar Linux-based gaming systems that will eventually lead to an exodus to Linux. For now, though, Microsoft wont fear SteamOS. After all, its still in the drivers seat. Microsoft is finally testing a way for you to quickly see how much battery your laptop has left and with color-coded visual indicators, to boot. Its an extremely welcome addition, which had been left up to laptop makers to step in and provide (or not) in recent years. Unfortunately, for now its part of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3000 (KB5050103), via the Dev Channel which means that Microsoft may rescind it, and it probably wont arrive on stable mainstream PCs for several months. The new iconography is pretty self-explanatory: Green signals a laptop with plenty of battery life left. A red icon means that you better plug in soon. Yellow means that youre running low on power, and that (in this build) your laptop is running in its low-power, battery-saver mode. (Microsoft seems to have been a bit confused in its example, however, since the yellow icon here is associated with a laptop battery at 80 percent. Microsoft said that the yellow icon will generally trigger only at 20 percent or below.) This seems like a useful feature, no? Microsoft To be clear, youre not obligated to allow Windows to confront you with actual battery percentage, just the icons. Microsoft has a separate toggle to turn on the battery percentage next to icon itself. To enable this, go to Settings > Power & battery and toggle on the Battery Percentage setting, Microsoft said in a blog post. Even better, Microsoft plans to add these battery indicators to the lock screen in a future Windows build. This does seem like a useful feature, though theres room for improvement. For some reason, neither phones nor laptops really offer a time to empty feature that allows you to see how long your battery will last in hours and minutes though most cars will try and guess how many miles it will go before it runs out of gas or electricity. That would be nice to have. Microsoft is also testing another useful little feature: the ability to use your Xbox gamepad as an on-screen keyboard. While thats certainly not as useful as a physical keyboard or even voice dictation, Ive been surprised at how quickly I can type with an Xbox keyboard. Apparently, others feel the same. Microsoft ended on a sad note: The 2022 suggested actions feature proved unpopular with users, and Microsoft killed it in December. If you spent some time over on Elon Musks X platform on Thursday, you couldnt help but notice that Jennifer Anniston was trending. Go down the rabbit hole of why that was and, well you are back to a rumor that started last year but has gained steam in recent weeks as Michelle Obama opted to not attend the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter or the swearing-in of current President Donald Trump. That left Barack Obama flying solo for those events, and that gave new life to conspiracy theories on social media. And, thus, Anniston was trending because folks were spinning up the so-last-year rumor that she is, in fact, dating the former president. Is that true? Well, theres zero evidence to suggest that it is true at all, but it is something Anniston talked about late last year while appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Per PEOPLE Magazine, she was shown headlines on the show that included The Truth About Jen & Barack, which also said that Michelle Obama was betrayed as Aniston steals her husbands attention. Per PEOPLE, the tabloids have said that Aniston and Obama are obsessed with each other. So, what did Aniston have to say about that? Of all the calls you get from your publicist, where youre just like, Oh, no, whats it gonna be? Or the email saying, you know, some cheesy tabloid is gonna make up a story, and then its that. Aniston told Kimmel she wasnt mad at it. And she was clear in saying the tabloid headlines are absolutely untrue. I have met him once, she said. I know Michelle more than him. So, at least according to Anniston, the rumors are not true. News / National by Staff reporter Two bus crew members were arrested after police intercepted their vehicle along the Harare-Masvingo Road and discovered 34kg of dagga along with various smuggled items.The suspects, identified as Simbarashe Chikasha (36) and Prince Nyakudya Tirivamambo (36), were apprehended following a tip-off that led to their arrest.In a statement, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed the incident."On January 21, detectives from CID Chivhu received information that a bus crew coming from Beitbridge en route to Harare had diverted its route," she said.Acting swiftly on the tip-off, police located the bus parked at Gelucker Shops in Featherstone. The vehicle was escorted to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Featherstone station, where a thorough search was conducted.During the search, police found dagga concealed in several locations within the bus."Police recovered dagga hidden in the luggage compartments of the bus. Further searches led to the recovery of nine wrapped packets of dagga in a monarch," said Detective Inspector Muteweri."A total of 26 packets of dagga were also recovered, stashed inside two wheels. The dagga weighed approximately 34kg."The two accused individuals were subsequently arrested and have since appeared before a Magistrates' Court.The bust is part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb drug trafficking and smuggling along Zimbabwe's highways. Authorities have warned transport operators against aiding illegal activities, highlighting that anyone caught in such crimes will face the full wrath of the law.Police have urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities to help combat crime and ensure safety on the country's roads. Just days after Elon Musk was criticized for giving what looked like a Nazi salute following the swearing-in of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States, the richest man in the world is being scrutinized once more. This time, Musk took to his X platform with a series of Nazi jokes. Dont say Hess to Nazi accusations! he wrote. Some people will Goebbels anything down! Stop Goring your enemies! His pronouns would be He/Himmler! Bet you did nazi that coming. The Anti-Defamation League, which defended Musk following his salute, condemned the jokes. Weve said it hundreds of times before and we will say it again: the Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropriate and offensive to make light of it, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said. (Elon Musk), the Holocaust is not a joke. It did seem an odd choice for Musk to step back into Nazi talk willingly following what went down on Monday. While speaking following the swearing in, Musk thanked the crowd, then put his hand to his chest and thrust it toward the crowd in what many recognized as resembling a Nazi salute. We've said it hundreds of times before and we will say it again: the Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropriate and offensive to make light of it. @elonmusk, the Holocaust is not a joke. https://t.co/oeXLod2C1W Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) January 23, 2025 He did it twice more, and then turned back to the mic and said, My heart goes out to you. In the aftermath, Musk dismissed the accusations that he used a Nazi salute, calling them dirty tricks on X. And the ADL came to his defense, too, writing that it was a delicate moment. It seems that (Elon Musk) made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on edge, the ADL wrote on X. In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath. This is a new beginning. Lets hope of healing and work toward unity in the months and years to come. It appears now that bit of grace may be used up. Social media has been in a frenzy with rumors of a split between Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. It comes as the former first lady skipped out on the funeral for former President Jimmy Carter and the inauguration of current President Donald Trump this week while Barack Obama attended alone. That got folks talking, especially on Elon Musks X platform, but former The View host Meghan McCain threw gasoline on the speculation with a podcast appearance this week. McCain claimed that the Obamas live separate lives. I have been hearing this rumor that the Obamas are getting a divorce by reputable people, McCain, the daughter of John McCain, said on Tara Palmeris podcast. Im not talking about TMZ. Im not talking about Perez Hilton, although I love him, hes my friend. Im talking about like very serious journalists telling me that theyre hearing that the Obama divorce rumors are true. Palmeri said she had heard similar things, and added its not really surprising at this phase of their life. And she clearly has very little interest she has always hated politics! she said. She did not like being First Lady. Palmeri also noted that the Obamas did share a photo on Instagram on Jan. 17 that appeared to show them at dinner for Michelles birthday. Happy birthday to the love of my life (Michelle Obama), Barack wrote then. You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace and you look good doing it. Im so lucky to be able to take on lifes adventures with you. Love you! McCain had an odd take on that, though, saying she would kill her husband if he posted a photo of her with no makeup with that lighting on social media. I would kill him, she said. So, for me it didnt help the rumors, and like why are you putting this like (expletive) picture of your wife up? There is no real evidence at the moment to suggest that the Obamas are separated. A 2.4 magnitude earthquake jolted the northern New Jersey region near New York City Friday afternoon, the U.S. Geological Survey says. The agency, which tracks earthquakes across the world, reported the small earthquake shortly after 1 p.m. and said it was centered about 1 kilometer east-southeast of Paramus in Bergen County. New Jersey was rocked by a 4.8 magnitude earthquake in early April last year that was felt by more than 42 million people, followed by hundreds of aftershocks. The U.S. Geological Survey says a small earthquake occurred Friday afternoon, Jan. 24, about 1 kilometer east-southeast of Paramus in Bergen County.U.S. Geological Survey Some people on social media say they felt Fridays quake, but some incorrectly reported a higher magnitude when the shaking first occurred. Yes that was an earthquake in northern NJ. in Paramus, X user Dennis Katsnelson posted Friday afternoon, saying he thought something crashed or blew up quickly inside my house. He added the noise was very instant, didnt last longer than a second or two! Yes that was an earthquake in northern NJ. In Paramus and thought something crashed or blew up quickly inside my house haha was very instant, didnt last longer than a second or two!#earthquake Dennis Katsnelson (@Den413) January 24, 2025 I thought something just fell off my house, another X user posted at 1:16 p.m. Friday. Did we get an earthquake here in NJ? Another X user said he wasnt sure what had happened when the small quake hit, saying: My NJ brains first thought was oh no do I have to sue the builder who just worked on my house followed by oh good, just an earthquake." The USGS said it received reports from people as far as 56 miles away, in New Milford, Connecticut, who said they felt the small quake. The agency also received early reports from Boonton (about 19 miles away from the epicenter) and Butler in Morris County along with people from Clark, Elmwood Park, Fair Lawn, Garfield, Glen Rock, Haskell, Hoboken, Ho-Ho-Kus, Lyndhurst, Midland Park, Ridgewood, Rutherford and Weehawken. Later reports came in from more than 100 towns and cities across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, including some from Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx. Police in Glen Rock in Bergen County said they received reports about the earthquake at about 1:02 p.m. and noted, We have no reports of damage or cause for concern this time. Heather Bognar, an administrative assistant in the Glen Rock municipal clerks office, described the quake as a very brief boom and a quick shake. Honestly, we thought maybe somebody was up on the roof and there was a loud boom... It sounded like somebody banged on the roof. The building shook real quickly, Bognar told NJ Advance Media. It was very quick, she said, adding she didnt feel any prolonged shaking or swaying. Nobody thought it was an earthquake until we saw all the reports. I thought something just fell off my house. Did we get an earthquake here in NJ? BigBlueVCR (@BigBlueVCR) January 24, 2025 Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com or on X at @LensReality. By Fallon Roth, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) PHILADELPHIA State Sen. Art Haywood is confident that with the help of the state legislature and Gov. Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania can maintain its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the face of President Donald Trumps executive order targeting DEI and affirmative action programs at the federal level. What we look to do is to make sure that our laws here in Pennsylvania have the protections that we once relied on the federal government to produce, Haywood said during a news conference Thursday. State Sen. Art Hayward speaks at a Black Lives Matter rally in Hummelstown in 2020. The Philadelphia-area lawmaker says he's confident Pennsylvania will keep its DEI initiatives. (Mark Pynes | PennLIve.com, file) The Democratic senator, who represents parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County, offered his hopes for the state legislatures actions during a news conference at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, a historic Black Methodist Episcopal church in Society Hill. He was joined by clergy and activists in denouncing Trumps recent executive orders. One order, issued Monday, directs federal agencies to terminate illegal DEI and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government, under whatever name they appear, and another, issued Tuesday, revoked President Lyndon B. Johnsons executive order requiring government contractors to use affirmative action in adopting nondiscriminatory hiring and employment policies. Haywood said the Legislature will need to mull legislation to compensate for the presidents affirmative action directive. He added hes confident that Shapiro will take whatever (executive action) needs to be taken to make sure that we have a state that is inclusive. Thats the leadership that we have, and we want to be clear, we want to support the governor in these initiatives, that hes not alone, Haywood said. Shapiro has said hes willing to work with Trump as long as he does not compromise Pennsylvanians fundamental freedoms. There are indications that Trumps other executive orders will have a direct impact on Pennsylvanians. In Philadelphia, the presidents directive mandating a hiring freeze and total in-person work will further strain the citys stretched-thin federal worker population. The Rev. Gregory Holston, a representative of the Coalition to Defend Democracy which includes the NAACP and unions said unity is important to face Trumps sweeping executive orders because when excellence is removed from government, that endangers white people as well. So let us stand together and work together and believe together that we can push back against these kinds of initiatives, and let even Donald Trump know and all dominions around him that America is really stronger when we stand for diversity, Holston said. Ad hominem. Its a word (or is it two?) not used every day, but it pops into my mind a lot lately. If its not familiar, its Latin. Its direct translation is to the man. Lets say you write I love sub-zero temperatures. I respond, Thats because your brain is frozen. Thats an ad hominem response. I didnt address the subject. I didnt talk about the cold, the ice, the extra clothes. Instead, I attacked you. President Donald Trump, left, watches as Rev. Mariann Budde, second right, arrives at the national prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)AP Thats not a good thing. But it seems to be everywhere. We are living in a time and a country where people are greatly divided. Thats not an unusual thing. A study of history shows that no matter what happens in a place, someone isnt going to like it. Whats supposed to be good about the USA is a citizens ability to say I dont like it. Its called free speech. More and more, however, I see people attacked for their words. And by attack, Im referring to ad hominem attack. I see it all the time on Facebook. Someone can write something as simple as Im concerned about the next four years and responses will include such sentiments as Thats because youre an idiot or You wouldnt recognize a good thing if it smacked you in the face. When I was young, people often referenced a book by Dale Carnegie called How to Win Friends and Influence People. I never read it, but Im willing to bet ad hominem attacks arent his solution. During the presidential campaign, Tim Walz called the Republican candidates weird. Donald Trump Jr. retaliated by using the same word to describe Kamala Harris. In the great scheme of things, neither of them probably influenced anyones vote, but (here comes the senior citizen in me) I was raised in a time when we expected our leaders to be just a tad better than the rest of us. And so it was that I was disappointed by the response to Bishop Mariann Edgar Buddes sermon. The president of the United States denounced her as a so-called Bishop, and a Radical Left hard-line Trump hater. He called her nasty in tone, boring and uninspiring. But what of her words? She had asked the leader of the free world to exhibit mercy. He might have said, Yes, we will keep mercy in mind, and walked away. Thats what I would expect of a leader. Instead, he went on the Internet, that great ocean of faceless contact, and skewered her. Ad hominem attack. From where Im sitting, its not a good look for the man in charge. NANCY ESHELMAN: columnist1@verizon.net Pennsylvanias Elk County cant be accused of false advertising. Visit the rural county at the right time of year and youre likely to see elk, the second largest species in the deer family. The elk herd in this part of the state north-central, a few miles up the road from Interstate 80, depending on which road you take is the largest in the Northeast. They attract nature watchers looking to see something majestic in Penns Woods, but the state closely regulates how many elk hunters can take from nature each year. Its made licenses to harvest elk prized possessions not only for Pennsylvania hunters, but out-of-state hunters coming in as tourists. State regulators are now questioning whether theyre giving too many of these licenses to non-residents when they should be going to those who live in (and pay taxes to) Pennsylvania. The board for the Pennsylvania Game Commission heard a presentation Friday on proposals to curb a trend in recent years that shows more out-of-state hunters are acquiring elk licenses through a drawing that doesnt discriminate based on state of residency. Jeremy Banfield, elk biologist for commission, on Friday told the board of game commissioners that the proposals are strictly being presented as a solution to a social issue and will not affect the biological management of elk in the state. The discontent over this, Ill say, has kind of always been there, he said. Theres alway been a little bit of grumbling from resident hunters about this. Its never really needed to be addressed because it was always less than 10% until about five years ago. Banfields figure references the number of elk licenses that went to non-residents in the drawing in 2023, the latest data available. The first proposal before the board calls for capping the number of licenses awarded to non-residents at 10% of the total available, a restriction that mirrors whats done for elk management in several Western states including Arizona and Montana. The second calls for mandating that non-residents who apply for the elk-license drawing also purchase a general non-resident hunting license, a mandate that would increase the cost on non-residents from about $12 to apply for the elk license to $114 for both the application and general license. Banfield said the second proposal would likely deter many out-of-state hunters who are only after the elk license and dont want to spend $114 on a gamble. Ultimately, either proposal is likely to only affect the breakdown of who gets elk licenses by a small number, but its a significant one when it comes to Pennsylvanias elk. He noted that in the most recent round of elk-license awards, 17 went to non-residents that couldve gone to residents if the 10% cap had been enacted. In any other species, 17 would be meaningless, but when youre talking about elk licenses, 17 is actually a pretty significant number, Banfield said. The boards session on Friday focused on staff presentations like the one Banfield gave. No action has been taken, but the board is reconvening on Saturday and may vote on the elk-license proposals then. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. The black bear that attacked a man over the weekend in Jim Thorpe tested positive for rabies, the Pennsylvania Game Commission said Thursday. The diagnosis explains the abnormal behavior of attacking a person, according to the commission. Black bears under normal circumstances are not aggressive toward people, Game Commission spokesman Travis Lau told lehighvalleylive.com in an email. While rabies in bears is rare, and a case emerging in a given area usually is isolated, rabies poses a risk to all mammals. Commission officials urge anyone who observes wildlife acting abnormally to report it by calling 833-742-9453 (833-PGC-WILD). The attack occurred Sunday as the man was walking on a trail near a supermarket and liquor and beer stores on River Street, a dead-end road in the Carbon County borough between the Lehigh River and extensive, hilly woodlands. WNEP-TV 16 shared home-surveillance video of the encounter showing the attack as the bear reared up on its hind legs, before an armed neighbor fatally shot the bear. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. By Chris Megerian, The Associated Press WASHINGTON President Donald Trump is preparing to reshape the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has been on the frontlines of responding to recent wildfires in California and last years hurricane in North Carolina. He spoke at length about the issue with congressional Republican leaders on Tuesday, discussing whether the agency known as FEMA should continue providing assistance to states in the same way, according to a person familiar with the conversation and granted anonymity to discuss it. Conservatives have previously suggested reducing the amount that states are reimbursed for preventing and responding to disasters like floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and more. Trump was critical of the agency this week in an interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News, saying FEMA has not done their job for the last four years and FEMA is getting in the way of everything. The Republican president plans to visit North Carolina, which was devastated by Hurricane Helene in September, and California, which is reeling from some of the most destructive fires in its history, on Friday for his first trip since taking office on Monday. North Carolina has been a focal point for Republican criticism of FEMA, some of it rooted in misinformation. For example, conservatives claimed on social media that hurricane victims were only receiving $750 in relief even if they suffered devastating losses, but the payments were only meant to be a stopgap for emergency expenses until additional assistance could be distributed. Rising hostility led to concerns that FEMA workers could be targeted by militia members. Trump also suggested that he would withhold assistance from California during the interview with Hannity. I dont think we should give California anything until they let water flow down into their system, he said. The president has falsely claimed that the California water policies, which involve fish conservation efforts in the northern part of the state, allowed fire hydrants to run dry in Los Angeles during the fires. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who comes from disaster prone Louisiana, has suggested conditioning federal aid to California. FILE - Debris is visible in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Sept. 30, 2024, in Asheville, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)AP Michael Coen, who recently served as FEMAs chief of staff under the Biden administration, said it was dangerous to put conditions on disaster relief. Youre going to pick winners and losers on which communities are going to be supported by the federal government, he said. I think the American people expect the federal government will be there for them on their worst day, no matter where they live. Congress just last year replenished the federal disaster aid fund by $100 billion as part of a massive year-end appropriations bill signed into law by President Joe Biden in the aftermath of back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton. But damages from the California fires are expected to tally as among the most expensive natural disaster in the nations history. Trump made Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL and unsuccessful Republican congressional candidate from Virginia, the agencys interim administrator. Hamilton previously worked on emergency management issues for the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, but he has limited experience handling natural disasters. Hes been critical of FEMA on social media and outspoken about increasing security along the southern border, where the agencys resources could be redirected. Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trumps second term prepared by the presidents allies, included dramatic proposals for FEMA. The plan called for dismantling DHS and relocating FEMA to the Department of Interior or the Department of Transportation. In addition, it suggested changing the formula that the agency uses to determine when federal disaster assistance is warranted, shifting the costs of preventing and responding to disasters to states. The federal reimbursement rate would be set at 25% of costs for smaller disasters and capped at 75% for larger ones. Presidents can currently authorize the reimbursement of some expenses at 100%, as Biden did for some costs from Hurricane Helene and the California fires. About 6 in 10 voters in Novembers election approved of how FEMA was handling its job, according to AP VoteCast. Roughly 4 in 10 disapproved, but the number was higher among Trumps voters. Two-thirds of them said they disapproved of how FEMA was handling its job. Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro, Zeke Miller and Linley Sanders contributed reporting. A Republican congressman in Tennessee on Thursday introduced an amendment to the United States Constitution that would allow President Donald Trump, and all future presidents, to seek reelection for a third term. The amendment, proposed by Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), said the following: No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times, nor be elected to any additional term after being elected to two consecutive terms, 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 twice. Ogles gave reasoning for the proposed amendment in a press release, saying Trump has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nations decay and restoring America to greatness, and he must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal. It continued: It is imperative that we provide President Trump with every resource necessary to correct the disastrous course set by the Biden administration. President Trump has shown time and time again that his loyalty lies with the American people and our great nation above all else. He is dedicated to restoring the republic and saving our country, and we, as legislators and as states, must do everything in our power to support him. Ogles, 53, who was born in Tennessee, is serving his second term in the House of Representatives. In January 2023, he was among the Republican holdouts in Kevin McCarthys prolonged speakership nomination, voting against him 11 times before switching to support him. When McCarthy was ousted in October, Ogles voted against removing him. The 22nd Amendment of the Constitution prohibits any candidate from running for a third presidential term. It was ratified on Feb. 27, 1951. The last president to serve more than two terms was Franklin D. Roosevelt, who held office from 1933 until he died in 1945. By Gillian McGoldrick, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) LOCK HAVEN, Pa. Several days a week, you can find Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro behind a podium. From a one stoplight town to a multibillion-dollar development in one of the states metropolitan centers, to a trip last week to Lock Haven a small city tucked in a valley of Bald Eagle Mountain Shapiro has spent his first two years in office traveling across Pennsylvania to talk about his policy wins and fulfill a promise he made on the campaign trail: to keep showing up. In Lock Haven, Shapiro, 51, strode confidently to the lectern emblazoned with his administrations motto: Getting stuff done. He wore a bomber jacket detailed with the 48th governor of Pennsylvania insignia, and flashed his signature smile as he made his usual joke about having to take questions from the media after the news conference celebrating state funding to hire more than 1,500 police officers statewide, including two additional officers in Lock Haven. I made a commitment to do this on the campaign trail, and were making good on that commitment to the good people of Pennsylvania, Shapiro said. Shapiro, a Democrat from Abington Township now halfway through his first term leading the nations fifth-most-populous state, spent his first two years taking on perennial issues in Pennsylvania, such as the states unconstitutional funding system for public education, stagnating higher education institutions, and a long-sought increase to the states property tax and rent rebate program for seniors. But his time as a major swing-state governor and rumored national ambitions thrust him into the national spotlight last year as a front-runner to be Vice President Kamala Harris running mate ahead of the presidential election. And his first two years leading Pennsylvania have come with challenges; he is one of few governors in the country with a GOP-controlled Senate and a narrow Democratic majority in the state House, requiring both parties to agree on any legislation. He will face the same legislative makeup in the second half of his term, just as he gears up for his reelection campaign in 2026. Im only two years in, Shapiro said in an interview last week. Im hungrier than ever. Weve got more ideas than ever, and we know that we can work with Democrats and Republicans alike to advance our commonsense agenda. And only two years in, Shapiros biggest tests as a dealmaker are yet to come. This summer, he will need to negotiate a state budget with leaders in the split Legislature, with spending set to outpace revenue by $4.5 billion, according to projections from the Independent Fiscal Office. Pennsylvania need to lean on a previous budget surplus and remaining federal COVID-19 relief savings in the Rainy Day Fund which will be empty by 2027-28 if spending and revenue keep at the same rate. He will need to manage his sometimes strained relationships with a GOP Senate, and navigate working with President Donald Trumps new administration to ensure Pennsylvania gets all of its federal funding it relies on approximately half of the states spending each year. All the while, Shapiro, who boasts continually high approval ratings, will need to convince voters he should be reelected as governor in 2026, as Republicans strategize to put up a stronger candidate against him. (Shapiro has not yet formally announced his reelection bid.) A $4.5 billion shortfall and a booming Rainy Day Fund Pennsylvania is on track to spend nearly $49.8 billion in the next fiscal year, but bring in only $45.1 billion producing a shortfall, with budgetary adjustments, of $4.5 billion. That deficit is on track to continue to grow through the 2029-30 fiscal year to more than $6.6 billion, if spending continues to outpace the revenue the state brings in each year. So leaders need to find new revenue generators, cut spending in order to bridge the gap, or tap into the more than $7 billion still in the states Rainy Day Fund as Democrats want to do as an investment in the states economic growth. Just as he did in last years budget pitch, Shapiro said he will again propose at his budget address early next month that the state legalize recreational marijuana and regulate skill games as new tax opportunities. Shapiro proposed last year that setting the state tax on adult-use cannabis sales at 20% would bring in an estimated $14.8 million. Last week, he noted that all of Pennsylvanias surrounding states except West Virginia have already legalized recreational marijuana, and are benefiting from Pennsylvanians traveling to their states to buy it. By taxing skill games, Shapiro estimated last year that the gambling doppelgangers would bring in more than $150 million in the levys first year. The creation of new revenue generators would be a major win for Shapiro and a credit to his dealmaking skills, but would likely require major compromise from him and House Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) said there is still not broad support for legalizing recreational marijuana among Senate Republicans. However, this year, it looks more promising that GOP senators will support regulating skill games in budget negotiations. Pittman recently authored a cosponsorship memo detailing his intention to introduce legislation to regulate skill games, which are slot machine look-alikes that have proliferated in bars and convenience stores around the state without any state regulation or taxation. Senate Republicans have talked about regulating the machines for years but have not advanced legislation to do so. Shapiro will also propose that the state tap into its savings to make up the difference between revenue and spending, as leaders agreed to do in the 2024-25 state budget. However, Pittman said Republicans wont be willing to dip into those savings again this year. Theres this fixation on the fund balance and this belief that we have infinite pots of money to be all things to all people, and its just not the case, Pittman said. At the end of the day, the budget that we enacted last year was a solid product. ... But I will be the first to say that we cant repeat that type of increase year over year, or were going to have a real problem in a few short years. Shapiro said he hopes to sway them. When you look at what Im going to propose, and when you look at hopefully being able to get those two new revenue sources, we are on pace to continue to have strong budgets, balanced budgets, and live within our means, he said. Shapiro and other Democrats, for their part, do not agree that there is a budget shortfall due to the surplus of available funds elsewhere, and believe the state should invest some of its savings back into state programs to encourage economic growth that they say would translate into more revenue earnings. I would argue, from a fiscal standpoint, this is the strongest the commonwealth has been in probably over a decade, said House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D., Montgomery). But I would concede that, long-term, we must grow this economy. State House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D., Montgomery) (Commonwealth Media Services, file)Commonwealth Media Services Challenging relationships While Shapiros national profile skyrocketed last year, one rare misstep in his first year as governor continues to haunt him. Shapiro, who said on the campaign trail that he would support school vouchers for students in low-performing schools, negotiated a deal in his first budget with Senate Republicans to create such a program. But when he approached House Democrats, who hold a one-seat majority, they refused the deal. To avoid a lengthy budget impasse, Shapiro line-item vetoed the voucher program he helped create and pledged to work on the issue in the future, leaving some GOP senators feeling blindsided. The about-face still stings within our caucus, Pittman said. That has continued to be an obstacle in moving forward on some other bigger issues, just because of the trust factor that has come along with that. But the move hurt no one more than President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland), the top Republican in the Senate, who saw Shapiros decision to undo the long-sought Republican priority as a betrayal and the beginning of a splintered relationship between the two top politicians. Throughout my tenure in the Senate, I have had productive working relationships with Governors Rendell, Corbett, and Wolf, Ward said in a statement. Particularly, I enjoyed my relationship with Gov. Wolf, Ward added, though she frequently attacked Wolf, Shapiros Democratic predecessor, during his tenure for his approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. When Gov. Wolf gave me his word it meant something, and we were able to compromise and actually get stuff done. ... I dont have that type of relationship with Gov. Shapiro. In addition to his state-level conflicts, Shapiro will need to navigate a new relationship with Trump. He served as a foil to Trump in his first term, when Shapiro was Pennsylvanias attorney general. He often joined other Democratic attorneys general in suing the Trump administration, and boasts more than 40 courtroom wins over Trump during the 2020 election, when Trump tried to overturn the states results. New Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, a Republican, has said he would take a conservative approach to his job, but its still undetermined how frequently he will litigate national policies. As chief executive of Pennsylvania, Shapiro has pledged to work with Trump when it will help the state which proved key to Trumps second victory and stand up to him if his policies will hurt Pennsylvanians. Getting stuff done Shapiro has committed himself to getting stuff done or getting (expletive) done, depending on the crowd in his first two years. He has boasted major legislative wins passed by the General Assembly, including $1.5 billion in education funding increases, a new public education funding system intended to more equitably fund schools no matter their property tax abilities, and creating a state tax deduction of $2,500 on student loan interest. He has also set out a 10-year economic development strategy and has taken a number of executive actions to improve state governments customer service for business owners and employees by cutting wait times and backlogs for permits and certifications, such as turning around cosmetology and barbershop licenses in the same day instead of two weeks, or certifying teachers in two weeks instead of 12 weeks. He still gets credit nationally for his 12-day rebuild of a collapsed part of I-95 in Philadelphia in June 2023 that would otherwise have taken months to reopen, and brags about Pennsylvania repairing more roads and bridges than any other state last year. Im just proud that we were able, in a divided legislature, to bring Democrats and Republicans together to solve some of these problems that folks have been talking about in the Capitol for 20, 30, 40 years, Shapiro said. Weve made great strides in a really challenging political environment, and were going to keep working at it. Pittman described the governors first two years as tumultuous marked by his budget blunder over school vouchers and his handling of sexual harassment allegations against a former top aide but credited Shapiro for his talents as a politician and public servant and for where they have been able to make compromises. Shapiros detractors say he has not been productive as governor, having signed among the fewest number of bills (217 laws for the 2023-24 two-year legislative session) of any Pennsylvania governor in the last two decades. Ward, the top Republican in the state Senate, who is frequently at odds with the governor, said in a statement that she hopes Shapiros getting stuff done motto this year is more productive than the first two, asserting that his national ambitions have gotten in the way of taking on major issues in the state. That will require the governor to stop riding down the middle of the road and pick a lane when it comes to making decisions on the big issues facing Pennsylvania, added Ward, who has been critical of Shapiro for his hands-off approach to the potential sale of Pittsburghs U.S. Steel and his decision to try to keep Pennsylvania in the regional greenhouse gas initiative, among other issues. Bradford, the House majority leader, however, said Shapiros willingness to work across the aisle is why he has risen to the national stage as an effective leader. Everyone can see what a lot of us in Montgomery County already know, that hes highly effective, hes very efficient, and he works long hours, Bradford said. Hes been able to bridge the partisan divide where necessary, which is an accomplishment demonstrated by the fact that 18 months into office that he was already rumored for national office. Shapiro noted his good working relationships with Bradford and Pittman, who are the main negotiators at the table in budget talks a sentiment both leaders echoed. And he said he hopes the goodwill continues into 2025. We know how to work together to help give each side some wins and, most importantly, give Pennsylvania a big win, Shapiro said. News / National by Staff reporter Presidential Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary, Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, has applauded Bulawayo Metropolitan Province for spearheading the most effective anti-smuggling campaign in the country. Eng Muguti made the remarks on Thursday during a visit to the city, where he engaged stakeholders and toured several manufacturing companies."I am happy that the anti-smuggling campaign in Bulawayo was the most successful in the country. It did way better than the capital itself. And we are seeing that more of the formal businesses are getting the right support from government," he said.As a result of the crackdown, a variety of high-end vehicles and smuggled goods have been impounded and stored at the Container Depot Bulawayo (CONDEP). The vast facility currently holds a range of confiscated goods, including stoves, refrigerators, diapers, alcoholic beverages, tinned foods, and other items.Under the Customs and Excise Act, smuggled goods can be detained for 60 to 90 days. Authorities use various disposal methods, such as rummage sales and destruction, to clear warehouses and ensure compliance with trade laws.During his visit, Eng Muguti also toured key projects in the Matabeleland region, including Portland Cement (PPC) in Bulawayo, Carousel Manufacturing, Treger Products, and Blanket Mine in Gwanda. The visits aimed to assess the progress of high-impact projects and their contribution to regional development.Eng Muguti emphasized the growing responsibility of Provincial Affairs and Devolution departments in driving economic growth. "Provincial departments are now expected to grow their provincial gross domestic product, which in turn will feed into the national budget," he said.Bulawayo's success in combating smuggling has been hailed as a model for other regions, reinforcing the importance of coordinated efforts in strengthening the country's economy. Greenville, SC (29601) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 76F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low near 50F. Winds light and variable. The Secretary to the Enugu State Government (SSG), Chidiebere Onyia, has threatened to terminate contracts of contractors doing shoddy jobs in the Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the state. Mr Onyia, a professor, disclosed this on Friday, while inspecting the ongoing construction of Smart Green Schools and Type-3 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the local government area, alongside his team and the Igbo-Etiti Chairperson, Eric Odo. He expressed displeasure with contractors who would not deliver projects in record time, hinting that the government would blacklist such in Enugu State. The SSG charged the contractors and the site engineers to strictly adhere to the approved building plan given to them, and avoid using substandard materials for the projects. He said the state government had made adequate funds available for the projects, and would hold any contractor, whose work was faulty, responsible. If you encounter any issue, please report it to the LGA chairman, who will also in turn report to me, and be assured that the issue will be resolved immediately, so you can proceed with the project. You do not have any reason to delay this work because our governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has provided you with everything you need to deliver at the record time. 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 inspection is in line with the state governments determination to ensure that contractors execute quality projects, and will continue till the projects are delivered, the SSG said. On his part, the Igbo-Etiti council chairperson, Mr Odo urged contractors to speed up the progress of work, as the council was eagerly waiting to have the Smart Schools and the PHCs completed. While commending the SSG for the supervision, Mr Odo assured him he would ensure that mistakes pointed out were corrected. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On Friday, the EFCC halted the arrest warrant against Ezekiel Onyedikachi, the embattled manager of gospel musician Mercy Chinwo. The Vanguard reports that the EFCC also formally served Monday Ubani, Mr Onyedikachis lawyer, his clients alleged $345,000 fraud allegation charge. The decision follows an appeal by Mr Onyedikachis lawyer, who pleaded with the court, stating that his client was unaware of the summons and assured him of his voluntary appearance. The commission asked to withdraw the warrant at the request of its (EFCCs) lawyer, Bilikisu Buhari. Last Thursday, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Federal High Court in Lagos had granted a warrant of arrest against Mr Onyedikachukwu. Justice Alexander Owoeye granted the order following a motion exparte brought by the EFCC seeking the managers arrest. According to the anti-graft agency, the arrest warrant stemmed from a petition by Chinwo, who alleged that her manager diverted $345,000 without remitting her share. However, in a series of screenshots on his Instagram page, Mr Onyedikachukwu refuted the allegations, describing them as false. 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 EFCC agreed to withdraw the warrant on the condition Mr Onyedikachukwu honours future court appearances. Proceedings During the hearing, the EFCC lawyer, Bilikisu Buhari, presented the serious allegations against Mr Onyedikachi. She informed Justice Alexander Owoeye that her client was accused of criminal activities related to financial mismanagement, including diverting royalties from Chinwos digital platforms and events. She claimed the gospel music producer and manager misappropriated approximately $345,000 and failed to remit Chinwos share. Responding, Mr Onyedikachis lawyer told the court that the EFCC misled the court in granting the order for his clients arrest as the subject matter was purely a contractual dispute and that his client filed a fundamental human rights enforcement suit against the EFCC before another court seeking to stop his arrest. Mr Ubani also told the court that his client filed a preliminary objection to the charge against him and urged the court to vacate the earlier arrest warrant issued against him, adding that the EFCC had not served his client any charge. EFCC counsel Bilikisu Buhari told the court that the commission could not arrest the defendant because the court had ordered his arrest. She requested the courts permission to serve the charge on Ezekiels lawyer in the open court and further noted that there might be no need for the arrest warrant since Ubani has accepted the charge on behalf of his client. Justice Owoeye, thereafter, fixed 14 February for possible arraignment and hearing of pending applications before the court. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print An Ikeja High Court on Thursday fixed till 19 February to hear a preliminary objection filed by Martins Otse, also known as Verydarkblackman (VDM), challenging a defamation suit against him. A human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, Folarin, known as Falz, filed the defamatory suit against VDM. Mr Falana filed the suit following an audio recording of a one-sided narrative by a cross-dresser, Bobrisky, alleging perversion of justice by Falana and their son. However, VDM, through his counsel, Marvin Omorogbe, filed a preliminary objection challenging the suits competence and the courts jurisdiction. When the case was called on Thursday, the defendants counsel informed the court that the plaintiffs had filed a counter-affidavit against his preliminary objection. He said the counter affidavit was made available to him on Wednesday. Mr Omorogbe, therefore, requested more time to respond to the counter-affidavit. The plaintiffs counsel, Omotade Omotunbosun, did not object to the application for adjournment. 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 After the development, Judge Matthias Dawodu adjourned the case until 19 February for a hearing, underscoring the gravity of the legal proceedings. Preliminary application In the preliminary application, VDM, through his counsel, presented a detailed legal argument. He argued that by the provisions of Order 4 Rule 1(4) of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, the court did not have the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the suit. According to Mr Omorogbe, VDM is domiciled and operates outside the courts jurisdiction in Abuja. He also submitted that the alleged defamatory publication was made in Abuja. He, therefore, urged the court to strike out the suit. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on the last proceeding, on 14 November 2024, the court adjourned until 23 January to hear the alleged defamation suit against VDM. On that date, counsel to Falana and Falz, Muiz Banire (SAN), informed the court that the claimants had filed the originating process and served to the parties. Mr Banire also mentioned that a motion on notice was served on 25 October 2024, but the court said the originating process was not before it. However, the claimants counsel prayed the court to adjourn the case so that he could file an administrative process. In his response, Mr Omorogbe urged the court to strike out the suit, arguing that no valid writ of summons was before it. He argued that the writ already filed was invalid as it was not before the court. NAN also reports that the court had, on 14 October 2024, exercised its authority by ordering VDM to remove the alleged defamatory video from his social platform, which he had posted on 24 September 2024, against the plaintiffs. The court ordered following an ex parte originating application filed by Falana and his son against VDMs actions. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Just starting though, 2025 has shown early signs of a year to be noted for worrying incidence of rape, with minors emerging as targets of perpetrators. Within the first three weeks of the year, law enforcement agencies have arrested and launched prosecution of suspects in court in different states. The trend, from the reports of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has included incidents from different regions of the country, wide age difference and relationship between suspects and victims, and horrifying circumstances. While most of these incidents occurred in 2024 or earlier and only brought to court this month, they reflect a troubling trend that persists and signals the heightened risks girls potentially face from sexual predators in the new year. The cases, involving mostly girl victims aged 8 to 13, reveal the various methods employed by suspected abusers to target them. Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience for individuals of all ages, but its impact on minors is particularly devastating, often causing irreversible harm to their social life, mental health, and overall development. The cases compiled in this piece, though not exhaustive, suggest that child rape may be a widespread menace in every part of the country. Many rape cases go unreported to law enforcement agencies, and an equally significant number of reported cases are likely not covered by the media across the country. 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 Below are some cases reported by NAN so far in the year and can be subsequently tracked for progress. 2 January, Rivers (South-south): Police arrest couple over rape, assault of minor The police in Rivers State confirmed the arrest of a couple over alleged rape and assault of a13-year-old girl in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South-South Nigeria. The wife reportedly assaulted the girl by stripping her and inserting pepper into her private part after accusing her of having sexual intercourse with her husband. The spokesperson for the police in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, a superintendent of police, disclosed the arrest of the girl in an interview with NAN in Port Harcourt on 2 January. Goodness, the mother of the teenager, whose full name was withheld to avoid stigmatisation, recounted the incident to NAN. A resident of Rupokwu town in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Goodness revealed that the assault on her daughter occurred on the evening of 29 December 2024. According to her, earlier that day, the wife visited her shop and asked the teenager to follow her to her apartment and assist her with chores. Goodness, who said she was later alerted to the assault on her daughter by neighbours, recalled that on the fateful day, the man sent his wife and her friend on an errand, leaving the teenager alone with him in the house. The distraught mother reported that after the two women had left the apartment, the man attacked her daughter and allegedly raped her multiple times, threatening her to remain silent. Prince Wiro, the National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, condemned the alleged torture of the minor, calling it inhumane and barbaric. 8 January, Bauchi (North-east): Man arrested for raping girl in uncompleted building On 8 January, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Command in Bauchi State, North-east Nigeria, announced the arrest of a suspect accused of raping a 12-year-old girl in an uncompleted building in Misau Local Government Area of the state. The State Commandant of NSCDC, Oloyede Oyerinde, said the rape suspect was arrested on 27 December for allegedly raping the girl in an uncompleted building. Mr Oyerinde announced the arrest of Mr Oyerinde alongside nine others detained for various crimes committed during the 2024 yuletide period. The official, who said the other suspects were arrested for vandalism and theft, warned perpetrators to desist from vandalism and other crimes or face consequences. 9 January, Ekiti (South-west): 38-year-old man allegedly raped minor in uncompleted building A chief magistrates court in Ado Ekiti remanded a 38-year-old man, Olasunkanmi Francis, in the Ado Ekiti Correctional Centre for allegedly defiling a 13-year-old minor. The prosecutor, Elijah Adejare, a police inspector, told the court at the hearing on 9 January, that the defendant committed the offence on 23 December 2024 at Efon Alaaye-Ekiti. The defendant allegedly lured the minor into an uncompleted building and defiled her while she was on an errand. The prosecution said the offence contravened section 31 of the Child Right Law of Ekiti State, 2021. The magistrate, Kehinde Awosika, ordered the remand of the defendant in the correctional centre, pending legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). She adjourned the case until 7 February for mention. 10 January, Edo (South-south): Police detain three men for gang-raping 12-year The Edo State Police Command detained three men for allegedly gang-raping a 12-year-old girl in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, said this on Friday, 10 January, in Benin, the Edo State capital, South-south Nigeria, when the Administrator, Office of Edo State First Lady, Edesili Anani, visited him. Ms Anani said the minor was allegedly gang-raped by five men on 24 December 2024, at Igiafodo Awuyemi in Okpella. She said the girl had visited the victim at the Senator Daisy Ehanire Danjuma Women Centre, Benin. She vowed that perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law in accordance with the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of the state. Mr Ozigi, who did not disclose the identities of the suspects, assured the administrator that the victim would get justice. 13 January, Lagos (South-west): Father faces charges for allegedly defiling his toddler In another heart-wrenching case, a father, Patrick Onyegbule, was accused of defiling his toddler. On 13 January, police in Lagos State charged 41-year-old Mr Onyegbule at a chief magistrates court in Badagry. The prosecutor, Ayodele Adeosun, a police inspector, told the court that the defendant committed the offence between August and November 2024 at Shapview Plaza, Alaba International Market in Ojo, Lagos State. He alleged that the defendant sexually assaulted the toddler, who was left in his care. The wife reportedly left the toddler in her husbands care following a marital dispute. However, she later discovered during a visit that her daughter was allegedly sexually abused by him. Mr Onyegbule faces charges of defilement and unlawful penetration. The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Code, Law of Lagos State, 2015. The magistrate, Patrick Adekomaiya, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum. He adjourned the case till 5 March. 14 January, Lagos (South-west): Man in court over alleged rape The Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, Lagos State, ordered the remand at the correctional service, of a defendant, Shuaibu Olufowobi, who allegedly raped a 35-year-old woman. The judge, Rahman Oshodi, ordered the remand of the defendant, following his arraignment on five counts of conspiracy, rape, sexual assault by penetration, sexual harassment and assault. The prosecutor, Bukola Okeowo, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on 15 August 2023 alongside others at large in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State. She alleged that the defendant with one Franklin Immana at large conspired to rape the woman. According to the prosecutor, the defendant kept watch, while Mr Immana raped the woman. Mr Okeowo, further alleged that the defendant harassed and fondled the victims breasts and later stripped her. The offences contravened the provisions of sections 173, 211, 260, 261, 264 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015. The court adjourned the case until 6 May for trial. 15, January, Lagos (South-west): 54-year-old man remanded for defiling 12-year-old girl On 15 January, a chief magistrates court in Ikorodu in Lagos State, remanded a 54-year-old man, Kajola Ahmed, in a correctional centre for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl. The prosecutor, Aminu Isaac, an assistant superintendent of police, told the court that the defendant committed the offence at 28, Tomatee Hotel Street, Ajegunle in the Ita-Oluwo area of Ikorodu, about 11 a.m. on 17 July 2024. According to him, the offence contravened the provisions of Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The magistrate, B.A. Sonuga did not take the defendants plea. Instead, he adjourned the case until 27 February for legal advice from the office of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). 15 January, Kaduna: 74-year-old allegedly rapes an 8-year-old On 15 January, Samson Goje, 74 years old, was remanded for raping a minor in Zonkwa, Kaduna State, Noth-west Nigeria. The victim was an eight-year-old girl. Mr Goje allegedly lured the girl into an uncompleted building. He was said to have been caught in the act by the girls father Yusuf Pama, who reported the matter to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on 3 January. The case was filed at a chief magistrates court in Kafanchan. Copies of the case file have been forwarded to the State Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice. 18 January, Lagos: 44-year-old defiles four-year-old girl On 18 January, a chief magistrates court in Ikorodu, Lagos, remanded a 44-year-old man, Stephen Samson, in a correctional centre for allegedly defiling a four-year-old girl. Mr Samson was charged with defilement. The prosecutor, Aminu Isaac, an assistant superintendent of police, told the court that the defendant committed the offence at No. 7, Araromi Street, Eyita area of Ikorodu. He said that the defendant defiled the girl with his finger. The offence was said to contravene the provisions of Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The magistrate, B.A. Sonuga, adjourned the case till 27 February for legal advice from the office of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). 20 January, Lagos (South-west): Hearing impaired 30-year-old remanded for raping 17-year-old minor On Monday (20 January), a chief magistrates court in Badagry, Lagos State, South-west Nigeria, remanded a 30-year-old man with hearing impairment, Temitope Holo, in Awarjigoh correctional facility over alleged defilement of a 17-year-old girl. The prosecutor, Ayodele Adeosun, a police inspector, told the court that the defendant committed the offences in July 2024 at No. 18, Oba Beyioku Street, beside Winners Chapel, Badagry, Lagos. Mr Adeosun said the defendant unlawfully removed the girls pants and penetrated her private part with his finger without her consent. The offences, according to him, contravened sections 261 and 263 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. The magistrate, Patrick Adekomaiya, directed the police to forward the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. He adjourned the case till 2 April for mention. 21 January, Lagos (South-west): Court remands man for raping 14-year-old minor The Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja remanded a man, Chidi Gabriel, at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl. The prosecutor, a State Counsel, Bukola Okeowo, told the court that the defendant unlawfully had sexual intercourse with the minor by inserting his manhood into her vagina on 23 June 2020 in Okokomaiko Junction, Alaba in Lagos. Mr Gabriel pleaded not guilty to all three counts of defilement filed against him. According to the prosecution, the alleged offence contravened section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. After his plea, the judge, Rahman Oshodi, ordered his remand at the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre. The judge adjourned the case until 7 May for the commencement of trial. 22 January, Kaduna (North-west): 34-year-old man remanded for raping 7-year-old girl A magistrates court in Kaduna, Kaduna State, remanded a 34-year-old man, Yusuf Mamman, in a correctional centre, for allegedly defiling a seven-year-old girl. The prosecutor, Chidi Leo, a police inspector, told the court that the defendant lured the minor into his room and raped her at about 1 p.m. on 19 January at Ungwan Sarki, Kaduna State. He said that the offence is punishable under Section 258 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2020 (as amended). The magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, ordered that the defendant be remanded in a correctional centre pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. He adjourned the matter until 24 February. 27 January, Ekiti (South-west): Court remands man, 27, for allegedly defiling wifes 14-year-old sister A chief magistrates court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, has scheduled 27 January for a hearing regarding the case of a 27-year-old man, Ayeni Gbenga, accused of defiling his wifes 14-year-old sister. On 27 December 2024, the magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, ordered the remand of the defendant in the correctional centre in Ado Ekiti, pending issuance of legal advice from the Ekiti State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). The prosecutor, Akinwale Oriyomi, a police inspector, told the court that the defendant defiled the girl, his wifes younger sister, between October and December 2024 in Ado Ekiti. He said that whenever the defendant took the victim to her school, he would check into a hotel to rape her. He reportedly did this on many occasions. The police said the offence contravened section 265 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021. The chief magistrate overseeing the case, Abayomi Adeosun, adjourned until 27 January. Justice for victims A glimmer of hope of justice for rape victims has also risen early in the year. On 13 January, the Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti sentenced a 25-year-old man, Olajide Fajana, to life imprisonment for raping a 17-year-old girl. The prosecution led by Adetola Johnson had accused the convict of committing the offence on 14 July 2023 in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The prosecution called three witnesses, including the victim, and tendered statements as exhibits to prove his case, while the convict did not call any witness. In her testimony before the court, the victim said the convict had hypnotised her and asked her to follow him home. He gave me an egg to rub all over my body and broke it inside a bucket where he kept black and red thread. He ordered me to lie down on the bed and then had sexual intercourse with me saying I should go home and bring N16,000 to complete the sacrifice, she said. He had earlier warned me not to tell anyone about him otherwise I would die but I told my mother. In his judgement, the judge, Lekan Ogunmoye, convicted and sentenced the convict of rape in line with section 31(2) of the Childs Rights Law, Cap. C17, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012. Rape cases in numbers from Benue, Ebonyi, Sokoto Last years record of enforcement activities of the police in some states show that rape, including incidents involving a girl child victims, were rampant. Of 1,270 suspects arrested last year by the police in Ebonyi State last year, 38 were involved in rape and defilement, according to a statement detailing the police command detailing the enforcement activities of the police command in the state last year. A statement from the police command in the state said other suspects were arrested for murder and homicide, kidnapping, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms and other offences. The Benue State Police Command also said on 30 December that of 270 persons arrested for various crimes in the state from April to December, 47 of them were rape suspects. Similarly, the police in Sokoto State, North-west Nigeria, said that of the 575 suspects arrested for various crimes last year included those accused of rape, but the suspect did not specify their number. Punishments for child rape Nigerias legal framework against child rape has evolved over the years, with state and federal laws under which suspects in the reported cases have been charged prescribing various degrees of punishments for it. For instance, section 31 of the Child Rights Act 2003 prescribes life imprisonment for anyone convicted of raping a child. Also, Section 32 imposes 14 years imprisonment on any person who sexually abuses or sexually exploits a child. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015 does not differentiate between the rape of a child and that of an adult when prescribing punishments. In section 1(2), the law stipulates the punishment of life imprisonment for anyone above 14 years of age. For offenders below the age of 14, the maximum sentence is 14 years imprisonment. In the case of gang rape, all perpetrators are liable to a minimum of 20 years jointly without an option of a fine. Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State prescribes life imprisonment for any person who has unlawful sexual intercourse with a child. Also, section 265 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, says any man who has sexual intercourse with a woman or girl without her consent is guilty of rape and is liable to imprisonment for life. Kaduna State is among the states with the most severe punishments for child rape, after amending its Penal Code of 2017 in 2020. The amendment to section 258 of the law, now Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2020 (as amended), prescribes surgical castration and death for anyone found guilty of having sexual intercourse with a male of female child the age of 14 years Also, section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State states that any person who sexually touches another without his consent is guilty of a felony and liable to imprisonment for three years. Lois Amele, founder of Good Tides Philippians Missions Foundation, non-governmental organisation concerned with human rights, mental health and Sexual-Gender Based Violence issues, said One of the systemic issues is the economic issue, you know, where people are frustrated and because they are frustrated, they just feel that they should take it out on a young girl or a woman. She continued, I think one of the reasons they do it to young girls is because some of those girls are not strong enough to run away or theyre not even educated enough to say, oh, this thing is wrong. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The World Health Organisation (WHO) is planning cost-cutting measures following the decision by the United States to withdraw its membership. To achieve this, the global health body will review some of its health programmes, reduce travel expenses and freeze recruitment, except in critical areas. The WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus disclosed this in an internal memo issued on Thursday, according to a Reuters report Mr Ghebreyesus said in the memo that President Donald Trumps announcement has made our financial situation more acute. The memo said the WHO had already worked to reform the organisation and change how it is funded, with member states increasing their mandatory fees and contributing to its investment round launched last year. It, however, said more funding would be needed and costs would have to be cut simultaneously. This would include making all meetings virtual by default without exceptional approval, limiting the replacement of IT equipment, and suspending office refurbishments unless linked to safety or already approved cost-cutting. This set of measures is not comprehensive, and more will be announced in due course, the memo reads. US withdrawal PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Trump signed several executive orders hours after his inauguration at the White House on Monday. Some of these orders dealt a heavy blow to global efforts and drew criticism from leaders, experts, and stakeholders worldwide. One of these is the US withdrawal from the WHO, which had been predicted to hamper the agencys activities. However, the president had argued that the US withdrawal was due to the inappropriate political influence of member states on the global body. 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 organisations mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states is the reason for US withdrawal, the text of Mondays executive order reads. WHOs call for dialogue Last Tuesday, WHO had called for constructive dialogue with the US, emphasising the need to preserve their decades-long partnership. The organisation said its relationship with the US is pivotal to protecting global health and security. It noted that the country played a significant role in its efforts to tackle disease outbreaks, strengthen health systems, and respond to emergencies in challenging environments. The agency said, With the participation of the United States and other Member States, WHO has, over the past seven years, implemented the largest set of reforms in its history to transform our accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries. This work continues. We hope the United States will reconsider, and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe. READ ALSO: WHO calls for dialogue over US intention to withdraw membership Second attempt at withdrawal This is President Trumps second attempt to pull the US out of the United Nations health agency, which is focused on coordinating international responses to health emergencies across the world Mr Trump has been criticising the Geneva-based institution for how it handled the COVID-19 pandemic and, in 2022, began the process of pulling the US out of it. That decision was reversed under former President Joe Biden, who reengaged with the WHO and initiated the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy to tackle global infectious disease threats. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has announced plans to construct 10,000 housing units under the Renewed Hope Medic Cities initiative to address the housing needs of medical workers nationwide. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, made this announcement in a statement on Friday, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Salisu Haiba. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Renewed Hope Medic Cities project is designed to provide decent and affordable housing for the countrys medical workers. Mr Dangiwa, during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), expressed appreciation for the commitment and sacrifices made by medical professionals, especially under challenging conditions. He emphasised that the well-being of healthcare workers, including access to quality housing, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the Ministrys mandate. Housing is a fundamental need that directly impacts productivity, stability, and quality of life. We recognise the difficulties many healthcare workers face in securing suitable accommodation, particularly in high-demand urban centres where medical facilities are concentrated, Mr Dangiwa 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 To address these challenges, Mr Dangiwa highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between the government and professional bodies. He also said that 10,112 housing units were currently under construction in 14 locations across the country under the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda. These include 3,112 units in Karsana, Abuja; 2,000 units in Lagos; and 2,000 units in Kano. Additionally, 12 ongoing Renewed Hope Estates with 250 units each are being developed across 12 states, with plans to extend to the remaining 18 states. Dangiwa mentioned various ownership options for these units, including National Housing Funds (NHF) mortgage loans of up to 30 years, rent-to-own options, installment payments, and outright purchase plans. An online portal (http://renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng) has been created for easy application. Tope Osundara, the national president of NARD, commended the minister for supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda and making NARD a beneficiary. READ ALSO: Appeal Court orders rehearing of FoI case dismissed by judge for procedural reason He emphasised the importance of housing for resident doctors to ensure timely attendance to emergencies and reduce brain drain. Mr Osundara proposed the construction of 1,000 housing units in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of the first phase of the project. Suleiman Sadiq, representing the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) and a member of NARD, explained that the Renewed Hope Medic Cities project would be achieved through collaboration between the Ministries of Housing and Health, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, REDAN, and public-private partnerships. He noted that construction would begin between January and February, boosting healthcare workers welfare and morale while improving productivity in the sector. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), iJeremiah Useni, is dead. Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, confirmed this in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), Gyang Bere, on Thursday in Jos. Mr Mutfwang said that Mr Useni, who also represented Plateau South Senatorial District between 2015 and 2019, died at the age of 82. The governor also confirmed that the former FCT minister under Sa i Abachas government, died on Thursday after a protracted illness. Mr Mutfwang, who described Mr Usenis demise as a huge loss to Plateau, urged his immediate family and residents of the state in general to take solace in God. On behalf of my family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the president, the Armed Forces and Tarok nation over the loss of this distinguished elder statesman. I wish to also extend my condolences to his immediate family and relations; I call on them to take solace in God in this trying time , Mr Bere quoted Mr Mutfwang as saying. 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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the deceased, who retired as a lieutenant general, also served as Minister of Transport and Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army, military governor of the defunct Bendel State, among many other appointments during his military career. After retirement, Mr Useni ventured into politics where he served as Deputy Chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and senator. He was also the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State during the 2019 General Elections. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reno Omokri, a former media aide to then-President Goodluck Jonathan, has narrated how an encounter with a Nigerian professor of political economy and politician, Pat Utomi, made him become a dollar millionaire in his 30s. Mr Omokri shared his story via a video he posted on Facebook on Thursday, 23 January. He said it all started when he saw Mr Utomis error-filled Facebook post in 2007 and decided to mail him about the post. He said because he had included his phone number in the mail, he received a surprise call from Mr Utomi who admitted that he made the errors because he was angry with someone while typing the Facebook post. Mr Omokri said he was living in California, in the US, earning slightly over $75,000, while Mr Utomi was in Nigeria. I was really taken aback (by Utomis call), my wife was sleeping by my side, Mr Omokri said. I introduced myself, and I said to him, the way you have been going on, on Facebook, I suspect you might consider running for president (of Nigeria), and he said, I have played with the idea. And I said I could help you. And he said put together a plan, put together a cost. 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 And so I, along with a friend, put together a proposal and sent it to him. We asked for $12,500 every month, which was basically going to come to me; my friend was just helping me. This man (Utomi) called me the same day and said, This is a good proposal. I like it. Can I have account details? I thought he was just going to send the first $12,500; he sent $25,000, and then he told me, Subsequently, Ill pay you N$25,000 every two months. At that point in time, I had never received money like that in one go. And so I started helping him out, putting together packages for him. I was helping him out on social media to raise an army that could help him if he decides to run for president. And that is how things went. Meanwhile, Mr Omokri said he had never met Mr Utomi before this encounter. Encountered with el-Rufai, Jonathan Mr Omokri narrated how he also encountered Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, through a similar approach. Nasir el-Rufia is one of the most intelligent persons I have ever met. The only issue with him is that his intelligence is governed by ego. Another person I have met with that same level of intelligence is the current National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The difference between them is that Malam Nuhu Ribadus intelligence is governed by conscience, he said. READ ALSO: Tinubu praises Reno Omokri as politician defends president on Abuja insecurity Mr Omokri said because of his success story with Mr Utomi, he was contacted to help Mr Jonathan, who was then Nigerias acting president and was preparing to run for the presidency. I promised them that in under six months, I can give him (Jonathan) one million followers on Facebook, Mr Omokri said. At that time, it was almost impossible. He said he had asked Jonathans people for $30,000 and that they paid him $50,000 instead, besides some monthly fees. Within three months, I delivered one million followers. It was unheard of all over the world. The president was very, very happy; his aide that got to me was so happy. And they gave me a bonus. Financially free for the rest of my life Mr Omokri said he bought a house and a car and then invested some of the money. The house now is worth $1million, I bought it way back 2009. He said, It was that money that enabled me to become financially free for the rest of my life. I am still living off that money till today. The thing is, if it hadnt been Pat Utomi, just sending him that cold email, none of these would have happened. Yes, eventually, I was invited to join Jonathans administration as one of the spokesmen. Continuing, Mr Omokri said, So, Mr Utomi, if you are watching this, thank you very much. Mr Omokri advised young Nigerians to be inspired by his story. A lot of people that you think you cannot get through, they are on social media. Send them an email. Dont tell them I need this from you; tell them what you can do for them. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has sought to strengthen its partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bolster the fight against corruption and financial crimes in West Africa.. The country representative of UNODC, Cheikh Toure, said this on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the EFCC chairperson Ola Olukoyede at the commissions headquarters in Abuja. A statement shared by EFCC through its X handle on Thursday said Mr Toure explained that the partnership with Nigerias anti-graft agency would provide an opportunity for sharing knowledge among West African countries to tackle the challenges of cybercrime, especially with the complexity of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is the only way we can bring a little bit of more safety and security to our children. The menaces are many and complex and today we have AI. Imagine AI in the hands of a cybercrime criminal doing movements on bitcoins? What will be our line of defence in investigating such cases? It will be more complex than those cases that you cracked in the past. It will require new sets of legal understanding to criminalise those cases, the statement quoted Mr Toure as saying. He also noted that the evolving nature of crimes requires international collaboration to investigate and seize ill-gotten assets, especially in countries with Nigerian investments. The second element is on international cooperation with countries where there is a lot of investment from Nigerians and where you have difficulties to seize some of the ill-gotten assets. I dont want my tenure to be some sort of UN framework tenure. No. I am a technician. Im the child of West Africa. I want an effective partnership. 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 So, basically what I am here to engage on is that if we work with you, I want that to be a partnership. There is a lot of expertise in Nigeria. The expertise can help us achieve our goals. So, it is only fair to go for strategic partnership, he said. The EFCCs chair, Mr Olukoyede, acknowledging the long-standing partnership between the two organisations, stressed the need to collaborate on issues regarding asset recovery. There is a need for us to collaborate more particularly on the relationship that we have with the United Nations in the area of asset recovery. We also want to pledge our support for your tenure. All the areas where you need to get our cooperation and our synergy, we are going to make them available to you. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Rivers State have arrested two suspected fake pastors found in possession of fetish items in the Rumuduru community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson in Rivers, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Port Harcourt. She said the suspects were handed over to the police by residents of Rumuduru. According to her, the two suspects operated separate churches within the community. The fake pastors were handed over to the police by youths from Rumuduru, led by their President, Henry Worlu, on 20 January. The youths raided the area and arrested Bassey and Elijah from their respective churches. During interrogation, Bassey admitted to using spiritual materials, such as water and oil, to heal individuals suffering from spiritual afflictions. 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 also revealed that he used a small casket and a miracle life oil to pray for people with mental issues, claiming they would recover within three months, Mrs Iringe-Koko, a police superintendent, said. She added that Mr Bassey had been residing and operating in the Rumuduru community for 17 years. Items recovered from the suspects include a firearm cartridge, small wooden caskets, a sword, a fake Nigerian Navy identification card, and thousands of photographs. Other items seized were childrens footwear, a police lanyard, and various crosses and spiritual materials. The suspects and the recovered exhibits are currently in police custody, and a discreet investigation is ongoing, Mrs Iringe-Koko said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Bukuma community in Rivers State has decried the alleged refusal of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to implement a 2021 court judgement on grouping of oil communities into clusters for development purposes. The Paramount Ruler of Bukuma, Precious Elekima, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Thursday. NAN reports the Bukuma, in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers is hosting an oil and gas field, housing 10 oil wells. The oil field was operated by Shell Petroleum and Development Company (SPDC) before Eroton Exploration and Protection Ltd took it over but later handed it over to NNPCL. Background Mr Elekima explained that the cluster arrangement began in 2007 as a resolution mechanism against communal clashes in the area. The government and oil companies operating in the area established clusters to address disputes between the warring communities at the time, he said. However, Bukuma, the host of the oil and gas field, was grouped with 16 other communities in the cluster. 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 Elekima alleged that the 16 communities which, he described, as having no valid take in the cluster, bound together to deny Bukuma the benefits it deserved as the host community. As a result, the Bukuma people decided to demand their own cluster from Eroton. Our community, hosting the oil wellhead and being the most impacted by oil extraction, deserved its own cluster, but Eroton refused, he stated. The traditional ruler said that after their request was ignored, the community sought legal redress, and the court ruled in their favour, mandating the establishment of a cluster for Bukuma. He said that Eroton did not implement the judgement before NNPCL took over and created NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited to oversee the operations of the wells. The community met with NNPCL to implement the court order, but the company refused to comply and has remained adamant till this day, Mr Elekima said. Advice for government, NNPC The paramount ruler, Mr Elekima, urged NNPCL not to engage individuals in the community to give the false impression that it had reconciled with Bukuma. The paramount ruler urged the government to hold NNPCL accountable for not allowing the host community to receive its deserved cluster. We are being exploited, perhaps because the Bukuma people are a minority group with no influential figures in government or society. This neglect has left the community grossly underdeveloped, even though it hosts a major oil field in the Niger Delta that generates significant revenue for the country, he lamented. Mr Elekima said the recent explosion at the wellhead 008, which spilled crude oil into the community, has worsened living conditions in Bukuma. He reiterated the communitys support of the investigation into the fire incident and expressed confidence that it would identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Bukuma people support the investigation because we are peaceful and law-abiding and do not engage in sabotage. We do not dispute NNPCLs claim that vandals destroyed its wellhead, and we fully support investigations into the fire incident. The community sympathises with NNPCL over the incident and assures that we will never encourage any form of illegal bunkering or vandalism of oil facilities, he stated. He underscored the importance of the damaged wellhead, describing it as one of the largest oil wells contributing to federal government revenue for national development. We have always stood with the federal government in its fight against oil theft, illegal bunkering, and vandalism. Therefore, we should not be held responsible for the destruction of the facility, he added. The paramount ruler welcomed the involvement of Tantita Security Services, an independent security outfit, in the investigation, but he cautioned NNPCL to be vigilant during the process. NNPCL should be cautious in investigation, not to allow any individual to exploit the situation to advance personal interests related to chieftaincy, kingship, or land disputes. The company should ensure that such individuals do not take advantage of the situation to frame innocent people, he cautioned. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after his eventful engagements at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The vice president, who represented Nigeria at the annual global economic summit, presented the nations investment opportunities to a global audience, advocated African economic integration, and held strategic meetings with world leaders and international organizations. During his time in Davos, Mr Shettima participated in forums that drew attention to the importance of driving investment into Africas frontier markets. At a forum titled, Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africas Frontier Markets, organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and WEF, the vice president reaffirmed Nigerias readiness to attract capital for sustainable growth. In another forum, he assured of Nigerias commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), just as he reaffirmed the nations resolve to leverage digital trade as a tool for economic transformation, projecting Africas potential to achieve a $29 trillion economy by 2050. In bilateral meetings with global leaders, including the President of Botswana, Duma Boko, and President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, VP Shettima discussed strengthening intra-African relations and fostering partnerships to promote trade and development. He also engaged in talks with the Director-General of World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the President of the World Economic Forum, Brge Brende, on collaborative efforts to address Africas challenges, including energy security, food crises and ecological threats. 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 Speaking on Nigerias reform agenda under President Bola Tinubu, Mr Shettima highlighted ongoing measures such as subsidy removal, exchange rate alignment and tax reforms, noting that the country is now on a path to sustained economic growth. Other highlights of his participation include his role as a panellist in the Financial Times Global Risks 2025 dialogue, where he stressed the importance of multilateral collaboration to address global crises. He also advocated innovation in education and agriculture to empower Nigerias youth and drive economic progress. Accompanied by senior government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole and Executive Secretary of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Aisha Rimi, the vice president returned to Abuja following the successful conclusion of his engagements in Davos. The vice president was received by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and other government officials upon arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Stanley Nkwocha Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications* (Office of The Vice President) 24th January, 2025 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print PREMIUM TIMES is thrilled to announce openings for experienced editors and a reporter, offering exciting opportunities for suitable candidates to join a progressive and innovative team dedicated to excellence in journalism. PREMIUM TIMES, an online news brand of both local and international repute, is published by Premium Times Services Ltd, a media company with headquarters in Abuja, offices in Lagos and Washington D.C., and representatives across Nigerian states. The online, multimedia newspaper was established in 2011 and is led by seasoned, highly skilled, and award-winning professionals with integrity and in-depth knowledge of the journalism industry and digital media space. PREMIUM TIMES is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We ensure equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of origin, religious or political affiliations, gender, or any other non-merit factor. We are currently inviting candidates who consider themselves experienced, competent, energetic, and intrepid to join our editorial team for the following roles. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ALL APPLICATIONS IS 11.59 A.M. ON FRIDAY, 31 JANUARY 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 JOB TITLE: EDITORS LOCATION: SOUTHWEST AND NORTHERN REGIONS OF NIGERIA. We are currently inviting candidates who consider themselves experienced, dynamic, competent, energetic, and detail-oriented to join our editorial team. Ideal candidates should have the high-level ability: To edit news stories, features, and opinion pieces for clarity, grammar, accuracy, and style, ensuring that content is engaging and publication-ready. To identify more robust or more relevant angles buried within stories written by reporters and others. To develop content strategies that align with Premium Times editorial vision, audience preferences, and current affairs. To enrich reports with relevant background, analyses and context. To accurately interpret statements/stories even when missed by reporters and other editors. Candidates must also: Be organised, able to meet deadlines and juggle various tasks while at the same time maintaining a high level of attention to detail and maintaining overall editorial quality. Stay informed on current events, emerging trends, and audience interests to continuously adapt the editorial direction. Be an agent of change. Possess strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Have proven experience as an editor with at least 5-7 years. Have good interpersonal relations skills. Possess an inquiring mind and logical reasoning. Be willing to work. Have a deep passion for journalism and a commitment to accuracy and truth. Have an aversion to corruption. Employment Type: Full Time How to Apply: The ideal candidates should reside in any of the states in the South-West or Northern regions and have a deep understanding of current political, economic, and social issues in those regions. Interested candidates should send a detailed curriculum vitae, cover letter of interest, and two (2) writing samples or links to published stories in a single PDF document emailed to hr@premiumtimesng.com (kindly indicate EDITOR -SOUTHWEST REGION OR EDITOR -NORTHERN REGION as the subject of the mail). Only ideal and qualified candidates will be contacted. JOB TITLE: EDITOR, INVESTIGATIONS LOCATION: NIGERIA Ideal candidates should have the high-level ability: To uncover complex stories, an in-depth understanding of investigative techniques, and the ability to manage high-stakes investigations that drive impact. To lead our team on major investigative projects. To edit news stories, features, and opinion pieces for clarity, grammar, accuracy, and style, ensuring that content is engaging and publication-ready. To identify more robust or more relevant angles buried within stories written by reporters and others. To ensure comprehensive coverage of major local, national, and international stories, with a strong emphasis on investigative journalism and in-depth reporting. To develop content strategies that align with Premium Times editorial vision, audience preferences, and current affairs. To enrich reports with relevant background, analyses, and context. To accurately interpret statements/stories even when missed by reporters and other editors. Candidates must also: Be organised, able to meet deadlines, and juggle various tasks while at the same time maintaining a high level of attention to detail and maintaining overall editorial quality. Stay informed on current events, emerging trends, and audience interests to continuously adapt the editorial direction. Be an agent of change. Possess strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Have proven experience of at least 5-7 years of handling high-profile investigations that lead to significant public impact. Have good interpersonal relations skills. Possess an inquiring mind and logical reasoning. Have a deep passion for journalism and a commitment to accuracy and truth. Have an aversion to corruption. Be willing to work. Employment Type: Full Time How to Apply: The ideal candidates should be resident in any of the states and should have a deep understanding of current political, economic, and social issues in Nigeria. Interested candidates should send a detailed curriculum vitae, cover letter of interest, and two writing samples or links to published stories in a single PDF document emailed to hr@premiumtimesng.com (kindly indicate EDITOR -INVESTIGATIONS as the subject of the mail). Only ideal and qualified candidates will be contacted. JOB TITLE: STANDARD DESK EDITOR LOCATION: NIGERIA Ideal candidates should have the high-level ability: To spot grammatical and factual errors and clean up copies. To identify more robust or more relevant angles buried within stories written by reporters and others. To properly contextualise reports. To enrich reports with relevant background, analyses, and context. To accurately interpret statements/stories even when missed by reporters and other editors. Candidates must also: Be an agent of change. Possess strong writing skills. Have an aversion to corruption. Have proven experience as a standard/copy editor. Have good interpersonal relations skills. Possess an inquiring mind and logical reasoning. Be willing to work. An academic background in the English Language is an added advantage. Employment Type: Full Time How to Apply: Interested candidates should send a detailed curriculum vitae, cover letter of interest, and two (2) writing samples in a single PDF document emailed to hr@premiumtimesng.com (kindly indicate Standard Desk Editor as the subject of the mail). Only suitable and qualified candidates will be contacted. JOB TITLE: REPORTER LOCATION: SOUTHWEST NIGERIA Ideal candidates should have the ability: To collect, verify and analyse newsworthy information. To write and deliver audience-centered news stories that can enhance our audiences rights to know and guide them to make informed decisions. To provide live reports from scenes of events and illustrate stories with multimedia elements text, photo, audio, video, and graphics. To evaluate and investigate news leads/tips to generate great and impactful stories for publication. To stay up to date with events on their beats and demonstrate mastery of the subject they cover or report about. Candidates must also: Be dynamic, self-driven, and hard-nosed. Be able to smell and unearth even the best-concealed news and information. Have a strong commitment to the ethics of the journalism profession. Possess good writing and interviewing skills with the ability to extract relevant information about technical and complex topics and turn it into clear, concise, and conversational content. Have a proven work experience as a reporter for at least 3-5 years. Outstanding candidates with fewer years of experience may be considered. Have an aversion to corruption. Have good interpersonal relations skills. Possess inquiring minds and logical reasoning. Be organized, able to meet deadlines and juggle various tasks while at the same time maintaining a high level of attention to detail and sustaining overall work quality. Have the eagerness to learn and adapt to new situations and environments. Be able to travel at short notice. Be able to travel at short notice. Candidates for the South-West position are expected to be based in Lagos State and should have a deep understanding of current political, economic, and social issues in the region. Employment Type: Full Time How to Apply: Interested candidates should send a detailed curriculum vitae, cover letter of interest, and two writing samples or links to published stories in a single PDF file emailed to hr@premiumtimesng.com (kindly indicate REPORTER SOUTHWEST as the subject of the mail). Only ideal and qualified candidates will be contacted. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu on Friday commended the intervention of the Finish government with the arrest and detention of Simon Ekpa, a controversial pro-Biafra agitator. Mr Tinubu spoke when he received the Letters of Credence from the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The president said the Nigerian government would not tolerate actions and statements that could lead to divisiveness among citizens. He also commended the Finnish authorities for their timely intervention, safeguarding the nations integrity and mitigating an action that threatened peaceful coexistence. I must thank you for your record on safeguarding human rights in our country with the trial of Simon Ekpa. Nigeria is indivisible. We have been through turbulent times, and we dont want to promote terrorism, Mr Tinubu told the Finnish ambassador. I am a child born into activism, but not divisiveness. We need cohesion and cooperation to bring about development. Our watchword is stability and cohesion to move the country forward. 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 National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has informed me. I know what the rule of law means. The rule of law safeguards our democratic credentials, morals and values. We must respect the rule of law, the president said. Similarly, Mr Tinubu received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the European Union, Gautier Mignot, and the Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of Algeria, Hocine Mezoued. The president noted that the ambassadors priorities, including information and communications technology, agriculture and education, would directly impact the countrys development. Nigeria is undergoing a series of necessary reforms to stimulate growth and prosperity. Thank you also for the humanitarian support in the North-east. I believe that we can work together, he added. What the Finish ambassador told Tinubu Responding, the ambassador of Finland extolled the president for his courage in initiating reforms that would benefit the economy and ensure prosperity in the future. Simon Ekpa has been hindering bilateral relations. The cooperation between our two countries is going very well now. The National Security Adviser has been providing all the evidence, the ambassador noted, adding that Finland has also been involved in a peaceful mediation. We also have opportunities for Nigeria in energy. We can work and make it a realisable dream, she stated. Tinubus meeting with the ambassador of the European Union In a meeting with the ambassador of the European Union, President Tinubu noted that the group remained one of Nigerias highest trading partners. He urged the envoy to work toward elevating the volume of transactions and strengthening the ties. According to the president, Nigeria needs support in digitalising and automating operations and processes for rendering services. The president said the Nigerian economy could support investments with its vibrant and youthful population. Mr Tinubu urged collaboration between Nigeria and Algeria to implement the trans-Saharan African Gas Pipeline project. We need to lift one another in Africa, and we will be stronger together. We can be abused or ignored, but we have nothing to prove to anyone but ourselves. We must lift Africa together, the president said. Mr Mignot told the president that Nigeria holds many untapped potential and added that more could be realised through development, cooperation, and technology leveraging. We have a solid partnership based on our shared values, he said. The Algerian ambassador also said the trans-Sahara AfricanGas Pipeline project and other proposed regional development projects would significantly impact the continent. He said Algeria would continue to support Nigeria in negotiating for improved livelihood on the continent with multilateral institutions. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu says enhancing the welfare of officers and men of the Nigerian armed forces remains paramount to his administration. President Tinubu spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of a new defence complex and at the inauguration of an army barracks named after him in Abuja on Thursday. The president expressed his gratitude to members of the armed forces, lauding their efforts under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, a general. This ceremony marks the start of a construction project and the foundation of a renewed commitment to our military and the values we hold dear as a democracy. On this occasion, we open a new chapter in our nations commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our people. As your Commander-in-Chief, I pledge to support our troops and their families. Under our Renewed Hope Administration, I reaffirm my commitment to building a well-equipped and truly professional military that embodies our nations pride. I want to use this moment to personally commend the remarkable efforts of our armed forces under the leadership of the CDS, General CG Musa, who stands guard with the Service Chiefs and men against the evil forces that seek to retard our cherished peace and development. Your dedication, courage, and resilience protect our freedoms and uphold the very principles upon which our nation was founded, the president 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 On the significance of the Defence Complex, President Tinubu stated: As we break the ground on this Armed Forces Complex, let it symbolise our nations respect and admiration for your unwavering service and our dedication to providing the resources you need to function better. This edifice, when completed, will not only stand as a centre of loyalty but a national monument that every Nigerian would be proud of. It will be a hub of excellence, re-energising able leaders who are committed to the safety of our citizens. President Tinubu also emphasised the importance of locally producing military equipment to enhance domestic defence capabilities. I am particularly proud to share that our efforts in developing a military-industrial complex have begun to yield positive results. These initiatives, driven by significant research and development by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, the Command Engineering Depot of the Nigerian Army, and private entities, such as EPAIL and ProForce, have enhanced our domestic defence capabilities. Thus, with great pride and pleasure, I announce the assembly of these displayed Tactical Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) produced in Nigeria. They testify to the advancement made in our defence sector. These vehicles will not only boost our armed forces operational efficiency but will also enhance our economy, he said. President Tinubu called on Nigerians to come together and work towards a brighter future for the nation, stating that the groundbreaking event, coming on the heels of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, is an enduring honour, especially to those who have laid down their lives or have been wounded for the peace and security of Nigeria. He promised that the first phase of the complex would be completed within the lifetime of his administration. Speaking earlier, Mr Musa said a new state-of-the-art facility for the armed forces had become imperative because the Garki headquarters, which was initially designed to be a temporary office had become inadequate for its operations. He also said the new facility would serve as a beacon of excellence and a symbol of dedication and modernisation of the Nigerian armed forces. In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede a lieutenant general, thanked the President Tinubu for his continued support for the army and the armed forces, assuring the president of their loyalty and commitment to the nation. In attendance at the events were the Deputy Senate President representing the Senate President, Jibrin Barau; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas; Ahmad Lawan; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president; Service Chiefs, and top members of the military hierarchy. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) January 23, 2025 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The death toll in the Wednesday accident in Ebonyi State involving some prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has risen to four. The corps members were heading to the NYSC orientation camp for their three-week orientation course when the 14-seater bus they were in rammed into a parked truck. They are part of the 2024 Batch C Stream 2 corps members posted to serve in Ebonyi and were heading to the MacGregor College Permanent Orientation camp in Afikpo Local Government Area of the state. The accident, which involved an Enugu North Mass Transit bus they boarded, ran under a stationary truck within the Okposi axis in Ohaozara Local Government Area, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries. PREMIUM TIMES reported that one female prospective corps member died at the spot while the injured passengers were rushed to the David Umahi University Teaching Hospital Uburu for treatment. A statement from the hospital published on its social media handles said the death toll had risen to four, including two prospective corps members. It said the survivors were now recuperating, and the hospital officials were optimistic about their chances of full recovery. 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 statement said the hospitals prompt response in providing care to the accident victims was critical in stabilising them. The feat was made possible by the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Uzoma Agwu, who physically mobilised all clinical staff to attend to the victims, ensuring the availability of necessary drugs and consumables, the statement said. According to the statement, signed by the hospital spokesperson, Agwu Nwogo, 13 victims were rushed to the hospital around 3 p.m., thanks to the prompt response of military personnel, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, and other responders. Upon arrival, two victims succumbed to their injuries, two were transferred to the surgical ward, while the others were admitted to the accident and emergency ward. Notably, one corps member escaped without injuries, while the driver sustained severe cervical injuries. The statement put the total number of deaths from the accident at four, including two prospective corps members. HMOs to write off bill The statement said Olainde Foluke, the NYSC state coordinator, earlier on Thursday, led a team to the chief medical director of the hospital, in the company of the camp commandant, to ascertain the condition of those hospitalised and to appreciate the hospital medical team. Although the prospective corps members had not done their mandatory registration at the NYSC camp as they were on their way there when the accident happened, PREMIUM TIMES gathered that HMOs would write off their medical bills. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja have scaled down operations as the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), FCTA chapter embarked on a three-day warning strike. The industrial action, which commenced on Wednesday, has disrupted services in healthcare facilities, with many patients unable to access medical care. PREMIUM TIMES visited some of the affected hospitals on Thursday to assess the impacts of the strike, especially on patients. It observed that emergency services remain operational, ensuring that critical care is still accessible to those in urgent need. Patients left stranded At Wuse District Hospital, Abuja, Nwali Precious expressed frustration and disappointment over the strike, stating that she could not receive medical attention due to the absence of doctors. Ms Precious said she came for a follow-up after being told she needed tests and admission due to a history of miscarriages. I was here last Thursday for my antenatal, and I was told to get a particular scan done because they dont have the machine here at the hospital, she recounted. 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 So I decided to do it today because they asked me to return today for another test. I was also told that I would be admitted on 28 January for bed rest and to undergo gestational sac tests because I have had four miscarriages before now. She highlighted dangers associated with such strikes, noting that lives could be lost because private hospitals are unaffordable for many. Similarly, Faith Godwin, a patient at Karu General Hospital, reported that she was unable to receive medical attention. Another patient, Stephen Adeniyi, who visited Asokoro District Hospital, expressed frustration over being denied care despite travelling from Abuja Teaching Hospital. Mr Adeniyi also complained about transportation costs incurred and the lack of medical attention, despite having prior appointments with doctors. We incurred significant costs, yet no one attended to us. Its frustrating, but I leave it all to God, he said. Skeletal services At Nyanya General Hospital, patients shared varied experiences amidst the ongoing strike. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Tolani Ajayi, a patient on her way out of the hospital, lamented the absence of a doctor to attend to her. Ms Ajayi said: There are no doctor services available. Only some nurses and the record department are on duty, but doctors are absent. Another patient, Hauwa Dikko said she received medical attention without any noticeable disruption, despite the ongoing strike. A hospital management official, speaking anonymously, said limited services were still being provided in selected departments. This is an hospital, and we deal with life-and-death situations as such, we cannot strictly adhere to the strike, as it would compromise patient care, the official noted. Doctors demands The president of the ARD FCTA, George Ebong, announced that the strike was initiated over unpaid salaries, allowances, and other unmet demands. The key grievances of the association include six months of unpaid arrears, delayed accoutrement allowances, and unpaid hazard allowances. According to Mr Ebong, doctors who have been promoted are also still receiving salaries based on their previous positions, despite taking on more responsibilities. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES on Friday afternoon, Mr Ebong said if their demands are not met, the association plans to embark on an indefinite strike, which would severely impact healthcare services in Abuja. We are still hoping our demands are met but if not, we will embark on an indefinite strike, he said. Doctors will resume back to work by 8:00 a.m on Saturday as the 3 days warning strike ends today. Unfulfilled promises One of the resident doctors at Wuse General Hospital and a past secretary of the association, Mustapha Ibrahim explained that the strike was a last resort after months of unfulfilled promises by health authorities. Mr Ibrahim explained that the strike was initially scheduled to begin two weeks ago after issuing an ultimatum, but the doctors decided to grant further consideration. We had a 21-day ultimatum in December, after that elapsed, we had an emergency general meeting two weeks ago where the management, from all the interactions regarding our demands, pleaded for another two weeks, he said. The strike was supposed to commence two weeks ago, but we gave them further consideration. According to him, the doctors demands include the payment of training allowances, hazard allowances, and salary arrears, all of which have been budgeted for and approved. These are as basic as training allowances for doctors in training, like me, in obstetrics and gynaecology. Hazard allowances, too, are part of our demands, and it is disheartening that despite being approved in the budget, the funds are still not released, he said. Mr Ibrahim emphasised the financial strain on doctors, many of whom are struggling to meet basic needs. A doctor just needs basic earnings. Some newly employed doctors, six months in, are already taking loans, yet they cannot settle six months arrears. Its still telling on their welfare because theyre battling with loans as a result of that deficit, he said. He expressed regret over the impact of strikes on patients but argued that doctors are left with no choice. We have lost loved ones because of the consequences of strikes. But when the lives of doctors and healthcare workers are reduced to zero, theres nothing we can do, he said. Sometimes its as bad as doctors lacking transport money to get to work. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court Judgement that dismissed a Freedom of Information (FOI) lawsuit against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on procedural grounds. In a unanimous judgement on Friday, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal ruled that statutory laws take precedence over court procedural rules in FOI cases, emphasising the laws intent to facilitate access to public information. A member of the panel of the appellate court, Okon Abang, delivered the lead judgement on the appeal filed by the appellant, Lawyers Network Against Corruption (LAWNAC). Mr Abang held that contrary to the lower courts decision, the appellant was not required to seek the leave of court before filing for judicial review. He reversed the lower courts decision dismissing the case for lack of leave, and affirmed the appellants right to directly approach the court under the FOI Act. My Lords, after carefully considering the arguments and statutory provisions cited by both parties, I am of the view that the appellant is not required to obtain prior leave before applying for judicial review under the Freedom of Information Act, Mr Abang ruled. The court further clarified that Section 21 of the FOI Act provides for summary hearing, implying that procedural barriers such as the requirement for leave should not hinder applicants. 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 Abang explained that such a requirement could prevent applicants from filing within the strict 30-day window stipulated under Section 20 of the Act. The intention of the legislature is to ensure that access to information is not delayed by technicalities, the court ruled. Therefore, I hold that the appellants suit is competent, and the requirement to obtain leave does not apply in Freedom of Information Act cases. The court subsequently set aside the Federal High Courts decision and asked the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to reassign the case to another judge. How it started LAWNAC through its lawyer, Ezenwa Anumnu, had sued the CBN at the trial court, seeking access to records of demonetised coins as of 17 March 2017 and 8 July 2020 under the FOI Act. The organisation requested, among others, records of the total demonetised coins as of the specified dates, details of their distribution or disposal, if applicable, and relevant correspondence regarding the demonetisation. CBNs defence The CBN, represented by Emeka Etiaba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), argued that LAWNAC violated Order 34, Rule 3(1) of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules, which mandates prior leave for judicial review applications. The Federal High Court upheld Mr Etiabas case, dismissing LAWNACs suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/414/2021, by ruling that the applicant had failed to comply with procedural requirements by not obtaining prior leave before initiating judicial review proceedings. On appeal, CBN argued that the appellant had breached procedural deadlines by filing its brief outside the 45-day limit stipulated in the Court of Appeal Rules. It urged the appellate court to dismiss the case, citing precedents that affirm the mandatory nature of procedural rules. However, the Court of Appeal ruled on Friday that the FOI Acts provisions override procedural rules, emphasising the need to prioritise public access to information over technicalities. Many Nigerians especially journalists have been denied access to information by government institutions, emphasising citing various reasons, or simply ignored the requests. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Nentawe Yilwata, said this during the launching of the State Action Plan durable solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) on Friday in Makurdi. Mr Yilwata said the approval was in line with the presidents Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to prioritise the countrys most vulnerable groups. He said the funds would be used to support vulnerable groups in the country with non-collateral and non-interest loans. He said those to benefit from the loans were vulnerable groups, especially the youth and women. Mr Yilwata, who noted that the funds would be given through cooperatives, urged Nigerians to form cooperatives to benefit from the scheme. We will give you between N300,000 and N400,000 as household loans. So, if you have a cooperative of 20 people, for example, then it means you have N300,000 multiplied by 20, thats six million naira. We also have the N-Power, which the President has asked us to redirect. We should reform it and make it more productive. 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 should link the youth, not just by training them alone, but we should link them to the market space and the private sector. To ensure that is done, the president has procured over 100,000 items that can empower over 100,000 youths across the country, he said Mr Yilwata added that the president had approved and was implementing conditional cash transfer and it was in a big way. READ ALSO: Tinubu appoints new chairperson for UniAbuja Teaching Hospital He said 70 million Nigerians would benefit from the scheme adding that at least 15 million households were expected to benefit from it. Four to five persons from the 15 million households would benefit from the N75,000 cash transfer that would be disbursed in three instalments, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Confirming the air return, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Obiageli Orah, said all passengers and crew disembarked safely. She, however, said that four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries while 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries. According to her, the United Airlines Boeing 787-800 departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, at 23.59 p.m. on Thursday but made an air return and landed safely at 3.22 a.m. on Friday. On board were 245 adults and 11 crew members. The team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical and Aviation Security were already at the gate when the aeroplane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident, and the door was opened at 3.37 a.m. While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries. The rescue team responded swiftly and effectively, having been on alert and standby. 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 Aviation medical ambulances transported the injured passengers, some to the MMA Clinic and others to the Headquarters Clinic, she said. Ms Orah also said that those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged, while those with serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. She said that some passengers were taken to a hotel for accommodation, adding that the aircraft did not sustain any major damage. The authority will continue to provide updates, she said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is still awaiting a request from the Senate to conduct a bye-election in Anambra South District to replace the late senator, Ifeanyi Ubah. Elizabeth Agu, the resident electoral commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, said this at a stakeholders dialogue organised by the International Press Centre (IPC) in Awka on Thursday. The theme of the dialogue was Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Process and Election. Senator Ubah, who represented Anambra South District, died in July 2024. Mrs Agu said that INEC had made preparations for the election and was ready to conduct it anytime the Senate requested to fill the vacant seat. She called on the Anambra public, especially politicians, to play by the rules as the state prepared for the 8 November governorship election while assuring that the electoral body would ensure peoples votes counted. Public trust crucial to election success In his keynote lecture, Nkwachukwu Orji, a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said that public trust was crucial to a participatory and successful election. 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 Nkwachukwu, a former REC in the state, said voter apathy indicated problems with the electoral process, including a high trust deficit. The lecturer said that though INEC had the constitutional right to supervise the electoral process, it had allowed other members of society to participate in it to boost public trust. He said that trust issues in elections could be a result of competence or integrity. According to him, trust is a process that goes up or down and is affected by fraud and irregularities, unprofessional conduct of officials, poor legal framework, partisan bias and others. This is why INEC has transferred the announcement of the result to vice-chancellors, he said. Political prophets The programme chairperson, Emeka Ononamadu, said the election process required the interplay of multiple collaborating stakeholders who must work effectively for a credible outcome. Mr Ononamadu, a former REC in Enugu State and convener of the Nigeria Democracy Clinic said the stakeholders were civil society, security agencies, and the general public, all of whom should play their roles well. He said another challenge to the election process in Nigeria was the role of political prophets who predicted outcomes putting the electorate and the umpire under unnecessary pressure. In an address of welcome, Lanre Arogundade, the executive director of IPC, said the large turnout at the event indicated participants dedication and commitment to enhancing the electoral system. Mr Arogundade, who was represented by Stella Nwofia, the programme manager at IPC, promised that the dialogues recommendations would be shared with relevant authorities to enhance democratic processes. Our aim is to gather insights from all geopolitical zones in Nigeria, focusing on the urgent need to rebuild trust and foster collaboration that will improve future elections, especially following the complexities that arose during the 2023 general elections. Together, we can spark meaningful change and restore integrity to our elections, the road ahead may be challenging, but with collective effort and determination, we can make a difference, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The issue is that Nigerian political parties are dysfunctional by design and not by accident. Party barons have succeeded in keeping decent and principled Nigerians outside the party system. Those left within are those who play the current game. At some point, decent Nigerians would have to revolt against the party system to take them over or replace them if democracy is to have the chance to survive. Democracies are sustainable only under conditions that allow competitive party systems to operate. There is a crisis in Nigerias democratic system and the source is our dysfunctional party system. For ruling parties, the crisis is deep; they stop operating as parties and become machines for ruling executives the president and state governors to do what they please, while abandoning manifestoes and policies. For opposition parties, a significant percentage of their cadres move out to join the ruling party after every election. The remaining party leaders engage in a fight to the death, often helped or even instigated by the ruling party. The post-election period is therefore one of party disintegration. Nigeria must get out of this malaise if we are to defend and deepen our democracy. There is no surprise that since the end of the 2023 general elections, a host of elected opposition figures have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with more, including governors, expected to jump ship before the end of 2025, ahead of the 2027 polls. The Labour Party (LP), for example, which emerged as the Third Force after the election, has lost no fewer than 18 lawmakers to the APC. The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has also lost scores of elected officials, including 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, some members of the House of Representatives, and senators. This is happening in spite of the fact that the Constitution is explicit that you cannot change your political party once you contest and win an election on its platform. Once you change your political party and your party takes you to court, the courts are to immediately unseat you from the elected position. This rarely happens. The judiciary will usually find a way to circumvent the law. There is enough money in the system to create conditions to disregard the law and ensure that the system does not function according to its rules and regulations. The main problem is that the political parties have no core principles, ideologies or even sets of coherent political programmes that they are committed to. In functional democracies, it is the commitment of politicians to their parties political platforms that makes them remain in the parties after losing elections, with the intention of running better campaigns in the next electoral cycles to secure victory. As Nigerian parties are no longer associated with any political conviction, the political class can move from one to another without batting an eyelid. Such behaviour has consequences for democracy as it perpetuates a culture of cynicism among the electorate, who come to realise that their voices and choices are inconsequential in a system in which principles are so readily discarded for power, money and privilege. The political effect of such behaviour is that opposition parties have no opportunity to grow and develop after succeeding in getting some of their candidates elected, because they lose a lot of their successful elected officials. The so-called opposition parties then become unwilling feeder pillars for the ruling party, providing them with a steady stream of experienced politicians and further consolidating their power. The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Mr Obiora Ifoh, has stated the obvious that: Not everyone who is in politics is genuinely interested in using his/her position to better society, we must tell ourselves the truth. In the case of our party, for example, there were those who joined us not because they believed in what our party stands for but because they saw an opportunity provided by the popularity of our platform and they used it to win elections only to get into office and jump into the same political party they defeated at the polls to get into office. Such behaviour creates a dilemma for those who join a party because they believe it could make a difference, only for them to discover subsequently that many of those they campaigned and voted for have no values or principles guiding their actions. 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 political effect of such behaviour is that opposition parties have no opportunity to grow and develop after succeeding in getting some of their candidates elected, because they lose a lot of their successful elected officials. The so-called opposition parties then become unwilling feeder pillars for the ruling party, providing them with a steady stream of experienced politicians and further consolidating their power. Without strong opposition parties, multi-party democracy degenerates as the political process is not generating alternative platforms that are developing the capacity to effectively challenge the parties in power. The reality, however, is that the ruling party itself is not developing by incorporating new ideas, values or approaches. It is simply absorbing the same type of people it has corrupt persons without principles, character or values. The additional members simply worsen the bad character of the party and this creates a sense of hopelessness in voters who come to the bitter conclusion that they are ALL very bad leaders that good people do not deserve to have governing them. The rot in the party system therefore simply widens and deepens. There are clear indications that the race to win the presidency in 2027 has already taken off. The tactics of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appears to be to fragment all the other parties and consolidate power around his person. Opposition figures are defecting en masse, enticed by the lure of political relevance, financial incentives, and the promise of patronage. As the 2027 elections approach, the challenge for opposition parties is not just to survive but to redefine themselves as credible alternatives capable of inspiring confidence among a disenchanted electorate. The fact that Wike is a minister in the government should have meant it was easy to erase his influence in the opposition PDP. The fact that he still stands strong after demarketing, destabilising and disintegrating the party for four years is evidence of non-functionality of the party itself. Repeated calls by stakeholders such as Governor Bala Mohammed, to simply convene the National Executive Committee to meet to address the internal crisis facing the party have failed. The stakes are high. If the opposition fails to regroup and present a united front, Nigeria risks returning to a one-party dominant system, reminiscent of the early 2000s, when electoral competition existed only in name. The president appears to have taken the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hostage through the Wike stranglehold. The partys National Working Committee (NWC), responsible for convening the National Executive Council (NEC) meetings, has been grappling with internal conflicts, particularly over the continued tenure of the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum. This is a frightening situation. It indicates that if enough money is placed on the table, no party can take a principled decision. The fact that Wike is a minister in the government should have meant it was easy to erase his influence in the opposition PDP. The fact that he still stands strong after demarketing, destabilising and disintegrating the party for four years is evidence of non-functionality of the party itself. Repeated calls by stakeholders such as Governor Bala Mohammed, to simply convene the National Executive Committee to meet to address the internal crisis facing the party have failed. The issue is that Nigerian political parties are dysfunctional by design and not by accident. Party barons have succeeded in keeping decent and principled Nigerians outside the party system. Those left within are those who play the current game. At some point, decent Nigerians would have to revolt against the party system to take them over or replace them if democracy is to have the chance to survive. A professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Kemi Badenoch is a British citizen and patriot who is openly appreciative of Britain, her country, having experienced Nigeria in the past. She embodies the new spirit of British Conservative values, just as she is passionate about conserving the best of Great Britain and her fellow country folk trust her enough to position her to being the first black British Prime Minister. Her Nigerian traducers will not be able to derail her because Kemi is bad enough to stand up to them Kemi Badenoch, the British politician and leader of the Conservative Party of UK, has a lot of problems with Nigeria or so it seems, as seen in her often critical comments about the country. Kemi, a British citizen of Yoruba heritage, who spent some time living in Nigeria in the 1980s and 1990s, during a period of the trials and tribulations experienced by citizens in the hands of corrupt military dictatorship, often depicts the country of her ancestors as everything a normal country should not be. According to Kemi, Great Britain is her country and she doesnt want it to become like a place I ran away from. Adding that, I grew up in Nigeria, and I saw first-hand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, when they use public money as their private piggy banks, when they pollute the whole political atmosphere with their failure to serve others. Also, I saw what socialism is for millions. I saw poverty and broken dreams. I came to Britain to make my way in a country where hard work and honest endeavour can take you anywhere. You cannot understand it unless you have lived it. Triple checking that all doors and windows are locked, waking up in the night at every sound, listening as you hear your neighbours scream as they are being burgled and beaten, wondering if your home is next. The leader of the British Conservative Party has had so much more to talk about her nightmarish experience in Nigeria. But her position on Nigeria can be summed up into how a corrupt political leadership has reduced the giant of Africa into a waddling dwarf that is pauperised, traumatised and terrorised on all fronts. Interestingly, some leading members of Nigerias intellectual community and influential media personalities, who have dedicated their entire adult lives in writing and speaking against the ills of the Nigerian system she often talks about, have turned their pens and voices against Kemi in the most adversarial manner, accusing her of denigrating Nigeria as a short cut up the heights of British politics. For speaking the truth of her reality, as a British resident of Nigeria during the darkest ages of brutal and corrupt military dictatorship, whose guns those maligning her deployed their pens to defeat, Kemi has become the object of ridicule and hate in certain quarters. Vice President Shettimas admonition to Badenoch to remove the Kemi in her name if she is not proud of her Nigerian heritage, is an unfortunate statement, just as the applause it received from the adversarial section of Nigerias intellectual community is a reminder of the democratic citizenship miseducation that is widespread in Nigeria, even among the highly educated and highly placed. The on-going spat between some concerned members of Nigerias intellectual community (home and abroad) and Kemi Badenoch, over her often critical comments about Nigeria, assumed a diplomatic dimension when Nigerias vice president, Kashim Shettima made his rather unexpected intervention. While stating that we are proud of her in spite of her effort to denigrate her country of origin, Shettima said she is entitled to her own opinions; she has even every right to remove Kemi from her name but that does not underscore the fact that greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria. And with the vice president weighing in on the side of her traducers, Kemi has become a person of national interest to the Nigerian government. However, Vice President Shettimas admonition to Badenoch to remove the Kemi in her name if she is not proud of her Nigerian heritage, is an unfortunate statement, just as the applause it received from the adversarial section of Nigerias intellectual community is a reminder of the democratic citizenship miseducation that is widespread in Nigeria, even among the highly educated and highly placed. And the bemused reaction from the same quarter to Kemis response to the effect that she is Yoruba and British not Nigerian reveals the depth of democratic citizenship illiteracy among Nigerias otherwise sophisticated intellectual class, that is supposed to be the light of the nation of Nigeria. Thanks to the high level of integration and seamless assimilation in the British society (something that is lacking in Nigeria), it has become perfectly possible to be Yoruba and not be Nigerian but British. It is called democratic citizenship. 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 To ask an individual to drop her Yoruba name (Kemi) as a sign of her rejection of her Nigerian ancestry, is to suggest that to be Yoruba must necessarily translate to being Nigerian. To many Nigerian nativist intellectuals, being Yoruba and British is impossible in the same way a White supremacist considers being Yoruba and British incompatible. Otherwise if her Nigerian traducers had understood Kemi Badenoch to be as British as any other Euro-White citizen of United Kingdom, they would not have judged her assessment of Nigeria through a different criteria from David Cameron, who similarly described Nigeria as a fantastically corrupt a country. And it is this same nativist mentality that has prevented Nigeria from evolving into the Kashim Shettimas greatest black nation where it is possible to be Yoruba and Kano, Hausa and Anambra, Igbo and Lagos, Kanuri and Bayelsa, Ijaw and Borno, etc. The Afrobeat legend and great Pan-Africanist rose to global fame singing about the issues Kemi experienced while living in Nigeria, yet nobody accused him of denigrating Nigeria for speaking the truth. Some sections of the Nigerian media that has made it their pastime to chew on Kemis personality have been reporting and analysing Kemis truth about Nigeria since forever. Like every other British citizen and institution, Kemi Badenoch has a right to her opinion on Nigeria without her personality and ethnic heritage coming under attack. At best Vice President Kashim Shettima could have aimed a shot at the flaws in her countrys (Britain) system and pointed out cases of corruption, embezzlement of public funds by Kemi and other British politicians, their broken healthcare system, millions of out-of-school-children, Boko Haram insurgency, banditry and sea piracy to her. There is nothing Kemi has said about Nigeria that is not the reality of Africas most populous country. The Afrobeat legend and great Pan-Africanist rose to global fame singing about the issues Kemi experienced while living in Nigeria, yet nobody accused him of denigrating Nigeria for speaking the truth. Some sections of the Nigerian media that has made it their pastime to chew on Kemis personality have been reporting and analysing Kemis truth about Nigeria since forever. And most importantly, Vice President Kashim Shettima who once lamented that Boko Haram insurgents are better armed than Nigerian security forces supported his APC party to defeat the erstwhile ruling PDP on three key camping promises of tackling insecurity, corruption and economic woes. The campaign that brought the APC to power and which made it possible for Kashim Shettima to be Nigerias vice president today was firmly hinged on Kemis truth about Nigeria. Kemi Badenoch is a British citizen and patriot who is openly appreciative of Britain, her country, having experienced Nigeria in the past. She embodies the new spirit of British Conservative values, just as she is passionate about conserving the best of Great Britain and her fellow country folk trust her enough to position her to being the first black British Prime Minister. Her Nigerian traducers will not be able to derail her because Kemi is bad enough to stand up to them as seen in the way she redirected Vice President Kashim Shettimas attention to the problem of Islamism and Boko Haram in his native region of Northern Nigeria. Majeed Dahiru, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja and can be reached through dahirumajeed@gmail.com. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Trumps political resurgence represents more than a personal comeback; it symbolises a significant challenge to democratic norms and global cooperation. His approach threatens to transform Americas international role from a collaborative leader to an isolated and antagonistic power. With 18 states (in the US) already challenging some of his proposed policies, including birthright citizenship, the political landscape remains deeply contentious. In February 2017, an earlier analysis critically examined the erosion of American democratic principles under Donald Trumps initial presidency, highlighting the systematic dismantling of diversity and civil liberties. The original critique centred on Trumps controversial policies notably the travel ban targeting specific nationalities and the proposed border wall intended to exclude Mexican immigrants. During his first term, Trumps agenda was constrained by institutional checks and political opposition. On return to power, he appears poised to pursue an even more aggressive nationalist agenda, seeking to implement his seeming transformative vision. This updated analysis explores the continuing evolution of Trumps political ideology and its potential disruption of American democratic institutions and global geopolitical dynamics. Below are my perspectives on his current and old policy initiatives. In his return to the political stage, Donald Trump continues to employ far-reaching rhetoric and controversial policies that risk alienating international allies and exacerbating global tensions. His approach seems characterised by an isolationist agenda that prioritises an aggressive, unilateral vision of American power. Trumps executive orders and policy initiatives demonstrate a pattern of diplomatic disengagement and nationalist posturing. Withdrawing from international organisations like the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accord, proposing controversial measures such as annexing Greenland, instigating trade conflicts with China and Canada, and contemplating provocative actions like renaming the Gulf of Mexico, reflect a worldview that prioritises American dominance over collaborative international relationships. The underlying philosophy appears to be a narrow interpretation of patriotism that equates national strength with aggressive and confrontational strategies. However, this approach potentially undermines Americas global influence by creating diplomatic rifts and reducing multilateral cooperation. Particularly concerning is Trumps simultaneous withdrawal from global platforms, while attempting to position the United States as a global arbiter. Climate change provides a stark example of this contradictory approach. Despite devastating wildfires in regions like Los Angeles demonstrating the urgent need for environmental action, Trumps administration has consistently downplayed climate challenges, prioritising short-term economic interests over long-term global sustainability. Domestically, Trumps policies have deepened societal divisions. His stance on immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare, and social welfare, reveals a far-right ideology that marginalises vulnerable populations. The irony is profound: in a nation fundamentally built by immigrants, Trumps rhetoric seeks to restrict and criminalise immigration, overlooking the crucial contributions of immigrant communities to Americas economic and cultural landscape. 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 fundamental challenge lies in reconciling Trumps vision of American greatness with the complex, interconnected nature of the contemporary global system. His strategy of subduing, rather than engaging with global challenges may ultimately prove counterproductive, potentially weakening rather than strengthening American influence on the world stage. The economic vision accompanying these policies seemingly benefits wealthy elites, while offering little substantive support to working-class Americans. Millions remain vulnerable to poverty, unemployment, and social instability, a reality that starkly contrasts with the prosperous image Trump and his supporters project. Trumps political resurgence represents more than a personal comeback; it symbolises a significant challenge to democratic norms and global cooperation. His approach threatens to transform Americas international role from a collaborative leader to an isolated and antagonistic power. With 18 states (in the US) already challenging some of his proposed policies, including birthright citizenship, the political landscape remains deeply contentious. The fundamental challenge lies in reconciling Trumps vision of American greatness with the complex, interconnected nature of the contemporary global system. His strategy of subduing, rather than engaging with global challenges may ultimately prove counterproductive, potentially weakening rather than strengthening American influence on the world stage. The Making of A Democratic Dictatorship Though awkwardly applied, there is a form of dictatorship embedded in the American brand of democracy. In one fell swoop, with a stroke of a signature, Americas less than two-week old President Donald Trump has put the whole world on high alert, pitting civilisations against one another in a throwback to the worlds ugly past the Crusades, the Renaissance, the migration to the New World to escape oppression in Europe, the violent suppression of indigenous Red Indians, World War II, the persecution of Jews in some parts of Europe leading to the holocaust in Nazi Germany, and the Jews continued colonisation of the Palestinian people. This is an unfortunate throwback to the era of brute force and the might is right phenomenon. The executive order without recourse to the legislature, allowed by the US constitution in a presidents first month in office, confers enormous powers on the president. Power comes with responsibility, and I wonder if Trump is taking cognisance of that. Trump had on Friday signed an executive order banning persons from seven Muslim majority countries Libya, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Libya and refugees from American soil. The backlash has been devastating. Travelers were left high and dry, some arrested, and families were trapped in the mix, as spouses are unable to return to loved ones. Students, visitors and green card holders were blocked at airports in US, Istanbul, Cairo and Dubai and had to return home. Suddenly the worlds number one salesman and importer of democratic ethos, the US, is questioning its source of strength diversity and civil liberties. It was a choice they made and so should live with it. Significantly, there is nothing wrong or new in the ban; the only snag is in the timing and manner of its execution, and the fact that this appears more discriminatory and deliberately skewed against Muslims in America and those abroad. Over the years the US had pretended about its image as a land of liberty that held promises for all and where all dreams can become reality. People, including criminally minded ones, took advantage of this liberal posture, no doubt. Why did these same protesters not campaign vigorously and vote for the candidate of their choice? In a way, Americas brand of democracy is a dictatorship of the minority So, America may be a country of diverse cultural backgrounds; checks and balances might have helped their democracy to flourish, but there is equally something inherently authoritarian in the same system and which can be invoked anytime. Then came the Trump presidency. The president made his own choice of rogue states sentimentally. He left out countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt and UAE, where the business interests of the US and its citizens are domiciled and must be protected. Trumps harsh policies are however not directed to some Muslim countries alone. He has been up in arms against Mexico in a grand plan to build almost a two-mile wall to bar Mexicans from the US. His spat with the president of Mexico, Enrique Pena Nieto, has created the most disturbing rift in the history of US-Mexico relations. Trump is a bull in a China shop, and he is unstoppable. Very soon it will be the turn of people of African descent and Cubans. This class of Nigerians reminds me of the oft-quoted German priest, Martin Niemoller, who was opposed to the Nazi regime: First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionist, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me, warning that people should not be complicit through their conspiracy of silence. While we blame Trump for his brazen acts, the Muslim world should do some introspection. What are they doing to contain all the proxy wars being fought in their countries leading to a high turnover of refugees? The Arab countries ruling classes need the US as a bulwark against their draconian regime and possible ouster. Any wonder then that with all their oil money and splendour, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Egypt are not magnanimous enough to take in refugees from war-torn Syria and Yemen. Therefore, blaming Trump is not enough. Arabs, Muslims and blacks should be ready to help themselves, instead of seeking for sanctuaries in the US. There have been rallies and protests in at least 30 US cities. Considering the chaos and human misery in airports all over the US, the outpouring of emotions is understandable. To the protesters, here are the plain truths. Trump never minced words when he made immigration, anti-Muslims, anti-Mexican and border issues his campaign issues, yet he won the hearts of Americans who voted for him. Now hes fulfilling his campaign promise; did they expect any less? Why did these same protesters not campaign vigorously and vote for the candidate of their choice? In a way, Americas brand of democracy is a dictatorship of the minority; what with executive orders and popular votes versus Electoral College, which guaranteed the victory of George W. Bush over Al Gore in 2001 and lately Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton. So, America may be a country of diverse cultural backgrounds; checks and balances might have helped their democracy to flourish, but there is equally something inherently authoritarian in the same system and which can be invoked anytime. From America first, mass deportation, racism to fascist tendencies, Trump appears to be rehashing Hitlers Germany and thus taking America and indeed the world to their dark past. Zainab Suleiman Okino chairs the Blueprint Editorial Board. She can be reached via zainabokino@gmail.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Quran is the source of every good: it will give whatever and as much as you ask from it. If you seek from it such trivial, frivolous and spurious things as how to scare away jinns and ghosts, how to cure coughs and fevers, how to succeed in litigation and find a job then you may get them, but only them. If you seek supremacy on earth and the power to rule the world you may get that too. And if you wish to reach near Allahs throne, the Quran will take you there. In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful Praise belongs to Allah alone; peace and blessing on the last Prophet, his family and his Companions. Dear brothers and sisters! Noble Quran is the fourth and last sacred book of Almighty Allah revealed on Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Quran is the Book of guidance for all mankind. The responsibility of the safety of this Noble Book is taken by Almighty Allah by Himself. Quran is a source of great inspiration, guidance, and wisdom for millions of Muslims all over the world. We all should know the history of revelation and compilation of Quran so that we can understand how important this Noble Book is for all of us (Muslims). Quran is the central point of faith, and essential to the foundations of an Islamic society being the basis of its Shariah, Islamic legal instructions, and law. I can say Noble Quran is a living miracle. The Noble Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in a period that extends to about 23 years. During this time the Noble Quran that we recite today was revealed in bits and pieces and in an order not as we see today. In this Sermon, I will discuss the aspect of Quran by describing its revelation and the measures are taken to preserve it or compilation of Quran over the Muslim history. It is important that we all should understand the merits or dignity of Quran and what Allah Almighty has said about its preservation and divine nature in Quran. Allah Almighty says: And we have sent down to you the Book explaining all things, a guide, a mercy and glad tidings to Muslims. [Quran, 16:89] Quran is the book of guidance, mercy and glad tidings. Other than that we as a Muslim should believe Quran is the Book free of doubts. The authenticity of Quran in terms of its preservation is concerned, Allah Almighty says: 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 have without doubt, sent down the message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption). [Quran, 15:9] So, we can say that the Quran in its present form is the same as it was revealed and there can be no doubt regarding its being Divine in nature and a source of guidance without any doubt or reservation. Noble Quran was revealed to last Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in the form of wahy. In Islamic terminology, wahy can be literally defined as Allahs divine message conveyed to Allahs chosen persons (Prophets). Descriptions of wahy are also given in the Noble Quran: So we sent this inspiration to the mother of Musa. [Quran, 28:7] This is part of the tidings of the unseen which we reveal unto you (oh Prophet) by inspiration. [Quran, 3:44] Quran revealed in form of Wahy which was made open to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) by Allah Almighty in different forms, either during sleep, while awake, with imprint on His heart, or Gabriel brought the verses in his original or humanly forms from time to time. The process of revelation of Quran started in the month of Ramadan as Allah Almighty mentioned: Ramadan is the (month) in which we sent down the Quran. [Quran, 2:185] The Quran was not revealed in one instance but through a gradual process with small numbers of verses revealed at any one time. Allah Almighty also explains the reason behind the in-parts revelation of Quran over a period of 23 years. Allah the Most High says: (It is) a Quran which we have divided (into parts from time to time), in order that you might recite it to men. At intervals we have revealed it by stages. [Quran, 17:106] Hence there was a step by step process of revelation where the verses were revealed at specific instances to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) making it easy to circulate and propagate the information to the followers of Islam. So the divine message of Allah Almighty was revealed slowly to allow the new Muslims to change and accept the new faith Islam and live their lives according to teachings of Islam. Revelation in stages also created a constant link between Allah Almighty and His beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him) giving moral support in times of need and distress. Allah the Most High says: Thus (it is revealed), that We may strengthen your heart. [Quran, 25:106] Thus we can conclude from this we have a solution of every problem which we are facing in our lives in the Noble Book Quran. Respected brothers and sisters! Muslims are the only people in the world today fortunate enough to possess the word of Allah (Quran) preserved in its original form, free from all distortions, and precisely in the wording in which it was sent down upon the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Paradoxically, these same Muslims suffer the misfortune of being denied the countless blessings and benefits which the word of Allah must give to those who believe in it. The Quran was sent to them, for them to read it, understand it, act upon it, and, with its help, establish on Allahs earth the rule of His law. The Quran came to grant Muslims dignity and power. It came to make them true vicegerents of Allah on earth. And history shows that whenever they acted according to its guidance, it did make them the leaders of the world. But now the Qurans usefulness, for many Muslims, consists only in coming together to celebrate its festival, keeping it in their houses to drive away jinns and ghosts, in writing its verses on amulets to hang round their necks or washing those amulets with water and then drinking it, or in reading its contents without comprehending their meaning in the hope of receiving some reward. No longer do they seek guidance from it for their lives. No longer do they ask it to tell them what should be their beliefs, morals and actions, nor how they should conduct transactions, what principles they should observe while dealing with enemies and friends, what the rights are of their fellow beings and of their own selves. Nor do they turn to it to find what is true and what is false, whom they should obey and whom disobey, who their friends are and who their enemies, where honour, well-being and benefit are to be found and where disgrace, failure and loss. We Muslims have given up looking for answers to these important questions in the Quran. Instead, we now ask unbelievers, idolaters, misguided and selfish people, even our own ego and desires and follow what they advise. What invariably happens to those who ignore Allah and follow the precepts of others has happened to us too. We are reaping only what we have sown everywhere in the world; in Nigeria, in Palestine, in the Middle East, in Pakistan, Indonesia and many other places. The Quran is the source of every good: it will give whatever and as much as you ask from it. If you seek from it such trivial, frivolous and spurious things as how to scare away jinns and ghosts, how to cure coughs and fevers, how to succeed in litigation and find a job then you may get them, but only them. If you seek supremacy on earth and the power to rule the world you may get that too. And if you wish to reach near Allahs throne, the Quran will take you there. If you receive only a few drops from the ocean, do not blame the Quran, blame yourselves. For the whole ocean is there waiting for him who knows how to take it. The cruel jokes, brothers, which we Muslims play with the Book of Allah are so inane that if we saw someone else doing such things in any other sphere of life, we would mock them and even brand them as lunatics. Tell me, what would you say if somebody got a doctors prescription and hung it round his neck after wrapping it in a piece of cloth or washed it in water and drank it? Would you not laugh at him and call him a fool? Yet this is the very treatment being given before your eyes to the matchless prescription written by the greatest of all doctors to provide a cure for all your ailments and nobody laughs! No one even reflects that a prescription is not meant to be hung round the neck nor are its words to be washed in water and drunk. Tell me, what would you think if someone who was ill picked up a book on medicine and began to read it, believing, thinking that this would cure him? Would you not say that he was deranged? Yet this is how we treat the Book (Quran) which the Supreme Healer has sent for the cure of our diseases. We think that just by flicking through all its pages, our diseases will disappear without our following the directions given in them or abstaining from the things which they pronounce harmful. Are we not in the same situation as the man who considers that reading a book on medicine will cure his illness? If you receive a business letter in a language you do not know, you go to a man who knows the language to find out what it says. You remain anxious and restless until you have found out what the letter says, even though it will bring only some paltry worldly profit. But the letter sent to you by the Lord of the worlds (Allah) which can bring you all the benefits of this-world and the eternal life is carelessly set aside. You do not show any uneasiness at not understanding its contents. Is this not astonishing? I am not trying to make you laugh. Reflect for a while on these facts and your hearts will tell you that the greatest possible injustice is being done to the Book of Allah (Quran). Ironically, the culprits are the very people who proclaim their faith in it and proclaim their readiness to sacrifice their lives for it. No doubt they do have faith in it and love it more than their lives, but the pity is that it is they, more than anyone else, who treat it outrageously. Quran is the matchless prescription written by the greatest of all doctors to provide a cure for all your ailments. And the consequences of such treatment are quite plain to see. Understand fully that Allahs word does not come to bring misery, disgrace and suffering to man. Allah the Most High says: We have not sent down the Quran upon you that you be wretched. [Quran, 20:1-2] On the contrary, the Quran is the source of happiness and success. It is impossible for a people to possess Allahs word and yet suffer disgrace and ignominy, live under subjugation, be trampled on and kicked around, and carry the yoke of slavery on their necks, being led by the nose like animals, live in abject poverty, hunger and insecurity. People meet this fate only when they do injustice to the word of Allah (the Quran). Look at the fate of the Israelites. They were given the at-Tawrah (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), and were told: As they established the Torah and the Gospel and what was sent down to them by their Lord, they would surely have partaken of all the blessings from above them (heaven) and beneath their feet (earth). [Quran, 5:66] But they adopted a wrong attitude towards these Books of Allah, and reaped the consequences. Allah the Almighty says: An ignominy and helplessness were laid upon them, and they were laden with the burden of Allahs anger. That, because they used to disbelieve Allahs messages and slay the Prophets against all right; that, because they disobeyed and were transgressors. [Quran, 2:61] If people possess Allahs Book and still live in disgrace and subjugation, they are surely being punished for doing injustice to Allahs word (Quran). The only way to save yourselves from Allahs anger is to turn back from this grave sin and start trying to render His Book its due. Until you do, your condition will never change even if you open colleges in each and every village, all your children graduate from universities, you amass millions through unscrupulous means, and you waste your time in celebrating the Qurans festival. Lastly, I pray, may the Almighty Allah remove all our tears, all our worries, all our sorrows and all our pains and replace them with complete happiness, complete smiles and complete good health, ameen Ya Mujib! All perfect praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers. Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah Mosque; and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com; or +2348038289761. This Friday sermon (Jumuah Khutbah) was prepared for delivery today Friday, 24 Rajab, 1446 AH (January 24, 2024). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In Nigerian politics, many people believe that empathy is often spoken about but rarely practiced with genuine sincerity. Gracias! I toured around the country, and I found an exception. A tall, cerebral and charismatic Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State embodies the very essence of compassionate governance. An Austrian medical doctor and psychotherapist, Alfred Adler once said, Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another. These words are not just vague; they find their truest manifestation in how Governor Radda approaches leadership, and especially in how hes rewriting the healthcare narratives in Katsina State. Like most Katsinawa, I am always excited that we have a governor who does not only listen to peoples yearnings but takes necessary action. Mr Radda governs with strong empathy and humility plus a deep personal engagement with the challenges facing Katsinas residents. I witnessed firsthand an extraordinary moment that epitomises Mr Raddas uncommon empathy. During a routine convoy stop for prayers some weeks back along Daura road, a woman in her 50s approached, seeking help for medical needs. While one of the governors aides initially attempted to dismiss her with a small cash offer, unknown to them, Mr Radda had noticed and observed the interaction intently. Before the prayers, Mr Radda personally called the woman, diligently interrogating her health concerns to ascertain how genuine her case was to warrant seeking assistance from random passersby. Satisfied with the authenticity, the governor didnt only provide reasonable financial assistance but also assigned one of his aides to ensure the aged woman received proper attention. If you ask me what this means? I will tell you this wasnt mere charityit was systematic and compassionate intervention. Often time, the governor makes unannounced visits to health centres across Katsina State. Its either he drives himself or will be accompanied by one of his security aides. He personally checks on patients, listens to their medical challenges, settles outstanding medical bills, offers prayers and meticulously assesses the quality of attention given to the patients. 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 Most of the visits are carried out without publicity or fanfare, but the beneficiaries of the kind gestures can bear witness and thats enough. It is surprising to see the governors commitment to healthcare transcending individual acts of kindness. Under Mr Raddas leadership, the state now boasts 1,751 primary, secondary and tertiary health institutions, with over 85% fully functional. Lets take a quick flashback to the governors Building Your Future blueprint, where he had a target to establish comprehensive primary healthcare facilities in all 361 wards and general hospitals in each of the 34 local government areas of the state. This vision, to naysayers, may be unachievable or be counted as pure political talks. Truth be told, Governor Radda is not sweeping any of his promises beneath the carpet; he chooses his words carefully. He doesnt promise what he cannot achieve. This you may need to study. Under Mr Radda, 102 health centres have been refurbished, 22 are ongoing, and 34 have been approved for renovation. Going forward, Governor Radda demonstrates his love for equity and evenness in the provision of health facilities. Comprehensive health centres at Zango, Kafur, Faskari, Charanchi, and Dandume have been upgraded to General Hospitals standard. Governor Radda received wide applause over his governments N9.4 billion investment healthcare facility improvements across the state. The investment includes an Imaging Centre at General Amadi Rimi General Hospital, Batagarawa, under construction. In case youre hearing this for the first time, the centre will be equipped with cutting-edge machines, and itll become the best in northern Nigeria. Yes, give Governor Radda his flowers. He deserves it. The man is doing it differently. The man is governing with strong and uncommon empathy. As you may also be aware, Governor Raddas diplomatic mission to World Medical Relief in Detroit, USA, has already begun yielding results. Out of the 10 containers of medical supplies and equipment secured in November, 2023, one has been delivered to Katsina. Two are enroute from Lagos and the rest are still on the high sea. Guess what? Each container is worth $1 million. Is that not massive? It can only be achieved by a leader with strong and uncommon empathy. Just before I draw the curtain, let me leave you with these words. Governor Radda doesnt just governhe connects, feels, and acts. While our political square is often characterised by detachment, Mr Radda remains an epitome of leadership rooted in genuine human empathy. Katsina is blessed to have a leader like him who governs with uncommon empathy. *Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda has promised to remain committed to transparency and accountability in running the affairs of the people of the state. Mr Radda made the pledge during a high-powered meeting with over 13,000 leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The leaders included State and local government party officials, ward and local government officials, APC chairmanship and councillorship candidates as well as ward coordinators. The meeting which took place at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Government House, Katsina on Thursday, was organised ahead of the forthcoming local government election in the state. Mr Radda emphasised the electorates fundamental power to replace non-productive elected officials. He urged party members to mobilise voters to support APC candidates. The governor implored party officials to continue to mobilise the electorates to come out en masse and vote for APC candidates at the local government election scheduled for 15th February, 2025. Mammoth crowd of attendeesHe also encouraged voters in the state to make the best use of their thumbs in electing or re-electing leaders who would devote themselves in serving the people. He promised to protect the right and integrity of all citizens, noting that he would reciprocate the sacrifice they made leading to his victory at the 2023 general election. In his contribution, the Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal Jobe highlighted Governor Raddas transformative leadership, pointing to the administrations focus on human capital and sectoral development. Mr Jobe noted that the governors transparent approach would be critical to the partys success in the upcoming local government elections. The State APC Chairman, Sani Aliyu Daura in his remarks admonished the party executives to mobilise the electorate in their respective areas to come out en masse and vote for APC candidates. Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman of APC in the state, Bala Abu Musawa said the meeting was to solidify the mutual understanding among the leadership and other card carrying members of APC devoid of any differences. 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 On his part, the National Coordinator for Dikko/Jobe 2023 Campaign Council, Jabiru Salisu Tsauri commended the governor for recognising and rewarding party supporters through strategic political appointments and meaningful engagements. The meeting brought together party leadership at ward, local government and state levels, including contact and mobilisation officials, chairmanship candidates, their deputies, and councillors. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Have you ever wondered what would happen to your hard-earned assets if something unexpected happened to you tomorrow? From your house in Lekki to your thriving business in Abuja or your small thriving business and that car you suffered to buy, who would manage these treasures youve built over the years? For many Nigerians, Estate Management might sound like something only for the wealthy elite. But heres the truth: if you own any assets at all, be it land in your village, a shop in the market, or savings in your bank account, you need Estate Management. Understanding Estate Management in the Nigerian Context Estate management goes beyond just writing a will or buying property. It is a comprehensive approach to protecting and growing your assets while ensuring they benefit your loved ones even in your absence. Proper Estate Management becomes even more crucial in our countrys unique cultural and economic landscape. Why Estate Management Matters for Every Nigerian Think about our traditional family systems. Without proper Estate Management, your assets could become subject to complex family disputes, leading to broken relationships and lost inheritance. That is why estate management should matter to you: 1. Protection of Family Wealth Estate management helps preserve your hard-earned wealth for generations. Whether you are a market trader in Onitsha or a corporate executive in Lagos, your assets deserve protection. 2. Clear Succession Planning 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 Proper Estate Management eliminates confusion about asset distribution, preventing the common family conflicts we often hear about in our communities. 3. Tax Efficiency With strategic Estate Management, you can minimize the tax burden on your beneficiaries while complying with Nigerian tax laws. Essential Components of Estate Management Asset Documentation The first step in estate management is knowing exactly what you own. This includes: 1. Physical properties (land, buildings, vehicles) 2. Financial assets (bank accounts, investments, insurance policies) 3. Business interests 4. Personal valuables (jewelry, art, family heirlooms) Legal Framework Understanding Nigerian estate laws is crucial. Your estate management plan should include: 1. A properly written and registered will 2. Power of attorney documents 3. Trust arrangements where necessary 4. Property documentation Professional Estate Management Services Working with professional estate managers offers several benefits: 1. Expert guidance on asset protection 2. Regular portfolio review and optimization 3. Compliance with legal requirements 4. Professional management of complex assets Common Estate Management Challenges in Nigeria Cultural Considerations In Nigeria, our cultural practices often conflict with modern estate management principles. For example, traditional inheritance customs might clash with written wills. Professional estate management helps navigate these sensitive issues while respecting cultural values. Documentation Issues Many Nigerians face challenges with proper documentation of assets. Estate management helps address these issues through: Proper title documentation Regular asset valuation Updated inventory management Secure record keeping Starting Your Estate Management Journey Step 1: Asset Inventory Begin by listing all your assets, including Properties and land, Vehicles, Bank accounts, Investments, Business interests, Personal valuables Step 2: Goal Setting Define clear objectives for your estate: Who should inherit what? How should assets be managed? What provisions should be made for dependents? How can you protect your assets from mismanagement? Step 3: Professional Consultation Engage with estate management professionals who can, provide expert guidance, develop comprehensive management strategies, ensure legal compliance and offer ongoing support and monitoring The Role of Professional Estate Managers Professional estate managers bring expertise in: Asset protection strategies Wealth preservation Tax planning Succession planning Legal compliance Benefits of Early Estate Management Planning Starting your estate management journey early offers numerous advantages, including : 1. Better asset protection 2. More time for wealth growth 3. Reduced family conflicts 4. Peace of mind 5. Tax efficiency 6. Clear succession planning Conclusion Estate management isnt just for the wealthy, it is for everyone who wants to protect their assets and secure their familys future. Even if you are just starting your career or you are an established professional, the time to think about estate management is now. Dont wait until it is too late. Take the first step in securing your legacy today by consulting with professional estate managers who understand the Nigerian context and can guide you through the process. Want to learn more about securing your familys future through professional estate management? Contact Leadway Capital and Trusts today for a consultation with expert estate managers. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Africas Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is set to host a Knowledge Series webinar specifically dedicated towards informing and educating Small and Medium business owners on the 2024 withholding Tax Regulations recently implemented by the federal government. This special webinar has the theme 2024 Withholding Tax Regulations, Specific Emphasis on How They Affect SMEs and is scheduled to hold online on Thursday, 30 January, 2025, by 12noon prompt. Business owners and SMEs who will like to be a part of this eye-opening event can access the session on Zoom via the link The knowledge Series is a regular seminar/workshop organised by the bank as part of its capacity-building initiatives, where leading business leaders and professionals share well-researched insights on relevant topics and best practices for running successful businesses. This edition seeks to educate business owners on the implications of the new tax regulations and how UBAs offerings can effectively support their growth. Renowned leaders from diverse industries, including, UBAs Head, SME Banking, Babatunde Ajayi; Financial Analysts with Anderson Consulting, Adeyemi Adediran and Vincent Okoukoni will be on ground to share their rich insights and explain how businesses can thrive in the new tax regime. UBAs Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola who spoke ahead of the webinar emphasised the importance of this edition, noting that it will provide a platform for businesses, especially SMEs, to learn more about the new tax regime, implications for their business and attendant benefits for them and the economy at large. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He said, Getting first -hand knowledge from experts on this important subject, as put together by UBA, will be invaluable for any business owner looking to build a lasting enterprise Also speaking on the upcoming workshop, UBAs Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo noted that the sessions frequently organised by the bank, continues to resonate with SMEs and business owners, and has in more ways than one, helped them take major leaps that has helped engender success. Ladipo said, At UBA, we remain resolute in our commitment to empowering businesses of all sizes, and that is why we have decided that we will help guide our customers towards making better business decisions and embracing more opportunities in 2025 that will take them to new highs. We have assembled an esteemed panel of speakers who will do justice to this topic by sharing their vast wealth of experience and insights on how best to navigate the new tax regime, she noted, adding that this is a must-attend event for anyone serious about the long-term success of their enterprise. United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Dauda Lawal has promised corps members that his administration is dedicated to ensuring their well-being, safety, and security across Zamfara State. The governor stated this while declaring the NYSC 2024 Batch C, Stream 2 orientation course open on Friday at the temporary camp at the UBEC Training Centre in Gusau, the state capital. A statement by the governors spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the NYSC orientation camp resumed in Zamfara a few months ago with the 2024 Batch C, stream 1. The statement added that camping activities have resumed in Zamfara due to the return of peace and a significant decrease in banditry throughout the state. Governor Lawal inspected the quarter guard parade by the Corps members and mounted the saluting dais before declaring the orientation course open. In his remark, the governor said the NYSC scheme has genuinely promoted national integration and provided various communities with a highly skilled and resourceful workforce. He said: We, in Zamfara State, feel the impact of skilled services provided by youth corps members across all sectors of the economy. They contribute selflessly to key areas like education, health, and agriculture. The scheme has indeed complemented the governments efforts in meeting the yearnings and aspirations of our teeming populace. Therefore, the resumption of NYSC Orientation activities in Zamfara State marks a significant milestone in our journey to restoring the needed confidence and stability in the state. We appreciate your contributions and assure you of the governments support for the schemes objectives. We will provide incentives to help you make Zamfara State your new home. As educated youths, you share a common responsibility of contributing to shaping the destiny of this nation. You are role models to millions of other youths nationwide whose personal conduct is a source of emulation. 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 assure you of our commitment to guaranteeing your well-being, safety, and security wherever you might be posted for your primary assignments. Our people are known for their rich hospitality and peaceful coexistence. Feel free to engage with them and respect their cultural and religious values to gain their trust. Im confident you will live harmoniously with your host communities and have a memorable national service. I would like to call on you to explore the abundant opportunities in the state during your stay. I hope that after your service year, you will take advantage of some of these opportunities, such as those in agriculture. The governor further stressed that his administration has made significant achievements in building and upgrading infrastructure over the past 20 months. The declaration of a state of emergency on education and health has allowed the state to focus greater attention on these and many other critical sectors. We are now in the dawn of a new Zamfara State, with great promise to the teeming populace of the state, including people from other parts of the country who want to partake in this journey. On behalf of all the good people of Zamfara State, I welcome you to our dear state, the home of Farming and Solid Minerals. I urge you to take this orientation seriously and attend all your lectures. With this, I am honored and pleased to declare the NYSC 2024 Batch C, Stream 2, orientation course open. I wish you Gods guidance and an advantageous service year. Earlier, the NYSC Zamfara State Coordinator, Muhammed Lawan Ahmed, praised Governor Lawal for his governments support in ensuring the schemes success. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Notorious banditry kingpin Dogo Gide said his terrorist group foiled an ambush by a Boko Haram faction led by Mallam Sadiku, killing 20 fighters of the insurgents. Local sources familiar with the incident told PREMIUM TIMES the terrorists clashed in the Kwaki-Chukuba area of Shiroro LGA, Niger State, where Mr Gides mother resides. It happened last Thursday in Kwaki, a source whose identity has been withheld for security reasons told our reporter. Another source working closely with security forces confirmed this, although he could not give the exact date of the incident. Named at birth as Abubakar Abdullahi, Mr Gide recently relocated back to his stronghold in Niger State following the ongoing military offensives against terrorists in northern Nigeria. Faceless Dogo Gide fights Faceless Boko Harams Sadiku Mr Gide, who had been repeatedly rumoured killed by the Nigerian military, spoke in a three-minute video shared by Zagazola Makama, a security analyst with an understanding of insurgency in the North-east. These are the guns and RPGs we seized from Mallam Sadiku, Mr Gide said behind the camera, showing the booties allegedly taken from the clash. 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 They ambushed us, but I want you [Mallam Sadiku] to know that only one of us was injured, but we seized 10 guns from you, including an RPG and an identity card from your men, Mr Gide continued, saying the identity card from your men shows that the Nigerian government is sponsoring you people to kill usb ut God has exposed you. Mr Gide accused the Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction of lying in claiming to be fighting a holy war (Jihad). But you are killing innocent people, including children and women, he criticised Mr Sadiku. You are rustling innocent peoples cattle, planting explosives targeting the peasants in the name of Jihad, but God has exposed you. However, Mr Gide is also notorious for what he accused Mr Sadiku of. Apart from raiding villages, Mr Gide also specialised in targeting foreign expatriates and mass abduction, with the Kuriga school kidnapping being the latest he took part in. This is not the first you are targeting to kill me, but God has been protecting me, and you will continue to fail, Mr Gide told the Boko Haram factional leader. You can see that none of my boys suffered any casualty, but I have killed 20 of your boys and seized 20 arms. Previous clashes This latest clash adds to the cycle of supremacy fights between Mr Gides group and other terrorist factions in the fringes of Kaduna, Niger and Zamfara states. In December 2023, Mr Gides group fought with Ansaru, an al-Qaeda franchise in Nigeria, after a failed arms deal. This preceded another clash in June of that year when Mr Gides group clashed with an ideological-based group that operates like the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), a breakaway faction of Jamatu Ahlis Sunna Liddaawati wal-Jihad (JAS) otherwise known as Boko Haram. However, experts believe that the group which Mr Gide clashed with is linked to Boko Haram, not ISWAP. It is Sadikus Boko Haram group that operates both in Niger and Kaduna states, a security expert working with an aid group told PREMIUM TIMES last year. The expert asked not to be named because of his affiliation with the humanitarian organisation he works for. We have not seen ISWAP penetrating Niger State, he added. If they are there, the area will have become another blood field like Sambisa and Mandara Mountain in Borno State. In the June 2023 clash, which took place in Kurebe, Niger State, Mr Gide lost nine of his footsoldiers, including his biological brother. Although it is not clear why Mr Gides group and the Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction are now against each other, both groups collaborated in the past to launch deadly attacks against security and civilians. PREMIUM TIMES will soon publish a story on Mr Sadikus reign of terror in North-west and North-central Nigeria, where he has been making efforts to recruit locals. The notorious Dogo Gide Mr Gide was one of the suspected masterminds of the 28 March 2022 attack on a Kaduna-bound train. In July 2021, the terror kingpin and his ally, Kachalla Ali, also known as Ali Kawaje, kidnapped over 100 students and eight teachers from the Federal Government College (FGC) in Birnin Yauri, Kebbi State. The kidnapped victims were later released in batches after payment of ransom. The following year, three Chinese expatriates were kidnapped while two security guards and another Chinese national were killed at a construction site of the Zungeru Hydro Electric Power Dam project in Shiroro LGA. Although it was not clear how two of the expatriates regained freedom, one was later released from Mr Gides camp. One of his most recent attacks was in March last year when he was contracted to confront military operatives trailing the Yellow Janbros bandit group, which kidnapped 137 students from a joint section of primary and secondary school in Kuriga. In August 2023, Mr Gide shared a video of how his group downed a military aircraft in Niger State. Mr Gide became known in 2018 after he joined forces with his colleague Ali Kawaje to kill their master, Buharin Daji, who was equally notorious. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Executive Director of Theolight Global Foundation, a non-profit organisation, Helen Ubit, has said that it may be difficult to enforce Section 14(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 because of the unwillingness of Nigerians to file a complaint when there is a violation. Theolight Global Foundation focuses on quality parenting and a safe environment for children, youth and women in Nigeria. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, otherwise known as VAPP, is intended to check the increasing rates of gender-based violence in Nigeria. Thirty-four states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have domesticated the VAPP Act as of November 2022. A state like Akwa Ibom has translated the VAPP Act into four indigenous languages besides English. Section 14(1) of the act states, A person who causes emotional, verbal and psychological abuse on another commits an offence and is liable on conviction to confinement for a period not exceeding one year or to a fine not exceeding N200,000 or to both such fine and confinement. Mrs Ubit, a member of the SGBV Coalition in Akwa Ibom State, told PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday that name-calling, insults, isolation, blackmail, threats or any action or behaviour that makes another person feel worthless are forms of gender-based violence. 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 They are more dangerous than physical abuse because it is difficult to recognise, she said. It can only be enforced when there are enough data obtained from reports of incidents with evidences, she added. It is somehow complex to enforce laws of this kind because of the nature of our society, where people are afraid to report cases for obvious reasons. The way forward is continuous public awareness and advocacy to relevant agencies and stakeholders. Forced financial dependence or economic abuse Mrs Ubit also spoke about Section 12(1), which deals with forced financial dependence or economic abuse. In marriages, some people experience this kind of violence. For instance, the man says the wife should not work and earn her own money. There is nothing wrong if he is able to provide for her needs and that of the household, but where the woman is not in agreement, and the man is not able to provide her needs, it becomes forced financial dependence, she said. In a situation whereby a spouse is working, and the other determines how the salary should be spent, or someone is hired to work while his or her salary is paid to another person without his or her consent or money is forcefully taken from a person who works for it, these are economic abuse and forms of violence against persons. PREMIUM TIMES asked Mrs Ubit to clarify if it is an offence under the VAPP Act for a man to prevent the wife from working or doing business. Not at all, if the wife is okay with that, she responded. But in a situation where the woman disagrees, it becomes an offence. Mrs Ubit continued, We are interfacing with cases like this day to day. It may be fine when the love is still hot, some come with the challenges of joint account. Personally, I do not subscribe to this (joint account). The man and woman can contribute to the upkeep and projects of the family from their proceeds without operating a joint account. Mrs Ubit said there is a remarkable awareness of the VAPP Act in Akwa Ibom. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Al Fagundes's Help a Neighbor Program to provide a homeowner in need with a free heating system in February 2025. LOWELL, Mass., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating Inc., a local, family-owned business serving homeowners throughout Massachusetts since 2003, is proud to announce the continuation of its Help a Neighbor Program. This initiative provides a deserving homeowner in need with a free heating system installation each year. Picture of Al Fagundes, owner and founder of A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating Inc Picture of Al and team with a previous recipient of the Help a Neighbor Program Picture of Al and team installing a free heating system for homeowner in need. A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating is now seeking nominations for a second deserving recipient to receive a free heating system installation in February 2025. The company is looking for homeowners who are facing financial hardship and struggling to afford a new heating system. The system will be supplied by a local partner and installed by A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating's NATE-certified technicians. Friends and family members can nominate homeowners residing in Merrimack Valley, Southern New Hampshire, and Northwest Massachusetts for a free heating system. Submissions for this giveaway will be accepted until February 28th, 2025: https://www.afphpro.com/about-us/help-a-neighbor/?se_custom_field_10=-2098646124 "We are committed to giving back to the communities we serve," says Al Fagundes, founder and CEO of A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating. "Our Help a Neighbor Program allows us to directly improve the lives of our neighbors by ensuring they have a warm and comfortable home during the cold winter months." The program successfully awarded a free heating system to a homeowner in September 2024. Please visit the link below to read more about recipient of the last Help a Neighbor giveaway: https://www.lowellsun.com/2024/10/22/giving-back-local-company-aims-to-help-a-neighbor-with-heating-system-giveaway/ "We encourage anyone who knows a homeowner in need to nominate them for this program," says Fagundes. "Together, we can ensure our communities stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter." About A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating Inc. A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating Inc. is a local, family-owned business serving homeowners throughout Massachusetts since 2003. The company offers a wide range of plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services, and is committed to providing quality workmanship and exceptional customer service. In addition to its core business, A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating is dedicated to giving back to the community through its Help a Neighbor Program. For more information about A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating or the Help a Neighbor Program, please visit their website at: https://www.afphpro.com/ For press and media inquiries, please reach out to: [email protected] SOURCE A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating Inc. SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Crosscut announced today that Brett Brewer, one of its founding General Partners, will be leaving the firm to embark on a new professional journey. While stepping away from day-to-day operations, Brett will remain actively involved in managing the portfolio companies of Crosscut Funds 1 through 5. Founded in 2008, Crosscut has raised over $300 million in committed capital across five funds and invested in more than 170 companies. As one of the first institutional venture firms in the region, Crosscut has established itself as one of the most prolific seed funds in Los Angeles. Brewer played a pivotal role in shaping the firm's trajectory by leading investments in companies such as Branch, Pacaso and Rx Redefined. A pioneer in the Los Angeles tech ecosystem, Brewer co-founded Intermix Media/MySpace and led it to a successful exit to NewsCorp. Later, he became CEO of AdKnowledge and guided it to a private equity exit prior to co-founding Crosscut. Motivated by a desire to ensure local entrepreneurs had access to capital and operational expertise, Brewer helped establish Crosscut as a key player in Southern California's startup community. "Building Crosscut alongside an incredibly talented team has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," said Brewer. "I am incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together and look forward to seeing the firm continue to thrive in the years to come." Brian Garrett added: "We are deeply grateful for Brett's leadership and contributions. While we will miss his presence at the firm, we fully support his decision and are excited to see where his next steps will take him." Brewer plans to announce his next endeavor in the coming weeks while remaining a close supporter and friend of the firm. About Crosscut Crosscut Ventures, one of LA's longest-standing seed funds, invests in founders building solutions that provide humanity with a better future. Crosscut partners with founders focused on clean energy generation and power distribution, the commercialization of frontiers in space, the ocean, and the earth, decarbonization, and the upgrading of the U.S.'s defense systems. The firm is committed to using its 16+ years of experience, widespread connectivity, and proven playbooks to bring companies to commercial viability for the betterment of humanity. Media Contact Kelsey Cullen Founder, KCPR [email protected] 650.438.1063 SOURCE Crosscut Seasoned Executive in Renewable Energy Sector to Spearhead Manufacturing Launch and Drive Customer-Centric Growth HOUSTON, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aeromine Technologies, the innovative rooftop wind energy system that converts a building's wind flow into renewable energy, announces that Mark Swanson has joined as its new chief executive officer. Mark Swanson, CEO, Aeromine Technologies Swanson brings 30 years of leadership experience to Aeromine. For the last 12 years, he has held leadership positions in the rooftop solar industry, with a proven track record in manufacturing, scaling operations, and driving customer-focused growth. Swanson is a seasoned executive with a passion for process improvement, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. He has led and grown several businesses in the highly competitive and dynamic solar industry, delivering innovative solutions and services to residential and commercial customers. "Paired with decades of experience in the renewable energy industry, Mark's exceptional background in scaling businesses and operational strategy makes him the ideal leader for Aeromine as we start to prepare our onsite wind harvesting units for widespread commercial use," said Martin Manniche, co-founder and chairman at Aeromine. "His deep expertise in the onsite solar industry, from site selection to manufacturing and sales, will be extremely valuable to clients who are looking to meet ESG and carbon-neutral goals, increase energy independence, and enhance resiliency." Aeromine has received more than 13,000 customer inquiries. The company is currently working with some of the world's largest and most ambitious enterprises to plan their first commercial Aeromine installation. In his new role as CEO, Swanson will oversee Aeromine's transition from low volume manufacturing and pilot projects to full-scale manufacturing and widespread commercial use. Swanson will be based in California. "The Aeromine team has developed a breakthrough solution that promises to usher in a global distributed wind generation market. The company's simple, low-cost approach resolves the barriers which have thus far prevented widespread adoption of distributed wind generation," said Mr. Swanson. "I am looking forward to working with the Aeromine team to bring this technology to market at scale so that we can provide a meaningful contribution to accelerating the adoption of renewable energy." Prior to joining Aeromine, Swanson served as COO at Complete Solaria, where he oversaw the company's entire operations, from engineering and procurement to installation and commissioning. He also spent time as COO and general manager of EPC at Borrego Solar Systems. There, he built Borrego's EPC into the largest commercial and industrial EPC in the U.S. by a factor of two, executed over 1 GW of solar projects across the U.S. and developed and implemented strategic partnerships, business development initiatives, and customer retention programs, resulting in quadrupling revenue and tripling market share. He also served as Vice President at SunPower where he led global solar module manufacturing and balance of system supply operations teams. Swanson holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. About Aeromine Technologies Aeromine Technologies has developed a breakthrough scalable renewable energy solution that harnesses the power of wind in an efficient system. Aeromine units install on the edge of the building roof, they are motionless, vibration- and noise-less. System installations are typically 50 kW or larger. The solution is robust, long-lasting, and requires much less rooftop space than other options to generate distributed energy. Ideal for large, flat rooftop buildings including warehouses, big box retailers, data centers, office, and apartment buildings - Aeromine leverages existing financial structures, installation resources and incentives established by the solar industry. www.aerominetechnologies.com Video: Drone footage DJI_0138.MP4 Contact: Great Ink Communications 212-741-2977 Eric Gerard, Francisco Miranda, Lindsay Church [email protected] SOURCE Aeromine Technologies LAS VEGAS, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AIMA EBike, a leader in sustainable electric mobility, is launching an exclusive campaign to connect with industry experts and lifestyle influencers, offering them the opportunity to experience the performance, design, and quality of AIMA's latest eBike lineup. This initiative showcases the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional eBikes that seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with superior craftsmanship. Experience AIMA Ebike Next-Level Performance: A Perfect Blend of Power and Style AIMA's new line up of products AIMA's new eBike models are crafted for riders who demand not only high-performance but also unmatched reliability and style. Each model has been meticulously designed to elevate everyday commutes and weekend adventures, with a focus on: Performance Excellence: Featuring powerful motors and advanced battery systems, AIMA eBikes deliver robust power, long-lasting performance, and smooth, consistent rides across diverse terrains. Sleek, Fashion-Forward Design: From ergonomic details to modern aesthetics, every AIMA eBike reflects the brand's commitment to stylish, practical design that fits seamlessly into any lifestyle. Unparalleled Quality: AIMA partners with trusted industry leaders like Bafang and LG to integrate top-of-the-line components, ensuring each AIMA eBike is built for performance and durability. Why AIMA eBikes? AIMA's new lineup is designed with versatility in mind, offering eBikes that excel in various riding conditionswhether you're commuting through the city, tackling rugged terrains, or looking for a stylish, comfortable ride. By collaborating with influencers and experts in the field, AIMA E-Bike aims to highlight the standout features that set its eBikes apart: Reliable Performance: Equipped with high-performance motors and batteries, AIMA eBikes ensure a smooth, powerful ride every time. Stylish, Rider-Centric Design: The eBikes feature ergonomic elements and modern aesthetics that prioritize comfort and ease of use, making them perfect for everyday riders. Premium Quality: AIMA's dedication to quality is reflected in every detail, from motor integration to battery efficiency, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable riding experience. Get Involved AIMA EBIKE is extending an exclusive invitation to industry experts and influencers to immerse themselves in the unparalleled performance and design of its latest AIMA eBike models. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to test-ride these cutting-edge bikes and share their immediate experiences, highlighting the premium quality, comfort, and smart features that distinguish AIMA eBikes in the realm of electric mobility. For general inquiries, feel free to leave a message on AIMA's official Instagram page "@aimaebike". About AIMA EBIKE AIMA EBike is a leader in sustainable electric mobility, creating high-quality eBikes designed for riders who demand style, performance, and reliability. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AIMA is transforming how people move and experience their world. SOURCE AIMA ebike NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global artificial intelligence (AI) chips market size is estimated to grow by USD 902.65 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 81.2% during the forecast period. Increased focus on developing AI chips for smartphones is driving market growth, with a trend towards convergence of AI and IoT. However, dearth of technically skilled workers for ai chips development poses a challenge. Key market players include Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Baidu Inc., Broadcom Inc., Cerebras, Fujitsu Ltd., Google LLC, Graphcore Ltd., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Intel Corp., International Business Machines Corp., MediaTek Inc., Microchip Technology Inc., NVIDIA Corp., NXP Semiconductors NV, Qualcomm Inc., SambaNova Systems Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., SenseTime Group Inc., Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., and Tesla Inc.. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chips Market 2025-2029 Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chips Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2024 Historic period 2019 - 2023 Forecast period 2025-2029 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 81.2% Market growth 2025-2029 USD 902.65 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 61.7 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 42% Key countries US, Canada, China, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Italy, India, and Brazil Key companies profiled Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Baidu Inc., Broadcom Inc., Cerebras, Fujitsu Ltd., Google LLC, Graphcore Ltd., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Intel Corp., International Business Machines Corp., MediaTek Inc., Microchip Technology Inc., NVIDIA Corp., NXP Semiconductors NV, Qualcomm Inc., SambaNova Systems Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., SenseTime Group Inc., Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., and Tesla Inc. Market Driver Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries from healthcare to retail, finance, automotive, and more. Deep learning and machine learning algorithms require powerful hardware components like AI chips. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Nvidia lead the market with their Trainium2 chip and A100 chip, respectively. These chips use highbandwidth memory for energy efficiency and high computing power. Quantum computing and generative AI are emerging trends in AI technologies. AI chip lines, such as Ascend 910B chipset and H200 chipset, are designed specifically for AI applications. Cloud providers like Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud offer AI services, while edge computing enables real-time data processing on Edge devices. Ethical concerns surrounding AI use are rising. AI applications in healthcare, elder care, and IoT devices require high security and privacy. ML and DL algorithms power computer vision, image recognition, and pose detection, while cognitive computing and machine intelligence enable personalized health and treatment devices. AI technologies require various hardware components, including CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs, ASICs, DSPs, microcontrollers, frame buffers, and display devices. Energy efficiency, latency, and parallel computing are crucial factors for AI data centers. Theoretical and algorithmic basis, automatic analysis, and extraction are essential for AI applications. Patent filings for AI technologies are increasing, with applications in various industries, including manufacturing machines, wearable devices, smart homes, and connected cars. System failure and malfunctioning are concerns, and ethical considerations are necessary for the successful implementation of AI technologies. The Internet of Things (IoT) market is experiencing significant growth due to the numerous advantages it offers in various industries, including aerospace and defense, automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, and more. IoT devices, which include cameras, drones, smart speakers, smartphones, smart TVs, and others, are making decisions based on data they receive without human intervention. To enhance the capabilities of these devices, manufacturers are integrating Human-Machine Interface (HMI) technologies and deploying AI chips. These chips enable power-efficient data processing and machine learning computation, allowing IoT devices to function more intelligently and autonomously. The integration of AI chips in IoT devices is a key trend driving market growth. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries from healthcare to retail, finance, and automotive. However, the growing demand for AI technologies, including deep learning and machine learning, puts pressure on hardware components like AI chips. Companies like Advanced Micro Devices and Nvidia are investing in AI chip lines, such as the Trainium2 chip and Nvidia's A100 chip, to meet this demand. These chips enable AI algorithms to run efficiently, powering applications like image recognition and pose detection. However, challenges remain. Energy efficiency is crucial, as AI data centers require vast amounts of power. Quantum computing and generative AI may offer solutions, but they present complexities. Ethical concerns around AI use also arise. Edge computing and Edge devices are becoming essential for real-time applications, reducing latency and processing data locally. Big data requires high-bandwidth memory and parallel computing, which can be achieved through system on chip, multichip module, or ASICs. Major cloud providers like Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud offer AI services, but they face competition from edge devices and AI data centers. AI applications in industries like healthcare, retail, finance, and automotive require specialized hardware, such as CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs, and DSPs. The future of AI lies in the intersection of AI technologies, hardware components, and ethical considerations. The AI chips market is experiencing significant growth due to the potential revenue increases for businesses adopting artificial intelligence. However, the lack of skilled labor in AI technology poses a significant challenge to market expansion. Companies must carefully consider the high research and development costs and potential talent shortage before implementing AI solutions. Enterprise AI implementation is currently hindered by the scarcity of experienced professionals with the necessary technical expertise in this field. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This artificial intelligence (ai) chips market report extensively covers market segmentation by Product 1.1 ASICs 1.2 GPUs 1.3 CPUs 1.4 FPGAs End-user 2.1 Media and advertising 2.2 BFSI 2.3 IT and telecommunication 2.4 Others Geography 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa Processing Type Application Technology 1.1 ASICs- Artificial Intelligence (AI) chips are experiencing significant growth, with application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) leading the way. ASICs are customized chips designed for specific functions, offering faster performance than GPUs and FPGAs. Google's Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) is an ASIC-based AI chip, specifically engineered for deep neural networks. TPU is a hardware-software solution that learns tasks by analyzing large data sets. It's already being used in Google Search and Google Street View. Data centers are integrating TPUs into servers to manage data efficiently. TPU's instruction set allows TensorFlow programs to be modified, enabling new algorithms. TensorFlow is an open-source machine learning library, making ASIC-based AI chips a promising choice for data center applications. The use of ASICs is driving the growth of AI chips market, providing superior performance and speed compared to GPUs, FPGAs, and CPUs. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chips Market: The global AI Chips Market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for advanced AI technologies in various industries. AI Chips are specialized hardware components designed to accelerate AI algorithms, including deep learning and machine learning. These chips are integral to AI applications in robotics, autonomous vehicles, healthcare, retail, finance, automotive, IoT devices, and more. Quantum computing is also expected to revolutionize AI technologies, leading to the development of more powerful AI chips. Advanced Micro and other key players are investing heavily in AI chip research and development. The market includes various types of chips such as CPU, FPGA, GPU, system on chip, multichip module, and Trainium2 chip. Ethical concerns surrounding AI are also driving the need for more efficient and specific integrated AI chips. The market is segmented into cloud and edge computing, with the edge computing segment expected to grow rapidly due to the increasing demand for real-time AI processing. Highbandwidth memory is another critical component of AI chips, enabling faster data processing and analysis. Overall, the AI Chips Market is poised for significant growth in the coming years. Market Research Overview Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chips Market: Overview The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chips Market is a rapidly growing sector that focuses on designing and manufacturing specialized hardware components for AI applications. These chips are designed to accelerate AI algorithms, including deep learning and machine learning, to enable advanced functionalities such as image recognition, pose detection, behavioral patterns analysis, and natural language processing. AI Chips are essential components of various AI technologies, including robotics, quantum computing, and cognitive computing. They come in different forms, such as System on Chip (SoC), Multichip Module (MCM), CPU, GPU, FPGA, ASIC, DSP, and microcontrollers. The market for AI Chips is driven by the increasing demand for AI applications in various industries, including healthcare, retail, finance, automotive, and manufacturing. The need for real-time data processing and energy efficiency is also a significant factor driving the growth of the market. AI Chips are used in both centralized cloud servers and edge devices for data processing. Centralized cloud servers, such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud, require high computing power and high-bandwidth memory, making GPUs and CPUs popular choices for AI Chips. Edge devices, on the other hand, require low power consumption and small form factors, making FPGAs and ASICs popular choices. The market for AI Chips is also driven by the increasing use of AI in mobile applications, healthcare, and IoT devices. Ethical concerns regarding AI and the elderly population's growing demand for personalized health solutions are also expected to fuel the market's growth. Some of the notable AI Chips in the market include Nvidia's A100 chip, Ascend 910B chipset, and H200 chipset. Companies are also investing heavily in patent filing and system failure prevention to ensure the reliability and efficiency of their AI Chips. The market for AI Chips is expected to continue growing as AI applications become more prevalent in various industries. The increasing use of AI in real-time applications, such as autonomous vehicles and smart homes, is also expected to drive the market's growth. However, the market's growth may be hindered by the high cost of developing and manufacturing AI Chips and the ethical concerns surrounding AI. In conclusion, the AI Chips Market is a dynamic and growing sector that plays a crucial role in enabling advanced AI applications across various industries. The market's growth is driven by the increasing demand for AI applications, the need for energy efficiency, and the development of new AI technologies, such as generative AI and cognitive computing. However, the market's growth may be hindered by ethical concerns and the high cost of developing and manufacturing AI Chips. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Product ASICs GPUs CPUs FPGAs End-user Media And Advertising BFSI IT And Telecommunication Others Geography North America Europe APAC South America Middle East And Africa Processing Type Application Technology 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio ATLANTA and WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Gargiulo, CEO of VPN.com and former candidate for State Senate in Georgia, has been selected as a Cabinet-Level Advisor for President Donald J. Trump. This prestigious opportunity recognizes Gargiulo's leadership, business acumen, and commitment to addressing the critical challenges facing American citizens in today's digital age. Michael Gargiulo Meets with President Trump in Atlanta, Georgia. "It is an incredible honor to assist President Trump and his Cabinet in carrying out the President's vision for cybersecurity and the Internet as a whole in this advisory role," Gargiulo stated. "The chance to contribute to America at the highest level is a profound distinction. We are deeply committed to serving the people, advocating for freedom, and fighting for those who cannot protect themselves." Gargiulo met with President Trump in Atlanta, Georgia and prayed with him days before the 2024 election. His nomination follows his impactful campaign for the State Senate in 2024, where his platform focused on supporting law enforcement, lowering taxes, economic opportunity, improving schools, cybersecurity, and eliminating unnecessary regulation. In 2020, Gargiulo also became a Presidential Advisory Board Member to the Republican National Party. A Proven Advocate for Digital Security and Innovation Under Gargiulo's leadership, VPN.com has become one of the most recognized brands in digital security, providing cutting-edge solutions for businesses and families navigating the growing complexities of the Internet. Gargiulo's expertise in these areas has been recognized by top-tier publications like Forbes and Entrepreneur.com, where he has written extensively on branding, security, domain name acquisitions, and strategies. His nomination aligns with the administration's focus on elevating leaders who bring practical, results-oriented perspectives to the federal government. In the Cabinet-Level Advisor role, Gargiulo will join other entrepreneurs, like Elon Musk, in an opportunity to address challenges at the intersection of technology, national security, and economic growth. A Vision for the Future Reflecting on this nomination, Gargiulo shared how he plans to support President Trump's vision for America's future. "Our country faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges, particularly around cybersecurity, space and drone travel, critical infrastructure protection, and artificial intelligence. Whether it's protecting consumer privacy, ensuring national security, or fostering innovation, these issues require bold, strategic action. I hope our work continues to help build a stronger, more secure future for all Americans." Gargiulo's nomination as a Cabinet-Level Advisor is also a testament to his ability to bridge the gap between private-sector innovation and public service. His experience leading VPN.com equips him with the practical expertise needed to address issues that impact Americans' daily lives, from securing sensitive data to creating economic opportunities in underserved communities. What's Next? Gargiulo's participation would bring an advisory perspective to President Donald J. Trump's Cabinet, which has focused on leveraging innovation and expertise to deliver results. This comes with the announcement of Project Stargate, a $500 billion plan to become the largest AI infrastructure project in history. President Trump, Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son announced the project at the White House. Gargiulo thanked RNC Chairman Michael Whatley and former co-chair Laura Trump. In addition to this nomination, Gargiulo remains committed to his ongoing work at VPN.com and serving Georgia with Senator Colton Moore. He encourages others to explore resources on serving, freedom, cybersecurity, brand protection, and online innovation which are available through VPN.com and Forbes Technology Council. About Michael Gargiulo Michael Gargiulo is the founder and CEO of VPN.com, a leader in cybersecurity solutions and in premium domain brokerage . He is a University of Georgia graduate, Eagle Scout, believer in Christ, and member of the Forbes Technology Council. Gargiulo is a passionate advocate for innovation and privacy in the digital age. In 2017 he acquired VPN.com and demonstrated what's possible with the $1 million domain name. Learn more about him at VPN.com or at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvpn/ Read More: VPN.com Warns President Trump & ICANN to Terminate All Iranian Domain Names https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/11/26/1952376/0/en/VPN-com-Warns-President-Trump-ICANN-to-Terminate-All-Iranian-Domain-Names.html VPN.com Sells Most Politically Influential Domain Name of the Decade https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/01/05/2153026/0/en/VPN-com-Sells-Most-Politically-Influential-Domain-Name-of-the-Decade-GeorgiaRunoff-com.html Michael Gargiulo Thanks 35,036 Voters, Announces Plans After Georgia Senate Campaign https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/michael-gargiulo-thanks-35-036-voters-announces-plans-after-georgia-senate-campaign-302318871.html For media inquiries, contact: VPN.com Public Relations Department 855-VPN-FAST [email protected] Website: VPN.com News SOURCE VPN.com WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- News Advisory: Who: Mark Clifford, Author of "The Troublemaker: How Jimmy Lai became a Billionaire, Hong Kong's greatest dissident, and China's most feared critic". What: In conversation with Bill McCarren, Director of the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club When: Friday, Jan. 31 at 10 am Where: National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20045 13th Floor Reservations: There is no charge for the event but media and the public must reserve in advance by contacting Bill McCarren at [email protected]. You will receive a confirmation. Details: Clifford was editor in chief of both the South China Morning Post and The Standard, Hong Kong's English language daily newspapers. He was on the board of Lai's media company Next Digital. He is currently president of the Committee For Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation. After the event, Clifford will be available to sign books on site. The Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club was launched in late November 2024. It is designed to help journalists in trouble through advocacy and direct action. The Center has helped arrange meetings between Lai's team and U.S. government officials. Lai is a U.K. citizen. Last year, the Center hosted Lai's son Sebastien at a news conference on the first day of Lai's testimony at trial in Hong Kong. The Center has called for Jimmy Lai to be released immediately and without conditions. This is an urgent matter as Lai is 77 and in poor health and has already served 4 years in solitary confinement. Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 or [email protected] for the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club SOURCE National Press Club NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, WITHIN OR TO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND, SINGAPORE, SOUTH AFRICA, SWITZERLAND, RUSSIA, BELARUS OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE THE RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION OF THIS PRESS RELEASE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL OR WOULD REQUIRE REGISTRATION OR ANY OTHER MEASURES. PLEASE REFER TO THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION AT THE END OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. LUND, Sweden, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BPC Instruments AB (publ) ("BPC" or the "Company") announces that the Board of Director's has resolved, subject to the subsequent approval by the Extraordinary General Meeting, to carry out a directed share issue of approximately SEK 24.5 million, to the institutional investor Eiffel Investment Group ("Eiffel") (the "Directed Share Issue"). The Directed Share Issue is intended to expand BPC's international shareholder base, with Eiffel Investment Group bringing expertise to support initiatives in energy transition, biogas, and ESG development. Alongside the Directed Share Issue, Eiffel is also acquiring an additional 278,700 shares from BPCI Holding AB (CEO Jing Liu's wholly owned company), Chairman of the Board Gustaf Olsson, and Sustainable Holding Sweden AB (Board Member Kristofer Cook's wholly owned company) (the "Block Trade"). The Board of Directors' resolution of the Directed Share Issue is subject to approval by an Extraordinary General Meeting, expected to be held on February 12, 2025. Notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting will be published through a separate press release. Jing Liu, CEO of BPC Instruments, comments: "We welcome Eiffel Investment Group as a long-term partner and investor in BPC. As an experienced institutional investor, Eiffel brings valuable support to our international shareholder base and aligns with our vision for global growth. Their expertise in the biomethane sector and commitment to energy transition and green investments closely match our focus on renewable energy, biodegradable materials, and sustainability. This partnership will strengthen our position in the European biomethane market and accelerate our progress in developing green technologies. We look forward to working together and creating opportunities that benefit all stakeholders." Laurent Inglebert, Director at Eiffel Investment Group, comments: "Eiffel has extensive experience investing in the biogas ecosystem, and we strongly believe that BPC Instruments' products provide significant value to this industry while also presenting opportunities to expand beyond it. We are delighted to invest in BPC Instruments and have full confidence in the management team to deliver sustainable growth." Background and reasons BPC develops solutions that advance renewable energy and environmental biotechnology. With a strong foundation of expertise, BPC delivers technologies and services that improve energy extraction and resource management. Eiffel Investment Group is a key strategic investor for BPC, with its focus on sustainable investments and the energy transition. Eiffel Investment Group cultivates a strong industrial expertise and is a long-term investor and will share its expertise with BPC. This investment is aligned with BPC strategy which aims at further strengthen its capacity to enter new European markets and take on initiatives that align with its strategic priorities. The Directed Share Issue The Directed Share Issue comprises 650,300 shares and is subject to approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for February 12, 2025. Major shareholders representing approximately 73.4 percent of the shares and votes in BPC Instruments have announced their intention, as well as entered into an agreement, to vote in favor of approving the resolution at the extraordinary general meeting. The subscription price in the Directed Share Issue is SEK 37.6 per share, representing a premium of 9.3 percent compared to the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's shares on Spotlight Stock Market during January 23, 2025. The subscription price has been determined through a negotiation procedure at arm's length between the Company and Eiffel through which the Board of Director has concluded that the terms for the Directed Share Issue is market conformant. Through the Directed Share Issue, the Company will raise approximately SEK 24.5 million before transaction-related costs. In order to facilitate the implementation of the Directed Share Issue, the shares will initially be subscribed for by Nordic Issuing AB in its capacity as issuing agent at an amount corresponding to the quota value of the shares, for onward transfer to Eiffel at a price of SEK 37.6 per share, which is ultimately accounted to the Company. The shares in both the Directed Share Issue and the Block Trade will formally be subscribed for through the funds FCPI ALTO INNOVATION 2021 and FCPI ALTO INNOVATION 2022, which are controlled by Eiffel Investment Group. Considerations by the Board of Directors The Company's Board of Directors has conducted a comprehensive assessment and carefully considered the possibility of raising capital through a rights issue but has concluded that, compared to a rights issue, a directed issue (i) is expected to strengthen the shareholder and capital base in the long term, unlike a rights issue. The Company aims to enhance and expand its base of institutional, professional, and strategic investors to further improve liquidity in the Company's shares, (ii) would take significantly longer to execute, thereby increasing exposure to general market risk, and (iii) can be implemented at a substantially lower cost and with less complexity than a rights issue. Given the above considerations, the Board has concluded that the Directed Share Issue, deviating from shareholders' preferential rights, is the most advantageous option for BPC to finance the Company's portfolio expansion and other growth-promoting initiatives, while preserving the most value for the Company and providing the greatest benefit to the Company's shareholders. The Block Trade The Block Trade will be carried out without affecting the market share price. Prior to the transaction, Jing Liu through BPCI Holding AB owned 6,822,015 shares, corresponding to approximately 65.26 percent of the Company. Following the transaction, Jing Liu owns 6,662,576 shares, equivalent to 60 percent of the Company after the Directed Share Issue and the Block Trade. Gustaf Olsson's ownership decreased from 596,389 shares, corresponding to approximately 5.7 percent, to 504,968 shares, which after the Directed Share Issue and the Block Trade corresponds to approximately 4.55 percent. Kristofer Cook through Sustainable Holding Sweden AB owned 249,926 shares prior to the issue, corresponding to a 2.39 percent ownership. After the Directed Share Issue and the Block Trade, its ownership amounts to 222,086 shares, corresponding to 2 percent of the Company. Before the Directed Share Issue and the Block Trade, Eiffel Investment Group did not own any shares in the Company. Following both transactions, Eiffel Investment Group will own 929,000 shares, corresponding to 8.37 percent of BPC. Number of Shares, Share Capital, and Dilution Through the Directed Share Issue, the Company's share capital will increase by SEK 35,766.5, from SEK 574,970 to SEK 610,736.5, through the new issuance of 650,300 shares. This will result in an increase in the total number of shares from 10,454,000 to 11,104,300 shares, leading to a dilution of approximately 5.86 percent for existing shareholders who did not participate in the issue. Bookrunner Sedermera Corporate Finance AB is acting as Sole Bookrunner and Fredersen Advokatbyra AB is legal adviser to the Company in connection with the transaction. Nordic Issuing AB is the issuing agent. For more information, please contact: Dr. Jing Liu, CEO BPC Instruments AB Tel: +46 (0) 46 16 39 51 E-mail: [email protected] This disclosure contains information that BPC Instruments AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person, on 24-01-2025 08:30 CET. About BPC Instruments AB BPC Instruments is a global Swedish-based pioneering technology company developing and offering analytical instruments enabling more efficient, reliable, and higher quality research and analysis for industries in renewable bioenergy and environmental biotechnology. The result is not only higher accuracy and precision, but also a significant reduction in time consumption and labor requirement for performing analysis. BPC Instruments' innovative products offer high-quality hardware and software based on deep knowledge and experience of target applications. The solutions are the first of their kind, making the company a pioneer in its field. Today, BPC Instruments exports to nearly 70 countries around the world. BPC is listed on the Spotlight Stock Market in Sweden. For more information, please visit BPC's webpage: www.bpcinstruments.com IMPORTANT INFORMATION The publication, announcement or distribution of this press release may, in certain jurisdictions, be subject to legal restrictions and persons in the jurisdictions where this press release has been published or distributed should inform themselves about and observe such legal restrictions. The recipient of this press release is responsible for using this press release and the information contained herein in accordance with the applicable rules in each jurisdiction. This press release does not constitute an offer or an invitation to acquire or subscribe for any securities in BPC in any jurisdiction, neither from BPC nor from anyone else. This press release is not a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the "Prospectus Regulation") and has not been approved by any regulatory authority in any jurisdiction. No prospectus will be prepared by the Company and published on the Company's website in connection with the Directed Issue. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. The securities referred to herein may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There is no intention to register any securities referred to herein in the United States or to make a public offering of such securities in the United States. The information contained in this press release may not be announced, published, copied, reproduced or distributed, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Russia, Belarus or any other jurisdiction where such announcement, publication or distribution of this information would be contrary to applicable law or where such action is subject to legal restrictions or would require additional registration or other measures than those required by Swedish law. Actions in contravention of this guidance may constitute a breach of applicable securities laws. In the United Kingdom, this document and other materials relating to the securities referred to herein are only being distributed and directed to, and any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to, and will be engaged in only with, "qualified investors" (as defined in section 86(7) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) who are (i) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments and who fall within the definition of "investment professionals" in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order"); or (ii) "high net worth entities" as referred to in Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). An investment or investment activity to which this communication relates is available in the United Kingdom only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Persons who are not relevant persons should not take any action based on this announcement and should not act or rely on it. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's intentions, beliefs or expectations regarding the Company's future results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, performance, prospects, anticipated growth, strategies and opportunities and the markets in which the Company operates. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not relate to historical facts and can be identified by the fact that they contain expressions such as "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "will", "may", "assumes", "should", "could" and, in each case, negatives thereof, or similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on various assumptions, many of which are based on additional assumptions. Although the Company believes that the assumptions reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will materialise or that they are accurate. Because these assumptions are based on assumptions or estimates and are subject to risks and uncertainties, the actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. The Company does not guarantee that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this press release are correct and any reader of this press release should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this press release. The information, opinions and forward-looking statements expressed or implied herein speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to change. Neither the Company nor anyone else undertakes to review, update, confirm or publicly announce any revision to any forward-looking statement to reflect events that occur or circumstances that arise in relation to the content of this press release, unless required by law or securities regulations. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com. https://news.cision.com/bpc-instruments-ab/r/bpc-announces-directed-share-issue-to-eiffel-investment-group,c4095454 The following files are available for download: Many of these changes promise more sustainability and improved relationships between homeowners and technicians DETROIT, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- C & C Heating & Air Conditioning, a leading Detroit-area heating and cooling company with more than seven decades of experience, said new refrigerant regulations, higher efficiency standards and smarter solutions will dominate the heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) industry in 2025. C & C Heating & Air Conditioning says new refrigerant regulations, higher efficiency standards and smarter solutions will dominate the heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) industry in 2025. "The federal government is continuing its push toward more sustainable and eco-conscious solutions for the HVAC industry by requiring new refrigerants and promoting geothermal heating and solar-assisted systems," said Dayna Hottle, general manager of C & C Heating & Air Conditioning. "Homeowners are also demanding more advanced smart home integration with their HVAC systems for both convenience and the ability to monitor energy consumption and maintenance issues." Hottle said the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 will require all residential and light commercial air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured after Jan. 1, 2025, to switch to refrigerants R-32 and R-454B, known as A2L refrigerants. Homeowners can still have systems that run on the old R-410A refrigerant installed until Jan. 1, 2026. "If you plan to install a new AC unit this year, we recommend you go ahead and purchase a unit that uses the new refrigerants," she said. "The old refrigerants will no longer be produced, so if you have a leak and need new refrigerant, you might run into a situation where you cannot get the old refrigerant to replace it. It will eventually run out of stock." In addition to eco-friendly changes, Hottle said new technology will provide homeowners with HVAC systems that are designed to learn the behaviors of a home's inhabitants to fine-tune their environment. She said HVAC systems will use a series of sensors and data to optimize cooling and heating. "Not only can you make changes to your home's heating and cooling from your smartphone, you will also be able to control your environment so that you can save on your energy bills," she said. "Many local governments are encouraging the use of smart HVAC systems through financial incentives, so you should check with your HVAC company to see if rebates are available in your area." Hottle said these smart HVAC systems will also improve communication between homeowners and their HVAC technicians through the use of smart diagnostic tools. "Systems will be able to monitor themselves to predict maintenance and repair needs," she said. "These tools can alert both the homeowner and their HVAC company so that both are aware of the system's needs to improve service quality and the customer experience." For more information about C & C Heating & Air Conditioning, call (586) 439-3319 or visit https://candcheat.com/. About C & C Heating & Air Conditioning C & C Heating & Air Conditioning is a Detroit-area heating and cooling company with more than seven decades of expertise installing and servicing all makes and models of heating and cooling equipment. Their technicians are highly trained and qualified and undergo annual background checks, random drug testing, extensive technical and customer service training and are North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certified. Services include HVAC maintenance and repair, duct cleaning, whole-home air filtration systems, indoor air quality systems and comprehensive maintenance agreements. For more information, call C & C Heating & Air Conditioning at (586) 439-3319 or visit their website at https://candcheat.com/. MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Ripley Ripley PR 865-977-1973 [email protected] SOURCE C & C Heating & Air Conditioning C5MI Completes S/4HANA Migration for the Largest Deployment of an SAP Warehouse Management System (WMS) at Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) "The S/4 upgrade within the DLA's SAP WMS is a tremendous accomplishment for C5MI, SAP, and DLA. It opens the door and creates the foundation for the broader DLA transformation initiatives, allowing the agency to optimize its world-class support to the Warfighter. I am very proud of the C5MI team for leading this first S/4 transition within the Department of Defense with high quality and unprecedented velocity." Derek Dyer, C5MI President and Co-Founder JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- C5MI, an industry leader in digital transformation, has successfully partnered with DLA to complete the first and only S/4 migration within the DoD. This landmark project significantly advances the DoD's digital transformation efforts, setting a new technological integration and efficiency standard. Executing this project within the largest SAP Warehouse Management System (WMS) deployment in the U.S. Federal Government is no small success. The ambitious project began in late November and was launched in mid-January. It was completed in half the expected time. Using machine learning, S/4 unifies business processes and analyzes data in real-time. This was a collaborative effort between C5MI, DLA, and SAP, with C5MI leading the initiative. This rollout underscores the power of collaboration with government and industry and a result-driven approach, achieving positive outcomes efficiently and effectively. This complex implementation successfully managed significant data model changes and minimized deployment disruption. Eighty-six DLA sites out of the 125 on DLA's roadmap have been deployed, pushing the DLA to S/4 well before the SAP Business Suite 2027 end-of-service deadline when SAP will cease support for its legacy ERP Systems, ECC, and R3. This transformation highlights C5MI's operations-led approach and DLA's incredible partnership approach, which were crucial to the project's success. C5MI combines best-in-class technical expertise with real-world operational experience to uncover a common picture focusing on client priorities. "I could not be prouder of this team," said Aaron Kirkham, DLA WMS Portfolio Manager. "Accepting the challenge of executing a migration to S/4 in the middle of the WMS modernization effort is nothing short of amazing. The precision and speed demonstrated in this migration is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when the government and industry strike the right partnership." The project's success has established a repeatable, scalable, and cost-effective delivery model for ongoing S/4 rollouts, significantly shaping the future of the DoD's digital modernization and fortification efforts. The collaboration among these teams underscores C5MI's industry leadership, enabling DLA to enhance its world-class support services. These collective accomplishments will improve operational efficiency and readiness for the Warfighter. As C5MI continues to partner with DLA to roll out its new WMS system, this mid-program migration to S/4 prepares them to accelerate predictive maintenance and analytics efforts that will drive future efficiencies and cost savings. The S/4 system allows federal agencies and commercial customers to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and gain access to real-time data with modern architecture that can automate tasks and integrate systems. The process C5MI leveraged for this significant milestone is repeatable, scalable, and cost-effective. With extensive cleared personnel to deliver in the United States for the US Federal Government and DoD, federal organizations have no better time to take the next step on their S/4 journey. About C5MI Founded in 2017, C5MI leads digital transformations, solving complex logistics and supply chain challenges for the U.S. Federal Government and Fortune 200 companies. The company is a certified SAP Partner and delivers business process transformations that drive automation, efficiency, and sustainability across supply chains. C5MI uses operational supply chain expertise, best-of-breed technology, best commercial practices, and a repeatable delivery model to deploy solutions that deliver quantifiable returns on investment. Learn more at C5MI.com. About the Department of Defense The DoD provides military forces to deter war and ensure national security. It oversees all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, ensuring their readiness and operational capabilities. Learn more at Defense.gov. About the Defense Logistics Agency The DLA is a vital component of the Department of Defense, providing comprehensive logistics, acquisition, and technical services to the military and other federal agencies. By managing the global supply chain for various commodities, the DLA ensures the readiness and sustainability of the nation's armed forces. Learn more at DLA.mil. Contact: Thomas Weaver C5MI Insight LLC [email protected] SOURCE C5MI BEIJING, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At 5:30 a.m., Wang Hui, a woman traveling with her family, is waiting at Shenzhen North Railway Station to board the first high-speed train from south China's Shenzhen City to northwest China's Xi'an City, which departs at 6:08 a.m. A mother and permanent resident in the metropolis, Wang explained that, despite building a life in Shenzhen, she always yearns for her hometown, especially during the Spring Festival. "I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family, but every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home," she said, smiling despite the early hour and the long journey ahead. Another traveler, surnamed Zhong, was heading back to her hometown in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for more than a decade, she said the city's rapid growth had never lessened her feelings of homesickness during the Spring Festival. "I've planned this trip for a month. The Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us," Zhong said. Hit the road The Spring Festival travel rush, known as chunyun, is underway across China, as millions, like Wang and Zhong, embark on long journeys to reunite with family for the most significant holiday of the year. This year's travel rush began on January 14 and will last until February 22, spanning 40 days. Authorities are expecting an unprecedented nine billion inter-regional trips during this period. By January 19, over 1 billion inter-regional trips had already been made, according to transportation authorities. According to Ctrip, one of China's leading online travel agencies, most travelers depart from first-tier cities such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing and Hangzhou, and Harbin, Chongqing and Chengdu are among the most popular tourist destinations. For millions of travelers, the Spring Festival is about more than just family reunion. It's about reconnecting with the cultural roots that define the holiday. As they head home for the reunion dinner, they are not only making a physical journey but also participating in a broader movement to preserve and celebrate China's rich cultural heritage. Celebrating cultural heritage For many Chinese, the heart of the Spring Festival lies in family reunion. However, getting together with family is just the beginning, with numerous traditions following suit. Shopping for festival goods, pasting Spring Festival couplets, giving red envelopes (hongbao), lighting fireworks, hanging lanterns and staying up on New Year's Eve (shousui) are all key customs. Another tradition is watching the Spring Festival Gala, or chunwan. This annual TV art show, which has been broadcast since 1983, remains a centerpiece of the celebrations. The four-and-a-half-hour program features a mix of singing, dancing, opera, sketch comedy, crosstalks, martial arts and acrobatics. As the first gala since the Spring Festival was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, this year's event integrates more elements of this cultural legacy. Beyond the gala, intangible cultural heritage (ICT) is taking center stage in various aspects of the holiday. In Chongqing, one of the city's cultural shops, run by a man surnamed Guo, has seen a surge in sales of traditional items like paper-cutting, shadow puppetry and New Year paintings. "More people are seeking unique, handmade gifts that reflect our heritage," Guo said. ICT-themed tourism has also boomed. From learning traditional paper-cutting in Zhejiang Province to marveling at the Lantern Festival in Zigong City, people are flocking to destinations that offer immersive cultural experiences. This trend is reflected in travel bookings, with regions known for ICT seeing an increase in tourist interest. Data from Meituan Travel, one of China's leading online services platforms, shows that searches for intangible cultural heritage experiences, such as the huohu (fire pot) performance in Guiyang and the Zigong Lantern Festival, have risen five-fold and twice respectively compared to previous years. With the record-high chunyun unfolding, this year's Spring Festival not only involves an unprecedented number of travelers but also sees a boom in cultural consumption, fueling a vibrant tourism market and injecting new vitality into the country's economy. For more information, please click: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-01-24/China-s-Spring-Festival-Record-breaking-travel-cultural-feast-1Aq88ZtOyfS/p.html New Flavor Combines Graeter's Ultra-Small Batch French Pot Ice Cream with Oyster Crackers and Skyline's Secret Spice Mix Now Available for Nationwide Shipping; Available in Graeter's Scoop Shops and Skyline Restaurants Beginning Jan. 27 CINCINNATI, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Two iconic Ohio-based brands, Graeter's Ice Cream, America's oldest family-owned and operated craft ice cream maker, and Skyline Chili, the 75-year-old Cincinnati-style chili restaurant famous for its Cheese Coneys and Ways, are unveiling their much anticipated collaboration: Graeter's Skyline Spice Ice Cream. The limited-edition ice cream flavor launches online for nationwide orders today, Jan. 24, and in stores Jan. 27, just in time for Big Game watch parties as well as the winter chili season. This wacky-yet-wonderful creation combines Graeter's handcrafted French Pot ice cream with oyster crackers and Skyline's signature chili spice mix, offering the best of both worlds from these two beloved Cincinnati eateries. Graeters Ice Cream and Skyline Chili launch limited-edition Skyline Spice Ice Cream. The new flavor combines Graeters ultra-small batch French Pot ice cream with oyster crackers and Skylines secret spice mix. Available Jan. 24 for nationwide shipping; available in Graeters scoop shops and Skyline restaurants Jan. 27, while supplies last. "Everyone who knows chili knows Skyline and, as longtime fans ourselves, we were eager to collaborate on a one-of-a-kind, must-try flavor," said Richard Graeter, fourth-generation president and CEO, Graeter's. "Last year, speculation about our unconventional and somewhat polarizing partnership started a social media frenzy. We spent months perfecting the recipe and are extremely happy to confirm the rumors are true and the flavor will surprise you." "This is the first time Skyline has done a dessert collaboration, so we knew it needed to be worth it," said Dick Williams, chairman and CEO, Skyline Chili. "Graeter's Skyline Spice Ice Cream has the heart and soul of both beloved Midwest-born brands in every bite." The MVP of unique game day snacks, Graeter's Skyline Spice Ice Cream is sweet, savory, and unlike anything ice cream or chili lovers have tasted before. With just two weeks until gametime, Graeter's Skyline Spice Ice Cream is available starting Jan. 27 in 5oz scoops in all Skyline restaurants, in a pint and by the scoop at all Graeter's scoop shops, and in pints at select Kroger stores throughout Cincinnati; Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis; and Louisville, Ky. Graeter's Skyline Spice Ice Cream is also available nationwide for online orders starting today, Jan. 24, at Graeters.com so fans across the country can bring it to their watch parties and tailgates for a truly unforgettable experience. About Graeter's Since 1870, five generations of the Graeter family have remained committed to handcrafting only the most indulgent ice cream available. From humble beginnings serving ice cream from a cart in Cincinnati to the nationwide presence of Graeter's Ice Cream today, the family has stayed true to the traditional "French Pot" method and is the only company in the world that still makes ice cream at scale this way. Graeter's has 50+ retail stores and ships more than 300,000 pints annually. The brand can also be found in more than 3,000 grocery stores in 46 states. For more information, visit Graeters.com or follow Graeter's on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly known as Twitter). About Skyline Chili Since 1949, Skyline Chili's Cheese Coneys, 3-Ways and fast table-side service have been enjoyed by families for generations. Skyline serves its signature products in 138 restaurants and in grocery stores across the country. Skyline is dedicated to bringing friends and families together for an experience like no other. Skyline is proud to be the official chili of the Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, and FC Cincinnati. For more information, please visit Skylinechili.com or follow Skyline on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly known as Twitter). SOURCE Graeter's HAMILTON, N.Y., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Sept. 23, 2024, Colgate completed the voluntary repatriation of 1,005 archaeological items of cultural heritage to the people of Mexico, adding to 67 pieces returned in 2023. The transfer was arranged by the office of Consul General of Mexico in New York H.E. Jorge Islas Lopez which received the pieces at the consulate in New York City and staff at the University Museums at Colgate, under the leadership of Rebecca Mendelsohn, co-director of University Museums at Colgate and curator of the Longyear Museum of Anthropology. Representatives from Colgate University, the Consulate General of Mexico in New York, and the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia gather to discuss plans for repatriation and the establishment of the ambassador collection | Firma del Memorando de Entendimiento el 22 de septiembre de 2023. "This project reflects the deep respect and understanding between the Government of Mexico and Colgate University," says H.E. Jorge Islas Lopez, Consul General of Mexico in New York (20192024). "We are proud to see this collaboration strengthen our shared commitment to preserving Mexico's rich history and honoring the millenary traditions kept alive by our Indigenous communities. We hope it inspires others to safeguard cultural heritage and broaden our collective understanding of history and museum practices." The pieces sculpture, pottery, and more arrived at Colgate from various sources throughout the second half of the 20th century. Faculty used the collections as teaching aids. Repatriation underscores the Mexican people's right to control their cultural patrimony. "It is with profound respect that Colgate University returns these items to their home country," Mendelsohn says, "with the understanding that they will be returned to as close to their communities of origin as possible." An ambassador collection of more than 900 fragmentary pieces remains at Colgate for educational use, with the permission of the Mexican government and the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia (INAH), furthering understanding of Mexico's heritage and the importance of preserving and respecting it. Mendelsohn explains, "The University Museums at Colgate believe that obtaining consent for the use of cultural items and their digital counterparts is a profoundly important step toward decolonizing our practices and redressing past harms inflicted by past museum collecting practices." The Consul General's office, INAH, and Colgate launched their partnership in 2021, when Islas Lopez contacted Mendelsohn to discuss pieces of Mexican cultural heritage housed at Colgate. The two agreed that the voluntary return of these items, which was also embraced by President Brian W. Casey and Provost and Dean of the Faculty Lesleigh Cushing, could open a new era of collaboration between the University and institutions in Mexico. "Colgate's mission is to educate ethical and empathetic leaders for lives of service," says Cushing. "We teach these lessons in the classroom, and we look for opportunities to model them through our interactions with local, national, and international communities." Since then, the University has hosted Islas Lopez, members of his staff, and INAH deputy director for the Registration of Movable Archaeological Monuments Alejandro Bautista Valdespino, to review the collection and meet with campus community members. In January 2024, a Colgate delegation toured colleges and universities in Mexico, exploring opportunities for research partnerships and student exchange programs. "I am grateful for the work and goodwill that everyone on campus and at the consulate has put into this project," says President Brian W. Casey. "I look forward to seeing our academic exchange continue in the months and years ahead." Media Contact: Gerardo Izzo Press - Consulate General of Mexico in New York 212-217-5841 [email protected] SOURCE Colgate University COLUMBIA, S.C., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Families in South Carolina are eager to explore their school choice options, and dozens of schools in the Columbia and Lexington area are gathering to meet that need at a school fair timed to coincide with School Choice Week. No matter what type of school they're looking for, there will be something for everyone at this positive, family-friendly event hosted by Palmetto Promise Institute at Brookland Baptist Church. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. Focused on school choice and the variety of K-12 educational options available in South Carolina, the event will feature nearly 50 local schools, including traditional public, public charter, magnet, private, home, and online options, as well as several family resource providers. Parents will have a chance to talk directly with school representatives while kids enjoy family fun activities, including face painting, balloon artists, and complimentary food, making it a lively and engaging experience for all attendees. South Carolina continues to expand educational opportunities for families, with recent advancements such as the Education Scholarship Trust Fund program, which benefited 5,000 students in the 2024-2025 school year before it was halted by a court ruling weeks just into the school year. These efforts for School Choice Week underscore South Carolina's commitment to ensuring every child can access the best educational environment tailored to their unique needs and interests. "The Columbia School Fair represents a pivotal moment for South Carolina families, bringing together the full spectrum of educational opportunities under one roof. Every child learns differently, and by empowering parents with information about traditional public, charter, private, magnet, and alternative schooling options, we're ensuring that each student can find the educational environment where they'll truly thrive," said Wendy Damron, president and CEO of Palmetto Promise Institute. The event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Week, which will include over 27,000 events and activities nationwide aimed at celebrating and raising awareness of educational opportunities for families. Palmetto Promise Institute is a South Carolina-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing freedom and opportunity for every South Carolinian. Location Details: Brookland Baptist Church is located at 1066 Sunset Blvd West Columbia, SC 29169. The event will take place in the banquet and conference center. For more information, visit columbiaschoolfair.com or RSVP in Spanish at schoolchoiceweek.com/events/2025-columbia-feria-escolar/ . The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) raises broad and positive awareness of school choice through two charitable programs: organizing National School Choice Week each January and the research, development, and promotion of comprehensive and unbiased school navigation resources for parents via School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. NSCAF does not advocate for or oppose legislation at any level of government and is steadfastly nonpartisan and nonpolitical. SOURCE National School Choice Week 18,000 Costco Teamsters Prepared to Strike if Contract Isn't Reached by January 31 ISSAQUAH, Wash., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Costco Teamsters rallied outside the company's corporate headquarters in Issaquah, Wash., today as Costco held its annual shareholder meeting. With their current contract set to expire on January 31, Teamsters are demanding an industry-leading agreement and ready to strike if Costco refuses to deliver. "Costco has two choices: respect the workers who made them a success or face a national strike," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "Costco Teamsters deserve an industry-leading contract that reflects the company's massive profits. If Costco thinks they can exploit our members while raking in billions, we'll shut them down." The Costco Teamsters National Negotiating Committee is in the final stretch of bargaining, but the company remains far from offering a deal that reflects its record-breaking profits. If Costco fails to present a fair contract by the deadline, 18,000 Costco Teamsters across the country will be left with no choice but to strike. "We're demanding a contract that matches the success we made possible," said Paul Lowrie, a Costco fleet driver in Sumner, Wash., and a member of Teamsters Local 174. "We don't want to strike, but we're ready if Costco refuses to give us what we've rightfully earned." Costco is more profitable than ever. In 2024, the company reported $254 billion in revenue and $7.4 billion in net profits a dramatic increase from $6.3 billion in 2023 and a 135 percent jump from 2018. "We will hold Costco accountable if they refuse to reward the workers who made them billions," said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. "Our members are mobilized, prepared, and ready to do whatever it takes to win the contract they deserve. Costco has eight days to do the right thing." Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters. Contact: Matt McQuaid, (617) 894-0669 [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global cultural tourism market size is estimated to grow by USD 6.67 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 17.32% during the forecast period. Growing instances of stress-related cases is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing demand for AR and VR technology in cultural tourism. However, concerns related to overtourism poses a challenge. Key market players include ACE Cultural Tours Ltd, Aracari Travel, Envoy Tours, Exodus Travels Limited, G Adventures, Geographic Expeditions Inc., Greaves Travel Ltd, Indigenous Tourism BC, JPMorgan Chase and Co., Kudu Travel Ltd., Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc., Martin Randall Travel Ltd, Odyssey World, Responsible Travel, Tandem Travel, Tauck Inc., Travel Leaders Group Holdings LLC, Travelogy India Pvt. Ltd, Wilderness Travel, and Intrepid Group Pty Ltd.. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Cultural Tourism Market 2024-2028 Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Cultural Tourism Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 17.32% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 6.67 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 16.2 Regional analysis Europe, APAC, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution Europe at 40% Key countries China, Japan, Italy, France, and Spain Key companies profiled ACE Cultural Tours Ltd, Aracari Travel, Envoy Tours, Exodus Travels Limited, G Adventures, Geographic Expeditions Inc., Greaves Travel Ltd, Indigenous Tourism BC, JPMorgan Chase and Co., Kudu Travel Ltd., Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc., Martin Randall Travel Ltd, Odyssey World, Responsible Travel, Tandem Travel, Tauck Inc., Travel Leaders Group Holdings LLC, Travelogy India Pvt. Ltd, Wilderness Travel, and Intrepid Group Pty Ltd. Market Driver In today's market, cultural tourism is a major trend as customers seek unique experiences and interactions with local cultures. Traditional tourist attractions like historic sites, art galleries, and museums continue to draw crowds, but off-the-beaten-path destinations offer authentic, experiential travel. Sustainable travel practices, including eco-friendly initiatives and conservation efforts, are important to both customers and B2C enterprises. Middle class travelers, driven by affordability and stress-relief, are fueling outbound tourism. Budget airlines and vacation rentals make travel more accessible. Cruises, package holidays, camping, business events, conferences, and exhibitions also contribute to the global market scenario. Diverse cultures and rich histories are major attractions. Festivals, heritage tourism, culinary tourism with cooking classes and food tours, are popular choices. Travel restrictions and social isolation policies have increased demand for virtual experiences and online platforms. Aracari Travel, Classic Journeys LLC, and Wilderness Travel are among the leading B2C enterprises providing cultural tourism experiences. The tourism industry sector continues to grow, driven by a desire for genuine experiences and diversity appreciation. The cultural tourism market is experiencing a significant shift due to the rising popularity of AR and VR technologies. These innovative technologies offer tourists and interactive experiences, enhancing their engagement with cultural attractions, heritage sites, and museums. AR technology, accessible through smartphones or tablets, provides virtual reconstructions, 3D models, and multimedia content, adding context and insight to historical landmarks. VR headsets transport users to virtual environments, enabling exploration of ancient ruins, historical sites, and cultural landscapes from the convenience of homes or tourist centers. AR and VR technologies are revolutionizing the cultural tourism industry by bringing historical sites and artifacts to life, making learning and exploration more accessible and engaging for tourists. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Cultural tourism is a growing market that offers unique experiences for travelers seeking authentic connections with diverse cultures and rich histories. However, B2C enterprises face challenges in catering to customer preferences for off-the-beaten-path destinations and experiential travel. Traditional tourist attractions like historic sites, art galleries, and museums still draw crowds, but travelers increasingly seek interactions with locals and sustainable travel practices. Eco-friendly travel and eco-tourism initiatives, conservation efforts, and budget airlines are driving forces in this sector. Middle class travelers book hotels, vacation rentals, cruises, and package holidays for cultural experiences. Business events, conferences, and exhibitions also contribute to the global market scenario. Affordability, employment, and stress-related cases are key factors influencing travel decisions. Aracari Travel, Classic Journeys LLC, and Wilderness Travel are leading players in this sector, offering diverse cultural attractions through cooking classes, food tours, festival tourism, and more. However, travel restrictions and social isolation policies due to the pandemic have impacted the industry. The international community looks forward to the resumption of cultural tourism, appreciating the value of genuine experiences and diversity appreciation. Online platforms and social media continue to play a significant role in booking and promoting cultural tourism. Lack of infrastructure in some destinations remains a challenge, but initiatives to address this issue are underway. Overtourism poses a significant challenge to the cultural tourism market, as popular destinations struggle with the adverse effects of an influx of visitors. When a destination's capacity is surpassed, it results in overcrowding, environmental degradation, and cultural commodification, placing a strain on local resources. This phenomenon negatively impacts cultural heritage sites and landmarks, leading to their deterioration. Historic monuments, archaeological sites, and culturally significant areas can experience wear and tear due to high tourist volumes, compromising their authenticity and integrity. Overcrowding also diminishes the visitor experience, with long queues, restricted access, and limited space detracting from enjoyment of cultural attractions. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This cultural tourism market report extensively covers market segmentation by Type 1.1 Domestic cultural tourism 1.2 International cultural tourism Service 2.1 Cultural eco-tourism 2.2 Indigenous cultural tourism 2.3 Socio-cultural tourism Geography 3.1 Europe 3.2 APAC 3.3 North America 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Domestic cultural tourism- In the domestic cultural tourism sector, there is a flourishing market driven by factors such as the appeal of authentic experiences, technological advancements, and government initiatives. Mobile applications are a significant catalyst, offering travelers easy access to detailed guides, maps, and cultural information about destinations. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications have gained popularity, providing experiences for exploring cultural sites virtually. Social media platforms and online communities serve as essential resources for travelers, enabling them to discover, share, and engage with cultural experiences. Trends in domestic cultural tourism include a rising focus on sustainable travel practices and niche experiences like culinary tours and artisanal workshops. Government initiatives, including infrastructure development, cultural heritage site preservation, and promotion of local festivals and events, stimulate economic growth and community pride, thereby increasing domestic cultural tourism demand and expanding the global cultural tourism market. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis Cultural tourism is a thriving market that offers travelers unique experiences rooted in history, art, and local traditions. Customer preferences are shifting towards experiential travel, seeking authentic interactions with locals and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Traditional tourist attractions like historic sites, art galleries, museums, and festivals continue to be popular, but eco-friendly travel and sustainable practices are gaining ground. Eco-tourism initiatives, such as Aracari Travel, Classic Journeys LLC, and Wilderness Travel, provide travelers with cultural experiences while promoting affordable, stress-reducing travel. Regional customs, heritage tourism, culinary tourism, cooking classes, and food tours are just a few examples of the rich cultural offerings available in the global market scenario. Employment opportunities in this sector are significant, making cultural tourism a vital contributor to local economies. Market Research Overview Cultural tourism is a growing market that caters to travelers seeking unique experiences rooted in local traditions and histories. Customer preferences are shifting towards experiential travel, interactions with locals, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Traditional tourist attractions like historic sites, art galleries, museums, and festivals continue to be popular, but eco-friendly travel and sustainable practices are gaining traction. Eco-tourism initiatives, conservation efforts, and budget airlines are making travel more accessible to the middle class. Outbound tourism is on the rise, with business events, conferences, and exhibitions driving demand. The global market scenario is influenced by affordability, employment opportunities, and stress-related cases. Aracari Travel, Classic Journeys LLC, and Wilderness Travel are among the B2C enterprises offering cultural experiences. Social media and online platforms are transforming the way we book hotels, vacation rentals, cruises, package holidays, camping sites, and more. Travel restrictions and social isolation policies have highlighted the importance of appreciating diverse cultures and rich histories within our international community. Driving forces include genuine experiences, diversity appreciation, and sustainable practices. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type Domestic Cultural Tourism International Cultural Tourism Service Cultural Eco-tourism Indigenous Cultural Tourism Socio-cultural Tourism Geography Europe APAC North America South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio 400+ attendees expected at free, family-friendly event to explore education options LAS CRUCES, N.M., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Students and families of Las Cruces will be able to learn more about the variety of schools they can select, including LCPS schools, private and homeschooling options, and free, public charter schools at the Las Cruces School Fair. Hosted by Public Charter Schools of New Mexico (PCSNM) at the Las Cruces Convention Center, the event aims to connect families with local schools and educational programs while offering an enjoyable, family-friendly experience. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 and follow in the footsteps of a similar annual event hosted by PCSNM in Albuquerque on January 25. Focused on the power of school choice and the educational options available in New Mexico, the event will feature fun activities for the family, including face painting and free food, as well as representatives from several local schools, ready to answer all questions. Participating schools include Raices del Saber Xinatchli Community School, J. Paul Taylor Academy, Las Montanas Charter High School, New Mexico School for the Arts, Pecos Cyber Academy and New Mexico Connections Academy - online public charter schools, among others. Families will also have the opportunity to engage with unique programs such as Desert Springs Christian Academy and Cruces Creatives, showcasing the range of specialized learning environments available in the area. "Empowering parents and caregivers with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their children's education is crucial," said Angela Lopez, the Field Director for Public Charter Schools of New Mexico, the event's organizer. "The Las Cruces School Fair is an opportunity for families to explore the excellent public charter schools available and connect directly with educators and schools." The event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Week, which will include over 27,000 activities nationwide aimed at celebrating and raising awareness of educational opportunities for families. This event is hosted by Public Charter Schools of New Mexico, the primary entity supporting and advocating for charter schools in the Land of Enchantment. Location Details: Las Cruces Convention Center is located at 680 East University Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88001. The event will take place in Exhibit Hall 1. Families can RSVP at lascrucesschoolfair.com or visit the Spanish page at schoolchoiceweek.com/events/2025-las-cruces-feria-escolar/ . The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) raises broad and positive awareness of school choice through two charitable programs: organizing National School Choice Week each January and the research, development, and promotion of comprehensive and unbiased school navigation resources for parents via School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. NSCAF does not advocate for or oppose legislation at any level of government and is steadfastly nonpartisan and nonpolitical. SOURCE National School Choice Week PLEASANT GROVE, Utah, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the devastating wildfires sweeping across California, doTERRA Healing Hands has taken swift action to support those affected. To date, the organization has sent 6,950 relief kits to the affected areas, which will be distributed by 134 dedicated Wellness Advocates. The relief kits, thoughtfully designed to address immediate needs, include personal care items, essential wellness products, and comforting supplies aimed at providing relief and hope to those navigating the aftermath of the fires. A remarkable aspect of this effort has been the rapid mobilization of doTERRA Wellness Advocates, who came together to assemble 72-Hour Emergency Relief Hygiene Kits. The energy and care poured into this effort were palpable as everyone worked side by side at doTERRA's Lindon Fulfillment Center (LFC). The collaboration demonstrated the power of community and the shared commitment to making a positive impact during challenging times. "Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by these tragic wildfires," said Misty Bond, Vice President of Corporate Relations and Philanthropy at doTERRA. "At doTERRA, we believe in the power of community and resilience. The compassion and dedication shown by our Wellness Advocates and team members are truly inspiring, and we are honored to stand with the families impacted by this crisis as they rebuild their lives." These efforts are part of the organization's ongoing commitment to bring hope and empowerment to communities around the globe, especially in times of crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, doTERRA Healing Hands is actively working on additional efforts to expand its support. Individuals and organizations interested in contributing to these relief efforts can visit https://doterrahealinghands.org/get-involved for more information. * *About the doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation The doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, offers resources and tools to global sourcing communities and charitable organizations supporting self-reliance, healthcare, education, sanitation, and more. To learn more about the doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation, visit www.doterrahealinghands.org. SOURCE doTERRA International, LLC United States remains committed to its climate goals through action at every level SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, Bloomberg Philanthropies and other U.S. climate funders announced they will ensure the United States will meet its global climate obligations following the federal government's intent to withdraw from the Paris Agreement for the second time. This includes covering the funding gap left by the United States to UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and upholding the country's reporting commitments. "We applaud Michael Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies for stepping up during this most critical time," said Earthjustice President Abigail Dillen. "It has never been more urgent for our country to keep on track to meet the pollution reductions targets that science demands. If our elected officials are unwilling to do it, we are grateful for Mike Bloomberg's leadership and unwavering commitment." In 2017 when the U.S. government announced its intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, Bloomberg stepped in to help uphold the country's funding and reporting commitments. Now, Bloomberg will once again work to ensure U.S. subnational climate leaders track and report on U.S. climate progress over the next four years and demonstrate that the United States remains committed to its climate goals through action at every level. About Earthjustice Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer. SOURCE Earthjustice SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Extra Space Storage Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: EXR) announced today it will release financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024 on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 after the market closes. The Company will host a conference call at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 to discuss its financial results. Hosting the call will be Extra Space Storage's CEO, Joe Margolis. Joining him will be Scott Stubbs, Executive Vice President and CFO. During the conference call, company officers will review operating performance, discuss recent events, and conduct a question-and-answer period. The question-and-answer period will be limited to registered financial analysts. All other participants will have listen-only capability. To Participate in the Conference Call: A live webcast of the conference call will be available online from the investor relations page of the Company's corporate website at www.extraspace.com. Telephone participants may avoid delays in joining the conference call by pre-registering for the call using the following link to receive a special dial-in number and PIN: https://emportal.ink/3PKtvFm. The conference call will also be available on the Company's website under Investor Relations at www.extraspace.com. To listen to a live broadcast, go to the site at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to register, download and install any necessary audio software. Conference Call Playback: A replay of the webcast will be available on the Extra Space Storage Investor Relations website beginning February 26, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET, and will remain available for one year after the call. Full Text of the Earnings Report and Supplemental Data The full text of the earnings report and supplemental data will be available at the Company's investor relations website immediately following the earnings release to the wire services after the market close on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. About Extra Space Storage Inc. Extra Space Storage Inc., headquartered in Salt Lake City, is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust, and a member of the S&P 500. As of September 30, 2024, the Company owned and/or operated 3,862 self-storage properties, which comprise approximately 2.7 million units and approximately 296.0 million square feet of rentable storage space operating under the Extra Space, Life Storage and Storage Express brands. The Company offers customers a wide selection of conveniently located and secure storage units across the country, including boat storage, RV storage and business storage. It is the largest operator of self-storage properties in the United States. For more information, please visit www.extraspace.com. SOURCE Extra Space Storage, Inc. FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Families in Fort Worth, get ready for an unforgettable day of fun, education, and community! The Fort Worth Stockyards will host the Fort Worth School Fair, where students and families can explore a wide variety of K-12 educational options and celebrate School Choice Week in the heart of Texas. The free, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stockyards Station in the Stampede Room. With over 600 attendees expected, parents will have the opportunity to meet representatives from traditional public schools, public charter schools, private schools, and microschool options to discover the best fit for their children. Participating schools include Uplift Education, Trinity Basin Preparatory, ILTexas Arlington-Grand Prairie High School, and Fort Worth ISD, among others. Adding to the Texas-sized fun, the first 100 children to attend will receive free tickets to the petting zoo located next to the event. Families can also enjoy balloon artists, photo booths, complimentary food, and even catch sight of longhorns strolling through the nearby streets. "School choice gives families the freedom to find the best learning environment for their children, and events like this are designed to make that choice easier," said Colleen Dippel, Founder and CEO of Families Empowered, the event's organizer. "We are proud to bring this event back to the Stockyards and give families a fun, engaging way to explore their options." The event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Week, which will include over 27,000 activities and events nationwide aimed at celebrating and raising awareness of educational opportunities for families. Families Empowered is a non-profit organization that helps families across Texas understand and navigate all of the educational options available to them. Location Details: The Fort Worth Stockyards - Stockyards Station is located at 140 E Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76164. The event will take place in the Stampede Room. For more information, visit FortWorthSchoolFair.com or RSVP in Spanish at schoolchoiceweek.com/events/2025-fort-worth-feria-escolar . The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) raises broad and positive awareness of school choice through two charitable programs: organizing National School Choice Week each January and the research, development, and promotion of comprehensive and unbiased school navigation resources for parents via School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. NSCAF does not advocate for or oppose legislation at any level of government and is steadfastly nonpartisan and nonpolitical. SOURCE National School Choice Week PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global sweet-packaged food company Ferrero Group today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Power Crunch from Bio-Nutritional Research Group, Inc. Founded in 1996, Power Crunch has seen strong growth recently driven by its portfolio of popular protein snacks, including a variety of wafer bars as well as high-protein crisps, which launched in 2024. Ferrero Group has signed an agreement to acquire Power Crunch from Bio-Nutritional Research Group, Inc. "We're thrilled to welcome Power Crunch to the Ferrero family and our ever-expanding portfolio of products in the U.S.," said Michael Lindsey, President and Chief Business Officer of Ferrero North America. "The quality craftsmanship and thoughtful investment Ferrero applies to our portfolio has driven our success across categories. We look forward to applying the same formula to the better-for-you category, starting with the distinctive products produced by the exceptional Power Crunch team." As part of the transaction, Ferrero will take over an office site in Irvine California, with approximately 50 employees joining the Ferrero Group in North America. "Power Crunch joining Ferrero is an amazing opportunity," said Kevin Lawrence, Power Crunch Founder and CEO. "The company's commitment to quality and ambitions in the better-for-you snacks category will help bring Power Crunch to more consumers than ever before." The planned acquisition further supports Ferrero's expansion in the better-for-you product category, following the acquisitions of FULFIL and Eat Natural in Europe. It also is the latest in a series of acquisitions growing Ferrero's footprint in the U.S., following the integration of everyday chocolate brands Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, and CRUNCH as well as cookie brands Keebler, Famous Amos, and Mother's. Iowa-based ice cream company Wells Enterprises joined Ferrero Group in 2022. The proposed transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to customary closing conditions. About Ferrero Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world's largest sweet-packaged food companies, with over 35 iconic brands sold in more than 170 countries. The Ferrero Group brings joy to people around the world with much-loved treats and snacks including Nutella, Kinder, Tic Tac, and Ferrero Rocher. More than 38,000 employees are passionate about helping people celebrate life's special moments. The Ferrero Group's family culture, now in its third generation, is based on dedication to quality and excellence, heritage and a commitment to the planet and communities in which we operate. Ferrero entered the North American market in 1969 and has grown to more than 5,400 employees in 15 plants and warehouses, and eight offices in North America across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It has expanded its presence and portfolio with the addition of iconic brands such as Butterfinger, CRUNCH, Keebler, Famous Amos, Mother's Cookies, and other distinctive cookie and chocolate brands. Follow @FerreroNACorp on Twitter and Instagram. www.ferreronorthamerica.com Media contacts Ferrero North America [email protected] SOURCE Ferrero North America FREEPORT, Maine, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Freeport Veterinary Hospital is excited to announce the addition of same-day urgent care services to its offerings! This new service aims to address your pet's unexpected health concerns promptly and efficiently, providing peace of mind for pet owners when they need it most. Dr. James Desir of Freeport Veterinary Hospital shared his thoughts on this new service: Urgent veterinary care at Freeport Veterinary Care is now available! Same-day availability for all your pet urgent care needs. Visit freeportvet.com to learn more! "At Freeport Veterinary Hospital, our goal is to provide top-quality care for your pets while making your experience as convenient as possible. We're thrilled to offer this extended service to better support our clients and their furry family members." Same-day urgent care appointments will ensure timely care for non-life-threatening and non-emergent conditions. To stay up-to-date with urgent care hours, which will be changing over the next month, please visit their website at freeportvet.com. You can also use the website to access real-time appointment openings and conveniently book your preferred arrival time. For a list of common conditions treated during urgent care visits, please refer to the website. Freeport Veterinary Hospital remains committed to being there when unexpected health issues arise. For any questions, please contact us at (207) 208-8508. About Freeport Veterinary Hospital: Freeport Veterinary Hospital has proudly served the Freeport, Maine, community with compassionate and comprehensive veterinary care for many years. Their experienced team is dedicated to providing advanced medicine and personalized attention to every pet and owner. For media inquiries, please contact: Freeport Veterinary Hospital Phone: (207) 208-8508 SOURCE Freeport Veterinary Hospital SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FrogData, the automotive industry leader in Advanced Data Analytics and FixedOps Solutions, announced today the launch of FixedOps Velocity Hyperlocal Service Marketing Platform at the upcoming National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention. An industry-first service marketing solution for franchise auto dealers, FixedOps Velocity is designed to transform dealership service departments into revenue powerhouses. "Service departments account for nearly 50% of dealership revenue, yet they often take a backseat in marketing efforts," said Tej Soni, CEO of FrogData. "With FixedOps Velocity, we empower dealerships to compete directly with local independent repair shops and capture the untapped potential of post-warranty customers. Our solution focuses on hyper-local strategies that connect dealerships with customers in their communities, driving higher ROI and long-term growth." FrogData launches FixedOps Velocity at NADA 2025, empowering dealers with Hyper-Local marketing for service operations. Post this Key Features of FixedOps Velocity: Dedicated Service Website : Fully optimized for local search, with online booking and a resource hub featuring promotions, OEM parts education, facility details, testimonials, and maintenance guides. : Fully optimized for local search, with online booking and a resource hub featuring promotions, OEM parts education, facility details, testimonials, and maintenance guides. Hyper-Local Digital Marketing : Targeted digital presence through local platforms and channels, ensuring dealership visibility to customers within their immediate service area. : Targeted digital presence through local platforms and channels, ensuring dealership visibility to customers within their immediate service area. Strategic Social Media Management : Focused on promoting dealer service departments, we create engaging content and targeted advertising to connect with local audiences on platforms like Facebook and TikTok. : Focused on promoting dealer service departments, we create engaging content and targeted advertising to connect with local audiences on platforms like Facebook and TikTok. Managed Customer Engagement: Designed to build trust & improve customer retention rates by delivering tailored messaging highlighting dealership expertise, credibility, and value. Bridging the Service Marketing Gap Research shows that approximately 25% of all automotive searches are parts, service, and maintenance-related, yet dealers retain only around 30% of customers after warranties expire. This significant gap represents a major opportunity for dealerships to transform their service departments into local market leaders. FixedOps Velocity bridges this gap by implementing hyper-local marketing strategies, positioning dealerships as the go-to service center in their local community. Additionally, the annual automotive service market, valued at $180 billion, continues to grow owing to the rising average vehicle ownership age, now at 12.5 years, and the increasing complexity of vehicles requiring specialized care. FixedOps Velocity empowers dealerships to capitalize on this lucrative opportunity and stay ahead in a competitive market. "Dealerships face a marketing problem, not a market problem," continued Soni. "FixedOps Velocity is the ultimate solution to elevate service marketing, fill service bays, and build trust with local customers. We are thrilled to showcase this game-changing platform at NADA 2025." About FrogData Headquartered in San Francisco, FrogData is the industry's leading AI-powered Decision Analytics Platform, relied upon by over 1,000 dealerships. Seamlessly integrating with major DMS, CRM, and Service Management systems, FrogData empowers dealerships to achieve measurable performance improvements through advanced analytics and intelligent insights. For more information about FixedOps Velocity, visit www.frogdata.com or visit the FrogData booth #2301 at NADA 2025. Contact Information: FrogData Marketing Email: [email protected] SOURCE FrogData BEIJING, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Year of the Snake draws near, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Thursday inspected Shenyang, capital city of Northeast China's Liaoning Province. Xi made the trip to the city shortly before the Spring Festival, the most important festival for the Chinese people, which falls on January 29 this year. Xi visited a food market and a residential community in Shenyang, where he learned about the supply of goods during the holiday season and measures in place to meet residents' daily needs and optimize public services, as well as details of progress made in improving people's life. Xi also made a trip on Wednesday to the village of Zhujiagou, under the administration of Suizhong county, Huludao city in Liaoning Province to visit people affected by floods, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Since assuming the Party's top post in November 2012, Xi has made it a tradition to spend time with members of the public ahead of the Spring Festival, especially those in disadvantaged groups, extending festive greetings to them. The tradition started in 2013, when Xi went to villages located in a hostile natural environment in Northwest China's Gansu Province, asking villagers whether they had enough food, sufficient subsistence allowances, and access to medical and educational resources. Impoverished farmers, frontline workers, elderly people living alone, orphaned and disabled children - countless grassroots workers and ordinary citizens have always been the people Xi cares about the most. "To secure a better life for our people is the original aspiration and purpose of the Chinese Communists," Xi, who is also the Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, once said during his trip to Sichuan in 2018. This spirit has remained an unchanging principle in Xi's pre-festival inspections, and vividly embodies the "people-first" governing philosophy. Care for the people In 2015, Xi met with old acquaintances from Liangjiahe Village, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, where he had spent seven years as an adolescent and young adult. "I will never forget the villagers here and the people in the old revolutionary base," Xi said. In 2018, after venturing deep into the mountains of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, Xi said: "Not a single ethnic group or family should be left behind in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects." In 2024, Xi visited primary-level officials and residents in Tianjin ahead of the Spring Festival. He also talked with shop owners and employees at an ancient culture street during his inspection tour in the municipality. "I care particularly about grassroots officials and the people as we ring in the lunar new year," Xi once said. Over the years, he had interacted with people including frontline workers, and the elderly and children at welfare homes, leaving many heartwarming moments. Over the years, Xi has extended sincere wishes for a better life and a brighter future to people across China during each pre-festival visit. With these wishes, the entire Party and the Chinese people have been brought together to forge ahead toward building China into a strong country and realizing national rejuvenation. Rural revitalization From old revolutionary bases to remote mountainous areas, these places mark China's path from the campaign of combating impoverishment to the pursuit of rural revitalization. In January 2017, Xi went to the snow-covered grasslands of northern China. Zhangbei in North China's Hebei Province - just 200 kilometers north of Beijing - was classed as a deprived county in 2013, with one-eighth of its population still living on less than $1 a day by October 2016. Ye Runbing, the Party secretary of Desheng village in Zhangbei county, still vividly remembers President Xi's visit there in 2017. Xi stressed the importance of making sure every poor family had a program for increasing income and every poor person had a way of casting off poverty. Ye told the Global Times he felt greatly inspired. Some eight years later, Zhangbei is completely different. The village has integrated land resources, natural resources and market resources. Potatoes are a specialty of Desheng village. But the smallholder model of the past could not guarantee stable yields. In recent years, Desheng village has actively developed a collective economy, investing in greenhouses for potato seed breeding, scaling up this industry and helping villagers increase their income. Adhering to the concept of sustainable development, Desheng village takes advantage of Zhangbei grassland's high latitude and long sunlight hours, developing a photovoltaic industry that can provide a stable long-term income, and exploring a profitable homestay tourism industry. The new year is important to build Desheng into a beautiful and prosperous village. Ye hopes to attract more professionals in agricultural technology and tourism management to his hometown, in hope that they can settle down and further promote its all-round revitalization. Inheritance and innovation During past visits, Xi has brought gifts of festive goods, joined local people making festive foods, and practiced Spring Festival customs. In 2020, Xi went to the home of farmer Li Fashun in Simola Wa Village, Yunnan Province, where he learned about the family's daily life, and was invited to join the family in making rice cakes. He also beat a wooden drum of the Wa ethnic group three times, a local ritual activity to bless the coming year. During his inspection trip to Southwest China's Guizhou Province in 2021, Xi visited Huawu village, which successfully eliminated poverty through crop planting and animal husbandry as well as tourism. He was invited to the home of Zhao Yuxue, a Miao villager, and made a traditional festival food "Huangba" with Zhao's family. He also visited a Miao embroidery workshop, urging efforts to promote ethnic and traditional cultures. In 2022, Xi visited Shanxi Province before the Spring Festival. Touring Pingyao, one of the best-preserved ancient walled cities in China and a UNESCO world heritage site, Xi called for more efforts to conserve the country's cultural heritage and protect "the valuable treasure left to us by our ancestors." Wang Huiming, who runs a lacquer wares store in the ancient city, recounted that President Xi demanded cultural treasures such as the traditional lacquering skill be better protected. "We should promote traditional cultural industries with distinctive Chinese features to the rest of the world," said Xi, as reported by Xinhua. Wang, an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage, was excited that Chunjie, or Spring Festival, was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. "It demonstrates the richness of Chinese culture is recognized and that what I am doing is meaningful." Ready to welcome tourists to Pingyao during the holidays, Wang's wish for the Year of the Snake is to increase sales by 20 percent, to make more innovative wares, and to have more trainees interested in this cultural heritage. Aspiration for better life Deliveryman Qi Nannan clearly remembers February 1, 2019, the day when President Xi visited an express delivery station located in Shitou Hutong in central Beijing's Qianmen area when he and his colleague were sorting piles of parcels. Xi stressed that priority should be given to solving employment problems and creating more jobs. He praised the hard work of deliverymen, saying they were "busy as bees" to bring convenience to people's lives. "It was such a surprise. It was also a moment when I felt important and proud," Qi told the Global Times. Like every Spring Festival in past nine years since he became a deliveryman, Qi, along with his colleagues, is busy delivering parcels as quick as he can. They mostly consist of festival gifts and necessities. From unexpensive snacks and souvenirs in the past, to fresh quality specialties and presents sometimes from overseas now, Qi is a witness to China's booming logistics and e-commerce market, as well as people's improving living standards. Qi hopes in the Year of the Snake, his daughter can enter an ideal college and he will continue to be a hardworking "bee" to convey the happiness of ordinary people. "Of all the jobs in front of us, the most important is to ensure a happy life for our people," said Xi in his 2025 New Year address. "Every family hopes that their children can have a good education, their seniors can enjoy good elderly services, and their youngsters can have more and better opportunities. These simple wishes are our people's aspirations for a better life. We should work together to steadily improve social undertakings and governance, build a harmonious and inclusive atmosphere, and settle real issues, big or small, for our people. We must bring more smiles to our people and greater warmth to their hearts," Xi said. SOURCE Global Times BEIJING, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "In just one day, it rained as much as it does in a whole year!" On August 20, 2024, an extremely rare and intense rainfall led to a severe flood disaster in Huludao, Northeast China's Liaoning Province. Zhujiagou village, located in a mountainous area with low-lying terrain, was one of the most severely affected villages. According to CCTV News, the deepest water accumulation in the village reached 6 meters, and 51 households' houses were damaged, among which 41 households no longer met the conditions for reconstruction on the original site. After the flood, the village built new homes for 41 of the most severely affected households, totaling 186 people, at a different location. Cement roads were built to the doorstep of each home, and water, electricity, and internet facilities were connected. The new homes were fitted with modern flushing toilets. In less than two months, a new Zhujiagou village rose from the ground. On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, braved the cold to visit the village, ahead of the Spring Festival, which falls on January 29 this year, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Xi inspected the progress in post-disaster restoration and reconstruction. Visiting the villagers who had moved into their new houses just before this winter, Xi inquired about the quality of the reconstructed homes and whether their daily living conditions were adequate. A number of natural disasters occurred across the country last year, Xi said, expressing his belief that restoration and reconstruction in the affected areas will yield good results. "We have always put the people first," Xi said. "The people can always count on the Party and the government in their most difficult times, and we will help them overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes." Always keeping the safety and well-being of the people in mind, before the Spring Festival, the most important festival for the Chinese people, Xi's visit not only warmed people's hearts, but also conveyed strong confidence. 'I have always been concerned about people in disaster-affected areas' Xi has always been concerned about people in disaster-affected areas. In recent years, the Chinese president has made several visits to disaster-stricken areas to inspect and guide post-disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts. These visits include both pre-festival inspection tours and on-site inspections during domestic tours. A year ago, Xi visited a village affected by floods the summer before during his inspection tour in North China's Tianjin Municipality from February 1 to 2, 2024, spending time in this region just ahead of the 2024 Spring Festival. Villager Du told Xi that the family's more than 10 mu (about 0.67 hectares) of corn fields and vegetable patches were damaged by the flood, but with the help of the Party and the government, they managed to recover quickly, and their vegetable greenhouses were able to produce a good harvest, Xinhua reported. On September 7, 2023, in the village of Longwangmiao in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Xi walked into the fields to check the impact of the floods on the rice crops. Visiting villagers' homes to learn about their losses and the supply of daily necessities, Xi encouraged them to bolster their confidence to overcome difficulties. In January 2022, braving the snow, Xi went to Fengnanyuan village of Huozhou city in North China's Shanxi Province, where he visited the flood-affected people and learned about local post-disaster reconstruction. "I came to Shanxi today primarily out of the concern for people whose work and lives were affected by last year's disaster," Xi told the villagers. "I am glad to observe that despite the severity of the disaster, you did a good job in reconstruction and replanting crops with the help of the Party and government," Xi said. "I feel assured." Back to January 2015, Ludian county, which experienced a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in August 2014, was the first on the president's domestic inspection agenda. While in Longtoushan Town, the epicenter of the quake, he reviewed post-disaster reconstruction efforts and advised that the buildings must be able to withstand a quake of a similar magnitude and above. The people staying in Ganjiazhai village, where a temporary camp was set up for those displaced by the quake, warmly welcomed Xi. He greeted the crowd and inspected inside the tents to check the quality and thickness of their quilts, Xinhua reported. "The disaster destroyed your homes, but the [Communist] Party [of China] and the government will help you build more beautiful ones," Xi said. "I have always been concerned about people in disaster-affected areas," he said, when leaving a village impacted by floods during the inspection tour to Beijing and Hebei Province in North China in November 2023. "The CPC is a party that serves the people wholeheartedly and always puts the people above everything else." Chinese speed, efficient action China has demonstrated its "speed" and "humanitarianism" in post-disaster responses, whether it is the rapid resettlement of people in disaster areas in Meizhou, South China's Guangdong Province, or the emergency rescue efforts in Xigaze, Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. "I never expected that we would have such a good Spring Festival this year," He Xinsheng, a villager from Shangtian, Meizhou, told Global Times on Thursday in an elated tone over the phone. During the storm disaster in June 2024, He's house collapsed, and his family of four had to temporarily live with relatives. But thankfully, their worries did not weigh them down for long. On January 16, they stood in their brand-new relocation apartment and began a new chapter of their lives. "We are satisfied with the facilities in the apartment," He smiled. "We just bought some electrical appliances, and everything else was provided by local government. Once again, I have a new understanding of our country's construction speed and quality." For him, this move was not just a change of residence, but also a deep expectation for the future. In June 2024, when China entered the flood season, Meizhou was hit by a severe rainstorm on June 16, causing the collapse and damage of houses in some areas, severely impacting the production and lives of the local population. On June 18, Xi delivered important instructions on the work to fight floods and droughts. The president called for all-out efforts to deal with the disaster, do everything possible to search and rescue those missing or trapped, properly resettle those affected, ensure production and life order, and minimize losses, according to Xinhua. The People's Government of Guangdong promptly assigned Guangzhou and Shenzhen to assist Meizhou in constructing four housing projects. The projects officially commenced on July 28, with the foundation work completed in just 14 days. The building's main structure was built in 69 days, and the project passed its final acceptance inspection in 138 days. Within 144 days, the handover was completed, and the project successfully passed safety production inspections at all levels, Diao Shangdong, deputy director of "Guangzhou town" project at the Guangzhou Key Public Construction Project Management Center, told the Global Times on Thursday. The houses, which incorporate traditional Hakka elements, are equipped with advanced flood prevention technology and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems, making them low-carbon, smart, and secure. According to Diao, by December 31, 2024, 383 families affected by the disaster had received the keys to their new homes. While in Xizang region, the recent earthquake that hit Xigaze has attracted significant international attention, not only due to humanitarian reasons, but also because it occurred in a multi-ethnic region. After the earthquake, Xi made an important instruction, demanding utmost efforts to carry out search and rescue and provide medical treatment for the injured. He also urged efforts to prevent secondary disasters, properly resettle affected residents, and handle the aftermath effectively, according to Xinhua. Ten minutes after the tremor, rescue helicopters had already reached the disaster area; within half an hour, rescue operations with debris removal began in the earthquake's epicenter. Nine hours after the quake, communication signals were restored, and all damaged roads were repaired and reopened. Eighteen hours after the disaster, power was restored in the hardest-hit areas, local media Tibet.cn reported. That night, people in disaster-stricken areas moved into warm tents and were provided with hot meals. Within a week, medical stations, libraries, and counseling rooms were gradually set up. The swift and effective response demonstrated a profound respect for life and a deep concern for the disaster-stricken people. Observing the rescue and reconstruction efforts in the wake of this earthquake, people see it clearly that while a natural disaster has torn a wound into the snowy plateau, the entire nation is working tirelessly to heal it. The motherland serves as a steadfast source of comfort and support for every individual affected by the disaster. This is the best example of how Xizang is an indispensable part of a people-centered national development effort. Putting the people first Wang Hongwei, a professor at the Renmin University of China's School of Public Administration and Policy, told the Global Times on Thursday that in recent years, the country's efficiency in responding to major emergencies has significantly improved, and a crucial reason behind this is China's institutional strength, which enables the integration of various forces to form a powerful collective effort in disaster relief. He pointed out that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, there have been many new conceptual changes in disaster prevention, reduction, and relief. In the past, the focus was primarily put on post-disaster management, while now a stronger emphasis is put on risk management. In 2018, China established the Ministry of Emergency Management, which has the crucial responsibility of responding to natural disasters. One of the major tasks being undertaken is the comprehensive risk survey of natural disasters, which serves as a fundamental task for disaster prevention, reduction, and relief. Meanwhile, China has been accelerating the development of more advanced emergency-rescue equipment. Thanks to the collaborative efforts between government authorities and manufacturers, numerous new aircraft models, smart robots, drones, and other forms of emergency response equipment are rapidly being developed and implemented. Wang Tun, head of a key earthquake early warning laboratory in China's Sichuan Province, who has vast experience in disaster relief, told the Global Times that "China has formed a complete emergency management system based on a 'people-centered' philosophy, ensuring a full chain of work from disaster prevention to post-disaster recovery and reconstruction." In his new home in Meizhou, He is buying ingredients for the Spring Festival. During the holidays, He hopes to invite all the relatives and friends who have helped him to his new home for a reunion dinner. "I hope everyone can stay safe and sound, away from disasters," he said. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202501/1327476.shtml SOURCE Global Times NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global governance risk and compliance (GRC) platform market size is estimated to grow by USD 44.2 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% during the forecast period. Increased need to comply with regulatory requirements is driving market growth, with a trend towards integration of GRC platform with third-platform technologies. However, increasing data security concerns poses a challenge. Key market players include ACL Services Ltd. Dba Galvanize, Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., Corporater AS, Fidelity National Information Services Inc., International Business Machines Corp., LogicManager Inc., Mega International SA, MetricStream Inc., Microsoft Corp., Mitratech Holdings Inc., NAVEX Global Inc., OneTrust LLC, Oracle Corp., ROBERT HALF INC, SAI360 Inc., SAP SE, SAS Institute Inc., Software AG, Thomson Reuters Corp., and Wolters Kluwer NV. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Governance Risk And Compliance (GRC) Platform Market 2025-2029 Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Governance Risk And Compliance (GRC) Platform Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2024 Historic period 2019 - 2023 Forecast period 2025-2029 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 14.2% Market growth 2025-2029 USD 44224.6 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 12.2 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 39% Key countries US, UK, China, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, France, Brazil, and UAE Key companies profiled ACL Services Ltd. Dba Galvanize, Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., Corporater AS, Fidelity National Information Services Inc., International Business Machines Corp., LogicManager Inc., Mega International SA, MetricStream Inc., Microsoft Corp., Mitratech Holdings Inc., NAVEX Global Inc., OneTrust LLC, Oracle Corp., ROBERT HALF INC, SAI360 Inc., SAP SE, SAS Institute Inc., Software AG, Thomson Reuters Corp., and Wolters Kluwer NV Market Driver Businesses face increasing challenges in managing their governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) processes due to the complex regulatory environment and evolving threats. Managers require effective solutions to manage business processes, intellectual property, social media governance, and cyberthreats. GRC platforms help organizations meet compliance requirements, manage risks, and enforce policies. Trends in GRC include cloud deployment, real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and AI/ML. Industries like construction and engineering, transportation and logistics, and financial institutions are adopting GRC solutions. However, high implementation expenses and the complexity of integration remain challenges. Risk management and compliance solutions like Azure Purview, MetricStream, Oracle's eGRC suite, EC-Council, and Wolters Kluwer provide tools for audit management, policy management, and compliance management. With the increasing use of IoT devices and cybersecurity attacks, GRC platforms are essential for managing risks and ensuring regulatory compliance in IT telecom, AI, and ML. Regulatory compliance resources such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, GDPR, COBIT, and HIPAA require organizations to implement GRC processes. GRC platforms help businesses stay compliant and mitigate risks in a globalized economy. Technology integration and the adoption of AI and ML are key trends in GRC, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive analytics. Advanced Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) platforms are evolving to leverage new technologies such as mobile technology, big data, social media, and cloud computing. These technologies simplify compliance execution and enable better business performance. Cloud computing, in particular, offers centralized administration and control, SLA-backed agreements, and vendor-managed infrastructure. It eliminates the need for users to maintain IT infrastructure or install additional software, making access to services and applications convenient and efficient. The market focus is transitioning from mere compliance to improved business outcomes. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Businesses face numerous challenges in managing Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). Managers must ensure adherence to compliance requirements in various industries like construction and transportation, while dealing with costs and complexities of social media governance, cyberthreats, and intellectual property protection. The changing regulatory environment adds to the complexity. Deployment models like on-premises or cloud-based solutions, such as Azure Purview or MetricStream, offer benefits but come with high implementation expenses and integration complexities. Risk management, policy, and compliance solutions from providers like Oracle, EC-Council, and Wolters Kluwer help mitigate risks from cybersecurity attacks, IoT devices, and regulatory acts like Sarbanes-Oxley, GDPR, and HIPAA. AI, ML, predictive analytics, and real-time monitoring are essential tools in this landscape. However, the integration of these technologies adds to the costs and complexity. Globalization and technology integration further complicate matters. Financial institutions, IT-Telecom, and industries like healthcare must navigate these challenges to maintain regulatory compliance and protect their businesses. help mitigate risks from cybersecurity attacks, IoT devices, and regulatory acts like Sarbanes-Oxley, GDPR, and HIPAA. AI, ML, predictive analytics, and real-time monitoring are essential tools in this landscape. However, the integration of these technologies adds to the costs and complexity. Globalization and technology integration further complicate matters. Financial institutions, IT-Telecom, and industries like healthcare must navigate these challenges to maintain regulatory compliance and protect their businesses. Businesses rely on Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) platforms to manage and mitigate risks associated with their sensitive data, particularly when using cloud technologies. While cloud services offer convenience and ease of access, they also introduce new security challenges. As a third-party service provider gains access to a company's data, potential risks include unauthorized access, data breaches, and compliance violations. The public nature of the cloud makes it more susceptible to cyber-attacks, and the ease of procuring and accessing cloud services can create vulnerabilities within computer networks. Organizations must implement security measures, such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, and access controls, to protect their data in the cloud environment. GRC platforms help businesses manage these risks by providing a centralized solution for policy management, risk assessment, and compliance reporting. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This governance risk and compliance (grc) platform market report extensively covers market segmentation by Deployment 1.1 On-premises 1.2 Cloud-based Component 2.1 Software 2.2 Services Geography 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 On-premises- On-premises Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) platforms are crucial for organizations to manage their corporate governance, risk management, and compliance functions effectively. These platforms consist of three essential dimensions: governance, risk management, and compliance. Governance involves the implementation of structural policies and reforms to ensure the organization's management adheres to ethical business practices. Risk management identifies and manages various risks, including operational risks, financial risks, and fraud. Compliance encompasses policies, procedures, and adherence to rules and regulations framed by regulatory bodies. On-premises GRC platforms automate reporting and documentation processes and support international standards such as GAAP and IFRS. HighBond and RSA Archer are examples of on-premises GRC platforms that streamline collaboration, automate tasks, and deliver best practices. The cost of on-premises GRC solutions ranges from USD200,000 to USD600,000, making it a preferred choice for large-sized businesses. The market for on-premises GRC platforms is growing due to the launch of innovative solutions tailored to specific industries and technologies. For instance, Credo AI's GRC platform is designed for artificial intelligence (AI) systems, enabling organizations to manage the unique risks associated with AI deployments. By providing comprehensive GRC capabilities, these platforms help businesses navigate regulatory requirements and ensure responsible and compliant use of technology. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) platform market is a dynamic and evolving industry focused on helping businesses manage complex regulatory requirements, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance across various domains. These platforms enable managers to streamline business processes, monitor social media governance, and address cyberthreats, intellectual property concerns, and the changing regulatory environment. The integration of technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, into GRC solutions has become essential for financial institutions and other organizations in the IT, telecom, and other sectors. However, the high implementation expenses and complexity of integration can pose challenges. Software solutions like Azure Purview, MetricStream, and Oracle's eGRC suite offer comprehensive risk management and compliance capabilities to help organizations navigate these challenges and maintain a competitive edge in today's globalized business landscape. Market Research Overview The Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) platform market is a dynamic and evolving industry that helps businesses manage complex regulatory requirements, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance across various industries and sectors. GRC platforms enable managers to streamline business processes, monitor social media governance, and address cyberthreats related to intellectual property and changing regulatory environments. Costs are a significant consideration in GRC implementation, with high expenses associated with on-premises deployment and technology integration. However, the benefits of implementing GRC solutions, such as audit management, risk management, policy management, and compliance management, outweigh the costs. Construction and engineering, transportation and logistics, and financial institutions are some industries that heavily rely on GRC platforms to manage compliance requirements and mitigate risks. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and globalization is transforming the GRC landscape. The increasing use of IoT devices and the rise of cybersecurity attacks pose new challenges for GRC platforms. Risk management solutions and compliance solutions, such as Azure Purview, MetricStream, Oracle's eGRC suite, IT Telecom, EC-Council, and Wolters Kluwer, are addressing these challenges with innovative software offerings. Regulatory compliance resources, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, GDPR, COBIT, and HIPAA, are driving the demand for GRC platforms in various industries. The complexity of integration and high implementation expenses remain challenges for organizations implementing GRC solutions. Nevertheless, the benefits of improved risk management, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency make GRC platforms an essential investment for businesses in today's dynamic regulatory environment. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Deployment On-premises Cloud-based Component Software Services Geography North America Europe APAC South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio SCHUYLKLILL COUNTY, Pa., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A growing coalition of 60 local chambers of commerce and economic development associations across Pennsylvania are calling on the Shapiro Administration and state lawmakers to address the child care workforce crisis that is impacting families and employers across the state. The diverse coalition is urging inclusion of $284 million in the state budget to fund a comprehensive child care teacher recruitment and retention plan. The child care sector in Pennsylvania continues to face significant challenges in retaining and recruiting qualified teachers, with many child care centers struggling to maintain staffing levels that can meet the needs of families and employers. Parents continue to report extensive waiting lists and unaffordable tuition costs. "If Pennsylvania wants to be economically competitive, we must have quality, affordable child care options for working parents and grandparents," said Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Robert S. Carl, Jr. Carl said at least 18 other states have invested in recruitment, retention or wage impacting strategies to solve the child care teacher shortage and ensure that working parents can find care. Schuylkill County has experienced a 20 percent reduction in number of child care providers since 2019. In a parent survey conducted by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, 62.5 percent of parents reported being placed on a waiting list. The wait lists range from months to three years. When parents can't find child care; they can't go to work. The Lancaster Chamber conducted its own study. Last week at a press conference, Lancaster Chamber President Heather Valudes released survey data noting that two-thirds of employers observed an increase in absenteeism or turnover linked to child care challenges. Noting that child care teachers are the "workforce behind the workforce," Carl called a child care recruitment and retention initiative an essential part of an overall economic development strategy for the commonwealth. SOURCE Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce DALLAS, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HF Sinclair Corporation (NYSE: DINO) (the "Corporation") today announced the pricing terms for the previously announced cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to purchase the outstanding notes (collectively, the "Notes" and each a "Series" of Notes) listed in the table below. All other terms and conditions of the Tender Offer remain unchanged and are described in the Offer to Purchase dated January 8, 2025, as amended on January 8, 2025 (the "Offer to Purchase"). The Financing Condition for the Tender Offer as described in the Offer to Purchase has been satisfied. Capitalized terms used in this press release and not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Offer to Purchase. The applicable total consideration to be paid in the Tender Offer for each Series of Notes accepted for purchase was determined by reference to the applicable fixed spread specified for such Series of Notes over the yield (the "Reference Yield") based on the bid-side price of the applicable U.S. Treasury Securities set forth in the table below (the "Total Tender Offer Consideration"). The Reference Yields listed in the table below were determined (pursuant to the Offer to Purchase) at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, today, January 24, 2025, by the Lead Dealer Managers. The applicable Total Tender Offer Consideration for each Series of Notes includes an Early Tender Premium (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) of $30 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes accepted for purchase by the Corporation. The following table sets forth the aggregate principal amounts of each Series of Notes that the Corporation has accepted for purchase and pricing information for the Tender Offer: Title of Security CUSIP(1) Issuer Aggregate Principal Amount Outstanding Prior to the Tender Offer Reference U.S. Treasury Security Reference Yield Fixed Spread (basis points) (2) Aggregate Principal Amount Tendered as of the Early Tender Deadline (3) Aggregate Principal Amount Accepted for Purchase Final Proration Factor (4) Total Tender Offer Consideration (5) 6.375% Senior Notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes") 403949 AK6 U4322C AD5 403949 AP5 HF Sinclair $ 399,875,000 2.625% U.S.T. due 4/15/25 4.432 % 50 $361,067,000 $150,000,000 41.5 % $1,018.64 5.875% Senior Notes due 2026 403949 AF7 U4322C AB9 403949 AB6 HF Sinclair $ 797,100,000 4.250% U.S.T. due 12/31/25 4.256 % 50 $448,090,000 $448,090,000 100 % $1,010.01 5.875% Senior Notes due 2026 436106AA6 Holly Frontier $ 202,900,000 4.250% U.S.T. due 12/31/25 4.256 % 50 $48,496,000 $48,496,000 100 % $1,010.01 (1) No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP numbers listed in this Offer to Purchase or printed on the Notes. They are provided solely for the convenience of Holders of the Notes. (2) Includes the Early Tender Premium of $30 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each Series. (3) As reported by D.F. King & Co., Inc., the tender and information agent for the Tender Offer. (4) The final proration factor has been rounded to the nearest tenth of a percentage point for presentation purposes. (5) Payable for each $1,000 principal amount of applicable Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline and accepted for purchase by the Corporation and includes the Early Tender Premium. In addition, Holders whose Notes are accepted will also receive interest on such Notes accrued to the applicable settlement date. The Corporation expects to accept for payment Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn as shown in the table above on January 28, 2025 (the "Early Settlement Date"). Because the total aggregate principal amount of the 2027 Notes validly tendered prior to the Early Tender Deadline exceeds the $150.0 million 2027 Notes Tender Cap, the Corporation does not expect to accept any further tenders of the 2027 Notes. The Tender Offer will remain open until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on February 7, 2025, unless extended or earlier terminated as described in the Offer to Purchase (such time and date, as it may be extended, the "Expiration Date"). Each Holder who validly tenders its Notes after the Early Tender Deadline will not be eligible to receive the Early Tender Premium of $30 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes. In accordance with the terms of the Offer to Purchase, the Corporation reserves the right to increase the Maximum Aggregate Purchase Price or otherwise amend the Tender Offer, subject to applicable law. All payments for Notes tendered on or before the Early Tender Deadline that are purchased by the Corporation will also include accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of Notes tendered and accepted for purchase from the last interest payment date applicable to the relevant Series of Notes up to, but not including, the Early Settlement Date. Notes that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or before the Early Tender Deadline and are accepted in the Tender Offer will be purchased, retired and cancelled by the Corporation on the Early Settlement Date. BofA Securities and Citigroup are the Lead Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer. D.F. King & Co., Inc. is the Tender Agent and Information Agent. Persons with questions regarding the Tender Offer should contact BofA Securities, Inc. at +1 (888) 292-0070 (toll-free) or +1 (980) 387-5602 (collect) or [email protected] or Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at +1 (800) 558-3745 (toll free) or +1 (212) 723-6106 or [email protected]. Questions regarding the tendering of Notes and requests for copies of the Offer to Purchase and related materials should be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc. at (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers) or (800) 949-2583 (all others, toll-free) or email [email protected]. This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes. The Tender Offer is made only by the Offer to Purchase and the information in this press release is qualified by reference to the Offer to Purchase. There is no separate letter of transmittal in connection with the Offer to Purchase. None of the Corporation, the Corporation's Board of Directors, the Lead Dealer Managers, the Tender Agent and Information Agent or the trustee with respect to any Notes is making any recommendation as to whether Holders should tender any Notes in response to the Tender Offer, and neither the Corporation nor any such other person has authorized any person to make any such recommendation. Holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender any of their Notes, and, if so, the principal amount of Notes to tender. About HF Sinclair Corporation : HF Sinclair Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is an independent energy company that produces and markets high-value light products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, renewable diesel and lubricants and other specialty products. HF Sinclair owns and operates refineries located in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming, Washington and Utah. HF Sinclair provides petroleum product and crude oil transportation, terminalling, storage and throughput services to our refineries and the petroleum industry. HF Sinclair markets its refined products principally in the Southwest U.S., the Rocky Mountains extending into the Pacific Northwest and in other neighboring Plains states and supplies high-quality fuels to more than 1,500 branded stations and licenses the use of the Sinclair brand at more than 300 additional locations throughout the country. HF Sinclair produces renewable diesel at two of its facilities in Wyoming and also at its facility in New Mexico. In addition, subsidiaries of HF Sinclair produce and market base oils and other specialized lubricants in the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands, and export products to more than 80 countries. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, Contact: Craig Biery, Vice President, Investor Relations HF Sinclair Corporation 214-954-6510 Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements : The following is a "safe harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements in this press release relating to matters that are not historical facts, including those regarding the Tender Offer and the timing and outcome thereof, are "forward-looking statements" that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to materially differ from what is expressed, implied or forecast in such statements. Any differences could be caused by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the ability to complete the offering, general market conditions and other financial, operational and legal risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Corporation's SEC filings. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and, other than as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE HF Sinclair Corporation This year's forum, themed "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age," is particularly significant as it coincides with the new U.S. administration, signaling a time of significant changes. Romo Edelman, with nearly three decades of experience at Davos, emphasizes the importance of including Latino voices in these high-level discussions to address global challenges effectively. "As we step into a new era, Hispanic Star is championing a refreshed narrative for Latinos, emphasizing their undeniable economic prowess. With Latinos contributing $3.6 trillion to the U.S. GDP, driving 68% of the labor force growth in the United States by 2030, it's clear that the narrative of Latinos as key economic drivers is more relevant than ever." The delegation's strategic activities at Davos included leading two influential panels: "The Roadmap to Power," co-powered by A LA LATINA, gathered global leaders and allies, with insights from Bea Perez, Executive Vice President and Chief Communications, Sustainability & Strategic Partnerships Officer at The Coca-Cola Company, Pilar Cruz, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Cargill, and Aldijana Sisic, Ph.D., Global Chief of Private Sector Partnerships at UN Women. Together, they addressed challenges, forged alliances, and strategized on breaking barriers and building powerful networks. The second panel, "How Tokenization Democratizes Financial Markets and Fuels Financial Inclusion," hosted by Hedera, featured Betsabe Botaitis, Martin Cabrera Jr., and Sheila Warren discussed how to enhance products and democratize markets while driving financial inclusion. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this year's discussions, with Hispanic Star advocating for AI as a crucial tool in promoting data equity and combating misinformation. By integrating Latinos more significantly in AI development and implementation, the organization aims to ensure that technology advances reflect accurate representations and contributions of Latinos, thus counteracting the perpetuation of stereotypes. As the world steps into a new era of global interaction and technological integration, Hispanic Star's contributions at Davos serve not only as a report of progress but as a clarion call for the inclusion of Latinos in all facets of global economic and technological development. To learn more about the Hispanic Star's achievements at Davos 2025, visit: https://www.hispanicstar.org/hispanicsindavos . About Hispanic Star: We Are All Human is a registered 501 (c)3, its biggest platform - the Hispanic Star - is an advocacy-driven platform with convening, mobilizing, and communications superpowers devoted to elevating the potential of Latinos by changing perceptions. Hispanic Star was a finalist on the 2023 Collective Social Innovation Award of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. Press contact: Marisa Garcia de Celis Angel Head of Communications, Hispanic Star [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2605128/Screenshot_2025_01_23_at_1_15_02_PM.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2447160/We_Are_All_Human_Logo.jpg SOURCE We Are All Human FALLS CHURCH, Va., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HITT Contracting, one of the nation's largest commercial construction firms, marked a milestone in construction with the groundbreaking of its new headquarters today in Falls Church, Virginia, minutes from Washington, D.C. The innovative 270,000-square-foot, six-story building represents a commitment to driving impactful change through sustainability, research and development, and the partnership between industry and academia. Executives from HITT Contracting, Virginia Tech, and Gensler, alongside federal, state, and local leaders, broke ground on HITT's new headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. (L-R) Francisco Gonzalez, Gensler; Evan Antonides, HITT; Juan Pablo Segura, Chief Deputy Secretary of Virginia Commerce and Trade; Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08); Kim Roy, HITT; Drew Mucci, HITT; Jim Millar, HITT; James N. Bierman, Jr, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Julie Ross, Virginia Tech "As we break ground on our new headquarters, we're laying the foundation for innovation, progress, and collaboration," said Kim Roy, CEO of HITT Contracting. "This building is so much more than an office it's a beacon of what's possible when curiosity, ingenuity, and determination fuse to create a new vision." The building will feature cutting-edge facilities to drive advancements in construction, most notably a 40,000-square-foot research lab developed in partnership with Virginia Tech's Coalition for Smart Construction. This collaboration fosters hands-on research and development to address challenges in the built environment, including sustainability, labor shortages, and material innovation. Together, HITT and Virginia Tech envision a nationally recognized innovation hub that will advance building practices and ultimately shape the industry's future. "We are excited to partner with HITT and grow our network of innovation to address the future of smart construction. Upon completion, this space will provide an opportunity to partner with industry in the development of new technologies and approaches that will transform the construction industry while supporting graduate student research and experiential learning," said Julie Ross, Paul and Dorothea Torgersen Dean of Engineering at Virginia Tech. "Together, we can imagine the future and help to develop the technology and the talent to get it there." Designed by Gensler, the headquarters aims to achieve LEED Platinum certification and meet net-zero energy and net-zero carbon goals. The building will be powered by a 100,000-square-foot photovoltaic solar canopy and wind turbines, offsetting all its energy needs. Other sustainable features include an advanced Power over Ethernet (PoE) system for lighting, electrical power, and data, as well as office furniture produced from recycled materials by HITT's 3D printing farm. A HyperWall building envelope system, developed with Building Composites, will also debut at the facility, offering a lighter, stronger, and more efficient construction solution. Anticipated to deliver in early 2027, the project underscores HITT's 88-year commitment to Fairfax County and the Commonwealth of Virginia while showcasing industry leadership on a national scale. Located at 7125 West Falls Station Boulevard near the West Falls Church Metro station within a lively community, the new location will provide mass transit access for 900+ local team members, supporting sustainable urban development. The building is a testament to HITT's legacy and a bold step toward shaping the future of construction. ABOUT HITT CONTRACTING HITT Contracting provides a wide range of commercial construction services across the nation, including complex core and shell buildings, renovations, interior fit-outs, and routine service work. No matter the project size or type, HITT delivers a premium construction experience. With 2024 projected revenues of $8.4 billion and nearly 1,900 team members across 14 office locations and jobsites nationwide, HITT is ranked among the top 20 largest general contractors in the U.S. For more than 85 years, the Washington, D.C.-area headquartered firm has been driven by a spark of curiosity to push boundaries and redefine what's possible in construction. Through innovation, sustainability, and partnership, HITT is igniting progress and tackling the industry's greatest challenges while consistently delivering exceptional building experiences. Learn more about HITT's general contracting capabilities at hitt.com MEDIA CONTACT: HITT Contracting Jaclyn Randolph 703-942-5078 [email protected] SOURCE HITT Contracting After more than 38 years with the Association, Riehle will step down in April WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the National Restaurant Association announced that Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the organization's Research and Knowledge Group, will retire in April. Photo of Hudson Riehle, Senior Vice President of Research and Knowledge at the National Restaurant Association For more than 38 years, Riehle has provided the data and thought leadership that defined the restaurant and foodservice industry. From the Association's forecast of annual sales and employment growth, to showing the impact of economic catastrophes like the 2020 pandemic and the 2008-2009 recession, Riehle has transformed how the economic impact of the industry is understood at the national, state and local levels. "Hudson's unparalleled mastery of the economic analysis of the restaurant industry has been instrumental in guiding restaurant operators through the complexities of the business landscape. His insights and expertise have not only helped our industry navigate challenges but also seize opportunities for growth and innovation," said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. "I know I speak for all who have interacted with Hudson when I say we are incredibly grateful for his guidance and his wisdom." Under his leadership, the Association's Research and Knowledge Group has become a powerhouse of thought leadership, including: Sharpening the content of the annual State of the Restaurant Industry Report, which is now widely recognized as the most authoritative source for restaurant sales projections and trends. Focusing on survey research to help better define upcoming economic, consumer, market, human resources, tourism and operational trends. Creating the Association's Restaurant Operations Data Abstract, which allows restauranteurs to compare their business' operational characteristics with those of a similar profile, as well as its Restaurant Industry 2030 Report which details trends and disrupters which will shape the industry over the upcoming decade. Raised the Association's position as a leading authority on the restaurant industry's impact on economic activity at the local, state, and national levels. Riehle has been a regular presenter on the industry across the globe and appeared frequently in business and industry media including: the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, the Today Show, CNBC, Washington Post, MarketPlace, Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Business. Riehle also was appointed by the Secretary of Labor to serve as a member of the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Business Research Advisory Council; and is a former Chairman of the Board of the Governors of the Alexandria (VA) Convention and Visitors Association as well as a former member of the Center for Food Integrity Consumer Research Advisory Panel, and the Wharton Executive Advisory Panel. "It has been a distinct privilege to work with a group of extremely talented individuals over the past 38 years," said Riehle in his announcement. "I have complete confidence that the Association's research capabilities and staff will continue to grow and elevate the products and services the industry and our members need to evaluate their opportunities for success and expansion." Chad Moutray, Ph.D., will succeed Riehle as senior vice president of the Research and Knowledge Group and chief economist of the Association. About the National Restaurant Association Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises more than 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 15.5 million employees. Together with 52 State Associations, we are a network of professional organizations dedicated to serving every restaurant through advocacy, education, and food safety. We sponsor the industry's largest trade show (National Restaurant Association Show); leading food safety training and certification program (ServSafe); unique career-building high school program (the NRAEF's ProStart). For more information, visit Restaurant.org and find @WeRRestaurants on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. SOURCE National Restaurant Association The initiative will affect approximately 1 million square kilometers of indigenous territories - almost 14% of Brazil's territory and equivalent to the sum of the areas of France and England. DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In synergy with the creation of SDG 18 for Ethnic-Racial Equality, Tercio Borlenghi Jr., president of Ambipar, a Brazilian multinational leader in environmental solutions, and the Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples (MPI), Eloy Terena, have signed an unprecedented Protocol to promote actions aimed at fighting and preventing fires, sustainable development and strengthening resilience in indigenous territories. The unprecedented partnership, which is part of the MPI's strategy to include the private sector in global accountability for the preservation of indigenous lands, covers initiatives that include technical support for training in prevention and response to extreme events, disasters and firefighting, reforestation of deforested areas, development of bioeconomy projects, conservation and environmental education, as well as the promotion of the circular economy and efficient solid waste management. The initiative will reach approximately 1 million square kilometers of indigenous territories - almost 14% of Brazil's territory and the equivalent of the combined areas of France and England. The partnership also seeks to foster income generation through professional training for young people in environmental preservation activities, social projects and the enhancement of ecosystem services, based on consultation with communities, in accordance with ILO (International Labor Organization) Convention 169, aligning efforts to contribute to the well-being and inclusion of indigenous peoples in the context of an integrated and innovative environmental agenda. 'We believe in the power of collaboration to transform challenges into sustainable opportunities. This partnership reinforces our commitment to solutions that generate a positive impact for people and the planet, especially for indigenous communities, who play a fundamental role in environmental preservation,' said Rafael Tello, Ambipar's sustainability vice-president. 'The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples emphasizes that this partnership is an important tool for consolidating culturally appropriate public policies aimed at sustainability and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, ensuring that the benefits of these actions reach the communities effectively,' said Eloy Terena, executive secretary of the MPI. About Ambipar Ambipar is a Brazilian multinational that is a global leader in environmental solutions and invests in and operates decarbonization, circular economy, energy transition and environmental regeneration projects, with a presence in 41 countries and more than 20,000 employees. The company has shares listed on B3 (AMBP3) and the New York Stock Exchange (AMBI). To find out more, click here. NEW YORK, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The industrial miniature circuit breaker market in north america size is estimated to grow by USD 145.3 million from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.36% during the forecast period. High demand for MCBs from industries is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing new product developments related to MCBs. However, stringent regulatory compliance poses a challenge. Key market players include ABB Ltd., Carlo Gavazzi Holding AG, Eaton Corp. Plc, ETA Elektrotechnische Apparate GmbH, LOVATO Electric Spa, LS ELECTRIC Co. Ltd., NOARK Electric, Reunert Ltd., Schneider Electric SE, Siemens AG, and WEG S.A. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled industrial miniature circuit breaker market in North America 2024-2028 Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Industrial Miniature Circuit Breaker Market In North America Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2017 - 2021 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.36% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 145.3 million Market structure Concentrated YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 4.11 Regional analysis North America Performing market contribution North America at 100% Key countries US and Canada Key companies profiled ABB Ltd., Carlo Gavazzi Holding AG, Eaton Corp. Plc, ETA Elektrotechnische Apparate GmbH, LOVATO Electric Spa, LS ELECTRIC Co. Ltd., NOARK Electric, Reunert Ltd., Schneider Electric SE, Siemens AG, and WEG S.A Market Driver The industrial Mini-Circuit Breaker (MCB) market in North America is witnessing significant growth due to the emerging trend of new product developments. ABB, a leading technology corporation, recently introduced its new industrial MCB, the S300 P, which enhances security, functionality, installation efficiency, and information accessibility. Siemens also launched two new versions of its Sentron 3WA Power Circuit Breakers, compliant with UL 1066 and IEC 60947-2 standards, catering to the global market. Schneider Electric introduced the EvoPacT medium voltage circuit breaker to the Canadian market, offering benefits such as real-time monitoring, longer lifetime, innovative design, and built-in sustainability. These new product developments provide advanced features and enhanced performance, addressing the increasing demand for efficient, intelligent, and reliable circuit protection solutions. The Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) market is experiencing a prevalence in various industrial domains, including automotive, power, oil and gas, chemicals, and diverse industries. The standardization and high-quality manufacturing of miniature circuits ensure safety and efficiency in circuit protection. The expanding footprint of MCBs in industries is driven by the need for energy-efficient products and the regulatory environment. Major market players, such as Rockwell Automation, ABB, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Eaton Corporation, Legrand, Hager Group, and WEG, are leading the trend with technological advancements in thermalmagnetic MCBs, semiconductors, and smart monitoring systems. The market is segmented into electric equipment, data centers, power transmission, renewable energy applications, building, home automation, IoT, and smart grid operation. Geographical expansion is also a significant factor in the market's growth, with major players increasing their presence in urbanizing areas. Vendor selection is crucial for businesses to ensure the best fit for their specific needs. Market research reports provide valuable insights into the latest trends and vendor offerings. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Industrial Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) are essential components in electrical power distribution systems, protecting against overloads and short circuits. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) sets the standards for MCB manufacturing, with IEC 60898-1 and IEC 60947-2 being relevant for industrial applications. IEC 60947-2 governs circuit breakers for industrial power distribution up to 1000 volts AC and 1500 volts DC, with rated currents from 0.5 to 6300A. IEC 60898-1 sets the highest rated current at 125A and the lowest at a few amperes, with a maximum short-circuit capacity of 25kA. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for IEC certification. Non-compliance may result in product recalls, posing challenges for manufacturers and potentially hindering market growth during the forecast period. The Industrial Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing demand for home automation, IoT, and smart monitoring systems in various applications. Geographical expansion, especially in urban areas, is also driving market growth. Major players like ABB, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Eaton Corporation, Legrand, Hager Group, WEG, and Powell Industries are leading the market. Regulatory environment, e-commerce, and digitalization are shaping the market trends. Technological advancements such as fault tolerance, energy efficiency, and sustainability are key factors. Novel materials and smart technologies like IoT integration and predictive maintenance are also influencing the market. The LVSG sector is expected to witness growth in residential and commercial applications, including solar panel installations, commercial buildings, office buildings, retail spaces, hospitals, and more. Frost and Sullivan forecasts continued growth in the MCB market due to these trends and technological innovations. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This industrial miniature circuit breaker market in North America report extensively covers market segmentation by Type 1.1 UL 489 1.2 UL 1077 Geography 2.1 North America 1.1 UL 489- The Industrial Miniature Circuit Breaker market is experiencing steady growth due to increasing demand for reliable power protection solutions in various industries. These circuit breakers offer efficient power management, enhanced safety features, and compact designs, making them a preferred choice for businesses seeking to minimize downtime and improve operational efficiency. Key players in this market include Siemens, Schneider Electric, and ABB, who continue to innovate and expand their product offerings to meet evolving customer needs. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The Industrial Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) market is witnessing a prevalence in various industrial domains due to the increasing demand for standardized, high-quality, and miniature circuit protection solutions. These compact components offer enhanced safety and efficiency in power transmission, automotive, data centers, and other applications. The expanding footprint of MCBs in industrial sectors is driven by the need for energy-efficient products and the technical advancement of smart grids and power distribution systems. Market research reports indicate a growing trend towards the adoption of MCBs in various industries, providing opportunities for manufacturers to showcase their offerings. Vendor selection is crucial for businesses seeking reliable and efficient circuit protection solutions, making it essential to consider factors such as product quality, technical expertise, and customer support when choosing a supplier. Market Research Overview The Industrial Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) market is witnessing a prevalence and expanding footprint in diverse industries due to the increasing demand for standardized, high-quality circuit protection solutions. Miniature circuits are gaining popularity in automotive applications for ensuring safety and efficiency. The market is segmented into various industries such as power, oil and gas, chemicals, and electric equipment. Technical advancements in thermalmagnetic miniature circuits, semiconductors, and energy-efficient products are driving growth. Major market drivers include the regulatory environment, urbanization, digitalization, and e-commerce. Novel materials and IoT integration are also contributing to the expansion of the LVSG sector. Prominent vendors include Rockwell Automation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Eaton Corporation, Legrand, Hager Group, WEG, and Powell Industries. Applications include data centers, power transmission, renewable energy applications, building automation, home automation, smart monitoring systems, and smart grid operation. Geographical expansion and technological advancements are also key factors fueling growth. Market research reports provide valuable insights into vendor selection and predictive maintenance. Major market players such as ABB and Schneider Electric are also investing in fault tolerance and sustainability to cater to residential and commercial applications, solar panel installations, and commercial buildings, including office buildings, retail spaces, hospitals, and energy efficiency. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type UL 489 UL 1077 Geography North America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From January 13 to 16, Dr. Huiming Li, Deputy General Manager of Kexing Biopharm New Drug Research Center, attended the 17th Biotech Showcase Conference in San Francisco and the Global Biopharma Symposium hosted by Jones Day & MSQ Ventures. The Jones Day & MSQ Ventures Pre-JPM Symposium builds impactful partnerships for top leaders and investors in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, providing an opportunity to gain insight into the latest industry trends. The Biotech Showcase brings more than 400 selected global companies together, covering diverse fields such as innovative biopharmaceuticals, biotechnology platforms, digital health and diagnosis, attracting investors with more than USD 400 billion capital and active partners in the life science field. On the first day of Biotech Showcase on January 13, Dr. Huiming Li introduced Kexing Biopharm's innovative antibody technology platform KX-BODY and fusion protein technology platform KX-FUSION, as well as a number of anti-tumor and autoimmune pipelines built upon the two platforms, especially the new antibody that is about to enter the clinical trial stage for the treatment of cancer cachexia by targeting GDF-15, an emerging target. Kexing Biopharm's GB18 (target: GDF-15) program is intended to treat cancer cachexia and cachexia caused by other chronic diseases such as heart failure. The GB18 molecule has a unique nanobody-Fc fusion structure (VHH-Fc), and the Company has completed the submission of an international patent portfolio. In the preclinical research stage, GB18 has shown potent efficacy in a number of cancer cachexia models in mice, including HT1080 (human fibrosarcoma), Renca (mouse kidney tumor) and MC38-hGDF15 overexpression (mouse colon cancer) and chemotherapy-induced cachexia model by cisplatin, as well as MCT-induced heart failure model in rats. In addition to significant increase in body weight, muscle and fat weight, cachectic mice treated with GB18 also show pronounced improvement in motor function. According to the preclinical PK data, the clinical dosing frequency is predicted to be once per 3-4 weeks. In terms of CMC, GB18 shows good stability, and an expression yield of more than 10.0 g/L, and ultra-high solubility (more than 200 mg/mL), supporting the development of subcutaneous injections. At present, its 6-month stability data is favorable based on analysis of samples from two GMP batches at a scale of 200 L. As to the toxicology, the 13-week repeated dose toxicity studies of GB18 have been completed in rats and cynomolgus monkeys. No significant toxic reactions were observed in the two animal species, and the NOAELs were at a high dose. We believe that in the near future, this anti-GDF15 antibody will play an important role in improving the quality of life and restoring health for patients with cancer or other chronic diseases. After the conference, Dr. Huiming Li interacted with a number of well-known pharmaceutical companies and investment institutions, introducing the Company's pipeline, such as GB05 "Human Interferon 1b Inhalation Solution", GB18 for tumor cachexia (target: GDF-15), GB12 for atopic dermatitis (target: IL-4R/IL-31R), GB19 for lupus erythematosus (target: BDCA2), and GB24 (TL1A bispecific-antibody) for inflammatory bowel disease. Among them, GB12, GB18 and GB24 have received much attention. For GB24, one of its targets is TL1A, a popular target in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that has seen several major transactions recently. In addition to TL1A, GB24 also targets another emerging pathway in IBD that has strong synergistic effects with TL1A in terms of function and mechanism of action, and may help to improve IBD treatment in a profound way. GB24 could be a high-quality innovative asset of Kexing Biopharm among its innovative pipelines. At this Conference, the rising influence of Chinese innovation in biopharma has become an undeniable trend. Pipelines of drugs invented in China have attracted investment from MNCs and venture capital, leading to multiple cross-border licensing deals in the past year. High quality and innovative science, cost-benefit and speed are among the major contributing factors. It is evident that the innovation ability of Chinese biotechs has been gradually recognized, and this will trigger an uptick in global collaboration in the biopharma industry. Adhering to the platform-based development strategy of "innovation + internationalization", Kexing Biopharm has accelerated its R&D and innovation since it was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market, transforming its pipeline portfolio from modified drugs to innovative new drugs. With the advancement of various projects in antiviral, antitumor, and autoimmune research, there is hope to address more clinical gaps. SOURCE Kexing Biopharm Highlights Winsome has submitted the Preliminary Information Statement for the Adina Lithium Project (including the Renard Operation) with the Quebec authorities. authorities. This filing officially commences a well defined provincial regulatory process in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region associated with permitting the proposed mine at Adina, as well as the proposed modifications to the Renard Operation. Following review of the Preliminary Information Statement over upcoming months, the Quebec authorities will provide guidelines on the nature and scope for the future filing of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ( ESIA ), including the required studies in support of the ESIA. authorities will provide guidelines on the nature and scope for the future filing of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ( ), including the required studies in support of the The Company has a substantive dataset to inform the studies typically prescribed by the Quebec authorities due to the long operating history of Renard and early commencement of baseline environmental studies at Adina. The filing of the Preliminary Information Statement provides additional opportunities for sharing the latest Project details with various stakeholders and communities within the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region, especially the Cree Nation of Mistissini whose traditional lands overlap with the Adina and the Renard sites. MONTREAL, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Lithium explorer and developer Winsome Resources (ASX: WR1) ("Winsome" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has submitted the Preliminary Information Statement for its Adina Lithium Mining Project (incorporating the existing and well maintained Renard Operation (together the Project) with the Ministere de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), the designated authority within the Provincial Government of Quebec to oversee mining project developments located in the territory governed by the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) and situated south of the 55th parallel. "This represents the beginning of a well-defined regulatory review process that can only be beneficial to all stakeholders, including future investors and strategic partners. It will provide further details on our development project based on the technical studies completed to date, and allows us to pursue discussions and collaborations to maximize the benefits for host communities and for Quebec as a whole."- Chris Evans, Managing director "We look forward to continuing discussions with the communities of Eeyou Istchee James Bay and various stakeholders to develop a sustainable project aligned with our company's values, and to contribute to the energy transition. Specifically, we look forward to further investigating how best to maximize the potential Project's impact on local communities such as the creation of local employment opportunities and training and skills development."- Genevieve Morinville, Vice President Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs Preliminary Information Statement The proposed Project is subject to the provincial ESIA procedures established under the provincial Environmental Quality Act (EQA). Specifically, Adina will be planned and developed in compliance with the Section 22 of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) where the Preliminary Information Statement of any new mining operation is automatically subject to a review through an established Environmental and Social Impact Evaluating Committee (COMEV), an advisory body composed of members appointed by Quebec, Canada and Cree Nation governments. Baseline environmental studies For the Adina Site, the biophysical and socioeconomic (human) environmental baseline studies were initiated in Summer 2023 and are ongoing with support from Cree contractors. Physical baseline data collected to date include hydrology, surface (stream and lake) and ground water quality, geochemistry, soil quality and local climate (incl. precipitation, temperature) using an on-site meteorological station. Biological field studies completed to date comprise fish and fish habitat, wetlands, vegetation, fauna (small mammals, chiropterans, herpetofauna, moose and caribou), as well as avian fauna. Socio-economic baseline data collection efforts will consider landscape, archaeology and traditional land use. Baseline collection efforts will continue into 2025 and will be adjusted if needed to meet the requirements of the directive, which should capture most of the remaining information required to complete the effects assessment for both provincial and federal processes, pending additional guidance received by regulatory authorities. To learn more about the filing of Preliminary Information Statement, follow the link to the ASX release of January 24th 2025, https://wcsecure.weblink.com.au/pdf/WR1/02905733.pdf This announcement is authorised for release by Managing Director of Winsome Resources Ltd, Chris Evans. ABOUT WINSOME RESOURCES Winsome Resources (ASX: WR1) (the Company) is a lithium-focused exploration and development company with several projects in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, Canada. Our flagship project is the Adina Lithium Mining Project (the Project), a 100% owned lithium resource considered a tier-one asset in a low-risk mining jurisdiction and one of the most capital efficient projects in North America with competitive operating costs. The hard rock spodumene lithium deposit is near surface with a +20 year Project life and a substantial Mineral Resource. The Company recently acquired an exclusive option to purchase the Renard Operation, a mining and processing site located approximately 60 kilometres south (in a straight line) of Adina. The facility has an established airport, power station, water treatment plant, workshops, processed mineralized material storage and substantial camp. It also has several mineral processing and operating permits which may advance Winsome's pathway to lithium production. Importantly the Renard Site already includes extensive production facilities including Dense Media Separation (DMS), upfront jaw, cone, high-pressure grinding rolls and mineralized material sorting circuits necessary for spodumene concentrate production. In addition to our portfolio of lithium projects in Quebec, including the Cancet, Sirmac-Clapier and Tilly Projects, Winsome Resources owns 100% of the offtake rights for lithium, caesium and tantalum from the Case Lake Project in Eastern Ontario owned by Power Metals Corp (TSXV: PWM), as well as a 19.6% equity stake in PWM. Winsome is led by a highly qualified team with strong experience in lithium exploration and development as well as leading ASX listed companies. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This document contains forward-looking statements concerning Winsome. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and actual events and results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking information provided by the Company, or on behalf of, the Company. Such factors include, among other things, risks relating to additional funding requirements, metal prices, exploration, development and operating risks, competition, production risks, regulatory, including environmental regulation and liability and potential title disputes. Forward-looking statements in this document are based on the Company's beliefs, opinions and estimates of Winsome as of the dates the forward-looking statements are made, and no obligation is assumed to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, opinions and estimates should change or to reflect other future developments. SOURCE Winsome Resources SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 23, Korea Zinc (KRX:010130) held an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) at Grand Hyatt Seoul to vote on eight agenda items proposed for amendments to the company's articles. Among these, six proposals were approved, including adoption of cumulative voting system, limiting the maximum board size, stock split, appointment of an independent director as a board chair, changing the record date for dividends and adoption of quarterly dividends. However, the proposal to introduce an executive officer system, which was proposed by MBK Partners and Young Poong as part of their campaign to improve corporate governance, was rejected after the consortium voted against it, leading to failure to meet the special resolution requirement of needing approval from more than two-thirds of attending shareholders. The proposal to stipulate the protection for minority shareholders also failed to pass due to opposition from MBK and Young Poong. Approval of Cumulative Voting System and Limiting the Maximum Board Size Paves the Way for Strengthening Minority Shareholder Protection and Governance The first item to pass was the amendment to the company's articles to introduce a cumulative voting system. Designed to protect the rights of minority shareholders, the 3% rule was applied, and the proposal was approved with over 70% of the votes from the shares present. The cumulative voting system allows each shareholder to exercise voting rights equal to the number of directors to be elected per share owned. This system is praised for enhancing minority shareholder rights and promoting board diversity. It also serves as a check against dominant shareholders unilaterally influencing board elections, enabling minority shareholders to play a "casting vote" role in board composition. Advocacy groups for minority shareholders, civic organizations and some from politics have strongly supported the adoption of this system. The proposal to cap the number of directors at 19 was also approved, improving board stability and efficiency. This aligns with recommendations from domestic and international proxy advisory firms, such as Glass Lewis, ISS and SUSTINVEST, laying the groundwork for a globally standardized board structure. The proposal to appoint an independent director as the board chair also passed smoothly with strong support from attending shareholders. This is intended to strengthen governance independence by allowing an independent director to oversee the board, free from the influence of controlling shareholders. Proposals to adopt quarterly dividends and change the record date for dividends were also voted in favor. In addition to interim dividends, the company plans to return profits regularly to shareholders by paying quarterly dividends at the end of March, June and September. The record date for dividends was also revised to enable investors to confirm dividend amounts in advance when making investment decisions. Stock split marks another significant change. The proposal involves reducing the par value per share from KRW 5,000 to KRW 500, a tenth of the original value. This will increase the number of shares in circulation and is expected to expand investment opportunities for minority investors. Board Members with Expertise and Independence Get Newly Appointed, Enhancing Management Transparency and diversity The EGM also voted to appoint new board members. Previously on the 21st, the court had granted Young Poong's injunction request to prohibit the proposal of appointing directors via a cumulative voting system at Korea Zinc's EGM on the 23rd, and as a result the proposal was proceeded based on ordinary resolution requirements with a presupposition that the number of board members had been capped at 19. As a result of this vote, all seven independent director candidates recommended by Korea Zinc were newly appointed. The new board members include Sanghoon Sam Lee, former representative of Affinity Equity Partners in Korea; Hyeong-Kyu Lee, emeritus professor at Hanyang University Law School; Kyeongwon Kim, dean and professor at Sejong University's College of Business and Economics; James Andrew Murphy, senior advisor at Oliver Wyman; Tammy Chung, dean of the College of Business at Myongji University; Jaiyong Lee, emeritus professor at Yonsei University's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; and Jaesik Choi, professor at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Graduate School of AI. All 14 independent director candidates recommended by MBK and Young Poong failed to secure a majority vote. A Korea Zinc representative stated, "Many domestic and international proxy advisory firms, as well as many of our shareholders, including the National Pension Service, have made wise recommendations and decisions after deliberating over Korea Zinc's importance in the national economy, especially as a key player in core national technologies and advanced strategic industries. Using this EGM as a jumping-off point, all employees and executives of Korea Zinc will strive to meet the support of our shareholders." Young Poong's voting rights for the Korea Zinc shares they own were restricted at this EGM. The day before the EGM on the 22nd, Sun Metals Corporation (SMC), a subsidiary of Korea Zinc, acquired some of Young Poong's shares held by Young Poong Precision and the Choi family, citing stable business operations and reasonable pricing as the basis for the acquisition. Notably, SMC acquired shares from the Choi family at a 30% discount from the closing price on the 21st, which provided SMC with significant financial gain. In contrast, the Choi family gave up a considerable portion of potential profit from the sale. The number of Young Poong shares newly acquired by SMC amounts to about 10.3% of Young Poong's total issued shares, and according to the Commercial Act of Korea (Articles 369 (3) and 342-2 (3)), this means that Young Poong does not have voting rights for the shares of Korea Zinc that it holds. A large number of Korea Zinc labor union members gathered at the venue where the EGM was being held. The union members united under the shared mission of protecting a national key industry, appealing for shareholder support through an orderly protest with placards. Korea Zinc, along with its labor union, key technical team and all of its employees, has been working together to protect the company, a core pillar of the nation's key industry, and prevent the outflow of national core technologies, national high-tech strategic technologies and national strategic technologies to overseas entities. They have made full efforts to safeguard against serious concerns over employment insecurity, such as layoffs, restructuring and asset sales, which they deemed could potentially arise in the future. Korea Zinc emphasized that all members of the company are open to discussions and cooperation with MBK if it aligns with the company's growth and development. The company believes that coexistence, cooperation and achieving a great compromise are the best path forward for everyone involved. The company also emphasized its willingness to keep all options open and engage in dialogue at any time and has called for the cooperation and support of various stakeholders in reaching this goal. Korea Zinc's current management and employees believe that if MBK Partners can build mutual trust as a reputable and prestigious private equity firm capable of collaborating for the benefit of Korea Zinc, it could become a valuable partner in the company's journey toward becoming a national enterprise. In relation to recent developments, Korea Zinc's management will be holding a press conference on January 24 at Grand Hyatt Seoul, the same location where the EGM was held a day prior. They plan to provide their stance on various recent issues, including the results of the EGM, and conduct a Q&A session. SOURCE Korea Zinc Project will demonstrate workflow automation for cost effective emissions reductions at 175 sites HOUSTON and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Kuva Systems, a leading provider for methane emission reduction solutions, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $5 million contract with the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP). The agreement will support Kuva in refining and demonstrating its cutting-edge remote emissions investigation system across 175 oil and gas sites in the US. Kuva camera monitoring for methane emissions at an oil and gas site. (CNW Group/Kuva Canada Inc.) Kuva camera monitoring tanks at an oil and gas site for methane and VOC emissions. (CNW Group/Kuva Canada Inc.) "We are thrilled to receive this recognition and support from the DOE's Methane Emissions Reduction Program," said Stefan Bokaemper, CEO of Kuva Systems. "This funding enables us to advance and expand our remote emissions investigation system, which offers a cost- effective and scalable solution for our oil and gas customers to mitigate methane emissions. Our technology simplifies the methane mitigation process by providing root causes of emissions directly to field staff, instead of just emission detections. This enables oil and gas operators to seamlessly integrate continuous emissions monitoring into their operational workflow and to mitigate emissions quickly and efficiently without the need of hiring additional staff." In addition to operational benefits, Kuva also provides emissions accounting and regulatory compliance solutions. Kuva's solution has been approved for regulatory use where advanced technology alternatives are possible, including Colorado, New Mexico and Alberta, and is currently pending federal Environmental Protection Agency approval. For more information about Kuva Systems, please visit www.kuvasystems.com About Kuva Systems Kuva Systems provides cost-effective workflow automation solutions that enable oil and gas operators to improve the operational efficiency of methane mitigation, emissions accounting and regulatory compliance. Kuva's solution is based on its proprietary, low-cost continuous monitoring infrared camera for methane and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and its cloud platform. With a commitment to innovation, Kuva is shaping the future of industrial workflow automation. SOURCE Kuva Canada Inc. Partnership to Unlock Global Growth for Marshall, the Iconic Brand Known for Its Superior Sound Quality and Rock 'n' Roll Heritage LONDON and STOCKHOLM, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Funds managed by HSG have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Marshall Group in a deal valuing the company at 1.1 billion EUR. This transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, will mark HSG's largest investment in Europe to date. The deal represents the next chapter for Marshall as the iconic brand continues to unlock its true potential. The Marshall family will retain a meaningful stake of over 20 percent in the company under the terms of the deal. HSG will work closely with the Marshall family and the management team to strengthen the Marshall brand and fuel its sustainable and profitable growth. Terry Marshall, Board member at Marshall Group, who founded the now legendary British brand with his father in 1962 comments: "We are now over 60 years into our journey, and the pioneering sound of Marshall continues to resonate across the world. Together with HSG and our team, we can further build on our history to amplify the love for music and the Marshall brand for decades to come." "Marshall is one of the world's most iconic brands, firmly rooted in music culture. By building on this legacy, we are convinced that Marshall will strengthen its position as the go-to brand for guitarists and as the most exciting brand for music lovers globally. We are thrilled to partner with the Marshall family and the team at Marshall to write music history," said Steve Jia, Partner at HSG. "Our mission is to support Marshall in unlocking its full potential by leveraging our expertise in digital channels and supply chain optimization. We aim to help bring Marshall's exceptional products to even more customers globally while embracing and celebrating the spirit that has defined the brand for generations," said Taro Niggemann, Managing Director for Europe at HSG. This investment builds upon HSG's track record in Europe, following previous investments in companies such as AMI Paris. Since the creation of the Marshall Group in 2023, which brought together the entire Marshall universe under one roof, the company has continued to innovate and grow, delivering iconic products for both musicians and music lovers. Jeremy de Maillard, CEO of Marshall Group, declared: "This deal is a testament to our team's dedication and exceptional talent in making our vision a reality. Together with HSG and the Marshall family, we have the perfect conditions to continue building on Marshall's iconic status and unlocking our full potential across the world." Marshall is on a strong profitable growth trajectory, with revenue more than doubling from 2020 to 2024, reaching about 400M EUR. Martin Axhamre, CFO & Deputy CEO of the Marshall Group, comments: "We already have a positive momentum with exciting plans for the future. Combined with this new strong ownership structure we will be able to invest for the long-term and accelerate even further". The major selling shareholders are Altor, Telia Company, Time for Growth and Zenith VC. About Marshall Marshall Group is the audio, tech and design powerhouse uniting musicians and music lovers through genre-breaking innovation. Marshall, our flagship brand, is uniquely positioned with over 60 years of rock 'n' roll attitude on stage, at home and on the go. Our iconic products are brought to life by a dedicated team of 800 passionate employees and sold in over 90 markets worldwide. Learn more on marshall.com About HSG HSG (HongShan Capital Group), formerly known as Sequoia China, is a leading venture capital and private equity firm investing globally in the technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors. With offices in Hong Kong, mainland China, London, Tokyo, and Singapore, HSG manages over USD 55 billion in assets across various funds for top institutional investors. Founded in 2005, HSG has nurtured entrepreneurship and innovation, backing more than 1,500 companies with transformative technologies, disruptive business models, and high-growth potential. To date, more than 160 HSG portfolio companies have listed on public stock exchanges, while over 140 private portfolio companies have reached unicorn status. Throughout the past two decades, HSG has evolved into a fully integrated investment platform spanning seed, venture, growth, buyout, and infrastructure investing, as well as public equities investment. HSG is committed to helping founders and companies build legendary companies that endure while consistently generating superior returns for our limited partners. By partnering with HSG, companies benefit from HSG's extensive resources, including a robust entrepreneurial community and industry expertise. www.hsgcap.com For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/marshall-group/r/marshall-to-turn-up-the-volume-with-hsg-as-new-majority-shareholder,c4095651 The following files are available for download: Milestone Church in DallasFort Worth will host the Association of Related Churches' highly anticipated ARC Conference 2025, bringing together church leaders for two days of connection, worship, and ministry growth. BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is excited to announce the ARC Conference 2025, which will take place on April 2930, 2025, at Milestone Church in DallasFort Worth, Texas. This highly anticipated gathering will provide pastors, leaders, and future planters of ARC churches with an opportunity to connect, grow, and gain inspiration as they work toward making a greater impact in their communities. Building on the success of the ARC Conference 2024, held at the Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, the ARC Conference 2025 is set to deliver an even more enriching experience. Last year's event drew thousands of church leaders from across the globe, providing moments of powerful worship, inspiring keynote addresses, and opportunities for meaningful connections. Past attendees and vital members of the Association of Related Churches shared how the conference profoundly impacted their leadership and their churches. The 2025 conference is expected to continue that legacy of transformation. "The ARC Conference has always been about more than just gathering leaders," said Dino Rizzo, President and Executive Director of the Association of Related Churches. "It's about creating an environment where pastors and leaders can be refreshed, encouraged, and equipped to take their ministry to the next level. DallasFort Worth is the perfect location for us to host this next chapter. I believe it's going to be one of our most impactful conferences yet." Attendees of the Association of Related Churches' ARC Conference 2025 can look forward to an engaging program designed to meet the practical and spiritual needs of church leaders. Keynote speakers will address timely topics, offering strategies and insights that will help planters navigate the complexities of ministry in today's world. The event will also provide space for meaningful conversations, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas that strengthen the global church community. "Every time we come together, something special happens," added Rizzo. "Church leaders leave inspired and empowered, ready to make a greater impact in their communities. My hope for the ARC Conference 2025 is that every person who attends will walk away with a fresh sense of purpose and a renewed vision for what's possible in their ministry." Registration for the ARC Conference 2025 is now open. Church leaders from all denominations, networks, and backgrounds are encouraged to attend. For more information on speakers, the schedule, and travel arrangements, visit the ARC Conference website . The Association of Related Churches is committed to empowering local churches to grow , thrive, and impact their communities. The ARC Conference 2025 promises to be an inspiring event that equips leaders with the tools and support they need to build healthier, stronger churches. Event Details: Dates: April 2930, 2025 Location: Milestone Church, 201 Mount Gilead Road, Keller, TX, 76248 Website: milestonechurch.com About the Association of Related Churches (ARC): The Association of Related Churches (ARC) represents a collaborative network comprising independent congregations from various denominations, networks, and backgrounds. Its primary mission is to provide essential support and resources to church planters and pastors, enabling them to effectively share the teachings of Jesus Christ. ARC's operational approach revolves around empowering and equipping church leaders, thus helping them foster the widespread dissemination of Christ's life-changing message. Established in 2000, the Association of Related Churches has evolved into a worldwide entity and has played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of over 1,100 new churches globally. SOURCE Association of Related Churches 500+ students, educators, and state leaders celebrate school choice progress HELENA, Mont., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Montana families, educators, and legislators will come together to celebrate school choice and the many educational opportunities available in the state. Hosted by the Montana Family Foundation, this event will highlight the significance of school choice and its impact on students across Montana. The event will take place from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31 at the Montana State Capitol. Focused on the importance of school choice in Montana, the event will feature speeches from state leaders, educators, and students. Multiple schools will be present including Helena Christian School. The gathering will feature pizza, hot chocolate, and coffee to ensure everyone stays warm and energized. Montana has made strides in expanding educational options, including passing public charter school laws, standardizing open enrollment, and increasing funding for the Innovative Education Program. Students attending private schools or being homeschooled now have the ability to enroll part-time in public schools, reflecting the state's commitment to accessibility and student success. "Montana cares deeply about its students, and this celebration is an opportunity to connect with families, educators, and state leaders to reflect on the progress we've made and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead," said Jeff Laszloffy, president and CEO of the Montana Family Foundation, the events organizer. "School choice is not just about expanding options; it's about empowering parents to make decisions that align with their children's unique needs and aspirations." The event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Week, which will include more than 27,000 activities and events nationwide aimed at celebrating and raising awareness of educational opportunities for families. Location Details: The Montana State Capitol is located at 1301 E 6th Ave, Helena, MT 59601. The event will take place on the Capitol steps. For more information, visit mtcapitolrally.com The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) raises broad and positive awareness of school choice through two charitable programs: organizing National School Choice Week each January and the research, development, and promotion of comprehensive and unbiased school navigation resources for parents via School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. NSCAF does not advocate for or oppose legislation at any level of government and is steadfastly nonpartisan and nonpolitical. SOURCE National School Choice Week WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will brief media at 11 a.m. EST Wednesday, Jan. 29, to provide an update on science results from NASA's OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security Regolith Explorer) mission, which delivered a sample of asteroid Bennu to Earth in September 2023. Audio of the media call will stream live on the agency's website. Jason Dworkin, project scientist for OSIRIS-REx at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, views a portion of the asteroid Bennu sample in the center's astrobiology lab under microscope in November 2023, shortly after it arrived from the curation team at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Credit: NASA/Molly Wasser Participants in the teleconference include: Nicky Fox , associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, Washington , associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, Danny Glavin , senior scientist for sample return, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland , senior scientist for sample return, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Jason Dworkin, OSIRIS-REx project scientist, NASA Goddard Tim McCoy , curator of meteorites, Smithsonian Natural History Museum, Washington , curator of meteorites, Smithsonian Natural History Museum, Washington Sara Russell , cosmic mineralogist, Natural History Museum, London Media interested in participating by phone must RSVP no later than two hours prior to the start of the call to: [email protected]. A copy of NASA's media accreditation policy is online. After the teleconference, NASA Goddard will host a limited onsite media availability for reporters local to the greater Washington area. The availability will include opportunities to tour the center's astrobiology lab, which contributed to the study of the Bennu sample. Interested reporters should request participation by Sunday, Jan. 26, to: [email protected]. Launched on Sept. 8, 2016, OSIRIS-REx was the first U.S. mission to collect a sample from an asteroid in space. The spacecraft traveled to near-Earth asteroid Bennu and collected a sample of rocks and dust from the surface in 2020. It delivered the sample to Earth on Sept. 24, 2023. To learn more about OSIRIS-REx, visit: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/osiris-rex/ SOURCE NASA "Effective tourism marketing not only attracts visitors but also plays a key role in broader economic development by enhancing North Dakota's image as a great place to live, work, and do business," said Governor Armstrong. "This new campaign showcases our state's unique offerings and friendly atmosphere to a wider audience." The refreshed 2025 "Hello ND" campaign is distinctive because it features unscripted video footage emphasizing authentic, in-the-moment comments. The new marketing campaign footage was captured in 15 locations across the state in 2024 and highlights expansive aerial views of North Dakota's vast landscapes and tourism experiences. "What sets North Dakota apart is the authenticity and genuine spirit of our people, and the 2025 'Hello' campaign captures this perfectly," said Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman. "Through unscripted interactions and breathtaking visuals, including sweeping aerial views, the campaign extends a warm invitation to experience our great state." In addition to new video and print ads, North Dakota Tourism has released two official guide publications, the 2025 Travel Guide and the 2025 Hunting and Fishing Guide. The new Travel Guide features imagery and easy-to-find information to inspire and motivate visitors to experience North Dakota's outdoor adventures, history, culture, and communities. New, expanded itineraries highlight the state's experiences over multiple days and features more than 250 North Dakota communities. The 2025 Hunting and Fishing Guide provides an overview of the state's fishing waters, guide and outfitter listings, details for hunting seasons, and offers resources in partnership with North Dakota Game and Fish. The 2025 "Hello ND" campaign builds on the success of ND Tourism's 2024 efforts, which generated over 438 million impressions and a 30% increase in website traffic, the campaign will expand its reach through digital advertising, social media, outdoor TV, and sponsorships throughout the year. To plan your trip to North Dakota and order guides and state map, visit https://www.ndtourism.com/visitor-information-order-form . For more on the 2025 tourism campaign, please visit https://belegendary.link/HelloND2025 . Follow North Dakota Tourism on Facebook at facebook.com/TravelND , on Instagram at instagram.com/northdakotalegendary/ or on X at x.com/NorthDakota and get tips on what to see and do all year long. SOURCE North Dakota Tourism Division WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's CES 2025 provided a dynamic platform for trailblazing technologies and industry leaders across a variety of sectors. Among the innovators present were several clients of NovoTech Patent Firm ("NovoTech"), who unveiled advancements in cutting-edge technologies. NovoTech's seasoned patent attorney, Babak Akhlaghi, attended the event to support clients and gain deeper insight into the trends shaping the future of innovation. "CES 2025 was a remarkable opportunity to connect with our clients and observe the rapidly evolving landscape of technology," said Babak. "By understanding these trends, we are better equipped to craft intellectual property strategies that meet our clients' unique needs and ensure their inventions are rigorously protected." NovoTech Patent Firm has a proven reputation for supporting innovators with bespoke intellectual property services. Specializing in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and machine learning, the firm's strategic focus lies in aligning legal expertise with market demands. Attending CES 2025 reaffirmed NovoTech's commitment to staying ahead of technological advancements. Babak highlighted key trends from the event, including groundbreaking developments in AI-powered devices, sustainable energy solutions like zero-emission aviation technology, and significant advances in quantum computing. "These insights deepen our ability to tailor our strategies, enabling our clients to thrive in an increasingly complex and fast-changing environment," he noted. NovoTech's participation at CES 2025 underscores the firm's dedication to fostering innovation and partnering with inventors at the forefront of technology. By working closely with clients and understanding the intricacies of emerging technologies, NovoTech strengthens its role as a trusted ally in intellectual property protection. About NovoTech Patent Firm NovoTech Patent Firm specializes in providing strategic patent services for breakthrough technologies, including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. With a team of experienced patent attorneys, the firm is devoted to safeguarding its clients' innovations and helping them stay competitive in emerging markets. For more information, visit www.NovoTechIP.com. Babak Akhlaghi can be reached at: NovoTech Patent Firm 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite #1025 Washington, DC 20006 Phone: 202-559-9159 Email: [email protected] SOURCE NovoTech Patent Firm SINGAPORE and PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nuevocor, an IND-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing functional cures to treat cardiomyopathies with aberrant mechanobiology, today announces the appointment of Dr. Andreas Wallnofer as Chairman of Nuevocor's Board of Directors. Andreas Wallnofer has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, including 12 years as a member of the F. Hoffmann-La Roche Pharma R&D Executive Leadership team and nearly a decade serving as a board member for several biotechnology companies. He has been a Partner at the Swiss venture capital firm BioMedPartners and later at Jeito Capital, a global leading European investment company based in Paris. An accomplished investor, board member and operator, Andreas has played a pivotal role in successfully developing many innovative companies. He has contributed to numerous successful exits, including the recent acquisition of EyeBio by MSD for a total deal value of US$3 billion, achieved only three years after the company's inception. Prior to his career in venture capital, he was Head of Cardiovascular and Metabolism (CVM) R&D at Roche and a member of the Roche/Genentech Portfolio Committee. Andreas was part of several successful product developments and market introductions. Before the integration of Genentech (now a wholly owned member of the Roche Group), Andreas was Global Head of Clinical Research and Exploratory Development and led the R&D organization at multiple sites in Europe, the U.S., and Asia. He had a key role in the integration of the Roche and Genentech development organizations and, subsequently, led Roche's Early Development Department. "We are extremely pleased to welcome Andreas as Chairman of Nuevocor's Board and look forward to benefiting from his experience in life-sciences investment as well as expertise in cardiovascular diseases," said Dr. Yann Chong Tan, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of Nuevocor. "Having moved several companies towards successful exits, Andreas' experience will be a major asset to Nuevocor as we continue to grow and demonstrate the value of our therapeutic assets in treating cardiomyopathies." "Nuevocor is at the frontier of next generation gene therapy. Particularly as former Head of Cardiovascular Research and Development at Roche, it is very motivating to see how Nuevocor's promising technology may sustainably benefit and improve the lives of patients with cardiomyopathies" said Dr. Andreas Wallnofer. About Nuevocor Nuevocor is a biotechnology company that is pioneering an innovative pathway-centric approach to developing functional cures for heart conditions known as cardiomyopathies. By harnessing our PrOSIA mechanobiology platform, Nuevocor designs genetic medicines to target the biomechanical root cause of these diseases. Nuevocor's approach surpasses the limitations of traditional gene therapy, which focuses on individual gene mutations, to treat defects within shared disease pathways across multiple genetic cardiomyopathies. This enables us to extend our impact to broader patient populations. SOURCE Nuevocor Air cargo tonnage highest since pandemic ONTARIO, Calif., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ontario International Airport (ONT) ended 2024 on a high note by welcoming more than 7 million air travelers for the year, it was announced at the meeting of Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners on Thursday (Jan. 23). Southern California's Ontario International Airport surpassed 7 million passengers in 2024, up 67% since the airports return to local ownership. The Southern California gateway reported 7,084,864 passengers in 2024, 10.2% more than 2023 and 27% more than pre-pandemic 2019, making it the fastest growing among medium- and large-size airports in California. The 2024 count also represents a 67% increase since 2016, when ONT was transferred to local control from the City of Los Angeles. The number of domestic travelers totaled 6,645,968, an increase of 10.5% year-over-year, while the number of international fliers grew by 5.1% to 438,896, the highest in the airport's history. "We believed the 7 million passenger mark was achievable in 2024 and indeed it was," said Alan D. Wapner, president of the OIAA Board of Commissioners. "It was a milestone year that positions our airport to handle increasing demand for air travel in the region. While some California airports are still trying to restore passenger volumes post-pandemic, Ontario is prospering thanks to the economic and population growth in the Inland Empire, the faith and trust of our airline partners and the confidence of air travelers who know they'll have a world-class experience with us." Atif Elkadi, OIAA chief executive officer, noted that December passenger volume grew by nearly 10% to 603,886, marking the 46th straight month of year-over-year increases. December was also the eighth consecutive month with the passenger count exceeding 600,000. "We pride ourselves on strong performances month after month and delivering the first-rate, hassle-free experiences our customers expect. The December and year-end numbers are testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and partners to make Ontario the airport of choice in Southern California," Elkadi said. Passenger Totals Dec 2024 Dec 2023 Change YTD 2024 YTD 2023 Change Domestic 566,192 508,002 11.5 % 6,645,968 6,012,543 10.5 % International 37,694 43,159 -12.7 % 438,896 417,490 5.1 % Total 603,886 551,161 9.6 % 7,084,796 6,430,033 10.2 % The air carriers with the greatest passenger shares for the full year 2024 were: Southwest Airlines (35.9%) American Airlines (15.7%) Frontier Airlines (14.6%) Delta Air Lines (10.1%) Alaska Airlines (7.3%) Air cargo in 2024, meanwhile, remained strong, reflecting ONT's status as a top 10 cargo hub in the U.S. For the year, air freight and mail combined grew by 5.5% over 2023 to the highest level since air shipments surged during the pandemic. In December cargo increased by nearly 4% compared to the same month in 2023. Air cargo (tonnage) Dec 2024 Dec 2023 Change YTD 2024 YTD 2023 Change Freight 70,088 76,673 -8.6 % 726,653 706,402 2.9 % Mail 12,859 3,101 314.7 % 66,718 45,796 45.7 % Total 82,947 79,774 4.0 % 793,370 752,199 5.5 % During Thursday's Board meeting, OIAA officials expressed support for victims of the recent wildfires. "As we begin 2025, we grieve for those who perished in the fires that have devastated communities across Los Angeles County and extend our heartfelt sympathy to their family and friends, as well as those who lost homes, valued personal possessions and business properties," Wapner said. Elkadi noted that ONT became a safe haven for aircraft affected by high winds and smoke following the onset of the fires, receiving flights diverted from airports in Burbank, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. "The managers and staff of Ontario International Airport were honored to do our part in helping to keep air travelers safe during such a turbulent time," Elkadi said. About Ontario International Airport Ontario International Airport (ONT) is California's most popular mid-sized airport, according to J.D. Power's most recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport which offers nonstop commercial jet service to two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. More information is available at flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA): The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA leaders include Ontario City Council Member Alan D. Wapner (President), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Treasurer) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner). OIAA Media Contact: Steve Lambert (909) 841-7527 [email protected] SOURCE Ontario International Airport Performance Brokerage Services, the leader in dealership buy-sell activity, announces the sale of Van Horn Ford and Van Horn Chevrolet in Newhall, Iowa from Van Horn Automotive Group to Yelena and Alex Tovstanovsky of Sky Auto Mall IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Performance Brokerage Services, North America's highest volume dealership brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Van Horn Ford and Van Horn Chevrolet in Newhall, Iowa from Van Horn Automotive Group to Yelena and Alex Tovstanovsky of Sky Auto Mall. Van Horn Automotive Group was founded in 1966 when Joe Van Horn moved with his wife, Kay, and their six children from Chicago, Illinois to Plymouth, Wisconsin and purchased Wagner Chevrolet. Performance Brokerage Services - Van Horn Ford and Van Horn Chevrolet - Sky Auto Mall In 2002, Van Horn Automotive Group expanded beyond Sheboygan County with its first dealership in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. The group continued to grow throughout Wisconsin, and in 2017, it expanded outside the state for the first time with the acquisition of Van Horn Chevrolet and Van Horn Ford in Newhall, Iowa. A key moment in the group's history came in 2016 when Van Horn Automotive Group transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), becoming the only employee-owned automotive group in Wisconsin. This transition gave employees a majority stake in the company, fostering a strong culture of ownership. In 2020, Jeff Niesen, the grandson of founder Joe Van Horn, was named President of Van Horn Automotive Group. Under Jeff's leadership, the company has expanded its footprint to include 17 dealerships and employ over 750 people. After the sale, Jeff shared, "Mark Shackelford, Sr. and Mark Shackelford, Jr. had reached out to me during their trip to Iowa about the possibility of selling our Newhall stores. With these stores being outside of the rest of our platform, I told them we would entertain an offer, which would allow us to reinvest and fuel our continued growth in Wisconsin. 'The Marks' then went to work and brought us an offer. Although we faced some challenges, they were there for us with countless phone calls, meetings, and constant communication. Thank you to Mark, Sr. and Mark, Jr. for helping make this happen, and we wish Sky Auto Mall the best of luck in their continued growth." Over the last 5 years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of over 300 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. Paul Kechnie, Senior Partner, Mark Shackelford, Sr., Partner, and Mark Shackelford, Jr., Partner of the Texas & Midwest Offices for Performance Brokerage Services were the exclusive sell-side advisors for this transaction. Mark Shackelford, Sr. stated, "We want to thank Jeff Niesen and Van Horn Automotive Group for allowing us to represent them in divesting of their only stores in Iowa. We wish them the best of luck as they continue to expand their platform in Wisconsin. We're also excited to help Alex Tovstanovsky and his family expand in Iowa by adding two more franchises and their first Chevrolet store. We wish all of you much success!" Yelena Tovstanovsky and her son, Alex Tovstanovsky, are part of a family that has built a successful business through hard work and determination. The Tovstanovsky family came to the United States as first-generation immigrants, escaping communist oppression with the goal of creating a better life. They arrived with nothing but a strong desire to succeed and worked their way up from humble beginnings. In July of 2021, the family purchased Sky Auto Mall in Center Point, Iowa, representing Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. Alex Tovstanovsky shared, "Mark and his father represented the seller in my transaction, while I was the buyer. Throughout the process, they demonstrated exceptional professionalism, integrity, and expertise that earned my trust. When serious issues arose, they approached them with a commitment to finding win-win solutions for both parties. Unlike other brokerages that stick to 'banker's hours,' Mark, Sr. and Mark, Jr. operated on 'car dealership hours,' making themselves available beyond the typical 9-5 schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays. They were always just a phone call or text away, addressing last-minute issues with a proactive and solutions-driven approach. Working with the Shackelford team was a true pleasure, and I wouldn't hesitate to partner with them again for any future transactions." Van Horn Ford and Van Horn Chevrolet will be renamed Sky Ford and Sky Chevrolet. The dealerships will remain at their current location at 7300 28th Avenue in Newhall, Iowa. About Performance Brokerage Services Performance Brokerage Services, Inc. is North America's highest volume dealership brokerage firm, specializing in buy-sell activity for automotive, RV, commercial truck, powersports, and equipment dealerships. With over 30 years of experience, 900 dealerships sold, and a 90% closing rate, the company's reputation is unmatched and governed by the utmost ethical conduct and integrity. The company offers a unique approach by providing complimentary estimates of value with no upfront fees or retainer, no reimbursement of costs, and paid a success fee only after the transaction closes. Headquartered in Irvine, California, and supported by 9 regional offices in Utah, Texas, Illinois, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, Alberta and Ontario, clients benefit from national exposure with local representation. As trusted and respected experts in the field, the company utilizes an extensive network of industry related attorneys, accountants, hundreds of registered buyers, and longstanding relationships with various vehicle manufacturers. For more information about the services offered by Performance Brokerage Services, visit https://performancebrokerageservices.com. Media Contact: Jesse Stopnitzky, Co-Owner (949) 309-2851 [email protected] SOURCE Performance Brokerage Services, Inc. NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global phone case market size is estimated to grow by USD 13.9 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 6.76% during the forecast period. Growth in penetration of smart mobile phones is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing penetration of e-commerce vendors in tier II and tier III cities. However, lack of universal standards poses a challenge. Key market players include Ai Paiqi Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., Apple Inc., Case Mate Inc., CG Mobile, Cygnett, Element Case Inc., Fommy.com, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd., Moshi Corp., Otter Products LLC, Pelican Products Inc., Poetic Cases Inc., Rearth Inc., Reiko Wireless Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Spigen Inc., Urban Armor Gear LLC, Vinci Brands LLC, and XtremeGuard. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Phone Case market 2024-2028 Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Phone Case Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.76% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 13.9 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 6.13 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 70% Key countries US, China, India, and Japan Key companies profiled Ai Paiqi Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., Apple Inc., Case Mate Inc., CG Mobile, Cygnett, Element Case Inc., Fommy.com, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd., Moshi Corp., Otter Products LLC, Pelican Products Inc., Poetic Cases Inc., Rearth Inc., Reiko Wireless Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Spigen Inc., Urban Armor Gear LLC, Vinci Brands LLC, and XtremeGuard Market Driver The smartphone market is booming with over 500 million users in India alone. To protect these valuable devices, the demand for protective cases is on the rise. With repair costs for damaged phones steep, investing in quality protective cases is a wise choice. Lifestyle and social media trends favor customization, making accessory brands like OtterBox, PopSockets, and Body Glove popular. E-commerce platforms dominate the market, offering same-day delivery and high-speed internet. New designs with innovative functions like MagSafe compatibility, ultrathin, minimalist, and rugged cases are in demand. Sustainable materials such as recycled phone cases made of eco-friendly and biodegradable materials are gaining traction. Dedicated online retailers cater to mobile users, offering a wide range of protective covers, from plastic cases with thermoplastic polyurethane to silica gel, leather, and shockproof cases with air-cushioned corners. Electronics stores, mobile accessory shops, and department stores also sell protective cases offline. The online store segment of the digital marketplace continues to grow, with ecommerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and dedicated mobile accessory websites leading the way. The e-commerce sector in developing economies, including India, has witnessed remarkable growth, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Major e-commerce players are expanding their reach, providing shopping experiences to semi-urban and rural consumers. Previously, urban residents enjoyed the privilege of purchasing branded items, advanced gadgets, and high-quality foodstuffs. However, with the proliferation of online stores, consumers in these areas are adopting digital shopping trends. The global e-commerce market has experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and India's market is projected to reach a valuation of USUSD 300 billion by 2030, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF). Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges The smartphone market is booming with over 500 million users in India alone. Protective cases have become essential accessories for these mobile users, as repair costs for damaged devices can be high. Quality protective cases are in demand, with trends leaning towards customization and innovative functions. E-commerce platforms and online portals are popular choices for consumers, offering same-day delivery and high-speed internet. Brands like OtterBox, PopSockets, and Body Glove lead the market with their protective cases made of materials such as polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane, silica gel, and leather. New designs and sustainable materials like recycled phone cases are also gaining popularity. Consumers can find these cases in both offline retail stores and online marketplaces, including electronics stores, mobile accessory shops, and department stores. Customized, rugged, shockproof, waterproof, and minimalist cases are available in various colors and styles, catering to different lifestyle trends and social media preferences. MagSafe compatibility, ultrathin, and biodegradable cases are also emerging as key trends in the market. alone. Protective cases have become essential accessories for these mobile users, as repair costs for damaged devices can be high. Quality protective cases are in demand, with trends leaning towards customization and innovative functions. E-commerce platforms and online portals are popular choices for consumers, offering same-day delivery and high-speed internet. Brands like OtterBox, PopSockets, and Body Glove lead the market with their protective cases made of materials such as polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane, silica gel, and leather. New designs and sustainable materials like recycled phone cases are also gaining popularity. Consumers can find these cases in both offline retail stores and online marketplaces, including electronics stores, mobile accessory shops, and department stores. Customized, rugged, shockproof, waterproof, and minimalist cases are available in various colors and styles, catering to different lifestyle trends and social media preferences. MagSafe compatibility, ultrathin, and biodegradable cases are also emerging as key trends in the market. The phone case market faces challenges due to the absence of standardization in the technology and components used in their production. This issue results in significant product and price differentiation, making it difficult for consumers to compare and select accessories. Vendors must collaborate to establish uniform standards to ensure improved quality, consumer confidence, and compatibility. Failure to do so could hinder the expansion of the phone case market. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This phone case market report extensively covers market segmentation by Distribution Channel 1.1 Offline 1.2 Online Product 2.1 Body glove 2.2 Pouch 2.3 Phone skin 2.4 Hybrid cases 2.5 Others Geography 3.1 APAC 3.2 North America 3.3 Europe 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Offline- The offline segment holds the largest market share in the global phone case market in 2023, with numerous offline retailers offering competitive prices and the preference of consumers for physical product verification. In India, China, and Brazil, the increasing number of organized retail stores, including those of OnePlus and Croma, will expand the availability of phone cases. OnePlus aims to open authorized brand stores in eight major cities in India and launched its largest store in Hyderabad. Croma, a subsidiary of Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd., plans to add 100 new stores in 2022. This organized retail growth, combined with unorganized stores specializing in phone cases, will boost the segment's growth during the forecast period. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The global phone case market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing use of smartphones and the need to protect these devices from damages. Protective cases have become essential accessories for mobile users, with trends leaning towards customization and sustainability. Lifestyle and social media trends influence the demand for phone cases, with e-commerce platforms and physical stores catering to this need. The online store segment, including digital marketplaces, is witnessing in sales due to the convenience and accessibility they offer. Quality protective cases made from sustainable and ecofriendly materials, such as recycled phone cases and biodegradable phone cases, are gaining popularity among consumers. MagSafe compatibility, ultrathin cases, and rugged phone cases are other popular categories. Customized cases, including Body Glove and Fre Series, allow users to express their individuality. Repair costs for damaged phones can be reduced by investing in a good quality protective case from the start. Overall, the phone case market is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years. Market Research Overview The phone case market is thriving as the use of smartphones continues to increase. Protective cases have become essential accessories for mobile users to safeguard their devices from damages. Repair costs for broken screens and other damages can be steep, making quality protective cases a worthwhile investment. Lifestyle and social media trends favor customization and personalization, leading to an array of designs and innovative functions. E-commerce platforms and online portals dominate the market, offering same-day delivery, high-speed internet, and dedicated retailers. New designs, sustainable materials, and MagSafe compatibility are popular trends. Brands like Body Glove, OtterBox, PopSockets, and others offer a range of protective cases in various materials such as polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane, silica gel, leather, and more. Offline retail stores also cater to mobile users, providing a tactile experience for customers. The market segment includes e-commerce platforms, physical stores, and online stores. Accessories like PopSockets, spring-inspired colors, air-cushioned corners, and rugged, shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof cases are also available. Recycled phone cases made from eco-friendly and sustainable materials are gaining popularity as consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Distribution Channel Offline Online Product Body Glove Pouch Phone Skin Hybrid Cases Others Geography APAC North America Europe South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio CHICAGO, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Preorders are now open at UScellular for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Series, featuring the Galaxy AI virtual assistant. Customers can preorder online at uscellular.com or in UScellular retail stores, and all devices will be available for purchase on Feb. 7. Powered with Galaxy AI, the Galaxy S25 Series adapts to your interests and behaviors with features on the Galaxy Ultra, S25+, S25 that include: Voice Activation. Let the Galaxy S25 Series become your ultimate personal assistant. With just a simple voice command, you can effortlessly search for your favorite restaurant, set up a text message thread or update your calendar within a single request. Let the Galaxy S25 Series become your ultimate personal assistant. With just a simple voice command, you can effortlessly search for your favorite restaurant, set up a text message thread or update your calendar within a single request. Reveal the Magic. Night Video with Audio Eraser lets you capture vibrant video in low light and can intelligently remove unwanted background noise, ensuring you only keep the sound you want with fewer distractions. Night Video with Audio Eraser lets you capture vibrant video in low light and can intelligently remove unwanted background noise, ensuring you only keep the sound you want with fewer distractions. Power Up. The Galaxy S25 series is designed to deliver an unbeatable mobile gaming experience. An updated processor provides an enhanced performance and faster graphics rendering so you can experience smoother gameplay, even on the most demanding and modern gaming titles. The Galaxy S25 series is designed to deliver an unbeatable mobile gaming experience. An updated processor provides an enhanced performance and faster graphics rendering so you can experience smoother gameplay, even on the most demanding and modern gaming titles. Stunning Screen. Enjoy a stunning sight that sets the new standard for mobile viewing. With vibrant colors, deep contrasts, and ultra-smooth motion, the cutting-edge display delivers an immersive experience whether you're gaming, streaming, or browsing. Important things to know: New and current upgrade-eligible UScellular customers can get the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for free with trade-in or the Galaxy S25 and S25+ for free with no trade-in 1 . . The Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in Titan Black, Titan Gray, Titan Silverblue and Titan WhiteSilver. The Galaxy S25 and S25+ are available in Silver Shadow, Mint, Icyblue and Navy. For more information about the Galaxy S25 series, go to www.uscellular.com/samsung. 1 New line or eligible upgrade required. Requires smartphone purchase via 36-month installment contract, eligible postpaid service plan, and paperless billing. Paid via 36 monthly bill credits. Credit varies. Qualifying trade-in may be required. Taxes, fees and additional terms apply. About UScellular UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers' lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has donated more than $30 million in hotspots and service to help youth connect to reliable internet. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com. For more information, contact: Anthony Garcia PR and Media Relations Manager 773-387-5217 [email protected] SOURCE UScellular 600+ Expected to Attend Family-Friendly Celebration CONCORD, N.H., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Where can you find public school districts, homeschool co-ops, and private schools under one roof, ready to talk with prospective families? At Children's Scholarship Fund's Concord school fair, now in its fourth year and bigger than ever. As always, this event is designed to provide parents with valuable information about traditional public, public charter, private schools, homeschooling, and microschooling options. The Concord School Fair will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Grappone Conference Center. More than 50 education options will be represented, from Concord School District to Windham Academy Charter School, South Merrimack Christian Academy, KaiPod, Outschool, and the Cornucopia Project. Parents will have the chance to meet educators, ask questions, and explore the wide range of educational opportunities available to their children. Kids can enjoy activities such as face painting and more, and refreshments. "The Concord School Fair represents a pivotal moment for New Hampshire families, bringing together the full spectrum of educational opportunities under one roof. Every child learns differently, and by empowering parents and caregivers with information we're ensuring that each student in the state can find the educational environment where they'll truly thrive," said Kate Baker Demers, the Executive Director of Children's Scholarship Fund, New Hampshire, the event's organizer. "Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a learning environment tailored to their needs, and this event helps families discover what's possible." Children's Scholarship Fund is the administrator of the state's Education Freedom Account program, providing the opportunity for thousands of parents of K-12 students to customize the learning experiences that best fit their children's needs. New Hampshire's Education Freedom Accounts allow families earning up to 350% of the federal poverty level to use the child's state funding for private schools, public school transfers, tutoring, technology, educational resources and more. The event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Week, which will include more than 27,000 activities and events nationwide aimed at celebrating and raising awareness of educational opportunities for families. Location Details: The Grappone Conference Center is located in Concord, NH. The event will take place in the Granite Ballroom. For more information or to RSVP, visit nhschoolfair.com or the Spanish page at schoolchoiceweek.com/events/2025-new-hampshire-feria-escolar . The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) raises broad and positive awareness of school choice through two charitable programs: organizing National School Choice Week each January and the research, development, and promotion of comprehensive and unbiased school navigation resources for parents via School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. NSCAF does not advocate for or oppose legislation at any level of government and is steadfastly nonpartisan and nonpolitical. SOURCE National School Choice Week LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz is proud to release his critically acclaimed new book, "The Case for Dual Loyalty: Healing the Divided Soul of American Jews," widely endorsed by some of the most important Jewish thought leaders of the 21st century, including Rabbi David Wolpe, Yossi Klein Halevi, and Professor Gil Troy (see endorsements below). How has the October 7 massacre and fallout changed the American Jewish community? The horrific massacre of October 7 and its aftermath around the world prompted Rabbi Lebovitz to speak out about the next chapter of Jewish life. Lebovitz synthesizes the Jewish turning point in history with lessons from the past, arguing that it is a moral imperative to radically change how we engage with Israel and the United States. Subverting the trope commonly cast against the Jewish people, Lebovitz asserts that dual loyalty, paradoxically, is how we strengthen both the United States and Israel and ensure the survival of a strong Jewish peoplehood. Proudly declaring Jewish loyalty forges a new path forward imbued with pride in peoplehood and collective destiny. By challenging the trope commonly cast against the Jewish people in the diaspora, Lebovitz argues that affirming dual loyalty serves as our best hope to shape a brighter tomorrow here in the United States and for the future of Jewish peoplehood. In addition to appearing on several podcasts and lending his voice to articles, Lebovitz will speak at various Jewish institutions to promote the themes in his book. Purchase the Book Here About the Author Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz, PhD, is the Senior Rabbi at Valley Beth Shalom , one of the largest Conservative synagogues in North America. Shaped by a proud Zionist upbringing and as the grandchild of four Holocaust survivors, he has endeavored to instill a strong relationship with Israel in all of his congregants. As a prominent Jewish thought leader, his work has appeared in The Los Angeles Times, Jewish Journal, and Jerusalem Post. Rabbi Lebovitz is an adjunct fellow at the Z3 Institute, sits on the Executive Board of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, and serves as a national board member of MERCAZ. Purchase the Book Here Endorsements In his courageous and profoundly moving manifesto of Jewish pride, Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz offers keen insight into the dilemmas confronting American Jews in the post-October 7 world. Lebovitz responds to rising antisemitism the way our ancestors did: by reaffirming Jewish loyalty. Written with passion and grace, "The Case for Dual Loyalty" deserves a space on the short shelf of indispensable books on contemporary American Jewry. - Yossi Klein Halevi, Senior Fellow, Shalom Hartman Institute, Jerusalem At this critical moment in history and Jewish history how lucky we are to have Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz's courageous, unapologetic, cry for American Jews to develop a "proud dual loyalty." He justifies this timely, compelling call by taking us on a fascinating, learned journey into Jewish history, American values, and Zionist thought. - Professor Gil Troy, author of To Resist the Academic Intifada: Letters to My Students on Defending the Zionist Dream With both eloquence and erudition, Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz makes a powerful case for American Jews to care for indeed to love both America and Israel. - Rabbi David Wolpe, Max Webb Emeritus Rabbi of Sinai Temple, author of Why Faith Matters and David: The Divided Heart Anyone whose Judaism was startled awake on the morning of October 7, 2023, would do well to grapple with Rabbi Lebovitz's call to radically rethink the ways in which our commitment to living Jewishly informs and deepens our love for America, and vice versa. As great moral leaders ought to do, Rabbi Lebovitz offers us hard questions and harder challenges, the sort, hallelujah, that may yet rekindle our hope and accelerate our efforts to fashion a more promising future for American Jews. - Liel Leibovitz, Editor at Large, Tablet Magazine Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz's clear vision of Zionism dispels so much of the moral cloudiness that afflicts our community and instills a renewed sense of responsibility toward Israel and America. - Rabbi Ed Feinstein, author of Tough Questions Jews Ask and In Pursuit of Godliness and a Living Judaism, teaches at the American Jewish University and the Shalom Hartman Institute Media Contact: Rebecca Begin, [email protected] SOURCE Valley Beth Shalom First patient treated in the U.S. Initial enrollment planned for the U.S., Japan , and Taiwan , with further expansion to additional countries and regions SAN DIEGO, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rakuten Medical, Inc., a global biotechnology company developing and commercializing precision, cell-targeting Alluminox platform-based photoimmunotherapy, today announced the initiation of its global multi-regional Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy in combination with anti-PD-1 (pembrolizumab) as a first-line therapy for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) (Protocol number: ASP-1929-381 / Acronym: ECLIPSE* / ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06699212). The first patient in this trial recently received a study treatment at the Avera Cancer Institute in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. Alongside the U.S., patient enrollment is slated for sites in Japan and Taiwan, followed by additional countries and regions. The ASP-1929-381 study is a multi-regional multi-center, randomized, open-label Phase 3 trial, designed to assess the efficacy and safety of ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy in combination with pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment for locoregional recurrent HNSCC without distant metastases. Approximately 400 patients globally will be randomized to either an experimental arm receiving ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy in combination with pembrolizumab, or a control arm receiving the current pembrolizumab-based standard of care (SOC), where patients may receive pembrolizumab alone or in combination with chemotherapy according to the physician's choice. The primary endpoint is Overall Survival (OS), with key secondary endpoints including Complete Response Rate (CRR) and Overall Response Rate (ORR). This study builds on data from an interim evaluation (data cut-off: August 31, 2023) of 19 patients enrolled in the HNSCC cohort of a prior Phase 1b/2 study (ASP-1929-181 study / ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04305795). The data showed an estimated 24-month survival rate of 52.4%, with a median OS not yet reached, and a generally tolerated safety profile. Head and neck cancer ranks as the 7th most common cancer globally with over 90% classified as squamous cell carcinoma1. More than 60% of HNSCC patients present with locally or regionally advanced disease (stage III or IV)1. Of these, 15-40% will experience recurrence, facing a poor prognosis and a 5-year overall survival rate of less than 50%1. Dr. Kristen Coffroth, MD of Avera Medical Group Ear, Nose & Throat - Head and Neck Surgery, and one of the investigators for the ASP-1929-381 study at the Avera Cancer Institute, stated, "Photoimmunotherapy has a unique mode of action, which involves a biophysical disruption of targeted cells. Pembrolizumab has become a mainstay in systemic treatment for recurrent/metastatic HNSCC. This trial will evaluate whether the combination of ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy with pembrolizumab can harness synergistic antitumor effects, which may shed new light on the treatment of locoregional recurrent HNSCC." Dr. William Chad Spanos, MD, FACS of Avera Medical Group Ear, Nose & Throat - Head and Neck Surgery, and Principal Investigator for the ASP-1929-381 study at the Avera Cancer Institute, added, "I am impressed by the technology behind photoimmunotherapy, which offers a novel and targeted approach to cancer treatment. Combining this with pembrolizumab has the potential to expand first-line treatment options for patients with recurrent HNSCC. I am pleased to initiate this groundbreaking trial at our site and look forward to contributing to advancing care for patients facing this challenging disease." Mickey Mikitani, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board of Rakuten Medical, concluded, "The initiation of this global Phase 3 trial marks a significant milestone in our journey to contribute to the treatment and lives of patients with head and neck cancer and potentially others affected by cancer. With encouraging data from Phase 1b/2 study, we are optimistic about the potential of ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy combined with pembrolizumab to improve treatment outcomes in recurrent head and neck cancer." Disclaimer: Rakuten Medical's Alluminox platform-based photoimmunotherapy is investigational outside Japan. * ECLIPSE: E liminating C ancer with L aser I llumination and P hoto SE nsitizer Chow LQM. Head and Neck Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(1):60-72. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1715715 About Rakuten Medical Rakuten Medical, Inc. is a global biotechnology company developing and commercializing precision, cell-targeting Alluminox platform-based photoimmunotherapy, which, in pre-clinical studies, has been shown to induce rapid and selective cell killing. Rakuten Medical's photoimmunotherapy is currently investigational outside Japan. Rakuten Medical is committed to its mission to conquer cancer by developing its pioneering treatments as quickly as possible to as many patients as possible all over the world. The company has offices in 5 countries/regions, including the United States, where it is headquartered, Japan, Taiwan, Switzerland and India. For more information, visit www.rakuten-med.com. About Alluminox platform The Alluminox platform is Rakuten Medical's investigational technology platform that combines pharmaceuticals, medical devices, medical technology, and other peripheral technologies. Rakuten Medical is developing Alluminox platform-based photoimmunotherapy, which involves two key steps: 1) drug administration and 2) targeted illumination using medical devices. The drug component consists of a cell-targeting moiety conjugated to a light-activatable dye, such as IRDye 700DX (IR700), that selectively binds the surface of targeted cells, such as tumor cells. The device component consists of a light source that locally illuminates the targeted cells with red light (690nm) to transiently activate the drug. Rakuten Medical's pre-clinical data have shown that this activation elicits rapid and selective necrosis of targeted cells through a biophysical process that compromises the membrane integrity of the targeted cells. Therapies developed on the Alluminox platform may also result in local and systemic innate and adaptive immune activation due to immunogenic cell death of the targeted tumor cells and/or the removal of targeted immunosuppressive cells within the tumor microenvironment. Photoimmunotherapy was originally developed by Dr. Hisataka Kobayashi and team from the National Cancer Institute in the United States. Outside Japan, Rakuten Medical's Alluminox platform-based photoimmunotherapy is investigational. About ASP-1929 Rakuten Medical's first pipeline drug developed on its Alluminox platform is ASP-1929, an antibody-dye conjugate comprised of the antibody cetuximab and IRDye 700DX, a light activatable dye. ASP-1929 binds to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a cancer antigen expressed in multiple types of solid tumors, including head and neck, breast, lung, colorectal, prostate and pancreatic cancers. After binding to cancer cells, ASP-1929 is locally activated by illumination with red light (690 nm), emitted by a laser device system to produce a photochemical reaction. This reaction is believed to cause damage to the membrane of cancer cells, leading to selective necrosis of cancer cells. In Japan, ASP-1929 received marketing approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare for unresectable locally advanced or recurrent head and neck cancer in September 2020, under the Sakigake Designation System and the Conditional Early Approval System. ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy in combination with pembrolizumab is currently under investigation in a global Phase 3 clinical trial as a first-line therapy for recurrent head and neck cancer. Outside Japan, ASP-1929 has not yet been approved for commercial use by any regulatory authority. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward looking statements that correspond to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include various risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause Rakuten Medical's business plans and results to differ from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in these statements. These "forward looking statements" contain information about the status and development of our products, including the Alluminox platform, as well as other regulatory and marketing authorization efforts, the potential benefits, efficacy, and safety of therapies created using the Alluminox platform, and the status of regulatory filings. The approval and commercial success of the product may not be achieved. Forward looking statements relate to the potential benefits, efficacy, and safety of our therapies, and the status of regulatory filings. Such statements may include words such as "expect," "believe," "hope," "estimate," "looks as though," "anticipate," "intend," "may," "suggest," "plan," "strategy," "will," and "do", and are based on our current beliefs. In addition, this press release uses terms such as "important," "notable," and "abnormal" to express opinions about clinical trial data. Ongoing clinical trial studies include various risks and uncertainties, in particular, problems that arise during the manufacturing stage of our therapies, the occurrence of adverse safety events, situations in failure to demonstrate therapeutic benefits, and other various risks and uncertainties, both reasonable and unreasonable. For this reason, actual results, including regulatory approvals and uncertainties in the commercialization process of our therapies, may differ from published information. Except to the extent required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update this or any other forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future developments or events, changes in assumptions, changes in the factors affecting forward-looking statements. If one or more forward-looking statement(s) is updated, no inference should be drawn that additional updates will be made to those or other forward-looking statements. Contact Us SOURCE Rakuten Medical, Inc. -Tamas Zumpf: Leading the Charge in Privacy-First Innovation -Chih-Heng Kwan, Head Of Marketing: "Leading the narrative means defining innovation in MENA, where tradition and technology shape a bold digital future." DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world where cyberattacks are projected to cost the global economy $10.5 trillion annually by 2025 , businesses and individuals alike are facing an unprecedented risk to their privacy and security. With over 80% of data breaches caused by hacking and phishing, it's clear that traditional communication tools are failing to protect sensitive information. In addition to its advanced security measures, UNEY is pioneering the future of communication with Adaptive Encryption and AI safe technologies. Tamas Zumpf UNEY The Visionary Behind UNEY's Mission Tamas Zumpf , Chief Technology Officer at UNEY, is leading the charge in reshaping the future of secure communication. For Tamas, security is not merely a technical necessityit is a profound ethical responsibility. "Security is more than just a feature, it's the foundation of everything we do," he asserts, underscoring his belief that privacy is no longer a luxury but a fundamental right in today's interconnected world. With deep expertise in technology, cybersecurity, and scaling organizations, Tamas is spearheading UNEY 's mission to redefine digital communication. Under his leadership, the company is developing platforms that are safe, seamless, and transparent, empowering individuals and businesses to communicate with confidence and peace of mind. "Our goal is to make secure communication effortless, enabling people to connect freely without the fear of exposure," he adds. Reinventing How We Communicate in a Digital World At UNEY , communication is about more than just sharing informationit's about doing so with confidence. With advanced encryption, robust security protocols, and privacy-first design, UNEY's platforms are a fortress against the growing wave of cyber threats. Moreover, the company is dedicated to ensuring that security remains seamless and unobtrusive, enabling communication to be simple, intuitive, and highly efficient for the user. From his side Ruben Tran, chief operating officer at UNEY stated: "At UNEY, our goal is to not only create secure communication solutions but to ensure they're operationally seamless and scalable. As we grow, we're focused on delivering systems that empower businesses to communicate securely without disruption, allowing them to operate securely in the digital landscape." The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks and the Imperative for Innovation As digital communication becomes the backbone of business, education, government, and personal life, the threats surrounding it have become more sophisticated. Hackers, state-sponsored attacks, and cybercriminals are becoming more adept at breaching traditional security measures, leaving organizations and individuals vulnerable. This is where UNEY's approach stands out. UNEY isn't just responding to the existing security challenges; it's anticipating what's next. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and next-gen encryption into its platforms, UNEY is constantly evolving to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. What sets UNEY apart isn't just its advanced technologyit's the company's relentless commitment to privacy and trust. UNEY understands that in today's world, privacy isn't just about protecting data. It's about giving people the freedom to communicate openly, build relationships, and innovate without fearing their conversations will be exposed or their data stolen. Contact: Ibtissem Mannai 00971567744361 [email protected] SOURCE UNEY MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ResiDex Software, a purpose-built EHR software platform for assisted living and senior care providers, today announced a majority investment from Accel-KKR, a leading technology-focused private equity firm. This strategic investment aims to accelerate ResiDex Software's growth and innovation in the healthcare technology sector. ResiDex Software, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, enables efficient patient health recordkeeping, caregiving, tracking, and other key functions such as billing and CRM, while seeking to ensure regulatory compliance, particularly for assisted living and senior care healthcare providers. The North American assisted living software market, encompassing solutions like Electronic Health Records (EHR), was valued at approximately $17.97 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $33.55 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% from 2024 to 20311. Residex's flagship product, RTasks, offers a fully integrated set of features to create effective workplace systems for assisted living organizations and group homes. RTasks streamlines work, enhances organization, and establishes systems of accountability, regardless whether for a large multi-campus organization or a small four-bed group home. Chris Poelma, incoming CEO of ResiDex, commented, "We are thrilled to join forces with Accel-KKR. Their expertise in scaling technology companies and their commitment to our vision make them the ideal partner for our next phase of growth. According to US census data, the 65+ age population is expected to grow from 56.1 million people in 2020 to 73.1 million by 2030, representing a 30% increase over 10 years. This partnership will enable ResiDex to stay ahead of that growing need, serve our customers and take care of our seniors." Accel-KKR's investment in ResiDex underscores its commitment to investing in innovative technology companies with strong growth potential. This partnership will leverage Accel-KKR's extensive resources and software expertise to drive ResiDex's continued success. Phil Cunningham, Managing Director at Accel-KKR, said, "We are excited to partner with ResiDex, as it has demonstrated success in addressing the unique challenges of healthcare providers that run assisted care, senior care and group home facilities. We look forward to providing support to accelerate ResiDex's growth and expand their market presence." ResiDex founder Dave Berg remarked, "This investment is a testament to ResiDex's success in providing exceptional service to our customers over many years and I couldn't be prouder of our team's accomplishments. With a backer like Accel-KKR and under Chris's leadership, ResiDex will continue to thrive and innovate. I wish Chris and the entire ResiDex team the best of luck as they embark on this exciting new chapter." About ResiDex Software ResiDex Software is a leading provider of electronic health record (EHR) solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline operations, enhance patient care, and optimize financial performance. Based in Minneapolis, MN, ResiDex Software serves healthcare providers globally, delivering innovative solutions that drive efficiency and growth. About Accel-KKR Accel-KKR is a technology-focused investment firm with $21 billion in cumulative capital commitments. The firm focuses on software and tech-enabled businesses, well-positioned for top-line and bottom-line growth. At the core of Accel-KKR's investment strategy is a commitment to developing strong partnerships with the management teams of its partner companies and a focus on building value alongside management by leveraging the significant resources available through the Accel-KKR network. Accel-KKR focuses on middle-market companies and provides a broad range of capital solutions, including buyout capital, minority-growth investments, and credit alternatives. Accel-KKR also invests across various transaction types, including private company recapitalizations, divisional carve-outs and going-private transactions. Accel-KKR's headquarters is in Menlo Park, with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, London, and Mexico City. MEDIA CONTACT: For Accel-KKR: TODD FOGARTY Kekst Partners [email protected] For ResiDex: Riithink Digital Marketing [email protected] SOURCE ResiDex Software EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to legal disputes, the United States, with our rights to jury trials, and legal culture, is typically considered to have the highest number of lawsuits in the world, with millions of lawsuits filed annually. However, within the country, the frequency of litigation varies from state to state. Recent studies shed light on which states are the most litigious and what this means for residents, businesses, and legal professionals. The Top Litigious States According to data compiled by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), some states stand out for their high litigation rates. The top five most litigious states based on the number of civil cases filed per capita are: California Often dubbed the lawsuit capital of the U.S., California sees over 1.2 million civil cases annually. This state's robust economy and diverse population contribute to its high litigation rate. Florida With its thriving tourism industry and high population density, Florida is another hotbed of legal disputes. In 2023, the state recorded approximately 915,000 civil cases. New York Home to the financial capital of the world, New York's legal landscape is shaped by corporate litigation, real estate disputes, and personal injury cases. It averages about 860,000 civil filings annually. Texas Known for its business-friendly environment, Texas also has a high volume of commercial and personal injury lawsuits, with more than 780,000 cases filed each year. Illinois Ranking fifth, Illinois sees significant litigation in areas such as medical malpractice and employment law, with around 650,000 cases annually. What Drives Litigation? Several factors contribute to a state's litigation rates. Population size and density are primary drivers, as more people mean more potential for disputes. Economic activity is another major factor. States with large economies, such as California and New York, tend to have more business-related lawsuits. Another key element is state-specific laws. For example, California's consumer-friendly laws and Florida's high rate of personal injury claims make these states more prone to lawsuits. Additionally, states with robust legal industries and a high number of attorneys per capita often experience more litigation. The Economic Impact of Litigation While litigation can serve as a mechanism for justice, it also has significant economic implications. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform, the cost of the U.S. tort system was $443 billion in 2022, equating to 2.3% of the nation's GDP. High litigation rates can deter businesses from operating in certain states, affect insurance premiums, and impact the overall cost of goods and services. The Role of Legal Funding For individuals and businesses involved in lawsuits, the processes can be both time-consuming and financially draining. This is where legal funding companies like Rockpoint Legal Funding step in. Rockpoint Legal Funding provides cash funding on a non-recourse basis to plaintiffs involved in personal injury and other civil cases, offering financial relief while their cases are pending. "Lawsuits can be long and arduous," said Maz Ghorban, President of Rockpoint Legal Funding. "Our mission is to ease the financial burden for plaintiffs so they can focus on achieving a fair resolution without compromising their financial stability." Rockpoint's services are particularly relevant in highly litigious states where prolonged court battles are common. By dispensing funds that only need to be repaid if compensation is recovered in the case, Rockpoint empowers plaintiffs to pursue justice without the added stress of mounting bills. Looking Ahead Understanding the factors driving legal disputes in different states is crucial for policymakers, businesses, legal professionals, and individuals. With legal funding options like those offered by Rockpoint Legal Funding, plaintiffs have options for more resources to navigate the complicated judicial system. For more information about Rockpoint Legal Funding, visit rockpointlegalfunding.com or contact Jonathan Urritia, Rockpoint's Marketing Manager. Media Contact: Jonathan Urritia Marketing Manager Rockpoint Legal Funding (424) 377-7238 [email protected] SOURCE Rockpoint Legal Funding SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Santa Cruz County Bank (OTCQX: SCZC), a top-rated community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz County, is pleased to announce that Emily Ruvalcaba has joined as Senior Vice President and Regional President for the Silicon Valley region. Ms. Ruvalcaba's primary focus will be expanding the Bank's presence throughout the Bay Area and providing personalized financial solutions to businesses of all sizes. She maintains her office at the Bank's 19240 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Cupertino, Ca. location. Emily Ruvalcaba, Santa Cruz County Bank With over 30 years of experience dedicated to serving the needs of small and middle-market businesses, Ms. Ruvalcaba brings a wealth of expertise in business and commercial banking to her new role. She brings expertise in building and maintaining relationships with a diverse network of clients, prospects and centers of influence and leading high-performing teams. Ms. Ruvalcaba is deeply committed to community engagement and actively contributes to numerous organizations in San Jose. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Sacred Heart Nativity Schools, where she chairs the Advancement Committee. She is a board member of the San Jose Downtown Association and chairs its Executive Committee. Emily is also an active member of the Rotary Club of San Jose. Ms. Ruvalcaba has previously served on the boards of the American Red Cross Santa Clara Chapter, Lincoln Foundation and Silicon Valley Cares, and is a former Executive Committee member of the San Jose Chamber of Commerce board. "We are thrilled to welcome Emily to the team," said Jon Sisk, Santa Cruz County Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer. "Her notable history and experience in commercial banking in Silicon Valley make her a valuable and welcome addition to our team as we grow our presence in the Bay Area. Her relationship-based business approach and deep commitment to serving the community are in direct alignment with the Bank's mission to support the economic vitality and well-being of the regions we serve." Commenting on her new appointment, Ms. Ruvalcaba said, "I am thrilled to join a bank with such an outstanding reputation for performance, personalized service and community engagement. I understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs and business owners in the region, and I am committed to helping them achieve their financial goals. I am particularly drawn to Santa Cruz County Bank's commitment to its customers and the community, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to contribute to the continued growth and success of the organization." Ms. Ruvalcaba comes to Santa Cruz County Bank from Bridge Bank, a division of Western Alliance Bank, where she served for over 22 years in various capacities including Executive Vice President and Division Manager for Corporate Banking, Senior Vice President for Commercial Banking and Regional Director in Commercial Banking. Ms. Ruvalcaba has been recognized with the YWCA Tribute to Women of Industry Award and Boy Scouts Character Award and was selected as a 2017 Woman of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal. Ms. Ruvalcaba holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Saint Mary's College and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School. ABOUT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BANK AND WEST COAST COMMUNITY BANCORP Founded in 2004, Santa Cruz County Bank is the wholly owned subsidiary of West Coast Community Bancorp, a bank holding company. The Bank is a top-rated, locally operated and full-service community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz, Ca. with branches located in Aptos, Capitola, Cupertino, King City, Monterey, Salinas, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. Santa Cruz County Bank is distinguished from "big banks" by its relationship-based service, problem-solving focus and direct access to decision makers. The Bank is a leading SBA lender in Santa Cruz County and Silicon Valley. As a full-service bank, Santa Cruz County Bank offers competitive deposit and lending solutions for businesses and individuals; including business loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction lending, asset-based lending, agricultural loans, SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans, credit cards, merchant services, remote deposit capture, mobile and online banking, bill payment and treasury management. True to its community roots, Santa Cruz County Bank has supported regional well-being by actively participating in and donating to local nonprofit organizations. Visit sccountybank.com for more information. Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties may include but are not necessarily limited to the successful integration with 1st Capital Bancorp post-merger, achieving the targeted cost savings and synergies within expected time-frames or at all, retaining employees and customers, fluctuations in interest rates (including but not limited to changes in depositor behavior in relation thereto), inflation, government regulations and general economic conditions, and competition within the business areas in which the Bank is conducting its operations, health of the real estate market in California, Bancorp's ability to effectively execute its business plans, and other factors beyond Bancorp and the Bank's control. Such risks and uncertainties could cause results for subsequent interim periods or for the entire year to differ materially from those indicated. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. Bancorp undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. SOURCE Santa Cruz County Bank CARSON CITY, Nev., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- School choice is on the rise across the country, and Nevadans are bringing the momentum to their state capitol at a rally timed to coincide with School Choice Week. Students, families, educators, and state leaders will come together to shine a spotlight on what school choice means to them and their vision for the future of education in the Silver State, as the Nevada legislature commences. The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30 at the Nevada State Capitol in Carson City. The event will emphasize the significance and impact of school choice. It will include students from a variety of schoolscharter, private, and career and technicalalong with educators and guest speakers. Notable state leaders, including Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony and Sen. Carrie Buck, will also be in attendance. Organized by the Nevada School Choice Coalition, a project of American Federation for Children Growth Fund, the celebration will bring together students from various schools across Northern Nevada. "School choice isn't just an opportunity it's a pathway to a brighter, more personalized education for every child in Nevada," said Valeria Gurr, senior fellow with the American Federation for Children and event organizer. "This celebration creates a space for students and educators to share their stories and help shape education policy in our state. This year, there is so much enthusiasm at the state and national level for more school choice." The event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Week, which will include more than 27,000 activities and events nationwide aimed at celebrating and raising awareness of educational opportunities for families. The American Federation for Children Growth Fund seeks to empower families, especially lower-income families, with the freedom to choose the best K-12 education for their children. Location Details: The Nevada State Capitol is located at 101 N Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701. The event will take place in the Amphitheater. For more information, visit ccschoolchoicerally.com or the Spanish site at schoolchoiceweek.com/events/2025-carson-city-celebracion-en-el-capitolio. The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) raises broad and positive awareness of school choice through two charitable programs: organizing National School Choice Week each January and the research, development, and promotion of comprehensive and unbiased school navigation resources for parents via School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. NSCAF does not advocate for or oppose legislation at any level of government and is steadfastly nonpartisan and nonpolitical. SOURCE National School Choice Week GENEVA, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Economic Forum (WEF) released its white paper "Unleashing the Full Potential of Industrial Clusters: Infrastructure Solutions for Clean Energies" at Davos 2025, highlighting how stakeholders have successfully leveraged industrial clusters to address the infrastructure challenge and to achieve outcomes that would be unattainable in isolation. Among them, the Ordos-Envision Net-Zero Industrial Park, was recognized for the third consecutive year. As the world's first net-zero industrial park, it stands a symbol of Envision Energy's leadership in unlocking the potential of industrial clusters globally, setting a new benchmark for the innovative innovative net-zero industrial park model. Ordos-Envision Net-Zero Industrial Park Featured by WEF for Three Consecutive Years Ordos-Envision Net-Zero Industrial Park Featured by WEF for Three Consecutive Years Lei Zhang at the "Squaring the Climate Trade" panel at Davos 2025 The white paper, developed by WEF's Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative in collaboration with Accenture and EPRI, examines the state of clean energy infrastructure and identifies solutions to accelerate its deployment. It highlights the need for collaboration, both within and across clusters to drive progress. The paper explores 18 leading examples from 8 countries, showcasing innovative technological and cooperative approaches that break through infrastructure bottlenecks in clean energy transition through the industrial cluster model. The report recognizes Envision Energy for its role in driving the new industrial revolution by connecting renewable energy solutions with emerging industries, and building the infrastructure for a sustainable future. The industrial park features a comprehensive clean energy solution, powered by the latest wind, solar and hydrogen power technologies. Powered by IoT, its independent renewable energy system dynamically manages power demand, offering industrial-scale off-grid solutions and unlocking the full potential of renewable energy without the constraints of grid connectivity. This pioneering initiative has solidified Envision Energy's position as a leader in global net-zero transition. The company is expanding this model to regions including Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Through its innovative net-zero industrial park model, Envision has developed the world's first and largest commercial-scale green hydrogen and ammonia project, with a total capacity of 1.5 million tons, marking a significant step toward the global industrialization of green hydrogen as the "new oil." Additionally, Envision Energy is partnering with the Spanish government to establish Europe's first integrated green hydrogen net-zero industrial park, supporting Spain and Europe's development of a green industrial ecosystem to drive the transition to clean energy. "Climate transition is redefining global trades and supply chains, paving the way for a new prosperity. " said Lei Zhang, Founder and Chairman of Envision, at the "Squaring the Climate Trade" panel at Davos 2025, "What's behind is the new industrial ecosystem. The net-zero industrial park model enables more developing countries leverage their abundant renewable energy resources to establish industrial clusters, build industrial ecosystems, and achieve industrial upgrades and green development. As a driving force in the green industrial revolution, we are committed to helping these countries create this industrial ecosystem through net-zero industrial parks. " Envision Energy's groundbreaking work in the innovative net-zero industrial park model has garnered global acclaim for its transformative potential in reshaping the planet. In 2024, Envision was celebrated for its significant contributions to the Ordos-Envison Net-Zero Industrial Park and the Chifeng Project, earning spots on TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list as a "Green Giant" and Fortune's Change the World list as an "Energy Innovator". SOURCE Envision Energy - It is searchable on displayport.org (search for Cables Silkland S1334). NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Silkland, a tech brand specializing in cables and accessories, has announced the launch of its new 80Gbps DisplayPort 2.1 cable( Model Number: S1334 ). As the first 6.6 feet VESA-certified cable available on Amazon, the cable is designed to enhance both visual and audio experiences, catering specifically to the needs of high-end gamers and professionals. The 6.6 feet VESA Certified 80Gbps DisplayPort 2.1 Cable offers an impressive 80Gbps bandwidth, supporting ultra-high resolutions and refresh rate like 16K@60Hz, 8K@240Hz, 4K@960Hz with DSC, and uncompressed 8K@60Hz, 4K@240Hz, 2K@540Hz. Compatible with UHBR 20, dynamic HDR10+, 3D, and HDCP 2.3, this cable ensures exceptional visual quality. Additionally, it offers backward compatibility with DP 1.4 and DP 1.2. Designed for gaming enthusiasts, this cable incorporates multiple advanced technologies to ensure stable data transfer and smooth visuals without lag, tearing, or flickering. The MST technology enables multi-monitor setups, supporting dual 4K@240Hz and triple 4K@144Hz, expanding the gaming environment. Dynamic HDR improves dark scenes, while 32-bit audio and lossless surround sound deliver an immersive experience. Moreover, the cable offers wide compatibility with devices featuring DP ports, including popular DP 2.1 gaming monitors such as Odyssey G8/G9, ROG Swift and Acer, as well as the latest graphics cards like RTX 5090D, 5080, 5070 Ti, 5070 and AMD 7900 XTX. The 10 feet Silkland 54Gbps DisplayPort 2.1 Cable has also been added to the list of VESA-certified products recently( Model Number: S1318 ). This is the longest Certified dp 2.1 cable on Amazon. With the introduction of its new certified cables, Silkland is dedicated to creating top-quality cables and providing outstanding customer service. The brand offers a 24-month warranty and quick technical support to resolve any issues. About Silkland Founded in 2019, Silkland integrates design, R&D, and sales, specializing in high-end cable development. With a focus on cutting-edge technology products, it leads the high-end cable market across the US, Europe, Japan. As a member of VESA and USB-IF, Silkland has demonstrated its commitment to quality and innovation by developing certified 80Gbps DP 2.1 Cable, 80Gbps USB 4 Cable, and Thunderbolt 5 Cable. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@silkland_official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsiWyZZJFoDLRGvfs0ETNqw Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2603678/D41P.mp4 A California man was sentenced to life in prison for fatally shooting his girlfriend and seriously wounding her sister in Corvallis last year. In her own home, Vonetta Johnson, 34, died from a gunshot wound to the head, according to authorities. Her sister, a 24-year-old Eugene resident, was shot in the head and shoulder. It was the first murder in the city since the 2017 killing at Corvallis Nail Spa at the Timberhill Shopping Center, also a case of domestic violence. Jerry Bruce Mitchell, 54, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, unlawful weapon use, felon in possession of a firearm and first-degree animal abuse. Judge Matthew Donohue handed down a life sentence to Mitchell on Thursday, Jan. 23. Mitchell must serve at least 30 years in prison before he is released. The murder Prosecutor Matthew Ipson said Johnsons death will forever be felt by her family, friends and the community. It was hardly Mitchell's first brush with the law. Ipson said Mitchell was convicted of first-degree manslaughter in Multnomah County in 1987 and sentenced to prison, and in 1995 he was convicted of first-degree burglary in California. The details of those cases were not immediately available through court records. On March 9, Mitchell shot Johnson squarely in the middle of her forehead with a 9 mm Smith & Wesson pistol, Ipson said. There was an argument that ensued that quickly turned violent and then quickly turned deadly, he said. When they were arguing at first, he had gone upstairs into the duplex and came back down. Presumably, he had gone up to retrieve the firearm. As the argument continued, Mitchell pulled out the handgun and shot Johnson. Mitchell fired another shot that went between Johnson and her sister, then another shot that hit Johnsons sister in the head and shoulder, leaving her with serious and protracted injuries, Ipson said. He added she is making a full recovery from the physical wounds. This whole family is going to experience the aftermath of this going forward, he said. Her two children were there in the home. The children were not in the room when the shooting happened, but they were exposed to the horrific crime scene. Following the gunshots, they come down to find their mother lying in a pool of her own blood, and their aunt immobilized next to her, screaming for them to call 911, Ipson said. A charge of first-degree animal abuse was added to the case as the investigation developed. Ipson said the charge pertained to Johnsons sisters dog, Pickles, who was grazed in the neck with a bullet during the shooting. Pickles reportedly survived and was treated for the wound. The victim Johnson was described as a fiercely devoted mother who sheltered her children, one of whom is autistic, from the traumas of the world she had personally endured. She filtered who had access to them, tried to encourage their dreams, tried to let them travel and see the world. "Vonetta was a really good mom, said her aunt Juanita, whose last name was withheld in a previous interview due to safety concerns. "She worked two jobs to take care of those kids," But she was also a wonderful cook and was on a high school dance team. She laughed a lot. And was a talented hairdresser. Shocked. Horrified. Confused. Hurt. Saddened. These are some of the emotions Juanita said she felt when she first learned Johnson had been fatally shot. Trinity Williams, who considered Johnson her best friend, said the two met in 2020, and their friendship blossomed the following year. Johnson introduced Williams to her brother, to whom she got engaged, she said. He was the one who told her about Johnson's murder after coming across a news release. "I think we're all devastated. It's been rough; we're all questioning why this had to happen," Williams said in a previous interview. "Vonetta was very courageous and brave. She definitely was a friend that was going to stand 10 toes behind you, that sort of thing. Though a news release called Mitchell Johnson's boyfriend, both Williams and Juanita say they were not romantically involved. Johnsons sister, Ciara Page whom Juanita described as a second mom to Johnson's kids told police officers he was Johnson's boyfriend as she was being rushed to the hospital. Williams said she was introduced to Mitchell as Johnson's stepdad. "She'd had incidents with her kids' dad, and (Mitchell) came, and he was helping her with the kids; that's as far as I knew the relationship was," Williams said. "Vonetta was very much manipulated. She was experiencing her own hell, but she couldnt talk about it," Juanita said. "She was stuck, she was in a place where she couldnt get out." A crowd-sourcing fundraiser was set up to support Page and her sister in caring for Johnsons children. To date, nearly $11,000 has been raised. The chase After the shooting, Mitchell fled the area in a vehicle owned by Johnson after the shooting. Within hours, California Highway Patrol officers caught up to him on the other side of the state border and arrested him. Locating the vehicle around Yreka, California, law enforcement tried stopping Mitchell, but he refused, the affidavit states. Spike strips were used to slow Mitchell and ultimately end the pursuit, which lasted some 45 minutes and exceeded 100 mph at times. A black 9 mm Smith & Wesson M&P pistol presumed to be the murder weapon was found in the vehicle Mitchell used to flee, according to the affidavit, matching the caliber of ammunition casings recovered from the shooting scene. Related stories: BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SLOVAKIA TRAVEL, the National Organisation for the Promotion of Tourism, is systematically and purposefully preparing a worthy presentation of Slovakia at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan (13 April 13 October 2025). The aim is to present our country in a professional and attractive way, to support Slovak tourism on distant markets, and to work on the development of the business and investment environment through this prestigious international event. The EXPO is a huge platform for the support of science, technology, innovation, culture, trade, entrepreneurship and tourism, and Slovakia is planning to be a full-fledged exhibitor without reputational risk. Experts at SLOVAKIA TRAVEL are working hard on preparing an engaging presentation of the Slovak Republic at this prestigious international event. "We base our exhibition on nine thematic areas. These are: 1. wine, 2. cultural heritage, 3. clean industry, 4. health and innovation, 5. sport, 6. regional tastes, 7. water, 8. learning through play, 9. art. Each area will be developed in detail, so that all the visitors to the Slovak pavilion will find something to their liking every time they visit and will take away positive experiences associated with Slovakia, which they will then further spread," said Ivana Vala Magatova, General Director of SLOVAKIA TRAVEL as well as Commissioner General of the Slovak exhibition for EXPO 2025 in Osaka. Experts from SLOVAKIA TRAVEL listened carefully to Japanese visitors about what they liked about Slovakia. The selected topics were thus defined and inspired by the Japanese themselves. "Castles, chateaux, UNESCO monuments, quality wine or honey are the things the Japanese identify with Slovakia. We also perceive a forum of this international format as an excellent opportunity to exchange information between exhibitors," emphasised Ivana Vala Magatova. The National Day for our country in the presentation areas is planned for 10 September. "Through its participation in the Expo in Osaka, Slovakia wants to attract more Japanese tourists, investors, and business partners to our country," said Ivana Vala Magatova, explaining the goal of the event and Slovakia's participation in it. SLOVAKIA TRAVEL is the national organisation for the promotion of tourism in Slovakia. Its main task is the development of tourism on domestic and foreign markets. CLEVELAND, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Standard Wellness Holdings, LLC ("Standard Wellness"), a multi-state, vertically integrated cannabis operator focused on improving quality of life through safe and easy access to cannabis, announces partnership with Miss Grass, a female-founded, community-driven brand, to distribute its line of premium THC products to Missouri. "We couldn't be more excited to partner with Miss Grass in Missouri," said Jared Maloof, CEO of Standard Wellness. "Miss Grass' branding and product assortment is going to be a consumer favorite in the Missouri market. With the care behind the crafting of its products and the integrity of their vision, they are a shining example of what a contemporary cannabis brand can be. We're excited to get to work alongside the Miss Grass team to bring its premium products to consumers in the thriving and expansive Missouri market." Under the terms of the Licensing Agreement, Standard Wellness will exclusively partner with Miss Grass to manufacture, distribute, market, and sell Miss Grass products in the state of Missouri. The first product to be introduced to the Missouri market is Miss Grass Minis, a multi pre-roll pack. This product consists of five mini joints (2g total) in a pocket-sized box. "We are grateful for the partnership with Standard Wellness, and the opportunity to expand our reach, furthering our nationwide community with access to Miss Grass products," said Kate Miller, co-founder and CEO of Miss Grass. "Our team is thrilled to be part of the cannabis communities in Missouri and continue our mission of making cannabis accessible by empowering consumers with education and high-quality products." Sustainably grown and terpene-rich, Miss Grass works closely with respected breeders and cultivators to choose strains that contain the same terpene and cannabinoid profiles batch-to-batch and state-to-state. Miss Grass is currently available in California, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Arizona. About Standard Wellness: Founded in 2017 in Ohio, Standard Wellness is a vertically integrated cannabis company operating across Ohio, Missouri, and Utah, with cultivation, processing, and dispensary licenses in Maryland. The Company operates five retail locations under The Forest brand and has been a pioneer in the industry, including making the first-ever legal marijuana sale in Ohio through its dispensary The Forest Sandusky and the first ever delivery to a Utah pharmacy in February 2020. With approximately 350 employees, Standard Wellness is dedicated to improving quality of life by providing safe and legal access to cannabis for medical and adult use. About Miss Grass: Miss Grass is on a mission to help the world get good at weed. With signature THC and CBD products and a carefully curated online smoke shop and marketplace, the female-founded, community-driven cannabis brand offers everything the discerning, modern cannabis user needs. In addition to introducing consumers to the latest and greatest in the weed world, Miss Grass also offers a wealth of resources that educate on the history, science, and culture of cannabisall in the spirit of conscious consumption. Miss Grass is working to eradicate the stigma around cannabis and make it more accessible to everybody, everywhere. Learn more at www.missgrass.com. Contact: Standard Wellness Vice President of Revenue: Michael Wells Vice President, Revenue [email protected] SOURCE Standard Wellness Holdings, LLC Recognizing nine student entrepreneurs for their innovative solutions COLUMBIA, Md., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announced nine awardees for the inaugural Maryland Student Venture Showcase and Pava LaPere Innovation Awards. The awards, funded by the State of Maryland through the Pava LaPere Legacy of Innovation Act of 2024, recognize and support outstanding student entrepreneurs from colleges and universities in the Baltimore-Towson-Columbia metropolitan statistical area. Recognizing nine Maryland student entrepreneurs for their innovative solutions Post this Young business people are discussing together a new startup project. A glowing light bulb as a new idea. "The Maryland Student Venture Showcase and Pava LaPere Innovation Awards are a testament to the incredible talent and innovation coming out of Maryland's colleges and universities," said Troy LeMaile-Stovall, TEDCO CEO. "We are excited to support these outstanding student entrepreneurs as they work to grow successful businesses." The awardees include: From Towson University , DegreeMap is an intuitive platform that streamlines the process for students and advisors to collaboratively plan, track, and manage degree completion plans. , is an intuitive platform that streamlines the process for students and advisors to collaboratively plan, track, and manage degree completion plans. From University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Elastic Energy develops innovative energy storage solutions derived from tree sap, providing a cost-effective, sustainable, and durable way to accelerate the global transition to renewable energy. (UMBC), develops innovative energy storage solutions derived from tree sap, providing a cost-effective, sustainable, and durable way to accelerate the global transition to renewable energy. From Johns Hopkins University , Fetal Therapy Technologies is the first platform microsurgical device company developing surgical instruments and training models optimized for the uterine environment to improve the safety of life-saving fetal surgical procedures. , is the first platform microsurgical device company developing surgical instruments and training models optimized for the uterine environment to improve the safety of life-saving fetal surgical procedures. From Loyola University , Luminova Beauty LLC is redefining skincare with affordable science-backed products that empower you to feel confident in your own skin. , is redefining skincare with affordable science-backed products that empower you to feel confident in your own skin. From Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), RhizeUp is engineering rhizobia to mitigate fertilizer runoff and protect our waterways. (CCBC), is engineering rhizobia to mitigate fertilizer runoff and protect our waterways. From Towson University , SneakerSyncLabs.com enables anyone to start a plug-and-play resell business by offering streamlined sourcing automations. , enables anyone to start a plug-and-play resell business by offering streamlined sourcing automations. From Johns Hopkins University , Somnair is developing the first entirely non-invasive, clinically effect neurostimulation device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, a disease affecting 54 million Americans and 1 billion people worldwide. , is developing the first entirely non-invasive, clinically effect neurostimulation device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, a disease affecting 54 million Americans and 1 billion people worldwide. From University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), Sustainabli is building easy-to-retrofit IoT systems to promote energy efficiency and safety in healthcare and laboratory settings. (UMBC), is building easy-to-retrofit IoT systems to promote energy efficiency and safety in healthcare and laboratory settings. From Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), WholeSite is Drio's AI-assisted platform that simplifies website creation for growing businesses by combining guided content planning, dynamic design integration, and the power of WordPress to deliver professional, purpose-driven websites that reflect their values and attract their ideal audience. Each awardee will receive a $50,000 non-dilutive award from the State of Maryland through TEDCO, as well as mentorship, training and other resources from the Maryland Student Venture Core Advisory Board, representatives from a network of entrepreneur support organizations in the local tech ecosystem, to help them scale their businesses. The Maryland Student Venture Showcase and Pava LaPere Innovation Awards exemplify TEDCO's goal to uplift Maryland's entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. Through curated funding, resources and programs available to early-stage technology companies, TEDCO creates opportunities for technology-based startup growth and success. UpSurge Baltimore was designated as the non-university affiliated ecosystem builder to administer the selection process. In the fall/winter of 2024, UpSurge convened a steering committee composed of 19 out of 20 of the eligible participating institutions - representatives who support student entrepreneurship on their respective campuses. Together, the group established and facilitated the inaugural selection process that led to 13 participating institutions nominating 39 incredible student ventures and engaging 20 external industry experts as evaluators. "What's been most inspiring about this process is seeing our academic and innovation partners unite to identify and elevate these talented and promising ventures," said Core Advisory Board member Markus Proctor, executive director of Innovators of Progress. "The showcase will be a pivotal moment for collectively embracing these founders and helping them further integrate into Maryland's thriving tech ecosystem. We know from experience that early-stage support, meaningful connections, and wrap-around support are just as crucial as funding, and we're committed to ensuring they have everything they need to succeed." Each of the nine awardees will have the opportunity to present their companies at the Maryland Student Venture Showcase scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 5:00-9:00 PM at 4MLK. A selection of the remaining 30 nominated student ventures will be exhibited during the event. Innovators of Progress will sponsor three $500 community awards for exhibiting students and attendees will be invited to help select the winners during the event. The showcase is open to the public, and guests should register here to attend. For more information about the Maryland Student Venture Showcase and Pava LaPere Innovation Awards, please visit www.upsurgebaltimore.com/md-student-venture. About TEDCO TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com. Media Contact Tammi Thomas, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, TEDCO, [email protected] Rachael Kalinyak, Associate Director, Marketing & Communications, TEDCO, [email protected] SOURCE TEDCO DALLAS, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Security Bank, a $1.2 billion community bank dedicated to serving entrepreneurs and small business owners, today announced its partnership with ATTUNE, a leading provider of digital origination solutions, to enhance its business deposit and mortgage origination processes. This partnership will enable Texas Security Bank to streamline operations, improve the customer experience, and drive growth across its banking channels. "ATTUNE is helping us reimagine the way we deliver financial services to our business and mortgage clients," said Shon Cass, Executive Vice President, Founder & Chief Experience Officer at Texas Security Bank. "This partnership ensures that we can meet our customers' needs quickly and efficiently while maintaining the high level of service they've come to expect from Texas Security Bank." Through ATTUNE's All-In-One Digital Origination platform, Texas Security Bank will provide seamless and efficient onboarding for business customers as well as end-to-end mortgage origination, empowering them to open accounts and secure loans with ease. The partnership will enhance Texas Security Bank's ability to serve its clients across all channels, from online and mobile platforms to in-branch experiences. With ATTUNE's business deposit origination, businesses of all sizes will be able to open deposit accounts in minutes, ensuring a faster and more secure process. Automated workflows and real-time decisioning within the platform allow Texas Security Bank to focus on building relationships and supporting the needs of its business clients. Additionally, ATTUNE's mortgage origination solution simplifies the loan application process, enabling faster approvals and providing borrowers with a seamless end-to-end experience. By integrating ATTUNE with its core banking system, Texas Security Bank will automate over 90% of key processes, including compliance checks, product service ordering, funding, and core system updates. This reduces manual tasks, enhances operational efficiency while ensuring a smooth onboarding experience for customers. "Texas Security Bank has long been a champion for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Texas," said AK Patel, CEO of ATTUNE. "We are proud to partner with them to deliver cutting-edge digital origination solutions that support their mission and enable them to grow deposits, streamline lending processes, and provide exceptional service to their customers." For more information on Texas Security Bank, visit: https://www.texassecuritybank.com/ . For more information on ATTUNE or to schedule a demo, visit: https://getattune.com/ . About ATTUNE ATTUNE is a financial technology firm offering an all-in-one digital origination platform that empowers banks and credit unions to streamline onboarding, lending, and real-time cross-selling. ATTUNE enables financial institutions to grow deposits and loans by simplifying the digital experience and originating multiple financial products in one workflow. With cutting-edge integrations and automated decisioning, ATTUNE drives operational efficiency and enhances the customer experience. Founded in 2020, ATTUNE is headquartered in New York. For more information, visit https://getattune.com/ or follow ATTUNE on LinkedIn. About Texas Security Bank Texas Security Bank is a $1.2 billion commercial bank headquartered in Dallas, Texas specializing in serving owner-managed businesses. Founded in 2008 Texas Security Banks mission of Elevating the Champions of Free Enterprise has grown into an award-winning organization with a strong focus on exemplary customer service, committed to educating and serving businesses. For more information on how Texas Security Bank can become your champions please visit: https://www.texassecuritybank.com . Media Relations Team: [email protected] SOURCE ATTUNE Jamie Julien and Eric Lau were recognized for their academic excellence and commitment to community service. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dominguez Firm, a leading personal injury law firm committed to fostering higher education, proudly announces the recipients of its Spring 2025 Scholarships. Jamie Julien, a Licensed Practical Nurse pursuing her Registered Nurse degree, is this semester's Collegiate Scholar. Eric Lau, currently at the University of Nevada Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law, is the Legal Scholarship recipient. Jamie and Eric were chosen for their outstanding academic achievements and dedication to their communities. 2025 Spring Scholarship Winners Jamie Julien, a single mother of two, including one son who is disabled, has been working as an LPN at Fort Irwin, California, for over eight years. Pursuing a registered nursing degree demonstrates her commitment to advancing her career and providing for her family and community. Now in her second semester at Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences, she manages the essential Immunizations and Allergy Immunotherapy Department at a military facility serving over 11,000 active-duty personnel, dependents, civilians, and retirees. Jamie's long-term goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner, with a special focus on pediatric care. "I cried and was shaking! Thank you for selecting me! I am working an extra part-time job to help pay tuition. This will allow me to do something extra for my children and apply to my clinical travel expenses as well." Eric Lau's journey from South Sacramento to law school is a testament to his resilience and commitment to equity. Drawing from his experiences growing up in an underprivileged community, Lau aims to bridge the access to justice gap for underserved populations. His interdisciplinary approach combines legal expertise with a psychology background and a specific focus on serving communities often overlooked by traditional legal services. Throughout his legal education, Eric has been actively involved in various community service initiatives. These include teaching Street Law classes to high school students, assisting small businesses with legal filings, and working on environmental policy development. Upon graduation, he plans to return to South Sacramento to establish a multiservice law firm that addresses the comprehensive needs of his community. "I am honored and grateful beyond words to be this spring's recipient. This will go a long way towards alleviating the financial burden of my legal journey. More importantly, I see it as aid that I reinvest back into the community through legal service that helps bridge the access to justice gap for underrepresented communities and clients." The Dominguez Firm's scholarship program reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting students with exceptional academic prowess and a strong dedication to improving the lives of others. The Dominguez Firm is a powerhouse personal injury law firm that has been helping clients for over 30 years. For a free consultation, call (800) 818-1818. Available 24/7. Media Contact: Rosalia Tredwell 3250 Wilshire Blvd., Suite #2200 Los Angeles, CA 90010 (213)388-7788 [email protected] SOURCE The Dominguez Firm, LLP -- Will Maximize Lumber Output by U.S. Workers in U.S. Mills to Build U.S. Homes WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "President Trump is right, the United States does not need unfairly traded Canadian lumber imports," said Andrew Miller, Chairman of the U.S. Lumber Coalition and CEO of Stimson Lumber. "U.S. sawmill investment and capacity expansion to supply our own market has been robust in no small part thanks to the duties first imposed in 2017 by President Trump against Canadian lumber. The domestic industry has retaken share of the U.S. market to reach levels not seen since the mid-1970s," added Miller. U.S. mills have added eight billion board feet of capacity since 2016 in the form of new mills and expansions of existing mills. The U.S. industry has produced 30 billion additional board feet of softwood lumber during this period. That amounts to an average of 3.7 billion board feet a year of added production by U.S. mills. These increases have more than offset any decline in unfairly traded Canadian imports and are enough lumber to build two million single-family homes. "The trade cases must remain in place as long as Canada keeps subsidizing and dumping," continued Miller. "The enforcement of the U.S. trade laws is paramount to maximize long-term lumber output by U.S. workers to build U.S. homes. We reject any efforts to promote a Canada First trade agenda prioritizing unfairly traded lumber imports over the interests of our domestic industry and workforce," concluded Miller. "The trade measures are working," said U.S. Lumber Coalition Executive Director Zoltan van Heyningen. "The duties on unfairly traded lumber imports have strengthened domestic supply lines by forcing Canadian companies to curtail production during declining markets, dampening the harmful effects of their all-too familiar pattern of maintaining exports at the direct expense of U.S. mills and workers." "Full enforcement of the U.S. trade laws is exactly what must happen to keep expanding U.S. lumber manufacturing and availability to build more American homes," concluded van Heyningen. About the U.S. Lumber Coalition The U.S. Lumber Coalition is an alliance of large and small softwood lumber producers from around the country, joined by their employees and woodland owners, working to address Canada's unfair lumber trade practices. Our goal is to serve as the voice of the American lumber community and effectively address Canada's unfair softwood lumber trade practices. For more information, please visit the Coalition's website at www.uslumbercoalition.org. CONTACT: Zoltan van Heyningen [email protected] | 202-805-9133 SOURCE The U.S. Lumber Coalition CHICAGO, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UScellular is ranked #1 in the North Central Region according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance StudySMVolume 1. The North Central Region includes UScellular's 5G network in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin and is the only region the company is eligible to receive this J.D. Power award. UScellular J.D. Power January 2025 "We continue to invest in our network to bring the best experience to our customers who depend on their wireless devices to stay connected," says Mike Irizarry, executive vice president and chief technology officer at UScellular. "This award recognizes the high quality of our 5G network in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin, and is a testament to the hard work of many people across the organization who work to build and maintain our network." The 2025 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance StudyVolume 1 is based on responses from 27,528 wireless customers. Carrier performance is examined in six regions: Mid-Atlantic, North Central, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and West. In addition to evaluating the network quality experienced by customers with wireless phones, the study also measures the network performance of tablets and mobile broadband devices. The study was fielded from July through December 2024. For more information about the U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/resource/jd-power-wireless-network-quality-performance-study. About UScellular UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers' lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has donated more than $30 million in hotspots and service to help youth connect to reliable internet. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com. For more information, contact: [email protected] SOURCE UScellular LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During the past weeks, we have experienced uncertainty, loss, and an upheaval of our normal lives. Nearly every person in Los Angeles, if not directly affected themselves, knows someone who has experienced difficulties. On Sunday, February 2nd, at 4 PM, one of the largest Conservative synagogues in North America, Valley Beth Shalom (VBS) , is inviting the Los Angeles community to join them to make a difference at a special concert, "A Whole New World of Broadway," where a portion of the proceeds will be directed to the VBS Wildfire Relief & Firefighters Fund. A Musical Journey For All Ages Renowned cantors Jacqueline Rafii and Phil Baron of VBS will be joined by their cantorial colleagues in Los Angeles for an enchanting musical journey that will transport listeners of all ages through the very best of Disney and Broadway. Featuring some of the top cantors in Los Angeles and VBS's own Youth Choir, this unique concert, produced by Cantor Jacqueline Rafii, is part of a series that is the first of its kind in the United States and promises to 'wow' people of all ages! Come ready to be transported into a world of magic, enjoying a fully immersive journey of stunning visuals on 9-foot LED screens and state-of-the-art sound in VBS' renovated Niznick Sanctuary. United in Recovery If you know anyone who has lost their home or cannot go home due to the wildfires, or who is a first responder, please invite them as VBS's guest to the concert (or, if this is you, you are invited to please join this concert as a guest). VBS hopes this will provide a brief and uplifting respite. Please send names to Lisa Leib at [email protected] . Event Details Tickets start at $36 per person; tickets for children 12 and under are 50% off and free for children 5 and under. Date: February 2, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM Location: VBS 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91436 Purchase tickets and learn more here. Media contact: Lisa Leib, [email protected] SOURCE Valley Beth Shalom DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From January 20 to 24, the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025, also known as Winter Davos, gathered global leaders in Davos, Switzerland. Representing China's AI-powered healthcare sector, Ms. Gong Rujing(Yingying), Founder and Chairwoman of Yidu Tech and a distinguished Young Global Leader, actively participated in high-profile discussions, exchanging insights with leaders across government, business, and academia. She shared Yidu Tech's groundbreaking practices and innovative solutions while addressing key challenges and opportunities in scaling digital health and fostering leadership resilience in uncertain times. The Future of Digital Health: Opportunities and Challenges On January 23, Ms. Gong participated in a panel discussion on scaling digital health solutions globally, alongside Italy's Minister of Health Orazio Schillaci, H.E. Mansoor Al-Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Health, and Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund. Moderated by John Halamka, President of Mayo Clinic Platform, the discussion delved into practical strategies for advancing digital health systems, emphasizing the importance of trust, data standardization, and security. Ms. Gong highlighted Yidu Tech's role as a trailblazer in AI-powered healthcare innovation, having supported over 240 high-impact scientific publications, improved clinical trial efficiency by 40%, and served 34 million policyholders with tailored health insurance solutions. She emphasized that digital health is transforming healthcare ecosystems by enabling personalized care, smarter decision-making, and more sustainable healthcare systems. Expanding Global Footprint Yidu Tech has actively expanded into key international markets such as Southeast Asia and the United States, with plans to further enhance its presence in Japan, Europe, and other regions. Through its agile globalization strategy, Yidu Tech has demonstrated its ability to adapt to diverse regulatory and cultural landscapes while building strong partnerships. "Operating in China's competitive market has forged a team with unparalleled resilience and adaptability," Ms. Gong remarked. "This foundation enables us to bring innovative AI-powered healthcare solutions to more regions, addressing global healthcare challenges with local relevance." Leadership Resilience in a Complex World On January 24, Ms. Gong joined Wikipedia Founder Jimmy Wales and former Ecuadorian Vice President Otto Sonnenholzner in a discussion on leadership resilience in complex and rapidly changing environments. Drawing from Yidu Tech's experiences, she shared how the company leveraged AI-powered tools to support epidemic prevention, optimize resource allocation, and accelerate the approval of life-saving treatments during the pandemic. Ms. Gong also discussed Yidu Tech's deployment of decentralized clinical trial (DCT) solutions, which significantly reduce costs and time for new drug development. Notably, the company supported the approval of China's first 3CL-targeted COVID-19 antiviral, demonstrating its ability to drive innovation in critical healthcare areas. Transforming Healthcare with AI-Powered Solutions Since its founding, Yidu Tech has remained committed to tackling key healthcare challenges by delivering impactful solutions: Population Health Management : Launched initiatives that support regional health systems and improve population well-being in cities like Beijing and Ningbo . : Launched initiatives that support regional health systems and improve population well-being in cities like and . Provider Solutions: Empowered hospitals and healthcare organizations to improve operational efficiency and deliver better patient care. Empowered hospitals and healthcare organizations to improve operational efficiency and deliver better patient care. Advancing Clinical Research : Facilitated scientific breakthroughs and improved the efficiency of drug development. : Facilitated scientific breakthroughs and improved the efficiency of drug development. Insurance Innovation: Designed innovative products for high-risk populations, serving over 34 million policyholders through Huiminbao programs in China . Through these initiatives, Yidu Tech has strengthened its position as a global leader in AI-powered healthcare, fostering innovation and driving meaningful progress across the healthcare ecosystem. A Vision for the Future Reflecting on her time at Davos, Ms. Gong expressed her pride in representing China's AI-powered healthcare sector. "At Yidu Tech, our mission is to make precision healthcareaccessible to everyone b. We look forward to deepening our collaborations worldwide and contributing to the sustainable development of global healthcare." As Yidu Tech continues to expand its international presence, its commitment to collaboration and innovation ensures its role as a key partner in advancing healthcare for a healthier, more equitable world. SOURCE Yidu Tech Inc. New Delhi, Jan 24 : After Delhi Chief Minister Atishi criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the withdrawal of security for Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav has said following instructions from the Election Commission of India (EC) and the Delhi Police, they have withdrawn components of the Punjab Police deployed for the security of former Chief Minister. "From time to time, we get reports of threats to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal and we share them with the concerned agencies. Following the directions of the Delhi police and the Election Commission today, we withdrew the component of the Punjab police in the security of Kejriwal ji," Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav told the media on Thursday in Patiala. Earlier on Thursday, CM Atishi also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of "playing with the life" of former CM Kejriwal. Attacking the BJP further, CM Atishi questioned the Election Commission for being a "mute spectator" despite "repeated attacks" on the leader of a national party. "Shameful. On the instructions of Amit Shah ji, @DelhiPolice today forcibly removed @ArvindKejriwal ji's Punjab Police security. And on the same day, Kejriwal ji was attacked by BJP goons in Hari Nagar. Does Modi-Shah want to play with Kejriwal's life? How long will the Election Commission remain a mute spectator? Why is there silence on the repeated attacks on a leader of a national party?" Atishi said in a post on X on Thursday. This comes after the Punjab Police withdrew its security for AAP chief Kejriwal. Atishi's remarks came after AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal earlier on Thursday, while taking to social media X, alleged that some people of the opposition candidate entered his public meeting in Hari Nagar and attacked his car. "Today in Hari Nagar, the police allowed the opposition candidate's men to enter my public meeting and then attacked my car. All this is happening on Amit Shah's orders. Amit Shah has made the Delhi Police the personal army of the BJP," Kejriwal said on X. Kejriwal also raised concerns over the Election Commission's inaction regarding the repeated attacks on him. "Big questions are being raised on the Election Commission that the national president of a national party and its leaders are being constantly attacked and the Election Commission is unable to take any effective action," Kejriwal added in the post. Meanwhile, BJP leader Parvesh Verma has termed the allegation of the alleged attack on Kejriwal's car in Hari Nagar as a drama. "@ArvindKejriwal soon we will bring a drama 'Hamla hua' (attack happened), then posters will be printed - 'Mujhe Kyon Mara?'. Elections are near, Bhai Saheb is writing the script," Verma said on X. This is not the first time that Kejriwal has claimed he was attacked during his rally. Last week, the AAP National Convenor also claimed that he was attacked by alleged BJP workers during his campaign rally. The Delhi Assembly elections will take place in a single phase on February 5, and the counting of votes is set for February 8. A total of 699 candidates are competing for the 70 Assembly seats in Delhi. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two Assembly elections and has failed to win any seats. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 Assembly elections by winning 67 and 62 seats, respectively, out of a total of 70 seats, while the BJP got only three and eight seats in these elections. Lucknow, Jan 24 : Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has hit out at Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav after the latter questioned Yogi government's Cabinet meeting at Mahakumbh in Prayagraj and also took a holy dip at the religious and spiritual event. He said that Yadav cannot tolerate that 50 lakh to 1 crore people are taking a dip at Mahakumbh every day. Speaking to the media, Deputy CM Maurya said, "Mahakumbh 2025 is moving towards success in a very grand, divine way. The Cabinet members of the alliance government sat at the Maha Kumbh area." He added that it was a golden opportunity that every Cabinet member of the Yogi government took a holy dip and took important decisions. The Deputy CM also said that Akhilesh Yadav cannot see the good management and cleanliness of Mahakumbh as well as tolerate that 50 lakhs to 1 crore people are taking a dip there every day. "If he feels that the cabinet members took a holy dip and conducted meeting there then he too can conduct his party meeting," he added. Akhilesh Yadav slammed the Yogi government on Wednesday for holding a cabinet meeting at Mahakumbh in Prayagraj and said, "Kumbh or Prayagraj is not the place where politics or political decisions should be taken." "Kumbh or Prayagraj is not the place where politics or political decisions should be taken. Organising a Cabinet meeting at Kumbh is political. Many of us (Samajwadi party people) must have gone to take a holy dip but didn't post a picture or tell you (media)," Yadav said. All 54 Ministers of the Uttar Pradesh cabinet were invited to this meeting. Following the meeting, CM Yogi Adityanath, along with the entire Cabinet, took a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam. This isn't the first time CM Yogi Adityanath has led his cabinet to the Sangam. In 2019, during the Kumbh Mela, he took a ceremonial dip along with his Ministers, Akhada Parishad President Narendra Giri, and other saints. Maha Kumbh is one of the largest and most significant religious congregations in the world. The key 'snan' dates left are: January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). Uttar Pradesh Police deployed more than 10,000 personnel, including local police and paramilitary forces for the event's security. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed a "water ambulance" stationed at Sangam to ensure the safety of devotees. The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. Lucknow, Jan 24 : The Uttar Pradesh government will felicitate the prestigious Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman on six distinguished individuals this year during the state's foundation day celebrations, which will take place from January 24 (Friday) to January 26 (Sunday) at Awadh Shilp Gram in Lucknow. The grand celebration in Lucknow will be graced by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The six awardees include: Krishnakant Shukla from Varanasi; Himanshu Gupta from Vrindavan, Mathura; Manish Verma from Kanpur; Krishna Yadav from Bulandshahr; Colonel Subhash Deshwal from Bulandshahr; and Dr Jai Singh from Bahraich. Along with the main event, a variety of programmes will be held throughout the state, including at Sector-7 of Maha Kumbh, Noida Shilpgram, and in all 75 districts. Talking to reporters, State Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said that the theme for Uttar Pradesh Day 2025 is "Development and Heritage: Uttar Pradesh on the Path to Progress". The activities will include exhibitions, seminars, conferences, cultural programs, competitions, and roadshows organised by various departments, all reflecting this theme. Uttar Pradesh Day will be celebrated on January 24, followed by National Tourism Day and Voter Awareness Day on January 25, and Republic Day on January 26, all with great enthusiasm and grandeur, he added. Special exhibitions will highlight the state's heritage and development. A tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on his centenary year, will showcase significant moments from his life, he said. Other exhibits will commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and themes such as "Our Constitution, Our Pride," Singh added. Visitors can explore exhibitions featuring arts, crafts, and products from all 75 districts under the 'One District, One Product' scheme. Food courts will offer a chance to savour diverse regional cuisines, Singh said. Six exceptional individuals from different fields will be honoured with the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman. Each recipient will receive a prize of a11 lakh, a certificate of appreciation, and a shawl, the Minister said. Uttar Pradesh Day 2025 will be celebrated on January 24. The annual celebration marks the day that the United Provinces was renamed Uttar Pradesh. The celebration of UP Diwas was first initiated by the Uttar Pradesh government in 2017 and has been an annual commemoration ever since. The celebration of Uttar Pradesh Day was proposed by Governor Ram Naik in 1950. Uttar Pradesh is known to be India's most populated state, which holds special significance from a political point of view. The celebration is sure to be marked with great fervour and enthusiasm by people across the state New Delhi, Jan 24 : Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is expected to begin the party's poll campaign in Delhi from January 26, even as Lok Sabha's Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, scales back his outreach efforts for the upcoming elections ostensibly due to his reported ill health. A senior leader involved in the Congress' campaign management in Delhi confirmed that Priyanka Gandhi will address her first rally in northeast Delhi on Sunday evening, marking the start of her participation in the Delhi Assembly polls. "All Congress candidates have sent requests to the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) asking that Priyanka campaign on their seat," said a senior DPCC functionary. "However, she will focus only on critical areas, especially since Rahul Gandhi's campaign schedule remains uncertain due to his health," the functionary added. On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi cancelled a rally in northeast Delhi's Mustafabad, raising concerns about his availability for future events. While Gandhi has another rally lined up at Madipur for Friday, however, leaders said his participation at the moment still remains uncertain. Delhi Congress Chief Devendra Yadav, however, expressed optimism regarding Rahul's involvement. "Rahul Gandhi's rally in Madipur is still on schedule, and he will address a large gathering there," Yadav said, adding that after Republic Day, all senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, will actively campaign. Delhi's 70 Assembly seats will go to the polls on February 5. So far, Rahul Gandhi has addressed one major rally in Seelampur on January 13 and released two short videos, criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governments during his visit to AIIMS OPD patients. At a rally in Sadar Bazar, Yadav announced Rahul Gandhi's absence, reading a message from him: "I regret not being able to join the meeting due to my health. My best wishes to all of you. I will try to campaign in Delhi and visit Sadar once I recover." Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who won the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala in a byelection on November 23, is expected to focus on areas in northeast Delhi, Old Delhi, and east Delhi a" areas where Congress leaders are expected to perform relatively well. "Her schedule is still being finalised, but we aim to include as many outreach events as possible," said a third Congress leader involved in planning. One of the leaders cited above said they hope to divide campaign responsibilities between the Gandhi siblings to maximise coverage in constituencies with strong Congress prospects. "Between Rahul and Priyanka, we want to cover those seats where we have a good chance of winning. In a handful of seats, both the Gandhis will campaign," said a Congress leader. Priyanka's late entry into the Delhi campaign is seen as a strategic move to sustain momentum and avoid voter fatigue. A senior All India Congress Committee (AICC) leader noted that despite being a Congress General Secretary, Priyanka has not been assigned a specific state, allowing her to campaign nationwide. However, critics argue that Priyanka's leadership in Uttar Pradesh failed to expand the Congress footprint, raising questions about her ability to turn the tide in Delhi. New York, Jan 24 : A federal judge has stayed US President Donald Trump's order to deny automatic citizenship for babies born to parents here illegally or on temporary visas. "This is a blatantly unconstitutional order," Senior Judge John Coughenour said on Thursday issuing a 14-day temporary block. Trump said he would appeal the ruling staying his order limiting birthright citizenship to babies born to citizens and Green Cardholders. One of the first executive orders he signed after he became President on Monday, is causing consternation among Indians, hundreds of thousands of whom are on temporary visas like H1-B for professionals and L1 for intracompany transferees, or on those for students and visiting academics. If they had children born after February 19, they would have lost automatic citizenship known as birthright under Trump's order. Trump campaigned on taking action against the illegal migrants who swamped the country by the millions but extended the citizenship restriction to those here legally also. The 14th Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees citizenship to "all persons born" in the US and their rights cannot be limited. The Justice Department arguing for the order said it was a part of Trump's attempt to "address this nation's broken immigration system and the ongoing crisis at the Southern border". Rejecting the submission, Coughenour said that it "boggles" his mind that any lawyer could consider Trump's order constitutional. The petition was filed by Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon before the federal court in Seattle. There are similar appeals against the order by other states and cities in other federal courts. The law firm of Reddy, Neumann, Brown which specialises in immigration matters said it may take three to five years for the matter to be resolved. The 14th Amendment was passed in 1868 by Congress to overturn a Supreme Court ruling that denied citizenship to the children of freed African American slaves. The lawyers representing the states in a court filing accused Trump of trying "to impose a modern version" of the Supreme Court's overturned racist ruling. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Washington, Jan 24 : US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte "to detail President Trump's immediate foreign policy priorities," according to a readout from spokesperson Tammy Bruce. The call came ahead of remarks from President Donald Trump at Davos on Thursday calling for NATO allies to increase their defence spending to five per cent of their GDP. In his call with Rutte, Rubio "reinforced the US commitment to NATO and the continued importance of the Alliance to international security" and they "discussed the importance of having capable defence Allies and real burden sharing". They also spoke about "the importance of ending Russia's war against Ukraine and the need for a peaceful solution" and "agreed that the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific are inextricably linked and on the need for greater cooperation and understanding between regions," according to the readout released on Thursday. In a post on X, Rutte described the discussion as a "good call," writing "great to have you on board!" "Look forward to welcoming you to #NATO and working together on Ukraine, Russia, China," Rutte wrote. "Ramping up defence spending in Europe and boosting transatlantic defence production makes us all stronger." Rubio also spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday, according to a separate readout. He stressed Turkey's importance as a NATO ally and the US-Turkey relationship. The two also spoke of "the need for an inclusive transition in Syria, ensuring that the new government prevents Syria from becoming a source for international terrorism, and denying foreign malign actors the opportunity to exploit Syria's transition for their own objectives," the readout said. Rubio "also expressed his deepest condolences for the lives lost and those injured in the tragic hotel fire in Bolu," it said. Washington, Jan 24 : US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte "to detail President Trump's immediate foreign policy priorities," according to a readout from spokesperson Tammy Bruce. The call came ahead of remarks from President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday calling for NATO allies to increase their defence spending to five per cent of their GDP. "As we restore common sense in America, we're moving quickly to bring back strength and peace and stability abroad," Trump said while speaking from the White House on Thursday. "I'm also going to ask all NATO nations to increase defence spending to five per cent of GDP, which is what it should have been years ago," he said. "It was only at two per cent and most nations didn't pay until I came along," the President added. "I insisted that they pay, and they did because the United States was really paying the difference at that time." In his call with Rutte, Rubio "reinforced the US commitment to NATO and the continued importance of the Alliance to international security" and they "discussed the importance of having capable defence Allies and real burden sharing". They also spoke about "the importance of ending Russia's war against Ukraine and the need for a peaceful solution" and "agreed that the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific are inextricably linked and on the need for greater cooperation and understanding between regions," according to the readout released on Thursday. In a post on X, Rutte described the discussion as a "good call," writing "great to have you on board!" "Look forward to welcoming you to #NATO and working together on Ukraine, Russia, China," Rutte wrote. "Ramping up defence spending in Europe and boosting transatlantic defence production makes us all stronger." Rubio also spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday, according to a separate readout. He stressed Turkey's importance as a NATO ally and the US-Turkey relationship. The two also spoke of "the need for an inclusive transition in Syria, ensuring that the new government prevents Syria from becoming a source for international terrorism, and denying foreign malign actors the opportunity to exploit Syria's transition for their own objectives," the readout said. Rubio "also expressed his deepest condolences for the lives lost and those injured in the tragic hotel fire in Bolu," it said. Washington, Jan 24 : US President Donald Trump has told reporters that Russia "should want to make a deal" with Ukraine to end the "horrible war" and emphasised he would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin immediately. "So, I think Russia should want to make a deal. Maybe they want to make a deal. I think from what I hear, Putin would like to see me. We'll meet as soon as we can. I'd meet immediately. Every day we don't meet soldiers who are being killed in the battlefield," Trump said during an Oval Office signing ceremony. Trump described the conflict as one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II, emphasising that millions of lives have been lost on battlefields and farmlands, and that millions of soldiers are being killed. While virtually addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF), Trump said, "Our efforts to secure a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine are now hopefully underway. It's so important to get that done, millions of soldiers are being killed. Nobody has seen anything like it since World War II. They are laying dead all over the fields, farmlands... It's time to end it." He added, "I really would like to be able to meet with President Putin soon and get that war ended. That's not from the standpoint of economy or anything else. It is from the standpoint of millions of lives that are being wasted. Beautiful, young people are being shot on the battlefield. I have seen pictures of what has taken place and it is a carnage. We really have to stop that war, that war is horrible." When asked whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is open to negotiating, Trump responded: "He's lost a lot of soldiers, and so has Russia," before adding, "But Russia has lost more." Earlier this week, Trump posted on Truth Social that he would impose high tariffs and further sanctions on Russia if Putin fails to end the war in Ukraine. President Trump on Thursday said peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine are "hopefully" underway while speaking virtually at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "Our efforts to secure a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine are now hopefully underway," the US President said while speaking virtually at the forum in Davos on Thursday. "It's so important to get that done," the President added. "That is an absolute killing field. Millions of soldiers are being killed." And as the Russia-Ukraine war enters into its fourth year, Western officials assess Russia's incremental gains along the frontline add as many as 1,500 deaths and injuries a day, and the toll nears 700,000 casualties for the war, according to the UK Defence Ministry. And US officials estimated about a year ago that some 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed and nearly twice that number wounded. Trump's remarks came even though he vowed to end the war on the first day of his administration. Trump missed that deadline, though the media previously reported that the US President is trying to set up a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential in-person meeting. He repeated his desire to meet the Russian President while speaking on Thursday: "I really would like to be able to meet with President Putin soon to get that war ended." Trump however was critical of Putin while speaking with reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, saying the Russian leader is "not doing so well." Those remarks are a departure from the typically complimentary rhetoric Trump has for the Russian strongman. He added that he believes Ukraine "is ready to make a deal". The US President said he would seek the assistance of Chinese President Xi Jinping to secure peace in Ukraine. -- Syndicated from IANS Washington, Jan 24 : US President Donald Trump signed the executive order ordering the declassification of records regarding the assassinations of President John F Kennedy, Senator Robert F Kennedy, and the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr, and said it is time for the American people to know the "truth". Sharing the detailed document, the White House said, "Providing Americans with the truth after six decades of secrecy." "The Executive Order establishes the policy that, more than 50 years after these assassinations, the victims' families and the American people deserve the truth," the statement added. The executive order directs top administration officials to present a plan to declassify the documents within 15 days. President John F Kennedy was killed in Dallas in 1963. His brother Robert F Kennedy was assassinated while running for President in California 1968, just two months after Martin Luther King Jr, America's most famous civil rights leader, was murdered in Memphis, Tennessee. Specifically, the order directs the Director of National Intelligence and other appropriate officials to present a plan within 15 days for the full and complete release of all John F Kennedy assassination records and Immediately review the records relating to the Robert F Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr assassinations and present a plan for their full and complete release within 45 days. Notably, in Trump's first term, he ordered agencies to move toward disclosing more information about the John F Kennedy assassination. According to the White House, the President John F Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 required all records related to the assassination be released in 25 years, absent a presidential certification that: Continued postponement is necessary due to identifiable harm to the military defence, intelligence operations, law enforcement, or conduct of foreign relations; and such identifiable harm is of such gravity that it outweighs the public interest in disclosure. "In October 2017 and April 2018 certifications, President Trump directed agencies to reevaluate redactions and disclose any information that no longer warranted withholding. President Biden delayed disclosure in 2021, 2022, and 2023," the statement added. Trump said the continued withholding of the John F Kennedy records is "not in the public interest and is long overdue", while further adding that releasing the Robert F Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. assassination records is in the 'public interest'. Notably, it was President Trump's campaign promise to release assassination records to give Americans the truth. President Trump pledged on multiple occasions to release the JFK files, specifically stating in June 2024 that he would do so "early on". "When I return to the White House, I will declassify and unseal all JFK assassination-related documents. It's been 60 years, time for the American people to know the TRUTH!" Trump said. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Bhopal, Jan 24 : To mark the occasion of the 300th birth anniversary year of Ahilyabai Holkar, the 18th-century ruler of Holkar dynasty, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will lay the foundation stone of an irrigation project of Rs 980 crore in Madhya Pradesh's Maheshwar on Friday. Maheshwar, the kingdom of the Holkar dynasty. And, to make the occasion more special, Chief Mohan Yadav will chair a cabinet meeting in the city. The state cabinet is likely to approve several key proposals regarding social-economic and women empowerment. Among the key decisions, Chief Minister Yadav's cabinet will likely approve the proposal for banning the sale of liquor at religious places. According to information, a total of 16 religious sites in the state have been identified where liquor sales would be banned. According to sources, a liquor ban could be implemented in Ujjain, Orchha, Salkanpur, Chitrkoot, Omkareshwar, Maihar, Amarkantak and Pashupatinath temple areas along with some others in Madhya Pradesh. "We don't want our youths to get spoiled as they are the future of the country. The Madhya Pradesh government will ban the sale of liquor at 17 religious places," Chief Minister Yadav said on Thursday. The Chief Minister further said that liquor will be banned wherever Lord Krishna and Lord Ram have set foot in Madhya Pradesh. To make it a historic step, CM Yadav-led BJP government has decided to make some big announcements on the occasion of Ahilyabai's birth anniversary in Maheshwar. Ahilyabai Holkar was the noble queen of the Maratha empire. She was born into a Marathi Hindu family to Mankoji Shinde and Sushila Shinde at Chondi village in Ahmednagar district on May 31, 1725, and passed away on August 13, 1795. After the demise of her husband Khanderao Holkar and father-in-law Malharrao Holkar, Ahilyabai herself took control of the affairs of the Holkar dynasty. Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar ruled the royal family of the Holkar dynasty from 1767 to 1795 from Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh. Her rule is known for her farsightedness and justice. She carried out many reforms for the welfare of the people of her state and her administration was fair, diligent, and effective. Seoul, Jan 24 : South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok on Friday urged officials to focus their efforts on maintaining the country's emergency medical system during the upcoming holiday amid a prolonged conflict between the government and the medical community. Seoul, Jan 24 (IANS) South Koreaas acting President Choi Sang-mok on Friday urged officials to focus their efforts on maintaining the country's emergency medical system during the upcoming holiday amid a prolonged conflict between the government and the medical community. "The government and local authorities will focus their efforts to ensure the emergency medical system operates without disruptions, allowing people to spend the Lunar New Year holiday without concerns," Choi said during a meeting with relevant officials, Yonhap news agency reported. Choi noted the government will focus particularly on providing stable medical services for high-risk pregnant women, newborns, and patients with other severe conditions. "I also urge people to visit appropriate medical facilities based on the severity of their conditions," Choi said, amid growing concerns over a shortage of emergency room beds. Later, Choi visited Woorisoa Children's Hospital in northern Seoul, where he expressed gratitude to the medical staff for their service in essential areas. The hospital is set to provide medical services throughout the holiday to treat children with respiratory diseases, focusing on patients in noncritical conditions. "The government will spare no effort to provide policy support for medical workers serving in essential sectors and provincial areas," Choi said during his visit. Thousands of trainee doctors have been absent from their workplaces due to mass resignations since February last year, as the medical community continues to urge the government to reconsider its planned increase of medical school students. The government has decided to raise the number of medical school seats by 1,500 for 2025 as part of a broader plan to increase the total by around 10,000 over the next five years to address a nationwide shortage of doctors. This year's Lunar New Year holiday was extended to six days after the government designated Monday as a temporary national holiday. New Delhi, Jan 24 : Enhanced coal availability and business expansion are fuelling the growth of Adani Power Ltd, according to brokerage firm Ventura, which has given its stock a target price of Rs 806 in the next 24 months, which is a upside potential of 54.5 per cent. The power demand in India is surging, driven by rising manufacturing activities and the growing adoption of white goods and gadgets in households. With renewable energy unable to fully meet the rising energy needs, the widening peak demand-supply gap underscores the necessity of augmenting base load thermal power capacity, according to the note by Ventura. Adani Power, India's largest private pure-play thermal power producer, is strategically positioned with robust capacity expansion plans to address this critical demand. "We recommend BUY with an upward revised DCF-based price target of Rs 806 (13.8X FY27 EV/EBITDA), representing an upside of 54.5 per cent," the brokerage said. The stock is currently trading at around Rs 522 apiece. With an installed capacity of 17.55 GW, Adani Power Ltd (APL) is India's largest private coal-based thermal power producer. The company sources coal from both domestic and international markets. Rising power demand supported by lower imported coal prices and improved domestic coal availability has substantially improved APL's average plant load factor (PLF), which has risen from 48 per cent in FY23 to 72 per cent in H1 FY25 - marking its highest level in seven years. "This remarkable progress has exceeded our previous estimates and strengthened the companyas revenue performance and operational profitability," Ventura noted. In FY24, APL achieved YoY growth in revenue and EBITDA of 29.9 per cent to Rs 50,351 crore and 81 per cent to Rs 18,181 crore, respectively. Similarly, in H1 FY25, revenue and EBITDA recorded a strong YoY growth rate of 17.9 per cent and 32.1 per cent, respectively. Adani Power is committed to future growth through continued investments in thermal power capacity, targeting a total capacity of 30.67 GW by FY31. This is expected to increase the companyas share in Indiaas thermal power sector from 6 per cent in FY24 to 11 per cent by FY31. As a result, over FY24-27E, APL's revenue and EBITDA are expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.8 per cent and 11 per cent, to reach Rs 70,284 crore and Rs 24,864 crore, respectively, according to the note. "During H1 FY25, APL has showcased remarkable business performance, driven by its strong fundamentals and standalone operational capabilities," it added. Guwahati, Jan 24 : Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to meet some top industry players in Japan on Friday on the third day of his visit to the country to showcase Assam's strength to emerge as a potential destination for investments. CM Sarma has been inviting investors in Japan to attend the upcoming investment summit in Guwahati -- 'Advantage Assam' -- which is scheduled to take place in February. The CM on Thursday said that Assam is poised to become the next economic powerhouse in the country during his meeting with business leaders in Japan's Osaka. In an X post, CM Sarma said, "Assam is set to be India's next economic powerhouse. Our USD $12 billion infrastructure investment plan is a huge opportunity for global firms. In 2024 we secured a private investment of USD $4 billion, the highest ever." He argued that the business community in Japan is interested in investing in India and the community has the highest regard for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I was thrilled to see the excitement amongst Japan's business community for India and the huge respect for the leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister. On behalf of the people of Assam, I have invited Osaka's vibrant business community to join #AdvantageAssam2," CM Sarma said, adding that the state government has fixed a target to take Assam's GSDP to more than 140 billion dollars in the next five years. "During my interaction with over 80 business leaders, I conveyed our target to take Assam's GSDP to USD $143 billion by 2030," he wrote on X. The Chief Minister said he looked forward to partnering with a leading Japanese firm for the upcoming semiconductor manufacturing unit in Assam. He said: "During my visit to the Micron Memory facility today, I interacted with Mr Joshua Lee, the company's Vice President and invited them to be a part of Assam's semiconductor growth story. Jagiroad's Electronic Township is on the precipice of becoming a global semiconductor hub and firms like Micron, which is a pioneer in FAB technology, can immensely strengthen our semiconductor value chain." New Delhi, Jan 24 : The gross non-performing assets (NPAs) ratio of Indian banks may decline by another 0.4 per cent to 2.4 per cent by March 2025 followed by a further 0.2 per cent dip in the next financial year, according to rating agency Fitch. Although the stress in retail loans is rising, particularly in unsecured credit, robust growth, recoveries and write-offs are expected to offset the increase in non-performing loans, the Fitch report said. It pointed out that currently, lending stress appears to be concentrated in smaller unsecured personal loans of less than $600 (over Rs 51,000). Besides, the exposure of large Indian banks to such riskier loans may be proportionally lower than that of the overall financial system. Such risky loans are extended more by Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and fintechs to low-income borrowers. The RBI expects the impaired-loan ratio to trough in the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) before rising to around 3 per cent in FY26, from the 2.6 per cent reported in the first half of FY25 (1HFY25). "We believe the difference from our forecast partly reflects variance of opinions on the timing and extent of risk crystallisation, banks' exposure at risk, loan growth and India's economic performance," the Fitch report explained. Unsecured personal loans and credit card borrowing grew at a compound annual growth rate of 22 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively, in the three years to FY24. The pace slowed to 11 per cent and 18 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y), respectively, in the first half ended September 2024 (1HFY25), following an increase in risk weights attached to unsecured lending. India's household debt at 42.9 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) as of June 2024 is low compared to many emerging markets in Asia Pacific. However, the stress in unsecured retail loans is rising, making up roughly 52 per cent of new bad retail loans in 1HFY25. The report also mentioned that banks may have some indirect exposure through funding to non-banks and fintechs, which are more exposed to low-income borrowers. Such borrowers, or those without income disclosure, constitute slightly over one-third of the outstanding consumer credit in the financial system. Mumbai, Jan 24 : Actress Aarvika Gupta, who is currently seen playing Champa in the newly released webseries "Chidiya Udd", in which she plays a sex-wroker, said that she shot in real Kamathipura locations, which helped her understand her character's emotions. Mumbai, Jan 24 (IANS) Actress Aarvika Gupta, who is currently seen playing Champa in the newly released webseries "Chidiya Udd", in which she plays a sex-wroker, said that she shot in real Kamathipura locations, which helped her understand her character's emotions. Throwing more light on her role Aarvika says: "I had auditioned for this series a long time ago through a casting agency. After the audition, I forgot about it as I didn't hear back. Then one day, I got a call from Omkar Ji of Baweja Studios, asking if I was ready to play the character I auditioned for." "I was so excited because the role was very challenging, that of an HIV-positive, drug-addicted prostitute who is on the verge of death, experiencing multiple emotions. As an actor, you always look for such challenges to prove yourself and deliver something impactful to the audience. So, I immediately said yes." Talking about how she prepped for her role, she said: "Honestly, I didn't know how to prepare for such a role. But once I changed my look through makeup, felt the character through costumes, and shot in the real Kamathipura locations, I naturally started to feel Champa's emotions. Shooting Kamathipura was an experience which I will never forget." "Most of the scenes were shot in the real locations of Kamathipura, where we got a close look at the lives of prostitutes. We even saw people living that life while filming there. I stayed in the moment and played the role authentically." The actress said that if she had prepared in advance, it wouldn't have felt as real. "What I felt on set and in the look was genuine. And Director Ravi Jadhav was my guiding light throughout the shooting." She added: "To look weak and portray an HIV-positive person, I avoided eating and drinking water on set until my pack-up. My throat would stay dry, and I'd genuinely feel weak and restless something that reflected on my face." She said she also avoided laughing much as she wanted to stay in the character. "However, I truly enjoyed the shoot and learned that when you are hungry for good work, you can put everything aside and focus solely on perfecting your role." Was she conscious of not doing any bold scenes in Chidiya Udd? She says,"I didn't have any bold scenes because my character was HIV-positive and in a dying condition. In fact, after receiving the brief, I didn't even think about bold scenes. As an actor, it's essential to know your do's and don'ts. With the variety of content being made today, it's up to you to decide how far you want to go. I make sure to choose roles and content that my parents can proudly watch." Kolkata, Jan 24 : A division bench of the Calcutta High Court will hear the plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking the death penalty for Sanjay Roy, the sole convict in the R.G. Kar rape and murder case, on January 27. The CBI had earlier this week challenged the order of a special court in Kolkata on January 20 sentencing Roy to "life imprisonment". The agency approached the division bench of Justice Debangshu Basak and Justice Shabbar Rashidi seeking the death penalty for the convict. As per the list of cases scheduled for hearing on Monday at Calcutta High Court, the matter will come up for hearing at the said division bench on that day. Incidentally, a parallel appeal by the West Bengal government with a similar plea for the death penalty for Roy is also scheduled for hearing on the same day at the same division bench. However, the hearing on the state government's plea will decide the merit of admissibility of the petition. The CBI had already challenged the petition by the state government and questioned the grounds on which the state government could make such an appeal. According to the counsel for the central agency, CBI being the investigating agency in the case and the victim's parents could only move such a plea at a higher court, and not the state government which is not a party in the case. To recall, after the body of the victim was recovered from a seminar hall within the R.G. Kar premises on the morning of August 9 last year, the initial investigation was carried out by the Kolkata Police, whose sleuths also arrested Roy. However, after five days of initial investigation by the city police, the charge of the probe was handed over to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court. Srinagar, Jan 24 : The joint parliamentary committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on Friday will hear the views and suggestions of Kashmiri senior religious leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on the proposed Bill. A notice issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariatas Joint Committee on Waqf Amendment Bill cell said the parliamentary panel will hear the views and suggestions of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, patron of the Muttheda Majlis Ulema, Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday at the Main Committee Room, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi. The 31-member JPC, including leaders of all major political parties of the country, is headed by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. The meeting also assumes significance as it marks the first engagement of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq with MPs after the abrogation of Article 370. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, was referred to the JPC for examination following objections by the opposition over its clauses. The Waqf Bill has come in for severe criticism from various Muslim organisations and religious leaders since the Bill makes registration of all the Waqf properties in the country with the concerned district magistrate mandatory. Muslim leaders have also objected to the Bill on the grounds that these properties could finally be taken over by the government after being identified through registration with the concerned district magistrates. As a Muslim-majority region, Jammu and Kashmir has Waqf properties spread over all the 20 districts of the union territory with most of these located at the prime locations. Prime Waqf properties have been given on lease to people in Srinagar and Jammu cities with nominal rent, and there has not been any re-evaluation or re-assessment of rent in respect of these properties for decades. In J&K there have also been complaints that the Waqf properties have been occupied by influential people, who have enjoyed the patronage of political parties in power over the years here. Jammu, Jan 24 : Ekta Kumari has etched her name in history as the first Parade Commander of the All India NCC Girls Contingent from Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) at the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path this year. Hailing from Srinagar, she serves as the Leading Cadet of 1 J&K Naval Unit NCC and is currently pursuing a BSc at Government College for Women in Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. Inspired by her father, a retired soldier from 12 JAK LI, Ekta's dream of joining the Defence forces has been a lifelong ambition. From her schooling at Army Public School, Akhnoor, to her college years where she joined the NCC, Ekta's unwavering determination has propelled her towards this monumental achievement. Her journey was marked by exceptional dedication to social work and adventure activities. Although she faced challenges while striving for a spot in the Republic Day Camp (RDC), the encouragement she got from her family, particularly her brother Lavneet and her mother, kept her focussed on her goal. Reflecting on her achievement, Ekta shared, "Becoming the Parade Commander on Republic Day at Kartavya Path is the proudest moment of my life. This is not just my success, but one shared by my family, my unit, and the entire region of Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh." Ekta credits her mentors, including her ANO and trainers Imran, Altaf, and Bakshi, for their guidance. She also expresses gratitude to Lieutenant Colonel Abhijeet, Drill Ustaad Jaswinder, and other key figures who played a crucial role in shaping her preparation. With the support of her Unit CO Lieutenant Commander Tej Ram, Group Commander Brigadier Deepak Sajjanhar SM, and others, Ekta's historic achievement reflects the power of hard work, dedication, and the right mentorship. Ekta Kumari's story is a powerful reminder that with perseverance and passion, even the loftiest dreams can be realised. She inspires the youth to "Dream big, so that you don't sleep until they are fulfilled." Mumbai, Jan 24 : Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu, along with actors Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa, jetted off to Japan for a fun-filled vacation. On Friday, Soha shared a heartwarming photo on her Instagram, featuring the four of them happily posing together in Japan. The picture captures them enjoying each other's company with a beautiful backdrop, likely taken during one of their sightseeing excursions. The image also includes Soha's daughter, Inaaya Naumi, posing with them. Sharing this candid click, Soha wrote in the caption, "In the land of the rising sun JP." Last Year in September, Kunal and Soha reunited with Rajkummar and Patralekhaa, who were also enjoying a holiday in Europe. The two Bollywood couples were spotted taking group selfies and enjoying their time with a few other friends. Meanwhile, Soha Ali Khan recently provided an update on her brother Saif Ali Khan's health following a recent knife attack at his home. Speaking to the media, she said, "We are happy that he is recovering well. We are very thankful and feel blessed that it wasn't any worse. Thank you for all your wishes." On January 16, an intruder, later identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, broke into Saif's home with the alleged intent of theft. During a confrontation between the intruder and the actor's housemaid, Saif attempted to intervene and sustained stab wounds to his thoracic spine. In a statement, the 'Omkara' actor reportedly told the police that although he tried to restrain the attacker, his grip loosened after he was stabbed. Saif also mentioned that he and Kareena Kapoor came out of the bedroom after hearing staff nurse Eliyamma crying, at which point he confronted the intruder. The 54-year-old actor sustained multiple injuries in the attack and underwent several surgeries at Lilavati Hospital in Bandra. The Angolan government plans to sell its shares in the troubled state-owned operator Unitel as part of broader efforts to privatise the countrys economy. Minister of State for Economic Coordination, Jose de Lima Massano, stated: We are privatising our telecommunications company Unitel in the coming months, with part of the sale set to be conducted through the stock exchange, reported Bloomberg. Unitel is one of the 200 largest state-owned companies and assets identified for privatisation. The minister noted that more than half of these companies have already been sold to the private sector since the programme began in 2019. Unitel made headlines for the wrong reasons last year when Isabel dos Santos, former director and daughter of Angolas former ruler Jose Eduardo dos Santos, was accused of mismanagement and misappropriating nearly US$400 million in company funds. Seoul, Jan 24 : South Korean prosecutors were expected to file for an extension of the arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, officials said, as they seek to speed up the investigation into his short-lived martial law attempt. The prosecution's move comes a day after the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) handed the case over to the prosecution as the agency does not have the legal mandate to indict a President. The special prosecution team investigating the martial law is expected to file for court approval to extend the arrest warrant earlier in the day. The request is likely to be lodged with the Seoul Central District Court. By law, a suspect can be held under arrest for up to 10 days, with a possible extension of another 10 days. Yoon was arrested on Sunday. If the court approves the extension, Yoon can be detained until February 7, allowing the prosecution to conduct in-person interrogations. However, it remains to be seen whether Yoon will agree to cooperate, Yonhap news agency reported. The prosecution is reportedly preparing an indictment in case the court rejects the extension request. Law enforcement agencies are investigating Yoon over allegations he was the mastermind behind the December 3 martial law imposition that has triggered an unprecedented political turmoil. Yoon faces charges of colluding with then Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others to start a riot by declaring martial law. He also faces charges of abusing his power by sending troops to the National Assembly to stop lawmakers from voting down the decree. Yoon is currently under arrest at the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang, south of the capital, while a Constitutional Court trial is also underway to determine whether to uphold or dismiss his impeachment by the National Assembly. If upheld, Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a snap presidential election within 60 days. If dismissed, he will be reinstated. New Delhi, Jan 24 : Mumbai and New Delhi rank among the top 10 most preferred markets for cross-border real estate investment in the Asia Pacific region, a report said on Friday. While Mumbai ranked fifth after Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, New Delhi was tied for the eighth spot along with Seoul, Osaka and Hanoi, according to the report by property consulting firm CBRE. In India, the total net buying intentions reached 3 per cent, with developer, owner, operator, real estate fund, and institutional investors displaying the strongest buying intentions. The report further pointed out that investor sentiment in India is driven by asset classes, including office, residential, industrial and data centres, the report states. India recorded robust foreign equity investment inflows in 2024 calendar year, with countries like Singapore, the United States, and Canada dominating the foreign equity investments. These three countries cumulatively contributed more than 25 per cent of the total equity investments in the country's real estate in 2024, the report said. Singapore accounted for nearly 36 per cent share of the total foreign equity investments, followed by the United States (29 per cent) and Canada (22 per cent). Investments from the UAE also witnessed a significant uptick throughout 2024 compared to 2023. Total equity investment in Indian real estate recorded an all-time high of $11.4 billion in 2024, increasing by 54 per cent year-on-year, according to the report. Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO - India, South-East Asia, Middle East and Africa, CBRE, said, "Investment in India's real estate market reached a record high in CY2024. While the landscape was primarily dominated by domestic investors, foreign equity investments and a significant resurgence of capital deployment across asset classes by overseas investors stand as a testament to India's growing prominence as a global real estate destination. "This trend is anticipated to continue with consistent capital flowing into both established and new sectors of the real estate market," he added. Investors who are investing in Delhi and Mumbai are more inclined to look at value-added and opportunistic strategies which involve a higher risk/return profile than core and core-plus strategies. Those chasing value-add strategies in India will potentially explore core office products in tier-1 cities such as Mumbai and Delhi, while those looking at more development plays across these markets, with some examples including the acquisition of land sites for either residential (build-to-sell) development or data centre development, the report added. The survey also shows that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives remain the key focus for investors looking at new investments in India, with 56 per cent keen on acquiring or developing green buildings and 46 per cent of them looking at retrofitting existing assets. Chennai, Jan 24 : One of south India's leading music directors, D Imman, who is celebrating his birthday today, has announced that he has registered himself for full body organ donation. .In a video, the link of which he posted on his X handle, Imman said, "On the occasion of my birthday, I have been receiving a lot of birthday wishes. I thank all those who have been sending in their wishes. For a long time, I have been wanting to do a number of things. This birthday, I chose to register myself for a full body organ donation." The music director then went on to say that he had also received the donor card after registering himself with the Rajiv Gandhi government hospital in Chennai. "After my life, all my body organs will be donated to those who are in need of it. By doing this, I got to know the wonderful fact that one can continue to live on even after one's time," Imman said. The music director said that he would feel happy if his decision to donate his body organs after his time inspired others too to register for organ donation. "I have put out this video to share the news that I have done it. If this inspires you in some way and you too do it, I would feel very happy," he said. Pointing out that medical professionals would need to harvest organs within one to six hours of the death of an individual, the music director said that when death happens unexpectedly, the friends and family of the person who has passed away will be in trauma and so will not be in a position to think of organ donation. "So, my request is that if we register ourselves for organ donation when we are healthy itself, it can be useful for many people," the music director said, asking those registering for organ donation to also clearly communicate their decisions to donate their organs after their deaths to close family members and friends. "When I asked from when such a facility was available, I learnt that this process was on from 2008. However, it was only last year that several people came forward to register themselves for organ donation. If several people come forward and allow their organs to be harvested after their time, it will greatly reduce the number of years that patients waiting to have organ transplantations have to wait," D Imman said. Mumbai, Jan 24 : About 60.8 per cent of equity mutual funds (MFs) in India outperformed their respective benchmarks in December 2024, a report said on Friday. The report, which is based on an analysis of 291 open-ended diversified equity funds, found that 177 funds delivered returns above their benchmarks in December 2024. The assets under management (AUM) of equity mutual funds saw a slight growth of 0.41 per cent, rising to Rs 25.84 lakh crore in December, from Rs 25.74 lakh crore in November 2024, the report by PL Wealth Management, a part of Prabhudas Liladhar said. Among the various categories of funds, Flexi Cap Funds were the top performers, with 79.49 per cent of the schemes beating their benchmarks. Large Cap Funds and Multi Cap Funds followed closely, with 71.88 per cent and 71.43 per cent of their schemes outperforming their respective benchmarks during December, the report mentioned. On the other hand, Value, Contra, and Dividend Yield Funds were the least performing category, with only 36.36 per cent of the funds in this group managing to outperform their benchmarks. Other categories, such as Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), also showed strong performance, with 69.05 per cent of the schemes outperforming their benchmarks. However, Small Cap Funds and Mid Cap Funds had a more modest performance, with 41.38 per cent and 48.28 per cent of their schemes, respectively, beating their benchmarks. aInvestors are advised to stick to their SIP investments and keep a long-term focus. SIPs over the past 3-years have yielded a return in excess of 15 per cent per annum on an average for the top quartile equity funds,a the report by PL Wealth Management said. Actively managed equity mutual fund inflows saw over 14 per cent monthly growth at Rs 41,155.9 crore in the month of December, according to latest data by the Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI). New Delhi, Jan 24 : At least eight people were killed and seven others injured in a massive blast at an ordnance factory in Maharashtra's Bhandara district on Friday. The blast occurred around 10.30 a.m. at the factory in the district, said District Collector Sanjay Kolte. Rescue and medical staff were searching for survivors while firefighters were engaged in containing the situation. Confirming the deaths in the incident, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, "Preliminary reports say that eight people had been killed and seven others were injured in the blast." He said this while addressing a press Conference organised by the Association for Industrial Development in Nagpur. Halting the media event, the Minister paid condolences and offered a minute silence in respect. "There has been an accident of blast at Ordnance factory Bhandara today morning. The rescue & medical teams are deployed for survivors and rescue is underway," authorities have said in a statement. District Collector Kolte said a roof collapsed and at least 12 people were under it during the explosion. Five of them were rescued and an excavator was being used to remove the debris. The blast was of such an intensity that it was heard from 5 km away. A thick smoke was seen rising from the factory in a video captured from a distance. The cause of the explosion is not yet known. An investigation is underway Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wrote on X in Marathi, "There are reports that 13 to 14 workers were trapped after the roof collapsed in an ordnance factory explosion in Bhandara district. Five of them have been safely evacuated. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police are at the scene and all kinds of assistance are being provided. SDRF and Nagpur Municipal Corporation teams have also been called for rescue operations and they will arrive soon. The district administration is involved in rescue operations in coordination with the defence forces. Teams have also been kept ready for medical assistance." Imphal, Jan 24 : Manipur Police and their intelligence wing will soon launch a hunt to identify the people who are making "false, fabricated posts, motivated comments, provocative narratives" on various social media platforms, and will take appropriate legal actions against them, officials said on Friday. Imphal, Jan 24 (IANS) Manipur Police and their intelligence wing will soon launch a hunt to identify the people who are making "false, fabricated posts, motivated comments, provocative narratives" on various social media platforms, and will take appropriate legal actions against them, officials said on Friday. A senior Home Department official said that police have been instructed to check the activity of YouTubers, social media influencers, Facebook page admins, X and various other social media users. Police would take legal action and hold awareness campaigns against misusing social media platforms, the official said. He said that the government steps were planned in view of the ethnic strife in Manipur and "false, concocted posts, motivated comments, provocative descriptions and hate commentaries" in various social media by a section of people creating law and order problems in the state. Earlier also the Manipur government took legal action against those who made false and flawed comments and narratives in various social media. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who also holds the Home portfolio, on Thursday, warned of legal action against those misusing social media platforms and said that a special police team would be constituted to look into such cases. "No one, no matter how influential or strong they are, are not authorised to be the moral police of the society and take the law into their hands," the Chief Minister had said and added that the government would not allow a section of social media users to incite communal flare-ups. He also strongly rebuked those using fake names or identities to create animosity/flare-ups among communities, inciting anti-national feelings among the youth, and said those using fake names can also be arrested. Acknowledging the presence of numerous Civil Society Organisations in the state, the Chief Minister hinted that no organisation or association has the authority to arrest, pick up, assault, admonish someone or brandish weapons. Strongly warning those who intimidate government officials and make monetary demands or official contracts for developmental works, the Chief Minister said that there is a government and law of the land. Ranchi, Jan 24 : The Jharkhand High Court has issued notices to both the Central and State Governments in response to a petition seeking that the religious arrangements at Parasnath Hill, a major Jain pilgrimage site, be maintained in accordance with the religious beliefs and practices of the Jain community. The petition was filed by the Jain organisation which raised concerns about activities at the site that contradict Jain religious principles. The court has directed both governments to file their replies addressing the issues raised in the petition. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for February 19. Parasnath Hill, located in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, is a major religious site for Jains, not only in India but globally. The petitioners argue that the sale of liquor and meat in the vicinity of the hill over the years is against the religious beliefs and sentiments of the Jain community. The petition also highlights concerns regarding encroachment in the pilgrimage area, which the state government has reportedly failed to control effectively. During the hearing, the court stressed upon the importance of respecting the religious sentiments of all communities. Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan was reminded by the court that any act that hurts the religious sentiments of a community is a serious matter. The court underlined the need for religious sites to be preserved for the benefit of their devotees. Representing the petitioners, Senior Advocate Darius Khambata, along with advocates Indrajit Sinha, Khushboo Kataruka, and Shubham Kataruka, argued that the state governmentas current approach is undermining the religious sanctity of Parasnath Hill by developing the site as a tourist destination. They pointed out that the sale of liquor and meat at the site is deeply offensive to the Jain communityas religious values. In support of their position, the petitioners reminded the court of a notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change of the Central Government on January 5, 2023. Washington, Jan 24 : Citing the latest daily immigration enforcement report received from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the White House on Friday morning, India time, revealed that over 500 illegal migrants have been arrested and hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals deported "via military aircraft" in a major ongoing operation to crack down on undocumented immigrants in the country. "Today: The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors. The Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X. Detailing "examples of the criminals arrested", ICE said that the authorities in Buffalo arrested Luis Alberto Espinoza-Boconsaca, who has been convicted of rape, on Thursday. The enforcement agency added in a series of posts: "On January 23rd, 2025 ICE Buffalo arrested Pedro Julio Mejia who has been convicted of sexual conduct against a child. On January 23rd, 2025 ICE St. Paul arrested Cristofer Alexander Ramirez-Olivia who was convicted of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. On January 23rd, 2025 ICE Denver arrested Magdaleno Zenen Hernandez Garcia who has been convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child aged 14 or younger". The White House, while revealing all the details, mentioned that this is merely a "small preview" into the work the Trump administration is doing to secure the nation's borders. In an Executive Order signed immediately after assuming office on January 20, US President Donald Trump had emphasised that, over the last four years, the prior administration "invited, administered, and oversaw" an unprecedented flood of illegal immigration into the United States. "Millions of illegal aliens crossed our borders or were permitted to fly directly into the United States on commercial flights and allowed to settle in American communities, in violation of longstanding Federal laws," it said. "Many of these aliens unlawfully within the United States present significant threats to national security and public safety, committing vile and heinous acts against innocent Americans. Others are engaged in hostile activities, including espionage, economic espionage, and preparations for terror-related activities," the order stated. Earlier on January 22, the ICE had arrested four Bangladeshi nationals in New York, marking one of the first actions in the new era of heightened immigration enforcement. Bangladeshi media reported that the arrests took place in the Brooklyn borough as scores of undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants are currently living in fear of deportation. Patna, Jan 24 : Former MLA Anant Kumar Singh surrendered at the Barh sub divisional court on Friday. He is facing allegations of entering the house of gangsters Sonu Singh and Monu Singh and allegedly threatening them with dire consequences and firing on their house in Nauranga-Jalalpur village. An FIR was lodged by Urmila Devi, the mother of Sonu and Monu Singh, accusing Anant Singh and his associates of threatening them and firing. The events unfolded on Wednesday afternoon in Nauranga Jalalpur village, located under the jurisdiction of the Pachmahala police station in Patna district. "They have lodged an FIR against me and hence I surrendered before the court to respect the law. Now, I am going to jail following a court order," Anant Singh said. Rakesh Kumar, the ASP cum SDPO of the Barh range, confirmed the developments. "Security measures have been heightened at various locations, including the court premises, Nauranga-Jalalpur village, and Ladma village, the native village of Anant Singh. Anant Singh surrendered in the sub divisional court Barh and we are waiting for the court's directive on how to proceed with the case following the surrender of Anant Singh," Kumar said. ASP Kumar also mentioned that raids are ongoing to locate and arrest other individuals involved in the case. The law enforcement authorities are actively pursuing leads to ensure all culprits are brought to justice. Earlier in the day, Patna police arrested two individuals, Sonu Singh and Raushan Kumar Singh, in connection with this case. Raushan Kumar Singh is noted to be a close associate of Anant Singh. Former MLA Anant Singh had gone to the village for negotiations with Sonu Singh and Monu Singh, the accused parties. However, the meeting escalated into a confrontation, leading to several rounds of firing by both sides. During the clash, Uday Yadav sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH). Following the firing incident, three FIRs have been lodged in Pachmahala police station in the district. The first FIR was lodged by Mukesh Singh, the house owner, who filed a FIR against Sonu Singh and Monu Singh, accusing them of illegally grabbing his house. It is alleged that Sonu-Monu locked the house, prompting Mukesh to seek the help of Anant Singh. Urmila Devi, the mother of Sonu Singh, filed a counter-FIR against Anant Singh and his supporters, claiming that they attacked her house during the confrontation. The police themselves registered an FIR against Sonu Singh, Monu Singh, and their associates. This FIR mentions a scuffle with the police that occurred when officers attempted to unlock Mukesh Singh's house during the incident. According to villagers, the root cause of the incident was a house dispute. It is alleged that the Sonu-Monu gang forcibly took possession of a house belonging to Mukesh Singh. Upon learning of this, Anant Singh, accompanied by his supporters, visited the site to intervene. However, this led to a heated confrontation between the two sides, escalating into indiscriminate firing. Bhubaneswar, Jan 24 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Odisha on January 28 to inaugurate the 'Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha Conclave 2025'. Addressing a press conference, Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi said, "PM Modi has visited Odisha several times. He is scheduled to visit Odisha to address the Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha conclave which will be held at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar." "The party will accord a grand welcome to PM Modi upon his arrival at Bhubaneswar Airport at 10.35 a.m.," added Sarangi. The senior BJP leader also said that PM Modi will address different sessions at the Utkarsh Odisha conclave which will be attended by around 4,000 to 5,000 investors from India and outside. He noted that for the first time in the history of Odisha, several national and international events are being organised in the state under the BJP government. Sarangi said that PM Modi's participation will boost investment opportunities in the state as his special focus is on Odisha. "PM Modi is visiting Odisha often, realising the need for a significant contribution from Odisha towards a new India," said Sarangi. The Odisha government will host the two-day conclave in Bhubaneswar to showcase investment opportunities and attract investors from across the globe. On January 27, as a precursor to the conclave, five sessions of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) National Council will be held, with participation from 200 council members. The conclave will highlight the achievements of 60 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) entrepreneurs aged under 40. On January 29, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will felicitate two young entrepreneurs from each district as part of the celebration. The conclave will focus on five key sectors: IT, renewable energy, textiles, chemicals, and food processing. Twelve countries, including Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Germany, Poland, and Cuba, have been invited as 'Countries of Focus' to participate in the conclave. While the growth of 5G private networks in Africa may not so far have been as spectacular as some operators had hoped, such networks are certainly gaining traction in South Africa, as a recent agreement signed by operators MTN and China Telecom and tech giant Huawei seems to indicate. The three major telecommunications names recently signed an agreement to deploy a state-of-the-art 5G private network for a leading (and so far unnamed) manganese mining company in South Africas Northern Cape. The 5G private network will, we are told, provide ultra-reliable, high-speed connectivity and lots of it enabling applications such as personnel surveillance, vehicle tracking and unmanned trucks. This, Huawei says, will not only enhance efficiency but also improve workplace safety. Beyond operational enhancements, by optimising energy consumption and resource management, the technology aligns with international environmental standards, positioning the mine as a leader in sustainable mining. As Huawei points out, this initiative also marks a significant milestone in advancing the 5G-to-Business (5GtoB) ecosystem, showcasing a successful collaborative model between three industry leaders. Huawei has provided an end-to-end 5G private network tailored to meet the unique demands of mining operations; MTN has contributed its infrastructure and expertise in network integration and operations; and China Telecom has leveraged its global expertise in vertical industries, providing advanced system integration and innovative digital solutions. So does this partnership a collaboration that will involve Africas largest 5G private network in the mining sector demonstrate the potential of 5G to drive industrial transformation in Africa, as Huawei suggests? Certainly the promise of smarter, safer and more sustainable mining operations as well as better resource management and addressing of global supply chain demands sounds like a step forward in a key industry. But its not the only target industry on MTNs list. It was in November last year that we reported that MTN South Africa had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Telecom Global and Huawei to develop digital infrastructure across MTNs African footprint. Building on its strategic partnership with Huawei, MTN is already rapidly expanding its 5G private network business across a growing range of industries, including mining, oil and gas, ports, manufacturing, and education and, of course, MTN is also extending its 5G presence to more countries in Africa. Sydney, Jan 24 : International travellers have been warned to expect disruptions at Australia's major airports as ground workers strike. According to Australia's 9News network, more than 1,000 ground workers employed by aviation services company Dnata at Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane airports on Friday staged four-hour work stoppages amid an ongoing pay dispute. Qantas, Australia's flag carrier, has said its domestic services will not be affected but that it has put contingencies in place for international flights from Sydney. Up to 20 major international carriers contract Dnata for ground handling for international operations in Australia. Michael Kaine, National Secretary of the Transport Workers Union, said that the industrial action was a last resort after over one year of negotiations on the pay deal, Xinhua news agency reported. "There will be disruptions today. That's the nature of industrial action. There'll be disruptions at Sydney Airport, at Melbourne Airport, at Brisbane Airport, and there'll be flight delays," he told 9News network. Sydney Airport said it was ready to support airlines to mitigate the impact of the strike on their operations and encouraged travelers to stay alert for messages from their airlines. Last month, Australia's flag airline Qantas had agreed to pay compensation to over 1800 workers who were illegally dismissed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The carrier announced on December 18 that it has reached an agreement with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) to pay the former ground handlers a combined 120 million Australian dollars (76 million US dollars). Under the agreement, Qantas and the union will set up a compensation fund in early 2025 to send payments to the 1820 former employees whose roles were illegally outsourced in 2020. The union had launched legal action in the Federal Court on behalf of the 1820 workers in 2020 after their roles were outsourced in August of that year amid border closures and lockdowns. Kinshasa, Jan 24 : The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed alarm over the resumption of hostilities by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebellion in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as a key regional city is under threat. Guterres condemned the renewed offensive launched by the M23 at the beginning of the year and its expansion into the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, including the recent seizure of Sake, which increased the threat to Goma, North Kivu's capital and an important and populated city, read a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric. Sake, a city about 20 kilometres from Goma, is considered Goma's last barrier. The M23 took Goma in late 2012. As the offensive took a devastating toll on the civilian population and heightened the risk of a broader regional war, the Secretary-General called on the M23 to immediately cease its offensive, withdraw from all occupied areas and abide by the ceasefire agreement that went into effect last August. The M23 is a group of former rebels from the National Congress for the Defence of the People. Its name comes from the March 23, 2009, agreement it signed with the DRC government, Xinhua news agency reported. In December 2013, the M23 signed a peace accord with the government, in which it agreed to demobilize its fighters and transform itself into a political party. M23 leaders, however, have accused the government of failing to respect that agreement and resurfaced in late 2021. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), about 237,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of 2025 in the eastern DRC, one of the world's largest hosts of people uprooted within their own borders, Escalating clashes between armed groups and the DRC army in North and South Kivu provinces, already home to 4.6 million internally displaced people, are intensifying one of the world's most alarming yet under-reported humanitarian crises, said UNHCR spokesperson Eujin Byun, last week. From January 1 to 6, intense fighting in the Masisi and Lubero territories of North Kivu Province forced about 150,000 individuals to flee their homes, while 84,000 people have been displaced in South Kivu's Fizi territory, the UN agency said, noting that civilians in both regions are enduring indiscriminate bombings. Last month, a peace summit to address conflicts in the DRC was called off at the last minute due to a tough negotiation standoff. Mumbai, Jan 24 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday condoled the death of workers in a blast at the Ordnance Factory at Bhandara, Maharashtra. At least eight people died and seven others were injured in the explosion. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in a media event in Nagpur said that eight people died in the explosion. Expressing grief and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured, Rajnath Singh wrote on X, "Deeply saddened to know about the blast ot (at) Ordnance Factory at Bhandara, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured." The rescue teams were deployed at the site and all efforts were being made to provide assistance to those affected. The blast occurred in the LTP section of the factory around 10.30 a.m., District Collector Sanjay Kolte had said earlier. The blast led to the roof collapse and trapped over a dozen workers. In the initial efforts, three were rescued alive and one was found dead. An excavator was used to remove the debris, said the senior official. The blast was of such an intensity that it was heard from 5 km away. A thick smoke was seen from the factory in a video captured from a distance. In an earlier post on X, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the SDRF and Nagpur Municipal Corporation team was deployed for the rescue operation. The district administration was also coordinating with multiple teams. The CM, who is returning from the World Economic Forum summit held at Davos, said in the earlier post on X, "Medical assistance teams are ready too. As per the information received till now, one worker unfortunately lost his life. My condolences to his family. We stand with the family in this tough time. There is a news of incident where 13-14 workers are trapped due roof collapse caused by an explosion at the ordnance factory in Bhandara district. 5 workers have been safely rescued. Bhandara Collector and SP are at the site and ensuring immediate rescue measures and all required support. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured." Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the explosion in the ordnance factory in the Bhandara district was unfortunate. "13 to 14 workers are trapped due to the roof collapse and efforts are underway to safely evacuate them. Five people have been safely evacuated and rescue operations have been started on a war footing through the rescue teams of NDRF and SDRF. Information is being sought from the district administration in this regard. I express my condolences to the family of the worker who died in the accident," he said Confirming the deaths in the incident, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, "Preliminary reports say that eight people had been killed and seven others were injured in the blast." He said this while addressing a press Conference organised by the Association for Industrial Development in Nagpur. Halting the media event, the Minister paid condolences and offered a minute silence in respect. "There has been an accident of blast at Ordnance factory Bhandara today morning. The rescue & medical teams are deployed for survivors and rescue is underway," authorities have said in a statement. The eyewitnesses said that the blast was severe and huge and that its sound was heard in several kilometres range. They pointed out that the number of deaths may increase as the rescue teams were already conducting the operation. More details were awaited. Moscow, Jan 24 : Moscow's air defence systems were actively engaged in repelling a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks in the early hours of Friday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on his Telegram channel. Drone attacks occurred in multiple locations surrounding Moscow, including the Kolomna and Ramensky urban districts, southeast of the capital, where air defence forces successfully intercepted the drones, Sobyanin wrote. Preliminary reports indicate no significant damage or casualties from falling debris. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the affected sites, he wrote. In the Podolsk urban district, two additional drones were shot down by air defence systems as they approached Moscow. Russian forces also neutralized a drone in the Troitsky Administrative District and another in the Shchyolkovo urban district of Moscow, according to the mayor. As a precautionary measure, temporary restrictions on aircraft arrivals and departures were imposed at Moscow's Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports. Earlier this week, Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council claimed that Ukraine's military had attacked a Russian aviation plant in Smolensk region in western Russia. Kovalenko said on Tuesday that the plant participates in the production of military aircraft, particularly Su-25 attack aircraft, and is also involved in the overhaul and maintenance of aviation equipment. "This plant is closely connected to other enterprises of the Russian defence industry, supplying components or participating in cooperation to create modern aviation systems," he said. Kovalenko did not disclose the means used in the attack. Separately, drones have also attacked an oil depot in Russia's western Voronezh region, the Ukrayinska Pravda media outlet reported. New Delhi, Jan 24 : Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, in a letter to the Election Commission on Friday, accused a conspiracy to physically harm AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal. She criticized Delhi Police for lapses in security and called for the reinstatement of his Punjab Police protection. Addressing a press conference, CM Atishi alleged lapses by Delhi Police in protecting Kejriwal, who has a Z-plus security cover, and blamed BJP workers for attacking the former CM and his vehicle during campaigning on several occasions since October. "Delhi residents love Kejriwal and they will not pardon the BJP for these acts. Every attack on Kejriwal adds to the love of the public for him," she said, seeking restoration of Punjab Police security for Kejriwal. She said BJP workers and the Delhi Police are working together to cause harm to Kejriwal. "Not a single person has been arrested for attacks on Kejriwal. No action has been taken against any Delhi Police personnel," she said, seeking an audit of Kejriwal's security arrangement and threat to him. Atishi mentioned several instances of attacks and breach of security of Kejriwal including October 24 in Vikaspuri, November 30 in Malviya Nagar, January 18 in New Delhi constituency, and in Hari Nagar on Thursday. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said police from his state provided security to Kejriwal as there was credible input of threat to Kejriwal's life in Punjab and Delhi. "A Z-plus security protectee needs to be provided security wherever he goes in the country," he said. CM Mann said that the AAP has no faith in Delhi Police and their personnel are helping the BJP candidates. Mann said we have approached the ECI seeking "free and fair" ground for contesting the election. "We have said that we are not satisfied with the security being provided to Kejriwal. Since the security set up in Delhi is stretched for protecting the city ahead of R-Day, we want permission to provide our security," he said. The Punjab Chief Minister also dismissed allegations of rival parties in Delhi that vehicles from his state were being used in the AAP campaign in the city. "They are losing the elections and their hatred for Punjabis is visible in such remarks. Are all vehicles in Delhi with number plates of other states carrying goons?" he asked. Earlier, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday that following instructions from the EC and the Delhi Police, they have withdrawn components of the Punjab Police deployed for the security of the former Chief Minister. "From time to time, we get reports of threats to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal and we share them with agencies concerned. Following the directions of the Delhi police and the Election Commission today, we withdrew the component of the Punjab police in the security of Kejriwal ji," Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav told the media in Patiala. Delhi Assembly elections will be held on February 5 and the results will be declared on February 8. Bengaluru, Jan 24 : After facing criticism over Karnataka's non-participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Siddaramaiah government has said the decision to stay away from the event was deliberate. Addressing the media at his residence in Bengaluru on Friday, state Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil stated, "The state has deliberately chosen not to participate in the Davos Summit this time. Attending the summit, signing agreements there, and then inviting the same companies here to sign identical agreements creates unnecessary confusion. To avoid this, we have stayed away from the Davos Summit this year." "Global companies will participate in the Global Investors Meet to be held in Bengaluru from February 11 to 14. This is expected to bring investments worth Rs 8 to Rs 10 lakh crore to the state," he expressed with confidence. "Among the agreements that we will make, at least three-fourths must translate into actual investments. Otherwise, it will all be in vain. Therefore, we are taking a realistic approach. Even Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has conveyed the same," he stated. "In 2022, the BJP government also held an investors' meet, claiming Rs 50 lakh crore worth of investments would come. It also said Rs 2.40 lakh crore would be invested in the green energy sector. However, not a single rupee materialized," he pointed out. "We lack the capacity to sustain such large investments in the green energy sector. Despite this, the BJP government made taller claims. Such mistakes will not happen this time," Patil clarified. Karnataka BJP on Wednesday said infighting in the Congress party has left Karnataka unrepresented at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. Taking objection to the absence of a representative from the state at the international event, the Leader of Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly, R. Ashoka said, "When the Chief Ministers of all major states are in Davos making a strong pitch for investments in their respective states, neither Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah nor any of his cabinet colleagues are interested in representing the state at an important world stage." "Thanks to the mysterious power-sharing agreement, Chief Minister Siddaramiah and his entire cabinet, including Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, are engrossed in dirty power politics and one-upmanship, which has completely paralyzed Karnataka's economy and governance," Ashoka slammed. "Senior leader Sonia Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge want to be in power in Karnataka at any cost only because they need an ATM to keep the Congress party politically alive, not because it wants to serve the people of Karnataka. That is the root of the mess," Ashoka charged. At the Davos 2025 event, India's 'Team Bharat' showcased its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, emphasizing inclusive growth, sustainability, and technological innovation. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and other dignitaries took part in the meet. Seoul, Jan 24 : South Korean prosecutors on Friday filed for an extension of President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention until early next month, officials said, as they seek to speed up the investigation into his short-lived martial law bid. The prosecution's move comes a day after the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) handed the case over to the prosecution as the agency does not have the legal mandate to indict a President. The special prosecution team investigating the martial law filed the request to the Seoul Central District Court to extend Yoon's detention period until February 6, according to the officials. By law, a suspect can be held under arrest for up to 10 days, with a possible extension of another 10 days. Yoon was arrested on Sunday. If the court approves the extension, the prosecution is expected to conduct in-person interrogations. However, it remains to be seen whether Yoon will agree to cooperate. The prosecution is reportedly preparing an indictment in case the court rejects the extension request. Law enforcement agencies are investigating Yoon over allegations he was the mastermind behind the December 3 martial law imposition that has triggered an unprecedented political turmoil, Yonhap news agency reported. Yoon faces charges of colluding with then Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others to start a riot by declaring martial law. He also faces charges of abusing his power by sending troops to the National Assembly to stop lawmakers from voting down the decree. Yoon is currently under arrest at the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang, south of the capital, while a Constitutional Court trial is also under way to determine whether to uphold or dismiss his impeachment by the National Assembly. If upheld, Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a snap presidential election within 60 days. If dismissed, he will be reinstated. Mexico City, Jan 23 : Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said that there is no need to expedite a review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which was proposed by her US counterpart Donald Trump. Speaking at her daily press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City late Thursday, local time, Sheinbaum emphasised that "according to the decrees signed by President Trump," a review of the agreement could begin in 2026, not sooner. "What typically begins is a consultation process involving business leaders, workers and various societal sectors to assess the agreement's implementation. Again, the best approach is to adhere to what is written in the decrees," she said. An article in The Wall Street Journal, citing sources close to Trump, reported Tuesday that the US President wants to renegotiate the USMCA by leveraging tariff increases on Mexico and Canada. The primary goal appears to be revising automotive regulations to compel car manufacturing plants to relocate to the United States, Xinhua news agency reported. In response to Mexican business leaders' calls to prepare for potential tariffs, Sheinbaum said "there is nothing concrete" so far, stressing the importance of awaiting the outcome of the "dialogue already established with the US government." Sheinbaum said Wednesday that Mexico and the United States have started formal talks on bilateral issues, such as immigration and security. The talks began Tuesday after the newly-appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio telephoned his Mexican counterpart, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, said the President. "It was a very good, very cordial conversation. They talked about immigration issues and security issues," said Sheinbaum. Rubio's first call as Secretary of State "was to Mexico," stressed the President, "and it was a very cordial call, the Foreign Minister (De la Fuente) informed me yesterday." In a statement published Wednesday, Rubio outlined his department's priorities, with immigration topping the list. Since his reelection campaign, US President Donald Trump has threatened to take a tough stance on the flow of undocumented migrants and drug trafficking, and on his first day in office he signed a slew of executive orders that directly impact Mexico, including ending the so-called CBP One Mobile Application programme that offered migrants a way to schedule an asylum hearing with US immigration authorities without having to travel to the border. Trump also reinstated an immigration policy from his first term known as 'Remain in Mexico', which forces asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their case makes its way through US immigration courts. New Delhi, Jan 24 : After Anas Khan, son of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, allegedly misbehaved with Delhi Police personnel, Congress leaders on Friday raised concerns about the entitlement displayed by some individuals in power. The incident, which took place during a routine security patrol in Okhla, has sparked political debate about accountability and respect for the law. Congress National Spokesperson Pawan Khera condemned the behaviour of the AAP leader's son, stating, "Such situations were rare in Delhi a few decades ago, but now we're seeing a dangerous mindset emerging again -- that 'you donat know who my father is'. This kind of thinking is detrimental to the national capital and our democracy." Congress spokesperson Supriya Shinate also weighed in, criticising the notion that a person's familial connections can exempt them from obeying the law. "It doesnat matter if youare the son of an MLA. As a citizen, you must respect the laws of this country. No one is above the law, and that includes traffic regulations," she said. "This sense of entitlement is not just limited to Delhi; weare seeing similar stories from states like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. I recently saw a video from MP where a ministeras son was driving recklessly in an open car at high speeds, making reels, and no one stopped him. This is an abuse of power and a disregard for public safety." The incident in Delhi's Okhla occurred during a security patrol ahead of Republic Day when two individuals were spotted riding a motorcycle with a modified silencer, creating a disturbance. Police stopped them for violating multiple sections of the Motor Vehicle Act, with fines totalling Rs 20,000 and filed a case against two persons. One of the riders reportedly claimed to be Amanatullah Khan's son, accusing the officers of targeting him due to his father's political position. Delhi Police said that the duo also refused to provide their driving licenses and identification, saying they were not required to do so. However, this is not the first time that the AAP MLA's family has been embroiled in a dispute. In May 2024, Amanatullah Khan's son and his aides thrashed some employees of a Noida petrol pump in Sector 95 and the video of the violent assault went viral on social media. Guwahati, Jan 24 : Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday met with top officials of a leading Japanese semiconductor supplier in Tokyo and invited him to partner with Assam for the upcoming semiconductor manufacturing plant in the state. Taking to X, CM Sarma wrote, "Mr. Takeshi Okubo, Executive Vice President of @TokyoElectron_J (TEL) met me today. TEL is a vital player in the semiconductor supply chain and specialises in designing equipment that creates chips. I have invited them to partner with Assam. Our upcoming Electronic City at Jagiroad is envisioned to be an epicentre of end-to-end #semiconductor ecosystem." The Assam CM met the Parliamentary Vice Minister of Japan and underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi's effort to have a robust friendship with the foreign country. CM Sarma said in his X post, "It was a privilege to meet H.E. Ms. Akiko Ikuina, Parliamentary Vice Minister, @MofaJapan_en I was deeply touched when Her Excellency greeted me in Assamese. She conveyed to me the Government of Japanas intention to offer India and particularly Assam's young and skilled workforce, opportunities in Japan." "During the meeting, I underlined Honable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji's vision of a robust friendship between India and Japan that can better the lives of our people," he added. The Chief Minister also discussed with the CEO of Mizuho Securities India. "Had a productive meeting with Mr. Takao Hosoya, CEO of Mizuho Securities India. We discussed extending credit linkages to Assam-based companies and facilitating investments from Japanese firms. Mizuho Securities, a leading financial institution, is known for its expertise in providing innovative financial solutions and credit facilities. I invited them to join us at #AdvantageAssam2.0 to finalise their plans for the state and explore opportunities for collaboration," CM Sarma mentioned in a social media post. Moreover, the CM also met with top officials of a Japanese electrical engineering establishment. CM Sarma wrote on X, "Met with Mr. Yoshiaki Asakura, Vice President of @Yokogawa. They are a leading Japanese electrical engineering firm, working in Assam through their collaboration with @NRL_MoPNG and @IndianOilcl We have asked them to consider scaling their presence in Assam and support the growing electronic and energy sectors in the State." India train accident death toll rises to 13 Xinhua) 09:27, January 24, 2025 NEW DELHI, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in the train accident in the western Indian state of Maharashtra has risen to 13, police said Thursday. According to police, 15 people were injured in the accident, 10 of whom are still in the hospitals. Of the 13 killed in the accident, police so far have been able to identify only eight. The accident occurred Wednesday evening after some passengers disembarked from a train following an alarm chain-pulling incident. They were later run over by another train in Pachora of Jalgaon district, about 425 km northeast of Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra. Preliminary investigations carried out by the police said that someone had pulled the train's alarm chain, causing it to come to a halt. Fearing a fire inside the train, many passengers deboarded onto the adjacent tracks, but were mowed down by another passing train. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the deaths in the accident and announced financial assistance for the victims. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The 45,000 kilometre 2Africa subsea cable systems interconnecting Europe, Asia and Africa is back in the news again, this time thanks to an announcement from Telecom Egypt and Cisco. Egyptian service provider Telecom Egypt, which is also one of the largest subsea cable operators in the region, has announced the activation of a Mediterranean subsea link on the 2Africa subsea cable system. The project has taken place in collaboration with networking and security technologies giant Cisco. Using Cisco's Network Convergence System (NCS), the link creates a high-capacity connection between Port Said in Egypt and Marseille in France via Genoa in Italy. As Telecom Egypt points out, the exponential growth of capacity-intensive applications such as cloud and AI services in the region is fuelling demand for expanded subsea network capacity, which in turn requires advanced coherent transmission systems of high performance. This project, says Telecom Egypt, enables it to maximise the potential of its subsea assets on the 2Africa subsea cable, enhancing the efficiency of its cable operations and boosting international traffic capacity. Along with Cisco's cutting-edge NCS, the system offers data transmission powered by optical interconnect products specialist Acacias multi-haul coherent module, delivering high performance with less power per bit. Telecom Egypt explains that the system allows network operators to enhance capacity across any cable, enabling precise adjustments to optical transmission signal bandwidth, modulation format and spectral efficiency. Mohamed Nasr, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Telecom Egypt, says: By enhancing the capacity of our well-established subsea infrastructure, we are meeting the surging demand for bandwidth-intensive services such as cloud computing and AI across the Mediterranean and beyond. He adds: Looking ahead, we aim to unlock even more of our potential by developing new projects and launching innovative products and services. Mumbai, Jan 24 : The makers of India's first single-shot full-length Hindi feature film, "2020 Delhi" have released the gripping trailer from the drama. Set against the backdrop of the 2020 Delhi riots, the movie sheds light on communal tensions, political conspiracies, and the struggles of ordinary citizens caught during the riots in the National Capital back in 2020. "2020 Delhi" chronicles how the anti-CAA protests in Shaheen Bagh turned into the infamous riots during U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to India for the "Namaste Trump" event. The film focuses on a single day, 24th February 2020, when Delhi witnessed two contrasting events a high-profile international visit by Donald Trump, and riots that claimed 53 lives. Devendra Maalviya who has directed the film was quoted saying, "Capturing the intensity of such devastating riots and arson in a single-shot format was a massive challenge. This film proves that when creativity and determination come together, a filmmaker can achieve even the most ambitious goals." The filmmaker further claimed that the single-shot technique requires perfect synchronization of the screenplay, choreography, acting, lighting, and set design. He went on to explain, "There's no room for error in a single-shot film, which is what makes it a unique cinematic experience. It immerses the audience in the film, making them feel like a part of the story." "Delhi 2020" enjoys an ensemble cast, including Brijendra Kala, Samar Jai Singh, Sidharth Bhardwaj, Bhoopesh Singh, Chetan Sharm, and Akash Arora, among others. Bankrolled under the banner of Midas Touch Films, the film has been co-produced by Countryboy Films in association with Visual Birds Studio. For the unversed, "2020 Delhi" is the first full-length Indian feature film to be shot in a one-take method. Previously, Hollywood films such as "1917" and "Birdman", used this complex and expensive technique. "2020 Delhi" is slated to release in the cinema halls on 2nd February 2025. New Delhi, Jan 24 : The Supreme Court made a scathing remark on Friday while hearing the petition of Yogeshwar Sao, a resident of Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, convicted in a dowry harassment case. A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh criticised the appellant for neglecting his daughters and mistreating his wife. The Bench remarked, "What kind of man are you who does not even care for his daughters? How can we allow such a heartless person to come to our court? All day at home, sometimes Saraswati Puja, sometimes Lakshmi Puja... and then all this." The court emphasised that any relief for the petitioner would only be considered if he agreed to transfer agricultural land to his daughters. Yogeshwar Sao, also known as W. Sao, a resident of Katkamdag village, was convicted in 2015 under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court of Hazaribagh which found him guilty of harassing his wife, Poonam Devi, for a dowry of Rs 50,000 and sentenced him to two-and-a-half years of imprisonment. Sao and Devi were married in 2003 and had two daughters. In 2009, Poonam Devi filed an FIR alleging dowry harassment, forced surgical removal of her uterus, and her husband's subsequent remarriage. She also filed a petition in the family court for maintenance for herself and her daughters. The family court ordered Sao to pay Rs 2,000 per month to his wife and Rs 1,000 per month to each daughter until they reached adulthood. Sao appealed against his conviction in the Jharkhand High Court, which upheld the trial court's verdict in September 2024. However, the High Court reduced his sentence to one-and-a-half years, citing lack of evidence regarding the allegations of forced surgery and remarriage. Additionally, the High Court imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Sao. Following this, Sao approached the Supreme Court in December 2024 seeking relief. During the hearing, the Supreme Court reiterated the importance of ensuring the welfare of Sao's daughters and condemned his behaviour. The court made it clear that no relief would be granted unless he demonstrated accountability, including transferring his agricultural land to his daughters. Canberra, Jan 24 : Planned drone shows to celebrate Australia Day in the nation's capital have had their start time pushed back to prevent harm to a population of threatened bats. The population of about 2,500 grey-headed flying foxes -- an endemic species listed as vulnerable to extinction by the federal government -- live in Canberra's Commonwealth Park on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin between October and June. Each night at around 8:45 pm local time, the bats leave the park en masse to feed on fruit. That nightly phenomenon has prompted authorities to delay the drone shows over the lake due to concerns for the welfare of the bats. The first show in 2024 was delayed from its scheduled start time of 8:30 pm local time because there were too many flying foxes in the air. Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Wildlife warned that a significant number of drones in the path of the bats could be dangerous. Stephen Barton from ACT Wildlife told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Friday that spectators reported seeing flying foxes hit drones during the 2024 shows but that no bats were killed. As a precaution, the 2025 shows will run at 9 pm and 10 pm each night between Friday and Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported. Each performance will feature 600 drones showing unique designs to celebrate Australia's native flora, fauna and the country's history. Australia Day is celebrated annually on January 26 to mark the anniversary of the 1788 landing of the British First Fleet at Sydney Cove. Moscow, Jan 24 : Russia has partially resumed its work in the Arctic Council, the spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova was quoted by RIA Novosti as saying on Friday. She noted that under Norway's chairmanship, virtual meetings of all six council working groups were held in the second half of 2024. These groups focus on sustainable development, climate, environmental protection, and emergency prevention and response. Zakharova said the "process of resuming the Arctic Council's work will continue, taking into account the interests of all Arctic states" and "based on the current realities of the format and the tasks facing our country in this area," Xinhua news agency reported. The Arctic Council's activities have been largely frozen for the past two years following the suspension of participation by Western countries in March 2022 due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Last year, Russia had suspended the payment of annual contributions to the Arctic Council until the practical work resumes with the participation of all member states. The work of the council includes the implementation of joint projects affecting such important issues for all Arctic states as the preservation of the fragile ecosystem of the Arctic, the conduct of polar research, including marine scientific expeditions, the development of humanitarian ties, and improving the quality of life and well-being of the population of the Far North, including indigenous peoples. The Arctic Council, established in 1996, is a high-level intergovernmental forum that facilitates cooperation in the region, especially in the field of environmental protection. The council comprises Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Iceland, Canada, Norway, Russia, the United States, Finland and Sweden. The chairing countries rotate every two years. Russia held the chairmanship in 2021 and, in May 2023, the Council chairmanship was passed to Norway. New Delhi, Jan 24 : The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf Amendment Bill on Friday turned chaotic as opposition MPs were suspended for the entire day following a heated argument. It happened during a discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. At the same time, the Opposition MPs alleged that they were not given sufficient time to study the draft which was brought up for discussion. Chaired by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, the panel meeting was in fact set to hear a delegation led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from Kashmir. But before the process, the meeting was disrupted by opposition MPs who raised concerns about "the speed with which the government wanted to pass the bill", "especially considering the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections". As the disruption escalated, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey proposed the suspension of 10 opposition MPs for the day. The panel subsequently accepted Dubey's proposal. MPs namely Kalyan Banerjee, Mohammad Javed, A. Raja, Asaduddin Owaisi, Nasir Hussain, Mohibullah, M. Abdullah, Arvind Sawant, Nadimul Haque, and Imran Masood were among the suspended members. Dubey accused the opposition of using unparliamentary language. He alleged that they were trying to suppress the majority's voice. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who appeared before the committee after the suspension, expressed his strong opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill, stressing that the government should not intervene in religious matters. Farooq further pointed out they hoped their suggestions would be heard and implemented. The aim should be to ensure that Muslims do not feel marginalised by any proposed changes, he remarked. Before being suspended, opposition MPs, including Kalyan Banerjee of TMC and Congress member Syed Nasir Hussain, walked out of the meeting. They accused the proceedings of becoming a "farce." They demanded that the meeting be postponed until January 30 or 31 to allow for a detailed, clause-by-clause discussion. Banerjee even described the atmosphere as resembling an "undeclared emergency" where the chairman was not listening to anyone. Dubey meanwhile claimed that the opposition's behaviour was against parliamentary traditions, and their attempts to disrupt the meeting were an affront to democratic norms. Arvind Sawant, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, flayed the "hasty handling" of such an important Bill, which, according to him, could potentially cause unrest in the country. He asked as to why the Bill was being rushed through the committee process when there should be a proper discussion. Seoul, Jan 24 : South Korean prosecutors on Friday questioned the acting chief of the Presidential Security Service (PSS) as part of their investigation into the short-lived imposition of martial law. The prosecution's special investigation team handling the case began questioning PSS Deputy Chief Kim Seong-hoon as a witness at around 10 am. Police detained Kim last week on charges of leading efforts to block investigators from executing a warrant to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law bid. Police later sought a warrant to arrest Kim, but he was released after prosecutors dismissed the warrant. Later on Friday, police again sought an arrest warrant for Kim, accusing him of obstructing official duties and abusing his authority. Police have reportedly gathered testimony from PSS officials that Kim and another senior PSS officer were preparing firearms during the police's execution of the second warrant against Yoon, Yonhap news agency reported. Earlier in the day, South Korean prosecutors filed for an extension of President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention until early next month, officials said, as they seek to speed up the investigation into his short-lived martial law bid. The prosecution's move comes a day after the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) handed the case over to the prosecution as the agency does not have the legal mandate to indict a President. The special prosecution team investigating the martial law filed the request to the Seoul Central District Court to extend Yoon's detention period until February 6, according to the officials. By law, a suspect can be held under arrest for up to 10 days, with a possible extension of another 10 days. Yoon was arrested on Sunday. If the court approves the extension, the prosecution is expected to conduct in-person interrogations. However, it remains to be seen whether Yoon will agree to cooperate. The prosecution is reportedly preparing an indictment in case the court rejects the extension request. New Delhi, Jan 24 : The voters have made up their minds to back the BJP and elect a 'conflict-free' and double-engine government for development in the city by giving over 51 per cent votes to us, said Baijayant Jay Panda, the party's in-charge of Delhi unit, on Friday. "Development has come to a standstill in Delhi under 'AAP-da' rule in the last 10 years. The roads are broken and promises to clean the Yamuna have been proven hollow. The pollution control board is not being given the money offered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi due to political ego," Panda told IANS. He also hit out at the AAP-da leaders for spreading rumours that the free welfare services will be withdrawn, adding that PM Modi has himself dismissed these as untrue. "The difference between BJP and the AAP is that we deliver what we promise but the AAP failed to deliver financial assistance to women in Delhi or Punjab," he said, adding that the BJP ensures sound financial health of the government wherever it is elected. Highlighting the BJP's guarantee for corrupt-free governance, he said the AAP-da's free schemes were launched to indulge in corruption and cited examples of scams in liquor policy and construction of classrooms. There is massive corruption in the Delhi Jal Board, which is supplying contaminated water, and yet its accounts have not been checked for eight years," he said, adding that even the DTC is suffering due to a depleting fleet of buses. Calling rival parties' focus on Purvanchalis as opportunistic, Panda said five years ago during the pandemic, people from east Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were forced to flee as they were not provided oxygen cylinders, vaccination or treatment. "At the same time, a Sheesh Mahal of crores of rupees was built by AAP-da leader for himself. They only believe in vote bank politics," he said. The festival of Chhath is of great significance for Purvanchalis and the AAP-da government has failed to clean the Yamuna for them to carry out their rituals in the holy river. "They have cheated the people thrice," he said, adding that AAP-da's leader will not be able to become the Chief Minister due to court restrictions. In our party any party worker can become the Chief Minister but the AAP-da should tell which of their leaders will become the CM as the current CM has been described as 'temporary' by their own leader. Talking about Congress prospects in the triangular fight, Panda said the February 5 election is a fight for the survival of the party. "The announcements being made by the Congress are irrelevant," he said. They made similar announcements in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka but they could not be fulfilled. Los Angeles, Jan 24 : Recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area destroyed over 10,000 structures, many of them homes. Tens of thousands have been displaced, and the search for housing is becoming increasingly brutal. Some landlords are profiting from the crisis. "It's a shark tank in LA right now with blood in the water," said Angeleno resident Andrea M. "Everybody is vying for the same few places, and unscrupulous, profiteering landlords are making money on other people's misery. It's shameful!" A Beverly Hills rental home previously listed at 14,000 dollars per month jumped by 4,000 dollars overnight, while a home in the wealthy Bel Air neighbourhood saw its price double to 29,500 dollars. Many landlords see the disaster as an opportunity to profit, with some openly defying California's price-gouging laws. Many failed to justify the increases, with some listings quickly removed after scrutiny, Xinhua news agency reported. Jason Oppenheim of Netflix's popular reality show "Selling Sunset" criticised "the unethical practices" of his peers, pointing to instances where rental prices jumped by 10,000 dollars despite an upfront offer to pay six months' rent. To address these problems, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on January 16 to cap rent increases at 10 per cent during the crisis. However, reports showed rental prices in areas like West Los Angeles and Bel Air are still spiking far beyond the legal limit. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has launched investigations into reported cases of price gouging, urging residents to submit evidence to aid enforcement. However, experts noted that prosecuting these violations was complex and time-consuming, leaving many victims without immediate recourse. The crisis is especially dire for renters, who typically have fewer resources to recover from disasters compared to homeowners. Experts warn that the wildfires' aftermath will exacerbate the region's housing inequality, which already heavily impacts marginalised or low-income communities. Harvard researcher Carlos Martin criticised disaster policies for "prioritizing property ownership and exacerbating divisions between wealthy homeowners and lower-income renters." Temporary solutions, such as free housing offered by nonprofits and discounted hotel stays, provide immediate relief, but long-term rebuilding is far more challenging. Older residents like Renee and Ed Weitzer, who lost their Sunset Mesa home and have been living in a hotel while competing with other renters for accommodation, have struggled to secure housing despite offering to pay a year's rent upfront. The pair plans to move into a family member's one-bedroom apartment. Vulnerable neighbourhoods, such as historically Black areas like Altadena, are especially impacted. Local activists are highlighting the predatory practices. One organiser has documented price-gouged properties in a public spreadsheet. The Los Angeles Tenants Union identified over 500 listings with sudden rent spikes, some exceeding 100 per cent. Union organisers stressed that even legally permitted increases could strain renters already struggling in one of the nation's most expensive cities. As Los Angeles grapples with these challenges, local and state leaders are calling for stronger protections and accountability. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said displaced residents need support assurance, not exploitation. Governor Newsom has proposed 2.5 billion dollars for emergency recovery. Nonetheless, housing advocates remain wary of long-term impacts. Experts predict a surge in homelessness and prolonged recovery times for affected communities. "Recovery from disasters often takes years or even decades," said Jeffrey Schlegelmilch, Director of the National Centre for Disaster Preparedness at the Columbia Climate School. For many Angelenos, already living on the edge financially, the wildfires may be the tipping point that forces them out of the city, Schlegelmilch added. Prayagraj, Jan 24 : Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh has become a global spiritual destination, attracting devotees not just from across India but from all corners of the world. Devotees from Madhya Pradesh, Bengaluru, Kerala, and beyond are praising the seamless arrangements by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. They are elated by the deep cultural significance of the event, highlighting the promotion of Sanatan Dharam. Speaking to IANS, Uma from Kerala, shared her excitement: "Itas a great honour to witness the sadhus, seers, and Nagas a" each with a unique presence and aura. This gathering promotes Hinduism in a big way and brings peace to the mind and soul. The arrangements are impeccable, and Iam truly blessed to be here." Anshu from Bengaluru, on his first visit to the Maha Kumbh, commended the well-maintained infrastructure and tight security. "Despite the large crowds, everything is organised beautifully. Itas a matter of immense pride for us as Hindus. The cleanliness and orderliness make the experience even more enjoyable," he said. Priyanka from Bengaluru also praised the event, saying, "Sanatan Dharam is being showcased powerfully here, with people from across the globe appreciating the efforts. I feel blessed to witness such a grand gathering and hope to bring my parents along next time." Kamini Bansal, 72, from Madhya Pradesh, who has attended multiple Kumbhs, expressed her admiration for the arrangements, especially praising PM Modi and CM Yogi for their efforts. Maha Kumbh Mela, recognised as one of the most significant and revered assemblies in Hinduism, takes place every twelve years. This year, a multitude of devotees have gathered in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to engage in this momentous occasion. Participants believe that they will have the chance to attain spiritual purification by performing a ritual bath at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the three holy rivers, the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Tehran, Jan 24 : Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that his country seeks peace, not fight or war, while rebuffing external threats, reported the official news agency IRNA, on Friday. He made the remarks at a meeting with a number of elites in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province while elaborating on his administration's foreign policy. Pezeshkian said Iran wants to live in peace and tranquility with the world as neighbouring states are prioritized in Iran's foreign policy. "We should speak to the world in the language of peace, health and righteousness, not by fighting with everyone," he said. Pezeshkian said Iran should have relations with all sides based on the three principles of "dignity, expediency and wisdom," except Israel, "which is an aggressor and has shown that it does not value humanity at all." He emphasised that Iran would not kneel before the enemies' threats and sanctions, Xinhua news agency reported. Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on October 7, 2023. Last week, the Iranian President had also expressed readiness to engage in nuclear negotiations with the United States, provided discussions are conducted "on equal terms". "We are ready for negotiations. However, these talks must respect our honour and wisdom and be conducted on an equal footing. We will by no means submit to force," Pezeshkian said, according to the IRNA. He had attributed past negotiation failures to the US's lack of commitment, particularly its withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear accord, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "We must be assured that the other side will adhere to what is written and signed," he emphasised, urging the West to lift sanctions. "They cannot impose sanctions one day and then expect us to negotiate the next." Damascus, Jan 24 : Nine Turkish soldiers were killed and 11 others injured in attacks by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) targetting Turkish bases in northern Aleppo province, a war monitor said on Friday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the SDF strikes hit bases on Thursday in the al-Hoshriya area. The SDF also struck a military gathering in the village of Atshana, south of Manbij, with casualty figures from that incident still unconfirmed, the Observatory said. The Observatory said the SDF attacks appeared to be in retaliation for continued ground and air assaults by Turkish forces and allied factions against SDF-held areas in northern and eastern Syria. On Thursday, Turkish warplanes reportedly bombed areas around the Tishreen Dam near Manbij, causing explosions and smoke plumes, though there were no immediate reports of casualties. Turkish artillery also targetted two villages west of Ayn al-Arab (Kobani), the Observatory said, Xinhua news agency reported. The Observatory said 483 people, including 51 civilians, have been killed since an escalation of hostilities between the SDF and Turkish-backed factions began on December 12, 2024. Last week, the top commander of SDF said that 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. 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. Turkey 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). New Delhi, Jan 24 : The payroll data of the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) released on Friday reveals that 16.07 lakh new employees were added in November last year out of which over 47 per cent are young employees up to the age group of 25 years, which is a good indicator of new jobs being created in the economy. New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS) The payroll data of the Employeesa State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) released on Friday reveals that 16.07 lakh new employees were added in November last year out of which over 47 per cent are young employees up to the age group of 25 years, which is a good indicator of new jobs being created in the economy. As many as 20,212 new establishments have been brought under the ambit of the ESI Scheme in the month of November 2024 thus ensuring social security to more workers, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Further, the year-on-year analysis shows a growth of 0.97 per cent in net registrations compared to November 2023. The statement highlights that out of the total 16.07 lakh employees added during the month, 7.57 lakh employees amounting to around 47.11 per cent of the total registrations belong to the age group of up to 25 years. A gender-wise analysis of the payroll data indicates that the net enrolment of female members was 3.28 lakh in November 2024. Besides, a total of 44 transgender employees were also registered under the ESI Scheme during the month, as part of the policy to extend benefits to every section of society, the statement said. The payroll data is provisional since the data generation is a continuous exercise and a revision can be made with more figures coming in. The ESIC data matches the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) figures released this week which showed a net addition of 14.63 lakh members in November 2024, which represents an increase of 9.07 per cent over the corresponding figure for October. Further, the year-on-year analysis reveals a growth of 4.88 per cent in net member additions compared to November 2023, reflecting increased employment opportunities and heightened awareness of employee benefits, as per the official statement. EPFOas payroll data shows a 5.86 lakh increase in the number of persons for the age group 18-25 for November, reflecting an increase of 7.96 per cent compared to the previous month of October. This is in consonance with the earlier trend which indicates that most individuals joining the organised workforce are youth, primarily first-time job seekers. New Delhi, Jan 24 : The Centre on Friday cautioned citizens against fraudsters issuing fake and fraudulent summons for Goods and Services Tax (GST) violations. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) said it has been recently observed that some individuals with fraudulent intent are creating and sending fake summons to the taxpayers who may or may not be under investigation by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI). "The fake summons resembles very closely with the original due to use of Department's logo and Document Identification Number (DIN)," said the CBIC in a statement. However, these DIN numbers are fake and are used by the fraudsters to make the document look and feel genuine. "It is once again clarified that taxpayers can easily verify the genuineness of any communication (including Summons) issued by any officer of CBIC by using the 'VERIFY CBIC-DIN' window on the CBIC's website," said the Ministry of Finance. In case of suspicion of bogus summons, taxpayers may immediately report to DGGI/CGST formations, it added. On verifying the DIN, if any individual or taxpayer finds that the summon, letter, notice is fake, it may immediately be reported to the office concerned. This will enable the competent DGGI/CGST formation to take law enforcement action against the fraudsters for using fake summons/letter/notice to dupe the public. The government last year launched a special drive by Central and state GST formations to identify and weed out fake GST registrations that are being used for massive ITC (input tax credit) frauds. This drive will be undertaken in a coordinated manner between the Central and state formations. Based on certain identified risk parameters, close to 59,000 potential fake firms were identified for verification and further enquiry. Ulan Bator, Jan 24 : Mongolia is bracing for extremely cold weather in the coming days, as the National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring issued a warning on Friday. Starting Saturday, cold air from Siberia, Russia, will sweep across large parts of Mongolia, bringing overnight temperatures that could exceed minus 40 degrees Celsius, the weather agency said in a warning. "Last year, the lowest temperature recorded in our country was minus 48.8 degrees Celsius on January 23 in the western province of Zavkhan," the agency said, predicting that similar conditions will affect the western regions during this weekend. Meanwhile, other parts of the country, particularly the national capital Ulan Bator, are expected to experience temperatures 10-15 degrees colder than recent days, with heavy snow anticipated throughout the weekend. The cold wave is expected to cause significant disruptions, and the public, especially nomadic herders, are urged to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their livestock from the extreme conditions, Xinhua news agency reported. Several soums (administrative subdivisions) across Mongolian provinces are grappling with extreme winter conditions. Earlier this month, the agency had warned that at least 40 per cent of the country's territory was at high risk of experiencing the extreme wintry weather 'dzud' this winter. The dzud is a Mongolian term to describe a severely cold winter when many livestock die because the ground is frozen or covered in snow. "A recent risk assessment of the dzud indicates that at least 40 per cent of the country's total territory faces a high risk of dzud this winter, while 20 per cent is categorized as medium risk," the weather monitoring agency said in a statement. Most areas in the five western provinces, Bayan-Ulgii, Uvs, Khovd, Zavkhan, and Gobi-Altai, were at high or very high risk, the agency had warned. Additionally, some parts of the northern provinces, Khuvsgul, Selenge, and Bulgan, the central provinces of Arkhangai and Uvurkhangai, and smaller areas of the southern provinces of Bayankhongor and Dundgovi are also at high risk. Mongolia, one of the world's last remaining nomadic nations, is known for its extreme winters, largely shaped by the Siberian high-pressure system. Last winter, the Asian country experienced its heaviest snowfall in five decades, leading to a severe dzud that resulted in the loss of millions of livestock. The combination of frigid temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns often leads to devastating consequences for both human and animal populations. In a tragic example of such risks, over 10 people, mainly nomadic herders, lost their lives in November 2023 due to heavy snow and blizzards in the central province of Tuv and the eastern province of Sukhbaatar. Last winter, nearly all 21 provinces of the country endured extreme wintry conditions, accompanied by record snowfall, the largest since 1975. Around 90 per cent of the country's territory was covered in snow up to 100 centimetres thick, leading to the death of approximately eight million livestock. Chandigarh, Jan 24 : Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday called for unified efforts to combat the drug menace, particularly in Punjab. Addressing a gathering here, the Governor expressed concern with regard to the escalating drug abuse problem. The Anti-Drug Programme, organised by the National Commission for Women, focused on raising awareness and fostering a collaborative approach to effectively combat this societal threat. The Governor said while drug abuse is a nationwide issue, Punjab faces a disproportionately grave risk, making it a matter of immense concern. "Drug abuse is wreaking havoc on the lives and families. In Punjab, the severity of this issue calls for immediate and united efforts. It is time for religious, social organizations, and educational institutions to come together to address this crisis," said the Governor. The event was organised to discuss actionable strategies for curbing the drug scourge. Participants included representatives from social organisations, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders. Various case studies were shared, showcasing successful rehabilitation stories and initiatives to spread awareness in rural and urban areas. Governor Kataria also underscored the vital role of women in this mission. He said: "Women play a critical role as the backbone of society. Their influence as mothers, sisters, and community leaders can inspire significant change. Their contributions in guiding families and spreading awareness cannot be overlooked." He exhorted communities to act immediately, expressing confidence that consistent and dedicated efforts will undoubtedly yield results. Quoting his belief in action, he said: "Kam shuru karo, parinam jaroor aayega" (Start the work, and results will surely follow). Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson, National Commission for Women, shared her insights on combating drug abuse, while special guest Meenakshi Negi provided perspectives on the issue. The event concluded with participants pledging to intensify efforts to create a drug-free society. The Governor also reaffirmed the administration's commitment to providing resources for rehabilitation programmes, awareness campaigns, and enforcement measures. Mysuru : , Jan 24 (IANS) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy lashed out at the Karnataka government, saying, "On one hand, the government claims to empower women by giving them Rs 2,000 under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. On the other hand, it has given a free hand to microfinance companies, which are ruining their lives." Mysuru (Karnataka), Jan 24 (IANS) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy lashed out at the Karnataka government, saying, "On one hand, the government claims to empower women by giving them Rs 2,000 under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. On the other hand, it has given a free hand to microfinance companies, which are ruining their lives." Answering questions from the media during a programme in K.R. Nagar, Kumaraswamy said, "Karnataka was once a model for good governance, but now they are out to destroy it." Criticising the government, he added, "Those fighting for power have done nothing for the people. A month ago, the menace of microfinance began in Chamarajanagar, forcing people to leave their villages. Despite the problem persisting for so long and media reports highlighting the issue, the government has taken no action against anyone. Why?" "Rural women, especially farmers and poor women, are the primary victims of microfinance companies. Many of them are abandoning their homes and villages. Who is responsible for this?" Kumaraswamy questioned. "Microfinance companies have mushroomed in the state like weeds and are operating illegally without regulation. Back in 2018, when I formed the government with the Congress party, I implemented the Debt Relief Act. The Bill was passed in the legislative session, approved by the Governor, and I personally went to Delhi to secure the President's assent. What happened to that after the subsequent governments took over?" he asked in frustration. Targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah he slammed, "You claim to have achieved power equivalent to late CM D. Devaraj Urs, who implemented land reforms in the state. Not just for these five years, even for the next five years, you may remain in power. But tell us, what good have you done for the people?" He added, "At that time, the Kerala government had formed a commission to address this issue of harassment by microfinancing companies. I had this information and planned to study it personally. I sent a delegation led by my then Cooperative Minister, Bandeppa Kashempur, to Kerala to study the situation. Using that as a basis, I implemented the Debt Relief Act here. What happened to it after that?" Kumaraswamy questioned. "The CM has called for a meeting tomorrow. What will you do in the meeting? How many lives have been lost? How many people have abandoned their homes and villages? What relief will you provide them?" Kumaraswamy questioned. "The officials are powerless to take any action. I spoke to the Mandya Deputy Commissioner. In this district alone, there are 60 microfinance companies. Out of these, only 14-15 companies are licenced, while the rest are operating illegally, troubling the people," Kumaraswamy revealed. "The people gave Congress power, hoping for the betterment of the state. But ever since they came to power, they have been working to destabilise Opposition parties," the Minister alleged. Beirut, Jan 24 : Kuwait's foreign minister and the head of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) arrived in Lebanon on Friday, offering pledges of solidarity and support as the war-ravaged nation seeks to restore ties with Gulf states and navigate an economic crisis. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Kuwait's foreign minister, met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun at Baabda Palace in Beirut, where he reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to aiding Lebanon across various sectors, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency. Al-Yahya stressed the importance of solidarity and called for the reactivation of joint committees to address Lebanon's mounting challenges. Joining Al-Yahya was Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the Secretary-General of the GCC, who highlighted that the visit followed an extraordinary GCC session dedicated to addressing the crisis in Lebanon and Syria. Albudaiwi emphasised the bloc's unwavering support for Lebanon's sovereignty, underscoring the critical need for regional and international collaboration, Xinhua news agency reported. He also outlined a Gulf-backed development initiative aimed at supporting Lebanon's economic recovery, contingent on the implementation of key reforms. Aoun expressed gratitude for the support from Kuwait and the GCC, emphasising the importance of Arab unity in overcoming the nation's challenges and reiterating Lebanon's commitment to strengthening ties with its Gulf neighbours. The visit by Al-Yahya and Albudaiwi follows a landmark visit on Thursday by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the first such visit in 15 years. These diplomatic engagements reflect Lebanon's efforts to strengthen ties with Gulf states as its new government faces mounting pressure from a lagging economy, deep political divisions, and the fallout from the recent conflict with Israel. Aoun was elected Lebanon's President on January 9, filling the presidency left vacant for around two years due to deep political divisions. Days later, on January 13, Aoun appointed Salam, the former President of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, as Lebanon's new Prime Minister and tasked him with forming a government. The developments are widely viewed as a sign of Hezbollah's waning influence in Lebanon, marking a potential shift in the country's political landscape. New Delhi, Jan 24 : Questioning the 'Z-plus' security provided to Bibhav Kumar, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Friday levelled serious allegations against former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, claiming that she believes that he orchestrated the assault on her by his aide last year. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Maliwal expressed shock and dismay over the protection being afforded to Bibhav Kumar, a man she claims brutally assaulted her in Kejriwalas official residence. According to Maliwal, Kejriwalas protection of a "mere goon," and his repeated promotion of him only point to a deeper conspiracy. She said, "It has been heard that the same goon, Bibhav Kumar, who mercilessly dragged me and beat me in Arvind Kejriwal's drawing room, has been given Z-plus security by the Punjab government. After all these months, I believe from my heart that Arvind Kejriwal got me beaten up. If it wasnat so, why would he protect this man so much and promote him repeatedly?" Maliwalas comments followed a revelation that Kumar, despite being labeled a "goon" by the Supreme Court, has been given significant political clout. She claimed that after being restricted by the court from holding important positions, Kumar was appointed as Chief Advisor to the Punjab Chief Minister and enjoys a salary higher than Cabinet ministers. Maliwal described Punjab government granting Z-plus security to Kumar as an excessive provision usually reserved for high-ranking officials. "What has this goon done to deserve Z-plus security?" Maliwal asked. "Seventy police commandos, government vehicles, fire brigade, and ambulances a" all will follow him. This disrupts traffic and creates chaos. It is unimaginable for someone like him to be given such importance. And yet, Arvind Kejriwal has not only protected him but also ensured he gets everything he wants," she said. Maliwal further alleged Kejriwalas interference in her personal and professional life and claimed that he forced senior Member of Parliament ND Gupta to vacate a government bungalow in Lutyensa Delhi, which was then illegally occupied by Kumar for months. "This is what Arvind Kejriwalas aMahila Samman Yojanaa looks like," she said sarcastically. Asserting that she was fighting this battle alone, Maliwal slammed Kejriwal, calling him a hypocrite who masks his true nature. "Arvind Kejriwal is a very big Ravan in a country of sadhus. Despite all the efforts to break me, intimidate me, and force me into submission, I will not lose courage. I will fight for the truth till the end," she professed. Maliwal, who has worked alongside Kejriwal since 2006, reflected on the years they spent together fighting for common causes. She recalled that Kejriwal himself had written in his book 'Swaraj' that two people were central to his journey a" one being Manish Sisodia and the other, Swati Maliwal. "A woman who has struggled with you since 2006 is beaten up and instead of standing by her, you support the goon who assaulted her," she said. She also condemned Kejriwalas stance on womenas issues, questioning how he could call himself a supporter of womenas rights while protecting someone who harmed her. "How can someone who claims to respect women, protect the very man who hurt me?" she asked. Maliwal vowed to continue her fight for justice and said, "I am not afraid. I will keep fighting, even if I am alone in this." New Delhi, Jan 24 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar called on visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in New Delhi on Friday, ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for Saturday. "Pleased to call on President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia at the start of his State Visit to India. Value his guidance and positive sentiments for the development of our multifaceted bilateral ties," the EAM posted on X after the meeting. This is Prabowo's first visit to India in his capacity as Indonesian President, after assuming office in October 2024 and he will also be the Chief Guest for India's 76th Republic Day celebrations on Sunday. "President Prabowo's participation as Chief Guest in India's 76th Republic Day will be a fitting celebration of our cherished friendship," asserted EAM Jaishankar. The Indonesian President arrived in New Delhi late Thursday evening and was welcomed by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita at the airport. In his departure statement, Prabowo said that India is a "very important friendly country" for Indonesia, one which has supported Indonesia the most in its struggle for independence. "We were still fighting the war of independence until '49 and they were sending medical aid, financial aid and so on, supporting our struggle for independence. So for us India is a very important friend and partner," he said. Interestingly, Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, was the chief guest at India's first Republic Day celebrations in 1950. This time, Indonesia has also sent a 352-member contingent of troops from the Indonesian National Armed Forces, consisting of defile troops and a drum band. President Soekarno highlighted that the Indonesian contingent is placed third in the defile after the opening troops and veterans. "If I'm not mistaken, we got a place of honour," he said. During his visit, Prabowo will hold bilateral talks with PM Modi at the Hyderabad House on Saturday and will also be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will also meet President Droupadi Murmu. "The agreements, the exchange of MoUs cover several areas including health, cultural programme exchange, security issues, maritime safety, and technology and digital development. I will also meet with industry figures, entrepreneurs from India who want to invest in Indonesia," he said. Also accompanying the visiting President on India visit is Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. "India and Indonesia share warm and friendly ties spanning over millenia. As a Comprehensive Strategic Partner, Indonesia is an important pillar in Indiaas Act East Policy and our vision of the Indo-Pacific," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement, earlier this week. From India, President Prabowo is scheduled to head to Malaysia for a State visit. Raipur, Jan 24 : In a major success for the ongoing anti-Maoist operations, a joint team of the Bijapur District Reserve Guard (DRG), District Police Force, CoBRA Battalion, and the CRPF apprehended 14 hardcore Maoists from the forests of Mallampet and Nadpalli, police officials said on Friday. The operation targeted Maoist strongholds in Tekmetla, Nadpalli, and Mallampet regions. Among the 14 arrested, 8 Maoists carried a cumulative bounty of Rs 36 lakh on their heads. The arrested Maoists are suspected to have been involved in various violent incidents and acts of sabotage in the Usur area. The security forces also recovered 23 wooden and 8 iron spikes, along with a wooden stake attached to a hoe used for digging, from a hideout in the forest. The arrested Maoists are implicated in multiple incidents in the Usur police station area, including planting spikes in the Tekmetla forest and injuring two soldiers on November 30, 2022. On June 9, 2024, they planted a pressure IED in the Nadpalli forest, which seriously injured a woman collecting Mahua. On January 6 this year, these Maoists attempted to target a police patrol by planting an IED on the Usoor-Nadpalli road which was successfully neutralised by the CRPFas Bomb Disposal (BD) team. After being taken into custody at the Usur Police Station, the Maoists were presented before the Chief Court in Bijapur. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mayank Gurjar confirmed that all the accused have been remanded to judicial custody. Just three days ago 16 Maoists were killed in a gunfight with the security forces in a joint operation launched by Odisha and Chhattisgarh police. This incident came a day after two women Naxalities were gunned down by security forces in Chhattisgarh. A top Naxal commander, Jayram alias Chalapathi, with a reward of Rs 1 crore on his head, was also killed during the operation on the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said time and again that the government is committed to free the country of Maoism by March 31, 2026. Seoul, Jan 24 : South Korea's Seoul court on Friday rejected the prosecution's request to extend President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention beyond its initial period. Earlier in the day, the special prosecution team investigating allegations related to Yoon's short-lived martial law bid submitted a request to the Seoul Central District Court to extend Yoon's detention until February 6. This request came a day after the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) transferred the case to the prosecution. On Friday, the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the request, citing a lack of probable cause to continue the investigation under the prosecution's authority, as the case had already been referred by the CIO. The CIO had transferred the case to the prosecution earlier as the agency does not have the legal mandate to indict a president. By law, a suspect can be held under arrest for up to 10 days, with a possible extension of another 10 days. Yoon was arrested on Sunday. With the court's rejection of the extension request, the prosecution now faces a tight deadline to conduct in-person interrogations of Yoon, who has so far refused to cooperate with the CIO's questioning. The prosecution has been reportedly preparing an indictment in case the court rejects the extension request. Law enforcement agencies are investigating Yoon over allegations he was the mastermind behind the December 3 martial law imposition that has triggered an unprecedented political turmoil, Yonhap news agency reported. Yoon faces charges of colluding with then Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others to start a riot by declaring martial law. He also faces charges of abusing his power by sending troops to the National Assembly to stop lawmakers from voting down the decree. Yoon is currently under arrest at the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang, south of the capital, while a Constitutional Court trial is also under way to determine whether to uphold or dismiss his impeachment by the National Assembly. If upheld, Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a snap presidential election within 60 days. If dismissed, he will be reinstated. Manchester, Jan 24 : Pep Guardiola says Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku will miss Saturday's home clash with Chelsea in the Premier League. Dias was forced to come off at half-time during the midweek defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with the boss revealing that he "didn't feel good". Manchester, Jan 24 (IANS) Pep Guardiola says Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku will miss Saturday's home clash with Chelsea in the Premier League. Dias was forced to come off at half-time during the midweek defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with the boss revealing that he "didn't feel good". It is a blow for the Portuguese player, who has only made two appearances since the Manchester derby in mid-December. Doku, who impressed in the 6-0 win over Ipswich Town last weekend, missed the trip to Paris and will be absent again for the visit of Chelsea. They join Nathan Ake and Rodri on the sidelines, while Oscar Bobb is continuing to build his fitness after almost six months out. When asked who was out of contention for the Chelsea match, Pep said, "[We have the] same injuries, we had [before]. Ruben and Doku are out. The other players are [still] out." Manchester City have been very active in the January transfer market having signed Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Omar Marmoush in a matter of days. Guardiola was also asked whether the new arrivals could be included in the matchday squad on Saturday. "Yes. They can play, but I don't know yet. We don't have players." And on Marmoush, he added, "[He brings] exceptional quality to the team, He's a future player for years with quality in the final third. That's why [we signed him]," he added. Egyptian striker Marmoush Joined the side from Eintracht Frankfurt on a four-and-a-half-year deal which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2029. The 19-year-old Brazilian youth international Vitor Reis from Palmeiras moves to the Etihad Stadium on a four-and-a-half-year deal, keeping him at City until the summer of 2029. Uzbek central defender Khusanov signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Club from Lens on Monday evening Kolkata, Jan 24 : A BJP delegation led by the leader of the opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Friday met Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and sought his intervention into the recent deaths of a woman and a newborn at a state-run medical college & hospital in West Midnapore district reportedly after being administered with expired Ringer's Lactate solution. After meeting the Governor, the leader of the opposition said that the delegation has highlighted three points in the matter to the Governor. The first point, according to him, is to seek a report from the state government on how the Ringer's Lactate supplying entity, Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals Limited, was allowed to continue supplying to such crucial medical fluids to state-run hospital despite the same entity was first blacklisted by Karnataka Government and subsequently by the West Bengal government. "Secondly, we have requested the Governor to intervene and ensure that adequate compensation is being paid by the state government to the family members of the two victims," the leader of the opposition said. Finally, Adhikari added, the delegation had also requested the Governor to issue a public statement detailing his views into the matter. Earlier in the day, the leader of the opposition also participated at a protest rally in Kolkata organised by a section of the civil society in Kolkata. There, Adhikari demanded immediate arrest and investigation against the state health minister and the state health secretary in the matter. While Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is herself in-charge of the state health department as the minister, the state health secretary is Narayan Swarup Nigam. Earlier this month, five women had fallen sick at the hospital allegedly after being administered the expired Ringer's Lactate. First, Mamoni Ruidas, one of the five women, and thereafter, the newborn baby of Rekha Shaw, another among the five affected women, also died. When the state was on the boil over allegations of administration of the expired Ringer's Lactate supplied by an entity, Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a press conference said the negligence of the attending doctors was the reason behind the mishaps and also announced their suspension. On that day, she had given a virtual clean chit to the said entity and claimed that had it been the case then there would have been similar mishaps reports from other state-run hospitals where Ringer's Lactate supplied by the same entity was being administered. She had also announced a parallel probe into the matter by the CID besides the ongoing probe by the team of clinical experts from the state health department. However, recently, a team of clinical experts submitted a report not ruling out the possibility of an adverse impact of injection of essential liquids like Ringers' Lactate and oxytocin triggering the mishaps. The committee also said that the batch of Ringers' Lactate and oxytocin has already been forwarded for more sophisticated clinical examination. The committee, sources added, has also advised that till the report on this count arrives it is advisable to avoid the use of such clinical liquids of the same batch. Jerusalem, Jan 24 : Israel will maintain forces in southern Lebanon beyond the Sunday deadline stipulated in the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday. The agreement, signed on November 27, 2024, mandated a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon within 60 days, concluding this Sunday. However, Netanyahu's office stated that Israel will not meet this deadline, asserting that the Lebanese military has not yet established full control of the region and that Hezbollah forces have not fully withdrawn north of the Litani River. "As the Lebanese state has not fully enforced the ceasefire agreement, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops will continue," the statement said, indicating a phased withdrawal rather than a complete pullout by the deadline. The Israel Defense Forces' withdrawal is "contingent on the deployment of the Lebanese Army in southern Lebanon and its effective enforcement of the agreement, including Hezbollah's retreat beyond the Litani River," the statement added. The decision has been coordinated with the United States, according to the statement, Xinhua news agency reported. A year of escalating cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah, following Hamas' October 7 attack on southern Israel and Israel's subsequent retaliation in Gaza, culminated in an Israeli ground invasion of southern Lebanon in October 2024. Meanwhile, Kuwait's Foreign Minister and the head of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) visited Lebanon on Friday, offering pledges of solidarity and support as the war-ravaged nation seeks to restore ties with Gulf states and navigate an economic crisis. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Kuwait's Foreign Minister, met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun at Baabda Palace in Beirut, where he reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to aiding Lebanon across various sectors, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency. Al-Yahya stressed the importance of solidarity and called for the reactivation of joint committees to address Lebanon's mounting challenges. Joining Al-Yahya was Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the Secretary-General of the GCC, who highlighted that the visit followed an extraordinary GCC session dedicated to addressing the crisis in Lebanon and Syria. Albudaiwi emphasised the bloc's unwavering support for Lebanon's sovereignty, underscoring the critical need for regional and international collaboration. He also outlined a Gulf-backed development initiative aimed at supporting Lebanon's economic recovery, contingent on the implementation of key reforms. Aoun expressed gratitude for the support from Kuwait and the GCC, emphasising the importance of Arab unity in overcoming the nation's challenges and reiterating Lebanon's commitment to strengthening ties with its Gulf neighbours. The visit by Al-Yahya and Albudaiwi follows a landmark visit on Thursday by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the first such visit in 15 years. The developments are widely viewed as a sign of Hezbollah's waning influence in Lebanon, marking a potential shift in the country's political landscape. Kyiv, Jan 24 : Ukrainian forces launched drone attacks on oil facilities and a microelectronics plant in western Russia overnight Friday, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed on Facebook. The attack sparked fires at the production facilities of the Ryazan oil refining company and the Ryazan oil pumping station, it said. Besides, drones hit Kremniy El microchip plant in the Bryansk region, which produces components critical for Russia's production of weapons. According to the report, these components are used in the Topol-M and Bulava missile systems, the S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, and various combat aircraft. The drone attacks were conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Special Operations Forces in collaboration with other units, it said, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier in the day, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on his Telegram channel that Moscow's air defence systems were actively engaged in repelling a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks in the early hours of Friday. Drone attacks occurred in multiple locations surrounding Moscow, including the Kolomna and Ramensky urban districts, southeast of the capital, where air defence forces successfully intercepted the drones, Sobyanin wrote. Preliminary reports indicate no significant damage or casualties from falling debris. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the affected sites, he wrote. In the Podolsk urban district, two additional drones were shot down by air defence systems as they approached Moscow. Russian forces also neutralized a drone in the Troitsky Administrative District and another in the Shchyolkovo urban district of Moscow, according to the Mayor. As a precautionary measure, temporary restrictions on aircraft arrivals and departures were imposed at Moscow's Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports. Earlier this week, Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council claimed that Ukraine's military had attacked a Russian aviation plant in Smolensk region in western Russia. Kovalenko said on Tuesday that the plant participates in the production of military aircraft, particularly Su-25 attack aircraft, and is also involved in the overhaul and maintenance of aviation equipment. "This plant is closely connected to other enterprises of the Russian defence industry, supplying components or participating in cooperation to create modern aviation systems," he said. Kovalenko did not disclose the means used in the attack. Separately, drones have also attacked an oil depot in Russia's western Voronezh region, the Ukrayinska Pravda media outlet reported. Mumbai, Jan 24 : Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday said that the size of the Ratnagiri refinery in the Konkan region of Maharashtra will be reduced from the originally proposed 60 million tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of refining capacity and it is likely to be split into three refineries a capacity of 20 MMTPA each at various locations. "There is no update on it. That refinery was originally conceived as something very big, 60 MMTPA and much before I joined the ministry it became clear to everyone that no one not only in India but also anywhere in the world had the experience to build something on that large scale. "You need that much of hinterland, port and the size of ships that can come. The position as of now is that instead of one 60 MMTPA we are looking at the possibility of three refineries and its 20 MMTPA capacity each. For which the discussions are going on behind the scene," he added. The minister clarified that the Ratnagiri refinery does not have a future with 60 MMTPA refining capacity. "There was a difficulty in doing something that big. People who are responsible for the decision making will certainly look at it. Maybe a smaller refinery of 20-25 MMTPA refining capacity. Our normal experience is less so we can consider up to 20 and 25 MMTPA," Hardeep Puri said. The Minister further clarified that the locations of three refineries of smaller refining capacities are yet to be considered. The Union Minister indicated that the promoters of Ratnagiri refinery comprising BPCL, HPCL and IOC are in discussion with Saudi Aramco and Adnoc. He, however, said: "Our refining capacity is going up. We have the current capacity of 270 MMTPA. We already have plans in motion to go up 310 MMTPA. In Andhra Pradesh, BPCL is looking at the project with an investment of Rs 80,000-90,000 crore." The Minister further said "the country's refining capacity is doing well. Issue is do we finally take up to 400 MMTPA or even beyond that. Some serious discussions are going on about that". Hardeep Puri's statement on Ratnagiri refinery comes days after the Ajit Pawar led NCP, which is a partner in Maharashtra's ruling MahaYuti, made a strong case for the development of a refinery in the coastal Ratnagiri district, (previously known as Nanar refinery) after consultation within the grand alliance and taking the locals into confidence. Maharashtra unit NCP chief Sunil Tatkare, who is the chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on petroleum and natural gas, said: "There is a possibility that the refinery with reduction in its capacity against the proposed earlier, can come up in Maharashtra. The Centre has dropped indications in this regard. The development of a refinery with a cut in the operating capacity can be discussed with the Centre and also among the MahaYuti partners and the local residents. As the country's outgo towards import of oil is substantial, the development of a refinery is quite crucial." Meanwhile, Hardeep Puri announced that this year, the India Energy Week (IEW) will be held from February 11-14 in Delhi, saying that the IEW promises unparalleled global participation from Ministers, CEOs, and industry leaders, setting new benchmarks in the energy sector. "IEW 2025 will serve as a vital platform to strengthen collaborative efforts for accelerating the global adoption of clean cooking solutions. India's highly successful Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) will take centre stage, showcasing valuable insights and best practices as a global template for addressing energy access challenges," the minister said. Hardeep Puri said that IEW 2025 is set to achieve remarkable growth in scale and participation compared to previous editions. The exhibition space will expand by 65 per cent to 28,000 square meters, while the number of conference sessions will increase to 105, and global delegates will exceed 70,000. Over 500 speakers, including key international voices, will participate, reflecting the growing global significance of the event. The conference will also host 10 country pavilions from leading nations such as the U.S., UK, Russia, Japan, Germany, and the Netherlands, alongside eight thematic zones focusing on hydrogen, renewables, biofuels, and petrochemicals. The event will see participation from 20+ Foreign Energy Ministers or Deputy Ministers, along with Heads of International Organizations and 90 CEOs from Fortune 500 energy companies. A key highlight of IEW 2025 is the focus on compelling themes, including energy security, just and orderly transitions, collaboration, resilience, capacity building, and digital advancements. The event's Clean Cooking Ministerial will further amplify India's leadership role in ensuring access to sustainable and affordable energy solutions, reinforcing its global commitment to energy equity. "With its unparalleled scale and focus on innovation, India Energy Week 2025 is poised to position India at the forefront of global energy transitions and strengthen its role as a catalyst for change in the energy sector," remarked the minister. New Delhi, Jan 24 : A day after AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal's Z-plus security was withdrawn by Punjab Police, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva questioned the earlier necessity of providing high-level security to Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar. Sachdeva questioned why Bibhav Kumar, who allegedly orchestrated an assault on a woman MP at CM's residence, needed Z-plus security. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, accompanying Sachdeva, criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for his stance on Punjabi and Sikh pride, stating that Punjabas AAP MP Raghav Chadha misused his Z-plus security by deploying Punjab Police and Sikh policemen as waiters at his wedding, which disrespected Punjab Police and the Sikh community. He highlighted that turban-wearing Sikh policemen were assigned to receive guests, act as waiters, and present bouquets. Bittu claimed that Punjabas Chief Minister is attempting to convince the public that Kejriwalas life is under threat, but there is no evidence of such danger. He accused the AAP of creating pre-election conspiracies, suggesting they might stage an attack on themselves and blame it on the BJP; a tactic he alleged was common in their politics. Kejriwal, he said, already has Delhi Policeas Z-plus security. Past leaders like Akhilesh Yadav, Farooq Abdullah, and Ghulam Nabi Azad have also had Z-plus security but never stirred such controversies regarding it. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal repeated his allegation of deterioration in the law and order situation in the city and blamed the Delhi Police as well as Home Minister Amit Shah, a charge dismissed by political rivals. On Thursday, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said that following instructions from the EC and the Delhi Police, they have withdrawn components of the Punjab Police deployed for the security of the former Chief Minister. Kejriwal had earlier claimed that his car was attacked during a public rally in the Hari Nagar constituency on Thursday. He alleged that Delhi Police, acting at the behest of the Home Minister, allowed the Oppositionas supporters to trespass into his public rally, who in turn attacked his car. Delhi Assembly elections will be held on February 5 and the results will be declared on February 8. Kolkata, Jan 24 : A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Friday, rejected the appeal from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) for allotment of a stall at the forthcoming Kolkata International Book Fair this year which will be organised by the Publishers & Booksellers Guild. Earlier, the same single-judge bench of Justice Amrita Sinha had also rejected the plea from human rightsa body Association for Protection of Democratic Right (APDR) to have a stall at this annual event. Both the organisations approached the Calcutta High Court after their applications for allotment of stalls at the book fair this year were rejected by the Guild Authorities. While rejecting the plea from VHP, Justice Sinha observed that the procedure of filing the petition against the guild authorities was not followed in this case. The single-judge bench also raised questions about the admissibility of the petition against the Publishers & Booksellers Guild, which is a private entity. In the case of the rejection of a similar petition of APDR earlier this month, Justice Sinha also observed that since the book fair is a private affair and not a state-run affair, the validity of the petition by APDR does not stand and hence the petition was dismissed. Kolkata International Book Fair this year has been scheduled from January 28 to February 9. With Germany being the focal theme-country for the event this time, Publishers & Booksellers Guild, the organiser of the Kolkata Book Fair, has got confirmation from other countries like the UK, the US, France, Italy, Spain, Spain, Peru, Argentina and Colombia among others, but not from any publisher from Bangladesh. It has been learned that Germany has been chosen as the theme-country as the Kolkata Book Fair started in 1976 and was inspired by the worldas first book fair, which was organised at Frankfurt in Germany in 1949. This time, there will be 1,050 book stalls. Like every year, the event will be inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Addis Ababa, Jan 24 : Ethiopia has disclosed that it earned 1.36 billion US dollars in revenue from gold exports over the past six months. Speaking of an "impressive export performance" during the first half of the current Ethiopian 2024/2025 fiscal year, which started on July 8, Ethiopia's Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe said in a statement that the country has registered strong performance in major export commodities, including gold. According to the minister, the country has generated some 3.28 billion dollars in export revenue during the past six months, in which gold exports secured the largest share of the total export revenue, generating 1.36 billion dollars during the reported period. Data from the ministry also suggested that Ethiopia's overall export revenue for the reported period achieved about 145 per cent of the initial target. Highlighting Ethiopia's abundant potential in key export commodities, the minister emphasised the importance of enhancing the country's capacity to increase productivity and boost export earnings. With its agriculture-led economy, coffee is also a major export commodity for the country, Xinhua news agency reported. According to recent data from the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, the country earned 908 million dollars in revenue from coffee exports over the past six months, with more than 200,000 tonnes of coffee exported to the international market. Amid positive prospects in the agricultural, manufacturing, mining and other major economic sectors, the Ethiopian government in October 2024 announced an 8.4 percent economic growth target for the current fiscal year. Damascus, Jan 24 : Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud made his first visit on Friday to Damascus since the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. During a joint press conference with Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Faisal emphasised the urgent need for the swift removal of international sanctions on Syria. He argued that such a move is essential for the country's economic recovery and long-term stability. Al-Shibani expressed deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia's "long history of supporting the Syrian people" and called on Arab nations to provide further assistance to Syria to help rejuvenate its economy. "We aspire to be part of a shared Arab project that fosters economic diversity," he stated, highlighting the importance of lifting sanctions to address the nation's economic challenges. Both ministers stressed the significance of Syria's reintegration into the Arab League, viewing it as a pivotal opportunity for expanding investment and fostering regional cooperation, Xinhua news agency reported. Faisal reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting Syria, asserting, "We must work together to lift sanctions in a way that encourages investment to flow back into Syria." Faisal also met with Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria's de facto leader, during his trip. His last visit to Damascus, in April 2023, marked a historic meeting with Assad, signaling the end of over a decade of strained diplomatic relations. Syria's change of government last month has spurred a flurry of diplomatic activity. Turkish and Qatari delegations have visited Damascus, while al-Shibani embarked on trips to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. These efforts aim to rebuild ties with regional powers and advocate for the lifting of Western sanctions. Aden, Jan 24 : The United Nations announced on Friday that it has suspended all official operations in areas of Yemen under Houthi control following the detention of additional UN personnel. In a statement, the UN said the suspension would remain in effect until further notice. It added that senior UN officials were in contact with Houthi leaders, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN staff and partners. Houthi authorities, who control much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, have not commented on the UN's decision or its demands. A Yemeni government source, speaking to Xinhua on condition of anonymity, said the Houthis detained at least seven Yemeni employees working for international organizations on Thursday night. The detainees reportedly worked with agencies such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme. In June 2024, the Houthi group conducted a mass detention campaign, targeting employees from UN, international, and local humanitarian organisations in Sanaa. At the time, Houthi authorities claimed to have detained "key members of an American-Israeli spy network" allegedly linked to the US Central Intelligence Agency, Xinhua news agency reported. The UN has consistently called for the release of those detained, including during a December 2024 visit to Sanaa by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, who sought to negotiate the freedom of UN staff held by the Houthis. The Houthis have controlled Sanaa and much of northern Yemen since late 2014, waging war against Yemeni government forces. The conflict has led to what the UN describes as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Patna, Jan 24 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bhagalpur district on February 24 to inaugurate several developmental projects, Bihar Agriculture Minister Mangal Pandey said on Friday. Confirming the news, the minister highlighted the ongoing preparations to ensure the programme's success. "Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Union Minister of State for Agriculture visited Patna and Samastipur on Friday to discuss the Prime Minister's upcoming programme. They reviewed how the central government's funds were utilised in the agricultural sector during the last financial year and expressed satisfaction with Bihar's effective use of these funds," Pandey said. "Shivraj Singh Chauhan indicated that Bihar would receive increased funding in the agricultural sector in the financial year 2025-26. This announcement aligns with the government's commitment to boosting the state's agricultural growth and supporting farmers," Pandey said. Chauhan directed officials to focus on the procurement of pulses and oilseeds, emphasising the need to support farmers in enhancing production and marketing their produce. Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary participated in the discussions. Minister Pandey expressed gratitude to the central government and Shivraj Singh Chauhan for their continued support and guidance in strengthening Bihar's agricultural sector. The visit by Shivraj Singh Chauhan and the Prime Minister's programme is expected to significantly benefit Bihar's farmers, paving the way for increased agricultural production and improved market opportunities. Mangal Pandey strongly rebutted Tejashwi Yadav's statement claiming a deterioration in law and order in the state. Pandey criticised Yadav, referencing past incidents during the tenure of his parents, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, as Chief Ministers from 1990 to 2005. Mangal Pandey accused Tejashwi Yadav of making baseless claims about the law and order of the state. "When Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi were in power, kidnappings and negotiations with kidnappers often occurred at the Chief Minister's residence," Pandey said. The minister remarked that such practices are well-known in Bihar and said, "If Tejashwi Yadav makes such statements, it sounds like a joke." Pandey emphasised that under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership, there has been no compromise on the rule of law. He stated, "Whoever makes a mistake has been punished," highlighting the government's commitment to maintaining law and order over the past two decades of the NDA's governance in Bihar. Addressing the case of jailed Anant Singh, Pandey noted that the matter is being handled by the police but affirmed that the government stands firm on its principles. He said the NDA government, led by Nitish Kumar, had eradicated the "hooliganism" that marked Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure and had established the rule of law in the state. Amaravati, Jan 24 : In a significant development, YSR Congress Party's (YSRCP) parliamentary party leader and party general secretary V. Vijayasai Reddy on Friday announced that he is retiring from politics. While declaring that he will resign from Rajya Sabha membership on Saturday, Vijayasai Reddy made it clear that he is not joining any political party. Vijayasai Reddy, a close aide of YSRCP president and former chief minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and financial advisor to the YSR family, said that his decision is entirely personal. "My resignation is not to attain any post/position, benefit, or monetary gain. This decision is entirely personal. There is no pressure, or coercion or undue influence on me. I will forever be indebted to the YS family, who has supported me for four decades and across three generations," Vijayasai Reddy said in a post on 'X'. "I will always be grateful to YS Jagan Garu for giving me the opportunity to serve as a Rajya Sabha member twice, and in particular to Bharatamma Garu, who helped me reach new heights in the political arena. I pray to God to bless Jagan Garu with good health, immense success, everlasting happiness and a bright future," wrote Vijayasai Reddy, who became close to Jagan after the death of his father and former chief minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR) in a helicopter crash in 2009. "As the leader of the parliamentary party, floor leader in Rajya Sabha, and national general secretary of the YSRCP, I have worked tirelessly, with sincerity and without any compromise, for the benefit of the party and the state. I have served as a bridge between the Centre and the state to maintain the cordial relationship and get maximum benefits for the state," said Vijayasai Reddy. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah saying their support over the past nine years gave him strength and recognition in the Telugu states. "I might have had political differences with TDP, but there are no personal issues with the Chandrababu Garu and his family. My friendship with Pawan Kalyan Garu is forever," he said. Vijayasai Reddy, who began his career as a chartered accountant, revealed that in future his focus will be on agriculture. "I extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of my state, my friends, colleagues, party workers, and everyone who has supported me throughout my long political journey. I am grateful to each one of you," he added. Vijayasai Reddy, who had been close to YSR family since the 1980s and became a key aide of Jagan after YSR's death, was named as accused number two by the CBI in cases of disproportionate assets registered against Jagan in 2012. Considered a clever strategist in YSRCP circles, he emerged as a key leader after YSRCP stormed to power in Andhra Pradesh in 2019. As the YSRCP parliamentary party leader, he played a crucial role in securing the support of the BJP-led NDA for the state and the party. He contested unsuccessfully for Lok Sabha from Nellore constituency last year. This is the latest in a series of setbacks for YSRCP since losing power last year. Vijayasai Reddy is the fourth Rajya Sabha MP to quit the party. Bengaluru, Jan 24 : Karnataka BJP has urged Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot to initiate a review of the complete curricula of all universities in the state and seek a detailed report on the matter. The party has also appealed to him to act against intellectual terrorism carried out in the stateas university campuses. Speaking to the media on Friday at BJP headquarters in Bengaluru, Former Legislative Council member Arun Shahapur emphasised that the Higher Education Council must review contentious elements in textbooks. He insisted that any divisive content in the curriculum, which fosters a mentality of social division, should be addressed through legal action, including the filing of criminal cases. He specifically referred to the Kannada textbook for the first-semester BA course at Karnataka University, Dharwad. The book, a collection of essays titled Belagu, includes a controversial piece by Ramalingappa T. Begur discussing the theme aAround the Practice of Nationalisma. Shahapur alleged that the essay contains highly contentious elements. He stated that the writer has included biased perspectives, portraying nationalism in a derogatory light. According to Shahapur, the essay paints Hinduism negatively and describes "Bharat Mata" (Mother India) as a mere fictional concept. He also criticised the writer for opposing the slogan aBolo Bharat Mata Ki Jaia. Shahapur demanded that the university withdraw the textbook, calling the content "intellectual terrorism." He questioned why no police case had yet been filed in this matter and urged immediate action against the writer. He also appealed to the aHonourable Chancellora (the Governor) to intervene if the government fails to act. According to Shahapur, the writer has made several statements against the ethos of the Constitution, including derogatory remarks about Bharat Mata and Kannada's cultural symbol, Bhuvaneshwari (Kannadamma). He termed this a misuse of a universityas curriculum and an exploitation of the freedom to form a syllabus. Shahapur further urged the Chief Minister and the Higher Education Minister to review the current curricula in the state. He questioned the inaction of the Higher Education Council in addressing contentious content in the syllabus, adding that such distortions in education are dangerous and corrupt young minds. He accused the essay of questioning the formation of linguistic states and involving itself in divisive rhetoric. The BJP leader also cited a statement in the essay claiming that "Hindutva as a mythical national supremacy" has recently made Muslims more rigid in India, alleging that this notion corrupts young minds. Shahapur called for immediate action against the writer and demanded that the controversial essay be removed from the syllabus. Captain Ganesh Karnik, a former member of the Legislative Council, also criticised the essay, claiming it promotes separatism and incites hatred. He demanded swift action against the author and the removal of the essay from the curriculum. Legislative Council member Hanumantha Nirani was also present at the press conference. New Delhi, Jan 24 : A 3-judge Bench of the Supreme Court is slated to hear next week a plea filed by former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor and 2020 riots accused Tahir Hussain seeking interim bail to campaign ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sanjay Karol and Sandeep Mehta will take up Tahir Hussain's special leave petition on January 28 as the first item on board. The Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has fielded Hussain as a candidate from the Mustafabad constituency. Two days ago, a 2-judge Bench of the top court delivered a split verdict on Tahir Hussainas petition. While Justice Pankaj Mithal dismissed his plea, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah was inclined to order Tahir Hussainas release on interim bail in view of his incarceration of over four years on the charge of being an instigator during the 2020 riots in the national capital. Resultantly, the 2-judge Bench ordered the file to be placed before the Chief Justice of India, who is the master of the roster, for referring the matter to another bench. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court had sought the Delhi Police's response observing that Tahir Hussain's long incarceration of over four years would entitle him to regular bail. "Suppose we are satisfied on merit that a ground is made for considering regular bail, why should we not grant him? We can't shut our eyes to that," Justice Amanullah told the Delhi Police. A day before, the apex court had adjourned the hearing till January 22 on Tahir Hussainas petition seeking interim bail. When mentioned for urgent hearing, Justice Mithal had remarked: "It is easy to win elections sitting in jail. All such persons should be barred from contesting elections." Earlier, the Delhi High Court had turned down Tahir Hussain's plea for interim bail but granted him parole to enable him to file nomination papers for the upcoming Assembly polls. As per the order of the Delhi High Court, Hussain, while out on custody parole, will not have any access to the phone or Internet, will not interact with any person except the officials concerned in the nomination process, and will not address the media. On January 14, the Justice Krishna-led Bench reserved its decision after hearing the arguments raised by senior advocate Rebecca John, representing the former Councillor, and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma, who appeared on behalf of Delhi Police. 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. Patna, Jan 24 : Former MLA Anant Singh surrendered at the Barh civil court on Friday in connection with a shoot-out case. He was subsequently sent for 14 days in judicial custody in Patna's Beur Jail. Amid this development, IANS spoke exclusively with Bihar's Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar. The DGP stated: "We are continuously striving to ensure that no one is above the law, whether they are police officers or government employees. Everybody is equal before the law." DGP Kumar further emphasised that the police are fully active in upholding the rule of law and taking strict actions against law violators. "We are effectively implementing all actions to establish the rule of law. The police force is ensuring that the law is followed, and strict and extensive action will be taken against anyone who violates it. We are continuously striving to ensure that no one is above the law, whether they are police officers or government employees. Recently, as you may have seen, when police officers made mistakes or committed crimes, they were punished just like any common criminal. Actions were taken in cases such as the Mahkar police station in charge, Bagaha's DSP, or the Excise inspector's case, and they were arrested and sent to jail. We are taking strict actions in such matters," he said on Friday while interacting with IANS. The senior police officer further mentioned that the pending cases in investigations are being resolved in a time-bound manner. He said that all senior officers, such as DIGs, SPs, City SPs, and DSPs, are diligently performing their duties, and actions are being taken against those who are negligent. The police establishments are being thoroughly inspected to eliminate any errors or negligence and to make police actions more effective. Regarding the rising number of encounters in Bihar, the DGP explained that this is not a pre-determined policy. He stated that it (encounter) is a natural outcome when the police become more active and criminals also remain active in the area. He described the encounters as a possible incident when both the police and criminals are operating in the same area. "It could be a chance incident. The rise in encounter cases is due to the increased mobility of the police," he added. To a question pertaining to the Anant Singh case, the DGP reiterated that the law is the same for everyone. Whether it is a police officer, a government employee, or a common citizen, the law treats everyone equally. "This is the principle of 'equality before the law' and 'rule of law,' which we must adhere to. We are ensuring effective investigations and swift prosecution processes," he stated. He further added that special SOPs have been prepared to seize properties acquired by criminals. All police stations have been directed to identify and seize properties acquired through crime. The government has a clear stance on issues like triple 'C' crimes, communalism, and corruption, and the police will take strong action against corruption, he added. "You have seen actions taken against several senior officials, and we will continue to target corruption in the same manner. Efforts will also be made to attach properties acquired by criminals, and if arrests are needed during investigations, they will be made. If criminal activities increase in a certain area and the police remain vigilant, the possibility of encounters cannot be ruled out," the DGP said. Hyderabad, Jan 24 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday urged Union Minister for Housing and Urban Development Manohar Lal Khattar to sanction 20 lakh houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 2.0 to his state. The Chief Minister made the request at a review conducted by the Central minister on urban development, PMAY (Urban) and the power sector in Hyderabad on Friday. Stating that Telangana accounts for 8 per cent of India's urban population, CM Revanth Reddy urged the Union Minister to sanction 20 lakh houses to Telangana which happened to be the first state to join PMAY 2.0 and also ready with comprehensive data and a complete plan for the construction of houses. The Chief Minister brought to the attention of Manohar Lal that Metro connectivity in Hyderabad is poor when compared to major cities like Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore. Revanth Reddy also briefed the Union Minister about the six corridors envisaged under Metro Phase-II. The Union Minister was informed that the DPRs for five corridors (76.4 km) have already been submitted to the Centre and it required Rs 24,269 crore. The Chief Minister appealed to Union Minister Khattar to approve the DPRs and allocate funds under the Joint Venture (JV) between the Central and State Governments. Explaining the importance of Musi River Rejuvenation project, CM Revanth Reddy requested the Manohar Lal Khattar to extend the Central assistance for the construction of canals on 55 km (total 110 km) stretch, box drains and STPs on both sides of the river to prevent the sewage entering Musi. The Union Minister was requested to allocate Rs 10,000 crores for Musi project. The Telangana CM also informed the Union Minister that a Comprehensive Sewerage Major Plan (CSMP) has been prepared at a cost of Rs 17,212 crore for the construction of sewerage network in Hyderabad city and 27 nearby urban bodies. The Centre was urged to consider CSMP as AMRUT 2.0 or a special project and allocate funds. CM Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka appealed to the Union Minister to allocate 1 lakh solar pumps under PM Kusum to ensure continuous supply of irrigation water to tribal farmers in Telangana. Patna, Jan 24 : Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a review meeting with Bihar's agriculture department ministers and officials in Patna on Friday. During the meeting, plans for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to Bhagalpur on February 24, were discussed in detail. Chouhan announced that during PM Modi's visit, the next instalment of the Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana would be issued to farmers. "The scheme will benefit, particularly for small and marginal farmers, describing it as a significant initiative under the leadership of PM Modi," Chouhan said. He praised the rapid development in the country over the past seven months, attributing it to PM Modi's governance. The Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a flagship scheme of the central government aimed at providing financial support to small and marginal farmers. The instalment will further support farmers in Bihar by addressing their financial and agricultural needs. Chouhan commended the Bihar government for its efforts and outlined the central government's commitment to supporting Bihar's agricultural development. He lauded the Nitish Kumar government for developing its fourth agricultural roadmap, emphasising its vital role in advancing Bihar's agricultural sector. "I want to congratulate the Bihar government for its proactive approach, pioneer in agriculture with its unique efforts in crop innovation and farm productivity. The central government has allocated substantial funds for Bihar's agricultural sector in the past, which were utilised effectively," Chouhan said. He promised increased allocations in the upcoming budget to further empower Bihar's farmers and enhance productivity. "The talented and hardworking farmers are doing miraculous work in special crops in Bihar, such as Makhana (Fox Nuts), Mushrooms, Honey, Litchi and Bananas," he said. Chouhan emphasised the need for more research to boost the productivity of Bihar's special crops. He announced plans to explore mechanisation in makhana farming, which is currently reliant on manual labour. Mechanized farming could significantly enhance efficiency and productivity in this sector. Chouhan revealed that there is growing demand for a Centre of Excellence in Bihar. The central government will review this demand and support its establishment to advance agricultural research and innovation. "The fertile soil and industrious farmers of Bihar are the key advantages that make the state a leader in agricultural potential. I want to assure support from the central government under PM Narendra Modi's leadership to further strengthen Bihar's agricultural sector," he said. Mumbai, Jan 24 : The Maharashtra government will establish "Chief Minister Assistance Fund" cells in all district collector offices across the state to assist patients facing financial crunch, an official said on Friday. The initiative follows the implementation of the Chief Minister Assistance Fund during CM Devendra Fadnavis' first tenure, aimed at providing urgent healthcare and financial aid to those in need. The Chief Minister has emphasised that the facility should be accessible to citizens in their respective districts, and based on this directive, the state government has taken a decision to set up these cells across the districts. Previously, patients and their families had to visit the state secretariat to follow up on their applications. With the new system in place, citizens will now have access to updates and support regarding their applications within their districts. Rameshwar Naik, the head of the Chief Minister Assistance Fund, mentioned that this would ensure better service delivery to the citizens, a government release read. In line with CM's vision, the operations of the Chief Minister Assistance Fund will now be streamlined to a paperless process. The entire procedure for obtaining financial assistance for expensive medical treatments will be digitalized, eliminating the need for patients to visit the secretariat. An independent online system will be developed soon, reducing both time and costs for the citizens, says the release. This initiative will make it easier for citizens to access the assistance services in their own districts. The new system will allow applicants to track their application status and resolve any issues at the district level. Additionally, the district offices will assist the families of patients in filling out applications, visit hospitals of those who have received financial aid, raise awareness about the fund, and provide support during emergencies. A committee of expert doctors has been formed to review and redefine the assistance amounts and increase the number of illnesses covered under the fund. This will help keep pace with the rising cost of treatment. To further streamline the assistance process, the Chief Minister's medical assistance cell will integrate its existing online systems with the Charity Hospital Help Desk portal and the CM Relief Fund portal. This integration will simplify the process and make it more dynamic, offering a single identifier for cases, enhancing the ease of application. Mangaluru, Jan 24 : A court on Friday remanded 14 people to judicial custody till February 7 in connection with the attack on a massage parlour in Karnataka's Mangaluru city. Rama Sene activists on Thursday attacked a massage centre in Mangaluru city of Karnataka alleging that the management of the centre is carrying out illegal activities at the centre. According to police, the activists led by local leader Prasad Attavara barged inside the massage parlour located in the Bijai area and smashed the furniture and glass of the centre. Reportedly, a group of more than 12 people destroyed everything at the massage parlour. They had threatened the woman staff and others. Reacting to the incident, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara had said that he has directed the police department to arrest the concerned persons immediately. "I have given directions to initiate action as per the law. These incidents should not take place. There should not be any obstruction carrying out their business. No one should take the law into their hands," Parameshwara stated. He added that if there are centres indulging in illegal activities, one has to file a complaint with authorities, adding that the police will initiate action. "The civil authorities would have given conditions to run their business. If they are not followed, the authorities will initiate action against them," Parameshwara said. Minister for Health Dinesh Gundu Rao, who in-charge of Mangaluru district, said that the incident is 'condemnable'. He stated: "Under the name of Sri Ram Sene, acts of hooliganism are being carried out. Do not tarnish Lord Ram's name by engaging in such acts in his name. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Such violence and disturbances in the name of Sri Ram Sene are unacceptable. "If there is any illegal activity, it should be brought to the attention of the police, and complaints should be filed. Taking matters into one's own hands, causing destruction, and behaving like hooligans is not the way. Everyone must abide by the law and maintain peace and order." "Strict instructions have been given to the police to take stringent action against such individuals. Committing such acts in the name of god is disrespect to Lord Rama. Hindu organisations must also condemn such behaviour," Rao underlined. "If anyone engages in moral policing and takes the law into their hands, we will take strict action against them. If this behaviour continues, it will hinder the development of regions like Mangaluru in the future," he warned. Ram Sene founder Prasad Attavar had told mediapersons that "the attack was carried out by Ram Sene activists". "Drugs were given to young girls aged between 18 years and 19 years and they were used to carry out prostitution. One of the girls, a relative of our worker has been entrapped here. We have attacked the centre following a tip-off. There are 25 massage parlours in Mangaluru city. This one parlour was attacked as we had got information on illegal activities. The attack was carried out with the intention to save the girls," he claimed. However, the owner of the massage parlour, Sudheer, said that the attackers carried some item with them and kept it in the parlour. "The parlour has been running for two years with proper documents and license," he said. How billionaire couple behind Haidilao hotpot chain became one of Singapores richest Zhang Yong and his wife, Shu Ping, both co-founders of hotpot chain Haidilao, amassed a combined wealth of US$7.6 billion, placing them among the ranks of Singapores richest. The chain, whose name means "scooping the bottom of the ocean," is one of the most popular Chinese cuisine brands in the world with 1,374 outlets in China and overseas as of the end of 2023. Its revenue for the year was 41.5 billion yuan (US$5.7 billion). Its success propelled all four co-founders into billionaire status, with Zhang and his wife, Shu Ping, both naturalized Singapore citizens, securing the 10th spot on Forbes' 2024 ranking of the 50 wealthiest tycoons in the city-state. The two other co-founders, Shi Yonghong and Li Haiyan, currently have net worths of $2.2 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. Zhang Yong (right) and his wife Shu Ping, co-founders of the hotpot chain Haidilao, pose before an investors' luncheon ahead of the company's IPO in Hong Kong, China, on Sept. 10, 2018. Photo by Reuters But the hotpot giant today traces its roots back to 1994, when it was a small restaurant with just four tables in Sichuan province, China, according to the South China Morning Post. Zhang, who hails from Sichuans Jianyang city, dropped out of high school to work at a tractor factory for several years before venturing into business. He started Haidilao in Jianyang with a total investment of less than 10,000 yuan, which was mostly funded by the other co-founders, including Shu, who was his girlfriend at the time. "Though I didn't contribute much in terms of start-up money, I assumed the position of general manager and promised the others that our assets would grow to 150,000 yuan within five years," Zhang told Chinese newspaper The Economic Observer in a 2011 interview. "I swore that if I couldn't manage it, I would compensate them. That was a huge amount of money for a group of twenty-somethings in the 1990s, so they were all a bit startled." He later admitted that he did not even know how to prepare a traditional Sichuan hotpot when he first started. Haidilao expanded rapidly, with Zhang and his partners establishing separate businesses to manage warehousing, food ingredient supply, human resources, and renovation and security services for the chain and other restaurants, as reported by Forbes. New locations were able to break even within one to three months. The brand built its reputation on offering exceptional and innovative services that encourage customer loyalty. Examples include free manicures for waiting diners, photo booths for instant pictures, freshly hand-pulled noodles prepared at the tables, mobile phone chargers, and even baby cots for young children. Zhang attributes part of Haidilaos success to his employees, including wait staff, who introduced popular initiatives, such as offering plastic bags to protect customers' phones and hair ties for long-haired patrons, which have been implemented across the chain's locations, CNBC reported. "If you doubt them, then you will fail. You have to give them room to perform, then they will treat their job seriously," he said. "Putting faith in my staff has paid off for me." He also credits the financial incentives given to Haidilao managers, which drive them to consistently surpass expectations. They reportedly get a 3% share of their restaurant's profits. Haidilao went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2018, raising nearly $1 billion through its initial public offering, which valued the company at around $12 billion. This milestone made Zhang the wealthiest restaurant entrepreneur globally at the time. Zhang Yong, founder of Haidilao International Holding, poses during the ceremony for the listing of Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong, China, on Sept. 26, 2018. Photo by AFP Zhang and his wife, who became Singapore citizens prior to the IPO, topped the city-state's rich list for two consecutive years in 2019 and 2020. However, their combined net worth fell in late 2021 as Haidilaos shares plummeted on news of the companys disappointing performance. The chain later announced plans to close or suspend 300 underperforming stores and reported a loss of 4.16 billion yuan for that year, its first since going public, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It said the closures were due to factors such as poor store location choices, a shortage of capable restaurant managers, and an excessive focus on meeting KPIs at the expense of nurturing company culture, according to Singaporean news site Mothership. Zhang resigned as the chains CEO in 2022 when the company was restructuring and trimming its restaurant network. He continues to serve as its chairman and executive director. Nonetheless, the business bounced back that year with a 1.37 billion yuan profit. In its 2023 annual report, Zhang stated that Haidilao has made notable progress in both the quality of its restaurant service and operational performance. Last year, the chain announced plans to expand in the U.S. as a response to declining consumption in China, Bloomberg reported. On doing business, Zhang said a person's worldview influences their attitude toward money and relationships with colleagues. "If you're only interested in earning money, you're scared of risks and you break your principles as soon as quarrels break out," he said. "If you have a bigger dream, you view money as a resource for investment. That is how entrepreneurs think." Bengaluru, Jan 24 : The Karnataka government is set to hold an emergency meeting on Saturday to discuss and enact a special law aimed at curbing the harassment and exploitation caused by microfinance companies in the state. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil made this announcement at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Friday. Minister Patil stated, "The state government has taken the issue of harassment by microfinance companies very seriously. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will hold an emergency meeting on Saturday (January 25) to formulate a special law to address the exploitation of people by these companies." He emphasised that the decision would be made in the interest of the public, as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other central agencies have not been able to implement laws to effectively tackle the exploitation and suffering of the common man at the grassroots level. "We are considering introducing the Karnataka Microfinance Institutions Regulation of Money Lending Bill to address this issue. This will be presented before the Chief Minister, and other related matters will also be discussed. While the police have authority in some cases, there are instances where they lack the necessary powers," Minister Patil explained. He further opined that the current laws on this matter are not stringent enough. The Congress government in Karnataka has come under criticism following a series of suicides and harassment incidents linked to microfinance companies in rural areas across the state. Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy lashed out at the Karnataka government, saying, "On one hand, the government claims to empower women by giving them Rs 2,000 under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. On the other hand, it has given a free hand to microfinance companies, which are ruining their lives." "Rural women, especially farmers and poor women are the primary victims of microfinance companies. Many of them are abandoning their homes and villages. Who is responsible for this?" Kumaraswamy questioned. "The CM has called for a meeting tomorrow. What will you do in the meeting? How many lives have been lost? How many people have abandoned their homes and villages? What relief will you provide them?" Kumaraswamy questioned. Imphal, Jan 24 : Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Friday said that many people are still unaware of the root cause of the present unprecedented ethnic crisis in the state. Addressing a function in Imphal, the Chief Minister said that the many people were often carried away by emotions and he expressed hopefulness that through the medium of aShumang Leelaa (Meitei traditional form of theatre), the public could be made aware of the core issues of the present ethnic crisis. Biren Singh further recalled the role played by aShumang Leelaa artistes during the Covid-19 pandemic by creating mass awareness. He continued that people were earlier reluctant to vaccinate themselves. During that time, he consulted popular artists for organising street plays to create awareness on the importance of vaccination, he added. The Chief Minister attended the award presentation of 21st Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei, 2024-2025 and presentation of "3rd May" (Shumang Leela Play) held at Th. Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, in Imphal. The programme was organised by the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council. Biren Singh appreciated the contributions made by artistes to the society during these difficult times in the state. The Chief Minister maintained that the state government had always been providing support to artistes of the state. He said that renowned theatre personality Padma Shri Ratan Thiyam was honoured with the Life Time Achievement Award acknowledging his contribution in the field of art and culture during the 54th Statehood Day celebration on January 21. Biren Singh said that the government had already allocated an amount of around Rs 2.5 crore for the upgradation of the Th. Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen to the modern standard. Ratan Thiyam, a celebrated Indian playwright and theatre director, praised the government for taking welfare initiatives to support the artists of the state. The tourism sector of the state would play a crucial role in the process of cultural integration to showcase unity in diversity, he said. During the function, the Chief Minister presented awards to Okram Kunjo, Nabadwip Ningthouja, K. Devan Sharma, Thokchom Ramani Devi,Purnimashi Leima,Keisham Tomba Meitei, Khunjamayum Dhakeshwar, James Heikrujam, AyekpamInakhunba among others. Guwahati/Agartala, Jan 24 : Ten Bangladesh nationals were arrested in Meghalaya and Tripura while 6 infiltrators from the neighbouring country were apprehended in Assam and later pushed back to their country by Assam Police, officials said on Friday. A Border Security Force (BSF) spokesman said that as a goodwill gesture, BSFas Meghalaya frontier handed over six apprehended Bangladeshi nationals to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Friday. These Bangladeshi nationals were held on Thursday while attempting to cross the international border along the East Jaintia Hills district in Meghalaya. In another incident, eight Bangladeshis including two women were arrested in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district on Friday. The intruders, who entered India through Dalu area of West Garo Hills district, found carrying two snakes with them. Legal proceedings have been initiated against them and the two snakes have been handed over to wildlife officials for further action. In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a post on the X said that the state police continued its crackdown on infiltration, adding six Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended on Friday. All of them have been promptly pushed back across the border, he said. The Chief Minister, however, did not mention the name of Assam district where the incident happened. The infiltrators were identified as Md Juman, Md Sahib, Hanupa Begum, Md Kholil, Saiful Rahman and Rocky. In Tripura, Government Railway Police (GRP) arrested two Bangladeshi nationals at the Agartala railway station. During preliminary questioning, the intruders said that they intended to go to Kolkata. The Bangladeshi nationals were identified as Gyas Uddin (26) and Mainuddin (25) and they are residents of Chottagram of the neighbouring country. Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations on Sunday, the BSF and other security forces are on the high alert along the India-Bangladesh borders. Four Indian northeastern states of Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km) and Assam (263 km) share an 1,880-km border with Bangladesh. Patna, Jan 24 : A man has been allegedly burnt alive in a suspected case of a domestic dispute at Pilkhi Gajapati village in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district, an official said on Friday. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, leaving Sudhir Kumar (30), the younger son of Ram Chandra Dubey, dead. He was allegedly set afire after being sprinkled with kerosene oil. Upon receiving information, the police rushed to the spot and detained the accused woman, identified as Neetu Devi, Sudhir's sister-in-law. According to local residents, Sudhir Kumar was frequently involved in disputes with his sister-in-law and nephew. These arguments often escalated into fights, with this incident being the latest in a series of such altercations. Sudhir Kumar's sister-in-law Neetu Devi and nephew have been named as accused in this incident. The police are investigating the matter to ascertain the exact cause of the altercation and the circumstances leading to Sudhir Kumar's murder. The district police recovered the dead body and sent for the post-mortem in Sadar Hospital. According to Pragya Kumari, the 'Mukhiya' of Pilkhi Gajapati Panchayat, Sudhir Kumar had a history of mental illness and drug use. "Sudhir often sold his land under the influence of intoxication. When confronted by his family members, this would lead to quarrels, often escalating into physical fights," Pragya Kumari said. Villagers reported that Sudhir frequently clashed with his sister-in-law, Neetu Devi, and her son. These long-standing tensions may have contributed to the altercation on Friday morning. Muzaffarpur Rural SP Vidya Sagar confirmed the incident, stating: "A young man from Pilkhi Gajapati village in the Sakra police station area was killed. His partially burnt body was recovered from the village. The deceased's father alleged that his son was burnt alive. The victim's sister-in-law has been arrested, while the nephew is on the run." Police have assured that efforts are underway to apprehend the absconding accused. Imphal, Jan 24 : Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Friday said that a combined team of police, CRPF and forest officials jointly destroyed 35 acres of illegal poppy cultivation at Lhungjang village in Kangpokpi district. The Chief Minister, in a post on X, said: "I commend the Kangpokpi Police, 133 Bn CRPF, Forest Department, and the Executive Magistrate for their coordinated and resolute efforts in conducting the destruction drive of illegal poppy cultivation at Lhungjang village under Saikul Police Station." "The destruction of approximately 35 acres of illegal poppy cultivation is a significant step toward our shared vision of a drug-free Manipur. I urge all stakeholders and citizens to join hands in this fight against drug-related activities and illegal practices," he said. Biren Singh, who holds the Home portfolio, earlier said that as part of the government's "war against drugs", Manipur Police along with paramilitary and other security forces have regularly been destroying illegal poppy cultivation, mostly in the hilly areas. Meanwhile, according to a government report, various law enforcement agencies, including Manipur Police, have destroyed 19,135.60 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in the state's 12 districts between 2017 and 2024. The report, prepared by Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre (MARSAC), in the mountainous Kangpokpi district, the highest areas of 4,454.4 acres of illegal poppy cultivation were destroyed in the last seven years (2017-2024), followed by 3,348 acres in Ukhrul and 2,713.8 acres in Churachandpur. The MARSAC is an autonomous government institution under the Planning Department of the Manipur government. The report said that deforestation, due to mass poppy cultivation, resulted in several adverse impacts on the ecosystem, including soil erosion, a loss of biodiversity, and changes in the local climate, the report said. The Manipur government on several occasions said that the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur (since May 2023) is a creation of illegal immigrants from Myanmar adding that these migrants after illegally settling in the state started the cultivation of illicit poppies. Bhubaneswar, Jan 25 : Ahead of the Utkarsh Odisha - Make in Odisha conclave 2025 scheduled to begin on January 28, the Odisha government on Friday approved several industrial projects with investment worth Rs 32,736 crore spanning various sectors. The investment projects were approved during the 39th High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) meeting here on Friday. "In the 39th HLCA meeting, the state approved investments worth Rs 32,736 crore across eight transformative industrial projects. These projects span across sectors such as Chemicals, Green energy equipment, Ship building & repair & steel. These investments are set to generate employment for over 18,688 individuals, reinforcing Odishaas industrial and economic foundation," the state government said in a press note on Friday. The HLCA meets for the second time in this month ahead of the much-anticipated Utkarsh Odisha 2025. The state government further claimed that the success of numerous roadshows organised by the state in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Singapore has resulted in significant investor interest, with several companies now looking to invest in Odisha. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said: "The approval of these big projects before Utkarsh Odisha 2025 is a clear sign of our state's growing industrial strength. These investments will create thousands of jobs and will directly benefit the people of Odisha. Our focus is to ensure that Odisha remains a top investment destination, driving progress and prosperity for our people." The approved projects are spread across key districts like Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Sambalpur and Bhadrak, helping to strengthen Odisha's industrial base. With these projects, Odisha is entering a new phase of industrial growth and further establishing itself as a major player in Indiaas economic development. Notably, The Odisha government will host the two-day conclave in Bhubaneswar on January 28-29 to attract investors from across the globe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the mega event on January 28. The conclave will focus on five key sectors -- IT, renewable energy, textiles, chemicals, and food processing. Twelve countries, including Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Germany, Poland, and Cuba, have been invited as 'Countries of Focus' to participate in the conclave. Kolkata, Jan 25 : An association of Kolkata-based environmental activists, under the name and style of Morning Walker's Guild of Rabindra Sarobar, has outlined a unique initiative to observe and document the current state of the Heritage Ganga and its ghats (concrete banks) in the stretch from Outram to Dakshineswar-Belur in Kolkata. Rabindra Sarobar, popularly known as Dhakuria Lake, is the biggest artificial lake in South Kolkata and a favourite haunting spot of environmentalists and environmental activists. The convenor of the association, Somendra Mohan Ghosh, an acclaimed city-based green technologist and environmentalist, told IANS that the expedition will be conducted on February 9 aiming to assess the present situation of the river and its concrete banks locally known as ghats within the stretch in Kolkata. "This endeavour will provide invaluable insights into the environmental and conservation efforts required to protect this sacred and culturally significant water body," Ghosh added. He also said that the group will also share the findings of the expedition with common people along with video clips and still photographs of the event. "A comprehensive report will also be submitted to the appropriate authorities both under the Union and the West Bengal government so that the latter can adopt appropriate steps accordingly," Ghosh added. The expedition has been poetically titled as 'Kolkatar Ganga Ghater Golpo' (The tale of Concrete River Banks of Ganges in Kolkata). The initiative is being viewed as quite significant considering that the work for the restoration of Kolkata's iconic 'Adi Ganga' also known as Gobindapur Creek and Tolly's Canal is scheduled to start soon. The restoration work comes under the Namami Gange Programme, an integrated conservation mission under the National Mission of Clean Ganga, to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of River Ganga. The work for the restoration of Adi Ganga is the second biggest revival project under the Namami Gange Programme. Basically, a stream that was part of the Hooghly River flowing in the Kolkata area, Adi Ganga was the main flow of that river between the 15th and 17th centuries. State government sources said that a total of Rs 753 crore had been earmarked for this particular project, which involves dredging for over 15.5 kilometres. Guests can find new items featuring high-quality ingredients across breakfast, lunch and dinner this season NEW ALBANY, Ohio, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen is excited to unveil its new menu additions, which combine craveable flavors and farmhouse kitchen recipes. From the new Double Meat Breakfast Tacos to the new Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, these new dishes are perfect for families' breakfasts, lunches, or dinners any day of the week. Alongside the new items, Bob Evans is helping guests host gatherings with their Double Meat Breakfast Taco Bar and the Hand-Breaded Chicken Tender Catering meals, both serving parties up to 10 people. From 2025's top sporting events to birthdays or any other family gathering, Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen is here to handle the cooking and put time back into everyone's day. "At Bob Evans, we believe gathering around the table to enjoy comforting meals and each other's company is the recipe for success," said Mickey Mills, Chief Executive Officer of Bob Evans Restaurants. "With the launch of our new menu items and the expanded focus on catering meals, we've created even more ways for guests to enjoy our farm-fresh recipes this season whether in our restaurants or at their table at home." The New 2025 Favorites from Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen: Starting January 23, guests can find the new menu items at all locations, on the Bob Evans app and online for carryout or delivery. Highlights include: New! Double Meat Breakfast Tacos Platter: Three soft flour tortillas filled with hard-wood smoked bacon and sausage crumbles topped with cage-free scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and diced tomatoes. Served with a side of fresh salsa and sour cream. Plus, a choice of hashbrowns, home fries or seasonal fresh fruit. New! Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Platter: Five hand-breaded chicken tenders served with your choice of dipping sauce, French fries, coleslaw and freshly baked bread. Sauce options include the New! Buffalo, Honey Mustard , Ranch, Bob Evans Wildfire BBQ, Wildfire Ranch or Black Pepper Maple Honey. , Ranch, Bob Evans Wildfire BBQ, Wildfire Ranch or Black Pepper Maple Honey. New! Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Appetizer: Four hand-breaded chicken tenders served with ranch and buffalo sauce. New Value Items for Only $8.99: New! Double Meat Breakfast Tacos: Two soft flour tortillas filled with bacon and sausage crumbles topped with cage-free scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and diced tomatoes. Served with a side of fresh salsa and sour cream. Plus, your choice of hashbrowns, home fries or seasonal fresh fruit. New! Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Dinner Bell Plate: Three hand-breaded chicken tenders served with your choice of dipping sauce, French fries, coleslaw and freshly baked bread. Family Meals that Serve up to Six and Start at $4.29 Per Person: New! Double Meat Breakfast Tacos Family Meal To Go: Eight soft flour tortillas filled with bacon and sausage crumbles, cage-free scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and diced tomatoes. Served with a side of fresh salsa and sour cream. Plus, a choice of hashbrowns, home fries or seasonal fruit. New! Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Family Meal: Available in two sizes of 12 or 24 Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders served with a choice of dipping sauce, two family size sides and a dozen freshly baked rolls. Meals for Parties of Any Size! Say Hello to Bob Evans New Catering Options that Serve up to 10 and Start at $4.49 Per Person: New! Double Meat Breakfast Taco Bar: Everything needed to make your own breakfast tacos! The taco bar includes 24 soft flour tortillas, bacon and sausage crumbles, cage-free scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and diced tomatoes. Served with home fries, salsa and sour cream. New! Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Catering Meal: Ready to take on the next party, this catering meal includes a platter of 48 Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders served with a choice of two dipping sauces. Additionally, guests can also find the new Caramel Mocha Cold Brew, featuring a blend of cold brew, chocolate milk and caramel finished with whipped topping, caramel and chocolate sauces. "We've put a streamlined focus into creating not only delicious dishes but ones that highlight fresh, high-quality ingredients," said Bob Holtcamp, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Bob Evans Restaurants. "From our new breakfast tacos with cage-free eggs to the expansion of our famous hand-breaded chicken recipe now for our tenders, guests can truly taste the freshness in each offering." For more information about Bob Evans new 2025 offerings or to find a location nearest you, visit www.BobEvans.com or order on the app. About Bob Evans Restaurants, LLC Rooted in the agricultural heritage of founder Bob Evans, whose humble Farmhouse Kitchen laid the foundation for our restaurants over 70 years ago, Bob Evans continues to embody the spirit of farm-fresh ingredients and hospitality today. Today's Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen remains true to tradition, utilizing fresh ingredients and fresh preparation in every dish across our nearly 450 locations in 18 states. From the classic Farmer's Choice Breakfast to the slow-roasted, hand-carved turkey dinner, each bite reflects our dedication to delivering America's Farm Fresh at every meal, every day. For more information and restaurant locations, visit BobEvans.com, download the Bob Evans app on iOS and Android, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Media Contact Kyle Staten, Fahlgren Mortine, 1 6143831626, [email protected] SOURCE Fahlgren Mortine After seven years at his eponymous Holiday House imprint, Neal Porter Books, publisher Neal Porter will be stepping away from a full-time role to become publisher emeritus, effective this month. Taylor Norman, currently executive editor, has been appointed editorial director at the imprint. Having toiled in the fields of childrens publishing for close to 50 years, the last seven very happily spent at Holiday House, this feels like an appropriate time to step back and take a breath, Porter said. Im thrilled to have a continuing relationship with the imprint and am delighted to be handing the reins to the remarkable Taylor Norman, who will continue to expand and shape it going forward. Porter started his trade publishing career in 1977, working in marketing at Avon Books, FSG, Atheneum, and Scribners. He became editorial director of Aladdin in 1985, and joint managing director of Walker Books in the U.K. in 1987. He later held the position of publisher of Macmillan Childrens Books and executive positions at Orchard Books and DK. In 2001, he helped found Roaring Brook Press, where he also launched Neal Porter Books, which was sold along with Roaring Brook to Macmillan in 2004, and which Porter moved to Holiday House in 2017. The first Neal Porter Books title at Holiday House was Dreamers (2018) by Yuyi Morales, published simultaneously in Spanish as Sonadores. It became a New York Times and Indie bestseller, and won a Pura Belpre Illustrator Award and a Tomas Rivera Book Award. Throughout his career, many of Porters books have been recognized with the industrys highest honors. Among his many achievements, Porter has edited a Caldecott Medal winner (A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead), four Caldecott Honor books, two Theodore Geisel Honor books, three Pura Belpre Award books, and Ezra Jack Keats and Coretta Scott King Award winners. In 2022, Watercress by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Jason Chin, won the Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor, and the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. That book was a complete joy to make, and the awards only made it sweeter, he said. Porter reports that hes often been told that people can spot a Neal Porter book without looking at the imprint. Although he doesnt see his vision as singular, he said he always looks for a strong sense of story, even with nonfiction books, as well as manuscripts that find an original way to tell a story and allow the reader to see the world a little differently. As example, he cited Jason Chins Redwoods, which reads like a straightforward nonfiction manuscript about trees but becomes something entirely unexpected when illustrations are added, or Sydney Smiths Small in the City, which leads the reader down a particular path, then turns the tables on them, to their surprise and delight. Norman came to Neal Porter Books in July 2022 as executive editor, having previously served as editor at Chronicle Books. Career accomplishments include editing both Newbery Medal (The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers) and Caldecott Honor (Have You Ever Seen a Flower? by Shawn Harris) titles. She was recognized in 2024 as Publishers Weeklys Star Watch Superstar. Describing the imprints vision, Norman said, Our stories are ones that havent been told before; they are groundbreaking in terms of art and design, and they are unfailingly respectful of their young readers. We dont talk down to kids, and we dont preach to them. In her new role, Norman will continue the imprints growing legacy while working closely with the NPB team, including Jennifer Browne, longtime creative director. Our team is special because it is quite small, so we can be nimble. Importantly, we dont publish books that we dont truly love, a practice that makes for a list full of books that are guided not by trend, genre, or market research, but rather by the simple goal of reaching young readers with books they will love to read, she said. We all come from very different backgrounds, but we do share one conviction: a respect for kids. New directions for the publisher include an expansion upward into the middle grade category with the imprints first novel, H.M. Bouwmans Scattergood, out this month. In the future, there are plans to add early readers, chapter books, graphic novels, and middle grade novels. What Neal Porter Books picture books add to the picture book canon, these books for older readers will add to their respective canons, Norman said. Reflecting on his extraordinary publishing career, Porter said, Having been at this for close to 50 years, Ive seen several cycles of highs and lows in the industry, but my standard MO has always been one of cautious optimism. Ive seen a deterioration of the institutional market of late, one thats supported and rewarded books that take risks. Book bans havent helped. On the trade side, he said, I worry about market consolidation and putting all our books into the hands of one or two huge customers. And as someone who cares deeply about the physicality of booksthe quality of paper, printing, the case as well as the jacketI worry that these qualities arent reflected when people are buying them online. I worry about a lot of things, but at the same time remain confident that a really exceptional book will find its audience no matter what. Derek Stordahl, senior VP of global planning and integration at Holiday House, stressed that although in a different role, Porter will continue to be actively involved in the imprint. "Were exceptionally pleased that both Neal and Taylor will be part of Holiday House for years to come, he said. The Indigenous literary community has seen some familiar faces featured on several Get Caught Reading posters. But now, one of their own has earned even greater recognition. The Childrens Book Council and Every Child a Reader has named Julie Flett as the illustrator of the 2025 Childrens Book Week poster, revealed here for the first time. Having selected Flett as this years artist is a natural extension of the CBCs ongoing cataloging of new and backlist books by Indigenous authors and illustrators. The choice of Julie Flett for the 2025 Childrens Book Week poster is another important milestone in our work to shine a light on a vastly under-recognized world of incredibly creative people, executive director Carl Lennertz said. Diving into Design When designing this years poster with the theme An Ocean of Stories, Flett, a Cree-Metis artist based in British Columbia, was inspired by the work of Autumn Peltier, an Indigenous activist involved in water advocacy, as well as her own childhood memories. I remember when wed drive out to my grandmas place in the summer, said the author-illustrator of Birdsong and We All Play. Id jump out of the car and run straight to the river to start looking or frogs and turtles. Id spend hours out there sitting on a rock, dipping my hand into the water or peering into the deepest parts to daydream. Flett also recalled a summer spent in Nova Scotia, during which she visited the ocean and learned about different sea creatures. Her poster depicting a child in a boat, along with a friendly sea turtle, seal and seagull, draws upon these memories and invites young readers to imagine their own seaside adventures. I hope that everyone has fun choosing stories to read together, whether theyre stories about the sea, new and old, fiction or nonfiction, whether you read inside, at the library or home, or outside by the water. Enjoy the week together, Flett said. To promote the 2025 poster, the CBC has partnered with Fletts publisher, Greystone Books, whose consulting creative director Sara Gillingham worked on the design. We are also exploring ways that we can involve libraries and schools in Canada in the celebration since Greystone is a Canadian-based publisher, noted CBC associate executive director Shaina Birkhead. Interested schools, libraries, bookstores and parents of homeschoolers are encouraged to register online for Book Week, slated for May 511, now through March 1. Each participant will receive two posters, along with links to resources and activity pages in English and Spanish. The CBC has identified more than 500,000 Native American public-school students and 183 tribal land schools, all of which will receive this years poster. Posters will be distributed in April, and further details about Book Week will be available at a later date. For more information, visit the Every Child a Reader website. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to redesignate the Iran-backed Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, or FTO. The order reverses the 2021 directive of then-President Joe Biden, who lifted the FTO designation, originally put in place during President Trumps first term. The Houthis, formerly known as Ansar Allah, are supported by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force. Since 2023, the Houthis have dramatically increased their attacks on commercial shipping, as well as U.S. military vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, purportedly, they claim, to show support for Palestinians in the Gaza war. They have attacked commercial vessels more than 100 times, killing at least four civilian mariners. They launched multiple attacks on Saudi Arabia and on the United Arab Emirates, and they fired more than 300 missiles at Israel. They seized two cargo ships and fired at Navy warships dozens of times, endangering the lives of U.S. men and women in uniform. In his executive order, President Trump wrote, The Houthis activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade. In 2023, the United States formed a multinational coalition to protect maritime navigation in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks. President Trumps response to the Houthis, as formulated in his executive order, appears more robust. It is the policy of the United States, Mr. Trump wrote, to cooperate with its regional partners to eliminate Ansar Allahs capabilities and operations, deprive it of resources and thereby end its attacks on U.S. personnel and civilians, U.S. partners, and maritime shipping in the Red Sea. A White House fact sheet noted that after a review, The President will direct USAID [United States Agency for International Development] to end its relationship with entities that have made payments to the Houthis, or which have opposed international efforts to counter the Houthis while turning a blind eye towards the Houthis terrorism and abuses. Designating the Houthis a Foreign Terrorist Organization makes it easier to disrupt their financial networks and foreign support a crucial step toward ridding the region of their dangerous and destabilizing activities. Charging that Bloomsbury UK failed to engage in good faith to reach a new contract agreement, Amazon posted a notice on its UK website late Thursday afternoon that as of midnight January 24, Bloomsbury UK print titles would no longer be available directly from its online stores in the U.K., Europe, and Australia. That takedown was averted, however, when the two parties reached an agreement in principle on a new contract 90 minutes before the last one expired. In the initial announcement, Amazon stressed that Bloomsbury print book availability in Amazons U.S. store would have been unaffected by the action, but that its Bloomsburys Kindle editions would not be available for sale worldwide. According to the post, Bloomsbury UKs agreement with Amazon expired last year, and the e-tailer had extended the deal for about seven months in hopes of reaching a new agreement. The last extension ended at midnight on Jan. 24, and if no new contract had been signed by then, Amazon would have begun to pull its "buy buttons" from impacted countries. Customers would still be able to buy Bloomsbury titles from third-party sellers who use Amazons services. In practical terms, the dispute meant that, for example, Sarah J. Maas titles that are published by Bloomsbury UK would not have been available in affected stores, while Maas titles released by Bloomsburys U.S. subsidiary will still be available in the American Amazon store. In explaining its action, Amazon claimed that the old terms with Bloomsbury were far out of sync with other publishers who sell books through our store. Unlike other U.K. publishers, with whom weve successfully negotiated in recent years, Bloomsbury has refused to recognize our continued investments in bringing books in all formats to readers. In a statement, Bloomsbury told PW that we have been in discussions with Amazon over terms since last summer. At no point during these discussions did Amazon say that they would take such action. We learned about this at the same time that Amazon issued a public statement and was contacting Bloomsbury authors and agents. We have now reached agreement with Amazon in order to ensure the continued availability of our titles on Amazon. Amazon has had legendary contract disputes with major publishers in the past, largely centered around e-book terms. It pulled buy buttons from Macmillan titles in 2010 and took different actions against Hachette in 2014. And while Amazon is still viewed by publishers as a tough negotiator, it has been several years since it last stopped selling books from a specific publisher. This story has been updated with further information. Harvard University Press is marking the 10th anniversary of its Murty Classical Library of India (MCLI) with the release of Ten Indian Classics, a new anthology showcasing the breadth of South Asian literary traditions spanning 2,500 years. The volume, which launches January 28, features English translations from multiple classical languages across the Indian subcontinent. "Every good idea isn't always had in English," Sharmila Sen, editorial director at Harvard University Press, told PW. "It's my responsibility to our anglophone readership to bring the best ideas, new research, and discoveries that can be happening in other places and other languages." The anthology demonstrates the linguistic and cultural diversity of the subcontinent through carefully selected excerpts from the MCLI series. "We have Persian texts, we have Hindi, we have Tamil," Sen said, explaining that the collection moves chronologically from the 2,500-year-old Therigatha, which contains the earliest known women's writing in the world, to the works of Mir Taqi Mir, a great Urdu poet. Sen noted how Urdu itself reflects the region's complex cultural history, evolving from a military camp language to become the medium of refined poetic expression. "Urdu is associated with very refined poetic literary culture, like nightingales and roses and Persian culture," she said. "But the actual language was basically a language that was a big mixture of Arabic and Persian and local Indian languages." The MCLI series, established in 2015 through a gift from Rohan Murty while he was a Harvard computer science PhD student, has published 47 volumes to date. Each book features bilingual text with fresh translations and newly designed typefaces for various Indian scripts. "We commissioned new typefaces from some of the best typographers in the world of non-Roman typography," Sen said. "We made a conscious decision we would not have transliteration. The original text is in the original script." The series stands apart from other classical translation projects, Sen noted, because "the place of Greek and Latin classics in the western tradition is not the same as the place of Indic classics." Sen highlighted how many of these works are being translated into English for the first time, creating unique challenges for translators who cannot build upon previous translation traditions. "Many of our translators are pioneers," Sen said. "When you translate Caesar today, you're standing on the shoulders of giants, sometimes centuries of translation tradition. But many of our translators can't say that, because the works haven't been translated ever into a modern language." Looking ahead, Sen emphasized the project's long-term vision, noting that "the goal is to have 100 years of publishing and 500 volumes and citing the Loeb Classics Library as an inspiration. In the near term, the MCLI has two new volumes planned for May 2025 and another for October 2025. Through partnerships with such distributors as HarperCollins India, the series aims to reach readers across global markets, with particular attention to engaging young readers in South Asia. "We're not making books in America for Americans only," Sen said. "If we truly want to progress, we cannot lose our traditions, our languages, our literature, and our culture. Instead of telling somebody 'hey, Grandma and Grandpa left you amazing riches,' I'm saying, 'here's the key to the family vault. Open it, touch it, try it on for size.' I would rather give young people the ability to read for themselves and make up their own minds about what was the past, who we were, how people lived, what they believed." Donald Trumps recent calls to annex Greenland, take control of the Panama Canal, and even absorb Canada into the United States to expand Americas sphere of influence may sound like bluster, but they reflect a deliberate strategy rooted in uncertainty. These provocative statements have unnerved allies and raised questions about Americas global role under a second Trump administration. For Trump, unpredictability isnt just a hallmark of his leadership styleits a calculated tool of foreign policy. For example, his declaration a few months ago that China respects him because hes f crazy further underscores his willingness to project unpredictability, especially in matters of national security. This strategy, while polarizing, can be analyzed through the lens of deterrence and coercion theory, particularly the Madman Theory, which uses perceived irrationality as a deliberate tool to pressure adversaries and allies alike. But as history and theory show, this approach is as fraught with risk as it is ripe with opportunity. Unpredictability can have strategic value in international relations. Nuclear deterrence, for instance, relies on the uncertainty of crisis situations and the fear of mutually assured destruction (MAD). If adversaries believe a leader might follow through on catastrophic actions, they are more likely to exercise caution. Nixon employed this strategy during the Cold War, projecting unpredictability to pressure the Soviets into becoming more compliant. Similarly, Trumps rhetoric echoes this approach, potentially explaining his provocative stance toward both adversaries and allies. His stance on defending Taiwan, for example, may keep Beijing guessing. If China views Trump as less predictable than a more conventional leader, it might reconsider escalating tensions. This strategy could extend to allies as well. Trumps critiques of NATO burden-sharing, while divisive, could compel member states to bolster their defenses out of fear he might truly withdraw U.S. support. However, uncertainty is a double-edged sword. Trumps recent comments about annexing Canada, taking control of Greenland, or reclaiming the Panama Canal illustrate both the potential and the pitfalls of his approach. On the one hand, these statements reinforce the perception that he is willing to upend conventional norms to advance American interests, potentially creating leverage in negotiations. On the other hand, they risk alienating allies and destabilizing relationships. Canadas outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed Trumps annexation rhetoric as absurd, while analysts warn that such comments undermine trust among U.S. allies. Moreover, the risks of unintended escalation are significant. If adversaries misinterpret Trumps intentions or fail to recognize his rhetoric as posturing, the result could be catastrophic. Ultimately, the effectiveness of unpredictability depends on credibility, which relies on a delicate balance of capability and intent. Trumps threats to withdraw from NATO or impose extreme tariffs have, at times, yielded results, but more outlandish claimslike the annexation of Canadarisk being dismissed as empty bluster. Without credible backing, unpredictability becomes mere noise, undermining its strategic value. The same dynamic plagued Eisenhowers Massive Retaliation policy during the Cold War, where promises of nuclear responses to any aggression proved so implausible that they left Washington without credible options short of total war. To wield uncertainty effectively, Trump must navigate a tightrope between acting crazy and being crazy. Acting irrationally can signal a willingness to escalate while leaving room for compromise, but genuine irrationality risks catastrophic outcomes. This distinction is vital in todays volatile geopolitical landscape, where adversaries like China and Russia are increasingly testing the boundaries of U.S. influence. Trumps threats to expand U.S. presence in Greenland or reclaim the Panama Canal may serve as strategic signals to deter these powers, but they must be calibrated to avoid provoking conflict or undermining alliances. Moreover, Trumps foreign policy would benefit from avoiding overgeneralized assumptions about credibility across conflicts. While conventional wisdom holds that resolve in one scenario dictates how adversaries perceive commitments elsewhere, this is rarely true in practice. Adversaries evaluate credibility contextually, weighing the unique dynamics of each situation. For instance, accommodating Russia over Ukraine does not necessarily signal a weakened stance on Taiwan. Instead, it could signify a strategic reallocation of resources to areas of greater importance to U.S. interestsbolstering credibility rather than undermining it. Understanding these nuances is crucial to balancing global commitments and maintaining credibility. In sum, Trumps second term could redefine the role of uncertainty in American foreign policy. If wielded carefully, unpredictability could deter adversaries and strengthen U.S. leverage on the global stage. However, success depends on balancing bold rhetoric with prudence, leveraging unpredictability without descending into chaos. The distinction between calculated risk and reckless action will determine whether Trumps approach secures American interests or destabilizes the world. As the international order becomes increasingly fraught, the stakes of getting this balance right have never been higher. Sean Henninger is a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at Boston College. His dissertation focuses on spheres of influence, with broader interests in international security, alliance politics, deterrence and coercion theory, and U.S. grand strategy. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate Political instability and out of control gang violence continue to bedevil Haiti. And although there has recently been some progress, disarray within the government continues unabated while gang violence is escalating. Now is not the time for political infighting, said Dorothy Shea, U.S. Charge d Affairs ad interim at the United Nations. We encourage the Transitional Presidential Council to continue working with [the U.N.s Special Political Mission], BINUH, to support the political transition and the people of Haiti. That includes working together in setting the conditions for free and fair elections. We strongly encourage Haitian efforts aimed at addressing corruption allegations and promoting transparency and accountability. These measures are essential for the transition government to maintain the trust of the Haitian people. At the same time, On the security side, gang violence is rampant, said Ambassador Shea. Coordinated attacks by gangs have forced tens of thousands of residents from their homes and continue at very alarming levels, including targeted killings, mass rapes, kidnappings, forced recruitment, exploitation, and trafficking of children by gangs. The United States condemns the ongoing attacks and escalation of gang violence in Port-au-Prince and throughout the country. Gang brutality continues to terrorize the Haitian people, cutting off necessary lifelines, including humanitarian assistance. It is becoming clear that Haitis two main problems reinforce each other. Political transition cannot proceed effectively under the current security conditions. Yet decisive political action is needed to effectively address Haitis rampant crime and the stream of illicit weapons that fuels it. That is difficult to achieve when the government is in disarray. For our part, the United States is deploying every tool at our disposal, and we are working closely with BINUH, the Haitian government, the [Multinational Security Support] mission, and the international community to drive progress forward, said Ambassador Shea. To support the people of Haiti amidst this multidimensional crisis, Haiti needs humanitarian assistance to provide immediate life-saving services. We call on all involved to respect humanitarian organizations, which are in Haiti to impartially provide emergency food assistance, health care, and other life-saving aid to all of those in need. The Haitian people must have the security and freedom to engage in daily activities without fear whether its going to work, school, or a house of worship, said Ambassador Shea. The United States remains determined to assist the Haitian people achieve the peace, security, and prosperity that they deserve. 'Each side could consider challenging the NCLAT's stay order before the Supreme Court.' Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy antonbe/Pixabay.com The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Thursday said that WhatsApp users should have the option to opt out of its data-sharing policy of 2021, which allowed the messaging platform to share data with parent company Meta (formerly Facebook), or its products. The NCLAT was hearing Meta Platforms and WhatsApp's application challenging the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order imposing a fine of Rs 213.14 crore (Rs 2.1314 billon) on the tech giant for alleged abuse of its dominant position related to WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy. The appellate tribunal, however, stayed a part of the CCI order, which had imposed a five-year ban on the company's data-sharing practices in India. The bench of Chairperson Justice Ashok Bhushan and Technical Member Arun Baroka said that the five-year ban may lead to the collapse of the business model of WhatsApp since it is a free platform. 'The ban of five years, which was imposed in paragraph 247.1 (of the CCI order) may lead to the collapse of business model which has been followed by WhatsApp LLC,' the order said. 'It is also relevant to notice that WhatsApp is providing WhatsApp services to its user free of cost,' the order added. At the same time, the NCLAT refused to stay the fine of Rs 213.14 crore imposed by CCI and told Meta, which owns WhatsApp, to deposit 50 per cent of the fine amount within two weeks for a stay to be effected. Meta, which has already paid 25 per cent of the fine amount, will be refunded the money paid if it wins the case. The case will again be heard on March 17. The part of the CCI order which the NCLAT has upheld (247.2 and 247.3) said WhatsApp must provide an explanation on what user data is shared with Meta and that data-sharing for purposes beyond WhatsApp services cannot be any condition for accessing WhatsApp in India. Furthermore, users must have an opt-out option for such data-sharing via in-app notification as well as option to review and modify their choice by going to WhatsApp settings. Future policy updates should also comply with such changes, the CCI order said. 'We are of the prima facie view that the ban of five years imposed in paragraph 247.1 need to be stayed. 'We, however, are of the view that the directions issued by the CCI under paragraph 247.2 and 247.3 need not be stayed and they need to be complied with. 'The only limited interim order, which we are inclined to grant, is to stay the direction in paragraph 247.1 by which five years' ban has been imposed. 'The direction in paragraph 247.1 are stayed,' the appellate tribunal order said. Bharat Budholia, partner at AZB & Partners, said that a partial stay on the CCI order would be a bittersweet outcome for both parties. "Each side could consider challenging the NCLAT's stay order before the Supreme Court. "Regarding the merits of the case, the NCLAT would presumably want to assess the CCI's ruling in light of the upcoming data protection regime, which is expected to be enforced soon," he said. The CCI is probing the privacy policy of the company 'which appears to be neither transparent nor based on the voluntary consent of the user'. Such a policy would lead to excessive data collection and "stalking" of consumers for targeted advertising to bring in more users and is, therefore, alleged abuse of its dominant position, the anti-trust regulator had said. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com 'He didn't implement good policies for good politics.' 'He never worked on comprehensive policy-making.' 'In Kejriwal's own constituency youths are jobless.' IMAGE: Aam Aadmi Party national Convener Arvind Kejriwal meets representatives of the Aggarwal community at his residence in New Delhi, January 19, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo In the runup to the Delhi assembly elections every party is trying to outdo each other in terms of freebies. If the Aam Aadmi Party woos women voters by giving them Rs 2,100 per month, the Congress plans to give women voters Rs 2,500 per month under its Pyari Didi Yojana. The Bharatiya Janata Party is not to be left behind either as it is promising women voters Rs 2,500 per month under its Mahila Samridhi Yojana. Among the rain of freebies is the Bharatiya Liberal Party that refuses to offer any freebies to voters. The BLP is led by Dr Munish Kumar Raizada, once a close aide of AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal. He was suspended after he opposed the move to shield the donors' list from the party and for questioning the high command's decision to support Lalu Prasad Yadav in the 2015 Bihar assembly elections. Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com spoke to Dr Raizada, a practising doctor in the USA before moving back to India to join full time politics. How did the freebie culture come to Delhi? Good policy is good politics. When the government does not pay attention to policy-making they start enticing people. They do not have a tangible plan regarding basic facilities like health or education. When they cannot do developmental politics they cater to a vote bank by giving freebies. How did Arvind Kejriwal start that in Delhi? During the Anna Hazare movement Kejriwal used to say Vyavastha Parivartan which meant overhaul of the system. But when he came to power in 2015 with 67 MLAs out of 70 in the Delhi assembly, he didn't come up with any plan for development. Instead he started distributing freebies. And as elections near, every time he announces more and more freebies. Kejriwal set a precedent of freebies which other parties started following. Kejriwal is the father of freebie culture politics. But you cannot deny his policy to give 200 units of free electricity to the poor was good even though it may be a bad fiscal decision. In the beginning it was good. But in hindsight you can see he has not created jobs. He didn't implement good policies for good politics. He never worked on comprehensive policy-making. In Kejriwal's own constituency youths are jobless. Freebies should not be confused with public welfare. For example, look at the transport department of Delhi. The number of buses has reduced now. Even the pensioners of DTC had to go on strike as their pensions were not paid. Many DTC employees are now contractual employees and here he is going on giving freebies. If Arvind Kejriwal wants to give free tickets for women then he can give it to the poor women for sure, but he cannot give the same free ticket facility to a woman who is earning Rs 6 lakh per annum. Is Kejriwal's mohalla clinics not a success? In 2015, I was with Satyendra Jain as health adviser. At that time the mohalla clinic concept came up. I am not denying the usefulness of mohalla clinics but look at their condition today. Many of them have shut down and surprisingly, you will meet many doctors in mohalla clinics who will say they have not been paid for months. Often, mohalla clinics do not have medicines to give patients. The doctors give any medicine to patients, which is not helping them. Also, India has a 3-tier healthcare system; primary, secondary and tertiary. In Delhi, you have the PUHC (Primary Urban Health Care) model. They are called government dispensaries. They are under-utilised and on top of that Kejriwal got in mohalla clinics. Every political party is promising freebies. Where are we going wrong in policy decisions? No political party is working on any policy decisions. There is a policy paralysis. They are not delivering in terms of governance and instead are in haste to deliver freebies. This time they have gone beyond that shame too. IMAGE: Bharatiya Liberal Party President Dr Munish Kumar Raizada addresses a press conference in New Delhi. Photograph: Sanjay Sharma/ANI Photo Have elections been reduced to cash for votes? That's right. Kejriwal has announced he will pay Rs 2,100 to every woman if he comes to power again. The Congress in competition to Kejriwal is stating they will give Rs 2,500 to the women of Delhi. Where does this lead to? What do you do in such a scenario? I tell sisters and mothers that if someone is giving you money take it but don't believe him. They are giving free money and it is the public's money -- which is their own. And if these people are giving you free money they will loot you later. When they hear this they have a smirk on their face. They know this reality. I tell them I came from the USA to change politics in India. We want to change this corrupt system. Why do you feel Arvind Kejriwal has lost his direction to do good politics? When the Anna Hazare movement was going on people felt Kejriwal will overhaul the system. But when he came to power he started deviating from day one with his policies. When you say your party is not going to give any freebies what do the voters tell you? They ask me, 'humein kya milega? What will we get if we vote for your party?' I tell them they will get vikas (development). I distribute notebooks to children. The voters feel good to get these notebooks. I also tell them if our government comes to power, we will give laptops to children for educational purpose. Your election symbol is the dustbin? Dustbin is very symbolic in our fight. I tell voters, we will break the election symbol of all parties and throw them in the dustbin. Former national security advisor Shivshankar Menon has said that the political dynamics between India and Pakistan have led to a "controlled level of hostility" that serves the interests of the ruling elites in both countries. IMAGE: Former national security advisor Shivshankar Menon. Photograph: ANI Photo Speaking in Kozhikode at the eighth edition of the Kerala Literature Festival on Thursday, Menon described Pakistan as a "brand new State" still grappling with its national identity. He argued that unlike countries such as Fiji or Denmark, India cannot have a consistent foreign policy towards Pakistan, as their relationship is influenced by India's domestic politics. "There is a controlled level of hostility. You do want the hostility because that justifies your political positions and serves your political interest at home. So, you have worked yourself to a strange position which is stable. For instance, the 2003 ceasefire which was reimposed four years ago has been held. "There is peace on the LoC. So, it is not a good relationship but you are quite happy to maintain this strange equilibrium," said Menon in a session titled India and World: Geopolitics in Asia. Sharing his views about Pakistan's complex identity crisis, the 75-year-old said that the country is still in the process of constructing a national identity. Menon, who has also served as the Indian high commissioner to Pakistan, shared an anecdote when former Pakistan prime minister Zia ul-Haq, who, when asked about his rationale for the Islamisation of Pakistan, explained that while an Egyptian could renounce Islam and still be considered Egyptian, a Pakistani who abandons Islam would risk being perceived as Indian. He also talked about Pakistan having multiple identities, including those shaped by its military, jihadi factions, and civil society. "There are many Pakistans, there is a Pakistan of the Army, Pakistan of the Jihadi Ta, we have a real problem with them, because they have an institutional interest in a hostile relationship with India. But the Pakistani politician, the civilian politician, he'll go where his advantage leads him, where he can," Menon said. He added that the Pakistani civil society has no animosity towards India. Shifting the focus from India-Pakistan relations to the broader global order, Menon surprised some by saying that he does not believe that we are living in a "multipolar world". He argued that this notion is often promoted by governments that "flatter themselves by positioning their countries as potential future poles of power". The former foreign secretary emphasised that the world is not actually multipolar but is simply "confused." Menon pointed out that only the United States possesses the capacity to project military power globally, whenever and wherever it chooses, making it the world's true military hegemon. "Everybody else is a regional power. They can make life difficult or make the US think twice in their region, but outside their region they are not, including China. Ten years now who knows, but today the world is unipolar militarily, and politically it is thoroughly confused," he added. Menon questioned the notion of having an "international order" in place, and claimed that there hasn't been any binding international agreements on crucial issues for the last two decades. "What does that tell you? There is no international order. So for me, we are between orders," he said, emphasising that there is no reason to fear this situation, as much of history shows that the world functioned well even without a defined international order. The KLF, which kicked off on Thursday, is hosting around 500 speakers from 15 countries. The event has drawn a large crowd of book lovers to Kozhikode beach, where they are attending engaging sessions by renowned authors, actors, artists, historians, and activists. Nobel laureates Venki Ramakrishnan and Esther Duflo, Booker prize winner Irish novelist Paul Lynch, actors Ratna Pathak Shah and Prakash Raj, Filmmamker Mani Ratnam, award-winning author-poet Perumal Murugan and politician-author Shashi Tharoor are among the speakers participating in the festival, touted to be Asia's largest literature festival. Over six lakh visitors are expected to attend the four-day literary festival, concluding on January 26. The Rachakonda police are consulting experts from several parts of the country to crack the case of an ex-serviceman allegedly killing his wife, dismembering her body and boiling the parts in a pressure cooker. Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The officials are faced with a challenging situation as they are yet to recover the woman's mortal remains, though the suspect, Gurumurthy, had already been picked up. Addressing a press conference, Rachakonda police commissioner G Sudheer Babu said the issue is still being treated as "missing case." "She (the wife) was not seen for sometime. So a case has been registered. Since she is missing and later on this kind of information has come up to us, we are working on that. There is no body (found) so far. So there is a different way of investigating the case." "As of now, it is a missing case. We are investigating the case and we are involving experts not only from our state but also other parts of the country," he said. The senior official refused to elaborate on the case and said the police teams are in the process of collecting evidence. The parents of the woman raised suspicion on the woman's husband, a police official had earlier said. Some residents in the building where the family of the deceased lived at New Venkateshwara Colony at Jillelaguda here, vacated or temporarily moved out of their flats out of fear of the gory crime that allegedly occurred in their residential premises. Gurumurthy (39), the suspect, an ex-serviceman, was currently employed as a security guard with a defence establishment here. He had even accompanied his in-laws when they lodged a complaint with the Meerpet police on January 18. Police had registered an FIR as 'woman missing'. As per the FIR, the wife quarreled with Gurumurthy on January 16 and left their home without intimation to anyone. She did not return home, prompting the relatives to lodge a complaint. Gurumuthy is a native of Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. The couple have two children. In a surprise move, YSRCP Rajya Sabha member and party general secretary V Vijayasai Reddy on Friday announced his decision to quit politics and said he will be resigning from his parliament membership on January 25. IMAGE: YSRCP MP V Vijayasai Reddy speaks in Rajya Sabha in the ongoing Winter Session of the Parliament, in New Delhi, December 16, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Further, he said agriculture will be his future. Reddy, who is also the party's floor leader in the Upper House, said he is not joining any other political party. Reddy, 67, is currently serving his second term as Rajya Sabha member from Andhra Pradesh. He still has more than three years left in his term. He is the fourth YSRCP Rajya Sabha member to resign from the party after its rout in the 2024 assembly elections. "I am quitting politics. I am resigning from the Rajya Sabha membership tomorrow, (January) 25th. I will not join any political party. I am not resigning hoping for any position, benefits, or money. This decision is completely my personal one. There was no pressure. No one influenced me," he said in a post on 'X'. Reddy, who was one of the key figures in former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP in the state, said he was indebted to YS Rajasekhar Reddy family, which has supported him for four decades and three generations. The announcement by Reddy, came at the time, when Jagan is in London on a personal trip. He also thanked YSRCP supremo YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for giving Rajya Sabha opportunity twice and also the latter's wife YS Bharati for elevating him to a higher pedestal. "I worked with honesty as parliamentary party leader, Rajya Sabha floor leader and party (YSRCP) national general secretary for the benefit of the party and the state. I worked as a bridge between the Centre and the state," he said. Delving on ruling Telugu Dedam Party, Vijayasai Reddy noted that he only differed with it politically and did not have any personal differences with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's family. Moreover, he highlighted that he always had friendship with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. Additionally, the veteran YSRCP leader thanked the people of the state, friends, colleagues and party cadres for honouring him in his long political journey. "Special thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for encouraging me for almost nine years, giving me immense strength and courage, and giving me recognition in the Telugu states," the 67-year-old Reddy said. Recently, the Enforcement Directorate grilled Vijayasai Reddy in Hyderabad pertaining to the acquisition of Kakinada Deep Water Port by Aurobindo Realty & Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, which allegedly is connected to his relative. With the exit of Vijayasai Reddy, YSRCP will lose another MP and will be left with only seven MPs in the upper house. YSRCP Rajya Sabha members M Venkata Ramana, B Mastan Rao Yadav and BC leader R Krishnaiah resigned in the recent past. Krishnaiah and Yadav subsequently joined the BJP and TDP, respectively, and retained their seats in the Rajya Sabha by-elections. After Reddy's exit, the seat is expected to go to the ruling NDA in AP in the imminent by-election, owing to its overwhelming majority. The TDP-led NDA has a strength of 164 legislators in the 175-member Assembly, while the opposition YSRCP holds 11 seats. Currently, the NDA constituent Janasena has no representation in the Upper House. One of Vijayasai Reddy's last acts as a parliamentarian was to submit his dissent against various provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill at the meeting of the parliamentary committee scrutinising the proposed law. Sources said Reddy filed his dissent on 40 of the 44 clauses that the government has proposed as amendments in the bill. Reddy also proposed his own amendments. In fresh trouble for jailed journalist Mahesh Langa, the Gujarat police have registered a case against him for allegedly extorting Rs 40 lakh from a real estate agent by threatening to malign his image and implicate him in a false case, officials said. IMAGE: Jailed journalist Mahesh Langa. Photograph: Courtesy X Langa is currently in jail in four previous cases registered by Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Rajkot police. "Now, an FIR under section 308 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita that deals with extortion, was registered on January 23 by the Satellite police station in Ahmedabad city on a complaint by Janak Thakor, a real estate agent and a social worker," police inspector H C Zala said, adding that further action will be taken after investigation. This is the fifth first information report that has been registered against Langa, who worked with a leading newspaper in Gujarat, after his arrest by the Ahmedabad police's crime branch in an alleged Goods and Services Tax (GST) scam in October last year. As per the latest FIR, the complainant came in touch with Langa in 2020 through another property agent. In the first meeting at a coffee shop in Bodakdev area, Langa claimed that besides being a journalist, he also worked as a real estate agent. Langa allegedly claimed that he knew many high-ranking officials as well as politicians and used that influence to settle matters related to disputed properties to earn hefty commission. Langa then offered Thakor to bring such disputed cases to him and earn a very high commission on the deals. Langa also promised Thakor that he will help the latter in becoming a reputed builder and also in bringing an IPO (initial public offering). Convinced by Langa's tall claims, Thakor used to give him money whenever he demanded. In all, Thakor gave him Rs 20 lakh with a hope that Langa will give him some property-related work. In January 2024, Langa wrote an article in The Hindu daily about the real estate market in GIFT City and described Thakor in the article as a "reputed social worker", the FIR said. Langa then asked Thakor to pay him Rs 20 lakh for projecting him as a social worker through his article. When Thakor denied, Langa started threatening him. Langa allegedly threatened to malign Thakor's image by writing another article and also threatened to trap him in a false case. As per the FIR, Thakor lost some property deals due to Langa's intervention. To avoid further loss and harassment, Thakor finally agreed to pay Rs 20 lakh to Langa. As per the FIR, Langa accepted Rs 20 lakh in July 2024. But despite getting the money, he started demanding more from him, prompting the complainant to approach the police, the FIR said. The first FIR against Langa and others was registered in October last year on a complaint from the central GST department over an alleged scam of floating bogus firms with an intent to defraud the government by availing bogus input tax credit through fraudulent transactions. Later, on October 23, Langa and an unidentified employee of the Gujarat Maritime Board were booked by the Gandhinagar police on the charges of theft following the recovery of official documents from his premises during raids conducted by the crime branch in connection with the alleged GST fraud. In the same month, the Ahmedabad police registered a cheating case against Langa for allegedly duping a businessman of Rs 28.68 lakh. In December last month, the Rajkot police took Langa's custody from Sabarmati Jail and formally arrested him in another case of GST evasion. A YouTuber from Thrissur, who was arrested in an attempt to murder case, has been transferred to a mental health center after experiencing distress due to the jail authorities cutting his hair. Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo Muhammad Shaheen Shah, a 26-year-old resident of Eranellur in Thrissur, known as 'Manavalan' (groom) on YouTube, was remanded to judicial custody for allegedly attempting to run over college students with a car, jail officials on Friday said. The hair was cut as per the jail norms, said a top official. He was shifted to a hospital in Thrissur after he was seen experiencing distress and is currently under observation, the official added. The Thrissur Police nabbed him from Kodagu in Karnataka where he was hiding, on Tuesday. He had been on the run since the incident on April 19, 2024. Subsequently, he was produced before a local court which remanded him to 14-day judicial custody in Thrissur District Jail. After his arrest, his companions had posted reels on his YouTube channel showing him being taken to jail. The father of the Bangladeshi man accused of stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan will soon approach that country's foreign ministry and the Indian high commission for the release of his son, who he said was being framed for reasons unknown to him. IMAGE: Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad, accused of stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan, in police custody. Photograph: ANI Photo In a 12-minute interview, Mohammad Ruhul, the father of Shariful Islam, told PTI over the phone from Bangladesh that his son did not have proper documentation for his stay in India and he lived in constant fear of being arrested. Ruhul said Sheikh Hasina's re-election in January 2024 forced Shariful to leave Bangladesh. He alleged that the man seen in the CCTV camera footage was not Shariful and added that his son was being framed. "I will get in touch with the Bangladeshi foreign ministry and also seek help from the Indian high commission in Dhaka for the release of my son," Ruhul told PTI. He claimed that he learned about his son's arrest through Facebook and news channels and added he had not been contacted by police in this connection. "The police have not said anything to us," Ruhul told PTI. He revealed that Shariful entered India between the last week of March and the first week of April last year. A Mumbai court on Friday extended till January 29 the police custody of Shariful, arrested for allegedly stabbing Khan at his home during a robbery attempt last week. The police informed the court that it had to conduct facial recognition of the man to ascertain if he was the person seen in the CCTV footage from the actor's building in Bandra. Shariful, arrested from Thane city, changed his name to Vijay Das after illegally entering India last year, the police earlier said. The 54-year-old actor allegedly was stabbed repeatedly by the knife-wielding intruder inside his 12th floor apartment in upscale Bandra in the early hours of January 16. Ruhul claimed that his son was not involved in the stabbing incident, saying it would not have been possible for Shariful to enter the home of a star of Khan's stature and commit such a crime. "In the video footage we saw, the man (in the footage) has hair till the eyebrows. My son doesn't wear his hair like that. He is 30 years old and has never kept his hair this long, not even as a teenager," Ruhul said. India is a huge country, it is quite possible that one person would bear some resemblance to another person, he said. "But the CCTV camera photos that I saw of the (accused) person do not match my son." He also alleged that his son was being framed by a "third party". "There might be a conspiracy." Ruhul, a local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), worked at the People's Jute Mill in Khulna district before retiring to his native village in Jhalokathi district. He said Shariful used to work at a hotel in Mumbai and sent a portion of the salary he received on the "10th, 11th, 12th" of every month. After Hasina became prime minister again, Shariful realised that he could not survive in Bangladesh. He saw other people leave Bangladesh for other countries and earn a living there. With this in mind, he went to India, Ruhul said. "He didn't have any documentation. One who has documents can go and work anywhere. Having valid documents has a lot of advantages," he said. Shariful lived in constant fear because he did not have any documents, his father said. "There is no question of him roaming around." Ruhul is the area vice president of a BNP union. His eldest son is the organisation secretary of the BNP while Shariful was a party member. The Mumbai police on Thursday recorded Khan's statement in connection with the attack. The statements of Khan's wife Kareena Kapoor Khan and the house staff were recorded as well. Police sources said Khan narrated the entire incident in which the intruder attacked him and how he tried to save his family members. Defence lawyers questioned the actor's version of the incident in court, asking why he did not call the police immediately. The police told the court that they needed to match the accused's footprints with those found at Khan's residence and the shoes he was wearing were yet to be recovered. A missing part of the knife used in the crime was also yet to be found, the police said, adding that the accused was not cooperating with the investigation. A driving licence issued in Bangladesh has been recovered from Shariful, confirming him as a citizen of the neighbouring country, the prosecution told the court. The Mumbai police have recorded Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan's statement in connection with the knife attack on him by an intruder at his residence last week, officials said on Friday. IMAGE: Actor Saif Ali Khan reaches his residence after getting discharged from Lilavati Hospital, in Mumbai on January 21, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo A team of the Bandra police recorded the actor's statement on Thursday, an official said. Khan was stabbed multiple times allegedly by Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir (30) alias Vijay Das, a Bangladeshi national staying illegally in India. The attack took place at Khan's residence in Satguru Sharan building in upscale Bandra in the early hours of January 16 during a robbery attempt by the intruder. The police have already recorded the statements of Khan's wife Kareena Kapoor and the house staff, he said. Police sources said that in his statement, Khan narrated the entire incident in which the intruder attacked him and how he tried to save his family members. The actor has also identified the attacker, they said. Besides the family members of the actor, the police have also recorded the statement of the auto rickshaw driver who took Khan to the Lilavati Hospital, they said. Khan was admitted to the hospital where he underwent two surgeries following stab injuries, including on his neck and near the spine. He was discharged from the private hospital on January 21. A Mumbai court on Friday extended till January 29 the police custody of the Bangladeshi man arrested for the attack on Khan. The Mumbai police on Friday informed a court in Mumbai that it has to conduct facial recognition of the Bangladeshi man, arrested for allegedly stabbing Saif Ali Khan last week, to ascertain if he was the person seen in the CCTV footage from the actor's building in Bandra. IMAGE: Actor Saif Ali Khan reaches his residence after getting discharged from Lilavati Hospital, in Mumbai, January 21, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The police produced the accused, Shareeful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir (30), before a magistrate's court, which extended his police custody till January 29. Fakir was arrested on January 19 for allegedly breaking into the Bollywood star's residence with the intention of theft and stabbing him multiple times. The police sought further custody of Fakir, citing that while substantial progress has been made in the probe, the accused has to be interrogated further on crucial aspects of the case. The police, represented by the public prosecutors KS Patil and Prasad Joshi, argued that the accused's facial recognition needs to be done to ascertain that he was the person seen in the CCTV footage recovered from the actor's building. This comes after claims made by the accused man's father that the person seen in the CCTV footage was not his son. The father had alleged his son was arrested based on some similarities and was implicated in the case. Judicial magistrate KC Rajput extended Fakir's remand till January 29, noting that further custody of the accused was necessary considering the nature of the offence and the progress done in the probe. The police told the court that it also needs to match Fakir's footprints to the ones found Khan's residence and that the shoes Fakir wore at the time of the attack have not been recovered yet. They also stated that the missing part of the knife used in the crime was yet to be recovered, and the accused was not cooperating with the investigation. The court was informed that the accused's Bangladeshi driving licence has been recovered, which confirms that he hails from the neighbouring country. The prosecution submitted that they needed to find the person who helped Fakir make fake Aadhaar and PAN cards for staying in India in the name of Vijay Das. Fakir's counsels, Dinesh Prajapati and Sandeep Sherkahne, opposed the police's plea and raised doubt over the credibility of the incident. They argued that the alleged victim (Khan) had enough time but did not call the police for help. They said the remand of the accused was not required to recover the material, as mentioned by the police. Hence, he should be remanded to judicial custody. The 54-year-old actor was repeatedly stabbed by a knife-wielding intruder inside his 12th-floor apartment in upscale Bandra in the early hours of January 16. Khan was admitted to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent two surgeries following stab injuries, including on his neck and near the spine. He was discharged from the private hospital on January 21. A Republican lawmaker has introduced a House Joint Resolution to amend the US Constitution to allow a president to be elected for up to three terms, a move aimed at facilitating a third term for President Donald Trump. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Pool via Reuters Introducing the resolution in the House, Congressman Andy Ogles said, "This amendment would allow President Trump to serve three terms, ensuring that we can sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs." "It is imperative that we provide President Trump with every resource necessary to correct the disastrous course set by the Biden administration. President Trump has shown time and time again that his loyalty lies with the American people and our great nation above all else. "He is dedicated to restoring the republic and saving our country, and we, as legislators and as states, must do everything in our power to support him," the Congressman said. According to the proposed amendment, "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times, nor be elected to any additional term after being elected to two consecutive terms, 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 twice." Ogles said Trump's decisive leadership stands in stark contrast to the "chaos, suffering, and economic decline Americans have endured over the past four years". "He has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nation's decay and restoring America to greatness. He must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal," he said. Ogles said that in just a few short days, Trump has already taken action to undo the catastrophic policies of the Biden administration and put the United States back on the path to strength and prosperity. He has tackled the crisis at our Southern border by declaring a national emergency, deploying additional troops and resources to curb illegal crossings, and expediting the completion of the border wall, the Congressman said. "In a similar vein, he issued an order to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to illegal aliens. Placing American safety as his top priority, President Trump designated Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations, empowering law enforcement to dismantle these violent networks with greater force. Aside from the border, he has set American energy free by declaring a national emergency to lift the Biden administration's oil and gas drilling restrictions, Ogles added. He also claimed that Trump has broken the chains of DEI by eliminating federal programmes and reaffirming legally that there are only two genders -- male and female. "Trump has also initiated the process to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization, a decision I am personally very excited about following the Biden administration's disastrous COVID pandemic response, Ogles added. -- Lalit K Jha in Washington, DC India is all set to display its military prowess and culture heritage on Kartavya Path, New Delhi, on the 76th Republic Day, having successfully conducted a full dress rehearsal of the ceremonial parade on Thursday. IMAGE: The Daredevils team of the Indian Army Led by Capt Ashish Rana takes part in the full dress rehearsal for Republic Day Parade 2025, at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, January 23, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo While 75 years of enactment of the Constitution is the focus of celebrations this year, the theme for the tableaux is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'. Sixteen tableaux from across states and Union territories and 15 from central ministries, departments and organisations will be part of the ceremonial parade. Besides, the DRDO will present a tableau with the theme 'Raksha Kavach -- Multi-layer protection against Multi-domain Threats,' the defence ministry said. In a first, a tri-services tableau depicting the spirit of "jointness" among the armed forces will also roll down the historic Kartavya Path as part of the parade. The tableau would enact a battlefield scenario with a synchronised operation in land, water and air featuring indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft and advanced light helicopter, according to the defence ministry. The theme of the tri-services tableau will be 'Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat' (Strong and Secure India). A marching contingent and a band contingent from Indonesia will take part in the 76th Republic Day Parade where Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest. The two contingents also took part in Thursday's full dress rehearsal. Soon after the rehearsal, the Army held a press interaction near India Gate and shared details about various contingents and bands taking part in it. Tasya Putri from Indonesia's military academy and a member of the band contingent along with some members of her country's marching contingent, also interacted with media after the briefing. "I am really excited because it will be an honour for me and my contingent to participate in India's Republic Day (Parade)... And, it is my first time in India," she told PTI. Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area will be the Parade Commander, while Parade Second-in-Command would be Chief of Staff (COS), Delhi Area, Maj Gen Sumit Mehta. Maj Gen Mehta said the event will showcase India's military prowess with a number of cutting-edge platforms and a range of vibrant tableaux depicting the country's heritage. The flypast will feature 40 IAF aircraft and three Dornier aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard. T-90 'Bhishma' tanks, BrahMos and Pinaka missile systems, Akash weapon system, Sarath (Infantry Carrying Vehicle BMP-II), Short Span Bridging System 10m, Nag Missile System, multi-barrel rocket launcher system 'Agnibaan', and 'Bajrang' (Light Specialist Vehicle) will take part in the parade. Cutting-edge defence platforms including BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash will also be part of the celebrations on January 26. The Indian Army will be represented by a mounted column, eight mechanised columns, and six marching contingents, officials said. The column will be represented by the 61 Cavalry. The marching columns will consist of contingents from Brigade of the Guards contingent, Jat Regiment, Garhwal Rifles Regiment, J&K Light Infantry (JAKLI) regiment and a contingent of the Corps of Engineers. Lt Ahaan Kumar, Contingent Commander of 61 Cavalry said it was a "special honour" for him to lead the horse-mounted contingent. Raised in 1953, the Jaipur-based 61 Cavalry has been a prominent feature at the Republic Day parade since its inception. Lt Kumar is son of Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar. "Both my maternal and paternal grandfathers have served in the Army, and my father will be the parade commander, so, it gives a lot of pride, and I feel honoured to carry forward the legacy of my family in the armed forces," he told PTI. Capt Ritika Khareta will be the contingent commander of a marching contingent of the Army's Corps of Signals. The officer is the only woman member of her contingent, the rest all are men. Ahead of the parade, she urged girls and women to "dare to dream" and work hard for it. There will also be a motor cycle display by daredevils of the Corps of Signals. Capt Ashish Rana will be its leader and Capt Dimple Singh Bhati, the second in line. "I will be riding a ladder on a motorcycle and give a salute to the President during the parade," she said soon after the full dress rehearsal. Capt Rana said she would become the "first woman officer" from the Army to give the ladder-born salute to the President in the history of Republic Day celebrations. Wing Commander Pratap Marathe's story is one of dedication, bravery, and humour, a shining example of the spirit of the Indian Air Force. Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd) salutes Wing Commander Marathe who passed into the ages last week. IMAGE: Wing Commander Pratap Ramachandra Marathe. Photographs: Kind courtesy Yashodhan Marathe Commissioned in December 1958 as a fighter pilot, Wing Commander Pratap Ramachandra Marathe served the Indian Air Force in two stints -- retiring in 1979 and getting re-employed again for six years from 1988 to 1994. Qualified to fly fighters like the Vampire, Hunters and Mystere, he converted to helicopters in 1962 and was immediately militarily baptised during the Chinese operations, carrying out casualty evacuation and supply drop missions along the borders in the North East. Whilst deputed to the Aviation Research Centre in 1971, young Marathe was deployed along the border with then East Pakistan. Flying his Mi-4 helicopter, he spearheaded dropping supplies and casualty evacuation missions for the troops of the Special Frontier Force who were dropped earlier behind enemy lines in the Chittagong hill tracts. The Aviation Research Centre is the air arm of the Research and Analytical Wing (R&AW) and their involvement in the 1971 War has not been recorded well for various reasons. Wing Commander Marathe was awarded 'Mentioned in Dispatches' for his contribution during the operations that heralded the birth of Bangladesh. This is his unique story. IMAGE: Wing Commander Pratap Marathe stands by his machine. 'Yeh Pakistani aap ko itna tang kar rahe hain... Kya aap inse ladoge? (These Pakistanis are troubling you so much, won't you be fighting them?),' asked the Border Security Force officer receiving the influx of refugees on our side of the border at Agartala. In Bengali, the refugee replied, 'Punjabi to birat manus. Amhi to olpo. Olpo ki juddho kore? (Punjabis are huge people. We are small; can small people fight?)' "Lines and lines of Bangla refugees were streaming across the border, and from the air, we could see miles of humanity and burning villages on the other side," remembers the veteran pilot as we commence our chat. Veteran Wing Commander Pratap Ramachandra Marathe, a 1971 War veteran, lay in bed, ridden with old age ailments; but his boyish soldierly spirit was infectious. He peered at me through his handlebar moustache that covered half his face, and his eyes sparkled with energy as we got talking about his service to the nation. I am stunned at his memory recall as I introduce myself on entering his bedroom. "Sir, I had the privilege to fly with you whilst you were posted in Pune just prior to your retirement," I begin. He waved me in with a cheerful smile. "Of course, I remember you! It was good to get some flying practice whilst doing a desk job at Pune then!" I had written down many questions for him, but as the chat warmed up, the piece of paper was forgotten. At the end of an interesting hour, the veteran pilot had given me answers to all that I had planned to ask him and more. IMAGE: Wing Commander Marathe in his younger days. May 1971 and then Squadron Leader Marathe was posted at the Charbatia base (near Cuttack in Odisha), home to the Aviation Research Centre which worked under the hush hush Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) with the legendry Mr R N Kao as its head. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had tasked Mr Kao to look at the feasibility of sending Tibetan troops of the Special Frontier Force under his command for special guerilla warfare tasks in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to cause attrition to the Pakistani forces and prevent their withdrawal as and when hostilities commenced. 'Unit 22' or 'Two-twos', as it was nicknamed, was formed under the legendry Brigadier (later Major General) Sujan Singh Uban as its Inspector General before the 1962 War against the Chinese. This force had the specific task of liberating Tibet using Tibetan troops fighting the Chinese and was trained for the same. The unit had grown in numbers to almost 5,000 by 1971 but found itself without any operational tasks. IMAGE: Wing Commander Marathe and Mrs Suhasini Marathe. The Tibetan officers of Unit 22 argued that these troops be only used for their primary and only task -- to liberate Tibet from Chinese occupation, and therefore did not want to involve themselves in a war 'for' India. But, under specific orders from the Dalai Lama at Dharamsala, these troops were ordered to train alongside the Mukti Bahini and inducted into Bangladesh in early 1971. Of these, three companies (400 to 500 men) were air-dropped behind enemy lines using the two Mi-4 helicopters commandeered by Squadron Leader Marathe and Flight Lieutenant Parvez Rustom Jamasjee. Both were well qualified on the machine; Marathe having flown during the Chinese debacle in the north east. Brigadier Uban, an independent commander operating under direct orders of the prime minister's office, called his outfit the '5th Army' and offered support to the Indian forces under General Sam Manekshaw's command; something that wasn't taken too kindly. This led to a turf war of sorts, percolating down to the grass root levels of the army. IMAGE: Wing Commander Pratap Marathe with his sister. Marathe, with his Mi-4, was attached to the Border Security Force HQ at Agartala commanded by Brigadier B C Pandey in May 1971. The chopper was used to carry out extensive aerial recce along the border. "Whilst at Agartala, I met up with fighter pilots of the Pakistani 14 Squadron who had defected to our side. I believe that these pilots were later trained by our own to fly Chetak helicopters and Caribou transport aircraft." "As we closed in on December 1971, I was asked to move to the Mizo hills at the Lunglei airfield opposite the Chittagong hill tracts. Flight Lieutenant Jamasjee was already there, and I was told to augment the efforts to induct the SFF behind enemy lines." The drop zone was near the Kaptai dam, 50 odd km inside East Pakistan; and the commandos were tasked to decimate the defences of the Pakistani 3 SSG commando battalion located around the dam. About five trips were planned for both aircraft on the first day, to drop 80 odd troops with their combat material. "We carried out the first drops; and, whilst into our second drop sortie, the SFF men at the drop zone informed me that they were under heavy mortar attack by the Pakistanis, and we should wait for the situation to clear before we come for the next trip." Marathe headed back, and whilst Jamasjee carried out his drop, his aircraft came under heavy fire. One bullet entered the cockpit through the rudder pedals, grazing Jamasjee's calf. A bleeding Jamasjee flew his bullet ridden aircraft back to base and was given first aid. The aircraft, much to their relief, had suffered only superficial damage and was fit to fly after minor repairs. Jamasjee was not one to give up due to this injury. He was back in the cockpit as soon as the aircraft was ready for the next mission. IMAGE: Wing Commander Marathe cuts a cake on a birthday and another, below. "For his bravery and commitment to the cause, I raised a citation for Jamasjee for a presidential award, little knowing that the SFF also had recommended his name for the same!" Then Flight Lieutenant Jamasjee was awarded a Vir Chakra during the Republic Day parade the next year. "Our job during the war was to provide the SFF with much needed ammunition and rations and also get back casualties from the war zone in the Chittagong hill tracts." The two Mi-4 helicopters flew extensively through the war and after Chittagong fell, they relocated at the airfield at Chittagong which was now under the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini's control, returning to base a few days after the surrender ceremony on the 16th of December. "Chittagong town was visible from miles with black smoke emanating from the burning fuel dumps for days after the war was over." "While I roamed around the nice town, I bumped into my maternal cousin from the navy, Commander U R Dabir." Dabir was in command of a ship involved in the blockade of Chittagong port and was awarded the Nao Sena Medal for his part in the war. "We ended up doing some shopping for our families back home. Jute carpets were very cheap and nice as also some foreign goods. I remember picking up some tins of powdered milk of foreign make!" IMAGE: Wing Commander Marathe being presented a bouquet by his son Yashodhan Marathe. The Mi-4 was a very basic (but reliable) aircraft with a rudimentary radio compass available for navigation. "In bad weather, the radio compass was a blessing in disguise. Many a time, we tuned it to All India Radio and navigated our way back into own territory. Also, we flew in a very noisy environment since the rear doors of the helicopter were removed to facilitate quick exit of troops and material at the drop zone. A dedicated set of our ground crew -- all ex-IAF -- ensured that our helicopters were fit and ready for flying at all times." "I did meet the famous commanders, General J F R Jacob, General Sagat Singh, Mr R N Kao and many more whilst we were deployed in the war zone. They were impressive personalities and a source of motivation for us." "After the surrender ceremony and the end of hostilities, one of our aircraft was permanently deployed at Dacca for the next few years. I think it was in 1975, when Sheikh Mujib was killed, that we pulled out of Bangladesh. We stayed in the Bangladeshi army barracks, and wherever we went, we were treated like heroes." The first president of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, returned from jail in Pakistan in 1972 and soon thereafter, the helicopter was used to fly him to his village Tungipara in Gopalganj district of Bangladesh. "I remember meeting his wife Begum Fazilatunnesa and have never forgotten the royal treatment and the sumptuous chicken meal we had at his home!" IMAGE: The father and son pose for a photograph. It has been an hour since we have been chatting about the war. The octogenarian veteran appeared tired. I prepare to leave. "One last question sir. What about the families back home in Charbatia?" "I always sent our families at Charbatia an 'All Well' message whenever we got in touch with our base so that they weren't too worried about us." "Oh, you can also ask that question to my wife," chuckles the veteran, calling for her. A smiling Mrs Suhasini Marathe breezed into the room and looked lovingly at her husband. "He never did tell us where he was and what he was doing neither did I ever prod him about it. I knew that he was doing an important task, a task that he had been trained for right from the time he joined the NDA (National Defence Academy). I was -- and still am -- so proud of him!' "As and when some aircraft or someone went to the front, we ladies got together and sent them some faraal (sweets and goodies) and that was our contribution to their high morale!" And when they returned to Charbatia after the war, the ladies organised a fancy dress party to welcome the heroes that turned out to be a big hit. IMAGE: Yashodan Marathe, Mrs Suhasini Marathe and Air Commodore Nitin Sathe, right. "Pratap, not surprisingly, dressed up as a Mukti Bahini soldier, wearing a dirty lungi and a torn kurta above it, looking like a true fighter from Bangladesh. And while we danced, he suddenly took off his lungi inciting screams from the ladies. Thankfully, he was wearing his trousers below his wraparound!" recalled Mrs Marathe. While all of us laugh, Wing Commander Marathe remembered another anecdote from the war. His weariness, it seemed, had vanished in the banter. "We were sitting at Chittagong airfield relaxing just a day or so before the surrender. Our radios were tuned to Pakistani frequency since we wanted to be aware of what was happening on the other side." As they basked in the warm December sun, munching biscuits with their tea, General Yahya Khan's voice boomed over the radio. The then Pakistan president's message over the radio to his troops went thus: 'Chittagong me ghamasan ladhai ho rahi hai, aur hum Hindustaniyon ko kuchal rahe hain... (There is heavy fighting on in Chittagong, and we are crushing the Indians there...)' Such is history. Wing Commander Marathe's story is one of dedication, bravery, and humour, a shining example of the spirit of the Indian Air Force. Such stories remind us of the unrecorded valour and sacrifices made by unsung heroes. Wing Commander Marathe's legacy lives on, not just in the annals of history but also in the memories of those who served with him. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com 'We are not anti-national like these armed secessionists. We have no intention of breaking away from the Indian Union.' IMAGE: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh salutes after unfurling the national flag during the 75th Republic Day celebrations at the CM's secretariat complex, January 26, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The Bharatiya Janata Party government in Manipur is determined in its plans to celebrate Republic Day on January 26 despite a call for an 18-hour shutdown by the Coordination Committee, known as CorCom, a group of six banned insurgent groups in the violence-torn state of Manipur. In an interview with Rediff.com, Manipur's Social Welfare Minister and the BJP MLA from Sekmai, Heikham Dingo Singh, declared that the state will proceed with celebrations "by any means." "We are going to celebrate Republic Day for sure. There will be no stopping of that. These celebrations will be held with full security and a high alert," Singh asserted. "Security arrangements will be of the highest order to ensure a peaceful celebration," he continued confidently. "I am part of the government and we are determined to celebrate Republic Day regardless of any threats. People across India should know that the BJP government in Manipur will celebrate Republic Day come what may," he proclaimed. He denounced the insurgent groups' call as "anti-national," emphasising that Manipur is an integral part of India and should participate in the nationwide observance. The celebrations will include a morning parade in Imphal, attended by bureaucrats and officials and school children. Additional events are planned for the evening, though details were not specified. "The governor, the chief minister (N Biren Singh), all the ministers, officials, and representatives from various departments of Manipur, along with school children, are expected to attend the parade," Singh elaborated, refraining from sharing further specifics about the day-long celebrations. "In my opinion, such calls (to declare shutdown for 18 hours on Republic Day) are anti-national. Republic Day is a celebration for the entire country, and Manipur is an integral part of India. Celebrating this day is our right," Singh remarked, expressing hope that the insurgent outfit would not cause any trouble on the occasion. When questioned about potential security concerns, Singh conveyed confidence in the government's preparedness. He assured that authorities are on "high alert" and ready to take action against any disturbances, warning that trouble-makers would be dealt with sternly according to the law. "The government is absolutely prepared to take all necessary steps to nab any culprits who try to disrupt the celebrations. These are banned groups, and legal and police action will be taken against them if needed," Singh emphasised. The minister downplayed fears of public unrest, pointing out that similar calls by insurgent groups in previous years had not significantly impacted celebrations. He dismissed concerns about potential law and order problems on the day itself. "I don't think it will have any major impact. We have been celebrating Republic Day for many years despite such threats in the past," he observed. While the government's stance appears firm, the situation underscores the ongoing tensions between insurgent groups and state authorities in Manipur. Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) Spokesperson Ginza Vualzong, when asked about their views on the proposed shutdown, commented, "We are not anti-national like these armed secessionists. We have no intention of breaking away from the Indian Union. Our demand for a separate administrative unit falls within the realm of the Indian Constitution." "The Kukis and ITLF support and wholeheartedly celebrate national events like Independence Day and Republic Day, seeing ourselves as part of India. The call for a shutdown on January 26 (Republic Day) by CorCom is an anti-national call, and we expect strict action against such anti-national elements by the Union government," he affirmed. Drawing a sharp contrast between their position and that of the Meitei-based CorCom, Vualzong explained, "They (the CorCom) have always sought independence from India. In the hills, where the ITLF has influence, people will celebrate Republic Day with great enthusiasm." When asked if the ITLF would issue an official statement on the matter, the spokesperson was noncommittal, noting they would look into it but had no immediate plans to do so. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Mostly cloudy with snow showers around this morning. High 48F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 50%.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 24F. Winds light and variable. Now, its been 15 years. Most of the girls that are coming in here today dont know anything about Jessica, said Debbie Bolognani. But, she Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Gordon Hayward of Westminster writes about individual men and women who contribute day in and day out to the life of our community here in Southeastern Vermont. Yasaman crossed more than half a dozen countries on foot, bus, and boat and paid thousands of dollars to smugglers to reach Mexico. Yasaman, an Afghan woman whose name has been changed to protect her identity, believed she was within touching distance of realizing her dream: entering the United States. But her hopes came crashing down on January 20, when new U.S. President Donald Trump declared an emergency on the southern border with Mexico as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration. As part of the executive order, U.S. authorities shut down the CBP One mobile app -- the only legal way for migrants to make an appointment with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, request asylum, and enter the country legally. "I don't know what to do now," said Yasaman, who arrived in Mexico in November 2024. "I'm waiting [for] what Trump will decide next about migrants." Yasaman, speaking by telephone from Mexico, said she received a notification on January 20 that read: "Existing appointments scheduled through CBP One are no longer valid." The shutdown of the app will affect thousands of migrants, including Afghans, hoping to enter the United States legally. Around 1 million appointments had been scheduled through CBP One since it was introduced in January 2023. Not Happy In Brazil Mexico has been a relatively new route for thousands of Afghan migrants seeking a new, better life in the United States. RFE/RL contacted the United Nations refugee agency and the Mexican migration authorities to find out how many U.S.-bound Afghan migrants are currently in Mexico. We have not received a response. An Afghan migrant who spoke to RFE/RL from the southern Mexican city of Tapachula estimated there were up to 1,500 people from Afghanistan in that city alone. Karimullah, whose name has been changed over privacy concerns, said Afghan migrants live in rented apartments, relying on the "limited amount of money" they have brought from Afghanistan or borrow from their relatives abroad. "Families go hungry for days while waiting for money from relatives," he said. A former civil rights activist, Karimullah fled Afghanistan after the hard-line Taliban returned to power in August 2021. After running out of money to pay for food and rent and as she was still waiting to get an appointment through CBP One, Yasaman got a job as a kitchen helper at a restaurant in the capital, Mexico City. Like many other Afghan migrants in Mexico, both Karimullah and Yasaman had already been offered asylum in other safe countries -- in their case Brazil, which has issued thousands of humanitarian visas for Afghan nationals since 2021. Asked by RFE/RL why they didn't want to stay in Brazil, where they had been given free accommodation and food, both Karimullah and Yasaman said they did not see a "good future" there due to a lack of jobs and other opportunities. Instead, many Afghans pay money to people-smugglers to take them through Bolivia, Peru, Equador, Colombia, Panama, and other countries to reach the U.S.-Mexico border. 'Life For Immigrants Not What It Used To Be' Some cross the border illegally. Ehsan Khan, a 26-year-old former driver from Kabul, entered the United States illegally in November 2024, hoping to get settled in the country before Trump closes the U.S. borders. After spending two months at an immigration detention facility, Khan was released on January 11 with an electronic ankle bracelet for authorities to monitor his movements. Speaking from San Diego by phone, Khan told RFE/RL that Afghan migrants should think twice before coming to the United States, because "the life in America for immigrants is not what it used to be." Khan did not give details of his new life in the United States but said it isn't worth the traumatic journey he had through Honduras and Guatemala, where he said he "was beaten by thieves who demanded money" and witnessed his best friend drown in the sea. "I saw my friend screaming for help as he drowned and I looked helplessly. I wanted to jump into the water, but I knew I couldn't swim. His parents often call me from Kabul and ask about him, and we cry," Khan said. Back in Mexico City, Yasaman is determined to enter the United States "by any means, legally or illegally." "I don't have a life or home in Afghanistan to go back to," Yasaman said. "I see my future only in America." The Farda Briefing, a weekly RFE/RL newsletter that tracks the key issues in Iran, is returning after a long hiatus, and it's great to be back with you. I'm RFE/RL correspondent Kian Sharifi. In this edition I'm delving into how Iran's top brass is signaling that Tehran is open to talks with the United States as Donald Trump returns to the White House. What You Need To Know Iran Signals Openness For Talks: Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masud Pezeshkian have insisted Western assessments that the Islamic republic has become weak and vulnerable are wrong. At the same time, Iranian Vice President for Strategic Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif has appealed to Trump to "choose rationality" and resume nuclear negotiations. Tehran And Moscow Make A Deal: Iran and Russia, two of the most sanctioned nations, signed an agreement to enhance strategic relations for the next 20 years. But the deal is unlikely to help revive Iran's economy or bolster its defensive capabilities. Assassination Of Supreme Court Judges: Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini were killed in their office in Tehran by a janitor who worked at the Palace of Justice. Both men had a history of handing down harsh sentences and had presided over several political cases. Moghiseh was under U.S. and EU sanctions for human rights violations while Razini was involved in the mass execution of political prisoners in 1988. The Big Issue Iran Could Be Gearing Up For Talks With Trump Last year was one to forget for Iran as it saw its regional influence wane, its military deterrence against Israel and the United States crumble, and its economy continue its free fall. But Iran's top decision-maker, Khamenei, has been trying to project strength. On January 22, he told a crowd of supporters in Tehran that it would be "delusional" to suggest Iran has become weak. Pezeshkian made a similar comment, insisting the West "can dream" about Iran's strength diminishing. On the same day, Zarif, a former foreign minister who currently serves as a vice president to Pezeshkian, urged Trump to adopt a "more serious, more focused, and more realistic" approach toward Iran while speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. He also added that Trump's decision in 2018 to pull out of the landmark nuclear deal was "imposed on him" by his advisers. Why It Matters: Iran seems to be signaling to Trump that it does not hold him responsible for withdrawing from the nuclear accord but instead blames his advisers -- many of whom do not feature in his new government. Is Iran's policy on talks with Trump changing? It may be too early to tell, but what's being said now is a major departure from Khamenei's comments in 2019, when he said it would be "ridiculous" to engage with the Republican president. What's Being Said: Hard-liners in Iran oppose talks with the United States, especially with Trump, whom they say believe will turn the screw on the Islamic republic as part of a new-look "maximum pressure" policy. More moderate voices, however, are the authorities who could engage with Trump. The Khabar Online news website on January 22 said Pezeshkian had "an unrepeatable opportunity" to negotiate with the U.S. president, given his desire for making deals. Political pundit Hossein Beheshtipur, meanwhile, told Iranian newspaper Ettelaat that Tehran had to "directly" speak with Trump but to do so from "a position of strength," a likely reference to Iran's expansion of its nuclear and missiles programs. Expert Opinion: "Willingness to talk does not mean a deal is likely. The road to a new understanding is steep and there will be significant obstacles," says Gregory Brew, senior analyst at the Washington-based Eurasia Group. What's Ahead Afghan and Iranian media say Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will travel to Afghanistan "soon," but no date has been announced yet. His trip would mark the first official visit to Kabul by an Iranian foreign minister since the Taliban seized power in 2021. Iran does not recognize the Taliban government, but that has not stopped it from establishing relations with it. Award-winning movie The Seed of the Sacred Fig by Iranian dissident director Mohammad Rasoulof has been nominated for an Academy Award as Germany's entry. Stay tuned as RFE/RL's Radio Farda will publish an interview with the celebrated director next week. 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." U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by video link to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 23. Responding to questions about his pledge to swiftly end the war in Ukraine, Trump said he wants to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon and intends to use tariffs and further sanctions to put additional pressure on Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) SHENYANG, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Thursday inspected Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province. Xi made the trip shortly before the Spring Festival, the most important holiday for the Chinese people, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. Xi visited a food market and a residential community in Shenyang, where he learned about the supply of goods during the holiday season and measures in place to meet residents' daily needs and optimize public services, as well as details of progress made in improving people's life. For more than a decade, Xi, as the Party and the state's top leader, has made it a tradition to spend time with ordinary people ahead of the Spring Festival. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about measures in place to optimize public services as well as details of progress made in improving people's life while visiting a residential community in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about measures in place to optimize public services as well as details of progress made in improving people's life while visiting a residential community in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local residents while visiting a residential community in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about measures in place to optimize public services as well as details of progress made in improving people's life while visiting a residential community in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about measures in place to optimize public services as well as details of progress made in improving people's life while visiting a residential community in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local residents while visiting a residential community in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local residents while visiting a residential community in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local residents while visiting a residential community in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the supply of goods during the holiday season and measures in place to meet residents' daily needs while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the supply of goods during the holiday season and measures in place to meet residents' daily needs while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the supply of goods during the holiday season and measures in place to meet residents' daily needs while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the supply of goods during the holiday season and measures in place to meet residents' daily needs while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the supply of goods during the holiday season and measures in place to meet residents' daily needs while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Editor: JYZ Former President Mary McAleese will reflect on her lifes work in an interview with journalist Carole Coleman at The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon on Friday, February 7th. The event is in support of the Croghan Community Development Fund. Mary McAleese was President of Ireland from 1997 until 2011. She currently researches and writes on human rights and childrens rights in the Catholic Church. She lives in Cootehall, across the Shannon from the family home of her father and grandparents who lived near Croghan. Mary McAleese was Professor of Children, Law and Religion at the University of Glasgow, 2018-2022 and is currently Chancellor of Trinity College Dublin. She is the author of 'Reconciled Being' (1997); 'Quo Vadis' (2018); 'Childrens Rights and Obligations in Canon Law' (2019); 'The Seventeen Irish Martyrs' (2022). The event in The Dock is part of a full programme of ongoing meet-ups, gatherings, workshops, talks and conversations throughout the year. So, if you are looking to take up a new hobby, to improve your writing, share the love of a book, learn something new or are just looking to meet like-minded people, start the year with one of The Docks many engaging events, activities or meet-ups. Full details can be found at www.thedock.ie Centre Addresses Disruptions of Kangana Ranauts Emergency in UK MEA assured that the Indian High Commission in London is actively engaging with community members to ensure their safety. Kangana Ranaut Emergency Latest News: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed concern over the disruption of screenings of Kangana Ranauts film Emergency in the United Kingdom. The film, based on the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, has reportedly faced interruptions in several UK cinemas. "We have seen reports about the obstruction of Emergency screenings. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively. Those responsible for such disruptions must be held accountable," the MEA stated. Advertisement The ministry confirmed it had raised concerns with UK authorities, emphasizing the need to address incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements. Incidents and Reactions According to reports, masked individuals, allegedly Khalistani extremists, disrupted screenings in cities such as London, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, and Manchester. Bob Blackman, a Conservative Party MP, highlighted an incident in Harrow Vue cinema where audience members were threatened, forcing the screening to end prematurely. "The film is controversial, but my constituents have a right to view it and form their own opinions," Blackman said. Advertisement In response, the MEA assured that the Indian High Commission in London is actively engaging with community members to ensure their safety. Protests and Controversy Some British Sikh groups, such as the Sikh Press Association, have protested the film, alleging it portrays the Sikh community in a negative light. These protests reportedly led to disrupted screenings and the withdrawal of the film from certain cinema chains. Emergency also faced significant opposition in India during its release, with Sikh organizations accusing it of distorting historical facts and misrepresenting their community. Kangana Ranaut, who directed and co-produced the film, has yet to comment on the UK disruptions. Advertisement (For more news apart from Kangana Ranaut Emergency Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) UGC Removes NET Requirement for Assistant Professor Recruitment UGC NET exam for 2025 is scheduled to take place from January 3 to 16, but this change signals a major shift for master's degree holders. UGC NET New Rules For Assistant Professor Recruitment 2025 Latest News: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced a landmark reform in the recruitment process for Assistant Professors, aimed at transforming the higher education sector in India. Starting in 2025, the UGC has proposed removing the mandatory National Eligibility Test (NET) requirement for candidates seeking these positions. The UGC NET exam for 2025 is scheduled to take place from January 3 to 16, but this change signals a major shift for master's degree holders, who will now have a clearer path to join the teaching profession without the additional hurdle of NET qualification. Advertisement This decision aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes flexibility and inclusivity in the education system. The reform is expected to open doors for more young talent, making the teaching field more accessible and fostering innovation in higher education. (For more news apart from UGC NET New Rules For Assistant Professor Recruitment 2025 Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Delhi CM Atishi Claim Threat to Arvind Kejriwals Life Atishi highlighted recent incidents that allegedly underscore the threat. New Delhi: In a joint press conference, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi alleged that the life of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal is in grave danger. We do not trust the Delhi Police, said CM Mann, adding that Punjab Police received inputs indicating a potential threat to Kejriwal. Based on this intelligence, the Punjab Police has provided Z+ security to Kejriwal. Advertisement Atishi echoed the concerns, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Delhi Police, led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, of conspiring against the Delhi Chief Minister. There are two players in this conspiracy: BJP workers and the Delhi Police. A joint effort is being made to harm Kejriwal, she stated. Citing Past Incidents of Attacks Atishi highlighted recent incidents that allegedly underscore the threat. Kejriwal was attacked on October 24 in Vikaspuri, again on November 30 while traveling to a public event in Malviya Nagar, and stones were thrown at his car on January 18 in the New Delhi assembly constituency, she said. She accused the Delhi Police of failing to act. Despite the attacks, no investigation was conducted. On social media, we found that the attackers were BJP workers, but the Delhi Police neither stopped them nor took action, Atishi alleged. Advertisement The claims have intensified the political war of words between AAP and the BJP, with AAP leaders demanding greater accountability and transparency from the Delhi Police. US Federal Judge Halts Donald Trumps Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship This marks the first major legal challenge to Trumps revived efforts to reshape American citizenship laws. US Federal Judge Halts Donald Trumps Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship Latest News: A federal judge has temporarily blocked former President Donald Trumps controversial executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship in the United States. U.S. District Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order on Thursday, preventing enforcement of the policy for 14 days as the court reviews its constitutionality. The order, signed by Trump on his first day back in office, aimed to deny U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil if neither parent is a citizen or permanent legal resident. This marks the first major legal challenge to Trumps revived efforts to reshape American citizenship laws. Advertisement Judge Calls Policy Blatantly Unconstitutional Judge Coughenour, a Reagan appointee, criticized the order as blatantly unconstitutional, citing its conflict with the 14th Amendments citizenship clause. During the hearing, he expressed disbelief at the Justice Departments defense of the policy. I cannot fathom how any legal professional could argue that this order is constitutional, said Coughenour. The lawsuit, brought by Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon, argues that the policy violates the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents immigration status. Advertisement The Legal Debate Over the 14th Amendment The case hinges on the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 to address the citizenship rights of formerly enslaved people. The amendment has long been interpreted to grant citizenship to all individuals born in the U.S., a precedent solidified in the landmark 1898 Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark. Trumps executive order challenges this interpretation, a move legal scholars say will face steep judicial scrutiny. Washington Assistant Attorney General Lane Polozola highlighted the potential consequences of the order, warning that it would strip citizenship from an estimated 150,000 newborns annually. Babies born today would lack Social Security numbers, legal employment rights, and access to government benefits, Polozola argued. Advertisement Trumps Renewed Push Against Birthright Citizenship Ending birthright citizenship has been a central theme of Trumps immigration agenda since 2016. While his first administration floated similar proposals, none reached the stage of formal implementation. The new executive order represents Trumps most aggressive attempt yet to redefine the parameters of American citizenship. The Trump administration claims the policy is necessary to deter illegal immigration and alleviate strain on public resources. Brett Shumate, the Justice Department attorney, called the judges ruling wildly inappropriate and argued that the order was a critical step in reforming the nations immigration system. Legal experts predict the case will likely ascend to the Supreme Court, where it could set a historic precedent on citizenship rights in the U.S. Advertisement (For more news apart from US Federal Judge Halts Donald Trumps Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) January 24, 2025 UPDATE 2 The latest in Romania and abroad Newsflash Newsroom, 24.01.2025, 17:32 CELEBRATION Military and religious ceremonies, performances and exhibitions took place on Friday in all the major cities in Romania, marking the Union of the Principalities. In Orthodox churches, special services were performed and bells were rung for a minute. 166 years ago, on January 24, 1859, Alexandru Ioan Cuza was elected ruler of Wallachia, after having been elected ruler of Moldavia on January 5. The political decision of the principalities to unite was the first stage in the creation of the modern Romanian state. Leading politicians sent messages on the Day of the Union of the Romanian Principalities. January 24 is a moment of assessment and reflection on the legacy of our ancestors and on the responsibility we have to preserve and promote it, president Klaus Iohannis emphasised. PM Marcel Ciolacu pointed out that the Union is an example of how an important political project undertaken in accordance with the will of the people can become reality. Romanians enjoy an extended weekend on this occasion, as Union Day has been declared a public holiday. Many have chosen to spend it in mountain resorts. DIPLOMACY The Romanian foreign minister Emil Hurezeanu will have a meeting with NATOs secretary general Mark Rutte at the NATO headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday, January 28, reads a statement from the North Atlantic Alliance. On January 14, Emil Hurezeanu received the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, James OBrien. According to a foreign ministry news release, on that occasion the Romanian official appreciated the US contribution to the security and defense of NATOs Eastern Flank, as well as to the development of the strategic approach to the Black Sea region. The two officials also appreciated the bilateral relationship, highlighting significant achievements such as Romanias inclusion in the Visa Waiver program, the development of economic and energy sector cooperation, and coordinated Romania US EU action. A press conference on actively encouraging the flow of medium- and long-term funds into the capital market and promoting its high-quality development is held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin) BEIJING, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's public offering fund sector has maintained a stable development trend in recent years, with further measures set to boost the development of this sector in 2025, an official said at a press conference on Thursday, while detailing enhanced support for the A-share market. Assets under the management of China's public offering funds rose to 33 trillion yuan (about 4.6 trillion U.S. dollars) by the end of 2024 from 13 trillion yuan in 2019, according to Wu Qing, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission. In 2025, the sales fees of public offering funds would be further slashed, saving a total of 45 billion yuan annually for investors, Wu told the press conference held by the State Council Information Office. Chinese financial authorities unveiled a plan on Wednesday outlining measures to encourage medium- and long-term funds into the capital market to further stabilize stock performance, with Wu elaborating at the press conference that public offering funds would increase their A-share holdings of circulating market capitalization by at least 10 percent annually over the next three years. Wu said that efforts are being made to ensure large state-owned insurance companies allocate 30 percent of their newly added annual premium incomes to invest in A-shares starting in 2025, which is expected to inject hundreds of billions yuan of long-term capital into the A-share market each year. The second batch of pilot programs for long-term stock market investment from insurance funds will be implemented in the first half of 2025, with a minimum scale of 100 billion yuan, gradually expanding thereafter, Wu added. A press conference on actively encouraging the flow of medium- and long-term funds into the capital market and promoting its high-quality development is held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Editor: JYZ Indian shares were subdued on Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his firm stance on tariffs. At the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Trump has warned global companies that importing goods into the U.S. without manufacturing domestically will incur duties. The benchmark S&P/BSE Sensex dropped 136 points, or 0.2 percent, to 76,383 in early trade while the broader NSE Nifty index was down 38 points, or 0.2 percent, at 23,167. ICICI Bank and NTPC edged up slightly ahead of their earnings. Dr Reddy's Laboratories slumped 4.5 percent on concerns about potential revenue loss from cancer drug Revlimid, which is set to go off patent in January202. Indus Towers was little changed despite Q3 profit climbing 160 percent. HPCL rose about 1 percent on strong Q3 earnings. Tejas Networks plummeted 9 percent after reporting lower revenue, margin and order book value. Mankind Pharma tumbled 4 percent as Q3 net profit declined 1 percent year-on-year. Suryoday Small Finance Bank lost nearly 5 percent after reporting further deterioration in asset quality in Q3. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank gave up 5.3 percent as quarterly profit fell 64 percent on higher provisions. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Assa Abloy AB (ASSA-B.ST), a Swedish security solutions company, Friday announced that it has acquired Charlotte, North Carolina-based InVue. The financial aspects of the deal are not revealed. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings per share immediately. Assa Abloy also said that sales for 2024 totaled approximately $165 million with a strong EBIT margin Stephanie Ordan, executive vice president and head of Global Technologies unit Global Solutions said, "The acquisition will expand our core capabilities across access control and asset protection globally." InVue is a provider of precision-engineered connected asset protection and access control solutions. The company provides customized security solutions for various industries and retailers. On Thursday, ASSA ABLOY had closed 0.12% lesser at SEK 336.50 on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News A Canadian dark web vendor has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in operating an international narcotics distribution ring over the dark web where millions of counterfeit Xanax pills were imported and sold to customers in the United States. Arden McCann, 37, of Quebec, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee to jail followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was also fined $1 million dollars. McCann was convicted of drug importation and money laundering conspiracies in September, 2023, after he pleaded guilty. According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, McCann was arrested in October 2015 by the Canada Police for selling drugs on the dark web using the moniker "DRXanax." Canadian authorities seized two million counterfeit Xanax pills, five pill presses, alprazolam powder, 3,000 MDMA pills, over $200,000 in cash, 15 firearms, ballistic vests, and drug ledgers. The drug ledgers revealed McCann and others purchased alprazolam from China, pressed the alprazolam into counterfeit Xanax pills, and sold them to customers throughout the United States. Despite his arrest, McCann continued to operate on the dark web to sell narcotics, including fentanyl analogues. A subsequent investigation by U.S. law enforcement revealed that from November 2015 to February 2020, McCann operated numerous vendor pages on ten marketplaces on the dark web. The investigation also revealed that during this period McCann distributed drugs to 49 states generating more than $10 million. McCann was arrested by Canadian authorities on February 26, 2020, on the charges from the Northern District of Georgia, and was extradited to the United States on June 9, 2022. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News Testing and development of new KTM RC 390 is still underway in Europe. This vehicle will be the sportiest offering based on KTMs new 390 platform and will replace current model that is positioned on KTMs older platform. This test mule looks almost production and looks like the company might launch it sometime in 2025. New KTM RC 390 Spied Testing Even though KTM is under an economical turmoil, the Austrian brand seems to be pushing on its originally planned products. The new RC 390 has been long overdue and will rival Yamaha R3, BMW G 310 RR, TVS Apache RR 310 and upcoming Triumph Thruxton 400 and Royal Enfields faired bike based on Guerrilla 450. As seen in recent spy shots, KTM is going back to its design roots and is associating with 1st ever RC 390. Attempts to make RC 390 look more conventional seems to have backfired and the company now seems to be resorting to its original design. We can see this in these new spy shots, where the alien-like look is back. Exposed mono projector unit looks a lot more aesthetic than twin projectors. There is a clear windscreen above it that should decent protection to riders from wind blast. Fairing looks aerodynamic with massive cuts and creases for air to channel through. ORVMs are positioned on the fairing and ORVM stalks look quite premium. New Hardware, More Performance New KTM RC 390 bears a lot of design semblances with upcoming 990 RC R. Except for the winglets, though. Rider triangle looks committed as it has rear-set foot pegs and low-set clip-on handlebars. This gives a lot of leverage to riders to grip the motorcycle and exploit all the cornering capability this platform and components provide. Speaking of components, there are many revisions. For starters, we now get an underbelly exhaust, compacting the overall package. Front disc brake is now shifted towards the right. Suspension might be fully adjustable USDs at the front and rear mono-shock, allowing riders to set up their motorcycle like they want. All rider electronic aids seen on 390 Duke and 390 Adventure might make it to RC 390 as well. Instrument cluster will be a 5-inch TFT unit with advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth, music control and navigation. Powering new KTM RC 390 will be the same 399cc single-cylinder liquid cooled powerhouse generating around 45 bhp and 40 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox with bi-directional quickshifter. Source UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Humanitarians said on Thursday they are concerned by insecurity in Syria's north and northeast, including attacks near a Euphrates River dam, and nationwide economic challenges which stifle cash assistance. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the insecurity concerns were raised by continuing reports of artillery shelling and other incidents affecting the northeast of Syria, including Al-Hasakeh Governorate, and near the Tishreen Dam in northern Aleppo Governorate. OCHA said the economic challenges include nationwide price hikes and the lack of regional banking services, constraining cash assistance programs and disrupting people's livelihoods and humanitarian operations. Because of high fuel and transportation costs, humanitarian partners reported that most of their mobile teams remain in urban areas, leaving rural and remote regions deprived of services such as counseling and psychosocial support. In Damascus, high transportation costs are resulting in a significant shortage of teachers and education personnel. Heating fuel prices have increased by 50 percent to 80 percent in some areas, mainly in northwestern Idlib Governorate, where 1.5 million people live in displacement camps. Those living in tents have limited access to heating, making this winter season particularly difficult. OCHA made a Turkiye to Aleppo city mission on Thursday to engage with caretaker authorities on the dire situation in camps, particularly in winter. Last year, more than 12,000 family tents and shelters in camps across Idlib and Aleppo were damaged by fires, flooding, wind and other incidents. The office said it completed a field visit to the western rural areas of Aleppo, where its partners implemented cash-for-work, peacebuilding and education activities funded by the Syria Humanitarian Fund. Humanitarians said their visit showed a significant increase in the number of people returning to the area, many of whom were displaced to northwest Syria. Families are now living in damaged and looted houses, often lacking basic infrastructure such as doors and windows. Editor: WRX On January 23, 2025, the Gongren Beili Community of Hedong Street in Haigang District, Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, hosted the "Childhood Fun Welcomes the Spring Festival" event. Led by community volunteers, children gathered in the activity room to experience making sugar-coated haws, enriching their holiday activities and celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival through engaging traditions. (Photo by Cao Jianxiong/Guangming Picture) On January 23, 2025, the Gongren Beili Community of Hedong Street in Haigang District, Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, hosted the "Childhood Fun Welcomes the Spring Festival" event. Led by community volunteers, children gathered in the activity room to experience making sugar-coated haws, enriching their holiday activities and celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival through engaging traditions. (Photo by Cao Jianxiong/Guangming Picture) Editor: WRX House Bill 1, or the "feed bill" appropriates $68.75 million to pay for the operating costs of the session and other expenses. To sign up for Roundhouse Report and other New Mexican newsletters, visit santafenewmexican.com/newsletters . The New Mexican has increased the frequency of its now once-weekly Roundhouse Report, with special editions Tuesday. Watch for regular editions of the politics newsletter in your email inbox Fridays and Sundays. Around the Roundhouse, a new podcast by political reporter Daniel J. Chacon, launched Monday with an episode featuring state House Speaker Javier Martinez. New episodes will be released every Friday during the session. Tuesdays episode of the Conversations Different podcast by Opinion Page Editor Inez Russell Gomez features interviews with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth. As New Mexicos 2025 legislative session gets underway, The New Mexican offers more ways to follow the action online: Fact checking the speech Some elements of the State of the State address delivered by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday needed more context. Here are a few clarifications: Statement: When you take into account the investments weve made in working families over the past several years, our poverty rate drops to 17th in the nation better than the national average. Clarification: U.S. Census Bureau data released in September shows New Mexico three-year average rate of child poverty did drop to 17th in the nation under the supplemental poverty measure, a newer measure which takes more factors into consideration, including benefits and tax credits. But under the older official poverty measure, based simply on the minimum income threshold to cover basic needs, the states three-year average ranked as the worst in the nation for child poverty, the data showed. Statement: Lets start by fully funding CYFD. These departments have to have the resources, the personnel it needs to do this important work. Clarification: In 2023, the state Children, Youth and Families Department did implement a hiring freeze in part based on budget issues. The agency also asked for a roughly 6% bump in its budget request for the coming fiscal year. But those moves came amid or after failures to spend all of the money set aside for the agency in fiscal years past. For example, an October Legislative Finance Committee analysis said that included a failure to spend $20 million in fiscal year 2023. Statement: Today, New Mexico has the largest number of jobs in its history. Weve added more than 134,000 jobs in the past four and a half years. Clarification: A New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions data dashboard tracking nonfarm employment shows the state dropped to 760,800 jobs in May 2020. As of November 2024, the state was at 895,200 jobs, an increase of about 134,000 like the governor said. But prepandemic job numbers were much closer to where they are now in November 2019, the state had 867,500 jobs. Esteban Candelaria BEIJING, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese court has overturned the ruling in a high-profile case, a move analysts say underscores the country's firm stance on cracking down on crimes related to new psychoactive substances. Zhang Zhengbo, a former university chemistry professor, was convicted of smuggling, selling, transporting and manufacturing narcotic drugs in the latest retrial. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the high court of Hubei Province, the Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission said on Thursday. Between January 2014 and June 2015, Zhang and three others were found to have produced and trafficked state-controlled psychoactive substances amounting to over 110 kilograms. They were initially convicted of drug crimes in 2017, but the case went through a series of retrials to determine whether their involvement with psychoactive substances constituted drug offenses. In a 2023 ruling that drew widespread media attention, the offenders were convicted of "illegal business operation" instead and received lesser sentences. In the December 2024 retrial, the ruling was overturned. Along with Zhang, his principal accomplice, Yang Chaohui, was sentenced to life in prison. Analysts said it demonstrates China's consistent position on countering narcotics and effectively deters drug-related crimes. Editor: WRX Dinosaurs dominated Mesozoic terrestrial ecosystems for approximately 160 million years, but their biogeographic origin remains poorly understood. The earliest unequivocal dinosaur fossils appear in southern South America and Africa 230 million years, leading most authors to propose southwestern Gondwana as the likely center of their origin. However, the high diversity of these earliest assemblages suggests a more ancient evolutionary history. New research led by University College London shows that dinosaurs and, potentially, their archosaurian relatives as a wider group likely radiated in the low-latitude region of Gondwana. Currently, the oldest known dinosaur fossils date back about 230 million years and were unearthed further south in places including Brazil, Argentina and Zimbabwe, said University College London Ph.D. student Joel Heath and colleagues. But the differences between these fossils suggest dinosaurs had already been evolving for some time, pointing to an origin millions of years earlier. The authors found that the earliest dinosaurs likely emerged in a hot equatorial region in what was then the supercontinent Gondwana, an area of land that encompasses the Amazon, Congo basin, and Sahara Desert today. Dinosaurs are well studied but we still dont really know where they came from. The fossil record has such large gaps that it cant be taken at face value, Heath said. Our modeling suggests that the earliest dinosaurs might have originated in western, low-latitude Gondwana. This is a hotter and drier environment than previously thought, made up of desert- and savannah-like areas. So far, no dinosaur fossils have been found in the regions of Africa and South America that once formed this part of Gondwana. However, this might be because researchers havent stumbled across the right rocks yet, due to a mix of inaccessibility and a relative lack of research efforts in these areas. The study drew on fossils and evolutionary trees of dinosaurs and their close reptile relatives, as well as the geography of the period. It accounted for gaps in the fossil record by treating areas of the globe where no fossils had been found as missing information rather than areas where no fossils exist. Initially, early dinosaurs were vastly outnumbered by their reptile cousins. These included the ancestors of crocodiles, the pseudosuchians, and pterosaurs. By contrast, the earliest dinosaurs were much smaller than their descendants more the size of a chicken or dog than a Diplodocus. They walked on two legs (were bipedal) and most are thought to have been omnivores. Dinosaurs became dominant after volcanic eruptions wiped out many of their reptile relatives 201 million years ago. The new modeling results suggested that dinosaurs as well as other reptiles may have originated in low-latitude Gondwana, before radiating outwards, spreading to southern Gondwana and to Laurasia, the adjacent northern supercontinent that later split into Europe, Asia and North America. Support for this origin comes from the fact it is a midpoint between where the earliest dinosaurs have been found in southern Gondwana and where the fossils of many of their close relatives have been discovered to the north in Laurasia. As there is uncertainty about how the most ancient dinosaurs were related to one another and to their close relatives, the researchers ran their model on three proposed evolutionary trees. They found strongest support for a low-latitude Gondwanan origin of the dinosaurs in the model that counted silesaurids, traditionally regarded as cousins of dinosaurs but not dinosaurs themselves, as ancestors of ornithischian dinosaurs. Ornithischians, one of the three main dinosaur groups that later included plant-eaters Stegosaurus and Triceratops, are mysteriously absent from the fossil record of these early years of the dinosaur era. If silesaurids are the ancestors of ornithischians, this helps to fill in this gap in the evolutionary tree. Our results suggest early dinosaurs may have been well adapted to hot and arid environments, said University College Londons Professor Philip Mannion. Out of the three main dinosaur groups, one group, sauropods, which includes Brontosaurus and Diplodocus, seemed to retain their preference for a warm climate, keeping to Earths lower latitudes. Evidence suggests the other two groups, theropods and ornithischians, may have developed the ability to generate their own body heat some millions of years later in the Jurassic period, allowing them to thrive in colder regions, including the poles. The study was published in the journal Current Biology. _____ Joel A. Heath et al. Accounting for sampling heterogeneity suggests a low paleolatitude origin for dinosaurs. Current Biology, published online January 23, 2025; doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.12.053 Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, extends festive greetings at a symposium with leaders of national religious groups ahead of the Chinese New Year on Jan. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) BEIJING, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Thursday delivered Spring Festival greetings to religious personages and believers nationwide. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, extended festive greetings at a symposium with leaders of national religious groups ahead of the Chinese New Year. Speaking highly of the work of religious groups in 2024, Wang urged efforts to develop religions in the Chinese context, strengthen governance of religious affairs, and build active and healthy religious relations, in a bid to contribute to Chinese modernization. He stressed maintaining guidance of core socialist values and Chinese culture, and thus forming religious doctrines that are in line with China's national conditions step by step. Highlighting strengthening law-based religious affairs governance, Wang called for efforts to enhance self-education, self-management and self-restraint of religious circles. Editor: Zhang Zhou BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. bp company plans to build a new platform at Shah Deniz field, Head of bp Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkiye Communications Department Tamam Bayatli told reporters, Trend reports. According to her, the new platform will function in a fully autonomous mode. A completely new compressor platform will be created, designed to collect low-pressure gas from individual reservoirs of the Shah Deniz field and transport it to the Sangachal terminal. The low-pressure gas from the Alpha and Bravo platforms will be collected at the new platform, where it will be routed to the Sangachal Terminal following pressure boosting. The design for the new platform will be presented to the public next week and a public hearing on the construction environmental impact assessment report will be held in the third week of February. The final investment decision will be made this year, she noted. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel South Dakota Mines recently received a $1.49 million grant to enhance the states medical education and biomedical advances through computation and artificial intelligence. The $1.49 million is part of a total $6.5 million partnership, led by the University of South Dakota (USD) and the Sanford School of Medicine, to establish a Biomedical Computation Collaboration. The three-year grant, funded through the Department of Education, was spearheaded by U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, according to Jeffrey McGough, Ph.D., Mines head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His goal is to really raise the level of what we are doing in health sciences statewide with a focus on AI and computation, McGough said of Rounds initiative. The collaboration is in the early stage, with the three universities exploring which exciting aspect of biomedical computation to dive into first. The scope of the grant runs from basic science such as better understanding of how certain gene sequences affect illness to doing more data based preventive medicine to how do we build better information systems to communicate medical advances to health care providers, McGough said. McGough explained that the $6.5 million DOE grant serves as initial seed money to jumpstart the collaboration, with plans to seek additional funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation to sustain and expand the partnership. Its just exciting to get this team together. We all bring different tools to the table, McGough said. As an engineering school, we contribute our simulation, computation, and theoretical expertise, aiming to explore foundational technologies like drug design and AI tools." McGough expressed hope that this partnership will propel Mines into deeper involvement in health science research. Ohio State University Dr. Stephen Beetstra's team at Ohio State Universitys Nisonger Center collaborates with a patient with disabilities. Dr. Tyler Kimmel Neighborhood Health Neighborhood Health has introduced sensory-friendly exam rooms featuring specialized lighting to create a calming environment for patients. Center for Family Health Dr. Kathryn Thornton Center for Family Health The Center for Family Health's sensory room features adjustable lighting, sound-dampening, and a daybed, providing a calming decompression space. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. Gas production at the Shah Deniz Alpha (SDA) platform and export operations from the Shah Deniz field have returned to their previous levels, Head of bp Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkiye Communications Department Tamam Bayatli told reporters, Trend reports. "All gas production and export operations at the Shah Deniz Alpha platform are being carried out as usual. The volumes have returned to the levels recorded before the technical failure of the subsea condensate pipeline, which transports condensate to the Sangachal terminal," she emphasized. On January 7, a technical fault was discovered in the underwater export pipeline between the SDA platform and the Sangachal terminal. Due to operational reasons, production and export activities from the SDA platform were temporarily suspended, and the platform itself was safely shut down. As of the evening of January 18, the technical issue with the underwater pipeline was fully resolved. Located in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, Shah Deniz is one of the largest gas and condensate fields in the world. Gas and condensate from Shah Deniz have been extracted since December 2006 and exported since 2007 to Georgia and Turkiye. Since December 2020, exports have also reached Europe. The reserves of Shah Deniz are estimated at 1.2 trillion cubic meters of gas. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel London stocks were set to rise at the open on Friday, taking their cue from a positive session on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 hit a new high. The FTSE 100 was called to open around 15 points higher. Investors will be mulling the latest consumer confidence survey from GfK, which showed a sharp fall as the new year got underway. The GfK consumer confidence index for January came in at -22, a five-point drop on December and three points lower than January 2023. Within that, expectations for personal finances in the coming year dropped back into negative territory, losing three points to -2. Respondents were similarly gloomy about prospects for the wider economy, with the sub-index sliding eight points to -34. Spending was also shelved in favour of saving. The major purchase index lost four points to -20 while the savings index jumped nine to 30. Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at NIQ GfK, said: "New Year is traditionally a time for change, but looking at these figures, consumers dont think things are changing for the better. "These figures underline that consumers are losing confidence in the UKs economic prospects." He added that the sharp increase in saving intentions was "unwelcome, because its another sign that people see dark days ahead and are therefore thinking of putting money aside for safety". In corporate news, Burberry said the rate of sales eased significantly in the luxury fashion brands third quarter as recent actions to turn the business around started to bear fruit. Retail revenues were down just 7% year-on-year in the three months to 28 December at 659m, following a 22% sales slump in the first half. Burberry said it was encouraged by the response from customers and partners over the festive period, which the company attributed to the Burberry Forward brand reset initiated in November. In light of our Q3 performance, it is now more likely our second-half results will broadly offset the first-half adjusted operating loss, notwithstanding the uncertain macroeconomic environment, it said. Elsewhere, Rolls-Royce said it has signed the biggest UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract in its history. The Unity contract, which is worth around 9bn, stretches over eight years and brings together all elements of research and technology, design, manufacture and in-service support of the nuclear reactors that power the Royal Navys fleet of submarines. The contract is between Rolls-Royce Submarines and the UK MoD and forms "a single, harmonious capability portfolio," it said. Rolls-Royce said on Friday that it has been awarded the biggest UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract in its history. The Unity contract, which is worth around 9bn, stretches over eight years and brings together all elements of research and technology, design, manufacture and in-service support of the nuclear reactors that power the Royal Navys fleet of submarines. The contract is between Rolls-Royce Submarines and the UK MoD and forms "a single, harmonious capability portfolio", it said. Rolls-Royce said Unity will enable improved focus on simplification and efficiency and better outcomes for the UK Royal Navy. "It represents a significant undertaking and investment by the UK government and industry, providing thousands of highly skilled jobs across the country and an enduring commitment for the decades ahead," the company said. The eight-year contract will provide full support of the in-service UK Royal Navy submarine fleet throughout the period. It also includes continued support of the build and commission of Dreadnought Class submarines and the beginning of the previously announced SSN-AUKUS contracts. Rolls-Royce said its the first of its kind awarded by the UK MoD and is "the culmination of years of planning between Rolls-Royce and UK MoD, potentially creating a new way of doing business between Government and industry". Steve Carlier, president of Rolls-Royce Submarines, said: "Were delighted to announce the Unity contract, which confirms our commitment to the Royal Navy and the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. This long-term contract enables us to invest in the right skills, equipment, and facilities to play our part in protecting UK interests at home and overseas. "The Unity contract enables our business to work truly collaboratively with the Ministry of Defence, meeting the evolving needs of the UK Royal Navy, further improving reactor plant design, delivery and in-service support, ensuring the continuing security of our nation at a time of global uncertainty." Defence Secretary John Healey said: "This investment in Britains defence will deliver a long-term boost to British business, jobs and national security. "In line with our upcoming defence industrial strategy, this deal with Rolls Royce, a historic British success-story, will support high-skilled UK jobs who equip the thousands of submariners that keep us all safe. We are showing defence can be an engine for growth, while also driving better value for taxpayer money. "National security is a foundation of our governments plan for change, and this is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the UKs nuclear deterrent, which is our ultimate insurance policy in a more dangerous world." The UK government has reportedly approached multiple restructuring advisers for the role of special administrator for Thames Water if the troubled utility falls into bankruptcy. Teneo, Interpath and EY are among the companies contacted by the government as it prepares contingency plans should Britains largest water company be forced into nationalisation, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the process. Guardian The Barclays chief executive, CS Venkatakrishnan, could have his maximum pay package rise by 45% to more than 14m, as part of a deal being considered by the banks board. The high street lender is understood to have written to the banks largest shareholders regarding potential plans to overhaul its pay structures for Venkatakrishnan and its finance chief, Anna Cross. Guardian Britains competition regulator is cutting almost 10pc of its staff after a wave of accidental overspending. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), whose chairman was unexpectedly ousted by the Government earlier this week, recently announced a scheme to cut around 100 roles. Telegraph The United Arab Emirates is at risk of total wipeout on a 600m loan it provided to the Barclay family as part of its doomed bid for control of The Telegraph. The Gulf petrostates media arm, International Media Investments (IMI), helped the Barclay family pay off 1.2bn in overdue borrowing from Lloyds Banking Group with a new loan in 2023. Telegraph AstraZeneca has announced a 460 million investment in Canada as uncertainty over a large investment in the north of England continues. Britains biggest public company said it would create 700 new scientific and high-skilled jobs as part of the move to a larger, state-of-the-art office in the greater Toronto area, Ontario. The Times Strong earnings growth over the past year has made purchasing a home for first-time buyers slightly more affordable, according to Nationwide. Britains biggest building society said that the typical first-time buyer with a 20 per cent deposit would have to make mortgage payments equal to 36 per cent of their monthly take-home pay, down slightly compared with 2023. However, that ratio remains well above the long-run average of 30 per cent. The Times BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elnur Mammadov visited the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on January 23-24, Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Trend. According to the ministry, the 4th round of political consultations took place in Pakistan's Islamabad between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan on January 23. The Azerbaijani delegation was led by Deputy Minister Elnur Mammadov, while the Pakistani side was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Amna Baloch. During the consultations, the two delegations engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views on a broad spectrum of cooperation, spanning political, economic, trade, agricultural, educational, cultural, energy, and tourism sectors. Both sides underscored the significance of reciprocal visits, particularly at senior levels, highlighting their role in bolstering and advancing the trajectory of bilateral relations. The discussions also highlighted the state visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Pakistan in 2024 and the bilateral agreements signed during the visit. Additionally, the participation of Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif at the COP29 leaders' summit in Baku was noted. These events were seen as a new stage in the dynamic development of Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations, based on friendship and brotherhood. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the high level of bilateral relations. In his remarks, Mammadov provided an in-depth overview of Azerbaijan's ongoing peace initiatives, including its efforts to normalize relations with Armenia, and its extensive reconstruction projects in liberated territories. He also highlighted significant investment opportunities within the country. The meeting further explored avenues for cooperation on international platforms, as well as regional concerns and issues of mutual interest. Mammadov later held discussions with Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The talks focused on advancing strategic cooperation, reinforcing the importance of high-level exchanges, and addressing key regional and global issues. Moreover, Mammadov participated in and spoke at the 8th session of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Joint Commission on January 24. The past feels astonishingly present in Debbie Levy's comprehensive and conversational A Dangerous Idea, a nonfiction work for young readers about the 1925 battle over evolution in the classroom that features a book ban, sensationalistic journalism, celebrities turned politicians, and sparring over curriculum. John T. Scopes was fresh off his first year of teaching when "the leading citizens of the tiny burg of Dayton, Tennessee" summoned him to the drugstore for a chat. Scopes had unwittingly violated the Butler Act, a newly enacted law in defense of biblical literalism that prohibited teaching evolution. Scopes did so by employing Tennessee's standard biology textbook. Would Scopes, the Dayton citizens asked, "be willing to stand for a test case?" Dayton hoped for "a little publicity," but the subsequent trial turned into a full-fledged media circus when legendary charismatic soliloquists and lawyers William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow came to town. The two faced off in "a celebrity slugfest" in what became the first trial broadcast on radio. The town flooded with visitors, and newspapers across the country published daily updates: "There was never before, and has never been, another day in court like it." Sibert Honor winner Debbie Levy (This Promise of Change; We Shall Overcome) carefully traces the tandem meteoric rises of Bryan and Darrow and the evolutionary opposing views that led to their involvement in the Scopes "Monkey Trial." The text is richly enhanced with archival photos while cinematic descriptions of trial scenes benefit from transcript excerpts and pithy newspaper quotes. A Dangerous Idea should hold appeal for readers in search of historical context around politically shrouded efforts to shelter students from information. Though when history repeats itself, we should all pay attention. --Kit Ballenger, youth librarian, Help Your Shelf A teen with a rare superpower--invincibility--must defend herself and her one-year-old babysitting charge in this energetic and emotional thriller packed with bitter battles, heartrending grief, and hard-won trust. Tru Stallard is a bastion. If Underhill, the peacekeeping taskforce of "talents," knew the 17-year-old was nigh invincible, they would lock her "away in a bunker" for fear of her powers. Her secret life is imperiled during a babysitting gig: Logan Dire, her adoptive father and the legendary Ghoul of Kansas City, is assassinated by Underhill for supposedly murdering a one-year-old. Tru and her friends know Logan has been framed because they are currently minding the very-much-alive baby. That baby, it turns out, is also bastion--one Underhill wants the world to think is dead even as it hunts her. Tru, afraid to reveal her own invulnerability to anyone, must rely on her friends to help her thwart the agency while she mourns the man who taught her the dangers of trust. The Assassin's Guide to Babysitting by Natalie C. Parker (The Devouring Wolf) has exciting superpowered feats and fight sequences; sly scheming; Sapphic love; a blueberry-obsessed, indestructible baby; and a teddy bear of a man in an assassin's body (favorite hobby: baking). Flashbacks to Logan's lessons reveal the pair's disarmingly endearing relationship. Tense moments pull unforgivingly taut or break brilliantly under satisfyingly solid quips and grim humor. As Tru plots to outmaneuver Underhill, she works admirably to lower her guard for a chance at acceptance. With this, Parker layers a clever plot and gripping suspense atop a gratifyingly tender and funny narrative celebrating found family. --Samantha Zaboski, freelance editor and reviewer "Alferez Antonio Sonoro was born with gold in his eyes." Thus begins The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James (Mona at Sea), a novel that examines three generations of men in the Sonoro family, each grappling with their own relationship to violence, justice, trauma, and forgiveness. Alferez Antonio is one of the anchors to this story's pain, the source of a line of evil that demands a certain retribution. But the book leaves Alferez Antonio in the prologue, alternating between his son Antonio, a Mexican bandido known in 1895 as El Tragabalas (the Bullet Swallower), and his great grandson Jaime, star of wildly popular ranchera comedies in 1964 Mexico. A failed robbery lands Antonio in the sights of the Texas Rangers, and fans of classic westerns will appreciate the atmosphere of every dusty backwater town and the tumult of each gunfight. But The Bullet Swallower is much more than just a western, introducing elements of magical realism that provide the perfect backdrop for its exploration of morality and the generational impact of human choices. The novel is based on the family history of the author, including her great-grandfather, a bandido known as El Tragabalas. In an author's note, James comments, "Everything in this book is true except for the stuff I made up." Her blending of fact and fantasy, magic and morality, and the weight of family history is a success, making The Bullet Swallower both a page-turner with impeccable pacing and a complicated narrative full of unexpected elements and deeper questions. --Sara Beth West, freelance reviewer and librarian The title of Alex Hay's stylish and cheeky second novel, The Queen of Fives, refers to Quinn Le Blanc, the latest in a dynasty of London con artists based out of "The Chateau." In August 1898, Quinn resolves to pose as a debutante and marry Maximilian, the Duke of Kendal, for his fortune. According to the Chateau's century-old Rulebook, there are five steps to any confidence scheme: the Mark, the Intrusion, the Ballyhoo, the Knot, and the All In. Each step is allotted just one day to accomplish, so reeling in a mark should take less than a week. But Quinn hasn't reckoned with the obstructions she'll encounter in the form of Max's equally shrewd stepmother, Lady Kendal, and sister, Victoria. At age 35, Victoria, nicknamed "Tor," finds herself in the precarious, although chosen, position of a spinster. She and Max have an arrangement, though. He vowed to also remain unmarried so that she can retain her position at Kendal House (if he married and produced an heir, she would be displaced and lose her promised fortune). Max has more than one reason to stay single, and has always shunned the trappings of royalty, so when Tor hears that he will be accompanying Lady Kendal to an audience in the queen's drawing room, Tor's suspicion is immediately aroused. And when she hears vague words of marriage prospects for Max, she knows something has gone terribly awry. Meanwhile, Quinn has launched her confidence scheme. She keeps spies and collaborators everywhere, and all it generally takes is a spot of bribery or blackmail to get the information or access she needs. A corrupt archdeacon gains her a place at the audience, where she will adopt the alias "Miss Quinta White." Mrs. Airlie, herself a former confidence woman, will play her cousin and introduce her at court. With her right-hand man, Mr. Silk, Quinn engineers a dramatic incident on the day of the royal audience: a fellow debutante brandishes a pistol in a would-be assassination attempt only for Quinta to save the day, earning the duke's attention and making it into newspapers. Rumors soon spread about this Miss White. Where did she come from? Who is she to think she can consort with royalty? When the duke announces his engagement to her just three days after their meeting at court, the gossip mill goes into overdrive. Hay conveys a vivid sense of Victorian high society via the main characters' pastimes--Quinn and Max's trips to the opera and the Summer Exhibition, Tor's obsession with racehorses, Max's botany hobby, Max and Tor's carriage races, Lady Kendal's support of charitable causes--and Max's 30th-birthday ball. The narrative involves various London locales, as the city's boroughs reveal their different personalities and reputations. The action alternates between the shabby dignity of the Chateau and its maze of surrounding alleys at the edge of East London's Spitalfields and the Kendals' opulent redbrick mansion on Berkeley Square, with occasional scenes set at Buckingham Palace. Quinn, being a master of disguises, travels easily across all of these settings. In one dazzling sequence, she enters Kendal House dressed as a flower seller and strips off layers of costumes to impersonate, in turn, a maid, an errand boy, and a chimney sweep so that she can pass through the mansion unnoticed to gather intelligence about Lady Kendal and Tor. Hay makes lighthearted use of period literary allusions. The opening line echoes Jane Eyre: "There was no suggestion that Quinn might be allowed to dress herself" (compare that to Charlotte Bronte's "There was no possibility of taking a walk that day"). Several character names make reference to fabrics: along with Mr. Silk, there are two shadowy figures flitting through, initially known only as "the man in the blue silk waistcoat" and "the woman in the cream silk gown." The latter is reminiscent of the title character in Wilkie Collins's The Woman in White, the quintessential sensation novel. Meanwhile, the novel's banter and tone also recall the work of Oscar Wilde, with the five days of the action evoking the structure of a five-act play, for Quinn is not the only character who is playing a role here. At the time of their engagement, she and Max agree that theirs will be a marriage of convenience, based on money and appearances rather than true love. "Marriage need not interfere with a gentleman's private pleasures," as their mutual adviser Mr. Willoughby puts it discreetly. The soupcon of sexual secrecy that ensues is tantalizing. Like Hay's Caledonia Novel Award-winning debut, The Housekeepers, this is a playful romp featuring strong female characters. Readers get the delight of peeking into multiple strata of British society, from the highest echelons down to servants and common criminals. Such stories of historical intrigue build on perennial interest in the royals, as spread by the media then and now. It's a classic literary device to end with a wedding--Shakespeare did so, after all. Nuptials are promised in the prologue, but there are many surprises and double crossings yet to come. This mischievous and theatrical story entertains at the same time as it deals shrewdly with matters of gender, class, and power. --Rebecca Foster Meg Medina's (Tia Isa Wants a Car) elegantly crafted picture book traces a child's desire to communicate with her Spanish-speaking grandmother, and her perseverance to surmount their language barrier. Angela Dominguez's (Maria Had a Little Llama) artwork fills in the parts of the story that remain unsaid. Abuela's expression reflects her sorrow at leaving "her sunny house that rested between two snaking rivers," where parrots nested in mango trees, and where her husband died. The story unfolds through young Mia's eyes, as she and her mother make space in her dresser for Abuela's things and set up a cot in her room. At first, neither child nor grandmother knows enough of each other's language to converse. Abuela shows Mia a red parrot's feather and a photo of tu abuelo, reminders of the home she left behind. But then Mia remembers how her teacher helped her best friend Kim to learn English by labeling the things she needed most to know. Mia begins by naming the ingredients that go into the empanadas she and Abuela are making ("Dough," says Mia; "Masa," says Abuela, rolling it flat). Soon Mia is placing word cards on the lamp, pillow, flowers--even Edmund the hamster. Abuela "still calls my pillow a 'palo' and she says Edmund is a 'gangster,' " says Mia. But soon each teaches the other enough words to carry on a conversation. And when Mia finds a parrot in the pet store while buying food for Edmund, the bird joins the family--and their words--in pleasing mimicry of their newfound vocabulary. Medina honors the beauty of holding onto one's history while also making room for new traditions. She demonstrates the richness to be gained by bridging two generations through the language dear to each. Her deceptively simple story models a way to close the communication gap and respect two languages and ways of life. Dominguez foreshadows the inevitable union of grandmother and child with a palette of warm shades of gold, red and pink. When Mia sets the parrot down between her and Abuela, the three connect visually, picking up the tones of the bird's feathers. This uplifting and affirming tale makes clear that connecting with someone sometimes takes work and ingenuity, but the payoff is priceless. --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness Shelf Talker: In this elegantly crafted picture book, a girl and her grandmother surmount a language barrier through perseverance and love. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. Every event occurring in regions affected by colonialism is accompanied by widespread human rights violations, said Abbas Abbasov, Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), during his speech at the congress of the International Front for Decolonization, Trend reports. "It is my honor and privilege to address my statement on the occasion of Congress of the International Front of Decolonization. The choice to hold the meeting in Kanaky is of profound symbolic significance. In 2024 the world witnessed the tragic and unjust events in Kanaky, where French authorities violently suppressed peaceful protests of Kanak nation. This brutal crackdown including the loss of 13 innocent lives and over 200 injuries once again demonstrated the urgent intervention and solidarity of world community on the issue of ending colonialism. I proudly would like remind you that President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev publicly condemned the crimes against the Kanak people and expressed his support to the colonized regions. Moreover, Baku Initiative Group immediately sent the letters to the head of international organizations and publicized the atrocities against the Kanak people. As a result of our joint efforts, the world community soon became aware of these atrocities. Whatever happening in the colonized regions accompanied by gross human rights violations. We need international contribution to address systemic oppression and restore justice. Freedom is not easy to achieve and requires sacrifices. I take great pride in highlighting the support of the Baku Initiative Group since the beginning to the Establishment of the International Front of Decolonization. The Front is a testament to the power of solidarity, providing a platform for dialogue, action, and the reinforcement of our collective mission. Todays Congress presents a valuable opportunity to discuss the consequences of colonialism, fight against neocolonialism, global challenges, and of course possible solutions. I believe the discussions at this event will contribute to mobilizing collective efforts in the fight against colonialism. As we move forward, our struggle is not just for the today, but for future generations who will inherit the legacy of our actions. We must continue to stand united, not only in our shared fight for justice and equality but also in our unwavering commitment to the recognition of the inherent dignity of all peoples. Let this be a call to action for each and every one of usan invitation to continue the struggle for a world free from colonial domination, where all peoples are empowered to determine their own future," Abbas Abbasov said. Reliance Industries, under its leader Mukesh Ambani, will be creating the world's largest data center in Jamnagar, Gujarat, in another step of a serious commitment towards more AI. Indeed, the whole AI industry itself represents one major aspect of Indian aspirations. With both home and foreign interest accelerating towards it daily, the prospect for this giant has already appeared promising. Reliance's data center will be supplied with state-of-the-art AI infrastructure with AI semiconductors sourced from global tech leader NVIDIA, Bloomberg News reported. In October 2024, Reliance and NVIDIA stated that they are collaborating to build the world's best AI infrastructure in India. Blackwell AI processors are planned for a one-gigawatt data centre that Reliance is building. Though the details of the recent developments are not known, the partnership is considered a significant step toward India's self-reliance in AI and digital technologies. Ambani, in the Nvidia AI Summit in 2024, also said that India could be on its path toward supremacy in AI. "It only makes sense that India should make its own AI. You shouldn't export data to import intelligence", he quipped. Ambani also explained how Indian digital connectivity was well ahead of other countries and was, therefore positioned as one of the greatest nations in terms of development in AI, along with the United States and China. Reliance's partnership with NVIDIA builds on earlier collaborations, including efforts to develop AI supercomputers in India and create large language models (LLMs) tailored to the country's diverse linguistic landscape. In a similar move, NVIDIA also entered a partnership with the Tata Group, signaling strong interest in India's AI potential. India's government is equally invested in the advancement of AI in the country. The government has pledged over Rs 10,000 crore for the support of AI startups, projects, and LLM development. However, chip manufacturing still presents a problem: India's industry is very young. In the long run, the absence of domestic semiconductor production will present some of the greatest challenges in the realization of the country's AI ambitions. As regards expectation from the budget 2025, Indian Pharma and Healthcare can look forward with great expectations ahead of the unveiling of the same. The current report by CareEdge Ratings places a strong accent on government impetus for upgraded infrastructure and facilitation of greater innovation in boosting growth. Looking at the statistics, it presents an expectation at between 2.5% and 3%, over last year's budget and also calls on more improvement measures by healthcare infrastructure particularly in rural/semi-urban territories. The pharmaceutical industry has long advocated for greater focus on these underserved regions, where improved healthcare facilities can significantly reduce the urban-rural divide. By enhancing infrastructure in these areas, the industry aims to increase accessibility to quality healthcare services across the nation. In addition to infrastructure development, the industry is advocating for the reinstatement of weighted average tax benefits on R&D in the pharmaceutical sector. This provision, which had been in place, is expected to spur innovation and the development of critical therapeutic solutions. Another key recommendation is bringing down the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate from 18% to health insurance premium. The report further suggests increasing the deduction limit of health insurance premium under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, reducing the cost of healthcare to the citizen. Further R&D in the pharmaceutical sector calls for an extension of Section 115BAB, under which tax benefits are offered to companies that have R&D as the focus. In addition, enhancing the budget for the PLI scheme is expected to help support domestic manufacturing of pharmaceutical products and medical devices. The report further suggests that the customs duty on life-saving drugs be reduced, and the ecosystem for domestic healthcare device manufacturers should be strengthened. The Indian pharmaceutical market grew vigorously, reaching almost USD 54 billion during FY24, on the back of growth in demand at the domestic end at 9 percent and a 10 percent growth in exports, notably in chronic therapies. India Budget: There is high anticipation among the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors that the Indian Union Budget 2025, which will be unveiled later this week, should support their need for government facilitation, particularly on strengthening the sector's infrastructure, the CareEdge Ratings said in a report. According to the report, a 2.50 per cent-3 per cent increase in health budget allocation above last year would be necessary; it also focused on the requirement of using that extra money on upgrading health infrastructures in the rural and semi-urban sectors. It cited, "Increase healthcare budget allocation by 2.50 percent-3 percent over last year to enhance infrastructure in rural and semi-urban regions". To boost research and development (R&D) in the pharmaceutical sector, the industry is seeking the re-introduction of weighted average tax benefits. This measure, previously available, is expected to incentivize innovation and development in critical therapeutic areas. The report also underlines the need for making healthcare services and insurance affordable. It has suggested reducing the GST rate on health insurance premiums from the existing 18 percent and increasing the limit of health insurance premium deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. pharmaceutical R&D companies. The budgetary allocation for the PLI scheme must also be increased as this will drive domestic manufacturing of pharmaceutical products and medical devices. The industry feels that the lower tax rates provided by Section 115BAB must be extended to support. The budgetary allocation for the PLI scheme must also be increased as this will drive domestic manufacturing of pharmaceutical products and medical devices. The customs duties on life-saving drugs should be reduced and a robust ecosystem must be created for domestic healthcare device manufacturers. The report indicates that the Indian pharmaceutical sector was in good form in FY24, with growth in the country's pharmaceutical market standing at about 9 percent year-on-year, reaching nearly USD 54 billion. This growth had been driven by a 10 percent increase in exports and 9 percent rise in the domestic market, facilitated by higher demand for chronic therape. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be officiating the customary halwa ceremony at North Block, Delhi, today at 5 pm, marking the beginning of the printing process of the Union Budget 2025-26. This marks the final stage of annual rituals ahead of presenting the union budget in Parliament on February 1. The ceremony will encompass the whole team involved in budgeting, namely finance secretaries, top officials, and members of a dedicated printing press. Sitharaman, making her eighth straight Budget speech, will be flanked by several first-timers who are secretaries of the six departments under the Ministry of Finance. The new entrants in the Budget team include M Nagaraju as Financial Services Secretary, Manoj Govil as Expenditure Secretary, and Arunish Chawla as DIPAM Secretary and Secretary of Public Enterprises. On the other hand, for Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Finance Secretary and Revenue Secretary, and Ajay Seth, Economic Affairs Secretary, this would be their last cycle of Budgeting before retiring mid-2025. The halwa ceremony also initiates the lock-in process for officials and staff directly involved in preparing and printing the Budget. Once the ceremony is over, these individuals are not allowed to leave the premises of the Finance Ministry, away from their families, until the Budget is presented. This is to ensure complete secrecy during the final stages of the process. North Block has a printing press exclusively used for Budget documents, which ensures greater confidentiality. Union Budget was traditionally presented at 5 pm on the last working day of February. Until 1999, the timing of the Budget remained the same; however, since then, it has been moved to 11 am. In 2017, the government pushed the date of the Budget presentation to February 1 to provide better implementation of fiscal policies. Thepresented at 5 pm on the last working day of February. Until 1999, the timing of the Budget remained the same; however, since then, it has been moved to 11 am. In 2017, the government pushed the date of the Budget presentation to February 1 to provide better implementation of fiscal policies. The practice of printing the Budget at Rashtrapati Bhavan was withdrawn in 1950 following a leak and moved to a press at Minto Road. As of 1980, the Finance Ministry even established its own printing press at North Block. Officials are kept inside for lesser duration now and also fewer copies of the Budget are printed now. This transition was hastened by the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced the government to release the 2021-22 Budget documents only in digital format, while providing e-versions to Members of Parliament. The Budget papers include more than a dozen sets of documents, and on the presentation day, they are transported in secured vehicles to Parliament. Copies are distributed to MPs and sent to various ministries and departments. The halwa ceremony is a blend of tradition and symbolism, an opportunity to acknowledge the tireless efforts of those behind the scenes. As the nation awaits the upcoming Budget, it reflects not just fiscal priorities but also the meticulous coordination and dedication that go into its preparation. More than 200 solar physicists from India and abroad have come together in Bengaluru this week to discuss research in areas like Solar magnetism, Solar-stellar connection and space weather at an international conference. The conference on Sun, Space Weather, and Solar-Stellar Connections has been organised by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. The Observatory has been providing invaluable insights into the Sun's behaviour and its impact on Earth through its repository of photographic images, and was the harbinger of the birth of solar astrophysics in the country. DST Secretary, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, spoke about initiatives like the digitization of KSOs historic records, IIAs significant contribution to Aditya-L1 mission through the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph, and underlined upcoming ventures like the National Large Solar Telescope proposed to be built at Merak, on the banks of Pangong Tso in Ladakh, through a video message. He said that the efforts promise to open new frontiers of discovery in solar astrophysics. Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, former ISRO Chairman, and the chair of the Governing Council of IIA, while highlighting the efforts of the solar physics group at IIA during his address at the inaugural, pointed out that ISRO has all the capabilities to help the solar physics research from space and challenged the community to come up with ideas for new instruments that ISRO can launch. This conference celebrates the birth and growth of solar astronomy and solar physics in the country. With experts from across the world, it will discuss all aspects of the Sun as well as space weather, said Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of IIA, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Prof. Siraj Hasan, former Director IIA, Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Director IIST Trivandrum, and other eminent solar astronomers of IIA spoke about the history of solar research in India and the legacy of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. The international perspectives of the Observatory were presented by Prof. John Leibacher from the National Solar Observatory, USA who is also a former member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of IIA. He emphasized that the KSO is a rare and scientifically unique facility in the world that exemplified studying the entire Sun as a system, and mentioned the international solar communitys strong support for the initiation of the National Large Solar Telescope as well, at a session conducted by the chairperson of the Solar Physics group of IIA and of the Scientific Organizing Committee (SOC), Prof. S.P. Rajaguru. The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, a cornerstone of Indian astronomy, established in 1899, has been at the forefront of solar research. The observatory's unique location, coupled with its state-of-the-art equipment, has enabled it to make significant contributions to our understanding of sunspots, solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other solar phenomena. The conference is being organized as a testament to KSOs enduring legacy, between 2024 January 2025. With a vibrant scientific program put together by the international Scientific Organizing Committee of 20 eminent solar astronomers, with leads from the Solar Physics group of IIA, leading solar physicists from around the globe are discussing the latest advancements in the field and exploring the connections between solar and stellar phenomena. It has attracted 205 participants, half of them being students and a third from outside India. strengthen international cooperation. A number of talks were also on new and upcoming solar astronomy facilities, including the proposed National Large Solar Telescope in Ladakh. With themes like Solar magnetism over long time scales, Solar magnetism in high resolution, Energetic phenomena, Solar-stellar connection, and Heliosphere and space weather, the conference features a diverse program of presentations, discussions, and poster sessions, allowing participants to share their latest findings, exchange ideas, foster collaborations, and. A number of talks were also on new and upcoming solar astronomy facilities, including the proposed National Large Solar Telescope in Ladakh. Apart from the various talks, posters and discussions scheduled for the remainder of the week, a public talk on the sun by Prof. Nat Gopalswamy from NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre, USA, is being hosted at CHRIST University on 23rd January at 5 PM. This talk is aimed primarily at students and is open to the general public. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A 68-year-old man who was critically injured when he was struck by a vehicle while crossing a West Brighton intersection earlier this month has died of his injuries, police said. The victim has been identified as Felipe Calyeca Moranchel, of Meiers Corners, according to a statement released by the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. The pedestrian strike occurred on Monday, Jan. 6, just after 6:30 a.m. in the vicinity of Forest Avenue and Raymond Place, police said. An investigation by the NYPD Highway Districts Collision Investigation Squad determined that Moranchel was walking on Forest Avenue, crossing Raymond Place in a crosswalk, when he was struck by a 2016 Mazda CX-9 operated by 65-year-old Sun Hew, who was attempting a left turn from Forest onto Raymond when the crash occurred. Moranchel suffered head trauma and was transported in critical condition by EMS to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, where he was later pronounced dead, police said. Hew, of Latourette Lane in New Springville, was arrested Thursday and is facing charges of failure to yield and failure to exercise due care, according to police. Attorney information for Hew was not immediately available. Moranchels death is the latest in an alarming string of incidents in which pedestrians have either been killed or critically injured while attempting to cross streets throughout the borough. Earlier this month, another Staten Island man was arrested in connection to a December crash on the grounds of Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze that resulted in the death of 64-year-old Kathleen Murphy, of Westerleigh, an environmental service worker for the hospital, police said. After a surge in online hate speech last year, New York is sending a media literacy toolkit to all schools in the state. Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled New Yorks first Media Literacy toolkit for educators, which was developed by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. The toolkit gives teachers resources to develop students ability to analyze, evaluate and assess all forms of media, including information delivered through social media, according to Hochuls office. It was created following a surge in online hate speech in November 2023 and after it was revealed that the perpetrator of the Tops mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, was radicalized online. Whether its cellphones and social media or the scourge of misinformation teens encounter each day, Im taking action to protect young people online and give them the tools to succeed, said Hochul. New Yorks first Media Literacy toolkit is about giving our kids the tools to diligently interact with the information landscape and be responsible actors in the digital age. The toolkit is the first in a series of resources on media literacy for educators looking to introduce their students to these concepts. It is organized into five sections: Overview of the 21st century media landscape. Introduction to media literacy. Key questions for analyzing, evaluating and using media. Importance of media literacy. Educator tools/resources. Through a partnership with the New York State Education Department (NYSED), the toolkit is being distributed to all schools and districts and will be posted online on the agencys website. In todays rapidly evolving digital landscape, equipping our students with the critical-thinking skills to navigate a sea of information is more important than ever, said New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. Working with our partners at the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, we have developed and distributed a toolkit that provides educators with valuable resources to empower students to become discerning consumers of information, fostering a generation that can evaluate sources, identify misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, and ultimately become informed and responsible citizens. Movie star Scarlett Johansson is second-guessing her husband Colin Josts colossal purchase of a Staten Island ferry boat with comedian Pete Davidson. The Marvel star, 40, recently appeared on the Jan. 22 episode of Today with Jenna & Friends, where she was joined by her better half, Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost. During their appearance, Scarlett suggested Colin should sell the ferry, which he bought in 2022 with fellow Staten Islander Pete Davidson. All I can say is, if anybody out there would like to start a GoFundMe for the Staten Island Ferry, please be my guest, Scarlett joked. I dont know if Im speaking for the Staten Island Ferry or against it, but help our family. This has now become a telethon for Support the Staten Island Ferry. Ever-positive Colin quickly defended his investment, predicting that the ferry will soon turn a profit. All Ill say is, I hope you have a good, thick pair of gloves at home because someday youre going to be getting paper cuts from all the checks that start rolling in from this ferry, he joked. I believe in this ferry. If anyone out there believes, please go to the GoFundMe. The "Lost in Translation" actress quipped: If we sell it for scrap metal, maybe. Jost and Davidson, both born on Staten Island, purchased the decommissioned Staten Island ferry boat, the John F. Kennedy, in 2022 with a third partner, comedy club owner Paul Italia. In 2024, the ferry boat served as the site for the Tommy Hilfiger show during New York Fashion Week. Admittedly, Jost has expressed regret about his purchase. It is absolutely the dumbest and least thought-through purchase Ive ever made in my life, Jost told PEOPLE. The way I justified it is, for the amount of money we were putting into buying it, on just a basic square-footage level, if you found the right place for it to be, you were essentially buying a building on its side thats 65,000 square feet. So, around New York, that is a very good price per square foot. This combination of photos shows "Saturday Night Live" cast members Colin Jost at the premiere of "Avengers: Endgame" in Los Angeles on April 22, 2019, left, and Pete Davidson at the premiere of "Big Time Adolescence" in New York on March 5, 2020. The pair have purchased a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry boat with plans to turn it into New Yorks hottest club. (AP Photo)AP The friendship between the two Staten Island stars, however, has not been smooth sailing, of late. In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Saturday Night Live alum and Pete Davidson addressed the renovation plan of a Staten Island ferry boat he purchased with Jost. The Bupkis star says plans are underway to renovate the Staten Island ferry he purchased with Jost for a whopping $280,000 more than two years go, telling fans that there is, in fact, an in-depth plan. According to MSN.com, the renovation has been stalled by Davidsons personal life. We do have, believe it or not, an in-depth plan, Davidson said in the interview. Every day, I get asked about this f***ing boat, and were raising the funds. Were going to do a floor at a time. Theres a full plan in motion, and meanwhile, people are renting it out. The renovation has faced major delays with Davidsons personal life and rehab stints being part of the reason. According to the U.S. Sun, Colin, 42, and Pete, 30, have stopped speaking. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A potentially life-threatening problem that has been a issue for years for one Staten Island community continues to persist despite pleas for help. Members of Goethals Community the only mobile home park on Staten Island have been trapped within the confines of the park due to tractor trailers heading to Port Liberty every time a ship comes in to unload its cargo several times a week, they say. And if the 350 residents cant get out, that means emergency services cant get in, Goethals Community Manager Richard Auchmoody told the Advance. Residents of Goethals Community who spoke to the Advance/SILive.com said this has presented a dangerous situation for a community with so many senior citizens living in it. Even recent signage installed by the Department of Transportation hasnt brought relief for the residents. Richard Auchmoody, pictured here on Jan. 16, 2025, is the manager of the Goethals Community. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE Auchmoody, who has lived in the community since 1996, said this issue has been ongoing for about five years and despite making calls to local elected officials, the New York City Police Department, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), little relief has come. This has been going on, actually, [for] years We got people leaving an hour early to go to work because they cant get out there, and [have to] sit there and wait [to exit the community]. And not only that, it is a law that trucks can only idle five minutes...and theyre out there for hours, Auchmoody said. Im tired of it. While it is state law that on-road heavy-duty vehicles cannot idle for a period longer than five minutes, there are some exceptions, including when trucks are stuck in traffic or otherwise required to remain motionless, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation. Gloria Kullman, 90, has lived in the community for 40 years; she remembers a time when there were markings in the road in front of the four entrances to the park prohibiting idling a time, it seems, that has since passed due to updated DOT regulations that no longer support Do Not Block the Box motifs. Resident of 40 years, Gloria Kullman is fearful if an emergency arrises emergency vehicles won't be able to get in. Even though the signs are everywhere trucks still park and block the entrance and exits to the Goethals Community. She is pictured here on Jan. 16, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE Theres a lot of [senior citizens] here and if they need a doctor, what are they to going wait for? Wait for the trucks to move? They cant, Kullman said. The Advance/SILive.com observed multiple signs at the entrances to the park, ranging from No standing anytime, Attention: Do not block driveway, to Keep driveway clear. Those Keep driveway clear signs were put up by the Department of Transportation on Jan. 15. Even though the signs are everywhere trucks still park and block the entrance and exits to the Goethals Community. The signs are pictured here on Jan. 16, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE All New Yorkers deserve to move safely and easily on New York City streets without being blocked by large trucks. NYC DOT installed signage at this location and looks forward to working with our partners in government on enforcement, NYC DOT Spokesperson Mona Bruno said. It appears, though, that tractor trailer drivers have not abided by the signage. For this reason, NYPD has been made aware of the issue. The NYPD is aware of the issue. We are currently working with our partners at DOT and the Port Authority to come to a solution, an NYPD spokesperson said. Even though the signs are everywhere trucks still park and block the entrance and exits to the Goethals Community on Jan. 15, 2025. (Photo courtesy Richard Auchmoody/ Goethals Community Manager) STATEN ISLAND ADVANCESTATEN ISLAND ADVANCE A PANYNJ outpost is located just down the road from the park as well, but little help has come, Auchmoody said. Resident of 35 years, plus, Kathy McBrearty also fears that emergency vehicles wouldn't be able to access the Goethals community if needed. She is pictured here on Jan. 16, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE Usually the port cops, theyll open up down where their office is and down by the roadway, but they dont do anything for us and thats our only access. I mean, thats the only way in or out. So, yeah, its miserable, said Kathy McBrearty, who has been a resident of the community for 35 years. She said she has been late to work on occasion due to the tractor trailer backup. She worries about getting hit in the side of her car by the massive vehicles as she tries to inch her way out of the community. Lenis Valens, a PANYNJ spokesperson, told the Advance, We are aware of the increase in congestion around this entrance to the container terminal and have deployed PAPD [Port Authority Police Department] officers to help direct the flow of traffic. At the same time, we are actively working with our partners to develop more permanent solutions for the community. Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D North Shore) said she has also been working to get the issue resolved since September 2024. The Advance/SILive.com obtained an Oct. 28 letter penned by Hanks to NYPD Commissioner Thomas Dolan, imploring the department to reestablish a Truck Enforcement Unit to help the park of 350 residents. Even though the signs are everywhere trucks still park and block the entrance and exits to the Goethals Community. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE The Truck Enforcement Unit, the letter said, played a crucial role in addressing truck-related concerns across the borough. Though this has yet to come to fruition, Hanks said she had asked the DOT to put up the new signage. The residents of the Goethals Community Mobile Park deserve to feel safe and have unrestricted access to and from their community. This urgent issue required immediate attention, and I want to thank the Department of Transportation for taking action to address this critical safety concern. This measure is vital to protecting the well-being of the community, and we will continue to monitor the situation to ensure it is fully resolved, Hanks said. The Staten Island Black Heritage Family, founded by Minnie Graham, co-hosted the second annual Martin Luther King Day Leadership Brunch at the Central Family Life Center, Tompkinsville, on Jan. 20. The event brought together community leaders, organizations, and distinguished guests to honor Dr. Kings legacy and discuss pathways for continued progress. The brunch was supported by a variety of organizations, including prominent sororities, churches, and community groups dedicated to social justice and empowerment. In attendance were Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon, Public Advocate Edwina Martin, Former 49th District Council Member Debi Rose and Bishop Dr. Calvin Rice, Senior Pastor of New Jerusalem Worship Center in Jamaica, NY. Bishop Dr. Calvin Rice delivered the keynote address, which emphasized the significance of the Sankofa spirita concept from Ghana symbolized by a bird looking back while moving forward. He explained how this philosophy underscores the importance of understanding and embracing history to guide future progress. Drawing parallels between the biblical story of Jacob and the experiences of Black Americans, Dr. Rice stressed the necessity of remembering past struggles to inspire present achievements and future advancements. He urged the community, particularly young people, to remain humble and appreciative of the sacrifices made by previous generations. On Jan. 20, The Staten Island Black Heritage Family co-hosted the 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Day Leadership Brunch at the Central Family Life Center, Tompkinsville. Later that day, the National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section, organized an MLK Day of Service in collaboration with several community partners. (Courtesy National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section)Courtesy National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN, STATEN ISLAND SECTION Later that day, the National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section, organized a transformative Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in collaboration with several community partners. Despite a snowstorm, the event, led by Program Planning Chair Marcia Allen, successfully distributed essential items to individuals and families in need. Beth Coleman-Oliver, President of the National Council of Negro Women Staten Island Section, highlighted the importance of Dr. Kings mission to address both immediate community needs and advocate for systemic change. She noted that Dr. Kings leadership in the 1968 Poor Peoples Campaign demonstrated his commitment to economic justice and uplifting marginalized communities. Coleman-Oliver reflected on Dr. Kings enduring message, quoting, Lifes most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others? Both events fostered meaningful discussions on social justice, unity, and equality while reaffirming the collective commitment to Dr. Kings vision. On Jan. 20, The Staten Island Black Heritage Family co-hosted the 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Day Leadership Brunch at the Central Family Life Center, Tompkinsville. Later that day, the National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section, organized an MLK Day of Service in collaboration with several community partners. (Courtesy National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section)Courtesy National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES DISTRIBUTED Attendees received food supplies, baby products, toiletries, hats, gloves, scarves, blankets, games, toys, and other necessities, all provided with dignity and compassion. Contributions to the event came from various local organizations and donors, including over 40 comforters and blankets from the Foundation for Dignity. Essential goods were also provided from Amazons Truckload Giveaway program, bottled water from Staten Island Community Alliance, and hats, gloves, and baby supplies from the Staten Island Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Faith United Methodist Church graciously provided hot meals and event space, while Staten Island Borough Hall and District Attorney Michael McMahon contributed coats, baby supplies, and other essential items. The National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section, continues to support the community throughout the year with programs focusing on social justice advocacy, healthcare equity, economic empowerment, youth development, and financial literacy. For more information or to get involved, contact programs.ncnwsi@gmail.com. On Jan. 20, The Staten Island Black Heritage Family co-hosted the 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Day Leadership Brunch at the Central Family Life Center, Tompkinsville. Later that day, the National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section, organized an MLK Day of Service in collaboration with several community partners. (Courtesy National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section)Courtesy National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section On Jan. 20, The Staten Island Black Heritage Family co-hosted the 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Day Leadership Brunch at the Central Family Life Center, Tompkinsville. Later that day, the National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section, organized an MLK Day of Service in collaboration with several community partners. (Courtesy National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section)Courtesy National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- Sister Mary Michael French, who gave 75 years to religious life and service, died Monday at age 94, according to a posted obituary. French was born in Manhattan in 1930 but resided on Staten Island for most of her years, the obituary said. At just 19 years old, in 1949 she entered the Presentation Sisters of Staten Island, her first step toward a lifelong commitment to faith. French earned her Bachelors of Science Degree from Fordham University and completed French studies at Iona and Columbia Universities. Her first teaching role was at Our Lady Queen of Peace in 1951. She professed her first religious vows in 1952 and her final vows in 1955, both during the start of her tenure as a teacher at Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC), where she initially taught French. The obituary quotes French as saying, Teaching children has been the greatest reward in my life. To teach as Jesus did leaves an everlasting Heart Print on each child. Teaching at OLHC from 1952 to 1966, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported that she had taught an estimated 800 students. She continued her teaching at a number of other Staten Island schools -- including St. Sylvesters, St. Paul, Assumption and St. Anns -- until she was called to teach off-Island in 1980. In 1998, French returned home to OLHC for another seven years, completing 21 years in Tottenville as a Religion Enhancement Teacher, the obituary reads. Sister Mary Michael French hugs Mohamed Conteh as Memunatu Mansaray right, looks on.Staten Island Advance File Photo In March of 2005, French was awarded the annual Lou Caporicci Community Service Award for her dedication to the children in the Tottenville school. Reflecting on her long career, French stated, There have been many changes since 1952, but children are still the love of my life. The obituary said that French felt rewarded by having taught multiple generations of students in the same family. Sister had students of OLHC telling her, You taught my father! the obituary said. At the 2005 award ceremony, French noted that prayer, patience and perseverance, plus a great sense of humor, are a must for being a good teacher. Her own humor was made apparent when, as she was about to make her acceptance speech, she quieted the crowd with a playful but teacher-like warning, You dont want to make me come back there. She retired in 2010 but continued tutoring until 2018. French is survived by her sisters in the Presentation Community and her many beloved friends and former students. Read the full obituary and funeral arrangements >> BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. The World Economic Forum in Davos can be viewed as a symbol of the contradictions of the modern world. The shocks and crises in the world economy, environmental problems, as well as excitement against the background of the rapid development of artificial intelligence, are at the head of the issues that concern states and nations. Meanwhile, military actions in Ukraine are one of the most important topics of discussion at the Davos Forum. At the center of the political volcano in question is the head of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Addressing world leaders, Zelenskyy did what true leaders do during the most difficult times. He did not beg for help; he did not try to satisfy others. His speech was a declaration of defiance. Let all the world's allies unitewe will still not recognize the occupied territories. It is impossible, said Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose words are imprinted in the minds of everyone ready to sacrifice international law for the sake of energy stability and peace of mind. Ukraine is now a barricade where the fate of international law is being decided, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy reminded everyone of this. He stated that peace is possible only if there are security guarantees. Otherwise, it will be a new pre-war break. His words sounded like a message to those who jeopardize Ukraine's sovereignty, turning this sovereignty into a bargaining chip. The rhetoric about realistic solutions among allies began to sound louder. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared in Davos, We must seek peaceful ways that are acceptable to all sides, even if this requires difficult decisions. In other circumstances, these words might have sounded like a voice of reason, but in the Ukrainian context, it is perceived as a betrayal. This is because for Europe, difficult decisions mean concessions to Russia, which is unacceptable for Kiev. Zelenskyy demonstrated that he fully understands this point. His position was uncompromising: there would be no compromises at the expense of Ukraine's sovereignty. UK-based analyst Timothy Ash assessed the mood in Europe as follows: Europe is starting to lose ground. They are more concerned with their problems than with the fight for Ukraine's freedom. On the sidelines of the forum, Zelenskyy held several meetings dictated by the need to strengthen Ukraine's position in the world. One of the main events was negotiations with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Volodymyr Zelenskyy recalled the importance of consolidating global efforts based on the principles of the UN Charter to achieve a just peace. The meeting with the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, was another notable event. The topics of security and humanitarian cooperation were raised as important areas of relations between the two countries, which historically have been able to fight for their right to exist. The meeting with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attracted special attention. During the conversation, they discussed ties between Azerbaijan and Ukraine in political, economic, and humanitarian areas; cooperation in the energy sector; and regional security issues. The most striking diplomatic move was Zelenskyy's refusal to meet with the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico. The action was a demonstration of principle: Ukraine no longer intends to waste time with Moscow's backers. The Davos Forum 2025 became a battleground between two approaches. On the one hand, there were proposals to make concessions in the name of a realistic peace. On the other, a principled struggle for territorial integrity, international law, and independence. On one side, politically and economically, Europe, which has been costly to the war, is tired. On the other side was Ukraine, which fought not only for its land but also for the right of future generations to live in a world far from the threat of invasion and violence. Zelenskyy said it very clearly: To demand concessions from us means backing the aggressor. This is capitulation, not peace. Zelenskyy's speech caused a great resonance. Russian officials criticized his speech, calling it aggressive. Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Grigory Karasin labeled his words rude. Davos 2025 was not just a forum. It was a battlefield for what the world of the future would look like. Zelenskyy reminded the compromise seekers that an unjust world is a betrayal. The President of Ukraine not only defended his country but also proved that the fight for freedom is not just a diplomatic game. It is a matter of life and death. Amid these events, strengthening ties with Azerbaijan remains an important element of Kyiv's foreign policy strategy. The history of Azerbaijan-Ukraine relations is particularly evident in two significant visits: Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Baku in 2019 and President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Kyiv in 2022. The visit of Zelenskyy to Azerbaijan in 2019 was not just a diplomatic event but a symbol of rapprochement between the two countries. The leaders agreed to increase trade turnover, cooperation in the energy sector, and development of the Trans-Caspian transport route. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of the participation of Azerbaijani investors in Ukrainian projects, and this was a signal for deepening economic cooperation. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited Kyiv in 2022, a few weeks before the war. The signing of a strategic partnership agreement confirmed the common course of cooperation in the energy, transportation, and humanitarian spheres. President Ilham Aliyev, speaking in Kyiv, reaffirmed his support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and emphasized the importance of the principle of international law being fundamental in resolving any conflict. These visits were important milestones in strengthening the partnership between the two countries. They demonstrated that Azerbaijan and Ukraine are ready to support each other even in the most difficult conditions. In early 2025, it becomes clear that Ukraine is trapped in the ambitions of the West. The change of administration in the United States has changed practically nothing: Kyiv is still the arena of geopolitical struggle between the superpowers, and here their interests are put above the real needs of the Ukrainian people. The financial and military aid provided by the West is accompanied by more and more obvious pressure. At the Davos Forum, it became clear that Europe was increasingly inclined to compromise with Russia to reduce the costs of the conflict. This was particularly evident in the rhetoric of Germany and France; they are increasingly talking about realistic solutions. But Kyiv makes it clear that such solutions cannot be built based on capitulation. Joe Biden's resignation as US president has not changed the essence of US policy toward Ukraine in any way. For the new administration, Kyiv remains a battlefield on which Washington resolves its global ambitions. Since 2022, the US has provided more than $50 billion in aid to Ukraine, but behind every aid, there are delays, conditions, and ultimatums. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the Davos Forum, bitterly noted: The West talks about our struggle for democracy, but real help often comes when it loses its necessity. Even political scientists, including John Joseph Mearsheimer, leave no room for any illusions: For the US, Ukraine is simply a tool in the struggle for world leadership. Washington is protecting its global interests, not Kiev's. The logic of this cold-blooded American policy has a particularly bitter effect on the domestic situation in Ukraine. The next example of this is the US pressure on Kyiv to lower the age for mobilization to 18. Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna remarked on the matter, This looks more like an order than help. While the US is acting as a cold-blooded strategist, Europe is showing signs of war fatigue. At the Davos Forum, Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated, We must seek peaceful ways that are acceptable to all sides, even if it requires difficult decisions. These statements sound like a betrayal for Ukraine. This is not a call for justice but a signal that Europe is ready to sacrifice Ukraine's sovereignty for its stability. Ukraine views this not as a call for peace but as an attempt to force it to surrender. Against the backdrop of the energy crisis and domestic problems, Europe is increasingly leaning toward a strategy of freezing the conflict. However, Kyiv considers this approach a serious threat not only to Ukraine but also to the entire system of international law. Ukraine's Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov was very clear on this point: An unjust peace is only a stopgap before a new war. Ukraine stands firm: compromises are impossible. Davos-2025 demonstrated that Ukraine is a symbol of resistance to both military aggression and attempts by allies to impose an unjust peace on it. In his speech, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine's struggle is not only for its sovereignty but also for the principles on which international rules are based. Despite all the trials, Ukraine keeps defending its position. Meanwhile, the Azerbaijan-Ukraine partnership has demonstrated its significance in the most critical moments of history. This strategic cooperation can serve as a pillar in the face of global challenges. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The Richmond County District Attorneys Office (RCDA) hosted its annual legislative breakfast at LiGrecis Staaten, West Brighton, last Friday. The gathering brought together local elected officials including Borough President Vito Fossella, State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/South Brooklyn), Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R-Mid Island) and Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore) as well as representatives from the offices of Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul, members of the NYPD and the Mayors Office of Criminal Justice. The breakfast served as an opportunity to brief officials on last years crime statistics, provide the DAs office budget requests for the year ahead, and to discuss urgently needed fixes to criminal justice laws chief among them the discovery reform. It is abundantly clear that our criminal justice laws need to be strengthened to restore public safety and peace of mind to our fellow New Yorkers, and we thank all who attended our annual legislative breakfast for their conversation, collaboration and commitment to implementing legislation which prioritizes public safety, McMahon said in a statement. Ensuring the safety of Staten Islanders is not just my offices job or the NYPDs it is a shared responsibility amongst all of our boroughs leaders. He also took a moment to thank state legislators in attendance for amendments included in last years state budget, which allowed prosecutors and police to better hold retail thieves accountable, shut down illegal smoke shops and charge squatters and perpetrators of hate crimes more effectively in the courtroom. Our heroic police officers need dedicated prosecutors, and the men and women of my office need thoughtful and responsible legislators at all levels of government to ensure that our laws recognize and respect the victims of crime and allow dangerous defendants to be held accountable in the courtroom, McMahon added. As we look towards the year ahead, retail crime, subway and school safety, and rampant recidivism fueled by the adverse impacts of discovery reform remain massive public safety issues for Staten Islanders and their families, and my office along with Staten Islands elected officials remain committed to doing everything in our power to turn the tide and help improve quality of life and restore public safety back to our beloved borough, he said. President Donald Trumps popularity is higher than at almost any point during his first term in office, a new poll shows. The numbers from Reuters/Ipsos poll show 47% of Americans approve of Trumps presidency as he returned to the White House this week. That figure is generally higher than at most points in Trumps first term when he started with an approval rating of 43% in 2017, peaking at 49% at the end of January 2017 but ending with a 34% approval rating after the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. The survey was conducted Monday and Tuesday after Trumps inauguration. One of the presidents first actions was to issue pardons for some 1,600 people involved in the Capitol siege, a move that is generally unpopular. The Reuters poll showed 58% of those polled opposed pardons for all the Jan. 6, 2021 protesters. Other Trump programs proved more popular. Forty-six percent said they approve of his job handling immigration and 58% of respondents said the U.S. should dramatically reduce the number of migrants allowed to claim asylum at the border. Some 38% of respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos poll said they identified at least somewhat with Trumps Make America Great Again movement. Other Trump plans Sixteen percent of poll respondents agree the U.S. should pressure Denmark into selling Greenland to the U.S. Twenty-nine percent said the U.S. should take control of the Panama Canal from Panama and 21% said they agreed with the statement that the U.S. has a right to expand its territory into the Western Hemisphere. The new poll surveyed 1,077 U.S. adults online and nationwide with a margin of error of plus/minus 4 percentage points. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents continue to arrest hundreds of migrants across the country during President Donald Trumps first week back in office, theres been some speculation on social media that certain Staten Island neighborhoods are being targeted. On Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X that more than 500 migrants had been arrested by the administration as Trump looks to keep his word in enacting mass deportations across the country. TODAY: The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals, including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors, Leavitt posted. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept, she added. With reports that several of the migrants taken into custody were located here in New York, including a suspected terrorist and a known MS-13 gang member, rumors have begun to swirl on social media that ICE agents could be here on Staten Island. The Advance/SILive.com has received various social media posts urging local migrants to steer clear of certain Staten Island neighborhoods. Please dont go near Bulls Head, Staten Island. Immigration has finally come to Staten Island ... Dont go near Bulls Head or Bulls Head at all. They know the spots, so be safe out there, one post read. Avoid Willowbrook. Immigration spotted taking construction workers and deli workers. Please be careful in Willowbrook (near CSI), another stated. However, those claims remain unsubstantiated, as local and federal officials have failed to provide confirmation of any enforcement actions taken on Staten Island. One local law enforcement source told the Advance/SILive.com that theyre not aware of any raids taking place in the borough, while ICE has yet to respond to a request for comment regarding the rumors. The Advance/SILive.com also visited Bulls Head on Thursday morning and did not observe any signs of enforcement action being taken. NYPD urged not to cooperate In an internal NYPD memo by Commissioner Jessica Tisch that was obtained by the Advance/SILive.com, officers were reminded to not assist federal authorities in immigration enforcement in the five boroughs. The core principle for all members of service is to keep in mind the distinction between criminal enforcement and civil immigration enforcement, the memo reads. The Department investigates criminal activity without regard to a persons immigration status. The memo, which was sent to officers on Jan. 18, goes on to state the fact that a person is present in the United States without lawful authorization is a civil matter, not a crime. According to the memo, city law prohibits the use of city resources for enforcement of any civil provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and members of service are not permitted to engage or assist in civil immigration enforcement. That includes contacting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, also known as ICE agents, to let them know where an individual who might be targeted by those authorities is located, and detaining an individual so that the agents can take that person into custody, the memo continues. Tisch also reminded officers not to impede civil immigration enforcement, and to only assist in enforcement action if theres an immediate threat to public safety. NYPD officers can step in to protect a federal civil immigration official should they come under physical attack. Should NYPD officers encounter federal immigration officials, the memo advises, they should notify their chain of command. The memo echoes what the department is already practicing. According to data from the Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs, the NYPD received 35 detainer requests from ICE between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30. The NYPD did not honor any of the detainer requests. Data from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 was not yet available. DOEs memo The NYPD memo follows a similar memo sent by New York City Public Schools commonly known as the New York City Department of Education that stated it was planning to provide training to school bus staff in the event federal immigration officials approached buses. When previously reached for comment, the Department of Education did not address questions about what, specifically, the training entailed, or when it would take place. The department did, however, state it is committed to protecting the right of every student to attend public school, regardless of immigration status, national origin, or religion. Trumps executive orders, other actions Among the executive orders issued and other actions taken by Trump since he took office on Jan. 20: Shutting down the U.S. Customs and Border Protection app, which was created to provide an orderly way for people to start the process for asylum; ending birthright citizenship, which guaranteed U.S.-born children are citizens regardless of their parents status; and identifying the pathways to follow through on his promise for mass deportations of millions and millions of people. On Wednesday, Tom Homan, Trumps border czar, told Fox News that ICE had already conducted 308 arrests nationwide. Also Wednesday, Trump canceled travel for refugees already cleared to come to the U.S. Thousands of people were impacted, according the Associated Press, including more than 1,600 Afghans who assisted Americas war effort and relatives of active-duty U.S. military personnel. The U.S. House of Representatives this week approved the Laken Riley Act. The act requires the detainment of unauthorized immigrants accused of theft and violent crimes, and had bipartisan support, and passed with a tally of 263-156. Its named for a Georgia nursing student who was murdered by a Venezuelan man in 2024. The Laken Riley Act looks to be the first legislation Trump will sign in his new term. Several organization and higher-profile people have called on Trump to desist. An organization dedicated to protecting those of Arab descent in the U.S. rebuked one of Trumps executive orders in what it says is essentially a reproduction of the 2017 Muslim ban. In a written statement, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee said that the new Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats executive order employs identical statutory powers as the 2017 legislation. Previous ICE raids on Staten Island U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have conducted raids on Staten Island before, including in 2017, 2019 and 2020. In February 2017, two Staten Islanders were among the 41 people ICE agents arrested. The men, according to ICE, were both Mexican, and both permanent legal residents. Both were convicted of violent crimes and were being represented by the Legal Aid Society, according to previous reporting by the Advance/SILive.com. More than 80 people were arrested throughout New York City, the Hudson Valley and Long Island in a five-day enforcement in September 2019. That included a 24-year-old Staten Islander who, according to ICE at the time, had pending charges for second-degree rape of a person under the age of 15, third-degree rape and sexual misconduct. Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe! Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions. Premium Subscription As low as $8.25 per week Premium Includes: -- Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. You can download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. You can also clip & download articles or images from the e-edition to share with others The most recent 90 issues are available at any given time. -- Unlimited access to our award-winning online content -- Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community -- NEW! Access to our online-only digital crossword puzzle. A new puzzle every day, seven days a week! Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. On January 24, the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan Commander of the Land Forces, Colonel General Hikmat Mirzayev undertook an official visit to Turkiye, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. Within the visit, the delegation held a meeting with the Commander of the Turkish Land Forces, Army General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu. "The meeting highlighted the positive state of military cooperation between the two fraternal countries. The contributions of the Azerbaijani-Turkish partnership to regional security and avenues for its future enhancement were discussed. During the meeting, the sides conducted a comprehensive exchange of views on a range of issues of common interest," the ministry statement said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Washington: President Donald Trump has told global business leaders they will face steep tariffs if they do not make their products in the US, as he affirmed his intention to raise hundreds of billions, even trillions, of dollars through taxes on imports. Speaking by video from the White House to the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Davos, Switzerland, Trump ran through his flurry of executive actions since his swearing-in and claimed he had a massive mandate from the American people to bring change. He laid out a carrot-and-stick approach for private investment in the US. My message to every business in the world is very simple: come make your product in America, and we will give you among the lowest taxes of any nation on earth, he said. But if you dont make your product in America, which is your prerogative, then very simply, you will have to pay a tariff. In the irrefutable face of rising sea levels and climate change-fuelled storm surges, one of Australias eminent coastal geomorphologists has warned the days of our obsession with beachfront property are over and it is time for a managed retreat. Professor David Kennedy, who has decades of experience studying coastlines, told environment and climate reporter Bianca Hall that Australians love affair with beachside developments must change. We cant keep building in the current hazard zone, let alone the future one. And were building more and more stuff in the current hazard zone, he said. Is it time to retreat? Erosion comes right up to the seawall at Collaroy last August. Credit: James Brickwood Three years ago, CoreLogic estimated $25 billion of Australian residential coastal property was at high risk due to increasing storm surges and coastal erosion. The worlds oceans have absorbed more than 90 per cent of the heat generated by greenhouse gases since 1971. As the oceans warmed and sea ice melted between 2014 and 2023, global sea levels rose by an average 0.48 centimetres a year, doubling the rate of sea level rises before 2002. The storm-ravaged strip between Collaroy and Narrabeen on the northern beaches is perhaps Australias most notorious coastal erosion hot spot. For more than a century the warnings have been clear about the risk to waterfront homes, and cyclical storms have wreaked havoc dozens of times: the Collaroy surf club was hit in 1913-14; major erosion threatened newly built shacks in 1920; seven fell into the ocean in 1944-45; new high-rise apartments were undermined in 1967; and big waves smashed properties in 1974 and 1978. A 2016 storm cost home owners and the state government $25 million. After further damaging storms in 2020, a controversial seven-metre concrete sea wall was installed to protect 49 private properties, a car park and a surf club. Advertisement Review Eating outEngadine A sandwich you could use as a pillow: Why this suburban shop is a slice of schnitty heaven Crispy chicken schnitzel crispiness gives way to tender flesh, with herby mayonnaise, buoyant folds of mixed lettuce and more caramelised carrot at Loaf in Sydneys southern suburbs. Lenny Ann Low January 24, 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 1 / 11 Loaf in Engadine, sister to a Cronulla shop founded in 2015, opened in August. Edwina Pickles 2 / 11 The Hambo sandwich featuring shaved ham, caramelised carrot, strong cheddar, red cabbage, pickles, truffle mayonnaise, lettuce and seeded mustard. Edwina Pickles 3 / 11 Deluxe salad sandwich (with beetroot) wrap. Edwina Pickles 4 / 11 The Beefed Up with slow-cooked beef, cheddar, pickles, greens, truffle mayo and salsa verde. Edwina Pickles 5 / 11 Edwina Pickles 6 / 11 Grass is Greener in a salad bowl with feta. Edwina Pickles 7 / 11 Canned iced drinks and fresh juices. Edwina Pickles 8 / 11 Edwina Pickles 9 / 11 Edwina Pickles 10 / 11 Edwina Pickles 11 / 11 Schnitty sandwich with crispy chicken schnitzel, herby mayonnaise, mixed lettuce and caramelised carrot. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide Cafe$$$$ On a windy, grey, weekday afternoon, a line of people at Engadine sandwich shop Loaf wait to, mostly, say three words: The Schnitty, please. Young, old, locals or blow-ins, they scan Loafs menu of sandwiches, wraps, filled rolls, jaffles and salads, even the homemade carrot cake on the counter, and rest their eyes on the five month-old shops most popular item. Schnitty sandwich with crispy chicken schnitzel, herby mayonnaise, mixed lettuce and caramelised carrot. Supplied Advertisement Theyd win with The Hambo sandwich featuring fat slabs of shaved ham, sweet, glazey caramelised carrot, strong cheddar, festoons of red cabbage, juicy pickles, truffle mayonnaise, lettuce and seeded mustard. The Beefed Up, a heady architectural wonder heaving with fall-apart slow-cooked beef, cheddar, pickles and hot chips amid greens, truffle mayonnaise and salsa verde, is a majestic meat buffet requiring a short lie-down afterwards. Theres the Mushie Trip jaffle (a luxurious meeting of truffle mushrooms, feta, sweet onion, spinach and cheddar), the Hangover Cure roll (oozy egg, hash brown, bacon, relish) and the Tuna Fish, creamy tuna mix with thinly sliced apple. The Hambo sandwich featuring shaved ham, caramelised carrot, strong cheddar, red cabbage, pickles, truffle mayonnaise, lettuce and seeded mustard. Edwina Pickles Id even vote the Deluxe Veggie sandwich (on Loafs wide soft brown bread), with its cavalcade of red cabbage, shredded carrot, sliced cucumber, beetroot slices, bean sprouts, lettuce and wholegrain mustard (add fried halloumi and candied chilli) as the best sandwich. Advertisement But, its the Schnitty, cushioned by thick, white high-top bread slices, that pulls the crowds. Its a sandwich you could use as a pillow. Good height, utter softness and a hearty interior. Crispy chicken schnitzel crispiness giving way to tender flesh, with herby mayonnaise, buoyant folds of mixed lettuce and more caramelised carrot. I know these are only sandwiches. But theyre packed munificently with ace ingredients and framed in good bread from Omoore Delight Bakery six minutes away in the Engadine Arcade. They cost $16 (on average) and one could feed two hungry people. Loaf in Engadine, sister to a Cronulla shop founded in 2015, opened in August. Run and co-owned by Annaleigh Sturmann, Chantel Toutounji and Kirsty Wirth, it sits in a corner building in the suburbs shopping strip. Deluxe salad sandwich (with beetroot) wrap. Edwina Pickles There are 20 seats outside and 16 inside, the latter edged by natural light-pink tiling, olive chairs, cabinets of house juices and cakes and shelves of White Horse coffee and Loafs jars of candied chilli and chilli oil. Advertisement Sandwiches aside, Loafs other drawcard is its staff. No limp hellos here. Customers receive proper cheer and wide smiles at the counter. Conversations flow. Even our receipt comes with happy exclamation marks. Sturmann is full of praise for staff at Engadine and Cronulla. Theyre very important to us, she says. Our manager in Cronulla started working for us when she was 13 and shes 20 now. Sturmann, Wirth and Toutounji also strive for a community feel. Mornings are busy with commuters getting sandwiches for work, before locals, holiday traffic and tradies arrive for lunch. Photo: Edwina Pickles Advertisement Loaf at Cronulla has a customer who has come every day for 10 years. He lives by himself and well be the first person that he talks to every day, Sturmann says. Always a large flat white, veggie combo with relish, and hell come back for lunch and get a schnitty on brown bread. If he changes anything, Im like, Whats going on?. Sturmann, who lives in Engadine, cofounded Loaf in Cronulla when she was 25 and opened the latest shop seven months after the birth of her second child, says franchises are a possibility, including in the UK. I never thought Id open a cafe, she says. No offence to people who have it as their dream, but it definitely wasnt mine. It blows my mind the amount of work it takes to run a sandwich shop. For every small business, to just keep afloat with orders, staff, bills. But I love it. I love the people, I love the interactions. I love seeing peoples kids grow up. You create a little world, a little family. Were going have a big party for our 10-year birthday coming up, and invite everyone. The low-down Vibe: Bright, popular southern Sydney cafe with ingredient-rich, generous-sized sandwiches in thick high-top bread (or wraps or salad bowl). Excellent homemade cakes. Go-to dish: Deluxe Veggie sandwich on brown bread, with a rainbow of red cabbage, carrot, cucumber, beetroot, bean sprouts, lettuce and wholegrain mustard, with halloumi and candied chilli extras Cost: $35, plus drinks (for two) Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Drinking beer from a can is like drinking coffee from a takeaway coffee cup. I want to ogle my beer before I wear my beer goggles. This story is part of the January 25 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories . Im officially campaigning for the abolition of the phrase, Its the best thing since sliced bread. Sliced bread is not mankinds greatest invention. Beer is. Some scientists not all, but I know which ones Id like to go down the pub with claim that the domestication of wild grains by our predecessors was motivated not by the need for bread, but by the desire for beer. From now on, Id like you all to adopt the phrase, Its the best thing since cold beer, thanks very much. Photo: Simon Letch Time was, beer used to come in just one flavour: beer flavour. Now, with the proliferation of independent craft breweries, beer can vary dramatically in flavour, colour, sweetness, bitterness and alcohol content. My most recent beer was a fruity, tart, blackberry sour from Tasmanias Moo Brew. It sounds a bit wacky, but actually it cleaves to the long tradition of lambic fruit beers, made in Belgium since the 13th century. 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 Last Sundays editorial on the NDIS rightly points out that certain aspects of the scheme have become unwieldy and costly and places the rectification of these issues solely at the feet of the current government (The Heralds View, January 19). However, it should also have highlighted that most of the rorting and mismanagement of the NDIS can be attributed directly to the previous 10 years of Coalition governments. With their small government ideology, they failed to provide sufficient public sector oversight, to properly regulate the use of private sector for-profit operators, or to manage the NDIS in the best interests of users or taxpayers. Tony Heathwood, Kiama Downs The government has made cuts to the NDIS to keep growing costs under control. Credit: Marija Ercegovac Duttons gutter politics Tim Costellos message of hope and peace comes in stark contrast to the vitriol and divisiveness of Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (Lets cross the either/or line and work for justice, January 19). Duttons baseless assertion that Albanese shares the blame for the recent antisemitic episodes is gutter politics at its worst. It has become impossible to have a rational discussion about the horrors of the war in Gaza or the tactics on both sides without being accused of antisemitism or Islamophobia. Albanese is under attack from the Greens and the Coalition for failing to agree with their extremist views of this war. Dutton senses political advantage in being absolutely pro-Israel and ignoring the plight of Gazas civilians, while the Greens hold Israel responsible. The PM has never wavered in his condemnation of Hamas and support of Israels right to defend itself, but maintains deep concern for the innocent victims on both sides. Labor is focused on a peaceful resolution to this senseless war, while the opportunistic Greens and Coalition are more interested in the electoral advantage of prolonging social division. Hopefully, the ceasefire will lead to a lasting peace, but its difficult to share Costellos optimism. Graham Lum, North Rocks Stick to the facts Your correspondent quotes numerous independent sources confirming the strength of the Albanese governments economic management compared to that of the previous government, challenging Peter Duttons negative claims (Letters, January 19). He could have added that last year the International Monetary Fund named Australia as the second strongest in world budget management rankings among G20 nations, behind only Canada. This is another fact we wont be hearing from opposition naysayers during the election campaign. Alison Stewart, Riverview Having never met any of Australias political party leaders, I have no idea what their personalities are actually like. However, anyone basing their vote on whether the leader looks strong, weak, disappointing or fascist ( to name a few) should be reminded that what you see is a carefully crafted image created to win the next election (Letters, January 19). If Dutton seems Trumpian in his divisive Make Australia Great Again tactics, or Albanese seems small target in his successful Im not Scott Morrison policy, voters should evaluate what they are being told and base their votes on each partys actual policies, and also how likely they are to bring them to fruition. Australia is not (save for a few fringe exceptions) an electorate of personality politicians, and hopefully never will be. Allan Kreuiter, Roseville Travellers at Sydney Airport have been urged to watch for signs and symptoms of measles after a person infectious with the disease disembarked from an international flight to Sydney before transferring to a domestic flight to the Gold Coast. NSW Health issued the alert on Friday for all passengers inside Sydney Airports international terminal from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, and anyone inside domestic terminal 3 from 6.30pm to 9pm on Friday, January 17. The passenger arrived in Sydney on Jetstar flight JQ4 from Honolulu at 4.30pm, before transferring by bus to the domestic terminal and boarding the 9.30pm Qantas flight QF596 to the Gold Coast. While there is no ongoing risk of infection at any of the locations, anyone on those flights or transiting through either terminal should be on the lookout for symptoms for at least another 10 days, said NSW Health director of the communicable diseases branch, Dr Christine Selvey. The severed feet of Captain Cooks bronze statue in St Kilda made for a sorry sight on Australia Day eve last year. This year, Australia Day falls in the shadow of a looming federal election. No doubt Peter Dutton would welcome another opportunity to position himself as an antidote to the woke politics he claims is dividing the nation. The statue of Captain James Cook in Randwick has been vandalised for the second time in 12 months. Credit: Nick Moir With the St Kilda statue being guarded by round-the-clock security, Sydneys homage to the captain being defaced with red paint and losing a hand and nose, and the bronze statue heads of former prime ministers Paul Keating and Kevin Rudd being removed and stolen from Prime Ministers Avenue in Lake Wendouree on Friday, the ammunition is arguably being handed straight to him. While one cant help but admire the brazenness, such hijinks are quite the own goal. The opposition leaders campaign staff have been on high alert for any happenings with even the slightest whiff of woke, knowing that the more airtime Anthony Albanese wastes defending against attempts to associate himself with left-wing activism, the less hell spend talking about the future of Australia. Education Minister Jason Clare says Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is stoking a fake fight over Australia Day after polling revealed that a majority of Australians are now against changing the date. Meanwhile, Dutton restated his position that people should shun companies who boycott the public holiday as he declared national pride needed to be returned to Australia Day. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Credit: Janie Barrett An exclusive survey conducted for this masthead revealed support for January 26 to be kept as Australia Day leapt from 47 to 61 per cent over the past two years. It also found that 52 per cent of voters backed the idea of passing a federal law to make January 26 the official day, a key proposal from Dutton before the election. I think [the poll findings are] a fantastic result. I just think it says that our national pride can be something that we celebrate again. Be respectful to everybody, but these companies who are boycotting Australia Day, boycott them, Dutton told Nines Today program on Friday, adding further comments at a press conference in South Australia later in the morning. 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 They are both descendants of a founder of modern Australia, but they came from different sides of the blanket. One was a legitimate heir of the early colonial governor Philip Gidley King and his wife; the other a descendant of his long-time affair with a convict. Under most circumstances the pair would never meet. But today, with a new book out about the third governor of what became Australia, the two sides of the family have been tracked down and brought together to share the tale of sex and servitude. I was really keen to meet someone from the other side of the family, said historian Jonathan King, 82, the great-great-great-grandson of Gidley King, who ruled the nation from 1800, and his wife Anna Josepha. Ive got a very soft spot for the descendants of his mistress. After all, she kept him comfortable and loved and was an important confidante for him. Primary schoolteacher Madison Fazio, 25, the fifth-great-granddaughter to Gidley King and his lover Ann Inett, was also excited to meet a relative from the more respectable side of the family. Madison Fazio and Jonathan King share an ancestor in the third governor of Australia, Philip Gidley King, but have only just met. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer But I take huge pride in our side, she said. Ann Inett was transported to the ends of the Earth for simply stealing a dress, and yet she survived the First Fleet and everything that came after. Advertisement She was a strong, independent woman who overcame significant hardship and heartbreak to build her own life and make a success of it. Inett was 28 and a single mother-of-two when she was arrested for burglary in Englands Midlands. She was found guilty, without the chance to testify, and sentenced to hang, a punishment later converted to transportation, and forced to give up her son and daughter. When she arrived in Port Jackson in 1788 she was one of five convict women handpicked by naval officer Gidley King to accompany him to Norfolk Island, where he was tasked with setting up a second colony. He asked her to become his housekeeper, a duty that apparently included warming his bed. Inett bore him two sons, who he named, rather unimaginatively, Norfolk and Sydney. In time, Gidley King was sent back to England to report on the progress of the new colonies, but he pledged to return. And return he did with a new wife on his arm, pregnant with his next son. Worse for Inett, the newlyweds then declared their intention to bring up her boys as part of their own family as theyd be able to give them a better life. I think that would have been so hard for Ann, Fazio said. She then lost her second set of children, oh my god! And his wife was his first cousin ew! He shouldnt have married her. But I suppose desperate times called for desperate measures, and times were different then. To others, sloughing off the mistress and marrying a respectable woman was a necessity for career advancement and, no doubt, helpful in Gidley Kings quest to become governor, following Arthur Phillip and John Hunter. Advertisement However, King, who organised the re-enactment of the First Fleet voyage for the 1988 bicentenary, commended his ancestor for treating all his children the same. Hed urged the boys to stay in touch with each other when they left for their schooling back in Britain and then embarked on their naval careers. He was a devout Christian and he thought it was his Christian duty to look after Ann Inett and her children, King said. Anna Josepha was even more devout, as we can see in the way she also set up orphanages, sheltered workshops and homes for prostitutes who didnt have anywhere to live. Governor Philip Gidley King returned from England with a new wife on his arm. Credit: Fairfax archives Sex was certainly a keenly sought-after commodity in all aspects of the new colony. During the voyage there, seamen cut through the bulkheads separating them from the women convicts and propositioned them, offering them part of their rum ration and then meat, if that didnt work, to seal the deal. Ironically, none of the women had ever been transported for prostitution, although many of them were then, through circumstances, forced into it. There was also trouble on board when one favourite female convict fell ill with the pox syphilis sparking panic among the men whod preyed on her. Other women prisoners were promised the world by their jailers, mariners or officers in return for favours. One, Ann Green, was taken by the captain of her ship into his quarters and then unceremoniously dumped, with child, when he set sail back for London. Another, Nancy Yeates, was abandoned by her sailor beau when he discovered shed fallen pregnant to him. Later, she became the lover of David Collins, the deputy judge advocate of the new colony, and bore him two children, which, tragically, did not stop him from returning to England and to his wife in 1797. Advertisement There are also stories about the first landing of the fleet at Sydney, often denied but which still endure, when after a terrible storm, and extra rations of rum, there were scenes of wild debauchery and rape. One of the few female convicts who can be said to have truly prospered from a sexual relationship with the colonys masters was Esther Abrahams. She had an affair with soldier George Johnston and became the de facto first lady of the colony after he led the Rum Rebellion against Gidley Kings successor, William Bligh. Later, he married her. Madison Fazio and Jonathan King in front of the replica of the First Fleet ship Southern Swan at Circular Quay. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer For Ann Inett there was no such fairytale ending to her own sexual surrender, although when Gidley King became governor he did give her the odd land grant and a pardon in acknowledgment of her favours. Yet it was an exceedingly hard life, missing her two sons, just as shed grieved the loss of her first two children when she was sent to the colony. She would have had no notion that one day, 240-odd years on, one of her descendants would be meeting one of her love rivals heirs, to broker a fresh peace. Sue Williams is the author of a new book about Philip Gidley King, The Governor, His Wife and His Mistress, published by Allen & Unwin, RRP $34.99. The price gap between buying a unit and a house in Melbourne has more than doubled in the past decade, despite softening house values in 2024. A typical house in Melbourne cost buyers 51.1 per cent or $310,202 more than a unit in December 2024, according to CoreLogic data. That has more than doubled since December 2014, when the gap was $121,322. It has increased more than six-fold since December 2004, when the difference was just $47,976. Median house values fell slightly to $917,616 in December, while median unit values slipped to $607,414. CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said that while Melbournes housing market had softened, the demand for larger homes and outdoor space had caused house values to rise much quicker than unit values in the past few years. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. The delegation led by Vice President of Training of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences and Director of the Cybercrime and Digital Evidence Center, Abdul Razzaq Al-Murjan has visited Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. As part of the visit, the Deputy Rector of the National Defense University for Science, Rector of the Military Scientific Research Institute Major General Arif Hasanov, and Chief of the Training and Educational Center of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel Nizami Movlanov met with the guests. The delegation was informed in detail about the educational system in the Azerbaijan Army and the ongoing reforms carried out in the field of military education. The guests were also presented with a video about the Patriotic War. The meeting also discussed the expansion of cooperation between the two countries in the field of military education, as well as several issues of mutual interest. During the visit, the guests got acquainted with the Azerbaijan Army Training Centers training camps, shooting ranges, and simulators section. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The difference in price between a typical unit and a house in Sydney has reached an eye-watering $610,662, new data reveals Houses were 71 per cent more expensive to buy than a unit by December 2024, just shy of the record high of 72.8 per cent in August. Sydneys median house price of $1,470,625 is now almost double the median unit price of $859,963. That gap has increased more than five times in the past two decades, with the median house price costing just $106,208 more than the typical unit in December 2004 on CoreLogic data. Experts say upsizers are finding it just as hard as first home buyers given the exponential gap. Some are moving interstate and looking for new jobs, while others are investing elsewhere and renting in the suburb they wish to live in. Adding to an already brimming midfield contingent, Lions draftees Levi Ashcroft and Sam Marshall have thrust their names into the selection mix, keeping their more established teammates on high alert. But where the dynamic duo fit into a premiership-winning outfit remains unclear, with Brisbane star Josh Dunkley admitting it was too early to know when their AFL chance would come. Ashcroft has been regarded as one of the nations most promising talents, with his work rate, decision-making and incredible touch and finesse behind three Sandringham Dragons titles. Levi Ashcroft has joined brother Will at the Brisbane Lions. Credit: Wayne Taylor He averaged 25.5 disposals in the AFL National Championships, before making 35 touches on VFL debut and joining his brother, Will, at the Lions. Well, that was awkward. In front of a man claiming to have been appointed by God, saved by God, a man to whom conservative evangelicals have flocked, someone dared to mention the Bible. Mercy. Compassion. Love. Among the Trump team sitting in the front pews, it was as though someone had released a stink bomb from the pulpit; brows furrowed, voluminous lips pursed, expressions of distaste, even anger. Since the Episcopalian Bishop of Washington, the Right Rev Mariann Budde, spoke at the prayer service held the day after the inauguration, Republicans have called for her to be deported, and President Trump called her nasty, saying she should apologise to the American public. Others praised her uncommon courage. Illustration by Dionne Gain Credit: So what were these incendiary words? The diminutive Budde spoke directly to the president, referring to his claim of the providential hand of God saving him from assassination, and asking him to have mercy upon the people in our country that are scared now. There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and Independent families, some who fear for their lives. She then asked for mercy on illegal immigrants: The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labour in poultry farms and meat-packing plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants, and work the night shifts in hospitals the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals, they pay taxes and are good neighbours PHILIPSBURG:--- The Rotary Club St. Martin Sunrise hosted a free and engaging session aimed at young entrepreneurs on Saturday, January 11th, 2025. This session was designed for individuals who have already started their business ventures or aspiring to become entrepreneurs in the near future. The event focused on equipping these young minds with essential knowledge and skills to create and maintain a successful business. The session featured several esteemed guest speakers who shared their expertise on various crucial aspects of entrepreneurship. The Director of the Bureau for Intellectual Property St. Maarten (BIP), Mrs. Vincentia Rosenberg-Sandiford, provided valuable insights on securing intellectual property rights. Her discussion covered trademarking, copyrighting, and patent protection, which is vital for safeguarding business innovations and ideas. Co-founder of Computech, Mr. Jean Thierry Arnell focused on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in business planning and execution. His presentation showcased how AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing business efficiency and decision-making processes. An accomplished entrepreneur and author Ms. Tamara delivered an inspiring presentation on the Spirit of Entrepreneurship. She emphasized the importance of building resilience through failures, maintaining perseverance, and fostering a clear vision for success. Specialist in Business Management and Marketing, Mr. Edsel Gumbs, provided an insightful discussion on business strategy. He also touched on securing bank loans and leveraging AI in building a business plan, offering practical advice for young entrepreneurs. The informative session continued the club's youth entrepreneurship campaign initiated in 2024. This campaign highlights young individuals on the island, ages 13 to 21, who manage their own businesses or are aspiring entrepreneurs. The Rotary Club has dedicated a theme for each month, aiming to spotlight their wide-ranging good work. January is designated as Vocational Service Month; during this time, clubs are encouraged to organize activities that foster and support business and career development within the community. Club President Jharna Dialani expressed her satisfaction with the session's feedback. With over 70 young participants registered it is clear that there is a strong interest among aspiring young entrepreneurs in receiving guidance to grow or start their business endeavors. Dialani extended her gratitude to all the speakers who generously volunteered their time and expertise, as well as to the project planning committee led by vocational service chair, Prerna Goklani. The Rotary Club St. Martin Sunrise continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among young individuals, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in their ventures. Individuals interested in becoming a member of this prestigious club may contact us a member of the club or via our Facebook page Rotary Club of Saint Martin Sunrise. PHILIPSBURG:--- Grace Hill Bible University, St. Maarten Campus counseling degree program, in collaboration with Victorious Living Foundation and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, successfully hosted a profoundly impactful suicide prevention Master Class themed "Igniting Hope in our Community: Preventing Suicide" on January 20th at the St. Maarten Government Administration Building. This pioneering event focused on raising awareness and equipping attendees with vital tools in suicide assessment, prevention, and treatment. With an impressive turnout of over 300 attendees both physically and virtually, and subsequently amassing over 1000 attendees to date, the event underscored the essence of community collaboration in tackling the critical issue of suicide, which continues to affect diverse demographics without discrimination. This initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Erna Mae Francis-Cotton, and the counseling degree students: Minerva Warner Hughes, Georges Richardson, Barbara Cocks, Pastor Vital Dominique, and Sachida Thomasia-Hyman, marks a significant move towards shattering the stigmas surrounding mental health discussions within our society. The Honourable Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, Mr. Richinel Brug highlighted the importance of community partnerships in his address by stating, When Mrs. Erna Mae Francis Cotton approached us with this initiative, there was no hesitation because I know Victorious Living Foundation is one of the foundations that is about improving the lives of others; that is what theyve been doing from since their very existence. Moreover, raising awareness about improving our mental health, is of utmost priority to me. Minister Brug reassured the attendees that whenever there are such impactful projects by any organization in the future, the Ministry will be ready to partner and support, and stated, "We have got to do this together! The Minister commended the initiative by stating to Francis-Cotton: Id like to thank you for taking the initiative in organizing such an event. This is an initiative that is long overdue, considering that so many lives have been taken over the last year and more. This particular topic of suicide prevention that you have selected, has been somewhat of a taboo in the community. The fact that you have taken the initiative to take the lead in organizing this event, says volumes. This Master Class Igniting Hope: Preventing Suicide, led by the Grace Hill Bible University, St. Maarten Campus Counseling Degree program is a significant step forward in mental health advocacy. It is not just an event; it's a movement towards saving lives and fostering a community of understanding and support. The Master Class featured a robust lineup of presentations by students of the Masters Counseling Degree program of Grace Hill Bible University. Each session provided insightful perspectives: from understanding youth suicide to addressing substance abuse and exploring preventive strategies for specific groups such as clergy. Attendees were enlightened by the contributions of keynote guest speaker Dr. Ann Marlin Evans, who emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions in supporting those struggling within our communities. Dr. Cotton, the visionary behind the event, articulated the fundamental vision of Grace Hill Bible Universityto prepare students for Christian service while serving dual roles of both education and public advocacy. Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, this event set a new standard for community engagement and mental wellness advocacy on the island. As expressed by The Honourable Minister Brug, "Together, regardless of challenges, we will find a way. Our collective efforts are key to saving lives." The Master Class not only served its academic purpose but also marked a critical societal milestone, calling all to come together to share its life-saving message. This collaboration exemplifies the profound difference educational institutions can make through community-oriented initiatives and partnerships. For this semester, persons may take advantage of the extended enrollment deadline to enroll in the counseling degree course, Effective Counseling Techniques for Transforming the Lives of Children and Youth, until January 27th. The course starts on February 10th, 2025. For more information about the course, future events or to get involved, please contact Dr. Erna Mae Francis Cotton at +1-721-524-8731 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Join us in this noble pursuit to illuminate paths of hope and healing across our communities. HNLMS Groningen has taken over the task as a station ship in the Caribbean Region from HNLMS Holland. The patrol vessel moored this morning at the St. Anna Bay in Willemstad. During the forthcoming months, the ship will be active with counter-drug operations; moreover, she will also be ready to be deployed to render emergency aid. The Royal Navy has four patrol vessels from the so-called category Holland-klasse. These OPVs (Ocean-Going Patrol Vessels) are flexible ships for the surveillance of coastal waters. The station ship works in international waters together with th USA Coastguard and close to the coast with the Coastguard Caribbean Region. The NH90 Maritime Combat helicopter has traveled again on board to support the ship with air operations. HNLMS Holland arrived in Den Helder, her home port, at the end of December. The ship has intercepted a total of almost 9,000 kilos of cocaine in the Caribbean region in recent months. With the presence of a station ship in the region, Defense contributes to peace and security in the Caribbean Region. Meta plans to invest $60 bn or more in AI this year San Francisco, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg on Friday said the tech giant plans to invest at least $60 billion in artificial intelligence in 2025, aiming to lead in the technology. "This will be a defining year for AI," Zuckerberg said in a post on his Facebook page. Zuckerberg expects Meta AI to be the top digital assistant, used by more than a billion people, and for the tech firm's Llama 4 to be at the forefront of AI models, according to the post. Meta is creating an AI "engineer" to contribute computer coding to its research and development efforts, he explained. Meta will construct a massive new datacenter to power its AI ambitions and is planning $60 billion to $65 billion in capital expenditures this year related to the technology, according to Zuckerberg. "This is a massive effort, and over the coming years it will drive our core products and business, unlock historic innovation, and extend American technology leadership," he said. The post comes just days after US President Donald Trump announced a major investment to build infrastructure for artificial intelligence led by Japanese giant SoftBank and ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. Trump said the venture, called Stargate, "will invest $500 billion, at least, in AI infrastructure in the United States." But in a post on his social media platform X, Trump ally and tech tycoon Elon Musk said the main investors "don't actually have the money." The comment marked a rare instance of a split between the world's richest man and Trump, with Musk playing a key role in the newly installed administration after spending $270 million on the election campaign. Microsoft president Brad Smith, meanwhile, has gone on record saying the company was on pace this fiscal year to invest about $80 billion to build out AI datacenters, train AI models and deploy cloud-based applications around the world. "The United States is poised to stand at the forefront of this new technology wave, especially if it doubles down on its strengths and effectively partners internationally," Smith said in an online post. gc/mlm BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus, Andrei Ravkov, in connection with the completion of his diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan on January 24, the Cabinet of Ministers press service told Trend. According to the statement, Asadov expressed gratitude to the ambassador for his contribution to strengthening the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus. Additionally, both sides expressed satisfaction with the level of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries during the meeting and discussed prospects for further expanding cooperation across various sectors. Trump hopes to avoid strikes on Iran nuclear sites Washington, Jan 23 (AFP) Jan 23, 2025 US President Donald Trump said Thursday he hoped to avoid military strikes on Iran's nuclear program, an option long mulled by Israel. Asked if he would support military action against Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump told reporters he was going to speak to unspecified "very high-level people" about the issue. "That could be worked out without having to worry about it," Trump said of the Iranian nuclear issue. "It would be really nice if that could be worked out without having to go that further step," he said of military action. On diplomatic prospects with Iran, Trump said, "Iran hopefully will make a deal -- and if they don't make a deal, I guess that's OK, too." Trump during his first term withdrew from a nuclear deal negotiated under former president Barack Obama and imposed sweeping sanctions, winning praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who calls Tehran's cleric-run government an existential threat. Trump, who vowed "maximum pressure" on Iran, also ordered a 2020 strike that killed senior Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. But Trump backed off on calls for wider military action and, since winning another term, has distanced himself from advisors who chose a hawkish course on Iran. According to The New York Times, Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and Trump confidante, met a senior Iranian official after the election to seek to defuse tensions. UK agrees 9 bn nuclear submarine deal with Rolls-Royce London, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 Britain's government on Friday announced a deal with engine-maker Rolls-Royce to support the Royal Navy's fleet of nuclear submarines, seen as boosting economic growth and national security. The multi-year contract with the British company, worth pound9 billion ($11 billion), is expected to create more than 1,000 UK jobs and safeguard 4,000 more, the Labour administration headed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a joint statement. Labour has put growing the UK economy at the forefront of its plans since returning to power in July -- but has yet to deliver on its pledge. "This investment in Britain's defence will deliver a long-term boost to British business, jobs and national security," Defence Secretary John Healey said ahead of visiting Rolls-Royce's nuclear reactor production facility in Derby, central England. "We are showing defence can be an engine for growth, while also driving better value for taxpayer money." He added that "national security is a foundation of our government's plan for change, and this is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the UK's nuclear deterrent, which is our ultimate insurance policy in a more dangerous world". The government said the deal results "in better value for money for the taxpayer through savings of more than pound400 million". Steve Carlier, president of Rolls-Royce submarines, said the eight-year contract enables the company "to invest in the right skills, equipment and facilities to play our part in protecting UK interests at home and overseas". The deal comes after Britain and Germany -- Europe's biggest spenders on defence -- announced in October that German submarine-hunting planes would operate out of Britain under a "milestone" agreement. Ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the new US president and Vice President JD Vance are "simply right when they say that Europe needs to do more to defend its own continent". Indian munitions factory blast kills at least one worker Mumbai, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 At least one worker was killed in a blast at a munitions factory in India, officials said Friday, with several others still trapped inside the building. The explosion happened Friday morning in Bhandara, around 800 kilometres (500 miles) east of India's financial hub Mumbai, and caused the factory's roof to collapse. "One worker unfortunately lost his life. My condolences to his family. We stand with the family in this tough time," Maharashtra state chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said in a post on social media platform X. Fadnavis said up to 14 workers had been trapped after the blast, with five brought out and operations underway to rescue the others. Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh said he was "deeply saddened" by the blast. Industrial disasters are common in India, with experts blaming poor planning and lax enforcement of safety rules. Nine workers were killed in a 2023 blast at a factory in Maharashtra that manufactured drones and explosives. Kremlin urges Trump to resume nuclear disarmament talks 'as soon as possible' Moscow, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 The Kremlin said Friday it wanted to resume nuclear disarmament talks with the United States "as soon as possible", a day after President Donald Trump said he wanted the world to "denuclearize" Negotiations between the world's two largest nuclear powers have been left at an impasse amid tensions over the Ukraine conflict. Moscow pulled out of the last remaining arms control agreement with Washington, called "New START", in 2023 amid a sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries. Both have indicated they will unilaterally adhere to the warhead limits outlined in the treaty until 2026, but they are yet to agree on a replacement and talks have stalled for months. "We are interested in starting this negotiation process as soon as possible," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday. "The ball is in the Americans' court, who have stopped all substantive contacts," he added. In remarks at Davos on Thursday, Trump said he would also want China involved in talks on nuclear arms control. "We'd like to see denuclearization," Trump said, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin "really liked the idea of -- of cutting way back on nuclear" during Trump's first term in office. "China would have come along too. China also liked it," Trump said, warning that Beijing's nuclear arsenal would catch up with Washington's "at some point over the next four or five years." "So, we want to see if we can denuclearize, and I think that's very possible," Trump said. Putin has ramped up his nuclear rhetoric since sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022, signing a decree last year lowering the threshold for using nuclear weapons. New START restricted the former Cold War rivals to a maximum of 1,550 deployed warheads each. In 2019 the two powers withdrew from the landmark 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty concluded by then-US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, which limited the use of medium-range missiles, both conventional and nuclear. Indian munitions factory blast kills at least eight workers Mumbai, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 At least eight workers were killed in a blast at a munitions factory in western India, government officials said Friday, with several others still trapped inside the building. The explosion happened Friday morning in Bhandara, around 800 kilometres (500 miles) east of India's financial hub Mumbai, and caused the factory's roof to collapse. "In an unfortunate incident today, a blast at Bhandara munitions factory has killed at least eight people and injured seven others," India's cabinet minister Nitin Gadkari said. Gadkari, a lawmaker from Maharashtra state where the explosion occurred, offered his condolences. Maharashtra's chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said earlier on X that up to 14 workers had been trapped after the blast and emergency rescue operations were underway. Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh said he was "deeply saddened" by the blast. "My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," Singh said on X. Industrial disasters are common in India, with experts blaming poor planning and lax enforcement of safety rules. Nine workers were killed in a 2023 blast at a factory in Maharashtra that manufactured drones and explosives. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Vugar Mustafayev, Azerbaijans Minister of Defense Industry, on Friday in Islamabad, Trend reports. According to the Prime Minister's Office, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening and diversifying relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction with the current trajectory of Pakistan-Azerbaijan cooperation across all areas of mutual interest, particularly in trade, energy, investment, and defense. Minister Vugar Mustafayev extended his gratitude for the warm hospitality provided by Pakistan to him and his delegation. He is visiting Islamabad to co-chair the 8th Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission between the two nations, held on January 23-24. Iraq ministry says two border guards killed by PKK fire Arbil, Iraq, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 A shooting which officials blamed on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) killed two Iraqi border guards on Friday near the Turkish boundary in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, Iraq's interior ministry said. The PKK, which has fought a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state, has several positions in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region, which also hosts Turkish military bases used to strike Kurdish insurgents. "When the Iraqi border forces were carrying out their duties securing the Iraqi-Turkish border... they were fired at by terrorists from the banned PKK organisation" in Zakho district, the interior ministry said in a statement. The two guards were killed and a third wounded, it added. A border guard official told AFP that the guards were patrolling a village near the Turkish border when the "shooting and clashes" with the PKK took place. Baghdad deploys federal guards along its border with Turkey in coordination with the government of the Kurdistan region and its forces, the peshmerga. The Iraqi federal authorities in Baghdad have recently sharpened their tone against the PKK. Last year, Baghdad quietly listed the group as a "banned organisation" -- though Ankara demands that the Iraqi government do more in the fight against the militant group. Ankara along with the United States deems the PKK a "terrorist" organisation. Turkey has conducted hundreds of strikes against PKK fighters in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region. MSF says ninth employee killed in Gaza, with 10 family members Geneva, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 Medical charity MSF on Friday confirmed the death of a ninth employee in Gaza, saying he and 10 family members had been trapped and starving when they were killed by an Israeli air strike last month. Doctors Without Borders, which is known by its French acronym, said it was "devastated to report the death of Bilal Okal, our colleague killed by Israeli forces in Jabalia, North Gaza". The man, along with his wife, seven children, his mother and a sister had become trapped in their building during a violent siege by Israeli forces, before being killed by an Israeli airstrike in December. MSF said in a statement that it had "lost all contact with Bilal on December 1", and had only received confirmation of his death on Sunday, when the current ceasefire in Gaza took effect. "In this tragic moment, our thoughts are with Bilal's family, friends and colleagues mourning his death," it said. The 37-year-old hygiene specialist, who joined MSF in 2017, was the ninth staff member of the organisation to be killed in Gaza since the war erupted there following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. They figure among more than 330 aid workers killed throughout the war, most of them from the United Nations agency supporting Palestinian refugees, according to UN numbers from November. "When we last heard from Bilal, he was running out of food and water and was stuck in his home with his relatives," MSF said. "They had tried to leave Jabalia but the bombings were so intense that it was unsafe to move." The organisation said it had learned from Bilal's brother on November 11 that his sheltering family members "were starving but were too scared to look for food or leave because anything that moved got shot". "MSF strongly condemns the killing of Bilal and his family in their home by Israeli forces," it said. "We can only imagine the terror they faced while they were trapped under siege and horrendous violence before they were killed." MSF warned that across Gaza, "people are still suffering and families continue to look for their missing relatives whom they fear have been killed". Senate poised to confirm Fox News host for US defense secretary Washington, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 The US Senate appeared poised Friday to narrowly confirm former Fox News host Peter Hegseth for defense secretary, with opponents saying Donald Trump's pick has nowhere near the experience for the huge job and a disturbing history of heavy drinking and domestic abuse. Hegseth's resume is so thin and his list of alleged personal issues so long that he makes an unusual pick to lead the world's biggest nuclear-armed military with about 2.9 million employees and an $850 billion budget. He has never led a large organization. He served as a major in the National Guard but is better known for his work until recently as a host on Trump-friendly Fox News. After his nomination, a slew of damaging testimony emerged about past heavy drinking and accusations of abusive behavior toward his second wife and one case of sexual assault. Hegseth denies any wrongdoing and Trump has stood by him, telling reporters Friday: "Pete's a very, very good man." Hegseth has a combative media personality, fierce loyalty and telegenic looks -- common hallmarks in Trump's entourage. Supporters say his deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq give him the insight to run the Pentagon better than the top brass typically considered for the job. In his Senate hearings and media appearances, Hegseth has aggressively driven home the need to make the US military less "woke" and more "lethal." He has also focused on ending what he says has been lowering of standards to help women enter the military. He calls the allegations of improper personal behavior against him "smears" but has said he will stop drinking alcohol if confirmed to head the Pentagon. - Tricky Senate math - Republicans hold only a thin majority in the Senate and two of the party's 53 senators -- Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski -- are expected to vote against Hegseth, joining what is expected to be a unanimous "no" from Democrats. That would still allow Hegseth to squeak through. If one more Republican voted against, it would make 50-50 -- with Trump's vice president, JD Vance, coming to break the tie. On Thursday, the Senate confirmed John Ratcliffe to head the CIA, while a vote on Kristi Noem's nomination to lead Homeland Security is expected Sunday morning. Focus then shifts to Treasury nominee Scott Bessent and Trump's pick for Transport, Sean Duffy. Those votes are not expected to be difficult for the Republicans. However, the divisions exposed by Hegseth's nomination will flare up again next week when three more of Trump's most contentious nominees enter the spotlight. Kash Patel -- Trump's pick to lead the FBI -- goes before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, the same day as Tulsi Gabbard's hearing in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Both are facing major questions over their character, judgement and previous positions -- including Gabbard's echoing of Kremlin talking points on Ukraine. They are not expected to get any Democratic support. Thursday is likely to be a day of drama as the Senate holds the first of two scheduled confirmation hearings for Trump's Health Secretary nominee Robert F Kennedy Jr, who is likely to be grilled on his anti-vaccine statements and embrace of other conspiracy theories. Lights out for French solar panel maker Lyon, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 One of France's last manufacturers of solar panels -- held by a unit of the state-owned EDF electricity group that manages the nation's nuclear power reactors, will be closed after no buyer emerged. EDF Renewables said Friday that it had explored all options to save Photowatt, which has been losing between 20 and 30 million euros (dollars) per year. But after failing to reach a deal with a buyer "the option chosen by management was to close the company," an EDF Renewables spokesman told AFP. Based outside the eastern city of Lyon, Photowatt employs 162 people. It was bought by EDF Renewables out of bankruptcy protection in 2012 after having been weakened by cheaper Chinese imports. It eventually stopped manufacturing of solar panels in favour of concentrating on producing the silicon wafers used to make solar panels. The EU unveiled an initiative last year to support the few remaining domestic manufacturers of solar panels, noting that the bloc imported the bulk of its needs, with 97 percent of imports coming from China. It noted solar power is the fastest growing renewable energy sector in the EU and will be key for the bloc achieving its 2030 target of renewables accounting for 42.5 percent of energy production. Data released Thursday by climate think tank Ember showed that renewables accounted for 47 percent of the EU's electricity production last year, led by solar power. Sudan army breaks paramilitary siege on Khartoum HQ, reclaims oil refinery Port Sudan, Sudan, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 The Sudanese army said Friday it broke a siege of its headquarters in Khartoum by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which had encircled it since war broke out in April 2023. In a statement, the army said troops in Bahri (Khartoum North) and Omdurman across the Nile River had "merged with our forces stationed at the General Command of the Armed Forces". A military source confirmed that "the arrival of the forces from Bahri completely lifted the siege on the command". The army added that it had "expelled" the RSF from the Jaili oil refinery north of the capital, the country's largest, which the paramilitary had claimed control of since the start of the war. With a months-long communications blackout in place, AFP was not able to independently verify the situation on the ground. The RSF could not immediately be reached for comment, but had earlier denied the army had taken control of the Signal Corps -- a key base across the river from the military headquarters. Since the outbreak of the war with Sudan's army in April 2023, the RSF had encircled both the Signal Corps in Khartoum North and the General Command of the Armed Forces, its headquarters just south across the Blue Nile river. A military source had previously told AFP the army was advancing closer to Khartoum North, following days of military operations aimed at dislodging the RSF from fortified positions in the city. This comes around two weeks after the army reclaimed the Al-Jazira state capital Wad Madani, just south of Khartoum, securing a key crossroads between the capital and surrounding states. Regaining access to its headquarters would be the army's biggest victory since it regained the capital's twin city of Omdurman, on the Nile's west bank, nearly a year ago. "It allows the entry of forces and equipment into Khartoum and gives the armed forces the advantage of an open supply line," the military source told AFP, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media. The army and the RSF had appeared to be in a stalemate since the capture of Omdurman, with paramilitaries still in control of Khartoum North on the east bank. They have regularly exchanged artillery fire across the river, with civilians reporting bombs and shrapnel often hitting homes. The military source said Friday's advance will disable the RSF's capability for "counterattacks from Bahri," heralding the "complete collapse of the militia in Khartoum State." - Torn apart - Since the early days of the war, when the RSF quickly spread through the streets of Khartoum, the military has had to supply its forces inside the headquarters via airdrops. Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was himself trapped inside for four months, before emerging in August 2023 and fleeing to the coastal city of Port Sudan. In what is now the de facto capital on the Red Sea, dozens took to the streets of Port Sudan cheering the army's advance, chanting "one army, one people", AFP correspondents reported. Eyewitnesses in Omdurman reported similar celebrations, with cars honking and waving Sudanese flags through the streets. Khartoum and its surrounding state have been torn apart by the war, with 26,000 people killed between April 2023 and June 2024, according to a report by The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Entire neighbourhoods have been emptied out and taken over by fighters as at least 3.6 million people fled the capital, according to United Nations figures. Across the northeast African country, the war has claimed tens of thousands of lives and uprooted more than 12 million people in what the United Nations calls the world's largest internal displacement crisis. Famine has been declared in parts of Sudan but the risk is spreading for millions more people, a UN-backed assessment said last month. Before leaving office on Monday, the administration of US president Joe Biden sanctioned Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing the army of attacking schools, markets and hospitals and using food deprivation as a weapon of war. That designation came about one week after Washington sanctioned RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo for his role in "gross violations of human rights" in Sudan's vast western region of Darfur, where the RSF dominates. The United States said Daglo's forces had "committed genocide". The delegation of the Alat Free Economic Zone Authority (AFEZA), led by its Chairman of the Board, Valeh Alasgarov, conducted a series of high-profile meetings and participated in Germany-Azerbaijan Economic Forum in Munich. First, the delegation engaged with senior officials from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs. During the meeting, Mr. Alasgarov informed Mr. Martin Grossman, Head of the Department for Europe and Trade Fairs, Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, about the favorable conditions created for investors in Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ). Mr. Grossman expressed his admiration for the favorable business climate provided by AFEZ for the investors. He emphasized that these incentives would be of significant interest to investors and affirmed that The Ministry would actively inform Bavarian companies about the opportunities available within AFEZ. Afterwards, the delegation participated in the Germany-Azerbaijan Economic Forum organized by Bavarian Industry Association and The German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations. The event began with remarks from Mr. Bertram Brossardt, Managing Director of the Bavarian Industry Association, who welcomed the guests and spoke about the presence of German companies, particularly those from Bavaria, operating in Azerbaijan. He also emphasized the growth potential of Azerbaijani-German trade and economic relations. Following this, Mr. Eric Beisswenger, Minister of the Bavarian State Ministry for European and International Affairs highlighted the pivotal role of the Bavarian economy in driving Germany's overall progress. He commended the business forum for its success and noted that such initiatives are instrumental in fostering Azerbaijan-Germany economic and trade cooperation. Mr. Beisswenger also highlighted the increasing interest of German companies in Azerbaijan. Next, H.E. Nasimi Aghayev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Germany, spoke about the expanding economic and trade ties between Germany and Azerbaijan. He also drew attention to the favorable business climate in Azerbaijan and the significant prospects available to German companies through the AFEZ. Lastly, as the keynote speaker, Mr. Alasgarov delivered an insightful presentation on the investment opportunities offered by the AFEZ. He outlined the key advantages of AFEZ, including its well-established unique legal framework, strategic location, a comprehensive package of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, and ready-to-use industrial land plots. Additionally, he emphasized AFEZs advanced logistics and transportation infrastructure, designed to support efficient business operations. A central point of the presentation was the accelerated timeline for construction within AFEZ due to heightened investor interest. Mr. Alasgarov highlighted that development on 138 hectares in FEZ 1, designated for light manufacturing, commenced 18 months ahead of schedule, while construction on 365 hectares in FEZ 3, allocated for heavy industry, began 24 months earlier than planned. Overall, more than 7,500 hectares have been reserved for AFEZ development, with 6,500 hectares already allocated. Finally, he invited the German companies engaged in high-value added and export-oriented manufacturing to explore the investment opportunities in AFEZ. The presentation was met with considerable interest from participants, who recognized the proactive measures taken by AFEZA to address increasing demand. Many attendees expressed a strong interest in AFEZs offerings and engaged in discussions about potential investment opportunities, reflecting prospects for future collaborations. Found's newest episode, "Missing While Outed", raises the stakes and brings even more tension to the series. The episode mixes the investigation into Jareds case with Gabi facing the reality of her impending arrest, adding emotional weight to the story. It shows how personal struggles and tough choices affect the characters, making their actions feel more real and intense. With a gripping plot and strong performances, the episode keeps viewers engaged and builds on what makes the show so exciting and impactful. The below contains spoilers for Found, "Missing While Outed". Save this review for later if you didnt watch it live! FOUND -- "Missing While Outed" Episode 210 -- Pictured: (l-r) Shanola Hampton as Gabi Mosely, Brett Dalton as Detective Mark Trent -- (Photo by: Matt Miller/NBC) The tension begins when Gabi enters Trent's house and finds him and Sir pointing guns at each other. Sir tries to convince Gabi to come with him, but Gabi tells Trent to shoot him. Just then, the power goes out, and Sir is taken away. This sets off a chain of events that places Gabi in a tough spot. Gabi is told by the Captain that she will be arrested, prompting her to plan her next steps carefully. Trent, knowing that Gabi is in danger, urges her to run, but Gabi refuses. Instead, she decides to continue working on her cases, including one involving Jared, a college student who was outed as gay during a fraternity hazing. Jareds story becomes central to the plot as Gabi tries to help him and uncover the truth behind the actions of the fraternity. Meanwhile, Sir, who had been captured, becomes increasingly upset in an RV. His associate texts him, urging him to let go of Gabi, but Sir remains determined to get her. He calls the Dutch people again, claiming he and Gabi will meet them in 24 hours. On the other side of the story, Gabi has an important conversation with Jareds parents, who are dealing with the loss of their older son, Jacob, while still trying to understand their younger son's struggles. Lacey reveals Gina is planning a second anniversary party for M&A. Gabi confides in her, revealing that she will likely be arrested soon. Lacey is concerned that Gabi is a flight risk and may not make bail. This conversation brings up memories of Gabis past, including a flashback to when she was excited about going to college. In the flashback, Gina urges her to fix things with her father, while Gabi reassures little Lacey that they will always stay close. In a key investigation scene, Gabi and Margaret interrogate members of the fraternity, learning that one of the frat boys had led a girl on before revealing that it was all part of a bet. Gabi reassures the girl that she is beautiful and presses the frat boys for answers about Jared. Lacey interrogates Jareds dorm mate, who speaks highly of him. During an interruption from campus security, the dorm mate helps Gabi and Lacey cover up their investigation. Margaret finds Jareds journal, which hints at possible suicidal thoughts, but Ethan hesitates to read it, worried about privacy concerns. FOUND -- "Missing While Outed" Episode 210 -- Pictured: (l-r) Gabrielle Walsh as Lacey, Dionne Gibson as Gina -- (Photo by: Matt Miller/NBC) As the investigation continues, it is revealed that the university has been negligent in protecting its students. There have been multiple 9-1-1 calls about suicidal students and assaults that were never fully processed. Dhan learns that Sir has targeted both Trent and Gabi, which causes tension with Ethan, who does not want to see Dhan in more danger for Gabi. Gabi, undeterred, takes matters into her own hands by organizing a press conference and threatening to expose the university's poor track record unless they release the security footage related to Jareds case. The footage reveals a disturbing altercation between Jared and the frat house president, Brian, during which Brian admits to being in a relationship with Jared. Gina, who has learned lip reading for Lacey, helps uncover this crucial detail. Meanwhile, Christian meets with Sir, asking for help to disappear after losing everything in the manhunt. Sir refuses and knocks Christian out, leaving him behind. The investigation progresses as Brian confirms his relationship with Jared, despite a homophobic outburst from another frat boy. Lacey struggles with how to protect Gabi, having looked into every possible legal loophole. Another flashback reveals a younger Lacey discovering a passport that Sir had left for Gabi. Lacey tries to warn Gabi but is too late, as Sir is already hiding under her bed. Zeke discovers that Jared posted a video outing himself, and Dhan believes Jared did it to regain control of his life. The investigation takes a turn when they find Jareds car, abandoned after a collision with a large animal. They discover Jared on the side of the road, alive but injured. His parents arrive at the hospital, where they have a heartfelt conversation about Jareds sexuality. They reveal that they already knew he was gay, and Jared introduces Brian as his boyfriend. Ethan, while disapproving of some of Gabis methods, acknowledges the success of her work and the purpose Dhan has found in helping her. Ethan hopes that Gabi can avoid jail. As the second anniversary of M&A approaches, the team celebrates with cake, but Gabi is aware that the police will arrive soon. They work quickly to remove all evidence of Sir from her home, erasing hard drives and cleaning up the basement. FOUND -- "Missing While Outed" Episode 210 -- Pictured: (l-r) Gabrielle Walsh as Lacey, Shanola Hampton as Gabi Mosely, Brett Dalton as Detective Mark Trent -- (Photo by: Matt Miller/NBC) Margaret, who has struggled with Gabis lies, admits that her biggest disappointment was in herself. She wants to fix their relationship and is ready to work together. As tensions rise, Trent gets a call about finding Sirs RV, with Christian inside. Lacey, finally able to let go of her fears, forgives Gabi and gives her the friendship necklace from their childhood, symbolizing their bond. The story ends with Sir breaking into M&A and disabling the security cameras, setting the stage for more conflict and danger to come. Overall, this story is filled with complex relationships, emotional moments, and twists that keep the reader on edge. Gabi's determination to help others, despite the personal risks she faces, is a central theme throughout. Her team's loyalty and support are tested as they confront difficult situations, making for a suspenseful and engaging narrative. I'm sorry, but ADHD has become a scam that is wildly overdiagnosed and an excuse for poor behaviour I'm sorry, but ADHD has become a scam that is wildly overdiagnosed The chance for Will and I to reach and celebrate milestones in life together, such as marriage, buying a house, having children and continuing to explore life and be happy together, has been taken from us, including the chance for our parents to become grandparents and sisters and brothers become aunties and uncles to our children. Cathriona Heffernan, 25, from Galway city in Ireland, described the winds as scary and told the PA news agency: Those trees have been there 60 years and outdate the houses even. Its sad seeing them down all the same but just glad no damage was caused by them. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 24. The preliminary results of the investigation into the crash of the AZAL airplane near Aktau may be published next week, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, head of the government commission to investigate the causes of the crash, Kanat Bozumbayev said at a briefing, Trend reports. This is a huge international effort. We hope that next week a preliminary part of it will be published by the Ministry of Transportation. It is recommended to publish the results within 30 days from the day of the air accident. I think that the International Commission should meet this deadline, he said. In addition, the deputy minister recalled that a criminal case on the fact of the accident under the auspices of the General Prosecutor's Office has been opened. This case is under the control of the transport prosecutor. There is ballistic expertise and explosion-technical expertise. The work is continuing there now, Bozumbayev added. To note, the passenger plane Embraer-190 of AZAL Airlines, flying on the Baku-Grozny route, crashed on December 25, three kilometers from Aktau airport. As many as 67 people were on board, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. As a result of the crash, 27 people were taken to the hospital. Among them are 15 citizens of Azerbaijan, 8 citizens of Russia, and 3 citizens of Kyrgyzstan. The identity of one injured person has not yet been established. Both pilots and a stewardess were dead; two other crew members survived. On December 26, 14 victims and the bodies of four dead were transported to Azerbaijan. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. The Azerbaijani delegation headed by Chairman of the State Tourism Agency Fuad Naghiyev visited Spain within the framework of the international tourism exhibition FITUR in Madrid, Trend reports. In the course of the visit, Fuad Naghiyev and UN Secretary-General for Tourism Zurab Pololikashvili signed an agreement on holding the 71st meeting of the UN Regional Commission for Tourism in Europe in Azerbaijan on June 4-6, 2025, at the organization's headquarters in Madrid. The meeting also discussed Azerbaijan's candidacy for membership of the UN Executive Council on Tourism for 2025-2029, joint activities within the Glasgow Declaration on Tourism Day at COP29, an initiative to expand cooperation in the field of tourism education with the organization, as well as Azerbaijan's application for the nomination Best Tourism Village of the UN World Tourism Organization. Fuad Naghiyev met with Spain's Minister of Industry and Tourism Jordi Hereu Boher during the visit. Naghiyev informed about Azerbaijan's representation by national stands at the exhibitions FITUR and IBTM World held in Spain to promote the country's tourism in the European market and the development of ties with Spain within the framework of international organizations and invited Jordi Hereu Boher to the 71st meeting of the UN Regional Commission for Tourism Europe to be held in Baku. In turn, noting the prospects of cooperation between the two countries in tourism, Jordi Hereu emphasized the importance of further development of ties and an increase in mutual tourist visits. Furthermore, Fuad Naghiyev met with Brazil's Tourism Minister Celso Sabino, Andorra's Tourism and Commerce Minister Jordi Torres Falco, as well as Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan Umid Shadiev within the framework of the FITUR exhibition in the Azerbaijani pavilion and held discussions on existing tourism ties with the respective countries. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A delegation led by the Rector of the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), Professor Adalat Muradov, undertook an official visit to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, where a series of high-level meetings were conducted, culminating in the establishment of new prospects for strategic collaboration. During the visit, agreements were formalized to enhance cooperation between UNEC and several prominent institutions in Uzbekistan, including Tashkent International University (TIU), the Banking and Finance Academy (BFA), Tashkent State University of Economics (TSUE), and National University of Uzbekistan (NUUz). The first engagement involved a visit to Tashkent International University (TIU). In discussions between UNEC Rector Professor Adalat Muradov and TIU Executive Director Iskandar Yuldashev, topics such as inter-university cooperation and joint initiatives were explored. This dialogue resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding to strengthen institutional ties and foster collaborative projects. Subsequently, the UNEC delegation held discussions at the Banking and Finance Academy (BFA) of Uzbekistan. During the meeting with BFA Rector Professor Elmurod Khoshimov, a comprehensive exchange of views took place regarding global challenges in higher education and the ongoing digital transformation of education. The discussions culminated in the signing of a memorandum aimed at deepening cooperation between UNEC and BFA. The delegations next official engagement was with Tashkent State University of Economics (TSUE), a leading higher education institution in Uzbekistan, renowned for its nearly 50,000-strong student body. During the meeting between UNEC Rector Professor Adalat Muradov and TSUE Rector Professor Tulkin Teshabayev, potential avenues for collaboration were examined. As a result, a memorandum was signed, with an initial focus on implementing dual-degree MBA programs between the two institutions. UNEC also established significant cooperation with Uzbekistans Center for Sustainable Development. During a meeting attended by the Chairman of the Board of the Center for Sustainable Development, Marifjan Usmanov, a memorandum of understanding was signed, formalizing collaboration with UNECs Nizami Ganjavi Center for Sustainable Development and Green Economy Research. The memorandum sets forth a framework for joint scientific projects aimed at assessing the implementation of global and national development goals in Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and other member states of the Organization of Turkic States. Additional provisions include the organization of international conferences, the exchange of expertise, the publication of joint academic articles and journals, and other cooperative initiatives designed to advance shared objectives in science and education. UNEC has officially initiated its latest collaboration with the National University of Uzbekistan (NUUz). As part of this strategic partnership, comprehensive discussions were conducted between the Rector of NUUz, Professor Inom Majidov, and representatives of UNEC, addressing key areas of mutual interest. The discussions underscored the contemporary challenges facing the education sector, effective approaches to overcoming these challenges, the digital transformation of education and science, the integration of cutting-edge educational technologies, and the pivotal role of international collaboration in advancing academic excellence. As a culmination of these discussions, a formal memorandum of cooperation was signed between UNEC and NUUz. This memorandum seeks to establish new opportunities in the fields of education and scientific research while fostering closer institutional collaboration in the future. Notably, the agreement also includes provisions for the implementation of a dual-degree program, further strengthening academic ties between the two universities. 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"I celebrated the Unification Day in Focsani. For 20 years since I have been in public office, I have participated in the marking of this important day for our country in Oradea. Both then and today I have considered it a form of gratitude for those who made our country what it is today, but also a form of respect for our citizens. Happy birthday, Romania! Happy birthday, dear Romanians!," Bolojan posted on Facebook. The events in Focsani dedicated to the Day of the Unification of the Romanian Principalities, attended by several thousand people, were disrupted on Friday by booing from the crowd. The events in Unirii Square opened with an enactmen of the Unification of the Principalities, performed by actors from the Focsani Municipal Theater. The central authorities were represented by the President of the Senate, Ilie Bolojan, who received the greetings of the Guard of Honor, as well as by the Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja. The boos were heard in the Union Square even during the playing of the Romanian National Anthem. The only speech was that of the Archbishop of Buzau and Vrancea, His Grace Ciprian Campineanul, who called on to those present to respect the solemnity of the moment. AGERPRES Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said in a message on the occasion of the Day of the Unification of the Romanian Principalities that the modernization of the nation is a long-lasting process that requires constant efforts from the entire society. "The Unification of Wallachia with Moldavia is a great example of how an important political project undertaken in accordance with the will of the people can become a reality. This accomplishment of the country was made possible owing to courageous leaders in solidarity with the Romanian nation, such as the "Prince of the Unification', Alexandru Ioan Cuza, whose reign laid the foundations of the modern Romanian state. Just as then, at present, the modernization of a nation is a long-lasting process that requires constant efforts from the entire society, starting with political leaders. Ever since taking office, we have put the country's development first, which must prevail over personal interests, regardless of the electoral costs involved," reads the message sent on Friday. Marcel Ciolacu emphasizes that the generation that achieved the Unification of the Romanian Principalities "continues to inspire us to overcome the many trials and to remain united". "Social cohesion is essential for the achievement of the country goals. Together we have achieved the accession to the Schengen Area and the Visa Waiver Program, objectives which, together with the status of member of the European Union and NATO, strengthen Romania's role in the world and give Romanians the rights they deserve. Together we will take Romania in the OECD and we will continue the reforms undertaken by this government, which allow us to access European money and use it for large infrastructure projects, such as the Moldovan motorway, as well as for other investments that will improve people's lives," the message adds. AGERPRES President Klaus Iohannis affirms in a message conveyed on the occasion of the Day of the Unification of the Romanian Principalities that January 24 is a moment of stocktaking and reflection on the legacy left by forefathers. "This celebration gives us the opportunity to pay a pious homage to all those who promoted the unionist ideals, who acted to achieve them, thus accomplishing the Unification of the Principalities. We also bow with gratitude to those who fought and sacrificed themselves for the building of the modern Romanian state. January 24 is a moment of stocktaking and reflection on the legacy left by our forefathers and on the responsibility we have to preserve and cultivate it," reads the president's message. Iohannis recalls that 1859 was "an act of political will of members of the national elite". They overcame their personal egos and divergent political orientations to realize a major ideal - the unification of all Romanians in a single state. "The guiding example of the 'pasoptisti' [the '48-ers'] was a benchmark of high morality for those who succeeded them and who made possible the other founding stages in our history - the declaration of Independence in 1877 and the Great Union of 1918. The generations that founded the modern Romanian nation-state in the 19th and early 20th centuries fought for Romania to become part of the European world, deeply attached to democratic values, and for our citizens to be guaranteed fundamental rights in a pluralist and prosperous society," mentions the message. The president emphasizes that now, just as 166 years ago, Romania is faced with multiple challenges, to which "the best solutions must be found so that the modernization of the Romanian state can continue and the prosperity and well-being of its citizens can remain guaranteed". He also pointed out that the actions of the forefathers to achieve national ideals and the development of society were guided by principles such as national unity, solidarity and social cohesion and ensuring freedom in all its forms. "With determination and courage, recent generations have carried forward the project of Romania's consolidation, thus fulfilling the strategic priority objectives of being part of the European Union and NATO, the most powerful political and military alliance in history. In the current complicated political context, the Hora Dance of the Union, the symbol of the major historic moment of 1859, is a significant metaphor of the need for solidarity, tolerance and empathy in the face of crisis situations. That is why today, on the Day of the Unification of the Romanian Principalities, let us celebrate our national project of unity and let us not forget that democracy and freedom must be permanently defended, and the rights and freedoms of citizens must be respected every day in order not to fall prey to populism and extremism," Klaus Iohannis further conveyed. AGERPRES BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. The investigation in Russia into the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Aktau has confirmed the aircraft was shot down by a Pantsir-S1 air defense system, Trend reports, citing credible sources. The system, reportedly delivered to Russia from Syria, was identified as the cause of the tragic incident. The investigation revealed that electronic warfare (EW) systems were used against the Azerbaijani plane. This interference reportedly disabled the aircraft's control system, contributing to the crash. Further details on the investigation are expected as it progresses. Earlier today, Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev revealed that the so-called leaked data of talks between the crew members of the crashed AZAL plane vary with the data from the black boxes. We do not consider this data as a leak of transcripts of black boxes. If it is published on the Internet, this does not mean that it is the truth. There is a big difference from the contents of black boxes," the official explained. The passenger plane Embraer-190 of AZAL Airlines, flying on the Baku-Grozny route, crashed on December 25, three kilometers from Aktau airport. As many as 67 people were on board, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. As a result of the crash, 27 people were taken to the hospital. Among them are 15 citizens of Azerbaijan, eight citizens of Russia, and three citizens of Kyrgyzstan. The identity of one injured person has not yet been established. Both pilots and a stewardess were dead; two other crew members survived. On December 26, 14 victims and the bodies of four dead were transported to Azerbaijan. Railway workers, reservists, police officers, miners, foresters, steel workers and energy employees took part in a protest rally organized on Friday in Victoriei Square, amid the discontent generated by the "little train ordinance", the pensions law and the non-application of the railway personnel statute. Other trade unions and trade union federations, such as those of pensioners, police, army, etc., as well as from other sectors of activity, such as Henry Coanda airport and Metrorex also joined the protest. Also on Friday, on the celebration of the Day of the Unification of Romanian Principalities, former independent presidential candidate Calin Georgescu participated alongside supporters in an action titled "The Great Hora Dance of the Nation's Unification" at Military Heroes Monument in Youth Park. Some of his supporters left the Youth Park and headed towards Victoriei Square to participate in the trade unionists rally, blocking the road traffic on the route Unirii Square - Universitate Square - Romana Square - Victoriei Square. The Gendarmerie of the Capital announced that the trade unionists in Victoriei Square communicated that they do not agree with the presence of Georgescu's supporters, and measureswere taken to separate the two groups. In fact, the trade unionists' protest ended early, after the supporters of Calin Georgescu came to the square. "Due to the arrival of the large crowd of participants from the Youth Park, the organizer of the public rally in Victoriei Square declared the activity over, unwilling to associate itself with them. Moreover, some of the the supporters of Calin Georgescu unrightfully used the rally props set up in Victoriei, getting on stage and making speeches over the public address system," announced the Bucharest Gendarmerie. Afterwards, some of the protesters present in Victoriei Square tried to break through the cordon of gendarmes and enter the roadway, and then threw blunt objects and a firecracker at the police. Tensions erupted at around 16:20, after a group of demonstrators started to clash with the gendarmes, who were providing a security perimeter on the side of the Victoriei Square in front of the Government. People then started throwing bottles, flags and pieces of metal broken from the fences, and at one point a firecracker was detonated. The gendarmes were able to maintain the security cordon, and more troops were deployed in the area. "There was a small group of protesters who tried to break through the police barricade. During these incidents, some of the protesters also threw a firecracker, trying to escalate the violence. Fortunately, the other participants did not join this initiative. In the face of these isolated actions, the gendarmes are forced to intervene specifically," Marius Militaru, spokesman for the Romanian Gendarmerie,told private broadcaster Digi24. Shortly after the incident, the Gendarmerie denied reports that tear gas was used against protesters. "Following the information appearing in the public space, regarding the fact that the gendarmes have used tear-gas substances, we mention that this information is false.There is still an odor in Victoriei Square coming from a firecracker thrown by demonstrators towards the gendarmes. We emphasize the fact that the gendarmes did not use irritant-lacrimatory substances or other means of equipment," says the Gendarmerie in a press release. In addition to these incidents, a team of journalists from Digi24 TV station, broadcasting from Victoriei Square, was assaulted by supporters of Calin Georgescu. Thus, Calin Georgescu's supporters interrupted the reporter who was broadcasting live several times, made ostentatious noise with vuvuzelas and pulled at the video camera. "There were also people who behaved inappropriately with media representatives, although on several occasions, both in the public space and through messages, we have strongly condemned such behavior. They are unacceptable and all measures will be taken to be identified on the basis of the images," the spokesman for the Romanian Gendarmerie further said in the intervention at private broadcaster Digi24. Traffic has been resumed in the capital after Calin Georgescu's supporters blocked traffic in downtown Bucharest. AGERPRES When President Trump paused a ban against TikTok shortly after taking office last week, some St. Louis-area business owners who rely on the social media app for marketing and income felt suspiciously optimistic but are busy making backup plans in case the ban is reinstated. Though American users can still create, share and like videos on TikTok, the app is no longer available for download to new users in the U.S. through online stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play. TikTok, the video-sharing app owned by Chinese parent company ByteDance, was scheduled to be shut down in the U.S. on Jan. 19 under a Biden administration law that called for a ban unless the platform was sold to a non-Chinese company. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to stop the ban from going into effect. So TikTok went dark on Jan. 18, but was working again the next day. And on Monday, after Trump was sworn in, he signed an executive order delaying enforcement of the TikTok ban for 75 days. Trump has said that he plans to work with Chinas president Xi Jinping to keep TikTok available to U.S. users. TikTok has 170 million monthly U.S. users, giving businesses who use it a free marketing tool to grow their customer bases and increase revenue. Custom apparel business owner Kisha Kandeh said she knew TikTok would come back once Trump got involved. Kandeh owns The Woke Brand, which has locations in the St. Louis Galleria and Cherokee Street. Many of the companys customers discover The Woke Brand on social media, Kandeh said. This has been a wake-up call to me to use the platform for what it is, but to also use that platform to draw those people off TikTok and onto the website, Kandeh said. She said the ban reminded her that the overall goal of social media for her is to convert followers into sales. While the 75-day delay is in effect, The Woke Brand isnt pumping the brakes on their TikTok strategy. Kandeh said they will be experimenting with TikTok Shop, an e-commerce feature available to businesses. Im just happy that its back. I learned a lot from TikTok, Kandeh said. Thats just the way of the world now. We have to be innovative enough as business owners to swing it right or left. Sierra Stinebrook, owner of Grandmas Playroom, an indoor play space for kids in south St. Louis County, has 2.9 million followers on the app. She makes videos that show off her personality, share small business tips and give people a behind-the-scenes look at how she runs the playroom. Stinebrook said that she will continue to post on TikTok for the next 75 days, but will also post on other social media platforms, like YouTube and Instagram Reels, to build a bigger following there. We are going to pretend [TikTok] makes us no income, Stinebrook said. [Were going to] use the 75 days as a bridge to squirrel away money for taxes from TikTok. Cepia, the toy company behind the animatronic Zhu Zhu Pets, partners with TikTok influencers to advertise its toys. The company will continue to post on other platforms like Instagram, Meta, formerly Facebook, and even Lemon8, another social media app owned by ByteDance, said Laura Frerichs, head of marketing at Clayton-based toy company. The TikTok blackout was thankfully quick, she said. We are happy that the creators we work with are able to keep their businesses going without prolonged disruption, Frerichs said. Emily Mclanahan-Hluzek, of St. Louis Digital Media in Maryland Heights, said she never believed that the government would actually get rid of TikTok. She called 75-day delay an attempt at good PR by Trump, who led efforts to ban TikTok during his first term in the White House. You create a problem so you can publicly fix it, Mclanahan-Hluzek said. LOUISIANA, Mo. A Pike County man has been charged for impersonating an immigration officer and assaulting a woman in her home while demanding she provide him with proof of her citizenship. According to court documents, shortly after 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Bryan Golbricht, 24, of Louisiana, burst through the front door of his neighbor's apartment and threatened to arrest the woman if she did not give him her immigration paperwork. The two live in Louisiana, Mo., a city of about 3,200 people about 90 miles north of St. Louis. More than 6 percent of the population is Hispanic. While in the woman's apartment, police say Golbricht put his hand on her neck and pushed her against the refrigerator, and insinuated that three deputies would arrive soon to arrest her. He also led her to believe that he had a gun and threatened to put the gun to her head. It is unclear what motivated the man to break into his neighbor's apartment and question the woman's immigration status, said Louisiana Police Chief Josh Baker. The entire encounter was overheard and recorded by another woman, who was acting as a translator for the victim by phone. In the recording, Golbricht is heard saying he is with "immigration" and when the translator threatened to call the police, Golbricht said he "did not want the police there." Golbricht, who fled the scene, returned later. The victim was able to identify Golbricht as the man who broke into her apartment, police said. Baker said his department had only one prior interaction with Golbricht earlier Wednesday he'd gone to the police station and asked for a job application. "He is not going to be hired now, obviously," Baker said. BERKELEY A senior staffer in St. Louis Countys public health department has quit, saying she has faced harassment, retaliation and bullying for the past year and a half, and a toxic work environment is driving out senior leaders. Emily Varner, chief of the departments health data team, said in a letter to department leaders that Director Dr. Kanika Cunninghams mismanagement has prompted seven top managers, including Varner, to step down in as many months. Moreover, Varner said in an interview Thursday, the department is inflating numbers in the countys application for federal money for clinical services. Together, the problems pose a risk to public health and clinical services the department offers to some of the countys most vulnerable people, said Varner, whos still employed for the next two weeks. She was placed on administrative leave after she gave her resignation notice. To see whats happening internally, the community is going to suffer, said Varner, who has worked at the department for more than eight years. Its the exact opposite of why we get into the field. Cunningham sent an email to employees Wednesday in response to Varners letter, which was circulating among department staff. Please know that the county takes allegations of discriminatory or harassing conduct very seriously and will not tolerate inappropriate behavior in the workplace, Cunningham wrote. Employees are encouraged to bring such matters to my attention at any time, without fear of any retaliation being taken against them for doing so. She asked employees to treat Varners letter as a confidential personnel matter. Doug Moore, a spokesman for County Executive Sam Page, who appointed Cunningham in 2023, declined to comment. Varner said the six other senior leaders who have left their positions in recent months had similar concerns. The Post-Dispatch confirmed the departures of the communicable disease response director, the change management officer, the strategy and quality management director, the health center administrator and the deputy director. The chief medical officer quit her position but remains employed by the county, Varner said. At least four of them wrote letters to department leadership, Varner said. Laura Klaesner, the strategy and management director, wrote in a Nov. 15 letter that she was resigning because of retaliation and because she no longer felt like a valued senior leader in this organization. I am not leaving due to pay, wrote Klaesner, who started working for the county in 1995. I am leaving because I am no longer empowered to do my job. Klaesner declined to comment for this story. Varner ran the health departments data team, which manages health records, produces public health reports and helps track infectious diseases. Varner said her problems started after she lost five staffers, almost half her team, to layoffs in December 2023, she wrote in her letter, dated Tuesday. She lost another to a change to the countys remote work policy, and another who left for a new job. Varner tried to work with Cunningham and other department leaders to find ways to reduce costs without laying people off. Varner offered to cut vacant positions, among other things, but Cunningham didnt agree. Cunningham told her, and the County Council, that the layoffs were due to a reorganization. But the reorganization never materialized in the year that followed, Varner said. She said she never saw a plan, though she asked for details and for guidance about how to talk with her staff about the layoffs. I would anticipate that, as the division director, I would be included in conversations/plans as has been done in the past, Varner wrote. The teams workload doubled with only six employees left of the original 13, Varner said. In May 2024, Varner was placed on a performance improvement plan after health department leadership expressed concerns about her work, Varners letter says, and Cunningham called her a poor leader. Prior to 2024, she had satisfactory performance reviews, Varner wrote. The same month, attorneys with an outside law firm questioned Varner as part of a human resources investigation connected to the layoffs. Attorneys asked for her opinions of Cunningham and the county executive. They also asked if she had ever heard anyone say Page was evil or called him a robot. After that, Varner said she was left out of decisions for key projects, such as choosing a new vendor for electronic health records. She said her boss, a senior health director, stalked her outside of the bathroom, yelled during meetings and screamed at her in front of other colleagues. She complained to HR, but nothing happened, she said. Varner filed two grievances that summer with county HR, alleging her treatment was retaliation for questioning the layoffs. She never heard back, she said. She also never received reviews from her performance plan, and nothing was done in response to her complaints about her boss, she said. Varner told the Post-Dispatch the public health department overall is suffering because of mismanagement. She witnessed some problems first-hand: The departments clinical services provide primary care to people who either dont have insurance or are underinsured, but the department hasnt been able to modernize its digital patient portal where patients can look up information about their visits and health leading to frustration for patients and doctors. Varner doesnt work on the clinical side, but she has heard directors in meetings discuss delays in patient care, a lack of providers and a lack of services. Some contracts have lapsed, she said. And the department inflated numbers in an effort to get higher Medicaid reimbursements and discounted prescription drugs from the federal government, Varner said: The department reported in its application to the federal government that it had over 2,000 patients in a month last year. But the clinics saw a little over 6,000 patients all year last year, she said. The numbers in the application are a lot different than what were seeing, Varner said. 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. Col. Stephen Skells holds up a pair of giant scissors after cutting a ribbon to officially open Caserma Matteo Miotto for the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade in Longare, Italy, on Jan. 24, 2025. (Rebecca Holland/Stars and Stripes) LONGARE, Italy A U.S. Army unit that collects intelligence in support of the services operations in Africa unveiled its new home Friday at a base south of Vicenza. The 207th Military Intelligence Brigades transition to renovated facilities at Caserma Matteo Miotto has been in the works for six years, though construction didnt start until about three years ago, said Col. Scott Horrigan, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Italy. Since 2016, the brigade had been operating from Caserma Ederle, about 6 miles away. The soldiers of the 207th are expected to complete their move to Caserma Miotto by the spring. Four buildings on base were gutted and redone as part of the project, which included installation of new security cameras and more secure classified areas. There was little activity on the base during the renovation period. Specific details on the refurbished buildings were not immediately available Friday. Its not just construction but technology that was updated, Horrigan said. Among Fridays events was a reception with the family of the bases namesake. Matteo Miotto was a corporal from nearby Thiene who served in the Alpini, the Italian armys mountain infantry. In 2010, he was killed in combat in Afghanistans Buji Pass after rushing to reinforce the area. The act earned the 24-year-old the Silver Medal for Valor from the Italian army and the Cross of Honor, which is given to victims of terrorism abroad. All of us understand the cost of freedom, so it is our privilege to serve on a base named for an Italian hero, said Col. Stephen Skells, the brigade commander. Until last year, the base did not have a name. Americans would refer to it as Longare Base, causing confusion between the town and the installation. Meanwhile, Italians called it Site Pluto, a holdover from the Cold War that is irrelevant today but nevertheless has sparked conspiracy theories in local media that the base is a secret storage spot for nuclear weapons. Skells unveiled a plaque near the base entrance that features a photo of Miotto. Its very emotional, Miottos mother, Anna Dal Farro, said Friday. It means Matteo left a great legacy. It was very difficult when he chose to enlist, and I was very angry when he went to Afghanistan, but you have to let your children choose their own path. Tragically, it ended like this, but hes in the heart of everyone here. Loaded steak fries from JJ's American Diner near Camp Humphreys, South Korea. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes) JJs American Diner serves up classic American comfort food with an international flair in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. Much like diners in the United States, JJs captures the essence of a small-town eatery while embracing the global influences that have shaped American cuisine over the years. Its proximity to the base just a five-minute stroll from the Camp Humphreys walk-in gate ensures its a welcoming spot for soldiers and locals alike. Inside, the atmosphere is everything youd expect from a diner: warm, inviting and full of nostalgic charm. Booth seating and friendly staff make it the perfect place to settle in for a meal that feels like home. JJs menu features an array of dishes that highlight the fusion of American classics and international inspirations. From burgers and pancakes to chicken and waffles, the options are diverse and satisfying. For the main course, I tried the loaded steak fries, which surprises with its portion size and layered flavors. Crinkle-cut fries form the base, topped with tender steak, onions, tomatoes, sour cream and a combination of shredded and melted cheese. While the presentation wasnt particularly striking, mixing everything together brought out a surprising flavor profile. The price on this one was 15,900 won, or about $12. Creamy Alfredo pasta with steak from JJ's American Diner near Camp Humphreys, South Korea. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes) I also sampled the creamy Alfredo pasta with steak, which delivered a rich and hearty meal. The pasta was coated in Alfredo sauce, complemented by tender cubes of steak. However, the accompanying bread leaned a bit too sweet for my taste and detracted slightly from the overall meal. At 18,900 won, its a solid choice if youre in the mood for something indulgent and comforting. JJs drink selection sticks to the diner classics, with coffee, sodas and a small selection of beers like Budweiser and Heineken. The straightforward options pair well with the rich, flavorful entrees and round out the experience. JJs American Diner blends the best of American comfort food with a touch of global influence, making it a solid choice for anyone in the area. Whether youre stationed nearby or just passing through, JJs is a reliable spot for a satisfying meal. JJ's American Diner near Camp Humphreys, South Korea, is warm, inviting and full of nostalgic charm. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes) JJs American Diner Location: 93-4 Anjeong-ro 222beon-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Directions: A short walk from Camp Humphreys walk-in gate. Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8:30 to 10 p.m., Saturday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday. Prices: Entrees cost between 14,900 and 28,900 won. Dress: Casual Information: 031-8094-1337 A traditional performer from Sado Island in Niigata prefecture, Japan, shows off his moves in Tokyos Ginza district, Nov. 26, 2024. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) Visitors to one of Tokyos fanciest shopping areas can plan a trip further afield at a prefectural information center in operation since summer. The Niigata, a short walk from Ginza Station, opened in August and includes a restaurant and sake and craft shops and hosts events promoting tourism in the western Japanese prefecture. The facility recently invited journalists to a get-together promoting Sado Island in the Sea of Japan, part of Niigata just off the coast of Japans main island of Honshu. Gold mines on the island were mined by hand for hundreds of years and were recently registered as a World Heritage cultural site. The South Korean and Japanese governments held separate ceremonies in November commemorating miners drafted to work there during World War II. At the Ginza event, Rumiko Obata, manager of the Obata Sake Brewery on Sado, told visitors of the experiences they can have during a visit to the island, home to 50,000 people. It takes under four hours to get there from Tokyo, riding a bullet train to Niigata city, followed by a ferry, Obata said. Obatas family has brewed Sake on Sado since 1892, she said. Visitors can sample food from Niigata prefecture, Japan, in Tokyos Ginza district. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) In 2014, her company converted an abandoned school on the island to a brewery that includes a cafe, accommodations and workspace. Next at the Ginza event, Tadaaki Aida, a rice farmer on Sado, demonstrated onidaiko traditional Sado drumming that has been passed down for more than 400 years. Meanwhile, a performer in a mask and costume leapt around the room in a type of performance done on the island to wish for good health, prosperity and bountiful harvests. In addition to farming rice, Aida runs Sadoya Nippon, a company that promotes local culture on the island by planning festivals and making traditional costumes. The Niigata, a short walk from Ginza Station, opened in August and includes a restaurant and sake and craft shops and hosts events promoting tourism in the western Japanese prefecture. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) Journalists could taste some of Aidas rice at the Ginza event and wash it down with sake brewed on the island. They also got to sample a selection of food prepared by the information centers restaurant The Niigata Bit Ginza using ingredients such as oyster, snapper and persimmon from Sado island. On the QT Directions: Sanwa Suzuran Bldg., 5-6-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; a short walk from Ginza Station, exits A2/B5 Times: The gift shop is open daily, 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily; the sake shop is open daily, noon to 7:30 p.m.; restaurant hours vary. Costs: Its free to enter the center. Food: Lunch at The Niigata Bit Ginza starts at 2,980 yen, just over $19; dinner starts at 5,478 yen. Information: Online: the-niigata.jp Soldiers raid the Tocoron Penitentiary Center, in Tocoron, Venezuela, Sept. 20, 2023. The Tren de Aragua gang originated at the prison. (Ariana Cubillos/AP) (Tribune News Service) Following the U.S. designation of Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization, new evidence has surfaced in Chile showing not only that there are links between the Venezuelan gang and the Nicolas Maduro regime, but that members of the Caracas leadership were the ones ordering the criminal organization to carry out the notorious killing of a dissident in the Chilean capital of Santiago. According to the police report revealed this week by the television channel Chilevision, the order to kidnap exiled Army Lieut. Ronald Ojeda was issued and paid for by Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, a powerful member of the Venezuelan regime. The U.S. has a standing $25 millon offer for his capture on charges that Cabello and Maduro are the top leaders of the Soles drug cartel. Ojeda was killed soon after he was kidnapped and tortured in Santiago in February 2024. He had been taken by force from his 14th-floor apartment by three men dressed as officials of Chiles Investigative Police while a fourth member of the team waited outside in a vehicle. The abduction was caught on video, which later went viral on social media. His body was found nine days later inside a suitcase hidden under a concrete slab inside a house in Santiago in which he was presumably tortured. The autopsy showed that he died of asphyxiation, which is believed to have occurred at least a week after his abduction. Ojedas activities as a Venezuelan dissident and the fact that kidnappers never attempted to collect a ransom led officials to believe that the abduction and killing was politically motivated. Later, as the investigation continued, Chilean officials were able to establish that the operation was run by members in Chile of the Tren de Aragua Venezuelan gang. This week, officials in Chile said that while the Venezuelan gang executed the kidnapping, those that decided to carry it out were top ranking members of the Maduro government. We always said from the start that given the profile of the victim this was a political event. But the evidence that now exists in the investigation shows that this conclusion is no longer solely based on the victims profile. But that the payments [to the gang] were made by the Venezuelan government, said regional prosecutor Hector Barros, who is in charge of the investigation, in an interview with Chilevision. Citing documents from the investigation of the prosecutors office, the TV channel reported that key evidence gathered by officials point to Cabello issuing the order to initially abduct Ojeda and later to carry out his execution. The Chilean prosecutor has gathered testimony claiming that Cabello issued the orders and made the payments through Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, a.k.a Nino Guerrero, the alleged head of Tren de Aragua, which is currently believed to be operating in about a dozen countries, including the United States. Arising out of a Venezuelan prison and quickly expanding to become an umbrella organization for other gangs, the Tren de Aragua for years has dominated crime in vast areas of the South American country, specializing in a long list of crimes ranging from extortion, car-theft and kidnapping to drug-trafficking, prostitution and murder for hire. As an estimated 7.7 millions Venezuelans left their homes to migrate to other countries in the past 10 years, the gang saw in the exodus an opportunity to grow exponentially, increasing its ranks from the estimated 400 members to an army of more than 3,000 strong reportedly operating now in Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Central America, in addition to Venezuela. While the link between the Maduro regime and the Tren de Aragua has for long been suspected, the news coming out of Chile this week is being viewed as further evidence that the links between the two go beyond a friendly relationship. Tren de Aragua has long been suspected of being at the service of the Venezuelan regime, with its members used for political destabilization actions in countries with large Venezuelan populations, but now are being used to kill individuals considered a threat to Maduro regime, said Jose Antonio Colina, president of Veppex, a Venezuelan exile NGO based in Miami. Cabellos alleged role in the gangs activity also reinforces the long-held belief among regime critics that Tren de Aragua is also at the service of the Venezuelan drug cartel. That is one of the main conclusions Venezuelans are gathering out of the news coming out of Chile this week, Colina said. We are now seeing that not only Tren de Aragua is tightly linked with the tiranny in Venezuela, but that one of the main people calling the shots in the gang is Diosdado Cabello Rondon, who is at the same time one of the top members of the cartel, Colina said. The presence of Tren de Aragua members inside the United States has generated concerns among U.S. officials and was part of Donald Trumps campaign issues on immigration. Arguing that the presence of Tren de Aragua in the United States poses a significant threat to the country, Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday declaring the gang, along with the Salvadorean gang La Mara Salvatrucha and a number of Mexican drug cartels, as foreign terrorist organizations. The gangs campaigns of violence and terror in the United States and internationally are extraordinarily violent, vicious, and similarly threaten the stability of the international order in the Western Hemisphere, the White House said in a statement on the executive order. The designation will allow U.S. enforcement agencies to channel more resources to combat Tren de Araguas activities in the United States. 2025 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The son of Tech. Sgt. David Stubblefield, of the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron, poses in a colorful kimono on Japan Culture Day at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, Jan. 24, 2025. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan Japan is rich in vibrant culture and Japanese base workers recently shared it with their U.S. counterparts at this airlift hub in western Tokyo. Hundreds of guests showed up Friday to enjoy Japan Culture Day, an annual event that combines traditional dancing and music, such as taiko, or Japanese drums, tea ceremonies and foods like mochi, or rice cake. Dancers put on a show during Japan Culture Day at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, Jan. 24, 2025. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Members of the Japanese Welfare Association serve oshiruko, a sweet red bean soup, and tonjiru, a savory pork and vegetable soup, on Japan Culture Day at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, Jan. 24, 2025. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Chief Master Sgt. Griselda Criddell, of the 374th Maintenance Squadron, and her daughter try on kimonos during Japan Culture Day at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, Jan. 24, 2025. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Dancers put on a show during Japan Culture Day at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, Jan. 24, 2025. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Col. Richard McElhaney, commander of the 374th Airlift Wing, participates in a kagami-biraki ceremony on Japan Culture Day at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, Jan. 24, 2025. The ceremony involved breaking a sake barrel's lid open to celebrate new beginnings. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Dressing up in a kimono a long, loose garment with wide sleeves thats tied with a sash was particularly popular with airmen and their families. The first Japan Culture Day was held in 2003, at the request of Yokotas then-vice commander, Col. Kenneth Wavering. He wanted to provide an opportunity to experience and learn the local culture, he said, because its important to understand the host nation to build a better friendship. North Korean troops train at an undisclosed military base, March 6, 2024, in this image from the state-run Korean Central News Agency. (KCNA) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea North Korea may be accelerating plans to send more troops to replace frontline casualties incurred fighting Ukraine on behalf of Russia. Pyongyang plans to send Moscow an unspecified number of troops to replace those killed, wounded or imprisoned, according to a Friday report from South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff. The North Korean reinforcements are expected to arrive within two months, according to a New York Times report published Wednesday that cited an unnamed U.S. defense official. Roughly 12,000 North Koreans may have deployed to Russia as early as October to fight in the nearly 2-year conflict, U.S. and Ukrainian authorities have said. Of those, around 3,000 were killed or wounded in fighting in Russias western front, South Korean lawmakers Lee Seong-kweun and Park Sun-won, citing a closed-door National Intelligence Service briefing, told reporters earlier this month. News reports indicate the North Koreans are fighting in Kursk, a region of Russia where Ukrainian forces seized territory last summer. Last month, Ukraine released photos of military identification cards and letters written in Korean that it said belonged to North Korean soldiers. It also released several videos of their interrogation of two North Korean troops captured Jan. 3 during fighting in western Kursk. One of the North Koreans said he and about 100 other troops arrived in Russia by commercial ferry, not a military transport, and that he did not know who they would be fighting against, according to an interrogation video posted Monday on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys account on social platform X. Intelligence data on the movement of such troops to Russian territory, their training and complete information isolation have been confirmed by the prisoners, the post said. All the facts about North Koreas involvement in this war will be established. North Koreas state-run Korean Central News Agency has yet to report on the countrys involvement in the war. The communist regimes leader, Kim Jong Un, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during their June 18 summit in Pyongyang, pledged mutual military aid if either country was at war. Since then, the U.S. and South Korean militaries have accused the North of providing Russia with ballistic missiles and thousands of containers of artillery shells. About 250 people attend a protest in Naha city against U.S. service members accused of sexual assaults on Okinawa, Jan. 22, 2025. (All Okinawa) Japanese prosecutors on Okinawa will not pursue charges against a U.S. Marine accused of sexually assaulting and injuring a woman in November, a spokesman said Friday. The Naha Public Prosecutors Office on Thursday dropped the case against the Marine due to a lack of evidence, a spokesman with the office said by phone. We determined that it would be difficult to press charges of nonconsensual sexual intercourse, he said. Normally silent on its decisions, the prosecutors office publicly disclosed parts of this one because of a high level of interest among Okinawans. The case is one of at least four of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault alleged against U.S. troops on Okinawa in the past year. The Marine, in his 30s, is still subject to the U.S. military Uniform Code of Military Justice, according to a spokeswoman for the III Marine Expeditionary Force. The incident remains under investigation, 1st Lt. Isabel Izquierdo told Stars and Stripes by email Friday. She declined to identify the Marine or update his status. The Marine was suspected of sexually assaulting and injuring a woman described as older than 20, whom he did not know, in a building on Okinawa. The case came to light Jan. 8 when police forwarded it to prosecutors. The woman told the Okinawa Times on Thursday that dropping the case is unreasonable and shocking. She accused the Marine of holding her mouth closed with his right hand, grabbing her neck with his left hand and beating her when she resisted. Three other cases of alleged sexual crimes last year on Okinawa led to indictments and one conviction while stirring public discontent with the U.S. military. A womens rights group drew about 250 people to a protest Tuesday outside the prefectural government building in Naha, group member Sachiko Kudeken said by phone Friday. The same group - Okinawans Protesting Against the Rape of a Girl by a U.S. Service Member and Calling for Prevention of Recurrences - attracted 2,500 people to a Dec. 22 protest outside Okinawa City Hall. The December protest followed the conviction earlier that month of Air Force Senior Airman Brennon Washington in Naha District Court for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a girl, 15, a year earlier. Washington has appealed the conviction. Kudeken declined comment on the case that was dropped Thursday. They should protect us, the citizens of the prefecture, and not the U.S. military, she said. Also Tuesday, the Naha and Nago city assemblies filed opinion and protest letters with Japanese and U.S. authorities, respectively, seeking changes to the status of forces agreement governing U.S. troops in Japan, according to the assemblies spokespeople. Naha requested an apology and compensation for the woman in the November incident and asked Japan to restructure and downsize U.S. military bases in Okinawa. The letters were posted to the assemblies websites. The opinion letters were addressed to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani and other Japanese office holders. The protest letters went to the U.S. ambassador to Japan, a post thats pending Senate confirmation; U.S. Forces Japan commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost; III MEF commander Lt. Gen. Roger Turner; Marine Corps Installations Pacific commander Maj. Gen. Brian Wolford; and U.S. Consul General Naha Andrew Ou. Naha also addressed its letter to the U.S. president and secretaries of State and Defense, without naming them specifically. Some Japanese government officials may speak to the press only on condition of anonymity. U.S. soldiers assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment conduct a convoy during an exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, in January 2023. President Donald Trump aims to redeploy 20,000 American troops from Europe, Italy's leading news agency said Jan. 23, 2025. Its unclear what units would be targeted for cuts. (Micah Wilson/U.S. Army) President Donald Trump wants to withdraw 20,000 U.S. troops from Europe and demand a subsidy from allies to pay for the remaining American military presence on the Continent, Italys leading news agency reported this week. On Thursday, ANSA said Trump has been delivering his troop-cut message to European leaders since taking office Monday. Trump would like financial contributions from European countries because these soldiers are a deterrent, and the costs cannot be borne solely by American taxpayers, a European diplomat told the news service. The Pentagon did not immediately respond Friday to questions about the report. Trump has long advocated for a smaller force in Europe, especially in Germany. At the end of his first term, he ordered 12,000 troops out of Germany, with some to be relocated to other areas in Europe and others back to the U.S. American M1A2 Abrams tanks take up strategic positions during a live fire exercise in Grafenwoehr, Germany, in 2020. President Donald Trump wants to withdraw 20,000 U.S. troops from Europe, according to an Italian news agency report. (Gregory Stevens/U.S. Army National Guard) The plan was never put into effect and was later canceled by former President Joe Biden. However, Trumps new Pentagon team has made clear that the U.S. needs to play a smaller military role in Europe and shift capabilities to the Pacific to counter a growing threat from China. The U.S. has about 65,000 troops permanently stationed in Europe and thousands more there on a rotational basis. Since Russias 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the overall force level has been in the range of 100,000 troops. Its unclear what units would be targeted for cuts, but the rotation of tank brigades to NATOs eastern flank, a linchpin of allied deterrence since the 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine, could be in Trumps crosshairs. Newly installed defense officials have previously indicated that such rotations could be an area where the Pentagon could achieve savings. Other potential targets are assets that would be of value in deterring China in the Pacific, such as warships, long-range artillery and Patriot missile defense units. On Thursday, Trump told an audience of global leaders gathered at an economic forum in Davos, Switzerland, that the current NATO threshold of spending 2% of gross domestic product on defense is insufficient. Im also going to ask all NATO nations to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, which is what it should have been years ago, Trump said, speaking virtually from Washington. Trump didnt directly say the 5% standard would apply to the United States. Washington would have to significantly boost its own defense spending to hit the 5% mark. Currently, the U.S. spends about 3.4% of GDP on the defense budget. Going to 5% would push the Pentagon budget of roughly $842 billion to more than $1 trillion. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 24. QazaqGaz, Kazakhstan's national gas company, is in discussions with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to collaborate on geological exploration and gas field development in Turkmenistan, Trend reports via QazaqQaz. Sanjar Zharkeshov, Chairman of QazaqGaz, and Mohamed Saif Al Aryani, ADNOCs Executive Vice President for International Growth, held talks on potential partnerships in exploring and developing gas reserves in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Zharkeshov emphasized the vast opportunities for collaboration with ADNOC, reaffirming QazaqGaz's commitment to offering transparent and competitive terms. He highlighted the companys readiness to facilitate access to promising exploration sites, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties between the two companies. Furthermore, QazaqGaz intends to participate in the development of gas fields in Turkmenistan, including the strategically significant Galkynysh gas and oil field. Then Maj. Matthew Lohmeier, 460th Space Wing executive officer, en route to the Mission Control Station during Team Buckley Spouse and Family Day Center on Buckley AFB, Colo., on Dec. 22, 2016. (Nicholas Rau/U.S. Air Force/TNS) (Tribune News Service) President Donald Trump announced plans to nominate Matthew Lohmeier to be the the Department of the Air Forces second-highest ranking official. I am pleased to announce that Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Lohmeier will be the next United States Under Secretary of the Air Force, Trump wrote on social media Friday. As undersecretary, Lohmeier would be the the deputy to Trumps Air Force Secretary nominee, Troy Meink. Lohmeier joined the Air Force in 2006 and became an instructor pilot after graduating from the Air Force Academy, according to a biography on Congress website. He transferred to the Space Force in October 2020 and soon after took command of the 11th Space Warning Squadron, which provides missile warning and tracking worldwide, according to the Air Force Times. The squadron is located at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colo., just outside of Denver. Lohmeiers Facebook page says he lives in Boise, though he is originally from Tucson, Ariz. His website says he lives with his wife and children in Idaho. He first gained national attention in 2021 after self-publishing a book purporting that Marxist ideology had become widespread within the United States military. The book also criticized claims of white supremacy within the military, ideas about systemic racism, the Black Lives Matter movement and diversity initiatives. Soon after, officials fired Lohmeier from his Space Force command position for comments made while promoting the book on conservative podcasts. This decision was based on public comments made by Lt. Col. Lohmeier in a recent podcast, a Space Force spokesperson told Military.com. Lt. Gen. Whiting has initiated a Command Directed Investigation on whether these comments constituted prohibited partisan political activity. The Air Force Office of Inspector General began investigating Lohmeier but dropped the inquiry after he voluntarily left active duty, according to The Air Force Times and Lohmeiers website. Trump wrote on his Truth Social social media platform, Matthew will work with the GREAT Secretary of Defense Nominee, Pete Hegseth, to end the devastating woke policies that have destroyed our Military, and make our Country STRONG AGAIN. Lohmeier thanked Trump in a social media post, saying he was very much looking forward to continuing (his) service to our great men and women in uniform. The Senate will need to approve Lohmeiers nomination. 2025 The Idaho Statesman. Visit idahostatesman.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Marines load concertina wire onto a 7-ton truck at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 22, 2025, in preparation to deploy to the U.S.-Mexico border. (Diego Berumen/U.S. Marine Corps) AUSTIN, Texas Military police and Army engineers from seven states will join Marine Corps engineers from California already en route for a deployment to the U.S. border with Mexico ordered Monday by President Donald Trump. In total, 1,500 active-duty troops will join about 2,500 National Guard members and helicopter crews already working at the southwest border in support of Customs and Border Protection. The forces will install physical barriers along the border and conduct detection and monitoring missions, according to U.S. Northern Command, which is leading the mission. The first wave of active-duty troops was expected to be at locations along the border by the end of the week. NORTHCOM would not say exactly where the troops would deploy. U.S. Northern Command is aggressively bolstering security at the southern border, said Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, NORTHCOMs commander. In a matter of days, we will have nearly doubled the number of forces along the border, effectively implementing the presidents intent while planning and posturing for expanded efforts to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the United States. There is discussion among defense officials and the White House that the number of troops deployed could reach 10,000, said a senior defense official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The executive order that Trump signed Monday called for whatever number of troops that defense officials deemed necessary. Despite the bulk of troops coming from military police units, the Pentagon stated Wednesday that none are intended to be used for law enforcement. Detachments made up of about 500 Marines and sailors from the 1st and 7th Combat Engineer Battalions from the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, Calif., were already deployed in support of wildfires in the state and began transitioning Wednesday to the border. They will secure the border and protect and defend the territorial integrity of the United States, according to a statement from the I Marine Expeditionary Force. The remaining 1,000 troops come from the following Army units: Headquarters, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Cavazos, Texas. Headquarters, 720th Military Police Battalion, Fort Cavazos, Texas. 401st Military Police Company, Fort Cavazos, Texas. 202nd Military Police Company, Fort Bliss, Texas. Headquarters, 716th Military Police Battalion, Fort Campbell, Ky. 23rd Military Police Company, Fort Drum, N.Y. 549th Military Police Company, Fort Stewart, Ga. 530th Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Stewart, Ga. 977th Military Police Company, Fort Riley, Kan. 41st Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Riley, Kan. 569th Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Carson, Colo. Headquarters, 759th Military Police Battalion, Fort Carson, Colo. 66th Military Police Company, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Meanwhile, two Air Force C-17 transport aircraft on Thursday began to make deportation flights out of Tucson, Ariz., and Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, according to two defense officials speaking on condition of anonymity. The military crews operating the flights were sanitized for security reasons, meaning the personnel removed all identifying name tags and unit patches from their uniforms. Both flights were to Guatemala. The officials declined to comment on how many migrants were on the flights, but said they will continue to occur. We do not have an end date, one official said. The State Department is coordinating with the country receiving the flights and the Department of Homeland Security is providing in-flight security, according to the Pentagon. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 24. More than 12.4 million people will have access to gas in 2025 thanks to 45 gasification projects spread throughout 7 settlements, funded by 65.9 billion tenge ($125 million) from the Kazakhstani government, and this will bring the country's gasification level to 62 percent, Trend reports via the Ministry of Energy On the instruction of Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during the National Kurultai meeting "Adal Adam Adal Enbek Adal Tabys" in 2024, more than 1,700 kilometers of networks were constructed, providing blue fuel access to over 300,000 citizens. The gasification of settlements will improve the quality of life, reduce environmental pollution, save funds on alternative fuel purchases, and enhance the investment attractiveness of the regions. One of the major projects is the construction of the automated gas regulation station "Finskaya-120" and a branch from the main gas pipeline in Kazakhstans Atyrau region. The implementation of this project will increase the pipeline's capacity to ensure the required volume of gas for the European part of Atyrau city, giving a significant boost to the region's industrial development. As part of Tokayev's initiative for the "Social Wallet" mechanism, a pilot project was launched by the government in December 2024, providing targeted social and housing assistance in the form of a gas discount (up to 24 percent) for socially vulnerable groups in the West Kazakhstan region and the city of Shymkent, benefiting more than 6,000 people. Following the pilot project, this mechanism will be implemented nationwide. In addition, in 2025, the construction of the "Taldykorgan-Usharal" main gas pipeline will be completed. Following President Tokayev's instruction, the construction of the 302 km "Taldykorgan-Usharal" main gas pipeline continues ahead of schedule, which will provide natural gas to 66 settlements in the Zhetysu region, covering a population of 124,000 people. The construction of a gas processing plant (GPP) with a capacity of 1 billion m/year at the Kashagan field is ongoing. The project is being implemented as part of the National Program for the processing of associated gas, which will increase oil production by 25,000 barrels per day from the Kashagan field and boost the supply of marketable gas by 700 million m annually for domestic consumption. The construction of a technological complex for the production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) based on the Kashagan fields raw materials, with an annual capacity of up to 700,000 tons, has begun. In line with President Tokayev's instructions to ensure the country's energy security, the government of Kazakhstan and the shareholders of the Kashagan field have reached a strategic agreement to build a complex for producing liquefied petroleum gas at a capacity of up to 700,000 tons per year. Starting in 2026, the additional LPG volumes will provide the population with autogas and support the development of the oil and gas chemical industry in the region. The 850,000 settlement also includes special damages of 6,000, legal costs of 37,000 and 35,000 for mental distress Healy-Rae Plant Hire in Kerry has been directed to pay 850,000 to the family of a mother-of-six who died after being knocked down by one of their lorries in 2020 as she crossed the road. The company, operated by Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae, accepted liability for the circumstances of the death of care worker Joanne Davies (50) in High Court actions taken by her children. Ms Justice Nuala Jackson, at the High Court sitting in Cork, offered her deepest sympathies to the family of Ms Davies, also known as Joanne Downey, who was fatally struck by a truck while she was walking across a zebra crossing on July 17, 2020 at Ardnannweely, Killarney. Ms Davies was on her way to take a Covid-19 test when the tragic accident took place. Ms Justice Jackson praised the 33-year old plaintiff in the case, Jeremiah, for becoming the guardian of one of his then-juvenile sisters following the death of their mother. She said that the Davies family had a great sense of unity and solidarity. That (sense of togetherness) does not always happen. You were all singing from the same hymn sheet. That is always beneficial, she said. The 850,000 settlement also includes special damages of 6,000, legal costs of 37,000 and 35,000 for mental distress. Healy-Rae Plant Hire, which based in Kilgarvan, Co Kerry, was sued in separate civil cases by the family of Ms Davies. Sean Tangey (71), the driver of the truck, was found not guilty of careless driving causing death following a criminal trial last June which was attended by Danny Healy-Rae and his son Johnny, who is the plant-hire firms managing director. The Davies family left Tralee Circuit Criminal Court in tears after the jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict. Mr Tangey, who was driving within the 50kmh speed limit, said he had not seen Ms Davies before the collision. Gardai estimated the point of impact at near the middle of the pedestrian crossing. Judge Colin Daly addressed the family after the Tralee verdict and acknowledged that it was very difficult for them. They had suffered a great loss and he offered his condolences. Company records show that since November 2023, Danny Healy-Rae and his wife Eileen have transferred all their shares in Healy-Rae Plant Hire to their son, Johnny, through a series of transfers. The last share transfer completed in March 2024. The company, whose major clients include Kerry County Council, has accumulated profits of 4.78m. Ms Davies was well known in Killarney as she volunteered at the Killarney Legion GAA club by cooking meals for its teams even after her children had stopped playing. Fergal Moynihan of Killarney Legion GAA said Ms Davies was like a second mother to many players. The civil cases filed against Healy-Rae Plant Hire, which includes one representing Ms Davies entire family, had been set down for trial before last Christmas. The company was preparing to defend the cases. However, the company, which is represented by its insurers FBD in the cases, accepted liability in all cases before it went to full hearing. Five of the children, including one minor, are represented by Malone Hegarty solicitors, and one, Katrina Horan, is represented by OConnor-ODonoghue. The threshold for personal injury claims in the High Court is 60,000, meaning the Healy-Rae firm faced claims in excess of 420,000. In a statement issued in 2022, the firm said: Healy-Rae Plant Hire has been in operation for almost 70 years and has always endeavoured to ensure best safety practices and legal responsibility are maintained. Healy-Rae Plant Hire has several safety procedures, audits and training for all employees above and beyond what is statutory required. Healy-Rae Plant Hire is also an accredited company in safety, environmental and quality. Danny Healy-Rae, with his brother and fellow Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae, earlier this month struck a deal with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to support them in forming a new Government. Michael Healy-Rae will become a Junior Minister as part of the arrangement. Austin Lyons said that gardai treated him so well. A 53-year-old Wexford man before Sligo District Court charged with intoxication and possession of a hunting knife told the judge he has always been carrying knives for camping. Austin Lyons, Sean McBride Square, King Street, Wexford was charged with the offences at Standhill, Co Sligo on February 20 2024. Defending solicitor Mr Mark Mullaney said his client was pleading guilty to the intoxication charge and accepts he had a knife in a bag for recreational purposes. Sgt Derek Butler told the court that at 9:04pm in Strandhill, gardai were alerted about a male sitting in the grass despite it raining. He had a bottle of whiskey and was intoxicated and was unable to leave. He was arrested for his own safety and had a hunting knife in a bag. Lyons told the court he is 53 years old and from Wexford. He said he camps a lot all over the country. He said that gardai treated him so well. When asked about the hunting knife, he said he has been carrying knives since he was a child as a tool to open things like tins of beans. He told his solicitor he was camping. He agreed with Mr Mullaney that he was not brandishing the knife. He is it was not a weapon and said this is a weapon while clenching his fist. He said he did not know why he was in court. He said he used the knife as a tool and he bought it on the High Street. Sgt Butler told him that you cannot have a hunting knife in a public place. Lyons replied that he had it in a bag for use when camping. Judge Ciaran Liddy said he was noting he had no previous convictions and the facts were proven and he struck out the matter. Lyons then said so Im not a criminal?. Between them, Elizabeth Bello (50) and David OBrien (26) are alleged to have acquired a high-powered car and over 30,000 in cash from two injured parties. A man and woman charged with money laundering offences in what a detective described as romance fraud are facing trial on the charges. Between them, Elizabeth Bello (50) and David OBrien (26) are alleged to have acquired a high-powered car and over 30,000 in cash from two injured parties. Judge David McHugh remanded the pair on continuing bail to a date in March for the service of the book of evidence. Ms Bello, with an address at Creston Avenue in Finglas, is facing two counts of transferring, acquiring or possessing property which was the proceeds of crime. Read more Status Orange warning as some homes to be without power and water for days It is alleged that 24,516 in cash was transferred into Ms Bellos Bank of Ireland account in Finglas on August 17, 2020. Ms Bello is also accused of handling, acquiring or possessing a Volvo S60, worth 7,000, which was the proceeds of crime, at Naas Road Autos, Frank Fahey Centre, Naas Road, Drimnagh, on August 17, 2020. Mr OBrien, with an address at Farranasa, Emly, Co Tipperary, is facing four money laundering charges. He is accused of handling, acquiring or possessing sums of 2,100 and 2,800, which was the proceeds of crime, at AIB OConnell Street, Limerick, on July 17, 2020. It is alleged that he handled, acquired or possessed a further 2,100 on July 16, 2020, and another sum of 2,100 on July 20, 2020. Detective Garda Michael Harney previously told Blanchardstown District Court that this investigation was into an alleged romance fraud. Det Gda Harney previously told the court that he had no objections to bail, subject to conditions. As part of the conditions, Ms Bello was ordered to sign on at her local garda station three times a week. She must also surrender her passport and be contactable by gardai at all times. In relation to Mr OBrien, he must also sign on three times a week at his local garda station, and be contactable at all times. A state solicitor said the book of evidence was not yet ready, as a number of sworn documents were required, and she asked that the matter be adjourned. Both accused were working, the court heard. Defence solicitors Daniel Hanahoe and Simon Fleming were assigned on free legal aid. Charles Dooher is fighting for his life at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast after suffering horrific head injuries Charles Dooher is fighting for his life after the attack at his home The heartbroken girlfriend of a man left for dead following a brutal attack in Co Donegal has pleaded for any information to catch his attackers. Charles Dooher is fighting for his life at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast after suffering horrific head injuries. Mr Dooher was attacked by five hooded men with steel bats at his home on the Coneyburrow Road in Lifford at 10.30am on Monday morning last. His father Charles Snr was also beaten and was treated at Letterkenny University Hospital. Charlotte Gallen, the girlfriend of Charles Dooher Junior, appealed for help in finding her boyfriend's attackers. It comes as two men arrested in Derry by the PSNI in connection with the attack were released on bail this morning. Ms Gallen said "I just want to put out an appeal for information regarding the attempted murder of my partner Charles Dooher who was brutally attacked in his Lifford home on the morning of the 20th of January by 5 masked men who violently beat him, shattering his skull and having left him fighting for his life. "This time last year we were living in Australia sitting by the beach and today I sit by his bedside in intensive care praying for some sort of miracle to have the love of my life back with us in full health. "Charlie has never failed to take my worries away and always fills me with a sense of peace and serenity with his kindness and big heart . "If he could see me now he would be telling me to take a deep breath and have hope. "His presence brought safety and I wish I could have given him that same protection from some of the evil people in this world." Any persons who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from Coneyburrow Road, Lifford, between 10am and 11am, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 074 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Or PSNI on 101. "Please share in the hope that somebody somewhere has information," added Ms Gallen. In one of the cases a young man with Down Syndrome was approached on Aston Quay and coerced into handing over 500 in cash. Two teenage girls have been arrested on suspicion of targeting several vulnerable adults in Dublin city centre who had cash stolen from them. The juveniles are alleged to have accosted the victims and coerced them into withdrawing sums of cash from ATMs earlier this week. In one of the cases a young man with Down Syndrome was approached on Aston Quay and coerced into handing over 500 in cash. He was held for around 30 minutes during the ordeal, during which the suspects also attempted to withdraw further sums of cash. Gardai have been investigating two such cases but the Irish Independent understands that a number of other victims have since been identified who were targeted in similar circumstances. These complainants are also understood to be vulnerable adults and specialist garda interviewers have been brought in to assist the Serious Crime Unit at Pearse Street Garda Sstation. One source said: These juveniles are suspected of deliberately targeting vulnerable adults, there are too many similar cases for this to be a coincidence. It involves the same modus operandi. At this stage theres nothing to suggest its part of an organised network but investigations are ongoing. Gardai this evening confirmed that two juvenile teenage females have been arrested as part of the investigation into the thefts on Monday and Tuesday. Its understood they are aged 16 and 17. They can be questioned for up to 24 hours before they are either charged or released from custody. A decision may also be made to refer the teenagers to the Garda Juvenile Liaison Programme. A garda spokesperson said: Gardai investigating a number of thefts in Dublin City Centre have arrested two female juveniles, today, Thursday 23rd January 2025. Gardai had received report of a number of incidents that occurred on the 20th and 21st of this week involving people being taken to cash points and retailers, and coerced into making substantial purchases and withdrawing sums of cash which were then stolen. Gardai from the Serious Crime Unit at Pearse Street Garda Station have arrested two female juvenile teens today in connection with these incidents. They are both detained at a garda station in Dublin under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. "Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a similar incident in Dublin city centre in recent days are asked to make contact with gardai at Pearse Street Garda Station on 01 666 9000. Investigations are ongoing. Bingui is blamed for igniting a deadly feud when he tipped a bowl of ice over a leading member of the rival DZ Mafia in a Thai nightclub French president Emmanuel Macron announced that 4,000 police and gendarmes would be mobilised for a three-week crackdown when he visited one of the worst affected estates in northern Marseille, La Castellane, last March Frances justice minister has hailed the extradition of wanted alleged drug lord Felix the Cat Bingui as a victory against narco-crime. The 34-year-old is due to appear in Marseille court on multiple charges including money laundering after he was brought back from Morocco. Frances justice minister, Gerald Darmanin, expressed gratitude to Moroccan authorities for their cooperation which will finally allow French justice to judge him. Bingui, who is the reputed head of the notorious Yoda gang, was arrested on March 8, 2024, in Casablanca, where he had been based since a violent turf war erupted with rival gang DZ Mafia in February 2023. Based in Marseilles northern suburbs, the Yoda clan was directly linked to 35 of 49 drug-related assassinations in the city in 2023. Born in Ales, Gard region, Bingui, nicknamed le chat, began his criminal career with burglaries before transitioning to drug trafficking. He started with burglaries, he was arrested the first time for a big burglary in Montpellier and slowly, he slid towards drug trafficking and settling scores, police officer Bruno Bartocetti told France 3 Provence-Alpes television. Bingui is blamed for igniting a deadly feud when he tipped a bowl of ice over a leading member of the DZ Mafia in a Thai nightclub in February 2023. French president Emmanuel Macron announced that 4,000 police and gendarmes would be mobilised for a three-week crackdown when he visited one of the worst affected estates in northern Marseille, La Castellane, last March Binguis brother-in-law Omar, who was nicknamed Scar, was assassinated in Spain three months later. Bingui was traced to Morocco by Frances Anti-Drug Office (Ofast) where he was arrested and made the subject of an extradition request. The Rabat authorities approved the request last April and after he agreed to be sent back was returned on Wednesday. Bingui was due to appear before a judge on several charges including importing drugs as part of a criminal organisation, money laundering and the non-declaration of resources, The Guardian reports. His lawyer Philippe Ohayon told Le Parisien he hoped the magistrates responsible for the case [would] approach the subject with serenity and complete independence, while respecting the rights of the defence. French president Emmanuel Macron announced that 4,000 police and gendarmes would be mobilised for a three-week crackdown when he visited one of the worst affected estates in northern Marseille, La Castellane, last March. In one 24-hour operation against drug gangs there were 82 arrests. In 2024, more than 2,000 suspects were indicted on drug-related offences, of whom 833 were placed in pre-trial detention, the latest report on crime figures revealed. Marseille police prefect, Pierre-Edouard Colliex, and the citys prosecutor, Nicolas Bessone, said several gunmen were arrested before they could carry out shootings. However, the number of drug-trafficking deaths dropped to 24 last year from 49 in 2023. Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone attributes this decline partly to the victory of the DZ Mafia over the Yoda clan but warns that we must remain very vigilant, there are still ongoing conflicts. However, at least 100 police officers were injured in drug-related incidents and more than 40m (34m) in criminal assets and money was seized. Senators will next week examine a cross-party law aimed at reducing the offences, as Ministers made tackling drug-related crime a priority The citys chief police prefect, Pierre-Edouard Colliex, credits the reduction in violence to historic mobilization of police and justice services. In 2024, over 2,000 individuals were indicted on drug offenses in Marseille, with 833 placed in pre-trial detention. The extradition comes as French lawmakers prepare to debate new legislation aimed at strengthening measures against drug trafficking, following President Emmanuel Macrons XXL clean-up initiative launched in March 2024. Intelligence suggests that the criminal network had the capacity to receive up to one tonne of cocaine per week More than six tonnes of cocaine and 6m has been seized as a Europol Taskforce "left no stone unturned while taking down a large-scale drug trafficking network. The Spanish Civil Guard (Guardia Civil), backed up by Europol, dismantled the entire distribution chain that had been operating from Colombia to Spain. The investigation launched in June 2022 also took in other countries including Bulgaria, Costa Rica and Panama. Europols Operational Taskforce Network that spans Latin America, Europe and the Middle East targets suspects involved in the wholesale distribution of cocaine across the EU, as well as in money laundering. Bundles of cash seized in the operation They had identified nationals from Albania, Bulgaria, Colombia and Spain who were behind the trafficking of large quantities of cocaine from the source country of Columbia to Europe They each took on different roles within the logistical chain, with the Colombians handling shipments to Europe. Bulgarian, Colombian and Spanish nationals oversaw the reception and further distribution of the drugs across Europe. With the help of corrupt workers, gang members would hide in containers to sneak into various ports and extract the cocaine during the night. Other Albanian members, based in Dubai, acted as investors to provide the finances needed to pay the producers for the shipments from Colombia. Members of the network also laundered the proceeds from their crimes. Intelligence suggests that the criminal network had the capacity to receive up to one tonne of cocaine per week with shipments made via air cargo and maritime containers. In October 2024, 4.1 tonnes of cocaine destined for Spain was seized by authorities in Panama. This was just one seizure from the network that was linked to amounts tottaling nearly six tonnes. In addition, law enforcement authorities had seized another two tonnes of cocaine in Spain since the beginning of the investigation. As a result of operations carried out in three phases, between December 2024 and January, 22 Spanish and Colombian nationals were arrested in Spain. A total of 27 houses were searches in Barcelona, Cadiz, Madrid, Malaga and Valencia. The seizures included one tonne of cocaine and 5kg of tusi (pink cocaine), 35 vehicles, including eight luxury cars with an estimated value of about 2.5 million, luxury watches and jewellery (estimated to be worth 1.5 million) and 6.5 million in cash. Weapons seized in the raids As well as this 48 weapons, including five long weapons, five handguns and 38 historical type weapons were seized. A total of 53 bank accounts were frozen. In a statement Europol revealed how an increase in cocaine shipments from South America to Europe, as well as the penetration of criminal networks into legal and illegal businesses in the EU, prompted the creation of an Operational Taskforce at Europol. The Taskforce targeted these groups in the source countries and along the distribution chain, the agency said. During the investigation, Europol coordinated the exchange of information between national authorities, bringing them together to efficiently target the entire drug trafficking network. In addition, Europol provided continuous intelligence development, analysis and digital forensic expertise to support investigators. This intelligence gave law enforcement agencies the full picture of the covert network operating across various countries and continents, a spokesperson said. During the action days, Europol deployed experts to Spain to provide analytical and technical support to officers in the field. John George, 37, a father-of-two from west Belfast, also known as John Hardy, had been on holiday in Alicante when he was reported missing in December The family of John George have confirmed the date for his funeral, after it was previously postponed as a result of a second autopsy. John George, 37, a father-of-two from west Belfast, also known as John Hardy, had been on holiday in Alicante when he was reported missing in December. A murder investigation was launched after his body was discovered earlier this month. Autopsy reports have now established that the father-of-two was stabbed and then shot, according to a lawyer representing the family. A 32-year-old man from the Czech Republic has already appeared in a Spanish court charged in relation to his murder. In an update on social media on Friday, the mans sister Courtney confirmed a funeral service for him would take place on Saturday, February 1. "Johns body will be home on Tuesday family only that day. Then everyone is welcome onwards. His funeral will be on Saturday, 9:00 mass at St Lukes Twinbrook, she wrote. Finally get to put you to rest my beautiful brother. Earlier this week, solicitors representing the George family, said in a statement that relatives had received a post-mortem examination report from the Spanish authorities. They said it indicated that Mr George had been stabbed before being shot, and added that they had instructed another pathologist to conduct a second post-mortem examination. We can confirm the family have received an autopsy report from the Spanish authorities, KRW Law said. The findings point to John having been stabbed before being shot. As a precautionary measure and in order to make sure we have absolute clarity on the cause of death, we have instructed another pathologist to conduct a second autopsy on Johns remains. In the past few days, we have been liaising with the family together with the coroners office, the appointed pathologist and nominated funeral director on the logistics engaged in this very sensitive matter. It is hoped that the second autopsy will be completed at some stage early next week. In eight days time a public inquiry into the Omagh bomb is set to resume and with it will bring memories of carnage, broken and bloodied bodies the dead in a sea of blood The scene of blood carnage at Omagh in the aftermath of the bomb that killed 29 people and two unborn babies Spaniard Gonzalo Cavedo poses for a picture with a child on his shoulders beside the car carrying the bomb that seconds later killed 29 people, including the photographer A body of one of the dead is removed from the scene Former RUC officer, Richard Scott, the founder of the Military and Police Support of West Tyrone organisation, is overcome by emotion as he recalls the events of the Real IRA's bombing of the Co. Tyrone town of Omagh on August 15, 1998 Former RUC officer, Richard Scott, the founder of the Military and Police Support of West Tyrone organisation, was off duty when the Real IRA bombed the Co. Tyrone town of Omagh on August 15, 1998 The silent victims of the Omagh bomb are on a knife-edge as the town prepares to reopen the wounds from Northern Irelands worst terrorist atrocity. In eight days time a public inquiry into the Omagh bomb is set to resume and with it will bring memories of carnage, broken and bloodied bodies the dead in a sea of blood. None more so than for the police officers on the ground the afternoon of August 15, 1998, who were centre stage in a scene from hell, something more akin to a First World War battlefield than the streets of a busy market town. Retired police officers Richard Scott and Phil Marshall were on the streets that day, witnesses to something no-one should see. The inquiry has a specific remit to establish whether the attack could have been prevented and where the blame lies. It has been hard won by the victims families but for Richard and Phil and hundreds of other officers, it brings fear. They support the inquiry and will give statements, but they have a fear of the blame game. Former RUC officer, Richard Scott, the founder of the Military and Police Support of West Tyrone organisation, is overcome by emotion as he recalls the events of the Real IRA's bombing of the Co. Tyrone town of Omagh on August 15, 1998 I know exactly where the blame lies and thats with the bastards who parked that car on Market Street, nowhere else, said Richard this week. The Vauxhall Cavalier was packed with 500lb of explosives and left on Market Street by the Real IRA. Phil was duty sergeant that day. I got a message to say there as a bomb near the Court House and we had 30 minutes to clear the area, which we did. I was amazed how well we did it it was a textbook operation. Its not easy to move people; they dont want to go. There was an apathy about bombs everybody thought they were hoaxes. I was trying to empty bars and bookies where boys were watching the racing. Politeness soon went out the window Right get the f**k out, f***ing move! Phil knew it was serious the bombers had used a recognised IRA codeword. Having cleared the immediate vicinity of the Court House, he herded shoppers down the hill. A body of one of the dead is removed from the scene There were six cars parked on the hill, so the bomb had to be in one of them. I was trying to spot which one was weighed down. I remember turning to one of the constables and saying if this goes off now were f***ed I was sh**ting myself. He decided to push people further down the street and over the brow of the hill. And then boom! What the f**k! Then there was silence, then the tinkling of glass falling to the ground, alarms going off and then the screaming. We had pushed people toward the bomb. For a few seconds he was rooted to the spot. Spaniard Gonzalo Cavedo poses for a picture with a child on his shoulders beside the car carrying the bomb that seconds later killed 29 people, including the photographer Then I said, Phil, you need to take charge here so we ran into what can only be described as carnage on a scale none of us had ever seen. You switch off as a human and get to work. I had young officers under my command, many of them in shock I had to scream orders at them to snap them back. He described in detail what he encountered, too graphic to share here. I remember all that was left of the [bomb] car was the engine block, which had come down on top of two people and was on fire. With the help of a civilian we pulled them out. One died. Former RUC Sergeant Philip Marshall, the duty sergeant on the day The explosion had blown the water main. Water stained red with blood was flowing down the street. I lifted a baby girl out of a shop window, I had a daughter of my own that age, she and my wife were in town that day and I had no idea where they were. I felt something bumping into my leg it was a body being washed down the street. An Ulsterbus was commandeered to ferry the injured to Omagh Hospital and further afield to Enniskillen. Civilian cars were hijacked for the same purpose. Doors were ripped from shops and used as makeshift stretchers. We looted Boots, grabbing sanitary towels, facecloths, cotton wool anything that could soak up blood. We took curtains, sheets, pillowcases from a haberdashery to cover the dead. His body team were later tasked to help identify bodies at the makeshift morgue in the towns army camp, trying to match severed limbs to what was left of the dead. It was too much to ask of those guys, but they did it. The scene of blood carnage at Omagh in the aftermath of the bomb that killed 29 people and two unborn babies Richard Scott was off duty and at his home on the outskirts of town when the bomb went off. I felt the whoosh, I thought it was the [police] station, he told the Sunday World. He went straight to town. The impact of what he saw remains raw; emotions are never far from the surface. On Thursday we stood at the foot of Market Street at the spot where the bombers parked the car. What do you see? A narrow street with buildings which at the time included a bar and a haberdashery a few feet from 550lb of explosives. Now walk up the hill, how far away is the Court House? Its a country mile away. Theres no doubt those bastards intended to kill as many people as possible no doubt. If you want to get into the blame game, its very simple. Richard found himself clearing away the dead. This week, stopping at an entry a few yards from the epicentre of the explosion, he bowed his head. We laid them out in here, he said. We had 14 bodies in here, we couldnt fit in any more. We treated them with the utmost respect; they were covered and treated gently and with dignity. You have to remember this is our town, some of us knew these people, some were related to officers who were on the ground that day. Stopping at the top of the hill, he said: We picked up a young girl whose stomach was ripped open, her insides were literally spilling out, we tried to push them back in and we got her into a car to take her to hospital. Thankfully she survived. These are the ghosts and memories that haunt those who were there. It prompted Richard to set up support group Military and Police Support (MAPS) and within that is the Omagh Bomb Inquiry Support Group. Physical injuries are visible but its upstairs where the real damage lies. We [police] were abandoned, there was nothing for us. Hundreds of officers were involved on that day and in the investigation, 30 of them have come to us, so theres hundreds out there carrying this around in their heads and fearful the inquiry will blame them. Its a tinderbox and this inquiry has the potential to hurt and damage a lot of officers. I dont know if there was intelligence, I dont know if they had forewarning, thats nothing to do with us. Officers who did their job, an incredible job, performed to their best in the most unbelievable circumstances should not in any way be blamed for what may be the failings of others. In 1998 officers went straight back on duty. They were offered counselling but it was woefully inadequate. Given the scale of Omagh and what officers endured, it required highly specialised counselling. They [police] put a caravan in the station yard for a few months with a couple of nurses, said Phil. Typical dark humour, it became known as the Nut Shack. Not their fault they did their best but it was hopeless. I carried on, but I was drinking myself to sleep. I would never say I could take my own life but you never know where the darkness will take you. With Richards help he got the counselling he needed and now volunteers for MAPS to help others. You never forget the smell of blood, its been in my nose for 26 years. Im getting help but no one should go to the grave with images in their head of what they saw that day. "I offer sincere apologies to the victim in this awful case and anyone who has been affected by my actions Kielan Mooney (30) of Bloomfield Park, Derry, was convicted following a trial at the Central Criminal Court last December A councillor who gave a court reference for Irish soldier Kielan Mooney who was jailed for rape has said it was a "huge error of judgement". Derry Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) representative, Brian Tierney, said he regrets the reference for Mooney (30) of Bloomfield Park, Londonderry. A former soldier in the Irish army, Mooney from Bloomfield Park in Derry, was jailed recently for eight and a half years for raping a woman who was a fellow member of the Irish Defence Forces. He had been found guilty at Dublin's Central Criminal Court in December of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Tierney said he was unaware of the "seriousness" of the case adding that he withdrew the reference when he became aware of the nature of the charges. But the SDLP said Tierney's actions were "entirely wrong". The party said it would be issuing guidance to elected representatives "to ensure there is no repeat of this in future". Kielan Mooney was found guilty of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault at a Dublin hotel in July 2021. The victim said Mooney's actions had taken a serious toll on her mental health and had left her feeling suicidal. Affidavits were given as character references for Mooney, with some saying he was a good father to his five children although the court heard two women had supplied statements to dispute the affidavits during sentencing on Monday. Mr Justice Tony Hunt said Mooney's duties as a father were "grossly overstated" and he would not suspend any portion of his sentence. In a statement to BBC News NI, Tierney, a former mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, said: "It was a huge error of judgement on my part to issue this personal statement and something I profoundly regret." The SDLP councillor said he was "not aware of the details of the charges when I wrote it". "I withdrew the statement when I became aware of the nature of the charges but accept it was a serious failing on my part not to establish the details before writing the statement," he added. "I offer sincere apologies to the victim in this awful case and anyone who has been affected by my actions. "I will do everything possible to learn from this experience going forward." The SDLP said Tierney's actions "were entirely wrong. "There is no excuse for giving a character reference for any case involving a crime of this nature," a party spokesperson added. "The SDLP supports the removal of the use of character references in courts, particularly in cases involving gender-based violence. "The views of individuals have no place in determining the outcome of a criminal case." The statement added: "Following this incident, we will be carrying out a review and issuing guidance on representations and references to all elected representatives so that they understand the challenges that victims face in getting justice in cases of gender-based violence and the traumatising impact these references can have. "We will be making every effort to ensure there is no repeat of this in future." When love breaks down all bets are off as stars arent shy about sharing their relationship woes As Curtis Pritchard and Maura Higgins continue their war of words it is clear that when celebrities split they are not willing to just let things lie. More often than not the dirty laundry gets aired publicly and while that might be mean and nasty for the individuals involved, the public has a huge appetite for the non-essential bitchiness. The former Love Island couple appeared happy following the dating show, but have now resorted to hating each other in the press. Of course, you can argue that Curtis is just looking for publicity on the back of his latest TV appearance on the All-Star version of the reality show but there have been so many examples of star couples who went public and divulged too much after the high-profile break up. Here are some of the best and worst of the star-studded bitchiness through the years J.Lo and her ugly exes OK, so she didnt name names but in 2015 while chatting about her dating history with host Andy Cohen she said: Im not, like, a looks person. I dont know if youve noticed over the years. When Cohen pushed, she said: I thought they were all hot, but other people might be like, What the hell was she thinking? But I dont care. Sure Jen. Nick and Jessicas marriage was a mistake When Jessica Simpson called her marriage a Mistake They were a golden couple of the 2000s. Separately they were huge, but when they came together and MTV created Newlyweds, Nick and Jessicas profiles sky rocketed. But then, as it tends to do in Tinseltown, it fizzled out and, in 2016, Simpson was asked about her biggest money mistake on CNBCs Closing Bell. Her reply? The biggest money mistakes? I dont know, she muttered before declaring For some reason I thought of my first marriage! Angelina and Brads marriage did not end well Angelina Jolies post-divorce glow-up Obviously it has been pretty nasty between these two forever, but the war of words dates right back to Jolies first big chat post divorce to Brad Pitt when she revealed to Bazaar: My body has been through a lot over the past decade, particularly the past four years, and I have both the visible and invisible scars to show for it, but I do feel the blood returning to my body. When Sophia Bush couldnt think of one nice thing to say Once again it was Andy Cohen who stirred the pot on Watch What Happens Live, when he asked Sophia Bush about her ex-husband and One Tree Hill co-star Chad Michael Murray. All she could muster was: My mother once said to me that if you dont have anything nice to say, not to say anything at all. Sam Smith did well out of his heartbreak When Sam Smith threw shade at the Grammys Sam Smith went big with their shade, taking a jab at their ex, actor and model Jonathan Zeizel, at the Grammys. During their acceptance speech for the Record of the Year award, Sam said: Just a quick one. I want to thank the man who this record is about, who I fell in love with last year. Thank you so much for breaking my heart because you got me four Grammys. Sandra Bullock and Jesse James When Jesse James was just plain rude Jesus Christ, Jesse! Not only did James cheat on Sandra Bullock when they were married, but later, when he got engaged to Kat Von D, he told Howard Stern that Kat was 100 per cent better in bed. And thats not even the shade! He also told the radio host: Ive met someone that makes me happy an amazing woman that is willing to accept me for my faults and not try to change me and loves me like crazy and has my back. Nicole and Tom When Nicole Kidman dissed Tom Cruises stature Who could forget Nicole Kidmans infamous response to David Letterman when he was prying about her divorce from Tom Cruise? All she conceded was: Well, I can wear heels now. When Zayn questioned Perrie Edwardss intellect This ones brutal. During a 2016 interview with Billboard, a newly-single Zayn Malik was asked what he was looking for in a relationship to which he replied: I need a challenge. Also, I like girls that are a bit chunky in certain areas the nice areas. I like a fuller woman. I enjoy an intellectual conversation as well, where someone can construct a sentence beyond what hair and make-up theyre wearing and talk about something political or about the world. I like an opinion. Perrie Edwards slapped back at Zayn in a song But then Perrie dissed Zayns bedroom skills Perrie shaded Zayn way harder in Little Mixs song Shout Out to My Ex, which firstly references his tattoo (so we are in no doubt who is the target), before featuring these very pointed lyrics: I hope she gettin better sex. Hope she aint fakin it like I did, babe. Took four long years to call it quits. Forget that boy, Im over it. Clearly things didnt end well! When Diplo replied to Katy Perrys TMI claim To be fair, Katy Perry may have initiated this shade when she ranked how good her exes were in bed on TV in 2017 and placed Diplo third behind John Mayer and Orlando Bloom. Bronze-medal winner Diplo simply responded with the following iconic tweet: I dont even remember having sex. Taylor and Joe Jonas When Taylor Swift outed Joe Jonas Explaining to Ellen on her chat show, Swift said: When I find that person that is right for me, hell be wonderful, and when I look at that person, Im not even gonna be able to remember the boy who broke up with me over the phone in 25 seconds when I was 18. I looked at the call log, it was 27 seconds. Thats got to be a record. So, Joe dished it right back. Although he didnt say anything about the Taylor drama, he did write a song that featured extremely shady lyrics. The Jonas Brothers Much Better, says: I get a rep for breakin hearts. Now Im done with superstars. And all the tears on her guitar. Im not bitter. Now I see everything Id ever need. Is the girl in front of me. Shes much better. Good effort mate, but Taylor won this one. Taurangas first museum will open in 2028, but work on it has already begun. Local Democracy Reporting toured the citys heritage collection and met the people who will bring the museum to life. In May, the main construction on Taurangas $128.4m civic whare, museum and exhibition centre is expected to begin. Its a milestone with a lot of history in more ways than one. From the 25 years of discussions and multiple failed attempts to get a museum off the ground, to the carefully collated collection of artifacts dating back to the 14th century. Part of Tauranga City Councils $306 million Te Manawataki o Te Papa civic precinct nestled between Willow St and Durham St in the city centre, piling works for the structure were finished in December. The museum is expected to open for business in 2028 but already has a small team working on it. Tauranga museum director Greg McManus reason for taking the job was a selfish motivation. He has been in the role for almost two years and oversees everything from air conditions within the museum to securing its first big exhibit. "I want to be part of building something completely new for a city thats never had one." I just really love projects, and I really love building things and seeing how they can change communities. Artist impression of the $128.4 million civic whare, museum and exhibition centre. Image / Tauranga City Council Before taking the role in Tauranga, McManus spent 10 years as the chief executive of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. He built the Te Kongahu Museum of Waitangi and Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenship. He was also director of the Rotorua Museum for 15 years. Being a self-confessed museum guy, McManus said a city having one was vital. When travelling, one of the first things he did was go to a museum to learn about where he would be spending his time. It was really important people could go to their local museum and see themselves and learn about how they got to where they are, he said. Most New Zealanders know very little about what happened in New Zealand in the 19th century. We have a really important role to play in that, promoting the ideas of diversity and tolerance. Not being afraid to tell the difficult stories. Museums were also a tourism drawcard and one goal of Te Manawataki o Te Papa was to be an attraction that kept people, especially cruise ship passengers, in the city, he said. Many travelled to Hobbiton in Matamata or to Rotorua for the myriad cultural experiences it offered., McManus said. Im a museum person first and foremost, but Im also a tourism person and museums play a really important role in tourism in New Zealand. A sword and scabbard owned by Captain Arthur Algernon Crapp. Photo / John Borren. Tourism New Zealand statistics showed after shopping, visiting museums and galleries was one of the top three things overseas tourists did, he said. Theres the soft, community-building cultural side of things, which is our main reason for being, and then theres a tourism side of it, which is how we get money to pay for that. The museum is unlikely to be self-sustaining projected running costs are $3m a year. The citys heritage collection would also get a chance to see the light of day. More than 35,000 pieces of history are housed in two warehouses in Mount Maunganui. The collection was started by the Tauranga Historical Society in 1969, with the support of Tauranga City Council It includes everything from postage stamps to local icon Dusty Waddells collection of 130 Kiwi surfboards and surfing memorabilia. McManus said about 10% of the museums collection would be on display at any time, but the displays would change to tell new stories. The two large, temporary galleries would enable the museum to host overseas exhibitions like a Lego or Formula One racing cars exhibit. Tauranga museum curator Fiona Kean with Dusty Waddells collection of 130 Kiwi surfboards. Photo / John Borren Museum curator Fiona Kean said the collection had everything you would expect from a museum. They have about 5000 textile items, from curtains once belonging to Napoleon to a line of locally made Expozay swimwear. The brand was started by Tauranga residents Tony and Judy Alvos in 1976. Viewing the collection online brought back instant childhood memories of playing at the Mount beach and the need to find the photo of my mum wearing the exact bikini that is now a museum piece. There are photos, WWI and II memorabilia, a native animal taxidermy diorama used in schools and game fishing marlin casts that once hung in the iconic Oceanside Hotel. The popular watering hole was demolished in 1995 to make way for high-rise apartments. Its quite varied and when we get the museum it will really help to give some depth to the objects as well, said Kean. The taonga store has 12,000 mainly Maori and Polynesian artefacts. The rarest is a 14th-century wooden canoe bailer that was found in Tauriko in the 1980s and restored over six years. Te Pou Arahi cultural heritage manager Dean Flavell and museum collection specialist Chelsea Tairi with a 14th-century wooden canoe bailer. Photo / John Borren Te Pou Arahi cultural heritage manager Dean Flavell said it showed the early Polynesian arrival to Aotearoa. Its exploring that whole idea of when people come to a new place, they explore and they utilise some of the material that they find. About 90% of the taonga collection, which includes poupou and epa panels from marae and stone tools used to build pa, was found in the Western Bay of Plenty, Flavell said. He has worked at the council for 25 years and said he had seen every rendition of a museum, but this one felt different. The timing is right, as a city were ready to explore our history. Museum educator Megan Hoskin brings the museum to life at schools through the Hands on Tauranga object lending library. The free service has 250 objects loaned to schools that are organised by curriculum areas. The 14th-century wooden canoe bailer was found in Tauriko in the 1980s. Photo / John Borren Teachers can book any collection via the website and its delivered to the school. Teachers are just getting these incredible museum objects in their classroom, said Hoskin. Theres two generations now missed out on the museum, but the next best thing is theyre actually getting the objects in their hands. The rock and fossils collection was the most popular and gave children a chance to hold a set of moa bones, she said. While Tauranga waits for its museum, people can view the collection by becoming a Friend of Tauranga Museum. The free membership gives people access to collection tours, collection talks and historic walks. More than 18,000 pieces of the heritage collection are also available to view online. The story has been updated with the correct annual running costs of the museum - $3m a year, not $30m. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. Katikatis Park Rd will soon be bustling with tweens and teens as they make their way back to school. Katikati College returns on February 5 (for Year 7 and new students) and all students return on February 7. Principal Louise Buckley said this year they expect a roll of more than 800 students. This is up on previous years; the roll last year was at around 780. It is pleasing to see an increase in enrolments from Omokoroa as Katikati College is being seen as an alternative to the Tauranga schools. We have worked hard to ensure that the college, students, and staff are seen favourably in the wider community through their wonderful achievements. We are incredibly proud of what our students achieve. The number of international students has also grown and they start the year with 10 overseas students. A group of students from Argentina will be joining them for a month and there will be four short-term groups from Japan and China. Louise extends a warm welcome to all students, staff and family. A special welcome goes to those joining our school community for the first time we are thrilled to have you with us. I am looking forward to this year and the opportunity to meet our new students, connect with our new families and encourage and support the successes of our young people. Katikati College important dates: January 28 school office opens for new enrolments January 30 9.30am-2pm NZEA re-enrolment day February 5 All Year 7 students and new students attend school from 8.30am. International student orientation day and Year 13 peer support February 7 All students to begin school More than five months after the first meth lolly was found, police have confirmed the operation is winding down, with 27 out of 61 never recovered. Lollies containing a "potentially lethal dose" of methamphetamine were unknowingly distributed in food parcels from the Auckland City Mission after they were donated by a member of the public in August 2024. Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin from the Auckland City CIB, said on Thursday police had largely wound down the investigation, with no arrests made. He said based off the information available, police believed the lollies were shipped to an address in New Zealand and intended to be intercepted, but were inadvertently picked up and donated to the Auckland City Mission "by an unsuspecting, well-intentioned member of the public". Police had not identified that person, but Baldwin said there was nothing to suggest vulnerable communities were deliberately targeted. The investigation, named Operation Tirade, was able to account for 61 blocks which had been disguised as Rinda-branded confectionery. Thirty-four blocks were physically recovered by police and tested, and the preliminary results indicated the blocks were all pure methamphetamine. Police had received no further credible reports of anyone being in possession or affected since late August 2024. "Based off this, as well as enquiries carried out by investigators, we believe that the ongoing risk to public safety is minimal in this case," Baldwin said. Police also investigated two posts made on social media by people who claimed they had some of the lollies for sale, but found both posts were meant as jokes and "the pair were spoken to about the dangers of their actions". Baldwin said the Malaysian company, Rinda, whose branding was used on the lollies was "cooperative with [the] investigation". Given the quantity of blocks accounted for, police believed there were likely two packets of the branded confectionery, with a value of around $250,000. By the numbers: Fifteen people tasted these lollies Six people reported experiencing side effects after tasting and spitting them out Three required medical treatment, but not hospitalisation Zero deaths 34.5 blocks of methamphetamine seized 59 people/organisations spoken to who made donations in July 2024 102 volunteers spoken to about packaging the lollies -RNZ The Government has hinted at a major mining announcement next week. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasised minings role in boosting the economy and supporting local communities during his State of the Nation speech yesterday. Resource Minister Shane Jones says hell make a speech in Waihi on January 31, highlighting economic potential. The Government is hinting at a major announcement on mining next week, with Resource Minister Shane Jones to make a speech in Waihi - an area known for its gold deposits. It comes after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon defended the decision to expand mining, saying it needed to play a bigger role in the economy. Jones said he would deliver a major speech on January 31 regarding mining. He told Newstalk ZBs Ryan Bridge that New Zealand had massive economic potential for mining and the country needed to start utilising it. We should understand which areas are really important to Kiwis and which we can use for economic use. He said most of the fast-track proposals were not on conservation land and much of the land they are looking at was overrun with pests. Jones also spoke about the oil and gas ban by the previous government, under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, saying it was the worst decision he was ever associated with. If it is covered in her unwanted new book, Ill be the first to cover it if it is unfactual, he said. During his State of the Nation speech yesterday, Luxon defended the controversial issue. Its easy in politics to say you want a sovereign wealth fund like Norway, or much higher incomes like Australia but its much harder to say you want the oil and mining that pays for it. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivers his State of the Nation speech. Photo / Sylvie Whinray On mining on conservation land, Luxon said there was marginal land across New Zealand where this should happen. The reality is you need lithium to power an EV, Luxon said. You need critical minerals ... if you want to build more roads, I want quarries closer to where those [roads are being built]. I want to see mining employ more Kiwis and power more growth in the economy and Im adamant we must take further steps to make that a reality. Speaking to media later, Luxon acknowledged there was sensitivity around mining, but we dont have the luxury to turn off growth. When there is opportunity, we are going to say yes to stuff. I appreciate that wont be everyones cup of tea. An Auckland construction company used a Singapore agency to charge a migrant thousands of dollars in fees to get a job, and sacked him after a week. The Employment Relations Authority heard 6 Meter Homes was accredited to recruit dozens of migrants for its two firms, but was likely to have known and profited from the agency charging an $11,000 job premium. The Rosedale-based business was ordered to pay more than $46,000 in compensation, fines and lost wages. One of its directors, Wenbin Hua, had to pay $6000 of that for seeking a premium from migrant worker, Shunxu Zhou. Zhou was charged a premium to get a carpenter's job with 6 Meter but he was sacked a week after starting. He was recruited from Singapore, along with at least four others, and paid the equivalent of about NZD$11,700 over 2022 and 2023 to get a job and visa. "The amount of money Mr Zhou was required to pay was significant from his perspective," said authority member Nicola Craig in her decision. The Singapore agency and Zhou's dismissal The Rosedale company's website said it specialised in building complex mansions with high-end design, as well as large-scale townhouse projects. Its founder Wenbin (Ray) Hua was described as a licensed building practitioner with 11 years experience. The ERA heard 6 Meter had accreditation from 2022, with an estimated 55 Immigration New Zealand-issued job 'tokens', which defines the number of migrants they could employ at one time. One of the immigration advisers the firm used, Zhen (Gigi) Tong, told the ERA she assisted two 6 Meter companies to apply for accredited employer status in 2022. "Ms Tong's recall is that between the two companies, they ultimately obtained about 55 job tokens although she had only used 10 or so in applications or workers she assisted," said Craig. "Other [job tokens] may have been used by different advisors." Zhou's witness statement described him feeling 'uneasy with the rapid and rudimentary process' as he signed to pay the fee, but Hua's assurance made him reluctantly agree to accept it. After a delay in his visa, he arrived in 2023. Although Zhou's experience was in installing outdoor advertising boards, he was recruited by Hua as a carpenter, and was sacked a week after starting house framing work on a South Auckland work site. "Mr Zhou was significantly affected by his dismissal - sadness with no job or income, having to borrow money from family and friends to survive. He felt helpless and guilty, unable to earn in a foreign country to provide for his family back home. "Despair led to physical and mental exhaustion." A director of the Singaporean agency Hua used - known as Mr B and X Ltd in last week's ERA decision - said the $11,000 fee was for a 'business consulting agreement'. Mr B acted as a middleman in Zhou's recruitment and visa processing, with Hua saying the agent collected visa documents for Zhou. New Zealand authorities do not have jurisdiction to impose penalties on overseas agents for job-selling here. The ERA recorded the migrant's account of Mr B's involvement. "He tells Mr Zhou what the fee is. While at Mr B's office, Mr Hua forwards the employment agreement to Mr B who prints it out. Mr Zhou signs the agreement Mr Hua provides. "The agreement is in English and Mr Zhou cannot read it." Zhou was dismissed with little explanation. His messages did not get answered and he struggled for work. "Mr Zhou messages Mr Hua on 17 August, asking when he can start with the painting work. He calls Mr Hua that day and the next but his calls are not answered. Mr Zhou messages again about starting the painting work and says if no arrangement is made 'refund my travel costs for me to go back to Singapore to work'. "He tells Mr Hua he has no money to get by on. "On 24 August Mr Zhou messages again saying he has no living expenses, having worked on the jobsite for a week but receiving no wages. He asks how long it is going to take for him to be paid or can he borrow some living expenses to get by." Zhou got a cash job to tide himself over. "It appears a similar arrangement was made with a trial for a plasterer who sub-contracted to 6 Meter companies," said Craig. "One of these sub-contractors seems to have been an AEWV (accredited employer work visa) holder himself. 6 Meter should not have made arrangements for Mr Zhou to work for other people or organisations without ensuring any immigration implications were taken care of." Director's wife and company denials Hua denied any relationship or profit-share with the Singaporean agent although he referred to Mr B as his friend. He and 6 Meter denied they received any money for Zhou's employment from the agent or the New Zealand based adviser Tong. 6 Meter Homes builds mansions and townhouse developments. Photo/ Calvin Samuel There is no suggestion Tong did anything wrong. Hua viewed the fee Zhou paid for the the business consultancy agreement as being reasonable, although elsewhere in his evidence he said it was 'none of his business', said Craig. Charging a worker a premium for a job was unlawful under the Wages Protection Act. The ERA determination concluded: "The business consultancy agreement disguised the real nature of the arrangements. "It is more likely than not that Mr Hua and/or 6 Meter was seeking and received money from B and/or X Ltd." It said Hua's wife - who was named Ms U in the decision - was also involved. "There is no evidence of Ms U having a formal role with 6 Meter but I accept the submission for Mr Zhou that there was no credible explanation for the degree and content of her involvement with Mr Zhou other than being there on behalf of her husband." The Authority ruled the breaches were serious, and said it was important to punish companies to deter others from following suit. It ordered the business to pay Zhou $13,000 for lost wages and $17,000 compensation, plus a $8000 penalty for the job premium that the migrant paid. In addition, 6 Meter ($2000) and Hua personally ($6000), will have to pay ERA penalties for charging a job premium. Companies carry on regardless Employment law advocate May Moncur said it shows not only the company's wrongdoing but also the policy failure and loopholes that allow it to happen - including 'toothless' employment laws, weak oversight, and lack of resources for labour inspectors to do their job. Employment law advocate May Moncur. Photo / Sharon Brettkelly An ERA decision was crucial, but not the end of the battle, as getting payments in cases involving other firms had proved difficult or impossible, she said. "This is my first and only AEWV case in the past two years where an illegal premium claim against the employer has been upheld by the authority," she said. The lack of Labour Inspectorate investigations allowed employers to carry on regardless, she said - either with no case brought against them, or - if they are found out - by becoming insolvent and starting a different company. "This time, OK, this employer was caught and is fined, but how about the other workers? We can't enforce the decisions, and employers breach settlements. The potential loss and the damage to the integrity of employment law and immigration law, it's just beyond words. "I had a determination issued last year against the employer. The total remedies together would be close to $160,000 - so far, not even a single cent has been paid by the employer. And I have a number of other cases." That number has prompted her to set up a special office drawer for successful cases where payment is due or not coming - and she said it was getting full. The government needed to consult with practitioners to close the loopholes in policy, and increase inspector numbers, said Moncur. Meanwhile, the ERA decision has given Zhou the chance of - potentially - receiving compensation and recouping lost wages. "We won this case so far - on paper it's pretty, altogether $46,000, the employee would get something around $38,000 in total, plus some costs. Very beautiful on paper, but can we enforce this? We don't know. "The companies, they do know what they're doing and they do know the law, and they do know the potential consequences. The incentive of continuing such an operation definitely overrides any risk. And the current legislation, either immigration law or employment law, or both - has failed. Failed to deliver any deterrence for such a behaviour. "We say we have been working hard to stop migrant exploitation, but if there's no real action there, then it's just lip service." MBIE was approached for comment. On the INZ website, 6 Meter Homes was still listed as an accredited employer, eligible to continue recruiting migrants until September 2026. Students struggling with maths are set to benefit from a targeted acceleration programme designed to build confidence in the classroom, said. Last year, significant numbers of students did not meet the foundational literacy and numeracy level required to gain NCEA, Stanford said. To achieve our goal of getting 80 per cent of our kids to curriculum by the time they get to high school, we need to be relentlessly focused on teaching the basics brilliantly at school. The government has launched a $3 million intensive trial to support 3,000 Year 7 and 8 students in 145 English and Maori medium schools across the country. The programme, which will run over Terms 1 and 2, aims to lift these students to the required curriculum level in maths. The 12-week trial includes small group tutoring and supervised online tuition for 30 minutes, up to four times a week per child. Schools involved will receive funding based on the number of participating students. This funding will cover staffing costs and the use of an artificial intelligence (AI) tutoring tool to support learning. Stanford said the trial is part of a broader effort to improve foundational skills and reduce educational inequities. Every year 65,000 young New Zealanders start school, and we must ensure theyre getting off to the very best possible start, she said. The trial will also be evaluated to determine how it could be expanded nationwide in the future. Stanford emphasized the importance of structured mathematics instruction and a knowledge-rich curriculum based on the science of learning to help students succeed. We are laser-focused on lifting student achievement and closing the equity gap in our education system so all children are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to grow the New Zealand of the future, she said. The initiative underscores the governments commitment to addressing literacy and numeracy challenges and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive academically. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 24. Kazakhstan and Japan discussed the prospects of deepening economic and cultural cooperation, Trend reports. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, welcomed the newly appointed Ambassador of Japan to Kazakhstan, Yasumasa Iijima. During their meeting, they thoroughly discussed the current state and future opportunities for both bilateral and multilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on upcoming high-level visits and events planned for this year. The conversation highlighted the importance of strengthening trade and economic relations, especially considering the significant volume of bilateral trade and Japanese investment in Kazakhstan. The two officials also emphasized the key role of the Joint Commission, which brings together both the governmental and private sectors of Kazakhstan and Japan to promote mutually beneficial partnerships. Ambassador Iijima expressed his full commitment to actively working on advancing bilateral ties. Minister Nurtleu wished the ambassador much success in his new assignment in Kazakhstan. In the previous year, a memorandum of understanding was signed between JSC "Development Bank of Kazakhstan" and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation to support joint projects across various sectors, including energy (with a focus on alternative energy), infrastructure (including transportation), machine engineering, food industry, and others. Under the agreement, the Japanese bank pledged to invest $200 million in Kazakhstan. Pilar Martinez Madrid Friday, 24 January 2025, 09:37 Compartir Juanma Moreno, president of the Junta de Andalucia, celebrated the historic 2024 performance of the region's tourism efforts at the opening of the International Tourism Fair (Fiture) in Madrid this week. Closing the successful 2024 chapter, the regional president also added that forecasts expect continued growth in revenue, visitors, and stable employment in 2025. With that, Andalucia prepares for the arrival of 37 million tourists this year. During the fair's opening, which took place on Wednesday 22 January, Andalucia welcomed visitors to its stand with a white flag, smoke and a message that warned of the spell of its charms. After the event, Moreno highlighted last year's record number of visitors (36.2 million), which was an increase of 5.5%, and its contribution to a revenue of 30 billion euros, up 13.3%. Now, the forecast predicts an even higher number of 37 million tourists in 2025. These figures, Moreno said, show that the strategy of growing in quality rather than quantity is working. He stated that "revenue grew twice as much as the number of visitors" - "a clearly positive figure". Moreno further explained that the average tourist "spent around 82 euros a day, 5.5% more than in 2023 and 23% more than in 2019". The past year also offered 400,000 jobs to its residents, Moreno said, which also made the best year in terms of employment. Upon assessing the presentation of Andalucia at Fitur, the regional president stated that "We have turned the fair into what it should be, a business exchange centre and a key space to position Andalucia as a preferred destination that has managed to diversify and break seasonality." Moreno stated that 2024 has been key in recovering and surpassing the pre-pandemic level in international tourist arrivals, exceeding the 2019 figures by half a million, with 13 million foreign and 23.1 million local tourists. He also added that seasonality has been reduced to the maximum compared to previous years, with a rate of 33%, achieving also a greater distribution of visitor flows throughout the territory. Jaen, in particular, was the province that gained the most tourists last year, with an increase of 14%. '2024 has been a historic year, the best so far in terms of economic impact and employment,' said Moreno. "These figures are not the result of chance. It is time to make transitions to improve and to generate more wealth and quality employment. They are the result of intelligent promotion in search of the tourist we are most interested in: the one who spends the most and who travels outside the high season. A tourist who strengthens an industry that is more sustainable, more technological and better distributed over time and territory," he said. To support this, Moreno stated that the number of visitors during the high season grew by 4%, compared to an even greater increase of 10% between January and March. He also highlighted the fact that the region has managed to maintain an average growth rate of 50% in markets such as the United States, the Netherlands and Italy. This growth rate was possible thanks to the improved connections of the six airports in the region, which registered 10% more in flights. The president of the Junta also announced the agenda for 2025, stating that "we continue to make good progress. We have to prepare for a good year in which we expect more than 37 million holidaymakers. The objective is the quality of those who visit us and the benefits they bring." Moreno also stated the need to commit to sustainability and regenerative tourism, which transfers the benefits of its stays to society and encourages coexistence with the residents. To make this possible, the Junta's president has put in force a code of ethics for tourism and prepared 40 million euros to aid the rational use of energy and water, as well as pioneering projects such as the green corridor of electric propulsion between Tarifa and Tangiers. Juanma Moreno announced a code of ethics for tourism and financial aid of 40 million euros for rational energy and water use In addition, Moreno said that it is important to continue making efforts to remain leaders in the national market. Despite the concerns of tourism professionals who have warned of the decrease of Costa del Sol arrivals, Moreno said that "there is no reason to worry, as the tourism figures are very good". With a larger stand, more open spaces and the yellow colour representing the sun and light of the region, Andalucia showcased its offer at Fitur with an opening day full of tourism entrepreneurs, marked by the visit of the King and Queen of Spain. Tony Bryant Benalmadena Friday, 24 January 2025, 12:33 Compartir Benalmadena has become the preferred residence of numerous foreign artists and musicians over the years, and many of them have left their mark in some way or another. This is certainly the case with Mexican artist Juan de Dios Felipe Orlando Garcia Murciano. Known simply as Felipe Orlando, he was born in Mexico on 21 January 1911, although his family moved to Cuba when he was just six years old, where he grew up and trained as a painter, in addition to completing several university studies. Orlando was described as a true Renaissance man in modern times: he was a writer, poet, painter, anthropologist and curious traveller. Living in Cuba, New York, Mexico and finally on the Costa del Sol, he often referred to himself as a "citizen of the world". Developing a passion for the south of Spain, he decided to settle first in Mojacar (Almeria), then in Malaga city, and finally in Benalmadena, where there is also a street named in his honour. Zoom Artist Felipe Orlando. SUR He descended from a culturally educated family and from his youth he mixed with important personalities from the 1930s avant-garde movement. Throughout his career he maintained friendships with artistic personalities such as the Catalan painter and sculptor, Joan Miro, and Malaga artists Emilio Prados, Moreno Villa and Manuel Altolaguirre. His travels around the world brought him to Spain in the 1960s to take possession of a collection of pre-Columbian pieces that his grandfather had left him as an inheritance. These are now displayed in the museum that bears his name in Benalmadena Pueblo. Orlando, a prolific painter, was director and curator of this museum for 30 years until his death in Benalmadena on 10 April 2001. On his death, Benalmadena town hall described him as someone with an "intense intellectual and artistic activity, bequeathing a vast cultural heritage both to Benalmadena and to the world". Regina Sotorrio Friday, 24 January 2025, 10:59 | Updated 12:35h. Compartir Kika Magalhaes greets us in a Versace trench coat from '91 with the word Vogue printed in large letters, a rarity that she wears with an utterly natural flair. It's the first outfit chosen for the photo shoot that couples up with the museum's classic cars in every shot, a pose for which she puts on a pair of black high heels and draws on her acting skills to look at the camera almost without blinking. Yet, as soon as the last click sounds, Kika relaxes her pose and swaps the heels for comfortable black trainers. "Much better," she says with a smile. Nor in her day-to-day life does she travel around in the pink Cadillac by which she stands for another shot, this time wearing a sequined Enrico Coveri dress - in fact, she drives a Toyota Yaris. She is, along with her brother Joao and her mother Filomena, the heir to the Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum (MAM), a motoring and haute couture empire, but it looks like no one gets to be a diva here - on the contrary, she says frankly: "No one had prepared us for this." In her hands now lies the future of an exceptional collection that aspires to remain for many years to come in the rooms of the Tabacalera (Malaga's former tobacco factory). In December 2026 the ten-year extension to the last contract signed by her late father with Malaga city council will expire. According to this agreement city hall cedes the use of the space and the museum pays 7% of the entrance fees. "And we want to renew, we are working on it," confirms this native Portuguese woman in the most correct Spanish. 90,317 people visited Malaga's Automobile and Fashion Museum in 2024, 70% of them foreigners. Based in Los Angeles where she has an acting career, Kika Magalhaes never imagined she would be in this position. "I never thought that one day this would be ours, we never imagined my family not being here." Her visits to Malaga were sporadic, a stopover on her travels between Portugal and the United States, largely because the museum was her father's "territory". Joao Magalhaes was a businessman and a dreamer and in his lifetime he managed to collect around 100 classic cars and more than 500 pieces of haute couture. Nevertheless, it all came to a head in August 2023 when Joao passed away before turning 80 due to acute pancreatitis. "In the last year we have had to deal with mourning and a new life," says Kika. James Bond's Aston Martin This model was a huge sensation at the London Motor Show in 1958. Despite it appearing that Sean Connery drove a DB5 in the film Goldfinger, it was really a DB4. The firm wanted to give its new model a push as it was to be released after the film was premiered, but for the filming they had to use a DB4, which had similar lines. Photo: Marilu Baez AUX STEP FOR JS Suddenly, along with her mother and brother she had to take over the management of a museum designed down to the last detail by her father since it opened in Malaga in September 2010. "It was all very fast, a rollercoaster. This is a gift my father has left us, there are no words to describe it. We are very proud to move forward with him." Moving to Malaga is starting to become "a very viable option" as she spends more and more time here getting to know the ins and outs of museum management, the quirks of each vehicle and planning the future of MAM. "Now that I want to be more a part of it I have to learn a lot about cars, fashion and how to run such a big business," she admits "with humility". A psychedelic Rolls-Royce like John Lennons John Lennon bought a black Rolls-Royce Phantom in the 60s. It was the car he drove, for example, when he moved around Spain for the filming of How I Won the War. Not long after that, in part to camouflage some imperfections, he asked artist Steve Weaver to give his Rolls-Royce a psychedelic look that suited what the Beatles were doing at the time. The result was a museum piece, which he occasionally loaned to stars such as the Rolling Stones or Bob Dylan. The Malaga car museum has a similar model that Joao Magalhaes had painted in Beatles style by a Portuguese artist. Photo: Marilu Baez Grace Kelly rode in an Imperial Crown like this one In 1955, the Imperial became a brnad in itself within the Chrysler group. They only made 302 limousines and 96 sedans. One of these Imperial Crown C-70 belonged to the Principality of Monaco and, in 1956, was used to pick up Grace Kelly when she arrived in New York. Photo: Marilu Baez AUX STEP FOR JS Different worlds Her father grew up in this world. His passion for classic cars came from his father, Kika's grandfather, a businessman in the textile industry in Oporto who bequeathed several vehicles to his son with which he started his own collection. Yet this was not the world of Kika, making an acting career for herself in the States with several films, short films and video clips to her name. Nor was it the world of her brother Joao, an actor like her. In fact, it's not long since Kika acquired her driving licence and in her day-to-day life she drives around in a car with which she has difficulty remembering the make and model. "A Toyota Yaris!" she exclaims after thinking for a while, all the while surrounded by classic, vintage or high-powered cars. 99 classic vehicles are part of the collection, from the Belle Epoque to the cars from the golden era of Hollywood, including designer cars, cars that use alternative energy sources and cars with modified specs. "On more special occasions, I ask someone from the museum to drive one of these cars, because I don't dare to do it myself. Parking? No way!" she says. Still, that is not incompatible with appreciating the beauty of these vehicles and their history. Nor is it incompatible with admiring her father more and more every day. Marilyns Ford Thunderbird Marilyn Monroe owned a model just like this one, but black, between 1955 and 1962. It appears that the car was a gift from the photographer Milton Greene, who acquired it on 20 December 1955 at Westport Motors in Connecticut in the name of Marilyn Monroe Productions. The photographs of the Hollywood star in her convertible alongside her new husband Arthur Miller are famous and turned the vehicle into an icon of the time. This design was the old Detroit company's aim to modernise its image in the face of a great rival, the Corvette, and it worked: sales doubled. Photo: Marilu Baez AUX STEP FOR JS "He was a mysterious man and since his death we have learned more about him. There are things in the museum that we discover little by little, everything is a little box of surprises because everything is made by the hands of my father and his wonderful team. It's a very beautiful process," she says with emotion. Throughout the museum there is furniture specifically designed by Joao Magalhaes to match the vehicles. Behind each of the cars there is a personal story: like the Rolls Royce Phantom that he had decorated to copy the one used by the Beatles in the '60s or the Cadillac that he painted the same colour as the pink lipstick worn by his wife, Filomena. His widow says that one day her lipstick disappeared from her vanity case and soon after her husband appeared with the car. That was Joao Magalhaes. So, between one car and another, throughout the 6,000 square metres of exhibition space, there are haute couture pieces. There are more than 500 garments from brands such as Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Balmain and Prada, most of them stored in a room they call 'the cave', protected from external contamination and kept at the right temperature for their conservation. Every so often the ones on display are swapped to prevent them from suffering too much from the hundreds of people walking through the museum. Printed raincoat Coat by Gianni Versace, from the spring-summer 1991 collection. It includes the word 'Vogue' in large letters and is totally reversible with a yellow cotton lining. Photo: Marilu Baez Pink party dress Kika Magalhaes wears a long dress with pink sequins from top to bottom by designer Enrico Coveri. It belongs to the autumn-winter 1985 collection. Photo: Marilu Baez Thimble jacket An unusual jacket by Moschino designed by for the spring-summer 2011 collection. It is a tribute to dressmaking, with gold thimbles and tape measure ribbons. Photo: Marilu Baez AUX STEP FOR JS How all these design gems showed up in Malaga is also quite remarkable. Joao Magalhaes was buying vintage items to decorate the museum and one day he acquired a suitcase full of old hats. "He was fascinated and from there an incredible fashion collection was born. A little paradise for a woman. Especially for me, who can wear the clothes," she jokes. No one else has that privilege, except Queen Letizia: "I would lend her a little outfit." Her family is convinced that the queen had something to do with the collection coming to Malaga. Joao Magalhaes had tried to open the museum in Portugal for ten years with no response from relevant institutions, so he decided to write a letter to the then Princess Letizia. "A few months later we received a letter from Malaga expressing interest. We thought she must have done something, we would really like her to come here," says Kika. Taking stock Fourteen years have passed since then, with more than 700,000 visitors and almost 700 events held on the premises. The MAM closed 2024 with 90,317 visitors, 70% of them foreigners. This figure is double that of its neighbour, the Russian Museum with 40,979 visitors in 2023 and similar to that of the other great cultural centre on the outskirts of Malaga city, La Termica (87,100 visitors last year). However, this total is far from the numbers achieved by the main cultural centres in the city centre (the Thyssen exceeded 200,000 and the Picasso was close to 800,000). This is the cost of being a few kilometres from the heart of Malaga. The big challenge for the new generation at MAM is to give these numbers a real boost. "My brother and I have many projects. We are both thinking of coming here, investing more, putting on temporary exhibitions, making it better known internationally, collaborating more with other museums, with designers.... We have many ideas. We have a lot of ideas, we want to keep going forward to go further", says Kika, who also has the support of her mother Filomena for this new era for the MAM. The bar is set high. "My father cannot be described in one word. He was a businessman, a man of mystery, a creative person, an artist, a genius. And a mad genius too," says Kika with a smile. "And a visionary," Filomena adds from behind. Eugenio Cabezas Velez-Malaga Friday, 24 January 2025, 11:02 | Updated 12:30h. Compartir Spain's National Police force has opened an investigation into a violent robbery reported by a couple from Velez-Malaga on the eastern Costa del Sol. The thieves entered the property, located between La Panoleta and Torre del Mar, where they tied up the couple and gagged them. The incident happened at around 7.30pm on Thursday 16 January. The woman, aged about 40, was in the living room and looked out onto the terrace after hearing one of her dogs barking. It was then that the thieves entered the house, tied her up and forced her into a room by hitting her. The husband, who is over 80 years old, was asleep in another room. The robbers woke him up and also tied him up. They threatened the couple and demanded to know where their safe was, despite the couple saying that they did not have one. The thieves ransacked the entire house, causing damage to numerous items of furniture and household goods. After about two hours the assailants left with around six thousand euros in cash, jewellery and a pellet gun, as SUR has been able to confirm. The victims were not injured, although the robbers did hit them several times in the face and head and they also suffered anxiety attacks. The victims reported that they were five young men, "who spoke to each other in Arabic". Eugenio Cabezas Velez-Malaga Friday, 24 January 2025, 12:21 Compartir The mouth of the River Velez to the west of Torre del Mar on the eastern Costa del Sol is home to some of the most important Phoenician sites on the Spanish mainland. One of these is Los Toscanos, which is located between Torre del Mar and Almayate. Excavated in the 1960s by the German Archaeological Institute, the area has been abandoned for years, with complaints from local residents and heritage groups including the Sociedad de Amigos de la Cultura (SAC). However, in recent years, work has been carried out to restore and clean up the area. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the first excavations. Councillor for culture and historical heritage for Velez-Malaga, Alicia Ramirez, presented on Thursday 23 January the new signage, maintenance and conservation plan carried out by her department to give greater visibility and, therefore, enhancement of the Phoenician sites known as 'Los Toscanos'. This initiative aims to provide visitors to the town with visual access to the area by means of large-scale signage featuring the symbol of the archaeological site and the name Los Toscanos. Ramirez visited the maintenance and conservation work being carried out in the area together with the deputy mayor of Almayate, Jesus Maria Claros and the Town hall's heritage expert, Emilio Martin Cordoba. "With this initiative, tourists driving along the N-340 will know that the archaeological remains are very close by". Ramirez said that the sites are "very important for the municipality" and that the town hall is "very conscious of maintaining, conserving and giving them visibility". Ramirez also said that the archaeological remains "place us in a first level in terms of the Phoenician world". She explained that the new signage explains "to all tourists and other groups that come to learn about a fundamental part of our history". Last year similar signs were installed at the El Jardin and the Tombs of Lagos Phoenician remains. "These actions enhance both the value of these excavations and all that our district has to offer". Ramirez also talked about the implementation of a comprehensive plan for the cleaning and maintenance of the main archaeological remains of the municipality, including the cleaning and conservation of Los Toscanos, Tumbas de Lagos and Chorreras. Likewise, similar actions will be undertaken throughout the whole of the Alcazaba-Fortress of Velez-Malaga. Maintenance and conservation work will be carried out three times a year at this location and twice a year at Los Toscanos, Lagos and Chorreras. A conference day is being held this Friday 24 January to mark the 60th anniversary of the start of excavations by the German Archaeological Institute from 12pm in the Museum of Velez-Malaga (Muvel). Pope Francis has praised Malaga and Seville for their joint participation in the procession to be held in Rome on 17 May as part of the 2025 Jubilee. The procession will feature the images of the Virgen de la Esperanza from Malaga and Cristo de la Expiracion (Cachorro) from Seville. This is what the pontiff said during the private audience that he held for twenty minutes on Wednesday 22 January with representatives of the institutions and entities that are sponsoring the procession, according to sources consulted. The meeting was attended by the Andalusian spokesperson for economy and finance, Carolina Espana, the mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre, the president of the provincial authority, the Diputacion de Malaga, Francisco Salado, director general of the Unicaja foundation, Sergio Corral, and Gloria Ruiz from the Cajasol foundation. The rest of the members of the Andalusian delegation to Rome were present at Wednesday's general audience in the Paul VI Hall, including the councillor for culture, Patricia del Pozo, the elder brother of the Archicofradia del Paso y la Esperanza de Malaga, Sergio Morales, the president of the city's Agrupacion de Cofradias de Semana Santa, Jose Carlos Garin, accompanied by the third vice-president, Francisco Cidfuentes, the coordinator of the Grand Procession, among others. At the end of the meeting, the pontiff greeted them and Saborido showed him an album with photographs of the Virgen de la Esperanza and the Cristo de la Expiracion. "The Pope wanted to convey the importance of popular religion in today's world and stressed the importance of the Grand Procession for its great evangelising and exciting value", said the brotherhood member. In the private meeting, the Pope spoke of the role Andalucia is playing in the 2025 Jubilee and the work carried out by the brotherhoods, not only from an artistic point of view but also from a social one. He also addressed issues such as the family, the concern for the low birth rate in Spain and Italy and the role of women in society and in the Catholic Church, a point where he said that there are more and more women in important positions, as explained by the sources and Carolina Espana in statements to the press. Espana told the Pope that for Andalucia it is "a source of pride and honour" that two images from the region will lead the procession through the streets of Rome. "We know the great responsibility we have, because the Virgen de la Esperanza and El Cachorro are going to represent all the brotherhoods and sisterhoods of the world," she said. "We know the great responsibility we have because La Esperanza and El Cachorro are going to represent all the brotherhoods and sisterhoods of the world," said Carolina Espana "Andalucia is going to be an international benchmark, the whole world will be watching and paying attention to our Holy Week. It is a great responsibility, an honour and a very important promotion for our land," she explained. Espana, who described the meeting as "very moving and endearing", said that she had found the Pope "well" and that he had been "very affectionate, very talkative, eager to talk and very interested in Andalusian affairs and in the problems at world level, in seeing how the public administrations can adopt measures to solve them". Likewise, in the words of Espana, Francisco described Andalusians as "hard-working and cheerful people" and asked that "we should never lose the good humour we have, which is very important in life". A reproduction of La Farola, a handkerchief of the Virgin and a book by Martinez Montanes, gifts given to the pontiff The mayor of Malaga explained that the meeting addressed the key role of the brotherhoods in evangelisation and the importance of Holy Week in Malaga, as well as the work on the roof of the Cathedral. In the private audience, the Pope presented the entourage with a rosary and De la Torre presented him with a figure of Malaga's La Farola de Malaga (the Malaga lighthouse), while Francisco Salado presented him with a jabega, the typical boat of the province. Carolina Espana gave him a book that was published on the occasion of the exhibition held in Seville of the sculptor Juan Martinez Montanes. The elder brother of the Archicofradia del Paso y la Esperanza, Sergio Morales, presented the pontiff with a silver frame with a photo of the image of Our Lady as well as one of the handkerchiefs worn by the image. Europa Press Malaga Friday, 24 January 2025, 10:40 Compartir The rains that storm Garoe brought to a great part of Spain this past week will see see a lull this Friday but, from Saturday, Eowyn - the new 'super storm' - will return to leave rainfall in much of the country. According to the state meteorological agency (Aemet), precipitation will fall mostly in the western half of the Spanish mainland and, to a lesser extent, in the Mediterranean area. It is expected that the new storm will cause a noticeable drop in temperatures. Friday will be "a day of transition" between the departing Garoe and the arrival of Eowyn, forecasts Aemet spokesperson Ruben del Campo. The east of mainland Spain and the Balearic islands will experience mostly clear skies, while the rest of the peninsula will see some cloud cover. Even so, there will be little rain except in Galicia and other nearby areas, where the new storm will make its presence felt from midday onwards. In the Canary Islands, the weather will be stable and the effects of the storm will not be felt. Del Campo stated that the Eowyn front will bring widespread rainfall across the mainland, though it will be less likely and more scattered in the Mediterranean region. Rain is not forecast to reach the Balearic Islands. On the other hand, rainfall will be abundant in Galicia, northern Extremadura and southern Castilla y Leon. Snow is expected above 1,500 metres, with levels potentially dropping to 1,200 metres in the Cantabrian Mountains. The Eowyn front will bring widespread rainfall across the mainland, though it will be less likely and more scattered in the Mediterranean region. Rain is not forecast to reach the Balearic Islands. Overall, temperatures are expected to drop on Saturday, although the conditions could not be described as cold. According to Aemet, there will be some frost, mostly on Sunday, when the rain will also continue, especially in the northwest of the Spanish mainland, the Cantabrian regions and again in the area around the Central System, with less precipitation. In Galicia, rain will be more abundant, with the mountains of the extreme north of the peninsula even receiving snow. Next week will begin with a new front that, on Monday, will leave widespread rainfall across mainland Spain. After the storm passes on Tuesday, temperatures in most of the country will drop, contributing to a more wintry atmosphere. 150mm of rainfall in Galicia Experts from eltiempo.es have stated that another large squall will approach the British Isles on Sunday. Although it will not affect Spain directly, one of its fronts will enter Galicia. The northwest quadrant of the mainland will therefore experience more rain once again. By Sunday, rainfall in the west of Galicia could reach more than 150mm. That same front will advance across the country, distributing new downpours on Monday. Apart from the rain, these two fronts will cause intense gusts of wind on the Cantabrian slope, as well as big waves on the coasts. According to the weather portal, gusts of more than 100 km/h may occur in the mountain range and Galicia both on Friday and Sunday, although the strong wind will generally be felt throughout the weekend and in more areas of the country. Eltiempo.es has stated that temperatures will fall over the weekend, especially on Saturday, which might cause snow to fall in lower altitudes as well. The weather portal does not rule out the possibility of some light snowfall in the mountains of the north and the centre of the peninsula. According to the latest update, a few centimetres of snow are expected to accumulate in the Cantabrian Mountains and the Pyrenees from the early hours of Saturday morning until Sunday. The possibility of a few flakes falling in the north of the Iberian Mountains and the Central system is not ruled out. The altitudes that will see snow range from 1,000 to 1,200 metres above sea level. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. Kazakhstan will host Astana International Forum 2025 on May 29-30, Trend reports. The event will bring together high-ranking government delegates and business leaders from around the world to exchange views on the most pressing issues of our time and identify new areas of cooperation. The event is set to bring together key players in global governance. This landmark event aims to foster collaboration among leaders from diverse fields and promote actionable strategies to address pressing international challenges. Over 5,000 international attendees and over 110 speakers are set to share their insights and perspectives on critical topics. The event is expected to host more than 80 heads of state, ministers, and CEOs, with participants from over 50 countries fostering a truly global conversation. Central Square, N.Y. A Central New York high school teacher was arrested Thursday on sex charges involving children. State Police arrested Nolan R. Ostrowski, 25, of Central Square, on Thursday for multiple sex charges, said Trooper Jennifer Jiron, a spokesperson for the State Police. Ostrowski had been a teacher in the Altmar-Parish-Williamstown district for at least two years, according to payroll records. He was a music teacher. Superintendent Naomi Ryfun sent a message to students saying the district was made aware of the incident involving a staff member at the junior-senior high school. Ryfun said the staff member has been placed on administrative leave and the district is cooperating with authorities as they continue their investigation. Jiron confirmed that Ostrowski was employed by the school district. When asked if the children involved in the incident were students in the school district, Jiron declined to answer, saying it was an ongoing investigation. State Police charged Ostrowski with promoting a sexual performance by a child, possession of sexual performance by a child, third-degree obscenity and public lewdness. The investigation stemmed from a search warrant related to the transmission of child sexual exploitation material online, Jiron said. Ostrowski was booked in the Oswego County jail Thursday evening, but he has been released. Police ask anyone with information regarding any of these incidents or any other incidents involving Ostrowski to contact New York State Police at 315-366-6000. Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse police rushed to a home Thursday afternoon after a call that a man had shot his mother and was going to kill himself. It turned out the call that shut down parts of South Geddes Street wasnt true. Police said they are investigating the incident as a possible swatting or hoax call. Police responded to 1031 S. Geddes St. after receiving a tip from the Crisis Lifeline that a man had shot his mother and planned on shooting himself with an AR-15, according to Onondaga County 911 dispatchers. Police parked nearby and South Geddes was shut down from Fitch Street to Putnam Street. At least six police cars could be seen on the street and police with long guns walked near the home. A crime scene van was also parked in front of the house. It was determined that no one was injured, and the initial report is believed to be a swatting call, said Kieran Coffey, a spokesperson for the Syracuse Police Department. Swatting calls are hoax 911 calls meant to create a police response. These calls are dangerous to first responders and to the victims. In 2017, a police officer in Wichita, Kansas, shot and killed a man while responding to a hoax emergency call, according to CNN. A man was sentenced to prison for that hoax call. Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com. Westmoreland, N.Y. Two corrections officers and two inmates were taken to a hospital Friday after a car crashed into a prison transport vehicle in Oneida County, deputies said. At 9 a.m. Friday morning, July Isaac, 36, of Utica, was driving a 2014 Toyota sedan east on Route 5 in Westmoreland when she lost control of her car, Oneida County deputies said in a Facebook post. She lost control due to slick road conditions and unsafe speed, deputies said. Isaac crossed into the westbound lane and hit a Oneida County Sheriffs Office jail transport vehicle, deputies said. The jail transport vehicle was driven by corrections officer Barry Bray. After the vehicle was hit it went off the road and struck trees, deputies said. Bray and another corrections officer, Scott Holbert, were taken to Oneida Healthcare to be evaluated, deputies said. Their injuries are non-life threatening. Michael Santiago and Timothy Milne, two inmates in the vehicle, were taken to Wynn Hospital to be evaluated for non-life-threatening injuries, deputies said. Isaac was uninjured, deputies said. She was ticketed for speed not reasonable or prudent for the road conditions and failure to keep right, deputies said. Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com. Watertown, N.Y. A man kidnapped a 13-year-old girl and drove her to Virginia, then ditched her at a restaurant, police said. On Jan. 6, Keller Jack Singleton, 18, of Rome, Ga., drove to Watertown to meet the girl, according to Lt. Joseph A. Giaquinto, a spokesperson for the Watertown Police Department. Singleton used social media to help her run away, he said. Giaquinto said Singleton planned to take the girl back to his home in Georgia, but instead drove her to Virginia. Singleton abducted and restrained the girl for 24 hours in his vehicle, leaving her no means to escape, according to a criminal complaint filed in Watertown City Court. Giaquinto said Singleton and the girl communicated on Snapchat. The messages showed Singleton planned to sexually abuse her, he said. Singleton left the girl at a restaurant in Marion, Va., Giaquinto said. The girl used a phone to call police, he said. Singleton was later found in Chilhowie, Va., where he was taken into custody. He was charged with first-degree kidnapping, a felony. Singleton was transferred to Watertown and arraigned in Jefferson County CAP court. Giaquinto said Singleton was taken to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility. Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com Kid Rock will hit the road for a seven-city tour in March and April 2025. The tour will kick off on Friday, March 21, at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, and wrap up on Saturday, April 19, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Country music star Chris Janson will join him for the March dates and Uncle Kracker for the April dates. I wanted to play a few shows to celebrate President Trumps victory and all things MAGA! Kid Rock said in a statement. Being a huge supporter since he came down that escalator, myself and fans have taken a lot of heat from the liberal media, etc. I still feel now is no time to gloat as we need to try and unite this great countryBut I see no wrong in celebrating with a few like minded, hard working patriots who love a big rock n roll show and this country! The good lord knows, WE DESERVE IT!" Kid Rock 2025 tour dates and tickets Tickets can be purchased online through Ticketmaster or secondary market platforms such as Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and StubHub, which offer verified tickets with buyer guarantees. March 21 - Chi Health Center - Omaha, NE March 22 - Target Center - Minneapolis, MN March 28 - KFC Yum! Center - Louisville, KY March 29 - Fiserv Forum - Milwaukee, WI April 11 - Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK April 18 - INTRUST Bank Arena - Wichita, KS April 19 - T-Mobile Center - Kansas City, MO First rising to fame in the late 90s with his album Devil Without a Cause, which sold more than 14 million copies, Kid Rock is best known for songs like Cowboy and All Summer Long. Kid Rock most recently performed at the 2025 inauguration rally for President Donald Trump alongside artists like Billy Ray Cyrus, Lee Greenwood, and The Village People. His politically charged music, including tracks like We The People, American Rock n Roll, and Born Free, has earned him both passionate supporters and vocal critics. This tour will be followed by Kid Rocks 2025 Rock the Country touring festival, where he will headline alongside Nickelback, with appearances by bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, 3 Doors Down, and others. The festival will begin in April and continue through July. A complete list of Kid Rocks tour dates is available here. Clay, N.Y. A family escaped a fire in their home in Clay with their dog, but their six cats didnt survive. Firefighters responded to the call at around 11:41 a.m. Thursday for reports of flames coming from a house at 4793 Route 31, according to dispatches from the Onondaga County 911 Center. The dispatchers said the house was full of smoke and told firefighters to be careful of a propane tank outside of the house where the fire was coming from. When firefighters arrived at the house, they saw heavy smoke coming from the side and back of the house, Clay Fire Department assistant chief Mark Procopio said. The damage inside the house is severe, Procopio said. The family wont be returning to the home anytime soon, he said. The fire started outside the back of the house, but they are unsure what started the fire at this time, he said. It is being ruled as an accident, Procopio said. Jeffrey Gillespie, who lives in the home, said he was sitting in the living room when his daughter said she smelled smoke. He didnt originally notice anything, but then he saw smoke coming from the back of the house. Gillespie said everyone got out of the house and they opened the door so their dog could run out. The dog followed them out of the house, but their six cats got scared and started hiding. The smoke was too strong for them to go back in the house, so they stayed outside and called 911. Seven fire trucks were at the house and multiple departments responded including the Clay Fire Department, the North Syracuse Fire Department, the Liverpool Fire Department and Moyers Corners Fire Department. Volunteers from the Central and Northern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross provided the family with immediate emergency aid after the fire. The family waited in the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church across the street from their house while firefighters worked on putting out the fire. The Red Cross provided financial help to the family of three adults and a 16-year-old, according to Lisa Smith, the executive director of the American Red Cross Central and Northern New York chapter. Gillespie said his family wont be back in the house for a while and have to figure out where to go next. Realizing that they lost all of their cats was emotional for Gillespie and his teenage daughter. Everything is replaceable, except for the cats, he said. By Cayla Bamberger | New York Daily News New York New Yorks top education officials are raising concerns about a potential school cellphone ban as President Trumps mass deportation plans threaten to separate undocumented children from their families. At a Brooklyn town hall Thursday night, State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa and Board of Regents Chancellor Lester Young expressed unease about the two major policy changes impacting public schools at the same time. My biggest concern is the timing, Rosa told reporters after the event at City Tech. Our children (are) going through trauma and anxiety of knowing that theyre in school, and when some of those kids are going to go home, are their parents going to be there? So the cellphone itself becomes the connection, if you will. On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced her intention to restrict cellphone use on school grounds from bell to bell, meaning students could lose access their devices during lunch and free periods. The statewide ban would require the approval of the state legislature, including several elected officials who have already indicated their support to both limit distractions in the classroom and to improve youth mental health. Her proposal came as Trump signed a flurry of executive orders related to immigration, including one that could strip some Americans of their birthright citizenship, which was temporarily blocked by a federal judge on Thursday. Were impacted by both state requirements and federal requirements, said Young. And there is a level of hysteria warranted around some of the federal requirements. And the way I think about it, it really places the health, welfare and safety of children in jeopardy. That should rule the day. This is not just something Im making up. This is what young people are talking about. Theyre actually saying, Well, I dont know what I would do if I went home, and there was no one home. Rosa disclosed the State Education Department was not part of conversations as Hochul developed her plan, but said she was happy that it leaves many decisions about implementation up to local school districts. Under the governors proposal, district leaders will develop their own plans, then seek reimbursement from the state from a pool of $13.5 million. The Education Department has been having its own conversations with superintendents and teachers, among others, and observations during school visits. Rosa emphasized the importance of student input on any cellphone policy and that children learn when to put devices away on their own, but that her misgivings did not amount to a disagreement with the governor. If this had been three months ago, would I say that to you? No, Rosa said. Right now, were in this situation were dealing with where kids are scared, parents are scared, kids are not coming to school in some cases because of fear. So kids choosing to come to school want to make sure theres some connection. _____ 2025 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 24. Kazakhstans Tokayev signed a law on the mutual recognition of bank guarantees for government procurement in EAEU countries, Trend reports via the press service of Kazakhstans President. "The head of country signed the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan 'On the ratification of the Agreement on the mutual recognition of bank guarantees for government (municipal) procurement,'" the statement says. Additionally, the document is designed to simplify the participation of Kazakh suppliers in government procurement in EAEU countries. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice-President Robert de Groot visited Albania to discuss enhancing cooperation in energy, transport, regional connectivity, and private sector development with Prime Minister Edi Rama and EU representatives, Trend reports. During his visit, de Groot signed a cooperation agreement with the Governor of the National Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, for the EIBs Greening Financial Systems program. The program, supported by the International Climate Initiative Fund, will help Albania integrate climate risks into its regulatory framework, develop a green taxonomy for the financial sector, and foster climate finance best practices in local banks. These efforts aim to encourage green investments, reduce climate risks, and drive sustainable economic growth. "The signing of these agreements marks another important milestone in EIB's work in Albania," said de Groot. "We are committed to supporting Albanias green transition and enhancing connectivity as it progresses toward EU accession." In addition, de Groot signed a host country agreement with Albania, represented by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, which strengthens EIBs collaboration under the Team Europe initiative. The agreement will support major projects, including modernizing the railway from Vore to Montenegro, improving Tiranas water system, and offering favorable financing for small businesses. Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, Head of the EU Delegation to Albania, highlighted the importance of EIBs role in Albanias EU integration process. "The EU is committed to supporting Albanias modernization and sustainable economic growth," he said. Since 2010, the EIB has invested 420 million euros in Albania, funding vital projects in transport, energy, water supply, and the private sector. EasyRider Suraj BHPian Join Date: Jul 2024 Location: Muzaffarnagar Posts: 55 Thanked: 109 Times Re: Norton Motorcycles developing two new platforms for India Quote: RD150 Originally Posted by The Classic Legends formula was actually invented by Royal Enfield itself and they still are sticking to that formula. The J series engine is used in Bullet, Classic, Meteor and Hunter. Let's not talk about their 650 cc engine , it's being used on half a dozen products The Honda Triplets, CB350, Highness and 350 RS are literally the same bike with different tyres. And I see nothing wrong in it. More options is always beneficial for us customers. Competition has actually forced Royal Enfield to launch good products, otherwise nothing could have stopped them from using the old legendary UCE engine for 10 more years. As per Rushlane's report, Classis Legends sold 4148 units in November 2024. More than Honda, Hero and Bajaj in 350 - 450 cc segment. 2nd position on sales chart cannot be labelled as a "Flop".The Classic Legends formula was actually invented by Royal Enfield itself and they still are sticking to that formula. The J series engine is used in Bullet, Classic, Meteor and Hunter. Let's not talk about their 650 cc engine , it's being used on half a dozen productsThe Honda Triplets, CB350, Highness and 350 RS are literally the same bike with different tyres. And I see nothing wrong in it.More options is always beneficial for us customers. Competition has actually forced Royal Enfield to launch good products, otherwise nothing could have stopped them from using the old legendary UCE engine for 10 more years. You are confusing my "formula" content with platform sharing which I wasn't talking about. Enfield's formula is same as Harley Davidson mostly. They are both World War veterans, saw the 2 strokes onslaught, japanese competition, death of European brands etc. but after all of this they still stuck with what they thought was the ideal form of motorcycle and today the world respects them for that. What RE & Harley makes are very rare: old school air cooled long strokes. There are ONLY 3 long stroke engines currently made in the country (RE, Honda & Hero). What is Classic Legends strategy? They look at the sales chart and try to mimic the sales of RE and always stay behind. Their products don't have anything remotely related to their OG models, they lack the soul. The engine is just a modified Mahindra Mojo. It's only a cosmetic exercise. Buy a defunct nostalgic European brand and stick the sticker on their mojo engine. If you remove the styling there is a absolutely nothing unique about the hardware. We have way better liquid cooled high performance engines. But. Enfield's J-series is still an evolution of the 1950s bike, it's authentically retro. If you look at the market share you can see Enfield has no competition even when the competition is at its all time high. There least selling models outsells entire portfolio of 2nd best seller. No one was pushing Enfield in 2015 to make India first 650cc parallel twin but they did. The work on j series was long underway before any copycats arrived (Honda). They now have tubeless wheels which even 12 lakh ADVs don't have, every bike with spokes will be measured against that. They have full GPS TFT, aluminum switch cubes and are now testing India's first twin front disk bike.They are way ahead of everyone else. 3 out of 10 most sold bikes UK are now Enfield. Classic Legends would never sell Jawa/yezdi in west Europe or america because they know foreigners will more easily see through facade. Their BSA project is interesting but won't work in India. Due to Classic Legends low sales they publish the number of their ENTIRE lineup of 2 brands combined i.e. 6-8 models. When you take that into account the numbers suddenly look VERY unimpressive as this is after 7 yrs of trying to crack the market. They recently got bailed by another 700cr infusion from Mahindra but I doubt it would save them.You are confusing my "formula" content with platform sharing which I wasn't talking about. Enfield's formula is same as Harley Davidson mostly. They are both World War veterans, saw the 2 strokes onslaught, japanese competition, death of European brands etc. but after all of this they still stuck with what they thought was the ideal form of motorcycle and today the world respects them for that.What RE & Harley makes are very rare: old school air cooled long strokes. There are ONLY 3 long stroke engines currently made in the country (RE, Honda & Hero).What is Classic Legends strategy? They look at the sales chart and try to mimic the sales of RE and always stay behind. Their products don't have anything remotely related to their OG models, they lack the soul. The engine is just a modified Mahindra Mojo. It's only a cosmetic exercise. Buy a defunct nostalgic European brand and stick the sticker on their mojo engine. If you remove the styling there is a absolutely nothing unique about the hardware. We have way better liquid cooled high performance engines. But. Enfield's J-series is still an evolution of the 1950s bike, it's authentically retro.If you look at the market share you can see Enfield has no competition even when the competition is at its all time high. There least selling models outsells entire portfolio of 2nd best seller. No one was pushing Enfield in 2015 to make India first 650cc parallel twin but they did. The work on j series was long underway before any copycats arrived (Honda). They now have tubeless wheels which even 12 lakh ADVs don't have, every bike with spokes will be measured against that. They have full GPS TFT, aluminum switch cubes and are now testing India's first twin front disk bike.They are way ahead of everyone else. 3 out of 10 most sold bikes UK are now Enfield. Classic Legends would never sell Jawa/yezdi in west Europe or america because they know foreigners will more easily see through facade.Their BSA project is interesting but won't work in India. TL;DR: Parents, students, and educators across North America are reeling after what is shaping up to be the largest data breach of the new year. Hackers infiltrated a cloud-based software provider used by K-12 schools, compromising the sensitive information of millions of students and school personnel. Based in Folsom, California, PowerSchool serves 16,000 schools globally and manages data for over 60 million students. On January 7, the company confirmed that attackers had accessed and exfiltrated personal data stored in its Student Information System. The stolen data includes Social Security numbers, medical records, and home addresses. A report by Bleeping Computer revealed an extortion note from the attackers claiming they had stolen the records of 62.4 million students and 9.5 million teachers. Among the hardest hit is the Toronto District School Board in Canada, which disclosed Monday that information on all students enrolled between 1985 and 2024 was exposed, equating to 1.4 million students and over 90,000 teachers. The data included names, dates of birth, health card numbers, home addresses, disciplinary notes, and even residency status. The district noted that the scope of the breach varied depending on the enrollment period but affected every student within that timeframe. District Name Students Impacted Teachers Impacted Toronto District School Board 1,484,733 90,023 Peel District School Board 943,082 39,693 Dallas Independent School District 787,212 79,718 Calgary Board of Education 593,518 133,677 Memphis-Shelby County School 485,087 54,501 San Diego Unified 472,278 Possibly not stolen Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 467,974 57,486 Wake County Public School 461,005 92,783 California's Menlo Park City School District also reported significant fallout. All current students, staff, and anyone enrolled or employed since the 2009 2010 school year were impacted. This breach includes nearly 10,700 students and many former staff members. PowerSchool stated it had communicated with the hackers, who allegedly said they would not release the data, supported by a video of its purported deletion. However, experts warn that such claims are impossible to verify and that the threat actors could still post the stolen information on the dark web. Several school districts have included these assurances in their breach notifications despite the dubious deletion claims from the attackers. PowerSchool has not confirmed the number of affected individuals or whether it paid a ransom. However, it has begun offering those impacted a free two-year credit monitoring package. The breach illustrates the vulnerabilities of online education systems. It's not just banks, large corporations, and social media platforms that hackers target. Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust Forward-looking: Indian business magnate Mukesh Ambani is gearing up to take on global tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. The billionaire has announced plans to build what could potentially become the world's largest AI data center, strategically located in his home state of Gujarat. The data center is being constructed in Jamnagar and is projected to have a staggering total capacity of three gigawatts upon completion. For perspective, the largest operational data centers today peak at under one gigawatt. This means Ambani's facility would dwarf anything currently in existence. Building such a massive data center is no small feat. Cost estimates place the project in the range of $20-30 billion, based on pricing for similar large-scale facilities. Bloomberg notes that Reliance Industries, Ambani's flagship company, has approximately $26 billion on its balance sheet. To finance this ambitious undertaking, Ambani may need to explore creative solutions, including potential government funding. Adding to the excitement, the report highlights that Ambani has already begun purchasing chips from Nvidia to power the data center's infrastructure. If Ambani can pull it off, he aims to dominate the AI market by offering low-cost inferencing services. This strategy involves renting out compute power to companies looking to run AI models without shouldering the expense of building and maintaining their own data centers. Ambani is no stranger to aggressive, market-disrupting tactics. His infamous price war in the telecom sector drove several Indian carriers, including Aircel and Telenor, out of business. Now, it seems he's applying a similar playbook to the burgeoning AI compute market. What makes this project even more intriguing is Ambani's commitment to sustainability. The massive data center will be powered, as much as possible, by renewable energy sourced from an adjacent green energy complex featuring wind, solar, and hydrogen power. However, Ambani isn't alone in the race to expand AI compute capacity. This week, OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle announced a new venture called the Stargate Project, with plans to invest a staggering $500 billion in AI infrastructure across the United States. On day three of President Donald J. Trump's return to the White House, he virtually appeared at the World Economic Forum set in Davos, Switzerland where he made an interesting remark addressing the European Union about what they are doing to American companies. In his virtual appearance, Trump went on to criticize the European Union's focus on condemning US Big Tech companies to massive fines that are still ongoing now. Before he won the presidency, it is known that Trump had a conversation with Apple's CEO Tim Cook, where the executive talked to the then-candidate about a new EU fine they are facing that is on top of their $15 billion from Cupertino. Trump vs. EU: US Big Tech Fines Are Forms of Taxation Says POTUS According to The Hill's Julia Shapero, President Trump made a bold move in his participation in the World Economic Forum last Wednesday, particularly as he called out the European Union for their significant actions against American companies. Trump went on to criticize the EU's decisions and litigations against American corporations, and in this case, Trump focused on US Big Tech firms. It was revealed by Trump that the EU has already collected hefty fines against US Big Tech companies, citing examples like Apple, where the EU already won "$15 or $16 billion," and also mentioned the billions they won from Google. Trump also regarded that the EU is still after Facebook (Meta) for "billions and billions," claiming that these fines are a "form of taxation" against American companies. The President of the United States regarded that the EU should not be doing that because they are American companies and that they (Trump's administration) "have some very bigcomplaints with the EU." Trump Fulfills Promise to US Big Tech Against EU Fines A month before the election, Trump revealed that he received a phone call from Apple's CEO, and Cook told the presidential aspirant that they are facing another $15 billion fine in the EU on top of the $2 billion penalty they paid for Apple Music's antitrust complaint. Trump went on to promise Cook that once he wins the election, he will use his power to stop the EU and others from going against American companies, which he recently fulfilled. The European Union's Antitrust vs. US Big Tech The Americans are known for having some of the largest tech companies in the world, and they have been embroiled in multiple antitrust battles with the European Union over the past years, including the most recent one in 2024. Apple is among those who were designated as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the EU, leading to significant changes to the App Store, iOS, and more. On the other hand, the world's top internet company, Google, has also faced a series of heavy litigation from the European Commission over the years, with the company made to pay billions in fines because of their practices. Among the complaints Google faced was its massive anti-competitive tactics in the Search market, as well as the Play Store, with its advertising leg also facing complaints by over 30 European media groups under the French antitrust regulators. Among them is also Mark Zuckerberg's Meta which is also designated as a gatekeeper under the DMA, with other antitrust complaints also filed against the massive social media platform where it allegedly trumped the competition.The latest criticism of Donald Trump against the EU puts the POTUS on a new pedestal that makes him the American hero for the US Big Tech, fulfilling one of his promises to tech companies to those going against Americans and their businesses. Pinterest is one of the new-age innovators, balancing social media use and education. The company's CEO Bill Ready is advocating for a revolution that promotes the use of Pinterest among teens, but not at school. As a supporter of "phone-free schools," Ready has aligned Pinterest with an emerging initiative to reduce cellphone distraction in classrooms and create a safer, more positive online environment for young users. Pinterest Joins the Phone-Free School Movement A survey conducted recently by the Pew Research Center found that 72% of high school teachers and 33% of middle school educators cited cellphone distractions as an issue. In response, Pinterest is running pilot programs to help students minimize app use during school hours. This comes in response to a larger national shiftthe eight states that have restricted cellphone use in schools, and 15 more are considering it. Tech CEO Advocating for Digital Well-Being Ready's stance might sound a little strange for a social media executive, but it is part of the company's long-standing commitment to online safety. California Governor Gavin Newsom's proposal was quite stricter since he wanted a total smartphone ban in schools. Nearly three years ago, Ready became the company's CEO and focused on building a platform that promotes positive and meaningful interactions. The leadership of Ready has also aligned Pinterest with the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a bill mandating tech platforms to have measures that protect minors from online harms. In addition, Ready has advocated for the development of a national digital ID system that helps in verifying users' ages. Unique Approach to Social Media by Pinterest Pinterest is a social media site founded in 2010. The platform has always differentiated itself from other social media companies; it targets a predominantly female population interested in fashion, recipes, and home decor ideas. It is fundamentally different from others that thrive by serving sensational, fast-paced content. It seeks to foster a slower, more uplifting user experience. A 2024 content strategy report from Sprout Social reveals a bright spot in Pinterest's behavior: According to a panel of social media users surveyed, a majority consider Pinterest the more positive home compared to other platforms. Ready has reaffirmed this reputation by emphasizing that Pinterest is prioritizing "time spent well" over total time spent. Encouraging Time Well Spent This is a new feature from Pinterest to minimize app use during school hours, which is an extension of its commitment to responsible digital engagement. A 2023 Common Sense Media study reported that 97% of 11- to 17-year-olds use their phones during school, averaging 43 minutes of screen time. Pinterest wants to help students focus on their education while still offering an outlet for creativity and inspiration during their downtime. Betting on Hope, Not Hate Ready's leadership has made Pinterest a kinder corner of the internet, a platform that prioritizes hope and inspiration over negativity. "We're betting on hope, not hatred as the driver of engagement," Ready said in a Fast Company interview. With continuous innovation, the efforts of Pinterest in encouraging healthy habits among its young users and education-focused initiatives could set a new standard for how social media platforms engage with their communities. Google has now partnered with the UK's Competition and Markets Authority, which is planning to fight fraudulent reviews online. The search engine giant agrees to take such steps under a new agreement against misleading endorsements to increase the authenticity of online reviews. Google Steps Up to Fight Fake Reviews Fake online reviews have already been a nightmare for businesses and consumers. Since millions of purchasing decisions online are influenced, tech companies are facing growing pressures to stop misleading reviews from spreading. As ongoing concerns concerning this issue continue to weigh, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority or CMA has reached an agreement with Google to implement more effective measures against this issue, TechCrunch reports. The CMA has been investigating online platforms since May 2020 and enforcement cases have already filed in the following year against major players including Google and Amazon. Now after five years, Google is planning to take all serious steps concerning the fake review problem. Commitments by Google to Tackle Fake Reviews As part of its agreement with the CMA, Google has agreed to implement a series of changes aimed at identifying, removing, and preventing fake reviews. The company will concentrate on detecting and deleting identified fake reviews and blocking the accounts behind these fraudulent endorsements. Google has also promised to ban people who repeatedly post fake reviews, making it harder for bad actors to manipulate ratings. As part of efforts to further protect consumers, there will be clear warnings displayed on the Google profiles of businesses that are found to be involved in suspicious activity. Such warnings will inform consumers that a business may be engaging in deceptive review practices. The ability to leave new reviews on flagged business profiles will be temporarily disabled. Combination of AI and Human Oversight Although Google is already employing artificial intelligence and machine learning to recognize fake reviews, the company is using the combination with human oversight. The Guardian reports that the CMA is working with Google to create a new system that will make reporting suspicious reviews easier for consumers as well as for reviews likely offered in exchange for incentives. Google's dependence on both AI and human feedback intends to develop a more holistic approach to fake review detection to ensure that businesses and their consumers can trust the integrity of the online review system. Honest Reviews Matter The impact of fake reviews on businesses and consumers cannot be overemphasized. According to CMA research, as much as $23 billion in online spending is influenced by public feedback from previous customers. With the stakes so high, the CMA's investigation into Google and other platforms is essential for maintaining consumer trust in online marketplaces. However, CMA continues with its investigations over Amazon, too. As previously done with these firms, both the companies including others like Facebook and eBay were earlier criticized for the fake reviews they were publishing on their respective platforms. Similar initiatives have also been taken in the United States. The FTC, in an attempt to suppress such fake reviews, has introduced some new rules under which the fines imposed can reach as high as $51,744 per offense. Google Pledges for Transparency Google agreed to share updates regarding its steps over three yearswhat's been effective in their new actions. "Our work with regulators around the world, including the CMA, is part of our ongoing efforts to fight fake content and bad actors," a Google spokesperson said. With these new measures in place, Google is setting a precedent for tech companies to take responsibility for fake content and bad actors in the digital space. Well, the internet won't stop evolving and we have to adapt to its never-ending changes. Platforms, in this regard, should only value authentic feedback because it's all that matters. Visa and Mastercard have been accused of serious cases against their role in facilitating payments linked to illegal content on the adult website, OnlyFans. According to allegations, by a compliance-experienced whistleblower, these two credit card giants did nothing to prevent the illicit activities happening on the platform, such as child sexual abuse material and sex trafficking. Whistleblower Complaint Reveals Serious Allegations A senior compliance expert in the banking and credit card industries has filed a whistleblower complaint against Visa and Mastercard with the financial crimes unit of the U.S. Treasury, known as FinCEN, citing that both card companies continue to process payments for illegal content on OnlyFans despite repeated warnings. The whistleblower, Reuters reports, knew as of 2021 that such activities were being done. The complaint reveals that payment networks deliberately avoided implementing proper anti-money laundering technology to detect illegal monetary transactionsthey "willfully failed" in such implementation. Three US government departments including the Justice Department and Homeland Security Department and the US Treasury filed the complaint in January 2023. The said complaint referenced a conversation between the federal agents and the credit card companies. It stated that the agents verified that there was child sexual abuse material existing on the said platform and showed them evidence of suspected sex trafficking. The complaint submitted by the whistleblower claims that the two companies failed to act against the matter, given the concrete evidence. Illegal Content and Financial Transactions The heart of the complaint centers around the financial transactions that Visa and Mastercard process on behalf of OnlyFans, a platform known for its subscription-based content model. With millions of users and content creators, the site has garnered significant attention due to allegations of illegal content being uploaded, including sexually explicit material involving minors. She cites the case of the direct handling of such proceeds by Visa and Mastercard, processing payments for the content creators monetizing these illicit videos and images. The responses to the allegations by both Visa and Mastercard are that they do not accept liability as they are compliant and take measures to ensure that their networks remain free of illegal activity. Pressure on Tech Giants Over Illicit Content Though Visa and Mastercard have dismissed the claims, the pressure mounted by global regulators and law enforcement is undeniable. The U.S. government, among other international authorities, has questioned online platforms like OnlyFans over their facilitation of the sale of child sexual abuse material and engaging in other exploitation activities. The whistleblower complaint is part of a larger movement toward holding companies accountable for their role in the spread of illegal content. This is not the first time that major payment providers have faced scrutiny over transactions tied to adult content platforms. In 2020, Visa and Mastercard blocked transactions for Pornhub, another adult site, in response to similar allegations. Mastercard and Visa's Compliance Efforts In the wake of these allegations, Visa and Mastercard have pointed to their internal compliance efforts to prevent illegal activity. Visa asserts that it terminates relationships with any institutions or merchants that fail to meet its compliance standards, while Mastercard emphasizes that it works with its partners to act against identified illegal activities. Despite these claims, the whistleblower indicates that both parties have not effectively done much concerning the rampant proliferation of illegal content on OnlyFans. The complaints also hint at the fact that the companies are prone to shifting the responsibility onto the banks, even though they continue to process payments related to illegal content. The whistleblower goes on to point out that such "business as usual" behavior is symptomatic of a much bigger problem in the financial sector in relation to policing illicit online activities. Photo: Analysis and Coordination Center of the Fourth Industrial Revolution operating under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. The World Economic Forum (WEF) is planning to create a virtual pavilion for Azerbaijan with support from the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and in collaboration with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) in 2025, C4IR told Trend. According to the center's statement, the executive director of the center, Fariz Jafarov, discussed this initiative during a meeting with the head of the WEF's Global Collaboration Village platform, Chieh Huang. The meeting also featured a session on the platforms new augmented reality environment, with leaders from other centers within the C4IR network participating as well. During the meeting, ongoing collaborations between C4IR and the platform were also discussed. The "Global Collaboration Village" is the worlds first augmented reality platform equipped with cutting-edge technologies that brings together leaders to address real-world issues through virtual reality. The project is a joint initiative by the WEF, Accenture Village, and Microsoft. Currently, over 142 companies are working with the platform. One of the key participants in developing this platform is the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Google is officially rolling out a new Android security feature that enhances theft protection for supported Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices. The Identity Check feature provides extra protection to critical account and device settings behind biometric authentication when outside of trusted locations (such as home or workplace). This feature protects the user and their data at every stagebefore, during, and after device theft. When you turn on Identity Check, your device will require explicit biometric authentication to access certain sensitive resources when youre outside of trusted locations, Google wrote in a blog post on Thursday. To enable Identity Check, you can designate one or more areas as a trusted location. When you are outside of these designated areas, you will need to use biometric authentication to access important account and device settings, such as changing your device PIN or biometrics, disabling theft protection, performing a factory reset, turning off Find My Device, accessing saved passwords or Passkeys, adding or removing a Google Account, or accessing Developer options. Identity Check also provides enhanced protection for Google Accounts on all supported devices and adds more security for Samsung Accounts on eligible Galaxy devices with One UI 7. This makes it much more difficult for an unauthorized attacker to access accounts signed in on the device. The feature is now available on Google Pixel devices running Android 15. It will roll out on Samsung One UI 7 devices in the coming weeks and on supported Android devices from other manufacturers later this year. To turn on the Identity Check feature, you need to go to Settings > Google > All services > Theft Protection, and tap Identity Check. To activate this feature, you must sign in to a Google Account and add a screen lock if you havent. Then, add biometrics, like Fingerprint or Face Unlock, as well as your trusted places, like Home or Work. After completion, tap Done. In addition to launching Identity Check, Google announced its Theft Detection Lock feature. This feature uses an AI-powered on-device algorithm to recognize when your phone is forcibly taken and lock the screen. If the machine learning algorithm detects a possible theft attempt on your unlocked device, it automatically locks the screen to protect it from thieves. This feature has been fully rolled out on devices running Android 10 and later worldwide. To enable the Theft Detection Lock feature on your device, tap Settings > Google > All services > Theft protection and toggle the Theft Detection Lock switch. Lastly, Google mentioned that it is collaborating with the GSMA and industry experts to tackle mobile device theft by sharing information, tools, and prevention techniques. More information on this is expected to be revealed at a later date. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. The opening of the Zangezur corridor will help attract most of the cargo transported from China to Europe to the Middle Corridor, which will lead to an increase in the volume of cargo passing through Azerbaijan, said the Head of the Strategic Planning and Development Department of Baku International Sea Trade Port (BISTP) CJSC Khudayar Hasanli, Trend reports. He noted that the opening of the Zangezur corridor will reduce time and costs in terms of both global and regional logistics. "The opening of the Zangezur corridor will reduce the distance on the East-West route. One of the most important points will be access, along with the Black Sea, to the Mediterranean Sea. As competitiveness grows, prices will also be adjusted, which will lead to an increase in the volume of cargo attracted to Azerbaijan. All countries in the region will benefit from attracting these cargoes. For example, if 500 thousand TEU containers are sent from China to Europe, some of them will be delivered via Georgia, and some via the Zangezur corridor, which will lead to a reduction in both time and costs," he said. The head of the department recalled that trade between Turkiye and Central Asia, including Afghanistan, is mainly carried out by heavy-duty vehicles, noting that their number is 120-130 thousand units. He added that 25-30% of them pass through Azerbaijan. "If the number of ships is increased in the future, this percentage may increase. But even if the number of ships is increased, cargo from Turkiye will face delays at the border when delivered to Georgia, and from there to Azerbaijan. Because the number of cargoes increases, which in turn leads to delays. When the Zangezur corridor opens and is formed as a corridor, cargoes exported from Turkiye can be delivered to Central Asia via Azerbaijan without delays. Currently, cargoes transported by sea from China arrive in Istanbul from southern Africa, since the Suez Canal is closed, from there they are sent by small ships to the ports of the Black Sea, including Poti, Batumi. Then these cargoes are sent by land both to Azerbaijan and to a number of Central Asian states. Obviously, the wider the trajectory, the more time is spent on transporting cargoes. But if the Zangezur corridor opens, at least 2-3 weeks will be saved in time in this direction, and costs will also decrease," he said. 242 mn children's schooling disrupted by climate shocks in 2024: UNICEF United Nations, United States, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 Extreme weather disrupted the schooling of about 242 million children in 85 countries last year -- roughly one in seven students, the UN children's agency reported Thursday, deploring what it said was an "overlooked" aspect of the climate crisis. Heat waves had the biggest impact, the report showed, as UNICEF's executive director Catherine Russell warned children are "more vulnerable" to extreme weather. "They heat up faster, they sweat less efficiently, and cool down more slowly than adults," she said in a statement. "Children cannot concentrate in classrooms that offer no respite from sweltering heat, and they cannot get to school if the path is flooded, or if schools are washed away." Human activity, including the unrestricted burning of fossil fuels over decades, has warmed the planet and changed weather patterns. Global average temperatures hit record highs in 2024, and over the past few years they temporarily surpassed a critical 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold for the first time. That has left the wet periods wetter and the dry periods dryer, intensifying heat and storms and making populations more vulnerable to disasters. The 242 million figure is a "conservative estimate," the UNICEF report said, citing gaps in the data. Students from kindergarten to high school saw classes suspended, vacations moved, reopenings delayed, timetables shifted and even schools damaged or destroyed over the year due to climatic shocks, the available data showed. At least 171 million children were affected by heat waves -- including 118 million in April alone, as temperatures soared in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Thailand and the Philippines. In the Philippines in particular thousands of non-air conditioned schools were closed, with children at risk of hyperthermia. - Risk rises with temperatures - September, which marks the start of the school year in many countries, was also heavily impacted. Classes were suspended in 18 countries, notably due to the devastating typhoon Yagi in East Asia and the Pacific. South Asia was the region hardest hit by climate-related school interruptions, with 128 million schoolchildren affected. India had the most children affected -- 54 million, mainly by heat waves. Bangladesh had 35 million also affected by heat waves. The figures are likely to rise in coming years as temperatures continue going up, with half the world's children -- around one billion -- living in countries at high risk of climate and environmental shocks. If the emission of greenhouse gases continues on its current trajectory, eight times as many children will be exposed to heat waves in 2050 as in 2000, according to UNICEF projections. More than three times as many would be exposed to extreme floods and 1.7 times more to wildfires, the projections showed. Beyond the immediate impacts, UNICEF voiced fears that the damage could increase the risk of some children -- girls in particular -- dropping out of school altogether. Already, some two-thirds of children around the world cannot read with comprehension by age 10, it said, adding: "Climate hazards are exacerbating this reality." Education is one of the services most frequently disrupted by climate hazards, Russell said. "Yet it is often overlooked in policy discussions," she warned. "Children's futures must be at the forefront of all climate-related plans and actions." UNICEF called for investment in classrooms that are more resistant to climate hazards. Red herring: Why Trump wrongly blames a fish for LA wildfires Washington, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 Donald Trump has derided the Delta smelt as a "worthless fish," blaming efforts to protect the species for the devastating Los Angeles wildfires on social media, in a press conference, and even a White House order. In reality, California's Delta smelt has minimal connection to the city's water supply, say experts, who argue the US president's willingness to condemn an endangered species reflects the chaotic and shortsighted nature of his environmental policies. "It's scapegoating an internal enemy that's supposed to be responsible for all our problems, in this case, fires and drought -- and directing everybody's anger toward that," John Buse, general counsel for the Center for Biological Diversity, told AFP. It is a "classic authoritarian" move, he argues -- and a likely harbinger of what we will see under Trump 2.0. Trump's assertion, first made on Truth Social, claimed that Governor Gavin Newsom's failure to sign an order allowing millions of gallons of water from excess rain and snowmelt to flow southward from the state's north had hampered firefighting efforts. He reiterated the accusation in a Day One executive order dramatically titled "Putting People Over Fish: Stopping Radical Environmentalism to Provide Water to Southern California." - Real crisis, wrong culprit - California has a complex water crisis -- with climate change an outsized factor. But the Delta smelt -- a small, translucent fish considered a "sentinel" species that indicates the health of its Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta habitat -- is not a culprit. "It was once one of the most abundant fish in the upper estuary, supporting a diverse array of predators including striped bass," said Peter Moyle, a University of California, Davis ichthyologist widely regarded as the leading expert on the species. However, habitat degradation caused by water diversions for agriculture and urban use, competition and predation by invasive species, exposure to contaminants, and dwindling food sources led to the Delta smelt being listed as "threatened" in 1993, and "endangered" by California in 2009. Water projects in The Golden State must balance conservation with meeting agricultural and urban demands. Trump's rhetoric has nationalized what was previously a Californian political narrative pitting fish against farmers, leaving the Delta smelt a convenient "scape fish," according to Moyle. Massive federal- and state-run pumping stations redirect water from northern areas to the south, creating challenges for the smelt and other aquatic life. Increased salinity from these pumping operations harms the fish, and many are killed when they are sucked into screens or diverted into canals. - Culture war politics - Despite Trump's claims, however, protections that limit the amount of pumping for the Delta smelt and other fish have had minimal recent impact on the Los Angeles water supply. The federal Central Valley Project, which Trump has targeted under his order, primarily serves agriculture in Central California -- not Los Angeles, explains Buse. While the State Water Project does supply water to Southern California, including Los Angeles, most of the state's major reservoirs are currently at or above historic levels for this time of year, particularly in the south, official data shows. Even in drier years, protections for the Delta smelt account for only a small fraction of reductions in outflow. The primary factor determining water pumped downstream is the amount of rainfall and snowmelt flowing into the San Francisco estuary. As Moyle explained in a 2017 paper, the same saltwater that harms the fish also poses significant challenges for agriculture, making it the key driver of restrictions on water exports. The Delta smelt's legal protection "has been particularly controversial because right-wing pundits and politicians have seized on its small size," said Caleb Scoville, a sociologist at Tufts University. "Salmon aren't as easy of a target." Rather than addressing the root causes of California's water challenges -- including climate change -- Trump's rhetoric turns "hardships associated with environmental destabilization into partisan gotchas," Scoville argued. "It feeds us-versus-them identity politics but doesn't actually hold power to account." Record wind gusts lash Ireland as violent storm hits London, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 Ireland recorded its strongest-ever wind gusts on Friday as "destructive" Storm Eowyn barrelled in from the Atlantic, the island's weather agency said. Gusts of 183 kilometres (114 miles) per hour were recorded early in the morning near the Galway coast in the west, Met Eireann said on X. The previous record, of 182 kilometres per hour, was recorded in 1945, it said. Ireland and Scotland were put on high alert ahead of Eowyn making landfall, with schools ordered to close and trains cancelled. "It is going to be a damaging, dangerous and destructive weather event," the chair of Ireland's National Emergency Coordination Group, Keith Leonard, said on Thursday, warning of power outages and urging people to stay indoors. Britain was placed on general alert, with UK-governed Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland under the top-level red warning. A government spokesman said 4.5 million people in at-risk areas would receive telephone alerts. Ireland's meteorological office also issued a red alert for the country. Britain's environment agency warned of flooding in southern and central England over the coming days. Scientists say climate change caused by humans burning fossil fuels is making storms more severe, super-charged by warmer oceans. France asks EU to delay rights, environment business rules Brussels, Belgium, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 France on Friday asked the European Union to suspend "indefinitely" landmark new rules on environmental and human rights supply chain standards, saying they were too burdensome for businesses. The call comes as Brussels has vowed to make life easier for firms complaining about excessive regulation, as the 27-nation bloc scrambles to revamp its economic competitiveness. "Our companies need simplification, not additional administrative burdens," French European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad said on social media X, in announcing the request from Paris. He also asked for a second, much-criticised set of reporting rules on corporate sustainability to be reviewed. The EU is failing to keep up with the United States and faces mounting competition from China amid an array of challenges including low productivity, slow growth, high energy costs and weak investments. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told this week's gathering of the world's elites in Davos, that Brussels "must make business much easier all across Europe". "Too many firms are holding back investment in Europe because of unnecessary red tape," she said, adding her European Commission would launch a "far-reaching simplification" - citing the "due diligence" rules France is now asking be suspended. Under what is officially known as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), big firms are required to identify and address the "adverse human rights and environmental impacts" of their supply chains worldwide. Approved in March last year, the CSDDD is one of a series of mammoth laws the bloc approved in recent years to fight climate change and improve business practices -- that are now facing renewed scrutiny. Haddad also called for a review of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires large companies to provide investors and other "stakeholders" with information on their climate impacts and emissions, and the actions being taken to curtail them. The French government this week described the CSRD rules as "hell for companies", joining a growing chorus of criticism by executives and others arguing requirements are too onerous and could simply be used to "greenwash" a company's record. Large companies must implement the CSRD for the first time in their annual results for 2024. Record wind gusts lash Ireland as violent storm hits Dublin, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 Ireland recorded its strongest-ever wind gusts on Friday as "destructive" Storm Eowyn barrelled in from the Atlantic, cutting power, grounding flights and shutting schools, officials said. Hundreds of thousands of homes lost power as gusts of 183 kilometres (114 miles) per hour lashed the western coast, beating the previous record of 182 kilometres per hour recorded in 1945, Irish forecaster Met Eireann said on X. Before the storm hit, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland were put on high alert with schools ordered to close and trains, flights and ferries cancelled as forecasters warned the storm could cause havoc. Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill warned there was a "genuine threat to life and property", describing the region as currently being "in the eye of the storm". The top-level red warning for wind covering Northern Ireland came into force at 7:00 am (0700 GMT). Dublin Airport announced that more than 110 scheduled departures and 110 arrivals had been cancelled by airlines for Friday. As the storm moved northwards, hundreds of flights were cancelled at airports including Belfast in Northern Ireland and Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland. Wind speeds of up to 149 kilometres per hour were recorded in Gwynedd in north Wales, the British Met Office forecaster said. The strongest gust ever recorded in the UK is 228 kilometres per hour at Fraserburgh in eastern Scotland, on February 13, 1989. O'Neill urged people to heed warnings and stay at home if possible. - 'Dangerous and destructive' - "We're asking the public to be very safe, to be very cautious, to take every precaution to ensure that they don't take any unnecessary travel, please just stay at home if you can," she told BBC radio. "We're in the eye of the storm now. We are in the period of the red alert." The chairman of Ireland's National Emergency Co-ordination Group, Keith Leonard, said Storm Eowyn was likely to be one of the most severe storms the country had seen. "It is going to be a damaging, dangerous and destructive weather event," he said. "The forecasted winds will bring severe conditions which will constitute a risk to life and property. "Our most important message today is that everybody needs to shelter in place for the duration of all red warnings." In Ireland, 715,000 homes and businesses were without power while in Northern Ireland, over 93,000 had been hit by outages, electricity suppliers said. Northern Ireland Electricity Networks said Storm Eowyn was causing "widespread damage" to the electricity network, warning that repair work would not begin immediately due to safety concerns. "We anticipate we will begin assessing the damage to the network after 2:00 pm (1400 GMT) once the red weather warning has been lifted," it said in a statement. In Scotland hundreds of school were closed and train operator ScotRail suspended all services. Many rail routes in northern England were also suspended. A red warning was in place for western and central areas of Scotland between 10:00 am (10 GMT) and 5:00 pm (1700 GMT). Britain's environment agency warned of flooding in southern and central England over the coming days. Ahead of the storm, some 4.5 million people on Thursday received emergency alerts on their phones, the "largest real-life use of the tool to date" on Thursday, the UK government said. Scientists have shown that climate change caused by humans burning fossil fuels is making storms more severe, super-charged by warmer oceans. Storms, however, are natural phenomena and to date no scientific attribution to climate change has been made for this storm. Bangkok air pollution forces 352 schools to close Bangkok, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 Air pollution in the Thai capital forced more than 350 schools to close on Friday, city authorities said, the highest number in five years. Bangkok officials also announced free public transport for a week in a bid to reduce traffic in a city notorious for noxious exhaust fumes. Seasonal air pollution has long afflicted Thailand, like many countries in the region, but this week's hazy conditions have closed the most schools since 2020. "It's hard to breathe... I really feel the burn in my throat," drinks seller Benjawan Suknae, 61, told AFP. "I think (school closures) could help to a certain point." The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said it had closed 352 schools across 31 districts due to air pollution. More than 250 schools in Bangkok were closed on Thursday, and officials urged people to work from home and restricted heavy vehicles in the city. Air pollution hits the Southeast Asian nation seasonally as colder, stagnant winter air combines with smoke from crop stubble burning and car fumes. The level of PM2.5 pollutants -- cancer-causing microparticles small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs -- hit 108 micrograms per cubic metre by Friday, according to IQAir. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 24-hour average exposures should not be more than 15 for most days of the year. The reading makes the Thai capital currently the world's seventh-most polluted major city. By Friday morning, 352 of the 437 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) had shut their doors, affecting thousands of students. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered a ban on Thursday on stubble burning -- intentionally burning leftover crops to clear fields -- with those responsible risking legal prosecution. In another bid to curb pollution, the capital's Skytrain, metro, light rail system and bus services will be free to users for a week from Saturday, transport minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit told reporters. "We hope this policy will help reduce pollution," he said. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is currently attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, called for tougher measures to tackle pollution on Thursday, including limiting construction in the capital and seeking cooperation from nearby countries. The city's authorities introduced a voluntary work-from-home scheme for three days this week. "I think there should be more awareness raised (by the BMA) and maybe a work-from-home policy would be best," said freelancer Wisut Kitnarong, 59. - Regional problem - Cities in neighbouring Vietnam and Cambodia also ranked high on IQAir's most-polluted list on Friday, with Ho Chi Minh second and Phnom Penh fifth. Cambodia's environment ministry confirmed on Friday that the air quality in Phnom Penh and three other provinces had reached a "red level", meaning highly polluted. The ministry said in a statement that the air pollution was caused by climate change, waste incineration and forest fires, and urged the public to monitor their health and avoid outdoor activities. Air pollution has closed schools across other parts of Asia recently -- specifically Pakistan and India. Nearly two million students in and around New Delhi were told to stay home in November after authorities ordered schools to shut because of worsening air pollution. Pakistan's most populated province, Punjab, closed schools in smog-hit major cities for two weeks in November, with thousands hospitalised as air pollutants hit 30 times the level deemed acceptable by the WHO. Bangkok's school closures come as UNICEF said in a report that 242 million children's schooling was affected by climate shocks in 2024. Climate change can worsen the problem of air pollution which is considered a "secondary impact of climate-induced hazards", according to the report published Friday. burs-sjc/fox/pbt Drifting mega-iceberg could threaten remote baby penguins Paris, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 The world's largest iceberg -- a behemoth more than twice the size of London -- is drifting towards a remote island where scientists say it could run aground and threaten baby penguins and seals. The gigantic wall of ice is moving slowly from Antarctica on a potential collision course with South Georgia, a crucial wildlife breeding ground. Satellite imagery suggested that unlike previous "megabergs" this rogue was not crumbling into smaller chunks as it plodded through the Southern Ocean, Andrew Meijers, a physical oceanographer at the British Antarctic Survey, told AFP on Friday. He said predicting its exact course was difficult but prevailing currents suggested the colossus would reach the shallow continental shelf around South Georgia in two to four weeks. But what might happen next is anyone's guess, he said. It could avoid the shelf and get carried into open water beyond South Georgia, a British overseas territory some 1,400 kilometres (870 miles) east of the Falkland Islands. Or it could strike the sloping bottom and get stuck for months or break up into pieces. Meijers said this scenario could seriously impede seals and penguins trying to feed and raise their young on the island. "Icebergs have grounded there in the past and that has caused significant mortality to penguin chicks and seal pups," he said. - 'White wall' - Roughly 3,500 square kilometres (1,550 square miles) across, the world's biggest and oldest iceberg known as A23a calved from the Antarctic shelf in 1986. It remained stuck for over 30 years before finally breaking free in 2020, its lumbering journey north sometimes delayed by ocean forces that kept it spinning in place. Meijers -- who encountered the iceberg face to face while leading a scientific mission in late 2023 -- described "a huge white cliff, 40 or 50 metres high, that stretches from horizon to horizon". "It's just like this white wall. It's very sort of Game of Thrones-esque, actually," he said, referring to the dark fantasy series. He described "feeling like it would never end". A23a has followed roughly the same path as previous massive icebergs, passing the east side of the Antarctica Peninsula through the Weddell Sea along a route called "iceberg alley". Weighing a little under a trillion tonnes, this monster block of freshwater was being whisked along by the world's most powerful ocean "jet stream" -- the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Meijers said that was tracking "more or less a straight line from where it is now to South Georgia", where waters quickly turn shallow and the current bends sharply. The iceberg could follow that current out to sea or run aground on the shelf, he said. Raul Cordero from Chile's University of Santiago, who is also part of the National Antarctic Research Committee, said he was confident the iceberg would sidestep South Georgia. "The island acts as an obstacle for ocean currents and therefore usually diverts the water long before it reaches the island," he said. "The iceberg is moved by that water flow, so the chances of it hitting are not that high," though chunks could, he said. - Icy obstacle - It is summer in South Georgia and resident penguins and seals along its southern coastline are foraging in the frosty waters to bring back food to fatten their young. "If the iceberg parks there, it'll either block physically where they feed from, or they'll have to go around it," said Meijers. "That burns a huge amount of extra energy for them, so that's less energy for the pups and chicks, which causes increased mortality." The seal and penguin populations on South Georgia have already been having a "bad season" with an outbreak of bird flu "and that (iceberg) would make it significantly worse," he said. "It would be fairly tragic, but it's not unprecedented." As A23a ultimately melted it could litter the ocean with small -- but still hazardous -- chunks of ice difficult for fishermen to navigate, Meijers added. It would also seed the water with nutrients that encourage phytoplankton growth, feeding whales and other species, and allowing scientists to study how such blooms absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. While icebergs were very natural phenomena, Meijers said the rate at which they were being lost from Antarctica was increasing, likely due to human induced climate change. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), discussed global economic trends and challenges during the Global Economic Outlook panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trend reports. Georgieva revealed the IMFs updated growth projections for 2025 and 2026, noting a global growth forecast of 3.3% for this yeara slight improvement for 2025. However, she emphasized disparities in regional performance. "Under this average number, we see very strong performance in the United States, where growth projections were upgraded significantly from 2.2% to 2.7%. Meanwhile, Europes performance is underwhelming, and the rest of the world shows mixed results, with slight increases or decreases," Georgieva said. Explaining the strong U.S. growth, Georgieva pointed to high productivity driven by dynamic capital markets, efficient technology adoption, and access to relatively cheap energy. "End-to-end productivity in the United States continues to grow close to 1% annually. In contrast, advanced economies have seen productivity decline from over 1% pre-pandemic to a meager 0.2% today. Emerging markets dropped from 2.5% to 0.7%, while low-income countries saw productivity fall from 2% to 0%," she noted. Georgieva stressed the importance of addressing these disparities by focusing on productivity and capital allocation. "The world is undergoing a tremendous technological transformation. Capital must go where it can make the biggest difference. For countries to progress, they must create opportunities for entrepreneurship and ensure efficient use of capital. Europe, in particular, needs deep and unified capital markets to remain competitive," she stated. Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn French city Nice limits big cruise ships Nice, France, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2025 The mayor of Nice issued Friday an order limiting visits large cruise ships to avoid overtourism in the French Riviera city. The order signed by the mayor of the Nice urban area, Christian Estrosi, prohibits cruise ships carrying more than 900 passengers from putting them ashore for sight-seeing excursions of the Mediterranean port city. Smaller ships, which generally offer much more luxurious cruises, will still be welcome. "Pleasure boating, yes, floating buildings, no," said Estrosi. He said the city faced demand to put cruise ship tourists ashore swelling to 300,000 people by 2026, from 160,000 last year. The port already expects some 124 calls by cruise ships carrying between 32 and 700 passengers for 2025. Work is underway to upgrade the port's facilities for cruise ships, in particular electricity connections that allow for them to shut down their engines while docked. Large cruise ships disgorging huge numbers of tourists in nearby Cannes has also caused tensions but local officials in France have limited authority over maritime traffic. With many ports not equipped with electrical hookups for large cruise ships they have made themselves unpopular with local residents by the pollution from their constantly running their engines. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 24. Uzbekistan has officially prohibited the circulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems, including electronic cigarettes and related liquids, following the adoption of a new law by the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis (Parliament), Trend reports. The law, aimed at strengthening regulations on tobacco and nicotine-related products, was passed in its third reading. Under the new legislation, the production, storage, transportation, import, and export of electronic nicotine delivery systems are now strictly banned within the country. The law also establishes penalties for violations involving the illegal circulation of smokeless tobacco products, nicotine consumption devices, and electronic cigarettes. The legislation was refined during the second reading based on recommendations from parliamentary deputies, ensuring the laws provisions effectively address public health concerns. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health proposed to introduce administrative and criminal liability for violation of this ban - a fine in the amount of $1,000 to five years of imprisonment. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. The West provoked Armenia last year to sever its longstanding ties with Russia, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement, Trend reports. "Russian-Armenian relations are currently facing a challenging period, largely due to the actions of the West. Last year, the West intensified its pressure on Armenia, encouraging it to sever its traditional ties with Russia and imposing values that are foreign to the Armenian people. Regrettably, Armenia often responded positively to unfounded promises from the United States and the European Union, suggesting they could replace Russia as Armenias partner," the statement said. The MFA stressed that the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) remains a cornerstone of Armenias security, and membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is essential for its economic prosperity. "We have repeatedly conveyed to our Armenian friends that neither Washington nor Brussels genuinely consider the fate and interests of their partners. The West tends to view them purely in utilitarian terms. In Yerevan, they could not have missed the events in Georgia at the end of last year. They may have also heard the cynical remarks about the 'low-cost' nature for Europeans of a 'project' aimed at 'disconnecting' Yerevan from Moscow, along with advice to the Armenian population to prepare for 'several cold winters.' Along the same lines is a recent forecast from the American think tank 'Stratfor,' which is closely linked to U.S. intelligence agencies. The forecast openly stated that after a change in administration, Washington is unlikely to show as much interest in Armenia," the MFA added. U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, wrote a lukewarm mention about his Jan. 8, 2025 meeting with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's pick to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Here in this file photo Cassidy speaks with reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. Advertisement Eating outRestaurant news Hatted Punch Lane restaurant Sunda to close on Saturday, weeks after chefs exit The owner plans to move Sunda outside the city, with a new restaurant concept slated for the CBD space. Tomas Telegramma January 24, 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 After seven years on Punch Lane in Melbournes CBD, contemporary South-East Asian restaurant Sunda is closing on Saturday, January 25. However, head chef Nabil Ansari who helped the diner regain a hat in The Age Good Food Guide 2025 wont be there for the final service. Ansari departed Sunda on December 31, and on January 6 started a new role as senior sous chef at Supernormal, Andrew McConnells modern Asian restaurant on Flinders Lane. Nabil Ansari, one of Sundas breakout stars, returned as head chef in November 2023. Jana Langhorst I really enjoyed working at Sunda, says Ansari. My team both front and back [of house] were amazing. And I learned a lot. But I think for my own career growth it wasnt working. Adi Halim whose Halim Group is behind restaurants Sunda, Aru and Antara 128, bakery Kudo and The Hotel Windsor says Ansaris departure wasnt the reason for Sundas closure. Advertisement There are a lot of factors that came into play, says Halim. These include very unpredictable weekday trade in the city, and the fact, he says, that Sunda had outgrown its current space. If we were to build it again, wed do it completely differently. The restaurants unusual industrial design was a feature. Bonnie Savage Long-term, thats the plan. He says he wants to move Sunda to a site that wont be in the city, with a new chef. The venues original home on Punch Lane is set to reopen with a whole new dining concept in a matter of months, helmed by an existing Halim Group chef. Advertisement Up to 2022, we were quite active in testing new ideas, says Halim. As a result, we had [the now-closed wine bar] Parcs. Kudo came out of it ... We just felt like Sunda was a good size for us to use to test something, to do something different. An industry source has told Good Food that the Sunda site could be transformed into an Italian concept, but Halim said he was not ready to confirm or deny any plans. Sunda opened in 2018, with Ansari serving under founding chef Khanh Nguyen, who made the restaurant a hit with his Vegemite curry roti, before his sudden departure in 2023. He now leads two-hatted King Clarence in Sydney. The Vegemite curry and roti that was a signature of founding chef Khanh Nguyen. Justin McManus Ansari also left Sunda in 2023, to lead the kitchen at Vietnamese-inspired Prahran restaurant Firebird. However, he returned later the same year to take on the head chef role, subtly adding his Indian heritage to a menu mostly influenced by South-East Asia. Advertisement My food was well-accepted in the community, but we never quite got that traction, he says. Ansari insists the move to Supernormal was driven by self-development. I did help my team grow [at Sunda], but when it came to growth for myself, there wasnt really much. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Regular readers of this column will know my penchant nay, passion for Qantas frequent flyer points. Indeed, in just a few weeks I will take my two children to North America for just $779 for the three of us in taxes. Then, in June, Ill fly to the UK and back for $894 (thats Heathrow taxes for you). But for bookings from August it will all be different, as last week Qantas announced a devaluing of points redemptions. Qantas is increasing the number of points needed to secure Classic Rewards flights. Credit: Steven Siewert All my coming flights were booked with Classic Rewards, the most generous but also the scarcest type (seats are opened up in tranches now but best secured on their initial release date, 353 days in advance). So its great news there are to be 1 million extra Classic Rewards seats 20 per cent more unlocked across the international network. And youll happily earn more points when you pay for flights (we are told up to 25 per cent) on domestic routes. Students at a Melbourne Jewish school have been told not to wear their uniforms in the CBD due to fear of reprisal, as educators increase security in response to a wave of antisemitic attacks in Melbourne and Sydney. The targeting of a Sydney daycare centre has heightened anxiety among a community already on edge, exacerbated for some by Victoria Polices failure to make arrests over the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea late last year. Chabad of St Kilda Rabbi Effy Block said despite the taskforce of 50 cops sitting in a room trying to work on the case, very few perpetrators involved in the recent spate of incidents targeting Jewish homes and businesses had been arrested. Rabbi Effy Blocks home and car were graffitied with antisemitic messages in St Kilda last year. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Block, who runs the education facility near Melbournes Jewish heartland, said his home and car were vandalised with antisemitic graffiti in November, which included the message Jews kill babies. He said he reported the incident to police, who took pictures, but no arrests had been made. Victorian state schools will get an extra $2.5 billion over 10 years after the federal government announced a new funding deal with the state. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the deal on Friday, ending the 18-month stand-off between his government and the governments of Victoria and South Australia over school funding. Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll later confirmed the amount of the agreement. Anthony Albanese has pledged $2.5 billion to improving education outcomes in Victoria. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Carroll said Canberra had agreed to fund Victorian schools to 25 per cent of the benchmark schools resourcing standard (SRS) paying about $2.5 billion between 2026 and 2036, and the state paying the rest. It was the biggest increase to funding the Commonwealth had ever done, he said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has escalated a clash with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton over personal strength and policy vision during the cost of living crisis, challenging his opponent to front up and accept more scrutiny before this years election. Albanese insisted he had the strength to make hard decisions such as the overhaul of the $323.6 billion stage 3 tax cuts and would make tough calls again if he wins a second term in power, as he laid out a policy pitch to win back voters who have drifted to Dutton. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks at the National Press Club on Friday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The prime minister outlined billions of dollars in spending on public schools including a formal agreement with Victoria and signs of progress with NSW and Queensland and signalled plans for more action on childcare, Medicare, jobs and wages. But his response to Dutton intensified the personal contest at the election after months of claims from the opposition leader that Albanese was weak on antisemitism and incompetent on the economy. Phish and chips Further to your correspondent who was robbed in Greece with the thieves successfully using her cards to withdraw money without a PIN (Traveller, January 11). Just before Christmas, a work colleague in Sydney who banks with one of the big four was told her card had been cancelled due to suspicious attempts to withdraw large amounts of money at various ATMs. Unbeknown to her, the cards chip had been copied and replicated. She was told that the PIN is actually stored on the chip and now some criminals have the necessary means to access it. Its a stark reminder to use your e-wallet with Apple or Google Pay wherever possible (which is always encrypted) and not a card. Peter Neufeld, Mosman, NSW Turn off the tap Regarding Sue Howards letter, (Traveller, January 11), I visit the UK yearly and Im always confused as Im never required to enter my PIN with my credit cards, as in Australia. I disable the tap as a precaution, but without having to enter the PIN, anyone getting my cards can go to town. Its a real worry when I travel. Fortunately I havent lost my cards so far. Dave Cliff, Coopers Gully, NSW Highlands fling A Sing Sing in the PNG Highlands. Credit: Alamy Michael Gebickis piece on travel to Papua New Guinea (Traveller, January 11) was timely. It was 60 years since I boarded an Ansett-ANA DC6B bound for Port Moresby. This was no planned holiday but a transfer with a bank, after volunteering for service overseas. In those days, my employer operated the Bank of NSW Travel Service, which took care of all arrangements, including entry permit, international immunisation booklet, flights and accommodation in the officers mess. By May 1965 I was on a TAA DC3, non-air-conditioned, side-saddle seating with luggage and produce, including chooks, in the body of the plane bound for Mount Hagen, the banks most remote location. On completion of my two-year island service, I flew south with the romping and stomping of the Hagen Show remaining part of the soundtrack of my life. Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook, NSW Corporal punishment Jane Richards, in her article on Spains parador lodgings in Spain (Traveller, January 11) describes Napoleon Bonaparte as the Little Corporal. He graduated from the Ecole Militaire, Paris, as a 2nd lieutenant; he was never a corporal. Churchill used to tease Hitler as a little Austrian corporal. She may have been confused. John Sutton, Brunswick West, Vic EDITORS NOTE The Encyclopedia Britannica states that Napoleon was called Le Petit Caporal with the nickname translated as The Little Corporal. [It] was not meant as a reflection of his stature [but] intended as a term of affection by his soldiers. Feet first My partner has some mobility restrictions and we usually book an accessible room. It still doesnt solve everything. However, at a recent stay at the Canberra Rex hotel we asked if they had beds that were not so high off the floor. They replied no but then helpfully removed the feet off the bed. Congratulations to the staff at the Rex it proves its always worth requesting modifications. Hilary Johnson, Northcote, Vic Dumb phones I recently had the delightful experience of travelling on New Zealands Coastal Pacific train from Picton to Christchurch. It was confounding to see that my fellow travellers, who paid more than $NZ400 for their premium class seats, had their eyes glued, not on the magnificent scenery and the coastal wildlife which could be seen through the windows, but to their phones and tablets for the entire journey. So sad. Helen Robinson, Killcare, NSW Tip of the week: Japan plan Heading to Japan? Head for the country Harajiri Waterfall, Kyushu. Credit: Alamy Having spent four weeks in Japan late last year, I really encourage travellers to explore the country areas to enjoy the spectacular scenery, the welcoming Japanese hospitality and glimpses of a more traditional way of life. In some country areas it can be useful to take public transport to a nearby city and then pick up a rental car for flexibility. To plan public transport, the free Japan Transit Planner app is invaluable. When booking a rental car, be sure to book an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for hassle-free driving on the tollways. Driving is quite doable as speed limits are low, cars drive on the left and Japanese drivers are generally patient and courteous. To program a route into the inbuilt car-navigation system, use the phone number of your destination. Even car parks at historic landmarks have a phone number that can be used for navigation. Kyushu, the third-largest of Japans islands, offers amazing scenery, enjoyable hiking and relaxing onsens (hot springs). Julie Taylor, Newport, Vic Streetcar of desire Disembarking our cruise at Lisbon, we began a climb up the steep streets of the Portuguese capital with our joints still not recovered from long walks in the other ports on our trips. Finally we reach our objective, the stop for the classic Tram 28. No matter the waiting crush, the driver allows us all to board, and we proceed, iron on iron, toward the upper terminal at Praca Martim Moniz. From separate window seats, we enjoy an exhilarating ride to our destination where a queue, stretching the length of several Olympic-sized swimming pools, await their own turn. Surely the crowning experience of our holiday so far, we then descend through streets paved with white limestone and black basalt calcada artistica (mosaic-like) pavements, and lined with tiled pastel-hued facades until we reach the classical Assembleia da Republica facing the port. John Millar, Warranwood, Vic Bitter pill New Zealand purports to have reciprocal medical help for those travelling to the country from Australia. However, we were let down when in Oamaru on the South Island. My husband had severe issues before we left on holiday, the result of a botched skin cancer removal. This appeared to have resolved itself before we departed but, three weeks down the track, another infection set in. Unable to get a GP appointment, we were turned away from an on duty medical practice and advised to go to the local hospital. Here they refused to see us without a $NZ1000 ($901) fee. And all we needed was an antibiotic. Australian travellers to New Zealand beware. Helen Robinson, Killcare, NSW Global omissions Your cover story, The lying game (Traveller, January 12) usefully addressed many travel myths. I particularly liked the point that, while possible, trying to dodge the consequences of a foreign traffic infringement is just wrong. But when its asked about its impact on climate change, the aviation industry regularly refers to its CO2 emissions as being about 2 per cent of global carbon emissions. It never mentions that, thanks to other pollutants at altitude, it is responsible for 4 per cent, or more, of current global heating. Not acknowledging this is more just wrong than avoiding a parking ticket. It makes the industry bodies, as per your cover illustration, very naughty Pinocchios. Lesley Walker, Northcote, Vic Dont pay the ferryman We have just booked a holiday to Tasmania, originally planning to travel with our car and dog on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, but the price quoted was more than $2000 return. The dog component was $44 return which is reasonable, but overall, we felt the price was too high. It was cheaper to fly to Launceston and hire a car. Twenty years ago, I travelled on the ferry with my mother and two teenagers plus a car, and it was affordable. My son now has his own family and recently decided against travelling to Tasmania by ferry due to the cost. With fewer affordable family holiday options, it would be a shame if the price excludes more families from this iconic experience. Georgina Nunn, Castlemaine, Vic 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 By mid-morning on a Saturday, the Peoples Park in Shanghai is abuzz with people from across the city wandering through the main gates to peruse the makeshift market that pops up here every weekend. But this is no ordinary market. There are no stallholders selling homewares or fresh fruit and vegetables. Indeed, nothing is technically for sale here. Though for hundreds of parents of unmarried adult children, plenty is on the line. This is a marriage market. The footpath winding through the park is flanked with fold-out stools and chairs, occupied by the forlorn mothers and fathers of the chronically unwed. For hours every weekend, they sit with A4 paper signs advertising their childrens key attributes age, height, weight, job and salary in the hope of securing a life partner for their offspring, boosting their own chances of having grandchildren and a family safety net of care as they enter old age. Most parents here are upset with their children so they normally dont accept media interviews, says Zhao, 62, who has been coming to the Peoples Park every weekend for one year, hoping to find a match for his 36-year-old son. He laments that procuring a successful marriage for children these days is harder than it was for his parents generation. Young people today value freedom and have high standards for what they are looking for in a partner. They wont compromise just because all superficial conditions are met. Advertisement In this sea of advertisements, laid out one after the other on the pavement, is a call for expressions of interest in meeting a 26-year-old woman, who weighs 52 kilograms and stands 163 centimetres tall. She is an only child, a teacher at a Shanghai middle school, and a member of the Chinese Communist Party. Every weekend, parents of unmarried adults come to the marriage market in Shanghai in hope of finding a good match for their children. Credit: Sanghee Liu Another ad spruiks a 37-year-old male department store manager who owns a car, has already purchased a marital home of 200 square metres, has good moral character, and is not addicted to tobacco and alcohol, or gambling. Looking for a girlfriend born between 1985 and 1995 with a good personality. Hukou [Chinas residency permit system] doesnt matter as long as she is willing to live a peaceful life! the sign reads, listing contact details for Li, the mans father. Not every sign is presented by parents. Some of the unlucky-in-love have taken matters into their own hands. Parents consult a matchmaker at the marriage market in Shanghais Peoples Park. Credit: Sanghee Liu In one corner of the market, someone has displayed a laminated piece of paper on behalf of a 43-year-old Shanghai man living in Melbourne. He works as a heating engineer, earns a yearly salary of 600,000 yuan ($132,000) and, according to the unmanned advert, is looking for an emotionally stable partner aged 35 years or younger with overseas study experience. Advertisement The marriage market is a window into an age-old tradition in China, where parents long have had a hand in finding suitable matches for their children. But it is a tradition being buffeted by shifting attitudes among younger generations towards getting married and having their own children, particularly in a climate of economic uncertainty. Its left Chinas policymakers facing a demographic crisis, similar to the one troubling its neighbours Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, as they confront a shrinking workforce and burgeoning costs in aged care. Loading Chinas population declined by 1.39 million in 2024 a third consecutive year of backsliding, data released by the government this month revealed even with a surprising spike in births. Demographers expect this baby boom to be temporary, the result of a catch-up after the end of Chinas Zero-COVID policy that led some people to delay marriage and childbearing. Instead, they point to the 17 per cent plunge in marriage rates in the first three quarters of 2024, signalling that the number of births this year will also plummet. Outside of marriage, births are not very common and in a lot of traditional rural areas it is not considered acceptable, says Dr Xiujian Peng, who researches Chinese demographics at Victoria Universitys Centre of Policy Studies. In many provinces, if you do not have a marriage certificate, it can be very difficult to register a newborn. Advertisement Many of the key reasons for Chinas eroding fertility rate are not unique, and are common across advanced economies. Womens increasing financial independence and career ambitions have dovetailed with an economic slowdown, where the tight job market remains characterised by expectations of gruelling work hours and inflexible arrangements for working mothers, while the costs of child-raising have skyrocketed. Even nationalistic appeals led by Chinese leader Xi Jinping for women to have more babies have so far had little impact, as have a range of measures such as cash incentives for women having a second or third child, and childcare subsidies. A woman tries to figure out information on a paper post held by a man at the marriage market in Shanghai. Credit: Sanghee Liu Little passes for chit-chat in the marriage market as the crowds swell with hopeful parents, would-be wives and husbands, as well as curious locals and tourists. Parents broach one another with transactional opening lines about what they are searching for (girl or boy, university-educated or not), while younger men and women in their 20s try to keep a low profile as they surreptitiously eyeball the ads. For-hire matchmakers are also on the prowl, eager to snap up a fee by acting as a broker between interested parties. One middle-aged woman, scouting for business, tries to draw a potential client into conversation by pulling up a list of candidates on her phone and asking for his year of birth 1984, he says. Oh, its not looking good for you, she says scrolling through the list. It is not a great tactic, and she is left yelling out promises of more lists as he walks away. Advertisement Others arrive at the market with clear intentions and wish lists. John Zhang, a 36-year-old food salesman, is in want of a wife who will embrace his familys traditional north-eastern Chinese customs, and in particular his Buddhist religious practices. I do meditation for at least three hours a day, without moving at all, he says, a ritual he acknowledges wont be everyones cup of tea. People peruse the rows of signs advertising would-be wives and husbands at the marriage market in Shanghais Peoples Park, while some exchange contact details in hope of lining up a meeting between the two parties. Credit: Sanghee Liu Loading The most efficient part of coming [to the market] is that you can see clearly who your father-in-law and mother-in-law could be. You can tell their physical and spiritual conditions at a glance, he says. For parents such as 62-year-old Zhao, the market also serves as a gauge for managing expectations. For now, his son, a finance graduate with a positive, sunny character is looking for a never-married girl who has at least a bachelors degree, is 160cm or taller and around 55kg in weight. Advertisement Ukrainian filmmaker Oleksandr Rodnianskyi, who has been building his career in Russia for a long time, complimented Russian Yuri Borisov, who was nominated for an Oscar in the "Best Supporting Actor" category for his role in the film "Anora." According to the producer, the fact that a cultural figure from the aggressor country is on the list is a "slap in the face to propaganda" because it allegedly destroys the Kremlin's myth of Western society's hatred of Russia. ADVERTISIMENT The relevant post appeared on the Instagram page of the 63-year-old media manager. He added that he has already truly "fallen in love" with the movie "Anora," because, according to him, it combines talented acting and directing. "Yura Borisov became the first Russian actor in history to be nominated for an Oscar. This is an outstanding achievement for a talented actor. But I want to write about how Russian propaganda has once again disgraced itself. In recent years, the Russian media have been discussing the notorious Western "Russophobia" and the "abolition of the great Russian culture." Propagandists have been scaring Russians with the prospect of facing the outright hatred of their Western counterparts and the unwillingness to cooperate with them. And here is a slap in the face to propaganda. A Russian actor, and not one of the so-called "those who left" or "good Russians," receives major world film awards. And an Oscar nomination is a huge honor," said the director. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, Oleksandr Rodnianskyi decided to praise Borisov's acting. According to the native of Kyiv, the Russian actor demonstrated a perfect transformation from a "hoodlum to a knight" almost without words. The producer and creator of the film "Anora" also complimented him. He said: "Sean Baker is a good director. And a consistent one. All his life he has been making small independent films about the American poor and marginalized, about people who are humiliated and rejected by society. He did not betray himself this time. The action begins in a brothel, excuse me, a strip bar, where very good and very hardworking people work." ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, Oleksandr Rodnianskyi defended "good" Russian citizens. When Russian journalist Nika Belotserkovskaya published a cautionary tale for her fellow citizens emigrating to Europe, calling them "rats" who carry the plague to civilized countries, the director liked the post. However, he was attacked with hate by offended residents of the aggressor country, so the producer said that he was simply supporting the uncompromising position of the entrepreneur. "No, I don't consider Russians who protest against the war to be 'rats.' I have written many times that I am categorically against dividing people by blood, passport, or place of birth. I am sure there are no guilty nations, only guilty people. And I know and see many Russians who help Ukrainians in word and deed," the Kyiv native said. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Conditions are very difficult he is losing weight rapidly, has limited food and nutrition, and is in an unhygienic and dangerous environment, Reslan said. We seek urgent government intervention and assistance in the repatriation of Mr Haas to Australia, removing him from the perilous conditions he is being subjected to. Mr Haas has complied with, and will continue to comply with, all court and legal processes wherever the jurisdiction may be. We urge the government to ensure that this is from a place where he is safe. Foreign detainees are subject to horrendous conditions in the notorious detention facility, on the outskirts of the Philippine capital. It has a reputation for being overcrowded and filthy. People in custody can fall victim to extortion and are provided little or no medical treatment. Reslan said Haas had lost close to 30 kilograms. There were means to ensure Haas stayed in the Philippines until the appeal that did not involve a cell, he said. Reslan also said due process could be followed with Haas in Australia, where he could at least receive appropriate medical and psychological care. If sent to Indonesia and convicted, the amount of seized methamphetamine would be enough to qualify Haas for the death penalty. Though the authorities there took that option off the table in July last year to smooth things over with Australia and sway the Philippines into putting him on a flight, Haas and his legal team had little confidence the Indonesians would stick to their word. Gregor Haas arrest in the Philippines. Credit: Nine News He has denied all allegations, including his supposed links to the infamous Sinaloa Cartel. He said he had never been to Mexico and claimed his problems in Indonesia began amid a dispute with a business associate, who allegedly had the ears of local authorities, over the acquisition of a resort. Reslan said his client was desperate to return to his kids, some of whom are school-aged. Haas partner and mother of his children, Uiatu Joan Taufua, has been in custody since a horror car crash in Queensland that killed three people in 2022. The surprise citizenship development came about after testimony from his mother Soledad Tolentino Haas, who produced her birth certificate and old Philippine passport, among other items, to prove her own nationality. While Haas was born in Switzerland in 1978, the constitution prevailing then was the 1973 constitution which provides Filipino citizenship to those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines, the court order said. Brisbane Broncos player Payne Haas (left) and Gregor Haas at the 2019 Dally M Awards. Credit: AAP The family migrated in 1982 to Australia, where Haas also became and remains a citizen. Both Australia and the Philippines allow dual citizenship. In December 2023, about the time the drugs were seized in Jakarta and six months before his arrest, Haas entered the Philippines on a tourist visa he was not aware at the time he could qualify to be a Filipino. Australian government officials are understood to have sought clarification with immigration authorities in Manila about the judgment and Haas continued detention. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to an Australian man detained in the Philippines, a DFAT spokesperson said, adding nothing further because of privacy. Gregor Haas after his arrest in May last year. The court order, seen by this masthead, said Haas should be released immediately unless his further detention is warranted by law. The BI did not answer why Haas had not been freed and if it related to the appeal. The 46-year-olds return to Australia would be awkward for the Philippines because it had recently been the happy beneficiary of Indonesian goodwill and strong police work. Investigators there captured the Philippines most wanted woman, former mayor Alice Guo, in September last year and promptly sent her home to face justice amid praise from Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Loading Indonesias chief of the international division of the national police, Krishna Murti, said at the time he hoped the Philippines would send them Haas in return. That did not happen. Last month, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto allowed convicted drug trafficker Mary Jane Veloso to return to the Philippines in a similar goodwill arrangement to that which allowed the remaining Australian inmates of the Bali Nine to go home after almost 20 years in jail. Many Filipinos believe Veloso innocent, and her return from Indonesia on the orders of Prabowo was a major political victory for Marcos. Jerusalem: American security contractors have been enlisted to help handle the return of displaced Palestinians to the Gaza Strips devastated north, the next step in the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, according to four officials familiar with the matter. The contractors are poised to help secure a key zone that splits Gaza in two and is known as the Netzarim corridor, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly. The contractors are intended to screen vehicles ferrying Palestinians from the enclaves south for weapons, the officials said. Manual Aslim walks through the rubble of her destroyed home in Rafah. Credit: AP In the early days of the war, the Israeli military ordered a mass evacuation of northern Gaza, forcing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to flee south. For months, Israeli soldiers have patrolled the Netzarim corridor in part to prevent Palestinians from heading back north. But under the terms of a 42-day ceasefire that started on Sunday, Israeli troops are set to partially withdraw over the weekend and allow Palestinians to head north. The truce was mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States. HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman Discusses Choice In A 'Multi-Fuel Future' - Participating in the Oil & Gas Governors session and other discussions, focusing on energy transition and transportation cooperation - Introducing an Intelligent Future Shipyard with AI integration in collaboration with Palantir SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 22, 2025 -- HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman Chung Kisun attended the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 ("Davos Forum") in Davos, Switzerland, where he introduced the future of K-shipbuilding and discussed cooperation in the energy sector. HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman Chung Kisun in a promotional video by the global big data analytics company, Palantir Technologies. (Photo credit: Palantir Technologies) The Davos Forum serves as a global platform where leaders from politics, business, and academia gather to address and find solutions to pressing global challenges. This year's event, themed "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age," takes place from January 20 to 24. Chung's participation marks his third consecutive year at the forum, following his first attendance in 2023. During the forum, he took part in the Oil & Gas Governors, and Supply Chain & Transport Governors meetings consecutively, focusing on cooperation plans for realizing a Multi-Fuel Future, which includes energy transition and transportation, as well as optimizing the building and operating of Software-Defined Vessels through digital technology. These two governors' meetings bring together CEOs from leading global companies, including A.P. Moller-Maersk, PSA International, Shell, and TotalEnergies. Chung also unveiled the blueprint for the Future of Shipyard (FOS) project through a promotional video by the global big data company, Palantir Technologies ("Palantir"). The FOS is an advanced future shipyard that implements digital technologies such as data, virtual and augmented reality, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence. This video, showcased at Palantir's booth on Davos Promenade, featured interviews with Chung and other HD Hyundai executives. It provided a glimpse of how cutting-edge digital technologiesincluding collaboration with Palantircould transform the shipyard of the future. "For many decades now, HD Hyundai has been leading the world's shipbuilding industry with the most innovative technologies." said Executive Vice Chairman Chung. "(We are) drawing on the latest innovation in AI, digital twins, and so much more to transform our shipyards, unlocking a whole new level of productivity and safety." Since 2021, HD Hyundai has been driving the digital transformation of its shipbuilding business through the FOS project. This initiative focuses on enhancing on-site productivity using advanced technologies, with the goal of ultimately realizing an Intelligent Autonomous Operating Shipyard with minimal human intervention. HD Hyundai plans to complete the FOS project by 2030, with the goal of achieving a 30% improvement in productivity and a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. SOURCE HD Hyundai We often want to spend our winter vacation in warm countries. And in fact, you can get sandy beaches like in the Maldives, great weather, and a luxurious crystal clear sea for a very reasonable amount of money. ADVERTISIMENT According to the Express, the Egyptian resort city of Hurghada offers all this. In February, the air temperature here can reach a pleasant 25 C, and nine hours of sunshine a day will give you a break from the gloom of the European winter. Although the evenings in Hurghada can be chilly in winter, this season is still a great time to vacation here. You'll avoid the heat of the summer months, and the temperatures will be perfect for exploring all that Hurghada has to offer. Beach lovers should definitely visit Giftun Island, one of the hidden gems of the Red Sea. To get there, you'll need to take an hour-long boat ride from Hurghada. The island's shallow waters are ideal for snorkeling. For those interested in the famous historical sites of Egypt, a day trip to Luxor can be arranged. There are also regular flights to Cairo from the city. In addition, you can visit Mini Egypt Park, a unique model park that displays miniature versions of Egypt's iconic landmarks, including the pyramids. In addition, the Grand Aquarium of Hurghada, one of the largest in Africa, offers a glimpse into the marine life of the Red Sea. It is home to such rare species as tiger sharks and eagle rays. Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. The project, which was the result of a long collaboration between Leonardo DiCaprio and director Martin Scorsese, is finally returning to production after years of delays. The film, based on true events, tells the story of serial killer H.H. Holmes, who committed his crimes during the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. ADVERTISIMENT This project has been discussed for more than a decade, but recently it was reported that it has again entered pre-production. The return to work on the film was made possible thanks to the support of the Hollywood studio 20th Century, which, after being acquired by Disney, continues to implement this large-scale project, Deadline notes. "The Devil in the White City": the book as a basis for the film adaptation The film will be an adaptation of Erik Larson's book "Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America." In his book, Larson describes in detail the activities of Holmes, who organized the so-called "Murder Castle" in Chicago, where, according to investigations, he tortured and killed his victims. The true story of this criminal captures the imagination with its ominous and mysterious atmosphere, which is perfect for a movie adaptation. ADVERTISIMENT DiCaprio and Scorsese: a longstanding collaboration Leonardo DiCaprio acquired the rights to film the book back in 2010. The collaboration between the actor and Martin Scorsese has resulted in numerous successes on the screen, in particular after working on "The Wolf of Wall Street." However, despite a ready-made script from Billy Ray, the film was not released for many years. Reasons for the delays included changing approaches to the project format and a lack of support from the studio. In 2022, The Devil in the White City was turned into a television series for Hulu, starring Keanu Reeves. However, even this version was not completed, and the project was put on hold again when Reeves and director Todd Field left. Nevertheless, the issue of returning to production never left the film's chances of being filmed. ADVERTISIMENT Now the project is back in pre-production, and the team is working to resolve all the issues. Although the finished script has not yet been added to the film, preparations for filming are underway. 20th Century Studio is taking the lead in production, which allows the project to receive the necessary support for a successful launch. Martin Scorsese is currently working on several major projects, including an adaptation of the novel The Life of Jesus and a biopic about Frank Sinatra. However, he hasn't given up on the idea of making a movie about a serial killer. Leonardo DiCaprio is also not stopping at this project and will soon present a new work in partnership with Paul Thomas Anderson. ADVERTISIMENT Despite the great ambitions for the production, it is difficult to predict when exactly "The Devil in the White City" will see the light of day. Given the current schedule of Scorsese and DiCaprio, as well as other plans, the film's release may be postponed for several more years. "The Devil in the White City" also attracts attention because of its unique place in the history of criminal investigations. The story of H.H. Holmes, one of the most feared serial killers in the United States, is a significant milestone in the evolution of justice and the fight against crime. In addition to the criminal himself, the film has a huge potential to explore the social and psychological aspects surrounding such tragedies. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Julius Caesar described that when the Romans first entered the British Isles, they found a land ruled by warrior queens and other high-ranking women. While many modern historians do not trust these ancient Roman stories, a new analysis of 2000-year-old DNA shows that Celtic women were indeed great rulers in prehistoric Britain, which was unique in Europe and the world. ADVERTISIMENT The idea that these ancient societies revolved around women was previously supported by findings in Celtic cemeteries in Dorset, southern England, where a tribe known as the Durotriges lived from about 100 BC to 100 AD. In these places, women's burials usually contain the most luxurious grave goods, indicating that it was the fair sex who held political, military, and social positions, IflScience writes. A team of geneticists from Trinity College Dublin, working with archaeologists from Bournemouth University, examined evidence from 157 archaeological sites used before and after the Roman invasion in 43 AD in a new study, the DailyMail reports. ADVERTISIMENT The experts studied the DNA of 55 people from the burial site of Durotrigianus in Winterbourne Kingston, as well as two more from other nearby cemeteries. To gain insight into the structure of these ancient societies, the study's authors analyzed the levels of diversity in mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited only from the mother, as well as the Y chromosome, which is passed from father to son. During the analysis, the researchers found that more than two-thirds of those buried in Winterbourne Kingston came from the same maternal line. ADVERTISIMENT "We reconstructed a family tree with many different branches and found that most members traced their maternal line back to a single woman who lived centuries earlier," explained study author Dr. Lara Cassidy. "In contrast, there was almost no relationship on the father's side. This tells us that men moved here to join their wives' communities after marriage, and the land was potentially passed down through the female line," the scientist added. Such a system, known as matrilocalism, is different from patrilocal societies, which have been considered the norm for most of prehistoric history. "This is the first time that such a system has been documented in European prehistory, and it involves the expansion of women's social and political rights. This is relatively rare in modern societies, but it may not have always been the case," Cassidy emphasized. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Hungary is ready to unblock the extension of sanctions against Russia if Ukraine resumes the transit of Russian gas through its territory. At the same time, Budapest wants guarantees that oil transit from Russia will not suffer the same fate. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, according to 24.hu. Speaking on local radio, he complained that the European Union supports Ukraine more than the Central European countries that are part of the EU. "If Ukraine wants to get our help, for example, by imposing sanctions against Russia, then please let it restart the gas route," Orban said. According to him, this would require "one phone call from Brussels." The Hungarian prime minister added that he urged the European Union to put pressure on Ukraine to resume Russian gas transit. And while the EU is considering his request, he was forced to "put on the emergency brake" on the renewal of sanctions against Russia. Without the unanimous support of all 27 EU member states, the sanctions will be lifted after January 31. At the same time, Orban demands guarantees from Ukraine to protect against possible attacks on the main alternative route of Russian gas supplies to Hungary the Turkish Stream. He also wants oil transit to Hungary through Ukraine to be protected from possible suspension. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, the Hungarian prime minister had repeatedly called for the lifting of sanctions against Russia and supported US President Donald Trump in his efforts to end the war in Ukraine, even by cutting off financial support for Ukraine. However, the American leader's threats to extend sanctions against Russia if it does not sign a peace agreement with Ukraine caught the Hungarian government off guard. On January 23, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that his country plans to consult with the Trump administration before a final decision on sanctions against Russia is made. He said that this issue would be discussed at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on January 27. Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that if sanctions are lifted, the EU will be forced to unfreeze $500 billion worth of sovereign Russian assets held in EU banks. In this case, the EU is developing a contingency plan, under which it may appeal to the King of Belgium to apply an 81-year-old law and not prevent the transfer of Russian assets. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Russia, which is waging a war of aggression on the territory of a neighboring state, cannot issue ultimatums to the North Atlantic Alliance. The aggressor country has no right to demand that NATO cancel the promise made at the 2008 Bucharest summit about Ukraine's future membership. ADVERTISIMENT The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine responded sharply to Russia's demands. A statement was published by Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi on the social network X. Before that, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that Ukraine's potential membership in NATO allegedly "makes it impossible to achieve peace in Ukraine and, in a broader sense, to create at least some kind of security architecture." He called the decision of the Bucharest NATO summit, which enshrined the Alliance's plans to admit Georgia and Ukraine to its membership, "catastrophic for European security." "Failure to withdraw this wording will create ambiguity, which is unacceptable to us," Grushko said. In response to Russia's cynical ultimatum, the Foreign Ministry said that it was not up to Moscow to decide whom NATO should accept into its alliance. ADVERTISIMENT The spokesman for the Ukrainian ministry formulated the statement in the vocabulary that Russia understands best. "Oh, dear, North Korea's ally is issuing ultimatums to NATO. It's complete bullshit. Moscow has not been given a word on this issue," Tykhyi said. The spokesperson added that it is Russia that is waging a war of aggression on the territory of Europe and that its terrorists are currently in Ukraine and other European countries. "The European security architecture is built on protection against Russia," the Foreign Ministry emphasized. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Yeomans Consulting Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Embraer S.A. (NYSE:ERJ Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 7,529 shares of the aerospace companys stock, valued at approximately $276,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Driehaus Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Embraer by 102.5% during the second quarter. Driehaus Capital Management LLC now owns 1,439,579 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $37,141,000 after purchasing an additional 728,592 shares in the last quarter. Jennison Associates LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Embraer by 102.1% in the 3rd quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 1,331,631 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $47,100,000 after buying an additional 672,644 shares in the last quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. boosted its holdings in shares of Embraer by 54.8% in the 3rd quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. now owns 1,112,314 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $39,343,000 after buying an additional 393,696 shares in the last quarter. Artemis Investment Management LLP purchased a new position in shares of Embraer in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $30,358,000. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP raised its stake in shares of Embraer by 76.5% during the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 712,112 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $18,372,000 after acquiring an additional 308,729 shares in the last quarter. 34.65% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Embraer alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have issued reports on ERJ shares. Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Embraer from $40.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 21st. StockNews.com upgraded Embraer from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 25th. TD Cowen upgraded Embraer to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 19th. Finally, UBS Group cut shares of Embraer from a neutral rating to a sell rating and raised their price target for the stock from $29.00 to $32.00 in a report on Tuesday, November 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $37.43. Embraer Stock Performance Shares of NYSE ERJ opened at $41.52 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $7.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.26 and a beta of 1.71. Embraer S.A. has a 12 month low of $17.19 and a 12 month high of $41.90. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $37.77 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $34.67. The company has a current ratio of 1.56, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. Embraer (NYSE:ERJ Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 8th. The aerospace company reported $1.20 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.28 by $0.92. The company had revenue of $1.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.63 billion. Embraer had a net margin of 8.24% and a return on equity of 11.61%. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.18 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Embraer S.A. will post 2.06 earnings per share for the current year. Embraer Company Profile (Free Report) Embraer SA designs, develops, manufactures, and sells aircraft and systems in North America, Latin America, the Asia Pacific, Brazil, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Commercial Aviation; Defense & Security; Executive Aviation; Services & Support; and Other segments. The Commercial Aviation segment designs, develops, manufactures, and sells commercial jets, as well as leases aircraft. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Embraer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Embraer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ADOMANI, a Delaware corporation with its principal executive offices in Osceola, Arkansas, recently disclosed a significant change in its leadership team. On January 20, 2025, the companys Chief Financial Officer, William C. Miller, submitted his resignation to Envirotech Vehicles, Inc., effective immediately. In response to Millers departure, the Board of Directors swiftly approved the appointment of Jason Maddox as the Interim Chief Financial Officer on January 21, 2025. Get alerts: Jason Maddox, 46, who has been serving as the President of ADOMANI since October 16, 2024, brings a wealth of executive leadership experience to his new role. Before joining ADOMANI, he held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Maddox Defense, Inc., a role he had held since June 2008. With a solid background in mechanical engineering and entrepreneurship, Mr. Maddox is expected to continue his strategic contributions to the company as he takes on the role of Interim CFO, in addition to his responsibilities as President. Mr. Maddoxs transition to Interim CFO does not come without context. On December 18, 2024, ADOMANI acquired Maddox Industries LLC in an agreement that involved the exchange of 3,100,000 shares of the companys common stock and potential earnout payments of up to $1 million over six months, contingent on the performance of Maddox Industries during this period. The acquisition was previously disclosed in a Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2024. Notably, Mr. Maddoxs appointment as Interim Chief Financial Officer did not involve any prior arrangements or agreements. Additionally, there are no familial relationships between Maddox and any other ADOMANI director or executive officer. The company underscored that, except for the disclosed acquisition, there are no other transactions or interests involving Mr. Maddox that require further disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Regarding his appointment, Mr. Maddox stated his commitment to supporting ADOMANI in its financial functions and contributing to the companys growth trajectory. ADOMANI, in its filing, did not mention any compensation changes for Mr. Maddox in light of his additional responsibilities as Interim Chief Financial Officer. The leadership change at ADOMANI comes amid a period of strategic evolution in the company and highlights the commitment to ensuring stability and continued growth. For further details and updates on ADOMANI, investors and stakeholders are encouraged to review the companys disclosures as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read ADOMANIs 8K filing here. ADOMANI Company Profile (Get Free Report) Envirotech Vehicles, Inc engages in the design, manufacture, and installation of zero-emission electric drivetrain systems for fleet vehicles. Its products and services include zero-emission vehicles and chassis; e-trikes; and Neighborhood Electric Vehicles that are enclosed vehicles with seatbelts, climate control, and fold-down rear seats. Recommended Stories Advisory Alpha LLC acquired a new stake in The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund acquired 1,404 shares of the insurance providers stock, valued at approximately $338,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 39.5% in the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 135,957 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $32,646,000 after acquiring an additional 38,515 shares in the last quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Travelers Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at $9,798,000. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 34.6% in the 3rd quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC now owns 18,144 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $4,248,000 after acquiring an additional 4,665 shares in the last quarter. Czech National Bank raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 6.0% in the 4th quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 49,223 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $11,857,000 after acquiring an additional 2,792 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Travelers Companies in the 3rd quarter valued at $50,000. 82.45% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades TRV has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their price target on Travelers Companies from $273.00 to $268.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 10th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $268.00 price target (down previously from $273.00) on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Thursday. StockNews.com cut Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on Travelers Companies from $210.00 to $235.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 9th. Finally, Bank of America boosted their price target on Travelers Companies from $241.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 17th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Travelers Companies presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $255.53. Travelers Companies Stock Down 2.0 % Shares of Travelers Companies stock opened at $241.75 on Friday. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a one year low of $200.21 and a one year high of $269.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.34 and a quick ratio of 0.34. The stocks 50-day moving average is $248.61 and its 200 day moving average is $236.77. The firm has a market cap of $54.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.40, a PEG ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 0.65. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 22nd. The insurance provider reported $9.15 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.50 by $2.65. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 17.69% and a net margin of 10.02%. The company had revenue of $12.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10,795,375 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $7.01 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 19 EPS for the current year. Travelers Companies Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 10th will be issued a $1.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 10th. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.74%. Travelers Companiess payout ratio is currently 21.54%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Travelers Companies news, EVP Maria Olivo sold 10,410 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $261.80, for a total value of $2,725,338.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 111,162 shares in the company, valued at approximately $29,102,211.60. This represents a 8.56 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Andy F. Bessette sold 4,520 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $253.46, for a total value of $1,145,639.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 16,976 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,302,736.96. The trade was a 21.03 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 18,670 shares of company stock worth $4,861,329. Corporate insiders own 1.33% of the companys stock. Travelers Companies Company Profile (Free Report) The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M. (OTCMKTS:BLMIF Get Free Report) shares were up 1.2% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $12.70 and last traded at $12.70. Approximately 300 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 12% from the average daily volume of 267 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.55. Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M. Trading Up 1.2 % The companys 50-day simple moving average is $12.13 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $10.10. About Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M. (Get Free Report) Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of banking and financial services for personal and private customers in households, small and medium enterprises, and corporations in Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company provides demand, fixed, and savings deposits, as well as housing loans, collateral loans, property finance, hotel finance, asset-based lending, and trade finance services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock Capital Allocation Term Trust, a Maryland-based company, announced on January 21, 2025, that it had entered into a standstill agreement with Saba Capital Management, L.P. The agreement, involving BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the Investment Advisor), outlines specific terms to be adhered to by the parties involved. Get alerts: During the effective period of the Standstill Agreement, Saba Capital Management, L.P., the Fund, and the Investment Advisor have agreed to be bound by its provisions. These include Saba agreeing to abide by customary standstill covenants, the withdrawal of a previously submitted shareholder proposal meant for consideration at the Funds 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, and a commitment to vote its common shares of beneficial interest in alignment with the recommendations of the Funds Board of Trustees on all matters presented to shareholders. The Standstill Agreement is slated to remain in effect until the day following the completion of the Funds 2027 annual meeting of shareholders or August 31, 2027, whichever occurs first. Unless terminated earlier by the involved parties, the terms of this agreement are binding. A copy of the Standstill Agreement has been included as Exhibit 10.1 in the report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, under Item 9.01, the company disclosed that Exhibit 10.1 comprises the Standstill Agreement dated January 20, 2025, while Exhibit 104 includes the Cover Page Interactive Data File. In other news affecting the financial landscape, TransMontaigne Partners LLC announced agreements for the sale of terminal facilities in Fisher Island, Miami, and Fairfax, Virginia. These transactions hold significance as they exemplify the intrinsic value of TransMontaignes assets. The company plans to utilize proceeds from these sales to repay certain term debt obligations, facilitating strategic growth to meet customer demand and support energy transition projects in the future. TransMontaigne Partners LLC, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with operations spanning various regions in the United States, provides terminaling, storage, transportation, and related services for customers engaged in the distribution and marketing of bulk liquids. For further details on TransMontaigne Partners LLC and updates, interested individuals can visit their website at www.transmontaignepartners.com. This release may contain forward-looking statements, subject to risks and uncertainties outlined in the companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2023. TransMontaigne Partners LLC asserts that any forward-looking statement in this press release is founded on current information available to the company and solely dated at its declaration. For additional information, parties interested in contacting TransMontaigne Partners LLC can reach out to Matthew White at [email protected]. That concludes the report on the latest developments between BlackRock Capital Allocation Term Trust and Saba Capital Management, alongside the terminal facility sales by TransMontaigne Partners LLC. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read BlackRock Capital Allocation Term Trusts 8K filing here. BlackRock Capital Allocation Term Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Shares of Brixmor Property Group Inc. (NYSE:BRX Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the thirteen analysts that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and nine have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $30.19. A number of brokerages have weighed in on BRX. BMO Capital Markets upgraded Brixmor Property Group from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $30.00 to $33.00 in a research note on Friday, December 6th. Scotiabank lifted their price objective on shares of Brixmor Property Group from $29.00 to $32.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a research note on Monday, November 25th. Mizuho raised their price target on Brixmor Property Group from $28.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, December 10th. KeyCorp upped their price objective on Brixmor Property Group from $28.00 to $32.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 12th. Finally, Evercore ISI dropped their target price on Brixmor Property Group from $32.00 to $31.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, December 24th. Get Brixmor Property Group alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Brixmor Property Group Brixmor Property Group Trading Up 1.4 % NYSE:BRX opened at $26.28 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.85, a quick ratio of 1.38 and a current ratio of 1.38. Brixmor Property Group has a 1 year low of $20.80 and a 1 year high of $30.67. The stock has a market cap of $7.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.33, a P/E/G ratio of 3.63 and a beta of 1.59. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $28.14 and a 200-day simple moving average of $27.17. Brixmor Property Group (NYSE:BRX Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, October 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.53 by ($0.21). Brixmor Property Group had a net margin of 25.81% and a return on equity of 11.48%. The company had revenue of $320.68 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $320.22 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.50 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts anticipate that Brixmor Property Group will post 2.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Brixmor Property Group Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 15th. Investors of record on Friday, January 3rd were issued a $0.287 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 3rd. This represents a $1.15 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.37%. This is a boost from Brixmor Property Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.27. Brixmor Property Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 106.48%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Brixmor Property Group news, insider Steven F. Siegel sold 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $29.54, for a total transaction of $738,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 315,004 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,305,218.16. This trade represents a 7.35 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.76% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd FI purchased a new position in Brixmor Property Group during the second quarter worth $49,546,000. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board raised its stake in Brixmor Property Group by 37.4% in the 2nd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 7,324,870 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $169,131,000 after purchasing an additional 1,995,299 shares during the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors acquired a new stake in shares of Brixmor Property Group during the 3rd quarter worth about $46,695,000. Millennium Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Brixmor Property Group by 35.5% during the second quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 5,735,933 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $132,443,000 after buying an additional 1,501,282 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brookfield Corp ON acquired a new position in shares of Brixmor Property Group in the third quarter valued at approximately $38,051,000. 98.43% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Brixmor Property Group Company Profile (Get Free Report Brixmor (NYSE: BRX) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates a high-quality, national portfolio of open-air shopping centers. Its 362 retail centers comprise approximately 64 million square feet of prime retail space in established trade areas. The Company strives to own and operate shopping centers that reflect Brixmor's vision to be the center of the communities we serve and are home to a diverse mix of thriving national, regional and local retailers. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brixmor Property Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brixmor Property Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the six brokerages that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and two have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $140.83. A number of brokerages have weighed in on AWI. Truist Financial boosted their price target on Armstrong World Industries from $148.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 30th. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on Armstrong World Industries from $127.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 30th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on Armstrong World Industries from $121.00 to $122.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 9th. Loop Capital boosted their price objective on Armstrong World Industries from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Armstrong World Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. Get Armstrong World Industries alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on AWI Armstrong World Industries Price Performance NYSE:AWI opened at $150.51 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.64. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $150.26 and its 200 day simple moving average is $137.29. The company has a market cap of $6.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.55, a P/E/G ratio of 1.75 and a beta of 1.18. Armstrong World Industries has a 52-week low of $96.69 and a 52-week high of $164.40. Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 29th. The construction company reported $1.81 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.75 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $386.60 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $386.69 million. Armstrong World Industries had a return on equity of 40.67% and a net margin of 17.95%. The businesss revenue was up 11.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.60 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Armstrong World Industries will post 6.18 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Armstrong World Industries Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Natixis Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 16.0% in the third quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 492,113 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $64,678,000 after buying an additional 67,798 shares during the period. Quest Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 32.9% in the third quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 19,971 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,625,000 after buying an additional 4,945 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 4.2% in the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 851,620 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $111,954,000 after buying an additional 34,028 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLC boosted its stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 247.4% in the second quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 11,405 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,288,000 after buying an additional 8,122 shares during the period. Finally, Sei Investments Co. boosted its stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 70.7% in the second quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 89,196 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $10,101,000 after buying an additional 36,955 shares during the period. 98.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Armstrong World Industries (Get Free Report Armstrong World Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of ceiling and wall solutions in the Americas. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers mineral fiber, fiberglass wool, metal, wood, felt, wood fiber, and glass-reinforced-gypsum; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings, walls, and facades for use in commercial settings; and manufactures ceiling suspension system (grid) products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Armstrong World Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Armstrong World Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Moscow is waiting for a "signal" from the White House regarding a possible future conversation between the Russian dictator and American leader Donald Trump. They claim that Vladimir Putin is already ready to contact the new US administration. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by his spokesman Dmitry Peskov, without going into specifics. The Kremlin spokesman was quoted by Russian propaganda outlets and Telegram channels. "Putin is ready for contact with Trump, Moscow is waiting for signals, will inform about a possible conversation in advance," they said in their reports on January 24. A few days ago, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that the Kremlin dictator's contact with Trump "has not yet been agreed upon," but they are "preparing for these talks." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his deputy Sergei Ryabkov called the war unleashed by Putin a "Ukrainian crisis" and, as usual, talked about their terms of settlement. As you know, before his inauguration, Donald Trump said that he was going to meet with Putin "very quickly" after he took office. Switzerland and Serbia have announced that they are ready to organize such a meeting. The team of the newly elected US president was also preparing for a telephone conversation with the Russian leader. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, Trump began threatening Russia with taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on everything it sells in the United States and other countries if the Kremlin did not stop the war against Ukraine and conclude a peace agreement. His special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said that Trump is committed to finding a solution to the war within 100 days of his inauguration. According to him, the Republican "is not trying to give anything to Putin or the Russians," but instead seeks to "preserve Ukraine and its sovereignty." For its part, Bloomberg, citing sources, wrote that during any possible negotiations with Trump, the Russian dictator would continue to insist that Ukraine become a neutral state and that the occupied territories "remain with Russia." As reported by OBOZ.UA, the day before, on January 23, Donald Trump repeated his statements about the war in Ukraine, the peace agreement, and his intention to meet with Putin at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Against this backdrop, panic was raised in the Russian Federation because the dictator's motorcade allegedly arrived in the Kremlin in the middle of the night. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Cango Inc. (NYSE:CANG Get Free Report) shares rose 8.3% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $5.17 and last traded at $5.15. 111,578 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 83% from the average daily volume of 664,744 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.76. Cango Stock Performance The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $4.62 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2.88. The company has a market capitalization of $569.43 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.74 and a beta of 0.75. Get Cango alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Cango An institutional investor recently raised its position in Cango stock. International Assets Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Cango Inc. (NYSE:CANG Free Report) by 99.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 32,485 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 16,235 shares during the period. International Assets Investment Management LLCs holdings in Cango were worth $580,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. 4.22% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Cango Company Profile Cango Inc operates an automotive transaction service platform that connects dealers, original equipment manufacturers, financial institutions, car buyers, insurance brokers, and companies in the People's Republic of China. The company offers automobile trading solutions comprising car sourcing, transaction facilitation, logistics, and warehousing support for dealers through Cango Haoche app that offers new car transaction services, and Cango U-Car app that offers used-car transaction services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Cango Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cango and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF) has recently filed an 8-K form with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, providing crucial updates about its Agreement and Plan of Merger with Discover Financial Services. The agreement, initiated on February 19, 2024, involves a series of mergers between Capital One, Discover, and their subsidiaries, marking significant corporate restructuring for both companies. Get alerts: The Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Capital One includes detailed disclosures about the merger transactions. As part of the mergers, Capital Ones subsidiary, Merger Sub, will merge with Discover, leading to Discover becoming the surviving entity initially. Subsequently, Discover will merge with Capital One, with Capital One emerging as the surviving entity in the second-step merger. Following this, Discover Bank will merge with Capital Ones subsidiary, Capital One National Association. In response to Discovers recent filings recalculating financial information related to their 2023 annual report, Capital One has also updated its financial data in connection with the ongoing transaction. The filing includes a financial data supplement released by Discover on January 22, 2025, encompassing the quarter and the twelve months ended December 31, 2024. Capital One emphasized that the provided information in the report shall not be considered as filed for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Furthermore, specifics from Exhibit 99.1, which contains financial details, are not incorporated by reference into filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Additionally, Capital One has disclosed an update concerning Discovers amended annual report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2023. The update includes restated audited financial statements for previous years and quarterly periods, reflecting a comprehensive account of financial changes within Discover. The filing also outlines various exhibits provided by Capital One, including Discovers restated financial statements, pro forma financial information, and the consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Discovers independent registered public accounting firm. The report underscores that the pro forma financial statements are subject to uncertainties and should not be construed as indicative of actual operations or financial conditions following the completion of the mergers. Capital One urges investors and stakeholders to carefully review the documentation provided in the 8-K filing for a comprehensive understanding of the upcoming changes associated with the mergers. The company advises interested parties to consider all the relevant financial information before making any investment or voting decisions. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read Capital One Financials 8K filing here. Capital One Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Capital One Financial Corporation operates as the financial services holding company for the Capital One, National Association, which engages in the provision of various financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Credit Card, Consumer Banking, and Commercial Banking. See Also Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) had its target price increased by analysts at Barclays from $95.00 to $96.00 in a research note issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has an overweight rating on the financial services providers stock. Barclayss price objective would indicate a potential upside of 17.13% from the companys previous close. Several other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on SCHW. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on Charles Schwab from $90.00 to $89.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 14th. Cowen raised their target price on Charles Schwab from $69.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 15th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Charles Schwab from $74.00 to $84.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, January 17th. StockNews.com raised Charles Schwab from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 16th. Finally, Citigroup raised their target price on Charles Schwab from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $83.83. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on SCHW Charles Schwab Trading Up 1.7 % NYSE SCHW opened at $81.96 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. Charles Schwab has a twelve month low of $61.01 and a twelve month high of $83.35. The company has a market cap of $145.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 0.99. The businesss fifty day moving average is $77.75 and its 200 day moving average is $70.75. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 21st. The financial services provider reported $1.01 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.11. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 18.20% and a net margin of 30.31%. The company had revenue of $5.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5,190,822.51 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.68 EPS. Charles Schwabs revenue for the quarter was up 19.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Charles Schwab will post 4.04 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other Charles Schwab news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 2,500 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.02, for a total transaction of $192,550.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 18,069 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,391,674.38. The trade was a 12.15 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Christopher V. Dodds sold 9,284 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $81.43, for a total value of $755,996.12. Following the transaction, the director now owns 442,807 shares of the companys stock, valued at $36,057,774.01. This trade represents a 2.05 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 26,823 shares of company stock worth $2,171,194 in the last three months. Company insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Charles Schwab Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Capital Performance Advisors LLP bought a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in Charles Schwab by 62.6% during the 3rd quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. now owns 387 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 149 shares during the period. Prospera Private Wealth LLC bought a new stake in Charles Schwab during the 3rd quarter valued at $31,000. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC bought a new position in shares of Charles Schwab in the third quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Planning Capital Management Corp bought a new position in shares of Charles Schwab in the third quarter worth $33,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.38% of the companys stock. Charles Schwab Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR Free Report) had its price objective lifted by Scotiabank from $178.00 to $208.00 in a report released on Thursday,Benzinga reports. They currently have a sector perform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Digital Realty Trust from $185.00 to $210.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Digital Realty Trust from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $185.00 to $194.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 15th. Hsbc Global Res raised shares of Digital Realty Trust from a moderate sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 4th. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $135.00 to $142.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 18th. Finally, TD Cowen raised their price objective on Digital Realty Trust from $120.00 to $128.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 25th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating, thirteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $178.89. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Digital Realty Trust Digital Realty Trust Price Performance Shares of NYSE DLR opened at $183.45 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.61, a quick ratio of 1.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. The firms 50-day moving average price is $183.25 and its 200-day moving average price is $167.42. The firm has a market capitalization of $60.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 154.16, a P/E/G ratio of 4.61 and a beta of 0.64. Digital Realty Trust has a 1-year low of $131.42 and a 1-year high of $198.00. Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 24th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.67 by ($1.58). The company had revenue of $1.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.43 billion. Digital Realty Trust had a return on equity of 2.24% and a net margin of 8.04%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.62 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Digital Realty Trust will post 6.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Digital Realty Trust Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 13th were issued a dividend of $1.22 per share. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.66%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 13th. Digital Realty Trusts payout ratio is 410.08%. Insider Buying and Selling at Digital Realty Trust In related news, CFO Matt Mercier sold 2,518 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $187.40, for a total value of $471,873.20. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.17% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Digital Realty Trust Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in DLR. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC increased its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 501.7% in the third quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 4,326,914 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $700,224,000 after purchasing an additional 3,607,802 shares during the last quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 15,301.1% during the 3rd quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC now owns 1,850,292 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $299,433,000 after acquiring an additional 1,838,278 shares during the period. Point72 Asset Management L.P. acquired a new stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust in the third quarter worth approximately $132,980,000. Electron Capital Partners LLC increased its position in Digital Realty Trust by 220.7% during the second quarter. Electron Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,041,594 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $158,374,000 after purchasing an additional 716,816 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ghisallo Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Digital Realty Trust during the second quarter worth approximately $76,025,000. 99.71% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Digital Realty Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Digital Realty Trust, Inc operates as a real estate investment trust, which engages in the provision of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. It serves the following industries: artificial intelligence (AI), networks, cloud, digital media, mobile, financial services, healthcare, and gaming. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dimeco (OTCMKTS:DIMC Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The company reported $1.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, Zacks reports. Dimeco had a return on equity of 13.09% and a net margin of 20.06%. Dimeco Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS DIMC opened at $41.45 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $105.28 million, a P/E ratio of 8.13 and a beta of 0.09. The stocks fifty day moving average is $39.42 and its 200 day moving average is $38.81. Dimeco has a 52 week low of $33.70 and a 52 week high of $42.00. Get Dimeco alerts: Dimeco Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 23rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st were issued a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 31st. This is a boost from Dimecos previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.05%. Dimecos payout ratio is currently 32.94%. Dimeco Company Profile Dimeco, Inc operates as the bank holding company for The Dime Bank that provides banking products and services to individuals and businesses in Pennsylvania. It accepts various deposits, including checking, savings, and individual retirement accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. The company also provides consumer, home equity, mortgage, construction, student, business term, business vehicle, business equipment, capital improvement, and commercial real estate loans; business lines of credit; and acquisition financing and investment services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dimeco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dimeco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Financial Partners Group LLC lessened its position in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 0.4% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 39,999 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 158 shares during the quarter. EOG Resources comprises 2.0% of Financial Partners Group LLCs holdings, making the stock its 16th biggest position. Financial Partners Group LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $4,903,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of EOG. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of EOG Resources by 33.5% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,004,001 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $126,374,000 after acquiring an additional 252,125 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 2.2% in the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 12,311,541 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $1,549,098,000 after purchasing an additional 260,727 shares during the last quarter. Decatur Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 2.7% during the second quarter. Decatur Capital Management Inc. now owns 11,693 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $1,472,000 after purchasing an additional 302 shares during the period. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC boosted its position in EOG Resources by 5.5% in the second quarter. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC now owns 11,289 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $1,421,000 after buying an additional 590 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MBB Public Markets I LLC increased its holdings in EOG Resources by 765.4% in the 2nd quarter. MBB Public Markets I LLC now owns 45,822 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $5,768,000 after buying an additional 40,527 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.91% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: Insider Transactions at EOG Resources In other news, Director Janet F. Clark sold 568 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $135.33, for a total value of $76,867.44. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 43,532 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,891,185.56. This represents a 1.29 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 4,000 shares of EOG Resources stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.89, for a total transaction of $483,560.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 42,703 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,162,365.67. The trade was a 8.56 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.30% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. Wolfe Research raised shares of EOG Resources from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $143.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Friday, January 3rd. Mizuho lowered their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $156.00 to $148.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, December 16th. Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and set a $144.00 price objective (down previously from $151.00) on shares of EOG Resources in a research note on Monday, January 13th. KeyCorp lowered their target price on EOG Resources from $157.00 to $150.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 16th. Finally, Piper Sandler reduced their price target on EOG Resources from $149.00 to $140.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, December 17th. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, EOG Resources presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $143.86. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on EOG EOG Resources Stock Performance NYSE EOG opened at $133.91 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 2.31 and a quick ratio of 2.07. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 1-year low of $108.94 and a 1-year high of $139.67. The company has a market cap of $75.32 billion, a PE ratio of 10.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.68 and a beta of 1.29. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $129.09 and its 200-day simple moving average is $127.27. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 7th. The energy exploration company reported $2.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.73 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $5.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.03 billion. EOG Resources had a net margin of 29.18% and a return on equity of 23.77%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.44 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. EOG Resources declared that its Board of Directors has approved a stock buyback plan on Thursday, November 7th that allows the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the energy exploration company to buy up to 7% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. EOG Resources Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 17th will be paid a $0.975 dividend. This represents a $3.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.91%. This is a positive change from EOG Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.91. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 17th. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 31.40%. EOG Resources Company Profile (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily in producing basins in the United States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and internationally. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Flexible Solutions International Inc. (NYSE: FSI) revealed in a recent Form 8-K filing that it has entered into a significant manufacturing agreement with a U.S. based company. The agreement, finalized on January 7, 2025, involves the production of food grade products for the U.S. based company on a non-exclusive basis. Get alerts: The contract, which spans a period of five years, includes provisions for automatic renewal for up to five additional successive five-year terms. To avoid renewal, either party must provide written notice of non-renewal at least 180 days before the end of the current term. Flexible Solutions International anticipates that this contract could potentially yield annual revenues ranging between $15 million and $30 million, or even more. The revenue stream from this agreement is expected to commence approximately six months from the contract signing date. This timeline allows for Flexible Solutions International to expand its clean room space and install the necessary equipment to facilitate the manufacture of products for the U.S. based company. In terms of disclosure, the company reported that the financial statements and exhibits related to this agreement can be found in Exhibit No. 10.3 of the filing. Additionally, the filing includes a cover page interactive data file embedded within the Inline XBRL document. According to the filing, portions of the manufacturing agreement have been redacted per Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K. This decision was made to protect the company from potential competitive harm that could result from public disclosure of certain omitted details. The signed Form 8-K was authenticated on January 23, 2025, by Daniel B. OBrien, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Flexible Solutions International Inc., in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read Flexible Solutions Internationals 8K filing here. About Flexible Solutions International (Get Free Report) Flexible Solutions International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and markets specialty chemicals that slow the evaporation of water in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Energy and Water Conservation Products, and Biodegradable Polymers. See Also Forestar Group Inc. (NYSE:FOR Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week low on Wednesday following a dissappointing earnings announcement. The stock traded as low as $23.80 and last traded at $24.35, with a volume of 571250 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $26.79. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.65 by ($0.33). Forestar Group had a net margin of 12.50% and a return on equity of 11.91%. The company had revenue of $250.40 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $318,000 billion. The businesss revenue was down 18.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Get Forestar Group alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Citigroup dropped their price objective on shares of Forestar Group from $39.00 to $32.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of FOR. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its holdings in shares of Forestar Group by 9.0% during the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,438,669 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $78,012,000 after acquiring an additional 201,032 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its position in Forestar Group by 4.9% during the second quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 154,080 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $4,929,000 after purchasing an additional 7,180 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Forestar Group by 474.8% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,311 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $168,000 after purchasing an additional 4,387 shares in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP purchased a new position in Forestar Group during the second quarter valued at approximately $835,000. Finally, Dark Forest Capital Management LP grew its position in Forestar Group by 17.5% in the second quarter. Dark Forest Capital Management LP now owns 23,730 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $759,000 after acquiring an additional 3,538 shares in the last quarter. 35.50% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Forestar Group Price Performance The company has a quick ratio of 1.61, a current ratio of 1.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. The company has a market capitalization of $1.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.78 and a beta of 1.74. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $27.39 and its 200 day simple moving average is $29.97. Forestar Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Forestar Group Inc operates as a residential lot development company in the United States. The company acquires land and develops infrastructure for single-family residential communities. It sells its residential single-family finished lots to local, regional, and national homebuilders. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Arlington, Texas. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Forestar Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Forestar Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH boosted its stake in BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA Free Report) by 14.1% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 8,686 shares of the auto parts companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,075 shares during the period. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OHs holdings in BorgWarner were worth $276,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Pacer Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of BorgWarner by 21,752.6% during the third quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 4,646,950 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $168,638,000 after acquiring an additional 4,625,685 shares during the last quarter. Earnest Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of BorgWarner by 20.2% during the second quarter. Earnest Partners LLC now owns 3,979,776 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $128,308,000 after acquiring an additional 669,137 shares during the last quarter. Swedbank AB raised its stake in shares of BorgWarner by 236.5% during the third quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 844,112 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $30,633,000 after acquiring an additional 593,265 shares during the last quarter. Deprince Race & Zollo Inc. bought a new position in shares of BorgWarner during the second quarter valued at $18,588,000. Finally, Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of BorgWarner by 19.2% during the third quarter. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC now owns 2,764,103 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $100,309,000 after acquiring an additional 445,540 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.67% of the companys stock. Get BorgWarner alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In BWA has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on shares of BorgWarner from $38.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 4th. Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of BorgWarner from $47.00 to $43.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Evercore ISI upgraded shares of BorgWarner from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $39.00 to $43.00 in a research report on Monday, October 14th. Guggenheim reiterated a buy rating and set a $41.00 price objective on shares of BorgWarner in a research report on Thursday, December 12th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their price target on shares of BorgWarner from $35.00 to $31.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 16th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $40.47. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, VP Isabelle Mckenzie sold 5,700 shares of BorgWarner stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.62, for a total value of $197,334.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 37,640 shares in the company, valued at $1,303,096.80. This trade represents a 13.15 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, VP Stefan Demmerle sold 20,544 shares of BorgWarner stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.28, for a total transaction of $704,248.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 206,969 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,094,897.32. The trade was a 9.03 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 222,010 shares of company stock valued at $7,678,076. Company insiders own 0.45% of the companys stock. BorgWarner Stock Up 1.3 % BorgWarner stock opened at $32.22 on Friday. BorgWarner Inc. has a 1-year low of $29.51 and a 1-year high of $38.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.65 and a beta of 1.20. The firms fifty day moving average price is $32.94 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $33.37. The company has a current ratio of 1.84, a quick ratio of 1.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. BorgWarner (NYSE:BWA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The auto parts company reported $1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.92 by $0.17. BorgWarner had a net margin of 6.33% and a return on equity of 15.51%. The company had revenue of $3.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.50 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.98 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that BorgWarner Inc. will post 4.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. BorgWarner Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 2nd were given a $0.11 dividend. This represents a $0.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.37%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 2nd. BorgWarners dividend payout ratio is 11.17%. BorgWarner Company Profile (Free Report) BorgWarner Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides solutions for combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles worldwide. It offers turbochargers, eBoosters, eTurbos, timing systems, emissions systems, thermal systems, gasoline ignition technology, smart remote actuators, powertrain sensors, cabin heaters, battery modules and systems, battery heaters, and battery charging. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BWA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BorgWarner Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BorgWarner and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. General Electric (NYSE:GE Get Free Report)s stock had its outperform rating reiterated by investment analysts at Royal Bank of Canada in a research note issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. They currently have a $200.00 target price on the conglomerates stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price target indicates a potential downside of 0.33% from the companys previous close. Several other analysts have also recently issued reports on GE. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their target price on General Electric from $235.00 to $228.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 2nd. Bank of America boosted their target price on General Electric from $180.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 23rd. UBS Group raised their price target on General Electric from $223.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 23rd. Northcoast Research started coverage on shares of General Electric in a research report on Tuesday, January 7th. They set a neutral rating on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of General Electric from $210.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 11th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $201.47. Get General Electric alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on GE General Electric Stock Performance General Electric stock opened at $200.66 on Wednesday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $174.49 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $174.59. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95. General Electric has a twelve month low of $101.16 and a twelve month high of $207.65. The company has a market capitalization of $217.17 billion, a PE ratio of 35.26, a P/E/G ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.19. General Electric (NYSE:GE Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, January 23rd. The conglomerate reported $1.32 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.05 by $0.27. General Electric had a return on equity of 18.93% and a net margin of 11.48%. Research analysts expect that General Electric will post 4.23 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at General Electric In related news, SVP Riccardo Procacci sold 7,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $181.13, for a total transaction of $1,267,910.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 13,289 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,407,036.57. This trade represents a 34.50 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Russell Stokes sold 15,550 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.29, for a total value of $2,772,409.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 148,857 shares in the company, valued at $26,539,714.53. This trade represents a 9.46 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.66% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of General Electric A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Public Sector Pension Investment Board grew its position in General Electric by 74.9% in the 2nd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 42,186 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $6,706,000 after purchasing an additional 18,064 shares during the period. Evergreen Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of General Electric by 2.0% in the second quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 6,636 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $1,055,000 after acquiring an additional 129 shares during the period. Royal Capital Wealth Management LLC increased its position in General Electric by 115.4% during the second quarter. Royal Capital Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,270 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $520,000 after acquiring an additional 1,752 shares during the last quarter. Wescott Financial Advisory Group LLC bought a new position in General Electric in the second quarter valued at about $622,000. Finally, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd FI boosted its position in General Electric by 9.3% in the second quarter. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd FI now owns 764,018 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $121,456,000 after purchasing an additional 65,189 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 74.77% of the companys stock. General Electric Company Profile (Get Free Report) General Electric Company, doing business as GE Aerospace, designs and produces commercial and defense aircraft engines, integrated engine components, electric power, and mechanical aircraft systems. It also offers aftermarket services to support its products. The company operates in the United States, Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. See Also Receive News & Ratings for General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. North Korea has allegedly transferred multiple launch rocket systems disguised as civilian trucks to the aggressor state of Russia for use in the war against Ukraine. This equipment was first presented at a parade in Pyongyang in 2023 and is now in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by Forbes. During the parade, the DPRK army demonstrated a variety of civilian trucks and dump trucks with multiple launch rocket systems hidden in them. Such a truck was spotted in the Kursk region, and a video was posted online. This is an MLRS, which consists of a launcher for twelve 122-mm Grad-type shells, and is located inside the truck of an ordinary truck. "This stealth launcher is the fifth large vehicle that North Korea has deployed to Russia along with the North Korean 11th Army Corps, which had 12,000 soldiers when it arrived in October but has since lost a third of them in infantry assaults on Ukrainian positions," the article says. ADVERTISIMENT The publication writes that a truck-mounted launcher is a strange system of potentially limited utility. Concealing launchers in civilian trucks could help these vehicles get into position before "sneak attacking an unprepared enemy." At the same time, this will obviously not help them avoid Ukrainian artillery and drones on the battlefield, where Russian troops are already using many thousands of civilian vehicles for military purposes. ADVERTISIMENT The author emphasizes that the truck-mounted launchers are not likely to be of much use in the battle for the Kursk region. Since they are based on an undisguised North Korean BM-21 launcher, "the system has lower accuracy than conventional artillery and cannot be used in situations that require precision." As reported by OBOZ.UA, the head of the DIU Kyrylo Budanov said that in the near future, the DPRK will send military assistance to the Kursk region. We are talking about missile and artillery troops. The Russian army may also receive additional KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles from the DPRK. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Hochschild Mining plc (LON:HOC Get Free Report)s share price was down 12.5% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 187 ($2.31) and last traded at GBX 200.36 ($2.47). Approximately 7,124,797 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 185% from the average daily volume of 2,495,716 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 229 ($2.83). Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price objective on shares of Hochschild Mining from GBX 220 ($2.72) to GBX 310 ($3.83) and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 24th. Canaccord Genuity Group decreased their price target on Hochschild Mining from GBX 310 ($3.83) to GBX 285 ($3.52) and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an overweight rating and set a GBX 300 ($3.71) target price on shares of Hochschild Mining in a report on Thursday. Finally, Berenberg Bank restated a hold rating and set a GBX 200 ($2.47) price objective on shares of Hochschild Mining in a research note on Wednesday, October 16th. Get Hochschild Mining alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on HOC Hochschild Mining Trading Down 1.1 % Hochschild Mining Company Profile The company has a market cap of 936.32 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 3,640.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.41 and a beta of 1.08. The companys 50 day moving average price is GBX 218.44 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 200.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 55.11, a quick ratio of 1.87 and a current ratio of 0.89. (Get Free Report) We are a leading underground precious metals producer focusing on high grade silver and gold deposits, with over 50 years operating experience in the Americas. We currently operate three underground mines, two located in southern Peru and one in southern Argentina. All of our underground operations are epithermal vein mines and the principal mining method used is cut and fill. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hochschild Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hochschild Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated their outperform rating on shares of IntegraFin (LON:IHP Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Thursday morning, Marketbeat reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has a GBX 440 ($5.43) target price on the stock. A number of other equities analysts have also weighed in on IHP. Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and set a GBX 400 ($4.94) price target on shares of IntegraFin in a research report on Tuesday, October 15th. Shore Capital upgraded IntegraFin to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 14th. Get IntegraFin alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on IHP IntegraFin Trading Up 1.1 % IHP stock opened at GBX 360.50 ($4.45) on Thursday. The businesss 50-day moving average is GBX 365.33 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 368.63. IntegraFin has a 12-month low of GBX 263.40 ($3.25) and a 12-month high of GBX 414 ($5.11). The stock has a market cap of 1.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2,253.13, a PEG ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 1.15. The company has a current ratio of 8.80, a quick ratio of 0.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73. IntegraFin (LON:IHP Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 18th. The company reported GBX 16.30 ($0.20) EPS for the quarter. IntegraFin had a return on equity of 28.83% and a net margin of 37.68%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that IntegraFin will post 16.9090056 EPS for the current fiscal year. IntegraFin Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 2nd will be paid a dividend of GBX 7.20 ($0.09) per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 2nd. This is an increase from IntegraFins previous dividend of $3.20. This represents a yield of 1.85%. IntegraFins payout ratio is 6,250.00%. Insider Activity at IntegraFin In related news, insider Euan Marshall purchased 4,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 16th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 350 ($4.32) per share, for a total transaction of 15,750 ($19,454.05). Over the last three months, insiders have acquired 4,624 shares of company stock worth $1,619,929. Insiders own 26.12% of the companys stock. About IntegraFin (Get Free Report) IntegraFin Holdings plc (IntegraFin) is the holding company for all of the entities involved in the provision of the Transact service. Transact is one of the largest independent wrap platforms in the UK. It offers advisory professionals a comprehensive financial planning infrastructure for investing client assets in a tax-efficient way. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for IntegraFin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IntegraFin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IVC Wealth Advisors LLC decreased its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report) by 3.6% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,631 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 61 shares during the period. IVC Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in SPDR Gold Shares were worth $395,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC purchased a new position in SPDR Gold Shares during the third quarter worth about $28,000. Capital Performance Advisors LLP purchased a new stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares during the third quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Pittenger & Anderson Inc. bought a new stake in SPDR Gold Shares during the third quarter worth $38,000. Sugarloaf Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in SPDR Gold Shares by 78.9% in the third quarter. Sugarloaf Wealth Management LLC now owns 161 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 71 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new position in SPDR Gold Shares in the 3rd quarter valued at $40,000. 42.19% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get SPDR Gold Shares alerts: SPDR Gold Shares Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:GLD opened at $254.07 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average is $244.59 and its 200 day moving average is $239.07. SPDR Gold Shares has a fifty-two week low of $183.78 and a fifty-two week high of $257.71. SPDR Gold Shares Profile SPDR Gold Trust (the Trust) is an investment trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trusts expenses. The Trusts business activity is the investment of gold. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 100,000 Shares). See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GLD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Gold Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Gold Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:JHML Get Free Report) saw an uptick in trading volume on Tuesday . 129,265 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 338% from the previous sessions volume of 29,519 shares.The stock last traded at $72.16 and had previously closed at $71.52. John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF Stock Up 0.5 % The firm has a market capitalization of $985.76 million, a PE ratio of 22.60 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a 50-day moving average of $71.47 and a 200 day moving average of $69.13. Get John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in JHML. Assetmark Inc. purchased a new position in John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF in the 3rd quarter worth $48,000. Coastline Trust Co bought a new position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF during the third quarter valued at about $153,000. FMR LLC increased its holdings in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF by 8.6% in the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,243 shares of the companys stock worth $156,000 after buying an additional 178 shares during the period. First Horizon Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF in the third quarter worth about $203,000. Finally, Quantinno Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $352,000. About John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF The John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF (JHML) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the John Hancock Dimensional Large Cap index. The fund tracks an index of largest 800 US firms, weighted by multiple factors relative to their sector peers. JHML was launched on Sep 28, 2015 and is managed by John Hancock. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kimberly-Clark (NYSE:KMB Get Free Report)s stock had its outperform rating restated by investment analysts at Royal Bank of Canada in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday,Benzinga reports. They presently have a $165.00 target price on the stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price objective suggests a potential upside of 29.02% from the companys previous close. A number of other research firms have also issued reports on KMB. Piper Sandler lowered their target price on Kimberly-Clark from $175.00 to $161.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, January 6th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on Kimberly-Clark from $140.00 to $130.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 7th. Citigroup decreased their price objective on Kimberly-Clark from $125.00 to $118.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, January 15th. Barclays decreased their price objective on Kimberly-Clark from $144.00 to $132.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 17th. Finally, TD Cowen lowered Kimberly-Clark from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $145.00 price objective on the stock. in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Kimberly-Clark presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $143.71. Get Kimberly-Clark alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Kimberly-Clark Kimberly-Clark Stock Up 0.7 % Shares of NYSE KMB traded up $0.86 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $127.89. 707,360 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,862,748. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.77, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a current ratio of 0.83. The stock has a market cap of $42.65 billion, a PE ratio of 16.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.53 and a beta of 0.41. The companys fifty day moving average is $131.96 and its two-hundred day moving average is $137.67. Kimberly-Clark has a fifty-two week low of $117.67 and a fifty-two week high of $149.30. Kimberly-Clark (NYSE:KMB Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 22nd. The company reported $1.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.69 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $4.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.06 billion. Kimberly-Clark had a return on equity of 198.59% and a net margin of 12.97%. The companys revenue was down 3.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.74 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Kimberly-Clark will post 7.32 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Kimberly-Clark In other news, VP Andrew Drexler sold 3,000 shares of Kimberly-Clark stock in a transaction on Friday, November 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $139.01, for a total value of $417,030.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 5,053 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $702,417.53. This trade represents a 37.25 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.62% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Kimberly-Clark Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans grew its stake in shares of Kimberly-Clark by 4.1% during the second quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 29,018 shares of the companys stock worth $4,010,000 after purchasing an additional 1,155 shares during the period. Public Sector Pension Investment Board grew its stake in shares of Kimberly-Clark by 72.5% during the second quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 12,928 shares of the companys stock worth $1,787,000 after purchasing an additional 5,434 shares during the period. Insigneo Advisory Services LLC grew its stake in shares of Kimberly-Clark by 31.9% during the second quarter. Insigneo Advisory Services LLC now owns 2,887 shares of the companys stock worth $397,000 after purchasing an additional 698 shares during the period. APG Asset Management N.V. grew its stake in shares of Kimberly-Clark by 74.4% during the second quarter. APG Asset Management N.V. now owns 503,955 shares of the companys stock worth $64,984,000 after purchasing an additional 215,000 shares during the period. Finally, Daymark Wealth Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Kimberly-Clark by 10.0% during the second quarter. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC now owns 12,788 shares of the companys stock worth $1,767,000 after purchasing an additional 1,163 shares during the period. 76.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Kimberly-Clark (Get Free Report) Kimberly-Clark Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets personal care and consumer tissue products in the United States. It operates through three segments: Personal Care, Consumer Tissue, and K-C Professional. The companys Personal Care segment offers disposable diapers, training and youth pants, swimpants, baby wipes, feminine and incontinence care products, reusable underwear, and other related products under the Huggies, Pull-Ups, Little Swimmers, GoodNites, DryNites, Sweety, Kotex, U by Kotex, Intimus, Thinx, Poise, Depend, Plenitud, Softex, and other brand names. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Kimberly-Clark Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kimberly-Clark and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. On January 22, 2025, Liberty Star Uranium & Metals Corp. made a significant announcement regarding the latest channel sampling outcomes from its Red Rock Canyon Gold Project (RRC) located within the Hay Mountain Project in southeast Arizona. The company disclosed that the RRC exhibits potential for commercially valuable metals associated with porphyry copper-gold-moly geological structures, prevalent in the region spanning from central Arizona to northern Mexico. Get alerts: The recent channel sampling efforts yielded notable Bonanza grades, including 107.5 g/t and 60.0 g/t recovered from sampling the high-grade zone within the RRC, extending known mineralization by approximately 100 feet. Moreover, numerous additional gold-bearing structures were identified during the sampling process. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and 3D modeling by the company highlighted the primary high-grade zone, as well as parallel and associated gold-bearing structures within the RRC Project area. These findings build a stronger case for the presence of valuable mineral deposits in the region. Historical assessments in the area have indicated that these structures may serve as feeder zones to areas enriched with sedimentary strata-bound gold. Investigating the flat-lying gold enrichment characteristics would require drilling activities, as they cannot be fully explored through channel sampling of the existing jasperoid structures. While the current channel sampling program primarily targets the top portions of the vertical mineralized structures, prior drilling activities have confirmed the existence of flat-lying gold-enriched zones within the Colina and Earp formations at the site, as demonstrated by results from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The company reported that ongoing sampling initiatives not only extended the extent of the known high-grade zone but also uncovered six additional lenses of jasperoids displaying gold concentrations exceeding 0.5 g/t Au across widths greater than 2 feet. Chief Geologist Jim Bryce expressed optimism about the findings, stating that future drilling efforts will focus on delineating the high-grade zone and evaluating the bulk tonnage potential in the vicinity. In conclusion, Liberty Star Uranium & Metals Corp. seems poised for further exploration and potential development opportunities based on the recent positive sampling results at the Red Rock Canyon Gold Project in Arizona. Note: The historical information provided is for reference purposes only and may not comply with SEC Regulation S-K 1300. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read Liberty Star Uranium & Metalss 8K filing here. Liberty Star Uranium & Metals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Liberty Star Uranium & Metals Corp., a mineral resource company, engages in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in Arizona and the Southwest of the United States. The company explores for copper, molybdenum, gold, silver, lead, zinc, manganese, and other metals, including rare earth elements. Further Reading MEAG MUNICH ERGO Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbH lifted its holdings in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 2.3% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 101,240 shares of the credit services providers stock after buying an additional 2,287 shares during the period. Mastercard comprises approximately 1.7% of MEAG MUNICH ERGO Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbHs portfolio, making the stock its 23rd biggest position. MEAG MUNICH ERGO Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbHs holdings in Mastercard were worth $53,207,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of Mastercard by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 35,288,912 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $17,425,665,000 after buying an additional 257,312 shares during the period. FMR LLC raised its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 3.4% during the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 21,355,081 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $10,545,139,000 after acquiring an additional 700,769 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Mastercard by 2.5% during the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 18,375,053 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $9,043,972,000 after purchasing an additional 453,773 shares during the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Mastercard by 120,665.3% in the third quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 8,041,758 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $3,971,020,000 after purchasing an additional 8,035,099 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. increased its position in Mastercard by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 7,501,814 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $3,800,836,000 after purchasing an additional 304,293 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.28% of the companys stock. Get Mastercard alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on MA shares. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on Mastercard from $550.00 to $565.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 14th. Seaport Res Ptn cut shares of Mastercard from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 14th. William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Monday, November 25th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $510.00 to $580.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Finally, Macquarie increased their target price on shares of Mastercard from $505.00 to $565.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-two have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $567.29. Mastercard Stock Up 1.2 % MA stock opened at $533.77 on Friday. Mastercard Incorporated has a twelve month low of $428.86 and a twelve month high of $537.70. The company has a quick ratio of 1.29, a current ratio of 1.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36. The company has a market cap of $489.91 billion, a PE ratio of 40.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 1.10. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $524.27 and its 200 day simple moving average is $496.23. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 31st. The credit services provider reported $3.89 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.73 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $7.37 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.27 billion. Mastercard had a return on equity of 178.27% and a net margin of 45.26%. Mastercards revenue for the quarter was up 12.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $3.39 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Mastercard Incorporated will post 14.47 earnings per share for the current year. Mastercard Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 7th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 9th will be issued a $0.76 dividend. This represents a $3.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.57%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 10th. This is a positive change from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.66. Mastercards payout ratio is 23.00%. Mastercard announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase plan on Tuesday, December 17th that allows the company to buyback $12.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the credit services provider to repurchase up to 2.5% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are generally an indication that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued. Mastercard Company Profile (Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MEAG MUNICH ERGO Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbH trimmed its position in Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH Free Report) by 69.0% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 6,811 shares of the companys stock after selling 15,185 shares during the quarter. MEAG MUNICH ERGO Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbHs holdings in Molina Healthcare were worth $1,971,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. State Street Corp increased its position in shares of Molina Healthcare by 0.5% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,614,311 shares of the companys stock valued at $900,787,000 after acquiring an additional 13,001 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Molina Healthcare by 36.2% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 463,537 shares of the companys stock valued at $137,810,000 after purchasing an additional 123,121 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its position in Molina Healthcare by 2.6% during the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 390,078 shares of the companys stock valued at $134,405,000 after purchasing an additional 10,030 shares during the last quarter. Swiss National Bank lifted its holdings in Molina Healthcare by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 173,900 shares of the companys stock worth $59,919,000 after buying an additional 500 shares during the period. Finally, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Molina Healthcare by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 146,335 shares of the companys stock worth $50,421,000 after buying an additional 1,778 shares during the last quarter. 98.50% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Molina Healthcare alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts recently commented on MOH shares. Truist Financial dropped their price target on Molina Healthcare from $400.00 to $370.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, January 6th. Robert W. Baird dropped their target price on shares of Molina Healthcare from $405.00 to $331.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 24th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Molina Healthcare from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 18th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and issued a $406.00 price objective on shares of Molina Healthcare in a report on Thursday, October 24th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price objective on Molina Healthcare from $359.00 to $372.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, October 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Molina Healthcare currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $359.18. Molina Healthcare Trading Up 1.1 % Molina Healthcare stock opened at $305.88 on Friday. Molina Healthcare, Inc. has a 12 month low of $272.69 and a 12 month high of $423.92. The company has a current ratio of 1.54, a quick ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $295.43 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $316.99. The company has a market capitalization of $17.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.94 and a beta of 0.54. Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 23rd. The company reported $6.01 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.96 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $10.34 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.92 billion. Molina Healthcare had a net margin of 2.92% and a return on equity of 27.88%. Molina Healthcares revenue for the quarter was up 21.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $5.05 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Molina Healthcare, Inc. will post 23.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Molina Healthcare Company Profile (Free Report) Molina Healthcare, Inc provides managed healthcare services to low-income families and individuals under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. It operates in four segments: Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and Other. The company served in across 19 states. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Long Beach, California. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MOH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Molina Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molina Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MEAG MUNICH ERGO Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbH lowered its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 21.7% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 324,599 shares of the companys stock after selling 89,736 shares during the quarter. MEAG MUNICH ERGO Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbHs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $38,955,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. FMR LLC boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 40.9% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 23,168,446 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,812,649,000 after acquiring an additional 6,721,094 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 57.2% in the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 9,241,612 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,121,932,000 after purchasing an additional 3,363,454 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI boosted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 161.6% during the third quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 1,943,460 shares of the companys stock valued at $235,936,000 after purchasing an additional 1,200,636 shares in the last quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 14,611.4% in the third quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 1,173,531 shares of the companys stock worth $142,467,000 after purchasing an additional 1,165,554 shares during the period. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC lifted its position in Philip Morris International by 13,666.6% during the third quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 999,729 shares of the companys stock valued at $121,367,000 after buying an additional 992,467 shares during the period. 78.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $125.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Stifel Nicolaus reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $145.00 price objective (up from $138.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $118.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 1st. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $155.00 to $145.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley started coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. They issued an overweight rating and a $140.00 price target on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $131.35. Philip Morris International Trading Up 2.0 % NYSE:PM opened at $125.36 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $125.38 and its 200 day moving average is $121.77. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 12 month low of $87.82 and a 12 month high of $134.15. The company has a market capitalization of $194.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.90, a P/E/G ratio of 2.01 and a beta of 0.54. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 22nd. The company reported $1.91 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.82 by $0.09. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 10.35% and a negative return on equity of 117.94%. The firm had revenue of $9.91 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.68 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.67 earnings per share. Philip Morris Internationals revenue for the quarter was up 8.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.5 earnings per share for the current year. Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 13th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 26th were issued a $1.35 dividend. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.31%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 26th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 85.71%. About Philip Morris International (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meeka Metals Limited (ASX:MEK Get Free Report) insider Paul Chapman acquired 875,000 shares of Meeka Metals stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 20th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of A$0.08 ($0.05) per share, for a total transaction of A$70,000.00 ($44,025.16). Paul Chapman also recently made the following trade(s): Get Meeka Metals alerts: On Wednesday, December 4th, Paul Chapman bought 1,187,500 shares of Meeka Metals stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of A$0.06 ($0.04) per share, with a total value of A$71,250.00 ($44,811.32). Meeka Metals Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.98, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 2.61. Meeka Metals Company Profile Meeka Metals Limited engages in the exploration of gold and rare earth properties in Australia. Its flagship project is the Murchison gold project covering an area of 343 square kilometers located in the prolific Murchison Gold Fields, Western Australia. The company was formerly known as Meeka Gold Limited and changed its name to Meeka Metals Limited in July 2022. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Meeka Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Meeka Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine called another shooting of six Ukrainian prisoners of war by the Russian occupiers an atrocity. The Ministry called on the international community not to turn a blind eye to each such execusions, which, contradicting all international norms, have already become a usual tactics of the occupiers. ADVERTISIMENT A corresponding message was issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heorhiy Tykhyi, on January 23. He also clarified that the foreign ministry had already passed on information about the shooting to partners and "key international organizations." "Again, unfortunately, we see a horrific video being spread online showing the Russians shooting Ukrainian - unarmed, I emphasize - prisoners of war once again. I think this is a reminder to the whole world of the kind of animals we are dealing with in Ukraine," the Foreign Ministry spokesman said. He stated that this Russian tactics is systematic, "testifying to the barbaric nature" of the terrorist counry. And the recent case is another reminder that Russia's goal is the complete destruction of Ukrainians. "We insist that there should be an international reaction to every such execusion. A reaction from foreign leaders, from foreign states, international, governmental and non-governmental organizations," added Tykhyi. ADVERTISIMENT As reported, Russian occupants captured at least seven AFU soldiers during an assault on Ukrainian positions in Donetsk region. Later, the invaders shot six of them, unarmed, while the fate of another soldier is unknown. In this regard, the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine launched a pre-trial investigation into the commission of a war crime that resulted in the death of people (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, passed on the relevant information to the UN and the Red Cross. We also reported that Russian war criminals executed three Ukrainian prisoners of war near Neskuchne, Volnovakha district, Donetsk region. Despite the fact that the defenders of Ukraine voluntarily surrendered, the occupiers tied their hands and shot them dead in the head. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Missouri Trust & Investment Co acquired a new position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 125 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $74,000. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Modus Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. Ulland Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. Safe Harbor Fiduciary LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $33,000. Cedar Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 139.3% in the 3rd quarter. Cedar Wealth Management LLC now owns 67 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares during the period. Finally, Kennebec Savings Bank acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 3rd quarter worth $40,000. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Price Performance iShares Core S&P 500 ETF stock opened at $612.70 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $528.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.23 and a beta of 0.99. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 1-year low of $485.19 and a 1-year high of $612.70. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $598.56 and a 200-day moving average price of $577.13. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Profile iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Montecito Bank & Trust grew its stake in Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL Free Report) by 9.0% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 12,320 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,018 shares during the period. Montecito Bank & Trusts holdings in Colgate-Palmolive were worth $1,120,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of CL. State Street Corp grew its holdings in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 3.8% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 48,436,276 shares of the companys stock worth $5,028,170,000 after purchasing an additional 1,784,411 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 20,193,331 shares of the companys stock worth $2,095,325,000 after buying an additional 552,949 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 6.2% during the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 9,526,990 shares of the companys stock valued at $988,997,000 after acquiring an additional 557,492 shares during the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc grew its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 0.8% during the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 7,785,101 shares of the companys stock worth $755,465,000 after purchasing an additional 61,413 shares during the period. Finally, Barclays PLC increased its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 38.7% in the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 7,644,189 shares of the companys stock valued at $793,542,000 after acquiring an additional 2,132,747 shares during the last quarter. 80.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Colgate-Palmolive alerts: Colgate-Palmolive Price Performance Shares of NYSE CL opened at $87.98 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $92.00 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $97.58. The stock has a market capitalization of $71.88 billion, a PE ratio of 25.21, a P/E/G ratio of 3.62 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.46, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 0.68. Colgate-Palmolive has a fifty-two week low of $80.03 and a fifty-two week high of $109.30. Colgate-Palmolive Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 14th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 21st will be given a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 21st. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.27%. Colgate-Palmolives dividend payout ratio is 57.31%. Several analysts recently commented on the company. StockNews.com downgraded Colgate-Palmolive from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, January 9th. UBS Group decreased their price objective on Colgate-Palmolive from $112.00 to $104.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $101.00 to $95.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $109.00 to $103.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 16th. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $121.00 to $112.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, January 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $101.11. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Colgate-Palmolive Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, CFO Stanley J. Sutula III sold 45,410 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.11, for a total transaction of $4,273,535.10. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 36,726 shares in the company, valued at $3,456,283.86. This represents a 55.29 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock. About Colgate-Palmolive (Free Report) Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells consumer products in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The Oral, Personal and Home Care segment offers toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants, skin health products, dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, and other related items. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Colgate-Palmolive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Colgate-Palmolive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Danaher (NYSE:DHR Free Report) had its target price reduced by Raymond James from $300.00 to $275.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the conglomerates stock. DHR has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Evercore ISI increased their target price on Danaher from $275.00 to $278.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 1st. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Danaher from $309.00 to $305.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price target on shares of Danaher from $333.00 to $311.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 23rd. Bank of America upgraded Danaher from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $290.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Friday, December 13th. Finally, Guggenheim started coverage on Danaher in a research note on Thursday, December 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $275.00 price target on the stock. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $285.55. Get Danaher alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on DHR Danaher Stock Up 0.6 % DHR stock opened at $245.73 on Tuesday. The firms fifty day moving average is $234.90 and its 200 day moving average is $253.47. The firm has a market cap of $177.49 billion, a PE ratio of 46.90, a P/E/G ratio of 4.43 and a beta of 0.83. Danaher has a one year low of $225.42 and a one year high of $281.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.37. Danaher (NYSE:DHR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 22nd. The conglomerate reported $1.71 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.57 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $5.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.59 billion. Danaher had a return on equity of 10.62% and a net margin of 16.39%. Danahers revenue for the quarter was up 3.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.02 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Danaher will post 7.5 EPS for the current year. Danaher Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 27th will be paid a dividend of $0.27 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 27th. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.44%. Danahers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 20.61%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Danaher Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. FMR LLC raised its holdings in Danaher by 15.8% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 23,617,424 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $6,566,116,000 after buying an additional 3,217,631 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its stake in shares of Danaher by 17.6% in the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 3,582,982 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $996,141,000 after acquiring an additional 535,254 shares during the period. International Assets Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Danaher by 40,196.5% in the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 429,964 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $119,539,000 after acquiring an additional 428,897 shares during the last quarter. Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. boosted its position in shares of Danaher by 30.4% during the 3rd quarter. Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. now owns 1,705,884 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $465,617,000 after purchasing an additional 397,671 shares during the period. Finally, Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA acquired a new stake in Danaher in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $74,551,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.05% of the companys stock. About Danaher (Get Free Report) Danaher Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets professional, medical, industrial, and commercial products and services worldwide. The Biotechnology segments offers bioprocess technologies, consumables, and services that advance, accelerate, and integrate the development and manufacture of therapeutics; cell line and cell culture media development services; cell culture media, process liquids and buffers for manufacturing, chromatography resins, filtration technologies, aseptic fill finish; single-use hardware and consumables and services, such as the design and installation of full manufacturing suites; lab filtration, separation, and purification; lab-scale protein purification and analytical tools; reagents, membranes, and services; and healthcare filtration solutions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Danaher Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Danaher and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rio Tinto Group (LON:RIO Get Free Report) insider Jakob Stausholm sold 4 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 5,004 ($61.81), for a total transaction of 200.16 ($247.23). Jakob Stausholm also recently made the following trade(s): Get Rio Tinto Group alerts: On Monday, December 2nd, Jakob Stausholm sold 6,489 shares of Rio Tinto Group stock. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 4,988 ($61.61), for a total transaction of 323,671.32 ($399,791.65). Rio Tinto Group Trading Down 1.1 % RIO stock opened at GBX 4,947.50 ($61.11) on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of 61.84 billion, a PE ratio of 981.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -0.64 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 25.01, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a current ratio of 1.70. Rio Tinto Group has a one year low of GBX 4,509 ($55.69) and a one year high of GBX 5,854 ($72.31). The companys 50 day moving average price is GBX 4,854.52 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 4,942.66. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have weighed in on the company. Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a report on Friday, December 6th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 6,400 ($79.05) target price on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research report on Friday, December 6th. Finally, Berenberg Bank reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 6,000 ($74.11) price target on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a report on Wednesday, December 11th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 6,203.75 ($76.63). Get Our Latest Analysis on RIO Rio Tinto Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC cut its stake in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWD Free Report) by 46.0% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 81,226 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 69,089 shares during the quarter. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF were worth $15,037,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of IWD. International Assets Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 20,632.6% in the third quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 1,407,533 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $267,150,000 after purchasing an additional 1,400,744 shares during the period. BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 1,200,216.9% during the third quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 780,206 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $148,083,000 after acquiring an additional 780,141 shares during the period. FSA Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF during the third quarter worth about $48,404,000. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 24.6% during the third quarter. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC now owns 825,144 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $156,612,000 after acquiring an additional 162,971 shares during the period. Finally, Stairway Partners LLC increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 13.9% during the third quarter. Stairway Partners LLC now owns 1,192,974 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $226,426,000 after acquiring an additional 145,967 shares during the period. Get iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Stock Performance NYSEARCA:IWD opened at $193.95 on Friday. iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF has a 52 week low of $163.99 and a 52 week high of $200.42. The firm has a market cap of $60.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.81 and a beta of 0.77. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $191.07 and its 200 day simple moving average is $187.56. iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Profile iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the large capitalization value sector of the U.S. equity market, as represented by the Russell 1000 Value Index (the Index). See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC grew its stake in Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT Free Report) by 9.1% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 981 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 82 shares during the quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLCs holdings in Trane Technologies were worth $362,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Trust Point Inc. raised its holdings in Trane Technologies by 3.1% in the 3rd quarter. Trust Point Inc. now owns 897 shares of the companys stock valued at $349,000 after acquiring an additional 27 shares during the last quarter. Cobblestone Capital Advisors LLC NY grew its position in shares of Trane Technologies by 1.8% in the third quarter. Cobblestone Capital Advisors LLC NY now owns 1,490 shares of the companys stock valued at $579,000 after purchasing an additional 27 shares during the period. First Pacific Financial increased its stake in Trane Technologies by 1.1% in the third quarter. First Pacific Financial now owns 2,674 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,039,000 after purchasing an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Wescott Financial Advisory Group LLC lifted its position in Trane Technologies by 1.7% during the third quarter. Wescott Financial Advisory Group LLC now owns 1,723 shares of the companys stock worth $670,000 after buying an additional 28 shares during the period. Finally, Greenleaf Trust boosted its stake in Trane Technologies by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. Greenleaf Trust now owns 5,852 shares of the companys stock worth $2,275,000 after buying an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.97% of the companys stock. Get Trane Technologies alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have recently commented on TT shares. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Trane Technologies from $440.00 to $500.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, December 5th. Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $478.00 to $476.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, January 13th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $390.00 to $395.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, January 3rd. HSBC downgraded Trane Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $405.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Thursday, October 31st. Finally, UBS Group started coverage on Trane Technologies in a report on Wednesday, November 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $500.00 target price on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $420.64. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, SVP Mairead Magner sold 4,329 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $416.00, for a total value of $1,800,864.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 12,893 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,363,488. This represents a 25.14 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.38% of the companys stock. Trane Technologies Stock Up 0.2 % Shares of NYSE:TT opened at $400.46 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $90.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a 50 day moving average of $394.68 and a two-hundred day moving average of $374.85. Trane Technologies plc has a 52-week low of $250.06 and a 52-week high of $422.00. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 30th. The company reported $3.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.23 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $5.44 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.32 billion. Trane Technologies had a net margin of 12.73% and a return on equity of 34.62%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.79 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Trane Technologies plc will post 11.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Trane Technologies Profile (Free Report) Trane Technologies plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services of solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, custom, and custom and transport refrigeration in Ireland and internationally. It offers air conditioners, exchangers, and handlers; airside and terminal devices; air sourced heat pumps, auxiliary power units; chillers; coils and condensers; gensets; dehumidifiers; ductless; furnaces; home automation products; humidifiers; indoor air quality assessments and related products; large and light commercial unitary products; refrigerant reclamation products; thermostats/controls; transport heater products; variable refrigerant flow products; and water source heat pumps. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Trane Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trane Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kodiak Gas Services (NYSE:KGS Get Free Report) and Summit Midstream (NYSE:SMC Get Free Report) are both oils/energy companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, earnings, risk, institutional ownership, profitability and analyst recommendations. Profitability This table compares Kodiak Gas Services and Summit Midstreams net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Kodiak Gas Services alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Kodiak Gas Services 2.23% 7.91% 2.63% Summit Midstream -23.01% 0.71% 0.22% Volatility & Risk Kodiak Gas Services has a beta of 1.15, indicating that its share price is 15% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Summit Midstream has a beta of 2.37, indicating that its share price is 137% more volatile than the S&P 500. Insider and Institutional Ownership Earnings & Valuation 25.0% of Kodiak Gas Services shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 43.0% of Summit Midstream shares are held by institutional investors. 0.2% of Kodiak Gas Services shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 5.3% of Summit Midstream shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. This table compares Kodiak Gas Services and Summit Midstreams revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Kodiak Gas Services $850.38 million 5.02 $20.07 million $0.29 168.08 Summit Midstream $458.90 million 0.98 -$38.95 million ($12.81) -3.30 Kodiak Gas Services has higher revenue and earnings than Summit Midstream. Summit Midstream is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Kodiak Gas Services, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Kodiak Gas Services and Summit Midstream, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Kodiak Gas Services 0 2 9 0 2.82 Summit Midstream 0 0 0 0 0.00 Kodiak Gas Services presently has a consensus price target of $39.36, indicating a potential downside of 19.24%. Given Kodiak Gas Services stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe Kodiak Gas Services is more favorable than Summit Midstream. Summary Kodiak Gas Services beats Summit Midstream on 11 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About Kodiak Gas Services (Get Free Report) Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. operates contract compression infrastructure for customers in the oil and gas industry in the United States. It operates in two segments, Compression Operations and Other Services. The Compression Operations segment operates company-owned and customer-owned compression infrastructure to enable the production, gathering, and transportation of natural gas and oil. The Other Services segment provides a range of contract services, including station construction, maintenance and overhaul, and other ancillary time and material-based offerings. The company was formerly known as Frontier TopCo, Inc. Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas. About Summit Midstream (Get Free Report) Summit Midstream Corporation focuses on owning, developing, and operating midstream energy infrastructure assets primarily shale formations in the continental United States. It operates natural gas, crude oil, and produced water gathering systems in four unconventional resource basins, including the Williston Basin in North Dakota, which includes the Bakken and Three Forks shale formations; the Denver-Julesburg Basin that consists of the Niobrara and Codell shale formations in Colorado and Wyoming; the Fort Worth Basin in Texas, which comprises the Barnett Shale formation; and the Piceance Basin in Colorado, which includes the Mesaverde formation, as well as the emerging Mancos and Niobrara Shale formations. It serves natural gas and crude oil producers. Summit Midstream Corporation was founded in 2012 and is based in Houston, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Kodiak Gas Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kodiak Gas Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (NYSE:SHO Get Free Report)s share price fell 4.2% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $11.25 and last traded at $11.25. 526,679 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 75% from the average session volume of 2,126,467 shares. The stock had previously closed at $11.74. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages recently issued reports on SHO. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors from $10.00 to $12.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, January 2nd. Morgan Stanley reissued an underweight rating and issued a $10.00 target price on shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors in a research report on Tuesday, January 14th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Sunstone Hotel Investors from $11.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, December 9th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $11.86. Get Sunstone Hotel Investors alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on SHO Sunstone Hotel Investors Trading Down 2.2 % The firms fifty day moving average price is $11.59 and its 200-day moving average price is $10.73. The company has a market cap of $2.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.06, a P/E/G ratio of 4.98 and a beta of 1.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 2.98 and a quick ratio of 2.98. Sunstone Hotel Investors (NYSE:SHO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 12th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.20 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $226.40 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $224.61 million. Sunstone Hotel Investors had a net margin of 18.61% and a return on equity of 9.04%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.23 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. will post 0.79 EPS for the current fiscal year. Sunstone Hotel Investors Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 31st were paid a dividend of $0.09 per share. This represents a $0.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.15%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 31st. Sunstone Hotel Investorss dividend payout ratio is currently 44.74%. Institutional Trading of Sunstone Hotel Investors A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in SHO. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in Sunstone Hotel Investors by 170.5% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 199,580 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,088,000 after acquiring an additional 125,809 shares during the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. acquired a new stake in Sunstone Hotel Investors during the second quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Hsbc Holdings PLC boosted its holdings in Sunstone Hotel Investors by 11.5% during the second quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 184,206 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,927,000 after buying an additional 18,938 shares in the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new position in Sunstone Hotel Investors in the second quarter worth approximately $256,000. Finally, Sei Investments Co. grew its position in Sunstone Hotel Investors by 10.8% in the second quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 173,058 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,810,000 after buying an additional 16,829 shares during the last quarter. 99.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Sunstone Hotel Investors (Get Free Report) Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc is a lodging real estate investment trust ("REIT") that as of the date of this release owns 14 hotels comprised of 6,675 rooms, the majority of which are operated under nationally recognized brands. Sunstone's strategy is to create long-term stakeholder value through the acquisition, active ownership, and disposition of well-located hotel and resort real estate. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Sunstone Hotel Investors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sunstone Hotel Investors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Matthew Goff Investment Advisor LLC lowered its holdings in The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK Free Report) by 0.1% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 282,005 shares of the banks stock after selling 279 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon comprises 4.0% of Matthew Goff Investment Advisor LLCs holdings, making the stock its 6th largest position. Matthew Goff Investment Advisor LLCs holdings in Bank of New York Mellon were worth $21,666,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. FMR LLC raised its holdings in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 78.6% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 19,338,722 shares of the banks stock worth $1,389,680,000 after purchasing an additional 8,512,404 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 2,707.1% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 3,258,967 shares of the banks stock valued at $234,189,000 after buying an additional 3,142,869 shares during the period. Zacks Investment Management purchased a new position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon during the 3rd quarter valued at $62,589,000. State Street Corp grew its stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 2.0% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 33,313,594 shares of the banks stock worth $2,393,915,000 after acquiring an additional 659,096 shares during the period. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI increased its holdings in Bank of New York Mellon by 248.3% in the 3rd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 858,831 shares of the banks stock worth $61,715,000 after acquiring an additional 612,287 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 85.31% of the companys stock. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In BK has been the topic of several recent research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $94.00 to $98.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 16th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $82.00 to $86.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 16th. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $102.00 to $104.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 16th. UBS Group increased their target price on Bank of New York Mellon from $88.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, StockNews.com cut Bank of New York Mellon from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $88.00. Bank of New York Mellon Trading Up 0.5 % Shares of BK opened at $84.75 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.69 and a quick ratio of 0.70. The Bank of New York Mellon Co. has a 1-year low of $52.64 and a 1-year high of $85.81. The company has a market capitalization of $61.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.59, a P/E/G ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.08. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $79.23 and its 200 day simple moving average is $72.82. Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 15th. The bank reported $1.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.54 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $4.85 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.66 billion. Bank of New York Mellon had a net margin of 11.35% and a return on equity of 12.68%. The firms revenue was up 11.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.28 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that The Bank of New York Mellon Co. will post 6.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Bank of New York Mellon Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 7th. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 27th will be given a dividend of $0.47 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 27th. This represents a $1.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.22%. Bank of New York Mellons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 32.36%. Bank of New York Mellon Profile (Free Report) The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. North American Construction Group Ltd. (TSE:NOA Free Report) (NYSE:NOA) Equities researchers at National Bank Financial lowered their Q1 2025 EPS estimates for North American Construction Group in a research note issued on Wednesday, January 22nd. National Bank Financial analyst M. Sytchev now forecasts that the company will post earnings of $0.86 per share for the quarter, down from their prior estimate of $0.94. The consensus estimate for North American Construction Groups current full-year earnings is $4.06 per share. National Bank Financial also issued estimates for North American Construction Groups Q2 2025 earnings at $0.90 EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at $1.12 EPS and Q4 2025 earnings at $1.04 EPS. Get North American Construction Group alerts: A number of other equities analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. ATB Capital lowered their target price on shares of North American Construction Group from C$40.00 to C$38.00 in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Raymond James raised shares of North American Construction Group from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and set a C$40.00 price target for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Cibc World Mkts raised shares of North American Construction Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 5th. National Bankshares lifted their price target on shares of North American Construction Group from C$39.00 to C$40.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Finally, CIBC raised shares of North American Construction Group from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the company from C$30.00 to C$38.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 5th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$37.63. North American Construction Group Price Performance Shares of TSE NOA opened at C$29.24 on Friday. North American Construction Group has a twelve month low of C$22.68 and a twelve month high of C$34.87. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$29.42 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$27.08. The company has a market capitalization of C$781.59 million, a PE ratio of 15.98, a P/E/G ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.59. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 210.33. North American Construction Group (TSE:NOA Get Free Report) (NYSE:NOA) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 30th. The company reported C$1.12 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$1.10 by C$0.02. North American Construction Group had a net margin of 4.99% and a return on equity of 15.19%. The business had revenue of C$286.86 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$294.95 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.50 earnings per share. North American Construction Group Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, January 3rd were issued a $0.12 dividend. This is an increase from North American Construction Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 27th. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.64%. North American Construction Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 21.86%. Insider Buying and Selling In other North American Construction Group news, Director Martin Robert Ferron purchased 2,900 shares of North American Construction Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 18th. The shares were bought at an average price of C$27.68 per share, for a total transaction of C$80,272.00. 8.93% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. North American Construction Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) North American Construction Group Ltd. provides mining and heavy civil construction services to customers in the resource development and industrial construction sectors in Australia, Canada, and the United States. The company operates Heavy Equipment Canada, Heavy Equipment Australia, and Other segments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for North American Construction Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for North American Construction Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has reacted to new US President Donald Trump's statements about ending the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin leader accused the 46th US President Joe Biden of allegedly "stealing Trump's victory" in 2020 otherwise, according to Putin, there would have been no war. ADVERTISIMENT The dictator also revealed that Kyiv "refuses" to comply with the West's alleged demands to lift the ban on talks with Putin. He made this statement on January 24 in a conversation with Russian propagandist Pavel Zarubin. In particular, Putin said that Russia "has never refused to have contacts with the US administration." "It's not our fault that the previous administration (Biden Ed.) refused these contacts. I have always had a businesslike, pragmatic, and trusting relationship with the current US president," the Kremlin dictator boasted. He also supported Trump's statement that if he had been president of the United States instead of Biden, Russia allegedly would not have launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, Putin called the bloody Russian invasion a "crisis." "I cannot but agree with him that if Trump had been president if his election victory had not been stolen from him in 2020, then perhaps there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that arose in 2022." At the same time, Putin complained that it was Trump who imposed the largest number of sanctions against Russia during his first term in office. Biden, according to the dictator, "picked up the baton," but the sanctions, as Putin assures, are "harmful to the US economy itself." Regarding potential talks between Russia and Ukraine, the Kremlin chief said they would allegedly be "illegitimate" as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously ruled out such a possibility at the legislative level. ADVERTISIMENT "If negotiations begin, they will be, strictly speaking, illegitimate. This means that the results of these negotiations can be declared illegitimate," Putin said. He also revealed that Kyiv is "happy to receive hundreds of billions from its sponsors" but is allegedly "in no hurry to follow the instructions" of these sponsors to cancel the decree banning the talks. According to Putin, in the end, "those who pay the money must force it to be done." Putin went on to assert that the United States and Russia are allegedly similar and that both are disadvantaged by both very expensive and very cheap oil. He also wants to talk to Trump about this and sanctions. "Therefore, it is better for us to meet, based on the realities of today, to talk calmly in all those areas that are of interest to both the United States and Russia. We are ready," the dictator said. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the day before, Trump said that Zelenskyy wanted to stop the war, but Ukraine allegedly should not have defended itself against a full-scale invasion, but immediately "conclude a deal." At the same time, he condemned the Russian attack and said that Biden "allowed" the Kremlin to start the war because his predecessor's energy policy "made Putin richer." Trump also said that he and Putin would meet "as soon as they can" and noted that China has significant influence over Russia. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! United States Antimony Corporation (NYSE: UAMY) recently released a statement on January 22, 2025, providing an operational update concerning its Madero, Mexico Smelter. In the report, the company outlined plans to resume operations at the facility and highlighted key developments in the near future. Get alerts: During the past week, a management team comprising five representatives from the company conducted a thorough operational review at the 100% owned Madero Smelter in Coahuila, Mexico. The primary objective of this assessment was to evaluate necessary improvements to restart operations promptly. Initial projections indicate that the Madero Smelter is expected to process approximately 100 tons of antimony ore per month. United States Antimony Corporation has secured its first international supply of raw antimony ore, which is slated to arrive in Mexico by early March 2025. The Madero Smelter currently houses a total of 17 furnaces, including three large and 14 small furnaces. Following consultations with various qualified Mexican contractors, plans have been set in motion for repairs and refurbishments on at least six furnaces over the upcoming month. Additional maintenance will involve upgrading air compressors, constructing air control plenum systems, tilting certain furnaces, among others. While operations continue at the Madero Smelter, part of the companys capital expenditure program, which is estimated to cost less than $1 million, aims at improving antimony feedstock processing for increased efficiency. The enhancements will enable United States Antimony Corporation to gradually expand its throughput capacity in the future. Commenting on these updates, John C. Gustavsen, President of the Antimony Division at United States Antimony Corporation, expressed enthusiasm about the refurbishment progress. Gustavsen emphasized the strategic importance of reaching company objectives efficiently and meeting the rising global demand for antimony, with current prices exceeding $20.00 per pound. United States Antimony Corporation specializes in processing antimony, zeolite, and precious metals in the U.S. and Canada. The companys operations include converting antimony ore into various derivatives for diverse industrial applications. Further details regarding the Companys forward-looking statements and operational activities can be found in their regulatory filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. For further inquiries or information, individuals can reach out to United States Antimony Corporation through the provided contact details. This release encapsulates the essence of United States Antimony Corporations efforts to enhance its operational efficiency while keeping pace with changing market demands. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read United States Antimonys 8K filing here. United States Antimony Company Profile (Get Free Report) United States Antimony Corporation produces and sells antimony, silver, gold, precious metals, and zeolite products in the United States, and Canada. It operates through Antimony, Zeolite, and Precious Metals segments. The company offers antimony oxide that is primarily used in conjunction with a halogen to form a synergistic flame retardant system for plastics, rubber, fiberglass, textile goods, paints, coatings, and paper, as well as color fastener in paints and as a phosphorescent agent in fluorescent light bulbs; antimony trisulfide used as a primer in ammunition; and antimony metal for use in bearings, storage batteries, and ordnance. Read More US Foods (NYSE:USFD Free Report) had its target price boosted by Morgan Stanley from $76.00 to $82.00 in a report issued on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the stock. Several other equities research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Melius assumed coverage on shares of US Foods in a research note on Wednesday, December 18th. They issued a buy rating and a $12.00 price objective for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of US Foods from $68.00 to $69.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, November 8th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on shares of US Foods from $79.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 16th. Melius Research raised shares of US Foods to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 18th. Finally, UBS Group upped their target price on shares of US Foods from $67.00 to $77.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $68.92. Get US Foods alerts: Get Our Latest Report on US Foods US Foods Trading Down 0.7 % Institutional Trading of US Foods NYSE USFD opened at $68.81 on Tuesday. US Foods has a twelve month low of $44.81 and a twelve month high of $72.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.01, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 1.19. The stock has a market cap of $16.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.53, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.67. The firms 50 day moving average price is $68.42 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $61.91. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Retirement Systems of Alabama boosted its position in US Foods by 5.4% during the third quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama now owns 348,979 shares of the companys stock worth $21,462,000 after purchasing an additional 17,897 shares during the period. State Street Corp boosted its position in US Foods by 4.7% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 7,045,514 shares of the companys stock worth $433,299,000 after purchasing an additional 316,061 shares during the period. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in US Foods by 121.6% during the third quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 51,452 shares of the companys stock worth $3,164,000 after purchasing an additional 28,232 shares during the period. Jag Capital Management LLC boosted its position in US Foods by 3,175.1% during the third quarter. Jag Capital Management LLC now owns 169,227 shares of the companys stock worth $10,407,000 after purchasing an additional 164,060 shares during the period. Finally, Venturi Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in US Foods by 72.0% during the third quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 657 shares of the companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 275 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.76% of the companys stock. US Foods Company Profile (Get Free Report) US Foods Holding Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in marketing, sale, and distribution of fresh, frozen, and dry food and non-food products to foodservice customers in the United States. The company's customers include independently owned single and multi-unit restaurants, regional concepts, national restaurant chains, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels and motels, country clubs, government and military organizations, colleges and universities, and retail locations. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for US Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for US Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Xerox Holdings Co. (NYSE:XRX Get Free Report) was the recipient of unusually large options trading activity on Wednesday. Traders acquired 1,689 put options on the company. This represents an increase of 1,369% compared to the average volume of 115 put options. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com lowered shares of Xerox from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 17th. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Xerox from $10.00 to $8.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on shares of Xerox from $11.00 to $8.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and two have assigned a hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $9.50. Get Xerox alerts: View Our Latest Report on XRX Institutional Investors Weigh In On Xerox Xerox Price Performance A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Prism Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Xerox during the 4th quarter worth approximately $103,000. KBC Group NV increased its stake in Xerox by 84.5% during the 4th quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 9,223 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $78,000 after buying an additional 4,224 shares during the period. Sound Income Strategies LLC increased its stake in Xerox by 6.7% during the 4th quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 1,102,688 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $9,296,000 after buying an additional 69,182 shares during the period. Tidal Investments LLC increased its stake in Xerox by 26.1% during the 3rd quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 68,359 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $710,000 after buying an additional 14,164 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Xerox by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,808,775 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $29,161,000 after buying an additional 62,947 shares during the period. 85.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Xerox stock opened at $9.84 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $8.87 and its 200-day simple moving average is $9.80. The company has a market capitalization of $1.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.89 and a beta of 1.59. Xerox has a 1 year low of $8.02 and a 1 year high of $19.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 1.26. Xerox (NYSE:XRX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 29th. The information technology services provider reported $0.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by ($0.26). The company had revenue of $1.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.63 billion. Xerox had a negative net margin of 21.31% and a positive return on equity of 6.60%. Xeroxs revenue was down 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.46 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Xerox will post 1.12 earnings per share for the current year. Xerox Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be paid a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 10.16%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 31st. Xeroxs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -9.06%. About Xerox (Get Free Report) Xerox Holdings Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a workplace technology company that integrates hardware, services, and software for enterprises in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Print and Other; and FITTLE. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Xerox Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xerox and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yeomans Consulting Group Inc. decreased its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:EFAV Free Report) by 31.9% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 76,586 shares of the companys stock after selling 35,931 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF accounts for approximately 2.0% of Yeomans Consulting Group Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th largest position. Yeomans Consulting Group Inc. owned 0.08% of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF worth $5,415,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Magnolia Capital Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF by 20.1% in the 2nd quarter. Magnolia Capital Advisors LLC now owns 7,730 shares of the companys stock valued at $536,000 after purchasing an additional 1,292 shares in the last quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF by 11.4% in the second quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,721 shares of the companys stock valued at $189,000 after acquiring an additional 278 shares during the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp raised its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF by 2.4% during the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 87,384 shares of the companys stock worth $6,060,000 after acquiring an additional 2,041 shares in the last quarter. Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF in the second quarter worth about $2,309,000. Finally, Creekside Partners acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $421,000. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF Price Performance EFAV stock opened at $71.71 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $6.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.91 and a beta of 0.53. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $71.84 and a 200 day simple moving average of $73.50. iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF has a 1 year low of $64.68 and a 1 year high of $76.51. iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF Profile The iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of developed-market equities, ex-US and Canada, selected and weighted to create a low volatility portfolio subject to constraints including sector exposure. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFAV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:EFAV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. On January 20, most of the traditions of the inauguration of the US presidents were broken by the team of the newly elected president and Donald Trump himself. The directors tried their best to hide this during the broadcast of the event, but many details still got into the camera lenses. ADVERTISIMENT Roman Bezsmertnyi, a Ukrainian diplomat, candidate of political sciences, and one of the authors of the Constitution of Ukraine, told OBOZ.UA about this. He noted that breaking traditions can generally be called the usual behavior of the newly elected US president. "Trump has always been known for breaking all the established forms, established requirements, and rules. Regarding the inauguration in the United States, the rules are unspoken, and more traditional than those written in the protocols. But they exist and there have been only a few exceptions. But Trump broke all these established forms the first time he became president," the diplomat said. ADVERTISIMENT It showed even in his clothes. According to Bezsmertnyi, "Trump realized that he could get cold, and his age is too old to do so." A separate issue is the guests invited to the inauguration. According to the Ukrainian diplomat, this "hodgepodge of guests" is not due to compliance with protocol, but because "whoever they wanted was invited." "I have organized such large-scale events in Ukraine before. I can say that for America, this inauguration is not even a three on a five-point scale. It's closer to a two. It's such a gray event," Bezsmertnyi said. ADVERTISIMENT According to him, the entire event "had a Trumpian look, but not an American look." Accordingly, people perceived the president-elect's speech some seriously, some with horror, and some with loud laughter. "This is not a presidential speech. This is a speech at a rally, as I see it," the diplomat said. Mr. Bezsmertnyi noticed that 5-6 dozen people in the hall of about 600 people "stood up and applauded" to some of Trump's theses, so the camera had to focus on the stage. "I'm not talking about the fact that some of the theses caused laughter. And this laughter could be heard even in the microphone Trump was speaking into. Hillary Clinton was laughing so hard and her voice is unrecognizable that the laughter got into the microphone," the Ukrainian diplomat said. ADVERTISIMENT Bezsmertnyi told us how and why First Lady Melania Trump "constantly beats up" her husband and why Donald Trump is "attracted to Slavic women." As reported by OBOZ.UA, American billionaire Elon Musk found himself at the epicenter of a scandal after his gesture at Donald Trump's presidential parade was perceived as a Nazi salute. However, the Prime Minister of Israel defended Musk, saying that these accusations are lies, and noted that the billionaire has always been a great friend of Israel. By the way, during his inaugural speech, Donald Trump said that the United States would conquer Mars. According to him, American astronauts will be sent to the Red Planet and the flag of the United States will soon fly there. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Russia of stealing the U.S. hypersonic rocket project. This allegedly happened during the presidency of Democrat Barack Obama. ADVERTISIMENT Trump said this in an interview with Fox News. At the same time, he could not resist another attack on his predecessor, Joe Biden, under whom, according to the new head of state, the Russians "probably stole a lot, too." During the interview, Trump said that Russia had stolen the hypersonic missile project from the United States. "Russia stole the project, they got it from us. Some bad person gave them the project... They stole it during the Obama administration, not Biden. Although they probably stole a lot from Biden as well, we'll hear about that," he said. At the same time, Trump said that the United States is working on missiles that are "even one step better" and that they will allegedly be launched "soon enough." To recap, in the same interview, Trump said he wanted to resume a dialog with Kim Jong Un. The North Korean dictator, in his opinion, is a "smart guy." Trump probably sees evidence of this "intelligence" in the fact that he was "liked" by Kim Jong-un when he was the first president of the United States and that they "got along well." Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! The United States Senate has confirmed the appointment of John Ratcliffe as the head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Thus, Mr. Ratcliffe became the second member of the new US administration to be confirmed by the Senate. ADVERTISIMENT According to AP, 74 senators voted for the appointment. Another 25 voted against, and one lawmaker did not participate in the vote at all. Immediately after the Senate vote, the new CIA director was sworn in by Vice President J.D. Vance. Ratcliffe was briefly the CIA director during Donald Trump's first term as president. However, he is considered a loyal Trump supporter, and when he was a lawmaker, he strongly opposed Trump's first impeachment. At a Senate hearing on the CIA director nomination, Ratcliffe said that intelligence should "actively engage new high technologies," including artificial intelligence, "to confront adversaries," including Russia and China. ADVERTISIMENT Ratcliffe was born in Mount Prospect, Illinois, in 1965 to a family of teachers. A lawyer by training, he was a private attorney until 2004, when he joined the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas (he was appointed interim U.S. Attorney in 2007). From 2015 to 2020, Ratcliffe was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and from 2020 to 2021, he served as the Director of the CIA. Donald Trump has recently decided on his candidacy for this position. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the agent who tried to shield Trump with his own body during the assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania will be appointed head of the US Secret Service. This is Sean Curran, a field agent of the service, and he has been protecting Trump for the past four and a half years. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Call against misuse of social media Of key board warriors | Be responsible citizens. This is the line one can read into the call of Chief Minister N Biren to all not to misuse social media and to get a better understanding of the note of urgency in the call, one would need to revisit the various social media platforms such as Facebook, X formerly known as Twitter, Whatsapp, etc. To add muscle to the call, the appeal to the public was a sort of a warning that action deemed fit would be initiated and according to a video clip which has been shared all over, the Chief Minister said that police team will be sent outside Manipur to pull up the key board heroes and heroines who have come under the impression that they are some sort of warriors. Significant to note too that the Chief Minister minced no words in asserting that some of the contents on social media have the potential to endanger the lives of others, particularly individuals whose private lives have been publicised negatively. What if these people take the extreme step of harming themselves to escape the ignominy of being publicised for their private conduct in full public view is the line of reasoning the Chief Minister has sought to convey. In line with cracking the whip against the key board warriors, the Chief Minister minced no words in cautioning page handlers on social media and reminded them of their duty towards society. The Chief Minister has a point, a solid one at that and it is significant to note that the warning came just a few days after the video clip of some people being pulled up went viral on the social media sites. Responsibility, this is what is found lacking in many and this is what is deeply disturbing. Manipur has come to such a stage that the reputation of anyone today can be besmirched beyond repair by putting up a video clip or two on the social media site with a public more than ever ready to draw their own conclusion and play the policeman and Judge all rolled into one. Other than tarnishing the image of an individual or two, the Chief Minister also talked seriously about contents which have the potential to pit one community against the other and one just has to recall the last few days to understand the point that is sought to be made here. Contents, which do nothing other than promote communal tension and enmity, have been found doing the round on the social media, particularly on Facebook and it is against this reality that the stand of the Chief Minister must be seen and understood. A good number of individuals have also been pulled up in the recent and not so recent past and one only hopes that the Chief Minister is in a position to cast the net wider and pull up those who have been posting incendiary contents from the hills, especially in connection with the ongoing clash between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zos. The laws of the land should be applicable to all and it is equally important that it should also seem to have been applied equally to all. This is where the State Government would need to walk the extra mile to ensure that no rooms are created for any misgivings when the whip is cracked against trouble makers on the social media. It should also not be forgotten why many have taken to the social media to post whatever comes to their mind and the ground reality should be kept in mind. For 21 months Manipur has been in a state of war with no one from the Kuki-Zo community daring to return to the house they once called home at Imphal or any other place in the valley districts, while no Meitei can go beyond Kanglatongbi in the North, beyond Pallel in the South and beyond Moirang in the West. And this has been going on for over 21 months now. Such a situation is just right for mischief makers from either side of the clash divide to put up whatever comes to their mind to impact on the narratives that have been doing the round. It is also not a new thing for Manipur to see moral policemen and policewomen who have taken it upon themselves to impose what they think is right on the people. All these factors must be kept in mind to get a better understanding of the mentality of the key board warriors and mischief makers. These are points that should be kept in mind but yet at the same time it is important for everyone to know what responsibility entails. House summoned | IMPHAL, Jan 24 : The Governor has summoned the 7th session of Manipur Legislative Assembly to meet at 11 am on February 10. An order to this effect was issued by K Meghajit, Secretary of Manipur Legislative Assembly. Portrait of Laura Llado, surgeon, photographed in Barcelona. FLAMINIA PELAZZI On February 23, 1984, the first liver transplant was performed at Bellvitge Hospital in Barcelona, at a time when only four teams in the world carried out the surgery regularly. Nearly two decades later, in the same hospital, a young 35-year-old surgeon performed the first transplant of her career. She doesnt recall the patients identity only that he was thin but she does vividly remember how she felt in that moment: overwhelmed with emotion and thinking of the most important people in her life, imagining their pride in seeing her in the operating room. That surgeon was Laura Llado, 54, a liver transplant specialist who today is the Head of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation at this trailblazing Catalan hospital. Last year, she achieved another milestone, becoming the first woman in 40 years to be named president of the Catalan Transplant Society (SCT). She is also a member of the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Liver Transplant Society and serves on the editorial board of JAMA Surgery, the surgical journal of the American Medical Association. Llado cant pinpoint exactly why she chose to focus on transplants, but after more than two decades in the field, shes certain it was the right decision. Q. This year, the first successful transplant with a genetically modified pig kidney was carried out. Are these the transplants of the future? A. Ever since Ive been in this field, Ive always heard that the future of transplantation is xenotransplantation [organ transplantation from a non-genetically related organism that requires genetic modification], and I have the feeling that this future has yet to come. There are advances today that we couldnt have imagined 20 years ago, and in the past five years, significant progress has been made in xenotransplantation, particularly in genetic manipulation. But its very complex. Q. Why? A. The development and ethical aspects of the process are far from straightforward. For now, there are other alternatives, and the safety and effectiveness of this procedure remain in question. Offering it to a patient who has another option, especially in a country like Spain, where the mortality rate for liver transplant waiting lists is below 5%, is not something I would consider. Xenotransplants are still in the developmental phase. We must continue working and advancing in this field, but I dont believe it will become the definitive solution Q. It could change citizens ideas about donating human organs. A. The public should not have the perception that they will be given a pigs organ. Xenotransplantation will be one more thing, which is always helpful, but it is very important that it adds to the solution and does not detract from it. Spains donor pool is its greatest treasure, thanks to investment and the presence of hospital coordinators who are trained to help families understand that every donor can save the lives of up to six [different] people. If we standardize this understanding through the media, schools, and institutes helping people realize that when someones organ fails, another can be used to replace it, and that we all need to be donors we would have far more donors than we would through xenotransplantation or any other alternative. Q. Even so, Spain is a world leader in transplants, far ahead of neighboring countries such as France, Italy and Germany, and the European Union average. And donations continue to rise. A. A fundamental change has been the increase in donations after circulatory death [donations that occur after the irreversible cessation of cardiopulmonary function]. More and more people understand that when a family member is in an irreversible situation, no additional measures will be taken to unnecessarily prolong life or keep them connected to a machine for 15 years. Families are more accustomed to saying, This is as far as we go. This has become a source of donations after circulatory death. There have been more advances in this area than in xenotransplantation. Q. So the famous Spanish model still works. A. For two fundamental reasons: investment and training. In a hospital, there should be people dedicated solely to educating families, not someone who does this in addition to their regular duties. There should also be coordinators focused on finding donors. These individuals must, in turn, be well compensated. The Spanish model began many years ago with the understanding that this is not an extra task. If an intensivist or neurologist, after a full day of work, is tasked with finding donors, it wont work. However, if someone arrives at the hospital with the sole goal of locating and selecting donors, it will. Portrait of Laura Llado, surgeon, photographed in Barcelona. FLAMINIA PELAZZI Q. But its not a perfect system. A. Currently, in healthcare, everyone is overwhelmed with work. If we want improvements, we must continue investing in people, ensuring there are full teams dedicated to increasing the number of donors. We need to take care of the teams, from the surgeon to the nurse. In the Spanish Society of Liver Transplantation, we conducted a survey on burnout syndrome among transplant teams, and the results are concerning. There is a strong sense of exhaustion, of tremendous effort. Teams are finding it difficult to recruit people who want to dedicate themselves to this work, whereas in the past, it was almost like winning the lottery. Q. And this isnt the case anymore? A. At first, transplantation was considered elite, the most innovative procedure. Now, it is a standard surgery, but it still requires a great deal of dedication and availability on call for many days. Its very challenging to find a 35-year-old person willing to be on call for 15 days, ready to go to the hospital at any moment. To achieve this, these individuals must feel valued. In the survey, financial compensation wasnt even the main issue; rather, its about achieving a stable, balanced life with proper work-life balance. Q. What will be the next big advance in transplantation? A. The ability to manipulate, such as altering the metabolism or fat content of organs, for example. This can be done with medications or in perfusion machines [the process of circulating a fluid through the circulatory or lymphatic system of an organ or tissue] to perform various manipulations that, for instance, reduce the fat in a graft. Essentially, manipulating the organs to ensure they function better. Q. Are you referring to genetic modification? A. Not just genetics. There can be genetic changes, but also metabolic ones. For example, a big problem in liver transplants is that, more in the United States, but also in Spain, with excess weight or obesity, the livers have a lot of fat. Fatty livers do not function well. There is a significant opportunity for improvement in reducing the fat content in these grafts, in these organs, so that they function better. Metabolically modifying them in machines with various substances is one way to recover organs and, also, to ensure their proper functioning. Q. And also to reduce the risk of rejection? A. Currently, the tools to prevent or treat rejection are very broad and highly effective. Weve made significant improvements in reducing the risk of death, hemorrhage, and technical complications. Rejection is now much better controlled. This has led to changes in the profile of transplant patients and the types of complications. There are fewer technical complications, but the patient profile is now older, often with cardiovascular issues. The management of these patients has become multidisciplinary. Q. And what are the complications posed by this new transplant profile? A. The two most important causes of mortality risk in transplantation are the development of tumors and cardiovascular issues, both related to immunosuppression. To improve this, it is essential to manage immunosuppressive drugs effectively, as they prevent rejection but can sometimes influence [other processes]. Q. Manage in what sense? A. Measuring the exact amount each patient needs to prevent rejection is challenging. A major area of research is learning how to administer the right dose to each individual enough to prevent rejection but not cause complications. This is something that is not measurable at present. If we could achieve this, we would prevent many of the causes of death among transplant patients today. The focus should be on advancing the management of immunosuppression, not just the drugs themselves, but in determining the correct dosage for each person and assessing their immunological response. Q. Could artificial intelligence play an important role in this process? A. There will certainly be algorithms that, with data, will improve the selection of both the donor and the recipient. The donor selection process is based on a set of information that is limited for the human mind. AI will have its applicability [in this process]. For example, in what is called matching, determining which organ is best suited for each recipient. Or in determining what we call the rejection parameter. The prediction of rejection with artificial intelligence, using much more data, could help deduce the risk of rejection for a patient and allow for better adjustment of immunosuppression. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Dr Santanu Sen, suspended Trinamul Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha MP, lost his government portfolio in the West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC). He is facing a WBMC inquiry to probe the authenticity of his Fellowship of Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) certificate. Dr Sen was a state government-nominated member in the state medical council. He has been replaced by Dr Asim Sarkar in the body. Advertisement The council has appointed Dr Asim Sarkar as a state government-nominated representative in the body, Manas Chakraborty, registrar of the WBMC told The Statesman on Thursday. Advertisement Recently, the WBMC has written to the Royal College of London (RCL) seeking to verify his FRCS certificate. Manas Chakraborty, registrar of the state medical council, said, We are expecting that the RCL would send us the verification report soon. The RCL authorities have sent us a proforma containing some queries related to the details of his FRCS qualification. We have filled up the proforma and sent it back to the RCL few days ago. The state medical council may either cancel Dr Sens medical registration or ask him not to use the fellowship beside his name in his letterhead pad or other official papers if his FRCS certificate is not authentic, Mr Chakraborty said. Dr Sen is a MBBS doctor along with the FRCS (Glasgow) certificate and he has been using the professional qualifications in his letterhead pads. Mr Chakraborty added: Its mandatory for registered doctor to update all his or her professional qualifications with the National Medical Commission (NMC) and respective state medical councils. We contacted Dr Sen and asked him about the authenticity of his fellowship. We also sought his clarifications on why he didnt register his FRCS tag with the council. He submitted a photocopy of the fellowship certificate to the council after we asked him to show evidence. We have sent a scanned copy of the certificate to the RCL for verification, said the registrar of WBMC. Rubbishing the allegations, Dr Sen had said, I have done my FRCS in 2019 and got PID number 132449 from Glasgow University. Anyone can verify my fellowship using the PID number in the FRCS site. I have also submitted all my documents including fees required registration to the council requesting it to enlist my fellowship. Surprisingly, the council is sitting idle on my request. The Trinamul Congress (TMC) has decided to take strict action against any breach of party discipline, with the spotlight falling on Ashoknagar MLA and North 24-Parganas zilla parishad sabhadhipati Narayan Goswami. According to party sources, Mr Goswami is set to receive a show-cause notice from the district disciplinary committee. On Thursday evening, the North 24-Parganas district leadership finalised the decision to issue the notice. A senior district TMC leader stated, Narayans actions are unacceptable and do not align with the partys values. We are ensuring that the notice reaches him by tonight. The controversy stems from a recent incident where Goswami took to the stage at an event in Ashoknagar and performed a song while reportedly making incoherent statements. A video of the incident went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism. Many alleged that Goswami appeared to be in an unfit state during the performance. Although the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified by The Statesman, the episode has drawn the ire of TMCs top leadership. TMC state president Subrata Bakshi reportedly convened a meeting at the party headquarters on Wednesday morning, directing vice-president Jay Prakash Majumdar to issue a formal statement. Advertisement Mr Majumdar condemned Goswamis behaviour, stating, The remarks and actions of Narayan Goswami during the Ashoknagar event are inappropriate and unacceptable to the party. The district disciplinary committee is looking into the matter and will take necessary action. This is not the first time Goswami has faced criticism from the party. In November, chief minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly reprimanded him during the winter session of the Assembly for his political conduct. Advertisement Known for his involvement in cultural activities, including singing and acting, Goswami has often portrayed himself as a culturally inclined individual. Last year, he garnered attention for playing the role of Birendra Krishna Bhadra in the play, Namastasyai. However, his recent behaviour has surprised even his close associates, who are finding it hard to reconcile with the allegations. TMC insiders suggest that Goswami has been on the radar of the partys top brass for some time. Although the disciplinary committee is initially leaning towards issuing a show-cause notice, there are speculations about more stringent actions. Gustavo Petro gripped the lectern with both hands on Wednesday. His nasal delivery was due to an ongoing bout of influenza. He asked himself, before a silent audience, how the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas had gathered such a large number of fighters on the border this week without anyone having detected them. On foot? Impossible, it would take months to cross the mountains. In vehicles? People would have seen them driving through the villages. In reality, the president played the innocent. There is no mystery about how the guerrillas gathered in the kingdom of the coca leaf to massacre their enemies. The intelligence services knew it, the president knew it, of course. They had taken the most direct route to get from one point to another: Venezuela. The Colombian government has long known that the Venezuelan army coexists with the ELN in the border area, according to official sources consulted. The guerrilla organization carries out operations on Colombian soil and controls part of some regions, but its commanders hide out in Venezuela. This cohabitation became, at least on one occasion, a military alliance: In 2021, the Bolivarian Armed Forces launched a brutal offensive against the FARC dissidents, practically eradicating them from their territory. They also ended the presence of a paramilitary group from Cali, which did business with drug trafficking cartels. Nicolas Maduro thus put an end to an obsession that was also keeping the people around him awake at night. The Venezuelan president suspected that Ivan Duque, Petros predecessor, was preparing an invasion with Colombian paramilitaries to overthrow him, with the collaboration of the United States. The ELN, in a scenario like that, would become an ally of Chavismo. The leaders of this guerrilla group have abandoned the idea of taking power by means of arms; they know that there is no way to achieve it at this point but they justify their fight by saying that they are doing it in defense of what they term the Global South, of defending threatened peoples like the Palestinians, the Kurds and, of course, Venezuelans or rather Chavismo, in a broad sense. Gustavo Petro at the Jacmel airport (Haiti). Johnson Sabin (EFE) The massacre carried out by the ELN in Catatumbo, on the border, has placed Petro and Maduro in an uncomfortable situation. An apocalyptic air surrounds the dividing line between the two nations. The ELNs battle against one of the dissident groups of the extinct FARC has been joined by the deployment of Colombian troops and Venezuelan military operations, with helicopters and fighter planes flying overhead. Maduro has sent Chavismos number two, Diosdado Cabello, to the area. He has reported back to the self-proclaimed president by the minute, using a black cellphone that he displayed in public. Petro has announced a state of emergency in the face of what he considers a serious threat to the nation. Asassinations with a shot to the forehead and exchanges of fire have occurred over the past few days. The dead have been transported in wheelbarrows. Petro has been deliberately ambiguous when speaking about what is happening, but the insinuation that Caracas is sponsoring the guerrillas has been almost explicit. The actions of the ELN are not actions that are only due to the internal armed conflict. It is a deadly strategy that endangers national sovereignty, he said when addressing the issue Wednesday. He added: The current power of the ELN is not achieved internally. The weakening of the ELN and the empowerment of the population of Catatumbo is essential to maintain our sovereignty. The Colombian presidents words have been received as an insult by Chavismo. That man is a zombie, he has destroyed all his prestige. There is nothing remaining of the leftist person that he was, a source from the Chavista high command told EL PAIS. Maduros entourage claims that Petro, a former guerrilla himself, has been broken, that he is afraid of the United States. These accusations are part of the Chavistas usual arsenal when referring to anyone they consider a temporary enemy. These criticisms have not only been made on WhatsApp, in private. Attorney General Tarek William Saab, whom Maduro has entrusted with leading a reform of the Constitution, has come out to confront Petro indirectly. We have discovered how many of these subjects (from the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal gang that has expanded throughout Latin America) have taken refuge in Colombia, where it seems that the police agencies do not look, do not see what is happening around them. No one anticipated this turn of events. Petro had focused on stopping the violence in Catatumbo, where there are dozens of dead a number still impossible to determine and more than 25,000 displaced people in what social organizations already consider a humanitarian catastrophe. And suddenly he finds himself in a confrontation with Chavismo, with whom the bilateral relationship has been tense following Colombias decision not to recognize Maduros self-proclaimed victory at the polls. Offended, the Venezuelan top brass privately claims that Colombia is a failed state and that its president has no legitimacy to demand anything from them. Amid this diplomatic crisis, an armed conflict of large proportions. The border between the two countries continues to burn. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition In the month of November, 16.07 lakh new employees have been added under the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), the corporation said here on Friday. The data said that 20,212 new establishments have been brought under the social security ambit of the ESI Scheme in the month of November, 2024 thus ensuring social security to more workers. Advertisement It is noticeable that out of the total 16.07 lakh employees added during the month, 7.57 lakh employees amounting to around 47.11 per cent of the total registrations belong to the age group of upto 25 years. Advertisement Further, the gender-wise analysis of the payroll data indicates that net enrolment of female members has been 3.28 lakh in November last. Besides, a total of 44 transgender employees have also got registered under ESI Scheme in the month of November, 2024 which attests the commitment of ESIC to deliver its benefits to every section of the society. The government has recently released the Provident Fund data saying the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) in November marked an increase of 9.07 per cent in net members on a month-on-month basis adding 14.63 lakh new members. Further, the year on year analysis reveals a growth of 4.88 per cent in net member additions compared to November 2023, signifying increased employment opportunities and heightened awareness of employee benefits, bolstered by EPFOs effective outreach initiatives. In terms of new members, EPFO enrolled around 8.74 lakh new members in November last an increase of 16.58 per cent when compared with October 2024. In the run-up to the Delhi assembly elections scheduled for February 5, AAP National Convenor, on Friday, appealed to the electorate not to vote for someone who tries to buy it with money or gifts claiming that such actions tarnish the image of the country. In a video message to Delhiites, Kejriwal said, Your vote, secured through the tireless struggle of Babasaheb Ambedkar, is invaluable. Selling it for a saree, a blanket, or 1,100 is a betrayal of his legacy and a threat to our nations future. Advertisement The AAP leader said he condemns the widespread distribution of money and goods by political parties to influence voters, describing the practice as a direct assault on democracy. Advertisement These elections in Delhi are different. One-and-a-half months ahead of the elections, open distribution of money, shoes, bedsheets, sarees, ration, gold chains has started and nobody has any fear of the Election Commission or that someone would stop them. This distribution is being done under police protection. This is very dangerous for our country, Kejriwal claimed. The former CM claimed that money is being distributed by the members of the BJP and alleged, The money they are distributing was earned by looting the people of this country. Take everything they distribute, dont worry about it. Take all the goods and money they hand out, but remember one thing, do not sell your vote. Do not sell your vote for 1,100. Do not sell your vote for a saree. Your vote is invaluable. Do not sell your vote for a blanket or a pair of shoes. Vote for anyone you want, its your choice. Whether you vote for me or not is up to you. But never vote for the person trying to buy your vote and ruin this country. Take all the goods and money they offer, dont hesitate to take it, but swear to yourself that you will never vote for them, he told the voters. AAPs National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, on Friday, once again raised the issue of Delhis law and order situation, claiming that despite repeated efforts by his party and its leaders to bring the issue to the forefront, the Union Home Ministry led by senior BJP leader Amit Shah has allegedly ignored their concerns. He said a surprising acknowledgment of this crisis came on Thursday from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during his visit to the national capital. Advertisement Welcoming Yogis remark that Delhis law and order situation has collapsed, Kejriwal said his claim aligns with what his party has been highlighting for months. Advertisement He urged the UP chief minister to step in and guide the Union home minister on restoring the law and order in the national capital. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the former chief minister said gangsters are openly operating in the city, women and children are unsafe with Delhis streets becoming a battleground for crimes like extortion, gang wars, and kidnappings. The AAP supremo accused Shah of prioritising political activities over public welfare. Addressing the media, Kejriwal said, Yesterday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Delhi. He is welcome here; Delhi is the city of Dilwallahs. We wholeheartedly welcome anyone who comes from across the country. Yogi Adityanath raised a very valid concern that the people of Delhi fully support. He pointed out that law and order in Delhi have completely deteriorated. I agree with him 100%, and so do the people of Delhi, he added. He mentioned eleven major gangster groups which have divided the city among themselves for extortion. Traders are receiving phone calls with demands of Rs 3-4 crore with threats of wiping out their entire families. Kejriwal further said, Yogi Adityanth also claimed that he has fixed the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh. I do not know whether this is entirely true, but if Yogi Adityanaths statement is true and he has eliminated all gangsters in Uttar Pradesh, I would like to suggest something to him. Law and order in Delhi directly comes under Amit Shah Ji, as he is the Union home minister. He asserted that if Yogi has indeed improved the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh, he requests him to sit with Shah and explain to him how law and order could be improved. Delhi is often perceived as a modern urban hub. However, the national capital houses 340 villages that continue to struggle for basic civic amenities in the midst of the election frenzy. Notable villages include Palam, Karala, Mundka, Narela, Mehrauli, and Dhansa, among others. The major contenders in the upcoming pollsthe ruling AAP, the principal opposition BJP, and the Congressare vying for votes with promises of beneficiary schemes, often referred to as freebies in popular culture. Yet, none of these parties are adequately addressing the concerns of these semi-rural, semi-urban settlements. Advertisement These villages cannot be classified as urban due to the absence of essential infrastructure, such as proper roads, sewer lines, and other civic facilities. Nor can they be categorized as rural, given their proximity to urban areas. Politically, these villages hold significant influence, impacting around 30 out of the 70 assembly constituencies. Advertisement Highlighting the villagers plight, Choudhary Surender Solanki, president of Palam 360 Khap, stated: We organized a panchayat and decided to send written communications to all three parties, urging them to include rural issues in their manifestos. If political parties fail to address our demands, we will press the NOTA button to express our dissatisfaction. For the past two years, villagers have been raising their demands through Mahapanchayats, yet their issues remain unresolved. The mayor deceived us by announcing the repeal of house tax in 2023, but the decision has not been officially notified, Choudhary added. We have appealed to both the BJP and Congress to clarify their positions on these issues. Before voting, we will hold another panchayat to decide which party to support, he said. Shariful Islam Sajjads father Md Ruhul Amin on Friday claimed that his son was innocent and urged India to release immediately. Shariful from Bangladesh was reportedly arrested in Mumbai in connection with the attacks on actor Saif Ali Khan. Shariful Islam is a resident of Rajabaria village in Jhalakathi, a southern district of Bangladesh situated more than 200 km from capital Dhaka. Advertisement Md Ruhul Amin has claimed that Shariful is the second son of his three sons. Advertisement I have come to know through various YouTube channels and journalists via telephone that my 30-year-old son Shariful Islam Sajjad has been arrested in India for assaulting actor Saif Ali Khan, Md Ruhul Amin told ANI, over the phone. My son was arrested on suspicion because of his resemblance to the person involved in the attacks. My son is innocent, he added. Md Ruhul Amin said that he will request the Bangladesh government to take diplomatic initiative for his sons release. The arrested accused in the stabbing attack on actor #SaifAliKhan was taken to different locations by the Mumbai police as part of the investigation to recreate the crime scene.#SaifAliKhanNews #MumbaiPolice #TheStatesman pic.twitter.com/AdONbQSe5Q The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) January 21, 2025 I will go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh after 3 or 4 days and request the Bangladesh government to take diplomatic initiative to free my son, he said. Md Ruhul Amin claimed that his son went India to escape harassments during Sheikh Hasinas tenure as his family was associated with BNP politics. As my family is associated with BNP, political opponents have harassed my sons with false cases. Unable to stay at home due to their oppression, he left the country, Amin said. Urging India to release his son, he said that Shariful Islam Sajjad travelled to India six or seven months back and cannot assault such a big man within this time frame. Saif Ali Khan is a big man. My son went to India 6 or 7 months ago. He cannot assault such a big man within this timeframe. My son is innocent. I am urging India to release my son immediately, he said. After a violent confrontation with the accused on January 16, Saif Ali Khan sustained stab wounds to his thoracic spine and other body parts. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for immediate treatment following the attack. In the ongoing investigation, the police found the accuseds fingerprints on the stairs of the building, the door of the toilet, and the door handle of his son Jehs room. According to the police, the accused attempted to enter three houses before reaching Saif Ali Khans residence with the intent to steal. The Mumbai Police believes the discovered fingerprints will play a significant role in the investigation.As per the police statement, the accused entered the residence of the renowned actor with the intent to commit theft. A case has been registered under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Further, the police stated that the accused was about to flee to his native village in Bangladesh when he was detained at Hiranandani Estate in Thane. The accused was sent to five-day police custody by the Bandra Holiday Court on Sunday. Kangana Ranauts latest film, Emergency, has found itself at the center of controversy after facing protests and disruptions both in India and abroad. The biographical drama, which delves into a politically charged era of Indias history, has sparked debates on free speech and artistic expression. Advertisement The films screening in London on January 18 took an unexpected turn when a group of pro-Khalistan activists stormed into the cinema. Advertisement People involved in the Emergency protests reportedly disrupted the screening, engaging in heated arguments with the audience, and ultimately forcing the event to be called off. British MP Bob Blackman addressed the incident in Parliament, condemning the intimidation and standing in support of free speech. He highlighted that his constituents, who had paid to watch the film at Harrow Vue cinema, were threatened by masked individuals who disrupted the screening. We must stand up to anyone trying to silence free speech, he asserted. I raised the horrific intimidation of my constituents and many others, as Pro-Khalistan thugs disrupted screenings of the new Emergency film in cinemas. Some cinemas have even pulled the film in fear of more disruption. We must stand up to anyone trying to silence free speech pic.twitter.com/OSgFlVk9Xn Bob Blackman (@BobBlackman) January 23, 2025 Sharing his remarks on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Blackman wrote about the alarming incident. He revealed that some cinemas had pulled the film fearing further disruption. Kangana Ranaut responded by resharing Blackmans post, expressing her disappointment with the lack of support from Indian politicians. She remarked, British MP raises his voice for my fundamental right of free speech. Meanwhile pin-drop silence from Indian politicians and feminists. British MP raises his voice for my fundamental right of free speech meanwhile pin drop silence from Indian politicians and feminists #Emergency https://t.co/rlYbUckJm0 Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) January 24, 2025 Back in India, the film faced resistance in Punjab. Several theaters in cities like Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala, and Bathinda refrained from screening Emergency. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) staged protests against the movie, citing its political narrative. To prevent potential unrest, police forces deployed outside malls and cinema halls in the state. Randeep Hooda is gearing up for an action-packed adventure as he joins forces with director Sam Hargrave once again for the upcoming Apple Original Films project, Matchbox. This marks their second collaboration after their successful 2020 Netflix film, Extraction. The film will also feature WWE superstar-turned-actor John Cena, making it a star-studded affair. Matchbox is an action-thriller inspired by Mattels iconic toy vehicle line, Matchbox cars, which have been a household name since 1953. The story follows a group of childhood friends who reunite to prevent a global catastrophe, rediscovering their bond along the way. Advertisement Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Randeep Hooda (@randeephooda) As per reports, the film starring John Cena and Randeep Hooda is currently undergoing filming in Budapest and also stars Teyonah Parris, Jessica Biel, and Sam Richardson. The film is helmed by Sam Hargrave, known for his work on Avengers: Endgame and Extraction 2, and written by David Coggeshall and Jonathan Tropper. The production team includes David Ellison and Dana Goldberg from Skydance, alongside Don Granger and Robbie Brenner from Mattel Films. Hooda, who has already worked with Hargrave on Extraction, expressed his excitement about reuniting with the director. We had a great time on our first collaboration with Extraction. Sam is a master of high-octane storytelling and action. Glad to be joining the team in Budapest, Hooda shared. In addition to Matchbox, Hooda has an impressive slate of upcoming projects. He recently directed and starred in Swatantrya Veer Savarkar and is currently filming Jaat, directed by Gopichand Malineni, alongside Sunny Deol. The film is prouction of the team behind Pushpa 2. Hooda is also going to star in Arjun Ustara, directed by the renowned Vishal Bhardwaj. Actor Manikandan, who is one of the most successful stars in the Tamil film industry today, has now disclosed about a time when he thought of quitting the film industry because of the going getting tough. The actor, who will next be seen in the comedy drama Kudumbasthan which hits screens on Friday, in an interview to a YouTube channel, said, One day, everything that I was working on as a dubbing artiste got shut down. I got very worried about what I would do for my income. Advertisement Stating that he approached a friend in the IT sector for a job, the actor said, I told my friend, I thought cinema would save me. I am finding it extremely difficult to leave it and move on. But after this, the situation here has got so difficult that it is better that I move on. I need to take up some stable job to steer my family ashore and then come back. Advertisement Recalling that his friend tried to reason with him not to arrive at that decision, Manikandan said that he left with almost tears in his eyes. I took a bus back home and slept that night. The next morning, when I opened my eyes, I found three missed calls from director Nalan Kumarasamy. When I called him, he asked me to come to his office, where he gave me the script of Kaadhalum Kadandhu Pogum to read. There was a driver character called Murali in it. He asked me about the character and asked me if I would be willing to do it, said Manikandan. I said yes to acting but told him I did not know to drive a car. He replied, That is your problem boss! You need to learn it. I ran back to the friend in the IT sector and asked him to enroll me in a driving school as I did not have a penny in my pocket. He enrolled me and I learnt driving in 10 days and did that role. There has been no looking back as an actor after that, said Manikandan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tributes to Bharat Ratna and former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, on his 101th birth anniversary, saying that Thakur dedicated his entire life to social justice. Born on January 24, 1924, in Pithaunjhia village (now Karpurigram), Samastipur, Bihar, Karpoori Thakur emerged as a true champion of the underprivileged, dedicating his life to the ideals of equality and empowerment. Advertisement In a post on X in Hindi, Modi said, Respectful tributes to former Bihar Chief Minister Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur ji on his birth anniversary. Jannayak (The leader of the masses) dedicated his entire life to social justice and made many efforts in this direction. His life and ideals will continue to inspire every generation of the country. Advertisement Thakur, affectionately known as Jan Nayak (Peoples Leader), was a towering figure in Indian politics, celebrated for his unwavering commitment to simplicity, social justice, and the upliftment of marginalized sections of society. The former Bihar Chief Ministers journey as a leader began during the freedom struggle when he was imprisoned for the first time in 1942 as part of the Quit India Movement. This early exposure to struggle and sacrifice laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to public service. After Indias Independence, he entered politics and was first elected as an MLA in 1952, a position he held almost continuously except for a brief tenure as a Member of Parliament in 1977. In 1967, Thakur became the Deputy Chief Minister in Bihars first non-Congress government, famously referred to as the Samvidhan Government. Despite its brief eleven-month tenure, this coalition government stood out for its ideological diversity, uniting parties like the Jan Sangh and Communists, largely due to Thakurs efforts. Later, he served two terms as Chief Minister of Bihar (1970-71 and 1977-79). Thakurs most notable contributions have been in the field of education, which he saw as a key tool for empowering the poor and marginalised. Understanding the barriers posed by the compulsory English language requirement in high school examinations, he abolished it, as many students particularly girls were failing due to their lack of proficiency in English. This progressive decision not only reduced dropout rates but also opened the doors for higher education and better opportunities for countless students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. Thakur lived an austere life, embodying Gandhian values of simplicity and service. He remained deeply connected to the common people and consistently championed their rights. His policies were aimed at reducing inequalities and empowering the disadvantaged, particularly Dalits, backward castes, and women. Despite holding high office, he refused to compromise on his principles, making him a respected and admired leader across party lines. A massive explosion ripped through a defence ordnance factory in Jawhar Nagar in Bhandara district of Maharashtra on Friday, killing eight factory workers and injuring several others. The blast was so powerful that it was heard up to five kilometres away, sources said, adding that the death toll is likely to go up. Advertisement The explosion occurred in a section of the factory where raw materials are used to make research and development explosive (RDX) for the armed forces. The blast caused a huge fire, and smoke spread throughout the area, as people fled from the area due to falling debris. Advertisement The names of some of those injured in the explosion include Sanjay Raut (59), Narendra Vanjari (55), Rajesh Badwaik (33), Sunil Kumar Yadav (24), Jaideep Banerjee (42) and Manoj Meshram (59). They are undergoing treatment at Laksh Multispeciality Hospital in Bhandara, though manager Chandrashekhar Goswami (59) died during treatment, sources said. The cause of the blast is not yet known and officials are conducting further investigations. Earlier on Friday, rescue and medical teams were rushed to search for survivors after the blast brought down the roof of the factory, as it collapsed on the workers inside. Around 14 workers are reported to be trapped after the roof collapsed. Five workers have been rescued safely after JCB machines were pressed into service to clear the debris in order to look for survivors. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police reached the spot, while the State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) teams began rescue operations. Collector Sanjay Kolte issued an official statement on the Bhandara Ordnance Factory blast. He said that the roof of the factory collapsed due to the blast. The exact cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, he said. Bhandara Superintendent of Police Nooral Hasan said, A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the local fire brigade and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) are engaged in a rescue operation. Around 14 people were working inside the ordnance factory. So far we have rescued six people, who were taken to Laksh Hospital Bhandara of which one died, and two were taken to Bhandara District General Hospital of which one died. The situation looks critical and those who are trapped inside, we hope they are rescued alive. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis posted a tweet on his official X handle which read, 13 to 14 workers are reported to be trapped after the roof collapsed in an explosion at an ordnance factory in Bhandara district. As per the preliminary information received so far, unfortunately one worker has died. Five workers have been rescued safely. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police are at the spot and all possible help is being provided. SDRF and Nagpur Municipal Corporation teams have also been called for rescue work and they will reach soon. The district administration is engaged in rescue work in coordination with defence forces. Teams have also been kept ready for medical assistance. I pay my heartfelt tributes to the person who lost his life in this incident, he said. Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra state assembly Vijay Wadettiwar of the Congress confirmed the incident. A major explosion has occurred at the Ordnance Factory in Jawaharnagar. Preliminary reports indicate that the blast took place in the factory section where raw materials used for the production of RDX are processed. Congress state President Nana Patole attacked the government for the incident. Such an accident is a failure of the Modi government. This is the first time such an explosion has happened. The death toll in the explosion at the Ordnance Factory in Bhandara is likely to increase. I express my condolences to the workers who died in this accident. It has come to light that even the Ordnance Factory is not safe during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the failure of the Narendra Modi government, he said. On Monday, hours after taking office for the second time, Donald Trump said tersely that his desire to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports could become a reality on February 1. Trump had stated in November that such a tariff charge would take effect on the first day of his return to the White House. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been preparing for weeks for this scenario of trade friction, despite the fact that the Liberal politician will leave office on March 9. On Tuesday, Trudeau promised a robust, swift and measured response from Canada in case Trump makes good on his promise. But this Thursday the Republican was back on the attack in his speech at the Davos Economic Forum: We have a tremendous deficit with Canada. Were not going to have that anymore. We cant do that. Trump added that the U.S. economy does not need its northern neighbor. The presidents words sounded like a retort. According to Trudeau, the golden age that Trump predicts for the United States does need Canadas support, citing products such as aluminum and steel, as well as energy supplies. Trudeau has held several meetings with his team of closest aides and provincial premiers to address how Canada should respond to the imposition of these tariffs. The Canadian authorities emphasize the high level of integration of both economies and the benefits for each side of the dividing line, pointing out that Canada buys more from the United States than China, Japan, and Germany combined. Likewise, Ottawa has also stressed the plan it approved in December worth some $1.3 billion Canadian dollars to strengthen border security in order to temper the Republicans remarks. In case these arguments do not convince the Trump administration, Canada is contemplating different steps to hit back at the tariffs. The federal government and the provinces agreed on a plan that includes a first retaliation in tariffs of about $37 billion Canadian dollars on U.S. products. The list includes, among other items, citrus juices, ceramic containers, and certain spirits. The second stage would consist of another tariff charge that could reach $110 billion if the United States decides not to back down. Finally, a last resort could result in a reduction in the volumes of energy shipped to U.S. soil. Some provincial premiers have stood out at this juncture. Doug Ford, premier of Ontario (the most populous and economically powerful province), has expressed his displeasure with Trumps tariff threats in various U.S. media, noting that hundreds of thousands of jobs would be at risk on both sides of the border. Ford has worn a cap at some appointments with a message that has not gone unnoticed: Canada is not for sale. Francois Legault, premier of Quebec, has indicated that he will defend Quebecers, whatever it takes, in a scenario he compares to that of the pandemic. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, for her part, has opted for an approach that runs counter to that of Ottawa and the other provinces. Smith is opposed to considering any scenario that contemplates a reduction in energy supplies to the United States, since Alberta leads Canadian hydrocarbon production. Her visit to Trumps residence in Mar-a-Lago (Florida) on January 12 also caused a stir in Canada. Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland and Karina Gould are the leading candidates to replace Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and as prime minister. These three contenders have already promised to defend the country vigorously in the face of Trumps threats. Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and favorite in the polls, said Wednesday that it is crucial to call early elections to elect a strong government to face Trump. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday said that Uttar Pradesh has become the best state in eight years and now it is fast moving towards becoming an enterprising state. He praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for this and said that he is dedicated to the states development with determination. Advertisement While discussing the Mahakumbh, the Vice President said that the whole world is surprised at how such a big event is being organised in Prayagraj in such an efficient manner. He also praised the decline in crime in the state, noting that this has led to a significant increase in the ease of doing business. Advertisement Supporting Yogi Adityanaths slogan Batenge to Katenge, he said that the entire country has supported his idea. The Vice President also expressed concern over the presence of illegal refugees in the country. Addressing an event to mark the Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day here on Friday, the Vice President said, I have accepted the invitation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ji and will take a dip in Mahakumbh with family on February 1. This will be a matter of pride for me. He congratulated the people of the state on its foundation day and said that CM Yogi has realised that UP is a state with unlimited potential. He said that the tradition of celebrating State Foundation Day since 2018 is a commendable step. A new scheme is launched on every foundation day, with the Chief Ministers Youth Entrepreneur Campaign being launched today. Under this initiative, not only will 10 lakh entrepreneurs be developed, but these entrepreneurs will also create employment opportunities for others. The Vice President said, The identity of UP is reflected in its rapid and historic progress. This was not an easy task. No one had thought that this would happen. Yogi Adityanath deserves gratitude for this. He added that UP is at the forefront of building a world-class institutional structure, serving as an example for the entire world. He emphasised that UPs participation in Indias quantum leap in technological and trade expansion is significant. He went on to reflect on the time when UP was known for its concern about law and order, with no way out of it. The province had been stuck in a dilemma, and prospects seemed frustrated. However, Yogi ji has given the state an identity of good governance. He noted that this progress is now discussed both in the country and abroad. This region has the blessings of Shri Ram, Shri Krishna, Kashi Vishwanath, and Sankatmochan Bajrangbali, and the Mahant of Gorakhnath Math is leading it, he said, adding, Development is qualitative when the leader is strong. There has been a long series of yogis in this state, and today the leadership of this state is in the hands of a yogi. Lord Buddha gave the first message here. The Vice President said that at the age of 26 and for the last 26 years, Yogi Adityanath has dedicated himself to public service with determination. He said that he had the opportunity to become an MP with Mahant Avaidyanath and receive his blessings. He said that Yogi Adityanath is the only individual in this state to have served as Chief Minister for two consecutive terms, with his tenure being longer than any previous Chief Minister. He further said that such moments come in the life of a country and an individual when circumstances are challenging, and at such times, the talk should be effective and sharp. He noted that signals do not always give a clear message. However, Yogi ji conveyed a strong message, stating that if we are not united, there could be side effects. The whole country has understood this idea, he added. He said that Uttar Pradesh has become a laboratory of Rajdharma and public governance. He recalled a time when the state was identified as a sick state. Today, no one mentions this because the wheel of change has rotated 180 degrees, he remarked. He said that if one assesses Uttar Pradesh, the state has made a significant leap in the ease of doing business, moving from 19th to second place. He quipped that the Chief Minister is guilty of only one case: slowing the pace of crime in UP. The message about the decline in crime has spread across the country. The states exports have doubled in the last seven to eight years. The number of airports and metros has increased. The whole world is amazed by the organisation of the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, with many global organisations studying how such a large event is being managed. The states goal of achieving a 1 trillion dollar economy appears to be within reach, he added. The Vice President said that in the last 10 years, the public has witnessed significant development. This is why India is now the most inward-looking country in the world. A developed India is not just our dream, but our goal, and for this, Uttar Pradesh has made the greatest sacrifice. Today, UP ranks second in the country in terms of economy, and it now aims to reach the first position. He also described the Vocal for Local initiative as an area of immense potential. The Vice President said that this is the saga of the new Uttar Pradesh. He emphasised the importance of keeping national interest paramount in every situation, stating that no profit and greed can be above nationalism. Emphasising the need to adopt Swadeshi, he said that goods manufactured in the country should not be imported, and advised against exporting raw materials outside. The Vice President said that crores of people are living illegally in the country. They are challenging the arrangements. At the same time, we are considering forming their stake in the election process. The whole world has become alert about this, and we too must take it seriously. For the identity and stability of the country, we will have to take strict action against it, he said, wishing for the uninterrupted continuation on the path of development. UP Governor Anandi Ben Patel, in her address on this occasion, said that with its determination and tireless efforts, UP is creating new records every day. She called it a proud occasion and noted that UP began celebrating its Foundation Day with grandeur in 2018. She said that UP is the soul of India, offering unlimited opportunities for development through its rich religious, spiritual, and cultural heritage. Great personalities like Lord Shri Ram, Shri Krishna, Mahatma Buddha, and Kabir were born on this holy land. A grand temple of Lord Shri Ram was built in the state after 500 years and Mahakumbh is being held in Prayag after 144 years. Significant progress has been made in the field of infrastructure. UP is becoming a leading state in the direction of tourism. Along with this, numerous welfare schemes have been launched for the betterment of the poor. Innovative steps for womens safety, respect, and self-reliance, have become an inspiration for other states. Today, UP has reached a new dimension of development while maintaining its ancient glory. Farmers, youth, and entrepreneurs are driving UPs growth, she claimed. India on Friday strongly criticized Pakistan for supporting terrorism, saying that the whole world knows who is the progenitor of cross-border terrorism. Addressing a media briefing here, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said everyone knows that there are nations responsible for cross-border terrorism and India has called upon Pakistan to take strict action to stop cross-border terrorism. Advertisement On asked about Pakistans Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement claiming that the Indian Army is being politicised after the Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said terror activities in Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir were linked with Pakistan, Jaiswal responded, The whole world knows, who is promoting terrorism. In India, when we have terror-related attacks, where it is coming from, we all know the genesis, the root of cross-border terrorism. Advertisement So, in this context, when the whole world knows who is the progenitor of cross-border terrorism, to say that we are trying to politicise something etc is totally immaterial. Everyone knows that there are people, there are countries who are responsible for cross-border terrorism and we call upon Pakistan to take strict action to stop cross-border terrorism, the MEA spokesperson said. Pakistans ISPR issued the statement after Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi termed Pakistan as the epicentre of terrorism and said that 80 percent of terrorists active in Jammu and Kashmir are Pakistanis. In his annual Army Day press conference on January 13, General Dwivedi blamed Pakistan for the violence levels in the Union Territory saying it was being orchestrated by the epicentre of terrorism that is Pakistan. Meanwhile, on the issue of fencing at the India-Bangladesh border, the MEA spokesperson while addressing the media briefing said fencing the border is necessary so that crime-related incidents can be prevented. There have been many agreements between India and Bangladesh to fence the border. Fencing the border is necessary so that crime-related incidents can be prevented We want that the agreements made with Bangladesh to fence the border should also be positively implemented with us The fencing being done on both sides of the border is being done as per the agreements made between the two countries, Jaiswal said. The MEA spokesperson also briefed the media on Friday regarding the upcoming visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to China on January 26 and 27. During the visit, Misri will meet with the Vice Minister of China, and discussions between the two countries will be held on all areas of bilateral interest. Responding to the question by a news agency about the Foreign Secretarys visit to China and whether issues such as visa and direct air connectivity would come up in the discussions, Jaiswal said, Regarding the upcoming visit of the Foreign Secretary which is going to happen on 26, 27 January, the Foreign Secretary will be meeting his counterpart, the Vice Minister in China, where all issues of bilateral interest will be discussed. This meeting flows from the understanding that the leaders reached in Kazan, and subsequent to that, weve had meetings at the special representatives level, and weve had foreign minister-level meetings as well. Once the discussions and talks happen then u will get a readout of what was discussed, what issues were taken up but all issues of mutual interest will be discussed, he said. On being asked about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Jaiswal said, During the Foreign Secretarys visit all matters of mutual interest will be discussed that would include the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as well. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said India will bring back its nationals overstaying in the United States or elsewhere. In a weekly press briefing on Friday, MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, For Indian nationals, whether in the United States or elsewhere, if they are overstaying or residing in a country without proper documentation, we will bring them back, provided the necessary documents to verify their nationality are shared with us. Advertisement His remarks came in the wake of US President Donald Trumps crackdown on illegal immigrants in the country. The US government has reportedly detained hundreds of illegal immigrants and started deporting them to their respective countries. Advertisement According to some reports, around 18,000 Indians are also likely to face deportation. However, when Jaiswal was asked about the number of Indian nationals being taken back form the US, he said any discussion on numbers will be premature. Jaiswal further stated that New Delhi is against illegal migration, linking it to organised crime. Illegal migration and trade are two separate issues. Our approach, policy, and stance on illegal migration are very clear. We are against illegal migration, and the reason for this is that it is linked to organized crime, said Jaiswal. On Foreign Secretarys visit to China Responding to a question on Foreign Secretary Vikram Misris visit to China, the MEA spokesman said that all issues of bilateral interest will be discussed. Regarding the upcoming visit of the Foreign Secretary which is going to happen on 26,27 January, the Foreign Secretary will be meeting his counterpart, the Vice Minister in China, where all issues of bilateral interest will be discussed. This meeting flows from the understanding that the leaders reached in Kazan, and subsequent to that, weve had meetings at the special representatives level, and weve had foreign minister-level meetings as well. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived for a four-day visit in New Delhi on Thursday night during which he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will attend the 76th Republic Day Parade in India. This is President Prabowos first state visit to India. He was received by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita at the airport in New Delhi. Advertisement The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the visit will further strengthen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Advertisement A warm welcome to President Prabowo Subianto @prabowo of Indonesia as he arrives in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Received by MoS @PmargheritaBJP at the airport. President @prabowo will be the Chief Guest for Indias 76th Republic Day celebrations. This visit will further strengthen the IndiaIndonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. President Prabowo, who is in India from January 23-26, will also be the Chief Guest for Indias 76th Republic Day celebrations. Apart from a comprehensive review of bilateral ties, discussions during the visit are also expected to include regional and global issues of mutual interest. Before departing, President Prabowo shared the details of his visit on X, and said the visit is aimed to strengthen strategic cooperation in areas such as security, maritime, and digital technology development. He also informed that he will depart for Malaysia after his Indonesia visit. Today, I depart for New Delhi, India, to attend the 76th Republic Day celebrations of India. During my visit, I will meet with the President and Prime Minister of India to strengthen strategic cooperation in areas such as security, maritime, and digital technology development, the Indonesian President said. After completing my agenda in India, I will continue my trip to Malaysia at the invitation of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Close cooperation with friendly countries has always been our priority to build a stronger and more prosperous region together, he added. During his visit, President Prabowo is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the MEA said. On Friday, he will meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the Taj Mahal Hotel at 4 p.m. On January 25, President Prabowo will participate in a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 10 a.m., followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat. He will later hold a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House at 12 p.m., which will include the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and press statements. In the evening, he will meet with Indias Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at the Taj Mahal Hotel at 4 p.m. At 7 p.m., he will meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. On January 26, President Prabowo will attend the Republic Day Parade as the Chief Guest. Later in the afternoon, he will attend the At Home Reception hosted by President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. At 5:30 pm, he will depart for Indonesia. Notably, with President Prabowo as Chief Guest at this years Republic Day, a 352-member marching and band contingent from the country will be participating in the Parade on the Kartvya Path in the national capital. This will be the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in a national day parade abroad. Several MoUs and announcements are likely to be concluded and the third CEO Forum will be held on the sidelines. President Prabowo will be the fourth Indonesian President to attend Indias Republic Day celebrations. PM Modi paid an official visit to Indonesia in 2018. During the visit, India-Indonesia bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and a shared vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was also adopted. PM Modi also met President Prabowo on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November last year. This was the first meeting between the two leaders. Indonesia is now part of the BRICS group and has expressed its appreciation for Indias support towards its membership of the forum of emerging economies. Sources said Indonesia is interested in learning from India and other countries to strengthen its defence system and is keen on technology transfer. They also said a defence deal is unlikely to be finalised during this visit and that India and Indonesia also have robust defence cooperation with the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in 2018. Both India and Indonesia are close maritime neighbours with cultural and trade ties spanning over a millennia. The annual Bali Yatra festival, which commemorates the historic voyages by Indian seafarers who would set sail to Bali, is one such example of these cultural linkages. Indonesia is one of Indias largest trading partners in the ASEAN region. Bilateral trade in 2023-24 reached $29.40 billion. Indian investments in Indonesia amount to $1.56 billion in infrastructure, power, textiles, steel, automotive, mining, banking and consumer goods sectors. INS Tushil, the Indian Navys stealth-guided missile frigate, made its first-ever visit to Walvis Bay, Namibia, following a successful patrol of the Gulf of Guinea. This historic journey marked the frigates maiden voyage around the west coast of Africa, aimed at bolstering India-Namibia relations and enhancing maritime collaboration to address shared security challenges. Advertisement During its visit, INS Tushil took part in a range of professional, official, and recreational activities with the Namibian Navy. Advertisement Captain Peter Varghese, Commanding Officer of INS Tushil, met with Saara Ndapewoshali Mutondoka, Deputy Mayor of Walvis Bay, and Rear Admiral Junior Grade Eratus Lazarus, Commander of Naval Operations for the Namibian Navy. A statement from the Naval spokesperson said that the visit fostered various forms of professional interaction, including operational planning, cross-ship visits, and expert exchanges on maritime issues. In a spirit of camaraderie, the INS Tushil crew also participated in a friendly volleyball match and joined the Namibian Navy, Police personnel, and the staff of the Indian High Commission for a joint yoga session. As part of its outreach initiative, the crew of INS Tushil opened the ship to local residents of Walvis Bay, offering them a chance to explore the capabilities of the Indian Navys advanced warship. INS Tushils visit to Walvis Bay further strengthens the growing maritime cooperation between India and Namibia, underscoring the Indian Navys commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, the statement read. Ekta Kumari from Jammu will command the NCC Girls contingent at New Delhis Kartavya Path Parade on the occasion of Republic Day. Kumari, the leading cadet of 1 J&K Naval for Unit NCC, Srinagar, and a BSc student at Government College for Women Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, has achieved a remarkable milestone. She has been honoured with the prestigious position of Parade Commander for the All India NCC Girls Contingent at the Kartavya Path Parade on the occasion of Republic Day 2025 making her the pride of Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh, said defence spokesman Lt. Colonel Suneel Bartwal on Friday. Advertisement Ekta, who always dreamt of joining the Defence Forces, was inspired by her father, a retired soldier from 12 JAK LI, and her deep-rooted values of discipline and service to the nation. Advertisement Her educational journey began at Army Public School, Akhnoor, and continued through her college years where she joined the NCC with a goal of fulfilling her lifelong ambition. Her passion for NCC led to remarkable achievements in social work and adventure activities from her first year. Ektas determination and grit were tested when she set her sights on the Republic Day Camp (RDC) but faced moments of doubt. However, the unwavering encouragement of her brother, Lavneet, and the continuous support of her mother gave her the strength to continue. Speaking about her achievement, Ekta Kumari expressed, Becoming Parade Commander of the All India Girls Contingent at Kartavya Path is the biggest and proudest moment of my life. This victory is not just mine but belongs to my family, my unit, and the entire Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh. Ekta attributes her success to the guidance of her mentors, including her ANO and trainers Imran, Altaf, and Bakshi Sir. She gave out a message to the youth Dream big, so that you dont sleep until they are fulfilled. She also expressed her gratitude towards Lt Col Abhijeet, Drill Ustaad Jaswinder, and other key personnel who helped shape her training and preparation at the Nagrota NCC Camp. She acknowledged the immense support she received from her Unit CO Lieutenant Commander Tej Ram, Group Commander Brigadier Deepak Sajjanhar, Additional Director General Major General Anupinder Bevli, Contingent Cdr Col Amit Bhardwaj, and ANO Dr Nitika, all of whom ensured her experience was both comfortable and inspiring. Ektas story serves as an inspiration to the youth of the nation to dream big and work relentlessly towards fulfilling those dreams. J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat conducted an operational review of forward operating bases on the strategic tri-junction of the Kathua, Doda, and Udhampur districts in the Basantgarh area that has witnessed several terrorist incidents. He visited strategically important areas of Basantgarh accompanied Anand Jain, ADGP Jammu Zone; Rayees Mohammad Bhat, DIG UR Range; Amod Nagpure, SSP Udhampur, and officers from CRPF and Army to take a comprehensive operational review. Advertisement The DGP also interacted with personnel deployed in Forward Operating Bases (FOB), lauding their relentless commitment to maintaining peace and security. Acknowledging the tough working conditions, he commended their dedication and resilience and urged the personnel to relentlessly tackle the obtaining threats while ensuring that the safety and well-being of the local populace remains a top priority. Advertisement Highlighting the importance of community engagement, the DGP stressed the need for fostering trust and collaboration between the police and the residents of Basantgarh. He directed the officers to intensify their outreach efforts, address public grievances promptly, and work closely with local stakeholders to build a stronger sense of security and unity in the region. During the visit, the DGP reviewed ongoing development initiatives aimed at enhancing the police infrastructure and operational capabilities in the area. He emphasized the importance of modernizing equipment, improving mobility, and leveraging technology to ensure swift and effective responses to any security challenges. The ADGP, DIG and SSP briefed the DGP on the current security scenario, highlighting key developments and achievements in maintaining law and order. They also discussed measures being taken to plug any gaps and enhance coordination among various security agencies. Following the directions of Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains, the Punjab School Education Department, on Friday, suspended a School Principal and a Campus Manager of a Government Senior Secondary School of Ludhiana. This strict action was taken against them over corporal punishment to students for arriving late to school. Advertisement Harjot Singh Bains said that Principal of Government Senior Secondary School Jawahar Nagar, School of Eminence (Boys), Ludhiana has been suspended and the Campus Manager of the same school has been dismissed for making the students to shift sand and gravel for coming late to the school. Advertisement This incident has come to my notice today, and strict action has been initiated immediately, he stated. Bains categorically asserted that such behaviour from any teacher will not be tolerated, emphasising the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment for students in the Government Schools. The education system must prioritise the well-being and dignity of all students, and any actions that undermine this principle will be met with appropriate consequences. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Friday raised doubts over the Mumbai Police probe into the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, questioning whether the arrested accused is the same person captured in the CCTV footage. The Mumbai Police has arrested a Bangladeshi illegal immigrant in connection with the attack. According to the police, the illegal immigrant had entered the Bollywood actors Bandra house and stabbed him multiple times. Advertisement Patole also highlighted how the police had earlier detained two lookalikes but released them later. Advertisement He said there are reports about the person caught on the CCTV camera and the one arrested by the police not being the same person. While reacting to Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Ranes remarks on Saif Ali Khan, Patole said that instead of raising the Hindu-Muslim angle, the police must catch the real culprit. Moreover, the father of the Bangladeshi man has also claimed that the person seen in the CCTV footage of Saifs apartment is not his son. According to media reports, the father alleged that his son is being framed in the case. Khan was stabbed multiple times at his Bandra home in the wee hours of January 16. He sustained five injuries to his hand, neck and shoulder. He was discharged from the hospital on January 22 after treatment. Since Winston Churchill, the United Kingdom has always nurtured a special relationship with the United States, regardless of who is in Downing Street. In Irelands case, its economic survival has depended to a large extent on things going well on the other side of the Atlantic. What counts most for Dublin are decisions by the White House or the U.S. Treasury impacting domestic rather than international politics. The arrival of Donald Trump, with his unpredictability and disruption, has unsettled both countries. The Irish fear the possible end of the taxes it gets from U.S. multinationals that chose Ireland as their corporate headquarters in the EU. In London, with a Labour prime minister ideologically opposed to the Republican president, and Brexit severing its ties with the EU, fears of isolation abound. The United States is the U.K.s most important bilateral foreign, security and defense partner, according to Professor Richard Whitman, an analyst at the think tank U.K. in a Changing Europe. Since the Second World War, successive British governments have intertwined the U.K.s intelligence, security and defense capabilities with those of the U.S. This is seen as bringing significant benefits for Britain. But it has also meant accepting constraints on the U.K.s autonomy. The foreign, security and defense policy choices and actions of a new Trump presidency will consequently have a direct bearing on the U.K., Whitman concludes. The EU market continues to account for more than 50% of U.K. exports and imports. But from an individual country-by-country point of view, the U.S. represents the main destination for British exports with over 70 billion ($73 billion) in goods, and almost 150 billion ($157 billion) in services. Trumps threat to increase tariffs on products from Europe and for the moment the warning includes the U.K. would mean a 0.7% reduction in British GDP during 2025, according to a report by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research. Quite a blow for a country with frozen growth (0.1% during 2024) and for a Labour government that is watching public debt soar while the markets back off. Paradoxically, there are many voices urging a rethink on Brexit, which both Labour and Conservatives appear determined to ignore. A contested ambassador, a disputed island Despite the close ties that Karen Pierce, the current U.K. ambassador in Washington, forged with Trumps entourage, resulting in a cordial dinner in New York between the British PM, Keir Starmer, and Donald Trump prior to his election, Starmer has decided to appoint a new ambassador, and has chosen a controversial character: Peter Mandelson, a minister with former PM Tony Blair and former EU trade commissioner, nicknamed the Prince of Darkness for his behind-the-scenes political clout. Although the Starmer government calls it mere speculation that Trump will reject Mandelson, a politician who once defined Trump as very close to the idea of a white nationalist and racist man, its a very real possibility. Chris LaCivita, who ran Trumps election campaign, has defined Mandelson on social networks as an absolute cretin. The British politicians conciliatory position on China clashes head-on with that of the new U.S. administration. Trump has already made it clear that he aims to dismantle the commitments made by the Joe Biden administration, and has already set to work on that particular mission. One such commitment concerned a U.S.-U.K. decision to hand the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius. Last October, Starmer announced he had managed to end a historic international dispute concerning the archipelago in the Indian Ocean. In exchange for the Chagos Islands being returned to Mauritius, the U.K. and the U.S. would keep hold of the joint military base on Diego Garcia Island in the southern part of the archipelago for at least 99 years. However, the new U.S. foreign policy chief, Marco Rubio, has already warned that he considers this agreement a serious threat to the national security of the United States, by jeopardizing the U.S. military position in the region. This is due to the fact that Mauritius has strong ties with China and India. Irelands taxes Ireland cannot be understood without the United States. The island has 6.6 million inhabitants 4.75 million in the republic, and 1.8 million in the British territory of Northern Ireland. Nearly 35 million Americans claim to have Irish origins. Ireland is the only European country where there is a U.S. border control at its airport. Thus, it is possible to travel from Dublin to Chicago or Kansas City, for example, as if it were a domestic flight. The advantageous Corporate Tax (12.5%) that Ireland has been charging for years to tech multinationals has turned Dublin and Cork into the European corporate headquarters of giants such as Apple, Meta and Google. In 2024 alone, the revenue generated for the public coffers was 28 billion ($29 billion), 18% more than the previous year not counting the back payment in tax that the European justice system forced Apple to pay, which contributed an additional 14 billion ($14.7 billion). The decision announced by Trump to withdraw the U.S. from the 2021 OECD agreement, which imposes a minimum corporate tax of 15%, as well as to respond aggressively to those countries that impose extraterritorial taxes on U.S. companies, is unsettling for the new government in Dublin, still engaged in forming a coalition. It is important to note that while taxes are important, they are not the only factor attracting foreign direct investment to Ireland, said the Irish Department of Finance, in anticipation. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing it of opposing leaders like Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar while supporting mafia elements. Addressing a rally in support of BJP candidate Chandrabhanu Paswan for the Milkipur by-election to be held on February 5 next, the chief minister said, They (the SP) mourn the deaths of mafia members and even recite marsiya (elegy) for them. The devotees of Moeed Khan must not succeed. It is time to ensure the victory of nationalists from Milkipur. Advertisement He said the SP leaders act shocked the people by cheering Moeed Khan, who disrespected a Dalit daughter exposing their true colours. This is the real character of SP. Advertisement He pointed out that the SP MPs from Ayodhya openly support Moeed Khan and even take pride in being associated with him. Those who glorify someone like Moeed Khan pose a threat to the safety of our daughters. They should not be allowed to succeed, he added. Highlighting BJPs stand for justice, Yogi recounted an incident of Bhadrasa where a chairman had unlawfully occupied Dalit land. We made it clear that such actions wont be tolerated here. In Uttar Pradesh, justice will prevail for the poor and Dalits, not for mafias or criminals, he added. He stated that his entire cabinet had the privilege of taking a dip at the Triveni Sangam on January 22. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve millions of devotees arriving from around the world. In just 10 days, 10 crore devotees have taken a dip at Triveni. While India and China have a population of over 45 crore, we expect over 45 crore devotees to visit the Kumbh between January 13 and February 26, he said. The chief minister highlighted the inclusive nature of the Mahakumbh, where people of all backgrounds are coming together at the Sangam without discrimination. The message of Mahakumbh is clearonly through unity can our nation remain strong. However, casteism and dynastic politics remain the biggest obstacles to unity and development. Criticising the politics of casteism and nepotism, he said these were promoted by those who cared only for their families and ignored the wellbeing of the marginalised, Dalits, and backward communities. Referring to Dr. Lohias teachings, he said, Those chasing wealth and legacy are not true socialists. However, todays so-called socialists are obsessed with property. He accused the SP of using their flag to shield criminals and mafias rather than standing up for the poor and the oppressed. Their sympathy has never been with the weak and the marginalized, he added. CM Yogi slammed SP President Akhilesh Yadav for allegedly spreading false propaganda about the Mahakumbh and playing with Indias faith. On January 22, 2024, when Lord Rams idol was installed in Ayodhya, the Samajwadi Party also opposed it. This is the same party whose hands are stained with the blood of karsevaks. They stained the Saryu River with the blood of those who fought for Ram Janmabhoomi, he said. The CM highlighted several initiatives taken by his government but were opposed by the SP, including the naming of the Ayodhya Airport after Valmiki, developments at significant religious sites like the birthplace of Sant Ravidas in Seer Govardhan, and the beautification of historical landmarks like the Raja Suheldev memorial in Bahraich and the Lakhimpur Kheri fort. When we named three PAC women battalions after Veerangana Uda Devi, Jhalkari Bai, and Avanti Bai, the SP opposed that too. They even dismantled the 54 companies of the UPPAC that were formed to deal with rioters, CM Yogi added. He also recounted how the SP had changed the name of the medical college in Kannauj named after Dr. B R Ambedkar but his government restored the name in deference to the revered leader. On law and order, CM Yogi said that the UP Police was doing an excellent job, and people across the country are praising their efforts. The event was attended by several prominent leaders, including ministers like Surya Pratap Shahi, Swatantra Dev Singh, J P S Rathore, Daya Shankar Mishra Dayalu, and Girish Chandra Yadav, along with Ayodhya Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi. The Khurda Road-Bolangir Rail Line project in Odisha has made significant strides, including securing the crucial Stage II Forest Clearance for the section between Daspalla and Adhenigarh, said officials of East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Friday. The Rail Line will significantly reduce travel time between Bhubaneswar and Balangir, benefiting both passengers and freight. The rail line will improve access to markets, industries, education, and healthcare, fostering economic growth across the region. Advertisement This approval allows the project to move forward with minimal environmental impact. As of now, 226 kilometers of the total 301 kilometer rail line have been completed, including 106 kilometers from Khurda Road to Daspalla and 120 kilometers from Balangir to Purunakatak. Work is ongoing for the remaining 75 kilometers between Purunakatak and Daspalla, they informed. Advertisement The project required the acquisition of 3,274.336 hectares of land, including 746.42 hectares of forest land. The most significant environmental challenge was the forest clearance between Daspalla and Purunakatak (Km.112-180), which involved 594.618 hectares of dense forest. However, careful planning was done to avoid key wildlife sanctuaries and to minimize the impact on the surrounding ecosystem. The project team developed a comprehensive wildlife conservation plan, which was approved by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Odisha. Provisions like animal passages (both over and under the rail line) and bridges for waterway and wildlife movement were incorporated to minimize disruptions. All engineering solutions, including viaducts and tunnels, were designed to reduce tree felling and protect the forest cover. The project remains on track, with key engineering breakthroughs already achieved. So far, 226 kilometers of the rail line are complete. The remaining work is expected to finish in the coming months, ensuring the timely completion of this transformative infrastructure project. The rail line includes seven tunnels over a 75-kilometer stretch between Daspalla and Purunakatak, totaling 12.76 kilometers. These tunnels represent some of the most challenging engineering feats in railway construction. The project passes through ecologically sensitive areas, including wildlife sanctuaries. As part of the mitigation efforts, viaducts, animal underpasses, and overpasses have been incorporated into the design. Additionally, seven tunnels and a 4.8-kilometer viaduct have been planned to minimize forest land acquisition and reduce environmental impact. There are four viaducts in total (6.94 kilometers), with two between Buguda and Banigochha (4.8 km and 0.29 km), and two between Charichhak and Adhenigarh (1.3 km and 0.55 km). These measures are aimed at protecting the local wildlife and preserving their natural habitats, the ECoR officials concluded. In a significant step towards eliminating terror networks in Kishtwar district, the property of 11 terrorists operating from Pakistan was attached on the orders of the special NIA court in Doda, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Javaid Iqbal said. The SSP stated that the action was executed after an in-depth investigation of case FIR No. 272/2022, registered under sections 120-B, 121-A IPC, and 13, 18, and 39 of UAPA at the Kishtwar police station. Advertisement The investigation, led by Deputy SP Vishal Sharma culminated in legal proceedings before the NIA Special Court, Doda. Advertisement Earlier, 36 Kishtwar-based terrorists, operating from PoK and Pakistan were declared absconders by the court. Based on the records, Additional District and Sessions Judge Ms Sudesh Sharma, Special Judge NIA Court, Doda, issued attachment orders under Section 83 of the CrPC vide order No. 33-34/FTC/NIA dated 23-01-2025. Acting on these directions, the Kishtwar SSP formed special teams comprising senior police officers along with Executive Magistrates to ensure the execution of the court orders. The attached properties have been marked with signboards, notifying the public of their attachment. Terrorists whose properties have been attached include Shabir Ahmed, Jamal Din Naik, Shabir Ahmed, Manzoor Ahmed Ghulam Mohammad Gujjar, Ghulam Nabi, Mohammad Shafi, Ghulam Hussain Sheikh, Bashir Ahmed Raina, Gulzar Ahmed, and Gulabu. Additional DGP, Jammu Zone, Anand Jain said that the properties of 18 more absconding terrorists have been identified, and the process for their attachment is underway. This will further tighten the noose on terror operatives, leaving no room for anti-national activities. Reaffirming the commitment to uproot terrorism, Jain stated that such actions are part of a larger strategy aimed at dismantling the terror infrastructure and ensuring that no asset is misused to fund or support anti-national activities. In a strong message, the ADGP warned anti-national elements, overground workers, and sleeper cells to shun their activities and return to the mainstream. He cautioned that anyone aiding or abetting terrorism will face the full force of the law. Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activity. The Bandra Magistrate Court in Mumbai extended the police custody of the man accused of stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan, until January 29, on Friday, after the Mumbai police sought his extended custody. The police told the court that it would like to probe if the accused had any accomplices and find out where he procured his weapon, though the police had stated earlier that the accused had stolen it from his employer. Advertisement The police also said that they need the accused in custody to conduct a facial recognition match, adding that it is yet to recover his shoes which he wore during the crime. The police also said that they wish to record the statement of a West Bengal resident Khukmoni Sheikh whose Aadhar card the accused allegedly used to purchase a SIM card. Advertisement Earlier, the Mumbai police had sought an initial custody of 14 days, alleging that interrogation was necessary to probe if the accused acted alone or he was instigated to commit the crime as well as find out how he obtained actor Saif Ali Khans address. The accuseds lawyer Sandeep Shikhane told media persons that the police has failed to add Section 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) to the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case. In todays hearing, the police did not add Section 109 (attempt to murder) of the BNS to the case. They gave the same reasons which they gave earlier to get judicial custody. The weapon and clothes have been recovered and theyve sent it to the forensic lab. From an investigation point-of-view, there was no reason to get his custody extended today. The accuseds presence or custody is required only when something has to be shown to him and not for recovery of the weapon. Just because the matter is so hyped up, the court took it into consideration and granted a 5-day extended custody, Shikhane said. After the attack at Khans residence on January 16, the police had released visuals of a suspect as seen on the buildings CCTV footage. The accused has claimed that he is not the man in the CCTV footage and has denied the allegations against him. The jawline, nose and hair of the suspect didnt match the accused, Shikhane said. He said that the police already seized all of the accused belongings after his arrest on Sunday. Regarding the SIM card, an application can be made to the telecom network company for the call detail record (CDR). Why does the accused need to be in custody for that? the accuseds lawyer asked. Meanwhile, in a related development, Maharashtra state Congress president Nana Patole raised doubts about the Mumbai police probe into the attack on Saif Ali Khan, questioning whether the arrested accused is the same person whose face was captured in the CCTV footage. The Mumbai police arrested a Bangladeshi illegal immigrant in connection with the attack. According to the police, the illegal immigrant had entered the actors Bandra house and stabbed him multiple times. Earlier, the police had detained two lookalikes but released them later. There are reports that the face caught on the CCTV camera at the actors apartment and the one arrested by the police are not the same person. Also, the father of the Bangladeshi immigrant accused also told a Bengali TV news channel that the person seen in the CCTV footage is not his son. The father has alleged that his son is being framed in the case. In a backhanded compliment to Governor RN Ravi for his continued anti-Dravidian rants as well as his turf war with the DMK government, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday made a fervent plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to allow him to remain at the Raj Bhavan, saying his continuation is politically beneficial to the Dravidian major. Please do not change him. Let him remain in office. Let him be here so that the support for the DMK grows further and further. He should be here. I am making a request to the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah not to change him, the Chief Minister said, welcoming the functionaries and members of the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) of film maker Seeman into the DMK fold at an event held at the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, here. Advertisement Many a time, I myself was worried as to why the Governor is engaged in unnecessary things, speaking against us and debunking Dravidian (ideology) in support of Aryan ideology with religion as his focus. Because of this there is a growing chorus seeking his recall. No. But, have we passed a resolution demanding his removal? We havent, he said adding, He should come to the Assembly to deliver the Governors address next time and leave without reading it. We should witness it and the people should watch it. Hence, it is my request to the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah not to change the Governor and allow him to be here itself, he said. Advertisement Earlier this month, RN Ravi had walked out of the Assembly without delivering the Governors address, prepared by the government, protesting that the National Anthem was not played at the commencement of the session, the first for this year. Speaker M Appavu turned down Ravis suggestion that it be played, saying that the practice and tradition in the Tamil Nadu legislature was to sing the state anthem, Tamil Thai Vazhthu (invocation to mother Tamil) in the beginning and the national anthem after the Governor completes his address. This was the third time that he had left the House in a huff. The CM then said that some people are allergic to DMKs Dravidian Model of Governance and are enraged. But their derision only helps us grow further and we continue to say that (Dravidian Model). The party too is growing with its support base increasing, he pointed out. Turning his attention to leaders of newly-launched parties dreaming to occupy the CMs gaddi, he said, I do not want to name them and accord them recognition and degrade this event. They are blabbering that the next government is theirs and that they are the Chief Ministers in waiting. Stalin, recalling how the DMK, launched in 1949, entered the electoral arena in 1957, said the reason for not mentioning the party (NTK) was that it was not interested in the welfare of the Tamils but was wearing a mask and was enacting a drama. As Delhi gears up for its elections, the political discourse has once again been dominated by promises of handouts. From cash incentives for women and the elderly to subsidised cooking gas and free electricity, political parties are doubling down on populist measures to secure votes. While such strategies may yield short-term electoral gains, the long-term implications for governance, fiscal stability, and democratic integrity are profound and troubling. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aiming to reclaim power in Delhi after nearly three decades, has unveiled a slew of promises that echo the strategies employed by its main rival, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). AAPs governance model over the past decade has been defined by populism, with free water, electricity, and bus services forming the backbone of its voter outreach. While these measures have undoubtedly provided relief to the citys underprivileged, they have also strained Delhis finances, reducing its revenue surplus significantly in recent years. What is concerning is the escalation of this competition. Political parties are not merely matching each others promises but outbidding them, leading to a race that risks undermining fiscal prudence. If either partys new promises are implemented, subsidies could rise to nearly 20 per cent of Delhis budget, diverting resources from critical areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This trend, far from being limited to Delhi, is becoming a norm across India. Advertisement The Reserve Bank of India has repeatedly cautioned against fiscal repercussions of such giveaways, highlighting how they erode states ability to invest in long-term development. Many states, already burdened with high deficits, are resorting to increased borrowing to fund these schemes. The resultant financial strain not only affects economic growth but also exacerbates intergenerational inequities, as future taxpayers bear the brunt of todays electoral gambits. Beyond the economic cost, the rising reliance on handouts poses a challenge to Indias democratic fabric. Elections, ideally a platform for competing visions of governance, are increasingly reduced to auctions where votes are won by the highest bidder. This shift undermines the principle of informed choice, as voters are enticed by immediate benefits rather than long-term policy priorities. It also sidesteps critical issues such as environmental sustainability, urban planning, and public health, which require urgent attention in cities like Delhi. While welfare measures are essential to address socio-economic disparities, they must be sustainable and complemented by investments that empower individuals to rise out of poverty. Cash transfers and subsidies can provide temporary relief, but they cannot replace systemic reforms in education, job creation, and public infrastructure. Advertisement As the Delhi elections approach, it is imperative for voters and policymakers alike to recognise the risks of competitive populism. Indias progress hinges on balancing immediate welfare needs with the pursuit of long-term economic and social goals. The future of its democracy depends not on the distribution of handouts but on the delivery of transformative governance. Sadly, that is at a premium. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi urged here on Thursday intensified efforts to maintain peace and security in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, stressing the regions strategic importance to global stability. Sisi made the remarks at a joint press conference with visiting Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud following their meeting earlier in the day, the Egyptian Presidency said in a statement. Advertisement We agreed on the need to intensify efforts to maintain peace and security in that vital region, which affects global security, Sisi said, referring to the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa. Advertisement He highlighted the outcome of the October 2024 Asmara Summit among Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea, describing it as significant progress in relations and coordination among our countries, and stressed the importance of building on the summit by holding a second trilateral meeting to fortify this partnership. Earlier this month, Cairo hosted the first meeting of a new trilateral committee with Somalia and Eritrea to follow up on the October summit between the leaders of the three countries. Sisi reaffirmed Egypts commitment to supporting Somalia, describing it as a fundamental pillar for the Horn of Africas stability. According to the statement, the two presidents signed a joint political declaration to elevate bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership. Some memoranda of understanding were also signed between the two countries, Xinhua news agency reported. The Somalia Presidency has not issued a statement yet regarding the meeting, but said Wednesday that during Hassans official visit to Egypt, he would discuss with Sisi strengthening joint counter-terrorism efforts, enhancing economic and development cooperation, and advancing cooperation on regional peace and security, among other topics. The Red Seas security is critical for ensuring uninterrupted global trade through the Suez Canal, a key economic lifeline for Egypt that has experienced revenue losses due to regional instability. Yemens pro-government forces thwarted an attack by militants of the Yemen-based al-Qaeda factions targetting a military installation in the countrys southern province of Abyan on Thursday, a security official told Xinhua. The official said on condition of anonymity that a unit of the 2nd Brigade of Yemens pro-government forces successfully defended against a treacherous attack by al-Qaeda militants in Omran Valley at dawn. Advertisement Intense clashes persisted for some three hours, resulting in casualties for the terrorist group, and ultimately forcing them to retreat from the battlefield, the official said, without specifying the number of the casualties. Advertisement The pro-government forces remain fully vigilant and ready to respond urgently to any threat and confront all terrorist attempts, the official added. Meanwhile, a medical source told Xinhua news agency that at least six soldiers from the pro-government forces were injured during the engagement, with some sustaining critical wounds. Al-Qaeda factions have been exploiting Yemens protracted civil war and fragile security environment to consolidate their presence, particularly in the south. In late 2022, the Yemeni government and Southern Transitional Council initiated a counter-terrorism campaign to dismantle al-Qaeda strongholds across Abyan province. Yemen has been engulfed in a civil war since the Houthi group seized control of several northern provinces in late 2014, forcing the internationally recognised Yemeni government out of Sanaa. Since last November, the Houthi group has launched rocket and drone attacks on Israel and disrupted Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea, reportedly in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In response, the US-led navy coalition stationed in the Red Sea has conducted regular air raids and strikes against Houthi targets since January to deter the group from disrupting international shipping lanes. South Africa has expressed profound regret over the US decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, said a government official on Thursday. This came after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday announcing the countrys intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Advertisement South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George said the withdrawal is an abdication of the global responsibility that damages multilateralism, international law, and trust between nations. Advertisement The Paris Agreement represents the most flexible and dynamic approach to addressing climate change. All countries have a common responsibility to act, with varied capabilities under the Paris Agreement, said the minister. He said the United States, which has contributed significantly to global warming and the climate crisis affecting the world, has a moral obligation to lead in reducing emissions and support developing economies in contributing to the global effort, Xinhua news agency reported. We recall the substantial contribution that previous US administrations have made to facilitate South Africa in addressing climate change, including the recent support to South Africas just energy transition partnership, the minister said, calling on the current US administration to take its commitments under international law seriously, and carefully consider the ramifications of its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. George reaffirmed South Africas commitment to realizing the goals set out in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement while expressing hope that the global community will continue tackling climate change with the urgency it deserves. Donald Trumps goal to undertake mass deportations of migrants targets hundreds of thousands of Mexicans in an irregular situation in the United States. The risk of being returned to their country of origin, however, is not new and will probably not be any greater this time than in previous years. A look at the Mexican governments figures on deportations of compatriots shows that the U.S. institutional machinery against undocumented migrants works tirelessly. In three five-year periods, from 2009 to 2024, the U.S. government deported 4,439,331 Mexicans in an irregular immigration situation. Contrary to what one might think, Trumps first administration was not the harshest, although it remains to be seen whether that situation will change now that the Republican has returned to the White House with a discourse more heavily charged with xenophobic and racist far-rightism. The deportation figures reviewed by EL PAIS cover the two terms of the government of Democrat Barack Obama (2009-2013 and 2013-2017), the first term of Republican Trump (2017-2021) and the administration of Democrat Joe Biden (2021-2025). The Obama administration has the reputation of being the one that expelled the most migrants of all nationalities from the United States. This condition is also expressed in the deportations of Mexicans. In his first government, Obama repatriated 1.8 million undocumented migrants to Mexico; in his second term, just over a million Mexicans suffered the same fate. Trump, in his first four-year term, deported 766,373 Mexicans. His successor, Biden, has returned 824,018 (in this last case, the figures for December 2024 and those for January of this year are not yet available). In a single month, March 2009, the Obama administration deported almost 70,000 Mexicans, a sample of the Democrats aggressive anti-immigrant policy. Other months in the same year were almost as drastic: 63,000 deported in April, 57,000 in May, 54,000 in June. On the other side of the coin, April 2020, in the Trump era, is the month in which the fewest Mexicans were repatriated: 9,113. May of that year marks the second-fewest repatriations of Mexicans in the three five-year periods: 9,654. The average number of deportations per month in the period reviewed is 23,300. According to data from the think tank Latino Donor Collaborative, there are 37 million Americans of Mexican origin in the United States, a figure that includes migrants and their descendants born in the U.S. The organization maintains that, in general, the Latino community contributes $3.6 trillion the GDP of the United States, based on data from 2022. Of that total, $2.06 trillion corresponds to the wealth generated only by the labor force of Mexican migrants. The deportation data is collected in Mexico by the Ministry of the Interior, which is in charge of immigration policy. The combined numbers allow us to observe some demographic characteristics of repatriated Mexicans. For example: nine out of 10 Mexicans deported from the United States in the last three decades are men, and the rest are women (3.9 million versus 512,852), a sign that those who migrate north from Mexico the most are men. Of the total number of Mexicans repatriated, almost 282,000 were aged under 18 (6.3%). The vast majority were deported with an adult, although there were also a few hundred cases in which the minors were unaccompanied. The year in which the most migrant minors were deported was 2024, the final year of the Biden administration, with a record of 28,270. The second-highest number of cases was in 2009, with just over 26,000. In 2017, the lowest number of returns of minors was recorded, with just under 9,000 cases. However, the vast majority of those repatriated were aged over 18 and of working age (more than 93%), so it can be assumed that they were migrants with some form of occupation at the time of their return. The information from the Ministry of the Interior also allows us to know the state of origin of those Mexicans deported from 2010 onwards (before that year, the information was not broken down by place of departure). Eight Mexican states account for 48% of the migration to the United States in the three five-year periods reviewed: Michoacan, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Guanajuato, Puebla, Chiapas, Veracruz, and the State of Mexico. In other words: in the last 15 years, at least 2.1 million Mexicans left those places (the figure is necessarily higher, considering the Mexicans who remain in the U.S.). These eight states have something in common: they are located in central and southern Mexico, regions that have historically been less developed, in the sense that governments have not prioritized their industrialization in decades. Conversely, the list of states that have seen the fewest migrants is headed by Baja California Sur, despite its proximity to the U.S. border. Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo, located on the Mexican peninsula, the furthest point from the border, are also part of this group. Another notable case among these states is Tabasco, despite its location in the underdeveloped south of Mexico, next to Chiapas, Veracruz, and Oaxaca. Figures compiled by the Mexican government help to understand the dynamics of migration to the United States. The departure of tens of thousands of people from the center and south of the country highlights the inequality gap that needs to be closed. For this reason, the massive return of migrants to their places of origin will put enormous pressure on states with weak economies. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, like her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has stated that a priority of her administration is to spur the development of the abandoned south so that inhabitants find opportunities there and are not forced to migrate. For now, the president has announced a series of support systems for Mexicans deported by Trump in this new era, from jobs to government transfers. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition On Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off SANJAY', a battlefield surveillance system which is set to enhance battlefield transparency and transform the future battlefield through a centralised web application. SANJAY is an automated system which integrates the inputs from all ground and aerial battlefield sensors, processing them to confirm their veracity, preventing duplication and fusing them to produce a common surveillance picture of the battlefield over a secured army data network and satellite communication network. It will provide inputs to Command & Army Headquarters, and the Indian Army Decision Support System. Equipped with highly advanced sensors and cutting-edge analytics, the battlefield surveillance system will monitor India's vast borders, prevent intrusions, and assess situations with extreme accuracy. ALSO READ: After Philippines, another country to soon acquire India's BrahMos missiles? Jointly developed by the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), SANJAY will enable commanders to operate in both conventional and sub-conventional operations in a network-centric environment. It is expected to be a multiplier in Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) system. The defence ministry said the induction of the system will be an extraordinary leap towards data and network centricity in the Indian Army. The systems will be inducted to all operational brigades, divisions and corps of the Indian Army in three phasesfrom March to October. Karla Sofia Gascon created an Oscar history as the first openly trans woman to be nominated for her performance in Emilia Perez. The Spanish star gained a Best Actress nomination for her portrayal of the titular role in Jacques Audiards musical crime film. Netflixs Spanish language crime musical earned a leading 13 Oscar nominations including best picture, international picture, lead actress (Karla Sofia Gascon), supporting actress (Zoe Saldana) and best director (Jacques Audiard). Her fellow nominees in this category include Cynthia Erivo in Wicked, Mikey Madison in Anora, Demi Moore in The Substance and Fernanda Torres in Im Still Here. Also read | Indian short film 'Anuja' nominated for Oscars 2025: Check full list here Who is Karla Sofia Gascon? Born on 31st March 1972, Gascon built her career in America, featuring in comedy films like The Noble Family and the narco-series El Senor de los Cielos. Emilia Perez was a breakout moment for Gasco, who transitioned in 2018 after years spent acting in Mexican telenovelas. The turning point of her career started when she auditioned in front of Audiard, the French film director and three-time Golden Globe winner. Also read | The biggest Oscar nomination snubs of 2025 For Jacques Audiard, casting a trans woman for this project was very crucial. If I had questions, I went to her. If there were things that bothered her, she told me and I changed them. The strength and power of her acting is rooted in her experience he was quoted by USA Today. He was initially planning to cast the character with a man and a woman, but Gascon insisted on playing both versions. I dont want others to do my part! she quipped. But more importantly, Im an actress and I want to do roles that are as far away from me as possible. In Emilia Perez, Gascon plays the role of a Mexican drug lord who transitions through gender-affirming surgery and starts anew as a social worker. Her speech at the Golden Globes was an emotional tribute to her role in the movie. You can maybe put us in jail. You can beat us up, but you never can take away our soul, our existence, our identity. And I want to say to you: Raise your voice for freedom, she continued. "I am who I am- not who you want. Gascons openness about her transition has inspired countless individuals, especially members of the LGBTQ+ community. She advocates living authentically and believes that talent and authenticity combined have the power to transform not only individuals but also the world. Donald Trump kicked off his second term as U.S. president on Monday with a flurry of executive orders aimed at sweeping away the era of his predecessor, Joe Biden, and making a sharp U-turn on immigration, energy, and diversity policy. Although Trump pushed the limits of executive authority, for many of his priorities, presidential decrees are not enough; they need legal backing. The Republican-majority Congress has served him up on a platter the first law of the new legislature, which allows the president to put the focus on one of those priorities: deportations. The passage of the bill has left the Democratic Party divided on the issue. The Senate and House on Wednesday afternoon passed the Laken Riley Act, named in honor of a Georgia nursing student who was killed last year by a Venezuelan immigrant who had previously been arrested and released on a misdemeanor charge. The new law, which fits neatly into Trumps policy of mass deportations, allows for the detention and removal of undocumented immigrants who are charged with crimes, even if they have not yet been tried or convicted. The final vote took place on Wednesday in the House of Representatives and the bill was supported as a bloc by Republican congressmen and 46 Democrats. The overall result of the vote, with 263 in favor and 156 against, confirms the Democratic shift on the issue. The bill had already passed the lower House last year, but stalled in the Senate, which was controlled by Joe Bidens party at the time. Now, Democratic senators have helped to unblock its fast-track passage in the upper chamber as well. The new rule requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain unauthorized immigrants who are charged with, or have been arrested for or convicted of theft, robbery and nonviolent assault and mandates that they be held in custody until deported. The bill was expanded in the Senate to also include those accused of assaulting a police officer or crimes that result in injury or death. Under the previous law, a conviction for two misdemeanors or one felony was required for deportation. The text of the new rule also allows states to sue the federal government if they can prove damages caused by immigrants who enter the country illegally. What the law does not include is new funding to bolster ICE resources. The Department of Homeland Security has estimated that implementing the new legislation would cost $26.9 billion in the first year, including an increase of 110,000 ICE detention beds. Trump wants new funding for immigration as part of another law that would also serve to extend his previous terms tax cuts, which expire at the end of this year. Addressing fresh spending and lower revenues without increasing the already runaway government deficit will require cuts in other areas. Progressive critics Some Democrats have criticized the law for that lack of funding, but others have done so as a matter of principle, especially among the partys progressive wing. It is shameful that the first bill of the new Congress will put a target on the back of millions of our neighbors and increase the militarization of our neighborhoods, Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib said in a statement. This bill is a blatant violation of due process and will lead to the mandatory detention and deportation of people who are merely accused of a crime without even being convicted. It will separate families and lead to increased racial profiling. It will empower Trump even further to unleash mass deportation on our communities. Its a shame that my colleagues are giving into racist fearmongering at the first opportunity to pass legislation to scapegoat immigrants and fuel hate in our communities, she added. I want the American people to know with eyes wide open, what is inside this bill because we stand here just two days after President Trump gave unconditional pardons to violent criminals who attacked our nations capital on January 6, and these are the people who want you to believe, who want us to believe, that theyre trying to quote unquote keep criminals off the streets, when they are opening the floodgates, New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said for her part during the House debate. In this bill, if a person is so much as accused of a crime, if someone wants to point a finger and accuse someone of shoplifting, they will be rounded up and put into a private detention camp and signed and sent out for deportation without a day in court, without a moment to assert their right and without a moment to assert the privilege of innocent until proven guilty, she continued. A significant group of members of the Democratic Party, especially from constituencies where they were elected with a slim majority, have seen how Trumps tough-on-illegal-immigration message has caught on with the electorate and decided to support the law. Some even co-sponsored it, such as the senators for Arizona, Ruben Gallego, and Pennsylvania, John Fetterman. Trump has declared an emergency on the border with Mexico and a good part of his first decrees have been aimed at combating irregular immigration. The president has decided to cancel asylum and refugee requests, send troops to the border, and reinforce physical barriers and other exceptional measures, despite the fact that the flow of immigrants has fallen in recent months to levels below those recorded at the end of his first term. The demonization of immigrants and xenophobic discourse contributed significantly to his election victory, just as it did in 2016. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition CLAIM: CT coronary scans can detect heart blockages quickly, non-invasively, and with precise detail, eliminating the need for traditional angiograms. FACT: This claim is misleading. While CT coronary angiograms (CTCA) are a valuable diagnostic tool, they do not replace traditional angiograms in all scenarios. Both procedures serve distinct purposes and are applied based on the patients condition and likelihood of coronary artery disease (CAD). Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and stroke, are the leading cause of death in India. So it is no wonder that every second day, there is a new claim on social media regarding preventing, diagnosing or even treating heart diseases. One such claim is that a non-invasive CT coronary angiogram can be used instead of a traditional angiogram to detect potential heart issues. An Instagram reel posted by @versatilevivesgallery features influencer Raj Shamani in conversation with cardiologist Dr Bimal Chhajer, where they discuss this. In the video, which has about 1.6 crore views and close to 6 lakh likes, Shamani asks his guest about methods to detect blockages in the heart caused by high fat and cholesterol levels. You can check if you have one, and if there is a blockage, you can find out today. It can be checked very easily now with a CT coronary scan, which takes just five minutes. A five-second injection is given, followed by a five-second X-ray, and all the images inside your body are captured, the doctor says. According to the guest, the scan not only reveals blockages but also specifies their severity10 per cent, 20 per cent, 50 per cent, or 80 per centand exact location. This test costs around five thousand to nine thousand rupees, but also highlights the general lack of awareness, saying, People never hear of it, so theres a lack of awareness and knowledge about the availability of such tests. Doctors should inform more people, he says. Doctors often prefer to do an angiography, where a wire is inserted into the body using a catheter... Theres a risk involved, so hospitalization is required, he noted while adding that doctors cause so much fear while giving the report, saying things like, You might die tomorrow. This fear leads to a rush for surgery. An angiogram is a medical imaging test used to visualize blood vessels and detect issues like blockages or narrowing. It involves injecting a contrast dye into the blood vessels and using X-rays to capture detailed images. They [hospitals] create fear instead of suggesting this easy procedure, which is the best way to detect blockage, the host concludes. The reel seems to have been cut from a video posted on Raj Shamanis official YouTube channel, which has also gotten over 35 lakh views. So what are the facts? To verify this claim, we spoke to well-regarded cardiologists at renowned institutions. Dr Nitish Naik, a cardiologist at AIIMS, New Delhi, emphasized that in medicine, nothing is absolute, and that CT coronary angiograms and traditional angiograms are complementary. For patients with a high likelihood of significant blockages, a traditional angiogram is more reliable, he explained. CT coronary angiograms, on the other hand, are suitable for cases with mild or low suspicion of coronary artery disease (CAD) and serve as a preliminary screening tool. Dr Shiv Kumar Choudhary, a cardiologist at Fortis Hospital, New Delhi, highlighted the limitations of CT coronary angiograms, especially because they have a negative predictive value. If the results are negative, we can confidently rule out coronary artery disease. But if positive, further investigation with a traditional angiogram is necessary to plan treatment, he explained while adding that CT coronary angiograms are ideal for low-risk patients or those with atypical symptoms but are less effective in cases involving heavily calcified arteries. Choudhary explained that traditional angiograms remain critical for high-risk patients or those with positive stress tests, such as the treadmill test (TMT). A conventional angiogram provides detailed information about the morphology and extent of blockages, which is critical for interventions, he said. He further clarified that CT coronary angiograms cannot provide the comprehensive details needed to plan therapy, especially in cases requiring surgical or catheter-based interventions. Thus, CT coronary angiograms are a useful, non-invasive tool for detecting heart blockages, especially in low-risk patients. However, they have limitations and cannot entirely replace traditional angiograms, which are crucial for diagnosing and treating complex cases. Patients should consult a doctor to determine the most appropriate diagnostic approach for their condition. Thus, this claim is misleading. This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS. A certain medicine called Risdiplam by Roche Pharmaceuticals, for patients of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) costs Rs 72 lakhs a year in India. A case in this regard has been going on in the Kerala High Court for a while now. On 22nd the Central government submitted an affidavit in response to a complaint filed by the petitioner. "The government is basically just shrugging its responsibility from providing life-saving treatments to people when it is the people's right to life-saving medicines. We know the prices can be brought down and the production cost is only Rs 3,000 and there are companies in India who can make it and will make it at a fraction of the cost at which Roche is making now," says Jyotsna Singh. However, the government's argument is that because it is such an expensive medicine, it will take crores of rupees if the government were to provide it to all patients suffering from SMA in the country. In the affidavit, the Central government acknowledges the staggering cost of SMA therapiesranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 8 crore per patient annually, with gene therapies costing between Rs 9 crore and Rs 30 crore per patient. This results in an unbudgeted national expenditure of Rs 6,400 crore to Rs 34,000 crore each year. The government argues that such costs are beyond its financial reach. Activists though, maintain that it is up to the government to allow generic production in the country and bring the price down, thereby making it available to everyone in need. This approach leaves patients and families without a sustainable path to life-saving treatments. It also fails to inquire about the transparency of pharmaceutical pricing. The government, in its affidavit, also contests the efficacy of Risdiplam on adults, maintaining that it is more effective on children than on adults. The affidavit notes that "on examination of the patient, the Rare Disease Committee of SAT Hospital, CoE, Thiruvananthapuram has not recommended to incur expenditure on the patient as the Committee has opined that the drug is more beneficiary for younger children and since in older individuals the death of the involved cells has already occurred, the benefit of the drug is theoretically less." The patient here represents thousands of other SMA patients in India. Saifullah Khalidi, an adult in his 30s who was present in a media briefing arranged by the Working Group on Access to Medicines and Treatments, suffers from SMA. Khalidi contests the government's stance, saying, "Instead of shifting the burden on patients and their families, the Ministry of Health needs to look for ways and means to reduce the cost of Risdiplam. This is a matter of equity and compassion." SMA impacts individuals differently depending on the severity of their condition. However, it is universally marked by progressive muscle weakness and loss of function. Over 8,500 people, ranging from newborns to those over 60 years of age, have received treatment with Risdiplam. "Data from trials for Risdiplam reinforce long-term efficacy and safety profile in some of the most severely affected people with SMA type 2 and 3. This trial included people with advanced disease, and not just kids," says Chetali Rao, a legal and pharma expert working on rare diseases. SMA activists believe that even as the high prices of SMA treatment/medicines remain, "it does not absolve the responsibility of the government from its moral and constitutional obligations." The government, say activists, is empowered with effective law and policy tools and therefore should facilitate the availability of Risdiplam at an affordable price using those tools. Section 100 of the Indian Patents Act empowers the government to issue a government-use license to facilitate affordable generic production. "It is also a well-known fact that Indian companies possess the ability to produce the generic version of Risdiplam. The Ministry of Health should act swiftly and not push the lives of thousands of SMA patients to the edges," says patient Khalidi. At least eight persons were killed and about 14 workers are feared trapped as the roof of the ordnance factory in Maharashtra's Bhandara collapsed in a blast on Friday. Search and rescue operations are underway at the site. #WATCH | Maharashtra | Debris at the site of the blast at Ordnance Factory, Bhandara today. One person died in the incident as per official information. pic.twitter.com/IrxrE98gKO ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025 The high-intensity blast occurred around 10.30am in the LTP section of the factory and it was even heard 5km away. State Disaster Rescue Force, police, fire personnel and medical services were rushed to the spot and rescue operations are underway at the site, authorities said. Earthmovers have been deployed to clear debris as the roof of the factory collapsed in the blast. As per initial reports, five persons have been rescued. Deeply saddened to know about the blast ot Ordnance Factory at Bhandara, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The rescue teams are deployed at the site. All efforts are being made to provide assistance to those Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 24, 2025 Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condoled the death of workers in the incident and said higher officials including the district SP and district collector are coordinating rescue efforts on the spot. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari condoled the incident and offered silent prayers for the deceased during an event at Nagpur. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed grief over the incident and said rescue efforts are on. Deeply saddened to know about the blast at Ordnance Factory, Bhandara, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The rescue teams are deployed at the site. All efforts are being made to provide assistance to those who are affected, Singh tweeted. The opposition slammed the ruling BJP for the blast and said the blast occurred due to the failure of the Modi government. As Delhi gears up for assembly elections, public safety and law and order have emerged as pivotal campaign issues. Often labelled as the "crime capital", the city's crime rate has sparked a heated political battle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP. At the heart of the debate lies the accountability of the city police, which falls under the jurisdiction of the central government. The tug of war over law enforcement is not new as AAP has often accused the Delhi police of being unable to control the crime rate, while the BJP has accused AAP of failing to tackle issues that result in threats to national security whether it is the 2020 riots or illegal Bangladeshi migrant issue. Recent remarks made by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi, during his visit to Delhi, where he accused the AAP of mishandling the Bangladeshi immigrant problem, has started a fresh war of words between the BJP and the AAP. Alluding to Yogi's image as a tough chief minister in UP who is putting "goons and mafias" in jail, AAP supremo and Delhis Arvind Kejriwal targeted the BJP, in turn, asking it to take lessons from UP. Addressing the media, he said, I completely agree with Yogi Adityanath. I as well as the residents of Delhi are in complete agreement with the statement of deteriorating law and order in the capital. He further added, The Delhi police comes under Central government control. Yogi ji should directly talk to his Home Minister Amit Shah and should guide him on how to control crime in Delhi. The ongoing slugfest between the BJP and AAP over law and order during the electoral battle is one among the many issues where the smooth governance of the capital comes under the scanner. In matters of land, police and public order, the lieutenant governor is not bound to listen to the advice of the legislature while health, education, and transport among others fall under the domain of the elected government in the capital. However, these demarcations have failed to address the outcomes, where more often than not, there is room left for the political parties to continue the blame game. As Mumbai Police ascertain the identity of the Bangladeshi man accused of stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence, the attacker's family has alleged that the man caught on CCTV camera sneaking into the actor's house was not his son. Police said the accused Mohammad Shariful Islam was an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh. They also recovered a Bangladeshi driving license and other documents were found from Shariful, which proved he was a Bangladeshi citizen. The licence says Shariful is a resident of the Barisal Sadar area of Bangladesh and was born on March 12, 1994. His father's name is Mohammad Ruhul Amin. Meanwhile, Shariful's father Mohammad Ruhul Amin acknowledged that the arrested man was his son but denied his involvement in the crime. Ruhul Amin told ABP Ananda over the phone that the man on the CCTV camera was not his son. "The person seen on the CCTV is not my son. I saw the picture captured on CCTV. The person seen in the footage has long hair that covers his eyes. That is not my son. His face is also different. Your country India is huge and many people have similar faces. Even in a small province of Bangladesh, many people look the same. Many have confused me with others. There is a huge difference between the person seen on the camera and my son," Ruhul Amin added. The father said Shariful left Bangladesh and came to India after the political unrest in the country and had been employed. Shariful was a supporter of Khaleda Zia and had been threatened by Awami League after Hasina returned to power last year, the father claimed. He added that he used to hear from his son every month after he received his salary. Though he was first staying in West Bengal, Shariful moved to Mumbai in search of better prospects. He added that Fakir hadn't received any communication from the police. Despite his claim, police said Shariful has not been in contact with his family for a long time. Meanwhile, the accused is said to have requested the police to deport him to Bangladesh, stating that he only meant to steal money and not harm the actor. Shariful said he lost his job on December 15 and was facing financial problems. He stated he planned to rob the actor's house before returning back to Bangladesh. Maharashtra government should release a white paper on the investment proposals that it claims to have signed at Davos, demanded Congress president Nana Patole in Mumbai on Friday. Addressing a press conference, Patole said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that agreements signed with 61 companies during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, will result in investments worth Rs 15.70 lakh crore and the creation of 15.95 lakh jobs. While significant investments in the state are welcome, the public has a right to know the specifics of these agreements and the reality behind them as similar grand announcements have been made in the past as well, he said. Hence, it is necessary that the Mahayuti government should release a white paper on the investments and jobs generated from previous deals made during Davos visits, he added. Patole pointed out that of the 61 companies with which agreements were signed in Davos, 51 are based in India, 43 of which are from Mumbai and Pune. Only 10 companies are foreign-based. Among these, a Rs 1,500 crore deal was signed between CIDCO and BookMyShow, despite Mumbai Police investigating the online platform for black marketing of Coldplay tickets. Furthermore, an agreement was signed with Hiranandani, a company currently under investigation for preparing fake documents related to demolition activities in Powais Jay Bhim Nagar and for an EPFO scam, which is being probed by the CBI, he said and asked if the government is encouraging black marketing by collaborating with such companies. Patole also criticised the government for signing agreements with alcohol manufacturersan Rs 750 crore deal was signed with Heineken, and another Rs 1,500 crore deal with AB InBev, a beer producer. Article 47 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Constitution states that the state should work to prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs harmful to health except for medicinal purposes, he said. "By signing agreements with liquor companies, is the BJP government turning Maharashtra into a 'liquor state'" Patole asked. Additionally, a deal was signed with Dhanashree Mandhani's PRYM Company in Jalna to manufacture drones, with a target of producing 6,000 drones. The company claims to have a 10,000 sqft. factory for drone manufacturing, but, according to Patole, no such facility exists, and the company only assembles parts of knock-down drones imported from abroad. Patole highlighted that while the CM was in Davos, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai visited Mumbai and secured Rs 6,000 crore worth of investments for his state. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Pune and met entrepreneurs to attract industries to Madhya Pradesh. He urged the government to bring genuine investments to Maharashtra instead of misleading people in the name of Davos. West Bengal leader of the opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari on Friday led a march in Kolkata in protest of the alleged use of banned Ringers Lactate (RL) saline in the Midnapore Medical College & Hospital (MMCH), which led to one maternal death and injured several others. The West Bengal government, meanwhile, has attributed the death at MMCH to medical negligence and, following preliminary investigations by the CID and a 13-member expert committee from the state health department, suspended 12 doctors. Also read | Midnapore saline issue: Calcutta HC orders government to submit report, compensate victim families BJP MLAs Agnimitra Paul and Shankar Ghosh, along with party leaders Shankudeb Panda and Kaustav Bagchi, among others, attended Friday's protest march from Kolkata's College Square to Mohammad Ali Park. LoP Adhikari asked the state government to publish the list of patients administered with RL saline. The BJP leader also demanded that appropriate action be taken against Paschmi Banga Pharmaceuticals Limited, manufacturer of the disputed saline. Instead of taking action against the company which made the RL saline, the state has taken action against doctors. Doctors are our national asset, he said. The legislator from Nandigram also asked the state to compensate the victims family with Rs 50 lakh and the families of those who fell ill with Rs 10 lakh. LoP Adhikari also called for the resignations and arrests of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also serves as the states health & family welfare minister, as well as health & family welfare department secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam. Meanwhile, the West Bengal government dismissed allegations regarding the RL saline, asserting that the batch supplied to MMCH had undergone proper testing. Earlier this month, during a joint press conference with CM Banerjee, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, and Nigam announced that the state had stopped procuring medical supplies from Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Three more children have been admitted to hospitals in Jammu after falling sick to the mystery illness that killed 17 in Rajouri's Badhal village. Two children were on ventilators at SMGS Hospital, Jammu, while the third one was at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Jammu. GMCH principal Dr Ashutosh said seven individuals from Badhal village were undergoing treatment at GMC Rajouri, reported Rising Kashmir. Mystery Illness in J&K: 17 Dead, Including 14 Children A mysterious illness in Budhal, Rajouri has claimed 17 lives, including 14 children, due to fatal brain swelling (edema). The village is under quarantine, over 200 people isolated. Experts from NCDC & NIV Pune are pic.twitter.com/ETVr2g5NVu Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) January 24, 2025 Meanwhile, authorities seem to believe that it was some dangerous toxin that caused the deaths and not any bacterial or viral infection. Union minister Jitendra Singh, who was in Kathua on Thursday to inaugurate a bridge, confirmed this. "Initial investigations have found that the deaths have not been due to infection, viral or bacterial. They have been caused by toxins. Tests are on to identify the type of toxin," Singh said. The minister added that it was not yet clear what caused the poisoning and action would be taken if it was found to be intentional. Deputy CM Surinder Chowdhary also confirmed that no virus or infection has been detected. "Once we pinpoint the cause, we will be able to completely address it," he said. While health officials say the common factor among those who died of the illness was damage to the brain and the nervous system, experts believe it could be some insecticide, pesticide or even gas. However, they said it was too early to jump to conclusions. The affected children suffered from bouts of irritability, drowsiness, and profuse sweating followed by respiratory distress. On Thursday, authorities quarantined over 200 individuals who are said to have come in contact with the affected families. Of these, four were shifted to hospitals. Rajouri MLA blames hospital An altercation broke out between Rajouri MLA Javaid Iqbal Choudhary and the GMCH Jammu principal after the former accused the hospital management of mismanagement in handling patients. The MLA wanted the ill patients to be shifted to PGI Chandigarh, which was denied by the hospital. "There is total mismanagement at the GMC hospital in Jammu. They failed to save the children. While one ill person shifted to PGI Chandigarh was stable but others shifted to GMC in Jammu are serious. We demand that all should be shifted to Chandigarh", he told reporters in Rajouri. However, the GMC Principal, however, reassured that the best possible care was being provided. We are following health guidelines and protocols, not the instructions of any politician, he said. The Central Bureau of Investigation moved the Calcutta High Court on Friday challenging the Sealdah courts order sentencing convict Sanjay Roy to life in the RG Kar trainee doctor rape and murder case. The High Court will hear the case on Monday. A division bench, presided by Justice Debangsu Basak, will hear the CBI's appeal along with a similar appeal filed by the West Bengal government. Appearing for the CBI, Deputy Solicitor General Rajdeep Majumdar said the central agency, which investigated the case, has the right to challenge the lower court order before the High Court on the ground of inadequacy of sentence. The High Court said it would hear the CBI, the victim's family and the convict through their lawyers before deciding on the admission of the appeal filed by the Trinamool Congress government. The central agency also opposed the state governments plea in the case saying it was the prosecuting agencys right to prefer the appeal on the grounds of inadequacy of sentence, PTI reported. The state government has also argued that life sentence for the convict till death was inadequate. The Sealdah court sentenced convict Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment in the RG Kar rape and murder case on January 20. The trainee doctor was found dead at the seminar hall of the hospital on August 9 last year and police arrested Roy, a civic volunteer, within 24 hours of the incident. The trial court in its order said the convict was not sentenced to the death penalty as it was not rarest of rare case. A Mumbai court on Friday extended police custody of the alleged attacker in the Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan stabbing case till January 29. The accused was produced in court on Friday as his previous remand came to an end on Friday. #WATCH | Actor Saif Ali Khan attack case | Maharashtra | Accused Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad brought to Bandra Magistrate court in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/OYUrghgtQj ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025 The accused, Shareeful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir (30), allegedly an illegal Bangladeshi was produced before a magistrate's court in Bandra and police sought an extension of his custody. The court sought an extension of seven more days. Granting the plea, the court extended police custody of the accused till January 29. Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked by an alleged intruder during the early hours of January 16 at his flat in Bandra. The attacker, allegedly a Bangladeshi, stabbed the actor six times when Khan tried to overpower him. The actor was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for treatment. According to doctors, a 2.5-inch long broken knife part was removed from his wound near spine. The actor was discharged from the private hospital on January 21. According to police, the accused has reportedly confessed to the crime. Police on Friday recovered a third part of the knife used to attack the actor. Police had said the attacker was a Bangladeshi and he allegedly entered India illegally. Earlier, police had recreated the crime scene by taking the accused to the actors residence. Investigators on Thursday recorded the actors statement in the case. In his statement, the actor has reportedly said he woke up hearing the cry of his young son Jeh and his nanny. Khan said he got attacked while he tried to catch the intruder. According to police, the attacker has allegedly entered Khans house for burglary. Two trucks from the Ocean Seafood warehouse after the raid in which US immigration agents detained undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens in Newark on Friday. A raid by immigration police on Thursday at a wholesale seafood business in Newark, New Jersey, has raised numerous questions about the scope and objectives of the deportation orders signed by President Donald Trump on the first day of his second term. The operation by ICE agents at the Newark business resulted in an unspecified number of arrests, including undocumented immigrants as well as U.S. citizens, among them an Army veteran. Compounding the confusion surrounding the raid is the White Houses plan to expand its deportation efforts to include 1.4 million temporary residents in other words, legal residents, such as citizens who fled Cuba or Venezuela. Although it is unclear whether the raid in New Jerseys most populous city was triggered by any of the White Houses new enforcement directives as ICE regularly conducts actions across the region the fact that those detained included citizens with proper documentation, as well as others with temporary residency status, raises concerns. This suggests that, beyond the stated aim of deporting only undocumented individuals with criminal records, including many awaiting trial, the mass deportation campaign may also target the roughly one million foreigners who received temporary residence permits during president Joe Bidens administration. Activists and legal groups worry that the scope of the mass expulsions could also extend to the thousands of Afghans and Ukrainians who sought refuge in the U.S. in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Under a memo signed late Thursday by the acting head of the Department of Homeland Security and obtained by The New York Times, the Republican administration has directed ICE officials to swiftly deport migrants who were temporarily allowed into the U.S. under two Biden-era programs: the CBP One asylum application and an initiative that permitted entry to certain migrants fleeing Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Haiti. These individuals were granted a two-year residency permit known as parole, a program that was terminated by Trump. The memo provides immigration agents with a roadmap for identifying, detaining, and removing individuals powers that have traditionally been used only at the Mexican border to expel migrants on the spot. Newarks mayor alleges these powers were used during Thursdays raid, which Mayor Ras Baraka claims was carried out without a warrant. Meanwhile, the White House has confirmed that deportations have begun, posting two photos on the social network X (formerly Twitter), which is owned by Elon Musk. The images show rows of individuals boarding military planes, accompanied by a message from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt: Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong message to the world: those who enter the United States of America illegally will face serious consequences. Leavitts post does not provide details about the departure airports or the number or identity of those being deported. However, the images show individuals in handcuffs, visibly young men, though they are pictured from behind. In another message posted to its X account on Thursday, ICE reported that 538 people were questioned (asked to identify themselves) and 373 arrest warrants were issued, although it did not specify the duration or location of the actions. According to the Republican administrations plans, the first significant push against illegal immigration was set to take place on Monday in Chicago, a sanctuary city governed by Democrats, where a large shelter with capacity for nearly 2,000 migrants was evicted on Christmas Eve. The second stage of the large-scale deportations was expected to unfold in New York, according to Republican Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, but the complaint from Newarks mayor, Democrat Ras Baraka, has raised doubts about the timeline. The implementation of the new immigration policy is also revealing deep divisions within the Democratic Party. On one hand, there is the critical and combative stance of Baraka, who has long championed policies of protecting immigrants. On the other, there is the more self-interested acquiescence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has shown a willingness to support or at least tolerate ICEs actions in an effort to align himself with Trump for purely political reasons (Adams, who is facing corruption charges, will be tried in April). The closure of the Chicago shelter has also been interpreted as a precautionary move to avoid resistance to the inevitable. Baraka was one of the first local officials in the U.S. to speak out about a specific raid under the new administration. In 2017, he signed an executive order affirming the citys sanctuary status and strongly opposed Trumps immigration policies during his first term. This contrasts sharply with Adams, who has expressed willingness to cooperate with ICE agents in New York, despite the citys long-standing obligation to provide shelter to new arrivals, a mandate that has been in place since the 1980s. Of the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the United States illegally or with temporary status in 2022, about 44% resided in states with sanctuary laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This number excludes those living in sanctuary cities and counties in areas without state laws, such as New Mexico. The confusing incident in Newark, which has only been reported by the mayor and a representative from the district both Democrats was confirmed by ICE. In a statement, a spokesperson explained that agents may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting fieldwork and may request identification to establish an individuals identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today [Thursday] in Newark. However, Baraka condemned it as a constitutional outrage, pointing out that one of the detainees is a veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned. Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized, the mayor said in a statement. ICE, for its part, is investigating the incident. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed on X the number of arrests provided by ICE, describing all those arrested as illegal immigrant criminals. Although ICE has been selective with details, Leavitt stated that among those detained were gang members who had escaped from a Venezuelan prison, as well as individuals convicted of sexual crimes in theory, the type of people the Trump administration had originally said would be prioritized for deportation. Some of the information released by Leavitt was picked up by the ultra-conservative Fox News channel, which ran the headline: Trumps ICE nabs child sex offenders among 530+ illegal immigrants caught in single day. However, local media differ in their time references and report that nearly 500 undocumented immigrants were detained in sanctuary cities, including New York and New Jersey, between Tuesday and Wednesday. According to sources, these immigrants had outstanding warrants for various crimes. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Mumbai police recorded actor Saif Ali Khans statement in the horrific stabbing case on Thursday. Police officials visited the actor at his residence in Bandra and recorded his statement. The actor, who was allegedly stabbed six times by attacker Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, was discharged after treatment from Lilavati Hospital on Tuesday. Khan said in his statement that he woke up hearing screams of younger son Jehs and his nannys screams, and got attacked while trying to nab the alleged intruder. Khan told police that he and his wife, actor Kareena Kapoor, were sleeping in their bedroom on 11th floor of the building when they heard screams of younger son Jehangir's nanny. The couple rushed to their sons room hearing the cry and they saw the attacker, NDTV reported quoting the actors statement. Jeh was crying, and his nanny Eliyama Philips was scared and screaming, the actor told the police. Khan said he was attacked when he tried to stop the intruder. Though injured, Khan pushed the attacker inside the room and locked him as nanny ran away with Jeh, police said. Mumbai police have registered a case based on a complaint from the actors maid and she also suffered injuries in the attack. Khan suffered deep wounds in his neck and left hand and underwent multiple surgeries as part of the treatment. Meanwhile, Mumbai polices custody of the accused ends on Friday. Police will produce the accused in court today and seek an extension of his custody. Reportedly, the attacker has confessed to the crime. Police on Thursday recovered the third part of the knife allegedly used to attack Khan. Yogi Adityanath tore into the Samajwadi Party on Friday, accusing it of forgetting the ideas of socialist ideologue, Ram Manohar Lohia, who he claimed had said that one who is interested in property and progeny is not a Samajwadi. The Samajwadis of today, Yogi Aditynath said, were only interested in sampatti (property) and were prone to putting in their flags wherever they saw a vacant plot of land. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister was campaigning in Milkipur (Faizabad) Vidhan Sabha today. The constituency will go to bypolls on February 5. This is the CMs first public meeting in the constituency which has traditionally not been a stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Adityanath charged the Samajwadi Party flag offered protection to criminals and mafia. On Akhilesh Yadav, he said the Samajwadi Party chief was spreading false information about the Mahakumbh and thus playing with the soul of the country. One of the recent statements by Yadav was against using the Mahakumbh for political purposes. This was in reference to the cabinet meeting which took place on the mela grounds on January 22. Yogi Adityanath stuck to a Hindutva pitch by reminding attendees that this was the same party which had the blood of kar sewaks on its hands. He said that the Samajwadi Party was intent on opposing everything be it the Ram Mandir or the naming of the international airport at Ayodhya after Maharishi Valmiki. He also directed his message to Dalit voters by accusing the Samajwadi Party of opposing the development of the birthplace of Guru Ravidas, who is highly revered by the Scheduled Castes, as they account for some 60,000 votes in Milkipur. He accused the party of having love only for mafias. The CM also brought up the rape of a 12-year-old Dalit girl in Ayodhya in which a Samajwadi Party worker, Moin Khan, was the main accused. Instead of believing the testimony of the girl, the Samajwadi Party had demanded a DNA test. The CM said that daughters should be believed, and their dignity upheld by all. Though Milkipur is a prestigious seat for the BJP, between 1977 and 2022, the party has won from the seat only twice. The Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CBCID), on Friday, informed the Madras High Court that it has completed the probe into the 2022 Vengaivayal caste crime case, where human faeces was found in a drinking water overhead tank. The report submitted before the court said the crime was motivated by a personal vendetta against the panchayat head and her husband. The report said three Dalit men from the village mixed faecal matter in water due to a personal rivalry with the local panchayat head. Appearing before the first Division Bench of Chief Justice K.R. Shriram and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, Additional Advocate General J. Ravindran informed that the CBCID had completed the probe after examining 127 witnesses and 57 documents. The probe has identified three accused Murali Raja, Sudarshan, and Muthukrishnan, Ravindran. Faecal matter was found in the drinking water in an overhead tank in the Vengaivasal village in Pudukottai district in December 2022, leading to a massive outrage among the people in Tamil Nadu. The issue came to the fore after children began to feel ill. The incident triggered a massive caste outrage among the people in the region and political parties in the state demanded a detailed probe. The case was handed over to the CBCID from the Pudukottai police. However, the ruling DMK came under pressure from all circles in the Vengaivasal issue and was criticised by its own alliance partners like the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). In 2023, a PIL was filed by K. Rajkamal and Marx Raveendran alias V. Raveendran seeking direction to expedite the probe. The PIL also demanded that the case be transferred to the CBI. The Madras High Court, hearing the PIL, expressed unhappiness over the slow progress of the investigation in the case. On Friday the CBCID informed the court that the probe has been concluded and the final report has been filed against three persons, before the jurisdictional magistrate on January 20, 2025. However, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan asked the Madras High Court not to accept the investigation report of the CBCID and demanded a CBI probe. CPI(M) state secretary P. Shanmugam said the reason given by the police was not substantial and it is as if the police, by blaming the Dalit youths, want to close the case. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, head of the Mutahida Majlis-E-Ulema (MMU), a coalition of several religious groups in Kashmir, Kargil, and Jammu, has expressed concerns over the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, calling it a move that will disempower Muslims. Speaking to THE WEEK after leading an MMU delegation for a meeting with Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), in New Delhi on Friday, Farooq alleged that the move was politically motivated. He said the legislation impacts Muslims across the country. This appears to be politically motivated, as the government is unwilling to acknowledge or address our concerns. He said the delegation submitted a detailed six-point memorandum to the JPC, highlighting key issues with the proposed legislation. According to Farooq, the government failed to provide satisfactory answers to their concerns. We told them they are presuming that Muslims are incapable of managing their institutions. We do not interfere in the religious affairs of others and cannot demand representation in the management of temples, churches, or gurdwaras. So why are Muslims being singled out? The foundation of this exercise is biased. He said the JPC did not visit Jammu and Kashmir, the only Muslim-majority region in India, despite repeated requests over the past three months. This shows the entire process is nothing more than a public relations exercise. Farooq said one of the key issues raised by the MMU delegation was the lack of records for many properties that are centuries old. Once this bill becomes law, such properties will automatically be declared government assets. This is not just about mosques and graveyards but also institutions built on Waqf land. He accused the government of rushing the process to table the final report in Parliament, possibly ahead of the Delhi assembly elections. They asked us to submit further suggestions, but their minds appear to be made up. The opposition bench in the JPC was also suspended, which shows they are in no mood to listen to alternative views. He said the proposed amendments would add to the woes of Kashmiris, who have already been politically disempowered. Now, this bill threatens to economically disempower us as well. It feels like we are caught between a rock and a hard place. The MMU delegation was unable to include representatives from Kargil and Jammu in the meeting but ensured that their reservations were formally recorded. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has sparked widespread concern among the Muslim community in Jammu and Kashmir, with many viewing it as an attempt to centralise control over Waqf properties and weaken local autonomy. The JPC is expected to submit its final report soon. This is the first time the Mirwaiz, who heads the moderate faction of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, has been allowed to travel outside Kashmir after the Article 370 move by the BJP. The Madhya Pradesh cabinet will meet in Maheshwar on Friday to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar. The chief minister, Mohan Yadav, has said that the government is upholding the principles of Holkar, whose name is prefixed with Devi, through good governance and excelling in areas such as justice, education, social welfare, religious welfare, water conservation and public welfare. He has also said that Holkars ideals will be integrated into the states policies and vision for building an ideal state. Inspired by her life, the government has implemented effective measures to promote womens leadership and empowerment. The meeting will be preceded by prayers at the Maheshwar Ghat at Narmada. The ghats and the city will be specially decorated for the event. Sapling plantation and a visit to the Holkar palace will be other highlights. The CM will also interact with women weavers who make Maheshwari sarees. The government also hopes that the initiative will help boost tourism to Maheshwar which is just over 280 kilometres from Bhopal. Holkar ruled the royal family of the Holkar dynasty from 1767 to 1795 from Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh. Holkars cultural contribution extends much beyond the state. She built many temples, forts and other religious structures. She is also credited with the reconstruction of important religious sites like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Somnath Temple and Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. Qualities of Holkar that the government is looking to promote in this landmark year include her efficient administration. Under her, the security system in the Indore state was strengthened, trade grew, and cultural and religious harmony reigned. Her love for justice and kindness was also legendary. She not only gave priority to education, health, and infrastructure, but also tried to end the discrimination prevalent in the society by including people from every caste and community in her court. Many schemes were made to provide relief to the poor and deprived during her rule. N. Binu, a native of Kumily, is better known as Raman Rajamannan, the tribal king of the Mannan community in Kerala. The king and his wife have been invited as guests by the Scheduled Tribes Development Department to attend the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi. Kovilmala, locally known as Kozhimala, is a tribal settlement and small village near Kattappana in Idukki district, Kerala. It is the only existing tribal kingdom in South India, with over 48 settlements under the king's rule. Rajamannan succeeded Ariyan Raja Mannan as the king of the tribe in 2012. He is the only literate king from the Mannan community, having completed his graduation in Economics from Maharaja's College in Ernakulam. Kerala Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes O. R. Kelu personally handed over the invitation to the king. His presence at the parade symbolises the government's efforts to recognise the countrys diverse tribal communities and promote the spirit of national unity and inclusivity. Earlier, Pandian, a member of the Mannan community, was invited to the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi. However, Raman Rajamannan will be the first tribal king from the community to attend the event. Thirty-nine-year-old Rajamannan is a farmer and leads a simple life in a modest house. He dons a traditional headgear, or Thalappavu, at social gatherings. Most of the members of his tribe also work as farmers, or daily wage laborers, or are engaged in the traditional practice of procuring forest produce. Rajamannan and his wife, Binumol, have already reached Delhi. Their travel expenses have been covered by the Scheduled Tribes Development Department. During their visit, they will tour Agra and other historically important places in the national capital. They will also meet President Droupadi Murmu and other prominent leaders before returning to Kerala on February 2. The Trump administration arrested over 500 illegal immigrant criminals including suspected terrorists and sex offenders on Friday. Donald Trump vowed to take strict action against illegal immigrants in the country after assuming charge as the president of the United States. White House on Friday announced that hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals were deported "via military aircraft" in the operation to crack down on illegal immigrants. Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences. pic.twitter.com/CTlG8MRcY1 Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 24, 2025 "The Trump administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors," said Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary. She also added that the largest massive deportation operation in history is underway in the US. "Promises made. Promises kept," Leavitt said. In an effort to secure the borders of the US, the Trump administration has listed the names of some of the 'criminals' arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. TODAY: The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors. Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 24, 2025 "On January 23...ICE Buffalo arrested Pedro Julio Mejia who has been convicted of sexual conduct against a child," the enforcement agency said. Also, Cristofer Alexander Ramirez-Olivia, who was convicted of 3rd-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor was also arrested. After assuming office on January 20, Trump signed the executive order and emphasised that, over the last four years, the Joe Biden administration "invited, administered, and oversaw" an unprecedented flood of illegal immigration into the US. "Millions of illegal aliens crossed our borders or were permitted to fly directly into the United States on commercial flights and allowed to settle in American communities, in violation of longstanding Federal laws," he said. Trump vowed to protect Americans against invasion. Ukraine could be setting its sights on Crimea again, a year after it hit dozens of targets in the peninsula, as Russia is reportedly bolstering defences and digging trenches along the beaches in anticipation of a possible Ukrainian airborne assault. Russia is building fortifications, dugouts and trenches on the beaches and has also stationed its personnel in the area, fearing Ukrainian assault along the coastline near Yevpatoria, on the west coast of Crimea, reported Kyiv Post. "Such locations are guarded, and access to the beaches is restricted," Kyiv Post quoted a Telegram post by Ukrainian guerrilla group Atesh. Atesh added that Russia has deployed additional Rosgvardia and air defence units, including Russian military personnel, Federal Security Service (FSB) operatives, and other law enforcement agencies. Atesh claimed that about half of the families of Rosgvardia officers had left Crimea, fearing potential combat in Yevpatoria. Though Ukraine has not officially confirmed any potential airborne operations in Crimea, military analysts suggest that Ukraine could embark on an air assault as part of its broader strategy to reclaim the peninsula. Atesh had earlier too reported that Russia was bracing for a potential Ukrainian airborne landing in Yevpatoria. It quoted an Atesh agent embedded in the Russias National Guard (Rosgvardia) who said the Russian forces were expecting a landing by a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group in the area, forcing them to reinforce defensive structures throughout the city and its surroundings. The report comes as Ukrainian UAVs targetted Crimea and 11 other oblasts in Russia, including the city of Moscow Thursday night. "Over the past night, 121 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted and destroyed by air defence systems," the Russian Defence Ministry informed. Last year, Ukraine hit over a dozen targets in Crime, targeting Russian air power and communications infrastructure. It also conducted a maritime offensive against the Russian Black Sea Fleet using marine drones and missiles. The Ukrainian Navy claimed Russian warships left the nearby Sea of Azov following the attack. A federal district court judge temporarily blocked President Donald Trumps executive order to limit birthright citizenship on Thursday, calling it "blatantly unconstitutional." Setting off a protracted legal battle over Trump's move to deny citizenship to children born in the United States if neither their mother nor father is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, Senior U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order at the urging of four Democratic-led states - Washington, Arizona, Illinois and Oregon. This was one of the five lawsuits filed by Democratic attorneys general and immigrant rights organisations challenging the order. The judge heard 25 minutes of arguments before issuing the order, blocking the policy from taking effect for 14 days. "Ive been on the bench for over four decades," Coughenour, a Ronald Reagan appointee, said. "I cant remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order." Also read: Why Trump's challenge to birthright citizenship could set the ground for a legal battle What the petitioners argued Lawyers representing the four states that President Trump and the federal government now seek to impose a modern version of Dred Scott, referring to U.S. Supreme Courts 1857 Dred Scott decision, which held that people descended from slaves were not citizens. However, the 14th Amendment emerged in the transformative post-Civil War era dismantled this exclusionary system, declaring that "all persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. "But nothing in the Constitution grants the President, federal agencies, or anyone else authority to impose conditions on the grant of citizenship to individuals born in the United States," they argued. Without a restraining order, the children born in the Plaintiff States will soon be rendered undocumented, subject to removal or detention, and many stateless, the lawyers continued. "They will be denied their right to travel freely and re-enter the United States. They will lose their ability to obtain a Social Security number and work lawfully as they grow up. They will be denied their right to vote, serve on juries, and run for certain offices. And they will be placed into positions of instability and insecurity as part of a new, Presidentially-created underclass in the United States," the lawyers said. They further argued that Trumps order would also cause the plaintiff states to lose federal funding that supports programs like Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program. They would also have to bear the burden of modifying their administration of those programs to account for the change. What the Justice Department argued The Justice Department lawyers told Coughenour that the birthright citizenship order is an "integral part" of Trumps efforts to address the country's broken immigration system. They argued that Trump had the authority to issue the order and added that the states lacked standing to sue based on their alleged economic harms. "A third party, including a state, has no legally cognizable interest in the recognition of citizenship by the federal government of a particular individual let alone economic benefits or burdens that are wholly collateral to citizenship status," Justice Department litigator Brad Rosenberg wrote. While focusing on the technical clause that the states cannot sue, Rosenberg also anchored his arguments on how the courts have incorrectly interpreted the 14th Amendment for more than 100 years. "Ample historical evidence shows that the children of non-resident aliens are subject to foreign powers and, thus, are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and are not constitutionally entitled to birthright citizenship," Rosenberg wrote. KYODO NEWS - Jan 23, 2025 - 23:39 | Arts, All, Japan The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday announced the nominees for this year's awards, with a long-form documentary directed by Japanese journalist Shiori Ito about her own sexual assault receiving a nomination. According to the film's production company, it marks the first time a work by a Japanese director has been nominated in the category. Ito is a symbol of Japan's #MeToo movement after going public with a high-profile rape case. The film documents the process through which Ito accused a former TV reporter of sexual assault. As it includes the unauthorized use of security camera footage, no decision has been made on whether "Black Box Diaries" will be screened in Japan. The winners will be announced during the award ceremony in Los Angeles on March 2. Related coverage: Damages awarded to Japan's #MeToo symbol over defamatory tweet likes Symbol of Japan #MeToo movement again awarded damages in rape case President Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal disaster aid for wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles unless California leaders change the states approach on its management of water. In a Fox News Channel interview on Wednesday, Trump repeated false claims that the states fish conservation efforts in the northern part of the state are responsible for fire hydrants running dry in urban areas. He says the blame for Los Angeles struggles to tame some of the deadly fires lies with Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, a political foe who has called for partnership and mutual respect as the state fights the blazes. I dont think we should give California anything until they let the water run down, Trump said in an interview with Foxs Sean Hannity. The president leveled the threat as he prepares for the first presidential trip of his second term. On Friday, he will visit Southern California in addition to western North Carolina, which is recovering after Hurricane Helene pummeled the area more than three months ago. Trump in the interview also called for reform of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, claiming it is getting in the way of everything. Id rather see the states take care of their own problems, he said. He did not elaborate on his proposed reforms, only saying that the agency is going to be a whole big discussion very shortly. In other developments for the new administration, Trump met Wednesday with a small contingent of the most politically endangered House Republicans as the party struggles to agree on a strategy for implementing the tax cuts and other priorities that it promised voters. The meeting happened as Trump tried to advance other priorities during the first week of his second term. Roughly 160 aides at the National Security Council were sent home while it is determined whether they align with Trumps agenda. The Pentagon has begun deploying 1,500 active-duty troops to support border security efforts. The American people have been waiting for such a time as this, said Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary. Stephen Miller, a top Trump adviser, met with Senate Republicans to update them on plans for deportations and reinstating Title 42, a policy that was put in place during the coronavirus pandemic to stop border crossings. Although Republicans control the White House and both chambers of Congress, they have only thin majorities on Capitol Hill, and there are disagreements on how to move forward with so many issues on the table. Trumps meeting unfolded amid a series of private listening sessions with House Speaker Mike Johnson, whose ability to unite his conference will be sorely tested in the weeks and months ahead. Trump has held his own dinners with Republican lawmakers at Mar-a-Lago, and hes preparing to address them next week at their private retreat in Doral, Florida, where the president owns a resort. Were working very closely in close coordination with the White House because this is an America First agenda that takes both of those branches of government to work in tandem, Johnson said Wednesday at a news conference. Trump on Wednesday also announced his picks for U.S. Secret Service director and European Union ambassador. Hes nominating former fast food executive Andrew Puzder to serve as his EU envoy and Secret Service veteran Sean Curran as his pick to head the U.S. Secret Service. Puzder, a former chief executive of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Carls Jr. and Hardees restaurants, was nominated by Trump to serve as labor secretary early in his first term, but abruptly withdrew his nomination after Senate Republicans balked at supporting him, in part over taxes he belatedly paid on a former housekeeper not authorized to work in the U.S. Puzder didnt pay taxes on the housekeeper until after Trump nominated him to the Cabinet post and five years after he had fired the worker. Curran was among the agents who rushed to Trumps aid after he was shot in the ear in a failed assassination attempt at a July campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. He served as the assistant special agent in charge of the presidential protective division during Trumps first term. In a posting on Truth Social, Trump praised Curran for his fearless courage during the Pennsylvania assassination attempt. Sean has distinguished himself as a brilliant leader, who is capable of directing and leading operational security plans for some of the most complex Special Security Events in the History of our Country, and the World, Trump said. Trump in the Fox News interview also suggested he would like to see investigations into former President Joe Biden. Trump is the first president to be convicted of a felony in a case relating to business records of hush money payments and had faced criminal charges over his role in trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Its really hard to say that they shouldnt have to go through it also, he says. (AP) Despite campaign promises to end Russias war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office, President Donald Trump has yet to deliver on that pledge since his inauguration on Monday. During a CNN town hall in 2023, Trump vowed to swiftly broker peace, claiming, Theyre dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And Ill have that done in 24 hours. Speaking via video at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, Trump fielded questions about the conflict following a lengthy speech. When asked whether a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia would be reached by next year, Trump deflected responsibility. Youre gonna have to ask Russia, he said, adding, This is a war that shouldve never started If I were president, it would never have started. Trump also criticized the devastation caused by the war, describing Ukrainian cities as bombed-out demolition sites and lamenting the loss of life. Since taking office, Trump has suspended U.S. foreign assistance programs for 90 days to conduct a review, including aid to Ukraine. His administrations skepticism of aid aligns with opposition within the GOP, where some lawmakers have pushed to reduce support for the besieged country. Vice President JD Vance, who as a senator last year declared blocking Ukraine aid his second-biggest priority, represents this faction. Trump continues to insist that his leadership would have prevented the war, but his ability to fulfill his peace promises remains uncertain as global attention remains fixed on the ongoing conflict. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Those binders full of executive orders that President Donald Trump has been signing with a flourish and a wide-tipped Sharpie during his first week in office dont just magically appear before him. White House staff secretary Will Scharf has been a prominent part of the tableau, standing at Trumps side and teeing up the leather-bound folders, one by one, for the president. With the cameras rolling, Scharf provides running narration on what Trump is signing, at times leaning into a nearby microphone at the presidents direction. He was by Trumps side Thursday as the president signed orders and memoranda at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. And in the first hours of Trumps return to power, he was there with Trump at the Capitol, at a nearby rally and the White House as the president scrawled his name on stacks of orders implementing his agenda. Scharf doesnt just act the straight man as Trump talks up his orders, cracks jokes and fields questions from reporters. He also plays a key role in the White House, overseeing the flow of information and business coming to and from the president. A look at Scharf and his new job: The presidential in-box The staff secretarys job has traditionally involved managing the papers that cross the presidents desk. It serves almost as air traffic control for the West Wing tracking the drafting and approval of memos and statements as they work their way to the presidents desk and then out to the world. The StaffSec coordinates the work of the White House policy, communications and legal teams as information flows around the building, and traditionally is a neutral arbiter in policy debates. The staff secretary has nearly unparalleled visibility to the goings-on of the West Wing and leads one of the least-known but most impactful teams in a well-functioning White House. Who is Will Scharf? Scharf was a member of Trumps legal team before joining the new administration. He previously worked as a policy director for former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens and on the campaign of 2016 Republican gubernatorial candidate Catherine Hanaway. He graduated from Princeton and Harvard Law School before moving to Missouri in 2011 to clerk for Judge Raymond Gruender on the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. He also worked as an assistant U.S. attorney. Trump tapped Scharf to be his staff secretary in November, citing his experience as a lawyer on the future presidents criminal cases and Scharfs work during the first Trump presidency getting judges and justices confirmed. They included U.S. Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh who himself served as White House staff secretary for President George W. Bush and Amy Coney Barrett. He helped Trump fight his legal battles Scharf joined Trumps legal team in October 2023 and was one of the presidents lawyers in the election interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith. The case went before the Supreme Court, which ruled that presidents enjoy sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. Scharf is among several of Trumps lawyers who have been rewarded with spots in his new administration. Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who defended Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York, both got high-ranking Justice Department posts. Will Scharf is a brilliant legal mind who has extensive experience defending President Trump from the witch-hunts against him, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. Will is perfectly suited to help execute President Trumps agenda in this important role. Its not Scharfs first time in the public eye Scharfs spot by Trumps side as he rolled out his Day One executive actions was not his first time in public view. He has appeared on cable news and has written opinion columns discussing Trumps legal cases. In 2023, Scharf and Newsweek senior editor Josh Hammer co-founded a group called Jews Against Soros, launching a campaign arguing that criticism of George Soros, the billionaire Democratic donor and philanthropist, is not antisemitic. Scharf ran unsuccessfully for Missouri attorney general in 2024, losing to incumbent Andrew Bailey. His campaign included a memorable ad in which the mild-mannered lawyer appears to use a grenade launcher to fire on a pile of boxes that were labeled to look like they contained legal documents related to Trumps criminal cases. (AP) The International Criminal Courts chief prosecutor announced on Thursday he had requested arrest warrants for two top Afghan Taliban officials for the repression of women. Karim Khan said in a statement he asked judges to approve warrants for the groups supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhunzada, and the head of Afghanistans Supreme Court, Abdul Hakim Haqqani, accusing the men of crimes against humanity for gender-based persecution. These applications recognize that Afghan women and girls are facing an unprecedented, unconscionable and ongoing persecution by the Taliban, Khan said. Since they took back control of the country in 2021, the Taliban have barred women from jobs, most public spaces and education beyond sixth grade. Last year, Akhundzada banned buildings from having windows looking into places where a woman might sit or stand. Nobody from the Taliban government was immediately available for comment. Human rights groups applauded the ICC move against the Taliban leadership. Their systematic violations of women and girls rights, including education bans, and the suppression of those speaking up for womens rights, have accelerated with complete impunity. With no justice in sight in Afghanistan, the warrant requests offer an essential pathway to a measure of accountability, Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. Judges at the The Hague-based court approved a request in 2022 from the prosecutor to reopen the investigation into Afghanistan. The probe was shelved after Kabul said it could handle the investigation. Khan said he wanted to reopen the inquiry because under the Taliban, there was no longer the prospect of genuine and effective domestic investigations in Afghanistan. However, human rights groups criticized Khans decision to focus on crimes committed by the Taliban and the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State group. He said he would deprioritize other aspects of the investigation, such as crimes committed by Americans. Khans predecessor, Fatou Bensouda, got approval in 2020 to start looking at offenses allegedly committed by Afghan government forces, the Taliban, American troops and U.S. foreign intelligence operatives dating back to 2002. The decision to look into Americans led to the previous Trump administration slapping sanctions on Bensouda, whose term ended in 2021. There is no deadline for judges to rule on a request for a warrant, but a decision typically takes around four months. It took a pre-trial chamber three weeks to issue an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023 but six months in the case of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year. (AP) South Koreas military said Friday it suspects North Korea is preparing to send additional troops to Russia after its soldiers fighting in the Russian-Ukraine war suffered heavy casualties. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff also assessed in a report distributed to journalists that North Korea is continuing its preparations to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile intended to reach the United States. President Donald Trumps return to the White House may brighten Pyongyangs prospects for high-level diplomacy with Washington, as he met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times during his first term. Many experts say Kim likely thinks his evolving nuclear program and expanding military cooperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin could give him a greater leverage than during his 2018-19 summits with Trump. North Korea has been supplying a vast amount of artillery and other conventional weapons to Russia, and last October it sent about 10,000-12,000 troops to Russia as well, according to U.S., South Korean and Ukraine intelligences. Seoul, Washington and others worry Russia could in return transfer to North Korea sophisticated weapons technologies that can enhance its nuclear program. North Korean soldiers are considered to be highly disciplined and well-trained, but their lack of combat experiences and unfamiliarity with the largely flat plains that make up most battlefields in the Russian-Ukraine war have made them easy targets for drone and artillery strikes. South Koreas spy agency said last week that it assessed about 300 North Korean soldiers had died and another 2,700 had been injured. Earlier in January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy put the number of killed or wounded North Koreans at 4,000, though U.S. estimates were lower at around 1,200. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said that North Korea is believed to be accelerating preparations to send more troops to Russia, without saying how it reached the assessment. Deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia could embolden Kim over his dealings with the U.S. and South Korea. In a major political conference last month, Kim vowed to implement the toughest anti-U.S. policy. But many experts say Kim may eventually want to sit down for talks with Trump if he thinks the U.S. president could make concessions. Their previous talks collapsed after Trump rejected Kims offer to dismantle his main nuclear complex, a limited denuclearization step, in return for extensive sanctions relief. Kim has since sharply increased the pace of weapons tests to expand an arsenal of nuclear missiles targeting the U.S. and South Korea. In South Korea, there are concerns that Trump might give up the goal of a complete denuclearization of North Korea and focus on eliminating its long-range missile program that poses a direct threat to the U.S., while leaving its nuclear attack capabilities against South Korea intact. During a Fox News interview broadcast Thursday, Trump called Kim a smart guy and not a religious zealot. Asked over whether he will reach out to Kim again, Trump replied that I will, yeah. On Monday, Trump called North Korea a nuclear power as he boasted of his personal ties with Kim. That created a stir in South Korea, as Washington, Seoul and their partners have long avoided describing North Korea as a nuclear state out of worries that it could be seen as accepting its pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. I was very friendly with him. He liked me. I liked him, Trump said during a press availability at the Oval Office after his inauguration. Now he is a nuclear power. But we got along. I think hell be happy to see Im coming back. Jeon Ha Gyu, a spokesperson for the South Korean Defense Ministry, told reporters Tuesday that efforts to achieve North Koreas denuclearization must be continued as a prerequisite to realize lasting peace not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the world. South Koreas Foreign Ministry also said it will closely coordinate with the Trump administration to achieve North Koreas denuclearization. North Korea hasnt responded to Trumps comments. A state media report Friday on the closely watched two-day parliament meeting in Pyongyang this week didnt say whether Kim attended it, and the report made no mention of the U.S., South Korea, Russia or other foreign policy issues. (AP) Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trumps Middle East envoy, is set to visit Israel next week after making an initial stop in Saudi Arabia, according to Israeli media reports. Channel 12 news reported that Witkoffs visit to Israel will center on advancing negotiations for the second phase of the hostage release and ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The first phase of the deal began implementation this past Sunday. In a significant development, Witkoff also confirmed plans to visit the Gaza Strip during his trip, a move he publicly discussed earlier this week. YWN reported previously that many have been expressing concern, accusing Witkoff of easing pressure on groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, potentially endangering American interests and allies such as Israel. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Hamas confirmed that they will provide two lists to Israel on Friday. One will list the names of four women to be freed on Shabbos. This is expected to include Arbel Yehud and three female soldiers. However, concerns have arisen in Jerusalem regarding Yehuds release, as she is reportedly held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) rather than Hamas. This situation has led to fears that Hamas may delay her release. Hamas is also supposed to provide a list of the condition of the remaining 26 hostages held in Gaza who are on the release list for phase one. Israel will also receive official information about the fate of the Bibas family: Parents Shiri and Yarden and children Ariel and Kfir. In the ongoing negotiations, Israel has agreed to release 50 Palestinian prisoners for each female soldier. Among these, 30 are convicted terrorists serving life sentences. Earlier this week, as part of the first phase of the agreement, Israel released 30 prisoners in exchange for the release of three civilian female hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher who were freed by Hamas on Sunday afternoon. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Customers in a long-running class action lawsuit against Mastercard will be eligible for just 2.27 each if all claimants come forward, it has been revealed. In a proposed settlement, Mastercard has agreed to pay 200million in order for the class action to be discontinued, but did not admit any liability. This sum is a far cry from the 14billion payout the payments giant was facing to as many as 46million eligible claimants - or some 300 each. The funder of the litigation, Innsworth Capital, will take 45.57million of the agreed settlement to cover the costs incurred and future costs. However, a further 54.43million could be paid to Innsworth as a return on its funding, with the amount depending on the number of claimants who come forward. Innsworth is launching arbitral proceedings in the potential hope that it might be able to up its payout, The Times reports. Class action: As little as 2.27 could be paid to claimants, despite hopes that payments could reach 300 each The likelihood is that a large number of the millions eligible will not make a claim. In their absence, claimants could receive higher payouts. Mastercard suggested a 40 cap, while Merricks called for a cap of 70. The lawsuit has been running for nine years, with an initial 10billion sought by consumer champion Walter Merricks, who alleged that Mastercard charged unfairly high fees to UK customers in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Supreme Court previously said this was 'a considerable over-estimate' of the payments claimants could actually receive. Seema Kennedy, executive director of Fair Civil Justice, said: 'After almost nine years of litigation - including huge costs to the British taxpayer in funding countless hearings - we now know that affected consumers stand to gain just over 2 each in compensation, while the funder could be in line for a 100million payout. 'This is the economics of a legal system in which lawyers and funders are prioritised over British business and consumers. 'This claim shows why reform is so badly needed, and we will continue to call on the Government to introduce measures to improve transparency and accountability of the funding sector.' In December, Innsworth said a proposed 200million settlement would be 'too low and premature', while Boris Bronfentrinker, the solicitor representing Merricks, said the deal was a 'very good outcome for UK consumers'. Concerns have been raised about the viability of class action litigation in the UK, with Bronfentrinker warning funders look to 'advance their financial position over and above all other considerations,' adding that Innsworth's claims the settlement as rushed were 'unfortunate but not unsurprising.' The application for the settlement is set to be discussed at a Competition Appeal Tribunal hearing. The case is the first of its type to be brought before the UK's Supreme Court, having initially been thrown out by the Competition Appeal Tribunal in 2017. Eligible claimants must have been a UK resident over the age of 18 as of 6 September 2016. They also must have lived in England, Wales or Northern Ireland between June 1997 and June 2008, or in Scotland between 1992 and 2010, and paid for goods using a Mastercard credit card during this time. Europe's top central banker yesterday defended the region's ailing economy as it flounders in the face of a resurgent America insisting it was not a 'basket case'. Speaking to leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, European Central Bank (ECB) president Christine Lagarde had to go onto the defensive in the face of criticism from a leading US financier. In an exchange that highlighted perceptions of a transatlantic gulf opening up since the return of Donald Trump, Larry Fink, boss of global asset manager Blackrock, declared: 'Europe is a myth. It's a beautiful myth, but it's not working.' Lagarde, who was sitting next to Fink on the stage, responded immediately. She said: 'Europe is not a myth. Europe is not a basket case.' The exchange reflects increasing frustration among global bosses that while already-strong US growth is being supercharged by Trump's plans to cut taxes and regulation, the economy continues to flounder on this side of the Atlantic. Latest forecasts from the International Monetary Fund suggest that the eurozone economy will expand by just 1 per cent this year, far behind America's 2.7 per cent. Clash: Christine Lagarde had to go onto the defensive in the face of criticism from a leading US financier And it faces a further challenge after the US president used this week's summit to declare economic warfare on those he believes are taking advantage of America through unfair trade. Trump told delegates via a videolink from Washington on Thursday that the EU 'treats us very, very unfairly' and that he would 'do something about' trade deficits. That has raised fears for European economies. But Fink said Europe should concentrate on its own issues such as the need to open up the single market further with a banking union rather than 'focusing on the problems that the US may impose on it'. He added: 'It's not working relative to the strength of the US, the innovation of the US, the entrepreneurialism of the US. 'Europe needs to be on the same footing and here we are, now in 2025, 16 years post the financial crisis, and I don't see Europe moving forward enough I see Europe backward looking too much. I'm optimistic. 'But to be optimistic you have to admit your problems.' Lagarde admitted there were problems but said: 'Europe is a fantastic case for transformation.' She added: 'I agree with you that it is not operating and functioning as a single market.' Lagarde risked upsetting Trump by suggesting another way Europe could get ahead luring disgruntled Americans to cross the Atlantic. She said: 'Maybe it's time to import a few of the talents that would be disenchanted for one reason or the other.' KYODO NEWS - Jan 24, 2025 - 22:08 | All, World A Chinese court sentenced a man to death on Friday for fatally stabbing a 10-year-old Japanese boy in Shenzhen last September, Japan's government said, a day after another court handed down the same penalty in a separate knife attack involving Japanese citizens. At the first hearing on the case, the Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court convicted the Chinese man of killing the boy in the Sept. 18 knife attack near a Japanese school in the southern city, Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi told reporters. Zhong Changchun, 45, from Jiangxi Province, attacked the boy -- the son of a Japanese father and a Chinese mother -- after buying a knife to "draw online attention" through the assault, the envoy quoted the ruling as saying. The accused told the hearing that he hoped to speak with the victim's family as well as the Japanese Embassy in China, but he did not say he had particularly targeted Japanese nationals, Kanasugi said. Although the ruling made no mention of Japan, the ambassador vowed to keep taking measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in China, such as recommending them not to speak Japanese loudly, while remaining cautious on politically "sensitive" anniversaries. The hearing at the Shenzhen court was closed to the media. The boy's family as well as Yoshiko Kijima, Japan's consul general in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, which also includes Shenzhen, attended the session. The boy died a day after being stabbed while on his way to school. The stabbing occurred on the 93rd anniversary of the Japanese bombing of a railroad track near Shenyang, which marked the start of the Manchurian Incident that led to Japan's invasion of northeastern China. The incident sent shockwaves toward Japanese expat communities in China. Tokyo has repeatedly asked Beijing to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals living in the country. About a dozen pupils at the Shenzhen Japanese school returned to Japan following the stabbing, according to a source familiar with the educational institution. The Shenzhen ruling was handed down a day after a court sentenced a man to death over a knife attack near Shanghai last June that injured a Japanese mother and her child and killed a Chinese bus attendant who tried to protect them. While there had been speculation that the assailant Zhou Jiasheng, 52, might have targeted Japanese nationals, the court in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, made no mention of Japan in rendering the ruling. Related coverage: China court sentences man to death over Japanese school bus stabbings Chinese court begins trial over stabbing of Japanese mother, child KYODO NEWS - Jan 24, 2025 - 13:02 | All, World U.S. President Donald Trump said in in an interview aired Thursday that he intends to reengage with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "I will, yeah," Trump said in the interview with Fox News, when asked if he will reach out to the North Korean leader, with whom he held in-person meetings three times during his first presidency. Calling Kim a "smart guy," Trump, who returned to the White House on Monday for a nonconsecutive second term, said, "I got along with him. He's not a religious zealot." Trump has repeatedly said he had a good relationship with Kim during his first presidency, although their nuclear talks ultimately collapsed in 2019, and suggested a number of times his desire to rekindle diplomacy with North Korea. Hours after he took office on Monday, Trump characterized North Korea as a "nuclear power" and said he believes Kim should be happy to see his return as president. There is speculation that in an attempt to revive talks Trump could refrain from trying to persuade Kim to completely dismantle North Korea's nuclear arsenal. It remains unclear if his description of North Korea marked a departure from Washington's long-held position of not officially recognizing the country as a nuclear weapons state and aiming for its complete denuclearization. Related coverage: Japan to coordinate with U.S. as Trump calls North Korea nuclear power FOCUS: Trump poised to revive unpredictable talks with N. Korea in 2nd term Right now for #TBT we try to keep it classy and pay tribute to everlasting hottie Demi as we check pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Struggle For Local Lunch Kansas City woman fighting to open restaurant amid landlord dispute A Sugar Creek woman is fighting back on her eviction proceedings in a restaurant she never got to open in far East Kansas City near the former Leeds Assembly Plant. Cowtown Crash Aftermath Pedestrian seriously injured in crash with KCMO Parks & Rec truck A pedestrian is in serious condition after being struck by a city parks and recreation truck Wednesday afternoon. South Side Struggles To Build Good Life Crossing the line: Loch Lloyd developer looks to expand into KC, but first he must address the issue surrounding an abandoned golf course "The goal is to make sure that whatever is being done, it's in the best interest of Loch Lloyd as a whole." Creative Felt Local Love KC performer embraces his love of puppets: to create 'pockets of peace,' entertaining Zackery Garner grew up loving puppets and as an adult worked hard to become a full time puppeteer then paired it with his job as a comedian Hip-Hop Forgiveness?!? Travis Kelce Reacts to Lil Wayne Accusing the Kansas City Chiefs of 'Cheating' Travis Kelce reacted to Lil Wayne accusing the Kansas City Chiefs of cheating. See what he said. Old-School Achievement Demi Moore is nominated for her FIRST Oscar at age 62 The Hollywood legend, 62, has been nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her role in the film. MAGA Suffers Setback "Blatantly unconstitutional": Judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order The order sought to end citizenship for children born in the U.S. to noncitizen parents. Tesla King Taunts Critics Musk mocks Nazi salute accusations with puns Elon Musk referenced Adolf Hitler and other Nazi leaders in a social media post filled with puns early Thursday taunting those who accused him of doing a Nazi salute at an event after President Tru... MAGA To World: Buy American Trump tells Davos elite to invest in US or face tariffs President Donald Trump promised global elites lower taxes if they bring manufacturing to the U.S. and threatened to impose tariffs if they don't. GOP Against Nominee?!? Moderate Republican Murkowski won't back Trump pick Hegseth for defense secretary A moderate GOP senator has broken her silence to say she won't be voting to confirm Pete Hegseth. Faith Leader Refuses Regret Bishop who angered Trump with call for mercy says she will not apologize Mariann Edgar Budde defends sermon asking president to show compassion to immigrants and LGBTQ+ people Roundups Begin ICE arrests irate Haitian gang member, murder and rape suspects in Boston Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers hit the ground running this week, arresting multiple violent offenders in sanctuary cities. Vlad Confronts Money Probs Exclusive: Putin growing concerned by Russia's economy, as Trump pushes for Ukraine deal President Vladimir Putin has grown increasingly concerned about distortions in Russia's wartime economy, just as Donald Trump pushes for an end to the Ukraine conflict, five sources with knowledge of the situation told Reuters. More Fighting Near Holy Land Israel says troops fire on gunmen in Gaza as ceasefire enters 5th day, deadly West Bank operation continues Israel says troops fired on masked gunmen in Gaza, but it remains committed to the ceasefire as it continues a new offensive in the West Bank. Acceptance Across Globe Couples wed as landmark same-sex marriage law takes effect in Thailand Hundreds of same-sex couples tied the knot across Thailand on Thursday, as the country becomes the first in Southeast Asia to legally recognize equal marriage. Hollywood Golden Years Exposed Naomi Watts candidly shares endearing older-sex confession The twice Oscar-nominated star has been married to Almost Famous actor Billy Crudup, 56, since 2023 - with their romance beginning in 2017. The Mulholland Drive actress, who is the same age as her husband, has candidly discussed the nerves she felt about having sex with him for the first time. Local Sugar Rush Eat This Now: The Cookie-licious Milkshake at Sweet Thang and Cafe The Cookie-licious milkshake at Sweet Thang and Cafe is a customer's mix-and-match of soft-baked cookies and a handful of ice cream choices. Another Fancy Foodie Tribute Here Are The 9 KC-Area Spots Nominated For James Beard Awards The annual semifinalists nominations were released by the James Beard Awards this morning and the KC area is nominated for 9 awards. The Only New Stadium We'll See Kansas City artists craft Arrowhead Stadium replica made from cake It took two days to decorate. Then, it took two hours to transport the cake in the car to Arrowhead Stadium. Local Offerings Explored Pegah's to open coffee shop/ restaurant in Martin City By Kathy Feist While Martin City may have lost one notable restaurant, another one steps up to the plate, rounding out the community's reputation as a foodie destination. Pegah's Family Restaurant ... Still Waiting On Warmup Another cold burst today We will see burst of cooler air before warmer weather next week The 90s classic from The Pretenders - I'll Stand By You is the #TBT song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. KYODO NEWS - Jan 24, 2025 - 16:24 | Arts, All, Japan The Japanese government on Friday called on Fuji Television Network Inc. to regain trust from viewers and sponsors following a sexual misconduct scandal involving popular TV host Masahiro Nakai and the Tokyo broadcaster's subsequent handling of the case. "We would like the company to clarify the facts," Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Seiichiro Murakami told a press conference, a day after Nakai, who rose to fame as a member of the now disbanded pop group SMAP, announced his retirement from show business. Murakami also said he asked Fuji TV on Thursday to swiftly investigate the issue and respond appropriately. Japanese weekly magazines have claimed that a Fuji TV employee was involved in planning a meal gathering in June 2023 at which the alleged sexual misconduct took place. The gathering ended up only being attended by Nakai and the woman involved, with whom he reached a 90 million yen ($580,000) out-of-court settlement. Fuji TV's initial response after the scandal surfaced in December drew fire, with the broadcaster limiting the number of participants and banning filming during its first press conference on the issue. A number of major Japanese companies have since pulled commercials from Fuji TV. It decided Thursday to launch an independent third-party panel to look into the case and to hold another press conference Monday. Japan's top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said Friday that ministries and agencies will check whether Fuji TV is involved in their public relations and promotional projects, and respond "appropriately" if needed. Related coverage: Japan TV host, ex-SMAP pop idol Masahiro Nakai quits showbiz amid scandal Many major Japanese firms halting commercials for scandal-hit Fuji TV Fuji TV apologizes for concern over Japan TV host Nakai's sex scandal Over the past couple of weeks our www.TonysKansasCity.com readers have been debating the future of local transit amid activist & union outcry. Now, we wanted to share inside work and a peek at the very near future. A fact of life . . . KANSAS CITY INSIDERS UNDERSTAND THAT THE ERA OF "ZERO FARE" IS NEALRY FINISHED AS THE TRANSIT AUTHORITY STRUGGLES TO FIND CASH!!! A quick conversation on the topic offered a perspective and a bit of history . . . "Zero fare was nothing but a promotional gimmick for Mayor Q to boost his national profile and to quiet criticism of the free streetcar. But now the money is gone and there's simply no way to sustain it. Also, the gimmick didn't work out for the Mayor either after the Harris defeat." Now . . . We notice rising debate over cuts and even the most progressive local sources acknowledge the impending cash crisis . . . Check the newspaper quote on economic trouble . . . "No cutbacks or layoff plans have been announced. But the KCATA might have to contemplate deep reductions in the coming months, as the revenue coming in now wont cover future expenses without some kind of boost." Developing . . . Lots to consider this morning by way of social media star, model, music diva and hottie Addison as we check pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Cowtown To Rescue Donations pile high for Kansas City businesses who collected clothing for California wildfire victims Business owners sorted through piles of clothing before heading west to deliver the donations in person. Northland Tax Help Clay County to host pop-ups helping seniors apply for new property tax relief program Clay County is set to host pop-up events to help eligible seniors sign up for a new property tax relief program. Local Run-In Postscript Person seriously injured after being struck by KCMO Parks and Rec pickup truck Police responded to the incident just before 2 p.m. in the area of E. 5th Street and Grand Boulevard. Kansas City Chiefs Against Haterz Are the Chiefs the villain of the NFL officially? Fans, businesses react to latest criticism For seven years in the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs have been the team to beat and now fans of other teams are claiming the refs have a say in that. Odds Still Favor Paddy Mahomes Chiefs are still favored over Bills in AFC Championship As we head into the weekend, the Kansas City Chiefs are still 1.5-point home favorites over the Buffalo Bills. Diva Debuts . . . Addison Rae Took Over TikTok. Now She's Coming for Pop Addison Rae is a TikTok superstar. Now, she is trying to reinvent herself as a pop supernova MAGA Rages Against Faith Community Leader Trump World descends on bishop who pleaded for 'mercy' President Trump and Republicans this week slammed a plea for "mercy" by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde during a Tuesday morning prayer service, calling it unjustified and inappropriate. But... Legislation Tribute To Martyr What is the Laken Riley Act? A look at the first bill Trump will sign President Donald Trump is poised to sign the first bill of his new administration. It's named after a slain Georgia nursing student whose name became a rallying cry during his White House campaign. Vlad Ignores MAGA Ultimatum Russia brushes off Trump's threats on Ukraine Moscow believes it has the resources and manpower to withstand at least another year of the conflict. Holy Land Plays For Time Israel lobbies Trump to delay withdrawal of its troops from Lebanon Israeli government seeks to keep military positions in southern Lebanon past deadline agreed in ceasefire deal Tesla King Drags Taylor Elon Musk is still tweeting about Nazi salutes. Now he's dragged Taylor Swift into the drama The X owner retweeted two posts claiming that Swift has done a Nazi salute, days after he was accused of the same thing. Swiftie Tragedy Conviction Teen Sentenced to 52 Years for Murdering Three Girls at Taylor Swift-Themed Dance Class Axel Rudakubana, 18, sentenced to at least 52 years for the 2024 murders of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England. Hip-Hop Legal Clap Back Sean 'Diddy' Combs Files $50 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Accuser for Exposing Alleged Sex Tapes with Celebrities Sean 'Diddy' Combs filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit against Courtney Burgess, a man who alleged there are tapes of Combs involved in the sexual assault of minors, as well as Burgess' attorney, Ariel Mitchell. NewsNation was also named in the lawsuit for airing segments surrounding the claims against Combs. In Nicer Canoodling News . . . The 10 best hookup apps of 2025, tried and tested We've tested the top hookup apps to help you find a fling, friends with benefits, a one-night stand, or whatever else you wanna call it. Tasty Hipster Offerings Dish & Drink KC: The Little Store on Knox and QZ Poke Ramen The Little Store on Knox // Photo by Tiffany Watts The Little Store on Knox Sometimes, the best coffee shop finds are tucked away in unexpected places. That's exactly what my friends and I discovered when we decided to visit The Little Store on Knox, a small neighborhood coffee shop in North Kansas City that offers coffee, flowers, and goods... Still Cold This Morning . . . FOX4 Forecast: Cold start, seasonable finish! View today's latest video forecast for the Kansas City area in both Kansas and Missouri from the FOX4 weather team. Addison Rae - Diet Pepsi is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. In the future we look for this clever trend to take hold . . . . MAYOR Q SEEMINGLY BLAMES MAGA FOR LOCAL "CLEAN ENERGY" SETBACKS!!! Here's the overview of federal funds that now have differing priorities under the new administration . . . Trump froze funding from an $18 million grant Kansas City was awarded to install solar panels on the homes of 3,500 low-income residents and to continue bulk purchasing of that equipment for all homeowners. One key element of that program known as Solarize KC is job training for the workers hired to install the panels, Lucas said in his email . . . Another $9 million in grant funding was aimed at helping local building owners make their properties more energy efficient. Also delayed is an $11.8 million grant announced just this month that would pay for installing 275 new charging stations for electric vehicles at more than 50 sites across the city. Lucas said the project would provide job training for 1,300 local residents. As of this morning Kansas City has $38 million subject to delay under recent executive action, Lucas told the council. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . KYODO NEWS - Jan 24, 2025 - 13:31 | All, Japan Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is considering not joining the planned merger between Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. and instead focusing on strengthening cooperation with the two larger firms, a source close to the matter said Friday. The development reflects Mitsubishi Motors' fears of losing management control if it joins the Nissan-Honda merger under a holding company. The Tokyo-based firm is a Nissan partner and has strength in Southeastern Asian markets such as Indonesia and the Philippines. Doubts over the synergistic effect of a merger between Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors persist, at a time when competitiveness in the auto industry shifts toward development of electric vehicles and software, areas where all three automakers struggle. "At this stage, we are considering various possibilities, and we have not decided on a (specific) direction," the Tokyo-based automaker said in a statement Friday. President Takao Kato told reporters in Tokyo, "Nothing has been decided." Honda and Nissan, Japan's second- and third-largest carmakers by volume, announced late last year they would launch talks to merge under a holding company in 2026, which would create the world's third-largest auto group by volume to compete with U.S. and Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. They said at the time that Mitsubishi Motors would decide by the end of January whether to join the merger. Combined sales of Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors topped 8 million vehicles in 2023, compared with 11.23 million vehicles at Toyota Motor Corp.'s group and 9.24 million at Volkswagen AG. Honda and Nissan aim to conclude negotiations in June 2025. Each company would continue operating under its own brand within the holding company, which would be listed in August 2026. While the merger involving Mitsubishi Motors would have helped gain leverage against Chinese rivals in Southeast Asia, among other merits, some inside Honda and Mitsubishi Motors have voiced wariness about Nissan's progress of its business turnaround, a condition Honda has set to realize the merger. Nissan in November said it will cut 9,000 jobs worldwide and reduce its global production capacity by 20 percent as it reported a more than 90 percent drop in net profit in the April-September period. Related coverage: Honda, Nissan aim to merge under holding company in 2026 Honda, Nissan to consider building vehicles at each other's plants FOCUS: Honda-Nissan merger could zero in on EV development * Trump's policies are poised to affect not just U.S.-Europe trade relations but also Europe's territorial integrity, defense priorities and economic outlook. * On top of trade, Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization has deepened rifts with his European counterparts. * With Trump's comeback, Europe faces a critical juncture -- whether to remain tethered to Washington or chart its own course in the face of renewed challenges. by Xinhua writer Ding Yinghua BRUSSELS, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's first days in the White House have sent ripples of unease through Europe. Accusing the EU of unfair treatment, Trump has vowed to impose tariffs to address trade imbalances. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met in Paris on Wednesday, describing Trump as "a challenge" for Europe while stressing Europe's strength and unity. Trump's policies are poised to affect not just U.S.-Europe trade relations but also Europe's territorial integrity, defense priorities and economic outlook. "President Trump's initial statements and executive orders put transatlantic relations under pressure, not only because of their unpredictability, but also because raw power seems to be more important than legality and international cooperation," said Philippe Monnier, former executive director of the Greater Geneva Berne Area's Economic Development Agency. BLEAK ECONOMIC OUTLOOK The specter of U.S. tariffs on EU imports threatens to send shockwaves through the European economy. Although many EU countries have taken lessons from Trump's first term and braced themselves for such scenarios, the potential impact remains significant. Yannis Stournaras, governor of the Bank of Greece, warned that the projected eurozone economic growth of 1.1 percent in 2025 could decline by 0.5 percentage point within two years if the United States imposes 10-percent tariffs. The effects are expected to be more pronounced in European economies with substantial exports to the United States. Export-oriented countries like Germany are likely to bear the brunt first. This photo taken on Dec. 18, 2024 shows a view of the Voelklingen Ironworks in Saarland, Germany. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) Germany's exports to America could decline by 10-15 percent in the long term, potentially reducing its GDP by 0.3 percent, said Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. "It might not sound like much, but we've barely had any growth beyond that level recently." "Trump isn't concerned with the interests of the Old Continent. He just wants to squeeze more money out of Europeans," Francois Heisbourg, special advisor at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Austrian newspaper Der Standard. Italy, a close U.S. ally notwithstanding, is also expected to face challenges. With its significant trade surplus with the United States and relatively low defense spending, Italy is likely to be targeted by Trump's tariff policies, according to the Italian Institute for International Political Studies. Speaking at the Handelsblatt Energy Summit in Berlin on Tuesday, German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck said that while Germany should engage with the new government under Trump with "an outstretched hand... We should not crawl in submission." He warned that Germany is ready with countermeasures should tariffs be imposed. "We do not need to be pushed around." Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU's economy commissioner, also affirmed the EU's readiness to respond in "a proportionate way" to any U.S. actions. Monnier cautioned that strained transatlantic ties could escalate further. PUSHBACK IN EUROPE On top of trade, Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO) has deepened rifts with his European counterparts, who remain strong advocates of climate action and global health initiatives. Addressing the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "The world is not at a single inflection point; it is at multi-inflection points." She reaffirmed the EU's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and urged countries to "deepen global collaboration more than ever before." This photo taken on Jan. 20, 2025 shows the logo of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) In an interview on Tuesday with Bel RTL, a local media outlet, Belgian Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin voiced concerns over Trump's isolationist tendencies, viewing them as a culmination of a longstanding trend of U.S. unilateralism. Critics argue that Trump's withdrawals allow the United States to evade its financial responsibilities toward global climate protection and public health initiatives. "This is certainly not a good sign for international climate protection" if the United States is not included, climate researcher Niklas Hoehne from the NewClimate Institute told Germany's dpa news agency, saying such moves made global climate achievements "more difficult." An analysis by Climate Action Tracker, a Berlin-based non-profit climate science and policy institute, estimates that the U.S. withdrawal alone could add 0.04 degree Celsius to global warming by the end of the century. EUROPE'S SENSE OF URGENCY Trump's "America First" agenda has galvanized European leaders to advocate for greater autonomy from Washington. In the realm of defense, Macron has called for a reevaluation of Europe's defense spending. He said on Monday that Europe's military budgets of billions of euros should not be directed toward purchasing American weapons. A report on Europe's future competitiveness authored by Mario Draghi, former Italian prime minister and former European Central Bank president, revealed that between June 2022 and June 2023, nearly two-thirds of the EU's defense spending was directed to U.S. companies. During a joint press conference with Scholz on Wednesday, Macron stressed the need for Europeans "to play their full part in consolidating a united, strong and sovereign Europe." France and Germany should ensure that Europe is capable of defending its interests while maintaining transatlantic ties, he said. The recent revelation of Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has further alarmed European nations. This photo taken on Oct. 19, 2024 shows the scenery of Nuuk, capital of Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory. (Photo by Luo Yizhou/Xinhua) French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has warned of the resurgence of "might makes right" policies, calling on Europe to bolster its strength. Speaking to France Inter radio recently, Barrot noted that Greenland is a "territory of the European Union and of Europe." "It is undoubtedly no way that the European Union would let other nations of the world, whoever they are, attack its sovereign borders," he said. Schularick, the Kiel Institute president, said: "What is certain is that Trump is more interested in deals than in a rules-based global economy. The era of faster globalization, lower tariffs and dispute resolution within the framework of the World Trade Organization is now temporarily over." "Europeans cannot remain passive at the risk of disappearing tomorrow," Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally party and member of the European Parliament, said at the European Parliament on Tuesday. With Trump's comeback, Europe faces a critical juncture -- whether to remain tethered to Washington or chart its own course in the face of renewed challenges. "The EU needs to make changes, and this is a good opportunity to get rid of its dependence on Washington and implement its own independent policies by cooperating with other countries in Asia, South America and Africa," said Croatian political analyst Robert Frank. Enditem (Xinhua reporters Wang Lili, Wang Xiangjiang, Cui Li and Zhang Zhang also contributed to the story.) (Video reporters: Liu Yuxuan, Kang Yi, Ma Ruxuan, Chen Binjie, Lian Yi, Chen Wenxian; Video editors: Zhang Nan, Zheng Qingbin, Zhu Jianhui, Wu You) Thawing permafrost causes ground to sink in cold regions More needs to be done to better understand rapidly changing Arctic landscapes that are sinking as climate-driven permafrost thaw penetrates deeper, according to new research by University of Alaska Fairbanks scientists and others. International climate monitoring organizations have no uniform standard for measuring ground subsidence, leading to an underestimation of thaw depth and therefore an underestimation of how permafrost responds to climate change, the international team writes in a research review published Jan. 7 in Environmental Research Letters. Photo by Louise Farquharson Thaw-driven subsidence can lead to thermokarst and formation of thermokarst ponds and thaw ponds. UAF Ph.D. student Nick Hasson looks at a thaw pond just north of the University of Alaska Fairbanks main campus. It is forming in an area underlain by massive ice wedges. Thaw-driven subsidence can lead to the release of carbon into the atmosphere, damage to infrastructure, and changes in water flow, among other impacts. The team analyzed thaw subsidence data collected from sites in Alaska, Canada and Russia as part of long-term permafrost monitoring by others. The researchers add that an international standardized method for measuring permafrost thaw ground subsidence is needed. The report is authored by Dmitry Streletskiy of George Washington University. The 11 co-authors include three from UAF: research assistant professor Louise Farquharson of the Geophysical Institute, assistant professor Simon Zwieback of the Geophysical Institute and College of Natural Science and Mathematics, and research associate professor Go Iwahana of the International Arctic Research Center. Permafrost thaw subsidence is important because it has major implications for society, the economy and the environment, Zwieback said. It threatens infrastructure such as homes, schools, roads and runways. The costs to maintain, repair and insure infrastructure affected by permafrost thaw are projected to continue to increase rapidly in Alaska and across the Arctic, he said. The authors write that determining thaw subsidence estimates through regular field studies, remote sensing measurements and improved modeling is critically needed for assessing the permafrost response to climate change. Farquharson notes that the Fairbanks North Star Borough in Alaska, for example, is expected to see significant subsidence over coming decades as warming leads to the melt of large ice wedges at the base slopes of valleys. Few annual ground subsidence measurements are taken in the Fairbanks region, however, so knowledge about where that subsidence will occur is limited, she said. Photo courtesy of Simon Zwieback This access road near Toolik Field Station on Alaskas North Slope shows the effect of ground subsidence. The teams analysis of previously published data found widespread long-term subsidence at permafrost-affected Northern Hemisphere landscapes that were undisturbed by infrastructure or other development. Subsidence rates generally range from 0.2 to 2 centimeters annually. Rates of 3 centimeters or greater were found in areas with significant ground ice near the top of permafrost and a thin protective organic layer that allows heat through, the review found. Permafrost thaw subsidence can inform us about where massive ground ice is, Farquharson said. A major limitation in our understanding of future Arctic landscape response to thaw is that our understanding of massive ground ice distribution is very limited. The amount of subsurface ground ice varies greatly, Farquharson said. By looking at the location and magnitude of subsidence, we can make inferences about ground ice distribution and explore how it relates to above-ground properties, she said. Thaw subsidence in areas with large amounts of excess ground ice can promote development of thermokarst, a rapid thaw process. Excess means the ground ice exceeds the pore space available in the soil or sediment. It is a common condition in permafrost regions. A significant increase in thaw subsidence is usually associated with natural or human-caused surface disturbance, such as vegetation removal, the addition of surface gravel or concrete, or snow accumulation, the authors write. Seasonal subsidence at a site on Alaskas North Slope with tundra disturbed by Dalton Highway construction was 8.6 to 19.9 centimeters, for example, which is 1.3 to 1.9 times higher than at a nearby undisturbed tundra location. The team did not attempt to describe how subsidence varies by location and over time across the Northern Hemisphere, leaving that for additional studies. The authors conclude with a warning: It is evident that permafrost thaw subsidence will play an increasingly important role under warming climatic conditions. ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Simon Zwieback, 907-474-5549, szwieback@alaska.edu; Louise Farquharson, 907-474-5623, lmfarquharson@alaska.edu 158-25 Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Indian Data Centres: 10 Key Trends for 2025 The Indian data centre market is on an exponential growth trajectory, driven by institutional capital, technological innovation, regulatory support, and the countrys vast digital ecosystem Friday January 24, 2025 9:49 PM , Devi Shankar Indias data centre market continues to grow robustly, with the total capacity projected to rise to 2 GW by 2026. There is nearly 525 MW capacity data centres under various phases of construction across top cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad & Bengaluru. Cloud computing, technology advancements, 5G rollouts and the digitalisation of BFSI continue to be the demand drivers with Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads to ramp this demand up further. These growth drivers are projected to push the India data centre market value to 11.6 Bn USD by 2032. Data centres have also emerged as an attractive asset class for institutional investors in the last few years, with a large capital pool being committed and deployed in this sector. The industry has seen advancements on various fronts and will continue growing exponentially in the next 2-3 years. Some of the key trends to look out for in 2025 and beyond: 1. Large Data Centre Campuses Data centre operators are increasingly investing in large-scale projects with capacities of over 100+ MW, specifically in Navi Mumbai. Apart from Mumbai, Chennai is another preferred market for data centre operators to set up facilities. Hyderabad will also see significant hyperscaler capacity development in the next few years, with two major hyperscalers - each with 100+ acres of land - having projects in various stages of development. With the increase in cloud computing and large-scale Artificial Intelligence (AI)-led demand, the industry will see various large campuses to house this growing demand. 2. Creation of New Availability Zones & Micro-markets Mumbai and Chennai continue to be the preferred markets for data centre operators. However, due to the scarcity of suitable land parcels and the exponential rise in land prices in the existing DC clusters, the focus is on exploring alternatives slightly away from the conventional hubs in these cities. 3. AI-led Data Centre Demand Surge & Infrastructure Changes As per NASSCOM, Indias AI market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 20% between 2023 and 2028. This will strengthen the data centre demand. With this increasing AI workloads, data centres are becoming increasingly dense and power-consuming. The average rack density is anticipated to increase up to 30 KW/rack compared to the existing 8-10 KW/rack server density. 4. Advanced & Sustainable Cooling Solutions To incorporate the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-led changes in data centre infrastructure, the industry is gearing up for the adoption of newer, more energy-efficient technologies. This includes incorporating cooling techniques like liquid immersion cooling which offer significant power efficiency and substantial cost savings. The upcoming hyperscale and purpose-built AI data centres are expected to adopt this technology. 5. Collaboration Between Chip Makers & Infrastructure Providers Over the past two years, Indias data centre industry has witnessed collaborations between chip developers and infrastructure providers (for instance, the partnerships between NVIDIA and Yotta and Tata Group and Reliance Jio Infocomm on various fronts). These collaborations aim to build sustainable, energy-efficient, future-ready data centres and are expected to take shape in the next two years. Such collaborations align with the governments India AI mission, and the data centre ecosystem will benefit immensely. 6. Edge Data Centre Facilities Development Another important development in the Indian data centre industry which will witness incremental growth in the next couple of years is the setting up of edge data centre facilities closer to end-users and devices generating data. These facilities are expected to manage the growing data traffic from tier II and tier III cities and support applications like OTT (over-the-top) platforms, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, gaming, Smart Cities, etc. with reduced latency and a better consumer experience. Various tier II cities like Patna, Jaipur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Bhubaneshwar have already begun getting commitments from the data centre operators to set up such edge facilities. 7. Migration from On-Premise to Cloud Many companies increasingly prefer hosting on a hybrid cloud rather than relying on traditional on-premise infrastructure. Cloud computing reduces costs and maintenance needs associated with traditional IT infrastructure. This also offers improved scalability and better security solutions, and will, in turn, accelerate data centre demand from cloud companies. 8. Sustainability - Focus on Green Data Centres The data centre industry is becoming increasingly committed to its Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) considerations. Operators have started using renewable energy to support a part of their power demand via wind and solar energy through strategic power purchase agreements. Some data centre operators plan on 100% green facilities in the next few years, and continuous efforts are being undertaken to meet this goal. Also Read: Top Technology Predictions of 2025 There is backward integration by data centre operators to develop their own sources of green power by investing in renewable energy projects. Efforts related to water and waste management are focused on adopting circular economy principles. The Government is also exploring the feasibility of using nuclear energy to power data centres, and 2025 could be the start of this vision. 9. Enhanced Security Measures The industry continues to improve on the security aspects of data centres to prevent cyber threats and security breaches by integrating advanced security measures like AI-powered security tools, Zero Trust Architecture, multi-factor authentication, etc. 10. Skill Development & Enhancement of Talent Pool Efforts on training programs and learning centres for skill development in hardware, software and data centre operations and IT infrastructure management have improved. Both private operators and the government are focusing on creating a talent pool to align with the country's digital growth. Overall, the Indian data centre market is on an exponential growth trajectory, driven by institutional capital, technological innovation, regulatory support, and the countrys vast digital ecosystem. [The writer, Devi Shankar, is Executive Director - Industrial, Logistics & Data Centres, ANAROCK Capital, Pune] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. As Chinese New Year is around the corner, a group of foreigners paid a visit to Yancheng, a flagship ecological city where rare animals like milu deer gather. They celebrated the Spring Festival surrounded by these adorable creatures, blending tradition with nature's beauty. WELLINGTON, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- New Zealanders are able to experience a rare glimpse into the breathtaking treasures of the ancient Silk Road through a series of the Dunhuang Art Exhibition which is currently touring the country. The exhibition, organized by the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, allows the Kiwis to explore the magic and splendor of the Dunhuang art, offering a profound glimpse into China's spiritual and artistic heritage. Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong told the Dunhuang Art Festival in Wellington on Thursday that he hoped to show Dunhuang's "big and wide" cultural connotations in a "small but fine" exhibition, to enhance New Zealanders' understanding of all walks of life about China, and to promote cultural exchanges and cooperation. Dunhuang, located in northwest China, is an important historical and cultural city with a rich heritage. It is situated on the edge of the Gobi Desert at an important crossroads on the ancient Silk Road trading route. The name "Dunhuang," means "to flourish and prosper," giving an indication of the town's prominence in ancient China. Continuing for nearly 2,000 years, the Dunhuang culture is the world's largest and the most complete preservation of an art treasure trove, as it is not only the integration of the local multi-ethnic art, but has also absorbed the sustenance from overseas art to develop the Dunhuang Buddhist art system, Wang said. He said as the cultural heritage shared by all mankind, Dunhuang is a vivid portrayal of civilizational exchanges and mutual understanding, reflecting the openness and tolerance of China's splendid civilization. The Wellington stop of the Dunhuang Art Exhibition tour will come to an end on Saturday, with volunteers demonstrating the Chinese tea ceremony, as well as performing folk music, Dunhuang dance and costume walk during the Dunhuang Art Festival held at the Wellington College of Technology on Thursday. Organizing by the Palmerston North City Council and the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, the exhibition will also tour Palmerston North from Jan. 28 to Feb. 5 in celebration of the Chinese New Year 2025, following two previous Dunhuang exhibitions in South Island's Christchurch and Marlborough in the last two months of 2024. In 2013, Studio MB was commissioned by the Amiri Diwan to design a new national museum and cultural centre within the shell of a former Kuwaiti Palace, left in ruin following the Iraqi invasion in 1990. The 15,000m2 restored, repurposed and reimagined Al Salam Palace Museum opened to the public in February 2020. It delivers 26 exhibition galleries in two immersive museum visitor experiences. A suite of temporary exhibition galleries, an underground courtyard with a cafe, shop and education centre, a digital library complex, and a suite of VIP reception facilities complete the offering. The exhibitions on the ground floor tell the unique story of the Palace presented in four carefully restored room sets. These rooms present the stories of the famous and infamous dignitaries who visited. The final gallery is a room not restored, but left in ruin as it was. Projections of the Palace in ruin washes over the walls and is overlaid with historic film and photography, showing the original grandeur of the Palace and the people from around the world who came to visit. The exhibitions on the second floor tell the amazing 300-year history of Kuwait told through its fifteen rulers. The story starts with an immersive AV journey across deserts and sea. As the visitors follow in the footsteps of people seeking a new homeland, they are washed in projected animation and sound, until their arrival in Kuwait. Each new era is represented within a unique gallery environment that draws inspiration from the changes to this developing country. One gallery echoes a souk, another a ships hull, another with the arrival of photography. Artefacts and models are embedded within the story, including the actual silver valve used to start the flow of oil in 1946. The history of Kuwait galleries culminates with the current Amir Diwan of Kuwait. His gallery includes a wraparound panoramic AV of Kuwait today, formed using 24 wall projectors. The most splendid part of the Palace is the fully restored triple height central atrium, with subtly embedded AV deliveries that dramatically transform the space. These include a 290-degree wraparound wall projection that sits high above a restored giant chandelier to deliver an immersive AV overview, whilst a 5-metre diameter area of LED inset floor tiles creates an inset Well of History. Early civilisations dating back thousands of years into Kuwaits past are glimpsed as excavated artefacts float to the surface. MOSCOW, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Moscow's air defense systems were actively engaged in repelling a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks in the early hours of Friday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on his Telegram channel. Drone attacks occurred in multiple locations surrounding Moscow, including the Kolomna and Ramensky urban districts, southeast of the capital, where air defense forces successfully intercepted the drones, Sobyanin wrote. Preliminary reports indicate no significant damage or casualties from falling debris. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the affected sites, he wrote. In the Podolsk urban district, two additional drones were shot down by air defense systems as they approached Moscow. Russian forces also neutralized a drone in the Troitsky Administrative District and another in the Shchyolkovo urban district of Moscow, according to the mayor. As a precautionary measure, temporary restrictions on aircraft arrivals and departures were imposed at Moscow's Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports. January 24 2025 South Ayrshire Council will expand a storm-damaged leisure centre to better serve as a community hub for Girvan. The Quay Zone was built in 2017 to designs by Norr but has been closed since January 2024 after its interior suffered extensive water ingress. Rather than repair the harbour-side facility the local authority has opted to expand the cafe with a two-storey extension when resuming leisure operations. Lawrence McPherson Associates will deliver this rear extension, which will sport large picture windows and an outdoor terrace on the upper level to provide unobstructed views towards Ailsa Craig. The practice stated: "When developing the design, a key aspiration was to capitalise on the scenic outlook toward Ailsa Craig - a missed opportunity in the original layout. "Drawing inspiration from the buildings existing projecting window on the south elevation, the extension will incorporate a similar projecting window on its upper floor, framed with turquoise panelling. This design element reflects the colours of the sea and sky, creating a visually appealing contrast to the dark grey zinc cladding planned for the rest of the extension." The existing building will also be reconfigured as part of the works to provide additional washrooms in anticipation of increased visitor numbers. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jan, 2025) Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain on Friday said that the final decision regarding closure or restructuring of Utility Store Corporation (USC) will be taken in the next meeting. "Emphasized that all decisions regarding the corporation will be made transparently, prioritizing the publics interest," the minister said while chairing a high level meeting regarding USC,said a news release. Federal Minister for Information Technology, Ms. Shiza Fatima, also attended the meeting and presented significant recommendations. The meeting discussed the implementation of the Prime Ministers directives concerning Utility Stores and deliberated on the future course of action. Measures to expedite the closure process of Utility Stores were also reviewed. To enhance the productivity of USC employees and outlets, a special committee has been formed. It was highlighted during the meeting that several private companies have expressed interest in the restructuring of the USC. DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 24th Jan, 2025) Emirates will restart services to Beirut, Lebanon, from 1st February 2025 with a daily flight. The airline will also reinstate daily services to Baghdad, Iraq, on the same day. From February, Emirates daily flights to Rafic Al Hariri International Airport will be served by a Boeing 777-300ER in three classes, offering more than 5,000 seats both ways each week. From 1st April 2025, the airline will scale up its operations and layer on a second daily service to Beirut with the addition of the EK957/958 morning service, which is also set to be operated with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in three classes. Emirates daily flights to Baghdad will be served by a Boeing 777 aircraft. DAVOS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 24th Jan, 2025) H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, held a meeting with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, during the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos. During the meeting, H.H. Sheikha Latifa emphasised the UAEs commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations with Thailand and advancing mutual collaboration on regional and global issues. Discussions focused on key areas of shared interest, including economic cooperation, sustainable development, and the importance of multilateral engagement in addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and technological innovation. Sheikha Latifa reaffirmed the UAEs dedication to enhancing ties with all nations, reflecting the UAEs proactive approach to promoting dialogue and fostering partnerships across diverse sectors. This meeting represents a milestone in advancing the strong and enduring relationship between the UAE and Thailand, reaffirming their shared vision for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. (@ChaudhryMAli88) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jan, 2025) The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted predominantly cold and dry weather for most parts of the country, with hilly areas experiencing very cold conditions during the morning and night hours. According to the PMD, the prevailing synoptic situation indicates the dominance of continental air over the region, leading to the current weather pattern. During the past 24 hours, cold and dry weather prevailed across the country, while hilly areas experienced harshly cold conditions. The lowest minimum temperatures recorded during the period were Leh at -12 C, Kalam and Gupis at -9 C, Astore at -9 C, Kalat at -8 C, Skardu at -6 C, Hunza and Quetta at -4 C, and Malam Jabba, Dir, and Parachinar at -3 C. The PMD advises citizens in hilly regions to take necessary precautions to protect against the freezing temperatures, particularly during the night. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jan, 2025) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was informed on Friday that former US President Joe Biden had rejected the appeal of mercy for release and repatriation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan of IHC heard the case regarding the release of Dr. Aafia from a US jail. During the course of proceeding, Dr. Fawzia Siddiqui and her American lawyer Clive Smith appeared in the court through video link, while the petitioners lawyer Imran Shafiq and the Additional Attorney General were also present in the court. The lawyer told the court that former US President Joe Biden rejected Dr. Aafia Siddiquis mercy plea. During the hearing, the court was also informed that the US has refused to sign an agreement with Pakistan for the release of prisoners. Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan remarked that the US is showing us our worth. The former US President pardoned his sons sentence but did not release our prisoner. On the occasion, reports containing details of the foreign visits of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were presented in the court. The Foreign Office also submitted the answer regarding not attending the meetings related to Dr. Aafia by Pakistani Ambassador to the US. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted a report containing answers to court questions. The court then adjourned the hearing of the case for two weeks. (@ChaudhryMAli88) PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jan, 2025) Experts in wildlife conservation have raised concerns over looming ecological imbalance in Chitral Gol National Park as rising temperature is driving snow leopards to higher altitudes in search of colder climates. This shift allows medium-sized predators to dominate hunting grounds, disrupting the food chain and threatening the park's delicate ecosystem, they added. Known for its pristine alpine environment and biodiversity, Chitral Gol National Park faces a significant challenge as the warming climate disrupts the delicate balance of its ecosystem, says Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Founding Director of the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF). Nestled in the high Hindukush mountain range, the park serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife, including the Kashmir Markhor, Ibex, Snow Leopard, Lynx, Wolves, Golden Eagle, Chakor, Ram Chakor, Pheasants, and various other birds and animals. The snow leopard, a flagship species of high-altitude ecosystems, is struggling to adapt to the changing climate, resulting in its migration to even higher altitudes. From 2007 to 2010, snow leopards were frequently sighted in Chitral Gol National Park, both by locals and through camera traps, Dr. Nawaz shared. However, since 2018, no sightings have been reported, signalling a concerning change in the region's biodiversity. Rizwanullah, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Chitral Gol National Park, highlights the phenomenon of "mesopredator release," wherein the absence of apex predators like the snow leopard allows medium-sized predators, such as lynx and wolves, to thrive. These predators now target smaller, new born wild goats, which threatens the genetic diversity and population growth of the Markhor, Rizwanullah explained. The DFO attributes the disappearance of snow leopards to climate change. In 2006, the Wildlife Department successfully tracked a snow leopard by fitting it with a GPS collar. However, the species has since moved to higher altitudes, such as the Tirich and Laspur valleys, as locals frequently report sightings there, he said. To address this challenge, the Wildlife Department has approached the Snow Leopard Foundation to install additional camera traps in the park's remote and upper sections. Furthermore, Chitral University has been requested to assign research studies to M.Phil and Ph.D. students to investigate the reasons behind the snow leopard's migration and its ecological impacts. Regular Lambing Surveys of the Markhor population are also recommended to monitor their reproductive health and population trends. Snow leopards are indicators of a healthy alpine ecosystem. Their absence signals broader ecological shifts that could cascade into widespread environmental degradation, noted a Wildlife Department official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The declining snow leopard population could lead to an overabundance of herbivores, triggering overgrazing and habitat destruction. Human-induced factors such as deforestation, illegal hunting, and overgrazing further exacerbate these threats. Experts underscores urgent action to parks biodiversity and proposed implementing climate-resilient conservation strategies, promoting reforestation, and engaging local communities in sustainable resource management. Preserving snow leopards is not just about saving a single species. Its about safeguarding the ecological balance that sustains life across the region, experts emphasized. Without swift and coordinated intervention, the disappearance of snow leopards could herald a broader environmental crisis in Chitral Gol National Park, they warned. (@ChaudhryMAli88) LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jan, 2025) The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala Zone conducted major operations against human-traffickers, arresting three individuals involved in the Morocco boat tragedy. A spokesperson for the FIA said that the accused were identified as Waqas Ashraf, Rana Muhammad Farhan and Muhammad Adeel. Waqas was found to be involved in the Morocco boat tragedy. He was arrested in a raid conducted in Sambarial. The accused, along with his associates, had attempted to send the victim, Aamir Ali to Spain illegally. Initially, the victim was sent to Mauritania before being trafficked via boat to Spain. The boat tragedy led to the death of several Pakistanis and the victim, Aamir Ali was rescued by Moroccan authorities. Aamir Ali's name appears in the list issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The accused had extorted Rs. 53.5 lakh from the victim's family for sending him abroad. In two separate operations, Rana Muhammad Farhan was arrested from Daska and Muhammad Adeel was arrested from Kamoke. Farhan received Rs. 27 lakh from a man for sending him to Italy for employment, while Adeel took over Rs. 5 lakh from another citizen for sending him to Muscat for work. The accused failed in their attempt to send the citizens abroad and went into hiding. Director Gujranwala Zone, Abdul Qadir Qamar emphasised that actions against human trafficking networks have been intensified. "We will bring those responsible for playing with innocent lives to justice," he said. (@FahadShabbir) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jan, 2025) Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit Baltistan and SAFRON Engr Amir Muqam on Friday said that Kashmir Solidarity Day would be observed on February 5 to express wholehearted support of the Pakistani nation to the just struggle of Kashmiri people for their inalienable right to self-determination. Addressing third inter-ministerial and inter-provincial coordination meeting for Kashmir Solidarity, the minister said that thousands of Kashmiris have lost their lives and thousands more are languishing in Indian jails. However, atrocities and humiliations have not deterred them from a cause based on the legitimate aspiration of their right of self-determination as enshrined in the UN Charter and UNSC Resolutions. Paying tribute to Kashmiri martyrs, he said that the entire nation will observe Kashmir Solidarity Day with a renewed commitment to support the just struggle of Kashmiris for their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He said that the incumbent government under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was highlighting the Kashmir issue at all appropriate platforms including United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Engr Amir Muqam asked all parliamentary parties and people from all walks of life to participate on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5 to give a strapping message to India that the government and people of Pakistan were united on the Kashmir cause. He said that Pakistan would continue to extend political, moral and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir till they achieve the right to self-determination as per UN resolutions. All Parties Hurriyat Conference AJK Chapter Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Coordinator to Prime Minister Kashmir Affairs and GB Shabir Ahmed Usmani, Parliamentary Secretary Kashmir Affairs Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq, Federal Secretary Kashmir Affairs and GB Ali Tahir, Additional Secretary Kashmir Affairs and GB Kamran Rehman Khan, Joint Secretary Hamid Khan, Joint Secretary Azad Kashmir Council Ali Akbar Khattak and Joint Secretary Gilgit Baltistan Council Sudher Khattak. attended the meeting. The meeting discussed and reviewed the comprehensive plan for the upcoming events to be held on February 5 Kashmir Solidarity Day. Federal ministries, all four provincial governments including Azad Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan briefed the meeting regarding the preparations and arrangements for Kashmir Solidarity Day. In his remarks, Convener APHC Ghulam Muhammad Safi said that Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan. He said that Kashmiri martyrs are wrapped in the flag of Pakistan before burial. He underscored the determination of the Kashmiri people to continue their struggle against Indian illegal occupation. Despite Indias conspiracies and atrocities, they declared that the spirit of the Kashmiris remains strong and they would never bow to India. He said that All Parties Hurriyat Conference would organize special events on February 6 to express gratitude to the people and government of Pakistan for observing February 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day. The meeting, held in AJ&K Council, brought together senior officials and focal persons from various ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, Interior, Information Technology and Telecom and Aviation. Representatives from Islamabad Police, Capital Development Authority (CDA), Ministry of education, National Heritage and Culture Division, and the Cantonment board, along with district managements of Islamabad and Rawalpindi also participated. Focal persons from all four provincial governments, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan joined the meeting to provide their input on planning nationwide activities to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jan, 2025) Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan on Friday referred the key bills including the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2025, to the relevant standing committee for further examination, directing the committee to submit their reports within three days. Additionally, the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the National Commission for Minorities Bill, 2025 were also referred to the respective committees for fine-tuning and detailed review. All the bills were moved by the Federal Minister for Law, Justice, and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar. Earlier, the proceedings began with Senator Sherry Rehman, Parliamentary Leader of Pakistan People's Party moved a motion seeking the permission of the House to suspend the question hour. The House consented to suspend the question hour. Meanwhile, Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the bill namely the Federal board of Intermediate and Secondary education (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024 (Ordinance No. IX of 2024), as required by clause (2) of Article 89 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the House. by Xinhua writer Zhang Manzi BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- At the beginning of 2025, I knocked on the door of Cai Lei, former executive of a major listed company in Beijing. When I entered the room, he was participating in a video conference on drug development. Due to his inability to use tongue and lips, he had to use eye-tracking technology to share his thoughts. Cai, now 46, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, back in 2019. As one of the most prominent public figures in the country who are suffering from the disease, Cai is racing against time in his efforts to help find a cure. Cai sat slumped in his chair, his body involuntarily sliding downward, with his spine curved and limbs powerless. Each movement made by the former vice president of the JD Group required the assistance of a caregiver, and yet in Cai's eyes I could see only fierce determination and optimism. One year after he was diagnosed with the disease, Cai initiated the "AskHelpU ALS Patient Platform," which integrates treatment information regarding this disease -- thereby establishing a database. The platform aims to promote public awareness of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the development of new treatment options. While communicating with me about drug development, Cai effortlessly explained every technical term, clearly indicating that his mind was still very sharp. "This year, we're fully committed to building an AI-powered research platform for ALS and collaborating with world-renowned laboratories to accelerate the development of gene and RNA-based therapies," he explained. As he delved into the details of his 2025 plan, Cai's enthusiasm was unmistakable. I could sense his vibrant soul leaping and dancing, straining to break free from the confines imposed by his failing body. I found that when Cai grew increasingly animated, his head tilted uncontrollably backward, resulting in him opening his mouth to take a deep breath. He needed to pause periodically to catch his breath before continuing. Having seen many other ALS patients dying, Cai is acutely aware that his own illness has entered an advanced stage. His breathing is becoming progressively weaker -- and even a mild cold or slight cough now has the potential to claim his life. Yet, despite this precarious existence, I could feel from every detail at his home, that he was still determined to continue his quest. His life was clearly about much more than just medication and syringes scattered on his desk. It was evident that the true focal point of his existence remained the dense, overlapping website tags lining the top of his computer screen -- as he continued to spend 10 hours a day researching and decoding ALS. Cai's computer is a meticulously organized archive, with every document named and filed according to date. Within 365 days of notes, densely packed records detail his engagements with over 70 professors and their teams, 60 specialized research institutions, and numerous biopharmaceutical companies. His tremendous efforts have paid off, with the rapid establishment of eight joint laboratories and the progression of 10 drug pipelines to clinical trials. Last year, Cai's team partnered with a pharmaceutical company in developing two small nucleic acid drugs targeting common ALS-related genetic mutations. Clinical trials showed that for patients with such mutations, these drugs can significantly slow disease progression and improve survival rates. "We've proven that localized breakthroughs are possible," Cai said. Unfortunately, his own condition doesn't align with these two targeted mutations. Nonetheless, Cai persists with undiminished determination, meeting with every pharmaceutical company, scientist and investor he can reach. He has also volunteered as a test subject for nearly 100 experimental treatments and connects with new ALS patients every day. "I would rather die than lie on the sick bed and count down to death," Cai told me. "Fighting ALS is incredibly hard, but imagine how cool it would be to succeed." Both Cai and I are confident of continued breakthroughs in terms of drug development for treating ALS, as more people are now aware of this rare disease, especially given the fame of Stephen Hawking and the Ice Bucket Challenge which continues worldwide. In addition, China has been making great efforts in pursuit of drug development for combating rare diseases, while also supporting patients via favorable policies and suitable health insurance plans. Chinese health authorities recognized ALS and another 120 conditions as rare diseases in 2018. Currently, more than 90 rare disease drugs are covered by the country's medical insurance program. On a shelf in Cai's home, I saw figurines of Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, striking various poses. His WeChat avatar also features this legendary hero. "Sun Wukong is my idol. If death is inevitable, I'd rather fight it. I might be defeated, but I will never surrender," said the words on the screen of his speech-generating device. Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jan, 2025) European aerospace giant Airbus confirmed Friday that it was shutting down its speciality freight business using colossal Beluga jets, resulting in the loss of 75 jobs. All flights operated by the Airbus Beluga Transport (AiBT) fleet have been suspended with immediate effect, a spokeswoman told AFP after a report in business daily Les Echos. The Beluga -- billed by Airbus as the world's biggest cargo plane in terms of volume transported -- looks something like a whale, with a rounded fuselage mounted on an Airbus A300-600 base. Big enough to carry two full-size helicopters of the Super-Puma type, the mega-transporter was brought into service in 1995 specifically to ferry large sections of aircraft between different Airbus manufacturing sites. Airbus began replacing its first generation of planes -- BelugaSTs -- with the even larger Beluga XLs based on the A330 in 2019. The latter continue to ferry parts between Airbus sites. The consortium repurposed the previous jets by launching AiBT in 2022, with four planes offering to transport oversize cargo for customers in the aerospace, energy, maritime, military, space and humanitarian aid sectors. Airbus said there had been a notable shift in some areas towards using maritime transport, even though the demand for global air freight remained high. But it said that was not the main reason for shutting down the business. "AiBT is not ending operations because of changes in the air freight market," the spokeswoman said. "The main challenge was the significant operational difficulties" because the plane required specially trained teams and loading equipment, she said. Cairo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jan, 2025) A senior Hamas official told AFP that his group will provide on Friday the Names of four Israeli women hostages to be freed the following day as part of a second release under the ceasefire with Israel. "Today, Hamas will provide the names of four hostages as part of the second prisoner exchange," said Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau based in Doha. "Tomorrow, Saturday, the four women hostages will be released in exchange for a group of Palestinian prisoners, as agreed upon in the ceasefire deal." Naim also said that once the exchange takes place, war-displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza will be able to begin returning to the north of the territory. "An Egyptian-Qatari committee will oversee the implementation of this part of the agreement on the ground," he said. "The displaced will return from the south to the north via Al-Rashid Road, as Israeli forces are expected to withdraw from there in accordance with the agreement." The ceasefire agreement was brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States after months of intense negotiations. The truce, the second in the more than 15 months of war, began on Sunday, with the first three hostages released in exchange for around 90 Palestinian prisoners. Moscow, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jan, 2025) The Kremlin said Friday it wanted to resume nuclear disarmament talks with US President Donald Trump's administration "as soon as possible", after tensions over the Ukraine conflict left negotiations at an impasse. Moscow pulled out of the last remaining arms control agreement with Washington, called "New START", in 2023 amid a sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries. Both have indicated they will unilaterally adhere to the warhead limits outlined in the treaty until 2026, but they are yet to agree on a replacement and talks have stalled for months. "We are interested in starting this negotiation process as soon as possible," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "The ball is in the Americans' court, who have stopped all substantive contacts." Russian President Vladimir Putin has ramped up his nuclear rhetoric since sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022, signing a decree last year lowering the threshold for using nuclear weapons. New START restricted the former Cold War rivals to a maximum of 1,550 deployed warheads each. In 2019 the two powers withdrew from the landmark 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty concluded by then-US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, which limited the use of medium-range missiles, both conventional and nuclear. (@FahadShabbir) BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jan, 2025) As the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, approaches, the Pakistan National Pavilion at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone is hosting activities to mark the occasion and introduce Pakistani culture to a global audience. From January 22 to January 24, the Pavilion is participating in the Silk Road E-commerce Carnival for Spring Festival through platforms such as Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) and others. The carnival integrates Chinese New Year celebrations with an exhibition of Pakistani culture and products. It features a variety of jewellery, handicrafts, and food items from Pakistan, highlighting the country's cultural heritage and resources for Chinese consumers. The hybrid event, which includes both online and offline elements, provides insights into Pakistan's landscapes, traditions, and craftsmanship, China Economic Net (CEN) reported on Friday. To engage consumers, the carnival includes interactive features such as live-streaming sessions with Pakistani artisans and entrepreneurs, who share their stories, demonstrate their skills, and present their products. Additionally, visual materials are screened, and attendees have the opportunity to sample Pakistani snacks, offering a multi-sensory experience. Promotions and discounts are also a key component of the event, aimed at increasing the accessibility and affordability of Pakistani goods. Limited-time offers, flash sales and special discounts on selected products are available during the carnival. Taking place during the peak shopping season for Chinese New Year, the event is part of a broader trend in global e-commerce. More than 400 specialty products from over 90 brands across 17 Belt and Road Initiative countries have seen an increase in online sales. Participating countries include Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan, among others. Beyond commerce, the carnival serves as a platform for cultural exchange. By incorporating elements of Chinese New Year alongside Pakistani traditions, the event fosters mutual understanding. Traditional Chinese decorations are displayed, folk dances are performed, and stories and customs associated with the Spring Festival are shared. On December 4, 2024, the Chinese Spring Festival was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This designation highlights the festival's cultural significance, as it embodies values such as peace, harmony, and goodwill. "We are delighted to be part of this event," said Aqeel Chaudhry, head of the Pakistan National Pavilion. "It is a valuable opportunity to introduce Pakistani crafts and products to a broader audience, especially during such an important festive period in China." APP/asg (@FahadShabbir) Swannanoa, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jan, 2025) US President Donald Trump visited disaster zones in North Carolina and California on Friday, using his first trip since his return to office to turn emergency aid into a political cudgel. Trump said he would sign an order that could scrap the federal disaster agency, stepping up his effort to exert presidential power over the levers of government, and to decide which states get money from Washington. The Republican billionaire also threatened to withhold funding for Democratic-led California -- a long-term target of his ire -- to deal with devastating wildfires if it does not follow his orders. The visit came as the White House said that Trump's promised operation to expel millions of undocumented migrants had begun with the launch of deportation flights on military aircraft. Speaking in North Carolina, where floods caused by Hurricane Helene last year that killed more than 100 people in the state, Trump said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had "really let us down." Trump said he would be "signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, or maybe getting rid of FEMA." "We're going to recommend that FEMA go away." - 'Greatest president' - Trump met victims of the devastating floods, getting them to recount what they said were failings by federal agencies and insurance companies. Trump is separately trying to leverage disaster aid over rival Democrats in California, even as fresh wildfires add to the toll of blazes that have killed some two dozen people and caused billions of Dollars in damage. He said he could withhold assistance if California does not change voting laws which he says allow undocumented migrants to vote -- and linked that to a false claim that the state could solve its drought by simply opening a valve. "In California I have a condition," he said. "I want two things, I want voter ID for the people of California... and I want to see the water be released and come down." "After that I will be the greatest president that California has ever seen. " Trump has previously slung insults at California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom -- branding him an "idiot" -- and baselessly claimed that California authorities diverted water supplies to save a kind of small fish called a smelt. - Deportation flights - Trump's administration is also keeping the focus on migration, one of the key issues that fueled the 78-year-old's extraordinary political comeback in November's US presidential election. The White House trumpeted the arrest of 538 undocumented migrants on Wednesday and said it had deported "hundreds" of migrants on military aircraft -- a departure from the normal use of civilian planes. By comparison, under Trump's predecessor Joe Biden there were a total of 270,000 deportations in 2024 -- a 10-year record -- and 113,400 arrests, making an average of 310 per day. Two US military flights carrying migrants arrived in Guatemala early Friday, a US defense official said. A total of 79 Guatemalans were aboard, according to the central American country's migration institute. "We're getting the bad, hard criminals out," Trump said when asked about the flights. "Murderers, people that have been as bad as you get. As bad as anybody you've seen." Trump repeatedly accused Biden of failing to crack down on an "invasion" of migrants illegally crossing the southern border with Mexico. And his turbocharged bid to reshape America in the first days of his administration was also continuing with a planned video address to a huge anti-abortion march in Washington on Friday. Tens of thousands of people attended the "March for Life" on the National Mall, waving US flags and carrying banners with slogans including "God's choice." "I did a big clip for the March for Life, and we look forward to seeing it," Trump told reporters. Trump recalled that he had signed a pardon for 23 anti-abortion protesters in the Oval Office on Thursday. dk/md BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jan, 2025) Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will travel to China from January 26 to 27 to participate in the China-India deputy foreign minister-level dialogue, Chinese Foreign Ministry's Spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday. Addressing her regular press conference, she said that China and India are committed to improving and strengthening exchanges, restoring mechanism-based dialogue and cooperation in various fields, and promoting the early return of China-India relations to healthy and stable development. Asked if the visit can be confirmed by China, Mao Ning, the spokesperson from Chinese Foreign Ministry, said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit last October to hold talks between their foreign ministers and officials at various levels to bring the relationship back to sound and steady development at an early date. The foreign ministers and defense ministers of the two countries met in various occasions, and the 23rd meeting of Special Representatives for China-India Boundary Question yielded constructive outcomes, Mao said. Both China and India are committed to improving and strengthening exchanges, restoring mechanism-based dialogue and cooperation in various fields, and promoting the early return of China-India relations to healthy and stable development, Mao noted. Mao added that China welcomes Misri's visit for the China-India deputy foreign minister-level dialogue and will release relevant information at an appropriate time. APP/asg Vietnam Seeks Early Accession to the OECD Vietnam seeks to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to better align its competition, investment, and tax policies with international best practices and governance standards and boost investor appeal. With Thailand and Indonesia currently competing to become the first Southeast Asian member of the OECD, Vietnams aspirations highlight the ASEAN regions remarkable growth trajectory. On January 22, the Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met briefly with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann on the sidelines of the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. Vietnams bid to be an OECD member In their discussion, PM Chinh emphasized that the two Southeast Asia Ministerial Conferences held in Hanoi helped strengthen the ties between the OECD and the region. Sharing Vietnams strategic development goals, he stated that, after 40 years of the Doi Moi policy, 2025 will usher in a new era to transform Vietnam into a prosperous and developed nation by 2045. To bolster collaboration between Vietnam and the OECD, PM Chinh urged Secretary-General Cormann to direct the organizations specialized committees to share their expertise, provide policy guidance, and assist Vietnam in enhancing its competitiveness in line with OECD global governance standards. Additionally, he called on the OECD to help Vietnam prepare and publish key economic reports that will be vital references for long-term policy development. PM Chinh proposed that the OECD consider Vietnams early accession to the organization and facilitate the inclusion of Vietnamese professionals within its Secretariat. He guaranteed that Vietnam would comply with all required procedures, standards, and conditions for membership as part of its strategy to deepen global economic integration and make broader contributions to international peace, cooperation, and development. The PM also confirmed that Vietnam would send a representative to the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in June, demonstrating its strong commitment and desire for closer collaboration with the organization. Why do countries want to attain OECD membership? The OECD is a multilateral entity comprising 38 member countries committed to fostering economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable development. Based in Paris, France, and founded in 1961, it serves as a distinctive forum and knowledge center for data and analysis, sharing experiences, exchanging best practices, and providing guidance on public policies and international standards. The organization spans various critical policy areas that impact its members social and economic welfare, including enhancing economic performance, promoting job creation, strengthening education, and combating international tax evasion. In collaboration with its associated bodies, the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), the OECD enables both member and non-member nations to capitalize on opportunities and tackle the challenges posed by the global economy. Countries seeking to join the OECD commit to aligning their policies with international best practices and governance standards. The reforms required for OECD accession can create a better business environment, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. Thus, these bids may also boost investor confidence, helping to attract new investments and drive economic growth. OECD highly values Vietnams importance to the global economy In response to the recent request from Vietnams Prime Minister, the OECD Secretary-General recognized Vietnam as a thriving and rapidly advancing economy with a growing influence in Southeast Asia, serving as a key contributor to global economic growth. He stated that the OECD is enthusiastic about enhancing collaboration with Vietnam and is ready to provide support through policy recommendations and assistance, particularly in Vietnams pursuit of OECD membership. Additionally, he affirmed his commitment to facilitating Vietnams involvement in the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises. He pledged to strengthen ties between the OECDs specialized committees and Vietnams ministries and agencies to improve collaboration. In its most recent report released on December 4, 2024, the OECD anticipates that Vietnams real GDP growth will remain strong at 6.5 percent for both 2025 and 2026. The organization expresses optimism that Vietnams private consumption will gain from consistent growth in real wages and employment levels. Furthermore, investment is expected to receive a boost from continual foreign direct investment inflows and intended hikes in public spending. Vietnams beneficial cooperation with the OECD Vietnams cooperation with the OECD has expanded gradually over the years, marked by significant initiatives that provide various benefits for both sides. The OECD engages with Vietnam through country-specific projects and the Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP). This engagement includes participating in OECD bodies, conducting country-specific policy reviews, integrating relevant data into OECD databases, performing benchmarking exercises, and adhering to OECD instruments. Over the years, Vietnam and the OECD have collaborated on several country-specific reports and publications. Notable examples include the Multi-Dimensional Review of Vietnam published in 2020 and the SME and Entrepreneurship Policy report released in early 2021, significantly contributing to Vietnams Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2021-2025. Earlier, in 2015, the OECD published an Agriculture Policy Review, along with a report on Science, Technology, and Innovation in Vietnam. The organization also issued three important reviews in 2018: an Investment Policy Review, an Urban Policy Review, and a Peer Review of Competition Law and Policy in Vietnam. Vietnam-OECDs first Memorandum of Understanding On 2021, Vietnam and the OECD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in the 2022-2026 period. It was the first MoU signed between the two sides, which aimed to frame future cooperation and pave the way for an eventual OECD Country Program with the Southeast Asian country. Under the MoU, the OECD pledges to assist Vietnam in its reform initiatives in areas such as competition, investment, and tax policy, where collaboration is already established. Additionally, the OECD will support country-specific publications and assist in following up on the OECD Clean Energy Finance and Investment Policy Review for Vietnam. Thailand and Indonesias bids for OECD memberships: Focus ASEAN In July 2023, Indonesia became the first ASEAN country to apply for membership to the OECD. The next year, in April, Thailand submitted its own application. This competitive move has garnered international attention as it signifies a strategic shift for these nations and signals a noteworthy transformation in global governance dynamics, making them more inclusive and relevant. Indonesia has been an OECD Key Partner since 2007, alongside Brazil, China, India, and South Africa, actively participating in the organizations day-to-day work and policy discussions. Thailand has also maintained a collaborative relationship with the OECD for over two decades. From the OECDs perspective, the inclusion of these two significant Southeast Asian economies would be a substantial achievement. In recent years, the global economy has undergone remarkable changes, with non-OECD countries like China, Brazil, and India exerting considerable influence on trade and international cooperation. This shift heightens the necessity for the OECD to broaden its membership base. Experts observe that Indonesia and Thailands accession to the OECD would enhance the organizations relevance in an era where economic power is increasingly centered in Asia. Additionally, it would render the OECD more representative of the global economy, thereby bestowing greater legitimacy in establishing international standards and policies. Conclusion Vietnams pursuit of early accession to the OECD shows its commitment to economic reform and integration into the global economy. The collaboration between Vietnam and the OECD not only highlights Vietnams growing influence in Southeast Asia but also offers the potential for enhanced economic growth, investment opportunities, and adherence to international best practices. As Vietnam aims to transition into a developed nation by 2045, its partnership with the OECD will be instrumental in achieving strategic development goals and fostering sustainable prosperity. Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. Transcript: The Inside Story: The New Trump Administration Episode 180 January 23, 2025 Show Open: Unidentrified narrator: This week on The Inside Story Americas 47th president Donald Trump takes the oath of office in Washington See the executive actions Mr. Trump signed in his first few days back in the White House Now on The Inside Story: The New Rrump Administration. The Inside Story: CARLA BABB, VOA Correspondent: Hello and welcome to this weeks edition of The Inside Story. Im Carla Babb. For the second time ... Donald Trump is President of the United States. A 21-gun salute announced the new President to supporters who withstood the cold to gather on the national mall. Hundreds attended the ceremony to welcome the new President inside the Capitol Rotunda, where the inauguration was moved due to the extreme weather. Before the inauguration President Joe Biden met Trump as he returned to the White House with the words, welcome home. The two traveled together from the White House to the inauguration ceremony at the Capitol. And after taking the oath of office, President Trump laid out his vision for the next four years. President Donald Trump: The golden age of America begins right now. (Applause.) From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. During every single day of the Trump administration, I will, very simply, put America first. My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier. Thats what I want to be: a peacemaker and a unifier. Many people thought it was impossible for me to stage such a historic political comeback. But as you see today, here I am. The American people have spoken. In recent years, our nation has suffered greatly. But we are going to bring it back and make it great again, greater than ever before. CARLA BABB: After his inauguration President Trump wasted no time going to work. Just hours after the ceremony, the President signed a series of executive actions designed to advance his America First agenda. VOAs Anita Powell has more. ANITA POWELL, VOA Correspondent: On this historic first day of his second term in office, President Donald Trump laid out his vision for a bolder and larger United States. President Donald Trump: The United States will once again consider itself a growing nation, one that increases our wealth, expands our territory, builds our cities, raises our expectations, and carries our flag into new and beautiful horizons. And we will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars. ANITA POWELL: Then he got to work signing a stack of executive orders. He said they include a declaration of a national emergency at the southern border that would allow the deployment of troops and a national energy emergency that will allow more domestic extraction. He also declared that there are only two genders, and said he would order that the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the Gulf of America. Historians say that Trump made history by using what is historically a unifying speech to portray a future that many Americans may disagree with. Jeremi Suri, University of Texas at Austin: It was less an inaugural speech and more a State of the Union. He just listed a series of bullet points of projects he wanted to undertake, from deporting immigrants to seizing back the Panama Canal. ANITA POWELL: Thousands of Trump supporters came to Washington from across the country because they say his policies speak to them. Melanie Voll, Cleveland Resident: Common sense, the bringing back of common sense out loud. So many people in my position feel we are the silent majority, and I think this is going to give us the opportunity to speak out loud, and to be unafraid to speak the truth and to speak common sense. ANITA POWELL: Shortly after his inaugural, Trump spoke to a smaller group of supporters at the Capitol and reiterated claims that the 2020 election was totally rigged a claim without proof. He also alluded to his plans to pardon some of those convicted over the violent events of January 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters attempted to disrupt the certification of the election won by Joe Biden. President Donald Trump: I think this was a better speech than the one I made upstairs, OK? I think this is better, JD. I think this is much better. ANITA POWELL: Some of Trumps powerful supporters expressed their joy. Elon Musk, Tesla/SpaceX CEO: This, this is what victory feels like. Yeah! ANITA POWELL: CEO Elon Musk was among the billionaires in the Capitol Rotunda for the ceremony. Consumer advocacy groups are sounding alarms about some of the new presidents quieter moves, that seek to loosen regulations and, they say, benefit these elite few. Lisa Gilbert, Public Citizen: When we think about why the incoming Trump administration wants to freeze regulations and halt public protections wholesale, it is at the behest of the wealthiest among us, corporate special interests. They are who benefits when we don't have guardrails on the books. ANITA POWELL: Historians and analysts say its not clear how many of Trumps day one actions which his officials say number more than 100 will fly when challenged legally. For that answer, they say, look to tomorrow. Anita Powell, VOA News, the White House. CARLA BABB: I am joined now by VOA China editor Elizabeth Lee and VOA congressional correspondent Katherine Gipson, to discuss what's happened so far in the first busy days of the second Trump presidency. Welcome ladies, so let's put up President Trump's cabinet picks on the screen. let's put up President Trump's cabinet. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, was the first Cabinet member to be confirmed, on Inauguration Day. Katherine what led to such a quick confirmation? KATHERINE GYPSON, VOA Congressional Correspondent: Yeah, right. I mean, there were a couple of different factors that went into that. Part of it is that Rubio is well respected on both sides of the aisle. He was a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for a decade, well known there, well respected for his ability to work on issues in Latin America. There wasn't a lot of opposition to his nomination. Second Secretary of State is a very important cabinet position, and we know that President Trump is going to hit a lot of foreign policy challenges right out of the gate in a second term, Ukraine, the Gaza cease fire, tariffs, all of those issues. It really helps to have the Secretary of State in place so that he can be in there and really start filling some of those lower positions that are so important in implementing administration policy. So just one of those things that you have to get going right off the bat, not to mention the facing threat for the military, which is China. CARLA BABB: Rubio is considered very hawkish on China. Elizabeth, how is he hoping to shape the policy to counter China? ELIZABETH LEE, VOA Correspondent: To understand what he's going to do, we need to understand how he defines China. And during his confirmation hearings, he defined China as, I quote, the most potent and dangerous adversary the US has ever faced. And he said the US and China have been competing in different realms, and that includes technology, science, geopolitics, just to name a few. And so he says, really, the US needs to look at its domestic policy by rebuilding domestic industry and not rely on any one given country when it comes to our critical minerals. And so these are all important factors. And he says, if these things don't happen, then in less than 10 years, how Americans live and what's important to us could all be controlled by China. And he used some examples, including whether it's the movies that we watched or the medicines that we need could be controlled by China, and how what they decide. CARLA BABB: And before we leave those Cabinet picks, I cover the Pentagon, so I would be remiss if I did not know that Trump's pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, did not sail through with strong bipartisan support, the bipartisan support that you normally see for a Secretary of Defense pick. Katherine, you and I watched that hearing together strong opposing opinions on both sides, tell me more. KATHERINE GYPSON That's right. So obviously, Hegseth is one of the more controversial picks from Trump this time around and that really concerns some Senate Democrats who are worried that he not just apart from that, doesn't have the experience to run a massive department like the Department of Defense, as you well know, that's billions of dollars, 1000s of personnel, a very complicated job for somebody who, Quite frankly, didn't have a lot of experience in terms of running things going into this. So there was a lot of back and forth. CARLA BABB: Absolutely yes. So let's talk about Trump's pardons for the January 6 protesters. It came as no surprise that he pardoned the protesters, but what was so surprising was that he pardoned all of the protesters, including some of those convicted for assaulting police officers and JD Vance, his vice president, had just said, hours before the inauguration, that, obviously, I think that was the word he used. He said, obviously, if you were violent against police officers, you would not be pardoned. So explain this. You know what's happening on Capitol Hill? How are people responding? KATHERINE GYPSON Right? Well, obviously this is something that hits hard up on Capitol Hill for many lawmakers who were there on January 6, 2021 you heard immediate reaction from Democratic leadership, Hakeem, Jeffries, former speaker, Nancy Pelosi, who were in danger on that day, strongly condemning the actions of Trump. And you actually heard from some Senate Republicans as well who are concerned about the precedent that this set. So not a great way to start out with Capitol Hill. CARLA BABB: Well, here are some of Trump's other executive orders. He removed the US from the World Health Organization. He suspends US foreign assistance programs for 90 days pending a review of whether they align with the America first agenda. Now take a look at this. This is the tallest mountain in North America. President Barack Obama, 10 years ago, changed the name from Mount McKinley after US President William McKinley to Denali, which was what Native Alaskans had called it for hundreds of years, but now it's Denali no longer. Trump has renamed it Mount McKinley again. And I must say, I have seen that mountain in person, and it is majestic and incredible. Whatever it is named will not change that. One more name change of note, I should say, President Trump signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and speaking of Mexico, Trump has said he wants to hit Mexico hard with tariffs. Also Canada. Explain this? KATHERINE GYPSON Well, I think one of the striking things was that if you listen to Trump's inaugural speech in the US Capitol Rotunda, lot of big applause lines from the Republican lawmakers who are in there listening to him, the tariffs line did not get as big of an applause line, because Republican lawmakers are concerned about the economic impact that these tariffs could have on the US. So he wants to put levy 10% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, China, and that's concerning a lot of Republicans. They're going to actually see, you're going to see some pushback on Capitol Hill, on that, and that differs from a lot of the other issues, where you really have a united Republican leadership. It's going to be interesting to see how they push back against Trump when they know he delivered them into office. He gave them that unified Republican control of Congress. So it might be a little little testy up on Capitol Hill in the coming months. CARLA BABB: You mentioned those tariffs on China that was repeated during the race, the presidential race, up until the election, as much as 60% tariffs at one point. What is he saying about these tariffs now? ELIZABETH LEE: Yes, on the campaign trail, he mentioned he could slap as much as 60% tariff on China, but he did not so far. And the latest is he is, as Catherine said, threatening 10% tariff on China. And the reasoning behind this is, he's saying because China is sending, sending fentanyl to Canada and Mexico, and that's also the reason why he's threatening tariffs on Mexico and Canada, as well as this fentanyl issue. And so it's interesting to see some analysts are saying that this could be just a bargaining chip for some of the other issues that Trump is going to take up, such as Tiktok, and I'm sure we'll talk about that later, and also on the first day in office, on January 20, Trump issued a memo to several agencies, and he wants these agencies to review our trade policies, So once he has more information, according to him, he can make better decisions on what to do with tariffs as it relates to other countries CARLA BABB: So let's talk about Tiktok. A Tiktok ban was supposed to go into effect days ago unless Tiktok, Chinese owner Bytedance, sold it to a US company. So that ban has now been delayed 75 days to give more time for US company to buy it. I'm needing a little more on this, because the app was deemed a security risk by President Trump himself in 2020 I don't even have Tiktok on my phone because officials at the Pentagon have been saying for years that this is a security risk. You do not want the Chinese to have your public information. So what's changed? Why is he now trying to save this media platform. ELIZABETH LEE: So the concern in 2020, it's still the concern now, is a national security risk, and the reason is because the parent company of Tiktok, bytedance, is a Chinese company. It's based in China, and so the concern is that Tiktok is able to capture large amounts of user information. And Bytedance, because it's a Chinese company, can assist the Government the Chinese Communist Party, if asked, and whether it's in intelligence work or information collecting, and that's the reason why this ban was put in place. Now, Trump was asked by a reporter why he's kind of changed his tactics on Tiktok. And he said, Well, he's had a chance to use Tiktok, and that's why he changed his mind. He got to use it, and he also attributed a large part of the youth vote during the whole process, you know, to get him elected on Tiktok. He and so he has a different view on Tiktok, but he did say he's working on a way to save Tiktok and to protect national security at the same time. CARLA BABB: Well, the military has been concerned, saying that Chinese policy, no matter whether or not it's a company or a military aspect, they're all together collectively, part of the military's advance. They've been saying for years that whatever Chinese companies do, the Chinese military can access that, and that has been the concern with young people's data. What are they saying on Capitol Hill about this? KATHERINE GYPSON: Right? I mean, what's striking is, is that you saw a shift from Democratic and Republican lawmakers as well, in addition to President Trump, in the last few hours, when we were thinking that Tiktok would be shut down here in the United States, they were calling for an extension to re evaluate things, to see if Tiktok could be moved to an partial American ownership, or some kind of other ownership. I think there's, it's a really interesting shift among lawmakers, since I covered that classified briefing that they all went into a year or so ago, and they all came back, came out of that classified briefing, really shook up and said, you know, oh, yeah, now that I've seen the information about what this app is capable of it should absolutely be banned in the United States, and now there's this gradual understanding that we need to figure out another way. So really interesting to see those changes. CARLA BABB: Very interesting. Thank you so much to both of you for your excellent reporting. CARLA BABB: President Trump campaigned on a promise to urge the United States Congress to pass legislation banning so-called sanctuary cities. These jurisdictions limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. And some local officials vowed to fight the new administration. VOA immigration correspondent Aline Barros has more. ALINE BARROS, VOA Immigration Correspondemt: President-elect Donald Trump made campaign promises to get tough on immigration. He pledged to cut federal funding from so-called sanctuary cities local governments that limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Donald Trump, Republican Presidential Nominee: As soon as I take office, we will immediately surge federal law enforcement to every city that is failing, which is a lot of them, to turn over criminal aliens. And we will hunt down, capture every single gang member, drug dealer, rapist, murderer and migrant criminal that is being illegally harbored. ALINE BARROS Sanctuary cities include New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles ... and Takoma Park, Maryland, on the border with Washington. Talisha Searcy is Mayor. Talisha Searcy, Mayor of Takoma Park, Maryland: Our police department still enforces crime. That's important to note. So, if there are issues of crime in our community, regardless of someone's immigration status, we enforce. ALINE BARROS: Searcy says Takoma Park has been a sanctuary city since 1985. Talisha Searcy, Mayor of Takoma Park, Maryland: Our staff are not allowed to enforce immigration laws in the city of Takoma Park. Our staff are prohibited from inquiring about citizenship or immigration status to participate in city programming or receive city benefits. ALINE BARROS: The mayor says it helps keep communities safe because immigrants are not afraid to report crimes to authorities. Trump issued an executive order during his first administration to end the sanctuary movement. But the order was ruled unconstitutional because the federal government does not control state and local law enforcement. States including Florida have passed laws requiring cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida Republican: We're not a sanctuary state. We banned sanctuary cities, but you've got to have effective accountability to hold those folks accountable if they choose to go in a different direction. ALINE BARROS: DeSantis says he aims to help Trump with his proposed crackdown. Mayor Searcy says Takoma Park is prepared for potential conflicts with the incoming administration. Talisha Searcy, Mayor of Takoma Park, Maryland: We plan to hold our ideals and hold our policies and hold our code as the law of the land for the city of Takoma Park. ALINE BARROS: As President-elect Trump promises tough immigration policies, immigration advocates in sanctuary cities vow to fight the new administration. Aline Barros, VOA News, Washington. CARLA BABB: Joining me now is VOA Immigration Correspondent Aline Barros. Let's talk about those sanctions. Alini, what purpose do they serve? Can they realistically mount a fight against the federal government? ALINE BARROS: Well, one thing that is important to know is that sanctuary is not really part of any law, right? It's just the locality, the city or the town that gets together and say, Hey, we're just not going to help ice picking up people in our city, in our town, in our state. So it's not like ice officials, immigration officials cannot come in and arrest people if they have to. It's just that that locality, that city, is not going to get their police officers and say, Here's ice police officers will help you. So with Trump, what he wants is he wants to penalize he wants to go after these locations and says, Okay, well, if your guys are not going to help us, then there's not going to be federal funding. I spoke with the Takoma Park City mayor, and she said that they will stand and they will fight for what they believe and how their community will come together and keep those sanctuary city laws that they have, but we do expect some fighting at the court level. CARLA BABB: So Alini At least eight of President Trump's executive order so far are related to the border. He mentioned the border over and over on the camping trail. What stands out to you in these executive orders? ALINE BARROS: So we've got this theme ongoing about border security. Border Security, he wants to build border walls, which is we should talk about the fact that we do have fences and barriers along the border, the US Mexico border. It's just that he wants to keep on building. So he's pushing for building, you know, more physical barriers, whether it's a big wall or another fence. He wants more of those. He also wants the military at the border. He wants the National Guard at the border. He wants those agencies, those apartments, to work together with Homeland Security. We don't know exactly what the military will do. We don't know if it's going to be the same thing that they've done in the past. If they're going to help with infrastructure, they're not expected, or we don't know yet, allowed to, you know, arrest. CARLA BABB: And he does also want to send us troops to the border? ALINE BARROS: He has said that the Secretary of Defense, I'm reading the order here, shall order as many units or members of the armed forces, including the Ready Reserve and the National Guard, as the Secretary of Defense determines to be appropriate to support the activities of the Secretary of Homeland Security in controlling the southern border. CARLA BABB: What do you expect? When is this going to roll out? Tell us a little bit more detail on this. ALINE BARROS: So right now we have the executive orders, and we have time for implementation. So we also have to wait for the DHS Secretary to be officially nominated, nominated, but approved by Congress. So he wrote the orders, he announced the orders. But we need to wait for but they're not going to happen for the department exactly for the permanent CARLA BABB: I want to talk about birth right citizenship. That's very important to our audience. Tell us about the changes happening with that. ALINE BARROS: So the implementation is supposed to happen in 30 days. Right now, there's about four cases already filed. So there are four different organizations and groups of people who have already sued the Trump administration. One is actually filed today by Casa de Maryland and a few women who are pregnant and about to give birth in March, which is when this order is supposed to take place. So as of now, if you're not in the country legally, your child does not have a second citizenship as of March. So if you give birth in March, as of March, your child, if you're not lawfully here, if you don't have a permanent status, you may have a visa, you may have a visitor's visa, you may have TPS, you may have a student visa. You have a child in March. That child is not a US citizen. However, we really have to see what's going to happen in the next few weeks, because this order might not even be able to be implemented in March. CARLA BABB: Wow, big changes. Alina Burris, thank you so much for keeping us informed about these ongoing changes. Thank you. CARLA BABB: In a span of roughly six hours, movers emptied the White House of the personal belongings of outgoing-President Joe Biden and his family. At the same time, the private residence was remade into a home for the newly sworn-in President Trump. VOAs Dora Mekour reports. DORA MEKOUAR, VOA Correspondent: The moment Joe Biden leaves the Oval Office for the last time, the White House staff jumps into action. Rearranging the iconic office to the incoming president's tastes. Angella Reid, Former White House Chief Usher: How they like the Oval Office to be outfitted. What rug? What, you know, what drapes, what desk, etcetera because that's the kind of the Oval Office is the first area to be sort of prepared. DORA MEKOUAR: Photos show that Biden changed the rug and some chairs after taking over from Donald Trump who preceded him and will also succeed him. But it looks like the couches and curtains remained the same. The president's family lives on the second and third floors of the White House. Before moving day, the incoming president and first lady choose what furniture and art they want from the White House collection. By the time the new president arrives home on Inauguration Day, the furniture is in place and personal family photos are on the walls. Kate Andersen Brower, Author of 'The Residence': When the new president and first lady move in, they have their favorite shampoo in the shower. They have their toothbrush, toothpaste on the counter, they have their clothes hung up in the closet. DORA MEKOUAR: It all happens in under six hours with about one hundred White House staffers pitching in. Kate Andersen Brower, Author of 'The Residence': You don't have professional movers doing this. You have the residence staff doing it, so you have everybody pitching in and these are not people that are trained as movers. They don't hire professionals because of security concerns. DORA MEKOUAR: Many of the White House residence staff worked for Donald Trump during his first term from January 2017 until January 2021. Kate Andersen Brower, Author of 'The Residence': So the staff really did like Donald Trump because he's used to having people around him serving him. And, you know, he would go around tipping staff in cash, you know, handing out 20s and 50s and they appreciate that. They are not political. They just care about how the president treats them. DORA MEKOUAR: President Barack Obama hired Angella Reid to be the White House's Chief Usher in 2011. She oversaw moving day in January 2017 when the Obamas moved out and the Trumps moved in. Angella Reid, Former White House Chief Usher: We have used the term 'organized chaos,' but it really is a very coordinated operation. It's been rehearsed, you know, so many times that on that day, everyone is just chomping at the bits for go time. DORA MEKOUAR But the main challenge is always the time constraint. And having just about six hours to get everything ready to welcome the new presidential family home to the White House for the first time. Dora Mekouar, VOA News, Washington. CARLA BABB: Thats all for this edition of The Inside Story Im Carla Babb in Washington. Stay with VOAnews.com for the latest on the events impacting your world and join us next week for more Inside Story. Thanks for watching. ### This file photo taken on Oct. 26, 2024 shows soldiers of the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy participating in an counter-terrorism and anti-piracy exercise. A Chinese navy fleet returned to a military port in the coastal city of Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, on Friday after completing escort missions and joint exercises. Setting off on Feb. 21, 2024 from Zhanjiang, the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy traveled over 160,000 nautical miles during its 339-day voyage, escorting ships during missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. (Photo by Yu Zeming/Xinhua) GUANGZHOU, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese navy fleet returned to a military port in the coastal city of Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, on Friday after completing escort missions and joint exercises. Setting off on Feb. 21, 2024 from Zhanjiang, the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy traveled over 160,000 nautical miles during its 339-day voyage, escorting ships during missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. Comprising the guided-missile destroyer Jiaozuo, the missile frigate Xuchang, and the comprehensive replenishment vessel Honghu, the fleet has safeguarded the security of international maritime trade routes and regional peace and stability. The fleet also participated in a multilateral joint maritime exercise in Nigeria, the celebration of the 328th founding anniversary of the Russian navy, and an international navy festival in South Africa. It also visited Egypt and made technical stops in South Africa, Morocco and the Seychelles. China began dispatching naval ships to carry out vessel protection operations in December 2008 in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. This file photo taken on Aug. 13, 2024 shows soldiers of the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy participating in a shipborne helicopter flight training. A Chinese navy fleet returned to a military port in the coastal city of Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, on Friday after completing escort missions and joint exercises. Setting off on Feb. 21, 2024 from Zhanjiang, the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy traveled over 160,000 nautical miles during its 339-day voyage, escorting ships during missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. (Photo by Zhang Dayu/Xinhua) Soldiers of the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy wave to the welcoming crowd at a military port in Zhanjiang City in south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 24, 2025. A Chinese navy fleet returned to a military port in the coastal city of Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, on Friday after completing escort missions and joint exercises. Setting off on Feb. 21, 2024 from Zhanjiang, the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy traveled over 160,000 nautical miles during its 339-day voyage, escorting ships during missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. (Photo by Chen Yuanzeng/Xinhua) This file photo taken on Oct. 26, 2024 shows soldiers of the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy participating in a ship boarding training. A Chinese navy fleet returned to a military port in the coastal city of Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, on Friday after completing escort missions and joint exercises. Setting off on Feb. 21, 2024 from Zhanjiang, the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy traveled over 160,000 nautical miles during its 339-day voyage, escorting ships during missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. (Photo by Liang Lei/Xinhua) The guided-missile destroyer Jiaozuo of the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy approaches a military port in Zhanjiang City in south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 24, 2025. A Chinese navy fleet returned to a military port in the coastal city of Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, on Friday after completing escort missions and joint exercises. Setting off on Feb. 21, 2024 from Zhanjiang, the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy traveled over 160,000 nautical miles during its 339-day voyage, escorting ships during missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. (Photo by Jiang Haitao/Xinhua) This file photo taken on April 19, 2024 shows the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy during an counter-terrorism and anti-piracy exercise. A Chinese navy fleet returned to a military port in the coastal city of Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, on Friday after completing escort missions and joint exercises. Setting off on Feb. 21, 2024 from Zhanjiang, the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy traveled over 160,000 nautical miles during its 339-day voyage, escorting ships during missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. (Photo by Liang Lei/Xinhua) This file photo taken on March 18, 2024 shows soldiers of the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy on guard aboard. A Chinese navy fleet returned to a military port in the coastal city of Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, on Friday after completing escort missions and joint exercises. Setting off on Feb. 21, 2024 from Zhanjiang, the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy traveled over 160,000 nautical miles during its 339-day voyage, escorting ships during missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. (Photo by Liang Lei/Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 2, 2025 shows the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy during an counter-terrorism and anti-piracy exercise. A Chinese navy fleet returned to a military port in the coastal city of Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, on Friday after completing escort missions and joint exercises. Setting off on Feb. 21, 2024 from Zhanjiang, the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy traveled over 160,000 nautical miles during its 339-day voyage, escorting ships during missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. (Photo by Zhang Dayu/Xinhua) This file photo taken on May 7, 2024 shows the guided-missile destroyer Jiaozuo of the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy leaving after escorting a cargo ship. A Chinese navy fleet returned to a military port in the coastal city of Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, on Friday after completing escort missions and joint exercises. Setting off on Feb. 21, 2024 from Zhanjiang, the 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy traveled over 160,000 nautical miles during its 339-day voyage, escorting ships during missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. (Photo by Zhang Dayu/Xinhua) Ahead of Belarus presidential election this weekend, a media advocacy group filed a complaint Friday with the International Criminal Court accusing the countrys longtime leader of crimes against humanity against journalists. The complaint, filed by Reporters Without Borders, known by French acronym RSF, accuses President Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating a harsh crackdown on independent media that began after he claimed victory in the disputed 2020 election. That election was widely seen as rigged, with opposition candidates jailed or forced to flee. Security forces violently suppressed the subsequent mass protests. Paris-based RSF cited in its complaint the imprisoning and persecution of journalists and displacement of media workers as examples of crimes against humanity. RSF calls on the ICC Prosecutor to include these crimes against journalists in its preliminary investigation, Antoine Bernard, RSFs director of advocacy and assistance, said in a statement. Since the crackdown on independent media began, Belarus has ranked among the worst jailers of journalists in the world, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Belarusian media experts say the dire environment has made it harder to access credible information. The Belarusian information space is tightly controlled by the government, Natalia Belikova, the head of international cooperation at Press Club Belarus, told VOA from Warsaw. Repression against journalists and activists has been increasing in the lead up to the election, she said. Press Club Belarus counts more than 40 journalists currently jailed in the country. The European Parliament and exiled Belarusian leader Svetlana Tikhanovskayahave condemned the upcoming election in Belarus as a sham. Since 2020, the Belarusian government has pressured independent media through raids on news outlets, blocking websites and designating media organizations as extremist. The harsh environment forced some reporters to quit their jobs. Meanwhile, hundreds of other journalists fled into exile, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists. For five years, the Belarusian regime has systematically persecuted independent voices, starting with journalists, Jeanne Cavelier, the head of RSFs Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk, said in a statement. Belikova said she thinks the complaint to the ICC is significant. On the level of raising the profile of repression in Belarus, especially against journalists and free press, I think this is a very important move, she said. But Belikova added that she wasnt sure whether the complaint will improve the crisis facing Belarusian journalists. The office of the ICC prosecutor said it does not comment on complaints but confirmed it had received one from RSF. The Belarusian Foreign Ministry did not immediately reply to VOAs email requesting comment for this story. The assault on independent media has created an environment where state-run propaganda can thrive, according to analysts. Beginning last week, the Belarusian state-run television network ONT has aired a series of propaganda films that feature three jailed journalists. The journalists are seen in prison facilities, looking emaciated and exhausted as they are asked questions. The journalists Ihar Losik and Andrey Kuznechyk, who work for VOAs sister outlet Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Ihar Karney, who previously contributed to RFE/RL are jailed on charges that press freedom groups view as politically motivated. The ONT propaganda series accused the journalists of trying to set Belarus on fire. It is a very bad and malicious practice. It is against all human rights, Belikova said about the interviews. Belikova said the interviews were likely intended to discredit RFE/RL in the eyes of Belarusians. RFE/RLs Belarusian Service is one of the main independent outlets delivering independent news to people inside the country. RFE/RL said it had no comment on the interview series. Despite the proliferation of state-run propaganda, Belarusians still regularly access banned news sites. The five biggest sites had over 17 million visits in December 2023, according to a 2024 JX Fund report. Belarus has a population of around 9 million people. Ivory Coast expects to record one of the worst mid-crop cocoa harvests of the last 15 years this season with production seen no higher than 300,000 metric tons compared with a yearly average of 500,000 tons, regulator and industry sources said. A poor harvest could add upward pressure to cocoa prices, which are already around record highs after nearly tripling last year. Analysts have said the chocolate industry is in for a rough 2025 that could see shelf prices increase by a percentage in the teens. Ivory Coast is the world's top cocoa producer, but a lack of rain and excessive heat since November across all its 13 growing regions have stalled development of the mid-crop harvest, which is meant to start in April. The unfavorable conditions mean that the first beans will start to arrive in ports in June at the earliest, provided the weather improves and rains return in the coming weeks, the sources said. "There is no sign of any production at all on almost any plantation in the country," said a pod counter who had just visited Ivory Coast farms. His words echo those of two regulator officials, who said that after touring farms their team decided to lower the outlook for cocoa production to 300,000 metric tons from 400,000 tons. "Like everyone else, we're seeing the same thing. The mid-crop harvest will be one of the worst in 15 years," one of the officials said. He added that the regulator had sold only about 250,000 tons in export contracts to grinders, preferring to be cautious. The regulator sources said the entire mid-crop harvest would be sold to local grinders to guarantee them the volumes necessary to maintain their activity. A dozen planters and middlemen across the West African country described the situation as unprecedented, characterized by a total absence of flowers and small pods after those that appeared in December and January dried up in the high heat. "Even if the rain comes today ... it's already too late," said Paul Kouame Kouakou, who owns four hectares of cocoa in Duekoue, a town in west Ivory Coast. It usually takes a flower around 22 weeks to become a mature pod. While the harvest was expected to start in April, there will be no cocoa until at least June, the farmer said. "Usually, it's around November and December that we get the rains that herald the mid-crop harvest, but this year there's been no rain so far, and February and March are the hottest months," said another pod counter. He visited dozens of plantations that did not have any sign of flowers or pods, which he called "very bad news" for the crop. Panic spread in eastern Congo's main city on Thursday, with M23 rebels steadily inching closer to Goma and seizing a nearby town as they battle the Congolese army. Bombs were heard going off in the city's distant outskirts, and hundreds of wounded civilians were brought in to the main hospital from the area of the fighting. The rebel group has been making significant advances in recent weeks, closing in on Goma, which is home to around 2 million people and a regional hub for security and humanitarian efforts. On Thursday, the rebels took Sake, a town only 27 kilometers (16 miles) from Goma and one of the last main routes into the provincial capital still under government control, according to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. M23 is one of about 100 armed groups that have been vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo, along the border with Rwanda, in a decades-long conflict that has created one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. More than 7 million people have been displaced by the fighting. Earlier this month, the M23 captured the towns of Minova, Katale and Masisi, west of Goma. "The people of Goma have suffered greatly, like other Congolese," an M23 spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, said on X. "M23 is on its way to liberate them, and they must prepare to welcome this liberation." The M23 seized Goma in 2012 and controlled it for over a week. As news of the fighting spread, schools in Goma sent students home Thursday morning. "We are told that the enemy wants to enter the city. That's why we are told to go home," Hassan Kambale, a 19-year-old high school student, said. "We are constantly waiting for the bombs." Congo, the United States and U.N. experts accuse Rwanda of backing the M23, mainly composed of ethnic Tutsis who broke away from the Congolese army over a decade ago. Rwanda's government denies the claim but last year admitted that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to safeguard its security, pointing to a buildup of Congolese forces near the border. U.N. experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan forces in Congo. On Wednesday, Congo's minister of communication, Patrick Muyaya, told French broadcaster France 24 that war with Rwanda is an "option to consider." Late Thursday, Guterres condemned, "in the strongest terms, the renewed offensive launched by the 23 March Movement [M23]," including the "seizure of Sake." "This offensive has a devastating toll on the civilian population and heightened the risk of a broader regional war," Guterres' statement read. He also urged "all parties to uphold human rights and international humanitarian law." Earlier in the day, Congolese authorities claimed that the military pushed back an attack from the "Rwandan army" on Sake. The Associated Press was unable to verify if Rwanda's army took part in the offensive. "The population is in panic. The M23 now control large parts of the town," said Leopold Mwisha, president of civil society of the area of Sake. Guterres said he was "deeply troubled" by the most recent reports about the "presence of Rwandan troops on Congolese soil and continued support to the M23." The U.S. Embassy in Congo's capital, Kinshasa, in a notice Thursday warned of "an increase in the severity of armed conflict near Sake" and advised U.S. nationals in North Kivu province, which includes Goma, to be on the alert in case they needed to leave their homes on short notice. The United Kingdom also issued a travel advisory that said M23 now controls Sake and urged British nationals to leave Goma while roads remained open. Many Sake residents have joined the more than 178,000 people who have fled the M23 advance in the last two weeks. The CBCA Ndosho hospital in Goma was stretched to the limit, with hundreds of newly wounded on Thursday. Thousands escaped the fighting by boat on Wednesday, making their way north across Lake Kivu and spilling out of packed wooden boats in Goma, some with bundles of their belongings strapped around their foreheads. Neema Matondo said she fled Sake during the night, when the first explosions started to go off. She recounted seeing people around her torn to pieces and killed. "We escaped, but unfortunately," others did not, Matondo told AP. Mariam Nasibu, who fled Sake with her three children, was in tears one of her children lost a leg, blown off in the relentless shelling. "As I continued to flee, another bomb fell in front of me, hitting my child," she said, crying. Hamas on Friday announced the names of four Israeli women hostages whom the militant group is set to release Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in the second swap under the ceasefire deal in Gaza. The four women are Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag, Hamas said. All four women are Israeli soldiers who were abducted from the Nahal Oz base in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched its attack. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that it had received the list via mediators and that its response would be provided later. The exchange is expected to begin on Saturday afternoon. On Jan. 19, the first day of the ceasefire, Hamas released three Israeli women in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners. In the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, as well as increased humanitarian aid and a withdrawal of the Israeli military from some parts of Gaza. The Israel-Hamas war began with the Hamas attack on Israel in which the militants killed 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage. Israels counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 47,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters but has previously said more than half of those killed have been women and children. Israels response has also displaced the majority of the territorys population and destroyed most of the enclave. Ahead of the Saturday exchange, the United Nations Human Rights Office warned on Friday that increased violence in the occupied West Bank could threaten the ceasefire in Gaza. Since Tuesday, Israeli operations in the West Bank have killed at least 12 Palestinians and injured 40 others, most of them reportedly unarmed, United Nations Human Rights office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said. It is very concerning that whats happening today in the West Bank may have an impact on the ceasefire in Gaza. It is imperative that the ceasefire in Gaza holds, he said. Hundreds of Jenin residents fled their homes as the Israeli military destroyed several houses on the third day of a major operation in the West Bank city on Thursday. Israeli officials said the Jenin operation was aimed at what the military said were Iranian-backed militant groups in the refugee camp next to the city, which has been a hub for armed Palestinian groups for years. We are also concerned by repeated comments from some Israeli officials about plans to expand settlements further still and a fresh breach of international law, Al-Kheetan said. We recall again that the transfer by Israel of its own civilian population into territories it occupies also amounts to a war crime. Israel has occupied the West Bank of the Jordan River, which Palestinians want as the center of an independent state, since the 1967 Middle East war. Most countries view the Jewish settlements that Israel has built there as illegal, but Israel cites historical and Biblical ties to the land. Some information in this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Yemen's Houthi rebels have released the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle carrier seized in November 2023 at the start of their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Hamas war. The move by the Iranian-backed Houthis marks their latest effort to de-escalate their attacks following a ceasefire in Gaza. However, it came as U.S. President Donald Trump moved to reinstate a terrorism designation he made on the group late in his first term that had been revoked by President Joe Biden, potentially setting the stage for new tensions with the rebels. The Houthis said they released the sailors after mediation by Oman, a sultanate on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula that's long been an interlocutor with the Houthis. A Royal Air Force of Oman jet took a flight to Yemen earlier Wednesday and took off again about an hour after the Houthi announcement with the crew, who smiled as they stepped off into freedom in Muscat. The Houthis also said Hamas separately requested the release of the ship's crew of 25, who included mariners from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Mexico. "This step comes in support of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza," the Houthis said in a statement on rebel-controlled SABA news agency. In the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the release of 17 Filipino crew members, describing the moment as an "utmost joy." The Filipinos returned to their home country Thursday to welcomes from their families and government officials. Bulgarias Foreign Ministry confirmed the release of two Bulgarians identified by officials as the ships captain, Lyubomir Chanev, and assistant captain, Danail Veselinov. A government jet was on the way to Oman to bring the Bulgarians home, the ministry said. Hans Grundberg, the United Nations special envoy to Yemen, called the crews release "heartwarming news that puts an end to the arbitrary detention and separation that they and their families endured for more than a year." "This is a step in the right direction, and I urge Ansar Allah to continue these positive steps on all fronts, including ending all maritime attacks," he added, using another name for the Houthis. Vessel's link to Israeli billionaire The Houthis said they hijacked the Galaxy Leader over its connection to Israel. The attack launched the rebels' campaign targeting ships in international waters in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects them. A representative for the Galaxy Leader's owners had no comment Wednesday. The Bahamas-flagged vessel is affiliated with an Israeli billionaire, Abraham "Rami" Ungar, who is known as one of the richest men in Israel. The Houthi attack on the Galaxy Leader saw the rebels launch a helicopter-borne raid. Propaganda footage of the raid has been played constantly by the Houthis, who even shot a music video aboard the ship at one point. On Monday, the Houthis signaled they now will limit their attacks in the Red Sea corridor to only Israeli-affiliated ships after a ceasefire began in the Gaza Strip, but warned wider assaults could resume if needed. However, it likely wont be enough to encourage global firms to reenter the route thats crucial for cargo and energy shipments moving between Asia and Europe. Their attacks have halved traffic through the region, cutting deeply into revenues for Egypt, which runs the Suez Canal linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. The release of the vessel's crew now may have been an effort to curry favor with the U.S., though the ship still remains moored off the Yemeni port city of Hodeida. "This gesture by the Houthis may be intended as a goodwill measure towards the new Trump administration," said Yemen expert Mohammed al-Basha, of the Basha Report risk advisory firm. However, Trump signed an order urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reinstate a foreign terrorist organization designation on the Houthis. Rubio separately called Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, who have led a coalition battling the Houthis since 2015. "Under President Trump, it is now the policy of the United States to cooperate with its regional partners to eliminate the Houthis capabilities and operations, deprive them of resources, and thereby end their attacks on U.S. personnel and civilians, U.S. partners, and maritime shipping in the Red Sea," the White House said. Biden lifted the designation early in his term, citing the humanitarian threat that the sanctions posed to ordinary Yemenis and to back an de facto ceasefire that still broadly holds in Yemen's war. Houthi attacks targeted over 100 commercial ships The Houthis have targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip started in October 2023, after Hamas surprise attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage. Israels military offensive has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials who do not distinguish between civilians and combatants but say women and children make up more than half the fatalities. The Houthis have sunk two vessels in their campaign that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by separate U.S.- and European-led coalitions in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have also included Western military vessels. The rebels had maintained that they only targeted ships linked to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. However, many of the ships attacked had little or no connection, including some bound for Iran. The tempo of Houthi attacks has slowed in recent weeks, particularly involving ships at sea. That may be due in part to the U.S. airstrike campaign. The U.S. and its partners alone have struck the Houthis over 260 times, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Italy's highest court on Thursday upheld the slander conviction of American defendant Amanda Knox in a case related to the sensationalized 2007 murder of her British roommate. Knox was convicted of slandering her former boss, Congolese bar owner Patrick Lumumba, by falsely accusing him of murdering Meredith Kercher. A 21-year-old exchange student, Kercher was found stabbed to death in 2007 in the Perugia apartment she shared with Knox. While being interrogated, Knox, who was 20 at the time, signed two statements prepared by police regarding her accusation against Lumumba. Knox later wrote a handwritten note questioning her false accusation. Last year, an appeals court in Florence handed Knox a three-year sentence for wrongly accusing Lumumba. Knox, now 37 years old, had already served nearly four years during the investigation, initial murder trial and first appeal. She was convicted twice before Italy's highest court finally exonerated her of the crime in 2015. She is not at risk of any more jail time. Knox had appealed the slander conviction based on a European Court of Human Rights ruling that said her rights had been violated by police failure to provide a lawyer and adequate translator during a lengthy night of questioning just days after Kercher was killed. With the appeal, Knox was aiming to clear her name in Rome's Court of Cassation in the last remaining legal case against her following a nearly two-decades-long legal saga. But on Thursday, Judge Monica Boni confirmed the slander conviction. Knox, who did not attend the court, maintained her innocence in a post on X. "It's a surreal day," Knox said. "I've just been found guilty yet again of a crime I didn't commit." Knox's lawyer, Carlo Dalla Vedova, said he was surprised by the conviction. "We cannot believe it. A totally unjust decision for Amanda and unexpected in our eyes," he said. "We are incredulous." But Lumumba said he was satisfied with the verdict. "Amanda was wrong. This verdict has to accompany her for the rest of her life," he told The Associated Press. Rudy Guede, originally from the Ivory Coast, was eventually found guilty and sentenced to 16 years in prison for killing Kercher. He was released in 2021 after serving most of his sentence. He denied killing Kercher. Knox's lengthy legal saga was fodder for tabloids around the world and spawned books, movies and documentaries. Knox herself is currently producing a Hulu mini-series about her wrongful conviction and fight to clear her name. Social activist Monica Lewinsky is also producing the series. Some information in this report came from Reuters and The Associated Press. Iraqi officials said that an Israeli Russian researcher, who was kidnapped by an Iraqi militia nearly two years ago, is alive, and that they are working to secure her release. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Thursday told an Axios reporter in Davos, Switzerland, that Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton doctoral candidate, is alive and that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani was working on her release, according to Reuters. Tsurkov, 39, was abducted in Baghdad in March 2023 shortly after her arrival in the Iraqi capital. The dual Israeli Russian citizen had traveled to Iraq to conduct fieldwork for her dissertation. Israeli citizens are forbidden from traveling to Iraq, but Tsurkov used her Russian passport to enter the country, according to the Israeli government. The Israeli government said in July 2023 that Tsurkov was being held by Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful Shia militia that has ties to the Iraqi government and Iran. In November 2023, Kataib Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, released a proof-of-life video of Tsurkov, the only confirmed evidence of her fate to date. Her sister, Emma Tsurkov, said the family was pleased to see the Iraqi government acknowledge what we already know: Elizabeth is alive and being held hostage in Iraq by militias aligned with the Iraqi prime minister. At the same time, we are fed up with empty promises from the Iraqi government to get her released with no real follow-through, she told VOA. Last year, Emma Tsurkov and two other siblings launched an extensive campaign in Washington during an official visit by Sudani. During a panel discussion hosted by the Atlantic Council, Emma Tsurkov interrupted the Iraqi leader, protesting Baghdads inaction in securing her sisters release. In response, Sudani stated that his government had formed a task force to follow up with Tsurkovs case. The U.S. State Department had confirmed that Tsurkovs case was raised by former President Joe Biden during his White House meeting with Sudani. Emma Tsurkov said the family knows that Elizabeths case is already on the radar of the new SPEHA, referring to Adam Boehler, President Donald Trumps nominee for special presidential envoy for hostage affairs. Boehler must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before he can formally begin his role. We are confident the Trump team will hold the Iraqi government accountable and make Elizabeths safe return a real priority and not just a talking point like the last administration, Emma Tsurkov said. When asked about the case, the State Department released a statement to VOA that read, "while Elizabeth Tsurkov is not a U.S. citizen, the United States condemns her abduction and continues to urge Iraqi officials to secure her release as soon as possible." This story originated in VOAs Kurdish Service. A London judge on Friday rejected a U.S. mother's challenge to be extradited to Colorado to face murder charges in the deaths of two of her young children. Judge John Zani said in Westminster Magistrates Court that it would now be up to the British Home Secretary to order Kimberlee Singler returned to the United States. Singler, 36, is accused of two counts of first-degree murder in the December 2023 shooting and stabbings of her 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son, and one count of attempted murder in the knife slashing of her 11-year-old daughter. She also faces three counts of child abuse and one count of assault. Singlers attorney had argued that sending her back to the U.S. would violate European human rights law, in part, because she faces a sentence of life in prison without parole in Colorado if convicted of first-degree murder. Such a sentence would be inhumane because it offers no prospect for release even if she is rehabilitated, attorney Edward Fitzgerald said. Fitzgerald said that despite an option for a Colorado governor to commute her sentence at some point, it was political suicide to do so. Experts for the defense had originally said that a life sentence had never been commuted in Colorado. But prosecutors later found that Governor John Hickenlooper in 2018 commuted life sentences of five men convicted of murder. The defense countered that three of those sentences were not life without parole and two were for men who committed their crime between the ages of 18 and 21, which is sometimes considered a mitigating factor at sentencing because of their relative youth. This defendant, Kimberlee Singler, has no real prospect of release no matter what progress she makes behind bars, Fitzgerald said. Prosecutor Joel Smith said the judge only had to consider if there is a mechanism that could allow Singler to be freed someday. Prospect of release that is not your concern, Smith told the judge at a hearing in December. Zani said in his ruling that there was an option in Colorado to release an inmate serving a life sentence. I am satisfied that the defendant has failed to vault the hurdle necessary in order to succeed in the challenges raised," the judge said. Fitzgerald said he planned to appeal. Singler has denied that she harmed her children. She told police that her ex-husband had either carried out the killings or hired a hitman. Singler had superficial knife wounds and was initially treated as a victim. But that changed when her surviving daughter, who initially said she had been attacked by an intruder, told police her mother tried to kill her. After her daughter changed her story, police sought to arrest Singler on Dec. 26, but she had fled. She was found four days later in Londons posh Chelsea neighborhood and arrested. The girl told police that her mother gave the children milk with a powdery substance to drink and told them to close their eyes as she guided them into a siblings bedroom, prosecutors said. Singler cut her neck and, as the girl begged her to stop, she slashed her again. The girl said her mother had a gun. The defendant told her that God was telling her to do it and that the childrens father would take them away, Smith said at a previous hearing. Police found Aden Wentz, 7, and Elianna Ellie Wentz, 9, dead when they entered the Colorado Springs apartment on Dec. 19. They had been shot and stabbed. Although Singler blamed her husband, authorities said he had a solid alibi backed up by GPS records that showed he had been driving a truck at the time of the killings. U.S. President Donald Trump headed to California on Friday as firefighters in the Los Angeles area continue to confront multiple blazes amid high winds and dry conditions. Trump has criticized California leaders for water policies that he says have exacerbated the recent wildfires. He said he would take a look at a fire that could have been put out if they let the water flow, but they didnt let the water flow. Californias governor has rejected the presidents assertion, and other state legislators also have blamed the fierce wildfires for placing extreme demand on a municipal system not designed to battle such blazes. Before visiting California, Trump first visited North Carolina, where he will be briefed on monthslong recovery efforts for the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. In California, Trump is expected to visit the Pacific Palisades neighborhood that has been devastated by wildfires, leaving rows of homes in ashes. The Palisades Fire is currently 77% contained and has burned through nearly 9,500 hectares of land, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Trump, a Republican, has broached using federal disaster assistance as a bargaining chip during unrelated legislative negotiations over government borrowing, or as leverage to push California to alter its water policies. The Republican president has a habit of mixing disaster response with politics and false claims. Playing politics with peoples livelihoods is unacceptable and a slap in the face to the Southern California wildfire victims and to our brave first responders, Representative Young Kim, a Republican from Orange County, south of Los Angeles, said in a recent statement. Trump has also suggested putting more responsibility on individual states to respond to disasters. Id rather see the states take care of their own problems, he said in a Wednesday interview with Fox News. FEMA is getting in the way of everything. FEMA is the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has been responding to disasters in both California and North Carolina. Michael A. Coen Jr., who served as chief of staff at FEMA during the Biden administration, said Trump has been misinformed about the agency, and he took exception with what he characterized as Trumps inclination to play politics with disaster relief. Ahead of Trumps visit to Southern California, firefighters continued to fight multiple fires in the Los Angeles region. The second-largest fire, known as the Eaton Fire, is now 95% contained after burning through more than 5,600 hectares of land, according to Cal Fire. The Hughes Fire in the mountains northwest of Los Angeles near Castaic Lake started Wednesday, prompting evacuation orders for more than 50,000 people. Health advisories for smoke and windblown dust and ash have been issued for surrounding areas. "Smoke and ash can harm everyone, even those who are healthy," Dr. Muntu Davis, L.A. Countys health officer, said in a statement. Firefighters received help fighting the Hughes Fire overnight with aerial water drops from helicopters. The fire is now 56% contained and has burned more than 4,200 hectares of land, according to the Cal Fire. The Laguna Fire in Ventura County resulted in evacuation orders for California State University Channel Islands and University Glen, but the orders were downgraded to warnings Thursday afternoon. That fire is 70% contained after charring nearly 40 hectares of land, according to Cal Fire. The U.S. Storm Prediction Center said Thursday the "very gusty" offshore Santa Ana winds will continue in southern California with gusts that could reach as high at 105 kph in some mountain ranges. The winds, combined with Southern Californias "very low humidity and dry antecedent conditions," prompted the center to continue a critical risk of fire weather alert for Thursday and an elevated fire weather outlook for Friday. There is a chance for some relief in the coming days. The National Weather Service said rain is expected in the area beginning Saturday. Forecasters expect up to a centimeter of rain across much of the Los Angeles area, while localized thunderstorms could bring even more rain in limited locations. The potential for those storms has prompted concerns about the possibility of mudslides, with debris flowing down hilly areas that have been scorched by several weeks of wildfires. The fires that broke out in Southern California on Jan. 7 have killed at least 28 people and destroyed an estimated 16,000 buildings. The death toll is expected to climb as emergency workers comb through the ashes. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that mortgage relief will be available to the owners of property damaged or destroyed in the fires. Nearly 300 state-chartered banks, credit unions and mortgage lenders and servicers have committed to the 90-day forbearance of mortgage payments. "Were working closely with Governor Newsoms office ... to ensure Southern Californians can focus on rebuilding their lives without the added burden of financial worries," Scott Simpson, president and CEO of California & Nevada Credit Union Leagues. The forbearance, Newsom said, "helps provide survivors with the time and relief to address their immediate needs, rather than worrying about paying mortgage bills." Other relief will be available, the governors office said in a statement, but did not give further details. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Nigerian authorities and the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs have launched an appeal for $910 million to address an escalating humanitarian crisis in the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan was unveiled Thursday at the U.N. House in Abuja. The appeal aims to raise nearly a billion dollars to provide lifesaving assistance to some 3.6 million people affected by the more than 15 years of insurgency and insecurity in northeast Nigeria. Officials said humanitarian needs have worsened recently due to climate shocks, including devastating floods, and deepening economic issues. Mohammed Malick Fall, the U.N. resident coordinator in Nigeria, highlighted the growing challenges. This occasion underscores our collective resolve as a community to millions of people here in Nigeria. We have seen a spike in the number of people facing food insecurity. We have also seen a rise in children suffering from malnutrition, he said. In 2024, we experienced perhaps one of the worst floods. Humanitarian interventions are key in saving lives, but they can't be the solution for all the problems across Nigeria. What is required also is for development to step in, that we double down on peace building," Fall added. The 2025 plan prioritizes food security, health care, water and sanitation, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as women, children and people with disabilities. The plan also seeks to tackle the root causes of poverty and underdevelopment while building the resilience of vulnerable communities. Fall noted that just 57% of last years funding target was achieved a number that was still slightly higher than the global average. Nigerias Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Nentawe Yilwatda, underscored the importance of taking a proactive approach to the emergency. The 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan prioritizes saving lives, building resilience, and adopting adaptive strategies to address evolving challenges with limited resources. This plan shifts from a reactive to a proactive approach, aiming to mitigate disasters before they occur, Yilwatda said. While the focus remains on Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, it also acknowledges growing humanitarian needs in the northwest and north-central regions. Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states have been grappling with terrorism from Boko Haram and widespread insecurity from armed gangs for over 15 years, creating one of Africa's most severe humanitarian crises. Zubaida Umar, director-general of Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency, emphasized the need for collaboration. The success of this plan lies in collaboration, synergy, and a people-centered approach. The numbers in this report represent real lives children, women and men, families whose resilience inspires us to act with urgency and compassion, Umar said. The U.N. estimates that 33 million Nigerians will face food insecurity in 2025, up from 26.5 million last year. Among them, 2.5 million children are at risk of dying from severe acute malnutrition without immediate intervention. Jia Xiaobing, the Chinese head of the Chinese-Egyptian Montu Temple joint archaeological mission, is interviewed at the Montu Temple archaeological site in Luxor, Egypt, on Jan. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) by Ahmed Shafiq LUXOR, Egypt, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The winter sunlight slanted across the ancient stones of the Montu Temple, casting long, ethereal shadows that danced across weathered hieroglyphs and crumbling limestone. Wisps of desert dust swirled around the feet of Egyptian and Chinese archaeologists, who moved with meticulous precision across the archaeological site in Luxor's sprawling Karnak Temple Complex. In the crisp morning air, the falcon-headed god Montu seemed to watch silently as international teams carefully brushed away centuries of accumulated history. The temple -- a forgotten sanctuary nestled within the complex -- had long been shrouded in silence, its secrets waiting patiently beneath layers of accumulated earth and time. Now, thanks to a groundbreaking agreement between the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), the joint mission was breathing new life into this forgotten sanctuary. "This mission, the first of its kind, has presented unique challenges and exciting opportunities," said Jia Xiaobing, the Chinese head of the project and a scholar from CASS, in an interview at the site. Cultural differences, he noted, have been bridged by a shared passion for history and mutual respect for expertise. When the Chinese team first arrived in 2018, the Montu Temple area was an untamed landscape: overgrown with wild grasses, obscured by dust from previous excavations, and cluttered with abandoned offices. It looked nothing like the bustling work site it is today. The excavation focused on two primary areas. The first, centered on the Osirian Temple, had already revealed three of six chapel structures. Mud-brick walls previously unknown to scholars emerged from their long slumber, each stone a potential narrative waiting to be decoded. The second area, positioned between the Montu and Maat Temples, promised insights into the complex architectural and religious relationships of ancient Egyptian societies, the Chinese archaeologist said. Jia emphasized the long-term nature of the Chinese presence in Egypt, with plans for continued work at the Montu Temple and potential expansion to other sites. He stressed the significance of the Sino-Egyptian archaeological collaboration, drawing parallels between the long histories and rich archaeological traditions of both nations. "Through their joint efforts, Egyptian and Chinese archaeologists are not only unearthing the secrets of the Montu temple but also fostering greater understanding and cooperation between their nations," he said. The mission has become a model of synergy. The Chinese team's meticulous documentation and use of cutting-edge technology complement the invaluable local expertise of their Egyptian counterparts. "They are doing a great job here," said Aboul-Hassan Ahmed, an inspector of antiquities with the mission. "They are very cooperative and keen to understand our ancient civilization." For the local community, these efforts represent more than academic interest -- they're an economic lifeline. Mohammed Farouk, head of the Egyptian-Chinese excavation workers, pointed out that the mission employs 60 workers each season. "This work isn't just beneficial for Egypt or humanity," he emphasized, "but crucial for the local Luxor community, supporting 60 families." Archaeological workers excavate at the Montu Temple archaeological site in Luxor, Egypt, on Jan. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Archaeological workers excavate at the Montu Temple archaeological site in Luxor, Egypt, on Jan. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Archaeological workers excavate at the Montu Temple archaeological site in Luxor, Egypt, on Jan. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Archaeological workers excavate at the Montu Temple archaeological site in Luxor, Egypt, on Jan. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) A Chinese archaeologist works at the Montu Temple archaeological site in Luxor, Egypt, on Jan. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) An archaeological worker excavates at the Montu Temple archaeological site in Luxor, Egypt, on Jan. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Chinese and Egyptian archaeologists work at the Montu Temple archaeological site in Luxor, Egypt, on Jan. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) As President Donald Trump was sworn into office on Jan. 20, African nations watched the inauguration ceremony with the expectation that he would focus more on partnerships with African countries." But some in Africa remain critical, focusing on the presidents ability to travel internationally. On Jan. 10, Trump was formally convicted of a felony by a New York court after he was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Trump denies the accusations, dubbing them as political witch-hunt and claiming innocence. Yet some claim such a conviction could potentially impact the presidents foreign trips. Soon after Trump was sworn in, Dr. Kemi Lawrence, a Nigerian journalist, alleged that Trump had only one foreign travel option, which is visiting Nigeria. In a video posted on her TikTok account, Lawrence claimed: President Trump is a convicted felon and he cannot enter UAE, UK, Canada, South Africa, Donald Trump cannot enter like 42 countries. The claim is misleading. Canada is among dozens of countries to refuse entry to convicted felons. But experts say the Canadian laws can still grant a felon entry. A Canadian website with guidance for Americans with criminal records who wish to enter the country says convicted felons can sometimes do so in one of two ways: With a valid reason, you can request from Canadian immigration officials a temporary resident permit for up to three years. A second option is to request "Criminal Rehabilitation, which is Canada's permanent solution for criminally inadmissible foreign nationals." Canada, which assumed the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven (G7) nations on Jan. 1, will host the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17, 2025. Trump is among the world leaders expected to attend the summit. On Jan. 20, Canadian broadcaster CBC reported that it might fall on the immigration minister to issue a special visa for him to enter the country. More than 38 countries have laws that allow them to refuse a felon entry into their territories, according to Gregory Germain, a professor at the New York-based Syracuse University College of Law. Yet it is entirely up to each country whether they will allow him to visit their country, Germain told Polygraph in an interview. Countries that prohibit convicted felons from visiting, or require special approval to visit, will have to decide whether to let him into their country. South Africa is one of these 38 countries that has a law barring entry for convicted felons. However, on Nov. 8, three days after Trump won the U.S. presidential elections, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Trump by telephone. The South African president shared on X part of his discussion adding, We also look forward to hosting President-Elect Trump during the #G20 Heads of State Summit next year. Lawrence also claimed Trump "cannot enter the UK," which is untrue. On Dec. 27, Britains Telegraph reported that Number 10 [Downing Street, official residence of Britains prime minister] and the Foreign Office are preparing to offer the incoming U.S. president an invitation once he is back in the White House, with the backing of Buckingham Palace. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could become the first elected politician in modern history to be hosted for two state visits by the British royal family. The United Arab Emirates has also expressed interest to work with Trump. Trump will not be the first President to travel on a special visa due to a criminal record. In 2001, former President George W. Bush had to apply for a special waiver to enter Canada during the 3rd Summit of Americas held in Quebec due to a 1976 misdemeanor conviction for drunk driving. During his previous administration, Trumps first foreign trip was to Saudi Arabia, Israel, the Palestinian territories, Brussels, the Vatican and Sicily. His second foreign trip was to Poland in June 2017, which he concluded by attending the G20 Summit in Germany. Officials in Ukraine say Russia launched a barrage of drones in an overnight attack Friday, killing at least two civilians, wounding several others and damaging commercial and residential buildings. The Interior Ministry said two victims were killed by drone debris in the central Kyiv region. It said a multistory residential building and commercial buildings were among the targets that sustained damage during the attack. Russias Defense Ministry said air defenses intercepted and destroyed some 120 Ukrainian drones over a dozen regions, including Moscow, overnight Friday. No casualties were reported. Ukraine on Friday announced the mandatory evacuations of dozens of families with children from front-line villages in the eastern Donetsk region. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in remarks published Friday that he did not see any objective signs that Ukraine or the West were ready for peace talks. Despite the increasingly loud talk about the need for peace talks, there are objectively no practical actions indicating that Kyiv and the West are really ready for them, Lavrov said, according to a transcript of questions and answers he had received from reporters posted on his ministrys website. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in December that Moscow had no conditions to start talks with Ukraine and was ready to negotiate with anyone. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he would talk soon with Putin to try to push the Russian leader to end his nearly three-year war on neighboring Ukraine. Millions of young lives are being wasted. That war is horrible, Trump, via video link from Washington, told global business leaders meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He said that Ukraine is ready to make a deal, although no peace negotiations have been announced. This is a war that never shouldve started. Trump, three days into his second term in the White House, said he would ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to cut global oil prices, now about $79 a barrel, to curb Russias oil revenues, which it uses to fund the war. If the price comes down, Trump said, the war in Ukraine will end immediately. Trumps new remarks on the war came a day after he described the conflict as a ridiculous war and told Putin in a social media message that if he didnt move to end it, the United States would impose new tariffs, taxes and sanctions on Russian exports to the West. But the Kremlin was unmoved by Trumps threat, saying Thursday it did not see any particularly new elements in U.S. policy toward Russia. He likes these methods, at least he liked them during his first presidency, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Peskov said Russia remains ready for mutually respectful dialogue with the United States as Trump starts a four-year term in the White House. But Peskov said Friday that Putin is ready to have a phone call with Trump and that Moscow is waiting for word from Washington that it is ready, too. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. President Donald Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trump is intensifying pressure on Russia to begin negotiations with Ukraine to end the war as many Internally Displaced People in Ukraine are returning to their homes in anticipation of the war ending soon. The latest on the LA fires and a look at Taliban leaders accused of crimes against humanity. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the declassification Thursday of the last secret files on the assassination of the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy, a case that still fuels conspiracy theories more than 60 years after his death. Trump signed an executive order that will also release documents on the 1960s assassinations of JFK's younger brother, Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. "That's a big one, huh? A lot of people have been waiting for this for years, for decades," Trump told reporters as he signed the order in the Oval Office of the White House. After signing the order, Trump passed the pen he used to an aide, saying, "Give that to RFK Jr.," JFK's nephew and the current president's nominee to become secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The order Trump signed requires the "full and complete release" of the JFK files, without redactions that he accepted back in 2017 when releasing most of the documents. "It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay," the order said. Trump had previously promised to release the last of the files, most recently at his inauguration on Monday. The U.S. National Archives has released tens of thousands of records in recent years related to the November 22, 1963, assassination of President Kennedy but held thousands back, citing national security concerns. It said at the time of the latest large-scale release, in December 2022, that 97% of the Kennedy records which total 5 million pages had now been made public. The Warren Commission that investigated the shooting of the charismatic 46-year-old president determined that it was carried out by a former Marine sharpshooter, Lee Harvey Oswald, acting alone. But that formal conclusion has done little to quell speculation that a more sinister plot was behind Kennedy's murder in Dallas, Texas, and the slow release of the government files has added fuel to various conspiracy theories. A gesture to RFK Jr. Trump's move is partly a gesture to one of the most prominent backers of those conspiracies Robert F. Kennedy Jr. himself. RFK Jr. said in 2023 there was "overwhelming evidence the CIA was involved" in his uncle JFK's murder and "very convincing" evidence the agency was also behind the 1968 assassination of his own father, Robert F. Kennedy. The former attorney general was killed while campaigning for the Democratic nomination for president. Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian-born Jordanian, was convicted of his murder. Thousands of John Kennedy assassination-related documents from the National Archives were released during Trump's first term in office, but he also held some back on national security grounds. Then-President Joe Biden said at the time of the December 2022 documents release that a "limited" number of files would continue to be held back at the request of unspecified "agencies." Previous requests to withhold documents have come from the CIA and FBI. Kennedy scholars have said the documents still held by the archives are unlikely to contain any bombshell revelations or put to rest the rampant conspiracy theories about the assassination of the 35th U.S. president. Oswald, who had at one point defected to the Soviet Union, was shot to death two days after killing Kennedy by a nightclub owner, Jack Ruby, as he was being transferred from the city jail. Hundreds of books and movies such as the 1991 Oliver Stone film "JFK" have fueled the conspiracy industry, pointing the finger at Cold War rivals Russia or Cuba, the Mafia and even Kennedy's vice president, Lyndon Johnson. King was assassinated in April 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. James Earl Ray was convicted of the murder and died in prison in 1998, but King's children have expressed doubts in the past that Ray was the assassin. Just days into his presidency, Donald Trump is intensifying pressure on Russia to begin peace talks with Ukraine. On Thursday, Russia dismissed Trump's threats of new sanctions and tariffs on the Kremlin if it refused to end the war. VOA's Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports. U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order related to AI to "make America the world capital in artificial intelligence," his aide told reporters in the White House's Oval Office. The order sets a 180-day deadline for an Artificial Intelligence Action Plan to create a policy "to sustain and enhance Americas global AI dominance in order to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security." Trump also told his AI adviser and national security assistant to work to remove policies and regulations put in place by former President Joe Biden. Trump on Monday revoked a 2023 executive order signed by Biden that sought to reduce the risks that artificial intelligence poses to consumers, workers and national security. Biden's order required developers of AI systems that pose risks to U.S. national security, the economy, public health or safety to share the results of safety tests with the U.S. government, in line with the Defense Production Act, before they were released to the public. Trump also signed an executive order creating a cryptocurrency working group tasked with proposing a new regulatory framework for digital assets and exploring the creation of a cryptocurrency stockpile. The much-anticipated action also ordered that banking services for crypto companies be protected, and banned the creation of central bank digital currencies that could compete with existing cryptocurrencies. The order sees Trump fulfill a campaign trail pledge to be a "crypto president and promote the adoption of digital assets. That is in stark contrast to Biden's regulators that, in a bid to protect Americans from fraud and money laundering, cracked down on crypto companies, suing exchanges Coinbase, Binance, Kraken and dozens more in federal court, alleging they were flouting U.S. laws. The working group will be made up of the Treasury secretary, attorney general and chairs of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission, along with other agency heads. The group is tasked with developing a regulatory framework for digital assets, including stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency typically pegged to the U.S. dollar. The group is also set to "evaluate the potential creation and maintenance of a national digital asset stockpile ... potentially derived from cryptocurrencies lawfully seized by the Federal Government through its law enforcement efforts." In December, Trump named venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks as the crypto and artificial intelligence czar. He will chair the group, the order said. Finally, Trump signed pardons for 23 anti-abortion protesters on Thursday in the Oval Office of the White House. The pardons came a day before anti-abortion protesters were due to descend on Washington for the annual March for Life. U.S. President Donald Trump spoke remotely Thursday to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, delivering his first major speech to global business and political leaders. Trump used an address Thursday to promise countries lower taxes if they bring manufacturing to the U.S. and threatened to impose tariffs if they dont. Speaking by video from the White House to the annual summit, Trump ran through his flurry of executive actions since his swearing. We speak with David Kass, clinical professor of finance at the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business. A 2024 Human Rights Watch report released last week describes the five Central Asian republics as an environment under law-breaking and authoritarian governments. There were no major improvements in the rule of law in any of the Central Asian republics in 2024, HRW, the New York-based international organization, reported. The situation remained grim and, in some cases, worsened in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, according to HRW's annual analysis. The HRW analysis emphasized that courts are not independent, parliaments are puppets, and presidents are autocrats. Click here for the full story in Uzbek. The mineral wealth on the Arctic island of Greenland is in the global spotlight after U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants to take control of the territory from Denmark, prompting alarm from European allies. Trump's words were echoed in a January 12 interview on "Fox News Sunday" by Vice President JD Vance, who said, "There is a deal to be made in Greenland," and that the island has "a lot of great natural resources." Until now, Greenland's mining industry has struggled to turn a profit, but could that be about to change? 'Full of minerals' Greenland currently has only one active commercial mine White Mountain located north of the capital, Nuuk, and gets its stark, monochrome color from anorthosite rock, which is rich in calcium deposits and other minerals. The mine's operator, Lumina Sustainable Materials, ships the rock from Greenland's western coastline to Asia, Europe and North America, where it is used to make a variety of products such as fiberglass, paint, fillers, cement and polymers. Efforts are under way to exploit aluminum deposits within the anorthosite. "Greenland is a country full of minerals. We have, literally, minerals available all over the place," Bent Olsvig Jensen, Lumina's managing director in Greenland, told VOA in an interview. Dozens of other mining companies from around the world are conducting exploration and feasibility studies across Greenland, although White Mountain remains the only commercial operation currently trading. China competition The minerals include plentiful rare earth elements such as lithium and scandium, which are critical for devices such as batteries. Global supply chains for those elements are currently dominated by China. Trump has repeatedly said that U.S. control of Greenland is necessary for "international security." His comments caused a political storm in Greenland and Denmark, but mining companies see an opportunity. "His interest in Greenland can actually help the industry get access to further investment, which is needed for the industry to develop in Greenland," Jensen said. "So, yes, I definitely welcome it. And I think it's important that both from the industry side but also from the political side in Greenland that we position ourselves towards Trump and the U.S." 'Not for sale' Greenland's government is largely autonomous, although Denmark is responsible for the island's security. Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland's minister for resources, emphasized the government's long-held response to Trump's interest: Open for business, but not for sale. "We do want American investments. We do want collaboration with the U.S. State Department, and we've been trying to advocate for that for some time," she told VOA. Greenland signed a deal with Trump during his first administration in 2019 to boost the mining industry. "The U.S. funded our direct marketing towards investors all over the world, and this agreement has just come to its end. So we've been trying to get engagement from the U.S. for some time now in order to renew this deal," Nathanielsen said. Challenges Despite widespread recognition of Greenland's mineral wealth, attracting investment in mining has been a long-term problem. "For many years now, we have seen that there has been some hesitance in the investor environment to engage in high-risk, long-term projects. We only have one American-owned license at the moment. In comparison, we have 23 from Canada, 23 from the U.K. and about 10 from Denmark. So, it's not an area where you see a lot of U.S. engagement as of now. Of course we welcome it, and there's plenty of opportunity," Nathanielsen said. Greenland's government is pushing for full independence from Denmark. Supporters hope the island's mineral wealth could one day provide the economic foundation for full statehood. But there's a long way to go, said Ulrik Pram Gad, an analyst at the Danish Institute for International Studies in Copenhagen. "If you want minerals out of the ground and financing Greenlandic self-sufficiency economically, then you will need to have the uptake in the international processing going," Gad told VOA. "And then, probably you'll have to think very closely about how to make sure that these mining projects benefit people who live close to them, rather than being a new version of imperialist extraction. Because then, the Greenlanders might not want it in the end," he explained. The risk doesn't always end in reward. Rubies and pink sapphires were extracted at the Aappaluttoq mine until 2023, when its operator, Greenland Ruby, went bankrupt, $71 million in debt. The company is restructuring and seeking new investors, with a goal of restarting operations. Greenland's 2.1 million square kilometers of land is icebound for much of the year. "Obviously, we are in the middle of the Arctic, so there are some logistical challenges," Jensen of Lumina said. "Not all of Greenland is open all year round. However, that is something that we can plan our way out of." Jensen added that investors must have patience to make a profit. "It takes time to develop a project from the early-stage exploration until you actually have a mine where you can extract and start selling. And as we all say in mining, 'Time is money.'" Greenlands mineral wealth is in the global spotlight after U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants to take control of the island from Denmark. But until now, Greenlands mining industry has struggled to turn a profit. Could that be about to change? Henry Ridgwell reports from Greenlands capital, Nuuk. BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines on Friday dispatched a civilian vessel to deliver supplies to its illegally grounded ship at Ren'ai Jiao in the South China Sea, a spokesperson for the China Coast Guard (CCG) said. Liu Dejun, the spokesperson, said the resupply mission was carried out after securing an approval from the Chinese side. The CCG conducted verification and maintained oversight throughout the process, he added. Liu urged the Philippine side to honor its commitments and work with China to keep the maritime situation under control. "The CCG will continue its protection of rights and its law-enforcement activities in China's Nansha Qundao, including Ren'ai Jiao, and its surrounding waters," the spokesperson said. In May 1999, the Philippines "grounded" the tank-landing ship BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) at Ren'ai Jiao. Despite Manila's repeated promise to tow it away, the ship has remained there for over 25 years. No media source currently available The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. In the Rocky Mountain state of Colorado, the National Western Stock Show hosts nearly 30 professional rodeo events. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns takes us to a stock show competition for younger riders. And sheep. On Jan. 22, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview with Bloomberg News, had called for Western occupation of his country. The Russian state agency was referring to a Jan. 22 interview from Davos, in which Zelenskyy discussed the possibility of having Western peacekeepers deployed to Ukraine to prevent Russia from a future invasion if a ceasefire is reached. RIA Novosti distorted Zelenskyys words, claiming: "Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again called for the occupation of Ukraine by Western troops. That claim is false. Occupation occurs when foreign armed forces control a territory without the host nation's consent, imposing military authority. When a state invites foreign troops and agrees to their presence on its territory, it is not considered occupation under international law as there is no hostile takeover or enforced control. In international humanitarian law, a territory is considered occupied when it is actually placed under the authority of the adverse foreign armed forces, says an online casebook on international humanitarian law published by the International Committee of the Red Cross. When a State consents to the presence of foreign troops, there is no occupation. Zelenskyy told Bloomberg that any potential peace agreement with Russia would require security protocols to prevent the Kremlin from breaking the truce. Such protocols could include deployment of international peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. U.S. troops, he added, would need to be part of such a mission if it were to be effective, as European forces alone may not be sufficient to deter Russia. The laws of war fall into two basic types: one set governs whether it is legal for a state to go to war against another, or jus ad bellum, wrote Lise Morje Howard, president of the Academic Council on the United Nations System, in a piece published by the U.S. Institute of Peace in 2022. Jus ad bellum is a concept of just war, of which only three are considered under international law: 1) In self-defense; 2) When one state asks another state to send troops (for example, Russia legally sent troops to Syria by invitation of the Assad government); and 3) If the U.N. Security Council determines that the war is legal under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter (for example, after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, the Security Council authorized a multinational military response). Per Howard, a states invitation of international troops falls under the concept of jus ad bellum, and such a case does not require a United Nations authorization, which could never happen, as Russia, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC), holds veto power and has previously blocked resolutions concerning Ukraine. If the UNSC is deadlocked, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) can convene under the "Uniting for Peace" resolution to recommend collective measures, including peacekeeping forces. While these recommendations are influential, they are not legally binding. With UNGA support, a coalition of member states could form a multinational peacekeeping force. Although not under direct U.N. command, this force would operate with U.N. endorsement, lending it international legitimacy. An example of a multinational peacekeeping force operating without direct UNSC authorization is the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. The MFO was established shortly after the 1981 Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel. It was not a U.N. peacekeeping mission, as it did not have the direct authorization of the UNSC. However, the MFO was created by the United States, Egypt, and Israel, with additional contributions from other countries. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he would soon talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin to try to push the Russian leader to end his nearly three-year war on neighboring Ukraine. "Millions of young lives are being wasted. That war is horrible," Trump, via video link from Washington, told global business leaders meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He said "Ukraine is ready to make a deal," although no peace negotiations have been announced. "This is a war that never should've started." Trump, three days into his second term in the White House, said he would ask Saudi Arabia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to cut global oil prices, now about $77 a barrel, to curb Russia's oil revenues, which it uses to fund the war. "If the price comes down," Trump said, "the war in Ukraine will end immediately." "It's so important to get that done," he said. "It's time to end it." Russia unphased by threats Trump's new remarks on the war came a day after he described the conflict as a "ridiculous war" and told Putin in a social media message that if he didn't move to end it, the U.S. would impose new tariffs, taxes and sanctions on Russian exports to the West. But the Kremlin was unmoved by Trump's threat, saying Thursday it did not see any particularly new elements in U.S. policy toward Russia. "He likes these methods, at least he liked them during his first presidency," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Peskov said Russia remains ready for "mutually respectful dialogue" with the United States as Trump starts a four-year term in the White House. Trump told Putin in a social media post that he was "not looking to hurt Russia" and that the U.S. "must never forget" that Russia helped the U.S. win World War II, but that it was time to end Moscow's attack on neighboring Ukraine. "All of that being said," Trump noted on his Truth Social account, "I'm going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR. Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE." "If we don't make a 'deal,' and soon," Trump said he would "have no other choice" but to impose the taxes, tariffs and sanctions. Under former U.S. President Joe Biden, who left office as Trump assumed power, the United States and its European allies frequently sanctioned key sectors of the Russian economy and oligarch friends of Putin, worsening the country's economy but failing to stop the war. Trump said, "Let's get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with! We can do it the easy way, or the hard way and the easy way is always better. It's time to "MAKE A DEAL." NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!" Russian attack kills 1, say officials in Zaporizhzhia On the battle front, officials in southern Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region said Thursday a Russian ballistic missile attack killed at least one person and injured 24 others. Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov said on Telegram that Russian drones also destroyed an energy facility and knocked out power to tens of thousands of people. In the Mykolaiv region, Governor Vitaliy Kim said on Telegram that Ukrainian air defenses shot down nine Russian drones. But debris from the drones damaged several houses, Kim said. Ukraine's military also shot down several drones over the Dnipropetrovsk region, Governor Serhiy Lysak said. Russia's Defense Ministry said it shot down four Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod region located along the Russia-Ukraine border. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced Brent Bozell III as his nominee to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA and other independent news networks. Bozell is a conservative political activist and writer who founded the Media Research Center, an organization set up to counter what it identifies as liberal bias in media and popular culture. MRC has also challenged technology companies that it says were suppressing conservative voices. A date for Bozells Senate confirmation hearing has not yet been set. Congress is currently holding hearings for the presidents picks to lead federal agencies. Bozell on the social media platform X said he was honored by the nomination. There is lots of work to be done. I look forward to meeting with Senators ahead of my confirmation hearing to explore how best to ensure the priorities of the President are met, he posted. If confirmed by the Senate, Bozell will lead the USAGM, an organization that in 2024 sought a $950 million budget to oversee several entities dedicated to reporting news and combating censorship that have a combined weekly audience reach of more than 420 million. Those organizations include Voice of America, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and the nonprofits Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Open Technology Fund and Frontline Media Fund. As CEO, Bozell will work closely with the International Broadcasting Advisory Board a seven-person bipartisan body that ensures the editorial independence of the networks is protected and that the mission to provide unbiased information is carried out. The board includes the U.S. secretary of state. Trump's choice, Marco Rubio, was sworn in as secretary of state on Tuesday. The board also must provide approval via majority vote for any requests by the CEO to hire or dismiss network heads. Trump in early December has said he would like journalist turned politician Kari Lake to lead VOA. SEE ALSO: Lake worked as a TV journalist for nearly 30 years before moving into politics. She ran unsuccessfully for governor of Arizona and challenged her loss in lawsuits. A run for senator was also unsuccessful. The roles of VOA director and network heads are not presidentially appointed. Instead, a CEO makes a selection that goes to the bipartisan board for unanimous approval. Congress made changes to the role of CEO and advisory board in December 2020 after the first presidentially appointed head of the USAGM, Michael Pack, was found to have engaged in gross mismanagement and abuse of power while at the agency. If approved, Bozell will take over USAGM at a crucial time, with Chinese and Russian state-run propaganda gaining traction, and the safety of the journalists at USAGM under threat in hostile countries. At least 11 journalists who work with USAGM networks are currently imprisoned by hostile governments in Myanmar, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Vietnam and Russian-occupied Crimea. Others have lost their lives while reporting in dangerous environments, including Haiti. In December, a freelancer who helped with marketing for VOA Creole was killed in a gang attack. The last head of USAGM, Amanda Bennett, stepped down ahead of Trumps inauguration. A former VOA director and Pulitzer-winning writer, Bennett was nominated to the position by President Joe Biden in 2021. In announcing his pick Wednesday, Trump noted that Bozell and his family have fought for the American principles of Liberty, Freedom, Equality, and Justice for generations. Bozells father, L. Brent Bozell, founded a conservative Catholic magazine, was a speechwriter for Republican Senator Barry Goldwater, and in 1970 organized the first antiabortion march in Washington. One of Bozells five children was pardoned by Trump this week, after being sentenced to more than three years in prison for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on the Capitol. SEATTLE, WASHINGTON A U.S. federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's executive order redefining birthright citizenship, calling it "blatantly unconstitutional" during the first hearing in a multistate effort challenging the order. The temporary restraining order sought by Arizona, Illinois, Oregon and Washington was the first to get a hearing before a judge and applies nationally. The case is one of five lawsuits being brought by 22 states and several immigrant rights groups across the country. The suits include personal testimonies from attorneys general who are U.S. citizens by birthright and name pregnant women who are afraid their children won't become U.S. citizens. SEE ALSO: U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, a Ronald Reagan appointee, began the hearing by grilling the administration's attorneys, saying the order "boggles the mind." "This is a blatantly unconstitutional order," Coughenour told Brett Shumate, a Justice Department lawyer. Coughenour said he's been on the bench for more than four decades and couldn't remember seeing another case where the action challenged was so clearly unconstitutional. Shumate said he respectfully disagreed and asked the judge for an opportunity to have a full briefing on the merits of the case, rather than the judge issuing a 14-day restraining order blocking its implementation. Trump's executive order, which he signed on Inauguration Day, is slated to take effect on Feb. 19. It could affect hundreds of thousands of people born in the country, according to one of the lawsuits. In 2022, there were about 255,000 births of citizen children to mothers living in the country illegally and about 153,000 births to two such parents, according to the four-state suit filed in Seattle. SEE ALSO: The Trump administration argued in papers filed Wednesday that the states don't have grounds to bring a suit against the order and that no damage has yet been done, so temporary relief isn't called for. The administration's attorneys also clarified that the executive order only applies to people born after Feb. 19, when it is to take effect. The U.S. is among about 30 countries where birthright citizenship the principle of jus soli or "right of the soil" is applied. Most are in the Americas; Canada and Mexico are among them. The lawsuits argue that the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship for people born and naturalized in the U.S., and states have been interpreting the amendment that way for a century. Ratified in 1868 in the aftermath of the Civil War, the amendment says: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." Trump's order asserts that the children of noncitizens are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and orders federal agencies to not recognize citizenship for children who don't have at least one parent who is a citizen. A key case involving birthright citizenship unfolded in 1898. The Supreme Court held that Wong Kim Ark, who was born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrants, was a U.S. citizen because he was born in the country. But some advocates of immigration restrictions have argued that the case clearly applied to children born to parents who were both legal immigrants. They say it's less clear whether it applies to children born to parents living in the country illegally. Trump's order prompted attorneys general to share their personal connections to birthright citizenship. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, for instance, a U.S. citizen by birthright and the nation's first Chinese American elected attorney general, said the lawsuit was personal for him. "There is no legitimate legal debate on this question. But the fact that Trump is dead wrong will not prevent him from inflicting serious harm right now on American families like my own," Tong said this week. One of the lawsuits aimed at blocking the executive order includes the case of a pregnant woman, identified as "Carmen," who is not a citizen but has lived in the United States for more than 15 years and has a pending visa application that could lead to permanent residency status. "Stripping children of the 'priceless treasure' of citizenship is a grave injury," the suit says. "It denies them the full membership in U.S. society to which they are entitled." From English, at the Roundabouts Todd Haimes Theatre. Photo: Joan Marcus Sometimes I think you can only speak one language, says a character in Sanaz Toossis English. You can know two, but She trails off, her brows knitted and her eyes far away, leaving something unexpressed in words but plenty articulate in the reverberant air. Its an especially poignant moment in a play thats full of them while still maintaining its essential lightness. English doesnt sink toward soppiness; it you can perhaps imagine a gesture here. Its the gesture that another of the plays characters makes when trying to describe how English as a language feels to her, how its different from her native tongue, Farsi: She pauses, then hovers her hand palm-down, undulating it in easy waves, the way you do when youre sitting in the front seat of a car with the window down and your arm out in the summer breeze. Its a floating, gliding gesture. English does not want to be poetry like Farsi, says this young woman, named Goli (Ava Lalezarzadeh), searching for the words to explain. It is like some rice. English is the rice. You take some rice and you make the rice whatever you want. Whether this ability to transformboth to mutate itself and to promise transformation and, thereby, opportunity to its speakeris a gift of the English language or a reminder of its use as a tool of empire-building and cultural oppression is the uneasy question at the heart of Toossis delicately wrought play. Its premiere three years ago at the Atlantic Theater Company won Toossi the 2023 Pulitzer for Drama. Now that production, with director Knud Adams and the whole of the original cast and design team, arrives on Broadway like a welcome guest, a hopeful presence in a moment that feels like a particularly dismal party. Theres our own national crisis, our harrowing shift back toward a reigning ethos of bigotry and oligarchic greed, along with the heavy knowledge that the women of Englishset in Iran in 2008are walking toward a future that contains, among so many deaths, that of Mahsa Amini at the hands of the morality police. Theres also the reality of our theatrical present, in which both of the Atlantics winter productions have been cancelled owing to a strike at the theater by the stagehands union, IATSE. (The Atlantic has officially stated that the shows are postponed.) As heels get dug in on opposite sides of a war over money that doesnt actually exist, the collateral damage is still, and always, the art and the artists. In such a climate, theres something extra-bracing about seeing Toossis playsensitive, funny, and intimate, powered by its own craft and its excellent ensemble rather than by a shiny name on the marqueeflex its muscles uptown. Its story is simple: In a classroom in the Iranian city of Karaj, four adult students are studying for the TOEFL exam, the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Their teacher, Marjan (Marjan Neshat), is buoyant and elegant, a true believer. Speaking English, she tells her students, is one of the greatest things two people can do together. Inside the graceful rotating cube of Marsha Ginsbergs setwhich provides several views of the spare, sunlit classroom, along with a glimpse of the buildings exteriorMarjans whiteboard is inscribed with two underlined words: English Only. Eventually, in a fraught moment with her students, shell push this directive to precarious extremes: If you are here to learn English, she says to them, I am going to ask you to agree that here, in this room, we are not Iranian. We are not even on this continent. Today I will ask you to feel any pull you have to your Iranian-ness, and let it go. Keep it outside the wall of this classroom. Easier said. As Toossi presents snapshots of the six weeks Marjan and her students spend together, tensions mount and hearts are exposed, both inside the classroom and out. Roya (the regal Pooya Mohseni)a well-off grandmother learning English at the urging of her son in order to be able to speak with her granddaughter, whos being raised with no Farsi in Canadastarts to waver in her sense that shes still a part of her own family, or that they, striving to assimilate, retain any connection to their ancestral home. Omid (Hadi Tabbal), the only man in Marjans class, annoys his classmates with his already advanced English (Have you heard this before or something? snaps one of them as they struggle through a listening comprehension exercise where Omid supplies all the answers). He also hides secrets and nurtures a quiet crush on his teacher, and she on him. Hes the only one who ever shows up for Marjans office hours, in which she plays movies like Notting Hill and Moonstruck. (Why did you go there? he asks Marjan, who returned to Iran after living in England for nine years. Hugh Grant, she replies. Why did you come back? he says, and she gives a resigned half-smile: He wasnt there.) Meanwhile, the smart, stubborn Elham (Tala Ashe, barbed and excellent) attacks English as if shes in a rage room, smashing up old appliances with a sledgehammer. No one hates this language more than I hate, she says bluntly, with an accent that has prompted Omid, in a moment of stress and atypical cruelty, to call her Borat. In constructing the central conceit of her play, Toossi is careful to designate each characters accent: When teacher and students are speaking English, their accents are audible, from Elhams heavier, less assured speech to Marjan and Omids relative speed and fluidity. When they speak Farsi, they, as actors, are still speaking English, but the accents fall away and they blaze and tumble through casual conversation, a whole range of musicality, nuance, and expression restored to them. In English, they might be reduced to naming things that are green or asking each other their favorite colors. In Farsi, they can gossip, dream, complain, wonder, worry, and imply. And while Marjan promises them that one day, the same natural miracles, the same ease and spaciousness, await them in English, theres doubt flickering in everyones eyes even hers. English isnt the only play to employ this particular language trick, but Toossis handling of it is especially thoughtful. It can be, and often is, employed for comedic effect to wit: This woman has enormous teeth, Omid observes, in his accented English, about Julia Roberts. You only find teeth like this in the west They could rip through wire. In a good way. But Toossis characters are also acutely aware that its not simply their fluency but the way they sound that determines how and where they can navigate the world. Though the American theater in which their story is playing out is full of laughter, laughter is also dangerous for them a sting and a threat. Goli, says Elham, always brutally blunt in English, people hear your accent and they go oh my god it is so funny you are so stupid. Only later will we discover that Elham hears herself in exactly the same way: I am not an idiot and also I am nice, she bursts out in frustration. And also I am care-y. I care about the world and and I am nice. Her protest points to an Elham that we only catch in glimpses, a whole person swimming underneath the ice sheet of this unavoidable, universal language, the language of opportunity, the language of gatekeepers. I like Elham when she speaks Farsi, says Elham eventually to Marjan, and it jolts us back to a question Omid asked his teacher, a hard question, posed in Farsi: Why do you only like me in English? Why do you only like everything in English? The answer is painful and palpable, though it may not exist in words, no matter the language. English is at the Todd Haimes Theatre through March 2. KINSHASA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm on Thursday over the resumption of hostilities by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebellion in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as a key regional city is under threat. Guterres condemned the renewed offensive launched by the M23 at the beginning of the year and its expansion into the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, including the recent seizure of Sake, which increased the threat to Goma, North Kivu's capital and an important and populated city, read a statement by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric. Sake, a city about 20 kilometers from Goma, is considered Goma's last barrier. The M23 took Goma in late 2012. As the offensive took a devastating toll on the civilian population and heightened the risk of a broader regional war, the Secretary-General called on the M23 to immediately cease its offensive, withdraw from all occupied areas and abide by the ceasefire agreement that went into effect last August. The M23 is a group of former rebels from the National Congress for the Defense of the People. Its name comes from the March 23, 2009, agreement it signed with the DRC government. In December 2013, the M23 signed a peace accord with the government, in which it agreed to demobilize its fighters and transform itself into a political party. M23 leaders, however, have accused the government of failing to respect that agreement and resurfaced in late 2021. Norwegian director Emilie Blichfeldts The Ugly Stepsister underlines the base grotesquerie of the original fairy tale. Photo: Marcel Zyskind Id say alternate versions of fairy tales and other classic stories are having a moment right now, but thats arguably been true for quite some time. The novel that inspired Wicked is several decades old, while movies like Maleficent and Frozen remixed and reimagined the villains of other iconic fables into heroes more than ten years ago. It seems our patience has run out for simple narratives of good vs. evil maybe because we know theres usually more to such stories, or maybe because the villains were always a lot more fun. All this is to say that what makes Norwegian director Emilie Blichfeldts The Ugly Stepsister so powerful isnt that it turns the tables on a classic fairy tale frankly, Im surprised its taken this long to get a movie sympathizing with Cinderellas allegedly homely, dim-bulb stepsisters but rather the way it does so, by placing us in a world of bleak, magically-inflected terror that underlines the base grotesquerie of the original. The Ugly Stepsister (which premieres at the Sundance Film Festival Thursday, ahead of an eventual IFC/Shudder release) reveals a dark truth weve probably secretly known all along: Cinderella was always a body horror story. The film begins with wide-eyed Elvira (Lea Myren) and her younger sister Alma (Flo Fagerli) accompanying their widowed mother Rebekka (Ane Dahl Torp) to the kingdom of Swedlandia to join forces with older, single landowner Otto (Ralph Carlsson) and his lovely daughter Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Nss). After Otto keels dead on their first evening together, both families discover something shocking: Neither has any money, and each had married the other hoping to salvage their fortunes. An indefatigable dreamer who religiously reads the syrupy love poetry of Prince Julian (Isac Calmroth), the cheerfully apple-cheeked but perpetually awkward Elvira imagines marrying the handsome young monarch not just because she adores him, but also because it would save her family. The film indulges Elviras fantasies with blasts of ethereal, anachronistic synth music and brief, hazy dream sequences; that the movies ostensible present doesnt quite feel real also adds to the protagonists helplessness. A happy future for her seems impossible, and the cold hard light of reality is itself a bleak twilight. With her mouth full of braces, her narrow eyebrows, her zits, her full figure, and her fondness for hidden Danishes, Elvira is no match for the graceful, angelic, blond, blue-eyed Agnes, who might be a vision of perfection but also becomes spiteful and scheming towards her stepfamily after the death of her father. Of course, who can entirely blame Agnes? The familys so poor now that Rebekka refuses even to bury dear old Otto, opting instead to let Agness father rot in a dark backroom as flies and maggots gradually consume his carcass. Also, Agnes has been shtupping the stable-boy Isak (Malte Gardinger), and when Rebekka finds them together she kicks the young man (still naked) off the grounds, thus embracing her fate as the cruel, heartless stepmother of fairy lore. The impending ball where Prince Julius (who we learn is a total sleazebag, to no ones surprise) will choose one of the kingdoms eligible virgins to be his bride sets the clock ticking on Elviras longing to become more desirable. In her case, however, there is no fairy godmother, but rather a demented surgeon named Dr. Esthetique (Adam Lundrgen) who yanks out her braces, chisels her nose into shape, and weaves new lashes into her eyelids all filmed, naturally, in excruciating close-ups. Thats not counting the brutal dance lessons, or a novel solution to the weight-loss thing: Elvira swallows a tapeworm egg, and as the worms grow (and growl) inside her belly, she can eat whatever she wants and still shed inches. Its like Ozempic, but alive. We know, of course, that none of this will end well, and Blichfeldt gives us every gnarly, disgusting consequence in agonizing detail, be it vomit, blood, severed body parts, or some combination thereof. Nevertheless, the film is beautiful in its own way, like a Scandinavian fairy-tale riff on Italian giallo, narratively disquieting but cinematically exhilarating. The director isnt interested in shock and outrage so much as she is in mood and texture. We can feel the tapeworms, the nausea, the anguish, the sheer physicality of Elviras distress and ambition. We feel the sadness, too. Maybe once upon a time we were supposed to identify with Cinderella, but the truth is that were all ugly stepsisters at heart. But what makes this picture so wonderfully unsettling is that its dark bits and pieces (literal ones, in some cases) feel curiously familiar. Partly this is because Blichfeldt has so fully imagined this world that its sinister magic rings true, and partly because some of the storys more twisted elements actually hail from the original: Cinderella itself is a deeply fucked-up story, and it resonates because beneath its dreamy gloss it reveals something about a deeply fucked-up world. The Ugly Stepsisters grossness feels organic, both to its source material and to our own lives. Season two has featured its fair share of chases and gunfights already, but with the protagonists coming from such a reactive place, there hasnt been a chance for a proper undercover operation since the all-too-brief Bangkok sequence in the premiere. So Desperate Measures is a much-needed shot in the arm, an episode structured around the mission to infiltrate the ambassadors residence and get photos of the papers in his mysterious briefcase. Like any good heist, this one requires careful planning, along with several scenes establishing just how impossible it will be. There are no phones allowed at this party, plus every floor is covered with security cameras, plus Abbass study is only accessible by a keycard he keeps on his person, plus Javad and his security guys are really, really tough. Noor and Peter are both deeply stressed about this for different reasons, but Rose helps the latter by suggesting he troubleshoot and work through the stupidest version of the plan. Rose has signed up to help provide a distraction at the party, so shell be the plus-one for Emil Giger, a Swiss attache for special affairs whom Noor discreetly adds to the invite list. But this whole plan relies on a lot going right, so Peter asks Rose to promise shell walk out if anything goes wrong. She does, but come on, we know Rose. You just know shes gonna break that promise. Giger seems like a friendly guy, though he refers to Catherine as a captor on the way to the party and explains that hes only working for her as part of a deal. (She caught him red-handed making an error a few years back.) Hes a calm, confident agent, reminding Rose to be patient when she gets antsy upon arrival. The mission starts off well: Peter trips the security system to disable the cameras for 15 minutes, and Noor swipes the keycard from Abbas after Rose fake-chokes on a crostini while meeting him. Where things start to fall apart is the handoff: Peter is supposed to grab the keycard and make for the study, but Javad asks for his help with something, and Noor is powerless to interrupt. Luckily, Rose is here to do her usual Rose thing and take over the mission despite the extreme danger. She grabs the keycard and a phone from Noor, then goes straight to the study. Id give Rose a B on this assignment: Shes a smart improviser, jimmying the briefcase clasp open when the code doesnt work, but also potentially leaving evidence that someone was here. She manages to take the photos and make it out Giger cleanly slips the keycard back into Abbass pocket afterward but shes spotted with a phone by a rightfully suspicious Haleh. The lie that she just found Noors phone sitting somewhere wont work for very long, and the cameras turn back on early enough to capture Rose on a restricted floor. Peter, meanwhile, is in pure self-preservation mode, lying his ass off to Javad about his cater-waiter history and denying any career in counterintelligence. But Javad recognizes him for what he is based on his habit of scanning each new room for escape routes, a habit he shares. He doesnt know what exactly Peter is here for, but he has his guards take him to the basement to get those answers out of him, preoccupied by reports of a Noor-related problem. That problem, of course, is an even bigger distraction than the choking: Noor intentionally spilled a platter of drinks on Giger, and now hes going off on the lowly aide who ruined his bespoke designer suit. Rose might be good at improvising, but these two are great at improvising. Rose, Giger, and Noor get out fine, and Peter doesnt have much trouble dealing with Javads guards in the basement, another satisfying and well-choreographed close-quarters fight. The information Catherine later provides Peter is about what we expected: The CIA and the U.S. military developed incredibly dangerous chemical agents in the mobile lab that went missing (stolen by Markus), supposedly as a way of preemptively creating antidotes for synthetic weapons that could be used on America. (The CIA is great at inventing a pretext for something awful.) Most of Catherines screen time in this episode is spent on her own, continuing to investigate Foxglove. Most of her leads go nowhere: KinCare Trust is a dead end, and Mosley has nothing to report from CIA head Gedney. He even tells Catherine to leave him alone, not because Gedney could be dangerous, but because hes a feckless bureaucrat. (Mosley, though, might be someone to watch.) But she does get through to him eventually anyway, confronting him at dinner with a bag of Alices ashes. Theyve been sent back and forth between Night Action and Alices dad, the latter of whom didnt want them; his daughter gradually lost touch with her whole family after her big secret promotion at the FBI, and it broke Isaacs heart. Im not leaving until you tell me what she died for, Catherine says. Gedney might not know everything about Foxglove, but hes aware of the basics. In the last episode, Rose suggested Catherine show more of her vulnerable side to Peter, which happens in this episode. Scattering Alices ashes at the pier where the two agents used to meet, she and Peter reminisce about their old colleague and friend. Its a nice moment for the two of them, even if those stories dont mean much to us as viewers. Catherine also mentions that she lost another person once a while back, which Im guessing will connect to her history with Peters traitor father. The big cliffhanger of this episode is stronger than the first three: Noor stands firm and refuses to show Peter and Catherine the photos of the files in the briefcase before they extract her family from Iran. Its thrilling to see Noor refuse to be a pawn, even if taking a stand might not work out well for her in the end. The U.S. government isnt exactly known for honoring deals. Classified Information Another flashback at the beginning, this time offering some insight about why Noor would want her brother out of Iran. Their father apparently died suffering after years of being force-fed propaganda and lies. Tomas and Markus reaffirm their arrangement with Solomon, which means theyre even more connected to the buyer than we mightve thought. (Their original plan was to document the mobile lab for blackmail, not actually steal it.) Tomas also tries to flex his power and get his cousin in line by scolding him for making moves behind his back, but Markus is not having it, and he even accuses Tomas of disloyalty for sitting back while his father rots away in a cell. Is there a word for murdering your cousin? Tomas should be scared. Peter and Rose kiss after the mission is over, foreshadowed by a classic flustered you look great reaction upon seeing Rose dressed up for the party and some sexual tension as he stands behind her and hooks her clasps. Good for them. Apparently Celeste up and moved in the middle of the night, which suggests she and her brother Solomon are still in contact. Conspiracy thrillers like The Night Agent can get convoluted over time as more and more characters from different places and organizations come into conflict. For the most part, this particular series manages to overcome that; the plot can get messy and ridiculous, but on a scene-by-scene basis, its usually easy enough to understand whats going on. With the momentum and reveals of the last two episodes, Ive felt like were starting to get a handle on the larger story and grasp the stakes for each of the characters here. A Good Agent isnt a bad episode at all, but it has less of that satisfying clarity, once again muddying the waters and complicating what once seemed simpleish. That begins early on, when Peter and Catherine finally access photos of the documents from the ambassadors briefcase, only to realize they have nothing to do with Foxglove. Well, theres no obvious connection, at least. Its a list of Iranian dissidents in Europe, the type of information that doesnt hold as much interest for the U.S. as it does for Iran. What is the nature of the relationship between the ambassador and Jacob? Peter speculates that Jacob and Solomon are foreign assets on the Iranian payroll, supplying the regime with chemical weapons and potential targets. Either way, theres no way to learn more without making direct contact with Solomon. So Catherine sets off to do some risky spywork. The files from the briefcase came from DGSE, Frances foreign intelligence agency, and like many color prints, they contain tracking dots unique to the device that printed them. Catherine quickly uses that watermark and some surveillance footage to identify the leak as French diplomat and undercover DGSE agent Jacqueline Laurent, who knows Solomon well and can help score a meeting. Jacqueline sets it up, though alarm bells are going off early for Jacob. Rose spends much of this episode in a grumpy mood, frustrated with Peter and Catherine for how theyve handled the Noor situation (more on that later) and depressed at her own complicity. But an earnest visit from Catherine brings the two closer together, especially after she reads her in on Foxglove (with preapproval from Mosley, of course). Its also helpful to get some background on what was going on with Catherine and the other Night Action case officers throughout season one: They went dark after the killing of Jamie Hawkins as well as Roses uncle and aunt, not knowing who to trust. Rose agrees to tap into her evil algorithm and help Peter with surveillance, while Catherine and Jacqueline meet Solomon at the designated apartment. But neither of them can see inside the place, and Roses extra eyes around the block arent able to keep track of Solomons other cronies at every given moment. After a few minutes of communicating over comms, Rose realizes those cronies must be listening in somehow, expecting them to show up. That means Catherine is in danger, too. Its pretty easy work to throw the cronies off by faking a dialogue over the comms about boarding a nearby bus but not before Peter does some impressive (and then not) stealthwork, scaling the side of a building to evade one of Solomons men until an AC unit crashes to the ground and announces his presence. Jacqueline, an interesting one-off character a la Lorna from season one, is a diplomat who was forced out of fieldwork due to her age until winning back the agencys respect by securing some highly sought-after intelligence. The only wrinkle? She got that intel by trading another piece of DGSE info away. Its an interesting twist on the expected story; youd think that Jacqueline sold secrets to get back at her discriminatory employers, but she actually did it because she loves her job too much. Shes like Catherine in that way. Jacquelines yearslong professional relationship with Solomon is almost sweet to witness until it suddenly isnt. In all these years, this is the first time a source has referred him to someone else, and he doesnt at all buy Catherines story. So he takes Jacqueline to another room and shoots her dead, then asks Catherine at gunpoint about Peter and Night Action. Thats when Peter comes in, perfectly timed, to subdue Solomon and secure that meeting they really need. This is all well and good, but Im still finding myself most drawn to Noor, whose story has the highest emotional stakes right now. Early in the episode, she senses from Roses obvious expressions that Peter and Catherine are hiding something from her, but Rose lies straight to her face to get her to hand over the flash drive. She just says that Farhad broke his arm and that Peter and Catherine were afraid to tell her. Noor finds out the truth before long, though. Abbas has heard about the disturbance at her home that left her mom missing and her brother dead in the road near her home. He even shows her a photo of Farhad and she responds with denial, convinced it cant be true that Night Action lied to her. Shes genuinely distraught, of course, and I cant tell what Javads reaction indicates. Hes been onto her all episode, taking her phone to run scans and questioning her bathroom story, but maybe seeing what shes going through will convince him to go even easier on her than he has been. In this episode, we again see that menacing, threatening side to Javad, and it complicates his early characterization as a sweet, simple guy whod make the ideal romantic partner. What can Noor really do now that she has already sacrificed the flash drive and given up her leverage with Night Action? Im excited and scared to find out. Despite not personally harming anyone herself, she feels like one of the most dangerous and unpredictable characters in this cast, but also one of the most endearing. Oddly, Im also starting to take a smaller liking to Tomas, whose recent turn for the cold-blooded feels like a transparent ploy for his war-criminal dads affection. (Men will literally green-light a terrorist attack on American soil instead of going to therapy.) I still have questions about the complex interrelationships of these three pairs of dangerous men (Abbas/Javad, Jacob/Solomon, and Tomas/Markus), and Im impatient to find out how exactly the two little-seen but much-remarked-upon presidential candidates tie into everything. But I can feel everything starting to come together now. Heres to hoping the convergence lives up to expectations. Classified Information Peters father gets a mention in the opening flashback to 13 years ago, when Catherines Night Action partner, Noah, got killed. During a surprise appearance from Jamie Hawkins (Robert Patrick, last seen in episode two of the show), we learn that Peter Sr. was the FBI mole identified by Noahs killer. Rose has a much-needed therapy session with Gretchen, opening up about Peter in as vague terms as possible. Gretchens conclusion after about a minute of Rose speaking is that she and Peter bonded over shared trauma, and those types of connections arent always healthy or permanent. You have to ask yourself whether youll still feel the same way when the smoke clears. In Solomons latest meeting with Abbas and Javad, he sticks to his code and refuses to identify the source of the list he gave them. He doesnt even help them out when they show photos of Peter and Rose, so thats pretty interesting. As you mightve expected even before meeting Tomass father, hes impressed with Markuss work ethic, not disappointed. Tomas is the real disappointment, someone who liked to claim boar tusks as trophies after his dads hunts as a kid despite not participating. All the glory, none of the blood, his dad remarks. Logan Roy vibes. Javad has a lot to say to Noor about Abbass estranged daughter, Shirin, who never came home after falling in love while abroad and then set her fathers career back by publicly criticizing Iran. This is the second time weve heard about her; is she an important part of this story, maybe to explain Abbass motivations in some way? I love you. Thank you. I forgive you. Please forgive me. When Dr. Robby extubates Mr. Spencer, setting him up to be as comfortable as possible as he dies, shit gets real for his children, Helen and Jeremy. The panic in the room is palpable. Helen is spiraling. This is it? Theyve just decided their dad is going to die today? Its Robby whos left to keep everyone calm. The mans bedside manner knows no bounds. I mean, theres cockroaches falling out of peoples ears in the next room and here he is, as serene and kind as can be, teaching the Spencers about Hooponopono. He tells them about the Hawaiian healing ritual he learned from a mentor no doubt, the late Dr. Adamson and how saying these four phrases to someone, especially as theyre dying, can help ease the early stages of loss. They are the four things that matter most, he tells them: I love you. Thank you. I forgive you. Please forgive me. Now, technically the Hooponopono prayer is Im sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you, which is an interesting thing for a guy who is walking around correcting people on the origin of Physician, heal thyself, to get wrong, but well let it slide because he is just trying to help, after all. (With the prayer thing, not with the Physician, heal thyself thing; there hes just trying to be an ass.) And it does help! The Spencers sit with their father as they wait for the end. To clear space, theyve been moved into the pediatric room, which is covered in a mural of cartoon forest animals. Robbys annoyed at the switch, but Helen and Jeremy come to find it a rather moving coincidence: Their father worked in the art department on Mister Rogers Neighborhood a Pittsburgh staple before it went big time for 33 years. He helped to create the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, so it feels right for his time on this planet to end in a room as close to that as this hospital has. Of course, we learn that Robbys more upset about it because thats the same room Dr. Adamson was in while he died from COVID, but this is not about you, Robby! Just kidding, it is a little bit: When the emotions filling up that room and the reminder from that little cartoon fox face get to be too much, Robby does have to flee to the bathroom and try to tamp down a panic attack. I do really feel for the guy and worry about his mental state, as we are only a few hours into what is shaping up to be a horrific shift but also this almost panic attack allows Robby a few minutes to finally pee, and I will take my silver linings wherever I can get them around The Pitt, okay? I was really worried about that guys bladder! In the end, both of the Spencer kids get to have their Hooponopono moment with their dad, but it is Helens that is the most moving. Part of the reason shes been fighting so fiercely against letting her dad go is because she is ashamed that as a kid she was embarrassed of him and his job and his silly attitude and his world of make-believe. She was so embarrassed and felt so rejected by him, because unlike her brother she wasnt into fishing or having catches, that she went off to college and didnt come back. She should have just gone fishing with him and now shes out of time. She asks for his forgiveness and she forgives him for not always being the dad she needed; she tells him shes grateful that he was always himself because the world needed that neighborhood of make-believe, and she tells him how much she loves him. She calls him Daddy. Anyway, I am sobbing! I didnt realize Mister Rogers Neighborhood would be invading my peace like this while watching a 2025 medical drama, but here we are. Robby was right: The ritual is healing. And not just for Helen in regard to her father, but for Helen and Jeremys relationship, too. They promise to spend more time together, to be there for each other. And as they consider a day spent out on Jeremys boat, their father takes his last breath. That gasp Helen lets out the moment she realizes her father is dead, oh buddy, I know that gasp. If youve had to sit there next to a parent in their final days, hours, minutes, this entire story line is such a visceral experience. The Pitt excels at dumping these characters onto our screen and getting us immediately emotionally invested, and I fear it will be my undoing! While this episode really delivers on these emotionally charged and yet quiet moments with the Spencers, dont think that the chaos outside those forest animal walls has just stopped. The chaos out there is only growing. Just ask Doug Driscoll, the angry guy with the heart palpitations who has now revealed himself to be a racist, although its not much of a surprise. That guy continues to rage over his extended wait time, and I grow more worried the more agitated he gets. But, like, get a grip, my dude! There are people with much bigger problems than his. Maybe they should make Doug Driscoll stand there next to Mr. and Mrs. Bradley as they walk alongside their sons gurney while hes wheeled off to have that cerebral perfusion test, the final test available, one we all, including the Bradleys, know will come back confirming Nick is dead. (Prepare accordingly for this story line to wrap up soon.) Of course, this move happens just as Jenna, the other student from Nicks study group who took one of the fentanyl-laced Xanax pills, is being discharged with her own parents. She is beside herself that she lashed out at Nicks dad and does a brave thing by going up to him to apologize. Shes able to shed a little light on what happened their econ study group was up late studying and having issues with sleep after, and someone suggested Xanax to help not that it makes it hurt any less. Still, the gesture, and her offer to help them with anything they might need, is a real kindness. Its a kindness to the Bradleys, but also, in a way, a kindness to Trinity Santos, who watches that gesture, sees how much pain and anguish Jenna is in, and realizes that, yep, she was in fact kind of a terrible doctor just a few minutes prior when she tried to distract Jenna with questions about extracurricular activities rather than talk to her about how she was feeling. When Dr. Mohan called her out on her terrible bedside manner, Trinity immediately got defensive (it is her way, we know this). Seeing Jenna interact with the Bradleys like this, however, gives her perspective, and she apologizes to Samira for, well, being a dick. Its probably a good thing for Trinity to get off of Samiras shit list, since she seems to have firmly planted herself at the top of Dr. Langdons. She pisses him off once again when Wendell Stone arrives with a tension pneumothorax caused by a large speaker he was setting up at a music festival falling on top of him. When Trinity observes Stone having trouble breathing, she immediately goes ahead and orders a bipap to help. She, an intern who has been at this hospital for under four hours, does not run this by anyone else. Well, it turns out a bipap was the exact wrong thing to do here and has only made the pneumothorax worse. Langdon makes the save and once again has to admonish Trinity for going rogue. She is an intern; she needs to talk to a senior resident or an attending before providing any treatment. Shes already made this mistake more than once, and Langdon is growing increasingly annoyed with her is Trinity even going to make it through the entire shift? Well, Dr. Garcia still very much has a soft spot for her Langdon and Robby have both noticed so she does have at least one ally at the moment. And hey, at least she isnt having as bad of a shift as poor med student Whitaker, whom last hour we watched deal with losing a patient and losing his scrubs, only to find him this hour enlisted to help the nurses administer psych meds to a meth addict who has woken up and is thrashing about. Yes, you guys, the Kraken woke up. After the nurses each take a limb to hold down, Whitaker is able to inject the psych meds the guy needs, but not before the man pees all over him. What a fun, sexy time for Whitaker. The kid cannot catch a break. Discharge Papers When Dr. Abbott handed off the ED to Robby, he noted a pregnant teen patient coming in for a medical abortion. In this hour, we meet that pregnant teen and her mom, but its Collins who takes over the case. And when she does the ultrasound to make sure theyre in the clear for the meds, something seems off. Its nice to see Victoria Javadi get a little win when she and Dr. McKay treat a trans woman with a gash on her arm from a decanter. Not only does Javadi kick ass on stitching up Tasha, but she also notices Tasha has been misgendered in the computer system we did watch her get deadnamed in the waiting room and fixes that issue so itll no longer be a problem. You can see how relieved Tasha is by the gesture, and you can see how impressed McKay is that the med student noticed and then took care of the problem. Javadi also learns that Dr. McKay is in Alcoholics Anonymous, further adding to her questions about her teacher. The ED is abuzz with bets over who stole the rig out of the ambulance bay and, once it makes local news as the rig continues to careen through the city, with bets over just where the thieves will end up. Even sweet social worker Kiara gets in on the action. Ill be haunted by the whole 12-year-old with an imperforate hymen story line for a while. Mels description of poor Jia Yi having three months of backed up period blood is a tough thing to shake off! And its probably why Dr. Mohan takes the lead when explaining the diagnosis to the pre-teen. Hey, look at that. Noah Wyle isnt just the star and executive producer of The Pitt, but he also wrote this episode! So we can blame him for the tears. NIAMEY, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Assimi Goita, president of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), announced in a statement on Thursday the launch of the AES confederation passport, set to be issued in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger starting Jan. 29. While old passports will remain valid until their expiration dates, citizens of the AES confederation who hold the old passports featuring the logo of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) may exchange them for new AES passports, according to the statement. Goita reassured citizens within the confederation that all necessary measures will be implemented to ensure the effective free movement of individuals and goods. On Nov. 22, 2024, the ministers responsible for security in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger convened in Bamako to finalize the technical specifications for the production of travel and identity documents for AES confederation nationals. The announcement followed the prior declaration of the states' withdrawal from the ECOWAS, which will be officially completed on Jan. 29. On Sept. 16, 2023, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger signed the Liptako-Gourma Charter, establishing the AES. On July 6, 2024, the three countries announced the creation of the confederation during the institution's first summit in Niamey, marking a significant step toward establishing an economic-military bloc and moving away from regional and Western countries following a series of coups. Ostia hits back at Telegraph ranking which sparks much debate in Rome. The inclusion of Ostia in a list of the "ugliest seaside towns in Europe" by British newspaper The Telegraph has caused anger in the coastal resort near the Italian capital. Ostia, located about 30 km south-west of Rome, was rated the second ugliest seaside town in Europe by travel writer Tim Jepson, who admitted that he had not been there for years. "When I lived in Rome the temptation during broiling summers was to head to the beach" - Jepson writes - "Though not for a week in glorious Sardinia, say, but as I was young, foolish and poor for a day trip to the citys local beach, or beaches, at Ostia and Fiumicino. Mistake." Jepson notes that while the sand at least looked "more or less OK, the water really was to be avoided", decrying the "ranks of modern apartment blocks as a backdrop, with barely a hint of greenery". The writer concludes with: "Perhaps the water is better these days: Ive never dared go back." Predictably, the unflattering review in The Telegraph sparked an outcry in Ostia as well as among Romans who spend their summer days there. The backlash online was largely against Jepson's viewpoint however there were also some who agreed with his assessment. Mario Falconi, president of Rome's X borough which includes Ostia, hit back at the ranking, saying he felt obliged to "strongly defend the extraordinary beauty and uniqueness of our territory". "Let's defend Ostia, our sea, our identity!", Falconi wrote on social media, noting that the Italian environmental agency ARPA had certified Ostia's water quality as "excellent" for the third year in a row. Falconi also drew attention to the unique archaeological heritage of Ostia Antica that attracts visitors from all over the world. "The sensational rankings and the clickbait titles do not tell the reality: the sea of Ostia is a place to experience, discover and love" - Falconi said - "We do not and will never accept false labels created by those who artfully distort reality!". In The Telegraph's ranking of Europe's ugliest seaside towns, Ostia was flanked by Monaco in first place and the Croatian resort of Ploce in third place, while the accolade of "prettiest seaside town in Europe" went to Collioure in France. One of the most severe storms to ever hit Ireland , Storm Eowyn, battered its way across the country last night. While the red weather warning has ended, Waterford remains under an orange warning until 12pm and a yellow warning from midday to 4pm. Locals are advised to remain vigilant. The extent of the damage caused by the storm is being assessed, with emergency crews tending to roads, electricity lines and damage to infrastructure. With guests as high as 183km/h recorded, Storm Eowyn may solidify itself as one of the most extreme storms to hit the country in modern times, holding company alongside 1961s Hurricane Debbie and 2017s Storm Ophelia. Hurricane Debbie One of the most intense storms on record, Ireland was hit by winds gusting over 177 km/h as the centre of the former hurricane Debbie passed close to the west coast during the morning of Saturday, September 16, 1961. At a number of stations across the country the winds recorded that day were the highest ever measured before. While true hurricanes are technically not found at latitudes as high as Ireland, Debbie retained many hurricane characteristics when it arrived off the southwest coast. Damage to property was extensive over the western half of the country and 11 deaths were attributed to the storm. In the September 19, 1961 edition of the Waterford News & Star, the front page contained the headline Widespread damage by storm. The report said: A big milk supplying firm was cut off from the city and lorries had to make a six mile detour by Ballygunner to get to the depot. A large number of small craft at Dunmore East dragged their anchors and got tangle up in each other. About six punts were sunk when they filled up with water. The local motor launch, St. Jude, seemed to get the worst hammering in Dunmore East when she filled up and was partly submerged. Damage was also caused to pleasure craft in Tramore, Dungarvan and Helvick pier." In Dungarvan there was minor damage overall. In Lismore however, heavy rain and gale force winds caused havoc. The News & Star report added: The winds, which started late on Friday night uprooted trees in many places. Electricity supplies were cut off from early morning, causing a great deal of worry to housewives and shopkeepers. Harvesting operations were brought to a standstill and all cereal crops still standing were quickly flattened to the ground. Storm Ophelia Ophelia was a rare hurricane which made landfall over Ireland on Monday October 16, 2017, and is regarded as the worst storm to affect the country in 50 years. While the southwest, south and southeast were worst impacted, trees were knocked or damaged in most areas, making road conditions extremely hazardous. Warnings about the arrival of Storm Ophelia and advice on self-protection was disseminated to the public by the national and local response services, and the country was shut down almost completely on October 16. The day dawned with fine and unusually warm conditions for most areas. However by 6am, Storm Ophelia began to affect the southeast with violent storm force winds. Fallen electricity poles and electric cables left 300,000 households across the country without power. Schools remained closed for a further day on the Tuesday October 17 as a precaution and the storm caused huge disruption to electricity supply services, with a domino effect on other infrastructure and services. The Waterford News & Star reported: Storm Ophelia caused extreme destruction across the city and county yesterday, with Waterford on the receiving end of some of the former hurricanes most forceful winds. The roof of Fraher Field in Dungarvan suffered considerable damage, and right across the county roads were blocked by fallen trees and power lines. Gusts at Waterford airport reached 137 km/h." Tragically, a woman in her 50s was killed when a tree fell on her car in the west of the county. Ophelia was a significant weather event that led to widespread disruption, however no wind or wave records were broken. Extraordinary events such as the Night of the big wind in 1839, with Hurricane strength winds, and Ex Hurricane Debbie in 1961 remain two of Ireland's most significant storm events in recorded history. A wind speed of 183km/h brought by Storm Eowyn was recorded at 5am this morning in Co. Galway, the fastest since records began, Met Eireann have said. Storm Eowyn The News & Stars latest report on Storm Eowyn is available HERE Our LIVE BLOG will keep you up to date as disruptions continue across the city and county. Love was in the cards for one of the Deises most eligible bachelors on Thursday nights episode of First Dates on RTE2. Eighty-six-year-old clairvoyant, poet, writer and broadcaster Stan Philips from Waterford was paired with 80-year-old writer Lorraine Dormer, from Tullamore, Offaly. Stan is a recent widower, having lost his partner, Bernadette, in 2023. Real love is rare. It's wonderful. "I've had it a couple of times in my life and I'm hoping that I will have it again," said Stan. Lorraine was the no-nonsense returning dater, having been on the show in 2020. But this time, she knew what she wanted, a simple and mature love. If I wanted to work as a baggage handler, Id work for Ryanair, said Lorraine. The pair of free spirits hit it off straight away. Over dinner, Lorraine told Stan about her career in politics, and Stan seemed to connect with her rebellious nature. I love oddballs. I think I tried to be normal once. It was the worst 10 minutes of my life, he quipped. And Stan told Lorraine about the closure of his business, moving to Ireland in the 90s and meeting his late wife Bernadette, who he called the love of a thousand lifetimes. Both said they loved music, poetry and people-watching. If you cant laugh at other people, who can you laugh at, said Stan. And as it happened, their first day fell on Stans birthday but according to Stan, it will be Lorraines year. Reading her future, he told her: At 80-odd you will have a new challenge ahead of you, one you will want." He also advised her to avoid arguments that go nowhere" and those wise words those turned out to be. At the end of the show, it was revealed that the pair are celebrating Lorraines birthday in Spain and are releasing a book together for charity. The episode is available to view online on the RTE player. Wilma Skupch has travelled her entire life, but only in retirement has she become a true globetrotter. In the past year, the Sydney-based former nurse travelled to Fiji and New Zealand and stepped aboard a cruise to South Australias Kangaroo Island, which included stops in Hobart and Melbourne. Wilma Skupch has travelled all her life, but she has become a jet-setter in retirement. Credit: Nick Moir Skupch will travel to Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong in February, ahead of a trip to Iceland in October. Were doing it while we still have our marbles and still can book, said Skupch, aged 74 and retired for 10 years. Weve worked hard, and enoughs enough. Some will consider it sacrilege. Others will think that updating Crocodile Dundee, one of Australias most beloved and successful films, is overdue given some moments that jar by contemporary standards. Paul Hogan at the premiere of Crocodile Dundee: The Encore Cut at Sydneys OpenAir cinema. Credit: Janie Barrett Thirty-nine years after the comedy became a cultural phenomenon and made thats not a knife, thats a knife one of the most famous lines in Australian cinema history, we are about to get two new looks at the film. In March, a behind-the-scenes documentary with the working title Crocodile Dundee: Lightning In A Bottle opens in cinemas. It draws on footage found in a shed by producer and co-screenwriter John Cornells widow, Delvene Delaney, and her friend Victoria Baldock, after his death in 2021. Then, in May, an updated version of the worldwide hit, Crocodile Dundee: The Encore Cut, opens in cinemas. It will become the standard version for future streaming and TV releases. TEHRAN, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi highlighted Iran's principled policy of supporting Syria's national sovereignty and territorial integrity during a phone call with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, on Thursday. During the phone call, the two sides exchanged views on the latest developments in Syria, according to a statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Araghchi also stressed the necessity to avoid internal conflicts and form an inclusive Syrian government with the participation of all political, ethnic and religious groups in the country. He voiced concern over news of the Syrian armed groups' arbitrary actions against civilians in the Shiite- and Alawite-populated areas, and called for protecting minorities' rights in the Arab state. A Syrian militant alliance led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group toppled former President Bashar al-Assad's government on Dec. 8, 2024. There is so much that is so self-evidently awful about the current spate of antisemitic attacks in Sydney that one feels trite even pointing it out. That the firebombed synagogues and childcare centres, the torched homes and cars and businesses (including non-Jewish ones by mistake) represent a true outrage, worthy of the condemnation they have received, and which cannot be allowed to stand. That such violence which has all the immediate hallmarks of terrorism overwhelmingly chooses its victims not personally, but as Jews. That they are targeted not as people, but as the opposite: representatives of an un-people. That the spectres this must evoke in the Jewish imagination, of stories both ancient and merely generations old, are of the most horrific sort. But beyond all that, so little is self-evident. Just how little became clear this week when the Australian Federal Police raised the prospect that overseas groups are paying mercenary criminals in cryptocurrency to undertake these attacks. We believe criminals for hire may be behind some incidents, Commissioner Reece Kershaw revealed on Wednesday. So part of our inquiries include who is paying these criminals, where these people are, whether they are in Australia or offshore, and what their motivation is. In an instant, it became almost impossible for us to say what we are dealing with. There is still a lot of work to be done, and we are not ready to rule anything in or out, Kershaw added. So, as it stands, and until the police know more, we dont know whos behind all this. We dont know where they are. We dont even know why its happening. SHENYANG, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Thursday afternoon inspected a steelmaker in Benxi City, northeast China's Liaoning Province. Xi visited a cold rolling mill of Bensteel Group, inspected its control center and production lines, and learned about its efforts to accelerate transformation and upgrading and promote high-quality development. Under the framework of the EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a national Training of Trainers workshop on Rules of Origin for Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The workshop was held in Accra, Ghana, from 20 to 24 January 2025 with the objective to assist Ghana in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential Rules of Origin and contribute to a seamless implementation of the AfCFTA and other relevant FTAs. The workshop was conducted as part of a comprehensive partnership with GRA and builds on the acquis from intermediate and advanced trainings conducted since 2023. The support provided under the RoO Africa Programme allows for the deployment of wide-ranging capacity building activities, to enhance the infrastructure and capacity of GRA on Rules of Origin. In his opening remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Ohene, Ag. Deputy Commissioner, Operations, stressed that Rules of Origin are critical, both for revenue collection and trade facilitation. Participants were privileged to be selected for the Training of Trainers which would enable them to contribute to the development of human resources within GRA and among its stakeholders. GRA expressed gratitude to the WCO for supporting the administration since the humble beginning of an origin unit to the establishment of a pool of origin experts and trainers. The workshop provided participants with an opportunity to refine their knowledge of Rules of Origin, while also enhancing their skills in designing and delivering effective training sessions. The workshop offered the participants a unique opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of origin-related topics through group and individual presentations, incorporating facilitation and communication skills acquired from WCO experts. At the conclusion of the workshop, the WCO experts offered constructive feedback to participants, highlighting areas for improvement, and praising their success in applying newly acquired skills to develop training materials and deliver a training session. In the margins of the workshop, the WCO experts had an exploratory meeting with the Ghana National AfCFTA Coordinating Office to discuss possible areas for assistance and cooperation. The EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme will continue its work with Ghana Customs to equip Customs officials and relevant stakeholders with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of Rules of Origin. For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org A lion dance show is staged to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Yangon, Myanmar, Jan. 23, 2025. The Chinese embassy in Myanmar hosted the celebrations here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) A lion dance show is staged to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Yangon, Myanmar, Jan. 23, 2025. The Chinese embassy in Myanmar hosted the celebrations here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) A lion dance show is staged to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Yangon, Myanmar, Jan. 23, 2025. The Chinese embassy in Myanmar hosted the celebrations here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) Dancers perform to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Yangon, Myanmar, Jan. 23, 2025. The Chinese embassy in Myanmar hosted the celebrations here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) Dancers perform to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Yangon, Myanmar, Jan. 23, 2025. The Chinese embassy in Myanmar hosted the celebrations here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Dutch King Willem-Alexander in The Hague, the Netherlands, Jan. 22, 2025. Ding visited the Netherlands from Jan. 22 to Jan. 23 at the invitation of the government of the Netherlands. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) THE HAGUE, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Dutch leaders on Wednesday and Thursday in The Hague. The two sides agreed to jointly promote an open world economy, and strengthen cooperation in various fields including green development. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met separately with Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Climate and Green Growth Sophie Hermans during his two-day visit. Ding said that under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, the open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation between China and the Netherlands has been steadily enhanced with fruitful cooperation in various fields, bringing benefits to the two countries and two peoples. China is willing to further strengthen communication with the Netherlands to enhance mutual trust, push for greater development of bilateral relations and help the two countries accelerate the realization of their respective development goals, he said. Stressing that both China and the Netherlands are beneficiaries and supporters of an open world economy, Ding said China is committed to high-quality development through high-standard opening-up, welcoming Dutch companies to expand cooperation with China. It is also hoped that the Dutch side will continue to provide a fair, equitable and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, safeguard common interests and maintain a stable and unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, and realize the two sides' complementary advantages, shared opportunities and common development, Ding said. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union (EU). The vice premier said China is willing to strengthen dialogue and deepen cooperation with the EU to promote the sound and stable development of the China-EU relations, and hopes the Netherlands will play a constructive role in this regard. King Willem-Alexander said that the Dutch side cherishes mutual trust and friendship and is willing to deepen cooperation with China to jointly push for continuous progress in the Netherlands-China relations. In the face of the current geopolitical conflicts, countries should communicate frankly, seek consensus, work together and jointly address global challenges, the King added. Schoof said the Dutch side admires China's development achievements and regards China as a stable partner, adding that the Netherlands is willing to strengthen dialogue with China, enhance understanding and mutual trust, and expand practical cooperation in various fields such as water conservancy, green development, and medical and health care. Schoof also noted that the Netherlands is ready to work with China to safeguard free trade and promote openness and cooperation. Hermans congratulated China on its achievements in environmental protection and green development, and appreciated China's contributions to the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The Dutch side is looking forward to promoting cooperation with China in areas such as clean energy, green transition, circular economy, and climate adaptation, Hermans said. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof in The Hague, the Netherlands, Jan. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Climate and Green Growth Sophie Hermans in The Hague, the Netherlands, Jan. 23, 2025. Ding visited the Netherlands from Jan. 22 to Jan. 23 at the invitation of the government of the Netherlands. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Weber State grad's art lands on Clearfields latest public art display January 24, 2025 OGDEN, Utah As a muralist and furniture upcycler, Weber State University graduate Brooke Facers artwork can be found on walls and in homes throughout the country. She enjoys using creative canvases building exteriors, chairs, dressers or other household furniture to showcase her signature vibrant style. Facer recently worked on a series of jet statues that touched down in Clearfield, Utah. She was one of three local artists selected to design and paint the sculptures, which are part of Clearfields rebranding as Utahs Military City. She worked on three of the nine jets, including one sponsored by Weber State, which she adorned with a purple camo pattern and Wildcat claw marks. I think it turned out great, Facer said. My goal was to create something that symbolizes the pride that students and alumni have in our university. Facer said the project felt close to her heart. Shes a Weber State alum, military spouse and Davis County resident: I have so many personal connections to this. The jet, an F-35 measuring about 4 feet by 3 feet, is located year-round on State Street outside of the Clearfield Aquatic & Fitness Center. Facer graduated summa cum laude with a communication degree from WSU in 2017. She began working in marketing after graduation and often spent her spare time thrifting, painting or refurbishing furniture. Facers hobby soon grew into her own small business, called Rummage and Redeem, and she began taking on more projects. My communication degree, and specifically my classes in art, graphic design, video editing, technical writing and marketing, helped me launch a successful business, Facer said. I credit much of my artistic success to having an educational background in marketing and communication. Her artistry has brought her to Aruba to paint a starfish mural on a building and Seattle to adorn the walls of a vacation rental with a Vincent van Gogh The Starry Night scene. Shes also spent thousands of hours in her garage, giving new life to furniture pieces by restoring or refinishing them, and adding embellishments such as tropical birds, florals and other intricately painted designs. Facer does all this while being a mom to her young son and working as a digital marketing specialist at a behavioral health hospital. by Xinhua writers Jiang Shengxiong, Tian Ying and Yao Yuan BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- What started as posting of pet pictures and trading of cute memes on a Chinese social media network has gone deeper than many had expected, with American "TikTok refugees" inquiring about life in China and writing emotional letters to a fictional Chinese character named "Li Hua." "Dear Li Hua, I'm sorry I didn't get your letters. I understand you've been writing to me for a long time, but now I'm here to reply." Such is the common theme of many letters recently penned by U.S. TikTokers, who flocked to the social media platform "rednote" after the U.S. government moved to ban TikTok. The upsurge in letter writing followed an outpour of kindness and enthusiasm from Chinese rednote users, some of whom welcomed the English-speaking newcomers in the persona of Li Hua and with a light-hearted question -- "Why haven't you replied for so long?" Li Hua lives in the collective memory of the Chinese people born in the 1980s and 1990s and beyond. It is believed that the figure debuted in the English test of the national college entrance exam in 1995, when examinees were told to write a letter as Li Hua to invite a foreign pen pal to a picnic. Without any gender assignment, the name Li Hua has since stuck in China's English exams. Tens of millions of Chinese students have once been Li Hua, having written to introduce Chinese culture, exchange school experiences, and share their dreams, most commonly to an imaginary American friend. For many U.S. netizens, this was the first time they had heard about Li Hua. It did not take long, however, for their response letters to start flooding in, usually with an unpolished Chinese translation, some in video clips, and some in stiff handwritten Chinese. THE REPLIES "I hope that you are doing well. I hope that your family is in good health, and that you were able to get into the university that you wrote so much about to me," replied a netizen by the name of Katt. "Life has been rough, but still filled with a lot of happiness... I'm sad that I missed spending the years sharing with you, but I'm so happy that we can now make up for lost time," said River Guthrie. Another netizen "Taetertott" chose Chinese handwriting, and told a popular story from her childhood -- "an adult told me that if I dug a hole deep enough, I could get to China... I dug down almost 8 feet by myself before realizing I was trapped and needed help out, haha!" The hashtag #LiHua and its Chinese equivalent have so far garnered over 50 million views and 300,000 comments on rednote, with many Chinese netizens describing the letters as materializing "the vision of a global village." "At this moment on the internet, we feel so lucky that our paths crossed and you guys responded to our letters. This is one of the greatest romances of the 21st century," a netizen named "Jianxiatian" remarked under one of the letters. "It's like you say 'Hello, world,' and then, many years later, the world embraces you," another Chinese netizen commented. ECHOES TO COME Earlier this month, mounting concerns over the TikTok ban drove a significant number of the app's American users who called themselves "TikTok refugees" to rednote, a Chinese app that fuses the features of Instagram and Pinterest. TikTok halted service on Sunday in the United States. Although the app's operation was resumed on Monday, many American users have since stayed on rednote largely thanks to the warm reception from across the Pacific and the rich array of contents related to Chinese cuisine, scenery and culture. As of Friday evening, the hashtag #tiktokrefugee has garnered 2.7 billion views on rednote with over 37 million posts and comments, while the Chinese tag #welcomeglobalvillagers has more than 31 million views. Initially, exchanges on the platform were mostly polite greetings and pet photos bid as "cat tax," which was probably inspired by some Chinese netizens' tongue-in-cheek demand for American newcomers to surrender their pet photos, in exchange for a permission to stay. More in-depth conversations have since followed, including inquiries about China's medical bills and price levels in the United States. For instance, an anonymous U.S. netizen has posted the grocery prices in California, triggering heated discussions about the price differences between the two countries and even among different U.S. regions. Zhu Jingjiang, an anthropologist at Minzu University of China, described the Chinese-American interactions on rednote as a meaningful anthropological event, which sheds light on cultural encounters and understanding of the "other." "I previously thought the encounters of Chinese and U.S. netizens on rednote would only go as far as some chitchat or sharing cooking tips," said Zhu. "But now you see the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries resonate well and have remarkable depth and width." "For both Chinese and Americans, this is a spontaneous initiative of unprecedented scale to explain to, understand and interact with people from another culture, and by doing so to correct longstanding stereotypes," the professor said. One column on Shangyou News noted that through the letters, netizens discovered that the commonalities of ordinary people across countries far outweigh their differences, and such cyber exchanges have unleashed goodwill among the peoples of different nations, deepening mutual friendship and trust. "Gathered on rednote, people from around the world are bonded by friendship, keeping memories alive with the hope of echoes to come! May Li Hua's letters always receive a response," wrote a netizen from China's Anhui Province. For the fourth successive year, Toyota was Irelands best-selling car brand in 2024, selling 17,521 passenger cars, which was 4,001 more than the next best-seller, Volkswagen, with Skoda, Hyundai and Kia making up the top five. Toyota continues to champion electrified driving as 94.2% of sales in 2024 were electrified vehicles. Irelands most popular car brand closed out the year with a 14.5% market share, representing a 0.95% increase year on year. Six Toyota hybrid models featured in the top 15 best-selling cars of 2024 including the RAV4 (hybrid and plug-in hybrid), Yaris Cross, Yaris, Corolla, Corolla Cross and Toyota C-HR (hybrid and plug-in hybrid), with a stunning new look and fifth generation hybrid technology. Toyotas best-selling model in 2024 was the RAV4, which sold 3,536 units, and coincidentally celebrated its 30th anniversary on Irish roads. Toyota offers the widest range of electrified cars in the Irish market, with a choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles to suit all lifestyles. Electrified vehicles finished 2024 with a 46.9% combined market share. Hybrid options proved popular among Irish drivers, with all hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles securing a combined market share of 32.5% - overtaking petrol as the most popular powertrain in Ireland with a market share of 30.3%. There is strong consumer demand for environmentally friendly, low-emission vehicles, which are playing a vital role in moving drivers away from diesel and towards more sustainable motoring. Zoe Bradley, Head of Marketing Communications and Corporate Affairs in Toyota Ireland, said: 2024 was an exceptional year for Toyota Ireland, marking our fourth consecutive year as Irelands best-selling car brand. Toyota Ireland's Power of Choice strategy, encompassing hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric options, provides drivers with a diverse range of choices to transition to electrified motoring. This approach is pivotal in reducing Irelands reliance on harmful diesel, significantly cutting CO2 and NOX emissions. Were excited to bring even more choice than ever to Irish drivers in 2025, as they transition to electrified motoring in a way that suits their individual needs and circumstances. YANGON, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Myanmar on Thursday hosted Spring Festival celebrations in Yangon. More than 1,000 people, including Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia, Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for the Ministry of Prime Minister's Office Tin Aung San as well as other senior Myanmar officials, envoys from many countries to Myanmar, overseas Chinese in Myanmar, representatives from overseas Chinese companies, and Chinese students in Myanmar, gathered together to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. Ma extended New Year greetings to all Chinese in Myanmar and the Myanmar people, saying that the Spring Festival symbolizes unity and prosperity, embodying the core Chinese cultural values of harmony and peace. The Spring Festival is not just a Chinese celebration, but a global one, Ma said, adding about 20 countries recognize it as a public holiday. In July 2024, Myanmar designated the Chinese Spring Festival a national public holiday, Ma noted. Both the Chinese Spring Festival and the Myanmar Thingyan Festival have been inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, demonstrating that cultural symbols of a nation play an important role in human civilization, she said. "We look forward to the Year of the Snake bringing more hope and joy to the world, and greater blessings to both nations and the two peoples, advancing China-Myanmar friendship and cooperation to new heights," she said. Tin Aung San said Myanmar and China share deep "Paukphaw" (fraternal) ties, and the construction of the community with a shared future continues to deepen. He expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its assistance and consistent support in facilitating the peace and national reconciliation process of Myanmar, hoping to further enhance mutually beneficial cooperation both at regional and international arenas. At the event, participants enjoyed Spring Festival performances and were presented with a feast of Chinese food, including flower cakes and dumplings. Nearly 40 booths were set up at the celebrations, displaying Chinese calligraphy, painting, porcelain, lacquer fans and paper cutting. High Court reporters A widow has failed to persuade the Court of Appeal that a financial institution should not be allowed to rely on guarantees provided by her late husband for 11.5 million loans in favour of their sons. The three-judge court found AIB took reasonable steps to ensure the late John Joseph Flood understood the nature of the transaction before executing the guarantees in 2007. This enables its title successor, Everyday Finance, to rely on the guarantees notwithstanding that they were improvident and that there was a presumption of undue influence due to his relationship with his son, David, the court held. Ms Justice Caroline Costello, ruling for the court, said the bank had required the deceased to take independent legal advice before signing the guarantees. The High Court already held that the advice he received from an independent solicitors firm was inadequate and that he did not appreciate the charge extended beyond his quarry lands and included his family home. Ms Justice Costello said AIB was entitled to assume the solicitors had fulfilled their obligations to Mr Flood and had explained the nature and effect of the transaction. The court dismissed the appeal brought by his widow, Joan Flood, and ruled that Everyday is entitled to rely on the guarantees. The judge said Ms Flood is the sole executrix and beneficiary in the will of her late husband, who ran a successful quarry in Oldcastle, Co Meath before retiring in 1994. He died in 2012 aged 83. The proceedings arose out of two guarantees Mr Flood executed in May 2007 for loan facilities totalling 12.7 million to his two other sons, Tom and Alec, to aid the purchase of a development site in Sutton, Co Dublin. He also executed a charge in favour of the bank over his lands, comprising 59 acres of quarry lands, 12 acres of agricultural land and his family home. David was originally to be a co-recipient of the full loan, but, due to personal reasons, this changed before the transactions occurred. However, he provided a guarantee for the full 12.7 million. Failed property scheme The Sutton property scheme failed and the site was sold on by the bank at a significant shortfall. In 2018, the bank secured judgment against David and Alec on foot of the loan and personal guarantee. It issued a letter of demand against their father in 2010. Everyday sued his estate and later substituted Ms Flood as the defendant. In defence, Ms Flood claimed, among other points, that her late husband did not obtain adequate legal advice, had been subjected to undue influence by David and that the provision of the guarantees constituted an unconscionable bargain. Last April, the High Courts Ms Justice Siobhan Stack held that the relationship between the deceased and David was such to raise a presumption of undue influence. Davids evidence, she noted, was that he had pressurised his father to such an extent his father did not exercise his own independent will and judgment in executing the transactions. She ruled that the legal advice obtained by the late Mr Flood was inadequate, as it seems to have been a brief explanation of the nature of the transactions. He seems to have not understood he would be personally liable for sums greatly exceeding the quarrys value, she said. There was no evidence he intended to place his family home or other assets on the line, but he had mistakenly done so, she said. Ms Justice Stack held that the execution of guarantees exceeding the deceaseds entire assets were improvident transactions. However, the bank had no notice of the inadequacy of the legal advice or his misunderstanding about the effect of guarantees. Everyday was entitled to judgment against Ms Flood, she ruled. In her appeal, Ms Flood alleged Everyday failed to rebut the presumption of undue influence and the High Court was wrong to hold that the lender was not on notice of the inadequate legal advice. In her judgment for the Court of Appeal, Ms Justice Costello said the crucial issue in the case was whether the bank took reasonable steps to ensure the deceased was openly and freely agreeing to provide the security requested. She was satisfied the bank took all reasonable steps to ensure he was properly advised, so it is entitled to rely upon his guarantees and the letters of confirmation from his solicitor. Council seeks dereliction duties from Bridge St property Mayo County Council has demanded payment of a 9,485 derelict sites levy placed on a building on Bridge Street which is also on the Councils list of derelict sites. The figure is an accumulation of an annual levy of seven percent of the sites market value which in this case the Council puts at 40,000, meaning the dereliction levy is equal to quarter the value of the property. A notice posted on the window of the building alerts the owner of the building that interest of 1.25 percent per month applies to unpaid levies. Signed by the head of the environment, agriculture and climate division at the Council, the letter also states that the levy remains with the property and may effect terms of sale if the property changes hands. The Bridge Street property was first added to the registry of derelict properties in July 2019. Dereliction notices are issued under section eight of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 by Mayo County Council to owners of properties regarded as neglected or unsightly ahead of any posting of a public notice on the property, giving the owners an opportunity to complete works and improvements. Properties on the dereliction list can be removed after improvements are inspected by the Council and levies are paid. In some cases owners of properties listed as derelict are refusing to engage with the county council, said Ballyhaunis estate agent Kevin Kirrane. Some properties are not registered so the council cant find the owners. If people cant afford to bring the properties back into use then they should sell them off. A potential next step open to the Council is a compulsory purchase order which costs the council a lot of money, time and resources, explained Kirrane. People cant be let leave buildings in a derelict state, especially when there are generous grants available now to put them back into use and a waiver on planning permission to convert commercial to residential if it has been vacant for more than two years. In the context of dereliction Kirrane believes the Council should also take a look at their own property on Upper Main St, boarded up since last April when its front window was broken. Its sitting there for months boarded up and all it needs is glass. That unit should be put into full time use or converted to residential. Dawn executive sees huge opportunities for beef farmers The operations manager of the Dawn Meats group, which runs a large plant in Ballyhaunis, told a recent Bord Bia conference that Ireland will reap huge opportunities from a fall in cattle numbers across Europe. Philip Tallon, operations manager at Dawn Meats, told the launch of Bord Bias Export Performance and Prospects Report for 2024/25 that fewer cattle in continental Europe will mean more demand for Irish supply. However, he also said that closure of restaurants and higher cost of living had dented demand for steaks in both Ireland and the UK. McDonalds is a major purchaser of beef processed at the Ballyhaunis plant operated by Dawn Meats. Tallon also told the Bord Bia conference that the industry was struggling to find workers for what is a very labour intensive industry. Securing permits for non-EU workers is costly, said Tallon. Dawn relies on a large Brazilian immigrant workforce for its Ballyhaunis operations. The government last January announced a quota of 1,000 General Employment Permits allowing meat companies to hire non-EU citizens for the position of meat processing operative, a quota that was filled by mid-November. Mass switches to the hall Painting and electrical maintenance works at St Patricks Church has necessitated the closure of much of the church during weekdays. The Pastoral Council aims to have the bulk of Phase One of the project completed in time for Holy Week, commencing on April 14. In the meantime, weekday masses are officiated across the road from the church in the Community Hall, also known as the parochial hall, which the diocese handed over to Ballyhaunis Community Council in 2016. We are blessed to have such a beautiful church building that has been handed onto us by previous generations who built and maintained the church in difficult, less prosperous times, said Fr Stephen Farragher, local parish priest. Heat pump installation boom? Two Ballyhaunis properties have switched to heat pump heating systems so far this year, taking advantage of a new tax cut on installations. The VAT rate applied to the supply and installation of heat pump heating systems has been reduced from 23 percent to 9 percent from January 1. Run on electricity, heat pumps are being promoted as a low-emission alternative to boilers run on kerosene oil. Homes have to be well insulated however: one of the Ballyhaunis properties recently had external insulation applied. Migrant worker exploitation on the rise An increasing reliance on non-EU migrant workers in various sectors of the economy is leading to an increase in exploitation according to an advocacy group which has assisted workers from Ballyhaunis in understanding their rights. The rise in exploitation we are seeing seems to correlate with a rise in permits issued and in particular a rise of workers coming in lower paid, more precarious sectors, Neil Bruton, campaigns manager of the Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland (MRCI) told this column. His organisation, he said, doesnt have any evidence that would suggest exploitation is linked to recent rises to the minimum wage for all workers or minimum salaries for permits. Government last year raised the minimum salary which companies are required to pay in order to secure a permit for a worker with 30,000 the minimum annual salary for the meat processing sector and 27,000 for the care sector. Irish employers have come to rely on workers from South America and South and Southeast Asia for labour intensive sectors like food processing, elder care and hospitality. Government sets a quota of permits allowed for various sectors of the economy, with companies then applying for the permits to bring already recruited workers into the country. The system limits the ability of the worker (whose permit is tied to an employer) to change employer or industry. After five years a worker is entitled to permanent residency and free movement between employers. Bruton believes workers coming from outside the EU on employment permits need better protections. It remains very challenging for people on permits to change jobs. Employers know this, which makes it very hard for workers to stand up for their rights. Requiring workers to stay in the employment permit system for a five-year period before they have the freedom to work without a permit is too long. The Employment Permits Bill passed in 2024 changed the rules so that general permit holders can switch jobs more easily while staying on their existing permit. However, the worker must remain within the same industry. For health reasons I needed to change industry. I found work in retail but these companies werent allowed to hire me because of my employment permit, explained a Ballyhaunis-based migrant with a permit to work in the meat industry who is now living off his savings while he recovers. Bruton believes reforms last year to allow workers change employer (within the same industry) is a very positive step forward but it doesnt fully protect workers. Firstly, he says, more needs to be done to ensure all workers are aware of this new right. Secondly, the restrictions on the type of job you can move to also need to be broadened in order for this to be a meaningful protection for everyone. The sooner people can move out of the permit system the less the chances are of seeing this type of mistreatment. Bruton said MRCI would like to see a reduction in the period a person is required to stay on a permit from five years to two years, meaning that after two years they would have the freedom to work in any job. Bruton points to a poll carried out with Ireland Thinks during the month of July which indicated that 66% of people agree that People from outside the EU, recruited to work in Ireland through the work permit system should have freedom to change to any job after two years. Film club returns, Games evening begins A popular local film club will show the German tragicomedy Goodbye Lenin (with subtitles) on Saturday, January 25 with a screening time of 8.10pm. Winner of numerous awards including Golden Globe for best foreign language film, the film tells a story of a family in the former East Germany at the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Entry is free. Hosted by Ballyhaunis Community Council, the screenings are shown on a cinema-quality screen and projector installed in the Community Hall with a grant from the governments Community Centres Investment Fund. Entry is free. The Community Council meanwhile is launching a weekly Games Evening (4-6pm) on January 26, inviting afficionados and beginners to the Community Hall for cards and board games including chess, draughts, backgammon and ludo. The event is run in conjunction with Ballyhaunis Language Cafe and experienced players will be on hand to show beginners the ropes. Contact ballyhauniscommunitycouncil@gmail.com for more information. Ballyhaunis GAA 50 /50 draw Congratulations to Cillian Freeman, Tooreen, who was the winner of 470 in the Ballyhaunis GAA 50 /50 draw on an envelope sold in MacSuairtains. The next draw, on January 19, is in Paddys Bar. Attorneys for a Poconos man charged with murder in connection with the killings of four University of Idaho students are asking a judge to throw out most of the evidence in the case. BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of National Defense hosted a Spring Festival reception for around 220 military attaches, representatives of some international organizations in China, as well as their spouses on Friday. Defense Minister Dong Jun attended the reception, met with the attendees and exchanged New Year greetings with them. The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, falls on Jan. 29 this year. CANBERRA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Prime Minister has promised cash incentives for apprentices who work in residential construction as part of a push to build more homes. Anthony Albanese announced the election policy in his first major speech of 2025 to the National Press Club on Friday, saying that it would aid the next generation of trades workers -- commonly known as 'tradies' in Australia - while providing a boost to the construction workforce. Under the 626.9 million Australian dollar (395.4 million U.S. dollar) policy, trades apprentices working in residential construction would receive 10,000 AUD (6,308 USD) in five installments over the course of their apprenticeship. "We recognize the next generation of tradies, the people we're counting on to build the new homes we need, are under significant financial pressure," Albanese said. "Too many leave training because they can't afford to stay. Our government wants to encourage more Australians to get on the tools - and stay in construction." Albanese's Labor Party government in 2023 set a goal of building 1.2 million new homes in Australia over a five-year period to 2029 to ease the country's housing affordability crisis. The industry body Master Builders Association on Wednesday said that construction began on 165,000 new homes in the 12-month period to September 2024. Denita Wawn, chief executive of the association, said that at the current pace, 825,000 new homes will be built over the five-year period. An advisory group of industry leaders set up by Albanese's government said that achieving the 1.2 million goal would require an extra 90,000 residential construction workers. Plugging South Africas skills GAP Are we adequately training young people for the labour market, or do we need to review our approach to education and training? According to the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Mimmy Gondwe, education is a means to an end and not an end in itself. The end goal, of course, is employment, but for many graduates, jobs are elusive, and years after graduation, they remain without work. But is there really a skills gap or does the problem lie elsewhere? According to Ebrahim-Khalil Hassen, Senior Researcher at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO), in order to meet the private sectors employment demands, tertiary institutions need to balance managerial training and functional competency with academic excellence. We need to create career pathways from hard skills to more general managerial training, he says. The Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) are in theory meant to drive reporting on skills demand in their respective industries, although their own skills in achieving this are patchy. Stephanie Allais, Professor of Education and Research Chair of Skills Development at the Centre for Researching Education and Labour, has written extensively about the shortcomings of the SETAs. The process is too complex with too many tools to do too many things, rendering it ineffectual, she says. The data coming from employers is poor, and this feeds into poor reporting and so skills development funding goes to the wrong places. She also claims that SETAs tend to go through box- ticking exercises, reporting skills deficits only in areas in which they are already equipped to train, as this earns them their subsidies. In addition, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) lie outside skills sector planning and their needs are not factored in. Funding models for Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions (TVETS) and vocational training are also complex and so, given that a university degree is still seen as increasing graduates prospects of getting a job, those that can, go to university, she says. However, she believes, while vocational colleges cant solve youth unemployment and plug all the gaps, they can play an important role in the economy if they are funded more efficiently and if they had a clearer mandate. Government thwarts innovation In his 2024 State of the Nation speech, President Ramaphosa spoke about a 'demand-led' approach to job creation, launching the National Pathway Management Network which aggregates learning and earning opportunities on a single platform. Here young people can match their skills with jobs and access a range of support services. Another government initiative is the Labour Market Intelligence Partnership (LMI) which aims to integrate skills planning with government strategies and plans in order to produce a capable workforce to achieve an inclusive growth path. Their manifesto goes on to say that LMI ensures that skills are not a constraint on economic growth and promotes the use of labour market intelligence for skills provisioning. Launched in 2012, the success of this programme is debatable. If its entrepreneurial endeavour that is going to be the job creator of the future picking up some of the slack in the labour market then South Africa is in trouble. While we have great, innovative minds, legislative barriers to establishing a company are high and the track record of small businesses making it past year one is poor. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor shows that we score highly for start-ups, but low for established businesses, and this must be a concern. We are an industrious nation, but South Africa is a difficult place in which to succeed and so we are not developing the jobs in the SME sector that we should be, says Hassen. The fact is that we have a concentrated economy dominated by a number of large companies. Without a transition of asset holdings, the jobs and skills market will intrinsically be bound to their needs. Hassen believes that we will only build new assets by looking for a better return on investment on education. Allais puts it more bluntly, South Africa has a skills crisis, and our education system isnt meeting the needs of the economy. Skills scapegoating Beyond the skills crisis, the socio-political landscape, too, impacts who gets to work. On claims that automation and foreigners are taking jobs and widening the skills gap, Hassen says, The introduction into basic education of subjects such as robotics and coding, and the Basic Education Laws Amendment [BELA] Act making Grade R compulsory, will go a long way to addressing skills deficits, but only in the future. As for xenophobic accusations that foreigners are taking South African jobs, he believes that a society that attracts skills from overseas is better than an insular one, and that we mustnt scapegoat foreigners for our unemployment crisis. One proposal to meet the skills gap challenge is the provision of a universal basic income grant. Hassen believes that such a grant would put recipients on a path to economic activity, eventually funnelling some of them into the jobs market. Make everyone part of the economy, and the opportunities for acquiring skills will be more equitably distributed, he says. South Africa undoubtedly needs a programme of re- and up-skilling of the existing workforce, structural change to increase job opportunities, and a more innovative form of capitalism if we are going to address our skills deficit and a state of persistent unemployment. Atomi Financial Group Inc. decreased its position in shares of KB Financial Group Inc. (NYSE:KB Free Report) by 7.7% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,641 shares of the banks stock after selling 883 shares during the quarter. Atomi Financial Group Inc.s holdings in KB Financial Group were worth $605,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of KB. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. boosted its position in shares of KB Financial Group by 23.0% during the third quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 779,499 shares of the banks stock valued at $48,134,000 after buying an additional 145,861 shares during the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio purchased a new position in shares of KB Financial Group during the third quarter valued at approximately $7,291,000. B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. Holding AG purchased a new position in shares of KB Financial Group during the third quarter valued at approximately $3,516,000. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky boosted its position in shares of KB Financial Group by 15.2% during the third quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 426,430 shares of the banks stock valued at $26,332,000 after buying an additional 56,400 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC boosted its position in shares of KB Financial Group by 46.6% during the third quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 93,850 shares of the banks stock valued at $5,795,000 after buying an additional 29,850 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 11.52% of the companys stock. Get KB Financial Group alerts: KB Financial Group Stock Down 0.5 % KB stock opened at $62.00 on Friday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $61.98 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $63.11. The company has a current ratio of 1.66, a quick ratio of 1.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29. KB Financial Group Inc. has a 1-year low of $38.92 and a 1-year high of $72.89. The stock has a market cap of $24.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.23, a P/E/G ratio of 0.48 and a beta of 0.99. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley raised KB Financial Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 12th. StockNews.com raised KB Financial Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 29th. Get Our Latest Research Report on KB Financial Group About KB Financial Group (Free Report) KB Financial Group Inc provides a range of banking and related financial services to consumers and corporations in South Korea, the United States, New Zealand, China, Cambodia, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and internationally. The company operates through Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Other Banking Services, Credit Card, Securities, Life Insurance, and Non-Life Insurance segments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for KB Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KB Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. B2Gold Corp. (NYSE:BTG Get Free Report) shares saw strong trading volume on Friday . 17,184,401 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 22% from the previous sessions volume of 22,031,461 shares.The stock last traded at $2.34 and had previously closed at $2.35. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. StockNews.com lowered B2Gold from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 8th. Bank of America downgraded shares of B2Gold from a buy rating to an underperform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 14th. CIBC lowered their price objective on shares of B2Gold from $3.70 to $3.30 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 15th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on shares of B2Gold from $4.00 to $5.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $4.02. Get B2Gold alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on BTG B2Gold Stock Down 0.2 % The business has a 50 day moving average price of $2.62 and a 200 day moving average price of $2.87. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.09 billion, a P/E ratio of -4.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.26 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a current ratio of 1.83 and a quick ratio of 1.08. B2Gold (NYSE:BTG Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 6th. The company reported $0.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.05 by ($0.03). B2Gold had a positive return on equity of 7.53% and a negative net margin of 38.42%. The company had revenue of $448.23 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $449.28 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.05 EPS. The companys revenue was down 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that B2Gold Corp. will post 0.22 earnings per share for the current year. B2Gold Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 2nd were given a dividend of $0.04 per share. This represents a $0.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.82%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 2nd. B2Golds dividend payout ratio is presently -28.57%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On B2Gold A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in BTG. E&G Advisors LP acquired a new stake in shares of B2Gold in the 3rd quarter valued at $31,000. Private Advisor Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of B2Gold during the third quarter worth approximately $33,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC bought a new position in shares of B2Gold in the third quarter valued at approximately $35,000. HighTower Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of B2Gold in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, Moors & Cabot Inc. grew its position in B2Gold by 35.0% during the 3rd quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 13,500 shares of the companys stock worth $42,000 after acquiring an additional 3,500 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 61.40% of the companys stock. B2Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) B2Gold Corp. operates as a gold producer company. It operates the Fekola Mine in Mali, the Masbate Mine in the Philippines, and the Otjikoto Mine in Namibia. The company also has an 100% interest in the Gramalote gold project in Colombia; 24% interest in the Calibre Mining Corp.; and approximately 19% interest in BeMetals Corp. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for B2Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for B2Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Berbice Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG Free Report) in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 190 shares of the aerospace companys stock, valued at approximately $241,000. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans increased its stake in shares of TransDigm Group by 188.1% in the 2nd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 8,622 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $11,016,000 after acquiring an additional 5,629 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of TransDigm Group by 7.5% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 171 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $221,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares in the last quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board increased its stake in shares of TransDigm Group by 76.2% in the 2nd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 2,153 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $2,751,000 after acquiring an additional 931 shares in the last quarter. Insigneo Advisory Services LLC increased its stake in TransDigm Group by 31.6% during the 2nd quarter. Insigneo Advisory Services LLC now owns 346 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $418,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC bought a new stake in TransDigm Group during the 2nd quarter valued at about $11,353,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.78% of the companys stock. Get TransDigm Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades TDG has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of TransDigm Group from $1,435.00 to $1,555.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, October 14th. KeyCorp raised their price target on shares of TransDigm Group from $1,440.00 to $1,500.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 24th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded shares of TransDigm Group from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their price target for the company from $1,444.00 to $1,348.00 in a report on Thursday, January 2nd. Barclays reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $1,500.00 price target on shares of TransDigm Group in a report on Monday, January 6th. Finally, Truist Financial raised their price objective on shares of TransDigm Group from $1,482.00 to $1,534.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 14th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,455.00. TransDigm Group Stock Down 0.8 % NYSE TDG opened at $1,342.57 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $1,276.73 and a two-hundred day moving average of $1,308.34. The firm has a market capitalization of $75.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 52.29, a PEG ratio of 3.06 and a beta of 1.38. TransDigm Group Incorporated has a 52 week low of $1,058.94 and a 52 week high of $1,451.32. Insider Activity In related news, Director W Nicholas Howley sold 5,472 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,296.77, for a total value of $7,095,925.44. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 21,548 shares of the companys stock, valued at $27,942,799.96. This represents a 20.25 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Kevin M. Stein sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,248.07, for a total transaction of $24,961,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 8,158 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,181,755.06. This trade represents a 71.03 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 89,525 shares of company stock valued at $112,769,801. 4.96% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About TransDigm Group (Free Report) TransDigm Group Incorporated designs, produces, and supplies aircraft components in the United States and internationally. The Power & Control segment offers mechanical/electro-mechanical actuators and controls, ignition systems and engine technology, specialized pumps and valves, power conditioning devices, specialized AC/DC electric motors and generators, batteries and chargers, databus and power controls, sensor products, switches and relay panels, hoists, winches and lifting devices, and cargo loading and handling systems. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TDG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for TransDigm Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransDigm Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. On January 23, 2025, Berry Global Group, Inc. and Amcor plc jointly released news regarding their upcoming transaction. The companies disclosed the filing of a definitive joint proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), marking a crucial step towards their all-stock transaction. The two companies also revealed that shareholder meetings for both Berry and Amcor are scheduled to occur on February 25, 2025. Get alerts: This transaction is set to bring together two businesses that complement each other, paving the way to become a global leader in consumer and healthcare packaging solutions. With a focus on flexible film, containers, closures, and dispensing packaging, the combination of Berry and Amcor aims to accelerate growth, drive innovation, and address sustainability challenges for customers and consumers. The merger is expected to generate substantial value for shareholders, targeting $650 million in identified cost, growth, and financial synergies. The synergies are forecasted to be achieved over the course of three years post-transaction, inclusive of significant annual run-rate pre-tax cost synergies and earnings benefits from growth synergies. The combined entity is poised to deliver over 35% adjusted cash earnings per share accretion and enhance shareholder value creation. Both companies Boards of Directors have unanimously recommended the proposed transaction, highlighting the potential for long-term growth and profitability. The Joint Proxy Statement filed with the SEC provides crucial details about the transaction, including shareholder meeting logistics, voting procedures, and post-merger governance matters. Key dates related to the transaction include the record date for shareholders, the filing of the definitive Joint Proxy Statement with the SEC, the scheduled shareholder meetings, and the anticipated completion date in the middle of calendar year 2025. However, these dates remain subject to change, with any modifications to be communicated in advance. Investors and shareholders of both Berry and Amcor are advised to review the Joint Proxy Statement thoroughly, as it contains essential information about the proposed transaction and its implications. Copies of relevant documents filed with the SEC can be accessed through the SECs website or the companies respective investor relations web pages. As with any forward-looking statements, the success of the transaction is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, as noted in the cautionary statements provided by both companies. These risks include potential regulatory hurdles, integration challenges, unforeseen costs, and litigation risks that may impact the outcome of the transaction. The joint efforts between Berry Global Group and Amcor plc signify a significant move in the packaging industry, with a shared vision to enhance sustainability, drive innovation, and create long-term value for stakeholders. The original press release from the companies regarding this milestone is publicly available for further reference. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read Berry Global Groups 8K filing here. Berry Global Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Berry Global Group, Inc manufactures and supplies non-woven, flexible, and rigid products in consumer and industrial end markets in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Consumer Packaging International; Consumer Packaging North America; Engineered Materials; and Health, Hygiene & Specialties segments. Featured Articles Black Iron Inc. (TSE:BKI Get Free Report) insider RAB Capital Holdings Limited sold 130,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$0.18, for a total value of C$22,750.00. RAB Capital Holdings Limited also recently made the following trade(s): Get Black Iron alerts: On Wednesday, January 22nd, RAB Capital Holdings Limited sold 250,500 shares of Black Iron stock. The stock was sold at an average price of C$0.19, for a total value of C$46,342.50. On Thursday, January 16th, RAB Capital Holdings Limited sold 140,500 shares of Black Iron stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$0.18, for a total value of C$24,587.50. On Monday, January 13th, RAB Capital Holdings Limited sold 750,000 shares of Black Iron stock. The stock was sold at an average price of C$0.19, for a total value of C$144,975.00. On Friday, January 10th, RAB Capital Holdings Limited sold 1,000,000 shares of Black Iron stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$0.18, for a total transaction of C$182,500.00. Black Iron Stock Performance Shares of BKI stock opened at C$0.18 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 2.76 and a current ratio of 0.40. The firm has a market cap of C$54.74 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -18.00 and a beta of 1.52. Black Iron Inc. has a 52 week low of C$0.04 and a 52 week high of C$0.20. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$0.12 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$0.07. About Black Iron Black Iron Inc is a Canadian iron ore exploration and development company. The principal activity of the company is the exploration and development of ferrous metals in Ukraine namely the Shymanivske iron ore project located in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine. The company operates through the development of its Ukrainian mining and exploration permits segment. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Black Iron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Iron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia has disclosed that it earned 1.36 billion U.S. dollars in revenue from gold exports over the past six months. Speaking of an "impressive export performance" during the first half of the current Ethiopian 2024/2025 fiscal year, which started on July 8, Ethiopia's Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe said in a statement Wednesday that the country has registered strong performance in major export commodities, including gold. According to the minister, the country has generated some 3.28 billion dollars in export revenue during the past six months, in which gold exports secured the largest share of the total export revenue, generating 1.36 billion dollars during the reported period. Data from the ministry also suggested that Ethiopia's overall export revenue for the reported period achieved about 145 percent of the initial target. Highlighting Ethiopia's abundant potential in key export commodities, the minister emphasized the importance of enhancing the country's capacity to increase productivity and boost export earnings. With its agriculture-led economy, coffee is also a major export commodity for the country. According to recent data from the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, the country earned 908 million dollars in revenue from coffee exports over the past six months, with more than 200,000 tonnes of coffee exported to the international market. Amid positive prospects in the agricultural, manufacturing, mining and other major economic sectors, the Ethiopian government in October 2024 announced an 8.4 percent economic growth target for the current fiscal year. Shares of BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGU Get Free Report) traded up 7.5% on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $661.56 and last traded at $666.61. 179,642 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 73% from the average session volume of 673,092 shares. The stock had previously closed at $620.03. BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN Stock Up 2.0 % The firms 50 day simple moving average is $584.19 and its 200-day simple moving average is $477.04. The company has a market capitalization of $494.11 billion, a PE ratio of 123.65 and a beta of 4.82. Get BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN alerts: Institutional Trading of BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN A hedge fund recently raised its stake in BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN stock. VitalStone Financial LLC grew its stake in shares of BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGU Free Report) by 62.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 822 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 317 shares during the period. VitalStone Financial LLCs holdings in BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN were worth $337,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN Company Profile The MicroSectors FANG+ Index 3X Leveraged ETN (FNGU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the NYSE FANG+ index. The fund tracks 3x the daily price movements of an equal-weighted index of US-listed technology and consumer discretionary companies. FNGU was launched on Jan 22, 2018 and is issued by REX Microsectors. See Also Receive News & Ratings for BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Annaly Capital Management (NYSE:NLY Get Free Report) and Boston Properties (NYSE:BXP Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends and profitability. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Annaly Capital Management and Boston Properties, as reported by MarketBeat. Get Annaly Capital Management alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Annaly Capital Management 0 2 8 0 2.80 Boston Properties 0 7 7 0 2.50 Annaly Capital Management presently has a consensus target price of $21.11, indicating a potential upside of 8.29%. Boston Properties has a consensus target price of $82.00, indicating a potential upside of 11.21%. Given Boston Properties higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Boston Properties is more favorable than Annaly Capital Management. Institutional and Insider Ownership Valuation and Earnings 51.6% of Annaly Capital Management shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 98.7% of Boston Properties shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.2% of Annaly Capital Management shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 1.4% of Boston Properties shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. This table compares Annaly Capital Management and Boston Propertiess top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Annaly Capital Management $3.73 billion 2.93 -$1.64 billion ($0.07) -278.50 Boston Properties $3.27 billion 3.56 $190.21 million $2.31 31.92 Boston Properties has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Annaly Capital Management. Annaly Capital Management is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Boston Properties, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Dividends Annaly Capital Management pays an annual dividend of $2.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 13.3%. Boston Properties pays an annual dividend of $3.92 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.3%. Annaly Capital Management pays out -3,714.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Boston Properties pays out 169.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Annaly Capital Management is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Risk and Volatility Annaly Capital Management has a beta of 1.51, indicating that its stock price is 51% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Boston Properties has a beta of 1.18, indicating that its stock price is 18% more volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Annaly Capital Management and Boston Properties net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Annaly Capital Management 2.59% 14.75% 1.57% Boston Properties 10.75% 4.40% 1.40% About Annaly Capital Management (Get Free Report) Annaly Capital Management, Inc., a diversified capital manager, engages in mortgage finance. The company invests in agency mortgage-backed securities collateralized by residential mortgages; non-agency residential whole loans and securitized products within the residential and commercial markets; mortgage servicing rights; agency commercial mortgage-backed securities; to-be-announced forward contracts; residential mortgage loans; and agency or private label credit risk transfer securities. It has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT). As a REIT, it is not subject to federal income tax to the extent that it distributes its taxable income to its shareholders. The company was incorporated in 1996 and is based in New York, New York. About Boston Properties (Get Free Report) Boston Properties, Inc. (NYSE: BXP) (BXP or the Company) is the largest publicly traded developer, owner, and manager of premier workplaces in the United States, concentrated in six dynamic gateway markets Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC. BXP has delivered places that power progress for our clients and communities for more than 50 years. BXP is a fully integrated real estate company, organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT). Including properties owned by joint ventures, BXP's portfolio totals 53.3 million square feet and 188 properties, including 10 properties under construction/redevelopment. BXP's properties include 167 office properties, 14 retail properties (including two retail properties under construction/redevelopment), six residential properties (including one residential property under construction) and one hotel. BXP is well-known for its inhouse building management expertise and responsiveness to clients' needs. BXP holds a superior track record of developing premium Central Business District (CBD) office buildings, successful mixed-use complexes, suburban office centers and build-to-suit projects for a diverse array of creditworthy clients. BXP actively works to promote its growth and operations in a sustainable and responsible manner. BXP has earned a twelfth consecutive GRESB Green Star recognition and the highest GRESB 5-star Rating. BXP, an S&P 500 company, was founded in 1970 by Mortimer B. Zuckerman and Edward H. Linde and became a public company in 1997. Receive News & Ratings for Annaly Capital Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Annaly Capital Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT Free Report) had its price objective lowered by Citigroup from $700.00 to $600.00 in a research report report published on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. Citigroup currently has a buy rating on the aerospace companys stock. A number of other equities research analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Susquehanna decreased their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $695.00 to $590.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on Lockheed Martin from $675.00 to $665.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on Lockheed Martin from $546.00 to $540.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. Truist Financial started coverage on Lockheed Martin in a report on Tuesday, January 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $579.00 price target for the company. Finally, Robert W. Baird upped their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $519.00 to $626.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $577.73. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on LMT Lockheed Martin Trading Down 0.5 % Shares of NYSE LMT opened at $496.93 on Tuesday. Lockheed Martin has a 1-year low of $413.92 and a 1-year high of $618.95. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $500.84 and a 200 day moving average price of $536.25. The stock has a market capitalization of $117.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.11 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.66, a current ratio of 1.30 and a quick ratio of 1.12. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 22nd. The aerospace company reported $6.84 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.50 by $0.34. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 9.36% and a return on equity of 101.44%. The business had revenue of $17.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.38 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $6.77 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Lockheed Martin will post 26.81 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Sei Investments Co. grew its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 60.2% during the 2nd quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 71,344 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $33,327,000 after purchasing an additional 26,797 shares during the period. ProShare Advisors LLC grew its position in Lockheed Martin by 6.0% during the second quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 33,727 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $15,754,000 after buying an additional 1,921 shares during the period. Public Sector Pension Investment Board increased its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 110.2% in the second quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 7,847 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $3,665,000 after buying an additional 4,114 shares in the last quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 3.9% in the second quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 12,873 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $6,013,000 after acquiring an additional 483 shares during the period. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP boosted its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 82.2% during the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 183,473 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $85,700,000 after acquiring an additional 82,761 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.19% of the companys stock. Lockheed Martin Company Profile (Get Free Report) Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. The company operates through Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space segments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Close Brothers Group plc (LON:CBG Get Free Report)s stock price was up 21.6% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as GBX 303.96 ($3.75) and last traded at GBX 297.60 ($3.68). Approximately 4,494,428 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 22% from the average daily volume of 3,694,198 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 244.80 ($3.02). Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a GBX 610 ($7.53) target price on shares of Close Brothers Group in a research note on Friday, November 22nd. Shore Capital restated a buy rating on shares of Close Brothers Group in a research report on Tuesday, January 7th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of GBX 556.60 ($6.88). Get Close Brothers Group alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on CBG Close Brothers Group Price Performance Insiders Place Their Bets The stocks 50-day moving average price is GBX 227.33 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 362.32. The company has a market cap of 449.66 million, a P/E ratio of 498.00, a PEG ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 0.82. In other Close Brothers Group news, insider Mike Morgan sold 10,885 shares of Close Brothers Group stock in a transaction on Friday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 241 ($2.98), for a total value of 26,232.85 ($32,402.24). Company insiders own 2.91% of the companys stock. About Close Brothers Group (Get Free Report) Close Brothers Group plc, a merchant banking company, engages in the provision of financial services to small businesses and individuals in the United Kingdom. It operates through five segments: Commercial, Retail, Property, Asset Management, and Securities. The company offers banking services comprising of debt factoring, invoice discounting, asset-based lending; financing for SMEs, residential housing, transport, industrial equipment, renewable energy, motorcycle, used car, and commercial vehicle financing; insurance, refurbishment, and bridging financing, savings products for individuals and corporates, hire purchase, lease, and loan related services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Close Brothers Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Close Brothers Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) shares rose 0.5% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $739.44 and last traded at $729.03. Approximately 1,136,759 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 72% from the average daily volume of 4,014,761 shares. The stock had previously closed at $725.72. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have weighed in on LLY. Wolfe Research began coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Friday, November 15th. They issued an outperform rating and a $1,000.00 target price on the stock. Citigroup increased their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,060.00 to $1,250.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 25th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,025.00 to $1,015.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 4th. Truist Financial raised their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,000.00 to $1,033.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 10th. Finally, Redburn Atlantic upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 4th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,002.22. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on LLY Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance The companys fifty day moving average is $776.31 and its two-hundred day moving average is $850.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.03, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.27. The firm has a market cap of $727.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 82.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 0.41. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 30th. The company reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.52 by ($0.34). Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 71.08% and a net margin of 20.48%. The company had revenue of $11.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.09 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.10 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 20.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 12.98 EPS for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 14th will be paid a dividend of $1.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 14th. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.78%. This is a positive change from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.30. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 56.22%. Eli Lilly and Company declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase plan on Monday, December 9th that permits the company to repurchase $15.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to repurchase up to 2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. Insider Activity at Eli Lilly and Company In related news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 900 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction on Friday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $803.38, for a total value of $723,042.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,480 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,402,522.40. The trade was a 14.11 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. International Assets Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 87,091.7% in the third quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 12,463,182 shares of the companys stock worth $11,041,631,000 after purchasing an additional 12,448,888 shares in the last quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC lifted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 92,759.9% during the 3rd quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC now owns 1,022,388 shares of the companys stock worth $905,774,000 after buying an additional 1,021,287 shares during the last quarter. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 37,140.7% in the 3rd quarter. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC now owns 694,167 shares of the companys stock worth $614,990,000 after acquiring an additional 692,303 shares in the last quarter. Comerica Bank increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 71.6% in the 2nd quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 1,512,983 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,369,825,000 after acquiring an additional 631,312 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 100.7% during the 3rd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 1,165,696 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,032,737,000 after acquiring an additional 584,866 shares in the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Encompass More Asset Management lifted its stake in BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XHLF Free Report) by 11.1% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 65,089 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 6,489 shares during the period. BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF makes up approximately 1.1% of Encompass More Asset Managements holdings, making the stock its 21st largest holding. Encompass More Asset Management owned about 0.28% of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF worth $3,266,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Northwest Capital Management Inc boosted its position in BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 670.6% during the 3rd quarter. Northwest Capital Management Inc now owns 917 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after buying an additional 798 shares during the period. Endeavor Private Wealth Inc. bought a new position in BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 4th quarter worth $77,000. Avior Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 135.6% during the 3rd quarter. Avior Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,196 shares of the companys stock valued at $111,000 after purchasing an additional 1,264 shares in the last quarter. Executive Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF during the third quarter valued at about $202,000. Finally, Concourse Financial Group Securities Inc. raised its stake in BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 18.1% in the third quarter. Concourse Financial Group Securities Inc. now owns 5,620 shares of the companys stock worth $283,000 after buying an additional 860 shares in the last quarter. Get BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF alerts: BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF Stock Up 0.0 % BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF stock opened at $50.32 on Friday. BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF has a fifty-two week low of $50.05 and a fifty-two week high of $50.45. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $50.25 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $50.27. BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF Profile The Bondbloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XHLF) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is passively managed to invest in a portfolio of US Treasury securities with a target duration of six months. XHLF was launched on Sep 13, 2022 and is managed by BondBloxx. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XHLF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XHLF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Apeiron RIA LLC grew its holdings in shares of FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS Free Report) by 6.6% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 886 shares of the business services providers stock after acquiring an additional 55 shares during the period. Apeiron RIA LLCs holdings in FactSet Research Systems were worth $426,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of FDS. American Century Companies Inc. grew its stake in FactSet Research Systems by 8.5% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 10,188 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $4,159,000 after purchasing an additional 798 shares in the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of FactSet Research Systems during the second quarter worth approximately $52,000. ProShare Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of FactSet Research Systems by 5.1% in the second quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 7,745 shares of the business services providers stock worth $3,162,000 after buying an additional 376 shares during the last quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC raised its holdings in FactSet Research Systems by 57.1% in the second quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC now owns 1,100 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $449,000 after acquiring an additional 400 shares in the last quarter. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in FactSet Research Systems by 22.8% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 291 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $120,000 after acquiring an additional 54 shares during the last quarter. 91.24% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get FactSet Research Systems alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider John Costigan sold 1,622 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $481.00, for a total transaction of $780,182.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 299 shares of the companys stock, valued at $143,819. The trade was a 84.44 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In FDS has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of FactSet Research Systems from $373.00 to $409.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, December 12th. Redburn Atlantic cut FactSet Research Systems from a neutral rating to a sell rating and cut their price objective for the company from $420.00 to $380.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 9th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $503.00 target price on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a report on Friday, December 20th. Evercore ISI initiated coverage on FactSet Research Systems in a report on Wednesday, October 2nd. They issued an inline rating and a $470.00 price target for the company. Finally, UBS Group raised their price objective on FactSet Research Systems from $485.00 to $525.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 15th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and eight have given a hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, FactSet Research Systems presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $453.46. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on FactSet Research Systems FactSet Research Systems Trading Down 0.2 % Shares of NYSE:FDS opened at $463.99 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.39, a current ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The companys 50-day moving average price is $478.12 and its 200 day moving average price is $452.74. The company has a market cap of $17.65 billion, a PE ratio of 33.26, a P/E/G ratio of 2.93 and a beta of 0.76. FactSet Research Systems Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $391.84 and a fifty-two week high of $499.87. FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 19th. The business services provider reported $4.37 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.25 by $0.12. FactSet Research Systems had a return on equity of 33.92% and a net margin of 24.16%. The company had revenue of $568.70 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $565.14 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $4.12 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 4.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that FactSet Research Systems Inc. will post 17.21 earnings per share for the current year. FactSet Research Systems Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 19th. Investors of record on Friday, November 29th were paid a dividend of $1.04 per share. This represents a $4.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.90%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 29th. FactSet Research Systemss dividend payout ratio is currently 29.82%. FactSet Research Systems Company Profile (Free Report) FactSet Research Systems Inc, a financial data company, provides integrated financial information and analytical applications to the investment community in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company delivers insight and information through the workflow solutions of research, analytics and trading, content and technology solutions, and wealth. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FDS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for FactSet Research Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FactSet Research Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fomento Economico Mexicano (NYSE:FMX Get Free Report) and Primo Brands (NYSE:PRMB Get Free Report) are both large-cap consumer staples companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, valuation, earnings, institutional ownership and risk. Volatility and Risk Fomento Economico Mexicano has a beta of 0.9, suggesting that its share price is 10% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Primo Brands has a beta of 1.09, suggesting that its share price is 9% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Fomento Economico Mexicano alerts: Dividends Fomento Economico Mexicano pays an annual dividend of $0.79 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.9%. Primo Brands pays an annual dividend of $0.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.1%. Fomento Economico Mexicano pays out 20.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Primo Brands pays out 22.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Analyst Ratings Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Fomento Economico Mexicano 0 3 1 0 2.25 Primo Brands 0 0 3 0 3.00 This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Fomento Economico Mexicano and Primo Brands, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Fomento Economico Mexicano currently has a consensus price target of $126.33, indicating a potential upside of 50.51%. Primo Brands has a consensus price target of $37.00, indicating a potential upside of 13.51%. Given Fomento Economico Mexicanos higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Fomento Economico Mexicano is more favorable than Primo Brands. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Fomento Economico Mexicano and Primo Brandss top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Fomento Economico Mexicano $755.75 billion 0.04 $3.89 billion $3.90 21.52 Primo Brands $1.77 billion 6.98 $238.10 million $1.61 20.25 Fomento Economico Mexicano has higher revenue and earnings than Primo Brands. Primo Brands is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Fomento Economico Mexicano, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Fomento Economico Mexicano and Primo Brands net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Fomento Economico Mexicano 3.22% 8.37% 3.79% Primo Brands 13.63% 8.80% 3.62% Institutional & Insider Ownership 61.0% of Fomento Economico Mexicano shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 87.7% of Primo Brands shares are held by institutional investors. 5.7% of Fomento Economico Mexicano shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 2.5% of Primo Brands shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. About Fomento Economico Mexicano (Get Free Report) Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V., through its subsidiaries, operates as a bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. The company produces, markets, and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. It also operates small-box retail chain stores in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Brazil under the OXXO name; retail service stations for fuels, motor oils, lubricants, and car care products under the OXXO GAS name in Mexico; and drugstores in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico under the Cruz Verde, Fybeca, SanaSana, YZA, La Moderna, and Farmacon names. In addition, the company is involved in the production and distribution of collers, commercial refrigeration equipment, plastic boxes, food processing, and preservation and weighing equipment; and provision of logistic transportation, distribution and maintenance, point-of-sale refrigeration, and plastics solutions, as well as distribution platform for cleaning products and consumables. Further, it operates small-box retail and food convenience chain stores in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands under the k kiosk, Brezelkonig, BackWerk, Ditsch, Press & Books, avec, Caffe Spettacolo, and ok.) names, as well as pretzels under the Ditsch name. The company was founded in 1890 and is based in Monterrey, Mexico. About Primo Brands (Get Free Report) Primo Water Corporation is a leading pure-play water solutions provider in North America and Europe. Primo operates largely under a recurring razor/razorblade revenue model. The razor in Primos revenue model is its industry leading line-up of sleek and innovative water dispensers, which are sold through major retailers and online at various price points or leased to customers. The dispensers help increase household penetration, which drives recurring purchases of Primos razorblade offering. Primos razorblade offering is comprised of Water Direct, Water Exchange, and Water Refill. Primos water solutions expand consumer access to purified, spring and mineral water to promote a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle while simultaneously reducing plastic waste and pollution. Primo is committed to its water stewardship standards and is proud to partner with the International Bottled Water Association in North America as well as with Watercoolers Europe. Receive News & Ratings for Fomento Economico Mexicano Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fomento Economico Mexicano and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Focus Impact BH3 Acquisition Co, a Delaware corporation, recently disclosed a major development in its operations through a Form 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company detailed its entry into a Business Combination Agreement with XCF Global Capital Inc., a Nevada corporation, and related entities towards a potential business combination. The agreement marks a significant milestone for BH3 Acquisition, which is positioning itself to become a publicly traded entity as a result of this strategic move. Get alerts: As per the 8-K filing, the Business Combination Agreement was initiated on March 11, 2024, involving several entities including Focus Impact BH3 Acquisition Company, Focus Impact BH3 Newco, Inc., Focus Impact BH3 Merger Sub I, LLC, as well as XCF Global Capital, Inc. This agreement highlights a substantial shift for NewCo, which is slated to emerge post the Business Combination Agreement as a new publicly traded company. An updated investor presentation, attached as Exhibit 99.1, showcases the collaborative efforts of BH3 Acquisition and XCF in furthering discussions with potential investors and other relevant parties as part of this strategic business combination. The information presented in the filing underlines the potential impact of this merger on the future performance and financial prospects of both entities involved. It is important to note that the information detailed in this filing, including the attached investor presentation (Exhibit 99.1), is furnished for informational purposes and will not be considered as a filed document under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This content is not incorporated by reference into the filings of BH3 Acquisition under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act. BH3 Acquisition emphasized in the filing that forward-looking statements included in the document are subject to uncertainties and risks. Factors such as the satisfaction of closing conditions, regulatory approvals, and market dynamics could impact actual results compared to the projected expectations outlined in the Business Combination Agreement. The 8-K filing also provided information on the anticipated completion of the New Rise Renewables LLC acquisition in the first quarter of 2025, which is a significant aspect of the broader business strategy outlined in the agreement. The document further underlines the importance of complying with regulatory guidelines and potential risks associated with the business combination. Overall, Focus Impact BH3 Acquisitions disclosure of the Business Combination Agreement with XCF signifies a crucial step towards reshaping its market position and growth trajectory in the near future. This strategic move emphasizes the companys commitment to expansion and innovation within its industry sector. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read Focus Impact BH3 Acquisitions 8K filing here. About Focus Impact BH3 Acquisition (Get Free Report) Focus Impact BH3 Acquisition Company does not have significant operations. It focuses on effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The company was formerly known as Crixus BH3 Acquisition Company and changed its name to Focus Impact BH3 Acquisition Company in November 2023. Read More Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH lifted its stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin Co. (NYSE:PH Free Report) by 11.1% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,644 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 164 shares during the period. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OHs holdings in Parker-Hannifin were worth $1,046,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. State Street Corp grew its stake in Parker-Hannifin by 13.8% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 6,202,235 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $3,918,696,000 after buying an additional 753,143 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC grew its stake in Parker-Hannifin by 7.1% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 4,116,257 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,600,733,000 after buying an additional 272,531 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Parker-Hannifin by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,577,831 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,623,689,000 after buying an additional 29,408 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in Parker-Hannifin by 39.9% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,977,849 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,249,645,000 after buying an additional 564,365 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in Parker-Hannifin by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,593,970 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,007,102,000 after buying an additional 59,432 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.44% of the companys stock. Get Parker-Hannifin alerts: Insider Activity In other news, VP Joseph R. Leonti sold 5,877 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $631.04, for a total transaction of $3,708,622.08. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 15,350 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,686,464. This represents a 27.69 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Jennifer A. Parmentier sold 4,906 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $704.69, for a total transaction of $3,457,209.14. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 33,607 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $23,682,516.83. This trade represents a 12.74 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 18,077 shares of company stock valued at $12,303,829. Insiders own 0.39% of the companys stock. Parker-Hannifin Stock Performance Parker-Hannifin stock opened at $679.86 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The company has a market capitalization of $87.51 billion, a PE ratio of 30.71, a P/E/G ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 1.45. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $669.12 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $622.74. Parker-Hannifin Co. has a twelve month low of $463.16 and a twelve month high of $712.42. Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The industrial products company reported $6.20 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.14 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $4.90 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.90 billion. Parker-Hannifin had a net margin of 14.47% and a return on equity of 27.95%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $5.96 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Parker-Hannifin Co. will post 26.73 EPS for the current year. Parker-Hannifin Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 7th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 7th will be paid a $1.63 dividend. This represents a $6.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.96%. Parker-Hannifins dividend payout ratio is presently 29.45%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts recently weighed in on PH shares. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $703.00 to $800.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, December 5th. Mizuho boosted their price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $665.00 to $715.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 17th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Parker-Hannifin from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, October 12th. Truist Financial boosted their price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $788.00 to $842.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 19th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lowered shares of Parker-Hannifin from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $691.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Monday, November 18th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $722.94. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Parker-Hannifin Parker-Hannifin Company Profile (Free Report) Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to ensure purity and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors used in fluid and gas handling; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Parker-Hannifin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Parker-Hannifin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAGHDAD, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Two Iraqi border guards were killed and one wounded on Friday in an attack by PKK militants near the Iraqi-Turkish border in Iraq's semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said in a statement. The attack occurred when PKK militants opened fire on the Iraqi border guards who were tasked with securing the Iraqi-Turkish border area near the town of Zakho in Duhok province, the statement said. Iraq considers the PKK a banned organization and does not allow it to operate on its territory. Turkish forces frequently carry out cross-border operations targeting PKK militants in northern Iraq, with a particular focus on the Qandil Mountains, a stronghold of the group. The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades. Nomura upgraded shares of HDFC Bank (NYSE:HDB Free Report) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Thursday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Separately, StockNews.com lowered HDFC Bank from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 27th. Get HDFC Bank alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on HDFC Bank HDFC Bank Price Performance HDB stock opened at $58.95 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34, a current ratio of 0.53 and a quick ratio of 0.53. HDFC Bank has a 1 year low of $52.16 and a 1 year high of $68.50. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $63.82 and a 200 day moving average of $62.42. The company has a market cap of $149.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.92, a PEG ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 0.92. HDFC Bank (NYSE:HDB Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 22nd. The bank reported $0.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.74 by $0.08. HDFC Bank had a return on equity of 12.49% and a net margin of 14.48%. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that HDFC Bank will post 3.13 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On HDFC Bank A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in HDB. Pin Oak Investment Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of HDFC Bank by 104.1% in the 3rd quarter. Pin Oak Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 498 shares of the banks stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 254 shares during the last quarter. Northwest Investment Counselors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of HDFC Bank in the third quarter worth $38,000. JFS Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of HDFC Bank by 70.2% during the third quarter. JFS Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 667 shares of the banks stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 275 shares in the last quarter. RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLC purchased a new position in shares of HDFC Bank in the 3rd quarter worth about $65,000. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in HDFC Bank by 34.6% in the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,215 shares of the banks stock worth $76,000 after purchasing an additional 312 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 17.61% of the companys stock. About HDFC Bank (Get Free Report) HDFC Bank Limited provides banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in India, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Dubai. The company operates in three segments: Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, and Treasury Services. It accepts savings, salary, current, rural, public provident fund, pension, and demat accounts; fixed and recurring deposits; and safe deposit lockers, as well as offshore accounts and deposits, and overdrafts against fixed deposits. Read More Receive News & Ratings for HDFC Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HDFC Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invitation Homes (NYSE:INVH Get Free Report) was downgraded by research analysts at Morgan Stanley from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday,Briefing.com Automated Import reports. They presently have a $35.00 price objective on the stock, down from their prior price objective of $39.00. Morgan Stanleys price objective suggests a potential upside of 14.89% from the companys current price. A number of other research firms have also commented on INVH. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered shares of Invitation Homes from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $41.00 to $33.00 in a research note on Tuesday. Mizuho reduced their price target on shares of Invitation Homes from $36.00 to $35.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 10th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered shares of Invitation Homes from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $39.00 to $33.00 in a research note on Thursday, January 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on Invitation Homes from $36.00 to $34.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 1st. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their price objective on Invitation Homes from $37.00 to $35.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 6th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Invitation Homes currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $37.59. Get Invitation Homes alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Invitation Homes Invitation Homes Stock Down 0.9 % Institutional Inflows and Outflows Shares of Invitation Homes stock opened at $30.46 on Friday. Invitation Homes has a 12-month low of $30.13 and a 12-month high of $37.80. The firm has a market capitalization of $18.66 billion, a PE ratio of 42.91, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.51 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a quick ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 0.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. The stocks fifty day moving average is $32.55 and its 200-day moving average is $34.15. A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in Invitation Homes by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 35,739,380 shares of the companys stock worth $1,270,062,000 after purchasing an additional 298,307 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC lifted its stake in shares of Invitation Homes by 4.2% in the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 18,813,744 shares of the companys stock worth $663,373,000 after buying an additional 753,464 shares during the last quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Invitation Homes by 9.3% during the 3rd quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 11,748,855 shares of the companys stock worth $414,264,000 after buying an additional 997,353 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in Invitation Homes by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 6,567,267 shares of the companys stock valued at $231,562,000 after buying an additional 248,701 shares during the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in Invitation Homes by 21.0% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 6,287,830 shares of the companys stock worth $221,709,000 after acquiring an additional 1,089,281 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.79% of the companys stock. Invitation Homes Company Profile (Get Free Report) Invitation Homes, an S&P 500 company, is the nation's premier single-family home leasing and management company, meeting changing lifestyle demands by providing access to high-quality, updated homes with valued features such as close proximity to jobs and access to good schools. The company's mission, Together with you, we make a house a home, reflects its commitment to providing homes where individuals and families can thrive and high-touch service that continuously enhances residents' living experiences. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Invitation Homes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invitation Homes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Annaly Capital Management (NYSE:NLY Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $20.00 to $19.00 in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. A number of other research firms have also recently weighed in on NLY. Argus upgraded shares of Annaly Capital Management from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $21.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 31st. Barclays began coverage on Annaly Capital Management in a research note on Monday, January 6th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $19.00 price objective on the stock. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Annaly Capital Management currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $21.11. Get Annaly Capital Management alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Annaly Capital Management Annaly Capital Management Trading Down 0.0 % Shares of NLY stock opened at $19.35 on Tuesday. Annaly Capital Management has a 12-month low of $17.67 and a 12-month high of $21.11. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.84 billion, a P/E ratio of -276.39 and a beta of 1.51. The firms 50 day moving average is $19.25 and its 200 day moving average is $19.69. Annaly Capital Management (NYSE:NLY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 23rd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.66 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $1.23 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $212.00 million. Annaly Capital Management had a net margin of 2.59% and a return on equity of 14.75%. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.66 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Annaly Capital Management will post 2.65 earnings per share for the current year. Annaly Capital Management Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of $0.65 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 31st. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 13.44%. Annaly Capital Managements payout ratio is currently -3,714.29%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Annaly Capital Management Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in Annaly Capital Management by 7.7% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 258,817 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $4,933,000 after purchasing an additional 18,599 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC raised its stake in Annaly Capital Management by 3.8% during the second quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 581,215 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $11,078,000 after purchasing an additional 21,200 shares during the period. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC boosted its holdings in Annaly Capital Management by 6.1% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 35,058 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $668,000 after purchasing an additional 2,010 shares during the last quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ grew its stake in shares of Annaly Capital Management by 40.0% in the 2nd quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ now owns 130,044 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,479,000 after buying an additional 37,130 shares during the period. Finally, Sei Investments Co. raised its position in shares of Annaly Capital Management by 13.0% during the 2nd quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 875,593 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $16,688,000 after buying an additional 100,940 shares during the period. 51.56% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Annaly Capital Management Company Profile (Get Free Report) Annaly Capital Management, Inc, a diversified capital manager, engages in mortgage finance. The company invests in agency mortgage-backed securities collateralized by residential mortgages; non-agency residential whole loans and securitized products within the residential and commercial markets; mortgage servicing rights; agency commercial mortgage-backed securities; to-be-announced forward contracts; residential mortgage loans; and agency or private label credit risk transfer securities. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Annaly Capital Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Annaly Capital Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V. (OTCMKTS:KCDMY Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Thursday. The basic materials company reported $0.15 EPS for the quarter, Zacks reports. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V. had a net margin of 14.67% and a return on equity of 147.20%. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V. Stock Up 0.9 % Shares of KCDMY opened at $7.36 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.85 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.27, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a current ratio of 1.34. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V. has a 52 week low of $6.50 and a 52 week high of $12.30. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $7.06 and a 200-day simple moving average of $7.84. Get Kimberly-Clark de Mexico S. A. B. de C. V. alerts: Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V. Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 4th were paid a $0.1229 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 3rd. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 13.51%. About Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, and markets disposable products in Mexico. The company offers baby diapers, training pants, swim pants, wet wipes, shampoos, creams, bar soaps, and feeding products. It also provides toilet papers, napkins, facial tissues, paper towels, feminine pads, panty liners, tampons, intimate wipes, and menstrual cups. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Kimberly-Clark de Mexico S. A. B. de C. V. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kimberly-Clark de Mexico S. A. B. de C. V. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LexAurum Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB Free Report) by 2.3% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 13,008 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 298 shares during the period. LexAurum Advisors LLCs holdings in Schlumberger were worth $499,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Sei Investments Co. lifted its position in shares of Schlumberger by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 392,899 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $18,537,000 after buying an additional 6,998 shares in the last quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Schlumberger by 116.1% during the second quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC now owns 138,559 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $6,537,000 after purchasing an additional 74,451 shares in the last quarter. AXA S.A. increased its stake in shares of Schlumberger by 10.6% during the second quarter. AXA S.A. now owns 981,406 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $43,133,000 after purchasing an additional 94,265 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Schlumberger by 26.4% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 557,533 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $26,210,000 after purchasing an additional 116,284 shares during the last quarter. Finally, APG Asset Management N.V. boosted its holdings in Schlumberger by 8.4% in the 2nd quarter. APG Asset Management N.V. now owns 150,796 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $6,638,000 after buying an additional 11,735 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.99% of the companys stock. Get Schlumberger alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have commented on SLB. Atb Cap Markets lowered Schlumberger from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 10th. Sanford C. Bernstein raised Schlumberger to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 12th. Evercore ISI reaffirmed an in-line rating and set a $44.00 target price (down previously from $62.00) on shares of Schlumberger in a report on Wednesday, January 15th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on shares of Schlumberger from $60.00 to $59.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, December 23rd. Finally, Susquehanna decreased their price target on shares of Schlumberger from $60.00 to $56.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 21st. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $55.81. Schlumberger Trading Up 0.9 % Shares of SLB stock opened at $41.99 on Friday. Schlumberger Limited has a 1-year low of $36.52 and a 1-year high of $55.69. The firm has a market cap of $59.29 billion, a PE ratio of 13.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 9.98 and a beta of 1.52. The company has a 50-day moving average of $40.79 and a two-hundred day moving average of $42.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 1.45 and a quick ratio of 1.11. Schlumberger (NYSE:SLB Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 17th. The oil and gas company reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.90 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $9.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9,241,140 billion. Schlumberger had a net margin of 12.29% and a return on equity of 21.90%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.86 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Schlumberger Limited will post 3.34 EPS for the current year. Schlumberger Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 3rd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 5th will be given a dividend of $0.285 per share. This is a boost from Schlumbergers previous quarterly dividend of $0.28. This represents a $1.14 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.72%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 5th. Schlumbergers payout ratio is 35.37%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Schlumberger news, Director Vijay Kasibhatla sold 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.94, for a total transaction of $1,098,500.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 49,595 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,179,204.30. This trade represents a 33.51 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, VP Ugo Prechner sold 7,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $44.20, for a total transaction of $309,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 11,240 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $496,808. The trade was a 38.38 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 198,258 shares of company stock worth $8,732,604. Corporate insiders own 0.26% of the companys stock. About Schlumberger (Free Report) Schlumberger Limited engages in the provision of technology for the energy industry worldwide. The company operates through four divisions: Digital & Integration, Reservoir Performance, Well Construction, and Production Systems. The company provides field development and hydrocarbon production, carbon management, and integration of adjacent energy systems; reservoir interpretation and data processing services for exploration data; and well construction and production improvement services and products. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SLB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Schlumberger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schlumberger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lifestyle Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BJ Free Report) by 0.8% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 13,329 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 108 shares during the period. Lifestyle Asset Management Inc.s holdings in BJs Wholesale Club were worth $1,191,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Davis Capital Management purchased a new position in shares of BJs Wholesale Club during the third quarter worth about $25,000. UMB Bank n.a. grew its holdings in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 375.6% during the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 371 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 293 shares in the last quarter. Reston Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of BJs Wholesale Club during the third quarter worth about $41,000. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB purchased a new position in shares of BJs Wholesale Club during the third quarter worth about $55,000. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. grew its holdings in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 198.6% during the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 863 shares of the companys stock worth $76,000 after purchasing an additional 574 shares in the last quarter. 98.60% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get BJ's Wholesale Club alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other BJs Wholesale Club news, CEO Robert W. Eddy sold 11,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, November 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.47, for a total value of $940,170.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 423,792 shares in the company, valued at approximately $36,221,502.24. This represents a 2.53 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 2.00% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. BJs Wholesale Club Price Performance Shares of BJs Wholesale Club stock opened at $96.92 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The company has a market cap of $12.80 billion, a PE ratio of 23.30, a P/E/G ratio of 4.59 and a beta of 0.32. The business has a 50 day moving average of $93.98 and a 200 day moving average of $88.25. BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. has a 52 week low of $64.06 and a 52 week high of $100.74. BJs Wholesale Club (NYSE:BJ Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 21st. The company reported $1.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.89 by $0.29. The business had revenue of $5.10 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.12 billion. BJs Wholesale Club had a return on equity of 35.41% and a net margin of 2.71%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.98 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. will post 3.95 earnings per share for the current year. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have issued reports on BJ. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on BJs Wholesale Club from $90.00 to $98.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, November 22nd. Roth Mkm upped their target price on BJs Wholesale Club from $75.00 to $87.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, November 25th. Citigroup upped their target price on BJs Wholesale Club from $94.00 to $101.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 18th. UBS Group upped their target price on BJs Wholesale Club from $102.00 to $108.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 22nd. Finally, TD Cowen upped their target price on BJs Wholesale Club from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 12th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $94.00. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on BJ About BJs Wholesale Club (Free Report) BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates warehouse clubs on the eastern half of the United States. It provides groceries, general merchandise, gasoline and other ancillary services, coupon books, and promotions. The company sells its products through the websites BJs.com, BerkleyJensen.com, and Wellsleyfarms.com, as well as the mobile app. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BJ's Wholesale Club Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BJ's Wholesale Club and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nicolet Bankshares (NYSE:NIC Free Report) had its price objective raised by Maxim Group from $124.00 to $131.00 in a research note published on Thursday,Benzinga reports. Maxim Group currently has a buy rating on the stock. Other analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of Nicolet Bankshares from $119.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price target on Nicolet Bankshares from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Nicolet Bankshares has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $119.00. Get Nicolet Bankshares alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Nicolet Bankshares Nicolet Bankshares Price Performance NYSE NIC opened at $109.23 on Thursday. Nicolet Bankshares has a fifty-two week low of $73.00 and a fifty-two week high of $116.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 0.96 and a quick ratio of 0.96. The stocks 50-day moving average is $108.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $100.79. The firm has a market cap of $1.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.60 and a beta of 0.77. Nicolet Bankshares (NYSE:NIC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 21st. The company reported $2.17 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.94 by $0.23. Nicolet Bankshares had a net margin of 23.83% and a return on equity of 10.95%. On average, analysts anticipate that Nicolet Bankshares will post 7.82 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Nicolet Bankshares Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 2nd were given a dividend of $0.28 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 2nd. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.03%. Nicolet Banksharess dividend payout ratio is currently 13.95%. Insider Transactions at Nicolet Bankshares In related news, Director Robert Bruce Atwell sold 7,609 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.00, for a total value of $859,817.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 32,831 shares in the company, valued at $3,709,903. This represents a 18.82 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Brad Vincent Hutjens sold 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.30, for a total transaction of $691,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 26,674 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,075,512.20. This represents a 18.36 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 81,820 shares of company stock valued at $8,942,298. 16.40% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nicolet Bankshares Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its holdings in Nicolet Bankshares by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 587,488 shares of the companys stock worth $48,783,000 after purchasing an additional 16,952 shares in the last quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Nicolet Bankshares in the third quarter worth $528,000. Barclays PLC grew its position in Nicolet Bankshares by 170.7% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 23,978 shares of the companys stock worth $2,291,000 after acquiring an additional 15,121 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its holdings in shares of Nicolet Bankshares by 3.7% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 381,755 shares of the companys stock worth $36,507,000 after purchasing an additional 13,772 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Nicolet Bankshares by 1.6% during the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 303,391 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,019,000 after acquiring an additional 4,911 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 43.06% of the companys stock. About Nicolet Bankshares (Get Free Report) Nicolet Bankshares, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Nicolet National Bank that provides banking products and services for businesses and individuals in Wisconsin and Michigan. The company accepts checking, savings, and money market accounts; various certificates of deposit; and individual retirement accounts. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Nicolet Bankshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nicolet Bankshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bank Holdings Co. (NYSE:NBHC Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, January 23rd,Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 28th will be paid a dividend of 0.29 per share by the financial services provider on Friday, March 14th. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.75%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 28th. National Bank has increased its dividend payment by an average of 8.8% per year over the last three years. National Bank has a payout ratio of 30.7% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities analysts expect National Bank to earn $3.50 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.16 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 33.1%. Get National Bank alerts: National Bank Price Performance NYSE NBHC opened at $42.21 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 0.92 and a quick ratio of 0.92. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $45.26 and its 200 day moving average price is $43.57. National Bank has a 1 year low of $32.13 and a 1 year high of $51.76. The company has a market cap of $1.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.66 and a beta of 0.86. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades National Bank ( NYSE:NBHC Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, January 22nd. The financial services provider reported $0.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.07. National Bank had a return on equity of 9.85% and a net margin of 19.82%. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that National Bank will post 3.35 earnings per share for the current year. Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their target price on National Bank from $47.00 to $52.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 4th. Piper Sandler upped their price target on shares of National Bank from $44.00 to $48.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 24th. Hovde Group lowered shares of National Bank from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $55.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Monday, November 18th. Stephens upped their price target on shares of National Bank from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, October 24th. Finally, DA Davidson upped their price target on shares of National Bank from $51.00 to $53.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, National Bank has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $51.40. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on NBHC Insider Transactions at National Bank In related news, insider Richard U. Jr. Newfield sold 19,259 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $49.81, for a total value of $959,290.79. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 143,210 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,133,290.10. This trade represents a 11.85 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Valerie D. Kramer sold 897 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $50.11, for a total transaction of $44,948.67. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 9,755 shares in the company, valued at $488,823.05. This represents a 8.42 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 21,431 shares of company stock valued at $1,067,505 in the last ninety days. 3.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About National Bank (Get Free Report) National Bank Holdings Corporation operates as the bank holding company for NBH Bank that provides various banking products and financial services to commercial, business, and consumer clients in the United States. It offers deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, and other deposit accounts, including fixed-rate and fixed maturity time deposits. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for National Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Neumann Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Target Co. (NYSE:TGT Free Report) by 3.0% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 13,930 shares of the retailers stock after buying an additional 400 shares during the period. Neumann Capital Management LLCs holdings in Target were worth $1,883,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cynosure Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Target by 4.3% during the 3rd quarter. Cynosure Group LLC now owns 1,590 shares of the retailers stock valued at $248,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares during the period. Financial Advocates Investment Management boosted its stake in Target by 1.2% in the third quarter. Financial Advocates Investment Management now owns 5,736 shares of the retailers stock valued at $894,000 after buying an additional 67 shares in the last quarter. Hancock Whitney Corp grew its stake in shares of Target by 3.3% during the third quarter. Hancock Whitney Corp now owns 2,156 shares of the retailers stock worth $336,000 after buying an additional 68 shares during the last quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont raised its position in Target by 0.4% in the third quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 15,678 shares of the retailers stock valued at $2,444,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Eagle Bluffs Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in Target by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. Eagle Bluffs Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,818 shares of the retailers stock valued at $1,063,000 after buying an additional 73 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.73% of the companys stock. Get Target alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts recently commented on the company. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on Target from $180.00 to $150.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 20th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Target from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 17th. TD Cowen dropped their target price on shares of Target from $165.00 to $145.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 21st. Evercore ISI decreased their price target on Target from $165.00 to $130.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 21st. Finally, Bank of America dropped their price objective on Target from $195.00 to $160.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, sixteen have issued a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Target currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $158.57. Target Stock Performance NYSE:TGT opened at $137.24 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $62.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.55, a PEG ratio of 2.21 and a beta of 1.16. The business has a 50 day moving average of $134.98 and a 200 day moving average of $144.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 0.25. Target Co. has a 1-year low of $120.21 and a 1-year high of $181.86. Target (NYSE:TGT Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 20th. The retailer reported $1.85 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by ($0.45). The business had revenue of $25.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $25.87 billion. Target had a return on equity of 31.11% and a net margin of 4.06%. Targets revenue for the quarter was up .9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.10 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Target Co. will post 8.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Target Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, March 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 12th will be paid a $1.12 dividend. This represents a $4.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.26%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 12th. Targets payout ratio is 47.51%. About Target (Free Report) Target Corporation operates as a general merchandise retailer in the United States. The company offers apparel for women, men, boys, girls, toddlers, and infants and newborns, as well as jewelry, accessories, and shoes; and beauty and personal care, baby gear, cleaning, paper products, and pet supplies. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TGT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Target Co. (NYSE:TGT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Target Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Target and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New Century Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL Free Report) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 9,163 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $1,099,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of DELL. Burns J W & Co. Inc. NY purchased a new position in Dell Technologies during the 4th quarter worth $1,272,000. iA Global Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in Dell Technologies by 84.7% during the third quarter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. now owns 11,345 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,345,000 after purchasing an additional 5,203 shares in the last quarter. National Pension Service lifted its position in Dell Technologies by 8.8% in the third quarter. National Pension Service now owns 620,406 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $73,543,000 after purchasing an additional 50,304 shares during the period. Sky Investment Group LLC purchased a new stake in Dell Technologies in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $1,687,000. Finally, Woodmont Investment Counsel LLC acquired a new position in Dell Technologies during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $5,780,000. 76.37% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Dell Technologies alerts: Insider Activity In other Dell Technologies news, Director V (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 325,167 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $124.52, for a total transaction of $40,489,794.84. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 810,657 shares in the company, valued at $100,943,009.64. This represents a 28.63 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Radakovich Lynn Vojvodich sold 725 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $132.28, for a total value of $95,903.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 23,680 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,132,390.40. This trade represents a 2.97 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 945,407 shares of company stock valued at $115,573,009 in the last 90 days. 46.70% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Dell Technologies Price Performance NYSE:DELL opened at $114.26 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $80.04 billion, a PE ratio of 20.19, a P/E/G ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 0.92. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $121.53 and a 200-day simple moving average of $119.67. Dell Technologies Inc. has a 1-year low of $80.49 and a 1-year high of $179.70. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 26th. The technology company reported $2.15 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.83 by $0.32. The company had revenue of $24.37 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $24.67 billion. Dell Technologies had a negative return on equity of 191.91% and a net margin of 4.36%. Dell Technologiess revenue was up 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.62 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.92 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Dell Technologies Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 22nd will be issued a $0.445 dividend. This represents a $1.78 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.56%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 22nd. Dell Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 31.45%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts recently weighed in on DELL shares. Citigroup decreased their price target on Dell Technologies from $160.00 to $156.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 27th. Evercore ISI restated an outperform rating and set a $150.00 target price on shares of Dell Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, November 20th. Melius Research increased their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $140.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 27th. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $106.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 27th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of Dell Technologies from $136.00 to $154.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 11th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Dell Technologies currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $148.06. View Our Latest Research Report on DELL Dell Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) Dell Technologies Inc designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG). Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dell Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dell Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. by Xinhua writer Dong Xiuzhu CAIRO, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- In the 15 months covering the war in Gaza from my office in Cairo, the Rafah crossing is the farthest point I can go since the Israeli authorities do not allow international reporters into Gaza. The crossing reveals, to some extent, the weight of the crisis in the strip. On Sunday, a 10-hour bus journey took me from Cairo to the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing -- the very day the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect. Under the ceasefire terms, the crossing, which connects Egypt's Sinai Peninsula to southern Gaza, was to be reopened. When I arrived, trucks loaded with relief supplies were already trickling through the crossing. I rushed to catch up with Mohammed Basyouni, a 60-year-old driver from Egypt's Port Said, whose truck was the last in a long line of relief vehicles. Since July 2024, his truck has also been his makeshift home. He has not seen his family for the past seven months. "I'm thrilled that these supplies are still edible and that I can deliver them to our brothers and sisters in Gaza," he said with palpable excitement. Hundreds of drivers, like Basyouni, have waited for months for this moment to come. The unfolding scene stirred memories of the crossing's closure in May. Back then I saw trucks laden with desperately needed supplies stretch into a kilometers-long queue, with their drivers idling in the searing heat -- a picture of despair. In the months that followed, thousands more Palestinians lost their lives, the war in Gaza spilled over into new fronts, Israel unleashed heavy strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran traded direct attacks with Israel, and a lightning offensive by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham brought down the government of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. After months of Israeli strikes and siege, critical supply shortages, severe access restrictions and violent armed looting are contributing to a hunger crisis across the Gaza Strip, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said early in January. Much has changed in these turbulent months, yet the drivers remained, patiently waiting for their turn to cross into Gaza. As aid trucks began to file through the crossing, reporters gathered to record the scene. For the 2 million Palestinians on the other side, the trucks meant a chance of survival. Since my return from Rafah, I have learned that hundreds of aid trucks have crossed into Gaza through the crossing over the past few days, bringing much-needed relief to Gazans. On Monday, an Egyptian colleague of mine, who also holds Palestinian citizenship, shared a glimpse of the fragile relief felt in Gaza. His friend, Mohammed Tawfiq, now living in a tent in Rafah, spoke of a reprieve brought by the ceasefire agreement. For Tawfiq's family, survival over the past 15 months has been a relentless struggle. Forced to reduce to one single meal a day for months, they endured severe weight loss and malnutrition. The bitter winter has further exposed their vulnerability, as their makeshift tent offers little protection from the freezing temperatures. The children, shivering through the nights, have suffered repeated colds. Following the reopening of the Rafah crossing, aid has started to come in, according to Tawfiq. For the first time in over a year, he feels somewhat safe -- though he fears this fragile hope may soon fade. The reopening of the Rafah crossing has been hailed by some people as a beacon of hope for a future that remains uncertain yet full of possibilities. For Palestinians, it symbolizes the potential for lasting peace and a chance to rebuild their shattered lives. "I won't go home until the food reaches Gaza," Basyouni promised before we had to bid him farewell. "I'll bring more aid after this trip." His words, spoken with unwavering determination, embodied the spirit of perseverance that can overcome obstacles and tackle the profound challenges of this conflict. As we wished him good luck on his mission, he gave us a thumbs-up, a simple yet powerful gesture of faith amidst the chaos. Enditem (Ahmed Shafiq also contributed to this story.) Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK Get Free Report) was upgraded by research analysts at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note issued on Thursday. A number of other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on NOK. Danske upgraded Nokia Oyj from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut shares of Nokia Oyj from a neutral rating to a sell rating and set a $3.60 target price on the stock. in a report on Thursday, January 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Nokia Oyj from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price target for the company from $4.35 to $6.35 in a report on Monday, December 9th. Craig Hallum increased their price objective on shares of Nokia Oyj from $6.00 to $7.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 6th. Finally, Northland Securities reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $6.50 target price on shares of Nokia Oyj in a report on Friday, October 18th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $5.86. Get Nokia Oyj alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Nokia Oyj Nokia Oyj Stock Up 1.6 % Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nokia Oyj Shares of NOK traded up $0.08 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $4.69. The company had a trading volume of 12,339,483 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,508,438. The company has a quick ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. Nokia Oyj has a 52 week low of $3.29 and a 52 week high of $4.95. The companys 50 day moving average price is $4.41 and its 200 day moving average price is $4.30. The stock has a market cap of $25.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 58.58, a PEG ratio of 5.72 and a beta of 1.06. Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its holdings in Nokia Oyj by 67.0% in the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 8,540 shares of the technology companys stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 3,427 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. acquired a new position in Nokia Oyj during the 3rd quarter worth $44,000. Alternative Investment Advisors LLC. bought a new position in shares of Nokia Oyj in the second quarter worth $45,000. JGP Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Nokia Oyj during the third quarter valued at $45,000. Finally, PEAK6 Investments LLC acquired a new stake in Nokia Oyj in the third quarter worth about $45,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 5.28% of the companys stock. About Nokia Oyj (Get Free Report) Nokia Oyj provides mobile, fixed, and cloud network solutions worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Network Infrastructure, Mobile Networks, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies. The company provides fixed networking solutions, such as fiber and copper-based access infrastructure, in-home Wi-Fi solutions, and cloud and virtualization services; IP networking solutions, including IP access, aggregation, and edge and core routing for residential, mobile, enterprise and cloud applications; optical networks solutions that provides optical transport networks for metro, regional, and long-haul applications, and subsea applications; and submarine networks for undersea cable transmission. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Nokia Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nokia Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the five research firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation and four have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $5.86. Several analysts recently issued reports on NOK shares. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded Nokia Oyj from a neutral rating to a sell rating and set a $3.60 price target for the company. in a report on Thursday, January 16th. Craig Hallum increased their price target on Nokia Oyj from $6.00 to $7.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 6th. Danske upgraded Nokia Oyj from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 18th. StockNews.com upgraded Nokia Oyj from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Nokia Oyj from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and raised their target price for the company from $4.35 to $6.35 in a research note on Monday, December 9th. Get Nokia Oyj alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Nokia Oyj Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nokia Oyj Nokia Oyj Trading Up 1.6 % A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of NOK. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in Nokia Oyj by 67.0% in the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 8,540 shares of the technology companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 3,427 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. acquired a new position in Nokia Oyj in the third quarter worth about $44,000. Alternative Investment Advisors LLC. acquired a new position in Nokia Oyj in the second quarter worth about $45,000. JGP Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Nokia Oyj in the third quarter worth about $45,000. Finally, PEAK6 Investments LLC bought a new position in Nokia Oyj in the third quarter worth about $45,000. 5.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Shares of NOK opened at $4.69 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.72, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The firm has a market capitalization of $25.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 58.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.72 and a beta of 1.06. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $4.41 and its 200 day simple moving average is $4.30. Nokia Oyj has a twelve month low of $3.29 and a twelve month high of $4.95. About Nokia Oyj (Get Free Report Nokia Oyj provides mobile, fixed, and cloud network solutions worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Network Infrastructure, Mobile Networks, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies. The company provides fixed networking solutions, such as fiber and copper-based access infrastructure, in-home Wi-Fi solutions, and cloud and virtualization services; IP networking solutions, including IP access, aggregation, and edge and core routing for residential, mobile, enterprise and cloud applications; optical networks solutions that provides optical transport networks for metro, regional, and long-haul applications, and subsea applications; and submarine networks for undersea cable transmission. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Nokia Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nokia Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Raymond James upgraded shares of North American Construction Group (TSE:NOA Free Report) (NYSE:NOA) from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have C$40.00 price objective on the stock. A number of other research firms have also issued reports on NOA. CIBC raised North American Construction Group from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and boosted their target price for the company from C$30.00 to C$38.00 in a report on Thursday, December 5th. Cibc World Mkts raised shares of North American Construction Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 5th. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price objective on shares of North American Construction Group from C$32.00 to C$33.00 in a research report on Friday, December 6th. National Bankshares lifted their target price on shares of North American Construction Group from C$39.00 to C$40.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, November 1st. Finally, ATB Capital cut their price target on shares of North American Construction Group from C$40.00 to C$38.00 in a report on Friday, November 1st. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of C$37.63. Get North American Construction Group alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on NOA North American Construction Group Stock Down 2.8 % Shares of TSE:NOA opened at C$29.24 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 210.33, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The stock has a market cap of C$781.59 million, a P/E ratio of 15.98, a P/E/G ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.59. North American Construction Group has a 1-year low of C$22.68 and a 1-year high of C$34.87. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of C$29.42 and a 200 day moving average price of C$27.08. North American Construction Group (TSE:NOA Get Free Report) (NYSE:NOA) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 30th. The company reported C$1.12 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$1.10 by C$0.02. The business had revenue of C$286.86 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$294.95 million. North American Construction Group had a net margin of 4.99% and a return on equity of 15.19%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.50 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that North American Construction Group will post 4.0597484 EPS for the current year. North American Construction Group Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 3rd were given a dividend of $0.12 per share. This is a positive change from North American Construction Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.64%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 27th. North American Construction Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 21.86%. Insider Buying and Selling at North American Construction Group In other news, Director Martin Robert Ferron bought 2,900 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 18th. The shares were bought at an average price of C$27.68 per share, with a total value of C$80,272.00. 8.93% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About North American Construction Group (Get Free Report) North American Construction Group Ltd. provides mining and heavy civil construction services to customers in the resource development and industrial construction sectors in Australia, Canada, and the United States. The company operates Heavy Equipment Canada, Heavy Equipment Australia, and Other segments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for North American Construction Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for North American Construction Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Patriot Investment Management Group Inc. reduced its position in shares of Invesco Solar ETF (NYSEARCA:TAN Free Report) by 1.6% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 36,128 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 604 shares during the period. Patriot Investment Management Group Inc. owned 0.15% of Invesco Solar ETF worth $1,197,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Invesco Solar ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $713,000. Private Advisor Group LLC grew its position in shares of Invesco Solar ETF by 2.2% during the 3rd quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 15,329 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $661,000 after buying an additional 333 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI lifted its stake in shares of Invesco Solar ETF by 203.3% in the 3rd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 447,803 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $19,305,000 after purchasing an additional 300,149 shares during the period. Scientech Research LLC bought a new position in Invesco Solar ETF during the second quarter worth about $262,000. Finally, Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Invesco Solar ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,033,000. Get Invesco Solar ETF alerts: Invesco Solar ETF Stock Up 2.9 % NYSEARCA:TAN opened at $33.53 on Friday. Invesco Solar ETF has a twelve month low of $32.12 and a twelve month high of $49.93. The company has a market cap of $807.74 million, a P/E ratio of 9.19 and a beta of 1.81. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $34.82 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $38.36. Invesco Solar ETF Profile Guggenheim Solar ETF, formerly Claymore/MAC Global Solar Energy Index ETF, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance of an equity index called the MAC Global Solar Energy Index (the Index). The Index consists of approximately 25 stocks selected based on the relative importance of solar power within the Companys business model, as determined by MAC Indexing LLC (the Index Provider). Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TAN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Solar ETF (NYSEARCA:TAN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Solar ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Solar ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Peoples Financial (OTCMKTS:PFBX Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The financial services provider reported $0.33 EPS for the quarter, Zacks reports. Peoples Financial had a net margin of 54.68% and a return on equity of 28.21%. Peoples Financial Stock Performance OTCMKTS:PFBX remained flat at $19.35 during trading hours on Thursday. Peoples Financial has a fifty-two week low of $15.20 and a fifty-two week high of $20.00. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $18.68 and a 200-day moving average price of $17.84. The company has a market capitalization of $89.40 million, a P/E ratio of 4.12 and a beta of 0.45. Get Peoples Financial alerts: Peoples Financial Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 13th. Investors of record on Monday, December 9th were paid a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 9th. Peoples Financials payout ratio is 7.66%. Peoples Financial Company Profile Peoples Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for The Peoples Bank that provides banking, financial, and trust services to government entities, individuals, and small and commercial businesses in Mississippi. The company accepts various deposits, such as interest and non-interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Peoples Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Peoples Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hengehold Capital Management LLC raised its position in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 1.7% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 119,846 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,043 shares during the quarter. Hengehold Capital Management LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $3,180,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. State Street Corp increased its stake in Pfizer by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 290,460,600 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $8,405,930,000 after buying an additional 3,405,539 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Pfizer by 11.0% in the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 130,143,942 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,766,366,000 after acquiring an additional 12,864,343 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Pfizer by 1.6% in the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 117,666,245 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,392,342,000 after purchasing an additional 1,855,419 shares during the period. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC increased its holdings in Pfizer by 22.4% during the 3rd quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 38,068,879 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,101,713,000 after purchasing an additional 6,977,587 shares during the period. Finally, Swiss National Bank raised its position in Pfizer by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 16,819,712 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $486,762,000 after purchasing an additional 100,900 shares in the last quarter. 68.36% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Pfizer alerts: Insider Activity at Pfizer In other news, Director Scott Gottlieb bought 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 30th. The shares were bought at an average price of $28.24 per share, with a total value of $28,240.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 10,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $282,400. This trade represents a 11.11 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.06% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Pfizer Trading Up 1.7 % Shares of PFE stock opened at $26.46 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $26.07 and its 200 day moving average price is $27.96. The firm has a market capitalization of $149.94 billion, a PE ratio of 35.75, a P/E/G ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 0.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.73. Pfizer Inc. has a 1-year low of $24.48 and a 1-year high of $31.54. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 29th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.64 by $0.42. The business had revenue of $17.70 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.92 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 7.07% and a return on equity of 16.28%. The businesss revenue was up 31.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted ($0.17) EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.94 EPS for the current fiscal year. Pfizer Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 7th. Investors of record on Friday, January 24th will be issued a $0.43 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 24th. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.50%. This is a boost from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is currently 227.03%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades PFE has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Bank of America reissued a neutral rating and set a $29.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Tuesday, December 10th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Pfizer from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 20th. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and set a $45.00 target price on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Wednesday, October 23rd. UBS Group cut their price target on Pfizer from $31.00 to $29.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 8th. Finally, Wolfe Research began coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Friday, November 15th. They set an underperform rating and a $25.00 price target on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $32.00. Get Our Latest Report on Pfizer Pfizer Company Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Ricardo plc (LON:RCDO Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low on Tuesday . The company traded as low as GBX 382 ($4.72) and last traded at GBX 382 ($4.72), with a volume of 45522 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 388 ($4.79). Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have issued reports on RCDO shares. Shore Capital restated a sell rating on shares of Ricardo in a report on Thursday, October 24th. Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 730 ($9.02) price target on shares of Ricardo in a report on Tuesday, December 17th. Get Ricardo alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Ricardo Ricardo Trading Up 0.5 % About Ricardo The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 79.12, a current ratio of 1.86 and a quick ratio of 1.57. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 409.22 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 448.96. The firm has a market cap of 227.69 million, a P/E ratio of 36,600.00 and a beta of 0.58. (Get Free Report) Ricardo plc is a global strategic, environmental, and engineering consulting company, listed on the London Stock Exchange. With over 100 years of engineering excellence and close to 3,000 employees in more than 20 countries, we provide exceptional levels of expertise in delivering innovative cross-sector sustainable outcomes to support energy transition and scarce resources, environmental services together with safe and smart mobility. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ricardo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ricardo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eldorado Gold (NYSE:EGO Free Report) (TSE:ELD) had its price target cut by Scotiabank from $20.00 to $18.50 in a report issued on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. They currently have a sector perform rating on the basic materials companys stock. Several other analysts have also weighed in on EGO. TD Securities cut their price objective on Eldorado Gold from $20.00 to $19.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 4th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Eldorado Gold from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 8th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $20.50. Get Eldorado Gold alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Eldorado Gold Eldorado Gold Price Performance Shares of NYSE EGO opened at $14.99 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $3.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.18 and a beta of 0.94. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $15.61 and its 200 day simple moving average is $16.53. Eldorado Gold has a fifty-two week low of $9.72 and a fifty-two week high of $19.06. The company has a quick ratio of 2.54, a current ratio of 3.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. Eldorado Gold (NYSE:EGO Get Free Report) (TSE:ELD) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The basic materials company reported $0.35 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.33 by $0.02. Eldorado Gold had a net margin of 23.16% and a return on equity of 6.67%. The company had revenue of $331.76 million during the quarter. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.17 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that Eldorado Gold will post 1.49 EPS for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Eldorado Gold Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Financial Management Professionals Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Eldorado Gold during the 3rd quarter valued at $32,000. Blue Trust Inc. grew its stake in Eldorado Gold by 232.8% in the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,910 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 1,336 shares in the last quarter. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise acquired a new position in Eldorado Gold in the 3rd quarter worth about $36,000. Point72 DIFC Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Eldorado Gold during the 2nd quarter worth about $74,000. Finally, Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Eldorado Gold during the 2nd quarter valued at about $191,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.58% of the companys stock. Eldorado Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eldorado Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mining, exploration, development, and sale of mineral products primarily in Turkey, Canada, Greece, and Romania. The company primarily produces gold, as well as silver, lead, and zinc. It holds a 100% interest in the Kisladag and Efemcukuru mines located in Turkey; Lamaque complex located in Canada; and Olympias, Stratoni, Skouries, Perama Hill, and Sapes gold mines located in Greece, as well as the 80.5% interest in Certej development projects located in Romania. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Eldorado Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eldorado Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM Free Report) (TSE:AEM) had its price objective lifted by Scotiabank from $103.00 to $105.00 in a research report released on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a sector outperform rating on the mining companys stock. Separately, Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $85.00 to $88.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $90.50. Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on AEM Agnico Eagle Mines Trading Down 0.6 % Institutional Inflows and Outflows Agnico Eagle Mines stock opened at $88.67 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $82.56 and a 200-day simple moving average of $80.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a current ratio of 1.75 and a quick ratio of 0.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $44.53 billion, a PE ratio of 44.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 1.08. Agnico Eagle Mines has a 12-month low of $44.37 and a 12-month high of $90.49. Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of AEM. Versant Capital Management Inc acquired a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines during the 4th quarter worth $26,000. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines during the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines during the 2nd quarter worth $32,000. FSC Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines during the 3rd quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Fifth Third Bancorp increased its stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 176.9% during the 4th quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 407 shares of the mining companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 260 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.34% of the companys stock. Agnico Eagle Mines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, a gold mining company, exploration, development, and production of precious metals. It explores for gold. The company's mines are located in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in Canada, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TABR Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:VNQ Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 6,269 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $558,000. Vanguard Real Estate ETF accounts for about 0.5% of TABR Capital Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 18th biggest holding. Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in VNQ. Fund Evaluation Group LLC lifted its holdings in Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 3.4% in the second quarter. Fund Evaluation Group LLC now owns 16,193 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,356,000 after buying an additional 526 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can raised its position in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 173,643 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $14,581,000 after acquiring an additional 2,181 shares during the last quarter. Employees Retirement System of Texas boosted its position in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 301.7% in the 2nd quarter. Employees Retirement System of Texas now owns 121,719 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $10,195,000 after purchasing an additional 91,419 shares during the last quarter. Drucker Wealth 3.0 LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF during the second quarter worth $1,700,000. Finally, Daymark Wealth Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 24.8% during the second quarter. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC now owns 8,183 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $685,000 after purchasing an additional 1,626 shares during the period. Get Vanguard Real Estate ETF alerts: Vanguard Real Estate ETF Trading Up 0.7 % Shares of VNQ opened at $90.40 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $35.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.09 and a beta of 1.03. Vanguard Real Estate ETF has a 1 year low of $78.27 and a 1 year high of $99.58. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $91.99 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $93.04. Vanguard Real Estate ETF Company Profile Vanguard REIT ETF (the Fund) is an open-end investment company. The Fund invests in stocks issued by real estate investment trusts (REITs), companies that purchase office buildings, hotels, and other real property. It tracks the return of the MSCI US RIT Index, a gauge of real estate stocks. The Vanguard Group, Inc provides investment advisory services to the Fund. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Real Estate ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Real Estate ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- For ordinary Chinese people, cherries used to be a pricey indulgence in winter. But in recent years, the viral phrase "achieving cherry freedom" has represented a sweet reality for many during the Spring Festival shopping season, as soaring imports make the glossy red fruit cheaper. Earlier this month, a cargo ship loaded with 20,000 tonnes of Chilean cherries arrived at the Nansha Port in south China's Guangzhou, perfectly timed to offer a festive treat for millions, as China's most celebrated holiday drew near. "As the Spring Festival shopping season approaches, Chinese consumers' demand for premium fruits continues to grow, with domestic cherry sales expected to increase further due to festive consumption," said Cao Jing, who is in charge of sales at Dalian Yidu Group Co., Ltd., a company specializing in cherry imports. Chilean cherries, of course, are just one example of the wide range of flavors from around the world that Chinese people now enjoy at their festive dining tables, displaying China's growing consumption power and expanding imports. TASTY BOND WITH WORLD The shift from costly air freight to direct sea shipments has lowered transportation expenses, making cherries more affordable for Chinese consumers, Cao said. According to data from ProChile, the Chilean government's export promotion bureau, Chile's cherry exports hit a record high in 2024, with an export value of more than 3.09 billion U.S. dollars. During the 2023-2024 harvest season, approximately 93 percent of Chile's cherry exports were delivered to China. From Chilean cherries to Norwegian salmon, the rising demand for premium imported goods reflects China's expanding appetite for global flavors. In a bustling supermarket in east China's Shanghai, live Russian king crabs are a sought-after delicacy ahead of the Spring Festival. Russian Crab, one of Russia's largest crab fishing companies, now sends over 80 percent of its catch to China -- with its exports to China surging by 74 percent in 2024. Customs data shows that the total value of China's imports of live, fresh and frozen crabs from Russia exceeded 1.14 billion U.S. dollars last year, a 16.7-percent increase from the previous year. The appetite for global flavors also extends to Africa. African agricultural products, ranging from South African citrus and Kenyan coffee to Tanzanian cashew nuts, are also adding a touch of the exotic to Chinese New Year celebrations. Data shows that China imported 28.47 billion yuan's (3.97 billion U.S. dollars) worth of agricultural goods from Africa in the first eight months of 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 4.8 percent. The people of Wuxi, a city in east China's Jiangsu Province, who are traditionally known to favor sweet foods, now have more options to choose from. A man surnamed Feng, a Wuxi local, bought five bags of Egyptian dates for the upcoming holidays. "Perfect for the festive season, these dates are big, red and very sweet. They add to the joyful atmosphere of the Spring Festival," Feng told Xinhua. Trade between China and Arab states soared from 36.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2004 to a staggering 398 billion dollars in 2023. This dynamism has cemented China's long-standing status as the Arab world's top trading partner. The increased availability of foreign food reflects China's steadily growing imports from around the world, with the cumulative value of goods imports expected to exceed 22 trillion U.S. dollars by 2030. FEAST OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES While Chinese consumers enjoy an expanding menu of global flavors, China's drive to boost consumption, sustain growth, and open its massive market wider is giving foreign producers a year-round reason to invest. China's total imports expanded 2.3 percent from one year earlier to 18.39 trillion yuan, with fruit and wine growing 8.6 percent and 38.8 percent. This robust trade performance is partly built on China's efforts to create a more favorable environment for boosting imports. In 2024, Chinese customs introduced 16 measures to streamline port operations, ensuring faster and fresher delivery of imported goods. Special actions to promote cross-border trade facilitation were also taken in 20 Chinese cities last year, with the aim of creating a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized first-class port business environment. These efforts also align with China's broader strategy of boosting domestic consumption. The country's consumption power has continued to rise, with the retail sales of consumer goods rising 3.5 percent in 2024, supported by a steadily growing economy that expanded by 5 percent year on year. Continued urbanization and rising income levels are expected to sustainably drive consumption growth in the medium to long term, according to a McKinsey report titled "China consumption: Start of a new era," which was released in November 2023. This momentum is underpinned by policies aimed at unlocking the nation's vast demand potential. Initiatives such as increasing fiscal input, raising incomes, removing market barriers, and advancing technological innovation are driving growth and opening new consumption frontiers. China's expanding middle-income population, now over 400 million -- the largest in the world, is a key driver of consumption growth. Experts predict this group will more than double to 800 million within the next 15 years, creating a gigantic domestic market and fueling demand for diverse and high-quality imports. "China still has significant room for further import growth in 2025," said Lyu Daliang, an official with the General Administration of Customs, noting that the country remains committed to proactively expanding imports and sharing with the world the opportunities created by China's development. Tesco PLC (OTCMKTS:TSCDD Get Free Report)s share price shot up 0.2% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $13.84 and last traded at $13.68. 240,830 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 9% from the average session volume of 264,678 shares. The stock had previously closed at $13.65. Tesco Price Performance The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $13.78 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $13.67. About Tesco (Get Free Report) Tesco PLC, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a grocery retailer. The company operates through convenience and hypermarket store formats, as well as engages in the wholesale business. It also provides retail banking and insurance services. The company operates in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Malaysia, and Thailand. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Tesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. True North Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 1,201 shares of the semiconductor companys stock, valued at approximately $237,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in TSM. Reston Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Sugarloaf Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 77.1% in the third quarter. Sugarloaf Wealth Management LLC now owns 186 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 81 shares in the last quarter. Archer Investment Corp grew its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 48.1% in the third quarter. Archer Investment Corp now owns 191 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 62 shares during the last quarter. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 108.0% during the second quarter. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC now owns 208 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 108 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American Capital Advisory LLC purchased a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 3rd quarter worth about $38,000. 16.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Trading Up 0.5 % NYSE:TSM opened at $224.36 on Friday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $199.64 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $185.24. The company has a market cap of $1.16 trillion, a PE ratio of 31.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a current ratio of 2.57, a quick ratio of 2.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a 12 month low of $112.61 and a 12 month high of $225.43. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 16th. The semiconductor company reported $2.24 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.16 by $0.08. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 30.47% and a net margin of 40.51%. Research analysts forecast that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 9.12 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 18th will be given a dividend of $0.5484 per share. This represents a $2.19 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.98%. This is a positive change from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 18th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings payout ratio is 27.27%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In TSM has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and set a $225.00 price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Thursday, January 16th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday. Barclays increased their target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $240.00 to $255.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 17th. Finally, Susquehanna restated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Friday, October 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $220.00. View Our Latest Analysis on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Profile (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wesbanco Bank Inc. lessened its position in Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 4.8% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 5,733 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 287 shares during the period. Wesbanco Bank Inc.s holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $1,454,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC increased its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 4.2% in the 4th quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 220,917 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $56,016,000 after purchasing an additional 8,906 shares in the last quarter. Davis Capital Management increased its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 198.4% in the 4th quarter. Davis Capital Management now owns 746 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $189,000 after buying an additional 496 shares in the last quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC raised its position in Illinois Tool Works by 3.2% in the 4th quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC now owns 2,247 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $570,000 after buying an additional 70 shares during the last quarter. Beaumont Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in Illinois Tool Works during the 4th quarter valued at about $425,000. Finally, Perfromance Wealth Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 8.8% during the 4th quarter. Perfromance Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,841 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $720,000 after acquiring an additional 229 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.77% of the companys stock. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Illinois Tool Works Stock Performance Shares of NYSE ITW opened at $259.68 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.94, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 0.97. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 1 year low of $232.77 and a 1 year high of $279.13. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $263.43 and a 200-day moving average price of $256.09. The stock has a market cap of $76.68 billion, a PE ratio of 22.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.63 and a beta of 1.11. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Illinois Tool Works ( NYSE:ITW Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 30th. The industrial products company reported $2.65 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.53 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $3.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.02 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 97.06% and a net margin of 21.66%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 1.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.55 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. ITW has been the subject of several research reports. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $255.00 to $290.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 6th. StockNews.com upgraded Illinois Tool Works from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $262.00 to $268.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 11th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $260.00 to $250.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 7th. Finally, Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $279.00 to $265.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 13th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $270.11. Read Our Latest Research Report on ITW Illinois Tool Works Profile (Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment in the United States and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Xac minh 'than y' chua ung thu bang phuong phap 'truyen nang luong' "Than y" Nguyen Van Kien (trai) lam viec voi co quan chuc nang - Anh: Cong an cung cap Ngay 28-2, ong Nguyen Tuong Duy - chu tich UBND xa Hai Yang (huyen ak oa, Gia Lai) - cho hay ang phoi hop cac co quan chuc nang xac minh truong hop nguoi xung... An Giang lien tiep xuat hien mua trai mua Mua bat chot giua cao iem ma kh khien nguoi dn bat ngo. Theo ng Luu Van Ninh, Gim oc i Kh tuong Thuy van tinh An Giang, nguyn nhn cua hien tuong ny l do nhieu ong nhiet oi trn cao trong ieu kien La Nina ket hop cua ra pha Nam khoi khng kh lanh... BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Friday said that one year ago, China and Nauru decided to reestablish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level on the basis of the one-China principle. Since the resumption of diplomatic relations, China-Nauru relations have shown a robust momentum with fruitful results. 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. && COLOMBO, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Friday announced it's working closely with Sri Lanka to create a climate-smart education system for the country. In an online post, UNICEF said it is working with Sri Lanka's Ministry of Education and other partners to design the system that is resilient to the impacts of climate change. According to UNICEF, floods in Sri Lanka disrupted the education of 515,306 students in 2024. Globally, at least 242 million students across 85 countries and territories faced interruptions to their schooling due to extreme climate events such as heatwaves, tropical cyclones, storms, floods, and droughts that year, worsening an already critical learning crisis. "Education is a right and must not become a casualty of climate change," the UN agency said. UNICEF highlighted the need for urgent action by Sri Lanka to ensure that school infrastructure is disaster-resilient and climate-smart, remote learning systems are operational, and climate change education is incorporated into curriculums. A chronic shortage of National Health Service (NHS) hospital beds in the UK sees patients increasingly receiving treatment in corridors, and other unsuitable spaces, including cupboards and toilets. While the numbers of those receiving what has been dubbed corridor care are hard to establish, a recent survey of its members by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) unionOn the frontline of the UKs corridor care crisisfound that two-thirds had daily delivered care in what they considered an inappropriate setting. Over 5,400 RCN members were surveyed between December 18, 2024, and January 11, 2025, with some 90 percent reporting that, in their opinion, this had compromised patient care and safety. On the frontline of the UKs corridor care crisis As well as corridors, patients are being treated in storage rooms and even car parks. Lacking critical facilities such as oxygen, suction or monitoring equipment, staff describe a system that has normalised indignity and unsafe care. Patients are being left on trolleys for days, denied basic privacy. The survey has brought to light cases where the frail and elderly are left lying incontinent in public spaces, waiting hours for assistance. An elderly patient lies on the floor of the emergency department of UK's Royal Bournemouth Hospital in November 2021, prior to the Omicron COVID variant surge The shortage of beds is coupled with chronic understaffing, leaving nurses overwhelmed and often looking after more than 10 patients in unsafe conditions. Many are considering leaving the profession, reporting feelings of shame and helplessness in face of such grim conditions. The results of the survey run to over 400 pages, much of it taken up with the raw, unedited and often heart-breaking responses of nursing staff working across the UK, in the words of the RCN. The following accounts demonstrate the harrowing conditions confronting patients and medical staff across the UK: Patient Dying in a Corridor: One nurse recounted the traumatic experience of a patient who died in a busy hospital corridor because staff could not move them to a resuscitation area due to overcrowding. The lack of emergency equipment and staff nearby resulted in a delayed response and an avoidable tragedy. Dementia Patient Changed near a Vending Machine: A frail dementia patient was left incontinent for hours before being changed in a corridor next to a vending machine. The nurse described it as a deeply undignified experience, with passers-by witnessing the scene, exacerbating the patients confusion and distress. Miscarriage in a Public Waiting Area: A grieving couple was informed of their miscarriage in a crowded waiting room, surrounded by other patients. The nurse who delivered the news described feeling powerless and ashamed, as there was no private space available for such sensitive conversations. Critical Patient Left Unmonitored: A critically ill patient was left on a trolley in a corridor without access to vital monitoring equipment. The lack of immediate oversight resulted in the patient deteriorating unnoticed for hours, with serious consequences for their health. In response to the survey, one nurse reported, We permanently have corridor care now. It blocks patient spaces and fire exits with beds. Patients dont have the dignity and care they should have. And to be quite honest it breaks my heart and my staff that work with me too. Relatives are angry and get angry with us as nurses. Patients are angry, scared and uninformed. A former staff nurse with years of experience, now working as a paramedic, said they had never witnessed such a broken system, patients are lying for hours in ambulances where no further care can be provided, we have maxed out on treatment that can be given pre-hospital yet patients still have to wait many hours for triage. I worked throughout Covid-19 and although that was a horrendous experience this lack of care in the broken system is worse, they continued. People are dying as a result of ambulances being held at hospitals and calls are eventually being responded to almost 2 days after 999 has been called. A nurse working in southeast England reported having to care for 39 patients in a corridor, performing an ECG in a cupboard and taking blood from an immuno-compromised patient in a non-clinical room. It was physically difficult caring for patients in a corridor as for every examination, toileting, scanning, undressing, changing, the patient needs to be moved on a trolley, so it hurts your knees, back and shoulder by the end of the shift. In Scotland, a nurse described an elderly patient being cared for in a hospital storage room with no call bell or emergency access. The patient, suffering from severe respiratory distress, was placed next to cleaning supplies and staff had to rush to find oxygen cylinders. The nurse emphasized her frustration working in such conditions and the emotional toll it took on both staff and patients. A nurse in Northern Ireland told how daily attending patients in corridors was now the norm and how infective patients were buddied up in one room because theyre both infective, or had to remain in public toilets or waiting rooms because theres nowhere to put them. In Wales, a respondent shared the experience of a patient with complex needs being treated in a hospital corridor for over 48 hours due to a lack of available beds. The patient, who required constant medical attention, was unable to sleep due to the noise and lack of privacy. The nurse described feeling powerless and ashamed to be part of a system that failed to provide even the most basic standards of care. The National Health Service, originally dubbed the crown jewel of Britains post-World War II welfare state, is crumbling before the eyes of those who work in it and need it most, the working class and poorer middle-class layers. In contrast, private healthcare is booming. Since the establishment of the NHS in 1948, private healthcare in the UK has grown from a minor sector to a significant component of the healthcare system. In 1976, private expenditure accounted for about 3 percent of total healthcare spending, increasing to 20.5 percent by 2019. The number of registered private hospitals and nursing homes also rose from 1,249 in 1977 to approximately 17,000 in 2019. The sector as a whole brought in 12.4 billion in 2024, with payments from the NHS accounting for 31 percent of private hospital revenueup from 10 percent two decades ago. For the super-rich and wealthy upper middle-classes, this burgeoning private health sector, much of it subsidised with public money, provides unparalleled first-class health care. To all NHS workers, share your stories with the World Socialist Web Site and join NHS FightBack to link up with other healthcare workers in the struggle to secure high-quality healthcare for all, provided by a valued and supported workforce. Join and share the NHS FightBack Facebook page. Workers using the gig economy app YoungOnes have accused the company of holding their earnings to ransom by charging them a fee to receive their wages on time. YoungOnes now charges workers 4.8 percent of their earnings to receive their wages in one minute, 2.9 percent to receive it in three days, or they can decline and receive their wages after waiting 30 days. Before this, these gig economy workers would typically receive their wages in the three-day period free of charge. Screenshot of the YoungOnes website which states, "Download the App - Find a Gig in Five Minutes" The company was founded in the Netherlands in 2017 by Pim Graafmans, as an offshoot of YoungCapital recruitment agency. InsiderMedia noted in October 2023 that Almost 350 UK businesses have signed up to the platform to find freelancers since its launch in the UK. Providing a digital platform for companies to hire workers on a gig-to-gig basis without offering them basic legal protections or income stability, YoungOnes advertises, We call it work on demand. After all, why would you want to work for a boss, if you could be one yourself?. This is not the reality for workers using the app. They are not their own bosses, but one of the most exploited sections of the working class. YoungOnes is not the only app to function like this. Others include PeoplePerHour, an Israeli multinational named Fiverr, as well as Flexy and Temper. There are hundreds more. This pay to be paid policy blows up the lie that the gig economy is a flexible way for workers to control their hours and receive quick money as and when needed. Tom Gillam, a gig economy retail worker from Manchester, told the Guardian, People do gig work for short-term cash ... it feels like were being held to ransom It is so immoral its unreal. The Observer found that the YoungOnes app was being used by major chains and retailers such as Urban Outfitters to supply young workers over the Christmas period, while forcing them to reapply every day for each shift. Companies involved included the exercise brand Gymshark, cosmetics brand Lush, fashion brand Uniqlo and mattress manufacturer Emma Sleeps. In each of the ads put out by these companies, they state they are looking for freelancers. In some Emma Sleeps stores, every employee is a freelancer hired through gig apps. The Guardian notes of the Observers findings: The manager of mattress manufacturer Emma Sleeps first UK shop said in a promotional video released by YoungOnes that her team is composed of only freelancers. She hailed the approach as definitely the way that hiring is going to go in the future. This dystopian situation, where the most advanced technology is used to prey on workers who have no legal protections or rightsand who dont know where or when their next shift or wage is coming from until they are pinged on their phonesopens up the working class to the most exploitative and insecure conditions. It is becoming a daily reality for ever larger numbers. Lancaster universitys Work Foundation thinktank details the enormous growth of the gig economy and zero hour contracts. Its UK Insecure Work Index for 2024 notes that work has become less secure in the UK in the last year as workers have faced the worst cost of living crisis for 41 years. In 2023, an estimated 6.8 million people (21.4 percent) were in severely insecure work. Since we last reported on this data in the UK Insecure Work Index 2022, this has risen by 600,000 people. The COVID-19 pandemic, it observes, massively deepened this process. Another study, No Progress? Tackling long-term insecure work, also published by the Work Foundation, explains that these workers face a mix of low pay, unpredictable hours, poor protections, and limited career progression. Gig economy practices such as those introduced at YoungOnes are expanding across all industries and sectors, now reaching far beyond food delivery and retail into key and essential sectors like healthcare and childcare work. A New Economics Foundation (NEF) thinktank study, How The Platform Economy Can Impede High-Quality Care, states: The way care is organised, via an under-regulated market of private providers, has resulted in a system whereby poor-quality care delivered by a workforce on low pay and poor conditions is the norm. In this context, the last decade has seen the emergence and growth of global corporate nurseries. In addition to expanding geographically, and buying up nurseries, several chain companies are expanding their portfolios into digital services and providing platforms for in-home childcare, which seek to disrupt the childcare market by linking and mediating between parents and carers. These digital platforms provide the basis for gig economy conditions for care workers, stripping them of their basic employment rights. In the case of care work, a sector that is tightly bound up with legal procedures, workers that are viewed as freelance will have to face the full weight of legal repercussions and be liable individually for any problems or damages whilst in work, with the employer abdicating all responsibilities. The NEF notes, The erosion of worker protections enabled by these platforms, through how workers are so often defined as independent contractors, is well documented. Likewise, care workers on platforms tend not to be treated as employees, and rates paid tend to be low. Warning that this impacts care quality, since wages and working conditions are major predictors of quality in childcare, the NEF adds that digital platforms offer on-demand or emergency backup care by a pool of workers at short notice, despite numerous studies showing the importance of continuity of care. It also raises concerns over safeguarding practices. There have been many court cases in the UK ruling in favour of recognising workers in gig economy sectors as workers, and against defining them as freelanceincluding the 2021 Supreme Court case that saw Uber drivers officially defined as workers. Yet, since this ruling the gig economy has significantly grown in the UK, with the Office for National Statistics estimating that the number of gig economy workers will almost double by 2026. The Labour governments employment rights bill, to take effect in autumn 2026, does absolutely nothing to protect gig economy workers who are falsely identified as freelance. The Guardian states, The government has promised to consult on a simpler two-tier employment framework, which distinguishes between genuine self-employment and all other types of worker, but nothing has been published yet. This cynical operation from a government constantly boasting of its pro-business agenda will cement a tier system for employment, allowing 4.4 million gig economy workers to continue working with zero legal rights. The trade union bureaucracy occasionally mouths concerns over the growth of the gig economy, but has organised nothing in opposition to its rapid growth. Workers from all industriesgig economy workers includedcan only combat the drive by the capitalist class to intensify exploitation through forming their own rank-and-file committees. These organisations can unite workers divided across different tiers, platforms and employers, responding democratically and creatively to the challenges posed by digital platforms run by transnational corporations. To get involved in building a rank-and-file committee as part of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, or to share your experience of gig economy work, contact the World Socialist Web Site on the form below. Tower Beach, next to Sydney Airport in Botany Bay, remains in regular use although it has been known by authorities for years to be contaminated with toxic PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) chemicals. Warning sign at Tower Beach While the popular swimming and fishing spot is officially closed, warning signs are tiny and easily missed, stating only No fishing, no swimming. Based on the signage, users of the beach have no way of knowing that they could be exposed to toxic chemicals that can cause a range of cancers, reproductive harm, foetal abnormalities, liver, kidney and thyroid damage, and immune dysregulation. World Socialist Web Site reporters spoke with a regular visitor to Tower Beach, who said the beach is very busy in the afternoons and on weekends with swimmers, families with children, fishermen and horse trainers, due to its seclusion, calm waters and free parking. Children regularly swim there and play in the sand, the WSWS was told. The beach is also popular with aviation enthusiasts, because of its proximity to Sydney Airports main runway. A recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) noted that the inconspicuous signs were erected in 2023, five years after testing by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified high levels of PFOS in the water and in local fish. Days after the article was published, the SMH reported that the EPA had announced a fresh round of testing, in a transparent attempt to cover up years of government inaction. No attempt has been made by airport or government authorities to remove PFOS-contaminated soil and concrete at the airport, because such measures would cost many millions or even billions of dollars. PFOS is one of a long-chain class of PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), which were also found in drinking water catchments in the Blue Mountains and elsewhere around the country last year. In April 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency ruled that there was no safe level of PFOS in drinking water. PFAS are dubbed forever chemicals because they do not break down in the environment and bio-accumulate in humans, animals, insects, plants, water and soil. To date, the only way to destroy PFAS is at temperatures of 982 Celsius (1800 Fahrenheit), a process that itself produces toxic aerosols. While scientists around the world are working on less-polluting ways of destroying the chemical in situ, progress is slow. Tower Beach, next to Sydney Airport in Botany Bay The toxic hazard at Tower Beach emerged from the use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) containing PFOS by the Civil Aviation Authority (now Airservices Australia) at its firefighting training facility on airport grounds from the 1970s to the 1990s. Although Airservices Australia discontinued the use of AFFF at airports in 2010, the chemical continues to pollute the environment around Sydney Airport, with rainfall causing PFOS accumulated in the substrate to leach into the Botany Sands Aquifer, which in turn enters Botany Bay and surrounding inlets. Much is said by government authorities about phasing out AFFF, but according to the EPAs website, relevant bodies are still authorised to use it in some circumstances, including Transport for NSW, fire brigades, the Port Authority of NSW, community fire units and water craft. PFOS is used in firefighting foam because it suppresses petroleum-based flames by coating the flames and reducing the surface tension of water. It was used extensively from the 1970s until the early 2000s by the Australian Defence Force and at airport facilities around the country in training exercises, and by firefighters for extinguishing car and truck fires. The Australian governments National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) states, Exposure to PFAS via dermal routes during recreational water use, e.g. swimming is considered to be negligible. However, a new study published in Science Direct in June 2024 demonstrated that at least some PFAS chemicals can be readily absorbed through the skin and retained within skin tissue, providing a pathway to enter the bloodstream. The study cited personal care products containing PFAS as the primary vehicle for this absorption. One of the most interesting findings in this study was that short-chain PFAS chemicals, which have been promoted as a safer replacement for older long-chain versions, are in fact more readily absorbed into the skin. Furthermore, the NHMRC admits, Ingestion [of contaminated water] is likely during immersion or partial immersion activities. Very young children are likely to ingest proportionally greater amounts of water than adults when bathing, swimming or playing in the water. At one end of Tower Beach there is another sign on a breakwater jetty used by fishermen, translated into several languages, threatening penalties for taking oysters which grow naturally on the rocks. The sign reads: High levels of industrial pollutants found in these waters. Sign warning of high levels of industrial pollution at Sydney beach Oysters are filter feeders and trap pollutants in their cells. In a study published by the US National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science in 2020, Eastern Oysters were exposed for 48 hours to the same chemical polluting Botany Bay. The results revealed that the oysters accumulated 50 to over 100 times the level of PFOS relative to exposure concentrations and sustained significant lysosomal cell damage. These specialist cells are responsible for cellular repair and immune responses. After testing for the presence of PFAS in 2018, the EPA published an online notice recommending that consumption of most species of fish caught in waterways attached to Botany Bay be restricted to one serving per week. It advised not to eat salmon caught in either Botany Bay or the Georges River tidal waters and tributaries, or offal from caught fish, and for pregnant women to avoid eating fish caught in these waterways altogether. The notice also warned against disturbing sediment beneath the water. This notice remains current on the EPA website. The following year, in contradictory advice, the NSW Department of Primary Industries advised eliminating consumption of all species of caught fish and shellfish in the whole of the waters of Botany Bay and the Georges River, together with all their tributaries, creeks, bays, lakes and inlets. The Department warned: Important: Fish and shellfish caught in these waters should not be eaten due to high levels of pollutants being found in these waters. You should release your catch. The warnings of contaminated fish also covered Woolaware Bay, Saltpan Creek, tributaries running from Botany Bay to Woronora, Gwawley Bay, Kogarah Bay, Alexandra Canal, Cooks River, Inscription Point, Towra Point and waters surrounding Sydney Airport. Many of these areas are nonetheless frequented by recreational fishermen who are likely unaware of these warnings if they havent visited the website. The EPA investigation into PFOS in waterways surrounding Sydney Airport started in 2010, but was hidden from the public until 2018, when the SMH revealed the contents of documents acquired through freedom of information provisions. The EPA investigation has still not been completed, according to the SMH. This highlights the lack of concern for public safety of successive governments, Labor and Liberal-National alike. While Australian authorities have indicated they will ban the use, manufacture, import and export of PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonate) by mid 2025, there are more than 500 other PFAS chemicals that will still be in use in Australia. This number doesnt include the myriad consumer, medical and industrial products containing PFAS that are imported into the country. The ongoing exposure at Tower Beach is just one part of an environmental and health disaster of global proportions. It has been estimated that 99 percent of the worlds population has PFAS in their blood due to the use of forever chemicals in a wide range of domestic products, including makeup, sunscreen, teflon, takeaway food packaging, clothing, furniture, baking paper and some hand sanitisers, as well as medical equipment such as catheters, implants, sutures and cleaning solvents. Decades after the 3M and Dupont companies identified and concealed the dangers of PFAS chemicals, human, animal and environmental health is paying the price for the thousands of new PFAS chemicals that have infiltrated all aspects of existence, from the food chain to the cellular health of all living organisms. There are 12 major companies across the world still manufacturing and profiting from the chemicals, despite overwhelming evidence of their catastrophic toxicity. For industry to give up these forever compounds would mean relinquishing profits, a proposition that is incompatible with the capitalist system. Eliminating PFAS contamination from the environment and water supply requires rational planning and the coordination of vast resources on an international scale. This means a fight for socialism, to end the domination of all aspects of social and economic life by the immediate profit imperatives of corporations. BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- China is gearing up for its annual Spring Festival travel rush, the world's largest human migration, with authorities implementing measures to enhance services. The 40-day travel period, which began on Jan. 14, is expected to witness a record 9 billion passenger trips across the country as passenger needs evolve. MORE TRIPS This year's Spring Festival travel rush is marked by several changes. In terms of travel volume, the total will reach a historic record, said Wang Xiuchun, an official at the Ministry of Transport, who joined the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency. Correspondingly, different travel modes, including civil aviation, railways and self-drive road trips, will each set new records, Wang said. The structure of passenger flows has also evolved, with an increasing number of visitors opting for tourism during the holiday. Additionally, the rise of self-drive trips and the expansion of travel modes have changed the transportation mix. China's aviation regulator said air travel has become a mainstream choice during the Spring Festival season, with flight volumes now consistently exceeding annual averages. During the 2024 Spring Festival period, not only did the daily average flight volume exceed the annual average, but there were 27 high-volume flight days, said Shang Kejia, an official at the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This marks a significant increase compared to 2014, when fewer than half of the travel season days exceeded average volumes. The flight volume and the number of passenger trips will both reach new highs, with daily flights expected to exceed 18,500, up 8.4 percent year on year, and passenger trips to surpass 90 million, said Shang. BON VOYAGE Safety remains the top priority for transportation authorities. Wang emphasized that comprehensive safety inspections and risk assessments have been conducted across all transportation sectors, focusing on key areas and personnel to ensure the absolute safety of passengers and their property. The transport ministry is coordinating efforts to improve integrated transportation services, including better connectivity between urban and intercity transport. With self-drive trips becoming more popular, authorities are ramping up preparations along major highways and expressways, implementing toll-free policies for small vehicles during the holiday period, and enhancing services at congested areas and rest stops. China's railway system is expected to play a crucial role in the travel rush. Zhu Wenzhong, a railway official, highlighted that over 93 percent of train tickets are now purchased online, significantly improving the booking experience. The railway sector has also enhanced station facilities and equipment, while focusing on improving food services during the journey, including expanding hot meal options and offering internet-based meal ordering services at 84 stations. In the aviation sector, Shang said the CAAC had outlined plans to optimize flight arrangements for popular routes. Airlines are encouraged to use larger aircraft for direct flights to high-demand destinations such as Sanya, Haikou, Harbin and Urumqi. The CAAC is also supporting customized charter flights for students and migrant workers. A special task force has been established to oversee safety measures, service quality and emergency response capabilities throughout the travel period. U.S. military guard El Paso's border with Mexico, seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. [AP Photo/Christian Chavez] The Trump administration is moving quickly to erect an enormous militarized deportation apparatus that will trample on the democratic rights of all sections of the working class, undocumented immigrants, green card holders and citizens alike. In the last 24 hours, several large corporate press outlets, including the Washington Post and CBS News, have reported that the Trump administration is planning to deploy 10,000 active-duty troops to the US-Mexico border. On Wednesday, acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses, responding to executive orders issued by Trump, authorized the initial deployment of 1,500 troops to the border. Of these, 500 are Marines that had been on standby to assist with the ongoing Los Angeles-area fires but instead are being redirected to combat a fictitious invasion. In a briefing document obtained by the Washington Post, the Pentagon outlined the increasingly expansive role of the US military in the coming deportation operations. Soldiers will fly military aircraft to airlift detained immigrants to countries around the world. El Salvador and Guatemala were specifically mentioned. There is a distinct possibility that US soldiers will be detaining those swept up in deportation raids on US military bases. The Post reported that the Defense Department may also utilize military bases as holding facilities, the document says. Soldiers will also be assisting in constructing the US-Mexico border wall, as well as bolstering surveillance efforts, which the Post reported, citing a senior military official, that could include additional manned or unmanned aircraft. The briefing order calls for the soldiers to work in conjunction with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to block all immigrants entering at the US-Mexico border, on the grounds that they have passed through countries where communicable diseases are present, without citing any specific health threat. When the COVID-19 pandemic first emerged over five years ago, the fascist senior adviser to Trump, Stephen Miller, suggested the administration use the pandemic as a pretext to block immigrants from claiming asylum in America. Miller cited an over 80-year-old provision in the Public Health Act known as Title 42, which allows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to block migrants from certain areas if they have reason to believe they are carrying a communicable disease. The provision had never been previously used to block all immigration, as Miller proposed and Trump eventually ordered. Under Trump nearly 500,000 people were turned away using Title 42. After Trump, the Biden administration continued to use Title 42 to deport another 2 million migrants, even after the CDC ruled there was no public health rationale to continue the policy. Earlier this month, well before Biden left office, the New York Times reported that the incoming Trump administration was looking for a rationale to invoke Title 42 again. On January 9 the newspaper reported that Trump advisers had spent months trying to identify a disease that will help them build their case for closing the border. The Times noted that his advisers were considering arguing broadly that migrants at the border come from various countries and may carry unfamiliar disease Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump regularly accused immigrants of bringing in crime and disease. In a particularly Hitlerian speech in December 2023, he accused the Biden administration of allowing 15, 16 million people into country, declaring, They are poisoning the blood of our country. Despite being well aware of Trumps plans, the Biden administration and the Democratic Party did nothing to protect immigrants. Instead, the Democrats negotiated a $20 billion border security bill with congressional Republicans, only to have it torpedoed at Trumps orders. The legislation contained no pathways to citizenship and instead allocated billions towards hiring more border agents and expanding detention facilities. Former Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned on signing the reactionary bill into law if she were elected. The resistance to Trumps mass deportation plans, which have been co-signed by the Democrats with the bipartisan passage of the Laken Riley Act, will come from the working class. A public schoolteacher in Southwest Detroit told the WSWS, It is necessary to fight the propaganda. Yesterday, TikTok was down. People were seeing what was happening in Palestine. They were telling us that China wants us to be stupid. But we have been kept stupid, and were waking up to what is happening in the world. We have to prepare and warn about the deportations. Already people are talking about hiding immigrants like Jews in Nazi Germany. We have to explain what they are planning to do with ICE in Chicago and in Detroit. We have to spread the word. When are we going to see ICE vans outside the schools? The neighborhood she teaches in has a large Latin American community. She said, Already, there is a decrease in attendance; parents are worried about their kids getting picked up. A lot of parents were reluctant about taking their kids to clinics. You can see it on the faces of the students. More non-English students are also enrolled after the winter break. They are making it harder to get in, but that isnt going to stop people from leaving countries where they have no hope and risking their lives to get here. The teacher concluded, Staff members in Detroit remember the first Trump presidency and all the ICE activity. We have a sanctuary school district, but people dont know what to do. They are going to keep their children home. As part of the further militarization of the border, the Washington Post reported that newly appointed Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks instructed senior staff during a Tuesday briefing to use extraordinary emergency authority to close the border. As part of this authority, the only people in the US government who can authorize someone to enter the US to make an asylum claim are Banks and his deputy. Prior to taking over for outgoing Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens this week, Banks previously served as Texas Governor Greg Abbotts first border czar. In this capacity, Bank kidnapped immigrants and sent them to Democratic-led cities and states and sought to block the entry of immigrants into Texas with concertina wire and death buoys placed in the Rio Grande River. In an attempt to expand the border police state without having to hire more agents, the Wall Street Journal reported late on Thursday that an internal memo had been issued by acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman which bestows immigration-enforcement authority to several federal agencies under the Department of Justice. Recalling the infamous Palmer Raids of 1919-1920 in which thousands of radical and socialist workers, many of whom were immigrants, were jailed and deported in response to fears within the US ruling class of socialist revolution, police agents with the US Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are to be granted the authority to detain and deport immigrants. The Journal reported that while the memo does not explicitly deputize agents within the departments, the Trump administration is counting on the DoJ to cooperate by sending some agents. Trumps barrage of executive orders faced their first setback on Thursday after a US District Judge John Coughenour, appointed by Ronald Reagan in 1981, signed a temporary restraining order blocking Trumps executive order overturning birthright citizenship. The Trump administration is attempting to overturn the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all those born in the United States. ABC News reported that an incredulous Coughenour asked Trumps DoJ lawyers during the hearing ,In your opinion, is this executive order constitutional? After the Justice Department lawyer replied in the affirmative, Coughenour responded: Frankly, I have difficulty understanding how a member of the Bar could state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order. He concluded, It just boggles my mind. While signing more executive orders in the Oval Office in front of live television crews, Trump was asked about Coughenours ruling. Obviously we will appeal it, Trump said. Theres no surprises with that judge. Saxonys Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer and AfD state chairman Jorg Urban [Photo by Sandro Halank / Wikimedia Commons (Ausschnitt) / CC BY-SA 4.0 In December, the Saxony state legislature re-elected Michael Kretschmer (Christian Democrat, CDU) as state premier. He heads a minority government consisting of the CDU and Social Democrats (SPD). Now the members of the individual parliamentary committees have been appointed and include the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). It took the state parliament only 21 minutes to divide up all the parliamentary committees among the factions, reported broadcaster MDR. With the consent of the other parties, the AfD is filling key positions that are crucial for the expansion of a police state. The CDU and AfD each chair four committees, while the anti-migrant split-off from the Left Party, Bund Sarah Wagenknecht (BSW), and SPD each chair one. What we wrote in December, that all the parties were moving closer together and further to the right, has now been vividly confirmed. Although the AfD had already chaired some committees in the past, it has never been represented in so many and, above all, such important ones. Even before his election, state Premier Kretschmer had declared he wanted to work more closely with all parties, including the AfD, by regularly consulting them. According to the Saxony state parliament website, committees ensure effective parliamentary work by preparing deliberations and resolutions for the plenary session. Among other things, they are tasked with recommending bills and motions to the state parliament and thus preparing technical and political decisions for the plenary session. The committee chair not only manages and plans the meetings, but also decides on the motions and topics to be discussed. With the votes of the CDUand to some extent those of the SPD and BSWright-wing extremists have now been elected to chair the justice, interior, education and finance committees. Furthermore, the AfD provides the deputy chair of the economic, science and petitions committees, as well as the committee for rules of procedure and immunity matters. The AfD also provides the deputy chair for the coronavirus committee of inquiry, which was established in October with votes from the AfD and BSWbut all parties had voted in favour of setting up such a body. Since all parties now advocate a policy of allowing the pandemic to run uncheckedand the AfD and BSW are notorious for playing down the seriousness of coronavirusthis committee will primarily serve to spread disinformation and conspiracy theories. A glance at the AfD representatives highlights the reactionary political character of this party, which draws its members largely from the security, police and state apparatus, while at the same time presenting itself as a party of peace and freedom. Holger Hentschel, the future head of the finance committee, was a regular in the Luftwaffe (Air Force) for eight years before joining the AfD in 2014 and working for them ever since. Alexander Wiesner, chairman of the judiciary committee, not only bears a few scars as an old member of the Corps Saxonia Leipzig (modelled on the reactionary duelling student fraternities under the Kaiser), but until recently he also employed Kurt Hattasch in his state parliament office. Hattasch has been in custody since November as a member of the right-wing terrorist group Saxon Separatists. Lars Kuppi, who is to head the internal affairs committee, served only two years in the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) before joining the police in 1992. Most recently, he worked as a police sergeant in Chemnitz. He is a supporter of the formally dissolved AfD faction around the fascist Bjorn Hocke and the now expelled neo-Nazi Andreas Kalbitz. Due to his open fraternisation with neo-Nazis, he was even expelled from the extreme right-wing police union. Sebastian Wippel is another police officer who notoriously agitates against migrants and sits on the Parliamentary Control Committee for the AfD. Wippel, who, according to a 2020 ruling by the Gorlitz Regional Court, may be publicly called a fascist, distributed flyers at a celebration of the Muslim Eid al-Fitr festival in 2018, which, among other things, called for people to leave the country. A fascist is thus involved in monitoring police measures such as the acoustic surveillance of private dwellings and other use of special means, as described by the Saxony state parliament. Saxony officials have been trampling on basic democratic rights so openly for decades that in 2011 even former Bundestag (federal parliament) Vice President Wolfgang Thierse spoke of the special Saxon democracy. Even before the AfD came on the scene, political show trials against Nazi opponents like Lothar Konig were the norm in Saxony. But now the far-right officials are openly allowed to monitor themselves. Carsten Hutter sits for the AfD in the Parliamentary Control Commission, the body that oversees the Verfassungsschutz (domestic secret service) at the state level. Hutter served in the Bundeswehr for 12 years and retired as a staff sergeant in 1995. In 2018, in the tradition of a better-known corporal named Adolf Hitler, he wanted to use a parliamentary question to record the number and all registered addresses of Sinti and Roma living in Saxony since 2010. He wants to have Antifa (the anti-fascist movement) banned as a group of serious criminals and radical left-wing terrorists. In this, he is in line with the Saxony Verfassungsschutz, which for years refused to describe PEGIDA or the AfD as right-wing extremist, but at the same time defamed left-wing bands, concerts and protests as left-wing extremist. At the same time, the Verfassungsschutz is deeply involved in the neo-Nazi scene through a network of informants. The revelations surrounding the neo-Nazi National Socialist Underground (NSU), which murdered 10 people between 2000 and 2007, shine a spotlight on these state-sponsored structures. Finally, another soldier, Andre Wendt, was re-elected to the presidency of the state parliament. Wendt joined the Bundeswehr in 1993 and has been a professional soldier since 1999. As such, he was involved in missions in the former Yugoslavia and Afghanistan. Some parties are now hypocritically feigning outrage in their criticism of this or that AfD appointment, but in reality, they all agree on the fundamental issues of increasing the repressive powers of the state, mass deportations and social cuts. That is why Kretschmers minority government can cling on to power with the support of all the parties represented in the state parliament. Developments in Saxony belie all talk of a supposed firewall against collaborating with the AfD. Above all, they show how far advanced the integration of this far-right party into the state already is. How quickly the self-proclaimed parties of the democratic centre forget their promises to shun the far-right was recently made clear in Austria. There, the sister party of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the conservative Austrian Peoples Party (OVP), is preparing to enter a federal government under the neo-Nazi Herbert Kickl of the Austrian Freedom Party. The return of far-right and fascist elements into the day-to-day business of government is a worldwide phenomenon. The way for this has been paved in particular by those pseudo-left forcesalso in Saxonythat have constantly preached a policy of the lesser evil and suppressed any independent movement of the working class. Homeless men sleep on Marietta Street in Atlanta, Friday, June 5, 2020 [AP Photo/Mike Stewart] On Thursday, January 16, 49-year-old Cornelius Taylor was killed in Atlanta, Georgia, when the tent he was sleeping in was razed by a front loader. City crews under the orders of the Democratic city administration were working to clear homeless encampments opposite the Ebenezer Baptist Church ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations on Monday, January 20. King was a co-pastor at the church from 1960 up until his assassination in 1968. The city of Atlanta, just like other cities in the United States, has a policy of using brutal sweeps of encampments as a solution to the entrenched and ever-increasing phenomenon of homelessness. The cleanup which killed Taylor was undertaken by the city in order to present a sanitized view of the surroundings of the church, where the annual MLK Day celebrations are held. The area surrounding the church on Auburn Avenue has been an area where a number of homeless have lived for a long time in flimsy tents. No warning was given to these most impoverished persons prior to the clearing operation. The fact that the city used construction equipment weighing up to 10,000 pounds to clear out the homeless people attests to the utterly callous attitude of the authorities. Despite the entirely insincere empathy Democratic Party officials expressed during news conferences, the latest raid and the killing of Taylor reveals that they consider homeless encampments as trash that has be gotten rid of. There has been an outpouring of outrage from Taylors family and friends, who described him as a person with great optimism and kindness despite his impoverishment. He had just obtained a job and had told his friends and homeless volunteers that he was looking forward to his transition to a new life. William Franklin, who was at the encampment when the sleeping Taylor was killed by the front loader, described what he witnessed to the local WABE radio. He said, I was here, and nobody warned anybody. Not even the people who was ]sic] doing the job. Sylvia Broome, who works for the homeless outreach non-profit organization Reemerge, told the same radio station that she had known Taylor for several years. She said he had a good heart and liked to draw. Holding back her tears, she said, He had dreams, ambitions. He had family; he was a good, good friend of mine, and hes gone. Will Johnson, another homeless person who lived in the same encampment as Taylor, was a witness to the brutal scene as well. According to Johnson, the city officials told them, You got four minutes to get everything you want to take with you. He continued expressing outrage, They should have come to each and every one of these tents and opened it up if nobody was responding. I think you should have done more in the safety aspect of it. The way you did thisit wasnt right. There was no order. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens issued a usual perfunctory statement saying, I care deeply about each and every life in this city. On January 24 last year Dickens signed an executive order with great pomp and ceremony announcing an allocation of $4.6 million to various city departments purportedly to expand shelter services, warming center operations, and additional shelter sites and provide the wrap-around services. Additionally, the city allocated $2.4 million to an organization called Partners for HOME (Housing Opportunities Made for Everyone) supposedly to address the situations that were having with unhoused individuals under underpasses and underneath some of our bridges. This was in reference to a massive fire that broke out in March 2017 which collapsed a huge section of the interstate highway I-85. Although the fire started at a nearby state-owned storage facility containing highly flammable, high-density polyurethane and fiberglass tubing, the state authorities blamed three homeless persons for maliciously causing the fire. Despite the state charging them with draconian criminal charges, the three were set free with one of them agreeing to complete an 18-month mental health and sobriety program. This legal outcome was the result of the authorities having presented no proof that these homeless persons were to blame for this inferno. Dickens told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he has ordered city crews to begin clearing out homeless encampments under bridges soon. He claimed that such encampments pose a danger, as they supposedly did back in 2017. The mayor in 2023 announced a new rapid housing project near Atlanta City Hall. These housing units were created by transforming 40 shipping containers into housing units. This was both to save costs, according to the mayors words, and also to provide flexibility to the authorities to move them out of sight when necessary. So inadequate were these housing units that the homeless, who were either persuaded or forced to move into them, returned to living on the street. This was acknowledged by the CEO of Partners of HOME. There are solutions that are being created that are temporary, that are congregate in nature, where people have to live in dormitory-style environments with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, and many folks dont want to live like that. In contrast to the pittance in aid for the homeless, Dickens has backed the construction of the $90 million Cop City training center and spearheaded a crackdown on protests against the facility. Police killed Manuel Tortugita Esteban Paez Teran during a raid on a Stop Cop City protest encampment in 2023. The brutal killing of Taylor is not the first instance when the homeless have been treated with utter savagery in the United States. Numerous persons living on the streets have been shot dead by police and even by vigilantes, over the past decades. In 2014, 37-year-old Kelly Thomas, a homeless person suffering from schizophrenia, was beaten to death by six police officers in Orange County, California. There is no national tracking system, but according to an estimate by Homeless Deaths Count, at least 20 Americans die every day while experiencing homelessness. The growing crackdown on the homeless across the country is a result of the US Supreme Court issuing an utterly barbaric ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson that singled out homeless people for humiliating punishment and criminal charges. The 6-3 ruling issued in June 2024 overrode the ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which in 2018 declared that cities and towns banning the homeless from sleeping on the streets and camping in public places was unconstitutional. The reactionary Supreme Court by its ruling provided the necessary green light to municipalities to criminalize homelessness. Since then, over 100 cities, towns and counties have essentially outlawed homelessness by imposing fines, punishments and prison terms. As the World Socialist Web Site reported in December 2024, the number of homeless doubled under the Biden administration. While the Democrats found unlimited funding for waging war against Russia and facilitating Israels genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, there was no systematic effort to ease widespread poverty and homelessness. As the WSWS observed, the number of homeless, numbering over 770,000 by the end of last year, exceeds the population of cities such as Atlanta, Seattle, Boston or Detroit. Under the incoming Trump administration, which is an outright oligarchic kleptocracy, this problem will skyrocket, as the new government will slash even the meager funds currently allocated to the struggling working class and the poor. Under the newly created Orwellian Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been handed over to the fascist billionaire Elon Musk, the Trump administration has announced plans to slash $2 trillion in social spending. The attitude of the Trump oligarchy to homelessness was glaringly displayed by Musk himself. In an interview with Trump confidant Tucker Carlson published last October, Musk declared, Homeless is a misnomer. It implies that someone got a little bit behind on their mortgage, and if you just gave them a job, they would be back on their feet. What you actually have are violent drug zombies with dead eyes, and needles and human feces on the street. The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards were announced Thursday morning from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater, located in the headquarters of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in Beverly Hills. The award ceremony will be held Sunday, March 2, hosted by comic and talk show host Conan OBrien. Emilia Perez The nominations were largely weak and uninspiring, more so than in recent years, reflective of a film industry in economic and artistic crisis. Emilia Perez, about a Mexican drug kingpin who changes gender, received more nominations than any other, 13. Both The Brutalist (to be reviewed soon on the WSWS) and Wicked, the musical fantasy loosely based on the Oz books, collected 10 nominations. A Complete Unknown and Conclave were next with eight mentions each. According to a recent report, film, television and commercial production was down 35 percent in the US in the third quarter of last year as compared to the same period in 2022. Wall Street is demanding its blood money from the studios and streaming platforms, resulting in cuts in production and even more limited subject matter, as the conglomerates compete with one another in a desperate pursuit of the next billion-dollar global success. Signs of outright, outspoken opposition to the Gaza genocide, the Ukraine-Russia war, the harsh conditions for wide layers of the population and the threats of dictatorship are few and far between. The Apprentice Serious films and performers nominated for major awards can be counted on the fingers of one hand: Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice (Actor in a Leading Role) Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice (Actor in a Supporting Role) No Other Land (Basel Adra, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal and Yuval Abraham) (Documentary Feature Film) Soundtrack to a Coup dEtat (Johan Grimonprez, Daan Milius and Remi Grellety) (Documentary Feature Film) It is difficult to point to important films that were slighted or ignored, because there were so few of those this year. No Other Land received a deserved nomination, but pro-Zionist forces allied with the outgoing Biden administration have so far managed to prevent the American population from actually seeing the documentary about Israeli barbarism in the occupied West Bank. The conditions under which the Academy Award nominations were made public are themselves significant. In the first place, they were set to be unveiled January 17, but the announcement had to be delayed twice, as the Hollywood Reporter observed, amid the Los Angeles wildfires, which have left at least 28 people dead with more than 14,000 structures destroyed and nearly 40,000 acres burned. As the fires raged across Los Angeles on Jan. 8, the day voting for this years nominees opened, the Film Academy extended the voting window through Jan. 14 with a plan to announce this years nominees on Jan. 19. But as the devastation caused by the fires continued to unfold the following week, on Jan. 13, the Academy again extended the nominations voting window until Jan. 17 and set Jan. 23 as the date for this years announcement. No Other Land The fires have devastating economic consequences. The Los Angeles Times noted that As if Hollywood didnt have enough trouble getting back on its feet, the Los Angeles wildfires suspended filming, destroyed homes of stars and crews alike and even threatened the landmark Hollywood sign that towers over the city. The Times add that the devastation hit as local film and TV industry workers were already struggling to adjust to vast technological, financial and global changes that have severely reduced local production activity and eliminated thousands of jobs that may never come back. Moreover, of course, the nominations take place a few days into the return to power of Donald Trump, who has placed a brutal, illegal war on immigrants at the center of his administrations priorities. According to the latest State of Immigrants in Los Angeles County (SOILA) report, At 3.5 million, immigrants make up 34% of L.A. County. There are over 800,000 undocumented immigrants in the region. Over 1 million L.A. residents live with someone who is undocumented. Around 36% of L.A.s undocumented immigrants do not have health insurance. More than half of immigrant renters (60%) are rent-burdened, meaning they spend 30% or more of their income on housing. This years nominations need to be viewed with this general context in mind. To what extent do the most pressing questions in American life, the questions confronting tens of millions of peoplewar, the threat of fascism, attacks on democratic rights and immigrants, povertyfind expression in Hollywood films? Very poorly, if the 2025 Academy Award nominations are anything to go by. For the most part, they reflect the interests and concerns of a sliver of the population, the upper-middle class circles obsessed with gender and race. This is what Brooks Barnes of the New York Times means when he writes that The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences showered little-seen movies rooted in progressive politics with nominations for the 97th Oscars on Thursday. Barnes adds: The academy expanded the best picture field to 10 in 2022; it previously had a sliding number with as few as five slots. The academy positioned the changes as part of an expanded focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. A majority of the acting nominees 13 out of 20 were first-time academy honorees, perhaps underscoring the organizations effort over the past decade to make its voting ranks less dominated by older white men. The academy now has roughly 10,000 voting members, up from about 6,700 in 2017. As for the incoming Trump regime, portions at least of the Hollywood establishment are predictably holding out an olive branch to the fascist demagogue. Variety headlined a recent article, Hollywood Is Now Ready to Work With Trump: You Didnt Hear Biden Talking About How to Help Us: Many in show business are wondering just how close Hollywood will cozy up to Trump in this new era. Variety continued, To numerous power players Variety spoke with, just as staggering as the towns silence over the encroaching Trump effect is the procession of media moguls from Amazon executive chairman Bezos to Disney CEO Bob Iger making the pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago or donating to Trumps inaugural fund. Hollywoods lost its nerve, said one chief executive at a media conglomerate As though its upper echelons ever had any. In his first act as the Trump administrations secretary of state, Marco Rubio convened a meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), a de facto alliance of the US, Japan, India, and Australia, and then met one-on-one with the foreign ministers of those countries. Japans Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, from left, Indias External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Australias Foreign Minister Penny Wong meet at the State Department, January 21, 2025. [AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin] Bringing together the Quad as Rubios first order of business was an unmistakable signal. The message was that deepening an all-sided confrontation with China, viewed as the chief threat to American imperialist dominance, would be at the centre of the fascistic administrations foreign policy. The meeting was unusual from several standpoints. Usually, foreign ministers are not present at US presidential inaugurations, but Trump broke with protocol and invited several, including those of the Quad. Upon assuming office, the secretary of state has often met first with North American counterparts from Canada and Mexico before broadening the scope of their engagements. But those countries are in the crosshairs of Trumps America First rampage. The fascistic leader has threatened massive tariffs on Canada and even its conquest by the US and declared, upon assuming office, that the Gulf of Mexico was now the Gulf of America. With Trump going on the offensive against those countries as part of his plans to establish a Fortress North America and threatening massive trade war measures against Europe, the Quad countries are being primed as the new administrations central strategic and geopolitical partners. The international press noted that this is, above all, targeted against China, with headlines such as Quad foreign ministers meet in Washington in signal of Trump's China focus and China hawk Rubio kicks off Trump's foreign policy with Indo-Pacific Quad meeting. Rubio and the three foreign ministers issued a brief statement. It declared their shared commitment to strengthening a Free and Open Indo-Pacific where the rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are upheld and defended. Such rhetoric, employed by successive US administrations to justify an anti-China build-up in the Indo-Pacific, has always been shot through with hypocrisy, given American imperialisms record of criminal invasions, aggressive wars and coups. But it is transparently absurd for the Trump administration to talk about sovereignty and territorial integrity in the Indo-Pacific, while its commander-in-chief speaks about seizing Canada, the Panama Canal and Greenland, for undisguised motives of imperial expansion. After another sentence about the importance of international law, peace and stability, the statement asserted, We also strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. These are the talking points used by the previous Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations to escalate tensions. A free and open Indo-Pacific is code for the region being open to the US and its allies to freely conduct whatever military and diplomatic provocations that they wish against Beijing, while undertaking a massive military build-up. And force or coercion means any measures used by China that cut across the interests of US imperialism. Rubios decision to convene a meeting of the Quad, rather than simply hold bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of its member states, pointed to the Trump administrations plans for a coordinated and full-scale military confrontation with China. Beijing has always been intensely hostile to the Quad, because it brings together the four largest militaries in the region, against China. The Quad was established by the Bush administration in 2007, with its formation paralleled by massive Exercise Malabar military exercises. At the time, the Quad was widely recognised as a response by the US to Chinas growing economic and strategic influence. But the institution floundered shortly after its establishment, because of vacillations among the non-US members. While fully committed to their respective bilateral alliances with the US, they were fearful of the clear implication of military confrontation with China, a major trading partner of Indo-Pacific states, embodied in the Quad. The institution was revived under the first Trump administration in 2017, as part of its stepped-up aggression towards China. Over recent years, while the Quad has held regular meetings, there have been complaints in US military-strategic and aligned circles, that its gatherings have not been frequent enough, and have led to few concrete actions. In a clear signal that such concerns would be allayed, the Rubio-convened gathering pledged to meet together on a regular basis as we prepare for the next Quad Leaders Summit hosted by India. Following the Quad gathering, Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz met with each of the foreign ministers. Significantly, the meeting with Indias External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was first. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has dispensed with the vestiges of its previous non-aligned foreign policy and become a full-fledged partner in the US confrontation with China. This has included expanding joint military exercises, seeking to align other South Asian nations with the US war drive, and ratcheting up its own border disputes with China. Because of its size and position, India would be crucial to any military conflict with Beijing. It has also become the fifth-largest economy in the world by nominal gross domestic product and has a population comparable to that of China. In a summary of the discussion, Jaishankar stated that it had focussed particularly on critical and emerging technologies, defence cooperation, energy, and on advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Critical technologies, including the dominance of AI, are central to the US confrontation with China. Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi said that his conversation with Rubio included a discussion of Japans ongoing military expansion. The countrys budget for 2025 earmarks a record 8.7 trillion yen ($US55.3 billion) for the military, in the 13th consecutive expansion of annual defence spending. This is part of the wholesale repudiation and violation of the pacifist clause of the countrys post-World War II constitution. The summary of their discussion was more explicit than the Quad statement, declaring that they had spoken of the need to counter ongoing threats in the Indo-Pacific and around the world, including joint efforts against Chinas destabilizing actions. The two also discussed concerns over both North Koreas (DPRK) political and security alignment with Russia, as well as Chinas support for Russias defense industrial base. China was explicitly identified as a target. Significantly, the summary pointed to the interlinked nature of Washingtons confrontation with China and its US-NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine. With Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Rubio discussed efforts to continue security cooperation through AUKUS and bilateral defense initiatives, and to enhance our partnership on critical minerals and global supply chain security. The question of dominance over the production and processing of critical minerals, which are key to military and high-tech products, is another element of the US drive against China. Australia has vast deposits, and the Biden administration struck far-reaching agreements, including enabling US government investment in the Australian critical minerals sector. In the lead-up to Trumps inauguration, fears were voiced in security circles in the US and Australia over the new administrations attitude to AUKUS. It is a key cockpit of war planning and preparation, bringing together the US, the UK and Australia. Under AUKUS, Australia is slated to acquire nuclear-powered submarines from the US. That is part of a broader build-up under the Labor government and the Biden administration, which included a vast expansion of US basing arrangements throughout the north and west of the continent and the stationing there of major US strike capabilities. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shake hands [Photo: X/@SenatorWong] Rubios endorsement of AUKUS was hailed by anti-China hawks within Australia, while Wong, whose government has focussed above all on the militarisation of the continent, was grinning ear to ear in her photos with the new secretary of state. In a call to Philippine President Bongbong Marcos yesterday, Rubio pledged ironclad commitment to Manilas security, and denounced Chinas dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea. In reality, the US has stoked longstanding territorial disputes over the sea, transforming them over the past decade from simmering differences to a potential flashpoint for war. That has been taken to a new level under the Marcos administration, which last year oversaw armed clashes with Chinese forces in the sea that could have sparked an all-out war. Rubios opening days as secretary of state confirm that Trump has received the backing of the dominant sections of the US ruling elite, to pursue longstanding policies aimed at reversing the protracted decline of American imperialism. That will centrally include raising to even greater heights the war preparations against China, which have been a feature of every US administration since 2011. Firefighters monitor flames caused by the Hughes Fire along Castaic Lake in Castaic, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 [AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez] In a television interview on Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump stated that aid to victims of the California wildfires should be withheld, going on to cite political reasons based on known lies and false information. Speaking on Fox News with his supporter Sean Hannity, Trump said, I dont think we should give California anything until they let water flow down, in a reference to bogus claims that Democratic Party Governor Gavin Newsom and other state officials blocked water flowing from the north of the state into the Los Angeles area. Trump repeated the false claims that Californias fish conservation efforts in the northern part of the state are responsible for fire hydrants running dry in Los Angeles. As reported by the Washington Post, Los Angeles does not get its water from Northern California systems Trump described, and water experts have repeatedly explained that the scale and severity of the Southern California fires was not caused by empty reservoirs or a lack of water flowing from Northern California. While the entire political establishment and ruling capitalist elite in southern Californiawhich is dominated by the Democratic Partyare responsible for failing to prevent the wildfires that have destroyed entire communities over the past two weeks, the four-day-old Trump administration has used false information to absent the Republican Party, fascist and far-right politicians from any responsibility in the catastrophe. More than 12,000 structures, mostly homes, have been destroyed by the fires which erupted two weeks ago, fueled by extremely dry conditions and spread by high Santa Ana winds. The Palisades fire, which has burned over 23,000 acres, destroyed the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades. It is now 75 percent contained after intense efforts by firefighters mobilized from across the US, Mexico and Canada. The Eaton fire is 95 percent contained after burning 14,000 acres and destroying much of the Altadena community. New fires have erupted this week across Southern California. By Thursday afternoon, the Hughes Fire north of Los Angeles had burned more than 10,000 acres according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. While the new wildfire forced 31,000 residents to evacuate, with another 23,000 under evacuation warnings, Los Angeles Countys Coordinated Joint Information Center said 14,000 structures are threatened. Fire department officials told CNN on Thursday afternoon that the Hughes Fire was 24 percent contained. Containment lines had been established by firefighters overnight, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Sheila Kelliher Berkoh. They put a lot of work in and did an incredible job really knocking the heat out of this fire. And those winds definitely laid down a bit, which helped us get the upper hand on this fire, Berkoh said. President Trump made his threat to withhold aid on Fox News as he prepared for the first trip of his second term in office. He will visit the areas devastated by wildfires in Southern California on Friday after making a trip to North Carolina where the destruction of Hurricane Helene ravaged towns in the northwestern part of the state. Withholding assistance to victims of the California wildfires for political reasons is a further attack on democratic government and devolution of the US into an authoritarian dictatorship, a process embraced openly by the second Trump administration. Previously, it had been standard practice for the federal government to respond to such devastating events with emergency funding approved without any political strings attached. During his Fox News interview Trump also called for the reform of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), saying it is getting in the way of everything. Although he did not elaborate on specifics of his plans, Trump said, FEMA is going to be a whole big discussion very shortly, because Id rather see the states take care of their own problems. Using tornadoes in Oklahoma as an example, Trump said, I love Oklahoma, but you know what? If they get hit with a tornado or something, let Oklahoma fix it. And then the federal government can help them out with the money. FEMA is getting in the way of everything, and the Democrats actually use FEMA not to help North Carolina. While Trump has moved aggressively to implement his anti-democratic and anti-working class agenda, the Democratic Party had doubled down on its slavish accommodation to him. On Wednesday, Gavin Newsom said he was willing to meet with the fascist president, scheduled to arrive in the Los Angeles area on Friday, even though Trump has regularly referred to the California governor as Newscum. When Trump was asked if he would meet with Newsom, he said, I dont know. I havent even thought about it yet. Newsom spokesman Bob Salladay said that as of Wednesday afternoon the governors office has yet to hear anything from the White House. The governor is scheduled to be in Southern California that day and hopes to meet with the president. So far, weve not heard from the White House about Fridays trip. Well be happy to meet with the president if it works, Salladay said. Last week, Newsom sent a letter to congressional Republicans requesting expedited disaster aid, without conditions or prolonged negotiation. However, following Trumps lead, the Republican leadership has indicated that they will put conditions on any emergency funding. On the day Trump was sworn into office, Newsom issued a statement calling for common ground with the new administration. In the face of one of the worst natural disasters in Americas history, this moment underscores the critical need for partnership, a shared commitment to facts, and mutual respectvalues that enable civil discourse, effective governance, and meaningful action, Newsom said. All of these entreaties by Newsom have been thrown back in his face by Trump and the Republicans, while the citizens of southern California who have lost everything and have no place to live are left to suffer and wonder about their fate amidst one of the worst wildfire disasters in US history. Quebecs capitalist ruling elite and its political representatives, who are divided into pro-federalist and pro-Quebec independence factions, have been shaken by President Donald Trumps threats against Canada, just like their counterparts across the country. A common element in their diverse responses has been reactionary flag-waving nationalism, with the federalists brandishing the Maple Leaf in one hand and Quebecs Fleurdelise in the other. Trump has threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian imports as early as February 1, under the pretext that Washingtons northern neighbour isnt doing nearly enough to secure the border and prevent a supposedly massive flow of immigrants and fentanyl into the US. Trump has also warned Ottawa that in order to maintain the military-strategic alliance with the Washington that for the past three-quarters of a century has enabled the Canadian ruling class to share in the spoils of US imperialist dominance and aggression around the world, it must shoulder a greater share of the burden, by hiking its military spending to at least 2 percent of GDP. Trump has already indicated that this target could quickly rise to 5 percent, and there is now a general consensus among the ruling elites in all the NATO powers that the 2 percent figure is no more than a floor beyond which much more spending will be needed. The newly-inaugurated US president has also threatened to use economic force to annex Canada and make it the 51st state of the United States. Trump and Quebec Premier Francois Legault [Photo: X/Legault] Trumps threats come in the context of US imperialisms strategic conflict with Russia and China, and its drive to create a Fortress North America. Trump has indicated that annexing Canada would provide protection against the Russian and Chinese ships that constantly surround us. To increase its grip on the North American continent and better position American imperialism to take on its international rivals, Trump has also threatened Mexico with tariffs and invasion, while warning that he may take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal by military force. Trumps threats, which contributed to the resignation of Canadas Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier this month, have caused panic in ruling class circles across the country because of Canadian imperialisms economic and strategic dependence on the United States. According to Quebecs Ministry of Economy, in 2023 Quebecs exports to the US accounted for 73.6 percent of its total exports, roughly equal to the percentage of exports from Canada as a whole to the US (77 percent.) Quebecs hard-right premier, multi-millionaire and former Air Transat CEO Francois Legault of the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ), has pointed to the integration of North Americas economy to demonstrate the devastation that Trumps tariffs would cause, using the aerospace industry as an example. There are airplane parts that circulate 4 or 5 times between Quebec and the US before the plane is finished, said Legault. Its certain that if each time theres a 25-percent tariff added, well, it doesnt work. He went on to mention the possible loss of 100,000 jobs in Quebec. Faced with such a threat, which would profoundly undermine its economic interests while having a radicalizing effect on workers struggles, the Quebec ruling class is seeking to strengthen its political and ideological grip on the working class with the fraudulent argument that workers should form a united front with their own bosses to defend Quebecs interests. This is a trap that Quebec workers must reject with contempt. Their real intereststhat is their class interestsare diametrically opposed to those of big business and the Quebec bourgeoisie. The ruling elite has repeatedly waved the nationalist flag of Quebecs interests to justify the most sweeping attacks on the working class. Examples include the massive social cuts of the 1990s that were implemented by the Bouchard-Landry Parti Quebecois government, as part of its zero deficit policy, and with the aim of creating winning conditions for a third referendum on Quebec independence after its narrow loss in 1995. More recently, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the trade union bureaucracy fully supported the Legault government under the pretext that the health emergency required national unity, thus providing political cover and support for the governments homicidal policy of prioritizing profits over human lives under the slogan of living with the virus. This is the same reactionary argument that underlies the current deluge of criticism directed by Quebec nationalist forces against Ottawa for supposedly putting the interests of Ontario and Alberta ahead of Quebecs. The most belligerent nationalist response to Trumps threats has come from Quebecs pseudo-left party and second opposition party in the National Assembly, Quebec Solidaire (QS). As a full-throated promoter of Quebec independence and nationalism, QS collaborates closely with the Parti Quebecois, the traditional pro-independence party of Quebecs ruling class, which has imposed draconian capitalist austerity whenever it has come to power and is today a rabid advocate of anti-immigrant chauvinism. It was QS that first raised the idea of using Quebecs hydroelectricity electricity exports to the US as leverage in negotiations with Trump. QS co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal declared that a QS-led government would put an end to the tariff privileges enjoyed by certain American states. Displaying the contempt for workers and toxic nationalism that characterize this affluent middle-class party, Ghazal added that [i]t will be up to Donald Trump to explain to his constituents why it costs them more than before to heat their homes in winter. While saying that he was prepared to impose such retaliatory measures, Legault asserted his first choice was to make sure there are no tariffs and that he was prepared to do everything to achieve that resultincluding implementing the ultra-reactionary policies demanded by Trump to militarize the Canada-US border. This would be no great concession, since Legault and the rest of Quebecs establishment are already waging a virulent anti-immigrant campaign that combines a raft of measures aimed at restricting immigration with a far-right discourse that blames immigrants for all economic and social ills. Quebecs establishment is also unanimous in its support for the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, Washington and Ottawas provocations against China and the genocide being waged by Israel, Americas attack dog in the Middle East, against the Palestinians. As part of his attempt to appease Trump, Legault is urging Ottawa to follow through on Trumps demands for a massive increase in military spending. He observed that NATO has set itself the objective that all its member countries spend 2 percent of their GDP on defense, and deplored that Canada is lagging behind on this point. The Quebec Premier then called on Ottawa to demonstrate that it is serious about this issue, while pointing out that Quebec will also benefit, since we have several very successful companies in the field of Defense. Quebecs ruling elite and the Canada-US geostrategic partnership Since the start of the Second World War, Canadas military-strategic and economic partnership with the United States has been the cornerstone of its global position, and a source of profits, market access and influence for the Canadian bourgeoisie, including its Quebec wing. The Canadian and Quebec ruling elite, therefore, consider it essential that they help shore up US imperialist global hegemony, to which their own predatory interests are inextricably tied. Faced with Trumps threats to jeopardize this partnership, the main concern of the Canadian bourgeoisie, including both its Quebec federalist and pro-independence factions, is to negotiate the most advantageous possible position within Trumps Fortress America. But while Legault and his Quebec nationalist-autonomist CAQ are open to working with the federal government and the other provinces to conclude a revised Canada-US partnership under Trump, the more nationalist sections of the Quebec ruling class are looking to take advantage of the situation to conclude a separate agreement with Washington and promote Quebec independence. The Quebec separatist movement, which speaks for those sections of the Quebec capitalist class that believe they can best advance their interests through a capitalist Republique du Quebec, has always sought a direct alliance with Washington. In the 1980s, it strongly favored a free trade agreement between Canada and the US, calculating that this would serve to reduce the influence of Bay Street and Anglo-Canadian capital within Quebec and the reach of the federal state. During the 1995 referendum, its two principal spokesmenthen PQ Premier Jacques Parizeau and Bloc Quebecois leader and Parizeaus successor, Lucien Bouchardwere at pains to reassure Washington that an independent Quebec would be a member of NATO, NORAD and NAFTA, and a no less loyal junior partner than Ottawa. The current head of the pro-independence Parti Quebecois, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, responded to Trumps threats with a fury of reactionary nationalist rhetoric. He called on Legault to create a Team Quebec made up of representatives of all sections of the ruling class and wealthy middle classes, who have a common interest in protecting the Quebec economy, i.e., the profits of Quebec Inc. Then, seizing on Alberta Premier Danielle Smiths visit to Trumps Mar-a-Lago compound in Florida and her subsequent refusal to sign a joint statement of the countrys federal and provincial first ministers as a pretext, St-Pierre Plamondon loudly proclaimed that the interests of English Canada are incompatible with those of Quebec and demanded that Legault enter into separate negotiations with Trump. As a chauvinist and nationalist firebrand, St-Pierre Plamondon sets the tone for the anti-immigrant, xenophobic policies of Quebecs ruling class. Like Legault, he hasnt hesitated to endorse Trumps anti-immigrant and militaristic policies, claiming that the fascist and would-be dictator was right in saying that North America is poorly protected and that Canada has systematically failed to meet its obligations, both military and border-related, over the past decades. Quebec Solidaire provides political cover for the PQs turn to the far right by claiming that its nationalism is not intolerant and that its anti-immigrant rhetoric is part of a legitimate debate. Like the Parti Quebecois, QS has used Trumps threats to promote Quebec independence. The party argues that Ottawas lack of leadership in the conflict with Trump is a reason for Quebec independence and that an independent Quebec could better uphold its interests in a trade war with the United States. Having thrown off its progressive mask, the pro-Quebec independence movement is now explicitly basing itself on chauvinist nationalism and ethnic exclusivism. Its promoters, like the federalist faction represented by Legault and the Quebec Liberal Party, are willing to strike a deal with the fascist Trump to intensify militarism and attacks on immigrants and the working class as a whole. The corporatist union apparatus, which is rooted in nationalism and capitalism, fully supports the turn to trade war and the waging of imperialist war around the world. The president of the Quebec Federation of Labour, the provinces largest trade union body, summed up the reactionary response of the entire union bureaucracy to Trumps threats by pleading for a common front with business and political leaders to make the country stand up to Donald Trumps threats. This only confirmed the unions willingness to impose on working people the very measures demanded by the ruling class to keep Canada and Quebec competitive on the world market, and especially the US market under the second Trump administration. This means the gutting of tens of thousands of jobs, massive tax cuts for the rich and corporations, the dismantling of public services and sweeping attacks on workers democratic and social rights. Quebec workers, like those in the rest of Canada, the US and Mexico, have no interest in being drawn into a trade and military war in which they will be the main victims. Nor do they have an interest in supporting any reactionary agreements between Canada (or Quebec) and the US and Mexico, such as the USMCA or its predecessor NAFTA, which will always be dictated by the interests of the major banks and corporations. On the contrary, Quebec workers must unite with their class brothers and sisters across Canada, the US, Mexico and elsewhere, in the fight to defend jobs, public services and workers rights, and oppose imperialist war. This can only be done as part of a common struggle against capitalism and its outmoded system of rival nation-states, and for the establishment of the Socialist United States of North America. PHNOM PENH, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Air quality in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh and three provinces has declined due to an increase in PM2.5 inert particles in the air, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment said on Friday. Khvay Atitya, who is also an undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Environment, said Cambodia regularly monitored air quality in Phnom Penh and all provinces every year from December to April to detect PM10 and PM2.5 air particles. "Banteay Meanchey, Koh Kong and Siem Reap provinces and Phnom Penh capital city are in the red air quality index with an increase in the concentration of inert particles with a diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) in the air," he said. He added that the increase in the concentration of air pollutants in the atmosphere was related to climate change, which caused an increase in PM2.5 inert particles floating in the air. PM2.5 was produced by industrial factories, diesel-driven vehicles, forest fires, grass and agricultural waste burning, and rubbish and solid waste burning at construction sites, public areas and rubbish dumps, among others. The spokesperson also urged local authorities to take measures to help improve air quality by educating people not to burn trash, grass, plastic waste, agricultural waste, solid waste, and other materials in open spaces. BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) has filed a legal challenge with the General Court of the European Union against the European Commission's decision to impose five-year anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). In a statement, the CCCME said the lawsuit contests the European Commission's final ruling, announced on Oct. 29, 2024, which imposed definitive countervailing duties on EVs produced in China. The chamber is accusing the European Commission of violating the European Union's anti-subsidy regulations through wrongful practices and rulings during its investigation. Acting on behalf of relevant Chinese automakers, the CCCME will continue to defend the lawful rights and interests of China's EV industry via judicial proceedings, the statement added. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the supply of goods during the holiday season and measures in place to meet residents' daily needs while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) SHENYANG, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visited a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, on Thursday morning. During his inspection tour in Liaoning, Xi visited Dadong non-staple food market to learn about the supplies for the upcoming Spring Festival. At the market, children were delighted to see Xi and eagerly offered him the candy they just bought. "I'm glad to accept your candy. You are the hope for our future. Eating your candy fills my heart with sweetness, and I hope your lives will be as sweet as candy," Xi said. The Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year, is the most important traditional holiday in China and an occasion for family reunions. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the supply of goods during the holiday season and measures in place to meet residents' daily needs while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the supply of goods during the holiday season and measures in place to meet residents' daily needs while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the supply of goods during the holiday season and measures in place to meet residents' daily needs while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the supply of goods during the holiday season and measures in place to meet residents' daily needs while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people while visiting a food market in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2025. Xi on Thursday inspected Shenyang. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Friday said that one year ago, China and Nauru had decided to reestablish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level on the basis of the one-China principle. Since the resumption of diplomatic relations, China-Nauru relations have shown robust momentum with fruitful results. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on the development of China-Nauru relations, as Friday marks the one-year anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries. "The exchanges between China and Nauru at all levels have become increasingly close," Mao said. She noted that Nauruan President David Adeang had paid a successful state visit to China in March 2024. Also, last September, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had met with Nauruan Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, said Mao, adding that in December 2024, Speaker of the Nauru Parliament Marcus Stephen had led a delegation on a visit to China. "Within a year, all the cabinet ministers of Nauru have visited China," she said. In addition, Mao noted that pragmatic cooperation between the two sides is in full swing in various fields. She mentioned that the Chinese side supports Nauru in purchasing cargo ships to ensure the supply of materials to Nauru, and that new energy buses produced by Chinese enterprises have helped Nauru achieve its energy-saving and emission-reduction goals. The medical team of China's Brightness Action program has delivered assistance to cataract patients in Nauru, Mao said, while adding that people from all walks of life and students from Nauru have come to China for both study and training purposes. "An increasing number of Nauruan citizens are experiencing the benefits of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nauru," said Mao. The rapid development of China-Nauru relations clearly demonstrates that establishing and developing ties with China on the basis of the one-China principle is where global opinion trends and the arc of history bends -- serving the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, she stated. Mao said China is willing to work with Nauru to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, further consolidate political mutual trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation, and continuously achieve new developments in bilateral relations, benefiting the two peoples. "We also believe that an increasing number of countries will make the right decisions in line with the trends of the times," Mao concluded. ANKARA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police have arrested 71 suspects over their alleged ties to the Gulen movement, according to the country's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya on Friday. The suspects were arrested during recent operations across 23 provinces, including Istanbul, western Izmir, Balikesir, and southern Adana and Hatay provinces, Yerlikaya said, without specifying the timing of the operations. The raids, conducted by provincial police departments and intelligence officers, also seized dozens of organizational documents and digital materials, he said. The suspects were wanted for serving the Gulen network still active in Turkiye. They communicated with each other using payphones and utilized ByLock, an encrypted messaging app developed and used by the organization, he added. The suspects also include convicted fugitives and those who were named in testimonies as part of investigations against the Gulen network, according to the Turkish minister. The Gulen movement, once led by Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, who passed away in October 2024 in the United States, has been accused by the Turkish government of masterminding a coup attempt in 2016, which resulted in the deaths of over 250 people. (Elana Marie / De Los; Sundance) From first-time features by emerging U.S.-based talent to a star-studded production to a new look at one of the most beloved Mexican American music artists ever, the Latino films premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival (which kicks off Thursday) offer a look into the future of stories about distinct Latino groups in this country, while also showing us a glimpse at new voices from Latin America. Below, you'll find a list of seven films to keep an eye out for. 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' A musical reimagining of Manuel Puigs novel, this high-profile title features Mexican star Diego Luna as Valentin, a political prisoner during Argentinas Dirty War who develops an intimate connection with a fellow incarcerated man named Molina (newcomer Tonatiuh). Jennifer Lopez plays the titular spider woman. The source material had previously been adapted for the screen in the 1985 movie by late Brazilian director Hector Babenco (which received four Oscar nominations), set during Brazils military dictatorship. Dreamgirls director Bill Condon spearheads this new take. 'Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo)' Dominican American filmmaker Joel Alfonso Vargas debut feature follows Rico (Juan Collado), a Bronx teenager who makes a living selling homemade alcoholic cocktails on the beach. But that hustle wont be enough now that his girlfriend Destiny (Destiny Checo) is moving in with him and his family. Working with a cast of fresh faces, Vargas, a Bronx native, mixes scripted scenes and moments of improvisation in the pursuit of authenticity. Vargas, it seems, aims to depict this specific Latino community not as an outsider but as someone with strong ties to the places and people hes putting on screen. 'Magic Farm' El Planeta, a Spain-set, black-and-white portrait of a mother and daughters warped relationship, introduce the irreverent and piercing humor of Argentine-born artist Amalia Ulman. Her sophomore effort takes her to South America via a culture-clash narrative following an American crew traveling to profile an Argentine musician. Their ineptitude complicates the journey, elucidating misconnections and cross-cultural exchanges. Ulman worked with a cast of American and Argentine actors, including Chloe Sevigny and Valeria Lois, in what promises to be a deeper dive into her singular worldview. 'Rains Over Babel' Described as psychedelic and a steampunk fever-dream by festival programmers, this Colombian debut from writer-director Gala del Sol unfolds inside a one-of-a-kind bar called Babel where an ensemble of audaciously memorable queer characters, each confronting their own personal baggage, have encounters with Death incarnate: an entity known as La Flaca. This boundary-pushing vision, inspired by Dantes Inferno, appears vibrant and colorful in more ways than one. As far as Latin American queer stories go, Del Sols entry could prove to be truly unlike anything else weve seen on screen before. 'Selena y Los Dinos' What else can be said about an icon whose life, career and image have already been so intensely mined? Filmmaker Isabel Castro (Mija) dares to offer a new look at the rise and short-lived glory of the now legendary Tejano artist Selena Quintanilla, as well as her siblings and parents, who made music their family business. The documentary features previously unseen footage, but whats most intriguing is whether Castro, a nonfiction storyteller focused on Mexican American narratives, will be able to do something distinct with the material considering the protective Quintanilla clan served as executive producers. 'Serious People' Back in 2023, the Mexican American filmmaking duo Cliqua comprised of Pasqual Gutierrez and Raul Sanchez debuted the short film Shut Up & Fish, which revolved around the Edgar haircut popular among young Latino men. Now the two star together in a quasi-autobiographical fiction about Pascual, a music director on the rise who is about to become a father. As the demands of these two facets of his life become overwhelming, he decides to hire a doppelganger to take over his professional commitments. But the results are less than ideal. Gutierrez co-directs this feature debut with Ben Mullinkosson. 'The Virgin of the Quarry Lake' Marking the first time the terrifying short story by acclaimed Argentine author Mariana Enriquez has been adapted for the screen, this coming-of-age narrative is set against the seismic economic crisis that afflicted Argentina in the early 2000s and tracks a troubling romantic entanglement between a group of teenagers. Among them, Natalia (Dolores Oliverio), the adolescent protagonist insecure about an older girl getting the attention of the boy she likes, begins to explore her growing carnal desires while tapping into the otherworldly. The premise points to what could be an intriguing take on familiar tropes. Get our Latinx Files newsletter for stories that capture the complexity of our communities. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. PARK CITY, UtahReimagining Cinderella as a horror-comedy about the misery women endure to be attractive in the hopes of catching mens eyes, The Ugly Stepsisterwhich just premiered at the Sundance Film Festival assumes an alternate POV and piles on the gore, but says merely muddled things about vanity and misogyny. As a crude plastic surgeons sign overtly announces, beauty is pain in this fairy tale, and young Elvira (a captivating Lea Myren) is more than willing to stomach it so long as she has a shot at royalty. Alas, what she learns is a rather obvious and pedestrian lesson, if one thats embellished with a few memorably macabre sights. In a distant land, Elvira, her sister Alma (Flo Fagerli), and their mother Rebekka (Ane Dahl Torp) arrive at the manor house of Otto (Ralph Carlsson), whom Rebekka is set to marry. Otto has a lovely blonde daughter named Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Nss) who doesnt look too kindly upon her stepmother and stepsiblings, and her fortunes take a nosedive when Otto suddenly dies on his wedding night, leaving her at the mercy of her new relatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Rebekka, however, the real tragedy isnt the loss of her sugar daddy but the revelation that he was penniless. As a result, she eagerly humors Elviras fantasies of marrying local Prince Julian (Isac Calmroth), whose book of poetry she religiously reads when not clutching it to her bosom and indulging in fantasies about him sweeping her off her feet to transport her into a future of wealth, romance, and bliss. Elviras problem is that shes the title character of The Ugly Stepsister: Her complexion is blotchy, her hair is a mess, and her teeth are encased in unsightly metal braces. Thanks to her fondness for cakes, she also has a supposedly doughy figure, although the evidence on display in an early nude scenein which she inspects her body, unflatteringly, in the mirrorseemingly contradicts this portrayal. Nonetheless, Norwegian writer/director Emilie Blichfeldts point is clear, and it continues to be so as Elvira is put through the surgical makeover grinder. To combat her weight, a finishing school headmistress (Cecilia Forss) has her ingest a tapeworm. To deal with her smile, her braces are removed with giant metal pliers. And to correct her imperfect profile, her nose is broken with a hammer and pick, leaving her with a swollen and bloodied proboscis that she covers with a metal snout affixed to her face via head straps, making her look like an iron-masked monster. The Ugly Stepsister. / Marcel Zyskind After Agnes is caught screwing the stableboy in the barn (complete with close-ups of his erect member and its gooey ejaculate), shes officially consigned to serve as the households domestic Cinderella. Elvira, meanwhile, suffers the slings and arrows of her dance instructor (Katarzyna Herman) and eats whatever she can find to satisfy her constantly gurgling stomachthe byproduct of the tapeworms insatiable appetite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its all quite ghastly and Blichfeldt drenches it in a wispy haziness that complements the actions sense of lavish decay. An early pan across a dinner table thats decorated with flowers, feathers, and candles, and which ends with the sight of Ottos dead face, sums up the films gone-to-seed aesthetics, as well as the underlying corruption of this voracious milieu. In its Grand Guignol depiction of Elviras painful cosmetic ordeal, The Ugly Stepsister appears to think its being funny, yet theres little actual humor to its tale, which more or less follows Cinderellas narrative template. The tweaks to that formula include Cinderellas mother serving as her fairy godmother and her blue dresstorn to shreds by a mad-with-jealousy Elvirabeing repaired by maggots instead of silkworms. A variety of other touches similarly contribute to its off-kilter squishiness. At the same time, Elviras early forest encounter with Prince Julian and his buddies indicates that he might not be the ideal hunk she imagined, what with him telling his pals that he has no preference when it comes to his women being virgins or whoresand that the castle is out of butter because hes been busy using it as a sexual lubricant. While Myrens Elvira isnt blind to the appalling nature of her circumstances, shes so zealously consumed with fulfilling her dream that shes prepared to go to any lengths to achieve it. This, along with the grisliness of her transformation (which additionally involves stitching fake lashes onto her eyelids), is Blichfeldts way of slamming the beauty industrial complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frustratingly, though, the writer/director doesnt grapple with the fact that women of this era and culture had scant opportunities for self-sufficiency and, thus, options other than to court marriagea fact that gets in the way of the films censure of Elviras focus on her exterior. Moreover, it says nothing about the fact that Cinderella, per tradition, winds up with Prince Julian despite his well-dramatized loutishness. The problem, it seems, is that theres no way to fully transform Cinderella into a feminist critique if Cinderella still gets her customary happily-ever-after; so long as her beauty and goodness (which are equated) win the day, how wrong can Elvira and her compatriots be for thinking that using their physical attributes to woo (awful) men is the surest path to money, comfort, and love? Elvira pouts, fumes, and mutilates herself in a vain attempt to get what she wants, and Blichfeldt certainly damns Rebekka for perpetuating a paradigm that leads only to self-destruction and misery. Yet because the films arguments about sexist standards are apparent from the start and simply reiterated in ever-nastier forms, theres a depressing lack of surprise to the proceedings. Its just a waiting game to see how far The Ugly Stepsister will push things. The answer, it turns out, is reasonably far, and at least its revolting final set pieces bring its themes to memorable life. Classic fairy tales are rife with bad examples and even worse messages, especially for young girls, but The Ugly Stepsister never fully reckons with the core rot of Cinderella and its ilk. Uninterested in confronting all its source materials gender and beauty-related assumptions and conclusions, its a modern riff thats content to stay on the surface. Viewers are curious to know where they can watch the Togo dog movie, which has been taken down from Disney+. Directed by Ericson Core, the movie centers around a musher, Leonhard, who adopted and raised a weak Siberian husky. Upon rigorously training him, he goes on to become the savior of Nome, Alaska by delivering the live-saving serum during the 1925 serum run. With the movie being lauded for its exciting narrative and great performances, many are eager to know about its current availability on any digital platform. Here are the details. Could you watch the Togo dog movie online legally? No, the Togo dog movie is currently not available to watch or stream online on any streaming platform. Togo was originally released on Disney+ on December 20, 2019, after facing a weeks delay. However, after being on the streaming giants rack for almost five years, it was unfortunately removed in the wake of Disneys content purge. It led to the removal of a large number of titles, not just from the platform but also from its other streaming homes like Hulu and National Geographic. With several titles eliminated from its original service, its unlikely to be available on any other digital platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disneys recent move to cut costs involves removing several under-watched titles, and Togo appears to be one of them. The movie might not be getting enough viewership to justify its availability on the platform, which incurs costs. In the U.S., currently, the movie is not available on any other streaming platform. The only way fans can savor its content is via YouTube. The audience can find several channels consisting of trailers, movie scenes, reviews, numerous theories, and movie-related true stories on YouTube. The movies cast is led by Willem Dafoe as Leonhard Seppala. Other cast members include Julianne Nicholson, Christopher Heyerdahl, Richard Dormer, and others. The post Where to Watch Togo Dog Movie Online After Disney+ Removal appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Fijis national airline, Fiji Airways, has added two ATR 72-600 aircraft to its fleet, enhancing connectivity in the South Pacific and across Fiji. The first plane arrived on December 29, 2024, and the second on January 5, 2025. The new airplanes are part of a plan to improve domestic capacity, especially in Northern Fiji. The ATR 72-600 better connects the islands Nadi, Fiji James Coleman via Unsplash Fiji Airways new ATR 72-600s are regional aircraft powered by twin turboprops, with seating for 68. Theyre known for excellent fuel efficiency and a low carbon footprint. In addition, they can handle arduous airfields with extreme temperatures, short runways, and more. The airline will mostly use the ATRs on regional routes to the Northern and Western Divisions of Fiji. With time, the carrier plans to add more of them, to serve essential routes to Labasa and Nadi-Suva. The new planes are part of Fiji Airways strategy to expand its Nadi hub with improved passenger options, especially on connections between domestic and international destinations. Fiji Airways CEO and Managing Director Andre Viljoen said: These two new ATR aircraft are a significant investment in Fijis domestic connectivity. They are an important part of our commitment to providing comfortable and efficient travel options for our passengers and offering greater connectivity between our islands. This fleet expansion will also help us continue to meet the growing demand for domestic travel, ensuring that we can provide increased capacity where its needed most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new ATR 72-600s will fly the following routes (via Fiji Airways): Regional NAN-TBU (Nadi-Tongatapu) NAN-VAV (Nadi-Vavau) SUV-FUN (Suva-Funafuti) NAN-FUN (Nadi-Funafuti) NAN-VLI (Nadi-Port Vila) Domestic NAN-SUV (Nadi-Suva) NAN-LBS (Nadi-Labasa) SUV-LBS (Suva-Labasa) The post Fiji Airways enhances connectivity with these new aircraft appeared first on The Manual. I am prepared to risk it all by admitting that I enjoyed Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. There it is. The 2008 film didnt get the best reception because of its overdone CGI and unlikeable characters. But the storyline -- centered on a mysterious, elongated skull from Peru -- grabbed me. Crystal skulls are some of the most fascinating, strange mysteries out there. They arrived on the archaeological scene in the 19th century, most without stories or context attached. For many years, no one knew who made them or why. But in the early 2000s, they were proven to be fakes, so why do museums still bother to display them? Where it all began Our story begins in January 1924. The sound of cutting, cracking and enthusiastic voices interrupted the stillness of the jungle in British Honduras (now Belize). A group of local Mayan descendants, a teenage girl and her dear Papa were searching for something. The father, Frederick Mitchell-Hedges, was on a mission to fulfill his dream of becoming a world-renowned archaeologist after leaving his Wall Street job. And Anna, his protege and adopted daughter, wanted to make a name for herself in the field as well. Frederick Mitchell-Hedges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somewhere in the bush was a lost city called Lubaantun, or the place of fallen stones in ancient Yucatek Maya. The site was occupied from 730 to 890 AD. At first, it did not look like much, with stones scattered everywhere and the ruins of pyramids. But it would become the epicenter of a phenomenon that took the world by storm. On finding the ruins, young Anna took this chance to explore for herself without the supervision of her father. While peering through a crack in a sunken temple, she saw a small shiny object glistening in the sliver of sunlight. Risking the unstable ruins, she ventured into the dark and uncovered a skull. Not just any skull. Rather, it was a life-size skull of pure, clear quartz (13cm high, 18cm long, and 13cm wide.) This was her ticket to fame, and the skull soon became known as the Mitchell-Hedges skull. Frederick and Anna Mitchell-Hedges. Photo: The History Blog A supernatural object? The discovery overjoyed their Mayan guides. Supposedly, it had been missing for centuries and was a big part of their heritage. According to local legends, the skull was a crystallized likeness of a beloved and powerful high priest. To preserve his powers, they crafted the skull after him, believing that his essence could be transferred into the skull. Those in possession of the skull could will death on his enemies. The most important rule was, dont look into its eyes. It will drive you mad or even kill you. Curiously, the locals gifted Frederick and Anna the skull as a thank-you. Since then, the skull has been credited by New Agers, shamans, and UFO enthusiasts as the key to hidden knowledge and unlocked psychic abilities. They nicknamed it the Skull of Doom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skulls were not uncommon in Mesoamerican cultures. They played a big role in the religious, social, and artistic lives of the Maya and Aztecs. It symbolized both life and death and was mostly associated with human sacrifice, rebirth, and appeasing the gods. Skulls continue to be a major symbol of Mexican cultural practices. An art restorer named Frank Dorland studied the skull to estimate its value. He determined it was thousands of years old, even older than the site itself. He believed it was carved out of a chunk of quartz, rubbed together, shaped, sanded down, and polished with diamonds for 150-300 years, the time it would take to make it so clear. Anna Mitchell Hedges later in life, with her precious crystal skull. Photo: Crystalskull.com Where it gets weird You would think that such a discovery would have made Anna and Frederick famous as soon as they got back to civilization. Wrong. It wasn't until the 1940s that the skull went public. So why wait? Unless the pair was hiding something. After her father died in 1959, Anna went into full-on marketing mode. She began to promote events in which patrons could -- for $5 admission -- view the skull, feel its power, and hear about that life-changing find in the jungles of Belize. First red flag! The 1960s and 1970s were the perfect time to start such a venture, as spirituality and New Age exploration were at their peak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you check out Frederick's autobiography titled Danger My Ally, you'll see that it does not mention Anna's discovery at all. Youd think that Frederick would have raved about the skull or at least made its discovery public. Rather, there is only mention of acquiring a skull, saying: It is at least 3,600 years old and according to legend was used by the High Priest of the Maya when performing esoteric rights. When the High Priest willed death, with the help of the skull, death inevitably followed. It has been described as the embodiment of evil. I do not wish to try and explain this phenomenon.... No mention Why is there no mention of Anna and her find? Let's look at Frederick Mitchell-Hedges. He was a restless man working in the finance sector, trying to build wealth for himself in London and Wall Street in New York City. Deep down, however, he yearned to be an archaeologist, particularly one who was well respected in the academic community. Mitchell-Hedges left his well-paying job after saving up 4000 and became a full-time explorer. He had somewhat of a reputation, getting into relationships with wealthy women so he had access to funding for his expeditions. He even claimed that he found artifacts from Atlantis. Surely, such a person would have spoken about this crystal skull. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, records from the Sotheby's, published in the British journal Man, show a skull -- reputedly an artifact from Mexico -- went up for auction in 1936. The buyer was none other than Mitchell-Hodges. It seemed that he bought the skull, and the whole story of its serendipitous discovery was apocryphal. The truth comes out When Anna was confronted with this information, she stated that her father ran into financial trouble and received a loan from an art dealer named Sydney Burney after Mitchell-Hedges gave him the skull as collateral. However, Burney double-crossed him and put it up for auction. Yet in a letter to his brother in 1943, Mitchell-Hedges suggests that the crystal skull was, in fact, a purchase: The "Collection" grows and grows and grows. You possibly saw in the papers that I acquired that amazing Crystal Skull that was formerly in the "Sydney Burney Collection." It is fashioned from a single block of transparent rock crystal, exactly life-size; scientists put the date at pre-1800 BC, and they estimate it took five generations passing from father to son, to complete. It is anthropologically perfect in every detail, a superb piece of craftsmanship. There is only one other in the world known like it, which is in the British Museum and it is acknowledged to be not so fine as this. The matter was eventually put to rest in the 1970s when curious researchers from Hewlett-Packard's laboratories took up Dorland's suggestion to analyze it. Though the lab's technology could not determine its age, it did find signs of metal drills used on its teeth. Anna did not hesitate to take the skull back and refuse any more scrutiny. Anna's later years Anna married a man named Bill Homman and they toured with the skull until she died in 2007. Homman became its owner and he took the skull to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. for analysis. However, it did not have the answers he was looking for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jane Walsh, the main researcher behind the tests, found some interesting details. X-ray and electron microscope scans revealed polishing and tool marks consistent with 19th and 20th-century techniques, particularly those associated with rotary tools and abrasives, most likely with a diamond head. Therefore, this was most likely made in the 1930s. Smithsonian Skull. Photo: James Di Loreto/NMNH Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ancient civilizations, including the Maya and Aztecs, lacked the technology to carve such precise and smooth shapes from hard quartz. The fact that some skulls displayed features like perfectly symmetrical teeth suggested they were produced much more recently than claimed. Yet...this skull is on display for its expert craftsmanship rather than its historical accuracy. It's now apparent that the elaborate tale of Anne finding the skull deep in a cave in a jungle in Belize was made up from start to finish. The inconsistencies in her story, conveniently bending the details of her fathers purchase of the skull from an art dealer in London in the 1940s and the lack of records of having been in Belize in 1924 in the first place all point to an elaborate con job. Other skulls turn up The Mitchell-Hedges Skull is not the first such quasi-treasure. They've been around since the 1800s. The British Museums crystal skull, often referred to as the Mittler Skull, was acquired in 1897 from a collector named Eugene Boban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A French antiquities dealer, Boban claimed that it had been discovered in Mexico. Most likely, he lied about its age to get more sales. He said it was found in an ancient Aztec or Mayan tomb. Others linked it to the broader lore surrounding pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures. However, the lack of solid provenance and the skull's highly polished surface has led many researchers to question its authenticity as a genuine artifact. British Museum skull craftsmanship. Photo: Rafa Chagasiewicz/Wikimedia Commons When Dr Jane Walsh received another skull in an anonymous package, she couldn't help but analyze it. This one was not life-size but very large, around 31 pounds. It was not an accurate human skull but had more decorative embellishments. She enlisted the help of British Museum scientist Margaret Sax to help her compare the two skulls. After rigorous tests, she said: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British Museum scientist Margaret Sax and I examined the British Museum and Smithsonian skulls under light and scanning electron microscope and conclusively determined that they were carved with relatively modern lapidary equipment which were unavailable to pre-Columbian Mesoamerican carvers... The British Museum skull was worked with hard abrasives such as corundum or diamond, whereas X-ray diffraction revealed traces of carborundum (SiC), a hard modern synthetic abrasive, on the Smithsonian skull. Investigation of fluid and solid inclusions in the quartz of the British Museum skull, using microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, shows that the material formed in a mesothermal metamorphic environment equivalent to greenschist facies. This suggests that the quartz was obtained from Brazil or Madagascar, areas far outside pre-Columbian trade networks. Conclusion So, where does this leave us? They're fake, yes. But you can't help but admire the craftsmanship and beauty of the pieces. In a way, its creators got what they wanted: fame of a sort. Jan. 23"Until There is Nothing Left to Forgive" is an experience of illustrations, songs and memory created by internationally acclaimed artist Zahra Marwan and renowned soprano and songmaker Tara Khozein. The tea party-concert-art show is an exploration of Marwan and Khozein's Persian heritage and their exchange of memories through conversations and writings that have resulted in a collection of paintings and songs. "In Kuwait or in Persian culture, people always serve tea in social events, or it's really common, even when visiting someone, and it's really thick and dark and small and vibrant and good," Marwan said. "So we thought we would include that in this collaboration with a traditional (samovar) teapot, which is originally Russian, but has made its way into our cultures for hundreds of years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The setting will feature chairs assembled like a traditional Middle Eastern home, which will allow for reflection during the two overlapping 80-minute events at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Harwood Art Center. "(The show is) reflecting on what's been taken from us in various ways, or why our languages have become broken, or why our families had to leave for the reasons that they did, or what it means to hold on to the little things that we still have," Marwan said. She illustrates her journey and that of her family through her art. "I guess they left, like southwestern regions of Iran into Kuwait," Marwan said of her family. "There was a big migration to work as sea laborers in the early 1900s but then, this shift is what caused, like me personally, statelessness. Racist laws developed of who gets to be a citizen or who doesn't, and that's why I immigrated here in the late '90s." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marwan works in watercolor and ink on paper. Her artistic journey began in her early 20s when she moved to Paris and attended a fine art school. She later studied dance in her mid-20s. "(I) started chronicling these things, and then started chronicling larger ideas of what it means to be a Kuwaiti in New Mexico, and kind of just personally, drawing them and sharing them on social media," Marwan said. "And then, (I) was surprised that people were resonating with them. I made one book first about this experience, and I think it has done better than I could have dreamed." Her book, titled "Where Butterflies Fill the Sky," published in 2022, was named one of The New York Times/New York Public Library's 10 Best Illustrated Books, as well as NPR's Best Books of 2022. Marwan also was honored with an award by the United Nations Human Rights Commission for creating art that brings visibility to "statelessness, Indigenous groups and minority rights." "A translation just published in Arabic in Kuwait, which feels miraculous with all the censorship in place or the stigma around statelessness," Marwan said. "... (It) received an award from the United Nations for bringing visibility to minority issues. And it felt like a strange format to bring attention to something like this, a book of watercolors and lyrical text." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marwan and Khozein connected over their shared heritage. "I'm just such a fan of hers, like I really love her art, and I often kind of develop big artist crushes on people, and then somehow find ways of working with them," Khozein said. "It turned out that she was really open to doing that with me, and then we just kind of figured out this project together." Khozein describes the songs she wrote for "Until There is Nothing Left to Forgive" as theatrical vocal solos. "They're unaccompanied and I play a lot with surprise, with comedy, with storytelling, and with all of the different kaleidoscopic colors of the human voice that are sometimes beautiful and sometimes scary and sometimes ugly and sometimes really noisy," Khozein said. "I guess a lot of my interest in research with a voice is about somehow representing the voice, especially the female voice, as something that can be all of those things. So that's what I'm exploring in these songs through our shared memories too." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khozein's father and family are from Iran. She said an important part of her identity came from music her family played. "My uncle is a violinist and his uncle is a violinist," Khozein said. "He actually played this beautiful Iranian folk instrument called a kamancheh. And so there was just a lot of tea and a lot of sad violin songs in my childhood and adolescence. And I just always really connected to that." Qatar Airways will expand further into the Americas with two weekly routes beginning in the summer of 2025. The flights will embark from Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar, and connect to Bogota El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Colombia, before continuing on to Caracas Simon Bolivar International Airport (CCS) in Venezuela. A return trip from Caracas will fly direct to Doha. The flights will be available on Wednesdays and Sundays. Qatar Airways sets itself apart with these routes Bogota, Colombia Random Institute via Unsplash The new flights make Qatar Airways the only carrier offering direct trips from the Middle East to Columbia, and the sole Middle Eastern airline flying to Venezuela. The additions grow Qatar Airways Americas presence to 16 destinations, including New York City, Miami, Toronto, Sao Paolo, and Dallas. The flights will be aboard Boeing 777-200LR aircraft with 234 Economy Class seats and 42 Business Class seats. Bogota and Caracas are two of South Americas busiest cities, and these routes streamline access to the Middle East and beyond. Thatll complement the airlines existing network of more than 170 destinations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: The launch of flights to Bogota and Caracas marks a transformative moment for Qatar Airways and for travelers to South America. As the first airline to offer nonstop service from the Middle East to Colombia and the only Middle Eastern carrier flying to Venezuela, we are creating new opportunities to connect people, cultures, and commerce. Passengers can look forward to experiencing Qatar Airways world-class in-flight hospitality as we continue to reach new heights in long-haul travel with our second-longest flight into the Americas. These routes embody our commitment to pioneering travel experiences and redefining global connectivity with our award-winning service. The post Qatar Airways grows network with these South American destinations appeared first on The Manual. VROOMING AROUND: Vespa is doubling down on its lifestyle project introduced last June by kicking off retail initiatives worldwide. The brand is unveiling a range of pop-ups dedicated to the second chapter of its lifestyle project in key locations throughout the first quarter of 2025. More from WWD The first of such activations bowed this week at Paris Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysees department store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decked in icy tones to recreate a mountaintop landscape with a futuristic bent, the pop-ups mark the retail debut of the Vespa Snake capsule collection created to celebrate the Year of the Snake, according to the Lunar Calendar. The collection comprises the new limited-edition Vespa 946 Snake scooter launched this month, which features a shimmering white design inspired by snowy landscapes and snake-shaped decorations on the fenders and under the saddle, as well as a matching wardrobe. The latter comprises enveloping long puffer coats and patch-bearing bomber jackets, as well as tracksuits, denim pants and knits done in variations of white, from iridescent and pearly to optical and buttery. The Vespa 946 Snake scooter and a look from the Vespa Snake capsule collection. The Paris pop-up remains open through Feb. 5. A day before, Vespa will inaugurate the same concept at Milans Rinascente. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The roving pop-up format will then travel to Steffl in Vienna; Galeries Lafayette in Beijing; Vakko in Istanbul; Emquartier in Bangkok; Paragon in Singapore; Trang Tien Hanoi, Vietnam, as well as Plaza Indonesia, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Vespa pop-up at Paris Galeries Lafayette. As reported, parent company Piaggio Group last year banked on Vespa being not only a mobility brand but a lifestyle one, as Davide Zanolini, executive vice president of marketing and communication of Piaggio Group, told WWD in June. Vespa was catapulted to global fame by Audrey Hepburn riding on the back of Gregory Pecks scooter in the 1953 iconic movie Roman Holiday. The lifestyle push incidentally coincided with the launch of the brands seminal fashion collection, for which Vespa recruited an experienced team of designers, but Zanolini described it as a platform for experimentation across different fields. Before venturing into fashion directly, Vespa had orchestrated collaborations in the space previously, linking up with Emporio Armani in 2016; sneaker guru Sean Wotherspoon in 2020, and Dior in 2021. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Shanghai receives over 6.7 million inbound tourists in 2024 Xinhua) 09:34, January 24, 2025 Inbound tourists arriving by cruise ship watch a lion dance performance in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Aiping) SHANGHAI, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai recorded over 6.7 million inbound tourist trips in 2024, an 84 percent increase from the previous year, partly thanks to the country's loosening visa policies, local tourism authorities said Thursday. Overnight stays in Shanghai exceeded 6 million last year, an increase of over 80 percent year on year, with international tourists more than doubled to nearly 4.8 million, according to the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism. The Republic of Korea, the United States and Japan topped the list in terms of visitor source countries, each accounting for over 400,000 tourists to Shanghai. Meanwhile, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia were the top three source countries with the fastest-growing tourist numbers, said the administration. In particular, Shanghai recorded over 300,000 tourist trips from Thailand, marking a staggering year-on-year increase of more than 300 percent. The surge in inbound tourism is partly attributable to the continuous optimization of visa-free policies. To date, China has established comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreements with 25 countries, introduced unilateral visa-free policies for 38 countries, and implemented transit visa-free arrangements for 54 countries. Riding the wave of "China Travel," which has gained massive popularity since last year, many scenic spots in Shanghai have gone viral on global social media platforms. German tourist Paul Liehr visited Shanghai's Wukang Road during his Asian sightseeing tours. "The visa-free policy made my trip in China more convenient," he told Xinhua. Shanghai will facilitate its tourism services and promote its appeal to attract more inbound tourists, according to the administration. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) by Martina Fuchs GENEVA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- China plays a critical role in promoting gender equality on a global scale, with women being a key catalyst for economic empowerment, said the founder of the leading business community 100 Women @ Davos. "China is the world's second-biggest economy, it is so critically important for the world. There are amazing Chinese women in entrepreneurship that the world can learn from," Dr. Anino Emuwa told Xinhua in a recent virtual interview. The 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, which kicked off on Monday in Davos, Switzerland, brought together leaders from government, business and civil society, as well as scientific and cultural thinkers, under the theme "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age." 100 Women @ Davos is a community of female CEOs, leaders, and change-makers originally launched in Davos in January 2019 in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 to "ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership." "We need more collaboration with China," Emuwa said. "I would like to stretch out a hand to Chinese female entrepreneurs and have more of them as part of 100 Women @ Davos next year." "We must have collaboration and concerted efforts in three main areas: government policies, organization policies, and we need a change in behavior, attitudes, and unconscious and real biases," Emuwa said. According to the WEF's 2024 Global Gender Gap Index released in June, it will take 134 years to reach full parity, roughly five generations beyond the 2030 SDG target. It showed that mobilizing action, exchanging insights, fostering partnerships, combining forces to accelerate economic gender parity and delivering economic transformation, innovation and growth are key to reaching parity. "We believe that it's important to have the visibility and the voice of women included in global decision-making. This is so important because women are in the minority in terms of leadership," Emuwa said. "We do a lot of work in terms of advocacy and policymaking, and also with organizations that are focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion," she added. Jan. 23One of two teens who were accused of shooting and killing a man outside the Greater Dayton Recreation Center during an attempted robbery has been sentenced to more than a dozen years in prison. Kyree G. Whitaker, 19, was sentenced by Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Timothy O'Connell to 15 to 19 and a half years in prison, followed by two to five years of parole, and was ordered to pay a total of 7,169.63 in restitution. He received credit for 259 days already spent in jail, and at the time of writing was in the Montgomery County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitaker was charged along with William Lamont Brown Jr., 19, in the Jan. 12, 2024 death of Isaiah Murray, 20. The shooting was reported at 12:25 p.m. at the rec center at 2100 W. Third St. The report led to the center and nearby Roosevelt Elementary School to go on lockdown as police searched for the suspects. Whitaker was accused of displaying a firearm during a robbery of three men, according to an affidavit filed in Dayton Municipal Court. "Mr. Whitaker conspired with several other people to set up and complete the robbery. During the robbery, Isaiah Murray was shot and killed as a proximate result," the affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayton Police Maj. Brian Johns said previously that many shots were fired, and one round hit a window at the rec center. A 911 caller who said he was pulling into the parking lot when he heard gunshots said, "Somebody definitely got shot. It looked like the guy shot him, he went down and then the guy shot him again." An autopsy later determined that Murray died from a gunshot wound to the head. Brown was indicted on one count of murder and three counts of complicity to commit aggravated robbery, according to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court records. He is currently in the Montgomery County Jail, and is scheduled for trial on March 10. HARDIN COUNTY, Iowa One person is dead after a car and train collided in Hardin County on Thursday. According to an Iowa State Patrol crash report, at approximately 10:53 a.m. a collision between a train and Toyota Prius occurred on 290th Street between E Avenue and F Avenue. 2 Newton residents arrested for alleged mail theft spree The ISP said the Prius was traveling eastbound on 290th Street and failed to yield at a railroad crossing where a train was traveling northbound. The front of the train collided with the rear passenger side of the car, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the vehicle was life flighted to a Des Moines hospital where the driver later died. The drivers name is being withheld pending notification of family. Authorities have opened an investigation into the crash. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. STEPHENS COUNTY, G.A. (WSPA) One person was injured in a crash Friday morning near a high school in Stephens County. The Stephens County Sheriffs Office responded to White Pine Road near Stephens County High School in Toccoa in reference to a vehicle crash with injuries. Crash at Stephens County High School (Stephens Co Sheriffs Office) White Pine Road was closed while first responders investigated the crash according to deputies. School traffic was also rerouted to Sorrells Road due to the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after 8 a.m., deputies announced the scene was clear. One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, deputies said. The crash remains under investigation by the SCSO. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A Republican Senator wants to require every classroom in South Dakota to display the Ten Commandments. Sen. John Carleys bill passed with a 4-3 vote in a Senate Education hearing Thursday morning. Carley told KELOLAND News that he wrote the bill to restore the document thats been involved in the historical and traditional use in America for hundreds of years. Corn Palace could be getting a major change Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its time to bring it back and bring it out in the public square more, he said. Senate Bill 51 would require every classroom in the state to display the document on a poster no smaller than eight by 14 inches. The Ten Commandments must be the focus of the poster and in large, easily readable font. Carley asserts that America was founded on Judeo-Christian values and the Ten Commandments are a part of the nations history and should be displayed alongside other documents like the Constitution and Magna Carta. This document in particular has been used for so many different situations, whether its the formation of our law, whether its things that are within our statute of stealing or lying or murder, he said. Senate Education Committee Jan. 23 vote on SB 51. Democratic Sen. Jamie Smith, one of the three who voted against the bill, is concerned about the potential legal battle a bill like this could bring for the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a tight budget this year and were gonna try to make decisions that will have to be defended in court, Smith questioned. In June, Louisiana lawmakers passed a similar bill, however the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit claiming the law violated students First Amendment rights. The case went through multiple appeals, but in November, a federal judge ruled the law unconstitutional for five parishes involved in the lawsuit. Louisianas attorney general filed an appeal and additional arguments were heard as recently as Jan. 23 from a 5th Circuit Court judge. The law remains largely intact for now and 67 Louisiana schools are required to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, along with 17 other state attorneys general, filed an amicus brief and expressed support for the Louisiana law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith also noted his concerns for minorities and people of other religions if the bill were passed. I can only imagine if you have a faith thats not the same as others, or none at all, the questions that may arise, Smith said. The fact that the Ten Commandments have significant value in peoples lives is a good thing, I just dont think we should mandate that to be placed in every classroom in the state of South Dakota, Smith added. When asked about the concern for a religious document with statements like thou salt have no other gods before me in classrooms with students and teachers of varying faiths, Carley defended its use. He pointed to the Ten Commandments written on walls of the U.S. Supreme Court building and In God We Trust written on money as examples of religion present in public, government-funded spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think its forcing religion on anyone, Carley said in response. Instead, its recognizing that in the foundation of America, we did trust in God. New lawmakers have questions about mens prison Sen. Kyle Shoenfish, a Republican and Senate Education Committee chair, also voted against the bill. He pointed to the lengthy mandates the bill would place on South Dakota schools, including a second document to be displayed alongside the decalogue explaining how the Ten Commandments used to be in school textbooks and new curriculum requirements. Senate Bill 51 provides no funding for the costly and time consuming regulations that schools would have to comply with, Schoenfish said in an emailed statement to KELOLAND News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fiscal note added to the bill said the cost for each school district would vary, ranging from $.03 to $4, depending on the material used and districts current policies. However, Carley said multiple organizations have offered to donate the funds needed to print the document for all of the classrooms. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. DENVER (KDVR) Ten people were indicted by a Colorado grand jury for their alleged role in a 2024 drug trafficking ring. On Friday, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said the 10 people were allegedly involved in a drug trafficking ring that ran from Adams County to Prowers County between February and October 2024. The indictment listed the following defendants: Louie Gonzales Chester Gray Chelsea Hall-Chavira Joshua Hyatt Juan Mendoza Edward Monroe Asia Ralstin Carlos Robinson Dayla White Steve Yang The AGs office said those listed allegedly sold illicit controlled substances that included fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 8 arrested in drug bust in northern Colorado Some of the drugs were seized when police initiated traffic stops. The AG said officers found thousands of grams of illegal substances. According to the AG, the investigation recovered the following drugs: Over 13.5 kilograms of fentanyl and pills containing fentanyl Over 5.4 kilograms of methamphetamine 111.9 grams of heroin 167.3 grams of cocaine During one suspects traffic stop, Hyatt, in October 2024, police seized 1,471.5 grams of fentanyl, 2,017.3 grams of methamphetamine, 125.5 grams of cocaine and 86.8 grams of heroin. Illegal drugs like fentanyl are driving crime in our communities, hurting families and fueling the overdose crisis, said Weiser. By holding these traffickers accountable and keeping these dangerous drugs out of our communities, we can save lives in Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather The AGs office said the 10 suspects are facing various drug felonies, including conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. The passage of Utahs dual primary qualification system continues to reverberate through the Legislature 10 years after going into effect. This legislative session, two bills, one from each side of the aisle, are set to spark renewed debate over the long-term unintended consequences of the decade-old law, known as SB54. Primary Election Amendments, HB231, introduced by House Rules Chair Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, would create a runoff election process to address the large number of signature-gathering candidates that sometimes vie in primaries for party nomination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Candidate Nomination Procedures Amendments, HB232, introduced Rep. Andrew Stoddard, D-Sandy, would overhaul the states primary election process by pushing parties to abandon state nominating conventions in an attempt to limit the influence of partisan delegates. These electoral reforms join nearly a dozen other election-related bills that have been introduced since the Legislature gaveled in on Tuesday. But whereas most of these bills impact how voters cast their ballots, the legislation introduced by Teuscher and Stoddard would dramatically change how candidates get on the ballot in the first place. State House Speaker Schultz, R-Hooper, said on Thursday he is not aware of there being any bills this year attempting to repeal SB54, as there have been in previous years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Passed in 2014, SB54 preserved the states caucus-convention system by pairing it with an extremely high-threshold signature path to qualify for a direct primary. A woman places a ballot into the container as voters turn out to cast their primary votes at the Salt Lake County Library in Sandy on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Double the primary elections? Before SB54 became law, Utah voters could participate in primary elections only if state delegates failed to coalesce behind a candidate with 60%-70% of support during a state party convention. In such cases, the top two vote-getters from the convention would face off in a primary election managed by the state open to all party members. Since SB54 passed in 2014, Utahns have seen a large increase in the number of primary elections, as well as an increase in the number of candidates who qualify for primaries via signature gathering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has led to a number of high profile races in the deeply Republican state of Utah where the GOP primary nominee, and often the de facto general election victor, enters office after receiving a small plurality of support from their party. In 2020, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox won the GOP nomination with 36.2% of the vote in a four-way race, with former Gov. Jon Huntsman receiving 35%. In 2024, Utah 3rd District Rep. Mike Kennedy won with 38.8% in a five-way race, and Sen. John Curtis won with 48.7% in a four-way race. Some county commission races in recent years have seen candidates win with closer to 25% of the vote, according to Teuscher. This is what his bill seeks to resolve. A voter approaches a ballot drop box during primary election voting held at the Lehi Public Safety Building in Lehi on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Its really just saying, lets ensure that whoever gets elected has a majority of the support, Teuscher said. And they may not be your very first choice, but at some point, a majority of people voted for that person to represent them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it became law, Teuschers bill would provide for a runoff election if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in a primary. The runoff would be conducted six weeks after the primary election between the top two vote-getters in the same manner as a typical primary election but with just two names on the ballot. The bill carries a fiscal note of $100,000 in ongoing state funds for every even numbered year in which the Lieutenant Governors Office would be required to conduct a second round of primary elections. Fiscal analysts estimated the election reform could cost counties as much as $2.7 million in ongoing funds every even numbered year if they are all required to repeat their primary election processes for a statewide runoff race, though Teuscher expects the true dollar figure to be significantly smaller. Unlike past years, Teuscher said he has no plans to introduce a bill that would strengthen the convention system by making convention nominations binding if winners reach a high enough threshold of support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teuscher said he does not support a bill from Rep. Ray Ward, R-Bountiful, that would drastically reduce the number of signatures a candidate seeking nomination of a qualified political party must receive to appear on a primary ballot. But if such a bill were to pass, Teuscher said it would make runoff elections even more crucial. Ending the influence of conventions? Stoddard is unsure whether his 100-page election bill will exit Teuschers rules committee, but if it does, it would give lawmakers an opportunity to discuss whether the true legacy of SB54 has actually been to keep the caucus-convention system on life support as it becomes increasingly corrosive to Utah politics. What were seeing is a narrative being pushed by people who represent the more extreme views that our elections are rife with fraud, and I think thats a product of our convention system because we have a group of people who largely are not representative of the majority, Stoddard said. So I think we need to change the approach we have, not only to elections, but to nominations, hence the extremely large bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stoddards bill would scrap SB54s dual pathway primary process. Instead, political parties would be required to classify themselves as either a primary nominating party or a convention nominating party. The first designation would allow parties to advance a signature-gathering nominee to the general election with party affiliation intact. The second designation would allow parties to advance a convention-winning nominee to the general election but without any indication of party affiliation. Primary nominating parties could still hold state conventions to conduct party business but the results of a nominating vote would be purely symbolic and would not have the authority to place a candidate on the primary or general election ballot. The original goal for the bill was just to give our convention process less power, Stoddard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also aims to increase access to the ballot for candidates by cutting the signature thresholds in half for primary qualification from 28,000 to 14,000 in statewide races, from 7,000 to 3,500 in congressional races, from 2,000 to 1,000 in state Senate races, and from 1,000 to 500 in state House races. Stoddard is not optimistic that his bill will get the green light from his chambers Republican supermajority. Stoddard said he will consider it a win if his bill simply gets a committee hearing to broaden the conversation about election processes that are healthier for the states political environment. Convention systems, whether run by Republicans or Democrats, attract a vocal minority that tend to lean toward uncompromising ideological extremes, Stoddard said. Stoddards counterparts on the other side of the aisle understand this danger and the political pressure it puts on them, Stoddard said. If they could vote in secret, Stoddard believes, his bill would likely have a chance. Behind the scenes, Ive gotten a ton of support from Republican colleagues, Stoddard said. It takes a high amount of political courage to speak out against a system that controls your political future. 11 Investigates has learned from multiple law enforcement sources that teens between the ages of 13 and 15 that were allegedly involved in a gun store burglary in Bethel Park earlier this month have been linked to a second gun store burglary in Ohio this past weekend. Expert Outfitters in North Lima, Ohio was broken into on Sunday morning just before 7 a.m. The owner told 11 Investigates that the alert came in at 6:45 a.m. He said it was all captured on surveillance video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the three suspects were wearing masks and carrying backpacks. They pried open the bars on the front door and then shot the glass to gain access to the store. Once inside, they fired shots into the cases and cleaned out the guns. They got 23 firearms. The owner said they were in and out in 90 seconds. But sources said one of the suspects dropped an identification card or a piece of paper with his name or the name of a relative. The paper led investigators back to a house in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Sheraden that they had raided a week earlier after a similar gun store burglary in Bethel Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects shot their way into the store and got away with more than 50 guns. Police eventually tracked down 11 of the guns at a home in Sheraden. They also identified four teens between the ages of 13 and 15 as suspects. A juvenile judge in Allegheny County ordered two of them detained. Two others were released into the custody of their parents. Legal analyst Phil DiLucente said thats not uncommon in juvenile court. Theres a lot of things that are taken into consideration. Are they going to be on house arrest? Are they going to have parental controls? so this is part of the process, said DiLucente. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 11 Investigates reached out to juvenile court but its unclear if the two were placed on house arrest or just turned over to their parents. Sources said police are now investigating if one of the teens released after the Bethel Park burglary may have also been involved in the Ohio gun shop break in a week later. Later that same day, Investigators returned to that same house in Sheraden and found four guns from the Ohio gun store burglary. But, according to sources, more than 50 guns are still missing. I think its shocking, its disturbing, and I think its extremely concerning to the community, said Pittsburgh city councilmember Theresa Kail Smith, who lives in the West End. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To make matters worse, just last week, social media posts showed a group of teens walking around Sheraden, waving what appeared to be firearms. After calls to police, Investigators tracked down the teens and determined that they were toy guns. But the guns taken from stores that past two weeks are not fake. And Kail Smith said its time for action. One household is terrorizing that whole area, at least one household, but theres just a few households that are cause a lot of problems for the community and I think its more than time and beyond time that we have some type of response thats stronger for the community, said Kail Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources also told 11 Investigates that police identified 13 teens at that house in Sheraden, and in addition to the gun store burglaries, they suspect some of those same teens may have been involved in a rash of car thefts in the west end. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A DeKalb, Missouri, man will spend 11 years in prison after he drove into and killed another man who was doing work alongside a road in rural Platte County in 2023. Wesley William Teague pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated causing the death of another person and was sentenced in the case Thursday. This case is yet another tragic reminder of the dangers of drunk and drugged driving, Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said. A young man who was a husband, son, and father died because another person chose to drive a car after using marijuana and drinking. Theres no excuse for getting behind the wheel stoned or drunk, and its only right that this defendant was sentenced to more than a decade in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was using a string trimmer to cut grass in a ditch on Route M north of East Dye Road at about 6:45 p.m. on May 23, 2023, when Teague ran off the road and struck him. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. According to a press release from the Platte County prosecutors office, Teague smelled strongly of alcohol when he was arrested following the crash, and a breath test revealed his blood alcohol content was 0.128. Teague admitted to drinking two beers and using marijuana before the crash, the prosecutor said. A 12-year-old boy in Connecticut has been shot after throwing a snowball at a car, according to police. On Wednesday, Jan. 22, at approximately 7:15 p.m. local time in the area of Capitol Avenue and Park Terrace, Hartford, the young boy was shot at while with an 11-year-old, who wasn't struck by any bullets, Hartford Police Lieutenant Aaron Boisvert confirmed to PEOPLE. Boisvert said that the boy, who hasn't been named, was hit multiple times before being taken to Connecticut Childrens Medical Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lieutenant told PEOPLE the boy's injuries weren't life-threatening. On Friday, Jan. 24, Boisvert confirmed no arrests have been made as of yet, adding that it's a "very active investigation." The officer gave a news conference on Thursday, Jan. 23, confirming that the car "looped the block" to allegedly chase the kids before the shooting, per NBC News. Brad Horrigan/Hartford Courant via AP A photo of a Hartford Police car A photo of a Hartford Police car "It could have been a lot worse," he said, according to the outlet, which added that police aren't sure how many people were in the car. "[A] 12-year-old was with another juvenile, throwing snowballs, one of those snowballs hit a car, that car looped the block and chased the kids and fired rounds at the children," Boisvert told reporters in a clip shared by Fox 61 Connecticut. 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. According to CBS-affiliated local television station WFSB, police reportedly have video footage that could help amid the ongoing investigation. The outlet added that officers "are working to identify the car and whoever was in it." NBC Connecticut/Youtube A photo of the scene after a 12-year-old was shot in Hartford, Connecticut A photo of the scene after a 12-year-old was shot in Hartford, Connecticut Garfield Haylett, who said he was less than a block away cleaning up his restaurant when the child was shot, told the outlet, We cant have this happening in our community." "Its not good anywhere ... Why do we have to live like this? I dont understand it, he added. "To put bullets in a child, its really disturbing." Read the original article on People BEIRUT, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait's foreign minister and the head of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) arrived in Lebanon on Friday, offering pledges of solidarity and support as the war-ravaged nation seeks to restore ties with Gulf states and navigate an economic crisis. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Kuwait's foreign minister, met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun at Baabda Palace in Beirut, where he reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to aiding Lebanon across various sectors, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency. Al-Yahya stressed the importance of solidarity and called for the reactivation of joint committees to address Lebanon's mounting challenges. Joining Al-Yahya was Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the secretary-general of the GCC, who highlighted that the visit followed an extraordinary GCC session dedicated to addressing the crises in Lebanon and Syria. Albudaiwi emphasized the bloc's unwavering support for Lebanon's sovereignty, underscoring the critical need for regional and international collaboration. He also outlined a Gulf-backed development initiative aimed at supporting Lebanon's economic recovery, contingent on the implementation of key reforms. Aoun expressed gratitude for the support from Kuwait and the GCC, emphasizing the importance of Arab unity in overcoming the nation's challenges and reiterating Lebanon's commitment to strengthening ties with its Gulf neighbors. The visit by Al-Yahya and Albudaiwi follows a landmark visit on Thursday by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the first such visit in 15 years. These diplomatic engagements reflect Lebanon's efforts to strengthen ties with Gulf states as its new government faces mounting pressure from a lagging economy, deep political divisions, and the fallout from the recent conflict with Israel. Aoun was elected Lebanon's president on Jan. 9, filling the presidency left vacant for around two years due to deep political divisions. Days later, on Jan. 13, Aoun appointed Salam, the former president of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, as Lebanon's new prime minister and tasked him with forming a government. The developments are widely viewed as a sign of Hezbollah's waning influence in Lebanon, marking a potential shift in the country's political landscape. DES MOINES, Iowa Thirteen people made it out of a King Irving neighborhood home safely Friday morning after a fire was reported in the basement. Fire crews were dispatched to a home in the 1500 block of 13th Street around 8:54 a.m. after a neighbor smelled smoke and called 911, said District Fire Chief Brian Davis of the Des Moines Fire Department. Radcliffe woman identified as victim of deadly car-train collision Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were 13 people in the home who were able to get out but two cats and one dog did not survive the fire. Capt. Chris Clement of the DMFD said the high occupancy number was because multiple homeless people were being allowed to stay in the home. One room in the basement was affected by the fire but theres heavy smoke damage throughout the house. Capt. Clement said while there were space heaters in every room, it didnt appear a space heater was the cause of the fire. Investigators are looking into whether improperly discarded smoking materials started the fire. Polk County Emergency Management has reached out to the Red Cross to help the people who were staying in the 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 who13.com. ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WTNH) Fourteen veterans were honored on Thursday night in Rocky Hill, getting inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday News 8s Chief Meteorologist Gil Simmons a veteran himself hosted the event. The Hall of Fame recognizes former members of the U.S. armed forces from Connecticut who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make a long lasting impact in their communities after their military service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an honor it feels wonderful, Cicero B. Booker, jr. a marine corps veteran, said. If you would have told me this would happen to me in my lifetime, I wouldnt have believed it. But its happened. It feels amazing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Six Milwaukee-based companies are among the "most responsible" in the country, according to new ranking by Newsweek and Statista, an online data-gathering platform. Zurn Elkay Water Solutions was the Milwaukee and Wisconsin corporation to rank highest on the list, placing 28th out of 600 companies. In 2023, the clean water company donated $2.2 million to Milwaukee Public Schools to provide water filters for all district water stations for five years. The 600 companies on the list were selected from among the 2,000 largest publicly traded companies in the U.S. Each organization was assigned an environmental, social and corporate score to determine the ones with most positive global impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsweek and Statista also surveyed more than 26,000 U.S. consumers for the ranking, asking respondents to select and score companies familiar to them. Here are the Milwaukee and Wisconsin companies that made the list. ManpowerGroup job hub is open inside the Walmart in Sturtevant in Racine County What are the most responsible companies in Milwaukee? Of the 14 Wisconsin companies that made the ranking, six were in Milwaukee. After Zurn Elkay, ManpowerGroup was the next-highest ranking company in the city and state. Last fall, ManpowerGroup partnered with Walmart to pilot job hubs in its stores, including one at a Walmart in Sturtevant in Racine County. The other Milwaukee entrants on the list were Harley-Davidson, Manitowoc Co., Fiserv and Sensient Technologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Manitowoc was ordered to pay more than $40 million amid allegations the company imported and sold cranes with diesel engines that were not certified to comply with federal Clean Air Act standards. Here are the most responsible companies in Milwaukee, according to Newsweek and Statista. The list includes their overall ranking and the ranking within their industry: Zurn Elkay Water Solutions (No. 28 overall, No. 3 in capital goods) ManpowerGroup (No. 37 overall, No. 1 in professional services) Harley-Davidson (No. 215 overall, No. 6 in automotive and components) Manitowoc Co. (No. 227 overall, No. 23 in capital goods) Fiserv (No. 406 overall, No. 51 in technology) Sensient Technologies (No. 517 overall, No. 49 in materials and chemicals) Oshkosh Corp. displayed a robot garbage collector at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Which other Wisconsin companies made the list? Along with the Milwaukee-based companies, eight other Wisconsin companies made the list. The group includes Oshkosh Corp., which recently unveiled a trash-collection robot, and Generac, which launched a new series of home energy backup systems last fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other notable entrants include Regal Rexnord, which installed the escalator brakes that malfunctioned in June at American Family Field, and Racine-based Modine Manufacturing Company, which announced a new facility in Franklin this week. Top 10 most responsible US companies, according to Newsweek and Statista Here are the top 10 most responsible companies nationwide, per Newsweek and Statista's ranking: Merck (headquartered in Rahway, N.J., No. 1 in health care, life sciences and pharmaceuticals) General Mills (Minneapolis, No. 1 in retail and consumer goods) Illumina (San Diego, No. 2 in health care, life sciences and pharmaceuticals) Applied Materials (Santa Clara, Calif., No. 1 in technology) Tapestry (New York City, No. 2 in retail and consumer foods) HP (Palo Alto, Calif., No. 2 in technology) Mastercard (Purchase, N.Y., No. 1 in financial industry) NVIDIA (Santa Clara, Calif., No. 3 in technology) Hewlett Packard Enterprise (Spring, Texas, No. 4 in technology) Agilent (Santa Clara, Calif., No. 3 in health care, life sciences and pharmaceuticals This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What are the most socially responsible companies in Wisconsin? OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) 2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. We remember and honor those 168 who lost their lives on April 19, 1995, when a bomb went off in front of the Murrah building in downtown Oklahoma City. 168 Days to remember those lost in the OKC bombing: Jean Nutting Hurlburt. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum. We want to remember Jean Nutting Hurlburt, while honoring those who survived and thanking those changed forever. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Officials sentenced a 19-year-old man from New York to 18 months in prison on Thursday. The Montgomery County States Attorneys Office (SAO) said in a news release that Zhenyong Weng pleaded guilty on Tuesday to attempted theft and conspiracy to commit theft. Officials said that Weng targeted an 82-year-old victim in an attempt to secure $75,000 in the form of gold bars. That same victim had previously lost over $900,000 in gold bars to scammers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man tries to pass off as his twin to avoid arrest in Stafford County The Montgomery County Department of Police arrested Weng on July 15, 2024. Weng was sentenced to 10 years with all but 18 months suspended. This is an example of how woefully inadequate the Maryland State Sentencing Guidelines are in regard to the Gold Bar Scam. In this case, the guidelines were probation to six months jail time. The State asked for the maximum penalty, which would have been twenty years in prison. This international organized criminal activity is targeting seniors who have a very slim chance of ever recovering their money. We are seeing victims lose their life savings, said States Attorney John McCarthy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Two Charleston establishments were designated semi-finalists for prestigious culinary awards. On the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards, Chubby Fish and, Femi Oyediran and Miles White for Graft Wine Shop are up for awards. Outstanding Restaurant nominee Chubby Fish, which sits on the corner of Coming and Bogard streets, is spearheaded by Charleston native Chef James London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locals and visitors flock to the innovative seafood spot hours before opening, as the restaurant does not take reservations. Guests can dine on seafood from the raw bar, oysters, small plates like Triggerfish Tempura, or large plates like the chili garlic shrimp. Chef London was a finalist for the Best Chef: Southeast category in 2024. Owners Femi Oyediran and Miles White of Graft Wine Shop were nominated for a new award category: Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service. Graft Wine Shop sits at 700b King Street and offers various wine selections for sale with Tuesday tastings and a sample bar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oyediran said he discovered his passion for wine while working at Charleston Grill, according to the Graft website. He has won several awards for his sommelier excellence. White is a Charleston native with a family that has roots in the citys culinary scene. His mother, Callie White, is a caterer, and his sister, Carrie Morey, owns Callies Hot Little Biscuit. After 3 years of traveling and winemaking in Oregon and Australia, he moved to New York City to work for Danny Meyer, one of his biggest inspirations, at The Modern in the MoMA, Whites Graft profile states. Once he felt his time in New York was up, Miles returned to Charleston to work at FIG Restaurant while he opened Graft. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The U.S. Attorneys Office for D.C. said two D.C. men were sentenced to two years in prison for breaking into a Gucci store in Northwest D.C. and stealing handbags. The investigation revealed that on Sept. 9, 2024, at about 11 p.m., police saw a large group of people trying to break into the Gucci store at the 1000 block of I Street while it was closed. Video footage from inside the store showed the suspects kicking the doors and breaking into the store. The suspects were then seen taking handbags from the display stands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serial rapist faces 35 years in prison for string of DC attacks Police then went near the entrance of the store and saw the suspects inside. Officers then went into the store and approached the suspects, who attempted to leave. The suspects then went to the back of the store where they were arrested by police. On Nov. 19, 2024, Husan Thurston, 32, and Alton Pernell, 28, pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary. On Jan. 22, Thurston was sentenced to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Pernell was sentenced to 24 months in prison, with six months suspended, three years of supervised release suspended, and a year of supervised probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Two people have been killed and one other injured in a drone attack overnight on Jan. 24 targeting Kyiv Oblast, the regional military administration reported. A 36-year-old man was killed in the city of Brovary, just outside the capital Kyiv, when falling drone debris struck a 10-storey building. One other person, a 26-year-old man was injured in the ensuing fire at the residential building, sustaining superficial burns to his upper respiratory tract, the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere in the region, one person was killed when drone debris fell onto a home. No additional details were provided on the identity of the victim. The full extent of the damage to the residential structures was not immediately clear. Both fires caused by the attacks have been extinguished by emergency crews. Ukraine's Air Force warned throughout the night of the threat of Russian drone attacks on the capital. Air defenses operated throughout the night. Russia has ramped up the use of attack drones over the past year, regularly launching drones at various targets across the country, including Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian forces suspected of killing 6 Ukrainian POWs in Donetsk Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Two people from a local burglary ring have been indicted after stealing from over 100 local businesses in Portland, according to the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office. Courtney Carlile, 27, faces 35 charges, including first-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief and second-degree theft. Meanwhile, Josh Lucero was indicted on 50 charges, including first-degree theft, first-degree aggravated theft and first-degree criminal mischief. I-5 bridge project could face scrutiny from Trump administration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thefts have all taken place within the last six months, officials said. One of the businesses that was impacted was Artichoke Community Music, which is no stranger to break-ins, with the most recent one taking place in November. Guitar stores and music instrument stores are just soft targets. Theyre easy to fence. Theyre easy to just break in. Our security wasnt the best. Weve upgraded that thanks to a lot of help from our community. They gave us a lot of good donations, and weve really enhanced what we have. So I think were a lot more protected than we were, said Shelley Garrett from Artichoke Community Music. Just watching them come in here and look at everything was heartbreaking. Garrett says the local music business community is tight, and shes glad theres an update in this ongoing case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portland police say they are still investigating and are hoping to find more folks involved in the burglary ring the ring is believed to include more than 10 people. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLOMBO, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Two Sri Lankans have died and three are missing as of Friday due to natural disasters triggered by heavy rains, the country's Disaster Management Center (DMC) said. The DMC reported that more than 92,382 people from 27,733 families have been affected by the adverse weather conditions. The Meteorology Department warned that heavy rains exceeding 75 millimeters are expected in many parts of the country on Saturday. The government is taking all necessary steps to assist those affected by the extreme weather, the DMC added. NEWTON, Iowa Two people have been arrested in connection to a mail theft spree in Newton. According to the Jasper County Sheriffs Office, in early January residents in Newton reported having their mail stolen and that their credit cards and checks were being used at various places. On Tuesday the suspects, 32-year-old John Davis and 30-year-old Lauren Parkison, were spotted in a vehicle at an apartment complex in Newton. Parkison was taken into custody, but Davis fled from the scene, the sheriffs office said. Davis was later apprehended in an apartment at the complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Des Moines crossing guard accused of using strangers kids for GoFundMe campaign Davis has been charged with: Violation of No Contact Order Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Misdemeanor Third-Degree Theft Fifth-Degree Theft Six counts of Unauthorized Use of Credit Card Six counts Identity Theft under $1500 Six counts of Identity Theft over $1,500 to $10,000 Forgery Interference Possession of a Controlled Substance Two counts of Possession of Marijuana Possession of Drug Paraphernalia False Identification Parison has been charged with: Violation of No Contact Order Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Misdemeanor Second-Degree Theft Two counts of Third-Degree Theft Fourth-Degree Theft Fifth-Degree Theft Six counts of Unauthorized Use of Credit Card Seven counts of Identity Theft Under $1,500 Two counts of Identify Theft Over $1,500 to $10,000 Four counts of Forgery Interference Possession of a Controlled Substance Possession of Marijuana Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Iowa News: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Fraze Pavilion is continuing to release more performers for its summer 2025 concert series. At 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, The Avett Brothers, a folk rock band, will perform at the Fraze in Kettering. Skillet, a Christian rock band, is set to perform at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, with an unknown special guest. Apple Music lists Awake and Alive, Hero, Monster and others as songs Skillet are known for. The Avett Brothers are said to be known for I and Love and You, No Hard Feelings and Laundry Room, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tickets for both shows go on-sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. To purchase tickets, either click here or visit Fraze FanFare at 424 East Stroop Road in Kettering. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As Russias unconscionable war on Ukraine wears on, the local and global response to it has shifted from shock to fury to numbed despair and the already substantial library of documentaries made in response to it has likewise varied in focus and tenor. Two years ago, Ukrainian journalist and filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov premiered 20 Days in Mariupol, a bruisingly effective, ultimately Oscar-winning immersion into civilian panic and terror in the first weeks of the Russian invasion in 2022: a tough, in-the-moment watch, colored by raw trauma, but also a streak of fighting fury. Now, Chernov follows up that unrepeatable work with 2000 Meters to Andriivka an ostensible companion piece, as indicated by its similar numerical title, and another full-tilt, you-are-there plunge into the living hell of war, this time from the perspective of Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline. Like its predecessor, this is an angry, viscerally illustrative film but its a weary one too, occasionally narrating its first-hand view of military combat with the jaundiced sense of futility that comes with living through long-term conflict. Some of the soldiers whom Chernov follows into battle remain gung-ho about defeating the enemy, though others, like the filmmaker himself, voice fears that theres no end in sight. This war is a nightmare none of can wake up from, he says in voiceover, after a soldier admits to dreaming nightly about the very battles he fights in his waking hours. Once again produced by Frontline and the Associated Press and again premiering in Sundances world documentary competition Andriivka is a less tersely journalistic and more pensively devastating work than Mariupol: a film of its moment, and an agonizingly extended moment at that. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the title implies, the doc is structured around a physical objective Andriivka being a small village in eastern Ukraine that Russian forces occupied in late 2022. Its a remote location at the best of times; in these worst of times, its surrounded by vast minefields, and accessible only via a narrow strip of once-forested land that now resembles a cemetery for nature itself, crisscrossed with burnt-out tree trunks resembling giant used matches. This is the unforgiving route that the volunteer soldiers of Ukraines Third Assault Brigade must travel down in order to reclaim the village, for a seemingly short distance of 2000 meters (one-and-a-quarter miles, for the imperial-minded) that Russian fortification renders an arduous, deadly obstacle course. Stark title cards count down the remaining distance as the brigade accompanied by Chernov and fellow AP journo Alex Babenko, equipped with bodycams inch their way down this purgatorial path to freedom, often holing up in trenches as they await a go-ahead, gunfire rattling back and forth over their heads. In at least one upsettingly candid shot, a soldier dies before our eyes, while others are grievously wounded; even a doughty unit leader like Fedya, a 24-year-old former warehouse worker who describes his mission as to fight, not serve, is as vulnerable as the rest of them, at one point requiring hospitalization before plunging straight back into the danger zone. Amid the turmoil, Chernovs camera captures small, poignant character sketches of the Ukrainian men putting their lives on the line to potentially win back one patch of land. One muses drolly about the calming benefits of rolling cigarettes, while another observes that his time in the Ukrainian army has made him understand his wife better: I worry about her because she worries about me, and I see how much stress goes into that worrying. At certain intervals, Chernovs English-language voiceover jolts us out of the urgent present-tense action to inform the audience which of the men on screen have subsequently died, somewhat undercutting whatever progress is shown towards Andriivka. This staggered perspective eventually diverts the film from what had seemed a linear, mission-based structure. Following the death of Fedyas second-in-command, Chernov and editor Michelle Mizner bluntly flash forward to the soldiers funeral in his hometown 600 miles away a community by now all too accustomed to such ceremonies for slain young men. They say that heroes dont die, but they do, says the late mans partner despondently: A spirit of public pessimism is echoed by sampled news reports detailing the failures of Ukraines attempted counteroffensive in 2023, of which the battle for Andriivka is merely one component. When the brigade finally reach the village a ruined wasteland of rubble and ash theres nothing left to claim or save, but for one starved, frightened cat tenderly bundled by soldiers into a backpack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they declare one small, symbolic victory, some of the men are bullish about its implications for the wider cause but Chernov, again in voiceover, cant suppress his doubts, fearing dwindling momentum and the increasing indifference of the rest of the world, as newer global crises take headline precedence. 2000 Meters to Andriivka is a documentary both vigorous and exhausted, propulsive and petrified, with a prevailing tone of anxious fatigue encapsulated by one soldiers plaintive, barbed question: What if this war is until the end of our lives? For too many of his lost peers, it already has been. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) The 2025 RAGBRAI route will be announced this weekend. According to the RAGBRAI website, ahead of this weekends announcement, there will be a a party at the RAGBRAI HQ from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday night. On Saturday, the route announcement will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Prior to the announcement, there will be a virtual ride at 8 a.m. and the Iowa Bike Expo at the Iowa Events Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youd like to attend the announcement in person, you can purchase tickets online here. Otherwise, there will be an announcement of the route on a Facebook livestream scheduled to start at 7:45 p.m. on Saturday. 2025 University of Okoboji Winter Games kick off This years rides theme is Take Flight. The theme symbolizes the journey that every participant embarks on, according to the RAGBRAI website. Fitting into the Take Flight theme, the beneficiary of the RAGBRAI LII community fund is the Honor Flight Network. The Honor Flight program helps veterans visit memorials in D.C. and honor those who served before them, along with them, and after them. The 2025 ride will take place the week of July 19, ending on July 26. You can register for the 2025 ride here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 406 mile ride will take folks through Northern Iowa. Starting in Orange City then heading into Milford, then to Estherville and Forest City, then to Iowa Falls and Cedar Falls, then Oelwein and finally Guttenberg. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Its always big. Its always loud. Every year, Virginia International Tattoo is a flashy pageant of patriotism. And this years event honoring the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps and featuring talent from six nations is expected to be epic. The signature Virginia Arts Festival event plans to include a performance of the national anthem inspired by Whitney Houstons iconic rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner at the 1991 Super Bowl. It will feature music from the 1950s NBC television documentary series Victory at Sea, a rendition of composer John Williams Liberty Fanfare and dozens of dancers on stage at once as hundreds of musicians play songs from the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And thats just the first 15 minutes of the show, Scott Jackson, event director and producer, said at a Friday preview event. The traditional military-style tattoo, a musical event with military and civilian bands performing choreographed celebrations of patriotism, is April 24-27 at Scope arena in Norfolk. Over a dozen U.S. bands will be joined on stage by performers from Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway and the United Kingdom. International performing groups are: OzScot Australia Highland Dancers, from Australia Pipes & Drums of the Royal Caledonian Society of South Australia, from Australia Delta Police Pipe Band, from Canada Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums, from Canada Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band, from Japan His Majesty the Kings Guard Band and Drill Team, from Norway Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band of Northern Ireland, from the United Kingdom U.S. performers are: Camden County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Granby High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Hampton Roads Police Honor Guards Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band Norfolk Fire-Rescue Honor Guard Old Dominion University Concert Choir Tidewater Pipes and Drums U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band U.S. Navy Drill Team U.S. Marine Corps Band, Quantico U.S. Marine Corps FAST Company U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus Colin Warren-Hicks, 919-818-8139, colin.warrenhicks@virginiamedia.com ___ If you go When: April 24-27 Where: Scope arena, 201 E. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tickets: Start at $25 Details: vafest.org Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo discusses what's ahead for the Florida Legislature after a Capital Tiger Bay Club forum in Tallahassee on Jan. 24, 2024. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix) Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo has stoked speculations that he will run for governor in 2026, but said on Friday that if he does he would stick with the party that has been unable to climb out of superminority status. Despite Democrats waning political influence in a ruby-red Florida, the former prosecutor said he wouldnt consider running as an independent candidate, even after acknowledging voters without party affiliation sway elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 3.7 million Floridians fall into that category, whereas 4.4 million identify as Democrats and 5.6 million as Republicans, according to the Florida Division of Elections. It would have been easy for me to be a Republican in the state of Florida, Pizzo told reporters following a Capital Tiger Bay Fund forum in Tallahassee at which he discussed whats ahead for the Legislature and took pride in being labeled a centrist and moderate. The South Florida senator bashed Republicans for trying to out-MAGA each other but said his party has a socialism problem. This is traditionally the party of democratic values, of working middle-class people that try to provide equal opportunity but not equal outcomes. So, our party, folks sort of abuse it to the far left. The right has abused it. Theyve been in power for 30 years, and no ones life is really that much better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two state lawmakers in the House, Hillary Cassel and Susan Valdes, switched affiliation from Democrat to Republican in December. Democrats are set to elect leaders in Orlando on Saturday after their loss at the polls in November. Pizzo highlighted a need to focus on policy. Im not that critical of party leadership because its a job I would not want right now in this situation, he said. Others eyeing a 2026 gubernatorial run include Republicans Matt Gaetz and U.S. Rep Byron Donalds. Following reports that Gaetz might for the statewide office, Pizzo posted on X that he would kick his ass. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Twenty-two victims of the Los Angeles wildfires have filed a joint lawsuit against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), alleging that the department mismanaged water in their area and stymied rescue efforts. The suit, reviewed by Variety, was filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court. Amongst the 22 plaintiffs are reality TV stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, who lost their home in the Palisades fire, as well as Pratts parents and sister, who lost their houses as well. Each of the claimants is seeking to sue for inverse condemnation, alleging that the city caused their property damage through mismanagement of the water system. They are seeking unspecified damages including lost wages, legal fees, and the amount to repair or replace their homes. The lawsuit claims that the Santa Ynez Reservoir was "effectively out of commission" and awaiting repairs during the fires, which led to a lack of water for firefighters. "Hydrants in Pacific Palisades failed after three tanks each holding one million gallons of water went dry within a span of 12 hours," the suit alleges. It also claims that the city "designed the water system for public use such that it would not have enough water pressure to fight an urban fire." Related: 'Blues Brothers' Actor Killed at 95 by L.A. Wildfires Pratts parents, Janet and William, are included in the suit alongside his sister and former The Hills co-star Stephanie Pratt. The reality star has been vocal about his familys struggle during the destructive fires, confirming to followers on Jan. 8 that he and Montag had lost their home. He later told People that he was opening himself up due to financial difficulties rather than a desire to be vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If we were rich, I wouldn't be on an app," Pratt admitted. "I'd be buying a new house and starting to order things. So, I don't think we would've shared anything vulnerable. [Social media] is how we already made money before. That's our way of life. Heidi and I have been Snapchatting every day probably for eight years, our whole life," he continued. "So, especially when your house and everything's gone, you're not going to be like, 'Oh, I'm going to stop doing the one thing that pays us. In a Jan. 17 interview with Variety, Pratt claimed that he "made, like, $4,000 on TikTok this week. He later wrote on TikTok: I know people are like, Youre rich, you will be fine. Yeah, I wish. Everything in our house was paid for by Heidi and I hustling any way we could. Everything we have worked for was in this houseWe are starting at zero now. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A child luring investigation in Lincoln County led to the arrests of three men earlier this month, officials said. The suspects were charged with attempting to lure a minor and online sexual corruption of a child. Man found dead after SE Portland shooting Thursday morning During these investigations, Deputies posed as an underage child on various online social media platforms and were contacted by adults wanting to meet for sexual encounters, the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities urge parents to closely monitor their childrens social media activity and look for potential dangers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ULAN BATOR, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- In a remarkable display of cross-border compassion, Chinese doctors have been transforming lives in Mongolia by providing free cataract surgeries for elderly citizens and life-saving heart surgeries for children with congenital heart disease, offering a renewed sense of hope and vitality to families across the nation. Since 2017, under the "Angels Tour -- Belt and Road Humanitarian Assistance Program for Children with Severe Diseases" project, Chinese doctors have performed free heart surgeries for Mongolian children with congenital conditions. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Mongolian Red Cross Society (MRCS) and the Chinese Red Cross Foundation (CRCF). Similarly, since 2019, the "The Belt and Road -- Brightness Trip" project has facilitated free cataract surgeries for elderly Mongolians, further underscoring the spirit of international solidarity and care. On Thursday, representatives of former recipients of these life-changing surgeries gathered at the MRCS headquarters in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, to meet with Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Shen Minjuan, conveying their heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable medical assistance that has transformed countless lives through these initiatives. "I vividly remember the scene at the airport in Ulan Bator last year when I bid farewell to children traveling to China for surgery. Seeing the smiles of the patients and their families today fills me with immense comfort. It is the greatest encouragement for our work and a powerful motivation to keep striving forward," said Shen. She continued, "As a Mongolian saying goes, 'Neighbors are connected at heart and share a common destiny.' China and Mongolia are important neighbors to each other, and China has always been willing to assist Mongolia in its social development." "Through these projects, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of people in Mongolia and the international community. China will continue to advance this meaningful initiative, strengthen cooperation in the field of healthcare, and ensure that more patients in need receive timely treatment." Nordov Bolormaa, secretary general of the MRCS, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese side, stating, "The CRCF has been a long-standing partner of ours, and these two projects represent a significant aspect of our collaboration." She also extended her wishes to the Chinese people for a joyful and prosperous upcoming Spring Festival. Bat-Ulzii Azkhuu, a 72-year-old resident of Dalanjargalan soum (administrative subdivision) in the southeastern Mongolian province of Dornogovi, underwent cataract surgery in Erenhot, in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, in September 2024. "Before the surgery, I could barely see anything, whether near or far," Azkhuu shared with Xinhua. "But after the procedure, it felt like my eyesight had been completely restored," he said, expressing his deep gratitude to the Chinese doctors for giving him back his vision. Similarly, Gunee Dorjpagma, a 73-year-old from Ulan Bator, also benefited from the "Brightness Trip" project. Dorjpagma received cataract surgery in Erenhot last autumn. "I'm truly happy to have been part of this project. On behalf of all the elderly individuals who received surgery through it, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Chinese doctors," she said. Batbileg Shikhikhutag, 16, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect when he was just four months old. Although the condition can sometimes resolve on its own, doctors initially advised against surgery, as they believed it might be too risky. As a result, he had not undergone surgery until recently. In November 2024, Shikhikhutag underwent surgery in China, free of charge. "Before the surgery, I used to sweat a lot, and many activities were limited due to my heart condition," he explained. "For example, I couldn't participate in sports. But after the surgery, I was able to play any sport I wanted." Tserendulam Altannaran from Ulan Bator is the mother of 12-year-old Altannaran Yesunzul, who underwent surgery in China last fall. Yesunzul was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, a ventricular septal defect, when he was just one month old. "For many years, I couldn't afford to have my son undergo surgery due to financial difficulties. Fortunately, I am overjoyed that the Chinese doctors performed the surgery completely free of charge," said Yesunzul's mother. According to the MRCS, around 150 Mongolian children with congenital heart defects have received heart surgery through the "Angels Tour" project. Meanwhile, 540 elderly individuals have benefited from cataract surgery under the "Brightness Trip" project. In this way, Chinese projects are bringing hope and light to the lives of Mongolia's elderly and children, offering them vital medical care and a brighter future. These initiatives not only improve individual lives but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between China and Mongolia. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Three male students, including two 12-year-olds, have been arrested in separate, unrelated threat cases, police said. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), the three students made threats online or verbally this week. The first student, an 11th grader at Knowledge Academy, reportedly became upset after his backpack was taken due to it not being clear, which was required per school policy. According to MNPD, he said if his headphones were missing he threatened an Antioch part two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Antioch school shooter fired 10 shots, police say Police said he was immediately removed from class. A search of his person and backpack produced nothing concerning, according to authorities. Another student, a 12-year-old at Dupont Tyler Middle School, was arrested after a threat against Antioch High School and Hillsboro High School was posted to Instagram. Police said the FBI was notified of the threat, and FBI agents and the MNPD Rapid School Safety Team officers responded to the school. Police interviewed the 12-year-old, who admitted to posting the story online. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The third student was another 12-year-old, this one a sixth-grader at Apollo Middle School, according to police. He reportedly threatened to shoot four of his classmates around dismissal time, showing one of them a picture of a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three students have been charged in Juvenile Court with making a threat of mass violence, according to MNPD. Police said threats against schools and institutions are taken very seriously. Those responsible, once identified, will be prosecuted, MNPD 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 WKRN News 2. A 35-year-old man who was driving Thursday night in the North Lawndale neighborhood was wounded by gunfire and crashed into two parked vehicles, Chicago police said. Shortly after 11:30 p.m., the victim was driving in the 1200 block of South Sawyer Avenue when a gunman on foot opened fire, striking him to the head and torso, police said. The victim attempted to flee the scene, but crashed into two empty vehicles. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was identified as Tyrone Booker of the same block where he was fatally shot, according to the Cook County medical examiners office. No one was in custody and detectives were investigating. FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) Four people are facing charges after officers say they found drugs while searching a vehicle during a traffic stop in Marion County. On Jan. 22, officers with the Fairmont Police Department observed a silver Chevy Equinox with an individual in the passenger seat who had an active arrest warrant, according to a criminal complaint. Officers then performed a traffic stop on the vehicle and said they made contact with its occupants, identified as Tyson Miller, 41, of Pontiac, Michigan; Sage Cox, 23, of Hagerstown, Maryland; Keisha Thomas, 32, of Fairmont; and Haley Goff, 24, of Montrose. Haley Goff Keisha Thomas Tyson Miller Sage Cox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mon County man charged after allegedly posting womans intimate photos on social media During the stop, Cox was placed into custody due to being the subject of the arrest warrant, and a search of his person resulted in officers locating a large amount of a white powder substance that they said would not test positive for any controlled substance, as well as burnt pieces of foil, plastic and metal tubes. A K9 unit was then deployed to perform a free-air sniff in the area of the vehicle which resulted in a positive indication for a controlled substance. Officers then searched the vehicle and said they found 15 grams of methamphetamine. Because meth was found in the vehicle, officers secured it and towed it to the police station while waiting for a search warrant. After obtaining the warrant, officers located multiple packages of unknown substances believed to be cutting agents, alongside other controlled substances and a firearm, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller, Cox, Thomas and Goff have all been charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO A 66-year-old woman was killed in a hit-and-run crash on the citys West Side. The fatal incident happened around 8:50 a.m. Friday on the 700 block of North Oakley Boulevard in West Town. According to police, the woman was in the crosswalk when a 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross turned into the crosswalk and struck the victim. She was transported to Stroger Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. She was later identified as Halyna Hudzan, a Chicago resident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wrong-way driver killed after crashing into semi on I-80 in Minooka Police said the offending vehicle fled from the location. No one is in custody at this time. Detectives are investigating. On Saturday morning, Chicago police shared photos and the license plate number of the vehicle that is believed to have been involved. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Seven sitting governors are throwing their support behind Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler's run for Democratic National Committee chair. Four of them are eligible to vote in the party's officer elections. In endorsements first shared with ABC News, Govs. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Tina Kotek of Oregon, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Laura Kelly of Kansas, Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, Maura Healey of Massachusetts, and Janet Mills of Maine lauded Wikler as an experienced organizer and unifier. Kelly, Beshear, Lujan Grisham and Whitmer are among the 448 DNC members who can vote for chairperson next week on Feb. 1. The governors urged their state's delegations to join them in their support, which would tighten the gap between Wikler and the other leading candidates in this race, Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chairman Ken Martin and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly said Wikler is a "commonsense leader" the party needs and urged "all Kansas voting members to join" her in voting for him. "As Democratic governors continue to show we can win in battleground and deep red states, we need a DNC Chair who understands the importance of ensuring Democratic governors are some of the strongest voices in our party and who will prioritize investing in our critical 38 races for governor in the next two years. We also need someone who knows that if we're going to win back essential voters, we need to get back to talking about core issues in a way that will actually resonate," Kelly said. Michigan's Whitmer said she believes Wikler can generate victories for Democrats at all levels of government. MORE: Democrats vie for top DNC job in first officer forum PHOTO: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at the Detroit Auto Show, on Jan. 15, 2025, in Detroit. (Jose Juarez/AP) Whitmer, a two-term Democrat who has repeatedly succeeded in a state twice won by President Donald Trump, has been mentioned as a possible 2028 presidential contender and was discussed as a replacement for President Joe Biden in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As Governor of Michigan, I've seen Ben fight and win for working people in our neighboring state. Our next Chair needs to be a leader who can do exactly that: get our party unified, organized, and talking to voters to deliver wins up and down the ballot," Whitmer said. "Ben has my vote, and I encourage my fellow Michiganders to join me in supporting him next week." Another name floated as a possible party leader is Beshear, who was on former Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate short list. Beshear said he believes Wikler can unify the rebuilding Democratic Party and raise the resources needed to win. PHOTO: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear attends a panel session during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Jan. 23, 2025, in Davos, Switzerland. (Michael Buholzer/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) "There are other good leaders in this race but I will be voting for Ben for DNC Chair and will be encouraging the entire Kentucky delegation to join me -- because we need a leader who gets what's needed to compete not just in blue states but in deep-red and battleground areas too," Beshear said. "As Chair of WisDems, Ben Wikler has shown that when you unite our party, raise the historic resources needed to invest in governor's races and every other level of the ballot, and talk to voters about the challenges they're facing every day, Democrats can win everywhere." Lujan Grisham echoed the sentiment that Wikler will value and invest in governors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I will be voting for Ben Wikler for DNC Chair because he has shown that he knows how to raise historic funds for candidates up and down the ballot -- all while standing up for working families and the year-round organizing we need to fight and win across the country," Lujan Grisham said. Kotek offered similar praise, saying Wikler is the "changemaker the Democratic Party needs." "The next leader of the DNC needs to be someone with the experience to get our party back and deliver for working people. I urge DNC members from Oregon and across the country to join me in supporting Ben for DNC chair," Kotek said. Earlier in the race, Gov. Tony Evers of Wikler's home state of Wisconsin also endorsed Wikler's run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two governorships will be up for grabs this year, and Democrats are looking to play competitively in both -- namely by keeping control of New Jersey and flipping Virginia. These races will be the first large-scale electoral tests for the party since its sweeping losses last November. The support from the slate of governors also points to a late-stage surge for Wikler after both Martin's and O'Malley's teams indicated that the Wisconsin party chairman was lagging behind them in support. Earlier this month, O'Malley's team asserted, "This is a three-way race and we are not in third place." PHOTO: Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Martin O'Malley testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Nov. 20, 2024. (Ben Curtis/AP) These endorsements also come just days after Martin said he has garnered support from 200 voting members, by far the highest private whip count announced in the race thus far, rapidly approaching the 225 votes needed to win. (Martin currently has the majority of public endorsements.) But Wikler and O'Malley disputed the assertion, calling Martin's count inflated and accusing him of muddying the process. Wikler received the backing of four powerful public sector unions and the Senate's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wikler also came forward with his team's internal whip count for the first time during the race earlier this week, claiming to have 131 members supporting him. O'Malley's campaign says he has 100 supporters. Wikler had previously said he would not release details about his internal whip count. But in a series of social media posts on Wednesday night, Wikler said he was changing course, taking a veiled swipe at Martin and citing a statement from O'Malley's campaign. MORE: Democrats aren't alone incumbent parties have lost elections all around the world PHOTO: Ken Martin, president of the Association of State Democratic Committees, discusses the 2024 Democratic National Convention during a news conference, April 18, 2024. (Ashlee Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times via AP) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Until tonight, I'd held back from releasing my whip count," Wikler said. "But another candidate released a count so inflated that, as another campaign rightly said, it was 'disrespectful to the 448 voting members of the DNC -- many of whom are still making up their minds.'" He continued, "In a moment of national crisis, DNC members deserve the chance to choose the next Chair based on vision and record, not based on whisper campaigns and attempts to manufacture an illusion of inevitability." Nevertheless, no campaign has provided a full list of exactly who is backing their bids, and there are a number of other long-shot candidates who have qualified to run and could peel off a handful of members along the way. It's unclear, too, if any candidate will clinch a majority of votes to win on the first ballot, opening up the race and allowing members to reconsider their choice in subsequent ballots. Wikler said he is "honored" to have the backing of these governors, who he said are "some of the most important Democratic voices in the country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Democratic governors present the model for how Democrats can compete and win in the toughest states in the country," Wikler said, "and we need to invest in their leadership in a way that reflects their invaluable power as messengers and leaders. I'm ready to expand the map and win, together." 7 governors back Ben Wikler for DNC chair: Exclusive originally appeared on abcnews.go.com EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The U.S. Department of Defense, along with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), deported 80 Guatemalan migrants on Friday morning, Jan. 24, from Biggs Army Airfield at Fort Bliss, U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas said in a post on X. Gonzales said the 23rd District of Texas has been ground zero for the border crisis and will be ground zero for deportation operations. In four days President Trump has done more to protect our country than Biden did in four years. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also shared on X Friday morning that deportation fights have begun and President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leavitt shared the following photos with the post. Active-duty military troops arrived in El Paso on Thursday evening, Jan. 23, as part of the Trump Administrations attempt to secure the southern border. Gonzales represents the far-flung 23rd Congressional District which stretches from San Antonio to East El Paso and includes Fort Bliss. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, sent a letter to the acting defense secretary, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the acting secretary of Homeland Security, expressing concerns over using military assets to implement the new administrations deportation policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her letter read in part: Leveraging our militarys airlift capabilities for the purposes of removal flights, traditionally coordinated and executed by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE), appears to be in violation of DoDs constitutional authorities and the Posse Comitatus Act, and a serious misuse of DoDs appropriated funds. Further, this action is wildly mismatched with President Trump and Secretary of Defense nominee Hegseths stated goals of refocusing the Department on its warfighting mission. Moreover, while El Paso is a proud and storied military community, I believe this administration has a responsibility to clearly convey as much information as possible about the impacts this increased militarization of the southern border will have on communities like my own. No further information has been released. 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 KTSM 9 News. Jan. 23Roughly 100 abortion rights advocates rallied Wednesday on the steps of the Washington Capitol, calling on state lawmakers to take additional action to protect women's reproductive rights amid fears the federal government could take steps to restrict the procedure. The event, organized by Pro-Choice Washington, was held on what would have been the 52nd anniversary of Roe V. Wade, a landmark Supreme Court decision that found women had a constitutionally protected right to an abortion. More than two years after the Supreme Court overturned the ruling, many, including Gov. Bob Ferguson, expressed concern the second Trump administration will push for tighter abortion access. During an interview Wednesday, Ferguson said he anticipated the federal government taking measures to restrict access to abortion and other reproductive care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Yes. Yeah, I would be naive to think that they wouldn't take some action, honestly," Ferguson said. "So, we just have to prepare for the worst-case scenario, and that's the way we're approaching it." In one of his first acts in office, Ferguson signed an executive order that directed the Department of Health to convene a panel of medical providers, experts and lawmakers to "recommend strategies for protecting reproductive freedom." Ferguson said Wednesday the group will "give us advice on what we need to do" while helping to "look forward." Ferguson said the panel also will look at "what changes to state law can add additional protections in light of a Congress and a president that are hostile to reproductive rights." Sami Alloy, interim executive director of Pro-Choice Washington, called on lawmakers to pass legislation "that will affirm Washington's legal protections and safeguard our rights against a hostile administration that we know will stop at nothing to roll them back." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are calling on the legislature to invest robustly in our clinics and our care infrastructure, because we know a right without access is not really a right," Alloy said. "And we are here today calling on the Legislature to protect the rights of patients and providers who rely on our state to access care." Ferguson's executive order, Alloy said, will help the state "do everything we can to resist Project 2025 and to safeguard our rights." "And I know that together, with our legislators and our attorney general, we're going to get it done here in Olympia," Alloy said. "We're going to make sure that no matter who you are, no matter what part of the state you live in, that we can maintain our rights to abortion and gender-affirming care, that we can stand with immigrants and workers, and that we're not going back." Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, said while lawmakers have strengthened and protected abortion access during recent sessions, more can be done. Dhingra has sponsored legislation that would ensure "people who lose a pregnancy are not criminalized." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, Dhingra said, is needed after an Ohio woman named Brittany Watts was charged with felony abuse of a corpse after a miscarriage 22 weeks into pregnancy. While the charge was later dropped, Watts has since sued both the hospital and the police department that arrested her. "I wish I could tell you this was only an isolated incident, but there are cases like this all over the country," Dhingra said. While a similar prosecution has not been filed in Washington, Dhingra said her bill would repeal "the Washington state crime of concealing a birth." Dhingra said there is no evidence the law has been used in the 100 years it has been on the books in Washington, though "other states have used similar laws to justify arrest, punishment and prosecution of people for their pregnancy outcomes." "We cannot have laws like this on the books in the state of Washington," Dhingra said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was heard in the Senate Law and Justice Committee on Monday and is scheduled for an executive session in the committee Thursday. Editor's note: This story was updated on Jan. 23, 2025 to correct the party of Sen. Manka Dhingra. She is a Democrat. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Acting mayor of Buffalo Chris Scanlon sat down with WIVB News 4s Kelsey Anderson Thursday to discuss last weeks ARPA fund dispute and what could be coming to Allentown. Buffalo received over $331 million in federal funds for COVID-19 relief and Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams claimed in a letter that not all of the funds were allocated by a Dec. 31 deadline. Scanlon disputed this and said the last $2.55 million in funds were approved for allocation over a week ahead of time. Now, Scanlon says the dispute seems to be ironed out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To see the letter was a little frustrating, but I think it couldve been cleared up with a phone call, he said. Our commissioner of administration and finance was at the councils caucus yesterday, explained everything and I think that the council was satisfied with those answers. A public forum by the Common Council will be held to talk about the issue in the near future, Scanlon said. A fire that broke out at an Allentown bar in early January caused over $2 million in damage. Mulligans Brick Bar had to be demolished as a result. The Old Pink burned down right next door less than a year prior and Scanlon is assuring citizens that the empty land will not turn into a parking lot. Weve heard from some people who want to do something on that block, Scanlon said. Id like to see some buildings erected there whether they are mixed-use, whatever it might be, but something that contributes to that community but also reflects the historic nature of that community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See the full segment in the video player above. Latest Local News Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Customers select newly arrived Chilean cherries at a supermarket in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- For ordinary Chinese people, cherries used to be a pricey indulgence in winter. But in recent years, the viral phrase "achieving cherry freedom" has represented a sweet reality for many during the Spring Festival shopping season, as soaring imports make the glossy red fruit cheaper. Earlier this month, a cargo ship loaded with 20,000 tonnes of Chilean cherries arrived at the Nansha Port in south China's Guangzhou, perfectly timed to offer a festive treat for millions, as China's most celebrated holiday drew near. "As the Spring Festival shopping season approaches, Chinese consumers' demand for premium fruits continues to grow, with domestic cherry sales expected to increase further due to festive consumption," said Cao Jing, who is in charge of sales at Dalian Yidu Group Co., Ltd., a company specializing in cherry imports. Chilean cherries, of course, are just one example of the wide range of flavors from around the world that Chinese people now enjoy at their festive dining tables, displaying China's growing consumption power and expanding imports. TASTY BOND WITH WORLD The shift from costly air freight to direct sea shipments has lowered transportation expenses, making cherries more affordable for Chinese consumers, Cao said. According to data from ProChile, the Chilean government's export promotion bureau, Chile's cherry exports hit a record high in 2024, with an export value of more than 3.09 billion U.S. dollars. During the 2023-2024 harvest season, approximately 93 percent of Chile's cherry exports were delivered to China. From Chilean cherries to Norwegian salmon, the rising demand for premium imported goods reflects China's expanding appetite for global flavors. In a bustling supermarket in east China's Shanghai, live Russian king crabs are a sought-after delicacy ahead of the Spring Festival. Russian Crab, one of Russia's largest crab fishing companies, now sends over 80 percent of its catch to China -- with its exports to China surging by 74 percent in 2024. Customs data shows that the total value of China's imports of live, fresh and frozen crabs from Russia exceeded 1.14 billion U.S. dollars last year, a 16.7-percent increase from the previous year. The appetite for global flavors also extends to Africa. African agricultural products, ranging from South African citrus and Kenyan coffee to Tanzanian cashew nuts, are also adding a touch of the exotic to Chinese New Year celebrations. Data shows that China imported 28.47 billion yuan's (3.97 billion U.S. dollars) worth of agricultural goods from Africa in the first eight months of 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 4.8 percent. The people of Wuxi, a city in east China's Jiangsu Province, who are traditionally known to favor sweet foods, now have more options to choose from. A man surnamed Feng, a Wuxi local, bought five bags of Egyptian dates for the upcoming holidays. "Perfect for the festive season, these dates are big, red and very sweet. They add to the joyful atmosphere of the Spring Festival," Feng told Xinhua. Trade between China and Arab states soared from 36.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2004 to a staggering 398 billion dollars in 2023. This dynamism has cemented China's long-standing status as the Arab world's top trading partner. The increased availability of foreign food reflects China's steadily growing imports from around the world, with the cumulative value of goods imports expected to exceed 22 trillion U.S. dollars by 2030. FEAST OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES While Chinese consumers enjoy an expanding menu of global flavors, China's drive to boost consumption, sustain growth, and open its massive market wider is giving foreign producers a year-round reason to invest. China's total imports expanded 2.3 percent from one year earlier to 18.39 trillion yuan, with fruit and wine growing 8.6 percent and 38.8 percent. This robust trade performance is partly built on China's efforts to create a more favorable environment for boosting imports. In 2024, Chinese customs introduced 16 measures to streamline port operations, ensuring faster and fresher delivery of imported goods. Special actions to promote cross-border trade facilitation were also taken in 20 Chinese cities last year, with the aim of creating a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized first-class port business environment. These efforts also align with China's broader strategy of boosting domestic consumption. The country's consumption power has continued to rise, with the retail sales of consumer goods rising 3.5 percent in 2024, supported by a steadily growing economy that expanded by 5 percent year on year. Continued urbanization and rising income levels are expected to sustainably drive consumption growth in the medium to long term, according to a McKinsey report titled "China consumption: Start of a new era," which was released in November 2023. This momentum is underpinned by policies aimed at unlocking the nation's vast demand potential. Initiatives such as increasing fiscal input, raising incomes, removing market barriers, and advancing technological innovation are driving growth and opening new consumption frontiers. China's expanding middle-income population, now over 400 million -- the largest in the world, is a key driver of consumption growth. Experts predict this group will more than double to 800 million within the next 15 years, creating a gigantic domestic market and fueling demand for diverse and high-quality imports. "China still has significant room for further import growth in 2025," said Lyu Daliang, an official with the General Administration of Customs, noting that the country remains committed to proactively expanding imports and sharing with the world the opportunities created by China's development. CHEYENNE Volunteers on F.E. Warren Air Force Base were dressed with fake wounds Thursday morning, preparing to be part of an active shooter drill. The drills are designed to prepare forces for the worst-case scenarios in this case, an active shooter holing himself up in a theater on base. These semiannual shooter exercises ensure that security forces and the rest of wing personnel are prepared, according to 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs Chief of Media Relations Glenn Robertson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hope that these types of events never happen, but were going to do everything in our power to be prepared, Robertson said. If it ever does, theres no excuse to not be prepared. At least 100 people participated in Thursdays event, between responding units, individuals performing the role of victim and shooter, inspectors and other personnel. When an exercise like this takes place, personnel all across the installation have responsibilities and roles to play during the exercise, Robertson said. The drill began with the shooter causing a scene at the on-base health clinic before going to the movie theater, where military security servicemen from the Tactical Response Force (TRF) and security forces from the 90th Security Forces Squadron lined up at the beginning of the drill to trade their service weapons for bright blue training weapons. While this step would never transpire in a real emergency, these so-called exercise-isms are inserted into the drill to ensure safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After receiving their training weapons, security forces were ready to address the simulated active shooter scenario, clearing the theater and rescuing injured civilians. Tanner Confair of the 790th Military Security Forces Squadron volunteered to be one of the many moulage, a term for volunteers with fake injuries applied to their body, making them appear as if theyve been shot, scraped or, in Confairs case, punched in the face. Volunteers lay in anguish on the ground, screaming for help, as security forces cleared the scene and pulled them from the theater. I thought itd be an interesting opportunity to be able to see how this stuff works and everything, Confair said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The point of the drill is to ensure safety through repetition, Confair said, ensuring that in a real-life scenario, the forces would be capable of addressing the shooter and helping the injured. This drill isnt only for security forces, but medical ones, as well. Medics and firefighters from the F.E. Warren Fire Department participated in simulating triage efforts following the active shooter incident. Because we dont have paramedics specifically on base, several members of our fire team are EMS trained, Robertson said. Theyre going to kind of fill that gap. In the final step of the drill, personnel from the 90th Medical Group arrived on scene to provide medical support and to declare individuals as (simulated) deceased, determine the initial medical care needs and initiate the transfer of individuals to local medical facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No exercise is perfect. During Thursdays drill, some individuals made minor mistakes, but having the opportunity to correct those mistakes is the purpose, Robertson said. Thursdays drill was considered a success. I mean, thats exactly why we do some of these things, Robertson said. Mistakes are going to be made, but the more times that we go through the motions and practice these types of events, the fewer mistakes that we can expect in the future. An activist group projected a photo of billionaire Elon Musk making a controversial gesture that resembled a Roman salute on a Tesla factory near Berlin this week, with a single word above the worlds richest man: Heil. The image, and an accompanying video of Musks remarks at one of President Donald Trumps inauguration events this week, was crafted by a British political campaign group called Led By Donkeys. Critics have compared Musks gesture to the salute adopted by the Nazis, although he has dismissed such comparisons as tired Democratic attacks. Last night we were up on the Tesla Gigafactory in Berlin, the main European manufacturing site of Elon Musks car business, the group wrote in an email to supporters on Thursday. Its the company that makes him the worlds richest man, money he is increasingly using to boost the far-right across Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to reduce Musks power and that means no longer buying his cars, the group added. Led By Donkeys did not respond to a request for comment. HuffPost has reached out to Tesla for a statement on the matter. Musk doubled down on the controversy on Thursday, posting a series of puns invoking Nazi leaders on his social media site, X. Some people will Goebbels anything down! the billionaire wrote, before writing: Bet you did nazi that coming. He ended the missive with a laughing emoji. The Anti-Defamation League, a group that works to fight antisemitism, initially sought to defend Musk after he made the gesture, saying it wasnt a Nazi salute and that the man deserved a bit of grace or the benefit of the doubt. But the ADL took umbrage at the jokes, calling them highly offensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve said it hundreds of times before and we will say it again: the Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropriate and offensive to make light of it, Jonathan Greenblatt, the groups CEO, wrote on X. We've said it hundreds of times before and we will say it again: the Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropriate and offensive to make light of it. @elonmusk, the Holocaust is not a joke. https://t.co/oeXLod2C1W Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) January 23, 2025 Related... (FOX40.COM) An adult male was hospitalized after being shot in Sacramento on Thursday afternoon, according to the Sacramento Police Department. Officials said that the shooting occurred on Ringgold and Marsh Streets around 5 p.m. Manteca city council member shoots stepson during attack, police say An officer found one adult male victim who had sustained one gunshot wound and suffered life-threatening injuries, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. At this time, the homicide detectives and crime scene investigators will be canvassing the area, and interviewing witnesses. Authorities said that the Sacramento Coroners Office will release their information after the next of kin has been identified. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. From left, Laura Howell, CEO of Maryland Association of Community Services; Ande Kolp, executive director for The Arc of Maryland; and Mat Rice, executive director for People on the Go of Maryland, testify Thursday at a Senate Budget and Taxation Committee hearing. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters) Members of the disability community told a Senate panel Thursday that they feel theyre being left out of the conversations surrounding potentially huge budget cuts to the state agency responsible for administering resources for their community. The community is here to work with the department were here to be a voice. But I dont know that we feel that weve been heard, said Mat Rice, executive director for People on the Go of Maryland, in testimony before Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We ask you to please consider the full impact of these cost-containment measures and not to turn back the clock on a marginalized community that has made significant civil rights progress, he said. The cost-containment measure he was referring to is a proposed $200 million cut to the budget for the Developmental Disabilities Administration, one of the largest hits in a fiscal 2026 budget that has to close a projected $3 billion spending gap. When he unveiled what he called his growth agenda budget last week, Gov. Wes Moore (D) said it included $1 billion in new revenues, including $500 million from the states Rainy Day Fund, but $2 billion in cuts and government efficiencies. One of the biggest single cuts was to the DDA, which state Budget Secretary Helene Grady said has been growing at an unsustainable rate, from $850 million in fiscal 2023 to nearly $1.5 billion over just two years. About 20,500 Marylanders with developmental disabilities got state support last year to help their families afford services, usually through a Medicaid waiver that also brings in federal dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The waivers provide two avenues for services a community model where people join an established organization for disability care or a self-directed model where the waiver recipient or their family hires individual employees for services. The proposed cuts hit several programs and resources currently provided through the DDA, according to documents from the Department of Health. Many of those proposed cuts would restrict current rate increases for certain providers or programs, such as a geograpic rate differential for work in cetain counties in central Maryland, and one-on-one care for high-needs patients. Health Secretary Laura Herrera Scott told the Senate committee Thursday that there are regular stakeholder meetings where members of the public can voice their concerns to the department. But advocates and members of the developmental disability community said they do not feel that their voices and concerns are not being prioritized by the department as the legislature works on next years budget. The advocates worry that service providers, whether they are in a community model or self-directed care, will be asked to perform the same services for less pay, which could lead to personnel leaving the field to find better paying positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volatility is bad for people with developmental disabilities, and these proposals absolutely create volatility in our world, said Laura Howell, CEO of Maryland Association of Community Services, in her testimony. Were talking about real people, real families, real direct-support professionals and they have to be at the forefront of anything that happens related to the DDA budget questions, Howell said. Herrera Scott said that in addition to regular stakeholder meetings, the department is also developing a communication plan for providers should the proposed cuts go into effect. Health Secretary Laura Herrera Scott (right) and DDA Deputy Secretary Marlan Hutchinson (left) at Thursdays hearing. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters) We will have to work very closely with our community partners in all of this have them at the table to help us design a system that would allow for the transition for these cost-containment measures to be effectuated, she told the committee. We will be communicating with the community in the very near future to set up these work group meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Ande Kolp, executive director of the Arc of Maryland, said communications with the department have been infrequent over the last year, and usually limited to 30-minute sessions. Ive been in the field for over 30 years, and we used to be able to call and have conversations and work through issues thats been absent since January 2024, she told the committee. Its been very different. Rice agreed that conversations with the agencies are too short to lay out the disability communities concerns regarding the budget and other issues in the DDA program. Can you really have meaningful dialogue in a meaningful way when you engage with the department in a 30-minute meeting? he asked. My answer to that would be no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The budget process is ongoing, and Kolp is hopeful that members of the committee appreciate the concerns raised by advocates. I think we have a lot of attention from this committee, so thats the good news, she said after the meeting. We have a lot of people who get it, either because they have just been with us for several years, or they have a family member with a disability in their lives, so it matters to them. Thats a really good place to start with this. The department I think we really, really desire to be at the table with them to come up with some solutions, because I think we have some ideas of efficiency, Kolp said. We just need our offer to be accepted. Jan. 23SANTA FE Before he was 15 years old, Adam Griego witnessed two suicide attempts by his mother and dealt with an alcoholic father. That's part of the reason he's now involved in an advocacy coalition pushing for preventive crime measures, ensuring people have access to behavioral health resources and affordable housing. "I know that I'm not alone with the traumas I've experienced in life, and I speculate that many New Mexicans have experienced much of the same," Griego told a room of friends, advocates and media at the Roundhouse on Thursday. A slew of advocacy organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, Center for Civic Policy, Equality New Mexico, New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness and the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, gathered to promote public safety solutions that don't enact aggressive criminal penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly all of the coalition's members and all of the above organizations present at Thursday's news conference were part of a call over the summer to cancel the special session Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham convened to address public safety and crime. Daniel Williams with ACLU-NM said on Thursday the coalition has had conversations with the Governor's Office and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle since the five-hour-long special session, finding common ground and, still, disagreements. "We are really proud of the work that our legislators did to resist the governor's harmful agenda in July, and I think that brought a lot of momentum to this conversation that's urgently needed about real solutions," Williams said. He declined to share specific bills the coalition is supporting in the ongoing 60-day session. He said advocates are "looking closely" at legislation filed that would lengthen criminal sentences, which he said would "fuel mass incarceration." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another bill the coalition is analyzing is House Bill 4, a criminal competency bill introduced by Rep. Christine Chandler, D-Los Alamos. Involuntary commitment is an initiative groups like ACLU-NM have been wary of in the past. Williams said Chandler's bill is moving in the right direction but declined to share specific concerns on it. The coalition hasn't seen the governor's competency proposal yet, he said. Lujan Grisham recently told the Journal that competency and commitment issues are at the top of her priority list, though it can be difficult to get an "earnest start" in committees when there are dozens of advocacy organizations fighting her on it. "The ACLU's job is to say no to all of it, and they will," she said during the interview. "And they're good at their job." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griego, who is a member of ACLU-NM's Justice Advisory Accountability Board, said at the Thursday news conference that people closest to the problems are the ones with the best solutions but they are often left out of conversations. As someone formerly incarcerated, he highlighted vulnerable populations formerly incarcerated people, like himself, or people experiencing homelessness. He said New Mexico must invest in education, mental health and affordable housing for these communities. There will be a rise in homelessness this year, said Monet Silva, executive director of the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness. The organization's 2024 Point in Time Account found that more than 4,600 people around New Mexico experienced homelessness on a single night in January, a majority of them in Albuquerque, though the number is likely much higher than that. "To truly address homelessness, we must tackle its root causes. This means addressing the chronic lack of affordable housing, breaking generational cycles of poverty and developing a robust behavioral and mental health system," Silva said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criminalization, punitive measures and "reactive strategies" are ineffective and often make issues worse, she said. "While it is encouraging to see increased focus on homelessness and housing and behavioral health in New Mexico, we must reject harmful and outdated policies and narratives that have failed to produce meaningful change," Silva said. She also said it's crucial to stop criminalizing homelessness. Lujan Grisham on Tuesday segued from homelessness to crime in her State of the State Address. "Addressing homelessness strengthens our communities, and it matters to every single one of us in this state which takes us to, everyone in this room knows that crime is out of control in New Mexico," Lujan Grisham said. Journal Capitol Bureau Chief Dan Boyd contributed to this report. Looking to rent in the Salt Lake metro area? A new analysis says its now the nations fourth-most affordable rental market. Renters in and around the Utah capital city earned nearly 9% more than needed to cover the cost of the typical apartment, according to December data posted by nations largest brokerage website, Seattle-based Redfin. Thats based on Salt Lake-area residents making an estimated $64,271 in median income, 8.86% higher the the $59,040 deemed necessary to pay the $1,476 median asking rent there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three Texas cities rank higher on the affordability scale than Utahs largest metropolitan area Austin, Houston and Dallas. Austin tops the list with renters in the Texas capital making a median income thats 25.14% above whats needed to pay the $1,394 median rent. For Houston, that number is 17.61%, and for Dallas, its 10.30%. Rounding out the Top 10 list of affordable rental markets are Raleigh, North Carolina; Denver; Phoenix; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; and Nashville. Austin also saw the biggest improvement in rental affordability over the past year, with the pay required to afford the typical apartment now $10,840 less, a 16.3% drop from December 2023. Redfin said like many Sun Belt areas, Austin has seen high levels of multifamily housing construction in recent years, so rents are now starting to fall as supply increases and demand levels off. Where are rents the least affordable? Currently, the worst place to find an affordable place to rent is Providence, Rhode Island, where the shortfall between what people have to earn to rent a typical apartment is 41.25%, given median pay of $50,408. There, it takes an $85,800 salary to cover the asking $2,145 rent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trailing Providence on the worst affordability list compiled by Redfin are: Miami; New York City; Los Angeles; Boston; San Diego; Riverside, California; Tampa; Philadelphia and Buffalo. However, the data used in the analysis is from December, before the deadly L.A. wildfires that have destroyed at least 10,000 homes began. Redfins chief economist, Daryl Fairweather, has said thats going to led to worsening affordability for Angelenos. I think that the L.A. wildfires are going to make Los Angeles less affordable to live in, Fairweather told the Deseret News. The wildfires depleted the stock of housing in Los Angeles by a significant amount and that should push up rents and home prices. Nationwide, Redfin said the $63,680 renters must make to afford the $1,592 median asking rent for an apartment is the lowest since March 2022 and down 0.4% from a year ago. In August 2022, renters needed nearly $5,000 more in income for a typical apartment. Are more apartment owners offering concessions to renters? Zillow reported the typical asking rent for all rental properties across the U.S. was $1,965 in December. Thats 3.4% higher than the year before compared to an average rent growth of 4% prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also a Seattle-based real estate company, Zillow noted rents have gone down in 32 major metro areas. The largest monthly fall was in Denver, down 1.3%; followed by Salt Lake City, San Jose and Portland, all down 0.6%; and Austin, down 0.5% Concessions offered to renters reached what Zillow called a record-setting level of two out of every five rental listings on its website, declaring its fair to say that concessions in the multifamily market are here to stay. Such concessions, Zillow said, can offer some financial relief to renters, but they can also be a sign of increased vacancies driven by the recent strides in multifamily construction and more renters choosing to stay put. ISLAMABAD (AP) Afghan refugees on Friday appealed to Pakistan's premier to ease a visa regime on humanitarian grounds after President Donald Trump paused the U.S. refugee programs. Many Afghans whose visas have either expired or will expire soon fear arrest and deportation. We dont know exactly when the pause of the U.S. refugee program will be lifted, but we request Pakistan to extend our stay for at least six months after the expiry of our visas, said Ahmad Shah, a member of the Afghan USRAP Refugees advocacy group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An estimated 20,000 Afghans are currently waiting in Pakistan to be approved for resettlement in the U.S. via an American government program. Refugees approved to travel to the United States in coming days have had their travel plans canceled by the Trump administration. Among those affected are the more than 1,600 Afghans cleared to resettle in the U.S. Pakistan says it is yet to receive any official information from the United States about the suspension. Afghans who are in the country were supposed to be relocated by September 2025. The program was set up to help Afghans at risk under the Taliban because of their work with the U.S. government, media, aid agencies and rights groups. The U.S. pulled out of Afghanistan in 2021 when the Taliban took power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in its first days in office, Trumps administration announced the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program would be suspended from Jan. 27 for at least three months. Shah said most of the Afghans who are in transit to the United States were now living in a very difficult conditions. We don't want to live here permanently. We urge the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to order authorities to extend the visas of Afghan people for at least six months, he said. He also urged the United Nations refugee agency and the International Organization for Migration to help Afghans who are waiting for relocation. If the UNHCR and IOM don't help us in this difficult situation, who will rise his or her voice for us? Shah said. Meanwhile, there is uncertainty among many over their future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of Afghan women holding placards gathered in Islamabad to discuss the situation. They urged Trump to restore the refugee program and asked Pakistan to ease restrictions on them. "We have no other choice except to go to the United States, as we have lost everything here. We request Trump that we are in very difficult times and we have nothing to survive, said Saanga Bibi, a widow. She said her family is compelled to skip either lunch or dinner to save money for the fees to extend their visas each month. Another woman, Bibi Habiba, asked Pakistan reduce the exorbitant visa fee, saying, We want nothing more than that." The advocacy group said Afghan risked their lives to serve as interpreters, contractors, human rights defenders, and allies of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. The Taliban view us as enemies, and returning to Afghanistan would mean arrest, torture, or death, it said in an appeal to Trump, rights defenders and U.S. authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This suspension breaks the promises made to those who stood by the United States," it said. Sarfraz Ahmed, a journalist who fled to Pakistan from Afghanistan when the Taliban seized power, said Friday he had been expecting to receive a call confirming his travel plans, but the suspension changed everything. Khalid Khan, a former Afghan army captain who worked for the Afghan air force and helped the U.S. air force during operations against the Afghan Taliban and other groups, fled his country along with his family in 2023. I will be in a trouble if I am sent back to Afghanistan, he said. Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said there is an agreement with Washington to take Afghans who are in Pakistan to the United States for resettlement by September 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrangements are in place. We have, so far officially, not received any further information on this issue," ministry spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan told a news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday. The Taliban has deprived 1.4 million Afghan girls of schooling through bans, according to the United Nations. Afghanistan is the only country in the world that bans female secondary and higher education. By Lizbeth Diaz TIJUANA, Mexico (Reuters) - Naser Zazai, 29, had planned to reunite with his mother and brother in the United States this week after fleeing Afghanistan, where he says he was threatened and attacked because his brother had once worked for the U.S. military. Instead, he is now stranded in Mexico after U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday abruptly canceled all asylum appointments for migrants waiting in Mexico - including Zazai's, scheduled for Jan. 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The medical doctor is one of thousands of migrants who had expected to start their new lives in the U.S. this week, only to find themselves suddenly faced with the prospect of returning to their home countries, seeking refuge elsewhere, or waiting indefinitely in Mexico. But for Zazai and the dozens of other migrants living at the Assabil shelter in Tijuana, the only such refuge in Mexico specifically for Muslim migrants, these choices are even grimmer. "I can't stay in Mexico," said Zazai. "And I can't go back to my country where I could be killed." An increasing number of migrants from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa have begun migrating through Mexico en route to the U.S. in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Muslim migrants face a series of additional challenges in Mexico, human rights experts say, from language barriers to misconceptions about those who follow a religion with scant presence in Mexican society. According to 2020 census data, there are fewer than 8,000 Muslims living in Mexico, representing less than 0.01% of the population. "They have a very particular situation due to their culture and religion," said Soraya Vazquez, of the human rights group Al Otro Lado. "There is a lot of stigma against the Muslim community." Many migrants who travel to Mexico from other continents hoping to ultimately reach the U.S. have to pay smugglers thousands of dollars for the lengthy journeys. This puts them at risk of extortion and violence, Vazquez said, especially if they are unable to pay off the hefty debts because they are stuck in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters spoke with five Afghan migrants in Tijuana who all had their U.S. asylum appointments canceled. Like Zazai, they said they could not return to Afghanistan, but that staying in Mexico felt like a perilous option, too. "It was like a funeral here," said Ahmed Tijani, assistant director of the Assabil shelter who is originally from Ghana, describing the atmosphere in the refuge on Trump's first day in power. "No one could believe what happened." Zazai told Reuters that he left Afghanistan because he feared for his life after the Taliban returned to power, due to his brother's ties to the U.S. military. He said that, on one occasion, gunmen arrived and searched his house. Later, he said, he was beaten unconscious by unknown assailants. Reuters could not verify his story. He spent $22,000 to flee the country and make his way to Mexico, where he waited for nearly six months to secure his U.S. asylum appointment, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its cancellation was part of Trump's broader crackdown on immigration, which also included an order suspending U.S. refugee programs. That led to nearly 1,660 Afghans cleared by the U.S. government to resettle in the U.S., including family members of active-duty U.S. military personnel, having their flights canceled on Monday. Now, Zazai says he hopes to find another way to migrate to the U.S., but he knows that there are currently few, if any, options. "What is my plan for the future?" he asked himself on Tuesday, as the reality of his new circumstances sank in. "I don't know what to say." (Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz in Tijuana, writing by Laura Gottesdiener; Editing by Stephen Coates) ULAN BATOR, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia has so far vaccinated at least 20,682 children aged 11 against human papillomavirus (HPV) as part of a nationwide campaign, according to a report released on Friday by the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD). Launched in November 2024, the vaccination campaign aims to combat cervical cancer, a significant public health concern in the country. Hospitals nationwide are offering free HPV vaccines to 11-year-old girls and boys, provided parental or guardian consent is obtained. This follows the government's 2023 decision to include the HPV vaccine in Mongolia's National Immunization Schedule for this age group. According to the country's health ministry, over 78,600 11-year-old children are eligible for the campaign in the nation of 3.5 million people. The initiative is a critical part of Mongolia's broader strategy to combat HPV-related cancers, particularly cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women and the fourth most prevalent cancer overall in the country. The NCCD's statistics underline the severity of the situation: every day, at least one Mongolian woman is newly diagnosed with cervical cancer, and one woman loses her life to the disease every two days. Currently, approximately 4,700 women in Mongolia are undergoing treatment for cervical cancer. By prioritizing HPV vaccination, the Asian country aims to drastically reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and other HPV-related illnesses, ensuring the health and well-being of future generations. Jan. 23Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is asking a state board to deny clemency for a man set for execution in March. Wendell Arden Grissom, 56, was convicted and sentenced to death by a Blaine County jury in 2008 for the 2005 shooting death of Amber Matthews during a robbery at a Watonga residence. Matthews was at the home of her friend, Dreu Kopf, when Grissom broke into the home and shot the two women. Kopf's two children were also in the home at the time. Matthews was shot in the head at close range and killed as she held Kopf's infant daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kopf also was shot, but fled the home and flagged down three truckers, with one being a retired police officer, who drove her to the hospital and reported the shooting. The two children, who were 19 months and 5 weeks old at the time of the murder, were unharmed. Drummond on Wednesday asked the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board to reject clemency for Matthews, who is scheduled to be executed on March 20 at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. "Wendell Grissom took the life of a kind, vivacious 23-year-old who went into nursing to help people and died protecting two innocent children," Drummond said in a statement. "Amber Matthews' monstrous murder demands that justice be carried out. I urge the Pardon and Parole Board to deny clemency for this cold-blooded killer." Grissom and his accomplice, Jessie Johns, were later apprehended close to a nearby cafe where the employees called in suspicious men in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police recovered a blood-stained .22 pistol and a pair of brown cotton gloves from Grissom's person. Investigators also recovered Grissom's .44 pistol, and a second pair of brown cotton gloves discarded near the crime scene. DNA evidence was presented at the trial that blood found on Grissom's jeans matched Kopf's DNA. During his appeal, Grissom described the crimes as "a tragedy with no discernible cause," and admitted that he shot Matthews and Kopf "for reasons even he does not understand." Johns was given a sentence of life without the possibility of parole for the death of Matthews. He was convicted for the death of Matthews under Oklahoma's felony-murder statute that states a person commits murder when that person or another person takes the life of a human during, or if the death of a human being results from, the commission of an underlying felony. Grissom's clemency hearing is currently scheduled for Feb. 5. Thwarted for years by the liberating power of the internet, social conservatives have resumed their crusade against sexually explicit material through age verification requirements. While sold as a means of ensuring that only adults access adult-oriented websites, the laws require people to abandon anonymity and expose potentially sensitive personal information. The browsing public has responded with lawsuits and an embrace of technology that bypasses restrictions. That may not be enough. Government Pushes Parents Aside to Determine Which Websites are Appropriate "This is something that I believe will save the current generation and generations to come if we're successful," Florida House Speaker Paul Renner (RPalm Coast) commented last March upon the passage of HB-3. The bill, which Gov. Ron DeSantis subsequently signed, went into effect January 1. It bans access to pornographic websites for those under 18 years of age. It also forbids those under 14 from opening social media accounts (14- and 15-year-olds can do so with parental permission). While people argue over whether government officials or parents should be deciding what minors can see and read on the internet, there's general agreement that at least some material is inappropriate for kids. The trick for those who want the government to act and who pushed the passage of HB3 in Florida and similar legislation elsewhere is determining the age of people browsing websites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana, which pioneered the flurry of age-verification laws, has a digital version of its driver's license called the LA Wallet. That digital ID can be used to establish a web browser's age to the satisfaction of the law, while also revealing the holder's identity. Most states don't have anything like the LA Wallet. "In states without a digital identification program like Louisiana's, porn sites must pay third-party age-verification providers to use software to compare a user's face with their ID photo, held up to the camera, or to use AI to determine if their face looks obviously older than 18," The Atlantic's Marc Novicoff noted in a recent article on such laws. That's clumsy, at best. It's also an added expense that can lead to legal liability for websites if they make mistakes in carding users or handling sensitive data. Some adult sites, like Pornhub, have preferred to block access to residents of states that have age verification laws. This month, the company extended its ban to users in Florida and South Carolina, which also passed an age verification law. The Tech-Savvy Use Technology To Bypass Enforcement Efforts But it would be more accurate to say that Pornhub and others have blocked the users who seem to be coming from age verification states. This is where tech fixes come in. Using virtual private networks (VPNs), people can make it seem as if they're surfing the web from less-restrictive jurisdictions. Business is booming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Google searches for online tools like VPNs have surged in Florida after Pornhub, one of the world's largest adult websites, blocked access to users in the state," CBS News reported earlier this month. "Since the end of November, Google searches for VPNs have surged in the Florida, according to Google Trends. From the week of Dec. 22 - 28 to Dec. 29 - Jan. 4, searches nearly doubled. Since then, the numbers have gone even higher." VPNs are popular workarounds for internet users living under restrictive laws worldwide. Others use VPNs to access streaming media content unavailable where they live. And they're popular for aficionados of adult websites who don't want to identify themselves to strangers. Publications like the Miami New Times publish guides to bypassing restrictions, though VPNs are not difficult to use. So, problem solved, right? Control freaks who want to substitute their judgment for that of parents get to pass their age verification laws, and web users can ignore those laws with ease. Everybody is happy! Except, there's more to the issue than that. VPNs Aren't a Solution as More Places Become Restrictive "While VPNs may be able to disguise the source of your internet activity, they are not foolproofnor should they be necessary to access legally protected speech," warn Rindala Alajaji and Paige Collings of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). "With varying mandates across different regions, it will become increasingly difficult for VPNs to effectively circumvent these age verification requirements because each state or country may have different methods of enforcement and different types of identification checks, such as government-issued IDs, third-party verification systems, or biometric data." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VPNs rely on routing user traffic through servers in jurisdictions relatively free of restrictive laws. As governments become more censor-happy, the ranks of "safe" places where web traffic can seem to come from declines. Users and VPN companies may have to pick their poison. "VPN providers will struggle to keep up with these constantly changing laws and ensure users can bypass the restrictions, especially as more sophisticated detection systems are introduced to identify and block VPN traffic," Alajaji and Collings add. EFF publishes a comprehensive guide to using VPNs. But the organization emphasizes that "we must stand up against these types of laws, not just for the sake of free expression, but to protect the free flow of information that is essential to a free society." A Future of Lawsuits, Restrictions, and Resistance Unfortunately, after knocking down earlier legislative attempts at censoring the internet, the U.S. Supreme Court appears relatively friendly to the current crop of laws. The court recently heard arguments in a challenge to Texas's age-verification law and seemed more receptive than in the past to government efforts to apply age restrictions on the internet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This time around, the justices seemed inclined to erase the distinction between accessing porn online and in person," The Atlantic's Novicoff commented, comparing the laws to requirements (not always enforced, as I remember from my youth) for ID to purchase adult magazines in stores. That may lead to a loss of anonymity on the webnot just when accessing sexually oriented websites, but possibly other material that government officials believe ought to be restricted or whose users should be tracked. It will also lead to an escalating technological race between enforcers and those dodging restrictions. Digital credentials, including Louisiana's LA Wallet, have already been stolen and misused. Techniques for fooling online identification efforts have a healthy future. VPNs and legal challenges are only the latest developments in an ongoing war over online privacy and speech. There's a lot more at stake than who gets to decide what websites are appropriate for kids. The post Age Verification Laws Meet VPNs and Lawsuits in a War Over Speech and Privacy appeared first on Reason.com. An artificial intelligence-powered weapon detection system failed to pick up the handgun a 17-year-old Nashville, Tennessee, student used in a school shooting Wednesday that killed a 16-year-old girl, officials said. The software, called Omnilert, failed to detect the gun because of where cameras were in Antioch High School, Metro Nashville Public Schools spokesperson Sean Braisted said at a news conference Thursday afternoon. But the system was activated by police brandishing their weapons during the response to the shooting, Braisted said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omnilert connects to the school's existing network of cameras and uses AI technology to detect weapons, he said, but "in this instance, based on the shooter's location in proximity to the cameras, it wasn't close enough to get an accurate read and to activate that alarm." Kristi Rainwater kneels in prayer Thursday at Antioch High School. "The location of the shooter and the firearm meant that the weapon was not visible," said Omnilert CEO Dave Fraser in an email. "This is not a case of the firearm not being recognized by the system." Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Adrienne Battle said, "There is not one system that is 100% going to capture everything that a person may have on them." Omnilert works by turning security cameras "into life-saving tools, protecting lives while reducing the operational, legal, and social costs of gun violence," its website says. It helps detect firearms and then triggers immediate alerts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These are designed to capture things that are on camera, and so we wanted to have a system that worked on multiple cameras throughout the network. It does work, but it's not going to work in every instance, in every spot, based on where that weapon might be visible," Braisted said. "So that's why we have additional safety and security protocols." In addition to Omnilert, the school uses AI systems at the front door, it has security vestibules, and it uses school resource officers. "It all works together as a system, but one system alone is not going to keep people safe," Braisted said. "And there's also just the general public concerns around how a 17-year-old has a weapon. "I mean, these are questions that are beyond the scope of Metro Schools but need to be addressed by the broader community," he said. "But we are doing what we can as a district to install and equip our schools with the safety protocols and resources that we can use to be safe." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The missed detection offers a lesson in the shortcomings of high-tech security solutions and the risk of relying on them, experts said. This highlights the challenges school districts face, said Donald Maye, head of operations at IPVM, a surveillance technology research company that investigates weapon-detection systems. Theyll make these announcements that theyve invested millions on a solution and then there are still many cases that can occur where the system is not going to be a factor in preventing violence, Maye said. Amy Klinger, director of programs for the nonprofit Educators School Safety Network, said the most effective safeguards against violence are based on building trust among students, teachers and administrators to share early signs of potential threats like erratic behavior or troubling social media posts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the vast majority of cases there is something of concern behaviors, disclosures, conversations, warning signs that if someone is paying attention you could pick up on, Klinger said. If you combine that with technology, great. But you cant replace it with technology. Some have questioned why the school did not use metal detectors. Battle told reporters Thursday that research has shown there are pros and cons to using the detectors. "There are lots of unintended consequences, mainly when you think about the types of learning environments we want for our students. I mean, the first person we want our students to interact with are their principals and their teachers and their fellow students," she said. A motive in the shooting is unclear. Nashville Police Chief John Drake said authorities are looking into "some materials on the internet" believed to be from the shooter, who was identified as Solomon Henderson. He shot and killed himself after the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said Henderson was an active student. They said he took the school bus before he later opened fire in the cafeteria, killing Josselin Corea Escalante. Another student was wounded when he was grazed in the arm. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Jan. 23Alaska U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski on Thursday announced on social media that she would vote against confirming Pete Hegseth to lead the U.S. Department of Defense. Republicans have a 53-seat majority in the U.S. Senate. Three Republicans in addition to Murkowski would need to join all Democrats and independents to block Hegseth from leading the Pentagon. The Senate on Thursday voted 51-49 to advance Hegseth's nomination. All but two Republicans Murkowski and Maine Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins voted in support of Hegseth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A final confirmation vote for President Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary is expected Friday evening in D.C. Shortly before Thursday's procedural vote, Murkowski posted an expansive statement on social media explaining why she said she could not support Hegseth. Murkowski cited allegations against Hegseth of sexual assault and excessive drinking. She said his nomination "poses significant concerns" that she could not overlook. "Managing the Department of Defense requires vast experience and expertise as the department is one of the most complex and powerful organizations in the world, and Mr. Hegseth's prior roles in his career do not demonstrate to me that he is prepared for such immense responsibility," Murkowski said. "His leadership of two veteran organizations was marked with accusations of financial mismanagement and problems with the workplace culture he fostered." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murkowski also expressed concerns about Hegseth's past statements on women serving in combat. "I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join," she said on social media. Sen. Dan Sullivan, Alaska's other senator, supported Hegseth in Thursday's procedural vote. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier in the month, Sullivan was enthusiastic about the prospects of Hegseth leading the U.S. Department of Defense. Sullivan said that he would focus on warrior culture and lethality in the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is the change agent that we need," Sullivan said in an interview with Fox News. Hegseth served in the Minnesota Army National Guard. Prior to being nominated to lead the Pentagon by Trump, Hegseth worked for Fox News as a weekend anchor. The U.S. Department of Defense employs nearly 3.4 million people, including service members and civilians. The department has an $850 billion budget. This is a developing story and will be updated. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A serial burglar learned how long hell spend in prison for breaking into an elderly couples home and shoving one of them to the ground. Dorsett Matthews pled guilty to aggravated burglary and residential burglary in November of last year. He faced up to 14 years in prison. Student with gun arrested by Carlsbad Police at high school On Thursday, Judge David Murphy sentenced him to ten years behind bars. Prosecutors said he has five prior burglary convictions and was out of prison for less than a year when he was arrested for this crime. 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. A vehicle fire in Tacoma on southbound Interstate 5 has caused traffic backups Thursday afternoon. Three right lanes are blocked at milepost 131.8 near South 38th Street, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation Tacoma on X at 3:01 p.m. Everyone inside the car was able to get out safely, and there are no reported injuries, Washington State Patrol trooper John Dattilo told The News Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters are on the scene and putting out the fire. Emergency crews are waiting to make sure the fire is completely out before the vehicle can be towed, he said. Drivers should expect delays. 3:50 p.m. update: The roadway has cleared, according to WSDOT Tacoma on X. OAKLEY, Calif. (KRON) The Contra Costa County District Attorneys Office announced Thursday that the mother of the man accused of killing Alexis Gabe will not face charges. Gabes family told KRON4 it is extremely disappointed in the decision. Gabe was an Oakley woman who was found to be dead after she was originally reported missing in 2022. Gabes ex-boyfriend, Marshall Curtis Jones, was charged with Gabes murder. Gabe was last seen on Jan. 26, 2022 and her remains were found in Amador County. Jones was killed by police in Washington state in June of 2022. The DAs office investigated whether Jones mother, Alicia Coleman-Clark, acted as an accessory after the fact in connection with Gabes murder. Gabes family met with police in December, and the Oakley and Antioch Police Departments pursued leads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspect in deadly 7-car SF crash released from police custody Authorities investigated recovered clothing and attempted to locate a plastic bag containing Gabes remains. The bag had been found in Amador County and was sent to Chico State for forensic testing, but police were never able to get their hands on the bag. They also interviewed Coleman-Clarks boyfriend, searched her home and sought information about whether she helped Jones fly to Washington. The DAs office said some information raised suspicion about Alicia Coleman-Clarks potential culpability as an accessory after the fact, but they could not find sufficient evidence to charge her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were confused as to why they think its still not enough. Thats what really infuriates me, said Gabes father Gwyn. A timeline put together by police detectives showed that Jones travelled to Coleman-Clarks house several times in the days after he allegedly committed the murder. He flew to Seattle on Feb. 2 to stay with his father. Coleman-Clark was briefly detained on May 19 on suspicion of aiding and abetting, but she was not charged. The DA said in August of 2022 that she would not charge Coleman-Clark. She later initiated another investigation. Gabes family sent KRON4 the following statement regarding the decision not to charge Coleman-Clark: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are extremely disappointed. We just concluded a conversation with DA Diana Becton and Deputy DA Simon OConnell. Despite having a substantial amount of evidence, they still declined to pursue charges. The Alexis Gabe case became a national storyline that was featured on a true crime series. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TOKYO/BEIJING (Reuters) -A Chinese court has sentenced a man to death over the fatal stabbing of a Japanese boy in the southern city of Shenzhen, Japan's Kyodo news agency said on Friday, citing Japanese ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi. The trial started earlier in the day. The boy, a 10-year-old Japanese national born to a Japanese father and a Chinese mother, was stabbed on his way to school on a morning in September last year. He died the following day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assailant, identified by Chinese authorities as a 44-year-old man surnamed Zhong, was formally arrested on Nov. 30 on suspicion of murder, Kyodo had reported. The attack took place on the anniversary of an incident in 1931 that triggered war between China and Japan, a sensitive date at a time when diplomatic relations are in danger of deteriorating. Kyodo said on Friday Chinese authorities described the case as an accidental and isolated incident, without giving motives. It was second such incident near Japanese educational centres in China last year, after another in June in which a man attacked a bus used by a Japanese school in the eastern city of Suzhou, resulting in the death of a Chinese national who tried to shield a Japanese mother and her child from the assailant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A court in Suzhou sentenced that assailant to death on Thursday, Kyodo reported. (Reporting by Tim Kelly, Kiyoshi Takenaka in Tokyo, Liz Lee in Beijing; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Philippa Fletcher) When Italy's highest court exonerated Amanda Knox of murder in 2015, the bulk of her adult life had been consumed by a legal saga that began during her time as a study abroad student in Perugia, Italy. That odyssey quietly continued, however, for yet another decade, culminating this week in that same court upholding her convictionnot for murder, but for slander. In 2007, Italian authorities accused Knox, a 20-year-old from Seattle, Washington, of murdering her roommate, Meredith Kercher, in what the lead prosecutor said was a bizarre sex game gone awry. The evidence invoked against her, which included mishandled DNA, was spurious from the outset. Most importantly, it included a highly coerced confession, during which she implicated her boss at the timesomething that would come to dog her not only during her trial but for years after. Following Kercher's murder, law enforcement took little time zeroing in on Knox and Raffaele Sollecito, Knox's boyfriend of one week, despite that the DNA evidence went on to overwhelmingly implicate Rudy Guede, who ultimately served 13 years. During her 53-hour interrogation, Knox was slapped, screamed at over the course of multiple days in a language she did not speak fluently, and was not permitted to go to the restroom when she got her period. She was made to believe, she says, that she had repressed memories of the murder, which she needed to unearth if she wanted to help police and see her family again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A lot of people like to think that, if they were in my shoes, nothing short of being beaten with a rubber hose or dangled out a window would get them to implicate themselves or others in a crime that they knew they were innocent of," she told me late last year on The Reason Interview. "Obviously, the research speaks otherwise. But speaking from personal experience, I can tell you that I have never been put in a position of doubting my own sanity like I was in the hands of those police officers." After law enforcement continued demanding she furnish a story, she eventually named someone: Patrick Lumumba, her boss at a bar she worked at part-time, who was arrested and spent two weeks behind bars before an alibi set him free. Though Knox's 2009 murder conviction was overturned in 2011 and thrown out for good in 2015, she was reconvicted of slandering Lumumba in June of last year, which the Rome-based Court of Cassation has now allowed to stand. The European Court of Human Rights had previously ruled in Knox's favor, saying police violated her rights by declining to give her a lawyer and employing an inadequate translator. Slander under Italian law is not completely analogous to the U.S. "After I signed those statements, and it turned out that my boss obviously was completely innocent and had nothing to do with this crime, even after I retracted those statements, I was accused of having maliciously and intentionally slandered him in order to divert the course of justice," Knox, who spent four years in prison after her 2007 arrest, told me. "I was found guilty of that crime, and I was sentenced to three years in prison for that crime. And technically, in Italy, they say that I served rightfully three years in prison for the outcome of that interrogation." In other words, law enforcement officers got what they had insisted on at the expense of the trutha confession. And then they successfully prosecuted her for giving it to them. Coerced confessions are a leading cause of exonerations, something younger people are disproportionately vulnerable to, and which Knox has made a focal point of her advocacy post-release. The effects can follow a defendant for lifethe reason why she says fighting this particular charge mattered to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Knox no longer feels the need to place that same burden on herself when outside of the courtroom. "I have given myself the grace to not feel the burden of having to explain myself to every single person out there," she says. "That's in large part due to having met other wrongly convicted people. Before I did, I felt this horrendous obstacle of, 'If I'm going to belong to humanity again, I have to explain myself to every single person,' and I have given up on that horrific, impossible task. I do not feel compelled to do that." The post Amanda Knox Was Falsely Charged With Murder. Italy Calls Her Coerced Confession 'Slander.' appeared first on Reason.com. KIEV, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed in two separate Russian drone attacks on Kiev suburbs early Friday, said Ukraine's State Service for Emergencies. Two were killed in the town of Brovary, about 20 km northeast of the capital, when debris from an intercepted drone fell onto their two-story private house, igniting a fire. In the Fastiv district, southwest of Kiev, drone debris struck a 10-story apartment building, killing one man and injuring another. The strike partially destroyed the 6th and 7th floors of the building, leading to the evacuation of 150 residents. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that air defense forces shot down 25 out of 58 drones launched by Russia from various directions. An additional 27 drones lost contact with radar. Amanda Knox is stunned that Italys highest court rejected her appeal of her 2024 slander conviction, saying on her Labrynths podcast, Im feeling just kind of f---ing numb. On Thursday, Jan. 23, the Supreme Court of Cassation in Rome upheld Knoxs conviction for falsely accusing her former boss, bar owner Patrick Lumumba, of the 2007 murder of her flatmate Meredith Kercher. I'm a little bit astonished because I had higher hopes for the court, Knox said in an impromptu episode Labyrinths with Amanda Knox and Christopher Robinson, recorded moments after learning about the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm trying to imagine how a legal expert, a panel of judges on the Supreme Court in Italy, can legally justify the decision they just handed down, she said. Growing emotional, she said their decision means that I just have a criminal record forever for something I didn't do, and there's nothing I can do. In 2007, Knox, then a 20-year-old exchange student in Perugia, and Raffaele Sollecito, her boyfriend at the time, were found guilty of killing Kercher, 21, but were later acquitted. Oli Scarff / Getty Images News Amanda Knox in Italian court In 2008, a man named Rudy Guede was convicted of murdering Kercher. He was released from prison in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June 2024, Knox was convicted once more for wrongly accusing Lumumba, of killing her roommate under aggressive police questioning. She subsequently appealed the conviction. Related: Italian Court Upholds Amanda Knox's 2024 Slander Conviction for Falsely Accusing Bar Owner of Murder Knoxs Kafka-esque ordeal, as Robinson described it, began on November 1, 2007, when Kercher was found murdered in her bedroom with more than 40 stab wounds and a deep gash in her throat. She had also been sexually assaulted. Knox who was not fluent in Italian was questioned for 53 hours by Italian police. During the interrogation, she accused Lumumba of murdering her roommate, signing statements typed up by police, the AP reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She recanted the accusation in a four-page handwritten memoriale the next day, the AP reported. Police still took Lumumba into custody for questioning, holding him for nearly two weeks before someone provided an alibi for him, according to the AP. Related: Amanda Knox Is Back in Court This Time For Alleged Slander. Here's Everything to Know The memoriale she wrote intending to absolve Lumumba of any wrongdoing is at the heart of everything, she pointed out. During questioning, There was no way I could possibly know who had murdered Meredith, and there was no way that I could know if it was Patrick or not, she said. And that's why the police were able to convince me that it could have been him because I didn't f---ing know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So for them to assert that ... I intentionally falsely accused an innocent person is just bulls--t. In 2016, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that Knoxs rights were violated during her interrogation, the AP reports. 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. Despite that, they acted like the memoriale that I wrote immediately afterward was not an extension of those rights being violated, she said. Noting that she is going to give herself time to grieve the decision, she vowed to continue to fight for criminal justice reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I've been mentally telling myself there's a way for me to not just feel defeated by this, but for it to give me momentum and to pivot around this in some meaningful and valuable way. But, God, I wish I were celebrating right now. Despite the convictions three-year sentence, she does not have to spend any more time in prison because of time already served. Read the original article on People American hikers come under cartel fire near border SAN DIEGO (Border Report) A group of American hikers was brutally attacked and strafed with gunfire on Wednesday in the Jacumba Wilderness area, U.S. Border Patrol officials said. Greg Bovino, chief patrol agent of the Border Patrols El Centro Sector said the lone victim was shot twice and robbed. The others in the group were not harmed. These cartels think they can bring their war to American soil. Think again! said Bovino, who posted video of the rescue on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He goes on to say this is a WARNING that the El Centro Sector will not stand idly by. The safety of our citizens is not negotiable, cartel terrorists have no place in our country preying on the innocent, Bovino said. Enough is enough. The incident happened about 70 miles east of San Diego. Agents with the Border Patrol Tactical Unit, or BORTAC, responded and lent medical aid to the injured hiker. Pentagon to send up to 1,500 active duty troops to help secure US-Mexico border, officials say A U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter flew in to take the wounded hiker to the hospital. The American people will not retreat from this kind of terror, Bovino said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The condition of the hiker has not been make public, nor the name of the medical facility where he was taken. Border Patrol officials said some agents responded to the area and found the group of hikers, including a man who had been shot in the right leg. San Diego County Sheriffs deputies also responded. Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border The agents are said to have carried the wounded man to an area where the helicopter could land and then take him to the hospital. Border Patrol says it is still conducting an investigation in the incident. 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. Immigrants seeking asylum board a bus to a U.S. Border Patrol processing center after crossing into Arizona from Mexico on May 11, 2023, in Yuma, Arizona. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) As President Donald Trump takes a flurry of actions designed to slow down immigration and increase deportations, Republicans in New Hampshire are proposing their own slew of policy proposals. At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday, Sen. Bill Gannon, a Sandown Republican, introduced three bills related to immigration in the state. The first, Senate Bill 71, would ban sanctuary cities municipalities that have opted not to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement authorities such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second, Senate Bill 62, would prohibit state or local governments from blocking law enforcement agencies from voluntarily working with ICE via formal agreements. And the third, Senate Bill 13, would invalidate any drivers license issued by another state to an undocumented person specifically those designated for undocumented drivers. That bill would also make it a class B misdemeanor to drive in New Hampshire using that form of ID, a category that can incur up to a $1,200 fine but no jail time. The bills come as part of a broader Republican push to crack down on immigration in the Granite State, bolstered by newly elected Gov. Kelly Ayotte, who campaigned heavily on pledges to increase patrols of New Hampshires Canadian border and ban sanctuary towns and cities. Introducing the anti-sanctuary city bill, Gannon said he wanted to target welcoming ordinances passed by some towns that state that local law enforcement will not report to ICE when they arrest people who appear to be undocumented. Some cities, such as Lebanon and Hanover, have adopted policies to block municipal police officers from asking the immigration status of people they stop or arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gannon also connected illegal immigration to fentanyl use and crime in the state. The question we need to ask is why wouldnt people want public safety threats out of their community? he said. When there are no sanctuary cities, less women and children will be subject to sex trafficking, less residents will die of fentanyl overdoses, and less illegal aliens will die making the journey across the border because they will know theres no shelter for them in New Hampshire. Gilles Bissonnette, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire, said the anti-sanctuary city bill could open the door to local law enforcement having to hold people in custody on behalf of ICE. I think it very plausibly can be read to require compliance with detainers which dont have due process baked into them, which arent signed off by a judge, and I just have profound concerns with that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bissonnette also said SB 71 could damage the relationships local law enforcement agencies have built with immigrant communities, both documented and undocumented. The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee also heard testimony Wednesday on House Bill 511, which would bar sanctuary city policies and empower the state Attorney Generals Office to sue municipalities that dont comply. In 2024, the Republican-led House struck down another anti-sanctuary city attempt in House Bill 1292, after last minute disagreements with the Senate during the committee of conference process. But in her Jan. 9 inaugural address, Ayotte called on the Legislature to pass the legislation this year. Weve got the Massachusetts illegal immigrant crisis right down the road, Ayotte said. And if you want to see what these dangerous policies do, not just to communities, but to a budget, theyve spent a billion dollars housing migrants rather than spending it, investing it on their law-abiding residents. We cant allow that to happen here in New Hampshire. DES MOINES, Iowa A California man is behind bars in Iowa after police say a narcotics K9 sniffed out luggage containing more than 50 pounds of marijuana at the Des Moines International Airport. An anonymous tip came in to the Des Moines Police Department Thursday that there was a large shipment of marijuana headed to Des Moines on a flight from Las Vegas. Investigators identified the luggage believed to contain the marijuana and K9 Blaise alerted on the luggage after a sniff of the exterior. Tanitoluwa Arogundade 13 people escape Des Moines home after morning fire; 3 pets killed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police kept an eye on the luggage and detained 21-year-old Tanitoluwa Arogundade, of Chatsworth, California, after he claimed it. Criminal complaints filed in the case say after obtaining a search warrant, police found 56 pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed packages inside Arogundades two suitcases. Arogundade has been charged with controlled substance violation and failure to affix a drug tax stamp. Both are Class D felonies. He is being held in the Polk County Jail. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for February 3rd. Metro news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. (Via Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program Long Range Plan) Floridas efforts to battle cancer could prove the source of another fight in the state Legislature this year, especially if legislative leaders stick with promises to curtail spending now that federal stimulus dollars have dried up. Florida has four National Cancer Institutedesignated research and treatment centers that annually receive $127.5 million in state funds to help them recruit the best and brightest medical minds to advance cancer research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a new long-range plan submitted to the Legislature by the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis recommends that the state money, known as Casey DeSantis Research Funds, be made available to additional cancer providers. While their NCI designations highlight their exceptional capabilities, this exclusivity limits funding accessibility for other cancer facilities and research institutions across Florida, including those in rural or underserved areas, the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program Long Range Plan notes. This recommendation could pit the NCI-designated Moffitt Cancer Center; University of Florida Health Cancer Center; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; and Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center against large hospital networks that provide comprehensive cancer programs and pediatric cancer hospitals. The plan notes that Florida has the third largest child population in the United States but that last fiscal year only 2.6% of the cancer research funding in Florida went to pediatric research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $847.1 million has been appropriated to the NCI-designated facilities since 2014 Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program Long Range Plan, Dec. 1, 2024 Cancer has been the second-leading cause of death in Florida since 2014. Florida has the third largest population in the country but the second-highest cancer burden, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each year, more than 130,000 new cancer cases are reported to the statewide cancer registry at the Florida Department of Health. The $127.5 million is directed to four facilities that, according to the long-range plan, treat only 10% of the cancer patients in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transforming Floridas approach to cancer prevention, treatment, and research will provide funding for a broader range of cancer facilities, improve cancer care, and further drive innovative research, the plan states. By expanding access to cancer funding to a broader range of cancer facilities, this transformative process offers the possibility of creating a stronger, broader cancer care network with access for people in rural areas and one that includes pediatric cancer facilities. Third time in three years Its not clear how the Dec. 1 long range plan is being received by lawmakers. This will be the third time in as many years, though, that the Legislature is being asked to reconsider cancer research funding. It also comes as House Speaker Rep. Danny Perez has promised to trim state spending, putting the $33 billion state health and human services budget on the chopping block. Casey DeSantis via governors office DeSantis pushed increases in the amount of money the state was spending on cancer research following First Lady Casey DeSantis 2021 cancer diagnosis. She was later declared cancer-free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature in 2022 increased funding for what was then known as the NCI Centers Program, created in 2014 to support cancer research at Florida-domiciled NCI facilities. Lawmakers pumped an additional $37million into the program and renamed it in honor of the First Lady. Former House Speaker Paul Renner began a push in 2023 to remove the statutory requirement that the funding be given only to state-domiciled facilities. The bill passed in 2024 and allowed the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville to receive a portion of the money. To hold the other three NCI facilities harmless, the Legislature agreed to infuse another $27.5 million into the program. The money is distributed according to a formula laid out in statute. The long-range plan recommends eliminating that formula and creating a new statewide cancer research framework housed in the Department of Health to administer the funds along with the Cancer Connect Collaborative, an advisory panel the First Lady initially announced through her office but which the Legislature agreed to codify last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2014, the $847.1 million has been appropriated to the NCI-designated facilities, the report notes. Why NCI? The National Cancer Institute is the federal governments principal agency for cancer research and training. NCI leads, conducts, and supports cancer research across the nation. There are 72 NCI-designated facilities nationwide. The four Florida NCI centers are part of the the Florida Academic Center Center Alliance. During a House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee meeting in January 2023, John Cleveland, Moffitts executive vice president, director, and scientific officer, extolled the decision by the Legislature in 2014 to spend money on NCI-designated facilities. He told members of the subcommittee that the return on investment has been significant in every measurable way. Between 2016 and 2019, alliance members were responsible for 12,000 jobs, $1.18 billion in revenue, and $401 million in tax revenue for the state, Cleveland said. (Those figures dont include Mayo, which didnt receive additional funds at the time and therefore wasnt a member of the alliance.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the three facilities had recruited 352 staff and researchers to Florida with the additional funds, he said. I go up against Harvard, Stanford, and Penn [University of Pennsylvania] . and were successful in bringing the best and brightest investigators to the state of Florida, Cleveland said. Yes, it is a beautiful place to live and that always helps, but one of the carrots is this program. Because this program allows us to provide startup packages that are attractive and competitive and allows us to support salaries for these investigators. Economics aside, Cleveland said, the money has helped grow the NCI centers to the benefit of public health. He said the facilities provide care that other cancer centers cannot. At an NCI designated cancer center, you get tomorrows care today. That comes from clinical trials, Cleveland said. Those are the trials that really save lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Sam Garrison, who chaired the House health care spending panel at the time, praised the academic prowess of NCI facilities and called them critical. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Protests against the policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico's government are taking place in over 20 Slovak cities. The protests began on the evening of Friday, 24 January under the slogan "Slovakia is Europe". Source: Slovak newspaper Aktuality, as reported by European Pravda Details: The protests against Ficos government in Slovakia have been organised by the Peace for Ukraine initiative and opposition political parties. Protests have also been reported in Poland, Germany, Czechia and Ireland. The protest in Zilina, Slovakia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Aktuality The police have responded by implementing security measures to ensure that the demonstrations are peaceful and safe. They have urged protesters to heed any instructions given by police officers and to be considerate of others during the public gatherings. The protest in Kosice, Slovakia. Photo: Aktuality In most Slovak cities, thousands of people have turned out to protest. In Kosice, for instance, media outlets estimated the turnout at around 15,000. Meanwhile, counter-protests under the slogan "Slovakia is not Ukraine" have been announced in some cities. One of these, in Bratislava, drew about 40 people. Background: Earlier this week Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico claimed that a "coup d'etat" was being planned in Slovakia involving the opposition, non-governmental organisations, the media, and a "secret group of foreign experts". The Slovak opposition, which is attempting to propose a vote of no confidence in Fico's government, rejects these claims, saying they are just a tactic to intimidate Slovaks. Support UP or become our patron! ANTIOCH, Tenn. (WKRN) The 17-year-old student who opened fire in the cafeteria of Antioch High School Wednesday morning fired at least 10 shots from a nine-millimeter pistol within 17 seconds, officials said. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), a continuing investigation into the murder-suicide at Antioch High School reveals that 17-year-old Solomon Hendersons gun was loaded with nine rounds when it was recovered by police. Meanwhile, a pistol magazine loaded with seven rounds was reportedly recovered from the cafeteria floor. What we know so far about the Antioch school shooter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement surrounded Solomons last known address Wednesday afternoon and removed boxes of material from the home. However, police say there were no firearms or firearm parts found during a search of the Carefree Lane residence. Despite originally reporting that Henderson was brought to the high school via bus, police clarified Thursday that his mother actually brought him to school. Further investigation also revealed that the 17-year-old went into a bathroom near the cafeteria before the shooting occurred, where he then posted photos to social media. After the shooting, which resulted in the death of 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante, detectives said they found two documents that are believed to have been created by Henderson on non-traditional websites one 51 pages in length, while the other was 288 pages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities remove boxes from Antioch High School shooters last known address The material in the documents, alongside evidence that was recovered from the home on Carefree Lane, are under close scrutiny by Homicide Unit detectives, detectives from the Specialized Investigations Division and the FBI, police said. According to the MNPD, Henderson was significantly influenced by web-based material, specifically material that most would find harmful and objectionable. The MNPD and FBI are reportedly working closely together in the ideological influences portion of the investigation. In the meantime, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearm (ATF) is working with the MNPD to determine how the gun came into Hendersons possession. Officials said they know that the pistol was purchased by an individual in Arizona in 2022, adding that it had not been reported stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fund established to help those impacted by Antioch High School shooting Those impacted by Wednesdays shooting who need counseling assistance, in English or in Spanish, can contact the departments Family Intervention Program at 615-862-7773. Community leaders have also established the Nashville School and Violence Support and Healing Fund to help support victims families, those who were injured and faculty and students who are experiencing emotional trauma. To donate to the fund, 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 WKRN News 2. TEHRAN, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday that his country seeks peace, not fight or war, while rebuffing external threats, reported the official news agency IRNA. He made the remarks at a meeting with a number of elites in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province while elaborating on his administration's foreign policy. Pezeshkian said Iran wants to live in peace and tranquility with the world as neighboring states are prioritized in Iran's foreign policy. "We should speak to the world in the language of peace, health and righteousness, not by fighting with everyone," he said. Pezeshkian said Iran should have relations with all sides based on the three principles of "dignity, expediency and wisdom," except Israel, "which is an aggressor and has shown that it does not value humanity at all." He emphasized that Iran would not kneel before the enemies' threats and sanctions. Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. Would you consider this new insurance policy? Email money@telegraph.co.uk. Celebrities who are worried that they might be cancelled will be able to take out insurance to deal with the consequences of a social media fallout. Social media storms, which begin when a celebrity or public figure is perceived to have crossed a moral line, can be hugely damaging to lucrative careers. The policy, which is provided by insurance company Samphire Risk, will give anxious high net-worth individuals access to a 24/7 help hotline in case they are attacked online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will also provide 60 days of crisis communications in the event of a cancellation, as well as providing protection from misinformation, blackmail and deepfake images. Preventative measures, including monitoring, analysis and training, are also included. The company, which is backed by Lloyds of London, says on its website that: We truly understand what is needed to protect people and companies from bad people doing bad things. Mark Borkowski, a public relations boss who helped to design the policy, told the Financial Times that even just liking a tweet could bring the whole world down on you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Borkowski said: There are a lot of anxious people. The cancel button is the new guillotine [and] one mistake is your epitaph. Its too easy to take a position on thingswithout being thoughtful. But the PR boss said the product was not designed for those who have broken the law. Other insurance policies for reputational damage are available, although this is the first to focus specifically on cancellation. Ms Lively has claimed in legal documents that she was sexually harassed by Mr Baldoni, which he strongly denies - Nicole Rivelli/Sony Pictures It comes as the fallout of the $400m (320m) row between actress Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni rumbles on, with Ms Livelys husband, Ryan Reynolds, reportedly requesting a gagging order to prevent more reputational damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Lively has claimed in legal documents that she was sexually harassed by Mr Baldoni, which he strongly denies. Other celebrities who have faced cancellation include comic writer Graham Linehan, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, and actor Johnny Depp. Mr Linehan previously told The Telegraph that following a tweet he wrote in 2020, he had thoughts of suicide. He had responded to the Womens Institute on social media, saying men arent women though, leading to online LGBTQ+ outlet Pink News branding him a bigot. Mr Linehan said in October 2023 that: I was thinking, I could jump off that building. Would that be tall enough to kill me or would I just be crippled for life? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it is not only celebrities who have been affected by so-called cancel culture. Last year, a coroner warned that an Oxford student, Alexander Rogers, 20, had taken his own life after an allegation had been made about his conduct. Nicholas Graham concluded that the subsequent backlash led to the students death, and sent a prevention of further death report to the Department for Education. Samphire Risk 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. CENTRAL SQUARE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) A staff member at Altmar-Parish-Williamstown (APW) Junior-Senior High School has been arrested and accused of multiple sex offense charges. 25-year-old Nolan Ostrowski, of Central Square, was investigated by members of the Computer Crime Unit with New York State Police over a search warrant related to the transmission of child sexual exploitation material via the internet, according to NYSP. Courtesy of New York State Police. The APW School District told NewsChannel 9 that they are aware of the information released by police, and have placed Ostrowski on administrative leave, effective immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district is fully cooperating with local authorities as they continue their investigation. We want to assure our community that the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority, stated the APW School District. The district did not provide any further details regarding the situation. Ostrowski has been charged with promoting sexual performance by a child, a felony, possession of sexual performance by a child, a felony, obscenity 3rd degree, a misdemeanor, and public lewdness, a misdemeanor. If anyone has any information regarding any of these incidents or any other incidents involving Ostrowski, they are asked to contact New York State Police at (315)-366-6000. 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 WSYR. ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office now has K-9s that can track missing people, including children or at-risk adults the first working team of its kind in Colorado. K-9s Rex, Riley and Bear are now the first school therapy dogs in the state of Colorado to become certified tracking dogs using a method called casting. Dogs spend 16 weeks training on different surfaces to follow a scent and ignore all other odors. Given his trauma, you really wouldnt know: Denver stray shot in the face gets a new lease on life Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dogs can actually detect every individual blade of grass thats out of place. They can also detect that stress, anxiety-ridden human odor that falls off you as youre either running or walking, said Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office Deputy John Gray, who is K-9 Rexs handler. They can track missing kids, missing people, suicidal people. Our goal was really to take some of the workload off of maybe like an apprehension dog thats trained more specifically to track suspects. The deputies and their K-9s visit multiple elementary schools in Arapahoe County. Not only are they now tracking K-9s, but they are also bomb-sniffing and school therapy dogs. Its kind of funny because the kids always ask, Whats Rexs latest mission hes been on? They like petting him and spending time with him, but they want to know what kind of police work hes done. They like knowing that hes there to protect them, said Gray. In order to stay certified, the dogs must continue training at least two to four days a week. Despite just becoming recently certified, this training has already been put to use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have used the tracking ability for evidentiary reasons too. Lets say somebody does take off running and theyre later apprehended by an officer. If they lost sight of them at any point in time, we can actually track where they went, to be able to find evidence that they may have dropped. Its not so much as finding them, its finding where they went, said Gray. Arapahoe County K-9 can sniff out devices to help find explicit images The sheriffs office said the working team is one of few in the country with this training. Theres more and more coming right now. I know that there are other agencies that are quickly trying to get dogs on board and our hope is that they do, because weve seen the value as an agency, said Gray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies said their program is almost fully funded by donations through Back the Blue K9 Force. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A 37-year-old Bullhead City, Arizona, man was arrested Thursday on charges involving two January bank robberies after he showed up at the police department as detectives were preparing a search warrant. John Adam Steiner was taken into custody and booked into the Mohave County Jail in Kingman, according to the Bullhead City Police Department. Police said social media posts asking for the publics help in identifying a bank robbery suspect in surveillance photos produced a tip from someone who said they knew the man. Detectives confirmed a match to a truck in the surveillance pictures. John Adam Steiner. (Photo: Bullhead City Police Department) As detectives were working on a search warrant, John Steiner came into the Bullhead City Police lobby to report a weapons offense at approximately 9 p.m. Steiner wanted to report that someone pointed a gun at him, accusing him that he was the bank robber that was posted on social media. He was taken into custody for robbery, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives searched Steiners truck, which he drove to the police department, and found clothing, sunglasses, a hat and masks that matched items worn by a bank robber who was captured on surveillance in Bullhead City and Kingman. Police also found notes they say were used in the bank robberies demanding money from bank tellers. Images posted on the Bullhead City Police Departments Facebook page on Thursday afternoon. The social media posts went online at about 2 p.m. Thursday with an offer of $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the bank robber. The robberies occurred Friday, Jan. 3, in Bullhead City and the following week in Kingman, police said. Bullhead City is a community of about 43,000 people on the Colorado River about 100 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The Arizona Republican Party is riding high, flush with its November victories and counting the days until it can mount a campaign to bounce the despised Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs out of office. On Saturday, we will see if the party is ready to shoot itself in the foot. The partys state committee meets then to elect officers for the coming two years. Will its members: Reelect state GOP Chairwoman Gina Swoboda, a former elections official who has pulled the GOP out of financial ruin and presided over a party that has boosted Republican control of the Legislature, won two of the nations most competitive congressional races, took complete control of the Arizona Corporation Commission and delivered the state for Donald Trump? Or will they elect former state Rep. Cory McGarr, a pest control technician who is perhaps best known as the only Republican legislator who lost in November dumped in a solidly red district and immediately proceeding to talk about stolen elections? AZ GOP's hard right doesn't like Swoboda The fact that there is even a debate shows how deeply split the party remains. Advertisement Advertisement And it doesnt bode well for Republicans chances in next years gubernatorial election, where MAGA Republicans (Andy Biggs) and traditional Republicans (Karrin Taylor Robson) appear headed for a clash. (Havent we seen that movie before, where the party nominates someone who cannot win a general election?) The always excellent Arizona Agenda laid out the drama leading up to Saturdays party vote in its Friday newsletter. Basically, it comes down to this: Turning Point USA and many of the partys hard right warriors dont like Swoboda. (Think Kari Lake and Liz Harris, who was elected as the partys national committeewoman last year after being expelled from the Legislature in 2023.) Advertisement Advertisement Theres the usual talk of Swoboda being a RINO and a sellout to the evil consultant class jabbering that should be easily discounted given that anyone who doesnt march with sufficient spirit in lock step with their hard-right ideology is considered a RINO and a sellout. It's not necessarily about politics, but contracts AZ GOP Chair Gina Swoboda speaks during a rally for Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance on Oct. 22, 2024, at TYR Tactical in Peoria, Ariz. But its not just politics, as Trump and some on the hard right (think Sen. Wendy Rogers) are backing Swoboda. Which brings us to money. It seems a company with deep ties to Turning Point lost a lucrative contract with the state party when Swoboda came aboard, and those guys want back on the gravy train. Swoboda elected a year ago after Lake pushed then-party Chairman Jeff DeWit over a ledge with the leaking of her secret bribery tape discontinued the partys use of a get-out-the-vote app developed by Superfeed Technologies Inc. Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: GOP goal in 2025: Defeat Gov. Hobbs Tyler Bowyer, chief operating officer of Turning Point Action and lest we forget, one of Arizonas fake electors sits on the board of directors of Superfeed, according to the companys latest annual report. So does Lori Frantzve, who is Turning Point founder Charlie Kirks mother-in-law, and Wayne Newkumet, who also sits on Turning Points advisory council. She didn't buy the Kari Lake crazy. That doesn't help Turning Point hasnt made an endorsement in the race, but Bowyer has endorsed McGarr. And Turning Point representatives and allies are trashing Swoboda at every turn. Sen. Jake Hoffman, the Republican National Committeeman who runs the Legislatures Arizona Freedom Caucus and, lest we forget, is another of the fake electors has endorsed McGarr. Advertisement Advertisement Did I mention that Hoffmans companies have made millions through Turning Point contracts? Probably didnt help that Swoboda also ended a contract with one of Hoffmans companies, according to the Agenda one that offered services like campaign texts. Or that she refused to buy into the Kari Lake crazy and file lawsuits over the supposedly stolen 2022 election. Of course, Swoboda also has her own place at the trough, having recently renewed her $15,000-a-month contract to advise Senate Republicans on election legislation through the end of the session. Democrats must be loving this battle But she also has Donald Trumps endorsement. Advertisement Advertisement And has delivered for the state. Yet shes Beelzebub in some Turning Point circles those weird places where the chairwoman who put the party back on track to winning stuff is clearly unhinged and unfit to lead. Shes an absolute disaster and attention seeker, Bowyer, the Turning Point/Superfeed/fake elector guy cried. She turned AZGOP into a Gina promotion only org. Democrats must be loving this. Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz, on Threads at @LaurieRobertsaz and on BlueSky at @laurieroberts.bsky.social. Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Turning Point USA could turn winning AZGOP into losers | Opinion LITTLE ROCK, Ark. An operation headed by the Arkansas Attorney Generals office working with multiple law enforcement agencies led to a series of state-wide raids targeting human trafficking this week. Griffin said the raids targeted massage parlors around the state as Operation Obscured Vision. He said 17 victims were identified with aid given to 16 of them after 12 search warrants were executed. Russellville police search multiple massage businesses, mayor says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One victim refused care, the attorney general said. Griffin said all the victims were Chinese nationals. I am proud to announce that local law enforcement, with coordination by my office, executed 12 search warrants at illicit massage parlors in Jonesboro, Russellville, Hot Springs, Rogers, Harrison, and a Little Rock hotel, Griffin said. I congratulate the local police officers, sheriffs deputies, the Arkansas State Police, and Special Agents in my office for successfully executing this operation. Griffin said four were arrested during the raids and are facing a charge of promoting prostitution in the second degree. He named Haiyan Lu, 54, of Harrison, Qing Chen, 53, of Jonesboro, Hongliang Cai, 55, of Jonesboro and Chunli Wang, 50, of Rogers as the arestees. During the Friday afternoon news conference announcing the operation, Griffin said an additional operation was underway in Harrison where an additional arrest was taking place. He said nearly $70,000 was seized along with 1,870 in Chinese currency. A Mercedes-Benz was also seized, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffin said the operation had been two years in the making. I am grateful to members of the Arkansas General Assembly and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for their support of adding a full-time human trafficking investigator to my office, Griffin said. That Special Agent worked tirelessly to coordinate this operation, and it wouldnt have happened without the agents efforts. Department of Public Safety & Arkansas State Police launch statewide webpage to provide resources for human trafficking victims The attorney general explained that the trafficking victims are often women seeking asylum who take work in the U.S. in response to an ad, and are then are forced to work in massage parlors. One victim told investigators that she was made to work 13 hours a day, seven days a week in an illicit parlor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffin said that the operation would lead to laws being changed in the state. This operation is just a first step, the attorney general said. The intelligence and evidence obtained through Operation Obscured Vision will be used in ongoing investigations and will aid in targeting similar massage parlors elsewhere in the state. The criminals who run these establishments and the men who patronize them are on notice. We are coming for you, and we will put an end to this horrific practice of exploiting women through human trafficking. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A bill filed in the Arkansas legislature would ban tobacco and e-cigarettes from public schools and require parents to pay a fine if their child was to be found in violation of the proposed law. House Bill 1192 was filed on Jan. 22 by Rep. Aaron Pilkington (R-Knoxville). A portion of Arkansas Code 6-21-609 would be amended and an additional subsection would be added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amendment would fully abolish slavery in Arkansas by 2027 The parent or legal guardian to a student who is found by the public school district to have violated the proposed law would be fined $100 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense. Fines collected from the proposed law would be given to the police department of the town or city where the school is located. The bill was read a first and second time and referred to the Committee on House Rules. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON, D.C. A bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. House by an Arkansas sponsor and two others would eliminate the tax on certain benefits paid to military families. The BNA Fairness Act would end the tax on the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) paid to military families. Representatives Steve Womack (R-Arkansas-3) and Seth Moulton (D-Massachusetts-2) sponsor the bill, with an original cosponsor, Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Virginia-1). Arkansas delegation split on House vote to fund US government Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The allowance is used when messing facilities are not available for active-duty personnel. If signed into law, the bill would allow those receiving it to receive the full amount of their allotment. A Womack spokesperson said the bill would align BNA with the tax status of other military benefits, including Basic Allowance for Housing and Basic Allowance for Subsistence. Womack said the bill is a matter of fairness. Providing a supplement to support military families and taxing that benefit doesnt make sense. The BNA should be treated just like any other military benefit outside of earned income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crawford, Hill, Womack, Westerman win respective races for Arkansas representative Womack added that the bill would allow military personnel to better focus on their mission of defending the homeland by removing financial stress. Moulton echoed the same call for fairness. It is simply unacceptable for servicemembers and their families, who already make many sacrifices for our country, to then struggle to put food on the table or make ends meet, Moulton said. This bill provides critical relief to service members and their families by treating the Basic Needs Allowance like other military benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas Rep. French Hill selected to chair powerful House committee The Arkansas Council of Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America, has come out in favor of the bill on behalf of its nearly 5,000 members. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Secretary of State Cole Jester announced a secretarial directive ordering a review of election security procedures on Thursday. Jester said elections are the single most critical responsibility of his office. We want it to be safe and accessible, but first we have to know what our strengths and weaknesses are so were doing an evaluation of what those are, Jester said. Cole Jester takes oath as new Arkansas secretary of state Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jester said his team will now examine elections closely, analyzing everything their office oversees when placing a ballot in the box. It includes things like voter registration; it includes the processes themselves, how a county votes, how were storing votes, it includes our retention, [and] are we keeping these documents long enough for people to be able to challenge them if they feel like it was a close election? Jester said. Jester said whatever the results may be, it will show what needs to be fixed or what is going well so far. The people have given us staff to make sure we can do the peoples business well, and Im telling my staff Hey this is priority number one we have to get this right every single time, Jester said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Record-breaking early vote, Pulaski County focuses on secure voting system This directive doesnt require any additional funding. Jester said he hopes to have results in a few weeks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra announced Thursday that it had concluded its Crescendo Campaign with funding for building and operations. ASO officials said the campaign raised $13.35 million for its Stella Boyle Smith Music Center and $1.6 million for annual operations. Two Mount St. Mary students get scholarships, will have their song performed on Broadway The 20,000-square-foot Stella Boyle Smith Music Center is the orchestras first permanent home in its 60-year history. The facility houses the E. Lee Ronnel Music Academy, a broadcast and recording studio, ASO staff offices and the River Rhapsodies Chamber Music Series. Officials said the center is a radically welcoming hub for musical education and performance in Arkansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The completion of the Crescendo Campaign is a testament to the passion and generosity of our supporters who believe in the transformative power of music, Life Member of the ASO Board of Directors and Chair of the Crescendo Committee Brigita Gardner said, This incredible achievement ensures that the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will continue to enrich and inspire our community for generations to come. Little Rock makes Southern Living magazines Top 25 Best Cities list Officials said more than 200 donors contributed to the campaign, including ASO musicians, staff, and board members. Major donors include The Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Susie and Charles Morgan, Gus Vratsinas, Terri and Chuck Erwin, Pat Becker and Jim Wallis, the Windgate Foundation, E. Lee Ronnel, Simmons Bank and the State of Arkansas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to confirm former director of national intelligence John Ratcliffe as the next Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director under President Donald Trump. The upper chamber voted 74-25 to approve the nomination of Ratcliffe, who served as Trump's director of national intelligence for the last eight months of his first term. Ratcliffe previously served as a U.S. House representative for Texas's 4th congressional district from 2015 to 2020. Twenty-one Democrats joined Republicans in supporting Ratcliffe's nomination, indicating bipartisan support in a divided political climate. Despite that, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he opposed Ratcliffe because he is deeply worried that Ratcliffe will be unable to stand up to people like Trump and Trump's nominee to be the director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, "who are known to falsify intelligence." Thursday's vote took place three days after the Senate unanimously confirmed U.S. Senator from Florida Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, just hours after Trump's inauguration, making it the second major appointment for the new administration. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has set up votes for more of Trump's nominees, including Pete Hegseth, nominated for Secretary of Defense. Hegseth has faced criticism for his lack of military leadership experience, as well as allegations of alcohol abuse, sexual assault, and financial mismanagement of organizations he led. Thune has criticized Democrats for delaying Trump's nominees, urging them to allow quick votes on the matter. Republicans currently have a 53-47 majority in the Senate. To confirm a presidential nomination, a simple majority is needed, meaning the Republicans can afford to lose no more than two votes if all Democrats oppose the nomination. MAGNA, Utah (ABC4) Nearly 20 years after Jason Royter was found dead inside his Magna home, police have made an arrest. Royter, 33, was found beaten and stabbed on an August day in 2005. DNA evidence was collected from the scene but was inconclusive at the time. In 2024, that same DNA evidence led to an allegedly positive match with the Combined DNA Index System. Detectives worked with the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services on the positive match and conducted several interviews eventually leading to the arrest of Mark Nelson Munoz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This arrest is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our detectives who never gave up on finding justice for Jason Royter, said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera. To Mr. Royters family, we hope this development brings a measure of peace, knowing we are closer to uncovering the truth of that tragic day. Detective Ben Pender, who was one of the first to arrive on the scene back in 2005, reported in arresting documents that Munoz, 53, was not easy to track down. Munoz is reportedly not employed, is homeless, and has a history of leaving the state. He reportedly does not have a phone nor does he have regular contact with his family or friends. PREVIOUS: Sisters seek closure over murder of Jason Royter $5,000 reward offered Munoz allegedly committed a crime in another state which prompted the positive CODIS match. He is now being held in the Salt Lake County Jail without bail, pending a pretrial hearing. He faces a first-degree felony murder charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC4s Marcos Ortiz spoke with Pender in 2019 when covering the cold case for The Justice Files. At the time Pender believed Royter may have known his would-be killer. Pender told Ortiz that the suspect may have gone to Royters house to confront him and not necessarily kill him but then things got out of hand. From last night its been a huge relief just taken off our shoulders, chest, soul, said Andrew Royter, Jasons son. I used to be an angry person. After last night it felt like I had 10 years of therapy hit me all at once and I feel so much better. I feel happier. It is currently unclear if there was a relationship between Royter and Munoz and an investigation is still ongoing. Sheriff Rivera said Munoz was not willing to speak with investigators. Anyone who may have information regarding Royters murder is asked to call the Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office at 385-468-9816. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Jan. 23SUGARLOAF TWP. A man from Northumberland County was arrested and charged with criminal homicide in the deadly shooting at a residence earlier this week. William Hunter Snyder, 27, of Milton, was jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility early Thursday morning on an arrest warrant charging him with criminal homicide. Snyder was apprehended on Wednesday. Snyder formerly was a trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police stationed in Montoursville, Lycoming County, until 2023. Pennsylvania State Police, Troop N, Hazleton charged Snyder after investigating the deadly shooting at a home on Merry L. Lane where John Rabbitz Jr., was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers, along with police from Sugarloaf and Butler townships, responded to reports of a shooting at the home just after 5:30 p.m. Tuesday when Rabbitz Jr. called 911 saying he had been shot. Rabbitz told investigators he answered a knock at his front door and immediately upon opening the door, he was shot multiple times, according to the criminal complaint. Investigators discovered foot tracks in the snow, giving the appearance someone ran away from the house after the shooting. As Rabbitz was being treated at the scene, he was able to name "Hunter Snyder" as a person who would hurt him "over a girl," the complaint says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rabbitz died shortly after being transported to an area hospital. State police identified Rabbitz's girlfriend as Courtney Lee Burgard, who was notified of the shooting. Burgard told investigators she dated Snyder for approximately one month in the fall of 2024, but she claimed Snyder continued to pursue her after she ended the relationship, the complaint says. Investigators in the complaint say Burgard surrendered text messages she received from Snyder stating, "Nothing is going to stop me from pursuing you," "I don't deserve love. I don't deserve anything. I just feel like giving up," "My life is meaningless and worthless without you in it," and "How am I supposed to stay wonderful when every day without you drags me deeper into darkness." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burgard sent a message to Snyder stating, "I can't be with you, Hunter." Days before Rabbitz was fatally shot, he and Burgard purchased home security surveillance systems for their respective houses after Burgard told him about Snyder's behavior and messages, the complaint says. Snyder was arraigned on the criminal homicide charge by District Judge Daniel O'Donnell of Butler Township. Snyder remained jailed at the county correctional facility without bail. A ballot drop box damaged in a suspected arson incident in Vancouver, Washington, on Oct. 28, 2024. (Monika Spykerman/The Columbian) Following an arson attack ahead of last Novembers election that torched hundreds of ballots in a southwest Washington drop box, state lawmakers are looking at modest ways to better secure the boxes. On Friday, a state Senate panel advanced a bill to include messaging on drop boxes about criminal penalties for tampering with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 5011 would require each visible side of ballot boxes to display two messages. One would note the box is the property of the county that bought the box. The other would state tampering with the box may violate state and federal law. The bills sponsor, Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, said the deliberately set fire in Vancouver before the election inspired the legislation. What is contained in those boxes is the most precious thing I can certainly think of, which is everybodys vote, Wilson told the Senates State Government, Tribal Affairs and Elections Committee last week. That individuals vote is to be protected and guarded. Some wonder whether signage alone would deter bad actors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson thinks it could help. The label does matter, he said. Authorities still havent arrested anyone in the October attacks on ballot drop boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in the ballot box fires. Early the morning of Oct. 8, someone in a Volvo S-60 sedan placed an incendiary device in a downtown Vancouver ballot box, causing minor damage, according to the FBI. On Oct. 28, officials believe the same suspect placed similar devices in two more boxes, one in Vancouver and one in Portland. The Vancouver fire damaged nearly 500 ballots just days before the election. The fire in Portland damaged only three. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The devices used thermite, a mixture of metal shavings and iron oxide, authorities said last week. Brian Hatfield, the legislative director for the secretary of states office, called the actions terrorism. Hatfield, a former state lawmaker, said the bill is at least talking about the issue and saying we need to do something. Washington has between 545 and 560 drop boxes. Officials project the new labeling proposed under Wilsons bill would cost about $1,000 for each box. But the cost could vary by county. For example, Kittitas County paid $222 to wrap each of its nine boxes, while King County estimates it will cost $1,350 per box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hatfield said he hoped the state would budget money to reimburse counties for the labels. Greg Kimsey, the auditor in Clark County where Vancouver is located, said in an interview Friday he doesnt see the harm in adding the labels. But Im also not sure it does much in the way of deterring someone from bad behavior, he added. Another measure Wilson has proposed, Senate Bill 5010, would create a grant program in the secretary of states office for counties to install cameras around ballot boxes. That bill hasnt been scheduled for a public hearing. Kimsey said Clark County is already working to install cameras at each of its drop boxes by this years general election. The fires last October spurred the effort. A North Korean multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) designed to be disguised as a common truck looks to have appeared in Russias Kursk region. The unique vehicles arrival there would be part of Pyongyangs military support for Moscows war effort. We reported just yesterday that North Korea is increasing its supply or artillery troops and hardware to Russia, especially for use in the Kursk region. The hiding in plain sight MLRS based on a civilian truck platform is a concept that we have seen before in North Korea and a cruder version of which has also been previously used in combat by Iraqi militias. N. Korean 122mm MLRS filmed in Kursk. pic.twitter.com/fziMy5lfTW (@TheDeadDistrict) January 23, 2025 A brief video showing the civilian-truck-based North Korean MLRS began to circulate today on social media. Ukrainian and Russian military bloggers alike have stated that the MLRS was spotted in Kursk, although we cannot currently verify the location in which the footage was shot. The MLRS in the footage certainly appears to be identical to a North Korean one that was first noted during a military parade in Pyongyang, as TWZ reported at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the parade in September 2023 marking the 75th anniversary of North Koreas founding, the countrys Worker-Peasant Red Guards paramilitary force unveiled a fleet of MLRS disguised as civilian trucks that match perfectly with the vehicle depicted in the video. Worker-Peasant Red Guard rocket launchers concealed within container trucks during a parade in Pyongyang on Sep. 9, 2023. KCNA The weapon in question is based on a box truck with 12 tubes, each of what appear to be 122mm artillery rockets deployed via their pop-up and sliding-door roofs. The parade also included a dump truck version of the MLRS, alongside agricultural tractors pulling rocket launchers and anti-tank guided missiles on trailers. North Korean fake dump trucks that can have rocket artillery concealed inside. KCNA North Korean civilian tractors pulling trailers with anti-tank missiles, rocket artillery, and anti-aircraft guns attached. KCNA As we discussed previously, these kinds of weapons make a lot of sense in terms of North Korean operational tactics, masquerading as civilian vehicles before swinging into action should a conflict kick off on the Korean peninsula. Once the fighting has begun, the MLRS could roam around more freely, appearing as a normal truck, then quickly firing, relocating, and doing so repeatedly, making the enemys targeting plans that much more complicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the battlefields of Ukraine, an MLRS thats disguised as a civilian truck would also have considerable value. This would apply in the Kursk region, where Russian and North Korean forces are engaged in a counteroffensive against Ukrainian forces that launched an assault there last summer, but also across large swaths of eastern Ukraine that are controlled by Russia. The fact that the MLRS can move around the fringes of where fighting is taking place without necessarily arousing outright suspicion would be a big deal, and this would be aided by the extensive road networks existing in these areas, where, in some cases, there is no shortage of civilian traffic to blend in with. Ukrainian forces are already using considerable resources to try and identify and then engage Russian units and especially artillery and air defense systems as they are brought into battle. Having another level of camouflage and concealment would make that even more complicated. Among the lessons of the conflict in Ukraine is the vulnerability of equipment on and around the battlefield, especially to drone attacks, putting huge pressure on keeping equipment out of sight as much as possible, or at least confusing the enemy as to what they are seeing and subsequently prioritizing for targeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The possibility that any given anonymous-looking truck moving on a road could actually be concealing rocket artillery therefore adds a whole new dynamic. On the other hand, this kind of artillery is far less mobile outside of existing roads compared to traditional MLRS, and its unclear if it features any kind of protection, even against small-arms fire and shrapnel. That is less of a concern though as 122mm Grad rockets can saturate target areas over 10 miles away, allowing them to be employed behind the front lines and towards the extent of many traditional and unassisted first person video drones practical range. Another view of North Korean rocket launchers concealed within container trucks during a parade in Pyongyang. KCNA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its possible that North Korea may have sent this kind of MLRS to Russia due to availability or perhaps as some kind of combat trial, especially bearing in mind the fact that this is a relatively new system. For the time being, we will have to wait for more evidence to confirm that this type of MLRS is really in the Kursk region and, if so, how it might be employed and by whom. There is, however, a precedent for this type of MLRS being used in combat. Back in 2023, TWZ reported on how Iranian-backed militants in Iraq fired 122mm artillery rockets at U.S.-led coalition forces in neighboring Syria using an improvised array of launchers disguised inside a modified tanker truck. A video clip, seen in the social media post below, emerged showing this vehicle in action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video showing the moment rockets were launched from a moving fuel tanker(transformed into a rocket launching pad) in Nineveh, Iraq. Rockets targeted a U.S landing base in Syria pic.twitter.com/G9r1Jv0iPW Steven Nabil (@thestevennabil) December 4, 2023 A look inside the improvised rocket launcher tubes installed inside the Iraqi modified fuel tanker truck. At least three rockets can be seen still inside the launch tubes. CENTCOM Concealed improvised rocket launchers have been seen on multiple occasions in the hands of Iraqi militants, ever since the immediate aftermath of the U.S.-led invasion of the country in 2003. In the process, various types of commercial trucks have been modified in this way over the years. In the meantime, the concept of concealing weapons in anonymous-looking containers has gained more traction around the world. Most notably, Israel and Russia, among other countries, have developed missile launchers disguised to look like shipping containers, able to be hidden among normal deck cargo or within industrial areas from which to launch attacks. Returning to Ukraine, only yesterday we reported on how North Korea was expected to send reinforcements to Kursk imminently. Kyivs military intelligence chief told TWZ exclusively that these reinforcements will mostly comprise missile and artillery troops who typically operate hundreds of tubed and rocket artillery systems as well as the KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles Pyongyang has already provided Moscow. The wreckage of a North Korean missile is shown in a briefing dedicated to the Russian shelling of Kharkiv by North Korean missiles on March 14, 2024, in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Photo by Denys Glushko /Gwara Media/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images Global Images Ukraine The artillery was expected to be used to support both North Korean and Russian operations, although the missiles would be reserved for Russian objectives. Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraines Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR), also told us that the North Koreans would train Russian soldiers on all of those systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from the thousands of troops North Korea has now committed to the conflict, especially in the Kursk region, Pyongyang has already supplied Russia with huge amounts of weaponry, including desperately needed artillery rounds and various kinds of other ammunition, amounting to millions of individual projectiles. TWZ has also reported on the appearance of North Korean 170mm M1989 Koksan self-propelled artillery pieces being deployed in the Ukraine war and, more recently, a North Korean-made mobile surface-to-air missile system, the designation of which remains unconfirmed. Again, its not clear if these are being used exclusively by North Korean troops or whether they have been supplied to Russia. What is clear is that North Korea is stepping up its military support for Russias war with Ukraine, including providing an increasingly varied array of heavy weapons. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) In just under a month, some voters in Kern and Tulare counties will see ballots for another election. This special election is to fill the 32nd Assembly District seat, vacated by now-Congressman Vince Fong. Back in October 2024, just a month before the general presidential election, 17 News spoke with the Congressman about the potential of a special election. 17s Jenny Huh: In terms of the logistics, a special election could happen? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Vince Fong: Well cross the bridge if it happens. Well do another interview, and well discuss that option. 17s Jenny Huh: Im going to hold you to that. Rep. Vince Fong: All right. That special election is now a reality. As former state Assemblyman Vince Fong became Congressman Fong, he left the 32nd Assembly District seat vacant. He ran for Congress in the first place because his longtime mentor, Kevin McCarthy, resigned from the 20th Congressional District, following his ouster from the House speakership. I found out Congressman McCarthy wasnt running for re-election when he came out with his Wall Street Journal op-ed, Fong said in a January 2024 episode of Kern County In Depth with Alex Fisher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was already after Fong declared for reelection to the Assembly. So, Fong tried to run for Congress instead, to succeed McCarthy, but Californias Secretary of State argued a candidate can run only for one office in an election. Fong disagreed, which led to a months-long lawsuit that Fong won. His name remained on the ballot for both CD-20 and AD-32. Bakersfield City Councilmember Ken Weir attempted to succeed Fong this past presidential election. Kern Republicans, including Fong himself, rallied behind Weir but were unsuccessful. Fong won both CD-20 and AD-32. So, AD-32 is vacant once again, and this 2025 special election will determine the next representative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December, 17 News profiled Republican Stan Ellis and Democrat Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone have launched campaign. Click those links to watch the full interviews. This week, 17 News is featuring two more candidates set to be on the ballot. I know that Im running to be a lawmaker. Id love to be more of a law destroyer, said AD-32 candidate William Brown. Brown, a clinical social worker, is the only Tulare County candidate thus far. The 43-year-old from Florida is in his fifth year as a Libertarian but said he has been both Republican and Democrat. Brown said he first came to California when he joined the Marine Corps, specializing in F/A-18 avionics. He said during his service, he went on six deployments, including for Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes lived in Visalia since 2018. I come from the view that every election, we do the same thing over and over again, Brown said. We look between a choice of two choices. Brown added that this isnt The Matrix voters dont have to choose between a red or blue pill. He also explained he doesnt think the issues are left or right rather, theyre top or bottom. We need to have more of our individual liberties more present so that were not allowing the state in itself to be in a position where it controls our dollars, Brown said. Over-taxation, Brown emphasized, is his biggest concern. The taxation dollars that wed be saving can be back in the community because I believe the people have the best interest and will spend their money in a much better way than the government will, the candidate suggested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also stated there should be no income tax on overtime or on our heroes like law enforcement, healthcare providers and educators. 17s Jenny Huh: Given that, William, Im curious, where do you draw the line between government overreach and what in fact is necessary government involvement like creating law and order in our society, for example? William Brown: Certainly, certainly. In terms of the law and order, sure, we need the government to be there to protect our individual liberties, but in actuality, thats really the only purpose of our government. On other Central Valley topics such on oil and water, Brown admitted while hes no expert, hes willing to learn where the red tape is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holli Willibey who would say only shes in her early 50s is the second Republican candidate. Willibey joined 17 News with her partner-in-crime, Jack, a Yorkshire Terrier. So as much as hes cute and fluffy, and I look like just regular old little lady, Im actually a ball of fire, she said. From Detroit, Michigan, Willibey said she moved to Frazier Park about five years ago. Willibey who taught college criminal justice and psychology was just elected to the El Tejon Unified School District Board. She said she also has 15 years of experience in the field of security, like working as a bouncer and prison guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to be able to get our government back to the people, and that is what I intend to do, Willibey said of her goals. The assemblymember-hopeful said her priority is passing a crime bill, which she says will Bring the power back to the people by allowing the people to file their own criminal charges under certain circumstances. Willibey acknowledged that while she knows vouching for such a law wont be easy, she hopes to tackle the crime within our agencies. Willibey criticized leaders especially Sheriff Donny Youngblood and District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer for not assisting her and neighbors rid their area of a registered sex offender, despite evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 17s Jenny Huh: If elected, these are the very people at least here in Kern County youre going to have to work with, interact with on a frequent basis. Im just curious how you plan to do that because you did have some hard-hitting critiques? Holli Willibey: Oh I plan to hold them accountable. Youre not going to lie to my face, I will call you out. Willibey added that other top issues include education, homelessness, drug and mental health issues, as well as foreign ownership of real estate. Bottom line is, I want to start a committee of regular citizens that know what else is going on in this county because as I started to speak out, people started to tell me similar stories, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AD-32 primary election is on Feb. 25, 2025. Vote-by-mail ballots will arrive throughout next week. Though the official candidate filing period is over, potential write-in candidates have until Tuesday, Feb. 11, to file. Click here for the full interview with William Brown. Click here for the full interview with Holli Willibey. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. Astronomers have detected fast-repeating radio bursts from a distant "dead" galaxy that should not contain the energy to produce these types of signals, according to new research. The source of the fast radio bursts (FRBs) -- sudden flashes of radio waves that last just milliseconds -- has previously been linked to young, magnetized neutron stars that expend a lot of energy when they are forming. But the dormant galaxy from which these radio bursts are originating should not contain this type of young star, according to a paper published Wednesday in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Researchers expect FRBs to originate inside of a galaxy and, because these FRBs are so energetic, within a region of a galaxy in which new stars are actively forming, Vishwangi Shah, a PhD student in the Department of Physics and the Trottier Space Institute at McGill University, told ABC News. These FRBs, named FRB 20240209A, are located outside of the massive ancient elliptical galaxy it is associated with that only contains old and dead stars, Shah said. PHOTO: Using the James Webb Space Telescope, an international team of astronomers led by the University of Cambridge have spotted a dead galaxy when the universe was just 700 million years old, the oldest such galaxy ever observed. (JADES Collaboration) MORE: Parade of planets this month will feature celestial bodies in alignment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This discovery was really surprising and exciting," she said. Shah and her team used the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment -- also known as the CHIME telescope -- to detect the multiple bursts from the same location, Shah said. But because the CHIME telescope could not pinpoint the exact location of the radio waves, they combined it with a smaller CHIME-like telescope to pinpoint the location of the FRB. They then used the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii to image the region around the location of the FRBs. The Gemini image confirmed that there is no other galaxy present near the FRB and the FRB is indeed associated with the dead galaxy. "There's no other galaxy there," Shah said. PHOTO: In this undated file photo, the Gemini North Telescope is shown at the Mauna Kea Observatory on the Big Island of Hawaii. (Michael Orso/Getty Images, FILE) MORE: How astronomers used gravitational lensing to discover 44 new stars in distant galaxy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ancient elliptical galaxy where astronomers discovered the radio waves is about 2 billion light-years from Earth and is about 11.3 billion years old, according to the paper. Thousands of radio bursts have been recorded since 2007, when they were first discovered by astronomers, Shah said, adding that they only know the precise locations of about 100 of them -- almost all near actively forming stars. "This particular FRB is really an outlier, and it challenges our theories about what is producing FRBs," Shah said. PHOTO: FRB 20240209A is located in a distant galaxy about 2 billion light years away from Earth. (The Massive and Quiescent Elliptical Host Galaxy of the Repeating Fast Radio Burst FRB 20240209A, T. Eftekhari et al 2025 ApJL 979 L22) MORE: This is how close NASA's Parker Solar Probe will fly by the sun Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Astronomers hypothesize that the FRBs could be originating from two supernova remnants, called neutron stars, that are merging or collapsing onto themselves, Shah said. Continuing to study these FRBs will allow researchers to further understand the space between its origination and the Milky Way as well as what is happening in distant regions of space, Shah said. "That is why it is a really useful probe of our universe," she said. Astronomers discover repeating radio bursts from distant 'dead' galaxy originally appeared on abcnews.go.com SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Angelo State University has received a grant from the U.S. Education Department worth $2,800,000. The grant will go to ASUs grad studies and resource college. It is being used to expand resources for students in underserved student populations. Gradquest is a five-year program that includes support for faculty development. It is designed to engage graduates for workforce needs across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant will also help fund a student concierge for non-traditional and online students. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. ATOTONILCO DE TULA, Mexico (AP) When Dayana Castro heard that the U.S. asylum appointment she waited over a year for was canceled in an instant, she had no doubt: She was heading north any way she could. The 25-year-old migrant, her husband and their 4- and 7-year-old children had nothing left at home in Venezuela. They already had trekked the perilous Darien Gap jungle dividing Colombia and Panama and criminal groups that prey on migrants like them. Castro was one of tens of thousands of migrants across Mexico with appointments to apply for U.S. asylum at the border scheduled out through February until President Donald Trump took office and issued a series of executive orders to beef up border security and slash migration. One ended the use of the CBP One app that had allowed nearly 1 million people, many seeking asylum, to legally enter the U.S. since January 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to keep going. We cant go home after all weve been through, after all the countries weve fought our way through, only to give up now, she said from a small shelter in central Mexico beside a freight train line they were riding north. Now, migrants like her are adjusting to a new and uncertain reality. Many remain determined to reach the U.S. through more dangerous means, riding freight trains, hiring smugglers and dodging authorities. Some lined up in Mexico's refugee offices to seek asylum in that country, while others contemplated finding a way back home. Trump on Monday declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and announced plans to send U.S. troops and restrict refugees and asylum, saying he wants to halt illegal entry and border crime. The measures follow a drop in illegal crossings in recent months. Supporters of the CBP One app that people like Castro used to try to enter legally say it brought order to a chaotic border. Critics say it was magnet for more people to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam Isacson, defense oversight analyst for the human rights organization Washington Office on Latin America, said Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration will surely deter migrants in the short term but will also have cascading humanitarian consequences. People with valid asylum claims may die in their own countries, he said, while migrants fleeing countries like Venezuela, Cuba and Haiti who cannot easily return home may end up floating around the Americas completely unprotected." Isacson and other analysts expect Trump's policies will lead to increased demand for smugglers and push migrants many of whom are children and families to more dangerous terrain to avoid capture. By Tuesday, Castro was wrapping her mind around the fact that continuing on after her Feb. 18 appointment with U.S. authorities was canceled would likely mean putting her life, and the lives of her family, at risk as cartels are increasingly extorting and kidnapping vulnerable migrants. Theres the train, the cartels, migration police, and they all make you pay them, she said as she fed her children bread beside a small shelter where they slept. But if we dont put ourselves at risk, well never arrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along Mexico's southern border with Guatemala another group of migrants in Tapachula took a different approach. Cuban migrant Rosali Martinez waited in line outside the Mexican Commission for Refugee Aid in the sweltering southern city. Traveling with her child, she had hoped to reunite with her husband in the U.S. Now, she was biding her time, joining an increasing number of migrants who have sought asylum in Mexico in recent years, either temporarily due to shifting American restrictions or more permanently. Like many Cubans in recent years, Martinez was fleeing a spiraling economic crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im going to stay here and see what happens, she said. But Im not going back to Cuba. Ill become a Mexican citizen, but theres no way Im going back to Cuba. Trumps recent moves have also forced people to make even more drastic moves and seek to return to their countries without clear pathway or resources to do so, according to Enrique Vidal Olascoaga, director of the Fray Matias de Cordova human rights center in Tapachula. It's had a powerful deterrent effect," he said. Several people are hesitating about what they're going to do from this point forward and are openly asking if there are ways or services to return. Jomaris Figuera, 42, and her husband were among those who wanted to throw in the towel after years trying to build a life outside Venezuela, where economic and political crises have prompted nearly 8 million people to flee in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They spent more than four years picking coffee in neighboring Colombia, but struggling to make ends meet, they decided to traverse the Darien Gap. They waited nearly a year and a half for a legal pathway to the U.S. in a wooden shelter in a crime-riddled migrant camp in the center of Mexico City. But due to Venezuela's crises, they have no passports. And without money, they fear their only pathway back will be traveling south through Mexico and Central America, and walking days through the same rugged mountains of the Darien Gap. Anything would be better than staying in Mexico, said Figuera. It's like abandoning everything after everything that's happened to us, she said. But after trying to get an appointment, and this happens, we've given up. AP reporter Maria Verza contributed to this report from Mexico City. Clemente reported from Tapachula, Mexico. Janetsky reported from Atotonilco de Tula and Mexico City. Jan. 24It may be January, but the unusually warm, rainy weather feels more like spring breakup, and it's bringing the kind of flooding concerns also usually not seen in the Anchorage area until later in the year. The National Weather Service is calling for a "series of atmospheric rivers" to descend on Southcentral over the weekend. The weather service issued a flood watch Friday through Monday morning warning of potential flooding across a broad swath of the region due to high temperatures, widespread rain and elevated snow levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency also warned of possible power outages due to strong winds forecast for Anchorage and the Matanuska Valley that have the potential to bring down trees already weakened by a major windstorm last week. The agency said it was possible 1 to 2.5 inches of rain could fall in Anchorage, the Matanuska Valley and western Kenai Peninsula through Sunday, with more at higher elevations. Two to 5 inches are expected in the Susitna Valley, with 2 to 6 inches of rain expected for the eastern Kenai as well as Prince William Sound. "Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations," the watch said. "Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas." The weather service recommended keeping storm drains clear of debris and monitoring forecasts for additional warnings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slightly lower temperatures in the Susitna Valley are expected to generate heavy snow, especially north of Talkeetna, according to a winter weather advisory in effect until 6 a.m. Friday. As of this week, the average temperature for the month in Anchorage so far was 27.5 F, making it the fifth-warmest January on record. The depth of the city's snowpack as measured near Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport has steadily declined from 8 inches at the end of December to 3 inches this week. [Hey, New Orleans, please send some of your snow to Anchorage] Slick roads were reported in some areas around Anchorage, Mat-Su and the Interior on Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A crash involving a U.S. Army vehicle in a military caravan closed the Richardson Highway about 65 miles south of Fairbanks before 5 a.m. Thursday. No one was injured in the crash, according to the Alaska State Troopers and the 11th Airborne Division. The vehicle was blocking the roadway and required towing, troopers said. An 11th Airborne Division vehicle towing a trailer was involved in the single-vehicle accident, according to an update from 11th Airborne Division spokesman John Pennell. The vehicle was one of about a dozen in a convoy that was part of a military exercise and traveling between Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and the Donnelly Training Area near Delta Junction, Pennell said. Although initially reported as a rollover, the trailer tipped over but didn't fully roll, according to the update. The trailer carried a tank rack module, part of a fueling system, that developed a slow leak when the trailer tipped, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An environmental team from Fort Wainwright responded to handle the leak and military vehicles were dispatched to conduct recovery operations which caused a temporary blockage of the highway, the update said. The road had reopened by late morning Thursday. State transportation officials also announced Thursday that Hatcher Pass Road is closed at Mile 14, the Gold Mint trailhead parking lot, "as a preventative measure for the potential for a natural avalanche to impact the open road." The closure was expected to last at least through the weekend, officials said. They recommended travelers check the road's status on the Alaska 511 road conditions site. SYDNEY, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Two teenagers have been seriously injured in a shooting in the inner suburbs of Melbourne in Australia's state of Victoria on early Friday morning. Victorian police said in a statement on Friday morning that shots were fired in Collingwood, about 3 kilometers northeast of Melbourne's central business district, at 1 a.m. local time on Friday. Two boys, aged 15 and 17, were found with gunshot wounds a short time later. The pair were taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. It is understood a large group of people were fighting on Hoddle Street prior to the shooting, said the police. Detectives believe the incident was a targeted attack. Teamsters Local 633 and other New Hampshire union members assembled outside of the state house Wednesday in opposition to House Bill 238, also known at the right-to-work bill. According to the legislation, HB 238 would prohibit collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union. Detractors of the bill, like the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 633 Jeff Padellaro, claim its an attempt by out-of-state billionaires to exert their influence in the Granite State and harms workers unions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is nothing but an attack on working families and it needs to treated that way, Padellaro said. April Richer, a Dover City Council member and Local 633 member testified against the bill, echoing similar sentiments. The union is not somebody or something, it is an organization of workers formed for the purpose of advancing its members interest with regards to wages, benefits, and working conditions, she said. Employees should determine their own futures, and I want people who value being in a union to be in a union. If New Hampshire were to adopt right-to-work, it would become one of 27 states across the country with such a policy. Supporters of the bill include The National Federation of Independent Business, which is the nations leading small business advocacy association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Director John Reynolds testified in support of the bill, claiming the legislation protects the ability of small businesses and workers to determine their own fates. In a survey conducted by NFIB, over 80 percent of Grante State small business owners back adoption of Right to Work, he said. Notably, the policy becomes even more popular with small businesses over time 90 percent support retaining Right to Work once enacted. The bill was reintroduced on January 3. 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 (NewsNation) Renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump is taking legal action in Altadena, California, where he has filed a third wrongful death lawsuit this week on behalf of residents who died in the Eaton fire. Seventeen people died in Altadena, an unincorporated area north of Pasadena with a large working-class population, after the fire broke out earlier this month. The lawsuits allege electric company Southern California Edison failed to turn off utilities despite dangerous conditions, leading to the deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crumps firm, Ben Crump Law, filed the first wrongful death lawsuit to come out of the wildfires last week on behalf of the family of Evelyn McClendon, who died in the fire. Family searching for Altadena woman, 84, who lived in Eaton fire zone The lives of the McClendon family were horribly devastated by the fires that swept through Altadena, a largely minority community, Crump said in a Jan. 16 news release. Besides their homes, they lost a beloved daughter and sister, who served the community as a school bus driver. McClendons mother and brother, who survived, lived next door, according to Crump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont take it lightly: This responsibility of making sure that this Black angel, Evelyn McClendon, gets full justice and accountability, Crump said at a news conference. We dont want anybody to marginalize her. We dont want anybody to shortchange her. Another lawsuit, on behalf of the family of 83-year-old Erliene Kelley, details the companys failure to meet its safety obligations, including maintaining proper vegetation clearance and inspecting aging infrastructure. Trump to survey wildfire-damaged Southern California Kelley, a pharmacy technician, died in the Eaton fire. Ms. Kelley, described as the heart of her close-knit Altadena community, had lived in her family home since 1968. On the night of the fire, she was unable to evacuate due to blocked roads and fallen utility poles, a Jan. 17 news release said. Her home was consumed by flames, and her body was discovered in the rubble the following day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third lawsuit, with co-counsel Anne Andrews, was announced Thursday. Lawyers from other firms and the NAACP have also filed lawsuits against Southern California Edison. The Eaton fire was 95% contained as of Friday morning, according to CAL FIRE. It has destroyed nearly 10,000 structures and burned roughly 14,000 acres. The nearby Pacific Palisades fire, which was 72% contained as of Friday morning, has also devastated the area, leading to additional deaths and 23,000 acres burned. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Editors note: This story has been updated to correct specifics regarding Hardwicks health. We regret the error. DANVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) Police bodycam video shows 66-year-old John Hardwick, a man with dementia, pleading for help after a grocery store trip with his wife last October ended with him handcuffed and taken to jail. Hardwick was charged with public intoxication and shoplifting after trying to buy two packs of beer. He did not have his identification, so a cashier escorted him to the service counter. That is when his family said Hardwick became confused, going behind the counter and placing the beer into a cart with his purchased items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loss prevention officers were called and the video showed Hardwick moving the beer from his cart to the counter several times as they talked. Attorney Ephraim Helton said his client suffers from dementia, and he and his wife, Cindy Hardwick, often split up while shopping at Walmart. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Mr. Hardwick would get what he wanted real quick, and then he would check out. He was never asked for his ID, and after he checked out, he would go sit. Theres two benches as you exited Walmart; he would go sit on those two benches, Helton said. But on this day, while his wife continued shopping, Hardwick was involved in a dispute with a clerk who declared he was intoxicated. But if the viewers just watch this video, there is no indices of impairment, Helton continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employees flagged down Danville police officers, who wrestled Hardwick to the floor, with Officer T.J. Godby striking him with punches. Helton said it was unnecessary force. Charges dismissed against Danville man accused of shoplifting, public intoxication You see T.J. Godbey pulled his cuffs out; rush him. One officer does what they call a leg whip to bring him down; the other officer tries to put him in a chokehold, which every law enforcement officer knows, and every police department in this country prohibits chokeholds after the tragedy that happened with George Floyd, said Helton. In a statement, the Danville Police Department told FOX 56 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danville Police Officers were requested to assist Walmart loss prevention with an uncooperative and intoxicated shoplifter, who had become agitated when Walmart refused to let him purchase two cases of alcohol and other merchandise. After a store employee placed the alcohol behind a register, the suspect walked behind the register and took possession of the unpaid alcohol and merchandise and attempted to leave the store. After being asked to place his hands behind his back, the suspect tensed up and refused to comply, and a short struggle ensued where the suspect was taken to the ground. An officer used strikes to the suspects shoulder to gain suspect compliance, and the suspect was taken into custody. Officers learned the suspect may have been suffering from a previous medical condition, aggravated by his intoxicated state, and transported him to the local hospital, where he was medically cleared with no injuries. Officers consulted with family members and determined the best course of action was to release the suspect and cite him with a pending court date. All charges were dismissed on Wednesday. Helton said Hardwick never left the store with unpaid merchandise and is calling on the police department to do better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You need to do the right thing, and you need to make sure you go through that information, and if it requires suspending, terminating, you need to do it because you need to stop it because if you dont stop it, its only going to grow, Helton claimed. He said he had received other information that Godbey committed a similar offense in Lincoln County. Helton expects to file a lawsuit against the police sometime in the next three weeks, while a spokesman for Danville police said the department has no other comments for now. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) Talks to bring nonstop flights between Austin and Asian cities are incredibly productive, according to a consulting firm that works with Austins airport to attract and maintain new airlines and routes. Were having incredibly productive conversations with Asian airlines, Kevin Schorr, vice president of Campbell-Hill Aviation Group, told members of the Austin Airport Advisory Commission earlier this month. We talk to the airlines as often as we can to help them understand not just whats happening in the Austin community and in Central Texas, but most importantly, we want to help them understand how many new Asian businesses are opening up, how many Asians are moving into the area what is their heritage, what part of Asia do they come from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presentation from Campbell-Hill, which works with both airlines and airports to secure new nonstop service, said things were moving in the right direction to bring direct flights between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Asia. We do believe were in the best position weve ever been, so its really a matter of time for Austin to fit in with an airlines strategy and corporate strategy in terms of their desire to expand to North America, Schorr said. Asian airlines are global, so we are fighting for that same aircraft as is a city in India, as a city in Europe, as a city in every part of the world. AUS Data Hub: Passenger totals, busiest months and new flights in 2024 and 2025 Schorr didnt give a specific timeline for when new flights could begin. You never know with air service, he said. This could be three years from now, five years from now, or it could be six months from now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While specific cities and airlines werent named in the presentation, airport officials have been targeting several Asian destinations for years. A 2019 memo, later amended in 2021, named Beijing, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo as international priority routes for the airport. Japanese low-cost airline to start nonstop flights between Houston and Tokyo in March Amsterdam, Dublin and Paris were also listed as priority routes. Dutch airline KLM began direct flights to Amsterdam in March 2022. Nonstop flights to Paris also nearly came to fruition. Norwegian Air announced in October 2019 it would begin service in May 2020, but the route was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline later announced it would not start the route at a later date, saying it wanted to focus on shorter flights within Europe. In the airports monthly air service report for January 2025, Paris ranked as the most in-demand international market for passengers from Austin that currently doesnt have nonstop service. Seoul ranked fourth, Dublin ranked sixth, and Tokyo ranked tenth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AUS offers several incentives to any airline that brings nonstop service to one of the listed priority routes, including covering up to $500,000 in marketing costs and waiving airport fees. How could the terminal expansion impact routes? Recent travelers at Austin-Bergstrom will have noticed a lot of construction lately. Work on the West Infill project, which will add about 75,000 square feet to the terminal, is already underway, but the construction doesnt stop there. A new terminal concourse, part of the Journey with AUS expansion program, will bring a minimum of 20 new gates to the airport, along with additional restaurants, shops, lounges and other amenities. Substantial construction is set to begin in 2027, with the new facility opening as early as 2030. I think its really going to give some airlines the ability to grow and spread their wings, no pun intended, more than theyre able to do currently, Schorr said, adding that new domestic and international routes are a possibility, as well as new airlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its really going to give the airlines the opportunity to do some things that theyve wanted to do and their hands are tied behind their back a little bit, Schorr said, alluding to space constraints at the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal as passenger numbers grow. A record 22 million passengers flew in and out of AUS in 2023. About 19.9 million passengers were reported in 2024 through November, the most recent month with data 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 KXAN Austin. KXAN (AUSTIN) The Austin Independent School District on Thursday issued guidance to staff on how to respond if federal immigration enforcement comes to its campuses. The guidance comes just days after the Trump administration threw out a long-standing federal policy protecting sensitive areas, like churches and schools, from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. We recognize the emotional toll that recent news cycles may be taking on our students, families and staff. For many in our community, these are not just policy discussions, but deeply personal issues that can create uncertainty and fear, Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura said in a statement. House passes immigrant detention bill that would be Trumps first law to sign Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mexican American Legislative Caucus also sent a letter on Thursday urging Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath to provide immediate guidance to districts on what to do if ICE comes to a school campus. ICE raids have no place in our Texas schools, said MALC Chairman Texas Rep. Ramon Romero, Jr. (D-Fort Worth). KXAN reached out to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency for comment but has not yet heard back. President Trump focuses on illegal immigration Federal law, generally, prohibits schools from collecting information about a students immigration status. In a statement to parents, Austin ISD officials said the district does not collect immigration documentation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the publicly posted policy, Austin ISD instructs district staff to contact a school resource officer and to request law enforcement identification or a badge along with documentation explaining why they are on campus. Staff are then instructed to call the districts legal team to review the identification and other documentation. The guidance states if the districts legal team deems the paperwork valid, the school shall permit the law enforcement officer to perform the action authorized in the paperwork. An Austin ISD official later added that the district would not interfere with any law enforcement action, including if an agency comes with a valid warrant. The Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday the Trump administration would not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement and instead trusts them to use common sense. DHS also said rescinding the policy meant Criminals will no longer be able to hide in Americas schools and churches to avoid arrest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Richard S., a 30-year-old Austrian volunteer, has been killed in the Russo-Ukrainian war while fighting on Ukraines side. Source: Austrian media outlet Osterreich, as reported by European Pravda Details: The death of the Austrian volunteer was reported on Instagram by a Ukrainian woman and later confirmed by Austria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to journalists. Quote: "He loved his homeland and his family, but since the start of the full-scale war, he stood in support of my family [i.e., Ukraine ed.]," a friend of the fallen soldier wrote under his photo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is reported that the Austrian volunteer likely died as a result of a drone attack. Background: In November, a Georgian fighter injured in Bakhmut passed away while receiving treatment in France. Reports also surfaced of the death of Georgian fighter Badri Kvaratskhelia during combat operations in Russias Kursk Oblast. On 10 January, it was reported that Latvian volunteer Edgar Platonov was killed in action in Ukraine. On 13 January, news emerged of the death of Georgian fighter Kaha Tiliadze in the Russia-Ukraine war. Support UP or become our patron! A Los Angeles man posing as a child-care worker allegedly sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl after convincing her to get inside his vehicle, according to authorities. On Nov. 30, Derrick Dwayne Thompson allegedly pulled up to a bus stop in a black Suburban with a sign on the door suggesting that he worked for a child-care business, according to a Los Angeles Police Department news release. He asked the 15-year-old girl if she wanted a ride home and then drove to a parking lot, where he asked her to get in the back seat. Thompson took the child-care business sign off the vehicle and then allegedly sexually assaulted the girl in the backseat, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson was arrested Jan. 15 and charged with forcible rape, sodomy by use of force on a victim 14 years or older and sexual penetration by use of force on a minor victim over 14, police said. He's being held without bail. Additional victims have been asked to contact Juvenile Division detectives at (424) 259-7097 or 877-527-3247 on weekends or off-hours. People wishing to remain anonymous can contact the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go to www.lacrimestoppers.org. 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. Donald Trump has called the violence against police on Jan. 6 "very minor incidents" while defending his pardons for violent insurrectionists. Four officers who were assaulted by the mob while defending the Capitol on January 6, 2021, former officers Michael Fanone, Harry Dunn and Aquilino Gonell, and DC Metro Police Officer Daniel Hodges, who appears in his personal capacity, join Joy Reid on The ReidOut. State inspectors shut five Broward County restaurants and one Palm Beach County food truck last week, with issues ranging from roaches and rodents (droppings found on containers of flour, gnaw marks on sugar packets and rub marks on walls) to a lack of potable running water. The Sun Sentinel typically highlights restaurant inspections conducted by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation in Broward and Palm Beach counties. We cull through inspections that happen weekly and spotlight places ordered shut for high-priority violations, such as improper food temperatures or dead cockroaches. Any restaurant that fails a state inspection must stay closed until it passes a follow-up. If you spot a possible violation and wish to file a complaint, contact Florida DBPR. (But please dont contact us: The Sun Sentinel doesnt inspect restaurants.) BROWARD COUNTY Boston Johnnys 2120 N. Dixie Highway, Hollywood Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ordered shut: Jan. 16 Why: Seven violations (two high-priority), including: About 28 live roaches in kitchen areas such as inside of wheels of cook line flip-top cooler, on gasket to combo reach-in cooler/freezer, on trash receptacle, inside of reach-in cabinet holding dry storage items and inside of table-mounted can opener. Eleven dead roaches in the kitchen on ground behind cook line flip-top cooler, on top of crock-pot warmer, on ground under hand wash sink, on reach-in cooler/freezer and on ground under [point-of-sale] system at bar. Stop sale ordered for tuna salad because it was not consumed/sold within seven days after opening/preparation. Interior of oven has accumulation of grease/food debris. Status: Reopened Jan. 17 after a follow-up inspection found no violations. Wilton Wings & Pizza 1428 NE Fourth Ave., Fort Lauderdale Ordered shut: Jan. 14 Why: 24 violations (nine high-priority), including: Rodent rub marks present on wall in dry storage room above chest freezer and into corner. Rodent materials present in the air-conditioning vent by restrooms. Stop sale ordered for sugar packets in dry storage room, open to kitchen, with gnaw marks through packets. Eight live flies on dining room wall, on bin in dry storage open to kitchen and on exterior back-door frame next to restrooms. Four live roaches between chest freezer and stand freezer in dry storage area, in orange storage container with dry pasta and on threshold of exterior door next to restrooms. Five dead roaches in areas open to the kitchen such as under shelving in dry storage room and under dunnage rack with dry pasta storage in storage room. Cook came in from outside, put on gloves and began to fry chicken wings without first washing hands. Time/temperature issues involved wings, chili, beans, raw fish, cooked ribs, sliced turkey and roast beef. Status: Reopened Jan. 15 after a follow-up inspection found eight violations (two high-priority). Related Articles Jalisco Mexican Spanish Home Town Restaurant 700 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale Ordered shut: Jan. 13 Why: Nine violations (two high-priority), including: Nine rodent droppings found in the storage room open to kitchen on top of large bulk containers of flour and in case of corn tortillas. Stop sale ordered for two plastic bags of corn tortillas with gnaw marks through the plastic. About 16 dead roaches in areas such as cabinets with bag-in-box syrups in dining area, under dish machine in kitchen and in employee restroom next to triple sink. Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first, in areas such as employee restroom, back storage room open to kitchen and in front of walk-in cooler. Objectionable odors in area where triple sink is located, along with an accumulation of water and debris in this area. Status: Reopened Jan. 14 after a follow-up visit found no violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ichiban Buffet 800 S. Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach Ordered shut: Jan. 13 Why: 12 violations (three high-priority), including: About 24 rodent droppings in dry storage area around water heater and behind washer and dryer, under counter at sushi prep area and under drain board in ware-washing area. Stop sale: Container of raw pre-shucked clams/mussels/oysters does not have a proper label. Stop sale: Observed raw, shucked oysters on metal pans in walk-in freezer without any labeling or tags attached. Observed container with packaged raw beef stored on shelf above bagged raw onions in walk-in cooler. Wet wiping cloths observed stored on food prep table opposite fryers, at hibachi station prep table, and at cook line in kitchen. Status: Reopened Jan. 14 after a second visit found three violations (none high-priority). Aki E Restaurant Bar 1840 Harrison St., Hollywood Ordered shut: Jan. 13 Why: 12 violations (four high-priority), including: About 26 live roaches in areas such as on wall at back storage room behind reach-in freezer, on step leading from back storage room to prep room, on ground behind glass slide-top, reach-in freezer in prep room, inside of corner of two-tier shelf holding clean wares in prep room, inside of gap of right corner cove molding next to steam table on main cook line and on electrical wire at wall next to steam table on main cook line. Observed large buildup of roach droppings inside of not-in-use, one-door, white reach-in freezer. More than 13 dead roaches behind and inside back of flip-top cooler in prep room, on shelving holding dry storage items on main cook line and on wall behind fire extinguisher on main cook line. Prescription medication stored on shelf above cook line with single-service items. Cooked rice and beans stored in direct contact with plastic handle to-go bag in walk-in cooler. Status: Closed on Jan. 14 after a follow-up inspection found six violations (two high-priority) and reopened later that day after a third visit found one basic violation. PALM BEACH COUNTY Taqueria Tacontodo No. 2 (food truck) 1100 N. Main St., Belle Glade Ordered shut: Jan. 14 Why: Nine violations (three high-priority). including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Establishment operating with no potable running water. Time/temperature issues involved pico de gallo and cooked rice. Status: Closed on Jan. 15 after another inspection found four violations (one high-priority). Reopened Jan. 16 after a third visit found one basic violation. Jen Baddour volunteered as a poll greeter on University of North Carolinas Chapel Hill campus during Novembers election, where a bell was rung at the polling site for anyone voting for the first time. She told young voters there, Listen, youre not going to see or hear the fireworks when you put your ballot in to be counted, but you will feel them in your heart, Baddour recalled to CNN. Now, she is one of roughly 65,000 voters including many affected by Hurricane Helene whose ballots Republicans are trying to toss as they deploy a playbook that had been prepared when all eyes were on President Donald Trumps election campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP is trying to overturn a closely watched North Carolina Supreme Court election where two recounts show Democratic Justice Allison Riggs holding on to her seat, with 734 votes putting her ahead of her GOP opponent, Judge Jefferson Griffin. As theyve press forward in multiple legal forums, Republicans have not put forward evidence that voter fraud occurred in the election. For the vast majority of the ballots being challenged, theyre instead relying on what likely amounts to clerical errors by election officials to argue that those votes should be thrown out. Theyre also challenging a few thousand overseas ballots, including ballots cast by military members and their families abroad, and for some ballots, theyre using arguments that were rejected by courts in pre-election court battles in the state. Critics warn that if the gambit is successful, it will set a new standard for throwing out elections based on technicalities that are no fault of the voters. The GOP approach is undemocratic and radical, said David Becker, a former DOJ attorney and election law expert who, from his perch leading the Center for Election Innovation & Research, advises state election officials of both parties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It goes beyond almost any lawsuit that Ive seen before in challenging an election, Becker said. Baddour, the Chapel Hill resident, has been registered to vote since 1992, having been born and lived most of her life in North Carolina. But, due to an error by election officials, the commonly used registration form did not require until 2023 certain identification numbers that were mandated by law. Its possible Baddour did not provide those ID numbers, or if she did, the numbers may not have been recorded when she registered. I would have easily given it, Baddour said. I voted many times, and Ive updated my record many times. No one has ever said to me, you know, Give this information. A different agenda other than protecting the voting process The origins of Griffins legal challenge can be traced back to the digging of Carol Snow, a North Carolina woman who began researching state election policy in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I started out as a skeptic, she said in an email to CNN. After a few years of research and analysis of NCs data and election law, Im now a full-blown grade A bona fide Election Denier. Using a public records request, Snow surfaced data in 2023 showing that the registration data of 225,000 voters had neither a drivers license number nor the last four digits of their Social Security number. A 2004 state law requires election officials collect at least one of those ID numbers. Snow flagged for the state election board that its registration form was failing to collect the required ID numbers. Election officials updated the form and other registration materials after she filed administrative complaints, but the state election board rebuffed her calls for election officials to obtain the ID information from each of those voters. Prior to the election, the GOP brought a lawsuit that pointed to her administrative complaints in challenging those voters eligibility to vote, but judges dealt Republicans legal setbacks, denying them relief before the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new version of the claim has come to life with Griffins post-election protest. Along with two other buckets of challenges, his lawsuit targets 60,000 voters with so-called incomplete registrations who cast absentee or early-in person ballots, both categories of ballots that can be retrieved and segregated from the count. Women make up a disproportionate number of the voters challenged for missing the ID numbers, according to data obtained by a public records request by the state Democratic Party. Part of that dynamic, Democrats and election officials believe, is because of a mismatch between a womans maiden name and married name when the ID number she provided is run against other government databases. If the names and numbers dont align, the ID number is not entered into her registration record. The voters caught in the middle include people who have voted and lived in the state for decades, who have served in elected office themselves, and who overcame the destruction of Hurricane Helene to exercise their franchise. Republicans are even challenging the ballots cast by Riggs parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These voters did not do anything wrong, Riggs told CNN. They are long time in many cases, lifetime voters. There is no question of their identity. Copland Rudolph, a challenged voter who lives in Asheville and whose family ties to that area of the state date back to the 1700s, looked up her old registration file, which confirmed she had provided her social security number, she told CNN. She told CNN that she saw names on the challenge list of people currently involved in the Hurricane Helene response efforts. For us to have to go back, and re-look at our vote, and even deal with this issue when we have years ahead of us of recovery is tone deaf by the people filing this challenge, she said. Rani Dasi, a Chapel Hill voter on Griffins challenge list, noted in an interview the photo ID she was required to show to vote this year under a newly enacted North Carolina law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact that ID was required should eliminate any confusion about whos eligible or not to vote, Dasi, who also had her credentials verified when she was elected three times to serve on the local school board, said. This is something that has a different agenda other than protecting the voting process. A spokesperson for the North Carolina GOP placed the blame on the state board of elections for being completely uninterested in fixing issues with voters registration data that Republicans and others brought to its attention before the election. Its a factor of the long-term failure of the state board of elections, said the spokesperson, Matt Mercer, while noting its Democratic-held majority, that has led us to this point. (In response to CNNs inquiries, Griffins lawyers referred CNN to the NC GOP spokesperson.) Overseas ballots targeted as well In court filings with the North Carolina Supreme Court, Griffin has told the court that it need not throw out those 60,000 votes if the two other buckets of ballot challenges hes bringing put him ahead of Riggs in the vote count first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first challenge category Griffin wants the state court to consider are 5,509 overseas ballots he claims are invalid because the voters did not provide copies of their photo ID. The agency regulation that established that those voters werent subject to the state photo ID requirement went through a notice and comment process, the state board has noted, during which the state GOP raised no objection for the photo ID exemption, even as it weighed in on other aspects of the rule. What the state board did does not have the superseding authority over what the people voted on and what was implemented in state law, Mercer, the GOP spokesperson, said, referring to the photo ID requirement. Notably, Griffin did not bring this type of challenge statewide. Instead, he challenged these voters only in the four counties that all lean Democratic. Mercer told CNN that only those counties were targeted with election protests because only their data was available at the time the judges protests were filed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court filings, Griffin said that if those ballots dont put him over the top, the next category of ballots that should be tossed are the votes of overseas Americans whom hes dubbed Never Residents. Theyre overseas voters, often children of expats abroad, who never lived in North Carolina themselves but have the right to vote in the state under North Carolina law because their parents were residents. That argument was put forward by Republicans in a pre-election lawsuit that was rejected by both a state trial judge and appeals court. Dual legal tracks The North Carolina Supreme Court which has a 5-2 Republican majority paused certification of Riggs win earlier this month, but on Wednesday, declined Griffins request that it rule on his challenges directly, instead sending his case down for lower state courts to consider first. Still, Chief Justice Paul Newby a Republican whom Griffin has described as a mentor wrote a concurrence seemingly defending Griffins efforts, writing that the case was not about deciding the outcome of an election and that there is nothing anti-democratic about filing an election protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Riggs is recusing from the matter; one Republican justice joined the remaining Democrat on the court in dissenting from the decision to pause certification.) Riggs and the state board, meanwhile, have sought to move the case to federal court, where they can argue that federal law forbids the the mass disenfranchisement Griffin is seeking, as Riggs put it in a legal brief last week. After a US district judge remanded the case back to the state supreme court, the Democrats appealed that ruling, and the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments next Monday on whether the dispute belongs in a federal forum. No matter what the next legal developments, it appears likely that the court fight will drag on for months. Democratic Justice Anita Earls warned in a partial dissent Wednesday that by keeping the certification on hold, the state supreme court may have opened a Pandoras box. If any losing candidate can make any sort of argument about votes in the election, no matter how frivolous, and automatically receive a court-ordered stay on appeal, preventing the winning candidate from being certified, nothing stops litigious losers from preventing duly elected persons from taking office for months or longer, she wrote. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. If a conflict between the U.S. and China were to emerge, potentially over Taiwan , Americans would have a far more serious threat to their everyday lives than TikTok propaganda. In a worst-case scenario, they may not be able to put gas in their cars or turn on their lights. Chinese hackers are burrowing into the networks of major critical U.S. infrastructure, including energy grids, water treatment plants and transportation networks. These cyber intrusions are part of a plan for Beijing , if it wants, to land low blows against civilian infrastructure to try to induce panic and break America's will to resist, FBI Director Christopher Wray said at a cybersecurity summit last April. In other words, these keyboard warriors are gearing up their ability to bring crucial aspects of American life to a screeching halt. As the government was still investigating the extent of this cyber-espionage campaign by a group dubbed Volt Typhoon, the White House confirmed in December that another outfit called Salt Typhoon was able to breach major U.S. telecom giants. One lawmaker called it the worst telecom hack in our nation's history by far. Americans were recently caught off-guard again, when the Treasury Department disclosed that a separate state-sponsored hacker had breached its network. It was reported that even Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's computer was infiltrated. Despite the high risks of potentially dramatic consequences, the vaguer aspects of cybersecurity have never been a particularly sexy rallying point in Washington . Tangible targets like TikTok, and even the 2023 Chinese spy balloon, easily suck much more oxygen and attention from the public. But protecting and countering Beijing's sophisticated and invisible cyber-espionage campaigns will ultimately emerge as incoming President Donald Trump's biggest China test. The investigations into the recent attacks remain ongoing, and we'll probably learn a lot more in the months to come (as well as witness a fair amount of finger-pointing as authorities locate the soft spots). But some initial reporting suggests that the Salt Typhoon attacks on telecom networks resulted from vulnerabilities wrought by aging equipment. Lawmakers should work with the private sector to ensure that identified weaknesses are immediately patched. The government's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency last month urged highly targeted individuals such as those in senior positions in government or politics, or likely to possess information of interest to Beijing to start using only end-to-end encrypted communications, among other best practices. The guidelines warn that they should assume that all communications between mobile devices including government and personal devices and internet services are at risk of interception or manipulation. It's imperative that organizations and government agencies require potential targets to abide by the recommendations; breaches often occur in the weakest links, which are frequently individuals who ignore such theoretically required protocols. The U.S. is starkly outnumbered in this battle. Beijing -backed hackers exceed the FBI's cyber agents by at least 50 to one, Wray has repeatedly warned lawmakers, adding that China has a bigger hacking program than every other major nation combined. Countering such threats will take significantly more investments in manpower and building out teams exclusively focused on this risk. It will also require significant collaboration with the private sector. Technology manufacturers and software providers must recognize cybersecurity as a leading business priority. Washington should also deepen partnerships with critical infrastructure providers to make sure these often under-resourced sectors are taking the best precautions. Lawmakers should work on targeted regulation requiring at-risk companies to ensure robust defense measures, rather than just voluntary compliance. The U.S. announced sanctions last week on a Chinese company, as well as an individual allegedly affiliated with China's Ministry of State Security , linked to the recent cyberattacks. The measures against Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology Co. , a cybersecurity firm, and Yin Kecheng, who was accused of involvement in the Treasury hack, block them from U.S. transactions and put up impediments to U.S. ownership, but are unlikely to have a material impact on their operations or goals. It's a clear message, yet doesn't go nearly far enough to counter the risk. Trump campaigned on tough-on- China rhetoric, threatening to wage another trade war with major tariffs. But his track record on cybersecurity has been uneven. During his first term, he axed the job of the nation's cybersecurity czar, and has suggested massive cuts to federal agencies via a government-efficiency push involving Elon Musk . Cybersecurity needs to be at the top of Trump's tech policy agenda, even if it's less politically popular than moves like saving TikTok or appointing a crypto and AI czar. The threat of Chinese cyber assaults is nothing new, but it's now apparent that they're no longer just targeting intellectual property from companies or data related to political campaigns. Hackers previously revealed their motives when they fell for a so-called honeypot trap set up by the FBI, quickly stealing information related to controlling infrastructure systems while ignoring financial and business-related data. It's become clear that Beijing's hackers are gearing up for conflict and cyberwarfare. The U.S. cannot afford to be caught flat-footed. An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 21, 2024 shows a view of an energy storage station at Taiyangshan Township of Wuzhong, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Yang Zhisen) NANJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- In an eastern Chinese coastal county of Rudong, a 35-story-high steel structure houses around 1,000 25-tonne gravity blocks. These blocks are lifted to store surplus renewable energy and lowered to produce electricity during peak demand. After full completion, there will be a total of 12,000 gravity blocks, capable of generating 100,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity in just four hours. This demonstration project is an example of China's burgeoning economy of energy storage. Building on its leadership in EVs, lithium batteries and solar panels, China is now poised to unlock a new economic growth frontier in new-type energy storage. The rapid expansion of clean energy capacity in China has presented a key challenge of green energy storage, which prompted a surge of innovative solutions. China's installed capacity of new-type energy storage exceeded that of pumped storage for the first time at the end of 2024, according to the recent data release of China Energy Storage Alliance (CNESA). New-type energy storage has been highlighted in many regional industrial plans, and its value target by 2025 have exceeded 3 trillion yuan (about 410 billion U.S. dollars), according to CNESA. Foreign investment is also eyeing the vast potential of the market. At the end of 2024, U.S. carmaker Tesla's Shanghai energy storage Megafactory commenced trial production of its Megapack batteries. This new plant, the first of its kind that Tesla has built outside the United States, is expected to start full-scale mass production in the first quarter of 2025. Megapack is an electrochemical energy storage device that uses lithium batteries, a dominant technical route in the new-type energy storage industry. Tesla's VP Tao Lin noted that China offers a complete industrial chain, huge market potential, and a production and business environment crucial for enterprise growth. DIVERSE TECHNIQUES Chinese engineers are finding ways to store clean energy's abundant output. Besides gravitational energy storage, which stores electricity at elevated levels, they explore a multitude of ingenious energy storage solutions and constructing many large projects. -- Compressed air In eastern Chinese city of Changzhou, air compressed to over 120 atmospheres in salt caverns 1,000 meters underground is used for energy storage. The heat generated is transferred to thermal oil, and then the electricity is regenerated on command. This storage factory, starting operation in May 2022, has saved 40,000 tonnes of standard coal and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by over 150,000 tonnes annually. -- Magnetic suspension flywheel On Jan. 2, the world's largest single-unit magnetic levitation flywheel energy storage project was connected to the grid and began continuous operation in eastern Chinese city of Penglai. During energy storage, external electrical energy propels the flywheel rotor to spin faster, thereby storing energy as kinetic energy. -- Hydrogen Also in this month, China's largest offshore photovoltaic-hydrogen-storage project in Rudong began generating electricity. In this project, solar power is used for seawater electrolysis to produce hydrogen, which is utilized for electricity generation during peak demand. -- Sodium-ion In June last year, a 100-megawatt-hour sodium-ion energy storage project began operation, representing the first large-scale commercial use of sodium-ion energy storage globally. This technology has advantages over lithium-ion batteries, such as lower raw material costs, higher safety, better low-temperature performance and longer cycle life. -- Flow cell Last December, China's first 100-megawatt all-vanadium redox flow battery energy storage station in a cold region began operation in northeast China's Jilin, expected to consume 300 million kWh of new energy annually. -- Supercapacitor Also in December, a supercapacitor-lithium battery hybrid energy storage system began commercial operation in Shanxi, becoming the world's largest such system. GOING GLOBAL As the domestic market becomes increasingly competitive, Chinese energy storage firms are quickening their pace of overseas expansion, especially in emerging markets. Sungrow Power Supply signed a large energy storage project with Saudi Algihaz last July, expected to be fully operational this year. Last year, this Hefei-based firm signed agreements with Philippine company Citicore and U.K.'s Fidra Energy. Citicore's 1.5 GWh order is the largest one in Southeast Asia, while Fidra Energy's 4.4 GWh order breaks the European record. Chinese companies such as Huawei, Envision Energy, CORNEX and Sunwoda have each secured major energy storage contracts in the Philippines, South Africa, Italy and Australia. "Chinese enterprises going global boast high brand recognition, swift market response and robust comprehensive competitiveness," said Sun Chuanwang, a professor from the China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University. It has been a bad few months for British farmers. Already struggling with soaring production costs, extreme weather and a punishing inheritance tax grab, they have a new problem: uncontrollable pests. This week, the Government refused an emergency application for the use of the neonicotinoid pesticide Cruiser SB on sugar beet a crop which has been beset with virus yellows, a disease transmitted by aphids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The virus turns the leaves yellow, thick and brittle, and can cause crop losses of up to 80 per cent. It is the biggest current threat to the UKs sugar sector. Treating the seeds with Cruiser SB is the only way of stopping the disease and although neonicotinoids are banned in Britain, there has been a rolling exception for sugar beet because there is no alternative. Virus yellows, a disease transmitted by aphids, can cause crop losses of up to 80pc - Nickbeer Now the exemption has been cancelled to save the bees, leaving farmers at a loss as to how to protect their crops. Michael Sly, the National Farmers Union sugar board chairman, warned: As a result of not having this emergency application granted, growers will not have a single viable solution to protect their crop in 2025 in the event of severe disease pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the first time in five years that an emergency authorisation of Cruiser SB has not been approved for use on sugar beet. Toby Bruce, a professor of insect chemical ecology at Keele University, said: What are farmers supposed to do to protect their crops? The situation was previously considered an emergency because farmers are left with no control measures and have no way of protecting their crops from insect pests and the serious crop diseases that they transmit. Bees are an important pollinator and are at risk of harm from pesticides The problem with neonicotinoid pesticides, such as Cruiser SB, is that they kill indiscriminately, harming important pollinators, like bees, butterflies and moths. They can even be toxic to earthworms, beetles and birds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Announcing the withdrawal of the emergency exemption, Emma Hardy, an environment minister, warned that Britain was one of the most nature depleted countries in the world and said that wildlife must be protected from pesticides. The Government said there was clear and abundant evidence that neonicotinoids were toxic to pollinators. Studies have shown that even minuscule levels of neonicotinoid pesticides can cause cognitive problems in pollinators, harming their foraging abilities and damaging their fertility, leading to population crashes. Dave Goulson, professor of biology at the University of Sussex, said: There is overwhelming evidence that neonicotinoids harm bees and other wildlife, and contaminate soils, waterways and wildflowers. There is no safe way to use them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But farmers argue that the case of sugar beet is different from other crops. The plant is harvested before it can produce flowers and so it does not attract pollinators. Sugar beet farmers now have no way of protecting crops from insect pests - Mike Powles/Stone RF Dr Scott Hayward, a senior lecturer in biosciences at the University of Birmingham, agreed, but said that the pesticide continues to pollute the local environment. He explained: Sugar beet is somewhat of a special case because it doesnt produce flowers until year two of growth, so the concerns that neonics are transferred to the pollen and or nectar of the plant via seed coating is less of an issue than for other crops. However, even seed coating leaves neonic residues in the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruiser SB contains the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam which can remain in the soil for around a year. Neonicotinoids work by binding to receptors in an insects nervous system, overstimulating the nerves and leading to paralysis and eventual death. Alternative measures Dr Hayward added: The simple fact is that pesticides targeting fundamental biological functions in pest species will likely have the same (sometimes greater) effects in non-target species. For now, bees have triumphed over beets, but there may yet be a solution that will keep everyone happy. A cross-industry virus yellows task force has been set up to research alternative measures and several intriguing trials are showing promise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers are testing using camouflage such as dyes to blur the colour distinction between plant and soil, so aphids cannot see the crops. Aroma pellets are also being developed to deter aphids through scent. Tropic, an agriculture biotechnology company, is working with British Sugar to explore how to genetically edit sugar beet to confer resistance to virus yellows and it is hoped resistant crops will be available by the end of the decade. The future looks hopeful, but for now all sugar beet farmers can do is keep their fingers crossed and hope for chilly weather to keep aphids at bay. It could be a long winter. 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. Since the Paris Agreement went into effect in late 2016, 60 of the world's largest private banks have funneled $6.9 trillion to the fossil fuel industry. Despite a wave of banks pledging to no longer finance the private prison industry between 2019 and 2021, many others are still funding the two largest U.S. private prison companies that have relied on bank loans to operate and expand. Tackling such global financial systems can seem impossible, but not according to Stephone Coward, head of the Bank Black & Green campaign, an effort to funnel capital into Black-owned banks that commit to not funding the fossil fuel or mass incarceration industries. In 2022, after 20 years of working in the banking industry, Coward began working as the economic justice director at the Hip Hop Caucus, a political activism nonprofit with a vision for racial justice, healthy communities, and a healthy planet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They gave me an opportunity to say, how do we work for an economy that works for everybody?" he recalls. For two years, he worked on developing the Bank Black & Green campaign, which launched in March, Next City reports. With the $35 million that investors have committed to the campaign already, Coward hopes to bolster the tradition of Black-owned banks supporting BIPOC communities around the country and their needs, from public health to sustainability. "We're talking about, instead of financing fossil fuel companies, how do we increase access to urban greenspaces?" he says. "Instead of building things like cop cities, how about we redeploy that capital into organizations on the ground that are building alternative policing modes?" When the campaign launched, Coward and company hosted a reception and mixer in Dallas to which they invited the country's 18 remaining Black-owned banks. "We wanted to be able to speak to the banks themselves to ask, is this a campaign that you'd want to be a part of?" Coward says. So far four Black-owned banks have joined, but Coward hopes to reach all 18 eventually. Another five banks are in the pipeline waiting for final approvals to come in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a few months of engaging in conversations and garnering interest from the banks, it was time to start talking money. The result was a determination that $180 million in fundingshaking out to about $10 million per bankwas the minimum amount necessary to be able to start this work. Next, Bank Black & Green partnered with Adasina Social Capital, a Black-owned financial activism firm focused on social justice, to launch an investor sign-on letter in October. Within the first 24 hours, the letter had garnered $10 million in commitments from investors to fund the banks that had taken the campaign's pledge. By November, that number stretched into a total of $35 million in commitments. "We're not telling people to move their money at this moment, because there's another aspect of this work to make sure that it actually gets to the end community," Coward notes. "We're saying that right now we need to demonstrate to these [Black-owned banks] that this type of work is important and that you need to be prepared for this money to come in." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The critical next step is working with these banks to determine the financial products and capabilities they need to be able to intake millions in funding. "We're talking about creating financial tools to make it easy for these impact investors to move money into these banks," he says. "We're talking about bonds we're talking about treasury management services. We want to set these institutions up for success." By the second quarter of 2025, Coward plans for the Bank Black & Green banks to be able to access funds generated by the campaign and to start determining how this money ultimately flows into communities. Nothing is certain yet, but Coward notes that community benefit agreements and the adoption of equitable banking standards are methods on the table. It's hard to say what exactly the final outcomes will be, but Coward has ideas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The ultimate goal for us is that, when you invest in the public health and safety of communities, you're building a sustainable community," he says. A big portion of the campaign's work is expanding access to capital for institutions and founders who are already doing this kind of work, from decarbonizing buildings to offering green financing services. Bank Black & Green is taking a unique approach to changing the flow of money, says Shahrzad Habibi, research and policy director at In The Public Interest, a national nonprofit research and policy organization that studies public goods and services. "There are public interventions where we talk about changing laws or changing regulations," which may or may not be politically viable at any given moment, she says. Then, there is shareholder activism, which focuses on getting behemoth banks and institutions to stop funding harmful industries. By working to empower smaller Black-owned banks to play a bigger role, rather than turning the tide of massive corporations, Habibi says, Bank Black & Green is doing something else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What's interesting is that it's targeting financial institutions, but then coupling that with [targeting] investors," she says. "It's an interesting way to look at the problem and a really interesting way to intervene." This story was produced by Next City, a nonprofit newsroom covering solutions for equitable cities, and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Local police, along with state and federal wildlife authorities, are looking into an apparent case of animal cruelty involving a protected adult red-tailed hawk discovered in a Paxton backyard Thursday night. The hawks wing and tail feathers were so severely clipped, experts fear the bird may never fly again. Ive never seen anything like it, said Jessica Zorge, president and founder of Raptor Tales Rescue in Shrewsbury. They were totally gone. The feathers had been cut almost all the way to where they connect to the bone... And the tail is completely missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zorge is now caring for the hawk, which shes affectionally named Edward. She called the birds injuries completely barbaric. Its scared, its stressed, and it has no idea whats going on or that were trying to help it, Zorge told Boston 25 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hawk was spotted standing on a pile of wood in a backyard. The homeowner realized something was wrong when the bird failed to fly off after several hours, Zorge said. Zorge estimates it will take two to two-and-a-half years for Edward to fully molt and regrow his feathers, if they grow back at all. It could be life altering, she said. We dont know if the follicles were damaged. Despite the extreme damage to its wings, Zorge says Edward appears to be in good health. She suspects somebody may have trapped the hawk and tried to make it a pet, which is illegal. Red-tailed hawks, like other raptors, are protected by federal laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the hawk was unable to fly, Zorge suspects whoever clipped its wings may not live far from where the bird was found. She says law enforcement is on the case. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the fines can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, Zorge says. I would hope the maximum would be given. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Barron Trump is interested in starting his own business. President Donald Trump's youngest son, who turns 19 in March, has his sights set on launching a real estate company, according to business filings that were first reported by Newsweek. In a series of exclusive interviews with PEOPLE, sources in the Trump family's orbit explain how the first son may move forward from here. Related: Barron Trump, Who Was 10 When His Father Donald Became President, Returns to Inaugural Stage at 18 Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg/Getty Barron Trump at a 2024 campaign rally for his father in Miami Barron Trump at a 2024 campaign rally for his father in Miami "Barron wants to follow in his dad's footsteps," a political source tells PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The source says Barron, a first-year student at New York University's Stern School of Business, isn't currently operating a viable company, but he's laid the groundwork to establish his business in the future, when he's ready. According to online records, Barron and two business partners incorporated a real estate company called Trump, Fulcher & Roxburgh Capital Inc. in Wyoming on July 15, 2024 the first day of the Republican National Convention, which Barron notably missed due to unexplained "prior commitments." Related: Why Didnt Barron Trump Attend the RNC? Melania Warned of His 'Prior Commitments' Only four months later, on Nov. 14, Barron and his business partners filed to dissolve the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the business partners, Barron's old high school classmate Cameron Roxburgh, told Newsweek that they chose to dissolve the company to avoid media attention after Donald was elected president, adding that they hoped to relaunch their business in the spring and eventually work toward making it a subsidiary of the Trump Organization. KENNY HOLSTON/THE NEW YORK TIMES/AFP via Getty Barron Trump shakes his father's hand at the inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025 Barron Trump shakes his father's hand at the inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025 Though Barron himself has not commented on his business endeavors, PEOPLE's source says that he has already adopted an entrepreneurial mindset. "He is interested in business in general, developing properties, making money and being involved in successful projects," the source shares. "He has his own ideas and understands what people of his age are looking for." The source continues, "He is quite entrepreneurial, bright and not shy about getting his own career in gear." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Melania Trump Shares Where She and Barron Will Live During Donald's Second Term in White House Another political source notes that Barron's business, no matter what it is or becomes, will always "sell access," due to his family name and proximity to the White House. Thus, the source says, his business would have the potential to become a conflict of interest for the president if not observed closely. It could be buying access, paying to play, and easy introduction to the power-seeking money-making goal that Trump has created a model for," the source tells PEOPLE, adding, "People who would never be close to fame or power could use this as their opportunity. Joe Raedle/Getty Melania, Donald and Barron Trump Melania, Donald and Barron Trump A social source tells PEOPLE that when Barron is ready to make his business ideas a reality, first lady Melania Trump will make herself available to her son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kids start younger today to make money, and also to find and pursue what interests them career wise, the social source says. Melania will encourage this with warnings of being careful. She is very protective of her son, no matter what, and that should continue. Read the original article on People Journalists and volunteers have identified 90,019 Russian soldiers killed in the war against Ukraine since the full-scale invasion. Of these, 23% enlisted after the fighting began. Source: BBC News Russian together with Mediazone media Quote: "For comparison, by November 2023, volunteers made up just 14% of total casualties. The average age of those killed in 2024, based on updated data, was 36 higher than in the first two years of the war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Active recruitment campaigns for volunteers to join the Russian military are ongoing across various regions in 2025. The government is offering additional payments of up to RUB 2 million (US$20,000) on average in exchange for participating in the war against Ukraine. This week, journalists reported that payments have been increased in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, the Republic of Mari El and Primorsky Krai. As of 24 January 2025, the highest number of casualties among Russian citizens fighting against Ukraine was recorded in the Republic of Bashkortostan, with 3,932 deaths. Quote from BBC News Russian: "The real number of casualties is likely higher this figure only includes those whose names we have been able to verify through open sources." Research by journalists reveals that more than half of the Russian soldiers killed had no prior military experience before the war. Among the identified losses, 17% were prisoners who chose to participate in combat rather than serve their sentences. Another 12% were conscripted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mercenaries from private military companies make up one of the smallest categories of casualties. Meanwhile, among regular military personnel who account for 17% of the 90,019 identified deathsthe highest losses were suffered by motorised rifle troops (5,931 dead) and airborne forces (3,223 dead). Quote: "Real losses are clearly much higher than what can be determined from open sources. Military experts we consulted suggest that our analysis of Russian cemeteries, war memorials, and obituaries may cover between 45% and 65% of the actual death toll... The total number of casualties among pro-Russian forces may range from 159,500 to 223,500 military personnel," the report concludes. Background: In September, the then US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump claimed that the Ukrainian government was covering up the number of people being killed in the war, although he did not explain why he believed Kyiv was doing this. The New York Times reported that Russia continues to suffer great losses in its war of aggression against Ukraine, with the number of killed and wounded soldiers in October being the highest since the start of the full-scale invasion. However, in the first half of 2024, Russia managed to mobilise approximately 900 people daily. On 24 January, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Russian army lost 1,500 soldiers killed and wounded in just one day. Support UP or become our patron! BOSTON (WWLP) Governor Healey announced her 2026 budget plan on Wednesday and advocates and healthcare workers say it could be catastrophic for the behavioral healthcare industry. The budget includes the closure of a Cape Cod mental health center and reducing Department of Mental Health case managers by 50%. The governor is pushing to increase the primary care workforce to improve access across the state and she says new investments will strengthen the behavioral healthcare workforce as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were also investing in behavioral health with education and health and human services working together to make sure, for example, that young people can get the support that they need in schools, said the governor. While the budget does include additional support for kids in schools, and the governor says she sees the closure and cuts as consolidation of care, several healthcare organizations do not share the governors positive outlook. Raise Up Massachusetts, a coalition of community organizations condemned many of the budget choices. Deep cuts to mental health services and our states hospitals would be incredibly harmful, at a time when those systems are already understaffed and overstretched, said spokesperson Andrew Farnitano. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Massachusetts Nurses Association and SEIU both voiced concerns that these cuts exclusively hurt the states most vulnerable populations. The personnel cuts and facility closures do not need legislative approval and could result in higher patient caseloads in western Massachusetts and across the state. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. In an effort to reduce the number of smokers and help the environment, Belgium has become the first country to ban the sale of disposable vapes, according to the Guardian. Many Americans associate Europe with smoking. Even after it was discouraged in the U.S., it was much more common in Europe. About a third more people smoke in Europe than in America, according to NPR. However, smoking, including vaping, isn't safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says vapes with aerosol are dangerous regardless of what the person is smoking. If there's nicotine in the vape, there are all sorts of other dangers, including addiction, poor brain development, and problems with attention. Clearly, in Belgium's efforts to make vaping "discouraged and denormalized," the government is doing its people a favor. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke reiterated this when he explained, "Disposable e-cigarettes is a new product simply designed to attract new consumers. E-cigarettes often contain nicotine. Nicotine makes you addicted to nicotine. Nicotine is bad for your health." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smoking is already going down in Belgium. In 1997, 25.5% of residents aged 15 and older smoked. Now, the number is at 15.3%, and the government would like to get it even lower. Belgium isn't just helping its people, though. It is also helping the environment. As Greenpeace explains, plastic disposable vapes are creating a huge amount of trash that is near impossible to recycle, so they are building up in landfills and potentially leaching their toxic ingredients into the soil to do even more damage. While the rest of Europe hasn't followed Belgium's lead yet, there are signs other countries want their people to quit smoking, too. Milan has outlawed smoking in outdoor public places, per the Guardian, and France has also done something similar. The hope is that other countries will follow, to protect both citizens and the land they live on. If you care about avoiding additional toxins, try choosing clean cosmetics, too. If smoking is an issue you care about, try lobbying for your country to follow New Zealand's lead and outlaw smoking altogether. 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. Twenty-five giant panda cubs were gathered at two breeding bases in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Thursday to send Spring Festival greetings to global audiences. #panda #SpringFestival #Sichuan #China #cub Health leaders want senators to grill Robert F Kennedy Jr. about whether or not he believes that germs cause disease and challenge him over some of the harmful conspiracy theories he has peddled. Next week, Kennedy, President Donald Trumps pick to head the Department of Health and Human Services, will face two Senate committee hearings in his bid to get confirmed. On Wednesday, he will be questioned by the Senate Committee on Finance, which oversees HHS, and on Thursday, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will get to probe the former Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the hearings approach, Kennedy has reportedly softened some of his more controversial views on vaccinations. He has reportedly been assuring the Republican senators who have to vote him in that hes all for polio vaccines, and that he isnt going to ban any vaccines. But the backpedaling has not done anything to alleviate the concerns of some of the nations leading health professionals, who shared the questions that they would like senators to ask Kennedy next week with Politico. Kennedy will go up against two Senate committees next week as they grill him about his views and past comments (REUTERS) Someone needs to pin him down on whether or not he believes that germs cause disease, Dave Chokshi, a practicing primary care physician and former New York City health commissioner, told the outlet. The germ theory of disease was established in the late 19th century and all first year medical students are well-versed in it. Does he believe in it? Chokshi added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A health economist who served under Presidents Bush, Clinton and Obama said she would quiz Kennedy about how he would fund healing farms for drug addicts. When Kennedy ran as an independent candidate, he said that the government should send people struggling with addiction for up to three or four years to farms growing organic food. The healing farms for substance abusers cost $10,000 a month [per person], Sherry Glied, now dean of the NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, told Politico. Is Congress going to spend $120,000 a year for people who use heroin? Peter Lurie, the head of the non-profit Center for Science in the Public Interest and former FDA associate commissioner for public health strategy and analysis, referred to comments Kennedy made to an anti-vaccine group in November 2023 about the National Institutes of Health. Trump has backed Kennedy all the way since the former independent candidate dropped out of the presidential race last year and endorsed him (AP) Im gonna say to NIH scientists, God bless you all. Thank you for public service. Were going to give infectious disease a break for about eight years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lurie mocked: Have you communicated your intention for NIH to give infectious diseases a break for about eight years to the relevant pathogens so they know not to attack during that period? In a second cutting question, Lurie said he hopes senators ask Kennedy to please explain the analytical approach that has led you to conclude that vitamins, ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are effective for COVID-19, he said. But that Ozempic, backed by clinical trials showing reductions in weight, cardiovascular disease and total mortality, is being sold by pharmaceutical companies counting on selling it to Americans because were so stupid and so addicted to drugs. Executive director of the American Public Health Association Georges C. Benjamin added that senators should ask the former Democrat: Should women have control over their own bodies? And Andrea Baccarelli, dean of the faculty at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, asked: How will you balance the right to free speech against the reality that all people, but especially those facing a serious illness, are vulnerable to manipulation by individuals peddling harmful or ineffective cures? The conservative advocacy group Advancing American Freedom, founded by Mike Pence, is pushing for Republican senators to vote against Kennedy, accusing him of pushing abortion. Jan. 24BEMIDJI Though Martin Luther King Jr. Day was officially recognized on Monday, students, staff and community members gathered in Bemidji State's American Indian Resource Center on Tuesday to celebrate not only the man but the movement of which he was part. Held annually, each event provides opportunities for the campus community to reflect on King's legacy as well as the Civil Rights Movement as a whole. Tuesday's event aimed to recognize King's leadership as well as his effect on those around him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are here to honor one of the powerhouses of the Civil Rights Movement," Associate Campus Diversity Officer Ashley Gomez said in opening. "In the grand tapestry of history, we often remember the names that shined the brightest, the ones who stood at the podium, marched at the front lines and inspired millions with their words. King is one of the leaders whose dream transformed the nation. "But even King himself once said, 'Everyone can be great because anyone can serve.' We gather not just to honor the work of an extraordinary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but also to shine a light on the countless unsung heroes who stood beside him. Those who worked in the shadows, whose names are not written in the pages of history but helped build the bridge we continue to cross." Following the reading of BSU's Land Acknowledgement Statement by Student Senate President Darby Bersie, International Student Organization President Juliana Nixon provided the student welcome for the evening. "This gathering is so much more than a commemoration. It is a call to action, a reminder that every one of us has a role to play in shaping a brighter and more just future," Nixon said. "As student leaders, we understand that the path to progress begins right here on our campus. It begins with small, everyday acts of courage, kindness and determination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dr. King once said, 'Life's most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?'" After the playing of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" often referred to as the Black National Anthem BSU and Northwest Technical College President John Hoffman delivered remarks regarding diversity and collective action. "There is strength in diversity. That, today, seems to be a political statement," Hoffman noted. "When I say that there's strength in diversity, it is seeing the capacity in every one of the members of our community. ... It's expanding definitions of merit to understand that different folks do things in different ways that collectively help us achieve greater outcomes and greater realities than what we could do individually." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further emphasizing Hoffman's point, guest speaker Yohuru Williams spoke to attendees via Zoom about the many faces of the Civil Rights Movement. Williams serves as the Distinguished University Chair, Professor of History and Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. He received his doctorate from Howard University in 1998. Williams has also written, co-authored and edited 11 books and has appeared on a variety of local and national television and radio programs. "Dr. King, like so many others who made up the movement he led, was simply a dedicated soul who was sick and tired of being sick and tired," Williams said. "You see that theme continuously in the memoirs of people who were active in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s from Rosa Parks to the Little Rock Nine to John Lewis and scores of others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Part of the problem we have in our contemporary society is that we're conditioned to search for heroes and paragons instead of the sources of inspiration that lifted them up in the pursuit of justice and equality. These sources provided them with courage, the same courage that we seek within ourselves, to be leaders in the quest for what Dr. King called the beloved community." While concluding his speech, Williams encouraged attendees particularly students to rely on others when pursuing change in their communities and world. "We have a habit of telling young people that they stand on the shoulders of giants. You do not stand on the shoulders of giants, you are the giants," Williams left off, "but you've got to learn from other giants, those people who use the power within themselves for good, for justice, for righteousness, for equality." Gomez thanked all the organizations who collaborated to plan and host Tuesday's event including Project for Change, Peacemaker Resources, the President's Office, Black Student Union and the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The story of progress is written not by a single author, but a chorus of changemakers," Gomez said. "Even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, we still have a dream. By becoming the unsung heroes of tomorrow, let us move forward together to shape a future where everyone can be great because everyone can serve." Similar collaborations will continue when BSU hosts its Unity Uplift: Black History Heritage Celebration and President's Reception in honor of Black History Month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, in Upper Hobson's Beaux Arts Ballroom. Former BSU Professor Gabriel Warren now the Dean of Applied Design, Business, Industry and Human Services at Century College will serve as guest speaker. All President's Receptions are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. More information on upcoming events and initiatives can be found on the BSU website. 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? A key staffer is moving into a leadership role with Benedictine Colleges proposed medical school. Deacon Stan Sluder, who has been chief business officer at the college in Atchison, Kansas, is now executive vice president at the institution. His duties will focus on accreditation, fundraising, staffing and construction of the proposed Benedictine College School of Osteopathic Medicine. Sluder will be the contact for anyone with questions about the medical school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is another exciting step in the development of our medical school, President Stephen D. Minnis said. Stan Sluder came to us with decades of experiencing in banking and team building and we have great confidence in his ability to drive this project forward. In addition to working on accreditation for the medical school, Sluder will oversee the hiring of a dean for the medical school, raise money for its construction and work with architects, engineers and contractors on the design and building of the medical schools physical plant. Sluder was a bank president and chief lending officer for three institutions for 24 years before joining Benedictine and is a deacon in the Catholic Church. Benedictines Assistant Vice President-Finance Kristie Scholz will be promoted to chief financial officer and Assistant Vice President-Operations Matthew Fassero will be promoted to vice president-operations. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson saw a campaign finance complaint filed against her upon the launch of her gubernatorial campaign Wednesday alleging she improperly used public resources for her candidacy. Benson's campaign denies any wrongdoing. Christian Charette, a former Republican state House candidate, posted a copy of the complaint he filed in a post on X. In it, he alleges Benson's use of a lobby of a public building to answer media questions about her gubernatorial campaign violated Michigan law concerning the use of public resources for a campaign. Benson spoke with media inside the Richard H. Austin Building Wednesday and said she didn't want to make reporters stand outside in the cold and that other candidates also would be permitted to use the lobby. Asked to comment on the complaint Thursday, the Benson campaign communications director Alyssa Bradley said in a statement: "The lobby space used is a public space where First Amendment activity can occur, as long as it doesn't interfere with the operation of the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Many candidates have used the lobby before," Bradley added and reiterated Benson's invitation for other candidates to use the space in the future. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson talks to the media about her gubernatorial campaign at the Richard H. Austin Building Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Michigan Department of State Chief Communications Officer Angela Benander confirmed that a complaint was received by the Bureau of Elections from Charette, but said the department does not typically share copies of campaign finance complaints until the campaign accused of a violation receives a notice and has a chance to respond. Benander said the complaint must be referred to the Attorney General's Office because it involves the secretary of state. The Attorney General's Office has not yet received such a complaint, that office's press secretary, Danny Wimmer, said in an email Thursday afternoon. At least one GOP-aligned attorney expressed shock at Benson's decision to talk to the media about her campaign where she did. "I mean WOW," wrote attorney Charlie Spies in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Liedel, an attorney specializing in campaign finance law who previously served as legal counsel to Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm, called the alleged violation "a stretch." According to Liedel, it's not clear under Michigan campaign finance law if the lobby of a state-owned building would even constitute office space or a public resource. "The lobby is a public resource? No more so than the steps to that building or the sidewalk in front of that building," he said. He also noted that the law has an exception for the use of a public facility "if any candidate or committee has an equal opportunity to use the public facility." A different venue choice for her media availability Wednesday could have saved Benson the headache of a complaint, Liedel said. "Could the secretary have avoided that by having a campaign event somewhere else? Perhaps. Perhaps for messaging purposes you might have wanted to send a different message with your launch event other than you're a state bureaucrat who works in a state building, right? But that's a messaging choice. Legally, I'm not aware of any precedent that would indicate that this would be a violation of the Campaign Finance Act," Liedel said. Michigan Elections: Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State, announces run for Michigan governor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charette's complaint also alleges that Benson used her office to hold conversations across the state to inform her campaign, citing a video of her remarks to reporters Wednesday. In that video, Benson talks about traveling the state to talk to voters. She did not name the venues for those conversations or specify whether she made those trips in the course of her duties as secretary of state. Bradley said that the community conversations Benson held over the last few months were held by her Michigan Legacy PAC in coordination with local elected leaders not by Benson's office. Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Benson campaign scoffs at campaign finance complaint NEW JERSEY (PIX11) Bergen Countys Office of Consumer Protection is warning residents to be alert for a deceptive piece of mail that appears to come from the county. The letter appears to come from Bergen Countys Home Improvement Program and talks about a warranty. The program is real, but the warranty and the notice are not. More Local News This is a real concern because we dont have any affiliation with this company, said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bergen Countys Office of Consumer Protection points out a few red flags about the letter. Theres no company address, said Denis Niland, an investigator with the Office of Consumer Protection. There are just phone numbers. There are 800-phone numbers, not local phone numbers that would be from Bergen County. Niland said another recent phone scam purported to be from the Sheriffs Office. Recently, there have been phone calls with the Bergen County Sheriffs Office where there was indicated there were warrants put out for people that were false, said Niland. Residents said they know to be wary of anything they dont recognize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If I dont know the phone number or the name, I dont answer the phone, said Arthur May. I know they target seniors, said Janine Moersdorf. And were prone to be a little bit more vulnerable to things like that, but I dont fall for anything. When in doubt, Tedesco said to call local officials and double-check. Please be skeptical, said Tedesco. Be intelligent and pick up the phone and call us. Well give you the real, true information as to whether this is a program sponsored by the County of Bergen. You can reach the Bergen & Passaic County Office of Consumer Protection at 201-336-6400. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. (KRON) A teenager who went missing on Thursday has been located, according to the Berkeley Police Department. The 14-year-old was last seen around 3:30 p.m. near the North Berkeley BART station before being located. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Civil rights activist Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., accused the pastor who offered the benediction at Donald Trumps inauguration of having misused her fathers ideas to paper over how inconvenient truth Republicans agenda clashes with the legendary leaders vision of a more just America. During the ceremony, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell riffed off key parts of Kings 1963 I Have a Dream on the National Mall. We pray that you use our president, that we will live in a nation where we will not be judged by the color of our skin but by the content of our character, Sewell told the crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also, like King, quoted from an old African-American spiritual, hoping that in America everyone will feel free at last. Bernice King, writing on X on Wednesday, claimed the original speech had been misused to weaken its clear messaging about ending racism, stopping police brutality, ensuring voting rights, and eradicating economic injustice. Why didnt Pastor Lorenzo Sewell pray these parts of the Dream during President Trumps Inauguration? she continued. Because the inconvenient truth (that disallows embracing the pipe dream that racism no longer exists in this country) is that Project 2025 and some of the plans that his voters encouraged POTUS to roll out on day one are reflective of an America that denies the comprehensive King. Donald Trump listens to Senior Pastor Lorenzo Sewell during his inauguration in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC (Getty Images) The Trump administration has moved quickly to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and protections across the federal government, some of which have roots in Kings 1960s-era activism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I prayed to my Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus and was inspired by Dr. King, Sewell told The Independent via email. I apologize if I offended her, but I did not read her dads speech, just prayed from my heart. The original I Have a Dream speech, delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, was considerably more pointed than the banal call for colorblindness many claim it represented. In the address, prior to calling for a world of people judged solely on the content of their character, King denounces police brutality, housing segregation, and the vicious racists who sought to impede Black equality in America. Elsewhere, in other famous works like 1963s Letter From a Birmingham Jail, King advocated taking ambitious moves to create equity and singled out the white moderate as a bigger obstacle to freedom than the Klu Klux Klan. We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed, King wrote. Frankly, I have never yet engaged in a direct-action movement that was well timed according to the timetable of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley to deliver State of the City address Jan. 27 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Bessemer Mayor Kenneth E. Gulley will present his annual State of the City Address on Monday, Jan. 27. The address will kick off at 6 p.m. at the Bessemer Civic Center. The address will provide citizens with a comprehensive overview of the citys accomplishments in 2024 and outline strategic initiatives for 2025. The State of the City Address is an opportunity to engage directly with our citizens about Bessemers progress and our vision for the future, Gulley said in a statement. I look forward to sharing the significant strides weve made and discussing our plans to further enhance the quality of life for all Bessemer residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event is free and 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 CBS 42. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, seen at an April 2022 White House event celebrating her Senate confirmation, was President Joe Bidens sole U.S. Supreme Court nominee. The 235 federal judges confirmed during Bidens presidency set records for racial and gender diversity. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Originally published by The 19th. The Michigan Advance is part of The 19th Reporting Network. During Joe Bidens four years as president, he and Senate Democrats prioritized diversity at an unprecedented level for nominees to the federal judiciary, making a lasting mark on the nations courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden entered office in 2021 focused on judicial appointments after President Donald Trump reached a record of 234 judicial confirmations in four years. Ultimately, Biden surpassed this record by one, and he broke a number of records on diversity as well. Biden has appointed more women than any other president before him. He also appointed the largest number of out LGBTQ+ judges, the most Black women and the most women of color of any president. Of his 235 judicial confirmations, more than 60 percent are women. The largest share 37 percent are women of color, 26 percent are White women, 22 percent are men of color and 15 percent are White men. Beyond racial diversity, nearly 100 of the confirmed judges nominated by Biden have worked as civil rights lawyers or public defenders, adding professional diversity to the pipeline that is often overlooked. The 19th took a closer look at how Biden shaped the federal bench and how the diversity of his judicial appointments could be a stark contrast to Trump, who overwhelmingly appointed White men during his first term in the White House. The data included throughout the article and graphics focus on full-time Article III judges who make up the U.S. Supreme Court, federal courts of appeals, federal district courts and the U.S. Court of International Trade. Bidens record on diversity includes Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court; Beth Robinson, the first out LGBTQ+ woman to serve on a federal appeals court; and Shanlyn Park, who became the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as a lifetime federal judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Research indicates that more diverse courts strengthen public trust in the justice system and shape decision-making. Judges with public defender backgrounds, for example, are less likely to implement harsh criminal sentences. Studies have also shown that judicial panels with women are more likely to rule in favor of plaintiffs in sex discrimination cases. The diversity among Bidens judicial picks stands out in particular as Trump enters the White House for a second term. The first Trump administration also prioritized federal judges, but White men represented 64 percent of the judicial confirmations. White women made up 19 percent, men of color were 11 percent and women of color were 5 percent of Trumps judicial confirmations. Historically, Republican presidents have made the judiciary more diverse than their Republican predecessors, and Democrats made it more diverse than their Democratic predecessors, said Stacy Hawkins, a professor with Rutgers Law School. But Trump disrupted that trend. I think given this strident rhetoric of anti-DEI that now pervades the Republican Party, it will be interesting to see whether or not Trump actually fails to even succeed his own past poor record, Hawkins said. President Donald J. Trump and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, November 8, 2018 | Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead via Flickr Public Domain Arguably one of Bidens most remarkable judicial achievements is confirming 145 women judges during his four years in office. As a comparison, Trump appointed 55 women judges in the same time, and President Barack Obama confirmed 136 women in eight years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, 500 women make up a third of the sitting Article III federal judges. A little more than half of those sitting on the federal bench were appointed by Biden and Obama. Efforts to significantly boost womens representation in the nations highest courts started with President Jimmy Carter. During his only term from 1977 until 1981, Carter appointed 41 women including eight women of color and 57 people of color to federal judgeships. This was more than the 38 presidents before him combined. Before he took office, just 10 women, one woman of color and 35 people of color had served on the federal bench. Even as the number of women federal judges has grown, women of color were largely left behind until recent administrations. Before Biden took office, just 8 Black women, 6 Latina women and 2 Asian-American women had ever held seats on U.S. appellate courts, the second most powerful courts after the Supreme Court. Biden appointed 13 Black women, 4 Latina women and 5 Asian-American women to these prestigious seats. Women of color face challenges breaking into coveted legal positions at every level of the profession, but those who are ultimately nominated to federal judge positions are also more likely to face questions about whether they have political biases and whether they are qualified for the position, or simply a DEI hire. I dont think that it is, in any way, shape or form, a question of diversity versus merit, Hawkins said. Merit is the question that always gets evaluated first. We are only considering candidates that merit appointment, then among those meritorious candidates theres the question of what else is important in our selection decision? And I think that diversity is always an important consideration, and has been consistently considered by both Republican and Democratic presidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Trumps first term in office he had the ability to make a number of appellate courts more conservative. On the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, for example, 12 of its 17 active judges have been selected by Republican presidents six of them by Trump. The court represents Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, and critics argue that Trumps additions have contributed to the court making more bold rulings on issues including reproductive rights. For example, in January 2024 the 5th Circuit ruled that the Biden administration could not use federal law to force Texas hospitals and doctors to perform emergency abortions as stabilizing treatment. During Bidens term he was able to flip some seats on these more conservative courts, like the 7th circuit, but the highest number of Biden nominees were confirmed to courts in the northeast, known for more liberal policies. Biden also managed to maintain a liberal majority on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers a large segment of the country and handles a number of high-profile cases. Researchers and legal professionals will be watching to see how Trump shapes key federal courts in his second term, though he will not have as many vacancies this time around. Jasmine Mithani contributed to this report. CANBERRA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Planned drone shows to celebrate Australia Day in the nation's capital have had their start time pushed back to prevent harm to a population of threatened bats. The population of about 2,500 grey-headed flying foxes -- an endemic species listed as vulnerable to extinction by the federal government -- live in Canberra's Commonwealth Park on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin between October and June. Each night at around 8:45 p.m. local time, the bats leave the park en masse to feed on fruit. That nightly phenomenon has prompted authorities to delay the drone shows over the lake due to concerns for the welfare of the bats. The first show in 2024 was delayed from its scheduled start time of 8:30 p.m. local time because there were too many flying foxes in the air. Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Wildlife warned that a significant number of drones in the path of the bats could be dangerous. Stephen Barton from ACT Wildlife told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Friday that spectators reported seeing flying foxes hit drones during the 2024 shows but that no bats were killed. As a precaution, the 2025 shows will run at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. each night between Friday and Sunday. Each performance will feature 600 drones showing unique designs to celebrate Australia's native flora, fauna and the country's history. Australia Day is celebrated annually on Jan. 26 to mark the anniversary of the 1788 landing of the British First Fleet at Sydney Cove. The company that owns the Big Lots brand is selling leases for stores nationwide, it recently said, and numerous Michigan locations are among those affected. Gordon Brothers, which calls itself a global asset expert, currently own Big Lots and is selling leases in 47 states across the country, including in Michigan. Four weeks ago, Big Lots and Gordon Brothers announced a deal transferring 200 to 400 of Big Lots stores to Variety Wholesalers Inc., a retail company headquartered in Henderson, North Carolina, USA Today reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Variety Wholesalers said it plans to continue operating the stores it acquired in the deal under the Big Lots brand, and may retain employees at the Big Lots stores and distribution centers it plans to acquire, according to a press release from the companies. Boston-based asset liquidation firm Gordon Brothers Retail Partners began listing 460-plus locations on Jan. 14, with purchase offers due by Jan. 24. The stores primarily located in shopping centers" range in size from approximately 19,000 to 55,000 square feet, the firm says on the sale site. This is a fantastic opportunity for expansion-minded retailers to grow their footprint by acquiring well-located stores with long-term, below-market rents, said Michael Burden, Co-Head of North America Real Estate Services at Gordon Brothers said in a news release. These spaces offer a seamless path to enhance their presence and serve new communities, making it an ideal time to capitalize on prime retail real estate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Big Lots announced in September 2024 that the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and planned on closing more than 340 stores. The closures wer due to affiliate Nexus Capital Management LP acquiring Big Lots as part of a sale agreement, the retailer said in a news release. "Though most of our stores are profitable, and we are taking every step possible to improve the profitability of all our stores, we will need to close certain locations to ensure that our business operates efficiently and we can continue serving our customers," according to the retailer. Before the deal with Gordon Brothers and Variety Wholesalers, Big Lots planned to close all of its stores when a sale to Nexus Capital Management fell through. Big Lots was the fourth-largest home goods retailer in the U.S. when it filed for bankruptcy, with $4.7 billion in 2023 revenue, 1,392 stores at the beginning of 2024, and more than 27,000 employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the states with the most Big Lots locations up for sale are Texas (72), New York (49) and Florida (44). What Big Lots stores are for sale in Michigan? Gordon Brothers posted a list of store leases for sale across 47 states. All the leases have at least five years remaining. There are the 16 in Michigan. Alpena: 2680 S. U.S. 23, 42,326 square feet Battle Creek: 5440 Beckley Road, 29,673 square feet Bay City: 1001 N. Euclid Ave., 30,373 square feet Chesterfield: 50630 Gratiot Ave., 31,706 square feet Dearborn: 5600 Mercury Drive, 32,367 square feet Eastpointe: 16100 E. 10 Mile Road, 41,297 square feet Grand Rapids: 3464 Plainfield Ave. NE, 29,637 square feet, and 5450 S. Division Ave., 29,885 square feet Monroe: 1575 N. Telegraph Road, 36,509 square feet Muskegon: 1650 E. Sherman Blvd., 27, 650 square feet Niles: 1907 S. 11th St., 34,690 square feet Sault Ste. Marie: 3396 I-75 Business Spur, Unit 1, 33,250 square feet Southfield: 29712 Southfield Road, 30,607 square feet Southgate: 14333 Eureka Road, 47,237 square feet Sterling Heights: 33100 Schoenherr Road, 29,928 square feet Westland: 35507 Ford Road, 30,268 square feet Which Big Lots stores have closed in Michigan? According to a court document obtained by USA TODAY, 11 Big Lots stores have closed already in Michigan: 375 N. Willow Brook Road, Coldwater 750 Perry Ave., Big Rapids 5625 W. Saginaw Highway, Unit 1, Lansing 3669 E. Grand River Ave., Howell 2020 Grand River Ave., Okemos 6207 S Westnedge Ave., Portage 1401 Spring St., Petoskey 2850 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti 2353 N. Park Drive, Holland 32399 John R Road, Madison Heights 4254 28th St. SE, Kentwood The company later said four other stores would close: Benton Harbor: 1950 Pipestone Road Livonia: 30000 Plymouth Road Saginaw: 2580 Tittabawassee Road Taylor: 23351 Eureka Road Where can I learn more? For additional details, including lease terms, visit: info.gordonbrothers.com/biglotsrealestate. Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USA Today reporter Mike Snider contributed reporting. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Big Lots store leases offered by company owner BOSTON (WPRI) Just months after announcing Massachusetts will join dozens of other states suing TikTok and Meta, Attorney General Andrea Campbell is advocating for a new law to restrict the use of cell phones in schools. Campbell said that while lawsuits can bring change, they can also drag on for years. As of now, there is no statewide policy or standard when it comes to the use of cell phones in schools, but THE STUDY Act looks to change that. The legislation would promote safe technology use and distraction-free education for students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would require all public schools in the state to have formal policies for cell phones and other personal devices, as well as preventing students from accessing their devices during school hours. There would be exemptions for emergencies or students who have individualized education plans. One of the number one things weve heard, particularly from parents, is not only just the incredible effects social media platforms are having on our kids especially the well-being and the uptick in anxiety and depression were seeing but also that they want us to do something about it, Campbell explained. MORE: TikTok designed to be addictive to kids and causes them harm, lawsuits say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campbell said phones in schools can lead to distractions in learning, a shortened attention span and increased anxiety. 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. Jack Tidrow, president of the Professional Firefighters of Utah, speaks during a House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee against a bill that would ban collective bargaining for public sector unions at the Utah State Capitol Building on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (Screenshot of state livestream) Utah lawmakers advanced a bill on Thursday that would change how labor unions in the public sector, which represent teachers, firefighters and police officers, can negotiate. The bill would prevent public sector labor unions from engaging in collective bargaining, the process where unions negotiate terms of employment with their employers. The bill sponsor, Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, said there are only a handful of public sector entities that actually engage in collective bargaining they include Utah Education Association, the Salt Lake City Fire Department and the Salt Lake City Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teuscher said it will bolster representation among non-union public sector employees, allowing everyone to negotiate regardless of their membership. Teachers and firefighters describe it as anti-union, and worry it will impact their ability to negotiate for better wages and benefits, and could in turn lead to a less safe work environment. After lengthy public comment, which mostly saw teachers and union advocates speaking against it, the bill passed out of the House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee Thursday, with four lawmakers voting no Reps. Ashlee Matthews, D-West Jordan; Hoang Nguyen, D-Salt Lake City; Thomas Peterson, R-Brigham City; and Norman Thurston, R-Provo. The bill still needs to get approval from the entire House, a Senate committee and the entire Senate. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to eliminating collective bargaining, Teuschers bill would also prevent publicly-funded paid leave to be used for union action, while barring special exceptions for unions to use public property (if other groups have to pay to use a public room or space, so does the union). Union employees who arent actually employed by the state would not be eligible for state retirement benefits, either. Unions would be required to provide the Utah Labor Commission, and its members, with annual accounting to disclose how it spends its money and membership numbers. And, the bill would give teachers the chance to opt into professional liability insurance. Teuscher said eliminating collective bargaining levels the playing field for employees to negotiate their terms of employment. Now, anyone can come to the table, not just a union representative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would allow, in those districts that do collective bargaining, that theyre not the only one that can come in and make those teachers voices heard, he said. Any group could come in and say the same thing teachers themselves could come in and advocate on their behalf. If passed, Utah would join nine states Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia that have restrictions on public sector collective bargaining. However, most of those states have carve outs. For example, Texas has an exception for police and firefighters; Tennessee allows teachers to collectively bargain on certain issues; Indiana allows all three entities to collectively bargain. Several teachers on Thursday spoke in favor of the bill, claiming it would prevent the bullying that they say comes from unions toward non-union educators. We need all voices to be heard in the teaching profession, and not just those that align with the union and their political views, said Cole Kelley, a teacher at American Fork High School and member of the Utah State Board of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A handful of lobbyists and members of the public including representatives from the Utah Tax Commission, the National Right to Work Committee, Utah Parents United and Americans for Prosperity Utah also threw their support behind the bill, saying it would benefit taxpayers by eliminating the subsidization of certain union activity. But most of the people speaking during the public comment period Thursday were teachers, firefighters and other union proponents who opposed the bill. I enjoy having collective bargaining, said Jack Tidrow, president of the Professional Firefighters of Utah. It would greatly hinder our ability to ensure our firefighter safety, safe staffing levels and protect our members rights, he said. Let us know what you think... The bill would limit the unions ability to sit down with employers to talk about protective equipment, safety policies, or out-of-state travel, he said; employers are less likely to meet with employees if they arent unionized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sara Jones with the Utah Education Association, which represents about 18,000 teachers around the state, said the bill was expressly targeted toward her organization. The intent of the bill really is to diminish the UEA, she said, pointing to the provision that provides liability insurance for teachers, and another item in the bill that prohibits labor union staff, who arent state employees, from accessing the states retirement benefits. But, like most of the people speaking in opposition Thursday, the main sticking point for the UEA is the elimination of collective bargaining. By banning the ability for educators to come together to bargain with their employer, youre banning the process that can be very collaborative, she told the committee. By passing this bill, unfortunately it sends a message that educators dont deserve a collective voice in their profession, or dont deserve input on their salaries or working conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the opposition from two Republicans in the committee Thursday, the bill has the backing of some of the legislatures most powerful members. House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, said on Thursday that he supports the bill, telling reporters sometimes the unions going through that collective bargaining dont have whats best in mind for the students. And in the Senate, the bill is sponsored by Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore, R-Sandy, who said it would create more opportunity for teachers to have a voice. Right now, a lot of contracts limit who school districts can negotiate with, Cullimore said. Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, a Salt Lake City Democrat, said the bill will likely become a partisan issue. She heard from several teachers on Thursday who had concerns with the legislation, telling reporters they feel it would curtail their representation and not allow them to participate fully. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This article was originally published in North Dakota Monitor. A bill proposes to reduce the years needed for a lifetime teaching license in North Dakota, but a state licensing board says ongoing education is critical to the career field. The House Education Committee held a public hearing Tuesday for House Bill 1238 that would reduce the years needed for teachers to acquire a lifetime license from 30 years to 20 years. The bill would also mandate teachers with lifetime licenses to file a report with the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board every five years to self-report any criminal violations, or any other information that could cause the teachers license to be revoked or suspended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Zac Ista, D-Grand Forks, the bills chief sponsor, said a 20-year benchmark for lifetime licensing will reduce out-of-pocket costs for educators and improve workforce retention in education. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Teachers could save about $1,000 by eliminating two license renewal cycles, he said, and save the time it takes to do college-level continuing education credits. The North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board opposes the bill, Executive Director Rebecca Pitkin told lawmakers. She said lowering the requirements for ongoing education does not promote the profession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Requiring six reeducation college credits in five years should not be a reason to leave the profession, Pitkin said. She added many of those credits can be obtained at the district level with little to no cost to the educator. There are about 18,000 licensed teachers in North Dakota with about 10,000 currently employed in the states school districts, according to the Department of Public Instruction. North Dakota United, an educator and public employee union, supports the bill. President Nick Archuleta told lawmakers it could help the state address an ongoing teacher shortage. While these teachers are qualified and fulfill a need in many communities, we believe that recruiting, retaining and respecting teachers here is the best way to meet our needs for the long term, Archuleta said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said the state has made accommodations for new teachers, including allowing student teachers to become teachers-of-record through pre-service teaching authorization, but have done very little to benefit teachers with decades of experience. Please stand up for teachers, Archuleta said. Please show them that their dedication to the students of North Dakota is appreciated. The committee took no immediate action on the bill. A similar bill proposed in the 2023 session failed in the Senate. North Dakota Monitor is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. North Dakota Monitor maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Amy Dalrymple for questions: info@northdakotamonitor.com. SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) A multimillion dollar severance package for a controversial New Mexico higher ed president has ignited outrage amongst the states top elected officials. Now, a New Mexico lawmaker said its time for university regents to get a lot more training. Story continues below The Democrat behind the bill said that while its not directly tied to the Western New Mexico University buyout scandal, new requirements could help university regents avoid similar messes in the future. Better trainings, I mean so that were not treating this like just a reward for a donor, but rather a place of excellence, said Senator Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Steinborn said its time to overhaul the way university regents are trained for their jobs. Hes behind a new bill requiring all regents to take ten hours of training in their first year. So, these schools manage a multi-hundred-dollar budget. How much experience and training have they been given on that kind of a budget before they walk in? This would be something that would give them you know some high-level training, said Sen. Steinborn. The training would be developed by the Higher Education Department and include lessons on university financial management, ethics training, and open meetings laws. You need to be aware of laws in this state regarding open meetings, how decisions are made, best practices with ethics and transparency. These things go hand in hand because sometimes what we see is golden parachute deals, we see them made behind closed doors, said Sen. Steinborn. Steinborn said he did not write the bill because of what happened at Western New Mexico University where president Joseph Shepard stepped down amid a spending scandal but was given a $2 million severance package from their board of regents. However, Sen. Steinborn said that the case is a reminder to do more. Well see a management challenge in any organization at one time or another but when you have those and you havent vetted candidates and you havent put in training then it kind of just shines a light on well why didnt we do more to prepare them to make better decisions, said Sen. Steinborn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governors office demanded the resignation of Western New Mexico Universitys regents after the buyout. They told KRQE News 13 that theyre still analyzing Sen. Steinborns bill. He said hes also working on a constitutional amendment to create commissions that would nominate board of regents to recommend to the governor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. A colorized transmission electron micrograph of avian influenza H5N1 viruses (seen in gold). (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) NEW ORLEANS The state of Louisiana identified a case of a domestic cat with bird flu in New Orleans, according to a spokesperson from the citys Health Department and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture database, the cat was collected on Jan. 7 and diagnosed with bird flu on Jan. 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Louisiana Department of Health, which informed the city of the infection, referred Verite News to the agriculture and forestry department. This is not the first case of bird flu in Louisiana. Along with previously reported infections of animals, a human case was recently reported in the state. Early this month, the state health department announced that a person in Louisiana died from the bird flu, also known as H5N1. The patient had been hospitalized since December. It was the first time a severe human case of H5N1 and a death from this variant of the disease was reported in the United States. State health officials said there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its announcement at the time of the death, the LDH said that the person was over 65 and had underlying medical conditions. The person is believed to have contracted the infection after being exposed to a combination of backyard flocks and wild birds. The LDH also said that the current public health risk for the general public was low, but that people who work with birds, poultry or cows or have recreational exposure to them are at a higher risk of contracting the infection. This is a developing story and will be updated. This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. ST. LOUIS While the bottom line is already tight for many peoples budgets, the price of eggs has increased. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of a dozen grade A large eggs was $4.15 during the month of Decemberan increase from $2.51 in December 2023. In California, consumers in some areas are shelling out nearly nine dollars per dozen. Managers at Happy Foods in Kansas City say the price for a dozen eggs has gone up by about 4 dollars since the start of the month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Egg Board says average prices have jumped up by around 30 percent as bird flu continues to affect hens laying eggs. If anything, weve been positively affected by it, Chris Bolyard, owner of Bolyards Meat & Provisions, said. We get all our poultry and eggs from Buttonwood Farms near California, Missouri, about three hours west of here. Mike Matheny reflects on near-death experience and new life mission Weve been working with them for ten years and they have not been affected by the bird flu fortunately and they havent had to change prices based off the commodity market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This small business owner monitors this matter closely. Buying from a local farm means Bolyards Meat and Provisions in Maplewood can keep their egg prices the same. In turn, with the bird flu affecting larger industrial farms, theres a shortage, says Bolyard. People seem to be flocking to us. Weve seen an uptick in egg sales the past month. Bolyard recommends St. Louisans know the origins of their food sources. The important thing is just to know where theyre coming from, Bolyard said. Theres lots of local sources for eggs and protein. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Continuing growth in passenger traffic at Birmingham Shuttlesworth International airport could lead to the launch of a parking modernization plan later this year according to Kim Hunt, the Vice President of Communications for the Birmingham Airport Authority. In 2024 the number of passengers at the airport surpassed 2019 pre pandemic numbers, but with continued growth, comes the need to address the demand for parking. Birmingham resident Katherine Rogers described her airport visits as a great experience: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I usually do the airport valet, she explained, and Im at the gate in 15 minutes. We asked her what changes, if any she would like to see as the airport gets ready to launch a parking modernization plan later this year. I mean I think its a pretty good process so far but on the busier weekends there definitely is a parking issue, they could use some more spaces nearby, Rogers said. According to the latest statistics provided at www.flybirmingham.com, total passenger traffic at Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport grew from 3.05 million to 3.24 million from 2023 to 2024, a 6% increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama lawmakers considering a change to the way schools are funded It is healthy growth, and were really excited about it, noted Kim Hunt, the Vice President of Communications for the Birmingham Airport Authority. Nobody wants to really talk about the pandemic anymore, but you know what happened to air travel then, so our growth since then has been very steady and strong and its continuing. Total passenger traffic growth from 2022 to 2023 jumped from 2.68 million passengers to 3.05 million passengers, a 13.8% increase. Hunt said later this year theyll launch the beginning phases of a modernization plan for parking at the airport that will include a close examination of the current parking deck: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a 60 year old building; were not going to rebuild it right now, she noted, but there might be ways for us to look at everything thats inside, how its broken up in terms of oversize parking versus the regular daily and hourly parking. She said one thing they will look at very closely is adding a parking guidance system so that when people enter the parking deck, there will be signage available letting drivers know how many parking spaces are available. Hunt said the parking modernization plan will look at everything including use of existing space when it comes to valet parking, rental car parking, and the economy lot. Hunt said growth in passenger traffic puts them in a good position to meet with potential airlines when it comes to pitching Birmingham as a desirable market and theyre very optimistic theyll see some additional service this year. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Diocese of El Paso, joined by community leaders and advocates, gathered Thursday, Jan. 23 on the steps of St. Patrick Cathedral in Central El Paso to challenge President Donald Trumps directives relating to immigration policy in his first few days in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am here with these leaders today on the steps of the cathedral to make clear that we will never be robbed of who we are. We are here today to say that El Paso is and will remain a welcoming community, El Paso Bishop Mark J. Seitz said as he took the podium. Bishop Seitz, El Paso leaders speak on recent immigration policy changes Faith and educational leaders, local government officials, health care and community advocates, all spoke, denouncing the ramifications of Trumps directives and messaging about immigration. Trump issued a barrage of executive orders during his first few days in office, many dealing with immigration. We do not ask your immigration status when you are seeking an emergency detention order for your loved one who is going through a mental health crisis. We do not ask and seek your immigration status when youre walking through our doors to say that you have been a victim of a crime, and there is a reason for that, because we understand the chilling effect that it has when we exclude individuals from coming through those doors, El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanchez also responded to the U.S. Department of Justices memo on Tuesday, directing its prosecutors to investigate state and local officials who impede Trumps immigration policies. We cant be afraid to push back and to challenge that, and if there is ever a time to stand up to that, its now. We understand the threats of removal. Theres threats of going after you civilly and criminally, but in these elected positions and at these times you have to stand for something. And so this is the time to do it, Sanchez said. The main topic addressed at the news conference was Trumps recent reversal to the sensitive locations policy, which protected spaces such as schools, churches, or health care facilities from allowing immigration officials to walk into their facilities and arrest suspected undocumented migrants. Reversing the sensitive locations policy undermines community trust. It is a fundamental attack on parents and students. It is an attack on the sick. It is an attack on those who worship God. It is an attack on our churches and faith communities, Seitz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leah Hanany, Board of Trustee member for El Paso Independent School District, urged that the decision be reversed to protect the sanctity of schools. Let me be absolutely clear that targeting children, directly or indirectly, is unacceptable. This policy would be an attack on the safety, dignity and innocence of our children, and places them at risk in the very spaces that should be the safest, their schools, Hanany said. No child should have to carry the weight of fear in a classroom. No parent should have to hesitate before sending their child to school, questioning whether it is still a safe and trusted space. Dr. Glenn Fennelly, president of the board of Doctors of the World USA, who is a physician and pediatrician, said the elimination of the safe locations policy threatens to delay health services to those who might be too afraid to seek medical care, as well as access to critical medicine. The most vulnerable will bear the greatest burden, having their right to health obstructed, putting their lives at risk. In many instances, the separation of families and the detention of children will exacerbate the toxic stress that has been suffered by those who have fled violence to come here to seek safety and refuge, Fennelly said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, who previously said the threats coming from the U.S. Department of Justice created uncertainty about how he and other leaders could properly give community guidance, said that local leaders would do everything in their power to protect El Pasoans threatened by Trumps policies. This is not a community thats intimidated. We always become stronger, Samaniego said. We understand the legal situations, we understand them, but we also have a right to fight back if theres unconstitutional things that take place, if (a violation) of personal human rights are going to take place. I myself, I commit that Im not going to move away from my lane because of any intimidation or worry (that) I am or not going to be elected. Its the last thing Im thinking of. With potential legal battles in courts across the country as a result of Trumps immigration policies, Sanchez also called into action attorneys across the Borderland to help protect the rights of El Paso families, noting there are many people of mixed-status backgrounds who these policies might target. If you are a lawyer, if you have a legal background, you can do pro bono services. There is a need in this community to assist and to help individuals do this. If theres ever a time to use that legal license and your legal background for something and you want to help your community, this is it now, Sanchez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seitz offered a message to migrants in El Paso and those south of the border who are still seeking asylum. Our hearts go out to you, and in this time when so much fear has been generated by the unbalanced statements against you, we will not lose sight of who we know you are. We will continue to walk with you, Seitz 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. Hoosiers should be especially cautious driving on Indiana's highways, roads and residential streets Friday into this weekend, local meteorologists warn, because of black ice. The National Weather Service in Indianapolis warned motorists that slick spots will likely form on many road surfaces across Central Indiana after Thursday's snow showers. NWS issued a hazardous weather outlook Friday urging drivers to be cautious during their evening commute. Here's what you should know about black ice and what to do if your car hits a patch of it. Watch for slick spots on the roads over the next few days. Melting snow during the day may lead to icy surfaces and slick spots as temperatures drop at night. There's another chance for flurries and isolated snow showers this weekend mainly north of I-70. #inwx pic.twitter.com/ogxBHnJAYV NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) January 24, 2025 What is black ice? The term "black ice" can be misleading. It's actually clear, often compared to a glaze that can coat sidewalks, driveways, roadways and highways. The "black" refers to the black pavement it often rests upon. Since black ice is nearly transparent, writes AAA, it blends into whatever surface it covers. That makes it especially dangerous because you often don't know you're on black ice until you start slipping. When does black ice form? Black ice tends to form in the early morning and evening after temperatures drop below 32 F when roadways are wet from rain or melting snow. It also can form when the heat from tires on asphalt melts snow that refreezes, according to AAA. Where does black ice form? Black ice usually forms on the parts of roads that don't often get much sunshine. Be especially careful driving on tree-lined roadways, through tunnels, and especially on overpasses and bridges where cold air both above and below their surface can freeze water faster. What's the difference between black ice and regular ice? Black ice is a lot like regular ice, according to the U.S. Forest Service. It's slippery, dangerous and can send your vehicle into a skid. The key difference is that black ice often forms without creating bubbles, allowing the ice to blend into whatever surface it freezes over. It's hazardous for this reason because black ice is often hard to detect unless lighting conditions are just right. How to avoid black ice When temperatures are below freezing, the best advice for avoiding black ice is to stay off the road. If you can't avoid driving because of work or other obligations, exercise common sense. Check road conditions ahead of your trip, allow for extra time to get where you're headed, and drive carefully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues after photo gallery. What should you do if you hit black ice? Black ice or regular ice, if your vehicle starts to skid on an icy road, do the following: Keep calm. Overreacting might lead to a wreck. Take your foot off the accelerator and do not slam the brakes. If your car is skidding, look at the direction you want to go, not where your car is headed. For a front-wheel skid, writes Car and Driver Magazine, aim your vehicle where you want to go. Gently turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid. If you're in a rear-wheel skid where the rear tires lose traction and you feel yourself spinning out gently turn the steering wheel in the same direction that the rear is sliding. For example, if your rear wheels are sliding to the left, turn the wheel to the left. Tap the brakes, lightly, when necessary to self-correct out of the skid. How to check road conditions in Indianapolis with INDOT Drivers in Central Indiana can check how safe the roads are online using INDOT's CARS Program, which has a map of Indy's current road conditions and closures. The website features a color-coded map of Indiana's main roadways, highlighting hazardous or difficult road conditions in purple, fair conditions in blue and good conditions in gray. How to check road conditions on Indiana's highways The Indiana Department of Homeland Security keeps tabs on road conditions thanks to its online travel advisory map for every county in the state. If your county is shaded green, routine travel is expected to proceed normally. Orange means local travel conditions are under a "watch," meaning road conditions are a threat to public safety and travel should be limited. A county shaded in red means travel might be restricted altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frostbite: The first stage of frostbite can take days, weeks to heal. It only gets worse from there. John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What is black ice and how is it different than regular ice in Indiana? GAZA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- A senior official from the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) said Thursday that the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip is holding despite Israeli violations. Hamas leader in the West Bank Zaher Jabarin said in statements published on the movement's website that the ceasefire agreement is proceeding "despite some violations" by Israel. Jabarin did not elaborate on the nature of these violations. However, since the ceasefire took effect last Sunday, five Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza. The Israeli army claimed they were targeting armed individuals posing a threat to its forces. Jabarin added that, as part of the agreement, Hamas will hand over the names of four Israeli detainees to the mediators on Friday, enabling the Israeli side to submit the names of the Palestinian prisoners set for release, which will include those serving long-term and life sentences, representing all Palestinian factions. Jabarin also said the agreement includes inspecting vehicles traveling from southern to northern Gaza through the Netzarim axis, with oversight by Egyptian and Qatari monitors. He also mentioned that Hamas "did not prefer a phased agreement", and that "we stressed the importance of connecting all stages together." "Negotiations for the second phase will begin in two weeks, focusing on three key issues: a full withdrawal from Gaza, establishing a permanent ceasefire, and a comprehensive prisoner exchange," he added. On Gaza's reconstruction, Jabarin emphasized that "accelerating the reconstruction process is a top priority for the movement, with agreed-upon mechanisms in place and mediators serving as guarantors." Regarding the operation of the Rafah border crossing, Jabarin emphasized that it is a matter between Palestine and Egypt, and the mechanism for its operation will be announced in the coming days. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect at 11:15 a.m. local time (0915 GMT) on Sunday. In a joint statement on Wednesday, the mediating countries -- Egypt, Qatar and the United States announced that Hamas and Israel had reached an agreement for a prisoner and detainee exchange and a return to sustainable calm, paving the way for a permanent ceasefire between the two sides. The agreement is divided into three phases. In the first phase, which will last 42 days, 33 Israeli hostages will be released, while Israel will free over 1,890 Palestinian prisoners during the same period. Jan. 23A ceremony to bless a Safe Haven Baby Box placed at Joplin Fire Station 7 is planned by the city of Joplin. The event will be held at noon Tuesday at the station, 6720 E. 30th St. Tim Sumners, Joplin Fire Department chaplain, will provide the blessing. The box allows parents or a mother in crisis to surrender an infant anonymously in what is intended to be a safe place. Missouri's Safe Place for Newborns Law allows a parent to give up their baby without criminal consequences if the parent feels unable to care for it as long as it is done in a safe place and according to law. The law permits surrendering a baby to a law enforcement officer, firefighter or emergency medical technician, and staff at a maternity home, hospital or pregnancy center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Joplin Fire Department is honored to offer such a compassionate and life-saving resource to our area," fire Chief Gerald Ezell said in a statement issued by the city. "Many helped to make this happen for our community, and we appreciate those who were strong advocates who helped bring us to this day." He credited Cindy Miller Kelley, with the Maumelle (Arkansas) Fire Department, Leigh Kelly with the Joplin Fire Department, and community advocates C.B. Eastman and Kate Spencer along with members of Joplin Professional Firefighters Local 59 for putting together the project. Private entities, including the firefighters local, raised money to pay for the baby box. City officials said the Joplin location will offer a secure and compassionate option for parents in crisis in Joplin and the surrounding area. Safe Haven Baby Boxes was founded by Monica Kelsey, a woman who was abandoned as a baby by her mother, who conceived as the result of a rape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The website for the baby boxes states that "Safe Haven Baby Boxes prevent illegal abandonment of newborns by raising awareness, offering a 24-hour hotline for mothers in crisis, and implementing Safe Haven Baby Boxes as a last resort option for women who want to safely surrender their child with complete anonymity." In addition to baby boxes, the Safe Baby organization provides a confidential national hotline at 1-866-992-2291 for parents to obtain help. Businessman and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said this week his philanthropic foundation will contribute the U.S.s financial obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) after President Trump announced he would withdraw the U.S. from the agreement. In a statement Wednesday through Bloomberg Philanthropies, Bloomberg said the organization will both cover the U.S.s funding gap and its reporting requirements for planet-warming emissions. The announcement does not specify a dollar amount the organization will contribute, but it committed about $15 million to the UNFCCC between 2017 and 2020 after Trump announced the withdrawal of the U.S. from the agreement in his first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. ordinarily pays about a fifth of the UNFCCC budget, which amounted to about $7.5 million in 2024. Bloomberg Philanthropies has made significant investments in empowering local leaders, providing businesses with the data to track emissions while driving economic growth, and building coalitions across public and private sectors. Now, philanthropys role in driving local, state, and private sector action is more crucial than ever and were committed to leading the way, Bloomberg said in a statement. While government funding remains essential to our mission, contributions like this are vital in enabling the UN Climate Change secretariat to support countries in fulfilling their commitments under the Paris Agreement and a low-emission, resilient, and safer future for everyone, Simon Stiell, UNFCCC executive secretary, said in a statement. Trump announced the executive order beginning the Paris withdrawal process within hours of taking office Monday. He previously announced the pullout months into his first term in 2017, while former President Biden began the rejoining process on the first day of his own presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the withdrawal is complete, the U.S. will be one of only four countries not to participate in the agreement, along with Iran, Libya and Yemen. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BLOOMFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) Bloomfield police say officers interrupted an attempted ATM burglary at a Walgreens Friday morning. Police said it was around 2:30 a.m. when the suspects tried to remove the ATM inside the store using their vehicle and chains. They were unsuccessful. Enfield police investigate ATM theft at Big Y Express No arrests have been made, police said around 10 a.m. Friday. The incident is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 860-242-5501. Tips can be anonymous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police ask businesses owners to be mindful of securing their doors and notifying police of any suspicious activity. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) A Fall River seafood manufacturer is planning on moving its headquarters across state lines. Rhode Island Commerce confirmed Thursday that Blount Fine Foods is preparing to relocate its corporate offices to the Ocean State. Though its headquarters has been in Massachusetts since 2004, Blount Fine Foods has roots in Rhode Island. The fifth-generation, family-owned seafood manufacturer was first founded in the 1880s as an oyster harvesting farm in Barrington. It eventually moved to Warren, where its manufacturing facility remains to this day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear exactly where Blount Fine Foods will be moving its headquarters to, but Rhode Island Commerce told 12 News its Investment Committee approved qualified job incentives for the business on Wednesday. Those qualified job incentives now head to Rhode Island Commerces Board of Directors for consideration. Blount Fine Foods is best known for its prepared meals, seafood and soups, which can be purchased at retailers and restaurants. 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. As with the Gulf of Mexico and Mount Denali, some Tennessee Republicans are looking to give the Nashville International Airport a rebrand. On Friday, Jan. 17, just days before President Donald Trump took office for his second term, Rep. Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill, introduced a bill to the Tennessee House of Representatives proposing to rename Nashville's airport the "Trump International Airport." The bill provides no reasoning as to why the airport should change names. Despite that, three more Tennessee representatives have co-sponsored the bill: Rep. Tim Rudd, R-Murfreesboro, Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Signal Mountain and Rep. Monty Fritts, R-Kingston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation also has the backing of Tennessee Senator Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald. Beyond the proposed airport name, the bill contains very few details about how this change would come about. The legislature fails to mention any details regarding the financial burden of changing Nashville International Airport's name. However, Tennessee's Republican leaders are not the only ones who have ideas on what to rename the Nashville airport. A separate petition, backed by more than 500 signatures, is circulating to put Dolly Parton's name on the airport. 'Departin' from Parton' Lydia Popovich started the petition on Tuesday, Jan. 21. to honor the Tennessee native by putting Dolly Parton's name on the airport signage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We request that the airports name be changed to Dolly Parton International Airport to honor an icon who has given so much to our state and to the world," reads the petition. "We could all be Departin' from Parton!" The petition cites Dolly's Imagination Library program, philanthropic efforts and her outstanding influence in the music industry as reasons for the name change. However, this petition also fails to offer a plan for funding the Dolly rebrand. Don't erase Harry S. Berry's legacy Others want to leave the airport's name untouched. Currently, the airport's official name is Nashville International Airport, but the airport code is "BNA" standing for Berry Field Nashville. This was the original name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did you know that BNA stands for Berry Field Nashville in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, the first administrator of the airport? His legacy lives on today! Posted by Nashville International Airport on Monday, April 15, 2024 The airport was named after Colonel Harry S. Berry, a U.S. Army veteran of World War I who worked to found the Nashville airport in 1937. Additionally, Berry was a University of Tennessee trustee and Tennessees supervisor and administrator for the Works Progress Administration (WPA). In February 1988, the airport's name was changed to "Nashville International Airport" to reflect its international air service goals and the establishment of an American Airlines hub, according to a history of the airport. It has used the name Nashville International Airport ever since. What would you name the Nashville International Airport? If you could rename the Nashville International Airport, what would you choose? Let us know in the poll below (Click here if it doesn't appear) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What would you name Nashville International Airport? This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Renaming Nashville airport after Trump? Why not Dolly Parton, some say Jan. 23A dive team has spotted the sunken fishing boat of a missing father and son from Washington County in Moose Cove. State police and marine patrol also found what they believe is a body onboard, though neither the boat nor the body have been recovered. Chester "Chet" Barrett and his son Aaron, commercial scallop fishermen from South Addison, were reported missing Saturday by a family member when they didn't return from a trip that began at Cobscook Bay State Park in Edmunds around 5 a.m. A GoFundMe page supporting Melanie Barrett, wife of Chet and mother to Aaron, describes them as adventurous men who loved the water, lobster fishing in South Addison and scallop dragging in Cobscook Bay. The father and son had contagious laughs and always had a story to share around the fire pit at their camp at Schoodic Lake, according to the donation page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coastal Washington County area where they went missing between the towns of Cutler and Lubec has "strong tidal current activity," according to the Maine Marine Patrol. Captain Mark MacDonald said in a phone interview Thursday night that the marine patrol relied on the expertise of four local fishermen who assisted in the search to navigate the strong currents. The search for the missing men and their 34-foot vessel, named "Sudden Impact," began Saturday evening but was briefly suspended by the U.S. Coast Guard after sunset the following day. The Maine Marine Patrol had temporarily suspended the search twice due to poor visibility. On Sunday, local fishermen equipped with sonar found an object about one mile offshore in Moose Cove, 160 feet below water. The Coast Guard stopped its attempt to recover the suspected boat because of safety concerns, and the marine patrol said it would continue on Tuesday. The Marine Patrol team took advantage of the slack water a short window when a body of tidal water is still to conduct their search near the cove around 11 p.m. Wednesday, according to the latest announcement from the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rescue boats anchored to the sunken ship below, MacDonald said. With only about 15 minutes to search before the tide picked up again, they drove a remotely operated underwater vehicle toward the object. He said the ROV, equipped with sonar, LED lights and a camera, helped the marine patrol confirm the boat was the sunken "Sudden Impact." Then, MacDonald said, a family member on the surface helped them navigate the ROV inside the vessel, where it found what appeared to be a body. MacDonald said he couldn't say for sure who it was because it was so dark, but he believes it is likely either Chet or Aaron. Then, the tide rushed in again and the search ended. "It's hard to stand by knowing he's down there," MacDonald said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the men were experienced, competent fishermen; the weather that day was poor, but it's hard to know what went wrong. Commercial fishermen often put their lives on the line, MacDonald said. The Maine Marine Patrol is working with the family to decide what to do next, and will consult with deep water salvage and recovery experts to see if recovery is possible. MacDonald said the family is looking to hire a specialized diver who has the ability to work in difficult conditions. Copy the Story Link As the Rolling Stones lyric goes, the answer to who killed the Kennedys was after allyou and me. In Don DeLillos novel Libra, John F Kennedys assassination emerged from a CIA plot. And in the Ultimate Marvel world, the US presidents killer was, perhaps least credibly of all, Captain Americas son Red Skull. The assassinations of JFK in 1963 and his brother, Robert F Bobby Kennedy, in 1968 have held the American imagination in a vice-like grip ever since. Conspiracy theories have raged for decades, sparking a plethora of books, films and, more recently, internet posts. For some, no explanation has seemed too improbable. Among many, there remains a reluctance to accept that the simple answers those to which the bulk of evidence points to are in fact the correct ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Donald Trump ordered officials to draw up a plan to declassify documents relating to the Kennedys assassinations within 15 days, as well as that of the civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King Jr in 1968, these seismic events will again be thrust into the spotlight. As he signed an executive order in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump told journalists: A lot of people are waiting for this for long, for years, for decades. And everything will be revealed. During his first presidential term, Trump made public some files relating to JFKs killing, but agreed to hold back others, citing national security concerns. This time around, theres an extra plot thread in the Kennedy family story: serving as Trumps health secretary will be Robert F Kennedy Jr, the son of Democrat senator Bobby and JFKs nephew. After signing the order, Trump asked his staff to give the pen he had used to RFK Jr, who has previously said he suspects that the CIA were involved in his uncles death. He also disputes the official verdict on his fathers killing by Sirhan Sirhan (convicted and jailed in 1969), arguing there was a second gunman although other family members reject that claim. The killing of John F Kennedy (left) in 1963 and his brother, Robert F Bobby Kennedy, in 1968 have held the American imagination in a vice-like grip ever since - Rex Features What the unreleased documents might reveal about either assassination is unclear. But Trumps decision to declassify the documents has raised the spectre of a possible presidential pardon for Sirhan, who has always claimed to have no memory of killing Bobby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As with the assassination of his older brother, Bobbys death brought with it a wave of conspiracy theories, including one that suggests Sirhan was hypnotised or brainwashed. There is no consensus on why or by whom. Inevitably you will have events that occur that encourage people to think bigger forces are at work, and thats the way it works, says Larry Sabato, a professor and the author of The Kennedy Half-Century: The Presidency, Assassination, and Lasting Legacy of John F. Kennedy. Belief in bigger forces is not a minority opinion. Six decades after his death, more than 60 per cent of Americans reportedly believed JFKs killing involved more than just the single gunman arrested for it, Lee Harvey Oswald. Its a view that began to gain currency almost as soon as Oswald shot JFK in Dallas, and was then himself shot by nightclub owner Jack Ruby two days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone assumed it was more than one person [behind JFKs killing], says Sabato, who teaches a course at the University of Virginia that covers the assassination. The Warren Commission concluded in 1964 that Oswald acted alone.Some people bought it, but the more people started reading [the findings] and the more investigators looked into it and published books about it, the more people started to believe it was a government cover-up, says Sabato. That was the operating assumption. Among the sceptics was Bobby, according to his son. While publicly supportive of the Warren Commission report at the time, he really thought it was a shoddy piece of craftsmanship, RFK Jr has said. Robert F Kennedy, Donald Trumps health secretary, has endorsed conspiracy theories on subjects like vaccines and antidepressants over the years - Shutterstock As the 1960s wore on, bringing with them the turbulence of the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kenedy, followed by the Watergate scandal in the early 1970s, the perception grew that somebody was pulling the strings. The JFK assassination theories So what are the main conspiracy theories surrounding the assassinations of the Kennedys? And what questions remain unanswered? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inside job theory of JFKs assassination has circulated in various guises from the start. But if it was the CIA, as some believe, then what was their reason? Some suggest the intelligence service was motivated by its anger over the failed 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion, an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castros communist regime in Cuba. Other adherents of the CIA theory suggest the agency wanted rid of President Kennedy for not being sufficiently hardline on containing Communism. RFK Jr, who has subscribed to conspiracy theories on various subjects over the years, has suggested the CIA may have played a part in his uncles death. In 2023, he told a podcast that the evidence overwhelmingly suggested the agencys involvement in the murder and in the cover-up. RFK Jr has also repeated false claims about harms caused by vaccines, including the discredited idea that they are linked to autism. He has promoted the conspiracy theory that Covid jabs were developed to control people via microchips, and falsely linked antidepressants to school shootings. A conspiracy theory handout listing similarities between the killing of John F Kennedy and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, 1970 - Getty Such theories have been widely debunked. But the old idea that the CIA had a hand in either the assassination of JFK, or in a cover-up of what really happened, has gained traction lately among influencers such as podcaster Joe Rogan, who is popular with a Right-wing audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Believers of this theory seem likely to be left disappointed if hoping for new revelations to emerge from the archives. If we have organisations that orchestrate these assassinations, do you really think theyd leave evidence around in printed form, or any form? asks Sabato. They would have destroyed them ages ago. The CIA, perhaps unsurprisingly, has denied playing any part. While the CIA conspiracy theories make good fodder for movies, they are pure fiction, Edward Price, a CIA spokesman, told NBC in 2013. A second popular JFK conspiracy theory says the mob was involved in his death. The mobs motivation? Possibly, say believers, that his brother Bobby as attorney general was working to stamp out organised crime. It has been suggested that Ruby, in his line of work, could have had links with such criminals. John F Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline, minutes before he was assassinated, Nov 22 1963 - Getty Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another theory centres around the so-called umbrella man: a figure in the crowd at Dealey Plaza as JFKs motorcade passed. Why, ask some, was this man carrying an umbrella on a sunny day? And when he moved it, was he signalling to a co-conspirator perhaps or even shooting a poison dart into the presidents neck? Neither, actually. The man, identified as Louie Steven Witt, later revealed he had brought the umbrella to heckle the president by referencing the trademark of former British prime minister and Nazi-appeaser Neville Chamberlain. Were Cuba or the Soviets involved instead, or as well? There is no evidence to suggest so, but fuel was thrown on this particular fire by Oswalds six-day trip to Mexico City two months before the assassination. This, say some conspiracy theorists, might have been where he received his orders from Cuban or Soviet agents. We simply cant account for most of his time there, says Sabato. What we havent accounted for is whether he was meeting with people at, say, bullfights [where it would be] easy to make contact and not have to worry about being recorded. The Bobby conspiracy If anything, the various conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination five years later of Bobby Kennedy just after he won Californias Democratic primary are even more intriguing. He had just delivered his victory speech when he was fatally shot in the kitchen of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Robert Kennedy before he was shot at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, June 5 1968 - Getty Sirhan, then 24, a Christian Palestinian from Jordan who had emigrated to the US, was caught at the scene with a gun in his hand, has admitted he was angry at Bobby for his support of Israel and, at his trial, admitted the crime. He has, however, said he does not remember anything about carrying it out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some, including members of his legal team, have suggested Sirhan was hypno-programmed to shoot Bobby and then had his memories of the assassination erased. One of the officers who rushed in to tackle him in the moments after the shooting recalled Sirhan had a blank, glassed-over look on his face like he wasnt in complete control of his mind. In 2010, his lawyers accused the CIA of hypnotising Sirhan and making him an involuntary participant. Lisa Pease, who spent more than two decades researching her book A Lie Too Big to Fail on the assassination, has previously stated the intelligence agency may have feared Bobby because he opposed its expansive powers and would likely have pressed the organisation for answers over the killing of his brother. In the lead-up to his 1969 trial, Sirhans defence team explored the angle that he had been hypnotised. They found he could be made to do things without knowing why, including climbing the bars of his cell, but eventually settled on pursuing a diminished mental capacity defence instead. Sirhan Sirhan, 24, being led away from the Ambassador Hotel after he shot Robert F Kennedy, June 5 1968 - Getty Sirhan has been denied parole more than a dozen times, most recently in 2023, two years after a review board recommended he be freed, concluding he no longer posed a danger to the public. That decision was overturned in 2022 by California governor Gavin Newsom. Sirhans legal team argued at the time that Newsom and a number of Bobbys relatives opposed to his release had exercised undue influence over the case. Now it is RFK Jr who is in a position of influence. Could that, allied to any new information in government files, finally see Sirhan released? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For unlike many of his relatives, RFK Jr, who was 14 when his father was killed, has said that he does not believe Sirhan killed his father. He has pointed to a security guard named Thane Eugene Cesar as the assassin instead, claiming he had a loathing for the Kennedys over their support for the civil rights movement and racial equality. I was disturbed that the wrong person might have been convicted of killing my father, he told the Washington Post after visiting Sirhan in jail in 2017. Four years later, in 2021, RFK Jr claimed he had agreed to meet Cesar in the Philippines in 2018 before the proposed interview fell apart after the latter demanded $25,000 to speak. Those who disbelieve the official explanation point to disputed audio evidence suggesting as many as 13 shots were fired, when Sirhans gun held only eight bullets. There have been reports that additional bullet holes were found at the scene, further indicating that more than eight shots were fired. The counter-argument is that these marks were misidentified. Fourteen-year-old Robert Kennedy Jr at his fathers funeral at Saint Patricks Cathedral in New York, June 8 1968 - Getty Helping to lend weight to the second shooter theory was the testimony of Dr Thomas Noguchi, the Los Angeles County coroner who performed the official postmortem examination on Bobby. His findings suggested the fatal shot must have been fired from no more than three inches away, contradicting eyewitness testimony about Sirhan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2009, Dr Noguchi told The Telegraph: Based on the available information, Im certain there was just one gunman, but Im also aware that, like theories of the universe, things keep changing. RFK Jr has put it far more bluntly: Records of the case demonstrate that Los Angeles police investigators bullied and badgered eyewitnesses to change their statements regarding the number of shots and to silence thosewho reported conspirators dashing from the scene, he wrote in the San Francisco Chronicle in 2021. While the forthcoming release of files is eagerly awaited, the people mentioned in these documents are almost all dead, says Sabato. So I dont think it will amount to very much. Yet, he says, even if nothing significant is revealed: people will say, I told you, they destroyed everything along the way, they destroyed documents that were incriminating. People will believe what they want to. It will never be over. 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. It's been turbulent times for Bobcat Bonnie's, with several metro Detroit gastropub locations. Bobcat Bonnie's owner Matt Buskard announced in a lengthy post on Facebook that another Bobcat Bonnie's location will shutter. The Bobcat Bonnie's in downtown Wyandotte on Sycamore Street will serve its last customers after Sunday service. Free Press messages sent to Buskard for comment were not returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buskard announced earlier this month that the Wyandotte location would transition to a breakfast and brunch concept open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily starting on Jan. 15. In a Facebook post, Buskard said, "If brunch goes well and we can see enough sales to keep our doors open, we will consider doing Bobcat at night again if the brunch sales bring in enough folks to sustain!" Buskard wrote that the Wyandotte location was the place where they introduced "new, cool ideas" before rolling them out to other Bobcat Bonnie's locations. "Even now, our Wyandotte dining room is hands down one of the coolest designed ones we have," Buskard wrote. In Wyandotte for eight years, Bobcat Bonnie's endured changes that included an abrupt closure, a reopening a year later, the pandemic, and another revamp and remodel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have had such a wild and fun run with you all, but now it is time for us to continue our goal of making ourselves a bit smaller, focusing harder on what made Bobcat the place you loved, and getting back on track with service, food, and community," Buskard wrote. In the post, Buskard said they hope to "find a space and re-enter Downriver" and thanked Wyandotte for being "amazing." Buskard has taken to social media, including Facebook, expressing in lengthy posts the challenges and struggles the restaurant industry has endured including the pandemic and a tough business climate with a downward trend in sales. In 2015, Buskard opened the first Bobcat Bonnies on Michigan Avenue in Corktown. He grew the chain, known for being a hip and colorful place, to seven locations in Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: These metro Detroit restaurants opened, closed or changed ownership in 2024 A location was also announced for a spot in Toledo, Ohio, which has not opened. Its Clinton Township location at the Mall at Partridge Creek abruptly shuttered last August. Ypsilanti's closure followed a few months later. The Grand Rapids location is temporarily closed but is expected to move to another location. Buskards portfolio of restaurants also included the Fly Trap in Ferndale, which he acquired in February 2022, but recently transferred the ownership back to its original owners. Last August, Buskard opened Scout Vester in the former M Brew spot in Ferndale, but closed it four months later. Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bobcat Bonnie's closing its Wyandotte location Sunday Ljubo Jurcic, the former Croatian Minister of Economy, hailed China's economic performance last year, attributing the growth to significant technological advancements and substantial long-term investments in production capacity expansion. #GLOBALink Conservative brawler Lauren Boebert attempted to get a guy kicked out of the womens restroom in the Capitol off the House floor on Thursday. Only problem: It wasnt a man at all. It turned out to be a case of mistaken identity, sources told the Daily Beast. Boebert was overheard telling other members on the House floor that she found Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride, the first transgender member of Congress, inside the ladies room, a GOP representative told the Beast. (McBride is not allowed to use womens bathrooms per Speaker Mike Johnsons renewed ban on transgender people using single-sex bathrooms.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boebert, according to the unnamed GOP lawmaker who requested anonymity in order speak freely about the bathroom scene, told other members on the House floor that when she saw McBride walk into the ladies room, she said, You shouldnt be here. But the scandal-prone Boebertknown for her PDA and vaping at a Beetlejuice showquickly realized it was not McBride, a first-term Democrat from Delaware. I overheard Boebert say she went to apologize, the lawmaker added. A Bloomberg reporter witnessed Boebert exit the bathroom and seek security to intervene. He posted on X that the Colorado Republican acknowledged her mistake, saying, There was a rumor there was, but it wasnt true. I bear witness: Rep. Lauren Boebert bursting out of the House Women's restroom during this afternoon's vote series , complaining to security personnel stationed in the nearby Speakers Lobby of "a guy" inside the bathroom... 1/4. Billy House (@HouseInSession) January 23, 2025 McBride told the Daily Beast she was not confronted by Boebert and said she stands by her commitment at the beginning of Congress to comply with the speakers bathroom policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not here to fight about bathrooms. Im here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down the costs facing families. Like all members, I will follow the rules outlined by Speaker Johnson, even if I disagree with them, McBride said in a statement in November. Reps. Boebert, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Nancy Mace have made transgender bathroom bans one of their central political culture-war issues. Mace last November introduced a resolution barring transgender women from using womens restrooms in the Capitol. I made an error regarding a mistaken identity. I apologized, learned a lesson, and it wont happen again, Boebert said in a statement. President Donald Trump announced plans to nominate a Boise resident to be the U.S. Air Forces second in command. I am pleased to announce that Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Lohmeier will be the next United States Under Secretary of the Air Force, Trump wrote on social media Friday. As undersecretary, Lohmeier would be the No. 2-ranked civilian and the deputy to Trumps Air Force Secretary nominee, Troy Meink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lohmeier joined the Air Force in 2006 and became an instructor pilot after graduating from the Air Force Academy, according to a biography on Congress website. He transferred to the Space Force in October 2020 and soon after took command of the 11th Space Warning Squadron, which provides missile warning and tracking worldwide, according to the Air Force Times. The squadron is located at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, just outside of Denver. Lohmeiers Facebook page says he lives in Boise, though he is originally from Tucson, Arizona. His website says he lives with his wife and children in Idaho. He first gained national attention in 2021 after self-publishing a book purporting that Marxist ideology had become widespread within the United States military. The book also criticized claims of white supremacy within the military, ideas about systemic racism, the Black Lives Matter movement and diversity initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after, officials fired Lohmeier from his Space Force command position for comments made while promoting the book on conservative podcasts. This decision was based on public comments made by Lt. Col. Lohmeier in a recent podcast, a Space Force spokesperson told Military.com. Lt. Gen. Whiting has initiated a Command Directed Investigation on whether these comments constituted prohibited partisan political activity. Matthew Lohmeier is seen working at the Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado in 2015. The Air Force Office of Inspector General began investigating Lohmeier but dropped the inquiry after he voluntarily left active duty, according to the Air Force Times and Lohmeiers website. It would appear that Lohmeiers political ideology is exactly what earned him Trumps nomination. Matthew will work with the GREAT Secretary of Defense Nominee, Pete Hegseth, to end the devastating woke policies that have destroyed our Military, and make our Country STRONG AGAIN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Idahoan thanked Trump in a social media post, saying he was very much looking forward to continuing (his) service to our great men and women in uniform. The Senate will need to approve Lohmeiers nomination. The Border 2 fire map reveals how far the flames have spread on Otay Mountain in San Diego County. By 11:24 PM PT on Friday, January 24, the fire has burned over 5,000 acres, having exploded in under a day after being first reported on Thursday at around 2:30 PM PT at having burned only 10 acres. The blaze is situated between the Otay Mountain wilderness near Tijuana and Chula Vista. Heres the current status of the Border 2 fire map today. What is the Border fire map on Otay Mountain today? The Border 2 fire, as of 12:15 PM PT on Friday, has covered over 5,389 acres in San Diego County and is 10% contained according to Cal Fire. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for the zones in red, while those in yellow are under evacuation warnings. [Image Credit: Cal Fire] The status report on the blaze at 10:45 AM PT states that firefighters saw extreme fire behavior on Thursday night. Multiple Fire-Hawk helicopters provided aerial support during the night, and other air tankers throughout the State have been flying fire suppression missions as well. Many resources, including 692 personnel, 10 helicopters, 8 dozers, and 23 engines, have been assigned to the fire thus far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A smoke advisory for the Otay Mesa and surrounding areas southwest of the fire has been issued by the San Diego Countys Air Pollution Control District. The agency recommends that residents who smell smoke in the region limit any physical activities outdoors. It reports that winds will shift on Friday, blowing east and northeast by the afternoon. Cal Fire Captain Robert Johnson, per Fox 5 San Diego, explained that while the rate of spread of this fire and the fire conditions is not abnormal for this area, its uncommon for the region to experience these conditions in January. He says that the vegetation has spent all summer long drying out and that it has not had any measurable rain this rainy season. Fortunately, rain is expected to fall in the San Diego area by Sunday. San Diego firefighters have had to battle multiple wildfires over the last three days, including the Lilac fire, Rancho Bernardo fire, and the Gilman fire. The post Border 2 Fire Map Shows The Spread of the Wildfire in San Diego County appeared first on Mandatory. EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) Hours after the Pentagon announced that it would send 1,500 active duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico, reports surfaced that the number was actually 10,000. According to CBS News, which obtained an internal government memo, Trump administration officials are not only considering deploying as many as 10,000 soldiers to the U.S.-Mexico border, they are using Department of Defense installations to hold migrants awaiting deportation. Pentagon to send up to 1,500 active duty troops to help secure US-Mexico border, officials say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deployment is included in the dozens of executive orders President Trump signed moments after his swearing-in ceremony. Many address what he had been promising throughout his campaign: to crack down in illegal immigration by limiting asylum, carrying out mass deportations and sending troops to the border, among many other things. On the morning of Inauguration Day, thousands of asylum-seeking migrants learned that their CBP One appointment with U.S. immigration officials had all been canceled. Marcela Medina and her husband Enrique Corea of Venezuela react to seeing that their appointment was canceled on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) One app, as they wait near the border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico on Monday, Jan. 20. 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) From Matamoros to Tijuana, migrants cried and stood in awe not knowing what their move would be. Migrants stranded when thousands of appointments to enter the US are canceled as Trump takes office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But since Monday, migrants have continued to show up at ports of entry for their appointments only to be turned away. In this weeks episode of Border Report Live, host Daniel Marin and Border Report correspondents Julian Resendiz, Salvador Rivera and Sandra Sanchez, examine how communities along the border are responding to Trumps actions. Communities walk tightrope as Trump ramps up immigration enforcement, threatens tariffs On Wednesday, El Paso city officials, including the mayor and chief of police called an impromptu news conference following numerous media requests regarding migrant concerns and the presidents executive order. They said they would assists federal law enforcement if needed but would not volunteer municipal officers for immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The El Paso Police Department does not enforce immigration laws, El Paso Police Department Chief Peter Pacillas said. El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson told reporters that he disagreed with the decision to send troops to the border. Instead, he reiterated the citys standing as one of the safest in the country despite its location on the U.S-Mexico border. We will follow all laws, especially federal law and state law, he said. I want everyone to know in El Paso you are in a safe community. I want you to be able to go about your day-to-day routine. A sign that prohibits the entrance of ICE or Homeland Security is posted on a door at St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Communities are also adjusting to a new directive from Immigration and Customs Enforcement that allows agents and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to enter schools, churches and hospitals, which were considered sensitive areas and off-limits under the Biden administration. The Catholic Diocese of El Paso planned a news conference Thursday afternoon to address some of those concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump administration throws out policies limiting migrant arrests at sensitive spots like schools and churches On Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning in San Diego, the threats of mass deportations appeared to materialize when buses filled with migrant workers arrived at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and the groups of mostly men were escorted to Mexico. Deportations will not stop illegal crossings, advocate says It is unclear if the migrants were deported as part of Trumps crackdown or from where they were apprehended, but officials told Border Report that many deportations are routine operations that occur daily all along the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Alabama, tweeted on Tuesday that nationwide, ICE had arrested 308 individuals and went to jails and ordered that an additional 300 be released to the agency. Trumps asylum restrictions will drive migrants to enter US illegally, advocate says With CBP One abolished, the number of encounters at ports of entry have also dropped dramatically. Sources tell NewsNations Ali Bradley that from January 2023, when CBP One asylum appointments began, to Sunday, the day before Trump took office, the U.S. was averaging about 1,572 daily migrant encounters. On Monday and Tuesday, the number fell to 463 and then took a nosedive to 44 on Wednesday. At ports of entry, CBP officers have been conducting what the agency calls hardening exercises, which require the temporary closure of bridges, but what officials are also saying something that CBP does regularly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WATCH: CBP officers in riot gear march through South Texas border crossing At the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, Texas, officers could be seen marching in riot gear on Tuesday. Melanie Mendoza of Venezuela, gets emotional as she sees that her 1pm appointment was canceled on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) One app, as she and her family wait at the border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico on Monday, Jan. 20. 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Below is a list compiled by the Associated Press of some of the immigration-related executive orders that Trump signed on Monday: The CBP One app disappears The online lottery system gave appointments to 1,450 people a day at eight border crossings to enter on parole, which Joe Biden used more than any president. It was a critical piece of the Biden administrations border strategy to create new immigration pathways while cracking down on people who enter illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters say it brought order to a chaotic border. Critics say it was magnet for more people to come. By midday Monday, it was gone. Migrants who had scored coveted appointments weeks ago found them canceled. That includes Melanie Mendoza, 21, and her boyfriend. She said they left Venezuela over a year ago, spending more than $4,000 and traveling for a month, including walking for three days. We dont know what we are going to do, she said in Tijuana, Mexico, just on the other side of the border from San Diego. Mexico agrees to take back migrants The Trump administration is reinstating its Remain in Mexico policy, which forced 70,000 asylum-seekers in his first term to wait there for hearings in U.S. immigration court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico, a country integral to any American effort to limit illegal immigration, indicated Monday that it is prepared to receive asylum-seekers while emphasizing that there should be an online application allowing them to schedule appointments at the U.S. border. Immigration advocates say the policy put migrants at extreme risk. This is deja vu of the darkest kind, said Krish OMara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Global Refuge. She said policies like Remain in Mexico have exacerbated conditions at the border while doing little to address reasons migrants leave home in the first place. Aiming to end the constitutional right to birthright citizenship Anyone born in the United States automatically becomes a citizen, including children born to someone in the country illegally or in the U.S. on a tourist or student visa. Its a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 after the Civil War to assure citizenship for all, including Black people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps executive order suggests that the amendment has been wrongly interpreted, and it would go into effect in 30 days meaning it would not be retroactive. The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups immediately sued, calling it a reckless and ruthless repudiation of American values. Trump said he thought he had very good grounds for the order. Migrants fear promised mass deportations Trump is moving to realize his pledge of mass deportations of at least 11 million people in the country illegally. One order restores efforts to pursue everyone in the country illegally, moving away from the Biden administrations more narrow deportation criteria. He also wants negotiations with state and local governments to deputize police to enforce immigration laws. As in his first term, Trump also wants to end federal grants to sanctuary jurisdictions states and cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Rocio, a 43-year-old single mother from Mexico who lives in South Florida, said shes worried about her 13-year-old son. His father was deported when the boy was an infant, and hes afraid the same thing could now happen to her. Rocio, who asked to be identified only by her first name over fears about being detained, said she worries about driving without a license but needs to work to survive. We have to be very careful, she said. Erlinda, a single mother from El Salvador who arrived in 2013, has signed over legal rights to her U.S.-born children, ages 10 and 8, to Nora Sandigo, who has volunteered to be the guardian for more than 2,000 children in 15 years, including at least 30 since December. I am afraid for my children, that they will live the terror of not seeing their mother for a day, for a month, for a year, said Erlinda, 45, who asked to be identified by first name only due to fears of being detained. A bigger military role in border security Trump ordered the government, with Defense Department assistance, to finish construction of the border wall and send troops to the border. He did not say how many would go leaving it up to the defense secretary or what their exact role would be. His executive orders suggested the military would help the Department of Homeland Security with detention space, transportation (including aircraft), and other logistics services. Trump directed the defense secretary to come up with a plan to seal the borders and repel unlawful mass migration. Both Trump and Biden have sent troops to the border before. Historically, they have been used to back up Border Patrol agents, who are responsible for securing the nearly 2,000-mile border, and not in ways that put them in direct contact with migrants. Critics say using troops this way signals that migrants are a threat. Cartels as foreign terrorist organizations A Trump order paves the way for criminal organizations such as Tren de Aragua or MS-13 to be named foreign terrorist organizations. MS-13 is a transnational gang that originated in Los Angeles and gained a grip on much of Central America. Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan street gang that has become a menace on American soil. The Cartels functionally control, through a campaign of assassination, terror, rape, and brute force nearly all illegal traffic across the southern border of the United States, the order reads. Trump is also raising the possibility of invoking a wartime power act for the first time since World War II to deport gang members who are deemed members of a foreign terrorist organization. Pausing permission for refugees Trump also is indefinitely suspending refugee resettlement. For decades, the program has allowed hundreds of thousands of people fleeing war and persecution worldwide to come to the United States. Trump also suspended the refugee program in his first term, and after reinstating it, slashed the numbers of refugees admitted. Under Biden, the program was rebuilt to a three-decade high. The refugee program is the type of legal immigration that the Trump administration says its for, said Mark Hetfield, president of HIAS, one of 10 resettlement agencies helping refugees start new lives in the U.S. The first Trump administration said it needed more vetting. This time, it says immigration is straining American communities, Hetfield said. This is a complaint that I have heard nobody raise, he said. Its going to be devastating for people who followed the rules and are waiting to get out of danger. What else is Trump planning? The incoming administration also ordered an end to releasing migrants in the U.S. while they await immigration court hearings, a practice known as catch-and-release, but officials didnt say how they would pay for the enormous costs associated with detention. Trump plans to end asylum, presumably going beyond what Biden has done to severely restrict it. It is unclear what the incoming administration will do with people from countries that dont take back their citizens, such as Nicaragua and Venezuela. The Associated Press contributed to this article. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Isabelle Yr Carlsson and Tom Little COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - The creator of the Danish political TV drama "Borgen", Adam Price, says U.S. President Donald Trump's wish to control Greenland has created an "absurd" reality that has made it more challenging to write political fiction. Trump's refusal to rule out using military or economic power to take control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, has caught many by surprise, including Price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When reality becomes absurd, like I think it has become in recent weeks when we are talking about the current situation with Greenland and Trump and Trump's demands, what are we to write?" Price said in an interview this week with Reuters. "Because if I had pitched this as a new season of "Borgen", I think most people would say, like five or 10 years ago, that I was completely out of my mind and had lost my sense of reality," he said. Price, 57, said he was concerned that what previously had been considered politically extreme or bizarre would increasingly be considered "normal" under Trump's presidency. In fact, Price did anticipate the current international focus on Greenland in the latest season of his fictional series from 2022, in which the vast Arctic island makes a significant discovery of oil and becomes the centre of a power struggle between Denmark, Russia, China and the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As in that last season of "Borgen", Trump's remarks have thrust Greenland into the global spotlight, reigniting a public debate about independence and the island's complicated relationship with Denmark, its former colonial power. "Borgen", which in Danish means 'fortress' - a direct reference to the informal name for Denmark's parliament - was first aired in 2010 and tells a fictional story of Denmark's first female prime minister and her rise to power. Price said one idea for a potential new season of "Borgen" could be to "make the EU sexy" in a dramatic way, as many viewers may find the European Union difficult to grasp. "When you deal with politics that maybe on the surface seem more cold and not as emotional, you need to find topics that are really explosive when it comes to emotions," he said. (Reporting by Isabelle Yr Carlsson, editing by Louise Rasmussen, Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Gareth Jones) SWAMPSCOTT, Mass. (WWLP) A Massachusetts man who was a Bosnian prison camp supervisor was sentenced to prison for concealing his involvement in wartime persecution. In a news release from the Department of Justice in Boston, 52-year-old Kemal Mrndzic of Swampscott was sentenced on Wednesday for a 25-year scheme to conceal his persecution of ethnic Serbs during the Bosnian War as well as making false claims to become a refugee to the United States and ultimately a United States citizen. Springfield police cruiser hit by gunfire, suspects arrested following chase Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mrndzic was a guard supervisor at Celebici prison camp in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the sectarian war in the 1990s. Twenty-one former detainees said he was known for his vicious treatment of prisoners. He participated in the systematic and pervasive brutal torture and deprivation of basic human needs of hundreds of captive victims, some of whom were elderly. During an investigation by the United Nations in 1996, two top commanders were convicted for crimes including murder and torture. While international authorities did not charge Mrndzic, he concocted a scheme to leave Bosnia by crossing the border into Croatia and applying as a refugee to the United States using a fabricated story. In 1999, Mrndzic was admitted to the U.S. as a refugee and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2009. Kemal Mrndzic In October 2024, Mrndzic was convicted by a federal jury for the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Engaging in a scheme to conceal his involvement in the persecution of Serb prisoners at the notorious Celebici prison camp in Bosnia in 1992 Making a false statement to federal agents about his role at the camp Possessing a fraudulently obtained naturalization certificate and Social Security card Using a fraudulently obtained passport and certificate of naturalization Many prison survivors have since become U.S. citizens and have helped the investigation and during the trial by providing testimony and submitting moving victim impact statements. During his trial, camp survivors testified, recounting the murders, sexual abuse, and torture, including being starved and deprived of the most basic needs. He was sentenced to 65 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. For over two decades, Mr. Mrndzic evaded accountability for his participation in the persecution and torture of countless victims at the camp. By holding him accountable for his lies and fraudulent conduct, this sentence reinforces our resolve to ensure that those responsible for war crimes and human rights abuses are identified, exposed, and prosecuted. This case underscores that we will not allow our nation to be a refuge for those who seek to escape justice, said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. The government will be working to ensure that his fraudulently obtained U.S. citizenship is revoked. Through the brave testimony of the survivors of the Celebici prison camp, the persecution Mrndzic attempted to conceal was finally brought to light after over 30 years. Though we can never undo what the survivors endured, I hope this sentence brings some measure of justice, no matter how long delayed, said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New England. HSI remains tireless in our effort to pursue war criminals and human rights violators who attempt to evade justice. 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. BOSTON (WWLP) A man from Boston was sentenced for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Federal agents conduct investigation in Boston, one arrested The Department of Justice states that on December 18, 2022, 36-year-old Nicholas Carle ran from officers after being stopped for a traffic violation. As he ran off, Carle dropped his coat, with a Smith & Wesson .357 revolver, loaded with six rounds of ammunition, inside. Carle is not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions, such as a conviction for possession of a firearm without a permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approximately 2.5 pounds of a substance that appeared to be marijuana was also located inside his vehicles trunk. Carle pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition after being charged in April 2023. He was sentenced to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Boston police are investigating a hit and run crash outside a charter school Friday. Police told Boston 25 that a juvenile male victim suffered minor, non-life-threatening injuries when they were hit by a car outside Boston Prep Charter School on River Street. He has been taken to the hospital. Police are still trying to find the driver involved in the crash 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 Police in Chaska arrested a Pioneer Ridge Middle School student after he allegedly made threats of violence towards a group of students on social media Wednesday night. Authorities say they initially received the report Thursday morning, stating that the student made the threats involving a gun. However, an investigation revealed there was no immediate threat to school safety. A search warrant was conducted at the boy's home in Chaska and he was arrested for making threats of violence. It was later determined that the boy "had no means to carry out the threat," according to police. Pioneer Ridge Middle School in Chaska.Google Streetview "We take school safety seriously and are committed to working with our schools, students, and parents to ensure a safe and health learning environment," the police department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Threats of violence are never tolerated in Chaska, and we will continue to take immediate action to protect our community." There is no ongoing threat to public safety. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change. Related: Girl, 10, now a person of interest in Fridley school threats HARTFORD, CT. (WWLP) Police in Connecticut are searching for a suspect after a 12-year-old boy was shot for throwing a snowball at a car. Connecticut man sentenced for role in Marthas Vineyard bank robbery Hartford police say kids were throwing snowballs Wednesday night and one of them hit a car, NBC Boston states. The car went around the block and then someone in that car allegedly shot at the 12-year-old. A nearby 11-year-old was not hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 12-year-old was brought to Connecticut Childrens Hospital and he is expected to be okay. Police have not announced any arrests yet. Anyone with information is asked to call police at (860) 722-8477. 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. People attend a ceremony marking the completion of the maiden voyage of the first "China-Europe Express" container ship in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, on Jan. 24, 2025. The first container ship of the "China-Europe Express", the fastest direct route connecting Europe and China's Yangtze River Delta region, arrived at its destination at the Jade Weser Port in Wilhelmshaven on Friday. The "KAWA Ningbo" cargo ship, carrying over 1700 containers of new-energy and other high-value goods, completed its non-stop voyage in 26 days, well below the shipment time of 45 days in the past. (Xinhua/Shan Weiyi) WILHELMSHAVEN, Germany, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The first container ship of the "China-Europe Express", the fastest direct route connecting Europe and China's Yangtze River Delta region, arrived at its destination at the Jade Weser Port in Wilhelmshaven on Friday. The "KAWA Ningbo" cargo ship, carrying over 1700 containers of new-energy and other high-value goods, completed its non-stop voyage in 26 days, well below the shipment time of 45 days in the past. "The launch of the 'China-Europe Express' route not only provides convenience for the exchange of goods between China and Europe, but also plays a positive role in stabilizing the global product and supply chains, vividly interpreting the profound connotation of jointly building the 'Belt and Road,'" remarked Cong Wu, consul general of the Chinese General Consulate in Hamburg at a ceremony marking the completion of the voyage. Cong further emphasized that the steady development of this new route would undoubtedly create new cooperation opportunities for both regions and inject fresh vitality into bilateral economic growth. Frank Doods, State Secretary in the Lower Saxony Ministry of Economics, Transport, Construction and Digitization, praised the route for bringing rich development opportunities to the city of Wilhelmshaven where the port is located and the broader Lower Saxony. He also expressed optimism about deepening economic ties between Germany and China. This milestone route was established through a partnership agreement signed at the China International Import Expo last year. The maiden voyage departed from east China's Ningbo-Zhoushan Port on Dec. 30. The route is set to operate on a monthly basis, enabling regular freight exchange between China and Europe. Photo taken on Jan. 24, 2025 shows a container printed with the "China-Europe Express" in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The first container ship of the "China-Europe Express", the fastest direct route connecting Europe and China's Yangtze River Delta region, arrived at its destination at the Jade Weser Port in Wilhelmshaven on Friday. The "KAWA Ningbo" cargo ship, carrying over 1700 containers of new-energy and other high-value goods, completed its non-stop voyage in 26 days, well below the shipment time of 45 days in the past. (Xinhua/Shan Weiyi) Photo taken on Jan. 24, 2025 shows containers on the "KAWA Ningbo" cargo ship of the "China-Europe Express" in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The first container ship of the "China-Europe Express", the fastest direct route connecting Europe and China's Yangtze River Delta region, arrived at its destination at the Jade Weser Port in Wilhelmshaven on Friday. The "KAWA Ningbo" cargo ship, carrying over 1700 containers of new-energy and other high-value goods, completed its non-stop voyage in 26 days, well below the shipment time of 45 days in the past. (Xinhua/Shan Weiyi) Photo taken on Jan. 24, 2025 shows a container printed with the "China-Europe Express" in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The first container ship of the "China-Europe Express", the fastest direct route connecting Europe and China's Yangtze River Delta region, arrived at its destination at the Jade Weser Port in Wilhelmshaven on Friday. The "KAWA Ningbo" cargo ship, carrying over 1700 containers of new-energy and other high-value goods, completed its non-stop voyage in 26 days, well below the shipment time of 45 days in the past. (Xinhua/Shan Weiyi) Photo taken on Jan. 24, 2025 shows containers on the "KAWA Ningbo" cargo ship of the "China-Europe Express" in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The first container ship of the "China-Europe Express", the fastest direct route connecting Europe and China's Yangtze River Delta region, arrived at its destination at the Jade Weser Port in Wilhelmshaven on Friday. The "KAWA Ningbo" cargo ship, carrying over 1700 containers of new-energy and other high-value goods, completed its non-stop voyage in 26 days, well below the shipment time of 45 days in the past. (Xinhua/Shan Weiyi) Photo taken on Jan. 24, 2025 shows the "KAWA Ningbo" cargo ship of the "China-Europe Express" in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The first container ship of the "China-Europe Express", the fastest direct route connecting Europe and China's Yangtze River Delta region, arrived at its destination at the Jade Weser Port in Wilhelmshaven on Friday. The "KAWA Ningbo" cargo ship, carrying over 1700 containers of new-energy and other high-value goods, completed its non-stop voyage in 26 days, well below the shipment time of 45 days in the past. (Xinhua/Shan Weiyi) Photo taken on Jan. 24, 2025 shows containers on the "KAWA Ningbo" cargo ship of the "China-Europe Express" in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The first container ship of the "China-Europe Express", the fastest direct route connecting Europe and China's Yangtze River Delta region, arrived at its destination at the Jade Weser Port in Wilhelmshaven on Friday. The "KAWA Ningbo" cargo ship, carrying over 1700 containers of new-energy and other high-value goods, completed its non-stop voyage in 26 days, well below the shipment time of 45 days in the past. (Xinhua/Shan Weiyi) Photo taken on Jan. 24, 2025 shows the "KAWA Ningbo" cargo ship of the "China-Europe Express" in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The first container ship of the "China-Europe Express", the fastest direct route connecting Europe and China's Yangtze River Delta region, arrived at its destination at the Jade Weser Port in Wilhelmshaven on Friday. The "KAWA Ningbo" cargo ship, carrying over 1700 containers of new-energy and other high-value goods, completed its non-stop voyage in 26 days, well below the shipment time of 45 days in the past. (Xinhua/Shan Weiyi) In New York, former Deputy Erie County Clerk Alexander McDougall received a prison sentence of between one year and four months, and four years. McDougall previously pleaded guilty to grand larceny and offering a false instrument, both felonies. Prosecutors said McDougall stole more than $320,000 by depositing county funds into his personal bank account. The post Brickbat: Sticky Fingers appeared first on Reason.com. BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL)The Bristol Tennessee Board of Education (BOE) met Thursday to decide whether to send a letter to Governor Bill Lee opposing his school voucher program. The meeting resulted in a 3-2 vote, which means the letter will be sent. 7 Northeast Tenn. county mayors sign letter supporting Gov. Lees school voucher program Eric Cuddy, Bristol Tennessee BOE chairman, told News Channel 11 how the school board came to its final vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We felt it was important to do so as a school board to show support for our school system, but most importantly, for our teachers and staff, Cuddy said. For us, as a board, I feel like holding hostage the $2,000 bonus for all of our teachers, depending on whether the bill gets passed or not, is whether or not they get paid a $2,000 bonus that our governor feels they deserve. And so, if they deserve it, then it should be paid out no matter what. And then the other part of the bill is allowing for public funds to be used towards vouchers in a state that really does not have a lot of open seats available in our private schools as is. The two board members who voted no stated they do not support the voucher; they simply do not necessarily approve of sending the letter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) The former Hasbro offices in downtown Providence will soon be home to administrative offices for Rhode Islands largest employer. Brown University Health announced Friday that the move to 15 LaSalle Square will be effective on June 1, and that the offices will support as many as 600 employees, including remote and hybrid workers. By consolidating our existing scattered administrative functions into one central space, Brown Health will achieve savings while instilling a more integrated workforce for our health system, Brown University Health President and CEO John Fernandez said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Brown University Health reinstates masking requirements The hospital system said administrative and corporate services functions will be consolidated from the Coro Building on Hoppin Street, in addition to current underused South Providence leased locations. Those include 10 Davol Square, plus Baker, Chapman and Ellenfield streets, according to a news release. Mayor Brett Smiley said in a statement hes excited to see the prominent six-story building be utilized. This move will bring new vibrancy to LaSalle Square and preserve over 600 jobs in the city, further underscoring Providence as a dynamic economic hub, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ: Providence mayor wants to add sales tax to parking Owner Inland Diversified Providence Lasalle Square LLC listed the building for sale last April without an asking price. The move came just months after the toymaker reported it was slashing 1,100 jobs globally. CEO Chris Cocks said in a memo to employees (published in a regulatory filing that month) that the Providence office was not being used to its full capacity, and that the company would exit the space at the end of the lease term in January 2025. For months, Hasbro has also been mulling leaving its Pawtucket headquarters. State and local leaders in Pawtucket and Providence have expressed interest keeping the toymaker in Rhode Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Olivia DaRocha, a spokesperson for Gov. Dan McKees office, said the governor met with Hasbros CEO this month. Discussions between the state and Hasbro are continuing, DaRocha added. A representatives from Hasbro said Friday they did not have any updates to share. Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. 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. A version of this story first appeared on The Ankler . The Accidental Interview Oops BRADY PUNCH Director Corbet had to issue a statement about his films use of the AI tool Respeecher after his editor, David Jancso, spoke about it in an interview.Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images The Brutalist is a film about human complexity, and every aspect of its creation was driven by human effort, creativity, and collaboration. We are incredibly proud of our team and what theyve accomplished here. That might sound like a pretty anodyne statement for a director on the Oscar campaign trail, but for Brady Corbet, it was high-stakes damage control after a few days of a very niche social media scandal. Over the weekend, a Jan. 11 interview from the tech-focused movie site RedShark went viral, in which The Brutalists editor David Jancso discussed, among many other things, the films use of AI to improve the Hungarian dialogue for stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. Related: Oscar Nominations Include L.A. Magazine Cover Stars Colman Domingo and Sebastian Stan It is controversial in the industry to talk about AI, but it shouldn't be, Jansco said, seemingly unaware he was about to start the most heated backlash cycle of this awards season. We should be having a very open discussion about what tools AI can provide us with. Theres nothing in the film using AI that hasn't been done before. It just makes the process a lot faster. We use AI to create these tiny little details that we didnt have the money or the time to shoot. An open discussion about AI did follow, but probably not the one Jansco or anyone on the awards campaign for The Brutalist was hoping for. Gross and evil, a gif of a sobbing Brad Pitt in Seven, and I will kill myself in front of the Academy were not even the most overwrought responses. That last quote, as it happens, came from an X account that uses a picture of Timothee Chalamet as its avatar and has been busily reposting more critiques of The Brutalist and AI as well as praise for A Complete Unknown. It doesnt take too much conspiracy thinking to wonder if the sudden explosion of a nine-day-old interview from an obscure film tech website is somehow connected to the tight best actor race between Chalamet and Brody. And it wouldnt even take an army of publicists on the (alleged) level of Justin Baldonis to do it Chalamets fans are so numerous and vocal theyre willing to fan these flames all on their own. Related: L.A. Fires Upend the Oscars The hubbub around AI and The Brutalist which I suspect Corbet has effectively calmed with this statement all reflects, of course, our ongoing anxieties about AI and the future it promises (or threatens). You cant have a rational conversation being an ostrich here, Erik Barmack, an AI enthusiast and author of the Anklers Reel AI column, says to the skeptics. You cant put your head in the sand and say, Go away, AI. Where do we think cost-cutting is going to happen? Indeed, The Brutalist has been celebrated for its under-$10 million budget, accomplished partly by shooting in low-cost Hungary, but also, in this very specific instance, by deploying AI tools. The Brutalist used Respeecher, an AI voice editing tool that Barmack tells me is extremely common in Hollywood already and only spreading further. Weirdly you get a lot of internet snark from people who are independent filmmakers, Barmack tells me. Its like, this could help you. You could make a $10 million film that actually looks like a $50 million film. Was The Brutalist going to have a budget to do endless voiceovers to get that accent right? Maybe thats the difference between it getting made or not. Related: 'Nickel Boys' Team: 'Everything We Shot Was a Joy' So were in a world in which performances can be enhanced in all kinds of digital, invisible ways that may or may not be disclosed by the filmmakers. How are we supposed to figure out best actor or best actress after that? Barmack cited the example of Andy Serkis, whose performance as Gollum in Lord of the Rings more than 20 years ago was enhanced in many ways by motion-capture digital effects but was considered by many to be worthy of a supporting actor Oscar nomination. (He didnt get the nod, but still) PRECIOUS PERFORMANCE Andy Serkis as Gollum in 2003's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.New Line Cinema The Academy could start forcing productions to disclose their use of AI, the way films currently have to meet diversity and inclusion standards to qualify for best picture but theres no telling what kind of can of worms that could open. After all, one of The Brutalists top best picture competitors, Emilia Perez, also used the very same Respeecher voice-altering software. Related: How 'Maria', 'I'm Still Here' Blow Up the Biopic The Brutalist will probably survive being first over the parapet in the war between the Oscars and AI, particularly since its a movie about making art despite the compromises required by capitalism. But unlike most awards season Twitter scandals, this one reflects some very real anxieties in the industry that are only going to increase in the years to come. Scoping Out Sundance REAL CONTENDERS Jesse Eisenberg is a likely Oscar nominee for screenplay, and Kieran Culkin is the favorite for best supporting actor, for A Real Pain, which Searchlight acquired at Sundance in 2024.Searchlight Heres a fun experiment for anyone whos heading to Park City, Utah for Sundance this week: Ask some of the up-and-coming indie filmmakers whether they used AI tools to cut costs on their passion projects! My guess is plenty of them did, but youll have a hard time getting a straight answer from just about anyone. Thats a problem for my colleagues Richard Rushfield and Alison Brower, who will be attending Sundance in person while I catch what I can on the digital platform. In a moment Ill share Richard and Alisons picks for cant-miss titles as well as my own preview but first, a scorecard of sorts for last years edition. Related: Inside the UTA Golden Globes After-Party at the New Marea Beverly Hills Ever since CODA went from Sundance premiere to its surprise underdog best picture victory in 2022, the festival has earned a reputation for boosting future Oscar hopefuls on a level that hadnt really been seen since the post-Little Miss Sunshine boom of the early 2000s. From last years edition, the obvious heavy hitter is A Real Pain, which was picked up by Searchlight for $10 million during the fest and has since grossed just a bit more than that in theaters internationally. Kieran Culkin is now favored for a best supporting actor win, Jesse Eisenberg a near-certain nominee for his screenplay, and his film has a good shot at a best picture nomination as well. A Real Pain is by far the most successful of the narrative features from last years Sundance, but a number of others have scored their share of awards season acclaim I Saw the TV Glow, Good One, Between the Temples, My Old Ass, Ghostlight, Thelma, The Outrun and Didi all received either Gotham or Spirit Awards nominations. And Ive been consistently delighted by the success of A Different Man, which won Sebastian Stan a Golden Globe earlier this month and still could get him in the best actor category as well, even if his other film The Apprentice continues to share the attention. Related: Globes: What the Wins, Snubs & Speeches Mean for Oscar (and Not) Its in the documentary world where Sundance may now have the most power, as evidenced by the incredible list of titles that premiered there last year alone. Of the 15 films on the Academys best documentary shortlist, 10 of them Black Box Diaries, Daughters, Eno, Frida, Porcelain War, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin, Soundtrack to a Coup dEtat, Sugarcane, Union and Will & Harper played or premiered at Sundance. NOISE MUSIC Dev Patel stars in Rabbit Trap, about a married couple of musicians who accidentally record a mystical sound.Sundance Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ill be keeping a particular eye on Sundance docs this year, though many of the festivals top nonfiction titles make their way to the Full Frame Festival here in Durham, N.C. in the spring. As with any festival full of world premieres, though, its exceptionally hard to simply look at the description of a Sundance film and decide whether its worth your time. Who would have guessed a gentle drama about a girl raised by deaf parents would go on to win best picture? As for which of this years titles you can expect to hear people chattering about, heres what Team Ankler is looking out for. Richard tells me its the midnight films that have captured most of his attention, including the Dev Patel-starring Rabbit Trap and the A24 release Opus (more on that one in a moment). Related: Emilia Perez Leads Golden Globes with Four Wins, Shogun Sweeps TV Categories Alison, meanwhile, has been following the career of director Rashad Frett, who was part of the Sundance Institutes 2023 Directors Lab, and is looking forward to his film in the U.S. Dramatic Competition category, Ricky. She also suspects that the bona fides of producers Barry Jenkins and Adele Romanski will make Sorry Baby, the directorial debut of comedian Eva Victor, one to watch. Want more titles? Heres whos catching my eye from 2,000 miles away: - Acclaimed Filmmakers Strapping on Snow Boots KISS, SEALED This image of Diego Luna, left, and Tonitiuh in Bill Condons Kiss of the Spider Woman is the only still available from the film, which stars Jennifer Lopez in the role Chita Rivera made famous on Broadway.Sundance The prototypical Sundance director is a twentysomething who scraped together their last few bucks to travel to Park City for their debut films premiere. But the festival can also be a worthy stop for more established directors both those who got their start in the scrappy indie world and your occasional true-blue Hollywood types. Ira Sachs has been a Sundance stalwart since his second feature, Forty Shades of Blue, won the Grand Jury Prize in 2005. This year hes reuniting with his star from 2023s Passages, Ben Whishaw, for Peter Hujars Day, a film about the queer New York photographer that co-stars Rebecca Hall. Another filmmaker with a much shorter Sundance history, 27-year-old Cooper Raiff who broke out with festival favorites Shithouse and Cha Cha Real Smooth is back with Hal & Harper. The indie TV series stars Mark Ruffalo and Lili Reinhart, and is not to be confused with the documentary Will & Harper. (You can learn more about Raiffs project and the burgeoning indie TV realm in my colleague Elaine Lows column next Monday.) The biggest mystery of all, though, revolves around Dreamgirls and Twilight franchise director Bill Condon, and how in the world he wound up at Sundance with Kiss of the Spider Woman. The adaptation of the Broadway show, starring Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna, is an independent production but seems far glitzier than your usual Sundance fare. Alison and I are both eager to see how it plays, particularly since Alison has fond memories of seeing Chita Rivera in the Broadway original. - Documentaries To Watch SO SLY A vintage shot of Sly Stone in Questloves biodoc SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius).Sundance Theres an even longer list of big-name directors returning to Sundance with new films, including the directors of two recent documentary feature Oscar winners. Mstyslav Chernov, the Ukrainian journalist and director of last years winner 20 Days In Mariupol, returns to Sundance with 2000 Meters to Andrivika, another chronicle of the ongoing war in Ukraine. And Questlove, whose Summer of Soul won two Sundance prizes before it won the Oscar in 2022, is back with Sly Lives! The Burden of Black Genius, about Sly and the Family Stone frontman Sly Stone. Bao Nguyen, who launched The Greatest Night in Pop at Sundance last year, returns with The Stringer, pitched as a mystery of sorts about the identity of the photographer behind one of the most-recognized photographs of the 20th century the image of a young girl running naked from a napalm attack during the Vietnam War. (Alison notes that every journo I know is talking about that one.) Other festival veterans returning include Andrew Jarecki (co-director, The Alabama Solution), David France (co-director, Free Leonard Peltier) and Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (Folktales). Based on plot summary alone, Im intrigued by The Zodiac Killer Project, from British artist Charlie Shackleton. His previous projects have been a bit more conceptual, which suggests this venture into the world of true-crime might have an extra kick to it. The Sundance website describes it as a captivating and entertaining experience that will forever change how you watch your next murder program. - The Stars Well Spend the Rest of the Year Talking About EYE ON AYO Edebiri in Opus.Sundance Yes, its very possible the true breakout stars of Sundance will be people weve never heard of from Michelle Rodriguez with Girlfight in 2000 to Jennifer Lawrence with Winters Bone in 2010 to Justice Smith in I Saw the TV Glow last year, thrilling new talents have repeatedly emerged from Sundance. But even some established names have intriguing work in the festival lineup. I wont be able to screen it on Sundances virtual platform some titles are still reserved exclusively for the Park City crowd but I cant wait to see what Olivia Colman and John Lithgow do in Jimpa, a family drama from Sophie Hyde, whose Good Luck to You, Leo Grande was Sundance hit in 2022. I got an early look at Nicole Beharies transcendent work opposite Andre Holland in the rom-com Love, Brooklyn, and Im hearing incredible things about Rose Byrne in If I Had Legs Id Kick You, an A24-backed comedy-drama from director Mary Bronstein, The director likely has a fascinating story of her own her 2008 directorial debut, Yeast, co-starred none other than Greta Gerwig, but Bronstein hasnt made a film since. Im eager to know more about her journey. The unlikely rom-com pairing of Lily Gladstone and Bowen Yang, in Andrew Ahns remake of Ang Lees The Wedding Banquet, is something I cannot wait to hear about. (As Alison puts it, Yang gets better and smarter and funnier in every performance I see him do.) Josh OConnor is playing very against type as a rancher in the modern Western Rebuilding, while Barrys Sarah Goldberg has the very oddball-sounding Bubble and Squeak, set in a nation where cabbages, of all things, are banned. Ayo Edebiri has several major film roles coming up this year, and could kick things off nicely with her turn in the Midnight selection, Opus, about a journalist visiting a mysterious pop star at his remote compound. The A24 release already has a trailer out, and will be in theaters March 14. But in that film Ive also got my eye on Juliette Lewis, still having a moment thanks to Yellowjackets and also showing up at Sundance with By Design, which might have the best and Sundanciest plot summary of the entire lineup: A woman swaps bodies with a chair, and everyone likes her better as a chair.+6 Buckeye Chuck has been Ohio's official weather-predicting groundhog since 1979. This year, Chuck will greet potentially hundreds of fans at Buckeye Chuck Day on Feb. 2 in Marion. Despite the attention Buckeye Chuck has received, weather forecasting only makes up a small part of what he does. So what does Buckeye Chuck do the other 364 days of the year? Buckeye Chuck, whose real name is Murray, is a resident of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murray came to the museum in 2023 after a family noticed the orphaned groundhog on the side of a road in Trumbull County. The family tried to release Murray in a patch of woods near their home, but he just wouldn't go. More: Is Buckeye Chuck better at predicting the weather than Punxsutawney Phil? "He kept coming back towards their house, coming back where people were, coming back where the dog was, interacting with the dog," said Jim Nemet, the museum's director of wildlife. "And they tried this several times that they just couldn't get him to go away." A wildlife rescue was contacted and it deemed Murray unfit to live in the wild because of his affinity for humans. So, the museum decided to take Murray in and made him an animal ambassador. As an animal ambassador, Murray meets students and the public multiple times a week. His caretakers take that time to teach the community about groundhogs in the wild. Murray gets a new job - animal ambassador As an ambassador for his wild counterparts, Murray takes part in public programming and educational programming at the museum. About three times a week his caretakers take Murray out of his enclosure and wheel him around on a cart for visitors to get a closer look. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one is allowed to touch or handle Murray, but participants can watch him eat or play with toys up close. "That cart gets rolled around so that we can talk about groundhogs and mammals in Ohio and all those different connections," Nemet said. "And then when we're done with the program, we show him his kennel, he hops back in and he comes back out." Nemet said these types of programs can help educators clear up misconceptions about animals and explain each animal's unique niche in an environment. "It just brings a great connection," Nemet said. "And live animals just stir something in people that hopefully they want to learn more and more and more about." Buckeye Chuck's real name is Murray. Murray is an almost 3-year-old groundhog who works as an animal ambassador for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Murray becomes Buckeye Chuck In 2023, the museum was contacted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Representatives told the museum Marion's current groundhog was no longer available and they were looking for a new one to take on the Buckeye Chuck name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ODNR approached the Cleveland Museum of Natural History because of its exhibitor and education permits as well as the quality of education the museum provides. The museum had just one condition. "As long as we do what Murray is comfortable doing it," Nemet said. That meant Buckeye Chuck event organizers agreed Murray wouldn't be held or scruffed and instead he would choose whether or not to come out of his carrier on his own. ODNR agreed and Murray, who is now almost 3 years old, became Ohio's official Buckeye Chuck. Practice makes perfect Before Murray's first Buckeye Chuck Day, Nemet took him to Marion a week early to make sure Murray was comfortable on his new stage. The stage was made of AstroTurf with plexiglass walls, similar to the cart that's used for Murray's educational programming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murray already was comfortable getting into his carrier and being on a stage because of his experience at the museum. Nemet said the museum uses positive reinforcement to train its animals, such as giving them toys or a favorite treat. After a practice run, Murray was ready for the real thing held on Feb. 2, 2024. "He did great at the event," Nemet said. This year, Murray will skip the practice run, but Nemet said Murray's been "rock solid" with the media attention. "We've exposed him to a lot, and he's pretty comfortable with pretty much everything," Nemet said. The training Murray did to become an animal ambassador is similar to what he'll have to do on Buckeye Chuck Day. His caretakers taught him to sit on a cart or table and how to get into his carrier on his own Groundhog fun facts Here are a few groundhog fun facts according to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Groundhogs have many names including whistle pigs, woodchucks, and land beavers. Groundhogs are the largest species in the squirrel family. When hibernating, groundhogs can reduce their heart rate from 80 beats per minute to just 5 beats per minute. Groundhog borrows can be six feet deep and 20 feet wide, they also include multiple bathrooms. A groundhogs have four incisors that never stop growing. Their teeth can grow 1/16 of an inch per week. This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Buckeye Chuck teaches students when he's not predicting the weather Children, parents and child care workers take part in a 2023 demonstration urging lawmakers to include money in the state budget to support child care. Gov. Tony Evers' request was denied that year, but advocates and the governor are trying again. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner) Child care advocates and Gov. Tony Evers are campaigning once again for a significant infusion of state money to bolster child care, a little more than a year after their last attempt ended in deadlock. The cost of putting two young kids in child care costs more than the average rent or mortgage in Wisconsin and exceeds the annual cost of tuition to send two students to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Evers told lawmakers in his State of the State message Wednesday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evers is calling on state lawmakers to put $500 million in the 2025-27 budget aimed at lowering child care costs, supporting this critical industry, and investing in employer-sponsored child care. The governors proposal would use state money to renew and make permanent a child care subsidy that began during the COVID-19 pandemic with federal funds. A previous attempt to extend the support ended in a deadlock in late 2023. Without it, however, providers say they will remain in a crisis that has been building over the last year. A September 2024 report by the University of Wisconsin Institute for Research on Poverty for the state Department of Children and Families found that nearly 60% of providers surveyed said they were caring for fewer children than their capacity allowed. Almost half of those said they werent able to take more kids because they lacked staff. The survey found that if child care providers were able to hire enough educators to fill their empty rooms, at least 33,000 more children in Wisconsin could get child care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal COVID-19 pandemic relief funds supported Wisconsins Child Care Counts program from 2020 through 2023, granting $20 million a month in subsidies that providers used to raise wages and keep staff without hiking the fees they charged parents. Evers pressed the Legislature to continue the subsidy program with state funds in the 2023-25 state budget, but the Republican majority rejected their appeals. Evers renewed the proposal along with several others in a special session later in 2023, but the legislators rebuffed him a second time. Evers subsequently cobbled together $170 million from other unspent federal funds for a scaled-down version of Child Care Counts that will soon run out. Ruth Schmidt, executive director, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association. (Courtesy WECA) When Child Care Counts was reduced we saw child care tuition increase by almost 15%, Ruth Schmidt, executive director of the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA), said in an interview Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For families whose incomes qualify them for the states Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program, the tuition increases meant that their subsidy would only pay 50% of the market price for child care instead of 75%, Schmidt said, increasing the corresponding copayment for parents. Without a renewal of Child Care Counts or the equivalent, some programs may be able to stay open by raising tuition, and some families may be able to afford it, Schmidt said. Some programs may raise tuition and lose families, because theyre tapped out. During a panel discussion in the Capitol Thursday with lawmakers, providers and parents, Corrine Hendrickson, a New Glarus provider, said that some providers have closed after raising their rates because theyve lost parents who can no longer afford their services. Until we act, were going to continue to shed programs, said Hendrickson, a cofounder of WECAN, an advocacy group for providers and parents. The name stands for Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Providers say that as rates go up, child care is getting out of reach for people who arent well-off. From left, Corrine Hendrickson and Brooke Legler take part in a panel discussion on child care and the 2025-27 Wisconsin state budget in the state Capitol on Thursday (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner) If we invest in our child care system, it will not be a system just for the wealthy any more, said Brooke Legler, co-owner of a New Glarus child care center, WECANs other cofounder and a panel participant. Child care providers play an important role in young childrens brain development and in helping them learn social skills, Legler and Hendrickson said. For that reason, at state-licensed child care centers teachers must meet certain educational requirements. This is not a field where you just want a warm body, said Legler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Average wages for child care workers with a high school diploma are 40% less than the average wage for all Wisconsin high school graduates, according to data collected by the Wisconsin Economic Development Commission (WEDC). Early child care workers with a masters degree have an average salary of less than $36,000 a year, less than half the average for all masters degree holders in the state. To hire and keep qualified child care workers requires paying them living wages, Legler said. We need to treat this field with the respect it deserves. Participants in the Capitol panel said that despite the failure to enact a support program in 2023, they believe the case is even stronger this year and with this budget. This is one of the most challenging policy problems in our state, said panel participant Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison). But we know what to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association launched a new division focused on policy research and engagement. Schmidt said that was made possible by the organizations success at raising private support for the new operation. It was also aimed at ensuring a bright line between that work and the federally funded services that WECA offers child care providers around the state, assisting with licensure, training and other operational requirements, she said. The new policy arm is preparing research to further document the condition that the child care sector is in. First and foremost, I think everyone in the Legislature, the governors office and organizations that are working on this issue understand that theres no backup plan for Child Care Counts, Schmidt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The forthcoming reports from the new policy arm will further underscore the case, she added: Its more compelling this time around than it was when we were doing this a year and a half ago now. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Buffalo man pleaded guilty to gun and drug charges after he and two others allegedly held St. Bonaventure students at gunpoint to rob them back in 2018, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced Thursday. According to officials, 28-year-old Diamond Allen conspired with two others, including his cousin, to execute an armed robbery at St. Bonaventure University. The three allegedly held students at gunpoint inside a dorm room in October 2018 to steal marijuana. Nine months later, in a separate incident, a co-conspirator of Allens was shot at the corner of Main Street and Glenwood during a drug deal, officials said. Allen allegedly fired a weapon repeatedly at the person he believed to be responsible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said Allen was in possession of a .40 caliber firearm and a Polymer80 ghost gun. Allen pleaded guilty to discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a second firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and narcotics conspiracy. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life. Allen will also have to pay a $5 million fine if convicted. Latest Local News Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) On Thursday evening, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox stood in Utahs House Chamber and addressed the Utah people on the State of the State. In his address, Cox spoke about being a united state building toward a stronger and more prosperous future. Cox, who was recently elected to his second term in office, highlighted five key areas his office would focus on to move toward this vision. The first was housing attainability for Utahns. Cox reemphasized his Utah First Homes program to build 35,000 starter homes in five years. The second was energy abundance, where he advanced a plan to create nuclear reactors within the Beehive State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The third and fourth key areas revolved around infrastructure and community safety. Cox said the state recently celebrated the construction phase of a new transmission line that took 15 years for the federal government to improve. In addition, he said the state is implementing public safety reforms and homeless initiatives. Legislature day 4: What you should be watching for Finally, Cox said family strength is a key focus saying he was determined to see the social security tax in the state removed. He also said he was determined to remove phones from schools and protect children from what he said were predatory social media practices. We stand on the shoulders of giants. Our ancestors irrigated farms, excavated minerals, built homes and neighborhoods, powered cities, and connected this continent by rail. In the face of adversity, they built. They built here, said Cox. And my friends and fellow citizens, if there is one thing you take away from my remarks tonight, please let it be this simple refrain: We must build. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate President J. Stuart Adams applauded Coxs address, releasing a statement saying that he and the Governor share a common vision for Utah. Adams said Utahs success wasnt found by chance but the result of foresight and determination. We know that Utahns are truly the backbone of our state. By embracing innovation and working together, we will charge a path forward to ensure enduring prosperity for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, said Adams. Building a future to secure affordable energy, ample water, and abundant housing is essential to keeping Utah as the best state in the nation and the Utah Dream alive. Utahs Democratic caucus responded to Coxs address by saying Utahs true strength comes from its people, who they said the state must be better about helping. The cost of living crisis is also impacting Utahns ability to afford basic necessities, including feeding their families, said Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla. Currently, one in six children in Utah faces food insecurity. No child and no family should have to worry about where their next meal will come from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House and Senate Democrats said they would push back on reactionary policies that they said were punitive to working families and work toward policies that would help uplift all communities and address Utahs challenges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States should find the right way to get along in the new era, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held at the latter's request on Friday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said Chinese President Xi Jinping held an important phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump last Friday and reached a series of consensus. The development of the China-U.S. relations have ushered in a new important node, Wang said. Xi comprehensively expounded China's policy to the United States, and Trump responded positively, expressing his expectation to maintain good relations with Xi and emphasizing that U.S.-China cooperation can solve many problems in the world, Wang said. The two heads of state have pointed out the direction and set the tone for China-U.S. relations, said Wang. The teams of both sides should follow through on the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, maintain communication, control differences, expand cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, and find the right way for China and the United States to get along in the new era, he said. Wang said that the Communist Party of China's leadership is the choice of the Chinese people. China's development has a clear historical logic and a strong innate driving force, he said, adding China's goal is to deliver a better life to the people and make greater contributions to the world. China has no intention to overtake or replace any country, but must safeguard its legitimate rights to development, he said. Elaborating on China's principle and position on the Taiwan question, Wang asked the United States to handle it with caution. Taiwan has been an integral part of China's territory since ancient times, Wang said, stressing that China will never allow Taiwan to be separated from the motherland. Wang noted that the United States made solemn commitments to the one-China policy in the three China-U.S. joint communiques and should not go back on its word. For his part, Rubio said that the United States and China are two great nations. The U.S.-China relations are the most important bilateral relationship of the 21st century and will shape the future of the world, he said. The United States is willing to engage in candid communication with China, resolve differences properly, manage bilateral relations in a mature and cautious way, jointly address global challenges and maintain world peace and stability, he said. Rubio said the United States does not support "Taiwan independence" and hopes the Taiwan question can be resolved by peaceful means which are acceptable to both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Wang said major countries should act like major countries and should take on their due international responsibilities, safeguard world peace and help all countries achieve common development. Wang expressed his hope that Rubio would make the right decisions and play a constructive role for the future of the Chinese and the American people, as well as for global peace and stability. First Alert Neighborhood Weather Network. Scan below &/or click * here *: Our winter of discontent has hit a near all-time low as of Jan. 23rd - the 4th coldest January on record so far! And the winter as a whole has had the most freezes since three straight cold winters from 2008-2011. And the cold was accompanied by a winter storm in the Deep South that included parts of Northeast Florida & virtually all of Southeast Georgia. The 0.1 of sleet at JIA made Jan. 22nd the 5th snowiest day on record in Jacksonville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A disturbance moving from Mexico through the Northern Gulf & across Central Florida helped form a band of mixed wintry precip. (freezing rain/sleet/snow) to the north of the path of the disturbance. Cold temps. aloft - above a few thousand feet - resulted in fairly heavy sleet & freezing rain from Nassau Co. in Fl. & across virtually all of Southeast Ga. * Freezing rain: when temps. are above freezing through most of the atmosphere but at or below freezing at ground level causing rain drops to freeze upon contact with any surfaces at ground level. * Sleet (ice pellets): Cold air aloft but sleet and/or snow melts due to a layer of warmer air only to re-freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground because of colder temps. * Snow: cold enough throughout the atmosphere so that there is no melting - all flakes to the ground! Videographer Russ Pyne & I were stationed at the southbound rest stop/welcome center along I-95 in Northern Nassau Co. 3 miles south of the Fl./Ga. border: #firstaletwx rest stop in Nassau County Florida 3 miles south of Fl/Ga border w/ videographer Russ Pyne @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/IrbQXmjJg5 Mike Buresh (@MikeFirstAlert) January 22, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nahunta, Georgia: Yulee, Florida: Oceanway (Northern Duval Co.): Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fernandina Beach, Fl.: Waycross, Ga.: Nassau Co. welcome center, I-95: More than a foot(!) of snow fell in the vicinity of New Orleans... & in some cases more snow has fallen this winter in New Orleans vs. northern latitudes including Anchorage, Alaska! If the 10 inches of snow in Milton, Fl. - Western Panhandle - is confirmed, it will go down as the heaviest single storm snowfall total in Florida history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the cold, Jacksonville has been wet! This month is the 8th wettest January on record in Jacksonville: One of the culprits for our cold, wet & active January has been a persistent dip in the jet stream thats been centered over the middle & Eastern U.S. This jet orientation has also resulted in a dry Western U.S. (California wildfires). But there are changes afoot! The jet stream looks to realign itself by the end of January into at least early Feb. with the dip (trough of low pressure) shifting more to the west. The result will be warmer temps. for Jacksonville/NE Fl. & SE Ga. & better chances for some much needed rain for Southern California. The first image below is the jet stream the week of Jan. 20th vs. the forecast jet stream for late January: The National Hurricane Center issued their hurricane Debby report - * here *. My own Debby Details & Analysis * here *. Debby caused 18 fatalities, 11 directly from the storm and about $2.5 billion in damage (USD). The Cat. 1 landfall was early Monday, Aug. 5th on the Big Bend of Florida. Nearly 6 of rain fell at JIA in Northern Duval Co. with nearly 20 of rain near Lake City in Columbia Co. Debby was the first of 3 hurricanes to hit Florida in 24 (in addition to Helene & Milton. Advertisement Advertisement YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) In December, First News reported on a resurfacing project for much of Interstate 680 that would begin in 2026. Read next: Multiple agencies raid at Campbell house That project also includes closing a southbound ramp on Mahoning Avenue. Its a closure local business owners and community members dont agree with. Business owners on Youngstowns West Side are frustrated with the ODOT proposal that would close a 680 southbound ramp off Mahoning Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its near McKinley Avenue across the street from Joe Jenkins sign business. His company uses the ramp often. If youve got deliveries of product, you know, for the different businesses, its going to make it less accessible, Jenkins, President of Jenkins Sign Co, said. Youre going to have trucks and stuff like that. Theyre trying to access us and theyre theyre going to head south, you know, towards Pittsburgh or anything in that direction. Theyre going to have a very difficult time Youngstowns 4th Ward Councilman Mike Ray sent out a letter to those in his ward earlier this month opposing the closure and asking for comments. Hes worried the closure will push more traffic into residential neighborhoods to access the highway, which Ray worries would increase accidents in an area where there are already many. In 2023 and 2024, there were 12 accidents near the ramps at Oakwood and Belle Vista, and nine at Edwards and High Street where theres another. Compared to just one near the ramp that would be closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I understand theres a safety concern, but theres also a practical impact on the neighborhood, Ray said. And I really ask ODOT to take into consideration the implications of that has in the community and to these neighborhoods. Jenkins tells First News other members of the West Side Merchants Association feel the same. There is unanimous opposition, you know, to closing that ramp, Jenkins said. This would be a step back not a step forward. These proposed changes aim to improve safety by reducing conflict points on Interstate 680 due to the close proximity of the State Route 193 entrance ramp. ODOT Public Information Officer Ray Marsch The public comment period is open through Monday, Jan. 27, which can be filled out here. You can submit questions and comments via email to Sean.Carpenter@dot.ohio.gov or call 330-786-2274. You can also submit comments on the project website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A summary of comments received and responses will be posted to the project website. Along with pavement replacement on I-680 and ramps, the project will permanently close the entrance ramp from Mahoning Avenue to I-680 southbound. It will also address bridge maintenance and removal of the Lanterman Road Bridge over I-680. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. VALLETTA (Reuters) - A Maltese court on Friday granted bail to a prominent businessman who is charged with complicity in the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017. Yorgen Fenech, who has been under arrest since November 2019, hugged members of his family in court after the judge's decision. He has been undergoing pre-trial proceedings for several years, but no date for the trial has been set yet. He denies the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three men are serving long prison sentences for planning and carrying out the murder. Caruana Galizia was killed instantly when a bomb planted in her car blew up as she drove away from home. One of Caruana Galizia's sisters was in court as the decree was delivered. The court ordered Fenech not to go within 50 metres of Malta's coast or airport and to surrender his passport and identity documents. A probation officer was appointed to supervise him. His aunt, who is his guarantor, was ordered to deposit several hundred thousand euros with the court. Fenech was also ordered not to communicate with prosecution witnesses, particularly a self-confessed middleman who turned state evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fenech had seen several previous bail requests denied, as prosecutors said they feared he could flee or tamper with evidence. Defence lawyers insisted that Fenech satisfied all bail prerequisites required by law and that their client had spent five years behind bars while presumed innocent, without ever causing any problems in prison. (Reporting by Chris Scicluna; editing by Mark Heinrich) As the Broadway Improvement Project chugs along, a lengthy closure along a major Phoenix-area freeway will bring traffic to a halt. Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Mesa clocks an estimated 318,542 drivers daily, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This weekend's (Jan. 24-27) scheduled maintenance will close down a busy section of I-10, diverting traffic to Loop 202. Other closures include southbound State Route 143 near Sky Harbor International Airport and lane restrictions along eastbound Loop 101. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Arizona Department of Transportation recommended allowing for extra time and using alternate routes when traveling around Phoenix. Here's what to know about driving around the Phoenix area for Jan. 24-27. Westbound I-10 closed between Loop 202 and I-17 interchange The closure between Loop 202 near Chandler Boulevard and the I-17 "Split" interchange near Sky Harbor Airport will last from 10 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday. The westbound I-10 on-ramps at Wild Horse Pass Boulevard and Chandler Boulevard will also be closed, as well as all ramps from U.S. 60 west to I-10 west. If the closure ends ahead of schedule, westbound I-10 will be narrowed to two lanes overnight near the U.S. 60 interchange from 8 p.m. Sunday to 4 a.m. Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detours: The main detour will be along Loop 202 going north and west. For traffic heading to the airport, drivers can detour on eastbound Loop 202 to northbound Loop 101, then take westbound Loop 202 to reach Sky Harbor Airport using the southbound 44th Street airport entrance. This will also get you to the downtown Phoenix area. If coming from the Tucson or Casa Grande area, ADOT recommended bypassing the closure using westbound Interstate 8 to northbound State Route 85 in Gila Bend to I-10 in Buckeye. Southbound State Route 143 closed between Loop 202 and I-10 The closure, also related to the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project, will begin on Friday at 10 p.m. and end Monday at 4 a.m. The westbound Loop 202 exit ramp to Sky Harbor Airport/southbound State Route 143 will also be closed, and some ramp closures will start at 8 p.m. on Friday, ADOT said. The eastbound I-10 on-ramp at Broadway Road will be closed from 8 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday. ADOT recommended using the eastbound on-ramp at Baseline Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detours: Alternate routes include westbound Loop 202 to eastbound I-10. Airport traffic on Loop 202 should use the southbound 44th Street Sky Harbor entrance. SR 143 CLOSURE Southbound SR 143 will be closed between Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) and I-10 from 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, to 4 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27, for a traffic shift. Download The Curve app for more information. pic.twitter.com/wlD8WAKp2s Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) January 21, 2025 Eastbound Loop 101 narrowed to 3 lanes overnight The restrictions between Cave Creek Road and State Route 51 in north Phoenix will last from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights for pavement maintenance. The eastbound Loop 101 on-ramp at Cave Creek Road will also be closed. Westbound Loop 202 off-ramp at Arizona Ave. closed The off-ramp closure will start at 10 p.m. Friday and end at 9 p.m. Sunday. The eastbound Loop 202 on-ramp at Price Road will also be closed from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Detour: Use other nearby exits. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Metro Phoenix closures and restrictions to watch out for this weekend TikTok is considering alternative solutions to selling its US business, as owner ByteDance continues the fight to keep its 170 million American users after a reprieve from the Trump administration, a board member of ByteDance was quoted by Chinese magazine Caixin as saying. ByteDance board member William Ford said he was optimistic the company could find solutions that address the national security concerns of the US government without requiring the company to sell TikTok's US operations, according to a report by Caixin on Thursday. Ford made the comments on the sidelines of the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. It is the first time that a ByteDance board director has spoken publicly about TikTok's fate since Trump's second presidency began. 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. Ford, chairman of ByteDance shareholder General Atlantic, was quoted as saying that the exploration of non-sale options is key to the company's talks with the Trump administration, while such engagement with the Biden administration had been minimal. In a separate interview with Bloomberg TV, Ford said the alternatives may include "a change of control of some kind" locally to comply with US legislation. US President Donald Trump speaks to journalists about TikTok as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on January 20, 2025. Photo: Pool/AFP/Getty Images/TNS alt=US President Donald Trump speaks to journalists about TikTok as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on January 20, 2025. Photo: Pool/AFP/Getty Images/TNS> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ford also expressed high hopes for dialogue between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. "That might help create a much more constructive environment, a much higher level of engagement that could lead to a positive solution," he told Bloomberg TV. ByteDance is still fighting to save TikTok in the US after the app temporarily went dark there last weekend in response to a law that requires US firms to stop hosting ByteDance services unless the Beijing-based firm divests certain apps. On his first day back in the White House on Monday, Trump signed an executive order delaying by 75 days federal enforcement of ByteDance's sale of its US operations. Trump expressed a desire to give a US entity a 50 per cent stake to keep the app available to its 170 million users in the country. Trump also said that he discussed TikTok with Chinese President Xi during a phone call last Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese authorities appear to be softening their stance on the fate of TikTok, possibly paving the way for ByteDance to begin talks with American investors, according to a report by the Post earlier this week, citing people familiar with the matter. Beijing is seeing the value of a fair arrangement for the sake of improving the bilateral relationship with Trump, according to the report. 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. A woman in California has been arrested after 27 horses were found dead across multiple properties, authorities have confirmed. On Wednesday, Jan. 22, deputies from the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office along with Animal Services officers "executed a search warrant in Clements, Calif., in regards to an ongoing animal neglect investigation," police said in a Facebook post. "Multiple properties were searched. During the operation, several malnourished horses were discovered on the premises with limited access to any food or water and approximately 27 deceased horses were located," the sheriff's office added, alongside multiple photos of the animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police stated that 16 horses had been rescued and were "now in the care of professionals at the Oakdale Equine Rescue who will ensure they receive proper nutrition, medical attention, and rehabilitation," but sadly four horses and a bull "had to be euthanized due to their extreme neglect." Officers confirmed Jan Johnson, of Clements, had been arrested and booked into the San Joaquin County jail and was now facing charges including cruelty to an animal and threatening a public official. San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office Facebook Jan Johnson Jan Johnson She's also charged with criminal threats and possession of a short-barrel shotgun, police confirmed in the post. "Our Animal Services Officers, along with veterinarians who were at the scene, immediately began to triage and evaluate the condition of the horses," officers said of the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Animal services officers and veterinarians are still currently evaluating additional horses and animals due to the size of the property," authorities added on Wednesday, insisting that they are "committed to protecting the welfare of all animals in our community and will continue to investigate this matter." San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office Facebook 16 horses were rescued during the search by police 16 horses were rescued during the search by police 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. Police thanked officers and the Animal Services team "for their dedication and swift action in addressing this situation," as well as the Oakdale Equine Rescue team "for their incredible support" amid the investigation. The San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office and the Oakdale Equine Rescue team did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Read the original article on People California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) said in an interview that it would be a great mistake to put conditions on federal disaster aid for victims of the ravaging wildfires. I respectfully submit that that will be a great mistake to put any conditions on aid to a state thats suffering from a natural disaster. Its a time-honored tradition for the president and the federal administration to provide aid when states are in need, Bonta said during his Thursday appearance on NewsNations show The Hill. Bonta added that the president has a responsibility to make sure both Democrat and Republican-leaning states receive equal treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president ran for president to be the president of the United States of America, not just the red states of America. Doesnt matter what party preference the state has, he said. When President Biden was the president, he provided disaster relief immediately to Florida, to Texas when they faced devastating hurricanes that was very appropriate, the right thing to do. So I hope that tradition is continued forward. Some Republican lawmakers in Washington, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), have suggested in recent days that the disaster assistance intended for the Golden State should come with strings attached, drawing pushback from not just Democrats, but from members of their party who represent California in Congress. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) said on Jan. 14 that Californians are entitled to receive federal disaster assistance in the same manner as all Americans, adding that some federal policy changes may be needed to expedite rebuilding as well as improve future wildfire prevention. Those kind of policies are not conditions. Trump threatened to withhold aid to California if the states officials dont alter the way they manage water, telling Fox News Sean Hannity on Wednesday that he does not think we should give California anything until they let the water run down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president is set to travel to California on Friday. The same day, he will be in North Carolina to visit the western part of the state that was heavily damaged during Hurricane Helene. Bonta said he was grateful for Trumps planned trip to California and he hopes the president will provide emergency aid without any conditions. I think when the president comes hell see the devastation, the destruction, the damage, the human tragedy, Bonta said on Thursday. Hell see that these are Americans in need of support from their government and from their president. The wildfires in the Los Angeles area have killed at least 28 people. The regions biggest blazes, the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, are still active while the Hughes Fire, the more recent outbreak, has forced evacuation orders for tens of thousands of residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group which also owns The Hill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. They found wedding rings, luxury watches, jewelry and family heirlooms 700 pieces of stolen property estimated to be worth about $1 million. Authorities made the haul after executing search warrants throughout Northern and Central California, recovering items police say were stolen by a sophisticated ring of burglars who targeted Bay Area Asian American households. At a news conference Wednesday, San Jose officials announced the arrests of three people suspected of being members of that ring. Authorities linked the suspects to nearly 80 burglaries since June in West San Jose, Cupertino, Saratoga, Campbell and Mountain View. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a good day after many months of bad news, of fear, frustration and anger, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said. For roughly six months, our AAPI community in the West San Jose region has lived in fear as home after home has been broken into and residents have wondered if they were next. Alberto Ibarra Vallejo, 25; Gonzalo Valencia Ramos, 28; and Jaime Martinez Arroyo, 46, were arrested Jan. 16 by San Jose police detectives and special operations team members, who were assisted by Stockton police SWAT officers, according to San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph. Calls to representatives of the accused were not returned. Each is being held without bail, and all are due back in court Feb. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Nighttime raiders of dispensaries across California are nabbed in operation Sticky Fingers Joseph counted 78 burglaries, including 30 in San Jose, 20 in Mountain View, 18 in Cupertino and Saratoga and 10 in Campbell. The trio were charged with 72 counts of burglary, Santa Clara County Dist. Atty. Jeff Rosen said. These crimes have deeply impacted our communities, instilling fear and preying on many vulnerable families, Joseph said at the news conference. The police chief said one of the reasons the crimes persisted was because area authorities including the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Department and the Mountain View and Campbell police departments had been investigating the crimes individually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt until sheriffs detectives recognized one of the suspects on a doorbell camera that a wider investigation was conducted, he said. Extensive surveillance and search warrants conducted by San Jose PD led us to uncover additional suspects involved in this prolific burglary operation, Joseph said. The men are part of a crew that methodically cased neighborhoods and targeted AAPI households, Joseph said. Read more: 'Pig butchering' crypto scheme costs San Jose man $170,000. Scammers wanted even more, prosecutors say They believed that those were homes where they would find a lot of valuables," Joseph said, "and it would be worth their time to break into those homes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The burglars allegedly eschewed large items such as televisions or electronics in favor of jewelry, cash and high-end purses. They also nabbed foreign currency, Joseph said. For San Jose residents and for many others in Santa Clara County, few crimes damage our sense of security and peace like a home invasion, said San Jose City Councilmember Rosemary Kamei. I live in the neighborhood. I understand. I felt the same fear and concern as all of the residents have experienced. Joseph said five firearms were also recovered in the searches, including three that had been reported stolen. Detectives were still investigating whether there were additional members of this crew who were not yet identified. Joseph added that it was possible the number of burglaries tied to the three men would increase in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities also said enhanced charges of hate crimes would probably be added. 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. Pot calling the kettle black So, our new president wants to go after criminals. He wants to go after illegal immigrants. He wants to go after anybody whos breaking the law, including government officials who fail to report such things. Well, isnt that kind of like the kettle calling the pot black? Its disgusting As a veteran and a 30-year police officer, I find Trumps commutation of the sentences of the Jan. 6 rioters disgusting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Try convincing us now In Governor Kehoes inauguration speech, he said hed make it easier to be a cop than a criminal. Try convincing us of that after criminals who attacked D.C. cops were pardoned by the new president. Making up lies For those that are saying that Trump didnt put his hand on the Bible, that is on John Roberts. He started that swearing in before Melania Trump even had a chance to get up there with the Bibles. There were two Bibles that he was going to put his hands on, but John Roberts started it before she even got up. So dont say he was afraid to put his hand on the Bible. Quit making up lies. NICOSIA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus and Egypt have reached an agreement to export natural gas from Cypriot fields in the eastern Mediterranean for liquefaction at Egyptian plants, President Nikos Christodoulides announced on Friday. In a statement on X, Christodoulides confirmed plans to sign the agreement with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in Cairo on Feb. 17. The agreement covers the exploitation of two key Cypriot gas fields: Saturn, off Cyprus's southwest coast, and Aphrodite, located to the southeast. Natural gas from these fields will be transported to Egyptian liquefaction facilities at Idku and Damietta, near Alexandria, before being exported as liquefied natural gas (LNG) to third countries, according to Papanastasiou. Egyptian Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi emphasized the strategic significance of the agreement, which he said bolsters Egypt-Cyprus cooperation. "This deal unlocks the potential of Cypriot natural gas and maximizes Egypt's infrastructure through a clear, fast-tracked action plan," Badawi noted. The two fields are estimated to contain about four trillion cubic feet of natural gas each. This development reinforces the eastern Mediterranean's role as a burgeoning natural gas hub, with Cyprus's Aphrodite field among the region's most prominent reserves. Supporters of Cornelius Taylor the Black man who officials say was killed on Jan. 17 by a construction vehicle clearing an encampment of unhoused people in Atlantas Auburn Avenue neighborhood are demanding city policy changes following his horrific demise. Atlanta City Council member Liliana Bakhtiari introduced a resolution Thursday calling for officials to pause demolition of other camps while authorities review their procedures to ensure what happened to Taylor never occurs again. Authorities, including the office of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, havent provided details about how Taylor died. Activists and clergy members working with Taylors family say he was crushed by a bulldozer clearing unhoused peoples tents on Old Wheat Street across from Ebenezer Baptist Church, the house of worship once led by Martin Luther King Jr. They attempted to hand deliver a letter to Dickens office Thursday afternoon, but were denied access by several Atlanta Police officers who blocked their path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the mayors office said he wasnt present when the standoff occurred and that activists declined to show up to a previously planned meeting with the mayor. Taylors death has raised questions about the citys policies regarding unhoused people, how Black political elites view those experiencing homelessness, and an ongoing affordable housing crisis that has disproportionately affected Black residents. Advocates suspect Atlanta officials wanted to clear the encampment ahead of the citys annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade on Monday because they felt it was an eyesore. The tragic irony of Taylor losing his life in such a manner ahead of King Day across from the civil rights legends former church home wasnt lost on community activist Derrick Boazman, who spoke during a press conference outside City Hall on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unmitigated gall, on the eve before Dr. Kings celebration, that well stand in a church pulpit and talk about the plight of the poor, and right across the street we ran over a man with a bulldozer, Boazman said. Theres something wrong with this city when we do that. A man outside Atlanta City Hall holds up a protest sign in support of Cornelius Taylor on Thursday. (Chauncey Alcorn/Capital B) Darlene Chaney, who was raised with Taylor and referred to him as her big brother, told council members that the 47-year-old man was not just a nobody. He was a somebody to me, my family and a lot of his friends, Chaney said during the public comment period of the councils Thursday meeting. Being homeless doesnt mean that nobody cares for you. Bakhtiari said the city hasnt indicated who authorized the clearing of Taylors encampment. She also said she supports firing whoever failed to ensure no one was present in the tents before the camp was destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has to be accountability, Bakhtiari said. We have to do a full-blown investigation. We need to find out who was responsible for directing this. Bernice King, CEO of The King Center and the youngest of Martin Luther King Jr.s four children, acknowledged Taylors death on Monday with a moment of silence before delivering her King Day remarks at Ebenezer. Mayor Dickens said he was saddened by Taylors death in a statement provided to Capital B Atlanta. I care deeply about each and every life in this city, Dickens said. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dickens told those who attended the King Day ceremony at Ebenezer on Monday that Taylors death was a heartbreaking, terrible incident. It serves as a constant reminder, a humbling and solemn reminder, that Dr. Kings beloved community is still under construction, Dickens added. The post Calls to End Encampment Sweeps Grow After Killing of Cornelius Taylor appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. NASCARs fastest drivers are coming to Atlanta in the early portion of the 2025 schedule. The NASCAR Cup Series will run the Ambetter Health 400 at 2 p.m. (CT) on Sunday, Feb. 23 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Tickets are on sale for the entire race weekend on the tracks website. While going to the race is always a blast, camping can be an even more memorable experience. Here are several options fans still have to camp at the Ambetter Health 400 NASCAR race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shop camping for NASCAR Atlanta race weekend Infield camping for Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway Fans are able to check into their exterior camping spots at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17 and must check out by noon on Monday, Feb. 24. Flock Brothers Infield RV Cost: $325. Amenities: Showers, restrooms, security, concierge, shuttle/tram. High Speed Corral Infield Tent Cost: $220. Amenities: Showers, restrooms, security, concierge, shuttle/tram. NOTE: Infield access wristbands will be required to enter the infield. Wristbands are good for the entire weekend and can be purchased in advance by contacting the AMS ticket office. Prices start at $65 and increase to $100 during race week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reserve your infield camping at Atlanta Motor Speedway Exterior camping for Ambetter Health 400 NASCAR weekend Fans are able to check into their exterior camping spots at noon on Monday, Feb. 17 and must check out by noon on Monday, Feb. 24. Legends Premium RV (Dry) Cost: $270. Amenities: Showers, restrooms, concierge. Accessible RV Cost: Call for more details. Amenities: Showers, restrooms, shuttle/tram. Family RV (Dry) Cost: $170. Amenities: Showers, restrooms, security, concierge. Legends RV (Dry) Cost: $170. Amenities: Showers, restrooms, concierge. Legends Tent Cost: $145. Amenities: Showers, restrooms, concierge. Family Tent Cost: $120. Amenities: Showers, restrooms, security, concierge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unreserved RV Cost: $105. Amenities: Showers, restrooms, concierge. Unreserved Tent Cost: $105. Amenities: Showers, restrooms, concierge. Reserve your campground at Atlanta Motor Speedway Complimentary Mobile Service for Atlanta NASCAR race weekend As the Official RV Partner of Speedway Motorsports, the THOR Family of Companies will celebrate Speedway Motorsports NASCAR weekend. THOR will offer Complimentary Mobile Service to RV campers in Speedway Motorsports owned campgrounds. Service pre-registration is limited to owners of RVs manufactured by the THOR Family of Companies. This service is powered by Campers INN RV, once registered you will be contacted by a representative of Campers Inn to discuss repair and appointment times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fans can register for service on the track's website. Camping at Atlanta Motor Speedway can create long-lasting memories for NASCAR fans. Make sure to reserve your spot today before they're all gone. Shop Ambetter Health 400 NASCAR tickets at Atlanta We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesnt influence our coverage. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How to reserve camping, RV for NASCAR Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta By Wa Lone TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada will cap the number of international students allowed to enter the country for a second year in a row in 2025, as the government continues to try to ease pressure on housing, healthcare and other services. Canada will issue 437,000 study permits this year, a 10% reduction from 2024, according to a Friday statement from the immigration ministry. The country introduced a cap on new international student permits in 2024 after population growth in recent years was seen as aggravating a housing shortage. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has announced he will resign in March, had pledged to reduce immigration levels in recent months as polls showed less support for newcomers in Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Canada issued more than 650,000 study permits to foreign students, according to government data, taking the number of international students in the country to a record of more than a million, roughly triple the number who entered the country a decade ago. Rapid population growth fueled by immigration has put pressure on services, like healthcare and education, and has helped drive up housing costs. However, international students contribute significantly higher tuition fees compared to domestic students. In response to last year's implementation of the international student cap, most study permit applicants must now submit a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter. This year, master's and post-doctoral students also will need the letters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These attestation letters are intended to confirm that students are included within the federal government's international student cap. (Reporting by Wa Lone; Editing by Caroline Stauffer and Bill Berkrot) President Donald Trump has reportedly canceled a federal security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, capping a week full of stripping protections from political opponents. CNN shared that the former head of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases had his security detail revoked on Thursday night. Fauci was the face of Trump's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was commended by Trump for his work on the vaccine creation program, Operation Warp Speed. Trump has soured on the public health figure as his base has turned on the idea of vaccinations. After Trump lost re-election in 2020, Fauci became the subject of even darker conspiracy theories and threats. Former President Joe Biden pardoned Fauci in his final hours in office after GOP figures called for prosecution against the top doctor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fauci is one of several former Trump administration alumni-turned-critics who have lost their security details this week. Facing death threats from Iran, Mike Pompeo and John Bolton also found themselves sans protection at the outset of Trump's second term. Potential threats to Faucis safety are largely domestic, coming from pro-Trump extremists who heavily protested his pandemic response. "When you work for government, at some point you're security detail comes off," Trump said of the move when speaking to reporters on Friday. "You can't have 'em forever." Trump added that he wouldnt feel responsible if Bolton, Fauci or Pompeo were harmed. The president implored his former advisers to hire their own private security. "They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security, too," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who was the target of two assassination attempts on the campaign trail, joked that he could "give them some good numbers of very good security people." REPORTER: Would you feel partially responsible if something was to happen to Fauci or John Bolton? TRUMP: No. They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security ... certainly I would not take responsibility pic.twitter.com/loCDwnq8iI Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 24, 2025 Fauci hired private security shortly after learning Trump had scrapped his government-issued detail, according to Reuters. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Capitol police are investigating after a man was stabbed in the arm. The incident occurred at a home on North West Street just after 10:35 a.m. on Friday, January 24. Man collapses at Jackson gas station after being shot: police Bailey Martin, press secretary for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS), said Capitol police discovered that a man had been stabbed in his forearm. He was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Martin, a woman was taken into custody at the scene and is being questioned. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. SYDNEY (Reuters) - A statue in Sydney of British explorer James Cook, captain of the first Western ship to reach the east coast of Australia, was sprayed with red paint and damaged two days before Australia's national day, authorities said on Friday. It was the second time the statue has been defaced and vandalised in the last year. Police said that they had begun an investigation and that several items had been found near the statue. Local councillor Carolyn Martin said the vandals may have scaled a fence around the statue using a ladder, which they left behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's an absolute mess," Martin told radio station 2GB. "They have splattered paint all over it, then they have managed to get to the top of the statue and they've knocked his hand off and also part of his face and nose." For many Indigenous Australians, who trace their lineage on the continent back 50,000 years and make up about 4% of the country's population of 27 million, the Australia Day holiday is known as Invasion Day, symbolising the destruction of their cultures by European settlers. Many Indigenous groups want Australia to drop celebrations or move the date, which marks the anniversary of the arrival of the British First Fleet in 1788. Every year on Jan. 26, protesters rally against the mistreatment of Indigenous people, who are by most socio-economic measures the most disadvantaged people in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A survey by the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper on Friday showed the support to keep Jan. 26 as Australia's national day surged to 61% from 47% over the past two years, signalling a shift in voters' sentiment. (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Gerry Doyle) A statue of James Cook, the captain of the first Western ship to reach the east coast of Australia, has been sprayed with red paint and damaged two days before the countrys national day. It is the second time that the statue in Sydney has been defaced and vandalised in the last year. Police said that they had begun an investigation and that several items had been found near the statue. Carolyn Martin, a local councillor, said the vandals may have scaled a fence around the statue using a ladder, which they left behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Martin told radio station 2GB: Its an absolute mess. They have splattered paint all over it, then they have managed to get to the top of the statue and theyve knocked his hand off and also part of his face and nose. The statue dates back to 1874 and was previously targeted in February last year, when it was again covered with red paint and had parts of its sandstone damaged. The damage took a month to fix. Other statues of the British explorer across Australia have been vandalised. In 2024, one in Melbourne was pulled down just before Australia day, while its plinth was spray-painted with the words the colony will fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years earlier the same statue had been splashed with red paint, while in 2018 it was graffitied with the words no pride and had an Aboriginal flag placed next to it, according to the BBC. Cook, who was born in 1728 in the Yorkshire village of Marton, first went to sea at the age of 18, on coal ships in the North Sea. By night, he studied mathematics. Following a spell in the Navy, during which he learnt to survey, he was marked for advancement. When the Royal Society was looking for a commander for the first scientific expedition to the Pacific, Cook was the obvious choice. He was hailed as one of the greatest sailors, navigators and explorers ever to sail from the shores of England. The statue dates back to 1874 - DAN HIMBRECHTS/Shutterstock More recently, Cooks reputation has come into question. He claimed the eastern coast of Australia for the British Empire and by mapping the Pacific, it is said, he guided subsequent generations of European visitors to its shores, helping usher in all the ills of colonialism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many Indigenous Australians, who trace their lineage on the continent back 50,000 years and make up about 4 per cent of the countrys population of 27 million, the Australia Day holiday is known as Invasion Day, symbolising the destruction of their cultures by European settlers. Many Indigenous groups want Australia to drop celebrations or move the date, which marks the anniversary of the arrival of the British First Fleet in 1788. Every year on Jan 26, protesters rally against the mistreatment of Indigenous people, who are by most socio-economic measures the most disadvantaged people in the country. But a survey by the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper on Friday showed that the support to keep Jan 26 as Australias national day surged to 61 per cent from 47 per cent over the past two years, signalling a shift in voters sentiment. 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. (CANON CITY, Colo.) The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) announced it plans to begin the demolition of the Captains House at the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility (CTCF) on Monday, Jan. 27. The Captains House is located between the Museum of Colorado Prisons and the Associate Wardens House (the turret house) and has long been a part of the correctional facility property. The house has been deemed structurally unsafe and poses significant safety risks. The building has remained closed to the public due to these concerns and does not hold a formal historical designation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the deteriorating conditions prevent it from preservation, the CDOC has collaborated with the Museum of Colorado Prisons to preserve items of historical significance from the house. The artifacts have been transferred to the museum to ensure that the legacy of the Captains House is honored and available for public education. When the demolition is complete, the land will be leased to the Museum of Colorado Prisons, which plans to turn the area into a green space for visitors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. BAGHDAD, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Border Guards Command said on Friday that it had killed two militants of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) near the Iraqi-Turkish border in response to the group's earlier attack. In a statement, the command said that it had dispatched reinforcements to the scene and killed two PKK militants after cordoning off the area in search of the attackers. Earlier in the day, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said that PKK militants opened fire on the Iraqi border guards who were tasked with securing the Iraqi-Turkish border area near the town of Zakho in Duhok province, killing two border guards and wounding one. Iraq considers the PKK a banned organization and does not allow it to operate on its territory. The PKK is considered a terrorist organization by Turkiye, and its presence in northern Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan Region, has been a source of tension between Iraq, Turkiye, and the Kurdish authorities in Iraq. Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen, a Republican, delivers her reelection victory speech on Nov. 5, 2024, in Sioux Falls. (Photo by Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight) A company hoping to build a carbon dioxide pipeline wants a court to disqualify a South Dakota regulator from considering the projects permit application, due to an alleged conflict of interest. Iowa-based Summit Carbon Solutions filed a legal action Thursday in Hughes County court. The company wants an order forcing Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen to recuse herself, or an order requiring her to appear and explain why the court shouldnt impose such an order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summit said Fiegen has family connections to land that would be crossed by the pipeline. That land is in McCook County and is owned by a trust that includes Fiegens sister-in-law, Jean Fiegen-Ordal, as a trustee. Summit said it has paid Fiegen-Ordal and her husband a total of $88,755 for an easement and for potential damages caused by the project. An easement is an agreement granting access to land. Summit said in a press release that Fiegens family ties create an unavoidable conflict of interest. The company is proposing a $9 billion, five-state pipeline to capture some of the carbon dioxide emitted by 57 ethanol plants and transport it for underground storage in North Dakota. The project has received permits in Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota, while Nebraska does not have a permitting process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission rejected Summits first application in 2023. Fiegen recused herself from considering that application, due to the same sister-in-laws ownership of land on the proposed pipeline route. A Public Utilities Commissioner may not participate in a proceeding in which the Commissioner has a conflict of interest, Fiegen wrote in a letter at the time. Given this familial relationship, I am regretfully disqualifying myself from participation in this proceeding. Since Summit reapplied last year, Fiegen has refused to recuse herself, saying in a letter to Summit, I do not have a legal conflict. I am sitting on the docket. The letter did not put Summit at ease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Fiegens letter refusing to disqualify herself, Summits legal action says, offers no explanation why the fact of her close family members ownership of land crossed by the proposed pipeline does not constitute a conflict of interest. Summit also said Fiegens involvement could open the door to appeals and litigation, potentially delaying the permitting process. South Dakota law leaves conflicts of interests for public utilities commissioners undefined. It says if a commissioner determines that the commissioner has a conflict, the commissioner should file a recusal letter. Fiegen has refused to comment publicly on the matter beyond her official letters. Public Utilities Commission spokesperson Leah Mohr has said ex parte rules bar Fiegen from discussing the matter. Those rules prohibit direct communication with commissioners about dockets theyre considering. This story was originally published by South Dakota Searchlight, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seth Tupper for questions: info@southdakotasearchlight.com. HARRISONVILLE, Mo. The Cass County Sheriffs Office unveiled plans for a law enforcement memorial on the 159th anniversary of their first line of duty deaths. The department hopes to have it complete by the 30th anniversary of their most recent death, Deputy Kevin Mayse. I remember giving him a hug and the last words I ever heard him say was, Love you, sweetheart. And I watched him walk out the door, his daughter Brandy Whitten said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a night the then 12-year-old will always remember, but so will Cass County Major Kevin Tieman. I remember that night very clearly. As a young dispatcher a young employee of the Sheriffs Office and that has guided me through my years of law enforcement, Major Tieman said. Not just 1, but 4: Victims of Independence fire share emotions of loved ones killed Mayse died following a crash chasing a suspect on June 13, 1995. Etchings from his engraving at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial hang inside the Cass County Sheriffs Office. Now Cass County plans to have a law enforcement memorial outside the sheriffs office. The large black stone would also include the names of a pair of deputies killed in 1866 attempting to arrest a man for murder. A brick walkway will help fund the project and honor anyone who served at the Cass County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It gives us an important piece to recognize that not only just my dad but other law enforcement that put on that badge, they sacrifice so much to do something to help protect the people and community, Whitten said. For years after Mayses death, the Cass County Sheriffs Office worked with legislators to enact a law making fleeing from cops at a high rate of speed a felony in Missouri. The bill later named Valentines Law passed last year. Any pursuit is dangerous to the deputy, to the public, to the suspect thats driving the car. If we can decrease the occurrences that happens that keeps us all safer, Tieman said. Though it wont bring back a father to any of the Mayse children, including one born a month after his death, for Brandy the law and the proposed memorial mean a lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its still hard 30 years later. Yeah it gets easier as the years go by but its still hard because of everything that Ive missed and it was just taken away, she said. Information about purchasing engraved bricks is available here. The deadline to order is April 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. An application has been filed with the City of Milwaukee to honor Cecilia Gilbert a longtime City Hall worker known to many as "The Queen" with a downtown street sign. Gilbert, who died in August at 75, held positions at the Department of Public Works, Department of City Development, Common Council and other city jobs. Her career with the city spanned 38 years, and she remained deeply involved in her community after retirement. The proposal requests an honorary street name sign reading "Cecilia 'The Queen' Gilbert" to be placed along North Jefferson Street from East Wells Street to East Kilbourn Avenue, the western border of Cathedral Square Park. The application was filed on Dec. 20 by Cathedral Square Friends president David Reid. It awaits approval from the Common Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reid's application says that Gilbert lived across the street from Cathedral Square, and "much of her socializing and networking took place on Jefferson Street near the Square." She served on the boards of Cathedral Square Friends and other local organizations. "She was a valued member of Cathedral Square Friends, and we would like to memorialize her with an honorary street sign in her neighborhood," the application said. Cecilia Gilbert worked at City Hall for almost 40 years Cecilia Gilbert's career at City Hall spanned nearly 40 years. Known for her vivacious personality, Gilbert's nickname was "The Queen." She died in August 2024 in Milwaukee at the age of 75. Gilbert was born in Arkansas in 1949 and moved to Milwaukee in the early 1960s. She attended Wells Junior High and West Division High School before earning two bachelor's degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In 1976, she began her career as an analyst at the Milwaukee Commission on Community Relations. Her duties included conducting diversity training workshops, investigating discrimination complaints and serving as the commission's spokeswoman on TV and radio programs, according to her resume. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gilbert reprised that role as media spokeswoman in other city jobs most prominently at the Department of Public Works. She worked there from 2001 through 2017, serving as permits and communications manager and business liaison. Her DPW tasks included coordinating the department's role in such events as Bastille Days, City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the St. Patrick's Day Parade; helping accommodate businesses during street construction projects, and answering questions from journalists on topics that included clearing streets after big snowfalls, complaints about parking restrictions and City Hall's facade repairs. Gilbert remained active at City Hall after retiring from the DPW. In 2021, she was appointed by Mayor Tom Barrett to the Administrative Review Board of Appeals. The board reviews appeals from Milwaukee residents, business operators and property owners on such things as litter fees and building reinspection fees. Gilbert served on several civic boards, including the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Lakefront Festival of the Arts, Pabst Mansion and Visit Milwaukee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Cecilia, embraced as 'Milwaukee's Queen,' was known for her magnanimous personality and for 'getting things done,'" the application said. More: Opinion: Milwaukee's ever-changing street names have long been a way to express civic pride This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Cecilia Gilbert honorary street sign proposed for Cathedral Square JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) The Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID) Court held an opening ceremony on Friday, January 24. The new court is located at 201 South Jefferson Street in Jackson. The CCID Court will officially open for business at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 27. Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph announced judicial appointments to the CCID Court. James Holland and Stanley Alexander are full-time judges of the CCID Court, and Christopher Collins will serve as a part-time judge. All live in Jackson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NAACP ended its lawsuit that challenged a decision by the Mississippi Legislature to create a new state court in Jackson. The NAACP ends its challenge over Mississippi creating a new court in majority-Black capital city The civil rights group and local residents sued the state in 2023 to try to block creation of a court in the CCID, an area that includes downtown and other parts of Jackson with state government buildings and affluent shopping areas. The NAACP originally argued that the new court would undermine democracy because Jackson voters or local elected officials would not choose the judge or prosecutors. State law says the court will have a judge appointed by the state Supreme Court chief justice and prosecutors appointed by the state attorney general. The current chief justice and attorney general are both white and conservative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Tate Reeves (R-Miss.) and legislators who created the new court say it is part of an effort to control crime in Jackson. The CCID will have the same power as municipal courts, which handle misdemeanor cases, traffic violations and initial appearances for some criminal charges. People convicted in most municipal courts face time in a local jail. Those convicted in the new court will be held in a state prison, near people convicted of more serious felony crimes. Most municipal judges are appointed by city officials. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Clark County School District Board of Trustees approved Thursday night paying out nearly $13 million to settle three lawsuits. However, one of those settlements is causing backlash. One million dollars was awarded to the families of two students at Durango High School involved in an incident with a CCSD police officer. CCSD to consider settling nearly $13 million in lawsuits The video showed the officer taking a student to the ground at Durango High in Feb. of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district said that the footage shows no rights were violated. Adam Levine, the general counsel for the Police Officers Association of the Clark County School District, told 8 News Now theyre disgusted by the settlement. To pay this kind of money when nothing wrong was done, absolutely boggles my mind, Levine said. The district should be ashamed of itself, and whoever made the decision to do this. Somebody should look at firing them. The ACLU of Nevada represented the two Durango High School students in the lawsuit. The group issued a statement Thursday night. CCSD has spent the last two years working to avoid accountability for attacking our clients, ACLU Legal Director Chris Peterson said. We hope tonights settlement will help our clients and their families on their way to healing and peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Even before the first phase is completed, the fragile cease-fire agreement that has paused 15 months of war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas faces increasingly long odds of lasting or even reaching phase 2. The deal drafted by the Biden administration last year, negotiated for months with Qatar and Egypt, and finally last week pushed over the finish line with help from Trump representatives stopped Israeli bombardment of the coastal enclave, freed the first three of several dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas and released 90 of thousands of Palestinians being held by Israel. Up to 30 more Israeli hostages and several hundred Palestinians are due to be freed in this first phase of the cease-fire, before a second phase is scheduled to start in six weeks. At that point, negotiations for a permanent end to the conflict are supposed to commence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there are growing signs the second phase, which would also require the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, will never happen. Here are some of the reasons. Trump will be more hands-off than Biden President Trump helped push the cease-fire agreement ahead of his inauguration. He said he wanted the conflict off his plate. But on his first day in office, Trump signaled a hands-off approach to the conflict. "It's not our war, it's their war," he told reporters. Significantly, he said he was "not confident" the cease-fire would last. Without strong U.S. pressure to keep cease-fire talks going, chances of ever reaching phase 2 look dim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is also staunchly pro-Israel, making it more difficult for the U.S. to mediate. Rather than try to restrain Israel from using violence, in the past Trump has appeared to encourage it. Last year he urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "do what it takes" to end the conflict. His administration appointees are also ardent supporters of Israel who have openly questioned Palestinians' right to sovereignty. His pick to be ambassador to Israel is former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, an evangelical Christian who has said there is "no such thing" as a Palestinian and opposes creation of a sovereign Palestinian state. And on Tuesday, Trump's choice for the U.S. ambassadorship at the United Nations, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), testified at her Senate confirmation that she agreed with Israeli officials who contend that Israel has a "biblical right" to the land, including all of the occupied West Bank, Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, much of which is claimed by the Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where Trump's interest in the Middle East remains strong, however, is in Saudi Arabia. He badly wants to broker an accord that would open diplomatic ties and lucrative business deals between Saudi Arabia and Israel. But Saudi Arabia is now demanding any deal be conditioned on a "credible path" for Palestinians to establish an independent state, something Trump has long shunned. Israel under pressure at home to keep attacking Gaza Netanyahu is under pressure from right-wing members of his coalition government to resume bombardment of the Gaza Strip until Hamas is destroyed. Several have said they received assurances from Netanyahu that after the first phase of the truce ends, Israeli troops and fighter jets will once again launch in and over Gaza. Once hostages are released in the first phase, Netanyahu may have strong political incentives to resume fighting. The next releases are to come Saturday, when Hamas has indicated that four more female captives will be handed over. Netanyahu, who now holds the narrowest of majorities in the Knesset, or parliament, needs to stave off defections because the collapse of his government makes him vulnerable to a criminal court case against him on corruption charges, which he has been able to place largely on hold because of the ongoing war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Netanyahu this week intensified Israeli attacks on the occupied West Bank. These operations, which have already claimed numerous Palestinian lives, came after Trump revoked Biden administration sanctions on radical Jewish settlers who have rampaged through the West Bank destroying property and killing a number of Palestinian residents. Not only has Netanyahu refused to countenance an eventual independent Palestinian state, he repeatedly ignored pleas from U.S. and Arab mediators over the last year to plan for a postwar Gaza Strip system of governance. In the last few days, Netanyahu has also been at pains to publicly minimize any role in Gazas governance for the Palestinian Authority, which has limited ruling powers in the occupied West Bank. Pressure on Netanyahu also comes from more moderate Israelis who generally support a cease-fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some say they find agreed-to Palestinian prisoner releases an extremely heavy price to pay. The 90 Palestinian detainees and prisoners who were freed Sunday were women and minors, but upcoming releases of some 1,900 more are expected to include adult men who carried out deadly attacks on Israeli civilians. Hamas still alive but weakened When the Israeli hostages were released Sunday, they were surrounded by masked, armed Hamas militants, wearing green headbands and chanting slogans, who marched through streets no longer under Israeli bombardment. That infuriated many Israelis and undermined Netanyahu's stated objectives of destroying the militant faction. Hamas has cast the cease-fire as a victory and also shows no sign of seeking a lasting detente with Israel. "Gaza, with its great people and its resilience, will rise again to rebuild what the occupation has destroyed and continue on the path of steadfastness until the occupation is defeated," Hamas said in a statement after the cease-fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The militant faction, which has controlled Gaza for nearly two decades, may have finally agreed to sign the cease-fire deal aware that its last chance for any respite would have to come under the Biden administration. As it releases hostages, it loses its sole bargaining chips. If the first phase is completed as planned, it is believed that Hamas will still hold approximately 60 remaining Israeli hostages, both dead and alive. Hamas can certainly continue to fight, but from a weakened position. It has lost some international friends and financial backers, and some of its weapons pipelines have been cut. Iran, for example, is reeling from Israeli and U.S. attacks while its economy tanks. Under Western pressure, Qatar, long the headquarters of Hamas political leadership, has cut some of its ties. The Gaza conflict did raise the Palestinian issue the long struggle for independence after decades of Israeli occupation and repression on the world stage. Most sympathy, however, was directed at Palestinian civilians and not Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas, nevertheless, found an excellent recruiting tool in the vast destruction Israel inflicted on the Gaza Strip. Outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said Hamas had been able to recruit almost as many fighters as it lost. Staff writer Nabih Bulos in Beirut contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Its no secret that teachers often give a lot of their own time and money to make sure their students have all they need to succeed. Thats why LEVO Credit Union in Sioux Falls helps a few educators every year through its Adopt a Classroom program. How a beer can help Brookings businesses after fire Meet Jessica Foley a fifth grade teacher at Terry Redlin Elementary in Sioux Falls with 21 years of experience as an educator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fifth graders are so much fun, Foley said. Theyre spunky, theyve got a little bit of sass but they are still little enough that everything excites them. And Thursday, the kids got excited when their geography lesson was interrupted by a special presentation. Foley was awarded $500 dollars through LEVO Credit Unions Adopt A Classroom program. We wanted to do something to show appreciation for our teachers because they do so much for our community just by guiding the young minds of our future, Jen McKeown, VP of Marketing and Business Development at LEVO Credit Union, said. Foley was nominated for the award by Nick Suridis who occasionally helps out at the school as a volunteer. He says he has seen Foleys passion for the kids first-hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I watch her spend her own money on snacks, on hats, on gloves, on you name it. If the kids need it, she doesnt even think twice about it, she just does it, Suridis said. And, in turn, I watch a bunch of kids love to come to her class. Now she has a little extra money so she can continue helping the kids. Foley says the $500 will go towards project supplies and classroom snacks. Ive said before that when kids are hungry, they are not going to learn, Foley said. In this community and in any community, in a classroom you got to have a full belly. So the money is going to help me provide lots of snacks to keep them full so that theyre learning. LEVO Credit Union started the Adopt A Classroom program in 2014. McKeown says since then they have given away $38,000 to area teachers. She says this year they received 98 nominations for teachers which is the more than ever before. Of those 98, eight teachers were selected to receive the $500 including ones from Watertown and Sioux City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) CenterPoint Energy has started creating state-specific social media pages to better inform local areas about updates. According to a press release from CenterPoint Energy, They have decided to create state-specific accounts on X.com alongside their main account. Indiana, Ohio, Texas, and Minnesota will now have their own accounts in an effort to be able to give more locally relevant information to the communities they cover. Some of the things the accounts plan to cover are company news, energy industry issues, weather updates, energy efficiency tips, emergency response and preparedness topics, outages, and restoration updates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CenterPoint Energy Foundation opens 2025 grant cycle We are always working to listen to our customers, incorporate their feedback into our operations and communications and improve the methods and content we deliver across the states and communities we have the privilege to serve, said Keith Stephens, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer. CenterPoint is proud to deliver electric and gas service to a diverse footprint across the country, and it is critical our customers have an equally diverse set of options in how they receive CenterPoint news. By following these new accounts, customers will continue to receive relevant and timely information impacting their communities at a more targeted, regional level. You can find the new Indiana-based account here. The other social media accounts the company uses such as their Facebook and Nextdoor however will continue to use geotargeting to send precise messages to different areas and their LinkedIn and Instagram will still cover the enterprise as a whole. Customers can still follow the original account on X to follow company-wide updates and highlights from each of the areas they cover. Louisiana and Mississippi will continue to use the main account until the sale of the natural gas assets is complete, which is expected during the first quarter of 2025. 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. CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) Leaders in Centre County shared their plans and goals for the future as part of their Municipal Managers Update event. Patton, Ferguson, Harris, and College Townships along with State College were all represented. They all discussed projects both big and small. A common theme among them was combating traffic and congestion. Patton Township is considering speed enforcement cameras and finding a way to connect I-99 to the State College Airport. Harris Township has the goal of revitalizing the pedestrian side of Boalsburg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two elementary schools closing in Centre County following board vote The goal here would be to identify missing links both in the village as well as to some of the surrounding neighborhoods, and then ultimately apply for grant funding to try and improve our sidewalk network and provide those missing links, Harris Township Manager Mark Boeckel said. Lack of housing was also a big talking point, with State College Borough Manager Tom Fountaine calling it a major issue. College and Patton Townships are also looking at adding more housing options, but they could come with some new regulations. We are working on drafting short-term rental regulations, Patton Township Manager Amy Farkas said. The regulations that were looking at are really aimed at protecting our residential neighborhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zoning issues were also a big focus. Fountaine said they have been working on a revision to State Colleges zoning code since 2017. It has been what he describes as a glacial pace, but he says the new code should be ready in 2025. He says it will be the boroughs single highest priority until it is done. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. All managers encourage anyone with questions to reach out and be involved in the 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) Thursday night, the Champaign County Board approved a 12-month moratorium on carbon sequestration to protect the Mahomet Aquifer. Supporters of the moratorium said this will give the county time to develop zoning regulations and to evaluate zoning amendments to protect the aquifer. UPDATE: Champaign Co. Board committee approves public hearing on carbon capture ban The County Board is taking a prudent and necessary step to ensure were prioritizing public health and safety, said Pam Richart, Co-Director of Eco-Justice Collaborative. This moratorium gives us the time we need to put in place regulations that protect our water for future generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The moratorium has gained both local and state-wide support. I commend the Champaign County Board for establishing a temporary moratorium on carbon sequestration projects in the Mahomet Aquifer, said Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin. This is an important step toward protecting our sole source of drinking water. I also appreciate the leadership of Senators Faraci and Rose and Representatives Ammons and Schweizer for their efforts to ban carbon sequestration projects in the entire aquifer. Its as clear as the water we drink: We must protect the quality and quantity of water in our Sole Source Aquifer. Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen said that protecting the Mahomet Aquifer, which is the areas sole source of water, is an important action. I am pleased that the County is putting a moratorium on carbon sequestration in Champaign County, and I appreciate our local legislators acting quickly to file legislation to ban carbon sequestration that would impact the Mahomet Aquifer, Feinen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Champaign County Board votes unanimously to initiate moratorium on carbon capture sequestration State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) and State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) have introduced bills to ban carbon sequestration projects involving sole-source aquifers. Protecting the Mahomet Aquifer is not just about safeguarding drinking water its about ensuring the health, safety and future prosperity of our communities, Faraci said. This moratorium reflects a responsible, community-driven approach to addressing the risks of carbon sequestration. Its a crucial step as we work toward long-term solutions to preserve this valuable resource. Ammons said she supports the County Boards decision to approve a temporary ban on carbon sequestration near the Mahomet Aquifer. And, in agreement with Faraci, that this decision is an important step to take. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This action is necessary to protect our sole source of clean drinking water, and it provides the State of Illinois with additional time to protect our community, Ammons said. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to enact a permanent, lasting ban on corporations endangering our water supply. During the meeting, the council discussed skipping the year ban, and approving a permanent ban instead. While the council eventually decided against that at this time, many on the board seemed in favor of a permanent ban down the road. The 12-month moratorium on carbon sequestration passed with all members voting to approve the ban except for member Carolyn Greer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GOMA, DR Congo, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Violent clashes have been raging since Friday morning between the government troops and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels in the town of Sake and its surroundings in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Loud explosions from hostilities between the DRC military and the M23 have been heard around Sake, a strategically important town regarded as the last barrier to Goma, the capital city of the North Kivu province. A widespread sense of panic has gripped displaced residents in Goma and the surrounding neighborhoods amid ongoing shelling by the M23. Several foreign embassies have issued alerts, advising their citizens to leave North Kivu while airports and borders remain operational. Guillaume Njike Kaiko, spokesperson for the DRC military in North Kivu, said on Friday that the fighting to liberate Sake, now occupied by the M23, is still underway. "We have already halted the enemy's advance toward Goma, and at this moment, we urge the population to remain calm because our armed forces are fully engaged on the front lines against the enemy. We assure you that the army will restore order on the ground," he told Xinhua over the phone. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm over the resumption of hostilities by the M23. According to a statement issued by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric on Thursday, Guterres condemned M23's renewed offensive since the beginning of this year and its expansion into North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, including the recent capture of Sake, which has heightened the threat to Goma. As the offensive has caused devastating losses among the civilian population and increased the risk of a broader regional war, Guterres called on the M23 to immediately cease its offensive, withdraw from all occupied areas, and respect the ceasefire agreement implemented last August. The ongoing conflict has worsened the humanitarian situation in the region, displacing over seven million people. About 237,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of 2025, according to the United Nations. Jan. 24WASHINGTON D.C. Two Youngstown women facing charges stemming from the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, have had their cases dismissed. But the federal judge presiding over their cases made clear the dismissal of the charges "does not constitute a finding of innocence." Wendy Dominski, 55, and Traci Quimby, 54, had faced misdemeanor charges of disorderly and disruptive conduct in the Capitol grounds or buildings, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Federal prosecutors said the women had attempted to illegally stop the certification of President Joseph Biden's 2020 election victory by joining a crowd of rioters who had entered the U.S. Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dismissal of Dominski and Quimby's charges followed a Tuesday filing by lawyers with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia. Federal prosecutors cited an Executive Order, issued on Jan. 20 by President Donald Trump, that granted "pardons and commutation of sentences for certain offenses relating to the events at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021" as the reason for dropping the charges. "We had spoken to the U.S. Attorney and he told us (about the move to dismiss the charges)," said Buffalo defense attorney Thomas Eaonnou, who represented Quimby. "We're just very pleased these charges were dismissed." In his order dismissing the cases, U.S. District Court Judge Christopher R. Cooper seemed slightly less pleased. "A pardon is an act of grace," Cooper wrote. "A pardon does not blot out guilt or expunge a judgment of conviction. Nor does it affect the existence of probable cause for defendants' arrests and prosecutions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eaonnou declined to comment on Cooper's dismissal order. "She's very thankful to President Trump for granting the pardon," Eaonnou said of Quimby. "She's a very patriotic woman who loves her country." Dominski's defense attorney, Herbert Greenman, could not immediately be reached for comment. The two women were first arrested on Sept. 24 by FBI Buffalo Field Office Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) agents after the unsealing of a criminal complaint against them. They were the eighth and ninth Western New Yorkers to be criminally charged in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The criminal complaint included a sworn 16-page affidavit from a JTTF agent that outlined the case against Dominski and Quimby. The agent said the women were identified by a tip and that his investigation involved the review of video captured by security cameras at the Capitol, body cam video from officers of the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, and "open source video taken by journalists and rioters on Jan. 6 as well as social media posts made by Dominski, Quimby and other rioters." The video shows the two women entering the Capitol through doors in the Senate wing of the building. Once inside, the video shows them walking through the Capitol before leaving through a broken window. The agent said the two women are "friends from Youngstown," who in the aftermath of the 2020 election became involved in and traveled to protests of the results and decided to attend the Jan. 6 Stop the Steal rally in D.C. The pair reportedly arrived in Washington on Jan. 4 and "attended multiple election-related protests, some of which Dominski livestreamed on her Facebook page." The affidavit was filled with screen captures from various video sources that correspond to the JTTF agent's description of Dominski and Quimby's activities during the Capitol insurrection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agent said the two women ignored a "blaring alarm" while entering the Capitol building. Once inside, the agent said Quimby approached a rioter with a Confederate flag and took a "puff" from either a "marijuana joint or cigarette." After spending approximately 11 minutes inside the Capitol, the agent said video evidence shows Dominski climbing up on a Senate wing window, smashed by rioters, standing on the outside ledge and raising her hands over her head "as if in triumph." He said Dominski then "danced side-to-side" in the window before being followed out by Quimby. Outside the Capitol, the two women stopped to speak with a journalist who asked them, "How did it go down?" "Got up to the doors, the door got busted out, the windows got busted out, and we barged into our house. It's our house," Dominski said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dominski also told the unidentified journalist that she and Quimby had been "smoked" by tear gas fired by Capitol police. Quimby told the journalist they entered the Capitol because "We told our grandchildren we're not letting this happen." CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Charlotte-area immigration organizations said theyre fielding new questions and concerns after President Donald Trump issued a slew of executive orders on immigration. Trumps orders include declaring an emergency at the border with Mexico and ramping up deportation raids. The president even threw out rules that block raids from happening at schools and churches. Christian Ceron, who helps lead the immigrant justice program for the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, said the callers they have heard from seem fearful and uncertain of what will come next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In general, those calls are more so you know, how will this impact me, how will these new policies, or prospective policies apply to me, or how they will impact me or my family or my family member who is undocumented, Ceron said. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that declared an emergency at the border with Mexico. Lauren Rogers with International House in Charlotte said even people who have up-to-date documentation are taking extra steps. We are starting to hear reports of clients and students who are taking pictures of their documents on their phone that theyre carrying with them everywhere, she said. Even people who are naturalized citizens and who have children that were born here in the United States. While the Trump Administration seems to be placing a priority on raids, Rogers argues more needs to be done to improve the system, noting that many people have been unable to maintain legal status even after entering the country legally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The immigration court here in Charlotte is backlogged with over 140,000 cases. It is currently taking 55 months for people to be issued their green cards, she added. The status of birthright citizenship is also being discussed at length following an executive order that does away with the right. Legal advocates stressed that it is still being litigated in the courts. In fact, on Thursday, a federal judge in Washington state temporarily blocked the order, calling it unconstitutional. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH) Local leaders are urging the states Parole Board to keep a convicted rapist and murderer behind bars for life. James Wales was found guilty of raping and murdering 12-year-old Cheri Lindsey in the basement of his Northside Binghamton home in 1984. Wales has been denied parole five times since 2017, and local leaders want that trend to continue. The Broome County District Attorneys Office held a news conference this morning, encouraging anyone whos able, to write a letter to the board, and voice their opposition to Wales potential parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DA Paul Battisti says parole system is broken, and the Lindsey family shouldnt have to be re-victimized and relive the tragedy when his parole comes up every 2 years. And to this day, he cannot tell anybody why he did what he did, and that is troubling. And I am calling out to the board of parole today to let them know that I see no basis whatsoever, why this individual should be allowed on the street, says Battisti. The DA was joined by Sheriff Fred Akshar, county executive Jason Garnar, and members of the Lindsey family. Cheris older sister, Shelley, says before their father Dave died in 2023, the family promised him that Wales would stay behind bars for as long as theyre alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I keep hearing, James Wales has the right to have a parole hearing every two years, what about my sister? Didnt she have the right to grow up, become the teacher she wanted to be, get married, and have a family? We should have had the right to have her grow up with us. Mr. Wales took that right from her. His actions and his actions alone. He had a choice that day, in March 1984, and he chose to murder my sister, says Wood. Letters must be submitted to the parole board by February 10th. You can submit letters through this link or mail it to 3040 Wende Road in Alden, NY. Use the name James B. Wales, DIN number 84C1060. 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 WIVT - News 34. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) A Chicago man was arrested for his alleged connection to a deadly hit-and-run nearly two weeks ago. Demoriel L. Sims, 36, was booked into the Peoria County Jail on several charges related to the Jan. 13 collision including failing to report an accident that involved a death and failing to render aid or notifying the police, said Semone Roth, a Peoria police spokeswoman. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of all charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers responded to the 2100 block of West Dr. Martin Luther King Drive just after 1 a.m., Jan. 13, on a report of a man who was in the roadway. When they arrived, they found Quentin M. Shinkle, 38, in the street with injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. He was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died Jan. 18. Peoria County Coroner IDs man who died after a hit-and-run in South Peoria Peoria detectives eventually identified Sims as a suspect. On Thursday, he was taken to the police department for questioning and then arrested. He is currently being held in the Peoria County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 6 p.m., no formal charges had been filed in Peoria County Circuit Court. It is possible Sims could appear in court on Friday. This story 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 CIProud.com. New information has confirmed that it was Secret Service Agents who went to the Chicago school. CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) Administrators at a Chicago school said on Friday they barred U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who showed up at the school on Friday morning. According to Chicago Public Schools chief education officer Bogdana Chkoubova, agents were present at Hamline School but did not make any arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier today, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents showed up at Hamline Elementary School, Chkoumbova said during a press conference. School staff followed CPS established protocols. They kept ICE agents outside of the school and contacted CPS law department and CPS Office of Safety and Security for further guidance. The ICE agents were not allowed into the school and were not permitted to speak to any students or staff members. Here is the bottom line, our students and staff are safe. Our protocols were followed. I am very grateful to all of our Hamline staff here for upholding all of our protocols and ensuring the safety of our students. We will not open our doors for ICE, and we are here to protect our children and make sure they have access to an excellent education. We stand in solidarity with our families and the Back of the Yards community, Principal Natasha Ortega said. The Department of Homeland Security released a statement Thursday, in response to President Donald Trumps executive order that allows immigration agents to make arrests at churches, hospitals, and schools. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense, the department said. The Biden-Harris Administration abused the humanitarian parole program to indiscriminately allow 1.5 million migrants to enter our country. This was all stopped on day one of the Trump Administration. This action will return the humanitarian parole program to its original purpose of looking at migrants on a case-by-case basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE), the agency reported more than 460 arrests in a time period spanning Tuesday to Wednesday in a nationwide effort that included Illinois, Utah, California, Minnesota, New York, Florida, and Maryland. Those arrested had criminal histories, including sexual assault, robbery, drug and weapons charges, and domestic violence, the agency said. ICE also issued 420 detainer requests, which request that jails notify ICE when undocumented individuals are released from custody. On Tuesday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said about 2,000 migrants could be deported from the Chicago area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker said at a press conference this week, If there are violent criminals who have been convicted of crimes who are undocumented, they are supposed to be deported. I dont want them in my state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Jan. 23The newest members of Congress from Washington were officially welcomed to the state's delegation on Thursday with the ceremonial transfer of "The Chick," a famously ugly painting that has been passed down among the Evergreen State's congressional greenhorns for half a century. The bipartisan tradition began when then-Rep. Joel Pritchard, a Republican who is credited with inventing the now-viral sport of pickleball, was first elected to represent Washington's 1st Congressional District in 1972. After a friend bought the painting as a gift for Pritchard at a charity auction, the congressman who "wasn't particularly fond" of it, according to a news release nevertheless hung it in his office until he had the chance to pass it on to the next member to join the state's delegation in 1976. The painting depicts a newly hatched yet already fluffy chick standing in front of a broken shell from whence it presumably emerged, which is either implausibly small or merely appears so thanks to an artful use of perspective. The simple black background could be interpreted to represent the sense of solitude or anomie experienced by new lawmakers upon their arrival in "the other Washington" or maybe the unnamed artist just had a lot of black paint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democrat first elected in 2022 to represent southwestern Washington, continued the tradition by adding her signature to the back of the canvas alongside the names of its past custodians. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, will hang the image in his office for a year before passing it on to his fellow freshman, Rep. Emily Randall, D-Bremerton, who will keep it until another House lawmaker or senator joins the delegation. Former Gov. Jay Inslee, who represented central Washington's 4th Congressional District for a single term from 1993 to 1995, was the only freshman lawmaker not to participate in the tradition, according to Baumgartner, who suggested in a post on X that the chick should be named Jay after the former Democratic governor. Orion Donovan Smith's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor. The News in Brief Friday, January 24, 2025 Temur Katamadze, a protester detained on January 11 during a demonstration in Batumi, has accused local police of physical abuse and falsifying arrest reports. In a letter sent from prison to Batumelebi, Katamadze detailed his allegations, naming Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze and ten other officers as perpetrators of violence and misconduct."After my illegal arrest at the protest in front of the Batumi police station, Irakli Dgebuadze and ten officers physically assaulted me in his office for ten minutes," Katamadze wrote. He claimed officers struck him on the head and face while others restrained him. He further alleged that officer Tengiz Kvirkvelia issued threats, saying, "Finally, you're here too, flagbearer grandpa! I know you. Now you will have to be deported."Katamadze also recounted enduring verbal abuse and racist remarks. "They called me a 'dog and Turk' and told me to get out of Georgia," he wrote. "I replied: 'Don't call me a Turk. I am not a Turk; I am Georgian in spirit and heart.'"Katamadze further accused senior police officials, including Gela Basiladze, of orchestrating the creation of fabricated arrest reports. According to his letter, officers pre-prepared template documents, leaving spaces for detainees' names and details, and falsely attributed arrests to specific officers.The incident began at a rally where Katamadze was peacefully protesting with a flag and a whistle. He claimed that, despite standing 20 meters from the front line, a group of officers singled him out, broke his Georgian flagpole, and ordered his arrest.Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has strongly criticized the Estonian Parliament's January 22 statement on Georgia, describing it as "unequivocally anti-Georgian" and disrespectful to the Georgian people.The Estonian Parliament recognized Salome Zourabichvili as the legitimate president, supported Georgia's democratic forces advocating for new parliamentary elections, condemned the repression of peaceful demonstrators, and called for the release of political prisoners.In response, Kobakhidze accused Estonia of showing disrespect for the Georgian people. He also linked the statement to the Deep State conspiracy, asserting that its influence is particularly strong in Estonia and the Baltic region."In the conditions when there is pressure on the Deep State in the United States, the Deep State is even more active in Europe. You know that especially in the Baltic countries the influence of the Deep State is very serious, this is reflected, of course, in Estonia," said Kobakhidze.Despite his criticism, Kobakhidze emphasized maintaining a "unilateral friendship regime" with Estonia. "Such statements are unacceptable and anti-Georgian, but we value the historical friendship that exists between the Georgian and Estonian peoples," he added. People look at a vehicle destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Qabatiya, south of Jenin in the northern West Bank on Jan. 25, 2025. Two Palestinians were killed on Friday in an Israeli airstrike targeting a vehicle in Qabatiya, south of Jenin in the northern West Bank. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) RAMALLAH/JERUSALEM, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Two Palestinians were killed on Friday in an Israeli airstrike targeting a vehicle in Qabatiya, south of Jenin in the northern West Bank. Kamal Abu al-Rub, the governor of Jenin, said an Israeli drone struck the vehicle near the town's medical complex, burning the vehicle thoroughly. He identified the victims as Mahmoud Kamil and Hamoud Zakarneh. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, saying it was part of a counterterrorism operation in the northern West Bank over the past four days, which involved the IDF, Israel Security Agency, and Border Police forces. The new deaths raised the number of Palestinians killed by the Israeli army since the beginning of the large-scale military operation in Jenin to 14, Abu al-Rub noted. The Israeli army launched the campaign, named "Iron Wall," on Tuesday to dismantle what it called "terrorist groups" and maintain military control in the West Bank. Tensions in the West Bank have escalated since October 2023, when war broke out between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups have killed more than 800 Palestinians in the West Bank since then, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. People look at a vehicle destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Qabatiya, south of Jenin in the northern West Bank on Jan. 25, 2025. Two Palestinians were killed on Friday in an Israeli airstrike targeting a vehicle in Qabatiya, south of Jenin in the northern West Bank. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) The Chicopee Public Library hosted a breakfast to advocate for their legislative needs in the new year. Patrons, employees, and supporters gathered to show their support for the library in front of local lawmakers. They want to showcase what the library does, what programs they offer, and how state lawmakers can help. Amherst College provides insight into growing national book ban issue Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Library workers told 22News they would like to see a bill passed this session that prevents book bans. We would love for that to happen this year. Many other states have done so, and I would want to see Massachusetts be behind on that sort of thing. It would be nice to be at the front of that, Last year a bill was filed that would have given power to librarians to determine what books can be on the shelves. That bill did not get passed. 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. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) A family from Chicopee is helping their 21-month-old son fight a battle against leukemia. Missing Chicopee woman possibly driving Nissan SUV with Connecticut plates found Supporting Ashtons Army against leukemia. The 21-month-old boy from Chicopee remains a fighter after another round of chemo. All I need for people to do is just pray. Everything else is out of my hands. says his mother, Crystal Conroy, a Holyoke police officer, by his side, helping her son fight this disease one step at a time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes on this 2nd round with different types of chemotherapies some one of them is actually from St. Jude, Conroy adds. Hopefully this round will be better we wont know for a few more weeks. Ashton, curious, like any other child, finds joy in the little things. He was taking swimming classes before this. He loves being outside which isnt an option right now, and were stuck in these four walls, she adds. We watch Encanto every day of our life we watch Moana every day of our life. There are ways you can help make Ashtons treatment a little easier. Non-profit, Unbroken Wings, is gathering the community to support the Conroy family and fight for Ashton. Anyone who makes a donation to Ashtons Army this month will be entered into a raffle to win a family four-pack of tickets to the Thunder in the Valley festival in June. A small gesture makes a big difference for their family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conroy told 22News, He has leukemia but he has AMKL which is extremely rare and only 1% of leukemia patients have it. He has tumors on his shoulders, on his hip, on his skull, and on his sinuses. Hes not supposed to have tumors but he writes his own book. Praying is more important than anything at all anything. Click here to donate to Ashtons Army and enter to win tickets to the Thunder in the Valley Festival. 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. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald delivered his 2025 State of the Judiciary address Thursday during a joint legislation session inside the Senate chambers at the state Capitol. 1 /2 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald delivered his 2025 State of the Judiciary address Thursday during a joint legislation session inside the Senate chambers at the state Capitol. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM The State of the Judiciary was given Thursday inside the Senate chambers at the state Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 /2 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM The State of the Judiciary was given Thursday inside the Senate chambers at the state Capitol. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald delivered his 2025 State of the Judiciary address Thursday during a joint legislation session inside the Senate chambers at the state Capitol. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM The State of the Judiciary was given Thursday inside the Senate chambers at the state Capitol. The Hawaii State Judiciary needs money to design a new courthouse in Wai mea, add a District Court judge in Kona and address a critical shortage of court-appointed counsel in criminal and termination of parental rights cases, Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald told state lawmakers Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recktenwald, who delivered his eighth and final State of the Judiciary speech, will reach the Judiciarys mandatory retirement age of 70 later this year. State Senate President Ron Kouchi introduced Recktenwald to state lawmakers Thursday, noting that Recktenwald swore him into office when he joined the Senate. Its been a real pleasure to work with the chief justice over the last 15 years, Kouchi said. Hes been incredibly innovative, creative, passionate, and has certainly been an outstanding manager as each of us had to be navigating through COVID (and ) through security issues that we have faced. His service to our state has been tremendous. He will be missed, and I am so blessed to have had a great friend. Noting that he pulled quotes for his opening-day speech and Gov. Josh Greens State of State address, Kouchi told Recktenwald he was all out of quotes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But my chief of staff, Harrison Kawate, shared with me this morning, one of our favorite movies is Tombstone, and as Wyatt Earp is riding off with his posse to take care of all those bad guys in the world, we wanted to take a line from Tombstone, Kouchi said. This is the last charge of CJ Recktenwald and his band of immortals. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recktenwald, who was appointed to his position in 2010, thanked lawmakers for the opportunity before launching into a reflection of his time leading Hawaiis high court. As a child growing up in Chicago, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day I would have the honor and privilege of serving as Hawaiis chief justice, Recktenwald said. When I first arrived in Hawaii in 1980, I didnt know a soul. I carried my resume around this building and found my first job here, working as a committee clerk. The person who decided to give me a chance was Sen. Ann Kobayashi, and I am forever grateful to her. I developed a deep respect for the Legislaturea respect that continues to this day. So standing here, in this place, at this time is truly a full-circle moment. When Recktenwald took control of the Judiciary, there was no Veterans Court, Environmental Court or Womens Court. Now those programs are flourishing, he said. In 2010, people appearing for court in West Hawaii did so in repurposed buildings scattered along the coast, and today the new Kona courthouse is a vibrant hub dispensing justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recktenwald noted that exactly half of Hawaiis full-time judges are women, up from about 30 % when he started. He is proud of how the Judiciary executes its core mission of deciding cases fairly and efficiently, pointing out that trial courts resolve an average of more than 30, 000 criminal cases, more than 18, 000 civil cases, more than 13, 000 family court cases and hundreds of thousands of traffic and parking cases every year. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui fires severely tested the Judiciarys ability to respond and adapt, but Reck tenwald lauded attorneys, judges and staff for embracing remote proceedings. Since then we have held over 800, 000 remote proceedings, an astonishing transformation of how we do business which has made our courts more accessible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He praised the efforts to keep justice moving on Maui in the aftermath of the fatal fires and recognized the more than 300 attorneys who volunteered to offer support to desperate fire victims. Recktenwald detailed significant efforts to provide access to justice for people who cant afford attorneys, pointing out a pilot program in Hilo that allows paralegals supervised by licensed attorneys to represent clients in paternity cases. As I look back at my time at the Judiciary, I realize that the most powerful lessons I have learned are the simplest, Recktenwald said. Do whats right. Dont forget your roots. Speak up for people who dont have a voice. Treat everyone with respect. These are the values that guide what we do at the Judiciary every day and will serve as a shining beacon for our future. The law shouldnt be an abstraction. It should always be about helping people find justice. It should be applied evenly to all, no matter if you are wealthy and powerful or on the outside looking in. It should be about ensuring voices are heard and that everyone will get a fair shake when they walk into one of our courtrooms. Thats the promise of justice for all, and I am proud to be part of an institution that works every day to make that promise a reality. TYLER, Texas (KETK) Records show that two children found their mothers body and alerted an adult after an apartment shooting on Jan. 6. Tyler PD arrests man in connection to deadly apartment complex shooting On Jan. 6, Tyler Police Department officers responded to an apartment in the 9000 block of Bellwood Lake Road and spoke with Cheyenne Russells roommate who found her dead on a couch underneath a blanket with blood on her face. Mugshot of Jorian Jackson, courtesy of the Smith County Jail. The roommate told a Tyler PD detective that Russell had moved into the apartment with her children on Jan. 5. The roommate said she left the apartment at around 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 6 and that she was texting Russell throughout the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrest documents show that Jorian Jackson, 29 of Plano, was at the apartment that day to drop off some Christmas presents to a child of his and Russells. Russell texted [the roommate] that Jackson was questioning their relationship and why they broke up approximately one year ago, the documents said. The roommate told officials that the victim and Jackson had a rough relationship prior to the accident and thats why Russell had left. Tyler PD confirmed that Russells last text to the roommate was sent at 1:50 p.m. on Jan. 6. The roommate also showed the detective their call history and at 2:15 p.m. that day, she was on the phone when she walked into the apartment. The roommate reported to officials that they saw Russell covered up on the couch with a blanket and assumed that she was still sleeping because they had stayed up late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, when the roommate was in their own room, still on the phone, Russells oldest child came in and said their mom was dead. The roommate told investigators she ended her call, went into the living room, removed the blanket from Russells face, saw the blood and called 911. Russells children were taken to the Child Advocacy Center and in a forensic interview they said Jackson and Russell were fighting. One child reportedly told interviewers that daddy caused the red on mommys dress before she started coughing and choking. Crime scene investigators found five shell casings and three entry wounds on Russells body including one wound between her eyes on the bridge of her nose, Jacksons arrest affidavit showed. Officials searched for Jackson for two weeks and he was last spotted in Waco on Jan. 7 before his Jan. 22 arrest in Tyler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After discovering Russells body, Jackson was on the run for two weeks and had been spotted in Waco on Jan. 7. However, on Wednesday as Tyler PD served a search warrant at his grandparents house, they located him there. Jackson was arrested for murder and is being held at the Smith County Jail on a $1 million bond. His grandparents Carolyn Johnson, 75 of Tyler, and Willie Johnson, 75 of Tyler, were both arrested on Wednesday morning for hindering apprehension. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. China positively assesses the desire of the Donald Trump administration to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible and declares its readiness for dialogue with the United States, stressing that peace talks remain the only way to resolve the conflict. Source: Ukrinform with reference to a briefing by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning Quote: "We are pleased to see that all parties are playing a constructive role and creating conditions for de-escalation and political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The spokeswoman stated that China is ready for dialogue with other countries to achieve peace talks and resolve the "conflict". Quote: "China is committed to promoting negotiations for peace," she stressed. For her part, Mao Ning neither confirmed nor denied Trump's claim that he discussed ending the war in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on 17 January. Background: In the spring, the Chinese Foreign Ministry called Russia's war against Ukraine the "Ukrainian crisis" and said that there "should be no winners and losers". On 17 January, Chinese leader Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump. On 21 January, Putin and Xi Jinping held a video call. On 23 January, US President Donald Trump confirmed plans to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to end Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- Chinas top diplomat spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a phone call Friday, despite the former Republican senator still being under Beijings sanctions. Most Read from Bloomberg Both the Chinese and US governments should implement the important consensus reached between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Rubio, according to a Chinese government statement. The two teams need to maintain communication, manage differences and expand cooperation in the pursuit of the right way for the two nations to get along in the new era, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio, a prominent China critic, was the first of Trumps cabinet picks to be approved by the Senate on Monday. China sanctioned him twice in 2020 over his criticism of Beijings handling of Hong Kong and Xinjiang as well as his push for laws to punish the Chinese government for it. Sanctions have prevented some communications between the worlds leading powers. Chinas former Defense Minister Li Shangfu, who rose to that job while sanctioned by Washington, refused to hold talks with his US counterpart until such measures were lifted, although American officials claimed the restrictions didnt prevent such a sitdown. The two talked about Taiwan in their call, according to the Chinese readout. Wang reiterated that Beijing will never allow Taiwan to be separated from the mainland, and warned the US to handle related matters carefully. China has no intention to surpass or replace anyone, but also has to defend its legitimate rights, Wang also told Rubio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US-China relations were off to an unexpectedly warm start after Trump avoided committing to a plan for Chinese tariffs right after his inauguration. He also threw China-owned company ByteDance Ltd a lifeline, giving it 75 days to find a US partner. Such a deal would save video app TikTok, which Trump used to reach young voters, from going dark in America. The Chinese statement didnt mention Beijings sanctions imposed on Rubio but Wang Yi said he hopes that Rubio could behave himself and do his best to play a constructive role for the future of the Chinese and American people. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. China's embassy in the resource-rich Democratic Republic of Congo has been warning Chinese citizens and firms not to venture into the eastern part of the country because of worsening security. "The security risks faced by Chinese citizens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remain high," the embassy said last week. "Chinese citizens and enterprises still in the area are requested to evacuate or move to safe areas as soon as possible." But the warnings have not been enough to deter a growing number of Chinese nationals attracted by the war-torn region's massive deposits of gold, tin, tungsten, coltan, tantalum and other minerals. 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. According to Eric Mikalano, a researcher in natural resource governance, most of the Chinese arriving in the high-risk province of South Kivu - one of the areas specifically mentioned by the embassy - have the protection of high-ranking local politicians. "They come to South Kivu informed of the security situation, the potential and the procedure to follow to exploit minerals," said Mikalano, executive secretary of the NGO initiative Good Governance of Natural Resources in the provincial capital Bukavu. The gold rush coincides with a surge in prices for the precious metal, which extended gains last year to more than US$2,600 per ounce - up from about US$2,000 at the end of 2023 - as investors seek safety amid intensifying geopolitical uncertainty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul Nantulya, China specialist from the National Defence University's Africa Centre for Strategic Studies in Washington, said that some of the Chinese companies operated under the central governance of a state-owned enterprise but many did not. "It all revolves around the calculus of risk and reward and the industrial system of subsidies on offer by the Chinese government," he said. According to Nantulya, the perception of risk for the Chinese nationals heading for the eastern DRC is based on a reward-cost calculus that differs from their Western counterparts. Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) soldiers stand guard against rebel groups in the African nation's eastern region. Photo: Reuters alt=Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) soldiers stand guard against rebel groups in the African nation's eastern region. Photo: Reuters> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the first thing a Chinese team would do in any enterprise was to establish the reward potential and, once that had been confirmed, very little would stand in the way of establishing a project by way of deterrence. "That's why Chinese entities have overtaken their Western counterparts in so many ventures in some of the most insecure parts of the developing world. It explains their daring. The rewards are high." The risks can include prosecution, as three Chinese nationals learned recently when a court in Bukavu handed them seven-year prison sentences and US$600,000 in fines for illegal mining and money laundering. The three were arrested on January 4 with 10 gold bars and US$400,000 in cash, and in addition to money laundering, we found guilty of the illegal purchase and possession of minerals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in another recent case - in which at least 17 Chinese nationals were arrested for allegedly running an illegal gold mine - the outcome was very different, and the men were released. Jean Purusi, governor of South Kivu, told Congolese media that authorities in Kinshasa had intervened to secure the men's release and they had been allowed to return to China. According to Mikalano, when it comes to the illicit exploitation of the province's resources, the governor finds himself stuck with the decisions made by the national government in Kinshasa, which dictates policy. Joseph Cihunda, project officer at Southern Africa Resource Watch, said that the Chinese involved in illicit gold mining were operating "with the complicity or support of the political or military authorities at both local and national level". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, companies from China are paying a high cost for their investment, with a series of recent kidnappings of Chinese and Congolese workers in the region, which has been plagued by violence and instability for the past three decades. Chinese nationals Cheng Changfu, Wan Lingwu and Cheng Haiyan, who were found guilty of illegal activities linked to the artisanal mining sector, stand in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Bukavu courtroom on January 13. Photo: Reuters alt=Chinese nationals Cheng Changfu, Wan Lingwu and Cheng Haiyan, who were found guilty of illegal activities linked to the artisanal mining sector, stand in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Bukavu courtroom on January 13. Photo: Reuters> Nantulya said that Chinese nationals and firms were increasingly being viewed as prime targets of such crimes because they were now associated with wealth and financial assets. "This was not the case prior to the late 1990s [when] the majority of kidnappings for ransom were targeted against Americans in particular and Europeans in general," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An armed attack on a private Chinese gold mining company in northeastern DRC in July last year left several Chinese nationals dead or missing. The raid was reportedly carried out by the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (Codeco), a loose association of militia groups, mainly from the ethnic Lendu farming community. Codeco is one of the many militias fighting for influence and the rich resources in eastern Congo, including the M23 rebel group, which Kinshasa claims is backed by Rwanda - a claim Kigali has denied. Chinese nationals have also been chasing gold fortunes in Ghana, where Aisha Huang - known as the Galamsey Queen after her illegal mining operation - was sentenced in 2023 to four and a half years in prison and ordered to pay a US$4,000 fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. (WIVT/WBGH) A major food producer in our area is donating more than $100,000 to combat hunger in the region. Chobani has announced grants to six non-profits that work to reduce food insecurity. That includes food pantries in Cooperstown, Richfield Springs and at SUNY Oneonta. Theres also funding for a Nourish Chenango Program of the Rural Health Network of South Central New York that will provide food as medicine to expecting mothers and children up to age 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chobani is also supporting an effort by the United Way of Mid Rural New York to develop a comprehensive anti-hunger partnership in Chenango County. Plus, a teen center known as The Place in Norwich. Chief Impact Officer Nishant Roy says Chobanis mission is to take action whenever a need is identified. We heard about an injustice or an inequity that may exist in society, and we jump to action. Were trying to really think about how to pick and choose our spots and go really deep with thoughtful partners that are on the ground. Whether it be from the political side to local non-for-profits but using the power of business to go and execute there, said Roy. Roy says Chobani founder Hamdi Ulukaya recently partnered with actress Jennifer Garner to lobby Congress to protect funding for the federal Women Infant Children or WIC program that provides food and baby formula to new mothers and their babies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chobani has also developed Super Milk, a shelf stable 1% milk that has 50% more protein and 25% less sugar. Roy says Super Milk is being used to feed the victims of natural disasters in places such as California and North Carolina. Since 2018, Chobanis Community Impact Fund, which is administered by the Community Foundation on South Central New York, has donated $1.8 million to charities in Upstate New York and Idaho. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. Originally appeared on E! Online Chris Pratt is sharing a bittersweet family update. The Guardians of the Galaxy star detailed how hes been impacted by the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, sharing that his Pacific Palisades home miraculously survived while pointing out that his ex-wife Anna Faris wasnt as fortunate. So many peoples houses were burned around us and the communitys gone, Chriswho shares son Jack, 12, with Annasaid in an Instagram video Jan. 22. My sons school is gone. My sons moms house burned down. Dozens of our friends lost their homes. Its just wild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As relief efforts begin, the Parks and Recreation alumwho also shares kids Lyla, 4, Eloise, 2, and Ford, 2 months, with wife Katherine Schwarzeneggerwent on to offer an optimistic message. Were resilient, and we trust in God and consider it all a blessing, he continued. Thanks for all your prayers and your support and your help. Its been inspiring to see how our communities come together. More from E! Online A rep for the House Bunny actresswho married cinematographer Michael Barrett in 2021confirmed the devastating loss to E! News Jan. 8, noting at the time that Anna and her family are safe and grateful. Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage And Anna is sadly far from alone, with an estimated 13,600 structures burned down and tens of thousands of people forced to evacuate from their homes, according to NBC News. Paris Hilton, who also lost her Malibu home to the fires, expressed her sympathy for those impacted by the disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just heartbroken for everyone whos lost everything, the Simple Life alum told TMZ in an interview published Jan. 20. Families with children, animals. Its just been heartbreaking to see whats happened to California. But it seems her son Phoenix, 2, has already been inspired by the heroes battling the blaze, as she told the outlet, He said he wants to be a fireman. Keep reading to see what other stars have said about the Los Angeles 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 JERUSALEM, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) --The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Friday it has carried out strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon in recent days, targeting weapons storage facilities and observation posts used by the group. In a statement, the IDF said its Northern Command forces conducted the operations to "remove threats" while adhering to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. The military remains deployed in southern Lebanon, monitoring Hezbollah's activities and prepared to respond to any threats to Israeli troops or the country, the statement added. The ceasefire agreement, which took effect on Nov. 27, 2024, requires Israel to withdraw all troops from southern Lebanon by Sunday. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Friday that forces would remain beyond the deadline, citing the Lebanese military's failure to establish full control over the area and Hezbollah's incomplete withdrawal north of the Litani River. The Lebanese side has repeatedly accused Israel of violating the ceasefire during the past two months. [Watch previous FOX 8 I-Team coverage in the player above.] CLEVELAND (WJW) A 19-year-old who pleaded guilty to shooting and killing a 26-year-old mother in March 2024 will spent at least 27 years in prison. Christopher Stinson, 19, of Willowick, pleaded guilty Thursday to involuntary manslaughter, felonious assault and discharging a firearm on or near prohibited premises, according to a news release from Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge sentenced Stinson to 27 to 32 1/2 years in prison. Local man charged with violent, sexual online threats Antwoina Carter was killed in the early morning of March 17 while in a car, struck by gunfire from another car. It happened near the intersection of East 105th Street and Garfield Avenue in Cleveland. WJW photo Carter passed on the right side of another vehicle driven by Trinity Ford, 19, of Cleveland, and carrying Stinson and Lashuwndre Coleman, 20, also of Cleveland. Carter then hit the brakes and stopped. Thats when Stinson opened fire on the rear of Carters car, striking her in the back, according to prosecutors. Ford, Stinson and Coleman then fled the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police video obtained by the FOX 8 I-Team shows Stinson leaning out of the window of the other car and shooting. This maniac fired 20 rounds at 26-year-old mother Antwoina Carter taking her life. He deserves to spend the next 27 years in prison, OMalley is quoted in the release. New fallout from mystery of cars left in Cuyahoga River: I-Team Cleveland police officers were outside Carters home at the time, investigating an unrelated incident, according to prosecutors. When shots rang out, police also opened fire. Carter was pronounced dead at a hospital. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner the following April ruled her death was caused by a gunshot wound to her trunk, but that it did not come from police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ford and Coleman have also pleaded guilty and are due for sentencing in February. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. NEW YORK (PIX11) Following President Donald Trumps executive order that federal immigration authorities can conduct arrests at sensitive locations, some may wonder if churches can offer sanctuary from detention. Historically churches have offered sanctuary to people in need according to History.com however there have been some changes to the practice in recent years. ICE agents raid NJ seafood store, detaining U.S. military veteran Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Baptist Joint Committee is a faith-based group that works to advocate for and against varying legislation in Washington. Analysts from BJC say sanctuary is not a legal term and there are no legal protections for religious institutions that offer refuge for the undocumented community. Despite this, churches and congregations can make individual decisions to provide sanctuary while considering the practical and legal details of doing so, according to the BJCs guidance. NYPD cannot engage in ICE enforcement in NYC: Internal memo Religious institutions such as the BJC, The Episcopal Diocese of New York and the New Sanctuary Coalition have issued guidance for ministries that may decide to provide sanctuary for the undocumented community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legally, ICE agents cannot enter private spaces such as churches without a warrant signed by a federal judge, legal analysts from the BJC say. According to the Mayors Office for Immigrant Affairs, if ICE agents detain a person, the individual maintains the right to call an attorney or loved ones and can request an interpreter for any conversations with agents. Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. (FOX40.COM) The Citrus Heights Police Department arrested an after-school substitute teacher on Thursday morning after allegations of sexual assault. On Dec. 2, 2024, Citrus Heights PD and the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office started to investigate a 58-year-old man who is employed through the San Juan Unified School District on sexual assault allegations. Authorities said that the detectives found evidence of the crime and identified a couple of victims who are minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers, Thursday morning arrested the suspect at his residence. He is being held in Sacramento County Main Jail with a bail of $1.7 million. San Joaquin County authorities arrest suspect in ongoing animal cruelty case According to Citrus Heights PD, the suspect is facing multiple charges that include lewd acts with minors under 14 and having child pornography. At this time, crews are working to provide resources and support to the victims and their families. Citrus Heights PD is asking the community to contact the investigations unit at 916-727-5524 if their child had any contact with the suspect. 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 FOX40 News. NEW YORK (PIX11) Car owners in New York City will always welcome holidays, as they typically mean Alternate Side Parking will be suspended. On Thursday, Council Member Julie Won, who represents the 26th Council district in Western Queens, celebrated the passage of a bill she sponsored to suspend ASP for Losar, the Tibetan Buddhist New Year. More Local News Losar corresponds to the first day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar, which this year falls on Friday, Feb. 28. The first day of Losar is traditionally celebrated at home with family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tibetans came to New York as refugees and today our most important holiday was recognized by the largest city in America, said Tsering Kelsang, President of the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey. To see Losar, our Tibetan New Year, recognized by the City of New York is a profound recognition of the tens of thousands of Tibetan New Yorkers. The entire Tibetan community celebrates the passage of Intro. 100 by Council Member Julie Won and thanks the bills 40 co-sponsors. Thank you and Losar Tashi Delek! The City Council passed the bill with a unanimous vote. Drivers group wants rule change to lock doors in NYC taxis Two other days in February are listed on the 2025 Alternate Side Parking suspension calendar. Parking rules will be suspended on Feb. 12 for Lincolns birthday and Feb. 17 for Presidents Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers are reminded that parking within 15 feet of either side of a fire hydrant is illegal and that painted curbs at hydrant locations do not indicate where they can park. Cars parked near fire hydrants will be ticketed. Parking meters will remain in effect citywide. Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Work will begin Saturday to transform a vacant lot in Tacomas Hilltop neighborhood into a new 32,000-square-foot child care and human services center, filling a need in an area where 17% of child care needs are met, according to the state Department of Children, Youth and Families. Its a moment executive director Gail Neal has been waiting for a long time. She founded the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center in a church basement three decades ago. Thanks to government funding, foundation support and community fundraising efforts, a $20.9 million project to build a new center with 19 classrooms and space for 300 children is finally becoming a reality. Its expected to open in January 2026. For decades the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center at 2316 South State St. in Tacoma has offered a variety of free and lost-cost services. The center is on a Pierce Transit bus line and a school bus line and hosts before- and after-school programs, provides emergency respite for foster children, offers preschool and child care, early education programs, diaper banks, grocery drives, housing assistance, homeless prevention, support groups for fathers, mothers, parents and children in addition to sobriety support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 75% of the families who use the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Centers services are people of color, and Neal said staff is reflective of the diverse communities they serve, which helps build trust with children and families. Josiah Milligan (from left), DaeShawn Johnson, and Kendall Milligan sing and dance during the Music and Movement morning activities at the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Centers Community Hall in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington, on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. The center is on a multi-million dollar capital campaign to expand their location and services. Thirty years ago the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center got its start serving five children in the basement of a church. Now its grown into a community center that offers 183 slots for early learners, has more than 100 employees and houses more than 50 other programs and services supporting people in Pierce County and the South Puget Sound area. Neal estimates the center has helped more than 8,000 families each year, including more than 2,000 with homeless prevention. About 800 families take advantage of the centers free diaper bank every month, said Roxy Magno, the centers director of outreach services. People come to the center from all over Pierce County, in addition to King County and Thurston County, said the centers special projects manager Peter Cameron. The center has a two-and-a-half year wait list for its Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and infant care programs, Cameron said. With the completion of the new Cora Whitley Family Center, expected to open next year, 100 additional slots for early learners will be added, significantly increasing the centers capacity for infant care, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All this is really important because in Pierce County only 20% of the child care need is met, Cameron said. We are going to be housing approximately 10% of available child care in Tacoma right here. School kids sing and dance around the stage during the Music and Movement morning activities at the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Centers Community Hall in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington, on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. The center is on a multi-million dollar capital campaign to expand their location and services. In Pierce County, the median cost of child care for infants was between $1,138 and $1,600 a month in 2023, according to Child Care Aware of Washington. The median cost of child care for a toddler was between $1,083 and $1,400 a month, and the median cost for preschool child care was between $975 and $1,213 a month. As the cost of living rises in Tacoma and Pierce County, many families are losing access to early-learning services and child care programs, which not only negatively impacts childrens development but has impacts on the local economy, Cameron said. A 2019 Washington research study found that child care issues affect parents decisions about work, education and job training, which in turn impacts employer recruitment, retention and productivity. Employee turnover related to child care issues resulted in an estimated $2 billion cost to employers and about $6.5 billion in opportunity costs in 2019. More than 75% of the Washington parents surveyed had sought or used child care, but nearly half found it difficult or very difficult to access child care due to no openings near home or work, care not fitting their work schedule, care not being of good quality or being unable to find nearby care that accepted state child care subsidies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children who attend early learning programs are more likely to be ready for kindergarten and graduate high school, according to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families. They are also less likely to be convicted of violent crimes and earn more income over their lifetime. Finding solutions at the macro and micro level Magno said the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center is intentionally located near the offices for the Washington State Department of Social and Human Services, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families, Child Protective Services and WorkSource employment center. The Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center helps many children in foster care, and others who have been through traumatic and disruptive experiences in their life, Magno said. Staff also help parents and families navigate government assistance programs and get connected to other social services in Pierce County. Its the same agencies that are doing homeless services, the same agencies that are doing homeless prevention, the same agencies that are doing recovery. Its not really a day care showing up in those spaces. So it was really cool to just change the room, Magno said. Early learning really is the best prevention tool to all of those things that become adult problems. Turner Cagle, left, helps Nyrell McHenry login to his online schoolwork at the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center community hall building in Tacoma, Wash., on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020. Turner Cagle has seen firsthand the impact on the students hes mentored. Cagle is an Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program teacher at the center, leads the before- and after-school K-12 programs and facilitates a mens support group for all ages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cagle said its been important for him to stand behind and support the women of color who run the center. Neal said there are more than 10 men who work at the child care center. She believes thats the most male role models working at any child care center in the state. Kenan Joyce and Javier Colunga have been doing good work helping students with their schoolwork and deserve a shout-out, Cagle said. We look like them. We [know] what theyve gone through and so helping them navigate through that, all the emotions and all the struggles, our kids need people like them, Cagle said. Weve all went through our failures and weve had our success. Kids in our community cant always see that at the end. In the last couple of years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Neal said government officials in Pierce County, Tacoma and Washington have tried to address the lack of local child care and invested more in child care workers. She said that needs to continue to meet the need. We need quality child care, Neal said. Having a huge center will make a big difference to the community because they deserve it. The kids that live in Hilltop deserve to have a nice, quality child care center to go to, and the parents deserve that, too. If you go The Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center is breaking ground on the new Cora Whitley Family Center from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at 2102 S. 23rd St. in Tacoma. There will be speakers and opportunities for the public to learn more about the center and the support it provides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neal said the nonprofit gets most of its funding from the state, Pierce County and private donations. The organization accepts donations online and is hoping to raise $1 million in its capital campaign for a new center. Those with children ages 3 and 4 can apply for openings in early learning programs online. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) This has been a long tedious process that has not gone well and so I am ready to see something go vertical, said Greensboro Councilman Zack Mathey. There have been ongoing frustrations over the former Regency Inn site along North OHenry Boulevard. After years of back and forth, the city purchased the site and put out a request for proposals. Those are now in and Matheny says its time to get moving. Seven development companies have submitted a proposal of how they plan to transform the space into affordable housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the proposals are for affordable multi-family apartments some of them do have combinations of apartments and townhouses either for rent or for sale development, said Cynthia Blue, the Asst. Director of Housing and Neighborhood Development. City of Greensboro purchases former Regency Inn on O. Henry Boulevard for housing development The seven proposals range from 65 units to 150 units on the site. We will start with a small pool of the better candidates to put forward and then narrow that down, Blue said. City staff said their reviews will take about 60 days before it heads to council, but Councilman Matheny says he doesnt want to wait that long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think this is important enough that I would request the city manager and mayor to have a special work session on this within 30 days, Matheny said. Construction takes a long time, but the decisions dont have to. Matheny wants to streamline whatever they can at the city level. I think that is part of where we have failed in this housing, who is making those decisions, how are they being presented, it seemed like before it was a one shot to go get a partner, now how are we going to scrub it as a city council with city staff to examine what is the highest and best use of the property, Matheny said. Housing would be a benefit to the neighborhood, but a necessity for so many struggling on the streets. Nearly 100 people have gone to the two warming centers on any given night this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until the housing gets up and opendefinitely short-term working with more faith-based communities, Matheny said. The pallet homes, warming centers and extra shelter beds are only available in the winter. What happens to those folks, we dont want to just put folks back out on the street and so what kind of planning are we having, those conversations are happening right now, Matheny said. Demolition starts at former Regency Inn site in Greensboro A priority to put people first, get them off the streets and into affordable housing. We are very focused on achieving units at that site, Blue said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the final proposals get council approval, there is still a lot of work to do, including possible re-zoning, financial approval and of course, construction. The city did not have an estimate on how long that would take because it could depend on the proposal selected. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A grand re-opening ceremony will be held next week to celebrate the Veterans Recreation Centers new renovations, the City of El Paso said in a news release. The ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, at the recreation center located at 5301 Salem Drive. The City said the highly utilized recreation center in Northeast El Paso received a $1.5 million facelift thanks to the 2012 Quality of Life Bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The renovations to this facility included the following: New centralized restrooms New game room (game room expansion) New reception desks New surveillance system (CCTV) Interior improvements (floors, paint, electrical, plumbing, HVAC). New storefronts Exterior paint The renovations will breathe new life into this existing facility, and allow it to serve the community for many more years to come, read the news release. In addition, the project is part of the Citys commitment to enhance the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors, according to the news release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. POTTSVILLE State police Fire Marshal Joseph Hall has ruled arson as the cause of a house fire Friday and the suspect remains at large. The 6:08 a.m. fire injured three people. Amir Dunn, who sustained minor burns and broken bones after jumping from a second floor window, is the son of the man wanted for starting the fire. The blaze displaced four people and resulted in extensive damage to two homes, one at 678 N. Second St. and an adjoining home. A pet cat also was hurt in the blaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pottsville Police charged Tyrie Rashad Dunn, with a last known address of 418 W. Race St., Pottsville, with numerous felonies including arson, possessing explosive material and causing a catastrophe for throwing Molotov cocktails in the direction of 678 N. Second St. Charging documents filed in Magisterial District Judge James Reileys office detail the allegations. A warrant has been issued for Dunns arrest. State police, Reading City Police Department Bomb Squad, agents from the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted city police in the investigation. Police allege Dunn lit two Molotov cocktails using two bottles of Starbucks Frappuccino, a cloth and flammable liquid and threw them at 678 N. Second St. One incendiary device landed near the front door, while the other appeared to hit a wire hanging in the street, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video was obtained near the scene showing a man dressed in black lighting the Molotov cocktails around 5:51 a.m. Text messages involving Dunn and others were obtained showing he was upset and believed his son and another person injured in the fire stole money from him. Surveillance video obtained from Sheetz on the Gordon Nagle Trail showed a person with identical clothing going to the store and leaving with two bottles of Starbucks Frappuccino, one of which he didnt pay for, police said. The vehicle the man got into was rented to the wife of Dunn, who is from New York, police said. Dunn is charged with the following felony offenses: Aggravated arson, arson, possessing explosive/incendiary material, reckless burning or exploding, causing a catastrophe, criminal mischief, risking a catastrophe, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and aggravated cruelty to animals. He also is charged with misdemeanor offenses of simple assault, failure to prevent a catastrophe, recklessly endangering another person, propulsion of missiles onto roadways, cruelty to animals, owning, selling, manufacturing or transferring incendiary devices, possessing an instrument of crime and making repairs/ selling offensive weapons. Today, the City of Melbourne held a pair of workshops to seek public input for the implementation of a public parking management system for the citys on-street and off-street parking facilities. The city says downtown parking has been a topic of discussion for years now. Kim Agee, Executive Director of Melbourne Main Street told us, So, the spots are here. Its do our visitors know where they are? Do they know how to get to them? Is it easily accessible? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read: Franz Wagner returns to the Magic lineup tonight against the Portland Trailblazers A consultant is expected to look at those questions and more. The purpose of the consulting services is to provide the city with their analysis and parking management recommendations going forward. Read: Epic Universe promises to boost Central Floridas economy, just how big will the impact be? Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Bakersfield city officials are hosting an event in historic Old Town Kern as part of a multi-day community workshop and seeks your input for the Old Town Kern Vision Plan. Community members stopped by the La Mariposa Venue on Sumner Street Thursday morning for presentations from community leaders and to share ideas with the projects design team. High Wind Warning continues in Southern California, warm temps around the Valley Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important to not only cast a vision, but also to generate that hope, and generate that optimism within the community so that it can spur future development and investment. And so thats what were trying to do in part here today, is really try to take a look at what opportunities really exist, Ward 2 Councilmember Andrae Gonzales said. Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage City officials will also be hosting an open house at RAM Gallery, on Kentucky St. beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday to provide feedback on initial plans and have an open discussion with the design team. You can also share your ideas with the city by using its interactive map. The map allows you to select a camera icon where you can see images pitched by the design team. Use the comment boxes under each image to share your ideas. 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 KGET 17 News. JERUSALEM/GAZA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced on Friday that it had received the names of Israeli hostages expected to be released from Gaza on Saturday as part of a ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas. In a brief statement, Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced that four Israeli females, all soldiers, would be released on Saturday. Obeida revealed the names of the soldiers to be freed: Karina Ariev, Danielle Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Elbaz. The announcement is part of a prisoner exchange deal negotiated between Hamas and Israel, aiming to address long-standing tensions regarding detainees on both sides. However, Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported that the list did not align with the terms of the agreement. Israel's Channel 12 News disclosed that, according to the agreement, female civilians should be released first, ahead of all other individuals. The channel added that Israel has begun consultations regarding the list submitted by Hamas. City, volunteers conduct annual Point in Time homelessness count OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Key to Home partners were up well before the sun on Thursday morning for its annual Point in Time count. Its a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City on a single day. Point in Time counts really kind of determine what were going to do over the next year and what strategies were going to implement, said Erin Goodin, the CEO and President of the OKC City Rescue Mission. At a press conference on Thursday, Key to Home partners said the leading cause of someone experiencing homelessness is failed relationships. Lack of affordable housing, job loss and medical expenses are also top reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, 1,838 people experiencing homelessness were counted living on Oklahoma City streets. That was up 28 percent from the 2023 count. Its likely that numbers will continue to increase for several years until were able to really increase the affordable housing stock. We hope to slow down the increase so that its not jumping at the same kind of pace that it was last year, said Jamie Caves, the Key to Home Partnership Strategy Implementation Manager. Residents of affordable housing motel in Norman being evicted after property sale Caves said they are housing at a greater rate than in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there are more people coming into the system, and that inflow is outpacing the growth of services and housing options that are available, said Caves. On a more encouraging note, Caves added we could see declines in specific subpopulations this year. Key to Home partners said they are optimistic for the future. In terms of measuring our success, every single person that we successfully move into housing, thats a win for us as a community. Thats one less human being living on the streets, said Meghan Mueller, President and CEO of the Homeless Alliance. So I think you know, not losing sight of those minor victories is really important too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2025 Point in Time count is expected to be released in May or June. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. CLAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The city of Clayton is warning of a scam threatening to change residents energy supplier. The city posted on social media about a scam that takes residents off the citys energy plan. The plan is a result of an electrical aggregation program on behalf of Energy Harbor (later purchased by Dygney). The city and the Miami Valley Communication Council are each contracted with Energy Harbor until December 2025. The city received notice from a resident who said that they were approached by someone claiming to be with the city. The person asked the resident for their AES bill and their account number, before prompting them to switch to a different energy supplier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents are warned that if they switch suppliers, theyre no longer under the aggregation through the city and the Miami Valley Communication Council. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CLEVELAND COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) The Cleveland County District Attorneys office has charged a former pastor whos accused of sending an unsolicited nude photo of himself to a Kansas teenager. News 4 spoke with the victims father in December, who was relieved after hearing James McMillan had been arrested in connection to the case. News 4 isnt naming him to protect his daughters identity and familys privacy. Danger to our society: Ex-pastor arrested again, accused of sending nude photo to teen Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes clearly proven that he has a problem with this and wont, you know, wont stop, said the victims father in December. Hes somebody thats truly a danger to our society. Court documents allege McMillan added the victim on Snapchat in 2023. The victim told police at the time McMillan would have had to use his sons phone, her former classmate, to look up er account by name due to privacy settings. The victim told authorities McMillan sent her an unprompted photo of himself working out and flexing in the mirror. Texts between the victim and another minor identified in the court documents say that the victim told the other minor she would wait and see if he said something inappropriate. If McMillan did say anything inappropriate, the teen said she would screenshot it and report it to the police. The second minor in the documents calls McMillan a pedophile. After sending the workout photo, documents say McMillan responded something to the effect of trying to get them gains. McMillan allegedly asked the victim if she wanted to see more before sending her an unsolicited nude photo of himself. Documents say while searching McMillans cellular device with a search warrant back in November of 2024, Oklahoma investigators found the unsolicited photo the teen victim had taken a screenshot of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very clear evidence as to what happened, the victims father said in an interview with News 4 employees Thursday. The warrant was executed in connection to a different set of allegations McMillan was arrested for in November, claiming he was sexually inappropriate with a different underaged child and exposed himself to them. Really trusted him: Former Cleveland County pastor arrested for child sex crimes State investigators determined in December they had enough evidence to request a warrant for McMillans second arrest on the Kansas case. McMillan was arrested, but ultimately released by Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburns office didnt file charges at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was shocking, the victims father said. They should, in my mind, be a lot more willing to, you know, take the bull by the horns, so to speak, and and get the bad people off the street so they cant hurt anybody else. News 4 reached out to a spokesperson for the DAs office at the time who shared the following statement: McMillians arrest on 12/9 was based on an OBN investigation involving acts committed in 2023. We requested further investigation from the agency regarding the warrant. At the conclusion of the investigation, there is a possibility of additional charges. Spokesperson for Cleveland County District Attorneys Office The victims father said he waited patiently, fearing that McMillan might not be charged. Wednesday McMillan was formally charged with soliciting obscene pictures to a minor. News 4 read over the charge documents and found no additional information pertaining to the investigation that were made public record. The Kansas victims father says he wasnt notified by the DAs office. I was not made aware of anything from the district attorney, the victims father said. It would have been nice to hear from them. Not just have to have to check the jail records to see if hes been arrested or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A News 4 employee reached out to a spokesperson for the DAs office again Thursday, questioning the length of the investigation when it came to filing the charge. News 4 received the following statement: After further investigation was provided from the agency and a complete review of the charges, they were filed yesterday. He was taken into custody today. Spokesperson for Cleveland County District Attorneys 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. When it comes to legacy media, you dont get more legacy than CNN, at least when it comes to cable news. Launched in 1980, CNN was the first network to offer 24-hour news, a programming strategy seen as risky at the time but now seems to have launched the era of infotainment and given rise to its behemoth competitor, Fox. CNN has been struggling in recent years, however, and announced layoffs this week, characterizing the cuts as part of a restructuring to focus on digital media. Per The Associated Press, Its the boldest revamp yet in the 18-month tenure of CEO Mark Thompson, a former chief executive at The New York Times and BBC called upon by parent company Warner Bros. Discovery to revive the news outlets flagging fortunes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 200 employees are reportedly affected, which amounts to 6% of the networks staff, Adweek reported. The layoffs come on the heels of a defamation judgment that will cost the company millions of dollars. A Florida jury awarded Navy veteran Zachary Young $5 million already and punitive damages are yet to be determined. They also come as CNN and MSNBC struggle to compete with Fox News in the aftermath of President Donald Trumps election. The Associated Press noted that CNN averaged 1.7 million viewers for Trumps inauguration compared to 8 million when Joe Biden took office in 2021. In fact, total viewership was down across the board from previous inaugurations, Variety reported, but this is at least in part because of people watching on apps and streaming services. As The New York Times put it, Fox News was far and away the most-watched TV network during President Trumps inauguration on Monday, a sign of both the channels dominance in cable news and the overall drop in Americans who rely on television to keep up on current events. While CNN says there will be new hires in the coming year, the layoffs are being cheered on social media by conservatives who have long complained that the network is part of corporate media that is biased against them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one exchange that drew attention on social media, CNN anchor Jim Acosta, whose future at the network has been the subject of much speculation, said to Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett, This is not Fox, congressman. You cant just tell a tale and pull the wool over peoples eyes. This is CNN. This is the news. Burchett hit back, saying that more people are watching SpongeBob SquarePants reruns than CNN. REP. BURCHETT ON CNN: More people are watching the Cartoon Network, Spongebob reruns right now, Jim." "You just can't stand the fact that Trump won." Maybe this is why CNN is planning to lay off hundreds of employees this week. NBC News is also planning layoffs this week. pic.twitter.com/Sdcw48oZHC Land Of ILLUSION (@Landofillusion1) January 22, 2025 According to Varietys examination of cable networks performances in 2024, CNN ranked 15th trailing Fox News and MSNBC, and also the Hallmark Channel and HGTV. MEXICO, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) A Central New York woman is sharing her story after falling victim to the E-ZPass scam NewsChannel 9 reported on earlier this week. The Mexico, New York woman said she didnt know it was a scam until she saw NewsChannel 9s newscast. Denise Damiano says she received a text Monday night, from what she originally thought was E-ZPass. I thought it was totally legit. Everybody does things via text now, even doctor appointments and such, said Damiano. Latest local news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Damiano says she thought it was from her trip to Massachusetts a few months back. I actually had an E-ZPass bill from Mass. that I paid and then I got another one in the mail that I was going to pay, but then I thought, Ill wait, maybe it crossed in the mail, said Damiano. Thats when Damiano decided to just pay what she thought she owed in unpaid E-ZPass tolls. I was like oh, I am just going to get rid of this, get it over with, and clicked on the link and put in my personal credit card information, said Damiano. But Damiano soon realized something was not right. It said that they would prefer that you use a Chase card or a such and such card and then I said mmm, I am not going to put my info back in and try it again. Ill just take my chances and wait, said Damiano. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Damiano says she is happy she trusted her instincts. Of course, I am scrolling social media a few hours later and NewsChannel 9 mentioned about the scam, said Damiano. Damiano said she quickly called her bank to report what happened. I called Pathfinder and they are canceling my card and issuing me a new one, said Damiano. Fortunately, no money was taken from Damianos bank account. Ill just always do my due diligence and look into stuff before I do that, said Damiano. A lesson learned. E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail say they will never send texts to customers unless they opt-in either online or through the mobile app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from E-ZPass, report them by calling 800-333-8655. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jan. 24Suspect charged after domestic violence incident COAL GROVE A man was arrested peacefully after he was found sleeping in the VA hospital parking lot in Huntington, West Virginia, after a nearly day long manhunt by police. According to a Coal Grove Police Department report, they got a report of domestic violence in the 600 block of High Street around 9 p.m. The victim said that Bryce Snyder, 23, of Coal Grove had been arguing all day and he had left the house and he had left for a while but returned later and got violent, pushing his elbow into the back of her head and screaming at her while she was holding a three-year-old child. The victim also said he threw her to the ground and then picked her up and also pulled her hair. The victim also said Snyder had torn up the house, including pulling doors from their frames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim went to a neighbor's house for help and called the police. The victim told police that Snyder had a gun and had taken her cell phone. After being interviewed by police, the victim was taken to a medical center to see if she had a concussion. The police got a search warrant for the residence, but Snyder was not there and local law agencies were looking for him while Coal Grove police Sgt. Kevin McKenzie got an arrest warrant for fourth degree felony disruption of public services. Snyder was found sleeping in a vehicle in the Herschel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center parking lot around 3:30 p.m. Thursday and taken into custody. He is currently jailed at the West Virginia Regional Jail. There will have to be an extradition hearing before he can be returned to Lawrence County. Earlier this week, President Donald Trump fired Adm. Linda Fagan, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, for mishandling Operation Fouled Anchor, a yearslong investigation into sexual assault and harassment at the Coast Guard Academy that top leadership hid. I am a survivor of sexual harassment in the Coast Guard and I support Fagans firing. For the past 18 months, sexual harassment and sexual assault survivors repeatedly asked Fagan when Coast Guard leaders who failed to prosecute known sexual assaults at the Coast Guard Academy and in the service would be prosecuted. We asked when Adm. Karl Schultz, former Coast Guard commandant, would be held accountable for failing to share the Operations Fouled Anchor (OFA) report with Congress with the Coast Guard community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No response. No accountability. Shame on those who failed to take Coast Guard sexual assault seriously My first attempt at transparency was at the November 2023 healing event. The event, held five months after CNN reported on OFA, intended to provide survivors with a venue to talk about sexual assault in the Coast Guard. Fagan, who was briefing sexual harassment and sexual assault survivors, shared that she was committed to not creating new survivors. It was a laudable goal, but what about current survivors? I politely stood up in a room full of women carrying decades of pain and asked, what about us? When will Coast Guard leaders be held accountable? Fagan declined to answer the question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that day, Steve Poulin, a former Judge Advocate General colleague of mine and then Coast Guard vice commandant, thanked me for advocating for Coast Guard sexual assault and sexual harassment survivors. Empty words. Im a former agency leader, having served as chief counsel for the Maritime Administration between 2009-2012. He was the vice commandant, the No. 2 in command in the Coast Guard. Why wasnt he doing more in 2023? He was the Coast Guard chief counsel when OFA began in 2014. Why didnt he hold former Coast Guard leaders accountable for failing to prosecute crimes? I asked again in December 2024. I stood up at a Navy League breakfast and asked Fagan about accountability. Fagan was at the event to share information about the service with Navy League members. I wanted to know what was happening with OFA. Fagan thanked me for my courage in asking the question. There is nothing courageous about asking about crimes. Im simply a Coast Guard veteran and former JAG, who is appalled by the Coast Guard admirals club who refuses to hold each other accountable. Thad Allen, former Coast Guard commandant and Fagans boss, describes Fagan as a leader of character and integrity whom he looked to for counseling and support and would do so again without hesitation. She has faced the most difficult challenges in a responsible, forthright and forward-looking manner always acting in the best interest of the service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I agree with Allens assessment. Fagan always looked out for the best interest of the service and Coast Guard sexual harassment and sexual assault survivors suffered as a result. Fagan knew about OFA before she became commandant, according to her testimony before Congress in June 2024. Fagan formally learned about OFA in 2018 when she joined the Coast Guard Leadership Council in her role as Pacific Area Commander (2018-2021). The decision not to share the OFA report with Congress occurred in 2020, the period in which Fagan was on the Leadership Council. Fagan was nominated to be Vice Commandant in 2021. She did not share information regarding OFA with Congress as part of her nomination process. Fagan was nominated to be commandant in 2022. Again, she did not share OFA info. It wasnt until CNN reported on OFA in June 2023 that Fagan publicly admitted to knowing the most damaging secret in the service crimes were committed but not prosecuted and the report summarizing these crimes and the lack of accountability was not shared with Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coast Guard sexual harassment and sexual assault survivors werent the only ones calling for accountability. Five Congressional committees were also pressing the service for information and all they got were blacked-out pages. Hours were spent lining out thousands of pages of documents, an effort that appeared to limit Congress oversight. The criticism of Fagans firing by former Coast Guard leaders has led many in the Coast Guard sexual harassment and sexual assault to shake their heads. Yet again, admirals are looking after themselves while survivors, male and female, struggle to live with the unaddressed pain. Sexual assault is a crime. Its a crime that should be prosecuted and for the first time in history a service chief was fired for not doing her job to address this crime. It was the first time in 18 months since OFA was uncovered that an admiral was held accountable and thats a good thing. K. Denise Rucker Krepp is a Coast Guard veteran and former Maritime Administration chief counsel. (Bloomberg) -- The mountains of Catatumbo in eastern Colombia are so dangerous that the police and army generally dont stray far from their barracks for fear of snipers. Most Read from Bloomberg The sharpshooters concealed in the jungle have varying allegiances, from drug cartels to Marxist guerrillas. But theyre all ultimately in the deadly business of asserting control over the regions fields of coca, the raw material for Colombias multibillion-dollar cocaine industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past week, Catatumbo named after the river that snakes through it has been ripped by the most intense outbreak of violence in a decade. The source of the terror is a Marxist guerrilla group which wants to take total control of the areas cocaine laboratories, clandestine air strips and smuggling routes into Venezuela. The National Liberation Army, or ELN, launched an offensive to try to drive out a rival group, with its fighters going door to door with death lists of local farmers suspected of supporting its enemies. The violence has already claimed at least 80 lives and displaced 36,000 people. The bloodbath in Catatumbo is another blow for leftist President Gustavo Petros attempts to seek total peace through talks with guerrillas and the private armies of drug-traffickers. Worsening security across the nation, and the spread of crime gangs into areas that were previously peaceful, has made many Colombians impatient with attempts to negotiate with groups that extort, kidnap and smuggle cocaine. The failure of Petros strategy could favor conservative presidential and congressional candidates in 2026 who can appeal to voters hankering for a military crackdown, according to Sergio Guzman, who heads Colombia Risk Analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public order is now Colombias single biggest problem, according to an Invamer poll published in December, exceeding concerns about the economy and corruption. This is going to be central to the election, Guzman said. Record Cocaine The violence has fueled a refugee crisis, with thousands of people making their way to the provincial capital Cucuta to seek shelter. Others have gone into Venezuela. One of the refugees is Francisco, who hid in the trees when ELN fighters in combat fatigues came hunting for him at his farm in Tibu, the municipality that produces more coca than any other in Colombia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was there for two or three hours, praying to God that they wouldnt see me, said Francisco, who asked to withhold his last name for fear of retaliation. Once it became dark, he fled the area. Although Catatumbo is currently the worst-affected region, various armed militias are battling across the country, on the Pacific coast, along the Andes mountains, in the eastern cattle-ranching plains and in the Amazon. The fighting has sometimes spread to the other side of the Venezuelan border. Much of the current fighting has its roots in the demobilization of Colombias biggest guerrilla group, the FARC, which agreed in 2016 to hand in its weapons and form a political party in exchange for pledges of agrarian reform, seats in congress and other benefits. Before then, the FARC was powerful enough in many regions to keep out rivals, but its disappearance sparked a fight for control of the areas it had abandoned, with record cocaine production aggravating the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 2024, there were 58 illegal armed groups operating in the country, according to Bogota-based political research center CERAC. Those groups were present in 281 Colombian municipalities last year, up from 215 in 2021, the year before Petro took office. The area of land in Colombia planted with coca rose 10% last year, to a record 253,000 hectares. Thats enough to produce more than 2,600 tons of cocaine, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. That generates about $14 billion in annual revenue for Colombias illegal armed groups, according to a Daniel Mejia, an economics professor in Bogota who has researched drugs and crime. On Friday, the Petro administration declared a state of internal commotion over the situation in Catatumbo, giving the government extraordinary powers to face the crisis, while Finance Minister Diego Guevara said he is considering a value-added tax on online gambling platforms to help finance costs associated with the deterioration in security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Political Problems Colombias conservative voters have yet to coalesce around a single candidate. But Senators Paloma Valencia and Maria Fernanda Cabal, former Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon and journalist Vicky Davila, are among the possible presidential candidates who might benefit from the current mood, according to Guzman. I dont think the government is going to reach an agreement with any of the groups, Valencia said. Its going to have to understand that itll need to return to the struggle against drugs. In 2002, rebel violence and failed peace talks led to the election of Valencias mentor, Alvaro Uribe, who ordered a massive military offensive against the guerrillas which weakened the fighters, though failed to eliminate them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, Colombias countryside remains ungovernable and that could quickly sour relations between Petro and US President Donald Trump. Colombia has been among Washingtons closest allies in Latin America for decades and the biggest recipient of US aid in the region. But with Trump pledging to step up the war on cartels, Colombia might even face decertification as a partner in the war on drugs. That would put the country in the same rogue category as Bolivia and Nicolas Maduros Venezuela, and limit access to some aid and loans. Still, though this might affect Colombias reputation, it wont do major economic damage given that US aid is not as significant as it was at the start of the century, according to Adam Isacson, who studies US-Colombia policy at the Washington Office on Latin America. The fighting in Catatumbo has also caused friction with Maduro, who until recently has had warm relations with the Petro government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the workers who pick coca in Catatumbo are Venezuelans. Some have fled back across the border in recent days, arriving by river or on motorbikes and in cars, often waving white flags. Venezuelas armed forces have long tolerated, and sometimes even helped, the various Colombian armed groups such as the ELN that operate on both sides of the border. In a post on X this week, Petro signaled that Venezuela bears some of the blame for the strength of the ELN. The ELN doesnt come by its power internally, he said Tuesday, in a statement posted on X. For his part, Maduro sent Russian-made military jets to patrol the border on Wednesday in a show of force. Maduro has sometimes sought to rally nationalist sentiment by fanning disputes with foreign countries when he is facing protests at home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Fabiola Zerpa, Andreina Itriago Acosta and Patricia Laya. (Updates with governments declaration of a state of internal commotion. A previous version of this story corrected the job title of presidential contender Vicky Davila) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. JUBA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese doctor specializing in ear, nose and throat (ENT) treatment has brought much-needed relief to a rural family in South Sudan after months of pain and uncertainty in their search for specialized medical care. Viola Kiden Zakaria, a 22-year-old secondary school student in Juba, had been tirelessly seeking treatment for her mother, Agustina Juan, 50, since October 2024. Juan, a resident of Mangala village, about 75 kilometers from South Sudan's capital, had been suffering from severe pain caused by a nasal tumor and complications from the flu. Despite visiting several private hospitals, Zakaria could not afford the payment of 2,000 U.S. dollars required for the surgery to remove her mother's tumor, known as "inverted papilloma," a benign epithelial tumor that grows in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. "When I brought my mother to Juba Teaching Hospital, she was feeling immense pain on the right side of her head, and she could not sleep, and also she was having smelly discharge from the nose," Zakaria said during a recent interview with Xinhua. Juan's condition began to improve after she was examined by Wang Chuanxi, an ENT specialist of the 12th batch of the Chinese medical team, at Juba Teaching Hospital in late November 2024. Wang promptly recommended surgical intervention after confirming the tumor's presence through a series of tests conducted by a team of Chinese and South Sudanese doctors. The Chinese doctor also discovered that Juan had diabetes, which needed to be stabilized before the procedure. The surgery, led by Wang, was successfully performed on Monday, taking less than an hour to complete. Juan was provided with antibiotics and diabetes medications as part of her postoperative care. "My mother is now feeling somehow better, though she still feels some little pain. She is now able to eat food and drink water without any problem," Zakaria said, expressing her relief. "She used to plough her farm before she fell sick, but now, with the improvement in her condition, she might go back to the village and resume her work." Wang confirmed that the tumor could only be treated through surgery, which had been carried out successfully. Michael Deng Achier, a general practitioner who assisted in the operation, explained that Juan's access to medical care had been severely limited due to the long distance between her village and Juba. "In the past three months, she had even been unable to get any drugs for diabetes," he noted. Over the past 12 years, 180 Chinese medical personnel have served in South Sudan, treating more than 80,000 patients, performing over 1,400 surgeries, and rescuing 2,692 critically ill individuals. Juan's story is just one among many, illustrating the lifesaving impact of the long-standing partnership between China and South Sudan in the field of healthcare. For 100-plus days now, the abandoned boat, Deep Thought, has been stranded on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Its owners, Richard and Sherry Wells, traveled from their Mississippi home in October to purchase the boat for roughly $12,000. Their plan was to leave the Manitowoc Marina, where the boat was located, spend two nights docked at the McKinley Marina, then head home via Lake Michigan to the Chicago River and down the Mississippi River. Once there, they were set to retire and make Deep Thought their permanent home. That dream didn't go according to plan. But bad weather, running out of gas and a dwindling bank account tripped them up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jerry Guyer and his crew from Silo Marina have been trying to remove the roughly 40-year-old Chris-Craft Roamer since it was abandoned between Bradford Beach and McKinley Marina on Oct. 13. We just have to wait for milder weather. Theres nothing else we can do, Guyer said. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Boat abandoned in Milwaukee for 100-plus days and counting A defining duo of the first Donald Trump administration is back. Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska were at the center of Trumps many previous battles with his own party on Capitol Hill. They voted at times against his Cabinet and judicial nominees, together helped tank a GOP healthcare plan and, shortly after Trump left office, voted to convict him of impeachment charges related to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Now, with Trump back in office, they were the only Republicans voting against advancing Pete Hegseths nomination as Defense secretary on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a familiar dynamic in a much different political environment. Between the populist transformation of the Republican Party and the effect of Trumps popular vote victory, the coalition of GOP lawmakers viewed as potentially willing to buck Trump has shrunk considerably. Moreover, math has made the duos opposition less decisive: During part of Trumps prior administration, the Senate was so closely divided that Collins and Murkowski alone could turn the tide of an otherwise party-line vote. Not so now, with 53 Republican senators sworn. That has allowed Senate leaders to give them grace, given their political profiles as two Republican women with unique relationships with their home states not to mention the Capitol Hill ethos that theres always another vote coming where they might need their support. Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said he was not surprised by their votes and I do understand their explanations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lisa Murkowski is a good Republican who votes with the majority 98 percent of the time and so is Susan Collins. And were grateful to them for winning the seat for our majority and so thats my view, Wicker said. He added of Murkowski, She doesnt have to vote with the majority [100 percent] of the time to be a good Republican. Shes not our 2 percent enemy. Shes our 98 percent friend. Still, the early opposition to Hegseths nomination could be a precursor of whats to come with two of Trumps endangered nominees Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services now scheduled for hearings. Other Republican senators are also being closely watched on those nominations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murkowski released a statement shortly before the vote explaining that Hegseths military service didnt alleviate my significant concerns regarding his nomination and that Hegseths previous behavior, including admitted infidelity demonstrates a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces. Collins, meanwhile, didnt tip her hand even as she walked on the Senate floor Thursday afternoon. She voted against advancing Hegseth then released a statement saying that she was concerned that he does not have the experience and perspective necessary to succeed in the job. While the two were careful not to lock themselves in as formal no votes in the days leading up to the vote, their opposition didnt come as a surprise. They had spent days publicly telegraphing that they had lingering concerns about Hegseth concerns they maintained as Hegseths nomination faced an 11th hour curveball after his former sister-in-law alleged in an affidavit given to senators that his second wife feared for her safety. Hegseth has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins and Murkowski also privately told leadership what they were going to do, fulfilling one of the golden rules of Congress: Vote however you want, just dont let it be a surprise to your own team. We had conversations with them and they informed us of what they were doing, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said shortly after the vote asked about the two moderates. There was some thought the two might be joined by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the former GOP leader, who had repeatedly declined to say if he would back Hegseth. He ultimately voted to advance his nomination on Thursday. A final confirmation vote isnt expected until Friday night. Were McConnell to join Collins and Murkowski without any other senators changing their vote, Vice President JD Vance would be called upon to break a 50-50 tie. Asked if he knew McConnell would support advancing Hegseth, Wicker added: I wasnt sure. Joe Gould contributed to this report. Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Friday issued a decree that gives him emergency powers to respond to an outbreak of deadly violence between rival armed groups in the north-eastern Catatumbo region. The declaration of a "state of internal unrest" was approved by all of Petro's ministers and gives the left-wing president powers to restore order, such as setting curfews. Authorities say at least 80 people in the rural region have been killed in recent clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and a splinter group of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ombudsman's Office of Colombia described the situation as critical. It said that 36,000 people have been displaced from their homes in the region, which borders Venezuela. The law says a "state of internal unrest" can be declared in situations of serious disruption of public order that endanger institutional stability, state security or the coexistence of citizens and that cannot be remedied by the regular powers of the police. The measure, which has not been imposed since 2008, is valid for a period of 90 days and only for Catatumbo. It can be extended by up to 180 days with the approval of lawmakers. In 2016, the largest guerrilla organization, FARC, and the Colombian government signed a peace agreement. However, some splinter groups remained active. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Colombian government has been engaged in peace talks with the ELN for years, but they have been frequently suspended. The Marxist-Leninist guerrilla organization has around 5,000 fighters and is involved in kidnappings, drug trafficking and protection rackets. Due to the latest attacks, the Colombian government has once again broken off its peace talks with the ELN rebels. Petro accused them of "war crimes." The targets of the ELN attacks include members of a FARC splinter group that is also holding peace talks with the government. DENVER (KDVR) One in eight Americans, and 600,000 people in Colorado, are struggling to afford food and rely on the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Thieves are using skimming devices to copy information off EBT cards, leaving victims at a loss. Dalerie told FOX31 that work opportunities have been sparse over the past few months. Colorado rancher: Bucking horses, bulls in National Western Stock Show have it best Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We havent had any work since like before November, so its been really hard with the bills, she said. Dalerie, who is currently working as a rideshare driver, said her husbands handyman business is starting to gain more ground, but the dry spell has made it tough for their family of six. The couple is temporarily relying on SNAP benefits to get by. When Dalerie took her children to the grocery store two weeks ago, she was devastated to learn her benefits had been stolen. It said declined, declined, declined, she said. Dalerie showed FOX31 receipts, revealing the thieves used her benefits at several grocery stores in the Firestone area, which is miles from her home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six hundred dollars, $400 charges and another $100 charge, and I was like what the heck, this isnt me, and unfortunately I had to tell the kids, Im sorry guys we cant pay for these today, she said. Thieves used card skimmers and cloning devices to gain access to electronic benefits. The money will not be reimbursed, and now the family must visit the local food bank. Just trying to look at whats left in the cabinets, what meats do I really have, and trying to stretch it, Dalerie said. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Former President Joe Biden signed a law allowing states to use federal funds to reimburse victims of SNAP theft in 2022, but Congress did not include the provisions in a 2024 funding bill. Some lawmakers are now calling for Congress to reinstate the provision in the Farm Bill that would allow victims to be reimbursed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without reimbursement, millions will be vulnerable to electronic crimes targeting those who are at their lowest point already. I know well make it through life, I just dont know how. So, we just take it day by day and pray and be thankful for what we do have, Dalerie said. The Colorado Department of Human Services told FOX31 that the best way for those using SNAP benefits to protect their benefits is to freeze their EBT card when they are not using it by using the MyCoBenefits mobile app, the ebtEDGE mobile app or Cardholder Portal. The ebtEDGE and MyCoBenefits mobile apps are available on the Apple and Google Play app stores. Cardholders can also place transaction restrictions on their account through the ebtEDGE mobile app or Cardholder Portal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CDHS recommends cardholders change their PIN regularly. Any PIN changes should take place at least one month before the date the benefits are posted. For more information about EBT fraud, cardholders can go to the CDHS EBT webpage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LONDON Kimberlee Singler, the Colorado mom who is accused of drugging and then killing two of her children before fleeing to the United Kingdom, has been told by a British court that she can be extradited back home to stand trial. Singler watched silently and without emotion during a brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in central London on Friday, where her challenge to a U.S. extradition order was rejected by District Judge John Zani. However, the case will now be considered by the British home secretary, Yvette Cooper, who has the final say on some high-profile extradition cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Singler intends to appeal the decision the British Supreme Court and then possibly at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, further delaying her return. She faces life in prison upon a successful conviction. Kimberlee Singler. Singler, 36, was arrested in London on Dec. 30, 2023 days after the lifeless bodies of her children, aged 7 and 9, were found at her home in Colorado Springs. She is accused of fatally shooting and stabbing them, as well as injuring a third child who survived and told police of their ordeal, and has been charged in absentia of seven counts, include two first degree murder charges. Singler's legal team had been resisting extradition on the basis that she denies the charges and that she would face a life sentence with no chance of parole, something judged to be cruel and unusual punishment according to European human rights law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights a legally binding statute followed by 46 countries, including the U.K. prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. But in a written judgment, Zani said he was satisfied that her extradition would be lawful because there was a "working mechanism of review in the form of executive clemency," meaning that, while highly unlikely, the governor of Colorado could choose to to pardon her. The judge said he was "of the firm opinion that the defendant's extradition to the United States of America to face criminal prosecution complies" with her constitutional rights. Singler has 14 days in which to launch an appeal. Westminster Magistrates Court has heard graphic detail of her alleged crimes in a series of hearings over the past year, in which Singler's attorney sparred with the U.K. government's attorney over the legality of her extradition. Edward Fitzgerald, Singler's attorney, said she was "coping very well" in prison, where she remains for the time being. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (COLORADO SPRINGS) At the Colorado Springs City Administration building Thursday, Mayor Yemi Mobolade faced tough questions about immigration, deportation, and migrants. When it comes to the immigration conversation, theres a lot that we dont know and frankly a lot that has not been asked of me yet. So most of my engagement with this topic has been more or less speculation, said Mobolade. He said he looks forward to a great relationship with the new presidential administration, and that the city is actively discussing what the new executive orders mean for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have federal laws, you have state laws. The rule of law is important to me as Mayor, said Mobolade. He says he has good communication with non-profit organizations that work with immigrants. Through those talks, he says hes learned that the number of people those non-profits serve, has gone down. No real concern, just because we havent had the influx like some other Colorado cities have had. Right now, I havent heard from them. There are no concerns right now. We dont expect any concern, said Mobolade. He added that he encourages people not to fret because what hes seeing from the White House on the topic is more about public safety. He says his point of view aligns with the governors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were a nation of immigrants. Its part of who we are as a country. This mayor came in as an immigrant, and immigrants add to the quality of life and vitality of this great city and region and of our great country. So, Im grateful for so many of them that are adding to the flourishing of our community. Its important that we separate facts from gossip, fact from fiction, said Mobolade. He also added that while deportation and ICE are more of a federal issue, he does support holding criminals accountable. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Two Colton High School students were arrested this month, one of them with a handgun, police said. School officials were first alerted that a student was concealing a handgun just before 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 15, the Colton Police Department said in a news release. After a search of campus did not reveal the student, authorities began searching off campus, locating two teens at a local business across the street from campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A gun was discovered, and two boys aged 16 and 17 were arrested, police said. The 16-year-old was booked into juvenile hall, while the 17-year-old was released to his parents. Due to their ages, the boys identities have not been released. Anyone with more information is asked to call Officer J. Sandoval at 909-370-5000. To report information anonymously, call WeTip at 800-78-CRIME or visit wetip.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 KTLA. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Despite cold winter weather, some renters have been stranded without heat in central Ohio. Tenants have rights, and they include the right to health and safety standards being upheld in their home. Although landlords are not liable for paying for the heat or water used in a rented apartment, they are responsible to maintaining access to heat and water. Under Columbus law, all homes must have working running water capable of being heated to at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit and must have heating facilities that heat all habitable rooms to at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the problem violates the building, housing or health and safety code, tenants can call the Housing Inspector of the Health Department, who will inspect the property at no charge to the tenant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus landlord sued after tenants left without heat amid deep freeze The best and most efficient fashion is to call 311 and make that complaint, Anthony Celebrezze III, deputy director for the Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services, said. Celebrezze said operators with 311 will address the call and connect it with the right people, which is often code enforcement. From there, an inspector will come out and attempt to work with the landlord to get the heat back on. If the problem will be a delayed solution, such as a failed boiler system that forced 49 evacuations from Edgewater Landing apartments this week, the city will help tenants move. See previous coverage of the Edgewater Landing lawsuit in the video player above. If the unit is not holding temperature at 69, 70 degrees Fahrenheit, we can invoke a rection of the city code that requires landlords to rehome them, Celebrezze said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cars into buildings: Columbus online obsession If a landlord cannot or will not relocate a tenant to another, working unit or arrange a hotel stay, the city will step in again to ensure they are safely relocated to temporary housing. Celebrezze said relocation is accompanied by its own challenges, from discomfort to adjusting to a new school bus schedule for children to get to school. He said the city makes sure no costs fall on the tenants as they navigate this. Generally speaking, they dont cause this. Theyre already going through hardship, he said. This applies regardless of renters immigration status. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said absent a court order, the city will not deploy resources to detect someones immigration status unless there is a crime, arrest or criminal warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the city steps in to rehome tenants, Columbus law requires landlords to reimburse the city for the 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) The president of the Columbus chapter of the NAACP is being told to step down from her position and the organization itself. Nana Watson received a cease and desist letter from the NAACP national office. The letter, obtained by NBC4, alleges Watson mishandled membership dues, refused to work with other organizations, and made false statements regarding correspondence with the national office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC4 has reached out to Watson and to the Columbus chapter for statements, but they have not responded. Watson has been president of the chapter for about a decade. The letter ends with the following sentence: You are directed to cease and desist immediately from holding yourself out as a member of the NAACP and as the Columbus branch NAACP president. According to the letter, Watson has 15 days to respond to the letter and request a hearing with the national 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. CAIRO, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions on Friday, discussing issues including the situation in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, Libya, and the Horn of Africa. During a phone conversation, the two diplomats also addressed concerns regarding Red Sea security, freedom of navigation, and the impact of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Egypt's water security, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement. The meeting highlighted the importance of enhanced cooperation between the two countries to de-escalate tensions and promote peace and stability in the region. Abdelatty emphasized the need for continued coordination among Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to ensure the full implementation of the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement. He stressed the importance of all parties adhering to the agreement's terms and timelines. The top Egyptian diplomat reiterated Egypt's commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for a final settlement that establishes an independent Palestinian state and prevents future episodes of violence. For his part, Rubio affirmed the importance of the U.S.-Egypt strategic partnership for promoting regional peace, security, and stability, according to a statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Egypt. Rubio thanked Abdelatty for Egypt's mediation efforts in securing the release of hostages, for sustaining humanitarian assistance deliveries throughout Gaza, and reinforced the importance of holding Hamas accountable, according to the statement. He also reiterated the importance of close cooperation to advance post-conflict planning for the governance and security of Gaza. Over his seven years on the federal bench, James C. Ho has acquired a reputation as one of the most conservative members of a notably conservative court, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. So it's proper to take heed of Ho's position on a temporarily blocked issue that Donald Trump has lately placed on the front burner: Birthright citizenship, the principle enshrined in the 14th Amendment that virtually all children born in the U.S. are U.S. citizens. In an executive order issued on inauguration day, Jan. 20, Trump declared that the right of birthright citizenship doesn't apply to the children of undocumented immigrants. Trump's order was temporarily blocked Thursday by a federal judge in Seattle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Text, history, judicial precedent, and Executive Branch interpretation confirm that the Citizenship Clause reaches most U.S.-born children of aliens, including illegal aliens. James C. Ho, 2006 Among legal scholars, that's a minority view, even a fringe view. The 14th Amendment is forthright; it states, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States." Ho has long voiced the broadest view of those words. But not lately. Let's trace his intellectual journey on the issue. Ho, as it happens, is an immigrant himself. He was born in Taiwan to parents who immigrated to the U.S. when he was a child and acquired naturalized U.S. citizenship at age 9. No one to my knowledge has ever argued that the children of invading aliens are entitled to birthright citizenship. James C. Ho, 2024 Ho's judicial stance has been solidly conservative. Last year, writing in a case in which his colleagues reversed a ruling by a federal judge in Texas that had blocked the distribution of the abortion drug mifepristone nationwide, Ho engaged in what I called a "curious flight of fancy" to advocate for the ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He asserted that abortions cause aesthetic injury to doctors forced to participate in the procedure, even if only by treating patients for adverse reactions. Unborn babies are a source of profound joy for those who view them, Ho wrote. Doctors delight in working with their unborn patients and experience an aesthetic injury when they are aborted. He argued in favor of granting the physician plaintiffs in the case a legal interest in the outcome of abortions achieved via the drug, even though none of the plaintiffs had treated women who had taken it. "The [Food and Drug Administration] has approved the use of a drug that threatens to destroy the unborn children in whom Plaintiffs have an interest," Ho wrote. "And this injury is likewise redressable by a court order holding unlawful and setting aside approval of that abortifacient drug." Read more: Column: A conservative think tank says Trump policies would crater the economy but it's being kind Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ho's earliest writing on the birthright citizenship that I could find was published in 2006 in The Green Bag, a law journal. At the time, Ho's career encompassed service as a counsel to the Senate Republican caucus and service as a clerk to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. He would later serve as solicitor general of Texas, before his appointment to the 5th Circuit appeals court by Trump in 2017. In his 2006 article, titled "Defining 'American,'" Ho focused specifically and at length on the argument that children of undocumented immigrants aren't entitled to birthright citizenship. Birthright citizenship, he wrote, "is protected no less for children of undocumented persons than for descendants of Mayflower passengers." Ho dismissed the assertion by critics of birthright citizenship that the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction" excludes those who are in the U.S. illegally." Even they, he wrote, are subject to the authority of the U.S. government, and therefore covered by the citizenship clause. He endorsed the most common interpretation, which is that the "jurisdiction" clause excludes only the children of diplomats serving their home countries in the U.S., and enemy combatants on U.S. soil. Instead, he wrote, the citizenship clause "covers the vast majority of lawful and unlawful aliens." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ho wrote again on birthright citizenship in a Jan. 5, 2011, op-ed in the Wall Street Journal. The article addressed an effort by a coalition of red state legislators in support of state-level laws to exclude undocumented immigrants from birthright citizenship. It was subtitled, "Opponents of illegal immigration cannot claim to champion the rule of law and then propose policies that violate our Constitution." In that article, Ho reviewed the long history of legal and judicial support for the broad reach of birthright citizenship. As I reported this week, that included an 1898 Supreme Court decision upholding the citizenship of an American citizen of Chinese extraction, and Supreme Court rulings in 1982 and 1985 in which the court "unanimously agreed that a child born to an undocumented immigrant was in fact a U.S. citizen," as Ho wrote. Read more: Column: Who elected Elon Musk our arbiter of social norms? Now let's fast-forward to Nov. 11, days after Trump's reelection victory. In an interview published by Reason Magazine that Ho gave to conservative lawyer Josh Blackman who himself supports birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants Ho backtracked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Birthright citizenship obviously doesn't apply in case of war or invasion," Ho stated. "No one to my knowledge has ever argued that the children of invading aliens are entitled to birthright citizenship. And I can't imagine what the legal argument for that would be.... Everyone agrees that birthright citizenship doesn't apply to the children of lawful combatants. And it's hard to see anyone arguing that unlawful combatants should be treated more favorably than lawful combatants." There's a lot to unpack here, but Ho certainly seems to be conjuring up a redefinition of "illegal" or undocumented immigrants as "invaders." He appears to find some equivalence between undocumented immigrants and "invading aliens." Ho articulated this view in a concurring opinion in an appellate ruling in July that supported efforts by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to have state officials block immigrants at the Texas border. Ho argued that Abbott's assertion that Texas faced an "invasion" of illegal immigrants from Mexico deserved respect as a "good faith" description of conditions, and that the state arguably had the right to take matters into its own hands. That's a view in which Ho may be in a minority of one. In a 1996 case, a federal appeals court panel ruled that for a state to claim it's being invaded, "it must be exposed to armed hostility from another political entity, such as another state or foreign country that is intending to overthrow the state's government"not a flow of individuals seeking jobs. In his Reason interview, Ho's definition of "unlawful combatants" is murky, but his free use of the term "invasion" conforms to the observation of legal scholar Rachel Rosenbloom that opposition to birthright citizenship is typically couched in a highly racialized language of crisis and invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why did Ho change his tune, if that's what he's done? Paul Blumenthal of Huffpost speculates that Ho's "rewriting of his previous position on birthright citizenship can be best seen as his audition for the next open Supreme Court seat," which is likely to be filled by Trump. I asked Ho via a message to be forwarded to him by his chambers clerk to comment on that conjecture and to clarify his views on birthright citizenship, and how they might have been changed by rhetoric about an "invasion" of Texas or the U.S. by immigrants. He hasn't replied. 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. In 2018, Vox commissioned me to write a story about medieval Catholic ideas and the radical transformation of American politics that had vaulted Donald Trump to the presidency. I thought it would be provocative to include some call-out boxes at the top that named names. Exploring the vectors to these Catholic ideas invariably led to places such as Fox News, the Heritage Foundation, the Federalist Society, the Supreme Court and the more creepy Trump-infested parts of the federal government. Think Fox News host Sean Hannity, Federalist Society Chair Leonard Leo, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and Trump strategist Steve Bannon. Unfortunately, Vox did not approve, and my editor offered me a kill fee to go away. I subsequently published a list-free version of the story in The New Republic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, I associated this reluctance to name names with the inability of people who are not Catholic to grasp the central role of the Catholic natural-law tradition in shaping the ideology, institutions, policies and behaviors of this radical right. Catholic natural law operates on the premise that humans are created in Gods image, and social order and domestic tranquility require that humans understand, accept and honor the qualities ordained by nature, especially the distinction between male and female. Catholicism teaches that natural law is written and engraved in the soul of each and every man. It is the basis for the capacity of individuals to discern good from evil. It is central to the catechism. Natural law has been the foundation for Catholic right-wingers assault upon Enlightenment liberalism. It is the basis of their post-liberal vision for the future, which is largely about restoring the natural order of things on behalf of the common good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the elevation of U.S. Sen. JD Vance, a Catholic convert and zealot, to copilot the Trump presidency, everyone is now coming out of the Catholic closet. Where, in truth, theyd never been hiding. Ill give you a few examples. Vance opened a lot of eyes to the reality that there are many Catholics who are less the charitable, loving kind and more the censorious, hating kind. During his conversion experience, he was deeply influenced by Catholic natural law principles. An article of faith for him is that human beings are fundamentally prone to evil, which he attributes to a society oriented entirely towards consumption and pleasure, spurning duty and virtue. Theres also Sean Cooksey, who is in his early 30s. He was nominated by Trump and confirmed by the Senate in 2020 to be the youngest-ever commissioner of the Federal Election Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cooksey brings into the elections arena the pugilistic temperament of a practicing Catholic with a University of Chicago law degree. Whereas Democrats prefer institutionalist rules of engagement shake hands, no rough stuff, wear your helmets and mouth guards Cooksey sees federal elections as bare-knuckle brawls in which contenders take it to the bitter end. And then theres Karoline Leavitt, who at the age of 27 is the spitfire, never-back-down White House press secretary for Trump. In the current Trump regime, of 36 people elected or appointed to key Cabinet, agency and White House staff positions for which information on religious affiliation is available, 16 are Catholic, representing nearly half of the group. (Catholics have fallen to about 20% of the U.S. population.) Members of Congress also are increasingly Catholic, especially in the Republican Party. In the past 16 years, Catholic representation among House Republicans has increased, while dropping for House Democrats, reflecting the hard turn to the right of political Catholicism, generally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same trend applies to the federal courts. Six of the nine Supreme Court justices are Catholic, and another was raised Catholic; only one is liberal. Prior to the appointment of Antonin Scalia, a devout Catholic, to the Supreme Court in 1986, only six of the previous 102 justices in the courts history had been Catholic. We cannot understand the looming jackboot upon the neck of the nation without focusing on traditionalist Catholic influences that for decades have been invisible to the liberal imagination, leaving it defenseless against the intellectual and emotional assaults upon its foundations. Catholic natural-law fantasies about the proper ordering of sexuality, reproductive rights, gender roles, the natural family and religious freedom now command the heights of American law and politics. Whats important here is not that a high percentage of Trump loyalists practice and worship as Catholics in their private lives. Its that the cultural and intellectual foundations of their illiberal, authoritarian political commitments emerge from reactionary Catholic traditions dating back 800 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican creed is MAGA Make America Great Again. The more appropriate creed might be MAMA Make America Medieval Again. ____ Peter H. Schwartz writes at the broad intersection of philosophy, politics, history and religion. He publishes the Wikid World newsletter on Substack. ___ Consent of the governed is one of the founding principles of our country. Embedded in the Declaration of Independence, it harks to the frustrations of American colonists over unjust laws and levies placed upon them by the mad king, King George III. Simply put, it is a reaction against the tyranny of centralized government and the ignorance of local popular appeal. There have been few moments in recent memory when this principle was violated more than Joe Biden, as president, halting the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel. On Dec. 23, mayors and municipal leaders of Gary, Indiana, and the Mon Valley in Pennsylvania, whose blast furnaces would have been saved by Nippon, sent a letter to the modern-day mad king, Biden, imploring him not to block the deal, lest their economies crumble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The folks on the ground told Biden that David McCall, head of the powerful United Steelworkers, was not negotiating in good faith and was pushing misinformation that eventually compelled Biden to block the deal this month. So, is this truly the end? If you are President Donald Trump, you surely do not want this to be so. The Mon Valley and Gary Works plants produce, respectfully, 2.9 million and 7.5 million net tons of steel annually. The American Iron and Steel Institute shows 2023s total steel output for the country at 89.7 million net tons. Thus, if the Mon Valley and Gary plants were to close, this would reduce Americas annual steel output by almost 12%. Increases in the price of steel caused by this shrinking in supply will be made worse if Trump implements his tariffs. In 2023, the U.S. imported around 28.2 million net tons of steel. Canada and Mexico exported the most to us at a combined 11.1 million net tons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without increasing domestic steel production, levying 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, as well as 10% to 20% unilateral tariffs on all other countries, any business that depends on steel inputs in the U.S. will be handicapped. If I am Trump, how am I going to rebuild the military if I have 12% less steel and steeper costs for steel imports than my predecessor? How am I going to super-drive the American economy when these factors are in place? Trump appeals to working-class voters who feel like they have been left behind. In a sense, he speaks to those who feel Washington has lost its consent to govern. By reversing Bidens decision, he would speak to the communities that Biden truly turned his back on. Through this sale, he also would have more steel to fulfill his agenda since Nippons pledged investments would increase production and keep the Mon Valley and Gary plants operational for decades to come. Given Trumps plan of autarky, not reversing Bidens decision would be a bigger betrayal to the working class than Biden blocking the deal in the first place. Without Nippon acquiring U.S. Steel, workers who thought Trump would lead them into a new golden era will surely be bypassed when they find out they dont even have enough material to do the things that they are doing now. When they voted for Trump, do you think they consented to this? ____ Vincent Trometter is vice president of Competitive Markets Action Inc. in Washington and a native of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. ___ Rep. Ben Koppelman, R-West Fargo, speaks about term limits during a committee hearing on Jan. 23, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) A North Dakota legislative committee advanced a bill Thursday that makes a change to lawmaker term limits approved by voters in 2022. The constitutional measure limits lawmakers to serving no more than eight years in the state House and eight years in the state Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for lawmakers elected in 2020, the measure effectively limits them to six years after the passage of the ballot measure. If those lawmakers were to run for office in 2028, they would hit the eight-year limit in the middle of the term. Rep. Ben Koppelman, R-West Fargo, who is among lawmakers elected in 2020, is the chief sponsor of House Bill 1300, which proposes that the clock on term limits doesnt start until after the November 2022 general election. The bill would allow lawmakers elected in 2020 to run for election again in 2028 and serve through 2032, for a total of 10 years since the passage of the measure. Koppelman said the bill is not an attempt to amend the constitution, but aims to clear up uncertainty about when the clock starts on calculating term limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During committee discussion, Rep. Vicki Steiner, R-Dickinson, said lawmakers need clarity on whether they are eligible to run for reelection in 2028. I think people appreciate that we give direction to it rather than waiting for courts, Steiner said. No one testified in opposition to the bill. Members of the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee gave the bill a unanimous do pass recommendation. Sixty-three percent of North Dakota voters supported the term limits measure. Rep. Jared Hendrix, R-West Fargo, chairman of the sponsoring committee, said he doesnt support the notion that any lawmaker was disenfranchised by the bill, but realizes there could be an argument on the possible starting point of the term limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe its fair to discuss it, Hendrix said. He added he wouldnt challenge Koppelmans bill in court, if it should pass. House Minority Leader Zac Ista, D-Grand Forks, said he believes the voters spoke clearly in 2022. Rep. Vicki Steiner, R-Dickinson, speaks during a committee hearing on Jan. 23, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) I think its a little bit of legislative hubris for us to question what those voters put in place, Ista said. None of us are irreplaceable or indispensable. If somebody loses out on a couple of years of service based on the term limits, this body is going to do just fine. So, Im not inclined to support it. Rep. Matthew Heilman, R-Bismarck, vice chair of the North Dakota Young Republicans, said he would probably oppose the bill on the House floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont support watering down term limits, Heilman said. Sen. Kristin Roers, R-Fargo, chair of the Senate State and Local Government Committee, said some Senate lawmakers are working on a separate bill related to lawmaker term limits. The Senates bill deadline is Monday. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MEMPHIS, Tenn. The West Memphis Police Department is warning those who come across the bridge from Memphis to their city to commit crimes that there will be consequences. Thursday, the police department posted pictures of several individuals charged in recent smash and grabs and other crimes to their Facebook page advising criminals to cross the bridge from Memphis to West Memphis at their own risk. The West Memphis Police Department does not play! Think you can act up and just head back to your side of the bridge? Think again! Youre gonna get locked up on this side of the bridgeand not in the way youre hoping. If you think crossing the river is your getaway, well, surprise! That bridge doesnt lead to freedom, it leads straight to cuffs and bookings. So keep it cute, or keep it movingbecause once youre on West Memphis soil, youre playing by their rules. And trust me, their rules are all about getting you locked up, said West Memphis Police. (L to R) Justin Stewart, Gregory Moore, Kendrick Brown, Jadrien Tate, and Derrion Taylor Courtesy: West Memphis PD Kendrick Brown was charged with breaking and entering and theft. Gregory Moore, Jadrien Tate, and Derrion Taylor were all charged with theft. Justin Stewart is facing drug charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Desoto County District Attorneys Office is also telling criminals to stay away. If you commit a crime in DeSoto County, we will find you and prosecute you. DeSoto will not be your criminal playground, said the Desoto County DAs Office. The DAs Office said its newly formed Intercept and Intel Task Force successfully apprehended fugitive Edwin Wilson today in connection with an armed robbery that occurred in Olive Branch. Edwin Wilson was taken into custody for an armed robbery in Olive Branch. Courtesy: Desoto Co. DAs Office The task force is made up of investigators from the District Attorneys Office detectives from the Olive Branch Police Department and the City of Hernando Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Desoto District Attorneys office said the task force worked collaboratively with the Marshall County Sheriffs Department in this case to locate and safely apprehend Wilson this afternoon. Wilson is expected to face additional charges following his arrest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) Reactions are pouring in following the release of an independent review of the Decatur Police Department (DPD) that uncovered ineffectiveness and failures that have community members calling for the removal of Chief Todd Pinion. The request for the review came in the wake of the police shooting death of Stephen Perkins in September 2023. SEE RELATED: Third-party review of Decatur Police Department shows communication failures, improper action Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems that our current leadership has failed us completely, said Perkins brother Nick. The $300,000 review discovered a number of issues. The 43-page redacted document shows instances where officers used threats and actual arrests of protesters for obstructing governmental operations and disorderly conduct. It suggested officers didnt fully understand how those laws work and the rights of protesters while also finding that some officers disagreed with the protests and acted unprofessionally. Among other takeaways are how complaints against officers were misfiled within the departments own officer discipline tracking system, which was alarming for Nick Perkins. You cant be transparent as a chief if you pick and choose which complaints you want to put in software or which complaints you want to reply to or which officers you want to reprimand and ones you dont, Perkins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decatur Police Chief reacts after release of findings in third-party department review Perkins said Chief Pinions comments praising his department at Thursdays press conference fell short of apologizing to the community for the wrongdoings disclosed in the review and he saidit validates why many of them want new leadership in their police department. Pinion said there is room for improvement but believes the review did not fully paint a picture of the overall department. We acknowledge that we are not perfect and there are situations where we could have made better decisions, Pinion said. I believe these are isolated incidents and not a reflection of the overall conduct of our officers or this department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community members are questioning the police chiefs take on the reviews findings. Part of the review that was striking for Perkins was how some officers felt command staff members overshadowed Pinions authority and he says thats unacceptable. Officers have even stated in the report that they didnt think the chief was a good leader that he could lead the department, Perkins told News 19. If you got your own officers doing that, that means its something in the water thats valuable and so you cant be a leader if people dont respect you. The calls for Pinions removal ring loudly as they did in the aftermath of Stephen Perkins death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the only way to rectify this situation is to remove it you know and start fresh, Nick Perkins said. Several community members werent happy with Chief Pinions comments and said it overshadowed what they called alarming parts of the review that they felt werent properly addressed. The full independent review 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 WHNT.com. ST. CLAIR TWP., Ohio (WKBN) The Columbiana County community offered an outpouring of love and support at a vigil Thursday night after the tragic officer-involved shooting on Wednesday that left a little girl dead and a St. Clair Township officer with severe injuries. Close to 100 first responders and community members gathered at the Calcutta Fire Department to support Officer Dakota Wetzel who is recovering in the hospital and his family as well as the family of 4-year-old Rosalie Martin. Those involved in organizing the vigil say theyre overwhelmed with the support of the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yesterday was one of our hardest days as St. Clair Township Trustees. Rosalie, a beautiful four-year-old girl was taken from this world. We mourn her loss and our loss. Detective Dakota Wetzel lay in a hospital bed after being shot in the head, said St. Clair Township Trustee Jim Sabatini. Rosalie Martin was hit by a stray bullet while at the dentist. A photo at the vigil propped up next to a purple teddy bear shows a happy, smiling little girl. I just cannot imagine losing one of my children at four years old sitting somewhere where you least expect it, said Calcutta Fire Department Chief David McCoy. Its just nice that everybody comes together and shares this, even though its devastating but we can still come together as a community and be there for the families that have suffered, Sabatini said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire Chief Dave McCoy said Officer Dakota Wetzel is the guy you want on your side in an emergency. When everyone is running from a disaster, theyre the kind of guys running into it themselves, putting themselves in harms way, McCoy said. Cheri Shaw is the mother of a Liverpool Township officer who knows Officer Wetzel. She says she understands the unique pain families of law enforcement go through. It could have been my son yesterday. I mean, its just every time he walks out the door could be the last time I see him, Shaw said. It just shows during tough times, we have a community that comes together and supports one another, said Trustee Jordan Williams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People were asked to wear pink or blue in honor of both Officer Wetzel and Rosalie. Officials confirmed Officer Wetzel is still on a path to recovery while hospitalized in Pittsburgh. A second vigil is scheduled for Sunday night starting at 5 p.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene on Walnut Street in East Liverpool. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for 24/7, confidential support. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. By Abdou Moustoifa MORONI (Reuters) - (The Jan. 24 story said the president's comments confirmed accusations he had been grooming his son to take over. The story has been corrected to show the president's remarks have been subject to differing interpretations, and the government denies he was talking about his son. The translation of the comments has also been corrected to show he referred to 'a child' who would succeed him. The original story quoted him as referring to "my son". The Comorian word he used can mean 'child,' 'son' or 'daughter.') Comoros President Azali Assoumani said in a speech to supporters that he would "take a child to put in my place" when he leaves office, comments his critics interpreted as confirming their suspicions that he is grooming his son to take over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president's office denied in a statement on Jan. 24, the day after the speech, that his comments referred to his son, government secretary general Nour El Fath. It said instead that he was referring to all Comorians as his children. The Comorian word that Assoumani used in his remarks can mean either "child", "son" or "daughter". Assoumani, whose re-election a year ago faced opposition allegations of voter fraud, put El Fath in charge of coordinating government affairs last year and granted him far-reaching powers over the cabinet. Referring to when the time comes for him to leave power, Assoumani said in a speech to supporters on Moheli, one of the archipelago's three main islands: I have three homes: my house, the party and the presidency. If you do not chase me out, I will leave by myself. I hope to do it alive, on my own two feet and, at the moment of leaving, to take a child to put in my place." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its statement, the president's office said Assoumani's remarks, delivered in Comorian, were not referring to El Fath. "The government wishes to emphasise that at no time did President Azali speak of a possible succession of his son, Nour El Fath, as the head of the state," it said. "He instead spoke of 'a child' who would succeed him, knowing that it is customary in the Comoros to describe every citizen as 'a child', without necessarily speaking of one's own offspring." The statement said the president had rejected the idea of family succession in an interview on Jan. 15 with the France 24 television station. In that interview, he pointed out that El Fath would be ineligible to run for president in 2029 under the constitution, which says the presidency must rotate among the Comoros' three islands every 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assoumani said El Fath would be free to run for president if he chose to when it was again his islands turn. Opponents of Assoumani, however, said the speech was evidence of a dynastic plan. "With this statement, he has only made official what we already knew," said Abdallah Mohamed Daoudou, a spokesperson for an opposition coalition. "But Azali is deluding himself. The Comorian people and politicians will not accept the installation of a dynastic power or a monarchy in the Comoros," Daoudou told Reuters. Mahamoud Salim Hafi, the deputy secretary-general of the government, told Reuters that the opposition "wanted to hear something that was not said" in the president's remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The president has never wanted to and will never hand over power to his son," he said. "Comoros will never become a dynasty. We are in a republican state." Assoumani's ruling party decisively won parliamentary elections this month, although opposition parties either boycotted the vote or rejected the results, claiming fraud. Comoros has a population of about 800,000. It has witnessed around 20 coups or attempted coups since winning independence from France in 1975. Assoumani first came to power in 1999 through a coup and has won four elections since 2002. Constitutional reforms in 2018 extended a requirement that the presidency rotate among the three main islands from every five years to 10. (Writing by Hereward Holland; Editing by Michael Perry) by Xinhua writer Gao Wencheng BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- A series of high-level engagements between the Chinese side and the new U.S. administration have demonstrated the great importance both sides attach to China-U.S. relations and brought positive expectations to the future interaction of the two major countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping took a phone call from then President-elect Donald Trump on Jan. 17. At the invitation of the U.S. side, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng attended the inauguration ceremony of Trump as Xi's special representative. In the phone call with Trump, Xi noted that they both attach great importance to their interactions, and both hope for a good start of the China-U.S. relationship during the new U.S. presidency. Xi also expressed his readiness to secure greater progress in China-U.S. relations from a new starting point. For his part, Trump said that as the most important countries in the world, the United States and China should get along well for years and beyond and work together for world peace. The high-level exchanges reflect a shared understanding that cooperation, dialogue and mutual respect are vital for maintaining stability and addressing global challenges. As Xi noted in the phone call, with extensive common interests and broad cooperation potential, the two countries can become partners and friends, contribute to each other's success, and advance shared prosperity for mutual and global good. This reflects China's commitment to fostering steady, sound and sustainable bilateral relations and promoting global peace and prosperity. Enhancing dialogue and cooperation between China and the United States aligns with the expectations of the global community. In 2024 alone, the two nations advanced collaboration through strategic talks, financial and economic meetings, counter-narcotics efforts and climate initiatives. They renewed their science and technology agreement and co-signed each other's resolution on artificial intelligence at the UN General Assembly. China also welcomed nearly 15,000 American youths to China under the "50,000 in Five Years" initiative, fostering mutual understanding and friendship. Moving forward, sustained efforts to expand dialogue and practical cooperation should be enhanced to build mutual trust, deliver mutual benefits and contribute to global peace and development. For China and the United States, two big countries with different national conditions, it is just natural to have some differences. What matters most is to respect each other's core interests and major concerns and find a proper solution. The Taiwan question concerns China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Therefore, the new U.S. administration must approach it with prudence and refrain from actions that could undermine mutual trust or destabilize the broader bilateral relationship. For China and the United States, turning their back on each other is not an option. It is unrealistic for one side to remodel the other. Conflict and confrontation have unbearable consequences for both sides. China has made clear its four red lines on bilateral relations, namely the Taiwan question, democracy and human rights, China's path and system, and China's development right. Respecting these boundaries and avoiding provocation, escalation or overreach on these critical issues serve as the most essential safeguard for managing differences and maintaining the stability of bilateral ties. The China-U.S. relationship, though marked by cooperation, competition and, at times, tension, has increasingly been characterized by interdependence. Economic and trade cooperation has become the cornerstone of bilateral ties, with trade having shot up more than 200-fold. Two-way investments have topped 260 billion U.S. dollars, with over 70,000 U.S. companies operating in China and generating annual profits of 50 billion dollars. On top of these, exports to China support 930,000 jobs in the United States. This profound interdependence underscores that confrontation and conflict are on no account a right way forward. Instead, the significance of the China-U.S. relationship calls for a rational and constructive approach to promote shared prosperity. Decoupling and camp confrontation would only harm both sides and the world at large. China welcomes a confident, open and thriving United States, just as the United States should embrace a peaceful, stable and prosperous China. In the face of growing global challenges, the two major countries should work toward a positive beginning in the new U.S. presidential term and strive to advance their relations from a new starting point. Outside the white gates that secure the entry to this Tijuana customs facility, a stepping stone to U.S. soil, migrants sat on a sidewalk in quiet disbelief this week, their futures suddenly feeling much darker and clouded in uncertainty. Like thousands of others during the last year, they had arrived at the border to meet with U.S. officials for formal asylum interviews, appointments that many had worked months to schedule. Getting there, for some, had meant crossing the Darien Gap, a dense and treacherous jungle on the border of Colombia and Panama. Others had traversed multiple countries by bus, and yet others had crowded for months into shelters and local hotels hoping for confirmation of an asylum appointment via the mobile app, CBP One, that the Biden administration had utilized since early 2023 to ease the process of applying for asylum. Solange Murzi passes the time as she waits with her parents outside a customs office in Tijuana. Whatever their journey, they arrived this week to find their appointments canceled without notice or fanfare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, shortly after President Trump took office, his administration announced it was disabling CBP One and canceling all asylum appointments. In a separate executive order, he declared migrant crossings at the southern border to be a national emergency. Trump signed, and everything is over, said Roberto Canastu, 40, of Guatemala, sitting on a curb across from the customs building. Canastu had secured an appointment for 5 a.m. Tuesday after spending more than a month loading the CBP One app every day to see whether luck would break his way with the lottery-style system. When it did, he borrowed about $9,000 to make the journey north and arrived in Tijuana the Sunday before his appointment. But on Monday, he could not load the app on his phone. And shortly after, he was told that all appointments had been canceled. He arrived at the gate, known as El Chaparral, on Monday hoping it was untrue. Mexican officials offered no answers. On Tuesday, he arrived again to see whether something, anything, would change. Already, the organization Border Line Crisis Center had printed fliers. Did they cancel your CBP One appointment? the papers asked in Spanish and English. The group offered housing, meals and information to migrants in need. Thousands of asylum seekers discovered this week that their appointments to interview with U.S. officials at a Tijuana customs facility had been canceled. On Tuesday, people still lingered outside the customs building, unsure what happens now. Some families sat on their luggage, appearing dazed. Children, unaware of the crisis their parents confronted, nurtured dolls and played along the fence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look at all these people with their bags, with their luggage. I brought a backpack and hope, Canastu said. He felt he could cry. On the inside, I'm dying. The only thing we can do is wait, he added. The scene in Tijuana was mirrored at ports of entry across the U.S.-Mexico border this week. Migrants have in effect become stranded in Mexico. Their advocates on both sides of the border are bracing for what they expect will be chaos as Trump orders mass deportations. Mexican officials told the waiting migrants they could stay at a government-run shelter more than half an hour away by car, but they could not stay at the gate. By Tuesday evening, fewer than a dozen migrants would board a van headed for the shelter, while others left on their own, some intending to return the next day. Children of asylum seekers chase a Trump pinata carried by an activist at a local migrant shelter. CPB One was originally developed to help prevent backups of travelers entering the country legally. After downloading it to their phones and entering their passport information, foreign nationals could use the application to smooth their way through border crossings and airports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January 2023, the Biden administration expanded use of the app in a bid to help bring order to a crush of asylum seekers arriving at the southern border. The program enabled 1,450 people a day to schedule appointments at a port of entry to request asylum. In the two years since its launch, CBP One had facilitated the entry of almost 1 million people. The vast majority were interviewed, then given notices to appear in U.S. immigration courts for adjudication of their cases. Rosaura Rubio cried as she spoke of the difficult decision to leave her native Venezuela, where she had been a political activist. She said she fled the country's instability to give her daughters, Solange, 4, and Sofia, 10, a better future. She said she spent three months trying to secure an appointment through the CBP One app and was thrilled when they were finally accepted. But all of that came crashing down at 11:11 a.m. Monday, when she received an email saying the appointment had been canceled. "If they implemented the program, they should respect it," she said. "We're human beings." "We came here for something, and we believe in God. Something will happen," says Jesus Correa, right, pictured here with his wife, Marcela Medina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marcela Medina, 57, her husband, Jesus Correa, 61, and their 15-year-old son were among those waiting outside the gate Wednesday, hoping their circumstances would change. Medina cried with gratitude as she embraced a local volunteer who offered the migrants hot tea and pan dulces for breakfast. The family, from Venezuela, said they had crossed seven countries by bus after fleeing their countrys instability and violence. They had spent five months in Mexico City, trying to register through the CBP One app, and on Jan. 2 received notification they had secured an appointment for 5 a.m. Tuesday. Two days before, they traced the path from their hotel to the customs office to make sure they knew the way. On Monday, they watched migrants with evening appointments get turned away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not easy getting here, said Correa, describing the violence and injuries they witnessed on their trek north. We came here for something, and we believe in God. Something will happen, and we need to be ready, and we have to be here and make an effort. Asylum seekers rest in tents at the Movimiento Juventud 2000 shelter after learning that all appointments for those seeking U.S. asylum had been canceled. Some advocates worry more migrants might consider crossing illegally, an often dangerous undertaking that still happens almost daily along the southwestern border. On Wednesday, a deportee who identified himself only by his first name, Manuel, 28, sat at a table smoking a cigarette. He carried his few belongings eye drops, his Mexican passport, a pack of cigarettes in a red straw bag. Manuel said he had tried to jump the border wall Tuesday night but was caught. He hit his head on the way down. Still, he said, he intended to give it another go. I dont have another choice, he said. "Everything is possible in this life." Asylum seekers board a van for transport to a shelter after waiting hours outside a Tijuana customs office. Families who had no other housing options turned to nonprofit shelters. At Movimiento Juventud 2000, several families whose appointments had been canceled were camping in tents set up inside a giant warehouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside, activist Sergio Tamai Quintero from the organization Angels without Borders lashed a Trump pinata with his belt as he sought to send a message to the U.S. president. Children, laughing, played along. The shelter was less than half full, but director Jose Maria Garcia said he felt that would change soon. With this announcement from the new president, he said there will be mass deportations. What does that mean?" Garcia asked. "It means were going to have more deported Mexicans coming across the border, while displaced migrants continue to come north. Theyll be coming from both fronts. Asylum seekers cook a meal at the Templo Embajadores de Jesus shelter. 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. Outside the white gates that secure the entry to this Tijuana customs facility, a steppingstone to US soil, migrants sat on a sidewalk in quiet disbelief this week, their futures suddenly feeling much darker and clouded in uncertainty. Like thousands of others during the last year, they had arrived at the border to meet with US officials for formal asylum interviews, appointments that many had worked months to schedule. Getting there, for some, had meant crossing the Darien Gap, a dense and treacherous jungle on the border of Colombia and Panama. Others had traversed multiple countries by bus, and yet others had crowded for months into shelters and local hotels hoping for confirmation of an asylum appointment via the mobile app, CBP One, that the previous administration had utilized since early 2023 to ease the process of applying for asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever their journey, they arrived this week to find their appointments canceled without notice or fanfare. On Monday, shortly after US President Donald Trump took office, his administration announced it was disabling CBP One and canceling all asylum appointments. In a separate executive order, he declared migrant crossings at the southern border to be a national emergency. "Trump signed, and everything is over," said Roberto Canastu, 40, of Guatemala, sitting on a curb across from the customs building. Canastu had secured an appointment after spending more than a month loading the CBP One app every day to see whether luck would break his way with the lottery-style system. When it did, he borrowed about $9,000 to make the journey north and arrived in Tijuana the day before his appointment. But by Monday, he could not load the app on his phone. And shortly after, he was told that all appointments had been canceled. He arrived at the gate, known as El Chaparral, hoping it was untrue. Mexican officials offered no answers. The next day, he arrived again to see whether something, anything, would change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Already, the organization Border Line Crisis Center had printed fliers. "Did they cancel your CBP One appointment?" the papers asked in Spanish and English. The group offered housing, meals and information to migrants in need. Days later, people still linger outside the customs building, unsure what happens next. Some families sat on their luggage, appearing dazed. Children, unaware of the crisis their parents confronted, nurtured dolls and played along the fence. "Look at all these people with their bags, with their luggage. I brought a backpack and hope," Canastu said. He felt he could cry. "On the inside, I'm dying." "The only thing we can do is wait," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scene in Tijuana was mirrored at ports of entry across the US-Mexico border. Migrants have in effect become stranded in Mexico. Their advocates on both sides of the border are bracing for what they expect will be chaos as Trump orders mass deportations. Mexican officials told the waiting migrants they could stay at a government-run shelter more than half an hour away by car, but they could not stay at the gate. By Tuesday evening, fewer than a dozen migrants would board a van headed for the shelter, while others left on their own, some intending to return the next day. CPB One was originally developed to help prevent backups of travelers entering the country legally. After downloading it to their phones and entering their passport information, foreign nationals could use the application to smooth their way through border crossings and airports. In January 2023, the administration under former US president Joe Biden expanded use of the app in a bid to help bring order to a crush of asylum seekers arriving at the southern border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program enabled 1,450 people a day to schedule appointments at a port of entry to request asylum. In the two years since its launch, CBP One had facilitated the entry of almost 1 million people. The vast majority were interviewed, then given notices to appear in US immigration courts for adjudication of their cases. Rosaura Rubio cried as she spoke of the difficult decision to leave her native Venezuela, where she had been a political activist. She said she fled the country's instability to give her daughters, Solange, 4, and Sofia, 10, a better future. She said she spent three months trying to secure an appointment through the CBP One app and was thrilled when they were finally accepted. But all of that came crashing down when she received an email saying the appointment had been canceled. "If they implemented the program, they should respect it," she said. "We're human beings." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marcela Medina, 57, her husband, Jesus Correa, 61, and their 15-year-old son were among those waiting outside the gate days later, hoping their circumstances would change. Medina cried with gratitude as she embraced a local volunteer who offered the migrants hot tea and pan dulces for breakfast. The family, from Venezuela, said they had crossed seven countries by bus after fleeing their country's instability and violence. They had spent five months in Mexico City, trying to register through the CBP One app, and on January 2 received notification they had secured an appointment. Two days before, they traced the path from their hotel to the customs office to make sure they knew the way. But the day the new president was sworn in, they watched migrants with evening appointments get turned away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was not easy getting here," said Correa, describing the violence and injuries they witnessed on their trek north. "We came here for something, and we believe in God. Something will happen, and we need to be ready, and we have to be here and make an effort." Some advocates worry more migrants might consider crossing illegally, an often dangerous undertaking that still happens almost daily along the southwestern border. Mid-week, a deportee who identified himself only by his first name, Manuel, 28, sat at a table smoking a cigarette. He carried his few belongings eye drops, his Mexican passport, a pack of cigarettes in a red straw bag. Manuel said he had tried to jump the border wall but was caught. He hit his head on the way down. Still, he said, he intended to give it another go. "I don't have another choice," he said. "Everything is possible in this life." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families who had no other housing options turned to nonprofit shelters. At Movimiento Juventud 2000, several families whose appointments had been canceled were camping in tents set up inside a giant warehouse. Outside, activist Sergio Tamai Quintero from the organization Angels without Borders lashed a Trump pinata with his belt as he sought to send a message to the US president. Children, laughing, played along. The shelter was less than half full, but director Jose Maria Garcia said he felt that would change soon. "With this announcement from the new president, he said there will be mass deportations. What does that mean?" Garcia asked. "It means we're going to have more deported Mexicans coming across the border, while displaced migrants continue to come north. They'll be coming from both fronts." AUSTIN, Texas (KETK) An East Texas representative is now demanding that Congress reimburse the State of Texas $11 billion for costs spent on securing the southern border. State Rep. Cole Hefner (R-Mount Pleasant) said policies set by former President Joe Biden and his administration led to historic levels of illegal immigration along the southern border that has burdened Texas with crime and drained resources intended for American citizens. Rep. Burrows wins House speaker race with support of East Texas representatives Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due the federal governments failure to secure the border, Hefner said, Texas spent at least $11 billion since 2021 to secure the border through Operation Lone Star. Hefner cites that, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol reported at least eight million southwest border encounters from Jan. 2021 to present. Thats a lot of money that could be used to pay teachers, to lower property taxes, to build better roads and bridges. A lot of things that we could be using here in Texas, but instead were having to fill the gap that the federal government is leaving us, Hefner said. Now that President Trump is in office he is implementing a stricter enforcement on immigration by sending nearly 1500 troops to the border. Today I filed HCR 51 demanding that Congress reimburse the State of Texas for at least $11 billion in costs incurred in pursuit of border security. The border policies of the Biden administration have been disastrous for Americans. While his demonstration made every effort to degrade our safety and security, Texas stepped up to do the job and protect our border. Texans should not bear this financial burden caused by irresponsible decisions and failed policies from Washington D.C. I am grateful that President Trump has visited Texas multiple times and clearly recognizes the responsibility of the federal government to secure the border. I look forward to working with President Trump as we continue to implement policies at the state and federal level that will make out country safe and secure. Rep. Cole Hefner Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Senator John Cornyn also shared similar remarks, saying Texas taxpayers are paying the bill due to the Bidens administrations refusal to do its job for the last four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No state has had to bear the brunt of the Biden-Harris border crisis more than Texas, and under the leadership of Governor Abbott, the State of Texas launched a historic border mission to protect Texansand all Americansand defend our southern border, Cornyn said. The resolution for congress to reimburse Texas for border security costs will need to pass through the House and Senate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. On Tuesday, the day after President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president, and amid the celebratory commotion over a new era, Rep. Andy Biggs announced he is considering running for governor of Arizona. I have been honored to serve Arizona at the state and federal levels and will bring my experience home to my native state to help it fulfill its tremendous capacity, Biggs, a Republican, wrote on the social media platform X. I look forward to conversing with my fellow Arizonans as I consider this weighty decision. Today, I filed a statement of interest to run for Governor of Arizona in 2026. See my full statement below. pic.twitter.com/8swWhm7pYC Andy Biggs (@andybiggs4az) January 21, 2025 Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs holds the seat until 2026. She hasnt indicated whether she will run for reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his time in Congress, Biggs, previously the chair and now a member of the House Freedom Caucus, emerged as one of Trumps staunchest allies. While Biggs has been loyal to Trump, the president already promised his full support to someone else in the Arizona gubernatorial race, teeing up a possibly crowded Republican primary for an election scheduled in November 2026. Biggs is known for his opposition to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and for often taking a hard line on spending bills. He has represented Arizonas 5th Congressional District, which includes Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek and Apache Junction, since 2016, as the Deseret News previously reported. Before his election to the House, Biggs served in the Arizona Legislature for 14 years. Biggs graduated from Brigham Young University in 1982, then went on to earn a masters and Juris Doctor degree from the University of Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is one of nine congressmen who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he was part of the Latter-day Saints for Trump coalition that supported the president in the 2024 election. Who is Trumps preferred candidate? Trump, who won Arizona a purple swing state by more than 5 percentage points in 2024 after losing to former President Joe Biden in 2020, encouraged businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson to jump in the race in 2026 while delivering his victory speech in Phoenix in December. Karrin, are you running for governor? I think so, Karrin, Trump said. Because if you do, youre going to have my support. Republican Arizona gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson speaks to supporters at a campaign party, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, in Phoenix. | Matt York Robson ran for governor in 2022, but lost in the GOP primary against Kari Lake, who has now run and lost races for both governor and Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should Robson decide to run, she already has the backing of a newly launched PAC, Building A Better Arizona. Its led by former state Senate President Karen Fann, who ordered an audit of the election results after Trump lost the state in the 2020 presidential election, and Republican Party chairman Robert Graham, who has served as a senior adviser to Trump. Chuck Coughlin, the CEO of High Ground, a political consulting firm in Arizona, noted that tensions have always existed between the Republican National Committee, which has the war chest, and the state Republican Party, which serves as a vehicle for executing the National GOPs advocacy and fundraising efforts. But in the previous three election cycles in the state, Turning Point USA, an advocacy organization run by Charlie Kirk, has begun taking over the GOP from within, said Coughlin, who previously served on GOP Gov. Jan Brewers transition team in 2009, and was GOP Gov. Fife Symingtons campaign manager. TPUSA sees Arizona as their backyard, where they have an opportunity to grow their brand, organization and effectiveness ... and theyre doing a good job, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it comes at the cost of a growing number of questions about who is really in charge in the Grand Canyon State. Is it TPUSAs Charlie Kirk, the man who helped make a pivotal difference in turning out the youth vote for the president in 2024? Or is it the RNC and Trump, who already seems to have a candidate picked out? Charlie Kirk speaks at AmericaFest, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Phoenix. | Rick Scuteri For now, its unclear if TPUSA will back Biggs. Kirk replied to Biggs announcement on X, saying, Andy is a great friend and loved by the base in Arizona. Tyler Bowyer, the COO of Turning Point Action, sang Biggs praises after the GOP representative announced his news. (Biggs') family is incredible. Hes maybe the most intelligent public servant weve ever had and he is a COMPLETE and TOTAL conservative, he wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arizona state Sen. Jake Hoffman, who founded the states Freedom Caucus and is also a TPUSA ally, offered Biggs his endorsement. In another post on Monday, Hoffman accused Robson of being a part of the Arizona Swamp, saying she is no friend of Trumps or the MAGA movement. What challenges does Rep. Andy Biggs face? This tug of war between the RNC and TPUSA could affect grassroots level candidate recruitment and advocacy, said Coughlin. Despite earning some support of TPUSA officers and their allies, Biggs will still need to raise a lot of money, something that seems to be in easier reach for Robson. He could use his connections on the Freedom Caucus to fundraise, but Coughlin said Biggs hasnt historically been a star fundraiser, mostly because he has never faced a significant primary challenge. He can always build those muscles though, especially now that hes engaged in what is expected to be a very expensive gubernatorial primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final list of candidates isnt set yet. Its possible Kirk also jumps into the race. Other potential candidates include Bowyer, Republican Scott Neely, who ran two years ago, and State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, as Arizona Central reported. Thats going to create a competitive primary, said Coughlin. The situation reveals the underlying divisions with the MAGA community outside of Trump, he said. Trumps like a black swan, you know, he is his own creation: a reality TV star and popular political figure who has this extensive following now within the GOP. But how does this influence translate outside the freshly-sworn-in president? Coughlin asked. Does a Trump endorsed candidate have more street value versus somebody like a Biggs, who would be a Freedom Caucus warrior? Arizonas politics revealed an interesting trend in 2024, when Lake lost her bid for Senate, despite being Trumps choice and a known conservative fighter, the political analyst said. It begs the question whether a Freedom Caucus-esque candidate has broad enough appeal to win the general election in the Grand Canyon State. U.S. Congressman Jake Ellzey (R-Waxahachie), District 6, is hosting a free Veterans Luncheon at noon, Monday, Jan. 27 at the Palestine Senior Activity Center. At the luncheon, veterans will have the opportunity to learn about services offered by Ellzeys office and many federal agencies. District 6 includes all of Ellis, Navarro, Anderson, Hill and Cherokee counties and parts of Tarrant, Dallas, Freestone and Johnson counties. Ellzey was sworn in for his second term in the House of Representatives earlier this month. During his first term in the 117th Congress, Rep. Ellzey worked on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. He helped pass the VITAL Assessment Act and the Major Medical Facilities Authorization Act, which expanded support for veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ellzey said he learned first-hand about the dedication and sacrifices veterans make to defend American freedoms. I was proud to serve alongside them, I am proud to represent them in Congress, and I am grateful for them, Ellzey said. This luncheon is just a small way we, as a community, can show our appreciation for all they have done for us. Rep. Ellzey graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a Navy helicopter and fighter pilot for 20 years. He was deployed nine times and participated in five combat tours. After retirement from the military, Ellzey worked as a contractor in Afghanistan, owned a small business, worked as a commercial pilot and served as Texas State Representative for the states 10th District. HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) More than four years after his death, Richard Lapointe's family is set to receive a nearly $5.9 million award from Connecticut for his wrongful, quarter-century imprisonment that ended in 2015 when his murder conviction was overturned in the rape and killing of his wife's 88-year-old grandmother. Lapointe's case became a cause celebre, receiving widespread publicity from advocates for the disabled and celebrities, including writers Arthur Miller and William Styron, who called for his release. Lapointe, who died at age 74 in 2020, had Dandy-Walker syndrome, a rare congenital brain malformation that his lawyers believe was a factor in his falsely confessing to the crime. The award by the state claims commissioner's office, which now moves to the legislature for approval, was issued Jan. 2 after years of legal battles between Lapointe's lawyers and the state attorney general's office. Lapointe was never declared innocent, but the two sides eventually agreed to settle, leading to the award. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The award is by no means adequate compensation for what was done to Richard Lapointe, his attorney, Paul Casteleiro, said Friday. He said the state destroyed his life for a crime he did not commit. The award, he said, is "a recognition by the state of the wrong it committed in prosecuting and imprisoning an innocent man. Sadly, Richard did not live long enough to witness his final vindication. Asked about the award and Lapointe's case, the attorney general's office released a brief statement Friday saying it negotiated a resolution of this claim in the interests of all parties. This reflects that process. In his decision, Claims Commissioner Robert Shea Jr. said his office agreed that the award is reasonable and appropriate. The agency decides whether people can file lawsuits against the state or receive money under the state's wrongful incarceration law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the claims commissioners office did not immediately return an email message seeking additional comment. Bernice Martin, the grandmother of Lapointe's wife, was found stabbed, raped and strangled in 1987 in her burning apartment in Manchester, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of Hartford. Lapointe, a dishwasher, was convicted of murder in 1992 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release, with key evidence including confessions he made during a 9 1/2-hour interrogation by Manchester police. His lawyers argued his mental disability made him vulnerable to giving false confessions, and alleged the confession was coerced without any defense lawyers present. The state Supreme Court ruled 4-2 in 2015 that Lapointe was deprived of a fair trial because prosecutors failed to disclose notes by a police officer that may have supported an alibi defense. Later the same year, prosecutors said new DNA testing did not implicate Lapointe and all the charges were dropped. No one else has been charged in the killing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ten days after the court's ruling, Lapointe was freed and emerged from the Hartford courthouse wearing a black T-shirt that read I didn't do it." He threw his hands into the air in triumph. Of course I didnt do it, Lapointe said. That wasnt me. I wouldnt do nothing like that to nobody. I wouldnt even kill my worst enemy. Casteleiro said the case destroyed Lapointe's family, who shunned him. Before the killing, Lapointe and his wife, who has cerebral palsy, were making a life together. They were doing OK, Casteleiro said. She divorced him after his arrest, and he lost all contact with his son, who was young at the time. After he was released from prison, Lapointe began suffering from dementia, was placed in a nursing home in East Hartford and died after a bout with COVID-19, his lawyers said. Through the years, he was supported by an array of advocates, including the groups Friends of Richard Lapointe and Centurion, a Princeton, New Jersey-based organization for whom Casteleiro works that helps the wrongly convicted. An 18-year-old driver from Connecticut was arrested after leading authorities on a high-speed, nearly 30-mile pursuit this week, state police said Friday. Thomas C. Smart, 18, of Goshen, Connecticut, was charged with felony reckless conduct and misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief and disobeying a police officer, state police said. He was not hurt during the crash and has remained in preventative detention since his arrest. A passenger, who has not been charged, was also uninjured. During the pursuit, the driver drove recklessly at speeds as high as 137 mph, state police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 8:34 p.m. Monday, troopers attempted to stop the driver of a black 2013 BMW 335xi, later identified as Smart, for speeding on Route 16 northbound in Dover, state police said. The BMW was initially seen traveling 95 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. Instead of slowing down and pulling over, however, Smart sped up and drove in an increasingly dangerous manner, state police said. State police pursued the BMW for nearly 30 miles and approximately 15 minutes. Troopers coordinated with local police to deploy a tire deflation device to stop Smart. Shortly after hitting the device, Smart attempted a sudden turn and lost control of the BMW, which ultimately ended up in a ditch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wakefield Police and Fire, Rochester Police, and Milton Police assisted troopers during the pursuit. Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact Trooper William Bohnenberger at William.F.Bohnenberger@dos.nh.gov. 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 Conservative state attorneys general are warning corporations of legal consequences for DEI programs. Civil rights attorney Kristen Gibbons Feden and The 19th editor-at-large Errin Haines join Chris Jansing to discuss the potential impact of President Trump's executive orders. Keeping to his campaign promise, on Inauguration Day, President Donald Trump issued approximately 1,500 pardons for Jan. 6 participants, including those who attacked police officers. The pardon list included the leaders of far-right groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, who were charged with seditious conspiracy after the Capitol riot. Jim Watson / Getty Images Recently, redditor Any-Angle-8479 asked conservatives in the r/AskReddit subreddit: "How do you feel about Donald Trump pardoning Jan. 6 rioters that physically assaulted police officers?" The responses were a mixed bag. Here's what conservatives had to say: Responses from the r/Conservative subreddit were also included. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1."Conservative here. I am disappointed that Trump pardoned anyone who was violent during the Jan. 6 incident, and I am disappointed he pardoned Ulbricht as well." "Might as well plug my support for eliminating presidential pardons, stock trading for members of Congress, and establishing term limits while I'm at it." HollywoodAndDid 2."I wouldn't have pardoned violent offenders and disagree with it. Some people were let in, and the lines got gray; anyone who committed violence or physically broke in deserves to serve a reasonable punishment." "Law and order. I want it applied in all cases and for all crimes, to riots on both sides of the aisle, to create deterrents resulting in safer cities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement logic_over_emotion_ Tom Williams / Getty Images 3."Depends on the level of assault. Simply shoving an officer? I think four years is enough. If they actively attempted to murder the officer? I think they should have stayed in jail. But that is dependent on whether they had a fair trial, which many of the J6 people prosecuted didn't and haven't. I expect many lawsuits in the next few years over this treatment they received." Butane9000 4."I don't see an issue with it. If Biden hadn't just preemptively pardoned a bunch of people, maybe I'd feel differently, especially the protesters who had violent offenses, but at this point, I don't care. Biden's pardon sheet looks a lot worse." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous 5."If they had been treated like the rioters they are, I would be annoyed. Charge them accordingly, punish them appropriately, and be done with it. But that's NOT what's happened. They've been treated like some sort of massive, ongoing threat to national security as if letting them stop to breathe for even a moment would see cities wiped from the map and pretty much everything else." "They've spent YEARS trying to suggest that a half-naked dude in a fur hat and that one dude that stole a small flagpole was somehow going to singlehandedly wipe out the entire US government and destroy the very concept of democracy forever, and that's just not the case. Meanwhile, the people who murdered dozens in the streets and set cities ablaze after George Floyd haven't been hunted or persecuted at all despite causing VASTLY more damage. The Democrats have been making a molehill into Olympus Mons. It needs to stop. So I don't have any complaints." Arclite02 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is false that violent protestors during the George Floyd riots were not charged and convicted. More than 120 defendants pleaded guilty or were convicted of rioting, arson, and conspiracy. Over 70 defendants served prison time, and at least 10 served five years in prison or more. 6."I think this action is indicative of what to expect from the second Trump administration. Trump isn't about doing the best job he can do for the country; he's about selling himself and his vision of America to a narrow band of fanatical supporters who believe he's the next messiah. He's not really a conservative; he's a populist who knows how to attract the attention of his voters." "I would LOVE to have an actual conservative president who would use restraint in exercising executive power and set the nation on a course for fiscal responsibility and prosperity. Instead, we have someone completely enamored of the trappings of power and interested in self-aggrandizement." jthanson Tom Williams / Getty Images 7."I was raised in a conservative household, consider myself centrist with leanings toward conservatism, and also that Trump is a traitor to everything this country stands for and every honest American believes in. Pardoning the traitors was something we all should have seen coming." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ChiefsHat 8."Mom likes Trump, didn't bat an eyelash when she watched it live. Her answer would be don't really care. Has a bigger problem with Biden pardoning his family." whatsupwasabi 9."The punishments were disproportionate to the crimes committed and politically motivated to send a message from a weaponized justice system. How many 'protestors' are still serving time for the BLM riots and looting sprees in 2020?" ImmenatizingEschaton Joseph Prezioso / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10."Excellent. I advocated on this forum many times that all should be pardoned or at least have their sentences commuted if they committed so-called 'violent' acts. Even the so-called 'violent' offenders have served enough time. Their extra-long sentences were only made possible by accusing them of nonsense like 'seditious conspiracy.'" JediJones77 11."I'm conservative but not a Trumper. It's inexcusable that the Jan. 6 rioters were pardoned. It's also inexcusable that Biden pardoned his family." "Don't get me started on executive orders. These have been abused for at least 25 years. Presidential pardons are for truly serving justice, not favoring political allies. Our symbols of government, actual workplaces, and elected officials were attacked. All those involved should do jail time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SamBartlett1776 Jon Cherry / Getty Images 12."I'm a conservative and do not like or appreciate these pardons. If that's the only thing he does I don't like in the next four years, I can live with it. If these bad decisions continue, I'll have to make decisions on future elections in due course." LeavingEarthTomorrow 13."My neighbor is a police officer. He voted for Trump. He is appalled by the pardons. I didn't want to ask him any questions like did he regret his vote. I will say he was teary-eyed." Seeitwaslikethis Brent Stirton / Getty Images 14."As a conservative who supports Trump in some ways, I feel like the violent offenders should have stayed in prison, including the ones breaking windows. I'm not an American conservative, so I don't feel exactly qualified to talk about Jan. 6, but there is my opinion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement sink__ketchup 15.And finally, "Moderate conservative, not MAGA. I do not like or support the pardoning of violent rioters. This seems to be the general consensus among conservatives I personally know." jakedonn What are your thoughts on Trump pardoning J6 protestors? Let us know in the comments below. Responses have been edited for length/clarity. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. New research suggests that the blobs buried deep in Earth's mantle may be a billion years old. | Credit: KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images Continent-size islands deep inside Earth's mantle could be more than a billion years old, a new study finds. Known as large low-seismic-velocity provinces (LLSVPs), these blobs are both hotter and older than nearby areas of the mantle. The findings, published Jan. 22 in the journal Nature , shed light on Earth's deep interior and could help explain how the mantle moves over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists have known about these LLSVPs for a few decades. The two giant blobs one beneath the Pacific Ocean and one beneath Africa lie at the boundary between Earth's mantle and its outer core, some 1,900 miles (3,000 kilometers) beneath the surface. "People have been wondering for all this time what they are," study co-author Arwen Deuss , a seismologist at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, told Live Science. "The only thing that we know of these is that when seismic waves travel through these places, they slow down." To better understand the nature of the LLSVPs, Deuss and her colleagues pored through seismic data from more than 100 earthquakes strong enough to reverberate through the whole planet, including the LLSVPs and the surrounding mantle. From these data, the researchers calculated both the speed of the seismic waves and how quickly they lost energy as they traveled through different parts of the mantle. In agreement with previous work, the team found that the seismic waves moved more slowly through the LLSVPs than through other parts of the mantle, suggesting that the blobs run hotter than their surroundings. But the waves lost much less energy than expected when traveling through the LLSVPs. Another feature, such as a change in composition, must be responsible for the unexpected result, the team suspected. A cross-section of Earth showing seismic wave speed and deceleration through low-seismic velocity provinces (LLSVPs) (top left and right). The bottom donut shapes show that, although the waves travel more slowly through these continent-size blobs because they are warm (bottom left), they are not slowing within the provinces as much as they do in surrounding areas (bottom right). | Credit: Utrecht University Computer models suggested that the size of crystalline minerals in the LLSVPs might play a role. Every time a wave crosses a boundary between two crystals, known as a grain boundary, it loses energy. If the crystals are smaller, there are more of these grain boundaries in a given volume. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deuss likened the seismic waves to running. "If you run in dune sand, when you have a lot of small grains, then you get really tired because you kind of sink into the sand," she said. The same thing happens to seismic waves when they pass through regions of the mantle around the LLSVPs. That part of the mantle is made of old tectonic plates that break into tiny pieces when they sink deep enough into the planet. The LLSVPs, by contrast, contain larger crystals than their surroundings. Because the waves don't run into grain boundaries as often when passing through the LLSVPs, they don't lose as much energy as they do in surrounding rock. Crystals in the mantle take a long time to grow, Deuss said, so the larger crystals in the LLSVPs have likely been undisturbed for quite some time. This schematic shows how tectonic plates dive into the mantle, while mantle plumes fed by LLSVPs bring deep mantle material to Earth's surface at volcanic hotspots. In the latter, the mineral grains are larger than those from subducted plates. This process may help explain the geological composition of volcanic rocks around the world. | Credit: Utrecht University RELATED STORIES Scientists discover 'sunken worlds' hidden deep within Earth's mantle that shouldn't be there Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists drill longest-ever piece of Earth's mantle from underwater mountain near 'Lost City' Earth's mantle is split into two halves thanks to supercontinent Pangaea "They must have been there for at least a billion years," Deuss said. "And then everything suddenly fell into place, because many people have been suspecting that they might well be old, but nobody had any way to prove it." These older sections of the mantle could provide insight into how the mantle moves and mixes over time. The stable LLSVPs might help explain why volcanic rocks in different parts of the world have different compositions or how tectonic plates are organized at the surface, Deuss told Live Science. But figuring out exactly how these impacts show up in the geological record will require further field research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the new findings, "now people can do lots of other investigations to figure out, what is the origin of these places? Why have they been sitting there? And that might lead to a lot of other outstanding questions in science that still need answers," Deuss said. What's inside Earth quiz MOSCOW, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Moscow is ready for nuclear disarmament talks with Washington, although it would be necessary to take into account the nuclear arsenals of U.S. allies, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. During his virtual address to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump called for denuclearization, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin supported this idea. "In the interests of the entire world and the peoples of our countries, of course, we are interested in starting this negotiation process as soon as possible," Peskov said. "In the current conditions it is necessary to take into account all nuclear potentials," Peskov stressed, adding that it would be impossible to discuss disarmament without addressing the nuclear potentials of France and Britain. Peskov said that while such negotiations are important, time has already been lost, and the "ball" was currently in Washington's court. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images) With contraception rights under scrutiny nationwide, Virginia Democrats are doubling down on efforts to safeguard access, even as they brace for potential pushback from Gov. Glenn Youngkin. House Bill 1716, introduced by Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, passed the House of Delegates on Thursday, while a companion bill from Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, cleared the Senate Education and Health Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, similar bills passed both chambers with bipartisan support but were ultimately vetoed by Youngkin. The measures aim to solidify legal protections for health care providers prescribing contraceptives and for patients accessing them. Both Price and Hashmi have emphasized the importance of these protections, pointing to increasing restrictions on contraception in other states and the lack of progress on federal safeguards amid the evolving national landscape on reproductive healthcare. Their push takes on added urgency following the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade. Justice Clarence Thomas has suggested revisiting rulings that currently protect contraception access at the federal level. It is not hyperbole to say that access to contraception is in jeopardy in this country, Hashmi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Hashmi and Price have underscored the broader health benefits of contraception, which extends beyond pregnancy prevention. Contraceptives are commonly prescribed to treat medical conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Price, who is personally treated for PCOS, highlighted this as one of many reasons for why these protections are essential. Tammy Alexander, a resident of Hanover County, shared her story in support of the bill, noting that she takes prescribed contraception not for family planning, but for health reasons. Despite this support, the legislation has faced opposition from groups typically against abortion. Jeff Caruso, representing the Virginia Catholic Conference, argued that the bill could allow minors to bypass parental consent for sterilization procedures. However, under current state law, sterilization and similar surgeries do require parental consent. State law otherwise treats minors as adults, so they do not need parental consent, even though minors can access contraception without it. Caruso also raised concerns over the absence of explicit religious exemptions for providers who object to prescribing contraception due to their beliefs. Similarly, Sen. David Suetterlein, R-Roanoke County, included a conscience clause in his own contraception proposal this session, which failed to advance. Suetterlein subsequently voted against Hashmis bill in committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates for the legislation have pointed out that federal law already includes religious exemptions, which would override state law in the event of a legal challenge. They have also criticized attempts to align the bills language with the federal Supreme Court case currently protecting contraception, arguing that such changes would weaken Virginias ability to safeguard access at the state level should federal protections be overturned. Opposition has also come from anti-abortion groups, including Olivia Turner of the Virginia Society For Human Life, who called for amendments to ensure abortion-inducing drugs like mifepristone are not classified as contraceptives. The bill does acknowledge that contraceptives are for prevention of pregnancy and goes on to suggest that any drug approved by the Federal Drug Administration would in fact qualify, Turner said. Under the circumstances we would like to see the bill amended to create a path to acknowledge that drugs like mifepristone whose sole purpose is to end the life of a child whos already started their life could not be qualified as a contraceptive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mifepristone, an FDA-regulated drug, is not classified as contraception. It is part of a two-step process for medication-induced abortions and is also used in treating miscarriages to prevent infections.The drug is currently regulated under Virginia abortion laws based on pregnancy stages. With the bills likely heading back to Youngkins desk by the end of the session, the governor may either veto them again or propose amendments. When asked about his stance, Youngkin spokesman Christian Martinez reiterated the governors support for contraception access but emphasized that any contraception-related changes must be coupled with robust conscience clause protections for providers and must uphold the fundamental right of parents to make decisions concerning their childrens upbringing and care. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX If there is one thing all would-be caudillos love, it is an emergency. Or a capital-E Emergency, in some cases. In 1975, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency throughout the countrythe emergency being that her political support was evaporatingand she pursued the sorts of emergency measures one would expect: She locked up her political opponents and imposed press censorship, at first simply by cutting electricity to Delhis version of Fleet Street, bringing the nations presses to a halt. Hundreds of journalists were arrested, and foreign correspondents were jailed. (I am very proud of my association with The Indian Express, which resisted censorship heroically and at great financial cost to its owners.) The Emergency was one of the darkest chapters in the history of modern India, and, for a while, the United States could once again boast of being the worlds largest democracy. Donald Trump, who likes to talk about locking up his political opponents and gleefully shares his repugnant homoerotic fantasies about subjecting uncooperative reporters to prison rape, now has declared some emergencies. A couple of them. One of them is a border emergency, and another is an energy emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is, indeed, chaos at our border. It is not an emergency in the formal sense required for the imposition of emergency measuresit is not a natural disaster or a warbut rather a persistent policy failure, one that implicates several prior administrations, including Trumps 2017-2021 administration. The historically minded among you will remember that Trump enjoyed a governing trifecta at the beginning of his presidency in 2017, and he and his Republican allies in Congress chose to respond to the border crisis by enacting a very traditional country-club Republican tax cut. Republicans could have enacted any immigration law they wanted in 2017. They chose to do nothing of substance on the issue. Republicans today control the White House and both houses of Congress, and the only immigration-related bill headed to Trumps desk is one that tinkers around the edges of enforcement in criminal cases, adding shoplifting to the list of crimes for which illegals may be detained. Donald Trump occupies the highest office in the land and has a Congress controlled by his allies, and topmost on their agenda isshoplifting? It is, of course, a matter of symbolism over substance, which is the Trump style and, increasingly, the general Republican style. Theres a lot of bad regulation and a big fat federal thumb on the scale in favor of so-called green energy, electric cars, and that sort of thing. That isnt something you fix through a state of emergency. About the so-called energy emergency: Ill believe there is an energy emergency when Trump starts acting like there is an energy emergency. Trump, citing inadequate energy supply and infrastructure, has promised to refill U.S. strategic petroleum reserves to their full capacity, which would be a prudent thing to do. But what did Trump do the last time he was in the White House? He is, in fact, the only Republican president ever to preside over a net reduction in the petroleum reserve, from 695 million barrels on the day he took office to 635 on the day he grudgingly left. Trumps 60-million-barrel depletion was almost nine times the 7-million-barrel depletion under Barack Obama. Trump tried to reverse course late in his presidency, when the economic collapse from COVID sent petroleum prices plunging, but Trump, ever the incompetent negotiator, failed to get funding from Congress. Is the energy industry experiencing an emergency? Here is a chart of Exxons share price for the past five years from Macrotrends: Chart by Joe Schueller. That is no cause for alarm. Things arent so bad over at ConocoPhillips or Chevron, either. BP isnt having the best time of it of late, butyou know what?theyre big boys. Theyll figure it out. Or they wont, and somebody else will acquire their assets and manage them more profitably. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. gasoline prices averaged $3.14 in December, way down from their $5 COVID peak. There were thousands more people employed in oil-and-gas extraction on Joe Bidens last days in office than in Trumps last days in office the last time around. Which is not to say there are no problems. Not long after the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a left-wing group published information about where the children of certain prominent people in the energy business attend schoolyou know, just in case anybody is curious or something. (I will not include the link here.) The transmogrification of energy executives into moral monsters in the culture war is a destructive trend. (Also one that is backfiring with the success of Landman, the Paramount+ drama set among the oil rigs of West Texas, which has been a ratings hit and a cultural phenomenon. I recently saw a clothier offering a Tommy Norris-inspired outfit, which is just the thing if you want to look like Billy Bob Thorntons put-upon 69-year-old middle manager in Midland, Texas.) Theres a lot of bad regulation and a big fat federal thumb on the scale in favor of so-called green energy, electric cars, and that sort of thing. That isnt something you fix through a state of emergency. That is something you fix through ordinary responsible administration andthis seems to escape the Trump brain trustcollaboration with Congress, i.e., the people who actually make the laws. Bipartisan legislative reform sticksemergency executive measures, as the ghosts of the Biden administration are learning quickly, are short-lived things. We do not need another string of national emergencies, genuine or rhetorical. But crisis and chaos are Trumps preferred mode of operationhe is, above all else, a drama queen. That isnt how you get it done, if youre trying to get it done. If, on the other hand, youre trying to look like youre getting it done Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The man accused of hitting a Henderson police sergeant with a stolen car, resulting in a shooting, was arrested on a similar charge months earlier but cut off his ankle monitor in the days after. A Clark County grand jury indicted Johnathan Gaston, 43, on more than three dozen charges, Clark County Deputy District Attorney Michael Dickerson said during a hearing Friday. On Jan. 13, a Henderson police sergeant fired at Gaston five times after Gaston rammed a stolen Jeep into him, dragging the sergeant 65 feet through a parking lot, Dickerson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was a deliberate act in an attempt to try to kill [the sergeant], Dickerson said. The sergeant received 11 staples to his head but the extent of his internal injuries remained unknown as of Friday because certain tests could not be completed, Dickerson said. At the time of the ramming, Gaston was on house arrest on burglary and gun charges following his September 2024 arrest in Las Vegas, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. On Sept. 23, Gaston allegedly accelerated a stolen car into a police cruiser, documents said. Officers responded to a report of a driver, later identified as Gaston, sleeping behind the wheel of a running car at a gas station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his arrest, Las Vegas Justice Court Pro Temp Judge Judge Lauren Diefenbach set Gastons bail at $23,000 during an initial hearing on Sept. 24. A second pro temp judge later raised the amount to $25,000 with the stipulation Gaston wear an ankle monitor should he post bail. Johnathan Gaston, 43, faces charges of attempted murder of a police officer, battery with a deadly weapon and other charges, records said. (KLAS) Ultimately, he was able to make the bail that was ordered and get placed onto house arrest on Oct. 7, Dickerson said. On Oct. 9 two days later Gaston allegedly cut the bracelet, leading a third judge to issue a warrant for his arrest. He is not entitled to bail. He should be detained, Dickerson said before Clark County District Court Chief Judge Jerry Wiese denied setting bail. Gastons criminal history dates back to 2000 in California, Dickerson said. His criminal record in Nevada began in 2015, adding Gaston was eligible for a habitual offender title. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records spell Gastons name as Johnathan and Jonathan. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ORLANDO, Fla. (KNWA/KFTA) A Van Buren porn actor who was sentenced in December for human trafficking and other charges has been arrested in Florida for violating the terms of his release, according to U.S. Marshals Service. Michael Wayne Hall, 32, was located and arrested on Jan. 22 by the Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force at an Amtrack station in Orlando. Michael Hall, 32 (Courtesy: Orange County Florida Jail) On Dec. 17, 2024, Hall pleaded guilty to attempted human trafficking, two counts of aggravated assault and terroristic threatening. He is a habitual offender. Hall was sentenced to 120 days in the Crawford County Jail and a 10-year suspended imposition of sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hall was ordered to not film, participate in, direct, upload any pornography or sell or buy pornography for 10 years. He was also ordered to not entice, ask, suggest or otherwise solicit persons to participate in pornography, according to Crawford County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Holmes. Before entering his guilty plea, Hall was set to face three jury trials over the course of 2025. Van Buren porn actor arrested on human trafficking charges On Jan. 15, Holmes filed a petition to revoke Halls suspended sentence for violating the terms of his suspended sentence. Court documents say Hall committed new offenses for harassing communications and unlawful distribution of sexual images and recordings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hall reportedly failed to remove a persons photo from his social media accounts and asked, solicited, suggested, transmitted and/or engaged in pornography, which is a violation of his suspended sentence, according to the filing. The U.S. Marshals said after a warrant for Halls arrest was issued, authorities learned he had left the state. Based on information provided by investigators in Arkansas, U.S. Marshals found Hall attempting to board a train and was arrested without incident. Hall was taken to the Orange Correctional Center and is pending extradition back to Arkansas, according to the release. He now faces 36 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sebastian County Sheriffs Office, Fort Smith Police Department, Van Buren Police Department, Alma Police Department and Johnson County Sheriffs Office assisted in the investigation, the release said. Click here for details on Halls previous Crawford County cases and initial arrests. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO A man is hospitalized after being shot by a Chicago police officer on the citys Far South Side Thursday afternoon. Chicagos Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) said in a post on X that it was investigating a shooting involving a CPD officer near the 11000 block of South Millard Avenue around 3:50 p.m. in Mount Greenwood. According to police, officers were initially called to the area following a report of a person with a gun at a home in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A law enforcement source tells WGN News the man called 911 and claimed he had harmed his family. His family is questioning that detail. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines When officers arrived on the scene, they spotted a male, whose age has not been determined, leaning out of a window of the home. Police said they attempted to de-escalate the situation and instructed the man to keep his hands visible, but during the encounter, an officer opened fire, striking the individual. Following the shooting the individual fell out of the window. Officers then rendered medical aid before he was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center where he was listed in serious condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Relatives said he was shot in the abdomen and broke his hip in the fall. Family members said the man has underwent surgery and will need another. His mother and grandmother told WGN News that he does not own any guns and had his hands raised when the shooting happened. Following the shooting, the officer was also taken to the hospital for observation, but authorities did not say he suffered a gunshot wound. Ald. Matt OShea, 19th, told the Chicago Tribune the mans relatives inside the home were unharmed. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland According to CPD, the officer involved will be placed on routine administrative duties for a minimum of 30 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPDs Investigative Response Team and COPA are investigating the incident. Those with information on the shooting can contact COPA on their website or by calling 312-746-3609. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Energy nominee Chris Wright, and Interior nominee Doug Burgum. (Wright image from Senate committee screengrab; Burgum photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted Thursday to advance President Donald Trumps nominees to lead the Interior and Energy Departments but only one received a blessing from Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto. Cortez Masto, who serves on the committee, backed the nomination of former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the Interior Department, while opposing Chris Wright to lead the Energy Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both nominees are expected to be confirmed by the Republican controlled Senate. Nevadas senior senator signaled her opposition to Wrights nomination last week, when the Trump nominee stopped short of condemning the long-term disposal of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain. If approved by the full Republican controlled Senate, Wright would lead a department that manages the countrys nuclear weapons stockpile and oversees nuclear infrastructure. During Wrights confirmation hearing last week, the CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy expressed strong interest in improving the domestic supply of enriched uranium a critical component for both nuclear power generation and military nuclear weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a press release after the vote, Cortez Mastos office highlighted the senators commitment to ensuring Yucca Mountain remains unfunded under Trump. Congress designated Nevadas Yucca Mountain as the nations official nuclear repository during the administration of Republican president George W. Bush in 2002. However, the project was subject to intense legal and regulatory proceedings for the next several years. The Department of Energy eventually discontinued the sites licensing application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission during the Barack Obama administration. During his first term, Trump attempted to restart funding for Yucca, but was thwarted by Congress. Last week, Cortez Masto announced her intention to reintroduce legislation to prevent the construction of a nuclear waste site without the consent of local governments and Native American tribes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cortez Masto also criticized Wright for dodging questions about whether he would support cutting funding to the Nevada National Security Site and other Nevada programs. This week, President Trump signed executive orders that will gut key energy investments in Nevada killing jobs, raising prices, and putting our national security in danger. During his confirmation hearing, I repeatedly pressed Chris Wright about whether he would support cuts to critical Nevada programs and he refused to answer. For those reasons, I oppose his confirmation, Cortez Masto said. Wright received bipartisan support from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, garnering a 15-5 vote to lead the Energy Department. Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono, Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell, and California Sen. Alex Padilla, all Democrats, joined Cortez Masto in opposing Wright. In contrast, Cortez Masto voted to advance Trumps Interior Secretary nominee, North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum, out of the committee and on to the Senate floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burgum understands the need for a balanced approach to Nevadas public land management that safeguards our environment, spurs clean-energy development, protects farmers and ranchers, and increases the housing supply, Cortez Masto said in a statement after the vote. Burgum has worked closely with Tribes in North Dakota, Cortez Masto added. If confirmed by the Senate, Burgum would be tasked with fulfilling Trumps campaign promise to drill, baby, drill, and increase oil, gas, and coal production on public lands. Burgum, a wealthy software executive turned Republican governor, is a close ally of the fossil fuel industry and has filed a handful of lawsuits against the agency he may soon run, including a challenge to open more oil and gas leasing in North Dakota. Burgum would also be charged with implementing Trumps recent executive order to halt wind power development. During his Senate hearing, Burgum said he supported an all-inclusive energy portfolio that allows for renewable energy, while supporting the development of oil, natural gas, and coal operations.The former North Dakota governor received bipartisan support in his bid to lead the Interior Department, advancing to the Senate floor on a 18-2 vote. A past recall on Costco's Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon issued by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) just received a frightening update. The recall, which was initially issued last October, is now designated as Class I, the highest risk level assigned by the organization and one that means there's a very serious risk of death. The FDA website describes Class I as "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." A total of 111 cases of Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon in twin 12 oz. packages were recalled last year after laboratory testing confirmed Listeria monocytogenes on October 21, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customers were asked to look out for Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon products purchased between October 9, 2024 and October 13, 2024 with the lot number 8512801270. Newsweek reports that the product was distributed in Florida, and sold at "select" stores in the southeastern U.S. Although the recalled product is no longer on shelves, it's possible that some customers may have frozen the smoked salmon for later use. It's vital that customers check their freezers for the recalled product. According to Acme Smoked Fish Corp, the producer of the smoked salmon, those who purchased the item can return it to Costco for a full refund. With the unsettling rise in recalls over listeria concerns, customers should be aware of the symptoms of listeria infection, aka listeriosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of the illness include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, confusion, and stiff neck. For those infected with an intestinal listeria illness, symptoms to watch out for include diarrhea and vomiting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per the CDC, you should contact a healthcare provider if you have both eaten food that has been recalled or linked to an outbreak and you have a fever and other symptoms of listeriosis. "Let the healthcare provider know if you ate possibly contaminated food," states the CDC. "This step is especially important if you are pregnant, are 65 years or older, or have a weakened immune system." You Might Also Like A St. Paul man who authorities say committed four armed robberies at east-metro businesses in 2023 was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison on a gun crime and for violating probation in an earlier bank robbery conviction. Michael Dashon Wise, 51, committed the robberies while on conditional release from jail in connection with a 2021 bank robbery, according to charges filed in Ramsey County District Court in 2023. He was also on federal supervised probation for a 2015 bank robbery. Federal prosecutors took over the 2023 case last year, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ramsey County then dismissed its case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wise pleaded guilty to the federal gun charge in September and was sentenced last week in U.S. District Court in St. Paul to 2 years in prison. He was given a concurrent one-year term for violating federal probation for robbing a U.S. Bank in St. Anthony in August 2015. His sentence includes three years of supervised probation following incarceration. Court documents show Wise was charged in August 2022 in connection with robbing a U.S. Bank on Larpenteur Avenue in Roseville on March 8, 2021. Wise was released from the Ramsey County jail on Aug. 24, 2022, after posting a $500 bond, ahead of future court hearings in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly a year later, Wise went on an armed robbery spree that included hitting up the same convenience store twice over the course of 2 months, authorities say. Concealed identity According to the November 2023 Ramsey County District Court complaint: Wise, wearing a green camouflage hooded sweatshirt, black sunglasses, black pants and a black mask with marijuana leaves on it, robbed the Super USA convenience store at 2424 Larpenteur Ave. in Lauderdale of an unspecified amount of cash just before 3 p.m. Aug. 6, 2023. About an hour later, Wise, donning the same disguise, robbed Setzer Pharmacy at 1685 Rice St. in Roseville in the same way, placing a gun on the counter and demanding money. He left with no less than $200. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Wise reached a plea deal with Ramsey County prosecutors on Sept. 13, 2023, in connection with the 2021 bank robbery. In exchange for pleading guilty to an added count of gross misdemeanor theft, the felony robbery charge would be dismissed at sentencing, which was set for Nov. 15, 2023. The deal called for no prison time, but unsupervised county probation and continuation of federal probation through June 2025. However, just over a month after the plea deal, Wise was back to his criminal ways, the charges say. Just before 1 p.m. Oct. 20, officers were sent to Village Bank at 9298 Central Ave. in Blaine on a robbery report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wise, wearing a red wig, white gloves, a white facemask and long blue jacket with white polka dots, entered the bank, grabbed a deposit slip and scribbled on it. He gave a teller the note, which demanded money. He fled with $2,200 cash and got into a black Buick, according to an Anoka County complaint. About nine hours later, St. Anthony police officers were sent to the Super USA in Lauderdale that was robbed Aug. 6. Wise, wearing the same getup, asked a clerk for a pack of Newport cigarettes. He then pulled out a gun, set it on the counter and told the clerk to empty the drawer. He took the money, approximately $300, and fled, according to charges. Law enforcement searched Wises St. Paul home on Nov. 7, 2023, and found a Taurus G3 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistol, according to federal court records. He was arrested two days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wise appeared in Ramsey County District Court two weeks later on the 2021 theft conviction and was sentenced to 360 days in the county jail. Horrendous criminal record In November 2016, Wise was indicted in federal court on two counts of armed robbery in connection with robbing the U.S. Bank on Silver Lake Road in St. Anthony of $3,690 in August 2015 and the Wells Fargo Bank on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis of $5,640 less than a month later. He pleaded guilty to the St. Anthony robbery and in May 2016 was sentenced to five years and four months in prison and five years of supervised release. He was released from prison on June 10, 2020. Ahead of last weeks sentencing, Wises public defender, Robert Meyers, asked in a court filing that Wise receive a 2-year prison sentence, followed by a year of supervised release. He said the conviction is the non-violent possession of a gun. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, Wise suffers from a rare, progressive genetic disorder called Fabry disease, Meyers said, noting that a study found that the life expectancy for males diagnosed is just over 58 years. Imprisonment will be more than the normal hardship, Meyers added. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gilead asked that Wise receive a prison sentence of just over four years. It is clear from Wises horrendous criminal record, his repeated criminal conduct, including behavior on supervision and while incarcerated, that a significant sentence is warranted to protect the public from Wises recidivism, Gilead said. Sadly, it appears that imprisonment has largely been the only time Wise has stopped committing crimes. Judge Ann Montgomerys sentence includes a recommendation to the Bureau of Prisons that Wise be incarcerated in Rochester to allow for treatment of his medical issues and to be close to his family. Is time up for Daylight Saving Time? President Donald Trump has taken a staunch stance against the semiannual time shift, potentially making it a retired practice. Trump has made it known that he is looking to end the spring and fall practice, even before he entered office. "The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldnt!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social in 2024. "Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several states, including Oklahoma, have individually decided to end Daylight Saving Time if federal action taken, but so far, no congressional measures have gotten over the finish line. For now, we still plan to change the clocks in 2025. Heres what you need to know: Be the first to know: Sign up for The Oklahoman's breaking news alerts Donald Trump on Daylight Savings Time In December, Trump posted on Truth Social that he wanted to end the practice with the work of the Republican Party. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have supported the notion on social media. Musk has shared posts supporting the idea of " abolishing the annoying time changes, and Ramaswamy has replied to support the notion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the two leading the newly formed Department of Governmental Efficiency and all three agreeing there is a sense of governmental cost importance, this could be an issue they all tackle. Its inefficient & easy to change. Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) November 27, 2024 Has Oklahoma tried to end Daylight Saving Time? Oklahoma voted to permanently "lock the clock" in April 2024, but we will still "fall back" because there has been no federal legislation enacted to trigger it. The bill presented by Sen. Black Stephens, R-Tahlequah, stated that if an official federal law were crafted, Oklahoma would no longer observe the time change. In the past, legislators have passed and reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022 and 2023, though it has not officially been considered. Only Hawaii, Arizona and the Navajo Nation do not observe Daylight Saving Time. Why do daylight savings time? Daylight Saving Time has occurred since 1966, when the Uniform Time Act was passed. The act established a standard for how time will be understood throughout the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though founding father Benjamin Franklin introduced the idea of daylight savings time in 1784, the earliest recognized practices date back to Thunder Bay, Canada. According to the CBC, on May 1, 1908, residents of then-named Port Arthur, Ontario, turned their clocks forward by one hour, saying it was beneficial to the community. Eventually, other provinces in Canada followed suit, but Germany was the first country to officially use daylight savings on April 30, 1916, 50 years before U.S. adoption. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Will Trump end Daylight Saving Time? What to know about Oklahoma law ALMATY, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan plans to choose a vendor for the construction of a nuclear power plant by June 2025, Kazakh Deputy Energy Minister Sungat Yesimkhanov said at a government press conference on Friday. The outcome of the process will be finalized by the end of June, and preliminary results will be shared, Yesimkhanov said. It will be taken under due consideration of national interests, international rules and obligations, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommendations. He mentioned that a Kazakh delegation, led by the energy minister, has visited all countries that are potential candidates to provide NPP construction services. "We've prepared a list of questions for these vendors, and we're now receiving their responses," Yesimkhanov said. In October 2024, Kazakh citizens voted in favor of building a nuclear power plant in a national referendum. Kazakhstan is now considering high-capacity reactor technologies from four countries: France, China, Russia, and South Korea. The Kazakh Energy Ministry estimates the average cost of a single reactor unit to be around 5 billion U.S. dollars. Two locations, Kurchatov town in northeastern Kazakhstan and Ulken village in the Almaty Region, were inspected and recognized as suitable sites for the NPP construction, the country's Kazinform News Agency reported earlier. Lea esta historia en Espanol aqui. Confusion and fear are mounting among Palm Beach County students who are immigrants after the Trump administration on Tuesday, Jan. 21 rescinded a rule that designated schools as "sensitive areas" protected from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Now, families wonder whether their children can be detained at school for being noncitizens or whether they will encounter ICE while coming onto campus to pick them up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida's Education Department said Thursday that it will comply with a new federal directive to allow immigration enforcement into schools, but the state's existing rules limit how school districts can track the immigration status of students or their families. More: Nuevas ordenes de immigracion: Esto es lo que pueden hacer en el condado de Palm Beach A 1990 federal judge's order forbids school districts in Florida from inquiring about a student's or a parent's immigration status, and it stops school districts from recording immigration status or classifying students as noncitizens in any way. The consent decree was issued following a federal lawsuit filed by the League of United Latin American Citizens against Florida's Department of Education. The consent decree cites a 1982 Supreme Court case that establishes that "any student who lives in any state and is of compulsory school age is entitled to equal access to public school. This student need only produce evidence of residence in the attendance zone of the school district." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Florida's policies require equal access for English Language Learners and stop school districts from tracking noncitizens, it does not stop law enforcement from questioning adults about their immigration status. Can ICE interview or detain students in Palm Beach County schools? Palm Beach County school district policy does not expressly prohibit law enforcement from interviewing students without their parent or guardian's consent or knowledge. But the barriers to doing so are high. An adult cannot remove a student from class in Palm Beach County unless they are the student's emergency contact or a law enforcement officer with a signed warrant that gives them the authority to speak to the child or arrest them, according to school district policy. If a child is interviewed or detained by police at school, district policy says school staff must make an effort to contact their parent or guardian. Want more education news? Sign up for ourExtra Credit weekly newsletter, delivered every Friday! "Sweeps" or "raids" by ICE that may occur in workplaces are also logistically impossible inside a school, as schools do not keep records of immigration status to provide ICE, and law enforcement cannot round up multiple students and remove them from class without warrants for each individual child, according to school district policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Palm Beach County School District prioritizes a safe and supportive learning environment on our campuses," a district spokesperson said in a statement Friday. "The District adheres to strict protocols for all campus visitors and complies with all relevant state and federal laws and regulations. We will continue closely monitoring any federal or state policy changes that impact our schools." Palm Beach County has not updated its policies related to removing a student from class since 1983. How to prepare for crackdowns: Many new arrivals fear immigration raids are coming. Here's what they can do Will Palm Beach County law enforcement, schools comply with immigration crackdown? In South Florida, organizations that work with immigrants are noticing an uptick in uncertainty and anxiety in the five days since Donald Trump took office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's the narrative that sits in fear, said Thomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition in Miami. It's people moving out of the state, people not showing up to work and labor disruptions. Those things are real. From Jupiter to Boca Raton to the Glades, the county is home to a wide population of immigrants who don't have permanent status in the U.S., such as farmworkers on H-2 visas, refugees seeking asylum and others who work in industries such as construction and food service. And they're not being reassured by local or state leadership. Gov. Ron DeSantis has promised to support the federal government's immigration mandates, and he called on state lawmakers to convene a special session beginning Monday, Jan. 26 to find state funding and legislation to carry out Trump's new orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps executive orders authorize the expansion of expedited removal, which allows the U.S. to deport someone without a hearing, the registration of all noncitizens by their fingerprints and the restriction of Homeland Security work permits only to people with legal status. DeSantis also threatened local officials with suspension if they were "neglecting their duties and did not comply and enforce the federal government's immigration laws: "President Trump has a mandate, and the state of Florida is going to be there every step of the way, the governor said. The Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office said Thursday that it will participate in the program which targets the individuals who are here illegally and who have committed/convicted of serious crimes. It did not specify what it meant by serious crimes. How to prepare for possible immigration crackdowns Families in South Florida can make a plan for how to handle an encounter with ICE, including how to provide proof of citizenship or pending immigration cases and how to contact family and friends if someone is detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Need to make a plan? The National Immigration Resource Center recommends: Gather important documents for all family members showing the length of time each one has been in the United States. This can include birth certificates, U.S. income tax returns, utility bills, leases, school records, medical records or bank records. Have an electronic folder that can be accessible by phone. Identify your emergency contacts, memorize their phone numbers and make sure your contact can access all of your documents. Provide your childs school or daycare with an emergency contact to pick up your child in case you are detained. Tell your loved ones that if you are detained by ICE, they can try to use ICEs online detainee locator to find you with the date of birth and country of origin at https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search. Necesita esta informacion in Espanol? Lea aqui. Palm Beach Post reporter Valentina Palm and USA TODAY Network - Florida reporter Ana Goni-Lessan contributed to this report. Katherine Kokal is a journalist covering education at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at kkokal@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today! This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Are schools safe from ICE immigration raids in Palm Beach County? (WTAJ) Three Pennsylvania representatives are pushing to bring whole milk back to school cafeterias, something that was last seen in 2012. U.S. Representative Glenn GT Thompson along with other representatives are pushing to see whole and 2% milk returned to schools for kids to enjoy as part of a bipartisan act. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act 2025 would allow schools to serve both the flavored and unflavored types of milk again. Federal policy, based on flawed, outdated science has kept whole milk out of school cafeterias for more than a decade, Rep. Thompson said. Milk provides 13 essential nutrients that supplement growth and health, two key factors contributing to academic success. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 provides schools the flexibility they need to offer a variety of options, while supporting students and Americas hard-working dairy farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania gaming revenue crossed $6B in 2024 The act highlights the health benefits and nutrient levels that whole or 2% milk provides to young people, including better bone health, lower blood pressure and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The milks were removed as part of the Health, Hunger-Free Kids Act. Kids need wholesome, nourishing food to grow strong and stay healthy, and whole milk is packed with the nutrients they need, Senator Fetterman said. Lets give them the option to enjoy it again in schoolsits good for them, theyll actually drink it, and it supports our farmers. This bill is a simple solution that benefits everyone. According to the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, pediatricians also agree that without whole milk kids may be losing up to 21 essential minerals and 13 vitamins necessary for healthy development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act puts milk back in schools that our growing kids actually want to drink, Senator Dave McCormick said. Pennsylvanias dairy farmers supply this country with an abundant source of milk year-round. Allowing schools to serve whole milk and reduced-fat milk, in addition to low-fat and fat-free milk, in the lunchroom is just common sense. Im proud to support our dairy farmers and our students by supplying them with the essential nutrients found in milk to learn and grow. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act received overwhelmingly bipartisan support in the 118th Congress. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GUILFORD COUNTY The Guilford County Board of Commissioners received $104 million in coronavirus pandemic federal relief funding at the outset of the COVID-19 crisis, but that source of revenue is phasing out now. At their retreat Thursday, the commissioners and Guilford County staff leaders discussed how the county will respond and adjust to the waning of American Rescue Plan Act funding. Guilford County Manager Michael Halford provided the commissioners with detailed information on what programs and services would need a new source of recurring revenue. The influx of funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, referred to commonly as ARPA, was first provided to the county for its 2020-21 fiscal year as the pandemic was at its height. The commissioners have allocated ARPA money for causes ranging from addressing homelessness and providing mental health services to preventing evictions and filling gaps in education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissioners and staff leaders want to determine how much of a county commitment would be needed to sustain ARPA programs where needed and whether other federal sources of revenue are available. Halford told the commissioners they tried to avoid long-term commitments with ARPA revenue that would have needed annual allocations of county money. The county has $9 million in investment earnings on the $104 million that the county received from ARPA, and these funds are available because they havent been appropriated. The commissioners are gearing up to craft their 2025-26 fiscal year budget that must be balanced and in place by July 1. The board has pledged to set aside at least $50 million in its annual budget for the obligation of $2 billion in school facilities and doesnt want a tax increase. In his outlook on the upcoming fiscal year budget, Halford estimates that overall county revenues will rise by $14.1 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year, or an increase of 1.8%. The county base budget for the upcoming fiscal year would be $809 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Halford said that use of fund balance for the current fiscal year and projected for the upcoming fiscal year would total about $30 million, which is ahead of the pace of revenue growth. Halford recommended that the commissioners start rebuilding the fund balance to give the county more of a cushion on unexpected expenses. Among the obligations made by dipping into fund balance is $6 million for a midyear pay increase to recruit and retain deputies and detention officers, $1.5 million for county facility maintenance, $1.18 million for county technology upgrades and $1 million to cover county retiree health coverage benefits. The retreat is designed to give commissioners a chance to look at long-range goals and objectives. As the commissioners were discussing their future plans, several made a point of highlighting successes. Commissioner Alan Perdue said the county has reduced response times for ambulance service, cut the wait time for food stamp applications and streamlined reviews of building plans by developers and businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Pat Tillman said the county continues to manage $2 billion in school facilities bonds approved by voters in two recent referendums, provided assistance to more military veterans and addressed mental health needs. We are making great progress on a lot of things, said Commissioner Carly Cooke. The retreat is being held at the North Carolina A&T State University Alumni-Foundation Event Center in Greensboro. The two-day retreat wraps up Friday at the event center on the A&T University campus. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) The Mississippi Court of Appeals affirmed the sentences of a man who was convicted on two counts of aggravated domestic violence in Madison County. According to court documents, Tyler Culberson appealed his convictions and sentences, arguing that the trial court erred in refusing to instruct the jury on the lesser-included offense of simple domestic violence for each count. Culberson also said he received ineffective assistance of counsel. Madison and Rankin Counties District Attorney Bubba Bramlett said Culberson was a violent habitual offender, which mandated a life sentence without parole for each offense. Circuit Judge Bradley Mills ordered that Culberson serve those two life sentences consecutive to one another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On October 30, 2022, Madison County deputies responded to a report of a car accident on North Old Canton Road. When they arrived, they found a car with severe damage to both sides. Two wanted for breaking into multiple vehicles in Rankin County The female driver said her car had been forced off the road by another vehicle. She told deputies she had been trying to escape her boyfriend, who was identified as Culberson. According to investigators, the woman said Culberson had assaulted her the night before at a home in Madison. They said the victim had bite marks on her face and arms, bruises on the back of her neck, a black eye, and a broken arm. She indicated that she had received all the injuries from Culberson. Tyler Culberson (Courtesy: MDOC) The following night after the crash, Richland police located Culbersons vehicle within their city. They said he gave officers a fake name and ran from them when they tried to take him into custody. He was eventually located hiding behind a daycare in Richland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the trial, Bramlett said a former victim of Culberson testified. She said he previously abused her in a similar manner in 2016. He was convicted of aggravated domestic violence for these events in Rankin County and released from prison. Culberson is currently being held in the Wilkinson County Correctional Facility. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. A woman accused of killing her rideshare driver by repeatedly running him over with his car on Tuesday was on her way to a medical appointment before she got into a fight with her driver. Officers responded to the area of 40th Street and Baseline Road at about 5:15 p.m. after receiving reports of a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian, according to court records. There, they found Jordan Spalding, 31, in the driver's seat of a vehicle stopped near a canal and Samuel Webster, 74, nearby with obvious signs of trauma, court records said. Phoenix firefighters rushed Webster to a hospital where he died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle, a 2020 black Kia Telluride, was registered to Webster and had decals indicating it was a transport vehicle for Veyo, a rideshare service specializing in non-emergency medical transportation, court records said. A Terros Health case manager told police that Spalding was a patient who had an appointment at their 35th Avenue and Baseline Road location, court records said. The case manager called Spalding at around 4:40 p.m. after she was a no-show, according to court records. Spalding sounded upset, court records said, but said she would be there shortly. The case manager heard a mans voice in the background, court records said. The case manager waited 20 minutes before calling Spalding again, but Spalding didnt answer, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case manager later told police that Spalding seemed hysterical, crying, and screaming for help, saying that her driver tried to sexually assault her, according to court records. The case manager went to the last GPS location the vehicle reported and found police already at the scene. A man told police that he saw Webster and Spalding standing outside the vehicle when Webster knocked Spalding down before falling to the ground himself, according to court records. The man told police he saw Spalding get into the vehicle and knock Webster down while running him over. The witness then saw Spalding back the vehicle over Webster and run him over again several times, according to court records. At one point, the man said, he heard Webster yell, Why are you doing this? at Spalding, court records said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security footage from a nearby residence captured the event. The footage showed Webster trying to get away from Spalding before being struck by the car, court records said. Spalding remained in the car until officers arrived, records said. Officers took Spalding to Phoenix police headquarters, where she consented to a sexual assault examination that found no visible injuries, court records said. Spalding made statements inconsistent with what witnesses said and security footage captured, court records said, including that her dog got out of the vehicle and that she thought she struck her dog while Webster was hanging on to the side of the vehicle. After investigators told Spalding that witnesses and security footage saw her strike Webster with the SUV and back over him multiple times, she became upset and asserted that wasnt her intent, court records said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spalding later told investigators that she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and was using fentanyl rather than the medication she had been prescribed, according to court records. Police booked her into jail on one count of second-degree murder. She was being held on a $1 million bond. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Veyo rideshare driver killing detailed in court records Jan. 24Key Takeaways COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among parents is linked to lower childhood vaccination ratesChildren whose parents refused the COVID jab were 25% less likely to be vaccinated against measles/mumps/rubellaPolitical party affiliation also influenced childhood vaccination rates FRIDAY, Jan. 24, 2025 (HealthDay News) Hesitancy over the COVID-19 vaccine is leading some parents to skip important vaccinations for their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young children of parents who declined the COVID vaccine are about 25% less likely to get the standard measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, researchers reported in a new study published recently in the American Journal of Public Health. Public health officials are worried that a decline in vaccine coverage will cause an increase in highly contagious childhood diseases like measles. Last year, 16 measles outbreaks were reported, compared with four outbreaks reported in 2023, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "In the United States, we are experiencing a concerning resurgence of childhood vaccine-preventable diseases," researcher Dr. Ben Rader, a computational epidemiologist with Boston Children's Hospital, said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our research suggests that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has fueled increasing MMR vaccine hesitancy, leaving children more vulnerable to highly contagious and life-threatening illnesses like measles," he added. For the study, researchers analyzed responses from nearly 20,000 parents of children younger than 5 to a digital health survey conducted from July 2023 to April 2024. Children of parents who got at least one COVID jab had higher MMR vaccination rates nearly 81%, compared to just under 61% for children of unvaccinated parents, researchers found. Politics also played a role in childhood vaccinations. Republican parents were 27% less likely to have their kids get the MMR vaccine than Democratic parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our research highlights the link between parental characteristics and MMR vaccine uptake, showing how pandemic-related hesitancy may affect other routine vaccines," lead researcher Eric Zhou, a pediatrics instructor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, said in a news release. Overall, MMR vaccination rates were higher in the Midwest and Northeast than in the South or West. Parents on Medicare or Medicaid were about 15% less likely to have their kids get the MMR jab than parents with private insurance, results show. "Addressing these disparities, through equitable access and fostering trust and transparency in vaccine safety, is key to protecting children from preventable diseases like measles," Zhou concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More information The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on measles outbreaks. SOURCE: American Journal of Public Health, news release, Jan. 16, 2025 What This Means For You Parents should talk with their doctor about the importance and safety of childhood vaccinations. A crash on a state Route 167 near Pacific has blocked two lanes of traffic Friday afternoon. Northbound state Route 167 south of Ellingson Road is blocked in both the left and right lanes. Drivers are getting by through the HOV lane, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Drivers heading north on state Route 167 near Sumner and Puyallup are advised to find alternate routes. 3:45 p.m. update: The crash has cleared, according to WSDOT. This is a developing story, check back for more updates. File photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows Peter Cirimwami, the military governor of North Kivu, in an interview in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) KINSHASA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Peter Cirimwami, the military governor of North Kivu, a province under a state of siege in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), died amid violent hostilities and advances by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels, authorities confirmed on Friday. Cirimwami was struck by gunfire on Thursday during a visit to the front line and died while being evacuated for medical treatment, Sylvain Ekenge, a spokesperson for the DRC military, announced during a briefing. This incident occurred amid violent clashes between the DRC military and the M23 rebels, who have taken control of Sake, a strategically important town considered the last barrier to Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. Panic has spread among displaced people throughout Goma, a key city in the region that was under M23 control for 10 days in 2012. Several foreign embassies have issued alerts, advising their citizens to leave North Kivu while airports and borders remain operational. In response, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi said that "the aggressor should be tracked down, pushed far from Goma, and pursued until the entirety of the national territory is reclaimed." Loud explosions from hostilities between the DRC military and M23 have been heard around Sake. Guillaume Njike Kaiko, a spokesperson for the DRC military in North Kivu, said on Friday that the fighting to liberate Sake, now occupied by the M23, is still underway. "We have already halted the enemy's advance toward Goma. At this moment, we urge the population to remain calm because our armed forces are fully engaged on the front lines against the enemy. We assure you that the army will restore order on the ground," he told Xinhua over the phone. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over the resumption of hostilities by the M23. According to a statement issued by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric on Thursday, Guterres condemned M23's renewed offensive since the beginning of this year and its expansion into North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, including the recent capture of Sake, which has heightened the threat to Goma. As the offensive has caused devastating losses among the civilian population and increased the risk of a broader regional conflict, Guterres called on the M23 to immediately cease its offensive, withdraw from all occupied areas, and respect the ceasefire agreement implemented last August. The ongoing conflict has worsened the humanitarian situation in the region, displacing over seven million people. About 237,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of 2025, according to the United Nations. A standoff in Lakewood left multiple people injured. According to police, their officers initially responded to a report of a suspicious person around 9 a.m. Wednesday. They then say the suspected jumped a fence, going onto Joint Base Lewis-McChord property. They say he then left the base, and went into a local business named FS Solutions, barricading himself inside. It was crazy, local business employee Paul Tremlett told KIRO 7. Tremlett said his normal morning working at Dirks Truck Repair was interrupted by the sound of sirens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I go out the back door and I find my guys standing around looking at whats going on with all police and fire trucks, he said. He says police then told them to go into lockdown because of the nearby standoff. Then, a little before noon, officers told them they needed to evacuate quickly. Lakewood PD said its escalated, get out, Tremlett said. He said they then heard shooting. One of my employees was coming into work and he heard 8-10 shots, he doesnt know who shot who when where what, he said. A victim who was trapped inside with the suspect a couple buildings over spoke to KIRO 7 and said he tried to fight the gun away from the suspect but was assaulted. He went to the hospital, but his family tells KIRO 7 he is out now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the suspect also went to the hospital after he was shot. KIRO 7 asked a representative with the Pierce County Sheriffs Office who shot him. They say the PCFIT is investigating. KIRO 7 also asked for an update on the suspects injuries and if they have been released from the hospital. They were not able to answer those questions. Investigators in Rockdale County have recovered two cars belonging to the suspect accused of stabbing an off-duty Atlanta police officer during a road rage incident last week. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Thursday, the spokeswoman for the Rockdale County Sheriffs Office confirmed to Channel 2s Michael Seiden that deputies had recovered a Volkswagen Passat and Dodge Charger, but the suspect, Justin Perry Hurst, 36, remains on the run. The investigation is now being led by the U.S. Marshals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Once he is arrested, Hurst will face charges of armed robbery, aggravated battery and aggravated assault, investigators confirmed. Hurst is accused of attacking and stabbing Atlanta Sen. Ofc. Tony Black during a road rage incident on Jan.18. Earlier this week, Seiden spoke exclusively with Black, who spent two days in the hospital after the suspect stabbed him in the face with a boxcutter that left Black with a gaping hole on the side of his face. I feel pretty good, said Black, who joined the Atlanta Police Department in 2003. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was just crazy. I didnt think it was going to go to that point, Black said. TRENDING STORIES: The father of three said the chaos started while driving on Interstate 20 near Panola Road. I was on my way to my uncles birthday party, and I just remember this guy pulled up next to me and started telling me that I cut him off in traffic, he recounted. I looked at him and didnt know what he was talking about. Black said he continued driving, but the suspect sped up ahead of him and eventually crashed into the front passenger side of his truck. Then he jumps out, runs up to my door and talks more stuff, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black said he and the suspect exchanged words before the man sped away, so he called 911 and continued following him down I-20 until the suspect exited the highway in Rockdale County, where he followed him into a parking lot. The police veteran added that he was getting ready to take a photo of the tag when the suspect attacked him. I felt something, he said. We both ended up on the ground and tussling around. Im assuming he struck me several times with that object (boxcutter) and he ended up flattening my tires on my truck to keep me from following him again, Black said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The photos of his injuries are too graphic for TV, but Black said the gaping wound required three layers of stitches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt see it until someone showed me a picture, he said. As authorities continue to search for his attacker, Black says hes focused on his recovery and getting back to his job. He also added that hes grateful for the treatment he received from the surgeon and her staff at Grady Memorial Hospital. Green Charter Elementary students acting out scenes from story books during a Spark session. (Provided by the S.C. Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities) When education specialists from The Riley Institute at Furman University met with an innovative team from the South Carolina Governors School for the Arts and Humanities last fall, one pathway to success in our state became clear: Choose joy; try something different, not just more of the same. The Governors School has seen incredible results in literacy gains throughout South Carolina with its outreach program called Spark! Inspiring Tomorrows Readers Through Drama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Piloted in 2016 as a partnership between the Governors School and the South Carolina Arts Commission, Spark was significantly scaled up in 2021 thanks to an infusion of $2.3 million in federal pandemic aid doled out over three years into the Arts Commissions Arts Grow SC partner network. Spark offers students a chance to explore fundamental literacy concepts particularly those linked to comprehension, such as plot and character motivation and development in ways that animate and solidify those concepts through fun, creative activities. The program has yielded impressive results. Based on a controlled study of standardized test results, Spark students showed an increase of two to 4 1/2 months in reading gains compared to non-Spark peers over the course of an academic year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further, 75% of partner teachers reported that students were more engaged in reading, and 50% saw more student engagement with writing. Earlier this fall, the Governors School discussed Spark at The Riley Institutes 2024 Dick and Tunky Riley WhatWorksSC Award Celebration, which coincided with the release of the 2023-2024 South Carolina School Report Cards. The state didnt do so well again. Only 30% of South Carolina high school graduates are both college and career ready. Meanwhile, SC Ready test results released in August show that the percentage of third- through eighth-grade students meeting and exceeding expectations in reading hovers at just over 50%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To address this literacy crisis, the South Carolina Department of Education recently began pushing an approach to reading that is based on research on how the brain processes written language. One piece of this approach helps teachers understand the science behind reading and encourages them to use research-based strategies to guide their instruction. The training is titled Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling. So far, so good. But often the response to poor test results in math and reading is simply to do more spend more time on it, throw more money at it which comes at the expense of investment in other subjects, including social studies, science and, most of all, the arts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What about doing something different, rather than just doing more? What if, while using phonics-forward approaches in the early years, we also came at reading with non-traditional techniques? Enter the Spark program and its impressive results. Sparks results remind us that igniting joy in young learners delivers better engagement and outcomes. Indeed, troves of research tell us that people learn best when having fun, and that the ways in which we learn vary greatly from person to person. Remembering to find and spark joy is particularly salient when using more traditional, phonics- focused approaches, which critics allege is boring for students and teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In exploring stories through drama, students engage with texts by getting up on their feet, bringing stories and characters to life. They actively learn empathy and perspective taking, creativity and innovation, and collaboration and teamwork. All are central qualities listed in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Even better, while teacher morale and retention are at all-time lows, Spark and other arts-based professional development opportunities have received high marks from teachers. According to a spring 2024 survey of teachers participating in six or more hours of Arts Grow SC partners professional development, over 90% reported that their participation had some or a large positive impact on their relationships with their students and on their classroom climate. Both are extremely important factors in overall teacher job satisfaction. Better reading scores, higher engagement, stronger interpersonal skills, happier teachers and students, and broader access to the arts are all achievable if we commit to making effective arts integration programs scalable and sustainable across the state. With pandemic aid running out, we call upon our lawmakers to position South Carolina as a leader in creative, effective approaches in education by not only replacing those funds, but by making a $5 million public investment of Education Improvement Act funds to expand the reach and impact Arts Grow SC programs such as Spark and others like it that work. LAKEVILLE, Mass. (WPRI) An investigation is underway after a fire broke out on a farm in Lakeville Thursday night. A caller reported hearing a loud explosion that shook his house just before 7 p.m. and saw a ball of fire when he went outside. Angers Conway Farms store was fully engulfed in flames. Lakeville Fire Chief Michael OBrien said there were no fire hydrants nearby, so firefighters had to call in tankers from other towns for assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a small town, mutual aid is a lifesaver, literally, OBrien said. We had companies here from Middleboro, Freetown, Raynham and Berkley coming in and helping out on scene within minutes of the original call and together we got the job done. The fire was contained to the store and did not spread to the nearby barn, though several horses being boarded nearby were evacuated out of an abundance of caution. No injuries were reported. Father-son duo Shawn and Liam Conway, who own the farm, said the flames took a piece of their family legacy. Shawn said his father previously owned the farm and passed away last winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was his lifes work, Shawn said while wiping away tears. Its everything he did, Liam added. It was his life, so its very difficult to process there were a lot of memories in this building that cant be replaced. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. In the meantime, the Conways are urging anyone who wants to aid in their recovery efforts to attend any of their upcoming events. Well focus our efforts there for the moment, Shawn said. We will make those events top notch, so the town and community will love them. The Conways thanked those who have already reached out to check on them, as well as the dozens of firefighters who rushed to their farm to knock down the flames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family plans to eventually rebuild everything theyve lost. (Courtesy: David Curran) (Courtesy: David Curran) 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 recent discovery that one in seven patients in hospital beds ought to be in a social care setting was shocking enough to make headlines, but not remotely news for anyone who knows the care sector. It is yet another example of how the care crisis can only very occasionally grab public attention and is one of the reasons successive governments have tried to tackle it, but have shied away from the difficult decisions needed, safe in the knowledge that this particular crisis will shrink back into the background. Of course, thats only a secondary reason why the care crisis has not been solved over the past 20 years. The main cause is the unwillingness of leaders to confront the public with the unpalatable truth: better social care will require more money. Whether that money comes through the tax system or from private savings (including the equity in your house) or a mixture of the two, it has to come out of the pockets of individuals. That will hurt, but there is no magic money tree out there to take the burden away from us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louise Casey and her commission will know not only the size of the problem, but also many of the different detailed issues they need to solve. While the debate often focuses on the elderly, the greatest increase in demand for care services comes from working-age adults with disabilities. To address this, we must integrate NHS and social care planning in a meaningful and practical way, rather than merely in name. Additionally, the NHS has failed to fully harness the potential of digital technology in delivering care. Another challenge lies in the lack of specialist housing for older people, which could allow many to live in a home of their own for much longer. Compounding these issues is the fact that social care is delivered through local authorities, who are about to be plunged into the biggest organisational change for half a century. It is clear from that list that anyone who thinks you have solved the social care crisis if you just implement the Dilnot report recommendations on how much people should pay does not recognise how the problems have widened and deepened in the decade or more since Dilnot reported. Also, setting a single national cap on the amount people have to pay, often out of their housing equity, has two big problems. The first, and the reason why it has never been introduced, is that the Treasury thinks it is too expensive. The second is that any maximum figure the individual has to pay will take a vastly greater proportion of your wealth if you live in Middlesbrough than if you live in London. So this solution suffers from severe problems of distributional fairness. Having set out these many problems, it is still true that the main reaction to the setting up of the Casey commission has been to welcome it but to be astounded that it needs to take three years. In particular, the idea that it will take a year to come up with the problems facing the sector is borderline absurd. Many of us have been pointing out these problems for years. Equally, a cursory search will reveal that there is no lack of helpful suggestions for solving them, but rather an unwillingness to address that inexorable political difficulty that someone is going to have to pay for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How we pay is a genuine dilemma which will be one of the most difficult issues facing Louise Casey, especially as the provision on the ground is a mixture of public and private sector activity, and also a mix of big organisations and individual providers. So a simple solution for funding does not easily fit with the multi-faceted reality of the care sector, and any solution which, for example, drove out the individual providers would be damaging in the short and medium term. In the end, whatever Louise Casey recommends will need political backing at the highest level. In the best traditions of Yes Minister, the politicians will be told that they are being brave if they address this problem. Maybe now is the right time for bravery. Rt Hon Damian Green MP is chair of the Social Care Foundation. He has served as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and First Secretary of State 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. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) On the heels of critical fire weather, fueled by gusty Santa Ana winds, those in San Diego Countys mountain areas will soon be under a Winter Storm Watch, according to the National Weather Service. While the smoke settles in some areas of the region that have recently been charred by brush fires, meteorologist say heavy and wet snow is possible starting Sunday morning for elevated areas like Julian and Mount Laguna. Air quality alerts issued across San Diego County due to wildfire smoke Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The forecast shows total snow accumulations between 2 to 4 inches in mountain ranges above 4,500 feet possible, with up to 9 inches locally above 5,500 feet. If those predictions become reality, NWS warns that roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Avoiding travel in the mountains is suggested Sunday through Tuesday morning. Motorists who do plan to travel in the mountains during this timeframe should expect slippery conditions, even more so in the night and early morning hours when temperatures are at their lowest. Drivers should plan ahead by prepping and packing winter storm kits with items like tire chains, booster cables, flashlights, a shovel, blankets, water, extra clothing, and a first aid kit. Mountain-area residents are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts for updates on the Winter Storm Watch. 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. Jan. 23Officials from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation attempted Thursday to allay community concerns about a potential health risk posed by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. plant off 56th Street in the City of Niagara Falls. Several residents and environmental advocates who took part in an online public information session hosted by the DEC expressed serious reservations about the agency's findings. Their main concerns focused on the agency's primary conclusion that people living and working near the plant are not being endangered by the release of a known cancer-causing chemical at rates higher than current state guidelines allow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "None of the data that we've been seeing has been shown to pose a significant risk to public health," said DEC interim Commissioner Sean Mahar who took part in Thursday's conference call with residents. Ann Rabe, a spokesperson for the environmental group Don't Waste New York, begged to differ. She accused the DEC of clouding the issue with "fabrications" and accused the agency of "deliberately" allowing Goodyear to exceed state standards for the release of ortho-toluidine a chemical used in the production of tires that has been linked to incidences of bladder cancer despite those standards being rolled back in 2021. "This is a serious public health endangerment," Rabe said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday's session allowed residents to ask questions and gave the agency the opportunity to address what DEC attorney Terri Mucha described as "massive misinformation" from recent press reports about the plant's emission levels. DEC officials insisted, contrary to published and broadcast reports, that the facility is operating at ortho-toluidine emission levels that are within what the agency considers an "acceptable range." They also suggested a computer modeling performed by the DEC using Goodyear emissions data has been inaccurately portrayed in recent months as a "toxic" cloud or plume hovering over a roughly half-mile area surrounding the facility. The DEC has said that the state's ambient-air guidelines for ortho-toluidine are set at levels to protect the public and are more stringent than federal risk thresholds. Margaret LaFarr, assistant director with the DEC's Division of Air Resources, echoed previous agency statements, saying the state's annual guideline concentrations should not be construed as a "bright line" between concentrations that cause health effects and those that do not. The agency has said that those concentrations are set at a level to "inform permitting decisions and reduce emissions with the "best controls available." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if she'd feel safe if she lived in the neighborhood near the plant, LaFarr said she would. She suggested representatives from the Department of Health would feel the same way. "I would feel safe living there based on the modeling I've done and based on (the Department of Health)," she said. "DOH has agreed with us that based on our modeling this is a very low risk." The DEC notified Goodyear in July 2023 that the Falls plant was operating in violation of its state air permit. The state notice required the development of a plan and a schedule for installing new pollution controls. Critics noted that the agency did not impose a firm timeline for installing equipment they say is needed to lower the plant's O-T emissions by 90% in keeping with current state standards. Thursday's information session followed last week's decision by the DEC to enter into a consent order that the agency says will now require Goodyear to take steps to reduce the facility's o-t output. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the order, which required the company to pay a civil fine of $15,000. Goodyear will also be required to install interim pollution controls and operate under lower production limits within two months of DEC approval of Goodyear's proposal, which is due by Jan. 31. The order also requires Goodyear to submit an air pollution control study by March 15, with permanent pollution controls to be installed by Oct. 31, 2026. The agreement will allow for testing of output from on-site stacks after the new pollution controls have been installed. DEC officials said the last on-site inspection of the facility's control systems happened in July and that no problems were detected at that time. "Right now, Goodyear is in compliance with its permit," Mucha said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Environmental advocates insist the consent order does not do enough to force Goodyear to move swiftly to reduce ortho-toluidine emissions. Rabe criticized the agency for setting a full compliance date of Oct. 31, 2026, noting that it gives the company nearly two more years to operate out of compliance with O-T emission standards the state lowered in 2021. While the DEC will require Goodyear to perform on-site stack testing after the new pollution control equipment is installed, critics argue such tests are needed immediately to obtain a clearer picture of how emissions from the site may be impacting the surrounding neighborhood. "We are going to continue to advocate for major amendments to the consent order," Rabe said. "The consent order is a major slap in the face to the environmental justice community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEC officials conceded they do not have plans to perform historic air modeling or to undertake any community health assessments, which they said would fall under the Department of Health's responsibilities. They also said they were unable to measure the amount and types of pollutants in the air outside the facility, a process DEC known as ambient air monitoring that agency representatives described as complex given the complicated nature of the facility. "The science isn't there yet so we wouldn't be able to directly monitor ambient air," LaFarr said. Matteo Anello, brother of former Mayor Vince Anello, who has lived with his family in their home on 56th Street just east of the plant for decades, said that while he's concerned about plant emissions, he's also troubled by what he sees as the DEC's failure to measure what the agency describes as "fugitive" emissions that stem from spills, leaks and other sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without proper measurement of the impact of those emissions, Anello questioned how the DEC could determine the true impact on the health of people living and working in the area. "To implement something without absolutely correct information to implement on, I have a concern with," he said. Rabe agreed. She noted that the state's plume map took into account only stack emissions which were reported to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at 133 pounds in 2023. By comparison, she said, fugitive emissions from the Falls plant reported to the federal agency that same year were 1,211 pounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If the plume map is only based on the stack emissions, that's a gross, gross understatement of what the community's being exposed to," she said. Sean Mahoney, one of the participants in Thursday's session, cautioned against taking too tough a stance on Goodyear's operation. He noted that the facility and its workers are an important part of the local economy. "They provide a lot of good jobs to a lot of good people and they have been established for a lot of years," he said. "We cannot drive out all the industry," he added. "Everyone cannot work retail jobs or service. That wouldn't be good for your area." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anello said no one he's encountered since being made aware of the emissions concerned has expressed an interest in closing the plant. Rather, he said, he and other advocates are seeking improved monitoring and controls to make sure residents and workers are being properly protected. "No one's interested in shutting down Goodyear or any chemical plant," he said. "We just want to know the true answers as to what or if any pollution we're being exposed to," he added. The DEC has not yet scheduled any additional public meetings although they did say on Thursday that they may hold another Goodyear information session in the future. Residents and environmental advocates have scheduled a community meeting about the plant for 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at the New Hope Baptist Church, 1122 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls. Cyber experts stress the importance of vigilance and proactive steps to protect personal data after a ransomware breach that exposed millions of patient social security numbers, birth dates, and addresses. After months of the hack, Oneblood is now letting people know their personal information has been exposed in a hack. Oneblood was named in a lawsuit after a client received a notice of the exposure months after the company knew about the hack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company said the hack was from a data breach in July of 2024. Read: OneBlood donor social security numbers compromised in hack Despite knowing about the hack, the lawsuit states the company did not tell patients until January 2025. Oneblood has yet to disclose the full extent of the data breach. The breach, which compromised Onebloods data systems, has left many donors concerned about the security of their sensitive information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and possibly even medical histories. Read: FHP: Multi-vehicle crash in Orange County leaves 3 dead and 1 seriously injured Cybersecurity experts warn that such attacks often involve the theft of sensitive information that can be used for identity theft, phishing schemes, or other malicious purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident serves as a reminder of the risks posed by cyberattacks and the critical importance of strong data security practices for organizations handling sensitive information. Read: Crooked Can Brewerys Lake County expansion clears hurdle As Oneblood works to rebuild trust with its donors, experts emphasize the need for heightened vigilance and ongoing education about cybersecurity threats. Oneblood has sent Channel 9 statement: OneBlood has been working with cybersecurity specialists to determine the full scope of the event and if personal data was accessed. OneBlood worked as quickly as possible to conduct the investigation and subsequently notify impacted individuals. The cyber incident OneBlood experienced was contained, and OneBlood provided notification to the affected individuals in accordance with relevant law. OneBlood is also offering affected individuals complimentary identity monitoring. Joshua Taylor, Owner of Black Bear Cybersecurity, LLC, points to several ways Onebloods data may have been breached. Phishing emails are oftentimes attachments that employees may not know were sent by a hacker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor said with unpatched software, hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software or systems that have not received recent security updates. The class action lawsuit filed Wednesday against Oneblood, states the company failed to secure and safeguard personal information that was stored in its network network. The ransomware attack affected over 250 hospitals in Florida, Georgia, North, and South Carolina. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The owner of a Cybertruck that was vandalized with the word Nazi says she believes the offensive graffiti was targeted at Tesla boss Elon Musk. Amanda Lopez-Lara, from the Bay Area, California, said that following the recent controversy surrounding the tech billionaire, the incident was unlikely to be a coincidence. Musk has received a major backlash after he appeared onstage following Donald Trumps inauguration and made a gesture which many have compared to a Nazi salute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vandalism incident occurred overnight on Wednesday, while Lopez-Lara was out at dinner in downtown Redwood City. A Cybertruck owner in California, who had the word Nazi sprayed on the side of her vehicle, says she believes Elon Musk was the target of the attack (NBC Bay Area) The Cybertrucks cameras captured a man in a hoodie and face covering approaching the vehicle before taking out a spray can and writing the word "Nazi" on the side in large letters. "I was shocked," Lopez-Lara told NBC Bay Area. "I immediately, for the first time in downtown Redwood City, I felt scared." She added that believed the attack was aimed at Musk, rather than herself. "With all the social media and the news circulating, accusing him of being related to Hitler and all that, I dont think its a coincidence," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lopez-Lara said that though she understands the outrage surrounding the gesture, the attack on her vehicle was really disappointing and disheartening. Musk has received a major backlash after he appeared onstage following Donald Trumps inauguration and made a gesture which many have compared to a Nazi salute (AFP via Getty Images) "I went to Berkeley myself, and I fully understand standing up for whats right. That isnt working towards that purpose, she said. Musk mocked the controversy over his salute on Thursday with a series of quips on X featuring word play with the names of some of Adolf Hitlers leading Nazis, including Rudolph Hess, Joseph Goebels, Hermann Goring and Heinrich Himmler. His mockery even angered the Anti-Defamation League, which had initially come to his defense following the incident. ADL head Jonathan Greenblatt wrote on X: Weve said it hundreds of times before and we will say it again: the Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropriate and offensive to make light of it ... @elonmusk, the Holocaust is not a joke. The U.S. Capitol pictured on Nov. 26, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom) Members of Iowas congressional delegation have spent the first week with President Donald Trump back in office taking actions on immigration and agriculture. All four of Iowas representatives all Republican voted Wednesday to pass the Laken Riley Act, sending it to Trumps desk for final approval. The legislation is the first bill that Trump can sign into law during his new term and marks an early victory for the president, who promised to enact harsher immigration laws if elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation is named after a 22-year-old University of Georgia student who was murdered by a man who immigration authorities said entered the country illegally and who had previously been charged with shoplifting. It would require unauthorized immigrants charged or arrested for property and violent crimes be detained while awaiting trial. The bill passed the House Wednesday in a 263-156 vote, with 46 Democrats supporting the measure. U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra highlighted the inclusion of Sarahs Law in the bill while celebrating its passage. The Senate amended the bill to include a provision requiring undocumented immigrants who commit crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury be detained. Its a provision that Iowa lawmakers said could have been crucial in the case of Sarah Root, a 21-year-old Council Bluffs woman who was killed by a drunk driver who was an undocumented immigrant. The driver fled after being released on bail and was never found. Feenstra, who alongside U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst has introduced multiple versions of Sarahs Law, said he was thrilled to see its inclusion in the Laken Riley Act. Sarahs Law not only delivers justice for the Root family but also ensures that any illegal immigrant who harms or kills an American citizen is swiftly detained and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Feenstra said in a statement. With President Trump in the White House, we will continue to secure our border, build the wall, and combat heinous crimes committed by illegal immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigrant advocates and attorneys have said the measure could have impacts not just on undocumented people accused of crimes, but could lead to the detainment of children, interfere with the issuance of visas and harm immigrants with legal status to be in the country. Rep. Ashley Hinson said the measure was an important step to protecting Americans safety. No illegal immigrant who commits a crime or harms an American should have the chance to commit another crime in America let alone reside in our country, Hinson said in a statement. While its despicable 156 Democrats voted to put criminal illegal immigrants first, I am so thankful we have a president who will always put Americans first. Lets get this bill to President Trumps desk for Laken, Sarah, and every family who has suffered at the hands of an illegal immigrant. Biofuel bill Ernst and Sen. Chuck Grassley were among ag-state senators to cosponsor a bill that would clarify program eligibility and definitions for sustainable aviation fuel within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement S.144 is a reintroduction of the Farm to Fly Act that has been introduced in Congress the past couple of years. The bill would add sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, to sections of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 relating to biofuels. According to a press release from Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, who sponsored the bill, the additional language would allow greater collaboration between aviation biofuels and USDA agencies. Grassley said in a statement the bill would help farmers, American energy production and drive economic growth. Homegrown biofuels are good for Americans pocketbooks, the environment and national security, Grassley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stu Swanson, president of Iowa Corn Growers Association, said the bill meets an Iowa Corn priority of expanding markets for corn growers, who would be able to sell corn as a feedstock for the aviation biofuels. This bill not only promotes the use of SAF, a cleaner, home-grown fuel that reduces carbon emissions, but it also promotes domestic energy production and increases partnerships within the aviation biofuels space, Swanson said in a statement. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw said sustainable aviation fuels are the largest potential new market for agriculture. The only way SAF takes off is with the ample agricultural feedstocks available in the U.S. and certainty surrounding feedstock qualifications, Shaw said in a statement. This legislation will help ensure that U.S. farmers and their products are treated fairly and have access to the SAF market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biofuels industry and Iowa politicians have been seeking final guidance on a tax credit, 45z, for sustainable aviation fuel, which Ernst pressed President Donald Trumps Secretary of Agriculture nominee Brooke Rollins during her confirmation hearing Thursday. Trump also issued an executive order this week ordering the Environmental Protection Agency to consider emergency waivers for the year-round sale of E15, an ethanol blended fuel. Ernst praised the action and said President Trump is already fighting for our Iowa farmers and biofuel producers. Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, attends a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of China-Vietnam bilateral ties in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- China and Vietnam pledged to promote the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, as the two countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of their bilateral ties in Beijing on Friday. Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, attended a reception celebrating the anniversary, saying that the friendship between China and Vietnam has grown stronger over the past 75 years. Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to work with Vietnam to promote the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and countries, better benefiting the two peoples. Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, attends a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of China-Vietnam bilateral ties in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Friday on the Daily 8, were looking at some flooding at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, when construction on the East Beltline bridge could start, what to do in West Michigan this weekend and more. You can watch the full Daily 8 for Jan. 24, 2025, in the video player above or check out any of the stories mentioned below: Each weekday, the Daily 8 brings you the top eight stories we are keeping an eye on in and around West Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Join us again on Monday for the Daily 8. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ask a Democrat about Merrick Garland, and they will likely mutter something impolite. But, for a brief moment, Joe Bidens attorney general could trumpet a monumental achievement. In the course of prosecuting the perpetrators of January 6, he dismantled the nations two most potent right-wing paramilitary groups, the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers. The groups fell into disarray, their finances collapsed, and local chapters folded. By convicting the leadership of these groups and dozens of their rank and file, Garland extricated a seditious menace from American politics. That accomplishment lasted until the second day of Donald Trumps presidency. With his signature, Trump freed Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers, and Enrique Tarrio, the head of the Proud Boys, from prison. Using his most expansive presidential powers, Trump resurrected these moribund organizations. Perhaps some members of these groups will never return, having been chastened by their brush with the raw end of federal power. But by excusing their most egregious offense, Trump has effectively legalized their presenceand validated the most ominous worries about his symbiotic relationship with them. Back in 2020, Trump famously intimated an alliance with the Proud Boys in his instruction to them, delivered when he was asked during a debate with Biden whether he would condemn nationalist and paramilitary groups: Proud Boys, stand back and stand by, he replied. That phrase implied that he, in fact, was the groups ultimate commander. And a few months later, on January 6, that phrase felt like more than just a clumsy answer to a moderators question. The Proud Boys, clad in orange beanies, led the assault on the Capitol that day. And in the months that followed, as investigators pieced together a narrative of the insurrection, they often presented circumstantial evidence raising the possibility that the group had coordinated its assault with the Trump White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those suggestions of a shared plot were never substantiated. But the Oath Keepers, at least, believed that they were working at the presidents behest. On January 6, as a member of the group admitted to prosecutors, the Oath Keepers kept a cache of arms across the Potomac in a Virginia hotel room, to be deployed in the event that Trump signaled for help. [Read: Trumps pardons are sending a crystal-clear message] The president didnt give that signal, and he may never issue an official instruction to these paramilitaries. But he might not need to, because his pardons have earned him their undying allegiance. Trump literally gave me my life back, Tarrio told Alex Jones. Trumps devotion to the paramilitariesand to the destruction of their common enemiesbinds them tightly together. Its a swerve in the arc of the history of these groups: The Oath Keepers began as a militia committed to subverting government, but now the group might become something closer to an arm of it. This relationship raises questions: What happens the next time Trump explicitly announces that one of his enemies deserves to die? What if Trump describes a group as a threat to his own security or to the American way of life? How will these militias respond? In the not-so-distant past, Latin American organizations with similar pedigrees furtively fulfilled the darkest wishes of right-wing leaders. (Two years ago, the deputy chief of a Colombian militia confessed to a litany of assassinations that he had committed on the states behalf during that countrys long civil war, as well as torture, sexual assault, and the massacre of unarmed civilians.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With their powerful patron and newfound freedom, the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys stand poised to assert themselves as they never have before. Because they have no immediate reason to fear the Justice Department or the FBI, they have the latitude to move out from the shadows. Some examples from the past suggest their future: During the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, they frequently made unwelcome appearances at marches carrying assault rifles, with the clear intent of intimidation. Intimidation is, after all, a tactic they share with the Trump administration, and it might be used to squelch the sources of resistance that hindered his first term. Donald Trump didnt just grant clemency to individuals; he exonerated their method, which substitutes fists and guns for persuasion and argument. These groups seek to impose their will on society through force. That is the very nature of paramilitary organizations, which mimic trappings of the police and army in order to become unaccountable, private versions of them, forces loyal not to a constitution but to a strongman. They are antidemocratic entities in service of antidemocratic ends. Now those entities and their approach have the blessing, and perhaps even the patronage, of the president of the United States. Article originally published at The Atlantic Danish lawmaker Anders Vistisen on Thursday defended his decision to publicly tell U.S. President Donald Trump to f--k off, offering a couple reasons for his choice of words earlier this week. When CNN anchor Erin Burnett asked the European Parliament member why he was so blunt, Vistisen said it was required in part because others in his party feel a stronger pushback is required. First of all, it is a completely unacceptable attack on Danish sovereignty to want to claim territory that has been Danish since the 10th centurythree times as long as the United States has existed, he said, after Trump claimed that acquiring Greenland is an absolute necessityand that he might use the military take it by force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vistisen added that another reason for his colorful statement Tuesday is because we in my party are unhappy with the Danish government not taking a more clear stand towards these signals from the U.S. president. Vistisen, of the nationalist Danish Peoples Party, said the response to Trumps other expansionist statements regarding Canada and Panama were more firmly shut down by members of those respective governments. Last month, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino told Trump in a video message on X that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjoining zone is Panamas and will remain so, adding that the sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable. A few weeks ago, Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to Trumps call for a U.S.-Canada merger by suggesting instead that Canada buy Alaska and Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenlands prime minister, while saying he would be open to meeting with Trump, has also affirmed that the territory is not for sale, and that the Greenlandic people dont want to be Americans. Vistisen said he didnt care for the vice president of the European Parliament admonishing him for using such language. The European Parliament has a quite biased way of interpreting these rules. Its OK to call people fascists, racists, communists, but apparently you cannot use the same language as Mr. Trump has used regarding his own top generals in the Pentagon, Vistisen said. If they have a problem, they can take it up with me, he continued. I have not heard from the president of parliament since my speech, so Im waiting for her to contact me, but I dont assume it will be a big deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vistisen also explained why he was skeptical that Greenland or Denmark would agree to any purchase. We take [American security] concerns very seriously. We are a NATO ally. But America has had a military presence in Greenland since 1941, and we have accommodated all security concerns. So if America wants to have more bases or different kind of equipment in Greenland, there is actually no one contesting that, neither in Greenland nor in Denmark, he said. And for the other argument that America can make a great deal: We actually have some historical precedents for this: 100 years ago, we sold you what you call the U.S. Virgin Islands today. And that territory still doesnt have voting rights for your presidential elections. That place doesnt have a voting member of of your parliamentthe Congresseither the House of Representatives or the Senate, he noted. And when I visited, when we had the 100-year commemoration, there was not a great lot of enthusiasm about the way the U.S. is handling that, he went on. So I think if the Greenlandic people are looking carefully at this and looking on the U.S. Overseas Territories, or looking at how indigenous people are treated in the U.S., its very hard to make a compelling argument that they will have a better deal from the United States than what they have within the Danish realm, the Kingdom of Denmark, where they have full voting rights in the Danish parliament. Advocacy groups hope the United States will impose restrictions on cryptocurrency mining as governments around the world crack down on the booming industry stressing electrical grids. Last January, the U.S. Energy Information Administration announced that it was launching a provisional survey to track electricity consumption by cryptocurrency mining companies. The Office of Management and Budget granted the emergency authorization. The move came after a coalition of advocacy groups raised the alarm to the EIA about the sector's energy usage and environmental impact. As detailed by Earthjustice one of the organizations involved in the petition China banned cryptocurrency mining in 2021, but the U.S. continued the practice, with nearly 40% of all mining occurring stateside in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are encouraged by the EIA's actions to collect information on this hugely energy-intensive industry, which has grown so substantially in the United States in just the past couple of years and for which there is so little publicly-available information," Mandy DeRoche, deputy managing attorney of Earthjustice's Clean Energy Program, said of the EIA's decision. Now, around a year after the EIA's announcement, more and more countries have moved to limit or ban cryptocurrency mining as they become aware of its potential pitfalls. Mining that is, the transaction validation process involving complex mathematical puzzles requires an eye-popping amount of energy and power. A joint study by Earthjustice and the Sierra Club found that "proof-of-work" mining produced 27.4 million tons of carbon pollution between mid-2021 and 2022, or as much as 6 million gas-powered vehicles. Cryptocurrency mining can also be loud so loud that a Texas community near a bitcoin mining facility filed a lawsuit against the operator alleging that it ruined their quality of life, citing hearing loss, severe vertigo, sleep disruptions, and more. Plus, the sector's strain on the power grid threatens to raise electricity rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While more advanced cooling systems could help address mining noise, cryptocurrency networks such as ethereum are tinkering with their consensus mechanisms to solve the massive energy drain. The company's "proof-of-stake" system decreased power use by a whopping 99.95%. Ultimately, though, the future of cryptocurrency in the U.S. remains unclear. President-elect Donald Trump has been outspoken in his support of the sector. And in July, Utility Dive reported that the EIA had halted its emergency survey after the Texas Blockchain Council sued it for "advancing the survey without a full review," citing concerns about protecting proprietary data. However, the agency had a second provisional survey in the works. "Utilities and anyone who depends on reliable, affordable electricity should support the EIA's effort to bring transparency to this energy-intensive industry," Caroline Weinberg, senior research and policy analyst of Earthjustice's Clean Energy Program, said in a statement for the organization over the summer after the EIA announced its new survey. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Dave Coulier has had some "tough days" since being diagnosed with cancer last fall, but he's determined to "power through." The actor's wife, Melissa Coulier, opened up about his ongoing battle with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in an interview with ABC affiliate WXYZ Detroit earlier this week. SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox "He has some really tough days, and as the chemo has been accumulating it gets a little tougher and more difficult," she said on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he's not letting the rough side effects of treatment keep him down, as Melissa described him as still having "such a positive attitude." "I think its just innately in him. He has had a lot of loss in his life when it comes to having to deal with cancer. He lost his mother, his sister, his niece. His other sister had it," she explained. "I think for him, he takes every stride and really pulls strength from seeing the women that were so close in his life to powering through it, and he just wants to honor them." "And you need that [positivite attitude] in order to really fight it," she added. Another necessary tool is a support system, and according to the Full House star's wife of 10 years, his friends and family are "really rallying around" the 65-year-old. "Every morning, if hes feeling up for it, we try to put on a song and do a little dance party with the dogs, because when you do feel good, you have to celebrate that too," Melissa told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coulier previously described his health battle as "kind of a roller coaster ride," noting his body is "in fight or flight mode" as he adjusts to various treatments and their side effects. The side effects have side effects, and then you take a drug to counteract that, and this and that," he explained during a Jan. 10 episode of his Full House Rewind podcast."Its a little bit of an internal battle." Next: Candace Cameron Bure Begs Fans 'Not to Engage' in 'Really Unfortunate' Warning Dave Coulier's health has seen better days. The Full House alum was diagnosed with cancer last fall and is currently undergoing treatment for stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In an interview with People, the actor revealed that he learned of his medical condition in October 2024, after an upper respiratory infection caused significant swelling in his lymph nodes, leading him to receive a PET scan, CT scan and biopsy. Three days later, my doctors called me back and they said, We wish we had better news for you, but you have non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and it's called B cell and it's very aggressive, he told the outlet. SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox Keep reading for everything we know about Dave Couliers health. What is Dave Coulier's diagnosis? Actor Dave Coulier, best known for his role as Joey Gladstone on Full House, revealed in November 2024 that he was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The actor was diagnosed in October 2024 after an upper respiratory infection led him to experience swelling in his lymph nodes. On the advice of his doctor, Coulier had the condition checked out, which led to his life-changing diagnosis. Related: See the 'Full House' Cast Then and Now Does Dave Coulier have cancer? Unfortunately, Canadian comedian Dave Coulier does, in fact, have cancer. Coulier was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2024. I went from, I got a little bit of a head cold to I have cancer, and it was pretty overwhelming," Coulier shared with People. "This has been a really fast roller coaster ride of a journey. Related: Dave Coulier Shares Exciting Family Update After Revealing Cancer Diagnosis What kind of cancer does Dave Coulier have? Dave Coulier has stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that begins in the bodys lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. According to the Mayo Clinic, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurs when the germ-fighting cells in the lymphatic system grow out of control. This can cause tumors to form throughout the body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement B cell lymphoma, which Coulier is battling, is rare and begins in the white blood cells. This form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is known to attack the skin. Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma include: swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits and/or groin, stomach swelling or pain, chest pain, coughing or difficulty with breathing, fatigue, fever, night sweats and/or unexplained weight loss. How sick is Dave Coulier? Fuller House actor Dave Coulier is currently battling stage 3 cancer. Stage 3 cancer is a fairly advanced form of cancer but not as advanced as stage 4. The stages of cancer are determined by tumor size and growth, tumor location and if the cancer has spread to areas beyond the site of its origin. According to the Cleveland Clinic, stage 3 indicates that the tumor has "grown deeper into surrounding tissues and has potentially spread to nearby lymph nodes." Related: 'Full House' Alum Dave Coulier Reveals 'Overwhelming' Health Diagnosis: 'I'm Going to Be Strong' Does Dave Coulier have terminal cancer? While Dave Coulier is currently battling stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, he has not indicated that it is terminal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In mid-November 2024, Coulier revealed that after going through three surgeries and the first of a planned six rounds of chemotherapy, his doctors expected him to be in total remission by the end of his rounds of chemo in February 2025. Around the same time, he also shared that a test of his bone marrow from the week before had come back negative for the disease. [A]t that point, my chances of curable went from something low to 90% range," he said. "And so that was a great day. Related: John Stamos Suffers Devastating Loss: 'Feels Like Losing a Piece of Myself' What has Dave Coulier said about his cancer? Dave Coulier has been very open about his current battle with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, sharing updates along the way on Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On his podcast, Full House Rewind, with co-host Marla Sokoloff, Coulier said, I started the podcast wearing a hat, and I said, I've always been a man of many hats, but this hat has special significance because a couple of weeks ago, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. That was really a conscious decision of, I'm going to meet this head-on, and I want people to know it's my life. I'm not going to try and hide anything. I would rather talk about it and open the discussion and inspire people. Coulier has also reflected on the impact cancer has had on his life prior to his own diagnosis. I lost my mom to breast cancer. I lost my sister Sharon to breast cancer. She was 36 years old. I lost my niece, Shannon. She was 29 years old. And tragically, Couliers older sister Karen is also battling the disease. I saw what those women in my family went through, and I thought to myself, If I can be just 1/10th of a percent as strong as they were, then I'm going to be just fine, he added. What is the latest Dave Coulier health update? On Jan. 22, 2025, Coulier's wife, Melissa Coulier, opened up about his ongoing battle with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in an interview with ABC affiliate WXYZ Detroit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He has some really tough days, and as the chemo has been accumulating it gets a little tougher and more difficult," she said. But he's not letting the rough side-effects of treatment keep him down, as Melissa described him as still having "such a positive attitude." "I think its just innately in him. He has had a lot of loss in his life when it comes to having to deal with cancer. He lost his mother, his sister, his niece. His other sister had it," she explained. "I think for him, he takes every stride and really pulls strength from seeing the women that were so close in his life to powering through it, and he just wants to honor them." Related: John Stamos Is Unrecognizable After Dramatic Show of Support for Dave Coulier By Divya Chowdhury and Lisa Pauline Mattackal (Reuters) - Business leaders in Davos joined calls by U.S. President Donald Trump for the European Union to speed up efforts to reduce regulation and increase competition to prevent the bloc from falling further behind other developed markets. Trump told the world's business elite at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, via video conference on Thursday that the European Union treated the U.S. badly and made it difficult to get products into Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He warned that companies should make products in the U.S. or face tariffs, and said that under his administration the U.S. would be the best place to build factories and create jobs. Speaking at Davos, executives noted that Trump's promises to roll back corporate regulation in the U.S. had added fresh urgency to the EU's long-running discussions on how to increase competitiveness. "They're rolling back regulations in the U.S. fast, so it makes it more important to do (so) in Europe," said Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management, one of the world's largest investors. Decreasing corporate regulation was a key campaign pledge for Trump, who has already rolled back rules on oil and gas drilling within his first days in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other executives said that, while EU's political rhetoric on deregulation has been encouraging, they wanted to see quick action. "I think there is a willingness and ability to move forward with speed (but) we'd like to see that in action - we haven't seen that so much yet," Erik Ekudden, chief technology officer at Ericsson told the Reuters Global Markets Forum. "We need to move fast ... Europe (does not) lack ideas, it's an issue of implementation," said German Merck Group's CEO Belen Garijo, adding, however, that the catalyst for increasing competition should not be forced by U.S. policy. SLOW PROGRESS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders including former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi and EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen have highlighted the need for the bloc to increase innovation and reduce red tape to stay competitive. However, concrete progress remains slow, with EU member states unable to agree on issues from the energy sector to capital markets reform. The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has further increased the need for growth to not be hindered by regulation, said Thomas Saueressig, executive board member at German software developer SAP. "The key question is how will AI regulation (be) on the global scale? The context for Europe is clear, to stay competitive there needs to be a change," Saueressig said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europe's lag in technologies such as AI could represent a loss of trillions off gross domestic product if not addressed, said Merck's Garijo. "People are tired of listening to the same old story ... what happens in the next 100 days, in the next two years?" said Joe Kaeser, chairman of Siemens Energy. "If those questions are not being answered ... nobody outside Europe will invest (in Europe)," Kaeser said. (Join GMF, a chat room hosted on LSEG Messenger, for live interviews: ) (Reporting by Divya Chowdhury in Davos and Lisa Mattackal in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Bansari Mayur Kamdar and Mehnaz Yasmin; Editing by Alex Richardson) WASHINGTON (DC News Now) On Jan. 23, 1789, Georgetown University was established in what is now Washington, D.C. The university, which was established 236 years ago, is the nations oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. John Carroll, a reverend who taught in Jesuit colleges in Europe, was forced to return home to Maryland after Pope Clement XIV suppressed the Jesuit order in 1773. On This Day | Howard Universitys humble beginnings Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Georgetown University, Carroll said he wanted his university to give consistency to our religious views in this country. Now, Georgetown University has 10 schools and thousands of students each year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Jan. 24 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1848, gold was discovered at John Sutter's mill near Sacramento. The discovery touched off the great gold rush of 1849. In 1908, the first Boy Scout troop was organized in England by Robert Baden-Powell, a general in the British army. In 1916, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that an income tax was constitutional. In 1939, 20 divisions of General Francisco Franco's Fascist armies smashed through the Llobregat River defense line west of Barcelona, closing in on Spain's most important city. On January 24, 1993, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the nation's highest court, died at age 84. File Photo courtesy Library of Congress In 1963, President John F. Kennedy denied that the United States had planned to provide air cover for the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba, a charge made by Anti-Castro refugee leaders, including Antonio de Varona, vice president of the Cuban Revolutionary Council, but later withdrawn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1984, Apple's Macintosh computer went on sale. Price tag: $2,495. On January 24, 1908, the first Boy Scout troop was organized in England by Robert Baden-Powell, a general in the British army. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI In 1993, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the nation's highest court, died of cardiac arrest at age 84. In 2008, Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi resigned after losing a confidence vote in the Senate. Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi speaks at a welcoming ceremony in Jerusalem, July 9, 2007. On January 24, 2008, Prodi resigned after losing a confidence vote in the Senate. File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI In 2011, a suicide bomb attack at Moscow's Domodedovo airport international arrival gate killed 37 people and injured more than 170 others. In 2013, a federal judge in Chicago sentenced U.S. citizen David Coleman Headley to 35 years in prison for his role in a 2008 terror attack that killed 160 people in Mumbai. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, a Michigan judge sentenced former Team USA gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar to up to 175 years in prison for molesting some 168 women and girls. In 2024, Russian authorities said all 74 passengers on a military aircraft carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war were killed when the plane was shot down in the southern Belgorod region of Russia. The Russian government blamed Ukrainian forces for shooting down the Ilyushin II-76 military transport, but Ukraine never fully took responsibility. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A local filmmaker spoke with 2 NEWS Today anchors Kelly King and Lauren Wood about her new documentary on the foster care system in Dayton. The film, titled Beyond the System, is set to debut at the Neon on March 16, but before then, a fundraiser tonight at W. Social Tap in Dayton. The fundraiser is from 5 to 9 p.m. The documentary follows Shondale Atkinson through the foster care system in Dayton. Atkinson discussed the film a bit this morning on 2 NEWS Today. The full interview can be seen in the player above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the documentary, Atkinson runs The Mustard Seed Foundation of Dayton, an organization that helps people going through similar situations. For more information on Beyond the System, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. NAIROBI, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The delivery of 12 million malaria vaccine doses in 17 African countries since 2023 has contributed to a significant drop in caseload and fatalities among high-risk demographics including children, according to the Gavi vaccine alliance. About 5 million children in the 17 malaria-endemic African countries, which represents more than 70 percent of the global malaria burden, have been protected from the disease after being inoculated, Gavi said in a statement issued Thursday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. Gavi Chief Executive Officer Sania Nishtar described the consistent rollout of the malaria vaccine as a game changer in combating the mosquito-transmitted disease. "This early data is a small indicator of the potential public health impact of a program we hope to scale up dramatically by the end of this decade, protecting tens of millions of children around the world, and reducing the stress malaria imposes on African health systems," Nishtar said. The successful implementation of pilot malaria vaccination programs in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi from 2019 to 2023, which reached 2 million children and led to a 13 percent drop in overall child mortality, has informed rollout in other high-burden countries on the continent, according to Gavi. In addition to vaccines, other vital interventions like mass distribution of insecticide treated nets have been pivotal in reducing malaria transmission and deaths in Africa, Gavi said. The introduction of malaria vaccine in African countries grappling with strife, including Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was hailed by the agency for revitalizing malaria fight, Gavi noted. In 2025, Gavi plans to introduce malaria vaccines in six to eight new countries, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Guinea, Mali and Burundi, protecting an additional 13 million children by the end of the year. Between 2026 and 2030, Gavi aims to help high-burden countries protect an additional 50 million children with four doses of the malaria vaccine upon availability of funding, it said. The U.S. Marshal Service and its partner agencies need your help in locating two wanted fugitives with warrants out for their arrests. They say a tip from the public could make all the difference in bringing them to justice. Christopher Ward Ward is wanted by the Springfield Police Division for Felonious Assault. He is accused of stabbing someone. Age: 27 Height: 58 Weight: 180 lbs. Dawone Hodge Hodge is wanted by the Dayton Police Department for Felonious Assault and Grand Theft related to alleged shooting. He is also wanted by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority for a parole violation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Age: 32 Height: 510 Weight: 180 lbs. 2 on 2: Most Wanted fugitives for January 2025: Christopher Ward and Dawone Hodge. These are two individuals, two fugitives, that are out there committing crimes, using weapons, said Michael Black, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Ohio. Theres always a potential for someone to get killed or seriously hurt when youre out there committing crimes with weapons. Black said the work his teams do isnt possible without the support of the community. A tip from a 2 NEWS viewer led them to one of the wanted fugitives featured in Decembers installment of 2 on 2: Most Wanted. Thats exactly what we want, he said. The community has so many eyes out there. When we get these pictures out there, you know, just give us a tip. Tell us where you see them and give us a starting point to locate. Our mission continues to be to try and remove as many violent criminals from our from our communities as possible. What to do if you see them Black said that if you see either of these people, dont approach them as they could be armed and dangerous. Instead, you can submit a tip to the U.S. Marshal Service via the tip line at 614-469-5540, its usmarshals.gov website or the USMS 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 WDTN.com. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The U.S. Attorneys Office for D.C. said a D.C. man was sentenced to 5 years in prison for stealing over $10,000 worth of Lululemon merchandise from two stores in Northwest D.C. According to the investigation, on July 10, 2024, a man with a large empty bag walked into a Lululemon store and stole merchandise. He then left in a getaway vehicle. 2 DC men sentenced to 2 years in prison for breaking into Gucci store, stealing handbags Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About two days later, that same man along with two other unidentified suspects entered the Lululemon store in Georgetown with empty bags and stole merchandise. The suspects then left the store. On July 16, 2024, the man returned to the Lululemon store on F Street with another unidentified suspect as well as empty bags and stole merchandise before leaving in a getaway vehicle. In total, the man stole over $10,000 worth of merchandise. The man, identified as Avante Greene, 23, of D.C., was arrested on July 19, 2024, while driving the getaway vehicle. He has been in custody ever since his arrest. Person seriously hurt after falling off platform, getting hit by train in DC Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 23, 2024, Greene pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted second-degree burglary. He was sentenced to 5 years in prison on Jan. 23. Greene was also ordered a year of supervised probation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police in D.C. said theyre now investigating an assault that happened in August of 2024 as a homicide. On Aug. 6, 2024, just after 5:45 a.m., the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the 1400 block of Downing Street NE for the report of a man down. There, they found 70-year-old Maurice Rowe, who was unconscious and suffering from multiple injuries. He was taken to a hospital where over a month later, on Oct. 24, he passed away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said Rowe was hit multiple times with a pole. Man arrested for hitting multiple people with car in Rockville in 2023, police say MPD arrested 70-year-old Morris Stokes on Aug. 21 in connection to the assault. He was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (pole). On Jan. 15, 2025 more than five months after the assault the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the manner of death was a homicide and that he died due to blunt force trauma. MPD said detectives were working with the U.S. Attorneys Office to pursue additional 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. A white-tailed buck in Gwinnett County is among the 1 million of its deer species roaming Georgia's woodlands, farmlands and urban areas. Hank Ohme/Georgia Wildlife Federation The Georgia Department of Natural Resources confirmed Thursday that a hunter-harvested deer has tested positive for the states first identified case of the deadly Chronic Wasting Disease. The positive test came from a 2-year-old male white-tailed deer that was hunted on private property in Lanier County in south Georgia. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is taking additional samples from the area and has established a management territory that touches a five-mile radius around the location of the positive sample. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to assure our hunters that deer hunting will continue to thrive in Georgia, despite this current discovery, Georgia DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon said. Working together with our hunters and all Georgians, we will manage CWD and maintain healthy deer herds. Georgias deer hunting season ended for firearms Jan. 12, but archers can continue to harvest deer until Jan. 31. Georgia is the 36th state to have a deer test positive for a disease that is not known to be transmittable to humans, but the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that hunters test their animal prior to consuming the meat. The CDC also warns against eating the venison from CWD-infected animals until the health risks are better understood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally reported in the western United States in the 1960s, the disease has slowly spread to the Southeast in recent years. Chronic Wasting Disease is similar to the fatal mad cow disease that briefly caused a public panic after an outbreak in the United Kingdom during the 1990s that eventually resulted in the first North American case in 2003. However, in contrast to CWD, mad cow disease can make humans sick if they eat infected beef. In addition to being spread by an animals bodily fluids, the current threat can also remains highly contagious for many more years in soil and plants. As part of Georgias efforts to minimize an outbreak, lawmakers in 2022 gave the state wildlife officials more power to limit the movement of deer, moose, elk, and caribou carcasses around the state and counties bordering Georgia where positive tests have been confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to eating deer meat, hunters are also advised to store their venison in the freezer and wait to see if test results come back negative. The public is also encouraged to report roadkill deer and deer displaying unusual behavior to their local wildlife district office. The biggest defense to mitigate the spread in the earliest stages of detection involves intensive testing and limiting the movement of deer to other places. The long-term affliction can only be diagnosed by examining the animals brain after its death. Georgia has banned the transportation of live deer species from other states since 2005 and has other restrictions on how deer, moose and elk carcasses are handled. In areas where CWD exists, public health officials also recommend more stringent deer processing. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE In September 1994, a Brisbane suburb was confronted with a spate of mysterious deaths. It started with horses frothing from the mouth. Within days, fourteen of them died. Soon, two people were also infected, with one succumbing to this unknown disease. Eventually, disease detectives tracking the outbreak at equestrian centres in Queensland and Geelong traced the outbreak to a new virus living in bats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First named Equine Morbillivirus (EMV), the pathogen was later called Hendra virus (HeV), after the suburb where it emerged. The discovery of Hendra foreshadowed three decades of emerging infectious diseases dominated by bat-borne zoonotic viruses including the emergence of the Nipah virus in 1998, Sars in 2002, Mers in 2013, Ebola in 2014 and Covid in 2019. But Hendras emergence 30 years ago did not only herald a spate of new epidemics and pandemics. It also opened the door to a new era of bat research. In the decades since, we have discovered that the flying mammals ability to host a large number of deadly viruses without showing symptoms was a result of their adaptive evolution to flight over a period of more than 60 million years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bats have developed a more balanced response to stresses like infection and fluctuations in body temperature, among others. Importantly, bats have evolved multiple mechanisms to avoid over-inflammation, which is the cause of severe disease and death in most viral infections. One of the by-products of the bat virus research is establishing bats as a new model system for human biomedical research, including into ageing, cancer, metabolic diseases and infections. There have been other developments, too, since Hendras dramatic emergence. In December, to mark the 30th anniversary of the outbreak, more than 150 scientists from more than 20 countries converged on Geelong to attend the Hendra@30-Henipavirus International Conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discussions included reflection on the events of 30 years ago, as well as assessment of the progress that has been made in all areas of henipavirus research from disease ecology, surveillance, pathogenesis to virology, immunology, diagnostics, vaccine and therapeutics. Tremendous achievements have been made which led to a licenced vaccine for Hendra virus, the first ever for a Biosafety Level 4 (BSL4) agent, and many candidates for potential vaccines already in or close to clinical trials in humans. Hendras close cousin, Nipah, was also high on the agenda. Both are part of the paramyxovirus family of viruses, which includes measles and mumps, but Nipah is one of the deadliest known pathogens. First discovered from a major epidemic in Malaysia, which infected more than 200 people with a case fatality of more than 40 per cent, outbreaks have since been detected in Bangladesh, India and the Philippines. In all, 754 human cases, including 435 deaths, have been reported since 1999, according to a recent paper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Hendra and Nipah are clearly not the only bat-borne public health threat facing mankind. The great diversity of viruses the flying mammals carry, combined with increasingly frequent cross-species jump from bats to humans via other animals, is concerning. For instance, it has been estimated that every year there are more than 60,000 human exposures to Sars-related coronaviruses in southeast Asia alone. Most of these infections may not cause severe diseases and/or spread from human to human. But the large number of such events will one day lead to outbreaks or pandemics at the right time and right place for the virus(es). A paradigm shift to fight the next pandemic It is commonly accepted now, by both the scientific field and the general public, that there will be more pandemics in future. The next one will be caused by an as yet unknown pathogen: disease X. It is most likely that this will come from an animal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Considering that there are so many viruses, both known and unknown, circulating in wildlife animals such as bats, it is impossible to predict which one will be the cause of Disease X. Yet it will be too late to conduct research once Disease X appears in human populations, a painful lesson we all learnt from Covid-19. A paradigm shift in our research and policy is needed to make sure we are prepared to fight the next pandemic. In this context, the World Health Organization (WHO) has led an investigation into all known pathogen families and generated a priority pathogen list, containing one bacterial group, one DNA virus family and 10 RNA virus families. The Paramyxovirus family, to which Hendra virus belongs, is among one of the 10 RNA virus groups together with coronaviruses and influenza viruses. Several new approaches are being adopted as part of this new strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firstly, rather than focusing on an individual virus, the research will be centred around prototype viruses so that the findings can be extrapolated into other related viruses in the family. Secondly, the ambitious vaccine library approach is being adopted to pre-emptively develop vaccines against various prototype viruses before they cause large scale human infections. Last but not least, the ambitious research plan will be conducted through a new Collaborative Open Research Consortium (CORC) managed by 12 newly-established WHO Collaborative Centers. In the 30 years since Australia faced Hendra, the world has seen numerous dangerous bat-borne viruses emerge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cannot be complacent. It is clear that this is going to happen again, and the only defence will be close, transparent global collaboration. Linfa Wang is Professor and Director of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security 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. TikTok is staying in the U.S. for now, but its future remains uncertain. President Donald Trump this week paused a ban on the app and said he has "the right to make a deal" to try to save it. Legal experts questioned whether he can override a federal law that bans it. And the app's China-based parent company appeared open to brokering an agreement. General Atlantic CEO Bill Ford, a board member of TikTok's parent company ByteDance, said he is "optimistic we will find a solution, Bloomberg reported Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a number of alternatives we can talk to President Trump and his team about that are short of selling the company that allow the company to continue to operate, maybe with a change of control of some kind, but short of having to sell," Ford told Bloomberg Television. Trump signed an executive order on Monday that delays enforcement of a TikTok ban until April. The ban resulted from a law that required its sale to a non-Chinese company by Jan. 19. TikTok briefly shut down in the U.S. as the deadline approached but restarted after Trump pledged his support. Trump later told reporters he's looking to have the U.S. government broker a deal for 50% control of the app, and would be open to Elon Musk or Oracle's Larry Ellison purchasing it. Trump said he believes the app is worth $1 trillion. Give half to the United States of America and well give you the permit, Trump said, calling the platform worthless without a permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok's days had appeared numbered after the Supreme Court on Jan. 17 unanimously upheld the federal law requiring its sale. The Court sided with the U.S. government, which argued the app poses a national security risk because it can track and collect data on 170 million American users. Trump tried to ban TikTok during his first term and find an American buyer before he lost his reelection bid. He said last year that he still had concerns TikTok carries security risks, but that young people would go crazy without it. After using it to court younger voters, Trump said he had found "a warm spot" for the app. TikTok CEO Shou Chew attended Trump's swearing-in, and the platform hosted an inauguration party in Washington that featured right-wing content creators. "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 told Business Insider. Horrors of the kind inflicted on a room of innocent girls in Southport six months ago are mercifully infrequent. The Soham killings, the murder of Sarah Everard, the Lucy Letby case. All crimes so chilling, so deeply upsetting even to read about in a newspaper, that they loom large in our national consciousness long after a sentence has been handed down. They also tend to reignite a question that rumbles under the surface of public debate about our justice system. Should, in the most extreme cases (cases of terrorism, of mass killings, of child murder), this country consider reintroducing the death penalty? Justice Goose has sentenced Axel Rudakubana to a minimum term of 52 years in jail. He was nine days shy of turning 18 when he committed mass murder, meaning he couldnt legally be given a whole life order. It prompted outrage in all corners. Kemi Badenoch called for a change in the law to allow for life sentences to be handed to under 18s in certain cases. Nigel Farage demanded the director of public prosecutions resign for failing to class it as terrorism. For some, no prison sentence could be enough; Rudakubanas crimes represented exactly the kind of extreme and unimpeachable evil that should merit the death penalty. Every time something happens which shakes peoples faith in humanity (and in the justice system) as the Southport attacks have, this issue bubbles up again. The last execution in Britain happened in 1964, though capital punishment was only officially abolished in 1998. But on Thursday, Reform UK MPs Rupert Lowe and Lee Anderson called for the return of the death penalty in cases like this. Lowe said it was time for a national debate on the use of the death penalty in exceptional circumstances. This is an exceptional circumstance. Anderson posted a picture of a hangmans noose, saying: This is what is required. It is my opinion that now is the time for a national debate on the use of the death penalty in exceptional circumstances. This is an exceptional circumstance. Rupert Lowe MP (@RupertLowe10) January 23, 2025 Public opinion holds relatively steady on this issue. For the past five years, YouGov has run tracker polls following the UKs stance on the death penalty. They show that, in certain cases (and only certain cases), more than 50 per cent of respondents would consistently support the reintroduction of the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2019, the YouGov poll shows support for the death penalty in cases of child murder has fluctuated between 48 and 57 per cent. In the case of terrorist murder acts, the response is similar the most recent poll, from December 2024, has 55 per cent of the public favouring capital punishment in these cases. When asked if they would support the death penalty in all cases of murder, however, the number drops dramatically. Currently, just 34 per cent would be in favour. Murder is the crime of which Rudakubana was formally convicted; some would argue that terrorist murder is also an apt description of the massacre that he perpetrated last summer. The judge said his offences did not reach the legal definition of terrorism (though he was sentenced in part for possession of a military study of an Al Qaeda training manual, an offence under the Terrorism Act) as he couldnt be deemed to have committed murder to further a political, religious or ideological cause. But Justice Goose told the court that whether the motivation was terrorism or not misses the point. What he did on 29 July last year has caused such shock and revulsion to the whole nation, that it must be viewed as being at the extreme level of crime, he said. His culpability, and the harm he caused and intended, were at the highest. Many Telegraph readers responding to our coverage of Rudakubanas sentencing feel the highest crimes deserve the highest penalties, not least as a means to deter future atrocities. In todays Britain, there is no deterrent for committing crimes of this nature, writes Ian Smith, one reader. What benefit is there to the normal law-abiding people for locking up such a person? What cost will there be to 52 years in jail, and how many hip replacements could be performed on normal people instead? The death penalty would help to reduce crimes of this nature and save millions of pounds. One of the chief arguments against the death penalty is the risk that people could be wrongly executed. But in cases like this one where there is no doubt about the perpetrator, some say a different approach should be considered. Ive always been against the death penalty, but only because of my fear that an innocent person could be wrongly executed, says David Griffiths, another Telegraph reader. However, in cases like this, where there are children involved and an absolute certainty of guilt, it is the only answer. When you come across pure evil, you dont give it the equivalent of a safe, warm hotel room for 50 years, paid for by the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cost to the taxpayer of incarcerating Rudakubana is on others minds too. He clearly cant be rehabilitated, and he contributes nothing, why allow him to leech off resources? says Louise Bignell. Others simply feel capital punishment is the only adequate penalty. Some crimes reveal the true nature of the person who carries them out, says Saraann Connolly. This person is so full of hate, he wanted to hurt young girls, the most vulnerable in our society. She adds: The death penalty is most appropriate in his case. Polls on the reintroduction of capital punishment swing depending on the type of crime described, says James Frayne, chairman of opinion research firm Public First. In recent times, around half the British people have supported reintroducing the death penalty into law. [...] Naturally, opinion is harshest on serious crimes against children, as people imagine their own family as victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attitudes towards terror incidents are harder to pin down, he says. After all, terror is a broad brush crime. Certainly in Britain during the Troubles, a minority of British people opposed the IRA but sympathised with their political cause and believed them to be avoiding civilian deaths. A cold-blooded attack on children inevitably has a singular sort of impact on the public. While not officially designated as a terrorist incident, the nature of these child murders in Southport, which will be remembered for many generations, will likely see an increase in support for the death penalty, he says. Four in ten people believe the Southport killings were murder, but not a terrorist attack, according to YouGov data. 35 per cent say his actions constituted a terror attack. Dr Craig Jackson, of the British Psychological Society, says there is likely to be an increase in people in Britain wanting the death penalty to be invoked as a deterrent, particularly, he says, as younger people are viewed as the perpetrators of fatal knife attacks more than any other group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What drives it, he says, is a feeling among the public that people might be put at risk if criminals rights are prioritised. In the Rudakubana case, he says, people felt they were being put at risk by not knowing the full details in order to preserve the accuseds rights to a fair trial. The police have faced criticism over their decision not to release certain details. 35 per cent of Brits now feel the authorities released too little information after Rudakubanas arrest, YouGov data shows. The police and politicians knew Axel Rudakubana had terrorist material shortly after the attack but the public was not told - AFP PHOTO / MERSEYSIDE POLICE Justice is not always transparent or clear-cut, says Jackson. When justice is messy, people feel suspicious of it. Professor Carolyn Hoyle, Director of the University of Oxford Death Penalty Research Unit, says public opinion on the death penalty can be difficult to accurately ascertain. Research has found that it is influenced by misconceptions about its administration and efficacy. Hoyles research has found younger generations are likely to view the death penalty as a barbaric relic of the past. Meanwhile, support for capital punishment is contingent on the belief that its administration is free from errors (and it never is, so innocent people will be executed), also that its fair and equitable (and its not, its arbitrary and applied in ways that are unfair and discriminatory), and that its effective at reducing violent crime (and theres no evidence that it does deter violent crime any more than a long prison sentence would), she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once people are better informed, she says, support declines typically to lower than 50 per cent. And yet, when something happens that shocks us to our core, the conversation about capital punishment swirls, leaving people who would otherwise be against it questioning their own stance on the issue. In 2023, when Lucy Letby became Britains worst child murderer, the topic of the death penalty bubbled up again. There were those who said a whole life term wasnt enough. As The Telegraphs Tim Stanley wrote after her sentencing: The murder of a child, so innocent and vulnerable, sparks rage in normal people and so it should. For some, cases like this also spark something else a feeling that a proper debate is needed in this country on the death penalty. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A police car behind crime scene tape. (Getty Images) An independent review of the Decatur Police Department (DPD) released Thursday afternoon highlighted communication failures, an ineffective civilian complaint-tracking system and some officers treating the public with little empathy. The 43-page report from Green Research and Technology (GRT), sparked by the death of Steve Perkins, 39, at the hands of Decatur police officers in September 2023, said actions of the department led to public distrust and recommended streamlined leadership within the DPD and more communication between police leaders, officers and community members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report explicitly excludes the officer-involved shooting from September of 2023 and any other matters in litigation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX When, for whatever reason, any part of a community no longer believes that the police department represents their best interests, trust is lost, the report said. When trust is diminished, tensions increase because of a fear that a community has of the incredible power that police officers hold to take not only freedoms but lives. As we have seen repeatedly across the United States, when tensions are high, it only takes one incident to create significant unrest within a community. The City of Decatur has experienced this situation since a police-involved shooting in September of 2023. Perkins was killed early in the morning of Sept. 29, 2023. That day, representatives of the DPD said officers were called to Steve Perkins home at about 1:30 a.m. the morning of the shooting after a tow truck driver said a man threatened him with a gun while he was trying to repossess Perkins truck. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency alleged that Steve Perkins brandished a weapon toward a Decatur police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ring bell camera footage captured a police officer saying, Police, get on the ground, immediately followed by about 18 gunshots. Perkins supporters say officers didnt give him the chance to put his gun away. His death sparked countless protests at Decatur City Hall, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowlings home and in downtown Decatur. Steves brother, Nicholas Perkins, said Friday that the report is a step in the right direction for justice. I think it revealed what myself and my family and the community had already suspected what was going on, not just since Sept. 29, 2023 but for years, decades even, he said. I think the report was very thorough. I think Green Research Technologies did an awesome job. And I think the report was more than revealing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decatur Police Chief Todd Pinion said at a press conference Thursday that he had been made aware of concerns, specifically those related to our investigation of complaints. I recognize there are opportunities for improvement in this area and I have already begun to implement some changes to ensure better accountability, he said. In the days and weeks ahead, I will continue to look for areas of improvement and changes that can be made. Communications concerns The report faulted a lack of communication and cited DPD personnel who said other command staff members over-shadowed the chiefs authority. The report describes separated cultures and subcultures within the department instead of a unified force, which it said could undermine the effectiveness of leadership. The review found that DPDs policies are consistent with national law enforcement standards and best practices. But they did find instances where the DPD acted in ways that negatively impacted the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report describes some officers who lacked empathy or were overly stoic in their interactions with the public, which the report said overshadowed more caring and professional officers. According to GRT, there were multiple instances where officers antagonized and verbally fought with protesters instead of professionally engaging with them. The report as released to the public did not specify when or where these incidents took place, or the specific nature of the protests. The report presents positive and negative findings using body camera footage, but both sections are redacted. There are redactions of incidents described both positive and negative whereby personal interests, property rights, pending and potential actions including personnel matters, and the Citys interest would be impacted by the release of those items, said Decatur City Attorney Herman Marks in a statement on Thursday. It has been our position throughout that we do not desire to impact any civil, personnel or criminal proceedings outside that particular forum. Those items should be processed and handled in those forums in the necessary timeframe accordingly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also faulted DPD leadership for not recognizing signs of exhaustion in its personnel. DPD leaders should have recognized that their personnel were growing exhausted and becoming emotionally overwhelmed, the report said. As with anyone, including police officers, emotional exhaustion leads to poor decision-making. DPD leaders failed to provide clear directions and expectations to the officers regarding their engagements or enforcement actions, The report recommended additional conflict resolution training, clear lawful protest and assembly guidelines and hiring a uniformed officer as the Public Information Officer. Two types of arrests are specifically mentioned in the report: Obstructing Governmental Operations (OGO) and Disorderly Conduct. While most of the sections are redacted, the report says in multiple cases, officers made a Disorderly Conduct charge to arrest someone for using profanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report recommends more training on both of these policies and reviews of the arrests. At his press conference Thursday, Pinion disputed whether that was a widespread issue. In the last two years, there have been a total of 21,440 charges filed in Decatur City Municipal Court, he said. Disorderly conduct accounted for 161 of those charges and obstructing governmental operations accounted for 110. Clearly this is not an indication of widespread misapplication of those charges. Complaint system The report called the DPDs system tracking complaints about police officers inefficient and ineffective. It said that while some complaints were entered into a program designed to track a police officers activities, known as IAPro, others were kept on an Excel sheet. Investigations initiated by the Chief of Police and complaints, or formal written citizen complaints, are stored in IAPro. But the report said that inquiries complaints of any other method of notification, like email, phone call or any type of anonymous reporting are stored in the Excel spreadsheet. GRT found 92 inquiry-types of complaint in the spreadsheet in 2023 and 2024, which included serious allegations of misconduct including, but not limited to, excessive force, unlawful arrests and thefts, said the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some allegations were sustained, but the findings were not entered into IAPro.; therefore, they were not tracked appropriately, the report said. It also found the department rarely documented minor violations found during a complaint investigation that were not directly related to the complaint. This pattern of overlooking these minor violations can lead to a culture of accountability, said the report. GRT said it could not investigate some claims thoroughly because multiple body camera videos were miscategorized and therefore deleted. The report recommended that the department improve its record-keeping; require officers to provide written responses to complaints unless the allegation could be shown to be false through body camera footage or other evidence, or if the action in question could be shown to be within department policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GRT also recommended the department provide an easy method for citizens to submit complaints or compliments, and allow anonymous submissions. In a statement, Decatur City Council President Jacob Ladner said many changes are in the hands of Chief Pinion. The specific policy and training recommendations would fall on the police chief to implement, he wrote. This would include any personnel changes that might need to be made as well. However, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling and the council will address the leadership of the department. On Friday, he wrote that they will decide if they believe Chief Pinion is capable of leading the department and the city forward. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE KHARTOUM, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese army announced on Friday that it has broken the 21-month-long siege imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the General Command headquarters in the capital Khartoum. "Our forces have completed the second phase of their operations on Friday, when the forces of Bahri (city) axis linked up with our forces stationed at the General Command," the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) spokesperson's office said in a statement. "The leadership of the armed forces congratulates our forces on all battlefronts for this victory, which coincided with the repelling of a treacherous attack by the terrorist RSF militia this morning on the resilient city of El Fasher," the statement said. According to the statement, the army also succeeded in breaking the siege imposed by the RSF on the Signals Corps headquarters south of Bahri city, north of the capital Khartoum. Earlier on Friday, Sudanese Minister of Information and government spokesperson Khalid Ali Aleisir announced in a statement that the SAF had achieved major victories in Khartoum. The General Command of the Sudanese army had been under siege by the RSF since the outbreak of the armed conflict in mid-April 2023. The General Command, located in the heart of Khartoum, comprises five main buildings, including the Army Headquarters, Navy Command, Air Force Headquarters, Military Intelligence, and the Ministry of Defense. However, the RSF denied in a statement on Friday that the SAF had lifted the siege on the army headquarters or that on the signal corps. "The rumors about the army forces meeting at the signal corps and attempts to fabricate imaginary battles and achieve false victories by posting fake videos on social media are nothing but a chapter of lies," the statement said. "The undeniable truth is that the brave and heroic RSF fighters have taught the army harsh lessons in courage and valor, and achieved great victories on all battlefronts, including the Bahri axis, and they are still fighting," according to the statement. Also on Friday, the SAF said it had retaken control of the Khartoum Oil Refinery in the Al-Jaili area, north of the capital of Khartoum, which had been controlled by the RSF. "The RSF militia has been expelled from the Khartoum oil refinery in Al-Jaili and the military industry headquarters," office of the SAF spokesperson said in a statement. The Khartoum refinery, the country's largest, was built in the 1990s and is located in the Al-Jaili area, approximately 70 km north of Khartoum. Meanwhile, the Sudanese air force is intensifying strikes on the RSF-controlled areas in the far north of Bahri, the eastern parts of the city, namely the Kafouri area, and the southern parts of Khartoum, where the RSF's main base is located. In western Sudan, the fighting in El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur State, has intensified. The Joint Force, which includes the SAF and allied armed groups, announced in a statement on Friday that they had repelled a major attack by the RSF on El Fasher from several directions. Sudan's Darfur region governor Minni Arko Minnawi confirmed in a statement on Friday that the armed forces and popular resistance "have taught the militias a lesson, causing them to retreat in disappointment." Since May 10, 2024, the RSF has imposed a siege on El Fasher, while the Sudanese army continued to defend the city, which remains under its control. Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the SAF and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which claimed at least 27,000 lives and displaced over 15 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to the latest estimates by international organizations. HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) The attorney for the suspect accused of fatally stabbing a U.S. Postal Service worker in New York City earlier this month offered a different account of what led up to the killing. Jaia Cruz, 24, was arraigned in court in Manhattan Thursday. Cruz is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 36-year-old Ray Hodge, a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stabbing happened at Joes Grocery at 168 Lenox Ave. in Harlem on Jan. 2. Hodge was on duty and making his rounds before he popped into the deli, a usual spot for his lunch break. Both the defense and prosecution agree the incident started with an argument between Hodge and Cruz over a place in line at the food counter. But the prosecution and defense detailed completely contradictory accounts of what happened next. The prosecution described Cruz as the aggressor who argued with Hodge and used racial slurs against him, before taking out a knife and stabbing Hodge multiple times in the chest and neck. The prosecution added that Cruz later admitted, in a videotaped statement, to stabbing him with a knife she carried for protection. Newark will not stand by idly: Mayor responds after ICE raid Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruzs defense attorney responded with a completely different characterization of the yet-to-be publicly released surveillance video, alleging that Cruz was backed up against a fridge inside the deli and used the knife to defend herself against Hodge, the alleged aggressor. He started this. And then after he berates her, he removes his jacket, rolls up his sleeves and says lets fight, the defense attorney said. The defense attorney said Hodge then allegedly called Cruz a pair of homophobic slurs. Hodge was rushed to a nearby hospital after he was stabbed and was pronounced dead. Cruz, a Harlem resident, was arrested shortly after the stabbing, police said. Deli worker describes the fatal stabbing An employee who was inside the deli at the time of the stabbing previously described to PIX11 News the events that led up to Hodges death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deli worker said Hodge went to the counter to buy a sandwich. The worker said Cruz was behind Hodge in the store and started arguing over who was in line first. He told her, Im trying to order my sandwich. I was here, said the deli worker. The deli worker said the two kept arguing, and people unsuccessfully tried to intervene. I separate them. She came from behind me, and she spit on him, said the deli worker. The deli worker said Hodge grabbed a bottle to defend himself. She took a knife and stabbed him in the neck and his stomach, said the deli worker. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ZENA, Okla. Two Delaware County residents staying in a travel trailer were flown by helicopter to Tulsas Hillcrest Burn Center after their recreational vehicle caught fire. Matt Outhier, Zena Fire Chief, declined to release the victims names. The couple were sleeping in the RV and using a space heater when a large dog may have knocked over the space heater, he said. The fire was reported at 7:44 a.m., and firefighters had the fire extinguished around 10 a.m., Outhier said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RV was located on private property south of Pine Island RV Resort. Zena is a rural farming community located between Jay and Grove. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Delaware County will receive more funds to hire experts to address the proposed Clean Path NY project. According to a resolution, which was unanimously approved at the county Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 22, the county, which is representing itself and the towns of Delhi, Hamden, Colchester and Hancock, in the approval process for the project, received an additional $37,500 in intervenor funds from the New York Power Authority and Clean Path LLC, which applied for the project in 2023. The proposed project would construct, operate and maintain an approximately 178-mile-long, 1,300-megawatt high-voltage direct current transmission line and associated facilities. It would run from an interconnection point at the Fraser substation in Delhi to one located at the Rainey substation in Queens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the resolution, the towns and county have concerns that the project, "will impose impacts/challenges specific to Security/Terrorism, Fire Risk, Road Maintenance, Stream Crossings, and Resiliency/Adaptation/Sustainability." According to the resolution, the county has already received $180,500 in intervenor funds. Also at Wednesday's meeting, the board introduced the occupancy tax law as Local Law 1 of 2025. Economic Development Director Glenn Nealis said in an email Wednesday that the county has to renew the law every three years, per state law. The only change in the new law from the previous is the start date of March 1, 2025. There will be a public hearing about the local law at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26. At the end of the meeting, Walton Town Supervisor Joe Cetta said the Finance Committee talked about sharing sales tax revenues with villages, something village mayors have been requesting for some time. Mayors have asked the county to share 12% of the sales tax revenue with the villages, he said. Cetta passed around a preliminary sales tax revenue sharing proposal based on the percent of population and percent of revenue for the town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, the preliminary plan would give $249,338.27 to the village of Delhi, while the town of Delhi would receive $140,252.77 of the $389,591.04 total. Harpersfied Town Supervisor Lisa Driscol reminded everyone that the village of Stamford is in the towns of Harpersfield and Stamford, and asked what the breakdown would be. Cetta said Hamden Town Supervisor Wayne Marshfield also presented a preliminary revenue sharing spreadsheet based on the villages' assessed value and its non-taxable properties. Cetta said it was a "very preliminary" document and it would be discussed further at the next meeting at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 12 when the mayors would be in attendance. Jan. 23FAIRMONT Austin Mullins' trial connected to the Henry Silver Pagan's murder case finally got underway Wednesday afternoon. Frequent interruptions and delays marked Mullins' first day of trial. Marion County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sean Murphy's opening statement took the 30,000 foot view, thoroughly laying out the context which led to Silver's murder that took place in September 2022 at Carolina Arbors Apartments in Carolina. However, Murphy barely mentioned Mullins at all in his opening, only connecting Mullins to the crime at the very end of his opening. Mullins is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit a felony and one count of operating an organized criminal enterprise. Mullins' attorney Kevin Tipton declined to give his opening after Murphy, but reserved the right to deliver his after the state finished arguing its case. Frequent trips to the bench to settle judicial questions also interrupted the flow of the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state alleges the killing was done as a sanctioned activity by the Pagan's Motorcycle Club, with six men connected to the murder. There have been two murder convictions so far, with a third man found not guilty of murder but still guilty of conspiracy to commit a felony and using a firearm. A key element to the state's case in each trial up to this point has been establishing a connection between each man and the Pagan's Motorcycle Club. The prosecution's throughline has been, since the murder was carried out as a group, the group as a whole should face responsibility for the murder. That approach didn't change once Murphy began laying out the state's case against Mullins. Pagan's member John Wolfe's girlfriend, one of the prosecution's witnesses, told the jury her adultery with Silver was what led to Silver's murder. However, Ball's testimony from the investigation appeared to be inconsistent with her testimony on Wednesday. It was a detail Tipton pounced on. However, Tipton appeared to be less than prepared. When Tipton asked the judge if he could play snippets of audio to refresh the witnesses' memory, Murphy, pulling from his mastery of trial procedure, countered it would be procedurally incorrect to do so. First, the trial would have to pause, the jury would have to leave the room, then Tipton could play the audio to the witness outside the presence of the jury. The proper way was to have transcripts to show the witness. "He's had two years to get ready," Murphy said to Marion County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Delligatti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tipton didn't have transcripts, instead he told Delligatti that playing audio snippets to refresh a witness's memory was something he did regularly. Tipton also rebuked the witness twice for looking in the prosecution's direction. Before Mullins' trial began, Murphy finally settled a matter that has vexed him for approximately three months. Mullins wrote three letters to fellow Pagan's member Ryan Lane, who is also accused of playing a role in Silver's murder. In the letters, Mullins confessed to killing Silver. However, the letters are in the possession of Lane's attorney, Elgine McArdle, who will not release the originals to anyone until she can use them in her client's defense. This has led to a back and forth between McArdle and Murphy, with Murphy demanding the original letters so the state can authenticate them and McArdle arguing copies should suffice. The court has leaned toward McArdle in the argument. Because of this argument, none of the other defendants have been able to use the letters for their own defense. However, the letters were extremely damaging to Tipton's client. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As soon as they come in, my client is done," Tipton told the judge during the admissibility hearing. Tipton did what he could to discredit the letters. However, Murphy, in an attack not just directed at Mullins' defense, but practicing defense attorneys as a whole, told Delligatti that the Marion County Prosecutor's Office goes out of its way to the do the job of the defense. He pointed out that when it comes to admissibility of evidence, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has ruled the burden on the prosecution is slight. But the Marion County Prosecutor's Office provided a "galaxy of evidence," including testimony from an FBI handwriting expert, to assert why the letters meet admissibility criteria. He also accused the defense teams handling the Silver case as a whole, of conflating authentication with admissibility. "Whether from ignorance or by incompetence, I cannot tell," Murphy said. Murphy said when it came to authenticating whether the letters are real or not could only be done by one group, the jury. He urged the judge to let the jury weigh the evidence for themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delligatti agreed. The letters will make their first appearance in court this week during Mullins' trial. The day ended in the middle of Tipton's cross-examination of Wolfe's girlfriend. Since the court had to settle the matter of whether or not it would allow Tipton to play his audio clips or follow Murphy's advice on procedure, Delligatti opted to release jurors for the day and pick up the trial Thursday morning. The trial is scheduled to continue at 9 a.m. Jan. 23. Reach Esteban at efernandez@timeswv.com Democratic Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on Thursday weighed in on the Trump administrations efforts to detain criminals through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests, saying she supports the apprehension of criminals in our communities. I wouldnt describe them as raids. What it seems to be is what we expected and what I support, which is the apprehension of criminals in our communities, Healey told reporters when asked about recent apprehensions. Her remarks came after federal immigration officers were seen taking individuals into custody in Boston as well as Chelsea, Mass. throughout the week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Healey also said she did not support large immigration arrests on lawful citizens. Officials here follow the law, Healey said. The governor added that Massachusetts is not a sanctuary state although a Boston TV station reported some consider it one. WCVB cited a 2017 Supreme Judicial Court decision preventing its police from detaining individuals solely for immigration violations, and noted support from Healey, then the commonwealths attorney general, for the ruling at the time Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell (D) said on Thursday she will not allow unlawful arrests to take place in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, there is concern that there is the possibility they will round up people unlawfully, and thats where we will hold them accountable, Campbell said. The mayor of Newark, N.J. on Thursday slammed what he labeled an egregious raid by ICE agents who, he said, raided a local establishment and detained undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Scoop Martin Heinrich was pretty close to running for governor of New Mexico. In the end, though, staying in the Senate won out. The third-term Democrat told Semafor in an interview on Thursday that he will not pursue his states open governorship in 2026, which will come as a relief to his colleagues and to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. Heinrichs decision saves them the trouble of a future Senate vacancy; it also positions the wonky and recently re-elected Democrat to chair the Senates energy committee whenever his party can get back the majority. I appreciate much more than when I was younger what a privilege it is to be in a position like this, and especially to have the seniority to really be able to deliver in meaningful ways to your constituents, Heinrich said in the interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A two-term House member before winning his seat, Heinrich said hes at a point where the projects he started working on 16 years ago are actually coming down to the ground in New Mexico. Fresh off a 10-point win over Republican rival Nella Domenici, the daughter of longtime former GOP senator Pete Domenici, Heinrich had the support of his wife if he wanted to pursue a gubernatorial run. After he conducted polling, he saw a further opportunity to become his states chief executive. But he was also wary of missing time with his family on another campaign. Then, seeing President Donald Trump return to office this week with a blitz of polarizing executive actions was the kicker for me. There was a while where I was leaning heavily that way, Heinrich said of the governors race. And this week in particular has made me feel really good about the importance of, at the very least, the next four years here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is also in the mix as a potential gubernatorial candidate; Heinrich said it was too early for him to offer an endorsement in that race. He also said he felt good about potential Democratic successors, had his Senate seat come open. But considering they already face a tough path back to the majority, Senate Democratic leaders certainly dont want any more seats to defend in the near future. We need Martin Heinrich in the Senate, and Im very glad he has chosen to stay. His leadership in this moment is essential for New Mexico and for the country, Schumer said in a statement for this story. Know More The retirement of former Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., and the elevation of Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., to majority whip set up a new duo to lead the energy committee: Heinrich and incoming chair Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, one of the most conservative senators. The two have already tangled over Lees moves to quickly schedule hearings on two of Trumps Cabinet picks, Energy Secretary nominee Chris Wright and Interior Secretary nominee Doug Burgum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a very cordial personal relationship. I expressed my frustration at deviating from the traditional way of doing things, Heinrich said. Right now, its more important than it probably ever will be to maintain norms in the Senate and in our government as a whole. Heinrich ultimately voted for both nominees in committee on Thursday, saying that his sprawling, energy-producing state needs to have relationships with both secretaries. He said Burgum is the most we could hope for from Trump in that position and that Wright was less bombastic and strident on climate and energy policy than he expected. Still, Heinrich and Lee will have to focus on the apolitical aspects of energy policy if they hope to move bipartisan legislation. Heinrich said the two have already discussed reviving last Congress project permitting overhaul and sees ways to work with Republicans in areas where the president hasnt poisoned the well on clean energy. Hes hopeful the economic benefits of Biden-era investments in energy technology will help save some of the former presidents clean energy money and policies from the axe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And though Democrats face a tough path back to the majority in 2026 and beyond they need to net four seats in the next election to take back the Senate Heinrich is confident hell end up having an opportunity to be chairman. A Republican member that will remain nameless said to me recently: Dont worry; in six months, well screw it up, Heinrich said. It may take a couple cycles, but well get back into [the] majority. A downtown building damaged in the 2020 earthquake will come down later this year, after its most prominent tenant moved out last year. 57 West, an eight-story building located at 57 W. South Temple, will be demolished beginning around March, according to an update posted on the building's website. The website includes a timeline that states demolition work will last through most of the year, wrapping up in the fall while some traffic and walking impacts are expected to linger into 2026. "The demolition will be conducted in collaboration with the neighboring community and businesses," the website states. "Updates will be posted (online) as they become available." This map shows plan logistics for the 57 West demolition project in downtown Salt Lake City. The building is slated to be torn down in March. | 57 West The site says some preparatory work is already underway before the City Creek South Temple parking garage ramp is closed in the area sometime in February ahead of the demolition. That's also when "traffic control" and a sidewalk closure will begin on the south side of South Temple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The garage ramp is projected to reopen by March, but the traffic and sidewalk impacts are scheduled to remain in place for most of the year. Both of those will be briefly reopened toward the holiday season while the project itself will also go on holiday break, but some impacts will remain in place through early next year as post-demolition work is completed. A representative of Property Reserve Inc., which owns the building, told KSL.com in April 2024 that the building would be demolished. County records show it was built in 1956 and remodeled in 2007, but Dale Bills, a spokesman for the company, said it was found to be too damaged by the earthquake to be repaired. That revelation came as UWM Men's Shop, a fifth-generation family-owned clothing store that had operated out the building's first floor, announced it was departing downtown after 119 years for a new shop in Murray. Bills said at the time that a structural engineering firm surveyed the building after the earthquake and identified "seismic risks." The building's website adds that 57 West "has come to the end of its useful life." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building has been vacant since UWM Men's Shop completed its move last summer. It was the property's last tenant after Deseret Book the building's primary tenant had moved out in 2019. Salt Lake City records show that the Grant Mackay Company, hired to handle the job, filed for a demolition permit in November. It initially anticipated starting work this month before wrapping up in June. However, Bills said last year that the demolition timeline would be based on the "timetable of other major downtown construction already underway," such as construction at Temple Square. It remains unclear whats next for the space after the demolition. KHARTOUM, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese government on Friday announced that its armed forces had achieved major victories in the capital Khartoum, amid reports of breaking the siege on the army's General Command headquarters. "The victories of our strong army in Khartoum Bahri, El Fasher, Kordofan, and several battlefronts, represent a pivotal moment in our journey toward restoring security and stability to our beloved country," government spokesperson Khalid Ali Aleisir said in a statement. He reaffirmed the army's commitment to continue fighting until all militias, rebels, mercenaries, and their internal and external supporters are eliminated. A military source told Xinhua that the army successfully broke the siege imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the General Command headquarters in Khartoum. Video footage released by Sudanese army soldiers showed scenes from the vicinity of the headquarters, which had been under RSF siege since mid-April 2023. The source added that army units also managed on Friday to lift the siege on the Signal Corps south of Bahri city, north of the capital Khartoum after days of fierce fighting with the RSF. Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which claimed around 27,000 lives and displaced nearly 15 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to the latest estimates by international organizations. Denmark is in crisis mode after Donald Trump made a direct play for Greenland in a horrendous phone call with the countrys prime minister. The US president spoke to Mette Frederiksen, the Danish premier, for 45 minutes last week and made clear he wanted to place Greenland under American control. The autonomous Arctic territory has been owned by Denmark since 1814, but Mr Trump thinks it would be a valuable asset in the USs strategic competition against Russia and China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Frederiksen told him in their call last week that despite his big interest, Greenland was not for sale, the Financial Times reported. Mr Trump then became aggressive, according to the newspaper, and threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark unless Greenland was sold to the US. The call came after Mr Trump refused to rule out using military force to take Greenland in a press conference on Jan 7, arguing that it was a matter of national security that the US gained an Arctic base. An aircraft carrying Donald Trump Jr arrives at an airport in Nuuk, Greenland to visit the island in a personal capacity the same day the president expresses interest in territory - Emil Stach/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Denmark has repeatedly ruled out selling Greenland, and argues that the territorys 57,000 residents should be allowed to decide their nations political future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source briefed on the call told the FT that the phone call was horrendous, while another said that Mr Trump was very firm. Denmark was now in crisis over the dispute, fearing massive tariffs on exports to one of its largest trading partners, said another person briefed on the conversation. The intent was very clear. They want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode, they said. Ms Frederiksen, who has held crisis talks with major Danish companies in recent days, has also described the US as Denmarks most important and closest ally. Previous attempts by the US to buy Greenland have been rebuffed by Copenhagen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump laid out his plans to take the territory earlier this month, arguing that the US needed Greenland for national security purposes. He also said on his Truth Social platform that the nations residents need safety, security, strength, and peace! This is a deal that must happen, he said. Make Greenland Great Again! Donald Trump posts a photo on X, formerly Twitter, superimposing Trump Tower onto Greenland with the caption, I promise not to do this - X Donald Trump Jr, the presidents oldest son, visited Greenland in a personal capacity on the same day as the press conference and posted photographs of himself meeting locals. Military experts say a significant presence in Greenland could give the US the upper hand in competition for control of areas of the Arctic ocean exposed by melting sea ice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the Pentagon warned that Russia and China were increasingly collaborating in the Arctic in an attempt to take control of key shipping routes. Donald Trump Jr (centre) visits Nuuk, Greenland on the same day as his fathers press conference about the island - Emil Stach/Ritzau Scanpix Foto However, Mr Trumps refusal to rule out a full-scale invasion of Greenland has raised questions about the Nato alliance, of which both Denmark and the US are members. The alliances Article 5 collective defence agreement states that a military attack on one member would result in other members declaring war on the aggressor. It is not clear what would happen if one Nato member attacked another. 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. Trump reportedly doubled down on his threat to seize Greenland in a phone call with Denmarks prime minister, sending the countrys government into a panic. Trump spoke to Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on the phone for about 45 minutes last week. While neither leader has commented specifically on the call, officials close to the situation said it went poorly, as reported by The Financial Times. They stated that Trump was aggressive and confrontational on the call. It was horrendous, one official said. He was very firm, another added. It was a cold shower. Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But I do think it is serious, and potentially very dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intent was very clear. They want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode, another official told the publication. The Danes are utterly freaked out by this. It was a very tough conversation. He threatened specific measures against Denmark, such as targeted tariffs, said a former Danish official. Trump has threatened to buy Greenland since his election victory, along with vows to take back the Panama Canal and make Canada the fifty-first state. And while many took his comments in jest, the recent phone call shows that he is seriously interested in seizing Greenland, perhaps due to its unique geopolitical position, its significant U.S. air base, or its potential real estate development. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A 21-year-old Grandview man is in jail following a chase Thursday night in Cass County. The Cass County Sheriffs Office said just after 6 p.m. deputies attempted to stop the driver of a vehicle near Commercial Street in Harrisonville. Liberty police looking for driver that possibly put other car into icy creek The suspect driver, identified as Blaze Beck drove off and began traveling north on Interstate 49 and a chase began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the chase, the sheriffs office said deputies used a tire deflation near the North Cass Parkway Exit. The suspect continued driving northbound, even with his front passenger tire missing. The sheriffs office said deputies were then able to deploy the grappler after the suspect exited on 87th Street, just east of I-435 in Kansas City. The driver was taken into custody without further incident. The suspect had active warrants out of Bates County, Kansas City, Missouri and Archie at the time of the arrest. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android He is currently being held at the Cass County Jail and is being charged with aggravated fleeing a stop or detention. There is no bond set at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Deputies search for 4 people that broke into Florida middle school, stole rifle from safe NAPLES, Fla. (WFLA) Four people broke into Golden Gate Middle School on Wednesday morning and stole a rifle from a safe, the Collier County Sheriffs Office announced. Three men and one woman dressed in black and wearing face coverings broke into the school around 2:00 a.m. and broke into the locked Youth Relations Deputy Office, CCSO said. Credit: Collier County Sheriffs Office Credit: Collier County Sheriffs Office Credit: Collier County Sheriffs Office Credit: Collier County Sheriffs Office Credit: Collier County Sheriffs Office Once they broke into the office, the four used a cutting device and broke the lock on the gun safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to CCSO, The four stole a CCSO rifle, two magazines, and ammunition from the safe. Man arrested after hitting arson investigator during Seffner house fire: HCSO The group also stole cash from other areas of the building. Detectives recovered a pair of dunk low retro Nike sneakers outside of the school that are similar to the pair worn by one of the individuals caught on surveillance footage. CCSO asks the community for help identifying the four individuals, and if anyone has information to call the sheriffs office at 239-252-9300, or remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. GALESBURG, Mich. (WOOD) Two vehicles crashed Thursday morning in Galesburg, sending one into a building, deputies say. It happened around 7:55 a.m. at Michigan Avenue and Battle Creek Street, according to the Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Office. Deputies say a 20-year-old driver did not yield and ended up hitting another vehicle, which caused that vehicle to crash into a local business. No injuries were reported, according to the sheriffs office. In a social media post Thursday morning, Coffee Klutch, which is located at the intersection, shared a photo of a truck that had crashed into its building. The coffee shop says it will be closed until the damage is fixed. 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. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) Winnebago County Sheriffs Deputies arrested Daniel Sinclair on outstanding warrants after an officer hit him as he ran in front of a patrol vehicle on the way to another collision. Deputies also arrested James Richardson, 63, for allegedly driving recklessly in snowy conditions and attempting to elude officials. On Jan. 22, just before 3 p.m., a deputy was driving behind a gray Cadillac sedan when it started speeding away from him, according to court records. Authorities reported that the sedan ignored stop signs before it spun out on Auburn Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver disregarded the deputys attempt at a traffic stop and continued westbound on Auburn, police said. Authorities said the deputy stopped his pursuit because of slippery road conditions, although the Cadillac was going at least 60 mph in a 30 mph zone. Soon after, the sedan crashed into a white Hyundai at Central Avenue and Auburn Street, according to court documents. The deputy was on the way to the crash when he inadvertently struck Sinclair, a pedestrian who ran into the road, police said. The deputy immediately provided aid to Sinclair while other deputies responded to the crash and took Richardson into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sinclair was transported to a local hospital. He was treated and released soon after. Sinclair was subsequently taken into custody on warrants for retail theft. Richardson was taken to Swedish-American Hospital where he was treated and released. He admitted to police at the hospital he fled because he was driving with a suspended drivers license, according to the criminal complaint. Richardson is charged with driving too fast for conditions, fleeing a deputy, aggravated fleeing police while going 21 mph over the limit, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, driving an uninsured vehicle along multiple traffic violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. GOP Rep. Kiyan Michael, Gov. Ron DeSantis, and Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters discussed illegal immigration during a roundtable discussion in Jacksonville on Jan. 23, 2025. (Screenshot DeSantis Facebook) Gov. Ron DeSantis used the power of his bully pulpit on Thursday to once again lean on the Florida Legislature to come together for a special legislative session next week to further restrict illegal immigration, vowing to fight like a junkyard dog that just wont stop until he sees results. These issues the immigration and election integrity Im not letting go, he said in addressing reporters during a roundtable discussion at the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office. Im not just going to wait six months for something to eventually stick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor has said repeatedly over the past couple of weeks that the Legislature must not wait until the regular session opens in March to address the newly implemented executive orders signed by President Donald Trump on reducing the number of the undocumented in Florida. Thats despite an initial response from Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez that the initiatives would be premature and could wait another month. Although the special session is scheduled to begin Monday, neither Albritton nor Perez has yet to release a schedule of how the week will proceed. DeSantis said Thursday it would be politically hazardous for lawmakers to come in and then immediately gavel out without working on any of the changes he is calling for. They havent said anything, DeSantis told reporters when asked if he had heard back from the legislative leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can tell you the members privately are telling us that they want to get to work the rank-and-file members. I dont think that the idea that you would go in and gavel out is sustainable because people would have to go on the record saying that they think that they should gavel out, ignore us. So that would be very, very hazardous, I think, politically for these members to do, he added. And I have my constitutional authority to wield in this process and I will continue to wield it as appropriate so that were able to get the job done. By that measure, the roundtable with a group of officials was an advertisement directed at those lawmakers about why they need to pass legislative reforms next week. Not an issue of humanitarian policy Illegal immigration is not an issue of humanitarian public policy, said Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles executive director Dave Kerner. We understand that it is merely a weapon, an extension of the cartel industrial complex. When someone is here illegally, whether their intent is to assist the cartels or not, they are complicit in it because every dollar, when you talk about remittances, every dollar that is made in the United States and sent to Mexico or other areas where cartels operate, a portion of that is going to fund the operations of the narco-cartels. Thats just a fact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kerner went on to say that the leaders of those drug cartels were paying attention. If you think that theyre not watching whats going on in Florida and how the Legislature is either punting or not going after these cartels, because thats really what were talking about they are watching that. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said the number of undocumented immigrants who came through his jail escalated each year during the Biden administration 121 in 2021; 280 in 2022; 287 in 2023; and 334 in 2024. Push back Groups such as Florida Immigration Coalition (FLIC) and TheDream.US are gearing up to push back next week against the governors proposals to empower state and local law enforcement to carry out deportations and eliminate in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants who grew up in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We agree that federal immigration policy needs to be addressed. We agree that its not good for our whole entire country to have individuals who dont have status, but we also agree that something needs to be done. This is not it, TheDream.US President Gaby Pacheco said. She referred to Republican state Sen. Randy Fines proposals to get rid of in-state tuition for students without legal status who attended Florida high schools and to prevent them from enrolling in universities with acceptance rates lower than 85%. Pachecos organization serves as a college and career success program for undocumented immigrant students. In 2023, she brought several students who benefitted from a 2014 state law granting in-state tuition to share their stories at the Capitol as DeSantis unsuccessfully pushed lawmakers to get rid of the program. An important part of the groups advocacy at the state Capitol is sharing personal stories from immigrants, but FLICs executive director Tessa Petit told the Florida Phoenix in a phone interview that the group is concerned about bringing undocumented folks to provide public testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, at this point, people are going to be afraid, right? she said. Even ourselves as advocacy groups who used to bring even undocumented folks to the Capitol to come and advocate to these legislators, we will definitely be very hesitant to put their lives at risk, to put their futures at risk. DeSantis concluded his press event on Thursday by saying that there are certain times where you just have to step up and do the right thing. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NAIROBI, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's active mobile phone subscriptions grew by 1.6 percent to reach 70 million as of September 2024, up from 68.9 million by June 2024, according to a report released Friday by the country's communication industry regulator. According to the quarterly report by the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA), Kenya's mobile phone penetration rate reached 135.8 percent, underscoring the telecommunications sector which demonstrated overall growth in the quarter under review. "Mobile phone subscriptions grew, reflecting the sector's continued expansion and adaptation to consumer demands," the CA said in the report on information and communications technology service performance and trends. According to the report, mobile money subscriptions also saw an increase, rising to 40.6 million by September. While 3G broadband subscriptions and data usage declined, the report highlighted a marked shift toward higher-speed networks, with increased adoption of 4G and 5G technologies. Mobile data subscriptions reached a record 53.7 million as of September, with 4G networks accounting for 58.1 percent of the total. The findings pointed to significant advancements in 4G and 5G uptake, driven by growing consumer demand for high-speed connectivity and sustained investment in telecommunications infrastructure. The industry regulator said that demand for high-speed internet for streaming, online learning, remote work, and e-commerce has been the primary driver behind the increased adoption of advanced network technologies. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned Thursday that Republican legislators could pay a political price if they defy him and refuse to enact sweeping illegal immigration and ballot initiative bills during next weeks scheduled special session. DeSantis wants lawmakers to act quickly, pinning the need for urgency to the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his immigration executive orders. The governor ordered lawmakers back to town, but so far there are no signs that the GOP-controlled Legislature will actually take any action during the five-day session. DeSantis has openly questioned legislators reticence in recent days, including on a Fox News appearance this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be very, very hazardous politically, DeSantis said, if legislators were to come to the Capitol and quickly move to adjourn. The governor also emphasized he was willing to call another special session if legislators resist him. I will continue to wield [my power as governor] as appropriate, he said during a roundtable in Jacksonville. The governors continued pressure campaign comes amid bubbling tension between DeSantis and legislative leaders since September, when he first called for legislators to revisit laws they passed in the wake of the Surfside condominium collapse. It reached a boiling point when DeSantis called for a special session starting Jan. 27 to primarily address immigration policy issues. House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton pushed back, saying it was premature for legislators to tackle undocumented immigration and other issues so close to the March regular session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis has insisted that the special session is in line with what state voters and the Trump administration want when it comes to changing immigration policy in the state and nationwide. Its not premature. Nows the time to act, he said. Spokespeople for both Perez and Albritton did not respond to the governors latest comments. The state House and Senate have not released any schedules for the special session nor acknowledged that they are accepting bills. Some of the key proposals DeSantis has championed include mandating maximum participation with law enforcement in deporting undocumented immigrants and suspending local officials who fail to cooperate. He also wants to establish criminal penalties for illegal entry in the state; appoint a state immigration enforcement officer to coordinate with federal authorities and expand a migrant transport program that DeSantis used to transport migrants from Texas to Marthas Vineyard. The governor wants to be able to ship migrants from Florida to other countries instead of sending them to other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis also wants to repeal a law that allows children of undocumented migrants to pay the tuition rate charged to residents. That law was sponsored by Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez when she was a state legislator. The governor insisted that rank-and-file members have privately told him they are willing to participate in the special session and work on these proposals. Trump has publicly praised DeSantis and called on other governors to follow his lead. During his event in Jacksonville, DeSantis was joined by longstanding allies, including state Rep. Kiyan Michael and Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters. Michaels son was killed in a car accident by a driver who was an undocumented immigrant and who did not possess a drivers license. A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives. On Jan. 24, 1848, James W. Marshall found a gold nugget at Sutters Mill in Northern California, a discovery that sparked the California gold rush. As many as 25,000 miners headed to California over the next couple of years, becoming known as Forty-Niners. The gold rush turned out to be a boon to early Utahns, not so much for the gold pioneers who ventured West were able to mine, but in the income gained supplying other forty-niners rushing to California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sutters Mill was a water-powered sawmill on the bank of the South Fork American River in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Marshalls discovery set off the decade-long California gold rush. Members of the Mormon Battalion had finished their service with the U.S. government in Southern California and were working their way back to the Great Basin in 1848. According to news reports, members of the Mormon Battalion were in the area, helping to build Sutters Fort when gold was discovered. In July 1846, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the ship Brooklyn, led by Samuel Brannan, arrived at Yerba Buena, now San Francisco. The ship began its voyage leaving New York harbor Feb. 4, 1846, the same day that the first wagons left Nauvoo heading west. Though some of those pioneers were in the area in 1848, and some had come to the Salt Lake Valley, group leader Sam Brannan and others are labeled as forty-niners as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chasing gold in the West was a popular topic, as evidenced by a half page of mining news in the Deseret News on April 27, 1859: A half-page article in the Deseret News on April 27, 1859, detailing gold mining prospects and reports around the West. Nine years earlier, noted pioneer poet/composter William Clayton penned the words to a song titled The Gold Diggers, to the tune of the song A Man That is Married. Per the article, it was performed on the 24th of July by John Kay. The final verse: Now ye Saints, my advice I will give without price, Dont be tempted to worship the dust; But stick close to your farms, and build up your good barns, For the grain is much better I trust. And in ages to come, when the fold fevers gone, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You will all the wealth you desire; For your wisdom will then be esteemed amongst men, And your prudence mankind will admire Gold! Gold!! that give from above Tis a blessing I own, sirs, whenever used well; But my song is quite done, and I bid you farewell. The poem appeared in the Sept. 7, 1859, edition of the Deseret News: A poem/lyrics to a song about the pursuit of gold appeared in the Deseret News on Sept. 7, 1850. The words were written by William Clayton, per the news page. Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about the California gold rush, and how numerous pioneers and members of the Mormon Battalion were among the early prospectors in Northern California: Mormons among first gold rush prospectors Mormon Battalion made big contributions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Impoverished pioneers mined gold from 49ers; historians say rush to California was boon to Utah History preserved in gold rush newspapers 1800s California gold rush revisited Spotlight on historical sites: Battalion display at Sutters Fort Picturing history: Sutters Mill, Coloma, California At Sutters Fort: Keeping alive a golden memory When Oxford University developed the AstraZeneca vaccine, Dr Sue Pavord, a consultant haematologist, was so eager for it to succeed, she signed up for the medical trial herself. She even persuaded her adult daughter to join her. I said to Molly, come on, lets go and participate. Because we were trying to develop the science and were trying to fight this pandemic. And Molly said, Yes, Ill do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking back, Pavords feelings about helping to get the AstraZeneca jab onto the market are somewhat mixed. The jab was heralded as the vaccine for the world on the basis that unlike the Pfizer jab, which had to be stored at ultra-low temperatures, it could be kept in fridges, making it easier to transport and roll out in developing countries. Boris Johnson described it as a triumph for British science. But nine weeks after the vaccine finally started being administered to the public in January 2021, Pavord became one of the first doctors in the UK to realise that something may be amiss. A young man came to see her as an outpatient on March 15 2021. He had developed deep vein thrombosis a type of blood clot around a week after being vaccinated against Covid. He also had low platelets. We now know that the AstraZeneca vaccine could lead to a condition now known as vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT), which can kill patients or lead to life-changing injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But at the time, VITT had not even been named as a condition, and Pavord a consultant at Oxford University Hospitals knew that the combination of blood clots and low platelets was highly unusual. We see thrombosis commonly and we see low platelets commonly, but the two together really only have a select number of causes, quite rare and serious conditions, she recalls. The young man had already recovered by the time Pavord saw him, but his case continued to play on her mind. The AstraZeneca jab has been known to cause the rare condition vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia (VITT) - LightRocket Two days later, Pavord attended a virtual meeting with the medicines regulator, the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), where to her alarm three other consultants in Britain said they had seen patients with the same combination of symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those cases were more severe, and the colleagues in question had had various tests carried out which established that the patients had developed an antibody called anti-platelet factor four antibody, which is more commonly associated with a very serious immune reaction to a blood thinner called heparin. What they were saying, and the patient that I had seen, made me very concerned indeed, Pavord recalls. We started to think, could this be a Covid vaccination or could it be something else? Could it be Covid infection? .We were all on guard and alert. Pavord contacted four other haematologists, who established a daily open meeting for clinicians up and down the country to compare notes. It soon became clear that Covid jabs were the common thread. Behind the scenes, Pavord was lobbying for anyone under the age of 50 to be offered an AstraZeneca alternative - Christopher Pledger In the beginning, Dr Pavord says, the death rate from VITT was so severe that three in every four patients with the condition lost their lives. But over the following months, Pavord and her colleagues worked together on diagnostic and treatment plans that helped to reduce the fatality rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We brought that down to 22 per cent. But if you think that [means that] one in five people die...its such an aggressive disease, Pavord says. When she realised the risks that her children had taken by getting vaccinated and in Mollys case by participating in the AstraZeneca trial she felt a combination of massive relief that they hadnt suffered with VITT, and retrospective anxiety. This anxiety led to the hours that I and my colleagues put in to try and understand and manage this disease and stop it in its tracks. It was, unsurprisingly, an exhausting period. Alongside the daily meetings, they spoke regularly with Sir Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, and received phone calls and emails day and night from doctors asking for clinical advice. Pavrod spoke regularly with chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty during the vaccine rollout period - Getty We had not managed to clear our day jobs to give us time to deal with this new phenomenon. We were all working around the clock to try and understand what was going on, how we could save the lives of these individuals, what was causing it, and just how to diagnose it and manage itI absolutely didnt sleep for three months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt just the workload keeping Pavord awake at night, however. She was also shocked by the age of many of the victims, and how severely they were affected. Their organs, she says, were sometimes peppered with clots. It was scary. I was a mother of three kids in their 20s, and these were the people we were seeing dying. We now know that one in 100,000 over 50s who received the AstraZeneca vaccine were at risk of VITT, with the figure dropping to one in 50,000 for the under 50s. Pavord and her colleagues estimate the risk for those in their 20s is one in 10,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group held talks with Public Health England, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the Medical Healthcare products and Regulatory Agency (MHRA) about whether there should be a lower age limit for those given the AstraZeneca jab and if they could identify an age where the risk of the vaccine was worse than the risk of dying from Covid. Even before Pavord and her colleagues began their daily meetings, several European countries led by Austria had been suspending the roll-out of the AstraZeneca vaccine amid similar fears of adverse side effects. At the time, many people in the UK saw it as a political move, tied up with antipathy towards Britain caused by Brexit. But on April 7 2021, Britain was also forced into action. The MHRA said that people under the age of 30 should be offered an alternative to the AstraZeneca jab. One month later it increased the cut-off to 40. Pavord who is now the president of the British Society for Haematology alongside her other roles is extremely positive about the speed of Britains reaction both to the pandemic and to signs that the AstraZeneca vaccine could have adverse effects. But behind the scenes, she also lobbied for anyone under the age of 50 to be offered an AstraZeneca alternative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were seeing cases [amongst people] under 50. And it was when the vaccine rollout had reached the 50s that we started to notice the cases, she reflects. I was kind of pushing: Weve got to stop the vaccine for people under 50. But then there were others going, Well, these people are dying of Covid and we need the vaccine. Knowing what we know now, many people would feel angry that this view was not given greater weight. The JCVIs deputy chair, Prof Wei Shen Lim, says that its priority is safety and that Pavords valuable advice was considered alongside scientific evidence from a number of sources. Some of this indicated that restricting access to the AZ vaccine would lead to substantially more deaths if there was slower uptake in the under 50-year-olds prior to the third wave, he said. JCVIs deputy chair Prof Wei Shen Lim said that restricting access to the AZ vaccine would lead to substantially more deaths Looking back, Pavord seems sanguine. She recognises that the AstraZeneca jab was really an amazing accomplishment, which undoubtedly saved a lot of lives. They worked together to create a life-saving vaccine, and it was rolled out so quickly.in terms of statistics, [VITT] is incredibly rare and we mustnt forget that, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she is also clear-eyed about the fact that the work she undertook with her colleagues was instrumental in saving lives too. I have absolutely no doubt about that, she says. Sometimes, when I look at young people in their 20s or younger, I think to myself, Gosh, theres probably a one in 10,000 chance that we saved your life. Last May, having distributed more than three billion doses of the vaccine, AstraZeneca announced that it was withdrawing its product. The company insisted the decision was a commercial one: the vaccine had been superseded by updated vaccines that tackle new variants. It was incredibly proud of the role the jab played in ending the global pandemic. Pavord may have been rooting for the AstraZeneca vaccine from the start, but after witnessing its terrible potential side effects at close quarters, how does she feel now that it will no longer be used in Britain? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She reflects, and says a little hesitantly: Im relieved. 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. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) Court documents reveal new details in a daycare bomb threat. Wichita Falls police arrested Mandy Sepulveda, 45, after she reportedly made threats to blow up a daycare and kill children. WFPD addresses gun, bomb threat at North Texas State Hospital, Scott Avenue According to court documents, on Thursday, around 2:30 p.m., Wichita Falls firefighters and police were sent to 921 Scott Avenue at Tadpole Academy for a bomb threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reporting person told investigators Sepulveda confronted her at the front door, where she demanded the daycare be evacuated because she was wearing a bomb and said, All the kids were going to die. The daycare employee then shut the door to separate Sepulveda from the children and called 9-1-1. The employee said Sepulveda yelled through the door and repeated the threat about the bomb and blowing up the daycare. Documents show she also claimed to have a gun and threatened to, shoot the place up, and urged the daycare employee to move the children from the building for their safety. When police arrived, Sepulveda was handcuffed but refused to walk. While police carried her to a patrol car, they said she kicked one of the officers before she was placed in a police patrol car, where she began hitting her head against the window. Then, she got out of the vehicle when police tried to stop her from injuring herself and refused to get back in. Police said she kicked another officer multiple times as they tried to place her back in the car. She is charged with terrorist threats, resisting arrest, and two counts of assaulting a peace officer. Her bonds total $105,000. This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. The acting head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is allowing immigration enforcement agents to swiftly deport those who came to the U.S. under multiple pathways established under the Biden administration. An internal DHS memo this week obtained by The Hill puts at risk nearly 1.5 million migrants who came to the U.S. under parole programs that allowed their entry on a temporary basis if they could secure a financial sponsor. The Biden administration used the programs widely, opening the option to those seeking to flee Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela amid unrest in an effort to deter them from illegally crossing the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar parole programs were also used for Afghan evacuees as well as those fleeing Ukraine following the invasion by Russia, allowing them to work in the country for two years. The late Thursday order was first reported by The New York Times. The order comes after acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman also vastly expanded immigration agents ability to use expedited removal proceedings, allowing migrants to be quickly removed with little review. While expedited removals were previously only allowed within 100 miles of the border for those who entered the country within two weeks, the process may now be used nationwide and for those who cannot prove theyve been in the U.S. for more than two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair of directives are the latest effort under President Trump to go after temporary statuses used by the Biden administration. While the parole programs only allowed recipients to remain in the country for two years, the Trump administration has argued they were an abuse of the law, a dramatic expansion of a program designed to waive immigration requirements only on a case-by-case basis. Immigration advocates were particularly alarmed by the focus on those already in the country who received the status due to unstable conditions in their home country. Its one thing to shut down a pathway going forward, but its worrisome to focus enforcement efforts on people who are here because they followed an orderly legal process, said Krish OMara Vignarajah, the president and CEO of Global Refuge, which helps resettle refugees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are families who have U.S.-based sponsors who came forward to petition on their behalf. These are families who risk being returned to dire circumstances in deeply destabilized countries like Haiti and Venezuela. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRING HILL, Tenn. (WKRN) A Spring Hill woman was laid to rest on Wednesday, two days after law enforcement announced they arrested her boyfriend for murder. The Spring Hill Police Department (SHPD) said the Robertson County Sheriffs Office requested a welfare check around 6 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20 because of a concerning phone call that dispatch received. When officers checked the house in the 2000 block of Gale Lane, they reportedly found a 30-year-old woman had sustained fatal wounds. Authorities identified the victim as Ariel Nevills, who was seven months pregnant at the time of her death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to officials, Robertson County deputies arrested the person who made the initial phone call: 29-year-old Vidol Wegner of Indiana, who was Nevills boyfriend. Per the arrest affidavit, Wegner admitted to strangling Nevills two different ways to kill her and their unborn child. Wegner allegedly waited until his girlfriend was dead to leave the home. PREVIOUS: Indiana man arrested in connection with murder of pregnant woman in Spring Hill After being transported from Robertson County to the Maury County Jail, Wegner told News 2 he was upset that Nevills got pregnant and wanted to keep the baby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Okay, I got to hit you with the big question, you know its coming: did you kill her? News 2s Andy Cordan asked. Iwhat did I do? Wegner replied, but he paused for several seconds before he continued. No, dude, I didnt. She did it to herself. I told her this is the way. I had a beautiful future set up for us. She wanted to act crazy. She chose this. It didnt have to be this way. When asked if he was mad because Nevills got pregnant, Wegner offered the following answer: Listen, when I started that relationship, I told her, If we get pregnant, are we going to do something about it? She said, Yeah. She found out 10 weeks in; she said, I want to keep it. Im like, Didnt we have that conversation? Im not doing this. She said, Yeah.' Are you missing her at all and missing, perhaps, even getting a chance to meet that little baby? Cordan inquired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Listen, I loved her. I would have took care of her, the baby; I would have took care of her siblings that she wanted to take with us. I would have done all of that, Wegner responded. According to information supplied by the SHPD, Nevills, like Wegner, worked as millwright a person who repairs heavy machinery. Wegner told News 2 he could make $10,000 a month, as could Nevills. Wegner said he looked forward to moving with Nevills to Detroit with expectations the auto industry would flourish. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Police said Nevills was an Indiana native who served in the Army Reserve and cared for her four siblings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wegner: She was stable, she was calm; I liked that, you know what I mean? She took care of me, it was peace, and then she gets pregnant and everything changes. Cordan: What do you want people to know about you? Wegner: I didnt do nothing wrong. I did everything I could in the relationship to make everything possible. I cried out for help every single day about this and nobody could help me. Cordan: Any remorse? Wegner: I got plenty of remorse, man! It didnt have to happen this way! She wants to be crazy. I told her, If you didnt like the plan, we couldve changed it. We could have figured it out.' Cordan: I got the affidavit, and Ill just tell you what it says. In short, it says that basically you killed her because she was pregnant and you strangled her. Is that true? Wegner: Thats not how it went. Cordan: Then set me straight. Wegner: Im protecting my legacy, Im abiding by the Constitution, Im not doing anything wrong. There is no way for me to get her to be held accountable for what shes doing. We had an agreement. Why did she go back on that? Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Wegner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder: one for Nevills and one for her unborn child. He is also charged with one count of felony murder. The Indiana man is being held without bond in the Maury County Jail. His next court date is set for Feb. 3. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Jan. 23Members of the Joplin Regional Alliance for Healthcare and Health Sciences have hired an executive director. Lori Worthington was introduced at a Tuesday meeting of the Joplin City Council by Travis Stephens, president and CEO of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. "We received well over 60 applications for this position when we posted the job in July. We interviewed 10 of those," Stephens said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worthington, of St. Joseph, was president and co-founder of Right Angle Advisors Inc., a consulting firm that specialized in customer engagement, health and productivity at St. Joseph. She had worked in that capacity for more than 11 years. Her responsibilities included recruiting, project management and executive management, according to her information on LinkedIn. "We are very excited about the work and goals for the Regional Alliance for Healthcare and Health Sciences," Worthington told the council members. "First and foremost, that is to continue to educate, recruit and retain our health care workers. Our top one priority is increasing our retention of health care workers and making sure we have adequate people coming into health care careers and staying in the Joplin area so that we have ample health care. We have worked toward becoming a destination for health care and we will go forward working on economic development to keep our dollars in Joplin and how to bring more into the city." The alliance was formed in 2022 with the goal of advancing health care and economic development in the region. In a report assessing the needs of the Joplin area that the alliance should focus on, a consultant found there are 2,000 graduate nurses here but recommended that the number be increased to 4,000 to keep up with health care demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alliance members are representatives of the city of Joplin, the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Freeman Health System, Mercy Hospital Joplin, the Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri, and educational institutions such as KCU, Missouri Southern State University and Crowder College. It also includes regional business and financial leaders, including the Farber Foundation. They all contribute to the business expenses of the group. One of those expenses was a $166,000 study and report on the status of health care and health care institutional needs here. The city paid the largest share of that study $80,000 because one of the roles of city government is to advance economic development, said City Manager Nick Edwards. He and Mayor Keenan Cortez are among those working with the alliance. POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) A disbarred attorney, who allegedly told his clients he lost their trust funds because of his gambling addiction, was back in front of a judge Thursday on dozens of new money laundering charges. Penrod has been behind bars since his arrest on one count of grand theft at an addiction recovery facility in Marion County in September. 2-alarm fire shuts down traffic to St. Armands Circle in Sarasota Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors and the Polk County Sheriffs Office filed additional charges this week, totaling 32 money laundering and grand theft charges. Based on the facts of this case, your honor, and the exceedingly high amounts of money that are alleged to be stolen from the victims, your honor, the state is requesting elevated bonds, said prosecutor Matthew Hendry at Penrods first appearance Thursday. The judge ordered Penrod be held on no bond. Penrods attorney did not dispute probable cause or bond. Last summer, Penrod abruptly closed his law firm, Family Elder Law, in Polk County. According to a civil lawsuit and criminal affidavit, he admitted to gambling away a $1.7 million trust fund at the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a raging addict by this time, I self-justified my actions by thinking that I was temporarily loaning monies to myself and then would pay them back to the trust with interest. My compulsion was in overdrive, and it felt like I was watching a nightmare of myself in a moviealmost like an out of body experience, wrote Penrod in a letter to his clients. Records show Penrod traveled to Pennsylvania in June 2024 to try to convince the clients to allow him to pay them back. Rather than managing the money for the benefit of his children, managing this fellows life work, he took it upon himself to raid the cookie jar, said Brice Zoecklein, an attorney at the firm that followed a lawsuit against Penrod on behalf of the alleged victims. According to a new affidavit filed this week involving a different alleged victim, Penrod moved thousands of dollars back and forth between the victims living trust, Penrods personal checking account and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which operates the Hard Rock Casino. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has set up the system, the process, the excuse Oh I just need help I need help. What you need is a jail cell. What you need is accountability and responsibility, said Sheriff Grady Judd at a news conference in September. If Penrod were to get out of jail, he would not be able to practice law in Florida. The Florida Bar revoked his license late last year without the ability to reapply. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Gaza has become a wasteland of ruins and rubble due to Israel's conflict with Hamas following the terror organization's surprise attack on Oct. 7, 2023. However, now that a ceasefire is in place, families are returning to their neighborhoods, hoping to rebuild the places they once called home. One of the families excited to be back is the Ghaly family. After leaving the tents they had lived in for months, they are taking the few possessions they still have. As they returned to see the rubble, evidence of the destructive force where no building was left untouched, they also saw their family home. PHOTO: Manual Aslim walks through the rubble of her destroyed home, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Jan. 21, 2025, days after the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas came into effect. (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) "This is our four-story home," Eyad Abu Ghaly said. "It has been completely flattened, and there was no reason for that. We dont understand why the house was bombed." Eyad further explains, The resistance does not exist here just civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many homes that are still standing are wrecked inside, and as people wonder how they will ever rebuild, theres also fear that war will soon return. MORE: Palestinians returning home in Gaza torn between joy, loss and uncertainty amid ceasefire "I look at young people and wonder, 'Where will they go?'" Ghaly said. "Theres no future for them no education, no health care. There is no life, no life at all." The agreement between Hamas and Israel, which ended the fighting and resulted in three Israeli hostages being freed on Sunday and reuniting with their families, was initially based on a six-week ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Inauguration Day, President Donald Trump stated he was not confident that a second phase of the deal could be reached to prolong the truce and free all remaining hostages, both living and deceased. Tal Haimi was killed in the Oct. 7 massacre, but his body was taken into Gaza by Hamas. His cousin, Udi Goren, said that if Israel prioritizes the release of all hostages, it will further weaken Hamas. "It is in our interest," Goren said. "Bring back the hostages because that's more valuable to Hamas than anything else. And once we have the hostages back home, then we need to keep doing what we're actually doing right now, collaborating with the mediators in creating a different future for Gaza, where Hamas is not a part of it." But as soon as the ceasefire kicked in in Gaza, Hamas gunmen were parading through the streets. Then, the hostage handover was used to show they were back in charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With no sign that Hamas is willing to capitulate, a former Israeli general close to the Israeli government states that it is unlikely the six-week ceasefire will be prolonged. PHOTO: People camp in a heavily damaged UN school surrounded by destruction, as displaced Palestinians return to the northern areas of the Gaza Strip, in Jabalia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Omar Al-qattaa/AFP via Getty Images) Retired Israel Defense Forces Brigadier General Amir Avivi told ABC News that Israel is discussing a second deal. Yet this deal involves not just the release of hostages, but also requires Hamas to surrender, relinquish its control over Gaza, and vacate the area. "And we will have to pressure and continue degrading Hamas capabilities to an extent where they will understand that it's game over," Avivi said. While teams in Gaza search the rubble for more bodies, there is no clear sense of who or what could govern Gaza if Hamas were to be removed. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, the war has already claimed 47,000 lives. Some 1,200 were killed in southern Israel during Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, according to Israeli officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In examining Gaza before the war and observing the devastation now, aid agencies warn that thousands more dead have not yet been counted or found. Displaced families in Gaza struggle to return home amidst rubble, destruction originally appeared on abcnews.go.com SEOUL, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's court on Friday denied the prosecution's request for the extension of the already arrested President Yoon Suk-yeol's detention, according to multiple media outlets. Ski resort owners are feeling the heat of rising global temperatures on their seasonal businesses. Ski resorts are struggling to keep their seasons profitable as the number of viable winter days decreases year after year, according to a Bloomberg report. What's happening? Per Bloomberg, the nonprofit Climate Central has reported a decline in the number of days with temperatures at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit across the Northern Hemisphere. The nonprofit said that over the past decade, more than one-third of the regions analyzed experienced a reduction of at least one week of winter weather. This trend affected more than half of the U.S. states and the majority of European nations. In the U.S., many Northeastern states including New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts experienced at least 10 additional days per year with temperatures above freezing. For ski resorts, that means a decrease in viable ski days by about two weeks each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "On the one hand, it feels like a huge relief from the brutal winter temperatures," Climate Central's vice-president of science Kristina Dahl told Bloomberg. "On the other hand, take half a step back and think about why that day is happening, and it's kind of a nightmare." Why are shorter ski seasons concerning? Climate Central reports this vast increase of "lost winter days" or days with minimum temperatures above freezing is "primarily due to burning oil, coal, and methane gas." These dirty energy sources are detrimental to our planet, raising global temperatures and polluting the environment in alarming ways. It's estimated that 79% of all global power comes from dirty energy sources, which suggests that "lost winter days" are more than a passing trend. Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock, Massachusetts, is one ski resort feeling the pressure, as reported by Bloomberg. The resort reported a 73% revenue drop in March 2024 alone due to an uncharacteristically warm and rainy month. Bloomberg said the loss put the resort in the red for the whole season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I've been here for 55 years; I've never seen a March like that," resort chairman Brian Fairbank told Bloomberg. "Climate change makes it more challenging." But winter recreation isn't the only thing affected by warming days the water supply is adversely impacted, too. Do you think America is in a housing crisis? Definitely Not sure No way Only in some cities Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Climate Central's report found that some mountain regions are seeing water shortages due to a lack of snow. The nonprofit reports that a temperature increase of 1 degree Celsius or 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit can shrink a mountainous region's water supply by up to 20%. What's being done to make ski seasons longer? Any attempts to lower rising global temperatures including cutting reliance on dirty energy sources is a step closer to more seasonable winter weather conditions. But, in the meantime, ski resorts need to find another solution to stay economically viable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bloomberg reported that some resorts have even purchased high-powered snowmaking machines that cost upward of $1 million to extend their seasons. "You will see over the next 10 years, every ski area will have supplemental snow factories for critical trails on the mountain," Sean Hayes, owner of Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort in Middlefield, Connecticut, told Bloomberg. His resort already invested in a machine, opening their resort on Black Friday for the first time in years. In past seasons, his resort didn't open until after Christmas. However, these snowmaking machines can adversely impact the environment. A recent study found snowmaking at Canadian ski resorts uses approximately 478,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, releasing 130,095 tons of carbon pollution. That's the equivalent of powering nearly 17,000 homes for a year. 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. Nearly three decades after the murder of an elderly woman, the Texas Department of Public Safety says DNA was used to formally charge the man believed to be responsible. A caretaker found Mary Moore Searight, 86, inside her Paris, Texas home on the night of Aug. 18, 1996. She was alive but had been sexually assaulted, badly beaten and strangled. Searight was air-lifted to a Dallas hospital and died of her injuries three days later. Almost 30 years later, the DPS Crime Laboratory Division used DNA testing to identify the man suspected to have caused Searight's death. A Lamar County grand jury indicted David Paul Cady Jr., 54, on Dec. 12, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are also reading: Travis County grand jury indicts man for 1980 slaying of UT-Austin student Susan Wolfe Before her death, Searight had rented out homes along the street she lived on, as well as other properties throughout the Paris community. Cady, who was 25 at the time, was one of her tenants and had been interviewed by police the night of the crime. Cady tried to hide a deep cut on his right hand and, when asked about it, gave "inconsistent explanations." Although investigators collected DNA samples from Cady's cut, it provided "no major breakthroughs," according to law enforcement. In 2021, the Texas Rangers determined the cold case was eligible for DPS' Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) program. SAKI receives funding from the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Assistance and is used in unsolved sexual assault cases or homicides involving sexual assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After two years, authorities confirmed the DNA from Cady's injured hand matched Searight's. The Texas Rangers and the Paris Police Department arrested Cady in February 2024. Cady was already in police custody in the Hopkins County Jail for a different crime and remains behind bars. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas man charged in 1996 cold case murder through DNA evidence: DPS BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Home alone the evening of March 26, the woman began receiving text messages from Sgt. Stephen Wells. They worked together, and briefly dated years earlier. Multiple messages were exchanged; the two talked on the phone. Wells was out bar-hopping with a friend. Later, he asked if he could come over. She said no. Man suspected of child sex abuse arrested while trying to flee the country: KCSO Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened next is under dispute. The woman says Wells entered her home after midnight through an unlocked door and sexually assaulted her. When he left, she texted her adult daughter and told her what happened. How does no not mean no? she texted according to newly released court documents. Wells, however, says he drove his friend home then went home himself. He repeatedly told her nothing happened between them during a pretext phone call recorded by detectives. I dont know where youre coming from, Wells said according to the documents. I cant help you with any of this because it simply is not true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriffs investigators gathered evidence including DNA analysis that suggests Wells had intimate contact with the woman and submitted it to prosecutors. This month, Wells, 45, was charged with three felonies: rape by force or fear; assault with the intent to commit rape by force or fear; and burglary. Hes free on $240,000 bail and is due in court Feb. 3. Wells is also named in a lawsuit filed by former deputy Carly Snow, who alleged ongoing harassment from multiple sheriffs employees and an attempted sexual assault by Wells. Snow is not the woman who accused Wells of rape. Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An apparent reference to the Snow incident is made in the documents; a friend of the alleged victim told investigators she knew Wells was on leave for the same kind of thing. The friend said shes met Wells, but isnt social with him. Im not a fan of his, considering his past history, she said. Thats not something I tend to want to be around. A night of drinking and an alleged assault Wells made the rounds on the night of March 26. Through text messages, he told the woman he and a buddy went to Vis Cocktails, Bootleggers, Yard House, Lone Oak Lounge. At 9:43 p.m., he texted he was walking home and asked her to call him. She did, and they talked about his night, the woman told investigators. She told him shed been drinking too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wells repeatedly asked to come over, the woman said. She said no his girlfriend wouldnt like it. In one text exchange, after being turned down, Wells responded, Seriously? If thats what you want, ok then. He then called four times in a 23-minute period, according to the documents. The woman didnt answer. About an hour later, around 12:30 a.m., she heard someone banging on doors. Wells then entered through an unlocked sliding glass door, she said. Detectives asked if she was sure it was him. She said the TV was on and a candle lit there was enough light to identify the intruder as Wells. It was 100% him, she told investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wells sexually assaulted her as she repeatedly told him no and kicked him multiple times, she told investigators. She said hes twice her size but was drunk and going into fight mode she managed to kick him off her. Wells left when she threatened to call 911, she said. The entire incident lasted between 10 to 15 minutes. Shortly after, she contacted her daughter then texted Wells. I dont ever want to talk to you again . . . I had to fight you off me telling you no, she wrote. You came in my house unwelcomed. Please delete my number . . . I called my daughter crying because of what you did. Investigating one of their own The woman contacted the sheriffs office the same day. Investigators interviewed her and took DNA swabs. They extracted data from her phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No surveillance video was found showing Wells at her home. Footage of a pickup truck very similar to Wells Toyota Tacoma is seen driving through the area around the time of the alleged assault, but it could not be positively identified as his, according to the documents. On July 11, the pretext call was made. Wells didnt incriminate himself. However, he texted her the following after they hung up: Im on the verge of a significant downward spiral, every day is a struggle to not end it all. I am not going to do anything as I am getting proper mental health and alcohol treatment, but I truly cant take anymore. My glass is just about overflowing. I know you are struggling too and I wish you the best. I wont ever bother you again. The next day he texted her again and asked if he was being investigated and if their prior conversation was a pretext call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It gave me a panic attack, Wells wrote. Im in such a bad place I cant believe anything anymore. She denied participating in an investigation. On July 17, detectives visited Wells at home. He said he knew why they were there, and declined to give a statement. They seized his phone and obtained a DNA sample. Upon reviewing activity sensor data on the phone, detectives found consistent data throughout March 26 with the exception of a 65-minute gap from 11:37 p.m. to 12:42 a.m., according to the documents. The gap is significant due to the fact that the time frame is within the same time frame when the sexual assault is reported to have occurred, an investigator wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DNA analysis of swabs taken from the woman was completed Oct. 1. The results says Wells cant be excluded as a potential contributor to the DNA profile. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. It was the British parliamentary hearing heard round the world. Unable to respond to what one visibly aggravated lawmaker said were very, very, very simple questions, including whether Shein sourced its cotton from Chinas controversial Xinjiang region, Yinan Zhu, the e-tail leviathans general counsel for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, was lambasted for being disrespectful, obfuscating wildly and bordering on contempt. Two weeks after the Jan. 7 to-do, Zhu provided Liam Byrne, Member of Parliament for Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North and chair of the House of Commonss Business and Trade Committee, with someif not allof the answers he and his colleagues were seeking. And its clear that perhaps the questions were not so simple after all, at least from the China-founded firms vantage point. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So do Shein products contain Xinjiang cotton? Or, to put it another way, do they contain Chinese cotton, more than 90 percent of which hails from Xinjiang? It depends. Zhu wrote that the company does not prohibit the use of Chinese cotton specifically where such use would not contravene the laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which we operate. But what this means is that Shein requires that contract manufacturers of merchandise destined for the United States, where the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act makes any content from Xinjiang verboten, only source cotton from approved regions such as Australia, Brazil, India, the United States, and in limited cases, certain countries in the EMEA and Southeast Asia regions. We have developed a proprietary materials traceability system that provides visibility into the origin of the cotton used in our products to ensure our compliance with applicable and relevant U.S. laws, including the UFLPA, Zhu said. This system integrates supply chain documentation relating to yarn, fabric and finished products to help ensure that those products do not contain cotton sourced from unapproved regions. The UFLPA was signed into law in 2021 amid mounting allegations of what the U.S. government has characterized as genocide against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim minorities, complete with a campaign of imprisonment, torture, enforced sterilization, and persecution that Beijing has repeatedly and vociferously denied. Unless compelling evidence is provided, the rule says, any product manufactured in whole or in part in Xinjiang is assumed to be the result of forced labor and therefore barred from infiltrating the American market. Zhu said that any supply chain partner that signs Sheins code of conduct has to agree that it will not use forced labor, including prison and bonded labor, and that it will comply with the International Labour Organisations forced labor conventions in their direct or indirect procurement activities. To complement this agreement, the Singapore-headquartered company has also adopted the so-called Shein Responsible Sourcing, or SRS, program, which facilitates compliance by establishing clear definitions and penalties for violations and provides for comprehensive on-site audits conducted by both its in-house auditors and internationally renowned third-party auditors from the likes of Bureau Veritas, SGS, TUV Rheinland and Qima. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cotton from unapproved regions, like Xinjiang, still manages to sneak in, Zhu admitted. Since 2022, Shein has partnered with Oritain, a New Zealand-based origin-testing firm thats been called CSI, but for cotton. In November 2023, Oritain found that less than 2 percent of the Missguided owners cotton tested positive for unapproved cotton, lower than the industry average. Zhu, in a belated response to Byrnes parliamentary query about the latest figures, said that testing conducted during 2024 found the outlawed amount to be around 1.3 percent, though she didnt explicitly call out Xinjiang. Xinjiang, in fact, is used only twice in the 12-page document, with both instances in the context of the Business and Trade Committees questions. Uyghur is mentioned only once, in reference to the UFLPA. What is unsaid is likely on purpose. Zhu said that Shein decided in 2024 to expand its testing regime with Oritain to a five-year program that reinforces our commitment to ensuring the highest levels of compliance from manufacturing to sale. Any indication that a contract manufacturer is using forced or child labor is also considered an immediate termination violation that, prior to October 2023, had resulted in a suspension of orders and a 30-day opportunity for remediation but now leads to an immediate termination of the business relationship. Since we adopted the stricter approach in October 2023, we have identified two cases of underage labor in our supply chain, which resulted in immediate termination of the non-compliant suppliers, in line with our current SRS policy, Zhu said. Both individuals were working for the respective manufacturer for less than six weeks before an audit discovered the violation. Byrne intends to write back to Shein to ask if it sends products made with Xinjiang cotton to the United Kingdom, a spokesperson for the Business and Trade Committee told Reuters on Friday. The timing of Zhus testimony also dovetails with Tuesdays announcement that the Joint Committee on Human Rights will be launching a new inquiry to examine how the United Kingdoms legal and voluntary frameworks underpin its response to forced labor in international supply chains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complexity and range of global supply chains have meant that consumers in the U.K. may be buying goods made using forced labor, David Alton, chair of the committee, said in a statement. We want to see if current legislation is effective and whether lessons could be learned from the approaches taken by other countries. We also want to explore how businesses can manage the risk of forced labor in their supply chains and better protect consumers. IPO a go? Shein products, because theyre dispatched in small, low-value shipments, fall into a liminal space for enforcement in the United States. Theyre still beholden to the UFLPA, but they can also bypass more intense scrutiny because of the so-called de minimis loophole that allows items worth less than $800 to enter the United States duty-, tax- and relatively fuss-free. This could change with de minimis reform that seeks greater visibility into the 4 million parcels that enter the United States daily through that route. Or Sheins ultra-fast, ultra-cheap business model could be upended by President Donald Trumps promised 10-60 percent punitive tariffs on China, its largest manufacturing base. On Thursday, Donald Tang, the companys executive chairman, appeared unfazed, saying that Sheins offerings can remain at their cut-rate pricesthink $15 maxidresses and $10 sneakersas long as the proposed tariffs are applied equally. Affordability is a big anchor.Its the whole package of it, its a value for [your] money, Tang told CNBC reporter Sara Eisen during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Still, he demurred when asked about Sheins much-talked-about public float on the London Stock Exchange, saying only that being a public company embraces the very universal and unique mechanism for accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhu also declined to respond to Byrnes question about why Shein stopped seeking a listing on the New York Stock Exchange, which appeared to be Plan A. But then a bipartisan phalanx of U.S. legislators, from Democrat Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton to Republican Senatorand now Secretary of StateMarco Rubio, voiced their concerns about Sheins reported state influence (read: China) and potential use of Uyghur forced labor, even writing to the Security and Exchange Commission to urge it to require independently certified evidence that Shein was free and clear of either or else scupper the IPO altogether. Of its London aspirations, Zhu was also tight-lipped. Shein is not able to comment on news reports regarding any possible listings, she said. We regularly evaluate the capital markets to identify suitable opportunities for a listing of our shares. While we cannot confirm plans for a listing at this time, we are pleased to share with the committee our view that the United Kingdom is a priority market for the business, and we look forward to a period of sustained growth here. Stop Uyghur Genocide is one organization that is intent on freezing a London listing. Its lawyers at Leigh Day had sent the Business and Trade Committee a dossier containing what it said demonstrated clear, identifiable links between Xinjiang cotton production and forced labor, along with publicly available evidence that connected Sheins supply chains to the same. The Financial Conduct Authority, Stop Uyghur Genocide said, should block Sheins listing because there is good reason to believe that its supply chains benefit from modern slavery, violating Britains 2002 Proceeds of Crime Act. We have strong concerns about the possibility that Sheins supply chain may be linked to forced labor practices reported in the Uyghur region of China, Rahima Mahmut, executive director of Stop Uyghur Genocide, said after the hearing. It is vital that these concerns are fully examined by our institutions, and we are pleased that evidence we provided was used by the select committee in its robust interrogation of Shein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a response published by the Business and Trade Committee on Friday, Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange, said she couldnt comment on specific companies but that Britains regulatory standards are among the highest in the world, with scrutiny on those that seek to access public markets significantly higher than that imposed on those privately owned. Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority, also sidestepped any specific mention of Shein, saying that the agencys role is to ensure that the requisite disclosures have been made so that potential investors can understand the risks. But it also has its limits. A key part of the regime is that the issuer and the directors are responsible for the factual accuracy of the statements made in a prospectus and are subject to a range of legal liabilities as a consequence, he said. It is for the issuer and its directors to confirm that the information provided is accurate. Beyond the process described above, the FCA does not undertake independent verification of the factual statements in a prospectus: in fact, we have no investigatory powers that would enable us to do so. A dissatisfied Bryne has written back, Reuters said, to ask the bodies what protections the United Kingdom has against corporations that might flout modern slavery laws. What we want to know is whether you ask firms to prove that there are safeguards against the use of forced labor and we want to know whether you ask firms whether theyre using goods or products from Xinjiang in their supply chains, he said. That would ensure that if and when the day comes that Shein seeks to float on the LSE we have the right safeguards around forced labor in place on the statute book. The Department of Government Efficiency said it cancelled $420 million in contracts in 80 hours. If true, that puts DOGE on track to cut about $67 billion per year 3% of Musk's original goal. Elon Musk, who is leading the group, has a known love of the number 420. Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency announced Friday in a post on X that in 80 hours, it had cancelled approximately $420 million worth of current or impending government contracts, as well as two leases. According to Business Insider's calculations, that amounts to cancelling about $126 million worth of contracts per day. If the group works at that pace all of the 530 days between January 20, 2025, and DOGE's target end date of July 4, 2026, it would cancel around $67 billion in contracts each year. That would end up being about 3% of Musk's original goal of slashing $2 trillion from the federal budget, or 7% of his pared-down goal of $1 trillion. Of course, DOGE's early activity is no guarantee of what's to come, especially given how quickly things are changing at the group and how much remains unknown about its organization. On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order bringing DOGE inside the White House and laying out how its employees will embed in federal agencies. The group still can't change the federal budget without Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its post on Friday, DOGE says most of the focus has been on DEI contracts and empty buildings. There are no further details on X or DOGE's website about the cancellations, and there's no way currently to verify the information. Musk, Trump, a spokesperson for DOGE, and the General Services Administration, which leases most government buildings, did not immediately respond to BI's request for comment. DOGE's early cost-cutting is notable in its specifics, too: Musk has a demonstrated affection for the number 420, a reference to marijuana. In 2018, he proposed taking Tesla private at $420 per share, an idea that eventually landed him in legal hot water with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Later that year, he smoked a joint on camera with Joe Rogan and changed his then-Twitter bio to "420." On April 20, 2023 or 4/20, the unofficial holiday of weed his company SpaceX launched a rocket. And in October of that year, Musk bought Twitter at $54.20 a share (take a look at last three numbers of that price). Weed references aside, DOGE's post on X echoes its initial mission as a cost-cutting and deregulatory group, despite recent changes to its stated goals. In his executive order, Trump redefined DOGE's purpose as updating the government's software and IT systems, though the group hasn't stopped taking aim at what it sees as wasteful spending. Read the original article on Business Insider Donald Trumps administration issued a 90-day pause on all foreign aid, with exceptions for Israel and Egypt, according to a new State Department memo Friday. The memo signed by new Secretary of State Marco Rubio shall ensure that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, no new obligations shall be made for foreign assistance until Rubio carries out a review, which will take place over the next 85 days, at which time he will make his recommendation to Trump. According to the memo, this will ensure that Americas foreign aid obligations are not duplicated, are effective, and are consistent with President Trumps foreign policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memo contains a special waiver for foreign military financing for Egypt and Israel, including salaries, necessary to administer foreign military financing. Those two countries happen to guard the exits to Gaza. While Gaza is currently experiencing a reprieve from the months of endless bombings, Trump recently admitted he is not confident that the ceasefire agreement he helped to negotiate will hold, leaving the door open for more brutality there. Notably, Ukraine, which has received hundreds of billions in aid from the U.S., did not receive a waiver. Earlier this week, Trump said he was interested in discussing denuclearization between the U.S. and Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled this week that he was prepared to talk with Trump about ending the war in Ukraine. Trump has threatened sanctions if his efforts at diplomacy fail. On Monday, Trump signed an executive order blocking all new obligations and disbursements of foreign aid to countries, nongovernmental organizations, international organizations, and contractors for 90 days, while the countrys commitments went under review for 90 days. Robert Kennedy's Senate hearing to review his nomination to head Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to begin next Wednesday. Still, Donald Trump is not waiting for his candidate to get confirmed before launching a full-scale war on public health. For weeks now, some Democrats have tentatively expressed hopes that the vaccine denialist and former Democrat might not be so bad, pointing to Kennedy's statements about promoting healthy food as evidence that he might have good qualities. Kennedy's critics pointed out that empty rhetoric about nutrition and exercise is a standard deception ploy from anti-vaccine activists. It's designed to make their hatred of preventive medicine seem "reasonable," but is insincere, as evidenced by the lack of interest in doing anything substantive to improve public health. Kennedy skeptics are swiftly being proved right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDonald's-loving Trump has not made even a whisper of a hint of a move toward "better school lunches," but on the real meat of Kennedy's agenda waging all-out war on public health services Trump is moving full steam ahead. One of his very first actions in office was to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO), which Trump has hated since 2020, when they kept undermining his efforts to paint the COVID-19 pandemic as a "hoax." Kennedy has hated WHO even longer, and not just because of his opposition to global vaccination campaigns that save countless lives. He and his organizing partners have fought WHO's efforts to prevent the spread of HIV, improve birth control access, or protect health care access for gay people. Kennedy refuses to accept that HIV causes AIDS, instead blaming it on what he imagines are "lifestyle" choices among gay men, even though, globally, most HIV-positive people are women and girls. As many folks warned, Kennedy's priority was never going to be "healthy food," but making sure that infectious diseases could spread more easily at home and abroad. On the "at home" front, Trump has already kick-started Kennedy's agenda, which is objectively pro-virus. As Science reported, Trump imposed a large number of restrictions on the National Institutes of Health (NIH), "including the abrupt cancellation of meetings including grant review panels. Officials have also ordered a communications pause, a freeze on hiring, and an indefinite ban on travel." Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only. The cancelations could destroy a large number of annual research grants, which could slow down or stop important studies in disease treatment and prevention. This, too, is in line with Kennedy's overt hostility towards any scientist working to prevent infectious disease. When he was still a stunt candidate for president, Kennedy spoke at an anti-vaccine conference and promised that, when he was in charge of NIH, "Were going to give infectious disease a break for about eight years." By which he meant he would block research into preventing and treating infectious diseases. Trump throwing a wrench into the ability of the NIH to fund infectious disease research looks very much like the first step in Kennedy's scheme to lay waste to medical infrastructure to protect people from such illnesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy's bizarre hatred of germ theory isn't the only item on the anti-health agenda. A HHS-run website informing American women of their reproductive rights was taken down mere hours after Trump was sworn in on Monday. The site didn't just help women seeking abortion learn where it is still legal to do so. It reassured women that birth control is still legal and that it's mandatory for most insurance plans to cover it. Kennedy sometimes makes pro-choice noises in public, but his actions suggest he's eager to pander to the religious right on this issue. He's been meeting with anti-choice Republicans and appears amendable to their views. He's signaled a willingness to go with the Project 2025 plan to rescind the FDA approval of the abortion pill. All this might seem like esoteric policy to most Americans, but it's tied to an anti-health agenda that could dramatically impact millions of people's ability to get even basic health care. The New York Times reported Thursday that congressional "Republicans are passing around an extensive menu of ideas to cover the cost of a massive tax cut and immigration crackdown bill." At the top of the list? What they hope could be a $100 billion cut to Medicaid, a program that now covers nearly 1 in 5 Americans. Similarly, billionaire Elon Musk, with his shady "government efficiency" study group, has been eyeballing massive cuts to Veteran Affairs, as a way to cut taxes for rich people like himself. Those programs are incredibly popular, creating a political firewall that may tank the plans to lay waste to the health care of millions. But Trump and Musk's hostility to federal employees is already doing damage. On Thursday, Veterans Affairs was forced to issue an exemption from the White Houses federal hiring freeze for the department's health care positions after days of outrage and panic. In one of the more satisfying moments of the week, this reality was even felt by MAGA influencer John Basham, who took to Twitter to plead for the restoration of his wife's nursing job offer, which was initially rescinded by Trump's order. ATTENTION PLEASE HELP: @POTUS Trump & @SenTedCruz! My Wife Is A Nurse & Was Recently Hired By The VA. Our Home Is Packed Up, We Have A New Home, Have Spent Thousands To Move Our Family From Ft. Worth To Waco! Following Trump's Hiring Freeze EO, VA Rescinded Her Job Offer! My Wife pic.twitter.com/NeYtdflAhv John Basham (@JohnBasham) January 21, 2025 It's good to see someone who richly deserves it suffering so, but it, unfortunately, points to a larger issue: these hiring freezes will interfere with the lives of those who rely on federal funding. Not that Trump will care, no matter how much whining his voters do on Twitter. Trump also signed an executive order this week to terminate President Joe Biden's successful efforts to lower the prices of many common pharmaceutical drugs. The drug price move ties off the thread that ties Kennedy and Trump's views together: health care should be a privilege of the wealthy, and not a basic human right. Kennedy's vague words about healthy eating might sound good on paper. In practice, he's setting up a pretext to deny healthcare access to lower-income people, by saying they deserve to be sick because they supposedly didn't take care of themselves. It's why Kennedy is so hostile not just to vaccines, but any acknowledgement of infectious disease. It's a lot harder to blame the victim when the illness is caused by a virus. If he's confirmed to HHS, this attitude will prevail. The talk about healthy eating will almost certainly not translate into helping people access better food. It'll just be an excuse to blame people's "lifestyles" when public health declines on Kennedy's watch. ICT and the Associated Press Trump signed a memo Thursday directing his administration to help advance full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, a distinction that would unlock access to federal funds. This is a great step for the new administration and we encourage Congress to move forward with codifying this policy of President Trump toward full federal recognition of the Lumbee People, said Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress acknowledged the state-recognized tribe in 1956 but stopped short of giving the now 55,000-member tribe federal recognition, which has been granted to 574 other Native American tribes in the U.S. Along with federal funds, the designation comes with access to resources like health care through the Indian Health Service. It also creates a pathway for a tribe to secure a land base. Trumps memo directs the Department of the Interior, within 90 days, to provide a plan on how to get the Lumbee Tribe federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms. When Kamala Harris and Trump campaigned in North Carolina last year, both candidates courted the Lumbee. Trump in September promised that he would sign legislation to grant federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe. He ultimately won North Carolina by more than 3 percentage points, in part due to continued support from Lumbee voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tribal nations typically receive federal recognition through an application with the Department of the Interior, but the Lumbee have been trying for many years to circumvent that process by going through Congress. The Lumbee have faced deep-rooted opposition from tribal nations across the country. To gain federal recognition, a tribal nation has to file a successful application with the Office of Federal Acknowledgement, a department within the Interior. The Lumbee Tribe was denied the ability to apply for federal recognition in 1987, based on the interpretation of a 1956 congressional act that acknowledged the Lumbee but stopped short of granting them federal recognition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, the Interior reversed that decision, allowing the Lumbee Tribe to apply, but the Lumbee have opted for the congressional route. Members of Congress from both parties have supported recognizing the Lumbee through legislation, including Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a member of the Cherokee Nation who campaigned for Trump in North Carolina and backed the legislation. But perhaps the state-recognized tribes most ardent ally in Congress is North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who introduced the Lumbee Fairness Act in 2023. At one point about a century ago, the Lumbee were known as the Cherokee Indians of Robeson County, and for many years now all three Cherokee tribes the Eastern Band, the Cherokee Nation, and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians have denounced this and been vocal opponents of granting the Lumbee federal recognition. Donald Trump signed an executive order today to release more records related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, as well as those related to the killings of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. The JFK assassination has long been the subject of conspiracy theories, with long calls for the government to release remaining records that are still classified. More from Deadline The executive order gives the director of national intelligence and the attorney general, in coordination with the assistant to the president for national security affairs and the counsel to the president, 15 days to present a plan for the full release of the records. They will have 45 days to present a plan for the release of the Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have now determined that the continued redaction and withholding of information from records pertaining to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy is not consistent with the public interest and the release of these records is long overdue, Trump said in the executive order. And although no Act of Congress directs the release of information pertaining to the assassinations of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I have determined that the release of all records in the Federal Governments possession pertaining to each of those assassinations is also in the public interest. The JFK records were required by law to be released by 2017, but Trump accepted redactions for national security reasons. More records were released during Joe Bidens presidency, but there are still a trove a remaining records that are still classified. Larry Sabato, a Kennedy scholar and director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, told the AP that he estimated that about 3,000 records have not been released. Robert Kennedy Jr., Trumps nominee to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services, has long called for the release of the records. He has advanced the claim that the CIA was involved in his uncles assassination. John F. Kennedys grandson, Jack Schlossberg, posted a message on social media, JFK conspiracy theories The truth is a lot sadder than the myth a tragedy that didnt need to happen. Not part of an inevitable grand scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, Declassification is using JFK as a political prop, when hes not here to punch back. Theres nothing heroic about it. The Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 required that the records be publicly disclosed within 25 years, unless there were continued concerns over national defense, law enforcement or foreign policy harms that outweighed public disclosure. The law passed in part because of concerns that Oliver Stones JFK cast suspicions over the secrecy of previous investigations. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassins bullet ripped through my ear, said Donald Trump during his inauguration address on Monday. In the speech that lifted the curtain on his second term as US president, Trump was not always eloquent or focused. When it came to the attempt on his life in July last year, however, he seemed to speak from the heart. But I felt then, and believe even more so now, that my life was saved for a reason, he went on. I was saved by God to make America great again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crowd in the Capitol Rotunda cheered their approval. Amen could be heard above the applause. It continued a theme of divine providence he has been returning to since the attempt on his life. Im not supposed to be here, he told reporters soon after the incident. Im supposed to be dead. By luck or by God, many people are saying its by God Im still here. Religious leaders, too, have rallied around the idea of Trump as a leader with newly messianic qualities. Pastor Robert Jeffress, televangelist and senior pastor of the 14,000-member First Baptist Church, a megachurch in Dallas, Texas, gave an invocation before the candlelit inauguration dinner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thanked God for sparing President Trumps life so he could lead our great nation, he says. I consider it [the assassination attempt] to be a miracle that happened that God has given to America. Trump has made numerous references to God since his attempted assassination attempt - AFP Although not constitutionally enshrined, religion has always been central to presidential inaugurations, be they Republican or Democrat. Almost all presidents stop by St Johns, the Church of the Presidents, the Episcopal church opposite the White House, on their way to the Capitol building. For some it is a sincere opportunity to pray; for all, it is an opportunity to show they are taking their place in a long tradition. Trumps private trip on Monday was less eventful than his visit in 2020 when he was photographed holding a Bible aloft outside. Trumps faith is not straightforward. Every US president has been a Christian, but some more so than others. There is no doubting the devotion of the Southern Baptist Jimmy Carter or George W. Bush, whose Methodism helped him overcome his alcoholism. Barack Obamas faith sometimes felt expedient, and Richard Nixon lapsed somewhat from his devout Quaker childhood. Trumps upbringing was shaped by his familys Presbyterianism. Growing up in Queens, New York, he attended services with his parents, Fred and Mary. While Trump identifies as a Christian, however, he is no Bible-basher. In fact, some observers noted that Trump did not perform his swearing-in with his hand on a Bible. This broke from convention, including his first inauguration in 2017. Almost all presidents have been sworn in with their hand on a Bible, although Teddy Roosevelt did not after William McKinley was assassinated in 1901 and Lyndon B. Johnson, hurriedly sworn in on Air Force One after the assassination of JFK, used a Catholic prayer book found onboard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In most other respects, however, Trumps second inauguration felt more religious than his first. It began with invocations from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York, and the Rev Franklin Graham, son of the famous evangelist Billy Graham. Both men spoke at his first inauguration in 2017, too, but this time there was a more messianic quality to some of their comments. Dolan asked God to give Trump wisdom. Graham addressed the president directly. Mr. President, the last four years, there are times Im sure you thought it was pretty dark, but look what God has done, he said, adding: When Donald Trumps enemies thought he was down and out, you and you alone saved his life and raised him up with strength and power. Three other religious leaders, Rabbi Ari Berman, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, and the Rev Frank Mann, offered the benediction. As the inauguration coincided with Martin Luther King Day, there were several quotations and references to King. Trump infamously held a Bible outside St Johns Episcopal church in 2020 - AFP Trump has long understood the power of faith to win votes, especially Christian groups who have felt disenfranchised by other recent administrations. During his first run at the White House, he went out of his way to court religious leaders, such as the televangelist Paula White. It was not always a neat fit. Trump was a vulgar, philandering billionaire, who had been recorded saying you could grab [women] by the p- - - y. He had repeatedly been accused of sexual misconduct; later he would be found liable for sexual abuse. He misquoted the Bible and repeatedly said he had never asked for Gods forgiveness. Despite all this, White assured him and anyone else listening that God approved of his presidential ambitions. She gave the invocation at his first inauguration and is expected to be given a prominent role this time around, too. Other religious leaders have rallied around, too. During his campaign, Trump promised to fight anti-Christian bias. Graham expressed his hope that Trump would bring about an end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. The Rev Tony Suarez and the Rev Samuel Rodriguez, the vice-president and president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, urged Trump to take action on children and gender. Trump won widespread support from Latino voters. On his first day in office, he signed an executive order declaring that there were only male and female genders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some argue that Trumps faith is expedient and that the love-in with religious groups is purely transactional. After the inauguration, Massimo Faggioli, a professor of theology at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, told the Catholic News Agency that: The sycophancy of the US clergy that was on display at Trumps inauguration reminds me of Vladimir Putins Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church. We have gone from a national Christianity in the USA to a court Christianity, he added, in which the will of the emperor is law and the palace is full of false prophets. Jeffress dismisses these concerns. President Trump is not only a leader, hes a dealmaker, he says. He is transactional but thats not a criticism, its a style of leadership for him. I dont care how deeply someone feels about a particular matter, I care about the policies, and President Trump will work to improve the well-being of all Americans and reverse the death spiral for America that had occurred under the leadership of Joe Biden. While our country is built on the Judeo-Christian foundation, we welcome people of all faith and no faith. Fundamentally President Trump understands America welcomes religious liberties of all faiths. The legitimacy of Trumps faith is a source of debate amongst American Christians - Getty Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, Jeffress said that part of Trumps appeal was that he would leave the faithful to their own devices. I think what appeals to many evangelicals about Trump is they believe [he] will do effectively what [God] has commanded government to do, he said. God never commanded government to lead a spiritual revival in America. That is not the responsibility of government, its the responsibility of the church. The responsibility of government, according to Romans 13 and 1 Timothy 2, is to keep citizens safe from evildoers and leave Christians alone to practice their faith. Thats it. He adds that he believes Trumps second term will go amazingly well, and that people will be surprised at how much unity there will be. Still, not everyone is convinced by the presidents newfound zeal. I dont know if Trump really believes that God saved his life on that day, but he knows that his evangelical followersa significant part of his constituencybelieve this, says John Fea, a professor of history at Messiah University in Pennsylvania and author of Believe Me: The Evangelical Road to Donald Trump. [T]his kind of appeal to providence has a long history in the United States, he adds. Providence is normally used to advance the political ends of those who invoke it. But there has never been an inaugural address in which the president has claimed that God is using him for a particular purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the next four years we will see if Trumps appeal to evangelicals was simply contractual or if he really believes in their agenda for the country, he adds. George W. Bush promised a lot to evangelicals in his second term, but he did not deliver on much. Evangelicals were disappointed with him. So far, it looks like Trump is giving evangelicals what they want, especially in his claim that the official administrations position is that there are two genders and his promise to rid schools of woke ideas such as critical race theory. Evangelicals will keep their eye on how Trump deals with abortion. Many of them were not happy with his position that abortion decisions should be left up to the states. Prof John Fea says it remains to be seen if Trumps appeal to evangelicals was simply contractual - ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock There are risks in making such a personal religious appeal. The day after his inauguration, Trump attended a multi-faith service at Washington National Cathedral. There, he learned that politicised religion is not a one-way street. The Right Rev Mariann Budde, an Episcopal bishop, referenced Trumps newfound zeal before pleading for him to be merciful with minorities. You have felt the providential hand of a loving God, she said. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. She specified migrants, the vast majority of whom are not criminals and LGBTQ+ people. Trump was unfazed at the time, but later posted his disapproval on social media, calling Budde a Radical Left hard line Trump hater. She brought her church into the world of politics in a very ungracious way, he wrote. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bringing the church into politics and taking a nasty tone? Not on Donald Trumps watch. 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. KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's leading index, which provides an early indication of significant turning points in the business cycle and the direction of the economy in the near term, rose 2.5 percent year-on-year to 112.6 points in November 2024, official data showed Friday. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement that the double-digit increase in the Bursa Malaysia Industrial Index (24.6 percent) has been the main contributor. On a monthly basis, the leading index also showed a rebound of 1.1 percent after experiencing a decline for three consecutive months. Looking at the smooth long-term trend in November 2024, the leading index remains below the 100 points. "Although still below the trend, Malaysia's economy is expected to continue growing, supported by strong domestic demand and increasing semiconductor-related exports following a sustained global demand," the DOSM said. As for the current economic position, the coincident index maintained its positive growth by recording 1.9 percent, reaching 126.4 points. This performance reflects widespread improvement across all components of the coincident index. At the same time, the monthly performance of the coincident index marginally increased by 0.03 percent in November 2024. The federal governments Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report is arguably the closest thing we have to an early warning system for disease. In addition to summaries of new research findings, it includes essential information about outbreaks so that front-line professionals and officials know what to look out for and, eventually, how to respond. A 1981 edition contained the first reports of a mysterious virus, later identified as HIV, that was causing a lethal form of pneumonia in otherwise healthy young men. A report from 2014 had detailed information about an Ebola outbreak in Africa that would soon spread to the United States. And editions in early 2020 provided some of the earliest, most crucial data about COVID-19. The MMWR comes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which publishes it every Thursday. But as of Thursday evening, this weeks MMWR still hadnt appeared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is not an accident. In fact, it could be the first shot in President Donald Trumps war on government science. On Tuesday, just one day after Trump returned to the White House, the officials he has put in charge of the Department of Health and Human Services circulated a memo ordering staff to pause all communications until Feb. 2 unless reviewed and approved by a Presidential appointee. The memo first reported by The Washington Post and since obtainedbyotheroutlets, including HuffPost applies to the entire department and its agencies, including the CDC. And public communications isnt the only thing Trumps team has paused. Trump's anger toward federal health agencies dates back to 2020 and their arguments about COVID-19. He is seen here in April 2020, briefing reporters about the pandemic. The Washington Post via Getty Images The officials also put a temporary stop to meetings and travel, including for the outside advisory groups that make recommendations for funding grants from the National Institutes of Health. Many of the scholarsandscientists who serve on those panels said they heard about the stoppage just weeks or days before scheduled meetings or, in some cases, smack in the middle of meetings that were already taking place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exactly why the Trump administration has issued these orders isnt clear. The memo, which came from Dorothy Fink, the acting secretary for HHS, vowed, The Presidents appointees intend to review documents and communications expeditiously and return to a more regular process as soon as possible. HHS responded to HuffPosts request for comment with similar language. HHS has issued a pause on mass communications and public appearances that are not directly related to emergencies or critical to preserving health, a representative for the HHS Office of Public Affairs said in an email. This is a short pause to allow the new team to set up a process for review and prioritization. There are exceptions for announcements that HHS divisions believe are mission critical, but they will be made on a case-by-case basis. Several public health veterans told HuffPost that prior administrations had also imposed pauses upon taking office. But these sources said they could not recall a halt to communication set to last so long or one that was nearly as sweeping. I could understand pausing more political or policy-related communications, Sam Bagenstos, a University of Michigan law professor who served as HHS general counsel under Joe Biden, told HuffPost. But keeping HHS career staff from publishing routine public health communications like the MMWR, particularly with the threat of widespread bird flu very much hanging over us, harms our public health response and is not at all normal. Trumps History With The CDC Its no secret that Trumps allies and lieutenants have promised radical changes throughout HHS, with special attention to agencies like the CDC and the NIH, which they have accused of misdirecting resources, mishandling outbreaks and engaging in too much woke activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This includes Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the lawyer and purveyor of vaccine misinformation whom Trump has appointed to lead HHS. He has talked about mass dismissals of career staff and shifting the focus of health agencies away from infectious disease. Statements like that are one reason to think these halts to communication and meetings arent the usual machinations of a presidential transition. Another reason is that something like this happened pretty recently specifically, the last time Trump was in charge. Back in 2020, as Trump was trying to downplay COVID-19, Politico first reported that political appointees were trying to retroactively revise MMWR reports they claimed exaggerated the threat from the pandemic. Politico also found that Trumps appointees tried to suppress findings skeptical of hydroxychloroquine, which the president had hyped as a COVID-19 treatment. COVID isnt getting much attention from scientists now, but the H5N1 bird flu is. The virus has infected poultry stocks around the country, along with a few human beings. This weeks delayed MMWR had information on the virus, according to The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bird flu symptoms in humans have generally been mild so far, and most of the people infected had direct exposure to birds. But one Louisiana man died, and tests later found evidence the virus could mutate, potentially enabling human-to-human transmission. Its precisely in situations like these, public health experts told HuffPost, that timely information about outbreaks matters most. The MMWR is one of the main ways the CDC tells the scientific community about infectious disease threats, said Joshua Sharfstein, who has served in a variety of local, state and federal public health positions and is a vice dean at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Its very important this information reaches the scientific community on time. If in fact theres information on H5N1, theres real urgency in telling people and the world what has happened, Sharfstein added. Kennedys Plans For NIH Delaying the meetings of NIH advisory committees could also have a significant impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NIH is the worlds largest public financier of biomedical research, with more than 80% of its $48 billion budget underwriting outside research in universities, medical centers and other laboratories. The meetings of its so-called study sections are a critical part of the process, because thats when outside scholars gather to review and recommend which funding applications to approve. The meetings can last a day or two and typically require coordination among more than a dozen busy scientists and scholars from different parts of the country. Chrystal Starbird, a biochemistry and biophysics professor at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, told HuffPost she learned via email yesterday that the NIH had canceled a meeting on cellular research grants. The email said the agency had no information about a makeup date, and Starbird thinks it will likely be weeks, or more likely months, before they can find one. Starbird, whose investigations of cell membranes have implications for the development of cancer and Alzheimers therapies, worries that this sudden wave of delays could have a domino effect, setting back the entire grant process in ways that will jeopardize the future of some research projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said labs that operate on bare-bones budgets or on grants about to expire could be in particular trouble because they dont have the resources to wait longer for money. If [HHS] came out today, [and said,] OK, were stopping the pause, that could be good, but to a certain extent significant damage has already been done, Starbird said. Kennedy, Trump's nominee to be secretary of Health and Human Services, walks to a meeting in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Jan. 08, 2025, in Washington. Kennedy has said he would make sweeping changes to the department if confirmed. Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images That possibility may not mean much to the Trump health appointees who have made no secret of their intentions to overhaul NIH. Nor does it seem to trouble outside critics of the agency like Vinay Prasad, a physician, podcaster and writer who has said the NIH fritters away too much money on useless research. Pausing NIH study sections is going to be fine, Prasad, a hematologist-oncologist at the University of California-San Francisco, wrote on his Substack newsletter, later referring to the researchers who serve on those study sections as mediocre scientists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But while even most NIH defenders think the agency needs reform, they say it still deserves a lot of credit for making the U.S. a worldwide leader in medical innovation a position, they warn, that actions like this weeks could jeopardize. Among those making that point was Starbird, who said she has a personal perspective on the value of medical innovation. My mother-in-law has late-stage lung cancer, and she is currently receiving a treatment that was just approved this past summer, and so just approved months ago, Starbird said. Even if it ends up being just a months delay, you could imagine if that drug in that pipeline had been delayed by months, my mother-in-law would not be getting the drug today. Related... UPDATE: The two suspects turned themselves in Friday. The viewer who was collecting the pledges is now asking that, in lieu of a reward being provided, they donate to fox-friendly wildlife centers, like Raven Ridge, Red Creek, and Pocono Wildlife. ORIGINAL STORY: LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) An abc27 viewer says local donors have collected more than $9,300 in reward pledges for anyone with tips that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the snowmobilers who ran over a red fox in Lebanon County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 22, 2025, The Pennsylvania Game Commission Southeast Region posted a video of two suspects harassing and running over a red fox with their snowmobiles for almost two hours in a field near the intersection of SR 501 and Locust Street in Heidelberg Township. Officials searching for snowmobilers who harassed, ran over red fox in Lebanon County field The video showed the suspects chasing down and hitting the lone fox with their vehicles. The fox was not found, and officials are unclear whether it died due to injuries sustained during the incident or was taken by the suspects. Photo of snowmobilers terrorizing red fox in Lebanon County provided by PA Game Commission Photo of snowmobilers terrorizing red fox in Lebanon County provided by PA Game Commission The community has now come together in hopes of identifying and holding the two suspects accountable for their actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One abc27 viewer said the community is very angry and has collected more than $9,300 in award money to give to the first person with information that will lead to the arrest. One suspect was pictured riding a black snowmobile with yellow skis and wearing black pants, a black and gray jacket, and a silver metallic helmet. The other suspect, riding a black and white snowmobile, wore fluorescent orange pants, a black jacket, and a black helmet. Both suspects are believed to be locals in the area. Additionally, anyone with information on the incident is asked to report it to the Pennsylvania Game Commissions Southeast Region at 1-833-PGC-HUNT or the Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-888-PGC-8001 or online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) The Dorchester County Sheriffs Office released an update on road conditions detailing they responded to over 80 weather-related incidents since Tuesday. Deputies say road conditions are improving but black ice still persists in areas of Dorchester County. Since the start of the winter storm, the Dorchester Sheriffs Office reports they responded to 84 weather-related incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Sam Richardson expressed his gratitude to government agencies and community partners who have helped the county during its state of emergency. We are incredibly grateful for all our partners, especially Dorchester County Government, Dorchester County Emergency Management Department, South Carolina Department of Transportation, Oconee County Government, municipal governments, and community partners, said Sheriff Richardson. This storm has shown that when we work together in strong collaboration, we can overcome any obstacles in our path. I especially want to thank our deputies for spending countless hours away from their families, protecting and serving our citizens. We encourage everyone to continue exercising caution while traveling. On Thursday, the county reported that many of its roadways had 1 to 2 inches of ice. Dorchester deputies at the time had responded to 41 incidents since Tuesday. Please be patient as we work around the clock to restore normalcy. For everyones safety, stay home and keep our first responders safe, said Sheriff Richardson. 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. DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) Officials said that after the filing of Missy Woods felony charges, re-trials and multiple strains on the justice system could be next. Woods, the former Colorado Bureau of Investigation DNA analyst, had her first court appearance Thursday morning. This comes after she was charged with 102 felonies related to alleged tampering and excluding of DNA evidence. There are 58 cases impacted, ranging from homicides to robberies to sexual assaults and sexual assaults on children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woods posted her $50,000 cash bond on Thursday afternoon. Former CBI forensic scientist faces judge in front of impacted families For whats next, FOX31 spoke with Douglas County District Attorney George Brauchler on how the alleged tampering has already affected a homicide case in his jurisdiction. He said his first thought went to the victims and their families of those 58 cases. To hear that somebody that was involved in such a pivotal way with evidence, that in many cases because the lynchpin for conviction, cut corners or did things that call in the veracity of that evidence, thats tough, thats rough. That angst thats created by something like this is kind of incalculable, Brauchler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said resources should be expected to be stretched thin as those who have been convicted have a chance for a re-trial. Constitutional claims on cases such as these have no time limit. Within Douglas County, and most likely other jurisdictions, theyre currently going back and looking at cases where DNA evidence went through Woods, and it already affected one murder conviction last week. It was a case that wouldve, couldve, shouldve gone to trial on first-degree murder resulting in life in prison without the possibility of parole, or potentially the death penalty, and the sheriff pointed out back in the day. But instead, we had to carve out a deal for this murderer because the evidence got tainted by Missys involvement with it, Brauchler said. Former CBI forensic scientist, Yvonne Missy Woods, facing 102 felony charges And its not just creating a potential backlog with these affected cases but with future cases. Brauchler said it creates the opportunity for doubt with DNA testing and the judicial system as a whole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woods is set to make her next court appearance on Feb. 20 for her preliminary hearing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. ASSYRIA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) A Dowling-area man has been charged with murder after police say he strangled his uncle. John Branham, 26, was arraigned Friday on a count of open murder as a second-time habitual offender in the death of Terry Lee Traister II, the Barry County Prosecutors Office said. Michigan State Police said a relative of Branham and Traister called 911 around 2:45 p.m. Thursday to report a domestic assault in the home the two shared on Lacey Road near North Avenue in Assyria Township. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time troopers arrived, Traister was not breathing, MSP said. Crews tried to save him, but he died at the scene. Police say a preliminary autopsy determined Traister had been strangled. Branham was arrested. Court records show he previously served jail time in Barry County for domestic violence. At arraignment Friday, his bond was set at $1 million. Hes expected back in court Feb. 5 for his next hearing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Jan. 24A longtime Clements rancher has been arrested on animal cruelty charges after dozens of dead horses were found on her property. The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office said it served a search warrant on Jan Johnson's Clements ranch as part of an ongoing criminal neglect investigation on Wednesday. During a search of multiple properties, deputies and animal service officers found several malnourished horses with limited access to any food or water. Investigators also found 27 dead horses, reports state. Animal services officers and veterinarians who were at the scene immediately began to triage and evaluate the condition of the horses. After thorough assessments, 16 horses were rescued and are now under the care of Oakdale Equine Rescue, reports state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four horses and a bull had to be euthanized due to their extreme neglect. Additional animals were still being evaluated due to the size of Johnson's property, reports state. Johnson, 63, was arrested on suspicion of cruelty to an animal, threatening a public official, making criminal threats and possession of a short-barrel shotgun. She was released from San Joaquin County Jail later in the day, according to inmate records. "We are committed to protecting the welfare of all animals in our community and will continue to investigate this matter," the Sheriff's Office said. In a social media post Wednesday, Oakdale Equine Center said it had received more than 60 horses. The center received another 60 on Thursday, it said, adding that it had received hundreds of texts and phone calls to adopt the animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the horses are the property of San Joaquin County Animal Control Services, not the center. "We are getting calls at all hours of the night asking if the horses are available and requesting/demanding information about them," the center said. "This is not okay. It severely impacts our time of rest before getting up in the morning to insure that all of the horses are tended to." The center said it would not be answering phone calls or texts for the time being. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 209-468-4400. This is not the first time Johnson has been arrested on abuse or cruelty charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2006, she was arrested on suspicion of 42 charges of financial elder abuse after she began taking care of an 83-year-old woman three years prior. The woman, who lived at a Lockeford residence owned by Johnson and her husband, had more than $300,000 and was down to $289 at the time of the arrest, according to News-Sentinel archives. Sheriff's Office investigators believed Johnson took about $160,000 of the woman's money to purchase horses, saddles, feed and other supplies for the Legacy Farms ranch. She also also hired some ranch hands with the money, investigators said. According to the San Joaquin County Superior Court, the case was disposed in 2008. In 2015, Johnson owned the La Strada 88 restaurant and offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the fire that destroyed it the previous year. The Italian restaurant, located at 18938 E. Highway 88, was heavily damaged in a fire that started the evening of Sept. 8, 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clements Fire District crews responded to the blaze at about 11:30 p.m. that evening, just two hours after the restaurant had closed for the night. The entire 23,000-square-foot brick building was damaged in the blaze, and the roof had been caved in. No one was injured in the incident. Johnson, a Lodi native, opened the restaurant in the early summer of 2013 after taking seven months to restore the structure that was built in the late 1800s. The building was the former home of Clements Feed and Fuel, which closed in 2010. Johnson at the time pledged to rebuild the restaurant and be open by the fall of 2015, but the building has remained damaged and vacant since the fire. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Two officers and another person were hurt after a driver crashed on Sumner Ave in Springfield on Friday. Springfield Police Department spokesperson, Ryan Walsh told 22News, She pulled out onto Belmont Ave, crashed into a vehicle. Went down Commonwealth Ave, came back, struck a cruiser. That is when a driver crossed through the X, miraculously not hitting any cars before crashing into the Caring Health Center on Sumner Avenue in Springfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers tried to stop her, said Walsh. She struck two officers, one had his leg pinned against a cruiser for a short period of time. The other officer was struck inside their cruiser. The woman then allegedly continued to drive at a high speed in reverse before crashing into the Caring Health Center again. Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte told 22News one person who was inside the building at the time was injured. Springfield police cruiser hit by gunfire, suspects arrested following chase She then drove down lower Belmont Avenue, hitting multiple other cars. Walsh said officers were eventually able to get her out of the car and place her under arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver was brought to Baystate for evaluation and all three people injured including the two officers are expected to be ok. Police are still investigating the reason behind the womans destructive driving. 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. DENVER (KDVR) A driver is uninjured after a rollover crash onto a frozen lake in Lakewood on Thursday morning. The driver of an SUV went off C-470 just before 10 a.m., according to West Metro Fire Rescue, and ended up in Bear Creek Lake Park. Want to walk, skate or drive on ice after hard freeze? Check these tips before going out The SUV landed on its side on the frozen Soda Lake. Thankfully, the driver was not injured and the SUV did not drop through the ice, the agency said in a post on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Metro Fire Rescue shared photos from the scene on social media: WMFR crews mitigated an oil spill and hooked up the vehicle, and a tow truck pulled it back on its wheels and off the ice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Drones have attacked strategic facilities in Russia, including hitting an oil refinery in Ryazan and targeting the Kremny El plant in Bryansk, which produces components for Russian weapons. Source: Andrii Kovalenko, Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, on Telegram Quote: "Strategic Russian facilities were hit in Ryazan, including an oil refinery. The Kremmy El plant was attacked again in Bryansk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Kovalenko noted that the oil refinery that was attacked is one of the key facilities in Russia's oil industry, supplying fuel to both the civilian sector and the Russian defence industrial base. . Telegram pic.twitter.com/U7Z12KPrcP (@ukrpravda_news) January 24, 2025 "[The refinery] produces fuel for military vehicles, aircraft fuel, diesel fuel and other petroleum products used in tanks, planes, ships and other Russian military equipment," Kovalenko explained. The Kremmy El plant manufactures microelectronics for missile systems, the Pantsir air defence system, Iskander missiles, as well as for radar systems, electronic warfare systems and Russian drones. "It was at least the third attack on this facility by unknown drones," Kovalenko concluded. Background: Drone attacks were reported in several Russian oblasts on the evening of 23 January, including explosions near the Ryazan Oil Refinery. On the morning of 24 January, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed that they had destroyed 121 drones that had attacked 11 Russian oblasts, the city of Moscow and temporarily occupied Crimea during the night. Support UP or become our patron! SYDNEY, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Exposing mammals bred in captivity to natural predators before releasing them into the wild can improve their chances of survival, Australian research has found. In a study published on Friday by the University of Western Australia (UWA), researchers looked at how to boost the survival of animals bred in conservation reserves when released into the wild. Threatened mammals in Australia are commonly bred in conservation havens free of predatory foxes and cats before they are released into wild populations. Natasha Harrison, lead author of the study from UWA and the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, said that earlier research found that animals bred in the havens lost the traits they need to detect and escape predators. In the new study, the team investigated if exposing woylies -- small kangaroo-like animals native to Australia -- to a native predator inside the havens would help them keep their anti-predator traits. "The great news is that it did. We found that woylies that were in havens with chuditch were much more predator-savvy than woylies in havens with no predators," Harrison said. The team released woylies that were in havens with predators and wild-bred woylies into an area with cats and foxes and monitored their survival over a 10-month period. Harrison said that the survival rates were the same, indicating that exposure to chuditch maintained the anti-predator traits. Study co-author Nicki Mitchell from UWA and non-governmental organization the Biodiversity Council said that the study's findings could improve the success of Australia's mammal conservation strategies. MILWAUKEE COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) During a recent investigation conducted by a Drug Task Force in Wisconsin, authorities seized guns, body armor, MDMA, and cocaine over multiple search warrants. A Facebook post from the Waukesha County Sheriffs Department states that an investigation conducted by the Waukesha County Drug Task Force led to search warrants in Milwaukee County. 51-year-old Green Bay man arrested for fifth OWI offense Waukesha County Sheriffs Department Authorities say the investigation led to the seizure of handguns, ammunition, body armor, suspected MDMA, suspected cocaine, a scale, an undisclosed amount of cash, and a money counter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was noted that information gathered through Waukesha County investigations led to the Milwaukee County search warrants. 21-year-old Wisconsin man arrested on arson suspicions after being seen at location that caught on fire The Waukesha County Drug Task Force is made up of personnel from the Waukesha County Sheriffs Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Village of Menomonee Falls Police Department, Town of Oconomowoc Police Department, Village of Pewaukee Police Department, and Village of Summit Police Department. No other details were provided. 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Jan. 24JUNEAU Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy is proposing legislation that would shorten the window for early voting in statewide elections and make other changes to the way elections are conducted. The bill would require all mail ballots to be received by the Division of Elections by Election Day, altering statutes that have existed for decades. Currently, ballots must be postmarked by Election Day but can be received up to 10 days later for most voters, and 15 days after Election Day for overseas voters. The bill faced immediate criticism from an advocate for voting access in rural Alaska Native communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michelle Sparck, director of Get Out the Native Vote, an initiative seeking to increase turnout in predominantly Alaska Native communities, said Dunleavy's proposed change would amount to "a poll tax on residents off the road system." More than 50,000 voters cast absentee ballots by mail in the recent general election. Most of those were received by the Division of Elections on or before Election Day, but more than 4,000 valid absentee ballots were received and counted by election workers in the following two weeks, according to data from the division. Dunleavy's bill, which was introduced in the House and Senate on Wednesday, would also close in-person early voting five days prior to Election Day. More than 73,000 Alaskans voted early in the most recent general election, including more than 15,000 who cast their early ballots in the five days preceding the election. In a letter to lawmakers, Dunleavy said the bill would "improve election efficiency and integrity." However, some lawmakers appeared skeptical of some parts of the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Bill Wielechowski, an Anchorage Democrat who is working on his own election legislation, said parts of Dunleavy's bill would disenfranchise voters and have a disproportionate impact on voters who already face challenges in casting their ballots. Sparck said in a written statement Thursday that voters in communities off the road system "are already at the mercy of time, geography and weather" when they mail in their ballots, even given the current deadlines. Dunleavy said in a news conference on Wednesday that his election bill is "a starting point" and he planned to "continue this discussion" on election reform with lawmakers when he traveled to Juneau on Friday. The tighter early voting deadlines could make it possible for election officials to finalize election results soon after Election Day, rather than waiting 15 days to count all absentee ballots as has long been required under Alaska's statutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These time frames have been in place literally for decades, but the appetite for wanting to know things right away has increased exponentially," Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher said in a presentation to the House and Senate state affairs committees on Thursday. Early and by-mail voting has grown in popularity across the country, including in Alaska, since the coronavirus pandemic, when voters turned to it amid social distancing requirements during the 2020 election. During Thursday's hearing, Beecher said the division had not been prepared for the soaring popularity of early voting in the November election, leading voters to wait more than two hours to cast their ballots in the days leading up to the election. The increased reliance on early voting options has raised concerns about access in rural parts of the state, where the postal service is less reliable and where early in-person voting opportunities are limited or altogether nonexistent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moving up the deadline for ballots to arrive at election offices would have a disproportionate impact on rural voters because it often takes longer for their ballots to travel from far-flung villages to the Division of Elections offices, which are located in urban parts of the state. Turnout in rural Alaska is already lower than in most urban parts of the state. Dunleavy is also proposing authorizing the Division of Elections to conduct all-mail voting in communities with 750 people or less. The provision, first proposed by former Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer in 2021, would allow the division to automatically send ballots to voters by mail when it is unable to find poll workers in small communities. The Division of Elections has repeatedly failed to open polling locations in some small villages on Election Day when poll workers did not show up and others couldn't be recruited on time. Sparck said that moving to all-mail elections in small villages "seems highly contrary to reversing our unique election integrity issues." She pointed to a by-mail special election in June 2022, when thousands of ballots disproportionately from rural precincts were rejected by election workers because of technical errors like missing witness signatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dunleavy's proposal comes as lawmakers this year have identified election reform as a key priority. Wielechowski said Thursday that though he disagreed with the governor's proposals curtailing early and absentee voting deadlines, he approved of some of the governor's other proposals and would include some of them in his own legislation. Wielechowski is set to advocate for election-related measures that Dunleavy did not include in his bill, including removing a witness signature requirement on absentee ballots. The witness signature requirement led to the disqualification of more than 500 ballots in the recent general election. Beecher said Thursday that the Division of Elections does not verify the validity of the witness signature, meaning that ballots are regularly rejected when a witness signature is missing, but ballots would not be rejected if they had fabricated a witness signature. Wielechowski is also set to propose a ballot-curing provision that would allow voters to correct technical mistakes on their ballots if they are identified ahead of Election Day. Such a process already exists for Anchorage municipal elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wielechowski said he agreed with a provision in Dunleavy's bill that would allow the state to pay for postage on absentee ballots. In the recent election, Alaskans needed $1.46 of postage to mail their ballots. Nineteen states already pay for postage on absentee ballots. Sparck said she supported legislative efforts to "lengthen early voting and registration opportunities" and eliminate the witness signature requirement. She said she also supported Dunleavy's proposal for covering the cost of absentee ballot postage and for increasing the pay of election workers. Dunleavy is also proposing to repeal a popular provision adopted by Alaska voters in 2016 allowing voters to be registered automatically when they apply for the Permanent Fund dividend. Thousands of new voters were added to the rolls and cast their ballots in the elections that have occurred since the provision went into effect. Beecher said that the division sought to eliminate the system because it was "very expensive." The total cost for the system has varied from year to year, but averaged less than $230,000 annually between 2018-2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sparck said that leaving automatic voter registration to the Division of Motor Vehicles is "astoundingly prohibitive" because residents of rural parts of the state are less likely to obtain driver's licenses or state identification cards. Wielechowski said he opposed the elimination of automatic voter registration through the dividend application. But he said he wanted to pursue other changes to state laws to ensure that the state's voter rolls remain up-to-date. A hearing on the governor's election bill was expected in the Senate State Affairs Committee later this month. PARAMUS, N.J. (PIX11) A 2.4-magnitude earthquake was recorded near Paramus, New Jersey on Friday afternoon, according to the USGS. The earthquake was recorded just after 1 p.m. at a depth of about 7.7 kilometers (4.7 miles). More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Over 740 people reported feeling light shaking to the USGS as of 5 p.m. The earthquake was reportedly felt as far away as New Milford, Connecticut, which is about 55 miles from the epicenter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People on social media said they could feel the earthquake in parts of New York as well, including in the Bronx and Yonkers. I felt it in my house. Im in Westchester County!!! I thought it was my washer cause I put in a fat quilt, one Instagram user told PIX11 News. If you felt the earthquake, you can report it by clicking here. An earthquake was recorded near Paramus, New Jersey on Jan. 24, 2025, according to the USGS. Northern New Jersey was rattled by a series of earthquakes and aftershocks following a 4.8-magnitude earthquake that could be felt in New York City and as far away as Boston and Philadelphia on April 5, 2024. Roughly 42 million people felt the earthquake, according to the USGS. While damage from the earthquake was minor, it was the biggest earthquake to occur in the region since a 5.2-magnitude earthquake near Brooklyn in 1884. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a report released in October, researchers said the April 5 earthquake displayed peculiar behavior that raises questions about the potential threat of future earthquakes in the region. Based on existing models, the earthquake shouldve done substantial damage at its epicenter near Tewksbury, but it didnt, according to researchers. The researchers said the earthquake shook New York City harder than expected. They also said the earthquakes shaking traveled strangely far, extending all the way to Virginia and Maine. This is a developing story. Please refresh the page for updates. This story comprises reporting from PIX11s Mira Wassef and Finn Hoogensen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lauren Cook is a digital journalist who has covered local news in the New York City area for over a decade. She has been with PIX11 since 2020. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The Emergency Operations Center for East Baton Rouge Parish is set to deactivate Friday, days after a winter storm brought freezing temperatures and historic snow. Baton Rouge got the largest snowfall in over a century, with the National Weather Service officially recording 7.6 inches of snow. Mayor-President Sid Edwards announced that the EOC would be deactivated Friday afternoon after five days and thanked residents for following local leaders orders and advice during the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to thank the community first and foremost, were going to start with them. Folks were outstanding. You know, there was a lot of questions about curfew or not. We didnt have to do a curfew. The grown people in Baton Rouge knew what to do and how to act and they came through like shining stars for sure, Edwards said. The mayor-president also thanked Gov. Jeff Landry for his wisdom and guidance during the winter storm. Louisiana plumbers work overtime to fix plumbing line breaks after winter storm All major state highways in the Baton Rouge area were reopened as of Friday morning after weather conditions forced roads to close starting Tuesday due to snow and ice. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. TYLER, Texas (KETK) An East Texas man was given a life sentence on Tuesday after being found guilty of street gang activity in connection to the murder of Brandon Edwards on Wednesday. Second person dies in Longview house fire Kevin Dale Higgins, 58, was sentenced for his role as president of the Ugly Man Cossacks gang. He was arrested in April for allegedly giving orders to an outlaw motorcycle gang that led to the death of Edwards in May 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tyler PD arrests man in connection to deadly apartment complex shooting Edwards was identified as a Sergeant at Arms of a local 1%er Cossacks an outlaw motorcycle gang chapter. According to the affidavit, the rivalry between the gangs stemmed in part, from each club claiming to be the real Cossacks.' Chad Crowell, who was also arrested in April 2024 for his involvement in Edwards death is awaiting is trail that is set for March 31. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK) An East Texas woman has been arrested after a Thursday traffic stop revealed she reportedly had meth and hydrocodone in her truck. According to the Henderson County Sheriffs Office, officers including a K-9 unit, conducted a traffic stop at around 5:45 p.m. in the 6200 block of Clear Creek Road in Mabank on a black Dodge Ram truck driven by Natasha Ann Longbine. Children discover mothers body after fatal shooting at Tyler apartment, records reveal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the traffic stop, an open air sniff of the vehicle was conducted by K-9 Valco who gave a positive alert for narcotics, initiating a search of the vehicle. Mugshot of Natasha Ann Longbine, courtesy of the Henderson County Sheriffs Office. During the search, deputies and investigators were informed by Natasha that she was concealing hydrocodone on her person, the police department said. As the search continued Deputy Rodriguez located suspected marijuana inside of the vehicle. Texarkana man arrested after 800 files of suspected child pornography traced back to him An officer witnessed Longbine lean on the front passenger side of the vehicle and reach into the patrol vehicles wheel wells. Officers then found a small black zipper bag with a large amount of suspected methamphetamine and baggies used for packaging and distraction of narcotics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longbine was arrested for manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a dangerous drug, possession of marijuana and tampering or fabricating with physical evidence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. GROVEPORT, Ohio (WCMH) Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools have been without dozens of key staff members for weeks now. Close to 30 workers are on strike amid a contract dispute over pay. Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools serves more than 2,200 students across 16 school districts in central Ohio. The local chapter of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE), which represents maintenance workers, custodians, cooks and IT staff, has been on strike since Jan. 7, marching for better pay. Record amount of volunteers helps to better understand homelessness in central Ohio Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A statement from Board of Education President Bill McGowan reads: The Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools Board of Education and OAPSE #686 have been in contract negotiation since May concerning Eastland-Fairfield classified staff including custodians, cafeteria personnel, and building IT staff. Members of the union voted unanimously to strike after negotiations ended with both sides rejecting each others offers in December. Sean Dahl is the field representative for the local union. The employer needs us and were not coming back until we get a fair deal, Dahl said. Dahl said the district has canceled school five times since the strike, a few of those times due to weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio death penalty may be reintroduced at Statehouse Then another time, they claimed that the electric was out in the building and another time they claimed that the building flooded, Dahl said. These things couldve been prevented if you had the proper staff in there and they chose not to have them. According to Eastland-Fairfield spokesman Ryan Gasser, the board has acted in good faith, agreeing to eight of the nine fact-finding recommendations from a third party. Gasser said they recognized changes need to be made to their cooks compensation package; however, they have not been able to reach an overall agreement with OAPSE #686 members on compensation. Starting wage for cooks is $16.50 an hour. Were proposing $18 an hour for cooks but the scabs they brought in are making $28.85 per hour, Dahl said. We have that in a public records request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board is proposing a 3% raise which Dahl said is not enough. A lot of people had high regard for this career center, but seeing the way management acts and how they have this good enough for us, not good enough for the people that work below us kind of mentality has not been good, its not been well received by the locals, Dahl said. The administration rejected the fact-finding mediation which found the unions request for a wage increase should actually be higher. Ohio House adopts new rules that some say dampen transparency According to Gasser, salaries rank within the top 25% of its 16 partner districts. He said Eastland-Fairfields goal is to maintain compensation within the top 33% of its partner districts. Additionally, he said they have consistently and uniformly applied all items and increases negotiated by teachers to all staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve had a habit of only doing 3% raises for years with no step increases, Dahl said. Therefore, all the districts around are getting steps plus 3% or plus 5% so theyre so far behind now. Dahl said the more involvement they get from the community, the better. The local union is urging people to continue emailing and calling the school board as well as the district administration. This is why I do this for a living, Dahl said. These people deserve it. I used to be a school employee. I worked for Whitehall City Schools for 13 years before being recruited by the union and Ive been doing this now for about 12, but extremely passionate about it and all I wish for is that employers would treat their employees correctly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) The snow has melted and doors are finally open at the Northwest Florida Beach International Airport. The cancellation of flights started Tuesday evening and continued through Thursday morning. The airport officially opened up around noon on Thursday. However, airport officials say the public started pouring in around 10:00 a.m. to get checked in and the airport has been busy since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drone footage of Downtown Panama City after effects of winter snow storm The unprecedented winter storm affected every airport in the Panhandle as well as major hubs for connecting flights in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, and Nashville, creating a domino effect of delays. Airport officials say they are still in the recovery process. I think that for the next two days, were going to have some, have some. Its all based on flight-to-flight activity. So as the airlines are reinstating flights and getting recovery flights in that will be everything that happens. So well just keep an eye on that, ECP Airport Executive Director Parker McClellan said. McClellan says if you have a flight coming up the best thing you can do is check the airport website for updated information or call your airline carrier if you are having issues. 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 mypanhandle.com. (Bloomberg) -- Ecuador President Daniel Noboas chances for a first-round victory in Februarys presidential vote appear to be fading due to a bump in support for a third candidate, according to a new poll. Most Read from Bloomberg Data in pollster Comunicalizas most recent poll imply a rematch between the president and socialist candidate Luisa Gonzalez in an April run-off. They last faced one another in the October 2023 out-of-cycle election won by Noboa for an interim, 18-month term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With 89% of voters decided, a runoff looks likely though in Ecuador, anything can happen, Comunicaliza CEO Alvaro Marchante said in a telephone interview. He polled 2,782 voting-age Ecuadorians in the Jan. 20-22 survey that had a margin of error of +/-1.86% and 95% confidence level. While Noboas voting intent for the Feb. 9 general elections edged 0.8 percentage point higher to 36.9% in Comunicalizas online poll, gains by anti-graft activist Andrea Gonzalez no relation to Luisa after a strong performance in Sundays presidential debate likely put a first-round win by Noboa out of reach. The impact is mostly statistical as Noboa widened his lead over Luisa Gonzalez, who dropped 0.6 point to 32.4%. Andrea Gonzalez meanwhile rose to 4.1%, putting her at a distant third. The poll showed Noboa in the lead for the runoff, with 40.4% compared with Luisa Gonzalezs 35.6%, 13.3% planning to submit a voided or blank ballot, and 10.8% undecided. Andrea Gonzalezs bump however changed the outlook for first-round valid votes as under Ecuadorian electoral law, blank or spoiled ballots arent counted. Assuming a proportional distribution of undecided votes, Noboas share of valid votes in the poll dropped to 45.7% from 47.3% in Comunicalizas previous poll taken Jan. 8-11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Ecuadors election rules, a candidate needs more than 50% of the valid vote, or at least 40% with a 10-point lead over the runner up. No polls may be published later than Jan. 29. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Jan. 23An effort by Missouri lawmakers to correct an injustice deserves support. Currently, those who were wrongfully imprisoned in Missouri but later found to be innocent through DNA evidence are eligible for $50 per day of post-conviction restitution, which is $18,250 a year. This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement kAm%9@D6 7C665 7@C 2?J @E96C C62D@? :? |:DD@FC: 2C6 ?@E 6=:8:3=6 7@C 4@>A6?D2E:@? 7@C E96 J62CD 2?5 D@>6E:>6D 564256D E96J DA6?E :? 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(Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua) KATHMANDU, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition of 60 woodblock Chinese New Year paintings was inaugurated here on Friday, offering a glimpse into the celebration of the Spring Festival in China. On display are select collections of New Year paintings of Old Jiaochang, centered around Shanghai's Old City God Temple. Known for their innovative themes and exquisite craftsmanship, the paintings uniquely reflect the blend of traditional Chinese customs and Western culture during the late 19th century. Each of these paintings from the Shanghai History Museum has bright and intense colors, delicate and vivid lines, and rich and diverse themes, ranging from myths and legends to secular life, and from opera stories to auspicious patterns, showing the wisdom and creativity of the Chinese people and conveying profound connotations of traditional Chinese culture, noted Zhou Qunhua, head of the museum. The exhibition, jointly hosted by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism and China Cultural Center in Nepal at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, is open to the public till Jan. 31. The exhibition offers a glimpse into Shanghai's cultural lifestyle, Naradmani Hartamchhali, the academy's chancellor, spoke at the opening ceremony. He voiced appreciation for the opportunity to "see the beauty of Shanghai through arts," adding "Let's plan for mutual cultural visits in the coming days." "We are happy to note that China's unprecedented progress in recent decades comes from its rich cultural heritage and is deeply rooted in history and yet alive with the vibrancy of changing times," said Sujata Koirala, Nepal's former deputy prime minister and foreign minister. "They echo the joys, hopes and aspirations of generations, reminding us that art and culture have the unique power to promote development, transcend boundaries and unite us in shared human experiences," she stressed at the opening ceremony. Wang Xin, a counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, attended the opening ceremony. On the occasion, the production of a woodblock New Year painting was showcased. A visitor tries to make a woodblock Chinese New Year painting at an exhibition in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 24, 2025. An exhibition of 60 woodblock Chinese New Year paintings was inaugurated here on Friday, offering a glimpse into the celebration of the Spring Festival in China. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua) A visitor looks at Chinese New Year paintings at an exhibition in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 24, 2025. An exhibition of 60 woodblock Chinese New Year paintings was inaugurated here on Friday, offering a glimpse into the celebration of the Spring Festival in China. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua) Sujata Koirala (4th R), Nepal's former deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Wang Xin (3rd R), a counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, and other guests attend the opening ceremony of a woodblock Chinese New Year paintings exhibition in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 24, 2025. An exhibition of 60 woodblock Chinese New Year paintings was inaugurated here on Friday, offering a glimpse into the celebration of the Spring Festival in China. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua) After Logansport Mayor Chris Martin estimated the citys population increased about 20 to 30 percent over the past five years during a meeting last fall, the panic alarm began ringing for many. National media and some fringe online outlets began to descend on the town, placing focus on immigration and the recent surge in the Haitian population. While the sharp increase certainly brings legitimate concerns, much of the attention from outsiders was one sided and adding to the panic. Throughout this time of heightened attention for the city, one person never gave these outsiders what they were looking for. As some media sought to confirm the doom and gloom and unfounded rumors, Logansport Community School Corporation superintendent Michele Starkey had a different response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her bring it on attitude and common sense approach led to her being awarded the Spirit of the City award last week at the annual State of the City & County Address luncheon presented by the Cass County Chamber of Commerce. Welcoming foreign students is nothing new for the school corporation and Starkey is confident in the structure set up in handling surges. Logansport Mayor Chris Martin, who selected Starkey for the award, applauded the way she handled the extra attention. This could have been a major distraction for our students and teachersit could have made anyone involved want to stay back and hide and hope it blows over, Martin said at the luncheon. But Michele Starkey didnt do that. Michele doesnt do that. She led. She stood up for her students and her staff. She really stood up for her entire community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starkey and her staff brought facts and competence to a situation that had tripped up political and education leaders across America. And from all accounts, its been business as usual all school year for LCSC. Starkey said she was shocked to receive the honor but that serving as superintendent was her calling. I not only love our school corporation but I love our city and community, she said. Our school district has to be the beacon within our community because we have great kids coming in and out of building every single day. Im so fortunate to have great staff members. Im just the person at the top. Everyone else are the ones out there doing the work. Its my job to make sure that those people are supported to do the best they can for our kids because thats what every single one of our kids deserve. Thats what builds a great community: a great school district and we will be able to have great kids come out into community. Starkey has often said she views the kids at LCSC as her own, and it shows in her actions. And the community is fortunate to have her leadership. When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in late August 2005, it took Congress just a few days to approve $10.5 billion in federal disaster aid at President George W. Bushs request. Lawmakers cleared another $51.8 billion less than two weeks later. There certainly were questions about what the state of Louisiana had or hadnt done to protect its most populous city from such a disaster, as well as the response afterward. But President Bush and Congress didnt indulge in such second-guessing before doing their immediate best to provide as much financial help as possible in Louisianas desperate time of need. And there wasnt even a whisper of using the disaster as a means of extracting policy concessions from members of the other party. Louisianans were fellow Americans and needed help immediately. Period. So the talk among President Donald Trump and some fellow Republicans in Congress of attempting to find points of leverage in what will be a monumental recovery effort from the wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles is, frankly, un-American. And it needs to stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking earlier this week on Sean Hannitys show, Trump said, I dont think we should give California anything until they let the water run down, referring apparently to a disputed narrative Trump has proffered that Californias water policies for the northern part of the state are depriving the southern half of water. Worse yet, House Speaker Mike Johnson, representing Louisiana itself, had the temerity to bluntly say he favored imposing conditions on help to California. There are natural disasters. Im from Louisiana. Were prone to that; we understand how these things work, he said. 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. There but for the grace of God, Mr. Speaker. Louisiana and New Orleans were accused of poor design of levees that were supposed to protect the city and failed. No one at the time said those mistakes should make aid contingent on various policy changes. We venture to say no one, in fact, even contemplated such a move. Americans were horrified at the human misery in New Orleans and wanted to do what they could to help, at least in the short term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they follow through on trying to extract concessions from political foes, Trump, Johnson and others will hurt regular people who have lost everything in the fires. Few will dispute that California needs to learn from the horrors L.A. is experiencing to gird against future wildfires. Theres been discussion, for example, of building homes with more fire-retardant materials, as well as consideration of changes in water policies. There has been plenty of reasonable criticism of local officials. Trump, Johnson and other Republicans can reasonably argue that Democrats who run Californias state government should do everything possible to prevent a recurrence and must be open to policy changes based on this experience. Theres no doubt that both Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass are paying a steep price in the court of public opinion in the Golden State and could well pay a severe political price in the future. Still, the federal aid should be given without strings attached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that, Trump and other critics have every right to weigh in on what California did wrong, both in the run-up to the fires and in the response. In fact, a truly bipartisan examination would be welcome and could help other states, primarily but not only in the American West, that deal regularly with wildfires. If the president called for that kind of response, reasonable people on the left and right would agree. California, of course, is the largest state in the nation and regularly garners outsize attention whatever the issue. Its also reliably blue and a frequent target for criticism from the right. Does that situation remind you of another state closer to home? Illinois has a stake in this battle as well. Natural disasters can happen anytime, anywhere, and they dont make exceptions for the ideological proclivities of the people in charge. Given Trumps frequent attacks on Chicago and Illinois and how this city and state are run, its not a stretch to imagine a scenario in which Trump would demand concessions say, on sanctuary-state and welcoming-city policies in return for desperately needed aid from, say, floods or a series of devastating tornadoes in heavily populated areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike the federal government, cities and states cant print their own money and have no choice under these circumstances but to seek help from Washington. Trumps nature, as hes demonstrated time and again in his political career and outlined in his book of long ago, The Art of the Deal, is to look for a negotiating advantage wherever he can find it. Its up to members of Congress, both Democratic and Republican, to reaffirm that power politics has no place in recovering from natural disasters. This country badly needs to find areas of bipartisan agreement and places in which we affirm our status as fellow citizens, whatever our political beliefs. Disaster aid to states strikes us as a good place to start. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. When your house is burning to the ground, its a profound relief to get loved ones out. But what if you couldn't get your pets your furry loved ones out? Spooked animals (especially cats) may bolt or hide during the chaos of a familys frantic departure. In other cases, no human was home to rescue the pets as fire swept through. Dozens or hundreds (or maybe more) people displaced by fires are still hoping to be reunited with hardy pets that survived. After the Eaton fire, the Pasadena Humane Society took in hundreds of animals as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and animal control officers helped find and evacuate pets as well as strays. That sort of speedy response is key, because pets in burned areas are at risk of starving, dying of thirst or being attacked by predators. In Pacific Palisades, few residents have been allowed into the area to search for pets. Nonprofit animal welfare groups with experienced animal rescuers, in general, have also not been allowed in to search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That must change. Now before it's too late and even more beloved pets are lost. In the wake of a disaster of this scale, municipalities scramble to marshal resources and coordinate offers of help. In Los Angeles, city officials made the decision to allow into evacuation zones only animal control and humane officers from Los Angeles Animal Services, the citys shelter system, and animal control officers from other local governments. According to Mayor Karen Bass spokesman, that was a law enforcement decision to keep residents safe. But residents are desperate to search for their animals, knowing that a scared, hiding cat or dog will recognize their voices and come to them. Many animals are likely to be wandering the ruins of their homes. Owners have turned to nonprofit animal welfare groups for help. Social Compassion, a nonprofit animal protection group (which has a separate lobbying arm) headed by Judie Mancuso, tried unsuccessfully to get an agreement a memorandum of understanding with the city to let their experienced rescue partners go into the burn areas. Its past time to let these folks search for pets. Two and half weeks since fire ravaged the Palisades, this mission is more urgent than ever. Mancuso is getting frantic calls from pet owners who expect the city to start bulldozing the area soon. But were still trying to get these animals that are left there out alive, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not that animal control officers arent doing a good job. Many have training in how to deal with disasters. They have been putting out water and feeding stations and looking for cats, dogs and horses, and even trying to protect koi ponds. Thats great. But most animals need to be evacuated. The city shelter system has made room for hundreds of fire evacuee animals. Nonprofit groups moved animals living in shelters before the fires to other cities. There is also a hotline that people with missing pets can call to leave information about the location of their home and the name of their pet, and people can submit photos to help with identification. Pet owners and animal welfare advocates say that owners initially werent getting much feedback or response, but that the system is working better now. The city could still use the help of animal rescuers with a history of corralling scared animals and expertise in how to set a humane trap, bait it with food and get a cat to walk in. These traps are often accompanied by a camera on the ground next to it and a remote connection so the rescuer can see what went in or brushed against the trap. Rescuers go in either with a resident or with a list of addresses and pets to look for. Sometimes they manage to get photos of cats they havent been able to catch yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lisa Kaas Boyle and her husband lost their house in the Palisades. Their cats, Blue and Vincent, were sighted, separately, and photographed by rescuers. I have already gone through the mourning process and decided I had lost everything. But then to be sent these photos, she said. I thought, Please just give me back those cats and well call it even. We shouldn't underestimate the profound importance of pets in people's lives. During Hurricane Katrina, nearly half of the people who refused to evacuate did so because they couldnt take their pets. In the wake of that disaster, Congress passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006, requiring the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make sure that local emergency plans include care and shelter for pets and other animals during a disaster. L.A.'s official response this month has been too slow and, so far, has failed to coordinate enough with nonprofit rescue organizations that are equipped to help in the fire zone. Some rescuers have unofficially slipped into the Palisades over the last couple of weeks. And sometimes the animal control officers on the scene have unofficially helped them. Thats terrific. They should all be working together. Rescuer Valarie Ianniello, who co-founded the animal welfare group Women United for Animal Welfare, says an animal control officer she got to know offered to replenish the food in one of her traps. And when a cat she was trying to find showed up in a trap, it was the animal control officer who called her and said, I have good news. Following protocol, the officer took the pet to a shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ianniello called the owner, who reunited at the shelter with his cat, Toasty, who is 22 years old and had survived 16 days since the Palisades fire started. These cats, Ianniello said, they really do have nine lives, right? 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Governor Kathy Hochul has brought plans forward for a proposed ban on smartphones in public schools. Its part of the governors State of the State Address, and if enacted, would be up to individual school districts to enforce. Jason Valenti has taught in Rochester city schools for more than 20 years, and has watched technology evolve within generations of students. When it comes to the governors plans to initiate a bell-to-bell ban on phones in the classroom, Valenti says hes on board with the statewide approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we left this to the individual districts, it would all fall down to the individual teacher to try to enforce this in the classroom. Were not the phone police. Were not here to educate students on technology in the freeform. Its a major distraction, said Valenti. He also explained the difference in phone use among grade levels and why a ban would be a positive change for student activity. Many of the children come with a device that is able to be used, but it doesnt have internet access. What Im hearing about the real problem is in the upper grades, where were having students that coordinate events amongst themselves during the school day that create chaotic and unsafe situations. Theres a lot of things that happen after school, where if one kid decides to post something, theres an issue later on with that action. Sometimes, the violence we see in our community has spilled out of a social media interaction that might have happened in school and vice versa, said Valenti. The governor has noted improved student performance and overall well-being as factors surrounding the proposed change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smartphones can be so manipulative. It becomes addictive, like a drug. These young people are calling for help. They are literally calling us for help. As the adults in the room and as policymakers, its our job to pick up that call and then put down that phone, he said. I think the biggest thing Ive heard people saying is, Its about time. I am fairly confident knowing the logic behind this and the buy-in from most of the groups involved with education, children, and families. There is a support for this. If passed, the ban would take effect across New York State public schools next school year. News 8 has reached out to RCSD asking what the districts overall stance on the proposals is and has not heard back. This is a developing story. Stay with News 8 for future updates. 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 RochesterFirst. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) An Oklahoma lawmaker is pushing a resolution that could change the amendment preventing public funds from going to religion. Its indirect so its not directly paying a minister with those funds, but its buying a service or working with a third-party contractor, said Representative Mickey Dollens (D-Oklahoma City). Dollens has been speaking up all week about Senator Dana Prietos Senate Joint Resolution 4. The resolution seeks to remove the word indirectly from the Blaine Amendment within the Oklahoma Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Blaine Amendment or Article II, Section 5 of the Oklahoma Constitution, declares, No public money or property shall ever be appropriated, applied, donated, or used, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or support of any sect, church, denomination, or system of religion or for the benefit of any priest, preacher, minister, or other religious teacher or dignitary, or sectarian institution as such. Its just wise policy to not fund sectarian causes at any level not just directly but indirectly as well, said Reverend Mitch Randall. Over the years, there have been many attempts to somewhat change that part of the Oklahoma constitution, but in 2016, that part of the voters voted in State Question 790 to keep it as it is. The change that would come with SJR 4, many lawmakers said could make it so that Bibles could be paid for with public funds because they are being paid indirectly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supt. Walters updates OSDE history standards to include terms Gulf of America, Mount McKinley The Oklahoma Supreme Court used the Blaine Amendment along with other historical laws to deny public funds to St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. Using public funds for Bibles has been a hotly debated topic. State School Superintendent recently asked the legislature for around $8 million to go towards buying Bibles and a legal cushion to go with them. Something like this would easily blur the line enough to where Bibles could be bought with tax dollars, said Dollens. Senator Prieto declined an interview with News 4 Thursday but instead sent a statement, This bill is only tightening up the language in article 2 section 5 so that it is not so arbitrary or nebulous. This bill does not infringe on the Supreme Court ruling of the separation of church and state. It also does not change the statute that says the State cannot for religious matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many in the Oklahoma religious communities told News 4 on Thursday that they see this as a step towards Christian Nationalism. The senator has a short memory, responded Rev. Randall. Oklahomans understand the dangers of funding either directly or indirectly religious causes. The resolution still has many steps before it can then be put up for a vote of the people. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Mohamed Ezz CAIRO (Reuters) - Late at night in a Cairo public hospital, a young doctor treating a patient in severe pain found the CT scanner was broken, so relying on his clinical judgment alone, he performed an emergency appendectomy. "It was a calculated risk," he said. "But under the new malpractice law ...I wouldn't have taken that chance. I would have discharged the patient and waited for him to seek a CT scan elsewhere - even if it meant the patient's appendix ruptured." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This scenario, recounted anonymously, underscores the fears many Egyptian doctors have voiced over a draft medical malpractice law that intends to address patients' complaints about poor treatment by imposing punitive measures, including fines and the detention of doctors who give substandard care. However, medical professionals say the real issue is underfunding and inefficiency in Egypt's healthcare system and that the malpractice law could harm an already strained system by driving doctors abroad or out of the profession entirely. "The quality of Egypt's healthcare system has been declining over decades," said Hisham Ezzat, an anesthesiologist who is now practising in Germany. "Many Egyptian hospitals lack the tools and equipment deemed necessary abroad, so doctors are trained to work with whatever they have to save their patients." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public hospitals often operate on shoestring budgets, with doctors reporting out-of-pocket payments for essential supplies like gloves and sutures. Rather than improving matters, "the new law in this current form will establish a rivalry between doctors and patients instead of trying to build trust between them," said a source at the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, the main doctors' association. WHAT IS THE LAW? At a press conference this month, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the draft malpractice law, which lawmakers are to vote on within weeks, aims to balance the rights of doctors and patients and address long-standing grievances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egyptian doctors are currently prosecuted under the penal code, which is a blunt instrument when it comes to medical errors, the health ministry's spokesperson, Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, told Reuters. "This law seeks to change that by establishing a new legislation focused on the doctor-patient relationship... It will improve the healthcare system, improve the practicing environment, and keep doctors in the country," he said. But some doctors fear it could have the opposite effect, pitting patients against doctors in an already fraught environment and accelerating the exodus of doctors from Egypt. Perceptions of poor care have fueled a rise in assaults on healthcare workers, said Dr. Ibrahim al Zayat, a member of the syndicate's board who recently resigned in protest of the law. "The most common complaint at hospitals is not finding a bed for a patient," Zayat said. "Patients' families take their anger out on the doctor." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports of abuse are common. In November, for example, local media reported an assault on an ICU doctor by a patient's family at a Cairo hospital. Some patients think a change in the law is needed. Om Ahmed, 48, had a routine procedure at a private hospital "only to spend days in pain and discover the operation accidentally caused a problem with the bile duct. I had to undergo a second surgery." "Errors I could understand. We are human beings. But that was negligence so (the doctor) should have been punished," she said. DOCTORS LEAVING Egypt faces a severe shortage of healthcare workers, with more doctors who have trained in the country working abroad than at home, according to the Medical Syndicate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Young doctors start preparing to leave Egypt from their first day in medical school," said Zayat. Egypt has just 12.8 physicians per 10,000 population, according to official statistics, compared to the global density of physicians of 17.2 per 10,000 people, in 2022. The situation is so critical that the health directorate in the coastal governorate of Damietta recently called on retired doctors to return to work so it could provide safe services. "(Ten years ago) we used to see around six doctors resigning every day. Now, we see 12. That is one doctor resigning every two hours," Zayat said, adding that during a visit last year to a major hospital in London, he met 124 resident Egyptian doctors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is lending Egypt $8 billion, described its healthcare infrastructure as "below other emerging markets" and repeatedly called for structural reforms, including in healthcare, to spur growth. 'DISTRACTION' "The law is a distraction from underfunding and inadequate training," said a gastroenterologist who is now working in Saudi Arabia and earning 27 times the salary of Egypt's lowest paid consultants of around 12,000 Egyptian pounds ($237) per month. "We're expected to work miracles with broken equipment and no resources. It's no surprise so many of us leave." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Physicians who remain say they have begun shifting to low-risk specialties to avoid potential liability under the new law. "I switched from surgery to clinical pathology just to avoid the risks and work pressure," said one physician at a public hospital. "Why take chances when the system doesn't protect us?" The new legislation fails to distinguish between "expected complications, minor errors, and gross negligence" exposing doctors to penalties even for unavoidable outcomes, said Dr. Tarek Mansour, another former Medical Syndicate board member. Mansour, Zayat and three others resigned from the syndicate after its head effectively cancelled a general assembly intended to debate the law, after coming under pressure from security officials and lawmakers, Mansour and another syndicate source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A parliamentary debate on the legislation has been postponed to avoid potential protests coinciding with the 14th anniversary of Egypt's Jan. 25 uprising, syndicate sources said, but should come before lawmakers in a matter of weeks. The syndicate's head, Dr. Osama Abdel Hay, said in a statement that doctors demand a clear distinction between negligence that could lead to prosecution and errors for which compensation is paid to the patient, rather than a fine to the state. But even before the law is passed, the debate has sapped doctors' morale. "It's no longer about healing; it's about survival," said one young doctor, who said she is now seriously considering leaving the country. (Reporting by Mohamed Ezz and Soha Gado; Editing by Ros Russell) Eight terrorists who murdered Israelis are expected to be released in Israel as part of the cease-fire and hostage-release deal with Hamas, according to an analysis by Lt.-Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs. Among the nearly 2,000 predominantly Palestinian prisoners set to be let out in the framework of the deal, 73 are Israeli citizens or legal residents the status of most Palestinians in east Jerusalem. Of those prisoners, 45 will be released in Israel. Twenty-one of the prisoners with Israeli citizenship or residency are terrorists serving life sentences for killing people. Though murderers are supposed to be deported in the framework of the deal likely to Qatar or Turkey eight of them will be able to live freely in Israel. Five of the murderers to be released into Israel are Hamas members, and three are from Fatah, the dominant party in the Palestinian Authority. All of them killed Israelis in 2001-2003, during the Second Intifada. Hirsch analyzed the list of prisoners published by the Israeli Justice Ministry on Saturday and found that he was familiar with many of them and their crimes from his time as the IDFs former director of the Military Prosecution for Judea and Samaria the official name used by Israel for the West Bank. One of the terrorists to be released into Israel is Nasim Zaatari, one of the bombers of the No. 2 bus in Jerusalem, an attack that killed 23 people, including 1-year-old Shmuel Taubenfeld and Shmuel Zagari in 2003. Fahmi and Ramadan Mashahra blew up bus No. 32A in Jerusalem in 2002, killing 19 people. Fahmi will be released back into Israel, while Ramadan will be deported. Both Zaatari and Mashahra exploited their Israeli residency and the blue ID cards they held [like all Israeli adults] to carry out deadly attacks, Hirsch wrote. Under the [Palestinian Authoritys] Prisoners and Released Prisoners Law of 2004 Zaatari and Mashahra were paid over 1 million NIS [over $281,000] each as rewards for murdering Jews. The Shin Bet has said that over 82% of terrorists freed in exchange for captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in 2011 returned to terrorism, Hirsch noted. Hirsch pointed out that Israeli law grants the minister of the interior the authority to revoke citizenship or residency for anyone who has violated their duty of loyalty to the state and committed acts of terrorism. This authority has existed for many years and should rightly have been applied to any citizen or resident convicted of terrorist offenses. The current deals list of terrorists slated for release exposes a grave failure: these individuals still hold their Israeli citizenship or residency, he wrote. The hostage deal does not preclude Israel from revoking terrorists citizenship after their release, Hirsch pointed out. Attempts to revoke terrorists citizenship over the past 20 years have mostly been blocked by the High Court and the Attorney Generals Office because most of the terrorists would have been left stateless. In 2006, the Interior Ministry revoked the residency of three terrorists in prison who were ministers in the Palestinian government, but the Supreme Court reversed the decision in 2017. The Knesset amended the law in February 2003 to revoke the citizenship or residency of anyone receiving payments from the PA for committing an act of terror, but it has yet to be implemented. MUMBAI (Reuters) - At least eight people died and seven more were injured in a blast at an ordnance factory in the western Indian state of Maharashtra on Friday, a senior federal minister said. The factory is located in Bhandara district of the state, nearly 830 km (515 miles) from India's financial capital of Mumbai, and manufactures propellants and explosives, according to local media. "There has been a big explosion in the ordnance factory in Bhandara. According to preliminary information, eight people have died and seven have been injured," federal transport minister Nitin Gadkari, who is from Maharashtra, said at an event in Nagpur city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, the chief minister of the state said a roof in the factory had collapsed after the explosion, and that 13-14 workers were feared to be trapped inside, while five people had been rescued. Medical and rescue teams were at the site, Devendra Fadnavis, the chief minister of the state said in a post on X. It was unclear what had caused the blast. (Reporting by Shilpa Jamkhandikar; editing by Philippa Fletcher) The peaceful transfer of power in Washington on Monday as U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House stood in stark contrast to four years ago, when former President Joe Biden took office just weeks after a violent mob had stormed the U.S. Capitol to try to keep him from power. It also stood in contrast to two other recent inaugurations: those of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, to his third term, and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, to his first. Both were sworn in against the backdrop of controversial elections and deadly protests. Venezuela and Mozambique werent alone either. 2024 was dubbed the year of elections, with over 1.5 billion ballots cast in 74 national elections, and many of them proved to be catalysts of political violence. In fact, at least a third of the countries where a national election was held last year experienced at least one act of electoral violence. This violence was triggered by a range of factors, and understanding them is key to identifying the threats facing democratic elections. Suppressing the Opposition The first factor was government repression. Authoritarian leaders rarely accept free electoral competitions. Instead, they engage in all sorts of electoral rigging, ranging from ballot-stuffing and vote-buying to censorship and internet shutdowns. But when they feel this isnt enough to ensure victory, they do not shy away from using coercive means during elections. Violent repression can serve to intimidate opposition forces, raising the costs of political participation and thereby depressing voter turnout. It can also be used to mobilize core supporters, for example by punishing potential defectors to maximize loyalty at the ballot box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. In 2024, a number of elections that were seen as existential contests by incumbents triggered waves of government repression. In Venezuela, Maduros embattled regime resorted to unprecedented levels of repression after the opposition presented evidence that its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, had won an overwhelming majority of votes. Over 20 anti-government protesters were killed in the weeks following the election, many at the hands of pro-government militias known as colectivos. As noted, Venezuela was hardly the only case of deadly violence. In Mozambique, nearly 300 people are estimated to have died in demonstrations since the general elections held on Oct. 9 were called in favor of the ruling FRELIMO party, an outcome contested by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane. Government repression also rocked Pakistan, where authorities launched a crackdown against former Prime Minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party ahead of and after general elections in February. And in Georgia, peaceful protesters were beaten by security forces after the countrys October parliamentary elections, which the opposition claims were fraudulent. In many cases, this repression did effectively hamper mobilization, at least in the short term. In others, however, heavy crackdowns often galvanized the opposition, spurring prolonged resistance and further eroding rulers crumbling legitimacy. In Bangladesh, for instance, the government was forced from power despite employing extensive violence ahead of elections last year. And in Senegal, a last-minute effort to postpone the presidential election was reversed despite the violent repression of protests. Both cases underscore how short-lived the effectiveness of these tools can be. Criminal Interests The interests of criminal organizations can often play a significant role in elections, particularly local ones, since these are typically subject to less scrutiny and attention. Elected officials opposing the criminal groupsand their political alliesthat are undermining the rule of law are thus more vulnerable to threats, intimidation and outright political violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Latin America, in particular, running for local office is often a life-threatening activity. In Brazil, for example, organized crime groups allegedly used various tools of violent intimidation and millions of dollars in vote-buying schemes to manipulate municipal elections. Indeed, the arrest of political and security officials for the 2018 murder of Rio de Janeiro city councilor Marielle Franco reveals the nexus of corrupt interests that can join politicians, armed militias and organized crime. Likewise, hundreds of local elected officials and candidates were the target of violence in Mexico, where running for mayor has become one of the most dangerous jobs in politics. An estimated 37 candidates were killed in the run-up to local elections last year, while countless other elected officials and candidates faced threats, often driven by organized criminal groups interests in controlling local resources and key administrative areas that affect their activities. This issue is not limited to Latin America, however. In South Africa, the 2024 general election saw a rise in assassinations linked to a system of collaborative criminal governance, in which politicians and government officials collaborate with criminal actors to eliminate opponents for control over local resources. Nigerias recent national and regional elections were also marred by the use of violence at the hands of private militias recruited by local elites to engage in a broad spectrum of violent activities, from intimidating opposition supporters to attacking polling stations and local government offices. In India, elections have a history of hidden violence, in which ruling-party leaders use criminal gangs to carry out threats and coercion in order to prevent opposition candidates from running and voters from supporting rivals. In the state of Gujarat, for instance, several constituencies saw opposition candidates pressured to withdraw under threats of violence. In one, every opposing candidate dropped out of the race, handing the seat to the ruling party by default. Political Polarization Elections last year in both established and less-established democracies alike took place in a climate of overt animosity and broad distrust among electorates and political elites. From the U.S. and South Korea to Pakistan and India, these deep political divisions often accompanied spikes in electoral violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In South Korea, opposition leader Lee Jae-mung was the victim of a politically motivated near-fatal stabbing in the runup to legislative elections in April. And after opposition parties retained their majority in the National Assembly in those elections, political frustrations and simmering culture war issues culminated in former President Yoon Suk Yeol unilaterally declaring martial law in early December, causing a crisis that remains unresolved. Polarization served as a motivator for violence in other stable democracies as well. In France, more than 50 cases of physical assault took place against candidates and political activistsincluding then-government spokesperson Prisca Thevenotahead of Julys snap parliamentary elections. And in Germany, where politicians were the victims of targeted attacks ahead of European Parliament elections in June, Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir warned of a dangerous rural-urban divide, calling for the issue to be addressed in order to avoid conditions like those in the USA. Indeed, in the U.S., hyperpolarization was a source of major concern during the run-up to the presidential election in November. Fears of widespread violence driven by division, especially by domestic extremist groups, only deepened after a would-be assassin shot and injured Trump at a campaign rally in July. Yet in spite of this atmosphere of fear, the election itself did not precipitate the forecasted levels of violence, instead passing in relative calm. Indeed, months before the election, our colleagues at ACLED pointed out that extremist groups had failed to mobilize around any of the major events surrounding Trump, from his felony convictions to the multiple assassination attempts against him. Though the attempts on Trumps life are troubling signs, the broader outcome of a peaceful voting process in November presents a compelling warning against foreboding predictions of widespread violence based on hyperpolarization alone. Instead, the U.S. election offers a lesson in interpreting the likely conditions for violence in a given context, especially in evaluating how key actors behave when presented with apparent openings for action. Though polarization creates a higher degree of risk by elevating political tension, it has not proved to be a surefire predictor of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The year of elections revealed much about the state of democracy in the 21st century, as repressive tactics, political collusion with criminal interests and fierce polarization threatened institutions and public trust in democratic processes. But while these are thorny challenges, the past year has also shown that despite resorting to violence, once-dominant incumbents can be ousted or their hold on power weakened. This can offer some reassurance to all those who place their hopes for change in democratic elections. Andrea Carboni is head of analysis at ACLED and a research associate at the University of Sussex. You can find him on Twitter at @a_carboni. Ana Marco is a research analyst at ACLED, where she creates visual outputs and analyzes data on political violence across the MENA region and Latin America. Ana holds a masters degree in international security from Sciences Po Paris. Kieran Doyle is the North America research manager at ACLED, where he tracks demonstration trends and extremist mobilization. He lives in Brussels and holds a masters degree in peace, mediation and conflict studies from Tampere University in Finland. You can find him @KDACLED. The post The Year of Elections Was Also a Year of Electoral Violence appeared first on World Politics Review. An Elmsford man arrested two weeks after the Hamas attack on Israel as he drove through White Plains with spraypainted swastikas and Palestinian flags covering his car was sentenced on gun charges Thursday, Jan. 23, to just under two years in the Westchester County jail. The writing on Hani Saleh's car led to a traffic stop on Oct. 25, 2023, near the federal courthouse in downtown White Plains. But he faced no criminal charges for them. Instead, Saleh was arrested after an inventory search of the car turned up a loaded handgun under the front seat. He told police at the scene that the writings on the car were a message protesting the Israeli bombing of Gaza in response to Hamas' attack on Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerned he may have additional weapons, investigators obtained an extreme risk protection order and searched his home, finding an old rifle he had told them about. But when members of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force were in the area to interview neighbors about him days later, his wife told them about other guns in the house. They found three handguns and a box of ammunition under a bed in a spare bedroom, according to court documents. Saleh had obtained the guns legally in Arizona when he lived there but he did not have a license to possess them in New York. He was indicted in the spring of 2024 and pleaded guilty last month to second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon, for the gun in his car, and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, for the handguns at the house. On Thursday, he was sentenced by state Supreme Court Justice James McCarty to consecutive terms of 364 days in the county jail. Saleh says he came to NY during pandemic because of medical needs His lawyer, Christine Asche, unsuccessfully requested that two months be shaved off the sentence, citing physical and emotional abuse Saleh has been subject to at the jail since his indictment as well as an overdose he suffered when he was given the wrong medication there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With credit for the time he has already been at the jail, Saleh will likely be released in late spring. Saleh, 48, a registered nurse, spoke in court about his work in hospitals after coming to New York from Arizona during the Covid pandemic because of the increased need for medical personnel. He insisted his nationality had nothing to do with his mobile protest, and that if Jews had died in bombings like the bombings of Gaza he would have protested just as much. "I am for humanity," he told the judge. Saleh had been driving the car around Westchester for days before he was stopped. There was no indication he was aware that a pro-Israel rally was planned that morning a few blocks from where he was stopped. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Elmsford NY man with swastikas on car sentenced on gun charges ATHENS, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Athens and Shanghai formalized their partnership on Thursday by signing a twinning agreement to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors. The agreement was signed in Athens by Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas. According to a press release from the City of Athens, the partnership focuses on collaboration in tourism, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, innovation, education, and climate action. "We are thrilled to formalize the twinning of Athens and Shanghai, two major cities with rich histories and strategic importance," Doukas said during the signing ceremony at Athens City Hall. "This partnership goes beyond tourism -- it's about connecting our people and working together to build more resilient, sustainable, and innovative cities." Zheng highlighted the potential of the partnership, saying the agreement opens "a new chapter for Athens and Shanghai." "By deepening exchanges and fostering cooperation, we aim to achieve greater mutual benefit and prosperity for our two peoples," he said. Since April last year, a direct flight route linking Athens and Shanghai has facilitated greater interaction between the two cities, bolstering the collaboration between the two cities. According to the City of Athens, the new agreement builds on a longstanding history of collaboration between the two municipalities, which have signed several memoranda of understanding since 2009. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The East Lansing Police Department is investigating the death of a 20-year-old man from Fowlerville, and they are asking for your help. Officials say Caleb Alan Shermoe was assaulted at the corner of East Grand River Avenue and M.A.C Avenue in East Lansing around 1:30 A.M. on Saturday, Jan. 18th. He was taken to a hospital and on Thursday January 23rd he passed away due to the injuries the assault caused. It was very devastating, not only to have somebody pass away, but somebody that young pass away as well, says ELPD Lt. Adrian Ojerio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thoughts, prayers, and memories of Caleb Shermoe were shared on social media following his death. Just 20 years old, Calebs obituary says he loved hunting, snowboarding, and being outdoors. He also made a name for himself in the sports world. The athletic director at Fowlerville Community Schools, Jeff Finney, said Caleb was an incredible athlete and an outstanding man. Finney said the entire Fowlerville community is heartbroken. (WLNS) (WLNS) (WLNS) Its extremely tragic that it went the way it did, Lt. Ojerio says. Before Caleb died, he was in the hospital for days. His mother took to Facebook saying the swelling in Calebs brain was not stabilizing and that they needed a miracle. Then when he passed on Jan. 23rd, she posted his obituary. The tragedy of him passing away, that changes the potential of charges that might be sought, Lt. Ojerio said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said they have located and identified a suspect who gave officials a statement. Police also confirming they have video evidence. Now the Ingham County Prosecutors office is reviewing everything. If prosecutors charge the suspect, police say they will reveal their name. They will make a determination on what charges they see fit to issue if at all any charges, Lt. Ojerio said. The assault happened right by Michigan State Universitys campus. Senior Liam Tank was shocked by the news. Its a tragedy and no one should ever experience losing a child, Tank said. Fowlervilles Athletic Director says in times like these we are reminded of the importance of holding our loved ones close And the community will continue to support Calebs family through this difficult time. 6 News reached out to Michigan State University for comment, and they confirmed that Shermoe was not a student, offering the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan State University extends condolences to the family and loved ones of the man. We take seriously the safety and security of our campus and students. Amber McCann, Director of Issues Management and University Spokesperson for MSU Anyone with any information or video that may be of assistance in this case is requested to contact the ELPD. Tips should be directed to Detective Austin Nelson or Detective Jason Cotton. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Las Cruces hospital Memorial Medical Center, which has been racked in controversy during the past six months, has named a new chief executive officer, it announced. Memorial Medical Center, a Lifepoint Health hospital, announced that Dennis Knox has been named its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective immediately. Knox has served as interim CEO since August 2024, bringing extensive experience in health care leadership and operational management, the hospital said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous CEO John Harris retired in August after New Mexico state Attorney General Raul Torrez launched an investigation into the hospital. While launching the investigation, Torrez alleged that the hospital had refused to treat cancer patients, denied or required full up-front payments from several uninsured or Medicaid-eligible patients, failed to screen patients for financial assistance, and denied medical services to patients. Las Cruces hospital accused of refusing treatment to cancer patients The City of Las Cruces and Dona Ana County also accused the hospital shortly after that, that it had violated its lease and they demanded a list of corrective actions be taken. City, County accuse Las Cruces hospital of violating lease Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dennis has been a steady and effective leader during his interim tenure at Memorial Medical Center, said Jen Alderfer, president of Lifepoint Healths western division. He has shown a genuine commitment to supporting our patients, staff, and community, and I am confident he will continue to drive the hospital forward in meaningful ways. The hospital, which is part of the Lifepoint Health network, said that Knox brings more than 40 years of health care leadership experience to his new role. Dennis has demonstrated a strong dedication to advancing patient care and supporting the well-being of our community, said Dr. Rob Shoots, chairman of the Memorial Medical Center Board of Trustees. His leadership reflects a clear focus on ensuring that our hospital remains a trusted resource for quality, compassionate care. We are confident that he will continue to guide Memorial Medical Center with integrity and purpose. Knox has a masters degree in health administration and a bachelors degree in management science from Duke University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is an honor to take on the role of CEO at Memorial Medical Center, Knox said. I have been inspired by the dedication and compassion of our team and look forward to continuing our work together to provide quality care and support the health and well-being of our community. Knoxs leadership marks a new chapter for Memorial Medical Center as it continues to focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and strengthening its role as a cornerstone of the community, the hospital said in its news release. Memorial Medical Center describes itself as a 199-bed full-service acute care hospital located in Las Cruces, New Mexico and serving a five-county region of Southern New Mexico. Our mission is simple: Making Communities Healthier. We are a part of the Lifepoint Health family of hospitals, which means we aim to create a place where people choose to come for health care, physicians and providers want to practice, and employees want to work, the hospital added. 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 KTSM 9 News. The authorities in Bangkok have introduced emergency measures in response to the serious deterioration in the city's air quality. For several days, a toxic smog has hung over the Thai capital. At times, Bangkok was ranked fourth in the statistics of cities with the world's worst air pollution, published by the Swiss company IQAir. In South-East Asia, the air was only worse in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Thai authorities ordered the closure of 350 schools in the city area on Friday, 100 more than the day before, the Khaosod newspaper reported. The population was again urged to go outside as little as possible, keep their windows closed and work from home if that was an option. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that most public transport, including the famous Skytrain and buses, would be free to use from Saturday until next Friday. The government hopes that during this time, 20 to 30% more people will switch to buses and trains, relieving the overcrowded roads of traffic. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that 2,700 lorries were stopped on Thursday because they were travelling on an important ring road despite a driving ban. The drivers face a prison sentence of one month or a fine if convicted. According to IQAir, Bangkok's air pollution level was around 16 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value. The causes of the smog, which has been a severe problem for many years, are thought to be heavy traffic, the use of fossil fuels and the numerous factories that have sprung up in a belt around Bangkok. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha joined his counterparts from 10 states in issuing a joint statement Thursday, addressing state involvement in federal immigration enforcement. The statement comes in response to a recent memorandum from a Trump political appointee. Attorneys general from California, New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Vermont, and Rhode Island co-signed the message. BACKGROUND: DOJ orders investigation of local compliance with Trump immigration crackdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citing longstanding Supreme Court precedent, the attorneys general emphasized that the U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from commandeering state resources to enforce federal laws. They referenced the 1997 Supreme Court decision in Printz v. United States, which ruled that the federal government cannot impress into its serviceand at no cost to itselfthe police officers of the 50 States. This balance of power between the federal government and state governments is a touchstone of our American system of federalism, the statement read. McKee: No evidence of ICE raids happening in Rhode Island Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement criticized President Donald Trump for making troubling threats to the U.S. Department of Justices prosecutorial authority, accusing him of interfering with public servants ability to follow state laws and maintain trust within their communities. They said that despite what Trump may claim, the president cannot unilaterally re-write the Constitution. Right now, these vague threats are just that: empty words on paper, they wrote. But rest assured, our states will not hesitate to respond if these words become illegal actions. The attorneys general concluded by reaffirming their commitment to enforcing state laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will continue to investigate and prosecute crimes, regardless of immigration status. We will not be distracted by the presidents mass deportation agenda, the statement concluded. AHEAD: Judge temporarily blocks Trumps order to end birthright citizenship Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Despite residents complaints and a pitch by Democrats for a temporary reprieve, Enfields Republican town council majority this week abolished the diversity, equity and inclusion committee this week, saying it was ineffective. Before the 7-4 party-line vote, council members from both parties said they were frustrated about disagreement over the committees future. I went to every meeting. People were just not showing up, they werent taking phone calls there was no direction about which way they were going, Deputy Mayor Marie Pyznar said at a council meeting this week. I would go there and there wasnt a quorum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They didnt have a plan, added Pyznar, one of the councils liaisons to the DEI committee. They kept asking for a budget, and Id say to them What do you want to spend the budget on? I cant go to the council and tell them they need $1,000 without telling them what youre going to spend $1,000 on. Democratic Councilor Cindy Mangini gave a different view. We were to be engaged with this committee, that has never happened. There has been tremendous pushback, pushback. This is wrong, said Mangini, who called for a one-month delay so the council could help the panel rebuild. In our society everyone is so angry with each other, so at each others throats. It shouldnt be that way especially in our community. We are a community, Republican, independent, Democrat, whatever. Mangini acknowledged the committees operations were troubled, but urged her colleagues to work with the remaining members to get on track. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly a half-dozen residents spoke in favor of keeping the committee, and most said Enfield needs more inclusivity, not less. The panel was created in October of 2022 after a series of complaints and instances of bigotry in town. Enfields DEI committee isnt about hiring quotas or about politics, the things that are dominating the national discussion. Its about identifying blind spots in our community and addressing them before they become a crisis, Pat Thibodeau of Cora Street said. Enfield today faces some blind spots. Thibodeau noted that former school board member Sarah Hernandez last week won her federal lawsuit that claimed the town discriminated against her by refusing when she asked for accommodations in 2017 so she could serve despite her autism and deafness. The request wasnt granted for whatever reason, I dont know, leading to the federal lawsuit that Enfield lost, costing us a small fortune, Thibodeau said. This could have been avoided if the DEI committee had existed to flag this issue early and warn you the ADA laws were pretty impenetrable on this point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thibodeau said Enfield could face future lawsuits if research shows racial disparities in the towns unusually high rate of arrests of students in its school. If you want to set Enfield up for a lawsuit do two things: Be ignorant of the information about what is going on and then lead the state in the number of (school) arrests, he said, adding that a DEI committee could help with research about the matter. John Malinoski, one of the only active members of the panel, called on the council to vote against disbanding it. Im here to urge you to retain and support this vital committee which has played a crucial role in addressing inequality and fostering inclusivity in Enfield, he said. I acknowledge we have faced challenges including council attempts to control the committees actions, difficulties retaining members and disagreements about virtual attendance. These arent reasons to disband the committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents Kyle Bell and Chris Lang also defended the DEI panel. They have no funding and no support from you, Lang told the council. Youve been orphaning this group for about a year, you dont fund it. When people have applied (to join) you dont deal with the applications. Theres hostile environment here. But the seven GOP councilors were not moved. Some contended that committee members had spent time arguing unproductively in their meetings, alienating potential new members. Everybody had their own personal reasons why where were on it. This one was representing the Black community, this person representing the LGBTQ. If you really want to talk about being inclusive, they should all have been supporting everybody, Pzynar said. Protests erupted in more than 20 Slovak cities on Jan. 24 under the slogan "Slovakia is Europe," targeting the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico, Slovak media Aktuality reported. Protesters chanted slogans like "Enough of Fico" and "We are Europe," expressing discontent with the prime minister's policies and pro-Russian rhetoric. Organized by the "Peace to Ukraine" initiative and opposition parties, the demonstrations drew significant crowds, with organizers claiming 60,000 participants in Bratislava's Freedom Square. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these numbers. Fico, who has been critical of Western support for Ukraine, accused opposition leader Michal Simecka on Jan. 18 of plotting to overthrow the government. In a Facebook address, Fico claimed that Simecka was "kissing Zelenskys ring" and pledging support for Ukraines NATO membership. Simecka, leader of the pro-Western Progressive Slovakia party, recently led a delegation of opposition lawmakers to Kyiv on Jan. 17 to reestablish Slovakia's support for Ukraine. Fico likened the opposition's actions to Ukraine's EuroMaidan Revolution, alleging they were preparing to stage a coup in Bratislava. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fico's government has faced criticism for its perceived alignment with Russian interests, contrasting with the pro-Western orientation of opposition leaders like Simecka. Read also: What leverage does Trump have over Putin in peace negotiations? Quite a lot, experts say Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. London could be home to over half a million illegal immigrants, according to a confidential report. The study, commissioned by Thames Water, comes after years of speculation that the true size of the British population might be much higher than is officially recognised. Levels of sewage produced, electricity used, the amount of food bought, active SIM cards and individual vaccinations during Covid all suggest there is a significant hidden population living here. It is a sobering thought that Londoners will walk past several illegal immigrants every single day, given that they make up to one in 13 of people in the Thames Water London Water Resource Zone. Britain already has the most illegal immigrants in Europe, according to a study by the MIrreM project, which measured illegal immigration across Europe. That means that our weak GDP per capita and limp productivity is actually worse than we thought and may even be in decline. That also explains some of the increased pressure seen on public services and the increasingly brutal competition in the rental market. Perhaps not coincidentally, London rents have soared over the last few years. As illegal immigrants do not pay taxes and are often willing to live in squalor that would not be acceptable to British workers, they can undercut the labour market and degrade the housing market. Campaigners also claim that as many as 50,000 social homes in London could now be subject to fraud like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the small boat crossings have captured the debate, most illegal immigrants came to Britain legally and then overstayed. Under Tony Blair, exit checks were abandoned, which meant that although we knew who had entered the country, there was no way of being sure who had left. That allowed the population of illegal immigrants to boom. The Conservative plan to send illegal immigrants to Rwanda was blocked in the courts and subsequently cancelled by Labour. Italy too has struggled with its plan to send illegals to Albania, due to their own judges. Although Poland and Hungary had more success with their border walls, they have not faced the same levels of illegal immigration. All eyes therefore turn to Trump, whose promise of mass deportations proved wildly popular at the ballot box. Measures so far include deterrents such as an end to birthright citizenship, restoring the ability to seize illegal immigrants from places like schools, and reinstating the policy of making immigrants stay in Mexico when being processed. Entering America has also been made harder, by cancelling the Biden administrations CBP One mobile app, which led to unprecedented numbers of migrants being allowed into the country. Plans are afoot to use military planes and troops to speed up the process. Diplomatic pressure has also been brought to bear, with India agreeing to take back 18,000 of their citizens in an effort to avoid a trade war. During his first term, Trump faced major obstacles in his effort to control immigration. The speed and scale of this early blitz suggests that he intends to overwhelm the lawfare he knows to expect. Many Western Right-wing parties will be watching, including those in Britain, who are looking for a successful example to emulate. They face a tougher challenge though, as there are more legal obstacles in their way, especially the ECHR. Trumps willingness to withdraw from international treaties and bodies which dont benefit the USA could encourage others to reclaim their sovereignty as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, there is plenty that could be done to reduce the illegal immigrant population in Britain right now. E-verify mandates in the USA made it harder to hire illegal workers. With the roll out of e-visas for entry, Britain is building up a database of photos. Facial recognition cameras with access to that database could allow for overstayers who have remained here illegally to be spotted without forcing everyone to carry an ID card. Similar measures in Florida were predicted to cause economic chaos but instead the economy boomed, with wages rising. With Britains growth figures fluctuating around zero, tackling our own large illegal immigrant population could be an effective way for the Government to deliver the growth we so desperately need. CORRECTION: In a previous version of this article it was stated that one in 12 people in London is an illegal migrant. This was incorrect. The figure is up to one in 13 in the Thames Water London Water Resource Zone, which does not cover the whole of London. We are happy to correct the record. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. In just 4 months, Universals Epic Universe will officially open and Orange County is getting ready to capitalize on new tourism demand. On Thursday, Channel 9 captured new aerial video of the park showing all the construction underway. Epic Universe promises 5 new worlds to explore, and some roller coasters could be seen already up and running at the theme park on Thursday. According to Universal Orlando Resorts, Epic Universe will feature Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, Celestial Park, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ: Universal Orlando shares inside look of Stella Nova Resort at Epic Universe As crews make progress inside the park, excitement is building outside the parks and across Central Florida. Windermere based entrepreneur Derek Lewis is an investor in luxury vacation rental company Getaway Society and also a franchise owner of Big Daves Cheesesteaks. He told Channel 9 he believes the park will be a boost to business. Were banking on this increased travel coming to town. I think it benefits many categories, many different industries. You just have to be ready for it, said Lewis. According to NBCUniversal, new crew members are already being hired to fill a variety of jobs across the 750 acre park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ: Universal Orlando shares first look inside new Harry Potter attraction at Epic Universe In a press release, NBCUniversal stated that Universal Orlando already employs 25,000 people and will hire an additional 14,000 team members as part of Epic Universe, including professional, technical, culinary and other specialized positions. " The company currently contributes more than $302 million in annual state and local taxes a number that will nearly double when the new theme park opens, said the company via press release. While its hard to project the exact economic impact Epic Universe could bring, Orange Countys Comptroller says historical data on Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections may help paint the picture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tax is one of the biggest revenue generators for Orange County, and is sometimes called the bed tax, since it comes from a 6 percent tax on hotel stays or short-term rentals. READ: Universal Orlando releases new details about Epic Universes Harry Potter land Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond says recent theme park openings have consistently resulted in a jump in TDT collections. " Animal kingdom opened in 1998 and in that year at TDT went up by about 8%. Islands of Adventure at Universal opened in 1999, and in that year, TDT went up by about 2%. And then the Harry Potter portion of it opened in 2010 and it went up by about 4%, said Diamond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diamond noted even it the opening doesnt lead to a jump in collections, the theme park will help diversify the attractions already available to Orlandos more than 75 million annual visitors. It really helps solidify and keep the entire market in a good place. And what I mean is people want to see new stuff, said Diamond, I think you have to refresh what youre doing occasionally. And I think thats really good no matter what. See our past Epic Universe coverage below: Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Young performers sing a song at a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) Russian performers present a Chinese dance at a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) Young performers sing a song at a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) Performers sing a song at a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) Performers hand out calligraphy works of Chinese character "Fu," which means "good fortune," at a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) Children show gifts at a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) Audiences pose for a group photo with calligraphy works of Chinese character "Fu" which means "good fortune," at a cultural event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) Drivers in Escambia County expressed frustration after they said authorities issued no warnings that a major road connection was closed. THE BIG THAW: Winter weather impacts (road closures, warnings, advisories) That road is part of Highway 4 near the Escambia River Bridge between Century and Jay. The road remains impassable due to icy conditions, but drivers said they were unaware of the hazard until reaching the area, where they were forced to turn around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no barriers on either end, Ted Stricker, a driver affected by the situation, said. And the county didnt even seem to care. Look at the hazards that theyre creating. The road is a major connection between Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties. The lack of signage or barriers has left drivers relying on navigation apps or guesswork to find alternate routes. Theres no way of knowing the road was impassable, Stricker said. I called the sheriffs office, and they asked me if I didnt have an emergency, what my problem was. Well, my problem is theres no way for anyone to know the road is closed! Traffic delays have built up along the route as drivers continue to approach the area. Officials have not provided a timeline for when conditions will improve but are encouraging drivers to avoid the area until it is safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WKRG News 5 has reached out to Escambia County officials and the Florida Department of Transportation for more information regarding the situation and the absence of warnings. THE BIG THAW: Gulf Coast roads, businesses, services reopen after historic freeze Drivers are urged to plan alternate routes and stay tuned for updates. Road closures and other impacts associated with Tuesdays record-breaking snowfall can be found on WKRG.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 WKRG News 5. Colonel Ants Kiviselg, head of the Estonian Defence Forces Intelligence Centre, said there are signs that North Korea will send more troops to help Russia before the summer. Source: Ants Kiviselg at a briefing on Friday, 24 January, European Pravda reports citing ERR, Estonian public broadcaster Details: Kiviselg noted that several thousand North Korean soldiers, who are fighting mainly in Russias Kursk Oblast, have already been killed or wounded, and there are reports that North Korea will send a new batch of soldiers to help Russia by summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Estonian intelligence officer reports that Russian troops have not yet been able to push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk Oblast, and the Ukrainian military still controls about half of the territory they initially seized. Quote from Ants Kiviselg: "Fighting continues on the outskirts of this territory, where Russian troops have not made significant progress." Details: Kiviselg further emphasised that Sudzha, the largest settlement in Kursk Oblast and a crucial hub for logistics, is still under Ukrainian control. Kursk Oblast Photo: DeepStateMap Ants Kiviselg believes that the number of casualties among the North Korean military fighting on the side of Russian troops in Kursk Oblast reaches several thousand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also noted that if North Korea wants to maintain its presence in the war zone, it will have to start rotating soldiers. Quote from Ants Kiviselg: "This week, there were reports that North Korea is planning to send a new batch of soldiers by the summer. It is unknown what their exact purpose will be, whether to introduce new units in full strength or to replace losses in units that are already fighting. Only time will tell." Details: Additionally, the Estonian intelligence officer examined the frontline combat operations. The most intense fighting, as before, is occurring in Donetsk Oblast, specifically in the vicinity of Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Velyka Novosilka, he said, adding that the last week has been comparable to prior weeks. Russian forces were making tactical advances along the entire front line, Kiviselg reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Ants Kiviselg: "The most critical situation at the moment is in Toretsk and Velyka Novosilka." Details: Kiviselg says Russian troops have left only one northeastern district in Toretsk, but even it is within the range of indirect fire from Russian forces. Toretsk. Photo: DeepStateMap Ukrainian forces are under threat of encirclement in Velyka Novosilka, which "will probably force Ukrainians to retreat from there in the coming days". Velyka Novosilka Photo: DeepStateMap However, the Estonian intelligence officer noted that the biggest combat clashes are taking place near Pokrovsk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Ants Kiviselg: "The settlement is well fortified by Ukrainian forces and adjacent territories, so Russian troops are trying to bypass it and put pressure on Ukrainian units, creating a risk of encirclement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pokrovsk Photo: DeepStateMap Background: The US announced in late December 2024 that North Korean troops fighting against Ukraine on the side of Russia in Kursk Oblast were committing suicide to avoid being captured by the Ukrainian defence forces. It was also reported that in the last week of December alone, North Korean troops lost 1000 killed and wounded in Kursk Oblast. On 18 January 2025, DeepState analysts reported that the Russians were advancing near a number of settlements in Donetsk Oblast, including Velyka Novosilka, where, according to DeepState, the Russians began storming some areas. On 19 January, UK Defence Intelligence wrote that in the central part of Donetsk Oblast, Russian troops were increasing pressure on Velyka Novosilka. Support UP or become our patron! The European Union plans to deploy border management experts to support the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, diplomats confirmed to dpa on Friday. Member states have approved a revised plan for the EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point, which was first established in 2005 to help control the crossing. There has been no EU presence at the border crossing since the Islamist Hamas group took power in the Gaza Strip in 2007. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an initial phase, a low double-digit number of EU border experts and support staff are to be deployed to supervise border checks, if possible from the beginning of February, the diplomats said. The reopening of the Rafah crossing is part of a three-phase ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, and should enable significant amounts of humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. Sir Keir Starmer is facing pressure from European leaders to join a 500 billion defence scheme, amid threats to Nato by Donald Trump. Poland, which holds the European Unions rotating presidency, is pushing the project which would be funded by common debt in response to Donald Trumps criticism that European allies have piggybacked on US defence spending for too long. The US president recently said Nato countries would have to increase their defence spending per GDP from 2 per cent to 5 per cent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Tusk, Polands prime minister, this week argued that we shouldnt really care too much about what method we adopt to finance a boost in defence spending on the Continent. There is no alternative to this: Europe must start defending itself and so it must start spending European money on this as well, he added in a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Early versions of the Polish proposal call for an intergovernmental agreement that would allow its participants to chip in and buy military hardware to be distributed to European armies. It would be loosely based on the EUs coronavirus recovery fund, under which member states agreed to let the European Commission borrow 750 billion on the international markets to give to countries hardest hit by the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The debt will be repaid jointly but without any agreement on how to do so until 2028. One of the reasons Polish officials gave for pursuing an intergovernmental pact was to include non-EU countries, such as Britain or Norway, according to a source familiar with the discussions. Poland spends more than 4 per cent of GDP on defence - Damian Lemanski/Bloomberg It would also allow neutral countries, like Ireland, Malta and Austria, to opt-out of the scheme. British officials have offered little suggestion they would be prepared to join the scheme in initial discussions. But European diplomats believe the poor state of Britains finances mean Sir Keir could join in order to deliver his pledge to increase defence spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Prime Minister has been grappling with an attempt to boost defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP. However, Labours defence review could be delayed until autumn, raising concerns that the defence budget could be squeezed as Rachel Reeves tries to stabilise the economy. Even though the UKs finances are in a rotten state, with little money to fund security and defence, something can be done about that, a diplomatic source said. A second diplomat acknowledged Britain could be under pressure to join the scheme if it gets up and running. Poland, which is championing British involvement, spends more than 4 per cent of GDP on defence as the largest contributor to Nato by the metric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir and Mr Tusk recently met in Warsaw to start discussions on a separate, bilateral defence and security pact between Poland and Britain. Discussions in Brussels over the rearmament programme are still in their infancy. The exact financing methods and the amounts needed are still being debated. The 500 billion figure is based on an assessment by Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission president, that the bloc would have to spend that amount over the next decade to bolster its defences. Under the plan, the European Investment Bank would be handed a special role in overseeing the fund, raising and distributing the money. Kaja Kallas said President Trump is right to say we dont spend enough - OLIVIER HOSLET/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock On Wednesday, Kaja Kallas, the EUs top diplomat, told a meeting of European Defence Agency officials that Russia could challenge the blocs defences within five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also said: President Trump is right to say we dont spend enough. Ms Kallass comments were also echoed by Mark Rutte, Natos secretary-general, who was speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He is right, of course, that the problem is not the US and the problem is Europe, Mr Rutte said. We are safe now, but Nato collectively is not able to defend itself in 4 or five years if you stick to 2 per cent now, he added. Sir Keir will meet European Union leaders for discussions over the continents defence at a special retreat outside of Brussels on Feb 3. Reports of the 500 billion rearmament scheme follow Volodomyr Zelensky saying 200,000 allied troops would be needed to enforce any peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europe must establish itself as a strong, global player, as an indispensable player, the Ukrainian president said, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Given the small size of the Ukrainian army compared to that of Russia, we need contingents with a very strong number of soldiers to secure any peace deal, he told the audience. Answering how many troops would be needed to enforce a piece, Mr Zelensky said: From all the Europeans? Two hundred thousand. Its a minimum. Otherwise, its nothing. 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. US President Donald Trump lashed out at the European Union on Thursday during his first major speech to a global audience since starting his second term in the White House, reinforcing worries in Brussels about the future of EU-US relations. Speaking remotely from Washington, Trump said: We have hundreds of billions of dollars in [trade] deficit with the EU and nobody is happy with that and we are going to do something to resolve it. In a nearly hour-long address to business and political leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said the United States is treated very unfairly and very badly by the 27-nation bloc owing to its trade and business rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also accused the EU of refusing to buy agricultural products and cars from the US. The US president has also voiced his displeasure that Europe does not buy enough American oil and gas. During his election campaign, Trump mentioned plans to introduce new tariffs of 10-20% on imports from the EU, saying they would boost domestic industries and address the trade deficit. There was a fierce trade row between the US and the EU during Trumps first term in office. In 2018, Trump introduced tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, prompting the EU to respond with tariffs on US products such as bourbon, Harley-Davidson motorcycles and jeans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her speech in Davos earlier on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU was ready to talk with Trump and that the blocs first priority will be to engage early, discuss common interests, and be ready to negotiate. We will be pragmatic, but we will always stand by our principles. To protect our interests and uphold our values, she added. The commission president struck a conciliatory tone overall in her speech without addressing the US president directly. She stressed though that the world was entering a new era of harsh geostrategic competition and that the EU will also seek to improve ties with China and other nations like India as global competition heats up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission president also mentioned recent conclusions of talks with the four countries of the Latin American trade bloc Mercosur, as well as Mexico and Switzerland, as successes for European engagement. Trump threatens tariffs The US presidents speech in Davos repeated an earlier vow to hit the EU with tariffs after being sworn into office, citing the need to rectify the EUs trade imbalances with the US, highlighting a trade deficit of $350 billion with the bloc. The commission however has previously rejected the US presidents claims of a $350-billion deficit with the EU. A commission spokesperson said that that deficit did not exist and that the US and the EU have complementary strengths. We have a surplus in trade for goods, the US has a surplus in trade for services, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to EU figures, the US exported goods worth 347.1 billion to the EU in 2023, while goods worth 503.8 billion were exported from the EU to the US. In the same year, the spokesman said, US exports of services to the EU amounted to 396.4 billion, compared to 292.4 billion the other way around. 'Keep a cool head' Trade concerns were a recurring issue for the EU as Trumps first week continued and a mantra to keep calm and maintain a measured approach emerged from Brussels. European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera said the bloc prefers to avoid confrontation at a conference in the Belgian capital organized by the Forum New Economy, a research network. The EU must keep a cool head, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does not seem very appropriate to think that the best response that can be given to a provocation is to escalate the provocations, she added. Defence and energy quickly developed as areas where the EU wants to improve ties with the US under Trumps leadership and offset grounds for contention in trade relations. Congratulating Trump on the start of his new term, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic pledged stronger cooperation between Croatia and the US in both the military and energy sector. We look forward to working with President Trump and his administration to further strengthen our strategic partnership with the United States. We will build on our strong cooperation in the military and energy fields, Plenkovic posted on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob said he wanted to upgrade bilateral relations and strengthen ties as Trump took office. Energy and defence demands Kiril Petkov, a former prime minister of Bulgaria and opposition member said Trumps return to the White House should serve as a catalyst for European defence efforts. Petkov also said that supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US would be more competitive on the European market, aligning with Trumps energy policy and reducing Europes use of fossil fuels from Russia. The EU move to reduce Russian energy use comes against the background of a heightened threat that the Kremlins war in Ukraine could be compromising the blocs security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Trump, who opposes the EUs purchase of energy from Russia while the US pays to defend Europe as part of NATO, has demanded members of the military alliance increase such expenditure to 5% of GDP, more than double the current minimum of 2%. Poland, as the only NATO member to share a border with both Russia and Ukraine has seized on Trumps return to the White House to push for the bloc to take greater steps to defend itself. Dont ask America what it can do for our security. Ask yourselves what we can do for our own security, Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk told the European Parliament on Wednesday, paraphrasing late US president John F. Kennedy. Tusk urged his European partners to read the demand by Trump that NATO countries invest 5% of their GDP in defence as a positive challenge," since only an ally can wish another ally to be stronger. Taking the positives Other countries stressed the positives too. Trumps return to the White House is above all an opportunity, Czech President Petr Pavel said, adding that he is awaiting the new US administrations proposals on Ukraine and how to end the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets look at it positively. What can we take from this moment of expectation that the new administration has brought, especially regarding the resolution of the war in Ukraine, Pavel told reporters during a visit to Montenegro. Ukraine has been resisting Russian aggression for almost three years, thanks to military and other aid from the West, especially from the US. A few days ago, Trump said he hopes to conclude a ceasefire within the first six months of his presidency. The new president previously claimed that he would end the war within 24 hours of his return to the White House. The enr Keystory is published twice a week. The content is based on news by agencies participating in the enr. The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has proposed a gradual easing of the sanctions imposed on Syria. A plan is to start with those measures that are really necessary to tackle the reconstruction of the country, Kallas said on the sidelines of talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara on Friday. If the new Syrian leadership shows progress, further steps could be taken, Kallas continued. Talks are due to be held on this on Monday at an EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kallas did not provide any details of her plan in Ankara. According to diplomats in Brussels, sanctions could initially be relaxed to facilitate energy supply and travel. The EU imposed sanctions on Syria in response to the violent crackdown by the government of Bashar al-Assad on the civilian population from 2011. These also targeted economic sectors from which al-Assad's power circle benefited. The EU measures include a ban on investment in Syria's oil industry and in companies involved in the construction of new power plants for electricity generation in Syria. The sanctions package also includes a ban on the import of crude oil from Syria, an arms embargo and further export restrictions. Flag carrier Syrian Airlines is also subject to sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If developments in Syria go in the wrong direction, sanctions will be reintroduced, Kallas said, adding that after Assad's fall from power, the new rulers in the country should be given incentives to build a true democracy in Syria. The hope is that hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees will one day be able to return home. The European Union is unlikely to propose a gradual phase-out of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of its new sanctions package targeting Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Source: Bloomberg, as reported by European Pravda Details: Bloomberg reports that EU member states lack consensus on banning Russian LNG imports, which reached record levels in 2024. For this reason, the EU will rely on a roadmap for a complete phase-out of Russian energy supplies, expected to be presented by late February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this plan will outline the measures to be taken to stop LNG imports from Russia, detailed EU legislation is likely to be presented at a later stage. A group of 10 EU countries is calling for sanctions against Russia to be tightened by imposing new restrictions on natural gas and strengthening control over compliance with the existing oil price cap. Quote: "However, sanctions by the EU require unanimity, which would be difficult to achieve amid vocal opposition from Hungary and the continued reliance of some other countries on gas from Moscow." Background: The EUs upcoming 16th sanctions package against Russia is expected to target aluminium, agricultural products, the shadow fleet, and Russian banks. Support UP or become our patron! The European Commission has submitted a screening report on the Fundamentals cluster to the European Council, marking the starting point for Ukraine's EU membership negotiations. Source: Interfax-Ukraine, citing information from the European Commission, as reported by European Pravda Details: The first report on the screening of Ukraine's legislation (an analysis of the extent to which the candidate country's laws align with EU legislation) was sent to the European Council on 16 January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report focuses on Cluster 1, Fundamentals, which serves as the foundation for membership negotiations. In accordance with the negotiating framework, this cluster is the first to open and the last to close during the negotiation process. Quote from the European Commission: "Once the Council agrees that the initial benchmarks for this cluster have been met, the countries have presented their negotiation positions and the EU has approved its position, an Intergovernmental Conference is organised. At this conference, both parties officially open the cluster for negotiations." Background: Earlier, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said she was confident that Ukraine could open both the first and thirty-first clusters in its EU membership negotiations by 2025. In December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine aims to open at least two clusters by 2025, with the maximum goal being all the clusters. Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, noted that Ukraine, together with Poland and Denmark, which will hold the EU Council presidency during 2025, has drawn up a plan for opening the chapters in Ukraines EU membership negotiations. Support UP or become our patron! Anders Vistisen, a Danish conservative member of the European Parliament, said he has no regrets about telling Donald Trump to f**k off over the U.S. presidents talk about America somehow taking control of Greenland, which for centuries has been part of the Danish kingdom. CNNs Erin Burnett on Thursday asked Vistisen why hed been so blunt with his choice of words during a speech in Parliament earlier this week. First of all, it is a completely unacceptable attack on Danish sovereignty to want to claim territory that has been Danish since the 10th century, three times as long as the United States has existed, he responded. But also because my party are unhappy with the Danish government not taking a more clear stand towards these signals from the U.S. president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has similarly talked about America incorporating Canada and the Panama Canal but those countries governments have been more firm in their pushback, Vistisen added. Vistisen brushed off criticism from European Parliament colleagues who condemned his curse word. The European Parliament has a quite biased way of interpreting these rules. Its OK to call people fascists, racists, communists, but apparently you cannot use the same language as Mr. Trump has used regarding his own top generals in the Pentagon, he told Burnett. If they have a problem, they can take it up with me, the lawmaker added. I have not heard from the president of Parliament since my speech, so Im waiting for her to contact me, but I dont assume it will be a big deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burnett noted Trumps argument that American possession of Greenland will increase U.S. security. Vistisen acknowledged the point. We take those concerns very seriously, he said. We are a NATO ally but America has had a military presence in Greenland since 1941 and we have accommodated all security concerns. So if America wants to have more bases or different kind of equipment in Greenland, there is actually no one contesting that, neither in Greenland nor in Denmark. Watch the interview here: Related... European forces destroyed nearly two dozen Houthi missiles and drones over the past year. The Houthis spent more than a year attacking shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. American and European forces have deployed to the region to defend against the attacks. European naval forces destroyed nearly two dozen missiles and drones launched by the Houthis in almost a year of combat operations in the Red Sea. The European Union launched Operation Aspides in mid-February of last year in response to Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, joining American and British forces in their efforts to protect shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden from the Yemeni rebels. So far, the European forces deployed to the mission have intercepted four missiles, shot down 17 aerial drones, and destroyed two naval drones on the surface of the water, a spokesperson for Operation Aspides told Business Insider on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their mission is set to expire in a month as the Houthis signal that they will reduce their attacks, which succeeded in driving up the cost of shipping and compelled some carriers to avoid the Suez Canal and the Red Sea entirely. European forces including Germany, France, Italy, and Greece have taken down the Houthi weapons by opening fire from warships and their embarked helicopters. The surface combatants have used surface-to-air missiles and 3-inch deck-mounted guns to intercept the threats. A French warship operating in the Red Sea launches a surface-to-air missile. Operation Aspides The Operation Aspides spokesperson said European forces have also supported nearly 600 vessels, including providing close protection for more than 350 of them, and carried out three Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) operations to save the lives of nearly 50 sailors. It's unclear whether the operation's one-year mandate, which began on February 19, 2024, and is set to expire in just a few weeks, will be extended. The mission's budget is 8 million Euros ($8.3 million USD). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tempo of operations under Aspides is a stark difference from the US Navy's counter-Houthi mission, which has engaged hundreds of Houthi missiles and drones since the fall of 2023. Officers and experts have described the conflict as the most intense combat that American naval forces have faced since World War II. US warships have also shot down Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles. The rebels became the first force to ever fire this type of missile in combat, in late 2023, and have since fired dozens of them at military and civilian vessels. A French warship operating in the Red Sea opens fire on a Houthi naval drone in August.. French military photo Beyond intercepting Houthi missiles and drones, the US has carried out airstrikes against the rebels in Yemen, targeting their facilities and weapons. British and Israeli fighter jets have done the same. The Operation Aspides spokesperson said the EU has a different mandate from other international coalitions. They emphasized that the mission is defensive in nature, with the goal of allowing for the safe passage of civilian vessels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis have said that their unrelenting attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Shortly after a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas was announced earlier this month, the rebels claimed they would limit their Red Sea attacks to Israeli-affiliated vessels. The return of the Trump administration could dramatically shake-up the US military's approach to the ongoing Houthi conflict. The White House announced earlier this week that it was re-designating the rebels as a foreign terrorist organization, reversing former President Joe Biden's decision to remove them from that list in 2021. The White House said that under Trump, "it is now the policy" of the US to cooperate with regional partners to end the Houthi attacks on American personnel and civilians, Washington's partners, and Red Sea shipping. Read the original article on Business Insider MOSCOW, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Moscow is open to talks on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday. "We have always said this, and I would like to emphasize this once again, we are ready for negotiations on the Ukrainian issue," Putin said. In the meantime, the Russian president said that certain issues require special attention. He recalled that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously issued a decree prohibiting such negotiations. "How can negotiations be resumed now when they have been banned?" Putin questioned, adding that if talks were to resume, they would be illegitimate under Ukraine's current legal framework. Putin said that as long as the decree remains in place, it will be difficult to talk about whether these negotiations can begin, or whether they can be properly completed. He noted that while some preliminary discussions can happen, serious negotiations would be difficult given the existing ban from the Ukrainian side. The Russian leader said Zelensky "was in no hurry" to lift the decree banning negotiations, and follow the orders of his sponsors. He said that those who are funding Kiev should pressure the Ukrainian leader to do so. During his speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump said U.S. efforts to secure a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine were "hopefully underway," adding that Ukraine was ready to make a deal. (Bloomberg) -- European officials are seeking commitments from the new US administration of President Donald Trump to take part in security guarantees for Ukraine as diplomatic pressure to end the Russian invasion mounts. Most Read from Bloomberg The allies broadly agree with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that the US will have to contribute troops to any future peacekeeping forces in the country to make such effort credible, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke under condition of anonymity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyivs European allies said the US may be on board with the idea, despite Trumps initial reticence. They stressed, however, that its still too early to discuss in detail what future peacekeeping forces in Ukraine would look like, the people said. The latest push shows Europeans are trying to shape the thinking of the new administration as Trump prepares to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The US president has threatened to dial up the pressure on the Russian economy unless Putin agrees to end the fighting, although the Russian leader has given no indication hes ready to make any meaningful concessions. If European allies were forced to send troops on their own, that could undermine the credibility of the guarantee and create a rift in NATO as it would spell the de-facto end of transatlantic cooperation within the alliance, a senior European government official said. Trumps skepticism toward supporting Ukraine may have softened. His team has shown willingness for the US to focus on giving security guarantees to Ukraine, which they privately acknowledge as inevitable, according to a senior western diplomat who has interacted with the presidents team on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in exchange for those commitments Trump may expect Europe to take a bigger share of the burden in enforcing any potential deal. Europeans understand that the US expects them to provide the bulk of the troops, according to the same diplomat, with Trump considering the war in Ukraine a European affair. The presidents team has also signaled that the new US administration doesnt intend to engage directly in Ukrainian reconstruction, something they have suggested would be taken over by the private sector, another senior diplomat said, stressing that discussions were still ongoing. Zelenskiy is attempting to lock in support from Trump as part of the diplomatic push to end the war, which is approaching its fourth year. Ukraines president told Bloomberg News on Wednesday that any effective peacekeeping force must include US troops, as the military backing of Europe alone wont be sufficient to deter Putin. Credibility Problem Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines European allies have become cautiously optimistic in recent weeks that Trump wont force Kyiv into premature peace negotiations with Russia. Trump threatened Moscow with financial penalties this week if Putin refuses to stop fighting soon. Trumps special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, is expected to visit Kyiv in the coming weeks. He has said hed like a solution to be found in the first 100 days of the administration, after Trump rowed back his pledge to broker a deal to end the conflict in 24 hours. But given Trumps record of changing policy on the fly, much remains uncertain. That has left European allies concerned about the scale of any future US military commitment to back up those guarantees or whether therell be any at all. Trump indicated on Thursday hes seeking to partner with China to try to reach a settlement in Ukraine. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said the president has made clear our NATO allies need to step up their defense spending obligations and share of the burden with the largest land war since World War II on their doorstep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have explored the idea of sending European troops to shore up Ukraine once a ceasefire is reached. The Europeans are holding discussions in order to propose concrete solutions to the US, according to a person familiar with the matter. One senior French official expressed some skepticism, though. The Europeans understood, that person said, they wouldnt be able to count on major US participation but would have to prepare for Washington only playing a role in certain capabilities, without putting people on the ground. That may complicate the matter. To avoid a resumption of the war, you need strong enough guarantees, said NATOs senior official in Ukraine, Patrick Turner. NATO membership is a yardstick for what an effective guarantee would look like, he told Bloomberg News in an interview in Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claudia Major of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, a think-tank in Berlin, said European guarantees will have a credibility problem. She estimates that any commitment would require as many as 150,000 military personnel. Thats not feasible without a US contribution, she said, especially considering that Europe lacks other strategic elements such as sufficient air and missile defense. There are only two real guarantees for a country: NATO or nukes, Major said. Anything short of that is just security support. --With assistance from Arne Delfs, Andra Timu, Samy Adghirni, Ania Nussbaum and Stephanie Lai. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Updates with comments from National Security Council spokesman in 13th paragraph, analyst starting in 18th.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. European officials want the administration of US President Donald Trump to commit to securing Ukraine's safety, including by deploying American troops for a potential peacekeeping mission. Source: European Pravda, citing Bloomberg Details: Bloomberg reports that, in general, allies agree with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the US must contribute troops to any future peacekeeping mission in Ukraine to ensure its credibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources speaking to Bloomberg believe that, despite Trump's current hesitations, the US may eventually support this idea. However, they emphasised that it is still too early to define the structure of any future peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. At present, European officials are working to shape the new US administration's position on the issue. Meanwhile, Trump is preparing for talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. One high-ranking European official warned that if European allies are forced to send peacekeepers on their own, it could erode trust in security guarantees and create a rift within NATO. This could signal the end of transatlantic cooperation within the Alliance. At the same time, some Western diplomats suggest that Trumps scepticism about supporting Ukraine may be easing. They report that, in private conversations, Trumps team is showing a willingness to focus on providing security guarantees to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in exchange for these commitments, Trump might demand that Europe take on a larger share of the responsibility for implementing any potential agreement, as he considers the war in Ukraine to be a European issue. The president's team has also made it clear that the new US administration does not intend to directly engage in Ukraine's reconstruction. A senior diplomat said that discussions are ongoing, but Trumps proposal is for the private sector to take the lead in this effort. Background: On 22 January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Bloomberg News that any effective peacekeeping mission must include US troops, as European military support alone will not be sufficient to deter Putin. In recent weeks, Ukraine's European allies have cautiously expressed optimism that Trump will not pressure Kyiv into premature peace talks with Russia. This week, Trump warned Moscow of financial sanctions if Putin refuses to halt the fighting soon. Support UP or become our patron! The city of Evanston is investigating an incident in which four Evanston firefighters wore Donald Trump masks while at work, according to the citys spokesperson. The fire chief sent City Council a letter of apology, and the investigation will look at whether it violated the citys code of ethics. The photo of the four employees, who were wearing Evanston Fire Department shirts in addition to their Trump face masks, began to circulate on Reddit this week. The image depicts the employees sitting on easy chairs, and it has an orange tint and a #47 in red, white and blue in the corner, an apparent nod to Trump being sworn in as the 47th president a few days ago. One employee is giving the thumbs up gesture with both hands. 8th Ward City Councilmember Devon Reid said the picture is authentic and not digitally manipulated. It was taken at Fire Station 3 near Central and Ridge, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evanstons Communications and Engagement Manager Cynthia Vargas released a statement on behalf of the city saying that the city is performing an internal investigation. Although the City cannot comment on the specifics of this investigation, we remain dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity among all employees. We will continue to uphold our commitment to serving all community members fairly. Mayor Daniel Biss commented, This picture is extremely troubling and disappointing to see. While I cannot comment on specifics in an ongoing investigation, Im thankful for the immediate response from the Fire Chief and City Manager and Im confident in their work to make sure everyone feels safe when calling 911 when they need emergency services. 1st Ward City Councilmember Clare Kelly said Fire Chief Paul Polep apologized to the City Council on behalf of the department earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poleps letter to the City Council, obtained through a records request, stated, I am writing to express my sincere apologies regarding the recent incident involving a photo of our firefighters posted to Reddit. Upon review, it is clear that city policies, EFD rules and regulations, and language were violated. As Fire Chief, I take full responsibility for this situation and want to assure you that it will be addressed appropriately. We are taking immediate steps to ensure that all involved understand the seriousness of the matter and that corrective actions will be implemented. Under the citys code of ethics, employees are not allowed to use city property for political purposes. In a similar case, a flag supporting Donald Trumps re-election campaign outside of Melrose Parks police department was removed in November after it received backlash. Not everyone saw the masks as a political act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont see it as political, Councilmember Reid told Pioneer Press. Firefighters work 24-hour shifts when theyre on their downtime, theyre on their downtime. I think it was a boneheaded thing to do at work while in uniform but I dont think this represents anything bad about the Evanston Fire Department, he said. Since the photos posting, plans for an organized demonstration outside of Fire Station 3 on Jan. 26 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. began to pick up steam on social media. After recent events both nationally and locally, Ive decided its time to get involved politically, the original poster said. Evanston is a diverse community that welcomes everyone. Bigotry, hate, sexism, fascism, etc, have no place in our community, especially within our fire department, whose job it is to protect the community. Top advisers to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are battling over how aggressively to target vaccines during his first days as the nations health secretary, amid fears of a political backlash that could quickly swamp his agenda and derail his relationship with President Donald Trump. The internal debate has pitted Kennedys closest and most strident anti-vaccine allies against a separate faction of advisers and Trump officials, slowing efforts to finalize his policy plans, according to five people with knowledge of the deliberations who were granted anonymity because the discussions are private. The people he really trusts are people that obviously are trying to execute a plan to totally take away vaccines, said one of the people with knowledge of the discussions. The risk of overreach, I dont think is zero. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within Kennedys orbit, theres little question that he will alter the federal governments posture toward vaccines a shift public health experts warn will undermine Americans confidence in the shots and open the door to a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases. Before Trump named him to lead the governments health agencies, Kennedy chaired a group that questioned the safety of widely accepted vaccines. Some of Kennedys fellow anti-vaccine activists have advocated taking immediate and concrete steps likely to undercut immunizations. That has worried other Kennedy allies and Trump officials who have urged a more measured approach centered on encouraging greater study of vaccines and their potential side effects. Kennedy has yet to decide the scope of his agenda, prompting competing efforts to shape the ambitions he will take into the Department of Health and Human Services. The jockeying underscores the sensitivity of the vaccine issue even within Kennedys camp, especially as he attempts to allay lingering concerns about his past anti-vaccine activism and win Senate confirmation. A spokesperson for Kennedy did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The more far-reaching options that Kennedy has discussed with allies include disbanding the main panel of experts that advises the government on vaccines, evaluates their safety and recommends which vaccines should be routinely administered to children and adults. Its decisions can also affect whether public and private insurers cover the shots' costs for patients. The HHS secretary wields broad power to alter the mission of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and appoint its members. That means Kennedy could overhaul the panel and stock it with allies who will take a far more skeptical view of the new vaccines that come before them. Those new members could also upend ACIPs existing recommendations by recategorizing some standard childhood vaccines as meant for shared clinical decisionmaking or shots that should be given only after consultation between a parent and a doctor, rather than as part of a regular slate of immunizations. You can have ACIP questioning certain vaccines and casting doubt in the publics mind about them, said Larry Gostin, director of Georgetown Universitys ONeill Institute for National and Global Health Law, who said that doing so may prompt states to reevaluate the vaccinations they require children to receive to attend public schools. Thats going to particularly affect state policymakers in red states, who will then loosen childhood vaccination laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of Kennedys anti-vaccine allies have also explored ways to undermine longstanding legal protections for vaccine manufacturers, which theyve often highlighted to advance theories that vaccines are not as safe as other drugs. And there is widespread expectation that Kennedy will order major revisions in how the health department talks about vaccines on its website and in other educational materials, though the extent of those changes remain under debate. Theyre deadly serious, said another person with knowledge of the deliberations. Hes going to move on vaccines and I think he feels he has a mandate. Aaron Siri, a vaccine injury lawyer whos petitioned the FDA to revoke approvals or pause distribution of several vaccines, and prominent anti-vaccine activist Del Bigtree are among the close Kennedy associates advising him as he prepares to join Trumps Cabinet. The health nominee has also solicited ideas from a range of friends and former colleagues, including others in the anti-vaccine movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither Siri nor Bigtree responded to requests for comment. Kennedy has said he wants to revamp the governments approach to vaccines, and previously spent years sowing doubts about their safety and aiding legal efforts to challenge immunizations and health mandates. In an ethics agreement released Wednesday, Kennedy detailed plans to maintain his financial stake in an ongoing lawsuit against the drugmaker Merck challenging the safety of its HPV vaccine. But since his nomination, Kennedy has denied that he's anti-vaccine. He's also downplayed his focus on vaccines in private meetings with senators, arguing that hes concerned only with promoting greater transparency rather than curtailing access to them. Some more cautious advisers have encouraged him to hew closely to that pledge once at HHS, by pursuing a broader chronic disease agenda that promotes healthier eating and scrutiny of the main drivers of chronic conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would still involve ramping up the study of vaccines and their side effects including a link to autism Kennedy has long alleged exists in defiance of scientific consensus. Another potential target for study is the childhood vaccine schedule, which Kennedy and his allies have argued vaccinates kids against too many diseases too quickly. But those advisers have also stressed that Kennedys popularity within the Make America Healthy Again movement stems more from his desire to improve Americans overall health than his credentials as an influential anti-vaccine activist. Despite recent declines in routine vaccination rates, polling still shows the vast majority of Americans believe childhood vaccinations are important and support mandating them to attend public schools. Perhaps just as important, some Kennedy advisers and Trump officials fear that aggressively targeting vaccines would prompt an uproar among some in Congress and the broader electorate, creating a distraction that risks taking attention off of Trump. While they believe that Trump is willing to let his HHS nominee dictate large swathes of the health agenda, they also worry that he could sour quickly on Kennedy if there are any major missteps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will stop when it becomes a headache for people at the White House, a third person with knowledge of the discussions said of the leeway that Trump has granted Kennedy. Still, the people with knowledge of the discussions said, theres little assurance that despite the warnings, Kennedy will spurn the wishes of a community of ardent vaccine skeptics that he sees as a core part of his base. On the night of Trumps inauguration, Kennedy was feted at the MAHA Inaugural Ball, held blocks from the White House. It was a celebration organized by MAHA Action, a nonprofit created specifically to support Kennedy and his agenda, and helmed by Bigtree. Its an open story and question how much hes going to be pushed by his grassroots people to focus on potential areas that might ostracize Trump, the first person with knowledge of the discussions said. But it is not bullshit mainstream media reporting to continually ask what the deal here is, given the fact that the people hes surrounded by come from this world. Phil Banks, Mayor Adams former public safety deputy who resigned last fall after his home was raided by federal authorities, faces potential fines for not filing an annual financial disclosure on time upon leaving City Hall, the Daily News has learned. In another previously unknown wrinkle, before the raid at Banks home, Adams office removed his name from a list that identifies all senior city officials who by law must file annual financial disclosures. After The News reached out for comment Friday, Adams office put Banks name back on the list, the latest iteration of which is supposed to identify all city officials with policy-making authority as of August 2024, according to Conflicts of Interest Board Executive Director Carolyn Miller, whose agency maintains the document. Adams spokeswoman Amaris Cockfield said Banks name was removed by mistake when the mayors office submitted the most up-to-date list on Aug. 7. Up to that point, Banks had been on the so-called policymaker list for the entire duration of his time as deputy mayor. Cockfield didnt elaborate on how the mistake happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Either way, Banks was still required to file his 2024 financial disclosure within 60 days of his Oct. 7 resignation because he was on the February 2024 version of the list, confirming he had policymaking authority at least at some point in the last calendar year. Miller also confirmed Friday that Banks hasnt filed his 2024 disclosure, even though it was due Dec. 6. He hasnt received an extension. Banks 2023 financial disclosure, which he filed as required, showed he held as much as $5.7 million in various assets, including owning three Queens properties and hundreds of thousands of dollars in stocks. Under city law, submitting a financial disclosure more than one week after its due can subject officials to a fine ranging from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $10,000, with the length of the delay in filing being key in assessing penalties. The law also states the conflicts board must alert the Department of Investigation within two months of an officials failure to file. Banks two-month overdue date is Feb. 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citing confidentiality protocols, Miller declined to say whether the board has levied a fine against Banks or alerted the DOI. A spokeswoman for the DOI, which is working with the feds on corruption investigations that have ensnared Banks and other top Adams advisers, declined to comment. Banks, who hasnt been accused of wrongdoing by any law enforcement agencies, didnt return a request for comment. Reached by phone, Benjamin Brafman, Banks lawyer, said he has no idea why Banks didnt file his disclosure on time or why his name was removed from the policymaker list. Speaking of the feds who raided Banks home, Brafman added: Im told continuously that he is not a target of their investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City government ethics expert Richard Briffault said he has never heard of a deputy mayor like Banks being removed from the policymaker list. It seems weird, and it seems hard to justify, said Briffault, who used to be the Conflicts of Interest Boards chairman. In addition to financial disclosure requirements, officials on the policymaker list are barred from soliciting campaign contributions on behalf of political candidates. Federal investigators raided Banks Queens home on Sept. 4 and seized his electronics as part of a corruption probe that sources say is scrutinizing influence-peddling and kickbacks on city contracts. On the same day, the feds searched the homes of Schools Chancellor David Banks, Phils older brother, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, senior Adams public safety adviser Tim Pearson and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban. All of those officials have since resigned; none have been charged in any proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remains unclear who the targets might be of the corruption probes entangling Banks and the other ex-Adams aides. The probes are being led by the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office. Those inquiries are separate from the investigation that resulted in Adams indictment on charges alleging he took bribes and illegal campaign cash from Turkish government operatives in exchange for political favors. Adams has pleaded not guilty and is supposed to stand trial in April. Banks, an ex-NYPD chief with a controversial history who has known Adams for decades, held immense sway over the police department while serving as deputy mayor. GULFPORT, Miss. (WJTV) A former Ocean Springs substitute teacher, who was sentenced on sex crime charges, allegedly used an email to make bomb threats in the City of Pascagoula. The Sun Herald reported Keshawn Belcher, 22, is accused of committing the crimes at the Jackson County Jail on September 9, 2024. If convicted on the new felony charge, he could face 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Philadelphia man sentenced for burglarizing home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belcher pled guilty in August 2024 to one count of touching a child for lustful purposes and five counts of exploitation of a child. A judge sentenced Belcher to 15 years for touching a child for lustful purposes. He was also sentenced to concurrent terms of 40 years with 20 years suspended on each of the exploitation counts. Once Belcher has been released from prison, he will be required to register as a sex offender. Keshawn Belcher (Courtesy: MDOC) Belcher, a former substitute teacher at Ocean Springs Middle School, was arrested in April 2023 and was booked into the Jackson County Jail. Ocean Springs police said an investigation began after a student reported Belcher. They said the case centered around allegations that Belcher sent inappropriate sexual content to students via Snapchat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the indictment, the alleged incidents were committed against two female students and one male student at the middle school. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. A former East Cleveland Police Officer has been convicted of several felony charges in connection to a police chase and crash from nearly two years ago. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A jury found Larry McDonald guilty of tampering with records, tampering with evidence, telecommunications fraud, dereliction of duty, and obstructing official business, according to WOIO, a CBS affiliate in Cleveland. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuyahoga County prosecutors said McDonald tried to make a traffic stop on a 42-year-old man on March 12, 2023. A chase began and the victim crashed his vehicle into a bus stop. Prosecutors said McDonald saw the crash but left the scene. WOIO reported that McDonald, 47, resigned from the department in May 2023, a day after the departments internal investigation concluded. McDonald will be sentenced at a later date. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] by Julia Pierrepont III LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area destroyed over 10,000 structures, many of them homes. Tens of thousands have been displaced, and the search for housing is becoming increasingly brutal. Some landlords are profiting from the crisis. "It's a shark tank in LA right now with blood in the water," Angeleno resident Andrea M. told Xinhua. "Everybody is vying for the same few places, and unscrupulous, profiteering landlords are making money on other people's misery. It's shameful!" A Beverly Hills rental home previously listed at 14,000 dollars per month jumped by 4,000 dollars overnight, while a home in the wealthy Bel Air neighborhood saw its price double to 29,500 dollars. Many landlords see the disaster as an opportunity to profit, with some openly defying California's price-gouging laws. Many failed to justify the increases, with some listings quickly removed after scrutiny. Jason Oppenheim of Netflix's popular reality show "Selling Sunset" criticized "the unethical practices" of his peers, pointing to instances where rental prices jumped by 10,000 dollars despite an upfront offer to pay six months' rent. To address these problems, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Jan. 16 to cap rent increases at 10 percent during the crisis. However, reports showed rental prices in areas like West Los Angeles and Bel Air are still spiking far beyond the legal limit. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has launched investigations into reported cases of price gouging, urging residents to submit evidence to aid enforcement. However, experts noted that prosecuting these violations was complex and time-consuming, leaving many victims without immediate recourse. The crisis is especially dire for renters, who typically have fewer resources to recover from disasters compared to homeowners. Experts warn that the wildfires' aftermath will exacerbate the region's housing inequality, which already heavily impacts marginalized or low-income communities. Harvard researcher Carlos Martin criticized disaster policies for "prioritizing property ownership and exacerbating divisions between wealthy homeowners and lower-income renters." Temporary solutions, such as free housing offered by nonprofits and discounted hotel stays, provide immediate relief, but long-term rebuilding is far more challenging. Older residents like Renee and Ed Weitzer, who lost their Sunset Mesa home and have been living in a hotel while competing with other renters for accommodation, have struggled to secure housing despite offering to pay a year's rent upfront. The pair plans to move into a family member's one-bedroom apartment. Vulnerable neighborhoods, such as historically Black areas like Altadena, are especially impacted. Local activists are highlighting the predatory practices. One organizer has documented price-gouged properties in a public spreadsheet. The Los Angeles Tenants Union identified over 500 listings with sudden rent spikes, some exceeding 100 percent. Union organizers stressed that even legally permitted increases could strain renters already struggling in one of the nation's most expensive cities. As Los Angeles grapples with these challenges, local and state leaders are calling for stronger protections and accountability. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said displaced residents need support assurance, not exploitation. Governor Newsom has proposed 2.5 billion dollars for emergency recovery. Nonetheless, housing advocates remain wary of long-term impacts. Experts predict a surge in homelessness and prolonged recovery times for affected communities. "Recovery from disasters often takes years or even decades," said Jeffrey Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at the Columbia Climate School. For many Angelenos, already living on the edge financially, the wildfires may be the tipping point that forces them out of the city, Schlegelmilch added. AUSTIN (KXAN) A former teacher was sentenced to 10 years probation after she was accused of having an improper relationship with a student in 2022, court documents said. Abigail Seidel pleaded guilty to the charge of an improper relationship between an educator and a student and was sentenced to 10 years deferred adjudication with community supervision, court documents said. In Texas, deferred adjudication is a type of probation that allows the person sentenced to keep the conviction off their criminal record if they follow the court-ordered guidelines. Seidel is not allowed to participate in any activities with people who are 17 years old or younger unless they are her immediate family and is not allowed to have contact with the victim who reported the improper relationship, according to conditions listed in the order of community supervision. She does not have to register as a sex offender, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seidel, who was 25 at the time of the accusation, was a chemistry teacher at Smithville High School in Smithville and resigned from the position in May 2022, according to the Bastrop County Sheriffs Office. The teenage victim reported the incident to authorities in September 2022. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The ex-wife of Stewart Rhodes, founder of the far-right Oath Keepers group, said President Trumps decision to commute his 18-year prison sentence for helping lead the 2021 Capitol insurrection was insane. I mean, there were terrorism enhancements with his sentence. He was not pardoned. It was a little too big of a sentence, I think, to get away with pardoning him, Tasha Adams said during a Thursday CNN appearance on The Source with Kaitlan Collins. So his sentence was commuted. Hes still a convicted felon. Its insane. Its absolutely insane, she told Collins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams shared her outrage not only over the pardons but Rhodess meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill following his release. Its pretty disgusting, frankly. And then his comments, you know, he had his little flippant comment that he had absolutely no regrets. People died, she stated earlier in the interview. People died because of that day. What a disgusting comment to make. Its just horrible, she said. Its mind-boggling that hes out there wandering around being taken seriously when he spearheaded one of the most violent and just horrific days in American history. She said she hoped interacting with Rhodes would be political kryptonite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge barred Rhodes and seven other Oath Keepers members from coming to D.C. without court approval in a Friday order amending the conditions of their release. Despite continued criticism, Rhodes said he doesnt regret his decision to join the J6 riot four years ago but did say peoples actions got out of hand. I didnt go into the Capitol. I didnt tell anybody else to go inside. Were here to do security for two permitted events on Capitol grounds, Rhodes said. I regret that my guys went in. They blundered in along with everybody else. It doesnt make them criminals. It just makes me kind of stupid. 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. Attorney Ben Crump speaks to a crowd at a rally on the Michigan State Capitol steps, June 7, 2024 | Lucy Valeski Lawsuits have been filed on behalf of the families of two Grand Rapids-area residents who died after being hit by police cruisers in separate incidents last year. Attorneys for the families of 17-year-old Riley Doggett and 25-year-old Samuel Sterling said both were unarmed at the time of their deaths, which they claim were without cause and the result of unnecessary force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It boggles the mind when you think about how unjustified it is, said attorney Ben Crump at a press conference Friday in Detroit. First of all, theyre running away, so what is the intimate threat to use excessive deadly force, and then why would you use a car? Where is that in the police training? Other high-profile clients that Crump has represented whose deaths involved the police include the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. Doggett was struck by a Kent County sheriffs cruiser during a chase on April 7, 2024. Ten days later, on April 17, Sterling was struck in a parking lot in Kentwood by former Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Brian Keely. In Doggetts case, Deputy Josiah McMains with the Kent County Sheriffs Office sideswiped the teen as police say he tried to flee the scene of a stolen vehicle. Doggetts leg was caught underneath the police cruiser, causing him to fall and hit his head. He subsequently died a month later from those injuries. Jermar Sterling, a cousin of Samuel Sterling, leads the crowd around the front of the Michigan State Capitol building, June 7, 2024 | Lucy Valeski Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker later decided against charging Deputy McMains in the death due to insufficient evidence, an outcome attorney Ven Johnson said was at odds with the videos from both the body cam worn by Deputy McMains and the camera from his vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He absolutely intentionally made a drastic right turn, which then ran over Riley and killed him, said Johnson as he played a side-by-side video from the two cameras. You should note that this video that Im showing you, we have forwarded to Attorney General Dana Nessel, so that she can see what we believe is the blatant intentional turning of the vehicle that killed Riley. The videos show McMains pursuing two 17-year-old suspects in the theft of a vehicle the unnamed driver and Doggett, a front seat passenger. As the pair flees on foot in separate directions, the deputy follows Doggett, who is seen falling after the cruiser makes contact with him. McMains body cam then shows Doggett unconscious and bleeding on the ground. Johnson claims McMain used his patrol car as a deadly weapon against an unarmed teenager who was trying to flee without posing any reasonable threat, adding that the death was preventable in that despite ample opportunity to de-escalate, the deputy instead chose to use lethal force. Cage-Sterling-Filed Complaint (Federal) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doggetts mother, Becky Wilbert, was also at the press conference and said her main desire is to see McMains charged in the case. I cant bring my son back, she said. Nobody can bring my son back, but for him to be charged would be a piece of justice for us. The federal lawsuit filed on behalf of Doggetts family claims McMains violated the teens civil rights on two counts; use of excessive force and causing his wrongful death. It names both McMains and Kent County. In the case of Sterling, he was struck by MSP Det. Sgt. Brian Keelys patrol car on April 17, 2024, in Kentwood as he fled from officers seeking to arrest him on a fugitive warrant. Taylor Daniels, the sister of Riley Doggett, addresses a crowd on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol, June 7, 2024. | Lucy Valeski According to body and dash cam footage from that incident, Keelys SUV is seen running over a curb and striking Sterling, pinning him to the outside wall of a Burger King. Sterling is then seen on the ground, moaning in pain and repeatedly asking, Why did you hit me like that? He died five hours later as a result of multiple blunt-force injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What you could see there obviously, that when Samuel was run over by Keeley, Samuel was actually over the curb on the sidewalk when Keely intentionally steered right, said Johnson after showing videos from the incident. Keely, who was later charged by Nessels office with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in the case, was allowed to retire from the MSP just a day before his arraignment. The guy that they knew they were going to charge, their own office, Michigan State Police, Michigan attorney general, was gonna file charges, they let him retire with full benefits, noted Johnson. So you and me and all taxpayers are paying that man his benefits. Keely is currently awaiting trial in federal court on the criminal charges, but now also faces federal and state civil lawsuits that were filed Friday alleging he violated Sterlings civil rights through the use of excessive force and gross negligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doggett-Filed Complaint (Federal) The families of Riley Doggett and Samuel Sterling deserve justice, and these cases are not only about holding these officers accountable but also about addressing the systemic failures that led to these deaths, said Crump. We will fight for the truth to be uncovered and for the families to receive the justice they are owed. Johnson and Crump also represent the family of Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old man who was killed in April 2022 by a former Grand Rapids Police Department officer, Christopher Schurr. They filed a $100 million wrongful death lawsuit in December 2022 against both Schurr and the City of Grand Rapids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schurr, who was later charged with second-degree murder in Lyoyas death, is set to stand trial April 28. This Isnt just about Riley Daggett or Samuel Sterling or Patrick Lyoya, its about your children too, said Crump. I dont know how many times we got to ring the alarm to remind everybody what Doctor [Martin Luther] King said is true: Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. And thats whats happening in America right now. Funeral for Patrick Lyoya on April 22, 2022 | Allison R. Donahue SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Jan. 23JetBlue finally landed in Manchester on Thursday after being wooed by airport officials for a quarter century. And it was just in time for Dina Scalfani to fly to Fort Myers, Florida, to visit a lifelong friend. "I've been waiting years for this to happen," the Manchester resident said at Gate 7 at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. "So much better than flying out of Boston," she said amid a celebration of dignitaries and airline brass, along with giveaways including airplane-shaped cookies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JetBlue's first arrival in Manchester carried around 65 passengers from Orlando and arrived 39 minutes early. "It was nice to leave on time and arrive early," said passenger Vanesa Lopez of Orlando. JetBlue President Marty St. George told passengers and reporters that the airline could later add more destinations from Manchester to its current lineup of Orlando, Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale. "The more you fly, the more flying you get," he said. In an interview, St. George called the airport's cost structure for rent and landing fees "very economical" for JetBlue and "much cheaper to operate in" than Boston's Logan International Airport, where JetBlue has a major presence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Frankly, the continued economic development of New Hampshire is what's attracted us, and I think that over the last 10 or 15 years, we've seen what's happened in this state," St. George said. "We have a lot of loyal customers up here" in New Hampshire who drive to Logan, he said. "We want to make sure that no matter where our customers are, we're there to serve them," St. George said. "We have dozens and dozens of airports every year that come to New York to visit us to try to get us to fly there." St. George credited Airport Director Ted Kitchens "for closing the deal" as New Hampshire became the final New England state to get JetBlue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kitchens said JetBlue will spend $48 million in its first year, including the costs for fuel, employees and operating its planes in Manchester. Daniel Shurz, head of revenue, network and enterprise planning for JetBlue, said before the ceremony that additional destinations could be announced this summer after the airline assesses how successfully the Manchester service has fared. JetBlue was offering some seats on the new routes for $59 one-way if booked by Friday. Service to Orlando will be daily year-round. The airline will offer three-times-weekly seasonal service to Fort Myers and four-times-weekly flights during the winter to Fort Lauderdale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michelle Spanos of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, who was heading to Lempster, was also on the first arrival. The festivities at her arriving gate were "a fun surprise," said Spanos, who picked up JetBlue socks and other giveaways. She appreciated the swag bag she received on the plane as well as the early arrival. "It was so fast," Spanos said. Capt. Mike Beall, who flew the first JetBlue plane from Orlando to Manchester and was piloting the flight to Fort Myers, said it was his first inaugural flight. "It was kind of fun to see everybody coming to a new place," Beall said in an interview aboard the Airbus A320 jet that seats 162 passengers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everyone seemed to be very happy," he said. "They were all appreciative of coming here instead of having to go somewhere else and drive here." Someone not new to inaugural flights was Stephen Doherty from Newmarket. "My dad and I have done this before," said Doherty, 18, who waited with about 125 others to board the flight to Fort Myers. They previously flew on inaugural flights for Avelo Airlines and Breeze Airways from Manchester. "It's fun to have a little party at the gate. I'm trying to become a pilot," said Doherty, who is taking flying lessons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Kelly Ayotte was among leaders welcoming JetBlue. "I already saw friends here today that are taking this flight, so that was kind of cool, too," the governor said. Mayor Jay Ruais said he's glad JetBlue has finally landed in the Queen City. "This was a question in every debate that I had in 2023," Ruais said. "What are you going to do to get JetBlue into the city of Manchester, so today I can retire," the mayor quipped. mcousineau@unionleader.com By David Lewis, Stephanie van den Berg and Reade Levinson NAIROBI/THE HAGUE - One of Europe's most wanted fugitives, convicted cocaine smuggler Jos Leijdekkers, has found refuge and high-level protection in Sierra Leone, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the matter as well as photos and video footage seen by Reuters. The images and accounts shed fresh light on the role of the West African nation, which international law enforcement officials say is a transshipment point for large volumes of Latin American cocaine headed to Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leijdekkers, who is Dutch, was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison on June 25 by a Rotterdam court for smuggling more than 7 tonnes of cocaine. Dutch police have said he was believed to be living in Turkey until recently. A spokesperson for the Dutch prosecutors' office told Reuters on Friday in response to questions about his whereabouts that he has been living in Sierra Leone for at least six months. Two of the sources with knowledge of the situation said Leijdekkers had been in Sierra Leone since at least early 2023. "It is the highest priority of police and prosecutors to get him to the Netherlands to serve his sentence. We are doing everything we can in that regard," Dutch prosecutors' office spokesman Wim de Bruin said, declining further comment. Reuters was not able to reach Leijdekkers. The Dutch judges who convicted him noted in their court ruling that he did not mandate an attorney to put forward a defense on his behalf in court. Guy Weski, the lawyer who last represented Leijdekkers in the Netherlands did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Videos and photos of a church mass in Sierra Leone on Jan. 1, 2025 show Leijdekkers, 33, sitting two rows behind Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio, next to a woman. Reuters identified Leijdekkers by using five different facial recognition tools to compare the man at the church, as seen in a video and images on Facebook and in another video on YouTube, with photos of Leijdekkers released by Europol in 2022. The tools all determined they were a match, ranging between 82 - 98% confidence. The three sources said the woman was Bio's daughter Agnes and that Leijdekkers was married to her. Reuters could not confirm the relationship. Agnes Bio did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent to her email and her social media accounts. The mass was held at St Joseph's Catholic Church in the president's hometown of Tihun, in southern Sierra Leone. The three sources said Leijdekkers has high-level protection in Sierra Leone, where they said he frequently spends time. The sources declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. Sierra Leone's Information Minister and Government Spokesperson Chernor Bah did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent to him via WhatsApp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MOST WANTED Leijdekkers is on Europol's list of most wanted fugitives. In a Sept. 4 update on the wanted notice for him, Dutch police said he was "one of the key players in international cocaine trafficking." They said the 7,000 kg of confiscated cocaine shipments that were behind his 2024 conviction were likely a fraction of his business. Citing intercepted communications, Dutch police said that Leijdekkers "has probably been laundering tens of millions of euros and hundreds of kilos of gold that may have been earned from the cocaine trade". Reuters has no independent evidence to confirm that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last two decades, West Africa has become a major transit point for large volumes of cocaine being smuggled from Latin America to Europe, recording a number of large seizures of the drug. Last year, members of a UK-based crime group were imprisoned for trying to smuggle 1.3 tonnes of cocaine, worth 140 million pounds, into the UK from Sierra Leone. Reuters could not establish if Leijdekkers was involved in the deal. Dutch prosecutors have offered a 200,000-euro ($210,000) reward for tips that lead to the arrest of Leijdekkers, the highest ever for any Dutch fugitive. ($1 = 0.9513 euros) (Reporting by David Lewis in Nairobi, Stephanie van der Berg in The Hague, Reade Levinson and Filipp Lebedev in London, editing by Silvia Aloisi and Philippa Fletcher) By Erin Banco NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Palestinian militant group Hamas has recruited between 10,000 and 15,000 members since the start of its war with Israel, according to two congressional sources briefed on U.S. intelligence, suggesting the Iran-backed fighters could remain a persistent threat to Israel. The intelligence indicates a similar number of Hamas fighters have been killed during that period, the sources said. The latest official U.S. estimates have not been previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas and Israel began a ceasefire on Sunday after 15 months of a conflict that has devastated the Gaza Strip and inflamed the Middle East. The sources briefed on the intelligence, which was included in a series of updates from U.S. intelligence agencies in the final weeks of the Biden administration, said that while Hamas has successfully recruited new members, many are young and untrained and are being used for simple security purposes. The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment. On Jan. 14, then-President Joe Biden's Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States believed Hamas had recruited almost as many fighters as it had lost in the Palestinian enclave, cautioning that this was a "recipe for an enduring insurgency and perpetual war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did not provide further details about the assessment, but Israeli figures have put the total militant death toll in Gaza at around 20,000. Each time Israel completes its military operations and pulls back, Hamas militants regroup and re-emerge because theres nothing else to fill the void, Blinken said. Both Israel and the United States brand Hamas a terrorist group. Asked for comment, a Hamas official said he was checking with the relevant parties in the group. Hamas armed wing spokesman Abu Ubaida said in July that the group had been able to recruit thousands of new fighters. In the days since the ceasefire, Hamas has shown itself to be deeply entrenched in Gaza despite Israel's vow to destroy the militant group. The territory's Hamas-run administration has moved quickly to reimpose security measures and to begin restoring basic services to parts of the enclave, much of which has been reduced to wasteland by the Israeli offensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the start of the war, American officials have not said publicly how many fighters Washington believes Hamas has lost, only noting that the group has been significantly degraded and has likely lost thousands. WARNINGS OF A CONTINUED THREAT U.S. officials have issued similar warnings since Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. More than 46,000 people have been killed in the Israeli assault that followed, according to Palestinian health authorities whose figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants. At a congressional hearing in March 2024, then-Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said that the war in Gaza would have "generational impact on terrorism" and that the crisis had already "galvanized violence by a range of actors around the world." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gathering exact data on Hamas is notoriously difficult because of a lack of verifiable intelligence from inside Gaza and because the group's recruitment and training efforts are fluid. But official U.S. figures show that prior to Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas had anywhere between 20,000 and 25,000 fighters. Asked on Wednesday about Blinken's comments, Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon acknowledged Hamas' recruitment efforts but played down the threat. "We know that Hamas recruits youngsters," Danon said. "But even if they recruit youngsters, they don't have the weapons or the training facilities. So basically, yes, you can incite those youngsters against Israel, but they cannot become a terrorist, because you cannot equip them with weapons or rockets." Following the ceasefire, Israeli troops have begun to move back from some of their positions inside Gaza. The second phase of the ceasefire deal could bring about a permanent end to the fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The terms of that phase still need to be negotiated. In his resignation speech on Tuesday, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Israel's military chief, said Hamas had been severely damaged and that most of the group's military commanders had been killed. But he said the group had not been eliminated and the Israel Defense Forces would continue to fight to further dismantle Hamas. One of the most difficult issues involved in negotiating the next phases is postwar Gaza's governance. Some Israeli officials say they won't accept Hamas staying in power. Hamas so far has not given ground. Newly inaugurated President Donald Trump's national security adviser Mike Waltz said on Sunday that Hamas will never govern Gaza and if it reneges on the deal, Washington will support Israel "in doing what it has to do." (Reporting by Erin Banco; Additional reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi; Editing by Don Durfee and Howard Goller) High-profile January 6 rioter Guy Reffitt showed up in Washington, DC, on Wednesday to celebrate with his wife and supporters whod been hoping for his release from federal detention for months. But he should not have been walking free even after President Donald Trump on Monday pardoned him and more than 1,200 others for January 6-related crimes. Thats because Reffitt was indicted on a charge of possessing an illegal gun silencer three years ago. A federal judge in Texas ordered him to remain in jail until he is tried in that case, where he has pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Trumps pardon, his lawyer filed court papers to convince the judge to release him as he awaits trial. The judge hadnt yet decided whether to release Reffitt. Contacted late this week by CNN, even his own attorney and some federal authorities believed Reffitt was and should still be in custody. Davilyn Walston, a spokesperson for the Justice Department in the Eastern District of Texas, said Friday that Reffitt should still be in detention because of the alleged firearms violation. Walston noted the indictment against Reffitt was still pending and that prosecutors were still pursuing the gun case. Yet Reffitt was released soon after Trumps pardon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation highlights how the Capitol riot investigation turned up a handful of additional criminal proceedings for some defendants, like the gun charge against Reffitt, that now may be complicated by the sweeping Trump clemency for January 6 defendants. It is not clear where Reffitt is as of Friday. His wife, Nicole Reffitt, didnt respond to inquiries from CNN on Friday morning. When reached by CNN on Thursday and informed Reffitt was no longer in jail, his lawyer on the gun case responded, That would be news to me. I thought he still was, to be honest with you. I spoke with his family on Tuesday, said James Joseph Mongaras Jr., Reffitts Dallas-based attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An attorney representing Reffitt for his January 6 actions, Clinton Broden, also of Dallas, told CNN on Friday he had no idea about Reffitts situation and that he hasnt spoken to Reffitt since he was released. In Reffitts gun case, hes accused of having a black silencer with no markings or IDs 10 days after the Capitol riot. Reffitt was the first rioter to be convicted by a jury, having transported guns into DC, rallied rioters toward the Capitol and carried a handgun onto the restricted federal grounds on January 6. He also threatened his son and daughter when he returned to Texas after the riot, leading to an additional obstruction of justice conviction in his January 6 case. His son Jackson Reffitt ultimately turned him into the authorities, fearful for his own safety, and some of Guy Reffitts children testified against him in the Washington, DC, court proceedings. A federal judge sentenced him to more than 6 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, his daughters and wife have been outspoken supporters of him and other January 6 detainees. The day after Reffitts January 6 pardon, his attorney Mongaras asked the federal court in Texas to revisit its decision to keep him detained. Reffitt is not a flight risk, and not a danger to the community, Reffitts lawyer wrote to the court. Mongaras suggested to the court he could remain under electronic monitoring, home confinement or a court-ordered curfew instead of behind bars, if the Texas-based judge thought that would be appropriate as he awaits trial. The Justice Department hasnt responded yet in court. The judge set a hearing on the matter for next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some federal authorities believed Reffitt was still in Oklahoma in a local jail because of his pending case, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. But a spokesperson for the jail in Oklahoma confirmed to CNN he was not there on Friday. A Bureau of Prisons inmate locator online noted that Reffitt was not in BOP custody as of Tuesday. A spokesman for the BOP, Donald Murphy, said Trumps pardon proclamation noted that inmates held in federal prisons should be released immediately. Our interpretation is if they were on our list and were in prison, they were to be released, Murphy wrote in an email to CNN. The Marshals Service, in a statement earlier this week, said January 6 prisoners who were pardoned have or will be released, unless charged in other cases unrelated to January 6th. The agency did not comment on Reffitt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his release, Reffitt made it to DC by Wednesday to visit his supporters outside of the DC Jail who were awaiting the release of others Capitol riot defendants whose federal January 6 cases werent yet concluded. He arrived with his wife, Nicole, whos become a celebrity among the January 6 supporters and who moved to DC months ago to keep vigil outside the jail, despite her husband being transported in detention around the country. Nicole Reffitt shared a photo online on Wednesday of her husband wearing a Trump hat and standing next to Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the right-wing extremist group Oath Keepers, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy and who is newly released from prison because of Trumps clemency. CNN also spoke with Guy and Nicole Reffitt outside the DC Jail on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked what Guy Reffitt would say to Trump, he responded on camera, Thank you very much and, you know, promises made, promises kept. CNNs Kim Berryman contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Shel Singh has gone all-in on electric vehicles in recent years. The 36-year-old business owner currently drives an electric Porsche. Before that, it was a Tesla. But with President Trump working aggressively to reverse policies enacted by former President Biden intended to bolster the EV market and phase out gas-powered vehicles, hes starting to question the wisdom of his choices. Faced with what he expects to be declining demand for EVs and fewer resources to build a network of charging stations under Trump, Singh, who lives near Sylmar in northern Los Angeles County, said hes not optimistic about his chances for re-selling his Porsche in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is not alone. Electric vehicle owners, sellers and manufacturers are awash in uncertainty after Trump signed an executive order Monday that took aim at several EV-friendly initiatives. With the stroke of a pen, the President froze funding allocated for charging infrastructure and abandoned Bidens ambitious goal that EVs make up half of new cars sold in the U.S. by 2030. Trump also signaled in the order that he would eliminate a popular $7,500 tax credit available to eligible buyers of electric vehicles and revoke Californias authority to set its own regulations on gas-powered cars. Both of those moves come with legal hurdles, said Bryant Walker Smith, an associate law professor at the University of South Carolina. The executive order is clearly evidence of a change in tone from the last administration, Smith said. But there are legal constraints that in theory should limit some of the short-term implications. Read more: U.S. EPA approves California rule banning the sale of new gas cars by 2035 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Trump has said he wants to do away with what he calls Bidens EV mandate, there is no federal rule requiring the purchase of EVs. Last December, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signed off on a California clean air rule that would ban the sale of new gasoline vehicles in the state by 2035. If it survives Trumps challenges, the Advanced Clean Cars II rule would require 35% of new vehicles sold in the state to be all-electric by 2026, a goal that dealerships have said is unrealistic. More than a dozen states have followed Californias lead in adopting clean air standards that are stricter than federal law. Trump is seeking to eliminate these standards and the EV incentive programs that come with them. If Trump is successful in killing the tax credit, EV sales will take a hit, experts agreed. The credit goes a long way in making a new or used EV more affordable and desirable, said Karl Brauer, an executive analyst at iSeeCars.com. We're going to see an undeniable drop in electric vehicle sales when the $7,500 credit goes away, he said. Its not as easy to pin down how drastic that drop will be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he bought his Tesla 3, Singh, who owns an online electronics company, said he was told by the salesperson that he would receive the credit, but later discovered his income was too high for him to be eligible. His frustration led to him trading out his Tesla for the Porsche. Preparing for a drop in interest driven by the new administration, some manufacturers have already begun shifting away from sales strategies dominated by electric vehicles, including Porsche, which hinted last October that it would stray from its electric-only strategy. Major manufacturers that produce electric and gasoline-powered vehicles have a better chance of adapting if EV sales fall significantly, Brauer said, including Volkswagen, Ford and General Motors. Companies like Rivian and Lucid, which make only EVs and sell directly to consumers, are in a more precarious position. Days before Trump took office, Rivian finalized a $6.6-billion loan agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy to fund a manufacturing facility in Georgia. Rivians stock has dropped more than 9% over the past month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Why Newsom's electric vehicle mandate is in trouble Dan Ives, a Wedbush Securities industry analyst, said his company predicts demand for EVs will fall between 15% and 20% over the next three to four years if the tax credit is revoked. As a result, he said, the EV market will shrink. There's going to be consolidation, Ives said. There's less incentives for car manufacturers to head down that road when the government is going the opposite way. While the elimination of the tax credit would hurt most sellers of EVs, Tesla is a likely exception, Ives said. Because of the companys size and market dominance, Tesla could actually benefit from decreased competition from manufacturers who relied on the credit to increase sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across California, dealerships vary in their reliance on EV sales. Robb Hernandez, president of Camino Real Chevrolet in Monterey Park, said roughly 50 to 60 of the 150 to 200 new cars they sell per month are electric. EV sales have been strong for us the last four to six months with new launches, Hernandez said, which include the Blazer EV and Silverado EV. Because of the incentives and lease programs and everything else out there, weve been able to do pretty well moving them. With Trump targeting those incentives, Hernandez said hes not sure how things will play out. Were in a holding pattern, he said. We don't really know what kind of short- or long-term effects this is going to have on the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Maas, president of the California New Car Dealers Assn., said an average of 13% of sales across the 1,400 dealerships his organization represents are electric, but that number can vary significantly based on location and manufacturer. Jessie Dosanjh, who owns 18 dealerships in the Bay Area, said electric vehicles make up around 15% of sales in aggregate. Thats a far cry from the 35% the state wants to see by 2026, he said. Orange County resident Tina Thurm received the $7,500 tax credit when she purchased her Tesla Model S in 2020, but said she likely would have bought the car anyway. That wasnt instrumental in my decision to purchase, she said of the credit. It was the test drive that pushed me over. Thurm, who owns two gas-powered vehicles along with her Tesla, said Trump is protecting Americans right to choose what kind of car they drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothing should be mandated, said Thurm, who owns a jewelry business and is now semi-retired at 70 years old. I certainly dont want the government to tell me what I must purchase. Other SoCal residents are discouraged by Trumps actions and what they signify for the EV market. Not getting another EV after my Tesla lease ends, one Californian wrote on social media this week. This country is moving backwards and isnt ready for full EV adoption. Its a shame because I really love my Tesla. 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. Project 2025 has landed in the Oval Office. The 922-page policy manifesto described as a "playbook of actions" for a new conservative administration crafted by more than 140 veterans of Donald Trump's White House, many of whom returned this week, is aligned with many of Trumps more than 30 first-week executive orders, despite his campaign trail condemnations. The proposal, which calls for hundreds of federal policy reversals and sweeping power consolidations, became a flashpoint in the 2024 election, forcing the president to distance himself from numerous allies he'd later invite back into the fold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said in a debate that he was not going to read the Heritage Foundation-crafted document and routinely distanced himself from the policy directives during the campaign. But his first-day staffing and policy moves read like a near-direct implementation of the policy. Trump has already tapped Project 2025 authors and contributors Russ Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget, Brendan Carr to chair the FCC, the agency he authored a chapter of plans for inside Project 2025, and Tom Homan as border czar, along with numerous other Heritage Foundation alumni. Many of Project 2025s answers for border security mirror Trumps first-day orders on immigration, too. While the document called for the use of active-duty military personnelto assist in arrest operations along the border, Trumps day-one executive order directs the Armed Forces [to] prioritize the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the United States along our national borders. Project 2025 also championed an order overturning a civil rights initiative from President Lyndon B. Johnson that prevented federal contractors from engaging in racial discrimination as a counter against the DEI Revolution in Labor Policy. On page 584, the mandate advises that the president should rescind EO 11246 [Johnsons Equal Employment Opportunity order]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps Tuesday order uses much of the same language as the Project 2025 passage recommending the repeal, including similar diatribes against corporate DEI initiatives. The presidents repeal of a Biden-era sex discrimination protection order takes similar guidance from the Heritage Foundations Project 2025. In a section penned by Vought, the playbook calls for immediately revoking Bidens Executive Order 14020. A Trump order ending the policy would eliminate central promotion of abortion; comprehensive sexuality education; and the new woke gender ideology, Vought wrote. Trumps inauguration-day order fulfills these policy recommendations with largely similar language, claiming gender ideology replaces the biological category of sex with an ever-shifting concept of self-assessed gender identity. Other sweeping federal policy changes included in the mandate and signed by the president on his first day include a broad mandate to extract oil and gas from swaths of Alaska with less regulation, and an end to the Biden-era promotion of electric vehicles. Trump also left the Paris Climate Accords and World Health Organization, two pleas from the far-right manifesto. Not every executive order came straight from Project 2025. One, which gives Trump a broad license to fire career civil servants and replace them with partisan appointees at many levels of the federal bureaucracy, was included in the mandate but was initially the policy of the first Trump administration. (Bloomberg) -- The head of Tibets government-in-exile said he would welcome any harsh economic measures against China by US President Donald Trump. Most Read from Bloomberg The only way to bring China to its knees is to give them less business, said Penpa Tsering, the prime minister of the government-in-exile, in an interview in New Delhi on Tuesday. The only way China will listen to others is when they dont have money to splurge on Belt and Road initiatives, create all these debt economies, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to the Bloomberg Daybreak podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen. In his first few days in office, Trump has said he could hit China with 10% tariffs as early as next month. Tsering said that while high tariffs would bring economic pain to people in Tibet, they will tolerate it for a much larger gain of making China a more responsible global power. China annexed Tibet in the 1950s, after which the Dalai Lama the spiritual head of Tibetans and other monks fled to India where they live as refugees and established a government-in-exile in the northern town of Dharamshala. Tsering, elected as the governments political head in 2021, was speaking after a recent visit to the US in December, where he met senior government officials. He didnt meet officials from Trumps team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Himalayan region has emerged as a flash point between the worlds two biggest economies. China has described the Dalai Lama and his followers as separatists and has criticized foreign leaders for meeting with the government-in-exile. Last July, China protested after the US passed the Resolve Tibet Act with bipartisan support. The law allows the US to counter Chinese disinformation on Tibet and push for talks to resolve the status and governance of the remote region. The Tibetan government-in-exile is closely watching Trump and US measures on China. A lot will be dictated by US-China relations, Tsering said, adding that he cannot take US support for granted. We should not live under the illusion that countries will sacrifice their self-interest for the interest of Tibet, he said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Asset management company Ark Invest offers nine different investment funds, eight of which are available as exchange-traded funds, or ETFs. They all have a different tech-related focus, such as robotics, biotechnology, or general innovation. There are other ETFs with similar specialties. However, the biggest differentiator of Ark's ETFs is that they're actively managed. In other words, instead of simply tracking an index of, say, robotics stocks, Ark's portfolio managers handpick stocks in which to invest, with the goal of beating a benchmark index. Ark's ETFs are managed by Cathie Wood, one of the most notable technology investors in the United States. Here's a quick rundown of the largest investments Wood has chosen for Ark's funds, as of the latest information. What stocks do Ark ETFs own? Of Ark's nine investment funds, one isn't an ETF and two are index funds. For the purposes of this discussion, I'll focus on the six that are actively managed by Wood and Ark's investment team. Here's a brief description of each one and the top stocks they own. 1. Ark Innovation ETF The Ark Innovation ETF (NYSEMKT: ARKK) is Cathie Wood's flagship ETF and has about $6.3 billion under management. Since its inception in 2014, it has produced annualized returns of about 12%. There are currently 33 stocks in the portfolio, as of Jan. 21, 2025. Unlike some of the other Ark ETFs, the Innovation ETF has a broad focus, aiming to find the most innovative companies in the world. The top five holdings of the Ark Innovation ETF are Tesla, Coinbase, Roku, Roblox, and Robinhood. 2. Ark Fintech Innovation ETF The Ark Fintech Innovation ETF (NYSEMKT: ARKF) has about $1.1 billion in assets and aims to find the best opportunities in financial technology. It has 36 investments, including top holdings Coinbase, Shopify, Robinhood, Bitcoin, and Block. 3. Ark Genomic Revolution ETF The Ark Genomic Revolution ETF (NYSEMKT: ARKG) has about $1.1 billion in total assets and, as the name implies, invests in companies pursuing or benefiting from scientific developments in genomics. The portfolio has 35 stocks, including top holdings Twist Bioscience, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Crispr Therapeutics, Adaptive Biotechnologies, and Guardant Health. 4. Ark Space Exploration & Innovation ETF The Ark Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (NYSEMKT: ARKX) is designed for investors who want to capitalize on the technologies related to exploring beyond the Earth. One of Ark's smaller ETFs has $287 million under management. Top holdings in its 32-stock portfolio include Kratos Defense & Security, Rocket Lab USA, Iridium Communications, Teradyne, and Archer Aviation. When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited in June 2019, Samoa was on the brink of crisis. The government had suspended measles vaccinations the year before after an improperly prepared vaccine killed two babies. Though the vaccinations resumed months later, many parents werent convinced that the shots were safe, leaving thousands of their smallest children unprotected against a highly contagious disease as it was resurging across the globe. With fewer than a third of Samoas babies vaccinated, experts and officials feared for the Pacific Island nation. But Kennedy saw an opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy, then chairman of Childrens Health Defense, an anti-vaccine nonprofit, later recounted online that Samoan government officials, including the Prime Minister were curious to measure health outcomes following the natural experiment created by the respite from vaccines. Wherever the idea originated, Kennedy was quick to offer them a way to do it. Its a milder version of an idea he has long championed at home that the safety of vaccines, well established by scientific consensus, needs to be studied further in the kind of trials that would depend on a large group of children going without them. With a renowned health informatics expert in tow, Kennedy visited Samoa in 2019, to pitch the prime minister and ministry of health on an information system that would track the impact of medical interventions, including vaccines, on the nations 200,000 citizens. Months after Kennedys visit, the question of what would happen to Samoas unvaccinated babies was answered. A measles outbreak swept the country, sickening thousands and killing 83, mostly small children. As measles raged, Kennedy stayed connected to the island, writing to the prime minister to raise concerns about the vaccine and providing medical guidance to a local anti-vaccine activist who posted false claims about the vaccination campaign and promoted unproven alternative cures. Kennedys time in Samoa and influence there have come under renewed scrutiny since President Donald Trump announced his nomination as secretary of health and human services. In that role, Kennedy would oversee U.S. public health policies and programs, including those related to vaccines, at a time when childhood vaccination rates are dipping and the threat of emerging diseases like bird flu is growing. Kennedys spokesperson within the Trump transition team declined to respond to questions about Kennedys visit to Samoa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy, who did not return requests for comment, has repeatedly denied any responsibility for Samoas outbreak and its consequences. I had nothing to do with people not vaccinating in Samoa, Kennedy said in 2021 in an interview for the 2023 documentary Shot in the Arm. In 2021, he told the Samoa Observer that he and the prime minister had talked a limited amount about vaccines during his visit. He has also questioned whether measles caused the spate of deaths, calling it a very controversial supposition in a 2023 interview with NBC News. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, actor Cheryl Hines, greet Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi in 2019. To be sure, Kennedys role in the crisis is complex, and some details of his trip to Samoa remain unclear. But interviews with government officials, international public health experts and local anti-vaccine activists along with media reports and reviews of social media posts, blogs and podcasts at the time show Kennedy and his nonprofit tried to exploit the initial vaccine accident to promote anti-vaccine misinformation that may have cost lives. There is abundant evidence that when immunization rates drop low enough for a highly contagious disease like measles, measles will come storming back, said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and the co-inventor of a rotavirus vaccine. Kennedys impulse to stand back and let such a natural experiment unfold put children at greater risk, Offit said, adding, I cant imagine anything less ethical or more cruel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arthur Caplan, a professor of medical ethics at New York Universitys Grossman School of Medicine, called the plan to study the results of the vaccination pause irresponsible at best. You cant go to a tiny country and say, Oh, well, youre not giving the measles vaccine. Lets turn this into a study of whether or not it helps, Caplan said. We know it helps. When two babies died within hours of each other on the Samoan island of Savaii in July 2018, news spread fast. Samoa is a small place, so there is no such story that wouldnt be known in a matter of seconds, in a matter of minutes, everywhere, said Simona Marinescu, then the United Nations resident coordinator in Samoa. Imagine the shock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Samoas health care system was already stretched thin. Doctors and nurses, many of whom left for opportunities abroad, were increasingly in short supply and rural areas often went unserved. Lack of access and education coupled with government complacency had driven vaccination rates down over the decade. The July deaths stopped them altogether. The ministry of health immediately suspended the vaccine program and recalled all measles, mumps and rubella vaccines. Announcing an inquiry into the deaths on Facebook, then Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi expressed sympathy for the grieving parents, suggesting his grandson had also been injured by a vaccine, a detail anti-vaccine groups seized on. And while Samoans waited for official answers, those activists filled the vacuum. Within a week, Del Bigtree, director of the Texas-based Informed Consent Action Network, a partner group to Kennedys nonprofit, had turned the babies deaths into social media content. His group created a two-minute video backed by a somber piano track that linked the Samoa tragedy to false claims about the measles vaccines and promoted the Childrens Health Defense film, Vaxxed. That video is up to 174,000 views and climbing, Bigtree said on the July 12, 2018, episode of his internet show, The Highwire. Share it with everyone you know. This is how we are changing the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedys Childrens Health Defense posted about the deaths on its Facebook page, too, suggesting they were proof the vaccines were unsafe. The truth came out, if slowly, and implicated two nurses. According to police, Luse Emo Tauvale didnt check the label on a vial of expired anesthetic and mistakenly used it to mix a vaccine that she then gave to a 1-year-old girl who died shortly after. When another mother, having seen the reaction, protested against having her son vaccinated, Leutogi Teo, a nurse manager, convinced her to go ahead. Ignoring other nurses who warned her to make a new vaccine mixture, Teo administered another shot from the poisonous batch. The second child died as quickly as the first. Both nurses were arrested a month after the deaths. They pleaded guilty to manslaughter and in 2019 were sentenced to five years in prison. Long after the nurses arrests, Kennedys Childrens Health Defense continued to publicly question how the babies died. Vaccine safety science needed, one post read. Some 10 months after halting the vaccine program, Samoa started it up again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to do a lot of catch-up, Dr. Take Naseri, Samoas director general of health, said at the time. Residents waiting to be vaccinated for measles at a Red Cross facility in Apia, Samoa, in December 2019. But parents werent rushing to get in line. Edwin Tamasese, a sustainable farmer and entrepreneur, emerged as a voice for their skepticism and would come to be known internationally as the face of vaccine resistance in Samoa. Tamasese was generally critical of Western medicine; what the immune system couldnt manage on its own could be treated with vitamins A and C, and for more serious illnesses, he turned to herbal remedies like papaya leaf extract sourced from his own farm. He shared these thoughts, and others, on Facebook, alongside anti-vaccine content, including articles and videos from Childrens Health Defense on the dangers of vaccines. Tamasese sparred with American users on pro-vaccine pages, but he was far from a major influencer until the deaths of the two babies. Vaccines for my little country have been the subject of a bit of international media lately and because of this I have looked a bit deeper into it, he posted to one Facebook forum in 2018, along with a photo of his 6-month-old daughters vaccination record, empty aside from a Hepatitis B vaccine given at birth that he said he would have liked to prevent. Are we missing out on opportunities to explore alternative options to vaccines that could be safer and more effective? In April the next year, Tamasese participated in a professional exchange program run by the U.S. State Department, and at a government function, met Malielegaoi, then the Samoan prime minister. According to Malielegaoi, who replied to questions over email this month, Tamasese talked to him about Childrens Health Defense and floated the idea that Kennedy could come to Samoa and discuss the deeper issues on vaccines. Its unclear whether or how Tamasese knew Kennedy at the time. Anti-vaccination activist Edwin Tamasese escorted by the police after his arrest. Kennedy accepted the invitation, and on June 1, he and his wife, actor Cheryl Hines, attended an official Independence Day celebration. The rest of Kennedys trip was less public. Photos posted to his Instagram account at the time show Kennedy visiting churches, playing on the beach with a group of kids, and catching starfish in the ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Naseri, the director general of health, government officials arranged a dinner for Kennedy at a resort. Naseri said that he spoke briefly to Kennedy there and that Kennedy shared his view that vaccines werent safe. Naseri said he told Kennedy that vaccines solved most of the countrys infectious disease problems, and we dont want to stop that. Kennedy wasnt alone at the dinner. He brought the Childrens Health Defenses new chief information officer, Dr. Michael Graven, a lauded neonatologist known for creating information systems that tracked and improved health outcomes in the worlds poorest countries. In 2012, Graven co-wrote a letter arguing for integrated health systems to better assess vaccine impacts, adverse events and safety monitoring. In 2019, Graven was analyzing the data for a study that would be published in 2020 by two prominent anti-vaccine activists, scientist James Lyons-Weiler and Oregon pediatrician Paul Thomas, whose license would be suspended the same year in part for his failure to adequately vaccinate patients and then voluntarily relinquished two years later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comparing health outcomes of Thomas patients, the study concluded that unvaccinated children in his practice were healthier than vaccinated ones. It was retracted a year later following an investigation that raised several methodological issues and confirmed that the conclusions were not supported by strong scientific data. Kennedy, like Thomas and other vaccine skeptics, has roundly rejected the body of scientific studies that show childhood vaccines are safe. Instead, he has embraced the unscientific theory that some ingredient or mechanism in childhood vaccines must be the culprit for chronic illnesses and conditions in children, from allergies to autism. Kennedy published a book on the topic in 2023, Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak, in which he argues that vaccinated children are less healthy than unvaccinated ones, relying on studies, like the 2020 one, that have been criticized by scientists as methodologically flawed or in some cases retracted. Its not clear how Graven, who died in 2022, became acquainted with Childrens Health Defense, or why he left after only a year. He was not against vaccines, according to his widow, his brother and a colleague interviewed by NBC News. His brother, Kendall Graven, who is also a doctor, said Graven hoped to teach Kennedy about how data is often misinterpreted by anti-vaccine supporters. Kennedy was only mildly open to the concept of safe vaccines, in spite of Mikes efforts, Kendall Graven said, adding that the Samoa catastrophe was nothing he discussed with us, other than to say it was a vaccine-preventable tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Childrens Health Defense didnt ultimately build a health information system for Samoa. Former Prime Minister Malielegaoi said he had not been swayed by Kennedys visit. I was not interested in his ideas he was not a medical doctor, he told NBC News. Our medical experts are more credible to me. Mary Holland, the president of Childrens Health Defense, declined an interview request. She replied to a list of questions with a link to an article disputing news reports that blamed Kennedy for Samoas low vaccine coverage. Tamasese declined to be interviewed for this article, saying in a Facebook post that NBC News would obviously twist whatever I say to try to prevent RFKj heading NIH in the US. In a Facebook direct message, Tamasese said that Naseri had declined Childrens Health Defenses offer of a data system. Naseri said he doesnt remember such a proposal. I think there was some institutional resistance, Kennedy told the Samoa Observer in 2021. The measles epidemic occurred and kind of everything shut down in Samoa. The first case of measles was reported in September 2019, likely brought by a passenger on a flight from Auckland, New Zealand, to the Samoan island of Upolu. In October, it was officially an outbreak, and by November a national state of emergency. Samoa closed its schools, banned children from public spaces and made it illegal to discourage or prevent people from getting vaccinated. Red flags outside homes indicated there were children inside who needed to be vaccinated. Samoan officials said unvaccinated children were accounting for most of the deaths. Mark Itaifafo, a 9-month-old, was one of dozens of babies who were killed by measles in Samoa in December 2019. On Nov. 19, as the deaths neared 20, Kennedy wrote a letter to Malielegaoi, baselessly suggesting that the crisis was caused not by low vaccination rates but by a hodgepodge of possibilities, including ineffective or defective vaccines and newly vaccinated children shedding the virus to unvaccinated ones. When Samoan officials seemingly ignored his letter, Kennedy reiterated the claims publicly on Facebook, according to a screenshot posted by an Australian anti-vaccine group, and called the governments response suspicious. Meanwhile, hospitals were filling up. In December, with dozens of children now dead, Samoa launched a massive vaccine campaign and passed a law mandating vaccines for schoolchildren. Global health organizations and countries near and far sent workers and aid. The World Health Organization bought Facebook ads encouraging vaccination in the Pacific region. New Zealanders sent child-sized coffins to help with the demand. Around that time, Tamasese says, Kennedy reappeared. Kennedy called him, Tamasese recounted in a video posted to an Australian anti-vaccine activists Instagram in 2023. He said: Whats going on in Samoa? Why are the kids dying? Tamasese gave Kennedy his take: Children werent dying from measles but from the medical treatment they were receiving. He said Kennedy offered help. He put a team of doctors together, Tamasese said of Kennedy. Five doctors and scientists who were part of this team, and they were working with me. So it was like they were the doctors doing the monitoring and the prescribing, and all I was doing was going out and reporting back. Mourners gather for the funeral of Valisa Talosaga, 2, who died after contracting measles, in Faleasiu, Samoa. Tamasese said he believed the measles outbreak could be treated with the same vitamins A and C that he had relied on to treat most other illnesses, and he felt compelled to intervene when parents of sick children started asking him for help. Tamasese said members of Kennedys assembled team including Thomas, the Oregon pediatrician, and Jim Meehan, an anti-vaccine physician from Oklahoma and a speaker at Childrens Health Defense events advised him remotely on a vitamin treatment: 1,000 mg of vitamin C in a fourth of a cup of water every 3 hours. This will save your kids, Tamasese said, posting the protocol on Facebook. In 2022, recounting the same story in a comment on Substack, Tamasese said that one of the doctors on Kennedys team asked him to get a vial of the vaccine so he could analyze it back in the U.S., but that he had failed to do so. The security around the vaccines was quite tight with each vial, he said. Thomas did not respond to interview requests. Meehan died in 2024. Tamasese began treating the islands children, and at one point, at the behest of their parents, administered the vitamins to several who had been admitted to the hospital, he said. On Facebook, Tamasese claimed the children he treated were surviving and thriving. Yet our ministry continues to kill, he wrote on Facebook. When are they going to wake up? How many more need to die? Anti-vaccine activists in Australia and the U.S. were calling Tamasese a hero and organized vitamin drives so he could treat more children. At the same time, Samoan officials were begging anti-vaxxers to stay out of the way. Tamasese was arrested in December for incitement against a government order. At the height of the 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa, green stickers were used to denote which residents had been vaccinated. Weve had children who have passed away after coming to the hospital as a last resort and then we find out the anti-vaccine message has got to their families and thats why theyve kept these kids at home, the governments communications minister, Afamasaga Rico Tupai, told the BBC. A photo of Tamasese in the back of a police car after his arrest went viral on American anti-vaccine pages, shared with a #FreeEdwin hashtag. He was released a few days later, with the conditions that he stop posting about the outbreak, surrender his travel documents and report to police once a week. Six weeks after its mandatory door-to-door vaccination campaign began, 95% of Samoas children were vaccinated. School reopened and international emergency medical teams left. Samoan officials recorded the final measles-related death in January 2020. Charges against Tamasese were dropped that year for lack of evidence. And Kennedy would shift his focus to a different looming threat, the pandemic. His response to Samoas outbreak foreshadowed his approach to Covid-19 in the U.S. one marked by misinformation, the undermining of vaccines, and the promotion of conspiracy theories and unproven alternative treatments. Kennedy has never acknowledged the damage measles caused in Samoa and continues to promote conspiracy theories about the lives lost. Nobody died in Samoa from measles, he told an interviewer in August. They were dying from a bad vaccine. The subject will no doubt come up during Kennedys confirmation hearings before the Senate Finance Committee next Wednesday and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee next Thursday. Kennedy has spent weeks meeting with senators in preparation for the hearings, and many of them have reportedly been swayed by his claims that hes not trying to take away vaccines but study their safety. He told me he is not anti-vaccine, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told reporters this month. Hes pro-vaccine safety, which strikes me as a rational position to take. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (NEXSTAR) An entrepreneurial couple in Canada told Nexstar that theyre barely keeping up with orders after debuting a hat featuring a pro-Canada message. The hats, which were designed to mimic the look of MAGA hats worn by Trump supporters, simply read, Canada Is Not for Sale. Liam Mooney and Emma Cochrane (Liam Mooney) Liam Mooney and Emma Cochrane appeared on CBC News this week, explaining that they got the idea for the hats after seeing Ontario Premier Doug Ford as a guest on a Fox News segment in early January. The host of that segment, Jesse Watters, was pressing Ford on his disinterest in Canada becoming Americas 51st state an idea that President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in pursuing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The whole thing, when Trump talks about the 51st state, theyre really presenting it as a corporate takeover, a hostile takeover, Mooney told Nexstar. But he picked on the wrong people. Were not weak. Were not afraid. And we wont be taken over. Canada says it is ready to respond if Trump follows through with tariffs In the Fox News segment, Watters asked Ford why he has a problem with the United States absorbing Canada. Watters also claimed that, if he were Canadian, he would consider it a privilege to be taken over by the U.S.A. Ford, in his response, said he was open to a great trade deal with the U.S, but drew the line at becoming a state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love the U.S, I love Americans. And I get it, president-elect Trump is a real estate tycoon. Hes made billions, Ford said. But that property is not for sale. Simple as that. Mooney told Nexstar that Fords remarks along with his own existing disgust for Trumps annexation talk gave rise to the idea for the Canada Is Not for Sale hats. (Mooney, on CBC News, called the hats a small act of patriotism to respond to this big bluster.) The couple started offering the hats online, seeing modest sales in the first few days. Then, Fords team reached out for a few one of which he wore during a press conference last week. This is about everyday Canadians standing up for their country, Ford said during the press conference, after motioning toward the hat. Doug Ford, Ontarios premier, wears a Canada Is Not For Sale hat during the First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (David Kawai/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Cochrane told CBC News there was an explosion of sales and interest after that, with thousands of orders pouring in. Mooney told Nexstar that sales had ballooned into the range of tens (and tens) of thousands as of Friday. The couple is now working up to 22 hours per day to fulfill orders and source materials, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its like a snake eating a bowling ball. And were just about to get through it, and get to the next bowling ball. FEMA faces shakeup under Trump while it wrestles with disasters on both coasts The best-selling version of the hat, according to Mooney, is the Premier version (or the 1867 Edition, according to the website), which features the year 1867 embroidered on the side, commemorating the year of Canadian Confederation. Theres also a French-language version, as well as hats that read Strong and Free. Canadians arent the only customers, either. Mooney told Nexstar that there have been thousands of orders from America, and [that number] is growing every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are rallying around this simple, unifying message, he told Nexstar. Recognize the sovereignty of Canada, and have respect for Canada. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The state university systems Board of Governors will consider approving a one-year contract extension for University of Central Florida President Alexander Cartwright next week. The UCF Board of Trustees last month approved the extension, which would last through April 12, 2026, but the university system board would need to sign off on it. Cartwright has served as UCF president since April 2020. In a letter supporting the extension, UCF Board of Trustees Chairman Alex Martins said Cartwright has demonstrated transformational leadership, exceptional vision, and an unwavering commitment to advancing UCF as Floridas premier engineering and technology university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read: Distillery with moonshine tastings opens in Kissimmees Old Town Under the contract extension, Cartwright would make a base salary of $900,000 and would be eligible for an incentive bonus up to $375,000. The Board of Governors will meet Jan. 30 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Read: Carnival Freedom sets sail after environmental matter causes delay at Port Canaveral Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A bill that would change the way public labor unions operate in the state advanced through a Utah House committee Thursday, after an extensive period of public comment. The bill, HB267 Public Sector Labor Union Amendments, was debated during the Business, Labor and Commerce standing committee hearing. The bill is sponsored by Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan. The committee hearing, with three overflow rooms, was full of people from around the state who came to voice their thoughts on the bill. In one of the overflow rooms, everyone except for one person was opposed to the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Teuscher presented the bill and the committee asked their questions the hearing was open to public comments. The public comment period lasted about an hour. With a vote of 11 to 4 the bill advanced through the committee. The bill now heads to a state Senate committee. What would the bill do? The bill would prohibit public sector collective bargaining. Teuscher explained that collective bargaining is when an employer and a union come together to negotiate a contract for employees. Cole Kelley, Utah State Board of Education member, speaks in support of HB0267 Public Sector Labor Union Amendments during a House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee meeting at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. The committee voted to pass the bill. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News In most of those collective bargaining agreements, it spells out specifically that the union representation is the sole collective bargaining agent, meaning that the public employer is not able to negotiate with anyone else, other than union representatives, said Teuscher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Teuscher the bill would safeguard public resources by prohibiting employees from receiving paid leave for union activities. It also requires unions to pay to use spaces that other groups have to pay for, and to report annually to the labor commission the number of members they have and the money they spend. The bill also provides professional liability insurance that teachers would be able to opt into. If passed, the bill would go into effect on July 1, 2025. What it doesnt do is it doesnt affect the relationship between any employer or employee in the state that wants to identify with a union, join a union, pay union dues, participate in a union, do union activity, Teuscher said. Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, presents HB0267 Public Sector Labor Union Amendments during a House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee meeting at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. The committee voted to pass the bill. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News What concerns do people have with the bill? The bill would affect public employees across the state, such as teachers and firefighters, especially those who are members of public labor unions. The bill specifically mentions teachers at multiple points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the public comments were about the collective bargaining portion of the bill, and this was also a concern for members of the committee. Rep. Jefferson Burton, R-Salem raised concerns about how this would affect teachers being able to advocate for themselves. Teuscher said the bill would not impact teachers ability to advocate for themselves and other teachers. Many of the teachers and others in education who spoke during public comment shared Burtons concern. This legislature should be supporting and uplifting teachers, instead of silencing their voices and weakening their unions, said Sophie Anderson, a student studying education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack Tidrow, president of Professional Firefighters of Utah, shared his concerns that this bill would hinder the safety of firefighters across the state. Will Coker, who represents the local chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a national umbrella union for public employees, said there are many people around the state who dont agree with the bill, noting the number of people who came to the hearing. It was said earlier that this is a bill that works for everybody. I feel it necessary to point out theres four rooms of employees that it does not work for, Coker said. What did those in support of the bill say? Billy Hesterman with the Utah Taxpayers Association spoke in favor of the bill, sharing how collective bargaining can lead to more taxpayer dollars being used than necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oftentimes, in these negotiations the best workers are not being rewarded for their hard work, he said. Rather, the entire workforce is placing increased pressure on taxpayers so that every public employee can receive additional compensation, whether it was deserved or not. Cole Kelley, a teacher and Utah State Board of Education member shared that he has been excluded and bullied by unions for his entire career in education. Ive been in the teaching industry for 27 years, Kelley said. One of the struggles that Ive faced in those 27 years, as Rep. Teuscher mentioned, is that my voice has not been heard. Other people spoke up in favor of the bill, sharing that they believe it will help their voice be heard and it would improve their work conditions. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested several undocumented individuals with criminal histories in Boston earlier this week, including alleged gang members and some wanted for violent crimes such as rape and murder. Trump gives ICE power to quickly deport migrants Biden allowed into US, report says Fox News video shared with Boston 25 provided an inside look at ICE agents making arrests in East Boston on Wednesday as President Donald Trump cracks down on immigrants in the U.S. illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has said that its focus is on deporting undocumented migrants who pose a threat to public safety. ICE Boston arrested at least eight criminals who were here in Massachusetts illegally, all charged with serious crimes from sexual assault to rape and murder. ICE also says some of those men were affiliated with the MS-13 gang. The video showed a team of ICE agents gathered outside a Market Basket store in Chelsea early Wednesday, with one of them saying, Were going to be targeting some extremely violent offenders today. Within moments, the agents were on the move, arresting an MS-13 gang member wanted in El Salvador for aggravated murder and he had an Interpol red notice out for his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are targeting very violent threats to our community, another officer told a Fox reporter who took part in a ride-along. Im not going back to Haiti! You feel me? a Haitian gang member with 17 criminal convictions in recent years yelled as agents took him into custody. F*** Trump, you feel me? Yo, Biden forever, bro. ICE Boston says it went on to capture an undocumented migrant from Brazil wanted for armed robbery, a Salvadoran migrant charged locally with rape and released, a Dominican undocumented migrant charged with assault with a deadly weapon and heroin trafficking, and a Guatemalan MS-13 gang member facing gun charges. In all, ICE said at least eight undocumented migrants with violent records were arrested in the raid. Read the full Fox News report here. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW For every battle in the Vietnam War, there were numerous small unit actions fought over active firebases, former firebases or any location where either side could set up an ambush. One such confrontation was fought at an abandoned American fortification near the A Shau Valley called Firebase Maureen. Although minor in size, it was nonetheless major in ferocity enough to produce two Medal of Honor recipients. Born in Girard, Ohio, on Jan. 21, 1950, Kenneth David went from Boy Scout to Eagle Scout, a progression similar to what followed when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in August 1969. After training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Fort Polk, Louisiana, he was assigned as an indirect fire crewman in D Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne Division in January 1970. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His destination: the Republic of Vietnam. On May 6, 1970, Pfc. David was serving as radio-telephone operator in a 20-man platoon from D Company tasked with reoccupying a small, abandoned fortification atop Hill 980 known as Firebase Maureen in support of Operation Texas Star, a sweep encompassing an area from Quang Tri to Thua Thien by the 101st Airborne Division and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam 1st Division. Maureen, about 20 miles southwest of Hue and near the A Shau Valley, was known to be swarming with troops of the Peoples Army of Vietnam (PAVN). Upon arrival, U.S. forces conducted a reconnaissance of the area and settled down for the night. Reconnaissance, however, can go both ways. David later estimated 1,000 PAVN infantry and 300 sappers armed with satchel charges to have been roaming the territory when they moved to eliminate the intruders on Hill 980. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first indication of enemy activity came in the early morning hours of May 7, when the platoon leader fell mortally wounded, followed by the first enemy assault. Troops took up positions and held back enemy forces, but many of them were already killed or wounded. Back at the radio, David recalled, I kept saying, I got to get back to my boys. My boys, I gotta help them. Passing the radio to the platoon sergeant, he grabbed his rifle, 28 magazines and as many grenades as he could carry and joined troops defending the perimeter. Meanwhile, those wounded were being evacuated to available cover by an unusual medical corpsman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born in Mount Vernon, Illinois, on Sept. 23, 1949, Kenneth Kays claimed conscientious objector status when he was drafted, only to see his request denied. He fled to Canada, but when the military reversed its decision, he returned to enlist in the Medical Corps and was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne. Pfc. Kays never carried a weapon, but on this occasion, he found himself under intense fire behind a perimeter full of disabled troops. Ignoring the barrage of ordnance, he dragged a soldier to a position of relative safety, but as he went to retrieve another, an enemy explosive blew off his lower left leg. Applying a tourniquet, he continued crawling to and from the perimeter, saving the lives of three more wounded. While Kays was engaged in aiding the wounded, his activity was being covered by David, who was darting around the perimeter, firing at every opponent he could see, shouting to attract enemy fire his way. Among the ordnance flung his way were a satchel charge and a rocket-propelled grenade, which sprayed his back with shrapnel and blew out his eardrums. At one point, Kays came up to evacuate him, but David insisted he was all right and resumed playing cockshy for the platoon while Kays crawled off to rescue another casualty. As his ammunition ran low, David made frugal but effective use of his grenades, and he ran out to divert more enemy attention when medevac helicopters began to arrive. At that point, the PAVN, realizing American ground and air support was on the way, broke contact and withdrew into the brush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only when they ascertained that all the wounded theyd pulled from the perimeter were accounted for did David and Kays have their own injuries seen to. The battle of Firebase Maureen cost D Company 100% casualties: six men killed and 14 wounded. Of the 28 magazines David had snatched up that morning, all but one was empty. To add some context to the intensity of this action, in the course of Operation Texas Star from April 1 to Sept. 5, 1970, the 101st Airborne Division suffered 386 killed, the ARVN 1st Division lost 370 and the Americans estimated PAVN dead at 1,782, with five taken prisoner. David spent the next five months recovering in a Pennsylvania hospital. He was honorably discharged as a specialist 4, and among his many decorations were the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster. On Oct. 15, 1973, Kays stood before President Richard Nixon in the White House to receive the Medal of Honor. His mental health deteriorated, however, as he experienced post-traumatic stress disorder and drug addiction. On Nov. 25, 1991, Kays committed suicide at age 42. He is buried at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Fairfield, Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After retiring from his job in Youngstown, Ohio, David devoted himself to helping fellow Vietnam veterans, heading the Girard Chapter of Disabled American Veterans Post 3767. Recalling his experience of May 7, 1970, David explained: I was not alone that day. I had superior help from the Lord above. From that day on my life changed. Its not about me. Its about helping the rest of my fellow veterans. On Jan. 3, 2025, President Joe Biden awarded seven service members Medals of Honor upgraded from lesser decorations, including David, who was the only vet among them who did not receive it posthumously. Claim: A German museum has removed a portrait of tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. Rating: Rating: Mostly True Context: The Deutsches Museum said via email that it had covered not removed an installation that featured a portrait of Musk in November 2024. The museum plans a new installation in its place. In late January 2025, a claim (archived) circulated online that a German museum had removed a portrait of tech entrepreneur Elon Musk from display. (X user @SZ_Muenchen) One example of the rumor (archived), which had amassed more than 266,000 views on X as of this writing, read: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "Deutsches Museum" has removed Elon Musk from their display of visionaries of past and present. [in Munich, the world's largest museum of science & technology with 1.5m visitors annually] We are definitely living in crazy times, Ladies and Gentlemen. The claim appeared elsewhere on the Musk-owned X platform (archived) and on Facebook (archived). National and local media outlets in Germany also reported on the alleged removal at the Deutsches Museum in Munich. The rumor likely originated from a report in German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung on Jan. 20. The claim came as Musk was under scrutiny for a gesture he made at a rally celebrating U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, which many observers likened to a Nazi salute. A spokesperson from the Deutsches Museum said in an emailed statement that the museum covered not removed an installation featuring Musk within its astronautics exhibition in mid-November 2024. The museum covered the installation because its design meant it was not possible to add updates or context to the people featured within it. Therefore, we have rated this claim as mostly true. The museum's statement read: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We already decided in mid-November to no longer show this exhibition installation because we were unable to update or contextualize the exhibition content, due to the exhibition design. Elon Musk is therefore no longer on display in the space exhibition (note: the installation was covered in November). The content for this part of the exhibition was created several years ago. It added that exhibitions featuring living people risked being interpreted as an "uncritical tribute": It can always be problematic to pay tribute to people who are still alive in such a prominent position in an exhibition - because such a presentation can be seen as an uncritical tribute. And a person's lifetime achievements can often only be correctly assessed in retrospect. The museum said it was planning a new installation to replace the one covered in November but had not decided what the replacement would be. Sources: @alex_avoigt. "A Portrait of Elon Musk Has Been Removed from a Glass Panel at the Deutsches Museum, in Munich, Germany Where He Was Presented as a Visionary." X, 21 Jan. 2025, https://x.com/alex_avoigt/status/1881804406951465191. "Elon Musk: Deutsches Museum entfernt Bild des SpaceX-Grunders in Raumfahrtausstellung." Der Spiegel, 22 Jan. 2025. www.spiegel.de, https://www.spiegel.de/kultur/elon-musk-deutsches-museum-entfernt-bild-des-spacex-gruenders-in-raumfahrtausstellung-a-dd796b64-8f5f-49f4-9eb9-be576e51fb0a. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Elon Musk ein Visionar? Deutsches Museum reit Installation ab und erklart, warum." t-online - Munchen, 21 Jan. 2025, https://muenchen.t-online.de/region/muenchen/id_100579272/elon-musk-deutsches-museum-in-muenchen-reisst-ehrentafel-ab.html. Scherf, Martina. "Warum Elon Musk im Deutschen Museum Munchen nicht mehr gezeigt wird." Suddeutsche.de, 20 Jan. 2025, https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/elon-musk-deutsches-museum-muenchen-foto-abgehaengt-li.3186342. @TeslaBoomerMama. "The 'Deutsches Museum' Has Removed Elon Musk from Their Display of Visionaries of Past and Present. ." X, 21 Jan. 2025, https://x.com/TeslaBoomerMama/status/1881769348068720764. Volley, Rue. "Musk's Portrait Has Been Removed from the Deutsches Museum in Munich." Facebook, 22 Jan. 2025, https://www.facebook.com/rue.volley/posts/pfbid0PZBUu9QsZqcRsLTdJBEVCARPfxHKK61dz2KeptDBVU3Gd6RKwnAULBaxdMXMndLXl. Claim: A memo from acting NASA administrator Janet Petro announced the space agency is shutting down its diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) offices as required by Trump executive order. Rating: Rating: True Soon after U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, and the slew of executive orders that followed, claims (archived) circulated that space agency NASA was shutting down its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices. All NASA employees have received this agency wide email about DEI where the acting Administrator says "These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars and resulted in shameful discrimination." NASA is closing ALL agency DEI offices, efforts and contracts. They pic.twitter.com/z96iMoIGfq Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) January 23, 2025 On X the claim read, in part: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA is closing ALL agency DEI offices, efforts and contracts. They warn those trying to hide DEI that there will be consequences for it. Employees have 10 days to report anyone trying to conceal DEI in a new format or name. The claims originated from a leaked memo reportedly sent to all NASA staff that was circulated across Reddit (archived), Facebook (archived) and X (archived). The memo said that NASA was taking steps to "close all agency DEIA [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility] offices and end all DEIA-related contracts." The name Janet Petro, the acting NASA administrator, appeared at the bottom of the memo. The full text read: Dear agency employees, We are taking steps to close all agency DEIA offices and end all DEIA-related contracts in accordance with President Trump's executive orders titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing and Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions. These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination. We are aware of efforts by some in government to disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language. If you are aware of a change in any contract description or personnel position description since November 5, 2024 to obscure the connection between the contract and DEIA or similar ideologies, please report all facts and circumstances to DEIAtruth@opm.gov within 10 days. There will be no adverse consequences for timely reporting this information. However, failure to report this information within 10 days may result in adverse consequences. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Janet Petro A NASA spokesperson confirmed to Snopes that agency management sent the memo as seen above to staff on Jan. 21. The agency had "complied with the requirements" of DEIA-related executive orders issued by Trump, the spokesperson said. These orders called for the termination of DEIA programs and other related activities in the federal government, which includes NASA. At the time of this writing, NASA's DEIA website was not accessible. Federal agencies such as NASA must comply with executive orders issued by the president. Therefore, we rate this claim true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The full NASA statement on the memo read: "Our agency has complied with the requirements of the executive order and guidance from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management memorandum issued Jan. 21." The "guidance" in this statement refers to a memo sent out by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) also on Jan. 21. The OPM manages the civil service, meaning employees working for the government. Titled "Initial Guidance Regarding DEIA Executive Orders," the OPM memo includes the text in the NASA memo as a suggested email template for heads of agencies to send to their staff. The NASA memo refers to two Trump executive orders: "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing" and "Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions." The former order calls for: ..the termination of all discriminatory programs, including illegal DEI and "diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility" (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government, under whatever name they appear. The order gives agency, department or commission heads in the federal government 60 days to not only "terminate, to the maximum extent allowed by law" DEIA-related activities but also submit a list to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) detailing: (A) agency or department DEI, DEIA, or "environmental justice" positions, committees, programs, services, activities, budgets, and expenditures in existence on November 4, 2024, and an assessment of whether these positions, committees, programs, services, activities, budgets, and expenditures have been misleadingly relabeled in an attempt to preserve their pre-November 4, 2024 function; The NASA memo reflects these key points from the "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing" executive order. The first paragraph announced the closure of the agency's DEI operations and the third referenced "efforts by some in government to disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language." The order, however, did not specifically say that employees can or should report DEIA functions continuing to operate, as the NASA memo encouraged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other executive order referenced in the NASA memo called "Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions" revokes dozens of Biden-era executive orders, starting with Executive Order 13985 titled "Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government." Former President Joe Biden signed this order on the first day of his administration on Jan. 20, 2021. The order made "a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all" a federal policy. Revoking Executive Order 13985 essentially removes this policy from Trump's administration. At the time of this writing, NASA had already taken down the Diversity and Inclusion page on their website. According to the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine, a program that archives pages across the web, the site was live on Jan. 19. NASA and other federal agencies must obey executive orders because the president is the head of the U.S. government and all the agencies within it. That said, executive orders have historically been opposed at times. For example, in 1993, Congress passed a public law nullifying (canceling out) former President George W. Bush's Executive Order 12806 calling for the establishment of a fetal tissue bank. In 2025, a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump's executive order that canceled birthright citizenship for children whose parent(s) were "unlawfully present" in the U.S. when they were born. Should Trump's executive orders on DEIA prove politically unpopular, Congress legislation or a legal challenge could be used to oppose them. Sources: "Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government." Federal Register, 25 Jan. 2021, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/25/2021-01753/advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boe, Corey. "Trump Signed an Executive Order Ending DEI Programs and Added a Snitch Hotline with a Threat If You Don't Report Something." Facebook, 23 Jan. 2025, https://www.facebook.com/corboe/posts/pfbid0tu7SXXCfH2cRGezbVuSPKT1J1uFhWn8w7293WxUwbFFi3dgB1wK365iKyG9twNuBl. Catalini, Mike, and Gene Johnson. "A Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump's Executive Order Redefining Birthright Citizenship." AP News, 23 Jan. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/birthright-citizenship-donald-trump-lawsuit-immigration-9ac27b234c854a68a9b9f8c0d6cd8a1c. Charles Ezell, Acting Director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management. "Initial Guidance Regarding DEIA Executive Orders." The Chief Human Capital Officers (CHCO) Council, 21 Jan. 2025, https://chcoc.gov/sites/default/files/OPM%20Memo%20Initial%20Guidance%20Regarding%20DEIA%20Executive%20Orders.pdf. @DerrickEvans4WV. "NASA Is Officially Ending All DEI Offices & Contracts." X, 23 Jan. 2025, https://x.com/DerrickEvans4WV/status/1882538693665366074. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing." The White House, 21 Jan. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-radical-and-wasteful-government-dei-programs-and-preferencing/. "Establishment of a Fetal Tissue Bank." Federal Register, https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/12806. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025. "Initial Rescissions Of Harmful Executive Orders And Actions." The White House, 20 Jan. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/initial-rescissions-of-harmful-executive-orders-and-actions/. Janet Petro - Kennedy Space Center. https://www.nasa.gov/people/janet-e-petro/. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Protecting The Meaning And Value Of American Citizenship." The White House, 21 Jan. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-the-meaning-and-value-of-american-citizenship/. PUBLIC LAW 103-43-JUNE 10, 1993. https://uscode.house.gov/statviewer.htm?volume=107&page=133. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025. @robbystarbuck. "All NASA Employees Have Received This Agency Wide Email about DEI Where the Acting Administrator Says 'These Programs Divided Americans by Race, Wasted Taxpayer Dollars and Resulted in Shameful Discrimination.'" X, 23 Jan. 2025, https://x.com/robbystarbuck/status/1882435817630466096. u/destructdisc. "This Is Apparently an Agencywide Email to All NASA Employees Ordering Them to Snitch on Anyone Attempting to Engage in Affirmative Diversity Hiring Programs." Reddit, 23 Jan. 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/ABoringDystopia/comments/1i7vakl/this_is_apparently_an_agencywide_email_to_all/. Claim: U.S. President Donald Trump posted on TruthSocial that a parent who receives child support can no longer claim the child on their taxes. Rating: Rating: False Context: We found no evidence of such a post on TruthSocial or X. Trump has said he would expand the child tax credit during his second term in office. In January 2025, a rumor on X, Instagram and YouTube claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media that parents who receive money in child support are no longer able to claim the children as dependents on their taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Numerous Snopes readers asked us about the purported new "Trump child support law." Some versions of the rumor said the alleged rule was specific to women who receive child support, while others stated it applied to any parent, regardless of gender. One video claimed the following: Trump just tweeted if you put your baby father on child support, you can't claim income taxes only he can. [...] When you put your baby father on child support, you no longer can claim your child only the father can [...] only one of y'all can claim your child. If he's paying child support, you can't claim the kids only he can. https://www.instagram.com/royyal_7/reel/DE5jdeQJyKD/ Another video from Jan. 17, 2025, claimed Trump had posted on social media that any woman who put her "baby daddy" or "ex-husband" on child support had automatically lost rights to tax-return funds and child tax credits. However, we looked through Trump's official X and Truth Social accounts on Jan. 17 and other dates, and found no evidence of him ever posting such a rule. If such a rule ever went into place, it would apply to any parent paying child support regardless of gender and would also not be enforced in 2025. As such, we rate this claim as false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The above claims offered no screenshot, link or any other evidence of Trump saying such a thing. We first searched through Trump's X account and found no evidence in mid-January of any recent tweets touting this rule about child tax credits. We also went to his TruthSocial page and found no posts about the same issue. According to Cornell Law School, child support is "the sum that the noncustodial parent must pay to the custodian. This sum serves as a parental contribution for the child's basic living expenses, such as food, clothing, shelter, health care, and education." This kind of payment applies to parents or guardians who are separated and in which one of them is the primary custodian of the child. Current (2024) IRS rules for claiming child tax credits allow families with children under the age of 17 at the end of the tax year to claim these children as their dependents and thus get a tax break. For divorced or separated parents, rules for child tax credits are a bit more complex. According to the IRS, "Child support payments are not tax deductible by the payer and they are not taxable income to the recipient. Paying child support does not necessarily entitle you to a dependency exemption." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, noncustodial parents paying child support can claim a child tax credit if they meet all of the following requirements, according to the IRS: 1. The parents: a. are divorced or legally separated under a decree of divorce or separate maintenance, b. are separated under a written separation agreement, or c. lived apart at all times during the last 6 months of the year, whether or not they are or were married. 2. The child received over half of his or her support for the year from the parents. 3. The child is in the custody of one or both parents for more than half of the year. 4. The noncustodial parent attaches a Form 8332, or similar statement containing the same information required by the form, to his or her return. The form must be signed by the custodial parent. A "qualifying child" is defined by the IRS as an individual: A) who bears a relationship to the taxpayer described in paragraph (2) [which is a child of the taxpayer or a descendant of such a child, or a brother, sister, stepbrother, or stepsister of the taxpayer or a descendant of any such relative.] B) who has the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for more than one-half of such taxable year, who meets the age requirements of paragraph (3) [which is someone who has not attained the age of 19 as of the close of the calendar year in which the taxable year of the taxpayer begins OR a student who has not attained the age of 24] C) who has not provided over one-half of such individual's own support for the calendar year in which the taxable year of the taxpayer begins, and D) who has not filed a joint return (other than only for a claim of refund) with the individual's spouse under section 6013 for the taxable year beginning in the calendar year in which the taxable year of the taxpayer begins. Snopes spoke to law Professor Nyamagaga Gondwe at the University of Wisconsin, who clarified that even if the alleged child tax rule were put in place, it would not apply in 2025: "This tax season we will still be following the rules from last year [2024], and if the rule did change it wouldn't be in effect till next year." Trump has also not said anything in his policy proposals about such a rule. Ahead of taking office, he said he would expand child tax credits, and in his previous administration, he doubled the amount of child tax credit available to parents. In November 2024, he said, "To lift up American families, I will protect and expand the child tax credit we created. We created it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Vice President JD Vance also proposed a broadly available $5,000 child tax credit, but the campaign did not confirm support for the idea. Currently, the maximum child tax credit is $2,000 until the end of 2025. Sources: "26 U.S. Code 152 - Dependent Defined." LII / Legal Information Institute, https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/152. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025. "Child Support." LII / Legal Information Institute, https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/child_support. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025. "Child Tax Credit." Internal Revenue Service. https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-tax-credit. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dore, Kate. "Here's How the Child Tax Credit Could Change in 2025." CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/16/child-tax-credit-could-change-2025.html." target="blank">https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/16/child-tax-credit-could-change-2025.html.">https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/16/child-tax-credit-could-change-2025.html. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025. Shear, Michael D., and Michael Gold. "Donald Trump's Promises." The New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/01/19/us/politics/trump-president-promises.html." target="blank">https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/01/19/us/politics/trump-president-promises.html.">https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/01/19/us/politics/trump-president-promises.html. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025. "Tax Information for Non-Custodial Parents." IRS, https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4449.pdf." target="blank">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4449.pdf.">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4449.pdf. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025. "Trump and Harris Both Support a Bigger Child Tax Credit. But Which Families Should Get It?" AP News, 31 Oct. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/child-tax-credit-poverty-cc423366a1a6f2299fb23ed169045b7b." target="blank">https://apnews.com/article/child-tax-credit-poverty-cc423366a1a6f2299fb23ed169045b7b.">https://apnews.com/article/child-tax-credit-poverty-cc423366a1a6f2299fb23ed169045b7b. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025. "Trump's Tax and Tariff Ideas: Details & Analysis." Tax Foundation, 14 Oct. 2024, https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/donald-trump-tax-plan-2024/." target="blank">https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/donald-trump-tax-plan-2024/.">https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/donald-trump-tax-plan-2024/. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Wichita police have issued a warning about fake movie money circulating in the area. Unlike counterfeit bills, these bills are designed for movie and television production. They appear to be very similar to real currency, but instead of The United States of America, the bills say For Motion Picture Purposes or Movie Money. KSN File Man who left baby in the I-135 canal headed to prison Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department says they have seen an increase in the bills being used for purchases in Wichita. They are asking businesses to educate their employees on how to spot these bills and ask them to contact law enforcement if they receive one. If you have accepted one of these bills as payment, you are urged to call 911 or the Wichita Police Case Desk at 316-268-4221 immediately to report 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 KSN-TV. By Christy Santhosh and Puyaan Singh (Reuters) - Abbott Laboratories on Wednesday forecast 2025 profit that came in line with Wall Street estimates as it expects new device launches and growing demand for its glucose monitors to offset a hit from weakness in China and a stronger dollar. The company, which makes medical devices and also sells nutrition products such as baby formula, has seen a large boost to sales from strong demand for FreeStyle Libre - its continuous glucose monitor. Abbott had been facing supply issues for its Libre devices and said it will meet the demand mismatch as it gets one of its manufacturing sites up and running. Shares of the company rose 1.3%, reversing early declines despite its first-quarter outlook missing estimates. "Abbott tends to start the year conservatively and there could be potential for upside if foreign exchange rates do improve," said Evercore ISI analyst Vijay Kumar. CEO Robert Ford said the company expects a sales hit of 2.5% from a stronger dollar in 2025, including an impact of 3.5% in the first quarter. Larger peer Johnson & Johnson also pointed to the impact from a stronger dollar on Wednesday. Ford also sees a hit in 2025 from a procurement program in China, under which the country buys medical devices in bulk at a sharp discount. Fourth-quarter sales in the company's medical devices unit trumped estimates on the back of its glucose-monitoring products while smaller units such as nutrition, fell short of expectations. Overall, Abbott recorded $10.97 billion in sales, compared with estimates of $11.01 billion for the quarter ended Dec. 31. Abbott expects an adjusted profit of $5.05 to $5.25 per share for 2025, compared with analysts' average profit expectation of $5.16. On an adjusted basis, the company reported a quarterly profit of $1.34 per share, in line with analysts' average expectations. The company expects a first-quarter adjusted profit of $1.05 to $1.09 per share, below analysts' average estimate of $1.11. (Reporting by Christy Santhosh and Puyaan Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel) Davis High School opened its door in 1914 the same year the first shots of World War I were fired. Since then, the Kaysville school has graduated tens of thousands of students including many who have worn their countrys uniform in the U.S Armed Forces. Now a group of student government leaders are hoping to honor their fellow Davis Darts who served by installing a military memorial wall inscribed with the names of all alumnus who have served or are currently serving in the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flint Nielsen is Davis Highs sophomore class president and is part of the student team organizing the military wall project. Honoring Davis Highs alumnus-veterans with a permanent tribute wall inside the school, he said, can help unite our community and increase our school pride. Student officer Addi Matthews works to create an ad that will be placed at different locations as Davis High School student leaders work to verify names of former students who served in the armed forces over the years, on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. They are working on making and installing a wall inside the school to display all the names. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Nielsen and his fellow students are grateful for the sacrifices of all who choose to serve. I dont think veterans get enough recognition so honoring them for what they do for us is absolutely worthwhile. The military memorial wall will stand as a visible symbol of that gratitude. Principal Lori Hawthorne said Davis High School is proud of its rich military legacy, noting that the school was recently recognized as a Purple Star School a national honor awarded to educational institutions that go the extra mile to provide smooth transitions for military families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Choosing to serve in the military is not an easy decision, added Hawthorne, so we try very hard to recognize our graduates who have made the choice and commitment to serve their country. Recognizing alums who protect and serve One of Nielsens classmates, senior Bronco Maxfield, helped develop the military memorial wall project. His research revealed that only a few high schools in the country had permanent tributes to their alums serving the military. All agreed that having a permanent, physical reminder of those who have served in the military would help us recognize all the good that graduates of Davis High are doing for the country by serving in the military and protecting us, said Nielsen. Bronco Maxfield poses for a photo at a wall of lockers that he and other Davis High School student leaders hope to transform into a remembrance and honor wall of former Darts who served in the armed forces. The students were working to verify names on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. Maxfield is the student who came up with the idea of the wall. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News A student-organized fundraiser before Christmas secured about $10,000 for the Davis High military wall project. Donations came from students and their families, along with local businesses in the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction plans are to remove a section of lockers inside Davis High and install a wall made of stone and wooden materials. Some of the schools advanced woodworking students are expected to assist with the fabricating. Nielsen estimates the military memorial wall will be at least 10 feet long and at least 6- or 7-feet high. Once the wall is completed, they can begin engraving the names of military veterans who graduated from Davis. Names will be added in when future alums join the military. Mustering Davis Highs military veterans Identifying which Davis High alums should be included on the military memorial wall remains perhaps the most daunting challenge facing Nielsen and other students if they hope to finish the project by the end of the school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After all, Davis High was opened over a century ago. Legions have graduated from what is one of Utahs oldest high schools and a sizable number of alums have served in the military, particularly during periods of war and the draft years. Nielsen said he and others working on the project plan to scour stacks of Davis High yearbooks and compare them with military records to pinpoint names. Davis High School student leaders Makenna Pearce and Caroline Taylor talk with advisor Erik Gunn as they and other officers work to verify names of former students who served in the armed forces over the years, on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. They are working on making and installing a wall inside the school to display all the names. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News But most of the identifying will likely have to come from the community. A QR code and webpage have been activated where people can submit the names of relatives or friends who graduated from Davis and then served in the military. Nielsen said he and fellow students also want to post flyers with the QR code in local businesses and set up student-manned tables outside of area grocery stores to promote awareness of the military wall project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to involve people in the community and get their help, because were not going to be able to get all of these names on our own, he added. Nielsen said the ongoing project has helped deepen his own appreciation for those who serve. He doesnt know if military service is part of his future, but its definitely not something I would rule out. Davis High School student leaders Isabelle Koenig, Coroline Taylor, Makenna Pearce and Konner Gallup talk as they look through old yearbooks, trying to find any info of former students who might have served in the armed forces, on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Advertisement Advertisement Just days after Hurricane Milton beat up the Tampa Bay region, schools welcomed students back to class. Between Milton and Hurricane Helene 13 days earlier, children had missed two weeks of lessons, and educators sought to get them back on track. Some parents argued the reopening came too soon, as families continued to pick up the pieces of their lives that had been upended by wind, rain and flooding. Others welcomed the return to routine, which Pinellas County superintendent Kevin Hendrick called critical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now schools are seeing how much academic damage the storms caused. We had significant disruptions in Semester 1, Pasco superintendent John Legg said. And our student data is showing that. Preliminary results of the states second round of progress monitoring, which ends Jan. 31, showed that Pasco children were behind, scoring at lower levels than at the same time a year ago and also below the state average. Schools get data as they complete the testing, which has been ongoing since December. Among the data, 21% of Pasco fifth graders scored at or above grade level in math, compared to 30% statewide. A year ago, 22% of Pasco fifth graders were at that level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pinellas Countys performance, though ahead of the state in many categories, also lagged behind last years outcomes at the same time, particularly in math, said Anna Brown, the districts director of assessment, accountability and research. Definitely, we saw the impact of our two weeks of missed instruction, Brown told the school board at a Jan. 21 workshop. She noted, for example, how elementary students did not reach their fractions module because the storms threw off teachers' lessons. The state assessment is heavy on fractions, though, she said, so students naturally did not do well on that section compared to children in parts of Florida that werent hit by the hurricanes. For example, 27% of Pinellas third graders were at or above grade level in math, compared to 29% statewide. A year ago, 32% of Pinellas third graders were at that level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hillsborough County did not have data available, but planned to present information at its Jan. 28 board meeting, chief academic officer Colleen Faucett said. Faucett anticipated weaker than normal scores in some areas because of the missed days and the districts decision to get all its testing done before winter break regardless. We wanted to put the first part of the year behind us, she said. Now the district, like its counterparts, knows where its students strengths and deficits are, and can focus instruction accordingly in the run-up to the states annual spring testing. It already has updated course scope and sequence guides to incorporate the missed material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have this long runway of uninterrupted instruction, Faucett said. Were all going to cross our fingers that we dont have any further disruptions. The districts have added back some of the missed time by eliminating early release days and canceling some non-class days. We have time to make up those academic losses, Legg said. Morgan Polikoff, a University of Southern California education professor who studied learning loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, said the outcomes the districts are seeing should not surprise anyone. The evidence on this is very clear, Polikoff said. Time on task and time in seat, its as close to a one-to-one relationship as there is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest concern, he said, is that learning declines might be compounding for some children. Students who fell behind during the pandemic might not have made up all that material, he said, which can make it more difficult to keep up with current daily lessons. For many students, the long-term effect might be minimal. For others, it could prove monumental. We dont know which kids they are, Polikoff said. He praised Florida for having progress monitoring in place so educators can know where to target their efforts. Adding back all the missed time would also help, he said, so no one has to rush to the May 1 spring tests, which measure students' progress on the same material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we knew how to teach kids faster and better, we would be doing it already, Polikoff said. Brown said Pinellas teachers are poring over available data to determine how to best help each individual student. We are really working hard to tailor which students need what strategy, she said. Few of the final test results hold high-stakes consequences, such as the retention of third graders who do not demonstrate proficiency in reading. But schools often use the information in determining class placement for students. The effort can mean putting off some other activities to make sure all students are getting the academic attention they require, said Monica Ilse, Pasco deputy superintendent for instruction. Ultimately, its about remaining focused, Ilse said. Its not the time for us to think about doing various events in the schools. We need to ensure kids have access to the curriculum. Burlington, VT (myCV) An incredible scene took place in Burlington Thursday morning, as hundreds of people put their daily lives on pause to pay respect to a fallen Border Patrol Agent. A motorcade of roughly 300 law enforcement vehicles drew crowds as they brought the body of the late David Chris Maland from the University of Vermont Medical Center morgue to a nearby funeral home. Maland, 44, was shot and killed in the line of duty in Coventry this week while conducting a traffic stop. The procession was one of the biggest for a fallen law enforcement service member in Vermont history. The motorcade featured an array of sights to behold, as hundreds of U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicles, as well as local and state police cruisers, paraded through the city, giving a heros tribute to Maland on his way to the Ready Funeral Home on Shelburne Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The procession started just south of the UVM Medical Center, with all of the 300 vehicles cramming into the parking area and backroads behind the DoubleTree Hilton hotel on U.S. Route 2. South Burlington Police and Fire pulled out to stop traffic along Main Street at 10:00 a.m., with dozens of CBP vehicles leading the way towards the hospital. With a sea of blue lights cascading up the roadway, the group made way for the hearse, ready to follow it down to the funeral home. The convoy drew crowds by the medical center, and by the Redington Roundabout on U.S. Route 7, where a massive American flag flew high over the cars below. One of the viewers was Val Debrita, who made the drive from Williston to pay her respects. She said the tragic loss of Agent Maland hits home for her, as she has a Border Patrol Agent in her family too. I came here today to support the United States Border Patrol for taking care of our borders, Debrita said, tearfully. The death of an agent is a huge deal. I have an agent in my family, and Ive always worried about his life. So this means a lot, to come down and pay my respects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the motorcade reached the Ready Funeral Home, CBP Agents gathered out back, sharing hugs and some tears. Patrol Agent Michael Shick, one of the Swanton Sectors top supervisors, held a folded American flag under his arm, one that will likely stay with his fallen brother or his family for years to come. As the mornings events came to a close, Debrita shared a few more words, explaining what she thinks it will take for everyone to heal from this devastation. Lots of love and kindness, she said. Love and kindness, and honor, and hope. And on this cold day, well bring a lot of warmth to people, hopefully, who realize that there are lives out there that are being lost. Agent Malands remains will now be taken back to his family in Minnesota, where funeral services are likely to be held later on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. HONOLULU (KHON2) The historic Falls of Clyde is one step closer to being removed from Honolulu Harbor. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The dilapidated 146-year-old vessel has been dry docked at the Harbor for years, but a contract has been awarded to get it out. The State Department of Transportation awarded a $6.5 million contract to a mainland marine engineering company to finally remove the Falls of Clyde from the Harbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was on both the National Historic Landmark Registry and in the National Registry of Historic Places, both institutions have now de-listed it, said Hawaii Pacific University history professor Dr. Douglas Askman. Historic Falls of Clyde may be removed from Honolulu Harbor The vessel was purchased by William Matson in the late 19th century and mainly was used to bring goods and people back and forth between Hawaii and California. It was sold and then converted to an oil tanker in 1907 before repeatedly changing hands until it was brought back to Honolulu in 1963 as a floating museum next to the Hawaii Maritime Center. She became an important part of the community. Students came over to the museum, said Friends of Falls of Clyde president Bruce McEwan. Hosting events, there were birthdays, anniversaries, marriages even aboard the ship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOT impounded the vessel in 2016 after decades of corrosion and announced it was seeking bids for its removal in mid-2024. Its had several, I guess, near misses with destruction, but it seems like this might be its last its last stand, so to speak, Dr. Askman said. State receives six bids for Falls of Clyde removal from Honolulu Harbor The Friends of Falls of Clyde took ownership of the vessel in 2008 but were unsuccessful in several fundraising efforts to repair it. There are still some artifacts like the ships wheel and nameboard that they would like to see preserved their president says they need clearance from the State to go out and get them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yeah, they do. And they, well, theyre on notice that we will and they even know when and how, McEwan said. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Details over the multi-million dollar contract have yet to be ironed out, the DOT did not confirm whether the vessel will be cut into pieces or sunk and when the work is scheduled to begin. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALLERTON, The Bronx (PIX11) Nearly two weeks after a devastating fire displaced hundreds of residents in the Bronx, dozens of families could soon face homelessness as their temporary housing arrangements come to an end. Miguel Jiminez couldnt hold back tears as he grappled with the reality that he could soon be without a roof over his head come Friday morning. Its just killing us that everybodys struggling over here and we all trying to support each other, and its just heartbreaking, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jiminez and dozens of other families have been living in a hotel near Pelham Parkway after a fire tore through their Wallace Avenue apartment building nearly two weeks ago. As many residents stays are set to expire, Amy Beltre said her elderly mother still hasnt heard from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation about what homeless shelter shell have to live in. Theres just like no updates, said Beltre. We tried reaching out to the HPD worker last night, today, all morning, all afternoon. Straight to voicemail. She added, My mom is 70 years old. Shes just very afraid of whats to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents are calling on HPD to extend their hotel stays until they can find a better living situation. Jasmin Chico says shes one of the lucky ones who has received an extension until January 31st. However, shes worried she could be placed in a homeless shelter far from the Bronx after being told shell have to go wherever theres room. She now fears shell have trouble getting to work, her children to school, and her prenatal doctors appointments. My fear is that Im going to be sent to Queens, Brooklyn, and thats like 2 hours, Chico said. I dont drive, so its hard, and its scary cause you have your kids looking up to you, and theyre like, Mom, whats next? Where we going from here? And you just dont know. According to HPD, tenants are typically given up to five days in a Red Cross hotel, but due to the severity of the situation, they were granted a two-week stay. Tenants who registered for HPD Emergency Housing could stay until Wednesday, while those who declined received a two-day extension until Friday. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson said in a statement, Our office has been in contact with many of the affected residents, and we are actively collaborating with our colleagues in government to advocate for and facilitate permanent housing placements for the tenants of 2910 Wallace Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the future is now uncertain for countless families, Jiminez says his family of three, along with their four dogs, will be forced to live in their car since shelters do not allow pets. More Local News I feel were just being pushed away and its just so horrible and so, its just killing me, Jiminez said. A spokesman for Parkash Management, who owns the Wallace Avenue building, said in a statement, As providers of affordable housing in some of the most underserved communities in The Bronx, we are committed to meeting the needs of our tenants. We have been working with Wallace Ave. families who have asked to transfer to apartments at other properties we own in the borough. We are doing our best to accommodate these requests, and we have been able to place some families in other buildings in our portfolio where apartments were 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 PIX11. Family displaced after house fire in Organ, New Mexico EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A family was displaced after a residential fire on Thursday, Jan. 23 in Organ, New Mexico. According to Dona Ana County Fire Rescue, crews responded just before 10 a.m. on Jan. 23 at the 5000 block of Chula Vista Road. Las Cruces Fire Department assisted DAFR in the response and both crews worked to contain and extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported, and the American Red Cross assisted the displaced family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to fire officials, the fire originated in the chimney. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (Photo by Matt Volz | Kaiser Health News). The parents of a teenager who was taken from their home and placed into state care by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services because her father said the familys religion prohibited recognizing being transgender as legitimate have sent a letter to the state agency demanding the same information that the states Supreme Court has ordered turned over to a Billings lawmaker. Attorney Matthew Monforton, based in Bozeman, has represented the teenagers father and stepmother, Todd and Krista Cummins-Kolstad. They said they want the full contents of the file that the state maintained on the case from Valley County where their child was taken by the DPHHS, apparently because of a concern for suicidal ideation and threats, but stemming from a dispute over gender identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the family also charged that the state was interfering with their parental and religious rights, including the right to recognize their child as a female, despite the child wanting to be recognized as a male. The couple said their religious beliefs considered that a sin. They also said the state department acted against their concerns by sending the child to an out-of-state facility where they claimed the teenager began transgender medical intervention. The case drew national and international attention, and the concern of state lawmakers who had made several attempts to change or ban transgender medical therapy in Montana. The Gianforte administration had supported Child and Family Services workers who intervened in the case, and the family was threatened with court sanctioning if they spoke out about the case. Montana Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras intervened, herself an attorney and former law school professor, to review the case, and supported the conclusion of the DPHHS and removing the teen. Lawmakers vowed to review the case and even change state law, and that prompted lawmaker Bill Mercer, R-Billings, to ask the DPHHS for the records of the case. Montana law allows a lawmaker to review case files of children or individuals in state care with a parent or guardians permission. According to court records, Mercer obtained permission from the Kolstads, but was denied documents in the file, as the DPHHS said they involved attorney-client privilege. Mercer challenged the decision in district court and then at the Montana Supreme Court and was recently victorious, with the Supreme Court saying the department must hand over the files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Monforton filed a request with the DPHHS to turn over the same files that pertain to the Kolstads child. Because the same materials that were denied to Mercer appear to have been denied to the Kolstads, Monforton said the family was renewing their request, including materials that had been denied such as, communication that occurred through electronic media such as email and text. If legislators are allowed to review the entire DPHHS file on the Kolstad family, then certainly the Kolstads should have that same right, Monforton told the Daily Montanan. As of Friday morning, the DPHHS had not responded to the Kolstads request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Mercer did not respond to the Daily Montanans inquiries about whether hed received the materials ordered by the Montana Supreme Court. All information turned over to lawmakers must be kept confidential, and according to Supreme Court records, Mercer has agreed to that. And, a spokesperson for the Montana DPHHS did not respond to questions about how the department was planning to go forward with the requests. Police are now offering a reward in hopes of finding the accused killer of a metro restaurant owner. Blanca Sauers body was found on Christmas Eve. She was the longtime operator of Casa de Quesadilla restaurant in Sandy Springs. She was a beautiful woman. She had a very big heart. She loved her nieces and nephews and her sisters. She was extremely, extremely family-oriented. She would literally do anything for anyone, Elaine Adams said about Sauer, her stepmother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams told Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne that she wanted to be interviewed because she wants Roberto Dominguez Soto captured. Roswell police have issued a murder warrant for Dominguez Soto, who remains on the run. While Sauer may be Adams stepmother, she told Winne that shes the only mother shes ever known. My heart shattered, Adams said. She never made me feel any less than her daughter. She was there for the birth of my children. Shes been Grandma. TRENDING STORIES: A cyclist discovered Sauers body in a ditch on Christmas Eve by the popular Riverwalk Trail. Tragically, the victim had been shot and her body discarded in the area where it was found. We immediately mobilized all of our investigative resources and were able to quickly identify our suspect, Roberto Dominguez Soto, who had had a very brief relationship with the victim, Officer Tim Lupo with the Roswell Police Department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, he says theres a new reward. Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta has offered an enhanced reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to his arrest. That information can be provided entirely anonymously, and that reward can be claimed anonymously as well, Lupo said. Sisters Maria and Erika Delgado said Dominguez Soto did some plumbing for Sauer at the restaurant she ran, and she may have dated him a few times. But they said she was not interested in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship or any lasting relationship with him though he apparently was. I feel like this gentleman slowly became obsessed with her, Erika Delgado said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maria Delgado said she arrived at Sauers home one time to find the door kicked in Sauer told her Dominguez Soto had done it and stolen her phone, which he later returned. Blanca did say that she feared for her life and if anything were to ever happen to her that it was most likely Roberto Dominquez Soto, Maria Delgado said. I find myself in prayer and I also ask God for this gentleman to be found and to be brought to justice, Erika Delgado said. God has given me the strength, Maria Delgado said. It would mean the world for us for someone to come forward and announce where he might be, his location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lupo said Dominguez Soto is also wanted by Interpol on a firearms charge out of Mexico and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on Dominguez Sotos whereabouts should call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477. Some fans have slammed Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag for suing the city of Los Angeles after losing their expensive home in the fire. On Tuesday, the couple joined several Pacific Palisades property owners who filed lawsuits against Los Angeles after losing their homes during the wildfires. Pratt and Montag have been open about losing their home in the fire and received much support from fans on social media. Spencer Pratt And Heidi Montag Sue The City Of Los Angeles MEGA The celebrity couple filed a lawsuit at the Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing the city's Department of Water and Power (LADWP) of not maintaining an adequate water supply system to fight the inferno. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pratt and Montag noted that the city of LA delayed repairing the Santa Ynez Reservoir, which caused it to be empty for almost a year. About 20 other property owners joined the couple in their lawsuit, which faulted the LADWP for emptying the Santa Ynez Reservoir before the fire outbreak on January 7. They claimed the LADWP did so to seek contractor bids rather than repair the reservoir with in-house personnel. The complaint stated, "This stated public purpose was far outweighed by the substantial risk posed to Pacific Palisades by wildfires." It added, "The degree of damage that resulted from the Palisades Fire far outweighed any benefit that could have been realized by outsourcing and delaying repairs." Fans React To Spencer Pratt And Heidi Montag's Lawsuit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Redditor shared news of Pratt and Montag's lawsuit on the pop-culture sub-Reddit, and many others took turns commenting on the couple's actions. One Redditor wondered why the couple was suing after "poorer people" donated to them after they lost their home. They wrote, "They're suing after poorer people than them donated to them to help them rebuild??" Another Redditor said the couple didn't deserve sympathy, writing, "Just a reminded that both of these people were huge pieces of sh-t before and continue to be still. They do not deserve an ounce of sympathy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third person called Pratt and Montag "celebrity sc-m," while a fourth added, "Grifters forever." Meanwhile, some others chose to bash Montag's music, with one writing, "I'm glad I didn't stream any of her music. Not one fraction of a cent from me," while another added, "Now can we be honest that her song sucks sh-t?" Fans Support Spencer Pratt And Heidi Montag's Lawsuits MEGA Although many fans were critical of Pratt and Montag's lawsuit, they got support from others. When one person called out the couple, writing, "Let's sue them for being douchebags," another responded, "They're attempting to hold politicians and government officials responsible for negligence. This is actually a step in the right direction regardless of their reality tv days." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They added, "This lawsuit could mean something to everyone who owns a home in Los Angeles. The oligarchy will shoot it down of course but they absolutely have the right idea to start highlighting negligence as a crime rather than political broken promises. I didn't watch their show but I like their lawsuit." Another Redditor called for all residents of Los Angeles to sue the US government. They wrote, "Honestly, everyone resident of CA should sue the US government for it." Pratt And Montag Lose Home To Wildfires APEX / MEGA The couple was among those who lost properties to the Los Angeles wildfires. Montag looked distraught in a video she shared on TikTok after the fire burned their home. In the clip, she expressed gratitude that her family was safe despite their home loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montag said, "While we ended up losing our house in the fire, thank God we are safe." As the video continued, the mother of two couldn't hold her emotions but thanked well-wishers for their concern. She said, "So, thank you to everyone who is checking, thank you for all your prayers, thank you for your thoughts." Fans Set Up GoFundMe For Pratt And Montag APEX / MEGA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Pratt and Montag revealed that their home was burned to the ground in the wildfires, fans set up a GoFundMe for them to help them rebuild. However, the couple received backlash for sourcing funds from fans, though they weren't bothered by it. Pratt told Us Weekly, "If people want to send their own money to whoever they want, it's the equivalent to buying a celebrity's merch, buying their movie tickets. People can do whatever they want with their own money and, thank God, there's people who want to support and send us whatever." Meanwhile, Montag emphasized that neither she nor Pratt solicited funds from fans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She explained, "Then our friends Brandon and Courtney [from TikTok] were like, 'We don't care what you say. We know people who want to donate money to you and even if it's one donation thats going to help you.'" Pratt added, "When this first happened, that first day, they created a GoFundMe on their own and it just kept on doing great and so amazing." The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) held an event on Friday evening in the southern German city of Aschaffenburg, where a fatal knife attack has inflamed tensions over migration policy just weeks ahead of national elections. Among the participants was the AfD's leader in the state of Thuringia, Bjorn Hocke, who is seen as the head of the party's radical wing, and is well known across Germany for his fiery rhetoric, having twice been convicted for knowingly quoting a banned Nazi slogan. Hocke used the occasion to blame government politicians for acts of violence such as the one in Aschaffenburg, a city in north-western Bavaria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Counter-demonstrators blocked Hocke from a candle-lit place of worship in the city's Schontal park, where the attack took place on Wednesday, and shouted "Nazis out." Hocke and other AfD officials later laid flowers at a different location. The suspect in the attack is a 28-year-old Afghan asylum seeker with a history of mental health illnesses. He was temporarily committed to a psychiatric hospital on Thursday. He is accused of two murders, two attempted murders and one case of dangerous bodily harm. According to the police and public prosecutors, he has not yet commented on the accusations. Memorial services The city's main memorial service is set to take place on Sunday, with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Bavarian Premier Markus Soder among those planning to attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was initially unclear whether relatives of the victims would also be attending. An alliance of local organizations is planning an event at the city's Theaterplatz on Saturday to oppose the politicization of the tragedy, with Mayor Jurgen Herzing due to give a speech An initial commemoration in the park on Thursday drew some 3,000 people, police said. Teacher released from hospital Also on Friday, a police spokesman said that a kindergarten teacher who was injured in the attack has been released from hospital. The teacher had a broken arm. A 2-year-old Syrian girl who was seriously injured in the incident and a 72-year-old man are still in hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The child will not be released until Monday," the police spokesman said. Police: 'Threshold has been crossed' Police are continuing to investigate why the suspect was at large when he committed the attack, having been due to face deportation. It was revealed on Friday that the suspect had also been facing jail over his failure to pay a fine. The German Police Union (GdP) says a "threshold has been crossed" with the latest attack, which comes after similar incidents in the last year in Magdeburg, Solingen and Mannheim. "We need quick solutions now," GdP chairman Jochen Kopelke told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland media group on Friday. The GdP chapter in the southern state of Bavaria said that "with the murder of a small child, a threshold has been crossed that now finally requires decisive action." Of course, Amazon is not all about cloud computing. The remaining segments, which make the company highly diversified, such as third-party sellers, advertising, and subscriptions, all achieved double-digit growth ratesexcept for its online and physical stores, which grew at 8% and 5%, respectively. According to Amazons management team, this upturn in margin growth, which was a significant point of concern for analysts before Q3, was explained by reasons such as (1) better staffing efficiency, (2) extending the useful life of servers in 2024, and most importantly, (3), higher demand at the top line, which led to improved cost efficiencies and profitability. However, the main highlight was Amazon Web Services (AWS) unit, the companys highest-margin segment. Amazons cloud service segment achieved $27.4 billion in revenues compared to $23 billion in the same period last year, an annual increase of 19%. In addition, operating margins stood at a robust 38% following volatility throughout 2024. For example, in Q1, AWSs operating margins stood at 37.6%, while in Q2, they fell to 35.5%. In addition to beating expectations across the board, Amazon achieved an 11% year-over-year sales increase to $159 billion, above the guidance for Q3, which pointed to revenues at a midpoint of $156 billion. Before going into why Im cautiously bullish heading into Amazons Q4, lets first review what happened in Q3. In its September quarter, Amazon reported solid results , beating the markets rather demanding expectations, followed by a consistent period of strong growth fueled by AI. With shares trading close to their all-time highs, and with Amazon having something of an inflection point after the excellent Q3 results, the Seattle-based online marketplace giant will need to report holiday period results that prove once againespecially in its cloud segmentthat sales growth and margin expansion are viable milestones. As a long-term Amazon bull, I remain optimistic about the companys prospects ahead of Q4 results scheduled to be reported on January 30 . Ultimately, I think short-term price gyrations shouldnt spook well-positioned bulls carrying long-term positions in Amazon. Story Continues Stakes Are Raised Ahead of Q4 Earnings Even though Amazons December quarter looks quite promising, the companys bar is reaching higher. Much of this is because the more conservative pre-Q3 expectations have likely been priced in (to an extent), considering that Amazon shares have jumped ~20% since the consistent Q3 results that vastly pleased the market. Meanwhile, analysts are projecting that Amazon will earn $1.48 per share in Q4, implying growth of 48% year-over-year. Revenues are expected to hit $187.3 billion, a record for the company, representing growth of 10% year-over-year. These estimates, however, have mainly been revised upwards in the last three months, as 34 out of 35 analysts have revised EPS projections upwards, while 31 out of 40 have raised their revenue projections. With the bar set higher, Amazon must prove it can surprise the market again. Given the narrative preluding these results, AWS will likely be at the forefront of how analysts digest Amazons broader performance. The big challenge is maximizing sales growth rates while keeping margins on trend aspirations that may not be sustained over the long term. For example, AWS sales growth has been accelerating, rising from 12% to 19% over the last four quarters, and the company maintained its leadership in the cloud market with a 32% share. In my view, indications are that Amazon will outperform by announcing a continued growth spurt at AWS, along with robust margins that serve up confidence to forward-looking analysts. According to Amazons CEO Andy Jassy, the macroeconomic backdrop pushes companies to optimize costs and drives AWS adoption as businesses bolster their focus on modernization, such as cloud computing. Volatility in AMZN Stock Signals Danger Although Im primarily bullish on Amazon ahead of its Q4 earnings, on the flip side, there are palatable concerns about volatility in its margins. Going further back, in Q2, much of the muted reaction to Amazons stock post-earnings was due to a decline in AWS operating margins (from 37% to 35%), with the market finding it challenging to accept a softer outlook on margins going forward. Theres a real possibility this could recur in Q4 or extend into Fiscal 2025. As hyperscalers like Microsofts (MSFT) Azure and Alphabets (GOOGL) Google Cloud have provided intense competition to the leadership position of AWS, Amazons margins tend to come under pressure as pricing power plays a role. On the bright side, Amazons operating income should remain strong, at least in Q4. The company has provided guidance for Q4 operating income between $16 billion and $20 billion. If the mid-range estimate of $18 billion is achieved, it would represent a 3.5% annual increase, and if the top-range is achieved, it would represent a 15% annual increasewhich would likely send AMZN bears into hibernation. Is Amazon Stock Expected to Rise? Supporting my bullish outlook for AMZN, among the 49 Wall Street analysts covering the stock, all but one neutral analyst has issued a Buy recommendation. As a consensus, market analysts have placed an average price target of $251.35 per share on AMZN, which implies an upside potential of 11.25% from current prices of ~$225. See more AMZN analyst ratings Amazon Bulls Hold Steady as Q4 Results Loom Large Amazon gave investors good reason to be bullish ahead of Q4, as last quarter proved bears wrong by projecting more conservative sales and margin growth in its most profitable segment, AWS. Although there were optimistic reviews for Q4, I believe the market volatility to come, regardless of whether it reflects bearish or bullish sentiment, will primarily rely on whether AWS sales growth rates and operating margins are sustained. While short-term market volatility may occur due to Amazons mixed metrics, including mixed margins, from a long-term perspective, I doubt we will see news to counter the Amazon growth story based on solid fundamentals heading into 2025. As momentum peaks across most of its business units especially its leading cloud business, which is most sensitive to AI demand growth I am strongly bullish on AMZN stock without any anxiety. Disclosure Disclaimer The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is to hold an event on Friday in the southern city of Aschaffenburg, where a fatal knife attack has inflamed tensions over migration policy just weeks ahead of national elections. "See you in Aschaffenburg," wrote the party's extremist leader in the state of Thuringia, Bjorn Hocke. Hocke is seen as the leader of the radical wing within the anti-immigration AfD, and is well known across Germany for his fiery rhetoric, having twice been convicted for knowingly quoting a banned Nazi slogan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect in the attack earlier this week is a 28-year-old Afghan asylum seeker with a history of mental health illnesses. He was temporarily committed to a psychiatric hospital on Thursday. He is accused of two murders, two attempted murders and one case of dangerous bodily harm. According to the police and public prosecutors, he has not yet commented on the accusations. Rallies and memorial services The AfD, which is currently second in the polls, is to hold a meeting from 4 pm (1500 GMT) in the city's Schontal park, where the attack took place. The city's main memorial service is set to take place on Sunday, with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Bavarian Premier Markus Soder among those planning to attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was initially unclear whether relatives of the victims would also be attending. An alliance of local organizations is planning an event at the city's Theaterplatz on Saturday to oppose the politicization of the tragedy, with Mayor Jurgen Herzing due to give a speech An initial commemoration in the park on Thursday drew some 3,000 people, police said. Teacher released from hospital Also on Friday, a police spokesman said that a kindergarten teacher who was injured in the attack has been released from hospital. The teacher had a broken arm. A 2-year-old Syrian girl who was seriously injured in the incident and a 72-year-old man are still in hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The child will not be released until Monday," the police spokesman said. Police: 'Threshold has been crossed' Police are continuing to investigate why the suspect was at large when he committed the attack, having been due to face deportation. It was revealed on Friday that the suspect had also been facing jail over his failure to pay a fine. The German Police Union (GdP) says a "threshold has been crossed" with the latest attack, which comes after similar incidents in the last year in Magdeburg, Solingen and Mannheim. "We need quick solutions now," GdP chairman Jochen Kopelke told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland media group on Friday. The GdP chapter in the southern state of Bavaria said that "with the murder of a small child, a threshold has been crossed that now finally requires decisive action." The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is to hold an event on Friday in the southern city of Aschaffenburg, where two people were killed in a knife attack earlier this week. "See you in Aschaffenburg," wrote the party's extremist leader in the state of Thuringia, Bjorn Hocke. Hocke is seen as the leader of the radical wing within the AfD, and is well known across Germany for his fiery rhetoric, having twice been convicted for knowingly quoting a banned Nazi slogan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack in Aschaffenburg has inflamed tensions over migration ahead of Germany's election next month. The suspect in the stabbing, which also left three people seriously injured, is a 28-year-old Afghan national who was due to be deported. The AfD, which is currently second in the polls, is to hold a meeting from 4 pm (1500 GMT) in the city's Schontal park, where the attack took place on Wednesday. The city's central memorial service is set to take place on Sunday, with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Bavarian Premier Markus Soder among those planning to attend. It was initially unclear whether relatives of the victims would also be attending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An alliance of local organizations is planning an event at the city's Theaterplatz on Saturday to oppose the politicization of the tragedy, with Mayor Jurgen Herzing due to give a speech An initial commemoration in the park on Thursday drew some 3,000 people, police said. Jan. 24wytheville, va. One person is facing charges including second-degree murder after an early morning shooting was reported Thursday in Wythe County, Va. At around 1 a.m., the Wytheville Police Department and the Wythe County Sheriff's Office responded to a call at 2605 West Ridge Road regarding a reported shooting, according to a press release from the Wythe County Sheriff's Office. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers found a deceased female victim who had sustained a fatal gunshot wound, according to the sheriff's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff's investigators have charged Chad Nelson Hawks, no age or address given, with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, reckless handling of a firearm and discharging a weapon inside an occupied dwelling. Hawks was taken into custody at the scene and was being held Thursday at the New River Regional Jail. No additional details were released Thursday because the investigation was still active. The Wythe County Sheriff's Office thanked the Wytheville Police Department and the Virginia State Police for their assistance. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com Jan. 23A 47-year-old Fayetteville man was held on $10,000 secured bond following his arrest on Jan. 3. He was also held on a $10,000 secured bond from 2022 case. George David Wright Jr. of the 2400 block of Silver Bell Loop was arrested after a chase involving a Lee County officer and a state trooper when police responded to a workplace disturbance. Wright was allegedly driving 112 mph in a 45-mph zone on Cumnock Road, north of NC 421 and northwest of Sanford, according to an arrest warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was driving a 2005 Toyota station wagon when involved in an injury accident, according to Trooper Caleb Gaster. That crash involved injury, according to Gaster, although no specifics were given. According to Capt. Richard H. Gibson of the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Wright's driving resulted in property damage of more than $1,000. A total of three criminal cases were filed against Wright containing multiple charges, including fleeing to elude, which is a felony, and several misdemeanors, including speeding, driving while impaired, reckless driving with wanton disregard, failure to heed light/siren and driving with a revoked license. Wright was also charged with several driving infractions, including possession of an open container, failure to wear a seat belt, failure to maintain lane control, failure to stop at a stop sign or red light, driving left of center, expired tag and no inspection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2022 CASE On Aug. 4, 2022, Wright was cited following a crash on NC 421 when he was headed southbound and ran into a deputy's vehicle that was blocking traffic because of another collision. According to Trooper Cody Walker, Wright was driving a 2010 Chevy Malibu with no registration, a fictitious tag and no insurance. In addition to those charges, Walker cited Wright for reckless driving, having an open container of beer on the floor, driving while impaired, failure to reduce speed and not wearing a seat belt. Wright had a blood-alcohol content of .21, according to a state crime lab report. Wright was so inebriated, he urinated on himself, fell asleep and wasn't able to perform a sobriety test, Walker wrote. In addition, Wright struck his head on the windshield during the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright failed to show up for court on May 10, 2024, and June 6, 2024, and an arrest warrant was issued. It was served on him after the Jan. 3 crash. He has a court date scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 29. TORRANCE COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) Federal agents descended on two massive pot-growing operations in New Mexico Thursday morning. It comes months after a Larry Barker investigation revealed that the state knew about farms operating illegally outside Estancia and yanked their licenses. However, it took the feds to shut these suspected outlaw operations down. Story continues below I cant get into the specifics as to what were doing, but I figure you can look at the clues behind us and all the things if youve been here a minute that are being taken out, said Special Agent in Charge with the FBI Raul Bujanda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the FBI wouldnt go into detail Thursday about what exactly they were investigating, the smell on scene alone leaves little doubt. The FBI targeted two farms on Thursday morning south of Estancia. One of those farms, off Highway 41, was the target of an investigation last Fall by Larry Barker who learned former Navajo Nation presidential candidate Dineh Benally was issued a cannabis license for that massive marijuana plantation. Regulators learned it was an outlaw enterprise. Native American Agricultural Development Company was found to be in violation of some of our most egregious statutory requirements, New Mexico Cannabis Control Division Todd Stevens told Larry Barker in 2024. The state revoked Benallys license and slapped the facility with a $1 million fine. However, because New Mexicos Cannabis Control Division does not have law enforcement powers, state regulators didnt have the authority to do more. The FBI, however, could take action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a law enforcement action. Its something weve been working on for several months from the FBI perspective with our partners. Especially here with Torrance County. Obviously, this was a problem they had seen being residents in this county and they wanted something done. So, they reached out to the sheriffs office and we reached out to our other partners, said Bujanda. The FBI said the investigation had help from multiple departments including New Mexico State Police, the New Mexico Attorney General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. They said after a long investigation, Thursdays raid also included arrests. KRQE News 13 learned from court documents that one of those arrested was Benally, whose pending federal charges include drug manufacturing, intent to distribute, and polluting the water. A second defendant named Donald Benally was also charged. The individuals that have been dealing with and Im talking from Torrance County Sheriffs Office to include the other agencies like I mentioned HIS, theyve been working on this issue for over a year, said Bujanda. The FBI thanked the community for the tips they said made Thursdays raid possible. If you see something thats odd and out of the ordinary and something that maybe is impacting your environment, whether Im talking about your water supply or anything like that, please reach out to law enforcement. Please reach out to FBI, said Bujanda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, a group of lawmakers introduced legislation that would give the CCD the power to raid cannabis farms so state regulators would be able to enforce their own cannabis production laws. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The FBI is seeking patients of Mary Blakley, who operated body scan clinics across the U.S., including in Arizona. Blakley, a Lake Havasu City resident, was indicted on fraud charges related to her medical business in which she claimed her "smart chip technology" and full-body ultrasound could diagnose medical conditions and perform medical procedures. The indictment also alleged that Mary Blakley and her husband, Fred Blakley, fraudulently prescribed supplements, creams and veterinary products as treatments for the alleged ailments discovered by the technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI described Mary Blakley as a 75-year-old woman who allegedly posed as a doctor and/or Ph.D., as early as 2002 through December 2024. The Blakleys operated multiple clinics in Arizona, including a main location in Lake Havasu. They were known to operate their body scan businesses under a variety of names: Sonic Waves Research Living Well Ministry Living Well Health Club Living Well Warriors The Blakley Foundation Health Screenings 4 Life Health Scans 4 Life Health Screening 4 Life Health Screens 4 Life London Bridge Wellness Center Arizona business owner sentenced: Going to prison for using COVID-19 loans on home, travel The FBI asked anyone who was a patient of the Blakleys or knows or suspects someone was a patient to submit this form. The Blakleys were charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, according to the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mary Blakley is known to use various last names, including Blakely, Blakleley, Blakeley, Blankley, Cammer, Davis, Petry, Shjlom and Venable. She is known to use various first names, including Marye, Marye Yvonnea, Rosemary, Rose Mary, Rose and Yvonne. If convicted of the charges, both Mary and Fred Blakley could face a maximum sentence of 165 years, the FBI said. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona couple charged with fraud for 'smart chip technology' Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren pictured at the Santa Fe Roundhouse in 2023. Nygren issued a warning on social media on Jan. 22 about reports of ICE harassment of tribal members. (Photo by Sharon Chischilly for Source NM) Read more on this story from our States Newsroom partners at the Arizona Mirror here. The widespread fear of unannounced immigration raids by federal law enforcement in the several days since President Donald Trump took office has prompted a local tribal leader to issue warnings and advice to tribal citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren issued a statement on social media on Wednesday evening directed toward Navajo people living in urban areas. He cited unconfirmed reports that Navajo Nation citizens were being questioned and detained by immigration officials. Please be safe, aware of your surroundings, and carry valid forms of identification with you including your Certificate of Indian Birth, he wrote. Do you know about a Navajo Nation citizen or other Indigenous person swept up in an immigration raid? Email PLohmann@SourceNM.com. The announcement went on to tell Navajo citizens outside of the reservation to record interactions with immigration agents, if possible, and report the encounter to the local branch of the American Civil Liberties Union, among other tips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His advice comes as other local leaders have tried to give guidance about what to do, what to say and how to fight back against the specter of mass deportations across the state. The New Mexico Attorney General issued guidance earlier this week to officials and employees at sensitive areas like churches, hospitals and schools, along with law enforcement. On Jan. 17, three days before Trump was inaugurated, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe issued a series of public service announcements, including telling parish leaders that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials can only enter non-public areas with a lawful, signed judicial warrant. Administrative warrants issued by ICE officials are not enough, according to the guidance. Nygren said his office was looking into the matter and would release more information when possible. A spokesperson did not respond to a request from Source New Mexico on Thursday evening about one such rumor. A Navajo Nation Council Delegate also told Source New Mexico in a text hed heard rumors but hadnt received anything definite. Citizens of the Navajo Nation are members of a sovereign tribe that existed in the area now called the United States since time immemorial, and would not be subject to any of the executive orders Trump issued related to immigration, including an effort to revoke birthright citizenship protections for those born here to parents from other countries. Democrats and school officials infuriated by Donald Trump's plan to allow immigration arrests at school are torn. They want to fulfill a promise to shield students from harm without completely ignoring the presidents new mandate. Los Angeles officials wont cooperate with federal immigration enforcement out of a moral obligation to protect students and staff. The New York City school board approved a resolution reiterating support for undocumented students even as Mayor Eric Adams hasnt taken a stance. And Chicago refuses to work with federal agents but at the same time wont impede their work to round up criminals. As long as the children are in school, we're going to protect them. We don't interact with ICE. We don't share information with ICE, Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mixed response underscores the political challenges some of the largest Democratic enclaves many of them self-proclaimed sanctuary cities are facing as they confront Trumps toughened immigration actions. Even as they repeat their promise to shield students and teachers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, school administrators and Democratic leaders appear unsure exactly how far to go to prevent federal agents from making arrests on campus. That uncertainty is even reverberating in red states like Florida and Texas, where Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is broadcasting his support for Trumps deportation demands, but teachers who might otherwise support the presidents immigration policy are concerned about the anticipated impact on schools. Are people going to come to their classrooms? Are they going to pick up moms as theyre dropping kids off in front of a school and [teachers] are going to have to deal with the aftermath of that? Are they going to take kids if they take their parents at the same time? Zeph Capo, the president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers, said of his members concerns. In Florida, where Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is an adamant supporter of Trumps deportation plan, officials in the Democratic-leaning Orlando area have warned school administrators not to interfere if federal authorities show up to campuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Miami-Dade County, one school board member this week said Floridas largest district is waiting on directions from the DeSantis administration and the Legislature to clarify its role in enforcing any immigration policies. The school system, though, is pledging to follow all local, state and federal regulations. DeSantis administration and state education officials did not respond when asked if the state would give guidance to schools on immigration. Were an educational institution, not a law enforcement entity for ICE, Miami-Dade County school board member Steve Gallon III said in an interview with local media that he posted on social media. Were not agents of ICE, were educators of children. The Department of Justice this week threatened to investigate and prosecute any state or local entity that refuses to cooperate with ramped-up federal immigration enforcement efforts and take legal action to challenge contravening local laws warnings that will undoubtedly pit local Democratic officials against the federal government in states like California, whose Democratic attorney general has already warned local law enforcement officials against working with federal authorities if it conflicts with state law. The DOJ announcement coincided with a Department of Homeland Security directive that now labels schools and churches as fair ground for immigration arrests. In a Jan. 20 memo to federal immigration and border officials, acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman said law enforcement officers should use discretion along with a healthy dose of common sense when working in a sensitive location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not necessary, however, for the head of the agency to create bright line rules regarding where our immigration laws are permitted to be enforced, Huffman wrote. School systems throughout California said they will not voluntarily collaborate with immigration authorities. The Los Angeles Unified School District, the nations second-largest, has had a policy since 2017 to not voluntarily cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. A district spokesperson said it is compelled by legal, professional and moral obligations to protect the legal and privacy rights of its students and employees, and to ensure all students constitutional right to a public education. In Fresno, located in a purple district in Californias Central Valley, some schools and families have voiced concerns and fears regarding immigration enforcement, according to Nikki Henry, a school district spokesperson. Our policy is clear and strong that immigration enforcement is not allowed on our campuses unless forced through a valid warrant or subpoena, Henry said. Weve been in communication with local law enforcement who have assured us that they will not be supporting immigration enforcement across any of our schools either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To that end, Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, urged Trump to reverse this weeks Department of Homeland Security directive in a letter that acknowledged her union agrees that our immigration system is broken and badly in need of reform. But New York City, one of the nations largest sanctuary cities, has yet to stake out a position on the Trump administrations reversal of longstanding policy that discouraged immigration raids at schools. The citys school board approved a resolution Wednesday that reiterates the school systems support for undocumented students. City Council immigration chair Alexa Aviles has been in contact with agencies to see if they have a plan and if they do, to ensure it trickles down to municipal employees. But while she believes many staffers want to do what is right, Aviles described Adams as being awful on the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He could actually have a very strong position and say wholeheartedly he stands with protecting our communities, Aviles said of the mayor. Hes more interested in currying favor with the federal administration than actually protecting New York City folks. Adams has said he would avoid publicly criticizing Trump, who has the power to pardon him from federal corruption charges. His administration said its analyzing whether a policy requiring principals to consult city attorneys when ICE shows up needs further review. Weve been having good conversations with [Immigration and Customs Enforcement], Adams told reporters Tuesday hours before a sit-down interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson aired online. Were going to continue to do so. Our team knows how important it is to coordinate. And if youre not at the table, youre not able to give real good input. The citys powerful teachers union, meanwhile, said educators would look to protect students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez of Chicago said his biggest worry is that parents will keep their children home out of fear. I don't want families to be so scared that they stay home like prisoners, not sending their children to school, he said. We know thats what happened during the pandemic and how much that hurt our children. We're still recovering from that. Eric He and Josh Gerstein contributed to this report. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - BMW (BMW.DE) has joined Chinese producers in filing a challenge at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) against EU tariffs on China-made electric vehicles (EVs), according to a filing on the court's website. The EU imposed tariffs on China-made EVs at the end of October after an anti-subsidy investigation. The rate for BMW, which manufactures the electric Mini Cooper and electric Mini Aceman in China, is 20.7%. The court document showed the German automaker lodged its complaints at the General Court, the lower of two CJEU chambers, on Tuesday, a day before the deadline for filing challenges. Proceedings at the General Court last on average 18 months and can be appealed. No further details of the cases were given. Chinese electric vehicle makers BYD, Geely and SAIC and auto sector body CCCME have also challenged the EU's import tariffs at the court. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; additional reporting by Christina Amann in Frankfurt, Editing by Louise Heavens) YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A Warren man who had a criminal complaint filed against him earlier this month for having drugs was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury. Read next: Multiple agencies raid at Campbell house Andre Bowers, 54, faces charges in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio of attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bowers, who was briefly in federal detention after a complaint was filed against him Jan. 7, is free on $20,000 unsecured bond. Arraignment information has not been set yet. The case is assigned to U.S. Judge Pamela A. Barker. The complaint filed against Bowers was filed after he was arrested Jan. 6 by members of the U.S. Federal Drug Enforcement Agency after a search warrant was served at a North Park Avenue home in Warren where he was spotted by federal agents who tracked two cars being delivered from California to the home. An affidavit accompanying the criminal complaint said troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, along with federal agents, were tracking two cars being shipped from California to Youngstown, and they pulled over the trailer they were being delivered on Saturday on Interstate 70 near Vandalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person driving the trailer gave permission for the cars to be searched. In a hidden compartment in both cars, authorities reported finding 36 total bricks of drugs, 18 per car. Investigators allowed the vehicles to be delivered as planned but conducted surveillance during that time. Bowers met the truck about 7 p.m. at an undisclosed location in Warren, paid the driver, and drove one of the cars back to the house on North Park Avenue. He later returned and drove the second vehicle there also, the affidavit said. Investigators kept a continuous watch on the North Park Avenue home and watched as Bowers got out of an SUV Monday morning and entered a garage where both cars were parked. At about 10:15 a.m., police surrounded the garage, and Bowers was taken into custody, the affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports said a search warrant was served, and permission was also given for investigators to search a Michelle Avenue SW home where more bricks of cocaine were found as well as bags of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine. Another search where consent to search was given yielded six guns, two bags of white powder, pills and marijuana. The affidavit was not clear where that search took place but said it was Bowers home in Warren. The affidavit said Bowers admitted to picking up both vehicles and paying the driver after initially denying knowing anything about them. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Secret Service says their agents, not ICE, visited Chicago elementary school CHICAGO A reported sighting of immigration agents attempting to enter an elementary school on Chicagos Southwest Side on Friday was in fact U.S. Secret Service agents investigating a threat, a federal spokesperson said late Friday afternoon. Chicago Public Schools at first announced that its officials blocked federal immigration officers from going into an elementary school on Chicagos Southwest Side Friday and talking to students. The officials had showed up at 11:15 a.m. to Hamline Elementary School, located at 1548 W. 48th St. in the New City neighborhood. But later in the day Friday, Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told The Chicago Tribune it was in fact officers with that agency who were investigating a threat in against a protectee in connection with the ban on TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guglielmi would not identify the protectee, but the Secret Service oversees protection for President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, their immediate families, and former presidents. Two Secret Service agents went to a residence near the school before stepping on campus, Guglielmi said. The officials identified themselves as Secret Service agents and left their business card for school leadership to call them, he said. The U.S. Secret Service does not investigate or enforce immigration matters, Guglielmi said. The clarification came hours after local officials and immigration advocates scrambled to react to reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arriving at the elementary school, only to be denied entry, news that had outraged city and state leaders and immigration advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPS officials did not immediately respond to follow up questions about why it identified the federal agents as immigration agents. Earlier Friday, Principal Natasha Ortega had said at a news conference that the schools employees followed the protocols that weve been trained and practiced and have discussed, ensuring students safety. We will not open our doors for ICE, and we are here to protect our children and make sure they have access to an excellent education, Ortega said. We stand in solidarity with our families and the Back of the Yards community. School officials indicated the officers were part of ICE, however an ICE spokesperson denied in a statement that the encounter involved the agency. CPS didnt immediately respond to a request for clarification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials within Trumps administration have indicated that large-scale raids to detain undocumented immigrants would begin this week in Chicago. Trump reversed a policy this week that for more than a decade has prevented ICE from carrying out immigration enforcement in sensitive locations, such as health care facilities, daycares, churches, and schools. His executive orders have also sought to end birthright citizenship and deploy troops to enhance border security. Although there was no evidence by Friday evening that his federal immigration officials in fact made good on their threats as far as Chicagos schools were concerned, the damage was done in sowing fear among the majority Latino community in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. A woman named Sandra, who asked only to be identified by her first name, teared up as she recounted the rumors earlier on Friday that ICE agents had been to the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sandra, 28, had attended Hamline herself and was there to pick up her niece, she said. Them being here, to me, crosses a boundary, she said. Sandra described herself as a first-gen kid and said she was prepared to defend her neighborhood against raids. She guessed that her niece had friends and classmates who might be targeted in a raid. A CPS safe passage worker handed out a stack of know your rights pamphlets and cards to families walking by just east of the building. Theyd started work an hour early at 1 p.m., she said. She hadnt seen much of note around the school beyond more police presence, she said, but it had been a strange day anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These people are just scared, she said, pressing another information card into a womans hand. Hamline Elementary has a student population that is around 92% Hispanic as of 2024, according to the Illinois State Board of Education. Gov. JB Pritzker has previously said hes heard that ICE will target as many as 2,000 people in Chicago, but that he hasnt received any communication from the Trump administration. Fears of mass deportations have worried some of the areas roughly 400,000 undocumented immigrants, prompting many to skip work and keep their kids out of school. Chicago Public Schools have said they remain committed to protecting the rights of all students to a public education, providing guidance to staff to not allow immigration officers on school property unless they provide credentials and a criminal warrant signed by a federal judge. Hospitals and medical centers throughout Chicago are taking similar measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPS does not ask for our families immigration status. We will not coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (We do not) share student records with ICE except in the rare case where this is a court order or consent from a parent or a guardian, chief education officer Bogdana Chkoumbova said at the Friday news conference. A Chicago Police Department spokesperson said the department was not aware of the incident before the arrival of ICE personnel at the school. At no point Friday did CPD officers respond to any calls for service at Hamline, the spokesperson said. Mayor Brandon Johnsons office didnt immediately respond to request for comment, but indicated it is looking into the incident. Pritzker said on social media that reports of the raid come after a week of Republicans sowing fear and chaos. Targeting children and separating families is cruel and un-American, Pritzker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few minutes before the schools 2:45 p.m. dismissal, Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates said the incident should mark a moment of solidarity. The union has urged CPS to recommit to certain protections against deportation in the four-year contract theyre bargaining for. I want to reiterate as a mother that our schools are a safe place, she said. And that they have my leadership and commitment, they have the leadership and the commitment of the 30,000 members of the Chicago Teachers Union and that we will be here to support, to resource and to protect our young people. Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter called the action in a statement an attack on not just Chicagos immigrant community, but our entire city. Chicago is a city of immigrants. I am proud of the way workers and CPS stood firm to defend their students and staff from harassment, he said. We will not be bullied. We know our rights and will continue to make sure our community knows how to exercise their legal rights. (Chicago Tribunes Jeremy Gorner, Sam Charles and Caroline Kubzansky contributed.) ____ A view from outside Stonewall Jackson High School in Shenandoah County. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) The battle over Confederate school names in Shenandoah County is moving forward in court after a federal judge on Friday denied the school boards motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the Virginia NAACP and five students. The lawsuit alleges the board reaffirmed discrimination last year when it voted to restore Confederate names to two schools, reversing a 2020 decision by a previous board to rename Mountain View High School to Stonewall Jackson High School and Honey Run Elementary to Ashby-Lee Elementary, honoring Confederate Gens. Thomas Stonewall Jackson, Turner Ashby, and Robert E. Lee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint before the U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg alleges that the school board violated the U.S. Constitution, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Equal Educational Opportunity Act. The NAACP seeks to remove the Confederate names, mascots, and vestiges and prevent any future school naming involving Confederate leaders or references to the Confederacy. In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Michael Urbanski cited the need to explore the allegations of racial discrimination. Discovery is necessary to ascertain whether the plaintiffs plausible allegations of an EEOA violation are borne out by the evidence, he wrote. Urbanski also noted that the Confederate names may infringe on students constitutional rights, pointing to the use of names like Stonewall Jackson Generals on team uniforms as potentially discriminatory speech. Although residents of Shenandoah County disagree as to the nature of the message conveyed by the name, Stonewall Jackson, they agree that the name expressive import sufficient to arouse the passions led to the name changes underlying this case, Urbanski wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Lawyers Committee and Covington & Burling LLP, representing the Virginia NAACP and student families, said that this ruling allows them to proceed with their claims against the school board. Marja Plater, senior counsel at the Washington Lawyers Committee, emphasized the importance of the ruling. Since Brown vs. Board of Education, courts have recognized that education is a right that must be available to all students, and that Black students experience very real harm when they are forced to confront schools that send a message that they dont belong, Plater said. The Rev. Cozy Bailey, president of the NAACP Virginia State Conference, celebrated the decision as a step toward justice. We are encouraged by Judge Urbanskis decision. This puts us one step closer to ensuring that Black students and all students in Shenandoah County can attend schools that foster inclusive and safe learning environments, Bailey said. A date for the next hearing has not been set yet, a spokeswoman from the NAACP told The Mercury. The bench trial is likely to change from its original date of June 30 to July 3. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Oath Keepers involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection are facing new restrictions from a federal judge, just days after they had their prison sentences commuted by Donald Trump. On Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Stewart Rhodes and seven other members of the far-right militia cant enter Washington, D.C., or the U.S. Capitol without the courts permission. Bluesky screenshot Kyle Cheney @kyledcheney.bsky.social: JUST IN: Judge MEHTA has barred Stewart Rhodes and other Oath Keepers whose sentences were *commuted* from going into Washinton or the U.S. Capitol without permission from the court. Rhodes was originally sentenced to 18 years in prison, one of the toughest sentences handed down as a result of January 6, and given the heavy charge of seditious conspiracy. Unlike other January 6 rioters, Rhodes was not pardoned but had his sentence commuted, along with other defendants convicted of seditious conspiracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My only regret is they should have brought rifles, Rhodes said in a January 10, 2021, recording played at his trial in 2022. We should have brought rifles. We could have fixed it right then and there. Id hang fucking Pelosi from the lamppost. On Wednesday, following his release from prison, Rhodes was spotted in the Capitol complex, sitting down in a Dunkin Donuts and casually speaking to reporters. The far-right militant also met with several Republican members of Congress, drawing the ire of Democrats. Its just incredibly sad that this is someone who House Republicans feel should be welcomed in this building, someone who doesnt support the rule of law, someone who actively worked against the peaceful transfer of power in our country, Democratic Representative Pete Aguilar told Politico. Now, at least, Rhodes and several of his far-right compatriots will be restricted from the site of their crimes four years ago. Many of their supporters, however, will be under no such restrictions, and Trump has effectively told them that they dont have to worry about legal trouble. Many who work in the federal government knew that an incoming Trump administration would take aim at diversity, equity and inclusion jobs within their ranks. It was just a matter of when and how far hed go. For most employees, it happened at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, when they got notices that they would be forced to take paid leave, according to a memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The memo followed President Donald Trump's executive order ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs in federal agencies. Im mad, said a federal employee placed on leave from the agency where he has worked for more than two decades. He requested anonymity out of fear of being unable to find future employment in the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive put 23 years of blood, sweat and tears into this agency," he said. In Mondays inaugural address, Trump promised to put an end to "government policy trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life" and forge a society that is "color-blind" and "merit-based." His executive order is a culmination of rhetoric and pledges by Trump and his advisers, as well as an extension of previous actions he took in his first term to erase diversity initiatives. The OPM memo also set another deadline: Jan. 31, which is when federal agencies must submit a written plan to dismiss the employees put on paid leave. The employee who was put on leave after 23 years had been a DEI adviser for his agency for two years until December, when his office was decommissioned in anticipation of the Trump administrations policies, he said. While he currently is receiving pay and benefits, he fears that if his job is eliminated he wont be able to pay his bills, and the career he considers a central part of his life will be erased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was a little gay boy in the South. I felt displaced and different and othered and not comfortable in my home or in my skin for a lot of years," he said. "I also grew up on the poorer side It just made me want to use what privilege I have in order to improve areas for folks who dont enjoy privilege in those areas. 'We've become pawns' A woman of color who is also a federal worker placed on leave this week said she has been preparing well before Election Day to lose her job. She also requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation. In June, the federal employee started buying her children clothing in larger sizes, anticipating she wouldnt be able to afford new ones as they grew. Presents under the Christmas tree last month were scant, she said. Its hard, she said. You decide not to take your kids to Target so that they wont ask you for a bunch of stuff that you wont be able to afford, because youre trying to plan for whatever happens." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite her preparations, the woman said she was still surprised and upset by how quickly Trumps order was implemented. When she received news of her leave, her superiors did not tell her why, she said. When you decide to become a civil employee, your goal is to really help the American people. And anyone whos in this line of work knows that the goal is to always help all people, she said. Its disheartening that weve become pawns in this grapple for control. But, again, this is what the American people voted for. A man who leads an LGBTQ Employee Resource Group in a Cabinet-level agency, and who asked that his name not be used due to fear of retaliation, said that his group helped the agency create internal policy for employees who transition genders. The policies included protocol for how to change a trans employees internal records to accurately reflect their new gender identity and name. As of Wednesday evening, the once-public policy was no longer available on the agencys website. So now an employee whos going through a transition will have to figure out the entire process themselves theyre creating the wheel over and over for each individual, he said. "Without the policy, it essentially puts all of the burden on the employee to try to figure it out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man added that since Trumps re-election in November, many LGBTQ workers at the federal agency told him they plan on going back into the closet at work. He said many have said, "My plan is to be invisible for the next four years." The reverberations of the memo and executive order have extended throughout the federal government. The Wilson Center, a Washington think tank overseen by trustees appointed by the president, sent a letter to employees closing all diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility offices and related contracts. Citing the order, the letter said that the programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination. Trump issued a separate order directing the Federal Aviation Administration to end DEI efforts. An accompanying fact sheet about Trump's actions stated they had led to hiring of people with severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric issues, and complete paralysis." It further ordered performance reviews of all FAA employees. Trump also rescinded a 1965 order signed by then President Lyndon Johnson prohibiting discrimination in hiring by federal contractors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and his allies have labeled DEI programs as discriminatory. President Trump campaigned on ending the scourge of DEI from our federal government and returning America to a merit based society where people are hired based on their skills, not for the color of their skin. This is another win for Americans of all races, religions and creeds, said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Many of the civil rights and diversity laws and programs were implemented because, for decades, few people of color, people with disabilities and veterans held the tax-supported jobs. In 2023, white people still were the majority of federal workers at 59.5% and men outnumbered women 55% to 45%, according to an analysis of federal data by the Partnership for Public Service, a group that focuses on drawing talented people to the federal workforce and improving how government works. Seventy-four percent of senior executive level positions are held by white workers, while 26% are held by people of color, the analysis found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.S. today, 58.4% of the population is non-Hispanic white and 50.5% is female. Ramiro Cavazos is president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber, which has worked to increase the number of Hispanics and Latinos in political roles and the federal government. Cavazos dismissed the order as political messaging. He questioned whether Trump's order will have much staying power when they bump up against the realities of workforce demographics. Hispanics are the fastest-growing worker group, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We are the only workforce that is out there, he said. At the end of the day, they know who the workforce is going to come from. 'There is a lot of fear' The repercussions of Trumps executive order were being felt even among workers not placed on paid leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now there is a lot of fear, said one federal worker who did not want to be named to protect the worker's job. Some employees have stopped participating in messaging apps or email strings that connect workers of similar racial or ethnic backgrounds, the worker said. It feels like we are in Cuba, said the worker, whose job was not eliminated but whose duties include providing access to resources to minority communities. The worker said colleagues were concerned about using social media or their phones, even personal ones, for fear they are being monitored or tapped. A man who works in a federal agency, and who asked that his name not be published due to fears of retaliation, said a leadership training his team was assembling was scrapped in response to the new order. The training was designed to teach managers how to handle working with multigenerational staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone has to completely fall in line. Theres no real room for dissent, he said. Its going to be a long couple of years. The OPM memo also instructed agency and department heads to provide lists of DEI offices in their divisions and its employees. An email was sent to all federal workers threatening "adverse consequences" if they fail to report colleagues whose DEI duties may have been obscured or disguised. The more than two-decade federal employee who became a DEI adviser was moved to a civil rights office in December. At 5 p.m. on Wednesday, he was notified in an email that hed be placed on leave with benefits immediately, that his email would be suspended and hed get updates when they were available. He said DEI is being used as a convenient scapegoat for more grievance politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The way in which DEIA is talked about and presented and used as some kind of boogeyman in conservative politics is absolutely incorrect on its face as to what DEIA means, what we do, how beneficial those programs are to, not just minority communities within the workforce, but to everyone, the worker said. DEI policies benefit everyone. A rising tide raises all boats, he said. Former President Joe Biden had promoted diversity, equity and inclusion during his administration and addressed it in executive orders. In a 2023 order, he required every government agency to create a DEI team and ordered an oversight committee to steer the DEI work. Trump has rescinded that and other orders. Jesus Soriano, president of the American Federal Government Employees Local 3403 and a federal worker, noted that the federal workforce has a lower pay gap across genders, races and other groups compared to the private sector. We are able to provide professional service to the government under an oath of office, regardless of what we look like, he said. The government still has a lot of work to do to ensure the workforce represents the people it serves, he said. This is another way for President Trump to undermine the merit-based civil service and then turn hiring and firing decisions into loyalty tests, Soriano said. Were looking to hear from federal government workers. If youre willing to talk with us, please email us at tips@nbcuni.com or contact us through one of these methods. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Jan. 23MORGANTOWN Social media has been flooded with many dozens of complaints about Morgantown-area FedEx service: shoddy deliveries, delivery delays of days and weeks, even outright failure to deliver. The problems sparked the creation of a private Facebook group on Jan. 18: Complaints against Morgantown FedEx Terminal. On Thursday afternoon it had 208 members and 87 posts, with many of those posts featuring dozens of comments with similar complaints. We spoke to group member Heather Gilbert, of Spraggs, Pa., who contacted The Dominion Post about the problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She's waiting on a $20 manufacturer's part for her pellet stove situated in her finished garage, where her dog kennels are and her water lines run through. Tracking shows it left Ohio on Jan. 15 and arrived at the Morgantown station on Pitman Road on Jan. 16. It's been out for delivery several times but hadn't arrived as of Thursday afternoon. "I had to go spend $1, 000 to go buy another pellet stove so I could take the part off of it to operate my pellet stove so my pipes don't freeze, " she said. "Fortunately I'm in the position that I can afford that, but there's a lot of people that have been dealing with this issue that cannot." Her daughter, she said, has had to go buy bags of dog food at a significantly higher price than what she paid for the bags she ordered online that are still sitting at the station. And her dog groomer has been awaiting supplies since Jan. 2. The groomer visited the station several times and finally received two of her four boxes ; she still awaits the other two. Gilbert's FedEx problems actually began in mid-December, she said, with the delivery of Christmas presents she ordered. Her regular driver had moved to a new job and the new driver's service was sub-par. "My Christmas gifts were in the middle of the road not my driveway, the road." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gilbert said she's complained to the state attorney general. The Better Business Bureau and even had a long talk with corporate, which yielded no results. "We don't know what else to do at this point." The Dominion Post visited the Pitman Road station and spoke to station Senior Manager Patrick Lusk. "We have been made aware of the complaints, " he said. "We are in the process of delivering everything as quickly as we can. We have established additional resources." Given the widespread complaints, he said, "The company at this time is preparing a statement to put out to the community to make sure everybody is on the same page." He isn't involved in the preparation and couldn't say when the statement would be issued, but estimated in 24-72 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the reasons for the delays, he waved to the snow surrounding the station, signifying the winter weather, and agreed when we said that. Told about that, Gilbert said, "I could be completely acceptable to the weather, a day or two delay, but not when we're talking weeks and weeks and weeks." FedEx corporate supplied this statement: "We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused by delays as a result of winter weather in the Morgantown area and appreciate our customers' patience as we implement contingencies, including securing additional delivery resources, extending operation hours and delivery times, and expanding package sorts to deliver these packages as quickly as possible. Customers with questions about their shipments can visit www.fedex.com for updates." Many of the posted comments complain about the enhanced security of the new station. The former Green Bag Road site had a customer entrance where one or two staffers were always on hand to serve customers. The new site is gated and requires customers to contact the office via a call box. Two people were waiting in Thursday's cold when we arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corporate did not respond to a question about the enhanced security at the new station. Here are some sample posts from the Facebook group. "Why ain't you delivering packages around the Pennsylvania area you have in route. This is crazy. People haven't gotten their stuff in a month or so. ... Many people has been waiting and calling the company to get refunds because they need their stuff." "Just stalking the FedEx guy because we are supposed to have 6 packages delivered ! ... We had problems LONG before the snow came." "If I had the opportunity to pay $20 extra per package just to make sure FedEx doesn't lay hands on anything we order, I would. I understand the weather, but this issue started long before the snow came. I've NEVER had issues with my Chewy boxes not coming on time or not being delivered. I have SOO many packages SITTING at FedEx in Morgantown and have been there for over a week. I cannot stand FedEx. That is all." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have medication for my dog sitting there for 10 days and it has to be refrigerated. So it's probably no good anymore. I had to drive to Washington, Pa., to replace it. I opened a priority case with FedEx and never heard back from them. I know they're on a big hill, but there's a new invention called chains. UPS has them on their trucks and they aren't weeks behind." Another Facebook Group, Fairmont Community Compliments Complaints Concerns, includes FedEx complaints. One says, "I would like to know if anyone else is having trouble getting FedEx deliveries that go thru Morgantown. Since before Christmas it seems our packages arrive in Morgantown and are never seen again. We have called FedEx customer service and they have no idea what is happening or where our packages are. ... Two of the items were battery powered snow shovels. ... Guess what, both were lost in Morgantown. Imagine that ! The other boxes were perishable food items." Media reports indicate that the problem isn't just local. FedEx customers in Charleston and Clarksburg have been affected. FedEx corporate supplied a response similar to the Morgantown statement about those problems. Jan. 24Kootenai National Forest officials are seeking public comment on the agency's draft environmental assessment for the Libby Exploration Project at the Montanore Mine. The draft analyzes the effects of the proposed activities in the Plan of Operation submitted by Montanore Minerals, a subsidiary of Hecla Mining, for the Libby Project. Hecla acquired the Montanore project near Libby in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montanore Minerals wants to conduct mineral exploration activities, primarily for copper and silver, at the existing Libby Adit site located about 20 miles south of Libby near the Cabinet Mountains of northwestern Montana. All proposed activity in the Libby Adit would occur approximately 1,800 to 3,000 feet beneath Kootenai National Forest land, depending on surface topography. Construction of about 14,000 feet of the Libby Adit, or tunnel, occurred between 1989 and 1991. In 2009, Montanore Minerals conducted rehabilitation work on approximately half of the decline, which included dewatering and installation of ground support, utilities and ventilation fans. Most of the facilities within the project area were installed during the initial 1989 to 1991 work on the adit and/or the 2009 rehabilitation program. Montanore Minerals estimates the project lasting 16 years, including post-reclamation monitoring. It would consist of two years of dewatering and rehabilitation of approximately 7,000 feet of the existing Libby Adit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following dewatering, the construction and exploration phase would last up to six years and include extension of the Libby Adit by approximately 4,200 feet and construction of lateral drifts to conduct exploration activities. Montanore officials predict they would employ six to 10 people at the project area during the dewatering and rehabilitation phase. During the exploration and reclamation phases, lasting about eight years, it believes it would hire 30 to 35 people. Lincoln County's unemployment rate was 5 percent in November 2024, according to state Department of Labor and Industry figures. In 2024, Hecla said it planned to increase exploration in the Cabinet Mountains after a lawsuit against it was dismissed when CEO Phillips Baker Jr. retired. According to reporting by the Daily Montanan, DEQ filed a "bad actor" enforcement action against Hecla and Baker in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A coalition of Indian tribes and environmental groups, led by Earthjustice, sued Montana DEQ in 2021 alleging the state agency wasn't enforcing the state's "bad actor" provision in relation to Baker. The law prevented corporations with outstanding obligations to pay for cleanup work from beginning new projects. Baker was one of the former leaders of Pegasus Gold Incorporated, which filed for bankruptcy in 1998, leaving behind more than $80 million in reclamation and water treatment obligations, the groups alleged. The Kootenai National Forest will accept written and electronic comments concerning this action for 30 calendar days following the publication of this notice in the Missoulian, which is the newspaper of record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the comment period for this analysis. The Legal Notice for opportunity to comment was posted in the Missoulian on Jan. 21. Those wishing to comment should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source. The regulations prohibit extending the length of the comment period. There are three ways to submit written comments to Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Chad Benson: Electronically at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62833 on the right-hand side, click "get Connected", then "Comment on Project." The subject line must contain "Libby Exploration Project"; Hand deliver or mail hard-copy comments to the Kootenai National Forest, Attn: Chad Benson, 31374 US Highway 2, Libby, MT 59923-3022. The office business hours for submitting hand-delivered comments are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fax comments to (406) 283-7709. Those making comments are asked to include their name, postal address, title of the project "Libby Exploration Project", email address, telephone number, any organization they may be representing and signature. Individual members of an entity must submit their own individual comments in order to have eligibility to object as an individual. It is the responsibility of the sender to ensure timely receipt of any comments submitted. All comments will be placed in the project file and become public record. This project is not authorized under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act and therefore, is subject to the Pre-decisional Administrative Review Process under 36 CFR 218 Subparts (A) and (B). It is the responsibility of persons providing comments to submit them by the close of the comment period. Only those who submit timely and specific written comments regarding the proposed Project during a public comment period established by the responsible official are eligible to file an objection under 36 CFR 218. If you have any questions concerning this proposal, please contact Julie Hopkinson, Project Leader, at 406-283-7657 or julie.hopkinson@usda.gov. As wildfires continue to rage in California, President Donald Trump says he's considering "getting rid" FEMA. During a visit to hurricane-ravaged North Carolina on Friday, Trump said he would soon sign an executive order fundamentally reforming and overhauling" the disaster relief agency. I think, frankly, FEMA is not good, the president said. "FEMA's turned out to be a disaster...I think we're going to recommend that FEMA go away." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump does not have the authority to shutter FEMA entirely. Still, he seems to be leaning toward a recommendation that the agency be wound down, which could be carried out by his allies in an entirely Republican-controlled government. Trump: "I'll also be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA or maybe getting rid of FEMA. I think, frankly, FEMA is not good. I think when you have a problem like this, I think you want to use your state to fix it and not pic.twitter.com/SkLqsj8bQ7 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 24, 2025 Trump's ideal replacement would be a state-level response to natural disasters, something that could be a serious hindrance to many of the states that make up the Republican base, as they are poorer on average. I like, frankly, the concept [that] when North Carolina gets hit, the governor takes care of it. When Florida gets hit, the governor takes care of it, meaning the state takes care of it, Trump said on Friday. FEMA has managed American disaster relief for over four decades. The agency was created in 1978 to help centralize the response to disasters. States are not required to accept FEMA help, but the agency received more than 180 disaster and assistance declarations in 2024 alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency was the subject of right-wing conspiracy theories in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Trump boosted a false claim that disaster relief funds were spent on undocumented immigrants days before the election, and widespread paranoia boosted by Trumpworld led to confrontations between militias and federal aid workers. In an interview with Fox Newss Sean Hannity earlier this week, President Trump said the organization was getting in the way of everything and floated a whole big discussion on eliminating FEMA. Gutting FEMA was a central promise of Project 2025, the far-right policy handbook that has guided many of Trumps early actions. Without FEMA, Trump told Hannity, states could take care of their own problems. And for states who do want federal help, they should stop expecting an unconditional check. The president signaled that he would be more open to helping some states than others, telling reporters that he would have a condition on giving aid to California but not North Carolina, where billions of dollars are needed to rebuild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have a condition. In California, we want them to have voter ID so the people have a voice, because right now, the people dont have a voice because you dont know whos voting, and its very corrupt, Trump said. If they released the water when I told them to you wouldnt have had the problem. Trump is not alone in seeking to strong-arm California. Wyoming GOP Senator John Barrasso told CBS earlier this month that there will be strings attached to rebuilding cost assistance after a bout of wildfires in Los Angeles County became one of the costliest disasters in US history. Trump's Friday comments aren't the first time that the president has attempted to politicize natural disasters. In 2018, Trump briefly withheld disaster aid from California until aides showed him data demonstrating the presence of his supporters in the state. Two years later, he temporarily rejected Californias requests for FEMA assistance during a feud with Governor Gavin Newsom. Political tensions and questions swirling around the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) promise to be a key test for South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) as she takes over the department that houses the agency. Noem, President Trumps nominee for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is on track for Senate confirmation after the chambers Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced her nomination in a 13-2 vote Monday. While much of her immediate itinerary will likely focus on immigration, her confirmation process is also taking place amid the ongoing wildfire crisis in California and recovery from devastating hurricanes in the Southeast. If Noem is confirmed as head of DHS, she will be tasked with overseeing FEMA as it navigates a response to those disasters that Trump has thus far been sharply critical of, and as the president and his administrations push for a federal government shake-up raise questions about the broader future of the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both FEMA and the wildfires that have burned about 40,000 acres in Southern California in recent weeks, killing more than two dozen people and causing an estimated $250 billion-$275 billion in damage, have been the subject of political tensions as Trump has entered his second term. The president has criticized the agency, saying in a Wednesday interview with Fox Newss Sean Hannity that FEMAs future is gonna be a whole big discussion very shortly, because Id rather see the states take care of their own problems. In the same interview, he doubled down on threats to withhold federal aid to help California to help fight and recover from the fires unless the state changes its approach to water management. GOP lawmakers including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) have called for conditions to be attached to any aid. Democratic lawmakers and California officials have raised concerns about the prospect of Trump politicizing aid to the state amid Noems nomination and confirmation process. Noem said in her confirmation hearing last week that she would follow the law and not politicize any distribution of disaster aid as DHS secretary, but she sidestepped whether she would disregard an order from Trump to do so. Asked by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) about what she would do if faced with such an order, Noem said she would not entertain hypotheticals, to which Blumenthal responded with reports that Trump disregarded wildfire aid requests from then-Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) in his first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has also signaled a desire for broad shake-ups in apolitical career staff at federal agencies. However, the expertise of such staffers at agencies like FEMA can be particularly useful in easing the transition between administrations, as can looking to the agencys history, said Tricia Wachtendorf, a professor at the University of Delawares Disaster Research Center. As a potential model, Wachtendorf cited Project Impact, a 1990s-era FEMA program that worked to develop community-level disaster resilience. The program was terminated in 2004, by which point FEMA had been absorbed into the then-2-year-old DHS. It was something that both Republican and Democratic states really found valuable that they embraced, and there were a lot of meaningful outcomes that came from that, she said. Thinking about the current programs that are in place related to disaster mitigation, response and recovery, thinking about the issues in Los Angeles right now, as well as the other kinds of events here in North Carolina, where recovery [from Hurricane Helene] is still ongoing, those kinds of topics have the potential to build bridges. Keeping that at the forefront of the new secretarys thinking investing in rather than eliminating some of the good strategies that are in place is going to be really essential, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wachtendorf also pointed to Noems experience as governor of South Dakota. Noem, who would be the third former governor to lead DHS, is likely in a strong position to know that disaster response really requires a whole community approach, so outside of FEMA or DHS, thats taking into account those needs and capacities and perspectives of local and state entities, she said. Noem hit on a similar note in her testimony, telling the committee emergencies and disasters are always locally led and that one of the things FEMAs not doing that I think we should be doing is streamlining communications. Jeffrey Schlegelmilch, director of Columbia Universitys National Center for Disaster Preparedness, said that amid conversations about shake-ups in the federal government, a recurring debate over whether FEMA belongs in DHS is likely to crop up again under Noem as well. That debate reached its height in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when then-Administrator Michael Browns handling of the storm was widely excoriated. But there have been concerns that removing one agency from the departments aegis could set a precedent that leads to further exits and DHSs eventual collapse, he noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, he added, Noem can hit the ground running on disaster management by respecting the agencys history of relative autonomy within DHS. It can be very tempting to declare an emergency and bring in FEMA in various circumstances, he added, such as immigration, a major topic during Noems confirmation hearing. When FEMA gets pulled into nontraditional missions it can be detrimental to broader disaster preparedness, he said. Noems DHS is also likely to be caught up in a wider debate over whether FEMA is stretched too thin as natural disasters increase in both number and intensity, with climate change a primary factor. Trump has a history of minimizing or denying climate change, but Schlegelmilch said that to be effective, the next DHS secretary must cut the bulls on climate change. These are all things that need to be discussed and need to be debated, he said. At the same time we cant stop what were doing to have that debate, we need the career professionals in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot in the details, he added, and we need to be careful our ideology doesnt get ahead of us. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OCALA, Fla. (WFLA) One person is dead after an officer-involved shooting took place Friday morning at HCA Hospital. According to Ocala police, officers responded to a call at 2:51 a.m. at the hospital located at 1431 SE 1st Avenue. Police said a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper had gotten into a physical altercation with a suspect in custody, which resulted in the trooper using deadly force. No hospital staff or law enforcement officers were harmed, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident is currently being investigated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LONDON (AP) Millions of people in Ireland and northern parts of the U.K. heeded the advice of authorities to stay at home Friday in the face of hurricane-force winds that disabled power networks and brought widespread travel disruptions. Forecasters had issued a rare red weather warning, meaning danger to life, across the whole island of Ireland and central and southwest Scotland. Ireland bore the brunt of the storm first, as it was hit with wind gusts of 114 mph (183 kph), the strongest since World War II, as a winter storm spiraled in from the Atlantic before hitting Scotland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man died after a tree fell on his car in County Donegal in the northwest of Ireland, local police said. The storm was moving fast and is expected to have cleared Scotland's shores by late Friday. City centers, such as Dublin in Ireland, Belfast in Northern Ireland and Glasgow in Scotland were eerily quiet, much like the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as shops stayed closed and people heeded the advice to not venture out. For those that did leave home and were caught in one of the wind gusts, it was a struggle to stay upright. I want to thank members of the public for largely following Police Scotlands advice not to travel," said Scotland's first minister, John Swinney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than a million homes, farms and businesses in the island of Ireland and Northern Ireland were without power as record-breaking wind speeds swept across the island. A further 100,000 customers in Scotland were also reported to have lost power. Schools were closed and trains, ferries and more than 1,000 flights were canceled in the Republic of Ireland and the U.K., even as far south as London Heathrow, as the system, named Storm Eowyn (pronounced Ay-oh-win) by weather authorities, roared in. The disruption is set to last through Saturday. ScotRail, for example, said the storm caused significant damage to infrastructure and that a full assessment of the network will need to be done, which will include the removal of debris. Irelands weather office, Met Eireann, said the 114 mph gusts early Friday were recorded at Mace Head on the west coast, beating a record of 113 mph (182 kph) set in 1945. Wind speeds in Scotland were slightly lower through the day, though still historically high. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the storms energy originated with the system that brought historic snowfall along the Gulf Coast of the U.S., said Jason Nicholls, lead international forecaster at the private weather company AccuWeather. Eowyn became a bomb cyclone, which happens when a storms pressure drops 24 millibars in 24 hours, as it brought whipping winds and heavy rain to parts of Ireland and the U.K. Winds blowing over the ocean encounter less friction than they do traveling over other terrain, like hilly land, allowing them to reach intense speeds. The storm was so powerful that meteorologists say a sting jet developed, meaning Eowyn tapped into exceptionally strong winds higher up in the atmosphere. A sting jet is a narrow area of winds moving 100 mph (161 kph) or faster that is drawn down to the Earths surface from the mid-troposphere and lasts for a few hours. Its not immediately clear whether the powerful 114 mph (183 kph) wind gust that hit Ireland is linked to the sting jet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to know until people go back and look through the data, but it really looks like something that a sting jet would produce, said Nicholls. Scientists say pinpointing the exact influence of climate change on a storm is challenging, but all storms are happening in an atmosphere that is warming abnormally fast due to human-released pollutants like carbon dioxide and methane. As the climate gets warmer, we can expect these storms to become even more intense, with greater damages, said Hayley Fowler, a professor of climate change impacts at Newcastle University. ___ Associated Press writer Isabella OMalley contributed from Philadelphia. Public sector workers organize in Loudoun. (Photo courtesy of Service Employees International Union) Jeanne Robinson will never forget the chilling words of a former coworker who once warned her that their job might cost them their life words that became tragically prophetic when that same coworker died at her desk. Now a home care worker with decades of experience in public service across two states, Robinson is on a mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fired up about workplace protections and collective bargaining, she threw her support behind two bills before Virginias General Assembly on Friday that would grant public service workers statewide the right to collectively bargain. During her time working in Pennsylvania, where collective bargaining was allowed, Robinson said she saw firsthand how it helped with retention of employees. She explained that having a union contract made me feel like I had a voice in my job. The proposed bills aim to expand on a 2020 law that permits local government employees in Virginia to opt into collective bargaining if their localities allow it. While some jurisdictions like Alexandria, Loudoun County and the city of Richmond have adopted bargaining rights, public employees in areas without such ordinances remain without a seat at the table. The push for broader bargaining rights is led by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, and Del. Kathy Tran, D-Fairfax, who were joined by Robinson and other advocates during Fridays announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tran warned that Virginias failure to expand collective bargaining protections perpetuates what she called a legacy of Jim Crow. She referenced the 1940s, when Black nurses at the University of Virginia organized for better pay but were fired for their efforts. It wasnt until 2020 that Virginia finally began to loosen restrictions on public employee bargaining. The new legislation could extend bargaining rights to state employees, including correctional officers, state-contracted employees and instructors at public universities. Harry Szabo, an assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, didnt mince words when describing the plight of graduate student workers and adjunct faculty at higher education institutions calling it a hidden crisis. Szabo explained how adjunct faculty often face uncertainty about the length of their employment while being denied the benefits of full-time positions. Meanwhile graduate students have shared troubling accounts of being paid late, leaving some unable to pay rent or afford groceries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharon Gilbert, an administrative office associate at William Fox Elementary School, shared a more hopeful story. She and her colleagues successfully advocated for higher salaries, flexible hours and additional staff, including Spanish-language professionals, to prevent burnout. Gilbert thoroughly loved the experience of speaking directly with Richmonds school board, city council and state lawmakers. We had to advocate for those who were afraid or uncomfortable about what was fair and what was equitable, Gilbert said. Since the 2020 law allowed some local government employees to collectively bargain, Tran has championed additional bills to include state-level public employees, higher-education workers and state-paid contractors. While the efforts have yet to succeed, Tran and Surrovell remain hopeful that this year could be different. Both lawmakers and the public speakers who joined them expressed a shared goal: getting the legislation to Gov. Glenn Youngkins desk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the possibility of a veto, Tran struck a cautious but optimistic tone. Let us get this through the General Assembly first and well have our conversations with the governor, she said. Earlier in the week, a Senate committee had rejected a Youngkin-supported constitutional amendment to enshrine Virginias right-to-work law in the state constitution. While the law already exists, the proposal would have reinforced protections to not join or pay dues to unions as a condition of employment. Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running for governor this year, also backed the measure. She repeatedly emphasized that it was not anti-union. A concern Republicans have expressed about collective bargaining for public employees is that it could cost taxpayers more money should salaries be raised or benefits expanded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about Youngkins stance on Surovell and Trans bill, spokesman Christian Martinez said that the governor will not support a bill which threatens the funding and delivery of critical local services and will collectively cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Filipino crew members of the Galaxy Leader who were held captive for more than a year in Yemen arrived in Manila on Thursday. The 17 seafarers were welcomed by their family members and Philippine officials. (AP video by Joeal Calupitan) Virginia Tenchipe said there isnt much she can do, only pray for good luck to avoid crossing paths with a police officer who might stop her for driving without a license, an encounter that could lead to her deportation. Tenchipe, a 49-year-old Mexican mother, came to the U.S. nearly 15 years ago after crossing the southern border. While she talks about almost everything with her family, Tenchipe doesnt share the anxiety she experiences each morning as she heads out to clean homes. Nothing is going to be the same, said Tenchipe, of Dover. Were just waiting to see whats going to happen in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the days before and after President Donald Trumps inauguration for a second term a week filled with promises and executive orders aimed at tightening borders and deporting undocumented residents unauthorized immigrants and their families are facing a sense of dread about whats to come. Gov. Ron DeSantis has called for a special legislative session next week to discuss his proposals to curb illegal immigration and require state and local officials to help with mass deportations. Florida is ready to lead, said DeSantis in a statement. With President Trump taking office, Florida has a unique opportunity to help facilitate the end to Americas immigration crisis. Local activists, volunteers and immigration advocates are preparing for for what they fear will be an increase in deportations and family separations. Some are organizing meetings. Others are working on initiatives to minimize the impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juana Lozano, a community health outreach worker for the Farmworkers Association of Florida, said the fear in the community is already leading some to consider leaving the state. Her office has received reports of families moving to California, hoping to avoid new immigration laws. They are filled with great uncertainty. Its worrying, Lozano said. Since Gov. DeSantis took office, laws have consistently targeted the immigrant and undocumented community. Its been years of continuous bombardment. In 2023, DeSantis signed an immigration law (SB 1718) that expanded the worker verification process and invalidated drivers licenses from other states. The law also cut programs that provide ID cards for immigrants, and required hospitals to check patients immigration status. Elizabeth Gutierrez, a Hispanic community leader and founder of the Wimauma nonprofit Enterprising Latinas, vowed to fight alongside others to ease the anxiety and keep the community united. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Gutierrez was invited by a friend to meet with other women and share ideas about the political situation. She was surprised: More than 100 attended, including professionals, business owners and advocates. It was a moment to reflect, to stay connected, and to look for trusted sources and support them so we can stay informed and exercise our rights as citizens in a democracy, said Gutierrez. It was clear that people wanted to do something. Theres a lot to be concerned about. Trump made cracking down on illegal immigration a priority on his first day in office. He reversed many initiatives supported by former President Joe Biden, including refugee resettlement programs, a family reunification task force, and a catch and release policy that allowed migrants to be released while awaiting their cases in court. Ana Lamb, a Hispanic community activist who helps low-income families from Mexico and Central America, called for comprehensive immigration reform, rather than sweeping executive actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should start with the children who came to U.S., like the Dreamers, but this group is bigger than people realize, Lamb said. We also need to focus on those immigrants who have lived here a long time and have strong ties and roots in the community. Dreamers are immigrants who were brought by their parents to the U.S. as children without legal status. Over 530,000 fall under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, an executive action signed by former President Barack Obama in 2012. I understand there needs to be laws to regulate certain actions, but unfortunately, in Florida, many immigrants are criminalized for not having a drivers license, Lamb said. Whats going to happen to them? A study by the American Immigration Council, an advocacy group in Washington, D.C., said mass deportation would affect California, Texas and Florida most, as nearly half of all undocumented immigrants live there. In Florida, 5% of residents, or nearly 1 million people, do not have legal status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jared Nordlund, UnidosUS Florida state director, criticized Gov. DeSantis and the Legislature for their approach to immigration policies. When you talk to people, even Hispanic voters, they agree the system has been broken for many years, but they know that these anti-immigrant approaches you are seeing from the president and the governor didnt work, said Nordlund. Yadira Sanchez, executive director of Poder Latinx, said shes alarmed. Mass deportations create instability, incur significant costs and fail to offer long-term solutions. Instead, they sow division and foster hatred, Sanchez said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has already taken some steps to enforce mass deportations nationwide. Immigration officers reinstated the so-called expedited removal to avoid immigration court proceedings and can now arrest people without legal status in "sensitive areas such as schools and churches. Trump also signed an order to end birthright citizenship, which grants citizenship to U.S.-born children of parents without permanent legal status or unauthorized immigrants, though a federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked it. Luis Quintana, a construction businessman in Lakeland, said he has confidence in Trumps new policies. Quintana is part of a bipartisan coalition of Mexican-American and Latino business leaders called Comite de 100. The coalition supports Trump and promotes a bipartisan solution to immigration challenges, prioritizing solutions for mixed-status marriages, Dreamers and essential workers. We trust that there will be solutions, said Quintana. None of us like this language about mass deportations, but we are optimistic that laws will be made to benefit the people who are already here, like DACA participants. Kara Gross, legislative director and senior policy counsel at the ACLU of Florida, said it will be dangerous and difficult to live and work under these particular circumstances, especially in Florida, for anyone who may be perceived as an immigrant. We refuse to remain silent as the governor continues to work against the interests of Floridians at every opportunity. BASRA (Reuters) -A fire at Iraq's Rumaila oilfield was brought under control on Friday, the country's oil ministry said in a statement, adding that there were no serious injuries. The fire started at a storage tank inside the oilfield's fifth gas station, "for unidentified technical reasons", the ministry said. The station will operate again after checking all safety procedures and assessing the damages, the ministry added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three energy sources told Reuters that operations at the field had not been affected. Two local oil workers suffered minor burn injuries, the sources said. Production at Rumaila stands at about 1.45 million barrel per day (bpd), said two officials at the field. (Reporting by Aref Mohammed in Basra and Ahmed Rasheed in BaghdadEditing by Kevin Liffey, David Goodman, Peter Graff) CHOCTAW, Okla. (KFOR) Firefighters battled a house fire in Choctaw Friday morning. Officials say crews responded to the home near SE 21st St. and the Kickapoo Turnpike sometime before 10 a.m. LOCAL NEWS: WATCH: Woman steals cell phone at OKC restaurant, police say Multiple agencies responded to the fire. Crews were able to get the flames knocked down Choctaw house fire. Image KFOR. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire has not been determined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. SHANGHAI/HONG KONG (Reuters) -China announced plans on Thursday to channel hundreds of billions of yuan of investment from state-owned insurers into shares as part of the government's latest efforts to support a struggling stock market. The plan by the country's six financial regulators including the securities regulator was first announced on Wednesday just as Donald Trump begins a second stint as U.S. President. Coming soon after Trump's threat to slap a 10% punitive duty on Chinese imports, the coordinated moves underlined Beijing's intent to prop up markets in what could be a fractious geopolitical setting. The new measures, spanning higher investments by insurers and mutual funds, lower fees and other corporate reform initiatives, are also the latest in a slew of steps authorities have taken since last September to revive the stock market, with limited success. Stocks rose after the press conference by China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) head Wu Qing, but gains were modest. The CSI300 blue-chip index was last up 0.2% while the Shanghai Composite Index jumped 0.6%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index pared early gains to be down 0.6%. A gauge tracking insurers jumped 3.3%, and China Life Insurance rallied 4.8%. The latest plan mirrors previous calls to promote capital markets, said Ben Bennett, Asia-Pacific investment strategist at Legal And General Investment Management. "It's not a big surprise, but nice to see some tangible policies. These things need to go hand in hand with stronger growth and earnings expectations to be fully effective." CSRC chief Wu said authorities will call on insurers to invest at least 100 billion yuan ($13.75 billion) of long-term funds into stocks in the first half of this year. The regulators will encourage big state insurers to invest 30% of new annual premiums in A-shares, and encourage mutual funds to increase their A-share holdings' tradable market value by at least 10% annually over the next three years, Wu said. "Medium- and long-term funds play a crucial role in the capital market as professional investors. They act as the 'ballast' and 'stabilizer' to ensure the market runs smoothly and remains healthy," he said. These measures will channel "several hundred billion" into onshore stocks every year, and consolidate the positive trend of the capital market, he added. The plan also involves guiding mutual fund managers to increase investments in their own equity products, cut fund sales fees and promote the development of exchange-traded fund products. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) San Diego Fire-Rescue crews responded to a vegetation fire along State Route 52 in University City at the North Clairemont border Friday morning, the department announced. The blaze was first reported at 6:33 a.m. According to an incident map provided by SDFD, the impacted area was located in the area of westbound Mt. Soledad Freeway (SR-52) before the Genesee Avenue exit. MAP: Evacuation orders issued in area of Border 2 Fire The area of vegetation fire in University City on Jan. 24, 2025. (Courtesy of SDFD) School closures announced amid Red Flag Warning, Border 2 Fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SDFD noted in an incident report that 46 personnel had been assigned to the vegetation fire. The department also thanked the City of Poway for their assistance. At 7:40 a.m., Caltrans San Diego announced the closure of the eastbound SR-52 connector to southbound Interstate 805 due to the fire. (Map released by Caltrans San Diego) That connector road has since reopened and the fire has been put out. No injuries were reported and no evacuation orders were made in connection to this incident. No further information was immediately 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. SOCASTEE, S.C. (WBTW) One person was taken to the hospital early Friday morning after a fire damaged a home in Socastee, according to Horry County Fire Rescue. The fire at the home in the 3000 block of Balmoral Court was contained to the garage area, HCFR said. Crews were dispatched at 2:51 a.m. One displaced resident will be offered assistance by the American Red Cross of South Carolina. No additional information was immediately available. The cause of this fire remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. UPDATE: Evacuation orders lifted for some residents near Border 2 Fire SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Cal Fire crews are battling a brush fire that erupted on Otay Mountain Thursday afternoon, with evacuation orders and warnings in place for surrounding areas. The fire, which has been named the Border 2 Fire, was reported after 2:15 p.m. in the area of Otay Mountain Truck Trail in the Otay Wilderness Area. The fire jumped from 350 to over 500 acres within a half hour at one point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Cal Fire, the fire was burning at 6,625 acres as of Sunday evening, with long range spotting and extreme fire behavior. Fire officials said the blaze was at 40% containment. Border 2 Fire (Credit: Cal Fire) Border 2 Fire (Credit: Cal Fire) Border 2 Fire (Credit: Cal Fire) Border 2 Fire response on Jan. 25, 2025 (Credit: Cal Fire San Diego) Border 2 Fire (Credit: Cal Fire) Border 2 Fire (Credit: Cal Fire) Border 2 Fire (Credit: Cal Fire) Interactive 3D map shows Border 2 Fire perimeter, evacuation zones An evacuation order remains in place for residents who live in the red shaded areas shown in the map below. This means that there is an immediate threat and you need to leave. All evacuation warnings have been lifted as of Sunday afternoon. Evacuated residents in green areas on the map can safely return home at this time. However, officials caution to Be prepared to evacuate should conditions change. If you feel you are in danger, go! (Cal Fire San Diego) A temporary evacuation point was set up at Regal Edwards Cinemas Rancho San Diego, located at 2951 Jamacha Rd. in El Cajon. Another evacuation point was also operating at Southwestern College, located at 900 Otay Lakes Rd. in Chula Vista. Those sites closed to the public at 7:30 p.m. Friday, according to the City of Chula Vista Fire Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An overnight evacuation shelter opened at Cuyamaca College Gym at 900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy in El Cajon. People will be on-site to help people with the care of small animals, the American Red Cross stated. Small or large animals can also be taken to the countys South Shelter located at 5821 Sweetwater Rd. in Bonita. There are a few transmitters used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on top of the mountain and several structures at its base including several detention centers. In an update Friday afternoon, the San Diego County Sheriffs Department said jail visits at George Bailey, Rock Mountain and East Mesa all of which are in Otay Mesa were suspended. Because of improved conditions around the Otay Mesa detention facilities, the San Diego County Sheriffs Department said jail visits will resume on Sunday, January 26 at 8 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire caused a massive plume of smoke to blow from the mountain. Due to the Santa Ana winds, the smoke appeared to be moving west, over Otay Mesa and Tijuana. The way it spread in the last couple hours, Christian Trip, a local resident, said as he watched the flames burn down the mountain. Even two, three hours ago, it was tiny and now look at this. Its surreal. A smoke advisory was issued by the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District for communities in the southwest of the county. The smoke is expected to continue blowing west through Friday morning, the district adds, with winds weakening overnight. In areas where you smell smoke it is advised that you limit physical/outdoor activity, the district said. If possible, stay indoors to limit your exposure to fine particulate matter and ozone, especially those residents with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials with the City of Chula Visa closed all parks and recreation centers early Thursday over the air conditions. Meanwhile, the San Diego County Sheriffs Department announced Thursday the closure of Alta Road, located just south of Otay Mesa Road. The public is asked to avoid that area until further notice. Additionally, Cal Trans announced Friday that westbound and eastbound State Route 94 from Honey Springs Road to SR-188 was closed due to the fire. More than 200 firefighters responded to the blaze, naming the strong winds, low humidity levels and dry vegetation as fuel for the flames. The brush and the vegetation throughout the county spent all summer long drying out, and we have not had any measurable rain this rainy season, Cal Fire Cpt. Robert Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the area is seeing a below average water year so far, rain is expected Sunday. That usually can cause mudslides or flooding in burn-scarred areas, but Johnson says because of the location of the Border 2 Fire, he doesnt expect that to threaten any structures once they put out this wildfire. Photos captured from fires in La Jolla, Otay Mountain The rate of spread of this fire and the fire conditions is not abnormal for this area, Cal Fire Captain Robert Johnson said. What is abnormal is that were experiencing these conditions in the month of January. The fire is one of two that sparked almost simultaneously at different parts of the county as high winds continue to lash the region. The second ignited in La Jolla, prompting emergency officials to issue evacuation orders for nearby areas. All orders have since been lifted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the county has been under a Red Flag Warning throughout the week for conditions that could create critical fire risk, given continued arid weather and Santa Ana winds. According to the National Weather Service, wind speeds in the area of the Border 2 Fire were recorded of 28 miles per hour, with gusts up to 38 miles per hour. Meanwhile, relative humidity was placed around 6%. Fire crews were quick to put out a number of potentially dangerous fires throughout the week, including several that burned outside the boundaries of the area under a Red Flag Warning. The pair of brush fires brought the total number of blazes to erupt to three on Thursday alone. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. 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. Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. A fire erupted at the Ryazan Oil Refinery in Russia after a mass drone attack targeting several regions, Russian Telegram channels reported on Jan. 23. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, air defense systems also intercepted 49 drones across Kursk, Bryansk, Belgorod oblasts, as well as occupied Crimea. Social media reports noted drone activity in Ryazan Oblast, located southeast of Moscow, where explosions were heard at the RNPK oil depot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 10 drones were reportedly shot down over the facility, and a fire broke out. The Kyiv Independent cannot immediately verify the reports. The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, Andrey Kovalenko, said that the Ryazan Oil Refinery is one of the key facilities in the Russian oil industry, though it is under sanctions. The refinery plays an important role in providing fuel for both the civilian and military-industrial complex of Russia, he said on Telegram. It produces fuel for military equipment, aviation kerosene, diesel fuel and other types of petroleum products used in tanks, aircraft, ships and other equipment of the Russian Armed Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack comes amid an uptick in Ukraines drone operations targeting Russian energy infrastructure. Ukraine has targeted Russia's fossil fuel infrastructure as part of its strategy to undermine a key funding source for Russia's war effort. Read also: Ukrainian soldiers near Velyka Novosilka at risk of encirclement, spokesperson says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Fire crews responded to a house fire in southwest Oklahoma City Friday morning. According to the Oklahoma City Fire Department, crews were called to a home near SW 51st St. and May Ave. around 12:30 a.m. LOCAL NEWS: WATCH: Woman steals cell phone at OKC restaurant, police say Officials say two homes caught fire. Firefighters were able to knock down the flames. It appears it possibly couldve been a powerline draped across the back, but were uncertain at this time. said Batt. Chief Shane Williams with OKCFD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries have been reported. No more 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Coweta County Fire Rescue escorted home the body of a beloved fire battalion chief who died in an Alabama shooting. Battalion Chief Bart Cauthen worked with the department for more than 24 years. The department lined up for a procession on Thursday. Coweta Fire Rescue was blessed with love from all the citizens, communities, and public safety agencies bring Battalion Chief Bart Cauthen home to Coweta today, the department wrote. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Cauthen died on Sunday in Chambers County, Alabama. Deputies said he had stopped to help two people who had hit a deer. Cauthen and the driver went to get help when a homeowner who lived in the area shot them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies identified the suspect as William Randall Franklin and say they arent sure why he started shooting. At some point, one of the two men shot Franklin back. Cauthen died at the scene. Paramedics took the driver who hit the deer and Franklin to local hospitals. Franklin has since been released and booked at Muscogee County Jail. He is waiting extradition to Alabama. Funeral arrangements for Cauthen will held next week. A visitation is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday at Unity Baptist Church at 311 Smokey Road in Newnan. Cauthens memorial service will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the church. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan delivers remarks at the 142nd Commencement Exercises of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., on May 17, 2023. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matt Thieme) There is an official list of reasons why Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan was fired Tuesday on the first day of the Trump Administration, and there is an unofficial list. The official reasons cited by Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman were leadership deficiencies, operational failures, and inability to advance the strategic objectives of the U.S. Coast Guard, including insufficient attention to Southern border drug issues and the handling of systemic sexual assault problems uncovered at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unofficially, however, too much attention to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues as part of a woke culture that relates decision-making, including personnel hiring, retention and promotion to social issues was cited as prompting the ouster of Fagan, the first uniformed female to head a military branch. Her firing was an insult to Fagans career and legacy and will have significant negative national security implications. The Trump Administration has vowed to end radical and wasteful government DEI programs. A woke military is a weak military DEI critics like to say. Actually, however, a well-executed DEI program can address challenges being faced by the military. Those challenges are sometimes referred to as the 5 Rs: recruitment, retention, readiness, resources and risk to force/risk to mission. The origins of that 5 Rs model offer insight. In 2019, Air Force Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mary OBrien was working on the Womens Initiate Team (WIT) to bringing down barriers to career development for women in the Air Force. As she explained in the forward to the 2024 Air Force publication, One Team, One Fight: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It became obvious we needed to make the business case for policy change with some of our mid-level and senior leaders. This led to our 5R modela rubric for evaluating each WIT proposal using Readiness, Resources, Risk, Retention, and Recruiting. Once senior leaders understood how these proposals were directly tied to our warfighting capability through quantifiable metrics for the five criteria, the criticisms of diversity for diversitys sake were negated, and the floodgates opened for a wide variety of changes. The military has and continues to face significant recruitment issues. Army Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis, commanding general of the Army Recruiting Command, described the 2023 recruiting landscape as one of the toughest Ive seen in over 33 years of service. Lethality depends on a skilled workforce and there is no evidence that women are less skilled than men. In fact, sometimes just the opposite is the case. Future wars will likely be information technology heavy, thereby requiring not primarily brawn, but brains. Individuals with interests and capabilities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), intelligence, and linguistics, among others, will be needed to plan and execute strategy, thereby requiring less emphasis on combat jobs and more on high-tech. Her firing was an insult to Fagans career and legacy and will have significant negative national security implications. But if brawn is needed, women have shown themselves capable there as well. Traditionally, less than half of those who attempt the physically and mentally grueling Army Ranger course succeed. In the 2015 class, 380 men began and 94 graduated. Nine women began and two graduated, the first women to graduate. That means that those two women did better than 286 men. While not all women are as physically strong as men, some clearly are. Tradition tells us that men are stronger than women, but that is a cultural stereotype. As of March 2022, 100 women had passed the Army Ranger course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recruitment and retention issues sometimes go hand in hand. A 2020 study by the Government Accountability Office, for example, found women are 28% more likely to leave the U.S. military after one or two tours than their male counterparts, which then requires resources to train new people, leaves gaps in experienced personnel, and subsequently gaps in military readiness. Fagan was appointed commandant in June 2022. Its worth noting that under her leadership, the Coast Guard met its recruitment goals last year for the first time since 2017. In 2023, she apologized for the Coast Guards inaction in cases of sexual assault and harassment at the services academy between the late 1980s and 2006. While the internal report on the investigation, known as Operation Fouled Anchor, was kept under wraps by her predecessor, Fagan had the opportunity to release it and has been criticized by women within the Coast Guard for not yet doing so. She had said she was awaiting the completion of a Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General investigation into the scandal. U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda L. Fagan talks about her goals for transforming the U.S. Coast Guard workforce during a visit to Sector Lower Mississippi River at Naval Support Activity Mid South in Millington, Tenn., on Jan. 22, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Austin Collins) Without DEI, we are told, hiring and promotions will be merit-based. Make no mistake though, merit has traditionally been liberally peppered with cronyism and good-ol-boy-ism. Now add to that fealty to the Trump Administration rather than the Constitution. The reality is that Fagans firing has nothing to do with bolstering national security. Just the opposite. It is part of a regressive social agenda to put women back in their place, misogyny being the glue that holds together the many racist, anti-immigration, LGBTQ+ and other hate groups that have been unleashed in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is worth noting as well that it was President Donald Trump who signed the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Act in 2017, mandating the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) that recognizes the links between gender and security and therefore seeks to bolster womens participation in security affairs. UNSCR 1325 is built upon four pillars: participation, prevention, protection, and relief and recovery efforts. WPS emphasizes the need for inclusive diversity (women having not just a seat, but a voice at decision-making tables) and consideration of how policies and programs affect men, women, boys and girls differently. The four U.S. executive departments charged with implementation of the 2017 Act are the Departments of Defense, State and Homeland Security, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Their designation clearly indicates the security-focused nature of the Act. It is imperative to recognize as well that implementation of the WPS principles is intended as both domestic and foreign. To date, the United States has proudly been the only country in the world to have such a mandate. Firing Fagan was likely just the first salvo in ridding the Pentagon, and the government generally, of individuals who support diversity. Whats the next chapter? The path forward is no longer visible, just like the Coast Guard web page that used to feature Fagans photo and biography. DEI is a workforce tool and WPS is an operational tool to provide the United States strategic advantage in global affairs. Both require diversity. If DEI execution is broken, fix it. Dont throw out a tool important to national security. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Action News Jax First Alert Weather Team said there is a freeze warning in effect for Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia until 4 a.m. Saturday. WATCH THE FORECAST | DOWNLOAD THE APPS Heres what you need to know: It will be a cold night with a widespread frost and freeze with overnight temperatures dipping into the 20s near and west of Interstate 95 to the low 30s at the beaches. Below-average temperatures continue through the weekend but not as cold. Highs on Saturday will be in the 50s. Lows early Sunday will drop to near 30 near and west of I-95 with another round of frost; mid-30s to near 40 for the beaches. Sunday afternoon highs will reach 60 degrees. The warming trend will continue through the middle of next week with a break from any frosts or freezes. Follow Action News Jax Meteorologists on Twitter for updates: Mike Buresh | Garrett Bedenbaugh | Corey Simma | Trevor Gibbs LISTEN: Mike Buresh All the Weather, All the Time Podcast Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement INTERACTIVE RADAR: Keep track of the rain as it moves through your neighborhood SHARE WITH US: Send us photos of the weather youre seeing in your area PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) Friends, family, and local first responders gathered at Lutheran Cemetery Thursday morning to honor the life of the last fallen firefighter in Peoria. 42 years ago, on January 23, 1983, Vernon Butch Gudat died in an apartment fire while trying to help a fellow firefighter escape the building. During the fire, a brick wall struck Gudat, killing him. Later, the fire at 717-719 Main Street was determined to be an arson. Today, the case is still open. Four decades later, his loved ones are continuing to honor his legacy while braving the bitterly cold weather. Around 100 people joined the outdoor memorial service hosted by Gudats children, Michele and Mike Gudat. His children say their father taught them the importance of family, community, friends, and responsibility. They say his colleagues called him a firefighters firefighter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His family praised his character, saying, He was there on the job for his fellow firefighters. He was there for his community to save their lives, [and] their possessions. He was also there for his fellow firefighters. So he was there on and off the job, 110% each and every day of his life. In honor of his memory, his family awarded scholarships to prospective college students who are children and grandchildren of career and volunteer firefighters. They said this was just one way to give back to the community. The Gudat family said they started this scholarship fund 16 years ago, and since then they have given out around 50 scholarships totaling $50,000. The Peoria Fire Department also received a fire protection grant, which Peoria Fire Department Chief Shawn Sollberger said will help the department get information out to the public and recruit future firefighters. Chief Sollberger said a lot has changed since Gudats death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unfortunate aspect in our profession is that theres unpredictability, he said. Weve seen advancement in gear, technology, radio, communication, training, education, all these things. I think that thats what thrusts us forward into this space where we feel like were safer in this profession. During the memorial, a drone flew overhead; recording the service. Sollberger said the department has had technology like this for the last couple of years. He said this kind of technology has made the job more efficient at saving lives. He continued, Something as simple as that, how we communicate, how we can have the ability to train and educate in different environments to hopefully prevent these types of emergencies and to keep our firefighters safe. Thats our number one goal, even though we take an oath, and we swear to preserve life and property. As firefighting moves forward with technological advancements, new firefighters will have more tools at their hands than ever before. Chief Sollberger had one piece of advice for those considering a career in firefighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said, Number one thing is I tell them to talk to a firefighter, honestly. They can see the passion, they can see the energy, but they can also see the realism thats attached to that. Fire service has changed over the course of the last 3 to 4 decades. He also suggested prospective firefighters participate in the departments ride-along program to see if the job is the best fit for them. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. Tencent Holdings-owned WeChat, the super app known as Weixin in China, is burnishing its e-commerce credentials on the mainland, thanks to a gift-giving feature that has boosted sales for online retailers on the platform, according to local media reports and industry analysts. Chinese live-streaming e-commerce firm East Buy saw sales at its online store on WeChat cross the 1 million yuan (US$136,586) mark on Monday, with more than 80 per cent of transactions made through the app's gift-giving feature, according to a report by local media outlet National Business Daily, citing company sources. Beijing-based East Buy adopted the feature earlier this month, weeks after it was rolled out by WeChat in December. East Buy did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. 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 feature enables shoppers to search for products on WeChat by keywords. After the sender completes payment, the recipient must accept the gift and submit a postal address within 24 hours or the order will be cancelled, and the money returned to the sender. Users can only send a single gift to one WeChat friend per order. According to WeChat's official guidelines, prices of products made available via this feature are capped at 10,000 yuan, and exclude jewellery and tutoring classes. East Buy chairman and chief executive Michael Yu Minhong seen at the centre of a live-streamed show, with the platform's former top host Dong Yuhui to his left. Photo: Sohu alt=East Buy chairman and chief executive Michael Yu Minhong seen at the centre of a live-streamed show, with the platform's former top host Dong Yuhui to his left. Photo: Sohu> East Buy's latest sales results on WeChat bodes well for the Tencent super app - with nearly 1.4 billion monthly active users - as shopping heats up around China's Lunar New Year holiday, which runs from January 29 to February 12. The gift-gifting feature leverages WeChat's vast social network, which is expected to attract more quality vendors to join and users to shop on the platform, according to a research note by China Merchants Securities. In a separate report, analysts at Citic Securities predicted the e-commerce gross merchandise value of WeChat to reach 1 trillion yuan by 2027. Shenzhen-based Tencent has not disclosed business data about WeChat's gift-giving feature. On the fourth day, President Donald Trump set out to impose his will on the globe. Rapt European elites watched Trump beam virtually into the Swiss alpine village of Davos Thursday, in a metaphor for a world that is taking in his testosterone-fueled return to power with fearful fascination. The set-up was perfect for the president. On a giant screen, the ultimate outsider literally towered over his scolded audience of bankers, financiers, business titans, NGO leaders, political bigwigs and diplomats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appearance at the World Economic Forum was Trumps latest hyper-confident move to reshape Americas destiny after a frenetic week of executive actions and stunning, freewheeling news conferences. He issued his most explicit threat yet to tariff European exports, issued an all-but-unreachable target for countries NATO defense spending, again tried to goad Russian President Vladimir Putin into talks to end the Ukraine war and pressed home his carrot-and-stick approach to Chinese leader Xi Jinping. But the reason Thursdays speech may go down in history is that Trump gave the Davos crowd his rawest vision yet for Americas new role in the world. He was elected as a disruptor, David Miliband, a former British foreign secretary, told CNNs Christiane Amanpour from Davos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He promised that he would disrupt the existing way of doing things, both within the United States and internationally, said Miliband, now the CEO of the International Rescue Committee. He has been consistent in that all the way through the campaign, during the transition period and now in the first three days. How Trump plans to dismantle the US-led global order In its new golden age, Trump argued, the United States will pursue its singular national interests exclusively several times referring to his country as a sovereign nation. This is MAGA code for the US acting alone and not through the international Bretton Woods organizations Washington set up to make the world safe for democracy and to promote prosperity for all after World War II. This approach is justified, Trump insisted, because many things have been unfair for many years to the United States. From now on, he made clear, every US foreign policy act will come with a value calculation gauging how it benefits Americans. Other countries and multinationals dont have to play ball, but if they choose not to they will be punished, including with tariffs. Furthermore, America is so powerful and resource rich, it doesnt need any other nation. He said of Canada, for instance, We dont need them to make our cars. We dont need their lumber because we have our own forests, etc., etc. We dont need their oil and gas. We have more than anybody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump reserved special ire for the European Union, bitterly complaining about regulatory practices he said crimped growth (and interfered with his personal business interests). He complained about taxes and curbs imposed on Google, Apple and Meta in Europe, and hinted he sees the firms, whose tech oligarch leaders he welcomed into his inner circle, as instruments of American power. These are American companies, whether you like them or not. Theyre American companies and they shouldnt be doing that. Trump demands yet more from NATO members Trump revealed his transactional nature in his latest salvo on NATO. He formalized his demand for members to more than double their defense spending to 5% of GDP. This is a figure that would bankrupt many Western economies or require governments to desecrate their expensive welfare states endemic to the European social democratic ethos, which his Make America Great Again movement has long disdained. When a reporter in the Oval Office later pointed out that the US spends only about 3.4% on defense, Trump responded: We are protecting them, they are not protecting us. In his belligerence, Trump ignored the fact that the only time the alliances Article 5 mutual defense clause has ever been invoked was by allies who sent their troops to die in Americas war on terror after the September 11 attacks in 2001. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his first few days in power, Trump has also reinforced his warnings that he sees nations like Panama, Canada and the vast Danish autonomous territory of Greenland as part of Americas sphere of interest. In a gesture that was extraordinary coming from a US president speaking to an international audience, Trump complained about the trade deficit with Canada then renewed his call for it to join the US. I say you can always become a state, and if youre a state, we wont have a deficit. Theres no chance of Canada a nation that defines itself against the US becoming the 51st state. But Trumps threatening language is such a departure because its the antithesis of the principle that all nations are sovereign equals that the US enshrined in the United Nations charter. Trumps America First philosophy is often described as a return to the kind of isolationism that prevailed between the two world wars. But thats not quite accurate. He wants to stride the global stage. But hes advocating a foreign policy where America is dominant in its own hemisphere and engages elsewhere selectively. This was explained by new Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week. Our job is to ensure that we have a foreign policy that advances the national interest of the United States. I expect every nation on earth to advance their national interests. I hope there will be many in which our national interests and theirs align. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, the US is ready to work with other nations when it suits not through international organizations that dilute American power but individually, which means the US will have the advantage of size, wealth and military might. This, along with Trumps belief in great powers acting with primacy in their spheres of influence and his growing obsession with US territorial expansion, is a rather 19th century concept. As is Trumps determination to use tariffs to boost the American economy to fulfill his campaign promise to raise living standards and lower prices. Trump sees tariffs as more than a short-term economic tool The president warned business leaders in Davos that if you dont make your product in America, which is your prerogative, then, very simply, you will have to pay a tariff. He said that the duties would direct hundreds of billions of dollars, and even trillions of dollars into our Treasury to strengthen our economy. His comment was an effective declaration of a trade war against the European Union because hes not just seeking to make imports less competitive than American products, hes trying to lure jobs and industry across the Atlantic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tariffs were used for much of the countrys first 150 years. They were a particular favorite of Trumps new favorite president, William McKinley, a Republican who like him, fashioned a political realignment in industrial states and who was an imperialist who added the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Hawaii to the US property portfolio. Trump has mentioned McKinley, who served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901, several times in recent days and signed an executive order to restore the original name of Denali, in Alaska, to Mount McKinley. President McKinley made our country very rich through tariffs and through talent, Trump said in his inaugural address on Monday. The presidents repeated warnings of impending tariffs are challenging assumptions that hes simply raising the threat as leverage to win concessions in the short term in trade talks with nations like Mexico, Canada and with the EU. His remarks on Thursday, however, suggested this is a more permanent tool. Still, hes not yet acknowledged the concerns of many economic experts who believe that heavy US tariffs will raise prices for Americans and wreck the global economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the most eloquent arguments against high blanket tariffs was made by Franklin Roosevelt, in his 1932 presidential campaign. In a speech in Seattle, FDR explained that tariffs introduced by President Herbert Hoover under pressure from hardline Republicans had the inevitable result of bringing about retaliations by the other nations of the world and were leading the US on the road to ruin. He explained that our next-door neighbor, Canada, imposed retaliatory tariffs on your peaches, so that their tariff is now higher than the freight rates to Canada. And there is a retaliatory tariff on asparagus, and on other vegetables and other fruits, so high that practically none of your agricultural product can be sold to your logical customers, your neighbors across the border. The market for your surplus is destroyed and thereby fair prices for your whole crop are made impossible. FDRs cautions offer guidance to Trump critics today. And this is apt, since many of the long-held American principles, from trade to international relations, that the 47th president is seeking to dismantle stem from the foundations of the modern, US-led global order laid down by the 32nd president. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Legislators and government officials acted on elections and coordinated with federal officials during the week of Jan. 20 of the 95th General Assembly. Resolution filed in Arkansas aims to direct state agencies to use Gulf of America instead of Gulf of Mexico House Resolution 1010 by Rep. Aaron Pilkington (R-Knoxville) was filed to align with the federal executive order signed by President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just thought this was a good bill to show that were willing to get President Trumps agenda done on the state level as well as our federal delegation gets it done on the federal level, Pilkington said. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders spoke strongly about her administrations alignment with the Trump administration during her state-of-the-state address. Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester orders review of election security procedures After recently assuming office, Jester said his staff will review policy and procedures statewide. Election security was an issue Jester brought up in his speech after being sworn into office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Review results are expected In a few weeks, the secretary said. Granted, this is not on the floor of the legislature, but in light of its having the ability to impact elected officials and elections, it is included here. Proposed legislation would raise the alcohol content of beer in Arkansas House Bill 1173 would amend current Arkansas codes to change from a maximum 5% alcohol content to a maximum of 14%. It would also remove the distinction between malt beverages and beer, provided it does not exceed the 14% threshold. Bill sponsor Rep. Matt Brown (R-Conway) proposed similar legislation in the previous session for a 12% alcohol content, but that bill was withdrawn. The bills second primary sponsor is Sen. Scott Flippo (R-Bull Shoals). Legislation filed this week includes Paid canvassers A bill filed late Thursday would tighten the standards for paid canvassers for local option elections. SB102 is sponsored by Sen. Breanne Davis (R-Russellville) and Rep. DeAnn Vaught (R-Horatio) and updates existing Arkansas law, including criminal background checks for canvassers and felony charges for falsifying verification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill has been read into the record and is before the Senate State Agencies & Government Affairs Committee. Body cameras A bill filed Friday morning would mandate body cameras for law enforcement. HB1219 by Rep. R. Scott Richardson (R-Bentonville) would require any law enforcement officer to wear and use a body camera when on duty and interacting with the public. If the bill becomes law, it would require compliance by Dec. 31, 2026. HB1219 is cosponsored by Sen. Clint Penzo (R-Springdale). Larger issues yet to be addressed in this session include education, maternal health and a new state prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate Committee on Education meets at 10 a.m. Monday and has several issues before it, including the free student breakfast program announced during the state-of-the-state address. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The beloved game of billiards has been around for generations and with Januarys colder weather a few of us may find ourselves indoors playing a game. In this weeks Flashback Friday, Doug Lund takes us back to 1983 where some Seniors met in a head to head eight ball shootout. In the music man professor Harold hill warned that pocket billiards was the devils game. It stood for trouble with a capitol T and that rhymes with P and that stands for pool. A few years ago that might have been true after all the only place that a kid could find a little action was in a dingy smoke filled pool hall. Those are times most of these elderly gentlemen probably remember well. Today 16 of the areas best elderly shooters eight from Mitchells senior center and eight from the Bergeland center for seniors in Sioux Falls met in a head to head eight ball shootout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh that was a nice shot, that was good! Just the way I told him Although the only prize was the satisfaction of victory the competition was top notch except for an occasional miscue. Harry Wood for Sioux Falls hasnt played all his life but still has a trophy or two on his shelf. Champion of Champions I won that. Youve only been playing for ten years you would have been a terror as a kid in the pool halls I was just lucky Dallas Anderson of Mitchell hadnt touched his cue in thirty five years until a week ago but didnt appear to have lost his touch. They say youre a pretty good stick Ive only won one game today, and I think my partner won that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the end it was the Sioux Falls team outshooting their opponents 23-9. But the Mitchell boys will no doubt want a rematch on their home felt. Doug Lund. Keloland News. Reporting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Migratory birds can act as vectors for the H5N1 bird flu, like the geese seen here flying over Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Animal control officials euthanized a mixed flock of domestic ducks, turkey, geese, and guinea fowl at a farm in southern Washington County Friday after the birds tested positive for H5N1 avian flu, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced. DEMs proactive response plan to H5N1 bird detections includes responding quickly to reports of sick or dying domestic birds, obtaining samples, and submitting these samples to nationally accredited labs for a diagnosis, said Scott Marshall, the state veterinarian tasked with leading the states H5N1 response, in a statement Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The approximately 40 birds were considered a non-commercial flock, which means a smaller group of birds kept by individuals for personal use, and not a commercial poultry producer for market sale, according to an email from Evan LaCross, a DEM spokesperson. A colorized transmission electron micrograph of avian influenza H5N1 viruses (seen in gold). (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) The flus mortality rate is high for poultry. After confirmation by a laboratory at the University of Connecticut, the infected domestic birds were euthanized within 24 hours. The birds were humanely euthanized by DEMs Animal Health Unit to alleviate the birds suffering and to protect other birds from infection, according to the DEM statement. Since its arrival stateside in 2022, H5N1 bird flu has been found in every state. The strain is considered low-risk for humans by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and no human-to-human transmission has been recorded. Rhode Island has not had any human cases of H5N1, and has had only one previous case of an H5N1 infection in birds. That first case happened in a backyard flock in 2022, according to DEM. Like Fridays infected birds, the 2022 flock were not headed for the food supply, which remains safe, state officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the public health risk of H5N1 remains low, the Rhode Island Department of Health has been coordinating closely with DEM for months on preparedness measures and has been communicating regularly with the healthcare professional community, said Dr. Jerry Larkin, the health departments director, in a statement Friday. Some basic prevention measures, such as avoiding contact with sick and dead animals, can help people stay healthy and safe. Cows can also acquire H5N1, but pasteurization kills the virus if its present in milk. There have been milk samples positive for H5N1 in Rhode Island. The only case in a mammal ever recorded in the state involved a fox in 2023. The key to keeping domestic birds healthy is to have biosecurity practices in place, which involve restricting access to and keeping people away from your birds, keeping your birds separated from all wild birds, particularly migratory waterfowl, and keeping cages, coops, and clothes clean and disinfected, Marshall said. Wild birds are a known and common vector for the flu. Rhode Island sits on the Atlantic Flyway, a major throughway for birds migrating from north to south. The variety and number of wild birds in the area contributes to possible infections, DEM officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEM asks the public to report sick or dying birds. Reports of ill domestic birds should go to DEMs Division of Agriculture, while sightings of sick, wild birds should go to the DEMs Division of Fish & Wildlife. As always, the public should not touch sick or dead birds and should keep dogs on leashes and away from carcasses, the DEM statement noted. A study published in December in the New England Journal of Medicine found that human cases of bird flu in some states since 2022 generally involved mild illness, with conjunctivitis, or pink eye, named the most common symptom. The 46 cases studied show no evidence of human transmission, and all but one of the cases involved people known to work directly with poultry birds or dairy cows. None of the patients died, and the median illness duration was four days. The antiviral oseltamivir treated 87% of the patients. Why recent U.S. cases have generally been clinically mild remains unclear; early detection and initiation of antiviral treatment may play a role, the studys authors noted. The researchers also pointed out suboptimal use of protective equipment like eyewear and gloves among the infected patients who worked with animals. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WAVERLY, N.Y. (WETM) A Florida man wanted for various sex crimes was arrested in Tioga County, NY, on Thursday after police said he was involved in a vehicle crash. Trevon Jerell Bing, 27, of Fort White, Florida, was arrested on Thursday, Jan. 23, as a fugitive from justice on a full nationwide extradition warrant, Waverly police said. One dead after house fire in Hornby; police confirm Bing is accused of impregnation of a minor and less lascivious battery of a child out of Florida and was signed by a judge on Jan. 16, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bing was arrested after a crash on Chemung Street in Waverly involving the tractor-trailer he was driving and another vehicle. Bing was processed in the Village of Waverly court before he was moved to the Tioga County jail where he is being held without bail for further legal actions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Chair of the Florida Democratic Party Nikki Fried speaks to the media on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. (Photo: Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) Update: Nikki Fried has been relected as chair of the Florida Democratic Party with 78% of votes cast on the first ballot. Duval County Democratic Executive Committee Chair Daniel Henry was elected the partys first vice-chair with 60% of the votes. Im excited to serve another term as Chair of the Florida Democratic Party especially with the election of these excellent leaders, said Fried said in a written statement. Im looking forward to serving with them as we continue to rebuild our party and fight back against Republican extremism in Florida. === Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Executive Committee of the Florida Democratic Party (FDP) will meet in Orlando on Saturday to elect statewide officers, as well as members of the Democratic National Committee and congressional district chairs. Nikki Fried, who replaced Manny Diaz as party chair in 2023, is running to remain in the post for the next two years. She is being challenged by former Jacksonville area state Sen. Audrey Gibson. Fried presided over one of the worst election cycles for Florida Democrats ever in the 2024 election cycle: Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris in November by 13 points, the biggest margin in a presidential race in Florida in more than three decades. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, who won his previous three races by an average of 1 percentage point, breezed to a re-election victory over former South Florida Democratic Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell by 13 points as well. Some traditional blue counties went red, and the party failed to break the Republican Party of Floridas supermajority lead in the state Legislature. Republicans, who overtook Democrats in terms of the voter registration lead in Florida for the first time in 2021, continue to grow their ranks in the state, and now have a more than 1.1 million lead in the state. Alan Clendenin, a DNC member from Tampa since 2008, says he is staying neutral in the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think Nikki has done as good of a job as you could possibly do considering the circumstances that we have. I think that she has a lot of strengths, he said. Audreys a wonderful human being. I consider her a very good personal friend. Vice chair In the race for vice chair, Jayden DOnofrio has dropped out of the race. He is the 20-year-old chair of the Florida Future Leaders PAC, a political committee he helped create to fund the Florida High School Democrats and the Florida College Democrats, who entered the race at the beginning of this month. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Duval County Democratic Executive Committee Chair Daniel Henry, 33, is vying for the position. The Phoenix has learned that former Central Florida Democratic state Sen. Victor Torres is poised to challenge Henry. He say that if he is nominated on the floor, he will be a candidate for the position. There may be other challengers from the floor as well, a member of the party told the Phoenix. One thing that the Democrats are consistently bad at is talking about the things that we do and how it effects peoples daily lives, Henry said while speaking to this reporter on WMNF Radio in Tampa on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And despite many of the derogatory and racist and many negative things that President Trump has said in the past and during the campaign, what people were really hearing from him, unfortunately, is that someone who was going to fight for them and was going to make an effort to make their lives better, and I think that in order for us to counter that in the future, were going to have to make sure that we meet people where they are. Not just using legacy media as a way for us to be able to connect with them, not just using generic messaging that we think will apply with all racial demographics across the entire state, and not recognizing the unique challenges that people face every single day during their daily lives. That is something that I think is important for us to be able to work on in future elections. Rules This is the first FDP election under new party rules, with the much-criticized weighted vote system now a thing of the past. The new rules now allow for 400 individual voting members on the FDPs executive committee spread out among the 67 counties, with each county having at least two members. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area in Lake Buena Vista, and it could be a lengthy one. According to a press release issued to members of the media, due to the nature of the election process, an exact ending time cannot be predicted. A Florida man pleaded guilty in federal court Jan. 22 to assaulting a gate agent at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport last October, officials with the North Texas U.S. Attorneys Office said. The man, 53-year-old Keith Charles Owens, was charged in November via criminal complaint with interfering with security screening personnel, officials said. Owens admitted to repeatedly punching an American Airlines gate agent in the face and neck in an incident that started when he tried to board a plane at the wrong gate, according to a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gate agent directed Owens to the correct gate, then informed airline personnel that Owens was on the way and appeared to be intoxicated, officials said. At that gate, Owens walked onto the jet bridge without scanning his boarding pass, prompting airline personnel to remove him from the jet bridge, according to the statement. Owens then returned to the previous gate and assaulted the agent, officials said. Personnel restrained Owens and the flight departing from that gate was delayed, according to the statement. The gate agent and personnel who restrained Owens all suffered minor injuries, officials said. Owens faces up to 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing has been set for May. The FBIs Dallas Field Division and the DFW Airport Department of Public Safety investigated the case, according to the statement. (Reuters) -CNN, a unit of Warner Bros Discovery, plans to lay off hundreds of employees on Thursday, as it refocuses the business around a global digital audience, CNBC reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The job cuts come as CNN looks to rearrange its linear TV lineup and build out digital subscription products, CNBC said, adding that the move will help CNN lower production costs and consolidate teams. Some shows produced in New York or Washington may move to Atlanta, where production can be done more cheaply, the report added. NBC News, owned by Comcast, is also planning job cuts later this week, according to the report. While there is no exact number, the layoffs will be well under 50. Comcast and Warner Bros Discovery did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment on the report. The Washington Post, owned by Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, said earlier this month it would lay off about 4% of its workforce or less than 100 employees in a bid to cut costs, as the storied newspaper grapples with growing losses. In November, the Associated Press said it would cut about 8% of its workforce as it looks to modernize its operations and products. (Reporting by Juby Anna Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Shailesh Kuber) Attention, Florida motorists. Be on the lookout for cops driving while watching porn on their mobile phones. I'm not saying this is a trend or an outbreak. In fact, so far, there has just been one documented case. But this is yet another reason to drive defensively in Florida. Recently, a deputy sheriff in Lake County rear-ended a car driven by a woman who had stopped for a school bus. The deputy explained to the woman that his brakes locked up, causing him to crash into her car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But his body-cam revealed that the deputy was looking at his mobile phone while driving. The deputy explained that he was scrolling through messages on a group chat with other deputies. But an internal affairs investigation later revealed that he was watching porn on his phone while driving. No charges were filed, and the officer resigned. I think there are some lessons to be learned here. More: The world's most popular porn site is pulling out of Florida. I have a solution. | Opinion For starters, this provides even more motivation to switch to another lane if you find a law enforcement officer driving behind you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Especially if you hear a wah-wah guitar instead of a siren coming from his vehicle. Unfortunately, the National Motorists Association, which has a lot to say about speed traps, lane courtesy, excessive tolls, and other driving issues, doesnt address how to spot a motor vehicle driven by a cop watching porn. That leaves this important task to us here at SPLAT Spotting a Porn Looker Among Traffic. Fortunately, we have analyzed this and offer the following recommendations if you find yourself being followed by a cop who seems to be looking at his phone way too much. Stay calm As you drive, dont make any sudden moves, braking or lane changing that might make the cop behind you need to put both hands on the steering wheel of his vehicle at a time when only one hand may be available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just keep driving at a steady speed and hope that its a short video. If you get rear-ended, stay put Sit in your car, and be patient. He could be buffering. Whatever you do, dont get out of the car and walk toward the officers vehicle while he is in the middle of doing paperwork, or whatever explanation he later offers to internal affairs. This would be a good time to pull out your driver's license and, while youre at it, put on a pair of disposable latex gloves if you have them in your glove compartment. Be polite Smile at the officer when he finally walks up to your car after the collision. Give him a chance to offer an explanation about an invisible darting squirrel, the sun in his eyes, or whatever reason he uses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont laugh. And curb your urge to say something snarky, such as Well, I hope it all worked out for you in the end. If he offers you a donut, say No. Frank Cerabino is a news columnist with The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida tip-of-the-day: How to react to traffic cop watching porn DENVER (KDVR) A Florida homicide suspect was arrested near Vail after getting stuck in traffic on Interstate 70. Aldo Armijos-Castillo, 32, was arrested Wednesday evening by the Marshals Services Colorado Violent Offender Task Force and the Vail Police Department. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Armijos-Castillo was wanted by the Manatee County Sheriffs Office, south of Tampa, Florida, on a felony arrest warrant for murder by a person engaged in burglary. The warrant is in connection to an alleged home invasion on Dec. 26, 2024, in Bradenton, Florida that left one man dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado hotline sees increased ICE raid reports around Denver Investigators recently discovered that Armijos-Castillo had fled Florida with plans to travel to California. On Wednesday, the U.S. Marshals Services Colorado Violent Offender Task Force learned Armijos-Castillo was traveling by bus on westbound I-70, but his trip was delayed due to a traffic crash near Vail. Vail police officers and a SWAT team were able to locate Armijos-Castillo on the bus and take him into custody. He was booked into the Eagle County Jail on an outstanding homicide warrant. He is awaiting extradition to Florida. The success of this arrest represents a culmination of extensive cooperative investigative efforts between the U.S. Marshals Florida-Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Marshals Colorado Violent Offender Task Force, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Vail Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, and Manatee County Sheriffs Office, said the U.S. Marshals Service in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with tips or information on any outstanding case can submit them anonymously by downloading the USMS Tips App. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida police officer will soon be out of a job after accidentally firing a mans gun, hitting him, during a traffic stop. The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said Tuesday, in a news release, that on Dec. 13, 2024, one of its officers stopped a vehicle for running a red light. Two other officers, including one identified as M. Cardwell, responded to assist. Recently hired Florida man fatally shoots coworker in head: affidavit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers suspected the vehicle may have been stolen after noticing that the cars steering column was damaged. Damaged steering column (Jacksonville Sheriffs Office) Officials said the driver was cooperative and told them he had a gun on his person. When he got out of the vehicle, Cardwell went to remove the gun, which the man had holstered. She tugged on the gun the first time, and then she tugged again, and thats when I told her, Hey, let me just unloosen my belt because its tight,' Arrington, flanked by his attorney, said during a December 27 news conference. The officer had difficulty removing the gun, and while trying to do so, it fired, striking the driver in the leg, the sheriffs office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Officer Cardwell was finally able to remove the firearm from the holster, she unintentionally placed multiple fingers inside the trigger guard of the firearm, causing the firearm to discharge, according to the sheriffs office. Officers lowered the driver to the ground and called for help before putting a tourniquet on his leg. A JSO internal investigation resulted in Cardwell being charged with incompetence and the agency says it is starting her termination process. Arringtons attorney, Kay Harper Williams, said that they are pursuing legal action. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Jan. 24 (UPI) -- A Florida Highway Patrol trooper shot and killed a suspect after a "physical altercation" at a hospital in Ocala, officials confirmed early Friday. The shooting did not result in any other injuries, the Ocala Police Department said in a Facebook post. Officials from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are now investigating the incident. The FHP officer was responding to a call for assistance at the HCA Florida Ocala Hospital shortly before 3 a.m. EST Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ocala police always have an officer stationed inside the hospital as part of their standard practice. Both police agencies responded to the call. "This morning at 2:51 a.m., Ocala Police units responded to HCA Hospital, referencing an Ocala Police Department detail officer requesting assistance," the department said in its statement. "A Florida Highway Patrol Trooper was involved in a physical altercation with a suspect in custody which resulted in FHP using deadly force. The suspect is deceased. No law enforcement officers or hospital staff were injured. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement was requested by the FHP to investigate the officer-involved shooting." Authorities have not released further information about the suspect, including why the person was at the hospital or what they were charged with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are assisting state and local police in their investigations of the incident that occurred early this morning in the hospital's emergency department," the hospital said in a statement to WCJB. "We are also providing support and counseling to patients and colleagues who were present or may have been affected by the incident." Osceola County cattle rancher Rawl Overstreet has seen many things on his thousands of acres of land. But one early morning in December, he saw something for the first time ever, far from its typical habitat a Florida panther. It was exciting, said Overstreet, who confirmed the sighting of the male panther by collecting the cats poop and sending it in for analysis. Its good to see that maybe were doing a pretty good job here of managing our wildlife but hes just a big, big, big yellow cat with a big long tail. Spotting a panther on ranchlands here offers encouragement for a primary strategy to save Floridas state animal, a rare population of cougar of which just 120 to 230 remain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once spread across the Southeastern United States, the panther now is concentrated in southwest Florida, where development threatens to further constrict its habitat. Environmentalists and state officials hope to establish a second breeding population of the panther in Central Florida, and south Osceolas vast acreage of already protected lands makes it a prime possible location. But the strategy is fraught with challenges. The big cats must make a perilous journey northeast through the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a statewide network of protected land, avoiding the vehicle traffic responsible for killing most of the 36 panthers found dead in 2024. In a fast-growing state, they must settle somewhere with lots of space males need over 200 square miles each. And this needs to happen quickly. The panther population now is so small that its genetic diversity is compromised, leaving it vulnerable to diseases like feline leukomyelopathy, which pounded the animal in the 1990s. Genetic diversity translates to stronger genetic health and the panther suffered from a genetic issue because of a lack of population with good genes, said Jason Lauritsen, chief conservation officer with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. The solution is more land to breed more panthers: Osceola is a key piece of the corridor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats motivation for folks like Julie Morris, who founded Florida Conservation Group and helps sell ranchland into state-funded conservation easements that prohibit development in perpetuity. For ranchers who want to continue their operation, its a good deal. Last month, Overstreet, a fifth generation cattle rancher who operates on roughly 6,000 acres, sold over two-thirds of his property into a conservation easement with Morris help. The state paid Overstreet just over $23.8 million for the development rights to his land, which he continues to own and use. The southern part of the peninsula used to be one big prairie, savannah-type system, so ranching land most closely mimics our native systems, Morris said. She calls Overstreets ranch a mix of marshy land, dense forest and cleared acres where cattle roam a critical link in the corridor because of its location adjacent to the huge Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, the second largest remaining expanse of dry prairie in the United States. Overstreet says hes not bothered at all by having the big cat on his land, even though he blames it for attacking and killing a calf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe in letting nature take its course, he said. Its not a big impact at all. To encourage landowners like Overstreet to weather the impact, the FWC has a Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services Pilot Program to compensate them. Currently 69 properties across the state have applied for the money, which can be as much as $17 an acre, FWC spokesperson Ryan Sheets said in an email. But no landowners have been compensated yet as habitat assessments are still being conducted. Florida conservation movement takes flight, boosting support for panthers, wild places Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finding good habitat is only part of the solution; getting the panthers there is another challenge. While male panthers roam far and freely, females travel less, choosing to stay with their offspring, researchers say. Males and females typically cohabit only to breed. All of this makes relocation difficult. For decades there have been male panther sightings across Central Florida but not until 2016 was the first female spotted in the region, Sheets said. Since (2016), we have seen evidence of several females and kittens, though we are unsure whether any kittens have survived to adulthood, Sheets said. By ensuring connectivity between suitable lands and providing wildlife crossings at key areas, panther survival should increase and they will continue to expand into Central Florida. The states efforts are working, as evidenced by big cat sightings in Osceola, but much depends on what happens elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two massive master-planned developments stand in the way of better connecting southwest Floridas panther habitat to Central Florida each is proposed to be over 8,000 homes just northeast of quickly growing Naples. These developments, Kingston and the Town of Big Cypress, could clog the big cats path to migrate north. The developments have drawn stark opposition from local residents and conservation groups, who conducted a media tour two weeks ago to dramatize the potential danger. Cameratta Companies, the developer of Kingston, insists its plan will create roughly 3,500 acres of conservation land. Conservationists say the land to be set aside is not good panther habitat. The developments are currently stuck in limbo waiting for a decision by the Army Corps of Engineers, which recently regained authority to issue wetland permits needed to build on the land in the area. President Donald Trump had shifted that authority to the state which environmentalists consider a weaker steward in the final days of his first term. But environmentalists sued and a federal court ruled in their favor in February 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kingston project is following Judge Randolph Moss court order requiring permitting through the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cameratta Companies CEO Joseph Cameratta said in an email. Those two federal agencies along with South Florida Water Management District and Lee County will provide a thorough review prior to any permitting. With Trump back in power, environmentalists fear their victory will be short-lived, and the threat to the panther will increase. Florida of course did not like that decision and has been appealing so weve been working in the courts to defend our victory, said Amber Crooks, senior environmental policy adviser at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Were at a critical juncture were at the final decision point for these developments because theyre really only missing their last permit in order to be able to start turning dirt. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) said she believes President Trump is fixing a lack of government transparency by releasing the files related to former President Kennedys assassination. This was something, as you just said, that the president had spoken about on the campaign trail, and quite frankly, for decades, there has really been no good reason as to why the remaining files have not been released, Cammack said Thursday on NewsNations The Hill. Its no secret that Americans across the country have a distrust she continued. They certainly see a lack of accountability and transparency within government, and so I think the president really is taking a step to rectify that lack of transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier Thursday, Trump signed an executive order directing the release of federal documents related to three assassinations: the former president, former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. The director of national intelligence and the attorney general will present a plan within 15 days for the full and complete release of records related to the former presidents assassination. Trump stated on the campaign trail that he would release the documents for the three notable deaths because it is of public interest. In 2022, the National Archives released nearly 13,000 new files related to JFKs assassination, but both Trump and former President Biden issued extensions on the remaining documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cammack said Thursday that the contents of the records are something thats been lingering in American society for years and Trumps actions can help clear up questions about the deaths. I would say, lets take it a step further. Lets start releasing the Epstein list, she said. That is something that I know every American is very interested in. NewsNations Blake Burman questioned if the Florida Republican thought Trump would do that. Trump and the late Jeffrey Epstein had a relationship many years before the president ran for public office. Hes talked about it on the trail, Cammack replied. I would not be surprised one bit if he released the Epstein files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. OCALA, Fla. (AP) A Florida Highway Patrol trooper fatally shot a suspect during an altercation at a central Florida hospital on Friday, authorities said. The altercation happened in the emergency department at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital in Ocala, Florida, according to a statement from the hospital. The unidentified suspect died when the trooper used deadly force, the Ocala Police Department said in a statement. No law enforcement officers or hospital staff were injured. The highway patrol requested the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate the shooting, according to the police department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No further details were released. Ocala is located about 80 miles (129 kilometers) northwest of Orlando. This story has been updated to correct the name of the organization hired to investigate the shooting. It should be the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and not the Florida Law Department of Law Enforcement. The Florida Highway Patrol shot and killed a man at an Ocala hospital during an altercation with law enforcement, according to Ocala police. Friday morning, Ocala police arrived at HCA Hospital to assist a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper who was involved in an altercation with a suspect in Trooper custody at the hospital. During the altercation, a Trooper killed the suspect, according to Ocala Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No officers or hospital staff were hurt during the shooting. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will handle the investigation. This is a breaking news story. Stay with WFTV and wftv.com for updates. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Our cold January continues. Friday marked the 6th consecutive day in which the full daily temperature averaged below normal. Following a frigid start to the day, highs only reached the lower 20s which is about 10-degrees below normal. Its a trend thats occurred 16 of the first 24 days this month, or 67% of the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a bitterly cold morning. While most areas were in the single digits, Rochelles air temperature reached -11 degrees. Sunshine was plentiful early but some clouds arrived during the afternoon prior to sunset. The 24-hour temperature change Friday evening was a sure sign of warmer weather set to arrive for the first part of the weekend. A brief surge of milder, Pacific air will send temperatures well into the 30s Saturday, the mildest in a week and only the sixth time this month the mercury has been above freezing. WGN Weather Center Maps & Interactive Radar Extended 7-Day Forecast Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) Loved ones with cases potentially impacted by a former Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensic scientist are speaking out after more than 100 felony charges were filed. Yvonne Missy Woods, who worked for the CBI for nearly 30 years, is facing 102 criminal charges, according to the Colorado First Judicial District Attorneys Office. Former CBI forensic scientist, Yvonne Missy Woods, facing 102 felony charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cameras were not allowed in the courtroom as Woods made her first appearance. FOX31 had a crew present as Woods appeared before a judge virtually with a jail jumpsuit on. The judge granted a $50,000 cash-surety bond. Woods is accused of 58 instances of criminal misconduct from 2008 to 2023 during her career with CBI. Charges came after an extensive year-long investigation by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Investigators said Woods would cut corners. The affidavit alleges that in over 30 sexual assault cases, Woods deleted specific values in samples to reflect that no male DNA was found, when in fact small amounts were present and/or possible contamination was present. Its incredible to me that somebody like her could affect so many people in the way that she did, Tamara Dean Harney said. She just didnt consider what she was doing to all of us, to all of the cases. Harney feels a personal impact from Woods alleged criminal activity. Harneys father, Roger Dean, was murdered in 1985. She showed up to Woods court appearance Thursday a week after settling for a plea deal in her fathers case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of Missy Woods and what she did to the DNA, if she did anything, we dont even know yet. Its just the idea that she could have done something that made everybody leery, so we did accept the plea, Harney said. CBI hires outside firm for forensics operation assessment after data manipulation In addition to the emotional pain for families impacted by her work, CBI estimated Woods alleged years of misconduct have cost the state more than $11 million. Additionally, FOX31 spoke to the director of CBI last week about the backlog the agency now faces. Reviewing her work has further strained the agency. 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 FOX31 Denver. Xinhua News Agency: Today, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang concluded his visit to Switzerland and the Netherlands. Could you share more details with us, including the important understandings reached between the two sides? Mao Ning: From January 19 to 24, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang visited Switzerland and the Netherlands at their invitation. This visit on a tight schedule focuses on implementing the important common understandings between the Chinese and European leaders and produces fruitful results. It is a good start for the high-level exchanges between China and the Europe this year. During the visit to Switzerland, China and Switzerland spoke positively of the growth of bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to maintain the sound momentum of high-level exchanges, organize events to celebrate the China-Switzerland Year of Culture and Tourism and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, accelerate the negotiations on an upgrade of the China-Switzerland free trade agreement, deepen cooperation in such fields as innovation, finance, and people-to-people and cultural exchange, strengthen communication and coordination on multilateral affairs, jointly support multilateralism and the free trade system, and open new ground for the innovative strategic partnership between the two countries. During the visit to the Netherlands, China and the Netherlands had an extensive and in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. Both sides applauded the practical cooperation in trade, economic exchange, agriculture and water conservancy, among other fields, and agreed to uphold open cooperation, continue exploring drivers of cooperation in green development, technological innovation and other fields, and jointly keep the global industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded. The two countries expressed their firm support for multilateralism and willingness to strengthen communication on major international issues, jointly tackle global challenges such as climate change, and contribute to world peace, stability, development and progress. AFP: India said yesterday that its Foreign Secretary will visit Beijing from Sunday to Monday. Can China confirm this visit and give any additional details? Mao Ning: Last October, President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached important common understandings on improving and growing bilateral relations when they met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan. Recently, both sides have acted to earnestly implement these common understandings. Chinese and Indian foreign ministers and defense ministers met with each other on multilateral occasions. The 23rd meeting between the Special Representatives of China and India on the boundary question was concluded with positive outcomes. Both sides agreed to improve and strengthen interactions, resume institutional dialogues as well as exchanges and cooperation in various fields and work to bring the China-India relations back on the track of sound and steady growth at an early date. We welcome Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misris travel to China for the meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism between China and India. We will release relevant information in due course and please stay tuned. RIA Novosti: US President Donald Trump said he hoped that China will play a major and constructive role in ending the conflict in Ukraine. Does China plan to take any new measures to help resolve the Ukraine crisis? Mao Ning: Dialogue and negotiation is the only viable way to resolve the Ukraine crisis. We are happy to see that all parties play a constructive role and build conditions for deescalation and the political settlement of the crisis. China will continue to promote peace talks and stands ready to maintain communication with other parties. NBC: President Trump told the Davos meeting he likes very much President Xi, but wants a fair trade deal. So is China willing to engage the Trump administration to resolve what he described as ridiculous 1.1 trillion trade deficit? Mao Ning: The China-U.S. trade and economic cooperation is mutually beneficial and win-win. China has never deliberately sought a trade surplus with the U.S. Despite differences and frictions, the two countries have huge common interests and space for cooperation, and thats where both sides can strengthen dialogue and consultation. Reuters: Please could you confirm whether the case of a Japanese school boy stabbed to death in Shenzhen in September was heard today at Shenzhen Intermediate Peoples Court? Mao Ning: What I can tell you is that the case is in judicial process and Chinas judicial authorities will handle the case in accordance with the law. For anything specific, Id refer you to competent Chinese authorities. DPA: Leader of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) and CDUs candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz said yesterday, I say to all representatives of the German economy that the decision to invest in China is a decision involving great risk. He also said that China does not abide by Germanys rule of law standards. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this? Mao Ning: China and Germany are comprehensive strategic partners. Over the past 53 years of diplomatic ties, the two countries have developed bilateral relations under the principles of mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences, exchanges and mutual learning, and mutual benefit. We have written success stories of China-Germany practical cooperation and delivered tangibly for the peoples of the two countries. China hopes that Germany will view Chinas development in an objective and rational way, uphold the tradition of friendly ties, recognize the mutually beneficial nature of China-Germany cooperation, and do more things that serve the interests of both countries and peoples. We also welcome German politicians to visit China and gain first-hand experience of Chinas dynamism and vibrancy in the new era. AFP: US President Donald Trump in an interview with Fox News said he would prefer not to have to impose tariffs on China, but that tariffs were a tremendous power over China. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this? Mao Ning: We made clear our position on this issue more than once. Trade and economic cooperation between China and the US is mutually beneficial. Differences and frictions need to be handled through dialogue and consultation. Trade and tariff wars have no winners and are in the interest of no one, still less the world. CCTV: Today marks the one-year anniversary of the resumption of China-Nauru diplomatic ties. How does China assess the growth of this bilateral relationship over the past year and whats Chinas expectation of its future development? Mao Ning: One year ago, China and Nauru reestablished diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level on the basis of the one-China principle. Since then, the bilateral relationship has enjoyed robust growth and achieved fruitful outcomes. The two sides had increasingly close exchanges at various levels. In March last year, the President of Nauru David Adeang paid a successful state visit to China. President Xi Jinping held talks with him and the two sides agreed to enhance political mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation, and be good friends and good partners that respect each other and develop together. In September last year, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Naurus Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Rouwen Aingnimea on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. They exchanged views on further deepening the friendly ties between China and Nauru. In December last year, Speaker of the Nauru Parliament Marcus Stephen led a delegation to visit China. Chairman Zhao Leji of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress held talks with Naurus Parliament Speaker and Chairman Wang Huning of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference met with him. All ministers of Naurus cabinet have visited China within a year. Over the past year, the two sides carried out practical cooperation across the board. China supported Naurus purchase of cargo vessel to ensure the transportation of supplies. New energy buses manufactured by Chinese company helped Nauru realize energy conservation and emissions reduction goals. Chinas medical team under the Brightness Action helped to treat cataract patients in Nauru. Multiple batches of personnel from various sectors and students in Nauru came to China for study and training. In other words, more and more people in Nauru are feeling tangibly the dividends of the resumption of China-Nauru diplomatic ties. The growth of China-Nauru relations fully proves that establishing and developing relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle is where global opinion trends and the arc of history bends, and serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples. China stands ready to work with Nauru to follow up on the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state, further consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, promote new development in growing China-Nauru relations and bring more benefits to the two peoples. We also believe that more and more countries in the world will make the right decision that follows the trend of the times. Bloomberg: I just wanted to follow up on Ukraine. President Donald Trump said during his address in Davos that he discussed the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their phone call on Friday, and that he said that he and Xi could hopefully work together and get that stopped. I was just wondering if the Foreign Ministry can confirm this, and if theres any further comment on Chinas next steps regarding Ukraine. Mao Ning: Regarding the phone call between President Xi Jinping and President Trump, weve put out a press release, which you may refer to. On the Ukraine crisis, China will stay committed to promoting talks for peace and we are willing to maintain communication with all parties. By Ludwig Burger and Valentina Za FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Commerzbank on Wednesday defined UniCredit's approach for a potential tie-up as "hostile", and said there had been no discussion of it with the Italian bank in the past two years, despite UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel saying there had. UniCredit is awaiting the European Central Bank approval it needs for the 28% stake it has built in the German lender, for the most part using derivatives. "The approach of unilaterally building up and expanding a significant stake can only be considered as hostile," Commerzbank said in a statement. UniCredit had announced an initial 9% stake in Commerzbank in September, angering the German government. Speaking in Davos on Tuesday, Orcel said the backlash had come as a surprise, but that he hoped to be able to sit down with the future government formed after the Feb. 23 election to discuss a Commerzbank tie-up with HVB, the Bavarian bank UniCredit bought in 2005. "HVB and Commerzbank have been talking to each other in both directions for over 20 years, because it's one of those deals that you always want to do, it makes a ton of sense, but for some reason it's always derailed," Orcel told Bloomberg TV. "In the last two-and-a-half years we probably have had, and I probably have had, meetings with both the leadership of the government and the leadership of Commerzbank in the tens." Asked to respond to Orcel's comments, Commerzbank said any talks could only be based on a specific proposal. "We have consistently signalled our willingness to engage in discussions and would review a proposal from UniCredit in the interest of all stakeholders. However, we have not received any proposal yet," it said. "UniCredit's approach has unnecessarily antagonised many stakeholders at our end, and Commerzbank's management must ensure that it continues to protect the interest of shareholders and the company in the best possible way." On Wednesday, Orcel told the German paper FAZ he hoped for some clarity by the end of the year on UniCredit's strategy in Germany, once it had engaged with the future government. Orcel has said any specific takeover offer must wait because of German rules that require a bid to be made in cash, with a floor for the price, if it comes within six months of crossing a 5% ownership threshold. (Reporting by Ludwig Burger in Berlin and Valentina Za in Milan;Editing by Madeline Chambers) SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Former congressman Matt Cartwright is taking on a new role to keep the wheels turning on a long-awaited project, restoring passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City. Matt Cartwright was unanimously appointed by the Lackawanna County Commissioners to serve on the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority Board through 2029. During his six terms in Congress, Matt Cartwright was a vocal advocate for restoring the passenger rail in NEPA. He played a key role in securing federal funding for the project, now as a board member, he will continue that work to bring the railway back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deadly house fire under investigation Just taking a seat on that board is a natural extension to the work Ive been doing for over 12 years, said Cartwright. The service would feature three daily round trips, stopping at key locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Per an Amtrak study, the project could generate $84 million in annual economic activity. Principally, itll be Lackawanna and Monroe because thats where the line will go through, but money flowing into this area circulates throughout our entire economy in Northeastern Pennsylvania. So from here, down to southern Luzerne County, from here to Wayne and Pike counties, even into Wyoming County, people will benefit, businesses will benefit from all of this, said Cartwright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Progress is already on track, the project recently advanced to the second phase of the Federal Corridor Identification and Development Program. Only five lines in nation qualify for that and were one of them. Phase two means about 5.4 million dollars in extra money for developing what they call the service development plan, and these are engineers costing out things and figuring out whats needed and where the best places are for the terminals, said Cartwright. Cartwright believes the restored rail service will be a big boost for local businesses, making it easier to reach bigger markets while attracting tourists and helping the area grow. We have to give our businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania every advantage that we can, and this is the best way to do it, bring dollars in from New York City, tourist dollars, business dollars, investment dollars, said Cartwright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If all goes as planned, passenger rail service could be restored by 2028 or 2029. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) A jury on Thursday returned guilty verdicts on multiple charges against former East Cleveland police commander Larry McDonald Jr. McDonald was convicted of tampering with records, obstructing official business (two counts), dereliction of duty, telecommunications fraud, and tampering with evidence. Couple wins $1M on locally sold scratch-off ticket The charges stemmed from a March 12, 2023, incident captured on McDonalds body camera and obtained by the FOX 8 I-Team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Cuyahoga County prosecutors and an East Cleveland Internal Affairs investigation, McDonald initiated a late-night traffic stop on Ivanhoe Road. The suspect fled, leading McDonald on a brief chase that ended when the pursued vehicle crashed into a bus stop at the intersection of Ivanhoe Road and St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland. Despite witnessing the crash, McDonald failed to stop or report the incident. Instead, he returned to East Cleveland and went to a lounge on Euclid Avenue. Video from McDonalds body camera showed him speaking to a woman inside the lounge before engaging in an intimate conversation in his police cruiser. Later that night, McDonald received a call from an East Cleveland officer, who relayed that Cleveland police were investigating the chase. Northeast Ohio woman likely died of hypothermia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now what did they say, McDonald asked the officer. They said that an East Cleveland cop chased them down the street and almost ran him off the road and watched the car crash and turned around, the officer told him. McDonald denied seeing the crash, contradicting video evidence and witness accounts. McDonald resigned the same day East Cleveland Police Chief Brian Gerhard recommended his termination, stating in a memo that McDonalds actions brought discredit to himself, the police department, and the City of East Cleveland. McDonald was indicted in 2023, with prosecutors alleging he attempted to cover up his involvement in the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDonalds sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Ford Heights Mayor Charles Griffin was sentenced to four years in prison and fined $50,000 for stealing tens of thousands of dollars from the taxpayers he served, a Cook County judge declared Friday. Griffin, 69, was convicted in September of embezzling between $10,000 and $100,000 of public funds for personal use both during and after his first term as mayor of the small, impoverished village of Ford Heights. The federal indictment came after Griffins successor, Annie Coulter, who served from 2017 until Griffin was elected to a second term in 2021, found secret bank accounts tied to Griffin holding $147,000 in public funds. Prosecutors said Griffin used those accounts to pay for goods and services that benefited himself and those close to him, spending thousands at such places as Walmart, Home Depot, Menards, L.A. Fitness and various restaurants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffin was forced to resign due to the felony conviction, leading to the appointment of Freddie Wilson as interim mayor. Wilson is seeking to keep the mayoral seat in this springs election, with Coulter one of his four challengers. Griffins lawyer, Phillip Turner, pleaded Friday with Judge James Obbish to reconsider the evidence in the case and allow for a new trial, and then for a jail-free sentence. Probation that is more than enough, Turner said. There was a lot of publicity on this. Certainly he has been shamed and embarrassed. Turner said letters of support from community members and others close to Griffin show the former mayors good character and that he never intended to steal money from taxpayers. He said despite the felony conviction, as mayor Griffin worked to boost economic development and otherwise help residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obbish acknowledged Griffin was as an atypical case in his court, as someone with high educational attainment and no prior criminal record. Still, he sided with states attorneys, ruling Griffin should serve time in prison for betraying the trust of his former constituents. To place Mr. Griffin on probation would deprecate the seriousness (of the crime), Obbish said, adding he hopes Griffins sentence acts as a deterrent, preventing others from dipping into public funds, taking more than their salary. On hearing he would be sentenced to four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, Griffin dropped his hands from his face to the table in front of him and looked out to the seated friends and family members, shaking their heads despairingly. Turner said he will file a request for Obbish to reconsider the sentence, which will be heard at 10 a.m. on Feb. 21 at the courthouse, 2650 South California Ave., Chicago. Griffin is expected to be taken into custody at that time, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turner maintains Griffins innocence, saying he didnt do anything wrong, and evidence presented by prosecutors at trial was insufficient to convict Griffin of the Class 2 felony. He said he will continue to represent Griffin as he seeks an appeal. I know theres a lot of things floating around about public officials, especially mayors in the south suburbs, Turner said. But he is not one of those people. ostevens@chicagotribune.com PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A former inmate has filed an excessive use of force lawsuit against Clark County, alleging he was slammed into his bunk by corrections deputies before they dragged him around his cell by a rope, according to court documents. The lawsuit was filed January 17 in the Western District Court of Washington in Tacoma by former inmate ONeal Payne III against Clark County, a former Clark County Sheriff, and five corrections deputies. The complaint seeks damages for excessive use of force, failure to train deputies on excessive use of force policies, along with failure to provide medical care and negligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portland police unveil robotic dog for dangerous tactical incidents Payne was in jail awaiting trial and sentencing after his arrest in March of 2021 before this incident in August of 2021, which began when three corrections deputies came to collect his food trays, cuffing Paynes hands behind his back and entering his cell, court documents said. Payne stood in the middle of his cell and spoke to one of the deputies when security footage shows a deputy lunging towards Payne, grabbing his shoulder and chest before pushing Payne backwards towards his bunk, then pushing him face-first in the corner of the cell. The lawsuit notes, Mr. Payne did not resist. While he was pinned against the wall, the other deputies searched his cell, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon Judicial Department voids thousands of eviction records due to new law After Payne shifted slightly, the deputy pushed him into the ladder of his bunk, the lawsuit claims, adding, My. Paynes neck was on the lip of the bunk while his feet were lifted off the ground approximately one foot into the air. The three deputies tackled Payne to the ground face-down while two additional deputies entered the cell with a rope, which was tied to Paynes handcuffs, the suit alleges. After tying My. Payne to the rope, all of the deputy defendants quickly left the cell. Without any verbal warning, the deputy defendantsforcefully pulled the rope through the door slot and dragged Mr. Payne across the floor of the cell to the door, the lawsuit claims. Almost the entirety of Mr. Paynes arms, up to his armpits, were through the door slot, the same door slot the jail staff use to pass food trays through to people in their cells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 members of burglary ring stole from over 100 Portland stores, officials say Following the incident, the deputies left Payne uncuffed and alone in his cell and was not offered medical care, the lawsuit says. Payne suffered lacerations to his wrists, and hands, along with rug burn, deep bruising on his knee, permanent scars on his wrist, and mental and emotional distress, the lawsuit says. According to court documents, the deputy who led the rope-dragging incident was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 28, 2021, pending an investigation into his role in the case. I-5 bridge project could face scrutiny from Trump administration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident was investigated by the Pierce County Sheriffs Department and the Clark County Sheriffs Department, which found the deputy violated county policy and used excessive force against Payne. According to the lawsuit, as of Aug. 13, 2021, Clark County had no formal policy on the use of ropes, including whether they could be used to drag adults in custody. Payne remained in the jail until his sentencing on Jan. 20, 2022. Foolishness: Oregon Rep. Bynum denounces Born Alive abortion bill Our client suffered not only physical harm but also emotional trauma due to the actions of those who were supposed to ensure his safety and well-being, said Jordan Taylor, counsel for Payne. This lawsuit seeks to hold accountable those responsible for this inhumane treatment and to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs co-counsel Alicia LeDuc Montgomery added, Dragging a handcuffed Black man around the jail floor with a rope is inhumane and a vile abuse of power. This lawsuit aims to shine a light on these cruel practices and demand accountability. KOIN 6 News reached out to Clark County. This story will be updated if we receive a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. President Donald Trump has revoked security details for several former members of the last two presidential administrations. Trump revoked security from three national security officials including his former secretary of state and Dr. Anthony Fauci this week. When asked about his decision, he told reporters: You cant have a security detail for the rest of your life because you work for government. But many of these former officials continue to face security threats even after leaving office. President Donald Trump has revoked security details from several former government officials, including his former secretary of state (REUTERS) Heres what we know about the state of security details for former government officials under Trump: Mike Pompeo Trump has revoked security from Pompeo, his former secretary of state. The order went into effect Wednesday night, the Associated Press reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Department said in 2022 it was paying more than $2 million per month to provide 24-hour security to Pompeo, the AP reports, along with former Special Representative to Iran Brian Hook, who also had his security revoked. Trumps former secretary of state Mike Pompeo no longer receives a security detail (Getty Images) The 61-year-old, who served as Secretary of State from 2018-2021, had credible and serious threats made against him by Iran and could be unsafe without protection, an unnamed former intelligence official told CNN. Pompeo played a key role in Trumps first administration, shaping policy on Iran and playing a role in the presidents order to assassinate Qasem Soleimani, a top Iranian military commander. Another unnamed official told CNN Trumps move was motivated by pure spite and pettiness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pompeo also served as CIA Director from 2017 to 2018. Trump was reportedly set to nominate Pompeo for secretary of defense but the idea was slashed after former Fox News personality Tucker Carlson talked him out of it, according to The Wall Street Journal. Carlson reportedly told Trump that Pompeo was a risky choice and said that he was a warmonger. Carlsons grievances also included an alleged plot to kill Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, the Journal reported. Carlson pushed the allegations about Pompeo and Assange during an April appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience but provided no evidence. John Bolton Bolton (right) will no longer receive security protection (Getty Images) John Bolton, who served as Trumps national security adviser from 2018 to 2019, also had his security removed this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolton, like Pompeo, also helped coordinate Soleimanis assassination. This could also make him a target for violence, the unnamed former intelligence official told CNN. Bolton has made an enemy of Trump since leaving his administration, once calling him unfit for office. Bolton resigned from his administration in September 2019, noting he left after months of disagreement with the Republican. Since leaving, Bolton has been an outspoken critic of Trump. In 2020, he published The Room Where it Happened: A White House Memoir, a scathing account of his experience serving in his first administration. Brian Hook Hook served as a special representative to Iran and senior policy adviser to Pompeo 2018-2020. Now, he no longer has a security detail as of Wednesday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has driven Hook out of his administration, firing him from his presidentially-appointed position on the board of the Wilson Center, a think tank, the AP reports. Unlike Bolton, Hook was not a public adversary to Trump. He even assisted with the Biden-Trump transition last year, CBS News reported. Anthony Fauci Dr. Anthony Fauci will no longer receive security protection after clashing with Trump over the COVID-19 pandemic (Copyright 2022 the Associated Press. All Rights Reserved) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Anthony Fauci, the face of public health and education during the COVID-19 pandemic, is no longer receiving a security detail as of Thursday. The detail was provided and paid for by the officials former agency, the National Institutes of Health. Trump said he would not take responsibility if anything happened to Fauci as a result of losing security. Trump and Fauci regularly clashed during the Republicans first administration. The doctor often had to push back against COVID-19 misinformation spread by Trump and his allies. Since then, Fauci has been the target of ire from members of the Republican party. Trump was openly musing about firing Fauci in the fall of 2020, and his rally crowds often chanted he should be fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right-wing media personalities also demonized Fauci, with Fox News anchor Jesse Watters once suggesting a crowd should ambush Fauci wth questions and go for a kill shot. Fauci was among those the Biden administration pre-emptively pardoned on its way out of office, fearing Trump would politically persecute him and seek retribution. These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions, Biden said. The Independent has reached out to all four former officials for comment. STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) A woman is suing the City of Stillwater and their police department after she said they unlawfully arrested her and illegally stripped-searched her. Former Oklahoma State University student Claire Hosterman accuses the Stillwater Police Department of leaving her naked and handcuffed on the jail bench after an alleged unlawful strip search. In September 2022, Stillwater police officers stopped Hosterman with some friends on the street, believing one of Hostermans friends matched the description of someone that was acting belligerently at a local bar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer told the rest of the group to leave and when they didnt, an altercation ensued. In the jail booking body camera footage, you can hear an officer tell Hosterman, Alright, it sounds like you have a great lawsuit. The lawsuit says Hostermans purse strap got caught in an officers arm and he then violently grabbed her by her hair and took her to jail for public intoxication and resisting arrest. WATCH: Woman steals cell phone at OKC restaurant, police say The lawsuit claims once inside the cell, several officers, both men and women, began to remove all of Hostermans clothing while another male officer stood just feet away watching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit says for eight minutes, Hosterman was left alone, naked and hysterically crying while handcuffed and face down on the cell bench. Hostermans attorney issued KFOR the following statement. Claire Hosterman was a senior at OSU and enjoying a night out when Stillwater Police Department Officers violently tackled and arrested her even though she had committed no crime. While she was in police custody, Stillwater detention officers both male and female held her down and forcibly stripped her naked without any lawful justification, while other male officers stood by and watched. We believe this horribly invasive, unconstitutional conduct was part of a pattern at the Stillwater City Jail, where staff have repeatedly violated other young women in the same way. Ms. Hosterman is committed to holding the City of Stillwater accountable and putting a stop to these horrific abuses. We urge anyone else who has experienced anything similar at the Jail to come forward. Smolen & Roytman News 4 reached out to the city of Stillwater for a comment, but did not hear back. The lawsuit is seeking damages for excessive force and unlawful arrest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A former state senator convicted of campaign finance violations has filed to have his conviction overturned, claiming issues with both the prosecution and his defense. Brian Kelsey, a former state senator in West Tennessee, pleaded guilty in November 2022 to violating campaign finance laws and conspiring to defraud the Federal Election Commission (FEC) during his 2016 bid for U.S. Congress. He and co-defendant Joshua Smith, a Nashville social club owner who ran a political action committee, were both indicted by a federal grand jury in Oct. 2021. PREVIOUS: Former senator sentenced to 21 months in campaign finance case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelsey was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for the campaign finance violations, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Tennessee. After the prison sentence, Kelsey will be subject to three years of supervised release. Now, new attorneys for Kelsey have filed a motion to vacate his conviction, claiming the U.S. Department of Justice committed prosecutorial misconduct and he received ineffective legal representation, all in violation of Kelseys constitutional rights. In their motion, Kelseys new counsel claimed the star witness for the DOJ, Jeremy Durham, was coerced into giving false testimony to the Grand Jury under threat of criminal charges toward Durham during legal proceedings. Kelseys attorneys say Durham was recorded twice saying Kelsey did not commit the crimes for which he was convicted and said the justice department was feeding him statements to make to the Grand Jury. RELATED: Former Sen. Brian Kelsey pleads guilty to violating campaign finance laws, defrauding FEC Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Kelseys current attorneys said in their motion another witness, Joshua Smith, was recorded claiming he did not do anything illegal to help Kelsey, which is contrary to the DOJs indictment. They add the DOJ failed to make this recording known to Kelsey, in violation of judicial ethics rules. Finally, the motion says Kelseys attorneys at the time failed to adequately object to the DOJs conduct, preventing him from presenting important issues to the Court of Appeals. His new legal team asks the Court to allow Kelsey to remain free from incarceration while the Court decides on the motion to vacate his conviction. Additionally, they ask the Court the right to conduct discovery into the DOJ misconduct, that the DOJ be required to turn over purportedly false Grand Jury statements Durham refused to sign, and to vacate Kelseys conviction and dismiss the original indictment against him or se the case for a trial. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Mr. Kelsey has been wrongfully convicted and wrongfully deprived of his constitutional rights, Kent Wicker, one of Kelseys attorney, said. His lawyers failure to object to the governments breach of the Agreement, their failure at the plea withdrawal hearing, and their failure to present other valid issues on appeal has prevented the errors from being vindicated. The governments misconduct in coercing false testimony and suppressing exculpatory evidence violates basic standards of justice. 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 WKRN News 2. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) A former Virginia Beach massage therapist was sentenced on Thursday to eight years in prison for sexually assaulting a client. Virginia Beach massage therapist found guilty of sexual assault A jury found 47-year-old Bowen Lee Lajesse guilty on Oct. 1, 2024, of object sexual penetration, aggravated sexual battery-incapacity and battery as treatment not recognized in profession. On Thursday, Jan. 23, Circuit Court Judge Afshin Farashahi sentenced Lejesse to a total of 30 years with 22 suspended. Lejesse will also have to register as a sex offender, complete sex offender treatment and remain on good behavior for 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents state that on Jan. 29, 2023, the victim booked a massage with Lejesse at the Fuller School for Massage Therapy. The victim had booked appointments at this location multiple times, but had never gotten a massage from Lajesse. During the massage, the victim fell asleep, where Lajesse then began sexually assaulting her. The victim eventually woke up and pushed Lajesses hand away from her. She then paid her bill and quickly left to her car, where she then called her best friend and mother, the documents state. The victim then told her husband about the assault. The two then returned to the Fuller School, where the husband then confronted Lajesse. Lajesse then admitted to inappropriately touching the victim, but claimed that there must have been a misunderstanding. Shortly afterwards, Lajesse was terminated by the Fuller School and forfeited his massage therapy license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Former Vibe editor-in-chief Danyel Smith has accused Sean "Diddy" Combs of threatening to kill her during a dispute over a magazine cover an allegation his attorneys call pure fiction. In a Jan. 23 sneak peek of the upcoming Investigation Discovery docuseries The Fall of Diddy, Smith claims Combs asked to view the cover, but she declined, citing company policy not to share a cover or story before publication. After refusing Combs request again, she alleges he told her over the phone that he would see her dead in a trunk. Smith explains how she then contacted her attorney, who then called Combs, requesting that Combs fax over an apology or he would involve the police. Smith says she received that apology nearly two hours later. "What Ive only recently come to realize through members of the staff at that time was that [Combs] had actually, in the days before, come up to the Vibe offices with two tough guys looking for me, Smith further alleges in the clip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith made the same allegation, referencing a 1997 cover story on Combs, in a July 2024 personal essay published in the New York Times Magazine. According to a source, The narrative presented is a reinterpretation that does not accurately reflect the 30-year professional relationship. If this individual truly felt threatened, why did she continue to attend events and dinners, and meet with Mr. Combs over the last 30 years most recently in 2021 attended a business meeting at his home regarding a project." In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, Combs' attorneys stated that, "These documentaries are rushing to cash in on the media circus surrounding Mr. Combs. The producers failed to provide sufficient time or details for his representatives to address unsubstantiated claims, many from unidentified participants whose allegations lack context. By withholding this information, they made it impossible for Mr. Combs to present facts to counter these fabricated accusations. This production is clearly intended to present a one-sided and prejudicial narrative. As we've said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every publicity stunt or facially ridiculous claim. He has full confidence in the facts and the judicial process, where the truth will prevail: the accusations against him are pure fiction." 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. Combs is currently behind bars at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center as he awaits his trial on federal sex crime charges, which is scheduled for May. He has pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Inside the Alleged 'Freak Offs' at Center of Sex Crimes Charges Against Sean 'Diddy' Combs The disgraced music mogul has also been named as a defendant in more than 30 lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct. The Fall of Diddy is set to premiere on Monday, Jan. 27 and Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 9 to 11 p.m. eastern time on Investigation Discovery and will also be available for streaming on Max. 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 FORT DRUM, N.Y. (WWTI) A number of Fort Drum soldiers are being deployed to the southern United States border. According to U.S. Northern Command, also known as USNORTHCOM, the 23rd Military Police at Fort Drum will be deployed to help bolster security at the United States southern border. Fort Drum volunteers make big community impact Approximately 1,500 active-duty personnel from the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps are deploying to the southern border to augment the approximately 2,500 service members already deployed supporting Customs and Border Protections southern border mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the Army units that well be sent to southern border: Headquarters, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Cavazos, Texas Headquarters, 720th Military Police Battalion, Fort Cavazos, Texas 401st Military Police Company, Fort Cavazos, Texas 202nd Military Police Company, Fort Bliss, Texas Headquarters, 716th Military Police Battalion, Fort Campbell, Kentucky 23rd Military Police Company, Fort Drum, New York 549th Military Police Company, Fort Stewart, Georgia 530th Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Stewart, Georgia 977th Military Police Company, Fort Riley, Kansas 41st Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Riley, Kansas 569th Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Carson, Colorado Headquarters, 759th Military Police Battalion, Fort Carson, Colorado 66th Military Police Company, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington Here are the Marine Units that will be deployed: Detachment from 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1 st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California Detachment from 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Camp Pendleton, California USNORTHCOM also added that the exact number of personnel will fluctuate as units rotate personnel and as additional forces are tasked to deploy once planning efforts are finalized. Specific units will be announced as soon as more information is made available. These military forces will support enhanced detection and monitoring efforts and repair and emplace physical barriers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. Jan. 24While she was growing up in Fort Kent in the late 1980s, the local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses was Shannon Simendinger's world. "When that's all you know, you get close to the people and they become your family," Simendinger said in a phone interview Thursday. "You get attached to them, and trust them." But it wasn't just tight-knit Simendinger feels now that she was isolated, discouraged from speaking with people outside her religion. That includes the time that Simendinger said she tried to get help after she was sexually abused by her religious leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I never put anything that happened behind me. It was always there, I just had to suppress my feelings in order to function," Simendinger said. "You weren't allowed to bring it up in the organization. You had to keep quiet, to move along like it never happened." Simendinger, now 45, filed a civil complaint in Aroostook County Superior Court this month against the Fort Kent Jehovah's Witnesses congregation, as well as the national nonprofit that oversees all Jehovah's Witnesses, known as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. The complaint targets the institutions, rather than the three men she says repeatedly abused her, and includes counts of sexual assault, negligent supervision, breach of fiduciary duty and infliction of emotional distress. The Fort Kent congregation did not return a voicemail from a reporter Thursday seeking to discuss Simendinger's allegations. A defense attorney was not yet listed in the case. The Jehovah's Witnesses' United States branch declined Thursday to discuss any of Simendinger's claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We empathize with all victims of abuse but it would be inappropriate for us to comment on the particulars of any litigation," an unnamed spokesperson wrote in an email. "As Christians, our love of God and our neighbor motivates us to hate all forms of abuse." Simendinger's lawsuit is similar to many others that have been filed against religious organizations in the last few years, largely as a result of a 2021 law removing the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims. (The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has spent more a year considering whether that law is constitutional.) But Simendinger's case alleges abuse so recent that it still would have fallen within the previous statute of limitations. In her complaint, she says she was abused from 1985 to 1993. She said she decided to bring a lawsuit after testifying in 2023 against one of the men, now in his 80s, who had assaulted her. He was found guilty of sexual assault and is serving a 20-year sentence in state prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Being up there, in that moment, it was I was anxious too," Simendinger said. "But we got a conviction, and that's really what matters is that he got put away for something that he did." 'THEY MADE ME FELL LIKE I WAS AT FAULT' Simendinger spent a lot of time as a young girl knocking on doors, trying to spread her faith and recruit others to her religion. According to her complaint, she was often accompanied by respected leaders from her congregation. On those trips, and later in Bible study classes, Simendinger alleges those men used their positions to gain her family's trust and sexually abuse her. The abuse only stopped because her family left the state, the complaint states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simendinger's complaint identifies the three men, but none of them are listed as defendants: David Ezzy and Ernest Fyans, who are considered elders in the church, and Bible study teacher Daniel Plourde. The Press Herald was unable to reach the men on Thursday to discuss the allegations. Fyans is in prison. Jehovah's Witnesses are divided into local congregations that are run by a body of elders. The elders direct activities, appoint other elders, handle finances and determine the "guilty, repentance and punishment of church members who commit wrongdoing," according to the complaint. That wrongdoing includes sexually abusing children but Simendinger's attorney Michael Bigos said they believe the evidence will show those policies enable abuse and its secrecy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We believe the evidence will show they knew about the abuse, they essentially tried to cover it up, and people were harmed as a result of those actions," Bigos said. Her complaint describes handbooks that elders received in the 1980s, giving them discretion to determine whether a child is at fault for their own sexual abuse. Those policies discouraged Jehovah's Witnesses from reporting abuse to police, according to the complaint, and they discouraged elders from informing their congregations of any threat to children. That was the case with Simendinger. When she was about 10 years old in 1989, the complaint alleges, her mother discovered she had called a sexual assault crisis hotline for help. Simendinger and her mother met with their congregation leaders. Simendinger said they blamed her for the assault and ordered her to pray for forgiveness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They made me feel like I was at fault," she said. "When you're 10 years old and you have them tell you that, you feel automatically that it's your fault and that God doesn't love you anymore ... They made me feel like I wasn't worthy of anything," she said. RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD The abuse continued for several more years, according to the complaint. Even after Simendinger's family left Fort Kent and she eventually left the Jehovah's Witnesses, she said her experiences are impossible to forget. Still, she remains religious. Her relationship to God matters to her. She's been going to a Baptist church on Sundays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But I still keep it at arm's length, because I don't have that trust," she said. "I do not believe in organizations that have control over the relationship between you and God." She is afraid sometimes to leave her child alone with people at church. She is constantly anxious, then depressed. She struggles to feel worthy, despite the love and support of her husband and child. "I go through all these emotions every single day, and being able to function on a daily basis is a struggle," she said. "But I still do. I still function, because it's where I need to be. What I'm doing, helping others and helping myself heal, and making them accountable for what they've done, is where I know in my heart I need to be." ------ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HOW TO GET HELP IF YOU or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you can call 1-800-871-7741 for free and confidential help 24 hours a day. TO LEARN more about sexual violence prevention and response in Maine, visit the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault website. IF YOU or someone who you is struggling with a mental health crisis, you can also call the Maine Crisis Line 24 hours a day at 1-888-568-1112. FOR MORE information about mental health services in Maine, visit the website for the state's chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Copy the Story Link Jan. 23GRAND FORKS A Fort Totten man was sentenced Tuesday, Jan. 21, to serve seven years in prison for offenses related to an hours-long standoff with law enforcement in Grand Forks last summer. Collin Wade Posey, 32, pleaded guilty to Class B felony criminal mischief causing more than $10,000 in damage and Class C felony preventing arrest. A third charge, Class C felony burglary, was dismissed at sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the afternoon of July 22, an FBI agent requested assistance from Grand Forks law enforcement as he attempted to apprehend Posey, who was a fugitive at the time and believed to be at an apartment building within the city, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case. Posey dove into an open window of the building when the agent attempted to apprehend him. The area was contained while law enforcement made a number of attempts to get Posey to come outside with his hands in the air. Their efforts included light sound diversionary devices, chemical munitions and less lethal impact munitions, the affidavit said. Posey did not comply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approximately seven hours into the standoff, law enforcement entered the residence and found him hiding behind a couch. He was brought into custody without further incident. The renter of the apartment unit said she didn't know Posey and he was not permitted to enter her home. She had been in the bathroom when she heard yelling outside; exiting the bathroom, she noticed a door had been shut that she remembered being open. She was able to leave the building through the window. The renter said approximately $100 worth of her property had been destroyed. The owner of the building estimated its damages to be around $3,000; however, that amount was later determined to be notably higher. Posey was sentenced to 10 years with the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, first serving seven years, followed by three years of supervised probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If he violates any probation conditions, he will be at risk of serving the remainder of the 10-year sentence. He was ordered to pay $17,975.70 in restitution. The sentence is to be served concurrently with his other Grand Forks County cases one for attempting to escape police custody while in the hospital, and others for failure to appear and escaping custody. Posey is also charged in a federal drug distribution case, though, and any time he may be sentenced to there would be added on top of the seven years. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. The challenge of how to help people battling homelessness took center stage Thursday night in downtown Sioux Falls, where government leaders addressed the topic at a forum. Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken told the audience the event was focusing on the governments role in addressing homelessness. We have this tremendous pressure to do something, do something, do something, TenHaken said. But were one slice of the pie. So thats not a woe is me, but that is a call for, collaboration is so key in this. I cannot stress that enough. A graphic on display at the forum highlighted different components, from the city to Minnehaha County to nonprofits to businesses and the public. And TenHaken is blunt in how he assesses cooperation at the moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a huge lack of collaboration in this space, TenHaken said. Dont know how else to say it. And until that gets figured out, we are not going to hit any singles, and that has to get figured out. There has to be better collaboration with those pieces of the pie. Larissa Deedrich, executive director of the Sioux Falls Housing & Redevelopment Commission, Minnehaha County Commissioner Dean Karsky and state Department of Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff were alongside TenHaken on stage. Deedrich is hoping for a change in how people think about affordable housing, a topic closely linked to homelessness. I would really honestly just like to say to those people who are saying not in my backyard is lets stop thinking about the stigma of affordable housing, Deedrich said. The folks who are moving into these units are your colleagues. Theyre your coworkers. Theyre already your neighbors. Near the forums conclusion, TenHaken expressed hope for a future event, and how it might look drew applause from the audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should do this again and get the bureaucrats off the stage, and lets have the providers up here next time, TenHaken said, with the gathered crowd clapping in response. Both the Union Gospel Mission and Bishop Dudley Hospitality House provide shelter in Sioux Falls to people experiencing homelessness. Leadership for each was present at Thursdays event. According to the nonprofit South Dakota Housing, Sioux Falls had 610 people who were experiencing homelessness in late January of 2024; another count comes 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 KELOLAND.com. Hamas has named four female soldiers as the next hostages to be released on Saturday in what Israel claimed was a violation of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag, who were kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military base in the Oct 7 attacks, will be the second set of hostages to be released after three female Israeli civilians were set free last weekend. Under the Gaza ceasefire deal, female civilians are to be freed first, followed by female soldiers, the elderly, and those with health conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naming four female soldiers, rather than civilians, also raises concerns about the condition of the remaining hostages being held by Hamas. Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, Liri Albag and Daniela Gilboa will be the second set of hostages to be released - Courtesy of Bring Them Home Now/REUTERS Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, and his security chiefs ultimately decided to move forward with the list Hamas provided, despite the violation, according to The Times of Israel. Participants in the meeting are said to have deemed Hamass violation of the agreement as not meeting the threshold for derailing the entire deal. British-Israeli Emily Damari, 28, was one of the three hostages to be released to the Red Cross in Gaza City last Sunday, alongside Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following their release, there were seven remaining female hostages from the original list of 33 to be released as part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. That includes civilians Arbel Yehud, 29, and Shiri Silberman Bibas, 33, as well as soldiers Albag, 19, Ariev, 20, Gilboa, 20, Agam Berger and Naama Levy, both 20. Protesters hold a placard with the photo of Daniela Gilboa, who is to be released on Saturday - Matan Golan/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Israel reportedly told Hamas on Thursday that it expected Ms Yehud to be among the four released on Saturday. The 29-year-old is thought to be in captivity with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group, rather than Hamas. This has caused concern that Hamas may delay her release and use her captivity as leverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Shiri Silberman Bibas, the other female civilian still in captivity, was taken by the terror group on Oct 7, as were her two young sons Ariel and Kfir. Her husband, Yarden, was captured separately and is expected to be released during the first phase of the deal. Hamas is expected to give Israel a list on Saturday detailing the condition of the remaining hostages. Some 91 hostages remain in captivity. Israel believes that about 57 are still alive. Following the release of the female soldiers, Israel is expected to set free 180 Palestinian prisoners. As part of the deal, Israel will release 50 Palestinian prisoners, 30 of whom are convicted terrorists that were sentenced to life in prison. Drawings of hostages Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy - Noam Galai/Getty Images It came after Israel released 30 prisoners on Monday in exchange for the release of Ms Gonen, Ms Damari, and Ms Steinbrecher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four soldiers set to be released by Hamas on Saturday were part of a military unit that monitored the Israel-Gaza border before Oct 7. Footage showed them among a group being tied up and pleading for help as Hamas began their terror attacks in October 2023. About three weeks ago, Hamas published a propaganda video showing Ms Albag calling on Israel to reach a ceasefire agreement with the terrorist group. The 19-year-old hostage, who is due to turn 20 next month, appears to have been given a new army shirt for the video. She also appeared to be wearing a sweatshirt underneath her clothing, probably to conceal weight loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shira Albag, her mother, said after the video was released: This is not the Liri we know. The first phase of the deal came into effect on Sunday and is expected to last 42 days. During that period, Hamas would release 33 hostages in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners. If the ceasefire holds, negotiations to extend the pause in fighting will begin on the 16th day of a fragile peace. The next phase would bring about a permanent end to the war in exchange for the release of the remaining living hostages. 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. JERUSALEM Four female soldiers released by Hamas on Saturday have crossed into Israeli territory, the Israel Defense Forces said, as part of the ceasefire and hostage release deal. Karina Ariev, Danielle Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag were accompanied by Israeli special forces on their return to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment, the IDF added. All four hostages are alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian prisoners authority has released a list of the 200 prisoners expected to be handed over by Israel as part of the exchange. Of the 200 prisoners set to be released, 121 were serving life sentences, and 79 were serving long sentences. The list also includes 70 prisoners who will be deported outside of Gaza and the West Bank, the authority said. Once the exchange is complete, it will be the second such exchange as part of a complex ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which came into effect last Sunday and signaled a pause in 15 months of bitter fighting and Israeli aerial bombardment in Gaza. As part of the truce, which saw the first people released on both sides last Sunday, Hamas will release one civilian hostage for every 30 Palestinians held in Israeli custody and one female Israeli soldier for 50 detainees heading the other way. As happened last week, the hostages were first transferred to Red Cross vehicles, according to an NBC News camera crew at Gaza Citys Palestine Square. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But unlike the previous hostage handover, this one was more organized and ceremonial, with Hamas setting up a stage in Palestine Square. The hostages, who appeared to be wearing military uniforms, were first taken to a stage for photographs, Reuters footage showed. They were then led into Red Cross vehicles, which set off accompanied by Hamas military escorts. The release last Sunday of the first three Israeli hostages and 90 Palestinian prisoners, all women and children, faced a last-minute delay, with the Israeli government saying they had not been provided with the names of the hostages due to be released. The first three Israeli hostages released were Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari, a dual British citizen. Hamas has said it plans to release 33 hostages over six weeks while Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fighting in Gaza began Oct. 7, 2023, when the Hamas carried out a terrorist attack on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and around 250 taken hostage. Israel then launched an air and land assault on Gaza, killing more than 47,000 people, most of them civilians, according to health officials in the enclave. The four hostages Hamas released Saturday were taken captive while they were serving as surveillance soldiers stationed at the Nahal Oz military base on the border with Gaza. There, they were tasked with observing suspicious military movement. A fifth female soldier taken hostage, Agam Berger, 20, will remain in Gaza. Relatives hug Israeli hostage Doron Steinbracher in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv last Sunday. Several of their colleagues were killed Oct. 7, 2023, but video footage of the surviving women taken during their capture has been widely circulated on social and broadcast media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For three months prior to Hamas terrorist attack, Karina Ariev, 20, had warned her family of impending war, her sister Sasha Ariev, told the Christian Broadcasting Company, days after her sister was taken. They knew something, the girls who were the eyes of the country, Sasha Ariev said, adding that her sister called her on the morning of the Hamas attack. Sasha Ariev said her sibling told her that she could hear shooting and screaming in the background and received a message from her sister telling her the terrorists are here. Footage circulated on the day Ariev was kidnapped showed her in a Jeep, her face bloodied and her hands tied together. In January last year, Hamas released a video showing that she was still alive. Daniella Gilboa, now 20, had told her commanders in the lead-up to Oct. 7 that she had seen people she suspected to be Hamas militants appearing to prepare for an attack, her mother, Orly Gilboa, said in August on the Meaningful People podcast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orly Gilboa said she heard from Daniella Gilboa on the morning of the attack but did not understand that the explosions her daughter described were inside her base. She only fully appreciated the danger her daughter was in after she received a message reading pray for me. During the first night after she was taken, when the mother said she was unable to identify her daughter in any footage and she feared the worst. The following day, Daniella Gilboas younger sister Noam Gilboa identified her in videos that were widely circulated, recognizing her from her ponytail and pajamas. According to Shira Albag, her daughter Liri Albag, 19, enjoyed traveling and taking photographs. Speaking at a public event last autumn, Shira Albag told the audience that we are all living in the shadow of the kidnapping. On Feb. 4, the day of her daughters 19th birthday, she wrote a public letter to her that was published by the Israeli news site Ynet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no music in the house because youre the one who sings ... Theres no noise of cooking in the middle of the night... I miss you so much that my heart aches, she wrote. Naama Levy, 20, is one of the more recognizable of the five women because she was so clearly caught on video in Gaza on the morning of Oct. 7. In footage shared with NBC News, she can be seen barefoot, wearing gray sweatpants and a black T-shirt, with her hands tied behind her back and blood on her ankles. A man wearing a flak jacket and carrying a gun can be seen pulling her by her hair and pushing her into a car. There is blood on one of her arms. A second video circulated by Levys family showed the moment of her capture, with men tying her hands behind her back. With a bloodied face, Levy can be heard saying to them in Hebrew that she has friends in Palestine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naama Levy's mother, Ayelet Levy-Shacher, said her daughter had been involved in a youth program aimed at fostering peace and had volunteered at a nursery school for refugee children before the attack. She believed in the goodness in people, and so do I, she said. Tovah Lazaroff reported from Jerusalem, Raf Sanchez from Tel Aviv, and Astha Rajvanshi from London. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (Photo courtesy of Getty Images) Legislation to provide free breakfast to public school students across the state is moving forward in the General Assembly with committees set to review the cost. Sen. Danica Roem, D-Manassas, and Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria, are leading the charge after a similar effort fell short last year. Bennett-Parkers bill was shelved by the House Appropriations Committee due to competing priorities while Roems Senate bill was following an amendment by Gov. Glenn Youngkin directing a work group to evaluate the programs potential impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children cannot learn if they are hungry. This bill is an investment in their education and would maximize all of the other education investments we are making, Bennett-Parker said during a House Education subcommittee meeting on Tuesday. More to Know Through the state budget, Virginia supports and expands participation in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program with the following funding: $1.0 million annually to boost t school breakfast participation through alternative bmodels like Second Chance Breakfast and Breakfast in the Classroom (commonly called Breakfast After the Bell funding), $11.2 million (FY 2025) and $12.4 million (FY 2026) to incentivize breakfast meals served above the 2004 base year standard, based on student enrollment. , $4.1 million annually to eliminate the student cost of reduced-price breakfast and lunch meals. $5.8 million in matching funds for school lunch programs, required to secure federal meal reimbursement. (Source: School Meals Stakeholder Work Group Report 2024) Roem stressed the importance of school breakfasts in improving attendance, an ongoing challenge since the pandemic, and noted the proposal could also alleviate meal debt for families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Senate Bill 1003 and House Bill 1958, schools would be required to join the federal National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offering breakfast at no cost to any students who request it. Schools could only withhold meals with parental consent. The Virginia Department of Education would oversee reimbursing schools for each breakfast served under the proposed legislation, with the limit of one breakfast per student per day. The bill also eliminated an outdated provision related to the federal breakfast program, streamlining the process for universal free school breakfasts. In a shorter legislative session with a more focused scope, the bills are gaining strong support from groups like the School Nutrition Association of Virginia, the Virginia Education Association and No Kid Hungry Virginia. We know that when a child shows up to school and is able to have a full belly, they are able to learn better, said Emily Moore, a senior policy analyst for Voices For Virginias Children, during the Senate Education and Health subcommittee meeting on Jan. 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While opposition has been minimal, Dr. Sheila Furey raised concerns at the same meeting about the lack of nutritional guidelines in Roems bill. She urged lawmakers to prioritize a high fat, high protein breakfast over processed foods to better support students health. Christina Berta, chief operating officer for the Virginia Department of Education, opposed the legislation, advocating instead for the state to encourage school divisions to adopt Community Eligibility Provisions (CEP). She argued that CEP is a better approach to providing meals for students in need, coupled with leveraging available funding through a student-weighted funding formula. [The CEP] program has not demonstrated universal free breakfast or meals success in other states, Berta said, noting that the agency has detailed information about meal access in a recent task force report. Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, echoed his concerns from last year, stating that he could not support the legislation when affluent localities, such as those in Northern Virginia, could afford to pay for their students breakfasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cannot in good conscience support this, and I know theyre going to say, Oh, that mean old Republican wants to starve kids, Peake said. I dont want to starve kids, but I dont want rich parents not taking care of their kids. The money should go to the kids who need it and this does not do that. In response, Roem argued that students in need exist in every part of the state, regardless of the wealth of their localities. She noted that even families in affluent areas might qualify for free and reduced meals. The Department of Planning and Budgeting reported that the Virginia Department of Education estimates the legislation would add an annual state cost of at least $29 million starting in fiscal year 2026. According to Roem, the projected cost has dropped from $40 million because the bill would eliminate expenses tied to existing breakfast programs. She also highlighted that the measure would save families $315 per child each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, the Youngkin administration released a report estimating that providing universal free breakfast and lunch for all students would cost Virginia $201.5 million annually. Given this cost, concerns regarding the sustainability of any future program of this nature in the commonwealth as well as the impact on local school divisions should future state funding be reduced or eliminated must be considered, the report noted. Once funding is provided, any removal of that state funding would result in expected services to families, thus resulting in an unfunded mandate and burden on local school divisions. Roem criticized the administrations approach, arguing they missed the assignment by conflating universal breakfast and lunch programs. She noted that while the report identified eight states with universal meals programs California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Vermont, and Minnesota it omitted Pennsylvania, a state with divided government that has implemented offering free breakfast. If Pennsylvania can do this, theres no reason Virginia cant, Roem said, adding that she believes the commonwealth is in a better financial position to support such a measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The breakfast bills have advanced from the Senate and House Education committees and now head to their respective budget committees for consideration. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The co-founder of French crypto unicorn Ledger and his wife have been rescued after an outlandish Parisian kidnapping attempt resulted in 10 arrests. David Balland and his wife were abducted in the early hours of Tuesday morning, they were separated and taken to different locations, according to Paris public prosecutor Laure Beccuau. The kidnappers made contact with another co-founder of Ledger, demanding a ransom in cryptocurrency, part of which was paid to the assailants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GIGN, a special division of the French Gendarmerie military police, was enlisted to negotiate with the attackers, before tracking Ballands location. Police were able to recover Balland, while his wife was found hours later tied up in a van. Almost all of the cryptocurrency used to pay part of the ransom has been traced, frozen, and seized. Balland was hospitalized owing to a wound on his hand, Beccuau said, while his wife didnt sustain physical injuries but will be monitored by medical staff owing to trauma. The Parisian prosecutor said 10 peoplenine men and one woman aged between 20 and 40had been taken into custody relating to the kidnapping. Most were already known to police, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beccuau told media that the exchanging of a ransom, in addition to torture carried out during the kidnapping, dictates life imprisonment if those arrested are found guilty. A representative for Ledger didnt immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment. However, Ledger CEO Pascal Gauthier told the media: We are deeply relieved that David and his wife have been released, and are now safe. Were grateful to law enforcement for their swift action, he added, saying it was a traumatic situation that we hope will never be repeated. Ledger was founded in 2014 and now employs more than 600 people across the globe. The group designs hardware that safely stores customers cryptocurrencies in a USB-style wallet. The company was valued at 1.3 billion in March 2023. Ledger recruited Apples iPod inventor, Tony Fadell, to join its board in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Balland and his wifes kidnapping comes at a time when executive safety is firmly in the limelight, following the assassination of United Healthcare CEO Brian Murphy in December. The kidnapping is also the latest in a spate of abductions linked to cryptocurrency.In November, Dean Skurka, the head of Canadas largest crypto company, WonderFi, was kidnapped in Toronto by assailants demanding $1 million Canadian dollars in ransom. Skurka was dropped off on the side of a street after the ransom was paid. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com How To Earn $500 A Month From GE Aerospace Stock Ahead Of Q4 Earnings GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) will release its fourth-quarter financial results before the opening bell on Thursday, Jan. 23. Analysts expect the Ohio-based company to report quarterly earnings at $1.04 per share, up from $1.03 per share in the year-ago period. GE Aerospace projects quarterly revenue of $9.47 billion, compared to $19.42 billion a year earlier, according to data from Benzinga Pro. On Jan. 2, Deutsche Bank analyst Scott Deuschle maintained GE Aero with a Buy rating and lowered the price target from $235 to $228. With the recent buzz around GE Aerospace, some investors may be eyeing potential gains from the company's dividends. As of now, GE Aerospace offers an annual dividend yield of 0.60%, which is a quarterly dividend amount of 28 cents per share ($1.12 a year). To figure out how to earn $500 monthly from GE Aerospace, we start with the yearly target of $6,000 ($500 x 12 months). Next, we take this amount and divide it by GE Aerospace's $1.12 dividend: $6,000 / $1.12 = 3,000 shares. So, an investor would need to own approximately $1,004,438 worth of GE Aerospace, or 5,357 shares to generate a monthly dividend income of $500. Assuming a more conservative goal of $100 monthly ($1,200 annually), we do the same calculation: $1,200 / $1.12 = 1,071 shares, or $200,813 to generate a monthly dividend income of $100. Note that dividend yield can change on a rolling basis, as the dividend payment and the stock price both fluctuate over time. The dividend yield is calculated by dividing the annual dividend payment by the current stock price. As the stock price changes, the dividend yield will also change. For example, if a stock pays an annual dividend of $2 and its current price is $50, its dividend yield would be 4%. However, if the stock price increases to $60, the dividend yield would decrease to 3.33% ($2/$60). Conversely, if the stock price decreases to $40, the dividend yield would increase to 5% ($2/$40). Further, the dividend payment itself can also change over time, which can also impact the dividend yield. If a company increases its dividend payment, the dividend yield will increase even if the stock price remains the same. Similarly, if a company decreases its dividend payment, the dividend yield will decrease. GE Price Action: Shares of GE Aerospace gained by 2.5% to close at $187.50 on Tuesday. Read More: UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. The morning cold is gradually fading away to more mild temperatures this afternoon. Temperatures will make a run for the low 40s. Skies will help the nicer feel with sunshine and southwest winds will be a touch breezy. Download our KOLR 10 weather app Not nearly as cold tonight with temperatures resting in the upper 20s and low 30s. A mild January morning on Saturday followed by a mild afternoon. A bit of a race will be underway though with an incoming cold front and increasing clouds trying to fight off the warming trend. Chillier weather will settle in Sunday with skies remaining partly sunny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cold air has been bottled up over Canada and the Lower 48 thanks to a blocking ridge over Greenland. That roadblock is finally being removed as we end the month. This will allow cold air to flow less impeded into the Atlantic with warmer Pacific air moving in from the west. This should mark a shift to a warmer mode of winter weather and well notice this next week as temperatures climb. We found warmer weather but continue our search for our next rain opportunity. There is some agreement in computer model guidance suggesting we may be in for some good rain amounts at the end of next week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. By Jody Godoy (Reuters) - U.S. Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson gained broad authority to purge diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies at the agency after Democrats, who still have the majority on the commission, stood down. Ferguson, who has criticized social media companies for left-leaning content moderation policies, asked the commission on Thursday to grant him authority to strip all mention of DEI from FTC documents after President Donald Trump's executive order banning such programs in the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first vote under Ferguson's leadership on Thursday ratcheted up tension between Republicans and Democrats at the five-member agency, and surfaced a larger disagreement over the agency's independent status. Democratic Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya cast the lone vote against the proposal, criticizing Ferguson for rushing the vote and for focusing on DEI instead of the high cost of living. Conservatives including Ferguson have said the president should be able to remove officials who do not align with his agenda. Under 90-year-old U.S. Supreme Court precedent, FTC commissioners and members of many other bipartisan independent agencies are only fireable for cause -- unlike executive branch agencies whose heads the president can fire at will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ferguson said Bedoya acted out of disagreement with Trump over DEI. "I do not think an officer of the United States can refuse to comply with the President's lawful orders on the basis of such an objection," Ferguson said in a statement on the vote Thursday night. Democrat Lina Khan, whom Trump replaced as the agency's chair but who remains a commissioner, and fellow Democratic Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter declined to participate in the vote. Slaughter said in a statement that she believed Ferguson already had the authority to carry out Trump's mandate. "As Senate-confirmed Commissioners of an independent agency, my colleagues and I swear an oath to uphold the laws and the Constitution of the United States of America, not to serve any individual or ideology," Slaughter said. (Reporting by Jody Godoy in California; Editing by Leslie Adler) The new chair of the Federal Trade Commission has moved without delay to fulfill President Donald Trumps goal of ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government and drawn brutal criticism for it from one of the agencys five commissioners. On Wednesday, Andrew Ferguson, Trumps Republican pick to lead the FTC, announced that DEI is over at the agency, calling the diversity efforts a scourge on our institutions. He shuttered the commissions DEI office and terminated its diversity council, among other quick moves. The Biden-Harris Administration reveled in this pernicious ideology. They encouraged it, and it has festered within the federal government for four years, Ferguson said in a statement. He also took to X to say the FTC would do its part to end the DEI plague. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, on Thursday, Ferguson called for the five-member commission to vote on whether to grant him the powers to come into full compliance with Trumps anti-DEI orders. It passed by a vote of 2-1, with Ferguson and another Republican, Melissa Holyoak, in favor. Two Democratic commissioners, Rebecca Slaughter and Lina Khan, its erstwhile progressive chair, did not take part, leading to a GOP majority on the vote. The commissions third Democrat, Alvaro Bedoya, was the lone vote against the measure and issued a withering dissent, accusing Ferguson of rushing the process. Bedoya wrote that the FTC had important work to do in investigating and challenging anticompetitive practices by corporations. He said Ferguson could have made his first public act a motion along these lines, aimed at lowering prices in the grocery, construction or pharmaceutical industries, for instance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chairman Ferguson could have done any number of things to actually lower the cost of living and create opportunities for American businesses and workers, Bedoya wrote. He did none of them. Instead, he cancelled DEI. He went on, I have met with corn growers and cattlemen in Iowa. I have met with shrimpers in Biloxi. I have met with pharmacists in Knoxville, grocers in Tulsa, and patients and their doctors in Charleston, West Virginia. I met with the men who build Miamis million-dollar skyscrapers in 110-degree heat. Let me tell you what they didnt talk about: DEI. Bedoya wrote that Ferguson was playing a game for retweets on X the kind of stunt that infuriates regular people who cannot make rent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ferguson responded to Bedoya in his own statement, saying his fellow commissioners objections amounted to sour grapes. He wrote that Trump campaigned openly on ending DEI and the American people chose him. Ferguson said he was simply following lawful orders from the new president. I get it, he wrote. Commissioner Bedoya prefers that one of his partys two presidential candidates had won the election. He wishes that the federal government would continue to advance DEI ideology. He wishes that the Biden-Harris Administration were directing the Commissions priorities rather than the Trump Administration. In a statement of her own, Slaughter said she had unanswered questions about the anti-DEI measure the chairman put to a vote, and whether it is even necessary. She, too, alleged Ferguson had rushed the commission to consider it on a faster timeline than normal procedures. She said she abstained because she didnt have adequate time. Chairman Ferguson gets his way today, Slaughter wrote. In future matters, I hope that he will return to the agencys proud tradition of regular order, adequate process and notice, consultation with career staff, and seeking bipartisan input and agreement. A large-scale fuel oil pollution, likely caused by the sinking of Russian tankers in the Kerch Strait, has been discovered on the coast of Odesa Oblast. Source: Ivan Rusiev, a scientist and the head of the research department of the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park, on Facebook; Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne Details: Rusiev stated that the fuel oil was found in the Katranka recreational area, with the pollution stretching for over a kilometre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "The extent of the pollution is significant. We lack resources to fully inspect the area its all sand. We will continue working, and perhaps by the evening [of 24 January ed.], more information will emerge. For now, we know that at least one kilometre is polluted. This contamination originates from the Kerch Strait there's no other explanation. The administration of the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park is preparing documents to inform Odesa Oblast Military Administrations Department of Ecology and Natural Resources and the State Environmental Inspectorate of Ukraine." Details: The Ukrainian State Environmental Inspectorate of the South-Western District reported that as of 10:00 on 24 January, no reports of pollution on the Odesa coast had been recorded. However, experts plan to inspect the area and collect water samples. Iryna Shatokhina, head of the Department of Ecology and Natural Resources of Odesa Oblast Military Administration, noted that no reports of fuel oil reaching Odesa's coastline had been received by 10:00 on 24 January. She added that "the oblast is ready to respond" should such contamination occur. Background: Reports emerged on the morning of 15 December indicating that two Russian tankers, Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239, were sinking in the Kerch Strait. Both vessels were reported to be broken in half, with fuel oil leaking into the water. Greenpeace Ukraine has warned that Russia's militarisation of the Black and Azov Seas threatens to unleash a new environmental catastrophe. On 6 January, Ukraines Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources reported that oil products had reached the southern coast of Crimea. Near the city of Sevastopol, fuel oil slicks stretching up to 15 kilometres were discovered. On 13 January, a 300-square-kilometre oil spill was detected in the Azov Sea following a collision between two Russian tankers in the Kerch Strait. Support UP or become our patron! MINEOLA, Texas (KETK) Mineola ISD announced on Thursday the death of a beloved employee. Mineola farm-to-school garden breaks ground Courtesy of Mineola ISD Vickie Petersen died on the morning of Jan. 15, district officials said. She served the school district for almost 30 years in a variety of roles, including as a Middle School librarian to most recent assignment as an instructor in DAEP. Vickie found great joy in her family. She was blessed with a loving husband, eight remarkable children, four devoted sons-in-law, two wonderful daughters-in-law and 23 cherished grandchildren who brought her endless pride and happiness, her obituary said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Petersens memorial service will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Quitman with her burial to follow at Kelsey Cemetery. Vickie will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, her love of learning and her dedication to her family, students, and faith, the obituary 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. A grand jury indicted a south Georgia funeral home owner on 62 counts after 18 decomposing bodies were found last year. The indictment claims that Christopher Lee Johnson sent the families back fake cremains and charged them thousands of dollars. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Oct. 26, 2024, deputies in Coffee County went to execute a search warrant at the Johnson Funeral Home in Douglas, Ga. Instead, they found 18 bodies in various stages of decomposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office called the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and agents arrested Johnson, who owns the funeral home. A grand jury indicted him in January on the following charges: 17 counts of abuse to a dead body, 17 counts of abandonment of a dead body, 18 counts of theft by deception, 9 counts of violation of vital records and 1 count of insurance fraud. RELATED STORIES: The indictment states that the bodies were taken to the funeral home between Jan. 2024 and Aug. 2024: two in January, two in February, one in March, three in May, five in June, four in July and one in August. The GBI says it has identified all 18 bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of giving the bodies proper burials or cremating them, Johnson sent the families fake cremains and fraudulent death certificates, according to the court documents. He charged the families between $1,000 to $5,000 for the services. In total, the theft by deception charges totaled more than $35,000. No future court dates have been assigned. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Jan. 24The Department of State Hospitals is proposing to place a sexual offender in a residence near Galt, and city leaders are pushing back. The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office told the City of Galt this week that Christopher Dryden, who was convicted on two counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor in 1998, would be placed at 12655 Hauschildt Road, a little more than half a mile outside the city limits. The Galt Police Department on Wednesday said that Chief Brian Kalinowski and city leadership oppose the placement, as the proposed site "lacks access to essential social and medical services and is in an area historically underserved by county resources." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision, police said, disregards the needs and safety of both the community and the individual being placed. The Galt City Council will hold a special meeting Tuesday, Jan. 28 to discuss the proposal. Mayor Shawn Farmer and Police Chief Brian Kalinowski did not respond to emails or phone calls seeking comment. Dryden was sentenced to six years in state prison in 1998, then transferred to Coalinga State Hospital after being designated as a sexually violent predator, according to the District Attorney's Office. As required by legislation passed in 2023, once a court finds an sexually violent predator is ready for outpatient treatment, the district attorney, local law enforcement, county counsel, and the attorney representing the defendant must collaborate with DSH in a "housing committee" to locate a residence for placement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be classified a sexually violent predator, a person has to have been convicted of a violent sex crime against at least one victim and be diagnosed with a condition that makes that person likely to re-offend. State law allows certain sex offenders to be sent to a state hospital indefinitely after a prison sentence, and then they undergo therapy until doctors and a judge find them safe enough to continue treatment in the community. A search for a suitable location to place Dryden has been ongoing for six months, and it was determined the Hauschildt Road site was the best choice, according to reports. Dryden must register with the Sacramento Sheriff's Office for life, and he will be monitored with a GPS device. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the second time in five years that Galt officials have opposed placing a sex offender near the city. In 2021, a Humboldt County judge denied placing Joshua Cooley on the outskirts of town at 9675 Harvey Road after reading several letters of opposition from the District Attorney's Office, law enforcement officials, City of Galt officials and residents. Cooley had been charged in Humboldt County with multiple cases of sexual battery, making criminal threats, kidnapping and the sexual assault of a person younger than 14 in 2001 and 2002, and was convicted in 2004. He served four years and eight months in prison before he was released on parole and required to wear an ankle monitor. He violated parole in 2007 after providing alcohol to two 12-year-old girls at a party inside his Eureka home. Cooley also admitted to kissing a 17-year-old female at the same event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2010, a jury determined Cooley to be a sexually violent predator. He appealed the finding, but was denied, and then sent to Coalinga State Hospital. In 2021, the judge ruled that had no connection to Galt and ordered Liberty Healthcare which is currently trying to place Dryden to find a place location in Humboldt County. Next Tuesday's special meeting will be held in Galt City Council chambers, 380 Civic Drive, at 6 p.m. The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office will accept opposition letters at SVPDryden@sacda.org until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Between frigid weather and rising oil prices, gas prices in Wisconsin have jumped more than 20 cents in the past month. As of Jan. 24, the average price for a regular gallon of gas in Wisconsin was $2.997, or just under $3, according to AAA. That's compared to $2.79 a month ago, though Wisconsin prices are still below the national average of $3.12 per gallon. Gas prices generally rise as spring approaches, according Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. However, an offshore drilling ban former President Joe Biden implemented in his final days in office has also hiked prices recently, he said. And if President Donald Trump follows through on his promise to implement sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico next month, prices at the pump could get even steeper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, De Haan added, seasonal changes remain the main reason for the current uptick in prices. "If the tariffs are implemented, then it would become a bit political," he said. "But for now, it is absolutely normal and customary that we are going to see gas prices go up." Here's what to know about how gas prices in Wisconsin will shift in the coming weeks and months. Kwik Trip, the popular gas station/convenience store chain, is headquartered in La Crosse. How much will gas prices rise in Wisconsin this spring? Gas prices generally rise between 20 to 50 cents between Valentine's Day and Memorial Day, and stay at those higher prices through the end of the summer, De Haan said. That's because refineries switch every year from a cheaper winter blend gasoline to a more expensive summer one. Americans also generally drive more in the summer, increasing the demand for gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The big rally in prices starts in mid-February because refineries usually start doing their maintenance then," De Haan said. "Refineries are made up of several units, but as maintenance is happening, they're not producing as much fuel because they shut down part of their facilities to do that maintenance." In Milwaukee, which is currently averaging $2.95 a gallon, prices will probably hit $3 within the next few weeks and remain there until the fall, De Haan added. As of Jan. 24, Milwaukee was seeing a lower average gas price than most Wisconsin metro areas, according to AAA. How would Trump's proposed tariffs impact Wisconsin gas prices? If Trump follows through on implementing 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico Feb. 1, then gas prices may be in for more than a seasonal hike, De Haan said. The refineries that serve Wisconsin rely primarily on Canadian crude oil. The 25% tariffs could increase the price of Canadian crude oil from about $63 per barrel to $80, according to De Haan. Within a few days of the tariffs kicking in, prices at the pump could rise between 20 to 50 cents a gallon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There could also be an economic slowdown if these tariffs are implemented," De Haan said. "So that potential economic calamity could partially offset the 25% tariff, meaning that if the economy slows down, demand for oil and other products will also likely drop." But even if gas prices remain stable, De Haan said the tariffs could have a "chilling effect" on the U.S. economy. "It could send our economy into a recession simply because it's a massive increase in cost that consumers would essentially pay," he said. More: Which products in Wisconsin could become more expensive under Trump's tariffs? Average gas prices in Wisconsin as of Jan. 24, 2025. Where is the cheapest gas in Wisconsin? As of Friday morning, the cheapest gas in Wisconsin was $2.25 per gallon at a BP in Thiensville, according to GasBuddy. Several stations near Kenosha were also offering gas at about $2.65 per gallon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the addresses of specific stations, check out GasBuddy's tracker of the cheapest fuel in Wisconsin: gasbuddy.com/gasprices/wisconsin. Average gas prices in Wisconsin cities Here are average prices for a regular tank of gas in Wisconsin cities as of Jan. 24, organized from most expensive to cheapest, according to AAA: Madison: $3.04 Appleton: $3.01 Green Bay: $3.01 Wausau: $3.01 Eau Claire: $3.00 Fond Du Lac: $2.98 Kenosha County: $2.98 Oshkosh: $2.98 Racine: $2.98 Sheboygan: $2.98 Milwaukee-Waukesha: $2.95 Cailey Gleeson contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How Trump's tariffs may affect already increasing Wisconsin gas prices ATLANTA (WJBF) State leaders are prioritizing ways to have a talent ready workforce to bring more jobs to Georgia. Last year, Governor Brian Kemp announced a new dental school for Georgia Southern and a new medical school for UGA to have more healthcare students graduating in Georgia. This year, he said the state needs to invest in high skilled jobs and train the next generation of students by funding education for those critical roles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is outlining some of those focus areas to bolster the states economy over the next 25 years. Finally talent and workforce development which is something we have spent a great deal of time working here at the chamber, said Ed Elkins, Chairman with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. It is critically important when you think about access to education, access to skilled development. That is what the next generation needs as more jobs come to Georgia and have that well equipped. Elkins wants lawmakers to find ways that would improve education completion rates to provide an employable workforce, reduce barriers to employment and people trained in high demand skills. One goal is for lawmakers to fund challenges like child care, transportation and housing to retain talent in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another push is to fund technology infrastructure in rural areas to help businesses, colleges, hospitals and local governments thrive and provide tax incentives for companies to create jobs in Georgia. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. By Agata Rybska (Reuters) -Swedish hygiene products maker Essity reported fourth-quarter core profit below market expectations on Thursday, as high raw material costs in its consumer tissue business and strong U.S. dollar hurt margins. Its shares fell more than 5% in early trading, among the biggest decliners on Europe's benchmark STOXX 600 index. Essity's adjusted operating profit before amortisation (EBITA) rose 2% to 4.97 billion Swedish crowns ($451.6 million) in the quarter, missing analysts' average estimate of 5.26 billion crowns, LSEG's IBES data showed. Quarterly adjusted EBITA margin fell to 13.1% from 13.3% a year earlier. "The rapid and sharp strengthening of the USD increased costs, which has not yet been fully offset," CEO Magnus Groth said in the earnings statement. Essity saw a raw material impact of 880 million crowns in the quarter, 330 million of which was related to currency movements, finance chief Fredrik Rystedt added. The sequential acceleration in cost of goods sold and the impact from stronger dollar are likely to be a concern into the first half of 2025, J.P.Morgan analyst Celine Pannuti said in a note to clients. As usual, Essity did not provide financial outlook for the year. The group, which sells toilet paper and napkins under brands such as Lotus, Velvet and Tempo, said it raised its selling prices by 2.2% in the quarter, compared to a year earlier. Its volumes rose 1.7% in the same period, marking the first time since the third quarter of 2022 that its sales growth was driven by both positive price and volume growth. Consumer goods companies have in recent quarters introduced promotions as budget-conscious shoppers began trading down from branded products, following a period of large price hikes to combat the cost surge that started with the pandemic. Essity proposed a dividend of 8.25 crowns per share for 2024, a 6.5% increase from what it paid last year. Essity on Wednesday said Groth would step down from his position in 2025, after nearly ten years in the role, during which he saw the company through its 2017 spin off from SCA, first as a CEO of the parent and then at Essity. ($1 = 11.0052 Swedish crowns) (Reporting by Agata Rybska in Gdansk; Editing by Milla Nissi) EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) Georgia Rivers will host an historical journey for paddlers adventure on Ebenezer and Abercorn creeks in late March. The event will be centered on a two-day paddle trip with indoor and camping accommodations at New Ebenezer Retreat Center. The trip will explore 14 miles of Ebenezer and Abercorn creeks during the weekend of March 21 through 23. Along the way participants will experience the beauty of these waterways and hear from local historians who will detail the momentous events that took place on and near them and shaped Georgia and the nations history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ebenezer Creek is one of Georgias four state-designated scenic rivers. With its blackwater flanked by massive cypress and tupelo trees, Ebenezer, is described by Georgia Rivers as among the most beautiful paddle routes in the state. It was also the site in 1864 of the Ebenezer Massacre, in which the Union Army removed a pontoon bridge over the creek, leaving recently freed slaves following the Armys march through Georgia destitute and subject to recapture at the hands of the Confederate Army. Along Abercorn Creek following the close of the Revolutionary War, Belleisle, within the Savannah River, became home to a community of Black people who refused to be subjected to slavery. Nearly 100 maroons carved out a life on this secluded and wild island, defying for several years efforts by local authorities to quash the fortified and armed community. The group will explore the waterways by day and local historians will present programs on the significance of the historic sites at night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the purposes of Georgia Rivers paddle trips is to connect people with the natural and cultural history surrounding our rivers and streams, said Rena Peck, Executive Director of Georgia Rivers. The Savannah was among the states first rivers to be explored and settled so the history along it is both rich and tragic. Registration for the event is now open. Fees for adults are $350 and include camping facilities with showers and flush toilets, six catered meals, guide services and maps, shuttle services and educational programs. Rental boats and special indoor accommodations at New Ebenezer Retreat Center may be purchased for additional fees during registration. To register or learn more about the excursion, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy selected Georgia Tech as one of four organizations to receive nearly $2.1 million in funding for a grid-enhancing technology (GET) project. Georgia Tech's GET project aims to optimize the electric grids of Georgia and Alabama with advanced power flow control (APFC) technology that allows for smarter grid power flow and seamless renewable energy integration, Electrek reported. This project is a strategic collaboration between the university's Center for Distributed Energy, Southern Company (utility company), and Smart Wires (a grid-optimization technology company), with an expected project end date of 2025. Smart Wires is providing the crucial grid-optimization technology to bolster the states' electric grids, whereas Southern Company will carry out the energy delivery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUMO, Smart Wires' Dynamic Line Rating software, allows the grid's power lines to identify areas where there is extra power capacity based on real-time weather conditions. SmartValve, Smart Wires' mobile deployment valve technology, helps reduce system failure by offloading strained power lines, shifting excess energy to underutilized lines. Together, SUMO and SmartValve work to optimize power grid energy flow. While Smart Wires' APFC technology has been successfully executed before, Georgia Tech's GET project is the company's first large-scale deployment of the technology operating in unison and delivering on statewide electric grids. As the grid becomes optimized for smarter power flow, it will also enhance the grid's ability to integrate energy from cleaner and renewable energy sources, including solar a growing industry in the South. "The launch of this innovative project represents an important step toward more efficient and reliable integration of cleaner energy sources," said Tim Lieuwen, interim executive vice president for research at Georgia Tech, per Electrek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Equipped with smarter and more efficient power flow technology, utility companies can reliably deliver energy at a lower cost and from cleaner energy sources. In turn, consumers receive more affordable rates. It's a win for all. Grid optimization and resiliency is growing nationwide. Earlier last year, Rhode Island lawmakers signed an Energy Storage Systems Act to build a resilient grid from affordable, renewable energy. They're not the only ones. Idaho Power and Prevalon Energy LLC collaborated to install a Battery Energy Storage System to build greater grid resiliency while integrating over 5,000 megawatts of clean energy. "The commitment of utilities like Southern Company to get the most from their existing grid with GETs positions the U.S. to capture the full value these technologies can provide on transmission grids," said Joaquin Peirano, general manager for the Americas at Smart Wires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One curious commenter wrote on the Electrek report: "A key part of moving solar power around. Great to see a tech demo, but I wonder what the ROIs and break-even times are." 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. Germanys firewall against the far-Right could crumble after the frontrunner to win next months election said he could work with Alternative for Germany (AfD) to tighten immigration laws. Friedrich Merz, the conservative Christian Democrat (CDU) leader, said on Friday that his party would try to push through tough motions on migration while in opposition with the help of AfD votes in parliament. It marks a significant about-turn for Mr Merz, who has repeatedly vowed not to cooperate with the AfD and has long been a supporter of the firewall, which refers to mainstream parties pledging not to work with the AfD viewed by some Germans as beyond the pale for allegedly playing down the crimes of Nazis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The liberal Free Democratic party (FDP) also signalled it would be open to voting with AfD for the CDUs proposals. Wolfgang Kubicki, the FDP vice-chairman, said: I dont care who else agrees. We cannot link our approval of measures necessary for the country to who votes for us. Christopher Mayer, an FDP MP, said he would be open to agreeing with the CDUs proposals lets wait and see what they actually present. Alice Weidel, the co-leader of the far-Right Alternative for Germany party - Fabian Bimmer/Reuters Germanys centre-Left Social Democratic party (SPD), which has formally declared Olaf Scholz, the incumbent chancellor, as its candidate for federal elections scheduled for Feb 23, said passing legislation with AfD support would be the end of the firewall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katja Mast, the SPDs first parliamentary secretary, said: If Merz does that, it is the breaking of the dam, it will be the end of the firewall... [it would be a] free pass for cooperation with the AfD. Matthias Miersch, the SPD general-secretary, told Spiegel magazine: This would mark the beginning of a black-blue [CDU-AFD] collaboration, which we have always warned against. Robert Habeck, the Green vice-chancellor, said that Mr Merz was about to break his word on vowing never to collaborate with AfD. Alice Weidel, the AfD co-leader, said: The firewall has fallen. The CDU and CSU [the CDUs Bavarian sister party] have accepted my offer to vote together with the AfD in the Bundestag on the crucial issue of migration. This is good news for our country. Billboard of the SPDs Olaf Scholz in Berlin proclaiming Certainly more growth - Sean Gallup/Getty The CDU had earlier rejected an offer from Ms Weidel to vote together for a change in asylum policy, with party parliamentary chief Thorsten Frei labelling it poisonous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Merz also ruled out entering into a government with the AfD, or negotiating with it on any motions submitted to parliament. The CDU leader has not yet provided details on the anti-migration motions to be submitted next week, however on Thursday he presented a five-point plan to tighten immigration laws in the wake of a knife attack in Aschaffenburg where a two-year-old boy and a 41-year-old man were killed by an alleged failed Afghan asylum seeker. The plan included a de facto entry ban, in which anyone Germany illegally including those seeking protection would be turned away at the border. Attitudes towards migration have hardened in Germany after a string of deadly attacks committed by foreign citizens this year, including in Solingen in August when a 26-year-old Syrian with radical Islamist convictions killed three people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Germany prepares for a general election on Feb 23, according to current polling averages, the CDU is leading at about 30.5 per cent while the AfD is second at about 20 per cent. 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. Friedrich Merz, the leader of the German opposition and the CDU/CSU (Union) parliamentary group, as well as a candidate for the next chancellor of Germany, has announced that ending Russias war against Ukraine would be a key strategic priority if he becomes chancellor. Source: Der Spiegel, citing Merz at an event in Berlin on Thursday, 23 January, as reported by European Pravda Details: The report says Merz pledged continued support for Ukraine, emphasising that ending Russia's aggressive war would be a top priority for his government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He stressed that Ukraine must "win the war". Quote: "Victory means restoring territorial integrity with a democratically legitimate government exercising full sovereignty." Merz also underlined that Ukraine should have the freedom to choose its own political and military alliances. The chancellor candidate avoided directly addressing the ongoing debate over a proposed 3 billion aid package to fund additional arms supplies. Like current Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Merz maintained that Germany must not become an active party in the war. Background: The CDU/CSU has incorporated support for Ukraine and a commitment to strengthening sanctions against Russia into its election platform. In a meeting with Merz in December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine's expectation for Germany to assist in "enhancing its long-range capabilities". On 21 January, Merz and Zelenskyy discussed advancing a just peace for Ukraine, addressing global challenges, and assessing the situation on the front lines. Support UP or become our patron! Opposition head Friedrich Merz is calling for reforms to Germany's migration laws after a deadly knife attack in which an Afghan man facing deportation is the main suspect - even if they pass with support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Merz said in Berlin on Friday that his conservative parliamentary group, made up of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), will table motions next week in the German parliament "regardless of who agrees with them." Merz, the favourite to become Germany's next chancellor, has repeatedly ruled out co-operating with the AfD, who are polling second behind his bloc ahead of elections on February 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement German mainstream parties have previously gone to great lengths to avoid passing legislation which could attract the support of the far-right party or increase its influence. However, the attack in the southern city of Aschaffenburg could prove a turning point, after a number of similar incidents in the last year. The suspect in the stabbing in which two people died is a 28-year-old Afghan national who was due to be deported. While Merz insisted that his stance has not changed, a motion passing in the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, with AfD support would represent an unprecedented step. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Anyone who wants to vote in favour of these motions should do so, and anyone who rejects them should reject them," said Merz. "I don't look to the right or the left; I only look straight ahead on these issues," he added. Merz said that his policy on the AfD was clear: "We do not work with this party. We will not enter into a government with them." A top lawyer at the new Department of Government Efficiency headed up by Elon Musk has announced he is leaving, just days after Vivek Ramaswamys departure. Bill McGinley, a partner at law firm Holtzman Vogel and served as cabinet secretary during Trumps first term, was appointed as DOGEs legal counsel by the president in December. He announced his departure on Thursday. I am in discussions regarding a number of private sector opportunities and will have something to announce in the next couple of weeks, McGinley said, per the Wall Street Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I support President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the great teams in the White House and across the administration 100 percent. A top lawyer has left the Department of Government Efficiency, following in the footsteps of Vivek Ramaswamy (right) amid tensions of a falling out with his department co-chair Elon Musk (left) (Getty Images) It comes after biotech entrepreneur Ramaswamy stepped down, ostensibly to pursue a campaign to be Ohios next governor. However the Washington Post reported that deep philosophical differences over how the advisory board of DOGE which is intended to slash federal spending by trillions should function, had led to a rift between the two men. In November, Ramaswamy wrote in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal explaining how DOGE would dismantle the administrative state using current laws and Supreme Court precedents. This includes reducing the federal workforce, stripping agency regulations via executive orders and re-examining the budgeting process within each agency to reduce costs. Ramaswamy stepped down from his role earlier this week, ostensibly to pursue a campaign to be Ohios next governor (Getty Images) According to those familiar with the matter, this approach stood in contrast to Musks, which reportedly focused on technology and data mining to achieve DOGEs aim to cut federal spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department was originally meant to serve as an external advisory panel. However, after taking office Trump signed an executive order confirming that DOGE will function within the executive branch, and replacing the U.S. Digital Service. McGinley was originally tapped to be White House counsel, the most senior legal adviser to the president, though his position as DOGE counsel was announced a short while later. ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Ian Cleary, the man accused of sexually assaulting a Gettysburg College student over a decade ago, has waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Police say Cleary, 31, of Saratoga, California, sexually assaulted the student in 2013, but charges couldnt be filed until 2021 when he sent her a string of Facebook messages admitting to raping her. By that time, Cleary had already left the country. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Daily Digest Cleary was detained in Metz, France, in April 2024 after a three-year search, and a French appeals court later said he could be extradited, according to the Associated Press. Earlier this month, Cleary was extradited from France to Adams County, Pennsylvania, where he was arraigned before a judge. Reporting from the Associated Press said, Clearys next hearing was scheduled for Jan. 29, 2025, but today waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, officially made their debut at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. on Friday morning. We want our message to tourists to be clear, we have world class hotels, fantastic restaurants and pandas, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said. The 3-year-old pandas traveled to D.C. from China in October and have been quarantining since their arrival. Ive been working with pandas for almost 20 years and one day I suspect Ill go, Ill look at a panda and the magic will wear off, but it never does. It never has. Dr. Brandie Smith with the Smithsonian National Zoo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two pandas are part of a new 10-year agreement with China. The previous deal expired in 2023 and the three pandas at the zoo were sent back to China. The Smithsonian giant pandas have been a presence in Washington for more than 50 years, Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian said. In some ways, they are as iconic as the Washington Monument or the Lincoln Memorial. Dr. Smith said in the decades since the program started, there has been a jump from less than 1,000 pandas in the world to almost 3,000. Giant pandas truly represent how great conservation outcomes can be achieved through great partnerships and public support, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Zoo is free for people to visit, and the Smithsonian announced it has relaunched the Giant Panda Cam. Were the only place on the planet where people can see the giant pandas for free, Dr. Smith 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 Queen City News. The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., introduced its two new giant pandas to the public on Friday. Bao Li and Qing Bao are 3 years old. They're part of a conservation program and a historic partnership between the U.S. and China that goes back half a century. Giant panda Bao Li eats an apple during the panda public debut at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, DC, on January 24, 2025. The pandas arrived at the zoo on October 15, 2024, in the latest chapter in China's campaign of international History of panda diplomacy In 1972, President Richard Nixon and first lady Pat Nixon made a historic trip to China. Shortly after, China gifted two giant pandas to the U.S. to celebrate the countries improving ties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What began as an act of diplomacy has evolved into a scientific partnership between the U.S. and China, bringing together researchers and conservationists from around the world in an effort to save the dwindling number of pandas worldwide. Return to the National Zoo The Panda House at the National Zoo has been empty for more than a year after Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji were sent back to China in November 2023 when a previous agreement between the U.S. and China expired. Tian Tian and Mei Xiang arrived in 2000. In 2020, the pair had a cub, Xiao Qi Ji. But the heartbreak of the beloved animals' leaving was short lived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2024, the Smithsonian and the China Wildlife Conservation Association announced a new agreement to bring pandas back to Washington, D.C., for at least the next decade. The adorable animals have attracted millions of visitors to the National Zoo, ranging from first families to school field trips. The zoo's newest occupants arrived on a FedEx plane in October and took a few months to settle in before making their public debuts. Giant panda Qing Bao eats bamboo during the public debut at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, DC, on January 24, 2025. The pandas arrived at the zoo on October 15, 2024, in the latest chapter in China's campaign of international How the partnership with China works The zoo pays its Chinese partners $1 million a year to house the pandas. The money goes directly to panda conservation efforts in China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the pandas comes other perks for the zoo: An extra bump in visitors and in-park revenue. "We've been waiting for this for a really long time," said panda fan Wyatt Brewer. For those who can't make it to the National Zoo to see the pandas in person, the zoo is relaunching its Panda Cam. Giant panda Qing Bao eats bamboo during the public debut at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, DC, on January 24, 2025. The pandas arrived at the zoo on October 15, 2024, in the latest chapter in China's campaign of international Trump reacts to Republicans who won't vote for Hegseth Norah O'Donnell's final sign off from "CBS Evening News" CBS News Confirmed examines Gov. Newsom's "fact checks" on California fires MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) Nicole B. Roberts made it her mission to create a space and community that would encourage more women to write; and with the help of four friends, she made that dream possible. I really think that writing is the tool that sets people free, Roberts said. The writing club that Roberts founded, Girls Who Write, has met major success in Midland. A couple of years ago as an author, I knew I wanted a community of women that could share in my love of words, Roberts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every week the club meets at the Oaks Coffee Creative Co. in Midland on Thursdays for writing workshops, alongside other community events they host throughout the year. I wrote She Blooms, said Rosie Talley, a published author and member of the club. Its a poetry chapbook for mothers and I actually wrote that after I joined this group. I wouldnt have ever dipped my toe into poetry without this group. The club has managed to bring dozens of women together, who have moved to the area or are locals, to reach their goals together. Its really cool to see such a unique array of women, but they all love words, and they all love each other, and they all come together and support each other in accomplishing their goals which is really really cool and unique I think, Roberts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Women from all writing levels are encouraged to check out the group, and possibly become inspired by the other women who come every week. To learn more about Girls Who Write club, their Instagram @girls_who_write_tx. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. The European Securities and Markets Authority has urged national authorities in the European Union (EU) to ensure that exchanges are no longer making non-compliant stablecoins available for trading within the next two months. The regulator has requested that the 27 member states in the EU ensure crypto asset service providers (CASPs) are compliant when it comes to its stablecoin rules "no later than the end of Q1 2025," ESMA said in a statement on Friday. "In practice, this means that CASPs operating a trading platform for crypto-assets are expected to stop making all crypto-assets that would qualify as ARTs and EMTs but for which the issuer is not authorised in the EU (non-MiCA compliant ARTs and EMTs ) available for trading," ESMA said. ARTs are asset referenced tokens and EMTs are electronic money tokens. The move would affect stablecoins which are not compliant with EU laws like Tether's USDT if it were offered to EU clients. Large issuers have already taken steps to try and comply with the Markets in Crypto Assets legislation (MiCA). Tether announced in November it was discontinuing its euro stablecoin, EURT. The company has not managed to obtain the required e-money license under MiCA to operate in the EU. Circle obtained an e-money license in July. Exchanges like Gemini and Coinbase, who are registered in the EU, would have to delist un-authorized stablecoins, according to ESMA's statement. Coinbase previously announced it would delist any such tokens by last December. "Given our commitment to compliance, we restricted the provision of services to Retail, Exchange, and Prime Vault customers of Coinbase Europe Limited, Coinbase Germany GmbH, and Coinbase Custody International Limited in connection with stablecoins that do not meet the MiCA requirements beginning on December 13, 2024, a spokesperson from Coinbase told CoinDesk on Tuesday. The exchange "will assess re-enabling services for stablecoins that achieve MiCA compliance on a later date," the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, Gemini is considering how best to move forward following the release of the statement. "We are assessing this and its impact on our customers to understand how to manage stablecoins moving forward," Mark Jennings, head of Europe at Gemini said, referring to ESMA's statement. Tether told CoinDesk in a statement that it was aware of the evolving regulatory landscape under MiCA. Many exchanges are actively engaging with local NCAs to address concerns and mitigate any potential disruption to consumers," a spokesperson at Tether said. "At this stage, we do not anticipate immediate changes for Tether users as these discussions progress." NCAs are national competent authorities. *Update: The Grand Junction Police Department is reporting Lisa Brownlee was found safe around 5:40 p.m. The original story follows. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) The Grand Junction Police Department is asking for the communitys assistance locating 24-year-old Lisa Brownlee. Brownlee was last seen around 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, on the 300 block of Acoma Drive. She was last seen wearing a black hoodie and leggings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brownlee is described as a White female, 52 feet tall and weighs 140 pounds. She wears eyeglasses and has blonde hair and blue eyes. If anyone has information about Brownlee or her whereabouts, call non-emergency dispatch at 970-242-6707. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. After more than 32 years on Glendale's police force in multiple roles, Chief Chris Briggs has announced his retirement next month. Briggs' last day at the helm will be Feb. 28, according to a news release. "As we look to the future, you have to take opportunities that come your way and you have to sometimes recognize that its time to step aside and this is the perfect time for me to step aside," Briggs said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement hailed the police chief as leading the implementation of Arizona's first Real Time Crime Center, a hub where technology is used to watch for crime and other issues. He also helped institute the West Valley Incident Response Team, which investigates incidents like police shootings. "There is not a doubt in my mind that the Glendale Police Department is the best police department in the country, I know what we do and how we do it and I know the passion that we do it with and I couldnt be prouder of this department," Briggs said in his statement. Briggs took on the position of interim chief in August 2019 and became chief later that year. He had been assistant police chief since February 2016. The longtime lawman started at the department in 1992 and was previously a patrol officer, a criminal investigator and served in special operations, the news release said. "Chief Briggs has served with integrity, vision and unwavering commitment. His wealth of knowledge has been instrumental in shaping the department, and his efforts to modernize our technology have set new standards for public safety and efficiency," Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant Chief Colby Brandt has been appointed by Phelps as interim police chief until Glendale names a permanent replacement, the news release said. "I know the department will serve Interim Chief Brandt well during this time and I know that Interim Chief Brandt will also serve the department well," Briggs said. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Glendale police Chief Chris Briggs retiring after 32 years of service Rumors around a Lake Tahoe ski resort's future have stirred the pot over the last few months. Homewood Mountain Resort has been a Tahoe staple since 1962. Like any ski mountain that's been around since the 60's, the resort has seen wear and tear that eventually demands investments and updated infrastructure. In 2011, Homewood Mountain Resort released a Master Plan to update and expand the resort's essential structures, base areas, and operations. Nine years after the Plan was created, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Placer County approved permit applications for Phase 1, which included building new residential structures south of the resort's north base. With construction underway for Phase 1, Homewood submitted another permit application to TRPA in 2022 for changes to resort operations. The formal application for these changes was submitted in May of 2024. As one of just a few independently owned resorts in the Tahoe area, Homewood Mountain Resort spent the last few seasons struggling to keep up and earn revenue amongst the Ikon and Epic giants surrounding them. In an effort to keep it's doors open and get funding for some of the mountain's much needed updates, the aforementioned changes included the possibility of Homewood becoming a private ski resort. According to an article published in June of 2024, JMA Adventures, who currently owns Homewood, finalized a partnership with Discovery Land Company, who owns the Yellowstone Club, a private ski resort in Montana, which is what initially sparked rumors that the resort would go private. Homewood serves up jaw-dropping views of Lake Tahoe. Courtesy Homewood Mountain Resort Backlash came quickly in the form of an organization called Keep Homewood Public, that popped up in efforts to, well, keep Homewood public. Following the outcry from locals, Homewood announced repeatedly that they were committed to remaining a public resort. Homewood went back to the drawing board on the 2011 Master Plan, now fourteen years out of date. Notable changes included the placement of an updated gondola, surrounded by day lockers, a parking garage, a general store, market, seasonal ice rink, and a reduced number of larger residential homes. But when the changes were not approved by the TRPA, the resort's 2024/25 financial backer rescinded their support. Homewood announced in October of 2024 that it would not open for the 2024/25 season. Confidence that Homewood would remain public wavered upon losing financial backing and it's 2024/25 season, but the resort has maintained that it would remain public at all costs. On January 22, 2025 TRPA held a governing meeting with Homewood Mountain Resort to further discuss and approve changes to the Master Plan. Ahead of the meeting, Keep Homewood Public raised concerns via social media that the plan still included language that would prevent certain people from purchasing tickets or passes to Homewood. According to TRPA's statement, hundreds of people attended the meeting both in-person and online, reaffirming the importance of Homewood to the Tahoe community. The new gondola, a significant part of the updated Master Plan, was approved alongside more updates that allow "reinvestment in the resort while still ensuring Homewood will continue to be open to the public," according to TRPA's statement. Homewood also committed to continuing its 250-acre forest fuel reduction project this year, and is currently finalizing an agreement with the North Tahoe Fire Protection District to expand fire services and assist with emergency response and wildfire evacuation. Homewood's trail map. Photo: Homewood Mountain Resort While Homewood continues to reiterate it's commitment to staying public and KHP voiced that the January 22 meeting was a success, some locals remain skeptical. While the TRPA has approved the updated Master Plan, Placer County still needs to issue permits to build many of the structures that will surround the resort's new gondola. Homewood is currently the largest private land parcel in the Tahoe Basin at 1,260 acres. However, if despite the resort's public commitment to staying public, Discovery decided to privatize the resort, or violate the Master Plan otherwise, TRPA has the power to issue a cease and desist order and hefty fines to the company. Discovery Land Company also maintains its commitment to keeping Homewood a public resort. For now, only time will tell. Related: Big Mountain Royalty McKenna Peterson's Double Life as a Fishing Boat Captain Be the first to read breaking ski news with POWDER. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. From ski resort news to profiles of the worlds best skiers, we are committed to keeping you informed. Ryan Walters, the Oklahoma state superintendent of schools, on Thursday said he would not rule out letting Immigration and Customs Enforcement conduct operations in public schools. Schools havent been working with law enforcement on this,he told a reporter from Tulsas ABC affiliate. Well, look, in Oklahoma, were going to work with law enforcement. Were going to work with the Trump administration. So youre not completely ruling out a raid on an Oklahoma school? the reporter asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, if thats what President Trump sees fit, as theres an illegal immigrant population there that needs to have enforcement there to remove them from the schools, absolutely, he said. We will work with him to make sure hes able to carry that out. Earlier this week, the Trump administration rolled back a policy that kept ICE agents from conducting raids in sensitive areas like schools, hospitals and churches. The Obama administration originally put the rule in place in 2011, and ICE adhered to it during Donald Trumps first term. Walters, who oversees the Oklahoma State Department of Education, has been a fervent supporter of Trump. Hes known for his attacks on teachers and false claims about public schools being overrun with sexually explicit material, as well as for trying to mandate that the Christian Bible be taught in public schools. Walters has appeared eager to work with the administration on their promise of conducting unprecedented mass deportations. Last month, he proposed a rule to allow the OSDE to collect data on undocumented children who attend public school. In 1982, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that all children have a right to an education, regardless of their immigration status. Walters has said the state will not create a database of undocumented students, but insists the information is needed for funding purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with Trumps deluge of orders specifically cracking down on immigrants and Walters position as a well-known acolyte to the president, advocates are worried that Oklahoma officials will use that information to help ICE target immigrant families. There are 6,000 children without legal status who attend school in Oklahoma, according to an estimate from the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan organization that tracks and analyzes data on immigrants. At a public hearing earlier this month for the proposed rule, all 19 speakers came out against it. Walters did not respond to HuffPosts request for comment. Walters willingness to let ICE operate in schools sets him apart from education in other parts of the U.S. In December, after Tom Homan, who served as Trumps ICE director during his first term and is now the presidents border czar, reportedly made comments about the administration ending the practice of refraining from conducting operations in sensitive areas, several administrators announced that their districts would not work with immigration officials and made efforts to remind families of their rights. A sexting problem in the GOP could have kept Republicans from interrogating a key political target. The Washington Post reports that Republicans avoided subpoenaing Mark Meadows' former Chief of Staff Cassidy Hutchinson last year to avoid the embarrassing fallout of her testimony. An aide to House Speaker Mike Johnson worried Hutchinson could bring up sexually explicit texts from GOP representatives. As part of a GOP-launched probe into the bipartisan committee to investigate Jan. 6, Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., floated issuing a subpoena for the former White House aides testimony. According to correspondence reviewed by the Post and an anonymous source with knowledge of the event, a Johnson aide warned Loudermilk that a subpoena risked exposing sexual texts from members who were trying to engage in sexual favors. In an email, another Johnson staffer reportedly told Loudermilks office that Hutchinson could potentially reveal embarrassing information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The subpoena plan was part of a broader GOP effort to poke holes in the work of the previous Jan 6 Committee, including Hutchinsons testimony that Donald Trump ignored warnings about potential violence. Johnson denied that he spoke out against bringing Hutchinson to testify. I had nothing to do with that, the decision not to issue a subpoena to Cassidy Hutchinson was made by the chairman of that committee, and thats Barry Loudermilk, Johnson said on Thursday, following the Post's report. The speaker claimed that Hutchinson had already agreed to cooperate with the committee, and thus a subpoena wasnt needed. On Wednesday, Johnson carried on Loudermilks effort to relitigate Jan. 6 and the subsequent investigation, empaneling a subcommittee to probe the work of the original committee. House Republicans are proud of our work so far in exposing the false narratives peddled by the politically motivated January 6 Select Committee during the 117th Congress, but there is still more work to be done, Johnson said in a statement. House Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly warned Republican lawmakers against subpoenaing the phone records of key Jan. 6 witness Cassidy Hutchinson, saying doing so could reveal sexual texts that might embarrass some of his colleagues. Hutchinson served as a whistleblower in the bipartisan House Committee on the Jan. 6 Attack that concluded former President Donald Trump, whom many others followed, was responsible for the deadly 2021 storming of the Capitol. Testimony from Hutchinson, a former aide to Republican White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, helped investigators reach that conclusion. Since winning a House majority in 2022, Republicans led by Johnson and loyal to Trump have committed themselves to investigating those investigators. But when Johnson considered calling for Hutchinsons phone records in June, an aide reportedly warned that Republicans might not like what he finds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unnamed aide allegedly said multiple colleagues had raised concerns with Johnsons office that sexual texts from (Congress) members who were trying to engage in sexual favors with Hutchinson could be found in her phone, according to correspondence reviewed by The Washington Post. In a subsequent meeting, GOP Rep. Barry Loudermilk, who was tapped to lead the investigation into the Jan. 6 committee, was reportedly given that warning as well. The panel ultimately opted not to subpoena Hutchinson. Largely dismissive of the Posts story, Johnson said Thursday he never advised Loudermilk not to subpoena Hutchinson, and that the scuttlebutt was much ado about nothing. Loudermilk said the decision was made because Hutchinson was already cooperating with the panel, according to The Hill. What the possibly dirty text messages involving Hutchinson might say or who sent them isnt clear. In speaking to the Post, her attorney did not address whether any such texts exist. _____ This article was originally published in The Texas Tribune. As Texas lawmakers wrap up the first week of the 2025 legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott has signaled another public education priority he wants on their list: banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in K-12 public schools. No taxpayer dollars will be used to fund DEI in our schools, Abbott said in a post on the social media platform X on Thursday, using the acronym for diversity efforts. Schools must focus on fundamentals of education, not indoctrination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barring DEI efforts at K-12 schools would expand a statewide ban for colleges and universities approved two years ago. The governors office did not immediately respond to questions from The Texas Tribune on Friday seeking more details on Abbotts remarks. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter His comments came in response to a series of videos posted by Corey DeAngelis, a senior fellow at the American Culture Project, allegedly showing a Richardson school district official answering questions from an individual who recorded the interaction and asked whether the district would allow a transgender girl to share a room with other students on a field trip. The school official, identified as the districts executive DEI director, said the district would respond to the situation on a case-by-case basis with parental input. Richardson school district officials said in a statement to the Tribune that only students of the same sex assigned at birth share rooms. The district also said its schools follow all anti-discrimination requirements, including a law stating that student-athletes must compete in events according to their sex assigned at birth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district is not aware of any instance where this requirement was not followed, nor of any RISD-specific information suggesting the requirement should not be followed, said Tim Clark, the districts executive director of communications. During the 2023 legislative session, Texas passed Senate Bill 17, which banned DEI offices, programs and training at publicly-funded universities. Under the law, universities cannot create diversity offices, hire employees to carry out diversity-related initiatives or require any DEI training as a condition for employment or admission. Related Poll of High Schoolers Shows Many Are Taught That America Is Inherently Racist Since the law was passed, universities across the state have moved to shutter DEI offices and efforts. Those offices played a pivotal role in helping Black, Latino, LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented students adjust to life on college campuses and foster a sense of community among their peers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Educational institutions across the country made promises following the 2020 murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer to work harder at creating more inclusive environments for their students. But many of those efforts have taken significant steps back as state officials have passed legislation to shutter them, labeling those efforts as left-wing indoctrination. Abbotts desire to now extend the law to K-12 public schools represents the latest attempt by Texas state officials to exert greater control over how educational institutions go about ensuring students from all backgrounds feel included, while limiting how they can teach and talk about gender, sexual orientation and Americas history of racism. Abbotts promise to prevent taxpayer dollars from flowing toward DEI initiatives at schools comes as public education spending is set to play a central role during the 2025 legislative session, which began earlier this week. During the last session, House Democrats and rural Republicans efforts to block a school voucher program Abbotts top legislative priority for the last few years came at the cost of not securing a funding boost for public schools, which has left Texas school districts grappling with multimillion-dollar budget deficits and other serious financial difficulties like school closures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott now says he has the votes to get a voucher program, which would allow parents to use tax dollars to pay for their childrens private education, across the finish line. He has also indicated a willingness to increase public education funding this year. The governors comments immediately drew praise from Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, chair of the Senates Education Committee and author of the current DEI law. SB 17 has become a model for the entire nation, and I am ready to expand the law to protect the 6 million students in Texas schools from failed, divisive DEI programs, Creighton wrote on social media. Lets get to work. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/17/texas-dei-k12-schools-greg-abbott/. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. SPRINGFIELD, Mass (WWLP) The Healey Administration highlighted the legalization of speed enforcement cameras when announcing the 2026 budget, showing the importance of public safety. Its getting ridiculous out there times people just, they are not obeying the traffic rules regulated, said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. In the 2026 fiscal budget, the Healey Administration proposed speed enforcement cameras in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If passed, each city and town would be able to determine if they would like to enforce them. Speeding in neighborhoods is a constant concern, not just in Holyoke but my colleagues in other communities get the same level of concern. We hear about it all the time, said Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia. Both Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said they are interested in learning the logistics of the proposal and how it may help to make their cities safer. It doesnt feel good to wake up in the morning and hear of some major incident that couldve been avoided if folks werent speeding, said Mayor Garcia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cameras would be monitored by the MassDOT and fines would be sent through the mail to the name registered to the vehicle. If signed, Massachusetts becomes the 19th state to impose these cameras. In the bill, cities, and towns would be limited to one camera per 5,000 residents, meaning Springfield would be able to have up to 30-speed enforcement cameras. I wish I could have a police officer on every corner, theres just theres no way that can happen so they have these camera speed cameras out there could become very beneficial, said Mayor Sarno. The bill also suggested that MassDOT would be allowed to place speed cameras in construction work zones, which would not count towards the citys allotment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In regards to privacy, any video or pictures from these cameras would not be considered a public record. That means the footage could only used to enforce violations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Raheem Mullins, the nominee for chief justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, addressing the Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing in September. (Photo by Mark Pazniokas/CT Mirror) This article first appeared on CT Mirror and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. Gov. Ned Lamont plans Monday to nominate William H. Bright Jr. as an associate justice of the Supreme Court and 13 others as judges of the Superior Court, the start of the public portion of an otherwise opaque path to becoming a jurist in Connecticut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That path has not always been smooth for Lamont, his predecessors or the men and women they have chosen. Bright, the well-regarded chief judge of the intermediate Appellate Court, would make the Supreme Court, the highest step in Connecticuts three-level judiciary, a demographic outlier the only court where white men would be the majority, albeit narrowly. Connecticuts judiciary reached an unheralded milestone last spring. For the first time, more women than men wore the black robes of a Superior Court trial judge, 85 to 84, and women outnumbered men, 93 to 92, when tally included the Appellate and Supreme courts. What the governors general counsel, Natalie Braswell, calls a silver tsunami of retirements over Lamonts six years in office has given the governor the opportunity to deliver on a promise to create a judiciary that looks like Connecticut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges put on the bench by Lamont are more than half of the current roster of 179 active judges. According to data provided by the Judicial Department, the system has 201 authorized positions, with 22 vacancies as of Jan. 9. By the administrations count, Lamont gave 98 of the 179 judges their jobs. They include 51 women and 47 men, with diverse racial backgrounds: 63 white, 14 Black, 13 Latino or Hispanic, five Asian, two multiracial and one other. With the arrival of gender parity, and a racial makeup that generally reflects the states population, the definition of diversity has expanded beyond race and gender to professional backgrounds. Are there too many former prosecutors and other government attorneys on the bench? Why the dearth of legal aid lawyers and solo practitioners? Those are questions increasingly posed over the past two years, changing the meaning of diversity in the context of judicial nominations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When people use that word, unless theyre specific, they dont always mean the same thing, said Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, the co-chair of the legislatures Judiciary Committee. I think theres always going to be a concern about the issue of diversity. Since 2022, Lamont nominated three people who withdrew from consideration after failing to clear the legislatures Judiciary Committee, where the private vetting of candidates goes public. One was the Supreme Court nomination in 2023 of Sandra Slack Glover, a high-ranking federal prosecutor. Winfield and Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, the other Judiciary co-chair, say the governor and his administration have made efforts to include them in the informal confidential vetting. Braswell said, There are lessons learned from getting slapped by the Sandy Glover nomination. I will credit the current staff in the governors office for being more engaged with Judiciary Committee leadership on the nomination process. I think there is a better line of communication now than maybe there was a few years ago, Stafstrom said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were talking about things before they become a problem. And in the past, I dont think it was by intention, that didnt happen, Winfield said. Glover was unable to overcome legislative questions about her commitment to upholding Connecticuts strong reproductive rights laws and complaints that her long experience in the federal courts left her unfamiliar with the states courts. Two others were rejected as judges of the Superior Court. One was a state prosecutor accused of being overly harsh on defendants, including a claim that he had increased the charges against a defendant who had refused a plea deal. A governor can only choose nominees from a pool of candidates who have been approved confidentially by the Judicial Selection Commission, a panel of lawyers and non-lawyers chosen by the governor and legislative leaders of both parties. A state police background check then follows on possible nominees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Tom ODea, R-New Canaan, a former chair of the Judicial Selection Commission, said he believes the panel is not as rigorous in screening candidates since its makeup was revised to give it a majority of non-lawyers. Only one trial lawyer is currently on the commission, he said. Im looking forward to working with the [Judiciary Committee] chairs on, frankly, fixing the process so that the first opportunity that candidates have facing tough questions isnt here, ODea said after a committee meeting Wednesday. Rep. Craig Fishbein of Wallingford, the ranking House Republican on the committee, said the commission inexplicably approved a lawyer who had extensive experience as a federal prosecutor but was not currently licensed to practice law in Connecticut. She was rammed through, Fishbein said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House passed a bill last year that would have, among other things, required a majority of practicing lawyers on the commission. It did not come to a vote in the Senate. Fishbein said the new era of communication from the governors office on judicial nominations has not extended to the GOP, though he acknowledged Lamont telling him weeks ago about his choice of Bright for the Supreme Court. As a Republican in the minority, I can tell you theres very little communication between our side of the aisle and the governors office with regard to nominees. And Ill tell you, a glaring example is that we dont get the list. I know the other side of the aisle gets the list. By the list, he was referring to the names of lawyers who have been cleared by the Judicial Selection Commission. Stafstrom said the Democratic co-chairs are not privy to the list, though the governors office will share who is eligible and under consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the committee voted 38-1 to endorse the nomination of Associate Justice Raheem Mullins as chief justice of the Supreme Court, a position hes held on an interim basis since September. Mullins, who has previously gone through confirmation hearings for the Superior and Appellate courts, is expected to be overwhelmingly confirmed Tuesday by the House and Senate. Mullins would be the second Black chief justice. His predecessor, Richard A. Robinson, was the first. Bright is being nominated to succeed Mullins as an associate justice. Bright had been a judge for 16 years, nominated to the Superior Court in 2008 by Gov. M. Jodi Rell and to the Appellate Court by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, who leads the Governors Council on Women and Girls, said Brights qualifications are stellar, and his move to the Supreme Court will open a vacancy on the Appellate Court that others say is certain to go to a woman already chosen by Lamont. To her, the longer path to gender parity is both long overdue and worth celebrating. As a new lawmaker in 1993, Bysiewicz sought a seat on the Judiciary Committee with a goal of pushing for diversity. There were classes of judicial nominees that were all white and, occasionally, all male. This has been a passion project of mine to try to get more people on the bench at every step that look like our state, so that when people walk into a courtroom, they can see themselves in the judges who preside, Bysiewicz said. I say, Hallelujah. This article first appeared on CT Mirror and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced Bipartisan legislation which would authorize $100 million in federal funding, so states can train childcare workers and build or renovate childcare facilities with targeted investments to meet local needs. Childcare deserts are places where there are more kids than childcare seats available. Naturally, this makes things very difficult for parents who need to work. State officials have been making a point of addressing this issue lately most recently Governor Kathy Hochul proposed $110 million to build more childcare centers. According to Gillibrand, her proposal would help Hochul meet her childcare goals. Making sure our parents have affordable access to childcare is essential, said Gillibrand. It allows them to succeed in their career and continue contributing to our national economy. It increases labor force participation, reduces absenteeism among workers, and helps contribute to a childs future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gillibrand says, about 64% of NY residents live in childcare deserts, and the YMCA of Greater Rochester is one of the organizations trying to combat this issue. Thats why they announced plans to open a new childcare center at the Eastside Family YMCA in Penfield. The center is set to serve 120 children which is an additional 44 spots than the location is currently able to handle. We truly have outgrown the space. There are 76 kids in that program and another 300 on the waiting list, said Ernie Lamour the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester. Both Gillibrand and Lamour say we still havent recovered from childcare issues which began during the COVID pandemic. 16,000 childcare centers closed nationwide, prices soared, and a combination of already low wages and increased risk to their health and safety led many childcare providers to leave the industry entirely. And Lamour says, Those of us who remain open, were doing our best, but space is limited. The project completion date is set for Winter 2026. 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 RochesterFirst. By Svea Herbst-Bayliss NEW YORK (Reuters) - Activist investor Ananym Capital Management plans to nominate as many as half a dozen directors to the board at Henry Schein, arguing the dental and medical distributor needs to start searching for a new CEO, cut costs and optimize capital allocation, three sources familiar with the matter said. The hedge fund, launched in September by veteran investors Charlie Penner and Alex Silver, could announce its slate within the next weeks, picking executives experienced in healthcare distribution and business transformation, the sources said. Henry Schein, valued at $9.3 billion, has 13 board members, including Chairman and Chief Executive Stanley Bergman, 75, who has served as a director for more than four decades. Five directors have been on the board for a dozen years or more. A full-blown board challenge would dial up the pressure on Henry Schein after the company and hedge fund held informal talks late last year. Ananym remains concerned that more substantive discussions have not taken place. A representative for Henry Schein did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has previously said that it regularly engages in dialogue with investors to enhance shareholder value and analyzes their input in that context. The proxy fight would be among the first of the new year. Bankers and lawyers say more companies could face costly battles with shareholders in 2025 over hot button issues ranging from CEO succession to putting themselves up for sale. However, Ananym could also back off from a board challenge, subject to some sort of agreement or further announcements from Henry Schein, the sources said. Penner and Silver have argued that Henry Schein needs fresh blood on the board to immediately consider succession planning for Bergman. Ananym owns 471,000 shares in Henry Schein and the position is the biggest for the fund, which oversees $250 million. Investors fret that little planning has been devoted to what happens after Bergman leaves. Several Henry Schein senior executives exited after only a few years on the job, including Jonathan Koch, former CEO of Henry Schein's Global Dental Group, and A.J. Caffentzis, former president of its U.S. dental division. The departures raised concerns that top executives who might have been potential CEO candidates see no future for themselves at the company. The hedge fund also argued that spending has spiraled out of control and that Henry Schein needs to better integrate acquisitions, the people said. Henry Schein should also reallocate capital spending toward repurchasing its undervalued stock and away from mergers and acquisitions until prior deals are integrated, Ananym has said. The Florida Capitol building on Aug. 12, 2024. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) The Republican-led Legislature could, for the first time, find itself on a special-session collision course with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis has called lawmakers into a weeklong special session beginning Monday to address a number of high-profile and complicated issues, from immigration to soaring special assessments for condominium owners, to changing how constitutional amendments can make the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has made immigration a priority and insisted that a revamp of immigration laws is needed to help President Donald Trump carry out his plans to deport millions who have entered the country illegally. Its not unusual for the Legislature to convene in special session; this will be the eighth since DeSantis has been in office. What is unusual is for DeSantis to call the members into a special session without having some kind of an agreement hammered out in advance with the GOP-controlled Legislature. The House and Senate issued statements Friday announcing they would convene Monday at 10:30 a.m. as constitutionally required. The Senate also has opened a 2025A session page on its website where bills filed for consideration during the special session will be posted. As of this posting, there were none. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House, meanwhile, had not established a webpage for special session-related bills to be filed as of this posting. The governors office has released what it is describing as suggested bill language for immigration changes and what it is calling ballot initiative integrity. But there arent any proposals for condominiums or for increasing funding for the My Safe Florida Home program, another DeSantis wish. Lobbying and trolling The governor has ratcheted pressure on legislators to act, including holding a roundtable in Jacksonville during which he said it would be hazardous for lawmakers politically if they voted to quickly end the session. The DeSantis administration sent agency heads to appear before committees last week to contend that unauthorized immigration was a pressing matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Hartsell, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, drew a reprimand from Panhandle Republican Rep. Alex Andrade during the first committee meeting of the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee on Jan. 15. While Hartsell described the departments function to new lawmakers, he shifted gears to bring up border security. I understand that theres a political dynamic going on, but we are here to talk about health care today, Andrade, the chair of the subcommittee, insisted during the meeting. Please stick to health care and the Department of Veterans Affairs. I dont anticipate many illegal immigrants being veterans receiving services. Alex Andrade, House Health Care Budget Subcommittee I was actually kind of curious if you were going to work in illegal immigration somehow into your speech because it has been very impressive so far. However, I would just ask: Please stick to health care and the Department of Veterans Affairs. I dont anticipate many illegal immigrants being veterans receiving services, the chair said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis chastised on X Miami Dade Republican Rep. Vicki Lopez for a similar back-and-forth with Florida Lotterys Secretary John Davis. Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo on Friday called the agencies intervention sad. Im sorry if they have kids old enough to see their parents on TV basically reading from a script, he told reporters following a panel discussion in Tallahassee in which he called for more bipartisanship in politics. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Options When DeSantis first announced the special session earlier this month, House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton responded by issuing a joint statement calling it completely irresponsible to get out ahead of any announcements President Trump will make, especially when uninformed or ill-timed state action could potentially impair or impede the success of President Trumps forthcoming efforts to end illegal immigration, close our borders, and protect the sovereignty of our nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once in session, though, the Legislature has options. It can address the issues DeSantis has identified, which would entail committee meetings to consider bills with the goal of passing new laws. Conversely, the House and Senate could each convene, read the governors proclamation, then adjourn. Or legislators could allow the time to run out on the session without reconvening. A motion to adjourn could pass on a voice vote, which means lawmakers wouldnt have to go on the record. However, they could be forced to register their vote on the motion if five members raise their hands to demand a roll call. Difficult to prognosticate The options may be clear but what the Legislature will do is not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pizzo is a leading voice in the Florida Legislature on soaring condominium costs, serving as vice chair of the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. Sen. Jennifer Bradley, a Republican from Fleming Island, chairs the panel, which is taking the lead in the Senate on crafting legislation to address the soaring special assessments. Pizzo wasnt optimistic Friday about finding a resolution on the condominium problem during a week-long special session. If condo was going to be on there, I think I would have had extended discussions, he said. Sen. Bradley and I met with the governors staff a week and a half ago at length. Good discussion, and what I think we all gleaned from that it was [that] theres a lot of, you know, complex ideas, and nuances, and things that have to be flushed out and consider the implications. All of which cannot be done on a Monday morning snap. Sen. Don Gaetz told the Florida Phoenix he was not in on any plans for the special session. All I know is that we are gaveling in Monday [morning], Gaetz, a former Senate president, told the Phoenix in a text message. Taxpayers foot the bill Senate Appropriations Chair Ed Hooper earlier this month said calling a special session without advance agreements would be a waste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issues hes interested in holding a special session, those are hard to fix in three days, Hooper said during a Pinellas County legislative delegation meeting in Clearwater. They need to have a discussion. Why go to Tallahassee if you dont have a solution? Thats just a waste of money. Since DeSantis took office in 2019, the Legislature has met seven times in special session at a cost of nearly $360,000. Florida Phoenix Senior Reporter Mitch Perry contributed to this story SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Some federal websites and webpages went dark after President Donald Trump took office. Among them were La Casa Blanca, the Spanish-language White House site, and some federal DEI sites. The government website for reproductive rights also returned error messages. Several federal government webpages and entire websites went down this week after President Donald Trump took office. Some of the sites were related to political flashpoints, including reproductive rights and diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI. The White House has addressed some of the changes and said that several pages were temporarily down as part of the transition to the new administration's website, but would be restored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the sites that went dark this week and what the White House has said about them. Press representatives from the White House did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment. La Casa Blanca The Spanish-language White House website, La Casa Blanca, was returning a 404 page after Trump took office. The 404 page initially included a button that said "Go Home," but it was updated to read "Go To Home Page." A White House spokesperson told The Associated Press the administration was "committed to bringing back online the Spanish translation section of the website." NBC reported that the Spanish-language version of the White House website took months to relaunch at the start of President Barack Obama's term and Trump's first term. Reproductiverights.gov Reproductiverights.gov was returning an error message as of Friday. The public awareness website was launched in 2022 by the Department of Health and Human Services during the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A version of the website still visible on internet archives showed it included information on birth control, abortion, and preventative health services, like breast and cervical cancer screenings. The White House did not respond to a request for comment on why the site was down. Federal agencies' DEI webpages The DEI pages on several federal agencies' websites disappeared this week. Trump on Tuesday ordered all federal DEI employees to be placed on leave as the agencies work on dismantling their DEI efforts. Trump's memo also instructed agencies to remove any public-facing webpages on DEI to be removed by Wednesday evening. Some agencies removed their DEI pages even before the memo was issued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a speech delivered Thursday to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said, "My administration has taken action to abolish all discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion nonsense. And these are policies that were absolute nonsense throughout the government and the private sector." White House pages on the Constitution and Presidential biographies Several former pages on the White House website were returning 404 messages, including pages on the Constitution and on presidential biographies. In a statement to USA Today, a White House spokesperson said the removals were not intentional and were temporary. "It's day two. We are in the process of developing, editing and tweaking the White House website. As part of this ongoing work, some of the archived content on the website went dormant. We are committed to reloading that content in a short timeline," Harrison Fields, principal White House deputy press secretary, told the outlet. Page for White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention The page for the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention was also returning a 404 message this week, the gun-violence prevention organization Brady said, raising questions about whether the office was being shut entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some members of Congress expressed concern over the webpage being shuttered, including New York Rep. Tim Kennedy and Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost. The NRA posted on X in favor of the move and called the office "misleading" in an X post. The White House did not respond to a request for comment from BI about the site. Read the original article on Business Insider AUSTIN, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) Texas Governor Greg Abbott is asking for the federal government to reimburse the state for what he says is the more than $11.1 billion spent to secure the southern border over the past four years. According to letters sent to U.S. Congressional leadership and the entire Texas congressional delegation on Thursday, Governor Abbott claims Texas taxpayer dollars had to be spent due to what he felt was inaction by the Biden Administration to stop an influx of migrants crossing the border since 2020. Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader John Thune, Minority Leaders Chuck Schumer, and Hakeem Jeffries all received the letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Texas News President Bidens policies left Texas and the rest of America defenseless against an unprecedented infiltration of violent criminals, known terrorists, and other hostile foreign actors, like the dangerous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, reads the letters. I launched Operation Lone Star (OLS) to combat these threats to all Americans. Over the past four years, OLS efforts successfully reduced illegal immigration into Texas by 87%, demonstrated the ongoing effectiveness of President Donald Trumps border measures, and shone a spotlight on a national crisis. In total, Texas has spent over $11.1 billion to protect the nation and secure the border. Accordingly, I am formally requesting that the federal government reimburse Texas for these costs in full. Abbott says deploying more than 10,000 Texas National Guard soldiers and Texas DPS troopers to the border cost the state almost $6 billion. The burden that our State has borne is a direct result of a refusal by the federal government to do its job, reads the letter. The work that Texas has done through Operation Lone Star has protected and will continue to benefit the entire country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. Gov. Wes Moore (D), seen here speaking to reporters during the opening day of the 2025 session. He subsequently released a budget that he said will cut taxes, cure a $3 billion budget deficit and spur economic growth. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears / Maryland Matters) The budget for 2026 just proposed by Gov. Wes Moore (D) cuts deep into state and local Blueprint funding by about $218 million this year, a cut of about 14%. In addition, the cutbacks will compound in the years ahead, reducing Blueprint funding by as much as $2.2 billion through 2029, and $6.2 billion through 2033. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those numbers are not misprints. Theyre not absolutely definitive either. But thats because the governors budget this year is unusually complicated with innumerable open questions and will be a moving target until the details and accompanying legislation can be analyzed in the coming weeks. Still, the big picture is crystal clear: The proposed cutbacks are astonishingly large, putting the future of the Blueprint in grave danger. Also, the $2.2 billion in cutbacks cited above does not include additional cuts to community schools and wrap-around behavioral health supports, with a conservative estimated loss of another $730 million. More facts: While its conventional in Annapolis to charge that Blueprint funding is the big bad wolf that is blowing down the states fiscal house, Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore) has had the courage to debunk this. Its simply not true, he recently said, adding Our deficit is caused by entitlement spending and health care costs and child care subsidies. Your opinion matters Maryland Matters welcomes guest commentary submissions at editor@marylandmatters.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We suggest a 750-word limit and reserve the right to edit or reject submissions. We do not accept columns that are endorsements of candidates, and no longer accept submissions from elected officials or political candidates. Opinion pieces must be signed by at least one individual using their real name. We do not accept columns signed by an organization. Commentary writers must include a short bio and a photo for their bylines. Views of writers are their own. For 2026, Blueprint funding, even before the cuts, would have amounted to just 2.38% of the states operating budget of $67.3 billion. Not only does the governors budget under-state the magnitude of the cuts, but he has chosen to sugarcoat the pill for schoolchildren by pretending that the loss of funds will help preserve $2.5 billion through 2030 to support future investment in education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will, as a practical matter, do no such thing. The Blueprint budget for 2026 and beyond will be determined through the annual budget-making process. But its virtually certain that the draconian $2.2 billion (or more) reductions will not be restored. In pragmatic political terms, the issue boils down to priorities. There is no end to the controversy and fierce competition over budgets. Other worthy governmental purposes also plead for more funding. Even so, school reform is not getting the high priority it deserves and the Blueprint promises. Total cuts in the budget are about $2 billion, but the massive cuts to Blueprint funding and their compounding nature inflict disproportionate suffering on schoolchildren. Also consider that while these extreme cuts are on the table, other state programs are receiving big increases in their budgets. There is also deception in how budget-cutters defend the largest part of the Blueprint cuts: those that all but decimate the vital program to provide teachers more time for planning and tutoring. Collaborative time would require hiring more teachers, and because thats so hard to do given current staffing shortages, they claim the funding loss would not be a setback. But thats disingenuous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed budget cuts the collaborative-time program for five years, despite the probability that an all-out recruiting initiative, coupled with steps to encourage retention, would gradually tackle the shortages. Moreover, any unspent collaborative-time funding could be redirected to other underfunded Blueprint programs most notably implementation of the new literacy policy. Gov. Moore and legislative leaders seem to take comfort in a recent state poll that purports to show that Marylanders dont want to pay more taxes. But the polling questions were deceptive. The survey asked if respondents support or oppose an increase in the state property tax, the sales tax, and the state income tax to deal with the 3 billion dollar deficit thats expected to grow to 6 billion dollars over the next 5 years. No surprise, the results indicate that virtually no one wants to pay more taxes for unspecified purposes. But properly framed, a survey would ask about attitudes toward more taxes that would achieve progress on transforming K-12 education, expanding health care access, and enhancing transportation to fuel economic development. A 2023 Hart Research poll found that 77% of the states voters said its important to make sure there is enough revenue to fund public education, health care and public safety. The saving grace is that theres still time for Annapolis to pull back from the course of retreat and get the Blueprint moving again in the right direction. Maryland schoolchildren will benefit, and other states would still have a model for school reform to emulate. GOMA, Congo (AP) The governor of eastern Congos North Kivu province has died from injuries sustained during fighting on the front line, a military spokesman said Friday, as M23 rebels closed in on the provincial capital. M23 made significant territorial gains in recent weeks, encircling Goma, which has around 2 million people and is a regional hub for security and humanitarian efforts. The circumstances around the death of Maj. Gen Peter Cirimwami were unclear but Cirimwami, who led army operations in the restive North Kivu, visited troops on the front line in Kasengezi, around 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Goma, on the day of his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor died at a hospital after sustaining injuries on the front line, officials said. The Congolese army spokesperson, Gen. Sylvain Ekenge, confirmed Cirimwamis death. He fell on the field of honor, Ekenge said in a video posted by Congo's presidency on X, adding that the governor succumbed to his injuries after being evacuated from the fighting. On Thursday, panic spread in Goma as rebels took control of Sake, a town only 27 kilometers (16 miles) from the provincial capital and one of the last main routes into the city still under government control, according to the U.N. chief. M23 is one of about 100 armed groups that have been vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo, along the border with Rwanda, in a decadeslong conflict that has created one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 7 million people have been displaced by the fighting. Earlier this month, M23 captured the towns of Minova, Katale and Masisi, west of Goma. M23 seized Goma in 2012 and controlled it for over a week. Congo, the United States and U.N. experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23, which is mainly composed of ethnic Tutsis who broke away from the Congolese army over a decade ago. Rwandas government denies the claim but last year admitted that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to safeguard its security, pointing to a buildup of Congolese forces near the border. U.N. experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan forces in Congo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of Goma was gripped by palpable tension as clashes between Congos armed forces and M23 raged on in the citys periphery on Friday. The fighting is concentrated in Kibumba, around 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of Goma, and around Sake, to the west. More than 178,000 people have fled M23 advance in the last two weeks. Alliance Gentil, 25, was among dozens of displaced people on the road from Sake to Goma on Friday. Sitting on her water container next to her belongings, a baby on her back, she said she is tired of constantly fleeing. I am fleeing, but I dont know where I am going, the mother of two children said, adding that she already fled twice in the last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The front line near Goma is just a few dozen meters (yards) from the Lushagala and Bulengo displaced people camps, fueling fear among those who sought safety near the provincial capital. Tens of thousands more arrived in recent weeks in the camps in Goma and its periphery, which were already home to nearly 600,000 displaced people, according to the U.N. refugee agency. The explosions of heavy weapons resonated throughout Goma on Friday. Many shops and stores remained closed and police were deployed on the citys main streets. Military checkpoints were set up throughout the city, checking all vehicles. ___ Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal. Associated Press writer Christina Malkia in Kinshasa, Congo, contributed to this report. Jan. 24GRAND FORKS A Grand Forks man pleaded guilty Thursday, Jan. 23, to the federal crime of firearm possession by a convicted felon. Raymond Lee Graham Jr., 37, changed his plea in light of a plea agreement that proposed a sentence at the low end of the applicable Sentencing Guidelines range, though the agreement does not specify an exact length of time. Both the prosecution and defense have agreed that the base offense level for Graham's conduct is 24. For that level of offense, federal guidelines recommend between 51 and 125 months of imprisonment, depending on criminal history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criminal charges were originally filed against Graham in June after law enforcement found 1.2 pounds of marijuana, seven grams of marijuana coated in what appeared to be methamphetamine, empty baggies, fake urine and a box of 18 THC vape pens inside his vehicle, according to court documents. Law enforcement also found a firearm on Graham. The case was first filed in district court, but was dismissed about a month later, after Graham was indicted in federal court and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Court documents say Graham's criminal history includes attempted robbery, robbery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon. Sentencing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. May 28. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A Mahoning County grand jury Thursday indicted a city woman accused of not supervising a toddler who was scalded at a South Side home. Read next: Fatal train crash victim identified ALazsa Underwood, 20, was indicted on second-degree and third-degree felony charges of child endangering as well as a misdemeanor count of domestic violence. Members of the police departments Family Services Investigative Unit filed charges Dec. 5 against Underwood, following an investigation of a July 19 incident when police were called to a home on W. Warren Avenue for a report of a child with burn wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports say when police arrived, Underwood was holding a 1-year-old wrapped in a towel who had burns from his thighs to his feet. Pieces of his skin were also in a bathroom, reports say. Reports say Underwood told police she had been sleeping and did not know how the child received his burns. A witness told police they heard water from an upstairs bathroom and someone screaming. That witness went to check and found the child sitting in a sink with his legs in the water, reports say. Reports say other witnesses told police they did not know what happened because they were sleeping. Police checked the hot water tank in the home and it was on hot, reports say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports say the child was examined at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown and doctors told officers the child had second-degree burns on 40 percent of his body. Underwood has been free on bond since her Dec. 13 arraignment. Under the terms of her bond, she is not allowed to have contact with the victim. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. After nearly a week of freezing temperatures below zero on several days the Great Lakes are seeing significant ice creation, with Lake Erie nearly completely frozen over. Lake Erie was about 80% covered with ice as of Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. There was so much ice on the lake that the Canadian freighter Manitoulin became stuck near Buffalo, New York, and U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers were working to free it. Ice coverage of the lakes is significantly higher than in 2023-24. In February 2024, ice coverage reached a historic low for that time period, with just 2.7% coverage because of above-normal winter temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Jan. 23, 2025, NOAA was reporting the Great Lakes were at 25.99% ice coverage. Maximum ice coverage occurs from mid-February to the end of February for the lower Great Lakes and lakes in the Lower Peninsula. For lakes occupying the Upper Peninsula, and Lake Superior, the maximum ice coverage starts between the end of February and early March. How much ice is covering the Great Lakes right now? Great Lakes ice coverages as of Jan. 23, according to NOAA. From the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory daily ice graphs, here current estimates of ice coverage percentages for the five Great Lakes as of Jan. 23: Lake Superior: 8.19% Lake Ontario: 13.38% Lake Erie: 85.07% Lake Michigan: 21.48% Lake Huron: 25.31% What is the record ice coverage for the Great Lakes? The overall highest percentage of ice coverage for all the Great Lakes took place in 1979 when they were 94.7% covered, NOAA said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lake Superior has only frozen over completely once since 1973, according to NOAA. The lake had 100% ice cover in 1996. Lake Michigan's ice cover high was 93.2% in 2104. Lake Huron had 98.2% ice cover in 1996. Lake Erie, the shallowest of the lakes, froze over completely ion 1978, 1979 and 1996. Lake Ontario had 86.2% ice coverage in 1979. Noaa Embedded content: https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/data/ice/max_anim//con/1.png?1737732358781 What years did the Great Lakes have the least ice? In 2002, the Great Lakes basin had just 11.9% ice coverage, NOAA said. In 2012, Lake Superior had 8.5% coverage. In 2002, Lake Michigan had 12.4% coverage. In 2012, Lake Huron had 22.8% coverage. In 1998, Lake Erie had 5.4% coverage. In 2012, Lake Ontario had 1.9% coverage. Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Great Lakes see sudden ice formation, thanks to Arctic surge PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Organizers of the Greater Idaho movement have descended upon Oregons capital city with a series of billboards targeting Oregon lawmakers. The Greater Idaho movement seeks to dramatically extend Idahos western border by annexing roughly half of Oregon. Greater Idaho Executive Director Matt McCaw told KOIN 6 News that the political groups billboards will remain in Salem for at least a month. Our organization has paid to put billboards up in five locations across the Salem area with the intent of reminding legislators that the people of eastern Oregon have spoken, and they have said they want to pursue joining the state of Idaho, McCaw said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ronald McDonald House teams up with Pile of Puppies to bring joy to struggling families The billboards carry four different messages: Respect Rural Voices Free Eastern Oregon, Respect Rural Voices Release Eastern Oregon, The People Have Spoken Let Eastern Oregon Go, and Its Our Choice We Choose Idaho. A Greater Idaho movement billboard looms over Salem. (Greater Idaho) In May, Crook County became the 13th Oregon county to pass a measure urging local lawmakers to consider the idea of joining the state of Idaho. Other Oregon counties that passed similar measures include Jackson, Klamath, Lake, Harney, Malheur, Baker, Grant, Wheeler, Jefferson, Wallowa, Union and Morrow counties. Proposed Greater Idaho movement would consume 3 of Oregons so-called 7 Wonders Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are hoping that this campaign encourages lawmakers to take up the bills that are either already introduced in the legislature, or others that will be soon, regarding exploring moving the border, McCaw said. Three of the five billboards are placed along I-5 in Salem. One billboard is on Mission Street facing east, and another is along Highway 22 on Salems west end. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) The Greenville-based transit company, Greenlink, hosted a job fair Saturday. The company is hiring for multiple positions, including bus and trolley operators, customer service representatives, part-time relief drivers, safety and onboarding manager and a general manager of transit administration. Greenlinks Bus Operator in Training position allows for paid, on-the-job training for entry-level employees with no prior experience. The position also includes a $500 bonus with the first paycheck and a two percent of gross earnings bonus after one year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a heavily costumer service roll, which people dont always expect at first, said Transit Safety Manager Jasmin Curtis. Theres a lot of front facing work with the community thats done on these busses you meet a lot of people and get to know the regulars. Its a very rewarding job. Job postings with Greenlink can be accessed 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 WSPA 7NEWS. By Aditya Kalra and Munsif Vengattil NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's powerful human rights watchdog has admonished labor officials for failure to adequately investigate evidence of employment discrimination at Foxconn, which makes Apple iPhones, and told them to re-examine the matter, documents show. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in June ordered federal and Tamil Nadu state officials to probe Foxconn's hiring practices, after a Reuters investigation found the manufacturer excluded married women from iPhone assembly jobs at its southern India plant. Foxconn relaxed the ban during high-production periods, Reuters found. The iPhone factory is a flagship foreign investment in India, crucial to Apple and Foxconn's plans to grow manufacturing in the country, as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aim of rivaling China in electronics production. Indian labor officials visited the Foxconn plant in July and questioned executives about employment practices, but did not make their findings public. Reuters this month reviewed NHRC case files related to the probe after the news agency sought the records under India's Right to Information laws. The details have not been previously reported. An undated NHRC case status document shows Tamil Nadu labor officials told the commission on July 5 that 6.7% of the 33,360 women working at the Foxconn plant were married, without specifying whether they were on the assembly line. They said women employed at the factory came from six districts, "which makes it clear that a large number of female employees have been hired by the company ... without any discrimination." The federal investigators told the commission they had interviewed 21 married women at the factory, who said they faced no discrimination over wages and promotions, according to the document. In response, the NHRC told the labor officials in November that they did not appear to have scrutinized Foxconn hiring documents, nor addressed the core issue of discrimination against married women in recruitment. The officials had relied on current employees' testimony and "filed their reports in a routine/casual manner," according to the case details. "The presence of (a) certain number of female employees at present does not answer the question (of) whether the company had actually discriminated against the married women at the time of recruitment," the NHRC said, noting the labor officials were "apparently silent in this regard." "The commission has no hesitation in stating that the authorities concerned have failed to identify and understand the core issue." GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) Greenville Fire and Rescue is celebrating the graduation of Academy 20. The ceremony was on Friday morning at City Hall and cadets and their families who supported were all welcomed. Im very nervous because the training wheels are off, and now weve got to put everything that we learn into practice. Weve got to support the community as best as possible. So Im really nervous and Im wondering, like, will I be able to do the job to the best of my ability? But Im going to give it my all. said Stephen Baker, firefighter EMT, Greenville Fire Rescue Academy 20. Greenville Fire and Rescue introduced their 12 newest cadets of Academy 20. Cadets had to face their fears during training and learn what it means to serve this community. Which included the top of the class, Stephen Baker, who moved to Greenville from Jamaica in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back home, I used to be in the military. When I thought about job security I would say, okay, I want to work for the city. I applied for the fire rescue department and got rejected and a year later I applied again and I got through. said Baker. This is kind of their day to enjoy all the support that theyve been given. Theyve been seeing the cadets come home from the work every day, from training, tired, beat up, bruised and now they get to enjoy a little bit of camaraderie with the other families. said Brock Davenport, Chief of Greenville Fire and Rescue. These cadets start work as early as Monday, so the next steps are happening quickly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jan. 23Construction could begin soon on what could be considered the largest lithium refining facility in the United States. Ground was broken Wednesday morning at the 66-acre site of Stardust Power's lithium refinery west of U.S. 64th on West 53rd St. South. Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who helped break ground, said bringing the facility to Muskogee is one of the most exciting things to happen during his term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Lithium is a critical material essential to the economic and national security of the United States," Pinnell said. "Muskogee has advantages a lot of cities in our state do not have." He summed up Muskogee's advantages with the Four Rs Railway, roadway, runway and the river. Mayor Patrick Cale called the plant "a huge deal meaning hundreds of jobs." "Just building the infrastructure out, this will be the largest lithium plant in the United States," Cale said. Stardust Power Chief Strategy Officer Paramita Das said the Muskogee site helps Oklahoma become a lithium hub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Muskogee has very good appeal and availability of talent, mainly the history they have with history and gas," Das said. "Lithium has been done through many sources, but this source allows us to capitalize on what Muskogee has to offer." John Riesenberg, Stardust managing director for Oklahoma, said the facility will take precautions to address environmental concerns. "It's clear we're not a battery plant, we're a lithium refining facility," Riesenberg said. "It's easier to describe it as a water purification plant. We pull lithium out of liquid brine, and what's left is the lithium bicarbonate we can sell to lithium manufacturers." Stardust power received its permit from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and has completed a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, to control stormwater discharge, according to a Stardust Power media release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, Muskogee County and the city established a $27 million Tax Increment Financing district to support the project. Such districts allow a city or county to capture part of new ad valorem and construction taxes generated as a result of a project. Revenues are used to fund infrastructure improvements, such as roads. Reisenberg said the district will provide infrastructure improvements "vital to our projects." TOPEKA (KSNT) Mental health services are important to academic success and overall well-being. The Kansas Association of School Psychologists and other groups hosted a school mental health advocacy day. Advocacy groups like HeadQuarters Kansas discussed their unique service which pairs teens with similar-aged peers. Gage Park $1.28m Adventure Trail approved With school psychologists, school nurses, school counselors all being around, we thought it was a great way for us to provide that resource, said HQ Community Educator Sheilah Tackett said. Kids might not be as comfortable talking to an adult as they may be talking to a peer their own age or close to their own age. So, we think that theyre going to be more comfortable opening up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Laura Kelly also made brief remarks at the gathering. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) A local staple is now a complete loss after an early morning fire in Gurley on Friday, according to the restaurant owners. Central Fire & Rescue told News 19 at the scene that a fire started at Marys Pit BBQ just after 3 a.m. Friday. No one was injured, according to the restaurants social media page, but the restaurant is a total loss. The owners said, It looks like the fire started from either a space heater or an electric issue in one of the front rooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man airlifted to hospital in serious condition after dog attack, MCSO investigating They added they would know more once the investigation was finished. One of the family members who helped run the business said, The Pit was built by my Grandfather in 1958 and to wake up today with it gone is almost incomprehensible. The family time we spent in this small red building over the years made the best memories. We will cherish them forever. Please pray for us in the coming days as we navigate this immeasurable loss. On social media, the owners said the building was a total loss. A firefighter at the scene told News 19 that the restaurant was a long-time community business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owners of the restaurant said the loss of the restaurant was beyond words. This small red building was more than just a place it was where we made countless memories together as a family, serving our beloved community the best barbecue we could offer, they said. The fire hits home for people in the Maysville Community and the town of Gurley who enjoyed legendary BBQ from a place that stood for years. My dad used to bring me here when I was a child, said Lonnie Byrd who had been a customer for decades. This was a weekly deal you know and to see it burn just breaks my heart. Byrd says Marys Pit was a place where laughter was exchanged and lasting memories were made all over a plate of BBQ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Good food, good company you get to talk to your neighbors and folks that live out here. Its going to be missed you know its just a sad situation, Byrd told News 19. Several agencies, including Central Fire Rescue, Gurley Fire and Rescue and Killingsworth Cove Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire. News 19 will continue to provide updates as 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 WHNT.com. (Bloomberg) -- Hamas named four Israeli women hostages it plans to release Saturday in a second hostage-for-prisoner swap, as the ceasefire in Gaza nears the end of its first week. Most Read from Bloomberg Israel received the hostage list from mediators and will respond after a review, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said on Friday. The truce brokered by Qatar and Egypt calls for the gradual release of 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza, in exchange for around 1,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons. Women are to be released first, followed by the elderly and sick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four hostages are Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Albag, 19, all conscripts from a military surveillance unit. They are due to be released in exchange for some 200 jailed Palestinians, 120 of which were serving life sentences, said Hamas, which is designated a terrorist group in the US and many other countries. Hamas did not elaborate on the condition of the four soldiers. A fifth female soldier taken captive was not on Saturdays roster. Nor were two civilian women, one of which Israel had expected to be freed. The four soldiers expected to be freed were among 250 people seized by Hamas during an Oct. 7, 2023 cross-border attack that killed 1,200 people and triggered the war in Gaza. The ensuing Israeli campaign devastated the Palestinian territory, killing more than 47,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Of those initially abducted by Hamas, 94 hostages currently remain in Gaza. Some were recovered in a previous truce, in November 2023, or during Israeli army operations. Israel said it believes as many as half of the hostages died in captivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas said it awaits an Israeli roster naming the prisoners to go free. Israel previously disclosed a list of potential prisoners to be released and said that several militant leaders among them would be deported rather than allowed to return home. Palestinian officials identified Qatar and Turkey as prospective countries of exile. Second Phase Conundrum A new round of talks is expected before the six-week pause ends, which would allow for the return of remaining living hostages male soldiers or civilian men of fighting age. Talks would also aim for a permanent end to fighting, which Netanyahu repeatedly said would only happen after the eradication of Hamas. An agreement at a second stage is far from certain. Politically, it also poses a conundrum for Netanyahu. The approval of the current pause led to one far-right cabinet member pulling his faction from the ruling coalition in protest. A second, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, threatened to follow suit if the war isnt resumed after the first six weeks. If that happens, Netanyahu would be left with a minority government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the war is restarted, it would mean hostages remaining in captivity. A poll in right-leaning Israel Hayom newspaper published Friday found that 70% of Israelis want the deal to be fully implemented and all the hostages returned. --With assistance from Fadwa Hodali. (Adds details and context throughout.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Hamas has provided Israel with the names of the four hostages scheduled to be released on Saturday in return for dozens of Palestinian prisoners, in the second exchange since the ceasefire in the Gaza war began. Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev, Liri Albag and Naama Levy are to be freed, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed on Friday. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the four women are all soldiers who have been held in the Gaza Strip since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "An entire nation has fought for them and anxiously awaits their longed-for return to their families' embrace," the forum said in a statement. According to the ceasefire agreement, Hamas must inform Israel 24 hours in advance of the names of the hostages who are to be released. Israel said Hamas had not adhered to the ceasefire agreement because a civilian woman held in captivity should be next in line for release, ahead of the female soldiers, Israeli media reported. The reports said the civilian woman is being held by the militant group Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and has not yet been handed over to Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonetheless, Netanyahu has decided not to let this violation get in the way of the exchange, the Times of Israel reported. Last weekend, Hamas was late to provide the list of the first three hostages to be released, delaying the start of the ceasefire by a few hours. In exchange for the three Israeli citizens, Israel released 90 Palestinians from prison. A three-stage ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was brokered in mid-January after 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 prisons, while the Israeli military is to withdraw from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip. By Aditya Kalra, Arpan Chaturvedi and Munsif Vengattil NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian book publishers and their international counterparts have filed a copyright lawsuit against OpenAI in New Delhi, a representative said on Friday, the latest in a series of global cases seeking to stop the ChatGPT chatbot accessing proprietary content. Courts across the world are hearing claims by authors, news outlets and musicians who accuse technology firms of using their copyright work to train AI services and who are seeking to have content used to train the chatbot deleted. The New Delhi-based Federation of Indian Publishers told Reuters it had filed a case at the Delhi High Court, which is already hearing a similar lawsuit against OpenAI. The case was filed on behalf of all the federation's members, who include publishers like Bloomsbury, Penguin Random House, Cambridge University Press and Pan Macmillan, as well as India's Rupa Publications and S.Chand and Co, it said. "Our ask from the court is that they should stop (OpenAI from) accessing our copyright content," Pranav Gupta, the federation's general secretary said in an interview about the lawsuit, which concerns the ChatGPT tool's book summaries. "In case they don't want to do licensing with us, they should delete datasets used in AI training and explain how we will be compensated. This impacts creativity," he added. OpenAI did not respond to a request for comment on the allegations and the lawsuit, which was filed in December but is being reported here for the first time. It has repeatedly denied such allegations, saying its AI systems make fair use of publicly available data. OpenAI kicked off an investment, consumer and corporate frenzy in generative AI after the Nov. 2022 launch of ChatGPT. It wants to be ahead in the AI race after raising $6.6 billion last year. The Indian book publishers' group is seeking to join Indian news agency ANI's lawsuit against the Microsoft-backed OpenAI, which is the most high-profile legal proceeding in the nation on this subject. "These cases represent a pivotal moment and can potentially shape the future legal framework on AI in India. The judgment passed here will test the balance between protecting IP and promoting tech advancement," said Siddharth Chandrashekhar, a Mumbai based lawyer. Responding to the ANI case, OpenAI said in comments reported by Reuters this week that any order to delete training data would result in a violation of its U.S. legal obligations, and Indian judges have no right to hear a copyright case against the company as its servers are located abroad. Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. TANGIPAHOA, La. (WGNO) A Hammond woman is dead following a crash that happened in Tangipahoa Parish on Wednesday, Jan. 22. According to the Louisiana State Police, troopers started investigating the two-vehicle crash, which happened on LA Highway 22 near Edwards Road, around 8:10 p.m. Boil advisories issued in several parishes The initial investigation showed that 65-year-old Peggy J. Williams was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer east on the highway when, simultaneously, a 2011 Ford F-150, driven by Kody A. Lacour, of Picayune, Mississippi, was heading west. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For reasons that are still being investigated, the Chevrolet crossed the centerline of the highway and hit the Ford head-on. LSP officials said Williams was unrestrained and was critically injured in the crash. She was taken to a local hospital where she later died. Lacour was also unrestrained but only sustained minor injuries and denied treatment. Multi parish water conservation orders issued Troopers report that Lacour was allegedly impaired when the crash happened. He was arrested and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail where he is being charged with first offense DWI and obstruction of a court order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash happened while roads were still under the effects of Louisianas recent winter storm, and Troopers say that they are keeping the conditions in mind as possible contributing factors while the investigation continues. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. A New Hampshire man has been charged with removing political signs in Hudson before the Nov. 5, 2024 election, the attorney general said Friday. Marc Bowlen, 49, of Dover, has been charged in Nashua District Court with two counts of removal of political advertising, Attorney General John Formella said in a statement. Prosecutors allege that Bowlen knowingly removed another persons political signs from where the signs had been placed in Hudson, Formella said. Details about the political signs that were removed were not released. Marc Bowlen of Dover, N.H. State law prohibits anyone from removing, defacing or destroying political advertising on public or private property except for removal by the owner of the property, persons authorized by the owner of the property, or a law enforcement officer removing improper advertising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges are related to a separate charge of receiving stolen property that is currently pending against Bowlen in Salem District Court, Formella said. If convicted, Bowlen faces a fine of up to $1,200. Also, anyone convicted of a willful violation of New Hampshires election laws shall lose the right to vote in the state, Formella 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 Orange County Public Schools says if federal immigration officers show up on campuses to interrogate or arrest students, administrators will follow the law and allow it but will also seek permission to contact parents and refuse to hand over records without a subpoena. President Donald Trumps administration on Monday issued a directive enabling federal immigration authorities to make arrests and conduct interviews on school property, part of a broader crackdown on immigration. The move reverses a 2011 directive from President Barack Obamas administration that said sensitive areas, such as schools, churches and hospitals, should not be the focus of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, enforcement actions. Trump officials said the old policy was an effort to thwart law enforcement and needed to end. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in Americas schools and churches to avoid arrest, said BenjamineHuffman, acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 850,000 children in the U.S. are unauthorized immigrants, according to the Pew Research Center. While OCPS does not track students immigration status, the countrys eighth largest school district says it serves students who represent 199 countries. John Palmerini, OCPS general counsel, sent a memo to district leaders on Jan. 9 in anticipation of the promised change in immigration enforcement by the incoming Trump administration. In the memo, Palmerini gave guidance to school principals in case an ICE agent came to their campus seeking a student, advice that stands this week following the presidents new directive. The district, in short, has its hands tied. ICE agents can arrest anyone suspected of being an alien without a warrant, Palmerini wrote. And soon, local police and sheriffs departments could be deputized to carry out deportations. according to a memo Gov. Ron DeSantis sent to the Florida Legislature. Were going to continue to educate our children, and we are going to continue to ensure that supports are available for what they need. But at the end of the day, we are all required to follow the law, said Superintendent Maria Vazquez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, the executive director of the Apopka-based immigration organization Hope Community Center, said allowing ICE into schools would be inhumane and could cause many mixed-status immigrant families to hold kids out of school. It would create a scenario where students and young people, instead of being focused on their studies, theyre going to be stressed out and afraid, he said. Sousa-Lazaballet called on the district to take a stronger stance against the Trump order, saying OCPS needs to be bold. Schools are no longer safe for immigrants, he said. Thats basically what the email is saying, which to me, that sends the wrong message to children and their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, echoed the call for more resistance, adding in a text that she wants to do everything we can to ensure kids can be kids and for teachers to focus on teaching. A 1982 U.S. Supreme Court case said school districts could not deny services to students based on their immigration status. In 1990, the Florida Department of Education, on behalf of the states school districts, entered a legal agreement after it was sued, saying that it would not ask about students immigration status nor refer students to federal immigration authorities. Both those cases still legally guide public schools, Palmerini wrote. School districts cannot share student records with law enforcement officers unless the officers have a subpoena or the childs parents agree, he added. The memo urged school principals to ask the officer if they can contact the childs parents or sit in on the interview. However, Parmerini warned that if the officer denies those requests, principals need to follow the officers directions as not complying could lead to an arrest for obstructing law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katherine Crnkovich, a spokesperson for Seminole County Public Schools, said the district did not have a policy in place, nor has it sent communications to parents or staff about what to do if ICE came to a school. The district would follow the law and any court orders, she said. Lake County Schools also has not sent any message about potential ICE visits at schools, said spokesperson Sherri Owens. The School District of Osceola County did not respond to requests for comment ahead of publication. Thames Water has warned the government that it faces bankruptcy if it is not allowed to raise bills by more than agreed with regulator Ofwat. The UKs biggest water company will put its prices up by 35 per cent over the next five years, down from the 53 per cent that was requested. Bosses have argued that the additional funding is needed to pay for new infrastructure investments over the next five years, but Ofwat has declined to change its decision. Thames Water now has until 18 February to decide whether to appeal to the Competition and Markets Authority. Representatives for the water supplier maintain that the funding settlement will not allow the company to restructure its debts, increasing the chance of bankruptcy. Thames Water is trying to secure 3bn in emergency funding to protect against imminent collapse, a plan which Londons High Court will decide on in Febrary. The company is also looking to find 3.25bn in equity investments to 2030. Protesters attend a Thames Water bailout protest at the high court in London, 17 December 2024 (EPA) These financial lifelines are preferred by the companys creditors, but campaigners say the cost of the emergency funding would be passed on to Thames Water customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if Thames Water is unable to increase its bills any higher and also fails to secure emergency funding, the possiblity of bankruptcy will become even more real, forcing the government to step in. What happens if Thames Water goes bankrupt? If Thames Water goes bankrupt, the government would be forced to carry out some form of nationalisation. Ministers have reportedly already begun looking for potential special administrators to take over the beleagured water company. This would put it into a special administration regime, taking in to temporary government ownership to ensure that its essential water service continues. However, the move could also force the government to take on Thames Waters 16bn debt pile. This would be a major blow for the Treasury, especially to come at a time when economic growth remains inconsistent. Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently called water bill hikes a bitter pill (Kirsty OConnor/Treasury) Whitehall officials have begun drawing up the plans under the codename Project Timber, it was revealed in April last year. This would see Thames Water run by the government as an arms-length body, giving it far greater control of day-to-day operations. Meanwhile, current lenders would lose up to 40 per cent of their money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ministers would be faced with deciding whether the company would remain a public asset or become privatised again. The Labour government has said it has no intention to nationalise the water industry citing a cost of 90bn and need to deal with issues quickly. However, ministers have moved towards nationalisation in other industries. Rail nationalisation is expected to finish in 2027, while work on publicly-owned GB Energy continues. Projects like these may well pave the way for other similar endeavours in the future. When did the problems with Thames Water start? Some would argue Thames Waters problems go back to the 1980s, when it was privatised alongside all the other water companies. In 1989, Margaret Thatchers Conservative government sold off England and Wales ten regional water companies to the newly created Water and Sewerage Companies (WSCs) for 7.6bn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move was unprecedented, and was the second attempt after an unsuccessful first run in 1984, when there was massive outcry against Ms Thatchers plans. However, bolstered by her 1987 general election win, the plans were pushed through. The move came after Ms Thatcher imposed tight restrictions on the water companies which prevented them from being allowed to borrow for capital projects. This then became part of her governments justification for selling them to private owners. Margaret Thatcher gives her last speech as Prime Minister, October 1990 (Corbis via Getty Images) Ms Thatcher once said the Conservatives were against nationalisation because we believe that economic progress comes from the inventiveness, ability, determination and the pioneering spirit of extraordinary men and women. If they cannot exercise that spirit here, they will go away to another free enterprise country which will then make more economic progress than we do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2025, England and Wales remain two of the few countries in the world to have fully privatised water services. According to pro-nationalisation campaign group We Own It, water bills in England and Wales have gone up by 40 per cent in real terms since nationalisation, while the average salary of a water service CEO is 1.7m a year. Thames Water in the 21st century Since 2001, Thames Water has had three owners. It was acquired by German utility company RWE in 2001 and sold to Macquarie in 2006 following criticism over leakage targets. Macquaries ownership lasted for 11 years, until 2017. During these years, Thames Water acquired the highest debt in the sector, as owners pursued severe underfunding and cost-cutting measures alongside massive shareholder dividend payouts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Macquarie, debts almost tripled from 3.2bn to 10.5bn, as shareholders were paid 2.8bn. Chris Weston leaves the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) in central London (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Wire) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company is now owned by several major shareholders, including several pension funds. The largest ownership shares are OMERS (32 per cent), a Canadian public pension fund, and the UKs Universities Superannuation Scheme (20 per cent). The path to financial recovery for Thames Water has been difficult, with former CEO Sarah Bentley stepping down suddenly in June 2023 after three years in the role. She was replaced by former British Gas executive Chris Weston the following December, who will receive a pay package of reportedly up to 2.3m a year with bonuses. In December, Thames Water was fined 18 million by Ofwat for unjustified dividend payments which it say broke shareholder payment rules. The regulator also clawed back 131 million worth of dividends. Now in 2025, the company finds itself one step closer to bankruptcy its future looking less certain than ever. (Bloomberg) -- A cornerstone of President Donald Trumps bid to reshape the US immigration system has run into an early roadblock: an octogenarian federal judge in Seattle. Most Read from Bloomberg In just 24 hours, John Coughenour, a US district judge appointed by Ronald Reagan, has emerged as a celebrity among opponents of the new presidents agenda. The 83-year-old jurist, who stopped riding his Harley-Davidson just a few years ago at the urging of his wife, has long been known for directing tough questions at lawyers arguing cases in his courtroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coughenours probing, no-nonsense style was on full display Thursday in one of the highest-profile cases of his four-decades on the bench. He did little to hide that he was highly skeptical of the Trump executive order limiting birthright citizenship, as he weighed a bid from Washington state to block the administrations plans. A Justice Department lawyer defending Trumps order barely spoke for 20 seconds in Coughenours courtroom before the judge cut him off. In your opinion, is this executive order constitutional? he asked the DOJs Brett Shumate. Shumate said he could defend the constitutionality of the order, but the judge let the Justice Department lawyer speak for just three more minutes before interrupting him again. Id like to go back to your opinion about the constitutionality, Coughenour said. Ive been on the bench for four decades, he added, casting the challenge to Trumps order as one of the clearest cases hed ever seen. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The swift and direct rebuke during the hearing caught some off guard. But the judges tone was less surprising for those who have litigated other cases before him. Granting the restraining order puts Coughenour in the company of other federal judges who repeatedly slapped back some of Trumps most aggressive immigration moves during his first administration. He directed the lawyers to return to his courtroom for another hearing on Feb. 6. A court spokesperson said the judge declined to comment for this story. Shell of a Curmudgeon In addition to tough questions from the bench, Coughenour, who was appointed to the federal bench by Ronald Reagan in 1981, is known for his work ethic, according to Sam Chapin, a former litigator who externed with the judge in the early 1990s and later taught a class with him at the University of Washington School of Law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chapin says Coughenour was a relatively young, widely admired trial lawyer, when the Reagan administration asked Washingtons Republican senator, Slade Gorton, for three recommendations to fill a federal judge position. Gorton recommended Coughenour, and when Reagans staff asked for two other names, Gorton wrote back, Coughenour, Coughenour, Coughenour. Hes completely ethical and hes very tough, Chapin said. In my 30-year career, I dont think theres another judge either on the state bench or the federal bench that has ever made lawyers as nervous to go into court. Chapin said law students usually started out the semester very intimidated by the judge, but they were quickly charmed by his rigorous, but good-natured banter. Hes a softie but with the exterior shell of a curmudgeon, he said. Coughenour was born in Pittsburg, Kansas in 1941 and received his law degree from the University of Iowa. He was admitted to the Iowa and Washington state bars in 1966 and was a litigator with the now defunct Bogle & Gates in Seattle before his nomination to the federal bench. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First Rebuke Coughenour is the first judge to hand Trump a legal setback, picking up where the federal judiciary left off serving as a regular foil during his first term, including on immigration. Judges last time ruled against Trump on issues including family separations at the border, legal protections for undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children and the inclusion of a citizenship question on the 2020 census. The 14-day restraining order is a placeholder while Coughenour weighs whether to sign a longer-term injunction blocking the administration from enforcing the birthright citizenship limits. Other judges are poised to act soon, with hearings scheduled in the next few weeks in Maryland, Massachusetts and New Hampshire in cases brought by immigration advocates and civil rights organizations. At the heart of the case before Coughenour is the 14th Amendment, which grants automatic citizenship to anyone born in the US and is subject to the jurisdiction thereof. Trumps executive order argues that the children of people who are in the US illegally or on a temporary visa do not fall under that category. Shumate on Thursday recognized that such individuals are subject to US laws, but he said those who are undocumented are still subject to a foreign power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Temporary restraining orders typically cant be appealed, but injunctions can, so the upcoming rulings from Coughenour and other judges could set in motion more rounds of litigation before higher courts, including up to the US Supreme Court. The case before Coughenour was brought by four Democratic state attorneys general, led by Washingtons Nick Brown. Another coalition of blue-state officials has a pending case in Massachusetts, but a hearing date hasnt been scheduled yet. Before this week, the case that earned Coughenour the most national attention was his sentencing of Ahmed Ressam, the Algerian man convicted of attempting to bomb the Los Angeles airport on Jan. 1, 2000, known as the millennium bomber. Citing his cooperation with US investigations of al-Qaeda, Coughenour initially sentenced him to 22 years far less than the 65 years set by federal guidelines. An appeals court found that punishment to be insufficient, and Coughenour settled on a 37-year sentence. Harley Rides Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2016 profile of the judge in The Atlantic focused on his fight for more judicial discretion in sentencing after a series of reforms in the 1970s sought to make the process more formulaic. The article described how for years he would ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle to the Federal Correctional Institution in Sheridan, Oregon, to speak with the people he had sentenced. Over the years, Coughenour has frequently come out as a fierce defender of judicial independence. He has traveled to Russia to help nudge that countrys judiciary away from its autocratic past. Chapin says hes also traveled as a visiting judge, including to Guam. Writing in 2003, Coughenour expressed concern as he spoke with Russian jurists about eroding public confidence in US institutions in the name of national security. He described mandatory minimum sentencing as part of a troubling trend in the US that risked elevating the state above individual rights. Coughenours longstanding focus on institutional integrity and the US judicial system also emerged in Thursdays hearing. He expressed concern not just the over the merits of Trumps executive order, but also about the Justice Departments defense of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Thursdays hearing, Coughenour questioned how any attorney could defend an order that so blatantly violated the 14th amendment. Where were the lawyers when this decision was being made? he asked. It just boggles my mind. --With assistance from Zoe Tillman. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. HONOLULU (KHON2) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued a warning about the rise in respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID and RSV. The CDC also ranked Hawaii as very high risk. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Dr. Todd Allen, the Queens Healthy Systems Chief Quality Officer, said COVID, Influenza A and RSV are very active in Hawaii. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norovirus is also still circulating but that causes GI symptoms. Dr. Allen said its hard to tell the difference through symptoms and signs alone. All three cause typical respiratory symptoms and signs like fever, runny nose, cough and body aches and the only real way to know is through testing but often testing does not change treatment and so has little value. Your healthcare provider can help you know if testing is necessary. Busiest flu season, as respiratory illnesses spread For children, RSV is a leading cause of hospitalization. Dr. Allen said hospitalizations of children due to influenza are still rising in Hawaii and the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there is an outbreak at school, you should keep them home, if theyre sick, you should keep them home until they are fever and symptom free for at least 48 hours. The tried and true method that seems to help prevent illnesses from spreading is constantly washing your hands with soap and water, cover your cough, stay at home and possibly test. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Kash Patel, President Trumps nominee to lead the FBI, is expected to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday. Patel held numerous national security roles during the first Trump administration but would be a new face at the FBI. Patel regularly attacks a deep state he blames for having weaponized the government for their own political and personal agenda. He has said he would clear out FBI headquarters on his first day in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id shut down the FBI Hoover building on Day 1 and reopen it the next day as a museum of the deep state. And Id take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals. Go be cops, Patel said. Hes sparked concerns among Democrats due to his past comments about government gangsters, penning a book by the same name that includes an appendix with a list of people he later said must be held accountable. Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.), the top Democrat on the panel, announced earlier this week he would oppose Patels confirmation. Kash Patel has neither the experience, the temperament, nor the judgment to lead the FBI, Durbin said in a statement after a 30-minute meeting with Patel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Patels political grievances make him a favorite of the MAGA world, but they have not prepared him to work night and day to keep us safe from violent crime, drug trafficking, terrorism, and other threats. Mr. Patel is the wrong choice to lead the FBI. Durbin previously asked a trio of national security agencies that employed Patel during the first Trump administration to turn over information from their personnel files. The letters lay out a series of allegations, including that Patel pushed to stop transition coordination with the incoming Biden administration, sought to declassify information that would be favorable to Trump and was identified as a helpful figure for the man leading Trumps efforts to thwart the transfer of power after losing the 2020 election. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For many Americans who voted against Donald Trump, the national news right now is hard to take, as Republican winners make over-the-top claims, business leaders bow down, and U.S. senators endorse dangerously unqualified Cabinet nominees. Worst of all are headlines like Politicos postelection The Resistance Is Not Coming to Save You. Its Tuning Out. If streets and airports are not immediately mobbed with demonstrators, as happened in 2017, many pundits seem to presume that opponents of Trumpism are throwing in the towel. But this misreads the moment. Across the country, many are resolved to resist using effective tactics that will not backfire. As a political scientist who tracked citizen efforts in the first anti-Trump resistance and visited eight counties repeatedly to talk to leaders and observe meetings, I realize the place to start is understanding what really worked back then. Although marches and lawsuits sent powerful signals, they did not power the key victories. National Womens March organizers who tried to mount annual reruns soon fell into factional infighting; airport demonstrations followed by lawsuits failed to stop the 2017 Muslim Ban, which the Supreme Court upheld. What worked instead were persistent, community-based efforts by 2,000 to 3,000 grassroots Resistance groups in every town, city, and suburb across virtually all congressional districts. Women and men in these grassroots groups met regularly, informed themselves about the local implications of Trump initiativesabove all about his push with Republicans to repeal Obamas Affordable Care Act. Then they spelled out the dire consequences for patients and hospitals and health clinics in their communities and states, speaking in plain English to neighbors, friends, and co-workers. National surveys showed that, in just one year, their efforts dramatically increased public understanding and support for the ACA, helping Senator John McCain turn thumbs-down on its repeal and discouraging Trump and the GOP from trying again. Beyond that big victory in 2017, many local grassroots resisters also ran for election to school boards, state legislatures, and Congress, or supported good candidates, helping propel the Blue Wave that crashed against MAGA in special elections and in November 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flash-forward to now, 2025, when a more ruthless MAGA Republican regime newly installed in Washington wants to ram through an even bigger tax cut to boost the mega-wealthy; paid for by shrinking Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps, the ACA, and many public school programs on which masses of Americans depend, in red states as well as blue. Trump and allies want to push this all through in one big, hastily assembled partisan bill, before most Americans even know what is hitting them. Who will warn people? Local news outlets are few and far between, lies will spread on right-wing media, and Washington press will mostly focus on Trumps latest outlandish threats, lawsuits, or arcane congressional procedures. But regular citizens need clarity about ways D.C. actions impact local communities and everyday people. Grassroots resisters offered such clarity during the first Trump-GOP administrationsuggesting a straightforward four-step game plan for new grassroots citizens groups today: 1. Ignore most Trump antics and cast the spotlight on GOP enablers. Many Americans are tired of Trump bluster, and there is no need to track every theatrical twist, most of which are mere distractions that quickly fizzle. Trump will not be on the ballot again; Republicans will be on their own. If critics focus on harmful actions by congressional and state Republicans, they can set the stage to hold these real perpetrators accountable to better-informed voters in 2026 and beyond. 2. Form or join a truth and consequences team where you can enjoy companionship and work with a few citizens meeting in person or by Zoom, or perhaps both, in paired teams spanning districts or states. Create a division of labor where members find and share reliable information about the likely actual results of measures on the verge of enactment. Find out what specific pending changes will mean on the ground for your neighbors and your communitys hospitals, schools, and businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3. Be imaginative about outreach to fellow citizens. One resistance group I visited raised money to set up billboards on the highway. Others wrote letters to publications, visited district congressional offices, and called into radio programs. But it also works to get vivid facts into daily conversationsat church, at sporting events, in your workplace, at the local diner. Share examples with well-connected people sure to talk with others. 4. Push good people to run for office as Democrats or independents, at all levels in every district. And urge candidates to use plain language. Avoid vague D.C.-speak like Representative Smith may go along with reconciliation. Instead, say, Representative Smith is on the verge of voting to close down the drug rehab programs and an entire wing at our Memorial Hospital, or is voting to eliminate education funding that supports after-school programs and 10 teachers at Jefferson Elementary. Name names, be vivid, dont pussyfoot. Help everyone connect the dots. If truth and consequences teams swing into action across the country, they can make a big difference. But let me tackle one final issue: Is there a role for a national center or big donors? Perhaps a modest role. As widespread local groups get going, it would help to have an electronic place where citizens can easily access, in real time, accurate information about specific D.C. measures on the table and exactly what they would mean in each local district or state. This kind of information clearinghouse would not cost much and should not enshrine donors or staffers who control resource flows or issue orders to grassroots groups. The last thing needed by Americans who want change from MAGA pathologies is yet another central directorate shaping the agenda. To quote a recent president who championed democracy and inclusive public policies, We are the ones we have been waiting for. True enough, and we better get to it ASAP. Pete Hegseth revealed to the Senate Armed Services Committee that he paid $50,000 to a woman who accused him of sexual assault. Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Department of Defense shared the details of his settlement with the unnamed accuser in a letter that was obtained by CNN. A police report released earlier this year outlined the allegations from 2017 in detail. The then 30-year-old woman was a staffer for a California Republican group. Hegseth's accuser said she met the former Fox News host when he was a keynote speaker at a Republican women's conference. The unnamed woman said that her memory got "fuzzy" after having a drink but she "remembered saying 'no' a lot. Hegseth admitted to having sex with the unidentified woman but has maintained that their encounter was consensual. Monterey Police ultimately didnt file charges against the Trump nominee. Hegseths settlement with his accuser has been public knowledge since November when it was revealed by the Washington Post. Hegseth's attorney told the outlet that his client reached an agreement with the woman to avoid potential "blackmail." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hegseth strongly felt that he was the victim of blackmail and innocent collateral damage in a lie that the Complainant was holding onto to keep her marriage intact, attorney Timothy Parlatore said at the time. Parlatore took the same tack with CNN after the amount of the settlement was uncovered, saying that the case was made based on "false claims" and a settlement was reached for the sake of time. As we said from the beginning, these were false claims that we settled for nuisance value, much less than it would have cost to defend, Parlatore told CNN. Hegseths alleged sexual misconduct and payoff constitute some of the more serious charges against him, though Senate critics have pointed to a number of other shortcomings. Hegseth's mother wrote in a 2018 email that he had abused many women in some way. She later recanted her claims on Fox News. Hegseths former sister-in-law alleged that the Army vet mistreated his ex-wife to the point that she feared for her safety. Hegseths former coworkers at a veterans advocacy organization say he was constantly intoxicated and fostered a hostile work environment, allegations that GOP Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins pointed to in statements announcing their opposition to his confirmation. Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth paid his sexual assault accuser $50,000 in a settlement agreement with the woman, identified only as Jane Doe, according to a source familiar with the matter. Hegseth is accused of a 2017 sexual assault by Doe, who met him at a Republican conference in October of that year at a hotel in the California city of Monterey. A settlement agreement was reached in 2020 after Hegseth sent the accuser a cease-and-desist letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseths lawyer denied his client did anything wrong but publicly said the woman was paid to keep the case from going public at a tense time in the #MeToo era. The agreement was previously reported, along with the fact that Hegseth had paid the woman. But the details of the $50,000 payment, first reported by The Associated Press, have been confirmed for the first time. The payment figure was made available in response to questions from Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The Hill has reached out to Hegseths attorney, Timothy Parlatore, for comment. Hegseth has denied the allegations that he sexually assaulted the woman, claiming it was a consensual affair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman, in a police report, said she believes she was drugged at a hotel bar and barely remembers most of the night. But she reported remembering waking up in a hotel room with Hegseth on top of her and Hegseth preventing her from leaving the room. Hegseth cleared a key Senate procedural vote Thursday and is on track for full confirmation on Friday night, though two GOP senators came out opposing him. Hegseth can only afford to lose one more vote. Besides the sexual assault allegation, Hegseth is battling numerous accusations of improper behavior, including heavy drinking on the job and financial mismanagement at two veterans groups he once led. Hegseth has denied all the allegations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Arpan Chaturvedi, Aditya Kalra and Munsif Vengattil NEW DELHI (Reuters) - OpenAI has told an Indian court that any order to remove training data powering its ChatGPT service would be inconsistent with its legal obligations in the United States, according to a recent filing seen by Reuters. The Microsoft-backed AI firm also said that it was not within the jurisdiction of Indian courts to hear a copyright breach case brought by local news agency ANI as OpenAI had no presence in the country. In the most high-profile and closely-tracked lawsuit on AI use in India, ANI sued OpenAI in Delhi in November, accusing it of using the news agency's published content without permission to train ChatGPT. OpenAI responded to the lawsuit, which is also seeking the deletion of ANI's data already stored by ChatGPT, in an 86-page filing at the Delhi High Court dated Jan. 10 which has not previously been reported. OpenAI and other firms have faced a wave of similar lawsuits from prominent copyright owners over alleged misuse of their work to train AI models, including a case brought by the New York Times against OpenAI in the United States. OpenAI has repeatedly denied the allegations, saying its AI systems make fair use of publicly available data. During a November hearing, OpenAI told the Delhi court it would not use ANI's content anymore but the news agency argued its published works were stored in ChatGPT's memory and should be deleted. In the Jan. 10 submission, OpenAI said that it is currently defending litigation in the United States concerning the data on which its models have been trained, with laws there requiring it to preserve the data while hearings are pending. OpenAI "is therefore under a legal obligation, under the laws of the United States to preserve, and not delete, the said training data", it said. OpenAI did not respond to a request for comment. In its submission, OpenAI also said the relief being claimed by ANI was not subject to the processes of Indian courts and was beyond their jurisdiction. The company has "no office or permanent establishment in India ... the servers on which (ChatGPT) stores its training data are similarly situated outside of India". ANI, in which Reuters holds a 26% interest, in a statement said that it believes the Delhi court has jurisdiction to decide on the matter, and it would file a detailed response. A Reuters spokesperson did not respond immediately to a request for comment but the agency in November said it was not involved in ANI's business practices or operations. Pete Hegseth told Sen. Elizabeth Warren that he paid $50,000 to a woman who accused him of sexually assaulting her. He has said he was falsely accused over the incident, which became a focus of Democrats in his confirmation hearings. President Donald Trumps nominee for secretary of defense revealed the amount he paid in written responses to a detailed list of over 70 questions sent to him in advance of his confirmation hearings by Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee. The Associated Press first reported the settlement amount. Hegseth paid the confidential settlement to a woman who accused him of sexually assaulting her at a Republican womens conference in Monterey, California, in October 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She reported the matter to police, but no charges were ever filed against Hegseth. He and his representatives have maintained that the encounter was consensual. At the time, Hegseth was still legally married to his second wife and had recently welcomed a child with the woman who would become his third. Again, completely false charges against me. They were fully investigated and I was completely cleared, he said in his January 14 confirmation hearing. But you acknowledge that you cheated on your wife and you cheated on a woman by whom you had just fathered a child? You have admitted that, pressed Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. I will allow your words to speak for themselves, Hegseth said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Post reported in November that a friend of Hegseths accuser sent a memo to Trump transition officials detailing the accusations. Hegseth reached a settlement with the woman in 2020 to avoid risking his job at Fox News, his attorney Tim Parlatore previously said, describing his client as a victim of a blackmail effort. Knowing that it was the height of the MeToo movement and any public accusation would result in his immediate termination from Fox, Mr. Hegseth ultimately decided to enter into a settlement for a significantly reduced amount, Parlatore told outlets, including ABC News. In his written responses to Warren, Hegseth said that he and the woman did not enter into a nondisclosure agreement and that they signed a confidential settlement agreement for her nuisance claims. On Thursday afternoon, the Senate voted to advance Hegseths nomination, with final confirmation set for Friday evening. Two Republicans, Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, voted against moving Hegseths nomination forward. Both said they had concerns with Hegseths lack of experience for the role, and Murkowski specifically cited the assault allegations. There are 53 Republicans in the Senate, meaning Hegseth can lose three Republicans if Vice President JD Vance votes to break a tie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking do nothing to quiet my concerns, the past behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity on multiple occasions, demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces, Murkowski said. The post Hegseth said he settled sexual assault accusation for $50,000 appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt on Oct. 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. - Credit: Getty Images Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles and its Department of Water and Power (LADWP) this week, blaming the city for the damage that destroyed their home during the Palisades wildfire. The couple were two of nearly two dozen plaintiffs in the suit, filed in Los Angeles on Tuesday and obtained by Rolling Stone. They claimed that the city and the DWP mismanaged the communitys water supply, pointing to press reports on the empty Santa Ynez Reservoir and empty fire hydrants. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LADWP and City of Los Angeles had a duty to properly construct, inspect, maintain and operate its water supply system, the suit said. The Palisades Fire was an inescapable and unavoidable consequence of the water supply system operated by LADWP and City of Los Angeles as it was planned and constructed. The system necessarily failed, and this failure was a substantial factor in causing Plaintiffs to suffer the losses alleged in this Complaint. The suit claimed that the LADWP made the conscious decision to operate the water supply system with the reservoir drained and unusable as a cost-saving measure. Reps for the LADWP and L.A. City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto didnt immediately respond to Rolling Stones request for comment. The fires have led to significant scrutiny toward city leadership about resources and funding for the Fire Department. Along with the Eaton fire in Altadena, the Palisades fire quickly became one of the deadliest and most expensive wildfires in the history of California. The plaintiffs did not include a monetary amount in their complaint for damages, but they are asking for the cost of repair for their homes as well as damages for loss of use and loss of wages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt the first lawsuit over the Los Angeles fires. Southern California Edison was sued last week over claims of negligence for failing to maintain power lines before the Eaton Fire started. In years past, victims of the 2017 North Bay fires and the 2018 Camp fire sued Pacific Gas & Electric, claiming the deadly blazes were the result of officers and board members actions. The utility company reached a $117-million settlement agreement in 2022. The Palisades fire itself destroyed thousands of homes, including those of celebrities including Montag and Pratt, Paris Hilton, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Billie Crystal among others. After Montag and Pratt lost their home, fans started to rally in support, buying copies of her 15-year-old album Superficial and landing it atop the iTunes chart. Thank you for the overwhelming love and support of my music and really rallying behind us in this devastating time and making it such a blessing, Montag said on TikTok after the download spike started. Thank you for helping support us, helping build us back up, helping to encourage us, give us that hope and faith and excitement in such a dark, dark time. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. President Donald Trump this week said he wants to reshape the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the U.S. faces the daunting task of rebuilding after storm damage in the Southeast and devastating wildfires in California. FEMA is tasked with helping states and communities impacted by disasters from floods and fires to drought, earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes. Trump criticized the agency after Hurricane Helene hit in the fall during the homestretch of the election year, questioning its response and spreading false information that its funding was going to migrants or foreign wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, the Biden administration defended FEMAs work. And Congress last year replenished the federal disaster aid fund by $100 billion as part of a massive year-end appropriations bill signed into law by President Joe Biden. But California fire damages are expected to total among the most expensive disasters in the nations history. The state has already set aside $2.5 billion for recovery. Trump this week spoke with congressional Republican leaders about whether FEMA should continue providing help to states in the same way, according to a person familiar with the conversation and granted anonymity to discuss it. In an interview on Fox News this week, Trump said FEMA is getting in the way of everything," and suggested that he would withhold assistance from California. Congressional Democrats have sharply criticized the presidents threats to withhold federal disaster aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservatives have previously suggested reducing the amount that states are reimbursed for preventing and responding to the disasters. Misperceptions are abundant about FEMA's role in disaster recovery, what it does and does not pay for and what residents in impacted areas can expect. Heres what to know: What does FEMA do and where does its money come from? FEMA has an operating budget and a disaster relief fund. The fund gets replenished every year by Congress and is used to pay for disaster recovery. FEMA also pays for rebuilding from past disasters and for projects designed to protect communities against future calamity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fund is basically the countrys checkbook for emergencies. The government uses it to reimburse states and local governments for activities like removing debris, rebuilding roads or for firefighter overtime costs. It also includes money for residents, ranging from $750 individual payments for emergency needs to $42,500 for some uninsured homeowners to rebuild. The federal government doesnt help with every disaster it generally has to be above the ability of a community or state to handle. A governor or tribal authority in that case asks the president for an emergency declaration. When there is warning as with hurricanes FEMA coordinates with state and local governments about needs and can pre-position supplies like water or tarps in areas likely to be most affected. FEMA also has its own search-and-rescue teams to dispatch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts stress that the federal agency isnt in charge of the entire recovery process. Everybody thinks that FEMA just comes in right after the disaster and starts managing the entire disaster. And thats just not the case, said Brock Long, who was FEMA administrator from 2017 to 2019. Does FEMA have enough money for disasters? Trump has accused FEMA of spending all its money to help immigrants who are in the country illegally. But this claim is misleading. The agency administers the Shelter and Services Program, which gives money to reimburse cities, towns or organizations for immigration-related expenses. But that comes from a separate pot of money funded by Congress for Customs and Border Protection. FEMA gives out the money, but it doesnt come from the disaster relief fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are long-term funding concerns for FEMA, however. It hasn't been uncommon for the agency to make whats called a supplemental funding request to Congress to pay for disaster recovery. A 2022 Congressional Budget Office report said most of the money that goes to the disaster relief fund actually comes in these supplemental requests. Extra money thats needed varies depending on the disaster, but the report noted that a small number of those disasters account for a disproportionate share of total spending. What happens when the disaster fund runs low? The disaster assistance fund sometimes runs low in late summer before Congress passes a new budget. When that happens, FEMA shifts to whats called immediate needs funding. That means the agency stops paying out for previous disasters and conserves its money for life-saving missions during any active ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the disaster relief fund is replenished, then money again flows to longer-term projects. Honestly, theres a lot of work that needs to be done to streamline it and rethink, How can a disaster relief fund ... be set up in a manner where the FEMA administrator is not constantly having to ask for supplemental funding? Brock Long, who was FEMA administrator from 2017 to 2019, said previously. Will FEMA give people enough money to rebuild their homes? No. Its important to know not just what FEMA does but what it doesnt do, especially for individual people. One claim floating around after Hurricane Helene is that disaster survivors only get $750 from FEMA. That figure refers to help that the agency can give someone in an affected area for immediate needs like clothing or food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency can also provide more money for a storage unit, medical bills or rental assistance depending on the situation. The first line of defense for homeowners is insurance. People who dont have insurance or not enough coverage can turn to FEMA, but the maximum amount someone can get to rebuild is $42,500. Thats a far cry from what is needed to fix severe damage or to completely rebuild. This is one of the kind of major problems FEMA has in terms of how the public understands their role and responsibility, said Samantha L. Montano, an assistant professor of emergency management at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. FEMA does not make anybody whole after a disaster happens. They are not going to give you enough money to completely recover your life. The giant poster on the side of the Heritage Foundations eight-story Capitol Hill headquarters is impossible to miss. Underneath the think tanks bell logo and the phrase Congratulations, President Trump, the now-iconic photograph of Donald Trump raising his fist in the air moments after a bullet nearly killed him looks out defiantly toward Union Station and Massachusetts Avenue. But lets say you did miss it. Helpfully, the Heritage Foundations social media accounts promoted a slickly produced video featuring the giant poster as it greeted those attending the organizations inauguration weekend open house. Its time to celebrate, read the post on X. And why shouldnt Heritage celebrate? Trumps reascension to the White House is a validation of the 50-plus-year-old conservative think tanks recent embrace of nationalism, populism, and political access. Where Heritage once used its power and intellectual force to shape Republican policy in a more classically conservative direction toward tax cuts, social conservatism, and a muscular national defensewhat one might call Reaganismduring the Trump era the organization has radically rebranded. What was once an unabashedly conservative but still independent policy shop is now effectively a reactionary arm of Trumps operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We look forward to this historic term, during which President Trump has an opportunity to make America great, healthy, safe, and prosperous once again, said Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts in a statement following the November election. The entire conservative movement stands united behind him. Heritage is already doing plenty to boost the new administration, from its $1 million ad campaign to promote Trumps Cabinet nominees to its over-the-top praise of the presidents executive actions. Among the ads released is a 30-second spot touting Health and Human Services secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s record of taking on big corporations and big government. (And even taking on the Heritage Foundation, which Kennedy once described as one of many snake pits of sociopaths supported by the tobacco industry.) Another ad praises Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman who is Trumps nominee for director of National Intelligence. The ad does not mention Gabbards lifetime rating of 10 percent on Heritage Actions congressional scorecard. It also does not mention her meeting with the now-former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in 2017, whose regime Heritage described at the time as a brutal dictatorship. Prominent conservatives, such as radio host Erick Erickson, have criticized Heritage for backing someone like Kennedy, whom Erickson described as pro-abortion and pro-government-funded national healthcare. Heritage is also cheerleading practically all of Trumps initial executive actions, including his blanket pardon for all those convicted or charged with crimes related to the January 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trumps decision to pardon nearly all January 6 defendants is a necessary corrective to the brazen weaponization of our justice system by the Left, said Roberts in a statement this week. The Democrats turned January 6 into a political cudgel, using it to distract from their disastrous policies and to smear their opponents. Its a far cry from how Roberts predecessor, Kay Coles James, described the mob as a band of criminals who should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in an op-ed published one day after the riot. That disparity between Coles James and Roberts tells much of the story of Heritages shift since Roberts took over as president of both the Heritage Foundation and its advocacy arm, Heritage Action, in 2021 after a shaky eight-year period for the think tanks leadership. Former Sen. Jim DeMint had taken over Heritage in 2013 with a mandate to make the institution more directly engaged with day-to-day politics on Capitol Hill and within the Republican Party. But four years later, the board fired DeMint for what it claimed was mismanagement and brought back its co-founder and longtime former President Ed Feulner to head the organization. Feulners second tenure was a short-lived bridge to Coles James, who took over at the beginning of 2018 in the middle of Trumps first administration. This leadership succession after DeMint was seen internally as a recommitment to Heritages policy-focused, well, heritage. But Heritage had also faced external critics, including one with a massive megaphone: Tucker Carlson. Heritage and Coles James were frequent targets of Carlsons monologues on his Fox News program, examples of how the institutional conservative movement had lost its way. You may have sent them money, hopefully for the last time, Carlson said during one such monologue in which he criticized Coles James (who is black) for writing an op-ed denouncing the death of George Floyd in 2020 and calling for an end to racism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heritages broad base of financial support from conservative Americans across the countrymany of whom were loyal viewers of Carlsons showwas under threat. Coles James had initially said she would serve between three and five years as Heritages president, and by March 2021 she announced her intention to resign. That gave the Heritage board an opportunity to find new, long-term leadership. Enter Kevin Roberts. According to people familiar with his selection, Roberts pitch to the board was that his background as president of the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation would help him marry the populist tendencies animating the Republican Party with the conservative principles that guided places like Heritage. In his first address to the institution in December 2021, Roberts stated he wanted Heritage not only to help recohere the conservative movement at this really important time, but also to set a positive vision for America. At this really important time, not quite a year removed from Trumps failed efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election and stay in office, it was unclear whether the former president could or would remain in politics. Roberts seemed to be positioning Heritage for a post-Trump conservative future that nevertheless incorporated the populist energy the then-former president brought into the fold. Not long after Roberts succession to the presidency of Heritage, he began to abandon the institutions unspoken but longstanding big tent approach to conservatism in favor of an ideology that more closely aligned with Carlsons and, yes, Trumps. Take American support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, a favorite bugaboo of Carlsons. As the journalist David Montgomery noted, Roberts went from flying the Ukrainian flag above Heritages headquarters at the launch of Russias war in February 2022 to declaring 18 months later that Heritage was opposed to additional aid to Ukraine. In between, in April 2023, Carlson had been terminated from Fox News. His final speech before his firing from the cable-news behemoth was atwhere else?the Heritage Foundation, in celebration of the institutions 50th anniversary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By October 2023, Roberts was calling himself a recovering neocon and speaking at the annual gala for The American Conservative, the magazine founded by Trumps ideological forerunner, Pat Buchanan. The globalist, ideological hubris that overtook the Washington Republican establishment at the end of the Cold Warand still dominates elite institutions todaywas wrong from the beginning, Roberts said. It was never strategically sound. It was never recognizably conservative. It never won a mandate from the American people. And it never overcame its inexcusable blind spot forand indifference tothe struggles besetting working American families. All that was left was for Roberts and Heritage to grab Trump in a bear hug and hold on, but he committed two strategic mistakes. First, Roberts allied himself not with Trump but with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at the beginning of the presidential primary cycle. Second, Roberts and Heritage created and promoted Project 2025, the long list of policy proposals that became fodder for Democratic attack ads and campaign speeches, as a playbook for a future Trump administration. Never mind that Trump had years earlier praised Heritage for its development of what would become Project 2025. By last summer, the Republican nominee distanced himself from the project and was reportedly furious at Roberts for saddling his campaign with a list of proposals he didnt end up endorsing. The effort to reintegrate Heritage within Trumps orbit has continued ever sincehence the Dear Leader poster. Its remarkable that Heritage has found itself chasing after a Republican president. The institution was the brainchild of conservative activists dismayed by how the domestic policy of another Republican president to whom Trump is often compared, Richard Nixon, had taken a leftward turn through his embrace of wage and price controls and some elements of the Great Society social-welfare programs. The nascent conservative movement had its journal (National Review) and its political north star (Ronald Reagan), and now it had a home for pro-market, anti-Communist, and socially conservative policymakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heritage may have reached its high-water mark of influence during the Reagan administration, but it remained an important force afterward because of its generation of ideas and strong connection to a still-powerful conservative movement. But with the MAGA movements rise shattering the old conservative consensus, there was seemingly nowhere for Heritage to go but Trump. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. This article was originally published in Stateline. Jill Norton, an education policy adviser in Massachusetts, has a teenage son with dyslexia and ADHD. Shelley Scruggs, an electrical engineer in the same state, also has a teenage son with ADHD. Both students go to the same technical high school. But last fall, Norton and Scruggs advocated on opposite sides of a Massachusetts ballot referendum scrapping the requirement that high school kids pass a standardized state test to graduate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norton argued that without the high bar of the standard exam, kids like hers wont have an incentive to strive. But Scruggs maintained that kids with learning disorders also need different types of measurements than standardized tests to qualify for a high school diploma. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Voters approved the referendum last November, 59% to 41%, ending the Massachusetts requirement. There and in most other states, Scruggs position against testing is carrying the day. Just seven states now require students to pass a test to graduate, and one of those New York will end its Regents Exam as a requirement by the 2027-28 school year. Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Virginia still require testing to graduate, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, a group that opposes such mandates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Massachusetts, teachers unions favored getting rid of the exam as a graduation requirement. They argued it forced them to teach certain facts at the expense of in-depth or more practical learning. But many business leaders were in favor of keeping the test, arguing that without it, they will have no guarantee that job applicants with high school diplomas possess basic skills. State by state, graduation tests have tumbled over the past decade. In 2012, half the states required the tests, but that number fell to 13 states in 2019, according to Education Week. The trend accelerated during the pandemic, when many school districts scrapped the tests during remote learning and some decided to permanently extend test exemptions. Studies have found that such graduation exams disadvantage students with learning disabilities as well as English language learners, and that they arent always a good predictor of success in careers or higher education. An oft-cited 2010 article by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin may have ignited the trend to scrap the tests. Researchers review of 46 earlier studies found that high school exit exams produced few of the expected benefits and have been associated with costs for the most disadvantaged students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some states began to find other ways to assess high school competency, such as grades in mandatory courses, capstone projects or technical milestones. Minimum competency tests in the 1980s drove the idea that we need to make sure that students who graduate from high school have the bare minimum of skills, said John Papay, an associate professor of education at Brown University. By the mid-2000s, there was a reaction against standardized testing and a movement away from these exams. They disappeared during the pandemic and that led to these tests going away. Despite the problems with the tests for English learners and students with learning disabilities, Papay said, the tests are strong predictors of long-term outcomes. Students who do better on the tests go on to graduate [from] college and they earn more. Papay, who remains neutral on whether the tests should be required, pointed out that high school students usually have many opportunities to retake the tests and to appeal their scores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anne Hyslop, director of policy development at All4Ed, a think tank and advocacy group for underserved communities, noted that in many states, the testing requirements were replaced by other measures. The schools still require some students or all students to demonstrate competency to graduate, but students have many more options on how they could do that. They can pass a dual credit [high school/college] course, pass industry recognized competency tests. A lot of states still have assessments as part of their graduation requirements, but in a much broader form, she said. Massachusetts moves Scruggs said her son took Massachusetts required exam last spring; he passed the science and math portions but fell 1 point short in English. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He could do well in his classes, but if he didnt pass the three tests, he wouldnt get his regular diploma, Scruggs said. How do you go out into the working world, and you went to school every day and passed your classes, but got no diploma? Her son has taken the English test again and is awaiting his new score, she said. Norton, by contrast, said the exam, called the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, or MCAS, gave her son an incentive to work hard. I worry that kids like him are going to end up graduating from high school without the skills they will need, Norton said. Without the test, they will just be passed along. I cant just trust that my kid is getting the basic level of what he needs. I need a bar set where he will get the level of education he needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students in Massachusetts still will have to take the MCAS in their sophomore year of high school, and the scores will be used to assess their overall learning. But failing the test wont be a barrier to graduation beginning with the class of 2025. The state is still debating how or whether to replace the MCAS with other types of required courses, evaluations or measurements. Related Mass. Will Do Away With High School Standardized Testing Graduation Requirement High school students in Massachusetts and most states still have to satisfy other graduation requirements, which usually include four years of English and a number of other core subjects such as mathematics, sciences and social studies. Those requirements vary widely across the country, however, as most are set by individual school districts. In New York, the State Education Department in 2019 began a multiyear process of rethinking high school graduation requirements and the Regents Exam. The department decided last fall to phase out the exit exam and replace it with something called a Portrait of a Graduate, including seven areas of study in which a student must establish proficiency. Credit options include capstone projects, work-based learning experiences and internships, as well as academic achievement. Several other states have moved recently to a similar approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harry Feder, executive director of FairTest, an advocacy group that works to limit standardized testing, said course grades do a better job of assessing students abilities. Standardized tests are poor ways of incentivizing and measuring the kinds of skills and knowledge we should have high school kids focusing on, Feder said. You get teaching to the test that doesnt bear much of a relationship to the kinds of things that kids are being asked to do when they go on to college or the workplace. Max Page, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association union, said phrases such as teaching to the test disrespect teachers and their ability to know when students have mastered content and competency. The high school tests are first taken in the 10th grade in Massachusetts. If the kids dont pass, they can retake the exam in the 11th or 12th grade. Educators are still evaluating students, he said. Its a mirage to say that everything that a student does in education can be measured by a standardized test in the 10th grade. Education, of course, goes through the 12th grade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that course grades are still a good predictor of how much a student knows. Colorados menu Several of the experts and groups on both sides of the debate point to Colorado as a blueprint for how to move away from graduation test requirements. Colorado, which made the switch with the graduating class of 2021, now allows school districts to choose from a menu of assessment techniques, such as SAT or ACT scores, or demonstration of workforce readiness in various skill areas. A state task force created by the legislature recently recommended some changes to the education accreditation system to better reflect diverse student needs and smaller school populations. They include creating assessments that adapt to student needs, offering multilingual options, and providing quicker results to understand student progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state hopes the menu of assessment options will support local flexibility, said Danielle Ongart, assistant commissioner for student pathways and engagement at the Colorado Department of Education. Depending on what the student wants for themselves, they have the ability to show what they know, she said in an interview. In particular, she said, the menu allows for industry certificates, if a student knows what type of work they want to do. That includes areas such as computer science or quantum computing. It allows students to better understand themselves and explain what they can do, what they are good at, and what they want to do, she said. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. The Anti-Defamation League spoke out on Thursday over a series Nazi Germany-themed puns posted by billionaire Elon Musk, slamming what it called inappropriate and highly offensive jokes that trivialize the Holocaust. Musk's post contained the names of several German leaders who engineered the Holocaust in a Thursday morning post to X. The Tesla CEO and Donald Trump confidant was clearly trying to prod people who criticized his appearance at Trump's inauguration. During his speech, Musk used a gesture that fascism experts labeled a Nazi salute. Dont say Hess to Nazi accusations! the X owner said. "Bet you did Nazi that coming." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a quote-tweet, ADL CEO Johnathan Greenblatt warned Musk that it was inappropriate and offensive to make light of..a singularly evil event. Making inappropriate and highly offensive jokes that trivialize the Holocaust only serve to minimize the evil and inhumanity of Nazi crimes, denigrate the suffering of both victims and survivors and insult the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Shoah, the ADL said in a statement from its official account. The ADL had defended Musk earlier in the week, saying his stiff-armed salute was an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm. Musk made the gesture before telling the crowd that the future of civilization is assured, a phrase critics noted resembled the neo-Nazi 14 Words, a slogan the ADL classifies as a hate symbol. Other Jewish groups disputed the defense, including Bend the Arc, a progressive Jewish action group that circulated a petition calling for the ADL to revoke its defense. It's not the first time that Musk has found himself facing accusations of antisemitism. Months before Musk backed Donald Trumps presidential bid, the ADL slammed his endorsement of a post claiming Jewish people were pushing hatred against whites. HINESVILLE, Ga. (WSAV) After claims of a serial killer roaming in Hinesville circulated online, the Hinesville Police Department (HPD) said there is no threat. An account by the name of Keisha Brandy posted in a local online sales group that three female officers had been killed by a serial killer, a HPD representative said in a Facebook post. This information is completely false and has no basis in reality, HPD said. Keisha Brandy is a fake account being run by a scammer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They reminded residents that if there was a serial killer, information and statements would be released by trusted sources. We strongly encourage everyone to vet information before sharing posts from unknown sources, HPD said. Spreading false information can cause unnecessary panic and confusion. HPD also provided a few tips to detect scam posts: Verify the source Check if the information comes from an official or credible account (e.g., police department, city government, or trusted news outlet). Look for poor grammar or spelling Many scam posts contain multiple errors. Be cautious of sensational or exaggerated claims If it sounds too extreme, it likely isnt true. Search for additional confirmation If you dont see the same story on official or reliable sites, its likely fake. Avoid sharing posts from strangers or unverified profiles Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. The historic 23rd Street Armory is set to be converted into a music venue following a decision by COOP Ale Works to abandon plans to turn it into a brewery, hotel and event center. The $23 million development at 200 NE 23 will be led by Oklahoma City investor Mark Fischer and Rogers, Arkansas-based Beaty Capital Group, which owns concert operator TempleLive. Justin Bridgewater, senior talent buyer with TempleLive, told The Oklahoman construction is set to begin by this spring with an opening in 2026. Coop Ale Works originally won the right to develop the building when proposals were solicited by the state in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plans revealed in a news release by TempleLive show the venue will host crowds between 500 and 4,500 with onsite parking for up to 1,200 vehicles. We are thrilled to announce the coming restoration and showcase of one of our citys iconic buildings, Fischer said. We aim to make the armory a cherished gathering space for the community to come together and enjoy. The companies pledged to develop the building with an eye toward the meticulous restoration of the building to honor its Art Deco architecture and miliary past. Those plans are to include retaining the stone facade and interior features while incorporating modern finishes to host concerts, theatrical performances and community events. The armory, built in 1935, is a prominent landmark linking Uptown 23rd with the state Capitol and is within walking distance of Automobile Alley and several historic neighborhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building was constructed of recycled penitentiary bricks and the interior has concrete floors, steel joists and fire-resistant construction. The armory has three stories of offices and classrooms on the east and west sides of the building looking out into an open barrel-roofed drill hall and several garages with overhead door entry. VIP and special event seating space is set to be added along the east and west wings of the 23rd Street Armory. What happened to hotel plans? Coop Ale Works originally announced the armory would open as a 22-room hotel looking out over a brewery, tap room, restaurant, retail and event space in 2020. Fischer acquired COOP Ale Works in 2022 and that purchase included the armory. The brewing company first delayed the project blaming the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by increased construction costs at which time the project stalled. Fischer acquired COOP Ale Works in 2022 and that purchase included the armory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the original aspirations of the COOP Ale proposal remain as part of the plans to convert the armory into a concert venue. The new development plan includes a restaurant, a small bites pub and microbrewery that will be open daily to the public. The upper floors once set to be converted into hotel rooms are instead set to be turned into multi-level viewing areas with VIP sections and multiple private suites. Other amenities will include multiple artist green rooms, showers, gym, game room, laundry facilities, multi dock load-in with direct stage access for production efficiency, and four secured on-site tour bus parking areas. TempleLive operates venues in Fort Smith, Arkansas; Cleveland, Ohio; Wichita, Kansas; and Columbus, Ohio. The company previously looked at converting the Gold Dome at NW 23 and Classen into a concert venue. Mike Brown, former president of TempleLive, formed his own company and resumed those efforts with the Gold Dome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should both projects proceed, Uptown will be anchored by music venues on the east and west ends with a third, Tower Theater, standing at the halfway point of the corridor. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Armory on 23rd Street to become a TempleLive concert hall Schuylkill Haven has taken an initial step to celebrate its bicenterquasquigenary. In other words, the towns 275th anniversary. An organizing committee met earlier this week to talk about ways to observe the auspicious occasion. Few towns in Schuylkill County can claim to have roots extending back to 1750, four years before the start of the French and Indian War and a quarter century before the American Revolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To put it into perspective, that was 61 years before Schuylkill County was formed from portions of Berks and Northampton counties on March 1, 1811. The area that would become Schuylkill County was still a frontier when settlers pushed north from Berks County into what Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf, the Moravian leader, dubbed St. Anthonys Wilderness. Indeed, the first settler of what would become Schuylkill Haven, John Fincher, his wife and two sons, were killed by marauding Indians in 1763 the year the French and Indian War ended. Fincher, a Quaker, had been granted a warrant to 225 acres on March 5, 1750, according to research by Richard J. Nagle, an authority on Schuylkill Havens history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through a series of land transfers, Finchers land ended up with Martin Dreibelbis, who is regarded as Schuylkill Havens founder, in 1775. Dreibelbis built sawmills, grist mills, a distillery and a general store in Schuylkill Haven. At the time of his death in 1799, he owned about 12,000 acres in an area bounded by Schuylkill Haven and Cressona. Jacob Dreibelbis, who inherited his fathers estate, drew up the original plans for Schuylkill Haven. Former Dock Street arch off Route 61 in Schuylkill Haven circa 1970. SUBMITTED Following its discovery of coal near Pottsville in 1799, Schuylkill Haven became an important transportation hub for coal on its way to market in Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the Schuylkill Canal, coal barges would pass through Schuylkill Haven. Parkway, a wide concourse at the center of town, was once part of the canal. Crossing each other and running through the center of town are the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad and the Schuylkill Canal, The Miners Journal reported in 1853. Toward the west are the navigation landings, where 20,000 tons of coal are shipped weekly. Schuylkill Haven, which was incorporated in 1840, had a population of 2,500 at the time the Journal published its story. The well-preserved former Reading Railroad station is still used for excursions by its present owner, the Port Clinton-based Reading & Northern Railroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Main Street in Schuylkill Haven circa 1920. SUBMITTED One of the suggestions the 275th anniversary committee is considering is having an event at the station where people would dress in period costume. It could be linked to an excursion on the railroad, it was suggested. Another suggestion was to have borough businesses along Main Street display memorabilia in their windows. Plans are to create a time capsule that would be placed in the Parkway complex. Richard Nagle, who has an extensive collection of Schuylkill Haven memorabilia, agreed to give talks on the boroughs history. A history of the borough can be found on Nagles website, schuylkillhavenhistory.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee will kick off the 275th Anniversary celebration on April 1 at a location to be determined. Members of the committee are: Nagle, Ceil Michalik, Pam Klahr, Robin Merkel, Heather Spotts and Jacquie Engle. Representing the borough are Jerry Bowman, council president, and council members John Williams, Diane Roeder and Donald Doc Dress. For information on the celebration, or to volunteer, email ceilmichalik@gmail.com. Homan invites Cuomo to witness ICE migrant raids (NewsNation) Trump border czar Tom Homan invited NewsNations Chris Cuomo to witness U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement migrant raids firsthand. Weve got nothing to hide, Homan said during an appearance Thursday on NewsNations CUOMO. Well get you out there, Chris. Homan expressed hope sanctuary cities will soon cooperate after seeing the agencys focus. I hope the sanctuary cities come around once they see that we really are concentrated on the criminals, he added. We hope theyll sit at the table and work with us. What we know about Trumps mass deportations So far, there have been 538 arrests and 373 detainers lodged, according to a post on X from ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said in a statement Thursday that ICE raided a business in the city and detained undocumented residents, as well as citizens, without producing a warrant, ABC News reported. Florida officer accidentally shoots man with his own gun In a news release, the mayor said one of the detainees was a veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned. Homan said that he was not informed about this incident and that ICEs concentration remains public safety threats. Homan amazed sanctuary cities wont work with ICE I dont care if youre Republican, a Democrat, or independent, Homan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasized the importance of allowing law enforcement to take action in county jails to address public safety threats. Why not arrest the guy that you locked in a jail cell? The public safety threat will solve a lot of this problem, Homan added. Additionally, Trump aides have indicated they may arrest others, such as spouses or roommates, who arent the primary target but are also in the country illegally. Trump hasnt provided any specific timeline for the deportation. On Monday, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders related to immigration, including declaring a national emergency at the border. 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 NewsNation. DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - The CEO of investment firm General Atlantic, a board member of TikTok's parent company, said on Thursday that he was optimistic that a deal to keep the short-video app operating in the United States would be agreed. New U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday seeking to delay by 75 days the enforcement of a ban of TikTok. The app in the U.S. was slated to be shuttered on Jan. 19. "The objective is for TikTok to continue operating," General Atlantic CEO Bill Ford said during a panel debate at the World Economic Forum in Davos. "I have a sense of optimism that we can meet U.S. security needs and not sell the company." General Atlantic is also an investor in TikTok's parent company. (Reporting by Dhara Ranasinghe; Editing by Tommy Reggiori Wilkes) TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) A homeless advocacy group in Texarkana is working to understand how big of an issue it is for the city. So today, were having our annual point-in-time count. We call it the PIT count. It is something thats required by the federal government, says Vashil Fernandez, Chair of the Texarkana Homeless Coalition. They spent the day on Thursday getting a headcount and surveying all of the people who came for meals at Mission Texarkana, as well as those who were staying at Randy Sams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well also go out in the streets and try to see who else out there that we can get counted today, says Fernandez. The PIT Count also allows the agencies to interact with the local homeless population to see the issues affecting them most. Whether from dealing with mental health, or dealing with substance use, or dealing with trauma, or dealing with providing housing all these different facets can use this data to go out and get funding to help with their part of trying to address the issue of homelessness, says Fernandez. The agencies rely on this data to determine what programs need funding and what entities providing the funding require it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Texarkana News We have one grant that we do, our Continuum of Care Rapid Rehousing Grant, and we have to enter data in there every year we apply for that funding, says Fernandez. The count only includes the Texas side, but they are working on a system that would include both sides of the state line. Because we know just because theres a state line, that doesnt stop people from going back and forth, says Fernandez. The count has averaged around 150 for the past few years. I do expect to see somewhat of an increase to that number this year, says Fernandez. The Texarkana Homeless Coalition also hosts their annual Bridge City Chili Cook-off fundraiser on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will occur behind the Lofts at the Grim, located at 319 Pine Street, Texarkana, Texas. It is free to attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. A lady bundled in thick jackets and layers cried in the bitter cold as outreach workers offered her a blanket, bus passes and snacks. "I'm going to do that survey because I'm thankful for that blanket," said 60-year-old Savella. She explained that she's a victim of domestic violence as she sat on the steps leading into the entrance of a building. She used a cardboard box to shield herself and the small fire she built from the wind that worsened the already frigid weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We all make bad choices, and sometimes, we're just victims of circumstance," Savella said. "Sometimes, that's what it takes for us to come to our purpose in life." Volunteers count Oklahoma City's homeless residents Cale Powers, the leader of the six-person volunteer team, asked Savella various questions regarding how she'd ended up sleeping on the streets and which circumstances make it difficult to find a roof to sleep under. Jared Maxwell and Cale Powers interview a person early Thursday during the Point in Time count of the homeless on the streets of Oklahoma City. Savella was one of about a dozen unhoused people Powers' team spoke with from about 3:30 to 8 a.m. Thursday. They counted each person and collected data related to their situations for the annual Point In Time count. More: 'No place to go.' Amid deep-seated animosity, small Oklahoma cities try to reckon with homelessness Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over a 24-hour time period every January, several homeless service organizations count residents experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City. This provides a snapshot of homelessness in the community. This year's Point In Time count data likely won't be available for a few months, but data from recent years has shown a rise in the city's homeless population. In compliance with requirements to conduct the survey at least every two years for communities that receive federal Department of Housing and Urban Development funding, volunteers, city staff and the Homeless Alliance organize the Point In Time count annually. "For service providers and for our communities, Point In Time counts really kind of determine what we're going to do over the next year and what strategies we're going to implement," said Jamie Caves, president and CEO of City Rescue Mission, during a press conference Thursday. "We're going to be looking at ways we need to improve the system, or different strategies we need to take, which ultimately improves the lives of those experiencing homelessness." Over 100 people met at the Homeless Alliance at 3 a.m. Thursday before they broke off into several groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Kailee Wenner, it was her first time helping out with the survey, but she knew several unhoused folks by their first names. She's an outreach and rapid response case manager for the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, so trekking across bridges, under tunnels and through the city's canals to provide services is her day job. "Trust is a big thing with them. Consistency is a big thing," Wenner said. "I just continue to show up every day or every week and like for my bigger camps, it's every week and get to know them." Jared Maxwell, middle, and Jessica Izquierdo get information from a man early Thursday during the Point in Time count. Wenner guided the Powers' team to a set of tents where Bobby, 62, stayed with his dog, Little Bear, and two other people. More: Norman nonprofit building duplexes in Moore for unhoused high school students Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those people was 55-year-old Robert who's been experiencing homelessness for over a year. "Little Bear, knock it off!" Robert shouted at the small pit bull terrier as he jumped on volunteers, begging to be pet. The volunteers carried dog food for pets like Little Bear. They didn't anticipate a need for cat food, but felines were common companions among folks sleeping in tents. A small, gray kitten hung around the tent of 58-year-old Frank. The below-freezing temperatures weren't inviting, so Frank opted to answer survey questions from inside his tent. Be the first to know: Sign up for breaking news email alerts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He's been unhoused for about a year and a half after living in an unstable situation with his family. "I hope to get out of here soon," Frank said. Near Frank's encampment were several other tents, but those were unoccupied and abandoned. However, this isn't necessarily a bag thing, said Powers who's the chief of social work for Veterans Affairs in Oklahoma City. "I hope that everybody's found a warm place to be tonight," Powers said. "The few people who've talked to us, they've told us how cold they are, and obviously, they'd rather be somewhere else." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was Powers' ninth year helping with the Point In Time count, and Thursday was a less busy day than what he's seen in previous years. Recent legislation makes street outreach harder, social worker says While the cold temperatures might offer a bit of an explanation as to why the team didn't see many unhoused folks in the earliest hours of the morning, recent legislation limiting where they can sleep has made it harder to provide street outreach, Powers said. "A matter of fact, the camp we're at right now, we see established camps where people aren't anymore, and I can't say that (legislation) had anything to do with it, but I think you're more apt to find those situations," Powers said. More: Oklahoma bill aims to prevent Norman from using city funds for a homeless shelter, author says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 1854 was enacted in November and bans folks from sleeping on government-owned property. Jessica Izquierdo and Cale Powers get ready to interview someone Thursday during the Point in Time count. "It makes people scramble," Powers said. "These folks aren't here because it's a choice they've chosen to make. Oftentimes, it's a matter of their circumstances, situations and other things that have happened." For 41-year-old Anthony, he didn't want to be sleeping on the streets. Answering questions from his bright orange sleeping bag, lying on the sidewalk, he told volunteers he's been unhoused for five years. Homeless service providers often see new bills emerge during the legislative session, and some move the needle in a positive way while others can have negative implications, said Meghan Mueller, CEO of the Homeless Alliance, during the press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As a homeless service provider in the community, we are consistently advocating for policies that we think will help reduce barriers for people experiencing homelessness," she said. More: Rocks under OKC bridges stir debate: What to know on 'hostile architecture,' housing programs Homelessness increasing in OKC, data shows There were several other people in similar situations, living in tents, sleeping on sidewalks and doing whatever they could to stay warm. While Powers' team didn't encounter a large number of unhoused folks, the outside of the Homeless Alliance was packed with people about 7 a.m. Last year, volunteers counted 1,838 people in Oklahoma City, an increase from 1,436 people in 2023. The homeless count between 2022 and 2023 increased by 6.7%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without significant additions to affordable housing, the city's homeless service providers don't anticipate any drastic reductions in the homeless population, Caves said. "We do expect that it's likely that numbers will continue to increase for several years until we're able to really increase the affordable housing stock," Caves said. "We hope to slow down the increase so that it's not jumping at the same kind of pace that it was in last year." 'They are our neighbors,' homeless service provider says While Oklahoma City's unhoused residents brace the cold weather and lawmakers file legislation aimed at the population, Caves said folks in the city can help their neighbors experiencing homelessness by being compassionate, smiling and saying, "Hi." "It's just important that we remember they are our neighbors, our sons, our daughters, our fathers and brothers," Caves said. "It's just important that we're kind and compassionate as a community." Contributing: Staff writer Jordan Gerard This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Annual Point In Time count to offer snapshot of homelessness in OKC ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) On Thursday, cities across the country participated in the Point in Time count to estimate the number of people experiencing homelessness in certain areas, including here in Abilene. From dust until dawn, volunteers took to the streets to get an accurate count on the number of people experiencing homelessness in our area, while making sure they know what local resources are available. Jeff Scott, with the West Texas Homeless Network, says as one of those resources, their main goal is to ensure everyone has a place to stay. Our assumption is that before we can address problems that homeless or homeless neighbors may be experiencing, we need to get them housing first, Scott said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City of Abilene clears out city-owned property used as homeless camp near MLK bridge Last year, Abilene saw 211 homeless people from the Point in Time count, with 125 of them living in a shelter. This year, Scott says he expects to see a rise in the number of homeless people in Abilene based on the current state of the economy. Were expecting those numbers to go up, especially the unsheltered count, because housing costs are more unaffordable right now. Theres also less stock available, and programs have fewer slots available, so were seeing more folks who have no other option but to be out on the street, Scott said. Last year, the City of Abilene cleared out known homeless camps on city property, and Scott says that this initiative alongside several street and construction projects around town have left the homeless population with nowhere to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you shut down an encampment, those people have to go somewhere, and theyre just theres no housing available. Theres no slots in programs either in shelters, so theres theres really no other alternative than to find a location thats thats temporary and unstable, Scott said. Theres not a part of the city that isnt touched by this. The problem of homelessness in the city is not a foreign issue, according to City Council member Blaise Regan. He also says that street and development projects headed by the city, have made the issue more visible. More homelessness in Abilene? Advocates say no & explain why you may see more in public The streets and the homeless issue are probably the top two that we hear about through email or just people stopping us on the street going, Hey, this is an issue, Regan said. Were seeing it more and more because of the projects that weve done. . . [like] the Cedar Creek Waterway Trail that went through an area that a lot of homeless lived in, and so its pushed them out into more visible positions. And so its not that we have more people, its that we have more visible people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regan says he hopes to have some initiatives soon to help with homelessness in Abilene. He told KTAB/KRBC he wants to focus in two areas, lighting and bringing the nonprofits together. Nowhere that the homeless can lay their head: Unhoused Abilene couple say they are kicked out of every encampment From a council perspective, its more lighting. Im going to push for at the council retreat, having a position that is overarching over all the different homeless charities that are involved with the homeless so that we have one coordinator dealing with all the different issues, Regan said. The city council retreat will take place on January 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Results of the Place in Time count will highlight hot spots for homelessness in the area that can be used to get more federal funding to aid local resources. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Attendees converge on the panelists at the end of a public forum on property taxes April 20, 2024, at South Dakota Mines in Rapid City. (Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight) Dear Legislature: You should recognize us. Were in the store when you shop. We wave as you drive by. We live in your neighborhood. Our name is Owner-Occupied Taxpayer. Were in over 400,000 households statewide. Those of us over the age 65 make up 65,000 of those households. Weve seen assessed property valuations soar the past few years, and the increased property taxes that followed. Its difficult enough for hardworking, double-income families. Those of us who are retired, elderly and living on fixed incomes have an even harder time. Paying the increase in property taxes means sacrificing planned repairs or purchases. Thats not at all helpful for the local economy, nor for sales tax receipts, is it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howd we reach this point? Several reasons probably: COVID complications, supply shortages, and the states Freedom Works Here campaign, which attracted out-of-state residents who bid up the price of homes. Read more We can point to astronomical increases in the housing market as a driving factor. When someone purchases property, they are determining the value of THAT property. Apparently they are also determining the value of OUR property. Sound fair to you? The 2024 Legislature had a measure introduced, Senate Bill 167, that would have reset assessed property valuations back to 2020 levels. It would have imposed an assessment limit capping future increases to 3% per year. Property purchased after 2020 would have been assessed at the purchase price. Sound helpful? During Senate Taxation Committee hearings, several people voiced opposition. All these people were paid lobbyists employed by special interest groups. The few people testifying in favor were actual owner-occupied property taxpayers. On Jan. 31, 2024, the bill passed the committee by a vote of 4-3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate leadership brought it to a floor vote the next day before supporters could arrive. It failed in the Senate by a vote of 20-11. The 2024 Legislature failed to grant meaningful relief from the skyrocketing increases in assessed property valuations affecting owner-occupied property taxpayers. That failure indicated how little they cared about the problem or about owner-occupied taxpayers. That failure, that indifference, that lack of regard led to the group Tax Relief for Property Owners. This is a newly formed grassroots group of voluntary owner-occupied property taxpayers. From a handful of members in late November, this group now numbers over 550 members statewide. This group has a very simple goal: obtaining timely and meaningful legislative relief measures for owner-occupied property taxpayers. The group wants to work with legislators to achieve this goal. Tax Relief for Property Owners thinks the Legislature should consider: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resetting assessed property valuations back to the 2021 level. Imposing an assessment limit capping future increases at 5% per year. Assessing purchases of owner-occupied property after 2021 for the full purchase price. Dictating that improvements to properties would increase the assessed value only by the cost of the improvements. Increasing the eligibility limits (income and valuation) for elderly and disabled homeowners applying for tax exemption programs. This year, we have a new Legislature. We heard these legislators campaign about property tax relief. We supported them. We voted for them. Now we want to know: Was that public service we heard, or was it just lip service? SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX HOMEWOOD, Ill. An employee at a south suburban daycare has been charged after she allegedly tried to punish a child by putting them outside in frigid temperatures before placing them in an empty trash can. According to Homewood police, 58-year-old Anna Petrou, a Homewood resident and employee at a daycare in the 18700 block of Dixie Highway, has been charged with one misdemeanor count of endangering the life of a child. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charge stemmed from Petrous alleged attempt to discipline a child at the daycare last week. Officers said they were first notified about the incident after someone reported it to police on the evening of Monday, Jan. 13. An investigation into the incident found that earlier that day, around 1 p.m., Petrou allegedly placed a 4-year-old child in the alley of the daycare for approximately 20 seconds while the temperature was only 19 degrees. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Officers said Petrou then brought the child inside and allegedly placed them inside an empty garbage can as a form of punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Petrou was officially charged on Thursday and was released pending her next court date. Authorities did not provide a booking photo for Petrou. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 (KHON2) Homelessness continues to be a top priority on Oahu, and the City and County of Honolulu is looking for someone to lead their efforts in the role of homeless coordinator. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You I think that it really is an execution job. So the person will be inside the Department of Community Services. Well put a team in place with them, and their real job is to take our strategy and execute it on the streets, said Anton Krucky, the Director of the Department of Community Services. I think that last year was just a monumental year for the strategies that we did. So as complex as homelessness is, really, the strategies break down to just two items that youre really trying to do, and then all the activities funnel into those two pieces of the strategy. The first part is to really do everything creatively you can do to get a person on the street to be willing to accept systems and services that we offer. The second thing is we constantly analyze our resources to service those decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week during his State of the State ceremony Governor Josh Green talked about the state and city collaborating to come up with solutions with Hawaiis counties. Over 100 out-of-state homeless in Hawaii sent back to mainland families The way the mayor and the governor have gotten along has really enabled us to do some fantastic things. With the installation of the Kauhales, the state has put almost 200 of these units in play in the last year. In the city, weve offered spaces and beds, and the state has helped us fund those, Krucky said. We give the construction, they give the services. We put more than 500 units in the street. So all of that combined is, I think were doing the counting now over 1,500 services rendered last year. There is still a long road ahead in fighting homelessness in the islands. One of the biggest issues is the severely mentally ill who cannot seek help themselves, and the difficulty in getting mandated assistance. When I came into this position 4 years ago, housing was the only solution, Krucky said. And, really, as you do market segmentation and you look at the populations of folks that you dont wanna deal with, housing wont work for everyone. And were finding theres a large component of medical services that are needed. And because of that, weve opened medical respites to kinda deal with that situation where someone goes to the ER and theyre immediately released, where we can work with them for a few months and move them into the next step. 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. Tel Aviv As the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas held into its sixth day, the U.S.- and Israeli-designated terrorist group released the names on Friday of the next four Israeli hostages it says it will release on Saturday, in exchange for 200 more Palestinian detainees currently held in Israeli prisons. The hostages named by Hamas are all female Israeli soldiers, in keeping with a statement given by a Hamas official earlier in the week. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a brief statement that it had received the list of hostages from Hamas on Friday, but it did not immediately confirm the identities of the female soldiers expected to come back home on Saturday. The female soldiers identified for release Friday by Hamas' armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, were all abducted from the Nahal Oz army base in southern Israel during the group's Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack. They are: Karina Ariev, 20; Daniela Gilboa, 20, who Hamas released a proof-of-life video of in July 2024; Naama Levmy, 20, who was seen on video being bundled into a jeep with her hands tied behind her back during the attack, and Liri Albag, 19, who had just started her military training as an Army lookout at the Nahal Oz base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albag's family has said she has managed to pass messages back to them through other hostages who had been released previously. There are currently seven Israeli women still thought to be held in Gaza, including five IDF service members and two civilians. One of the civilians is Arbel Yehoud, who was abducted in the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz and whose last chilling message to her partner Ariel Cunio was: "We are in a horror movie." The other is Shiri Bibas, who was taken with her two young children Ariel and Kfir. Hamas has claimed that Shiri, Ariel and Kfir were later killed in an Israeli bombing. In a TV interview in June, then-Israeli minister Benny Gantz indicated that the government knew what had happened to the Bibas family, but said it could not provide details. A Hamas official has said that under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, for each Israeli female soldier released, Israel should release 30 prisoners who were given life sentences and 20 additional prisoners who got long sentences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu's office said it would release a list later Friday of the Palestinians whom it intends to set free in the upcoming swap. Most of them are expected to be women, as were the roughly 90 prisoners freed in the first swap on Jan. 19, hours after the ceasefire deal came into effect Hamas' release of the first three hostages a week ago three Israeli women, including one dual British national played out in images broadcast around the world. Red Cross vehicles were first seen driving toward Gaza City before sunset, in a sign that the deal was on track. In one of Gaza City's biggest squares, the door of a Hamas vehicle opened and Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, bolted to a waiting Red Cross car as heavily armed and masked Hamas militants clambered over the cars and thousands of onlookers watched. If the next four Israelis are released as expected on Saturday, 89 hostages both living and dead would remain in Gaza, according to Israeli officials, including seven dual U.S. nationals: Keith Siegel, 65, from Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Sagui Dekel-Chen, 35, who grew up in Bloomfield, Connecticut; and Edan Alexander, 19, from Tenafly, New Jersey. Four other Americans are believed to have been killed during the 15 months of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaza ceasefire tested, but holding In Gaza, the ceasefire has been tested by isolated violence this week but has held. Israeli tank shelling killed two Palestinians Thursday in the first bloodshed since airstrikes stopped on Sunday morning. Israel's military said its forces in the south of Gaza had opened fire on masked, armed suspects moving toward troops and presenting a threat. The IDF said the incident occurred east of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, and in the area of the Kerem Shalom border crossing with Israel, through which some aid trucks are now delivering food, water and medical supplies. The U.N. says more than 650 trucks carrying food and other humanitarian supplies rolled into Gaza on Thursday, slightly over the 600 per-day agreed in the ceasefire deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tens, if not hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans have been waiting eagerly for the coming weekend, getting ready to start returning freely to the enclave's decimated north, as was also agreed in the deal. A grim indication of what awaits them has already been discovered by those who've made their way back to homes, or what is left of them, in the south. Returnees have found entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, and even without the heavy machinery really needed, they've begun the work of rebuilding and the grim task of finding and digging out the remains of loved ones. Almost 200 bodies have been found since Sunday, but the Hamas-run enclave's civil defense rescue agency estimates that more than 10,000 bodies are likely still under the rubble, and it accepts that some may never be found. In Rafah, Mohammed Mustafa Hamad Qeshta told CBS News' team in Gaza on Wednesday that an IDF strike killed his brother Ibrahim 261 days earlier. "Today, we got him out with the broom," he cried. "The entire house collapsed and fell on him. We rang the civil defense, asking for help to recover his body. They kept saying they will do it, but it is delayed, and we want to get his body out. We decided to dig it out ourselves and get him out. I called my friends and we agreed to come here after the morning prayer and collaborate. After we dug a lot and carried many stones, we found his sweater. We found his green sweater, and I called the family to tell them we found him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ibrahim's mother Sameera Masoud Al-Shaer told CBS News she was elated to at least have closure. "I am happy, and these are the tears of joy," she said. "I am glad that I found him. This is the best moment. I was waiting for the ceasefire so I could see him. This is the best moment of my life. Thank God the wall fell on him and we could find the entire body and it wasn't eaten by dogs." While the ceasefire in Gaza has held, the IDF has redirected its focus and its firepower this week at what it says are Iran-backed militants in the West Bank, the much larger Palestinian territory that Israel has long occupied. The IDF launched operation "Iron Wall" on Tuesday, a day after President Trump rescinded a Biden-era executive order that had imposed sanctions on some Israeli settlers in the West Bank who were deemed a threat to peace and security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least a dozen Palestinians have been killed and dozens more injured since the IDF offensive began, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in the West Bank. On Friday, the United Nations denounced what it called Israel's use of "war fighting" methods in the West Bank operation. Trump reacts to Republicans who won't vote for Hegseth Norah O'Donnell's final sign off from "CBS Evening News" CBS News Confirmed examines Gov. Newsom's "fact checks" on California fires Jan. 23ANDERSON Legislation that would dissolve public school districts failing to meet certain attendance criteria is causing consternation among local administrators. House Bill 1136, authored by Rep. Jake Teshka, R-North Liberty, would allow for the dissolution of school districts in which more than 50% of students living within their boundaries attend schools not operated by the district. The legislation would allow for those districts to eventually be converted to charter schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea raises alarms with public school administrators and brings certain legal questions to mind for Joe Cronk, superintendent of Anderson Community Schools. "What if a corporation has debt?" Cronk asked. "What if it has bonds? Dissolving the corporation does not dissolve the debt. Somebody has to pay that debt probably the state of Indiana. How is that saving money?" Cronk said House Bill 1136 would not only affect larger, urban districts, but all schools. "Any bill that talks about dissolving a public school corporation and converting that public school corporation into a private charter school affects all school corporations negatively," Cronk said. "You would be removing the free and public education that is promised to all students and then converting it to private schools." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melanie Wright, a former state representative who teaches music at Anderson Intermediate School, said "teachers are doing the best they can" for the students. "We really need (legislators) to try to solve problems that really matter (to teachers)," Wright said. "We could need help with social workers or need help with more teachers getting trained to speak Spanish, because we have a high Latino population. "We need help in those areas, and instead it is just a threat to turn us into a charter school." Cronk said everyone in Anderson should be concerned about the bill and how, he believes, it could change ACS from a single school corporation to 12 separate charter schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our 12 schools will become 12 separate, private charter schools," Cronk said. "What about those people who want a public school for their child? They will either have to go outside the district or they will have to go to one of the charters." The bill could also remove currently elected school boards for affected districts and replace them with seven-member appointed boards. Wright said that would further remove local controls. "We do not want our school board to go away," Wright said. "We want to have that local control because they are closest to what is happening in our community and we need them. We need their voices." With larger school corporations like Indianapolis Public Schools being affected, Cronk said it will not take long until ACS finds itself under scrutiny. "It does not affect ACS right now," Cronk said, "but you can bet that, with most legislature bills, they do not just stop at five corporations. It will be the next five and then the next five." PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) One person has been displaced after a house fire in Portsmouth Thursday morning. Portsmouth Fire Rescue and Emergency Services received a notification in reference to a fire alarm from 122 Afton Parkway around 7:25 a.m. While crews were responding, the call was upgraded to a smell of smoke inside. Upon arrival at approximately 7:35 a.m., crews found a three-story residential structure with smoke coming from it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews extinguished the fire and marked it under control at 9:15 a.m. The fire was contained to the room of origin, but there was moderate fire damage. There were no injuries reported, and the Red Cross is assisting the displaced resident. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Portsmouth Fire Marshals 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 WAVY.com. Republican congressman Andy Ogles has proposed a long-shot amendment to the Constitution that would allow President Donald Trump to seek a third term. The Tennessee representative said he introduced the amendment to ensure that we can sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs. The 22nd Amendment of the Constitution which was ratified in 1951 states that presidents can only serve up to two full terms. Ogles proposal would allow a President to be elected for up to but no more than three terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has floated the idea of seeking a third term before. He will be 82 years old by the end of his second term. Ogless proposed amendment reads: No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times, nor be elected to any additional term after being elected to two consecutive terms, 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 twice. GOP Representative Andy Ogles claims Trump has proven himself and should be allowed to seek a third term (Getty) In a lengthy statement released on Thursday, Ogles argued that Trumps decisive leadership stands in stark contrast to the chaos, suffering, and economic decline Americans have endured over the past four years. Trump deserves to seek a third term because he has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nations decay and restoring America to greatness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal, Ogles added. Ogles rattled off a list of the Trump administrations actions during the presidents first week in office, including tackling the crisis at the Southern border, ending birthright citizenship, withdrawing from the World Health Organization, and reaffirming legally that there are only two genders, male and female. All of the above already face fierce opposition and challenges. And it will be much the same for Ogles proposal, as constitutional amendments require a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress, then ratification by 38 states. Republicans currently have a razor-thin majority in the House. Ogles claimed it would take a decade to fix the relentless abuses of the Biden administration in his pitch to allow Trump to seek a third term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has repeatedly hinted that he would be open to seeking a third term in November 2024. President Donald Trump, pictured with First Lady Melania Trump, previously floated the idea of seeking a third term (AFP via Getty Images) I suspect I wont be running again, unless you do something, Trump reportedly told his GOP House colleagues shortly after winning the presidential election. Unless you say, Hes so good, we have to just figure it out, Trump said. Republicans in the room later said he was joking. That was a joke. It was clearly a joke, Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee told The Hill. I leaned over to somebody beside me, [Arizona Rep.] Andy Biggs, and I said, Thatll be the headlines tomorrow: Trump trying to thwart the Constitution, which theres nothing further from the truth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also raised the prospect of serving a third term and violating other democratic norms in May 2024. You know, FDR 16 years almost 16 years he was four terms. I dont know, are we going to be considered three-term? Or two-term? he told a National Rifle Association convention, referencing Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Ministries Confront Lethargic Christian Voters, Mobilize 850,000 Americans to Pray, Vote and Engage As President Trump begins his second term, Christians Engaged and Family Policy Alliance Foundation continue to voice concern over apathetic U.S. Christians retreat from influencing culture NEWS PROVIDED BY I AM PR Jan. 24, 2025 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Jan. 24, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ A grassroots nonprofit ministry that exists to awaken, educate and empower Christians says the American church has continued to be lethargic in stewarding its rights and liberties - even as President Trump begins his second administration. Only 56 percent of self-identified Christians voted in the latest U.S. presidential election, according to the 2024 Post-Election Survey from Dr. George Barna and the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. The most common reason for not voting was lethargy. The study reported that one out of five voting-age, self-identified Christians (20%) said they had intended to vote in 2024 but simply forgot or never got around to it. Historically, we have seen apathy increase even more among believers when we think DC is taken care of. Instead of going back to sleep for two to four years, we must activate our communities even more to pray, vote, run for office, and to educate more citizens on critical issues, said Bunni Pounds, Christians Engaged (CE) founder and president. Pounds, who owned one of the largest political consulting firms in Texas before running for U.S. Congress in 2017, believes God has called her to be a missionary to America" -- to spread the gospel and to advocate for biblical values in politics and government. My heart became burdened for Christians who were enthusiastic about fellow believers running for office, but who didnt know what a primary election was and couldnt name their local mayor, she said. Two Better Than One Last summer Christians Engaged merged with Family Policy Alliance Foundation (FPAF), a like-minded social conservative ministry led by CEO Craig DeRoche and founded by Focus on the Family in 2004 with state-based policy allies in more than 39 states. The coming together of Family Policy Alliance Foundation and Christians Engaged into a cohesive team has strengthened our effectiveness on the issues we care about and will continue to impact our nation for decades to come. It has been a game changer for the social conservative movement, said DeRoche. In 2024, CE and FPAF effectively mobilized and equipped 850,000 Christians to pray, vote and engage in the November election, and they will continue to activate the Body of Christ for every future U.S. election, employing their state-of-the-art digital election system. In the weeks leading up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, they galvanized additional Christians to get out to vote by sending 12 million emails and broadcast radio commercials in contentious battleground states. Their efforts paid off as a former Christians Engaged young adult scholarship recipient, 27-year-old Alyssa Brown, became the youngest woman elected to the Arkansas State House, and key supporter Jessica Lewis won a seat as judge in the 5th Court of Appeals in Texas. If every Christian in this nation would walk with God and carry His heart and the gospel into their local communities and their states, our nation would be transformed. We are the answer to every ill in our society, said Pounds, who recently released her political memoir Jesus and Politics (Frontline Books), chronicling her experiences as a Christian working in what many consider an ungodly, mud-slinging profession. In the book -- with foreword by James Robison and afterword by former Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann -- Pounds candidly shares accounts of how God strategically positioned her to reach across the political divide to pray for national leaders regardless of their party affiliation, and to help pay off her rivals outstanding campaign debt. If God can use a woman with a political resume for His glory, He can use anyone, said Pounds. Also central to the ministry of Christians Engaged and Family Policy Alliance Foundation are practical resources and on-demand video courses to educate believers on civics and the biblical worldview as well as a new outreach to young people, called 1630. For more information, please visit www.christiansengaged.org and www.familypolicyalliance.com. MEDIA INTERVIEWS: For media interviews with Christians Engageds Bunni Pounds and Family Policy Alliances CEO Craig DeRoche, please contact Gregg Wooding, I AM PR, 972-567-7660 / gregg@iampronline.com SOURCE I AM PR Italian company Assicurazioni Generali (Generali) has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with French banking group BPCE to combine their asset management businesses. Ownership of the joint venture (JV) formed between Generali Investments Holding (GIH) and BPCEs Natixis Investment Managers (Natixis IM) would be shared equally, with each holding 50% and balanced governance and control rights. The merged entity, managing over 1.9tn ($1.97tn) in assets, would be a global asset management platform with significant scale in Europe and North America. It would rank first in revenues and second in assets under management (AUM) in Europe, ninth globally by AUM, and first worldwide in insurance asset management by AUM. The combined platform, leveraging similar multi-affiliate models, would provide diverse strategic solutions for retail, wholesale, and institutional clients globally. Generali plans to allocate 15bn ($15.5bn) over five years to seed and accelerate capital within the joint platform's affiliates, supporting the development of new investment strategies and expanding competencies and product offerings. BPCE CEO Nicolas Namias said: Over the past 20 years, BPCE has built an exceptional asset management franchise through a multi-affiliate model that creates value for all our stakeholders, namely our clients and shareholders, Banque Populaire and Caisse dEpargne. The combined entity will be based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with France, Italy, and the United States serving as operational hubs managing daily operations. The board of directors will include equal representatives from BPCE and Generali, along with three independent directors jointly selected by both parties. Upon forming the joint venture, BPCE CEO Nicolas Namias will serve as chairman of the board, and Generali CEO Philippe Donnet will assume the role of vice chairman. Woody Bradford, CEO of GIH, will become CEO of the global entity, and Philippe Setbon, CEO of Natixis IM, will serve as the deputy CEO. Assicurazioni Generali Group CEO Philippe Donnet said: The creation of a joint venture with BPCE would present a unique opportunity to establish a European leader and a top 10 global asset manager building on strong roots in Italy, France and the US to serve the constantly evolving needs of our customers, led by Woody Bradford, Philippe Setbon, Nicolas Namias, and me. The merger awaits regulatory approvals and is expected to close by early 2026. Recently, Generali Investments agreed to acquire a majority stake in New York-based private lending firm MGG Investment Group. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) Pipelines that carry carbon gases such as CO2 shouldnt have the power to force their way across private property in South Dakota, according to a panel of state lawmakers. The House State Affairs Committee on Friday endorsed legislation that would make clear that eminent domain cant be used by CO2 pipelines. The 10-3 vote sends House Bill 1052 to the House of Representatives, where it could be debated as early as Monday afternoon. If the House approves it, HB1052 would next go to the Senate for further action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Planned mens prison discussed, undergoes preparations The meeting room was nearly filled by citizens supporting its passage. Many of them applauded the committee members moments after the meeting adjourned, and some shook the hands of lawmakers who had voted yes. This comes after South Dakota voters rejected Senate Bill 201 in the November general election. The no side won in 65 of 66 counties. Ethanol producers and Summit Carbon Solutions had supported SB201s passage last year. In the June 2024 Republican primary elections, more than a dozen challengers defeated incumbents who had voted for SB201. That led to near-total turnover in the House and Senate Republican leadership this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summit Carbon Solutions applied for a permit from the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission for a pipeline that would collect CO2 from ethanol plants and carry the gas to sites in North Dakota, where it would be sequestered underground. The PUC rejected Summit the first time. Summit has applied a second time. The South Dakota Supreme Court last year said Summit hadnt shown it was a common carrier that would then qualify for eminent domain under state law and said the landowner plaintiffs were entitled to additional discovery. The Supreme Court returned the case to the circuit court. The current bills prime sponsor is Republican Rep. Karla Lems. She faced a challenge Friday from Republican Rep. Greg Jamison about what the Supreme Court said. They (the Supreme Court) ruled they (Summit) had not proven to be a common carrier for carrying a commodity, Lems said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That led Jamison to ask a follow-up: So its not yet determined? Thats my understanding, Lems said. Republican Rep. Marty Overweg, a farmer and agribusinessman, asked Summit attorney Brett Koenecke why the route of the proposed CO2 line doesnt run along the right of way like many utilities. The main thing with being in the right of way, as I understand it, Koenecke said, is you expose the pipeline to more threats of what we call third-party damage, because of the other uses existing there and peoples other needs to use that right of way. There can be water, there can be natural gas, there can be electricity, there can be telecom, and each time those people have to come out and do their thing to maintain their facilities, then that exposes the pipeline to more digging and more of those threats, Koenecke continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He put his right palm on his heart. Thats what Im told by the pipeline routing and construction experts. Overweg later spoke in favor of the bill, saying the business and ethanol and pipeline lobbyists who testified as opponents didnt understand what he called the generational part of South Dakota. So Im sorry if companies feel like were changing the rules or they dont understand how we can effectively turn down all this economic development. I dont care. We need to pass this bill. This bill protects South Dakota, the South Dakota that we know and we understand, Overweg said. Jamison would vote against the bill. He said that it addressed only CO2 pipelines and didnt address the broader question about the overall process of eminent domain in South Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe itll be ethanol thatll come knocking on the door, Jamison said. Maybe its going to be a water pipeline. Either way, theyre going to have these same rules and authorities to start a conversation. Jamison asked Lems why her legislation dealt only with CO2 pipelines. This was a different animal that came in and basically sued over 160 landowners in our state for something that I think many people did not recognize as that should be able to use eminent domain, Lems replied. And it was like, you know, who is benefiting from this, and youre going to trample on my property rights and the things I want to do with my own property, to give preference for a project thats not going to benefit me. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. POLK CITY, Iowa A fire Wednesday night raged through the Saylorville Marina destroying at least ten houseboats. On Thursday owners came out to assess the damage to their boats. It was just a house boat that we used pretty much every weekend, said Mike Veenstra, of Pleasant Hill. We just heard about it last night and somebody called us and said there was a fire out here and I just came out this morning to see if I could evaluate the damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before getting to go view his boat Veenstra saw photos of his boat. We saw some distant photos, but yeah, I really want to get our own eyes on it, said Veenstra. I think theyre still kind of investigating, its a total loss. Looks like theres nothing left really so. Billy Youngquist on social media Thursday was remembering his fun times on his familys boat called the Filthy Oar. Statehouse leadership discusses casino moratorium, immigration and property taxes I started using the boat for inviting friends out all the time we would spend weekends, one week we actually spent almost the entire week out there hanging out, having fun, said Youngquist. Helping the people of the lake, we cleaned up Party Cove, and cleaned out logs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youngquist said he hopes his parents will be able to rebuild their boat, as part of the frame was still intact. There was some concern about a fire hydrant, which was not in working order at the Marina property. Polk City Fire Chief Karla Hogrefe said the non-working hydrant is the property of the Army Corps of Engineers, and is not the responsibility of the Polk City Fire Department. She said on Wednesday night that she was not aware if that hydrant was in working order. There has been no word from the Polk County Sheriffs Office on the cause of the fire. Metro News: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Part 1 of a two-part series looking at housing affordability in Frederick County. Tom Brady thought he was ready to buy his first home. The Middletown High School graduate had a good job in IT with Xecunet out of Ballenger Creek and had saved money for his own place by living at his parents' home. In 2022, Brady hired Kelly Losquadro, a real estate agent with Long and Foster, to help locate the perfect starter home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Losquadro said Brady is a "saver" who "is very, very budget conscious, which I was so impressed by." Brady said location was a big factor, wanting to be close to downtown Frederick and work, but having enough space and modern appliances, including an in-unit washer and dryer, were also on the checklist. The two looked all over Frederick County, including downtown Frederick, Middletown, Jefferson, New Market and Lake Linganore. They grew close as the search entered a second year. "Kelly's great," Brady said. "I honestly don't think I can imagine going through this process without someone like Kelly around because she was incredibly helpful and super patient with me because this dragged out longer than I thought it would." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Losquadro said Brady was "the son I never had" and used to joke about him sharing a name with the six-time Super Bowl winner and 2012's Business Insider's Sexiest Athlete Alive. She said, she used to tell her husband, "I'm going out with Tom Brady tonight." Two and a half years into the search, Brady, now 33, still lived with his parents. While Losquadro spoke glowingly of Brady as a person, she said his story was not unique in a market she called "crazy." "I could tell this story over and over," she said. "The affordability is just not there." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supply not matching demand Experts agree that while housing in Frederick is generally strong, supply has not matched demand for lower-priced homes, mirroring trends throughout the state and region. Housing data compiled by MarketStats shows both the average and median prices increasing within Frederick County from December 2023 to December 2024. Average sale prices increased 2.8%, to $515,899, in that time period, according to MarketStats data. The state's Department of Assessments and Taxation evaluates the value of taxable land for a third of the county each year, leading every property in the county to be reassessed on a triennial cycle. In the last three years, property values increased between 28.6% and 30.8%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The market is still strong," said Kris Alcorn, a member of the Frederick County Association of Realtors and a broker with Re/MAX. Alcorn added: "It's definitely more of a seller's market." She said the housing stock, or supply of various types of housing options, is lacking on the lower to middle end of the cost spectrum. To illustrate this point, there were more houses that sold for less than $500,000 than there were active listings at the end of the month, according to MarketStats data. Homes between $500,000 and $800,000 had about five listings for every four homes sold. Homes above $800,000 had almost three times as many listings as homes sold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Listings vs. sales Chart by Cameron Adams Hugh Gordon, chair of the Frederick County Affordable Housing Council and association executive of the Frederick County Association of Realtors, said it is hard for home buyers to buy at a higher or lower price as needed because "we don't have much affordability here in Frederick." Gordon said young families looking to get more space or older residents looking to downsize do not have the kind of fluid range of options that he would characterize as being part of a healthy, competitive housing market. Danielle Adams, executive officer with the Frederick County Building Industry Association, agreed with this assessment of the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are seeing a tremendous amount of need for all housing types, for all income levels, and in areas that provide public transportation," Adams wrote in an emailed response to questions. "Our young adults cannot afford to live in our community and are either living with family or leaving all together, taking their spending dollars out of the county. We lack inventory that would make housing more affordable." Also, she said the market makes it harder for the older population to age in place. In 2022, 29.3% of households in the county had at least one member 65 years or older, according to county records. Of those households, 32% 9.4% of all households in the county are made up entirely of an individual living alone who is at least 65 years old. The United Way publishes data with three categories: the Federal Poverty Level, those above the ALICE line and those below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed and tracks households that while having jobs cannot afford the basic cost of living in their county. The actual number for that line varies by household type. The data say that of the 104,912 households in the county, 26% are between the poverty line and ALICE line. This group is often called working poor. These figures are actually slightly better than the 29% ALICE households across the state as a whole. Future housing needs Maryland State Housing Secretary Jacob Day connected stable housing to economic well-being at an event in Frederick in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that while the state has experienced stagnant economic growth of 1.8% over the last eight years, Frederick County was not one of those stagnant parts. Day said many parts of the state would "trade with [Frederick County] any day of the week, in terms of economic growth." Maryland has a housing shortage of 96,000 units, according to state records. In order to meet expected population growth, Frederick County will need to increase its housing stock by 57,000 homes by 2050, according to a county forecast. In the previous 25 years, 39,484 homes were built, according to county records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, to build 57,000 homes in 25 years, 2,280 would need to be built on average each year. Since 2019, the county has averaged 2,291 new homes. New homes A look at houses built between 2002 and 2024. In order to build 57,000 new homes by 2050, 2,280 would need to be built per year. Since 2019, Frederick has built on average 2,291 new homes per year. During her State of the County remarks, County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said the housing shortage is a focus of her administration. "For policy makers, this is a largescale problem," Fitzwater said of the shortage. "For residents, it's a much more personal challenge because long-time residents are concerned about staying in their homes and newer families are worried about how they will buy a house here." County Council Member Steve McKay said in an interview that housing is "a personal interest to me" due to having a 35-year-old son unable to find affordable housing in the county. "He wants to live up here, but can't afford to buy a house," McKay said. "He had a house in Florida, sold it with a little bit of profit, but really can't afford to buy anything up here. So I recognize and empathize with the issue." He added that recent trends further locked affordable housing seekers out of the market, that supply and demand did not line up. "We had a booming supply through the pandemic years," McKay said. "And that booming supply didn't result in prices coming down just the opposite." McKay proposed a moratorium bill that the County Council voted down 5-1 in 2024. It was an effort to limit new housing until the issue of overcrowding in schools was addressed. The bill exempted smaller subdivisions, age-restricted housing and affordable or moderately priced housing as defined by the county code. That can include limiting the purchase of a house to those earning below set figures relative to county medians for income. McKay said he included these carve-outs in an effort to improve the supply of affordable housing while also addressing school overcrowding. Priced out At a December meeting, Frederick City Council Member Donna Kuzemchak said many people are being priced out of living in Frederick. "It's harder for people to move here, for people to live here, for people to buy here. And every time the cost of your house goes up, your taxes go up," she said. Council Member Ben MacShane agreed that Frederick has become less affordable, saying property values have risen "dramatically." MacShane said that previously, the appeal of Frederick was that "even if it's unaffordable to live here, it's kind of worth it because we're providing a lot," but that was no longer a tenable position to residents. Council Member Derek Shackelford emphasized the complexity of the housing market. He said he likes to support those "who are building I don't like to use the word affordable housing but price appropriate housing, because that incorporates all of the residents of our community." According to a 2022 analysis, the median household income in the county for someone who owns their home was $135,090 while the median household income for a renter was $65,632, according to county records. Given these differences, Livable Frederick's look at housing in the county found that 19.5% of homeowners and 45.4% of renters were considered "cost-burdened." That designation means that they spend 30% or more of their income on housing. Experts said these problems will only grow as Frederick's population grows. Census data showed that between 2010 and 2020, Frederick County saw the highest percentage increase, growing by over 16%, compared to 9% and 12% for Prince Georges and Montgomery, respectively. In response to that population increase, Adams wrote in an email, "Over the past few decades, Frederick County and its municipalities have not kept lockstep with the continuum of housing." Finding a home Tom Brady's story had a happy ending. After over 30 months and several false starts with other places, including a near match on a unit in downtown Frederick, he and Losquadro found a place that fit his needs in Ballenger Creek. Brady said having Losquadro and the Interfaith Housing Alliance helped him pay attention to the right details and know what questions to ask. The duo managed to bid below asking on the unit, because Losquadro had noticed it was overpriced by an out-of-state bank that had seized it on foreclosure. On Sunday, Brady pointed to the sparse decorations, noting he was still in the process of moving in. He said it will be an adjustment to live on his own for the first time and fill out the space that will house his future. "I'm looking forward to it," Brady said. "I'm excited." "It's all about timing and strategy and all these things that come into play in this competitive, frustrating market," Losquadro said. "All his hard work and perseverance paid off." Coming Saturday: Part 2 What are some possible solutions? HONOLULU (KHON2) Honolulu police are asking for the publics help in finding an officers personal items after they were stolen this morning in the Hawaii Kai area. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You According to HPD, the officers duty belt, which contained a firearm, badge, and radio, was taken while the officers vehicle was parked. Puna woman in critical condition after being hit by vehicle Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The badge, radio, and other items have been recovered, but the firearm remains missing. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Anyone with information is urged to call 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Hugh Grant is picking another battle with British tabloid The Sun in the wake of Prince Harrys settlement with its publisher. The Heretic actor called for the police to open a new criminal investigation against the Murdoch-owned News Group Newspapers on Friday and said that the matter is not resolved by any means. Specifically, Grant has called on the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Metropolitan Police to investigate NGN, which owns The Sun. In turn, the CPS told the BBC that criminal investigations are matters that should be left to the police. Thats what theyve done consistently over the last 10 years, Grant told BBC Radio 4s Today on Friday. Theyve spent 1 billion to make sure these things are never looked at in court and you dont get proper judicial findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Harrys privacy invasion lawsuit came to an abrupt end before the trial even started. Originally, over 1,300 people accused NGN of hacking their phones as well as other corrupt activities. However, going into the trial, only Prince Harry and another man remained on the case as the others had all previously settled or backed down from litigation. One of those initial accusers was Grant, though he settled in 2024. The Love Actually and Bridget Joness Diary star went on to say he believes The Sun and its owners are terrified of the potential findings that would come out as part of a criminal inquiry and how they would impact the business. The settlement reached between Prince Harry and News Group Newspapers is reportedly in the eight figures, according to People. [We offer a] full and unequivocal apology to the Duke of Sussex for the serious intrusion by The Sun between 1996 and 2011 into his private life, including incidents of unlawful activities carried out by private investigators, the settlement read, according to The AP. NGN further apologizes to the duke for the impact on him of the extensive coverage and serious intrusion into his private life as well as the private life of Diana, Princess of Wales, his late mother, in particular during his younger years, the apology continued. We acknowledge and apologize for the distress caused to the duke, and the damage inflicted on relationships, friendships and family, and have agreed to pay him substantial damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Grants case, he previously accused The Sun of using private investigators to tap his phone and break into his home. He later said he only settled because he could not pay for the costs leading up to the trial, which he said were up to 10 million even if he won. For its part, NGN has denied Grants allegations and stated their settlement was reached without admission of liability. The post Hugh Grant Calls for Criminal Investigation Against Murdoch-Owned Tabloid, The Sun appeared first on TheWrap. Hugh Grant has called for the U.K. police to open a new criminal investigation into Rupert Murdochs News Group Newspapers. The actor joins a growing chorus of people who, in the wake of Prince Harrys historical settlement with the company which included admissions of guilt into phone hacking at The Sun newspaper are now calling for renewed police action. More from Variety Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Grant who himself settled with NGN in 2024 said the job was not done by any means after the Prince Harry case, adding that NGN had gamed the civil courts to silence complainants and that a criminal investigation was needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats what theyve done consistently over the last 10 years, he said. Theyve spent 1 billion to make sure these things are never looked at in court and you dont get proper judicial findings. I think what theyre terrified of is that those findings would trigger a new criminal inquiry. Grant had accused The Sun newspaper of using private investigators to tap his phone and burgle his house, but said he settled because he could have faced a multi-million dollar bill even if he had won. NGN had denied the allegations, saying the settlement was reached without admission of liability. For Grant, a new investigation was necessary because people working at The Sun at the time were still in positions great power. A lot of the foot soldiers for those newspapers have now come over to our side to say this is awful, he said. Weve been punished, weve been to prison, weve paid fines, weve lost our jobs. But the people who commanded all this, theyre still there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, Prince Harry and NGN reached a settlement believed to be worth more than $10 million. The company also issued an apology that, for the first time, admitted to criminal activity at The Sun. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Hugh Grant has joined the chorus calling for a police investigation into criminality at News Group Newspapers (NGN) following this weeks high-profile settlement and apology with Prince Harry. Appearing on the BBCs Today program this morning, the BAFTA-winning star and Board Director of the Hacked Off campaign group said the aim of Harrys initial case and of Grants own 2024 case against NGN had been to spark a new criminal investigation against NGN, but both had fallen foul of the UK civil courts legal system. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the job was not done by any means since the Harry settlement, coming after Harrys lawyer David Sherborne said the Prince and fellow complainant Tom Watson join others in calling for the police and Parliament to investigate not only the unlawful activity now finally admitted [by NGN], but the perjury and cover ups along the way. Harrys reported eight-figure settlement came several months after Notting Hill star Grant settled a privacy claim against NGN. At the time, Grant said he could have faced a bill of up to 10M ($12.3M) even if he had won due to a quirk of the British legal system. After NGN settled with Harry this week, the company issued an apology and for the first time acknowledged criminal activity at The Sun, although the group immediately stressed that this was carried out by private investigators, not journalists. NGNs follow-up statement also said the settlement draws a line under the past and brings an end to this litigation. Had Harrys case gone to trial for several weeks, many including Grant believe that NGN would have had to defend itself against wider allegations of a cover-up regarding privacy. Grant today noted that the people giving the orders [back then] are still there [at NGN] in positions of great power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Metropolitan Police spokesperson told the BBC of the investigation: We await any correspondence from the parties involved, which we will respond to in due course. Earlier, Met chief Mark Rowley stressed to Today that the issues have been investigated in the past. There was a massive series of investigations done sort of a decade or so ago, he said. It finished more recently than that, many, many millions of pounds, hundreds officers were involved for a long period of time. There were many prosecutions, those investigations were closed, if they send us a bunch of material, well reflect on that and make our judgments. Much of the material in the civil litigation actually came from those investigations and was requested through legal processes by the litigants. So lets see whether they produce anything. Leveson 2 Grant also called on the new Labour government to conduct a Leveson 2 inquiry into phone hacking and privacy but Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has already said this will not take place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have some sympathy for politicians terrified of the Murdoch organization and the power to destroy their careers, said Grant, who is BAFTA nominated this year for Heretic. But this is why we now need leadership from the Prime Minister. If a government is there for anything, particularly a Labour government, it is to protect the public from abuses and criminalities of big corporations. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Following Prince Harry's historical settlement with The Sun, Hugh Grant is urging local authorities to open a new criminal investigation into News Group Newspapers (NGN), owners of the British tabloid The Sun. Grantwho settled his own case with NGN in 2024said that NGN had gamed the civil courts to cover up complaints during a Friday appearance on BBC Radio 4. SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats what theyve done consistently over the last 10 years, he said. Theyve spent 1 billion to make sure these things are never looked at in courtand you dont get proper judicial findings. I think what theyre terrified of is that those findings would trigger a new criminal inquiry. Grant, who accused The Sun of using private investigators to tap his phone and break into his home, said that he settled with the newspaper because even if he won the case, he could have ended up with a multi-million dollar bill. (NGN denied the allegations.) Related: Hugh Grant Reveals Why He Stopped Starring in Romantic Comedies The Four Weddings and a Funeral actor, now 64, argued that because people who were working at The Sun at the time are still in positions great power," a new investigation is necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of the foot soldiers for those newspapers have now come over to our side to say this is awful, he told BBC. Weve been punished, weve been to prison, weve paid fines, weve lost our jobs. But the people who commanded all this, theyre still there. Prince Harry and NGN settled earlier this week, estimated to be worth over $10 million. The company also admitted to criminal activity at The Sun for the first time in an official apology, claiming that private investigators, not journalists working at the newspaper were to blame. Next: Hugh Grant, 64, Makes Candid Confession About Having 5 Young Children: 'Unbearable' Hugh Grant is calling for a criminal investigation into Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers following Prince Harry's settlement against the publisher. Prince Harry originally sued NGN over accusations that investigators and journalists under the publisher engaged in illegal information gathering between 1996 and 2011, and that The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World had targeted him during that time. Related: Prince Harry to Miss First Day of U.K. Trial, Dismissing Reports He Was Set to Receive Police Protection Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Duke of Sussex's trial against NGN-owned The Sun was set to begin when, on Jan. 22, the two parties reached a settlement which included an eight-figure sum in damages to be paid to Prince Harry and a "full an unequivocal apology" from NGN. The settlement did not include apologies from named senior executives who were at the company during that period of time. Now Grant who also sued NGN and settled a privacy claim against them last year is calling for more drastic action against the publisher, according to The Hollywood Reporter, citing that the job is "not done by any means." A civil suit was "not the right instrument" to obtain the "real truth of what happened," Grant said. Eugene Gologursky/Getty Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Dec. 4, 2024 in New York City Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Dec. 4, 2024 in New York City Thats what theyve done consistently over the last 10 years. Theyve spent 1 billion to make sure these things are never looked at in court and you dont get proper judicial findings," the actor told BBC Radio 4's Today program. "I think what theyre terrified of is that those findings would trigger a new criminal inquiry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued, A lot of the foot soldiers for those newspapers have now come over to our side [] to say this is awful. Weve been punished, weve been to prison, weve paid fines, weve lost our jobs. But the people who commanded all this, theyre still there. 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! In addition to his calls for a criminal inquiry into NGN, the actor also suggested Britain's Crown Protection Service should take action. Read the original article on People Tech giant Google has invested over $1bn in AI startup Anthropic, the Financial Times reported. This investment is said to be separate from Anthropic's ongoing $2bn fundraising round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, which values the company at approximately $60bn. Anthropic, a competitor of OpenAI in the AI foundation model sector, has not commented on the investment. Google already has a $2bn commitment in Anthropic. In November, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) proposed unwinding Google's partnership with Anthropic as part of an antitrust case concerning online search. The proposal aims to prevent Google from collaborating with companies influencing consumer search, including AI products, challenging Google's investment in Anthropic. Apart from Googles investment in the AI company, e-commerce giant Amazon doubled its stake in Anthropic to $8bn last year. In September 2023, Amazon made an initial investment of $1.25bn in the AI company and announced plans to invest up to $4bn. By March 2024, Amazon had invested an additional $2.75bn, completing its $4bn commitment. In September 2024, the UKs Competition and Markets Authority approved Amazons $4bn investment, concluding that it did not meet the threshold for an in-depth review under UK merger regulations. In November 2024, Amazon announced an additional $4bn investment in Anthropic. As part of this agreement, the company offers access to its models through direct sales and third-party cloud services, including Amazon Web Services. Recent reports also indicate that Anthropic is nearing a deal to secure another $2bn investment from Amazon. Microsoft-backed OpenAI initiated an AI arms race with the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022. The company's popularity and new product launches helped secure a $6.6bn funding round in October, potentially valuing it at $157bn. In March 2024, Anthropic introduced the Claude 3 family of AI models, including Haiku, Sonnet, and Opus. Opus and Sonnet are available on claude.ai and the Claude API, reaching 159 countries. "Google invests $1bn in AI startup Anthropic" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. Donald Trumps mass deportation drive is in full swing with images showing shackled illegal migrants being escorted on to a military plane for repatriation to their home countries. Deportation flights have begun, Karoline Leavitt, Mr Trumps press secretary, declared on Friday morning, sharing photos of a line of men on an airfield wearing chains around their ankles and wrists. Ms Leavitt said hundreds of illegal criminals had been deported, calling it the largest massive deportation operation in history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, 538 migrants were arrested, 373 for criminal activity, she added. Among those deported were a suspected terrorist, four members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors, according to Ms Leavitt. Migrants boarding a plane at an army airfield in El Paso, Texas The Tren de Aragua gang became a flashpoint in the election campaign amid claims repeated by Mr Trump that it had turned the city of Aurora, Colorado, into a war-zone. A border official told Fox News one of the planes took off from an army airfield in El Paso, Texas, on Thursday evening and flew to Guatemala. A further 460 illegal migrants were arrested between Tuesday morning and Wednesday night, according to Fox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two US military aircraft each carried about 80 migrants, a US official said. It was the first time in recent memory that US military aircraft were being used to fly migrants out of the US, one official added. US customs officers training near the border with Mexico on Thursday - Herika Martinez/AFP via Getty The Trump administration is also considering targeting migrants who entered through Biden-era programs and invoking an obscure immigration statute to make it easier to deputise state and local law enforcement to arrest and detain immigrants in the US illegally. Benjamine Huffman, the acting homeland security secretary, said in a memo made public on Friday that immigration officials could consider whether to strip temporary legal status from migrants who entered through Joe Bidens signature parole programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memo provides guidance for the use of a fast-track deportation process that the Trump administration reinstated earlier this week, suggesting officers focus on migrants who failed to request asylum within a one-year deadline after arriving in the US. This week Mr Trump declared a national emergency at the US border and he has ordered the defence department to support the border force in obtaining complete operational control of it. US Customs and Border Patrol used the emergency declaration to close it off. An agent with an illegal migrant near the Mexico border on Thursday - Gregory Bull/AP The White House is sending 1,500 troops to join the 2,500 already stationed at the southern border for surveillance and processing. This is the initial wave of troops, with administration insiders preparing to deploy as many as 10,000 troops, prompting concerns within the Pentagon about resourcing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A justice department memo shows that the Trump administration will seek to prosecute local officials who defy its immigration edicts. Prosecutors who decline to take forward immigration cases will be reported to the department for investigation, it continued. Many of the migrant arrests this week have taken place in sanctuary cities to which Mr Trump has suggested cutting off funding. Video footage from a raid in Boston showed a man said to be a gang member from Haiti, declaring he would not go back to his home country - Bill Melugin/Fox News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A group of 80 men were returned to Mexico via the Paso del Norte bridge on Thursday - Christian Torres/Anadolu via Getty There are more than 170 sanctuary jurisdictions across the US including California, which limit cooperation with federal agencies attempting to deport undocumented migrants. Were trying to end them, and a lot of the people in those communities dont want them, Mr Trump told Fox News. While Democrat-run sanctuary cities have pledged to resist Mr Trumps deportation drive, there is a limit to what they can do because it falls under the powers of the federal government. This week, Mexico began erecting sprawling tents along its border with the US in preparation for the mass deportation drive. In an empty lot in Ciudad Juarez, which neighbours Texas, cranes lifted metal frames for tent shelters. Nogales, Mexico, which neighbours Arizona, announced it would build shelters on football fields and in a gymnasium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The border cities of Matamoros and Piedras Negras have begun similar efforts. The Mexican government is also building nine shelters in border cities to receive deportees. It has said that it would also use existing facilities in Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez and Matamoros to take in migrants whose appointments to request asylum in the US were cancelled on inauguration day. Donald Trump began his second term by ordering mass deportations - Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty The highly organised campaign is the product of months of preparation by Trump aides who have been coordinating efforts to close the border to asylum seekers while laying the groundwork for a mass deportation programme. An executive order signed by Mr Trump this week allows immigration officials to arrest migrants in locations previously deemed too sensitive, such as schools and churches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The roughly 10,000 migrants who had been cleared to enter the US under the Biden administration had their flights cancelled by Mr Trumps administration this week. A section of the border wall under construction in Texas - Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the president is to enact the largest deportation programme in history, there is only so much that he can do via orders he issues from the Resolute Desk. He needs Congress and its power of the purse. Tom Homan, the presidents border tsar, is said to have acknowledged as much in private meetings with congressional Republicans. According to CNN, he plans to target between one million and two million people who can be removed as quickly as possible. There are 1.4 million people in the US who have received final orders of removal from an immigration judge, which dramatically shortens the appeal process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Congress, which on Wednesday passed the Laken Riley Act, requiring the automatic detention of illegal migrants charged with crimes such as burglary or shoplifting, will surely be receptive when Mr Trump starts asking for cash for his mass deportations. As dizzying as this week has been, with Mr Trump tearing up reams of established US migration policy, he is just getting started. 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. Hungarys representatives have not yet agreed to a decision on the extension of EU sanctions against Russia. The issue will be considered at an EU Council meeting at foreign minister level on Monday, 27 January. Source: European Pravda, citing a senior EU official familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity Details: The source said the decision to extend sanctions against Russia for the next six months will be made on 27 January at the meeting of EU foreign ministers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "The extension of sanctions will be the first item on the agenda at the foreign ministers meeting on Monday, 27 January, as the Hungarian side insisted," the European official said. Nevertheless, the European Pravda source expressed confidence that a positive decision on the extension of sanctions would be made, as "the sanctions were imposed as a response to Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine". Quote: "We do not see the situation developing any other way," the source said. The EU official noted that on 27 January, the EU foreign ministers will also be considering the content of the 16th package of sanctions against Russia, which is due to be announced on 24 February, the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on the agenda will be options for the further use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine, as well as the prospects for bringing to justice those responsible for starting Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which will be the focus of an expert meeting in early February. In addition, the ministers will discuss the situation on the battlefield and the possibility of increasing the EU's military support for Ukraine, particularly the supply of ammunition and air defence systems. Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha will address the EU Council via video link to provide an update on the situation in Ukraine and details of its priority needs. Background: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Ukraine of trying to deceive Hungarians when it comes to gas supplies and called on the EU to force Ukrainians to "open the valves". Earlier, Orban promised to "fight back" against Ukraine for stopping the transit of Russian gas on 1 January. Support UP or become our patron! BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday said he wants the European Union to intervene in a gas dispute his country has with Ukraine, a potential sign of friction in the bloc's upcoming discussions over renewing sanctions against Russia. Speaking on state radio, Orban said that Ukraine's decision to cease transiting Russian gas into Central Europe through the Brotherhood pipeline had forced Hungary to turn to alternative routes, which raised energy prices. Meanwhile, he claimed EU sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine had cost Hungary 19 billion euros ($20 billion) since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. He did not cite how that sum was calculated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its no good that we pay for the economic consequences of sanctions to help Ukraine while they turn around and mess with us, he said of Kyiv's decision to allow a prewar transit deal with Russia to expire at the end of 2024. Natural gas prices did spike at the beginning of the year following the expiration of Ukraine's transit contract with Russia, though an increase in liquefied natural gas shipments to Europe has kept prices fluctuating. As the EU prepares to renew sanctions on Moscow in the coming week which requires unanimity among all the 27-member blocs leaders Hungary has signaled it may use a veto to block the penalties. Orban, considered to have the closest relationship with the Kremlin of any other EU leader, has long been a vocal opponent of EU sanctions against Moscow, though he has ultimately always voted for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump last week, Orban has publicly demanded an end to sanctions, raising the possibility that he would veto the newest round which must be decided by Jan. 31. The question of extending the sanctions is now on the agenda, and I pulled the handbrake and asked European leaders to understand that this cannot be continued," he said Friday. It is not possible that Hungary will pay the price of the sanctions in this proportion. I told my (EU) colleagues to please understand that we are asking for help," he continued. "We ask that they be able to get the Ukrainians to restore the gas pipeline. He also said he wanted guarantees that Ukraine would not stop transiting Russian oil into Hungary, which he said would pose a serious risk to the country. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Indiana Broadcasters Association (IBA) is speaking out against a recent executive order from Governor Mike Braun. It requires all Medicaid providers to stop advertising Indiana Medicaid programs. The Executive Director of the Indiana Broadcasters Association told our sister station in Indianapolis this order will leave Hoosiers uninformed about their options. These are agreements that are in place to make sure the most effective way to let people know about whats going on can be effectively used, said Dave Arland, Executive Director of IBA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration notice/ICE bill passes out of Indiana House Committee When asked directly about this decision Braun said Thats a broken program in the sense that they dont know what to do with it out in Congress in terms of sustaining it long term. If that program wants to stay in place for those who cant afford health care, were going to have to do a better job at running it, as opposed to inviting more people to come onto it. Along with this executive order, Braun also signed nine executive orders on Wednesday centered around the states healthcare system, one of the priorities Braun spoke about at length during his gubernatorial campaign. Some Indiana lawmakers still want to keep kids away from TikTok 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. Fearing federal agents asking to search a Chicago elementary school Friday morning were from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, school officials denied them entry. But it turned out they were US Secret Service agents pursuing an investigation. Around 11:15 a.m., the agents attempted to enter Hamline Elementary School, Chicago Public Schools Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova said. School officials initially said the agents were from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which ICE denied. The district said it later learned the agents who visited the school were from the Secret Service. This was not an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement encounter, a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement to CNN Friday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two agents who showed up to the school presented identification from the Department of Homeland Security, the federal agency that oversees both the Secret Service and ICE. School officials responded to the agents with the understanding that they were from ICE, amid rumors and reports that the agency was in the community, a district spokesperson told CNN. Regardless of which branch of Homeland Security visited this school, officials followed the established protocols to ensure student safety, the CPS spokesperson said in a statement to CNN Friday night. The agents were not allowed into the school or permitted to speak with staff or students. The US Secret Service approached the Chicago elementary school Friday morning as they were investigating a potential threat to a protectee, the agency told CNN. The agency would not name the protectee, as is common for investigations of this type. A Secret Service spokesperson told CNN the agencys Chicago office was investigating a threat made against a government official we protect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the course of their investigation, agents first visited a residence in a local neighborhood and then made a visit to Hamline Elementary School, Anthony Guglielmi said. Agents identified themselves to the school principal and provided business cards with their contact information. The agents left without incident. The Secret Service investigates all threats made against those we protect, we do not investigate nor enforce immigration laws. School officials were on edge as they prepared for possible encounters with ICE agents since President Donald Trump announced a planned nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration and suggested Chicago could be a target for enforcement actions. Our original communication was a result of a misunderstanding, reflective of the fear and concerns in the community amid the new administrations focus on undocumented immigrants, the CPS spokesperson said. Earlier this week, Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman announced federal immigration authorities will be permitted to arrest people and carry out enforcement actions in and near places such as churches and schools, marking a departure from long-standing policy to avoid so-called sensitive areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criminals will no longer be able to hide in Americas schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense, the statement reads. Bogdana Chkoumbova, Chicago Public Schools chief education officer, speaks to members of the media in Chicago on Friday. - Vincent Alban/Reuters Immigration and Customs Enforcement set a policy in 2011 preventing agents from making arrests in sensitive locations. The Biden administration put out similar guidance. Immigrant advocates have shared concerns over stripping the policy, arguing doing so would stoke fear in immigrant communities and keep children from going to school or people from seeking care at hospitals. Theres no sanctuary for criminal aliens in this country, nor is there a sanctuary for child trafficking, for child smuggling or for child endangerment, Homeland Security adviser Stephen Miller told Fox News Friday in response to reports ICE went to a the elementary school. ICE officers will take the actions necessary to protect the lives and safety of our children and to identify individuals who are involved in the smuggling and trafficking of our children in order to conduct these investigations, in order to protect the safety and security of children all across America, federal law enforcement is unrestricted access to conduct basic investigations, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, school officials earlier explained their position and how they handled Fridays incident. We will not open our doors for ICE, and we are here to protect our children and make sure they have access to an excellent education, Hamline Principal Natasha Ortega said in a news conference Friday afternoon. Chkoumbova emphasized the districts commitment to protecting students and families in accordance with the Illinois Trust Act and Chicagos Welcoming City Ordinance. The district does not ask for or share family immigration status with ICE, she said. The district will only allow ICE agents into schools with a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge, and access will not be granted based on administrative warrants or detainers, Chkoumbova said. CNNs Priscilla Alvarez, Whiney Wild and Bill Kirkos contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Chicago Public Schools prevented federal immigration officers from going into an elementary school on Chicagos Southwest Side Friday and talking to students, according to school officials. The agents showed up at 11:15 a.m. to Hamline Elementary School, located at 1548 W. 48th St. in the New City neighborhood, Principal Natasha Ortega said at a news conference. She said the schools employees followed the protocols that weve been trained and practiced and have discussed, ensuring students safety. We will not open our doors for ICE, and we are here to protect our children and make sure they have access to an excellent education, Ortega said. We stand in solidarity with our families and the Back of the Yards community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School officials indicated the officers were from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, however an ICE spokesperson denied in a statement that the encounter involved the agency. CPS didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. This immigration action appears to be the first at a Chicago school after President Donald Trump took office. Officials within Trumps administration have indicated that large-scale raids to detain undocumented immigrants would begin this week in Chicago. Trump reversed a policy this week that for more than a decade has prevented ICE from carrying out immigration enforcement in sensitive locations, such as healthcare facilities, daycares, churches, and schools. His executive orders have also sought to end birthright citizenship and deploy troops to enhance border security. A woman named Sandra, who asked only to be identified by her first name, teared up as she recounted hearing earlier on Friday that ICE agents had been to the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sandra, 28, had attended Hamline herself and was there to pick up her niece, she said. Them being here, to me, crosses a boundary, she said. Sandra described herself as a first-gen kid and said she was prepared to defend her neighborhood against raids. She guessed that her niece had friends and classmates who might be targeted in a raid. A CPS safe passage worker handed out a stack of know your rights pamphlets and cards to families walking by just east of the building. Theyd started work an hour early at 1 p.m., she said. She hadnt seen much of note around the school beyond more police presence, she said, but it had been a strange day anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These people are just scared, she said, pressing another information card into a womans hand. Hamline Elementary has a student population that is around 92% Hispanic as of 2024, according to the Illinois State Board of Education. Gov. JB Pritzker has previously said hes heard that ICE will target as many as 2,000 people in Chicago, but that he hasnt received any communication from the Trump administration. Fears of mass deportations have worried some of the areas roughly 400,000 undocumented immigrants, prompting many to skip work and keep their kids out of school. Chicago Public Schools have said they remain committed to protecting the rights of all students to a public education, providing guidance to staff to not allow immigration officers on school property unless they provide credentials and a criminal warrant signed by a federal judge. Hospitals and medical centers throughout Chicago are taking similar measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPS does not ask for our families immigration status. We will not coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (We do not) share student records with ICE except in the rare case where this is a court order or consent from a parent or a guardian, chief education officer Bogdana Chkoumbova said at the Friday news conference. A Chicago Police Department spokesperson said the department was not aware of the incident prior to the arrival of ICE personnel at the school. At no point Friday did CPD officers respond to any calls for service at Hamline, the spokesperson said. Leaders across Illinois react Mayor Brandon Johnsons office didnt immediately respond to request for comment, but indicated its looking into the incident. Pritzker said on social media that reports of the raid come after a week of Republicans sowing fear and chaos. Targeting children and separating families is cruel and un-American, Pritzker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few minutes before the schools 2:45 p.m. dismissal, Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates said the incident should mark a moment of solidarity. The union has urged CPS to recommit to certain protections against deportation in the four-year contract theyre bargaining for. I want to reiterate as a mother that our schools are a safe place, she said. And that they have my leadership and commitment, they have the leadership and the commitment of the 30,000 members of the Chicago Teachers Union and that we will be here to support, to resource and to protect our young people. Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter called the action in a statement an attack on not just Chicagos immigrant community, but our entire city. Chicago is a city of immigrants. I am proud of the way workers and CPS stood firm to defend their students and staff from harassment, he said. We will not be bullied. We know our rights and will continue to make sure our community knows how to exercise their legal rights. This story is developing. Please check back for updates. NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided a New Jersey seafood store on Thursday, according to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. The store owner told PIX11 News that a U.S. military veteran was among the people detained. More Local News Store owner Luis Janota said 10 or 12 ICE agents entered the retail area after receiving complaints and were looking for documentation. They did not ask for anyone specific, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was confused; they took three people who did not have any documentation on them, Janota said. I asked them [the agents] what documentation they were looking for, and they said it was a license or a passport. I thought, who walks around with a passport? Janota said three people were taken into custody, and some received a court date to appear before a judge. One of the guys was a military veteran, and the way he looked to me was because he was Hispanic. He is Puerto Rican and the manager of our warehouse. It looked to me like they were specifically going after certain kinds of people not every kind, because they did not ask me for documentation for my American workers, Portuguese workers, or white workers, Janota said. The raid came after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office stating that federal immigration authorities can arrest people at sensitive locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More New Jersey News Newark Mayor Ras Baraka issued a statement Thursday afternoon condemning the incident, which read in part: This egregious act is in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right of the people be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized. An ICE spokesperson released the following statement: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite on Jan. 23 in Newark, New Jersey. This is an active investigation and per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Janota told PIX11 News he believes Hispanic workers were targeted when they were asked for papers by the agents. They did not ask me for documentation for my American workers, Portuguese workers, or white workers, Janota 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. NEWARK, N.J. (WPIX) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided a New Jersey seafood store on Thursday, according to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. The store owner told Nexstars WPIX that a U.S. military veteran was among the people detained. Newark will not stand by idly: Mayor responds after ICE raid Store owner Luis Janota said 10 or 12 ICE agents entered the retail area after receiving complaints, and were looking for documentation. They did not ask for anyone specific, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was confused; they took three people who did not have any documentation on them, Janota said. I asked them [the agents] what documentation they were looking for, and they said it was a license or a passport. I thought, who walks around with a passport? Janota said three people were taken into custody, and some received a court date to appear before a judge. One of the guys was a military veteran, and the way he looked to me was because he was Hispanic. He is Puerto Rican and the manager of our warehouse. It looked to me like they were specifically going after certain kinds of people not every kind, because they did not ask me for documentation for my American workers, Portuguese workers, or white workers, Janota said. NJ senators deeply concerned about ICE raid in Newark Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The raid comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office stating that federal immigration authorities can arrest people at sensitive locations. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka issued a statement Thursday afternoon condemning the incident, which read in part: This egregious act is in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right of the people be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures. Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized. An ICE spokesperson released the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite on Jan. 23 in Newark, New Jersey. This is an active investigation and per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW YORK (PIX11) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents made hundreds of arrests during enforcement actions across the country on Thursday, the federal agency announced. ICE posted on X that 538 arrests were made, and 373 detainers were lodged. More Local News In Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka said ICE agents raided a seafood store and detained three people. The store owner told PIX11 News that a U.S. military veteran was among the people detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An ICE spokesperson released the following statement: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite on Jan. 23 in Newark, New Jersey. This is an active investigation and per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations. Luis Janota, the owner of Ocean Seafood Depot in Newark, told PIX11 News he believes Hispanic workers were targeted when they were asked for papers by the agents. They did not ask me for documentation for my American workers, Portuguese workers, or white workers, Janota said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Janota said 10 or 12 ICE agents entered the retail area after receiving complaints and were looking for documentation. They did not ask for anyone specific, he said. I was confused; they took three people who did not have any documentation on them, Janota said. I asked them [the agents] what documentation they were looking for, and they said it was a license or a passport. I thought, who walks around with a passport? The raid came just days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office stating that federal immigration authorities can arrest people at sensitive locations. In New York City, the Mayors Office of Immigration Affairs has updated its website to offer tips for undocumented people so they understand their rights if immigration officials approach them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lauren Cook is a digital journalist who has covered local news in the New York City area for over a decade. She has been with PIX11 since 2020. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested more than 500 people on Thursday, including during a raid on a worksite in New Jersey that a local official called an egregious act that violated the Fourth Amendment. Newark Mayor Ray Baraka said ICE officials detained undocumented residents as well as citizens during a raid on a business, without producing a warrant. One of the people detained, Baraka said, was a U.S. military veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned. This egregious act is in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right of the people be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures the mayor said in a statement. Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized. An ICE spokesperson defended the arrests in a statement to media outlets, saying the agency may encounter some citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an active investigation and, per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations, the spokesperson told Axios. The agency wrote it arrested 538 people and detained 373. Its unclear where those arrests took place. President Donald Trump had foreshadowed an overhaul of the nations immigration system and quickly moved to sign a raft of executive orders targeting migration along the southern border with Mexico. The Pentagon is sending 1,500 active-duty troops to the border to bolster those already there to support the U.S. Border Patrol. And the White House recently canceled travel for thousands of refugees that had already been approved to come to the country. Posters plastered in a predominantly Mexican neighborhood in Chicago warn residents of ICE raids, emphasizing 'DON'T OPEN ICE! ICE OUT OF OUR COMMUNITIES!' on Jan. 22. Photo by Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images Tom Homan, Trumps border czar, has also promised to carry out the presidents pledge to begin the largest mass deportation event in U.S. history from the first day of the new administration. The White House threatened this week to take legal action against any officials who resist enforcement efforts, although many Democratic mayors and governors have said they will not assist ICE agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homan said later Thursday the number of arrests so far was closer to 1,300 people, adding that collateral arrests of citizens or others legally allowed to be in the country would be higher than normal because so-called sanctuary cities were not helping ICE agents. I hope the sanctuary cities come around, he told NewsNation host Chris Cuomo. I really hope once they see what were doing once they see that we really are concentrated on the criminals, that theyll come to us and sit at the table and work with us. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared details of the arrests later Thursday, describing those detained as illegal immigrant criminals linked to a Venezuelan gang. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway, she wrote on X. Promises made. Promises kept. TODAY: The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors. Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 24, 2025 Related... Gran Tierra Energys 2025 capital budget and production guidance forecasts capital expenditure of between $240m (C$343.91m) and $280m. It expects cash flow from operating activities to be in the range of $260m300m for 2025. Building on the momentum of 2024, Gran Tierra plans to continue adding new reserves and investing in infrastructure projects to maximise recovery and minimise costs. The company has allocated 55% of its capital programme to Colombia, 30% to Ecuador and 15% to Canada. The 2025 capital programme includes the drilling of 1014 development wells and six to eight exploration wells. Gran Tierra plans to drill five to seven gross development wells in the Cohembi oil field in the Southern Putumayo Basin in Columbia. Facility expansions and social investment are also expected in the region. The company will work on field optimisation through waterflood expansion activities, facility expansions and gas-to-power generation upgrades in Acordionero. In Ecuador, two to three appraisal wells are planned on the Arawana/Zabaleta productive trend. In Canada, Gran Tierra is targeting two-layer co-development of the Lower and Middle Montney with 2.5 net wells at Simonette. Gran Tierra's 2025 production forecast ranges from 47,000 to 53,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), a 44% increase from the 34,710boe/d achieved in 2024. The company also forecasts free cash flow of $90m before exploration and $20m after exploration in the base case scenario. Gran Tierra's focus remains on generating free cash flow, reducing net debt and returning value to shareholders through share buybacks, with up to 50% of its free cash flow after exploration earmarked for this purpose in 2025. Gran Tierra president and CEO Gary Guidry said: Following up on a strong 2024, which included a very successful exploration campaign and a new country entry into Canada, we are looking forward to our 2025 development and exploration programme. Our 2025 budget, which is expected to be fully funded by cash flow, takes a balanced, returns-focused approach to capital allocation while focusing on portfolio longevity. We plan to focus on profitably growing reserves and production across our Colombian, Ecuadorian and Canadian assets, pursue high impact exploration throughout our portfolio, and invest in facility and infrastructure projects to maximise the long-term value of our assets. Guidry added: We believe Gran Tierra is strongly positioned with a low base decline, a robust portfolio of conventional and unconventional oil and gas assets, and a high-impact exploration programme. Federal immigration agents conducted the first large-scale arrest operation under the Trump administration, resulting in nearly 500 arrests. An Inglewood couple is suing JetBlue after a flight inbound to LAX dropped a watermelon-sized block of ice that crashed through their ceiling into their bedroom, according to a new lawsuit. A Federal Aviation Administration investigation showed that JetBlue should have known about the problem that caused the incident, which occurred a little over a year ago, the lawsuit asserts. It says the same plane was suspected of dropping a block of ice on a home in Massachusetts months earlier. Michael Reese and Leah Ferrarini "barely escaping devastating physical injury" at their Inglewood home on Jan. 1, 2024 had an ice block crash through their roof and land just above their pillows, the lawsuit states. Now, because of their home's proximity to Los Angeles International Airport and with a plane flying overhead "every five minutes," the couple feel the need to move from what they call their dream home given the fear and insomnia that have disrupted their lives, the complaint says. The couple are seeking $1 million in damages, according to later court documents submitted by JetBlue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAA reported that the plane had been inspected for issues with a potable-water drain and valve in February 2024, a month after the Inglewood incident, and a valve was found to have been faulty, causing a leak, the complaint says. But the plane should have been investigated for issues when they were first reported in July 2023 a month before it dropped ice on another home, damaging a roof in Shirley, Mass., the lawsuit says. "We heard an explosion, basically," the homeowner told CBS News after the August 2023 incident, saying he thought the house was struck by lightning. "The loudest pop, bang I've ever heard." "JETBLUE had been on notice for months prior to January 1, 2024, yet failed to conduct an investigation as to the problems with the potable water system value and drain. Had JETBLUE done so after being on notice that there was a problem as early as July 2023, the discharge of the large block of ice on Plaintiff's home would not have occurred," the lawsuit, filed in October, states. In its response to the complaint, JetBlue denied all of Reese and Ferrarini's claims and said it had followed all governmental regulations and industry standards. This month, the airline argued the case should move to federal court rather than Los Angeles Superior Court, as its headquarters are in New York. Christopher Kanne, Reese and Ferrarini's lawyer, and JetBlue did not immediately respond to a request for comment by The Times on Thursday afternoon. 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 man Troopers arrested for hitting and killing an Orange County kindergarten student this weekend is undocumented, Florida Highway Patrol told prosecutors Friday. WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS In open court, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper told prosecutors Rosillo Arriola handed him an ID from Mexico after he admitted to hitting and killing an Orange County student a 6-year-old named Emiliano. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the tragedy happened, 9 Investigates has been questioning FHP and ICE on the suspects status. Read: Officials: 2 children dead, mother hurt, after overnight condo fire in Palm Bay 9 Investigates has confirmed he has been in the U.S. since at least 2006. This is when his criminal history at least in Florida begins. This weekends arrest marked his 3rd DUI in Florida. Rosillo-Arriola is still on probation for his 2nd DUI from October 2023. Read: Carnival Freedom sets sail after environmental matter causes delay at Port Canaveral FHP told prosecutors in court that ICE placed a detainer on Rosillo-Arriola. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors stressed to the judge that they should not grant bond for him because hes a flight risk and that he could try to flee to Mexico now that he is facing several years in prison for Manslaughter and DUI. Read: Cold Weather Advisory in place for most of Central Florida as winter blast continues A judge granted pretrial detention Friday at the State Attorneys office request. The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools has set up a Memorial Fund to help raise money to send Emilianos remains to Guatemala. You can donate HERE Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Agents made 538 arrests during workplace raids across the Northeast Thursday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said. ICE also raided a business in Newark, N.J., the city's mayor, Ras J. Baraka, reported. "This egregious act is in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees 'the right of the people be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures," Baraka said in a press release. "Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized. I will be holding a press conference in alliance with partners ready and willing to defend and protect civil and human rights. Details to come." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The raids come just days after President Donald Trump, who has promised a broad immigration crackdown, was sworn into office. ICE officials said raids like this are common and implied the timing roughly coinciding with Trump's assuming office were not related, calling them "routine." Arrests were also reported by local media in New York and Massachusetts. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey praised ICE's efforts. Thomas Homan, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, delivers remarks during a law enforcement roundtable on sanctuary cities held by President Donald Trump, in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in 2018 in Washington, D.C. File photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI "I wouldn't describe them as raids," Healey told WCVB about the arrests. "What it seems to be, and what we expected and what I support, which is the apprehension of criminals in our communities." Thomas Homan, who will oversee border policy in the new Trump administration, has said ICE plans to carry out "big raids," in sanctuary cities in the United States. President Donald Trump holds a law enforcement roundtable on sanctuary cities, in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in 2018 in Washington, D.C. Thomas Homan, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. File photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI Trump promised mass deportation efforts would begin within days of his Monday inauguration. He was dealt a legal blow to his effort to end birthright citizenship, however, when a judge called it "blatantly unconstitutional" Thursday. WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) Despite this extended period of bitterly cold weather here in northeast Wisconsin, local authorities continue to urge caution for anybody going out on the ice. Lake Poygan has several large open water spots in the middle of the lake. Don Herman, the owner of Sunk? Dive and Ice Service, regularly monitors ice conditions on Lake Winnebago. This is crazy (the open water in Lake Poygan), the wind is keeping it open, sometimes this happens on Lake Poygan but theres a big open spot out here, Herman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said there are about 17 inches of ice on Lake Poygan in the spots that arent near the open water. This is more than enough for cars to drive on and Local 5 News saw lots of people ice fishing on Lake Poygan on Thursday afternoon. All-Canada Show returns to Green Bay at Oneida Casino promoting best fishing & hunting spots You got to pay attention, I wouldnt go out at dark unless you know where youre going (and I wouldnt go out on the ice) during a fog unless you have GPS, said Herman. Lake Poygan is a popular spot for sturgeon spearing and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has a lottery system to limit the number of people that can hunt for sturgeon on this lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sturgeon spearing season begins on February 8. Herman said the ice on Lake Winnebago, another popular spot for sturgeon spearing and ice fishing, is looking good right now. He says theres about 15-17 inches of ice on Lake Winnebago. Outagamie Forage Council Annual Meeting Lake Winnebago the conditions are great, probably the best in six, seven, eight years, Herman told Local 5 News. Ice conditions are going to be really good for all of those events. Herman said normally its Lake Poygan that has better ice conditions than Lake Winnebago, but this year the trend reversed itself. Herman and other local authorities remind people that ice is never 100 percent safe. Many local fishing clubs post ice conditions on their social media pages. 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. In Japan, a prepared dish costs up to $90 a plate, while in the northeastern United States they are worth thousands of dollars a pound, fresh out of the water. But the gross-looking, wriggly fish that has become both a delicacy and a currency known as zangi in Haitian-Creole, is also fueling a new kind of illicit trafficking in the volatile Caribbean nation, the head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime told the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday. Zangi, or eel, is fueling a booming wildlife crime business in Haiti, where illegal high-powered weapons from the United States and U.S.-bound Colombian-cocaine were already compounding an unprecedented security crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is growing evidence that several Haitian nationals are part of a wider criminal network connected to lucrative eel trafficking, operating in Haiti and beyond, Ghada Waly, executive director of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, said. Some reports indicate that powerful political and economic figures in Haiti use the eel industry to launder drug profits. Waly didnt go into details. But U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents in Haiti have long flagged concerns to their bosses in the Caribbean and Washington about suspected drug traffickers in Haiti branching out into eel trafficking both to hide drug proceeds and to move cocaine out of the country by stashing loads among the elongated fish. Now after not getting much attention, the accelerating trade, which is legal, is getting a deeper look. In October, when the U.N. voted unanimously to expand an arms embargo on Haiti to include all types of weapons and ammunition, they also mentioned sanctioning those engaging in activities that destabilize Haiti through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those familiar with the behind-the-scenes discussions leading up to the expansion and renewal of sanctions say the language refers to the rising concerns about the role of eel trafficking in Haitis ongoing destabilization. Homemade nets to catch eels, zangi in Haitian Creole, litter the coastlines of Port-de-Paix in northwest Haiti. Harvesting of eel is a lucrative business in the country. Weeks before the U.N. vote, a twin-engine Cessna 404 crashed in a wooded area of southwest Haiti after taking off from the Les Cayes Airport. The crash claimed the lives of the pilot, Guy Emanuel Saint Amour, a U.S. citizen from South Florida and experienced flight operator, and his co-pilot, Codio Blaise, a Haitian citizen. The aircraft had been transporting a cargo of eel, reportedly from the nearby city of Jeremie in the GrandAnse. The cause of the crash remains unknown. But the nature of the crash despite having fueled up in Port-au-Prince the plane did not catch fire when it fell out of the sky along with the lucrative cargo it was transporting immediately raised suspicions among those who have been investigating the links between the booming wildlife business and Haitis illicit markets. After the incident, Haitian police opened an investigation. Corruption and money laundering continue to undermine prospects for stability in Haiti, while enabling trafficking and organized crime, Waly told the Security Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The illicit markets, she said, are helping to fuel the ongoing violence and political stability in Haiti, where armed gangs last year intensified their attacks and expanded their control of roads and territory. Even before the current security crisis, criminal networks had already turned Haiti into a narco-state. Evidence suggests, Waly said, that a small group of individuals has maintained considerable influence over Haitis drug trade from the 1980s until today. A review of documents and informal accounts reveals that this group includes Haitian former military personnel, law enforcement officers, members of parliament and businessmen operating in Haiti and the United States, as well as other countries in the region, she said. Breaking up this long standing and deeply entrenched network is key to stemming the flow of drugs through Haiti. The problem, however, is that the DEA office in Port-au-Prince is among 14 field offices around the world that the agency last year targeted for closure. Though its unclear if or when the decision will take effect, there is currently no DEA presence in the country, despite Walys concerns about the illicit eel market as well as those about armed gangs collaborating with South American and Mexican drug cartels. A tiny eel or zangi in Haitian Creole in the waters of Port-de-Paix off Haitis northwest coast. The eel industry is one of the most opaque. Cubas eel trade, for example, has grown without explanation. As of October of last year, the country had $5.2 million in exports among top traders into Canada. In Haiti, there is even less transparency around the industry including how many export licenses have been issued and who has them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haitis governments over the last few years havent said much about the eel exports in the country, which provides exports licenses through the ministry of agriculture. Government export figures dont provide much information in terms of who holds the lucrative licenses, either. Central Bank figures, for example, only give data for two years between 2009 and 2023 on eel exports. Haitian authorities need support to start analyzing and investigating money laundering linked to illegal wildlife trade, Waly said. Eel fishing big business In the northwest coastal city of Port-de-Paix, fishing for eel, which weigh only a few grams each, has become a source of revenue. At night both children and adults alike can be seen slogging through the murky waters with homemade nets and lights looking to harvest the slimy fish. Their catch is then sold to middlemen, who in turn sell them to exporters in Port-au-Prince. Because the fish are delicate, they need to be moved quickly, which sometimes includes flying them out via small aircraft or racing in the middle of the night along gang-controlled roads. They are then exported out of Haiti to Miami, where the cargo is again quickly loaded onto aircraft bound for China, where they are then raised for food. Samuel Tervil demonstrates his technique for harvesting eels in Port-de-Paix, using a homemade net to catch the fish known as zangi in Haitian-Creole. The fast turnaround between harvesting and export has raised questions about how much scrutiny goes into examining the shipments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Samuel Tervil, who lives near the ocean in Port-de-Paix on the northwest coast, says at night he can see a lot of people in the water fishing for eels. At first, he said, he didnt know what it was he was catching. But then someone came from Port-au-Prince and explained to them what the worm-looking creature was, and began buying it from him and other residents. This was around 2013, Tervil said, and since then eel fishing has become lucrative. Its a diamond in the ocean, he said, showing off his homemade fishing net he made to scoop the fish out of the water. This is why they buy it. (NewsNation) The father of one of the victims in the 2022 University of Idaho student killings called suspect Bryan Kohbergers latest effort to get his case thrown out a sign of desperation. Steve Goncalves, whose daughter Kaylee was one of four killed in her shared off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, reacted to the latest developments in the yearslong saga on NewsNations Banfield on Thursday night. Kohbergers attorneys asked a judge to dismiss most of the evidence in the case, alleging the way police tracked him down was flawed, the investigations DNA tracing was an invasion of privacy and the items police subsequently found should be thrown out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryan Kohberger case: Timeline in University of Idaho killings, Kohberger arrest Theyre definitely throwing everything out and trying to get some chance, Goncalves said. That is (his lawyers) job. She has to do everything. She has to exhaust every avenue that she possibly has, so we dont take it personal. He said he thinks Thursdays hearing was favorable for the prosecution. We try to work with the prosecution to make sure that were all on the same page. And yeah, I think they have a strong case, Goncalves said. Arguments resume Friday, as Kohberger faces a trial set to begin in August. He is accused of killing Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20 on Nov. 13, 2022. 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 NewsNation. Rick Naerebout, executive director of the Idaho Dairymens Association, works in his Twin Falls, Idaho, office. Naerebout opposes proposals to require Idaho employers to use the E-Verify system, saying it puts the burden of a border problem on Idaho farmers. (Drew Nash/InvestigateWest) This story was originally published by InvestigateWest on Jan. 23. Republican Congressman Mike Simpson hopes that one day Idaho can surpass Wisconsin as the No. 2 dairy-producing state in the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he doesnt think it can get there without the labor of thousands of undocumented workers now facing the prospect of deportation from President Donald Trumps administration and efforts from Idaho lawmakers to block their employment. Since 2019, he has proposed legislation three times in Congress to provide a pathway to citizenship for such workers and each time the bills failed after critics in his own party characterized them as amnesty for unauthorized immigrants who were taking jobs from American workers. U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, has introduced legislation in Congress that would have created a pathway to citizenship for longtime agricultural workers, but the proposals failed to advance following criticism that they would provide amnesty for workers who are taking jobs from Americans. (simpson.house.gov) These are not jobs that Americans will take, Simpson, who represents Idahos 2nd Congressional District, told InvestigateWest. And frankly, I dont know how much youre willing to pay for a gallon of milk, but if you lost all the dairy workers in Idaho and throughout the country, the price of milk products would go through the roof. As a new administration focused on border politics takes over, Simpson stands on one side of the divide between proposals that seek to deport thousands of undocumented people and the economic realities in Idaho, which depends on migrant labor for much of its economy. At the statehouse in Boise, lawmakers are expected to consider a proposal that highlights that tension: a requirement that employers use a federal verification system that confirms workers immigration status and revokes the business licenses of employers who hire undocumented employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system, known as E-Verify, has drawn support from those calling for a border crackdown, but it has a spotty record in states where it has been adopted, proving ineffective at catching unauthorized workers and showing little impact on the undocumented population, according to population data. Dairy farmers and agricultural organizations have opposed the program, saying it puts an unfair burden on employers and threatens one of the states most important industries. Really what youre doing in that instance is putting more onus on employers, when this should be something that should be handled at the border, said Rick Naerebout, the executive director of the Idaho Dairymens Association, in a news conference at the Idaho Capitol in 2024. Naerebout has worked alongside Simpson on efforts to provide a path to legal status for agricultural workers, but this year he plans to mostly play defense in the Idaho Legislature as many lawmakers are already working on bills aimed at curbing illegal immigration. Studies have shown that at least 50% of the U.S. dairy workforce is undocumented. A mandatory E-Verify law could cost those workers, and dairy farmers, their jobs in Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho lawmakers see mandatory E-Verify as a tangible way they can address the border crisis on a state level. I think we all believe that if youre going to be working in Idaho, you need to be here legally, said Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur dAlene, who proposed the E-Verify bill last year and told InvestigateWest that he is working on a second attempt for the current session. But data shows states with mandatory E-Verify have seen little change in the population of undocumented workers and that even 16 years after passing its law, Arizona still doesnt have 100% cooperation from employers. The effect on the illegal immigrant population is pretty small, said Alex Nowrasteh, vice president of economic and social policy studies for the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank. The effect on raising the cost for businesses is just one more headache that they have to deal with. So theres really no good purpose to doing it. In fact, the best argument for E-Verify is that it doesnt really work that well so it allows politicians to talk tough about illegal immigration without imposing a big cost on the economy. Business death penalty E-Verify was created in 1996 by Congress to allow businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Arizona was the first state to enact mandatory E-Verify for all employers in 2008, telling employers who violated the law that they would lose their business license. At the time, business owners and civil rights groups termed it the business death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, a handful of states have adopted laws mandating E-Verify, including Florida and South Carolina in 2021. In 2008, just 0.8% of employees in Arizona who were run through E-Verify were deemed unauthorized to work, according to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services obtained by the Cato Institute. Since then, the number of employees flagged through E-Verify dropped, with just 0.1% deemed unauthorized to work in 2016. But Nowrasteh said undocumented workers make up much more of the workforce in Arizona than less than a percent. E-Verify just isnt flagging people: A 2009 government audit of E-Verify found an inaccuracy rate of 54% when identifying unauthorized workers. On top of that, many employers arent using it even when its required. As of 2016, 71% of employers in Arizona were using E-Verify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nowrasteh said thats because there are few mechanisms in place to enforce the law. Since 2008, just two businesses in Arizona have had licenses revoked for failing to use E-Verify, according to the Wall Street Journal. Legislation was proposed to place stricter penalties on business owners who fail to use E-Verify, but it didnt pass. The bill would have made violations a felony, assessing fines of $10,000 for each unauthorized worker that a business had. But Nowrasteh said that might not have helped either. Good luck checking on E-Verify usage, Nowrasteh said. Youre going to have to do audits of business records to try to figure out exactly what businesses are doing with E-Verify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arizona Rep. Ben Toma, who proposed the bill that would place stricter penalties on businesses that dont use E-Verify, told a panel of fellow lawmakers last year, according to the Arizona Mirror, that the law encourages fairness for businesses that do use E-Verify. Other supporters in the Arizona statehouse said the law is a deterrent for illegal immigration and sends a message that Arizona is not a sanctuary state. Arizona has seen a modest dip in undocumented immigrants since requiring E-Verify. Holstein milking cows at an Idaho dairy on July 20, 2012. (Photo by Kirsten Strough/USDA) In 2008, Arizona had an estimated 350,000 undocumented immigrants; in 2009 the number dropped by 7%, and it has either remained stagnant or slowly declined in the years since, according to the Pew Research Center. But other states with mandatory E-Verify laws have not seen the same decline as Arizona, according to Pew. Mississippi mandated E-Verify in 2011 and has seen little to no change in its undocumented population. North Carolina mandated E-Verify in 2013 and has also seen little change in the undocumented population. The same is true for Alabama and Georgia. Florida passed a mandatory E-verify law in 2021, and there isnt data from Pew showing recent numbers of undocumented populations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some lawmakers think the legislation could be enough just to deter immigrants from seeking jobs in Idaho. Rep. Mike Moyle, R-Star, and the speaker of the Idaho House, told InvestigateWest in a news conference at the Capitol earlier this month that E-Verify and other pieces of immigration-related legislation are about sending a message to undocumented immigrants. I think theres some things we can adjust so that the message is sent, he said. Do it right and were OK with that, but if you do it wrong, theres going to be consequences. Idaho could lose dairies Idaho ranks third in the nation for dairy production, behind Wisconsin and California. Idaho dairies employ over 33,000 workers, and around 90% of them are foreign born, according to the Idaho Dairymens Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there are no exact figures indicating how many of those workers are undocumented, Idaho businesses, including dairy farmers, told researchers from the University of Idahos McClure Center for Public Policy Research that they do employ undocumented workers when they are not able to find authorized workers. Much of Idahos agriculture industry relies on the H-2A labor program, which is a federal program that allows employers to bring in foreign labor for seasonal work and return to their home countries after the growing season. But dairy farmers are required to milk cows and tend to the dairy every day, all year-round. Hernan Tejeda, an economist and researcher at the UIs College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said dairy work is incredibly difficult and few people want to do it, which is why dairy farmers often rely on undocumented workers. The wage rate (for dairy workers) is around $18 to $20 per hour, and anybody can just go to McDonalds or be in construction and have a much easier life, Tejeda said. Why would they go and work in a dairy where its very laborious and you have to be there all day? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tejeda said to attract American workers, dairies may have to increase wages considerably. The profit margins are so slim that a sizable increase in wages would not be feasible and the business would be impossible to run, he said. E-Verify or mass deportations, which have been promised under the Trump administration and supported by Idaho Gov. Brad Little, could jeopardize the workforce that many industries, especially dairies, rely on. Without an undocumented workforce, Philip Watson, an economist and researcher at the University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said the state could lose over $900 million in gross domestic product. Watson said state policies, like mandatory E-Verify, would put Idaho dairies at a disadvantage when it comes to being able to hire workers and produce milk at the rate Idahoans are used to. The industry has said that it would put it at a competitive disadvantage for having new dairies move in or existing dairies expand their operations, Watson said. Theres a point at which dairies would start leaving Idaho, if it was too costly to produce milk relative to some other state. Rick Naerebout, executive director of the Idaho Dairymens Association, stands at a Snake River Canyon overlook near Twin Falls, Idaho. (InvestigateWest) Under current policy, employers in states that do not have mandatory E-Verify laws must complete an I-9 form for every employee, which requires the employer to examine an employees work authorization documentation, such as a passport, drivers license, permanent resident card or other forms. But under the Immigrant Employee Rights Act, an employer cannot ask about an individuals legal status. Proponents of E-Verify say that using the program gives employers added protection that they do not have if they cant ask about an employees legal status. They say using E-Verify could shield employers from the civil and criminal penalties of knowingly hiring someone who is unauthorized to work in the U.S. Immigrants important to Idaho economy Redman said he is meeting with the Idaho Dairymens Association and Idaho Farm Bureau to try to work out a way to propose an E-Verify bill without jeopardizing their industries. But there seems to be little middle ground. We are all strong supporters of border security, Naerebout said during last years legislative session. Thats not in question. If we didnt have an immigrant workforce that worked alongside our dairyman and farmers day in and day out, who are a loyal, dedicated family-oriented group of people and important to Idahos economy we wouldnt be where we are today. Moyle said he hopes the dairymen can come to an agreement with lawmakers, but he also said that if they dont, theyre going to get run over. Theres a way to do E-Verify with the dairies, he said. Maybe staggering it in to give the federal government time to either react or for the dairies to find alternatives. But Simpson wants the Legislature to pump the brakes. I think its important that the Legislature hold off, he said. I understand what theyre trying to do and why theyre trying to do it, but there are secondary consequences that they need to be aware of. Correction: This story has been updated to correct that Congress created the E-Verify program in 1996. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) State education leaders are asking school administrations to plan ahead in case immigration officials show up at their buildings. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to allow U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and/or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to undergo actions like arrests in sensitive areas like schools, daycares, and churches. This reverses a policy from 2011. Illinois officials respond to Trumps executive orders cracking down on immigration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Illinois State Board of Education published non-regulatory guidance Thursday with steps to help schools respond if federal immigration officials arrive on their property. The State Superintendent believes students deserve the right to public education, no matter their or their parents immigration status, and schools need to protect all students in their buildings. ISBE firmly believes that schools should be a safe haven for all students, where students should be able to learn without fear, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said in a statement. We can and should do everything within our power to protect our students and their right to learn while in our care. I advise every district to take the necessary steps outlined above to prepare to respond to immigration enforcement action. Some recommendations include making clear administrative guidance and policies in the different levels of and delegating a point person like a legal counsel, superintendent or chief executive officer for ICE to contact and review records requests. Officials should also share and train all on-campus faculty and staff on the district policies, ISBE advised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois LGBTQ organization responds to Trump executive order slashing gender identity protections District leaders should also go over data-sharing policies, making sure they are up to date and shared with faculty, staff and any third-party contractors who access student data. Finally, schools should have policies to prepare if a students parent or guardian is detained or deported. Officials should also communicate with families to keep emergency contacts updated and accurate. Under Illinois TRUST Act, signed into law by Republican governor Bruce Rauner, its illegal for any Illinois law enforcement official to assist ICE or a different federal agency in enforcing immigration actions. Additionally, school districts are barred against asking about a familys citizenship status when establishing residency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Urbana Police explain TRUST Act after controversial Facebook post More guidance is available on ISBEs website, including Know Your Rights resources from multiple immigrant advocacy organizations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. New Chinese investment guidelines aimed at opening financial markets have raised hopes that mainland residents in the Greater Bay Area could soon invest in cryptocurrency-related products in Hong Kong such as bitcoin exchange traded funds (ETFs). The People's Bank of China (PBOC) and four other financial regulators announced on Wednesday that they will "optimise" the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect scheme in the bay area and support mainland residents in the region in purchasing "eligible investment products" offered by financial institutions in Hong Kong and Macau. They also plan to expand the scope of participating institutions and qualified products. The measures do not mention cryptoassets in Hong Kong specifically, but the city has launched a number of ETF products that invest directly in bitcoin and ether in its pursuit of becoming a virtual asset hub. Mainland investors are currently barred from trading crypto, but the new regulation raises the possibility of a narrow legal channel for such investments. 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 guidelines provide potential opportunities for the crypto and blockchain industry, according to Liu Honglin, founder of Shanghai-based Mankun law firm, which specialises in blockchain issues. It is "only a matter of time" before bay area mainland residents are allowed to access cryptocurrency ETFs, the lawyer told the Post on Thursday. The price of bitcoin surpassed US$100,000 after Donald Trump won the 2024 US election. He ran on a crypto-friendly platform. Photo: Reuters alt=The price of bitcoin surpassed US$100,000 after Donald Trump won the 2024 US election. He ran on a crypto-friendly platform. Photo: Reuters> Mainland Chinese citizens' appetite for virtual assets has grown along with bitcoin's ascent into a "mainstream alternative asset", Liu said. Faced with increasing investor demand, Chinese regulators may look to "channel the flow" to Hong Kong, he added. Jill Wong, partner at the Hong Kong law firm Reed Smith Richards Butler, also said there were "encouraging signs of re-evaluation of crypto in mainland China", but noted that it was not obvious that the new measures would necessarily extend to cryptoassets. "There has been speculation about whether investors from the mainland will be permitted to buy crypto ETFs ever since the first few ETFs were listed in Hong Kong," she said. "So far, this has not occurred, and it would be overly optimistic to expect that this - whether for GBA residents or other investors in mainland China - will change anytime soon." Chicago Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a $7.4 billion settlement in principle with members of the Sackler family and their company, Purdue Pharma Inc., over their instrumental role in creating the opioid crisis. Illinois will receive up to approximately $154 million. Purdue, under the Sacklers leadership, invented, manufactured and aggressively marketed opioid products for decades, fueling waves of addiction and overdose deaths in Illinois and across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The settlement will end the Sacklers control of Purdue and ability to sell opioids in the United States. Importantly, it will deliver funding directly to communities across the country over the next 15 years to support opioid addiction treatment, prevention and recovery programs. Mike Matheny reflects on near-death experience and new life mission If approved, the settlement will resolve Raouls 2019 litigation against Purdue and individual members of the Sackler family. The $7.4 billion settlement in principle is the nations largest settlement to date with individuals responsible for contributing to the opioid crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My priority has long been reaching a resolution that holds the Sackler family accountable for the devastation that addiction to their opioids caused tens of thousands of other families, as well as making sure communities receive funding to address the impact of opioid addiction, Raoul said. In addition to delivering $7.4 billion to address the opioid crisis, Raoul said the settlement, once approved by the court, ends the Sacklers control of Purdue and bars them from selling opioids in the United States. ICE arrests nationwide spark fear in St. Louis communities A board of trustees selected by the settlements participating states in consultation with the other creditors will determine the future of the company. Under the settlement, Purdue will continue to be overseen by a monitor and will be prevented from lobbying or marketing opioids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If approved, the settlement will deliver funds to the participating states, local governments, affected individuals, and other parties who have previously sued the Sacklers or Purdue. Attorney General Raoul urges anyone who believes they or a loved one may be addicted to opioids to seek help by calling the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances at 833-2FINDHELP, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. CHICAGO The city of Evanston is investigating an incident in which four Evanston firefighters wore Donald Trump masks while at work, according to the citys spokesperson, who also said a photo taken of the incident is genuine. The investigation will look at whether it violated the citys code of ethics. The photo of the four employees, who were wearing Evanston Fire Department shirts in addition to their Trump face masks, began to circulate on Reddit this week. The image depicts the employees sitting on easy chairs, and it has an orange tint and a #47 in red, white and blue in the corner, an apparent nod to Trump being sworn in as the 47th president a few days ago. One employee is giving the thumbs up gesture with both hands. City officials said the picture is authentic, and not digitally manipulated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evanstons Communications and Engagement Manager Cynthia Vargas released a statement on behalf of the city saying that the city is performing an internal investigation. Although the City cannot comment on the specifics of this investigation, we remain dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity among all employees. We will continue to uphold our commitment to serving all community members fairly. Mayor Daniel Biss commented, This picture is extremely troubling and disappointing to see. While I cannot comment on specifics in an ongoing investigation, Im thankful for the immediate response from the Fire Chief and City Manager and Im confident in their work to make sure everyone feels safe when calling 911 when they need emergency services. 1st Ward City Councilmember Clare Kelly said Fire Chief Paul Polep apologized to the City Council on behalf of the department earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the citys code of ethics, employees are not allowed to use city property for political purposes. In a similar case, a flag supporting Donald Trumps re-election campaign outside of Melrose Parks police department was removed in November after it received backlash. Not everyone saw the masks as a political act. I dont see it as political, 8th Ward City Councilmember Devon Reid told Pioneer Press. Firefighters work 24-hour shifts when theyre on their downtime, theyre on their downtime. I think it was a boneheaded thing to do at work while in uniform but I dont think this represents anything bad about the Evanston Fire Department, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, Reid said the city will go though an investigation to find out if the citys code and policies were violated. Since the photos posting, plans for an organized demonstration outside of Fire Station 3 on Sunday from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. began to pick up steam on social media. After recent events both nationally and locally, Ive decided its time to get involved politically, the original poster said. Evanston is a diverse community that welcomes everyone. Bigotry, hate, sexism, fascism, etc, have no place in our community, especially within our fire department, whose job it is to protect the community. ____ The Illinois State Police (ISP) Blackhawk Area Task Force (BATF) has arrested a 41-year-old Sterling, Illinois, man for two separate counts of delivery of a controlled substance (Class 1 felony,) according to a news release. Eric Blackhawk (Illinois State Police) In May of 2024, BATF agents received complaints of narcotic sales in the Sterling area. BATF agents, along with Sterling and Dixon police conducted an extensive investigation and identified Eric J. Blackhawk as a suspect. On Wednesday, BATF agents arrested Blackhawk, who was released on pretrial conditions and awaits a hearing in Whiteside County Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation remains open and ongoing. No further information was available Thursday night. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. A downstate Republican lawmaker is urging Illinois prison employees to secretly send her information on undocumented immigrants who are behind bars so she can pass the information on to federal immigration authorities, raising concerns from a civil liberties group that shes encouraging the workers to circumvent the states sanctuary law. If you are (Illinois Department of Corrections) staff who wants ICE to know of an illegal immigrant in IDOC call or message me, state Sen. Terri Bryant of Murphysboro wrote in posts on X earlier this week. I wont rat you out. I will notify ICE. Bryants messages were posted two days after President Donald Trump took office and vowed to immediately crack down on illegal immigration by authorizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to conduct mass deportation missions in Chicago and other sanctuary cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryant, who was a Trump delegate at last years Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, worked for 20 years at IDOC and retired when she was first elected to the legislature in 2014. On Wednesday night, Bryant wrote three posts on X that include what appears to be an IDOC internal order telling state prison workers not to assist federal authorities in any immigration enforcement against people incarcerated in the state prison system. Under the 2017 Trust Act, law enforcement in Illinois, including IDOC corrections officers, are generally barred from assisting federal law enforcement in immigration matters. But Bryant said in her posts that if IDOC employees confide in her about undocumented prison inmates, she will bring the information to the feds without revealing her source. The Illinois Dept. of Corrections has issued direction to staff to follow the Illinois Trust Act. This direction may place staff in a position to either lose their job or violate Federal Law, she said in one post. ICE cant get a judicial order if they dont know the offender is incarcerated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IDOC staff are prohibited from notifying or cooperating w/ICE so no way for ICE to know the offender is incarcerated, Bryant noted in her post. Edwin Yohnka, director of communications and public policy for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, said Bryant was clearly trying to encourage IDOC employees to circumvent the Trust Act. We dont have a choose your own adventure of a private system where you can decide whether or not to follow the law, Yohnka said. A legislator encouraging people to find a workaround in which she would individually participate is really, I think it doesnt reflect well on the legislative process in the state of Illinois. You know, (you) want people to follow the law. And that should include legislators. In an interview, Bryant defended her posts and said that IDOC employees could potentially be put in a position where they would be violating a federal law, referring to a statute that bars anyone from knowingly harboring an undocumented immigrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So now weve put staff in a position where they have to decide, do they want to violate federal law or do they want to violate state law. And in this case, I dont want them to do either, Bryant said. The (Trust Act) doesnt say they cant come to me. It just says they cant go to ICE. Im not telling them to call them. Im telling them if they want to call me, they can call me and then Ill figure out what to do with it, she said. The ACLU disputed Bryants interpretation of the harboring law and noted the courts have repeatedly upheld sanctuary policies like those in the Trust Act. Bryant, who said she doesnt generally respond to anything that the ACLU says, said that IDOC workers can notify her about undocumented people behind bars and well take it from there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An IDOC spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on Bryants messages. In response to Bryants social media posts, a spokesperson for Gov. JB Pritzker said the Trust Act is compliant with federal law and accused Illinois Republicans, including Bryant, of spreading inaccurate information to incite fear among hard-working state employees. Instead of encouraging state employees to follow both federal and state law, they are sowing chaos and fear, Pritzker spokesperson Olivia Kuncio said. lllinois Attorney General Kwame Raouls office declined to comment about Bryants tweets but on Thursday said it had issued updated guidance to state, county and local law enforcement to clarify their role in relation to federal immigration laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civil immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government. State law does not grant local law enforcement the authority to enforce federal civil immigration laws. This includes participating, supporting or assisting in any capacity with federal immigration enforcement operations unless federal agents have a criminal warrant or federal law specifically requires it, Raoul said in a statement. ____ In an apparent rebuke to President Trump over his immigration policies, Gov. Murphy urged schools to develop a plan in case ICE shows up. (Courtesy of the New Jersey Governor's Office) Immigration activists have mixed feelings about guidance issued by the state Department of Education urging school districts to develop protocols in case federal immigration officials show up at schools. The guidance came after the Trump administration threw out federal policies that protect undocumented immigrants from being arrested in sensitive locations like schools and churches, and amid a rise in uncertainty and fear in parents, children, and teachers about how far-reaching President Trumps threat of mass deportation is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They knew that this was going to be the outcome, and they waited until this week to issue guidance. Better late than never, but at what cost? said Amy Torres, director of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice. Its great to put out this guidance, but I think its going to take a lot of effort to make sure that everyday administrators and teachers have time to go through and read all this. Since Trump took office Monday, his administration has rolled out the aggressive immigration policies he vowed to implement while on the campaign trail. Hes signed sweeping executive orders related to immigration, including expanding the militarys role in border security, canceling refugee resettlement, ending the asylum program, and attempting to limit the constitutional right to birthright citizenship. On Tuesday, the Trump administration reversed guidance that had been in place for over a decade restricting immigration agencies from carrying out enforcement in sensitive locations. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in Americas schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state issued its guidance to schools Wednesday. It urges districts to develop protocols for how to handle Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers who visit schools with an ICE warrant for arrest of alien or a warrant signed by a judge, how to support children and their families, and what type of information should be shared on the spot with immigration agents. If an immigration agent declares an exigent circumstance and demands immediate access, school officials should comply and immediately notify top school administrators, the state says. Torres called the language about exigent circumstances fuzzy, saying ICE agents have lied to families in order to arrest someone or masquerade as local law enforcement to get people to open their doors. ICE officials might make up those circumstances to access the school, she said. Itzel Hernandez of immigrant rights group American Friends Service Committee said she supports the guidance, but believes it could be stronger. She said the vast majority of teachers aim to protect students and that they care about investing in students futures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its why shes not surprised at the overwhelming number of requests from schools seeking more resources on how to best support parents, educators, and students. There are so many schools asking for presentations and want to know what to do, she said. Im glad guidance came from the top, and Im sure that some folks will have at least some sense of direction after they see this. El Pueblo Unido is leaving these know-your-rights cards in businesses around Atlantic City. (Courtesy of Cristian Moreno-Rodriguez) Cristian Moreno-Rodriguez is the founder of El Pueblo Unido, an immigrant advocacy group in Atlantic City. The organization sent a letter to Atlantic City school officials urging them to move with all sense of urgency to set up the protocols and policies called for in the guidance, he said. Our sense is that unless the community responds and shows up, that they wont move on it. Our fear is that they wont respond swiftly, and unfortunately, were in a situation where every day, families are at risk, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the activists said theyve heard reports of parents unenrolling their children from public school out of fear that ICE agents could show up and low attendance rates in schools with high immigrant populations. What were hearing both from our community and the network of teachers we organize with is that everyone is anxious and everyone is fearful of what could happen, Moreno-Rodriguez added. Everyone is sort of on alert in terms of when the next ICE raid will be. Will it be a job site? Will it be on the school route while parents are walking their kids to school? School staff should be prepared for the basics, Moreno-Rodriguez said, like educating secretaries and administrators on different warrants and ICE forms, how to communicate with immigration agents, and how to inform families of their rights related to immigration. El Pueblo Unido and other immigrant organizations are holding know your rights workshops to educate people on what to do if theres an ICE raid (Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said ICE agents raided a business in that city Thursday). Moreno-Rodriguez said hes received messages from Atlantic City teachers who want to distribute the cards with information about peoples rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To avoid creating a sense of distrust or fear, Moreno-Rodriguez said he wants to be proactive and collaborate with multiple groups in the area including teachers to ensure immigrants dont feel like they have to hide. I think the reality is that there will come a day where immigration officers come to Atlantic City or come to New Jersey, and thats where if were not organizing now, then well lose that battle of people retreating back into the shadows, he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Laws are changing quickly for undocumented immigrants in the U.S. under the Trump Administration. Many here in San Diego are questioning what is in store for their future. Fear is really in the air even for those who actively have legal documentation to stay in the U.S., said Ian Seruelo, San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium. Seruelo is an immigration attorney and the chair of the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How ICE operations impact San Diego County jails It is a group of about 50 organizations that advocate for policies that will advance the civil and human rights of immigrants and refugees. He said the biggest fear among immigrant families is separation. If they are deported they want to suffer on their own, but not their children. They want their children to be protected. That will be the problem that many families face, he said. He said the consortium was busy during the Biden Administration, but now its even busier. We have been busy organizing rapid response teams to prepare for this mass deportation. We are trying to educate and create awareness in our communities as to their rights, said Seruelo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group was also involved in pushing the county to enact its policy closing off cooperation with federal immigration enforcement officials at the end of last year. As for education, the group has already held forums to keep immigrants informed about their rights. San Diego Unified reacts to deportation plans He explained those include: their rights to remain silent, ask for an attorney and deny searches without a warrant. We want to signal to members of the San Diego community that our local government, our local police, they are prohibited from cooperating and from spending resources to assist ICE in enforcement activities, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Member groups of the consortium are hosting these forums online and in-person. An event will be held virtually on Feb. 19 by the San Diego Community College District and local non-profits. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Lea esta historia en Espanol aqui. WEST PALM BEACH Nonprofits across Palm Beach County that support undocumented immigrants are advising the people they serve to know their rights and have a plan amid President Donald Trumps threat of crackdowns and deportations. From Jupiter to Boca Raton to the Glades, the county is home to a wide population of immigrants who don't have permanent status in the U.S., such as farm workers on H-2 visas, refugees seeking asylum and others who work in industries such as construction and food service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps executive orders this week authorize the expansion of expedited removal, which allows the U.S. to deport someone without a hearing, the registration of all noncitizens by their fingerprints and the restriction of Homeland Security work permits only to people with legal status. School-specific news: Could immigration crackdowns reach inside Palm Beach County schools? Here's what to know Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehend an undocumented migrant they were surveilling in Herndon, VA, Jan. 15, 2025. The president also has promised immigration raids. On Wednesday, he revoked a directive banning arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in areas such as hospitals, schools and churches. The Caridad Center in Boynton Beach, the El Sol Neighborhood Resource Center in Jupiter and the Farmworkers Coordinating Council in Lake Worth Beach say their phone lines have been overwhelmed since Monday with calls from concerned immigrant families across the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some wonder if its safe to go to work or take their children to school. It's the narrative that sits in fear, said Thomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition in Miami. It's people moving out of the state, people not showing up to work and labor disruptions. Those things are real. The Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office said it will participate in the ICE agency 287(g) program, which targets the individuals who are here illegally and who have committed/convicted of serious crimes. It did not specify what it meant by serious crimes. Both national nonprofits and those that help undocumented immigrants in Palm Beach County have issued advice for those who are undocumented or know people who are to help them prepare and stay safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration: Which Palm Beach institutions hold the most guest worker visas? Know your rights, regardless of your immigration status Everyone living in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, has certain rights and protections provided by the U.S. Constitution, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. They are: You have the right to remain silent: You dont have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police or immigration agents. Anything said to an officer can later be used against you in court. If an immigration agent asks if they can search you, you have the right to say no. Agents do not have the right to search you or your belongings without your consent or probable cause. What if agents show up at your home or workplace? The Immigrant Legal Resource Center and the ACLU recommend: Stay calm. Dont run, argue, resist, or obstruct the officer, even if you believe your rights are being violated. Keep your hands where the police can see them. Dont lie about your status or provide false documents. Dont sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. If you encounter ICE at work: Ask the agent if you are free to leave. If yes, leave calmly. If you have valid immigration documents, show them. Remain silent. You dont have to discuss your immigration status. You can record your interactions with law enforcement as long as you do not interfere. At your home: You dont have to answer your door if ICE comes to your home. Ask why the agents are there. Ask for an interpreter if needed. If agents ask to enter, ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge. If so, ask to see it by asking the agents to slip it under the door or through a window. Take a photo of the warrant and make sure your name or address is on it. If they dont have a warrant, you can refuse to let the agents in. Ask them to leave any information at your door. If agents force their way into your home, do not resist. Tell everyone in the residence to remain silent. If you are arrested, remain silent. Do not sign anything until you speak with a lawyer. Keep an immigration lawyers information somewhere safe and with family members in case they need to contact the lawyer for you. At a traffic stop: The officer can require you to show your license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance, but you don't have to answer questions about your immigration status. Florida is one of 18 states where you must provide your name to law enforcement if you are told to identify yourself. Ask the agent if you are free to leave. If they say yes, drive away. From USA TODAY: Judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order, calling it 'blatantly unconstitutional' Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, joined by Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey and Polk Sheriff Grady Judd, speaks on his plan to stop illegal immigration during a press conference at the Sheriff's Operation Center Wednesday January 15, 2025 in Winter Haven. How to prepare for possible immigration crackdowns The National Immigration Resource Center recommends: Gather important documents for all family members showing the length of time each one has been in the United States. This can include birth certificates, U.S. income tax returns, utility bills, leases, school records, medical records or bank records. Have an electronic folder that can be accessible by phone. Identify your emergency contacts, memorize their phone numbers and make sure your contact can access all of your documents. Provide your childs school or daycare with an emergency contact to pick up your child in case you are detained. Tell your loved ones that if you are detained by ICE, they can try to use ICEs online detainee locator to find you with the date of birth and country of origin at https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search. Legal experts recommend families with members who do not have legal status consult with an attorney and keep their contact information nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valentina Palm covers Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Greenacres, Palm Springs and other western communities in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at vpalm@pbpost.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @ValenPalmB. Support local journalism: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Many immigrants fear raids are coming. Here's how they can prepare HSBC said it is stepping up its efforts to stop scammers and increasing its spending on anti-fraud technology, as the lender unveiled a new alert system that aims to protect online banking users. The number of suspicious transactions stopped by Hong Kong's largest bank in the past year increased by more than 50 per cent, while its investments in fraud-countering technologies rose by a double-digit percentage over the same period, it said. "Fraud undermines trust in banking services, which is why ensuring our customers feel secure is our top priority," Luanne Lim, CEO of HSBC Hong Kong, said on Thursday at the launch of an educational exhibit about scams. 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. HSBC's new alert system, set to launch in the first quarter, flags suspicious activity such as unusual transaction amounts or payments to newly added accounts. It allows payers to review and confirm such remittances before completion. The system can also freeze suspicious transactions for a short period, allowing enough time for users to calm down and think twice. HSBC Hong Kong CEO Luanne Lim speaks at the launch of the lender's Fraud University exhibition on January 23, 2025. Photo: Leopold Chen alt=HSBC Hong Kong CEO Luanne Lim speaks at the launch of the lender's Fraud University exhibition on January 23, 2025. Photo: Leopold Chen> HSBC's Fraud University exhibition, at the K11 Musea shopping centre in Tsim Sha Tsui from Saturday to February 16, aims to educate the public about common plots swindlers use to separate people from their money. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) called on banks to allow customers to disable online banking functions that they do not need to minimise the risk of deception. "Banks have to offer more choices to customers," Arthur Yuen, HKMA deputy CEO, said at the event. "They should be allowed to disable or limit the use of certain functions that they do not need." For example, certain customers may not need the ability to make payments to third parties, he said, implying that shutting off the feature reduces vulnerability to fraud attempts. "By offering more choices to customers, banks provide them with more protection," Yuen said. The number of deception cases in the first 11 months of last year surpassed the total in 2023, Yuen said, citing police figures. KANSAS CITY, Mo. President Trumps administration has begun to ramp up efforts to tackle illegal immigration, a promise he ran on during his campaign. A series of executive orders is causing concern across a multitude of immigrant communities, including those in the Kansas City metro. Last month, the ACLU put out a notice that a private prison that shut down almost three years ago in Leavenworth; CoreCivic would become an ICE detention center soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouri Republicans plan to challenge abortion initiative this session FOX4 called CoreCivic but didnt hear back, we also reached out to a state legislator who stopped the effort twice before, he is still working on answers on the new effort and ICE hasnt responded either. But sources close to the issue say that as of right now that is indeed still the plan. This all comes as Kansas Citys Mayor Quinton Lucas is having to respond to a threat from the Department of Justice. In a memo sent out Wednesday, the DOJ made clear that they would prosecute local officials who dont comply with the immigration roundups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know a lot of things come out of Washington from any direction regularly so I would say were not worried about it, Lucas said. The Mayor was seemingly unbothered as the efforts from the nations capital stepped up. Ill say this we will always follow the laws of this country, but we will also be humane and caring for everyone who is present here in Kansas City, Mayor Lucas said. Melesa Johnson the Jackson County Prosecutor responded to our inquiry saying her office will continue the work of improving public safety in Jackson County. To go into somewhere so vulnerable as a school or a hospital these places are supposed to be safe have people that will take care of you and to know you cannot go there, Laylani Gonzalez, a local Non-Profit CEO and Real Estate Agent said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gonzalez has a mix-status family and says she knows of families thinking about keeping kids home from school after the president signed a new executive order where immigration and customs enforcement agents now have full permission to go to schools, hospitals and even churches. Those entities are having to respond including Olathe schools in a note to staff, KCK public schools posted a note on their Facebook page and the University of Kansas Health System telling FOX4 they are working to better understand these recently enacted laws. The Kansas Department of Education was also forced to send out a letter. Breath, be calm and understand we have been through challenges before as a community, weve been through challenges a lot like this one before. We will weather this together, Mayor Lucas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to FOX4, the Guadalupe Centers, a huge organization in Kansas City and also has several charter schools said: Guadalupe Centers has been a steadfast voice of truth and a cornerstone for the Latino community for over a century. As our community faces an uncertain future, our top priority remains to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and resources they need. This includes educating individuals and communities about their rights so they are prepared for the future. We remain committed to supporting, educating and uplifting 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Indiana law enforcement would take a more active role in immigration issues under a bill heard Thursday. (Photo from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Indiana law enforcement may soon be required to give federal authorities notice when they arrest people suspected of being in the country illegally. House Bill 1393 on Thursday drew opposition from those concerned it could ensnare non-white citizens and others with different forms of legal status, but support from those wishing to better enforce the nations immigration laws. Lawmakers criss-crossed party lines in an 8-2 committee vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was after the Houses public safety committee softened the language and added more details in a substantial amendment, taken by consent. In the revised legislation, if a law enforcement officer arrests someone on misdemeanor or felony charges, and has probable cause to believe the arrestee doesnt have legal permission to be in the country, the officer or their agency must notify the county sheriff during intake. The sheriff must report the information to federal authorities, like U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Probable cause, the reasonable and fact-based belief that a crime has been committed, is a higher standard than before. The bill originally required only reasonable suspicion and wouldve applied to people summoned for infractions. Rep. Garrett Bascom, R-Lawrenceburg, sits in the House chamber on Nov. 19, 2024. His bill introduces arrest-related immigration status notification requirements. (Courtesy Indiana House Republicans) The determination is not made just based off of pulling a person off the street, said author Rep. Garrett Bascom, R-Lawrenceburg. Instead, he said later, its made primarily on the lack of the identification when the officer is checking that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When youre arresting a person for a felony or misdemeanor, the officer, in order to charge, that theyre going to need some identifying information, whether that be a license, the social security number, even a name, they can start to look you up, Bascom said. An amendment by Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis, stripped out a requirement specifying that law enforcement hand over a persons name, address and any other relevant identifying information in favor of a simple notification. The bill additionally offers law enforcement officers and agencies civil immunity if they reasonably believe the notification has been given. A lot of these agencies, they communicate these things via fax, believe it or not, Gore said. They dont know if federal authorities fax machine is down on the other end. So, if they have a good faith belief that theyve attempted to make notification, theyre covered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greg Serbon, a Hoosier active in several anti-sanctuary city lawsuits, said he wholeheartedly supported the legislation. Once you already got somebody arrested, maybe already unarmed and in police custody, it makes it a lot easier for the police to deal with the person, Serbon said. And if theyre already committing crime, why should you release them back into the community? Others said the changes could lead to unintended consequences for Hoosiers who dont have identification on their person at the time of an arrest. We can say all we want that it is not based on race, but we know that the majority of people in this country associate undocumented status with people who look like me and who are darker. This is going to give a green light for racial profiling, said Carolina Castoreno, the director of operations and programming for Indiana Latino Expo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She described having paid a ticket that was registered in the wrong court, resulting in an improperly suspended license. Then, she got pulled over. I was detained, and I was questioned about my status,Castoreno said. I speak perfect English. I am a citizen of this country. I did not happen to have my social security card on me at the time, and even though I had my drivers license, that wasnt enough for them. Dakota Faulkner, an associate pastor at St. Peters United Church of Christ, went further, calling the legislation racist. Im sure there are people in this room who have been arrested for small misdemeanor charges in this country and they have never asked for their legal status, Faulkner said. Because they have skin that looks like mine, and like many of the people around this table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigrants with legal status could also be affected, witnesses warned. Matt McNally, who unsuccessfully ran for the Statehouse, said he and his wife are hosting an Afghan family with refugee status. The family only has passports and an I-94 form. Chris Daley, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, testifies in committee on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) McNally suggested lawmakers add a waiting period of 24, 36 or 48 hours for arrestees to produce documents, adding, Do these people who fled the Taliban have to then worry about ICE raiding their home? Chris Daley, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, said that not all people with legal status have access to drivers licenses. They may have forms of proof that officers are unfamiliar with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is going to be incredibly confusing for your line officers to be able to enforce, and because of that, theyre going to rely back on the issues that were all concerned about, with racial and linguistic profiling, Daley said. Author Bascom assured opponents that the bill is not an automatic deportation just a notice to ICE. Supportive committee members defended the legislations motivation, with Seymour Rep. Jim Lucas noting that 500 unaccompanied children have come through his community. He feared human trafficking was at play. We know nationwide, there are a minimum of 300,000 children that have been lost in this process, and that turns my stomach, Lucas said. This is an effort to begin to turn that around, to restore some law and order, as is the right of the state So yes, this is an emotional topic, I get that, but we have to do something to turn around the horrors of what weve been seeing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two lawmakers crossed party lines in the 8-2 vote. Rep. Chuck Moseley, D-Portage, said the amendment led him to vote in support. Rep. Becky Cash, R-Zionsville, apologized and said she was struggling with various provisions before voting against it. Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the author of the amendment and misattributed a quotation. Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis, authored the amendment and spoke about fax communication. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX New Jersey officials and immigrant rights advocates blasted federal immigration authorities for conducting a workplace raid on a small business in the city of Newark without a warrant. In a news conference Friday morning, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said several agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement entered the back of the business, arrested three undocumented workers, and detained and questioned employees who are U.S. citizens. "People were fingerprinted. Pictures of their IDs and faces were taken there," the Democratic mayor said. "I was appalled, upset, angry that this would happen here in this state, in this country, that this would be allowed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While ICE confirmed it conducted a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite in Newark, it did not say how many people were taken into custody following the raid, saying, This is an active investigation and, per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations. Baraka's remarks came a day after ICE arrests spiked Thursday, signaling that President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown and his promises to carry out the largest deportation program in American history are starting to materialize. ICE confirmed to NBC News that the agency arrested 538 people nationwide just on Thursday, doubling its daily arrests average. The news comes as reports of suspected immigration raids have emerged in cities like Boston. In an interview with NBC News on Friday afternoon, Baraka confirmed that at least two other ICE workplace raids have taken place in Newark Friday. The mayor said they were still awaiting for details and locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Newark raid that happened on Thursday took place at Ocean Seafood Depot, a seafood wholesaler in the city. A witness who spoke with WNJU, Telemundo's TV station in New Jersey, said he saw armed officers wearing uniforms with ICE's initials arrive a little before noon. Mayor Ras Baraka speaks to the media Friday, one day after the ICE arrest of migrants in Newark. Immigration officers are generally allowed to enter the public areas of a business, even in sanctuary states like New Jersey, but require a valid warrant or the owners permission to access nonpublic areas. Sanctuary cities and states have local policies that limit their cooperation with immigration authorities for enforcement purposes. An employee who was at Ocean Seafood Depot when the raid happened told NBC New York that the three colleagues ICE arrested had been working there for a few years. "Everybodys afraid because we dont know if this is normal," said the employee, who only identified herself by her first name, Eugenia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baraka also accused ICE of detaining both undocumented residents and U.S. citizens. One of the detainees was a U.S. military veteran "who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned," Baraka said in a statement. "Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized." In response, ICE said, "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity." The agency added that this was the case during the Newark raid. A worker on Friday stands at the parking area of the Ocean Seafood Depot where several workers were arrested by ICE in Newark, N.J. This raid marks a shift on immigration enforcement in the U.S., as the previous administration, of President Joe Biden, largely stayed away from conducting workplace raids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump promised to prioritize the deportations of immigrants who have committed serious crimes. However, workplace raids mostly result in the arrests of working individuals who happen to be undocumented. None of these people were rapists or murderers or criminals, Baraka said about the people picked up in the Newark raid. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin reacted to the raid in a statement saying his office regularly works with the federal government "to remove violent criminals from our communities and we will continue to do so. However, President Trumps stated desire to deport millions of people clearly goes beyond removing dangerous criminals." "Some of the tactics could very well make us less safe, for instance, by making people in our communities fearful of coming forward and reporting crimes," Platkin said. According to his office, no local or state law enforcement officials were involved in the Newark raid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amy Torres, executive director of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, said members of her organization arrived at the small business after the ICE officers had already left. They arrived with attorneys, bilingual documents and interpreters to assist the affected workers, Torres said during the news conference. She said that most of the employees did not return to work that day. According to the employees who stayed behind, ICE agents were "heavily armed" and entered the business with no prior announcement, blocking off entrances, exits and delivery ramps, Torres said. "They were banging down bathroom doors to make sure no one was hiding inside. And most importantly, as the mayor said, they did all of this without being able to produce a single name or a single warrant." Torres added: "ICE has overreached beyond what should be constitutionally allowed. That is allowing them to profile our communities while also making everyone else guilty by association." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an X post Thursday night that the 538 people arrested by ICE so far across the nation are "illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors." Leavitt also said that the Trump administration "also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft." "The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway," she added. At least one deportation flight landed in Guatemala on Thursday morning, according to the Guatemalan vice presidents office, which posted a video on its Instagram story. The plane in the video transported migrants who were deported from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accompanying returned compatriots with humanitarian support and the assistance they need, from the national immigration authority, the Instagram storys caption read in Spanish. The Guatemalan Migration Institute, a government office of the Central American nation, wrote in a news release that 80 Guatemalans returned, all of whom were adults, including 31 women, 48 men and an unaccompanied minor. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Jan. 23Police and fire officials are investigating after a car was intentionally set on fire Wednesday evening, possibly with a Molotov cocktail. Nashua police confirmed Thursday that a vehicle parked outside a multi-unit residential building at 66 West Hollis St. was burned Wednesday. Firefighters and police responded to reports of multiple vehicles on fire behind the building about 6:40 p.m. "The car was intentionally lit on fire," Nashua Police Sgt. John Cinelli said in an email. "A device believed to be a Molotov cocktail was used to start the fire." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire spread to a nearby vehicle and a pickup truck parked nearby is also believed to have been damaged due to intense heat, officials said. The vehicle was unoccupied and no injuries were reported, Cinelli said. pfeely@unionleader.com COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) An incoming Ohio law will create harsher penalties for drunk driving and allow law enforcement to use a new method when testing motorists for alcohol. Gov. Mike DeWine announced on Jan. 8 that he signed House Bill 37, sponsored by Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe) and Kevin Miller (R-Newark). The incoming statute is named Livs Law after Olivia Wright, 22, who was killed by a drunk driver near Ashville in September 2020. Ohio death penalty may be reintroduced at Statehouse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson said he was inspired to work on the legislation when Olivia Wrights father, Bryan Wright, raised concern to him about how weak Ohios laws regarding drunk driving were compared with other states. That promise that I made to her, the very first one, was that I would seek justice until my very last breath, and we [were] able to do that, Bryan Wright recently told NBC4. The incoming law is specifically designed to address repeat offenders whose behavior results in the death of another person, Miller said. Livs Law will increase the maximum fine for aggravated vehicular homicide to $25,000, which is $10,000 more than the current law allows. Currently, the offense is punishable by up to 15 years in prison when the defendant has had three or more OVI-related convictions in the past 10 years; the incoming law will increase the maximum sentence to 20 years and allow courts to consider offenses within the last 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Record amount of volunteers helps to better understand homelessness in central Ohio As a former state trooper, I have personally witnessed the devastation caused by OVI offenders, many of whom were repeat offenders, Miller said. I have made those agonizing next of kin death notifications in the middle of the night to unsuspecting loved ones. As a result, this legislation was personal for me and is what inspired me to work on it. The incoming statute also increases the fines for all OVI offenses by $190 compared with current law. For example, the minimum fine for a first-time offense will rise from $375 to $565. Livs Law will also mandate the use of ignition interlocks, or breathalyzers, for individuals who have been charged with an OVI two or more times. Another change that will come under the statute is law enforcement will be authorized to collect oral fluid samples from drivers arrested for driving under the influence, while current law only permits blood, urine and breath testing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio House adopts new rules that some say dampen transparency Oral fluid testing offers a less invasive method, ideal for on-site testing, that provides rapid results and has shown a good correlation with actual alcohol concentration in blood samples, according to the National Library of Medicine. Similar to the other kinds of testing used in the state, refusing an oral fluid swab can result in a misdemeanor charge and penalties such as fines or jail time under Ohios implied consent laws. Introduced in February 2023, the bill did not receive any opponent testimony throughout its hearings and unanimously passed the Statehouse on Dec. 18. The incoming law will go into effect on April 9. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Stricter measures targeting Russia's oil industry could pressure the Kremlin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, incoming peace envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump, told FOX News on Jan. 24. The proposal comes as Trump threatens to impose sanctions and tariffs on Russian exports if no deal to end the war is reached soon. "Russia is earning billions from oil sales," Kellogg said, emphasizing that battlefield victories alone are unlikely to force Russia to end the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kellogg argued that reducing Russia's oil revenues to $45 per barrel, its breakeven point, could weaken Moscow's financial resilience and force it to seek a settlement. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Jan. 24 that Russia is ready for talks with Trump, whom he described as having a "pragmatic and trusting" relationship with Moscow. Reuters reported on Jan. 23 that Putin is increasingly concerned about the country's economy, citing five undisclosed sources. Throughout the war, Ukraine's Western allies have imposed significant sanctions aimed at crippling Russia's ability to sustain its military aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Putin claims Russia ready for Ukraine peace talks, questions legitimacy under Zelenskys decree Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. An Indiana man has been arrested after allegedly confessing to shooting his pregnant wife because he believed the child she was carrying was not his. Jeremy McBride, 36, is accused of shooting his estranged wife, identified by Indianapolis Fox 59 as Kayla Netherland. Related: After Fighting with Wife, Man Shoots Her Daughter and Kills Son-In-Law to Hurt Her, Authorities Say On Thursday, Jan. 23, McBride was charged with the Attempted Murder (Attempted intentional killing of another) of Netherland and Feticide (terminates human pregnancy w/intent other than to produce live birth) for her unborn child, according to court records viewed by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citing a probable cause affidavit, WISH-TV reported that on Sunday, Jan. 19, officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to a home in the 700 block of Pleasant Run Parkway Drive North shortly after 6 p.m. A neighbor had gone to the home to do laundry and discovered McBride in the bathroom of the residence, standing next to an adult female who was lying on the ground bleeding and no one else was in the residence," court papers read, per WISH-TV. The outlet adds that responding officers found the victim with gunshot wounds to her back. After being rushed to a hospital, doctors were able to determine that Netherland was 20 weeks pregnant. McBride was not at the residence when officers arrived, the news station said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Fox 59, McBride allegedly called 911 to confess to the shooting and was arrested within 30 minutes. McBride allegedly told police he purchased a gun before the shooting and spent days planning the crime. The 36-year-old allegedly practiced firing the weapon at a shooting range, and intended to take his own life as well. Getty stock image of a police car stock image of a police car Related: Man Shoots Ex-Wife and Her New Boyfriend at Their High School Reunion During the course of the interview, McBride informed detectives multiple times that he had gone to (the residence) with the intention to kill K. McBride, to kill the fetus K. McBride was carrying, and then kill himself, Detective Ahmad stated in a probable cause affidavit, per WISH-TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Certainly what is alleged is this person went to great lengths to carry out what he intended to do, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said, per Fox 59. Prosecutors claim to have found notes from McBride in which he wrote of his frustrations with his estranged wifes infidelity and his frustrations with their failed relationship," Fox 59 reports. McBride reportedly admitted to being angry because he and his wife hadnt gotten divorced, yet she had gotten pregnant with another mans child. The person [in] this case made admissions about what his exact intentions were going to be and he was aware about her pregnancy and that was [the] motivating factor to take the steps he decided to take, Mears said. You dont usually have an individual who is that honest with law enforcement about how did all of this occur. Getty stock image of police tape stock image of police tape Related: 2 Pa. Children Orphaned After Dad Fatally Shoots Mother Before Turning Gun on Himself Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She was 5 months pregnant with her miracle baby, after several failed pregnancies in the past, and she has lost her baby due to this outrageous crime committed against her, her family told WRTV. She is alive, and not paralyzed, thank God. 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. Following her surgeries, her left ovary, left fallopian tube and more have been removed. McBride is due in court for his initial hearing on Friday, Jan. 24. Read the original article on People By Nidhi Verma NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The United States has clarified to India that tankers loaded with Russian oil have to discharge by Feb. 27 under the latest sanctions targeting Moscow's oil revenue, India's oil secretary Pankaj Jain told reporters at an event. Washington this month imposed sweeping sanctions targeting Russian producers and tankers, disrupting supply from the world's No. 2 producer and tightening ship availability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There was a round of clarification by OFAC (the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control). Formally they did clarify that Feb. 27 is the deadline," Jain said, in response to a question on the last date for discharging oil from sanctioned vessels. He said the deadline for completing financial transactions was March 12. India follows United Nations sanctions, rather than those imposed by individual countries, but fears of secondary sanctions by the United States create operational challenges in securing Russian oil as Indian banks and companies have significant exposure to the U.S. financial system. India became the top buyer of Russian sea-borne oil sold at a discount after Western nations imposed sanctions on Moscow and curtailed their energy purchases in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jain said India would continue to buy Russian oil if it was priced below the $60 per barrel cap set by the Western nations and was sold without the involvement of sanctioned Russian entities and ships. Oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri said Russian oil accounted for about 0.2% of India's overall crude imports prior to the Ukraine war. Russian oil now accounts for over a third of Indian oil imports. Indian state refiners are struggling to get Russian oil for March deliver as traders have stopped offering cargoes after the Jan. 10 sanctions from Washington. Puri said there was no shortage of oil in the market as countries such as Guyana, Brazil, Canada and Suriname were increasing output despite cutbacks by some major producers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If Russian oil is available at good discounts we will buy, if it is available elsewhere we will buy from them," he added. Separately, Puri said Indian oil refiners were looking at setting up three refineries of 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) each, instead of a single 1.2 million bpd refinery in western Maharashtra state, as there were challenges in procuring land. (Reporting by Nidhi Verma; Editing by Mark Potter) Indianas Black Legislative Caucus is launching an ambitious health-focused agenda in a legislative session fraught with political resistance. With a Republican-dominated Statehouse and governor dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, the caucus faces mounting obstacles as it works to address racial and economic inequities. The caucus unveiled its 2025 agenda, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds, hoping to combat the states soaring mortality rate, rising drug-related deaths, and the disproportionate mental health struggles afflicting Hoosiers. At the same time, IBLC members are fighting back against Gov. Mike Brauns anti-DEI executive orders and legislation, which they say threaten progress for marginalized communities across Indiana. The stats speak for themselves, said state Rep. Earl Harris Jr., president of the IBLC, as he unveiled the 2025 IBLC agenda. Indianas mortality rate is nearly 16% higher than the national average, compounded by an increase in drug-related deaths over the past four years. Adults and children alike in Indiana are more likely than average Americans to have heart disease, diabetes, and also struggle with obesity. The bottom line, Hoosiers should be better, Harris said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris added that it is imperative that the caucus works not only to enhance health outcomes for individuals struggling with mental health issues, but ensure their safety as they go through their day-to-day lives, interacting with the states institutions. One key proposal, House Bill 1199, would require mental health professionals to accompany law enforcement officers responding to emergencies involving mental health or substance abuse crises. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black Americans living at or below the poverty level are twice as likely to report serious psychological stress compared to Black people with higher incomes, underscoring the need for intervention in communities like Gary, where 77% of the population is Black, and nearly 33% live at or below the poverty line. This is not just a policy issue its a moral one. We cannot remain silent as our communities and businesses are pushed aside. state Rep. Robin Shackleford, D-Indianapolis. In 2023, Gary used $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars to fund a mobile mental health initiative. Managed by Edgewater Health, the initiative is part of a larger crisis relief hub that oversees local responses to the 988 crisis hotline for Gary and Calumet Township. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another priority is maternal health. Members of the caucus have submitted several bills related to maternal health, including Senate Bill 192, authored by state Sen. La Keisha Jackson, which calls for postpartum care for new mothers on Medicaid. According to the March of Dimes, 41% of all births in Indiana were by mothers on Medicaid. In Lake County, a combination of socioeconomic and environmental factors contributes to it having the ninth-highest maternal mortality rate in the state, according to the Indiana Department of Health. Playing defense Beyond their own agenda for the year, members of the caucus have been thrust into the fire of attacks from the state legislature, where Republicans have sponsored legislation that would overhaul schools in Black districts, and from the governors mansion as well. In a controversial move, Braun has issued an executive order to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across the state, sparking fierce opposition from the caucus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brauns decisions are already having an impact on the ground. His budget plan cuts state funding to Martin University, Indianas only predominantly Black university, and the College Success Program, which supports minority, low-income and first-generation students. It also eliminates funding for the Indiana Native American Indian Affairs Commission. Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed an executive order to eliminate DEI initiatives across the state. (Michael Conroy/Associated Press) While the caucus argues that this decision undermines progress toward racial and social equity, its ability to challenge the order is limited by the Democratic Partys super-minority status in the state legislature. Through Executive Order 25-14, Braun has prohibited the use of state funds, property or resources to support DEI and closed the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity office within the governors office. Adding legislative weight to Brauns executive orders, Republican state Sens. Tyler Johnson and Gary Byrne introduced Senate Bill 235, reinforcing Brauns executive orders on DEI and allowing civil lawsuits against state educational institutions that fail to comply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana is already falling short of its goal to foster diversity in our businesses, and now, with the introduction of Senate Bill 235, we are taking an even greater step backward, said state Rep. Robin Shackleford, D-Indianapolis. Shackleford said the bill allows universities to ignore diversity goals and eliminates the obligation to support supplier diversity, which she believes will harm minority-owned businesses. This is not just a policy issue its a moral one. We cannot remain silent as our communities and businesses are pushed aside, she said. The policy actions from Indiana officials are in lockstep with those being taken at the federal level. Within hours of taking the oath of office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order reversing what he called the Biden administrations forcing of illegal and immoral discrimination programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has framed DEI programming as unlawful, arguing that it violates civil rights laws. In the executive order, Trump stated: Roughly 60 years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, critical and influential institutions of American society, including the Federal Government, major corporations, financial institutions, the medical industry, large commercial airlines, law enforcement agencies, and institutions of higher education have adopted and actively use dangerous, demeaning, and immoral race- and sex-based preferences under the guise of so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) that can violate the civil-rights laws of this Nation. Trump rolled back a litany of discrimination related executive orders signed by previous presidents dating back as early as President Lyndon Johnsons administration, signaling a hostile approach to minority protections. As the IBLC works to advance its own agenda, it is also confronting legislation like House Bill 1136, which threatens to dissolve public school districts into charters in places like Gary where less than 50% of students living in the district attend the public schools there. State Rep. Ragen Hatcher emphasized the importance of grassroots involvement, sharing plans to bus concerned Gary residents to Indianapolis to ensure their voices are heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Andrea Hunley told Capital B Gary that she and fellow IBLC members have spoken with House Leader Todd Huston about their concerns regarding the bill, but also with leadership of their own party to strategize how to best stand up to it. The post Indianas Black Caucus Pushes Health Plan While Battling DEI Program Cuts appeared first on Capital B Gary. ROCKVILLE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Rockville Police Department has released statistics gathered in 2024 by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force The ICAC is a multi-agency task force that investigates and prosecutes persons who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice a child. During the year of 2024, the Rockville police department said the following statistics were gathered by the ICAC: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Total of 2,864 investigations 383 arrests made 46 children rescued from on-going abuse 444 new victims identified 1,586 subpoenas issued 63 federal subpoenas issued Total of 2,281 state search warrants conducted 45 federal warrants An estimated 1,246,136 gigabytes, or 1216.93 terabytes, of digital forensics was examined. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Hyunjoo Jin SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's Hyundai Motor said on Thursday it is in talks with General Motors to supply commercial electric vehicles to its U.S. peer, as it expects sales growth to halve this year due to softening demand. It also flagged policy risk in the United States with U.S. President Donald Trump taking office with promises of import tariffs, though it said any negative impact will be greater for Japanese rivals. The automaker, which signed a preliminary tie-up deal with GM last year, also said it aims to sign binding contracts on cooperation in parts procurement and passenger and commercial vehicles within the first quarter of this year. "We are considering re-badging our commercial EVs and supplying GM... The deal will pave the way for our entry into the North American commercial vehicle market," Hyundai Chief Financial Officer Lee Seung Jo said on an analyst call. The talks come as automakers brace for policy uncertainty in the U.S., the world's second-largest auto market, that could upend demand. This week U.S. President Donald Trump said he could impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico from Feb. 1. Meanwhile, political turmoil has rattled confidence on Hyundai's doorstep in Seoul. "We expect more business uncertainties this year than ever before due to potential policy changes not just in the home market but also in the U.S., while there will be tougher emission rules in Europe," Lee said. Hyundai expects to suffer less impact from U.S. tariffs than Japanese rivals including Toyota Motor and Honda Motor which have bigger manufacturing presence in Mexico and Canada. The South Korean automaker said it plans to further localise production in the U.S. to minimise any tariff impact. It also said it will make hybrid vehicles at its new factory in Georgia. SLOWING GROWTH Hyundai, which with affiliate Kia is the world's third-biggest automaker by sales, on Thursday forecast 2025 revenue growth of 3.0% to 4.0%, versus 7.7% a year earlier. It expects an operating margin of 7.0% to 8.0%, from 8.1% in 2024. Hyundai flagged uncertainties including slowdown in major markets, slowing EV demand and macroeconomic volatility, as Trump said he would consider scrapping EV purchase tax credits. A plunge in the won that began early December after South Korea's now-impeached president declared martial law will boost repatriated earnings but also inflate vehicle warranty provisions, hitting profit margins, Hyundai said. For October-December, Hyundai reported operating profit of 2.8 trillion won ($1.95 billion) as it spent on promotions in a slowing car market. Republican lawmakers are advancing legislation that would make it easier to crack down on illegal immigration in Indiana, just days after President Donald Trump signed executive orders to do the same across the country. House Bill 1393, which already passed out of committee this week, would require law enforcement officers to notify their county sheriff if they arrest someone for a felony or a misdemeanor and have probable cause to believe that person is not legally allowed in the U.S. County sheriffs would then notify proper authorities, according to the bill. "This only applies to those that are arrested for a felony or misdemeanor," said state Rep. Garrett Bascom, R-Lawrenceburg at a hearing for the bill Thursday. "It does not affect those just walking down the street." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's one of nearly a dozen bills that have been filed in both chambers at the Statehouse this year that are directed at people who may be living in the Hoosier State but dont have legal permission to be in the U.S. Several of those bills address expectations for law enforcement, including Bascoms bill, which passed out of the House committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety on a 9-2 vote Thursday. It now moves to the House floor for consideration. Representative Garrett Bascom and fellow lawmakers gather in the Indiana Statehouse on Org Day, or organization day on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, in Indianapolis. Would HB 1393 hurt immigrant communities? The majority of people who testified Thursday were opposed to the bill. Just one man spoke in favor of the bill and said it would stop crimes. People who testified against the bill told lawmakers that it could enable law enforcement officers to discriminate against people in diverse communities around Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I speak, the way I speak is different from the way you speak, said Fatima Yakubu-Madus, a deacon at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis, who said she came to the U.S. in 1979. If I am pulled over by a cop, the first thing they notice is that I am different. The bill could also create issues in cities and towns where law enforcement officers may have developed relationships with immigrant communities, said Chris Daley, the executive director of the ACLU of Indiana. Its incredibly important that theyre able to maintain those relationships, he said. This bill mandates that all police force comply with this requirement, regardless of whether or not they think it actually reduces public safety. Indianapolis Police Chief Chris Bailey made a similar point when he issued a statement Thursday stating the department has no intention of participating in immigration sweeps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is important to emphasize: if you are in Indianapolis and are a victim of a crime or need assistance, we are here to help - regardless of your immigration status," he said. A state or federal issue? Some lawmakers said the bill could clarify where state and local law enforcement agencies can work with the federal government in enforcing immigration law and the president's new executive orders. One of the orders Trump signed Monday allows the federal government to partner with local law enforcement who can then act as immigration officers. "The federal government has now brought in state and local authorities into the immigration process and removal," said state Rep. Chris Judy, R-Fort Wayne. "What I think this bill does here is it gives guidelines to our local law enforcement on how to address that." But Daley with the ACLU said his organization considers immigration a federal issue and HB 1393 "blurs the line" of having state and local law enforcement officers involved in enforcing the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seymour Republican Rep. Jim Lucas, who supported the bill, said its up to states to act after years and years and years of horrible federal immigration policy. Lucas last year traveled to Springfield, Ohio to look into a false claim from Trump during a presidential debate that Haitian immigrants in that community were eating domestic animals. Its not just the states, Lucas said. Its the local communities that are suffering under the pressure of the open border policy of the last four years. State Reps. Becky Cash, R-Zionsville, and Sheila Klinker, D-Lafayette, were the only votes against moving the bill forward on Thursday. Cash cited concerns about the timing available for people to provide proper documentation to law enforcement. Klinker said she worried what the impact would be on immigrants in Indiana who lack permanent legal status. Im hoping that well continue to work on this bill and not cause all of our immigrants that are undocumented to be frightened, Klinker said. A group of people opposed to House Bill 1393, which requires law enforcement to report someone if they are arrested for a misdemeanor or felony and there is probable cause they are not legally in the U.S., gathers outside a statehouse committee room on Jan. 23, 2025. As lawmakers voted, people in the audience at the committee hearing passed out neon signs covered with phrases including Migrant rights are human rights and HB 1393 promotes racism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group gathered outside the committee room and shouted "racist" at each Republican representative that voted to move the bill forward as they exited. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter/X@CarloniBrittany. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana lawmakers advance bill cracking down on illegal immigration GOSHEN, Ind. (AP) An Indiana man accused of using TikTok to urge attacks on the government and death to President Donald Trump has been arrested, the FBI said. Douglas Thrams, 23, of Goshen, made a series of threats in videos posted to the social media site this week, authorities said. Thrams was in custody awaiting an appearance Monday in federal court in South Bend. He does not have an attorney yet who could respond to the charge of using interstate commerce to make threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one TikTok video, Thrams said Trump needed to be killed and this time don't ... miss, FBI agent Taylor Pletz said in a court filing. It was an apparent reference to an assassination attempt last July in Pennsylvania. "In all videos, he is visible, audible and identifiable," Pletz said of Thrams. TikTok was supposed to be banned in the U.S., effective last Sunday. But Trump paused it for 75 days to allow his new administration to assess national security concerns and seek a potential American buyer for the popular digital platform. JAKARTA (Reuters) -Indonesia and France signed an agreement on Friday on the repatriation of a Frenchman on death row for drug offences, a senior Indonesian minister said. Serge Atlaoui, who has been in jail in Indonesia since 2005, is scheduled to return to France on Feb. 4, the senior minister for law and human rights affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, told a press conference. Atlaoui was sentenced to death for being a chemist in an ecstasy factory in the capital Jakarta that was capable of producing 100 kg (220.46 lb) of the illegal pills every week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has long maintained his innocence, saying he thought he was working in an acrylics factory. In 2015, Atlaoui was about to be executed with seven other foreign prisoners but was granted a last-minute reprieve. An Indonesian court then rejected his appeal against the death sentence, leaving him with no other legal options. Yusril said Indonesia agreed to repatriate Atlaoui for "humanitarian" reasons as the Frenchman was suffering from cancer. "I think this has been a lengthy process," he said after signing the agreement along with French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin via video teleconference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yusril said France would decide on Atlaoui's legal status once he returns home and that based on French law, the maximum punishment for a similar case is 30 years in jail. France thanked Indonesia for the deal and said the two countries were developing further "legal cooperation," the French ambassador to Jakarta, Fabien Penone, told the same press conference. France has agreed to several terms proposed by Indonesia, Yusril previously said, including respecting the Indonesian court ruling over Atlaoui. (Reporting by Yuddy Cahya Budiman and Ananda Teresia; Editing by Martin Petty and Mark Heinrich) JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Centuries-old stone Buddha statues and precious jewelries repatriated by the Dutch government to its former colony are on display at Indonesia's National Museum, providing a glimpse into the country's rich heritage that the government had struggled to retrieve. The collection is part of more than 800 artifacts that were returned under a Repatriation Agreement signed in 2022 between Indonesia and the Netherlands, said Gunawan, the museum's head of cultural heritage. The objects are not just those looted in conflict, but also seized by scientists and missionaries or smuggled by mercenaries during the four centuries of colonial rule. I was so amazed that we have all of these artifacts, said Shaloom Azura, a visitor to the museum in Jakarta. She hoped other historical objects can be repatriated too, "so we dont have to go to the Netherlands just to see our own cultural heritage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement to return cultural objects was inspired by the new era of global restitution and repatriation efforts. In 2021, France said it was returning statues, royal thrones and sacred altars taken from the West African nation of Benin. Belgium returned a gold-capped tooth belonging to the slain Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba. Cambodia in 2023 welcomed the return of priceless stolen artifacts that had been seized during periods of war and instability. Many of the items returned so far have come from the United States. And the Berlin museum authority said it would return h undreds of human skulls from the former German colony of East Africa. The Dutch government announced the same year the return of the Indonesian treasures and looted artifacts from Sri Lanka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only a few objects made it back before a deal was struck The repatriation is not something out of the blue but followed a lengthy process, said I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, former Indonesian ambassador to the Netherlands who also headed the government's team tasked to recover the objects. He said negotiations with the Dutch government have been ongoing since Indonesias independence in August 1945, but it was only in July 2022 that Indonesia formally requested the return of its cultural objects with a list of specific items. This repatriation is important for us to reconstruct history that may be lost or obscured or manipulated, Puja said. And we can fill the gap of the historical vacuum that has existed so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dutch government in 1978 returned the famous 13th-century statue of princess Pradnya Paramita from the Javanese Singhasari Kingdom. During the same visit to Indonesia, then-Queen Juliana also returned a saddle and spear seized from Prince Diponegoro, a Javanese nobleman considered a national hero for his struggle against colonial rule in the 19th century. The prince's scepter was returned in 2015. In 2020, Dutch King Willem-Alexander handed over Diponegoro's gold-plated kris dagger in his first state visit to Indonesia. Also pending is the return of the Java Man the first known example of homo erectus that was collected by Dutch paleoanthropologist Eugene Dubois in the 19th century. The importance of the most recent repatriation is knowledge creation, that will give society a more complete knowledge of our past history, said Puja. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the recent repatriation efforts seem to also be motivated by practical considerations, such as when the Delf city administration sent back 1,500 objects in 2019. They were part of the bankrupted Nusantara Museum collection. Focus on protection of repatriated artifacts However, Marc Gerritsen, the Dutch ambassador to Indonesia, said the repatriation would only focus on cultural objects that are requested, rather than emptying out European museums. There is a huge interest from the Dutch public in Indonesian history and Indonesian culture, so we do know that if Dutch museums put these objects on display, there will be an interest, Gerritsen said, But again, the heart of the matter is that the colonial collections artifacts that were stolen during the colonial period are returned on the basis of this process that was established. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the Netherlands, the largest investor from the European Union in Indonesia, has a unique relationship with Southeast Asias biggest economy. Of course, we have elements of which we are not proud, but we are really grateful for the fact that Indonesia is so much attached to preserving that history, Gerritsen said. To support its former colony in safeguarding its repatriated cultural heritage, the Dutch government has offered to assist in improving museum storage conditions and staff expertise. Some researchers have criticized Indonesia, the worlds largest archipelago nation of 17,000 islands, for a lack of legal framework to protect its rich cultural heritage and natural conservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 11 cases of museum thefts were reported between 2010 and 2020, according to a 2023 report by Rucitarahma Ristiawan, a lecturer of cultural science at Gajah Mada University, and two other researchers. In 2023, dozens of ships dredged the bottom of the Batanghari River in Jambi province, and the crews looted archaeological objects including porcelain, coins, metal and gold artifacts, which are believed to have been sold abroad, the report said. I think there is a lot to be reviewed from our historical works that are still kept in other countries, said Frengky Simanjuntak, who marveled at the Repatriation Exhibition at the National Museum, on display since October. So its not just about bringing them back home, but how to protect them." By Shivam Patel NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indonesia and India will discuss boosting defence ties, including a potential deal to sell Russian-Indian supersonic cruise missiles to Jakarta, during the Indonesian president's visit to New Delhi this week, according to people familiar with the discussions. Indonesia has been in protracted talks with BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia, to procure a shore-based version of the mid-range missiles and a version that can be mounted on warships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BrahMos told Reuters in 2023 that it was in advanced discussions with Jakarta on a deal worth $200 million to $350 million. Two people familiar with the matter said a deal has not yet been finalised and talks are continuing. President Prabowo Subianto, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday and will attend Republic Day celebrations on Sunday, said ahead of the trip that his visit would focus on strengthening ties in security, maritime, and digital technology sectors. A spokesperson for Indonesia's defence ministry said they did not have any information to share on the talks. Spokespersons for India's defence and foreign ministries, as well as BrahMos Aerospace, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said in a Dec. 16 post on X that "collaboration on advanced technology, such as BrahMos," was one of the highlights of discussions with the visiting Indian Navy chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Potential buyers in Southeast Asia as well as the Middle East have shown interest in the BrahMos missiles. The company clinched its first foreign deal, with the Philippines, in 2022. India is the world's biggest arms importers but it has made a push in recent years to sell domestically-produced weapons and military hardware abroad. BrahMos has been a key part of India's defence diplomacy since 2020, analysts say, when ties nosedived with Beijing after 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers died in one of the bloodiest clashes at the border in five decades. Most countries in Southeast Asia have seen enhanced defence spending in recent years in response to growing Chinese maritime presence in the South China Sea and some surrounding areas. (Reporting by Shivam Patel in New Delhi; Additional reporting by Ananda Teresia in Jakarta; Editing by Frances Kerry) Influencer Reyna Dunlap was found dead in a vacant house in Cleveland. Police confirmed the news to local outlet Cleve Scene on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Known online as "The Nude Queen," Maryland native Dunlap boasted over 82,000 followers on X and 17,000 on Instagram. She was 30 years old at the time of her death. Dunlap's sister Kira started a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for Dunlap's "funeral and expenses as well as to hire a Private Investigator to investigate her death." Earlier this week, Kira also took to TikTok and put out a "call to action" looking for people who had been in contact with the late star in the past month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's very, very important because something bad has happened to her, and we're trying to figure out what happened," Kira said through tears in an emotional video. "If anybody knows anything please message me and let me know. I'm really counting on you guys." Reyna Dunlap/Imstagram Reyna Dunlap. Reyna Dunlap. In the comments, Kira clarified that she was "trying [to] get answers as to who [Dunlap] was with in Ohio." Related: Food Influencer Rebecca Wylie Simms Dies at 39 After Surgery Complication, Weeks After Sharing 2025 Goal to 'Trust the Process' While a Cleveland police spokesperson told Cleve Scene they believed the incident to be an overdose, her mother Karen Jones refuted those claims during an interview with 19 News. GoFundMe Reyna Dunlap. Reyna Dunlap. They suspected that it was an overdose. I said my daughter has never used hard drugs, talk to anybody. I will stake my life that the toxicology is going to come back that she did not have any hard drugs in her system, she told the news outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on TikTok, her mother explained that their family would be having a private autopsy performed as well if they are able to gather enough funds to do so. The family plans to hold a memorial service for Reyna in Maryland, as reported by 19 News. Read the original article on People ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Odessa Police Department is investigating a Thursday morning crash that left several people injured, including a 19-year-old with serious injuries. Courtesy: Lindsey Doyle According to OPD, around 8:31 a.m. on January 23, officers were called to the area of 42nd Street and Everglade in reference to a major crash. Investigators said the 16-year-old driver of a Ford Mustang was traveling eastbound in the 1200 block of E 42nd Street when he lost traction on his back wheels and veered into the westbound lanes. OPD said the Mustang crashed into a Toyota Tundra driven by 65-year-old Debra Harris. The impact of that crash then caused the Mustang to crash into a Chevrolet Silverado driven by 58-year-old Febe Morales. The drivers of all three vehicles were taken to Medical Center hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger of the Mustang, 19-year-old Angel Meraz, was also taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. A deadly crash closed Harshman Road for several hours Thursday evening, according to Dayton police. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] News Center 7s Malik Patterson spoke to a police sergeant at the scene. TRENDING STORIES: Just before 7 p.m. Dayton police and medics were called to a crash in the 1300 block of Harshman Road, according to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch. According to police investigators, an SUV crossed the centerline of the road and hit two other cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. One other person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Officers said they do not know the exact cause of the crash at this time. It did start to snow, Sgt. Gordon Cairns with the Dayton police said. The roads were starting to get slick. That could very easily have been a reason. But again, these are all things that well have to look into and get some sort of toxicology report. After tow trucks remove the cars from the scene, plow trucks are expected to go through and clear the road of snow and put down salt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the road has been salted, it will be reopened to drivers. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] UPDATE: The man is now in custody of the Crawford County Sheriffs Office. CRAWFORD COUNTY, Mo. The Crawford County Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics help in locating an man who escaped from polices custody Thursday. The sheriffs office said he fled from officers on outstanding warrants after he was arrested at a residence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) Frustration is building in a Williamson County neighborhood as a utility company builds a gas pipeline through their backyards. On this weeks Inside the Investigation live stream, KXAN Reporter Mercedez Hernandez explains how the company is using a deal made nearly a century ago as grounds to continue the project. Join Kelly Wiley every Friday morning for a live recap of the latest headlines and in-depth reporting from the KXAN Investigates team. Related articles: Eminent Domain: 100-year-old pipeline deal disrupts Round Rock neighborhood Sell or you get pushed out. Some Texas property owners face 14-day eminent domain deadline Williamson County adjusts road neighbors worry could lead to eminent domain fights Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The Indonesian parliament has proposed a revision of the country's mining law to accelerate the development of its mineral processing industry. The proposed revision aims to regulate mining permits for religious groups and universities, according to a report by Reuters. The move aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to expedite the energy transition and mineral processing industry. A formal deliberation process for the law revision was agreed upon in a parliamentary plenary meeting on 23 January. The draft revisions suggest giving certain companies priority access to mining areas for "down streaming" purposes. Companies may be prioritised according to the size of their investment, their plans for adding value to minerals and the creation of jobs for local workers, the report said. Additionally, the draft proposes prioritising religious groups and universities for access to certain metal ore mining areas. The allocation will be based on the scale of the mines and the capacity of the institutions to oversee them. In 2024, Indonesia issued a regulation allowing religious organisations to manage mining assets as a source of income. The legislative body also proposed prioritising allocation of mining areas smaller than 2,500 hectares to small businesses in a bid to support local economies. The Indonesian Government is said to be contemplating substantial reductions in nickel mine quotas, with production potentially falling from 272 million tonnes (mt) in 2024 to 150mt this year. Macquarie Group pointed out that these cuts could lead to a notable increase in prices, underlining the vital contribution of Indonesian nickel production to the global market. In 2024, nickel prices recorded a second straight annual loss, driven by rising output from Indonesia and decreased demand from both battery manufacturers and the stainless steel industry. Despite being a major global producer, Indonesia struggled to meet demand last year due to government restrictions, leading to record imports from the Philippines. "Indonesia seeks revision of mining law to regulate permits" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. By Vladyslav Smilianets and Sergiy Karazy (Reuters) - As snow fell in a wooded area of Ukraine, the long-range attack drones accelerated one by one down an unlit, abandoned road and their whirring engines propelled them into the night sky. The unmanned aircraft carrying explosive warheads are part of a Ukrainian campaign of long-range drone attacks that aim to inflict blows on Russia far behind the front line as Moscow's troops advance in the east. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our main goal is to conduct strikes to hit logistics hubs in the rear, ammunition warehouses and decrease our enemy's pressure on the front," said the battalion commander of the Ukrainian drone unit, who gave only the call sign Casper. Kyiv's military granted Reuters exclusive access during the launch of the drones, but said the location and date of the strike could not be disclosed for security reasons. Ukraine has kept much of its wartime drone programme secret, seeing it as an invaluable way to chip away at Russia's vast military industrial base despite it lacking the huge arsenal of long-range missiles that Russia has. Moscow conducts long-range drone attacks on a nightly basis, while Kyiv has stepped up its own drone strikes in recent weeks, with U.S. President Donald Trump pushing to halt the nearly three-year full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prospect of possible peace talks pushes both warring sides to try to improve their battlefield positions so they are in a stronger position to negotiate. Russia's defence ministry said on Friday that an overnight Ukrainian attack involving more than 121 drones had targeted 13 of its regions, but that they had repelled it. Ukraine's military said the attack hit a Russian oil refinery and a microchip factory in the Bryansk region with video posted online showing a giant plume of smoke and flames engulfing an oil refinery in Russia's Ryazan region. Casper's unit, Ukraine's 14th Unmanned Aerial Systems Regiment, numbers a few hundred people and has its own analysts and engineers, and is focused specifically on long-range strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the unit's founders, who uses the call sign Fidel, told Reuters that they had drones that had reached ranges of 2,000 km (1,240 miles) during combat missions. He said their unit had carried out many strikes, including on the Russian airbase at Engels, which is located about 730 km (450 miles) southeast of Moscow and hosts strategic bombers. Despite their impact in the war, Fidel said he believed that "unmanned systems alone cannot change the course of the war". "You still need infantry ... you need artillery ... you need aviation, and many, many other things," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Casper said they were using the domestically produced "Lyuty" drone for the strikes. "The efficiency of our weapon is 40%-50% in total," he added. Reuters was unable to independently verify that assessment. (Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Alison Williams) SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Each week on Inside Utah Politics, well dive into the most pressing stories from Utahs Capitol Hill to your local government and across the nation, exploring how decisions made in the halls of power affect everyday lives. Each week on Inside Utah Politics, Lindsay Aerts will bring you the latest insights on the issues unique to Utah, plus hear from experts and analysts on both sides of the aisle to help you understand how decisions in the halls of power impact your daily life. You can find the Inside Utah Politics Podcast with Lindsay Aerts here or in the player down below: 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 ABC4 Utah. A northern pike is seen swimming in this undated photo. Northern pike are native to much of Alaska, but not to the Southcentral region south of the Alaska Range. Illegal introductions that started in the 1950s have spread the predatory fish, which can wreak havoc on populations of salmon and other native species. (Photo provided by the National Park Service) In the fall of 2018, officials with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and their partners celebrated what they thought was a milestone: an end to the infestation of invasive northern pike in the Kenai Peninsula. Their laborious program they thought had ridden the peninsula of the salmon-gobbling species that has wreaked havoc on the natural runs that are important to commercial and sport fishers, as well as to the overall ecological system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were all excited, you know. We spent, like, 15 years eradicating them off the peninsula. it was like this big, monumental moment, said Kristine Dunker, a biologist who coordinates the Alaska Department of Fish and Games program addressing invasive northern pike. The celebration proved short-lived. Vogel Lake and the creek that connects to it are seen from the air in October 2021. The site is in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and biologists worried that invasive pike that got there after swimming across Cook Inlet would spread farther into the freshwater system. (Photo by Kristine Dunker/Alaska Department of Fish and Game) A week later, Fish and Game officials got a report from an angler who was fishing in a remote lake on the northern part of the peninsula. The angler, who went to a site in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge called Vogel Lake, said he had caught a northern pike there. Fish and Game officials, armed with nets, came to Vogel Lake the following spring and confirmed that invasive pike were in the lake. It was the first documented case in North America of invasive northern pike, considered an exclusively freshwater fish, swimming in an estuary, an area where freshwater and saltwater meet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think everybodys jaw dropped, said Matthew Wooller, the University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist who is a lead author of a newly published study describing the discovery. The Vogel Lake discovery was followed in 2022 by discoveries of invasive pike in two more estuaries: Westchester Lagoon and Campbell Lake in Anchorage, events also analyzed in the study, which is coauthored by Dunker and others. Wooller, a professor at UAFs College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and director of the universitys stable isotope laboratory, used chemical analysis to show that the pike that colonized Vogel Lake got there after swimming in the marine saltwater of Cook Inlet. Theyre actually a freshwater fish, so to show evidence that they spent some time in an estuarine environment is very surprising. Its not something they should want to be spending time doing. Wooller said. An invasive northern pike found in Westchester Lagoon lies in a net. Angler Brian Reishus caught the pike and reported it to the Department of Fish and Game. (Photo by Brian Reishus/provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game) It is also worrying, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they can kind of dip into the marine environment, go up another river, dip into marine environment, go up another river, thats an additional way of invading, he said. Woollers isotope analysis tracked the chemical fingerprints the environment left on the otoliths, tiny ear bones that record fish life histories in layers. He noted a particularly striking part of the studys findings: the record imprinted on the otolith of a big female pike pulled from Vogel Lake, a fish that was possibly the first pike pioneer to the site. It clearly showed the chemical signs of a freshwater environment followed by a marine environment, followed by a freshwater environment. Small young pike in Vogel Lake that were presumably the females offspring did not have the saltwater marking on their tiny ear bones. It doesnt take much to put two and two together, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northern pike are native to much of the state, a fixture in freshwater systems north of the Alaska Range. Known for providing both tasty food and tough fights at the ends of fishing lines, pike are a favorite target among avid anglers. Woollers father is one; several years ago, he traveled from Britain to Alaska specifically to fish for northern pike and did so at the Minto Flats area of the Interior, a total pike-fishing heaven, said Wooller, who does not share his fathers passion. But northern pike should not be in Southcentral Alaska, scientists say. Reasons for that go back to the end of the last Ice Age, when Southcentral Alaska retained its glacial coverage much longer than did more northern areas, said Wooller, who is an expert in ancient ecosystems. An invasive northern pike is shown to have its stomach stuffed with tiny juvenile salmon. The pike, from a different site than Vogel Lake, shows how the invasive fish can gobble up native fish. (Photo provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game) The invasion started in the 1950s, when someone released pike from Minto Flats into remote Bulchitna Lake in what is now the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. After the initial illegal introduction, floodwaters spread the pike around, and effects cascaded. Dunker said there are good reasons for the ban on moving fish between water bodies, which was illegal even before statehood. That is especially the case when it comes to northern pike, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pike are voracious predators, eating not just salmon, trout and other fish but occasionally rodents and birds, Dunker said. The evidence is seen when pike are captured. Their stomachs can be found stuffed with juvenile salmon and other prey. Theyre top predators and they can completely take out the entire population of salmon. Weve seen that time and time again. And trout as well. And in worst case scenarios they take out the sticklebacks too, along with species that may not be targeted by anglers but are nonetheless ecologically important, Dunker said. And while they are not native to Southcentral Alaska, the region contains plenty of pike-friendly habitat: shallow, slow-moving and plant-filled freshwater bodies, often packed with the kind of fish that pike eat. The invasion in the Matanuska-Susitna region may be too far gone to reverse, particularly along the Susitna River drainage. But to the Department of Fish and Game, it is important to keep the Kenai Peninsula pike-free, as well as the western side of Cook Inlet. That is both to protect the regions economically valuable natural runs of salmon and other fish and because there are numerous remote freshwater bodies where any pike infestation would be difficult to spot quickly and even more difficult to address. A bird skims the surface of Anchorages Westchester Lagoon on Sept. 19, 2021. The following year, invasive pike were found at the site. The lagoon is an estuary, a place where freshwater and marine saltwater meet. Until the discoveries in Vogel Lake on the Kenai Peninsula and Westchester Lagoon and Campbell Lake in Anchorage, there had not been a documented case of invasive pike in any North American estuary. However, there had been some anedotal reports from Cook Inlet fishers. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vogel Lake discovery was particularly ominous because of the lakes connection to a web of other remote freshwater systems, all of which could be susceptible to secondary invasions triggered by the Cook Inlet crossers. That left managers faced with the reality that if theyre widespread through the system, there may not be an option to eradicate anymore, Dunker said. While northern pike cannot survive for long in saltwater, Cook Inlet is evidently tolerable for short periods, according to the study findings. The inlet, especially in spring and summer when meltwater from snow and ice is flowing, is less salty than other marine waterbodies. And it is a short swim from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, where pike are entrenched in numerous rivers and lakes, to Anchorage or the northern part of the Kenai Peninsula, where Vogel Lake is located. Dunker noted that it is only about 20 miles from the Susitna River basin, an example of a heavily infested Matanuska-Susitna area, to the Kenai Peninsula point that holds Vogel Lake. Westchester Lagoon and Campbell Lake are even closer, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a low-salinity situation, if its the right time of year and the tides are strong, it probably propels the fish along, she said. In retrospect, Dunker and Wooller said, the proof that pike had swum across the inlet should not have been too surprising. There are fishers tales of finding pike in their salmon nets in the inlet. And European colleagues at a 2016 conference warned Dunker that Cook Inlet, like the Baltic Sea, was probably already a passageway. An enclosure used to rescue natural fish in Vogel Lake is seen in 2021. That year, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game applied a fish-killing pesticide to the lake to rid it of invasive northern pike that had become established via the marine waters of Cook Inlet. Workers removed as much natural fish from the site as possible, relocating them to other waters, before applying the chemical. (Photo provided by Kristine Dunker/Alaska Department of Fish and Game) Getting rid of invasive pike is a multifaceted and sometimes difficult process. It starts with public education and awareness, which the Department of Fish and Game and other agencies conduct. State, federal and tribal agencies have at times encouraged Alaskans to catch all the invasive pike they can with the proviso that none are returned alive to the water, as that is illegal. Efforts beyond those are labor-intensive. Fish and Game officials and their partners have spent countless hours netting invasive pike in various water bodies, but that is considered an incomplete technique that misses a lot of fish. More drastic steps include the draining of lakes or other water bodies, which can be difficult logistically, or applications of a fish-killing chemical called rotenone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Alaska, lake draining has been done only rarely, as it is usually impractical, Dunker said. The invasive species program has relied more on rotenone, though applications are carefully considered and planned, she said. Rotenone is sometimes best employed in areas where the invasive pike have eaten through the natural fish supply. That can be seen in pikes stomachs. Theyre kind of little swimming traps to tell us whats in an environment, Dunker said. And when we only find water bugs like dragonfly larvae or other insects like that, that tells us how messed up that lake environment is, she said. Ultimately, rotenone was what was used in Vogel Lake. The project there, conducted in 2021, was especially complicated, as Dunker describes it. Pike found on west side of Cook inlet, with lots of salmon in stomach. The pike was found in June 2024 during an Alaska Department of Fish and Game supression project at Threemile Lake near the village of Beluga on the west side of Cook Inlet. The Kenai Peninsula and west side of Cook Inlet are high-priority areas for protection against pike invasions. (Photo by Ryan Ragan/Alaska Department of Fish and Game) Pike had been in the lake for only about a couple of years, so there was still a thriving population of coho, rainbow trout and other native fish that needed to be rescued, she said. Fish and Game workers corralled as much native fish as they could, scooped them up and helicoptered them to a new location activity allowed only through special permitting, she noted. They also installed a weir to block any future pike colonization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond that, there is ongoing research to better understand how and when pike might be swimming across Cook Inlet. Dunker and her scientific colleagues are examining the limits of their saltwater tolerance, the time it takes for marine environments to be imprinted on otoliths and other questions. They will be monitoring footage from video cameras installed at Westchester Lagoon and Campbell Lake, among other sites. Additionally, there are rotenone applications planned this year for some road-accessible sites in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough that are intended to limit the further spread of pike there. The successful eradication at Vogel Lake, with all its complexities, was a relief to the department. But this time around, celebrations are more muted. Right now, we can say that to our knowledge the Kenai Peninsula is pike-free. But we have to be very vigilant in our monitoring, and be ready, Dunker said. A smaller fish is seen inside the opened mouth of an invasive northern pike that preyed on it. The pike was caught during an Alaska Department of Fish and Game supression project conducted in June 2024 at Threemile Lake, near the village of Beluga on the west side of Cook Inlet. (Photo by Ryan Ragan/Alaska Department of Fish and Game) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) Multiple men have been charged in connection to several crimes believed to be connected to a 2016 shooting that left a man dead. According to the Rockingham County Sheriffs Office, they have charged Demetrius Deshawn Hairston, 34, Mandre Daquan Graves and Timmy Anthony Williamson II, 29, in connection to the 2016 shooting death of Cornelius Montrell Clark, then 23, of Eden. Clark was found dead inside a silver van just off of NC 14 after reports of a car crash around 1 a.m. on Nov. 20, 2016. He was found shot to death in the drivers seat of the van, according to a release from the sheriffs office on Friday. In late 2024, the sheriffs office was able to utilize new technologies that provided sufficient evidence to bring up charges against Hairston. He was charged with first-degree murder, as well as shooting into occupied property connected to a shooting the day before in Eden. Hairston was already incarcerated when he was charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graves, who is currently incarcerated in Virginia, was also charged with shooting into occupied property in connection to Clarks death. He is awaiting extradition, according to the sheriffs office. Williamson was charged with breaking and entering in Ruffin the day before Clarks homicide, and was arrested on Christmas Eve in Anderson, South Carolina where he lived, and was extradited back to Rockingham County. Investigators say that they believe the shooting in Eden and the breaking-and-entering in Ruffin are both connected to the shooting death of Clark. Timmy Anthony Williamson II (Rockingham County Sheriffs Office) Mandre Daquan Graves (Rockingham County Sheriffs Office) Demetrius Deshawn Hairston (Rockingham County Sheriffs Office) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to thank my Deputies and Investigators, the Eden Police Department, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, and the Rockingham County District Attorneys Office for all of their hard work throughout this investigation, said Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page. We have followed all leads on this case over the years as they became available, and we knew it was only a matter of time before it would all come together. Though we cannot bring Mr. Clark back, we can help to give his family closure and justice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Few agreements are shrouded in more secrecy than inter-government arms deals especially when one of the parties is a global pariah leading a bloody war. But a recent massive leak of emails and documents has given us an unprecedented glimpse into a particularly secretive transaction. The leak reveals that Saudi Arabia agreed to pay Russia over 2 billion euros under a contract signed in 2021 involving companies that were repeatedly sanctioned, both before and after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saudi Arabia doesnt appear to have canceled the contract after the invasion started, despite the risk of repercussions from the U.S. a major supplier of weapons to Saudi Arabia. Data included in the leak also shows that Russia has continued to sell arms to up to a dozen countries since the start of its invasion of Ukraine, bolstering its defense production and war effort. Apart from Saudi Arabia, the documents reveal contracts with traditional buyers of Russian weapons, such as India, China, or Algeria, none of which have stopped buying arms from Russia. The Kyiv Independent, in partnership with OCCRP, obtained a leak containing thousands of internal emails of Roselectronics, a subsidiary of Russia's state arms giant Rostec. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arms exports have traditionally been one of Russias biggest sources of revenue, although far behind oil and gas. These revenues are now being used to support Russias war against Ukraine. Sanctions imposed after the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine have significantly reduced the countrys arms exports. Still, Russia has managed to continue trade with a dozen countries that have not imposed sanctions on Moscow, making it the worlds third-largest weapons exporter in 2023. The leak reveals the relentless efforts of Russian arms manufacturers to sustain exports during the war. Exports help support Russias arms industry and fuel its war machine, despite numerous sanctions imposed over its assault on Ukraine. Analysts say the sales also serve as Russias tool of influence, strengthening its alliances and helping it secure votes at the United Nations. Russia may have even obtained access to Western weapons technologies through its arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Decoding the secretive Project 82P Even in internal documentation and letters, Russia maintains some secrecy when it comes to the foreign governments who buy their weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the leak shows, instead of directly naming the countries that purchase their military products, Russia uses a system that assigns a code to foreign countries, known in Russian as the All-Russian Classifier of Countries of the World. For example, foreign customer 012 stands for Algeria. In 2022, Russia was going to supply Algeria with its Acacia-E automatic aerospace defense system, according to the leak. When reporting on deliveries of the Post-3M radio reconnaissance station to Iran in 2021, the letters describe the buyer as foreign customer 364. When mentioning the supply of Polyana-D4M1 command and control system to Egypt, planned for 2025, they code the buyer as "foreign customer 818." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet not all the codes are so easy to decipher. The leak contains a contract encoded in a special way Project 82P. There is no such country code as 82P, and the client country isnt mentioned in almost any of the letters that concerned the project. It appears that this contract was more sensitive than others. "All the information related to interaction with the foreign customer specified in the contract is subject to restriction," one of the letters on Project 82P reads. It also says that to keep the details of the contract secret, Russia planned to sign separate confidentiality agreements with the banks involved in the project. Having analyzed hundreds of letters mentioning Project 82P, the Kyiv Independent can confirm that this code stands for an agreement with Saudi Arabia to supply Pantsir air defense systems. The "82" is a part of the country code for Saudi Arabia (682), and the letter "P" could be referring to the product name Pantsir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within the contract, the Russian side was to supply Saudi Arabia with the Russian Pantsir-S1M system and provide additional services related to it. The Pantsir is a self-propelled air defense missile and gun system. It can shoot down missiles, airplanes, helicopters, aerial bombs, and drones. The system itself is a large truck equipped with missiles and anti-aircraft guns, which can be used alone or in battery together with a command post and radar truck. It recently gained notoriety, as a Russian Pantsir-S battery is alleged to have brought down the Azerbaijan Airlines flight on Dec. 25, killing 38 people. A view of the crash site where an Azerbaijan Airlines plane with 67 people on board, traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny in Russia's Chechen Republic crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan, on Dec. 25, 2024. (Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan/Anadolu via Getty Images) 2 billion euros for Russian military production While the deal was secret, some evidence surfaced in 2024 that Saudi Arabia obtained Russias Pantsir systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2024, a photo appeared online showing a man, allegedly a Saudi soldier, posing next to a Pantsir with a training certificate in his hand. At the end of the year, the Saudi Air Defenses Bulletin listed the Pantsir among its new air defense systems. No other details were provided. With the leaked Roselectronics emails, the Kyiv Independent can piece together how Saudi Arabia obtained the Russian air defense systems. The emails reveal not only the high value of the contract but also how Saudi money flows directly to Russian military companies united under the Rostec brand. According to the leaked documents, Saudi Arabia agreed to pay 2.17 billion euros for the supply of Pantsir batteries, additional equipment and ammunition, and the training of operators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A battery is a military tactical unit consisting of several pieces of artillery working together. A Pantsir battery usually includes up to six pieces. According to various references to the contract found in the leaked emails, Saudi Arabia ordered anywhere from six to 10 Pantsir batteries. Newly revealed details of the Saudi-Russian contract In more detail, the contract description includes 39 combat vehicles, 10 command post units, nine radio command vehicles, 20 loader vehicles, hundreds of missiles, and tens of thousands of cartridges. To maintain the Pantsirs, Saudi Arabia also ordered seven repair vehicles, five evacuation trucks, seven fuel servicing trucks, seven storage and transportation vehicles, and other equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They bought various simulators to train the Saudi military and planned three training rounds. The contract was signed on April 8, 2021, and was expected to last 58 months that is, until 2026. The Saudi Defense Ministry made an advance payment of 15% of the contract, or 326 million euros, on Aug. 5, 2021, feeding the Russian military machine with cash just six months before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Delivery of the first batch of the air defense systems and related equipment was scheduled for the end of 2023. International trade records found in the ImportGenius database show that at the end of November 2023, Rosoboronexport made two shipments of four units of new special purpose motor vehicles to Saudi Arabia. The description is vague but the trademark of the vehicles, the names of Russian shippers and a Saudi consignee, and the cargo delivery point an air defense base in Jeddah indicate that the vehicles were supplied under the Pantsir contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leaked Russian documents also show how many subsidiaries of the Russian arms conglomerate Rostec, which is sanctioned by many countries for its role in the war against Ukraine, benefit from the Pantsir exports. Heres how Saudi money moved through the Russian arms holding. The advance payment went from the Saudi Defense Ministry to Rosoboronexport. This state company, a part of the Rostec conglomerate, acts as an intermediary for all of Russia's military exports and imports, receives payments, takes a commission for contract management, and subsequently transfers the rest of the money to the contractors. Following receipt of the advance payment, Rosoboronexport distributed the bulk of the funds to state-owned Russian arms producers Shipunov Design Bureau, known as the developer of the Pantsir complex, United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation (also known under its Russian acronym, OPK), the managing company of the Roselectronics holding, Sozvezdie Concern, the Scientific Research Institute of Communication and Automated Control Systems (NIISSU), the truck producer KAMAZ subsidiary Remdizel and others. Each entity has a role in the contract. For example, OPK has been appointed as the radio command vehicles supplier, while Sozvezdie Concern and NIISSU are its main co-executors. Russian KAMAZ and its subsidiary Remdizel produce the chassis for the system. All these companies are currently subject to numerous international sanctions either for their role in the deployment of Russian military technologies on the battlefield in Ukraine or for providing a substantial source of revenue to the Russian government during the war. Rosoboronexport has also been repeatedly subject to U.S. sanctions within a nonproliferation program against Iran, Syria, and North Korea. The latest Iran-related sanctions were imposed on Rosoboronexport in 2023. Rostec was subject to U.S. sanctions before 2022, including for its connection with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014 and military cooperation with China. Sanctions on Rostec companies involved in the production and supply of the Pantsir system. (Lisa Kukharska / The Kyiv Independent) The transfer of Russian technology to Saudi Arabia According to the leak, the delivery of Pantsir batteries and additional equipment is only part of the 82P Project. In addition to the 2-billion-euro contract, the documents describing the project mention a second major part of the cooperation. The contract for it, even three contracts, was not yet signed in the first half of 2022, but was already being discussed. This includes localizing Russian Pantsir systems production in Saudi Arabia, establishing maintenance centers in the country, and creating a training center. The future localization of production was Saudi Arabia's requirement to sign the first contract to supply air defense systems. A leaked letter titled Localization Plan contains a 69-page document entitled Proposal for the Localization of the Pantsir-S1M Complex Production. The proposal includes three localization programs. The first describes the large-scale assembly of 15 Pantsir batteries in Saudi Arabia. The second localization program establishes a network of service centers for Pantsir maintenance (five regional and one central repair workshop). The third program involves building a training center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's second-largest city and "economic capital." The center would require the construction of a 15,000-square-metre study building. Although none of the three contracts had been signed during the time period covered by the leak, the leaked documents mentioned that Saudi Arabia was ready to sign the assembling production contract in the second half of 2022. If the contracts were indeed signed, Russia could receive even more than 2 billion euros from Saudi Arabia over the next few years. Russia's war with Ukraine, though, could have affected the fate of any joint Pantsir assembly in Saudi Arabia, as the war has allegedly already affected a couple of other Russian export contracts. "There was a report that Russia had taken away the shells made for Azerbaijan because it needed them in the war against Ukraine," Ivan Kirichevsky, an analyst at Defense Express, reported. "Another report indicates that Russian T-90S export tanks intended to be sold to India, Algeria, or Vietnam were also spotted on the battlefield in Ukraine. So there are some doubts as to whether Russians can reach the next stage of the Saudi contract the organization of joint production. They are now highly dependent on imports of various equipment and electronic components. This may affect co-production arrangements." A pathway to Western military tech The Pantsir contract carries with it the risk of Russia becoming familiar with Western technologies through its cooperation with Saudi Arabia. The country is a major buyer of U.S. weaponry and buys arms from South Korea and EU countries, including air defense systems. "Saudi Arabia is one of the major operators of Patriot systems. Whether the Russians could have gained access to them is a sensitive issue," said Ivan Kirichevsky, an analyst at Defense Express, a Kyiv-based military think tank. "The U.S. has demonstrated that it is sensitive to the risk of transferring its technology to third parties. Kirichevsky cites the example of Turkey. In 2020, four months before the Russian-Saudi agreement was signed, the U.S. slapped sanctions on Turkey over a purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system. The risk of Russians accessing U.S. technology is high since the Project 82P also includes integration services, meaning integrating the Pantsir complex into Saudi Arabia's command, communications, and intelligence system. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hold a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 6, 2023. (Sergei Savostyanov / Pool / AFP via Getty Images) Those services would be performed by Russian specialists, who could obtain access to the existing Saudi arsenal, which is stuffed with U.S. weapons. Moreover, Russia appeared to have asked for this access. In October 2021, some six months after signing the contract, Saudi Arabia's representatives met with the Russian side in Moscow to discuss the execution of Project 82P. The Kyiv Independent found the meetings minutes in Russian companies emails. The emails mention an upcoming trip by Russian representatives to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for May 2022. While discussing the meeting, the Russian side requested to visit Saudi air defense facilities and received consent. They started making preparations for the trip like booking the hotel, car rental, and buying tickets. The obtained email leak covers the time up until May 2022, the same month when the trip was supposed to take place. While the Kyiv Independent cant confirm that the trip took place, there was no sign it was canceled either. The Saudi Defense Ministry did not respond to a written inquiry from the Kyiv Independent. Why is Russia selling air defense while waging war with Ukraine? Russias efforts show its highly interested in selling arms and military technology abroad, despite its massive need for weapons for its war against Ukraine. According to one of the leaked letters, in June 2022, four months after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, state arms exporter Rosoboronexport held a three-day meeting with arms manufacturers in St. Petersburg. The event was private, with no public mentions of it. The topic was promoting Russia's anti-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipment "with high export potential." A Rosoboronexport representative held a presentation on how export sales could be boosted. Two months later, in August 2022, Rosoboronexport hosted a different event, this time a public one. Its seven-day International Military-Technical Forum aimed to secure new arms sales contracts. It reportedly attracted delegations from 50 countries. Local media made no secret of Russias efforts to interest foreign delegations in a wide range of military products, including tanks, armored vehicles, UAVs and anti-UAVs, air defense systems, rifles, mortars, and fighter aircraft. Similar events were held in 2023 and 2024 and are planned for 2025. Trying so hard to sell weapons abroad while leading a resource-demanding war may seem like an odd thing to do but there are at least two good reasons for Russia to pursue it: high export revenue and strengthening geopolitical ties. Arms under export contracts are traditionally sold at a higher price than those supplied to the domestic army. "The policy of arms export contracts is always the same: You sell your products to someone for export at a premium to supply your army at a lower cost," said Kirichevsky, an analyst at Defense Express. "The price of the 2 billion euros for six Pantsir batteries seems very high, even when it includes additional equipment and training for the military." Although Russias export capacity started crumbling after the start of Russias invasion of Ukraine, it remained a significant exporter of military products. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) compared data on Russian arms exports for two periods: 2014-2018 and 2019-2023. The institute found that, between those two periods, the volume of Russian arms exports fell by 53%. The number of countries willing to buy Russian arms has also decreased, but 12 countries were still buying Russian weapons in 2023. Leaked letters show that Rosoboronexport received new export inquiries after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In spring 2022, soon after the world learned about the Russian massacre of civilians in Ukraines Bucha and other places, the Russian defense conglomerate received new inquiries from potential clients. The leaked emails show that Armenia inquired about a possible delivery of the Ranzhir-M1, a command center unit for air defense systems. Meanwhile, Venezuela was interested in Pishchal-Pro and Kupol complexes, the systems that take down unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs. The Kyiv Independent was unable to find confirmation of such deliveries in public sources, or in the customs records available through leaks. Russia also continued to work on executing contracts signed in previous years. There are no mentions of any contracts canceled by either side after the start of the invasion. In 2022, Rostec worked on contracts with China, India, Algeria, Egypt, Belarus, and several other countries, all of which continued to receive military supplies from Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and new sanctions against the Russian defense companies. Experts say that Russia is motivated to sell its weapons abroad not only by money but by the prospect of establishing or strengthening of geopolitical ties. "Russia sees arms sales as another tool of statecraft. It's a tactic," Anna Borshchevskaya, a senior fellow with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, says. "It's not independent of foreign policy, and so arms sales will strengthen bilateral ties between countries on a political level. It's a tool of influence from the Russian perspective." According to Agiya Zagrebelska, a Ukrainian sanctions expert and representative of the NGO Economic Security Council of Ukraine, the result of such ties can be seen in the countries' votes at the UN. Although the allegiance to Russia is not as clear as in the case of Belarus, China, or Iran, Saudi Arabia has abstained from more than half of the UN votes for resolutions on Russia's war against Ukraine. (See the chart) How countries buying Russian weapons vote at the UN. (Lisa Kukharska / The Kyiv Independent) On the one hand, the country voted for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. However, it abstained from voting on resolutions on the suspension of Russias rights of membership in the Human Rights Council and on remedy and reparation for aggression against Ukraine. Saudi Arabia has also helped to free foreigners imprisoned by the Russian military and brought together 42 countries in Jeddah to find ways to end the Russian war in Ukraine. It has also allegedly threatened the G7 against seizing Russias frozen assets, according to Bloombergs sources. The country has also promised to provide Ukraine with $400 million in humanitarian aid while pledging billions to Russias military enterprises. Yet even with rich clients like Saudi Arabia, the volume of Russias arms exports has fallen in recent years. Due to Western sanctions, it has become both difficult and costly for Russia to import Western equipment and electronic components it still needs for defense production. Some reports also suggest that Russia deployed some of the weapons meant for export to the front line in Ukraine. This makes Russia an increasingly problematic supplier. Note from the author: Hey! This is Alisa Yurchenko, the author of this story. Thank you for reading it. I spent the past two months reading leaked internal correspondence of Russian state defense companies. The letters were scattered and out of order, so I had to reconstruct their timeline like a jigsaw puzzle. But it was all worth it. I was glad to reveal how many sanctioned Russian military companies profit from a major arms export deal. Understanding this is crucial as such deals bolster Russian defense industry and the countrys geopolitical standing all while Russia is waging a full-scale war. We are not done with this particular leak, however. We are still analyzing it and will soon share insights about Russia's efforts to source foreign components for its defense industry. Please consider supporting the Kyiv Independent by becoming a member or making a one-time donation. It is our readers support that makes our work possible. Thank you! Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) In a laboratory used by researchers from Old Dominion University, analytical chemist Eva Doty tests wastewater from a local treatment plant. Shes looking for something she expects to find perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS. What makes PFAS so effective as a fire retardant and water proofer is what also makes it so alarming: the chemicals dont break down. PFAS chemicals are manufactured and typically hard to see, unless you were on Birdneck Road in Virginia Beach on Good Friday 2012. A Navy jet had crashed into an apartment complex, and the foam that firefighters used to quench the raging jet fuel contained PFAS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foam covers the fuel and just deprives it of the oxygen, said Gary Schafran, ODU professor of environmental and civil engineering. The problem is, the PFAS in the foam doesnt go away. Its known as a forever chemical, Schafran said. NAS Oceana is among three places in Hampton Roads, along with Fentress Airfield and the area near NASAs Wallops Island complex, that are under assessment for PFAS from the firefighting foam. But PFAS is not limited to runways and launch pads. The EPA says the forever chemicals are in many common items. We have it in pizza boxes, some shampoos and makeup, fast food packaging, Scotchguard water proofing and non-stick cookware, among other items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Cancer Society does not determine whether anything definitely causes cancer, but does say drinking water is one of the main sources of PFAS exposure for some people. There are three areas that Im familiar with that have public health issues, Schafran said. One is liver cancer, also negative impacts on thyroid and autoimmune diseases. The EPA has linked PFAS chemicals to: Decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women Developmental effects or delays in children Reduced ability of the bodys immune system Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity Doty does detect PFAS in the local wastewater sample. She says one method to trap PFAS is through the use of granulated activated carbon as a filtering agent. So far, researchers have found no cause for alarm, mainly because PFAS chemicals have been detected in the bloodstream of people all around the world. Its ubiquitous, Schafran said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But scientists and health agencies will continue their level of concern, because PFAS chemicals are here to stay. PFAS has existed in public life for decades, and Schafran says the earliest examples emerged in the 1950s. The most notorious exposure of PFAS in our part of the country was in North Carolina, where Dupont and one its related companies dumped the chemicals into the Cape Fear River. There was a widespread contamination in groundwater in the Cape Fear River. Its also in the wells around that area, too, Schafran said. Just last year, the EPA and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced maximum contaminant levels for drinking water in the area for the Dupont product known as GenX. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding the use of firefighting foam at Oceana, Fentress and any of its facilities, the Navy gave WAVY this statement: The Navy disposes of PFAS-containing material by properly containerizing, labeling, and transporting the material to permitted non-Navy disposal/treatment facilities that are authorized to receive such materials. Ill have to say that the DoD has been out in front of this issue, Schafran said. The Navy also told WAVY that since 2020, Congress has required all DoD firefighters to be tested annually for PFAS as a part of their firefighter examination. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Iowa teachers need more training in special education to meet the needs of today's students. (Photo via Getty Images) Iowa Writers 'Collaborative. Linking Iowa readers and writers. The topic of special education didnt come up in Gov. Kim Reynolds Condition of the State address on Jan. 14, but it should have. The number of students receiving special education services nationwide has risen nearly 73% from 1990 through 2023, per the U.S. Department of education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 14% of Iowas 480,000 public school students receive special education services. Special education services include a wide range of assistance such as help with physical disabilities, special instruction in reading, writing, and math, and coping with behavioral issues. The Iowa Department of Education lists special education grades 5-12 as its greatest area of need for teachers. The reality is all teachers are special education teachers regardless of what endorsements they pursue in college. I started this school year with one class that was more than 60% special education students and a second class that was more than 70% special education students. I co-teach those classes with two brilliant, high-skilled, and passionate special education teachers who use their expertise in both subject matter and the seemingly infinite range of learning challenges students face. Without these partners, I would not meet the needs of any students in my classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Classroom behavior issues are one of the leading causes of teacher burnout. My experience tells me most behavior issues are rooted in learning challenges, childhood trauma, and mental health struggles. I earned my masters degree in education through a program at Drake University that focuses on students who make a mid-career choice to become a teacher. The program allowed me to count the credits I earned as an undergraduate toward my endorsements in journalism and English. I took the full slate of required education courses required by state law, including a survey course in special education. The course covered special education law, instructional strategies for students with disabilities, behavior management, and teaching students with diverse learning needs. I recall the class being engaging and interesting, but it proves woefully inadequate in practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am in the middle of my third year as a teacher and even with support from fellow teachers, administration, and Heartland Area Education Agency, I am often overwhelmed by the diversity of needs that I frankly feel clueless as how to manage. I attributed my frustration to my newness to the field, but when I talked to career teachers without a special education background, they all said the same thing: The took a similar survey course as mine and it was not enough. I dont want to suggest that every prospective teacher be mandated to take the full, rigorous spectrum of courses required to earn a special education endorsement. However, Gov. Reynolds and lawmakers must consider requiring more coursework in special education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, all teachers need: A course focused on childhood brain development through adolescence. Courses focused on diverse learning needs with special attention to the best instructional practices for autism spectrum disorder, attention deficient hyperactive disorder, and emotional and behavioral disorders. A full class on child psychology from early childhood through adolescence. These changes would not magically solve the immense challenge of teaching students with high-support instructional needs. But I submit a teacher with more education in these areas will be far better off than I and many of my colleagues were when we first stand before a classroom alone and are faced with the full bandwidth of behaviors and learning needs. Iowa offers some incentives to become a special education teacher, including scholarship opportunities and loan forgiveness programs. School districts often offer higher pay scales or signing bonuses for special education teachers. These are all worthy and smart programs, but we, as a state, need to get smarter. Every classroom teacher needs a broader knowledge base to meet the needs of students receiving special education services and help them achieve grade-level standards and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further, lawmakers would do well to invest in school counselors. The job has evolved from educators who helped students schedule classes and plan for college or careers to full-on mental health crises response teams. My school has two top-tier counselors who work miracles with students who struggle with a full gamut of mental health needs and a nothing short of miracle workers. Even with the support of therapists and other mental health services, they are overwhelmed. Schools need full-time mental health professionals. The Legislature should consider programs such as loan forgiveness and incentives to practice in Iowa schools for college students studying counseling and other mental health fields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Special education and school mental health improvements wont get news media members chins wagging as much as a proposed smartphone ban in all classrooms a worthy goal that ultimately treats a symptom rather than the root cause of declining literacy. However, making Iowas special education and childrens mental health services needs a top priority, the lawmakers have a chance to make the lives of tens of thousands of Iowans better and build a brighter future. This column first appeared on Daniel P. Finneys blog, The Paragraph Stacker on Substack. It is republished here through the Iowa Writers Collaborative. Editors note: Please consider subscribing to the collaborative and its member writers to support their work. The Iowa Board of Medicine regulates the state's medical profession as part of the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing. (Photo by Getty Images, board seal courtesy the State of Iowa) A Cedar Falls physician repeatedly accused of misconduct has agreed to surrender his license. Late last year, the Iowa Board of Medicine issued an emergency order suspending the license of 59-year-old Dr. Ted Bonebrake in order to protect the public. The order marked the fourth time the board had sanctioned Bonebrake for alleged substance-abuse issues or violating restrictions on his practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bonebrake, an addiction-medicine and family-medicine physician who has practiced in the Cedar Falls and Waterloo area, was charged with violating an order issued by the Iowa Physician Health Program a program that helps physicians cope with mental and physical health issues as well as substance abuse. He was also charged with improper management of medical records. According to the board, while working at UnityPoint Clinic in Cedar Falls, Bonebrake was given many warnings and placed in performance-improvement plans related to a significant number of incomplete medical charts. The board alleged the clinic ultimately fired Bonebrake for failing to maintain patients medical charts in a timely fashion. The board also alleged that while working for the Access Wellness and Recovery Center in Waterloo, Bonebrake failed to complete hundreds of patients medical charts. The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing says Bonebrake did not admit to the alleged violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bonebrake will be eligible to apply for reinstatement of his license in one year. Surrender follows years of issues Board records indicate that in 2001, three years after Bonebrake was licensed to practice medicine and perform surgery in Iowa, he was hospitalized for alcohol detoxification. In August 2003, the board alleges, Bonebrake twice tested positive for marijuana use. In September 2003, the board charged Bonebrake with repeatedly violating the terms of his then-current Physician Health Program contract by failing to comply with drug screening requirements on six occasions and failing to attend after-care meetings on at least nine occasions. The board allowed Bonebrake to keep his license, subject to a substance abuse evaluation and a licensing probationary period of five years. In September 2004, the board alleged it had received information Bonebrake was consuming alcohol in violation of his licensing probation. As a result, the board in 2005 issued Bonebrake a warning, fined him $1,000 and placed his license on indefinite probation with additional requirements for substance-abuse evaluations, treatment and monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December 2005, Bonebrake was involved in a serious car accident after consuming alcohol, the board alleged. In January 2006, the board charged Bonebrake with habitual intoxication or addiction to the use of drugs or alcohol, and violating a board order. As a result of those charges, Bonebrake agreed to a suspension of his Iowa medical license. In May 2013, the board agreed to reinstate Bonebrakes license with the understanding that it was being placed on indefinite probation. According to the board, Bonebrake self-reported to Iowa Physician Health Program at the direction of the board on Nov. 10, 2022. The board alleges he was then under a cease-practice agreement with the program and was prohibited from working under his Iowa medical license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board alleges that at some unspecified point, the program received information indicating Bonebrake was writing multiple prescriptions for narcotics and accepting money for those prescriptions while still under his cease-practice agreement. The program then nullified its contract with Bonebrake due to what the board calls ongoing, significant non-compliance. In November 2024, the program referred the matter to the board for review, which led to the emergency suspension of his license late last year. AMES, Iowa Backpocket Brewing teamed up with Iowa State Universitys Science and Practice of Brewing class to produce and sell a new beer from students who won an end-of-semester beer competition. The winning team of four students made an IPA named Alien Juice Party. Backpocket sold the beer in its taprooms until it sold out. Robert Brown, the professor of the Science and Practice of Brewing class, said he came up with the idea of partnering with Backpocket when Iowa State Universitys trademark office mentioned the schools previous collaborations with Backpocket Brewing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trademark office here at Iowa State University alerted me that Backpocket had an agreement to brew beer with the universitys logo and suggested that we might be able to do a collaboration with them. So I contacted the folks at Backpocket and they very happily joined us in this collaboration, Brown said. Houseboat owners survey damage after Saylorville Marina fire Brown said that the collaboration with Backpocket gave students the chance to witness beer production on a large scale. I tell students often in their classes they learn a lot of science, but very little practice. And we are proud of the fact that students can get into the laboratory and actually brew the beer. But part of working with a commercial brewery was to scale up. So we went from a few gallons to many hundreds of gallons in that brewing with a Backpocket, Brown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trenton Major, one of the students who developed the winning beer, said that working with Backpocket taught him a lot. Its so much fun, except especially afterwards, because Backpocket brought us in and we helped them brew that batch of their stuff on tap right now. We were there while he was brewing it. That was a great, enjoyable process. We learned a lot being able to talk with their brewers as well and overall a huge learning experience, Major said, I never even saw beer in my future before I came to Iowa State and here I am minoring in beverage management and just know theres so many places I can go with that. This semester Professor Brown plans to have another competition but this time the brewing science laboratory will brew and sell the winning teams beer. To learn more about Backpocket Brewings collaborations with the Brewing Science Program, visit Iowa State Universitys 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 who13.com. By Svea Herbst-Bayliss NEW YORK (Reuters) - Activist investor Mantle Ridge has secured enough support from Air Products and Chemicals investors to win several seats on the industrial gases company's board of directors, two people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. Investor votes are still being counted before Air Products' annual meeting on Thursday and the final number of board seats that Mantle Ridge will get has not been determined. But the sources told Reuters Mantle Ridge is currently on track to secure three seats. Representatives for Mantle Ridge and Air Products were not immediately available for comment. The vote will end one of the most fiercely contested board battles in recent memory, with an octogenarian chief executive facing off against a hedge fund manager who helped put him onto the company's board a decade ago. Mantle Ridge, run by Paul Hilal, argued that Air Products needs to lay out a succession plan for CEO Seifi Ghasemi, allocate its capital differently and scale back on risky projects. The investment firm urged investors to elect its four candidates to the nine-member board. The company countered that it was well on its way to lay out a succession plan for Ghasemi and that the election of any Mantle Ridge nominee could create confusion for the company's leadership and direction. But three proxy advisory firms, whose recommendations often influence how investors cast their votes, sided with Mantle Ridge, arguing that change is needed at Air Products and that investors should elect at least three of the activist investors' candidates. A number of large investors including Norwegian sovereign wealth fund Norges Bank Investment Management said they would be voting for all four of Mantle Ridge's nominees. For Hilal, this marks the second battle at Air Products after he was instrumental in finding new directors, including Ghasemi, when hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management battled with the company more than a decade ago. Hilal founded his own firm in 2016 and has since run campaigns at railroad CSX, food services and facilities services provider Aramark and retailer Dollar Tree. At all companies, he quickly helped install a new CEO. For the fight at Air Products, he lined up industrial gases executive Eduardo Menezes a former executive vice president for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Linde who also previously worked at Praxair in senior roles. (Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Rashmi Aich) As President Donald Trump draws back previous protections for schools to be protected locations when it comes to immigration law enforcement, Indianapolis Public Schools said it will not let ICE in their schools without a warrant. IPS alerted families Thursday to the districts policies around allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) onto school grounds and has said school staff are trained on how to respond to situations involving undocumented students and families. Every child in the U.S., regardless of their immigration status, has a right to attend public school under federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday that they had rescinded the previous policy under the Biden administration issued in 2021 that treated schools as sensitive or protected locations when it came to immigration enforcement. Places like child care centers, schools, churches and hospitals have been considered protected areas under previous policy, which meant immigration enforcement should only take place if there is an immediate danger to the public. Even before the new policy was announced, major school districts across the country were reaffirming their commitment to protect students of various immigration statuses and other identities. School districts nationwide are mulling how to act in light of the Trump administrations new executive orders and national education groups like the National Education Association are circulating new advice for school leaders on topics from mass raids to enrollment issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IPS said that for ICE to enter a school they must present a valid warrant signed by a judge and that the district has legal staff trained to verify such documents. The district also said it does not ask for nor disclose students' immigration status, and is "committed to protecting the privacy of all students and their families, as required by federal and state law. The IPS webpage also lists information about what families should do if they are approached by ICE and what are their rights if they are arrested or detained. IPS has the largest amount of English language learning students out of the 11 school districts in Marion County with around 6,500 ELL students enrolled this school year, followed closely behind by Perry Township with around 5,100 ELL students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a look at what other districts have said on the topic of immigration enforcement: Indiana immigration updates: President Trump's immigration orders are already impacting Indiana. Here's how. MSD Wayne Township Wayne Townships communications officer Jeannine Templeman told IndyStar that the district is working with legal counsel to evaluate necessary adjustments. She said the district will continue to consult relevant organizations to prioritize students best interests. Our District upholds federal and state laws, including students right to access public education regardless of immigration status, as established by Plyler v. Doe, and the protection of students' rights and privacy under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Templeman said in a statement. Perry Township Perry Township communications director Elizabeth Choi said the district is awaiting guidance from federal and state officials. MSD Lawrence Township Lawrence Township communications director Dana Altemeyer said that the district will continue to be compliant with all state and federal laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district has existing policies and safety protocols in place for any request to access students, the statement said. Contact IndyStar K-12 education reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IPS won't allow ICE to enter schools without a warrant BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Two Iraqi border guards were killed on Friday during a clash with fighters from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), Iraq's interior ministry said. In a statement, the ministry said they had come "under gunfire by terrorist elements belonging to the banned organisation". It said a third border guard was injured in the clash, which took place near Zakho, a town on the border with Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The border guards were Iraqi Kurds and the clash occurred after the PKK fighters were denied passage through an Iraqi Kurdish border post, security sources said. The PKK - which is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union - took up arms against Turkey in 1984, with the initial aim of creating an independent Kurdish state. Turkish forces have frequently made incursions into northern Iraq in recent years in an attempt to quash the PKK militants. (Reporting by Muayad Kenany; Writing by Ahmed Rasheed; Editing by Gareth Jones) By Padraic Halpin DUBLIN (Reuters) - Record high winds from Storm Eowyn battered Ireland and Northern Ireland on Friday, leaving one man dead and almost one-third of Irish homes and businesses without power and forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights. A man was fatally injured when a tree fell on his car in County Donegal, in the northwest of Ireland, police said. Schools were forced to close and public transport ground to a halt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials had warned the storm was set to be one of the most dangerous they had faced and the Irish weather agency, Met Eireann, said a gust of 183 kph (113 mph) overnight at Mace Head in County Galway provisionally broke an 80-year-old record of 182 kph. Streets in Dublin were deserted during the usual morning rush hour, as stores kept their shutters down and people heeded a warning to stay indoors until a red wind warning - the highest alert level - lifted for most of Ireland from 1100 GMT. It was the first time a red warning had been put in place for the entire country since Storm Ophelia in 2017, which killed three people. Crews were clearing fallen trees from roads across the country, while the roofs were blown off a number of buildings and an ice skating ring near Dublin was destroyed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ESB Networks, which provides energy for the whole of Ireland, said "unprecedented" damage to its network had led to power outages affecting 768,000 homes, farms and businesses. It expected more power cuts as the storm tracks northwards. A further 240,000 properties were without power in Northern Ireland. A spokesperson for ESB said it would take at least a week to restore power for some customers. Eowyn is the fourth storm in the past four months to knock out power in parts of Ireland. Climate scientists say the link between climate change and the frequency and intensity of violent storms such as Eowyn is still unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Research shows sea levels are set to rise by at least 1 metre around Ireland this century. Met Eireann warned on Friday of the knock-on risk of coastal flooding. All schools in Ireland and Northern Ireland were closed on Friday and public transport will not run in Ireland while the red warning remains in place. Non-urgent hospital procedures were also cancelled. Over 1,000 flights had been cancelled at British and Irish airports at 1000 GMT, around 20% of scheduled flights, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. A red warning was earlier in place for British-run Northern Ireland, and in Scotland, the UK Met Office said. (Reporting by Padraic Halpin, additional reporting by Sarah Young, Graham Fahy and Amanda Ferguson; Editing by Gareth Jones and Alistair Bell) The Isaac Elementary School District's superintendent resigned, its Governing Board president suggested merging the district with another and teachers said they were worried they would not be paid during the board's first public meeting since the state took over the district last week. The State Board of Education voted on Jan. 14 to place the district under receivership after the district overspent its budget by nearly $19 million. The consulting firm J.S. Held was appointed to oversee the district's operations. "The State Board met and determined that the district had grossly mismanaged their funds and were likely insolvent," Keith Kenny, a director at J.S. Held, told attendees of the Governing Board's Thursday meeting. Isaac Elementary serves approximately 4,800 K-8 students in Phoenix. More than 40% of its students are English language learners, and more than 90% qualify for free and reduced lunch, according to the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kenny will create a financial improvement plan and assume district management and operations until the district's finances have been set right. The school district's chief financial officer has resigned, and Kenny said he intended to bring in a new CFO. It is unclear where the insolvent district will get emergency cash to cover immediate expenses such as payroll and transportation. When Governing Board President Patricia Jimenez asked how the district could immediately fund payroll and maintain its schools, Kenny said that issue had "been eating up a lot" of his time. "In the long run we can get this thing fixed," Kenny said. "Its the short run that Im really concerned with right now, fiscally." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Takeover: State will take over Isaac Elementary School District because of overspending People gathered in the gym of Isaac Middle School on Jan. 23, 2025, for the first Isaac Elementary School District Governing Board meeting after the Phoenix district was taken over by the state. Receiver seeks emergency cash from county, city and state officials Attorney General Kris Mayes, Gov. Katie Hobbs and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne have asked Maricopa County to continue to fund the district's critical expenditures while Kenny comes up with a plan. The county, however, has so far declined to do so, saying that it is not authorized to by law. Maricopa County Treasurer John Allen said during last week's State Board of Education meeting that Isaac Elementary had lied about its financials, leading his office to give the district $16 million in credit. He said he would cover payroll checks until Tuesday, Jan. 21, but would not give the district any money after that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Mayes asked Maricopa County to continue providing emergency funding for the school district. "I urge you to continue the payments for Isaac School Districts critical expenditures such as teacher payroll and student transportation, now that a receiver has been appointed for the district," Mayes wrote in a letter to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. "It is imperative that these payments continue, at least in the immediate future while school is in session, as the receiver develops solutions for the districts financial problems." In her letter, Mayes wrote that historically, "county treasurers have fulfilled warrants for critical expenditures during receivership" and that "refusing to pay for Isaac School Districts critical expenditures while school is in session would invite disaster." The Maricopa County Treasurer's Office, however, declined to continue fronting money to cover the school district's expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Treasurer Allen has determined that he no longer has statutory authority to continue honoring proposed expenditures by the Isaac School District because its account balances are so far in the negative," Patrick Irvine, an attorney for Allen, wrote on Thursday in response to Mayes' letter. "He can only act if a statute authorizes him to do so," Irvine wrote. "If you are aware of such statutory authority, please cite it. Your letter did not. We are aware of none. Nor are we aware of any statutory authority for the Board (of Supervisors) to authorize or require the Treasurer to honor additional warrants, or for the Board to essentially loan County funds to a single school district within the County by funding additional negative balances." "This situation is unfortunate and will require unique legal and financial actions from the receiver, the Board of Education, State Department of Education, your Office as their counsel, and, perhaps, the Legislature," Irvine wrote. On Thursday, Hobbs issued a statement urging the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors "to grant additional flexibility to the District in order to mitigate the impact on students and teachers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My office will continue to work with all parties to find a solution to this issue and ensure that the students of Isaac School District are able to continue their academic instruction and the dedicated staff continue to receive paychecks," she said. Kenny said Thursday that he was seeking solutions from legislators, Maricopa County and the Arizona Department of Education. He said he had a two-hour meeting with legislators on Wednesday and was scheduled to meet again with Allen on Friday, adding that the district has "a lot of solutions and options." Isaac educators worry about being paid; parents worry about future As the district's ability to fund its immediate expenses remained uncertain, teachers and parents told the board they were concerned about their futures. The instability of this mess is impacting educators and students in this community beyond your comprehension," said Andrea Valencia, a kindergarten teacher in the district and the president of the union representing Isaac Elementary educators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Do I need to homeschool?" Tamara Smith, a parent of six children in the district, asked. "Do we have to go elsewhere? Do we have to look at other districts?" Jamie Christmas, an educator in the district, told the board that she and other staff have "been overwhelmed with anxiety," unsure if they will receive their paychecks. "I never imagined being in a position where my livelihood might be at risk," Christmas said. "I and countless others are being faced with the very terrifying possibility that we will not be able to pay rent, provide for our families, or put food on the table." Abdu Sandoval, a music teacher in the district, told the board he was scared for his colleagues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marisol Garcia, the president of the Arizona Education Association, a union representing educators across the state, said that educators in the district were "pissed." Staff members were told during a meeting on Thursday that they might receive hard checks rather than direct deposits or that payment might be late, Garcia said. The Arizona Education Association has met with legislators and Hobbs' office in an effort to push for a bill to appropriate emergency funding for the school district, according to Garcia. "I'm truly hopeful that this is a nonpartisan issue," she said. Superintendent resigns; board president suggests merger Jimenez, the board president, said Thursday that the financial crisis was primarily caused by accounting errors that led to the late submission of a report required to receive federal pandemic relief funds, meaning that the district was not reimbursed nearly $9 million that it had already spent. Her explanation was met with boos and chants of "liar" from attendees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also said that Isaac Elementary would benefit from merging with another district. "Isaac is a small, low-income district," she said. "Our tax base is maxed out. Our enrollment has declined." "I believe we, as a board working together with our state and county partners, must be open to creating long-term solutions, including exploring synergies and cost-savings that could be gained by merging Isaac with another district," Jimenez said. Mario Ventura has resigned as Isaac Elementary School District superintendent. Superintendent Mario Ventura's resignation announcement was met with cheers from attendees. "The districts current financial situation and the resulting state receivership weigh heavily on my conscience," Ventura said. "I take full responsibility for my role in the decisions and circumstances that have led us to this situation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State of Education speech: Tom Horne asks Arizona lawmakers to boost school police presence, bring back exit exam Reach the reporter at mparrish@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Isaac Elementary superintendent resigns; district seeks emergency cash Israel has said it is delaying the withdrawal of its troops from southern Lebanon, as it said Lebanon had not yet fully implemented its part of a ceasefire agreement. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said however that the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops would continue in coordination with the United States. Israel said that the Lebanese army had not moved in to southern Lebanon quickly enough, in order to monitor compliance with the ceasefire and prevent the return of the Hezbollah militia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement between Israel and Hezbollah is formulated in such a way that it is possible for there to be an extension of the withdrawal beyond the initially planned 60 days. The Lebanese Hezbollah itself said recently that the Israeli army was breaching the agreement by not withdrawing quickly enough. According to media reports, Israel asked Washington for a 30-day extension to the original deadline of this Sunday. The US is one of a group of countries tasked with monitoring compliance with the ceasefire, which was agreed at the end of November. The ceasefire agreement stipulates that Hezbollah forces should withdraw to behind the Litani River, around 30 kilometres north of the Israeli-Lebanese border. Israel said on Friday it would delay the withdrawal of its troops from southern Lebanon, insisting that the Lebanese side had not fully implemented its part of a ceasefire agreement. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops would continue in coordination with the United States. According to Israel, the Lebanese army had not moved in to southern Lebanon quickly enough in order to monitor compliance with the ceasefire and prevent the return of the Islamist Hezbollah militia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fragile ceasefire took effect on November 27 between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement after more than a year of hostilities, including two months of all-out war when Israel also sent ground troops into Lebanon. The agreement between Israel and Hezbollah is formulated in such a way that it is possible for there to be an extension of the withdrawal beyond the initially planned 60 days. The Lebanese Hezbollah itself said recently that the Israeli army was breaching the agreement by not withdrawing quickly enough. According to media reports, Israel asked Washington for a 30-day extension to the original deadline of this Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US is one of a group of countries tasked with monitoring compliance with the ceasefire, which was agreed at the end of November. The ceasefire agreement stipulates that Hezbollah forces should withdraw to behind the Litani River, around 30 kilometres north of the Israeli-Lebanese border. Meanwhile, Lebanese security sources told dpa that there was a potential for tensions in this transition period. There are fears that some Lebanese backed by Hezbollah will on Sunday attempt to enter their villages, which are still under Israeli control, the sources said. Hezbollah insisted on Thursday that the ceasefire deal compels [Israel] to carry out a complete and comprehensive implementation ... Any exceeding of the 60-day deadline would be considered a flagrant breach of the agreement, a continued attack on Lebanese sovereignty and a new phase of occupation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, 4,047 people have been killed and 16,638 injured in the cross-border conflict that began on October 8, 2023. It added that the final death toll is expected to rise as the emergency workers are still retrieving bodies from beneath rubble in many areas across the country. The Israeli government says its military will not withdraw from Lebanon by Sundays deadline, in violation of a ceasefire agreement that ended months of conflict with Hezbollah. Israel was expected to withdraw all of its forces from southern Lebanon as part of the deal but the Israeli government said some its forces would remain in southern Lebanon, blaming Lebanon for failing to uphold its end of the agreement. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) withdrawal is conditional upon the Lebanese army deploying in southern Lebanon, the Israeli Prime Ministers Office said in a statement. Since the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by Lebanon, the gradual withdrawal process will continue, in full coordination with the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said on Friday the United States was working with partners on a short and temporary extension of the ceasefire. A Lebanese security source told CNN on Friday it had not received official notice of Israels plans to keep their forces in Lebanon beyond the 60-day ceasefire grace period. Under the November ceasefire agreement, both Israeli and Hezbollah forces agreed to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, the end of a 60-day period stipulated in the deal. Hezbollah warned on Thursday that if the Israeli military remained in Lebanon past Sunday, it would be considered a brazen breach of the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military invaded southern Lebanon on October 1 the culmination of a yearlong, low-level war with Hezbollah, which attacked Israeli-held territory on October 8, 2023, in solidarity with Hamas. The Israeli government had told US President Donald Trumps administration that it wanted Israeli troops to remain in Lebanon for at least an additional 30 days, an Israeli official told CNN. The Israeli security cabinet met Thursday night to discuss the issue. All parties share the goal of ensuring Hezbollah does not have the ability to threaten the Lebanese people or their neighbors, the US National Security Council spokesperson said, adding, To achieve these goals, a short, temporary ceasefire extension is urgently needed. We are pleased that the IDF has started the withdrawal from the central regions, and we continue to work closely with our regional partners to finalize the extension, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Herzog, Israels ambassador in Washington, told Israels Army Radio on Thursday that a 60-day deadline set out in a November ceasefire agreement is not set in stone. An Israeli official who described Israels request to the US said Israel has requested a 30-day extension and has said it would re-assess the viability of withdrawing from southern Lebanon at the end of that extension. The official said all of the outposts Israel has asked to maintain are alongside the Israel-Lebanon border. Under the deal, the Lebanese military and UN peacekeepers will be the only forces allowed in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah must pull its forces north of Lebanons Litani River a frontier beyond which the militant group was not supposed to have advanced under a 2006 United Nations Security Council resolution. That is not yet the case, Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said of Hezbollahs withdrawal and the Lebanese militarys deployment in a briefing Thursday. There is movement, but it is not moving fast enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah warned on Thursday that an Israeli breach of the agreement would require the Lebanese state to deal with it by every means at its disposal afforded to it by international treaties in order to retrieve the land and snatch it from the clutches of occupation. US sees a very positive path There has for some time been speculation in Israel that the government would seek to change the terms of its ceasefire with Hezbollah once Trump took office. The exact situation in southern Lebanon is decidedly opaque. The Israeli military has spent these past months of the ceasefire feverishly destroying Hezbollah weapons and military infrastructure and leveling several Lebanese villages near the border. Hezbollahs military posture is unclear. The clearest picture has been painted by the US military, which together with the French government and the United Nations is monitoring the ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US Major General Jasper Jeffers, who leads the American effort, said after a trip to southern Lebanon last week that Lebanese military checkpoints and patrols operate effectively throughout south-west Lebanon. He said that the belligerents were on a very positive path to continue the withdrawal of the IDF as planned. Lebanese soldiers inspect a residential area that was devastated during fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, in the southern coastal town of Naqura, on Wednesday. - Anwar Amro/AFP/Getty Images Earlier this month, Lebanons parliament elected Joseph Aoun, supported by the US and formerly the military chief, as president. It ended more than two years of stalemate that had resulted in a presidential vacuum. The election was brought about by a robust Saudi effort to rally the necessary support for Aoun. In his acceptance speech, viewed as a blueprint for a six-year tenure, Aoun vowed to monopolize weapons under the mandate of the state. It was an earth-shattering promise, marking a clear break with the decades-old unwritten policy to preserve Hezbollahs militant wing which has de facto been tasked with facing off against Israeli forces. The American optimism over the ceasefire is not shared by many civilians from northern Israel, who have been slow to return to communities emptied by war. Residents of Kiryat Shmona are set to demonstrate against the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most communities are still empty, Sarit Zehavi, who runs the Alma Research and Education Center, which specializes in security issues in northern Israel. People want to come back. There is a widespread fear in northern Israel, she said, that military withdrawal will give Hezbollah carte blanche to deploy close to Israels border, under the nose of the Lebanese military. The Lebanese army is far from disarming Hezbollah, she said. We are very worried what will happen if the IDF fully withdraws and the IDF enforcement will stop, because we dont see the Lebanese army doing anything. CNNs Lauren Izso, Eugenia Yosef, Charbel Mallo, Tamara Qiblawi and Max Saltman contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com RAMALLAH (Reuters) - An Israeli drone strike on a vehicle near the West Bank town of Qabatiya killed two people, the Palestinian health ministry said on Friday, the fourth day of a large-scale Israeli operation in the nearby city of Jenin launched after the truce in Gaza. The Israeli military said an air strike had hit a vehicle with what it said was a "terrorist cell" inside but gave no further details. The military has been carrying out a major operation in Jenin aiming to crack down on Palestinian militant groups it says are backed by Iran, launched just two days after a ceasefire took effect in the war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 12 Palestinians have been killed in the operation, Palestinian health officials said, including two claimed by the armed wing of Hamas. The Israeli military said it had also arrested 20 wanted suspects and seized weapons. Armoured bulldozers and diggers have demolished houses and dug up roads in the crowded refugee camp adjacent to Jenin, a major centre of armed militant groups, where thousands of people have left their homes. Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said he was deeply concerned about the use of unlawful lethal force and said the Jenin operation raised serious concerns about unnecessary or disproportionate force. Fighting in Gaza has halted for the start of a six-week first phase of a ceasefire backed by the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli officials say the operation in Jenin is part of a multifront war against an axis of Iranian-backed groups in the West Bank, southern Lebanon and Yemen. (This story has been corrected to say U.N. High Commission spokesperson, not High Commissioner, in paragraph 6) (Reporting by Ali Sawafta; Writing by James Mackenzie; Editing by Peter Graff) Master Lock first set up shop in Milwaukee in 1921, and the brand has had a footprint in Wisconsin that has continued for more than 100 years. However, it appears that legacy is coming to a rather sudden end. Things started to change in May 2023, when the company announced plans to shutter Master Lock's manufacturing operations in Milwaukee by March 2024. The company shifted work to other locations and external suppliers, and some 330 employees lost their jobs. While the company ceased manufacturing operations, it maintained its corporate headquarters in Oak Creek, a Milwaukee suburb. Now, Master Lock is leaving Wisconsin entirely. On Wednesday, the company's parent, Fortune Brands Innovations, announced the closure of its Oak Creek headquarters as it consolidates operations in Illinois. Most Read on IEN: According to WPR, some 120 people work at the facility and will have the option to keep their jobsthough their positions will be relocated to Deerfield, a Chicago suburb about 60 miles south of Oak Creek. Fortune Brands says it is consolidating U.S. regional offices into one campus headquarters in Deerfield to "best position the company and its brands for long-term growth." Fortune Brands CEO Nicholas Fink says, "Bringing together associates from across all our brands and functions into one state-of-the-art campus will help us to bring innovations and products to life faster, while also making the organization more efficient and aligned." The new headquarters will occupy two buildings in Deerfield. According to the company, it picked Illinois for the expansion investment because of incentives offered through the state's Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program. Fortune Brands will receive an EDGE tax credit following an investment that creates at least 400 new full-time jobs and retains the 128 full-time jobs already in Deerfield. The specific investment amounts and square footage requirements were redacted in the EDGE agreement made public. By the end of 2027, Fortune expects its Deerfield campus to have capacity for more than 1,000 jobs. Fortune Brands says its U.S. manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, sales offices and international sites will continue operations as usual, including the company's digital-focused office in San Francisco. CAIRO (Reuters) - The Israeli military said on Friday that it remained deployed in southern Lebanon while maintaining the terms of the ceasefire deal. The army conducted strikes targeting Hezbollah weapons storage facilities and active observation posts in southern Lebanon over the past few days, it added. (Reporting by Enas Alashray and James Mackenzie; Editing by Peter Graff) TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Indiana State University students came together for a second day of service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s legacy. Monday, students took time to volunteer at local clothes closet and served food at a soup kitchen. Today, students took time to volunteered to pack meals to be donated to Mana From Seven. The Terre Haute organization will distribute food to people in need. There were other student service projects happening around the city today, including more than 100 students signed up to volunteer their time today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honorees for the 2025 Black History Month banners announced Indiana State one of its pillars is community service its always been Thats why we always have freshman students start off their time as a sycamore doing service so just services ingrained in our DNA as sycamores so I know that students want to get back and they want to get back to the city of Terre Haute, said Alex Whitmore, Assistant Director in the Center for Community Engagement Office at ISU. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Russian authorities are interested in strengthening air defence to protect their defence industrial base, particularly given the deteriorating state of the Russian economy. Source: ISW (Institute for the Study of War) Details: The Kremlin is reportedly taking measures to protect industrial facilities in Russia's border areas from Ukrainian strikes. On 23 January, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, met with representatives of the Bryansk Oblasts Military Industrial Commission to discuss increasing the production of Russian air defence systems and protecting industrial and government warehouses in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medvedev also visited the Bryansk Chemical Plant to check the situation there. Despite being subjected to Ukrainian strikes, the plant continues to fulfil Russian state defence orders. Analysts added that Ukrainian strikes in the Russian rear had mainly targeted the defence industrial base and other facilities supporting Russia's war effort, including the Bryansk Chemical Plant. Quote from the ISW: "The Kremlin may be increasingly interested in bolstering air defence capabilities to protect defence industrial base facilities in particular as the state of the Russian domestic economy continues to deteriorate." To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 23 January: Russia is reportedly planning to deploy additional North Korean forces, missiles, artillery systems, and multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) to Kursk Oblast to support Russian long-range fire operations. The Kremlin appears to be growing increasingly concerned about perceptions of Russia's economic instability. Russian forces recently executed at least six unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Toretsk and Pokrovsk. The Kremlin is reportedly taking measures to protect industrial facilities in Russian border regions from Ukrainian strikes. Support UP or become our patron! Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, criticized President Trump, arguing there is nothing heroic about him declassifying his grandfathers assassination documents. The truth is a lot sadder than the myth a tragedy that didnt need to happen. Not part of an inevitable grand scheme, Schlossberg posted to social platform X. Declassification is using JFK as a political prop, when hes not here to punch back, he said in the post. Theres nothing heroic about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order directing the release of federal documents related to three assassinations: the former president, former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Within 15 days, the director of national intelligence and the attorney general will present a plan for the full and complete release of records related to John F. Kennedys 1963 assassination. The order states that while there is no act from Congress directing the release of information, it is in the public interest. While campaigning in the recent presidential election, Trump promised he would declassify the remaining documents. He made the same promise during his first term in the White House, but ultimately kept some documents hidden for intelligence reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schlossberg, who is a Democrat, was a supporter of former Vice President Kamala Harriss campaign against Trump. He and other members of his family have criticized his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom Trump nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The HHS nominee, whose father was also killed by an assassin in 1968, previously said there is overwhelming evidence that the CIA was involved in his uncles death. Trump was inaugurated on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 20. His son, Martin Luther King III, said his father would be quite disappointed with the current state of the world but not surprised. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) A Jackson Walmart employee was injured after being hit by a vehicle. The incident occurred at the Walmart on Greenway Drive around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 23. Two wanted for breaking into multiple vehicles in Rankin County Detective Tommie Brown, with the Jackson Police Department (JPD), said the employee had clocked out and was walking to her vehicle in the parking lot when she was hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown said the employee was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No charges have been filed in the case. WJTV 12 News reached out to Walmart about the incident. Were working with police as they investigate. Walmart Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) The Jacksonville Police Department experienced an almost 8% increase in calls for service in 2024 compared to the year before. The 24,314 calls for service were a 7.94% increase from 2023. The department also saw a 6.45% increase with 611 major/reportable traffic incidents in 2024. Police said they continued to remove abandoned vehicles as well with 892 new cases resulting in 145 vehicles towed to the city impound. Springfield Police, ATF announce joint gun crime task force Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The calls for service by month in 2024 are broken down as follows: January 1,758 February 1,706 March 1,968 April 1,879 May 2,130 June 2,040 July 2,280 August 2,219 September 2,102 October 2,223 November 2,049 December 1,960 Total 24,314 Officers also investigated 611 reportable motor vehicle accidents in 2024: 36 resulted in personal injury 284 included property damage 69 reportable hit and run accidents 36 minor accidents reported 186 accidents occuring on private property Zero fatalities This was an increase of 37 from 2023, which saw 574 reportable motor vehicle accidents. On the contrary, index crimes in 2024 were down 3.71% compared to the year before. Suspect in fatal Urbana crash used fake identity, police say The Crime Index includes eight categories of violent crimes against persons and property: Violent Crimes against Persons Murder/Non-negligent Manslaughter Criminal Sexual Assault Robbery Aggravated Assault/Battery Crimes against Property Burglary Theft Motor Vehicle Theft Arson There was a very large spike in the number of arrests officers made during 2024 for drug-related crimes with 196 compared to 113 in 2023. Officers also made 188 arrests for city ordinance violations compared to 159 in 2023, an 18.24% increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacksonville Police also said they offered multiple programs in 2024, including Citizens Police Academy, Teen Policy Academy, Cadet Program and Lunch with a Cop in 2024. Additionally, for the eight straight year, the department came in under its allotted budget. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. James E. "Ted" Bassett III welcomes Queen Elizabeth II to Keeneland in 1984. (Photo courtesy of Keeneland.) James E. Ted Bassett III, the former president and chairman of Keeneland, has died at 103, the Lexington race track and Thoroughbred auction house announced Friday. Affectionately known as Mr. B., Mr. Bassett devoted his life to bettering the global Thoroughbred industry and his beloved Central Kentucky community, and his engaging demeanor and graciousness endeared him to everyone he met, said the Keeneland release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though he had no prior Thoroughbred industry experience, Bassett credited his Marine background for giving him the perseverance and resourcefulness to succeed at the helm of one of the industrys foremost players on the global stage. He undertook a series of multimillion-dollar construction and capital projects at Keeneland that spanned a decade between the mid-1970s-1980s and improved every aspect of operations. KET announced it will air its 2012 documentary Ted Bassett: A Kentucky Gentleman next week. The film examines the extraordinary life of a native Kentuckian who was a decorated World War II Marine and former head of the state police. Through interviews with friends, colleagues and contemporaries, a picture emerges of a humble, self-effacing man who, believing in service to others, achieved great things, said KET in a release. The documentary will air on: KET Monday, Jan. 27 at 4/3 pm KET Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 10/9 pm KET2 Thursday, Jan. 30 at 9/8 pm Or watch on-demand at KET.org and the PBS app. (Bloomberg) -- A federal judge barred the founder of the Oath Keepers extremist group and several associates convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack from entering Washington or the US Capitol building without his permission first. Most Read from Bloomberg The order Friday from US District Judge Amit Mehta followed President Donald Trumps decision to commute the lengthy prison sentences of Stewart Rhodes and his co-defendants, some of whom were found guilty of seditious conspiracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While they werent among the more than 1,500 defendants who received full pardons from Trump or had their pending cases dropped, the Oath Keepers were released as part of that mass clemency. Trumps actions frustrated some members of the judiciary who spent the past four years reviewing evidence in the cases against Trump supporters involved in the deadly attack at the Capitol. After the order was issued, the interim US Attorney in Washington, who was appointed after Trump took office this week, asked the judge to reconsider. In a court filing, Edward Martin argued Mehta no longer has authority to restrict the movements of Rhodes and his co-defendants because the commutation applied to prison time and any period of supervised release or probation. The defendants have had their sentences commuted period, end of sentence, Martin said in a separate statement, which also referenced the pardons issued by former President Joe Biden to people who hadnt been charged with crimes. Its unusual for US attorneys to publicly weigh in on political controversies. If a judge decided that Jim Biden, General Mark Milley, or another individual were forbidden to visit Americas capital even after receiving a last-minute, preemptive pardon from the former President I believe most Americans would object, Martin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhodes, who was serving an 18-year sentence, had been seen at the Capitol complex earlier this week and told reporters he was there to advocate for the release of someone else who was still in custody, according to the AP. A lawyer for Rhodes declined to comment. Mehtas order also applied to seven of his co-defendants. Mehtas order was the latest instance of federal judges in Washington pushing back against Trumps decision to wipe the legal slate clean for his supporters who attacked the Capitol and temporarily stopped Congress from certifying his election loss. While some judges granted requests by the US attorneys office in Washington to dismiss charges in cases that were pending without comment, others wrote opinions expressing disappointment and anger. US District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who also presided over the dropped federal prosecution of Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, wrote in one case that no pardon can change the tragic truth of what happened on January 6, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It cannot whitewash the blood, feces, and terror that the mob left in its wake, Chutkan wrote. And it cannot repair the jagged breach in Americas sacred tradition of peacefully transitioning power. US District Judge Beryl Howell denounced the revisionist myth in Trumps presidential proclamation announcing the mass clemency that the prosecution effort was unjust. No Evidence The Jan. 6 cases reflect the diligent work of conscientious public servants, including prosecutors and law enforcement officials, and dedicated defense attorneys, to defend our democracy and rights and preserve our long tradition of peaceful transfers of power, Howell wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson denied the governments request to dismiss one case with prejudice, which would have the effect of barring re-prosecution. Jackson wrote that although Trumps pardon meant that the defendant was unlikely to be charged again, the move wasnt warranted because there was no evidence the prosecution was legally or factually flawed. She dismissed the indictment without prejudice instead. Moreover, a dismissal with prejudice would dishonor the hundreds of law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line against impossible odds to protect not only the U.S. Capitol building and the people who worked there who were huddled inside in terror as windows and doors were shattered but to protect the very essence of democracy: the peaceful transfer of power, Jackson wrote. They are the patriots, she continued. Patriotism is loyalty to country and loyalty to the Constitution not loyalty to a single head of state. (Updated with US attorney request to get order lifted.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. (WJW) Former Ohio Republican Party Chair Jane Timken has been appointed as State Senator for the 29th district. The district covers the Canton area and most of Stark County. Ashland woman dies in crash involving semi-truck The appointment will cover the remainder of late Senator Kirk Shurings term. Shuring served the area for more than 30 years. Jane has big shoes to fill replacing the legendary Kirk Schuring, but I have no doubt that she will be a fantastic senator for the 29th District, said Senate President Rob McColley in a press release. Jane Timken is a proven conservative who brings a unique skill set of economic development, public policy and politics to the Senate. Im confident she will be an outstanding advocate for all Ohioans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Timken is also a lawyer and ran unsuccessfully for Ohio Senate in the race, which was ultimately won by now-vice president JD Vance. US Coast Guard starts using Gulf of America Im incredibly honored to represent Stark County and the 29th District, and to follow in the footsteps and legacy of accomplishments left by my good friend Kirk Schuring, said Timken in a release. Schuring died of cancer in November. Timken is expected to be elected to the position by the Republican members of the Ohio Senate at its next session on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. JCPenney to shut down lone Peninsula location (KRON) The last remaining JCPenney on the Peninsula is shutting its doors for good. The JCPenney in San Brunos Tanforan mall is permanently closing in May, a JCPenney representative confirmed to KRON4.com. The Tanforan store will join Daly City, which closed in 2019, as the last locations in San Mateo County. As of now, including the San Bruno store, there are eight JCPenneys in the Bay Area. The other seven are located in Antioch, Concord, Fairfield, Hayward, Pleasanton, San Jose and Santa Rosa. This is what will replace the JCPenney at Serramonte in Daly City Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to close a store is never an easy one, the spokesperson said. We are grateful to our dedicated associates and the loyal customers who have shopped at our San Bruno location. We continue to work to make every dollar count for families across America and welcome them to shop at our other JCPenney stores in the area and at JCPenney.com, the spokesperson added. The closure comes nearly three years after the Tanforan mall was sold to a real estate developer for roughly $300 million. Plans are to turn the 44-acre shopping center, which had been around since the 1970s, into a biotech office space. A view of a temporarily closed JCPenney store at The Shops at Tanforan Mall on May 15, 2020 in San Bruno, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) There are currently 63 JCPenney stores open in California, according to the retailers website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JCPenney once an anchor for most shopping malls nationwide since being founded in 1902 has shut down hundreds of stores since 2020. At one point in the 1970s, it had more than 1,900 locations in the United States. Since then, the department store has gone through tough times financially as it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2020. Today, there are more than 650 JCPenney stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -Microsoft's LinkedIn has been sued by Premium customers who said the business-focused social media platform disclosed their private messages to third parties without permission to train generative artificial intelligence models. According to a proposed class action filed on Tuesday night on behalf of millions of LinkedIn Premium customers, LinkedIn quietly introduced a privacy setting last August that let users enable or disable the sharing of their personal data. Customers said LinkedIn then discreetly updated its privacy policy on Sept. 18 to say data could be used to train AI models, and in a "frequently asked questions" hyperlink said opting out "does not affect training that has already taken place." This attempt to "cover its tracks" suggests LinkedIn was fully aware it violated customers' privacy and its promise to use personal data only to support and improve its platform, in order to minimize public scrutiny and legal fallout, the complaint said. The lawsuit was filed in the San Jose, California, federal court on behalf of LinkedIn Premium customers who sent or received InMail messages, and whose private information was disclosed to third parties for AI training before Sept. 18. It seeks unspecified damages for breach of contract and violations of California's unfair competition law, and $1,000 per person for violations of the federal Stored Communications Act. LinkedIn said in a statement: "These are false claims with no merit." A lawyer for the plaintiffs had no immediate additional comment. The lawsuit was filed several hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a joint venture among Microsoft-backed OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank, with a potential $500 billion of investment, to build AI infrastructure in the United States. The case is De La Torre v. LinkedIn Corp, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 25-00709. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Richard Chang and Rod Nickel) PINE BLUFF, Ark. Several Jefferson County Quorum Court members met Thursday night amid an ongoing struggle to pass a county budget for 2025, though without the county judge present. Seven of the countys 13 justices attended the meeting. Judge Gerald Robinson sent an email to the justices prior to the meeting saying the quorum court could not meet without the judges consent. I dont consent. That is what he sends in an email, District 3 Justice of the Peace Reginald Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jefferson County judges send letter to Quorum Court, county judge about dire consequences of budget impasse According to the Association of Arkansas Counties, the county judge does not have to be present for a quorum court meeting. The quorum court members chose District 1 Justice Alfred Carroll to chair the meeting. Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Kyle Hunter answered procedure questions from the members to give insight to those in attendance. Only the quorum court can appropriate money, so only the quorum court can approve a budget, Hunter said. Its stressful, Jefferson County employee shares concerns as budget stalemate drags on Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several community members also shared their concerns about the ongoing budget impasse and the impact it has had. This isnt only affecting the workers, but it is affecting our children, one person said during public comment. You do not have government, you have a dictatorship, and that is a problem, another person said. Though no vote took place, the public asked for the budget created by Sheriff Lafayette Woods and multiple justices to be presented and compared to the one created by the judges office . Some of the justices present at the meeting shared they dont support the budget created by the judges office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont stand together that budget will pass and cut jobs and cut salaries, Carroll said. Jefferson County landlord helps county employee tenants amid shutdown A special meeting regarding the budget is set for Monday, Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Courthouse. A quorum court meeting is scheduled to follow immediately afterward. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com. Friday marks 19 years since the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse. Kesse was 24-years-old when she was reported missing in Orlando back in 2006. She was last seen at her condo near Mall at Millenia. Nearly two decades later, police have not made an arrest in the high-profile case. READ: 9 things to know about the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse Jennifer Kesse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: Jennifer Kesse: Family and FDLE continue efforts to find answers Kesses parents, Drew and Joyce, recently noted the grim anniversary with this post on the Find Jennifer Kesse Facebook page: Jennifer's parents, Drew and Joyce, recently posted about their missing daughter on the Facebook page In late 2022, Orlando Police Department handed the cold case over to Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which said it would essentially restart an investigation into Kesses disappearance. Images of the police search for missing Orlando woman Jennifer Kesse. The Orlando Police Department searched a wooded area Friday morning near Oak Ridge Road and Wakulla Way, west of Orange Blossom Trail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police acted on a tip they had received in the case of the woman, missing since January of 2006. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigative reporter Shannon Butler, who has covered this case from the beginning, sat down with family, friends and detectives back in 2022 to take an in-depth look into this case. You can watch her full report, The Search: Jennifer Kesse, by clicking below. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. This article was updated to correct Jenny Laster's age at the time of her death. Funeral service information was updated as well. Jenny Laster didn't believe that building a legacy was about accumulating wealth. For the women, family and other Black people she inspired to get an education and pursue their passion, Laster believed her legacy should be about paving the way for those who will come after her. Laster died Jan. 11 at the age of 84 after living her life as a role model for others, said family and friends in interviews with The Enquirer. A longtime Bond Hill resident, former English teacher and community leader, Laster prioritized building up the people around her and equipping them with the skills needed to succeed. Advertisement Advertisement In Cincinnati, Laster graduated 500 people from a mentorship academy she founded and started a similar leadership program for the Urban League of Southwestern Ohio. Her work inspired countless people to follow their dreams instead of just getting through life, said her daughter Gina Laster. Jenny Laster, on the far left, grew up one of five siblings in Meacham Park, Missouri, a then-segregated suburb of St. Louis. "She was a sucker for a lost cause," Gina Laster said. "She loved dealing with people who either felt they'd been written off or their lives had not gone the way they thought that it should." From early in her childhood, Jenny Laster was instilled with a love for learning. Laster's mother and grandmother both domestics in the segregated 1940s St. Louis suburb of Meacham Park made it a point to set her up for a life unlike theirs and stressed the importance of an education. "I mopped floors, so you won't have to," Laster's grandmother often used to say, family recalled. That mantra quickly became Laster's philosophy. Advertisement Advertisement At the age of 4, Laster was taught to read by her grandmother, something her close friend and biographer Holly Jenkins-Livers remarked was not only rare for a child that young, but especially so given the times. And by 76, Laster received her doctoral degree from the Union Institute, achieving a lifetime goal she had set for herself and those she mentored. After taking a job at the Transit Authority in the 1970s, Jenny Laster began leading trainings that would become a primary focus of hers later in life. After being part of the first class of kids to integrate into her high school, Laster decided to become a teacher. She taught grade school and middle school throughout the '60s and '70s, using out-of-the-box ways to get kids to find learning (and reading) as exciting as she did. Rather than relying on the typical assigned novel, Laster brought popular magazines and news articles in for the kids, starting them off with leisure reading before bringing in the classics, her daughter said. Laster eventually left St. Louis for a transit job in Washington D.C. and found her way to Cincinnati in 1982. She spent years working for a local firm, directing leadership trainings as a part of their human resources department while simultaneously growing her connections across the community. In time, she began to solely dedicate herself toward the community. Her efforts have not only been recognized locally by the Cincinnati City Council and Urban League, but even by then-President Barack Obama, who commended her for her devotion to the community after receiving the President's Volunteer Service Award. Jenny Laster with then-Senator Barack Obama. Obama later awarded Laster with the President's Volunteer Service Award. Laster never stopped learning. Even in recent months, she had a book in her hand and was finding ways to continue to educate herself, her niece Traci Palmer said. Advertisement Advertisement Her lifelong partner, C. Smith, credits Laster for his success. A talented photographer who's shot photos of presidents, Martin Luther King Jr. and many others, Smith was honored as a part of the 2023 cohort of Great Living Cincinnatians. When Smith met Laster, he was still working out of his house. Laster pushed him to get a studio and take his passion to the next level, just as Laster had done for many around her. "I'm a product of her," Smith said. Laster's funeral will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 26 W. North Bend Road, Cincinnati. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. and services will begin at 11 a.m. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Jenny Laster, prominent figure in Cincinnati Black community, dies Experts who've spent decades studying the assassination of President John F. Kennedy told ABC News Friday they are hopeful that President Donald Trump will see to the disclosure of government documents on the killing that have been withheld from the public. But despite the president's order Thursday directing a plan for "full and complete release" of the material, some prominent researchers are not holding their breath. "This order is a good first step, but it has loopholes in it," warns author Jefferson Morley, whose website, jfkfacts.org, says it seeks to "abolish the official secrecy" that surrounds the 1963 assassination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pointing to language in Trump's order that calls for a "plan" for the release, Morley fears continued foot-dragging within the intelligence community over some 3,600 documents in the National Archives' JFK collection that still contain redactions. "These agencies have not been cooperative with the law, with Congress, or with anybody over the last 60 years," Morley said. "That resistance to full disclosure is not going to stop because Trump issued an order." PHOTO: President John F. Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Texas Governor John Connally, and others smile at the crowds lining their motorcade route in Dallas, Nov. 22, 1963. (Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) MORE: RFK Jr. speaks out after Trump signs order to declassify JFK, MLK and RFK assassination files The order Trump signed Thursday directs a plan within 15 days for the "full and complete release" of JFK-related material, and within 45 days for information about the killings of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York-based attorney Larry Schnapf, who has in the past sued the government to compel the release of JFK documents, says years of experience battling a reluctant national security apparatus inform his skepticism. "We're hoping this is going to be a mechanical plan," Schnapf said. "But if they're going to do a substantive [document-by-document] review, then it's going to be a while before the records are released." Schnapf also worries that the current lack of confirmed Trump-appointees in key roles at the intelligence agencies could slow the disclosures. "If [Trump] doesn't get his people in within 15 days, I think we're going to have an initial delay, anyway," Schnapf said. PHOTO: In this file photo dated Nov. 22, 1963 , President John F. Kennedy's murderer Lee Harvey Oswald is seen during a press conference after his arrest in Dallas. (Stringer/AFP via Getty Images) In 1992, Congress passed a law requiring full disclosure of the JFK documents by 2017. But the law also allowed for exceptions if the president certified that "identifiable harm" to national security would be done if the secrets were revealed. Even as they oversaw the release of tens of thousands of pages, both Donald Trump and Joe Biden yielded to concerns of the CIA, FBI and other agencies, that thousands more documents should remain redacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A December 2022 memo to the White House has the CIA's chief data officer writing that "limited redactions" were still necessary to keep secret the names of CIA employees, intelligence assets, sources and methods still in use, as well as "still-classified covert action programs still in effect." Jefferson Morley calls that bunk. "The fact that they're using techniques today that they used in an operation involving Oswald -- and therefore it should remain secret -- that's absurd," Morley said. Author Gerald Posner, who wrote the 1993 book, "Case Closed: Lee Harvey Oswald and the Assassination of JFK," is less pessimistic than Morley and Schnapf about the timing of the releases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[Trump] doesn't like to be humiliated or made to look as though there's a limit on his power," Posner said. "And if [the agencies] come back and want to hold onto stuff this time, they're going to have a tougher road." Posner and the other experts agree that the CIA is likely to be embarrassed by the disclosures, since the redacted documents are expected to shine further light on the spy agency's tracking of Lee Harvey Oswald as early as 1959 -- surveillance that intensified in the months leading to Kennedy's death as Oswald traveled to Mexico City with a plan to defect to Communist Cuba. "In an ideal world, we would get to that bottom of that story by finding out more about the officers who had Oswald under surveillance, more about the CIA operations that enveloped Oswald as he made his way towards Dallas," Morley said, calling the CIA's files "key to the story." One key advocate for release aims to have a seat at Trump's cabinet table, and is hoping to learn more from government records about the 1968 assassination of his father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The 60-year strategy of lies and secrecy, disinformation, censorship, and defamation employed by Intel officials to obscure and suppress troubling facts about JFK's assassination has provided the playbook for a series of subsequent crises," Robert F. Kennedy Junior said in a statement, pointing to the killings of RFK and MLK, the wars in Vietnam and Iraq, 9/11 and the government's handling of Covid-19. "[E]ach accelerated the subversion of our exemplary democracy by the Military/Medical Industrial Complex and pushed us further down the road toward totalitarianism," Kennedy said. JFK assassination experts hopeful, but skeptical about timing of secret files release originally appeared on abcnews.go.com John F. Kennedys grandson took issue with Donald Trumps decision to declassify the remaining redacted files on his grandfathers assassination, describing the president as no hero. Jack Schlossberg, the 32-year-old son of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, is known for his bizarre social media posts , but the Kennedy heir struck a more serious tone in his brief post on JFK conspiracy theories across platforms on Thursday. The truth is alot sadder than the myth a tragedy that didnt need to happen. Not part of an inevitable grand scheme, Schlossberg wrote. Declassification is using JFK as a political prop, when hes not here to punch back. Theres nothing heroic about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year after the assassination, the Warren Commission established by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, and his killer Jack Ruby also acted alone. However, the official explanation left many questions unanswered, and the remaining redacted files have amplified conspiracy theories about the shooting for decades. Jack Schlossberg appears with his mother, Caroline Kennedy, in 2023. / NBC / Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty I Trump ordered the declassification of files related to Kennedys 1963 assassination on Thursday afternoon, directing his staff to present a plan for full and complete release of all John F. Kennedy assassination records within 15 days. He also ordered staff to review the records related to the assassinations of former Attorney General Robert F. KennedySchlossbergs great-uncleand Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., both in 1968. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy and son of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, is Trump's pick to the lead the Department of Health and Human Services. / Rebecca Noble / Getty Images A lot of people have been waiting for this one for years, for decades. And everything will be revealed, the president promised while signing the executive order in the Oval Office. He then instructed an aide to give the pen he signed the order with to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 ordered the remaining sealed or redacted documents pertaining to the assassination released in 25 yearswhich fell in 2017, during Trumps first term in office. Trump approved the release of thousands of documents, but held up the rest for review by officials. Thousands more documents were released under both the Trump and Biden presidenciesbut both administrations stopped short of declassifying all files. Experts estimate somewhere between 3,000 and 4,000 documents remain fully or partially redacted, the Associated Press reported. John F. Kennedy's grandson is speaking out against one of the executive orders made by Donald Trump during the first week of his second term. Jack Schlossberg took to X following the news that the incumbent president aimed to declassify the remaining government documents relating to not only his assassination but those of his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, Jr., addressing any conspiracy theorists who believed the move would unveil some hidden truth. "The truth is [a lot] sadder than the myth," he wrote on the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 23, calling it "a tragedy that didn't need to happen" and denying that it was "part of an inevitable grand scheme." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Declassification is using JFK as a political prop, when hes not here to punch back," he concluded. "Theres nothing heroic about it." JFK conspiracy theories The truth is alot sadder than the myth a tragedy that didnt need to happen. Not part of an inevitable grand scheme. Declassification is using JFK as a political prop, when hes not here to punch back. Theres nothing heroic about it. Jack Jack Schlossberg (@JBKSchlossberg) January 23, 2025 Trump signed an executive order for "the declassification of files relating to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr." on Thursday. When an aid told him what he was about to sign, Trump said, "That's a big one, huh? A lot of people are waiting for this for a long for years, for decades," per CBS. According to Britannica, a number of theories place the blame for JFK's shooting on Cuba, while one even suggests that Lyndon B. Johnson orchestrated the whole thing to ensure his position as the next president. There are only about 3,000 documents relating to JFK's death left to release, after 97 percent of the five million or so pages were previously made public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schlossberg isn't the only one speaking out against the president's order. The King family also released a statement pushing back against the decision late Thursday. Statement released today from the King Family re: the declassification of assassination files #MLK #MartinLutherKingJr pic.twitter.com/S9HF3Woi6f The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center (@TheKingCenter) January 24, 2025 "For us, the assassination of our father is a deeply personal family loss that we have endured over the last 56 years. We hope to be provided the opportunity to review the files as a family prior to its public release," the family wrote. The executive order requires the director of national intelligence and attorney generalthough neither position has been confirmed yetto spend the next 15 days crafting a plan to release the JFK files. After that, they have 45 days to draft plans to release all of the RFK and MLK files. Next: 'Tiger King's Joe Exotic Addresses Donald Trump Following Initial Presidential Pardons: 'You Forgot MeAgain' Marcus Garvey died in 1940, but his ideas influenced the Black liberation movements of the 1960s. - Credit: George Rinhart/Corbis/Getty Images The last time Dr. Julius Winston Garvey saw his father, Marcus, was in London in 1938, when he was just five years old. Dr. Garvey remembers glimpses of his life with him, like their trips for ice cream or the times his dad looked on as he ran through the backyard of their flat, throwing snowballs at his older brother. I remember him very kindly; taking me to the movies and watching my brother and I play, Dr. Garvey tells Rolling Stone. It was the Great Depression and the family had been living in London after Marcus Garvey the prominent 20th century Black Nationalist was convicted of one count of mail fraud, which forced him to leave the U.S. in 1923. Soon, Julius and his brother would move back to Jamaica with their mother, Amy Jaques Garvey, while Marcus stayed in London, promoting Garveyism the philosophy which aimed for economic liberation for African societies, allowing them to thrive outside of and resistant to European power an ethos that would influence the Civil Rights Movement and its leaders of the 1960s. In 1940, when Dr. Garvey was seven, his father, then just 52, died from a stroke. Yet those who have worked tirelessly for decades to prove his innocence and unlawful deportation from the United States, blame the political smearing of his work as the culprit. Now, 102 years later, the United States has deemed it fit to right their wrong. On Joe Bidens last day of presidency, he granted clemency to Marcus Garvey Sr. as part of a spate of dozens of pardons. Advocates and lawmakers praise [Marcus Garveys] global advocacy and impact, and highlight the injustice underlying his criminal conviction. (The link has already been removed by the Trump administration.) Were very happy that President Biden was able to do the posthumous pardon, says Dr. Garvey, 91, who has been working on his fathers pardoning since 1987 and recently released the book Justice For Marcus Garvey: Look For Me in the Whirlwind. For nearly 40 years, Dr. Garvey, a retired Chief Surgeon, has been trying to prove his fathers innocence and restore his image and philosophy in the U.S. We tried to get him pardoned when we had the first Black president in 2016 with Obama. We presented the resolution from my law firm but they ignored it, says Dr. Garvey. Its exciting because its one of the ways that we can rehabilitate my fathers name against the slander of a criminal conviction. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On social media, some familiar with his teachings are celebrating, while others see the pardon as too little, way too late. Shomari Davis, 30, went viral on Tiktok for his positive reaction to the news. Biden just pardoned Marcus Garvey, bro! On his last day of office, he said. Like how much more OG can you be? Shout out to Biden, man. Davis has a little over 3,000 followers, but his video reached 1.3 million viewers and generated over 200,000 likes with thousands of comments. I barely post on Tik Tok, so I didnt expect it to be this big, Davis tells Rolling Stone. Knowing the history of Garvey and what he stood for just inspired me and I thought I should share that with the Black community. The pardon is more than symbolism, its telling us to take control of our own futures. Yet others arent as optimistic and feel that the pardon is an insult to followers of Garvey who knew the truth all along. For me, the pardoning was a symbolic move to say weve done something for a Black or Caribbean person, says Marcus Burke, a Jamaican TikToker with over 30,000 followers, who was named after Garvey. In response to the pardon, Burke posted his views on the app: U.S. Government have decided to pardon the one named Marcus Mosiah Garvey, although I do appreciate their goodwill gesture, what I will say is I would appreciate if the people dem would be honest and forthcoming as to why theyd throw him in prison, criminalize him and deport him back to Jamaica in the first place. Although he supports the Biden administration, Burke, who has residency in both England and Jamaica, is critical of how long it has taken the United States to acknowledge Garveys contributions to American history. This is a pattern that a lot of Caribbean people can speak to where members of our history do fantastic things but seem to go through some kind of transformation or erasure in America, says Burke. Jamaicans have been honoring him for half a century now, hes one of our five national heroes and hes on our 50 dollar note. I dont speak for all Jamaicans but a lot of people have been very annoyed by the fact that hes even been considered to be pardoned in the first place, says Burke. As if there should be some kind of gratitude, its like Who the hell is the U.S. to pardon Marcus Garvey?. And while the Garvey family shares similar sentiments that the celebration and correction of Marcus Garveys criminal framing is long overdue, they see the pardon as a necessary beginning. Its symbolic but its also justification, says Dr. Garvey. Marcus Garvey was born in Jamaica in 1887, 53 years after the abolishment of slavery in the country. Garveys father had been a part of the 1865 rebellion of Jamaicans who revolted against British imperial rule. Hearing these stories of resistance, Garvey was inspired to formulate the Universal Negro Improvement Assopciation (UNIA) in 1914, based in Kingston and later expanded its headquarters to New York, where he immigrated in 1916. Its goals were to create a system amongst those within the African diaspora to formulate their own economy and social system that needed neither the approval nor interference of European colonizers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was an anti-colonial leader, says Junstin Hansford, a Howard University law professor, author and one of the many attorneys, congressmen, and activists who helped the Garvey family in accomplishing Sundays judicial pardon. A hundred years ago, every country in Africa was under colonial rule except for Ethiopia. He was telling Black people that you need to have your own leadership, your own Black presidents, secretary of state, and your own Black economy. As a means to practice what he preached, Garvey founded the Black Star Line (BSL) shipping company in 1919, based in Harlem. His steamboats, some of which were abandoned war ships from World War I, acted as a transportation system for goods and Black people who wanted to travel between the Caribbean, Central America and Africa. The shipping industry was successful in that time and almost anybody could get a ship, says Hansford. The ships werent just shipping vessels, they were about people having the opportunity to see Africa and not having to go through a segregated shipping company, you had your own Black owned. In todays world, it would have been equivalent to a Black owned airline Soul Plane but for real life. He created these ships as the Great Depression was kicking off, so the company began failing economically but also they were sabotaged, says Hansford. Like any business, Garveys shipping investment made its fair deal of mistakes. However, the government labeling him a notorious negro agitator would ultimately unravel his efforts. Garvey hired Captain Joshua Cockburn, a Black sailor who passed as white, to do some of his business exchanges. Cockburn entered business agreements with companies like Harriss, Magill & Co. to purchase ships for Garvey for well over $100,000, despite knowing of their debilitated conditions. Not only were the ships worth less than half of what he had Garvey pay, but he later admitted to splitting the difference of the exchange amongst other crew members. He would sue Garvey for $6,000 in 1920. And despite Garveys pro-Black mission, it was hard to secure an all-Black crew, forcing Garvey to hire white crewmen for positions like Chief Officer and Chief Engineer. According to academic papers, in letters to Garvey, Cockburn blamed them for causing trouble on the voyages despite evidence of his own faulty practices. On one voyage, a boiler blew up killing a crew member. On another, a ship caught a leak and sank. As a result, Garveys company lost around $1.5 million in the 1920s and with some of his investors already emptying their accounts, there was nothing left to give and the BSL went bankrupt. It also didnt help that he was in public disputes with some of the Black elite in the U.S., such as the renowned intellectual W.E.B. Dubois, who was critical of Garveys separtist Do for Self movement, because he believed in integration. Garvey and his shipping company were now being investigated by the FBI under the presiding eye of J. Edgar Hoover, which would lead to his conviction of mail fraud and a sentence of five years in prison. Garvey would only serve two of those years after being commuted by President Calvin Coolidge, but he was deported back to Jamaica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Jack Wormley Jones made history as the first Black FBI agent in the United States and was handpicked to infiltrate Garveys shipping company. We have 10 volumes of FBI records of all Garvey papers, says Hansford. Theres more information about Garvey than any other Black leader in the 20th century, because the FBI had infiltrated his organization so much. You had government interference, the Great Depression, and racism because white companies were not trying to use a Black shipping company. So, yes, the company failed but the idea of mail fraud couldnt be legally supported. And yet it was the grounds of his conviction, imprisonment, and deportation. For over 100 years, Garvey was listed a felon, tarnishing his reputation in the United States. Pardons are typically given to provide relief to those from having a criminal punishment and or record, but Garvey supporters still feel the pardon isnt technical enough and prefer exoneration. We are trying to prove hes innocent, says Hansford. But theres nothing in the law that says youre exonerated so its an abstract concept. Politicians like Jamaicas Parliament Member Olivia Grange, are still pushing for a change in Americas policy that will allow the United States to grant full exonerations as necessary. Moving forward, the Garvey family and their supporters hope to aid in the build up of the Black community worldwide, standing on the messaging for liberation Garvey stood for, which influenced Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcom Xs ethics. As a starting point, Dr. Garvey launched the Marcus Garvey Institute For Human Development, a digital platform where viewers can get information on his fathers legacy and philosophy. We intend on reigniting Marcus Garveys vision, says Justin Moore, one of the attorneys who met with Joe Biden on Garveys behalf to push for the pardon and who is on the Board of Directors for the Institute. We have partnerships with Morehouse College, Howard University, and the Center for Global Africa, who were instrumental in putting together the exoneration packet that I submitted to President Joe Biden. This institute is for educational purposes but to also build economies of scale, says Moore. Its a step in the right direction in terms of social justice movements, says Dr. Garvey. It energizes human rights groups to not give up. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. John Bolton, President Donald Trumps former national security adviser turned foe, was told that threats of Iranian retaliation against him remained active in the days before Inauguration Day. In a Thursday interview on CNNs The Source with Kaitlan Collins, Bolton said his Secret Service protection was renewed every six months by former President Joe Biden before it was stripped away by Trump as soon as he returned to office. I was told as recently as Friday and Saturday before the inauguration day that the threat level remained the same, he said. So if the threat level changed, Id be delighted if that conclusion came true and the protection disappeared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolton said he was granted Secret Service protection by Biden in 2021 on fears that Iran would avenge the Trump-ordered killing of military commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020. The protection was given to Bolton based on a threat assessment that had nothing to do with the duration of the threat, he said. Trump revoked Boltons protection on the grounds of jeopardizing national security by publishing a memoir that detailed his time in the White House. Bolton ripped into Trump in The Room Where It Happened, earning the presidents ire. The book was rife with sensitive information drawn from his time in government, Trump said in his executive order. The memoirs reckless treatment of sensitive information undermined the ability of future presidents to request and obtain candid advice on matters of national security from their staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolton acknowledged that the call on his security was up to Trump but nonetheless called it the wrong decision. Its based, I think, on the fact that he knows very well and doesnt like that I criticize him, he said. Its just that simple. Bolton gave Biden props for not taking away his security even when they disagreed on national security matters. He also claimed that a person in Trumps political orbit had told him they disagreed with the presidents decision to revoke his security. What does that say to people in government about what can happen when a subsequent president who dislikes criticism comes into office? Bolton asked. The U.S. Senate formally confirmed John Ratcliffe as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on Jan. 23. Ratcliffe, who served as President Donald Trump's director of national intelligence during part of Trump's first term in office, was confirmed with 74 senators voting in favor and 24 voting against the appointment. Ratcliffe becomes the second Trump nominee to secure an appointment from the Senate, days after State Secretary Marco Rubio was sworn into his new post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ratcliffe replaces Bill Burns as the head of the spy agency. During his term as the head of the CIA, Burns reportedly regularly communicated with Ukrainian officials for purposes of intelligence sharing. Burns made his final visit to Kyiv on Dec. 21 to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking a rare public acknowledgment of their discussions during Russias full-scale invasion. Zelensky noted that he and Burns had met multiple times throughout the war, but such encounters were typically kept confidential The United States under former President Joe Biden had been Ukraine's key ally, providing substantial financial and military aid since the all-out war began nearly three years ago. Washington is also reported to have consistently shared military intelligence to bolster Ukraine's defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his Senate hearing last week, Ratcliffe alluded to foreign adversaries Russia and China, referring the need for the U.S. to improve the use of artificial intelligence. Ratcliffe, a staunch supporter of Trump, also echoed comments from the president that the Russia-Ukraine war threatens to draw the U.S. into a conflict with a "nuclear country." It is unclear if the Trump administration will continue to provide the same level of intelligence sharing with Ukraine as it received during the Biden administration. Read also: Marco Rubio confirmed as Trumps secretary of state pick Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Nazrin Abdul An agreement has been signed to hold the 71st session of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Europe in Baku from June 4-6, Azernews reports, citing the State Tourism Agency. The agreement was finalized during a meeting between Fuad Nagiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, at the Organization's Headquarters in Madrid during the "FITUR" international tourism exhibition. During the meeting, Azerbaijan's candidacy for membership in the UN Tourism Executive Board for 2025-2029 was proposed, and joint action plans for the Glasgow Declaration, which Azerbaijan joined in connection with "Tourism Day" at COP29, were discussed. Views were also exchanged on expanding cooperation in tourism education and Azerbaijans bid for the "Best Tourism Village" nomination. As part of the visit, Fuad Nagiyev met with Jordi Hereu, Minister of Industry and Tourism of Spain. They discussed Azerbaijans participation in the FITUR and IBTM World exhibitions in Spain to promote Azerbaijani tourism in the European market. Nagiyev also invited Hereu to the 71st session of the UN Tourism Regional Commission to be held in Baku in 2025. Hereu emphasized the importance of strengthening tourism cooperation between the two countries. At the FITUR exhibition, Fuad Nagiyev held meetings with Brazilian Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino, Andorran Minister of Tourism and Commerce Jordi Torres Falco, and Umid Shadiyev, Chairman of the Uzbekistan Tourism Committee. They discussed current tourism relations and future cooperation opportunities. Unscripted TV Spots and Sweeping New Visuals Highlight the State's Welcoming Communities and Legendary Outdoor Beauty BISMARCK, N.D., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong and North Dakota Tourism have launched a revitalized "Hello ND" marketing campaign, featuring a fresh look and feel designed to resonate with today's travelers. The campaign aims to attract potential visitors by showcasing welcoming communities and abundant, uncrowded outdoor adventures while aligning with the growing trend of slow, immersive travel. "Effective tourism marketing not only attracts visitors but also plays a key role in broader economic development by enhancing North Dakota's image as a great place to live, work, and do business," said Governor Armstrong. "This new campaign showcases our state's unique offerings and friendly atmosphere to a wider audience." The refreshed 2025 "Hello ND" campaign is distinctive because it features unscripted video footage emphasizing authentic, in-the-moment comments. The new marketing campaign footage was captured in 15 locations across the state in 2024 and highlights expansive aerial views of North Dakota's vast landscapes and tourism experiences. "What sets North Dakota apart is the authenticity and genuine spirit of our people, and the 2025 'Hello' campaign captures this perfectly," said Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman. "Through unscripted interactions and breathtaking visuals, including sweeping aerial views, the campaign extends a warm invitation to experience our great state." In addition to new video and print ads, North Dakota Tourism has released two official guide publications, the 2025 Travel Guide and the 2025 Hunting and Fishing Guide. The new Travel Guide features imagery and easy-to-find information to inspire and motivate visitors to experience North Dakota's outdoor adventures, history, culture, and communities. New, expanded itineraries highlight the state's experiences over multiple days and features more than 250 North Dakota communities. The 2025 Hunting and Fishing Guide provides an overview of the state's fishing waters, guide and outfitter listings, details for hunting seasons, and offers resources in partnership with North Dakota Game and Fish. The 2025 "Hello ND" campaign builds on the success of ND Tourism's 2024 efforts, which generated over 438 million impressions and a 30% increase in website traffic, the campaign will expand its reach through digital advertising, social media, outdoor TV, and sponsorships throughout the year. Jan. 23A Joplin woman was sentenced Wednesday in Newton County Circuit Court for the theft of money from a fund that was to be used to pay for a Joplin High School Project Graduation celebration. Melanie Patterson, 44, who had been in charge of the project, pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing. In pleading guilty, she acknowledged taking $1,500 from the fund by using an ATM card to access the fund's bank account. This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement kAm$96 H2D D6?E6?465 3J yF586 z6G:? $6=3J E@ 7:G6 J62CD :? AC:D@?] %96 D6?E6?46 H2D DFDA6?565[ 2?5 D96 H2D A=2465 @? AC@32E:@? 7@C 7:G6 J62CD 2?5 @C56C65 E@ A2J C6DE:EFE:@?] #6DE:EFE:@? A2J>6?ED @7 Sa__ A6C >@?E9 2C6 E@ 36 >256 368:??:?8 u63] ad[ 2?5 D96 2=D@ :D E@ A2J 4@FCE 4@DED]k^Am kAm%96 E967E @44FCC65 $6AE] 'd[ a_aa]k^Am Originally appeared on E! Online Vin Diesel is still all about his family and his home city of Los Angeles. Amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, the Fast and Furious star shared a message he received from his costar, Jordana Brewster, that offered hope for fans of the franchise and the people of L.A. Last week, during the fires that displaced LA my sister Jordana reached out to me and saidPlease have Universal film the rest of Fast X Part 2 in LA, the 57-year-old wrote alongside a photo of him and Jordana sharing an embrace from the film in a Jan. 23 Instagram post. Los Angeles needs it now more than everLos Angeles is where Fast and Furious started filming 25 years ago and now Fast will finally return home. All love Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 25 years, the high-speed car action franchise will return to Los Angeles for the filming of Fast X: Part 2. Since the franchises inception, the crew has filmed on location in various places including Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Miami, London, Abu Dhabi and New York City. More from E! Online Shortly after Vin shared her message, Jordanawho appeared in seven of the eleven Fast and Furious films as Vins character Dom Torettos sister Mia Torettoreacted to her costars post. Sharing the same picture of her and Vins characters wrapped in the embrace, she wrote on Jan. 23, Love our city. Love our roots Love you brother @vindiesel. (Photo by Buda Mendes/LatinContent via Getty Images) The wildfires began on Jan. 7 and left a trail of devastation around multiple Southern California neighborhoods leaving an estimated 13,600 structures burned and thousands of residents displaced, per NBC News. Amid the fires, celebrities such as Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, Dave Grohl, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and more have publicly supported first responders and displaced residents through volunteer work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a more personal note, some celebrities including Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, and more have shared their homes were lost completely due to the fires. In fact, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montagwho have been documenting their lives after their home burned downrecently shared how they are coping alongside their two children. We're going to find the good in this," Spencerwho shares kids Gunner, 7, and Ryker, 2, with Heiditold E! News in a joint interview Jan. 23. "And that's all I try to focus on 24 hours a day, even when I'm sleeping." He added, It's definitely just a survival energy." Keep reading for more celebrities who have spoken out about the fires Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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." As a rule, journalists are not good about looking backward. The focus is always on the next story, the next photo, next interview or scoop. If anything, that has been amplified these days by the relentless rush of news and the pace of social media, where attention quickly ping pongs onto the next thing and the next and the next. So, we'd like to invite you to pause with us today and look back at our work from 2024 and the impact our reporting had on the communities we serve. Our annual Impact Report can be found online and in the Sunday newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our aim is to gather in one place examples, large and small, of our work's impact, from righting wrongs, raising awareness and changing policies to highlighting solutions, convening folks to discuss and simply rallying the community to help those in need. This kind of impact flows from our twin newsroom mantras: "Be essential" and "be connected." For us, that means knowing our communities and putting them at the center of what we do. It means no story is too large or too small. It means bringing determination and grit to bear on seemingly intractable problems. It means elevating unheard voices and working every day to find and tell stories with care and grace. For you, it means knowing that you have the strongest, hardest-working news team in the state doing tremendous work day in and day out in the face of great obstacles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consider: When residents on Milwaukee's north side faced problems with trash left in Borchardt Field, reporter Gina Castro found out the illegal dumping came from a city contractor. What's more, after a neighborhood resident complained about the waste, the city incorrectly fined the owner of the property on which the trash was dumped. Gina is part of our Public Investigator team, which takes tips about problems from readers and every week seems to deliver more impact. Thanks to Gina's reporting, the city canceled the homeowner's fine, cleaned up the trash, fined the contractor and banned the company from working on future city-funded projects. There is plenty more. Our reporting exposed problems in the Milwaukee city attorney's office, where former City Attorney Tearman Spencer and his former top deputy are now facing criminal charges. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel City Hall reporter Alison Dirr, right, covers a news conference by the Coalition to March on the RNC in June 2024. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel We tracked deaths at Waupun Correctional Institution, one of the state's maximum-security prisons. Nine people, including the former warden, have been charged in two of the deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation into staffing problems in the assisted living industry prompted pledges for improvements by lawmakers and industry officials. Another investigation, into the death of 1-year-old Amiliana Ramirez at a local hospital, prompted an attorney to take the family's case, despite state caps on medical malpractice claims that had stymied others. When we completed our "Bringing it Home series" on the phenomenon known as "reshoring," which is manufacturers bringing jobs back to the United States, or at least closer to home, we didn't just convene an event at Milwaukee Area Technical College. We worked with MATC, Milwaukee Public Television and others to hold a job fair, connecting students and residents with companies that are hiring. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Natalie Eilbert, right, interviews Naomi Hayes in Madison, Wisconsin. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel That's what we mean by being essential and being connected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are many, many more examples from across the newsroom and across the state in our report. Indeed, some of the impact came from reporting done years ago. That includes a new $100,000 grant from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation to Ezekiel HOPE, a nonprofit that trains unemployed people in the trades, to complete electrical work in 20 homes. The focus came after a 2021 Journal Sentinel investigation into electrical fires that were plaguing old central city homes. The reporters on that project long ago went on to the next thing and the next. But the impact remains. And it will go on and on and on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's the power of local journalism. Thank you to our team for producing it and to you and all our subscribers and supporters for helping make it happen. We need you as much as the community needs us. Greg Borowski is executive editor of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. You can follow him on X @GregJBorowski and reach him via greg.borowski@jrn.com. Connect with the Journal Sentinel Support our reporting on the environment and other issues: jsonline.com/RFA Send a news tip: projects.jsonline.com/tips Reach the newsroom: jsmetro@journalsentinel.com or 414-224-2318 Subscribe and support independent journalism: jsonline.com/deal This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Examples of journalists' positive effect on Wisconsin communities The Justice Department is asking a federal judge to drop his recent order barring Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes who was freed from prison by President Donald Trump earlier this week and several top allies from entering Washington D.C. or the Capitol without permission. Acting U.S. attorney for D.C. Ed Martin, a longtime advocate for Jan. 6 defendants, signed the motion asking U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta to reverse his position, issued just hours earlier on Friday. The defendants are no longer subject to terms of supervised release and probation, he wrote. Martin followed up his motion with a press statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If a judge decided that Jim Biden, General Mark Milley, or another individual were forbidden to visit Americas capital even after receiving a last-minute, preemptive pardon from the former President I believe most Americans would object, Martin said in a statement. The individuals referenced in our motion have had their sentences commuted period, end of sentence. Mehtas order appeared to be a response to Rhodes decision to hold court in the Capitol Wednesday, just days after Trumpcommuted his 18-year prison sentence for seditious conspiracy, related to his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. It also applied to several of Rhodes co-defendants in the case. You must not knowingly enter the United States Capitol Building or onto surrounding grounds known as Capitol Square without first obtaining the permission from the court, Mehta wrote in his order, which he also said applied to the other Oath Keepers whose sentences were commuted by Trump. Mehta said last month that the thought of Rhodes being absolved by the incoming Trump administration was frightening and ought to be frightening to anyone who cares about democracy in this country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhodes responded to Mehtas order, in a video posted Friday by ally Ivan Raiklin, urging Trump to grant him and other Oath Keepers full pardons so they could be free of all their obligations to the court. He said Mehtas order appeared to be retaliation for his decision to go to the Capitol Wednesday to meet with lawmakers and reporters. For several hours at the Capitol, Rhodes interviewed with numerous reporters, met with allies in a Dunkin Donuts and visited Republican lawmakers. A jury in 2022 convicted Rhodes of seditious conspiracy, finding that he orchestrated an attempt to violently prevent the transfer of presidential power from Trump to Joe Biden. Witnesses testified that Rhodes and other Oath Keepers leaders assembled a massive arsenal of firearms at a hotel in Arlington, Virginia, that they were prepared to shuttle into Washington if the fighting at the Capitol escalated further. During the trial, prosecutors revealed a Jan. 10, 2021, recording of Rhodes in which he said My only regret is they should have brought rifles to the Capitol. We could have fixed it right then and there, Rhodes said. Id hang fucking Pelosi from the lamppost. Although Trump pardoned most Jan. 6 rioters, he opted to commute the sentences of most of the defendants who faced charges of seditious conspiracy. A federal judge on Friday barred Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and seven other members of the right-wing extremist group from entering Washington, D.C., without the courts permission, days after President Trump commuted their sentences as part of sweeping clemency for those charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, who oversaw the Oath Keepers conspiracy trials, also blocked the Oath Keepers from entering the U.S. Capitol or surrounding grounds without permission. The order amending the conditions of their release came after Rhodes was spotted in the Capitol complex Wednesday, set to met with GOP lawmakers to advocate for the release of another Oath Keeper shortly after his own release from prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhodes was seen in the Dunkin inside Longworth House Office Building but said he did not go into the actual Capitol building. The other Oath Keepers whom Mehta barred from Washington and the Capitol include Kelly Meggs, Kenneth Harrelson and Jessica Watkins, who were tried for seditious conspiracy alongside Rhodes, and Roberto Minuta, Edward Vallejo, David Moerschel and Joseph Hackett, who faced a separate sedition trial. Harrelson and Watkins were acquitted of sedition but convicted of other felonies. Juries found Rhodes and the others guilty of the rare-Civil War era charge, finding they plotted to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election by force. Trump commuted all of their sentences Monday to time served, and every other person charged in connection with the Capitol riot received a full, complete and unconditional pardon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before their release, Mehta said at a sentencing that the prospect of Rhodes, the groups founder, being pardoned ought to be frightening to anyone who cares about democracy in this country. Prosecutors described Rhodes at trial as the orchestrator of this conspiracy and the architect of the plan, using his leadership role in the right-wing militia group to coordinate Oath Keepers across the country to converge on the Capitol that day. On Jan. 6, he was a general overlooking the battlefield as his troops stormed the building, they said. Rhodes was sentenced to 18 years in prison, which were wiped away with the stroke of Trumps pen. The extremist group leader said Wednesday he did not regret the actions that led to his conviction. I didnt go into the Capitol. I didnt tell anybody else to go inside. Were here to do security for two permitted events on Capitol grounds, Rhodes said. I regret that my guys went in. They blundered in along with everybody else. It doesnt make them criminals. It just makes me kind of stupid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His attorney, James Lee Bright, previously told The Hill that they believe Rhodes could eventually receive a full pardon or see success on appeal of his sedition conviction Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Judge Linda Coats has denied the request for an immunity hearing by a man charged in a deadly November shooting. Jeremiah Matkins is charged with the murder of 23-year-old Rayshun Markelle Bates who was killed in a shooting at Twin Peaks on November 9, 2024. The Huntsville Police Department said the shooting took place during an altercation between two groups of people. Huntsville man admits to laundering money for Nigerian sextortionists Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matkins attorneys had requested an immunity hearing, saying he acted in self-defense and asked that the hearing happen before his preliminary hearing. Initially, Judge Coats had agreed to it and set an immunity hearing for Jan. 14, however, she later reversed her decision. On Dec. 19, 2024, the court issued a new order withdrawing the order and canceling the immunity hearing. Under Alabama law, if a defendant can successfully argue to a judge he was acting in self-defense in a deadly encounter, the murder case is over. Matkins defense attorney Larry Marsili has argued Alabama law does not require the self-defense hearing to take place after a preliminary hearing, but it is uncommon. The defense said the law doesnt require a defendant to wait an extended period before being allowed to show he acted in self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State has argued however that the district court does not have jurisdiction for this type of hearing as it is not one of the hearings designated to the court. The State contends that the circuit court also does not have the jurisdiction to hear an immunity hearing either as the case has not been indicted. Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App Generally, during a preliminary hearing, prosecutors introduce police testimony that spells out the case against the defendant and asks the court to send to the case to a grand jury for an indictment. The defense can cross-examine witnesses and call their own witnesses. The court is charged with deciding if there is probable cause to send the case to a grand jury. Court records show that the preliminary hearing is stayed pending further ruling by a higher court. 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 WHNT.com. Jan. 23A federal judge in Seattle issued a blistering rebuke to block President Donald Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship. A lawsuit filed Tuesday in the Western District of Washington came after Trump signed an executive order that claimed a baby born in America must have at least one parent who is either a citizen or a lawful permanent resident to automatically qualify for birthright citizenship. Trump's executive order was set to take effect Feb. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's no surprises with that judge," Trump said, referring to senior United States District Judge John C. Coughenour. Coughenour was nominated to the federal bench by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. The judge wrote in the temporary restraining order that there was a "strong likelihood" the states will "succeed on the merits of their claims that the executive order violates the fourteenth amendment and immigration and nationality act," according to reporting in the Seattle Times. The Washington State Attorney General's Office joined Illinois, Oregon and Arizona in the suit that claimed the executive order violated the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. A separate group of 18 states has filed a similar lawsuit in Massachusetts. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said the executive order would deny citizenship to 150,000 newborn children every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This unconstitutional and un-American executive order will hopefully never take effect thanks to the actions states are taking on behalf of their residents," Brown said in a statement Thursday. "Birthright citizenship makes clear that citizenship cannot be conditioned on one's race, ethnicity or where their parents came from. It's the law of our nation, recognized by generations of jurists, lawmakers, and presidents, until President Trump's illegal action. That's why we've stepped in to protect Washingtonians from harm." Under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." According to Brown, birthright citizenship dates back more than 150 years, when "our nation had a population of formerly enslaved people who were, in effect, stateless" and has since been affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court to include the children of noncitizens. According to the Attorney General's Office, the restraining order means the federal government cannot take action to deny the protections of citizenship to children born in the country while the lawsuit proceeds. An empty high school classroom. (Dan Forer | Getty Images) Over a year since Milwaukee Public Schools first missed a deadline to place 25 school resource officers (SROs) in schools, a judge has ordered the district to do so by Feb. 17. If the school district doesnt comply, the district will need to appear in court to explain why it hasnt adhered to the law. The order comes as the result of a lawsuit filed by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on behalf of a mother whose child attends a Milwaukee school. The complaint filed in October stated the districts noncompliance presented a substantial risk to her and her childs safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WILL Associate Counsel Lauren Greuel called the order a massive triumph for parents and kids who want to go to school in a safe environment. Without this ruling, MPS would have simply continued to ignore the law and parents like our client would have been left with no options, Greuel said in a statement. Officers havent been stationed inside MPS schools since 2016, and in 2020, after years of student activism, the district also ended its contract with the Milwaukee Police Department. The law in question 2023 Wisconsin Act 12 provided a boost in funding to local governments and allowed the city of Milwaukee to implement an additional sales tax to help ease financial strains. However, it also included a controversial requirement that the school district place 25 SROs in schools by Jan. 1, 2024, but the school district missed that deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers and the Department of Public Instruction had previously told the school district that it needed to come into compliance with the law. Sen. John Jagler (R-Watertown) called the ruling great news. The law couldnt be more clear. MPS needs to put School Resource Officers back into the schools, Jagler wrote in a post on social media. Its bonkers that it took a lawsuit to get MPS to follow the law. In addition to the February deadline, the judge also instructed WILL to amend its initial complaint and add the City of Milwaukee to the case. MPS said in a statement that it remains ready to implement a School Resource Officer (SRO) program as soon as officers are made available by the City of Milwaukee, and that the judges decision to order the City of Milwaukee to participate in the implementation of the SRO program at MPS is a recognition that the City plays an integral role in implementation of the SRO program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPS remains committed to working collaboratively with the City to build a sustainable SRO program, the district said. The district and the city have been negotiating about the issue for months. Mayor Cavalier Johnson previously told WISN 12 that the city was working with the district on the issue, but appeared opposed to having the city cover the majority of the funds. Usually when you go to a restaurant and you order a meal, the chef doesnt prepare your meal and then pay the bill. Thats essentially what were being asked to do, the taxpayers of the city of Milwaukee, Johnson said. Well continue to work with MPS leadership to get it sorted out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A DPI fiscal estimate, submitted to lawmakers while Act 12 was a bill, found that 25 SROs would likely cost $2 million. The cost to MPS would depend on what is agreed upon by the City of Milwaukee and MPS, but if we assume an equal share between the two entities, the additional cost to MPS could be at least $1.02 million annually, the estimate stated. Charlene Abughrin, the parent whom WILL represents, said in a statement she was grateful WILL brought the lawsuit. I will sleep better knowing that my child, and others, will be protected once MPS begins to comply with the law, Abughrin said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A jury earlier this week found a man guilty of sexual conduct with a 7-year-old girl. Jurors Wednesday before Judge Maureen Sweeney in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court found Thomas Spencer, 42, guilty of two counts of gross sexual imposition, a third-degree felony, following a brief trial. Spencer was convicted of forcing sexual conduct with the victim during a party in Boardman in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant prosecutors Kevin Day and Patrick Fening prosecuted the case for the county following an investigation by Boardman police. A sentencing date has not been set yet. Prosecutor Lynn Maro credited the work township police did to help build a strong case against Spencer. We are pleased by the jurys verdict, Maro said in a news release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. One In 5 INSEAD Grads Had No Jobs Offers 90 Days After Graduation In 2024 INSEADs latest double cohort of students graduated into a challenging job market Twenty percent of MBAs who graduated from one of Europes most prestigious business schools had no job offers three months after theyd graduated, mirroring the decline in the job market for graduates of the elite B-schools in the United States and reinforcing the global nature of the downturn. INSEAD, based in Fontainebleau, France but with campuses in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and San Francisco, has released employment data for the 843 MBAs in two cohorts who graduated in December 2023 and July 2024. The conclusion: They had a harder time finding work, as a combined class, than any double cohort in INSEADs history. For comparison, 88% of their immediate predecessors reported receiving job offers three months post-graduation; the class before that was at 94%. The school regularly posted 90% or better offer rates from the Great Recession up to the Covid-19 pandemic. But 2024 was different. The Class of 2024 faced economic uncertainty, political instability, and industry contractions in consulting and techtwo key sectors for MBA hiring. These broader trends have impacted top business schools globally see links below. For INSEAD, the consulting slowdown hit particularly hard, as that has always been the schools calling card. SEE P&QS COVERAGE OF THE STRUGGLES OF THE MBA CLASSES OF 2024 AT: HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL STANFORD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS THE WHARTON SCHOOL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA NORTHWESTERN KELLOGG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT MIT SLOAN SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL CHICAGO BOOTH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS INSEAD MBA EMPLOYMENT BY THE NUMBERS Stats December 2023-July 2024 December 2022-July 2023 December 2021-July 2022 Class Size 843 875 1,094 Overall Average Salary $113,023 $122,824 $113,700 Overall Median Salary $116,044 $118,708 $110,100 Median Signing Bonus $28,751 $30,868 $26,900 Median Performance Bonus $22,813 NA NA Job Offers 3 Months 80% 88% 94% Max Salary $320,000 (Consulting United Arab Emirates) $450,000 (Energy Corporate Sectors) $300,000 (Finance) Min Salary $17,500 (Insurance) $22,100 (Manufacturing) $24,500 (Tech) CONSULTING 55% 61% 53% Consulting Median Salary $130,000 $119,100 $117,300 FINANCE 13% 14% 12% Finance Median Salary $108,400 $103,500 $117,800 TECH/MEDIA 11% 9% 22% Tech Median Salary $98,700 $103,700 $100,400 CORPORATE SECTORS 21% 16% 13% Corporate Sectors Median Salary $101,100 $105,500 $145,500 Health Care Median Salary $112,700 $115,700 $102,800 CPG Median Salary $108,800 $105,800 $102,400 Manufacturing Median Salary $92,400 $100,500 $107,100 4 KEY SECTORS SEE MEDIAN SALARY DECLINES IN 2024 Consulting remained the leading industry for INSEAD MBAs, attracting 55% of the new cohort, down from 61%, followed by Corporate Sectors (21%, up from 16%), Financial Services (13%, down from 14%), and Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (11%, up from 9%). Weeks after losing their infant daughter due to complications with her birth, Dustin and Jenni Nehl jumped in a decommissioned fire truck emblazoned with the name of a bogus fire department "Rolling River Fire" and snuck past a checkpoint at the site of the Palisades fire last week while posing as firefighters. Related: President Trump Alludes to Attack on L.A. in Remarks Made En Route to Disaster Sites On Friday, Dustin's mother, Marlene Nehl, told Los Angeles the couple "just wanted to help" after losing their baby in December. The fire truck, she said, was something the couple - both wildlife firefighters - kept because they live in a wooded area in Oregon. She declined to answer questions about her son's criminal history, which includes a five-year sentence in Oregon for criminal mischief and arson, or why the couple went into a restricted area impersonating firefighters, which is a crime. The fire truck, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials say, had California license plates. Roaring River Fire department, which a couple now facing criminal charges told police was based in Oregon, does not exist, law enforcement officials sayCourtesy of Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Prosecutors say that the couple were detained on the morning of Jan. 18 by deputies as their bogus fire truck tried "to gain entry into an unauthorized evacuation zone at 22520 Pacific Coast Highway in the city of Malibu. Both defendants were allegedly wearing fake firefighter gear. They were then taken into custody." Related: L.A.'s College Students Navigate Campus Life Amid Historic Fires Impersonating first responders endangers the safety of our community and the well-being of those who choose to engage in such reckless behavior, especially during a state of emergency, said District Attorney Hochman. These types of actions can have dire consequences and mislead the public into trusting an unqualified person with responsibilities they are not equipped to handle." Radios, phones, and firefighting gear seized by authorities were used by Dustin and Jennifer Nehl to gain unauthorized access to a fire evacuation zone while posing as firefightersCourtesy of Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Prosecutors cited Dustin Nehl's criminal history by requesting $30,000 bail. His wife was released on her own recognizance. "They are good people," Marlene Nehl said. Both defendants are scheduled for pretrial on February 11 at the Van Nuys West Courthouse. In the hours after their arrest, the FBI renewed efforts to find a fugitive ecoterrorist who ran an Oregon-based domestic terrorism cell known as 'The Family' which bombed and burned down a plethora of sites across the Northwest. The FBI has renewed a manhunt for fugitive ecoterrorist Josephine Sunshine Overaker A total of 25 people have been arrested on felony charges for crimes related to the wildfires, Hochman said Friday. The Nehls are currently facing misdemeanor charges. According to an internal memo, the U.S. Department of Justice has ordered its civil rights division to stop any ongoing leftover litigation from former President Joe Bidens administration. The document, sent bythe departments new chief of staff Chad Mizelle, freezes any activity in the division, which deals with anti-discrimination lawslaws that affect Black folks the most. According to Reuters, who reviewed the memo, it also instructs the division to not pursue any new cases or agree to settlements. Furthermore, it also states that the Department of Justice may revisit settlements from the Biden administration but didnt specify when. This may possibly affect an agreement reached with Minneapolis earlier this month that mandates reforms on the citys police department. Following the 2020 murder of George Floyd by police officers, federal investigators found a pattern of civil rights abuses within the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could also affect police reforms taking place in Louisville that were announced in December. After the 2020 killing of Breonna Taylor, investigators discovered a pattern of discrimination against Black resident from local law enforcement officials. The memo doesnt state how long the freeze will last. However, it widely shuts down the civil rights division for at least for the first few weeks of the Trump administration. Trumps nominee to lead the department, Harmeet K. Dhillon, is awaiting Senate confirmation. According to The Washington Post, the civil rights division usually decides on a case-by-case basis what litigation to pursue from the former administration. The Justice Department launched a dozen investigations into state and local law enforcement agencies while Biden was in the White House, with findings issued in nine of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump made it clear on the campaign trail that as President he wouldnt employ Bidens use of federal power to monitor excessive police force and racial discrimination. The president also approves of cops using more aggressive tactics including the use of stop-and-frisk. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The Kansas State Department of Education issued recommendations that school districts follow state and federal laws requiring delivery of education to children without documentation to legally reside in the United States following repeal of U.S. Department of Homeland Security policy that limited immigration enforcement actions on school property. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA The Kansas State Department of Education advised school districts to follow laws protecting students constitutional rights in wake of the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys reversal of a policy forbidding immigration authorities from entering school property to make arrests. KSDEs advice came as President Donald Trump rescinded guidelines created in 2021 limiting enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Customs and Border Protection in or near sensitive areas, which included schools, health care facilities and places of worship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new Homeland Security policy repealed a directive from President Joe Biden creating protected areas in terms of immigration enforcement operations where children gather, disaster or emergency relief sites, and social services establishments. Denise Kahler, director of communications for the state Department of Education, said on Thursday that KSDE was aware of concerns raised by the federal policy shift. She said Tuesdays executive branch action didnt change state or federal law or escalate Homeland Securitys authority. We believe the best thing schools can provide to their respective communities is an assurance that they will continue to comply with all state and federal laws protecting student information and student safety. We also suggest schools update emergency contact information for all families, Kahler said. KSDE operates under the landmark 1982 decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in Plyler v. Doe, which found states couldnt deny public education to children lacking documentation to legally reside in the United States. The federal case established that denying education to these children violated the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitutions 14th Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kansas Legislative Research Department reported that KSDE didnt gather data on immigration status of students in Kansas schools. However, the 2019 American Community Survey indicated 1.6% of children, or 8,000 students, in Kansas schools were without residency documents. Kahler said the state Department of Education recommended school districts confirm emergency contact information for families of enrolled students. School personnel should follow state and federal laws and local districts board-approved policies regarding investigations or arrests on school grounds, she said. In addition, she said, individual districts should issue a reminder that no student information would be shared without parental consent or a lawfully issued court order. She said the state Department of Education likewise wouldnt disclose student data without a warrant or subpoena. To that end, we remind school personnel that their ultimate responsibility is the education and protection of all students. All students have a constitutionally protected right to receive an education, Kahler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Impact of the Homeland Security policy change on ICE and CBP also led to uncertainty as to how Kansas hospitals and clinics would operate under the Trump administration edict. The University of Kansas Health System, which is based in Kansas City, Kansas, said it wasnt certain of the full implications of the federal agencys directives. The University of Kansas Health System is working to better understand all of the recently enacted executive orders signed by President Trump and the impacts each of them has on the delivery of health care services to our communities and on our organization as an employer and community resource, the statement said. In Washington on Tuesday, Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman said the agencys directives were designed to end the invasion of the U.S. southern border and empower law enforcement to protect Americans. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in Americas schools and churches to avoid arrest, a DHS spokesperson said in a statement. The Trump administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense. Karine Jean-Pierre shared in a heartbreaking essay this week that she had a second full-time job while serving as White House press secretary: caring for her mother, who has cancer. She wrote in Vanity Fair that she visited her mom in New York every weekend for 18 months while maintaining a secret she kept from even her workmates. If I were to share the news of my mothers diagnosis or any other issues in my personal life, it would be seen as an excuse, she wrote. Society doesnt allow women of color to be vulnerable at work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of her few confidants was an understanding Joe Biden despite a plea from her mother not to tell anyone, including the president. Her mother was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer sometime after Jean-Pierre had returned from a trip to Poland in early 2023 with Biden, who also made a surprise visit to Ukraine, according to the essay. From behind the lectern in the briefing room, every day, I faced the press, the American people, and the world, she wrote. And every day, I kept my personal life hidden. In fact, it wont be until reading this that the people I have worked 16-hour days with, traveled across continents with, will learn that for almost two years, I have been silently working a second full-time job, which is navigating my mothers care. Jean-Pierre relayed that she would commute to New York in oversized sunglasses and a mask to conceal her identity to see her mom. Shed still make it back to D.C. for a few hours of sleep before arriving at the White House at 7:30 a.m. on Mondays. But I was losing my grip, she confided. I told my mom I wanted to move to New York so I could help her full-time. You are not quitting your job, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jean-Pierres last day as press secretary was on Monday, Bidens final day in office. In an entry on her personal X account, she wrote with a photo of herself, the president and first lady Jill Biden, Serving in this role for this Administration and this President has truly been the honor of a lifetime. She reported that her mother finished treatment about a year ago, marking the occasion with the ring of a bell at a clinic in New York. HuffPost has reached out to Jean-Pierre for comment. Karine Jean-Pierre, pictured at a White House news briefing earlier this month, spoke of her double life as a press secretary and caregiver in Vanity Fair. Alex Wong via Getty Images Related... Kate Middleton is on a mission to transform early childhood care, bringing a groundbreaking initiative to more families across the U.K. With the support of health workers, the Princess of Wales' Centre for Early Childhood, which was founded in 2021 and is part of Prince William and Kate's Royal Foundation, is introducing a pilot project across additional areas in Britain to assess and enhance the wellbeing of young children and their caregivers. Central to the initiative is the Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB), a tool designed to strengthen parent-infant relationships and promote healthy early childhood development. The ADBB evaluates how babies engage with the world, focusing on key behaviors such as eye contact, facial expressions, vocalizations, and activity levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kate, who announced earlier this month that she is now in remission from cancer, has been gradually resuming her royal duties as part of her recovery. One area she has remained committed to is her work on early childhood developmenta cornerstone of her public life over the past decade and a key focus for the future. Over the past year, her Royal Foundation has continued to roll out impactful initiatives in this vital area. PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Kate Middleton pictured in Nuneaton, U.K. when she launched the program in June 2023 Kate Middleton pictured in Nuneaton, U.K. when she launched the program in June 2023 Related: Kate Middleton's Private Chemotherapy Journey 'Must Have Been Pretty Lonely,' Royal Insider Says Kate was first inspired by the idea during her 2022 visit to Denmark, where she observed the tool in action. Following its initial rollout in the U.K., health visitorsprofessionals who provide vital support to mothers, caregivers, and infants in the early weekshave reported more effective conversations about infant wellbeing. The program has also fostered stronger parent-child interactions, attachment, and bonding. Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Princess Kate on a visit for her early years campaign, in Arnos Grove, London in Nov. 2023 Princess Kate on a visit for her early years campaign, in Arnos Grove, London in Nov. 2023 Kates Centre for Early Childhood is investing $260,000 into a second phase of the initiative, building on the insights from the first phase. This next step will focus on evaluating the tool's impact and understanding parents' experiences with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this phase two, health visitors will work in eight new areas across the U.K., widening the reach to thousands more infants and their families. Among those working closely with Kate is Christian Guy, Executive Director of the Centre for Early Childhood, who said in a statement, We know that warm, loving, responsive interactions with those closest to them during the earliest weeks and months of a babys life are crucial in promoting positive brain development. Related: Kate Middleton Holds Hands with an Adorable Infant During Latest Baby-Filled Outing! Health visitors do such a vital job in our communities. I am delighted that we are now able to give more teams across the UK the support they need to help thousands of families to better understand their babies and build nurturing relationships, laying the strongest possible foundations for all that is to come in the years that follow. Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Princess Kate on a visit to Arnos Grove, London during promotion of another early years campaign Shaping Us, in Nov. 2023 Princess Kate on a visit to Arnos Grove, London during promotion of another early years campaign Shaping Us, in Nov. 2023 The initiative also received praise from Alison Morton, Chief Executive of the Institute of Health Visiting, who expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from Kates Royal Foundation, saying in a statement that they were "delighted to have the continued support from Kates Royal Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we know, babies cant talk, but there is significant evidence that their early experiences influence their future outcomes," she said. Related: A Complete Timeline of Kate Middleton's Abdominal Surgery and Cancer Diagnosis 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! The expansion of the use of the modified ADBB tool in a wider range of health visiting services will allow us to consider its future implementation and sustainability, and ensure more families get the right support and babies can thrive," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new regions, which volunteered to participate and will help expand the project through March 2026, include: Ayrshire and Arran Health Board, Scotland, Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, Wales, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, England, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust -Doncaster, England, North Lincs, England and South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, England. Read the original article on People Kate Middleton is starting off the weekend with good news! On Friday, the Princess of Wales made a big announcement related to her work with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, a foundation she started in June 2021 "to raise awareness and inspire action, driving real, positive change on the early years" of childhood development. SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox "Great to see the expansion of the Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB) trial to eight more NHS sites across the UK this year," she shared in the accompanying caption, explaining that she first learned of ADBB while on a trip to Denmark in 2022. The baby research trial aims to understand a baby's social cues and emotional development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the years since she was first introduced to the study, she was diagnosed with an unspecified type of cancer and underwent treatment, but she didn't let that stop her from running similar trials in the U.K., and now, after much success, the trial is expanding. "Babies start to express their feelings and communicate with the adults around them from birth. Helping parents to connect with them, understand their cues and give warm loving, responsive care can have a hugely positive impact on their social and emotional development. The expansion of the trial means that thousands more families will benefit from health visitors specially trained in this area, laying the strongest possible foundations for infant wellbeing in the earliest weeks, months and years of their lives," the 43-year-old royal wrote. The foundation later added to the mom of three's remarks, writing in a separate Instagram post on Jan. 24: "Phase two of the trial of a tool used by health visitors to promote infant welling, is expanding across the country to health visiting teams in eight more NHS sites." Health visitors do such a vital job in our communities," said Christian Guy, executive director of The Centre for Early Childhood, in a statement. "I am delighted that we are now able to give more teams across the UK the support they need to help thousands of families to better understand their babies and build nurturing relationships, laying the strongest possible foundations for all that is to come in the years that follow. According to the Centre for Early Childhood, the tool is being rolled out in several areas of the U.K., including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exciting professional news comes just about 10 days after the princess revealed she was officially in remission, a long-awaited update since she announced she had completed chemotherapy in September 2024. Next: Royal Fans Demand Answers After Kate Middleton Seemingly Contradicts Common Cancer Guidance HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Three fires in four days left more than 60 people without a place to live in Hartford last week. Hartford firefighters talked with News 8 about what you can do to keep your family safe during the winter cold. We are pushing, pushing for everyone to make sure that we have smoke alarms inside your units. Thats first and foremost, Lt. Lanitress Terry-Wright said. Last month, a family in Southington lost their home and were lucky not to lose their lives because a fire broke out in their house, and fire officials said there were no working smoke detectors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 23 displaced from multifamily house fire in Hartford Please reach out to the American Red Cross so that we can install those as soon as possible, Terry-Wright said. For Hartford, we are doing single-family, 2-family, 3-family units. Its free of charge. When the weather is this cold, many people rely on space heaters for extra warmth, but they are not something we use all the time with a dedicated outlet. So they tend to plug them into multi-outlets. We dont want people doing that, Terry-Wright said. We want them to plug it straight into the wall outlet so that its more safe. Keep those space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable. If you have a fireplace, make sure you get the chimney cleaned regularly, and make sure there is a screen to keep sparks inside it. With our heating systems working overtime this winter, it is more important than ever to get a carbon monoxide detector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please, if you dont have one, please try to put a carbon monoxide [detector] inside of your home, Terry-Wright said. Its very important, especially when its cold and you have your furnaces running. To get help with smoke detectors from the Hartford Fire Department, call (860) 757-4520. The City of Hartford Fire Department shared these tips to stay safe: Make sure space heaters are at least 3 feet away from combustibles Never use your oven to heat your home Do not use your grill to heat your home. Its a fire danger, and deadly gas is emitted Use a glass or metal screen in the front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting carpet or furniture Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month Provide proper ventilation for all appliances Never thaw pipes with a blow torch or other flame. Use hot water or a UL-listed device, such as a hand-held dryer Do not use flammable liquids like gasoline to start a wood stove Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away from your home 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 WTNH.com. Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of failing to protect food security and raising the risk of civil unrest as a result. Food warehouse bosses said the Government had failed to recognise the vital role cold storage played in keeping supermarket shelves stocked. In a letter to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Cold Chain Federation, which represents temperature-controlled storage warehouses and cold facilities, complained that its sector was overlooked in a recent government report on food security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A failure to recognise the important role of chilled warehouses which hold everything from meat and dairy to fruit and vegetables could prove disastrous, the group warned. Phil Pluck, the chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation, said: Over 50pc of the entire food supply for UK consumers is stored and distributed via the cold chain sector. If this supply is threatened with disruption, then within a matter of days a severe food shortage would result for the UK consumer. Mr Pluck suggested that a failure to properly safeguard his members could trigger unrest in a worst case scenario. The Cold Chain Federation cited research suggesting that 80pc of experts believe that civil unrest caused by food shortages is likely in the coming decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter comes days after supermarket bosses warned that Sir Keir was putting food security at risk through the Governments inheritance tax raid on farmers. Ashwin Prasad, Tescos chief commercial officer, said: This is not just a debate about individual policies the UKs future food security is at stake. Others including Lidl, Aldi, Waitrose, Morrisons, Tesco and Asda have also demanded a halt to the tax raid. The Cold Chain Federation is pushing for temperature-controlled warehouses to be designated as critical national infrastructure. The designation would mean warehouses would be given more protections, with people monitoring potential threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Pluck called for an urgent meeting with Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, to draw up plans to ensure UK citizens receive vital food stocks and medicine supplies during times of crisis. He said cold storage facilities will only grow in its importance to food resilience and safe supply to UK citizens. Mr Pluck said: I am simply seeking to ensure we can work with the Government to plan for any future supply chain issues that might endanger UK security and citizens. Britain has more than 450 chilled warehouses and 104,000 refrigerated vehicles that store and transport perishable food around the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are growing concerns in the food industry that the Government is undermining Britains ability to feed itself. Rural recession The decision by Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, to subject agricultural businesses to inheritance tax has caused particular alarm, amid concerns that it will deter farmers from investment and prompt many to sell part or all of their holdings. Under the Governments plans, farms worth more than 1m will be liable for 20pc inheritance tax from April 2026. Agricultural businesses were previously exempt from death taxes. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has said the change threatens to create a rural recession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victoria Vyvyan, the CLA president, said: We do know that farmers and small business owners are pulling investment, cancelling machinery orders and considering whether their businesses are viable for the long term. This means fewer jobs, less food security, less growth and less money going into the Exchequer to pay for public services. A government spokesman said: Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast we have committed 5bn to the farming budget over two years, including more money than ever for sustainable food production, and we are developing a 25-year farming roadmap, focusing on how to make the sector more profitable in the decades to come. Our reforms to agricultural and business property reliefs will mean estates will pay a reduced effective inheritance tax rate of 20pc, rather than [the] standard 40pc, and payments can be spread over 10 years, interest-free. This is a fair and balanced approach, which fixes the public services we all rely on, affecting around 500 estates next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Cabinet Office spokesman said: The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is grateful to receive this letter and will respond 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. Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp criticized President Donald Trumps decision to pardon virtually every convicted rioter at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, including those who beat up members of law enforcement. Without mentioning him by name, Kemp condemned Trumps broad pardons while also taking a swipe at former President Joe Biden over his last-minute reprieves for his family. Anyone who harms a law enforcement officer should be held fully accountable for their actions, and presidents should not issue blanket, preemptive pardons for their family members in the final minutes of their tenure, Kemp said in a statement to CNN Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kemp was present at the Capitol alongside other governors for Trumps inaugural address Monday. He told CNN after the speech that he believed Biden had set an interesting precedent by preemptively pardoning several people. But he declined to say then whether Trump pardoning those who assaulted law enforcement would be a step too far. I dont want to speak to specific pardons not knowing any details, Kemp said. We can talk about that after he actually does something. Hours later, Trump pardoned more than 1,200 people for January 6-related crimes, including those convicted of bludgeoning and chemical spraying officers. He also commuted the sentences of 14 extremists in the Proud Boys or Oath Keepers who were charged with seditious conspiracy. The Georgia governor joins a handful of Republicans who have expressed disappointment over the pardons. Some GOP senators pushed back against Trumps decision earlier this week. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski told CNN on Tuesday that she was disappointed, while North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis said the move raises a legitimate safety issue on Capitol Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Kemp have occasionally been at odds since the governor refused to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. After he narrowly lost the battleground state four years ago, Trump attempted to thwart the Kemps reelection efforts by recruiting a challenger in the 2022 GOP gubernatorial primary. Kemp was reelected anyway. Still, in October, Kemp appeared alongside the president for the first time since before the 2020 election. Trump praised the governor for his response and recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene. A month later, Kemp congratulated Trump on his reelection victory. This story has been updated with additional details. CNNs Piper Hudspeth Blackburn, Morgan Rimmer and Lauren Fox contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Alex Lawler, Ahmad Ghaddar and Yousef Saba LONDON (Reuters) -OPEC+ has yet to react to a call from U.S. President Donald Trump for lower oil prices, with delegates from the group pointing to a plan already in place to start raising oil output from April. Trump said on Thursday that he would ask Saudi Arabia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to bring down the cost of oil - a call he often made during his first term in the White House. Asked about Trump's comments, Saudi Economy Minister Faisal al-Ibrahim told a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Friday that Saudi Arabia and OPEC were seeking long-term oil market stability. "The kingdom's position, OPEC's position, is all about long-term market stability to make sure that there's enough supply for the growing demand," he said. The OPEC+ group of producers comprising OPEC, Russia and other allies says it does not target oil prices and already has a plan to begin raising output from April 2025, having delayed the increase several times because of weak demand. "I think this is already in line with OPEC's easing policy in April," one delegate from the group said with reference to the U.S. president's comments. OPEC and the Saudi government communications office did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Several OPEC members, including the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, have been pressing the group to raise output faster, arguing that they had invested a lot in expanding their capacity. Trumps return to the White House could mean tougher enforcement of U.S. oil sanctions against OPEC member Iran, analysts have said, potentially cutting its oil exports, which stand at more than 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd). OPEC+ members are currently holding back 5.86 million bpd of output, or about 5.7% of global demand, in a series of steps agreed since 2022 to support the market. Should Iranian supply drop because of new sanctions, OPEC's spare capacity would become a useful cushion to offset the decline. Oil prices have risen this year, with Brent crude reaching almost $83 a barrel on Jan. 15, the highest since August, supported by concern about the supply impact of U.S. sanctions on Russia. Prices have since eased to less than $79 on Friday. Most OPEC members depend heavily on oil revenue and have their budgets balanced at prices of $80 a barrel or more. Trump also said that if prices came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, reacting to those comments on Friday, said the conflict is about national security, not oil. KENTUCKY (FOX 56) The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is predicting a multi-million-dollar shortfall when it comes to public school funding. The shortfall is estimated to total $40 million when it comes to the Support of Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) fund this year. Competing petitions surrounding FCPS Superintendent Demetrus Liggins contract circulate We do appreciate Commissioner Fletcher and the Kentucky Department of Education for bringing this to our attention and bringing it to the attention of the state because we know how important funding for public education is, said Kentucky Education Association president Eddie Campbell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every dollar we invest in those students is investing in the future of Kentucky. The program provides funds to 171 public school districts in the Commonwealth and uses a based-per-pupil allocation. Where the state tax dollars go to our local public school districts all across the Commonwealth, so it funds a portion of no costs for every single school district across Kentucky, added Campbell. And that comes from the state, but then theres also a local portion or local tax dollars that are also part of that formula that comes in to help fund the school districts all across the commonwealth. Ellen Mueller, a senior at Scott County High School and a Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT), said this shortfall is part of a larger trend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That has left our public schools struggling to provide an adequate and equitable education for its students, said Mueller. Quality education is something Mueller has always been passionate about, saying being part of KSVT has helped her use her voice to discuss issues like this one and advocate for other students. Also I have three younger siblings who are going to be in Kentucky schools even after I graduate. So I want to ensure that their education is equitable and adequate and all the future generations of Kentucky students have access to great education, said Mueller. Every dollar we invest in those students is investing in the future of Kentucky, Campbell added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Robbie Fletcher blames the shortfall on challenges with estimating enrollment, special needs students, and property values. Even with recent surpluses, this is the fifth shortfall since 2010. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: State education leaders said the final numbers will be ready by March 1. KDE officials said they are working with other agencies to figure out how to close the gap. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HIGH POINT This is the pits! Kepleys Bar-B-Q, the iconic hometown restaurant that has introduced generations of High Pointers to the wonders of pit-cooked barbecue and deep-fried hush puppies, will close its doors after more than 75 years in business. The restaurants final day will be Feb. 8, according to owner Susan Burleson. Its going to be hard not coming up here every day, said Burleson, who essentially grew up in the business and knows most of her longtime customers by name. Ive been around this place since I was 3 years old, when my dad bought it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An inability to find good help contributed to Burlesons decision to close the restaurant, she said. She found it especially difficult to replace the four familiar sisters Molly Blakely, Kay Flannery, Kathy Lackey and Sandy Cecil who have waited tables and rung up customers orders for decades, she said. They all want to retire now, and I dont blame them, Burleson said. But then I would have to work up here all day and night, and Im just too old to do that. This just seemed like the right time to close. Burleson also made the decision not to sell the iconic restaurant. Ive had people approach me, but I will not sell Kepleys, she said. My dad ran it a certain way, and I run it the same way. We dont cut corners, and we do everything from scratch. I know if I sold it to somebody, they would run it the way they want to run it, and it just wouldnt be Kepleys anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the summer of 1948, Kepleys has operated out of the same unique building a World War II military surplus Quonset hut purchased by original owner Hayden Kepley as the restaurants large, red pig atop the Kepleys sign beckoned customers to come sample the pit-cooked barbecue. When Kepley founded his little barbecue shack, he hired a 16-year-old curb boy named Bob Burleson to help him run the place. Kepley retired in 1962 and sold the business to Burleson and Kepleys son-in-law, Charlie Johnson. They ran the restaurant together until 2001, when Johnson retired, and Susan Burleson joined her father in ownership of the business. She became sole owner when her father, long recognized as the congenial proprietor of Kepleys, died in May 2022. As the news has begun spreading about the restaurants closing, Burleson has sensed what Kepleys means to the High Point community and beyond. Weve been letting people know, and everybodys sad about it, she said. And theyre wanting to stock up on barbecue before we close. A lot of them are already placing orders so they can freeze it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Burleson opted not to sell Kepleys, she still expects to sell the property at some point in the future. For now, though, shes sad to see such a well-loved legacy coming to an end. This place has just been here for so long, she said. Its just a part of the community. A Kewanee man was arrested after police say he was involved in the sale and production of non-serialized firearms. A news release from the Kewanee Police Department says officers assisted the Black Hawk Area Task Force in executing a search warrant in the 1200 block of Roseview Avenue on January 22 as part of an investigation into the sale and production of non-serialized firearms. The suspect, identified as Bobby Charlet, 24, was taken into custody without incident. Bobby Charlet (Kewanee Police Department) A search of Charlets home led to the seizure of the following items: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10 non-serialized firearms A silencer 3-D printing equipment A computer A large amount of ammunition Charlet was taken to the Henry County Jail. On January 23, 2025, the Henry County States Attorneys Office formally charged Charlet on January 23 with these offenses from the investigation and the evidence seized during the search warrant: Gunrunning Class 1 Felony 10 counts of serialization of unfinished frames or receivers; prohibition on unserialized firearms Class A Misdemeanors Unlawful possession of weapons (silencer) Class 3 Felony Three counts of unlawful sale or delivery of firearms Class 4 Felonies A Class 1 Felony carries a potential sentence of four to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Charlet was granted pretrial release and has a preliminary hearing on January 27. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. MILAN A senior military official of the European Union has urged the bloc to refine its mutual-defense clause and start considering the division of labor in the event of a conflict. Austrian army Gen. Robert Brieger, chairman of the European Union Military Committee, made the recommendation at the European Defense Agencys (EDA) annual conference in Brussels on Jan 22. Speaking about the need to operationalize Article 42.7 of the Treaty of the European Union, the blocs collective-defense stipulation, he argued that there is a necessity to clarify it; otherwise, it is nice to have, but we do not have the relevant tools to implement it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The language in question solely posits that if a member state is attacked, others have an obligation to assist it by all the means in their power. Brieger asked what the EUs specific tasks would be in a European context if a war broke out. What could the bloc do in the case of collective defense? Could it be in charge of defending critical infrastructure or cyber-resilience? Could it be responsible for enhancement of military mobility requirements? he said. Over the last year, military experts have pondered what the future of Europe would look like with a potentially scaled-back U.S. involvement across the continent and in NATO, and who may be able to fill the void. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some officials have floated the idea that the United Kingdom could position itself closer to the bloc, including on a military level. EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas echoed that sentiment in her opening speech at the EDA conference, in which she said the bloc should explore new security agreements with post-Brexit Britain. A recent study carried out by the Policy Institute at Kings College London found that a majority of Brits believe the country should prioritize Europe as an ally over America if needed, a reversal of public opinion from 60 years ago. Sven Biscop, a professor at Ghent University, cautioned that there are limits to how much London can do after leaving the EU. We should not get overly excited as Brexit cannot be undone anytime soon, he said. Some of Donald Trumps key allies are reportedly furious with Elon Musk following his public bashing of an artificial intelligence deal reportedly worth $500 billion, days after the president shrugged off the behavior of his so-called First Buddy. Insiders told Politico that the SpaceX boss had abused his close relationship with Trump and accused him of giving zero f****, as he continues to attract controversy. It comes following the online spat between Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman over the Stargate artificial intelligence infrastructure project touted by the president earlier this week, who described it as a resounding declaration of confidence in Americas potential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk questioned the investment just hours later on his social media platform, X. Elon Musk bashed a $500 billion AI deal touted by Trump earlier this week, which has reportedly made members of the presidents inner circle furious (AP) One Republican source close to the White House told Politico that Trumps staff is furious over Musks public undermining of the deal, which the president also called tremendous and monumental. Its clear he has abused the proximity to the president, the source said. The problem is the president doesnt have any leverage over him and Elon gives zero fucks. Musk was a vocal advocate for the president during the election, taking the role of senior advisor, and now heads the new Department of Government Efficiency. He has also remained close to the president since his victory over Kamala Harris. wrong, as you surely know. want to come visit the first site already under way? this is great for the country. i realize what is great for the country isn't always what's optimal for your companies, but in your new role i hope you'll mostly put first. Sam Altman (@sama) January 22, 2025 However, his brashness and ability to stir controversy have led to increased speculation that he and Trump will eventually fall out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SpaceX boss and Altman clashed on Wednesday, following the announcement of the AI deal; a new partnership formed by OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, alongside Oracle and SoftBank. They dont actually have the money, Musk wrote on X. SoftBank has well under $10B secured. I have that on good authority. Altman responded on Wednesday, saying Musk was wrong, as you surely know and inviting him to visit the first site in Texas that is already under construction. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, (center) responded to Musks comments about the AI deal on Wednesday (via REUTERS) "(T)his is great for the country. i realize what is great for the country isnt always whats optimal for your companies, but in your new role i hope youll mostly put (America) first, Altman wrote, using a U.S. flag emoji to represent America. When asked by reporters about the billionaires argument, Trump said that the money was indeed being put up and that he was nonplussed by Musks remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governments not putting up anything. Theyre putting up money. Theyre very rich people, so I hope they do, Trump said. And, I mean, Elon doesnt like one of those people. Asked whether Musks remarks bothered him, the president added, No, it doesnt. He hates one of the people in the deal. Sir Sadiq Khans controversial former night czar has started a consultancy called 24hr Cities - despite the fact that London lost swathes of its nightclubs on her watch. After stepping down last October, Amy Lame now lists herself as a founding director of 24hr Cities on her LinkedIn, calling it a global consultancy. It comes after a deeply divisive tenure working for Sir Sadiq, during which critics argued Ms Lame had allowed Londons nightlife to erode while taking home a substantial salary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New Jersey-born Ms Lame was hired by Sir Sadiq Khan to oversee the expansion of Londons night time economy in 2016. Seen as a prominent ally of Sir Sadiq at City Hall, she was formerly a Labour activist and served as mayoress of Camden. Her LinkedIn profile says: As the first ever Night Czar for London and the first in the UK, I worked in partnership with stakeholders to ensure that London thrives as a 24-hour city, keeping it vibrant, safe, and diverse from 6pm to 6am. However, Ms Lame was widely criticised throughout her tenure for not doing enough to stem the closure of swathes of pubs, bars and restaurants in the capital. Approximately 3,000 of Londons nightclubs shut from 2020 to 2023, according to the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), while the number of London pubs, bars and nightclubs to hold a 24-hour licence plunged by more than two thirds in 2023 and 2024 compared with the previous two years, dropping from 183 to 58 according to a recent BBC analysis of Home Office data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Draconian licensing rules combined with soaring costs and depressed consumer spending have all been blamed for the decline of Londons nightlife, as well as the pandemic, which left many hospitality businesses fighting for survival. Last year social media users took up the hashtag LameLondon in protest, sharing pictures of empty venues and sparsely-populated streets. No pints after 22:30. You cannot have any fun. T&Cs apply, one poster wrote on X. Questions have also been raised over the salary paid to Ms Lame. Though she started out earning 32,000-a-year for two and a half days work a week, by the time she resigned she was being paid 132,846 annually. Defenders of her record have argued that despite the high-profile nature of the Night Czar role, it lacked significant authority and enforcement powers, and pointed to her role in the reopening of Fabric and securing the future of venue Printworks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One industry source said: I think the problem is that the role is almost an impossible role to do for anybody, whoever you are. The reasons why there are challenges surrounding late nights are not down to one politician or one set of Councilors. It is not known whether a new Night Czar will be appointed now that Ms Lame has vacated the post. The Mayors office has said it will establish a London nightlife taskforce to review the issues facing the citys late-night industries and how best to address them. Michael Kill, chief executive of NTIA, said: Amy Lames tenure as Londons Night Czar coincided with some of the most challenging times for the capitals nightlife, including the devastating impact of the pandemic and ongoing pressures from licensing, development, and economic downturns. While it was a period fraught with difficulty, the measure of any leadership role lies in tangible results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closure of key venues and the continued struggle of the night-time economy over recent years has left many questioning whether sufficient progress was made in safeguarding and fostering Londons vital cultural fabric. He added: Encouragingly, the moves towards establishing a task force for Londonakin to Berlins Club Commissionoffer hope for a more collective, strategic approach to rebuilding our night-time economy. The Telegraph has attempted to reach Ms Lame 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. GOMA, Congo (AP) When Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi was asked in 2007 to allow spoiled rice from Rwanda to be transported across the border to the eastern Congo city of Goma, he knew the risks of resisting corruption, especially as a government worker. He refused nonetheless. It didn't take long before he was kidnapped; days later, his body was found by colleagues at the Office Congolais de Controle, the agency that monitors the quality of products. Nearly two decades after his death, he is being celebrated in the central African country and beyond following Pope Francis recent approval of his beatification. It's a step toward possible sainthood, a status no one from Congo has ever achieved. In the conflict-battered Goma, where years of war have increased desperation and corruption, Kositis designation as a martyr has eased some of the pain caused by his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floribert was murdered in very difficult circumstances, said Yacks Jean Jacques, his former colleague in Goma. Jacques recalled the wounds in Kositi's body when they found him after a dayslong search. He left us a fight that we must all continue as Christians, as people, as young people in the province of North Kivu, said Jacques, referring to the war-ravaged province where Kositi lived most of his 25 years before being killed. Pope Francis recognized Kositi as a martyr late last year, setting him on the path to beatification. The move fits into the pope's broader definition of martyr as a social justice concept, paving the way for others deemed to have been killed for doing Gods work, to be considered for sainthood. The Rev. Francesco Tedeschi, an Italian priest who is spearheading the beatification cause as the postulator, said the Vatican decree of martyrdom indeed recognizes Kositi died out of hatred for the faith, because his decision to not accept the spoiled food was profoundly inspired by the Gospel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How much spoiled food, how much expired medicine, how many discarded things are sent to these places because there is this conception that these lives there arent as worthy? Tedeschi said. And yet Floribert, in his Christianity, wanted to put the value of the lives of these people, and above all the poorest, at the center. Tedeschi, who knew Kositis through their work together with the SantEgidio Community, said he was a model for todays young people in Congo, who are constantly tempted by corruption in a country ranked among the poorest in the world. At least 70% of its people lived on less than $2.15 a day in 2024, according to the World Bank. Kositi "could have earned a lot of money and made a nice life. Instead, he chose to be a witness to the Gospel, Tedeschi said. If in the past the Catholic Church identified martyrs who refused to kneel down to false idols, the idol to which he refused to kneel down was the idol of money. Tedeschi confirmed that Kositi could be the first Congolese saint, but noted there are several other Congolese who have been beatified before him. And regardless, the Vatican must confirm a miracle attributed to his intercession after he is beatified before he could be canonized, a process that can take decades or more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We feel relieved today to see that our son has been recognized worldwide for the benefits he has brought, Kositi's mother, Gertrude Kamara Ntawiha, said in December when a memorial Mass was celebrated in his honor at Gomas Sainte-Esprit Catholic parish. The Mass brought together family, friends and community members. They reminisced about Kositi's life, drawing from it lessons about his fight against corruption and inspiration for his martyrdom. We can have saints here, we can have blessed people here in Goma, its not impossible, Abbe Jean Baptiste Bahati, a Catholic priest, said during the commemoration. Being declared a martyr exempts the sainthood candidate from the requirement that a miracle must be attributed to their intercession before they are beatified, thereby fast-tracking the process to get to the first step of sainthood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several others have been declared martyrs under the redefinition of the word, including El Salvador Archbishop Oscar Romero who was killed in 1980 for his preaching against the repression of the poor at the start of the countrys civil war as well as St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish priest who traded his life for that of a married man in 1941. Kolbe was beatified under normal procedures in 1971 before St. John Paul II announced that he would be venerated as a martyr when he canonized him in 1982. They have a common bond: A life lost fighting for the poor and the less privileged. It is the ethos that Pope Francis encouraged Congolese people to emulate when he visited the country in 2023. He could easily have turned a blind eye; nobody would have found out, and he might even have gotten ahead as a result," the pope said of Kositi. But since he was a Christian, he prayed. He thought of others and he chose to be honest, saying no to the filth of corruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That cause lives on at the Floribert Bwana Chui School of Peace in Goma. Named after Kositi, the school aims to advance the social justice and welfare that he fought for, with hundreds of children displaced or orphaned by war under its care. Floribert is an example, said Aline Minani, part of the SantEgidio community of laypeople that runs the school. Through this school, we continue to live and pass on Floriberts values to these children." ___ Associated Press journalists Nicole Winfield in Rome and Chinedu Asadu in Abuja, Nigeria, contributed. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. 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. A Renton man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his 62-year-old mother, according to court documents filed by the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office. Sean Preston Lowe, 34, is accused of intentionally causing the death of Leda Louise Files Tuesady. According to court documents, Renton Police responded to Files apartment at 417 Williams Avenue South on January 21 after Lowe called 911, stating his mother was dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The call, which came in around 2:08 a.m., was preceded by a call to a crematorium, where Lowe left a message. When officers arrived, they found Lowe outside the apartment, scrolling on his phone. Lowe was reportedly rambling and said something about having a seizure and then finding his mother dead when he woke up. Lowe was also seen looking at the Washington State Patrol website while officers approached, according to police. He then tensed up and began kicking his feet and legs as officers attempted to detain him. Inside the apartment, officers found Files face down between the wall and the bed. She was still warm but had no pulse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding fire personnel rolled her over and noted that her face was purple and she appeared to have lividity, a discoloration of the skin that appears after death. They also noted distinct marks on her neck, consistent with strangulation, and that she was bleeding from her nose and mouth. An autopsy conducted Wednesday revealed Files had a broken hyoid bone, broken ribs, and a broken sternum. The medical examiner determined her death was a homicide caused by smothering and manual strangulation. After being transported to the Renton Police Department, Lowe initially requested an attorney. Later at Valley Medical Center while undergoing a toxicology exam, Lowe reportedly told detectives, I killed my mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also discovered a video on Lowes phone that was filmed the evening before Files death. The video, about 15 minutes and 40 seconds long, shows Files sitting on her bed, and an individual believed to be Lowe can be heard talking to her. In the video, Files repeatedly tells Lowe to leave her alone, and Lowe tells Files that he knows when shes going to die, stating her death is imminent. He also calls himself god, says she is going to hell, and that there are demons around. At one point in the video, Files says, I am being held hostage in my own home. Lowe is also seen in the same clothing he was wearing when arrested. According to the court documents, officers found a glass pipe and other drug paraphernalia at the scene. Lowe has a history of arrests for narcotics possession in Wyoming and a 2016 conviction for assaulting a police officer. Prosecutors have requested Lowe be held on $5 million bail, citing concerns that he is a risk to the community and likely to flee. A kindergarten teacher who was injured in Wednesday's knife attack in the southern German city of Aschaffenburg has been released from hospital. A police spokesman said on Friday that the German woman has now returned home after breaking her arm in the incident, which saw two people, including a 2-year-old boy from Morocco, killed in a city park. The suspect in the attack is a 28-year-old Afghan asylum seeker with a history of mental health illnesses. He was temporarily committed to a psychiatric hospital on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2-year-old Syrian girl who was seriously injured in the incident and a 72-year-old man are still in hospital. "The child will not be released until Monday," the police spokesman said. The attack in Aschaffenburg has reignited the political debate on reforming Germany's migration laws, with conservative leader Friedrich Merz promising to step up deportations if he becomes chancellor after elections next month. The suspect is accused of two murders, two attempted murders and one case of dangerous bodily harm. According to the police and public prosecutors, he has not yet commented on the accusations. DAVOS, SWITZERLAND PepsiCo (PEP) CEO Ramon Laguarta wants to change the minds of food industry critics inside the new Trump administration. "It's not a worry. I think we've been leading the transformation of the food industry for many years," Laguarta said on Yahoo Finance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Continued Laguarta, "We've been leaders in sodium reduction, we've been leaders in sugar reduction. We've been leaders in eliminating fat from products. We've been leading in artificial colors." Sentiment around packaged foods stocks has soured in part due to the new administration. Trump's pick to run Health & Human Services (HHS), Robert Kennedy Jr., is a noted longtime critic of the packaged foods industry. Meanwhile, the outgoing surgeon general warned this month alcohol should come with cancer risk labels. And the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of red dye No. 3 in food, drinks, and ingested drugs. Laguarta said Pepsi doesn't have the dye in its US portfolio. The barrage of health news has investors worried packaged food players may have to reformulate products at a significant cost. The bad press isn't exactly great for business, either. Shares of PepsiCo are down about 14% in the past three months, underperforming the S&P 500's (^GSPC) 5% gain. The stock price of rival Coca-Cola (KO) is down 9% over the same stretch, while Spam maker Hormel's (HRL) shares are off by 3%. "In the US, I would like for us to be also working with the new administration on how do we move forward eliminating artificial colors from food in the US. And I think it should be science-based. It should be very pragmatic," Laguarta said of PepsiCo's aim to be part of the solution. "We as an industry should aspire to, in three or four years, no artificial colors in food. It is ambitious. I think it is doable, and it should be a private, private-public cooperation that drives that outcome." For PepsiCo investors, the pressured stock price also reflects its recent performance in its snacks and beverages businesses. Both have slowed amid more cautious spending by lower-income households. A rising US dollar which weighs on international sales hasn't helped. Third quarter sales and earnings fell 0.6% and 5% year over year, respectively. The Street is bracing for mixed results and an accompanying 2025 outlook when the company reports on Feb. 4. "After a tumultuous year in 2024, which began with PepsiCo guiding towards the top end of their long-term algorithm and eventually finished with organic sales below algorithm after three downward revisions on the top line, we believe PepsiCo management understands the reality of the situation and need for improvement. We would expect a below algorithm guide on the top and bottom lines," warned RBC analyst Nik Modi. The Ethiopian government will reportedly be demanding that King Charles return "immoral" artifacts that have been kept in Britain since the 1868 Battle of Magdala. Per a report published by The Telegraph on Friday, Jan. 24, officials in Ethiopia's capital of Addis Ababa will be pushing for the return of items from the Royal Collection as well as treasures kept elsewhere in the United Kingdom, such as the British Museum. The items kept by the King are sacred to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, per the outlet, which also notes that the government in the United Kingdom will be asked to support Ethiopia's push for the items' return next year. The Ethiopian Heritage Authority will lead the move for the return of the items alongside the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, according to The Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: British Royal Family Set for Staggering Pay Increase This Year from the U.K. Treasury "It is immoral," said the heritage authority's director general Abebaw Ayalew Gella. "You dont just put them somewhere. They are sacred. A manuscript with illumination is always considered sacred," Gella added, referring to the "illuminated" works. "You dont even touch them. As The Telegraph notes, the Royal Collection contains 18th century manuscripts commissioned by Ethiopian royalty, including an illuminated Life of Mary manuscript and one titled The Miracles of the Virgin Mary both of which were taken by British forces in 1868 when Tewodros II, Emperor of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), died by suicide after the British defeated his troops at the battle of Magdala. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Buckingham Palace Rejects Request to Return Prince Alemayehu's Body to Ethiopia Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty King Charles speaks to guests during a reception at Buckingham Palace on Jan. 13, 2025 King Charles speaks to guests during a reception at Buckingham Palace on Jan. 13, 2025 Artifacts from the emperor's fortress were then auctioned off, some presented to the royal family, with the British having taken Tewodros wife Empress Tiruwork Wube and their young son, but she died during the journey, as previously reported. Tewodros IIs gold filigree slippers, as well as a revolver, were added to the Royal Collection, as well. They are among the items that Ethiopia is reportedly seeking to be returned. As reported in September 2023 by The Art Newspaper, a sacred tablet seized by British troops during the battle in 1868 was returned during a London church service. According to The Telegraph, the Royal Collection can return items at the discretion of trustees, although a law is preventing Britains national museums from letting go of its own artifacts. Per the outlet, while the British Museum Act 1963 forbids the return of any object in the collection, officials in Ethiopia will be making a formal repatriation request to the U.K. government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orthodox priest Memher Girma Batu told The Telegraph that it is "not fair to have them there," referring to the Tabots, tablets that represent the Arc of the Covenant. They symbolize the commandments of God. Based on this I want to say please return the Tabots to their original place that is Ethiopia. In a statement shared by the outlet, the Royal Collection Trust said that the collection is "held in trust by the Sovereign for his successors and the nation, and is not owned by The King as a private individual." "As such, The King would take advice from Royal Collection Trust, who would consult a range of internal and external stakeholders. Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty King Charles and Queen Camilla attending the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk on Dec. 25, 2024 King Charles and Queen Camilla attending the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk on Dec. 25, 2024 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! As reported in 2023, Buckingham Palace has previously rejected a request to repatriate the body of Prince Dejatch Alemayehu of Abyssinia, who was buried in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle after being taken to the U.K. in 1868 following his father Tewodros II's death. The young son died of pleurisy at age 18 in 1879. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his descendants reportedly asking for the move, the palace said in a statement that it was "very unlikely that it would be possible to exhume the remains without disturbing the resting place of a substantial number of others in the vicinity." Conscious of the responsibility to preserve the dignity of the departed it is therefore, with regret, not possible to agree to the request, but in recent years we have accommodated requests from Ethiopian delegations to visit St Georges and will continue to do so," the statement read. Read the original article on People Four neighbors in Kingsland, Georgia are still displaced after a fire destroyed two mobile homes. The families said it engulfed both trailers within minutes. They suspect the fire was due to an electrical issue. Action News Jax Shanila Kabir spoke with the two families who said it has been difficult losing their homes amid a winter that has had more freezes than any years since 2010-2011. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The fire began at William Richardsons mobile home. He said he lived there for at least 35 years and saw all of it melt away almost instantly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its worse to panic. I told the boy across the road to call 911 my trailer is on fire, said William Richardson, Kingsland resident. Read: Community deserves better: Jacksonville Sheriffs Office employee arrested over concerns of domestic violence Richardson said the fire broke out a little before 8 PM last Friday night when he heard a loud boom from the back of his trailer. When he went to check, he said the fire was already swallowing his bedroom. In a mobile home, you dont have time to get nothing. The only thing you have time for is to get you out of there, said Richardson. Next door, just twenty feet away- Tonisha Bacon said her family immediately ran out when they saw the fire getting closer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I looked on the ground, the fire was coming like when you pour gas. It was like coming towards my house from his house in a trail of fire, Tonisha Bacon, Kingsland resident. Read: Second look: Liam Coen is in Jacksonville to talk about Jaguars head coach job, reports say Both families were displaced on the 17th just days before the winter storm hit South Georgia. Since then, they said neighbors and the entire community have been beyond supportive with donations and a GoFundMe. His school came through, they were the first to come through and help give him clothes, said Bacon. No injuries were reported in the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The damage estimate is still unknown. However, both families have confirmed the two mobile homes are not salvageable. Read: Gov. DeSantis pushes Florida legislature to take up immigration reform in special session during Jacksonville roundtable [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. ST. LOUIS Frustrated residents filled Kinloch City Hall to share their concerns about the upkeep of their city. Despite years of documented decline, the council claims their are now efforts to rebuild. Tensions ran high at the meeting as residents were packed inside city hall. They voiced their frustrations over ongoing issues they have had, such as the trash piling up across the city and lack of response from city leaders. The meeting was meant to focus on redevelopment plans, including new industrial and residential projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for many, the immediate concern is cleaning up the streets and holding city officials accountable. A few residents voiced their concerns. Mike Matheny reflects on near-death experience and new life mission Theres no trust. Theres nothing. Ill keep picking up the trash up there. Hopefully it dont start a fire and the fire truck can get down through there! Ill keep cutting the grass, and just like everybody else in here, theyll keep doing what theyre going to keep doing, one resident said. Another added, The order of the day is not the assassination of those on the board but to group togetherto come together to see what we can do as a city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City officials say this is just the first meeting they will have to hear from residents so they can improve the city. Officials did acknowledge the concerns but said they have spent the past seven years working to pull Kinloch out of debt, starting with just $2,000 in the bank. Residents were shocked to hear this and are demanding more transparency from the city. The city stated that all properties owned by the city currently have liens on them dating back to 2007, making it difficult to sell or develop a lease. For more information on Kinlochs real estate, you can contact St. Louis County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. PARIS Armored-vehicle makers KNDS and Rheinmetall and defense-electronics firm Thales signed the shareholder agreement for the project company that will develop a future main battle tank for Germany and France, moving a step closer to starting actual work on a program held up for years by wrangling between various partners. KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall and Thales will each hold 25% in the new company, which will be based in Cologne, Germany, with the accord signed in Paris on Jan. 23 deemed essential in creating the joint firm, the companies said in statements. The firms announced their plan to set up the joint entity nearly nine months ago. On a country level, the work share between France and Germany will be split 50/50. The balance between the various partners was a little complicated to set up, Emmanuel Chiva, the head of French armament agency DGA said in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The future tank, known as the Main Ground Combat System, is meant to replace the Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks in service with the German and French armed forces, respectively. With the timetable to field the MGCS at risk of slipping, KNDS and Rheinmetall have been proposing competing tank concepts and upgrades as a stop-gap measure for operators of aging tanks. MGCS is the combination of the unique know-how of France and Germany in the field of battle tanks, KNDS France CEO Nicolas Chamussy said in a post on X, calling the effort a structuring program for Europes autonomous capacity in the area of land-combat systems. While the companies said the MGCS program aims to replace the Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks by 2040, a statement by the French Armed Forces Ministry said the future tank will replace Frances Leclerc by 2035. KNDS sees a market for hundreds of main battle tanks during the next 10 to 15 years starting well before the envisioned arrival of the future tank. The company presented upgrades of the Leopard 2 and the Leclerc Evolution at the Eurosatory defense show in Paris last year. Rheinmetall showcased a version of its KF51 tank with an uncrewed turret at the show, as the companys head of vehicle systems in Europe said the MGCS was taking longer than planned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the threats to heavy armor on the battlefield are evolving, with drones having become major tank killers in Ukraine. Rheinmetall in September unveiled an upgraded version of the U.K.s Challenger battle tank, with a 120 mm smoothbore cannon and upgraded armor, which the company says is a step up in survivability. While KNDS Deutschland continues to produce the Leopard 2, with orders in recent years or plans to buy from countries including Sweden, Lithuania, Czechia and the Netherlands, KNDS France produced its last Leclerc in 2008, though the company has been working on upgrading existing tanks for the French Army. As for Rheinmetall, the German company opened a new tank factory in Hungary in 2023, plans to start producing new tanks in Italy together with Leonardo, and has proposed setting up a plant in Ukraine to manufacture as many as 400 KF51 tanks a year. The MGCS project company will be the prime contractor for the next phase of the future tank program, after negotiating a contract with the German federal office for Bundeswehr equipment, the companies said. In particular, the joint company will consolidate the concept and the main technological pillars of the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The work on MGCS has been divided into eight pillars, and the project company will subcontract work on the pillars to various companies. The program will include a heavy tank alongside unmanned armored vehicles, and be equipped with innovative weapons. The 52nd annual March for Life takes place Friday in Washington, D.C., and many prominent Republican leaders are expected to take part. Vice President JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are on the list of featured speakers for 2025, and organizers will share a video message from President Donald Trump. This is the first time Vance will address the National March for Life in Washington, D.C. He previously spoke, as a U.S. senator, at the 2023 Ohio March for Life, Catholic News Agency reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The speakers' list also includes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, surfer Bethany Hamilton and well-known anti-abortion activist Lila Rose. March for Life 2025 The March for Life rally will take place on the grounds surrounding the Washington Monument, according to The Washington Post. The event kicks off with a pre-rally concert at 11 a.m. EST, and then the rally portion, when speakers offer comments from a stage, begins around noon. The speeches will be livestreamed on the March for Life YouTube channel and Facebook page. The march through D.C. will last from approximately 1 to 4 p.m. The march route this year will lead demonstrators along Constitution Avenue NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW, down Third Street SW near the Capitol Reflecting Pool, then onto Independence Avenue SW past the Capitol and up First Street NE to the area between the U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court, The Washington Post reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The March for Life has taken place each January since 1973, when the Supreme Court expanded abortion access with its Roe v. Wade ruling, the article noted. The march has continued even after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Trump and the March for Life Trump made history in 2020 when he appeared at the March for Life and shared his support for the participants, per Catholic News Agency. He was the first president to speak in person at the event. The life movement is led by strong women, amazing faith leaders, and brave students who carry on the legacy of pioneers before us who fought to raise the conscience of our nation and uphold the rights of our citizens. You embrace mothers with care and compassion. You are powered by prayer, and motivated by pure, unselfish love, Trump said in 2020. Trump will miss the event this year because hell be in California to see wildfire damage. If youve ever been involved in a legal wrangle, unless youre a grateful lawyer, youll know the toll it takes. Youll know the way it eats into your schedule, haunts your sleep, how you worry about ensuing meetings, are traumatised by the costs and can be befuddled with mixed feelings concerning the other side. You want to hate them, you want to believe theyre bad but then maybe theyre just like you, with the stresses of family life and work and money and this all-consuming legal wrangle. You appreciate the wily charms of your lawyer; you know youre being manipulated into believing this is a battle against the devil incarnate, a fight of good versus evil. But when you sit in their offices and are charmed, are told about case law and the holes in the other sides case, you cant help but be magnificently drawn further into the war, to get deeper entrenched, to edge closer to that rightful victory. Ive had the odd dalliance with law firms, a divorce, for example, and some legal wrangles including a complaint made to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) by a disgruntled chef who accused me of misleading writing and press harassment. In short, she got the house and I was cleared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the time these things took, the toll on my nerves, the stress of brinkmanship, and the fear of failure, always left me with the strong view that one should spend as little time as possible with lawyers. So I can only imagine what it has been like for Prince Harry, enduring legal battles with powerful media organisations. This week he agreed on a settlement in a privacy claim against News Group Newspapers (NGN), which is owned by News UK. NGN offered a full and unequivocal apology to Harry for serious intrusion by The Sun between 1996 and 2011 and has agreed to pay substantial damages. Facing down the beasts of Fleet Street must have been all-consuming. He would have had to work himself up into a constant state of righteous fury to keep going. And it surely drove everyone around him bonkers. With respect, mate, his friends must have wondered, even if they didnt say it, change the record. But what has helped him is his misguided view that his battles to change the media are a worthy and achievable mission. He copes by bringing his feverish zeal and the confidence of eloquent argument, formed by years of unresolved trauma therapy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most wives would suggest their husbands cool it with such enterprises. And it seems Meghan has gone some way to do that. In 2024, a report was published saying that while Meghan wanted Harry to let go of the lawsuits, she realised his love for her and the children meant he could not. But Meghan, it seems, also brings to the dinner table chitchat her Messiah complex. When one is put on earth to save it, critics are inevitable, and the more savage they are, the more the messianic loon believes in their mission. Harry has settled this case and he should now shun those financially rinsing lawyers who may be clamouring at him to keep going and he should settle down and get a job. Or at least do something that plays to his strengths, which is not, by the way, being a TV executive. He was always great with people, popular and inspirational. He had a twinkle in his eye, a huge charm and has always been in physically good shape. It would make him perfect material as a personal trainer. Young, middle-aged or old, who would decline Harry if he told them to get down and give him five? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hed get out of the house, meet new people, relish the prospect of improving peoples lives and do his bit to combat obesity. And if he did that, and shaved off the beard, all would be forgiven. 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. SEATTLE (AP) President Donald Trump's executive order denying U.S. citizenship to the children of parents living in the country illegally has faced the first of what will be many legal tests. It didn't fare well. A Justice Department lawyer had barely started making his arguments in a Seattle courtroom Thursday when U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour began blistering him with questions, calling the executive order blatantly unconstitutional. Coughenour went on to temporarily block it pending further arguments. Some things to know about the decision and the lawsuits challenging Trump's order: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is birthright citizenship? Birthright citizenship is the principle that someone born in a country is a citizen of that country. In the United States, it's enshrined in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which states: All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. It was ratified in 1868 to ensure the citizenship of former slaves after the Civil War. Critics of unfettered immigration have argued that provides an incentive for people to come to, or remain in, the U.S. illegally: They know that if they have children in the U.S., those children will be citizens, who might later petition for their parents to become legal permanent residents. In an effort to curb unlawful immigration, Trump issued the executive order just after being sworn in for his second term on Monday. The order drew immediate legal challenges across the country, with at least five lawsuits being brought by 22 states and a number of immigrants rights groups. A lawsuit brought by Washington, Arizona, Oregon and Illinois was the first to get a hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What's next for the legal challenges? The judge's ruling Thursday was a temporary restraining order. It blocked the administration from enforcing or implementing Trump's order nationally for the next 14 days. Over the next two weeks, the sides will submit further briefings on the legal merits of the executive order. Coughenour scheduled another hearing for Feb. 6 to hear arguments on whether to issue a preliminary injunction, which would block the executive order long term while the case proceeds. In the meantime, some of the other cases challenging the order are also getting underway. The next hearing is in a case brought in Maryland by CASA, a nonprofit immigrants rights organization based in the mid-Atlantic. That's set for Feb. 5 at U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, Maryland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another lawsuit, led by New Jersey on behalf of 18 states, the District of Columbia and San Francisco, and a challenge brought in Massachusetts by the Brazilian Worker Center do not yet have hearings scheduled. Aside from arguing the executive order's constitutionality, the states say the order would subject all the children affected by it to deportation and make many of them stateless. It would strip them of their rights and render them unable to participate in economic or civic life, the states argue. Why did the judge block Trumps order? Coughenour did not detail his reasoning during Thursdays hearing, but his assertion that the order is blatantly unconstitutional, as well as point-blank questioning of DOJ attorney Brett Shumate and his lack of questions for Washington's assistant attorney general, Lane Polozola suggested he agreed with the states arguments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states say its well settled that the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship and that the president lacks authority to determine who should or should not be granted U.S. citizenship at birth. Ive been on the bench for over four decades. I cant remember another case where the question presented was as clear as this one is, Coughenour told Shumate. The Department of Justice later said in a statement that it will vigorously defend the presidents executive order. We look forward to presenting a full merits argument to the Court and to the American people, who are desperate to see our Nations laws enforced, the department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who is the judge? Coughenour, 84, got his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1966 and was appointed to the bench by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. He's been a federal judge for more than four decades; he has taken semi-retired senior status but continues hearing cases. He has a reputation as a tough, independent and sometimes cantankerous jurist. Newly elected Washington Attorney General Nick Brown a former Seattle U.S. attorney said after Thursday's hearing that he wasn't surprised by Coughenour's reaction to the absurdity of the executive order. I've been in front of Judge Coughenour before to see his frustration personally, Brown said. But I think the words that he expressed, and the seriousness that he expressed, really just drove home what we have been saying. ... This is fairly obvious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the thousands of cases Coughenour has handled, covering everything from criminal to environmental law, probably the most famous was that of millennium bomber Ahmed Ressam. Ressam was arrested entering the U.S. in December 1999 with a trunk full of explosives and plans to bomb Los Angeles International Airport on New Year's Eve. Coughenour repeatedly butted heads with federal prosecutors during Ressam's sentencing, disagreeing about how much credit Ressam should receive for cooperating with them after his conviction. Twice Coughenour sentenced Ressam to 22 years far less than prosecutors were seeking and twice the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned him. Coughenour finally sentenced Ressam to 37 years in 2012. At the time, he said Ressams case was the only one he could think of in which the appeals court deemed him too lenient. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story has been edited to correct that CASA is a nonprofit immigrants group, not a nonprofit that supports children who have been abused or neglected in foster care. ___ Catalini reported from Trenton, New Jersey. Police investigating the Moscow college student homicides did not obtain search warrants in their handling of DNA from the crime scene the critical, and perhaps only, piece of evidence that ties suspect Bryan Kohberger to the victims and efforts to block it from his trial hinge on the novel argument they were legally required. The FBI also ignored internal federal policy in pursuit of the alleged killer when its agents submitted that DNA to a pair of public ancestry databases that law enforcement is restricted from accessing, it was revealed at a court hearing Thursday. That amounted to nothing more than a breach of private terms of service, prosecutors rebutted, even as the defense alleged constitutional rights violations over the advanced technique known as investigative genetic genealogy, or IGG, that first put Kohberger on polices radar. Yes, IGG was used in this case, and, yes, it did point to the defendant, Deputy Attorney General Jeff Nye said Thursday for the prosecution. But the fact that that happened doesnt mean that there was a violation of the Fourth Amendment which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Anne Taylor, Kohbergers lead attorney, accused police at the pretrial hearing of intentionally and recklessly sidestepping protocols during the sprawling investigation, in their feverish hunt for the person responsible for the violent crime that left four dead. IGG had neither been disclosed by police to a prior judge who granted dozens of search warrants in the case, nor included in the probable cause affidavit for Kohbergers arrest. In the process, investigators broke the law, Taylor said, and raised defining questions about modern-day policing. If society is not ready to support suppression of every bit of our DNA when the government does not have a warrant and searches it, there is no privacy right left, Taylor told the court Thursday. Attorney Anne Taylor, right center, for defendant Bryan Kohberger, argues to exclude DNA evidence before Judge Steven Hippler, bottom, Thursday in 4th Judicial District Court in Ada County. Ada County Judge Steven Hippler pressed Taylor to point him to any court decisions that supported the defenses argument of a constitutional rights violation to justify excluding from trial the crime-scene DNA, which police and prosecutors have said was found on a leather knife sheath next to one of the four victims and matches Kohberger. Taylor acknowledged she could not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nor do I have any to the contrary to say thats not the case, she added. Determinations on the legal issues presented at the all-day hearing could have broad implications for crime-solving tactics going forward, and how detectives must conduct themselves when they incorporate DNA evidence into their investigations. Hipplers decisions in the matters may set the course for not only one of the nations most high-profile murder trials, but also many others that follow. Police are not required to have warrants to shuttle DNA between labs for analysis, despite what the defense argued, Nye said, nor do people have privacy rights to items they leave behind at a crime scene. The DNA in question first went to the Idaho State Police crime lab in Meridian, then to a private lab in Texas called Othram, before moving on to the FBI, which used IGG on four ancestry databases to land on Kohberger and send a tip to Idaho police to investigate Kohberger. The defense is kind of trying to pick and choose what they believe the searches are throughout this chain, and what theyre leaving out, repeatedly, is where this DNA started, Nye said. Well, it started at a quadruple homicide, at a crime scene. There is no case law anywhere that the state could find, and the defense has not cited any, to suggest that there is a reasonable expectation of privacy in DNA found at a crime scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only way to forge a Fourth Amendment argument through the use of IGG would be if Kohberger had previously submitted his own DNA profile to one of the ancestry websites, but not permitted public use of the information, Nye said. Legal experts have previously told the Idaho Statesman that a vicarious privacy claim on behalf of someones relatives is not a potential path for a defendant in a criminal case. He has not asserted factually or through evidence that he was a customer to one of these databases, Nye told the court. And maybe that changes the case if he were, but hes not. Hes not even claiming that. Kohberger, 30, is suspected in the November 2022 fatal stabbings of the four University of Idaho students at an off-campus home in Moscow. He faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary, and could be sentenced to death if convicted. The victims were Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum; Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur dAlene; Xana Kernodle, 20, of Post Falls; and Ethan Chapin, 20, of Mount Vernon, Washington. The three women lived in the home on King Road with two other women who went physically unharmed in the early-morning attack, and Chapin was Kernodles boyfriend and stayed over for the night. Defense: No link between Kohberger and victims The defense also disclosed Thursday that detectives in the case failed to obtain a search warrant for trash taken from the curb at the home of Kohbergers parents. The contents were tested, which found that the suspect DNA from the crime scene was that of the biological son of Kohbergers father, according to the affidavit. Most states, including Pennsylvania, allow police to retrieve abandoned garbage without a warrant if they have probable cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Gurney is an attorney and director of the IGG Center at Ramapo College of New Jersey. He said Kohbergers defense was unlikely to prevail arguing IGG is different than other investigative techniques used by police, and called the posture that search warrants were needed to transfer DNA dead in the water. What were seeing from defense attorneys and this is their job, I get it and dont blame them is an attempt to make genetic genealogy out to be something completely and fundamentally different from other forms of investigative methods, including traditional DNA testing, Gurney told the Statesman by phone Thursday. The idea somehow that youd get a constitutional violation out of a terms-of-service violation is absurd. Genealogy websites Ancestry.com and 23andMe are the most well known commercial services, but are not compatible with IGG searches. Law enforcement only has permission to access two other online databases: GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA. Taylor named MyHeritage as one of two additional services where the FBI isnt permitted to use IGG, but access is possible. Gurney said he bet the other is Promeathese, which, like the other three lesser-known databases, was used to identify the suspect in the Golden State Killer case in 2018. Taylor maintained Thursday the defenses past position that there are no connections between their client and the victims. That included from any of the evidence taken by police from his student apartment in Washington state, his car, and his parents Pennsylvania home where he was arrested in December 2022, she said. The defense team for Bryan Kohberger, accused of the November 2022 college student homicides in Moscow, are arguing to exclude a host of evidence from his capital murder trial, set for this summer. Kohberger also wasnt at or around the King Road house the night or early morning of the students deaths, Taylor said, in spite of what police claimed cellphone tower data showed in the affidavit. A prior alibi filing from the defense stated he was out on a late-night drive by himself southwest of Pullman, which is located not far from Moscow on the opposite side of the Idaho state line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was never at that house, Taylor said. He did go to Moscow, he did drive around, but he wasnt over there, and the phone records absolutely show that. In addition, she questioned the memory and credibility of one of the surviving roommates who gave a physical description of a masked male intruder to police, but was drunk, Taylor said, and also couldnt recall if what she saw and experienced was real. Later, the same roommate was unable to identify Kohberger as the man in the home when police showed her a photo of him, Taylor said. Thursdays hearing was the first in more than two months for the closely watched case. The hearing continues Friday with more oral arguments in the defenses push to keep certain evidence against Kohberger from being presented to a jury. To help preserve Kohbergers right to a fair trial, and because previously unreleased evidence would be discussed, Hippler earlier this week resolved to hold only portions of the hearing in open court, which amounted to just over two hours Thursday of the nearly seven-hour court day. A court livestream was the only way for members of the public to watch, and the remainder of the hearing was held behind closed doors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until I can get a handle on the exact evidence that does, in fact, come in given that it is potentially evidence that will not be admissible, he said Wednesday, and anyone who hears about it may therefore be removed from the jury panel, I think its better that we proceed in this fashion for now. Leah Larkin, a Northern California-based DNA genetic genealogist, testified as a defense expert witness. As a result, testimony from unnamed witnesses on a variety of suppression arguments was shielded from the public eye. But seated on the defense side of the court were two prior witnesses, California-based IGG experts Leah Larkin and Bicka Barlow. On the states side were Moscow police officers, Cpl. Brett Payne and Detective Lawrence Mowery, plus, from the Idaho State Police crime lab, Forensic Services Director Matthew Gamette and Rylene Nowlin, a lab manager. Kohbergers murder trial was moved out of Moscow to Boise and is scheduled for this summer. Jury selection is set to start July 30. By Amy-Jo Crowley and Emma-Victoria Farr LONDON/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Buyout groups Permira and Blackstone are weighing a multi-billion-euro initial public offering of German online auto marketplace Mobile.de, three people with knowledge of the situation said. Mobile.de is a subsidiary of Norway's Adevinta, which was taken private in a 2023 $13.1-billion buyout by a consortium led by the two private equity shareholders. The groups have been talking to advisers about a possible listing in 2026, two of the people said. One of the people said the company could be worth as much as 10 billion euros ($10.42 billion). A second person said a listing was likely to be in Frankfurt. The talks are at an early stage and may not lead to a transaction, the people cautioned, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the matter is private. Blackstone and Permira declined to comment. Mobile.de did not immediately return requests for comment. A deal would mark one of the most significant divestments for Adevinta, which was once the world's biggest classifieds group, since it was taken private. Mobile.de generated 400 million euros ($416.76 million) of revenue and 240 million euros in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation in 2023, according to company results published on its website. The shareholders are still working to separate the assets within Adevinta, which may take a year as it involves separating shared information technology systems, a fourth person said. Adevinta has been pursuing sales of its holdings, including in Distilled, which owns property site Daft.ie. ($1 = 0.9598 euros) (Reporting by Amy-Jo Crowley and Emma-Victoria Farr, editing by Anousha Sakoui and Rod Nickel) PARK CITY, Utah (ABC4) Kouri Richins appeared in a Summit County court on Thursday for an evidentiary hearing as her tentative four-week trial draws closer. The pretrial hearing was brought before Judge Richard Mrazik to consider three motions to suppress statements, electronic data, as well as the controversial Walk the Dog letter collected as evidence during the investigation. Richins, who has been accused of using fentanyl to poison and kill her husband Eric, has been awaiting trial since her arrest in May 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richins defense is now arguing that investigators in the case took evidence such as her phone without a proper warrant and without reading her rights. Attorneys cross-examined Summit County Sheriffs Office Detective Eric Maynard and Deputy Jayme Woody, both of whom carried out the search warrants related to the case. Maynard confirmed he did not take Richins into custody on that day but did detain her to preserve evidence such as her phone, which was left in her car. Richins defense argued detectives did not have a warrant to search the cars but were able to obtain her phone by asking Richins to retrieve it. Richins attorneys asked both witnesses if they ever read Richins her right to have a lawyer present or to remain silent. Both Maynard and Woody admitted they did not. The defense also argued that a notebook seized during a home search on May 8 without a proper warrant should not be taken as evidence, saying it contained information that was protected by mental health therapist-patient privilege. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the defense argued the Walk the Dog letter, which was found in her jail cell and allegedly details how her family should testify, contained privileged attorney-client information. Richins defense alleged that the letter was found in a manilla envelope marked Skye Lazaro (Attorney Privilege), where jail staff said the letter was found in the L-SAT book. The defense argued that communications between a client and an attorney are protected by privilege, which is why the motion to suppress was filed. Workers with the Summit County Jail, who were involved in the search, were called to the stand and said that there had been nothing to immediately mark the letter as privileged. The next meeting regarding this case will be on February 3. 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 ABC4 Utah. The Kremlin has stated that Russias aggression in Ukraine is not dependent on global oil prices. Source: European Pravda, citing the Russian news agency Interfax Details: Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian leader, made this remark in response to US President Donald Trumps statement at the World Economic Forum in Davos on 23 January. Trump suggested that lowering oil prices could bring an end to the war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Peskov: "No, this conflict is not dependent on oil prices." Details: Peskov reiterated the Kremlins usual narrative of a fabricated "threat to Russia". "This conflict is happening because of a threat to the national security of the Russian Federation, a threat to Russians living in certain territories and the unwillingness and complete refusal of Americans and Europeans to address Russias concerns. It is not linked to oil prices," Peskov said. Background: During his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on 23 January, Donald Trump stated that he aims to lower global oil prices, which he believes could end Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump also announced his willingness to consider tougher sanctions against Russia if it does not agree to negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! By Dmitry Antonov and Andrew Osborn MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to hold a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump and Moscow is waiting for word from Washington that it is ready too, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. Trump said on Thursday he wanted to meet Putin as soon as possible to secure an end to the war with Ukraine and expressed his desire to work towards cutting nuclear arms, something the Kremlin said Putin had made clear he wanted too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if Putin and Trump would use this weekend to hold their first phone call since Trump's inauguration - an essential precursor ahead of a face-to-face meeting for deeper talks - Peskov said: "Putin is ready. We are waiting for signals (from Washington). Everyone is ready. It is difficult to read the coffee grounds here. As soon as there is something, if there is something, we will inform you." Trump, who on Thursday was addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos via video link, said he wanted to work towards cutting nuclear arms, adding that he thought Russia and China might support reducing their own weapons capabilities. "We'd like to see denuclearization ... and I will tell you President Putin really liked the idea of cutting way back on nuclear. And I think the rest of the world, we would have gotten them to follow, and China would have come along too," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peskov said Putin had made it clear he wanted to resume nuclear disarmament negotiations as soon as possible, but said such talks would need to be wider than in the past to cover other countries' nuclear arsenals, including those of France and Britain. "So there is something to talk about, we need to talk. Time has been lost in many respects. We have spoken about such interest before, so the ball is in the court of the U.S., which has stopped all substantive contacts with our country," said Peskov. The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or New START, which caps the number of strategic nuclear warheads that the United States and Russia can deploy, and the deployment of land- and submarine-based missiles and bombers to deliver them, is due to run out on Feb. 5, 2026. It is the last remaining pillar of nuclear arms control between the world's two biggest nuclear powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OIL PRICES Commenting on Trump's Davos demand for OPEC and Saudi Arabia to lower the oil price and the idea that lower prices could speed the end of the Ukraine war, Peskov said: "No. This conflict does not depend on oil prices. This conflict is happening because of the threat to the Russian Federation's national security, because of the threat to Russians who live in well known territories, and because of the complete refusal of the Americans and Europeans to listen to Russia's concerns. It has nothing to do with oil prices." By "well known territories", Peskov meant parts of eastern Ukraine that Russia has captured since the start of the war and claimed as its own, in actions that most countries at the United Nations have condemned as illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peskov also took issue with Trump's assertion that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was ready to strike a peace deal, pointing out that Zelenskiy had, in a 2022 decree, ruled out any negotiations with Putin. "In order to reach a settlement, it is necessary to hold negotiations. (But) Zelenskiy has banned himself from conducting in his own decree." Zelenskiy said this week that at least 200,000 European peacekeepers would be needed to prevent a new Russian attack on Ukraine after any ceasefire deal. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov in Moscow and Andrew Osborn in London; Additional reporting by Mark Trevelyan, Anastasia Teterevleva and Filipp Lebedev; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Ukraine war is about Russia's national security and not about oil prices, the Kremlin said on Friday after U.S. Donald Trump called for a cut in the price of oil. Trump on Thursday said he will demand Saudi Arabia and OPEC bring down the cost of oil. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, responding to a question about those comments, said the issues for Russia in Ukraine were about national security, threats to Russians living there, and the refusal of the United States and Europe to listen to Russia's concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine and its Western supporters reject those arguments, saying Russia launched the war as an imperial-style land grab. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Anastasia Teterevleva; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) The Franklin County Courthouse in Frankfort where Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate will preside over a Feb. 26 hearing on whether to approve a settlement involving state pension fund investments in hedge funds. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd) FRANKFORT The recent proposed settlement of a long-running lawsuit against big hedge funds over their role in investing Kentucky pension funds will produce a pittance for the pension funds but a multi-million dollar bonanza for private attorneys representing the state, according to a group of state workers who are trying to press a separate lawsuit against the hedge funds. On Jan. 8 Attorney General Russell Coleman announced that the state had settled the case with hedge funds agreeing to pay $227.5 million to Kentuckys pension funds. The high profile case alleged that beginning in 2011 the hedge funds and some officials of the financially troubled Kentucky Retirement Systems gambled $1.2 billion of system funds on secretive, high-risk hedge fund investments that eventually went sour. Attorney General Russell Coleman But in a 52-page motion filed Wednesday in Franklin Circuit Court the group of workers who initiated a separate lawsuit in 2021 trashed the settlement, part of which would throw out their case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notwithstanding the Attorney Generals grandstanding claim of a $227.5 million recovery, the proposed settlement recovers only $82.5 million of fresh money. The remaining $145 million is actually a return of funds that belong to Kentuckys pension program that have been held in reserve by the Prisma-managed investment fund, their motion argues. Moreover, the Tier 3 plaintiffs say that under the settlement contingency fee lawyers retained by the Attorney General stand to pocket 20 percent of the settlement amount as much as $45.5 million. Bad as that settlement is, these state workers known as the Tier 3 Plaintiffs said the court can accept it so long as their own case against the hedge funds is allowed to proceed. Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate The court can approve this charade if it can stomach it, they argue in their motion. But the Court must leave the Tier 3 Plaintiffs, their claims, and their lawyers out of this, and must allow their separate claims to be prosecuted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The settlement must be approved by Franklin Circuit Court before it becomes final. Judge Thomas Wingate has scheduled a hearing on the matter for Feb. 26. The spokesman for Colemans office did not return a phone call or respond to questions emailed Thursday by the Kentucky Lantern. Ann Oldfather and Vanessa Cantley, Louisville attorneys who were retained by contract to represent the attorney general in the case, did not return phone messages. Also two attorneys for the Tier 3 plaintiffs, Michelle Ciccarelli Lerach, of La Jolla, California, and Jeff Walson, of Winchester, also did not return phone messages. The original case drew national attention when filed by a group of eight state pensioners in late 2017 against some former officials of Kentucky Retirement Systems (now the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority) and major hedge fund companies KKR & Co., Prisma Capital Partners, The Blackstone Group and Pacific Alternative Asset Management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit alleged the financially beleaguered retirement systems and the hedge funds violated their fiduciary duties by gambling on investments with extremely high risk, exorbitant fees and a lack of transparency. Defendants denied the allegations. Tangled history of the case The case took a dramatic turn in July 2020 when the Kentucky Supreme Court found that the plaintiffs whose own pensions had not been reduced and were protected in law by a legal doctrine called an inviolable contract did not have standing to file their claim and sent the case back to Franklin Circuit to be dismissed. But then-Attorney General Daniel Cameron intervened and the court allowed him to act as plaintiff to recover losses of the pension system. His office contracted with Oldfather and Cantley to represent it in the case. But then in 2021, the Tier 3 plaintiffs represented by Lerach and others filed a new case claiming that they had standing. These employees are known as the Tier 3 plaintiffs because they were hired after a 2013 pension reform law put them into a new hybrid cash balance pension plan whose pensions do not enjoy the same protections as those of state workers hired before 2013. Kentucky Public Pensions Authority boards voted Jan. 3 to approve the proposed settlement without releasing any of its details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 8 Colemans office put out a news release announcing that the original case had been settled with the hedge funds agreeing to pay $227.5 million to Kentuckys pension funds. The release noted that this total included the return of about $145 million in assets that had been held in reserve by Prisma, one of the main defendants. The settlement was the result of more than five months of negotiations between the lawyers for the attorney general and the defendants negotiations mediated by a former federal judge, according to a motion to approve the settlement. As law enforcement, firefighters and other public servants, these Kentuckians dedicated their lives to our Commonwealth. Its our Offices responsibility to fight for them against those who put their pensions at risk, Coleman said in the news release. But the Tier 3 plaintiffs claim the actual recovery for Kentuckys pension funds does not even qualify as a drop in the bucket. Wednesdays filing by the Tier 3 plaintiff attorneys is a motion asking Franklin Circuit Court to consider their previous motion asking the court to order Prisma to return the $145 million in Kentucky pension funds held in reserve. With interest and penalty, the Tier 3 plaintiffs argued that the total due to the Kentucky pension funds would be just over $807 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In making this case, attorneys for the Tier 3 plaintiffs present their history of the prolonged case, blast the proposed settlement as inadequate, argue that further investigation is required into alleged misdeeds of some former pension officials and the hedge funds, and claim fees to be paid to the attorneys representing Coleman will be excessive. They state that after the 2020 Supreme Court ruling that the original plaintiffs lacked standing, some of their former associates in pressing that case betrayed their original clients and stole the case, took it to Cameron and solicited him to hire them. Will full scope of any wrongdoing remain undiscovered? Under a contract with the attorney generals office, the attorneys who represented Cameron, and now Coleman, stand to make 20% of the first $250 million of gross recovery, the Tier 3 lawyers state in their motion. Amye Bensenhaver This would amount to legal fees totaling $46.5 million if the attorneys for the attorney general claim 20% of the $227.5 million settlement. Fees would still amount to $16.5 million if the attorneys claim 20% of the $82.5 million fresh money and exclude the $145 million of pension fund money held in reserve by Prisma and to be returned as part of the settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amye Bensenhaver, co-director of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition and an assistant Kentucky Attorney General from 1991 to 2016, said her main objection to the settlement is that the case will conclude without a thorough investigation of possible wrongdoing in the complicated saga of the hedge fund investments. If approved by the circuit court, the proposed settlement enables the defendant hedge funds to escape accountability for a pittance a nuisance settlement at best. Kentuckys pensioners, and taxpayers, will never know the full scope of any wrongdoing that discovery might have revealed, Benenhaver said. Nor will we know if the proposed settlement amount is equivalent to the wrong that was done us. Read the Tier 3 plaintiffs motion Motion.Stay.05.Feb.2025 College students across Los Angeles adapt as schools revise operations in response to the destructive L.A. Fires. All nine campuses in the Los Angeles Community College District moved classes online through January 11, before returning to in-person instruction with accommodations. Schools closer to the still-raging fires, like Pepperdine and UCLA, extended remote learning through the end of the week. Related: An Oregon Couple Who Snuck Into Palisades Evacuation Zone in Fake Fire Truck Charged UCLA, which began winter quarter on January 6, sits particularly close to the Palisades Fire. About 13,000 of the 33,000-person undergraduate student body live in on-campus housing, with many off-campus students residing in Westwood, walking distance from campus. Isabel Blackwell, a UCLA sophomore, recalls seeing the flames from her dorm. Though familiar with fires from her hometown of Culpeper, Virginia, these blazes struck closer. "Seeing the flames and watching them get bigger was definitely disconcerting," she says. "It made it feel very real." Even Los Angeles natives sensed this fire's magnitude. Growing up in Mid City, senior Micah Patterson knew wildfires well. "I thought I'd seen everything," she says. But watching TV with her roommates, she recognized this reached another scale. "The devastation that this one has caused... I've never seen this." Related: Trump's First Week: Sweeping Orders Transform Federal Government After the now-contained Sunset Fire started burning Wednesday, January 8, Chancellor Julio Frenk announced that undergraduate classes would pause while graduate programs shifted online through Friday, January 10. The announcement prompted first-year student Brandon Wing to book a flight to his San Jose home. After witnessing two days of destruction, Wing says, "We didn't really feel safe on campus anymore." Wing and Blackwell, both residents of UCLA's "The Hill" dormitory community, described an eerie emptiness following the announcement. Walking back from class twenty minutes later, Blackwell saw lines of cars stretching around The Hill as students departed. Related: Inside the David Lynch Shrine at Bob's Big Boy Campus concerns intensified when Friday's evacuation warnings bordered university grounds. UCLA then announced Monday classes would move online. After the Undergraduate Students Association Council's 15 elected members urged the Academic Senate to extend virtual operations, Frenk pushed remote learning through Friday, January 17, 2025. The shifting campus status left many students, particularly those from outside Southern California, waiting on updates before finalizing travel plans. For seniors like Patterson, the switch recalls their freshman year, when Omicron variant cases moved classes online for four weeks in winter 2022. Patterson briefly returned home but came back Sunday to study from her apartment. "Westwood is a ghost town," she says. "It's never been this quiet, this dead. It feels a little apocalyptic." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fires hit close to home for L.A.'s university students. Wing watched his friend learn her childhood park had burned: "She was just kind of in disbelief." Yet students quickly rallied support. Blackwell continued working with Westwood Mutual Aid, distributing masks and PPE while informing unhoused people about hazardous air quality. The community response through volunteering and social media resource-sharing strengthened student connections. "I'm someone that's felt weird about my place in Los Angeles and at UCLA," Blackwell says, "but I think despite the tragedy of it all, it's definitely made me appreciate the city a lot more, to see people come together." UCLA's Economic Crisis Response Team provides resources and temporary housing to students and staff. Those interested can donate to the Bruin Wildfire Relief Fund here. Los Angeles Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong on Friday said it has been a struggle to get his newsroom to buy into a more balanced ideological approach in the months after he canceled the editorial boards planned endorsement of Kamala Harris. Change is difficult, right? I respect that, and I have empathy for that, the billionaire told Fox News Digital. A handful of employees ditched the LA Times after Soon-Shiong nixed the editorial boards plan to endorse Harris against Donald Trump in the 2024 election. One editorial writer who quit even called him a chickenst who threw the editorial team under the bus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Soon-Shiong said he knew his decision would lead to thousands of canceled subscriptions and some irritated employees leaving the paper: I knew Id get pushback. If you want to lead, you have to lead, so we took that position. The LAT owner then said competence matters when it comes to endorsing a presidential candidate the same phrase he has been using recently when criticizing LA Mayor Karen Bass handling of the wildfires. You know, did we feel as a group that [Harris] was a competent leader? Dr. Soon-Shiong asked rhetorically. He also said he did not see the prepackaged endorsement the editorial board had planned for Harris before making his decision to axe it. It was the first time the editorial board had not endorsed a Democrat for president since 2008. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I worried [the endorsement] would actually express that she was maybe the most consequential vice president in the history of the United States, which may be the opinion of some people and may be laughed at by other people, Soon-Shiong added. I thought, Look, we cant do that. We have to actually provide what we call factual basis for anything were going to actually endorse, he said. It doesnt mean we dont endorse, but thats not the basis of how we would endorse. The post LA Times Owner Admits Its a Struggle to Revamp Newsroom After Nixing Harris Endorsement appeared first on TheWrap. The billionaire owner of The Los Angeles Times in a new interview defended a decision not to endorse a presidential candidate in last years presidential election. I knew Id get pushback. If you want to lead, you have to lead, so we took that position, Patrick Soon-Shiong told Fox News Digital. Competence matters. And, you know, did we feel as a group that she was a competent leader? he added, referring to former Vice President Kamala Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon-Shiong, who is worth an estimated $6 billion according to Forbes, sparked widespread backlash inside The Los Angeles Times newsroom and criticism from some media observers who suggested he is trying to curry favor with President Trump, as other leading business and media executives have seemingly done in recent months. But for Soon-Shiong, the decision not to run an editorial endorsing either candidate was one he said was made to maintain the news outlets objectivity. I worried [the endorsement] would actually express that she was maybe the most consequential vice president in the history of the United States, which may be the opinion of some people and may be laughed at by other people, he told Fox Digital. The LA Times was one of several top news outlets to forgo an editorial endorsement in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Billionaire Jeff Bezos sparked similar outrage last November when The Washington Post decided against running an editorial backing Harris, which the opinion staff at the newspaper drafted and was preparing to publish before Bezos stepped in. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LEAVITTSBURG, Ohio (WKBN) Five Vikings scored 6 points or more during LaBraes 56-21 win at home against Champion. Angel Scruggs led the way with 15 while Riley Rowe scored 10 and Makayla Scruggs added 9. Ally Magoulick and Brielle Stout tallied 7 and 6 points apiece. With the win, LaBrae improves to 13-3 with a matchup against Brookfield scheduled for Monday. The Golden Flashes were paced by Sami Munroes 8 points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Champion (6-11) will travel to Ravenna to face the Southeast Pirates on 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 WKBN.com. DAVOS, SWITZERLAND The weather may have been teeth-chattering along the promenade in Davos, but that didn't stop Salesforce (CRM) co-founder and CEO Marc Benioff from firing off a few new choice words on artificial intelligence rival Microsoft (MSFT). "Everybody knows that Microsoft has disappointed the world with Copilot, and I mean, that's just a repackaged ChatGPT. You know that," Benioff told Yahoo Finance at the World Economic Forum, continuing his long-running criticism of Microsoft's AI business tools. This comes hot on the heels of a shot at Salesforce by Microsoft's often-reserved CEO Satya Nadella. I think the notion that business applications exist, thats probably where theyll all collapse, right, in the agent era, because if you think about it right, they are essentially CRUD databases with a bunch of business logic, Nadella said on a recent podcast taping with venture capitalists Bill Gurley and Brad Gerstner. Microsoft spokesperson Frank Shaw declined to comment to Yahoo Finance on Benioff's remark. Benioff's AI bots, which can autonomously answer customer questions or describe products to clients, are going toe to toe with Microsoft's Copilot for workplace supremacy. Salesforce closed 200 Agentforce deals in the third quarter. New users included FedEx (FDX), IBM (IBM), and Accenture (ACN). In total, Salesforce said it closed 2,000 AI-related deals in the third quarter. Benioff declined to provide an updated figure on the number of Agentforce deals closed since the end of the third quarter. A source familiar with Salesforce told Yahoo Finance that consumption of Agentforce has been strong out of the gate, an important bottom-line signal as the company gets paid $2 per conversation. "Well, this is going way faster than anything we've ever done, and it has been amazing, and it's very exciting," Benioff said. StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market. The Street has largely piled onto the bull narrative on AI agents, sending Salesforce's stock up more than 25% since new Agentforce solutions were introduced at the company's annual Dreamforce event on Sept. 17. But there are a few skeptics. Earlier this month, Guggenheim analyst John DiFucci downgraded his rating to Sell in a rare move. He's only the second analyst on the Street to rate Salesforce a Sell out of 51, according to Yahoo Finance data. "We do not believe that Salesforce will meaningfully monetize Agentforce unless it acquires several assets that have been doing, over the past decade, what Agentforce aspires to do. Salesforce's status as a system of record gives it staying power, but in our view doesnt give it any advantage in providing AI solutions that require dynamic data with rich context versus the static data that Salesforce houses," DiFucci said. CLAY COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) In a field where timing can mean success or failure, the Lake Arrowhead Volunteer Fire Department is now better equipped for high-pressure scenarios. The volunteer fire department received a brand-new AED courtesy of United Regional and a new vehicle equipped to fight fires and respond to emergency medical situations from the Texas A&M Forest Service. New Eastside Boys and Girls Club facility slated for spring opening Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant Fire Chief Randall Vassar referred to the new vehicle as a rapid response unit. A fast response can save lives in an isolated area like Lake Arrowhead. We are the first ones on the scene. It takes 20 minutes or so for Henrietta to get out here with the ambulance, Vassar said. So, were able to at least get patients stabilized and get them ready for transport while the ambulance is on the way. Vassar also wanted to thank the community for supporting the fire department because, without their help, things like the new A.E.D. and the new vehicle became much harder to own and maintain. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the first bill of his new administration, and it is named after a slain Georgia nursing student whose name became a rallying cry during his White House campaign. Trump said that he appreciated the bipartisan support for his first piece of legislation since he took office on Jan. 20. The Laken Riley Act will require the detention of unauthorized immigrants accused of theft and violent crimes. The bill won bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., attended Wednesday's bill signing at the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some things to know about the Laken Riley Act: Who was Laken Riley? Riley, 22, was a student at Augusta University College of Nursing when she went out for a run on Feb. 22, 2024. Prosecutors said she was encountered by Jose Antonio Ibarra, who killed her during a struggle. Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial and was found guilty in November of murder and other crimes by a judge, who alone heard and decided the case. He was sentenced to life without parole. Trump and other Republicans blamed former President Joe Biden for her death because Ibarra had been arrested for illegal entry in September 2022 near El Paso, Texas, amid an unprecedented surge in migration and released to pursue his case in immigration court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If this act had been the law of the land, he never would have had the opportunity to kill her, said Rep. Mike Collins, a Georgia Republican. Biden mentioned Riley during his State of the Union address last year as he spoke about border security and after U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene shouted at him, Say her name! What does the bill do? Under the new law, federal officials will be required to detain any migrant arrested or charged with crimes like shoplifting or assaulting a police officer or crimes that injure or kill someone. If you come into this country illegally and you commit a crime, you should not be free to roam the streets of this nation, said Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., who helped push the bill through the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also empowers state attorneys general to sue the federal government for harm caused by failures or decisions in immigration enforcement that harm states or people. That includes releasing migrants from custody or failing to detain migrants who have received deportation orders. The provision gives states some power in setting immigration policy when they have been trying to push back against presidential decisions under both the Trump and Biden administrations. While Republicans control both chambers of Congress, 46 Democrats in the House and 12 Democrats in the Senate supported the measure. Why did most Democrats oppose it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some have raised concerns that the bill will strip due process rights for migrants, including minors or recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. In the wake of tragedy we are seeing a fundamental erosion of our civil rights, said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, a New York Democrat. In this bill, if a person is so much as accused of a crime, if someone wants to point a finger and accuse someone of shoplifting, they would be rounded up and put into a private detention camp and sent out for deportation without a day in court. Most Democrats criticized the lack of funding in the bill, arguing the new law will not solve immigration problems but will impose new requirements on federal authorities. Democrats on the Appropriations Committee estimate the bill will cost $83 billion over the next three years, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said the bill is a totally unfunded mandate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why did some Democrats back it? Democrats who supported it were mostly from five battleground states and said their constituents demanded more border security and supported deportations of migrants accused of crimes. Anyone who commits a crime should be held accountable. Thats why I voted to pass the Laken Riley Act, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., said on social media after its passage. New Hampshire Democratic Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Virginia Sen. Mark Warner also supported the bill. Shaheen and Warner are each up for a fourth term next year. Fetterman, who also backed the bill because he wants a secure border, was the first Senate Democrat to meet with Trump after the election. He has met with many of Trumps Cabinet picks and broken with his own party on some policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Ruben Gallego, whose parents are immigrants from Mexico and Colombia, was just elected in November and became Arizona's first Latino senator. He said he supported the bill. We must give law enforcement the means to take action when illegal immigrants break the law, to prevent situations like what occurred to Laken Riley, he said in a statement. CHEYENNE After county officials released the first draft of the potential new Laramie County Land Use Regulations, landowners began circulating a letter of opposition to the proposed changes and organized an event to raise awareness of them. The letter alleged that the county was enforcing tighter restrictions on landowners and called the plan a land grab. In response to the pushback, the Laramie County Planning and Development Department released a statement in response to the concerned landowners, stating that much of how the landowners read the regulations is inaccurate. Wednesday evening, the department hosted the second of two public meetings to present their plan and answer questions from the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second meeting was not as heated as the first, where between 250 and 300 people attended to hear the countys plan and ask questions. On Wednesday, there were only around 50 attendees who showed up at the Event Center at Archer, and only around a half-dozen who asked public questions. Justin Arnold, the planning and development program director for the county, said this was likely the result of the countys efforts to be transparent about the regulations and address misinformation. At the meeting, Arnold and his staff talked through the 372-page document, outlining each of the six titles at a high level over 90 minutes, saving the final half-hour to answer questions from the public. In his presentation, Arnold asserted that, overall, the new regulations would be less restrictive than the existing 235-page LCLUR document. Michael Surface, a former senior planner with Laramie County who helped write the LCLUR draft as a temporary employee, said that Laramie County is due for an update to its land-use regulation laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A land-use regulation law is a set of rules established by a government that controls how land can be developed and used, dictating things like building size or type. The first reason is that the existing land-use regulations, while workable, are aged, and they need an update. They need better clarity. They need to be more specific. The redundancy needed to be removed from that. Regulations to be thinned out, if you will. They need to be more responsive for growth, and they needed to be put into the context of Laramie County starting in 2023, he said. Between 2010 and 2020, the populations of Laramie County and Cheyenne both grew by nearly 10%. Surface and Arnold both said the regulations need to be updated. I can't keep change from coming. I can only make sure it's done responsibly, Arnold said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surface also said that an update is needed because, while its important to have an independent spirit, its also important to have regulations in place that respect neighbors and protect the character of a neighborhood. The letter from concerned landowners, cosigned by Bonnie Burlando, Patrick and Julie Formby, Susan Lore and state Rep. Clarence Styvar, R-Cheyenne, outlines several issues they have with the proposed new LCLUR. For example, it opens by stating the new LCLUR has more stringent definitions of what is considered a nuisance (i.e. the number of vehicles that can be stored on a property and whether they are visible from the road). In the Planning and Development Departments response, it said that the nuisance laws are derived directly from state statute and are unchanged from the rules in the existing LCLUR, and that there are actually two fewer nuisance rules in the new document. For each of the complaints in the letter, the county provided a detailed response, either stating that they are misinformed about the new document or explaining why the county is seeking to make this change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arnold said that none of the items in the proposed LCLUR document are final, and the purpose of these public meetings and the public comment periods of the governmental process are to allow county staff to continue to adjust the document to best serve the county and its residents. He said the new LCLUR draft came primarily as a response to countless complaints his department and the county commissioners have received regarding land-use issues in the past several years. One contentious topic at Wednesdays meeting was the impact that these changes could have on businesses. An attendee said that it goes against Wyoming values to bug someone operating a business out of their home if theyre not bothering their neighbors. He produced an example of a hypothetical mother who may sell goods out of her home that would suddenly have the health department in her kitchen conducting inspections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bakery in town has got a set of rules that they got to follow. Suddenly, that mom, who's making a little side income for her little family has to follow all those rules, and she can't do that. She won't be able to do that, he said. Arnold said it is not the intent of the county to stop or disrupt any existing businesses. He speculated that there could be hundreds of unregistered, technically illegal, businesses operating in the county. Though not official in the new LCLUR, Arnold said the county is entertaining the effective grandfathering of all existing businesses that have no active complaints filed against them. Although there are some potential changes to how landowners can use their land to operate businesses, like hours-of-operation restrictions in residential areas, Arnold said that the county wont seek out businesses and instead only respond to complaints they receive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, automotive shops, the guy who wants to work on a car in his accessory building, youre not allowed to do that, Arnold said. If you do tattoos, if you're a nail salon, things like that, just can't do it. So, we didn't really want to single those out. As long as you can keep it within a structure that doesnt impact your neighbors, why does Laramie County really care? Some attendees still expressed concern with the way certain aspects of the new LCLUR are worded, but said they appreciate the county staff making time to hear public comment and make modifications before submitting the document to the county commissioners for approval. Arnold did not say when the final document would be complete, but estimated it could take around a month. The planning and development staff are meeting with engineers on Jan. 30 for detailed discussions about aspects of the proposed LCLUR. Public comment on the document is still being accepted on the countys planning and development webpage. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A now-71-year-old man who killed his 96-year-old father will serve at least six years in prison after killing him during an argument about bald men. In July 2020, Oris Jones killed Richard Jones in the home they shared near Tropicana Avenue and Durango Drive in the southwest valley. Richard Jones suffered multiple contusions to his head and cuts on his left ear during a fight, police said at the time of his sons arrest. Oris Jones told police he was watching a show featuring comedian Steve Harvey when he got riled up after his father began speaking badly about Harvey and bald men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oris Jones pleaded guilty but mentally ill to a charge of voluntary manslaughter with an enhancement since his father was above the age of 60. The plea deal stipulated a sentence of six to 15 years. On Thursday, Clark County District Court Judge Tierra Jones sentenced him to that sentence. He declined to speak during the sentencing when Jones asked him if he had anything to say. Oris Jones attorney added he hoped his client would continue his mental health treatment in prison. Under Nevada law, defense lawyers must prove their client is mentally ill when pleading guilty to the stipulation. The language means a judge could add mental health treatment as part of sentencing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Clark County School District officer faces charges after police said he left his K-9 in a hot car for more than six hours and disabling a safety mechanism, leading to the animals death. James Harris, 54, faces two misdemeanor charges related to leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle and failing to provide proper air, food, shelter, or water to an impounded animal, records said. CCSDPD K-9 Marley, who was 5, died on Nov. 14, 2024, after Harris allegedly left him unattended in a vehicle for more than six hours while he worked at a high school, documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris told investigators he shut the air off for the passenger compartment but left the air on in the rear for K-9 Marley, documents said. He also told investigators he disconnected a heat sensor that automatically rolls down windows, turns on a fan, and sets off an alarm if the temperature gets too warm inside for an animal. Harris did not check on the dog for six-and-a-half hours, documents said. When returning to his car, Harris noted the dog needed medical attention. The temperature that day reached 65 degrees when measured in the shade, records said. A necropsy determined the dog likely died from a heat-related illness, documents said. Harris was certified as a master handler in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Las Vegas Justice Court issued Harris a summons. His arraignment was scheduled for March. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Las Vegas elementary school teacher faces a child abuse charge after police said he pushed a 10-year-old student, documents say. Mateusz Baran, 47, appeared before a Las Vegas Justice Court Judge on Thursday. He was arrested Dec. 16 for child abuse/neglect. Baran was a teacher at Sunrise Acres Elementary School near Stewart Avenue and 28th Street. According to an arrest report, Baran pushed a 10-year-old boy to the ground after he spilled some water. The incident reportedly caused the student to sprain his shoulder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CCSDPD officers interviewed seven students who said they witnessed Baran push the child. They all said Baran instructed the student to clean up the water before pushing him, according to police. Baran is scheduled to return to court on April 17. He has been placed on paid leave per the districts negotiated agreement with the Clark County Education Association. He has been employed with the district since July 2024, according to the Clark County School District. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Donald Trump is in the fifth day of his second term in office, striving to remake the traditional boundaries of Washington by asserting unprecedented executive power. The president also took his first trip of his second administration on Friday, touring areas where politics has clouded the response to deadly disasters. He first traveled to hurricane-battered western North Carolina, where he described FEMA as a very big disappointment. Later Friday, Trump arrived in wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles, and he greeted political rival California Gov. Gavin Newsom with a handshake. Meanwhile, in Washington, the Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nations defense secretary in a dramatic late-night vote. Vice President JD Vance was on hand to cast a tiebreaking vote, unusual in the Senate for Cabinet nominees, who typically win wider support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's the latest: Trumps first week in office signals whats ahead Trumps first week in office isnt over yet, but already it offers signals about how his next four years in the White House may unfold. The early days of his second first week indicate that Trump is still Trump, just emboldened like never before. Hes much more organized this time. And hes betting he can fix everything. The consequences are big, Democratic senator says of Hegseths confirmation Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he doesnt have the indulgence to be disappointed after Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth was narrowly confirmed, but he believes we just have to work harder and to do all we can to ensure that theres no fundamental harms to the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What were seeing between the president and potentially Hegseth are just a complete undermining of the principles that govern our militaries honesty, loyalty, and character, Reed said. Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, said after Hegseth was confirmed that the consequences are big on this one. I find it hard to believe, given the allegations and affidavits that there wont be some issues or challenges with Hegseth, Coons said, referring to reports about his personal behavior. And thats not in the best interest of the United States. Trump departs Los Angeles Speaking briefly to reporters before boarding Air Force One in Los Angeles, Trump said he had a very good talk with California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Newsom have never been shy about criticizing one another. But with fires still burning in Southern California, both men set aside their differences when the governor greeted the president as he arrived at Los Angeles International Airport. Trump now heads to Las Vegas for the night. Hes scheduled to hold a rally there tomorrow. Trump praises Hegseth ahead of confirmation Trump talked up Hegseth moments before Vance cast the tiebreaking vote to confirm him. We have a great secretary of defense and were very happy, Trump said as he boarded Air Force One after surveying fire devastation in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he didnt care that McConnell voted against confirming him because the important thing is winning. McConnell blasts Hegseth, says nominee did not reckon with reality of job After voting no for Hegseth, McConnell issued a scathing statement on his decision to go against one of Trumps nominees. Mere desire to be a change agent is not enough to fill these shoes. And dust on boots fails even to distinguish this nominee from multiple predecessors of the last decade, the Kentucky Republican said. Nor is it a precondition for success. Secretaries with distinguished combat experience and time in the trenches have failed at the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McConnell went on to detail the various international crises plaguing the U.S. from the Indo-Pacific to Eastern Europe. In public comments and testimony before the Armed Services Committee, Mr. Hegseth did not reckon with this reality, he added. Senate confirms Hegseth as defense secretary The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nations defense secretary in a dramatic late-night vote, swatting back questions about his qualifications to lead the Pentagon amid allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women. Vice President JD Vance was on hand to cast a tiebreaking vote, unusual in the Senate for Cabinet nominees, who typically win wider support. Hegseth himself was at the Capitol with his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McConnell votes no on Hegseths nomination Former Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is the third GOP senator to oppose Trumps nominee for defense secretary. McConnell, who is hawkish on U.S. defense and foreign policy, had voted earlier this week to advance the nomination to the floor. Given Republicans three-seat majority, Vice President JD Vance is now expected to come to break the tie vote. It would be his first since being sworn into office Monday. Republican senator on the fence flips for Hegseth Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced that he will be supporting Hegseths nomination, throwing his support behind Trumps nominee at the eleventh hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tillis had concerns about various allegations made against Hegseth up until Friday afternoon, when he sent a series of questions for the nominee to fill out. Once Pete Hegseths nomination was sent to the floor by my colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I conducted my own due diligence, including asking tough questions of Pete and I appreciated his candor and openness in answering them, he said in a post on the social media site X. Hegseth awaits Senate vote outcome in the Capitol As the vote began for his nomination, Hegseth was in a waiting room in the Capitol with his family as Republican senators visited with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unusual for a nominee to be present while his confirmation is being voted on and adds to the drama that has circled Hegseths nomination from the beginning. C-Span shares a historical fact If Vice President Vance is forced to be the tie breaker on the Hegseth nomination, it would be only the second time in U.S. history a vice president would have to break a tie for a nominee. First time? For Trumps education nominee in his first term, Betsy DeVos. Hegseth confirmation vote is underway Trumps pick for defense secretary can lose three Republican votes and still be confirmed on Friday with Vice President JD Vances tiebreaking vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, have already signaled they will vote no. Hegseth works the phones to shore up support before vote His confirmation at stake, Pete Hegseth worked the phones ahead of a Senate vote to shore up support to become the nations defense secretary amid new questions and mounting allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women. The Republican-led Senate was determined to confirm Hegseth to round out Trumps top national security Cabinet officials, prioritizing his commitment to bring a warrior culture to the Pentagon. But last-minute questions among senators raised fresh uncertainty hours before the vote. Vice President JD Vance was expected in the Senate in the likely event he would be needed to break a tie, and Hegseth himself was at the Capitol with his family to watch the vote. Read more about Hegseths confirmation prospects Trump says LA residents who lost homes should be allowed back on their properties immediately He says many homeowners want to bring dumpsters to take care of waste themselves. Mayor Karen Bass says residents should be able to return home within the week, but that keeping people safe is a top priority. Experts have warned that the burning of things like paint, furniture, electronics and cars can release toxic ash and other chemicals that may require safety gear to handle. Resettlement agencies directed to suspend all work under the foreign aid they were receiving The Department of States Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration sent guidance late Friday to resettlement agencies that it works with saying they had to immediately suspend all work under the foreign assistance they were receiving. The new guidance is another implication of the Trump administrations decision to halt foreign aid while it conducts a review. While there was little clarity, the notification suggests resettlement agencies that work with refugees, including Afghans who arrived on special immigrant visas, might have to at least temporarily halt their work. Trump picks chairman of Australian venture capital firm to be ambassador to New Zealand Trump has named Jared Novelly as his pick for ambassador to New Zealand and the Pacific nation of Samoa. Novelly is a highly respected philanthropist and chairman of Crest Sports & Entertainment and Crest Management, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Crest Sports & Entertainment is a Sydney-based venture capital firm and the parent company of the Australian professional mens basketball team the Illawarra Hawks, according to online companies listings. Priorities for the relationship between the U.S. and New Zealand include advancing Pacific priorities, growing bilateral trade and increasing collaboration in important sectors for New Zealand, such as space, New Zealands foreign minister Winston Peters said. Rubio speaks to New Zealand foreign minister New Zealands foreign minister Winston Peters says he has spoken to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and was confident that the New Zealand-United States relationship can go from strength to strength in the years ahead. While New Zealand is geographically remote from the U.S., it is a significant regional player in the South Pacific Ocean, where Washington has increasingly sought to counter the growing influence of China among small island nations. The country is also a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing partnership, along with the U.S., Britain, Canada and Australia. Our strategic partnership matters a great deal to the security and prosperity of New Zealand and the Indo-Pacific region, Peters wrote on X. Trump says the federal government is behind California 100% Trump also says he had a very positive talk with California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Trumps comments came after he took an aerial and walking tour of Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood destroyed by one of the recent fires. He says its impossible to understand the scale of devastation from images. I dont think you can realize how rough it is, how devastating it is, until you see it, Trump said. He hasnt yet mentioned putting conditions on federal aid, as hes previously indicated he would do. Trump pulls back on aid to foreign groups involved in abortion Trump has signed an order reinstating a policy that requires foreign nongovernmental agencies to certify that they dont provide or promote abortion if they receive U.S. federal funds for family planning assistance. The position, sometimes called the Mexico City Policy and referred to by opponents as the global gag rule, was introduced more than 40 years ago. Every GOP president has put it in effect, and every Democrat has rescinded it. Eight years ago, Trumps administration not only brought back the prohibition but also broadened it. Advocates say the policy, coupled with a law that bars U.S. money from paying for abortion around the globe, has a major impact on abortion availability worldwide and blocks aid money from flowing to groups for purposes other than abortion. Trump also signed an executive order Friday requiring the enforcement of the Hyde Amendment, which restricts government funding for most abortions. The amendment was already the law of the land under President Joe Bidens administration, but the Trump administration argued the previous administration disregarded this established, commonsense policy. LA resident who lost her home says its important for leaders to see the wildfires aftermath Leah Berman and her best friend had spent all day sifting through the rubble of their childhood home when Trump arrived for his visit to the Palisades. Berman said it was important for political leaders to come see the aftermath of the disaster in person. Just having more people who make decisions see the reality of things that happen, and literally just driving through the wreckage is all it takes to say, Oh wow, this was a big deal, Berman said. Her friend, Alexandra Zornizer, said it was deplorable for Trump to attach conditions to the aid. I think it was wonderful that Biden wanted to cover 100% of the cost, Zornizer said. I think thats what victims of this fire deserve. Unconditionally. White House weighs in on The Apprentice Oscar nominations The Trump White House has weighed in on the pair of Oscar nominations for The Apprentice, the film that dramatizes the formative years of Trump under the tutelage of attorney Roy Cohn. Lets just say the review was not kind. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether Trump had seen the film and told reporters aboard Air Force One: That movie is trash and it wouldnt be worth the presidents time to watch it. It belongs in a dumpster fire. It does not deserve Oscars. Lots of fake news in that movie. A look at false and misleading claims made by Trump during his first week Trump has wasted no time setting a new agenda, relying on false and misleading information to support several of his initiatives. He told attendees at the World Economic in Davos he had a massive mandate from the American people because he had millions of votes. While the electoral vote was 312 for Trump and 226 for former Vice President Kamala Harris, he won the popular vote by only about 2.3 million votes, 49.9% to 48.4%. Pardoning Jan. 6 rioters, he falsely claimed there were only a few minor incidents with police. He has also continued to greatly inflate the number of people who entered the country illegally during President Joe Bidens administration, and has misrepresented water issues in California while discussing recent wildfires. Read more about false or misleading claims made by Trump this week Newsom and Trump exchange kind words before touring Los Angeles wildfire damage Newsom says California will need the federal governments help and support. I have all the expectations were going to be able to work together, Newsom said. Trump responded: Were going to get it fixed. It might seem like odd messaging for the two rivals. But its similar to the approach Newsom took toward Trump during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic Newsom and Trump greet each other with a handshake Trump says he appreciates the California governor greeting him on the tarmac in Los Angeles. Its not clear if the Democratic governor will join Trump to tour a fire-ravaged neighborhood or for a fire-related briefing. Hes not listed as a participant in those events. Newsoms office says the governor is committed to advocating for the needs of Californians in partnership with the federal administration. Newsom has a fine political tightrope to walk. Hes pushed back against some of Trumps criticism of the states handling of the wildfires but also needs the federal government to approve wildfire assistance. One Pacific Palisades resident who lost homes in LA fires says he is unfazed by Trumps threat to withhold federal aid Ron Flury, who has lived in the Pacific Palisades for 25 years, said he was glad Trump was in office because at least something will happen now. Flury was driving through the neighborhood Friday and surveying the remnants of the four homes he lost, two of which were occupied by him and his daughter. His only surviving property is a partially built home that recently resumed construction. Im hoping he will help us build back, and I think it will be better than ever but will take awhile, Flury said. Hes unfazed by Trumps threat to withhold federal aid unless California changes its water policy in fact, he supports it. Someone needs to force (Newsom) to actually follow through and do the things he should be doing, Flury said. And thats what Trump is doing, its a negotiation point. Supreme Court will weigh approval for US 1st publicly funded religious charter school, in Oklahoma The Supreme Court agreed Friday to take on a new culture war dispute: whether the nations first publicly funded religious charter school should be allowed to open in Oklahoma. The justices said they would review an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision that invalidated a state boards approval of an application by the Catholic Church in Oklahoma to open a charter school. The conservative-dominated high court has issued several decisions in recent years signaling a willingness to allow public funds to flow to religious entities. At the same time, conservative-led states have sought to insert religion into public schools, including Louisianas requirement that the Ten Commandments be posted in classrooms. Rubio tells Chinese FM the US will put America first in relations with China Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told Chinas foreign minister that the Trump administration will put U.S. interests and the American people first in its relationship and competition with China. It was the first phone call Rubio has had with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi since Rubio took office. In the call, Rubio also expressed serious concern over Chinas coercive actions against Taiwan and in the South China Sea. Earlier Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry had issued its own description of the call, saying that Wang had told Rubio the two sides should push for the steady, healthy and sustainable development of the China-U.S. relations and find the correct way for the two countries to cope with each other. Rubio, according to the Chinese foreign ministry, told Wang the U.S. doesnt support Taiwan independence but hopes the issue can be peacefully solved in a way acceptable to both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The U.S. statement made no mention of Rubio saying that. Indiana man arrested on charges he threatened Trump on TikTok An Indiana man accused of using TikTok to urge attacks on the government and death to Trump has been arrested. The FBI said 23-year-old Douglas Thrams of Goshen made a series of threats in videos posted to the social media site this week. In one TikTok video, Thrams said Trump needed to be killed and this time dont ... miss, an FBI agent wrote in a court filing. He is charged with using interstate commerce to make threats. Thrams is in custody awaiting an appearance Monday in federal court in South Bend. He does not have an attorney yet. Read more about the charges Five economic forces that could shape the first year of Trumps presidency Like most presidents, Trump faces an economy that seldom bends to political ambitions. The Republican has promised strong growth, high tariffs, income tax cuts and booming oilfields. But despite the solid job market and low 4.1% unemployment rate, he has to contend with headwinds like inflation, a budget deficit, increased tensions over trade, the fallout from his plans to curtail immigration and a persistent wealth gap. Each of these issues could help to shape how voters feel about a president they returned to the White House with the specific goal of fixing the economy. Read more about the economic headwinds Senate confirmation vote for Hegseth set for Friday night The Senate is muscling Pete Hegseths nomination as defense secretary toward confirmation. The Republican senators are prioritizing the former Fox News host and combat veterans vow to create a warrior culture at the Pentagon over allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women. Votes are expected by Friday evening. Read more about the Hegseth vote Justice Department curtails prosecutions for blocking reproductive health care facilities President Donald Trumps new Justice Department leadership is curtailing prosecutions against people accused of blocking reproductive health care facilities, calling the cases an example of the weaponization of law enforcement. Justice Department chief of staff Chad Mizelle said in a memo obtained Friday by The Associated Press that prosecutions and civil actions under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act or FACE Act will now be permitted only in extraordinary circumstances or in cases presenting significant aggravating factors. Mizelle also ordered the immediate dismissal of three FACE Act cases related to 2021 blockades of clinics in Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Ohio. One man was accused of obtaining illegal access to a secure patient space at a Planned Parenthood facility in Philadelphia without staff permission or knowledge and barricading himself in a restroom, according to court papers. Putin echoes Trumps claim that conflict in Ukraine could have been avoided had he been in office Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday echoed U.S. President Donald Trumps claim the conflict in Ukraine could have been prevented had he been in the White House in 2022. He also said Moscow is ready for talks with the U.S. on a broad range of issues. In an interview with Russian state television, Putin praised Trump as a clever and pragmatic man who is focused on U.S. interests. We always had a business-like, pragmatic but also trusting relationship with the current U.S. president, Putin said. I couldnt disagree with him that if he had been president, if they hadnt stolen victory from him in 2020, the crisis that emerged in Ukraine in 2022 could have been avoided. Putins statement was his bluntest endorsement yet of Trumps refusal to accept his defeat in the 2020 election. Trump also has said repeatedly he wouldnt have allowed the conflict to start if hed been in office, even though he was president as fighting grew in the east of the country between Kyivs forces and separatists aligned with Moscow, ahead of Putin sending in tens of thousands of troops in 2022. Read more about Russia and Trump Trump administration has withdrawn a federal rule which would have phased out menthol cigarettes The cigarettes are disproportionately used by young and minority smokers. The action was widely expected by anti-smoking advocates, whove spent years pushing for a ban on menthol, the only flavor still allowed in cigarettes. Tobacco companies have typically faced lighter regulation under Republican administrations. The Food and Drug Administration spent years studying the issue and concluded menthols cooling sensation makes it easier to start and harder to quit cigarettes. The FDA was widely expected to finalize the regulation last year, but President Joe Bidens White House delayed its release, kicking a potential political controversy out past the election. At the time, both Biden and Trump were aggressively courting Black voters in swing states. The persistence of menthol has long infuriated health experts, whove been pushing for a ban since the FDA gained authority over tobacco products in 2009. Vice President JD Vance celebrated Trumps previous actions on abortion Speaking at the March for Life in Washington, Vance said the president delivered on his promise of ending Roe, appointed hundreds of anti-abortion judges and pardoned anti-abortion activists he says were unjustly imprisoned. Our country faces the return of the most pro-family, most pro-life American president of our lifetimes, Vance told the crowd of protesters who cheered and chanted JD as he took the stage. President Trump speaks to March for Life crowd in a video address In the video address to March for Life crowds, Trump vowed we will again stand proudly for families and for life in his second term and once again boasted about nominating three Supreme Court justices who helped strike down Roe v. Wade. I was so proud to be a participant, he said. Six courageous justices of the Supreme Court of the United States returned the issue to the state legislatures and to the people where it belongs. Crowds cheered as Trump celebrated pardoning anti-abortion activists convicted of blockading abortion clinic entrances and thanked protesters for gathering at March for Life to stand up for precious little babies who cant stand up for themselves. Thank you for turning out once again to show your extraordinary love and compassion for the unborn, he said. Target is ending its DEI goals as workplace inclusion gets a strong opponent in the White House Discount store chain Target said Friday it would join rival Walmart and a number of other prominent American brands in scaling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that have come under attack from conservative activists and, as of this week, the White House. The Minneapolis-based retailer said the changes to its Belonging at the Bulleye strategy would include ending a program it established to help Black employees build meaningful careers, improve the experience of Black shoppers and to promote Black-owned businesses following the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. Target, which operates nearly 2,000 stores nationwide and employs more than 400,000 people, said it also would conclude the diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, goals it previously set in three-year cycles. The goals included hiring and promoting more women and members of racial minority groups, and recruiting more diverse suppliers, including businesses owned by people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, veterans and people with disabilities. Read more about Target ending its DEI goals Ontario leader will call election to fight Trumps threatened tariffs The leader of Ontario, Canadas most populous province, said Friday that he would call an early election, because he says he needs a mandate to fight President Trumps threatened tariffs. Premier Doug Ford of the Progressive Conservative Party said that he planned to make the announcement on Wednesday. The move would send Ontarians to the polls on Feb. 27, more than a year before the June 2026 fixed election date. Ford already has a large majority government. Ford, who is the equivalent of a U.S. state governor, said that Ontario could lose upwards of 500,000 jobs should Trump follow through on his 25% tariff threat. Read more about how Ontario is responding to Trumps proposed tariffs Defense Department is expected to put out its own temporary social media ban Friday, U.S. officials say The 10-day ban, however, carves out exceptions for military bases around the world that rely on social media posts to inform them of security incidents, school matters and normal base activities. Other federal agencies are doing the same thing, with guidance from the Trump administration suggesting that federal agencies shouldnt put out information unless its been approved by the new leadership. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal planning. Lolita C. Baldor You cant have a security detail for the rest of your life because you worked for government President Donald Trump says he wont feel partially responsible if harm befalls former government officials whose security details were cut by his administration after he took office this week. Trump revoked the security detail of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who advised Trump on the COVID-19 pandemic but turned critical of Trump once he tried to undermine public health guidance. He faced regular threats to his life and has received federal protection for years, but it was ended this week according to a person familiar with the matter. They all made a lot of money, they can hire their own security too, Trump told reporters in North Carolina. Trump earlier this week revoked protection details for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his top aide, Brian Hook, as well his own former national security adviser John Bolton, who have faced threats from Iran since they took hardline stances on the Islamic Republic during Trumps first administration. All three have fallen out with Trump in the years since he left office. Their security details had been repeatedly renewed by the Biden administration because of credible and ongoing threats from Iran. You cant have a security detail for the rest of your life because you worked for government, Trump said. Asheville artist, who lost business in Hurricane Helene, wary about Trumps visit Sarah Wells Rolland, co-owner of The Village Potters Clay Center in Ashevilles now-destroyed River Arts District, said shes seriously concerned about her citys future recovery from Hurricane Helene under President Donald Trumps administration. Rolland noted Ashevilles Democratic lean as a reason Trump may not prioritize its rebuilding process. Im not overly optimistic that the Trump administration is going to do anything long-term, Rolland said Friday ahead of Trumps visit to the area. Frankly, Ill tell you, I think him coming today is to look presidential. Rolland lost hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment when her ceramics centers roofing caved and water rose 26 feet inside her facility during Helene. Shes operated a temporary clay supply site for the past few months, and Rolland said shes hoping to reopen the full center which had classes and galleries at a new location this summer. Rollands interactions with Federal Emergency Management Agency workers in the storms aftermath were wonderful, she said. Criticism against the agency has been largely unwarranted, she said, because workers were in the region almost on day one. Anti-abortion protesters gather for the annual March for Life in Washington Despite frigid weather, thousands of anti-abortion protesters gathered to celebrate a new Republican trifecta in the presidency and both chambers of Congress as they returned to the nations capital Friday for the annual March for Life. A festive atmosphere marked the early part of the march, as activists gathered with multicolored hats and signs declaring Life is our revolution. President Donald Trump is expected to address the crowd in a pre-recorded video as the gathering marks the first time that participants have been to the nations capital with him as the sitting president since the Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 decision, Roe v. Wade, that declared there was a constitutional right to an abortion. Vice President JD Vance is slated to speak in person. Kristen Cooper, 21, was among several thousand Students for Life America members attending. She said she was especially excited to be at the march with pro-life Republicans in the White House. She said this march was her fourth but the first with a Republican administration. Its surreal actually, she said. Federal agencies begin removing DEI guidance from websites in Trump crackdown Several federal agencies have begun removing resources for underrepresented Americans from their webpages following President Trumps executive order cracking down on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Agencies also have been cancelling training and service contacts to comply with the order from Trump, who vowed to dismantle diversity programs across the federal government. He has called for all DEI staff to be put on paid leave and eventually be laid off. Documents on DEI have been removed from websites at agencies including the Office of Personnel Management, State Department and Department of Homeland Security. Web addresses that once led to DEI pages now display Page Not Found 404 messages or notes above archived material explaining the change. Read more about the impact of Trumps DEI executive order Trump expands use of fast-track deportation, which critics say is prone to mistakes The Trump administration announced Friday that it is expanding a fast-track deportation authority nationwide, allowing immigration officers to deport migrants without appearing before a judge. The administration said in a notice in the Federal Register on Friday that it is expanding the use of expedited removal authority so it can be used across the country. The effect of this change will be to enhance national security and public safety while reducing government costs by facilitating prompt immigration determinations, the administration said. Read more about expedited removal authority Trump says hes considering getting rid of FEMA as he visits hurricane-damaged North Carolina Speaking to reporters Friday at Asheville Regional Airport where he was meeting with supporters and local officials about the recovery from last years Hurricane Helene, Trump says FEMA has been a very big disappointment. Trump said of the agency: Its very bureaucratic. And its very slow. Other than that, were very happy with them. He did not offer clear details on what he would replace it with, indicated he wants to move more of the disaster management responsibility to the states. That was a key priority of the conservative Project 2025 written by Trumps supporters, including some whove since joined his administration. A governor can handle something very quickly, Trump said. Trump says OPEC+ can end the bloodshed in Ukraine by cutting oil prices The president continued to make the case that reducing oil revenue is the key finding an endgame in Russian President Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine. Trump in his first days in office has centered his focus on the OPEC+ alliance of oil exporting countries, making the case that it has kept the price of oil too high for much of the nearly three-year war. Oil revenue is the engine driving the Russian economy. One way to stop it quickly is for OPEC to stop making so much money. And they drop the price of oil because they have it nice and high, Trump told reporters during a visit to Western North Carolina on Friday. And if you have it high, then that war is not going to end so easily. So, OPEC ought to get on the ball and drop the price of oil. And that war will stop right away. Trump continues to criticize FEMA President Trump landed in North Carolina to tour lingering damage from Hurricane Helene and said he would like to see states take care of disasters and that he was reviewing the whole concept of FEMA the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which hes criticized. Trump, speaking to reporters after he landed near Asheville, North Carolina, said it would be faster to let states respond to disasters. Let the state take care of the tornadoes and the hurricanes and all of the other things that happen, Trump told reporters. ___ This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Pete Hegseth's last name in the headline. MAGA firebrand Lauren Boebert stormed into a womens restroom in the Capitol to get a guy removed by security on Thursday. But the conservative Trump loyalist ended up apologizing after it turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. Boebert was overheard on the House floor telling members that she had discovered Delaware Democrat Sarah McBride in the womens bathroom, according to the Daily Beast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McBride, the first transgender member of Congress, is not permitted to use the womens bathrooms after Speaker Mike Johnson renewed a ban on transgender people using single-sex bathrooms. Boebert told other members that when she thought she saw McBride walking into the bathroom, she said, You shouldnt be here, an anonymous Republican lawmaker told the outlet. Lauren Boebert stormed out of the womens bathroom to complain that she had seen a guy in there (REUTERS) But the Colorado congresswoman then realized the person in the bathroom was not McBride. I overheard Boebert say she went to apologize, the lawmaker added. Bloomberg Congress reporter Billy House also witnessed the incident and described Boebert bursting out of the womens bathroom complaining to security personnel stationed in the nearby Speakers Lobby of "a guy" inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House said he was intrigued and saw four other people leave the bathroom after Boebert. All women, he noted in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). Within minutes, however, Boebert was storming back from the House floor into the restroom reinforced by Rep. Nancy Mace in tow. But alas, just seconds after this duo entered the bathroom, they come back out and went back quietly to the floor, House said. Boebert admitted she made an error regarding a mistaken identity in a statement to the Daily Beast. I apologized, learned a lesson, and it wont happen again, Boebert said. McBride confirmed to the outlet that she was not confronted by Boebert and added that she stands by her commitment to comply with the speakers bathroom policy. South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace has been an outspoken critic of equal trans access to facilities and pushed House Republicans to keep transgender people out of bathrooms at the Capitol matching their gender identity. LAURINBURG, N.C. (WBTW) A four-month-long manhunt came to an end early Friday when authorities in Virginia arrested a man accused of gunning down a Waffle House employee in Laurinburg. Florwer Carlin Lizano was captured in Portsmouth, Virginia, according to Laurinburg police. He will be extradited to North Carolina to face a first-degree murder charge in the killing of Burlie Dawson Locklear on Sept. 13 at the restaurant on Scotland Crossing Drive. Police did not immediately provide any additional information about the arrest but thanked members of the public for tips, Scotland Crimestoppers, Virginia Crimestoppers, U.S. Marshals, the Virginia State Police and Portsmouth, Virginia, police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting happened at about 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 13. Police said Locklears killer entered the business and ordered food. While the food was being prepared, he became agitated and verbally abusive toward employees. Once the food was provided, police said the suspect walked toward the parking lot, turned and fired two shots in the direction of the business, hitting Locklear. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. 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 WBTW. NAVASOTA, Texas (FOX 44) FOX 44 News was in Navasota on Friday morning for the law enforcement procession for Sgt. Mark Butler. You can watch the procession in the video above. The procession has since arrived in College Station, and you can watch our coverage 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 KWKT - FOX 44. A Washington state congresswoman is urging Defense Health Agency officials to quickly find solutions to problems plaguing the TriWest Healthcare Alliance contract transition, citing significant feedback from dozens of her military constituents in the Tricare West Region. Rep. Marilyn Strickland, D-Wash., said beneficiaries are experiencing unending delays in reaching TriWest customer service, inoperable or overloaded websites unable to process payments, and an incomplete network of providers. The combined effect of this mismanagement has led to canceled referrals, appointments, and even surgeries. Ultimately, TriWests lack of preparedness, and the Defense Health Agencys lack of contract oversight are actively harming military readiness and the lives of our service members, families and retirees, Strickland wrote in a Friday letter addressed to Army Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland, Defense Health Agency director, and Dr. David J. Smith, acting principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, Strickland, whose district includes Joint Base Lewis-McChord, said she is concerned about reports that the network of health care providers covered by TriWest is significantly smaller than what was offered under the previous contractor, Health Net Federal Services. Despite a year preparing for this change, providers report communications failures with TriWest and a lack of information on how to apply under the new network, Strickland said. Military's Tricare transition to TriWest a 'fiasco,' some say Defense Health Agency officials had not responded to Stricklands letter by the time of this reports publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in a response to questions from Military Times about a number of problems with the transition earlier this week, DHA spokeswoman Brenda Campbell acknowledged DHA was aware of issues related to the contract switch. We are working hand in hand with our managed care support contractor to address these, Campbell said. Many of the reported issues with the contract switch stem from certain beneficiaries who must update their payment information with TriWest, Military Times previously reported. Beneficiaries who make payments by electronic funds transfer, credit card or debit card are required to provide that payment information to TriWest, but many have been unable to access the web portal to do so, with some reporting waiting times of over an hour. TriWest officials have told Military Times they are working to increase staffing to meet the demands. This week, Tricare officials announced a payment update extension until Feb. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also in her letter, Strickland asked whether TriWest has a timeline for when it expects its website to be fully functional and its call centers sufficiently staffed. She also inquired about the number of West Region beneficiaries whose network primary care manager changed due to the transition, the timeline for provider credentialing and DHAs and TriWests respective plans to ensure continuity of care for patients while a new provider network is built. Additionally, Strickland sought details on whether DHA is considering any temporary policies, such as a specialty care referral waiver, to facilitate access to care during the transition. Jan. 23A senior official in the state's budget office is under fire for deliberately withholding an annual report to lawmakers about the state's medical and adult use cannabis program in violation of state law. The report was due last February and is about a year overdue. But the fact that it was never submitted came to light last week during an orientation for lawmakers serving on the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, which oversees the state's cannabis program. After the disclosure by the budget office official, a Republican state representative formally requested an investigation by the Legislature's Government Oversight Committee, which meets on Friday. And Democratic chairs of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee issued a separate letter requesting that the administration release the report by close of business on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterans committee co-chairs Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, and Rep. Laura Supica, D-Bangor, said in their Jan. 22 letter that the annual reports are an important tool in their roles as policymakers and overseers of the program. "The failure of your office to provide this report to the committee in a timely manner has limited the oversight capacity of this committee as provided in statute," they wrote. Rep. David Boyer, R-Poland, requested an investigation by the Government Oversight Committee, a powerful group also led by Hickman that has subpoena power. Boyer said he's requesting the investigation for the sake of accountability and to determine whether this is a systemic issue with the state official. "It's deeply troublesome to have this person, who interfaces with scores of lawmakers over seven committees, withhold critical policymaking information during legislative negotiations," Boyer said. "We would like to know if the commissioner knew about the report being withheld and how this will be addressed with the employee. If this isn't a fireable offense, then what is?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter Schleck, director of the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability, which conducts investigations on behalf of the oversight committee, said he will seek guidance from the committee Friday. A majority vote of the 12-member committee is needed to launch an investigation. Boyer is referring to Anya Trundy, the chief of legislative and strategic operations at the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, which houses the Office of Cannabis Policy. Financial services is led by Commissioner Kirsten Figueroa. Financial services spokesperson Sharon Huntley said in a written statement Thursday that Trundy would provide the report to the veterans affairs committee. "She understands the concerns expressed in the letter from the committee chairs, and she intends to respond to the letter and to provide the 2023 report in draft form, as requested," Huntley said. "It is important to her that she maintains a positive and constructive working relationship with the committee, and she looks forward to engaging with the committee to ensure that happens well into the future." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Wednesday, Trundy admitted to lawmakers that she withheld the report, saying, "I take responsibility for that." Trundy said she worried that report would "add to the flames" of a contentious debate already taking place on cannabis policy, though she did not provide details about what specific information may have justified that concern. She said the annual reports are "very factual data-based." That debate at the time was over LD 40, a bill that made sweeping changes to the state's cannabis industry and was the product of extensive negotiations among stakeholders. The 85-page bill aimed to reduce stigma surrounding the industry and align regulations more closely with those governing the alcohol industry. "We had a really difficult legislative session last year in this committee," Trundy said last week. "It was filled with a lot of acrimony, and that report is due in the middle of it. And when the draft came to me from the OCP, I put it on my desk, and I realized it needed some editing and that likely releasing that report would throw another log on the fire, and I didn't want to throw another log on the fire. What I really wanted to do is have a tone change. And at the end of the session we ended on a great note." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trundy could not be reached through a spokesperson on Thursday to further explain her concerns. And Huntley did not explain those concerns in her written statement. Supica said in an interview that Trundy's comments about the debate "rang true" to her last week and that she doesn't think this is part of any pattern. "I respected her for telling the truth in that moment, rather than coming up with excuses," Supica said. "I don't think she had bad intentions in doing it, but in the end we need the report." Copy the Story Link So what are Utahs public colleges or universities? Are they places to acquire focused training and skills that transition directly to industry? Are they places to develop broad perspectives and durable, flexible skills designed to serve graduates across evolving economies and workplaces? Or both? Those were the questions both fundamental and philosophical being bounced about Thursday at the Legislative Higher Education Appropriation Subcommittee meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The significance of Thursdays gathering went beyond mere debates about higher educations purposes and definitions. It marked the first opportunity for lawmakers during the 2025 Utah legislative session to engage, indirectly, with House Bill 1 and House Bill 265 the so-called Budget Cut/Reallocation bills designed to improve resource allocation within Utahs higher education institutions. HB1 outlines higher education appropriations. HB265, meanwhile, calls for a system-guided criteria system to identify college programs with a high return of investment followed by periodic assessments to ensure alignment with workforce needs, opportunities and objectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our universities mean more to us than just occupational optimization and efficiency rates. Sen. Kathleen Riebe, D-Cottonwood Heights The Utah System of Higher Education would be charged with playing a central role in managing that criteria working closely with institution presidents as they go through the reallocation processes and manage budget cuts. Amanda Covington, who chairs the Utah Board of Higher Education, told the subcommittee Thursday that the states higher education system is committed to increasing its value to students and taxpayers. We take that stewardship very seriously, Covington said. We believe that ensuring a high return on investment for students and for the state of Utah is one of the most fundamental tenets of demonstrating value. So we are deploying several strategies that we can do to ensure those high returns. Determining which degrees and certificates best align with the workforce and industry demand is central to those strategies, she added. Utah System of Higher Education Commissioner Geoffrey Landward talks with Rep. Mark Strong, R-Bluffdale, after a meeting with the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee in the Senate Building in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Utahs commissioner of higher education, Geoffrey Landward, said lawmakers and higher education leaders share similar approaches to becoming more strategic and thoughtful about investing money in higher education. And to what that investment gives the students who are attending our institutions, the researchers who are performing their work at our institutions, and, most importantly, the state of Utah and the taxpayers who support our institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed process focuses on establishing criteria for directing and in some cases reallocating state-provided funds to ensure the optimal return of investment for students, local industry and taxpayers. Reallocation decisions will be made by institution presidents tasked with examining their respective programs, courses and administrative expenditures, said Landward. Some programs would likely be eliminated or restructured if they are deemed low-value because of low enrollment or poor employment outcomes. There is not one single criteria, Landward added, that is in itself determinative of decisions. Simply because a program has, say, low enrollment doesnt automatically mean that its not a high-value program. Lawmakers have entrusted the school presidents and the states higher education leadership with implementing the criteria and reallocations process, said Landward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursdays meeting presented lawmakers with only the beginnings of what the criteria/allocation process would look like. But we wanted to show you the level of sophistication of this data-informed approach, he said. Such data will also benefit students charting their own educational paths at a moment when the value of higher education is being questioned, both nationally and locally. Angie Stallings, Utah System of Higher Education deputy commissioner and chief operating officer, speaks during a meeting with the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee about higher education budget in the Senate Building in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News This kind of information is critical to helping students understand that value and to help them make informed decisions about the programs that they are enrolling in, the occupations that they are looking at, and the benefits that those decisions will make for them longterm, he said. The future of higher education in Utah will be a defining element of the 2024 legislative session. So expect to see reallocation/budget cuts to be high on the discussion-list for the higher education legislative committees in the coming days. Defending liberal education studies Several lawmakers on Thursday expressed discomfort with the proposed reallocation process and shared worries that traditional liberal education programs are being devalued in Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. John D. Johnson, R-North Ogden, said he appreciates legislative efforts to prepare students for the workforce. But I also am a little bit concerned that were blurring the distinction between a technical college and a university, and what makes a university different? Higher education, he added, helps build a better citizenry and thinking individuals with the skills to lead. Were moving into an era where AI is becoming the vehicle for the cogs in the wheel, said Johnson, an emeritus college professor. Whos going to train the great leaders of tomorrow? Who is going to train the CEOs of these new companies? Whos going to train the innovators? When do we get back to rigor at the universities? Sen. Kathleen A. Riebe, D-Salt Lake City, talks with Geoffrey Landward, Utah System of Higher Education commissioner, after a meeting with the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee about the higher education budget in the Senate Building in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Another professional educator serving on the appropriations subcommittee, Sen. Kathleen Riebe, D-Cottonwood Heights, also defended liberal arts programs that could be in jeopardy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jobs provide food and shelter, she said. But our ideas connect us, and those ideas are important. Riebe said she is disheartened by higher-ed budget cut conversations. Our universities mean more to us than just occupational optimization and efficiency rates. A pharmacist, Sen. Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City, acknowledged the value of high-paying, high-demand jobs such as those found in the health care industry. But he also called for balance when making decisions regarding higher education restructuring and reallocations. Todays graduates need to be equipped with job-specific technical skills. But lets make sure they also have some other skills that go along with that profession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vickers noted that durable skills such as critical writing, critical thinking and effectively interacting with others are by-products of a broad liberal education. Rep. Karen Peterson, R-Clinton, the House subcommittee chair and the chief sponsor of HB265, said her bill is not an attack on liberal arts studies. Her own degrees, she said, are in the liberal arts and they have served her well. But the economic value of different programs grows or diminishes over time, she said. The reallocation process being debated by lawmakers is designed to best connect students with programs that align with both their intellectual passions and future job opportunities. The call for college program readjustments and budget reallocations, said Peterson, is really about making every dollar count in our system and making opportunities count for our students in a way that provides them both general and specific education. Sen. Ann Millner, R-Ogden, asks a question about the higher education budget during a meeting with the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee in the Senate Building in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Advertisement Advertisement HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Pennsylvania owns a lot of property. A lot isnt being used, and many buildings arent occupied, while taxpayers continue to foot the bill for water, heat, and security. That adds up to millions a year and lawmakers are wondering: why are the lights on when nobodys home? Many of these properties have stayed vacant for quite awhile at a significant cost to the taxpayer, Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill), said at a Senate hearing on buildings the state owns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Dozens, like the Harrisburg State Hospital and the Hamburg Center, cost $162 Million over ten years, Argall estimates. The state bureaucracy, I mean, its embarrassing, Argall told abc27 News. Millions to maintain them and protect them, then we tear them down. The loss to the taxpayer is nothing short of atrocious, he added. We just want to see the state be good stewards of the taxpayer dollar, Senator Chris Gebhard (R-Lebanon/Berks/Lancaster) said. And, in this case, it certainly isnt happening. We will look at more ways to cut down the time of the process, Catherine Califano, deputy secretary of the Department of General Services, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The process is overseen by DGS. Site surveys, environmental impact studies, appraisals, and sign off from lawmakers and agencies are part of the problem, the agency says. Lots of red tape that takes time. Big institutions sometimes get siloed and everyone operates in their own lane, Califano said. And we are trying to break down the silos to increase communication and collaboration. We could have small apartments or assisted living, Linda Miller, president of the White Haven Chamber of Commerce, said, referring to the now-vacant White Haven Center. I know theres a swimming pool there. Love to see a theater. She points to the cost of lost opportunity. They want vacant buildings sold and developed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania university renews partnership with Milton Hershey School Several testified DGS is not only slow but uncooperative and not transparent. The department vowed to do better. Carrying extra property, whether unused office space or large parcels, is not in anyones best interest, Califano said. And we can work through that. DGS said its prioritizing getting several vacant properties off the books this year. Senators are skeptical. Its like, why is it taking so long, Gebhard said. And their answers are never really that satisfying, so those things get frustrating for us. As for transparency, the Department of General Services promises to improve that. Get the latest Pennsylvania politics and election news with abc27 newsletters! It has an interactive map on its website showing exactly where these properties are and what their status is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) As more dangerous wildfires threaten Southern California, lawmakers say reforms to forest management are desperately needed, and the country cannot wait any longer. Number one, the stakes are too high. And number two, what were doing is not working, said Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.). Westerman sponsored the Fix Our Forests Act. The bill aims to restore forest health, increase resiliency to devastating wildfires, and protect at-risk communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Los Angeles wildfires have caused unimaginable damage and will likely become the costliest in American history, Westerman said. The organization, Defenders of Wildlife, opposes the bill. I think that its disingenuous to use this logging bill to push for anti-environmental provisions and to gut the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, said Chris Westfall, a representative of the group. While the legislation focuses on prevention, some lawmakers are questioning the lack of federal funding to help communities recover. We can remember that were all fellow Americans, and we need to have each others back in these moments, said Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huffman also criticized the bill for not including aid money and said it harms the environment. Our Democratic bills do not pair these good provisions unnecessarily with harmful environmental rollbacks, Huffman said. President Trump, a longtime critic of how California manages its land, plans to visit the devastated area on Friday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. New lawmakers had many questions about the proposed new mens prison during Thursdays budget presentation by the Department of Corrections at the legislatures Joint Committee on Appropriations meetings. Those new lawmakers are committee members. DOC Secretary Kellie Wasko answered them but didnt have time to respond to all of the questions from the people who testified. Wasko agreed with committee co-chair Republican Rep. Mike Derby to respond to the remaining questions via email. The planned mens prison is in Lincoln County between Harrisburg and Canton. It will have capacity for about 1,500 offenders. It would replace the 144-year-old facility called the Hill in Sioux Falls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursdays committee meeting included an update on the prison and also a budget request presentation from the DOC. House Bill 1025 is the bill that would authorize the final funding and construction of the mens prison. The bill will first go to the House State Affairs committee as it is a policy committee, Derby said. Weve directed our committee chairs to send anything that impacts the budget to appropriations with recommendations, Derby said. We are asking them not to kill bills but to send bills with due pass, do not pass no recommendation or they can amendment. The House State Affairs actions send a signal back to the House and Senate appropriations committee and the joint appropriations committee on the policy side of it, Derby said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New lawmaker Republican Sen. Mykala Voita from Bonesteel said she was having trouble with why the new womens prison under construction in Rapid City cost much less than the proposed new mens prison, even if the cost per inmate is compared. The womens prison has a budget of $87.1 million while the guaranteed maximum price of the mens prison is $825 million. UPDATE: No explosives found at prison scene Its not an apples-to-apples comparison, Wasko said. The facility in Rapid City is a 300-bed minimum security prison, Wasko said. Much of the facility is dormitory-style, Wasko said. The planned mens prison is multiple-class facility with seven pods, one of which will be for secured custody or what is considered maximum custody, Wasko said. The new facility would have a capacity of about 1,500 offenders most of which would be medium security, which costs more to construct than a minimum security facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What money will be needed to upgrade existing facilities while a new prison is being built, was one question from new lawmaker Republican Rep. Terri Jorgenson of Rapid City. We dont plan on any further renovations, Wasko said. The DOC is renovating the plumbing at Yankton and has been told that will make it sustainable for 20 more years. It doesnt make fiscal sense to renovate the outdated main prison, the Hill, at Sioux Falls, Wasko said. Any renovations at the Hill in Sioux Falls will not garner us any additional bed space we need, Wasko said. Committee member Republican Sen. Larry Zickmund of Sioux Falls said Wasko is exactly correct. It doesnt make sense to renovate facilities so badly in need of repair, and as Wasko said, the DOC will make the facilities work while a new facility is under construction, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New lawmaker Republican Sen. Glen Vilhauer of Watertown asked how much experience the contractor/consultants working on the project had. DOC finance officer Brittni Skipper said J.E. Dunn had extensive experience with prison projects. Zickman said Dunn and Henry Carlson both had experience. Republican Rep. Taffy Howard of Rapid City, who is returning to the Legislature this year, and new lawmaker Democrat Rep. Erik Muckey of Sioux Falls had questions or comments about the property tax values of property near the new mens prison. Howard said property values near the new prison will decline. Does the state or DOC do anything to compensate those property owners, she asked. Muckey followed up with a comment that he lives closest to the existing prison and the DOC has been good neighbors, but he too said there is value in discussing property values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know the validity of that, Wasko said prisons reducing nearby property values. The DOC does not deal with that topic, she said. Its the DOCs job to be the best possible neighbor it can be, Wasko said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. (Photo via Getty Images) A Senate subcommittee gave initial approval Thursday to a new bill that would require Iowa schools human growth and development and health classes include fetal development videos and graphics. Senate Study Bill 1028 is similar to legislation discussed in the 2024 legislative session to require schools include videos and depictions of development of a fetus from fertilization to birth in their curriculum for grades 7 through 12, with a specific reference to the Meet Baby Olivia video produced by the anti-abortion group Live Action. While the Senate bill does not include a reference to this specific video, it does require schools show ultrasound video and computer-generated rendering or animations that depicts the humanity of the unborn child by showing prenatal human development, starting at fertilization, to students in grades 1 through 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the speakers at the subcommittee meeting argued the legislation was politically motivated. Jennifer Decook, a mother of two children, said the proposal would not ensure children are taught accurate information about fetal development. Im the parent of two sons in West Des Moines schools, Decook said. I am also someone who has had multiple abortions that have saved my life and allowed me to be the loving parent that I am today. This bill is not science-based, these videos are not science-based. We have an obligation to teach our children the truth. We have an obligation to teach them science. This bill does not preserve that obligation. Multiple speakers pointed out discrepancies between information stated in the Meet Baby Olivia video and information presented by medical organizations like the College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists on subjects like when a fetal heartbeat becomes detectable or at what point a fetus can survive outside the womb. But Amber Williams with Inspired Life and other proponents of the measure said the bill requires all information included in instruction to be medically accurate, and that the state has an obligation to educate young people about fetal development so that they can fully understand the reality and consequences of decisions that they will make. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking back, I wish I would have been exposed to this type of curriculum when I was in high school, Williams said. By the time I turned 18, I knew far more about choice than I did about life. And I wish I had the knowledge that at 10 weeks gestation, the stage at which I chose to have abortion, the baby has their major organs, functioning heart and unique fingerprints, can move their arms and legs, swallow and even respond to touch. But unfortunately, this information was not a part of my human growth and development class when I was faced with that choice. There were other changes made from the previous years bill, including the removal of definitions of research-based to include reference to organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses. The bill also strikes language specifying that information be free of racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender biases, instead saying that the research-based material must be unbiased. Mazie Stilwell, director of public affairs for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa, said the legislation was an absolute stain on our state. Instead of relying on time-tested subject matter experts and medical professionals, this proposal makes way for discredited and dangerous organizations to influence the trajectory of young Iowans lives, Stilwell said. It also quite literally allows for human growth and development and health class curriculum that is racist, sexist, xenophobic and homophobic. And what a shameful act for this esteemed body to even consider such a downgrade for our future generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Jeff Taylor, R-Sioux Center, said the removal of certain specified biases from the bill was addressed by the addition that information provided to students must be unbiased. It actually opens it up in a wider context by just saying the information has to be unbiased, Taylor said. It doesnt include certain biases that are already listed in code, but I noticed, for example, religious bias is not in code, which seems to me to be one of the one of the one of the most important biases and unfortunate biases that can be expressed by people. And so again, its not that were trying to open up the content to biased information. The bill passed 2-1, with Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-West Des Moines, voting against the measure. The legislation is available for consideration by the Senate Education Committee. Indiana legislators have put forth a host of bills they hope will curb high health care costs for Hoosiers. (Getty Images) I dont feel bad for lawmakers very often. But trying to solve the national problem of high health care costs and accessibility from a state-level perspective is rough. And almost impossible. The best they can hope for is less of an annual increase, which is honestly downright depressing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first issue is identifying the problem. In many situations, you can easily find the villain in a story and focus on getting justice that way. But the health care system is so complicated that there are a lot of villains. Hospitals. Insurance companies. Pharmacy middlemen. Drug manufacturers. Whenever there is a hearing on these topics, these stakeholders point at each other like that Spider-Man meme. The fact is all of them are responsible, in part, for a system that focuses more on money than patients. Indiana legislators, bless their hearts, have been trying to address that problem for years. They have created a database where Hoosiers can see the costs of procedures and shop around key health care needs. They have stepped up oversight on mergers and monopolies. They have limited surprise billing for emergency out-of-network services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet, there are still 450,700 uninsured Hoosiers. Thats 6.8% of the states population, according to KFF. About 600,000, or 12%, of adults in Indiana reported having medical debt in a given year from 2019 and 2021. The U.S. average of people reporting medical debt is 8.6%. To make any real progress, lawmakers are going to have to become more prescriptive which isnt easy for the GOP supermajorities who otherwise believe in letting capitalism work without government intervention.. Promising efforts To start with, Im heartened by an effort to clamp down on the billions in assets that nonprofit hospitals have. Republican Fort Wayne Rep. Martin Carbaugh wants to take away the nonprofit status if hospitals are charging exorbitant prices. Another promising bill is about prior authorization. Weve all been there. You go to your doctor, who has treated you for years and knows your personal situation. They order a test, and the insurance company comes back and says you cant have the test. They know better or at least their algorithm does. Theoretically, prior authorization might save money. But it also endangers patients and second guesses doctors. A bill by GOP Sen. Tyler Johnson a doctor himself would severely limit how often doctors orders can be blocked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another reason hospital prices are so high is site of service. Companies have bought up doctors offices, hospitals, imaging centers and other health care facilities and treat them all as hospitals, regardless of where they are physically located. That allows them to charge a higher rate. This change would cost hospitals tens of millions, and they have fought it for years. And lets not forget about drug prices. Transparency isnt working, so it might be time for hard caps on certain life-saving medications. Insulin is the obvious one, but there are lots more. An EpiPen that can stop fatal allergic reactions is another example. Heck, my dad has an inhaler that costs $800 a month. It helps him breathe, and he spent weeks last year trying to find a way to get the cost covered. Meanwhile, drug companies and pharmacy benefit managers the middlemen between pharmacies and drug manufacturers are reaping obscene profits. This is another opportunity for helping Hoosiers. Several of these bills are already moving this session, and I hope you share the same optimism I have. I dont know if any of these changes would mean a cut in health care costs, but I do know it would show that my representatives care enough to try new things even things they might traditionally not be comfortable with because what we have isnt working. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha. April 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN Lawmakers can no longer give a soft no against ending debate or passing legislation during the Nebraska Legislatures third and final stage of debate, unless they have a conflict of interest. Most senators in the officially nonpartisan Legislatures Republican majority backed a pared-down rules change Thursday from State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, passing it 31-17, but the measure had one Democratic backer: State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, vice chair of the Rules Committee. She helped Kauth draft her amended proposal. State Sens. Kathleen Kauth, left, and Machaela Cavanaugh, both of Omaha. Feb. 22, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) All but three Republicans supported Kauths proposal. Republican State Sens. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Merv Riepe of Ralston and Dave Woody Wordekemper of Fremont opposed the change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The narrow change adopted Wednesday will prevent senators from being present, not voting on procedural cloture motions to shut off extended filibusters during final reading, as well as after during the last votes on whether to send legislation to the governor for approval. A no is still a no, even if it makes you feel a little bit better about it, Kauth said Thursday. Present, not voting Present, not voting refers to a senator who refuses to vote aye or nay yes or no on a bill or a senator who is at the Nebraska State Capitol but is off the debate floor during a vote, such as talking with constituents. Under current rules, all senators must remain in the legislative chamber or adjacent rooms during final reading, instead of how it is during other stages of debate, when they can go to their offices or step off the floor to talk with constituents. State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha. Jan. 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) A senator could still be present, not voting during final reading if they have declared a conflict of interest with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission and Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kauth had initially sought to add a penalty for present, not voting at all stages of debate. Her proposal would have introduced a sliding scale to the number of votes needed to invoke cloture, currently at two-thirds of the 49-member Legislature, so 33 votes, potentially making it easier to pass controversial bills. If a senator refused to take a position or was absent, they would not count as part of the 49-member body. For example, four absent or present, not voting senators could pass a cloture motion with 30 votes. Multiple bills in recent years have stalled by just one to three votes on cloture. Actual fiction State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln, a Democrat, criticized Kauths goal as part of an increased creep of partisanship and politics into our process. However, Kauth and her supporters said the change boosts accountability and transparency for constituents, assuring them that senators are doing their jobs and taking hard votes. State Sens. George Dungan of Lincoln, Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Lynne Walz of Fremont and Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, from left. Aug. 16, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) DeBoer said she didnt see the same detriments that others did and listened to senators who said the change would be important to their constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents argued the change could compel the speech of senators or lead to inaccurate legislative records, both in possible violation of the Nebraska Constitution. It does not cause any sort of accountability or transparency problem, State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln said. To implement an actual fiction as to what happened is just wrong. Brandt, a Republican, said he gets beat up just as much for yes or no [as] for PNV but said thats the goal, for constituents who disagree with their senators vote or votes to reach out. Constituents deserve better Freshman State Sen. Bob Andersen of Omaha echoed Kauth that the change would help Nebraskans and that modifications to the Legislatures rules are positive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It shows the continual evolution of a society when you make changes to the current norms, and I think thats exactly what this is, Andersen said. I believe that present, not voting shows a lack of accountability and a lack of transparency. And I think for that reason, our constituents deserve better. State Sen. Bob Andersen of Omaha, right, shakes hands with Gov. Jim Pillen after the governors annual State of the State Address to the Legislature. Jan. 15, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Dan Quick of Grand Island pointed to how the Legislature runs committees, allowing Nebraskans to be proponents, opponents or neutral during public hearings. He said senators have that same structure through present, not voting, which lawmakers might need one day. Quick, who returned to the Legislature this year after serving a four-year term between 2017 and 2021, said as an example that he used present, not voting between his personal views and those of his constituents on legislation related to the death penalty during his first term in office. The Grand Island senator said he had told his constituents, who voted to reinstate the death penalty in November 2016, that he wouldnt stand in the way of their vote. You just have to be honest with your constituents and upfront, and a lot of times you can do that before that vote even comes up, Quick said. State Sen.-elect Dave Woody Wordekemper of Fremont. Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Wordekemper, a freshman senator, said he agreed with the goal of accountability but was concerned about how constituents would understand the no by means of present, not voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He asked if that position could be differentiated from whether a senator physically pushes the no button. Kauth said the Clerk of the Legislatures Office could put an asterisk a no* noting senators if they were present, not voting on cloture or passage on final reading. Other adopted changes Lawmakers on Wednesday also voted for two other rules changes to: Allow more gubernatorial appointments other than department or agency heads to be consolidated into single committee reports, if the committees recommendation is the same. It passed 39-7. Require statements of intent for legislation to be filed sooner each session, beginning in 2026. It passed 41-2. Debate on the Legislatures rules continues Friday. Lawmakers will consider whether to remove a 20-bill cap on legislation that senators can introduce each session and whether to cap the number of bills that the governor can ask to have introduced on his behalf, excluding budget bills. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Stock trader Market makers trading ETFs on the Euronext Amsterdam are breaking the rules by colluding together to protect themselves from competition, according to new academic research conducted by the University of Oxford. Massive growth in the adoption of ETFs globally has provided lucrative new profit streams for market makers who play an essential role in the efficient working of modern stock markets as middle-men that always stand ready to buy securities from sellers and to sell securities to buyers. Strict conduct rules apply to all market makers to ensure that they treat customers fairly and to prevent them from acting in concert together to take advantage of investors. However, the Oxford study, Anonymity, Signaling, and Collusion in Limit Order Books, found these rules are being flouted by ETF market makers on the Euronext Amsterdam exchange, who are sending signals about their order books to each other when the identity of the holders of these positions are supposed to be anonymous. The activity of ETF market makers on Euronext Amsterdam is consistent with collusion, said Alvaro Cartea, Professor of Mathematical Finance and Director of the Oxford-Man Institute of Quantitative Finance. ETF market makers tend to submit buy and sell orders that are very large in comparison to orders that originate from retail investors on Euronext Amsterdam. This size difference allows market makers to infer whether an order came from a rival market maker or another type of investor. Market makers then almost entirely avoid competing for large positions which they have inferred are held by other market makers. Market Makers Involved in ETF 'Sniping' But the much smaller order instructions that originate from retail investors are much more likely to be taken out within milliseconds or sniped by a market maker aiming to win the business by offering a better buying or selling price than a rival trader. The market makers hardly touch each others ETF positions. But they nearly always go for the ETF flows from retail investors. A spread-improving limit order sent by a retail investor is over 2,000 times more likely to be sniped than a spread-improving limit order sent by another market maker, said Cartea. Market makers account for 82.2% of ETF orders, predominantly those from retail traders. Less than 5% of the snipes by market makers were in reaction to a limit order that improved the buying and selling price spread for an ETF made by another market maker. Retail investors do not have the sophisticated trading infrastructure needed to snipe ETF orders from other traders. (TELLER COUNTY, Colo.) A lawsuit has been filed by a man who says he was wrongfully arrested and prosecuted for recording video of a law enforcement search of a vehicle. According to the complaint, around 10 a.m. on May 13, 2024, Dustin Harrison was driving past the entrance to Mueller State Park on Colorado State Highway 67 south of Divide when he spotted a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Park Ranger searching a parked vehicle. The complaint states that Harrison was concerned the search was illegal, so he pulled over and began filming the ranger, Michael Judd. The complaint states that Harrison did not interfere with Ranger Judd while he filmed him and asked questions, and in fact stayed at least 10 feet away from Ranger Judd during their interaction. Regardless of his distance, the complaint said Ranger Judd called the Teller County Sheriffs Office (TCSO) to arrest Harrison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teller County Deputy Troy Sardi responded and arrested Harrison. Though Mr. Harrison was simply exercising his clearly established constitutional right to film the police, he was arrested, jailed, and criminally prosecuted, the complaint alleges. Mr. Harrison brings this lawsuit to hold Defendant Judd and Defendant Sardi accountable for their blatant flouting of his constitutional rights. The lawsuit alleges that Harrisons arrest was retaliatory for filming and criticizing the rangers search of the vehicle and that at no point was Harrison impeding traffic or putting anyone, including the law enforcement officers, at risk. The lawsuit states that Deputy Sardi eventually told Harrison he was being arrested for not following instructions to stop filming and get back in his truck. The sole charge against Harrison, obstruction of a peace officer, was dismissed, the lawsuit states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The actions of [Deputy Sardi and Ranger Judd] can be expected to chill a reasonable person from engaging in activity protected by the First Amendment, the lawsuit reads. The suit is seeking damages for violating Harrisons constitutional rights. FOX21 News reached out to both CPW and TCSO, and CPW responded by saying it does not comment on pending litigation due to state policy. Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell was unavailable for comment at the time of publication, but FOX21 News will follow up and update this article if a statement is received. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. The man ignited in February 2022 by stun gun-wielding Osceola County deputies at a Wawa gas station is angling to put the sheriffs department on trial, blaming Sheriff Marcos Lopez for a culture of sanctioning excessive force. A 29-page civil complaint was filed Wednesday, almost two months after Deputy David Crawford was acquitted of misdemeanor culpable negligence in the criminal case emerging from the incident. At trial, he was accused of causing the gasoline blaze that left burns on most of Jean Barreto-Baergas body as well as the deputys own legs. A civil trial could range far more widely in criticizing the sheriffs practices, with a lower burden of proof. Central to the lawsuit is a video posted to the Sheriffs Offices Facebook account on Aug. 5, 2021, entitled Busted By The Sheriff. The video features Lopez warning dirt bikers of a crackdown on people popping wheelies and riding without proper tags. It shows clips of him joining deputies as they chase down riders accused of traffic violations, one of whom was fleeing a K9 dog before jumping into a body of water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to come after you, were going to chase you down, were going to arrest you and book you in the county jail, and were going to confiscate your bike. Zero tolerance here in Osceola County, the sheriff says in the video. Barreto-Baergas legal team, comprised of lawyers from national firm Romanucci & Blandin and Albert Yonfa of the Orlando-based Pendas Law Firm, said the video and others like it tell a powerful story. The culture of this department emboldened deputies to use excessive and unreasonable force, emphasized machismo over reasonable policing and ultimately put the public at risk instead of protecting and serving members of the community, lawyer Antonio Romanucci said in a statement. Yonfa said the agency went too far in trying to address a local traffic issue and has endangered members of our community. These policies and practices need to stop immediately, he added. A spokesperson for the Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident began with deputies pursuing Barreto-Baerga, believing he was part of a group of bikers accused of pointing guns at other motorists. He turned out to be unarmed. Crawford and deputies Christopher Koffinas, Benjamin Maclean, Joseph DeJesus and Arturo Dominguez were also named in the civil complaint. Helicopter video of the chase showed the then-26-year-old weaving through traffic before arriving at a Wawa in Orlando, where Crawford tackled him as backup arrived. Koffinas first used his stun gun during a struggle to handcuff Barreto-Baerga, as gasoline pooled beneath him and the deputies at the scene. Body-worn camera video shows Crawford crying out for someone to shut off the gas pump, before warning Barreto-Baerga that he was going to get stunned again. Crawford was holding Koffinas stun gun when the trigger was pulled a second time, although during the trial his lawyer raised questions about whether he had intentionally fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriffs Office issued Koffinas a 40-hour suspension for using his stun gun that day while recommending charges against Crawford. The jury acquitted him after six hours of deliberation. The agency has not said whether Crawford, still recovering from his burns nearly three years later, has returned to work. Barrreto-Baerga suffered lifelong scars from the incident and at one point was put in a medically-induced coma so doctors could perform skin treatments. The day of the fire, his lawyers said, he was taking part in a memorial ride for a friend who died a year earlier. It is impossible to explain the man I am today compared to the person who was riding a motorbike that day, he said in a statement. I feel very alone, and I am in constant physical pain. Everything changed that day. I relive that nightmare every single day. Lopez is no stranger to accusations of running an office with a penchant for violence. Two months after the fire, 20-year-old Jayden Baez was shot dead by deputies in unmarked vehicles who boxed in his car after he and his friends were accused of shoplifting $46 in pizza and Pokemon cards from a Target store in Kissimmee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies Ramy Yacoub and Scott Koffinas, Christopher Koffinas brother, skirted criminal charges for killing Baez. But the grand jury that cleared them issued a report last February concluding the use of force was inappropriate and that department training protocols and a lack of communication that day needlessly created circumstances where a deputy was faced with death or great bodily harm. The report echoed policing experts interviewed by the Orlando Sentinel who reviewed the Florida Department of Law Enforcements investigation of the shooting. Grand jurors further rebuked Lopez, who refused to appear before them but ultimately adopted some policies addressing their concerns. He won reelection in November. A lawsuit over that incident is ongoing. New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera and his wife are accused in a lawsuit of failing to protect a young girl who was sexually abused by an older child during a summer camp trip sponsored by their church. In a lawsuit filed this month, lawyers for the girl allege that the Hall of Fame pitcher and his wife Clara Rivera, a pastor at the Refuge of Hope Church, flew from New York to Florida to investigate after the girls mother expressed concerns about her daughters safety during the 2018 trip. But rather than take action, the couple isolated and intimidated the victim into remaining silent about her negative experiences, including the abuse, the lawsuit says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joseph A. Ruta, an attorney for the Riveras, said in a statement that any allegations that they knew about or failed to act on reports of child abuse are completely false. He said the couple only learned of the allegations in 2022 after receiving a letter from an attorney requesting a financial settlement. The Riveras are known throughout New York for their charitable work and especially for their commitment to serving underprivileged children, Ruta said. Its unfortunate they are being targeted by false allegations. The lawsuit doesnt name the accuser, but it says she was born in 2007, which would have made her 10 or 11 years old in 2018. That summer, according to the complaint, Clara Rivera persuaded a congregant to allow her daughter to attend a camp at the Ignite Life Center, a church in Gainesville, Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While staying in an unsupervised dorm room, the girl was repeatedly sexually abused by an older female camper, according to the suit. In a police report filed in 2022, the girl said there were 15 instances of inappropriate touching over a two-week period, both in her bunk and a shower. Though the girl did not report the abuse, her mother grew worried about her safety after the two spoke on the phone call, the complaint states. The mother then outlined her concerns to Clara Rivera, who agreed to investigate, according to the suit. During that trip, the couple received information that should have given them concern, the lawsuit says, but chose instead to remain silent to avoid the potential scandal of child sexual abuse in its programs. The suit doesnt specifically state what the Riveras were told by the girl or her mother. The girl later returned to New York and continued her active participation in the church. But later that summer, during a barbecue for congregants at the Riveras home in Rye, New York, she was again abused by the same person, the complaint states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They failed to mitigate the risks, and upon learning that she had been a victim, took no steps to protect her or get criminal justice, the attorney who filed the lawsuit, Adam Horowitz, told The Associated Press by phone. They continued to expose her again to the same risk at her home. In 2021, the girl was again sexually assaulted, this time by a male youth leader at Refuge of Hope, according to the lawsuit. The abuse in that case was discovered by the girls mother, who found months of electronic communications between the two, the lawsuit contends. Afterward, the girl and her mother filed police reports in New York and Florida regarding the abuse in 2018 and 2021. Horowitz said he didnt believe that criminal charges were brought in any of the cases. The lawsuit was filed against the Refuge of Hope church, not against the Riveras themselves. Prosecutors in New York and Florida didnt immediately respond to requests for comment about whether they looked into the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawyer for Ignite Life Center did not respond to an inquiry. The church recently settled lawsuits brought by three people also represented by Horowitz who said they were abused as teenagers by a volunteer at Ignite Life Center. Two others affiliated with the church have been charged with lewd and lascivious battery against minors. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com BOSTON (WWLP) Hundreds of lawyers, advocates, and the Massachusetts residents they represent walked to the State House today to advocate for funding for civil legal aid. Civil legal aid organizations provide free legal services for the Bay States most fiscally vulnerable residents to help with employment issues, housing, domestic violence cases, and more. Individuals and families living at or below 125% of the poverty level may be eligible, and over 105,000 people received these services in Massachusetts last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group is lobbying for $54 million in the 2026 budget. Civil legal aid truly is the backbone of access to justice in our state its really just to make sure that they have a place thats safe to live, to protect victims of domestic violence, said Lynne Parker, the Executive Director of Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation. Lizbeth Valerio-Green is a domestic abuse survivor who used civil legal aid services in her divorce and while finding a home for herself and her children. She says the legal help changed her life. The process has been extremely difficult to do these legal battles on your own. It has taught me the immense value of having an attorney on your side, said Valerio-Green. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valerio-Green now works with civil legal aid providers as a Spanish interpreter to help expand the reach of the states free legal services for mothers like her. After the speaking program, lawyers and advocates visited their state representatives and senators to call for funding in person. 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. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is calling a recently released Netflix series dangerously misleading, claiming it mischaracterizes LDS prophet Brigham Young. American Primeval, which started streaming on Netflix earlier this month, follows a group of LDS pioneers trying to survive the American frontier during the Utah War of 1857. The show depicts an event known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre where local Latter-day Saint militiamen, aided by American Indian allies, massacred about 120 emigrants traveling by wagon to California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While historical fiction can be illuminating, this drama is dangerously misleading. Brigham Young, a revered prophet and courageous pioneer, is, by any historical standard, egregiously mischaracterized as a villainous, violent fanatic. Other individuals and groups are also depicted in ways that reinforce stereotypes that are both inaccurate and harmful, a statement from the Church read, in part. Gross misrepresentations: LDS Church speaks on portrayals in Hollywood The Church continued to say they have long acknowledged and condemned the tragedy while promoting healing and unveiling the truth of the event. They added that deceptive, graphic and sensationalized storytelling hides reality and hinders genuine understanding, but can foster animosity, hate, and even violence. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, director Peter Berg responded to criticism of the shows representations. He said its not a literal depiction of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, as those massacres took place over three days and the one in the show happens quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive heard some of the pushback, but I havent heard anyone from the Mormon side deny that the Meadows Massacre happened and that Mormons did it. I have had them express concerns that we do take other liberties, he said. ABC4 has reached out to the team of American Primeval, but has yet to hear back at this time. This isnt the only time the church has responded to its depictions in media. The church also released a response shortly before the film Heretic came out, an A24 film where two missionaries of the church were trapped by the character of Mr. Reed, who put them through trials of their faith and beliefs. Without naming a specific film or show, the Church has said some of its Hollywood portrayals are fair and accurate, but also said some portrayals are stereotypes or gross misrepresentations that have real-life consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We understand the fascination some in the media have with the Church, but regret that portrayals often rely on sensationalism and inaccuracies that do not fairly and fully reflect the lives of our Church members or the sacred beliefs that they hold dear, the Church said in a statement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Welcome back to this years final Need to Know: Davos newsletter! After a week dominated by President Donald Trumps shadow and tariff tensions, Davos 2025 wrapped up with a subdued final day, giving the worlds elite a chance to catch their breath and focus on the broader picture. One of the final panels brought together the worlds top economic voices for a reality check. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink pushed back against European pessimism, saying that the economy is larger than any one political party. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde pointed to Europes huge potential in GDP, talent, and savings, urging leaders to respond to this wake-up call and existential threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Lagarde and IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva emphasized AIs crucial role in growth. Make sure that artificial intelligence is not a privilege of few, Georgieva urged. Lagarde said that AIs potential is huge, but that it must improve the state of the world, for all of us. Georgieva also zeroed in on productivity as the key differentiator between U.S., European, and emerging market growth. Her prescription for lagging regions? Capital has to have long legs and go where it makes the biggest difference, she said, with a particular call for Europe to deepen its capital markets. All of these themes echoed through the week at the World Economic Forum: Europes challenges and potential, AIs promise and perils, and the ever-present question of American influence. The gatherings official theme, Collaboration for the Intelligent Age, took on new meaning with each passing day. Monday opened with European leaders defending democracy and climate action against Trumps America First agenda. By midweek, his virtual appearance laid out a second-term vision from tariffs to his $500 billion Stargate AI project, while Metas moderation retreat and Spains call for digital ID requirements highlighted the growing rift over tech governance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO chief Mark Rutte surprised many by embracing Trumps Russia stance, while WTO head Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urged everyone to chill about tariffs. Even JPMorgans Jamie Dimon and Norways sovereign wealth fund chief agreed on one thing: Trumps return was awakening Wall Streets animal spirits. Through it all, one message remained clear: Whether its AI access, trade policy, or capital markets, the push-and-pull between cooperation and competition will define 2025 Trumps version of it, anyway. See you next year in the Alps. Jackie Snow For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. ANKARA, Turkey (AP) A search and rescue operation was underway in central Turkey on Friday after a four-story building collapsed, trapping at least five people inside, officials said. The cause of the collapse in the city of Konya, some 260 kilometers (160 miles) south of the capital, Ankara, was not immediately known. Two people were brought out of the structure with injuries, the private DHA news agency reported. Gov. Ibrahim Akin said five members of a family are believed to be still trapped inside the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency response teams dispatched to the scene were using sensitive listening devices to locate possible survivors, DHA reported. The incident occurred just three days after a fire ripped through a 12-story hotel at a ski resort in northwestern Turkey, killing 78 people. In 2004, a 12-story apartment building collapsed in Konya, claiming the lives of 92 people and injuring some 30 others. Structural flaws and negligence were blamed for the collapse. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) While many states are banning certain library books, Connecticut lawmakers are proposing a bill this legislative session that would ensure that books would not be banned in the state. Lamont to introduce bill aimed at improving health care oversight in Connecticut The Dont Ban Library Books Act is designed to protect the intellectual freedoms of students, the public and promotes libraries as a center for growth and development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What this bill does not do is require public or schools to carry pornography, Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) said. Sen. Ceci Maher said that the bill would allow librarians to make decisions about the books that they have in their libraries. The bill also allows parents to monitor what their children read and have the final say on the books they choose while not preventing libraries from removing books as long as proper procedures are followed. Watch the full video in the player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Another day has come and gone as Utahs legislature continues to consider new laws and weigh new funding requests of the states treasury. Here are some of todays scheduled hearings that you will want to watch as the 2025 General session continues on. General Government Appropriations Subcommittee 8 a.m. One of two currently proposed constitutional amendments is being considered as the first agenda item of this committee, and it is seeking nearly 1.5 million dollars in funding in order to publish the amendment. As is required by the Utahn Constitution. S.J.R 2, or the the Statewide Initiatives proposal, seeks to amend the Utah Constitution to require a 60% majority for initiatives that propose new taxes or increase old ones. Its sponsor, Senator Lincoln Fillmore (R-SD17), is requesting the money for the supplies and equipment needed for publishing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the public are welcomed to participate virtually by joining the livestream on the legislatures website at 8 a.m.. House Judiciary Committee 2 p.m. Among the first bills to be considered by the committee today will be H.B. 252, Transgender State Custody Amendments. This bill would ban the Utah Department of Corrections from providing inmates gender alerting treatments including surgical procedures and hormone therapies. It goes on further to say that the department can only provide medical healthcare to treat an inmate with gender dysphoria. Along with H.B. 252, the committee will also consider H.B. 33, Child Welfare Reporting Amendments, H.B. 17, Limitations on the Use of Polygraphs, H.B. 24, Limitations on Liability Amendments, and H.B. 154, Punitive Damages Amendments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hearing is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. in the Senate office building. The public is also invited to participate online through the legislative livestream. House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee 2 p.m. The committees plate is packed today with several measures being considered that would alter state law regarding sentencing for certain sexual crimes, training law enforcement on how to approach ritual abuse. H.B. 127, or Sexual Crime Amendments, adds provisions to Utahs criminal code to include crimes committed against incapacities adults for a minimum sentence of 15 years to life. H.B. 66, or Ritual Abuse Amendments, is a bill that would require law enforcement to undergo training to understand the impact of abuse that is ritualistic in nature. It also adds an aggravated factor to the code regarding abuse that occurs in a ritual practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee is also set to hear H.B. 82, Law Enforcement Modifications, H.B. 105, Criminal Code Modifications, H.B. 197, Criminal Conduct Amendments, H.B. 167, Re-Entry Modifications, and H.B. 133, Dangerous Weapons Amendments. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. in the House Office building. The public is also invited to participate online through the legislative livestream. Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee 2 p.m. How your ballot is delivered and how names are printed on those ballots are topics being considered today in this committee hearing today. S.B. 11, or Ballot Distribution Revisions, is a bill that is seeking to address concerns regarding ballots being being sent to postal distribution centers outside of the state. In an effort to mediate that response time, this bill would allow county clerks to to delivery a bulk of those by hand to the distribution centers in question, as opposed to just mailing them in Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement S.B. 54, or Appearance of Candidate Name on Ballot, would seek to end nicknames on ballots with certain exceptions, along with using a middle name of a candidate if names on the ballot are similar. Among the other bills are S.B. 124, Landscaping Procurement Amendments, S.B. 56, Municipal governance Modifications, S.B. 79, Technical Code Amendments, S.B. 95, Truth in Taxation Amendments, S.B. 97, Emergency Shelter Amendments, S.B. 50, Limited Purpose Local Government Entities Board of Trustees Compensation Amendments, and more of note, S.B. 145, Technical Senate District Boundary Adjustment, which would change the borders of Senate Districts 1 and 11. The public is welcomed to listen in at 2 p.m. on the legislatures website. Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee 2 p.m. A proposed Refugee Services Office is on the agenda for this committee today. S.B. 31, or Refugee Services Amendments, would create an office meant to oversee a series of programs that would assist refugees in the state. These include refugee resettlement services, cash assistance, and other resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee will also hear S.B. 101, Dog Related Liability Amendments, S.B. 114, Veteran Access to State Parks, S.B. 117, Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act, S.B. 147, Youth Service Organizations Amendments, and H.B. 11, Native American Remains Review Committee Amendments. The public is welcomed to listen in at 2 p.m. on the Legislatures website. For continuing coverage of the 2025 General Session, visit Inside Utah Politics! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Leidos Biomedical Research, a federal contractor that has managed the National Cancer Institute's Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research for about 30 years, has lost the chance to continue in that role. The National Institutes of Health, the U.S.'s medical research agency, awarded an operation contract of $89 billion for the lab to the Alliance for Advancing Biomedical Research on Jan. 17. The contract may potentially last for 25 years, as reported by the business publication GovCon Wire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leidos Biomedical, formerly known as SAIC-Frederick and a subsidiary of the company Leidos, was first awarded a contract to manage the lab's day-to-day operations in 1995. The contract was renewed for another 10 years in 2008. The National Cancer Institute (NCI), which owns the lab, had started looking for other entities to potentially manage the facility in 2015, but the search was suspended in 2016. Leidos spokesperson Brandon Ver Velde wrote in an email Thursday that the company has been proud to support the NCI and the Frederick National Laboratory's mission. "While we are disappointed that we may not continue this particular work and partnership, we expect to receive more information on our proposal in the coming days, which will help us better understand the evaluation process and next steps," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alliance for Advancing Biomedical Research is a nonprofit organization based in Oakland, California, according to the nonprofit database GuideStar. The Frederick News-Post requested a comment from the organization from Brett Henrikson, who is listed as the alliance's secretary and chief financial officer on a form submitted to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Henrikson could not be reached on Thursday. rocket stock Semiconductor ETFs surged on Wednesday after President Trump and several titans of the tech industry announced the Stargate Project, a venture to invest $500 billion into AI data centers in the U.S. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) and the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH)which hold stocks of companies that stand to benefit from the investmentjumped more than 1.4%. The Stargate Project is a new company which intends to invest $500 billion over the next four years building new AI infrastructure for OpenAI in the United States, OpenAI wrote in an accompanying press release. The announcement had originally been made in the White House, where President Trump was joined by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, SoftBank boss Masayoshi Son, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison. Oracle, OpenAI, Microsoft Shares Surge The three companies, along with MGX, a UAE-based tech and AI investment company, will be the initial equity funders of the project; while Arm Holdings Plc, Microsoft Corp., NVIDIA Corp., Oracle Corp., and OpenAI will be the initial technology partners. Shares of each of those companies surged Wednesday, boosting the ETFs that own them, like the aforementioned SOXX and SMH, as well as broader tech-heavy ETFs like the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) and the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK), which were up 1.3% and 2.3%, respectively. Nvidia, in particular, is seen as a prime beneficiary of any incremental investment into AI infrastructure. The companys chips account for most of the cost of building AI data centers today. Its shares were up by 4.4% in afternoon trading, while the leveraged GraniteShares 2x Long NVDA Daily ETF (NVDL) rose by 8.8%. Skepticism Abounds While investors were busy bidding up AI stocks Wednesday on the back of the Stargate announcement, not everyone was convinced that the venture would amount to anything substantial. Venture capitalist Gavin Baker remarked on X that it was unlikely that the companies involved in the venture could come up with anything close to $500 billion to invest. Stargate is a great name but the $500b is a ridiculous number and no one should take it seriously unless SoftBank is going to sell all of their BABA and ARM, he said. Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, echoed that sentiment on X. They dont actually have the money, he said, while adding that SoftBank has well under $10B secured, according to his sources. OpenAIs Altman fired back, saying, wrong, as you surely know. want to come visit the first site already under way? this is great for the country. i realize what is great for the country isn't always what's optimal for your companies, but in your new role i hope you'll mostly put first, he said. As of this writing, Musk hadnt responded. Musk, whose company xAI competes with OpenAI, has quarreled with Altman over the years and is currently involved in a lawsuit against the company he co-founded but subsequently left. ROME Italys Leonardo and Turkish drone maker Baykar are discussing a team-up which could see Leonardos electronics and radar mounted on Baykars drones. Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani visited Baykars Turkish facility this week to meet management and check out the firms line of drones including the Bayraktar TB2, which has influenced conflicts in Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine. There was a great interest in seeking synergies, a Leonardo source told Defense News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Baykar has established a huge presence in the drone market, Leonardo has also sold over 50 of its Falco drone variants and is also a partner on the evolving Eurodrone program with Spain, France and Germany. The firm also specializes in airborne electronics and sensors like the Gabbiano electronically scanned radar, which will be mounted on the Eurodrone, suggesting Leonardo could put its systems on Baykar drones. Cingolanis logic is that there must be the possibility for synergy in terms of technology, and on the basis of that commercial synergy can be looked at, as was the case with Leonardos cooperation with Rheinmetall, the source said. In October, Leonardo and Rheinmetall teamed to build new fighting vehicles and tanks for the Italian army which will feature Leonardo electronics and turrets combined with Rheinmetall platforms. Last month, Baykar purchased Italys Piaggio Aerospace, bringing the firm out of six years of receivership. Where is justice? On the first day of his presidency, President Trump has pardoned some 1,500 defendants convicted of serious crimes for involvement in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. This presidential pardon freed many convicted defendants, including individuals convicted of the serious crime of seditious conspiracy such as Enrique Tarrio, former Proud Boys chairman, who had been sentenced to a 22-year prison sentence, and Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the right-wing Oath Keepers, sentenced to an 18-year prison sentence. The storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was a heinous assault on our democratic government. It not only resulted in the injury of more than 140 police officers, it also was an attempt to interfere with the peaceful transfer of power of the presidency to the rightful election winner, Joe Biden. President Trumps cavalier use of the presidential pardon power to prevent accountability for these crimes should be rejected by all Americans who care about our democracy. Judy Lubow, Longmont South Dakota Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden speaks to the state Senate on Jan. 21, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Republican former Lt. Gov. Matt Michels addressed the South Dakota Senate on Friday at the Capitol in Pierre, signaling his role in the soon-to-be administration of current Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden. But neither said exactly what Michels role will be. Rhoden will become governor if the U.S. Senate confirms Gov. Kristi Noems nomination to lead the federal Department of Homeland Security. As of Friday afternoon, that confirmation vote was considered to be imminent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhoden, as the current lieutenant governor, is the president of the state Senate. He gave an emotional speech Friday, during what could turn out to be his last session presiding over the body. Rhoden also called Michels who does not hold an elected office currently to the podium and praised him as a long-time mentor and hero and adviser. Michels, a Yankton attorney, served as lieutenant governor from 2011 to 2019 under Gov. Dennis Daugaard. He also served eight years in the Legislature, including a stint as speaker of the House. Michels told the Senate, its a great honor to be back here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will all be remembered for our deeds, but not our names, Michels said. And it is a great privilege to help you, future Governor Rhoden. Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden calls former Lt. Gov. Matt Michels to the podium on Jan. 24, 2025, in the South Dakota Senate. Michels played an advisory role to Rhoden in the state Senates first impeachment trial in 2022, which led to the removal of former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg. In response to messages from South Dakota Searchlight, Michels declined to say what role he will play in the upcoming administration, but said to stay tuned. State Sen. Sydney Davis, R-Burbank, wrote on Facebook that Michels will serve as a policy adviser to Rhoden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhoden is a rancher from Union Center who served 16 years in the Legislature, including a stint as House majority leader, prior to becoming Noems lieutenant governor. If hes elevated to governor, he will choose a lieutenant governor, subject to confirmation by the Legislature. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Jan. 24bluefield Freezing arctic air is hanging around today, but forecasts for both southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia are offering some relief as temperatures start to climb above freezing. Water freezes when temperatures dip to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Saturday's predicted high temperature is 37 degrees in Mercer County and around 36 degrees in Raleigh County. Down south in Tazewell County, Va., Saturday's high could reach around 36 degrees Saturday and climb to 39 degrees by Monday. Today is expected to be cooler than Thursday with a high of 25 and scattered snow flurries, but the weekend looks like it will start being warmer, said meteorologist Ben Gruver with the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Looks like finally by the weekend we would see temps get above freezing," he said. "As we get into next week, it will be closer to normal for this time of year." People were still seeking warm shelter and help with heating Thursday. Today's temperatures around the region were expected to be highs about 25 degrees with lows around 10 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Executive Director Craig Hammond of the Bluefield Union Mission checked his records Thursday and counted the number of people who sought shelter Wednesday evening. "We had 12 last night, but many of them returned to their homes or found other accommodations and today we've had only three," Hammond said. "I think it's slowing down. So yes, it's slowed down not only for shelter requests. We're still doing quite a bit with warm coats and blankets, but it's considerably less than what we've had over the last five days." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union mission was still getting more requests than usual for heating oil as well as kerosene, coal and wood. Hammond said a surprisingly number of people still heat their homes with coal and wood. "But I'd say the number one is kerosene," he said. A warming center was opened Thursday evening in Mercer County due to low temperatures that were expected. Located inside the Salvation Army at 300 Princeton Avenue in Princeton it was open from 7 p.m. Thursday until 8 a.m. today, according to Sgt. Melissa White with the Salvation Army. Mercer County Commission funding which allowed the Salvation Army to provide shelter at a local motel has been depleted, so the warming station was at the Princeton Avenue center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person came Wednesday evening to the warming center and alternate shelter was found for him, White said. The Salvation Army needs volunteers to staff warming centers. People interested in being a warming center volunteer can call the Salvation Army at 304-425-2971. Applicants will need to pass a background check, she said. In Raleigh County, the Beckley Warming Center opened Thursday at the Beckley Community United Methodist Church at 217 South Heber Street, according to the United Way of Southern West Virginia. It opened at 8 p.m. and was scheduled to remain open until 7 a.m. today. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com A property in the heart of Tacomas Hilltop neighborhood has been purchased by a partnership of organizations that promises to develop affordable housing meant for people who have historically lived in the neighborhood. On Jan. 23, Homestead Community Land Trust and Aya Community Land Trust hosted several partners and community leaders to celebrate the $4.2 million acquisition of the former Rite Aid on 1105 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards said the property has long been associated with broken promises made by developers who talked of buying the property and reinvesting in the neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woodards told The News Tribune that before the former Rite Aid was purchased by its previous owners, who allowed it to serve as artist studio space for the Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center, it sat empty and unused. She said the owners of the closed Rite Aid allowed the property to sit fallowed for a nearly decade as she was told they were making more money by it sitting empty than they would if they sold it. A property sitting empty as a blight while someone that does not live there makes a profit from it is exactly what the Homestead and Aya Community Land Trusts are trying prevent in Hilltop. Homestead Community Land Trust was founded in 1992 by a small collection of activists. It follows a land-trust model created by civil rights leaders in the 1960s and 1970s to prevent the displacement of historically marginalized communities by becoming collective owners and stewards of affordable housing. Homestead manages a trust of 257 homes in King County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aya Community Land Trust was founded to address growing displacement and housing challenges faced by the Hilltop neighborhood. We want to be very clear, Homestead has acquired this property with the intent of holding it on behalf of the community and with the intent of engaging the community to determine what will be built here, Homesteads president of the Board of Delegates, Cherryl Jackson-Williams, said during the Jan. 23 event. Homestead and the stewards of the newly acquired property plan to use 2025 to do community outreach, collect feedback and start a dialogue on what will be built there, who will build it and who will occupy it. We are centering the voice of those who have been left out of the conversation when it comes to housing affordability and equity and access, Jackson-Williams said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brendon Nelson is one of the founding directors of Aya Community Land Trust. During the Jan. 23 event, Nelson said he grew up right down the street. His family moved to the Hilltop neighborhood from Texas when he was a young child. In the late 1990s, Nelsons family was displaced from the neighborhood. He remembers his father being told by the landlord that he would rent to his family but not sell property to them. Nelson said it is ending these kinds of housing injustices that inspires him to do the work he does today. We know this is a historically Black neighborhood, Nelson said. And our Black community has been pushed away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the Jan. 23 event, Homestead CEO Kathleen Hosfeld promised accountability to the community. She acknowledged the history of broken promises made by developers and emphasized the need to rebuild trust through the listening process. She also acknowledged that mistakes will likely be made during the community-informed development process and assured that her organization would take responsibility and address them as they occur. This will not happen overnight, she said of the long road ahead. While the plans for what the property will become are yet to be determined, a Tacoma ordinance dictates that it must be developed with affordable housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Homestead, the property is anticipated to be able to support a minimum of 100 homes and would have space for commercial use. Hosfeld said the property was purchased with funding assistance from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Pierce County also contributed $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding from the federal government. Rockford Restaurant Week kicks off tonight, and LimaMar Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is one of many participating. Ross Terry, owner and mixologist at LimaMar, says their specially curated menu is to die for. Theyre offering a three-course meal for $48 with plenty of delicious food to chose from. He also shows us how to make their Make You Nuts cocktail. You can see their Rockford Restaurant Week menu at https://www.limamarrestaurant.com/. Good Day Statelines Spirit Day is sponsored by LimaMar Restaurant & Cocktail Bar at 221 E. State Street in downtown Rockford. LimaMar is the brainchild of owners Ross and Rosana Terry, who hoped to bring Rosanas Peruvian heritage to life in Rockford when they opened in 2019. From the rich authentic decor that youll find on every wall inside the cozy space, to the dishes that Rosana creates in the kitchen, Peruvian culture takes center stage at LimaMar. The menu is filled with traditional Peruvian dishes like Ceviche, Conchitas and Causa, which find their roots in Japanese, Chinese and Spanish cuisine. Youll find Peruvian influences on the cocktail menu, too, with Perus most popular alcohol, Pisco, in many of their inventive drinks. The most popular cocktail in Peru is the Piscosour, its so popular theres an entire day devoted to celebrating it each year. LimaMar lives by the motto, We eat with our vision first, then comes the notes of the aroma & your palate will tell you the rest.. DELHI, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) A New Lisbon man is being accused of engaging in sexual acts with a child under the age of 13. Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that 36-year-old Benjamin Combes was indicted by a Grand Jury for sex crimes against a child on January 23. Count One of the indictment accuses Combes of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree, a Class B Violent Felony. Combes was allegedly over the age of 18 when he engaged in several acts of sexual conduct with a child. It is further alleged that he engaged in at least one act of sexual intercourse, oral sexual conduct, or anal sexual conduct with the child victim. If convicted of the crime, Combes face up to 25 years in prison and 20 years of post-release supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Count Two of the indictment accuses Combes of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, a Class A-II Felony. If convicted of this crime, Combes faces up to 25 years to life in prison. Combes is currently being held in Otsego County for unrelated charges. He will be transported to Delaware County Court for arraignment on January 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 WIVT - News 34. Vice President Vance on Friday broke a Senate tie to confirm Pete Hegseth as President Trumps secretary of Defense. Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Susan Collins (Maine) voted against Trumps pick. All Democrats opposed Hegseths nomination. This is the second time in history a vice president has had to cast a tie breaking vote to confirm a Cabinet nomination. Earlier Friday evening, Trump enjoyed a friendly greeting with California Gov. Gavin Newsom as he landed Friday evening in California to view the devastation from the greater Los Angeles wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two political rivals shook hands and Newsom thanked Trump for the visit, as the two put aside any differences for the time being. Trump visited California after a separate trip to North Carolina earlier Friday to view the damage from Hurricane Helene. The trip caps a whirlwind week for Trump, who has already taken impactful steps to reshape the government, including ending diversity programs, mobilizing the military to tackle illegal immigration and declaring the U.S. would leave international alliances. Follow along for updates below. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Southern California finally received some much-needed rain this week after weeks of historically dry, windy weather fueled this month's deadly wildfire outbreak but with it came the threat of landslides, mudslides and toxic ash runoff in burn areas. According to the National Weather Service, more than an inch of rain fell in parts of Los Angeles over a three-day span, triggering flash flood watches and warnings. Some debris flows were reported along the Pacific Coast Highway, and snow in the surrounding mountains briefly shut down Interstate 5. But the wet weather was also a boon to firefighters who continue to battle four active wildfires that have scorched more than 57,000 acres. The three biggest the Palisades, Eaton and Hughes fires are each more than 95% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The Border 2 Fire, which erupted in the Otay Mountain Wilderness area east of Chula Vista late last week, is now 90% contained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Monday reiterating that people who are rebuilding their homes are not subject to environmental permit requirements laid out in the California Coastal Act. As the state helps the Los Angeles area rebuild and recover, we will continue to remove barriers and red tape that stand in the way," Newsom said. Singapore's Housing Development Board (HDB) resale market witnessed a 2.6 per cent price increase in the fourth quarter of 2024, leading to a 9.7 per cent yearly growth, driven by strong demand and limited supply. (Photo: Dhany Osman / Yahoo News Singapore) Singapore's public housing resale market has experienced a significant rise in prices in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to data from the Housing and Development Board (HDB). Prices increased by 2.6 per cent in Q4, culminating in a full-year growth of 9.7 per cent that is attributed to to robust demand and limited supply. Despite the price increase, the number of resale transactions dropped by 21.1 per cent quarter-over-quarter and 1.9 per cent year-over-year. Over the entire year, transactions saw an 8.4 per cent increase compared to the previous year. In response to the heated market, the government has implemented measures to cool the market. Lowering the loan-to-value limit to 75 per cent in August 2024 aimed to encourage greater financial prudence among buyers. However, households are advised to remain cautious in their property purchases as the market moves in cycles, potentially impacting those who buy at high prices. On the rental front, the median rents for HDB flats saw a slight decrease. Approved applications to rent out HDB flats fell by 5.6 per cent from the previous quarter, and 12.1 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. For the full year of 2024, the total number of approved rental applications decreased by 6.3 per cent. Looking ahead, HDB plans to increase the supply of new flats significantly. Over 25,000 new flats will be launched in 2025, with 19,600 BTO flats and more than 5,500 flats under the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise. The upcoming February 2025 launch will feature about 5,000 BTO flats across key areas, alongside the largest-ever SBF exercise. In the private housing market, prices rose by 2.3 per cent in Q4 2024, matching earlier estimates. For the entire year, private residential prices increased by 3.9 per cent. While rents for private homes remained unchanged from the previous quarter, the demand for new launches continued to drive the market. Read more on the latest on Singapore's property market here. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Earlier this week, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to suspend the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program, citing record levels of migration that he says compromises resources, safety, and security for Americans. The program allows refugees who are carefully fully vetted to rebuild their lives here in the U.S. With the help of an interpreter, Yuriana Loaiza told News 8 she came to the United States after fleeing Venezuela, and seeking refuge in Columbia, after dangers and repressions faced by her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said her family was finally set to come to Rochester the first week of February, but now due to the suspension of the program effective Monday, those plans are now on hold. The world knows the reality of what is being lived in Venezuela, Loaiza told News 8 speaking through a translator. Loaiza described the impact when someone is taken by the military counterintelligence agency in Venezuela. Their closest family, their wives, their mother, their sons, dont know where they are, Loaiza said. She said its been a long journey, as she initially fled to Columbia in 2010, but made her way to the U.S. in May 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loaiza said she has been dedicated to getting her sister and nephew to Rochester. The two were finally at the stage in the refugee resettlement program where they were preparing to leave Peru, but the recent suspension delayed those plans. Yuriana was devastated. I want to make something clear. This isnt immigration. This is a refugee program. This is a program for refugees. And for one to be a refugee. It is because there is a need, Loaiza said. In President Trumps order, he directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to make a decision within 90 days about how to proceed. Angie Matiz works with World Relief, an organization with a mission to help refugees in the process of fleeing their country. She said she was shocked over Trumps executive order but remains committed to providing aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only thing we want to from President Donald Trump is to stand with the people that voted for him and also stand with his with his own speech. He said, We want to bring legal immigrants, and we want to stand with persecuted Christians. And closing this refugee resettlement program goes against those words, Matiz said. As for Yuriana, she said she is praying that her family will be united in the U.S. soon. And is pleading with President Trump to reinstate the program. President. I do not question you. I plead to you. Dont suspend the program. There are lives in danger, Loaiza said. World Relief does have a Christian statement on its website urging President Trump to uphold his commitment to protecting persecuted Christians, and for his administration to sustain the refugee resettlement program. For more information, click 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 RochesterFirst. Local attorney details concerns, options for immigrants amid executive order DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) 2 NEWS reporter Adrienne Oglesby spoke with an immigration attorney to learn more about the potential impact of a new executive order. The directive, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, was signed Monday, enforcing stricter immigration and deportation policies. Immigrant communities around the country and in the Miami Valley are considering the consequences, options and more as a result. Oglesby spoke with Mohamed Al-Hamdani, an attorney with Flanagan, Lieberman and Rambo Attorneys at Law, who specializes in immigration and family and juvenile law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Hamdani emphasizes now more than ever the importance of knowing your rights and seeking legal counsel if needed. To deport someone who is in the United States, obviously they would have to put them through immigration court. Most of the Haitian population that has TPS is probably already has that immigration court case open, said Al-Hamdani via Zoom. There is still a process, they still have a chance to apply for other relief, whether its asylum or family based or other relief for either, you know, a temporary hold or a permanent residency card. The executive order is being challenged in court and may not take hold legally anytime soon. Al-Hamdani said that many immigrant communities within the Miami Valley including people of Hispanic, Turkish, African and Middle Eastern descent are concerned. I can tell you from what were seeing in our offices, you know, and the calls were getting, everybodys scared, even though most of the executive orders dont affect those populations yet. I think a lot of people are worried that, you know, that were going to get the same thing that happened in 2016 with the Muslim ban and things like that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local nonprofits, such as Springfields Haitian Community Alliance, are stepping up to offer resources. These resources provide safe spaces to ask questions, trainings to inform residents of their rights and information about what to do if they encounter U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents. For more information about the Haitian Community Alliance, visit their social media or their 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 WDTN.com. Local immigration attorney Joe Patrick Murphy told Channel 11 hes never been busier as questions continue to swirl around new federal immigration enforcement initiatives. The biggest concern, he says, is what these policies will mean for the Pittsburgh area. The idea that federal agents are going to come in and arrest a small-town mayor for harboring a fugitive, Murphy said. But thats exactly what the Department of Justice is ordering local U.S. Attorneys offices to do. This week, the Department of Justice sent a memo to U.S. Attorneys offices across the country, instructing them to investigate any local or state officials, including police, who do not comply with the new immigration enforcement guidelines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murphy said local law enforcement agencies may not be equipped to handle the new requirements. He noted that Pittsburgh police officers likely arent trained in immigration enforcement and local law schools offer limited immigration-related courses. We didnt budget for immigration enforcement, Murphy said. Our law schools, we have two: Pitt has a two-credit course with an immigration clinic, Duquesne has no immigration courses, this is not tested on the bar so where are they going to get the people to even know what laws to enforce? In a statement to Channel 11, Mayor Ed Gainey emphasized Pittsburghs welcoming stance toward immigrants but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the new policies. While we do not yet fully understand the impact of these orders on our city, we are carefully assessing their meaning for our community, Gainey said. Pittsburgh remains committed to inclusivity, ensuring that all residentsregardless of backgroundare welcomed and supported as part of the collective strength of our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Murphy points out the challenges city officials face in managing the new policies. When you talk about ability to comply, say we want you to do this and check the status, but we dont know how. We dont have the equipment, counterfeit green cards are endless, in order to tell the difference you need a chip reader, I dont know if our police have these things, Murphy said. The Western District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorneys office declined to comment on the memo. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW MCLEAN COUNTY, Ill. (WMBD) The McLean County Health Department is asking residents to help celebrate locals making the community healthier. The department is looking for nominations for the 2025 Public Health Award, said Marianne Manko, a department spokeswoman. She said the award will be presented by the McLean County Board of Health and the health department to recognize a county resident who promotes public health practices and principles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLean County Health Department share norovirus prevention tips Health Board president Robert Kohlhase said the board first presented the award in 1993. Success in maintaining and improving our community is done through strong collaborative public health initiatives, he said. We are excited to support and recognize this important award that highlights individuals or groups that may be unsung contributors to make our community better, if not for their efforts. Past winners have come from many backgrounds, including volunteers at local schools, medical professionals serving underserved residents and individuals expanding health programs through non-profits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deadline to submit a nominee is Feb. 28. The winner is scheduled to be recognized on April 9. A submission form to nominate someone and full guidelines are available on the health departments website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. [Watch in the player above: Cleveland crime by the numbers] CLEVELAND (WJW) A Richland County man has been indicted on charges of cyberstalking three women and sending threatening communications. A federal grand jury in Cleveland has handed up a six-count indictment against Logan Stanford, 28, of Shelby, according to a Thursday news release from Carol Skutnik, acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New fallout from mystery of cars left in Cuyahoga River: I-Team Stanford is accused of stalking his victims online between September 2021 and May 2024, harassing them in comments on their social media posts. Some of the messages he allegedly sent to the women were sexual or violent in nature or threatened to cause them physical harm, reads the release. Stanford allegedly sent the intimidating and harassing messages from several different social media accounts and email addresses he had created. Brunswick schools worker Leann Alferio keeps job after pleading to felony wiretapping charge The case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement January is National Stalking Awareness Month. To learn more or file a stalking report, visit the Stalking Prevention, Awareness & Resource Center 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. The Trump administration this week directed federal prosecutors across the country to investigate and potentially prosecute local officials who get in the way of its immigration crackdown. It is not clear if any will get in the way in Texas. Local officials across the state who are eager to help the administrations immigration efforts have not offered concrete details about how they will cooperate with the federal government. And officials in the states Democratic cities where the majority of the states undocumented population live and work have not said much at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigrant rights advocacy groups and legal experts say the Trump administrations threat Wednesday to prosecute local officials has no legal backing and is simply an attempt to intimidate local jurisdictions into helping with the mass deportations Trump promised during his presidential campaign. The Constitution and our laws are clear: The federal government cannot bully state officials into carrying out deportations, nor can they punish them for declining, said Deirdre Schifeling, the American Civil Liberties Union's chief political and advocacy officer. The directive was among a flurry of executive actions Trump took this week. The administration also cut off access to an app that thousands of migrants used to make appointments to request asylum; promoted more cooperation between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local and state governments; and threw out policies that stopped authorities from arresting migrants at sensitive locations like schools and churches. In Texas, some officials said they are ready to help Trump but did not specify what that means. Among them is Tarrant County Judge Tim OHare, the top elected official in the 15th largest county in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly two decades ago as a city council member in Farmers Branch, a city in neighboring Dallas County, OHare tried to ban landlords from renting to anyone who lacked proof of citizenship. The ordinance was repeatedly struck down by federal judges and the city stopped defending it in 2014 after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from the city. The lawsuits over the policy, which was never enforced, cost the town $6.6 million. OHare said he fully supports Trumps agenda and trusts the presidents political advisers to successfully address the massive crisis we have at our border, his chief of staff Ruth Ray said. Tarrant County is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of its residents, Ray said. Tarrant County will fully and unequivocally support law and order and the enforcement of American immigration laws. Galveston County Judge Mark Henry noted that his county was the only one not located along the border to deploy deputies to help the states Operation Lone Star border enforcement program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Galveston County will collaborate and work fully with the Trump Administration on immigration enforcement and securing our southern border, Henry said in a statement just before Trumps inauguration. In the states Democrat-led cities, officials stopped short of a full-throated condemnation of Trumps new initiatives. Spokespersons for the sheriffs in Bexar, Travis and Dallas counties home to the states other largest metros vowed to abide by state and federal laws and continue serving all of their residents. We are dedicated to public safety and law enforcement, Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez said. We offer top-level professional care to anyone in need of our services. We want victims to run to our agency in a crisis, not run away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said he would stand by his commitment to safety for all and that everyone should feel safe going to school, churches and hospitals. Public safety is best served when every resident feels safe and protected, he said. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare echoed the sentiment. Nothing about the rhetoric out of Washington will undermine my mission: Fighting for all crime survivors in our community, Teare said in a statement provided by a spokesperson. Any policy that makes victims of violent crime, such as domestic violence or aggravated robbery, less likely to contact law enforcement out of fear of legal retribution, should be reexamined. Texas cities that were accused of protecting undocumented immigrants through so-called sanctuary policies such as directing local police not to cooperate with federal immigration officials became the targets of a 2017 state law that prohibited local policies that prevent a peace officer from asking about a person's immigration status. The law also requires that Texas authorities cooperate with federal immigration authorities. HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) With people across NEPA getting hit by card skimming scams, one area police department is sharing some tips on how to stay safe. The devices can take your bank information within seconds, and cause you to lose money from your account. Charges dropped for man accused of firing gun in home Card skimmers are quickly placed onto point-of-sale machines. The devices are wireless, and usually enabled with Wi-Fi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say taking a closer look when youre using your card, can save you the trouble of getting skimmed. Card skimmers are a device that is normally placed on a point-of-sale, whether it be at a gas pump, checking out at a store, even at ATM locations, said Jessica Surkin, Public Information Officer, Hazleton City Police Department. Public Information Officer Jessica Surkin, from the Hazleton City Police Department, says the crime happens quickly. As soon as you put your card in, the information gets sent to a digital scanner kind of operation and people are able to get that number, your information, and create their own accounts with it, explained Surkin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the scammer has your information, they use it to make their own purchases, often leaving your account empty. The crimes can be difficult to trace, but there are a few steps you can take to prevent it from happening to you. If youre looking at where youre about to swipe your card, tap the card, or insert your card and you notice things arent lining up. Maybe the numbers are crooked, maybe the sides are a little bit wider than they should be, added Surkin. You can physically inspect the point-of-sale machine by lightly shaking it with your hand to make sure the cover is secure and theres no movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you think youve fallen victim to skimming: your first call should be to your bank. And if you happen to come across a skimming device on a point of sale machine? Please contact 911 so that we can retrieve that skimming device and see if theres any information we can get off of it, said Surkin. The Pennsylvania Office of the Inspector General is unable to comment on the existence or status of any investigation or related tips, but did give tips on what victims should do: Immediately report the theft to local police and OSIG, either online or by calling 1-800-932-0582. Request a replacement EBT card as soon as possible by contacting DHS EBT contractor, Conduent, at 888-328-7366 or visiting a DHS County Assistance Office. Stay vigilant and follow guidance from the FBI, Department of Human Services (DHS), and USDA to protect their personal 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 PAhomepage.com. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) Jan. 23 marks one month of grieving and fighting for answers for the Laurel County community. Douglas Harless, 63, was shot and killed at his home by London Police while they were executing a search warrant for a stolen weed eater and other items. We focus so much on fighting for justice that its important to kind of bring us back to home and realize that an innocent man lost his life, said Sarah Blonder, an organizer for the vigil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another community member who spoke at the vigil said, He was a really great member of our community, and he will be missed. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: But what has this community rallied around Harless death is that it appears police shouldnt have been at his house to begin with. Court documents and dispatch audio indicate authorities went to the wrong home. This is something that could happen anywhere with anyone. And its been proven, said Blonder. Harless death has garnered attention from all over, with many becoming part of the cause and recognizing that its about something bigger than just one person. Im not from London, but I love them. Theyre my neighbors. Theyre my brothers and sisters. And so Im here to support them, said Joram Waller, who delivered a prayer at the vigil. I think its important for every American who loves their country and values human life to be involved. Especially when an innocent citizen is shot down in their home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the community waits for the details of a state police investigation into the shooting, many shared fond memories of Harless, honoring his life with light. Dougs at peace; hes watching over every one of us, said one of the speakers. Read more of the latest Kentucky news I just want everybody to remember that this was a great man. He had a great daughter and a great grandson and he didnt deserve it, another speaker added. A peaceful, but more vocal, event is set to take place at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Big Lots in London. Its a protest (the second one this month) to demand answers and justice for Douglas Harless. 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. More than 50,000 deaths may have been caused by A&E delays last year, sickening analysis suggests. NHS figures show that 1.75 million people spent more than 12 hours in departments after arriving at A&E last year, with long waits rising by a fifth. Analysis by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggests those facing such delays are twice as likely to die in the following month, compared with those who are seen promptly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now further research suggests that the waits last year were associated with about 1,100 deaths a week suggesting there were around 57,000 fatalities in 2024. The Liberal Democrats said the findings were sickening. The figures follow warnings that patients are dying in hospital corridors so crowded that nurses could not reach them. Waits of more than 12 hours have long been associated with an increased risk of early death. Previous estimates had suggested they could be responsible for 16,000 deaths annually. But the latest ONS figures show how the delays can dramatically increase the risk of death long after patients have been sent home from the hospital. Analysis shows mortality was 1.9 times higher for those who spent nine hours in A&E - Rawpixel/iStockphoto Charles Tallack, the director of research and analysis at The Health Foundation, conducted a detailed analysis to assess the impact on the number of total deaths in England. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Helen Morgan, the Liberal Democrats health and social care spokesman, said: This new analysis is sickening. It lays bare the deadly consequences of a health service that has been run into the ground with patients and their loved ones often paying the ultimate price. The Conservative Party should never be forgiven for what it did to our NHS and the tragedy their neglect has left it in its wake, but it is simply not good enough for this new Government to sit on its hands any longer. Last week, Britains most senior A&E doctor urged ministers to act, warning that the ONS data proving that long waits were extremely dangerous was too compelling to ignore. Dr Adrian Boyle, the president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: Long waits in the emergency department are extremely dangerous and a significant threat to patient safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The research showed that for patients who spent 12 hours or more in emergency departments, the risk of post-discharge death was 2.1 times higher than those who spent two hours or less. Mortality was 1.9 times higher for those who spent nine hours in A&E, 1.6 times for those who spent six hours, and 1.1 times for three-hour stays, according to the ONS. Figures typically used to describe A&E waits only count the time between a decision to admit a patient and when a bed is found. Record levels of trolley waits An analysis by the Liberal Democrats found that these trolley waits had reached record levels, with 518,000 people in England experiencing delays of more than 12 hours in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The figure has risen 23-fold since 2019. The picture is still more bleak when waiting times are measured from the point of arrival. NHS provisional data suggest there were 1.75 million such waits in England in 2024, with the total up 20 per cent in one year. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: The government inherited a broken NHS. but has taken action over the past six months to protect A&E departments, rolling out the new RSV vaccine, vaccinating more people against flu than this time last year, and ending the resident doctor strikes so staff are on the frontline, not the picket line, for the first winter in three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are honest about the fact that patients are facing unacceptable waits. It will take time, but we are committed to breaking the cycle of annual winter crises as we deliver the reform and investment to fix the NHS through our Plan for Change. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. By Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijani artist Rovshan Nur has demonstrated his art works themed "Colorful Winter" at Kaja Cultural Center in Tallinn, Estonia. The artist's works, imbued with the atmosphere of his native Azerbaijan, transport viewers to an extraordinary world where the cold winter landscapes of Tallinn come to life through vibrant colors and expressive forms. Using a palette of bold shades, the artist creates unique compositions that evoke emotions of warmth and comfort even in the coldest months of the year. Particular attention is drawn to the details: patterns inspired by Azerbaijani artistic traditions harmoniously blend with the winter motifs of Estonian nature. Rovshan Nur is an Azerbaijani artist who has lived in Estonia for about twenty years. A participant in numerous international and Estonian exhibitions, he regularly holds events to introduce the residents of Estonia to the art and culture of Azerbaijan. Rovshan Nur also organizes workshops, allowing anyone interested to engage with Azerbaijani national crafts and cultural traditions. The exhibition will run until February 17, 2025. (Bloomberg) -- Texas Instruments Inc. shares declined the most in nearly five years after the chipmaker gave a disappointing earnings forecast for the current period, hurt by still-sluggish demand and higher manufacturing costs. Most Read from Bloomberg Profit will be 94 cents to $1.16 a share in the first quarter, the company said in a statement Thursday. The midpoint of that range, $1.05 a share, was well below the $1.17 that analysts projected on average. Much of the electronics industry remains mired in a slump contributing to nine straight quarters of sales declines at the company. Manufacturing expenses also have affected profit, Texas Instruments executives said. Texas Instruments gets the biggest portion of its sales from manufacturers of industrial equipment and vehicles, making its projections a bellwether for much of the global economy. Three months ago, executives said some of the companys end markets were showing signs of emerging from an inventory glut, but the rebound hasnt come as quickly as some investors anticipated. While industrial was better than our expectation, management refused to call the bottom as they continue to note an uneven recovery across different subsegments, Susquehanna Financial Group analyst Christopher Rolland said in a note. The shares fell 7.5% to $185.52 in New York on Friday. That wiped out the stocks entire 2025 gain and marked the worst single-day rout since the early days of the pandemic in March 2020. Texas Instruments had increased about 7% this year through Thursdays close. Chief Executive Officer Haviv Ilan said Thursday that industrial demand remains slow. Industrial automation and energy infrastructure still havent found the bottom, he said on a conference call with analysts. In the automotive segment, growth in China wasnt as strong as it has been, meaning it cant offset the expected weakness in other parts of the world. We havent seen the bottom yet let me be clear, Ilan said, though the company is seeing points of strength. Sales will be $3.74 billion to $4.06 billion in the first quarter, Texas Instruments said, compared with an estimate of $3.86 billion. In contrast with the disappointing forecast, fourth-quarter results handily beat analysts estimates. Though sales fell 1.7% to $4.01 billion, analysts had projected $3.86 billion. Profit was $1.30 a share, compared with a prediction of $1.21 per share. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) As an investigation into the deadly shooting at Antioch High School continues, more details have come to light on the shooter. The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) identified the shooter as 17-year-old Solomon Henderson. Students at the school described Henderson as quiet. ABC News reported the suspected shooter praised mass shooters and showed an affinity for extremist views. Gregory Lerime, the uncle of an Antioch High School student, told News 2 pulled out a knife on his niece about a month prior to publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Antioch High School Shooting | Continuing Coverage She called me and told me the situation. I guess the dude pulled out a knife on her probably about a month ago. They had court on the eighth for it, Lerime said. She called me and asked me do I think she should press charges for it. I was like I dont think you should press charges for it.' Lerime repeatedly said he questioned whether the family made the right call. It broke me down, in a way, because now, I dont know if I did the right thing telling my sister, Dont press charges,' Lerime added. If she would have pressed charges, [I] dont know if it would have kept him in jail or anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lerime said his niece has been shaken up by Wednesdays shooting. Nowheres safe, honestly. Shes shaken up about the situation, especially, with what happened before. Fast forward to whats going on now shes still shaken up. She has mentioned she doesnt want to go back to another school, but we just gotta let things die down and move on from there. Lerime added that he thought metal detectors could have been useful in possibly preventing Wednesdays shooting. Antioch school shooter fired up to 10 shots, uploaded documents and photos online before shooting: police If we had metal detectors, he wouldnt have got into the school. He [would have] had to face security before he entered school, so metal detectors in school I honestly believe are very important, Lermine said. I have a kid in school. The mother of my child is an educator in school, so I dont want to get no call one day any of them that somethings happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MNPD confirmed two guns were removed from Hendersons home in 2023 but were unable to share what led to the guns being located. In 2023, two guns were removed from the property associated to adults. They have remained in the MNPD property room since that time. The investigation that resulted in the guns being located is protected by Juvenile confidentiality, wrote the police department. News 2 reached out to the Juvenile Court of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County. However, the court said state law prevented them from releasing information on specific cases. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass has revealed that her brother was among the thousands of Californians that lost their homes in the devastating Pacific Palisades fires. Speaking at a Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting on Thursday, the mayor said the loss of the property was a trauma that will be with us for a long time. More than 50,000 acres of southern Californian land have been torched since the Palisades wildfire broke out on January 7, taking 28 lives, destroying thousands of homes, and causing hundreds of billions of dollars of economic loss in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The loss that youre going through, I share indirectly. Its hit my family too, Bass said, per the Los Angeles Times. My brother, who has lived in Malibu for 40 years, been through many fires, evacuated many times, this time didnt get away. LA mayor Karen Bass said on Thursday that her brother was among those who lost their homes in the Pacific Palisades wildfires (AP) The property was my family home where we went on the holidays the mayor said, adding that its loss was a type of shock and grief that is trauma that will be with us for a long time. Bass has received criticism for being out of the country in Ghana when the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires broke out. She was there for the inauguration of the countrys new president after Joe Biden selected her as one of his four-member presidential delegation to attend the event. Recently elected LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman also revealed that he too had a sibling who lost a home in Pacific Palisades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was truly an apocalyptic scene as the winds were blowing, the fires were still going on, he said. Its a disaster. I thought I saw disasters back in the 90s when we got hit with fires, floods, an earthquake and riots, and that pales in comparison to what I was seeing. Bass and other officials have promised frustrated residents that they will be granted more access to their homes next week. More than 50,000 acres of southern Californian land has been torched since the Palisades wildfire broke out on January 7, which has caused the deaths of at least 28 people (AP) The mayor has issued a number of emergency executive orders to shore up Los Angeles burn areas that are vulnerable to mudslides and debris flow and protect waterways from toxic runoff from burn areas. According to the latest figures from Cal Fire, approximately 50,683 acres have been burned across southern California almost double the area of Paris since the fires began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palisades (23,400 acres burned), Eaton (14,000 acres burned) and Hughes (10,400 acres burned) fires continue to rage, as firefighters continue efforts to contain the blazes. As of Friday, nine fires were still raging. Donald Trump is expected to visit impacted areas to survey the damage on Friday as part of his first presidential trip to the state since taking office. Despite the frigid temperatures that have recently plagued Greater Cincinnati, crews are making progress on repairing the southbound lanes of the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge. Workers with Great Lakes Construction Co. are preparing for the first concrete pour to repair a portion of the bridge deck badly damaged in a Nov. 1 fire. The blaze caused a lengthy closure of a section of Interstate 471 south, which has led to traffic delays that have frustrated commuters. While it has yet to be determined when exactly the 260 cubic yards of concrete will be poured, just getting to this point marks a major milestone for a project that officials say would take as long as three years under normal circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's been a lot of effort in planning the project," said Tom Hackett, project manager with Great Lakes Construction, which was contracted to handle the bridge repairs. The cold weather has created some obstacles for the concrete pour process because such operations are typically conducted in warmer months as freshly poured concrete needs to be kept at 50 to 100 degrees, Hackett said. "So this is an atypical time to perform a deck pour because of temperatures," he said. "It's not something we're not used to or haven't done before, but ideally, it's not at this time of year." Crews have built heated enclosures to maintain the newly poured concrete at the proper temperatures, Hackett said. He added that heaters were strategically placed around the pour site and sensors will monitor the concrete to alert workers if temperatures drop low enough they need to crank up the heat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the concrete isn't kept warm, it won't reach the necessary strength and will begin to delaminate and peel away, Hackett said. It will take seven days for the first pour to cure, he said, after which crews will perform a "closure pour" to fill in a roughly 4-foot section of deck that will tie the newly dried concrete to the rest of the bridge deck. Seven custom-made, steel plate girders were installed at the bridge earlier this month. After the girders were installed, crews began installing additional reinforcing steel plats and cross frames, along with scaffolding and forms for the bridge deck's reconstruction. Ohio Department of Transportation spokesman Matt Bruning said the bridge's southbound lanes are still expected to reopen sometime in March. While the project's final cost remains unknown, Bruning said the current price tag estimate is around $10 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Hamilton County grand jury indicted four suspects in connection with the fire underneath the I-471 bridge. They're accused of starting the blaze and hindering fire investigators' inquiry. Zachary Stumpf, 23, and Terry Stiles, 39, are charged with aggravated arson and are expected to appear for hearings about their competency on Feb. 24. Kaitlen Hall, 25, and James Hamilton, 26, are facing obstructing justice counts and are also set to appear in court in February. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati bridge closure: See work progressing on I-471 SB lanes A barn located on a family-owned cranberry farm in Massachusetts was destroyed after a raging blaze broke out on Thursday night. Crews responding to at least seven 911 calls for a large structure fire in the area of Southworth Street in Lakeville just before 7 p.m. learned a neighborhood resident heard a loud explosion that shook his home before spotting flames engulfing a shop and storage area on the Angers Conway Farm, according to the Lakeville Fire Department. Horses and other farm animals were relocated from a nearby barn and firefighters spent more than five hours working to knock down the flames, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, firefighters were able to keep the fire from jumping to the next building, the department said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said water tankers had to be called in due to the lack of hydrants in the area and that freezing conditions made the scene hazardous for firefighters. There were no reported injuries. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, firefighters noted that it doesnt appear suspicious at this time. Angers Conway Farm was established in 1920 as a dairy farm by George C. Angers and his wife, Octavia. Cranberry bogs were later constructed on the property in the 1980s. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Many are experiencing plumbing line breaks and frozen pipes as the ice from the heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures thaws. Plumbers are working to get those water lines back to normal. Joseph Lee Bayhi, of Zachary, said he started his new job two weeks ago as a plumbers apprentice. He said he is learning a lot during this record-breaking freeze. Im a helper, said Bayhi. I stick with all these licensed plumbers. Im here to help, grabbing tools, cutting water off, whatever they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he and his mentor are working overtime to relieve homeowners anxiety. Some are stressed, some are calm about it, just depends on how bad the situation is, he said. Stuart Richardson with Central Plumbing Co. said in the next few days, the company expects more issues. Richardson says, One of our earlier stops this morning, they lost water pressure, but then regained it, and noticed a great deal of water out back, said Richardson. Basically, when the temperatures came up to thaw, thats when the leak presented itself. If they end up with water leaks, it damages the property. If its inside the home, it could damage the inside of the home. Zach Payne with Central Plumbing Co. said the company has helped more than 80 customers in the capital region so far with freeze breaks after the winter storm. Richardson said people should cover their pipes that are exposed to the cold and drip faucets overnight to avoid being in that number. Some people wait till the last minute and get caught off guard, said Richardson. Some prepare the best they could and still end up having it happen. Richardson and Bayhi said in these moments, they know why they chose this line of work. They want to help. I like it, me personally, said Bayhi. I could live with it. It keeps us busy, keeps us going. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator The $10.5 million the state provided to help people pay for job training and industry certifications ran out approximately six months ahead of schedule. Legislators added an additional $7.5 million worth of grants to the M.J. Foster Promise Program last week during a budget hearing. The initial $10.5 million for the program was supposed to last through June but ran out in December, according to budget documents. Named for former Gov. Mike Foster, the grants provide financial support for students looking to earn credentials in high-demand, skilled industries such as construction, health care and information technology. The money can be put toward programs at Louisianas community and technical colleges and a handful of other training programs the state Board of Regents has approved. Students can generally receive $3,200 per academic year or $1,600 per semester if they are enrolled full time. The award maxes out at $6,400 in total over three years. People who qualify must come from households earning less than 300% of the federal poverty level, which is $43,740 for a single person or $90,000 for a family of four. They also cannot have previously earned an undergraduate degree, and the students must also be at least 20 years old to qualify for the current academic year. The types of job training the grant covers include nursing degrees, masonry, roofing, plumbing, cloud computing and dozens of other options. The extra $7.5 million being used to fund the programs is unspent money from 2023, the first year the grants were awarded. Not as many people took advantage of the program that year because it was new and not well known at the time, officials said. Monty Sullivan, head of Louisianas Community and Technical College System, said he believed the surge in interest in the program is related to economic factors, such as the rising cost of groceries. People are seeking ways to make more money, he said. The program is working. Thats the bottom line, he said. The Louisiana Board of Regents has asked that state lawmakers double the funding available for M.J. Foster grants to $21 million for the next academic year. The John Minor Wisdom U.S. Fifth Court of Appeals building in New Orleans on Oct. 3, 2017 (Jolie McCullough/The Texas Tribune) NEW ORLEANS Three judges on the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals considered arguments Thursday over a state law that requires displays of the Ten Commandments in every Louisiana public school classroom. A group of nine parents, each on behalf of their children, sued to block the law shortly after the Louisiana Legislature and Gov. Jeff Landry approved it last spring. A lower court ruled in November the requirement violates the First Amendments prohibition against establishing a state-approved religion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill appealed that ruling, which the 5th Circuit decided only applied to the five school districts that are among the defendants in the case. For every other district, the law went into effect at the start of this month. The American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for Separation of Church and State are also representing the plaintiffs in the case. The law firm Simpson, Thacher and Bartlett is providing its services to the parents at no cost. In addition to the five school districts, Louisiana Education Superintendent Cade Brumley and members of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education are defendants. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Catharina Haynes led the hearing conducted via Zoom because of the winter weather. She questioned why the law was approved when Solicitor General Benjamin Agiunaga presented his arguments. Im respectful of the Ten Commandments, and I think everybody is, said Haynes, federal court appointee of former President George W. Bush. But that doesnt mean it has to be put in every classroom in a state under the First Amendment. Aguinaga said the laws language notes the historical significance of the commandments in the foundation of the U.S. legal system merits their display in classrooms. In addition to defending the law, Aguinaga argued the plaintiffs filed their lawsuit too hastily because the displays had not yet been posted and no children had been harmed. The judges must rule first on whether the parents had the right to sue before considering the merits of their case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aguinaga cited a 2007 ruling from the 5th Circuit in the case Staley v. Harris County, which involved a memorial display outside a Texas courthouse that included a Bible. Appellate judges first upheld a lower court ruling that deemed the monument unconstitutional, but the 5th Circuit later reversed its decision. The ruling declared that because the monument was being refurbished, it wasnt clear yet what it would look like or whether it violated the First Amendment. Jonathan Youngwood, an attorney for the plaintiffs, countered that legal theory in First Amendment cases does not require plaintiffs to be harmed before they seek relief. He also stressed the religious intent of the laws author, Rep. Dodie Horton, R-Haughton, who he quoted as saying: It is so important that our children learn what God says is right and what he says is wrong. Youngwood also noted religious references to God and the Sabbath day in the first four commandments, which he said violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course the Ten Commandments are worthy of great respect and are profoundly meaningful to many, many people, and they have a place in our society, Youngwood said. They dont have a place in this form in public schools. Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez, an appointee of President Joe Biden, asked Aguinaga if he could cite any prior court decisions that allowed displays of the Ten Commandments in a school setting. He could not but instead referenced a ruling that allowed students who are Jehovahs Witnesses to abstain from the Pledge of Allegiance. The fact that they are allowed under the First Amendment to opt out of participating in the pledge doesnt mean that they can also request that the flag be taken down or that the pledge not be said, Aguinaga said. Judge Haynes voiced some skepticism of Aguinagas reference to the Staley case, noting that few people are compelled to go to a courthouse while children are required to go to school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge James Dennis, who former President Bill Clinton appointed to the federal bench, also heard arguments Thursday. Haynes said the appellate judges would do their best to render a decision in the near future. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE One day after the Trump administration injected fresh uncertainty into the fate of Justice Department agreements aimed at reforming local police departments with histories of misconduct and abuse, city leaders in in Minneapolis and Louisville pledged to follow through with agreed-upon reforms no matter what. Its unfortunate the Trump administration may not be interested in cooperating with us to improve policing and support our community, but make no mistake, we have the tools, the resolve, and the communitys backing to fulfill our promise to the people of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, told CNN in a statement on Thursday. Our work will not be stopped, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisville Mayor Craig Greenbergs office similarly said in a statement that he and the citys police chief remain committed to implementing the reforms set forth in the reform agreement with the Justice Department, known as a consent decree. Regardless of what happens in federal court, Louisville Metro Government and LMPD will move forward and honor our commitment to meaningful improvements and reforms, Greenbergs office said. The Louisville decree was reached in mid-December after a yearslong investigation into the citys police department following the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor in 2020. The agreement with Minneapolis reached earlier this month came years after the killing of George Floyd at the hands of city police officers and a DOJ probe found the departments officers used excessive force, including unjustified deadly force. In a significant yet expected move on Wednesday, the Trump administration said it was putting a halt to agreements that require reforms of police departments where the Justice Department found a pattern of misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden Justice Department opened a dozen such pattern or practice investigations into police departments across the country, but some consent decrees reached in the waning days of the administration hadnt yet been approved by a federal judge a key final step that would have shielded them from attack by the new administration. The new administration may wish to reconsider settlements and consent decrees negotiated and approved by the prior administration, said a memo issued by acting Associate Attorney General Chad Mizelle. Legal experts said that while a court-approved consent decree would have ensured police departments complied with the reforms set out in the agreements through an independent monitor, the cities are still able to implement them themselves, including through agreements reached with state attorneys general. Well, if its not finalized the judge obviously would have the option of saying one of the two parties in the negotiation has dropped out, so theres no point in proceeding and could dismiss the entire thing, said Dennis Kenney, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency doesnt actually need the consent decree to make the changes, he added. Thats within their power. And it may well be that that just simply negotiating may be enough that theyve identified the things that that they should be evolving and should be changing. Should the Trump administration ask the judges overseeing the consent decrees to not approve them, its possible that such a request could be rebuffed. Such was the case in 2017 when the Justice Department attempted to upend an Obama-era consent decree for Baltimores police department that hadnt yet been approved by a judge by the time the new administration took over. Minneapolis police department is already under a court-approved consent decree that was reached between the city and states Department of Human Rights, though that agreement isnt as sweeping as the proposed federal one. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Wall Street Journals editorial board on Thursday slammed President Donald Trump for leaving three of his former foreign policy advisors open to a potential Iranian attack. The New York Times on Thursday reported that Trump pulled ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's security detail as well as that of his aide Brian Hook on Wednesday, after removing former national security advisor John Boltons Secret Service detail hours after his inauguration. The conservative, Murdoch-owned papers opinion writers conceded that falling out of President Trumps good graces is an occupational hazard for his staffers but called the move a new low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Iran commits violence against any of these men, Mr. Trump wont be able to escape some responsibility, the Journals editorial board said, referencing a foiled assassination plot against Bolton by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Bolton and Pompeo fell out with the former president in 2019 and 2021 respectively, the former for his foreign policy views and the latter for criticizing Trump's attempted election overturn. All three men received protections beyond their tenure because of credible threats of violence from the Iranian government following the first Trump administrations killing of Qasem Soleimani. Irans revenge schemes for Soleimanis killing included a plan to assassinate Trump himself, a November DOJ report alleged. The WSJ plea contends, possibly somewhat naively, that Trump doesnt seem to be taking this all [potential violence] that seriously, urging him not to make security decisions based on some vindictive whim. The security detail removals come alongside other actions that critics say increase the specter of violence for President Trumps political opponents. Trump pardoned over 1,500 Jan 6 rioters including Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes, each sentenced to over a decade in jail for leading violent militias, and anti-abortion demonstrators who injured a nurse with a blockade on a reproductive care clinic. By Jessica DiNapoli and Ananya Mariam Rajesh NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. consumer goods maker Procter & Gamble (PG) will again look to hike prices on its household basics such as Tide detergent if President Donald Trump imposes new tariffs that increase the cost of imports, an executive said Wednesday. "Whatever the administration decides to do, we will be able to deal with," P&G chief financial officer Andre Schulten said on a call with reporters following quarterly earnings. He added the company will first try to offset possible tariffs by cutting costs. "And what we can't offset with productivity, it might result in incremental pricing," Schulten added. P&G's sales volumes rose in the quarter ended Dec. 31, while the company kept prices flat across its global portfolio of dish soaps, laundry detergents and toilet papers. The company, viewed by investors as a top operator in the cut-throat consumer products industry, buys inputs like chemicals, razor blades and small electronics from around the world and manufactures the final product closer to consumers in local factories. P&G has frequently hiked prices over the last several years as it faced escalating costs on fuel and labor. Trump's proposed round of new tariffs - which could first target Mexico and Canada - could further add to those costs. "I think its still a risk," said Michael Ashley Schulman, chief investment officer at P&G investor Running Point Capital. "Its a little hard to quantify, how much of that tariff they can pass through to consumers." Over the last four years the company has overhauled its razor blade supply chain for its Gillette brand, a move that could cushion its margins under new tariffs. P&G competitor Edgewell also told Reuters earlier this year it was looking to lock in Chinese chemical supply for its sunscreens ahead of possible tariffs. Schulten said P&G also had "formulation flexibility," meaning it can adjust the ingredients in its products if they became too expensive or unavailable due to tariffs. P&G, grappling with a supply chain crisis after the COVID-19 pandemic, invested $6 billion in U.S. manufacturing in the last six years, Schulten added. (Reporting by Jessica DiNapoli in New York; Editing by Nia Williams) Update (1/29): LSU law professor sues after suspension for political comments in class BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) LSU law professor Ken Levy has been suspended with pay after making political comments in class, his attorney Jill Craft confirmed. According to Craft, Levy was removed from the classroom on Jan. 16 due to the content of remarks he made while teaching. Craft defended Levy, stating, The comments are nothing more than a law professor teaching law students about the law and explaining his course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added, You dont have free speech if theres a price to be paid because someone doesnt like what you have to say. An LSU spokesperson declined to comment on personnel matters but confirmed Levy is not teaching classes at this time. This development comes just months after LSU faced a similar controversy involving another law professor, Nicholas Bryner, who was accused of making political comments in class following President Donald Trumps reelection. Louisiana Ten Commandments law faces federal court challenge In November 2024, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and Governor Jeff Landry called for an investigation into Bryners comments, alleging they singled out students for their political beliefs. Murrill cited concerns about academic freedom, arguing that such comments could chill speech and violate university policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryner reportedly told students that Trumps reelection signaled a rejection of expertise in government and encouraged them to consider how this might affect their future legal practice. Critics, including Landry, argued that these statements crossed the line between teaching and imposing political views. Gov. Jeff Landry names new appointments for LSU Board of Supervisors 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. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned another 15 prisoners shortly before the country's presidential election this weekend, state media reported on Friday. The state news agency BelTa reported that the released prisoners include eight who are serving sentences for extremism, a reference to political opponents of Lukashenko, who has been president of the former Soviet republic since 1994. The names of those released were not disclosed. They include five women, one of whom is pregnant, and three men. In addition to the political prisoners, seven people convicted of drug offences were released from custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BelTa's report said a total of 293 people were released "for humanitarian reasons" last year. However, opponents of Lukashenko in Belarus continue to be sentenced to long prison terms. Most of the released political prisoners were imprisoned after the anti-government protests in 2020, when Lukashenko secured his sixth term in office. That election is considered fraudulent by the opposition and many countries. Lukashenko, who is now 70 years old, will seek to be confirmed for a seventh term in office on Sunday. Opposition candidates were not allowed to stand in the election. Some of the candidates who are standing have spoken in favour of Lukashenko's re-election. A Lummi Nation member was convicted of assault by strangulation of an intimate partner in U.S. District Court in Seattle Wednesday, the U.S. Attorneys Office, Western District of Washington reported. Joseph Michael Quincy Jefferson, 35, was found guilty of the charge stemming from a 2023 incident following a 7-day jury trial. Jurors deliberated for about 90 minutes before reaching the guilty verdict, a statement from the office of U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman reads. Jefferson faces as much as 10 years in prison after being convicted on the assault charge. He is scheduled to be sentenced April 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened April 8, 2023 Court records show on April 8, 2023, Jefferson assaulted the woman he was living with in multiple ways, including punching, pushing and strangling her. Sitting on her back he used the crook of his elbow to apply pressure to her neck, strangling her and causing her to black out twice, the U.S. Attorneys Office release explains. After the victim woke up, she ran from the home where the assault took place barefoot in her underwear calling multiple people she knew seeking help. Once she left, the victim went to the Lummi Nation Police Department and to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From there, the victim made consistent statements both to members of the police department and to the people providing her medical care that she had been strangled. Medical providers documented her injuries that were consistent with being punched, pushed into a metal bookcase, and strangled, the press statement confirmed. In addition, the victims nose was broken. Crime blotter: Covering the crimes committed in the Puget Sound region The Lummi Nation member claimed he acted in self-defense during his trial. The victim minimized Jeffersons conduct during her testimony. In closing arguments, prosecutors not only detailed how the medical records and recorded statements proved the defendants guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, they also noted how anger and alcohol played a role in this assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was the aggressor There is no evidence that he faced immediate use of unlawful force, Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia Lee said. This is a case of gratuitous, intentional violence from someone who was jealous, angry, and drunk. More information about the case against the Lummi Nation member Jefferson has been in custody since his bond was revoked last October because of his ongoing contact with the victim, a violation of conditions to be released before his trial, the U.S. Attorneys Office added in its news release. He is still in custody and will remain there until sentencing. The Lummi Nation Police Department and the FBI investigated the case and Assistant United States Attorneys Celia Lee and Erika Evans prosecuted it, Gormans office noted. Lee serves as a tribal liaison for the U.S. Attorneys Office. The news release concludes by stating, Ensuring public safety on tribal lands is a critical responsibility of the U.S. Attorneys Office, Western District of Washington. Minutes before a deadly Labor Day boat crash in Old Saybrook last summer, one of the three passengers killed shared a Snapchat video of himself seated in the boat and filming the water off the bow. The caption said, I feel unsafe." Ian Duchemin, 25, of Oakdale shared the video with a fellow boater prior to a 31-foot 2001 Fountain Sportfish operated by Clayton J. Hackling, 26, of Lyme, crashing into the breakwall at the mouth of the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook, an investigation by state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection police revealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duchemin was one of the three killed in the 8:50 p.m. crash on Sept. 2 that environmental officials said was caused by a mix of alcohol, high speed and Hackling's apparent attempt to skirt around the channel as he entered the mouth of the Connecticut River. Duchemin's body was found four days after the crash. He died of blunt force injuries to his head and neck, an autopsy revealed. New information about the crash investigation is contained in the affidavit for Hackling's arrest warrant, which was released on Thursday. At least one other passenger expressed concern about Hackling operating the boat that night, the warrant states. Investigators said Hackling's blood alcohol level was at least 0.17 more than twice the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle or boat and the boat was traveling at 49 mph when it crashed into northeastern corner of the breakwall, known as the Spindle. The nearby marked channel the recommended means of entering the Connecticut River is a no-wake zone with a speed limit of 6 mph. The monthslong investigation into the Sept. 2, 2024, crash led to the arrest on Wednesday of Hackling on numerous charges including three counts each of second-degree manslaughter with a vessel, first-degree reckless operation of a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and second-degree reckless operation of a vessel. Court records show Hackling has a pending case stemming from a drunken driving arrest on March 30, 2024, by state police in Westbrook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with Duchemin, the boat crash claimed the lives of Ryan Britagna, 24, of Waterford and Christopher Hallahan, 34, of Westbrook. Six others were injured, some seriously. Hackling, reports show, suffered a collapsed lung, head trauma, a fracture and multiple lacerations to his face, among other injuries. Old Saybrook police were first alerted to the crash at 8:50 p.m. Sept. 2 when they received a crash detection alert from a cellphone at the mouth of the Connecticut River. First responders came upon a chaotic scene with a sinking boat and six people in the water clinging to bean bag chairs and a boat bumper. Passengers on the boat told investigators that the group of nine had left together earlier that morning for a day trip to Block Island, R.I., and remained there for most of the day, drinking and eating at multiple bars before leaving for Montauk, N.Y., where they planned to end the day fishing and whale watching. During the trip to Montauk, one passenger said the group drank beers and "High Noon" hard seltzers and that Hackling and Britagna had shared duties operating the boat. Immediately prior to the crash, however, passengers said Hackling had taken over from Britagna who had driven most of the way back from Montauk as the operator of the boat and abruptly sped up, according to information in the arrest warrant affidavit, which identifies passengers only as victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Shortly after the vessel increased in speed, Victim #2 said that she could feel her body lift into the air, and 'then everything went black," the warrant states. Another passenger told investigators that Hackling had gotten upset with Britagna and accused him of going off course, the warrant states. One witness said Hackling "pushed" Britagna out of the way and insisted on operating the boat as they approached the mouth of the river. "Victim #4 stated that she became nervous as she knew that Clayton Hackling had been drinking and it was apparent to her that he was intoxicated, the warrant states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same witness, a 30-year-old woman, said that it appeared that the radar on the boat had stopped working as the boat approached the mouth of the river and the the GPS monitor was shut off. The woman said she tracked the boat's location on her phone because of her concern about the breakwall and that Hackling had guided the boat to the right of the breakwater instead of the marked navigation channel, the warrant states. Investigators said that the boat's LED's auxiliary lights under the gunwale likely impeded the operator's ability to properly navigate in low light conditions. Hackling is free after posting a $350,000 bond and is due to be arraigned Tuesday in Middletown Superior Court. Brian Dumeer, identified in the warrant as Hackling's lawyer, could not be reached to comment. g.smith@theday.com LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK) The City of Longview collaborated with nonprofits to provide resources to the homeless in East Texas on Thursday. The Longview homeless resource day was held at the Maude Cobb Convention center to provide a one-stop-shop with more than 70 booths including pet care, shelter information and health checks. Event attendee and Longview resident, Dustin Ducker said its nice to not have to rifle through stained hand-me-downs and to actually feel like people care. Although Ducker was overwhelmed walking through the door, he was grateful for the people serving the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the resource day, Ducker was provided a haircut, clothing, hygiene products, health care and so much more. Todays event is all designed to bring services and resources together under one roof so the homeless can access whatever they might need to help them on their road to being home or housed, Laura Hill, Director of Grant and Human Resources for City of Longview, said. Hill explains that the homeless population is increasing in Longview with around 450 homeless people any given day. That is why the city organizes the homeless resource day for the seventh year. The events goal is to help the community in time of need and to give some East Texans a way to a second chance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just trying to pick myself back up again, Ducker said. I know I can do it, it just takes 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. About a month after Donald Trump won a second term, as Republican hype surrounding the so-called Department of Government Efficiency reached absurd levels, Punchbowl News Jake Sherman, an MSNBC contributor, spoke to a senior GOP aide with low expectations. Referring to Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, then the chairs of the fake department, the congressional staffer said: Two people who know nothing about how the government works pretending they can cut a trillion dollars, both with decent pulpits to preach from, and the ear of an unpredictable president? Disaster. Seven weeks later, the relevance of that prediction continues to linger because things could be better in DOGE Land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As this week got underway, for example, Ramaswamy resigned from the advisory panel, and according to multiple reports, his colleagues werent exactly sad to see him leave. A few days later, as The Wall Street Journal reported, the fake department suffered another major departure. The top lawyer at Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency said he is leaving just days after President Trumps return to the White House. Bill McGinley, whom Trump appointed as DOGEs legal counsel in December, is in discussions with several large companies to return to the private sector. The lawyer confirmed his departure in an interview with the Journal, emphasizing that he remains supportive of the president and his agenda. If McGinleys name sounds at all familiar, its because Trump announced in December that the Republican lawyer would serve as the next White House counsel. Four weeks later, for reasons that were not disclosed to the public, Trump changed his mind, demoted McGinley and dispatched him to the DOGE endeavor which McGinley is now leaving, just days after the new presidents inauguration. Making matters worse, its not the only challenge facing the initiative: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOGE is the target of multiple lawsuits that allege the endeavor is failing to comply with disclosure and hiring laws that apply to all advisory panels. The so-called department is facing new questions as to why it was created in such a way that its not subject to Freedom of Information Act requests. While the stated purpose of the project was to identify wasteful spending, Musk has already walked back Trumps unrealistic campaign promises, and the presidents executive order creating DOGE said its purpose will be to implement the Presidents DOGE Agenda, by modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity, suggesting that the reason for the endeavors existence has already been overhauled. Meanwhile, the department that was ostensibly created to address waste and fraud in federal spending is also already experiencing mission creep, reportedly contacting the U.S. Marshals Service this week to express concern about the speed with which pardoned Jan. 6 criminals were being released from detention. In case that werent quite enough, a Wired magazine report noted that DOGE, at an institutional level, has been parked inside the executive branch by reorganizing and renaming an existing entity, the U.S. Digital Service, as the U.S. DOGE Service. That might not seem especially notable, but the Wired article added that this is a move that will give centibillionaire Elon Musk and his allies seemingly unprecedented insight across the government, and access to troves of federal data. In other words, as the first week of Trumps second term gets underway, the not-quite-real Department of Government Efficiency is both struggling and expanding its remit which is far from an ideal scenario in an initiative clouded by secrecy. The disaster prediction from December mightve understated the case. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com In the run-up to Donald Trumps second presidential inauguration, as the so-called Department of Government Efficiency started assembling a team, a couple of progressive activists reached out to the advisory panel, looking to partner with the initiative. The Trump transition team said it wasnt interested. [W]e have no room in our administration for Democrats, a Trump spokesperson told The New York Times. Given the circumstances, the response wasnt too surprising. It was just a few months ago, for example, when the Republican referred to Americans he disagrees with as the enemy within, dangerous and evil. That said, even the most knee-jerk partisans usually maintain the pretense of open-mindedness, saying things like, Were open to good ideas from anyone, regardless of politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Team Trump clearly isnt bothering to keep up appearances. Whats more, as NBC News reported, the presidents GOP allies on Capitol Hill appear to be taking a similar approach. Key Senate Republicans rejected a request by a group of moderate Democrats to jettison their party-line efforts on immigration and instead work on a bipartisan solution. The decision shows the GOPs determination to go their own way on one of President Donald Trumps top priorities, despite their wafer-thin House majority and other obstacles in the way of passing his agenda. The Democratic outreach was itself notable. About a dozen Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, recently reached out to GOP leaders to make the case there was room for a bipartisan compromise on immigration. They knew this might hand the White House a political victory on a key issue, but these same senators already negotiated one bipartisan agreement on immigration and border policy a deal Trump killed last year and they were willing to work in good faith on another. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, the new chair of the Senate Budget Committee, turned away the outstretched Democratic hand. On border security, no, Graham told NBC News. Republican Sen. John Johnson of Wisconsin, when asked about the Democratic outreach, laughed out loud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they want to secure the border, they could have done that, he said, apparently forgetting that Democrats did back a bipartisan agreement on border security that Republicans walked away from. This isnt a situation in which officials tried to reach a bipartisan deal but struggled to nail down the details, leading one party to go their own way. Rather, its one in which Republicans effectively said from the outset, We want a partisan bill, not a bipartisan one. In the recent past, the Obama and Biden administrations practically begged Republicans to sit down at the table on practically every issue to work on bipartisan solutions. But as Trump begins a second term, GOP officials clearly prefer a different approach. As for the legislative challenge of passing major legislation in the Senate where its become routine to need 60 votes on most bills, Republicans believe they can pass their immigration bill through the budget reconciliation process, which means the party would need a simple majority, not a 60-vote supermajority. Watch this space. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com In the wake of Donald Trumps scandalous presidential pardons for Jan. 6 criminals including violent felons who assaulted police officers many congressional Republicans responded to questions with an evasive, seemingly forward-looking answer. For example, Republican Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, his partys new Senate majority leader, said, Were looking at the future, not the past. His counterpart on the other side of Capitol Hill, House Speaker Mike Johnson, similarly told reporters this week, Were not looking backwards, were looking forward. Its a deeply flawed approach for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that GOP lawmakers have already launched yet another Jan. 6 investigation of their own, which is largely the opposite of looking at the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Complicating matters, the president who issued the scandalous pardons doesnt seem especially eager to move on, either. The New York Times reported: President Trump said on Thursday that he would be open to the idea of meeting with some of the nearly 1,600 criminal defendants who were charged with storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and to whom he granted a sweeping form of clemency this week. Mr. Trumps remarks came during a televised session in the Oval Office. ... During the signing session, Mr. Trump was asked if he had plans to meet with any of the Jan. 6 defendants perhaps even at the White House. Id be open to it, certainly, the Republican replied. He added that as far as hes concerned, the Jan. 6 criminals were simply protesting a crooked election. First, the election wasnt crooked. Second, hundreds of the people Trump pardoned werent just protesting, they were violently assaulting police officers during an insurrectionist riot. But just as important as the presidents obvious and lazy lies is the fact that the Republican, instead of moving beyond some of the most scandalous pardons in American history, continues to lean into the abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About a year ago, an Associated Press report noted that Trump had positioned the violent siege and its failed attempt to overturn the 2020 election as a cornerstone of his bid to return to the White House. This coincided with a related Semafor report on the degree to which the Republican had put Jan. 6 rioters at the heart of his campaign. A year later, the cornerstone of his candidacy has become the cornerstone of the early part of his presidency. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Donald Trump has spent years struggling to understand one of the basic tenets of the NATO alliance. Its not complicated, and hes been presented with the truth many times, but on countless occasions, hes flubbed the issue anyway. NATOs member nations are expected to spend at least 2% of GDP on their military budgets. For years, Democratic and Republican administrations have chided countries that have fallen short of the benchmark, though the Obama and Biden administrations had success in pushing allies toward the goal. Trump has repeatedly expressed confusion about this, arguing that assorted NATO members are delinquent in effect, treating military spending as dues which has never really made any sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its against this backdrop that the newly inaugurated Republican president, on the fourth day of his second term, made a video appearance at the World Economic Forum. And while much of the speech criticized our European allies, the powerful audience in Davos, Switzerland, also heard Trump make some new comments about NATO. From the transcript: [A]s we restore common sense in America, were moving quickly to bring back strength and peace and stability abroad. Im also going to ask all NATO nations to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP, which is what it should have been years ago it was only at 2 percent, and most nations didnt pay until I came along; I insisted that they pay, and they did because the United States was really paying the difference at that time, and its it was unfair to the United States. But many, many things have been unfair for many years to the United States. While most of the details in this excerpt were nonsensical, what mattered was the top-line declaration: Trump wants to up the military spending threshold from 2% of GDP to 5%. Its difficult to say whether the president understands the implications of his comments, but theres simply no realistic way NATO members will go along with this. Indeed, even the U.S. isnt prepared to go along with this: As The New York Times Peter Baker noted, The U.S. currently spends about 3% of its GDP on military, so to meet Trumps target, America would have to increase its defense budget by $567 billion a year. Note, were not talking about spending $567 billion a year on the military, were talking about spending an additional $567 billion a year on the military, on top of our already enormous Pentagon budget even as Republicans in the White House and on Capitol Hill talk about the need for spending cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few hours later, Trump spoke briefly to reporters in the Oval Office and shared some additional thoughts on NATO. Were protecting them, the president said, referring to NATO allies. Theyre not protecting us. Were protecting them, so I dont think we should be spending, Im not sure we should be spending anything. He then reiterated his call for moving the military spending benchmark from 2% to 5%. Against this backdrop, Trump also recently made veiled threats toward a NATO ally, which came on the heels of a campaign season in which the Republican was also critical of alliance members. And did I mention that the president, during his first term, reportedly expressed an interest in abandoning NATO altogether? Because that seems relevant, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe nothing will come of all of this and Trumps Davos rhetoric represented little more than wishful thinking. But John Bolton, Trumps former White House national security advisor, has repeatedly warned the public that his former boss might withdraw the U.S. from the alliance, and now seems like an excellent time to take those warning seriously. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com President Trump on Thursday called out the European Union for its antitrust battles with American tech giants, saying the billions of dollars in fines they've levied against US companies amount to a tax on American corporations. Trump made the comments during a virtual appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, during which he laid out plans for his second term and took questions from the likes of Bank of Americas Brian Moynihan and Santanders Ana Botin. They took court cases with Apple, and they supposedly won a case that most people didnt think was much of a case, they won $15 billion or $16 billion from Apple. They won billions from Google. I think theyre after Facebook for billions and billions, Trump said about the blocs regulators. These are American companies, whether you like them or not, they are American companies, and they shouldnt be doing that. And as far as Im concerned, its a form of taxation, he added. The EU has been aggressively tackling the power of American tech companies for years. Most recently, the bloc fined Apple (AAPL) 13 billion euros over back taxes owed to Ireland. The fee hit Apples bottom line in Q4, pulling lower its earnings per share from $1.64 to $0.97. In March 2024, the EU fined Apple $2 billion as part of the companys long-running battle with Spotify for allegedly abusing its dominant position on the market for the distribution of music streaming apps. European Commissioner for Europe fit for the Digital Age Margrethe Vestager speaks during a media conference regarding an antitrust case against Google Adtech at EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) ASSOCIATED PRESS Google (GOOG, GOOGL) lost a legal battle with the EU in September, forcing the company to pay $2.7 billion for using its price comparison tool to disadvantage European services. Google also continues to fight a 2011 antitrust case over its Android operating system, which the EU says the company uses to impose illegal restrictions on Android device manufacturers and mobile network operators to cement its dominant position in general internet search. In November, the EU fined Meta (META) 797 million euros over claims that it breached antitrust rules through its Facebook Marketplace service. The bloc also fined Meta $1.3 billion in 2023 over claims that it violated data protection rules in the region. Amazon (AMZN) and Microsoft (MSFT) havent escaped the EUs sights, either. The collection of European economies threatened Amazon with antitrust fines of $47 billion, forcing the company to change its business practices in the EU. The regulator recently issued a statement of objections to Microsoft over its decision to tie its Teams software to its Office 365 and Microsoft 365 productivity suites. Given the circumstances, Donald Trump should probably stop talking about the war in Ukraine. The newly inaugurated president repeatedly promised voters that hed end the devastating conflict before he was sworn in a for a second term, and he failed. The Republican also promised the public that hed resolve the crisis within 24 hours of returning to the White House, and he failed. In fact, by accounts, Trump didnt even try. But instead of changing the subject and hoping people dont notice the obvious fact that he broke one of his most audacious campaign promises, the president cant seem to help himself. NBC News reported: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump suggested in an interview that aired Thursday night that Ukraine should not have fought when Russia invaded it. Zelenskyy was fighting a much bigger entity, much bigger, much more powerful, Trump told Fox News Sean Hannity. He shouldnt have done that, because we could have made a deal. The Republican added, I could have made that deal so easily, and Zelenskyy decided that I want to fight. In case that werent quite enough, Trump said in the same interview that Zelenskyy is no angel, adding that he shouldnt have allowed this war to happen. If this sounds at all familiar, its not your imagination. A few weeks before Election Day, Trump also blamed the Ukrainian president for the war, saying that Zelenskyy should never have let that war start. An analysis by The Washington Post explained soon after, Even in the context of Trumps long-standing obsequiousness to Putin, its hard to understand how Zelensky would have prevented having his nation be invaded. He could, in theory, have taken the approach that many Trump allies have since endorsed: simply agreeing to cede some or all of Ukraine to Russia, a move that would have prevented the damage incurred to the countrys buildings but amplified the damage done to its sovereignty. Three months later, the president is again blaming Ukraines leader for the war Russia started. While its hardly surprising to see Trump echoing the Kremlin line hes been doing this for years there are real-world consequences to absurdities like these. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In theory, the White House envisions a diplomatic dynamic in which the administration helps negotiate an end to the war. In practice, Trump is making it difficult, if not impossible, for the U.S. allies in Ukraine to see the American president as someone who can be trusted and relied upon. Indeed, while Trump is blaming Ukrainian leaders for the fact that Russia invaded their country without provocation, hes also making hollow and meaningless threats toward Moscow, vowing to impose trade tariffs on a country that were already not trading with. In case that isnt quite enough, Trumps White House national security advisor, Mike Waltz, recently told ABC News that as far as the administration is concerned, its not realistic to think Russia will leave Ukrainian soil altogether, suggesting the White House envisions a resolution in which Putin is allowed to keep parts of Ukraine as a reward for launching a devastating and unnecessary war. Two days before Election Day 2024, The Washington Post reported, [I]nside Russias elite there is a growing expectation that Donald Trump will win and that if he does, there could be a chance to end the war with Ukraine on Moscows terms and potentially redraw the global security map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly three months later, those Russian elites have reason to be pleased. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com During his interview this week with Fox News Sean Hannity, Donald Trump said hed like to see the war in Ukraine a difficult subject for the president end immediately. After the Republican added that hed spoken to Russias Vladimir Putin about Ukraine during his first term, the host asked a rather obvious follow-up question: Have you spoken to him? The president replied, I dont want to say. Hannity: How quickly can this war in Europe end? Trump: It should end immediately Hannity: Have you spoken to Putin? Trump: I don't want to say pic.twitter.com/Ubdq20wh5G Acyn (@Acyn) January 24, 2025 Hannity didnt press the point, but its not at all clear why, exactly, Trump didnt want to answer the question or more to the point, why he still wont answer the question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have you spoken to Vladimir Putin since your election? Time magazine asked Trump in a post-election interview. All he had to do was say yes or no. The Republican did neither. I cant tell you, Trump replied. I cant tell you. Its just inappropriate. There is, of course, nothing inappropriate about the president disclosing conversations with foreign leaders. Last week, for example, just a few days before his second inaugural, Trump published an item to his social media platform that read in part, I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China. The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A. He has made plenty of similar comments recently. As we recently discussed, since winning a second term, Trump touted his interactions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, Trump didnt express the slightest reservations about promoting these discussions. By all appearances, he was proud of them, using the chats as proof of his importance. And yet, while Trump has been eager to let the public know about these chats with foreign leaders, Trump apparently believes he has to remain silent when it comes to Putin. If his refusal to talk about this sounds at all familiar, its because hes adopted this posture before. In fact, as regular readers might recall, it was in early May 2016, as political observers just started to consider questions about Trump and his relationship with the Russian leader, when the then-candidate was asked whether hed spoken to Putin. I dont want to say, the Republican replied. A day later, Trump sat down with Fox News Bret Baier, who followed up on the question. Yeah, I have no comment on that, the future president replied. No comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fox host, apparently surprised, said one of the things people liked about Trump was his willingness to answer any question. The candidate didnt seem to care. Yeah, but I dont want to comment, he added. It was an early indication that Trumps relationship with his benefactor in Moscow was, to understate matters, problematic. After all, the Republican hardly ever said No comment in response to any question on any subject. He loved, and continues to love, commenting even when he has no idea what hes talking about. But asked about whether hed had direct interactions with Putin, the then-candidate suddenly had nothing to say. Matters did not improve in the years that followed. In fact, The Washington Post reported in 2019 that Trump and the Russian leader had a series of undisclosed chats during the Republicans first term in the White House. (The reporting was not independently verified by MSNBC or NBC News.) More recently, Bob Woodwards latest book, citing a senior Trump aide, alleged that Trump and Putin had direct conversations as many as seven times after he left office following his 2020 defeat. (The account is credited to a single anonymous aide and provides no further details. Neither NBC News nor MSNBC independently confirmed the reporting.) The Kremlin denied the accuracy of the claim, as did Trump initially, though in October just a few weeks before Election Day 2024 the Republican boasted that itd be a smart thing if he had secret communications with the Russian autocrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, as his second term begins, Trump is once again reluctant to say whether he has spoken to Putin or not. For those concerned about the presidents relationship with his friend in Moscow, this isnt going to help. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Pete Hegseths second ex-wife is prevented from speaking ill of Donald Trumps scandal-plagued nominee for defense secretary due to a non-disparagement clause in their divorce proceedings, according to an MSNBC report. On The Rachel Maddow Show, MSNBC legal correspondent Lisa Rubin revealed the 2018 document signed by Pete and Samantha Hegseth. The relevant clause reads: Both parties agree to not say anything negative about the other parent to or in front of the children or allow third parties within their control to do so. In addition, both parties will refrain from engaging themselves in any public discourse, including through either traditional media or social media, disparaging the other party and will take reasonable steps to encourage friends and family to refrain from doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Samantha Hegseth has denied parts of former sister-in-law Danielles allegations about the former Fox News host, saying there was no physical abuse during her marriage. She did not deny allegations that she feared for her safety or that she had a code word to send when she felt threatenedclaims that surfaced Wednesday as part of an affidavit filed by his former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth. There was no physical abuse in my marriage, Samantha Hegseth told NBC News. This is the only further statement I will make to you, I have let you know that I am not speaking and will not speak on my marriage to Pete. Please respect this decision. Pete Hegseth faces several allegations of alcohol abusesomething that Samantha Hegseth could shed light on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as Rubin put it, she has her hands tied. She is precluded legally from saying something that could be construed by Pete Hegseth and his legal representatives to be damaging to him, Rubin told Maddow. Pete Hegseths lawyer, Tim Parlatore, told MSNBC in a statement that the 2018 document is a limited non-disparagement agreement, and not a non-disclosure agreement. These are two legally distinct concepts and there is nothing inappropriate or inaccurate about Mr. Hegseths answers to the committee, Parlatore added. It takes some significant imagination and intellectual dishonesty for anyone to consider this to bear on the credibility of his testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Sen. Tim Kaine said in a statement to the network that he believed that that clause in a divorce settlement could expose some to severe consequences for sharing unflattering information about an ex-partner, even if its true. Hegseths confirmation vote is expected to take place Friday. STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Maersk will continue to divert vessels away from the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea and toward the southern tip of Africa despite Yemen's Houthis announcing they will curb their attacks on ships, the container shipping giant said on Friday. The Danish shipping company said the announcement by the Iran-backed militant group was "a very welcome step in the right direction towards stability and eventual normality for the global shipping industry". However, it said the security risk for commercial vessels transition the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb strait remains high. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With this in mind and the safety of our crew, vessels, and your cargo being our utmost priority Maersk will continue to sail around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope until safe passage through the area is ensured for the longer term," it said. (Reporting by Anna Ringstrom; editing by Louise Rasmussen and Jason Neely) Jan. 23AUGUSTA Several Maine cities and nonprofits asked lawmakers Thursday to reject a proposal to limit emergency housing support, saying it would put hundreds of families at risk of eviction and lead to higher demand for other safety net programs. The proposal contained in Gov. Janet Mills' $94 million supplemental budget plan for fiscal year 2025 would limit recipients to three months of General Assistance housing support in a one-year period. It's aimed at reducing the ballooning expense of the program, which cost the state $36 million last year, well above the $13 million spent in 2019. But municipal and nonprofit leaders who testified at a public hearing on the budget plan Thursday said the proposal could harm hundreds of Maine households that rely on the program to pay rent and avoid eviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We cannot stress enough the concerns this raises for those across the state who rely on short-term GA to get through a hard patch while remaining housed, or for those working to achieve self-sufficiency in this extremely difficult housing environment," Portland Mayor Mark Dion said in written testimony opposing the change. Most people who testified on the proposal Thursday were opposed to the change, though the Maine Municipal Association, which advocates for the common interests of towns and cities in Maine, has not yet taken an official position and testified neither for nor against. The conservative Maine Policy Institute submitted written testimony in support of the change, saying it is "a logical step toward reducing reliance on public assistance and encouraging individuals to seek other housing solutions." The Mills administration has defended the proposal as a necessary step to get the costs under control and focus resources on short-term emergency support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The department recognizes that General Assistance is a critical temporary support for Maine people, but reforms are needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the program and to preserve its core mission of supporting basic needs for a short period," DHHS Commissioner Sara Gagne-Holmes said in written testimony provided to the Legislature's Appropriations and Health and Human Services committees Thursday. General Assistance is Maine's program of last resort to help people pay for basic necessities like food, utilities and shelter when they don't have the resources to do so themselves. Under the current law, there is no limit on how much housing assistance people can receive per year. Mills' proposal would cap assistance to 3 months in a one-year period. The proposed limits would not apply to emergency shelters and would include hardship exemptions for people with severe mental or physical disabilities and those with a pending application for Social Security Administration assistance. The proposal also limits municipalities from exceeding the maximum assistance levels the state sets for all assistance categories to no more than 30 days in a 12-month period per household. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the state funds 70% of GA costs, municipalities cover 30%. Because the program is municipally run, the department is not able to precisely calculate how many people currently receive more than three months of housing assistance, said department spokesperson Lindsay Hammes. However, the department has estimated that the proposal would affect about 1,400 households, she said. In Portland alone, 592 households received housing assistance for four months or more in 2024 and would be affected by the proposed cap, a city spokesperson said. In addition to Portland, the city of Bangor and the Maine Mayors Coalition also submitted testimony opposing the change, while the city of Auburn voiced concerns and urged the state to carefully consider how the reductions would impact vulnerable residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Auburn Mayor Jeffrey Harmon said many residents face challenges to maintain housing, including noncitizens who are not yet authorized to work, residents who have a criminal history that creates barriers to qualifying for housing programs and securing employment, and those with physical and mental health challenges. AFFECT ON OTHER PROGRAMS The proposed reduction to General Assistance could increase the demand on other programs, including low-income legal assistance, housing authorities and Social Security, Harmon said. "While we acknowledge the necessity of addressing budgetary challenges, the proposed reductions to public assistance programs raise concerns for those in our community who depend on these services to maintain housing stability," Harmon said in written testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonprofit groups, particularly those that serve immigrants and asylum seekers, also testified against the change on Thursday. Because federal rules prohibit asylum seekers from obtaining work authorizations for at least six months from the filing of their asylum application, families often rely on General Assistance to pay their rent while they await their work permits, said Ruben Torres, advocacy manager for the Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition. He said that without the continued support of General Assistance, landlords might be reticent to rent to asylum seekers or others who use the program. "Asylum seekers come to Maine seeking safety, stability and an opportunity to contribute to our state. With proper support, they can and do enrich our communities," Torres said. "However, (this proposal) penalizes families and communities striving to succeed under difficult circumstances." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'REALLY IMPORTANT TO US' Antonio Tera, a student at the University of Southern Maine whose family came to Maine from Angola as asylum seekers while he was growing up, said they relied on General Assistance for about a year while they adjusted to life in the U.S. "I can tell you this program was really important to us," Tera said. Thursday wrapped up three days of public hearings on Mills' proposed supplemental budget. Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee Co-Chair Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, said committees are now holding work sessions on the budget and will report back to appropriations. Rotundo said it is her goal to have the appropriations committee vote on the supplemental proposal by the end of next week. Other major items in the supplemental budget include funding to cover a $118 million gap in MaineCare costs this year and cuts to cost-of-living adjustments for MaineCare rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The sooner we finish with the supplemental budget, the sooner we can get to the biennial," Rotundo said. Lawmakers on Thursday also discussed moving the General Assistance proposal from the supplemental budget to the biennial budget, which is a change the administration has said it would support. Copy the Story Link TOPEKA (KSNT) The new owners of Topekas West Ridge Mall revealed their ideas Friday for the future of the building. Tracey Stratton with Advisors Excel shared in a press release on Jan. 24 that the mall exterior will be transformed in the coming years as the new state-of-the-art headquarters for the company. Russell Glen, a Dallas-based real estate development firm, is helping to guide the new master plan for the building and attract new tenants. We are actively conversing with several companies, including retailers, grocery, and restaurants, about opening new locations at West Ridge Mall, said Terrence Maiden, chief executive officer of Russell Glen. The interest in the project is very encouraging, which I think is driven by our plans for the redevelopment and the number of employees Advisors Excel will have working on the campus. The stores we are in talks with are very well-known and should generate a lot of excitement for the Topeka community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Old Sasnak bar in north Topeka for sale (Photo Courtesy/Tracey Stratton) (Photo Courtesy/Tracey Stratton) (Photo Courtesy/Tracey Stratton) (Photo Courtesy/Tracey Stratton) (Photo Courtesy/Tracey Stratton) (Photo Courtesy/Tracey Stratton) (Photo Courtesy/Tracey Stratton) Stratton said JC Penney will be closing soon with no specific date set yet for its final day, marking a big change for the mall. The second floor of the former JC Penney location in the mall will be turned into Advisors Excel office space while the first floor will have a mix of restaurants and retail locations. We are excited for the possibilities the future holds with the mall transformation, said Cody Foster, co-founder of Advisors Excel. When the project is complete, and all the Advisors Excel staff have relocated to the mall, there will be a real buzz for retailers. We will have over 1,000 employees walking through the mall daily, utilizing all the goods and services. I think it will positively impact the tenants bottom line. What are sovereign citizen license plates and are they legal? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Ridge Mall Manager Casey Richardson said the mall is fortunate to have Foster and his fellow Advisors Excel co-founder David Callanan at the helm of this process. She said their investments will help keep it a top travel destination for locals and help generate more foot traffic at the mall. The investment that Advisors Excel is making into the redevelopment of West Ridge Mall is truly transformative, Richardson said. Their visionary leadership is exactly what this mall needed to breathe new life into the space and create new opportunities for growth. One of the most exciting aspects of this redevelopment is the addition of their new campus, which will bring over 1,000 employees to West Ridge Mall daily. Two architectural firms, RDCollaborative and Hufft, are leading the new creative vision for the mall as it undergoes extensive renovation work. This work will include redesigned entrances, new outdoor spaces and a modern outside facade. How rare is the Kansas state quarter in your pocket and is it worth more than $0.25? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foster told 27 News Advisors Excel has been working with national retail tenants to find out what they want at the mall while also working with RDC and Hufft to give the mall a new look. He said his company will have more than 1,000 employees at the mall in the future, giving local retailers plenty of new customers to boost business. Its been a really rough year for retail, 2024 was brutal, Foster said. A lot of people survived out here, a lot havent. Weve done some things to improve traffic but its still we can do everything we can but theres still some headwinds theyre facing. Foster said he thinks early 2027 will see the start of major construction at the mall along with moving in Advisors Excels headquarters. Mall visitors can expect to see some minor work taking place in the meantime. Kansas named best state to drive in nationwide: study Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we get into [2027-2028], its gonna look completely different out here, Foster said. Staci Williams, owner of Petland and Mall Munchies and leasing manager for the mall, said seeing the new plans for the mall is a breath of fresh air. She is feeling optimistic for the malls future and bringing more people back to the space. I see a vision for the future and I know that there is a group of very great people in Topeka that see the same great vision as we do, Williams said. Petland, over the years, has battle scars, from the different years and different owners. But I will be honest, this is this is hope for us. New west Topeka wine bar in the works for summer of 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 27 News also spoke with April Glynn, store manager at the Dillards located inside the mall, about what the changes will mean for her companys space at West Ridge Mall. She said Dillards is a top shopping destination for Topekans and hopes to get more visitors as the reimagining process gets started. She said she envisions the mall as a new nightlife location with plenty of new restaurants to bring in business to the building. You can feel with the community theyre excited to see what the development will look like, said April Glynn, store manager of Dillards. This year, I think 2025 is really getting into the growth of the vision and Im excited. You can tell our community is. Well see what happens. Advisors Excel purchased West Ridge Mall in September 2023. The company announced that Russell Glen would be helping reimagine the space in early 2024. $11.5 million Caterpillar Wamego plant may have a new owner soon, what to know Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Chicago police said a 37-year-old man was fatally wounded Friday morning in a shooting in the Austin neighborhood on the West Side. Shortly after 3:30 a.m., officers responded to a call of a person shot in the 4900 block of North Avenue and found a man inside a white SUV that had struck a wall. The man had suffered two gunshot wounds to the chest, and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead. No one was in custody for the fatal shooting and detectives were investigating. LAKE GENEVA, Wisc. The man charged in the deadly shooting of an 8-year-old Brookfield boy was playing with a handgun at the time to look cool, court documents allege. Steven Merkel, 52, of Lake Geneva, was charged Thursday with reckless homicide and use of a dangerous weapon. At around 2:25 a.m. Monday, Town of Geneva, Wisconsin officers were dispatched to the W3800 block of Lincoln Avenue, located in Lake Geneva, on the report of a young male who had been shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A responding officer found Merkel acting frantic and covered in blood, according to documents. He directed the officer to Michael Meagher, 8, of Brookfield, who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. Meagher was transported to a local hospital and was pronounced dead shortly after. Merkel used to be married to Meaghers mother and a witness told police the shooting was not Meaghers fault, according to documents. Police spoke with Merkel after the shooting and he stated he did something stupid, documents state. Merkel reportedly told police he was showing the boy guns because it made him look cool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He further stated that he was popping a stun gun and pointing it toward Meagher as the boy was squirming away, documents show. Previous: Brookfield 8-year-old shot, killed in Wisconsin Merkel then went to his bedroom to retrieve a 9mm handgun. He told police he took the magazine out of the firearm and did not believe the gun would fire without a magazine in it. He allegedly pointed the gun at Meagher and expected it to click, but instead it fired, documents state. Merkel went on to tell police other times the boy was over he would draw the handgun and point it down while telling him to listen, documents state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merkel allegedly drank two little drinks of rum in the evening, documents state. Meagher went to Brook Park Elementary School in La Grange Park. The district sent the following statement. We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of second-grade student Michael Meagher. Michael brought amazing energy to life at Brook Park Elementary, where he was known for his incredible kindness and was beloved by all. The entire school community mourns his loss. In the coming weeks and months, we will celebrate Michaels life. Our focus now is on supporting the Meagher Family and our school community in every possible way during this difficult time. Merkels next court date is scheduled for Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GoFundMe has raised over $19,000 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 WGN-TV. A Wisconsin man who was arrested after authorities claim he fatally shot his stepson allegedly admitted to showing the boy guns prior to the shooting, which he said was accidental. Steven D. Merkel Jr., 52, is charged with first-degree reckless homicide in connection with the death of 8-year-old Michael Meagher, Geneva police previously said. While police did not identify the boy, he was named in a GoFundMe campaign created by loved ones to help offset funeral costs. (The fundraiser previously said the boys age was 9 but it has since been updated to show his age as 8.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: 8-Year-Old Who Was 'Beloved by All' Is Fatally Shot, and Stepfather Is Suspect Officers were called to a home in Lake Geneva, Wis., on a report of a shooting at around 2:25 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, according to a police release. Police said a boy had been shot and was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. According to a criminal complaint obtained by Fox 6, police at the scene claimed Merkel "seemed frantic and was covered in blood. In an interview with detectives later that day, Merkel allegedly admitted to shooting the boy and said he showed him guns because he wanted to look cool, the complaint states. The complaint further states that Merkel allegedly told a detective that when he shot the boy with the 9mm gun, he wasnt expecting it to fire since he thought he'd taken out the magazine, according to the outlet. Merkel claimed he then called 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Merkel is being held in Walworth County Jail. Its unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. 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 boy was a second-grade student at Brook Park Elementary School in La Grange Park, Ill., the school district confirmed in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Wednesday, Jan. 22. We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of second-grade student Michael Meagher, the Brookfield LaGrange Park District 95 said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael brought amazing energy to life at Brook Park Elementary, where he was known for his incredible kindness and was beloved by all. The entire school community mourns his loss. In the coming weeks and months, we will celebrate Michaels life. Our focus now is on supporting the Meagher Family and our school community in every possible way during this difficult time, the statement concluded. Read the original article on People ST. LOUIS A man accused of shooting and killing another man execution-style in downtown St. Louis two years ago was deemed mentally unfit to stand trial earlier this week. On Wednesday, a St. Louis circuit court judge ordered the criminal case of DeShawn Thomas to be suspended and placed on a mental inactive docket. The judge also ordered that Thomas be placed in the custody of the Missouri Department of Mental Health. The department is expected to complete a mental evaluation within six months, which should include a medical opinion on whether Thomas is likely to regain mental fitness to stand trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LDS Church calls Netflix series dangerously misleading Thomas initially pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges in May 2023. The charges stem back to an incident in February 2023 that was captured on surveillance cameras and cellphone video. The video appeared to show an execution-style murder in broad daylight. The shooting death investigated in connection with the video happened around 10 a.m. on Feb. 27, 2023, in the 700 block of Tucker Boulevard. Police report that David Saldana died in the shooting. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News According to court documents previously obtained by FOX 2, Thomas and Saldana got into an altercation at the Shell station at Tucker and Convention Plaza. Police claim Thomas first shot Saldana in the back as he ran across Tucker. After that, Saldana begged for his life, and Thomas shot him in the head, per court documents. Authorities arrested Thomas later that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Online Missouri court records note that a counsel status hearing in Thomas criminal case is scheduled for July 10. NOTE: The video attached to the story is from FOX 2s original reporting of the investigation on Feb. 28, 2023. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Some of the biggest names in tech stood behind President Donald Trump on Inauguration Day. Hours later, he delivered a directive that took one potential tax headache off their plate. In one of the many executive orders he signed Monday, Trump signaled the US wouldn't enact an agreement among 140 countries that aimed to stem a "so-called race to the bottom" on corporate income tax rates. The first part of the order largely solidifies where the US stands policywise on the global minimum tax deal, while, in the second half, Trump warned of retaliation if other countries punish US companies through extra taxes, a threat that may have sounded sweet to those tech bigwigs. "Those are the companies that might be worried about a hit," said Alan Cole, senior economist at The Tax Foundation. From left, Priscilla Chan, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Lauren Sanchez, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk attend the 60th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 20. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool Photo via AP) ASSOCIATED PRESS What is the global minimum tax deal? The deal reached in 2021 offers a two-part plan. Pillar One dictates that large multinational companies pay taxes in countries where their customers are located even if the companies have no physical operations there. Pillar Two, which the executive order targets, sets a global minimum tax rate of 15% on multinational corporations with revenue above 750 million (~$788 million), no matter where they operate. It also allows countries that have adopted Pillar Two to levy an undertax charge on companies that pay taxes in countries that have a tax rate below the global minimum. "The goal of this is to fight tax evasion and tax avoidance and the erosion of the tax base where multinationals would shift income from high-tax jurisdictions to low-tax jurisdictions," said Thomas Brosy, a senior research associate in the Tax Policy Center. For instance, take the tiny island of Jersey, a self-governing dependency of the UK with its own tax jurisdiction. Right now, if a company routes $1 billion through the island, which has a corporate rate of 0%, but "just takes a tiny fraction of a percent of it as some sort of fee or tax," Cole said, that's substantial money for the island's small population and major financial tax savings for the company. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) headquarters in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File) ASSOCIATED PRESS "It's hard for a regular country to compete with that because they actually want to raise revenue because they have a lot of people to take care of," Cole said. Multinational companies can shift that global income from one country to another because their operations can span multiple countries. When they need to make a judgment call for tax purposes, corporations "love to lean in the direction of the low-tax jurisdiction," Cole said. ALMA (KSNT) A Lawrence man was arrested in Alma after allegedly threatening to shoot staff at The Plaza of the Flint Hills. Wabaunsee County sheriffs deputies were called at 1:20 a.m. on Jan. 24 to The Plaza of the Flint Hills in Alma for reports of a criminal threat with a firearm. Mutual aid from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Wamego Police and St. Marys Police Department was requested. Federal agencies in Kansas evaluating DEI executive orders Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement found the suspects vehicle at a truck stop in Maple Hill. Law enforcement was able to take a 48-year-old man from Lawrence into custody. He was booked into the Wabaunsee County Jail on charges of: Criminal Threat; cause terror; evacuation or disruption. Improper vehicle registration. Operating a vehicle without a registration or with an expired tag. For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. LENOIR COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) Law enforcement officers arrested a suspect on Saturday, charging him with felony breaking and entering. Brian Dijon Morton, 33 years old and from Dudley, was taken into custody by deputies after he and another suspect broke into the Carolina Sweepstakes on Highway 70 West. Deputies responded to an alarm at the building and saw Morton and his accomplice attempting to flee the scene. Morton was apprehended but his accomplice evaded arrest. Morton was charged with felony possession of burglary tools, felony breaking and entering, felony conspiracy and felony possession of a firearm by felon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morton was charged with 27 additional crimes due to multiple other cases that deputies were investigating. This includes nine counts of felony breaking and entering, seven counts of felony safecracking, three counts of felony larceny after breaking and entering and eight counts of felony conspiracy. Morton was not given a bond as he was out on a pre-trial release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. A suspect was accused of sexually assaulting a woman during a home invasion robbery near UC Riverside Police said the suspect, Julian Jesus Madrigal, 31, is a local transient who was on parole during the incident. On Jan. 20 at around 8 a.m., police responded to reports of a sex assault at University Village Towers, an apartment complex marketed as off-campus housing for students. The victim said she heard the fire alarm go off followed by a knock at her front door. When she opened the door, thats when Madrigal allegedly entered the apartment and sexually assaulted her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman fought back against Madrigal before he eventually stole some of her belongings and fled the scene, police said. A surveillance image of the suspect was shared with officers from the University of California, Riverside Police Department. Julian Jesus Madrigal, 31, is a local transient and parolee who was arrested for alleged sexual assault during a home invasion robbery near UC Riverside on Jan. 20, 2025. (Riverside Police Department) Julian Jesus Madrigal, 31, is a local transient and parolee who was arrested for alleged sexual assault during a home invasion robbery near UC Riverside on Jan. 20, 2025. (Riverside Police Department) Campus police searched the area and found Madrigal nearby. He also had some of the victims belongings with him, officers said. He was taken into custody and is being held without bail. He was on parole for a previous home invasion robbery. He faces charges of assault with intent to commit a felony, sexual battery, home invasion robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, dissuading/intimidating a victim, and violation of parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No further details were released as the case remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Detective Jessica Iniguez at 951-353-7121 or JIniguez@RiversideCA.gov, or Detective C. Wilcox at 951-353-7133 or CWilcox@RiversideCA.gov. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Atlas 1 mobile app through the Send a Message feature. App downloads for Apple devices can be found here and Android device downloads can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A man accused of starting a fire at a western Wisconsin strip club claims he did it because they're "against his beliefs," charges in Dunn County say. Colton Jansen, 25, has been charged with arson after a fire at Shooter's Showgirls in Elk Mound, Wisconsin on Saturday. The Dunn County Sheriff's Office said crews found the building fully engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported, but the club has been shut down since the blaze. Related: Strip club in western Wisconsin destroyed by fire Surveillance video showed a man first attempting to break into an ATM, pull tab machine and arcade claw machine at the club. He then used a torch to start a fire in the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jansen was identified as a suspect after police used highway plate readers. Jansen initially stated he wasn't in the area at the time even though his car was captured on surveillance cameras, and then claimed the vehicle was stolen, according to court records. He later admitting to being in the area and called strip clubs "disgusting," before allegedly confessing to starting the fire with a torch from his car. He is charged with arson of a building, burglary and possession of burglarious tools. He made his initial court appearance on Wednesday. GREER, S.C. (WSPA) A man was arrested on multiple charges of attempted murder, according to the Greer Police Department. Authorities stated that around 5 a.m. on Jan. 18, officers responded to a call of shots fired at a home on South Beverly Lane. Officers said the suspect got into a verbal disturbance with two victims and allegedly began shooting at them as the victims ran away from the suspect. While the building they ran toward was found to have several bullet holes, no individuals on scene were reported to have been injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After further investigation, officers identified the suspect as Jaylon Omarion Hall. Hall was subsequently located and arrested at 4 p.m. on Jan. 18. Hall is being held at the Greenville County Detention Center on no bond. Hall was charged with two counts of attempted murder, discharging a firearm into a dwelling, and possession of a weapon during a violent 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 WSPA 7NEWS. A judge in New London on Thursday sentenced Andrew OLone, the 31-year-old Norwich man charged in the attempted murder of a Norwich police officer, to a 32-year commitment in the maximum security section of the Whiting Forensic Institute. New London Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Leaming said OLones actions on the night of Oct. 26, 2021, were extremely violent, arbitrary and unprovoked, and easily could have resulted in the death of Norwich police officer Scott Dupointe. Leaming said that OLone, for his own well-being and the protection of society, needed a structured setting to ensure he remained compliant with mental health treatment. On the night of Oct. 26, 2021, police said, OLone opened fire with an AR-15-style rifle with a 30-round magazine at Dupointes police cruiser. Dupointe had ducked for cover and tried to steer his cruiser at OLone as 18 bullets struck the front of his vehicle. Prior to his encounter with Dupointe, police said, OLone had left his Westwood Park home on foot with his gun and fired indiscriminately at homes and vehicles in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Psychologists determined OLone, with a long history of mental illness, was at the time of the shooting intentionally deceiving his health care providers by cheeking his prescribed antipsychotic medication, or pretending to swallow it and later spitting it out. As a result, he was in the grip of psychosis, psychologists determined. An emotional Dupointe spoke in court on Thursday, breaking down in tears as he explained the impact of that night on him and his family. Dupointe, who works as a Norwich police detective, said the near-death experience had taken a toll on his mental health. The emotional and psychological trauma led to increased stress, flashbacks and hypervigilance. He said he lost his marriage, attends trauma counseling and has been forced to take time off of work. His life, he said, will never be the same. OLone, who appeared in court on Thursday with his long hair covering his face, was initially charged with attempted first-degree assault, attempted murder, attempted assault on a public safety officer, first-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree criminal mischief, illegal possession of an assault weapon and illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine. In November, following a two-day trial, OLone was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, meaning he lacked the substantial capacity ... to appreciate the wrongfulness of his conduct or control his conduct. Thursdays ruling came after testimony from Dr. Lori Hauser, a supervisory forensic psychologist at Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown, who said a team of psychologists recommended OLone should be housed, at least initially, in the maximum security section of the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OLone was diagnosed with mental health issues at an early age and hospitalized multiple times through his life. Reports show he has been diagnosed with schizophrenic disorder, autism spectrum disorder and cannabis dependence disorder. Hauser said OLone has, in the past, exhibited signs of psychosis, delusions and paranoia. Records show that when OLone was in his teens, he believed he was being monitored by the government through household appliances and was requesting that his mother purchase him a gun. On Thursday, defense attorney Michael Miller argued for a more lenient 20-year commitment while the New London County states attorney argued for a 45-year commitment, the maximum allowed. While committed, OLone will be in the custody of the states Psychiatric Security Review Board. g.smith@theday.com YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A city man accused of breaking into an East Side home last month and biting a womans nose was indicted Thursday by a Mahoning County grand jury. Read next: KKK distributes threatening flyers against immigrants in Ohio Ricardo Ramirez Vazquez, 37, faces charges of aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony; violating a protection order, a third-degree felony; and fourth-degree felony counts of strangulation and domestic violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is free on $20,000 bond following his Dec. 16 arraignment in Youngstown Municipal Court, where he first appeared after he was arrested Dec. 11 at a home on South Jackson Street on the East Side. Reports said police were called there for a report of an argument between a man and woman and when they arrived, they could hear arguing inside but no one would answer the door. Officers had to use a loudspeaker on a cruiser several times before a woman appeared in a doorway with children hugging her and crying. The woman told police Ramirez Vazquez, who has a protection order against her that was issued Sept. 26, broke into her house while she and the children were sleeping, then came to her bedroom and started arguing with her about the protection order. During the argument, he bit the woman several times on the arm before biting her on the nose, reports said. Reports said the woman told police Ramirez Vazquez latched on like a dog. The womans nose was bloody and police took a t-shirt that had blood on it that the woman said she used to wipe the blood of her nose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police came, the woman wanted to open the door but she was stopped by Ramirez Vazquez, who grabbed her by a chain she had around her neck and choked her, reports said. The protection order Ramirez Vazquez has is a result of a Sept. 26 guilty plea for misdemeanor domestic violence against the same victim. As part of his bond in the present case, Ramirez Vazquez is not allowed to have any contact with the victim. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. When you see flashing lights along the road, its supposed to be a sign to drivers. If you cant move over, slow down moving through there. It was red and blue lights like the police youd slow down, said Nick Milanovich who owns Kendall Towing. But that doesnt always happen despite it being the law. In August 2023, state police said a driver hit and killed Husam Shuibat while he was doing his job along the Parkway West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Person killed in hit-and-run on Parkway West I knew Sam when he moved out here from California quite some time ago and helped him get his feet on the ground here in Pittsburgh, Milanovich said. Witnesses to that crash followed the driver who fled the scene off the Greentree exit before getting a license plate number and description of the driver at a BP gas station. Police were able to identify him within an hour. Its nice to see there are good people out there that will find him and its a shame it took this long but hopefully justice will come, Milanovich said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it took months for the blood alcohol test and reconstruction to come back before police officially charged Hunter Crown this week with homicide by vehicle and DUI. The charges of homicide by vehicle while under the influence, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, accidents involving death or personal injury and recklessly endangering another person were filed against Crown on Friday. To take somebodys life like that his family to get that phone call that time of night its just awful, Milanovich said. Just this past fall, Shuibats name was added to a wall of the fallen for tow truck drivers killed on the job. That memorial is in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A 25-year-old Clearwater man was arrested Thursday on a DUI manslaughter charge in connection to a crash in Seminole that killed a Vermont woman last year. Tyler Daigle had a blood alcohol level of more than three times the legal limit at the time of the May 5 crash that killed Chantal Chaine, according to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Florida Highway Patrol to obtain an arrest warrant. Chaine, of Marlboro, Vermont, was 29, according to a Highway Patrol news release issued at the time of the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A witness told troopers that the driver of a 2024 Nissan Kicks, later determined to be Chaine, was heading east on 110th Avenue and stopped at a stop sign at 113th Street North. Daigle was driving a 2006 Chevy Silverado north on 110th Avenue North. As Chaine began moving again and entered the intersection, Daigle drove through a flashing yellow caution light and crashed into the passenger side of the Nissan, the affidavit states. Paramedics pronounced Chaine dead at the scene. Daigle was injured and taken to a local hospital, where he consented to a blood draw. The results showed his blood alcohol level was 0.317/0.319, according to the affidavit. Under Florida law, a driver is presumed impaired at levels of 0.08 or higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daigle was booked into the Pinellas County Jail and was being held Friday on a bond set at $50,000, records show. Chaine, who went by Zoe, was a single mother of two young children and was on a family vacation at the time of the crash, according to a GoFundMe campaign created by her uncle to raise money for her family. She was running out to buy fish to make a feast for her family and children when the crash happened, her mother, Gail Chaine, wrote in an update posted to the page in July. The children keep growing, right out of the clothes she bought them and into a life without their mother, the update said. We have a ritual of remembrance ... sometime during each day, we share at least one little thing we recall about mommy. ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI) A man has been found guilty of rape in a case out of Attleboro dating back three decades. Eduardo Mendez, 51, of Guatemala, was convicted Thursday afternoon, following a jury trial, in the 1994 aggravated rape of a woman. Mendez was arrested as a fugitive from justice in 2022 after DNA evidence connected him to the case. BACKGROUND: DNA evidence links suspect to 1994 Attleboro rape Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim, who was 36 at the time, was approached by a group of men while walking home in Attleboro on June 9, 1994. Prosecutors said the victim was dragged a short distance into a nearby apartment hallway where Mendez raped her. After the group of men fled the area, a 14-year-old reportedly heard the victims screams and brought her to the police station. The victim was then taken to Sturdy Memorial Hospital where she was treated and a rape kit was collected. However, that kit went untested for years, among hundreds of others. The Bristol County District Attorneys Office said her case would have been solved decades ago, had the kit been fully tested when submitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Bristol County DA expands cold case unit to include missing persons Twenty-five years later, the kit was sent to the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab for testing, which revealed that it contained sperm cells from Mendez. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. A Guatemalan man was convicted of a two-decade old rape case in Fall River Superior Court on Thursday. 51-year-old Eduardo Mendez was found guilty of aggravated rape and will be sentenced on Monday. On June 9, 1994, the victim, who was 36 years old at the time, was walking home when she was approached from behind by a group of men, dragged into a nearby apartment hallway where she was raped by Mendez, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn, III. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The men fled and a 14-year-old who was walking in the area with a friend heard the victims screams and brought her to the Attleboro Police Station. After being transported to Sturdy Memorial Hospital, an evidence collection kit was performed on the victim, which went untested until 2019. New audit reveals new concerns with state oversight of sexual assault evidence kits That year, the kit was sent to the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory for testing, where male DNA sperm cells were revealed, confirming Mendezs identity in the crime, according to officials. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) A man has been found guilty of breaking into a Holland home and attacking a woman last year. Dominique Hawkins was convicted Thursday of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, first-degree home invasion and resisting and obstructing an officer, the Holland Department of Public Safety said. Holland PD: Man broke into house, tried to attack woman The assault happened in the early hours of April 16, 2024, on W. 24th Street near Michigan Avenue. Holland DPS officers went there when a woman called 911 to report she had heard someone in her home. An officer shined a light into the house and saw a man. He tried to run away. There was a short foot chase and officers caught him. The victim reported that Hawkins had started to sexually assault her before officers arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawkins trial began Tuesday. He is scheduled to be sentenced March 24. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City police are investigating a deadly shooting at a convenience store on the citys east side. The shooting happened just before 9 p.m. Thursday near Independence Avenue and Van Brunt, according to police. View the latest headlines from Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas at fox4kc.com When police arrived, they found a man shot inside a convenience store. He was taken to the hospital, where he died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That man has now been identified by KCPD as 21-year-old Angelo Brayboy. Investigators said there was a fight inside the store between two people before the shooting. Kansas City police have not made any arrests. If anyone has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. This is an ongoing investigation, FOX4 will provide updates as theyre 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A person who was hit by a vehicle while walking died Thursday, 10 days after the crash. On Jan. 6 at around 7:30 p.m., officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to East Tropicana Avenue east of South Nellis Boulevard after a report of a crash involving a pedestrian. Police said a man was crossing Tropicana outside of a marked or implied crosswalk while a 2014 Chrysler drove east on Tropicana near the Nellis intersection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collision happened when the man, 45, stepped off the center median into the path of the Chrysler. Medical personnel arrived and took the man to a nearby hospital. The driver of the Crysler remained at the scene and showed no signs of impairment, the report stated. On Jan. 23, the Clark County coroners office told the LMVPD the man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on Jan. 16. The pedestrians death marks the 13th traffic-related fatality for the year 2025. The collision remains under investigation by the LVMPD Collision Investigation Section. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas (KETK) A 25-year-old has died after he crashed into an 18-wheeler on Thursday, the Sulphur Springs Police Department said. Police officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Industrial Drive West at around 8:53 p.m. in reference to a major crash. POLICE: 2 dead, 2 injured in Tyler multi-vehicle wreck on Loop 323 A preliminary investigation indicates that an 18-wheeler was driving westbound on Industrial Drive West while a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe was driving behind the 18-wheeler. The police department said the driver of the Tahoe failed to control their speed and struck the rear of the trailer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the Tahoe driver, identified as Alfonso Alvarez Jr., 25 of Sulphur Springs, was pronounced dead at the scene by a Justice of the Peace. Two occupants of the 18-wheeler were reportedly not injured. Please keep all involved in your thoughts and prayers, the police department 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A 23-year-old man will face charges after a 3-year-old shot themself in Grand Rapids on Saturday, the prosecutor says. The Kent County Prosecutors Office said that Darius Charles Guy will face a charge of safe storage violation in a premises under an individuals control with a minor present and infliction of serious impairment of a body function in the shooting. The felony charge carries a maximum of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of no more than $7,500. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jail records show that he was booked into the Kent County jail on Friday. His arraignment date has not been set. GRPD: 3-year-old accidentally shoots, injures self The shooting happened just after noon on Sinclair Avenue near Bradford Street NE. The Grand Rapids Police Department said that the child was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, though they were not considered life-threatening. 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. 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. BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) A man was fatally stabbed to death in Bushwick Thursday afternoon, according to the police. Police say a group of six males approached the 24-year-old victim at around 3:49 p.m. He was then stabbed with an unknown sharp object in the chest, authorities say. More Crime News The victim was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased, police said. Authorities said the six males fled southbound on Halsey Street; many of them were wearing dark clothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The events leading up to the stabbing were not immediatley known. An investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests have been made, police said. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). 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. CHICAGO A man was found dead inside a crashed vehicle outside Washington Square Mall on the citys West Side. Police responded to a person shot around 3:30 a.m. Friday in the 4900 block of West North Avenue and found a 37-year-old man inside a white SUV, which has crashed into a brick wall. According to police, the man sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest and was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4 teens cited after young coyote shot with bow, stomped to death in Mt. Greenwood No one 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. Jan. 23A New York man accused of robbing a FedEx driver in Washington Twp. before trying to flee was sentenced to probation and community service. Miguel Antonio Bodre, 21, was sentenced by Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Elizabeth Ellis to up to five years of probation, along with 100 hours of community service. Bodre was charged along with co-defendant Luis Emilio Paula-Jiminez, 23, also of New York, after an incident on Halloween 2024, when Bodre reportedly pushed a FedEx delivery driver on Ashel Court and grabbed a package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then tried to flee in a getaway car but deputies intercepted him and Paula-Jimenez, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said. Both were taken into custody. Paula-Jiminez was charged with one count each of complicity to commit robbery and complicity to commit theft, according to court records. His trial is scheduled for Jan. 27. ST. LOUIS A man who admitted to throwing rocks at cars from an overpass onto Interstate 64 in St. Louis has been placed on probation. Phillip Carter, 39, pleaded guilty on Jan. 3 to four counts of second-degree assault and four counts of property damage in connection with several rock-throwing incidents. On Thursday, Carter was ordered to serve a suspended three-year probation term, according to a news release from the St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An indictment originally charged Carter with 22 counts of assault, armed criminal action, and property damage. He pleaded guilty to eight criminal charges. Investigators say the charges stem from several rock-throwing incidents between January and February 2023. Carter reportedly threw rocks that struck passing cars on I-64 near the Hampton Avenue overpass, though no injruies were ultimately reported. Prosecutors dismissed several counts of armed criminal action, property damage and assault in December. The Circuit Attorneys Office noted that Carter had no prior criminal history and was unhoused at the time of the offenses. He has also served 20 months in jail awaiting trial. NOTE: Video attached is from FOX 2s March 2023 reporting of the rock-throwing incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has intervened in the country's car finance mis-selling case to protect lenders from potential multi-billion-pound payouts. As reported by the Financial Times, the Treasury has requested permission to intervene in the upcoming Supreme Court case, fearing that banks and lenders could face compensation costs amounting to billions of pounds. The case has raised concerns about potential chaos in the motor finance and car industry, which could make it more difficult for consumers to secure loans. Currently, approximately 80% of new vehicles in the UK are purchased on finance. If the Treasury's intervention is successful, it could impact consumer groups and claims management companies encouraging complaints to the Financial Ombudsman. Reeves is concerned that substantial payouts could negatively affect the banking sector, hinder growth, and harm the UKs pro-business reputation. The development comes as Santander is reportedly reconsidering its presence in the UK due to reduced returns on its ringfenced business compared to other markets. In November, the bank allocated 295m to address potential costs from mis-sold car loans. The Supreme Court is set to hear an appeal in April 2025 from car loan providers, challenging an October Court of Appeal ruling that favoured consumers over secret commissions on car loans. The ruling deemed it unlawful for banks to pay commissions to car dealers without customer consent, leading to significant compensation payments from lenders such as FirstRand Bank and Close Brothers. HSBC analysts estimate the total compensation cost could reach 44bn, similar to the 50bn paid out after the mis-selling of payment protection insurance. In a submission to the Supreme Court, the Treasury warned of considerable economic harm and potential impacts on motor finance availability and costs for consumers. The Treasury's application expressed concerns about perceptions of regulatory uncertainty in the UK and suggested that any remedy should be proportionate to the consumer's actual loss. Treasury officials emphasise that the government's goal is to maintain the finance sector's viability, crucial for purchasing new and used cars, rather than siding with banks against consumers. "UK Chancellor intervenes in car finance mis-selling case to protect lenders " was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. CHICAGO A man who laundered money for a Chicago-based drug trafficking organization was handed an eight-year federal prison sentence this week after spending more than a decade on the run. 55-year-old Cosme Chacon, who pleaded guilty to a money laundering conspiracy charge in 2023, was handed the 100-month prison sentence by U.S. District Judge John Tharp Jr. on Tuesday during a hearing in federal court in Chicago, Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, said Thursday. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Chacon was one of four people indicted in 2007 over their participation in a drug trafficking organization that transported heroin to Chicago from New York, Florida and Texas. Once the drugs had been sold in Chicagoland, Chacon laundered the proceeds through wire transfers to overseas locations. Chacons three co-defendants pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 16 years, 12 years, and one year in federal prison. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines The sentence comes more than 15 years after the indictment, as Chacon, who was let out on bond in 2009, initially failed to appear for status hearings in the weeks leading up to his trial and remained a fugitive until 2022 when he was taken into custody in Panama before being returned to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Pasqual, the case was investigated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), which works to combat transnational organized crime and reduce the availability of illicit narcotics. Authorities did not provide a booking photo for Chacon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) The man who left a baby girl in the Interstate 135 canal last July has been sentenced to 4.5 years in prison. On July 23, someone called 911 to report they thought they saw a child in the canal near Pawnee. Police officers and the fire department began looking for the child and found an 11-month-old girl. The baby was taken to a hospital to be checked and then placed in protective custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police found and arrested Vincent Perez. They did not say how he is connected to the baby. In December, the 35-year-old pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated endangering a child and one count of aggravated battery. Kansas schools get guidance on Trumps directive on migrant arrests On Thursday, Perezs attorney filed a motion for a shorter sentence. He wrote that his client is deeply remorseful. The defendants conduct is inexcusable and he offers no excuses for it, but submits that his consumption of illicit substances another inexcusable act was at the root of what he did, the attorney wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge denied the motion and sentenced Perez to 54 months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. A man was arrested at Roosevelt High School on Thursday after claiming to be a military agent and refusing to leave the premises, according to a Seattle Police Department incident report. Officers responded to the school at 1410 Northeast 66th Street at about 1:26 p.m. after a call reported a man inside the building talking about reconnaissance and refusing to leave. The report stated that the man claimed to be with the military and the U.S. Court of Appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School staff reported the man had handcuffs in his back pocket, was trying to approach the principal, and that the school was placed under a shelter-in-place lockdown. When they arrived, officers were shown a photo of a card the man had presented to school staff and recognized the man as a suspect in previous incidents. KIRO 7 News is looking into these previous incidents. Staff told the officers that the man said he was at the school for reconnaissance and that he threatened to arrest people who tried to stop him. When police located the man, staff members told them he had a weapon. Officers arrested the man for criminal impersonation and possession of weapons on school grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was wearing a plate carrier with a taser inside a holster, and had pepper spray in his pocket. A badge with Air Combat Command was found on his vest. According to the report, the man was advised of his Miranda Rights but did not answer if he understood them. He told officers he was at the school to protect the children because the principal had criminal charges from Evergreen. A search after arrest revealed the man had a notebook with a plastic card stating United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces Washington D.C., with a print of his name. The notebook contained English writing of mass casualty and Korean sentences, and his backpack held a drone, caltrops and other items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A member of the school districts Central Security team told officers the man came to the school claiming to be an agent of the U.S. Court of Appeals, stating that the Federal RICO act allowed him to be there. The staff member said he told the man to leave multiple times, but the man refused and kept walking. He also said the man threatened to arrest him and showed handcuffs. The security team member also saw the man attempt to handcuff the vice principal. According to the report, the vice principal told officers the man said Im going to arrest you and reached for something that the vice principal initially believed was a gun, but then saw was a taser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vice principal said he feared for his safety and the safety of others at that time. The vice principal also stated that the man reached for the taser twice and the handcuffs approximately eight times, although he did not pull the taser out of the holster. Following the arrest, the school lockdown was lifted. The man was transported to the North Precinct, and then to King County Jail. He was booked on felony charges of burglary and criminal impersonation, as well as misdemeanor charges for harassment and possessing a weapon on school property. Authorities also noted they request additional charges for misdemeanors and recommend that the case be referred to a mental health court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the items seized were a taser and cartridges, a plate carrier, a fake organization ID, a cell phone, a backpack, caltrops, pepper spray, handcuffs, a wooden tool, a screwdriver, a reflective light, a notebook, a drone, a radiation scanner and a recorder. The man was described as an Asian male in his 20s, approximately 510, wearing a camo hat with sunglasses, a camo shirt and tan pants, with a band-aid on his face. The Seattle Police Department said the case is still under investigation. BERLIN, Wis. (WFRV) A 65-year-old man was pronounced dead at a hospital after he reportedly got hit by a truck in a central Wisconsin crosswalk on Thursday afternoon. According to the Berlin Police Department, officers were called to Huron Street near Pearl Street around 2:10 p.m. on January 23 after getting reports of a pedestrian that was hit by a vehicle. Officers say a Dodge Ram was southbound when it turned west onto Huron Street when it allegedly hit a 65-year-old man in the crosswalk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 14-year-old from Detroit identified as victim of fatal Fond du Lac County crash stemming from roadside argument The driver, a 20-year-old man was not injured, however, the pedestrian was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. It was noted in the release that alcohol or drugs were not believed to be factors in the crash. The Berlin Police Department was assisted by the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Green Lake County Sheriffs Office, and Berlin EMS during the investigation, which remains under investigation. No additional details were provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. A man previously charged in connection to the robbery of a local FedEx delivery driver avoids jail time. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Miguel Bodre, 21, was sentenced to up to five years of probation and 100 hours of community service by Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Elizabeth Ellis, according to court records. As previously reported by News Center 7, Montgomery County Sheriffs deputies responded on Oct. 31 to reports of a robbery in progress on Ashel Court in Washington Twp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they got to the scene, a FedEx driver said they had been approached and forcibly robbed of a package, the sheriffs office said. TRENDING STORIES: Bodre is from Queens, New York. He was identified as the man who allegedly pushed the driver and grabbed the package, which contained an Apple iPad Pro, according to Kettering Municipal Court documents. He tried to get away from the scene in a getaway car driven by Luis Emilio Paula-Jimenez, 22, of Bronx, New York. Court records indicate that Paula-Jiminez has been charged with one count each of complicity to commit robbery and complicity to commit theft. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 27. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A man will spend at least the next 27 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of a southeast Columbus shop owner. Reko Hickson, 44, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of murder, six counts of aggravated robbery, and one count of aggravated burglary in the death of 55-year-old Vijayakumar Nair. Hickson was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 27 years. Man sentenced for having drugs, gun near southwest Columbus school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July 2023, Hickson attempted to rob Mikes Carry Out & Grocery on South Hamilton Road. When leaving the store, Hickson shot and killed Nair, the stores owner. Watch a report on a vigil honoring Nair in the video player above. Vijayakumar Nair was the beloved owner of Mikes Carry-Out and I hope that the outcome of this case brings his family, friends, and customers the closure they deserve, Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor said in a press release. I am thankful for the incredible work of the assistant prosecutors to deliver justice in this case. In addition to the charges, Hickson pleaded guilty to firearms and career criminal specifications. He was sentenced by Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Chris Brown. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A man charged with leading Boardman police on a chase last December was sentenced Thursday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to probation. Judge Anthony DApolito also suspended the license for four years of Kealin Jenkins, 34, who pleaded guilty Sept. 27 to charges of failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a third-degree felony; receiving stolen property, a fourth-degree felony; and OVI, a first-degree misdemeanor. Jenkins must also pay a mandatory $375 fine and will serve three days in the Mahoning County jail as part of his probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sentence was recommended by the attorneys in the case and upheld by Judge DApolito. Jenkins was charged after he was arrested Dec. 5, 2023, by Boardman police after he ran a red light and failed to stop for police. The car was reported stolen out of Youngstown and Jenkins smelled of alcohol, reports said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A Rushville, Missouri man has been sentenced for a 2023 drunk driving crash that killed another man who was clearing grass from a ditch in rural Platte County. Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd announced Thursday that Wesley William Teague was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to driving while intoxicated, causing the death of another person. Deputies say Teague lost control of his 2015 Chevrolet Camaro on May 23, 2023, and hit and killed a 33-year-old man using a weedeater near the highway north of Weston. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teague smelled strongly of alcohol at the crash site and was arrested. A breath test revealed his blood alcohol content was 0.128, more than 1 1/2 times the legal limit. He admitted to drinking two Guinness beers and using marijuana prior to the crash. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android The case was investigated by the Platte County Sheriffs Department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A man convicted of having drugs and a gun near a school on Columbus southwest side will spend the next seven years in prison. Adrian McKinney, 29, of Columbus, was sentenced Thursday in U.S. District Court for illegally possessing a firearm and narcotics within 1,000 feet of Wedgewood Middle School. According to court records, police executed a search warrant at McKinneys Wedgewood Village apartment in March 2024, where officers found cocaine, fentanyl, and a loaded firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Dave Yost announces bid for Ohio governor McKinney was convicted of multiple drug crimes in the past and as a felon, was not legally allowed to possess a gun or ammunition, the U.S. District Attorneys Office said. In August, McKinney pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine near a school, illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The case was investigated by Columbus Division of Polices Wedgewood Enforcement team, dedicated to addressing crime in the apartment complex, the attorneys office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A city man who had served a lengthy prison term after pleading guilty to a home invasion rape was indicted Thursday by a Mahoning County grand jury on charges that he tried to abduct and rape two women late last year. Read next: Grand jury indicts woman after toddler scalded Mark Parker, 48, faces three counts of rape, a first-degree felony; a single count of kidnapping, a first-degree felony; and a count of gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rape counts carry repeat offenders and violent sexual offender specifications. He also faces a separate count of attempted abduction, a fourth-degree felony. Parker has been in the county jail since he was arrested on December 5 by city police after a woman said Parker tried to abduct her on her way to work. The rape and kidnapping counts are for a Nov. 15 incident in Boardman. Details of that case are not readily available. In the Youngstown case, Parker was arrested on a warrant after a woman said Parker had followed her on a major South Side road on Dec. 2, and after she was stopped in traffic, he got out of his car and threatened her if she did not get into his car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman said she held up a can of pepper spray and screamed, and Parker went back to his car and drove off. She later called the police. Boardman police filed their charges on Dec. 6 after Parker was in custody in Youngstown. Parker was sentenced to prison in August 2003 after pleading guilty to an August 2000 attack on a 15-year-old girl on East Ravenwood Avenue. He was accused of breaking a window in the basement and crawling through it, cutting the power in the home, and raping the victim at gunpoint. The victim was a babysitter from Twinsburg. Three young children were also in the house. Prosecutors said Parker threatened the children he would kill them if they did not stay in a downstairs room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parker had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity but two evaluations found him competent to stand trial, court documents show. Parker is on parole for five years, according to the Ohio Department of Corrections website. The ODRC said his parole began May 25. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LONDON (Reuters) -Britain launched an investigation into Apple (AAPL) and Google's (GOOG) smartphone operating systems, app stores and browsers on Thursday, its second use of recently bulked up regulatory powers to scrutinise big tech companies. The Competition and Markets Authority said it would assess whether Apple and Google had "strategic market status" in smartphones ecosystems, and the impact they had on users and on businesses developing content and services such as apps. CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said more competitive mobile ecosystems could foster new innovations and new opportunities across a range of services that millions of people use, be they app stores, browsers or operating systems. "Better competition could also boost growth here in the UK, with businesses able to offer new and innovative types of products and services on Apple's and Google's platforms," she said. (Reporting by Muvija M and Paul Sandle, Editing by William James) A 37-year-old man is in the hospital fighting for his life after police say someone shot him in the stairwell of an apartment building. It happened just before 2:30 a.m. Friday in Seattles First Hill neighborhood at a building on Spring Street. Police say someone found the man on the 13th floor with a gunshot wound to his hip and called 911. Detectives are now working to learn what led up to the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No suspect is in custody at this time. The man was rushed to Harborview Medical Center. Police say he is in serious condition. Anyone with information that may help solve the case is urged to call 911 or the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000. (FOX40.COM) A Manteca man entered a guilty plea on Thursday in connection to a murder-for-hire plot in March 2023, according to the US Attorneys Office Eastern District of California. In February 2023, Jagninder Signg Bopari had his first meeting with a hitman at a Starbucks in Manteca. The hitman was a confidential informant working for the FBI. The pair discussed the assault of a person referred to as Victim 1 in order for the hitman to gain the trust of Boparai, according to US Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boparai offered the hitman $6,000 for the assault and gave them $1,000 as a down payment for the assault. Manteca city council member shoots stepson during attack, police say A staged photo of the victim covered in bruises, blood and dirt was sent to Boparai from the hitman to show that the assault was completed. Upon seeing the photo, Boparai offered the hitman more work involving robbing a business and another to make a person disappear. In March 2023, the two met again to plan the murder of a person referred to as Victim 2, according to the US Attorneys Office. Boparai gave the hitman a $10,000 down payment and provided the victims address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boparai instructed the confidential informant that Victim 2 must disappear without any evidence remaining, the US Attorneys Office wrote about the case. Suspected serial killers victim identified after 40 years in Calaveras County One of Boparais conspirators, Ramesh Kumar Birla Jr., of Dublin, provided a Facebook profile picture of the victim to Boparai for the hitman. Birla and fellow conspirator Shaminderjit Singh Sandhu, of Tracy, met the hitman on March 23, 2023 at a parking lot in Manteca. The hitman was by Sandhu and Birla to kill Victim 2 and take the remains in a suitcase to Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 31, 2023, all three men were arrested and remain in federal custody. All three defendants were arrested on March 31, 2023, and are currently in federal custody. Boparai will return to court on May 8 for sentencing where he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sandhu and Birla will return to court on April 10 and if convicted face the same penalties as Boparari. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Parts of Jack Carter's life were mysterious to even himself. He couldn't remember his mother's first name. He didn't recall much about his childhood. Carter wasn't even his given name. The bits from his youth he did remember, he seemed content to forget. "Jack did not want to talk about it," his widow, BJ Carter, said of her husband of 38 years. "He felt like he came to America and left all that behind." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack Carter, whose arm bore tattoo #125434 from his year and a half in the Auschwitz concentration camp, died at age 92 on Tuesday in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He'd spent much of his life in Cincinnati, where he worked as a pharmaceutical representative for Eli Lilly and Co. Born in Poland, Carter made his way to his adopted Queen City home after enduring unimaginable trauma at the hands of the Nazis, who had captured him and his mother in Bedzin. His father had died in 1938, a year before World War II began. Monday marks the 80th anniversary of the 1945 liberation of Auschwitz, where an estimated 1.1 million people died. After Carter was freed, a man who'd taken the then-12 year old under his wing tried to help the boy reunite with his mother. After he realized the child's mother had been killed, Henryk Karter whose wife and children also died in Auschwitz adopted the orphaned boy as his own. He and Anna Blander, a fellow prisoner at Auschwitz, married and traveled with Anna's surviving daughter to America, where the Karters became the Carters. Jack Carter, born Jakub Tanz in Poland in 1932, survived the Auschwitz concentration camp from 1943-1945, then settled in Cincinnati with his adopted father, Henry Carter (Henryk Karter). The retired pharmacist died Jan. 21, 2025. Jack Carter worked as a "cleanup boy" in the dry goods store run by his adopted father, according to the 1950 U.S. Census. He graduated that year from Hughes High School, a school yearbook confirmed. Afterward, his wife said he enrolled in the University of Cincinnati Pharmacy School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who knew Jack Carter would have been forgiven if they had no idea what he'd endured in his youth, said his widow, though she assumes they had some clue. "I think at some point his coworkers must have known because Jack had a tattoo," BJ Carter said. "You're not going to hide that, are you?" BJ Carter, who married Jack in Cincinnati when he was 54 to her 36, had more questions about her husband's past than he was able to answer. When Jack Carter's memory began to fail in the 2010s, she worried his story would be further lost to history. Jack Carter, born Jakub Tanz in Poland in 1932, survived the Auschwitz concentration camp from 1943-1945, then settled in Cincinnati with his adopted father, Henry Carter (Henryk Karter). The retired pharmacist died Jan. 21, 2025. The couple who both had children from previous relationships when they'd met moved to Maryland outside of Washington, D.C., in 2018, as Jack Carter's dementia worsened. About five years later, BJ Carter spotted a photograph online of Jack as a child that she'd never seen before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She tracked down the woman who posted the image and ended up connected with historian Jeffrey Cymbler himself the son of Holocaust survivors who knew details about Jack Carter's internment that her husband had never known. Among them: Jack had arrived to Auschwitz on a transport June 24, 1943, with 1,600 Jews. Of those, all but 25 died in the gas chambers. Carter had been among 18 young boys selected for medical experimentation conducted by Josef Mengele. BJ Carter believes her future husband was spared because he spoke several languages and proved useful as a messenger boy one of the few tidbits he'd shared with her about his time at the camp. "Jack has always said it was just a matter of luck he wasn't gassed," BJ Carter said. Through Cymbler, BJ Carter also learned the name of her husband's birth mother was Cewja and saw the only photograph known to exist of her a portrait printed on a Nazi-issued identification card sometimes called a "ghetto card" that Jewish people were forced to carry. (Her husband also was issued a card, which, according to the handwritten notation on the back, was given to him when he was about 9 years old.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I did show him the picture of his mother, and he just looked at it," BJ Carter said. "I don't know that it registered. He had terrible dementia. By the time we found all this out, he was already on a memory care unit." Jack Carter, born Jakub Tanz in Poland in 1932, survived the Auschwitz concentration camp from 1943-1945, then settled in Cincinnati with his adopted father, Henry Carter (Henryk Karter). The retired pharmacist died Jan. 21, 2025. After moving to America, Jack Carter never again referred to himself by the name his parents had given him: Jakub Tanz (or Tanc, as the spellings varied). "He felt like he came here and he became an American," BJ Carter said. "That was the end." He may not have remembered much, and chose to keep quiet the bits he did, but his widow would like to make sure the world doesn't forget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This was just a nice man," she said, "and a life well lived." This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Widow of Holocaust survivor Jack Carter shares details of his forgotten past Ted Bundy was one of the most notorious serial killers and sexual predators in American history. Throughout the 1970s, Bundy traveled across the United States on a rape and murder spree of young women and girls, with known victims from Washington, Utah, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado and Florida as well as possible unknown victims that have yet to be accounted for. While most of the country was terrified of Bundy, his good looks and on-camera charisma attracted fans and supporters, many of whom came to court for his trials and sent him love letters in prison. Combined with his two escapes from prison, representing himself in court, the sheer number of victims and the depravity of his crimes, Bundy left behind a horrifying, but powerful, legacy that remains over 30 years after his death by electric chair on Jan. 24, 1989. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He wanted people to see what he wanted them to see," survivor Kathy Kleiner Rubin told PEOPLE in 2023. "He portrayed himself as the good guy. Then at night, he would turn into another thing. Thats when he would go hunting for women. He killed most of his victims in their bedrooms at night. He wanted to take their souls, and keep them, not face them and fight them." Investigators believe Bundy could have killed up to 100 victims while the killer confessed to a much smaller number of murders. So, how many people did Ted Bundy kill? Here is everything to know about his life and crimes including stories from the few victims who survived the notorious serial killer. Who was Ted Bundy? Bettmann/ Getty Ted Bundy Ted Bundy Ted Bundy was born on Nov. 24, 1946, in Burlington, Vt., to single mother Eleanor Louise Cowell. She and her young son later moved to Tacoma, Wash., and she married John C. Bundy who adopted the future serial killer. Cowell and John went on to welcome four more children. "We are a family that has always tried to raise our kids in the right way," Bundy's mother told PEOPLE in 1980. "We weren't the kind that sent their kids off to Sunday school and then went back to sleep." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bundy was active in Boy Scouts and had a paper route as a child. After graduating high school, he enrolled at the University of Puget Sound, then transferred to the University of Washington in Seattle, but dropped out before graduating. Bundy then had various jobs, including working for Nelson Rockefeller's presidential campaign and, per The Washington Post, taking a role at a suicide prevention hotline alongside crime writer Ann Rule, who later went on to pen the bestselling The Stranger Beside Me about their time together and his hidden brutal side. Bundy re-enrolled at the University of Washington and graduated with a psychology degree in 1972. He continued to work in Seattle, where, unknown to anyone, he was also on a murder spree. In 1974, Bundy moved to Salt Lake City and enrolled in the University of Utah Law, though he never graduated or got a law degree. He was arrested in August 1975 after a highway patrolman pulled him over for speeding and found suspicious items in his car, including a ski mask and a crowbar. His profile matched that of Carol DaRonch's description the 18-year-old had survived Bundy's attempt to kill her the year prior. The patrolman also remembered a call from Elizabeth Kloepfer, who was Bundy's girlfriend and had contacted Utah authorities after noticing he resembled police sketches of their suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bundy was charged with aggravated kidnapping and attempted criminal assault after DaRonch picked him out of a lineup, and he was found guilty and sentenced to up to 15 years behind bars after waiving his right to a jury trial. After two escapes from imprisonment, more of Bundy's crimes came to light and he was sentenced to death in 1979. How many people did Ted Bundy kill? Acey Harper/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Kimberly Leach When he was on death row, Bundy confessed to murdering at least 30 women and young girls between 1974 and 1978. In a 1987 conversation recounted in detective Robert Keppel's book The Riverman: Ted Bundy and I Hunt for the Green River Killer, Bundy alluded to committing other murders in 1972 and 1973 but didn't provide details. The serial killer also told the detective that by 1974 he figured out how to murder and attack women without leaving evidence behind. Keppel later estimated in a 1989 TV special that Bundy may have killed between 50 and 75 people, and The Washington Post reported that the murderer told police at one point that his victim count might be "three-digits." In the book Ted Bundy and the Unsolved Murder Epidemic, criminologist Matt DeLisi estimated that Bundy may have killed close to 100 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bundy's first confirmed murder was Lynda Ann Healy in February 1974. Donna Gail Manson (who was on her way to a concert), Susan Elaine Rancourt, Roberta Kathleen Parks and Brenda Carroll Ball (who was leaving a bar) followed, all in the Western States. Not long after, Bundy murdered Georgann Hawkins, Janice Ann Ott and Denise Marie Naslund. After the latter killings, which ended up helping capture Bundy, the serial killer moved to Salt Lake City and murdered a still unidentified hitchhiker, 16-year-old Nancy Wilcox and Melissa Anne Smith. He also killed 17-year-old Laura Ann Aime who was last seen trying to hitchhike after leaving a Halloween party. His unsuccessful attempt at murdering DaRonch happened shortly after but Bundy killed Debra Jean Kent later that same evening. The slayings of Caryn Eileen Campbell, ski instructor Julie Lyle Cunningham, Denise Lynn Oliverson and 12-year-old Lynette Dawn Culver followed. Janice Ann Ott In Bundy's final taped confession, before being executed, he admitted to killing Susan Curtis around this time. After his second prison escape, following his arrest for the murder of Campbell, Bundy murdered two Chi Omega sorority girls, Margaret Elizabeth Bowman and Lisa Janet Levy. A month later, he killed his last known victim Kimberly Dianne Leach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many, though not all, of Bundy's victims were petite brunettes. The women and girls he targeted ranged in age from 12 to 26 years old, and according to a report from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bundy's murders followed a pattern: He would often feign an injury or pretend to be a police officer to lure women and girls to his vehicle, where he would bludgeon his victims until they were unconscious, then handcuff them and drive them to another location, where he would beat or strangle them to death, sexually assault them and dispose of their remains. In interviews resurfaced for 2019's Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes, the murderer spoke in the third person and talked about his motive. "Perhaps this person hoped that through violence, through this violent series of acts, if with every murder leaving a person of this type hungry ... Unfulfilled. It would also leave him with the obviously irrational belief that if the next time he did it, he would be fulfilled," Bundy said. In addition to raping and murdering his victims, Bundy admitted in his final confessions before his death to desecrating his victims' corpses. "When he said he was clearing his soul at the end, he wanted me to know that he practiced necrophilia," FBI Special Agent Bill Hagmaier said in Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes. "That was something he never talked about even in the third person before that. You know, the truth is terrible." Who was Ted Bundy's first victim? Bettmann Archive / Getty Images Ted Bundy in Court-January 04, 1980 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bundy's first known murder was Healy, a 21-year-old Washington State University student who went missing on Feb. 1, 1974, and whose remains weren't recovered until months later. Her skull was found on Taylor Mountain in an area where five of Bundy's other victims were discovered, eventually becoming known as "Bundy's graveyard." Despite his confessions to around 30 murders, investigators believe the true number may be significantly higher. In Ted Bundy and the Unsolved Murder Epidemic, DeLisi argued that based on the rate and "confidence with" which he murdered women and girls between 1974 and 1978, Bundy likely began killing in his adolescence and estimated that the serial killer may have murdered close to 100 people. In her 1994 book Defending the Devil: My Story As Ted Bundy's Last Lawyer, the killer's attorney Polly Nelson recalled him telling her that he murdered his first victim in 1971. Homicide detective Keppel also believes Bundy began killing in his teens or even earlier. The serial killer himself told different timelines of when his murder spree first started. Some investigators also believe he was involved in the slaying of 8-year-old Ann Marie Burr, who went missing on Aug. 31, 1961, near the University of Puget Sound. "Evidence collected at the scene is limited due to the resources and methods of crime scene investigation during that era of law enforcement," a representative for the Tacoma Police Department told KING 5 in 2019 adding, "We periodically review all cold cases to determine if new technology and techniques in forensic science can be utilized." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of the murder, Bundy's uncle lived in Burr's neighborhood, where the then-14-year-old had a paper route and would visit often. After Bundy's murder convictions, Burr's mother wrote to him asking for information about her daughter. Bundy denied responsibility in his reply, but Tacoma police reportedly haven't ruled him out as a suspect in the case. Did anyone survive Bundy? AP Photo; AP Photo/Mark Foley There are five known women who survived Bundy's attacks. Karen Sparks was 18 when the infamous killer sexually assaulted and bludgeoned her with a metal rod in her bed in Seattle. She later said in the Reelz special Ted Bundy: The Survivors that she believes her male roommate talking in his sleep spooked Bundy into fleeing and ultimately saved her life. Though she survived, Sparks suffered a split bladder and permanent brain damage from the assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DaRonch was 18 years old when Bundy approached her at a mall in November 1974, flashing a police badge and saying he was there to investigate someone breaking into her car. She went with Bundy to his Volkswagen, which she later told PEOPLE was merely because she felt obligated to help an authority figure not because she found him charming or attractive. "I thought he was kind of creepy ... I thought he was a lot older than he was," DaRonch said, adding that she smelled alcohol on his breath. When they were in his car, Bundy struck DaRonch and tried handcuffing her wrists, but failed. Though he had a gun and crowbar, she fought back against him and was able to exit the car, though Bundy followed and continued to fight her. When a car approached from the opposite direction, DaRonch broke away from Bundy and jumped into the other vehicle with the handcuffs still hanging on one of her wrists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DaRonch later identified Bundy in a lineup and testified against him in court in 1976. He was found guilty of kidnapping and assault, but his reign of terror would continue even after his incarceration: He escaped from jail twice and made his way to Florida, where he murdered more women and girls. Mark Foley/AP/REX/Shutterstock An unidentified woman peers through drapes on the 2nd story balcony of the Chi Omega sorority house at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla After the two Chi Omega murders, Bundy attacked sorority sisters Kathy Kleiner Rubin and Karen Chandler. Kleiner Rubin suffered a broken jaw, shattered chin, ripped cheek and nearly severed tongue. Chandler later told CBS News that Bundy broke nearly every bone in her face (including her jaw), plus one of her arms and several fingers. She also suffered a concussion and a skull fracture from the attack. Kleiner Rubin told PEOPLE that Bundy was likely going to kill her and Chandler, but his plan was interrupted. "There was a car bringing home a date late that night, and the light had shown up into our room," she recalled. "He started stumbling around and just ran out the door ... We don't know how far it could have gone, but it ended at my room." After the Chi Omega murders and attacks, Bundy went down the street and attacked a Florida State University dance student, Cheryl Thomas, who was alone in her apartment. He bludgeoned her similarly to his other victims that night, leaving her with a broken jaw, a dislocated shoulder and five skull fractures; the attack left her permanently deaf in one ear. Thomas' neighbors heard the attack and called the police, which saved her life. "I felt very grateful," Thomas told CBS News. "Because, obviously, if I had not had two neighbors next door ... to call that night when they heard me crying and a beating kind of sound, I know I wouldn't I would not have survived." What was Ted Bundy convicted of? Bettmann/Getty Suspected murderer Theodore Bundy (l) leans on the Leon County jail wall as an indictment charging him with the murdersof two FSU coeds at the Chi Omega house is read by Leon County Sherriff Ken Katarsis Suspected murderer Theodore Bundy (l) leans on the Leon County jail wall as an indictment charging him with the murdersof two FSU coeds at the Chi Omega house is read by Leon County Sherriff Ken Katarsis Following the Florida killings, Bundy was arrested on Feb. 15, 1978, for driving a stolen Volkswagen in Pensacola. At the time, local police didn't realize he was on the FBI's Most Wanted List. Bundy was charged in the murders of the Chi Omega victims and almost pled guilty in a deal that would have given him a maximum sentence of 75 years behind bars, per The Seattle Times. But, he backed out of the plea bargain, with then-Tallahassee public defender Mike Minerva explaining, "It made him realize he was going to have to stand up in front of the whole world and say he was guilty. He just couldn't do it." In July 1979, after less than seven hours of deliberations, a jury found Bundy guilty of murdering Bowman and Levy, two counts of burglary and three counts of first-degree attempted murder for his attacks on Kleiner Rubin, Chandler and Thomas. A judge sentenced Bundy to two death sentences, one for each of the murder convictions he received. Six months after his conviction in the Chi Omega case, Bundy went on trial for the murder of Leach. After eight hours of deliberations, a jury found Bundy guilty of raping and murdering the seventh-grade student. He received his third death sentence for the slaying. How did Ted Bundy die? Bettmann/Getty Theodore Bundy rests his head on his fist as he listens to attorneys argue the merits of his case in the pre-trial hearings prior to Bundy's trial for the killings of two Florida State University coeds Theodore Bundy rests his head on his fist as he listens to attorneys argue the merits of his case in the pre-trial hearings prior to Bundy's trial for the killings of two Florida State University coeds Bundy attempted to appeal his death sentences and convictions many times over the course of nearly a decade, but he failed to overturn his convictions or change his capital punishment sentences. Celebrations for Bundy's impending demise were held nationwide, and ABC News reported at the time that fireworks and crowds gathered and cheered for his execution. Some attendees even wore custom T-shirts reading "BURN BUNDY" and "TOAST TED," according to The Washington Post. Bundy was executed by electric chair on Jan. 24, 1989. Just before his death, Bundy's last words were reportedly, "I'd like you to give my love to my family and friends." Read the original article on People WACO, Texas (FOX 44) The Waco community can once again enjoy the festive spirit of Mardi Gras while contributing to a noble cause! The Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children is hosting its 13th Annual Mardi Gras Ball. The event will take place on Saturday, February 22nd at 7 p.m. at the BASE at Extraco Events Center, located at 4601 Bosque Boulevard. FOX 44 is once again the proud media sponsor of the Mardi Gras Ball! Anchor MG Montemayor, Chief Meteorologist Mike LaPoint, and Multi-Media Journalist Vince Erickson will be your Red Carpet hosts and emcees for the evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guests can prepare to be swept away by the vibrant atmosphere, where the spirit of Mardi Gras comes alive! They can enjoy the company of fellow community members and philanthropists as they dance, dine, and donate their way through the evening. People should dress to impress in their finest attire. Black tie is optional. Guests can also engage in spirited bidding at the live and silent auctions, where they will have the chance to win exquisite items and experiences. Every ticket purchased and dollar raised directly supports the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children. If you would like to purchase a table, ticket, or a sponsorship, you can go 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 KWKT - FOX 44. Shock rocker Marilyn Manson will not face charges on domestic abuse and sexual assault, prosecutors announced Friday after a four-year investigation into allegations about Manson's conduct. We have determined that allegations of domestic violence fall outside of the statute of limitations, and we cannot prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced on Friday, Jan. 24. It was not clear whose allegations and what conduct the investigation centered. But Manson, born Brian Warner, has faced several allegations of sexual misconduct, including from ex-fiancee Evan Rachel Wood and Game of Thrones actress Esme Bianco, who have accused Manson of sexual assault and abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Marilyn Manson Settles Lawsuit Over Sexual Assault and Abuse Allegations Before Trial Begins We recognize and applaud the courage and resilience of the women who came forward to make reports and share their experiences, and we thank them for their cooperation and patience with the investigation, Hochman wrote. Marilyn Manson Drops Defamation Lawsuit Against Evan Rachel Wood While we are unable to bring charges in this matter, we recognize that the strong advocacy of the women involved has helped bring greater awareness to the challenges faced by survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. In 2021, authorities began investigating alleged incidents between 2009 and 2011 in West Hollywood, where Manson lived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the outcome of this case, Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office said it remains "fully committed to seeking justice for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault whenever legally possible. We encourage anyone experiencing abuse to seek support and make a report to law enforcement as quickly as possible. Mansons attorney did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. Read the original article on People Los Angeles Countys District Attorney ruled Friday that prosecutors will not pursue criminal charges against Marilyn Manson over allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence. This follows a years-long investigation into instances that allegedly occurred in 2009 and 2011 when Manson lived in West Hollywood. District Attorney Nathan Hochman issued a statement that cited the statute of limitations had expired for any domestic violence charges against Manson (real name Brian Warner) and the evidence is not sufficient enough to charge him in court. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have determined that allegations of domestic violence fall outside of the statute of limitations, and we cannot prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt, Hochman said. We recognize and applaud the courage and resilience of the women who came forward to make reports and share their experiences, and we thank them for their cooperation and patience with the investigation. In a statement shared with Variety, Howard King, Mansons attorney, said they were very pleased with the outcome. King continued, After a thorough and incredibly lengthy review of all of the actual evidence, the District Attorney has concluded what we knew and expressed from the start Brian Warner is innocent. The identities of the women involved in the Los Angeles case were never made public but Game of Thrones actor Esme Bianco revealed herself to be a part of the investigation last year. She came forward as dozens of other women were also making allegations against Manson. At the time, she told The Cut that Manson had subjected her to psychological abuse, whipped her, cut her and chased her around his apartment with an axe in May 2011. Manson has been accused of sexual assault from multiple women across the past few years, including accusations from his ex-fiance Evan Rachel Wood, who alleged he horrifically abused her for years when they were in a relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manson responded to these allegations at the time, saying: My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how and why others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth. He later sued Wood for defamation over her accusations, but settled his lawsuit in 2023 and paid roughly $327,000 in attorneys fees for Wood. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. (LOS ANGELES)- The Los Angeles District Attorneys Office will not pursue domestic violence and sexual assault charges against rockstar, Marilyn Manson. DA Nathan Hochman made the announcement on Friday. It wraps up a comprehensive four-year investigation into allegations against Manson, which involved prosecutors from the Sex Crimes Division of the District Attorneys Office, along with detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. We have determined that allegations of domestic violence fall outside of the statute of limitations, and we cannot prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt, Hochman said in a media release. Marilyn Manson turned himself in to Los Angeles police on assault charges stemming from an alleged incident in 2019. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images) We recognize and applaud the courage and resilience of the women who came forward to make reports and share their experiences, and we thank them for their cooperation and patience with the investigation, the release continued. While we are unable to bring charges in this matter, we recognize that the strong advocacy of the women involved has helped bring greater awareness to the challenges faced by survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. We also acknowledge and commend them for making an important contribution to extending the statute of limitations for the prosecution of domestic abuse locally and throughout the nation. Due to their efforts, victims of domestic violence have a greater voice in our criminal justice system and prosecutorial offices around the country have improved tools to hold domestic violence abusers accountable for their actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SZA to join Kendrick Lamar for Super Bowl LIX halftime show Following the announcement, Mansons attorney Howard King issued the following statement: We are very pleased that, after a thorough and incredibly lengthy review of all of the actual evidence, the District Attorney has concluded what we knew and expressed from the start Brian Warner is innocent. In October of 2024, the DAs office announced it was looking into new evidence and leads into the case involving Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner. The shock rocker has been accused by multiple women, including Westworld actor Evan Rachel Wood, of sexual abuse, rape and torture. Manson has vehemently denied the allegations, though he has settled at least two such lawsuits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those was in 2023 with Game of Thrones actor Esme Bianco who alleged sexual assault, sexual battery and human trafficking. That same year, according to reporting by the Los Angeles Times, he also settled with a Jane Doe who claimed she was orally and vaginally raped by him. At least a dozen women have come forward with claims against Manson since 2021, the same year his West Hollywood home was raided by investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Following Fridays announcement, Hochman said Despite the decision necessitated by the facts and evidence in this matter, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office remains fully committed to seeking justice for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault whenever legally possible. The office encourages anyone experiencing abuse to get support and report it to law enforcement as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. LOS ANGELES (KTLA) The Los Angeles District Attorneys Office will not pursue domestic violence and sexual assault charges against rockstar, Marilyn Manson. DA Nathan Hochman made the announcement on Friday. It wraps up a comprehensive four-year investigation into allegations against Manson, which involved prosecutors from the Sex Crimes Division of the District Attorneys Office, along with detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. We have determined that allegations of domestic violence fall outside of the statute of limitations, and we cannot prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt, Hochman said in a media release. Marilyn Manson turned himself in to Los Angeles police on assault charges stemming from an alleged incident in 2019. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images) We recognize and applaud the courage and resilience of the women who came forward to make reports and share their experiences, and we thank them for their cooperation and patience with the investigation, the release continued. While we are unable to bring charges in this matter, we recognize that the strong advocacy of the women involved has helped bring greater awareness to the challenges faced by survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. We also acknowledge and commend them for making an important contribution to extending the statute of limitations for the prosecution of domestic abuse locally and throughout the nation. Due to their efforts, victims of domestic violence have a greater voice in our criminal justice system and prosecutorial offices around the country have improved tools to hold domestic violence abusers accountable for their actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October of 2024, the DAs office announced it was looking into new evidence and leads into the case involving Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner. The shock rocker has been accused by multiple women, including Westworld actor Evan Rachel Wood, of sexual abuse, rape and torture. Manson has vehemently denied the allegations, though he has settled at least two such lawsuits. One of those was in 2023 with Game of Thrones actor Esme Bianco who alleged sexual assault, sexual battery and human trafficking. That same year, according to reporting by the Los Angeles Times, he also settled with a Jane Doe who claimed she was orally and vaginally raped by him. At least a dozen women have come forward with claims against Manson since 2021, the same year his West Hollywood home was raided by investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the accusations, Howard King, Mansons attorney, told The Times that all the allegations have three things in common: They are false, alleged to have taken place more than a decade ago and [are] part of a coordinated attack by former partners and associates of Mr. Warner who have weaponized the otherwise mundane details of his personal life and their consensual relationships into fabricated horror stories. The DAs office said Despite the decision necessitated by the facts and evidence in this matter, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office remains fully committed to seeking justice for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault whenever legally possible. The office encourages anyone experiencing abuse to get support and report it to law enforcement as soon as possible. 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. By Sai Ishwarbharath B BENGALURU - U.S. fintech firm Broadridge Financial will expand its India tech staff by 26% to 6,800 people over three years as it gears up to sell its products in the world's most populous nation, a top executive told Reuters. The firm, which counts JPMorgan Chase & Co, Bank of America and Wells Fargo among its clients, currently only has tech centres in India. It plans to sell its products locally in the "near term" through an acquisition strategy, India Managing Director Sheenam Ohrie said. "By 2030, India will be the third-largest economic power. So if that is the case, then you should be selling there," Ohrie said earlier this week, without mentioning details. She expects most of the new India hires to be software engineers as the firm looks to modernize its existing "legacy" technology. Broadridge provides investor communications services and financial technology software to banks, broker-dealers and asset managers for trading. The plan comes at a time when multinational companies are increasingly setting up local offices, or global capability centres (GCCs), in India to support their daily operations, research and development and cybersecurity. "We have a lot of customers who have GCCs in India. Over 20 of our premium customers have global leaders driving decisions around our products sitting in India. So we are building a zero-distance approach," Ohrie said. For instance, Broadridge has been collaborating directly with the GCC counterparts of certain premium banking clients in recent months to make faster decisions, she said. The market size of India's GCCs is expected to grow to $99 billion-$105 billion by fiscal year 2030 from $64.6 billion in 2024, according to a report by IT industry body Nasscom and consulting firm Zinnov. Broadridge's India team has worked on BondGPT, a LLM-based product that answers queries on bonds, and Distributed Ledger Repo, which helps clients improve their cash management. (Reporting by Sai Ishwarbharath B; Editing by Dhanya Skariachan and Sonia Cheema) LOS ANGELES (AP) Prosecutors said Friday that they will not file charges against Marilyn Manson after a years-long investigation of allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the allegations are too old under the law and the evidence is not sufficient to charge the 56-year-old shock rocker whose legal name is Brian Warner. We have determined that allegations of domestic violence fall outside of the statute of limitations, and we cannot prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt, Hochman said. We recognize and applaud the courage and resilience of the women who came forward to make reports and share their experiences, and we thank them for their cooperation and patience with the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly four years after the investigation began, then-District Attorney George Gascon said on Oct. 9 that his office was pursuing new leads that added to the already extensive file that authorities had amassed. LA County sheriffs detectives said early in 2021 that they were investigating Manson for incidents between 2009 and 2011 in West Hollywood, where Manson lived at the time. The probe included a search warrant that was served on his West Hollywood home. The case was initially turned over to prosecutors in September 2021, but the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office requested more evidence-gathering and the investigation resumed. We are very pleased that, after a thorough and incredibly lengthy review of all of the actual evidence, the District Attorney has concluded what we knew and expressed from the start Brian Warner is innocent, his attorney, Howard King, said in a statement. The identities of the women police and prosecutors spoke to were not revealed, but Game of Thrones actor Esme Bianco who sued Manson in a case that has been settled said she was part of the criminal investigation. Before the decision not to prosecute, she criticized how long the process was taking at a rally for Hochman, who was elected soon after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost four years ago, I did what victims of rape are supposed to do: I went to the police, she said on Oct. 10. I described to them in agonizing detail how the rock musician Brian Warner better known by his stage name Marilyn Manson had raped and abused me over the course of our relationship. Bianco said she gave investigators hundreds of pieces of evidence, including photos of my body covered in bites, bruises and knife wounds, emails and text messages, threats to my immigration status. In her lawsuit, Bianco alleged sexual, physical and emotional abuse, and said that Manson violated human trafficking law by bringing her to California from England for non-existent roles in music videos and movies. Whilst I am deeply disappointed by the decision of the District Attorney to not bring charges in the case against Brian Warner, I am sadly not surprised, Bianco said in a statement released by her lawyer. Once again, our justice system has failed survivors. Not the individual prosecutors and detectives who worked for years on this case, but the system that made them do so with one hand tied behind their collective backs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021 Manson's former fiancee, Westworld actor Evan Rachel Wood, named him as her abuser for the first time in an Instagram post. Wood and Mansons relationship became public in 2007 when he was 38 and she was 19, and they were briefly engaged in 2010 before breaking up. He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years, Wood said. Manson replied on Instagram that these were horrible distortions of reality. He sued Wood, saying she and another woman fabricated accusations against him and convinced others to do the same. A judge threw out significant sections of the suit, then in November, Manson agreed to drop it and pay Wood's attorney fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press does not typically name people who say theyve been sexually abused, unless they come forward publicly as Bianco and Wood have done. Other women sued Manson in the months after Wood came forward. Wood's representative did not immedately return a message Friday. Manson emerged as a musical star in the mid-1990s, known as much for courting public controversy as for hit songs like The Beautiful People and hit albums like 1996s Antichrist Superstar and 1998s Mechanical Animals. Elsie Dominguez reads the comments on Reddit threads and news articles about her story. She hasnt responded to every text message, email and LinkedIn comment addressed to her, but shes read them all. While she knows many would advise her to tune out the chatter and protect her wellbeing, she doesnt want to miss the personal stories that come her way stories like her own, about being sexually assaulted and victimized, with little recourse, while on duty at sea. It solidified my fight, reading their stories, Dominguez, 34, told Military Times in December. Here I am, coming forward like, Im doing this for you guys. This isnt a solo fight. I just happen to be spearheading the fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dominguez, a Cuban-American native of Queens, New York, filed suit against the Navys Military Sealift Command in November 2023, alleging she was raped in her cabin aboard the Expeditionary Fast Transport Carson City in December 2021 by the ships civilian captain. She also says she was subsequently offered little in the way of protections or recourse. Since then, Dominguez has found herself embroiled in a legal fight over workers compensation, underscoring the strange gray area in which civilian mariners serving on MSC ships are immersed. Dominguez has been told by a judge, at the request of the government, that she must petition the U.S. Department of Labor for workers comp before moving forward with her case. She and her lawyers maintain that rape does not belong on a list of job-related risks. The expeditionary fast transport ship Carson City. (Navy) As that fight wore on, Dominguez found herself at a crossroads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both she and her alleged assailant, who neither she nor the Navy have named, remain in the employment of Military Sealift Command. He is still on paid leave pending the completion of a Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigation, Navy officials say. Dominguez, after a period of leave, opted to go back to sea. Shes now assigned to the Expeditionary Mobile Base Lewis B. Puller as its first officer. She came to the ship for an initial three-week contract, which she viewed as a trial period. At the end of the three weeks, I realized, I loved what I do, and I still love what I do, Dominguez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She introduced herself to the ships captain, providing all the details about her past experiences and the continuing lawsuit. The captain, and later the chief engineer, expressed support and welcomed her, she said. While shes not optimistic that the greater industry is undergoing cultural change, its a relief, she said, to have understanding coworkers. Nothing out of the ordinary is done for me its just a normal work environment, Dominguez said. But to know that people can know your story and still stand by you, it feels safe. Though Dominguez is back in a career field she loves, the sacrifices shes made to come forward with her story are real. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She once hoped to become her companys first female chief engineer; but in the year she had to take off to recover from her alleged ordeal and seek legal recourse, another woman hit that milestone. While Dominguez said the woman, who she knows, was more than deserving, her feeling that her own career has been derailed has increased her resolve to push for legal change. Knowing that I can still make a difference in this industry really motivates me to keep going with the lawsuit, she said. Its likely a long road. While uniformed members of the Navy have a well-established path, if desired, for reporting sexual assault and seeking recourse in the form of prosecution and reassignment, civilian mariners dont have access to the same resources. According to Dominguez, the civilian skipper of the Carson City used a master code to enter her stateroom following a night of drinking while the ship was docked in Brindisi, Italy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She believes she was drugged, having woken up from an incapacitated state to find the man on top of her, assaulting her, she said. The next day, when she sought to report the assault and obtain a drug test, she says she was discouraged by the ships chief engineer and threatened by the captain. A civilian sexual assault advocate later told her she could not make an anonymous sexual assault report, she said, and warned her that making an unrestricted report, her only option, would result in her removal from the ship. Dominguez would continue to serve aboard the Carson City for 10 more months, sleeping for most of that time with a chair wedged against her door for protection. She said it took eight months for the ship to fulfill her request for a deadbolt lock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, according to Christine Dunn, Dominguezs attorney with the firm Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, the mariner finds her case between a rock and a hard place. Shes challenging a 1952 Supreme Court decision that set a precedent that established the Department of Labors Federal Employees Compensation Act, or FECA, program as the available recourse for job-related injuries, which the government maintains her assault was. Recently, Dunn said, Dominguez had to secure permission from the government to sign an oath saying the harm she sustained occurred in the course of duties, a necessary step to receiving a finding from the Labor department, even though she maintains rape could never be duty-related. We hope that they will deny [the claim], and we can go back to court and pursue this case where it should be in federal court, Dunn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timeline for receiving a decision back from the Labor department, she said, could be anywhere from 75 days to 10 months or more. As Dominguez continues to deal with the aftermath of her alleged assault she says she still double- and triple-checks the lock on her door every night before she falls asleep her choice to be visible and speak out under her own name creates another layer of vulnerability. But despite the discomfort at times, she remains unwavering. Its completely unfortunate that this happened to me, but if people are able to pinpoint, Hey, thats the first engineer on this specific shift, Im okay with that, Dominguez said. I want people to feel comfortable coming up to me and talking about this, and the more that we normalize speaking about things like this and not keeping it taboo, I think it will really help the industry as a whole in eliminating cases like this. LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS) A new satellite flight school will be offered through a partnership between the Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) and Marshall Universitys Division of Aviation. According to a press release, the partnership for the satellite flight school at the Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) will offer a Part 61 flight training program made to help with the need for aviation professionals. StormTracker 59 Travel Forecast Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were thrilled to be working with Marshall University to bring this aviation training program to the Greenbrier Valley. This is a significant milestone for the airport and our entire region. Martha Livesay | Director of Greenbrier Valley Airport Marshall University is committed to collaborating with partners across the state to help meet the demand for pilots. Its estimated more than 400,000 flight professionals are needed in the next 20 years and by working with airports like Greenbrier Valley we can provide the necessary training. Nancy Ritter | Chief of Aviation Operations at Marshalls Bill Noe Flight School WVSOM remains a leader of medical education in the Mountain State The partnership between Marshall University and the Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) will allow people to follow a career in aviation closer to their home by offering flight training, while also expanding on southern West Virginias aviation education. Facilities such as briefing rooms, classroom space, and hangar space for Marshalls aircraft will be offered by the Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB), and Marshall University will offer the remainder of the Professional Pilot, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program that can be finished online as well as a full complement of flight training for licenses done on-site. The newest addition coming to Greenbrier County accompanies Marshalls flight schools that are already operational in Charleston and Martinsburg. Livesay told 59News this will be helpful for the future of flight, as it is estimated that more than 400,000 flight professionals will be needed in the next 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is just endless the need. There are a lot of older gentlemen and ladies that are retiring, and we need to help do our part to get people out there interested. We want to work with the schools and the community to educate people and let them know what is available. Martha Livesay | Director of Greenbrier Valley Airport Enrollment for the program is open for both degree and non-degree seeking individuals. Those who are interested in the program can apply or find additional information on the Marshall University Division of Aviation website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Jan. 24SANTA FE Martin Heinrich is staying put in Washington, D.C. New Mexico's senior U.S. senator announced Friday he will not run for governor in 2026, saying he instead plans to remain in the Senate to fight against President Donald Trump's policies. "It's clear to me that New Mexico needs a strong voice in Washington now more than ever the stakes are simply too high," Heinrich said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heinrich, a Democrat, was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012 and defeated Republican Nella Domenici last November to win reelection to a new six-year term. He was named the ranking Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last month, a position that he vowed to use to fight for public lands and secure funding for national laboratories. However, Heinrich had refused to rule out a run for governor as recently as last month. During a Friday interview, he said he spent several months mulling over the race and conducted internal polling that he described as positive. "I had a lot of people I respect and admire encouraging me to do it," Heinrich told the Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he said he ultimately decided to pass on the race due to the family implications of another grueling campaign he has two sons who attend school in Albuquerque and the flurry of Trump's first week in office. His decision not to launch a gubernatorial campaign could clear the way for former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to be the highest-profile candidate in the race. Haaland has not officially announced a campaign, but senior Democratic strategists have said she has been quietly making plans to run. She attended the opening day of the 60-day New Mexico legislative session in Santa Fe this week and received a loud ovation from Democratic lawmakers when introduced in the House chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Democratic strategist close to Haaland said Friday the former congresswoman has gotten positive feedback from New Mexicans about a potential campaign, adding, "And what I can tell you is she's listening." Other candidates could also enter the race, however, as Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman has not ruled out a run. No Republican candidates have announced gubernatorial campaigns yet either. University of New Mexico political science professor Gabriel Sanchez said Heinrich would have been a formidable candidate in the race to be New Mexico's next governor had he run. With Heinrich opting against a run, he said the race could be more attractive to Democratic and Republican candidates alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he also said the decision could set the stage for Haaland to make an announcement in the coming months. "I think it paves the way for her to be the primary candidate in the race," said Sanchez, noting the possibility of Haaland becoming the first Native American female governor in U.S. history could appeal to some Democratic voters. The race for governor will be an open contest in 2026, as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is entering the final two years of her tenure and is barred by the state Constitution from seeking a third consecutive term. Meanwhile, Heinrich's decision to stay in the U.S. Senate comes just days after Trump was sworn into office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heinrich cited Trump's executive orders repealing energy policies, issuing pardons to more than 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants and targeting birthright citizenship in his statement, even though at least one of the orders has been halted by a federal judge. "From fighting back against these harmful policies to defending the progress we've made lowering costs for working families, growing our economy, and keeping our communities safe, the Senate is where I believe I can have the most impact," Heinrich said. But he also said he's willing to work with the Trump administration and other senators on economic and energy issues, among other policy areas. "I'm going to pick my battles, I'm not going to be reflexively against everything," Heinrich told the Journal, citing his votes in favor of confirming some of Trump's appointees to lead federal agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When things do make sense for New Mexico and the country, count me in," he added. Heinrich also said it is too early to say whether he might endorse a candidate in New Mexico's next gubernatorial race, but said he plans to watch closely as the field develops. Martin Luther King Jr.s family responded to Donald Trumps move to order the declassification of records linked to the assassination of the American civil rights activist more than 50 years ago. In a statement published on social media Thursday evening, the family said it had a request for the president, who was sworn in for a second term Jan 20. Trump also ordered the release of documents connected to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy. The three assassinations are among the most consequential in U.S. history. Trump ordered some of his top officials to make plans to release the files on Kings assassination within 45 days , but it is unclear when they will be made public. Statement released today from the King Family re: the declassification of assassination files #MLK #MartinLutherKingJr pic.twitter.com/S9HF3Woi6f The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center (@TheKingCenter) January 24, 2025 Today, our family has learned that President Trump has ordered the declassification of the remaining records pertaining to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert F. Kennedy, and our father, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the family said . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family asked the White House if they could take a look at the files before they are made public. For us, the assassination of our father is a deeply personal family loss that we have endured over the last 56 years. We hope to be provided the opportunity to review the files as a family prior to its public release. The King family has asked to see the assassination files before they are released to the public. / Bettmann Archive/Getty Images The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment. King was fatally shot on April 4, 1968, while standing on a balcony at a motel in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 39. His family believe that James Earl Ray, who was convicted in Kings assassination, was framed. It pains my heart that James Earl Ray had to spend his life in prison paying for things he didnt do, said Kings youngest child Bernice King, 61, The Washington Post reported in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump described his executive order as a big one on Thursday. A lot of people are waiting for this for long, for years, for decades. And everything will be revealed, Trump told reporters as he signed the executive order in the Oval Office. By Layli Foroudi FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique (Reuters) -Rodrigue Petitot, who led protests in French-ruled Martinique, left prison on Friday after a court handed him a one-year suspended sentence for trespassing on state property during cost-of-living demonstrations. Petitot, known as "Le R", led last year's social movement on the Caribbean island where poverty levels are twice as high as in France and the cost of living is higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judges ruled that Petitot had pressured police into letting him into the governor's residence during a meeting with France's overseas territories minister, and that he had surpassed the limits of freedom of expression. He was also found guilty of intimidation and verbal assault. "As long as the people think I'm innocent, I don't need the justice to tell me that I am," Petitot told Reuters, saying that the judiciary has always been "in favour of those who have always oppressed the people". Petitot is now under house arrest, completing a 10-month sentence from December for violence and intimidation over a TikTok video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters and his family at the tribunal in Fort-de-France, Martinique's capital, celebrated his liberation as a victory. Petitot's lawyer, Eddy Arneton, said the decision was "favourable" as his client could have faced a 20-year sentence. "You have the right to say what you think, we have the right to think, and we have the right to express it," Arneton told the crowd. The Martinique unrest was one of several recent flashpoints in French territories including an attempt to reduce the voting weight of indigenous Kanak people that led to unrest in the Pacific Ocean archipelago of New Caledonia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinique was colonised by France in 1635 and, like Guadeloupe, French Guiana and La Reunion, made into an administrative "department" by a 1946 law promising equality for overseas territories. The lower house of the French parliament approved a law on Thursday aimed at tackling high living costs in Martinique and other overseas territories, which included articles obliging companies to publish their accounts and making it illegal for a group to control more than 25% of the market. Some lawmakers credited the movement led by Petitot to having made the legislation possible. Overseas Minister Manuel Valls said on Wednesday "transparency, justice, equality, truth must finally be imposed because there is a profound sense of injustice." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A small number of families descended from slave plantation owners control large parts of the economy in Martinique and contribute to high prices by hiking their margins, specialists in the sector say. (Editing by Timothy Heritage and Diane Craft) State Democratic lawmakers are pushing a bill that would allow Maryland voters to raise the minimum wage from $15 to $20 including for workers in the service industry but its receiving a thumbs down from Republicans The minimum wage in Maryland is not enough to meet the cost of living, Del. Adrian Boafo of Prince Georges County said at a press conference in Annapolis Thursday. All working people deserve to be able to earn enough when they work to be able to feed their families and afford a place to live. Boafo and Sen. Cory McCray from Baltimore City, both Democrats, are sponsoring the Maryland No Tax on Tips Act. This multi-faceted bill seeks to increase the $3.63 minimum wage for restaurant workers to $15, exempt their tips from taxation, give a $10,000 tax credit to restaurants to assist with the transition to paying higher wages and gradually increase the states $15 minimum wage to $20 by 2030 if voters choose to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boafo said that if Marylanders vote to raise the minimum wage, the phase-up to $20 would take longer for service workers. Marylands legislature has a Democratic supermajority, but raising the minimum wage will be a tough sell for its Republican counterparts. A collective groan erupted from the General Assemblys joint Republican Caucus when they were informed of the bill at a press conference Thursday afternoon. Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey, a representative of the upper Eastern Shore, called it dead on arrival. Legislation passed in 2019 was poised to gradually increase Marylands minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025. Gov. Wes Moore overrode the phase-up process with a bill sponsored on behalf of his administration in 2023. Because of his legislation, Marylands minimum wage was raised to $15 in January 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre saying the fight for 15 has become the tussle for 20? asked House Minority Leader Jason Buckel of Allegany County. In an interview, Del. Seth Howard, a Republican representing Anne Arundel County, said theres no current law against businesses paying employees $20 an hour. If theyre going to come down here and theyre going to support a minimum wage bill thats going to mandate all businesses pay $20, they better damn well be paying $20 for a long time before they get down here and mandate other small businesses do it, he said. A Hart Research Associates poll of 500 likely Maryland voters conducted between Jan. 13 and 18 found that 63% favor raising the minimum wage to $20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Saru Jayaraman, the president of One Fair Wage, a national organization that works to end subminimum wages for service workers, Black women are the majority of tipped workers in Maryland. Christian Nunez, the president of the National Organization for Women, said that the subminimum wage for service industry employees is a continuous way that racism and sexism plays a role in how people are paid. Khadija Sheriff has worked in Marylands tipped service industry for three years. She said Thursday that workers are struggling to cover the rising cost of living and that having to fill the gap between the $3.63 minimum wage and the states $15 minimum wage with tips leaves workers vulnerable to the will of customers, who often harass them. Living on subminimum wage and relying on tips is incredibly unstable. Our rent and bills dont fluctuate with the economy, but our tips do, she said. Its hard not to feel like my livelihood is at the expense of someone elses mood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Minnesota, Montana, Alaska and Washington, D.C., all currently require restaurant and service workers to be paid the state minimum wage with tips on top. Jayaraman said other states are on track to pass similar legislation. It is moving in New York. It is moving in Colorado. It is moving in Arizona and Ohio, she said. It can move and pass here. President Donald Trump campaigned on not taxing tips. Boafo said he hopes that will help the Maryland bill pass on a bipartisan basis. Maryland legislators want their state to be the latest to raise the stakes associated with retail theft. Members of the state assembly and state Senate have proposed identical bills in an effort to get the Organized Retail Theft Act of 2025 over the finish line. More from Sourcing Journal Last year, the assembly passed a bill with the same language; however, it got held up in the state Senate and ultimately died when the 2024 session concluded. The bill provides that multiple thefts committed by the same person in multiple counties under one scheme or continuing course of conduct may be joined and prosecuted in any county in which any one of the thefts occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delegate Karen Toles re-introduced the bill in the assembly this month, with co-sponsorship from delegates Robin Grammer, Wayne Hartman and Chao Wu. The bill would allow multiple instances of retail theft committed inside a 90-day windowwhether at one store or at different stores throughout the stateto be prosecuted as one crime. The bill would allow the value of goods stolen on different instances to be aggregated. Thats significant because it means that goods stolen on multiple occasions can compound and result in a felony charge, even if each individual instance would otherwise result in a misdemeanor charge. Those convicted of organized retail theft of property with an aggregate value between $1,500 and $25,000 would face up to five years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine; if the aggregate amount falls between $25,000 and $100,000, individuals convicted could see up to 10 years in prison or and a fine of no more than $15,000. In cases where the aggregate value of stolen property exceeds $100,000, convicted individuals could be subject to imprisonment for up to 20 years and a fine of up to $25,000. In all cases, the perpetrators would be expected to restore the property taken to the owner or pay the owner the value of the property or services. Toles said retail theft needs to be a priority for the state in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a serious issue, not just in Maryland but nationally, with organized retail theft. We need to have a tool that will allow jurisdictions to aggregate the charges. When you have organized retail theft, perpetrators go from county to county staying just below the threshold of felony theft and target a variety of stores, the delegate told Sourcing Journal. Toles said retail theft places a burden on shoppers in the state, who then have to compensate for businesses and retailers losses. Our communities should be able to thrive, she said at a bill hearing on Jan. 21. We need the money in our state, and theft impacts businesses, owners, shopperseveryone. Many constituents have expressed concerns about this, so we need this tool to hold perpetrators accountable. Jason Shoemaker, who heads up the economic unit for Frederick County, Md.s state attorneys office, attended the hearing to show his offices support for the bill. Perry Paylor, deputy states attorney for the Prince Georges County, Md., office and Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Retailers Alliance, also joined to share their support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shoemaker said organized retail crime remains a major problem for prosecutors across the state. Organized retail theft is not committed to meet a need; its not merely opportunistic. Its planned and repeatedly engaged in with the intention of stealing items to be returned or resold, enabling the culprits to make 100 percent [profit], Shoemaker said at the hearing, later noting that crimesters could be entering Maryland from other states on the East Coast with the intention of making the states businesses and retailers a target. Theyre coming into our communities and they are harming our retailers, Shoemaker told the committee. Shoemaker said that, should the bill become law, it would make it more feasible for counties attorneys to prosecute against retail crimesters; today, many crimes go unprosecuted because of a lack of resources and a legal loophole that allows theft crimes committed in different jurisdictions to be tried separatelyoften as misdemeanors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopefully, a few successful consolidated prosecutions will reduce Maryland retailers from being the targets of these types of offenders, he said. Toles said, today, in the absence of legislation that recognizes and reprimands retail crime patterns, the states economy is losing valuable businessesand, consequently, consumer dollars. Thats because, on occasions when retailers close stores in Maryland, many consumers are able to drive into nearby Virginia or Washington, D.C. to shop, fueling other economies rather than their home states. We are losing resources and businesses and money in the state, Toles said. I want to spend my money in Maryland. BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) said a woman is being held behind bars after she was accused of killing her 11-year-old daughter. According to police, on Jan. 23 around noon, officers were dispatched to a home in the 2100 block of Firethorn Rd. in the Middle River area. When officers arrived, they discovered an 11-year-old girl dead inside the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 19-year-old sentenced for trying to steal $75K in gold bars from elderly Montgomery County resident Police said while searching the home, they found three more children who were unharmed. As the investigation continued, authorities charged the girls mother, 34-year-old Keyona Dillon, with first-degree murder. She is being held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Things will look very different for some Marysville School District students next year. On Wednesday, the Board of Directors unanimously voted to shuffle the deck for some schools. KIRO 7 spoke to parents, whose reactions ranged anywhere from frustration to relief. Frustration at the lack of communication. Relief that the future is starting to take shape. A more than $3 million budget shortfall for Marysville School District, forcing the reconfiguration of two schools, Marysville Middle School and Liberty Elementary School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents are saddened for their kids, more than anything else. When I asked her about, that her school was going to be closing, she did kind of feel sad about it. And, shes wondering where shes going to go next, says Liberty parent Patricia Gonzalez. For some, that uncertainty has been the hardest part. Heres what we know. Amongst the changes approved, Marysville Middle School will shut down. Those students will move to other area middle schools. And, the building will be re-purposed for Liberty Elementary. As for teachers, the district says they will not lose their jobs. Instead, theyll relocate along with their students. That clear outline of what comes next may help ease concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The being up in the air, as a parent especiallyKnowing where were going right now is better than not, says Missy Livingston. Oh, for sure, echoes fellow parent Amanda Baker. I have grandparents asking wheres the little one starting Kindergarten? and Im like I dont know. Its even stressful planning where are we even going to school in a few months? Its not that far off. Elsewhere, Cedarcrest and Totem Middle Schools will be also restructured to house 7th and 8th graders. Meanwhile, all district elementary schools will convert to K-6. For its part, the Marysville School District releasing an official statement, which reads (in part): The Board of Directors collectively shared the difficulty of this decision, strives for the least harm to students, and looks to the future to provide additional opportunities to improve academic outcomes and support for students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They recognize that creating a K6 grade structure is a significant shift. But, they also recognize the need to improve opportunities and academic outcomes for not only 6th-grade students but all students while being fiscally responsible. Those changes are expected to save the district nearly $2.5 million dollars annually. They will take effect in the fall, for the 2025-26 academic year. But, its not just about the changes in the classroom. We spoke with a parent at Liberty Elementary, where the principal speaks Spanish, who says that ability to communicate helped bridge the gap for some families. Yet another parent was almost brought to tears, saying how frustrated she was with the districts mismanagement and the school closures as a result. The Board of Directors confirmed it will schedule a community meeting for public comment, sometime between now and March. That will give parents, and the community, another opportunity to voice their concerns. (Reuters) - Volkswagen told investors on Wednesday that its target of a 6% margin on the VW passenger car brand was now more realistic in the "medium term", according to a note by Bernstein Research, after the German carmaker previously aimed to hit a 6.5% margin by 2026. The investor call was held before a closed period on company information ahead of annual results scheduled for March 11. Volkswagen could not immediately be reached for comment after business hours. Addressing a cost-cutting deal struck with unions last month that included a promise to shrink the workforce by 35,000 by 2030 without forced redundancies, executives told investors that they aimed for 24,000 of the jobs reduction to be achieved by natural attrition and early retirement, Bernstein said. The carmaker's call was "slightly more upbeat" than that held by Porsche the previous evening, analysts said, where executives warned that 2025 would be a challenging year. Volkswagen said its order book in western Europe was slightly larger than before the pandemic at around 850,000 units, the Bernstein note said. It expected to pay around 1.5 billion euros ($1.56 billion) for non-compliance with EU emissions targets, according to the note. ($1 = 0.9608 euros) (Reporting by Victoria Waldersee; Editing by Rod Nickel) A pair of Massachusetts lawmakers are advocating for measures that would empower state and local law enforcement agencies to hold dangerous migrants for Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency intervention. Extremely violent offenders: Undocumented migrants with criminal records nabbed in Boston ICE raid Republican State Representatives Michael J. Soter, of Bellingham, and Kenneth P. Sweezey, of Pembroke, filed An Act to Promote and Protect Safety in the Commonwealth, which seeks to enhance cooperation among state court officers, local or state law enforcement, and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, a spokesman for the Office of Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis announced Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soter and Sweezey said the bill specifically addresses a loophole that prevents court officers and law enforcement officials from holding dangerous illegal non-citizens with ICE detainers beyond the time that the individual would otherwise be entitled to be released from state custody, allowing these individuals to walk free after committing significant crimes in certain situations. Its essential that we equip our law enforcement with the resources, tools, and support they need to keep our communities safe, Soter said in a statement shared with Boston 25 News. Both sides of the aisle are united in the belief that undocumented immigrants who come here to commit crimes should be returned to their home countries. The state and local authorities must be able to detain these criminals and give ICE the opportunity to take action. Sweezey added, The immigration issue in Massachusetts has gotten completely out of control. This piece of legislation is a very simple, common-sense first step in rectifying part of the issue. The introduction of this bill comes as President Donald Trump cracks down on immigrants and ICE agents begin to arrest violent, non-citizen offenders in Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald Jr. co-sponsored the bill with Evangelidis. The public expects law enforcement agencies to be communicating and assuring individuals are not released back to our community if wanted by another jurisdiction. We are simply asking for legal authority to do just that, McDonald Jr. said in a statement. In October, Evangelidis highlighted an increase in crimes committed by undocumented migrants, a metric measured by the number of detainers his department has received from ICE since 2021. The number of individuals with ICE detainers coming through our facility has more than doubled since 2021, Evangelidis said in a statement. These individuals have committed serious crimes including murder, rape, drug trafficking, and more. This bill will ensure that my staff can utilize all available tools to protect the safety of Massachusetts residents. The legislation drafted by Representatives Soter and Sweezey will accomplish this and prevent ICE from expending unnecessary resources in re-arresting dangerous non-citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has said that its focus is on deporting undocumented migrants who pose a threat to public safety. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A Massachusetts couple has pleaded guilty to wrongful voting in New Hampshire, where they own a home, the attorney general said Friday. Joshua Urovitch, 56, and Lisa Urovitch, 54, both of Ashland, Massachusetts, were each sentenced in Merrimack County Superior Court to 12 months in the House of Corrections, all suspended for two years on the condition of their good behavior, Attorney General John Formella said in a statement. The court also ordered the couple to each pay a $2,000 fine with a penalty assessment of $480. The state imposed an additional civil penalty of $1,240 each, Formella said. The Urovitches have also each lost the right to vote in New Hampshire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of a negotiated plea, the Urovitches each pleaded guilty to one Class A misdemeanor of wrongful voting, and the state dropped two remaining wrongful voting charges. The Urovitches own a house in Concord that they rent to tenants, Formella said. Since at least 2020, the couple has lived in Ashland, Massachusetts. Tenants living in the Concord property between 2020 and 2024 confirmed that the Urovitches only visited the property as landlords and never lived in the property during that time. Prosecutors alleged that the couple wrongfully voted in New Hampshire in the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election, the Nov. 8, 2022 General Election, and the Nov. 8, 2022 Concord School District Election using the Concord property as their address. 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 Two Massachusetts Democrats sent a letter to various regulators asking them to open an investigation into President Trumps and first lady Melania Trumps recently launched meme coins. The letter, signed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), was sent to the Office of Government Ethics, the Department of the Treasury, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The letter asks the regulators how they plan to address the unprecedented concerns posed by the meme coins launched last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We write with deep concern about the decision by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to launch two meme coins, $TRUMP and $MELANIA, that allow them to earn extraordinary profits off his Presidency, the lawmakers wrote. During a press conference Tuesday, his first full day back in the White House, Trump was asked by a reporter if he intends to continue creating products that benefit himself, like the meme coin. The reporter informed the president that he made several billion dollars over the last few days because of the crypto coin. The president shrugged off the sum of money. The coin was Trumps first official cryptocurrency. It was announced before his inauguration weekend and quickly shot up in value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawmakers noted in their letter that the launch of the coin benefited Trump and argued that hostile nations can buy the coins covertly, raising an untraceable foreign influence over Trump. The Democrats also highlighted how crypto coins are known for being rug pulls, which means Trump and his business entities could quickly abandon their shares, leaving his supporters who purchased shares left holding the bag. They also argued there are issues of conflicts of interest with the coin, as Trump took office amid the launch but his organization owns 80 percent of the coins shares. Reporting indicates that the coin now accounts for a whopping 89 percent of Trumps net worth and is now responsible for leading the countrys top federal financial entities. The coins, the lawmakers said, present grave risks to President Trumps ability to impartially govern our nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the ethics, foreign influence, and consumer concerns raised by Presidents Trump action, we request the answers to the following questions by February 4, 2025, the Democrats requested. Trumps launch sparked criticism from political opponents and members of the crypto world. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A whistleblower complaint filed with the U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Unit, or FinCEN, alleges that Mastercard and Visa failed to stop their payment networks from laundering funds from child sexual abuse material and sex trafficking on OnlyFans, according to Reuters. The complaint, which Reuters reports was filed by a senior financial compliance expert, claims that the payment giants were aware that their networks were used to pay for illegal content on OnlyFans, a social media platform where fans pay to follow individuals who post photos and videos of themselves. The whistleblower accused the companies of "turning a blind eye to flows of illicit revenue," according to Reuters. In a statement to CBS MoneyWatch, FinCen said it doesn't comment on submissions to its whistleblower program, "including whether FinCEN has received submissions regarding a specific financial institution." A spokesperson added, "FinCEN also does not comment on investigations, including to confirm whether one exists." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visa told CBS News that "we explicitly and unequivocally prohibit illegal activity on our network and condemn all forms of sexual abuse." The company added, "We maintain robust compliance requirements for the financial institutions and merchants who submit transactions to the Visa network. Those unable to comply with our requirements will be terminated from our network." Mastercard said in an email that it has "zero tolerance for illegal activity on our network." "No evidence of current illegal activity has been provided to us," the company added. OnlyFans didn't immediately respond to CBS News' request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Reuters, the whistleblower complaint was filed in January 2023 with FinCEN and the U.S. Justice and Homeland Security departments. The whistleblower and other anti-trafficking experts had also allegedly alerted Mastercard and Visa about unlawful content on OnlyFans in 2021 and 2022, the article said. In 2021, OnlyFans said it would tamp down sexually explicit content after requests from banking partners and companies that handle financial transactions. But the company reversed that decision soon afterwards following an outcry from some of its creators and users. Vice President JD Vance's first interview | Face the Nation Rebuilding Paradise A tour of the Bronx Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Thursday that her brother was among the thousands of people who lost their homes in the Palisades fire. The loss that you're going through, I share indirectly. Its hit my family too, Bass said at a meeting of the Pacific Palisades Community Council. My brother, who has lived in Malibu for 40 years, been through many fires, evacuated many times this time didnt get away. Bass and other elected officials spoke to about 1,000 people who attended the meeting of the volunteer organization on Zoom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor who was attending an embassy cocktail party in Ghana when the fire started said her brothers house was my family home where we went on the holidays. The loss of the home, she said, is a type of shock and grief that is trauma that will be with us for a long time. Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman said he, too, had a sibling who lost a home in Pacific Palisades. His sister lived on Swarthmore Avenue, he said. Her house was destroyed. It was truly an apocalyptic scene as the winds were blowing, the fires were still going on, he said. Its a disaster. I thought I saw disasters back in the 90s when we got hit with fires, floods, an earthquake and riots, and that pales in comparison to what I was seeing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bass and other officials told residents who have been growing increasingly frustrated about their inability to access their homes in mandatory evacuation zones that they hoped to increase access next week. The forecast calls for light rain over the weekend. Bass issued an emergency executive order Tuesday to shore up Los Angeles burn areas that are vulnerable to mudslides and debris flow. The upcoming rain, for many evacuees, has only heightened their desire to search their ruined homes for anything salvageable before it can be damaged by water. During the Zoom meeting, L.A. City Councilmember Traci Park, who represents Pacific Palisades, said hundreds of workers had been in the area, shutting off broken pipes, sweeping up nails, clearing roadways, removing broken tree limbs and inspecting homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that she had been pushing for more access to the area but that everything was still in emergency mode. The fire-ravaged neighborhoods, she said, are currently a toxic mess, and upcoming rain will complicate that situation. Park became emotional when talking about her own time in destroyed neighborhoods. Personally, if I see a clay pot or a stone figurine and I can reach it, I'm leaving it where I think your front door was," said Park, fighting back tears. "So when you come back, there will be something familiar, not just a pile of ash. I want you to know when you do come back it is going to be hard to see your home and your community, she added. Its mostly gone, and the scale of the loss is certainly staggering. But we don't want you to see it alone. And we don't want you to feel unsupported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Park told residents that when they were allowed back in their neighborhoods, they would see a heavy presence of firefighters and city workers. 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. CHICAGO Promising a fight to protect all Chicagoans, Mayor Brandon Johnson said Thursday he has not reached out to the White House in the face of Republican President Donald Trumps ongoing threats against immigrants and Democratic officials such as Johnson himself. In an interview with the Tribune, Johnson said no when asked whether his team has sought a meeting with Trumps administration about immigration actions in Chicago or other topics. The mayor also wouldnt budge when confronted with the threat of prosecution by Trumps Justice Department, saying his job as leader of Chicago does not change. Asked to explain his lack of outreach to the White House, the mayor said his focus remains at home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have a responsibility to protect the residents of the city of Chicago, and so that is my responsibility, and Im going to do that, the mayor said in a 15-minute interview. Were going to protect the working-class folks, whether you are an immigrant or whoever you are, my job is to protect working people, and thats what Im doing. Johnson had told reporters last week that he is open to a serious conversation about how we build a better, stronger, safer Chicago with the Trump administration because he is not mean-spirited. Asked Thursday what changed since the inauguration, the mayor deflected. If the Trump administration is committed to investing in public education, like were doing in Chicago, Im happy to have those conversations, Johnson said. If the Trump administration is committed to building opportunities for more affordable homes, Im happy to have that conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayors remarks came a day after Trumps Justice Department issued a memo ordering the investigation of state and local officials who threaten to impede Trumps immigration crackdown. As a progressive freshman mayor, Johnsons challenge now is to stand up for Chicagos large immigrant community while also navigating the risk of antagonizing Trump, who many experts believe will have fewer guardrails during his second term. Asked whether he feared Trump retaliating against Chicago if Johnson kept up his criticism, the mayor said he wasnt worried about dramatic presentations that people seem to fawn over. Thats not grown-up leadership, Johnson said. Grown-up leadership is putting forth a vision for working people. Trumps Monday inauguration as the 47th president prompted uncertainty and fear among Chicagos immigrant community, setting the stage for a tumultuous four years that could place the mayor of the nations third-largest city in the national spotlight. How Johnson meets this moment could define his political career after a bumpy first two years as mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, has called out Johnson directly while declaring Chicago ground zero for mass deportations. Last week, the Wall Street Journal and other outlets reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids would start this past Tuesday in Chicago, though Homan appeared to walk that back after the reports, and the raids did not transpire. He also has lately offered liberal cities a choice: Cooperate with rounding up undocumented people charged with or convicted of crimes, or see federal immigration agents on the streets. Though the raids have not happened, advocates fear the churn of news from Washington, D.C., and rumor mill on potential ICE activity are already having a chilling effect on immigrant communities. Already, Trump has moved to end birthright citizenship in a controversial executive order that a federal judge suspended Thursday, citing the 14th Amendment. And he has suspended asylum and refugee protections while also announcing a joint federal and local task force to deport foreign criminal gang members and moving to withhold federal funds from local agencies that refuse to cooperate with ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last move was one Trump tried during his first presidential term, when his administration threatened to withhold public safety grants from Chicago because of its long-running status as a sanctuary city. That spurred then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel to successfully fight his Justice Department in court. When Trumps new ICE director, Robert Guardian, took a shot at Chicagos sanctuary city status after Mayor Lori Lightfoot took office, she swiftly punched back by showing up at his news conference with a group of immigration activists. Asked what his plan is to make sure Chicago holds on to federal funding, Johnson said he has had multiple conversations with the Illinois congressional delegation but did not elaborate on what the strategy could look like under a GOP trifecta in Washington. We are going to fight and work hard to ensure that those federal investments that are rightfully ours because we are taxpayers that those investments are provided for the people of the city, he said. We still have a democracy. Thats how we fight. We fight within the frame of our democracy. This is not the first time that weve had people who oppose our values in charge. _____ A mayor claims Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested a U.S. citizen who served in the military during a raid just days into President Donald Trumps promised mass deportation operation. The ICE officers also didnt have a warrant during the raid in Newark, New Jersey in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said in a statement. About 10 or 12 ICE agents raided a seafood wholesaler and restaurant on Thursday and arrested three people, including the Puerto Rican warehouse manager, Ocean Food Depot owner Luis Janota told PIX11 news. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I asked [the agents] what documentation they were looking for, and they said it was a license or a passport. I thought, who walks around with a passport? Janota told PIX11, noting that the agents didnt ask him for his white workers documentation. One of the guys was a military veteran, and the way he looked to me was because he was Hispanic. He is Puerto Rican and the manager of our warehouse, he said. It looked to me like they were specifically going after certain kinds of peoplenot every kind, because they did not ask me for documentation or my American workers, Portuguese workers, or white workers. Mayor Baraka slammed the operation as egregious in his own statement. One of the detainees is a U.S. military veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned, he said. Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contacted by Axios, an ICE spokesperson declined to go into detail about the raid but defended the agencys actions. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity, as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today in Newark, New Jersey, the spokesperson said. In a statement on the social media platform X, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) said he was deeply concerned about the reports. He and Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver, whose district includes Newark, both said they had reached out the Department of Homeland Security for answers. Like all law enforcement, the courts have held that ICE officers are bound by the Constitutions Fourth Amendment prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE officers cannot enter private propertyincluding employee-only areas in businesseswithout a valid search warrant signed by a judge, and they must have probable cause to arrest, according to the ACLU. ICEs own website says everyone is entitled to due process, and that it focuses on removing criminals and public safety threats. It wasnt immediately clear if the ICE officers stayed in the public part of Ocean Food Depot or also searched the employee-only areas. Throughout his re-election campaign, Trump vowed repeatedly to deport up to 10 million undocumented immigrants. On his first day in office, he declared a national emergency in a bid to mobilize the military to assist with deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday night the acting head of the Department of Homeland Security signed a memo giving ICE officials the power to deport about 1.4 million people who were allowed to enter the country temporarily and thought they were in the U.S. legally, the New York Times reported. The move shows Trump isnt just targeting people who snuck across the border, but who came to the U.S. via official, authorized pathways, according to the Times. Critics have said the ICE memo is legally questionable and a betrayal of the people who followed the rules. On Thursday, ICE wrote on the social media site X that it had made 538 arrests and lodged 373 detainers, meaning it identified 373 people already in police custody who might not be citizens. Local law enforcement is then asked to notify ICE before releasing the detainee from custody. At that rate it will take ICE about 51 years to arrest the 10 million undocumented immigrants Trump has promised to deport, not counting all the U.S. citizens that accidentally get swept up in the raids. Jan. 24President Donald Trump wasted no time in his first days in The White House to pursue an energy agenda that would capitalize on the production and consumption of fossil fuels in the U.S. U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick is on board with the president's energy agenda, announcing this week that he will host the Inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh in the first half of 2025. kAmp44@C5:?8 E@ |4r@C>:4>:E H:== A@D:E:@? !6??DJ=G2?:2 2E E96 46?E6C @7 5:D4FDD:@?D 2>@?8 =6256CD :? 6?6C8J[ 2CE:7:4:2= :?E6==:86?46 2?5 8=@32= :?G6DE>6?E]k^Am Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement kAm"p>6C:42? 6?6C8J 5@>:?2?46 :D 8@@5 7@C E96 64@?@>J[ 8@@5 7@C E96 6?G:C@?>6?E[ 2?5 8@@5 7@C ?2E:@?2= D64FC:EJ[" |4r@C>:4D2:5 :? 2 AC6DD C6=62D6 2??@F?4:?8 E96 A=2??65 DF>>:E] "!C6D:56?E %CF>A 92D AC@>:D65 E@ D6E p>6C:42 @? E96 A2E9 E@ 6?6C8J 5@>:?2?46 @?46 282:?[ 2?5 E92E A2E9 CF?D E9C@F89 !6??DJ=G2?:2]"k^Am kAm%CF>A D:8?65 k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^HHH]H9:E69@FD6]8@G^AC6D:56?E:2=\24E:@?D^a_ad^_'^564=2C:?8\2\?2E:@?2=\6?6C8J\6>6C86?4J^Q E2C86ElQ03=2?6C:42?\6?6C8J^Q E2C86ElQ03=2?6C86?4J 2?5 D662E6 492?86 2?5 4=62? 6?6C8J :?:E:2E:G6D =:>65:2E6=J A2FD6 E96 5:D3FCD6>6?E @7 2== 7F?5D :?4=F5:?8 7@C C6?6H23=6 6?6C8J AC@;64ED 2AAC@G65 3J r@?8C6DD F?56C 7@C>6C !C6D:56?E y@6 q:56? 2D A2CE @7 E96 x?7=2E:@? #65F4E:@? p4E @7 a_aa 2?5 x?7C2DECF4EFC6 x?G6DE>6?E 2?5 y@3D p4E]k^Am kAm%CF>A'D 7:CDE 42== H:E9 2 7@C6:8? =6256C :? 9:D D64@?5 E6C> H2D 96=5 (65?6D52J H:E9 rC@H? !C:?46 |@92>>65 q:? $2=>2? @7 @:=\C:49 $2F5: pC23:2]k^Am kAmpD E@ !6??DJ=G2?:2[ |4r@C>:4DA64:7:42==J 4:E6D "E9C66 :EJ E@ >2;@C A@AF=2E:@? 46?E6CD]k^Am Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement kAmw6 ?@E6D !6??DJ=G2?:2'D A@D:E:@? 2D 2 =625:?8 AC@5F46C @7 6?6C8J C6D@FC46D[ EC2:=:?8 @?=J %6I2D[ 2?5 E96 6?@C>@FD ?2EFC2= 82D C6D6CG6D 36=@H 8C@F?5]k^Am kAm"(:E9 H@C=5\4=2DD F?:G6CD:E:6D[ C6D62C49 :?DE:EFE:@?D[ 2?5 2 9:89=J D:?2?46 2?5 :??@G2E:@? 7@C p>6C:42[" |4r@C>:4D2:5]k^Am PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Though President Donald Trumps crackdown on immigration is beginning to take shape across the country, Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee told 12 News theres been no indication that U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been conducting raids in the Ocean State. We dont have any evidence of that, McKee told reporters during an unrelated media briefing Thursday afternoon. Trump reversed federal policies earlier this week that prevented ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from arresting migrants at sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals and places of worship. He also brought back to a policy from his first presidential term which makes all undocumented migrants a priority for deportation, regardless of their criminal background. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Justice has also ordered federal prosecutors to investigate state and local leaders who may be impeding or obstructing immigration efforts. Smiley: Providence will take Trumps immigration policy one step at a time ICE agents have already arrested hundreds of migrants wanted for outstanding crimes nationwide, including in Boston. McKee said the state has been alerting ICE and CBP about undocumented migrants accused of violent crimes in Rhode Island. Were the ones notifying ICE that somebody may be have been released or in is our custody, McKee said. Were already communicating with ICE about that, as far as I am aware. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What were concerned about, obviously, is we want to make sure it doesnt go beyond that, he continued. We have [migrants] in the state who pay taxes theyre definitely baked into our communities. McKee said the state is in the process of reviewing Trumps immigration policies. Were spending an inordinate amount of time on that to make sure that we fully understand, he added. McKee reiterated that he wants there to be a clear path for undocumented Rhode Islanders seeking legal status. ACLU settles ICE lawsuit filed on behalf of RI woman who was detained Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Mesa County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) recently was awarded funding from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation as part of their Persons Who Wander grant program. The program awarded a total of $89,000 to nine different law enforcement agencies across Colorado. The county is set to get $17,775 from the program. Cpt. Curtis Brammer with the MCSO talked about what the money will be used for and who it could help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal is to identify, to locate and safely recover individuals who are prone to wandering whether thats Alzheimers, autism, Down syndrome, any other medical condition or debilitating condition that would put somebody at risk by wandering away from their caregiver. MCSO will be partnering with a company called Angel Sense that offers an enhanced GPS tracking device that aids in the location and recovery of missing and wandering individuals. The devices come in the form of a fob or watch. The department is looking to purchase 22 of these devices sometime in the next several months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. The BBC and the independent outlet Mediazona have identified the names of 90,019 Russian soldiers who died during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the BBC reported on Jan. 24. Since the media outlets' last update in mid-January, the names of 1,964 Russian soldiers have been added to the list of casualties. Some 23% of all those killed were military personnel who signed a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry after February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the investigation, 17% of the identified soldiers were professional contractors, 17% were convicts who left for the war from prisons, and 12% were conscripts. The media revealed that nine generals and 500 soldiers with the rank of lieutenant colonel and higher were among the killed. As of Jan. 24, the highest casualty rates were among the residents of Bashkortostan, Russias republic near the Ural Mountains and the homeland of the Bashkir people. Russias non-Slavic ethnic groups have been overrepresented in its casualty figures in the war with Ukraine. The authorities and media in this region reported a total of 3,932 deaths during the full-scale war, the investigation read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's real losses are likely higher, as the media analysis is estimated to cover 45% to 65% of the actual death toll, the BBC reported. According to the journalists estimates, the actual losses could range from 138,500 to 200,000 people killed. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 8 that about 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed during the full-scale invasion. The last time Moscow officially announced the number of soldiers killed was in September 2022, putting the number at 5,937. Ukraines Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Jan. 19 that Russian forces suffered their heaviest losses last year since the start of the full-scale war, with total military losses reaching 434,000 soldiers killed and injured in 2024. This represents around half of the 800,000 killed and injured Russian soldiers since the start of the full-scale war, according to Ukraines military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Investigation: How Russia profits from arms exports to Saudi Arabia despite sanctions Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Oklahoma state medical examiners office is seeking to have its national accreditation restored, but a cut in funding could jeopardize that, a Senate panel was told this week. Dr. Eric Pfeifer, chief medical examiner, said the agency lost accreditation in 2019 through the National Association of Medical Examiners, which found 29 deficiencies due to staffing shortages and inadequate facilities. The agency is on the cliff of regaining it, Pfeifer told a legislative committee examining agency budgets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once youve achieved national accreditation, it means youve got the staff, youre doing the cases in a timely manner and everything is being done professionally, he said. Since August, 90% of the agencys cases have been completed in 90 days, he said. That is the national benchmark, he said. The impacts of no accreditation Lack of accreditation makes it difficult to attract quality staff and is an issue that gets brought up in court, he said. It is more than just a plaque that you hang on the wall, Pfeifer said. It means youre meeting minimum national standards. The agency is seeing a $3.5 million supplemental appropriation to work toward accreditation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, asked Pfeifer what would happen to the agencys accreditation if the $3.5 million wasnt appropriated. Yes, it will affect absolutely everything, Pfeifer said. You know, more than the accreditation. The agency would not be able to maintain case turnaround times and would lose pathologists, he said. Gollihare said it appeared the state was trying to buy accreditation when not having it has not impacted operations. The $3.5 million would be a recurring cost, Gollihare said. Instead of a family waiting half a year or a year to get a report back, they have a 90% chance of getting it in 90 days, Pfeifer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said his agencys results impact just about every law enforcement entity in the state. They need our results to do their work and if theyre waiting that long for our reports, then everybody suffers, Pfeifer said. Gollihare said the state will have less revenue to spend this year in part due to elimination of the states portion of the sales tax on groceries. The agency is seeking what amounts to a 21% increase in funding, he said. What if the agency were to get a 2% reduction, Gollihare asked. If it were a flat budget or even a 2% reduction, that sometime by next December, January, we will have bled to death, Pfeifer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice on Facebook and Twitter. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma medical examiner's office lost accreditation: Impacts A three-minute-long animated video created by the anti-abortion group Live Action is being pushed into classrooms across the country, but medical professionals and educators say the video is scientifically misleading and designed to push an ideological perspective. The video, nicknamed Baby Olivia, claims to show the stages of fetal development through computer-generated imaging. However, the narration makes several misrepresentations about when a fetal heartbeat can be detected and how early a fetus can survive outside the womb. Language used in the video also humanizes the fetus from the moment of conception an approach pushed by anti-abortion advocates. Abortion rights protestors in Iowa after the state outlawed abortions after six weeks of pregnancy (AP) The video has inspired conservative lawmakers to pass legislation mandating that students watch a high-quality, computer-generated animation of at least three minutes in length that depicts fetal heart, brain and vital organ development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students in Tennessee who take any class having remotely to do with human development or family life are required to watch the video, and at least five other states have tried to pass similar laws. Now lawmakers in Iowa are considering making the video required viewing for students between first and 12th grade, and excise medical organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists from its list of leading professional organizations with relevant experience in the field. Its the second time in two years in which Iowa legislators are trying to pass the bill inspired by the video. Abortion is outlawed in Iowa after six weeks of pregnancy. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa accused politicians of preying on our youth by requiring they watch medically false and misleading information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, students should be equipped with sex education that sets them up with the medically accurate information they need to make healthy decisions for their lives, now and in the future, Mazie Stilwell, the director of public affairs said in a statement. A similar bill has been introduced in Arkansas, West Virginia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Missouri. Live Action, the creator of the video, is a nonprofit that aims to end abortion, in part by spreading opinions. They refer to fetuses as preborn children and only define abortion as a dilation and evacuation, which is typically done in the second trimester and is not the most common form of abortion. The Baby Olivia video claims a fetal heartbeat can be detected at three weeks gestation which medical professionals say is inaccurate. Fetal heartbeats can be detected, at the earliest, at six weeks. The video also claims a fetus can survive outside the womb at 20 weeks gestation with a lot of help. Medical consensus indicates deliveries before 23 weeks have only a five to six percent survival rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology said in a statement that the video is designed to manipulate the emotions of views. "Like much anti-abortion misinformation, the Baby Olivia video is designed to manipulate the emotions of viewers rather than to share evidence-based, scientific information about embryonic and fetal development," a representative told NPR last year. "Many of the claims made in this video are not aligned with scientific fact, but rather reflect the biased and ideological perspectives of the extremists who created the video." It might have seemed an unlikely statement for a speaker at a World Economic Forum (WEF) panel discussing the development of artificial intelligence, but Bolor-Erdene Battsengel opened her contribution by talking about her livestock. I come from a herder community, I still own 300 sheep, the 32-year-old former Mongolian government official said on Monday at the annual WEF meeting in Davos, Switzerland. It was a fitting introduction to explain to the audience why shes so passionate about her work on digital inclusion in Mongolia, a democratic country sandwiched between Russia and China, where about 30% of the 3.5 million inhabitants are nomadic herders. Battsengel is the founder of AI Academy Asia, which aims to train 500 teachers to provide AI education to rural communities in Mongolia, and will hold its official launch event on January 27. If we can give people access to equal education it can create enormous impact, she told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, experts have warned of a growing digital divide between people with access to computers and the Internet, and those without. Globally, 2.2 billion children and young people dont have access to the Internet at home. In Mongolia, about 84% of the population uses the Internet. Almost 40% of jobs around the world could be affected by AI, according to the chief of International Monetary Fund, who also warned in a blog post last year that AI will likely worsen overall inequality. Some observers are cautioning that the benefits could be skewed in favor of countries with the financial might to plow into research and development, infrastructure like computing resources, and English-speaking nations. Battsengel worries about the impact that imbalance will have in Mongolia, where there are other social disparities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schools in the countryside, they do not have computer science teachers, she says. We have education inequality, we have income inequality, we have gender inequality if you add digital inequality, it will create the gap so much bigger and I think thats so unfair to children growing up in these communities around the world. A horse-mounted herder watches his sheep and goats in Khishig-Undur, Bulgan province, Mongolia, on July 5, 2024. - Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images/File Equality in AI Battsengel, who is a member of the WEF Forum of Young Global Leaders, told CNN that she has experienced firsthand the power of education. Born in a rural Mongolian community, she moved with her family to the countrys capital, Ulaanbaatar, at the age of 10. She faced bullying for her rural roots, so she threw herself into her studies and skipped three grades, finishing high school at the age of 14. At 29, she became the first Vice Minister of Digital Development and the youngest member of Mongolias government. In that role, she spearheaded the E-Mongolia initiative to digitize services so people in remote areas could do things like renew their passports and file their taxes online, instead of traveling long distances to government offices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, Battsengel founded Girls Code, a non-profit that provides coding bootcamps and mentoring to girls aged between 16 and 18 from nomadic and disadvantaged communities in Mongolia. Girls Code has produced 120 graduates, some of whom have gone on to study at Harvard, MIT and Cambridge, created apps, and founded startups, according to Battsengel. With AI Academy Asia, she hopes to scale up that work, extending its reach to more people, including boys, so they can leverage AI in their work and studies. That could be vital as the technology upends the way people across the world work and live. Trends such as technological change and demographic shifts are expected to generate 78 million new jobs by 2030, with some of the fastest growth in technology, data, and AI, according to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs report 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But making sure that the benefits of AI are shared equally requires tailoring national AI strategies to local challenges, according to Blueprint for Intelligent Economies, a report launched by WEF at Davos, in collaboration with KPMG. AI Academy Asia has developed curriculums to teach herders practical skills, says Battsengel. Last winter, a weather phenomenon called dzud that causes extreme winter conditions, killed millions of cattle, sheep, yaks, horses and goats in Mongolia threatening the livelihoods of its herders. By learning how to leverage AI to predict weather and manage the health of their livestock, herders might be better able to withstand future dzuds, she says. Battsengel adds: I really hope that they use the knowledge (of AI), even in the countryside, to really improve their quality of life. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Federal workers have been told to report DEI initiatives or face "adverse consequences." Employees at NASA, DHS, and the Treasury received a memo with the warning. The new guidance comes after President Trump signed an executive order ending DEI initiatives. Federal workers in multiple agencies have received a memo saying they should report any diversity, equity, and inclusion activities in their department amid a widespread purge of DEI initiatives. Those who don't may face "adverse consequences," according to a template memo issued to federal agencies by the US Office of Personnel Management. The OPM issued the new guidance on Tuesday, the day after President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled "Ending radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guidance included a template email to be sent from agency heads to all employees by 5p.m. Wednesday, saying that there are "efforts by some in government to disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language." Employees should look out for changes in job descriptions that try to hide diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility or DEIA activities "or similar ideologies," and report them within 10 days, it said. The guidance told federal agencies to place all DEIA staff on immediate leave and to make a plan for ending all related programs. The letter template added: "These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A version of the template on a NASA letterhead was shared by several people on social media. Business Insider was unable to independently verify it. In a statement sent to BI, a NASA spokesperson said: "Our agency has complied with the requirements of the executive order and guidance from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management memorandum issued Jan. 21." They added that the agency sent a message to its workforce ahead of the deadline. According to the BBC, versions of the email were also sent to employees at agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Treasury's version, seen by the BBC, omitted the warning about "adverse consequences," the outlet reported. Trump's executive order overturned efforts by the Biden administration aimed at advancing equity in the federal workforce. While in office, President Joe Biden required all federal agencies to submit equity action plans. As of Friday, pages on some federal agency websites detailing DEI initiatives or profiling former chief diversity officers had been taken down. In other cases, it appears that roles have been reduced to exclude DEI activities. One example: An archived version of the about page of Elizabeth P. Martin, deputy inspector general at the US Postal Service Office of Inspector General, lists her as the agency's chief diversity officer. That title is now missing from her current page. Read the original article on Business Insider President Trump is taking full aim at diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, apparently making the calculation that the peak for such initiatives has passed and that they are viewed with growing skepticism by the public. There is little doubt the Trump base is opposed to DEI, given his voters are customarily set against anything that has a whiff of cultural liberalism or wokeness. But there is a bigger question about whether the extent of Trumps push against such measures will draw any kind of pushback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some polling shows broader support for DEI than might be anticipated for a topic that has become increasingly tugged into political warfare. Trump reiterated his views on DEI measures during a speech, delivered virtually, to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday. My administration has taken action to abolish all discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion nonsense and these are policies that were absolute nonsense throughout the government and the private sector, Trump said. The actions have come thick and fast in the first few days of his second administration. Trump issued a sweeping executive order earlier this week contending illegal DEI and DEIA policies not only violate the text and spirit of our longstanding Federal civil-rights laws, they also undermine our national unity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump added such policies deny, discredit, and undermine the traditional American values of hard work, excellence, and individual achievement in favor of an unlawful, corrosive, and pernicious identity-based spoils system. In specific terms, Trump moved to terminate DEI programs within the federal government, place all federal employees working on such programs on administrative leave and encourage the private sector to also end DEI initiatives. Some of the details have raised eyebrows. For example, the new administration provided a template of a message it suggested could be sent by federal agency heads to their employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The template informed such employees that DEI programs were being shuttered because they divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayers dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination. It also asked agency employees to report any efforts by some in government to disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language. Another requirement is for federal agencies to give added scrutiny to the private sector, with each agency under orders from the White House to identify up to nine potential civil compliance investigations of publicly traded corporations as well as nonprofits, educational institutions or professional associations. Critics contend this amounts to government overreach. They also say the coded language provision will foster an atmosphere of distrust among federal employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, Trumps moves included the rescinding of one executive order dating all the way back to 1965, when President Lyndon Johnson was in the White House. The Johnson-era measure had required federal contractors to take affirmative action to end discrimination within their companies. Trumps actions elicited instant criticism from Democrats and liberal groups. In a statement, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) asserted MAGA Republicans have set their sights on cutting off access to economic opportunity for Black and minority communities in the federal government, on college campuses, and in corporate America. The CBC added Trumps executive order was nothing short of an attempt to take our country backward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyle Herrig, a senior adviser to the left-leaning Congressional Integrity Project, argued Trumps anti-DEI actions amounted to a targeted attack on our democracy, free speech and civil society. Herrig also contended the reference to nonprofit organizations was intended to intimidate those groups and weaponize the government. DEI programs have long been a target of Trumps ire and of Republican actions more generally. In February 2024, The Associated Press reported Republicans had proposed about 50 bills in 20 states that would restrict such initiatives. Some prominent members of the GOP, notably Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have made the battle against wokeness a political calling card. Despite those attacks, however, it is far from clear the public at large share conservatives intense distaste for DEI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defenders of the programs argue they are important to help redress historical inequities especially around race and gender; that they rightfully broaden hiring and retention practices; and that they ensure a more welcoming workplace for all employees. Some businesses have defended diversity efforts as being helpful to companies overall performance. A 2019 report from consulting firm McKinsey contended there was ample evidence that more diverse companies do better. A Pew Research Center survey in October 2024 found 52 percent of surveyed American workers believed focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace was a good thing, against just 21 percent who felt it was a bad thing and 26 percent who said it was neither good nor bad. A separate Pew survey from September showed pluralities believed DEI practices helped Black, Latino and Asian employees, with a much narrower plurality saying they also helped white women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, 36 percent of respondents said DEI hurt white men against just 14 percent who said white men were helped. White men are among the demographic groups most supportive of Trump. According to a voter survey commissioned by The Associated Press and Fox News, Trump carried white men by 22 points over former Vice President Kamala Harris in Novembers election. His advantage among white women was just 8 points, and he lost among Black and Latino voters of both genders. There are clear signs, however, that some enthusiasm for DEI is fading. Major companies including Amazon, Meta, Ford, Harley-Davidson and John Deere have scaled back DEI initiatives, though Costco has received some attention recently for its boards defense of such measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pew survey also found disquiet about DEI measures edging up. For example, the 21 percent share of American workers who viewed a focus on DEI as a bad thing marked an increase of 5 points in less than two years. Trump will be hoping he can ride the wave of skepticism, even as his critics see his anti-DEI move as one more retrograde shift. The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Not all grandmothers in the Black community are the sweet, candy-carrying, pie-making and sanctified matriarch of the family. Take, for example, this 72-year-old grandmother from Tennessee who police say pulled out a gun to protect her kin. Outside the Mitchell Community Center, police say a fight broke out between a Black boy and a few other teens last week. Suddenly, a gunshot rang out sending the two and the remaining crowd of high schoolers in the parking lot scattering in every direction, as captured by surveillance footage. Police say the shot didnt come from any of the teens but rather a 72-year-old Black lady who was later identified as the grandmother of the boy caught in the tussle. Joyce Brown told police she had gone to the center to retrieve her grandson after receiving word that a group of 10 kids wanted to jump him. In the midst of the chaos, she told police she heard the teens threaten to flip her car over and she fired a warning shot onto the asphalt, per court records via FOX 13 Memphis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In further defense, Browns relatives told local reporters the grandson was a victim of bullying and commended Brown for stepping in to intervene. Now when you tell the neighbor the child did something, you want to argue about what your child didnt do? Thats the problem. When are we going to be men and women? Start being parents instead of friends, said Browns son, Marcus, to FOX 13 Memphis. Brown was arrested and charged with three counts of reckless endangerment, child abuse or neglect, unlawful possession of a weapon in a public place and carrying a weapon on school property. Luckily, Brown posted her $20,000 the day after her arrest. Since then, her son organized a GoFundMe to raise money to cover her legal defense fees. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The man who shot and injured three people inside an Atlanta food court in June is headed to prison. Channel 2s Michael Seiden was the only Atlanta TV reporter in the courtroom Friday as Jeremy Malone pleaded guilty to nine charges stemming from the shooting inside the Peachtree Center food court. During the emotional hearing, two of the victims described the pain and fear they endured as the chaos unfolded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did this with no remorse. Hes a menace to society, victim Donna Hardy told the court Friday via Zoom. Malone shot her and two others, including her sister Deborah. RELATED STORIES: He left me and my sister scared for life and not even to mention the pain and agony we went through, Donna Hardy said. Malone, who is a convicted felon with a long criminal history, showed no emotion in court as he entered a non-negotiated plea that requires him to spend the next 10 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation. Malones attorney told the court that his client had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had not been taking his medication when he walked into the food court and punched Orlando Garcia in the face and then shot him in the arm and leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Atlanta Police Officer Lamar Jacobs, who received the Medal of Honor in October, was eating lunch in the food court when he heard the gunshots and shot Malone before he could hurt anyone else. Before Malone received his sentence, he heard from Garcia who described the trauma hes forced to live with every single day. I cannot sleep at night, Garcia said. For the bad that he did, he has to pay. There was a moment in court when it looked like Malone was going to withdraw his plea and take his case to trial, but after a closed-door meeting with his lawyer, he agreed to accept his punishment. (Bloomberg) -- A proposed ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars was withdrawn by the Trump administration, a blow to public health advocates who attribute thousands of premature deaths to the additive. Most Read from Bloomberg The draft ruling to ban menthol was listed as withdrawn in a regulatory docket earlier this week. Shares of cigarette makers gained on the news Friday, with Altria Group Inc. rising as much as 1.9% in New York and British American Tobacco Plc gaining 0.4% in London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal took on political heft during the 2024 election, as the Biden administration delayed issuing a final rule that would have added menthol to the 2009 list that banned all other flavorings in cigarettes. Black Americans, a key voting block, smoke disproportionately more menthol cigarettes than other racial and ethnic groups, and many groups lobbied against the ban. While the Food and Drug Administrations proposal was intended to improve the health of Americans, it also would have hampered individual purchasing decisions. Critics said the latest move is a setback after years of gains from anti-tobacco efforts and deemed it a continuation of a predatory policy that mostly impacts Black smokers. Keeping such a deadly product on the market is a big slap in the face, especially after the ban was so close to being enforced, said Phillip Gardiner, co-chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council. This is something weve been fighting for for 15 years, he said. To put it quite bluntly, its the continuation of a racist policy. The impact wont be limited to one set of smokers, anti-tobacco groups said, pointing out that the Trump administrations decision counteracts its stated objective of improving health in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Withdrawing the FDA proposed rule to ban menthol will have truly dire consequences for Americans, said Kelsey Romeo-Stuppy, managing attorney at Action on Smoking and Health. If the Trump administration wants to make America healthy again, they must allow the FDA to ban menthol. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the US. Research shows that 1.3 million Americans are likely to quit if the US bans menthol in tobacco products, Romeo-Stuppy said. Any policy that helps millions of Americans quit smoking would be a monumental success, she said. All in Favor Others applauded the withdrawal of what they called overreaching regulations, pointing out that the majority of 250,000 comments submitted to the FDA during a public comment period opposed the measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ban would have had significant financial consequences for retail stores, including substantial lost revenue, coupled with job losses across the country, said David Spross, executive director of the National Association of Tobacco Outlets. The supply of these products would have shifted from responsible, licensed and regulated stores to expand an already existing illicit marketplace, he said. Reynolds American, the unit of British American Tobacco Plc that makes Newport and Camel cigarettes, welcomed the decision, saying prohibitionary policies dont work. There are more effective ways to transition adult smokers away from cigarettes, said Luis Pinto, a company spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FDA declined to comment, citing the administrations restrictions on communicating with the public about health topics during the presidential transition. Altria referred reporters to the FDA. Applying Pressure The 2009 Tobacco Control Act, which gave the FDA the authority to regulate the industry, banned all flavors of cigarettes except menthol. While it instructed the agency to further consider the issue of menthol in cigarettes, controversy over the issue hampered any action for years. The FDA proposed two rules to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars in April 2022 after relentless urging by advocacy groups. The agency repeatedly missed deadlines to take action, and a final rule expected in 2023 was further delayed by the Biden administration last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency was weighing an immense amount of feedback, including from civil rights activists and criminal justice reform advocates, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said at the time. Its clear that there are still more conversations to have and that will take significantly more time. Around 85% of all Black smokers prefer menthol cigarettes, compared to 29% of White smokers, according to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The disparity is primarily due to aggressive marketing tactics of menthol tobacco products in Black communities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They include advertisements and freebies offered in predominantly Black neighborhoods and Black-owned publications, as well as sponsorship of events like jazz concerts. More than 10 million Americans started smoking because of menthol cigarettes between 1980 and 2018, and around 378,000 died prematurely, according to the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lengthy delays have already pushed the battle over menthol cigarettes to state and local levels. More than 380 localities across 13 states and the District of Columbia passed restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco products, with at least 190 limiting menthol cigarettes, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. It is deeply disappointing that a final rule was not issued in a timely manner, said Yolonda Richardson, the groups chief executive officer. It is more critical than ever that states and cities step up their efforts to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products. --With assistance from Sabah Meddings, Ike Swetlitz and Nyah Phengsitthy. (Updates with comment from Reynolds American in second section.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. In Davos today, Nikol Pashinyan stated with pathos that Armenia "extends the hand of friendship to everyone" to Russia, Iran, Europe, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye. But lets call a spade a spade this "hand of friendship" is more like the hand of a beggar asking for change. It doesn't matter who holds it, as long as they give something. Instead of taking real action, Yerevan just keeps complaining and asking for help. Pashinyan's words in Davos basically sound like "help anyone who can." But in geopolitics, alms are not given. Strength is respected here, not whining. Maybe its time to stop asking and start working? Or do the vagabonds in the Armenian government lack both the strength and the will to do so? Two Mexican men living in Lake County have been sentenced in federal court for illegally entering the United States, according to releases from the U.S. Attorneys Office in Hammond. Oscar Valdivia-Salas, 35, a citizen of Mexico and Merrillville resident, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to a felony charge of illegal reentry, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay. Valdivia-Salas was sentenced to 10 months in prison, one year of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to documents in the case, Valdivia-Salas has a previous felony conviction for illegal reentry out of the Western District of Missouri and was removed from the United States in 2018. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Morgan. In the second case, Eulises Yobani Rafael-Garcia, 28, a citizen of Mexico and Gary resident, was sentenced by Simon following his plea of guilty to the felony charge of illegal re-entry. Rafael-Garcia, who has been in custody since his arrest on April 5, 2024, was sentenced to time served and ordered transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to documents in the case, Rafael-Garcia was previously removed from the U.S. three times and has a prior conviction for misdemeanor illegal entry. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with support from the National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers and assistance from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the U.S. Marshals Service, Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn. By Katie Paul NEW YORK (Reuters) - The inability of Meta's AI chatbot to identify the current president of the United States was elevated to urgent status by the Facebook owner this week, requiring a fast fix, a person familiar with the issue said. Republican Donald Trump was inaugurated as president on Monday, succeeding Democrat Joe Biden. Yet on Thursday, the Meta AI chatbot was still saying that Biden was president, according to the source and to a Reuters test of the service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked by Reuters on Thursday to name the president, Meta AI replied: "The current president of the United States is Joe Biden. However, according to the most recent information available, Donald Trump was sworn in as the president on January 20, 2025." The issue prompted Meta to initiate an emergency procedure it uses to troubleshoot urgent problems with its services, known within the company as a SEV, or "site event," according to the person familiar with the work. Asked to comment, Meta spokesperson Daniel Roberts said: "Everyone knows the President of the United States is Donald Trump. All generative AI systems sometimes return outdated results, and we will continue to improve our features. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did not comment on what emergency procedures, if any, Meta had implemented. It was at least the third emergency procedure Meta has experienced this week related to the U.S. presidential transition, the source told Reuters. The incidents drew widespread complaints from social media watchers scrutinizing Meta's platforms for signs of politicized shifts after CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared at Trump's inauguration on Monday and instituted a series of changes in recent weeks aimed at mending relations with the incoming administration. Those changes included scrapping its U.S. fact-checking program, elevating Republican Joel Kaplan as its new chief global affairs officer, electing a close friend of Trump's to its board and ending its diversity programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one incident this week, Meta appeared to be forcing some users to re-follow the profiles of Trump, Vice President JD Vance and first lady Melania Trump on Facebook and Instagram, even after the users had unfollowed those accounts. That issue cropped up during the company's normal practice of transferring official White House social media accounts to new control when a presidential administration changes, the company said on Wednesday. In this case, an error occurred because the transfer process was prolonged and the system failed to log "unfollow" requests from users while it was under way, prompting a top priority SEV1, the person said. Another emergency procedure involved an issue in which Meta's Instagram service blocked searches for the hashtags #Democrat and #Democrats for some users, while turning up results without issue for #Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Meta spokesperson acknowledged the problem on Tuesday but said it affected "people's ability to search for a number of different hashtags on Instagram - not just those on the left." (Reporting by Katie Paul in New York and Noel Randewich in Oakland, California; Editing by Kenneth Li and Matthew Lewis) A Rome teenager is in custody in upstate New York after being accused of kidnapping a 13-year-old girl there. According to the Watertown, New York Police Department, 18-year-old Keller Singleton began talking to the victim on Snapchat and agreed to come to New York to help her run away. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] They began investigating the girls disappearance as a kidnapping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say Singletons plan was to bring the girl back to his Rome home for sexual purposes. Police say they found the girl more than 700 miles away in Marion, Virginia, where Singleton had left her. TRENDING STORIES: The Virginia State Police found him and arrested him a short distance away in Chilhowie, Virginia. He was extradited to Watertown, New York where he is being held in the Jefferson County Correctional Facility. We strongly encourage parents to monitor their childrens online activity and social media usage for the potential harm that can be caused by people the children may encounter on the internet with harmful intent, the police department wrote. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NEW MEXICO (KRQE) While a flurry of executive orders from the Trump Administration is up-ending the nations immigration policy, some New Mexico immigrant rights groups say theyre now dealing with an onslaught of questions about what it means for hundreds of mixed-status families. Story continues below The New Mexico Immigration Law Center said the new orders have caused confusion and a lot of uncertainty. The result of these executive orders will result in families being separated. It will result in parents being deported to their home country and children here in the United States not having their protection anymore, said managing attorney of The New Mexico Immigrant Law Center Sophia Genovese. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is the fear some immigration advocates are now feeling, amid a handful of executive orders this week from President Donald Trump, including the administrations effort to change the definition of birthright citizenship. I think the point of this executive order, in addition to the many other executive orders that have come out over the past few days, is to instill fear in communities, instill fear in mixed-status families, and I think thats the point, continued Genovese. She said over the last three days their office has been inundated with calls, including some worried about increased rapid deportations. It now applies nationwide to anyone who is suspected of being here for less than two years, and when someone is subjected to expedited removal, they dont have access to due process, emphasized Genovese. Genovese said the expansion of detention operations and the end of the family separation task force will mimic what the United States saw in 2017, Families should be preparing for the event of one of the parents being detained, being placed in an immigrant detention facility and potentially deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While thereve been plenty of rumors about raids in New Mexico, so far, their office has yet to confirm any on-the-ground federal activity. The Trump Administration has also reinstated the Remain in Mexico program, forcing asylum seekers to wait in border cities while their cases are pending. New Mexico is one of 22 states now suing the president for his executive order around birthright citizenship. A federal judge has now temporarily blocked the order while the case plays out in 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. (Bloomberg) -- Mexicos Claudia Sheinbaum said that Donald Trumps decision to classify drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations wont reduce crime, urging the new US president to work with her nation on security and drug prevention instead. Most Read from Bloomberg Trump has pressed Mexico to stem the flow of drugs across the border into the US, but Sheinbaum argued that his executive order targeting cartels and other criminal organizations will only complicate its efforts to seize fentanyl and fight crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This does not help. What does help is collaborating and coordinating together, Sheinbaum said at a Friday morning press conference. The issue of fentanyl consumption is not only an issue of criminal groups. Its also a public health issue. Sheinbaum, who earlier this week warned Trump against interventions in Mexican territory, said a team of lawyers working for her government is now analyzing the potential impact of the decree. The order has raised concerns among analysts who have said an aggressive interpretation could pave the way for US military action in Mexico, an idea Trump floated before taking office. It has also rattled companies and financial firms fearing that they could become vulnerable to penalties for even unwittingly serving criminals. Sheinbaum said the government plans to continue collaborating with the US while also advancing its own security strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does this definition help avoid fentanyl ending up in the hands of any young person in the world? Does the definition help combat criminal groups or not? Thats what were working on, Sheinbaum said, highlighting Mexicos recent seizure of a record number of fentanyl pills and security cabinet meetings on other crime issues. Trump this week reiterated his threat impose a 25% tariff on both Mexico and Canada if the two nations do not do more to limit undocumented migration and combat drug smuggling into the US. Sheinbaum has spoken out against unilateral decisions from Washington. She said Friday that tariffs were part of Trumps negotiation strategy with other countries, echoing comments from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Mexican president, who took office in October, also said that she saw a change in Trumps tone toward trade with Mexico during his Thursday speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) Some public school districts in New Mexico have issued guidance in response to President Donald Trumps executive order rescinding federal protections that prohibited U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests at or near schools. Story continues below Albuquerque Public Schools APS posted information online about its policies and procedures on immigration-related issues. The district policies state that immigration officials shall not be on campus at any time and that if immigration officials or local law enforcement order district staff to locate students for interrogation on their immigration status, or are asked to provide any information about a student that may reveal the students citizenship or immigration status, the requests will be denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement APS also said it does not collect nor keep records of any students immigration status. Albuquerque mayor reaffirms citys immigrant-friendly status Las Cruces Public Schools LCPS shared a letter from the superintendent that was sent to all LCPS families. In the letter, Superintendent of Schools Ignacio Ruiz said LCPS will not initiate contact with federal immigration authorities to share student information and that the district does not collect any data regarding the immigration status of students or their family members. Santa Fe Public Schools In an email to KRQE News 13 Friday, SFPS Public Information Officer Tara Melton wrote in part, If immigration enforcement seeks access to any campus, Santa Fe Public Schools has internal protocols in place to address such situations. We will continue to follow the guidance provided to all districts by NMPED and NMDOJ. While we have not yet issued a memo to families and students, we plan to collaborate with community partners to provide answers to families questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melton also referred to the SFPS Board of Educations action on Jan. 16, where it adopted a resolution reaffirming its schools as safe havens. The resolution states that the district will protect student information under the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). SFPS will also refuse access to schools and other SFPS property and protected areas to federal immigration officials for the purposes of immigration enforcement, except upon issuance and receipt of a warrant. New Mexico Public Education Department The NMPED sent guidance on immigration policies to education leaders Wednesday. The guidance included copies of the New Mexico Department of Justices guidance to educators and a letter to all school districts and charter school leaders about FERPA student privacy and migrant and immigrant students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter can be found below and by clicking here. New Mexico Department of Justice issues guidance on immigration enforcement In addition to schools, Trumps executive order also allows immigration authorities to enter healthcare facilities and places of worship to conduct arrests. Because of the changes, the New Mexico Department of Justice issued guidance to school officials, both K-12 and higher education institutions, and other local leaders, including those in law enforcement, worship places, district and magistrate courts, and healthcare facilities. The guidance also came with a message from Attorney General Raul Torrez: Our priority is to protect New Mexicos families, especially children, from policies that create fear and destabilize communities. We are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety, but we must also safeguard the ability of families and children to access education, healthcare, and justice without fear of persecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To view the guidance from NMDOJ, 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe) applauds during the State of the Judiciary address on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Danielle Prokop / Source NM) Court-ordered mental health treatment has launched in north-central New Mexico, as court officials work to start similar programs elsewhere in the state and ask lawmakers for more money to do it. The First Judicial District, which encompasses the counties of Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos, initiated its Assisted Outpatient Treatment program Thursday, New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice David Thomson told the House Judiciary Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomson was giving lawmakers an update on the court systems efforts to start-up pilot projects around the state to expand court-ordered mental health treatment. Thomson said he could not provide a number of people participating in the program in Santa Fe, but he thinks it should be the model. I think, in a lot of ways, the First is the design by which we envision this going across the state, he said. Programs in the Third and Second Judicial Districts in Las Cruces and Albuquerque, respectively, already exist. Last summer, lawmakers gave the court system $3 million to support the program in the Third and start ones in Santa Fe, Las Vegas and Alamogordo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the money was a one-time appropriation, and was not made part of the court systems annual budget. Lack of funding makes it difficult to hire contractors to provide the treatment, Thomson said. The courts have so far spent about $230,000 of that money and obligated another $1.5 million to be spent through June 30, said Karl Reifsteck, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, the state agency that runs the court system. That money is going to providers; attorneys for people being ordered into treatment; and for the Institute of Social Research at the University of New Mexico to independently analyze the program, Reifsteck said. This session, AOC is asking for more than $1.8 million each year for these programs, on top of a request to make that one-time $3 million an annual budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislative Finance Committees budget included neither of these requests, Thomson said in his State of the Judiciary address this morning. But this afternoon, Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe) said he is committed to making the funding for these programs permanent. I do want to give you a commitment that we are going to work hard to turn these dollars into recurring dollars so that as you build this out, you can hire folks that can do this on a long-term basis, Wirth told the chief justice. I dont think its fair to ask the courts to lift something up like this and then come back every year for a one-time appropriation. It needs to be recurring, and I think we all need to work on that. The law allowing court-ordered mental health treatment has been on the books since 2016, and we just werent using it, Wirth said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEW MEXICO (KRQE) New Mexicos highest court is asking the legislature to fund some of their critical needs. During Thursdays State of the Judiciary address, Chief Justice David Thomson told lawmakers that the courts need $25 million for security upgrades citing a recent incident where the father of a judicial defendant threatened a judge. He also asked for $14 million to give employees a raise. The courts are also asking for $40 million for a new speech-to-text system in courtrooms to get more accurate transcripts. Bill would require NM university board of regents members to get ethics and financial training For many years, the judicial branch has fallen behind the executive branch. A workforce improvement plan was funded by the legislature, but now we are again fallen behind to the executive as well as the local governments in pay, said Chief Justice Thomson, New Mexico Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courts also asked for more than $2 million to pay jurors. The judiciary said without that funding, the courts could run out of money for trials. They are also asking for $3.5 million to monitor defendants who wear tracking devices while waiting for trial saying it helps keep the community safe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LANSING Mich. (WLNS) Michigans 2025 legislative session is underway with Republicans now holding the House majority. Thursday, House Speaker Matt Hall introduced some new ways to monitor state departments and agencies through the House Oversight Committee. Hall says there hasnt been enough transparency and accountability in Michigans government and the new committee structure will help fix that. The committee is responsible for keeping an eye on state departments and making sure they are running properly, as well as looking at audits. We are going to get to the bottom of the misspending of government funds and also departments that are blatantly breaking the law, Speaker Hall says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House Speaker began Thursdays announcements by introducing the new chair of the committee, Representative Jay DeBoyer, a Republican representing Macomb County. DeBoyer said lawmakers must be responsible with tax payers money. We had a $9 billion surplus a year and a half ago, its gone, Rep. DeBoyer says. That is irresponsible government. Republicans said dozens of audits still need to be looked at from the last session. I believe that is a totally irresponsible behavior and action, and thats going to change starting today, Rep. DeBoyer said. Speaker Hall specifically called out the Departments of Natural Resources and the Department of Health and Human Services as agencies he wants the committee to look into. Six new oversight Sub-Committees were created to target more specific issues including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weaponization of state government Child welfare system Corporate subsidies and state investments Public health and food security Homeland security and foreign influence State and local public assistance programs Were going to be looking very carefully at the bureaucracy and the departments and understanding why is it are all these workers are working from home. And would they better serve the people of Michigan if they were in their offices, Speaker Hall said. Democrats do not agree with the changes. In fact, they believe this new committee structure will waste taxpayer dollars. The chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, Lavora Barnes, released the following statement: Matt Hall is plainly weaponizing his position as Speaker to attack and intimidate public servants who are doing their jobs to make life better for Michiganders. Hall and his Republican caucus are serving themselves and their political agenda, instead of the constituents who voted for them. Rather than come together with Democrats to get things done for Michigan, they are clearly positioning themselves to play partisan games. No matter what they try to pull, Michigan Dems will never give up on delivering for our communities. Another change to the committee is that it now has subpoena power. DeBoyer said it will be used only in professional and respectful ways, but he hopes he doesnt have to use it at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My hope is that we never have to use it, Rep. DeBoyer said. My hope is that when we ask a department head for documents, or we ask an individual to come testify, that they come and testify. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. The second batch of Israeli hostages set to be released by Hamas this weekend are four female soldiers, an advocacy group representing the captives' family members confirmed Friday. Hamas had announced the names hours earlier. Under the terms of the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, fighting will be halted in Gaza for at least six weeks. Dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be freed, while more aid flows in. In exchange for the four soldiers being released Saturday, Israel should release 200 Palestinian prisoners or detainees, including 120 militants serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks. The first exchange took place Sunday with the release of three Israeli hostages and 90 Palestinian prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Palestinians displaced from war-battered northern Gaza are facing an agonizing wait before the ceasefire allows them to go back to what remains of their homes. And even as the fighting has stopped in Gaza, Israel is carrying out a major military operation in the occupied West Bank, killing at least 14 people according to health authorities there. Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. The ministry doesnt distinguish between combatants and civilians. The war was sparked by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's the latest: Israel say UN agency helping Palestinian refugees must end operations in Jerusalem by Jan. 30 UNITED NATIONS Israel is telling the United Nations that the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees must end its operations in Jerusalem by Jan. 30. In a letter sent Friday to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Israels U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon again accused the agency known as UNRWA of widespread infiltration by Hamas militants who carried out the surprise Oct. 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel -- which UNRWA denies. Danon said he was following up on legislation passed in late October by Israels Knesset banning UNRWA from operating in the sovereign territory of Israel and banning any contact between Israeli authorities and the U.N. agency. It was to take effect in 90 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In light of the legislation, he said, UNRWA is required to cease its operations in Jerusalem, and evacuate all premises in which it operates in the city, no later than 30 January 2025. Danon said UNRWA had received notices from the Israeli Land Authority on Jan. 14, 2024 and May 28, 2024, indicating that its use of two properties in Jerusalem was done without proper authorization and demanding their evacuation. These notices were bluntly disregarded by UNRWA, while shielding behind its immunity, he said. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a speech in Oslo last week that for Israel, its sovereign territory refers to occupied East Jerusalem. Its staff there will be compelled to withdraw under protest, and local staff will remain and continue to provide emergency assistance and, where possible, education and primary healthcare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said UNRWA will also stay and deliver in Gaza and the West Bank, which are occupied Palestinian territories and were not mentioned in Danons letter. UNRWA has been the main agency procuring and distributing aid in the Gaza Strip, where almost the entire population of around 2 million Palestinians relies on the agency for healthcare and education. Trump administration wants more time for Israel to pull troops out of Lebanon WASHINGTON The Trump administration said it wants to give Israel a little more time to pull its troops out of Lebanon, just two days before a withdrawal deadline under a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A short, temporary ceasefire extension is urgently needed in Lebanon, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said in a statement Friday, Israel was supposed to withdraw all its forces from southern Lebanon by Sunday. The 60-day ceasefire deal in late November halted the Israel-Hezbollah war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested Friday that Israeli forces might still be in Lebanon when the deadline comes. He said the Lebanese government hasnt yet fully enforced the agreement, an apparent reference to the deployment of Lebanese army troops to prevent Hezbollah returning to the border area. The Lebanese government has said that it cant deploy its force until Israeli troops pull out. Hezbollah has warned that it could resume fighting if Israel doesnt withdraw. President Trump is committed to ensuring Israeli citizens can safely return to their homes in northern Israel, while also supporting President Aoun and the new Lebanese government. All parties share the goal of ensuring Hezbollah does not have the ability to threaten the Lebanese people or their neighbors, Hughes said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the U.S. is pleased that the IDF has started the withdrawal from the central regions. Israeli families of hostages confirm that Hamas will next release 4 female soldiers JERUSALEM An advocacy group representing the family members of Israelis held in Gaza has confirmed that the four hostages set to be released by Hamas on Saturday are female soldiers. Under the ceasefire agreement that paused the 15-month war, Israel would release 200 Palestinian prisoners or detainees in exchange for the four, including 120 Palestinian militants serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four soldiers Karina Ariev, 20; Daniella Gilboa, 20; Naama Levy, 20; and Liri Albag, 19 were captured in Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 attack that ignited the war and have had no contact with the outside world since then. Israel strikes a vehicle in the West Bank, killing 2 Palestinians JENIN, West Bank Israel's military said Friday that an airstrike targeted alleged militants in a vehicle in the northern West Bank, where Israeli forces have been carrying out a major military operation during the ceasefire in Gaza. Two Palestinians were killed in the strike, according to the Health Ministry. The military said the strike was in the town of Qabatiya, roughly 3 miles (5 kilometers) south of Jenin. The city has been the main focus of the Israeli operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Jenin on Friday, drones buzzed overhead and the sound of gunfire and explosions rang out as Israeli military bulldozers and armored vehicles churned through the streets. Israeli forces have killed at least 14 Palestinians in the northern West Bank in the days since the fragile truce took hold in the Gaza Strip, according to health authorities. Hamas said two of its members were killed in a gunbattle with Israeli forces earlier this week in another town near Jenin. Suspected Jewish settlers have also rampaged through two Palestinian towns. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war, and Palestinians want all three territories for their future state. Escalations in one area frequently spill over, raising further concerns that the second and far more difficult phase of the Gaza ceasefire which has yet to be negotiated may never come. Ruins of a Gaza house where the Hamas leader was killed becomes an attraction for sympathizers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RAFAH, Gaza Strip The owner of the house where Israeli forces purportedly killed Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar last year says his ruined apartment in Gazas southern city of Rafah has become a macabre tourist attraction for admirers of the militant leader now that a ceasefire is in effect. Ashraf Abu Taha said he returned to the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood in Rafah late on the night of October 17, shortly after Sinwar's death, to find the ruins of his house mobbed by journalists and residents hoping to get a glimpse of the chair where Israeli drone footage showed Sinwar had been sitting in his final moments. I came at 11 oclock. I was late, and I found people gathered with the journalists, almost thousands. I wondered what was happening. I found that they had come to take photos in the house, Abu Taha said. In the video, shot right before Israeli forces killed him and flattened part of the building, Sinwar badly wounded, covered in dust and wrapped in a Palestinian keffiyeh hurled an object toward the drone. Israelis called it a sign of his weakness but Palestinians have hailed it a final show of defiance against the more powerful Israeli army. The chair on which he died has become somewhat of a Palestinian nationalist symbol, Abu Taha suggested. He and his son have placed the seat and a vest they say was Sinwars on top of the ruins of their home. People are now saying the neighborhood is not Tal al-Sultan anymore, but its Tal al-Sinwar, he said, referring to the name of his neighborhood. Hamas names the four hostages it plans to release Saturday TEL AVIV, Israel The Hamas militant group on Friday published the names of four hostages it said it would release the following day as part of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. There was no immediate confirmation of the names from Israel. The hostages are to be freed Saturday in exchange for the release of dozens of Palestinians imprisoned or detained by Israel. Relatives of hostages still being held by militants in Gaza had earlier Friday called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure that all remaining captives are freed, while also appealing to U.S. President Donald Trump to continue pressing for their release. Palestinians hold Friday prayers in the ruins of mosques in the Gaza Strip KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip Palestinians have gathered for weekly Muslim prayers in the ruins of mosques in the Gaza Strip that were destroyed by Israeli strikes. The prayers were held on the first Friday since a ceasefire went into effect that is aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas war and bringing about the release of dozens of hostages and hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned or detained by Israel. Dozens of worshippers gathered amidst the crumbled walls and drooping ceiling of a mosque in the southern city of Khan Younis, while others prayed outside. In the urban Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, children climbed on the destroyed minaret of a mosque. Pages of a Quran were scattered among the rubble of a prayer area. Israels 15-month military campaign, launched after Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 attack, caused vast destruction across Gaza. Israel blames the devastation on Hamas because the militants operate in dense, residential areas. Over the course of the war, the military released photos and video showing the placement of tunnels and other militant infrastructure near homes, mosques and schools. The Palestinian Authority says more than 800 mosques were completely destroyed and more than 150 were damaged. Saudi Arabia calls for lifting crippling sanctions on Syria BEIRUT Saudi Arabias foreign minister stressed on Friday the need to lift sanctions on Syria during a landmark visit to Damascus, the first since Islamist rebels overthrew former President Bashar Assad. The U.S. and European Union imposed sanctions on Syria over its brutal crackdown during the civil war, crippling the economy and restricting the countrys reconstruction efforts. Saudi Arabia swiftly engaged with Syrias new leadership after Assad fell late last year, hosting its foreign minister in early January to discuss rebuilding and political stability. This marked a shift from earlier efforts to normalize ties with Assad, including the reopening of embassies in 2023 and a visit by the Saudi foreign minister to Damascus in April 2023. We will continue to work with our brothers in Syria until we reach a final lifting of the sanctions imposed on their country, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said in a press conference alongside the interim Syrian foreign minister. Farhan added that Saudi Arabia has been facilitating dialogue with the U.S. and the EU to push for sanctions relief. Iraq says Kurdish separatist group in Turkey attacked Iraqi border guards, killing 2 BAGHDAD Iraqs Interior Ministry said Friday in a statement that two members of the Iraqi border guards were killed and another wounded in an attack that it said was carried out by the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, in the area of Zakho, in northwestern Iraq near the borders with Turkey and Syria. Iraq last year officially banned the PKK, a Kurdish separatist group that has waged an insurgency against Turkey since the 1980s and is considered by Ankara to be a terrorist group. A security official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment said the PKK has previously targeted military points of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi border guards. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Baghdad on Sunday, where he is expected to discuss regional security issues and Turkish military operations against the PKK and affiliated groups. The U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which have controlled northeast Syria for the past decade, is under attack by the Syrian National Army, an umbrella organization of Turkish-backed armed groups, which regards the SDF as an extension of the PKK. ___ By Qassim Abdul-Zahra Netanyahu suggests Israel might not complete withdrawal from Lebanon by deadline JERUSALEM Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested Friday that Israel might not withdraw all of its forces from Lebanon by a deadline set in its ceasefire with Hezbollah. Under the deal reached in November, Israel is supposed to complete its withdrawal from the country by Sunday. Hezbollah militants are to pull back to the north of the Litani River, and the Lebanese armed forces are to patrol the buffer zone in southern Lebanon alongside United Nations peacekeepers. Netanyahu said in a statement that the ceasefire is based on the understanding that the withdrawal process could possibly continue beyond the 60 days. It went on to say that the Lebanese government has not yet fully enforced the agreement, an apparent reference to the deployment of Lebanese troops. Israeli officials have held talks in recent days with the United States, which brokered the agreement. There was no immediate response to Netanyahus statement from Lebanon or Hezbollah. The Lebanese government has said it cannot send its forces into areas until Israeli troops have fully withdrawn. Hezbollah has warned that it could resume its rocket fire on Israel if it does not withdraw from Lebanon in accordance with the ceasefire. Hezbollah began firing rockets, missiles and drones into northern Israel the day after Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack ignited the war in the Gaza Strip. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are allies of Iran, and Hezbollah said it was acting in solidarity with the Palestinians. Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes, and the sides traded fire for more than a year. UN suspends all trips into Houthi-held areas after more staffers detained The United Nations on Friday suspended all travel into areas held by Yemens Houthi rebels after more of their staff were detained by the rebels. The Houthis have already detained U.N. staffers, as well as individuals associated with the once-open U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemens capital, and aid groups. Yesterday, the de facto authorities in Sanaa detained additional U.N. personnel working in areas under their control, the U.N. statement read. To ensure the security and safety of all its staff, the United Nations has suspended all official movements into and within areas under the de facto authorities control. Before Friday, the U.N. had a total of 16 Yemeni staff in Houthi detention. Staffers were trying to get a headcount across the U.N. agencies working in the country and had halted their work, which provides food, medicine and other aid to the impoverished nation. In June, the U.N. acknowledged 11 Yemeni employees were detained by the Houthis under unclear circumstances as the rebels increasingly cracked down on areas under their control. Several dozen others from aid agencies and other organizations are also held. Iran says it is conducting a naval drill TEHRAN, Iran Irans powerful Revolutionary Guard says it is conducting a naval drill in the waters of the Persian Gulf and in the countrys southern provinces of Bushehr and Khuzestan. The Guards website reported Friday that surface-to-surface missiles, precision-strike drones, and several torpedoes were used in the drill. It added that the military exercise will continue into Saturday and will feature the use of modern military equipment. The Revolutionary Guard holds such drills each year. Jan. 23Midland College announced that it has been awarded a $70,000 grant through the Carl D. Perkins Excellence in Access and Opportunity Program. This funding will support the launch of a new childcare assistance program specifically designed to help first-generation college students enrolled full-time in a Midland College Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathway. "This grant reinforces Midland College's commitment to breaking down barriers and providing access to education for all students," President Damon Kennedy said in a news release. "By offering childcare assistance, we're enabling first-generation students to focus on their studies and invest in their future careers while ensuring their children are cared for in a safe, nurturing environment." To qualify for the childcare assistance program, students must meet the following criteria: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Be a first-generation college student (neither parent completed a college degree or earned a degree outside of the U.S.). Have a FAFSA award letter showing unmet financial need or provide documentation of financial assistance such as Veteran Education Benefits, Tuition Waiver, WIC, TANF, TRC, Medicaid, or Food Stamps. Be currently enrolled as a full-time CTE major at Midland College (12 credit hours during the fall/spring semesters). Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Attend classes that are at least 75% in person (on campus). Utilize a licensed daycare in Midland and provide documentation of total childcare costs (documentation required with the application). Students who meet the qualifications and are interested in applying for the childcare assistance program can submit the required application form or request additional information. A suspected illegal migrant praised Joe Biden and declared fk Trump as he was being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Federal agents have begun arresting undocumented migrants in sanctuary cities, including members of the notorious MS-13 gang, as part of Donald Trumps mass deportation drive. Days after Mr Trump returned to the White House, video footage from the raid in Boston, Massachusetts, showed a man said to be a gang member from Haiti, declaring he would not go back to his home country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement F--k Trump. Biden forever! Thank Obama for everyone you did for me, he said. He also thanked Barack Obama and joe Biden - Bill Melugin/Fox News The alleged undocumented migrant said he was from Haiti originally - Bill Melugin/Fox News In addition to the alleged MS-13 gang member from El Salvador, and a person with a criminal record from Brazil, Fox News said other migrants that were rounded up included nationals from Afghanistan, Angola, Bolivia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Senegal and Venezuela. The president has suggested he could cut off funding from sanctuary cities which try to impede his broader immigration clampdown. There are more than 170 sanctuary jurisdictions across the US including California, which limit cooperation with federal agencies to deport undocumented migrants, according to the Centre for Immigration Studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were trying to end them, and a lot of the people in those communities dont want them, Mr Trump told Fox News. Fox News was riding along with ICE officers in Boston, Massachusetts - Bill Melugin/Fox News When asked if he would stop sending money to the cities, he said: I might have to do that. According to ICE, 460 alleged illegal migrants have been arrested in cities including New York, Denver, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Seattle, Miami, and Washington DC. Today was a good day. Today we took several significant public safety threats out of our communities, Patricia Hyde, acting director for ICEs Boston field office director, told the news channel. Unfortunately, a lot were released by sanctuary policies. But were here to tell the Commonwealth [of Massachusetts] and the rest of the country that were going to find them, whether theyre released or not. Migrants line up to leave the United States for Mexico on day one of Trumps presidency - REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump had campaigned for office on the issue of immigration, saying the US had to seal its southern border with Mexico and make it harder for people to enter by other means like the temporary work visa schemes Joe Biden had offered to people from counties including Haiti, Venezuela and Cuba. He has vowed to deport millions of undocumented migrants already living in the country, a policy that polls show has considerable support among the American public. Earlier this week, Tom Homan, who has the title of White House border czar, said mass deportation raids had started within hours of Mr Trump entering the oval office. Teams are out there as of today, he said on Tuesday. We gave them direction to prioritise public safety threats that were looking for. Weve been working up the target list. ICE agents are targeting sanctuary cities which have been offering a home to many migrants - Bill Melugin/Fox News The raids came as church leaders and community groups scrambled to find ways to protect people living in the country without papers, as well as people living in the US legally who fear getting caught up in a drag net thrown by ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Portland, Oregon, the Rev WJ Mark Knutson, said he still planned to provide migrants sanctuary at Augustana Lutheran Church. He did the same in 2014. One man from El Salvador, wanted for re-entering the United States illegally, took shelter in the church for almost three months, sleeping under the altar the first few nights. Theologically, well stand our ground against the government an unjust law is no law at all, said Mr Knutson These are sacred spaces. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. By Alexandra Ulmer and Lizbeth Diaz PIEDRAS NEGRAS/TIJUANA, Mexico (Reuters) - After Honduran migrant Alex Diaz' U.S. asylum appointment was canceled following Donald Trump's immigration and border crackdown, the 23-year-old former bus driver began considering what he had been determined to avoid: entering the United States illegally. Since Trump ended former President Joe Biden's legal entry program at the border and is ramping up border security, Diaz is considering using smugglers who would bring him deeper into the United States, along isolated pathways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I didn't want to come in illegally. But Trump can't take the American dream from me," Diaz told Reuters outside a shelter in the Mexican border town of Piedras Negras. He said smugglers were quoting him $7,000 to reach the Texan city of San Antonio, roughly 146 miles (235 kilometers) away. Unsure whether his siblings in Louisiana could assemble the money and worried about his safety on potentially perilous routes, Diaz was still pondering whether to attempt a crossing. As part of his announced crackdown on migrants at the U.S.-Mexican border, Trump on Monday shut down Biden's CBP One program, which allowed migrants in Mexico to schedule an appointment to request asylum at a legal border crossing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Migrants like Diaz now face pricier, riskier smuggling routes into the United States, according to interviews with a half-dozen migrants, one smuggler and U.S. law enforcement. Record numbers of migrants were caught crossing illegally under Biden and many were released into the U.S. with pending immigration court hearings. Biden implemented asylum restrictions in June 2024, which Biden officials said partly contributed to a steep drop in migrant apprehensions. The Trump rule changes, aimed at stopping what he terms an "invasion" at the border, are operating alongside the existing Biden restrictions implemented last year, a Trump administration official said. The effect of the overlapping restrictions remained unclear during Trump's first days in office. Trump's border czar Tom Homan said on Wednesday that Border Patrol had apprehended 766 migrants attempting to cross illegally the previous day, about half the daily average in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Mexican smuggler, speaking on condition of anonymity, said prices had gone up in part due to more restrictions on the U.S. side. BUSINESS FOR SMUGGLERS Valeriano Perez, an investigator with the sheriff's office in the Texan border county of Maverick, says he expects cartels to take migrants on riskier routes across the desert and drive them further from the border. "They're going to have to figure out a way for them to pass the checkpoints, for them to get sent to the northern cities. It makes the job longer for the cartels," Perez told Reuters. As a consequence, he added, his office, which has a total of around 80 deputies and jailers, would likely increase patrols in the brush and along highways. Given the use of more dangerous routes, Perez said he expected to find more dead migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberto, a shopkeeper from southern Mexico who had been waiting in Tijuana for his CBP One appointment on Jan. 22, is crushed now that the price charged by smugglers to help migrants cross has shot up to 140,000 Mexican pesos ($6,900) from roughly 85,000 Mexican pesos ($4,200). "Trump has given the business back to smugglers, because people are going to keep crossing no matter what," said Roberto, 34, who did not want to share his last name out of safety concerns. "I'm going to stay in Tijuana and get the money together to cross." Some migrants, put off by the prices or the risk of ramped-up deportations under Trump once in the United States, are opting to stay in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Diaz, the Honduran migrant at the Piedras Negras shelter, says he is determined to get to the U.S., in part because he has two young children to support in Honduras. He missed an asylum appointment earlier this month because he said he was kidnapped by a gang in Mexico while on a bus to the border and beaten for three days until his relatives paid $1,000 to free him. Now, he is waiting to hear back from friends who recently crossed the border illegally to see if it worked out for them before possibly trying himself. "I want to cross but I'm scared they're going to catch me," Diaz said. ($1 = 20.3069 Mexican pesos) (Additional reporting by Ted Hesson and Susan Heavey in Washington D.C. and Cheney Orr in Piedras Negras; Editing by Mary Milliken and Rosalba O'Brien) The anti-abortion movement is entering a new era, according to Republican leadership. Speaking before a crowd at the March for Life in Washington, House Speaker Mike Johnson pointed to a flurry of actions by Donald Trump in the last week that have aided the rights anti-abortion efforts. They included the pardoning of 23 anti-abortion activists who blockaded the entrance of a Washington clinic in October 2020. And an executive order signed by Trump earlier this week also elevated fetal personhood to the national stage while simultaneously cementing language at the executive level to delegitimize transgender identities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, progress against abortion rights also churned in Congress. On Thursday, House Republicans passed a born alive abortion bill, insisting that the effort was more akin to an anti-infanticide effort than another attempt to restrict abortions. The bill would require health care professionals to administer the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence for a premature child that lives through an abortion as for a child that is carried to term. Democrats in the Senate blocked a twin bill from advancing in the upper chamber. The effort was, of course, redundant due to a 2002 statute, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which already prevents the intentional killing of a child born aliveotherwise known as murder. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley also made a personal appeal to Trump on Thursday, asking the newly minted forty-seventh president to restore reproductive policies he had implemented during his first term. That would include requiring women to pick up their abortion medication in person, a move that could significantly impact peoples ability to acquire the abortion pill via mail in states where the procedure is currently banned. Hawley also suggested to Trump that, with the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the rearview, states would prove to be the most important theaters for the fight to rid America of the procedure, according to The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House and Senate Republicans are committed to protecting innocent life, Johnson told the crowd on Friday, championing his caucuss efforts over the last five days. Trump and JD Vance also gave remarks at the march. Speaking at the National Mall, Vance pledged to protect Christians and anti-abortion activists from federal prosecution. This administration stands by you, we stand with you, and most importantly we stand with the most vulnerable, Vance said. America is fundamentally a pro-baby, a pro-family and a pro-life country. Ed Miliband has been criticised after approving an application for a huge solar farm in Lincolnshire owned by millionaire Labour donor Dale Vince. The Energy Secretary faces scrutiny after approving Heckington Fen Solar Park on Friday, which is owned by Mr Vinces green energy business Ecotricity. The decision has angered local residents and councillors, who have accused Mr Miliband of pandering to Mr Vince, who donated 5m to Labour in the run-up to the general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colin Davie, executive councillor for environment, economy and planning at Lincolnshire County Council, said: We need to ask the question of the Secretary of State as to whether he has declared the nature of his relationship with Dale Vince, the applicant for this site and the Labour Partys biggest donor. Lincolnshire councillors claim Ed Miliband is pandering to Dale Vince, pictured, after his 5m to Labour in the run-up to the general election - Ben Whitley/PA He accused Mr Miliband of trashing the countryside by approving the solar farm, which will span 524 hectares. Marc Williams, another Lincolnshire councillor, called the decision disgraceful and highlighted Mr Vinces role as a Labour donor. He said: The only people these developments benefit are the people who are behind these businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well as the Heckington project, Mr Miliband also waved through a separate solar farm called West Burton. This forms part of his attempt to boost Britains green energy supplies as he attempts to achieve clean power by 2030. The two developments will amount to more than 1000 hectares of solar farms in Lincolnshire, which developers say will power hundreds of thousands of homes. Slap in the face However, locals are angry over the prospect of high-quality farmland being covered in solar panels. Mr Williams said: Lincolnshire has the best agricultural land in the UK. No land [of this nature] should be used for anything other than farming. We are already beholden to other countries for a significant amount of the UK food supply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His criticism was echoed by Mr Davie, who said the decision showed how the Government has not listened to our residents. Mr Davie said: Quite frankly these decisions are another slap in the face for Lincolnshire, and the government must start considering the cumulative impacts of all these proposals in our county. In our recent survey, residents have told us that they are very concerned about the impacts on Lincolnshire, and the effects on our nature, landscape and communities. They like us consider rooftops and brownfield sites being the most appropriate places to install solar panels. We must stop the industrialisation of the Lincolnshire countryside. Frances Innes, who lives in the village of Navenby, added: This is so frightening on how many and how fast these applications are been put forward, these villages are just been swallowed up and suffocated. What is so frustrating is not been listened too. The whole countryside is going to change forever if madness doesnt slow down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Vince said: Were delighted that Ecotricity has been granted permission for this major green energy project that will help the country reach its net zero target and create hundreds of jobs. There will also be a significant biodiversity boost across the site. A Government spokesperson said: Political donations have no influence over how planning applications are considered. Theres a rigorous process in place to ensure that all planning decisions are taken in accordance with the necessary propriety rules and weigh up only material planning considerations in the decision. In accordance with this process, the Energy Secretary recused himself from this decision, which was delegated to Lord Hunt. Solar power is crucial to delivering our clean energy mission and we make no apology for supporting the development of clean energy infrastructure to provide cheap energy and protect households bills. 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. Ed Miliband has been warned he is throwing away a valuable national resource after ministers confirmed plans to bury Britains massive stockpile of plutonium. The Energy Secretary was urged to reconsider the Governments decision on Friday, with industry figures arguing that the stockpile, which has been classed as dangerous nuclear waste, could be used as a potential fuel for cutting-edge reactors being developed. It comes after ministers backed the findings of a review by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) that called for around 140 tonnes of plutonium stored at Sellafield, Cumbria, to be permanently immobilised and entombed underground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One industry source described the decision as exceptionally stupid and short-sighted, while another previously described the stockpile the largest of its kind in the world as a potential gold mine. The industry source added: It is a valuable national resource. Frankly, from an energy standpoint, this decision is utter vandalism. Since 2011, the NDA has been looking at potential alternatives to disposal, such as reprocessing the radioactive metal a by-product of nuclear fission into so-called mixed oxide fuel (MOX). This could then be used by certain fast reactors, including the small-scale advanced modular reactors being developed by British companies such as Moltex Energy and Newcleo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on Friday, Michael Shanks, an energy minister, told MPs: Continued, indefinite, long-term storage leaves a burden of security risks and proliferation sensitivities for future generations to manage. It is the Governments objective to put this material beyond reach, into a form which both reduces the long-term safety and security burden during storage and ensures it is suitable for disposal in a geological disposal facility. Implementing a long-term solution for plutonium is essential to dealing with the UKs nuclear legacy and leaving the environment safer for future generations. It comes after The Telegraph revealed in September that the NDA was leaning towards disposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative ministers previously pushed to delay any decision in order to see whether it was feasible to reuse the plutonium instead. But continued storage of the material at Sellafield is regarded as risky and expensive, leading the NDA to push for burying it instead. In a 2023 report, Prof Clint Sharrad of the University of Manchester warned that while reprocessing sounds promising, successfully delivering such outcomes would take time, money, organisation and commitment. He added: Currently, the NDA is in the process of repackaging the plutonium stocks into more robust containment. Being wary of the current global political and economic climate, it may be that extracting the energy from UK plutonium in the not-too-distant future becomes unnecessarily expensive and political barriers may be too difficult to overcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Therefore, it might be simpler and cheaper to consider it a waste material alongside the other legacies from the nuclear industry and safely dispose of it. It is understood that the NDA will take potential technology developments into account but officials believe it is unlikely these will be significant enough to prompt a change in course. A final investment decision the point at which the decision would become difficult to reverse is expected at the end of this decade, at which point construction would begin. However, Newcleo said it had been given reassurances by the Government that there will be future opportunities to set out the benefits of re-use and that this is not a point of no return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting rid of the waste would eventually involve baking it into a rock-like material such as glass or ceramic and wrapping that in steel and concrete, before burying those blocks in a reinforced bunker under the sea known as a geological disposal facility. No such facility exists in the UK today. But three sites are being considered, including one off the coast of Cumbria near Sellafield. The Government said the work to dispose of the plutonium would support thousands of skilled jobs. Nuclear waste typically remains radioactive for as long as 100,000 years. However, a fraction of nuclear fuel is actually used by power plants, with spent fuel typically comprising 96pc unreacted uranium and 1pc plutonium both of which can be recovered. The UK previously had plants capable of reprocessing spent fuel at Sellafield but the last such facility was closed in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moltex, a UK-founded company developing its waste-to-fuel reactor design in Canada, has previously argued that nuclear waste such as plutonium can be put to good use as fuel in molten salt reactors, dramatically reducing its half-life in the process. Newcleo, an Italian-British company, had previously proposed a MOX plant at Sellafield and urged the Government to allow it to use the stored plutonium, but its efforts were rebuffed. As a result, the company has abandoned multibillion-pound plans for a reprocessing plant in the UK and will instead focus investment in France. On Friday, Andrew Murdoch, Newcleos UK boss, said: Naturally, we are disappointed by the timing of the Governments change of policy announcement, which we believe dismisses the benefits of re-use on the basis that fast reactor technology such as Newcleos is not yet operational. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That said, we were pleased to have a reassuring conversation this morning confirming that this policy position on plutonium material at Sellafield has no impact on our plans to develop lead fast reactor technology in the UK and use imported MOX from France assuming regulatory standards are met. A government spokesman said: Immobilising our stockpile of plutonium will put it in a safe and stable form for disposal, while supporting thousands of skilled jobs and injecting billions into Cumbria over decades. It is the best long-term solution for cleaning up our nuclear legacy, and the material is not needed for our future nuclear reactors. 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. David Balland, who was rescued from kidnappers during an elite operation, was described as a boyish techno geek and not motivated by money A millionaire crypto boss has been rescued from kidnappers by French special forces but they arrived too late to stop the captors chopping off his finger. David Balland, 36, and his wife, Amandine, were abducted from their home in Vierzon, central France, in the early hours of Tuesday morning and driven to two separate locations as the kidnappers demanded a reported $10 million (8 million) ransom be paid. The GIGN, a French elite police tactical unit specialising in hostage situations, formed part of a 230-person force sent to find the couple as a news blackout was put in place around the fast-moving situation. When they finally swooped on a remote house some 65 kilometres away, near Chateauroux, they found Mr Balland bloodied and bruised, and missing a digit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They arrested nine men and a woman aged between 20 and 40. Police are hunting for further potential accomplices. Mr Balland is the co-founder of French crypto company Ledger, a world leader in digital wallets and vaults to safeguard crypto assets. The company is valued at over 1.3 billion (1.1 billion) and is one of Frances top 15 unicorns privately held startups worth more than $1 billion (800 million). His net worth is thought to be in the millions. Police and gendarmes worked with cryptocurrency experts in a 230-person operation to rescue Mr Balland and his wife - Thibaud Moritz/AFP A severed digit then a frantic search On Tuesday, armed criminals burst into the home of Mr Balland, a boyish techno geek whose ex-colleagues say lives a discreet life and is not motivated by money. Located behind pine trees in a development outside Vierzon, his house is situated in 3,000 square metres of grounds and includes a swimming pool and an American SUV. Laure Beccuau, the Paris prosecutor, told reporters that the couple were then driven to another address, where the kidnappers beat up Mr Balland and cut off part of one of his fingers and sent it to a business associate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a source close to the case, the associate was Eric Larcheveque, a co-founder of Ledger, who alerted police to the kidnapping after receiving a video showing Mr Ballands severed digit, and a large ransom demand to be paid in cryptocurrency. Le Parisien, a French media outlet, put the figure at $10 million (8 million), which was ordered to be sent to a digital wallet. Part of the sum was handed over during negotiations handled by police, but most of the crypto assets were seized and frozen, said the prosecutor. Due to the sensitive nature of the case, national media were asked to respect a news blackout while the frantic search for the couple continued, even as rumours began to circulate about an unusual security deployment in Vierzon and in the nearby town of Mereau. Speculation swirled with news of a large security deployment near the towns of Vierzon and Mereau - Tom Masson/AFP Speculation was already swirling online that kidnappers had seized Mr Larcheveque, who regularly appears on the television show Qui veut etre mon associe? (Who wants to be my associate?), the French equivalent of Dragons Den. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Larcheveque was placed in Frances Fortune 500 of wealthy individuals by Challenges magazine, with an estimated net worth of 300 million (250 million). However, local media then revealed it was Mr Balland who was being held. The case was handed to a specialised inter-regional court in Paris and an investigation was opened into kidnapping and sequestration in an organised gang to obtain the execution of a demand, a crime punishable by life imprisonment. We had to move very quickly Police and gendarmes, including the GIGN, worked with cryptocurrency experts during the operation. They were able to track the GPS of one of the hostage takers cars and sifted through accommodation potentially rented by the kidnap team on the booking.com and Airbnb websites. Several houses were searched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday afternoon, they made their first arrest in the Bourges area. GIGN agents then swooped on the house near Chateauroux an isolated rented residence and found Mr Balland alive but injured. The businessman was treated by the emergency services and hospitalised for a mutilated hand. Two suspects were arrested during the operation. Another was arrested a few hours later. One of the suspects is a known drug dealer from Marseille, a notorious hub for the drug trade. Mr Ballands wife, Amandine, remained missing and magistrates and gendarmes reportedly feared that the panic-stricken kidnappers may have decided to dispose of their last hostage as the prospect of financial gain receded. There was real stress, an investigative source told Le Parisien. We knew we had to move very quickly, and we had the feeling we had a team capable of going AWOL. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the hours passed, the investigators were given a clear indication that Mr Ballands partner was being held in the Etampes area, in Essonne. Late on Wednesday, the GIGN finally launched a rescue operation. The businessmans wife was discovered bound but unharmed in the back of a van in a car park near the town centre. Personnel from GIGN, an elite police tactical unit involved in the rescue operation, take part in a demonstration in 2024 - Valentine Chapuis/AFP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who are the suspects? Six more suspects from the Paris region, notably Seine-Saint-Denis and Essonne, were arrested at the same time. They have profiles of [drug dealing] jobbers from housing estates, an investigative source was cited as saying. According to Le Parisien, police became swiftly convinced the kidnapping had been carried out by teams of young criminals, apparently well prepared but recruited and remote-controlled by unknown masterminds. The prosecutor declined to be drawn on whether foreign-based individuals were behind the kidnapping, saying that police were seeking to identify everybody involved. Pascal Gauthier, the chief executive of Ledger, said he was deeply relieved that David and his wife have been freed and are now in safety. Shockwaves in the crypto world Founded in 2014, Ledger is one of the top crypto companies in France. It sells hardware wallets, physical devices for storing crypto assets. Mr Balland is one of eight co-founders, the companys website says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such so-called offline cold wallets have become increasingly popular in the wake of the collapse of crypto exchanges that keep cryptocurrency for their customers notably FTX, which saw founder Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud in 2024. When you buy a gold bar, you dont leave it lying around on your mantelpiece ledge, you keep it safe. With cryptocurrencies, its the same thing, Mr Larcheveque once explained. Pascal Gauthier, the chief executive, and Eric Larcheveque, a co-founder of Ledger, which creates cold wallets to safeguard crypto assets - Marlene Awaad/Bloomberg The case has sent shockwaves through the crypto world and came on the day US president Donald Trump said he intended to make America the world capital of artificial intelligence and crypto at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Bitcoin the worlds best-known and biggest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation and often dubbed digital gold hit record highs last weekend at $109,000 (87,000) ahead of Mr Trumps inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said they were not linking the kidnapping to a case earlier this month when a 56-year-old man, reported to be the father of a cryptocurrency influencer based in Dubai, was found in the boot of a car. A ransom demand was made for the man, whose son is known for posting videos about his crypto profits online, media reported. Cryptocurrencies are digital units, designed and managed through a decentralised system of computer networks without the intervention of any central authority, unlike traditional currencies which are usually run by central banks. 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. Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau speaks to reporters after David Balland, co-founder of cryptoassets company Ledger, and his wife were kidnapped from their home and later released by the French Gendarmerie on Jan. 23, 2025. THIBAUD MORITZ/AFP via Getty Images A French millionaire who founded a cryptocurrency company was rescued with his wife after the two were abducted earlier this week. David Balland, a founder of Ledger a company that sells devices to store crypto assets was abducted alongside his wife, Amadine, early Tuesday morning from their home in Vierzon, France. Ledger raised $104 million in 2023, Bloomberg reported. More than 230 officers aided in locating the kidnappers, who had asked for a ransom of $10 million to be paid through crypto, the Telegraph reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities eventually located Balland on Wednesday night at a remote house near Chateauroux after police tracked the GPS of a suspects car, according to the Telegraph. Balland was found beaten and bloodied and missing a part of his finger. Amadine was later found bound but unharmed in the back of a van in Essonne. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau told reporters that the kidnappers cut off a part of Ballands finger and sent it to his business associate demanding money. Ten people have been arrested for their suspected role in the abductions. This was an extremely complex case, Gen. Ghislain Rety said at a Thursday night press conference, The New York Times reported. Beccuau said at the press conference that part of the ransom has been paid. Almost all of it has been traced, frozen and seized, Beccuau added. One of the Milwaukee men accused of fatally shooting an armored truck guard during a string of robberies that targeted Walgreens convenience stores is going to prison. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge David Swanson on Thursday ordered Colby Logan, 32, to spend the next 25 years behind bars for his role in the crime spree that occurred in the summer of 2023. Prosecutors alleged Logan and Damien D. Huff, 30, both of Milwaukee, robbed Walgreens pharmacies five times for prescription medication in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa in June and July 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was followed by the July 13 robbery of an armored vehicle outside a northwest side bank. In that incident, Scott Bee, a 55-year-old security guard from Waukesha, was shot. Bee died 12 days later, leaving behind a wife, six children and two grandchildren. "We didn't get to ... grow old together because of your decision to commit a crime that took his life," Bee's widow, Carmen Bee, told Logan during his sentencing hearing. Logan, 32, pleaded guilty in November to felony murder as a party to a crime and two counts of armed robbery as a party to a crime. More: Prosecutors: Milwaukee woman reached out to jailed boyfriend about killing her ex-boyfriend Here's how prosecutors say the crime spree unfolded A criminal complaint in the case described five Walgreens robberies occurring in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa from June 21 to July 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In each instance, a masked man with sunglasses and a handgun demanded Oxycodone pills and fled with the help of a getaway driver. Different vehicles were used in each caper. In one instance, the suspects made off with more than 4,000 pills. Three days after the fifth Walgreens robbery, the armored truck was targeted. On July 13, three security guards inside an armored vehicle pulled up near an ATM near the bank to refill it with cash. A black Mazda, which was connected to at least one of the Walgreens robberies, showed up nearby and a man got out from it. That man then approached Bee while pointing a handgun at him. Bee was kneeling at the ATM when he heard someone say give me the money, he later told first responders. The man then shot Bee four times. He was able to return fire but did not hit the attacker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was later determined the man made off with nearly $70,000. Another $95,000 had been dropped as the suspect fled, and was recovered by police. The Mazda seen prior to the incident and the suspect matched the descriptions of those involved in the Walgreens incidents. Assistant District Attorney Grant Huebner said Logan drove the getaway car in each instance, and that Huff was the one who fatally shot Bee. Huff has pleaded not guilty to three counts of armed robbery, two counts of robbery with threat of force, and one count of felony murder-armed robbery. More: Milwaukee sees declines in violent and property crimes in 2024: 'Should motivate all of us' Robberies remain a concern heading into 2025 The number of robberies reported in Milwaukee was up slightly as 2024 came to a close when compared to the year before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Milwaukee police data, 1,954 robberies were reported in 2024, up from 1,932 in 2023, the year Bee was shot and killed. As of Wednesday, the most updated figure provided by police, 89 robberies have been reported just three weeks into 2025, the data shows. The incident during which Bee lost his life also marked the third time an armored vehicle had been robbed in Milwaukee in a six-month period that year, and the second one to result in a fatal shooting. In January 2023, thieves robbed an armored vehicle outside North Shore Bank, 7927 W. Capitol Drive, the same location where Bee was killed.Another armored car was robbed in May 2023 outside another North Shore Bank location, 5817 W. Forest Home Ave. During the incident, one guard was shot nonfatally and a second guard fatally shot the robbery suspect, a 42-year-old Kenosha man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Milwaukee teen pleads guilty to robbery that touched off I-43 police chase, shooting Colby Logan shows remorse, apologizes in court Court records show Huff and Logan were previously convicted of armed robbery and were prohibited from possessing guns. An apologetic Logan said he was remorseful for his role in the crime, and didn't want to be part of taking someone else's life. "I hate that I'm associated with this," he said. Swanson also ordered Logan to serve 10 years of extended supervision when his prison term ends. The judge gave Logan credit for the 558 days he already has been in jail awaiting trial. That credit can be applied to his sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huff's trial is scheduled to begin April 7. Prosecutors expect the trial to run two weeks. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Getaway driver in fatal Milwaukee robbery spree is headed to prison Authorities identified a 22-year-old woman as the fatal victim of a triple shooting earlier this week in Milwaukee. Jocelyn Jimenez was shot and killed on Wednesday at about 6:38 p.m. at 3900 block of West Cheyenne Street, according to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office and initial police reports. Milwaukee police said a 32-year-old was arrested in the shooting, which also injured a 56-year-old and a 54-year-old. Charges were referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with any information is asked to contact police at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or use the P3 Tips app. Journal Sentinel attempts to reach Jimenez's family were unsuccessful. Her death was the fifth reported homicide of 2025 and second this week, according to Milwaukee Police Department data. The same day Jimenez was killed, a 17-year-old girl was shot and killed. David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee woman killed in triple shooting identified During the House session on Jan. 23, 2025, Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland) shares his support for legislation to eliminate some changes to the state's minimum wage and paid sick leave law set to take effect in February. | Kyle Davidson With less than a month remaining until new minimum wage and paid sick leave laws are set to take effect, the GOP-led Michigan House continued to fast track two bills that would roll back some of the changes. The restaurant industry is already experiencing closures, dramatic fee increases and lost jobs as operators begin to adapt to a Michigan Supreme Court ruling that takes effect in 29 days. We are asking the Senate to recognize the considerable smoke that surrounds this industry and to take quick action to prevent this avoidable fire. The clock is ticking, and Michigans restaurant owners and servers cant afford to wait, said Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, a big proponent of the minimum wage legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members voted 63-41 in favor of House Bill 4001 and 67-38 in favor of 4002, with each bill earning support from some Democrats after clearing the House Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses last week with near-unanimous support from its members. Nearly all Republicans supported House Bill 4001, save for Rep. Brad Paquette (R-Niles), while Reps. Carol Glanville (D-Walker) Peter Herzberg (D-Westland), Tullio Liberati (D-Allen Park), Will Snyder (D-Muskegon), Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) and Angela Witwer (D-Delta Twp.) were the six Democrats who voted in support. House Bill 4002 received full support from Republicans, with Reps. Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield), Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit) and Amos ONeal (D-Saginaw), joining Glanville, Herzberg, Liberati, Snyder, Whitsett and Witwer in favor of the bill. On Jan. 23, 2025, Rep. John Roth (R-Interlochen) testifies in support of two bills aimed at undoing some incoming changes to the states minimum wage and paid sick leave laws ordered by the Michigan Supreme Court. | Kyle Davidson In July, the Michigan Supreme Court struck down the so-called adopt and amend strategy the GOP-controlled Legislature used in 2018 to gut two ballot initiatives, one increasing the minimum wage and phasing out the sub-minimum rate for tipped employees and the other expanding paid sick leave requirements for employers. As part of its opinion, the court restored the provisions eliminated by lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These changes are set to take effect on Feb. 21. If the Legislature does not take action before then, the minimum wage will increase to $12.48, rising up to $14.97 by 2028 while the subminimum tipped wage would be phased out by 2030. Additionally, employers with fewer than 10 employees would be required to offer up to 40 hours of paid sick leave and 32 hours of unpaid leave while businesses with 10 or more employees must offer a full 72 hours of paid sick leave. Small business owners, members of the restaurant and hospitality industry, and multiple business groups have pushed back against the changes, warning these new requirements would carry significant costs for employers, potentially resulting in layoffs and closures, making it a top priority for Republicans in both chambers of the Legislature. A 2024 survey from the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association estimates that the changes, if implemented, would lead to the loss of an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 restaurant jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the policys proponents have argued the changes will benefit workers struggling with the rising cost of living, with the nonpartisan Michigan League for Public Policy noting livable wages benefit local economies as people are more likely to spend their money at small businesses, promoting growth. House Bill 4001 sponsored by Rep. John Roth (R-Interlochen) would keep the tipped wage at 38% of the state minimum wage, abandoning the phase out. It also reduces the proposed increases to the minimum wage, with the minimum wage set to increase to $15 at the start of 2029 compared to the schedule laid out in the incoming changes, which would raise the minimum wage to $14.97 by Feb. 21, 2028. It also reduces the wage rate for employees under 18 from 85% to 75% of the minimum wage. House Bill 4002 sponsored by Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay) exempts employers with 50 employees or fewer from the new paid sick leave requirements, and eliminates language permitting employees to take civil action if their employer violates the law. While Democrats issued a flurry of amendments in an effort to salvage the minimum wage increases and sick leave provisions put in place by the Supreme Court opinion, none were adopted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Dems continued the push against the bills calling on their colleagues to vote against the bills while raising concerns that the bills could harm workers and their families, enabling wage theft, discrimination and poverty. Legislative Republicans are once again attempting to subvert the will of the people, as well as the Michigan Supreme Court. House Bill 4001, is a clear and direct effort to prevent a minimum wage increase that the Michigan voters fought for, a move that defies both the Constitution and the principle of democracy itself, state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) said in opposition to the bills. The narrative being pushed that raising the minimum wage for tipped workers will harm the industry is simply untrue. In states where tipped-minimum subminimum wages have been eliminated, workers still earn tips, businesses continue to thrive and workers take home more money, Scott said. On Jan. 23, 2025, State Rep. Matt Longjohn (D-Portage) was one of several Democrats speaking out against a bill rolling back changes to Michigans sick leave law ordered by the Michigan Supreme Court. | Kyle Davidson. However, Republicans prevailed, pointing to the stories they had heard from servers and small business owners in support of the bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You all didnt have to listen to all four hours of the Select Committees testimony hearings last week. You just need to drive past your local mom-and-pop store or visit with servers in your districts to know that these bills are about protecting Michigan employees and small businesses, said Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland), who chaired the House select committee. But Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber slammed the decision, arguing the bills would cut pay for more than 500,000 workers by up to $2,400 a year and end guaranteed paid sick leave for nearly 1.5 million people. Six years ago, a Republican majority engaged in underhanded, unconstitutional tricks to deny a pay raise and paid sick leave for hard working Michiganders. Now, less than a month before workers are about to finally get the pay and benefits they deserve, the new Republican majority is trying to pull the rug out from under working families, Bieber said in a statement. Every legislator, regardless of their party, should be held accountable for their vote to cut the pay and benefits for workers most in need. The legislature should respect the Supreme Court ruling and allow the minimum wage to increase and guarantee all workers have the ability to take care of themselves and their families when they are sick, Bieber said. The bills will move to the Senate for further consideration, where Senate Democrats have offered their own bills tweaking the minimum wage and sick leave changes. On Jan. 23, 2025, State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) offers an amendment to House Bill 4001, which aims to curtail changes to the states minimum wage and tipped minimum wage mandated by the state Supreme Court. | Kyle Davidson SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Supreme Court sided with Democrats on Friday in a power struggle with Republicans in the state House of Representatives but left it up to lawmakers to figure out a way to work together. The justices unanimously agreed with House Democratic leaders who argued that a quorum in the House was 68 members under the state constitution, not the 67 that Republicans claimed. The House GOP holds a 67-66 majority pending a special election to fill an empty seat thats expected around March 11. House Democrats have stayed away from the Capitol all session to try to prevent Republicans from exploiting their advantage. The high court's chief justice said Thursday that the disagreement had left the House completely dysfunctional." The court issued a three-page order Friday and said it would follow up with a detailed opinion explaining its legal reasoning later. The justices did not directly declare that all the actions that House Republicans have taken so far are legally invalid, as Democrats had wanted, but said they assume that the parties will now conform to this order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Democrats said the ruling effectively invalidates every action Republicans took since the first day of session last week. We need to work together in order to get things done, and we are anxious to get together with Republicans, and were hopeful that the courts order now enables us to move forward and reach a negotiated agreement," the top House Democrat, Melissa Hortman, of Brooklyn Park, said at a news conference. But House Republicans were noncommittal in their initial public reaction about whether they're willing to reopen talks. This decision drives home the fact that House Democrats are disrespecting not just their own constituents, but the entire state of Minnesota by refusing to do their jobs," the top GOP leader, Lisa Demuth, of Cold Spring, said in a statement. "House Republicans will be showing up to work on Monday its time for the Democrats walkout to end and for the legislature to get on with its work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hortman and other Democratic leaders had expressed hope before the ruling that a win for them would at least incentivize their GOP counterparts to negotiate a power-sharing agreement similar to one that they agreed to after the November election when it looked like the House would be tied 67-67 when the Legislature convened its 2025 session Jan. 14. That agreement collapsed after a Ramsey County judge ruled that the Democratic winner of a Roseville-area seat didnt live in his district and was ineligible. That gave Republicans a temporary one-seat majority. The eventual special election to fill the seat is expected to restore the tie because its a heavily Democratic district. After the session convened last week, Republicans pressed forward with voting to elect Demuth as speaker, introducing legislation and holding hearings. It wasn't immediately clear exactly what will happen Monday afternoon when the House is scheduled to reconvene. Under state law, the secretary of state convenes the opening session of the House and serves as presiding officer until a quorum is present and a speaker is elected, which is normally a fairly quick formality. Democratic Secretary of State Steve Simon, who adjourned the first day's floor session after declaring there was no quorum, said in a statement that he'll try again, though he didn't specify when. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I look forward to re-convening the House of Representatives and to working with an organized legislature to advance the interests of all Minnesotans, Simon said in a statement. Hortman said her last offer to Demuth, which is still on the table, would let the Republicans run the House until the special election presumably restores the tie, when they would revert to the previous power-sharing agreement. She said she's ready to resume talks but did not commit her members to returning Monday without a deal. We can come up with an agreement that respects both sides, comes up with a win-win and gets us all back at the Capitol working together very soon., Hortman said. House Democrats have also said they wont return to the Capitol until Republicans promise not to refuse to seat Democratic Rep. Brad Tabke, of Shakopee, who won reelection by just 14 votes in a swing district where the GOP would stand a good chance of winning a low-turnout special election. Republicans have refused to give that assurance, even though a Scott County judge declared Tabke the legal winner, and the losing candidate said Friday that he won't appeal. Denying Tabke his seat would lock in the GOP majority at least until that seat could be filled. In trying to block a quorum, House Democrats are using tactics that lawmakers around the country have tried at least two dozen times before to thwart their opponents. While its unusual in Minnesota, its not a first for the state. In 1857, Republicans wanted to move the Minnesota Territorys capital from St. Paul to St. Peter, about 75 miles (121 kilometers) away. A Democratic lawmaker took physical possession of the bill and hid in a local hotel until it was too late to act on the measure. Democratic House leader Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, spoke at a press conference in the Scott County Government Center in Shakopee surrounded by her DFL colleagues on Jan. 14, 2025. Photo by Michelle Griffith/Minnesota Reformer. In a major victory for Minnesota House Democrats Friday, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that 68 House members must be present for a quorum, which means the lower chamber has had no official proceedings during a Democratic boycott. House Republicans have been meeting since the opening of the session on Jan. 14, when they elected a speaker and assigned committee chairs even though they only had 67 members present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota House Democrats and Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon who was the presiding officer on Jan. 14, declared the lack of a quorum and adjourned sued House Republicans and asked the Supreme Court to find that Republicans could not conduct any business without 68 members present. On the first day of session, Jan. 14, all 66 House Democrats boycotted the session and have stayed away from the Capitol since to prevent Republicans from taking control of the chamber. The Supreme Court, in a three-page order with a formal opinion to follow at a later date, agreed with Simon. We further hold that under Article IV, Section 13, of the Minnesota Constitution, which requires that [a] majority of each house constitutes a quorum to transact business, a quorum requires a majority of the total number of seats of each house, the court ordered. Vacancies do not reduce the number required for a majority of each house to constitute a quorum. The justices, all of whom were appointed by Democratic governors, said that their resolution as to the meaning of the Minnesota Constitutions quorum clause should be sufficient to resolve the issues raised by the petitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear whether Democrats will return to the House chamber on Monday. Democratic House leader Melissa Hortman assuming she can keep her caucus united can now threaten to continue to withhold a quorum unless Republican House leader Lisa Demuth agrees to negotiate a power-sharing agreement. Hortman said that Republicans must return to the negotiating table. Republicans tried to seize power that the voters did not give them. Now that it is clear Republicans must work with Democrats for the House to operate, I am hopeful we will be able to shortly negotiate an acceptable path forward, Hortman said. Were ready to roll up our sleeves and return to the negotiating table immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hortman, during a Friday press conference, said she invited Demuth to begin negotiating Friday evening but hadnt heard back. In a statement, Demuth said that its time for Democrats to come back but made no firm commitment on any new negotiations. This decision drives home the fact that House Democrats are disrespecting not just their own constituents, but the entire state of Minnesota by refusing to do their jobs, Demuth said. House Republicans will be showing up to work on Monday its time for the Democrats walkout to end and for the Legislature to get on with its work. Theres still an empty House seat, and Gov. Tim Walz hasnt called another special election to fill it yet. House DFL leader Melissa Hortman said she anticipates the special election will take place on March 11. The seat is DFL-leaning, so the special election is expected to bring the chamber back to a tie, 67-67. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have also been concerned that Republicans would use their temporary majority to refuse to seat DFL Rep. Brad Tabke, who won his south metro election by 14 votes in a contest marred by 20 missing ballots. Hortman has said that she hasnt received confirmation from Republicans that they will refrain from unseating Tabke, a Shakopee Democrat. A judge last week ruled that despite the missing ballots, Tabke would have won anyway and theres no need for a special election. Demuth has previously said that her caucus wont seat Tabke without a do-over. In a statement, Simon said he will convene the House on Monday. I thank the court for its promptness and clarity in this case. This was a closely contested legal issue, and for the first time in state history we now have a final answer on what constitutes a legislative quorum, Simon said. I look forward to re-convening the House of Representatives and to working with an organized Legislature to advance the interests of all Minnesotans. DENVER (KDVR) A man was found dead near Allenspark after a multi-day search. The Boulder County Sheriffs Office said they received an initial call on Tuesday afternoon from a family member asking for a welfare check on a 78-year-old man who lived near Allenspark. According to the family member, the man had not been heard from since Jan. 16, which they said was unusual. On Tuesday, Boulder County Sheriffs Office deputies went to the mans home on Big Owl Road to conduct a welfare check, but the man was not home. Deputies said he appeared to have left on foot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida murder suspect arrested near Vail after getting stuck in I-70 traffic Deputies initiated an initial search but were unable to locate the man. The next morning, on Wednesday, 15 search and rescue personnel and volunteers went out to expand the search area. Those living in the area may have received an Everbridge notification, asking them to be on the lookout for the man. After another day of searching, the sheriffs office said the missing man was not found. The search continued on Thursday, with 35 search and rescue personnel. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Boulder County Sheriffs Office said a man matching the missing mans description was found dead Thursday at 11:40 a.m., approximately a half mile away from the missing mans home. The sheriffs office said he was found by members of the Arapahoe Rescue Patrol a volunteer organization composed of high school students. The Boulder County Coroners Office will release the mans identity and cause of death at a later date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MARION COUNTY, Mo. Authorities say the body of an Illinois woman reported missing last month was recovered Thursday in rural Missouri. The Marion County Sheriffs Office and Quincy Police Department confirmed that the body of Britney D. Hoffman-Kelly was found Thursday in Marion County. According to authorities and previous FOX 2 reports, Hoffman-Kelly was last believed to have been heard from in St. Charles, Missouri, on Dec. 14, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following her disappearance and analysis from St. Charles and Quincy police detectives, a large-scale multi-agency search was conducted Wednesday near County Road 439 in Marion County. Around 4 p.m. Thursday, a nearby landowner discovered that Hoffman-Kellys body was on their property and alerted authorities, according to the Quincy Police Department. ICE arrests nationwide spark fear in St. Louis communities Quincy police say two individuals came forward with information that helped with locating a suspect in Lewis County, Missouri. Police say the suspect had shared information with them about Hoffman and his intent to kill law enforcement officers. No officers were hurt in connection with this case. Quincy police did not identify the suspect in a Friday news release over Hoffman-Kellys death. The Marion County Sheriffs Office says the investigation into her death is an open matter, but says there is no further threat to the public associated with this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Kansas City Police Department reports a missing woman who was last seen on Tuesday has been located safe Friday evening. Kaitlyn Barnes, a 35-year-old woman, was last seen around 5 p.m. Tuesday. She was driving a silver Kia Niro in the midtown area of Kansas City. View the latest headlines from Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas at fox4kc.com She is known to wear blonde curly hair wigs, and she has her septum, and the right side of her nose pierced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her family is concerned about her safety and well-being. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WILLIAMSTON, N.C. (WNCT) A 51-year-old missing man in Williamston was reportedly found deceased in the Roanoke River on Friday. Theophilus Whitehead was reported missing on January 21, by his wife. Whiteheads car was found at Moratoc Park, but he was nowhere in sight. The Martin County Sheriffs Office, Bertie County Sheriffs Office, NC Wildlife and NCSBI worked together and conducted searched for Whitehead. Whitehead was found on Friday in the Roanoke River after missing for about three days. He has been pronounced deceased. 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 WNCT. A Mississippi district attorney proposed new legislation Wednesday to pay bounty hunters a reward for helping to deport immigrants in the country illegally. DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced his support for House Bill 1484, authored by state Rep. Justin Keen (R), which would create the Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program. Weve seen firsthand the danger posed by bad actors and violent criminals who enter this country illegally, like the innocent life of Laken Riley, Keen said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trumps administration has made it clear that deporting illegal immigrants is a priority, and we are proud to do our part here in Mississippi to help support his agenda and protect our citizens. Keen and Barton suggested offering a $1,000 reward to registered bounty hunters for each successful deportation they help facilitate, which would be funded by the general assembly and administered by the state treasurer, according to a press release from his office. When President Trump took office this week, he immediately recognized the emergency at our borders, rolling out executive orders to combat illegal immigration and cartels. This legislation builds upon that foundation, empowering local leaders and communities to support federal efforts in protecting our citizens, Barton shared in a statement. Legal immigration is a cornerstone of America, and we must ensure that our borders are secure and that the safety of Mississippians comes first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has already cracked down on immigration since taking office, signing a flurry of executive orders in recent days including deeming migration an invasion and reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Hill) A Mississippi District Attorney proposed new legislation on Wednesday to pay bounty hunters a reward for helping to deport undocumented immigrants. DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced his support for House Bill 1484, authored by state Rep. Justin Keen (R), which would create the Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program. Weve seen firsthand the danger posed by bad actors and violent criminals who enter this country illegally, like the innocent life of Laken Riley, Keen said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trumps administration has made it clear that deporting illegal immigrants is a priority, and we are proud to do our part here in Mississippi to help support his agenda and protect our citizens. White House says migrant deportation flights with military aircraft have begun Keen and Barton suggested offering a $1,000 reward to registered bounty hunters for each successful deportation they help facilitate, which would be funded by the general assembly and administered by the state treasurer, according to a press release from his office. When President Trump took office this week, he immediately recognized the emergency at our borders, rolling out executive orders to combat illegal immigration and cartels. This legislation builds upon that foundation, empowering local leaders and communities to support federal efforts in protecting our citizens, Barton shared in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal immigration is a cornerstone of America, and we must ensure that our borders are secure and that the safety of Mississippians comes first. Trump has already cracked down on immigration since taking office, signing a flurry of executive orders in recent days including deeming migration an invasion and reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Republicans in Mississippi are considering a law to help Donald Trump with his massive deportation plansby enlisting bounty hunters. A new bill introduced in the Magnolia States legislature Wednesday would pay bounty hunters a $1,000 reward for every undocumented immigrant they help deport. House Bill 1484, proposed by Republican state Representative Justin Keen, would create the Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program. President Trumps administration has made it clear that deporting illegal immigrants is a priority, and we are proud to do our part here in Mississippi to help support his agenda and protect our citizens, Keen said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reward money would come from the states general assembly and be administered by the state treasurer, according to a statement, meaning ultimately Mississippi taxpayers would foot the bill. The bill has backing from the DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton, who says the whole thing was originally his idea. Trumps mass deportation plans, including the Laken Riley Act, which awaits his signature, will be very expensive to implement across the country. Trump wants to target every single undocumented immigrant in the U.S., estimated at 11 million people, and would need assistance from local and state law enforcement. While Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is proposing a new slate of state laws to assist the president, it seems that Mississippi is choosing to outsource the task and create a legal nightmare as bounty hunters in the state stand to profit from targeting the marginalized. LAWRENCE COUNTY, Mo. A Lawrence County woman is in custody today, awaiting murder charges in two different states. CRAWFORD COUNTY, Mo. A powerful house explosion rocked a quiet Cuba neighborhood early Thursday morning, leaving one woman dead and a man seriously injured. The victims name has not been released. According to the Crawford County Sheriffs Office, the explosion happened around 1:30 a.m. on Erin Drive, located approximately four miles west of Cuba. The home was completely destroyed, according to the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire crews from Cuba, Bourbon, Steelville, St. James, and Sullivan responded to the explosion. The explosions force was so powerful that it blew the homes garage door across the street. Nearby vacant properties also caught fire due to embers carried from the blast. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Our hearts go out to the individuals and families affected by this tragedy, Crawford County Sheriff Darin Layman said. Neighbors were jolted awake by the blast, describing the moment as nothing short of catastrophic. The next-door neighbor who rescued both victims described his backyard trees as being impacted by blast fragmentation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Crawford County Sheriffs Office, Cuba Fire Department, Missouri State Fire Marshals Office, and the Missouri Propane Safety Commission are working to determine the cause of the blast. I thought either a plane had crashed into something or a bomb, they said. There was a really large boom that woke me up. I thought maybe I was dreaming, but I looked out the window and saw the flames, they were just sky-high, one resident recalled. Another neighbor, speaking anonymously, said the force of the blast made them think it was something much larger. Thus far, investigators have found no sign of foul play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. WAUKEGAN, Ill. A family with a mixed immigration status has made the difficult decision to split the family apart and give their matriarch living with terminal cancer the opportunity to live out her final days in her native Mexico without fear of deportation. The children of 48-year-old Norma Contla Galvan said the move comes amid threats by the Trump administration to remove and deport undocumented people found in sensitive locations such as schools, churches and hospitals. My mothers final wish is to hug her mother who she hasnt seen for years, but that is not possible because President Trump has shut down the border and threatens deport undocumented patients, said Galvans eldest son, Joshua Cabrera. We just want my mother to be treated with respect and dignity so we will take her back home to Mexico ourselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said his mom has worked two jobs for several years and had little time for check-ups. ICE arrests hundreds in nationwide immigration crackdown that includes Illinois Chicago officials, groups vow to protect immigrant communities from Trump deportation effort WGN Investigates: Chicago police reminded they cant cooperate with deportations Galvan was released to hospice on Thursday and is staying at United Giving Hope until her children can obtain their passports. The children have a Monday meeting with the Department of State to obtain the documentation so they can accompany Galvan on her final flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pastor Julie Contreras of United Giving Hope said Galvan is in complete pain and should be able to die without fear. Sadly, this is an ongoing threat in the daily life of undocumented patients all across the United States of America, Contreras said. The family has established a crowdfunding account to help cover the cost of Galvans travel and funeral expenses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. The family of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. hopes to see the declassified government files on his assassination before they are made public. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing administration officials to make a plan to release thousands of classified government documents on the assassinations of King, as well as former President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert F. Kennedy. More than 50 years after the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Federal Government has not released to the public all of its records related to those events, the order stated. Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth. It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The King family responded in a statement from the X account of Bernice King, Martin Luther Kings youngest daughter. Today, our family has learned that President Trump has ordered the declassification of the remaining records pertaining to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert F. Kennedy, and our father, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the statement read. For us, the assassination of our father is a deeply personal family loss that we have endured over the last 56 years. We hope to be provided the opportunity to review the files as a family prior to its public release. The assassinations of King and both Kennedys have been the subjects of speculation and conspiracy theories since they occurred. Many suspect the declassified information may implicate government agencies like the CIA or FBI in some wayas that may be why theyve been classified for so long in the first place. There could also be personal information from the FBIs aggressive surveillance of King in the 1960s. Trump has ordered the director of national intelligence and attorney general to have a process to release the JFK records in 15 days, and the MLK and RFK files up to 30 days after that. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) Mobile Police Department officers are reminding drivers to be careful during icy conditions. Ready for it to go: Locals react to snow thawing around the Gulf Coast Record-breaking winter weather moved in Tuesday, causing ice and snow to cover the roads in lower Alabama. An MPD news release said Government Street outside of the Bankhead Tunnel is completely solid going westbound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snow chasers from Georgia trapped in Mobile after record-breaking winter weather Officials said there are countless other locations that are still dealing with ice Friday morning 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 WKRG News 5. By Alexander Tanas CHISINAU (Reuters) - The leader of Moldova's separatist Transdniestria region, gripped by power and heating cuts, said on Friday that gas reserves would be exhausted within days and urged the central government to end "artificial delays" and provide new supplies. But Moldova's prime minister said the solution could be solved only if Russian gas producer Gazprom resumed shipments to Moldova, or if the pro-Russian separatist region agreed to pay for gas secured on European markets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transdniestria, which split from Moldova as the Soviet Union was collapsing, had long received Russian gas passing through Ukraine, but authorities in Kyiv, locked in a nearly three-year war with Moscow, have refused to extend a transit agreement. The gas was also used to run a thermal plant that provided most of the power in government-held areas of Moldova. Transdniestria's self-styled president, Vadim Krasnoselsky, said many of his region's 350,000 residents were falling ill or dying from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning after trying to keep warm in winter conditions. "In a couple of days, the gas remaining in the pipelines will be gone. Without it, things will be very tough," he told Russian television Rossiya-24, according to a summary of his comments on the website of the region's parliament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If the gas disappears it will take two to three months to get the heating going again in residential buildings." The region, he said, had agreed to conditions from Moldova's authorities, including purchasing more expensive European gas. "Five days have passed and we see nothing from Moldova but false accusations," he said. "Moldova is artificially dragging everything out to push the humanitarian situation to the limit." Krasnoselsky had earlier appealed to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and several world leaders, asking for help in resolving the energy crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The region endures four to five hours of power cuts daily. Hundreds of residents gathered at crossing points into government-held areas, urging authorities to "let the gas in". Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean, in a address posted on social media, said only his two proposed solutions could restore gas flows to the rebel region. "The Moldovan government wants the region to have gas," he said. "But the Kremlin does not want to resume gas supplies. It wants to create conflict between people on the east bank of the Dniester River and those on the other side." Government officials said no payment had been received from Transdniestria to cover gas purchases. Moldova has long been at odds with Russia, denouncing Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and accusing the Kremlin of trying to unseat its government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gazprom has said it cannot resume gas flows to Moldova until its authorities settle $709 million in arrears, a figure disputed by the government. (Reporting by Alexander Tanas, Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by Rod Nickel) An English mom has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with the 2021 deaths of her four children, who died in a house fire while she was out shopping. Deveca Rose was sentenced to a decade behind bars on Friday after being found guilty on four counts of manslaughter, the BBC reports. PEOPLE previously reported that Rose, 30, had left her two sets of twins locked in the house while she went shopping, where they were ultimately trapped when a fire broke out at the familys Sutton area home in south London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Metropolitan Police stated in a news release at the time that the twin brothers Leyton and Logan Hoath, 3, and fellow twins Kyson and Bryson Hoath, 4, were found unconscious in an upstairs room and taken to a local hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. A neighbor kicked in the front door in an attempt to reach the children but couldnt enter after a passerby notified them about the house being on fire, the press release said. Related: Mom of 4 Young Boys Who Died in House Fire Convicted After She Left Them Locked in to Go Shopping Metropolitan Police Deveca Rose Deveca Rose Investigators said the fire is believed to have "started in the living room on the ground floor either by a candle/tealight or a burning cigarette" and spread quickly "due to the floor being strewn with discarded items and rubbish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Metropolitan Police, Roses children then "fled to an upstairs bedroom where they would be overcome by smoke as the fire continued. Post-mortem examinations confirmed that the boys died from "inhalation of fire fumes," PEOPLE reported last October. 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. Rose had allegedly told police that a woman named Jade, whom she met a few days prior to the fire, was supposed to be watching her children while she was shopping. However, police said that throughout their investigation, detectives could not locate a woman who matched the name or description Rose gave them. "The true position was that you left four boys aged four or under on their own," Judge Mark Lucraft told Rose at her sentencing, according to BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge called the case "deeply tragic" and said the four children were "gone in just a few moments through an intense fire," BBC reported. The outlet reported Friday that Judge Lucraft said an investigation found that Rose wasnt doing essential or vital shopping the day of the fire. "You will have to live with the knowledge you bear responsibility for the deaths of your four children," the judge told her at the sentencing, BBC reported. The childrens father, Dalton Hoath, said in an impact statement read aloud during the trial that the day his four children died was the worst day of his life, according to BBC. "Their lives had only just begun," the father reportedly said. "It was every parent's nightmare - I am devastated." Read the original article on People HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Make no mistake: Katherine Baker formerly of Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, and now of the Philadelphia suburb of Bala Cynwyd is as happy as any other Jewish person for the three hostages released Sunday and their families. But for Baker, the prisoners-for-hostages swap comes at a big price: On the list of Palestinian prisoners to be freed is Muhammed Odeh, convicted of killing dozens of civilians in Israel, including Bakers son Benjamin Blutstein who was then 25 in a July 31, 2002, bomb blast at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. There are 30 prisoners being released for one hostage, but I dont know whats an acceptable number of murderers to be released for one hostage, certainly when its the murderer of my son, Baker said Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blutstein was one of nine people who died in the bombing. Odeh, who was believed to plant the bomb, was one of four people convicted in connection with the plot. Baker said in the 22 years since her Blutstein was killed, she and her husband have checked the lists of prisoners to be released every time Israels government agreed to an exchange. This time, Odehs name was on it. Also on the list are other prisoners convicted of murder, along with others convicted of less serious crimes and pre-trial detainees not convicted of crimes. Baker said she feared people like Odeh, once released, could plan future attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I worry that were just resetting the whole thing all over again, Baker said. I dont know what the solution is, but I know the ceasefire is the first step. Its not the end. Its not the solution. And we need to remember that, or more mothers, more fathers, more sisters my daughter was 14 when her brother was murdered. More sisters will go through that constant grief of losing a close family family member. Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here According to an obituary published at the time, Blutstein studied as a child at Harrisburgs Silver Academy, a Jewish day school, and then Susquehanna Township High School. He graduated from Dickinson College and was studying in Israel, where he was involved in peace-oriented causes, to be a Jewish educator in America. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MONAHANS, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Monahans Police Department has arrested a suspect after investigators said he intentionally harmed an animal earlier this week. Angel G. Ochoa, of Monahans, has been charged with Cruelty to Non-livestock Animals, a third-degree felony. According to Monahans PD, on January 23, officers were called to the 400 block of W 10th Street to investigate an animal abuse complaint. Officers reviewed security camera footage from the area and learned that an unknown man had fired a BB gun toward a dog; the BBs struck the canine in the face, investigators said. On January 24, officers met with Ochoa and questioned him about the incident. Based on that interview, investigators requested a warrant for the suspects arrest, and he was taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation is ongoing. A mugshot for Ochoa was not 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 Yourbasin. MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) An employee charged with child abuse was working at a Monroe daycare thats been at the center of several state inspections, documents confirm. Delicia Monay Chambers, of Marshville, has been charged with three counts of misdemeanor child abuse. Warrants were issued for her arrest on Tuesday, Jan. 21. According to court records, Chambers is accused of spraying at least three children in the face with a bottle of water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Documents confirm Chambers was released from jail with a written promise to appear in court on Feb. 7, 2025. The Monroe Police Department confirmed with Queen City News Chambers was an employee at Childtime Childrens Center in Monroe. The North Carolina Department of Child Development and Early Education recently conducted several inspections at the daycare following complaints. During the first visit on Jan. 6, 2025, NCDEE reported several violations including appropriate ratios not being maintained and staff not having access to childrens records for emergency care. During the second inspection conducted on Jan. 15, 2025, NCDEE reported that after conducting a walkthrough of the learning environment, no violations were observed on the follow-up visit. This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Kaiden Forman-Webster ICT + MTFP The 2025 Montana state legislative session is in full swing and the American Indian Caucus has a plethora of issues it plans to focus on. The beginning of the legislative session gave way with a Democrat press conference to introduce the party and the issues they plan to pursue for the following months with a major focus on healthcare and affordable housing. During the press conference, this sessions Montana American Indian Caucus (MAIC) introduced their legislative goals to ensure the Montana Native population and Montana in general is informed of their initiative to improve general living for their constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic state senator Shane Morigeau, Salish and Kootenai, was the key speaker for the Indian Caucus to announce the main priorities of the caucus. The Montana Capitol with each of the state's tribal flags. (Eliza Wiley/Montana Free Press) Morigeau began by stating As Native People we understand the value of resilient communities sharing our traditions with future generations and we know these values are not just ours they are Montana values and when we deliver for Indian Country we deliver for all of Montana. Following that Morigeau laid out a number of prerogatives that the caucus plans to address. Pressing for the reauthorization of the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act (MICWA) and introducing to ensure that tribal children are provided the best opportunity to be placed in eligible homes within their tribal communities was high on the list. The reauthorization will help to support children to grow up in an environment that supports their culture and traditions as a citizen of a sovereign tribal nation. The caucus also is looking to include amendments to the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, Chippewa Cree, focused on an amendment that would put an onus on non-Native adoptive parents to allow adopted Native children to participate in cultural events. Say, for example, this child is and I go back to my tribe, because I can only speak on that part. So if they were to take this kid who was adopted by non native parents, one of the amendments will address that whenever there are cultural events, pow wow ceremonies or whatever that they'll have to make that extra effort so that kid can participate in those functions, Windy Boy said. Additionally, Medicaid is not only a major part of the American Indian Caucus agenda but the Democratic Party as a whole and within this agenda the tribal caucus is striving to instate a Tribal Health Manager at the state level. In previous years this position provided a Native voice to speak on health concerns in regards to Indian Country. After the last manager left the position, the Department of Public Health and Human Services has not reinstated the position leaving no seat at the table for Tribal health issues. Sen. Susan Webber, Blackfeet, will be one of the leads to introduce a bill in regards to this matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples movement has steadily grown over the last several years and the call by the caucus to address it can not be understated. Multiple members plan to pursue this goal by looking to create strong investigations units and overall more law enforcement on reservations in hopes to protect not only Indian Country but Montana as a whole from human trafficking. Of the victims of MMIP over 80 percent are under the age of 18, a major health and safety concern. Education change is also critical to the American Indian Caucus. Multiple objectives revolve around providing language classes to preserve Native culture and language for students. Native languages are not only invaluable to Indigenous people, but are also a foundation of Montana, and it is vital to keep them alive and fluent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While speaking about his own upbringing, Windy Boy said My dad spoke fluent Cree. My mother spoke fluent Assiniboine. And they come together with the agreement that the main language spoken in the household is going to be English. This was a common theme throughout Indian Country due to the Boarding School era to adopt English because Native parents believed it would help to stop the trauma they themselves had faced. Which could begin to be remedied by some of the language bills to be put forth this session. The Caucus also looks to ensure that children receive the proper education to hone skills they will need to pursue careers in the future. The Grow Your Own Grant Program, which incentivizes Montana students to become teachers and serve in Montana communities, helps address the need for qualified educators the state currently faces. This is seen as a step in the right direction but clearly more is needed for the Montana education system and the Caucus recognizes this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some initial funding to provide support for the Montana School System would have been provided by taxes levied on the Montana Lottery, but this system has not worked as intended. In 2023 the Montana State Lottery generated $22.7 million for the state, this revenue is then transferred to general funds and used as the state sees fit which has become a concern of the Caucus. Morigeau stated at the press conference the party will be looking at ways to address that concern. We will be working to reform the ways in which our school funding formulas work. When Montanans first set up the state lottery, all of Montana was told that these funds would actually go to education. That didn't happen, Morigeau said. The legislature has failed to follow through on that promise. And so, Montana Democrats will move legislation that finally puts those dollars to work, where they're supposed to belong. The 2025 Legislative Sessions Montana American Indian Caucus Following the 2023 Montana legislative session, 2025 brings a total of 12 members to the Montana American Indian Caucus with the possibility of more joining later into the session. After the 2024 election there has been some changes to both the individuals that are a part of the caucus as well as the chambers they serve. The current Montana American Indian caucus include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Shane Morigeau, (D)-Missoula, Salish and Kootenai Sen. Susan Webber, (D)-Browning, Blackfeet Sen. Jacinda Morigeau, (D)-Arlee, Salish and Kootenai Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, (D)-Rocky Boy/Box Elder, Chippewa Cree Rep. Mike Fox, (D)-Hays, Gros Ventres and Assiniboine Rep. Tyson Running Wolf, (D)-Browning, Blackfeet Rep. Frank Smith, (D)-Poplar, Assiniboine and Sioux Rep. Thedis Crowe, (D)-Browning, Blackfeet Rep. Sidney Chip Fitzpatrick, (D)-Crow Agency, Crow Rep. Shelly Fyant, (D)-Arlee, Salish Rep. Donavon Hawk, (D)-Butte, Lakota and Crow Rep. Jade Sooktis, (D)-Lame Deer, Northern Cheyenne With a healthy list of priorities, Montanas American Indian Caucus hopes to accomplish its goals while facing a Republican super-majority. ICT logo MTFP logo Shared This story is co-published by Montana Free Press and ICT, a news partnership that covers the Montana American Indian Caucus during the states 2025 legislative session Jan. 23Montana lawmakers are at odds with President Donald Trump's move to temporarily spare the popular Chinese-owned social media app TikTok, which the state banned in 2023. Though an early opponent of the video-based platform, Trump reversed course ahead of the 2024 election. In one of his first executive orders back in the White House this week, he directed the Department of Justice to delay enforcing a law that required TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell the app or see it banned in the U.S. "Because I got to use it," Trump told reporters asking him what led to the change of heart on Monday. The president has an estimated 14.7 million followers on the social media platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP-controlled House of Representatives passed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell the app or face a ban in March with the Democratic-led Senate following suit in April. President Joe Biden subsequently signed it into law, which was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this month. The high court's ruling drew applause at the time from Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte and Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen. "The U.S. Supreme Court did right by the American people by upholding the law requiring TikTok to divest from ByteDance and the Chinese Communist Party," Gianforte said in a statement. "China has used TikTok to spy on Americans, violate their privacy, and collect their personal, private and sensitive information." In a similar statement released after the ruling, Knudsen said the app should be banned, in compliance with the law, going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's no First Amendment right for foreign adversaries to spy on Americans," Knudsen said. "TikTok poses a serious national security threat." TikTok cut off access to U.S. users over the weekend as the ban was poised to go into effect but restored it by Sunday. The company thanked Trump for pledging to give it respite upon his return to the Oval Office. Knudsen expressed disappointment in TikTok's restoration, saying, "We know the Chinese Communist Party is using TikTok to steal data and spy on Americans. It should be banned as Congress intended and the Supreme Court affirmed." The attorney general pledged to take action to uphold the law. Spokesperson Emilee Cantrell said Wednesday that Knudsen is monitoring efforts to see TikTok comply with the federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If anyone can reach an acceptable deal to keep TikTok operational in the United States while protecting the safety and security of Americans, it is President Trump," Cantrell said. Knudsen will continue to defend Montana's TikTok ban, which was on hold while the case around the federal ban worked through the court system, Cantrell said. A federal judge blocked the state ban from going into effect in 2023. Gianforte's office did not respond to requests for comment on whether he remained a supporter of the state's ban.* U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, a Republican who voted for the federal ban, said the federal government should hold its ground on the law. He worried that China's communist government can use the app to manipulate Americans, particularly young Americans, all the while harvesting their data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You cannot have a communist government with unlimited access to our data and the minds of young people in our country, it's a national security risk," he said in an email to the Daily Inter Lake. Zinke noted that Trump initially sought the app's ban during his first term in the White House. "President Trump was the one who originally called for its ban in 2020 and although he has brought it back for a time, I still think the ownership has to be separated from a hostile government," Zinke said. U.S. Sen. Steve Daines' office echoed Zinke's remarks in an email over the weekend. The Republican considers TikTok a national security threat and warns that its users are risking their privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Daines voted to ban TikTok unless ByteDance divests, and with the Supreme Court's ruling, any business that supports TikTok's operations is breaking the law and could be found liable in court," wrote Daines spokesperson Rachel Dumke. Newly elected U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy and U.S. Rep. Troy Downing, both Republicans, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. *After the Daily Inter Lake went to press, Gianforte's spokesperson Kaitlin Price said that the governor remains a supporter of the state's TikTok ban. The nonprofit World Monuments Fund (WMF) has announced its 2025 World Monuments Watch list, a list of cultural heritage sites it deems most at risk of disappearing due to threats like war, climate change, natural disasters, and tourism. The list, released once every two years, brings to the forefront these at-risk buildings and sites in an effort to mobilize local and international support for their preservation. WMF has already secured $2 million towards these new projects. Among the 25 sites on the watch list this year, the lineup includes two breathtaking grottos in China; rock-cut cave temples that are feeling the impact of mass tourism; a modernist cinema that embodies the cultural and political history of 20th-century Angola; and a millennium-old earthen Nigerian chiefs house that just might be the key to creating a more sustainable future for its local communities. While all of these buildings and sites are to be expected to make this list, theres one addition this year that felt very out of this world: the moon. As a new era of space exploration dawns, international collaboration is required to protect the physical remnants of early moon landings and preserve these enduring symbols of collective human achievement, WMF writes in a statement . WMF seeks to increase awareness and protection of lunar heritage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read on for the full list of world sites from 2025s World Monuments Watch. Monasteries of the Drino Valley, Albania Photo courtesy Wandrille Potez / World Monuments Fund After religious institutions were outlawed by Albanias communist government in 1967, the Drino Valley monasteries , once vital to Albanias social fabric, were abandoned. Broader social and economic shifts in Albania have further compounded the challenges monasteries, which have fallen into significant disrepair, face. Rural depopulation leaves surrounding villages in need of human and financial resources needed to care for sites like this network of Orthodox monasteries. If saved, it could be a model for sustainable tourism via preservation, WMF concludes . Cinema Studio Namibe, Angola Photo courtesy of Walter Fernandes / World Monuments Fund Construction for the Cinema Studio Namibe , located in the port city of Mocamedes (formerly Namibe), began in 1973. It was designed by Portuguese architect Jose Botelho Pereira and is a prime Angolan representation of tropical modernist architecture. The cinema was never fully completed due to the 1975 outbreak of the Angolan Civil War. Now, 50 years since construction was halted, the Cinema Studio Namibe lies in a state of gradual decay. Recent urban regeneration initiatives in Mocamedes have brought new attention to this beloved local landmark, which WMF hopes could become the cinema and (even recreational center) it was intended to be. Qhapaq Nan, Andean Road System, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru Photo courtesy of Jorge Lopez Orozco / World Monuments Fund The Qhapaq Nan , often called the Andean Road System, is an impressive pre-Hispanic network of ancient roads that once converged on the Inca capital of Cusco. The Incas played a large part in its creation, though it connects many ethnic groups across modern-day Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Today, the road network faces development pressure and environmental degradation, something WMF feels local and international advocacy could sustainably manage and restore. Buddhist Grottos of Maijishan and Yungang, China Courtesy World Monuments Fund Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grottos of Maijishan and Yungang are among the most celebrated examples of Buddhist grottos, carved into rugged cliffs in ancient China. Both grottos, designated as World Heritage sites, are feeling the impact of mass tourism. The influx of overcrowding visitors accelerates the deterioration of the artwork and infrastructure. Though Maijishan and Yungang present different challenges, both sites underscore the urgent need for new and innovative visitation management strategies, WMF states . Swahili Coast Heritage Sites, Comoros, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania Courtesy World Monuments Fund The Swahili coast which stretches from Kenya, Tanzania, and northern Mozambique while also encompassing the Comoros archipelagoreflects centuries of trade and cultural exchange that produced a distinct heritage of stone towns, merchant houses, and living traditions. Today, climate change experience through storm surges and coastal erosion threaten these sites. Revitalizing these age-old practices could help reinforce climate resilience and support the primary custodians of this heritage. Chapel of the Sorbonne, France Courtesy World Monuments Fund The Chapel of the Sorbonne in Pariss Latin Quarter is a jewel of French architecture, standing on the grounds of the theological college founded by Saint Louis in the 13th century. The chapel has suffered decades of conservation issues, including vandalism and desecration during the French Revolution. While restoration work has been undertaken to preserve the chapel, it has been closed for decades due to structural and conservation issues. In partnership with the City of Paris and The Chancellerie des Universites de Paris, WMF will work on the conservation issues as well as plans to reopen the chapel. Serifos Historic Mining Landscape, Greece Photo courtesy of Orestis Karamanlis / World Monuments Fund From the 1870s until 1965, this island in the Cyclades archipelago has been a leading mining center for Greece, thanks to its rich iron ore deposits. At one point, 37 islands once participated in mining activities, made possible by two major loading facilities created at the bays of Mega Livadi and Koutalas. The areas railway networks, administrative buildings, and workers housing bear witness to Greeces irreplaceable industrial past. Today, Serifos mining landscape lacks comprehensive legal safeguards and faces mounting pressure for new construction from tourism development. As this symbol of industrial heritage faces imminent collapse, WMF seeks to advocate for strengthened legal protection of the mining landscape and to secure resources for emergency stabilization of its most threatened elements, integrating it into tourism planning. Bhuj Historic Water Systems, India Courtesy World Monuments Fund Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamirsar Lake , located at the heart of the historic city of Bhuj in western India, is a lifeline in the arid landscape and the site of holiday festivities. It was built in the 16th century during the reign of Rao Khengarji and designed to sustain Bhujs earliest development. It has since become a robust network of stepwells, tanks, and canals that support the citys growth. Today, however, Bhuj faces a water crisis. Urban planning has increasingly centralized Bhujs water management, and its traditional systems were overshadowed by modern infrastructure that has struggled to meet the peoples needs amid rising drought. To address its water crisis, WMF posits that revitalizing this heritage technology could foster resource security. Musi River Historic Buildings, India NOAH SEELAM - Getty Images The historic Musi River in Hyderabad connects the city and anchors the riverscape as a shared space of urban life. However, it faces mounting challenges from pollution, driven by rapid growth and industrial expansion. Its poor ecological health is impacting the Musis everyday functions. WMF recommends preservation of several buildings along the Musi riverscape, including the Osmania General Hospital, that can be a shared public resource for generations to come. Noto Peninsula Heritage Sites, Japan Courtesy World Monuments Fund Located in the Hokuriku region on Japans western coast, the Noto Peninsula is renowned for its rustic beauty and rich cultural history. The Hokuriku region was struck by a magnitude-7.6 earthquake on January 1, 2024, an event that hit the Noto Peninsula the hardest, triggering a tsunami, fires, widespread soil liquefaction, and hundreds of aftershocks. It claimed 460 lives and damaged over 136,000 homes, as well as countless historic places. While efforts to recover the damage were made, devastation caused to landmarks threatens the collapse of local tourism. A series of community-driven preservation projects in this region can spur cultural, social, and economic recovery. Erdene Zuu Buddhist Monastery, Mongolia Courtesy World Monuments Fund Erdene Zuu Monastery , built in 1586, is one of the few Buddhist sites to survive Mongolias decades of anti-religious crackdowns. As the area around the temple confronts extreme weather and encroaching desertification, key structures are swiftly deteriorating and require intervention. Mongolia, however, suffers from a lack of mid-career professionals in conservation. The preservation of Erdene Zuu can offer a training ground for building expertise as interest in heritage conservation grows among younger generations. Jewish Heritage of Debdou, Morocco Courtesy World Monuments Fund Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The historic village of Debdou in Moroccos Atlas Mountains preserves the memory of a once-vibrant Jewish community that is no longer living. However, its remnants remain: two Jewish cemeteries, residential bildings, 12 synagogues, and a yeshiva (Jewish academy), mainly constructed of rammed earth, adobe, and stone, still stand. Its a testament to an inspiring tradition of multi-faith respect and coexistence. As wear and tear continues to pile up at its centuries-old buildings, they are more vulnerable to collapse without proper conservation interventions. The WMF calls for documentation and advocacy for the survival of this historic Jewish site. Chief Ogiamiens House, Nigeria Photo courtesy of Olatubosun Adeshina / World Monuments Fund Chief Ogiamiens House , built nearly a thousand years ago, is a rare survivor of traditional earthen architecture from the Benin Kingdom in what is now Nigeria. As critical maintenance skills are lost, this millennium-old earthen structure faces an uncertain future. WMF believes that the preservation of Chief Ogiamiens house presents a timely opportunity for its local communities to connect with their citys ancient past and preserve local building traditions. Gaza Historic Urban Fabric, Palestine Photo courtesy of Getty/Anadolu The Gaza Strip is a gateway between Asia and Africa, acting as a crossroads of cultures since Neolithic times. Amid the October 7, 2023 conflict, however, the landmarks along it have suffered unprecedented damage. As of March 2024, an estimated 63% of all heritage sites in Gaza had sustained damage, of which 31% had been completely destroyed. UNESCO has verified damage to 75 heritage sites in Gaza as of December 2024. This includes the Great Omari Mosque in Gaza City, one of Gazas most iconic landmarks, and Suq Al-Qaisariyya, a recently restored Mamluk-era market that served as Gaza Citys gold market since the late 20th century, among many others. The WMF calls for heritage reconstruction to help in post-conflict recover, emphasizing the need to prepare post-ceasefire recovery efforts that focus on restoring a sense of continuity for a community that has suffered immense loss. Waru Waru Agricultural Fields, Peru Courtesy World Monuments Fund Dating back to 1000 BCE, the Waru Waru Agricultural Fields on the Peruvian Altiplano are an ancient agricultural system that offer a unique pathway to food security amid a changing climate. They feature raised fields of Andean cropsincluding potatoes, quinoa, and canihuasurrounded by irrigation channels that form spectacular patterns. Climate change-induced droughts have forced many families to migrate to cities, leaving behind their Waru Waru fields and the traditions associated with them. As Indigenous insights into climate resilience gain increasing recognition worldwide, Waru Warus exemplify how practices that have endured millennia of change can help communities face an uncertain future. Terracotta Sculptures of Alcobaca Monastery, Portugal Courtesy World Monuments Fund Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate change threatens the terracotta sculptures of Portugals Monastery of Alcobaca , renowned for their baroque craftsmanship. Created by Cistercian monks in the 17th and 18th centuries, these sculptures display intricate detail but are fragile due to low-temperature firing and layered construction. Prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature fluctuations has led to significant deterioration. Conservation efforts must focus on scientific research and preventive measures while engaging local artisans to restore this craft. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Alcobaca can promote sustainable tourism, preserving the sculptures and revitalizing the regions artisanal ceramic traditions. Ruins of Old Belchite, Spain Courtesy World Monuments Fund The ruins of Belchite , a village destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, serve as a poignant reminder of the horrors of war. Located in Aragon, Spain, the villages once-prosperous architecturereflecting centuries of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish coexistencehas decayed after 80 years of neglect. Urgent conservation is needed to prevent further collapse of its historically significant structures. Preserving Belchite as a site of memory offers a vital opportunity for reflection on Spain's past and could boost local economic growth through sustainable tourism. The WMF seeks to conserve these ruins as a powerful symbol of peace and reconciliation. Water Reservoirs of the Tunis Medina, Tunisia Courtesy World Monuments Fund In drought-prone Tunisia, traditional water systems like underground cisterns, or majels, offer a sustainable solution to water scarcity. Once common in Tunis's medina, majels collected and stored rainwater, but they fell out of use with modern piping. Restoring these cisterns can ease pressure on municipal supplies and help build resilience to drought. Historic buildings like Dar Lasram offer opportunities to test conservation techniques for these systems, blending traditional and modern methods. The WMF aims to raise awareness and support the rehabilitation of majels, contributing to water security and preserving valuable heritage. Historic City of Antakya, Turkey Courtesy World Monuments Fund Antakya , formerly Antioch, has a rich history as a center of trade and cultural exchange, home to diverse religious communities. The devastating earthquakes of February 2023 severely impacted the city, causing significant loss of life and destroying numerous historic sites. Preservation efforts are urgently needed to address the damage and support the return of displaced residents. The WMF and local partners aim to promote recovery through safeguarding the citys historic fabric and renewing a sense of home. Kyiv Teachers House, Ukraine Courtesy World Monuments Fund Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Teachers House in Kyiv , once Ukraines parliamentary seat after its 1918 independence, was heavily damaged by a missile blast in 2022. This national icon, home to the Pedagogical Museum and exhibits on the Ukrainian Revolution, suffered significant damage to its windows and dome, leaving it largely unusable. As one of many cultural sites affected by the war, it highlights the destructive impact of conflict on heritage. The WMF supports restoration efforts to preserve the Teachers House as a symbol of resilience and Ukrainian identity during ongoing conflict. Belfast Assembly Rooms, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Photo courtesty of Joe Laverty / World Monuments Fund Belfasts historic Assembly Rooms , built in 1769, once central to civic life, now sit vacant. Local advocates, the Assembly Rooms Alliance, aim to transform this heritage-listed building into the Museum of the Troubles and Peace, fostering reflection on Northern Irelands complex history. The museum would explore Belfasts role during the Troubles, encouraging dialogue and understanding. However, significant challenges remain, including the building's private ownership and necessary conservation work. The WMF supports efforts to restore the Assembly Rooms, repurposing it as a cultural hub that promotes healing and reconciliation for the community and beyond. The Great Trading Path, United States Photo courtesy of Roderico Y. Diaz, Iximche Media / World Monuments Fund The Great Trading Path , a historic route of exchange for Indigenous communities in the American Southeast, remains a vital cultural link for their descendants, especially the Occaneechi People. This trail, once a key route for trade and connection, now faces threats from industrial development and insufficient recognition of its significance. Sacred to the Occaneechi for ceremonies and burials, the path's preservation is crucial for maintaining Indigenous ties to ancestral lands. The WMF supports efforts to commemorate the paths legacy, raise public awareness, and improve Indigenous participation in decision-making to protect this culturally significant site. Historic Lighthouses of Maine, United States Photo courtesy of Bob Trapani Jr / World Monuments Fund Maines historic lighthouses , including the Portland Head Light from 1791, face growing threats from climate change, particularly rising sea levels and storm surges. Once critical for trade and transportation, these lighthouses now serve as cultural icons and tourist attractions. With 66 historic light stations still standing, many have been repurposed for educational and economic uses. However, the Gulf of Maines rapid warming puts these structures at risk. The WMF, in partnership with Maine Preservation, aims to unite lighthouse stewards to develop climate adaptation strategies and raise awareness about the preservation of coastal heritage and communities. Barotse Floodplain Cultural Landscape, Zambia Courtesy World Monuments Fund Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Barotse Floodplain Cultural Landscape in Western Zambia is a unique area where the Lozi people have built their culture around seasonal river flooding since 1600 CE. The annual Kuomboka ritual, which involves the kings migration via a royal boat, is central to their traditions. However, erosion, siltation, and climate change, including rising temperatures, droughts, and flooding, are threatening this landscape and its infrastructure, such as canals and sacred sites. The WMF supports efforts by the Barotse Royal Establishment and Zambias Heritage Commission to adapt and restore this culturally significant landscape to preserve Lozi traditions. The Moon Courtesy World Monuments Fund As space exploration advances, the preservation of early Moon landing sites, like Tranquility Base, is crucial to protect humanitys collective achievements. The Apollo 11 mission and other historic lunar sites house over 100 artifacts, including Neil Armstrong's boot print, symbolizing extraordinary scientific and engineering feats. However, with growing commercial interest in the Moon, these sites are at risk of exploitation, looting, and damage. The WMF supports the efforts of the International Scientific Committee on Aerospace Heritage advocates, raising awareness to safeguard the Moon's cultural significance for future generations. You Might Also Like Editors note: The article was updated with a confirmation by the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and Ukraines Special Operations Forces (SOS) struck the Ryazan Oil Refinery and the Ryazan Thermal Power Plant in an overnight drone strike on Jan. 24, an SBU source told the Kyiv Independent. The attack was later confirmed by the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news comes as Russias Defense Ministry reported intercepting 121 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 37 in Bryansk Oblast, 20 in Ryazan Oblast, and 17 in the Kursk and Saratov oblasts each. The refinery, one of Russias largest, has the capacity of 17 million metric tons of oil per year. At least three oil depots and a workshop were set ablaze, according to the source. 0:00 / 1 The statement confirms earlier reports in Russian Telegram channels that the Ryazan Oil Refinery caught fire after a drone attack. "SBU and SOS drones also targeted an oil pumping station at the Ryazan Thermal Power Plant," the source said, without revealing details on possible consequences. Local residents reported more than 50 explosions, according to the source. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryazan lies roughly 500 kilometers (310 miles) north of Ukraines border. Drones also attacked the Kremniy EL microelectronics plant in Russia's Bryansk and other facilities in the city, the independent Telegram news channel Astra reported, citing Russian Emergencies Ministry sources. It is not immediately clear whether the plant, which produces components for the Russian military, suffered significant damage in the attack. The drone strike also damaged windows and the facade of a building of the Investigative Committee, and the Institute of Management and Business caught fire, according to Astra. Andrii Kovalenko, the counter-disinformation chief at Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, also reported on the attack against the Kremniy plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facility has suspended operations after sustaining hits, Kovalenko claimed, saying that the plant produces microelectronics for Russian air defenses, Iskander missiles, electronic warfare equipment, and drones. Read also: What leverage does Trump have over Putin in peace negotiations? Quite a lot, experts say This is the third time the plant was hit during the full-scale war, Kovalenko said. The city of Bryansk lies around 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Russias border with Ukraine. The General Staff also confirmed the attack against the Kremniy plant, without revealing details on possible damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kyiv Independent could not verify all the claims. Recent weeks saw Ukraine again intensify long-range strikes against military and industrial facilities in Russias rear in an effort to undermine Moscows ability to wage war. 0:00 / 1 Read also: Investigation: How Russia profits from arms exports to Saudi Arabia despite sanctions Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Three teens were arrested Friday in unrelated school threat cases, the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) reported. One arrest was that of a 13-year-old Haynes Middle School student, who allegedly posted an Instagram story threatening to shoot up multiple area schools. That student, the MNPD added, had a history of making threats. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 14-year-old H.G. Hill Middle School student was found to have sent a photo of a gun to another student, the MNPD said. Several other students came forward to school staff, saying he made threats that he was planning to shoot up the school. The final arrest was that of a 13-year-old 7th grader at Valor Flagship Academy, who made threats against Valor, Thurgood Marshall Middle School and John F. Kennedy Middle School. The MNPD added he admitted to making the threats to scare other students in his class. All three students have been charged in Juvenile Court with making a threat of mass violence. Additionally, the 13-year-old Haynes Middle School student was charged with making a false report. Antioch High School Shooting | Continuing Coverage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These arrests come one day after three other Nashville students including two 12-year-olds were arrested for separate, unrelated threat cases and two days after a deadly shooting at Antioch High School. Threats against schools and institutions are taken very seriously by the MNPD, police added in a press release. Those responsible, once identified, will be prosecuted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 number of people traveling from Colorado Springs Airport reached sky-high levels in 2024 the most in 25 years and eclipsing 2023 figures by 5%. "It's no secret that the airport had a strong year last year, and we continue to exceed our enplanement numbers," Greg Phillips said in a news release this week, the city's aviation director who on Thursday announced his impending retirement on Feb. 7. Data released by airport officials show Colorado Springs Airport experienced a 3.7% drop in enplanements passengers who boarded flights to travel to other destinations in December from a year before, but overall saw a 25-year high for boardings. Enplanements in 2024 totaled 1,239,094, surpassing 1,179,108 recorded in 2023. The 2023 number was the highest since 1,204,112 enplanements recorded in 1999. There were 102,621 passengers enplaned at Colorado Springs Airport in December, compared with 106,474 in December 2023, airport data show. Colorado Springs' continued growth and other airport initiatives contributed to the spike in total enplanements last year, spokeswoman Aidan Ryan said. "It really reflects a strong and growing demand for air travel within our region. As Colorado Springs grows, then we (the airport) ... ultimately pick up a lot of that growth," she said. This is evident in the increasing number of diverse and expanded route networks offered at the Colorado Springs Airport, she said. In 2023, the airport announced its first international route to Cancun, Mexico, will begin running this summer; in February, Las Vegas-based low fare carrier Allegiant Air will resume service at the municipal airport after a more than six-year absence; and other airlines recently announced additional services to major cities like Chicago and Salt Lake City. "This will provide people options in our market to travel through Colorado Springs versus through Denver," Ryan said. Sign up for free: Gazette Business Receive a weekly roundup of business news around El Paso County. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Featured Local Savings Allegiant's return to Colorado Springs, in particular, is expected to boost enplanement numbers in 2025 by allowing more people to travel thanks to the airline's low-cost model, Air Service Development Manager Jon Jager said. Ongoing infrastructure improvements namely the three-year, $36 million concourse modernization project called ElevateCOS are also among factors driving last year's 25-year-high enplanements, Ryan said. Construction on the eight-phase project began in fall 2023, but Colorado Springs Airport has continued to function as the work is ongoing. "People are excited to see it. Even though our airport has always been clean, it's nice for a lot of our public ... to see it transform and come into the current century, whether it's technology, ADA-compliant facilities or new flooring. The ease and convenience of Colorado Springs Airport stays the same, even as we are growing," Ryan said. Jager expects the airport will see incremental growth in enplanement numbers this year. "We should get around 1.2 million enplanements for 2025. However, I'd love that to be much higher," Jager said. Airport officials constantly work with airlines to try and open Colorado Springs to new destinations, which can bump up enplanement totals, he added. JOHNSTON, Iowa More vision screening is available at Johnston Community School District thanks to a Johnston Community School Foundation, Johnston Lions Club, and Advanced Eye Care PC grant. The Welch Allyn Vision Spot Screeners cost over $7,000 and the district purchased a second vision screener with the funds. Statehouse leadership discusses casino moratorium, immigration and property taxes The district nurses applied for the grant as the vision screeners can help quickly screen young childrens eyes for potential sight problems that families may not be aware of. Adding the second screener will help the nurses go through a larger number of students, more quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vision issues can lead to academic struggles for students if left unchecked. Metro news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Editors note: The Hills Morning Report is our daily newsletter that dives deep into Washingtons agenda. To subscribe, click here or fill out the box below. In todays issue: Trump embarks on first domestic travel of second term Hegseth weathers accusations in march to Pentagon Trump guts DEI programs Addressing Davos, Trump threatens tariffs President Trump spent a dizzying first week on offense, but this morning he is reminded that the courts and states, including California, where hell be today, are willing to test his agenda and his clout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just days after Trump used his executive authority to try to end birthright citizenship, a federal judge in Seattle temporarily blocked his efforts Thursday at the request of four Democratic-led states, including California. U.S. District Court Judge John Coughenour, appointed by former President Reagan, called the presidents order blatantly unconstitutional, adding, I have difficulty understanding how a member of the bar could state unequivocally that is a constitutional order. It boggles my mind. Trump told reporters, Obviously well appeal it. The president is set to be in the Golden State today to survey wildfire damage near Los Angeles. Trump also is complaining that Californias Democratic leaders and former President Biden have been incompetent in handling natural disasters and immigration policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump says he may withhold federal funds for fire-ravaged California, adding Wednesday that hes mulling possible changes at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Homeland Security Department. Trump and some Republican lawmakers want to attach strings to any federal recovery assistance shared with California. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), a Trump critic, has been accused by the president of mismanaging his states water supply, environmental rules, anti-wildfire forestry practices and border security. Newsom invited Trump to visit the disaster region. The governor said Thursday hed had no contact from the White House but planned to greet the presidents arrival on the tarmac. The Hill: Trump faces a pivotal moment with his California trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Guardian: Explainer: Trump revives California water wars as experts warn of turmoil. Democratic attorneys general from 22 states and two cities, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., this week sued Trump over his executive attempt to reinterpret the Constitutions 14th Amendment. Trump faces a handful of individual lawsuits over his order questioning whether children born in this country to parents without legal status are U.S. citizens. Here is what the amendment says: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. Its the first major legal battle of Trumps second term, and opponents of key executive actions this week predict there will be even more court challenges ahead. That bet appears to be part of conservatives playbook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and his allies are eager to kick immigration challenges up to the Supreme Court, where they believe a majority of conservative justices would uphold a reinterpretation of the Framers intent when it comes to citizenship. Amending the 14th Amendment legislatively in the current narrowly divided Congress is seen as a near impossibility. It would require two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate and ratification by three-fourths of the states. We appreciate and wanted the challenges to this so we can get it into the Supreme Court of the United States, Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas) told reporters Thursday while unveiling a House GOP measure that would restrict birthright citizenship. This thing could take up to three years before it winds up on the high court. Lets see how they [rule]. The Hill: FEMA tensions pose an early test for Homeland Security nominee Kristi Noem, governor of South Dakota. Shes on track to be confirmed as early as next week to lead the massive department. The Hill: Trumps plans to militarize the southern border take shape. SMART TAKE with NewsNations BLAKE BURMAN We are hearing President Trump and congressional Republicans simultaneously float major changes to FEMA and potentially attaching stipulations for federal aid to California in the wake of the disastrous fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) told me that what we shouldnt be doing is putting the taxpayers on the hook for negligence, and California has been negligent on managing their forests. What if stipulations are added? Would California try to challenge that, and could it? Putting any conditions on aid to a state thats suffering from a natural disaster would be a great mistake, California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) told me. We will, of course, as always, assess all of our different options based on the facts and the actions that are taken, Bonta added. Trumps first domestic trip is to assess emergency disasters he inherited on opposite coasts. How they are handled could set (or reset) how the country responds to many types of disasters going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burman hosts The Hill weeknights, 6p/5c on NewsNation. The Hill & NewsNation are owned by Nexstar Media Group. 3 THINGS TO KNOW TODAY Purdue Pharma, Sackler family members who own the company and lawyers representing state and local governments and thousands of victims of the addictive prescription painkiller OxyContin announced a new settlement of $7.4 billion Thursday. In a surprise, U.S. colleges experienced a surge of 4.5 percent in enrollment last fall, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Interesting stat: A rise of 5.5 percent in the 2024 freshman incoming class came primarily from older first-year students. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday announced the Oscar nominations ahead of the March 2 awards program. LEADING THE DAY CABINET APPOINTMENTS: Pete Hegseth, Trumps nominee to head the Pentagon, cleared a big hurdle Thursday when Republicans voted to advance him on the Senate floor on a largely party-line vote. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Susan Collins (Maine) were the only Senate Republicans to vote against him after Democrats accused the nominee of being unfit and unqualified for the job. The 51-49 vote to end debate on Hegseths nomination sets the stage for a final confirmation vote today, when he is expected to secure the majority support he needs to join Trumps Cabinet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has touted Hegseth as someone who would bring a fresh perspective to the leadership of the Pentagon, writes The Hills Alexander Bolton. Democrats, however, panned Hegseth as completely unqualified and unfit to lead the nations armed forces given his lack of managerial experience and multiple allegations of misbehavior. Murkowski, who joined Democrats in voting against Hegseth on Thursday, said in a statement that managing the Pentagon requires vast experience and expertise and that Hegseths prior career roles do not demonstrate to me that he is prepared for such immense responsibility. While the allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking do nothing to quiet my concerns, the past behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity on multiple occasions, demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces, Murkowski said. These behaviors starkly contrast the values and discipline expected of servicemembers. The Senate on Thursday confirmed John Ratcliffe to lead the Central Intelligence Agency in an overwhelming bipartisan vote, 74-25. Twenty-one members who caucus with Democrats voted with every present Republican. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) did not vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ratcliffe was largely able to assuage a number of Democrats on multiple fronts, with members voting aye viewing him as a serious nominee due to his stint as director of national intelligence and his national security background. During his confirmation hearing, Ratcliffe told Democrats he would keep the CIA apolitical and would not fire any agency employees on the basis of political leanings or opposition to the president. DEBT AND BUDGET: GOP leaders face tough choices to make as they face a looming debt ceiling and demands from Trump to not allow Democrats to use the borrowing limit as a leverage point, writes The Hills Emily Brooks. All the while, theyre juggling demands from fiscal hawks in their own party who could make any party-line debt limit bump impossible. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) said Tuesday after a meeting with Trump that Republicans have not yet decided whether to raise the debt limit in reconciliation, or try to pass it with the help of Democrats by attaching it to some other must-pass measure. We havent made a final decision on the debt ceiling, Scalise said. Obviously, youre looking at government funding as well, and theres possibly an avenue where we would have the debt ceiling in the government funding bill. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Thursday that he wants to finalize the plans for a blueprint for the GOPs party-line reconciliation bill at a House Republican retreat in Florida next week where Trump is scheduled to make an appearance. Johnson said the House Budget Committee, which handles writing instructions on the bill, is set to meet the week following the retreat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times: Trump wants a massive tax cut and immigration crackdown bill. Now Republicans must decide what to cut to help pay for it. The Hill: A Tennessee Republican proposed an amendment to the Constitution to allow Trump to serve a third term. Axios: On the eve of the March for Life rally, Trump signed pardons for 23 anti-abortion protesters convicted of illegally blockading a reproductive health clinic in Washington, D.C. Trumps blanket pardons for roughly 1,500 Jan. 6, 2021, rioters shook Washington, with many surprised that the president issued a sweeping reprieve rather than assessing the rioters on a case-by-case basis, which many of the presidents allies, including Vice President Vance, suggested he would do. Many House GOP lawmakers nonetheless defended Trump this week. But a growing number of Republicans in the lower chamber are criticizing the move, wishing that Trump excluded the violent protesters from the pardons. They claim that it is an insult to the police officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6 and argue that such a move contrasts with the GOPs core principle of being a champion for law enforcement. [I] dont agree with the pardoning of people that committed violence or even damage to property, said Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.). If you climbed in through a window, I think probably you knew what you were doing was against the law, and I dont think it was appropriate to pardon them. WHERE AND WHEN The House convenes at 9 a.m. The Senate meets at 10 a.m. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) are scheduled to address a March for Life rally in Washington at 1 p.m. The president will travel this morning to Asheville, N.C., arrive in Los Angeles this afternoon and remain tonight in Las Vegas. He will survey recovery progress in North Carolina in the aftermath of Septembers Hurricane Helene, inspect ongoing wildfire destruction in California and travel to Nevada in the evening. He will make remarks in Las Vegas on Saturday morning before traveling to Miami to participate in a retreat held by House Republicans at Trump National Doral resort. Vice President Vance will address this afternoons March for Life rally. It will be his first public appearance since being sworn in. The Smithsonians National Zoo in Washington will put giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao on public display beginning today. Information about entry is HERE. ZOOM IN TRUMP VS. DEI: Trump is taking full aim at diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, apparently making the calculation that the peak for such initiatives has passed and that they are viewed with growing skepticism by the public. There is little doubt the Trump base is opposed to DEI, given his voters are customarily set against anything that has a whiff of cultural liberalism or wokeness. But, as The Hills Niall Stanage writes in The Memo, there is a bigger question about whether the extent of Trumps push against such measures will draw any kind of pushback. In the first days of his second term, Trump moved to eviscerate the remnants of affirmative action, swiftly upending decades of policy. Experts say his actions will likely touch every aspect of American life. On Monday, Trump issued an executive order terminating illegal DEI and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government, under whatever name they appear. A second executive order issued Tuesday revokes numerous executive actions from past administrations. One issued by former President Clinton required federal agencies to address environmental justice for low-income and minority populations. And an order signed in 1965 by President Johnson required government contractors to adopt nondiscriminatory practices in hiring and employment. Federal workers in DEI positions were told Wednesday that they would be forced to take paid leave. By Jan. 31, federal agencies must submit a written plan to dismiss those employees. A woman of color who is a federal worker told NBC News she had been preparing well before Election Day to lose her job. When you decide to become a civil employee, your goal is to really help the American people. And anyone whos in this line of work knows that the goal is to always help all people, she said. Its disheartening that weve become pawns in this grapple for control. But, again, this is what the American people voted for. Axios: Trumps order mandates that federal agencies identify companies, foundations and schools that have diversity programs, and target them for civil enforcement actions. The result: telling corporate America that DEI efforts now stand on shaky legal ground. Reuters: Explainer: Trump says corporate diversity efforts are illegal but are they? The New York Times: Civil rights lawyers believe that the DEI programs that are most legally vulnerable are those that give employment benefits to specific groups on the basis of their race. ELSEWHERE DAVOS: Trump on Thursday addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, by video. In his address, he criticized the Biden administration as an inept group of people, drawing gasps from the audience. He was dismissive of initiatives on diversity and climate change, and took aim at the European Union, saying it had treated the United States very unfairly, very badly in trade matters. Trump also made clear he intends to follow through on his America First campaign promises, spurning allies in the process if necessary My message to every business in the world is very simple: Come make your product in America and we will give you among the lowest taxes of any nation on Earth, Trump said. But if you dont make your product in America, which is your prerogative, then, very simply, you will have to pay a tariff. WAR IN UKRAINE: Trump said Thursday he would like to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to push for the end of the war in Ukraine. I really would like to meet with President Putin soon and get that war ended, he said in virtual remarks to the World Economic Forum. When asked by the panel if there would be a peace deal by this time next year, the president said, Youre going to have to ask Russia. Ukraine is ready to make a deal. He has called for a ceasefire in Ukraine for months, urging both sides to negotiate. Trump said he doesnt think the war needs to end from an economic standpoint, but because of the ongoing casualties. Both sides have sustained heavy losses. Trump on Wednesday threatened to impose tariffs and sanctions on Russia if there is no deal to stop the fighting. In Moscow, Trumps threats have been met with what essentially amounts to a shrug. We dont see anything new here, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Thursday. NBC News: Trump suggested in a Fox News interview that Ukraine shouldnt have fought back against Russia. The New York Times: Russia has lost about twice as many soldiers to death and serious injury as Ukraine. But the trends favor the Kremlin. SAUDI INVESTMENT: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Trump on Wednesday that he plans to invest $600 billion or more in the United States over the next four years. The pledge came days after Trump suggested that he could be willing to visit the kingdom for his first official trip abroad in return for substantial investments. Ill be asking the Crown Prince, whos a fantastic guy, to round [the investment] out to around 1 trillion, Trump said Thursday. Trumps first trip abroad in his first term was to Saudi Arabia, and throughout those four years, he prioritized Saudi Arabia in his foreign policy mission, vetoing efforts by Congress to halt arms sales to the country. Trump also said he will ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to bring down oil prices. You got to bring it down, which, frankly, Im surprised they didnt do before the election, he said. That didnt show a lot of love by them not doing it. I was a little surprised by that. The Hill: Secretary of State Marco Rubio is preparing to travel to Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and other Central American and Caribbean nations in the coming weeks. The New York Times: American security contractors have been enlisted to help handle the return of displaced Palestinians to Gaza devastated north, the next step in the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The Washington Post: Thousands of aid trucks have entered Gaza now that the fighting has stopped. But organized gangs have fired on convoys, leading to pitched battles with Hamas. OPINION The real reason Trump wants to end birthright citizenship, by Eugene Robinson, columnist, The Washington Post. President Trump and the civil service: Day 1 (analysis), by Nick Bednar, Lawfare. Judicial review may invite sympathetic judges to reshape the Constitution in a way that expands Trumps control over the federal workforce. What Californias response to Trumps threatened mass deportations is missing, by Cyn Yamashiro, opinion contributor, Los Angeles Times. THE CLOSER And finally Bravo to this weeks Morning Report Quiz winners who knew or guessed when we asked about naming in the news. Here are the triumphant puzzlers who went 4/4: Chuck Schoenenberger, Jenessa Wagner, Mark Roeddiger, Mark Williamson, Brian Hogan, Lou Tisler, Pam Manges, Peter Sprofera, Stan Wasser, Jess Elger, Rick Schmidtke, Don Swanson, Carmine Petracca, Richard E. Baznik, John Trombetti, Carmine Petracca, Savannah Petracca, William D. Moore, Steve James, Paul Quillen, Linda L. Field and Robert Bradley. They knew that California wildfires receive names such as Nuns, Lilac and Friars from fire officials first on the scene, who quickly identify blazes based on nearby locations, such as roads or streets. The gargantuan Gulf of Mexico is to receive a U.S. name change, based on a presidential order this week. UGG recently won a legal battle with an Australian company involving the popular brand name. A new independent company of cable networks drawn from Comcasts NBCUniversal is now called SpinCo. Stay Engaged We want to hear from you! Email: Alexis Simendinger (asimendinger@thehill.com) and Kristina Karisch (kkarisch@thehill.com). Follow us on social media platform X (@asimendinger and @kristinakarisch) and suggest this newsletter to friends! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 renovated House Chambers in the West Virginia Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., in Dec. 2023. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography) Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Thursday appointed a Republican gun rights activist to fill the House seat that was briefly held by Joseph de Soto, who was arrested last month for making terroristic threats against fellow members of the state House of Delegates. Ian Masters, an attorney from Berkeley County who also serves as the president of the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, will fill the seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ians experience leading the WVCDL makes him exceptionally prepared to step in and represent the people of the 91st District. Im confident hell bring experienced conservative leadership and be an effective legislator for southern Berkeley County, Morrisey said in a news release Thursday. Masters appointment to the seat, however, is not without controversy. The seat hes filling was vacated via a House Resolution passed earlier this month by Republicans, who opted not to expel de Soto for the death threats he made against members. De Soto was arrested in December for those threats. He is currently serving home confinement in Berkeley County and there are protective orders in place that prohibit him from talking with several members of the House who he threatened. On Jan. 8 nearly a month after he was arrested de Soto did not arrive at the House to take the oath of office and, due to his home confinement and the protective orders standing, he is not reasonably expected to do so at any point in the future, according to the resolution passed that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement De Soto was elected in November as a Republican but switched to the Democratic party hours before his arrest. The change had led Democrats to believe they should get to fill the vacant seat if he didnt serve. The resolution that vacated the seat, however, ordered the Republican Executive Committee of Berkeley County to provide a shortlist of candidates to Morrisey for appointment to the seat. A week after that resolution passed, the West Virginia Democratic Party sent a petition to the state Supreme Court asking it to determine if House Republicans, who hold a supermajority, followed the states laws and constitution in filling the seat. The Democrats argued that elected delegates in prior sessions who were unable to attend their oaths of office on the sessions first day did not have their seats declared vacant. And, they continued, several other members were absent for this years swearing in ceremony, including Del. Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh, who did not attend after 911 tapes leaked about him drunkenly handling assault rifles and allegedly terrifying his family at home. None of those members had their seats vacated, the Democrats wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the legitimacy of vacating the seat aside, the state Democrats also argued that the resolution directly conflicted with a portion of state code stipulating that a vacancy in the House must be filled by an appointment from a list of three nominees submitted by the party executive committee of the same political party with which the person holding the office was affiliated at the time the vacancy occurred. Given de Sotos party switch, that would mean the seat would be filled by a Democrat. On Jan. 20, the Supreme Court released a scheduling order for the case and proceedings are still ongoing. House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, and Morrisey have until Monday to file a response to the Democrats petition, according to the schedule. Once those responses are filed, the court will issue a written decision on the case at a later date, which could potentially call Masters position into question. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MULBERRY, Fla. (WFLA) The death of a 29-year-old employee at the Mosaic plant in Polk County last year has led to multiple violations and over $30,000 in penalties being issued against the company. An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor found that the employees death could have been prevented had the company, Mosaic Fertilizer LLC, followed required safety standards, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said Thursday. Marine, wife charged in death of 2-year-old daughter at MacDill Air Force Base: DOJ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 29-year-old process operator, identified as Jameka Williams, was reportedly collecting a sample for analysis when she fell into an unguarded ribbon blender and suffered extensive, and ultimately deadly, injuries. The incident was reported in July 2024. An industrial ribbon blender is a device that mixes finished fertilizer with coating oil. Authorities said the Mosaic plant did not ensure that the rotating portions of the blender had the proper guarding in place or secured. In this case, the employer failed to protect workers as the law requires, said OSHA Area Director Danelle Jindra in Tampa, Florida. No employee should lose their life because an employer neglects basic safety measures. OSHA issued Mosaic two serious violations and proposed $30,649 in penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fertilizer companys location in Mulberry is its largest manufacturing plant in Florida, with nearly 600 employees. Mosaic also employs over 2,500 workers nationwide. According to OSHA, Mosaic has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHAs area director, or contest the findings. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Russia has said that it would like to see a quick resumption of disarmament talks with the United States. "Of course we are interested in this negotiation process starting as soon as possible," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the Russian news agency Interfax on Friday. He complained that many arms control treaties have been terminated in recent years, and that the United States was to blame in each case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nuclear disarmament is in the interest of the whole world and all peoples, Peskov said, adding that the ball is now in the US' court. He said any negotiations should also take the nuclear arsenals of France and the United Kingdom into account. However, he said nothing about the participation of China, a nuclear power and friend of Russia, in any future disarmament talks. In recent years, there have been changes to and withdrawals from several disarmament treaties. In 2019, the United States, during Donald Trump's first presidential term, withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which banned land-based short- and medium-range nuclear missiles. Washington justified the move by saying that Russia had developed a new land-based medium-range cruise missile system and was equipping its armed forces with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, the US, also under Trump, announced its withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty on international military observation flights. Russia then also announced its withdrawal in response. In 2022, Putin implemented Russia's withdrawal from the disarmament treaty on conventional forces in Europe (CFE Treaty) and suspended the last major nuclear disarmament treaty, New Start, with the US. The Kremlin once again made it clear that it was also interested in negotiations with Trump - who began his second term on January 20 - to end the war in Ukraine. By Olena Harmash and Andrew Osborn KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine said on Friday it had struck a Russian oil refinery and a microchip factory in a huge drone attack that caused fires at the refinery's production facilities and an oil pumping station. Russia said hours earlier that its forces had repelled an overnight drone attack, but four industry sources confirmed to Reuters that one of Russia's oldest refineries had been struck in the city of Ryazan southeast of Moscow overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack set ablaze oil storage at the refinery and damaged equipment including a railway loading rack and a hydrotreater unit used to remove impurities from refined products, the sources said. Video footage posted on social media showed smoke and flames engulfing an oil refinery in Ryazan, and people apparently running for safety in panic. Reuters was able to verify the location of the video footage but not when it was shot. If confirmed, the overnight strikes underline Ukraine's ability to hit targets deep inside Russia as the two sides try to strengthen their positions before any peace talks get under way following Donald Trump's return to the White House. The U.S. president has said he intends to bring a swift end to nearly three years of war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday he was open to discussions with Trump on the Ukraine war, but that the question of negotiating with Ukraine was complicated by the fact that its president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, had signed a decree preventing him from conducting talks with Putin. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he saw no objective signs that Ukraine or the West were ready for peace talks. "On the contrary, Western military supplies to the Ukrainian armed forces are continuing, ultimatums to Russia are being worked out, there is a (Ukrainian) legal ban on negotiations, and the issue of the legitimacy of the Ukrainian authorities is not being resolved," Lavrov said in remarks published on Friday. THIRTEEN RUSSIAN REGIONS TARGETED Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overnight drone attack appeared to be one of Kyiv's biggest of the war. Russia's Defence Ministry said 20 Ukrainian drones had targeted the Ryazan region in an assault that involved a total of 121 drones and targeted 13 regions, including Moscow. The Ukrainian military said on Facebook that fires had broken out at the damaged refinery's production facilities and at an oil pumping station but did not make clear how serious the damage was. Ukraine's military said it had also struck the Kremniy El microelectronics plant in Russia's Bryansk region, which Kyiv said produced components for Russian air defence missile systems, nuclear-capable missiles, and on-board electronics for combat aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's state TASS news agency cited a statement from the Kremniy plant as saying work at the factory had been suspended after a drone attack and that nobody had been hurt. The plant suffered damage to some of its production facilities and to a warehouse, and its power supply had been disrupted, TASS cited the statement as saying. Pavel Malkov, the Ryazan regional governor, said on Telegram that emergency services were tackling the aftermath. Russia's Defence Ministry made no mention of casualties or damage but said six drones had been destroyed over the Moscow region and one over the capital itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said drones had also been destroyed over the border regions of Bryansk and Belgorod and the Russian-annexed Crimean Peninsula. The Saratov, Rostov, Voronezh, Tula, Oryol, Lipetsk and the Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops hold a chunk of land despite Russian efforts to eject them, were also targeted. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said early on Friday that air defences had intercepted attacks by Ukrainian drones at four locations around the Russian capital. There was no word of any major damage or casualties. (Reporting by Reuters Moscow Buro and Ronald Popeski; Additional reporting by Olena Harmash in Kyiv Writing by Andrew Osborn in London and Ronald Popeski, Editing by Jamie Freed, Diane Craft, Gerry Doyle, Gareth Jones and Timothy Heritage) MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) A Mobile County boat ramp is set to reopen next week after being closed for renovations, according to officials. Weary travelers wait it out in Baldwin County The boat ramp is the Mount Vernon Public Boat Ramp. According to an Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources news release, the ramp located just east of Mount Vernon in South Alabama is set to be reopened on Jan. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reopening comes after the ramp was closed in August of 2024 for major renovations. Officials said the Mount Vernon Public Boat Ramp now has a two-lane launching slab and a 170-foot floating access pier. Mobile County Health Department, North Baldwin Utilities issue boil water notices as communities begin to thaw The reopening will happen after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m., according to the release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mr. Nobody Against Putin, which has its world premiere on Saturday in the World Cinema Documentary Competition section of the Sundance Film Festival, delivers an insiders view of the impact of Vladimir Putins war on Ukraine on the lives of Russias children. Variety spoke to the films director, David Borenstein, who worked alongside Pavel Pasha Talankin, the subject of the film and its co-director. The film has its European premiere at Goteborg Film Festival on Jan. 31. The trailer is shown below. The genesis for the project came when Pasha, a high-school teacher in a provincial town in Russia, responded to a request from a web content company for people to explain how the special military operation in Ukraine, as they call the invasion in Russia, had impacted their jobs. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pasha responded to it with a passionate, political diatribe, talking about how his job had been turned upside down, how hes been turned into a propagandist, and how his school, almost seemingly overnight, was turned into something that he didnt recognize anymore, Borenstein explains. The web content company declined to pursue the matter but by a twist of fate Pashas response ended up in the hands of Borenstein, who is based in Copenhagen, Denmark, but worked in China for many years. Pasha, who worked as his schools videographer, was able to film inside the school as it introduced various government mandated measures to amp up the patriotism of its students. Borenstein says it was extraordinarily difficult communicating with Pasha as he proceeded with the project as the consequences for him, if he were discovered, would have been brutal. Mr. Nobody Against Putin It was probably about as big of a communicative blindfold that you could have in a collaborative project, Borenstein says. We couldnt talk through any means of communication other than a super encrypted line, and in the beginning, we got a security consultant to create some ground rules, and some of these ground rules also considered whether his phone would be compromised. We couldnt be certain if, even on the encrypted line, we could speak openly, so were still speaking in code words and indirectly on this encrypted line. We had a lot of great conversations in the beginning, getting to know each other, but talking about the project was always a huge challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within such limitations, Borenstein did what he could to guide Pasha as the project progressed, but the personality of the Russian teacher was also a factor. Hes this wild, beautiful man that cannot really be guided when he picks up a camera, Borenstein says. Its usually because hes feeling very profound emotions, and its his way of dealing with it. He says it in the film that the psychology or the state that hes in living under this regime, its like walking on a tightrope. Sometimes he feels like hes just so guilty about being a propagandist that he just has to lash out and do something and picking up the camera was one way of doing that. Mr. Nobody Against Putin So often he picks up the camera because hes feeling really emotional, although other times it is because hes just kind of capturing daily life and joking around, but for Pasha it was really hard in the beginning. I thought maybe I can give him some direction, and he could benefit from my experience directing scenes. And quickly I found out thats not going to happen. I have to approach his footage on his terms, which actually ended up feeling way better, because there was so much quality to his footage, like I said, how the very act of filming were related to deep, deep emotions and psychological pressures that could be explored through the use of voiceover, the extent to which hes been just filming in that school for years, and people are so used to him that way. He just walks down the halls and just shooting shit with people. That footage captures this flux of daily life in the institution that was really something remarkable. I was in the edit room watching it. It was just such a natural and fluid way of entering that school that when looking at the footage over several years, it really revealed the extent of that slow creep of fascism and militarization in the school in a way that would be difficult to capture any other way. So, for me, the collaboration was about accepting him for who he is, and loving that and then figuring out how I could work with that. It was about saying, this is the collaboration, its this: Im a filmmaker in Denmark; he is a teacher and videographer at [a high school in the Ural Mountains]. We are making a film together. That was the framework, and then the film was just answers to the thousands of challenges that were presented as a result of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A number of themes emerge during the film, but these were not evident as Pasha was filming. Pretty much everything was discovered in the edit, because he films not in a very focused way. He didnt film characters, really. He filmed everybody. And so, its not like he said, Oh, Ive been following Masha and Pavel. No, he just followed everybody. And so, reality had to be ordered in some way that made sense, and that occurred through the edit. So, Im finding characters, Im looking at different themes in the propaganda. Im looking at patterns in how the school was changing over those years. Im looking at how the vibe and how the emotions of the students and the people around him were transforming in the wake of what was happening. And it was a very, very slow and difficult process, because it wasnt just hundreds of hours of footage, it was more than that. There are certain key relationships portrayed in the film, the most obvious being between Pasha and his mother. But there are others such as his relationship with Masha, a girl whose brother goes off to fight in the war, and a young man whos recruited. How did the director decide on those as being the key ones? I think it was because all of those characters had some moments that really affected me emotionally in the edit room, Borenstein says. Masha is a good example, the girl whose brother goes off to fight. I had kind of overlooked her footage for a long time until it reached its tragic end. I saw footage of her in the cemetery, and it really moved me, and it made me think about the war, and it made me think about the pain that Pasha and she must have felt, and I thought it was important. And then I looked back in this massive archive from years earlier, and after finding that footage, I found, oh, wow, like she was talking with Pasha right when her brother was drafted to join the army. So, it was kind of working backwards, actually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Borenstein tried not to present a stereotypical view of Russians as being threatening or unpleasant. Although theres one teacher who is very much pro-Putin, the rest of them are sympathetically portrayed. I took the act of collaborating with Pasha very seriously. So, for me, I wanted to order this. I was the director. I wrote it, but he was the co-director, and I wanted his perspective to be firmly and openly and honestly embedded in the way that the story was told. And that meant opening myself up to him and trying to really understand him, understand the way that he sees the school, the way that he sees Russia and I think that helped me avoid an overly black-and-white perspective of what was going on there, trying to understand the way he sees things. I really made sure that his perspective is evident his love for the town, his relationship with people, the way he sees the people there, because he grew up with them. He sees them as people. Making sure thats included has allowed us to make a film that Im pretty sure is something that the majority of Russians believe in and agree with. So I think what Im proud of in this film is the fact that Russians agree with it. Its hard to make an anti-regime film, as a foreigner, that people in the West say, Yeah, I agree, and then people in Russia arent rolling their eyes at. I dont think this is happening here. I think that it avoids a black-and-white representation of the Russian people. That was the goal, enlightening to people here, but also being a powerful rallying call to people in Russia, also because his perspective is so unique. Its not like hes a liberal intellectual from Moscow. Hes a teacher. Hes not calling for revolution. Hes not calling for democracy or elections. Hes just looking at the violence thats entering these schools and saying, Thats wrong, and making that perspective front and center in this film, I think, gave us a lot. One challenging aspect to the film was dealing with the issues of consent and privacy in terms of him having shot the footage of the children and then it being very difficult, if not impossible, to get their consent. In this, he had the support of the films broadcasting partners. Borenstein says: The first thing that we did on this project was doing a security review and getting the BBC involved. They were involved at the very beginning, and gave us a lot of guidance when it comes to informing people and getting consent for being in the film. We determined that telling people about this film was obviously a security issue for everybody involved. So, when we did it, we didnt do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measures were taken to protect those in the film. A big part of this, of course, is making sure that Pacha is the only one in this film that is standing against the regime. Theres a lot of care to make sure that were not showing anyone else as anything but law abiding citizens. The responsibility of this film and the kind of agency of this film is entirely on Pasha, who is now out of Russia. Borenstein hasnt seen any attempts by the Russian government to stop the film from being distributed or screened so far, but, Were going to keep our eyes open, he says. Were ready for it. Its a little bit early, but I have noticed that my personal website is like all views from Russia. Im just wondering whats going to happen, yeah, but lets see. Were ready for some reaction from Russia. The films producer is Helle Faber at Made in Copenhagen. International sales are handled by DR Sales and Cinetic Media is handling U.S. rights. The films co-producers were PINK, the Danish Film Institute, Czech Film Fund, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, FilmFyn, Fritt ord, Hermod Lannungs Fond, BBC Storyville, DR, ZDF, ARTE, NRK, SVT, RTS, DR Sales, VPRO, UPP and Edithouse Fyn. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. MSNBC host and political reporter Alex Wagner will launch a podcast focusing on President Trumps policies and the impact they are having on American voters as she steps away from the anchoring desk during his first 100 days. The limited weekly series, dubbed Trumpland, will contain anecdotes and reporting from across the country as part of a special assignment the network announced for Wagner earlier this month. MSNBC revealed plans to bring pundit Rachel Maddow back to a five-day-a-week hosting schedule during Trumps first 100 days, saying at the time Wagner would head into the field to cover the biggest stories as they develop in real-time during Trumps first 100 days in office, reporting on the impact of his early promises and policies on the electorate. MSNBC host and political reporter Alex Wagner will launch a podcast called Trumpland Thursdays until April. (Patrick Randak, MSNBC via Associated Press) Wagner was hired by MSNBC in 2022 to host a nightly show at 9 p.m. as Maddow announced plans to step away from her daily program to focus on other projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New episodes of Wagners Trumpland podcast will publish on Thursdays until April, at which point she is expected to retake full-time hosting duties from Maddow. Wagners foray into podcasting is part of a broader push in recent months by the network into audio, streaming and other non-linear platforms in the face of widespread cord cutting and changing news consumer habits. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Colorado Supreme Court announced on Monday that it will decide whether two grandparents are entitled to seek visitation of their grandchildren following their adoption by the other set of grandparents, and also how strictly to hold lawyers to the deadline for filing appeals. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) A Michigan State Police patrol vehicle responding to a crash on US-127 was involved in a separate crash, according to MSP. The incident happened at around 10:45 a.m. Thursday. An MSP Motor Carrier Officer was assisting with traffic control at a crash on southbound US-127 near Covert Rd in Leslie Township. The patrol vehicle was parked on the shoulder of the road with its lights on. Then, the driver of a white Chevrolet van attempted to change lanes but lost control, running off the road and crashing into the patrol vehicle. (MSP) (MSP) (MSP) (MSP) Traffic Tracker Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one was injured in the crash, but both vehicles were disabled, according to MSP. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Inauguration Day has come and gone, and so has the voting window for our first Student of the Week poll of 2025. You know what that means? Out of the four candidates submitted in our outstanding student president category a nod to this week's presidential inauguration, Mount Juliet High School's Maggie McGuire secured the most votes, making her this week's winner. McGuire, a current senior, has participated in student council since she was a sophomore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was a part of the team that helped to bring back a beloved pre-COVID tradition, the homecoming parade, school officials said. Aside from student council, she is involved in Key Club, Interact, and the Yearbook team, and throughout her educational career, she has taken seven honors classes and one AP class while maintaining a 4.0 weighted GPA. After graduation, she intends to double major in mathematics and mathematics education at Trevecca University. She hopes to become a high school math teacher and a small group leader at her church, her school said. Each week during the school year, The Tennessean asks Middle Tennessee high school principals, guidance counselors, teachers and staff to send us their best students for our Student of the Week feature. We then let you, the reader, decide who deserves the title by voting in our weekly poll. Next weeks edition will focus on the Future Business Leaders of America. Check Tennessean.com on Monday morning for a chance to vote in our poll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, read more about the other students who were nominated this week, based on the information sent from each of their schools: Monica William, LaVergne High School - The senior class delegate goes above and beyond to make sure other students feel involved and engaged in school activities. She always prioritizes school functions and volunteering. Monica is always committed to making LaVergne High School a fantastic place to be for her classmates. Avery Harbin, Montgomery Central High School The senior class president is an exceptional individual who consistently goes above and beyond to support her classmates. Avery has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and leadership in her 4 years, both in and outside of the classroom. Avery's commitment to her classmates and to the school community is both inspiring and impactful. Her ability to lead by example and to prioritize the success of the group over individual accolades makes them a deserving candidate for this recognition. Cade Deterding, Rossview High School The senior class president is an active and dedicated member of the Association of Student Government (ASG), while representing the entire student body. Throughout his leadership in ASG, Cade has played a pivotal role in helping the senior class raise over $10,000 to fund their prom at the end of the school year. Each year, Cade has continued to learn, reflect, and grow in his role, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to excellence. Additionally, he ensures that all voices are heard during meetings, fostering an inclusive environment where every class is represented. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Mt. Juliet's McGuire snags The Tennessean Student of the Week CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) All across the Lowcountry, residents are seeing the lingering snow that fell from a winter storm that moved through Tuesday night into Wednesday. So, how much snow did the Lowcountry see? Wintry precipitation began Tuesday evening around 7 p.m., falling as snow mixed with sleet along the coast. Inland regions like Berkeley and Dorchester counties saw thick snowfall. Forecasters at the National Weather Service office in North Charleston said 2.8 inches of snow accumulated over the two-day period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cross community saw the highest accumulation, at six inches, while the Knightsville area saw 4.5 inches. Areas like Moncks Corner, Hanahan, North Charleston, and Goose Creek felt the impacts of about four inches of snow. Sleet created from freezing rain falling just off the coast cut down on snowfall totals for areas like Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island, Folly Beach and Mount Pleasant. In the days since, temperatures have crested just over freezing, allowing some of that snow to melt, but freezing temperatures at night have caused the melted water to turn into ice along the roadways. Several roads remain closed across the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ice creates hazardous road conditions Thursday morning As for what to expect Thursday and beyond, roads will refreeze overnight Thursday, making travel hazardous once again. The Lowcountry will see a slow warming trend, with highs in the 40s on Friday and gradually rising to the 50s by Sunday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Snow is expected to fall along the Wasatch Front starting late Friday and continuing to early Saturday morning. Weve got a cold front headed in early tomorrow morning that should stall out over the Wasatch Front, according to KSL-TV meteorologist Matt Johnson. Accompanying this front will be a band of snow that will wobble between Salt Lake City and Nephi, highest totals likely to fall in Utah Valley. The band of snow will dissipate during the day Saturday. Sunday should be dry, but rain and snow will move southwest, potentially ending a more than 50-day dry streak in St. George on Monday, he said. How much snow will fall? Logan to Bountiful: 0-1 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salt Lake City to Nephi: trace-3 Logan mountains to Bountiful mountains: 1-3 Salt Lake City mountains to Nephi mountains: 4-8 Johnson said dry weather will resume next week and the next best chance for a storm is around Feb. 2. Will ski resorts in West get snow? A storm will work its way into the Rockies from the north this weekend and will stall over the Southwest through early next week, according to OpenSnow meteorologist Alan Smith. In the West, the main feature over the next week will be a cutoff low setting up over the Great Basin and Southwest. Snow totals during this stretch will be highest across Colorado, while the SoCal Mountains and the Southwest could see some respectable snowfall as well, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A cutoff low is a nearly stationary low-pressure or storm system that can bring consistent weather, usually with precipitation, for several days, according to OpenSnow. Ski areas in Colorado like Steamboat and Howelsen Hill could see about 10 of snow over the next five days, OpenSnow says. The five-day forecast for Utah ski resorts predicts 8 at Brighton and 7 at Alta, while Snowbird, Solitude, Deer Valley, Park City and Sundance could get 6 and Brian Head 4. Resorts in northern Utah are expected to receive little, if any, snow. Defendant Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff arrives at the Diana E. Murphy federal courthouse in Minneapolis on the 14th day of testimony in the Feeding Our Future trial Friday, May 17, 2024. Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer. Mukhtar Shariff, who was convicted of fraud and other crimes related to the theft of millions from a child nutrition program, changed his story at his sentencing Friday. Shariff was the first and only defendant to take the stand in his own defense in the first of the so-called Feeding Our Future trials last year, and he proclaimed his innocence of the charges that he stole millions of dollars intended for hungry children. He continued his claims of innocence in pre-sentencing motions to the judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, he was remorseful. I let down people who believed in me, he said in a tearful apology to the judge, to his children, to his wife, and to the community. My poor decision and actions contributed to the compromise of programs meant to help vulnerable people. For that, I am profoundly sorry. Shariff, who was free of a prison uniform and instead donned a tan suit with brown shoes, also acknowledged that his role in the Feeding Our Future scandal has damaged the reputation of the Somali-American community. To know that my actions may have tarnished that image and even fueled negative perceptions of that very community is a heavy burden to bear. But your honor, I carry it with me, because it is mine to bear, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel was mostly unmoved, saying Shariff showed staggering lack of respect for the law and this court. She derided Shariffs own testimony during the trial as not credible and noted that at trial he testified to exact opposite of what he said Friday. When the world was at its most vulnerable, you were not a helper, you were a thief, said Brasel. She sentenced him to more than 17 years in federal prison. The harsh sentence just shy of the prosecutions request for about 22 years is sure to send a message to the dozens of Feeding Our Future defendants awaiting trial: A guilty verdict could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. That in turn could compel them to plead guilty and cooperate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next month, four more go to trial, including Abdi Nur Salah, a former policy aide to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and Aimee Bock. Bock was the executive director of Feeding Our Future, the nonprofit at the center of the scheme. Prosecutors say that in exchange for a kickback, Feeding Our Future agreed to sponsor nonprofits, which would falsely claim to serve thousands of meals per day to hungry children during the pandemic. The nonprofits received millions from the state Department of Education, which administered the program for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but they spent very little of the money on food for children; instead, they spent the money on overseas trips and properties, cars and jewelry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of people have been charged, and 24 have pleaded guilty. Shariff is the second to be sentenced. Shariff was the CEO of Afrique, an East African community center, in Bloomington. During the trial, in which five defendants were found guilty of stealing $49 million of food aid, prosecutor Joe Thompson said Shariff took home $1.3 million in 2021 working for Afrique and as a consultant to other entities involved in the food program, and invested over $1 million into cryptocurrency for Afrique but in his own name. Thompson was blistering during his statement at sentencing. Their scheme involved fake meals, fake kids, fake invoices, fake companies but real money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Shariff) was up to his eyeballs in this fraud scheme, and he began fleecing the state as soon as he moved here. Thompson told Brasel that in 16 years as a prosecutor, even after helping prosecute domestic terrorists, hed never seen a case like this. Brasel said the case had damaged the image of Minnesota and peoples perceptions of government. The trial of seven defendants, which resulted in guilty verdicts for five of them, featured an attempted bribe of a juror thats led to two people pleading guilty and charges against three more. Although Shariff wasnt charged in the bribery scheme, prosecutors and Brasel asserted Friday that he was aware of it and sought to conceal any participation in it by deleting his Signal app when Thompson announced it to the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson noted that the bribery conspirators specifically targeted the only person of color on the jury. (They) played on racial solidarity. Despite his guilty verdict and significant sentence, Shariff had many supporters in the courtroom. Social media posts asked supporters to show up in solidarity, and more than 100 were in the courtroom and an overflow room. Many cried with Shariff. ALLENWOOD, Pa. (WHTM) Earlier today, Governor Shapiro announced that an Italian pasta manufacturer will be constructing its first-ever North American facility right here in the Keystone State. According to the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), Pennsylvania recently won a multi-state competition for new business from well-known pasta manufacturer, Il Pastaio. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Local Business Beat As a result, Il Pastaio will be constructing a 71,300-square-foot facility at the Great Stream Commons business park in Gregg Township, Union County. It will become the companys first manufacturing facility to open in North America. DCED says the project will inject more than $12.5 million into the local economy and create at least 74 new jobs. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Im competitive as hell, and from day one, Ive made clear that I want Pennsylvania to compete and win on a global scale. Having an Italian company like Il Pastaio recognize that Pennsylvania is the best place to do business proves were getting stuff done and delivering real results, Governor Shapiro said. Pennsylvania has a strong business climate, a strategic location, and thriving industries for companies ready to grow and succeed. This investment highlights the Commonwealths ability to attract global leaders in manufacturing, create good-paying jobs, and support our local communities and my Administration will continue aggressively competing for global business. The Commonwealths strong manufacturing and agriculture industries helped Pennsylvania beat out New York and New Jersey for this $12.5 million project that will construct a 71,300-square-foot manufacturing facility and create at least 74 jobs in Union County. The Commonwealths strong manufacturing and agriculture industries helped Pennsylvania beat out New York and New Jersey for this $12.5 million project that will construct a 71,300-square-foot manufacturing facility and create at least 74 jobs in Union County. The Commonwealths strong manufacturing and agriculture industries helped Pennsylvania beat out New York and New Jersey for this $12.5 million project that will construct a 71,300-square-foot manufacturing facility and create at least 74 jobs in Union County. It should be noted that Il Pastaio received a funding proposal from DCED which includes $111,000 through a WEDnetPA grant to train workers, and up to $72,000 in tax credits through the Manufacturing Tax Credit Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, since the facility will be constructed in a Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ), the company will receive significant tax savings on the project. The opening of this plant is certainly an important step for Il Pastaio, but it also materializes the idea of making our contribution to the integration of the best Italian traditions with the energy and the agro-food culture of the United States, Pierluigi Colombi, CEO, Il Pastaio said. We are excited to contribute to the growth of the sector, bringing our quality craftsmanship and passion for Italian cuisine to a new generation of consumers. This initiative is not only an investment in the future but also a testament to the authenticity of Made in Italy, which is destined to flourish in a land of great opportunity like the United States, a country with which we share a deep admiration and lasting friendship. According to DCED, Il Pastaio is a global leader in gnocchi production under its Il Pastaio and Pataro brands. The company was established in 1983 and currently operates three manufacturing locations in Italy. To date, Governor Shapiros administration has secured and announced more than $3 billion in private-sector investments to drive economic growth and create more opportunities for Pennsylvanians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. OKOBOJI, Iowa (KCAU) Fire and rescue officials in the Iowa Great Lakes area responded to two UTVs falling into the lakes Thursday night. According to a Facebook release from Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire and Rescue, they responded to two separate instances of ATVs going through the ice Thursday night. One incident occurred in the Pillsbury Point area and the second happen about an hour later on East Lake Okoboji. According to the release, the first call came in at around 5:49 p.m. The original call said three or four people were in the water but upon arrival. officials learned there were five total victims. Thankfully, all were able to self-rescue and return to shore. All five were checked by local ambulance crews before two of them were taken to a local hospital for further care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About an hour later at 6:48 p.m., crews received another report that an ATV had gone into the water and there were a couple of people who were in the water. When officials arrived they learned that a bystander named Kyle Peterson of Spirit Lake was able to help rescue the victims from the water by using his coat as a makeshift rope. The group were able to meet up with officials and the two victims were able to be evaluated before being taken to a local hospital for further treatment. Sioux City officials looking to improve 2 bridges This years ice conditions are very strange, we have good clear ice in some areas and little to no ice in others, Chief Christ Yungbluth said. The areas with seams and open water are not only around the normal places we see it occur but also in areas that we dont normally see open areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local bait shops are a good resource to learn more information about what areas of ice are and are not safe, officials said. Officials recommend carrying a PFD, rope, and ice picks with you if you plan on going onto the ice. Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire and Rescue encourages everyone to have a fun and safe Okoboji Winter Games weekend. You can view photos of the ice on the Iowa Great Lakes in photos provided by the Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire and Rescue below. Sky view of Iowa Great Lakes ice courtesy of Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire and Rescue West Lake Pillsbury Point photo courtesy Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire and Rescue East Lake Okoboji Open Water photo courtesy Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire and Rescue Another sky view photo of Iowa Great Lakes ice courtesy of Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire and Rescue North End of East Lake Okoboji courtesy Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire and Rescue Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Multnomah County is re-evaluating its severe weather shelter policy, nearly a year after a massive winter storm took lives and caused millions in damage. Despite the county sheltering a record-breaking 1,300 people during the January ice storms peak, the county faced criticism when staffing shortages led them to close shelters before the thaw, forcing vulnerable residents out onto the ice. During discussions on Thursday, county officials defended the decision to keep its nearly decade-long threshold of only opening shelters if temperatures drop below 25 degrees. However, Multnomah County Emergency Management Director Chris Voss said flexibility is in place, the team plans to increase staffing, and they are now considering more risk factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now we take an even more broader approach, like if the ice is on the ground, and its a half inch or an inch thick, it might just be something, its harder to sort of close some of those shelters, he said. That lesson was not lost on us. DONT MISS: Wilsons plan to end homelessness draws mixed reactions from leaders This year, the county aims to offer 1,400 beds, 100 more than in 2024, should the need arise in the event of severe winter weather. Officials say Cook Plaza and three leased sites are staffed with supplies, with security, transportation and food packages secured, and five trailers are on standby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outreach has also been mobilized and teams are on the ground offering warming supplies right now to those on the streets during this recent cold snap. However, Multnomah County chose not to open severe weather shelters this month when neighboring counties did. Realize the differences between just the number of shelter beds that are available in different counties on a regular ongoing basis, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said. Oregon sees highest level of sheltered homelessness on record, study shows On an ongoing basis, Clackamas County offers roughly 210 shelter beds, Washington County offers 430, while Multnomah County provides more than 3,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked by KOIN 6 News why the county shut down government offices last January without opening shelters, Voss explained, Its about roadway impacts, as opposed to Is it safe to be outside from a temperature and hypothermia impact. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WNCT) The Museum of the Albemarle is set to showcase an interesting new object starting February 1. A Revolutionary War era officers sword that was owned by Brigadier General William Skinner from Perquimans County. Skinner was a member of the General Assembly, Provincial Congress, North Carolina Senate, the 1788 constitutional convention and he was a judge for the Admiralty Court. Skinner served in the Revolutionary War at the Battle of Great Bridge in Virginia in 1775. The sword is a loan from the North Carolina Museum of History, Joshua J. Skinner collection and will be available to view in the museums main galley named Our Story until February 2028. 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 WNCT. A war of words between Elon Musk and Sam Altman escalated on social media Thursday, as two of the most powerful men in tech sparred over their rival artificial intelligence initiatives. The latest exchange began after OpenAI, where Altman is CEO, was revealed as a key player in Stargate, the AI infrastructure project President Donald Trump announced this week that is coming with a massive investment push. They dont actually have the money, Musk wrote in a long post on his social platform, X, about the new venture. It was not immediately clear whom Musk was initially referring to, but he soon followed up, naming SoftBank, Stargates main financial backer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SoftBank has well under $10B secured. I have that on good authority, he said, without elaborating. Neither Musk nor his electronic car company Tesla have publicized any formal links. Altman responded praising Musk I genuinely respect your accomplishments and think you are the most inspiring entrepreneur of our time, he wrote on X but he called his SoftBank claim wrong. I realize what is great for the country isnt always whats optimal for your companies, but in your new role i hope youll mostly put [America] first, he added, using an American flag emoji. In remarks to reporters Thursday, Trump weighed in on the dispute but gave no indication that Altman's or OpenAI's status on the project were threatened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without mentioning Altman by name, Trump mentioned Musk while referring to "one of the people he happens to hate." "But I have certain hatreds of people, too," he said. The spat has its roots in a pending lawsuit filed by Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, over control of the company; it was rekindled after Trumps announcement this week that OpenAI would be part of the $500 billion Stargate initiative designed to make the United States a world leader in AI. Late Wednesday and into Thursday, Musk continued to hammer Altman, repeatedly citing posts during Trumps 2016 presidential run in which Altman appeared to denounce Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 8:30 p.m., Altman posted that hed recently had a change of heart about the president: watching @potus more carefully recently has really changed my perspective on him (i wish i had done more of my own thinking he said in part. im not going to agree with him on everything, but i think he will be incredible for the country in many ways! On Thursday morning, Altman posted, responding to Musk: just one more mean tweet and then maybe youll love yourself The tit-for-tat between Musk and Altman is a sign of both the struggle within the tech community to curry favor with Trump and how the AI race is driving the push for tech dominance. If putting out new, consumer-friendly devices was once the way for a tech company to gain power, the struggle to create the most advanced form of AI has almost completely taken over. The situation also points to the tension of Musks role as both a top Trump adviser and one of the worlds most powerful and combative business moguls. Musk has his own interest in AI through the X, which debuted Grok, its rival to OpenAIs ChatGPT, in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The simmering Altman-Musk feud goes back years, well before Musks emergence in the U.S. political scene and even before the recent explosion of artificial intelligence technology. Companies have rushed to invest in AI infrastructure and development, so much so that it has accounted for a significant part of recent U.S. economic growth. A Goldman Sachs paper published in June, well before the announcement of the Stargate project, projected that AI capital expenditure could top $1 trillion. OpenAI had generally been considered the leader in AI development, though it faces major competition from other startups, as well as most major tech giants that are believed to have closed the gap. That competition has made securing investments and partnerships all the more important in large part because of the sizable hardware and energy needs required to hone the models at the core of advanced AI. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Privatizing Pinnacol: What might it mean for the insurance group, retirement and the state of Colorado Hours after making a slew of Nazi jokes on his X page Thursday, Elon Musk continued to troll his haters with another string of posts. The tech mogul was caught under heavy fire earlier this week after performing a provocative hand gesture while giving a speech at President Donald Trumps inaugural rally Mondayone many said resembled the fascist salute used in Nazi Germany. If I see one more damn Nazi salute in my feed, Im gonna lose my mind This algorithm sucks!! Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 24, 2025 If I see one more damn Nazi salute in my feed, Im gonna lose my mind, Musk wrote on X along with a silly-face emoji. This algorithm sucks!! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also replied to a video of French President Emmanuel Macron extending his arm from his heart to a crowd, and said Seriously when news aggregator Visegrad 24 asked if anyone had also called him a Nazi. A few minutes later, he posted a GIF of Arnold Schwarzenegger extending his right arm upward and wrote, Hes Austrian too, along with a side-eye emoji, apparently trying to draw a comparison between the interpretation of his own gesture and Schwarzeneggers motion. Earlier on Thursday, Musk posted : Dont say Hess to Nazi accusations! Some people will Goebbels anything down! Stop Goring your enemies! His pronouns wouldve been He/Himmler! Bet you did nazi that coming, along with a cry-laughing face emoji. The references to notorious Nazi figures struck a chord with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which was founded to combat antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Making inappropriate and highly offensive jokes that trivialize the Holocaust only serve to minimize the evil and inhumanity of Nazi crimes, denigrate the suffering of both victims and survivors and insult the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Shoah, the ADL posted on their X page Thursday, changing their tune on Musk after initially drawing heat for defending him earlier this week. Making inappropriate and highly offensive jokes that trivialize the Holocaust only serve to minimize the evil and inhumanity of Nazi crimes, denigrate the suffering of both victims and survivors and insult the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Shoah. https://t.co/pYpTeRu3Aa ADL (@ADL) January 23, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the organization said that Musks hand gesture was not a Nazi salute but simply an awkward moment borne out of excitement. Jan. 23Hot air balloonists are not expected to gather in Muskogee this year. Muskogee Parks and Recreation Director Mark Wilkerson said the Oklahoma Festival of Ballooning will not be held this year, but one could be held in 2026. "We have been reevaluating that, the balloon festival, primarily the cost of it," Wilkerson said. "This past year, because of the winds we had, we didn't have any balloon flights." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2024 balloon festival, held Aug. 23-24, raised $75,252 in revenue, but had $132,892 in expenses, according to city records. "It costs more than we take in," Wilkerson said. "When we first started this, we thought we could grow it into something we thought we could get to a break-even point. We've always used tourism dollars, hotel-motel tax dollars, to underwrite this, so we know what it's going to cost. According to the 2024 festival's budget, the city spent $57,231.99 on event services including fireworks, contracts with balloon providers and other acts. Other major expenses were $17,650 for music and sound production, $16,495 for hotel costs for balloon teams and $13,047 for media and advertising. "It's really expensive for balloonists to come to town, and pay all their expenses," Wilkerson said. "The weather is not conducive. It's really just disappointing, our sponsors pay a lot of money then we don't have all the balloon activities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city raised $33,188 in from festival parking and RV fees and $20,500 from sponsorship, $10,150 in vendor fees, $6,104 in drink sales and $5,310 from 5-kilometer race registration. Wilkerson estimated 2024's festival drew 10,000 people throughout the weekend. He said this year's attendance seemed lower than in previous years. The 2024 festival drew 35 balloonists from as far away as California. High winds in late August delayed several evening events and canceled many balloon flights. Wilkerson said the city has contracted with Kansas City Aerosports since the festival began in 2018. He said the company is paid to put on the show and pay the balloon teams to come to town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We were happy with what they brought to us over the years; they helped create the festival and they get paid to do what they do," Wilkerson said, adding that the company was disappointed in the city's decision. He said two balloon groups contacted him since word got out about the festival's cancelation. "We'll probably communicate with them, so that if we come back in 2026, we'll be able to do it in a little different way," he said. Wilkerson said the city is considering an event with music at Hatbox Field this summer. "We may still have a balloon glow," he said, referring to an evening event in which hot air balloons are lit with their torches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said people have told him the Balloon festival is one their favorite events. Wilkerson said one option for future events might be to charge admission. Muskogee's festival had free admission, but charged $20 for parking in 2024. The 2023 festival charged $10 for parking and $25 for preferred parking. Area balloon festivals vary on prices. FireLake Fireflight Balloon festival near Shawnee had free parking and free admission. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation was a presenting sponsor. Poteau Balloon Festival charged $5 admission and $5 onsite parking. The Flint Hills Ballon Festival in Manhattan, Kansas, had free admission and parking fees of $5 $10. Larger balloon festivals charge admission and parking. The Plano Balloon Festival near Dallas charges $5 to $10 admission and $15 parking fee. The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta charges $15 admission and $20 parking. Its been one year since three of Jordan Willis friends, Clayton McGeeney, David Harrington and Ricky Johnson, were found dead outside Willis rental home in Kansas City, Mo. The case made near-instant headlines, as much for the unusual nature of the deaths as for the many key questions that have not yet been publicly resolved What could possibly take this long? John Picerno has been an attorney for more than 31 years and he says hes rarely, if ever, seen a case like the one involving his client Jordan Willis. Its been one year since three of Willis friends, Clayton McGeeney, David Harrington and Ricky Johnson, were found dead outside Willis rental home two days after the group gathered in Kansas City, Mo., to watch a Chiefs game. The case made near-instant headlines, as much for the unusual nature of the deaths as for the many key questions that have not yet been publicly resolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initial toxicology results showed the men consumed cocaine and fentanyl before they died. But the final autopsy reports and official causes of death have not been released, and authorities say the case is very much active. What could possibly take this long? says Picerno, sounding a note of exasperation similar to loved ones of the three men who have called into question whether they are being told the full story by Willis and others. Ricky Johnson/Facebook From left: David Harrington, Clayton McGeeney and Ricky Johnson From left: David Harrington, Clayton McGeeney and Ricky Johnson Picerno has maintained Willis has no knowledge of his friends' deaths, and Kansas City police have said no foul play" was "observed or suspected." Willis has never been accused of a crime, and Picerno has said he believes charges could be brought against whoever supplied drugs that night. Nonetheless the investigation remains ongoing, a police spokesman tells PEOPLE on the one-year anniversary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Dad of Deceased Chiefs Fan Doesnt 'Really Care' What Investigation Turns Up: 'Not Going to Change Anything' David Harrington/Facebook David Harrington David Harrington There has not been any new information released, the spokesman says, adding, Investigators and prosecutors remain in touch and investigators have continued to communicate their investigative findings. This remains a death investigation. The Platte County district attorney, Eric Zahnd, echoed that to USA Today, saying in a recent interview: This case has been a long and complex investigation, but we will not give up on trying to determine who is responsible for the deaths of these young men." A spokeswoman for Zahnd told PEOPLE earlier this month that nothing has been filed as of this date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Autopsies have been completed on the three friends and reports have been prepared, according to USA Today, but those records are under seal. (A representative with the company that, according to USA Today, performed the postmortems tells PEOPLE they cannot discuss the case.) The bodies of McGeeney, Harrington and Johnson were found on Jan. 9, 2024, outside the home where Willis was staying. Picerno previously said that Willis, who worked as a scientist, went to bed after spending time with his friends and last saw them on Jan. 7 of last year when they were leaving his residence. A fifth person, who has not been publicly identified, was also in attendance for some time but left earlier. 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. Other details about the timeline remain unclear, and some accounts have shifted and conflicted making the truth of that night harder to confirm. Willis, Picerno has said, is unaware of how his friends died and did not realize their bodies were just outside for two days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes known them for over 20 years. Theyre his friends, Picerno told NewsNation in 2024. Hes deeply hurt by their passing. Picerno says now that he feels its time for authorities to publicly clear Willis, whom he says cant get a job. They refuse to comment still. And so that's kind of where we're at, Picerno says. "Obviously, the public still thinks he's somehow involved in the deaths of these guys. If you [the authorities] know that he didn't have anything to do with it, why don't you come out publicly and clear him?" he says. Clayton McGeeney/Facebook Clayton McGeeney Clayton McGeeney The mens bodies were found on the homes back porch and backyard after McGeeneys fiancee went looking for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just the thought of him dying and him sitting outside in the cold for two days, its extremely devastating, McGeeneys cousin Caleb previously told Fox affiliate WDAF. The whole family is messed up. He was such a good person. Harringtons dad, Jon, has told PEOPLE that he loved life. I am incredibly sure that the outcome of this was not intended." He also said he had concerns about the indications that drugs were involved: Im not buying that. Im not arguing that that was what they found in his system, but how it got into the system, we still dont know. (Jon declined to comment further for this story.) The families of the three men have grappled with the uncertain nature of their deaths and the online speculation and theories that have swirled since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I look at everything, no matter how ridiculous it seems, Johnsons brother, Jonathan Price, previously told PEOPLE. But, he said, I only deal with facts, and I don't have any of those. If I were to give a hypothesis ... for the three men to die in the way that they did, something had to have been in their system, Price told PEOPLE. "Whether or not it was taken knowingly, I wouldn't answer that. As an attorney for McGeeneys mother and fiancee said to Fox News last February, A lot of these questions may never be answered in a way that makes people satisfied. Read the original article on People After years of delays, NASAs Artemis missions to the Moon commenced in a big way more than two years ago, starting with the unmanned Artemis 1 in November 2022. The legacy is continuing now with NASA announcing on Thursday that it is awarding new study contracts to nine companies in seven states with a combined total of $24 million. Those companies will develop strategies and technologies for humans to live and work on the Moon. The beneficiaries include Blue Origin, which is controlled by Amazon and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos. Other companies include Intuitive Machines, Leidos, Lockheed Martin, MDA Space, Moonprint, Pratt Miller Defense, Sierra Space and Special Aerospace Services. They will provide a wide range of scientific and technological services, from developing spacecraft and solving biological problems to figuring out the logistics of advanced space travel. These contract awards are the catalyst for developing critical capabilities for the Artemis missions and the everyday needs of astronauts for long-term exploration on the lunar surface, Nujoud Merancy, deputy associate administrator of Strategy and Architecture Office at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said in a statement. The strong response to our request for proposals is a testament to the interest in human exploration and the growing deep-space economy. This is an important step to a sustainable return to the Moon that, along with our commercial partners, will lead to innovation and expand our knowledge for future lunar missions, looking toward Mars. Artist's rendering of astronauts managing logistics on the lunar surface. The Artemis campaign began under President Donald Trumps first term with the goal of reviving U.S. Moon exploration. In the interim, the Artemis program has been beset with technical and logistical issues, but Trump and his adviser SpaceX CEO Elon Musk have vowed to sweep through those issues in his second term. Their goal is to put America not just on the Moon, but also on Mars, though its not clear if humans could actually survive there or not. Three weeks ago, Musk said that the Moon is a distraction and that a manned mission to the Red Planet would take precedence over moon bases. HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) Weve come years in our journey to explore the unknown, but none of that would be possible without those who made the ultimate sacrifice towards the exploration. Thursday, Marshall Space Flight Center honored those lives lost in their day of remembrance. Huntsville-based clinic provides low cost spay and neuter surgeries Each individual we honor today shared a determination to explore the unknown and reach beyond what we once thought possible, Technical Assistance Director Larry Leopard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement January 23, a special, yet somber day in North Alabama history. Its a day of remembrance for those who lost their life in the midst of space exploration. Their loss is deeply felt throughout this organization and beyond, he said. Honoring those a part of Apollo One, Space Shuttle Challenger, Space Shuttle Columbia and every other member of the NASA family who lost their life. Huntsville votes to rename DEI Office These events remind us that the pursuit of greatness and the quest to explore beyond our world come with inherent risk, NASA Director of Safety and Mission Assurance Bill Hill said. Because of that risk, Hill said the well-being of their crew is their top priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement it is a deeply ingrained core value that guides every step we take. it reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the lives of our workforce and the astronauts who carry out our missions, said Leopard. Whether the team made it to space or didnt safely return, NASA says there is always a pressing question. we must ask ourselves, what can I do to prevent future tragedies? said Hill. Because bringing our brave men and women back home is just as important as honoring those who didnt. In their honor, let us continue to dream, to explore, to reach for the stars, said Hill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Thursday, Jan. 23, marks a day of remembrance for NASA and the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. The solemn ceremony pays tribute to the lives lost in three of the most tragic moments in NASAs history. The ceremony took place at the Space Mirror Memorial at the visitor complex. The commemoration included a wreath-laying ceremony, and attendees were given flowers to respect the lives lost. Kelvin Manning, the acting director of NASAs Kennedy Space Center, said, January 27th, 1967. January 28th, 1986. February 1st, 2003. For each of the audacious goals for which we aspire and each of the successes. Yet before us, we owe a debt of gratitude to the crews of Apollo One, Challenger, and Columbia, and to all the others who have lost their lives in the advancement of science and exploration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tal Ramon, the son of Israels first astronaut, Ilan Ramon, was just 12 years old when his father died in the space shuttle Columbia disaster. Ramon said, He understood that we are all part of something much greater than ourselves. His passion and vision still shine like a light, pushing us to dream better and dream for a better futurea future full of purpose, peace, and equality. For NASA, lessons learned should never be forgotten. We are ensuring continued human access to space and advancing our exploration goals by leveraging public-private partnerships to develop and operate safe and reliable spacecraft. Manning said, Together, we are pushing rapidly to make progress towards the moon, mars, and beyond Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Nashville police do not have to hand over records from the unsolved cold-case killing of Vanderbilt data scientist Benjamin Lane, a judge ruled this week. Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal on Tuesday ruled against Lane's family, who sued the Metro Nashville Police Department in September under the Tennessee Public Records Act. The family said they had received very little information from police since Lane was fatally shot in August 2020 in what police initially believed to be a "targeted" killing and wanted answers. Moskal's opinion cited the landmark 2016 Tennessee Supreme Court Tennessean decision which held that police can withhold records in active or ongoing cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Family of Ben Lane, seeking answers four years after his death, sues Nashville police Ben Lane, killed by an unknown shooter in East Nashville in August 2020, smiles with his sister Rebecca. The question the Lane family through attorney Lance Baker was posing was whether that exemption to records disclosure applied even when a case was moved to the police department's cold case unit. Metro Sgt. Robert Nielsen said in an affidavit, however, that just because the case was cold, it remained classified as active. Baker said in front of Moskal during arguments that he didn't want to take police's word for it that a case is active. "Although the Lane homicide case is not currently being prosecuted, there are no active suspects, and the case has been assigned to the Cold Case Unit, the Court relies on Sergeant [Nielsens] declaration in finding that MNPDs investigation into Lanes murder remains 'open' and 'ongoing' for purposes of the TPRA," Moskal wrote. Baker said the family would be considering whether to appeal the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were a bit disappointed, but were going to take the next couple days and review the courts order and decide what our best appellate options are, Baker said when reached by phone Friday. Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him at emealins@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Records from Vanderbilt scientist's 2020 killing not public, judge says Authorities in Nashville are reviewing the online writings and social media of alleged high school shooter Solomon Henderson, who police say killed 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante before fatally shooting himself in the Antioch High School cafeteria on Wednesday. One student suffered a graze wound while another suffered a facial injury but was not shot. Police are still investigating whether the victims were targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An online diary kept by the 17-year-old shooter included praise for mass murderers and a plan to kill at least 10 people in order to join their ranks, according to Nashvilles News Channel 5. Hendersons diary described by the Anti-Defamation League as a sprawling manifesto filled with anti-Black racism and antisemitism begins in October and allegedly details his slipping mental state as he feared being fedded [stopped by law enforcement] before his plan could come to fruition. The diary reportedly includes photos of Adolf Hitler and selfies of Henderson, who is Black, making white-power gestures. Im burning with hate, Henderson wrote in his first entry. Hate will change the world. Race mixing is a sin against God. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only the ill mentally will praise me after my death and the only good n-r is a dead n-r, which includes me, he also wrote. Other revelations in the diary include information about Hendersons social media accounts being suspended for praising acts of mass violence and other school shootings, including a massacre at a Nashville elementary school in 2023. He wrote of his alleged steps toward building a bomb, thinking about killing his parents and setting up bombs at other schools as a diversion during his attack. As Day Zero approached, Henderson described having to change his initial plans. Tomorrow is the day, he wrote some time on Tuesday, along with a photo of himself in a Junior ROTC uniform. I was planning on Thursday but I need to speed things up. I dont have a lot of time. Holy st Im nervous, scared and excited at the same time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the ADL, portions of the alleged manifesto were plagiarized from similar documents, including one written by the 2019 mass shooter in Christchurch, New Zealand, and one from former UCLA philosophy professor Matthew Harris, who was arrested in 2022 after calling for violence against white and Jewish people. The organization said it was an indication that Henderson was likely radicalized on the internet. These online spaces not only glorify violent fantasies, extremist ideologies, and mass killers but also fuel offline violence acts that are often as incomprehensible as the ideologies that drive them, Oren Segal, VP of the ADL Center on Extremism, said in a statement. _____ The National Guard is deploying additional troops to the southern border to assist with President Trumps directive for the military to help secure migration enforcement. In a Wednesday night statement, the National Guard Bureau said it was sending more resources to assist U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), which is leading a task force to handle the border mission with support from the Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said more than 1,600 National Guard troops are already deployed to the border along with more than 4,100 Texas National Guard personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In conjunction with our Joint Service partners, we are developing additional support options to meet USNORTHCOM, USTRANSCOM and Department of Homeland Security force requirements as this critical mission evolves, Nordhaus said in a statement. Acting Defense Secretary Robert Salesses ordered 1,500 active-duty troops to the border earlier this week, a detachment that is expected to soon be fully deployed. It consists of 1,000 Army soldiers and 500 Marines. The Pentagon said the deployment is just the initial response, and expects more resources and potentially up to 10,000 troops to deploy, though that number is not considered final. Trump declared the border a national emergency this week soon after taking office and also signed an executive order directing NORTHCOM to come up with detailed plans for border enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. has long deployed troops to the border under its Joint Task Force North mission, which primarily consists of National Guard forces assisting Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with logistics, detection and monitoring and transportation. Salesses, however, has asked troops to assist with deportation flights and constructing temporary and permanent barriers on the border. The National Guard said Wednesday it was increasing support for military airlift and barrier construction. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Democratic state senators gathered Wednesday on the 52nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade to advance bill SJR25-004, which affirms anew Colorados commitment to abortion rights and designate Jan. 22 of each year as Reproductive Rights and Justice Day." NATO is using sea drones to help defend subsea cables. European officials have accused Russia of sabotaging the cables. The cables carry power and internet data. NATO is deploying sea drones to help monitor and defend subsea cables in the Baltic amid the escalating threat of Russian sabotage. Mark Rutte, the secretary-general of the alliance, mentioned the new tech at a recent panel. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Rutte said NATO had launched a mission in the Baltic Sea "to fight off the Russians who are getting at our critical undersea infrastructure." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are using sea drone technology there, next to the more traditional technology with ships, etc and aircraft," he said. His remarks follow NATO's announcement on January 14 of its Baltic Sentry mission, using ships, aircraft, submarine satellites, and naval drones to surveil and defend the cables. Running for thousands of miles under the sea, the cables transmit energy and data crucial for a global internet. But they're difficult to monitor and protect and are vulnerable to attack. Drones are uncrewed vessels that can be deployed for a range of functions, including surveillance. The use of sea drones is still relatively new. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French Adm. Pierre Vandier, a senior NATO commander, told The War Zone that Baltic Sentry was the first time using drones in that way. He also clarified that the drones were surface drones, rather than undersea ones. The mission would "give a persistent, 24-7 surveillance of critical areas," he told the outlet. In recent months, European officials have blamed Russia for a series of mysterious cable severances around the Baltic. Analysts told Business Insider that Russia appears to be using aging tankers to sever the cables by dragging their anchors, giving the appearance of plausible deniability. In December, Finnish officials detained a tanker it accused of severing a cable near Estonia and said the vessel was part of a "shadow fleet" Russia uses to dodge sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has denied any involvement in cable sabotage. Read the original article on Business Insider Former Vice President Kamala Harris took a wise step toward potentially running for governor in her first action after returning to California. She visited wildfire victims, volunteers and firefighters in Altadena and helped distribute free meals to people burned out of their homes. That doesnt mean shes running for anything. Its highly unlikely Harris has decided whether to seek the governorship of her native state next year when Gov. Gavin Newsom is termed out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she acted as a possible candidate should, conspicuously showing concern for disaster victims and demonstrating potential leadership qualities voters demand in major elected officials. Not showing up might have conveyed cold indifference. Natural disasters can greatly benefit or gravely wound political figures fairly and unfairly. Whether scoring political points was Harris intention or not, she probably benefited. Lets put this in perspective: Harris spent a nightmarish mid-Monday in the nations Capitol painfully watching President Trump being sworn into the job she had coveted and listening to an ungracious inaugural address attacking the Biden administration and even her own state. Vice President Kamala Harris meets with community members and workers of World Central Kitchen on Jan. 20, 2025, in Altadena. (Carlin Stiehl / For The Times) Then she got on an airplane and flew home to Los Angeles. The last thing most people would have wanted to do immediately after landing is beeline it to a place of misery and hear victims sad stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, give her credit for trying to comfort people while making a smart political move. Harris has lots of critics and her public record is vulnerable to attack. But look at her potential opposition in a gubernatorial contest: Its hardly overwhelming. If she entered the race, its likely that most other contenders would drop out or not even run. Shed start far ahead because of her resume including U.S. senator, state attorney general and San Francisco district attorney her fundraising ability and her name familiarity. But as Ive previously written, Harris, 60, should run only if deep down she wants to solve Californias festering problems with wildfire prevention high on the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Viewing the state Capitol as a stepping stone back to the White House could be politically fatal. Voters wouldnt accept it. Anyway, as leader of the planets fifth-largest economy, the Democrat might enjoy pushing back against Trumps anti-California agenda. Hopefully, Trumps tour of Southern Californias wildfire catastrophe will evoke some compassion for victims and temper his attempt to extort unrelated water policy concessions from Newsom in exchange for federal fire aid promised by President Biden. President Trump answers questions from reporters as he signs executive orders in the White House on Jan. 23, 2025. (Ben Curtis / Associated Press) The president basically wants to provide less water for declining salmon and steelhead and more for exported almonds and pistachios and is holding wildfire victims hostage unless he gets his way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump needs to be clued in about California geography and its complex water system because he doesnt seem to know California water from a sea otter. After the fires erupted, Trump ridiculously blamed Newsom for water hydrants going dry in Pacific Palisades. In truth, there were too many blazes to extinguish and the water system couldnt keep up, not with hurricane-force winds. A small reservoir was empty while awaiting repairs. Blame a slow-poke local bureaucracy. But even if that reservoir had been brim full, it wouldnt have made a huge difference in the overall tragedy. Trumps babble about water is so erroneous it often doesnt make sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In speaking with reporters Tuesday, Trump seemed to mistakenly think that California water comes from the Pacific Northwest and that Newsom turned off the valve so none of it flows to Los Angeles. It all runs into the ocean. In truth, more than 5 million acre-feet of water is pumped from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta each year to the San Joaquin Valley, Central Coast and Southern California. Big Break, a small bay on the San Joaquin River in Oakley, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2023. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) In his inaugural address, Trump also claimed that California leaders allowed wildfires to burn without even a token of defense. That would be news to the thousands of firefighters struggling to contain the blazes. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass has been unfairly criticized for attending the inauguration of the Ghanaian president when the wildfires erupted. But even if shed been driving a fire truck in the Palisades, it wouldnt have made an iota of difference in the disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She compounded her public relations problem, however, by acting like the proverbial deer in headlights immediately after returning home. Now her reelection next year is at serious risk. Its human nature: People especially political adversaries strive to find fault whenever disaster strikes. And they expect their elected leaders to lead. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass tour the downtown business district of Pacific Palisades as the Palisades fire continues to burn on Jan. 8, 2025. (Eric Thayer / Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom has been keeping his head above water by issuing executive orders right and left and authorizing billions of state dollars in emergency relief. No TV news camera can miss him. Hes following the natural disaster playbook for politicians. The all-time award for best disaster performance by a governor goes to Pete Wilson. After the devastating 1994 Northridge earthquake, he got L.A. freeways up and running way ahead of schedule by cutting regulatory red tape and offering performance bonuses. It helped him win reelection that year. Pat Brown suffered the worst fallout from a disaster for a governor unfairly. When the Watts riot erupted in 1965, he was vacationing in Greece. Where was Pat? became a one-liner in Ronald Reagans winning campaign against him the next year. Gov. Edmund "Pat" Brown on Aug. 27, 1964. (Associated Press) The acting governor, Lt. Gov. Glenn Anderson, hesitated in calling out the National Guard. He also lost reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a time of crisis, Wilson once told reporters, its essential for the public to feel as much reassurance as it can that assistance is on the way. You need to do that with great speed and with great certainty and with visibility. You need to communicate what, in fact, is being done to alleviate their distress. But an elected leader should not communicate what Brown did while inspecting a horrible North Coast flood: This is the worst disaster since I was elected governor. Brown had a wonderful sense of self-deprecating humor and laughed about his gaffe for years. Harris took a practice run at California disaster communication and performed smartly, keeping her political options open. 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. NAUGATUCK, Conn. (WTNH) Naugatuck police warn residents of a handyman scam as officers across the state receive numerous complaints from residents. Police said Google searches have led victims to a legitimate-looking website of a fraudulent garage door repair businesses. Enfield police investigate ATM theft at Big Y Express After victims contact the number, a technician arrives to assess the work and accepts funding, police said, but the work is not completed or done properly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the technician did not return to finish or fix the work. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NAUGATUCK, Conn. (WTNH) A woman was arrested after two children were found outside unsupervised near Cross Street in Naugatuck, police said. Police said at around noon on Saturday, a concerned citizen called police after seeing children between the ages of two and four playing in the cold wearing only onesie pajamas. Police said they found that the children were from the area and found the garage door of the home wide open with no one there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Hartford private school teacher let go for tickling a student The caregiver, Carol Peynado, was located and told police she left the children unsupervised for a few hours while she went to work. The children were evaluated by EMS. Police said one showed good health while the other had soiled clothing and showed signs of neglect. Payendo, 54, was charged with two counts of risk of injury to a minor, two counts of reckless endangerment in the first degree and two counts of cruelty to persons. She was held on a $50,000 bond and appeared in court on Jan. 21. Police said the Department of Children and Families was notified and is involved in the case. 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. Navajo Nation officials have contacted the governors of Arizona and New Mexico to address concerns about Navajo citizens being detained by ICE. In response to President Donald Trump's executive order targeting the deportation of immigrants in the country illegally, Acting Navajo Nation Deputy Attorney General Kris Beecher recommended that tribal members carry their Certificate of Indian Blood along with other forms of identification. Social media has been flooded with posts about Navajo citizens being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and questioned about their U.S. citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unverified reports of people being detained and what leaders were doing to keep their citizens safe were discussed at a Navajo Nation committee meeting on Thursday. Beecher said Navajo Nation executive officials had contacted New Mexico and Arizona governors' offices with concerns. "The biggest takeaway from that meeting ... was really encouraging the safety of Navajos," Beecher said. He encouraged leaders, when talking with their constituents, to urge them to carry IDs "whether they're state, federal, passport, if they have a tribal ID ... and I think that would include Certificate of Indian Blood." State Sen. Theresa Hatathlie informed the council about a Navajo citizen who was detained for nine hours, underscoring the urgent need for emergency protocols. She emphasized that many tribal members face challenges with documentation. She said despite having Certificates of Indian Blood and state-issued IDs, several individuals have been detained or questioned by ICE agents who fail to recognize these documents as valid proof of citizenship, according to the Navajo Nation Council's news release. Kris Beecher (right) and MacArthur Stant put up the Navajo Nation flag before the start of the water settlement signing ceremony on July 17, 2024, at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. "I agree with having your CIB on your phone. That's not a bad idea. These are good things to have with you," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Trump signed 10 sweeping executive actions related to border security and immigration enforcement. Tribal Council delegates said they have been contacted by Navajo citizens in Phoenix stating they were detained by ICE. Beecher said tribal officials were working to verify those claims and address them. The Navajo Nation's Washington office has contacted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to determine best practices for Navajo citizens and other tribal members to ensure they have proper identification. In addition, the Navajo Department of Justice has reached out to tribes in the southern part of the state, consulting with their governments and attorneys general, who so far have reported no noticeable increase in interactions or enforcement actions involving ICE. "We as the Navajo Nation and the leaders have to be respectful and positive with interactions with any law enforcement. We encourage your constituents to carry the IDs necessary," Beecher told the leaders. "We need to stay safe with our interaction with law enforcement outside of the Navajo Nation." Concerns for unsheltered tribal members in urban areas Navajo Nation Speaker Crystalyne Curley said even if the tribe's executive office did not have names or records of people who were detained, officials didn't have to wait until someone was detained to react. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Even if we don't have verified numbers but we do have these families who are fearful already ... I am not going to rely on the Office of the President and Vice President to say, 'No, we are going to wait for a verified case before we intervene,'" Curley said. "I think there needs to be a protocol or system put into place before we even get that verified information." She emphasized the importance of leaders taking the initiative and making sound judgments for the well-being of the people. She highlighted the need for a structured system, noting that other tribes already had implemented frameworks with extended hours to provide support for those in need. "This isn't our first time going through something like this, but we should be there to provide additional resources," Curley said. "I'm worried about our unsheltered relatives that are in the metropolitan areas. They may be on the streets with no identifications." Beecher gave recommendations on what the Navajo Nation could do to help its citizens: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Set up a dedicated phone number, website, and email address that individuals or their relatives could use to seek assistance or request help for those who have been detained. Address challenges with the Navajo tribal identification card and explore the possibility of rolling it out to urban areas, such as Phoenix, Tucson and other cities, to better serve Navajos living in metropolitan areas. Establish a dedicated hotline for law enforcement, providing direct access to the Navajo Office of Vital Records & Identification to verify an individuals identity. Few Navajo Nation tribal ID cards have been issued The Navajo identification card was launched under the leadership of the late former Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly, who collaborated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Of the approximately 400,000 enrolled Navajo members, only 8,000 tribal identification cards have been issued since their introduction in 2012. "How come not all departments, outside entities are recognizing our IDs?" said Ron Duncan, program manager at the Navajo Office of Vital Records and Identification. "It's because they're scarce, they've never really seen it. Partly, because we are lacking in capacity." Those who don't have a tribal ID should be prioritized now, Duncan said. In a statement from Navajo President Buu Nygren on Wednesday night, he said his office had fielded concerns and unconfirmed reports that urban Dine relatives were being questioned and detained by immigration officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My office is looking into this matter and will provide updates as they come," Nygren said. For their safety, he urged Navajo tribal members to be aware of their surroundings and carry valid forms of identification, such as a Certificate of Indian Birth or state-issued drivers license. "I am working actively with our state leaders and law enforcement to protect our Dine people," Nygren said. Curley emphasized the immediate need for the executive branch to issue protocols for tribal members living off the reservation. Our people are reaching out to us directly, and their needs are urgent, Curley said. We must act swiftly to ensure their safety and well-being. Our constituents are depending on us for solutions. Tip line On Friday, Nygren said that although his office has only received a few unconfirmed reports, staff have followed up on those leads and are designating the Operation Rainbow Bridge tip line to field calls on this issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My administration has been working with other tribal leaders in the Southwest near the border who are more familiar with this issue," said Nygren. "My office has also been in contact with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, state and federal Senate and House representatives, and the office of the governors for Arizona and New Mexico." He reiterated that Navajos should carry state-issued identification, such as a drivers license or other picture identification if available. "Having your state ID is crucial, and if you possess a CIB, it can provide an additional layer of reassurance," Nygren said. "If you do run into issues with federal immigration officials, reach out to our office through Operation Rainbow Bridge." "We encourage individuals to remain calm and assured that our collaborative efforts with local, state, and federal law enforcement are ongoing to ensure community safety," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tip line: Phone: 855-435-7672 Email: Operationrainbowbridge.com Website: info@operationrainbowbridge.com Expanded: Trump's Homeland Security Dept. OKs immigration raids at schools, churches This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Navajo Nation leaders address reports of ICE detaining tribal citizens Uncommon Courses is an occasional series from The Conversation U.S. highlighting unconventional approaches to teaching. Title of course: AI Literacy and Building Resilience to Misinformation What prompted the idea for the course? As an associate director of a college library, Ive watched artificial intelligence technologies become commonplace in society. They help shape our media. They influence our social interactions. And theyre also reshaping education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through conversations with colleagues and students, I discovered an urgent need: a course that demystifies AI and provides students with tools to navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This need is relevant today given the increasing prevalence of online misinformation. AI-driven social media algorithms used by Facebook and TikTok, for example and content generation tools like ChatGPT can amplify certain voices while obscuring others. Those using AI tools maliciously can also create entirely false content, such as deepfake videos or misleading AI-generated news articles. By understanding these dynamics, students can become more discerning consumers and responsible users of information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I worked with faculty member Michael Griffin and associate director of academic technology Tamatha Perlman to design a course that introduces students to several AI fields. They include machine learning how computer systems imitate the way humans learn and deep learning, which uses artificial neural networks to learn from data. We also delve into generative AI a type of AI that can produce images, videos and other forms of data and prompt engineering, which designs prompts to guide AI models. What does the course explore? The course explores two themes: AI literacy and building resilience to misinformation. Students learn AI technologies such as natural language processing, which allows machines to understand and generate human language, and generative AI. They explore how these tools influence the ways information is created, shared and interpreted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We then delve into the ethical implications of AI, from data privacy to bias and algorithmic transparency the principle of making AI decision-making processes understandable and open for review. The idea is to foster a nuanced understanding of AIs potential benefits. One example is AI tools that personalize educational content by adapting lessons to a students learning pace and style. We also examine its potential pitfalls. Some AI hiring tools, for example, have discriminated against specific demographic groups, such as systems that disproportionately rejected womens resumes for technical jobs. The course also explores cognitive biases, or systematic patterns of deviation from rationality in judgment, which can make people more susceptible to misinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We look at confirmation bias, the inclination to search for information that supports ones preexisting beliefs. We also examine recency effect, the tendency to give more weight to recent information over earlier data. Students experiment with AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and NotebookLM. They do so to examine misinformation case studies and participate in discussions on some complex questions. They include: When does AI assist in learning? When does it hinder learning? How can AI be used more responsibly? How can we know when its being manipulated? Why is this course relevant now? AI tools are increasingly embedded in social media and news content. This makes it critical for students to discern credible sources from misleading content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As AI technologies evolve, so too do the methods for spreading misinformation. They include AI-generated images and synthetic media, which is digitally created or altered content designed to appear authentic. All of these technologies can be difficult to identify and authenticate. This course gives students the tools to make informed decisions in a digital age. Whats a critical lesson from the course? Many students are surprised to learn that AI-powered platforms tailor content to match their interests. For example, watching a series of videos on a particular topic can lead to being shown increasingly similar content, reinforcing existing beliefs. This, in turn, can shape perceptions and distort reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To address this, we introduce students to practical techniques for broadening their information sources. They also learn to cross-reference facts and scrutinize AI-curated content. For instance, we practice a technique called lateral reading, where students verify information by examining multiple sources simultaneously. What materials does the course feature? UNESCOs Media and Information Literacy Curriculum - E-version inspired our syllabus. Besides academic journal articles, we draw extensively from articles and videos published by The New York Times, The Washington Post and other major news outlets to analyze misinformation stories. These sources offer ample real-life examples, enabling students to engage with timely and relevant case studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also review the AI Competency Framework for Students and the AI Competency Framework for Teachers, launched by UNESCO in September 2024. These frameworks provide valuable insights into fostering AI literacy and ethical engagement with AI technologies. What will the course prepare students to do? The goal is to empower students to approach digital information with a critical and informed mindset. This will position them as responsible citizens in a world increasingly shaped by AI. The course will also help students feel more confident when identifying credible sources, cross-checking information and making sense of AI-powered content. These skills will serve students well in their academic and personal lives. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Mozhdeh Khodarahmi, Macalester College Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Mozhdeh Khodarahmi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Republican state Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin continues to pursue litigation in hopes of overturning the results of the November election he lost to incumbent Justice Allison Riggs. (File photos) Organizations fighting Judge Jefferson Griffins attempts to throw out votes in his race for the state Supreme Court plan to step up public opposition to raise awareness and try to sway the justices who may decide whether Griffin wins. Griffin is a Republican Appeals Court judge who is seeking to invalidate more than 60,000 votes cast in last falls election in an attempt to overcome incumbent Democratic Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs 734 vote lead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican Party is supporting Griffin and says the protests are a matter of election integrity, sought to prevent illegal votes from diluting legal ones. Critics say Griffin is trying to change election rules after learning he lost. We are in a very scary time, said Dawn Blagrove, CEO of Emancipate NC. She called Griffins effort a blatant, unadulterated attempt to steal an election. Emancipate NC, Common Cause North Carolina, the NC NAACP and other organizations sponsored a Zoom meeting Thursday night to answer questions about the case, mobilize resistance, and offer advice to people whose votes Griffin is challenging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans hold a 5-2 majority on the court. Riggs has recused herself from matters related to the election case. Emancipate NC Executive Director Dawn Blagrove Most of those votes Griffin wants discarded were cast by people his campaign says failed to put a partial Social Security number or a drivers license number on their voter application forms. He argues those voters are not legally registered, though many have been registered in the state and voting for decades. State law does not require people to have a drivers license or a Social Security number to register to vote. Voters on Griffins list have come forward to say they provided the information, but it was never attached to their electronic voter file through an error or data mismatch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexia Chavis, a politically active junior at NC A&T in Greensboro, said she is diligent about updating her voter registration each time she moves. She submitted a new registration that included her drivers license number. Still, she found her name on Griffins list because, she said, it had information from a previous registration. I did everything correctly and lawfully cast a ballot,Chavis said. We shouldnt have to deal with voter suppression from people we elect to protect us, she said. Its not just frustrating, its very disappointing. Griffin is also challenging military and overseas ballots in four heavily Democratic counties because they did not submit a photo ID, and overseas votes from people who have never lived in North Carolina but whose parents last lived in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Board of Elections does not require military and overseas voters to submit a photo ID with their ballots. Advice for voters Ann Webb, policy director at Common Cause NC, suggested people on Griffins list contact their local board of election to find out why they are on it. She encouraged people who have trouble with their local boards to call Common Cause for support. No votes have been thrown out yet. On Wednesday, the state Supreme Court rejected Griffins petition to start immediately disqualifying votes and sent the case back to Wake Superior Court. The case may eventually get back to the state Supreme Court through appeals of lower court decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a court orders votes removed, voters have a right to due process, Webb said. They have an obligation under the U.S. Constitution to make sure you have notice that thats going to happen and an opportunity to fix the issue, she said. There will absolutely be opportunities for voters to both defend their vote but also participate in legal actions to make sure everybody whos affected can defend their vote. The case is continuing on two tracks, in state and federal court. Oral arguments are scheduled in Richmond on Monday before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals on the question whether the state courts should hear the case. Riggs and the state Board of Elections want the case heard in federal court. They are appealing a federal district judges decision that sent it to state court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Board has argued that federal voting laws such as the Help America Vote Act and the National Voter Registration Act are central to the case. Griffin and the state GOP say the case is about upholding state laws. Democratic backsliding The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina filed a friend of the court brief in federal court asking the appeals court to keep the case so as to slow democratic backsliding in North Carolina. The brief was filed on behalf of scholars who study the decline of democracies around the world. Griffin is seeking to throw out the results of a popular election, the brief said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If an electoral loser from the ruling party was installed over the votes of a popular majority in Hungary or Poland (or some similar backsliding but still formally democratic state), observers would rightly view it as a major blow to democracy and an escalation of the backsliding trend, the brief said. If the state Supreme Court were to ultimately deny Griffins request, it would still be placed in a compromised position, the brief said. Judge Griffins damaging effort to overturn an election threatens the integrity of democracy in North Carolina and the independence of the states judiciary and will supercharge democratic backsliding in North Carolina. This Court should intervene and stop it. A majority of the House Democratic caucus has signed on to a resolution opposing President Trumps move to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time. In the resolution, introduced Friday, more than 120 House Democrats condemned the withdrawal order, while 22 Democrats signed onto a Senate version. The House version was led by Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), along with House Natural Resources Committee ranking member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Reps. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) and Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.). The Senate version was led by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), one of the chambers most vocal Democrats on climate issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trumps decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement sends a signal to our allies that the US is turning its back on a healthy and safe future for our world, Schneider said in a statement. This decision puts us at a competitive disadvantage to adversaries like China and lowers global ambition to address climate change with the seriousness and urgency it demands. In addition to condemning the withdrawal, Markeys resolution signals ongoing support for U.S. climate ambition by leaders in Congress, who are continuing to work with and highlight local, state, regional, Tribal, and nongovernmental climate partners, the Massachusetts senator said in a statement. Trump announced the Paris withdrawal Monday as one of his first actions in office, a step he also took during his first presidency in 2017. Biden rejoined the compact on the first day of his own presidency. The withdrawal order came as part of a broader suite of actions to roll back Biden-era environmental and climate policies, reflecting Trumps campaign-trail vows to drastically expand domestic oil and gas development in his second term. The resolutions come two days after billionaire and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg announced his charitable foundation would offset lost revenues to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change due to the U.S.s withdrawal after making similar contributions during Trumps first term. 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. State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha, center, greets Gov. Jim Pillen ahead of the governor's annual State of the State Address to the Legislature. Jan. 15, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN Nebraska lawmakers will continue to cap themselves at introducing 20 bills each session of the Legislature after a failed vote to repeal the limit just one year after it was adopted. State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha fell short of removing the 20-bill cap in a 31-16 vote. The votes fell along ideological lines, with Democrats and one nonpartisan progressive joining McKinney, while Republicans voted to keep the cap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican State Sens. Rob Dover of Norfolk and Mike Moser of Columbus were absent from Fridays vote but supported the rule in 2024. McKinney had argued that the legislative cap hurt constituents who might not reach out before the session began as senators work toward their 20-bill limit, which includes proposed constitutional amendments. Blair State Sen. Ben Hansen speaks at a news conference with Gov. Jim Pillen. May 22, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) That happened to McKinney, who said he had to rearrange his 2025 priorities to introduce a bill addressing a constituents concerns, and to State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, who during debate held up a bill he said would have been his 21st after he whittled down his ideas. We just keep shifting power away from the people, but we call this the peoples house, McKinney said. If the people are listening, your house is being diminished and has been diminished, slowly, slowly, slowly. Too early to tell impact State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, who ushered in the bill cap in 2024, along similarly ideological lines, said removing the cap was premature and that senators hadnt yet seen possible benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He argued bills should be about quality, not quantity, and that more than a dozen state legislatures cap how many bills lawmakers can sponsor. The importance of this rule change is in the longevity of it, Hansen said during debate. If we cut it short too soon, we dont know how good or how important this rule change really was. State Sen.-elect Tanya Storer of Whitman talks with State Sen.-elect Stan Clouse of Kearney at a legislative retreat in Kearney on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) In 2025, there have been 715 bills and 16 constitutional amendments introduced. Of those, 676 count toward senators limits because the cap excludes bills introduced by committees or at the governors request. Compared to other recent 90-day sessions, the 2025 total is less than the 820 bills and 19 constitutional amendments introduced in 2023 but more than the 684 bills and 12 constitutional amendments introduced in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If every senator introduced 20 proposals, that would lead to a maximum of 980 bills or constitutional amendments. Senators hit 69% of the limit in 2025, leaving 304 possible bills on the table. Thirty-three bills were introduced on behalf of committees, a fraction of the more than 150 bills that eligible committees could sponsor. Hansen said the numbers show that senators could have still found ways to introduce legislation, but he has cautioned that the more bills lawmakers have, the more time gets eaten up that could otherwise be spent debating and passing legislation. State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha reads the Nebraska Legislatures rule book. July 25, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Cavanaugh and others said senators should be careful of the false prize of success where the amount of legislation could decrease for other reasons, such as no more budget surplus and an end to the influx of COVID-19 pandemic relief dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody wants to have their name attached to a bill thats going to increase spending and give people something, but fewer people are interested in attaching their name to raising taxes and cutting spending, Cavanaugh said. Freshman State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman urged senators to give the limit more time to see if a trend line emerges. Senators at bill cap Ten senators hit the 20-bill ceiling in 2025 nine Democrats (McKinney, Cavanaugh and State Sens. Eliot Bostar, Machaela Cavanaugh, Danielle Conrad, Wendy DeBoer, George Dungan, Dan Quick and Ashlei Spivey) and one Republican (State Sen. Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse). Hallstrom and Spivey are freshmen. State Sen. Christy Armendariz of Omaha again introduced the fewest bills: two. State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, center, is talks with Lincoln State Sens. Carolyn Bosn and Beau Ballard, from left to right. April 10, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bostar is actually sponsoring 21 bills and one constitutional amendment this year due to two loopholes: Legislative Bill 644, at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, to adopt the Foreign Adversary and Terrorist Agent Registration Act and the Crush Transnational Repression in Nebraska Act. Bills introduced for the governor dont count toward the 20-bill limit. LB 715, to require insurance coverage of pre-exposure prophylaxis medication (PrEP) to prevent human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha introduced the bill with Bostar and later gave Bostar the lead spot. McKinney argued those loopholes are a reason the restriction should be removed because senators will find their way around the cap anyway. He and others said senators shouldnt need to find another senator to introduce legislation that might come from a specific constituent. State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, the longest-tenured current senator, argued that the limit arbitrarily decreases transparency and encourages gamesmanship for more expansive bills. Hansen said the Hunt-Bostar swap shows that senators can work together. His main concern is about time for senators, he said, who must host hearings on all introduced bills, unlike in other statehouses. The governor and state agencies McKinney said a bill cap, which senators had before for a short time in the 1970s, also disproportionately benefits lobbyists and advocacy groups, who can capitalize on senators limited time, and the governor, who has no limits on bills that could be introduced on his behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Jim Pillen has had 22 bills introduced so far this session on his behalf, including five related to the budget. State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, center, joins Gov. Jim Pillen and First Lady Suzanne Pillen at a Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, news conference. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Lawmakers are limited to introducing bills in the first 10 days of legislative sessions each year, but the governor can request legislation be introduced at any time. Part of the reason is to leave him the flexibility to respond to crises, which senators can also do through an amendment (and new hearing) or by suspending the rules, which requires at least 30 votes. McKinney said repeated legislation or bills filed to force committee hearings are sometimes the only paths to getting state agencies serving under the governor to respond to lawmaker concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an opportunity to take back our power, McKinney said. And if you dont think your power is important, freshman, Im telling yall, as yall go further into this job and this role, youll realize how much agencies do not care about this place. State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward briefly suggested capping the governor at 20 bills as well, excluding budget bills. But because she didnt bring the proposal earlier for the public to weigh in, she withdrew the suggestion for now. Limited government State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha listens to State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil kneeling at her desk. March 12, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Spivey and Hunt said the legislative bill cap represented overreach into dictating the behavior of other lawmakers, who should respond to their constituents desires and help Nebraskans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunt questioned what bills lacked quality and asked why the change was being championed by senators who want limited government while they choose to choke back their power. They extend one hand and say they want small government while they choke themselves with a noose with the other, Hunt said. Conrad celebrated that no additional rules changes passed Friday, including ones that could have made it easier to pass controversial legislation, restricted news media from committee executive sessions and eliminated the Legislatures secret ballot process for electing committee chairs. After rejecting McKinneys rules change, lawmakers voted 33-6 to adopt permanent rules to govern the 2025 and 2026 legislative years. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth heads into a tight confirmation vote Friday to become the nations defense secretary amid more negative revelations about his relationship with women. MSNBC reported Thursday that a non-disparagement clause in Hegseths second divorce agreement in 2018 bars both Hegseth and his second ex-wife from saying anything negative about the other in front of their children or in any public discourse, including through either traditional media or social media. The clause raises the possibility of a hidden history which could impact decisions about Hegseths fitness for a position at the top of the Defense Department Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ex sister-in-law of Hegseths former wife, Samantha, submitted a sworn affidavit Tuesday to the Senate Armed Services Committee, saying that Hegseth was physically abusive in his marriage to Samantha. Samantha Hegseth has denied the physical abuse allegations by Danielle Hegseth, who was married to the Fox News hosts brother. But Samatha Hegseth, who is bound by the non-disparagement agreement, has not denied allegations that she feared for her safety or that she had a code word to send when she felt threatened. There was no physical abuse in my marriage, Samantha Hegseth told NBC News. This is the only further statement I will make to you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pete Hegseth has denied all the accusations. That news followed another revelation Thursday that Hegseth paid a substantial $50,000 to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017, another accusation he has denied. He revealed the amount to a senator during his confirmation process. Hegseth told lawmakers during the confirmation hearings that he had consensual sex with the woman and was falsely accused of assault. But he paid the woman as part of a nondisclosure agreement. He revealed the $50,000 payment to senator as part of the confirmation process. At the time of the encounter, he was married to his second wife and fathered a child with a woman he was having an affair with. She would become his third wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and and Alaskas Lisa Murkowski already voted Thursday against advancing Hegseth to the final confirmation vote Friday. Democrats have opposed Hegseths nomination to head the Defense Department. Pete Hegseth has shown himself not only incapable of running a large organization, he often shows himself incapable of showing up or showing up in a way where he could get anything done, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said of the nominee. Hegseth said at his confirmation hearings he was not a perfect person. Apart from the sexual assault accusation, he has been accused of abusing alcohol on multiple occassions, and of mismanaging the finances of two veteran groups he ran before joining Fox News in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth also has no experience managing a large number of employees or a massive budget. The Department of Defense, the largest agency in the federal government, has a budget of $841 billion and employs 2.8 million people. Trump Inauguration Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, right, takes a photo with members of the military at the Commander in Chief Ball, Monday (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Murkowski said Hegseth wont get her vote at the final confirmation tally because of his behavior. While the allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking do nothing to quiet my concerns, the past behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity on multiple occasions, demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces, she said. COSTILLA COUNTY, Colo. In the small, idyllic town of San Luis, which sits near the foot of a fourteener, people grow their own food, a tradition that goes back generations, long before Colorado became a state. NEWARK, N.J. The mayor of Newark, New Jersey said federal Immigration agents "raided a local establishment" Thursday. Mayor Ras Baraka said in a statement that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained multiple people, including United States citizens, a U.S. military veteran and undocumented individuals. According to Baraka, the agents did not produce a warrant. "Today, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided a local establishment in the City of Newark, detaining undocumented residents as well as citizens, without producing a warrant. One of the detainees is a U.S. military veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned," Baraka said in a statement. "This egregious act is in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees 'the right of the people be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized," his statement continued. "I will be holding a press conference in alliance with partners ready and willing to defend and protect civil and human rights. Details to come." Newark is considered a so-called "sanctuary city." A spokesperson for ICE told CBS News New York in a statement late Thursday that it conducted a "targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today in Newark, New Jersey." "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individual's identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today in Newark, New Jersey," the statement read. "This is an active investigation and, per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owner of Ocean Seafood Depot, located at Adams and Delancey streets, told CBS News New York that about one dozen ICE agents came in unannounced at around 11 a.m. Eastern Time, asking to see documentation of his employees. "They didn't have a court order or, I mean, I didn't even ask," he said. The owner said his manager tried to show his veteran's card, but the agents did not accept it. "A couple of the guys couldn't show their identification," the owner said. "Twenty-six years in business, I never seen anything like this." The owner said three people were taken into custody. Surveillance video showed what appears to be federal immigration agents taking a man into custody outside the fish market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked whether the operation would deter his other employees from coming to work Friday, he responded, "Yes, exactly. That's the question. That's not really helping my business, obviously, or any business." In a joint statement late Thursday night, Democratic Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim, of New Jersey, said they were "deeply concerned about the news of an ICE raid in Newark today." They said their offices have reached out to the Department of Homeland Security. "Actions like this one sow fear in all of our communities and our broken immigration system requires solutions, not fear tactics," the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since taking office, President Trump had signed a slew of executive orders and his administration has enacted policies designed to target illegal immigration. They include efforts to end birthright citizenship, suspend the nation's asylum system and deploy troops to the border. ICE says it has made 538 arrests so far, and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis says those include arrests in New York of an MS-13 gang member, a sex offender and a drunk driver. Norah O'Donnell's final sign off from "CBS Evening News" CBS News Confirmed examines Gov. Newsom's "fact checks" on California fires Trump says he may get rid of FEMA, meets with Hurricane Helene first responders Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said residents of Newark are being "unlawfully terrorized." The Trump administration has pledged to crack down on illegal immigration. (Photo via U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Immigrant officials raided a business in Newark, detaining a U.S. military veteran and multiple undocumented residents without producing a warrant, according to city officials. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka released a statement describing Immigration and Customs Enforcements actions Thursday and condemning the agency for the raid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This egregious act is in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, said Baraka, a Democrat who is running for governor this year. Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized. One of the detainees is a veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned, Baraka said. A spokesperson for the state Attorney Generals Office declined to comment. Immigrants and activists have been on edge since President Donald Trump signed a slew of executive orders cracking down on immigration during his first hours in office Monday. Trumps border czar said ICE arrested 308 migrants across America on Tuesday and made 766 apprehensions at the southern border, according to the New York Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baraka did not name the raided business in his statement or say how many people were detained by ICE. In a call Thursday with Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-10), state officials, and immigrant advocates, Make the Road New Jersey Deputy Director Nedia Morsy said the policies of the Trump administration are xenophobic and they are racist. This is the work of the Trump administration, an attempt to undo all of the progress that we have made, and he wont succeed, Morsy said. Trump on Wednesday said he was sending 1,500 military troops to the southern border as part of his crackdown on illegal immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump is sending a very strong message to people around this world if you are thinking about breaking the laws of the United States of America, you will be returned home. You will be arrested. You will be prosecuted, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. The New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice said on social media that its crucial that all New Jerseyans are safe in their communities. The group said its time to distribute materials more rapidly that inform residents of their rights in preparation for more raids like these. Immigrant advocates have been pushing state lawmakers to pass the Immigrant Trust Act, which would prohibit state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities when voluntary, limit circumstances where public agencies can ask about immigration status, and ensure people regardless of immigration status can access public services in schools, libraries, and health care facilities. The bill has not moved since it was introduced last year. Amol Sinha, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, said organizations are tracking whats happening across communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear whether any other ICE raids were conducted in New Jersey, although multiple were reported across the country, including in New York City, Boston, San Francisco, Minnesota, Florida, and Maryland. New Jersey is home to more than 400,000 undocumented immigrants. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Newark Mayor Ras Baraka condemned a warrantless ICE immigration raid at a local business, resulting in the detainment of both undocumented residents and citizens, among them a military veteran. Approximately a dozen ICE agents burst into Ocean Seafood Depot, located in the citys Ironbound section on Adams and Delancey streets, around 11 a.m. on Thursday. The stores owner, Luis Janota, said he was caught completely off guard by the agents, who then began asking workers to provide their documentation, though they did not appear to be looking for anyone in particular. They took three people who did not have any documentation on them, Janota told Pix 11, including the store manager, who was detained despite showing agents his veterans card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, ICE Newark later confirmed it conducted a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today in Newark, further emphasizing that agents may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity, as they did in this instance. This is an active investigation and, per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations, the statement concluded. Baraka blasted the surprise raid in a statement issued Thursday night, insisting it was carried out without a warrant. Today, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided a local establishment in the City of Newark, detaining undocumented residents as well as citizens, without producing a warrant. One of the detainees is a U.S. military veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned, the mayor said. This egregious act is in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right of the people be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor concluded that his city would not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized. Democratic New Jersey Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim echoed the sentiment, declaring in a joint statement that they were deeply concerned about the news of an ICE raid in Newark. They said their offices had reached out to the Department of Homeland Security. Actions like this one sow fear in all of our communities and our broken immigration system requires solutions, not fear tactics, the senators said. The incident in Newark came after the Defense Department announced it would send 1,500 soldiers to the southern border, launching plans outlined in executive orders signed by President Trump aimed at cracking down on immigration. They also include efforts to end birthright citizenship, suspend the nations asylum system and deploy troops to the border. NEWARK, New Jersey (PIX11) Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and other city leaders gathered on Friday to denounce an ICE raid at a seafood store the day before. ICE officers stormed the store without a warrant and without announcing themselves before entering, New Jersey elected officials said. NYPD cannot engage in ICE enforcement in NYC: Internal memo How do you determine whos undocumented and whos a criminal by looking at them? Were going back to a time that was very dangerous in this country, Baraka said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congresswoman LaMonica McIver said her office reached out to ICE to ask how the raid was able to take place without a warrant, but she has not yet heard back. You have rights during ICE encounter, NYC mayors office says Organizes with the states immigrant justice groups say theyve gone into overdrive to educate Newark residents about their rights and to help restore a sense of safety. They spoke with some of the seafood store workers who witnessed the raid. They were heavily armed, there was no prior announcement, they were blocking off entrances and exits, they were scrambling up delivery ramps, they were banging down bathroom doors to make sure no one was hiding inside, said Amy Torres, executive director of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Store owner Luis Janota told PIX11 News 10 or 12 ICE agents entered the retail area after receiving complaints and were looking for documentation. They did not ask for anyone specific, he said. According to Janota, three people were taken into custody, some of whom received a court date to appear before a judge. The store owner told PIX11 that a U.S. military veteran was among the people detained. The raid came after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office stating that federal immigration authorities can arrest people at sensitive locations. An ICE spokesperson released the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite on Jan. 23 in Newark, New Jersey. This is an active investigation and per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations. Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) A seafood store in Newark was raided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Thursday, according to Mayor Ras Baraka. The raid came after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office stating that federal immigration authorities can arrest people at sensitive locations. More Local News The store owner told PIX11 News that a U.S. military veteran was among the people detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Store owner Luis Janota said 10 or 12 ICE agents entered the retail area after receiving complaints and were looking for documentation. They did not ask for anyone specific, he said. I was confused; they took three people who did not have any documentation on them, Janota said. I asked them [the agents] what documentation they were looking for, and they said it was a license or a passport. I thought, who walks around with a passport? The mayor released the following statement Thursday afternoon condemning the incident, claiming undocumented residents and citizens were detained without a warrant: Today, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided a local establishment in the City of Newark, detaining undocumented residents as well as citizens, without producing a warrant. One of the detainees is a U.S. military veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned. This egregious act is in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right of the people be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More New Jersey News Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized. I will be holding a press conference in alliance with partners ready and willing to defend and protect civil and human rights. Details to come, Baraka said. An ICE spokesperson released the following statement: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite on Jan. 23 in Newark, New Jersey. This is an active investigation and per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Janota told PIX11 News he believes Hispanic workers were targeted when they were asked for papers by the agents. They did not ask me for documentation for my American workers, Portuguese workers, or white workers, Janota said. Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Officials in Newark, along with immigrant rights activists, are criticizing a warrantless ICE raid targeting a New Jersey seafood business. Several people were detained during the operation. CAYUTA, N.Y. (WETM) A Newfield man has been sentenced to serve time in prison after he pleaded guilty to drug charges in August, as reported by the Schuyler County District Attorneys Office. Rayquan T. Brooks, 24, was sentenced as a second felony offender on Thursday, Jan. 23, by Hon. Matthew C. Hayden to three and a half years in state prison plus two years of post-release supervision for the offense of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony. 4 people arrested on drug charges after Cayuta traffic stop Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks was charged with the crime following a traffic stop in Cayuta where he and others were found to be in possession of several drugs, including meth. The DA states that Brooks pleaded guilty to the crime in Schuyler County Court on Aug. 8, 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. (Bloomberg) -- California Governor Gavin Newsom greeted Donald Trumps inauguration Monday with a gesture of conciliation toward the new president, noting the need for partnership and mutual respect. Most Read from Bloomberg But with Trump set to visit fire-ravaged Los Angeles on Friday, an already-tense relationship is showing no signs of improvement. The president has made the citys wildfires a political flashpoint, threatening to withhold federal disaster aid and lashing out at the Democratic governor whom he derides as Gavin Newscum over Californias policies protecting undocumented migrants. Meanwhile, Trumps slew of executive orders squarely take aim at issues close to the states progressive ideals, from environmental protections to diversity, equity and inclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That puts Newsom, widely considered a Democratic Party standard bearer and potential presidential candidate, in a precarious position. The governor needs Trump to keep billions of dollars in disaster aid, while resisting policies such as mass deportations and threats to birthright citizenship in a state where immigrants make up more than a quarter of the population. How does Newsom balance the need to govern and produce for California while showing hes a progressive leader for the Democratic Party? said Jim Ross, a political consultant who managed Newsoms first mayoral campaign in San Francisco. It will be determinative for Gavin Newsoms future how he balances this. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Newsom said he has had no contact with the White House about Trumps visit, but would nevertheless greet him at the airport tarmac. It remained unclear if the leaders would formally meet. Newsom was not on a list of participants for a planned fire emergency briefing that Trump will hold released by the White House, though Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and eight members of Congress including Democrats like George Whitesides and Brad Sherman were included. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, as he departed the White House, said he had not invited Newsom to participate in his visit but hoped he made it to the meeting. None of this is personal in any way, shape or form, Newsom said of his relationship with the president. Its just fundamental policy disagreements on birthright citizenship, but on emergency preparedness, emergency management, there should be no daylight between federal administration and state and local representatives. Already, Trumps second term is starting with less resistance than his first. Some of Californias most prominent business leaders, including Apple Inc. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook, Alphabet Inc.s Sundar Pichai and Meta Platforms Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg, attended the inauguration. In an interview, billionaire Los Angeles developer Rick Caruso said Newsom and Trump should put politics aside and work together. Meanwhile, immigrant-rights activists say Newsom must stand firm against Trumps deportation push, which could disproportionately impact Los Angeles County, home to more than 800,000 undocumented immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont want another Puerto Rico moment, said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, referencing Trumps 2017 visit to the island, where he tossed paper towels to a crowd of hurricane survivors. He made a mockery of the moment and used it to denigrate the people and the leadership. Days after Trumps inauguration, California has entered into clashes with the administration. The state is part of a coalition challenging Trumps efforts to end birthright citizenship. Trumps Department of Justice has been instructed to investigate local officials accused of obstructing the administrations immigration agenda. Leading the charge against the president is California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who accused Trump of trying to bully and intimidate state officials. This is not a time to be timid on the law, Bonta said in an interview. Well fight back and defend ourselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire Tensions Most pressing for now are funds tied to the Los Angeles blazes, which have destroyed roughly 17,000 structures and claimed at least 28 lives. Property losses from Palisades and Eaton fires may reach $45 billion, according to an estimate by real estate information service CoreLogic Inc. On Thursday, California lawmakers approved a legislative package that would provide $2.5 billion for wildfire recovery. Before leaving office, former President Joe Biden increased the states federal assistance to cover 100% of costs for 180 days. Some Republicans in Congress have called for linking relief funding to new fire-management policies. On Wednesday, Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity, I dont think we should give California anything until they let water flow down into there, referring to his demand to reroute more water from the states north to southern areas, while attacking the governors policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president said Friday that he wants the state to address his water demands and require voter ID. After that, I will be the greatest president that California has ever seen, he said. Newsom said that the states water project has nothing to do with the fires, which exploded after extreme winds fanned flames in LAs dry landscape. This is situational, he said Thursday in response to questions over Trumps attacks. Dont color it in any more than it needs to be. Im here for the long haul to support the president where we can, to defend our values where we must, to have the backs of diverse communities. Newsom also said hes confident the state will get the federal aid needed. I have all the expectations theyre going to do the right thing, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As much as California is known as a liberal state, Trump has gained support among residents. He flipped 10 California counties red in the November election. In November, Newsom convened a special legislative session to Trump-proof California, which remains ongoing. But he also embarked on a jobs-focused tour of Republican strongholds, while Democrats have acknowledged the need to address the states high cost of living. There are splinters among local Democrats over how to approach Trumps second term. Some, like Bonta, are leading the Trump resistance, while others, such as new San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, have promised to focus on local priorities. Caruso, a Republican-turned-Democrat, urged Newsom and Trump to collaborate. The problems that we have are too big for politics, he said. The county is going to need aid for rebuilding infrastructure. Hopefully, federal resources will be available for that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom is no stranger to this balancing act. During Trumps first term, the two worked together on wildfire prevention and disaster relief. The governor said Thursday that they had a great relationship during the Covid-19 pandemic and spoke on the phone on a consistent basis throughout the presidency. Trump and Gavin have always had this sort of behind-the-scenes relationship, said James Gallagher, the Republican leader in the state assembly who represents Paradise, the town destroyed by the Camp Fire in 2018. Gallagher said Trump provided aid when Newsom requested it. Trump did everything Gavin asked for, he said. But their relationship has deteriorated significantly. Newsom said on Thursday that he hasnt spoken by phone to Trump since the president left office in his first term, and multiple attempts to contact him since his reelection were unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallagher said theres one way Newsom could smooth the path for federal aid: It would help a whole lot to stop saying youre going to sue the president. New from Bloomberg: Get the California Edition newsletter Bloomberg journalists across the Golden State report on one of the worlds biggest economies and its global influence. --With assistance from Skylar Woodhouse and Pierre Paulden. (Updates with Trumps new comments on California in 19th paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. CPEC symbolizes Pakistan-China friendship, shared vision: minister Xinhua) 09:37, January 24, 2025 ISLAMABAD, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a testament to the enduring friendship and shared vision nurtured by Pakistan and China over decades. Speaking at a ceremony here on Wednesday to celebrate the forthcoming Chinese New Year and to recognize the contributions of 30 outstanding Chinese staff working on CPEC projects in Pakistan, Iqbal said that CPEC represents a roadmap for sustainable development, mutual growth, and prosperity, not only for the two nations but for the entire region. Highlighting the contributions of the Chinese staff, Iqbal praised their dedication, technical expertise, and relentless hard work, which have been instrumental in transforming ambitious projects into tangible realities. "From energy generation and infrastructure development to logistics and technology, your efforts have been crucial in overcoming challenges and ensuring the successful completion of numerous landmark initiatives," he said. Launched in 2013, CPEC, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. While the first phase focused on energy, transport, and industrial cooperation, the second phase expands into areas such as agriculture and livelihoods. Discussing the second phase, Iqbal noted that it will unlock immense opportunities, modernize agriculture, digitize industries, drive economic diversification, create millions of jobs, and enhance Pakistan's global competitiveness. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong also addressed the gathering, expressing confidence in Pakistan's economic growth under the government's leadership and with the collective efforts of its people. "The cooperation and partnership between China and Pakistan will continue to progress steadily, fostering lasting development," he added. The event featured vibrant traditional dances by both Chinese and Pakistani performers, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the two nations. The audience showed keen interest in the performances and expressed gratitude to China for its pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan-China relations. A special recognition segment was held during the ceremony to honor the best-performing Chinese companies involved in CPEC projects. Certificates of excellence and souvenirs were presented to acknowledge their outstanding contributions. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) By Akbar Novruz Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a discussion with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan yesterday, reaffirming the significance of U.S.-Turkiye relations and emphasizing Turkiye's pivotal role as a NATO ally. They also discussed shared regional interests and cooperation. During the conversation, Secretary Rubio stressed the importance of an inclusive transition in Syria, ensuring the new government prevents the country from becoming a breeding ground for international terrorism. He emphasized the need to prevent foreign malign actors from exploiting Syria's transition for their own purposes. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also addressed the importance of achieving a durable and dignified peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Additionally, Secretary Rubio expressed his condolences for the lives lost and those injured in the tragic hotel fire in Bolu, Turkiye. An association of legislative aides at the Colorado state Capitol is demanding the resignation of state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. SACRAMENTO, California California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he had yet to hear from Donald Trump on the eve of the presidents planned tour of wildfire damage in Los Angeles on Friday. Whether hes invited or not, Newsom confirmed hes planning to show up at the airport for a customary greeting. I look forward to being there on the tarmac to thank the president, welcome him, and were making sure that all the resources he needs for a successful briefing are provided to him, Newsom told reporters Thursday in Pasadena, where he signed a pair of bills providing $2.5 billion in state recovery. There's no limit to the resources we'll provide for that briefing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who has frequently sparred with Newsom, is set to return to California amid a congressional standoff over conditioning federal disaster aid to the Democrat-run state. Republicans are pushing to tie the aid to a debt ceiling increase, and Trump has called on Newsom to acquiesce to his demands over water delivery and forest management. Newsom and Trump have not spoken since the president left office in 2020, and Trump has not returned the Democratic governors recent calls. But with Trump set to arrive Friday afternoon, Newsom sought to downplay their personal beef. I have a lot of relationships in the Trump world; a lot of relationships of trust. I communicate with a lot of folks around him, folks that have his ear and influence, he said, without naming names. This is a sideshow, a lot of this stuff, but I know it's the show that's probably the focus of a little bit too much tomorrow, when all I care about is what we can do together to move past this moment and and start rowing in the same direction to get this region back on its feet. Newsoms remarks Thursday reflected the high-wire act hes been performing since the fires erupted across Los Angeles earlier this month, claiming at least 28 lives and destroying thousands of structures. He again defended the state setting aside tens of millions of dollars to wage legal battles with the new administration, calling the special session outlays prudent. He repeatedly called out Trump for spreading false information on the fires, speaking extensively about his states investments in wildfire preparedness. At the same time, Newsom sought to appeal to him for federal recovery funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While urging Trump to set aside their own differences and come through for the state, Newsom pointed to one possible area for collaboration: the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. There's no daylight with the administration on that, he said. And I think in so many ways, it only reinforces my confidence that the president and Congress will be there for the American people that happen to live here in Southern California, he said. Trump said earlier this week on Fox News that he hadnt given much thought to meeting with Newsom in Los Angeles. A White House spokesperson did not comment on the trip. Jan. 23Two individuals in Newton have been arrested for allegedly leaving their dogs in a vacant home with no heat during one of the coldest days of the year so far, leading to the death of one of the animals. Police say the other dog was transported to a local veterinary clinic for emergency treatment. According to a Jan. 23 press release from the Newton Police Department, 30-year-old Erick A. Fuerte Farias and Marissa N. Fuerte were charged with two counts each for animal neglect causing serious injury or death, which are aggravated misdemeanors punishable by up to two years imprisonment. Utility workers on Jan. 21 responded to a broken water pipe in the home near the 700 block of North Fourth Avenue East. Upon arrival they found the home was vacant with no heat. Ice had formed on the walls from the broken pipes inside. The workers heard a dog inside and contacted the local police department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found the house was locked, and attempts to contact the homeowner were unsuccessful. Due to the extremely low temperatures and the condition of the home, police made emergency entry into the residence and found one deceased dog and one extremely malnourished dog confined to the kitchen. Both dogs were without food or water. Police executed a search warrant of the residence, and evidence was found indicating the dogs had been abandoned for several weeks. Both individuals have since been arrested and were transported to the Jasper County Jail on the aforementioned charges. Temperatures on Jan. 21 were as high as 10 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit in Newton. Wind speeds fluctuated throughout the day, with the highest gusts being 29 mph. Temperatures and windchill were so cold that Newton Community School District issued a two-hour delay the same day. Terri McKinney, clinic manager of Parkview Animal Hospital, said the surviving dog is a hound mix who weighed 32 pounds when authorities brought him in for emergency care. He gained four pounds after 24 hours in the clinic, and he has since been transferred to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He will recover and it's going to be a slow, slow process," McKinney told Newton News. "When an animal becomes severely emaciated, you can't just put large quantities of food in front of them and let them go. You end up creating more issues. So you have to slowly re-feed them." Parkview Animal Hospital grades animal body conditions from a scale of one to nine, with nine being "pretty chunky" and one being "extremely malnourished." Staff rated the dog's body condition as a one. McKinney said the ARL has a lot of experience caring of severely neglected animals. "They have the staff to truly monitor him," she said. "...It's in his best interest to be where he is at. I truly feel that he will make a full recovery. How much longer did he have left in there (in the vacant home)? Probably not for very long if no one had found him." Jan. 23An Arkansas woman pleaded guilty in federal court this week to stealing more than $300,000 from elderly account holders at a New Hampshire credit union, U.S. Attorneys Jay McCormack and Jonathan D. Ross announced Thursday. Tyra Brown, 27, of Benton, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Brian S. Miller of the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Arkansas will sentence Brown at a later date. According to court documents, Brown was a customer service representative for a New Hampshire credit union. The specific credit union is identified only as 'Lender 1' in court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to her job, Brown could access customers' personal identifying information, security questions and account balances. Brown used that access to steal a total of $301,674.89 from at least 10 elderly victims, using wires, electronic debits and Zelle to transfer victim funds to an account she chose. She attempted to steal $428,526.85, court documents state. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Hampshire led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen of the District of New Hampshire and Katie Hinojosa of the Eastern District of Arkansas are prosecuting the case. Dont book that cruise to the French Riveria just yet. Nice, the capital of Frances celeb-loved Cote dAzur, is outlining new plans to address problems with pollution and overtourism caused by large cruise ships, Travel and Leisure reported. The citys mayor Christian Estrosi told residents that he wants to prohibit vessels carrying more than 900 passengersor measuring over 620 feet longfrom coming into Nices picturesque ports or anchoring in the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. If the proposal is approved by authorities, the ban could go into effect starting July 1, 2025. More from Robb Report Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the mayor is taking into consideration which sailings can be canceled for the upcoming summer season and which cant be. In terms of the cruise lines that are at risk based on their size and capacity, big-name players including Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Viking, Holland America Line, Cunard, and Norwegian Cruise Lines are the most likely to be affected by the decision. Meanwhile, smaller ships such as Sea Cloud Cruises, Windstar, and Atlas Ocean Voyages will be allowed to operate as usual. Tourism, yes, overtourism, no, Estrosi reportedly explained to residents earlier this week, according to the outlet. The cruises that pollute and dump their low-cost clientele who consume nothing, but leave their waste behind these cruises have no place with us. In addition to curbing cruises, the mayor revealed plans to invest more than $7 million so Nice can explore electrifying its ports to cut further pollution, as well as aspirations to construct a new maritime terminal solely dedicated to smaller boats. Cannes, a French city neighboring Nice, is also looking into banning cruise tourism and other European hot spots have already put restrictions in place. In 2023, Amsterdam passed a proposal to prevent cruise ships from docking in the city center to avoid overcrowding, The New York Times reported. Barcelona followed suit and also got permission from local authorities to close a terminal to curb the amount of cruise traffic caused by visitors disembarking. On land, cities around the world have even started to implement a tourist tax to limit the number of visitors during peak summer months to improve the quality of life for residents. Venice, for example, is now charging an entrance fee in order to explore its canals and historic sites. Best of Robb Report Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The mayor of Newark, N.J. slammed the egregious raid by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who, he says, raided a local establishment and detained undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens. Mayor Ras Baraka said ICE performed the Thursday raid without a warrant and the military veteran who was detained suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned. Baraka added the raid was a plain violation of the Fourth Amendment. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka talks with the media at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday, August 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey) Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized, Baraka said in a statement on Thursday. I will be holding a press conference in alliance with partners ready and willing to defend and protect civil and human rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An ICE spokesperson told The Hill in an emailed statement that its agents may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting fieldwork and may request identification to establish an individuals identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today in Newark, New Jersey. This is an active investigation, and, per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations, the spokesperson added. On Tuesday, President Trumps administration permitted ICE to carry out arrests in churches and schools, revoking a guideline that barred arrest in sensitive areas. Trump has repeatedly said on the campaign trail that he would perform mass deportations of immigrants who are in the country illegally. Since taking office on Monday, he has signed a number of executive orders intended to curb the influx of immigrants on the southern border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in July 2017, Baraka signed a sanctuary city executive order in an effort to protect the citys undocumented immigrants from Trumps immigration policies. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), whose district includes Newark, said her office has reached out to the Department of Homeland (DHS) for more information about the raid and how it was allowed that ICE come in. Already, Trumps attacks on immigrant communities are hitting home and we will not back down, McIver, who represents New Jerseys 10th Congressional District, said in Thursdays statement, adding that she was in touch with Baraka along with local and federal officials. In a joint statement Thursday night, Democratic New Jersey Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim expressed concern over new of the raid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are deeply concerned about the news of an ICE raid in Newark today. Our offices have reached out to the Department of Homeland Security to demand answers, they wrote. Actions like this one sow fear in all of our communities and our broken immigration system requires solutions, not fear tactics. We will continue to work with Mayor Baraka and other local officials to gather more information to ensure all New Jerseyans are safe and their dignity and rights are protected. Updated at 10:57 p.m. EST. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sens. Andy Kim and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) raised concerns with a reported Immigration and Custom Enforcement raid of an establishment in Newark in which undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens were detained. We are deeply concerned about the news of an ICE raid in Newark today. Our offices have reached out to the Department of Homeland Security to demand answers, Kim and Booker wrote in a statement. Actions like this one sow fear in all of our communities and our broken immigration system requires solutions, not fear tactics, they added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will continue to work with Mayor Baraka and other local officials to gather more information to ensure all New Jerseyans are safe and their dignity and rights are protected. Newarks mayor, Ras Baraka, called the ICE action egregious and a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized, Baraka said in a statement. Despite pushback, President Trump and border czar Tom Homan have said they will not let up on efforts to carry out the largest deportation in the countrys history. I hope the sanctuary cities come around once they see that we really are concentrated on the criminals, Homan said in an interview late Thursday with NewsNations Chris Cuomo. We hope theyll sit at the table and work with us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homan also invited the reporter to the frontlines to watch the enforcement actions. Lawmakers confirmed more than 300 arrests of illegal immigrants were made during Trumps first day in office while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed military aircrafts were being used to carry out deportation flights on Friday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Andre Garcia-Nuthmann the director of Choral and Vocal studies at New Mexico Highlands University warms up with students before a performance in the Rotunda on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2024. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM) Good will abounded around the Roundhouse on Thursday. No, really it was Goodwill Industries of New Mexico and Highlands University day, decking the halls in the Rotunda blue and purple. But just down the stairs, lawmakers were pushing efforts to lay out public safety and behavioral health priorities and hearing from one of the institutions that will be most impacted: the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Justice David Thomsons address to lawmakers on the House floor included a notable absence: While members of both chambers were invited, no Senate Republicans attended. But it wasnt an intentional snub, said Brandon Harris, the spokesperson for the Senate GOP. They went to join the governor at the luncheon sponsored by New Mexico Amigos, an organization that promotes NM business and industry around the country and internationally, Harris told Source NM in an email. You can read more about Thomspons State of the Judiciary speech here. The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday afternoon received a basic overview of New Mexicos civil commitment laws from attorneys Megan Dorsey and Brandon Cummings. The committees chair, Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), is carrying a bill that would make it easier for courts to involuntarily commit people. Read more here. Bill Watch The governor signed the feed bill Thursday evening, which appropriates $68.75 million for the costs of the current legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) brought forward her three climate bills, including Senate Bill 4, the Clear Horizons Act, which sets pollution reduction goals into law reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% in 2030 and net-zero by 2050 and asks for $3 million to implement the program. Clear Horizons heads for the Senate Conservation Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 28, for a 9 a.m. hearing. Stewart also released Senate Bill 48 to provide $340 million in grant funding for local communities to reduce pollution or mitigate impacts from climate change,and Senate Bill 83 which requests $10 million for assisting state agencies reduce emissions. Speaking of climate disasters, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are working to address home insurance in the wake of disasters. Read more here. A good bolo Joey Jimenez Jr. pictured in the Rotunda on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM) Joey Jimenez Jr. is a social worker and administrative assistant at the Center for Excellence in Social work at Highlands University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimenez (Akimel Oodham/Pueblo of Isleta/Mexicano), grew up in Arizona, and said he enteredsocial work because of a desire to be helpful and to be of service. Now he supports social work students at Highlands University, as well as professional social workers around the state by connecting them to resources and further training. For anyone considering social work, Jimenez had this to say: Youre definitely wanted and needed; if you enjoy being of service to others, this is the profession for you. Lawmakers are pushing for behavioral health expansions this session, which has included some bills relating to social work. For example, House Bill 52, from Miguel Garcia (D-Albuquerque) would offer health care workers such as social workers in rural New Mexico to receive a $3,000 state tax credit. A request in House Bill 2 would allocate $2 million in grants through the Department of Public Safety for municipalities and tribal communities to spend on diversion, mental health programs, crisis intervention and social work training. Last year, lawmakers appropriated $10 million for the Department of Higher Education to spend on expanding social worker enrollment. Another $3.5 million went to the Children, Youth and Families Department to retain and recruit social workers. Looking ahead The Roundhouse may look more like a ghost town, as lawmakers appear to be ending the week a little early. Neither the Senate nor the House will meet on the floor Friday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Skylar Gamache and Autumn Solecki in the New Mexico Legislature hold their second-place trophy from BEST Robotics, a regional competition of 70 teams of students from New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Arizona and Arkansas. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM) Autumn Solecki, a high school sophomore from Albuquerque, says she wasnt really interested in learning until she joined her local after-school program. Honestly I was quite bored and didnt want to do it. I wasnt learning because I wasnt interested, Solecki said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Solecki says she wants to teach kindergarten when she graduates. She said after-school activities are where people are able to invest in you. That is where Ive been able to find passion in school, and actually want to pursue things in education, she said. Solecki was one of many students from across New Mexico who took time away from their schooling on Friday to press for science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, as part of the advocacy day for the NM Out of School Time Network, an Albuquerque nonprofit that seeks to expand and improve after-school and summer programs. She and Skylar Gamache, a junior high school student from Rio Rancho, had brief conversations with Minority Whip Rep. Alan Martinez (R-Rio Rancho) and House Education Committee Vice Chair Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque) about the importance of implementing science, technology, engineering and mathematics into the states education system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gamache said her cousins had done the advocacy day before and taken part in robotics workshops and competitions through R4 Creating, which is a Rio Rancho nonprofit that helps students and educators with career guidance and internships. R4 Creating Executive Director Shelly Gruenig said when young people are engaged, theyre more likely to find a career. There are more than 124,000 kids on waiting lists to try to get into after-school programs in our state, Gruenig said. We really need to be able to expand and build on these really great partners all across the state that provide the motivation, excitement, hope and inspiration for our youth. Gruenig said one of the bills her group is tracking is Senate Bill 93, which would set aside $20 million for comprehensive, affordable out-of-school time programming for public school students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was also Career and Technical Student Organizations Day at the Roundhouse, hosted by the Public Education Departments College and Career Readiness Bureau. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Neither the House of Representatives nor the Senate convened on Friday, in order to give time for legislative staff to print bills. The House Appropriations and Finance Committee was scheduled to meet on Friday to discuss New Mexicos economy and legislative proposals related to attracting new jobs and investments. Looking ahead to next week, the Senate Conservation Committee is expected to hold hearings Tuesday on four bills related to greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, water quality and royalties from extractive industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friday also marked Soleckis first time at the Roundhouse. I learned a lot about the importance of coming here to let the legislators know what students think about the bills that they are passing, she said. It is also a very beautiful building. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Jan. 23SANTA FE New Mexico's judicial branch is stepping up its efforts to reduce repeat criminal offenders but needs adequate funding to prop up such programs, the state's chief Supreme Court justice told lawmakers Thursday. With a range of proposals dealing with crime and public safety expected to be filed at the Roundhouse during the 60-day session that started this week, Supreme Court Chief Justice David Thomson said the new initiatives should not be unfunded mandates. "The judiciary is committed to doing the hard work to support the policy initiatives of the Legislature and the executive on behavioral health," Thomson said during his State of the Judiciary Address. "We will do our part." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My request to you is that we are not asked to do more to the detriment of our core judicial function," he added. Specifically, Thomson asked lawmakers to make the $3 million in funding approved during a special session last year recurring to ramp up court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment programs for individuals with mental illness in three judicial districts. "We need that extended if this is a program that is of value to you so we can be consistent in its application," he said. A treatment program in the Santa Fe-based 1st Judicial District was recently launched using the Legislature's initial start-up funding, though Thomson said he did not yet have information about the number of participants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We literally (just) turned on the switch," he told lawmakers, while also saying that such programs alone will not solve the state's vexing problem of high violent crime rates. Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, told judicial officials during a Thursday hearing he's committed to securing recurring funding for the assisted outpatient program, which connects defendants with counseling, medication and other services for up to one year. He also said it's important for such court programs to be in place and fully staffed as legislators consider changes to the state's approach to assisting individuals found not to be competent, both in criminal and civil cases. "This law has been on our books since 2016 and we just weren't using it," Wirth said, referring to the state's assisted outpatient treatment programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Christine Chandler, D-Los Alamos, has already filed legislation changing the process for evaluating whether criminal defendants are competent to stand trial. That bill, House Bill 4, would specifically require that competency evaluators determine whether defendants are dangerous to themselves or others. After a competency hearing, and if a defendant is found not to be competent, a judge would then decide whether the defendant poses a threat. Based on that determination, a defendant would either be ordered to attend an assisted outpatient treatment program or be sent to the state Behavioral Health Institute in Las Vegas, New Mexico. As for other judicial branch initiatives, Thomson said there have been 2,750 holds of defendants since adoption of a May 2024 rule that calls for automatic jail holds when defendants on release pending trial are arrested for a new felony or certain misdemeanor offense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judiciary is seeking an additional $3.5 million to fund costs associated with 24-hour GPS monitoring of defendants released pending trial via ankle monitors. That funding would also help the judicial branch to expand the initiative into all parts of New Mexico, Thomson said. He also said the number of jury trials in New Mexico increased by 32% from the 2022 budget year to 2023, with nearly 47,000 New Mexicans called for jury duty. That uptick came after jury trials were scaled back during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although New Mexico judges received salary increases under a bill approved last year, Thomson also asked lawmakers to provide pay raises for judicial branch employees who make less than $100,000 per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said some staffers currently make less than the living wage, which was calculated last year by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to be $20.10 per hour in New Mexico. No Senate Republicans were seen in the House chamber during the State of the Judiciary Address. They were attending a luncheon with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham sponsored by New Mexico Amigos, a nonprofit group that promotes state businesses and industries, a caucus spokesperson said later Thursday. Jimmy Sengenberger is an investigative journalist, public speaker, and longtime local talk-radio host. Reach Jimmy online at Jimmysengenberger.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @SengCenter. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) More than six years after an Albuquerque Public Schools high school teacher made headlines for a racial remark in the classroom, the New Mexico Supreme Court now says a precedent-setting lawsuit against APS can move forward. The lawsuit centers around what happened to now-former student McKenzie Johnson back in 2018 when Johnson said her English teacher crossed the line. Story continues below In 2018 on Halloween day, Johnson said a teacher called her a bloody Indian and then cut another students braid off during a class lesson. Thinking back to how if I wasnt there that day how would have this case gone? who would of committed actions towards this, you know? Who would have done it if I wasnt there or how long would it have gone for if I didnt say anything? said Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While APS said that teacher quit soon after, by 2020, Johnson filed a lawsuit against the district claiming they violated the New Mexico Human Rights Act. A district court judge originally dismissed that lawsuit in 2021 saying the act didnt apply to schools. However, the appeals court overturned the decision in 2023 and on Thursday, the New Mexico Supreme Court reaffirmed that decision saying Johnsons lawsuit is clear to move forward. Its precedent that ensures children of protected classes in New Mexico will have stronger protection under our New Mexico Human Rights Act from discriminations in school settings, said Leon Howard, ACLU attorney representing Johnson. Johnson said shes grateful for the decision and looking forward to her day in court. Im just like, Im still trying process it when I heard the news this morning from my lawyer, said Johnson. Shes made history in New Mexico thats going to protect children from discrimination in schools from this day forward, said Howard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case will now head back to district court for a new possible trial. The ACLU of New Mexico said its still open to talking with the district to see if it they can resolve the matter outside of court. KRQE News 13 reached out to APS for comment and received this statement: What happened at Cibola was unacceptable. That said, were disappointed in the ruling because we believe it improperly expands existing law, bypasses the Legislature and overturns the courts own legal precedent. We fear it will have a negative and chilling impact on public school teachers across the state. Nevertheless, the court has made its ruling, and we accept it. Martin Salazar, Communications Director, Albuquerque Public Schools Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 23Public schools and higher education institutions in New Mexico can now be sued under the state's anti-discrimination law after a ruling by the New Mexico Supreme Court. Thursday's ruling from the five-member court creates broader protections for students and also opens the door to Albuquerque Public Schools being taken to court as it was in 2020 after a student alleged a teacher called her a "bloody Indian" on Halloween in 2018. The court issued its opinion in favor of former Cibola High School student McKenzie Johnson, who sued her former teacher, Mary Jane Eastin, and APS in 2nd Judicial District Court in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson had alleged Eastin made the racist remarks and cut a portion of the braided hair of another Native American student without her consent during a game in which she would give students candy or dog food depending on how they answered questions. Johnson's case was initially dismissed before it was heard by the New Mexico Court of Appeals in arguments at Central New Mexico Community College as part of the court's Rule of Law Program. Johnson, a senior at the University of New Mexico, told the Journal she experienced a range of emotions on Thursday when her attorney Leon Howard gave her the news as she drove to class. "My eyes were tearing up and I was just glad to hear it," Johnson said. "I was able to help my people." Howard, with the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, said the court's ruling means Johnson's case will be sent back to district court. The case could either go to trial or be settled between the parties, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albuquerque Public Schools spokesperson Martin Salazar said in a statement Thursday that while the incidents at Cibola were "unacceptable," the school district is disappointed in the court's ruling. "We believe it improperly expands existing law, bypasses the Legislature and overturns the court's own legal precedent," Salazar said. "We fear it will have a negative and chilling impact on public school teachers across the state." However, APS accepts the ruling, he said. Salazar declined to comment about potential future legal proceedings. Johnson's case alleged not only that "Eastin created a hostile learning environment and discriminated against Native American students," but that APS "failed to properly train teachers on the harms of racism and to provide for its students' safety," according to the complaint. "Being called ('Bloody Indian') based on your race is ... gross," Johnson said in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her initial filing said the district was in violation of the 1969 New Mexico Human Rights Act. On Thursday, the state Supreme Court ruling affirmed the appellate court and said that public schools are accountable under the HRA and can be sued for discriminatory conduct. In making that determination, the court overturned and sent back to district court a 1981 case filed by the New Mexico Human Rights Commission against the University of New Mexico a case in which the court at that time ruled a university was not covered under the HRA. The case centered around Patricia G. Tyler, a Black nursing student, who claimed the College of Nursing discriminated against her because of her race by giving her a failing grade in a clinical nursing course and then refusing to provide an opportunity for her to immediately retake the course, according to the court's 1981 opinion. On Thursday, UNM spokesperson Cinnamon Blair said, in part, that the university has "always strived to be at the forefront of anti-discrimination efforts" and its existing policies and procedures "already reflect many of the protections now formally recognized by this ruling, which provides an additional layer of accountability." UNM's policies continue to be reviewed, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howard, who noted the UNM case was part of the court's decision, said in an interview Thursday he is "elated" for Johnson. "She's been so brave through this process, which is not easy for a young person," Howard said, noting that the case in her name has set a precedent for preventing discrimination in public schools. In late December 2024, social media users began claiming that U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he wants to eliminate Medicare coverage for hip and knee surgery. The rumor appeared on Threads (archived), Facebook (archived) and X (archived), with some posts claiming Kennedy believes hip and knee surgery is unnecessary or a waste of money. However, Snopes found no evidence Kennedy wants to eliminate Medicare coverage for hip and knee surgery. Some reports from reputable news outlets suggested Kennedy could try to overhaul Medicare's physician payments, but an expert said in a phone interview that these reforms would not impact patient coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy's team did not return a request for comment as of this writing. Snopes will update this story if we hear back from them. What Does RFK Jr. Propose? If Kennedy had called for eliminating Medicare coverage for hip and knee surgery, it would be eminently newsworthy, given that he is Trump's pick to run the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees Medicare policy. A Google search for "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hip and knee surgery" returned no articles from reputable news outlets repeating the claim. Similar Google searches also returned no relevant results except for a Forbes magazine article titled "14% of Spine Surgeries are Unnecessary. Could RFK Jr. Change That?" However, the article discusses physician-payment reform, not the elimination of Medicare coverage for hip and knee surgery. A search of Kennedy's Facebook page, YouTube channel and X profile returned no posts or videos where Kennedy said he wants to eliminate Medicare coverage for hip and knee surgery. A Google search for the terms "surgery" and "Medicare" within Kennedy's presidential campaign website also found no relevant results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, despite finding no evidence of Kennedy wanting to eliminate Medicare coverage for hip and knee surgery, it is impossible to rule out whether he said this elsewhere or in private. His team also provided no response to our questions on the matter. Therefore, we were not able to rate this claim as outright false. Breaking Down RFK Jr.'s Payment Reforms Robert Berenson, an expert in Medicare policy at the social policy think tank Urban Institute, said in a phone interview that, to his knowledge, Kennedy had not called for eliminating coverage of hip and knee surgery. "[Kennedy] does have a belief, at least from the books that I've read, that a lot of chronic conditions are preventable," Berenson explained. "He has a belief that if you do really good primary prevention, you won't need replacements. But I've never heard anybody attribute to him that he wouldn't cover the [cost through] Medicare if it's needed." Google searches for "RFK Jr. Medicare" and "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Medicare" only returned articles reporting that Kennedy may be interested in changing the way Medicare reimburses physicians for different services, as first reported by STAT News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As reported by The Washington Post, Medicare's system tends to pay more to specialists for surgeries, as opposed to primary and preventive care such as an annual physical or appointment with your general practitioner. That can incentivize physicians to specialize in specific medical fields like surgery rather than start a primary care practice. According to Berenson, these proposed reforms may actually lower surgery costs for patients: "Probably not enough to take a trip to Hawaii, but at the margins it would reduce it a little bit," he said. Medicare payments are complicated, and the amount a patient pays changes based on how long a patient needs to stay in the hospital, Berenson said, but overall if the physician gets paid less, the patient may pay less. Any money patients save through these reforms, Berenson added, may end up being spent on primary care and other physicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berenson also pointed out that these reforms will likely have greater impacts on other areas of patient care. The issue Kennedy may be trying to fix regarding overpayments to specialty physicians is not as acute with hip and knee surgeries, Berenson said. "The real overpayments are not with major surgeries," Berenson said. "It's with fairly mundane procedures and treatments like what dermatologists do, like freezing warts." Sources: Diamond, Dan. "RFK Jr. Weighs Major Changes to How Medicare Pays Physicians." The Washington Post , 21 Nov. 2024, https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/11/21/rfk-physician-payments/. "Robert A. Berenson." Urban Institute, https://www.urban.org/author/robert-berenson. Zhang, Rachel Cohrs. "RFK Jr. Is Exploring a Plan to Upend Medicare's Physician Payments System." STAT, 20 Nov. 2024, https://www.statnews.com/2024/11/20/rfk-jr-ama-medicare-doctor-pay-ruc/. OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) A severe winter storm swept through East Alabama this week, leaving treacherous road conditions and stranded drivers in its wake. Despite the storms severity, local officials reported no significant injuries or deathsa testament to the dedication and coordination of first responders and community volunteers who provided warmth, shelter, and aid to those in need. The storm caused roads, including Highway 280 and Interstate 85, to deteriorate rapidly, stranding motorists for hours in Opelika. Lee County EMA conducted 25 rescue missions, delivering blankets, water, and hand warmers to motorists. The Forestry Commission, Coroner Daniel Sexton, and Commissioner Jeff Drury used personal vehicles to transport people to warming stations like Ax Marks The Spot and The Observer in downtown Opelika. Emily Key, the owner of Ax Marks the Spot, Initially prepared to serve a small number of unhoused individuals, but the venues quickly filled with stranded, cold, and hungry travelers. People had been stuck for six to ten hours, said Key. By 2 a.m., our shop and The Observer office were full of exhausted people. Thanks to the incredible support from the community, we were able to care for 38 people. No one was turned away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donations of coffee, snacks, blankets, and other supplies poured in from Opelikans, ensuring everyone was cared for. We havent run out of anything, said Key. This would not have been possible without this community coming together over the past few days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Screenshot Screenshot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other warming shelters also stepped up, offering critical relief to those in need. Shelters at Red Wolf School of Martial Arts, the Family Enrichment Center in Loachapoka, and Auburn Universitys Greene Hall and RBD Library opened their doors, ensuring more residents had safe spaces to stay warm. The Opelika Police Department and Opelika Fire Department released staggering statistics underscoring the storms impact: Motorist and Citizen Assists: 192 Motor Vehicle Crashes: 85 Hazardous Condition Calls: 81 Total Calls Received: 3,416 Fire Calls: 53 Rescue Calls: 32 Calls for Resources: 24 Animal Calls: 8 Meanwhile, all East Alabama school districts are closed Tuesday through Friday to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. This allows families to stay home and avoid the dangers of traveling on ice-covered roads. According to Auburn City School officials, the missed days will be submitted for relief under Governor Kay Iveys State of Emergency provisions. At this time, there are no anticipated changes to the school calendar. Spring Break is still scheduled for March 1014, and the last day of school and graduation are planned for Thursday, May 22, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and local first responders worked tirelessly throughout the storm. Over the past 72 hours, their efforts included: Rescue Missions : At least 25 coordinated rescues of stranded drivers, involving local officials and volunteers. Emergency Deliveries : EMA personnel delivered blankets, water, and hand warmers to those waiting for rescue. They also transported baby formula to families trapped at home. Healthcare Worker Support : Public safety teams ensured healthcare workers made it to East Alabama Medical Center for surgeries and staff rotations. Traffic Incidents: Auburn Police, Opelika Police, and Lee County Deputies responded to numerous collisions and emergency calls. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. Norah ODonnells exit from CBS Evening News Thursday night wasnt what viewers might have expected. And the successor program that CBS intends to air in its place on Monday will have a similar quality. ODonnell bid farewell to viewers of the long-running broadcast after a surprise taped cameo from Oprah Winfrey which celebrated the anchor and showed many highlights of her tenure. ODonnell thanked the audience for welcoming hard news with heart into your homes, and was spotted being surrounded by colleagues and family as the shows credits began to roll. Coming Monday: a completely overhauled edition of the program that is taking pains to break many visual ties to the days when Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather told the nation what was most important at the end of their day. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS will launch a new Evening News that relies on a group of co-anchors, rather than a single person. One of the goals is to imbue the national program with the look and sensibility of the local-news programs that viewers of CBS stations see across the U.S., a nod to the fact that local broadcasts tend to still have traction among audiences who are more prone to get their headlines and information from streaming and digital sources than in the past. Already, the similarities are evident. The graphics used on CBS Evening News Thursday evening looked just like those on display for the 6 p.m. broadcast of the local news from New Yorks WCBS that preceded ODonnells last round. During ODonnells last broadcast, one segment centered on WCBS meteorologist Lonnie Quinn, who is slated to have a significant role in the new edition of the program. CBS Evening News has been stuck in third place behind ABCs World News Tonight and NBCs NBC Nightly News for years. ODonnell didnt change that, but give her this: The show last week won an average of 5.037 million viewers a little higher than the programs norm amid big changes in the nation. And shes never had her journalism questioned or a story that generated criticism of being unfair or inaccurate despite several tough pieces that investigated sexual assault in the military. She also secured an interview with Pope Francis, not the easiest get in the business. In her place, CBS will launch an Evening News led by John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, with Quinn adding weather and Margaret Brennan adding to her duties as moderator of Face The Nation on hand to offer perspective on Washington and politics. The new format will help accomplish a goal touted for months by senior CBS and Paramount Global executives: bringing together the news teams of CBS News and the CBS local stations. The maneuver takes place as Paramount is under extreme pressure to cut millions of dollars from its operating costs. More are expected to take place once the company is acquired by Skydance Media, expected, at present, at some point later this year. Viewers of the new Evening News probably wont see Dickerson and DuBois out in the field all that much, a duty that will increasingly be handled by a correspondent who covers the area in which an important news story breaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether audiences will flock to it remains anyones guess. The appeal of the evening news on any network comes from a desire for a reliable wrap of the days most important events and stories. The shows lack the hot-talk alarm of their cable-news counterparts, though in recent years, Breaking News chyrons have crept into the graphics mix with increasing frequency. The shows provide a stable haven for pharmaceutical advertisers, still one of the biggest supporters of linear TV. To be sure, the evening-news doesnt lure young viewers like a Squid Game binge on Netflix might, but they still corral millions of people over the course of a single half hour. And maybe theres a thrill of some sort from seeing a single host juggle politics, culture, stories from overseas and a little bit of pop culture all in less than thirty minutes. The risk for CBS next week is that the viewers who tuned in to ODonnell and Jeff Glor, Anthony Mason, Scott Pelley, Katie Couric and Bob Schieffer before her will expect more of the same, not something different. ODonnell has more work to do. She will take on senior correspondent duties that will have her working for big interviews and doing enterprise work that will land across CBS News platforms. At a moment when many of the nations big TV-news mainstays are under increasing financial pressure both CNN and NBC News unveiled layoffs Thursday she may have landed the better job. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) An Alabama inmate is facing new charges after authorities say he requested nude pictures, solicited sex and offered money to a Limestone County Sheriffs investigator posing as a child online before he was sent to prison for another crime. Billy Joe McGaughy, 43, of Tuscumbia has been in an Alabama prison since October 1, 2024 serving a two-year sentence for assault out of Colbert County. His earliest possible release date is September 29, 2026. Huntsville man admits to laundering money for Nigerian sextortionists Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the Limestone County Sheriffs Office has charged him with two counts of attempted human trafficking, two counts of electronic solicitation of a child and two counts of sexual extortion. According to the sheriffs office, in September 2024, McGaughy initiated contact with an investigator posing as a child. Despite being informed of the juveniles age, the suspect solicited sex requested nude photographs and offered $1,000 for a sexual encounter, LCSO said. The sheriffs office said he later contacted another officer and did the same things. During both interactions, LCSO said he sent photos of himself, proof of payment, and his phone number while also issuing threats of extortion and demanding nude photos from the juveniles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LCSO obtained warrants for the six charges against McGaughy, and those warrants will be served after he is released from prison. Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App The Limestone County Sheriffs Office remains committed to protecting our children. These actions demonstrate the dangers that exist online, and we will continue to dedicate our resources to identify and prosecute individuals who prey on children. This investigation stresses the importance of parents and guardians being vigilant about their childrens online activities and open communication about internet safety, Limestone Sheriff Josh McClaughlin said after the arrest. No bond has been set for the six new charges at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. (NewsNation) A North Carolina woman who lost her home to floods during Hurricane Helene received some good news this week, but many others are still waiting on the Feds for relief as President Donald Trump prepares to visit the region Friday. Helene hit the mountain region, which sits hundreds of miles away from the coast, in September 2024, bringing devastating flooding to the area surrounding Asheville, North Carolina. Residents who spoke with NewsNations Brian Entin expressed frustration with FEMA and the federal governments response. Theyre hoping that their fortunes will change with a new president even people who arent fans of Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rents for single-family homes 41% higher than prepandemic rents Hurricane survivor Christine Lopez said she doesnt feel like her little community is important to the nation while discussing her frustrations with FEMA. Just having to wait; sit and wait, she said. Constantly going to check, and theyre like, Yes, youre in the system. Yes, were working on it. Yes, were trying this. At least 133 deaths in six Southeastern states have been attributed to the storm that inflicted damage from Floridas Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. North Korea is preparing to send additional troops to Russia, despite their role as human bait on the battlefield, a report has warned. The despotic regime is understood to be accelerating follow-up measures and preparation for an additional dispatch of troops, South Koreas joint chiefs of staff said in a memo on Friday. Military observers and Ukrainian commanders have said that North Korean soldiers have not been trained in modern warfare and are being used as cannon fodder by their Russian allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The diary of one soldier, recovered in December 2024, explained how Pyongyangs troops are being used to break cover and attract the attention of Ukrainian drones, while other soldiers lie in wait to shoot them down. When the bait stands still, the drone will stop and it will be shot down, the soldier explained, using stick-figure illustrations. A soldier, who is believed to be North Korean, takes aim at a Ukrainian drone Plans to increase North Koreas military presence signal a further strengthening of relations between Moscow and Pyongyang, which has already sent some 11,000 soldiers to Russia since October 2024. North Korean soldiers have reportedly suffered heavy losses fighting against Ukraine. South Korean intelligence agencies have claimed that some 300 have been killed, while 2,700 have already been injured in just four months of fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Koreas entry into the war was decried as an escalation by Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, at the time. Mr Zelensky said in a video on X in November 2024: The first battles with North Korean soldiers mark a new page of instability in the world. While Pyongyang and Moscow continue to deny North Koreas involvement in the war, earlier this month, two North Korean soldiers were captured alive for the first time by Ukrainian paratroopers operating in Russias Kursk region. In interview footage released by Ukraine, one of the soldiers claimed that they were initially only told that they were being sent to Russia for training. Ukraine reported that one of the soldiers was also issued fake Russian military ID. An alleged North Korean soldier detained by Ukrainian authorities - AFP South Koreas former defence minister previously warned that the soldiers arriving in Russia were being sent there as cannon fodder mercenaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, and Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, provoked rumours about the potential for North Korean involvement in the Ukraine war in June 2024 when they signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. Putin and Jong-un together in Pyongyang last year - Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik Kremlin Pyongyangs rubber-stamp parliament concluded its two-day meeting on Friday, confirming an increase in state spending on national defence. Elsewhere in the agreement, it is understood that North Korea is still preparing to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles and possibly even spy satellites. 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. SEOUL, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- North Korea is likely preparing to send additional troops to Russia after suffering heavy losses in battles against Ukrainian forces, South Korea's military said Friday. "With about four months passing since North Korea's deployment to the Russia-Ukraine war, it is presumed that follow-up measures and preparations for additional deployment are being accelerated due to the occurrence of many casualties and prisoners of war," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a written assessment shared with reporters. The JCS assessment added that North Korea is continuing preparations to launch advanced weapons such as an intercontinental ballistic missile or spy satellite, although it said no launches were imminent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tensions have been high on the Korean Peninsula since the beginning of the year, with North Korea firing what it claims is a new hypersonic missile as well as a salvo of short-range missiles ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration Monday. The United States claims that some 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, with many joining battles on the frontlines in Kursk Oblast. Seoul's spy agency told lawmakers last week that at least 300 North Korean troops have been killed on the battlefield, while some 2,700 have been wounded. However, the number of North Korean soldiers killed may be as high as 1,000, according to a BBC report Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citing unnamed Western officials, the report said that North Korean troops have suffered 4,000 casualties -- meaning those killed, wounded, missing or captured. Of these, around 1,000 are believed to have been killed by mid-January, it said. The large number of casualties is due to the North Koreans' "lack of understanding of modern warfare," Seoul's National Intelligence Service said in its briefing with lawmakers. Footage reviewed by the spy agency revealed the North Korean troops engaging in "pointless" shooting at long-range drones and launching attacks without fire support from the rear. Moscow and Pyongyang have grown closer since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The two signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in June, which includes a mutual defense clause that calls for mutual military assistance in the event either country is attacked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to troops, North Korea has sent munitions and missiles to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine. The United States has warned that Moscow intends to provide advanced satellite and space technologies to Pyongyang in exchange. Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared footage on social media of two North Korean soldiers who were captured while fighting alongside Russian forces. In the three-minute-long video, a captured North Korean soldier tells an interviewer that he didn't know he was being sent to fight against Ukraine. "I was told we were going to do training," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if he wanted to go home to North Korea, the soldier said that he wanted to stay in Ukraine. A South Korean official on Tuesday condemned the North's use of soldiers as pawns for strengthening ties with Russia and bolstering the regime of leader Kim Jong Un. "The capture of two North Korean soldiers in Kursk clearly demonstrates that North Korean troops are engaged in combat," Kim Il-hoon, South Korea's deputy permanent representative to the U.N. in Geneva, said at a disarmament conference. "Many young soldiers' lives are being compromised to fulfill the objective of the North Korean regime," Kim said. SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's military said on Friday that it suspects North Korea is preparing to send more troops to Russia to fight Ukrainian forces, even after suffering losses and seeing some of its soldiers captured. "As four months have passed for the dispatch of troops for the Russia-Ukraine war, and multiple casualties and captives have occurred, (North Korea) is suspected to be accelerating follow-up measures and preparation for an additional dispatch of troops," the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. The JCS analysis did not specify what other follow-up measures Pyongyang might take. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korea is also preparing to launch a spy satellite and an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), though there were no signs of immediate action, the JCS said. This month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said two North Korean soldiers had been captured in Russia's Kursk region, marking the first time Ukraine had taken North Korean soldiers alive since their entry into the war last autumn. Pyongyang has deployed about 11,000 soldiers to support Moscow's forces in Russia's western Kursk region, according to Ukrainian and Western assessments, which Ukraine seized in a surprise attack last year. More than 3,000 have been killed or wounded, according to Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Moscow and Pyongyang initially dismissed reports about the North's troop deployment, Russian President Vladimir Putin in October did not deny that North Korean soldiers were in Russia and a North Korean official said any such deployment would be lawful. The escalating cooperation comes after Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June 2024, where the leaders signed a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty", which includes a mutual defence pact. (Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Ed Davies and Gerry Doyle) Numerous combat deployments, a cultural reluctance to seek help, and a structure that allows commanders to pressure mental health professionals has led to mental health care failings within Army Special Forces. North Korean forces are suffering very high losses fighting for Russia against Ukraine. About 4,000 soldiers have been killed or wounded, Western intelligence says. The high toll is hurting Pyongyang's combat operations. North Korean forces fighting for Russia are suffering high losses, and it's hurting their combat operations, a new Western intelligence assessment says. In the fall, about 11,000 North Korean troops deployed to Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces had launched a daring invasion several months earlier. Within weeks of their arrival, officials said Pyongyang's forces were already experiencing significant losses. Britain's defense ministry said on Friday that as of mid-January, about 1,000 North Korean soldiers had been killed and about 3,000 more wounded in combat against Ukraine. That's more than a third of the number of troops deployed to Kursk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense ministry said in a new intelligence update that the high rate of North Korean losses in a short period of time "has almost certainly significantly deteriorated DPRK forces' capacity to conduct offensive combat operations in support of Russia's attempts to push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk," referring to North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. A Russian soldier firing a gun toward a Ukrainian position in the Kursk region in October. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service photo via AP, File A Pentagon spokesperson said earlier this month that North Korea's losses included a range of ranks, including some senior officers. Conflict analysts at the Institute for the Study of War think tank, which has closely monitored the war, said last week that North Korea would lose all of the troops it sent to Kursk in a matter of months if the combat loss rate continued. Despite the heavy losses fighting for Russia, North Korean troops "have only achieved tactical gains in Kursk," the UK said. "Russia and DPRK forces are almost certainly experiencing interoperability difficulties. The two forces do not share a common language and DPRK troops almost certainly have difficulties integrating into Russia's command-and-control structure." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korean forces hadn't experienced major combat operations before they deployed to Russia, which trained them in infantry tactics, flying drones, artillery, and trench-clearing operations. The White House said in December that Pyongyang's troops were being used in "human wave" assaults that were largely ineffective. North Korean soldiers during a military parade in Pyongyang in April 2022. Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the former Pentagon spokesperson, said the US assessed the North Korean forces were well-disciplined, competent, and capable soldiers. Ukrainian soldiers have also described them as highly skilled in combat amid claims that they were treated as expendable. Ryder told reporters last week that "what we're seeing on the battlefield is that they obviously do present a threat," He said the Ukrainians were doing a good job holding their defensive lines but called the fighting "very tough." Ukraine said earlier this month that it had captured two wounded North Korean soldiers in Kursk. One of them thought he was being sent to Russia for training purposes, not to actually fight in a war, Kyiv said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korea and Russia have significantly strengthened their defense ties during the Ukraine war. Over the summer, the two countries signed a pact pledging military assistance if one is attacked. Pyongyang has also provided Moscow with weapons such as missiles and artillery shells in addition to the soldiers. Read the original article on Business Insider It's happening again: an incoming solar storm may allow the northern lights to be visible across the United States and Midwest. For those who didn't see them back in May, or the encore performance in October, here's what to know about seeing the sky phenomenon in Iowa tonight. When are the northern lights expected to be visible in Iowa? The Space Weather Prediction Center reports that the aurora borealis could glow over Iowa on Friday night, thanks to a coronal mass ejection that's leaving the sun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forecasts indicate the peak will happen Friday night from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday morning. The center predicts the storm to be level G1 out of 5, but moderate G2 conditions are possible. The center's forecast map shows the possible view line for the northern lights extending as far south as northern Iowa. The best odds are near the Canadian border in Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota. What are the northern lights or aurora borealis? Auroras are ribbons of light weaving across Earth's northern or southern polar regions, according to NASA. They are caused by magnetic storms that have been triggered by solar activity, such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections. Energetic charged particles from these events are carried away from the Sun by the solar wind. These energized particles hit the atmosphere at 45 million mph and are redirected to the poles by the earth's magnetic field, according to Space.com, creating the light show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During major geomagnetic storms, they expand away from the poles and can be seen over some parts of the United States, according to the NOAA. What is a coronal mass ejection? NASA describes coronal mass ejections as "huge bubbles of coronal plasma threaded by intense magnetic field lines that are ejected from the Sun over the course of several hours." The Akron Beacon Journal reports that the space agency says they often look like "huge, twisted rope" and can occur with solar flares, or explosions on the sun's surface. How to view the aurora borealis in Iowa During times of high geomagnetic activity, which pushes the northern lights further south, the aurora will be visible directly overhead in the northern United States, according to the prediction center. For the best viewing, the center recommends that it be very dark. Get away from city lights and avoid trying to see them on the night of a full moon. The best time to view the aurora is usually within an hour or two of midnight, or 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check the hours of state or county parks before viewing. For this event, spots like Pilot Knob State Park or around Okoboji Lake may be the best odds. State parks generally close at 10:30 p.m. County parks in Lyon, Sioux or O'Brien counties may also have better odds. Will the Iowa sky allow for clear viewing of the northern lights? Sadly, much of Iowa is in for a cloudy night, according to the National Weather Service. At 9 p.m. much of of the state will have 70-80% cloud cover. By midnight, some clearing will occur along the northern border with areas around Mason City dropping to about 60% cloud cover and extreme northwest Iowa around 50%. Clearing will continue from the northwest through 3 a.m. Will the northern lights come to Iowa again? While there's no guarantee where the northern lights will be seen in 2025, the potential is there for more visits to Iowa. The sun has entered its solar maximum, NASA and the NOAA announced in October, meaning it is at its most active for sunspots that generate those solar storms. The sun will be at its maximum for a year, NASA said, after which solar storms will decrease and take the aurora with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the northern lights are fickle. It's never 100% certain they'll show up in Iowa until they appear over your head. Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Northern lights could shine in Iowa tonight. How far north to go. (Bloomberg) -- Norways prime minister is trying to resolve a feud with his key coalition partner to avert a political crisis with seven months to go until the next parliamentary elections. Most Read from Bloomberg Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store held a news conference on Friday extolling the good working relationship with his Labor Partys junior partner, Center, to prevent it from leaving the two-party cabinet. The political groups are at odds over adopting the European Unions energy market rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An exit by the Center Party, potentially on the table at a leadership board meeting Monday, would leave Labor to govern on its own until the Sept. 8 vote. Norway doesnt hold snap elections. Working together for 3 1/2 years, the parties have respected each other enough to find good solutions, Store told reporters in Oslo, adding thats how it is in this case as well. It remains to be seen whether the Center Party will agree after the row became public this week. The minority government has held off the adoption of the EUs measures on renewable energy and power market as the euro-skeptic Center has opposed the legislation. Labor on Thursday proposed passing the less contentious parts of the EU rules, an option that Center has also rejected. Norway has access to the single market through the European Economic Area agreement despite remaining outside of the EU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stores coalition, which also depends on parliamentary support from the Socialist Left party that officially isnt part of the bloc, has faced an uphill battle to extend its term. Its popularity has been steadily sliding amid a string of ethics scandals, tax hikes that have triggered an outflow of the rich and fallout from a cost-of-living spike in the past years. Still, the latest polls showed the race is tightening again. This government is used to searching for solutions, Store said. When it is tough, we take extra time. --With assistance from Kari Lundgren. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Latino and immigrant lawmakers are sounding the alarm as their school districts brace for deportations in the second Trump administration. "Think about that -- that nothing is off limits, that raids could go and happen in our public schools," New York Rep. Nydia Velazquez said. "You know, that is the point: cruelty. You got to be heartless to say publicly that we are going to send ICE to our schools -- heartless." In its first press conference of the 119th Congress, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus condemned President Donald Trump's immigration executive orders and the Department of Homeland Security revoking long-standing restrictions that thwarted Immigration and Customs Enforcement from conducting raids on schools and other sensitive areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[Trump] says he's targeting criminals, but he just removed the restrictions that stopped ICE from conducting raids on schools, on hospitals and in churches," Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro said at the more-than-hourlong presser. "I would ask you who he believes among those kids is a criminal sitting in a first grade class. Who are the criminals that he's going after in the Catholic Church, in the Presbyterian Church, in the nondenominational churches? Who are those criminals?" PHOTO: Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat speaks during a press conference regarding Trump's immigration executive orders at the Capitol, Jan. 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Rod Lamkey/AP) MORE: Trump's proposed mass deportation plan has some Texas schools on high alert Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman said that to curb the "invasion" at the border, the policy is needed to "return the humanitarian parole program to its original purpose of looking at migrants on a case-by-case basis." "This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens -- including murders and rapists -- who have illegally come into our country. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America's schools and churches to avoid arrest," Huffman wrote in a statement on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC News contributor John Cohen said hes worked in law enforcement and homeland security for over four decades and has not seen any intelligence or evidence to support that the majority of persons crossing the southern border are murderers, rapist, gang members or terrorists or that they are hiding in churches and schools. PHOTO: Rep. Adriano Espaillat speaks during a press conference held by the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to discuss the immigration executive orders enacted by the Trump administration on Capitol Hill, on Jan. 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images) According to education experts such as Immschools founder Viridiana Carrizales, whose organization partners with school districts to create more welcoming and safe schools for immigrant K-12 students, Trump's large-scale operation is worrying some families who dealt with the "real fear" of deportations during Trump's first term. "They know that this has happened in the past," Carrizales told ABC News. "It could maybe pose a threat and become even more real, or even more heightened or intense, than what they [undocumented families] experienced in 2017," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: DHS allows US Marshals, DEA and ATF to carry out immigration enforcement The debate over immigration is now finding its way inside the classroom, especially in border states nationwide, for these lawmakers and their undocumented constituents. In California, the San Diego and Fresno unified school districts, the state's second and third largest districts, are actively sharing immigration support and resources so that its families know their rights. During a board meeting on the district's recommitment to being a welcoming environment, Fabiola Bagula, interim superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District, said students have to be met with "unwavering care" during uncertain times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You can hold the need for having some sort of radical immigration reform, but you also need to uphold the safety of each student that enters our buildings," Bagula said. California Rep. Juan Vargas, a Democrat, slammed DHS and Republicans for their stance on immigration. "Schools, places of worship, and hospitals provide essential services to all," Vargas posted on X. "They should not be sites of immigration enforcement." Immigrant sanctuary cities are also having to address the threat of ICE showing up at schools. New York City Public Schools on Friday circulated resources for what to do if ICE officers show up at schools. It is also holding a "Know Their Rights" town hall next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas lawmakers aim to prevent ICE raids from disrupting schools, too. "Just because ICE comes knocking on the door doesn't mean you have to open it," Texas Rep. Sylvia Garcia said. Garcia told ABC News she is holding a "Know Your Rights" workshop on Capitol Hill next week with representatives from the Houston Independent School District. "We've embarked on an education campaign to make sure that the school districts know what they should or shouldn't do," Garcia said. "I don't know what they're [DHS] going to do with them, but just because they're going to send them to school doesn't mean school stops. So I think there's some do's and don'ts, there's some rights and responsibilities. And what's important is an education campaign, and that's what we're doing now." PHOTO: The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building stands in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18, 2025. (Vincent Alban/Reuters) MORE: Newark mayor says ICE 'raided' a business, as agents make arrests in other Northeast cities Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deportation plans exacerbated Texas educator and DACA recipient Karen Reyes' and her students' anxieties. "I sometimes find myself thinking 'Will my family experience this? Will my students? How will I explain what deportation is if it impacts someone in my classroom?'" Reyes said in a statement obtained by ABC News. The National Parents Union also condemned the announcement allowing law enforcement to make arrests at schools. "Law abiding individuals and their families should be treated humanely and with dignity," the union wrote in a statement. "The decision to go after families in safe places sends a disgraceful message that threatens to emotionally scar young children whose families may be deported and other young children caught up in the crossfire." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Washington Rep. Emily Randall is working with school districts to confront the challenges ahead. "This is only making students feel less safe in their classrooms and families less safe sending their kids to school," she said. "Now that schools are no longer safe, folks are even more concerned, so we are having some of those conversations [with school leaders]." 'Nothing is off limits': Public school communities brace for ICE raids originally appeared on abcnews.go.com There's been a big fall in the number of people seeking asylum in Austria, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said on Friday. Last year, 25,000 asylum applications were filed, a decrease of 58% compared to the previous year and the lowest number since 2020. By far the largest group of asylum seekers came from Syria, according to the data. The decline in asylum applications in Austria was significantly larger than the European average. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The figures showed that the extensive border area controls by police on the Hungarian-Austrian frontier have had an effect, the Interior Ministry said. In 2024, only just under 5,200 people were apprehended after crossing the border illegally. In 2023, the figure was around 30,000, and just one year earlier it was 81,000. Assemblywoman Cinthia Zermeno Moore and Sen. Dina Neal are among lawmakers sponsoring bills to tackle the toll heat takes on Nevada's public health, economy, and workforce. (Photo: Richard Bednarski, Nevada Current) With the start of the Nevada Legislature coming up Feb. 3, lawmakers are working on measures to address the toll of climate change on Nevadas public health, economy, and workforce. Several lawmakers have submitted bill draft requests this session focused on protecting Nevadans from the growing impacts of climate change, an effort Nevada has lagged behind on compared to other Southwest cities. So far, lawmakers have announced ambitions to introduce bills that would reduce the heat island effect, improve worker safety during extreme weather events, and prevent utility shut offs in the summer months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite having two of the fastest warming cities in the nation Reno and Las Vegas Nevada has taken little action to help minimize the effects of extreme weather on residents in the state, said Democratic Assemblywoman Cinthia Zermeno Moore, who was elected to represent District 11 in North Las Vegas in November. After several bills intended to mitigate climate change failed to pass in 2023 including a bill to protect workers exposed to extreme heat Moore said she was motivated to leave her advocacy role with the Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition and run for the assembly. My family members have worked in construction, while my uncle still works in construction. He has experienced heat illness because of what he was exposed to, and thats what kept me motivated, Moore said during a legislative panel hosted by the Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition last week. According to the National Weather Service, the summer of 2024 was the hottest on record for Las Vegas, with June and July being the hottest months ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Record breaking temperatures have also contributed to skyrocketing utility rates, said Moore. After being elected, Moore picked up a bill draft request originally submitted by former Democratic state Sen. Dallas Harris, who lost her reelection bid last year. The bill would restrict utilities ability to shut off power due to nonpayment during extreme weather months. It would also require utilities to create payment plans for struggling customers who cant make full payments. We all know that during the summer our NV Energy bill is just ridiculously high, Moore said. Im trying to make sure that people have a peace of mind, knowing that even if they werent able to pay their $700 bill this month, they will still have electricity. In our city, having access to the air conditioner is not a luxury. Its a need. Its a necessity, Moore continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevada law does offer some protection for utility customers from power shut-offs during periods of extreme heat, but those protections are limited. Utilities in Nevada can shut off customer power at any temperature below 105 degrees. However, prolonged temperatures between 90 -105 degrees are known to cause heat exhaustion, which can lead to heat stroke if not treated, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While lawmakers failed to advance a 2023 bill to protect workers exposed to extreme heat, the Nevada Division of Industrial Relations eventually approved a less stringent heat-stress regulation for indoor and outdoor workers in November, after seeing a surge of heat-related workplace injuries in Nevada. Another bill, sponsored by state Sen. Edgar Flores (D-North Las Vegas), would expand worker protections to include air quality. Flores said the bill will focus on setting an air quality standard for employees working during wildfires and other climate disasters. Nevada does not have an enforceable air quality standard to protect workers from exposure to dangerous wildfire smoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flores, who works as an immigration lawyer, recalled that during the Davis Fire 20 miles south of Reno in September air quality even in Southern Nevada degraded to the point where immigration officers were kept out of the field because of hazardous conditions. They said that the immigration officers werent working because the air quality was so horrendous. So thats crazy, Flores said during a Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition legislative panel last week, adding that most workers in the state do not have those same protections. Air quality reached unhealthy levels throughout the entire state due to the Davis Fire, according to data from the US Air Quality Index. At unhealthy air quality levels, all groups of people are vulnerable to health effects, while members of sensitive groups may experience even more serious health effects. Flores said construction industry leaders are aware of the health hazards caused by wildfire smoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will admit that theres been situations where they are obligated to go to the work site and work when there is a fire happening, just a few miles from them. Theyre breathing all that in and become ill, Flores continued. State Sen. Dina Neal (D-North Las Vegas) also submitted a draft request for an environmental justice bill, which she described as an omnibus bill. The bill package would include provisions to allocate funding from the Nevada State Infrastructure Bank to finance heat mitigation improvements in areas affected by the urban heat island effect a phenomenon that creates higher temperatures in cities due to an abundance of superheating man-made surfaces like roads and pavement. Las Vegas has the most intense summer urban heat island effect of all U.S cities, according to research by Climate Central. Combined, growing extreme heat waves and the urban heat island effect have proven deadly in Southern Nevada. In 2024, there were 491 heat-related deaths in Clark County, a 58% increase from 2023, according to the Southern Nevada Health District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im going to push for these bills and fight for these bills, Neal said. Neal said her environmental justice bill would also include provisions prohibiting the sale of certain products known to contain PFAS artificial compounds often referred to as forever chemicals because they do not break down in the environment. A similar bill introduced by Neal in 2023 made it out of the Senate and Assembly with significant bipartisan support, before being vetoed by Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo. My biggest concern is that I want our community to live a long life. I dont want us to live a life thats filled with sickness because of capitalism, because folks want to just poison us for money, Neal said. New York State has 670,000 residents who are illegal migrants including 42,300 undocumented restaurant employees and 48,500 undocumented construction workers, an eye-opening report released Thursday said. The report from the liberal-leaning Fiscal Policy Institute revealed an underground economy of migrant workers in the Empire State, where 1.8 million residents are non-citizens that may also include green card holders. In total, there are 4.5 million foreign-born residents of the state, the report said. President Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration could potentially uproot or deport many of the estimated 670,000 undocumented residents in New York. AP The data in the report released as President Trump vows a crackdown on illegal immigration revealed: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An estimated 51,200 illegal migrants work in the personal care industry with 20,900 maids and housekeepers, 16,800 home health aides, 7,000 child care workers and 6,500 personal care aides. Some 42,300 restaurant workers are believed to be undocumented 7,000 chefs, 17,000 cooks, 9,100 food prep workers and 9,200 waiters. Another 48,500 undocumented workers are part of the construction industry 29,500 laborers, 12,800 carpenters and 6,200 painters. Over half of all crop workers in the US are foreign-born, and the vast majority of them are either undocumented or enrolled in an employer-sponsored federal H-2A program to work here. The institute fears mass deportations by the Trump administration would have a devastating impact on the states economy. And the report warned that even non-citizens here legally are also in the crosshairs as Trump eyes restrictions on legal immigration as well as well as sealing the border. The immigrants most vulnerable are those who are undocumented, the group said in its report. But the impact does not end there. People who have temporary visas may see them terminated or unrenewed, the report claimed. Up to 1.8 million non-citizens could possibly be deported, which could lead to a devastating impact on the states economy. New York Post People with temporary protected status, asylum seekers, DACA [Deferred Action for Child Arrivals] recipients, and many others are also in a precarious position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massive raids would disrupt and potentially cripple key industries and have a ripple effect through New Yorks economy and communities, the report said. Removing crop workers could lead to closures of dairy and fruit and vegetable farms upstate, where agriculture is a top industry, including a growing wine sector, according to the institute. Eliminating immigrants from farm work would be nearly unimaginable, and reducing the number of immigrant workers by even five or ten percent would have dramatic negative consequences, the report concluded. But advocates for stricter immigration policies dismissed the talk of economic doomsday, noting that a large undocumented workforce could drive wages down across the board. A report from the liberal-leaninG Fiscal Policy Institute reveals that there are 4.5 million foreign-born residents in the state of New York. Kevin C Downs forThe New York Post The labor market in New York would need some time to adjust to a sudden decrease in immigrants, but adjust it would, Jason Richwine, a resident scholar at the Center for Immigration Studies, said in a Post column. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richwine said employers and government officials would be forced to focus on employing struggling Native American workers. Companies may be forced to offer more competitive wages. Cutting down on illegal immigration would save New York taxpayers some of the money they must contribute toward federal programs such as Medicaid, as well as toward the various state welfare benefits, Richwine said. The report counters that illegal migrants and non-citizens are a net plus, not drain on New York and the US. In 2022, illegal immigrants paid an estimated $3.1 billion in state and local taxes, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the report noted that an influx of refugees has helped to rejuvenate and reverse population declines in the upstate cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica and Albany. State and City leadership must oppose the implementation of deportation policies that could have a devastating impact on New Yorks immigrant communities and its economy, said Nathan Gusdorf, director of the Fiscal Policy Institute. In addition to their human cost, these policies could remove hundreds of thousands of immigrants from the workforce, causing New Yorkers to lose access to essential services including child care and home care, and pushing up the cost of construction during a historic housing shortage. New York has been forced aside billions of dollars to aid illegal immigrants, including creating a $2.1 billion Excluded Work Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic to aid undocumented jobless workers not eligible for unemployment insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York City and Albany also also spent billions of dollars since 2022 to aid more than 200,000 migrants who arrived from the southern border. Gov. Kathy Hochuls $252 billion spending plan released Tuesday estimated there are 471,000 undocumented workers in New York State, which had an overall population of just under 20 million as of the latest census estimates. The report estimates that within the overall population there are 68,000 people in New York with Temporary Protected Status seeking asylum from Venezuela, Haiti and elsewhere as well as 21,000 active DACA recipients, and 62,000 asylum seekers currently in New York City-funded shelters. There have been 215,000 who have passed through the citys processing system since spring 2022, according to the institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact of Trumps stricter policies are already being felt, immigration advocates said. Immigrants are a vital part of New York, so it is no surprise to see the drastic impact the proposed Trump Administration policies will have on our state, said David Dyssegaard Kallick, director of Immigration Research Initiative. Heartbreaking stories are already emerging of immigrants being separated from their families and their communities, and those separations are going to have negative consequences for all of us. New York Citys five-day streak of no shooting victims ended with a bang with two people hit by gunfire within three hours, police said Friday. At 10:11 p.m. Thursday, the NYPD announced on X that no one had been shot in the five boroughs since Saturday. For the first time in 30 years, there have been 0 shooting victims in New York City for a 5-day period, the department noted. This is the longest weve gone without a shooting victim since the beginning of the CompStat era and is a result of the brave work that the members of the NYPD do every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that streak ended five minutes after the NYPD posted the good news, officials said. At 10:16 p.m., cops in East New York, Brooklyn were called to Linden Blvd. near New Jersey Ave., where a 34-year-old man had been shot in the leg. The victim managed to take himself to Brookdale University Medical Center, where he was treated for a minor wound. About three hours later, a 17-year-old boy was attacked by two men on Watson Ave. near Close Ave. in the Soundview section of the Bronx. The teen told police that he was walking down Watson Ave. at about 1:14 a.m. when two men jumped him. One of the suspects punched him in the face with brass knuckles, police were told. His partner pulled a gun and fired off one round, hitting the teen in the right thigh before both men ran off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim managed to get a friend to take him to Lincoln Hospital, where he was being treated Friday morning. No arrests have been made in either case, cops said. The NYPD marked the shooting victim-free span a day after Mayor Adams announced that cops had seized more than 20,000 illegal guns during his administration. The official tally 20,137 since the start of 2022, including 377 so far this year is updated daily on the NYPD website. More than 1,400 of the seized weapons were untraceable ghost guns. Thats 20,000 weapons that no longer can threaten the safety of New Yorkers and our neighborhoods, our families, and our children, Adams said at a press conference Wednesday with Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch by his side. Thats 20,000 fewer chances that a New Yorker is shot or killed. NEW YORK New York Citys five-day streak of no shooting victims ended loudly with two people hit by gunfire within three hours, police said Friday. At 10:11 p.m. Thursday, the NYPD announced on X that no one had been shot in the five boroughs since Saturday. For the first time in 30 years, there have been 0 shooting victims in New York City for a 5-day period, the department noted. This is the longest weve gone without a shooting victim since the beginning of the CompStat era and is a result of the brave work that the members of the NYPD do every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that streak ended five minutes after the NYPD posted the good news, officials said. At 10:16 p.m., cops in East New York, Brooklyn were called to Linden Boulevard near New Jersey Avenue, where a 34-year-old man had been shot in the leg. The victim managed to take himself to Brookdale University Medical Center, where he was treated for a minor wound. About three hours later, a 17-year-old boy was attacked by two men on Watson Avenue near Close Avenue in the Soundview section of the Bronx. The teen told police that he was walking down Watson Avenue at about 1:14 a.m. when two men jumped him. One of the suspects punched him in the face with brass knuckles, police were told. His partner pulled a gun and fired off one round, hitting the teen in the right thigh before both men ran off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim managed to get a friend to take him to Lincoln Hospital, where he was being treated Friday morning. No arrests have been made in either case, cops said. The NYPD marked the shooting victim-free span a day after Mayor Eric Adams announced that cops had seized more than 20,000 illegal guns during his administration. The official tally 20,137 since the start of 2022, including 377 so far this year is updated daily on the NYPD website. More than 1,400 of the seized weapons were untraceable ghost guns. Thats 20,000 weapons that no longer can threaten the safety of New Yorkers and our neighborhoods, our families, and our children, Adams said at a press conference Wednesday with Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch by his side. Thats 20,000 fewer chances that a New Yorker is shot or killed. _______ NEW YORK (PIX11) The NYPDs animal cruelty squad is fighting for justice for animals throughout the city and lately, they have seen more and more cases of animals being treated inhumanely. These are the real pet detectives. More Local News PIX11 News got an exclusive look at some of the cases the squad is working on. Surveillance video shows a Queens man with a cat trapped in a plastic bag. Police say what he does next is unthinkable, the cat died as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detective David Marconi said, It takes a sick person to do cruelty to these animals. When Detective Marconi was assigned to the case, he knew exactly what to Hes part of the NYPDs animal, cruelty squad, a group of about eight highly skilled detectives, a sergeant led by Lt. Adrian Ashby. Its their job to investigate animal cruelty complaints and get justice for animals Lt. Ashby said, A lot of these pets are peoples family so they are equally important, lately we have seen abandoned animals. The squad works in partnership with the ASPCA. They respond and go after bad guys, while the ASPCA provides support for the animals. Since 2015, they have been utilizing the full force of the NYPD, technology in mobile units, and in some cases, tracking can lead the detectives to other serious crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt. Ashby said, A lot of times we do search warrants on these guys and we come up with guns and drugs. Its not all that they do its part of what they do. The squad is desperately looking for a man seen in surveillance video, smashing a cat head with a barstool. The incident happened in Manhattan. Det. Marconi has been on the force for 19 years and hes passionate about getting justice for animals. Lt. Ashby is a 27-year veteran in the department and is getting ready for retirement but knows the squad will continue working to get justice for animals. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NORTH NORWICH, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) New York State Police seized numerous animals on Wednesday from the town of North Norwich on reports of animal neglect. Troopers were called to the home on Mudge King Road in the town of North Norwich approximately 16 miles south of Hamilton at approximately 7 pm on Wednesday, January 22. Further investigation into the reports found over four dozen animals in need of medical care, as well as several deceased animals. New York State Police determined the following numbers of animals in need of immediate medical care: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 30 horses, one pig, seven sheep, four goats, four chickens, seven dogs, and three cats. All of the animals listed were seized from the property and were transported to various animal rescue establishments throughout the area. The landowners who were not identified have been reported to be cooperating with New York State Police. The New York State Police were assisted by the Chenango County Sheriffs Office, the Chenango County Office of Emergency Management, the Susquehanna SPCA in Cooperstown, the Chenango County SPCA in Norwich, the National Humane Society and numerous other animal care professionals and advocates. This is an ongoing investigation. We will provide more information as it becomes available to us. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. Members of the Oath Keepers including their leader, Elmer Stewart Rhodes, whose 18-year prison sentence was recently commuted by President Donald Trump after Rhodes was convicted of seditious conspiracy charges, must receive permission from a federal court before they enter Washington, D.C., or visit the U.S. Capitol. The amended order dictating the terms of their release came from U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta on Friday, mere days after Rhodes was in the Capitol taking interviews and accusing police for inspiring the violence that exploded on Jan. 6, 2021. The order will go into effect Friday at noon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order applies not only to Rhodes but also onetime Oath Keeper chapter leader Kelly Meggs and Oath Keepers Kenneth Harrelson, Jessica Watkins, Roberto Minuta, Edward Vallejo, David Moerschel and Joseph Hackett. Rhodes appeared in an interview with the BBC on Wednesday, fresh off of Trumps inauguration. With the interior of the Capitol rotunda gleaming behind him, Rhodes suggested it was police who were responsible for the violence that day. Judge Mehta issued an order on Jan. 22 stating that defense lawyers for the Oath Keepers whose sentences were commuted should be reminded that before they request any modifications to the conditions of their supervised release, they must meet with federal prosecutors first. The court may deny a motion without prejudice if a meet-and-confer does not occur, Mehta wrote Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhodes was at the Capitol that same day. In his interviews from the building, he refused to accept any responsibility for his seditious conspiracy conviction. I didnt lead anything. So why should I feel responsible for that? Rhodes said while donning a pro-Trump hat. According to NBC, Rhodes also said he was hoping to return to the Capitol regularly and that he hoped to meet with President Trump. Right now, I like to come here as much as I can, he said. At his criminal trial in 2022, jurors convicted both Rhodes and Meggs of seditious conspiracy, but acquitted Watkins, Harrelson and Thomas Caldwell of that specific charge though they were found guilty of others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors unveiled troves of texts and other communications among the group in the run-up to Jan. 6 showing how they coordinated a quick reaction force at a hotel in northern Virginia that where they stockpiled firearms. The weapons were meant to be used at a moments notice and could be hauled from Virginia into D.C. When Rhodes testified at trial, he downplayed the events of Jan. 6 and insisted that because he was not physically inside the Capitol during the attack, he was not responsible for any violence that ensued. Rhodes was on the grounds, however, and was in contact with Oath Keepers there as well. From the witness stand in 2022 and again at the Capitol this week, he said the storming wasnt something he directed but rather, was the byproduct of his fellow Oath Keepers blundering. On Wednesday at the Capitol, Rhodes defended his conduct and told reporters he wanted Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act on Jan. 6, 2021, so that he and members of the Oath Keepers could come to his aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhodes believes Trump would have exposed records proving voter fraud in the 2020 election and other so-called deep state secrets that the establishment wants hidden. Rhodes has long purveyed theories like this and espoused them openly in two public letters to Trump before Jan. 6. Evidence at trial, including witness testimony, showed he tried to contact Trump after the insurrection failed too. There was no widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election and the conspiracy theory is one Trump has continued to cling to as recently as this week. Attorneys for the Oath Keepers mentioned in Fridays order did not immediately return a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CORRECTION: This story has been amended to clarify that Rhodes sentence was commuted and that he has not received a pardon. Related... (COLORADO SPRINGS) The 4th Judicial District Attorneys Office (DA) has completed its review of a June 2024 officer-involved shooting in Downtown Colorado Springs, and ruled the officers use of force justified. The incident happened shortly before 1 a.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2024. According to the DAs review, officers responded to a disturbance outside the now-defunct NOVA nightclub on South Nevada Avenue near Pikes Peak Avenue. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Police release details of Downtown officer-involved shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the DAs review, surveillance video captured the incident outside the nightclub, which involved 21-year-old AlMorion Javonne Germany engaged in a verbal argument with an unidentified woman. The review states that Germany can be seen backing away as the woman walks toward him, before he pulls a gun and points it at the womans face. Germany then allegedly hit the woman in the head with the gun, sending her to the ground. The womans husband then began to approach Germany, which was when an officer with the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) intervened. Officer Benjamin Hengel announced himself as an officer and drew his taser, approaching Germany as Germany continued backing away. Germany then allegedly pointed his gun at Officer Hengel and the injured womans husband, to which Officer Hengel drew his own gun. Germany reportedly ran north on Nevada Avenue toward Pikes Peak Avenue, ignoring repeated commands from officers to stop and drop the gun. Additional officers joined Hengel in the chase as Germany ran east on Pikes Peak. At a certain distance from Germany, Hengel dropped his taser, attesting in a later interview that it would not have been effective at the distance Germany had run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hengel once again ordered Germany to stop and drop the gun before firing at Germany. Germany dropped his gun, and was hit three times in the back. Officers immediately provided medical aid to Germany, the DAs report states. Germany survived his injuries and is facing charges including felony first degree assault. In post-incident interviews with officers, all corroborated the perceived danger to the general public that was posed by Germany running through a heavily populated area of Downtown with a weapon. Based on that fact, and the fact that Germany did not comply with officers commands to drop the gun, officers use of force was deemed justified by the 4th Judicial DA based on a reasonable belief that people were in danger. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. It's amazing what can happen when you live and let live and give animals space. The BBC reported a seal colony on the English coastline is thriving in peace thanks to a lack of human contact. Managed by the National Trust, the Orford Ness colony in Suffolk has the distinction of being the county's first breeding colony of grey seals. Even the site rangers conduct their headcount of the growing colony from a distance. As of November 2024, the Orford Ness colony likely has over 400 seals, including 80 pups born this season. The population number has doubled from where it was three years ago. Matt Wilson, the National Trust's countryside manager, proclaimed, "We're really lucky. It's part of their natural movement of colonies anyway, so they've moved down, we think, from Lincolnshire and Norfolk colonies." 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. If you're in the area, you can view the cute seals from a distance in the summertime. Restricted space appears to have been a major factor in the population continuing to procreate well. Matt Wilson told the BBC that factors such as minimal human disturbance, the area's "natural shelter barrier" from bad weather, and the proximity to food sources in the North Sea gave the colony significant growth potential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, why do seals need such a protected colony from people? In addition to increasingly warm temperatures that have reduced seal habitats in the Arctic, many seal colonies have declined due to hunting by humans who use their blubber, pelts, and meat. That is why there has been a crackdown on selling seal parts and those of other endangered animals. The United States, countries of the E.U., Taiwan, Mexico, and Russia have banned trading seal products. Plus, some bad tourists have been caught getting way too close to these animals. People can do their part to protect seals by keeping their distance if spotting them close by, not littering on their beach habitats, not buying products poached from them, and being careful when fishing. Hooks can be dangerous to seals, so consider using circle, barbless, and dissolvable hooks that are safer for marine life. Learn more about the Endangered Species Act, which can help you avoid unknowingly buying poached items or disturbing their habitats. 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) Authorities say theyre still working to find those involved in a burglary ring involved in thefts at more than 100 Portland businesses after two people were indicted Thursday in connection with the spree. Officials with the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office and Portland Police Bureau spoke Friday morning on the recent arrests and shared that they are working diligently to find anyone involved in the burglary ring. According to authorities, the burglaries have targeted businesses, restaurants and bars around the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon bird flu latest: Cat tests positive for H5N1. Heres what you can do to protect your pets DA Vasquez spoke on the current situation, calling the burglaries wholly unacceptable. Quite frankly, this is one of the largest burglary rings that I have seen in my over two decades of time as a prosecutor, said Vasquez. The fact that we are talking about nearly 100 businesses is absolutely infuriating. We live in an amazing community, but this is wholly unacceptable. Frustrated business owners also attended the event, and one local owner, Ezequiel Gutierrez, stated these struggles arent anything new, but getting help has been hard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost three years in, were still facing the same problems we started with. Even before we opened, we had to push back weeks to open because of a burglary, said Gutierrez. For the last three years, trying to find solutions, reach out, find answers and honestly, not much help was happening. The two arrested so far are 27-year-old Courtney Carlile, who faces 35 charges, including first-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree theft; and 33-year-old Josh Lucero, who faces 50 charges, including first-degree burglary, first-degree aggravated theft and first-degree criminal mischief. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Breaking News Alerts However, investigators believe more than 10 people could be involved in the burglary ring that has been stealing from more than 100 stores in the past six months, according to authorities. Court documents accuse them of hitting nearly 17 businesses from late July until mid-December. When asked why it took so long to track the suspects down, PPB Detective Consider Vosu said the suspects were highly mobile. Theyre not staying at one specific place for a very long period of time. Theyre using the funding that theyve stolen to move from hotel to hotel or couch surfing, which makes them ultimately difficult to locate, Vosu said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the businesses impacted by the burglaries was Artichoke Community Music in Southeast Portland, which was most recently broken into in November. DONT MISS: Portland police unveil robotic dog Guitar stores and music instrument stores are just soft targets. Theyre easy to fence. Theyre easy to just break in. Our security wasnt the best. Weve upgraded that thanks to a lot of help from our community. They gave us a lot of good donations, and weve really enhanced what we have. So I think were a lot more protected than we were, said Shelley Garrett from Artichoke Community Music. Just watching them come in here and look at everything was heartbreaking. More to come, stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Two units from Fort Carson will deploy to the southern border to help bolster security. TYLER, Texas (KETK) An acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas has been named after Damien Diggs officially left the position on Tuesday. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin Jr. is now serving as acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, making him the chief federal law enforcement officer in East Texas. U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Texas announces departure Photo of Abe McGlothin, Jr., courtesy of the Eastern District of Texas. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin Jr. is now serving as acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, making him the chief federal law enforcement officer in East Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGlothin was appointed as First Assistant U.S. Attorney by Diggs in June of 2023. That role required him to serve as Diggs second-in-command. He would oversee day to day operations in their office of over 100 employees who cover 43 Texas counties. He previously worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) for the Northern District of Texas in Dallas where he prosecuted cases involving fraud, organized crime and drugs. McGlothin was also an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. In that role he prosecuted fraud cases and public corruption cases. He also served as their Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Coordinator and earned that district the recognition of being named the 2018 Best Partnership/Task Force by the Department of Justice. McGlothin got his law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law and obtained his bachelors of arts degree from Jackson State University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more, visit the United States Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Texas online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Los Angeles County officials missed dozens of opportunities for water infrastructure improvements that experts say probably would have enabled firefighters to save more homes during the Palisades fire, public records show. As crews battled the blaze, attempting to extinguish flames that burned huge swaths of L.A. County and killed at least 11 people, some hydrants ran dry. The lack of water has been a concern at both the city and county levels, and has come under scrutiny since the wildfire broke out Jan. 7. L.A. city officials, for example, have scrambled to explain why the 117-million-gallon Santa Ynez Reservoir was left empty for repairs. The covered Santa Ynez Reservoir in 2022. (Hayley Smith / Los Angeles Times) But thousands of pages of state, county and municipal records reviewed by The Times show the disaster was years in the making. Red tape, budget shortfalls and government inaction repeatedly stymied plans for water system improvements in parts of the county like Malibu and Topanga outside the city of L.A. including some that specifically cited the need to boost firefighting capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many projects on a list of about three dozen highest priority upgrades compiled by county officials in 2013 have yet to break ground in communities devastated by the fires. Read more: In the calm before new fire warnings, SoCal emergency responders dig in for a ground war The county wrote that the upgrades would achieve critical goals, including ensuring the system had enough water to meet fire flow needs." The estimated cost was less than $57 million and construction would have taken about seven years. Plans to build tanks that would have provided more than 1 million gallons of additional water storage in fire-ravaged Malibu and Topanga were left on the drawing board. Replacements of aging and severely deteriorated water tanks were postponed, according to county records, along with upgrades to pumping stations and leak prone water lines in the two communities, whose water system is run by the county's Department of Public Works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A plan to build a new connection to draw water from a neighboring water system during emergencies has also been delayed for years. Cracks and stains mar the exterior of the Lower Busch Tank in Malibu, as seen on Jan. 19. L.A. County officials have planned for years to replace the structure with a larger tank, but construction has yet to begin. (Ringo Chiu / For The Times) County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said in an interview that the water system in Malibu and Topanga performed as designed during the Palisades fire. He said it was built to supply enough water to fight fires in individual homes or structures, not massive wildfires. Could we do more? Every engineer, every firefighters going to tell you more is better, Pestrella said. When a firefighter says if he had more water he could have done more, thats not necessarily true. He argued that the proposed upgrades would have had only a minor impact: "It really is just giving an opportunity to save a relatively few homes. ... Would you be better off if you had more water here or there? They might have had more opportunity, maybe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents of fire-affected areas said they were furious to learn the county had failed to complete projects that perhaps could have helped limit the damage. The Malibu Civic Center Water Treatment Facility is viewed from a scorched hillside on Jan. 19. (Ringo Chiu / For The Times) Im disappointed in the leaders of my community, said Kathy King, whose Malibu home was one of the only ones left standing in her neighborhood after the Woolsey fire in 2018. I think people are worried about spending a little bit of money, but I think if you live in a community like this its an obligation you have. With the water problem, youve got to have a better system. :: A long stretch of extremely dry weather combined with powerful wind gusts had already created a recipe for disaster when the Palisades fire erupted. But experts said the projects that L.A. County failed to complete would have made a difference in the emergency response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clearly it would have helped if many or all of these projects would have been built, said Gregory Pierce, a professor of urban planning at UCLA who has studied L.A. Countys water systems and the impacts of water availability on wildfires. Another UCLA professor and water expert, Edith de Guzman, agreed with that assessment: "Some homes could have been saved. It is absolutely possible that it would have been able to help a little bit. Pestrella said the county's 2013 list wasnt a promise to build, its a master plan for capital improvements. But cost became an issue, which contributed to repeated delays. Read more: These Palisades natives raised over $120,000 for fire relief on GoFundMe. Now what? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, the county compiled a new Priority Project List" that included several action items left over from six years prior. The 13 upgrades would have cost about $59.3 million, and all but one was scheduled to be complete by September 2024. One of the projects considered most essential, according to city of Malibu records, was a planned connection to the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District that the county estimated in 2019 would cost about $4.1 million. A 2015 county planning document said the Las Virgenes connection could be used in the event of a catastrophe ... to prevent water shortages. Three months ago, Malibu's Planning Commission gave its stamp of approval to the project. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, according to county records. Fire-damaged homes are seen along Coastline Drive near Pacific Palisades on Jan. 8. (Connor Sheets / Los Angeles Times) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of progress on many of the plans has been driven in part by residents opposition to potential increases to their water rates, already among the highest in the county. Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations can also take years, according to Pestrella, the county's public works chief. Anti-development sentiment has been an especially limiting factor in Malibu, where Pestrella said the city has at times used insufficient water access as an excuse to restrict new construction. The community is not demanding it, he said when asked why so many projects have failed to move forward. Theyre not pro-development. Theyre still utilizing the water system as a way to restrict development in Malibu. Thats the bottom line. Thats why its not happening at the pace it could happen at. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jorge Rodriguez, a spokesman for the city of Malibu's Emergency Operations Center for the Palisades fire, provided a brief statement via email: As a small city with just over 10,000 residents, Malibu relies heavily on outside agencies and partners to provide essential services and manage certain aspects of our operations." Read more: Rural areas got millions in state fire prevention funds over parts of L.A. that burned The long-delayed measures would have been a drop in the bucket compared with the billions of dollars in estimated damage caused by the fire. The county's 2013 project list included a proposed $186,000 fire flow enhancement for Coastline Drive, an approximately half-mile span of unincorporated L.A. County roadway that begins at Pacific Coast Highway and brushes the Pacific Palisades border. The same stretch was flagged again in 2019 as needing to have "over 2,000 feet of leak prone, aging, and severely deteriorated" water line replaced at a cost of $2.8 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project will improve system fire-flow and reliability," according to county Department of Public Works records. Work was expected to begin this spring for $6 million, the county wrote last year. It's not clear whether hydrants on Coastline Drive were among those that ran dry. But firefighters reported that others in the area did lack water. On Jan. 8, the day after the Palisades fire broke out, Jessica McIntyre, 41, returned to her apartment on the stretch of Coastline Drive where the water line is set to be upgraded. Most nearby buildings had been reduced to rubble hers escaped the flames. Jessica McIntyre stands outside her apartment building on Coastline Drive the day after the Palisades fire broke out. (Connor Sheets / Los Angeles Times) We just kind of assumed our home was gone, she said as she loaded possessions into her ash-covered sedan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As she packed, a fire crew worked to extinguish a burning house up the street. The firefighters drew water from a tanker truck instead of a nearby hydrant. "I know all the emergency services are doing everything they can," McIntyre said. "This could get worse and that's really scary. I certainly hope it doesn't." :: One of the storage tanks that supplies water for firefighting purposes in Malibu stands behind a no trespassing sign and a padlocked chain-link gate topped with barbed wire. The imposing concrete structure, known as the Lower Busch Tank, shows signs of age, with a latticework of cracks across its facade and splintered wood ringing its upper rim. Several years ago, a county document listed a $4-million plan to replace the aging and severely deteriorated 300,000-gallon concrete tank" with a larger steel one. One goal of the proposed fix was to "improve fire-flow." The upgrade, which the county had identified as a "priority" project in 2019, never happened. The Lower Busch Tank in Malibu is seen in the background on Jan. 19. (Ringo Chiu / For The Times) Records show multiple other plans to either build or upgrade area water storage tanks described by Pestrella as part of a county push to create "a more resilient fire system" have repeatedly stalled. A proposal to boost water capacity a mile west of the Palisades fire burn zone in Malibu has been delayed more than a decade. Darian Wong, a Department of Public Works environmental engineering specialist, said in a November webinar that the county plans to break ground on what is now a $13-million project to build a 1.1-million-gallon water tank and replace "old and undersized water pipe infrastructure" there in summer 2027. The existing infrastructure does not provide sufficient capacity to provide fire flow protection for the service area, according to a public works study published last fall. Read more: 'This is our house': Mom and son fought off Palisades fire with pump, hose and pool water It's not just Malibu that's experienced long waits for water system upgrades. Ryan Ulyate, co-president of the Topanga Canyon Fire Safe Council, an organization that educates area residents on wildfires and how to harden their homes, said firefighting efforts in a Topanga neighborhood called Fernwood were key to preventing the Palisades fire from spreading farther up the canyon. A $2.7-million project "to improve fire-flow and reliability" by replacing two "aging and severely deteriorated 50,000-gallon" tanks in Fernwood with a single 200,000-gallon tank was included in 2020 and 2021 county planning documents. The plan never came to fruition. Instead, county records show, one of the existing tanks was rehabilitated. While Ulyate acknowledges that water system upgrades alone wouldn't have stopped the wildfire, he said they could have helped his community weather it. You have to do your best to make sure the water infrastructure is as good as it can be," he said. "Theyre going to learn lessons from this. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Jan. 23Republican Attorney General Dave Yost announced Thursday his 2026 candidacy to replace term-limited Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and lead the state's executive branch. "After receiving a groundswell of support from voters across the state and much prayer and consultation, I am answering the call to duty," Yost said in a Thursday press release. "I will be faithful. I will not falter, and I will not fail." Yost, 68, is a former Delaware County prosecutor and journalist who spent the past 14 years as a statewide official, beginning with an eight-year stint as state auditor. He then ran successful campaigns for attorney general in 2018 and in 2022, serving as Ohio's top law enforcement official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his time as AG, Yost's office has undertaken a plethora of high-profile cases, including efforts to protect the state's ability to ban abortions as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. He has taken aggressive stances against pharmaceutical companies and successfully defended a state law that bans gender-affirming medical care for minors. And, he has brought down charges on former FirstEnergy executives involved in the largest bribery scheme in Ohio history. On Wednesday, Yost penned a letter to Department of Homeland Security chair nominee Kristi Noem urging her to, if confirmed, review the government's use of Temporary Protected Status, an immigration tool for foreigners fleeing stricken countries that has allowed many of Springfield's Haitian immigrants to legally live in the United States. "This program has been applied too loosely, allowing noncitizens to live here indefinitely, even after it's safe for them to return home," said Yost, who did not specifically mention Haiti in the letter. In his candidacy announcement, Yost indicated that he'd support President Donald Trump's agenda in Ohio and touted himself as an "America-first" attorney general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As Ohio Attorney General, Yost protected Ohioans' Second Amendment rights and fought in court against the Biden administration's open-border policies. He succeeded in winning legal battles against federal overreach and won a U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for businesses," his initial campaign statement reads. He is the first official big-name Republican candidate in what threatens to be a crowded GOP primary to replace DeWine who also ascended from AG to governor with both former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague reported to be joining the fray soon. On the Democratic side, only Amy Acton, the former Ohio Department of Health director who led DeWine's COVID-19 response, has entered the gubernatorial race so far. "I'm running for Governor because I refuse to look away from Ohioans who are struggling," Acton said in a press release when she announce her candidacy earlier this year. "Ohioans need a Governor who will solve problems and give us all a little breathing room, not another self-interested politician." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ------ For more stories like this, sign up for our Ohio Politics newsletter. It's free, curated, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday evening. Avery Kreemer can be reached at 614-981-1422, on X, via email, or you can drop him a comment/tip with the survey below. Loading... A community in mourning gathered to remember the life of a little girl and pray for the recovery of a police officer, Thursday evening. More than a hundred held vigil for St. Clair Township Police Detective Dakota Wetzel at the Calcutta, Ohio fire department. Wetzel was shot in the head, Wednesday while police confronted a man who was said to be suicidal. According to police, the suspect, 30-year-old Joseph Como, opened fire on them, hitting Wetzel in the head and striking 4-year-old Rosalie Martin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The little girl was inside a dentist office during the shootout. She later died. Two calls you never want to deal with is a fellow officer down and things involving children. We had them both in one day, a Calcutta firefighter said at Thursdays vigil. This is probably one of the biggest things weve been up against, Fire Chief David McCoy said. He knows Detective Wetzel. According to police, Wetzel is in stable condition at UPMC Presbyterian. They say he was able to open his eyes and give his family a thumbs up. Hes strong. To go through what he went through and to give us a thumbs up, he knows people are rooting for him, McCoy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant imagine taking my child in for a routine dentist appointment and not coming out, Marlea Bidwell told us. She and her family dont know either victim but came to show support. She has a daughter the same age as little Rosalie. We have to come together in a time like this. If we dont, who do you have? Bidwell said. There are multiple fundraisers ongoing for both families. You can find them below: GoFundMe FOP of Ohio Foundation Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) President Donald Trump wants to restore the death penalty through an executive order he signed earlier this week. The death penalty is not effective, Executive Director of Death Penalty Action Abraham Bonowitz said. Thats the thing. It should be rare, but it should be preserved, and it should be available, Ohio Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) said. Attorney General Dave Yost announces bid for Ohio governor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether the death penalty should be eliminated has been the topic of debate for more than a decade at the Ohio Statehouse and Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) has been behind the effort to abolish it for several years. Now in play is also an effort to authorize the use of nitrogen hypoxia for executions in Ohio, an effort being championed by Stewart. I think that the death penalty should be an available sentence for the most heinous murders amongst us, he said. I think President Trumps executive order acknowledges that. People understand, inmates understand, that capital punishment is the most severe punishment that we have. Its morally reprehensible, Antonio said. We should have advanced as a society to believe and be better than the worst criminals that we have sitting on death row right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio lawmakers tackling higher education with new bill There are currently three people on federal death row. As far as states go, there are nine that executed prisoners last year, three holding their first executions in more than a decade. Twenty-three states do not allow the death penalty, and states like Ohio have it, but have not carried out an execution in years. It boils down to fewer than 1% of the people who are death eligible, who could be executed actually getting that death sentence and staying on death row to the point of either dying there or being executed, Bonowitz said. Antonio said while she plans to reintroduce her bill to abolish the death penalty, and is working to find a middle ground, she is worried that the executive order from Trump may change the dialogue a bit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Certainly, its concerning, she said. At the same time, I believe the majority of people in Ohio and in the country have flipped how they feel about the death penalty. The reality is that the manufacturers of those medications were created to save lives, not to execute people. The majority of the manufacturers have denied use of their drugs for executions. Antonio said she has been working on this issue for many reasons, but there is one that stands out to her most. How Ohios next lieutenant governor will be picked Part of the reason why Ive worked so hard to try to end the death penalty, a whole host of reasons, Antonio said. At the top of the list is we get it wrong. There are people on death row right now who may or may not be guilty of the crime that they were committed, convicted of. If theres one person whose innocent on death row, we should all be concerned about that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the other side, Stewart said capital punishment is a good deterrent, and in some cases is the best justice. It should be rare, but it should be available. I dont think anybody really buys that life without parole is the same as capital punishment, he said. If that were the case, you would see people who have life without the possibility of parole lining up to say, No, no. I would prefer to be executed instead. You never see that. We believe that the ultimate punishment should be throwing away the key, which is death by incarceration, Bonowitz said. Life without parole is a misnomer because its no life. You want to order a pizza? Walk barefoot on grass? Make love to your partner? Forget it. Thats never going to happen again. Both Antonio and Stewart plan to reintroduce their bills. Stewart said he thinks leadership will be more receptive to his legislation this general assembly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus landlord sued after tenants left without heat amid deep freeze We believe the bill has a good chance to pass, Stewart said. We have more time in this general assembly. I think that leadership is more friendly to the bill that weve had in the two years past and so we are going to bring the debate back again and see where the caucus stands. Antonio said she will have something for lawmakers to consider these next two years too. I will be reintroducing something, she said. Were trying to figure out if theres, if theres a way forward where theres agreements on both sides of the aisle for something this time. Im not quite sure if well be able to do that or not but I will definitely be introducing an end again to the death penalty as I have before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has not authorized a single execution during his time as governor. Ohio has more than 100 inmates on death row, but DeWine cites a difficulty getting the appropriate drugs as his reason for halting executions. He did not have any new comment on the topic on Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that a fire management crew has been dispatched to California to help battle the devastating wildfires. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The nine-person fire management team from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) left Columbus and is headed to Beaumont, California. TRENDING STORIES: Our fire management crews train year-round to be prepared to step up when called upon, ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. We wish them a successful and safe journey as they fight to protect communities in southern California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support from ODNR was requested for 14 days, and the crew is expected to begin work on Monday. A typical daily shift lasts between 14 to 16 hours, according to a media release. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] UNIONTOWN, Ohio (WCMH) A former Ohio Kay Jewelers employee is headed to court after claiming she was fired for speaking against same-sex marriage with a coworker. Mika Cohen, who worked as assistant manager at a Canton Kay Jewelers, argues she faced religious discrimination when she was terminated in August 2023 for sharing her beliefs, according to the November lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Cohen is bringing the case against Sterling Jewelers, a subsidiary of Signet Jewelers that runs more than 2,700 shops under various brands, including Kay Jewelers, Zales and Jared. [Cohen] holds deep and sincere personal religious beliefs and views that align with scripture that God created men and women, and that marriage is defined in the Bible as between one man and one woman only, the lawsuit said. Any sexual activity or identity which takes place outside of this biblical context is contrary to her understanding of biblical teaching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $450,000 settlement for Ohio teacher who refused to use students pronouns Hired as a sales associate in 2018 before being promoted to assistant manager in 2020, Cohen claims she was in the back room of the store during a shift in June 2023 when a coworker started to talk about how much they enjoy LGBTQ+ Pride Month. After being repeatedly asked to give her viewpoint, Cohen shared her sincerely held religious belief about human sexuality, Gods creation of men and women, and his design for marriage. Cohen added that everyone has a right to their own opinion, and attempted to disengage the conversation. The lawsuit notes that Cohens coworkers and managers were aware that she is a Christian, and that she was open about her faith by telling customers to have a Blessed Day, praying over her food at lunch, and having conversations with other coworkers who are also Christians. After the June conversation, Cohens lawsuit says the relationship between her and the coworker remained normal, with no apparent hostilities. However, at the end of July, Cohen claims she received a phone call from a Signet internal investigator who informed her that a team member made allegations against her for sharing religious beliefs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cohen received an email on Aug. 1 informing her that Signets investigation had concluded and its findings would be shared with human resources. The plaintiff was informed a week later by the district manager that she had been terminated because she admitted to talking about God during a conversation with a co-worker at work, the suit claims. Attorney General Dave Yost announces bid for Ohio governor Now, Cohen is asking the court to issue an injunction prohibiting Signet from engaging in religious discrimination, along with appropriate backpay, compensation for past and future pecuniary losses, and punitive damages. Signet has yet to file a response. In direct violation of its stated commitment to inclusion and diversity, Signet terminated [Cohen] because of her religious beliefs, which it discriminatorily deemed offensive and undesirable, the suit said. As a result of Signets unlawful discrimination, Plaintiff has suffered irreparable injury, emotional and monetary damages, and has incurred attorneys fees and costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKBN) Ohio forestry crews are heading to California to help with the wildfires. Read next: Those arent lazuli buntings you see flying around Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday that he has dispatched a nine-person fire management team from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Courtesy: Ohio Div. of Forestry Fire managers in southern California asked for extra help on Thursday as wildfires continue to be fueled by the states dry conditions and strong winds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been anticipating that California may call on our skilled ODNR wildfire response team, so we were prepared and ready to answer the call for help, said Governor DeWine. I commend the members of our brave crew who are leaving their loved ones in order to support their counterparts on the West Coast. The wildfire response team left Columbus Friday and is heading to Beaumont, California, where they will receive more details of their assignment. The team is bringing its own protective equipment, hand tools, chainsaws, and a wide variety of other supplies. Our fire management crews train year-round to be prepared to step up when called upon, ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. We wish them a successful and safe journey as they fight to protect communities in southern California. Support from ODNR was requested for 14 days, and the crew is expected to begin work on Monday. A typical daily shift lasts between 14 to 16 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Josh Shapiro announced Pennsylvania is sending 40 firefighters to California to help battle the wildfires near Los Angeles. The two crews, comprising 40 men, are highly trained wildland firefighters and are a response to a request for assistance from the state of California. While there, the crews will work on: Installing water lines and sprinkler systems to protect fire lines and buildings. Improving defensible space around homes in the path of wildfires. Reinforcing critical fire containment strategies to prevent further spreading. The crews departed on January 24 and are expected to arrive in California on Monday, January 27. WBRE/WYOU 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. BRYAN, Ohio (AP) For more than a year, a pastor who opened his church around the clock to shelter and give hope to homeless people has been at odds with an Ohio city over the building housing his ministry. On Tuesday, a city judge found Pastor Chris Avell guilty of violating zoning and fire codes in a criminal case. But his battle is not over. His attorneys, who last year filed a federal lawsuit accusing the city of harassing and humiliating the church and its congregants, have vowed to appeal the conviction. The church, called Dad's Place, remains open to temporarily shelter people while it also appeals a separate civil case allowing the city of Bryan to enforce its zoning and fire codes on the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why did the city take on the church? Bryan Fire Chief Douglas Pool says the citys main concern is that the building does not have the proper permits for people to be sleeping inside Dads Place. Inspectors first noticed people sleeping in the church a year ago after earlier finding a mix of code violations. Some of the issues have been fixed, but the city says the church still lacks a permit that would allow people to stay overnight. Securing the permit would require costly improvements, including fire sprinklers. The fire chief says the city is obligated to enforce the codes, otherwise it could be at fault if disaster strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont do anything, whos going to get blamed? Pool said. Were in a position where we need to enforce the code. How has the church responded? Attorneys for the church argue the Constitution protects churches helping those in need and that a federal law shields religious institutions from being discriminated against in zoning decisions. Dad's Place's lawyers also say the city has unfairly singled out the church, carrying out a string of surprise inspections to intimidate the people who are seeking shelter. They say the city's three hotels and two other shelters are not required to have sprinklers. The city says those places were in operation before the state fire code began requiring sprinklers in residential buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a very real way, this city is trying to criminalize compassion, said Jeremy Dys, a lawyer with First Liberty Institute, which is representing the church. If this place goes away, people are very much going to be out in the cold. How many people stay at the church? This week as temperatures dipped into the single digits, about 14 people stayed at the church, which sits next to another shelter and a block from Bryan's town square and county courthouse. The city is home to just under 9,000 residents. The surrounding county has low unemployment along with some of the area's lowest rents, according to a 2023 housing study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there is a scarcity of available housing across all income levels and the number of new homes and apartments has not kept up with demand over the past two decades, said Dawn Fitzcharles, who works on housing issues for the county. Its compounded the issue of homelessness as well as the working homeless, she said. What comes next for the shelter? The judge in the case has issued a 30-day stay in his $200 fine against the pastor because of the expected appeal. Avell anticipates the church will continue operating the shelter while the legal fight continues. Our calling and our mission hasnt changed so far throughout this process. Nothing has changed it, he said Thursday. We just continue to do the work Gods called us to do, and trust him with the outcome." The people they serve, he said, dont just need a place to lay their head, but where they can actually find hope and transformation. ___ Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio. Videos of a fire at the Ryazan Oil Refining Company following a drone attack have been posted on social media. Source: Russian Telegram channels Details: The footage shows a fire breaking out in Ryazan, reportedly at the local Ryazan Oil Refining Company. In addition, the Novo-Ryazan Thermal Power Plant, located nearby, was also attacked. The videos show two fires close to each other. Quote from Astra: "At the beginning of January, a Moscow court ordered Yandex to hide maps and photos of this facility due to the threat of Ukrainian drone attacks. The Ryazan Oil Refining Company is part of Rosneft." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Ryazan Oblast Governor Pavel Malkov confirmed the aerial attack on the city but did not specify whether the refinery was the target or provide updates on the current situation there. Telegram channels also reported alleged attempts by Ukrainian drones to attack the Kremny plant in Bryansk and the oil refinery in Engels, Saratov Oblast. According to Mash, debris from a downed drone fell near the plant in Bryansk. Locals reportedly heard at least seven explosions in the sky in Engels. Background: Drone attacks were reported in several Russian oblasts on the evening of 23 January, including explosions near the Ryazan Oil Refinery. Support UP or become our patron! A group of Colorado lawmakers is promising legislation to counteract the slew of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump just two days ago, which notably included policies to crack down on illegal immigration. The Democrats said they anticipate announcing proposed legislation soon, although it was unclear on Wednesday when exactly that might be or what exactly they would pursue. We will be doing our work, too, said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, chair of the Judiciary Committee. So, lets roll up our sleeves because weve got to do that work together. Within hours of being sworn in Monday, Trump unleashed a flurry of executive orders ranging from U.S. foreign aid to trade to diversity, equity and inclusion policies, and energy. Gonzales and others, including State Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Arapahoe, said they are pouring over the record number of executive orders Trump issued on his first day in office. Thank you for telling us exactly the types of challenges that we will have to confront over the next four years, Gonzales said. We have a right as a state not to use state resources to do the federal governments job, said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. Some of Trumps executive orders will have an immediate effect, while others will likely face lawsuits. The White House orders dealing with immigration included sending military service members to the border; going after gang members as part of a mass deportation program dubbed Project Aurora;" suspending refugee arrivals effective Jan. 27; and, ending "birthright citizenship." Trump's birthright order, which takes effect on Feb. 19, bars federal agencies from recognizing the citizenship of people in certain categories individuals whose mothers were not legally in the United States and whose fathers were not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents; and people whose mothers were in the country legally but on a temporary basis such as on a tourist visa and whose fathers were not citizens or legal permanent residents. Attorneys general from 18 states, including Colorado, have sued to block the order. Featured Local Savings On Tuesday, Trump also reversed an Obama-era policy implemented in 2011 known as the sensitive locations policy, which instructs U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents to avoid enforcement actions in certain locations, such as schools, churches and hospitals. Exceptions include imminent threats to public safety or national security. In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said: Criminals will no longer be able to hide in Americas schools and churches to avoid arrest. In addition, Trump has vowed to prosecute state and local officials who do not comply with federal immigration policies. He also directed federal officials to ensure so-called sanctuary jurisdictions" do not receive access to federal funds. Broadly speaking, both Colorado and the city Denver have adopted policies that fall under the "sanctuary" jurisdiction definition. Across the ideological aisle, Republicans are seeking to repeal Colorado's "sanctuary" statutes, which prohibit, in specific instances, cooperation with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws. The lawmakers, who are in the minority party in the Colorado legislature, have perennially tried but failed to convince the majority party to undo those laws. During the news conference at the Capitol on Wednesday, lawmakers and advocates highlighted the contributions of immigrants, which make up about 10% of Colorados population, and the fears many harbor with what they view as heavy-handed anti-immigration policies. Behind every undocumented person is a human story, Ricks said. State Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, echoed that sentiment, saying immigrants are key drivers of economic growth in Colorado and across the country. Immigrants play an essential role of every facet of life here in Colorado, contributing to our economy, our culture and the future of our state, said Joseph, claiming they contribute annually $1.6 trillion to the U.S. economy. The lawmakers did not distinguish between legal immigration and people who illegally crossed the border or overstayed their visas. Denver was thrust into the national spotlight two years ago when 90 immigrants, mostly from South and Central America, were dropped off downtown and left to wander in the cold, setting off a humanitarian crisis and response. In the ensuing months, nearly 43,000 immigrants have come to Denver. Early in the border crisis that has spilled into Denver and America's interior, city leaders decided that local residents would bear the responsibility of the response. That decision has cost city taxpayers more than $80 million. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Attorney General Gentner Drummond requested that a prisoner on Oklahoma's death row be transferred from federal prison in Louisiana for the next available execution date. He is pictured attending the State of the State Address on Feb. 5 in the Oklahoma State Capitol. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Attorney General Gentner Drummond requested Friday that a prisoner on Oklahomas death row be transferred from federal prison in Louisiana so he can be executed. George John Hanson, 60, was convicted for the 1999 kidnapping and murder of 77-year-old Mary Bowles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanson kidnapped Bowles, a retired banker, from a Tulsa mall and later shot her to death at a dirt pit near Owasso. She was shot a total of nine times. A bystander, Jerald Max Thurman, who witnessed the murder, was killed by Hansons accomplice, Victor Cornell Miller. Hanson received a life sentence without parole for his role in that slaying. Drummond asked that Hanson be transferred to the Lexington Assessment and Reception Center before March 20 so that he is eligible for the next available execution date. The prior administrations refusal to transfer Inmate Hanson to state custody to finally carry out a decades-old death sentence is the epitome of subverting and obstructing the execution of a capital sentence, Drummond wrote in a letter. As a result, I respectfully request that you comply with federal law and President Trumps righteous order by transferring Inmate Hanson to state custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanson was previously scheduled for execution in Oklahoma in 2022 but the Federal Bureau of Prisons denied Oklahomas request to transfer. Hanson is currently in federal prison in Louisiana serving a separate life sentence for a bank robbery, according to a news release. Drummonds office said this request is prompted by an executive order from President Donald Trump on Monday instructing the implementation of capital punishment. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) An Oklahoma lawmaker is proposing a law that would make it a crime punishable by up to a year in jail for anyone caught in possession of a shopping cart taken from a store. The bills author says the law is needed after business owners told him theyve been losing thousands of dollars worth of shopping carts to theft each year. Others say this is yet again another bill unnecessary targeting the homeless population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bill in Question is Oklahoma House Bill 1689 (HB 1689). Former OSU student sues City of Stillwater claiming unlawful arrest, strip search State Rep. Rande Worthen (R-Lawton) proposed adding a section to HB 1689, which would make it illegal in Oklahoma to remove a shopping cart from the parking area of a store, with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the carts owner from using it. It also would make it illegal to merely be in possession of any cart that has been taken from a store. Under Worthens proposal, anyone caught violating the law could be punished from a fine all they way up to one year in jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worthen says he has a good reason for proposing it. It came to my attention that a lot of the merchants were losing anywhere from 100 or more shopping carts every quarter here in Lawton, Worthen told News 4. And the cost of $200 to $250 each, that adds up even for, you know, a larger company. He says retailers like Walmart told him theyre having to spend thousands of dollars a year replacing missing carts. Missing carts, he says often end up in hazardous spots. They end up in the streets and causing a traffic hazard along oftentimes in creeks and waterways and alleyways and things like that, he said. People are pushing them, taking things and just leaving the shopping carts all over town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worthen says his goal with the bill is to simply have a state statute in place to allow cities to add it to their local ordinances, if they see fit. Thats the purpose of the statute, is to allow municipalities to formulate city ordinances dealing with this so they could, um, you know, make it okay, first time: warning or, you know, you need to return the shopping cart and do what we used to call field interview, Worthen said. But if you ask pastor and former Oklahoma state senator George Young, hes not so sure fining or locking up homeless people for having a shopping cart accomplishes fixing the problem worthen wants to solve. Is that going to increase law enforcements ability to return those cards back to those folks? Thats the key, is how do we do that, Young said. I just dont understand this this idea and this content that really exists for the homeless to do creative deals like this, forget the impact of it. Forget whats possibly it could do to improve. Why do you point that group out? Why arent we writing some bills to help eliminate the need of the homeless, to have to utilize property in that way? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City, volunteers conduct annual Point in Time homelessness count News 4 reported about a different bill earlier this month, which would make it illegal for any city in Oklahomaexcept Tulsa or Oklahoma City to run homeless shelters or provide any homeless services whatsoever. That bill and its author received a huge public outcry in response. Young says Worthens bill is no different in his eyes. They go together when it comes to uselessness, Young said. Once again, you have a piece of legislation that has no really firm use in our society right now. It is asinine. It is crazy. Lets talk to the homeless alliance. Lets talk to the people who are directly involved with these. Lets talk to the folks who are working to try to help those folks live better. Let lets talk to them and see what they say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 4 reached out to the Homeless Alliance. Their CEO sent News 4 the following statement in response to HB 1689: It is abundantly clear to us that this bill specifically targets Oklahomans experiencing homelessness, as it points to commonly held beliefs and stigmas surrounding this issue. We are not advocating for people to be able to take things from businesses at will, but punitive measures like this bill address a symptom of the problem rather than getting at the root cause. Additionally, once a person has one or more arrests or misdemeanor citations on their record, it becomes exponentially difficult for them to pass housing background checks and secure permanent housing to end their homelessness. While the intended outcome of this bill is likely to deter the use of shopping carts beyond retail settings, it will almost certainly lead to additional barriers for people who are already struggling and without many resources. Meghan Mueller, CEO, Homeless Alliance Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Oklahoma lawmakers have filed hundreds of bills related to education for their 2025 session at the state Capitol. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahoma lawmakers filed hundreds of bills affecting education for the next legislative session. Oklahoma Voice collected some of the top trends and topics that emerged in legislation related to students, teachers and schools. The state Legislature will begin considering bills once its 2025 session begins Feb. 3. Bills would restrict minors use of cellphones and social media As expected, lawmakers filed multiple bills to limit student cellphone use in public schools, an issue that leaders in both chambers of the Legislature have said is a top priority this year. A poster reads, bell to bell, no cell at the Jenks Public Schools Math and Science Center on Nov. 13. The school district prohibits student cellphone use during class periods. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoam Voice) The House and Senate each have a bill that would prohibit students from using cellphones during the entire school day. Some Oklahoma schools already made this a requirement while others allow cellphone access in between classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After encouraging all districts to establish cellphone restrictions, Gov. Kevin Stitt visited multiple schools in November that have done so. Senate Bill 139 from Education Committee vice chair Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, would require all districts to ban students from accessing their cellphones from the morning bell until dismissal, and it would create a $2 million grant program to help schools enact phone-free policies. Legislation from a House leader on education funding, Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, would prohibit student cellphone use while on school premises. Multiple bills target childrens social media use. Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, aims to ban social media accounts for anyone under 16 with SB 838 and, with SB 839, to deem social media addictive and dangerous for youth mental health. State senators Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, right, and Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, left, chat on the Senate Floor during special session on Oct. 3. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice) A bill from Seifried would outlaw social media companies from collecting data from and personalizing content for a minors account, which a child wouldnt be allowed to have without parent consent Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 371 from Sen. Micheal Bergstron, R-Adair, would require districts to prohibit the use of social media on school computers or on school-issued devices while on campus. SB 932 from Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, would allow minors or their parents to sue a social media company over an adverse mental health outcome arising, in whole or in part, from the minors excessive use of the social media platforms algorithmically curated service. School chaplain bill reemerges Multiple lawmakers have refiled a bill seeking to enable religious chaplains to counsel students in public schools. A version of the controversial bill passed the House last year but failed in the Senate. Its original author, Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, refiled it as House Bill 1232. Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, and Sen. Dana Prieto, R-Tulsa, filed similar school chaplain bills with SB 486 and SB 590. More restrictions suggested for sex education, gender expression Another unsuccessful bill returning this year is legislation that would have families opt into sex education for their children instead of opting out, which is the states current policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students wouldnt be allowed to take any sex education course or hear a related presentation without written permission from their parents under SB 759 from Prieto, HB 1964 from Danny Williams, R-Seminole, and HB 1998 from Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta. Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, speaks at a press conference at the state Capitol launching the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus on Sept. 3. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, would have any reference to sex education and mental health removed from health education in schools with SB 702. Prietos bill also would exclude any instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity from sex education courses. It would require school employees to notify a childs parents before referring to the student by a different name or pronouns. Other bills similarly would limit students ability to be called by a different name or set of pronouns at school if it doesnt correspond to their biological sex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deevers Free to Speak Act would bar teachers from calling students by pronouns other than what aligns with their biological sex or by any name other than their legal name without parent consent. Educators and fellow students could not be punished for calling a child by their legal name and biological pronouns. Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, filed a similar bill. No public school could compel an employee or volunteer to refer to a student by a name or pronoun other than what corresponds with their sex at birth under SB 847 from Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, nor could any printed or multimedia materials in a school refer to a student by another gender. Corporal punishment in schools Once again, Oklahoma lawmakers will consider whether to outlaw corporal punishment of students with disabilities. State law currently prohibits using physical pain as discipline on children with only the most significant cognitive disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, the state Department of Education used its administrative rules to ban corporal punishment on any student with a disability, but similar bills have failed to pass the state Legislature, drawing frustration from child advocates. Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, has refiled a bill that would ban corporal punishment of students with any kind of disability. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, was an author of last years bill to prohibit corporal punishment of students with any type of disability. He filed the bill again for consideration this session. HB 2244 from Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, would require schools to report to the Oklahoma State Department of Education the number of times they administer corporal punishment along with the age, race, gender and disability status of the students receiving it. The state Department of Education would then have to compile the information in a report to the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters, pictured at the state Capitol on Aug. 16, said Friday he would condone immigration enforcement in schools. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahomas top education official said he would support immigration enforcement raids in schools to assist with the White Houses promise of mass deportations. This week, President Donald Trump threw out a federal policy that had been in place since 2011 that discouraged U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from making arrests in protected areas like schools, medical centers and places of worship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma schools Superintendent Ryan Walters said in a TV interview posted Friday that he would help the Trump administration in any way they see fit to carry out immigration enforcement, including ICE raids in schools. For years the liberal media has been vilifying Republicans for separating illegal immigrant children from their parents, Walters said in a news release Friday afternoon. Now they want us to explain why wed let ICE agents into schools. The answer is simple: we want to ensure that deported parents are reconnected with their children and keep families together. Chicago Public Schools said ICE agents attempted to enter an elementary school on Friday, but the school denied them entry. However, the U.S. Secret Service later clarified it was one of its agents in the area investigating a threat, not ICE conducting immigration enforcement. Walters has proposed a rule at the state Education Department, which he leads, that would require schools to ask for students proof of citizenship or legal immigration status during enrollment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His proposal would not prohibit any students from attending public schools, but districts would have to report to the Education Department the number of undocumented children they enroll. Walters said Friday he intends to share this information with the federal government to assist with immigration enforcement. The first step is getting them the information, Walters said in an interview with Tulsa TV station KTUL. Thats part of what they flagged is, you know, schools havent been working with law enforcement on this. Well, in Oklahoma, were going to work with law enforcement. We are going to work with the Trump administration. The Oklahoma State Board of Education, which Walters also heads, is expected to vote Tuesday on the proposed immigration rule. If it passes, the state Legislature would have the choice of voting on it or allowing the governor to decide whether to approve it. The rule would carry the force of law if OKd by the Legislature or governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Kevin Stitts office remains focused on deporting undocumented immigrants who committed crimes unrelated to their immigration status, spokesperson Meyer Siegfried said. Governor Stitt supports the strong enforcement of immigration laws and believes we have a responsibility to know who is in our state and how taxpayer dollars are being spent, Siegfried said. The office of the Senate president pro tem did not return a request for comment Friday. House Speaker Kyle Hilberts office declined to comment on a rule that hasnt yet passed a board vote to be submitted to the Legislature, nor did he remark on potential ICE involvement in schools. Walters initially suggested the rule last month as a way to gauge current and future needs for English learner programs and other school resources to accommodate immigrant children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates of Oklahoma immigrant communities warned citizenship checks in schools could dissuade undocumented families from enrolling their children in public education. Schools should be a safe haven from immigration enforcement, said Juan Lecona, a member of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education. Oklahoma City Board of Education member Juan Lecona, pictured Nov. 18, said schools should be a safe haven from immigration enforcement. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) This is not about red or blue, Lecona said Friday. Its about the future of our students. Let them learn. Let them become whoever they want to be in the future. By doing this, you are breaking up families, and on top of that, how are the schools going to benefit from it? Lecona is the first immigrant to serve on the Oklahoma City school board. His parents brought him to the U.S. from Mexico when he was a child in 1990 with a legal visa and permit, he said. Once that paperwork expired, he became undocumented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lecona is now a U.S. citizen with children attending the Oklahoma City district. As a school board member, he represents a majority Latino area in the citys south side. He said immigrants living in his community are afraid and dont know what to do. Im concerned for my community, our working people, because thats what we want. We just want to work and achieve our American dream, Lecona said. Were not here to cause trouble. Oklahoma City Superintendent Jamie Polk has said the district has no plans to collect students immigration status. The district administration did not return a request for comment on Walters statements Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Editors note: This story has been updated to include a comment from Gov. Kevin Stitts office, which was provided after initial publication. It also has been updated to include new information from the U.S. Secret Service regarding a Chicago elementary school. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX On his first day in office, President Donald Trump pardoned nearly 1,600 people who had been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, some already serving prison sentences and some convicted of assaulting police officers. In that group were 13 Oklahomans. A federal judge sharply criticized the president's sweeping clemency decision as she dismissed the criminal case against one Oklahoman who spent almost 45 minutes inside the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dismissals of charges, pardons after convictions, and commutations of sentences will not change the truth of what happened on January 6, 2021," U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly wrote in her six-page order. More: Like it or not, President Trump has constitutional authority to pardon rebels | Opinion However, the pardons were supported by other officials, including Oklahoma members of Congress and the state's attorney general, who recently announced his candidacy for governor. U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin said the pardons were Trump's prerogative. "People on November 5th chose to move past January 6th," Mullin said. "It was a regretful day. It should have never happened. I saw it with my own eyes, but Trump is the president and things change." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Sen. James Lankford didn't criticize Trump directly but said assaulting law enforcement was a serious issue. "You should pay a price for that," he said. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond posted on "X" saying he was pleased the rioters are free, adding, "I am proud of how our state and local officials worked with federal agencies to implement President Trump's pardons." How do you feel about the pardons? Express your reaction in The Oklahoman Poll below. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Take The Oklahoman's survey on how you feel about pardons | Opinion Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) argued that Democrats who attended President Trumps Inauguration on Monday were sending the wrong message. Omar joined CNNs The Source on Thursday evening and was asked by host Kaitlan Collins about the number of Democrats who attended Trumps swearing-in ceremony, instead of skipping the event. I think there were some exceptions of some of the folks that could have been there for that sort of purpose, but to have the mass number of people that showed up that really didnt have a reason to be there, to me, it sent the wrong message, Omar send. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins questioned what that message was. Omar, a progressive Democrat, responded that Trump is a threat to democracy. The president, through his various executive orders in the first week back in office, has demonstrated he will dismantle democracy, she added. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) is seen during a press conference on Thursday, May 16, 2024 to discuss the Congressional Progressive Caucus proposition agenda for 2025. (Greg Nash) The message Democrats who attended the inauguration sent was that they were going to sit here and congratulate him and pat him on the back, the Minnesota Democrat said. Thats not a good message, she said. Collins asked if she included former President Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in that group of Democrats. I just do not understand why they would attend, Omar replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Democrats questioned whether President Biden extended too much kindness to Trump during the administration transition. He reportedly said Welcome home! when the Trumps arrived at the White House. Biden also left a respectful letter in the Resolute Desk, following tradition. Collins asked Omar about the pleasantries between the two presidents, who, on the campaign trail in the past, have not exchanged kind words. President Biden has always been a real American, a patriot, and I think the fact that he did not have a peaceful transition and it was challenging for him, [he] wanted to show the American people how to do it and remind them, Omar said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) criticized fellow Democrats for attending President Trumps inauguration following his refusal to make an appearance at former President Bidens 2021 ceremony. They didnt have the decency to invite the Bidens to the White House. And so, just the level of indignity that theyd shown and disrespect to tradition to me said no one should show him dignity and respect, Omar said during a Thursday evening appearance on CNNs The Source with Kaitlan Collins. The lawmaker has long clashed with Trump and Republicans over comments made about her immigration status as a childhood refugee from Somalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, House Republicans removed her from the Foreign Affairs Committee, citing a number of remarks Omar had made that Republicans said were antisemitic. Trump criticized her in his 2020 campaign. Shes telling us how to run our country. How did you do where you came from? Hows your country doing? Trump said during a rally. Omar quickly fired back on social media and has remained vigilant in her critiques of Trump ever since, especially over deportation policies for refugees. At a time when global strife, economic uncertainty, and the climate crisis are fueling unprecedented levels of forced migration, it is beyond shameful the president has turned our back on those suffering from global catastrophe. This inhumane decision will have dangerous ripple effects around the world, Omar wrote in a Wednesday statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Untold numbers of people around the world are hoping, praying, and counting on the United States to live up to the promise of being a country that welcomes them to a land of peace and opportunity. As a refugee, I am grateful I got the opportunity to have a second chance at 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 The Hill. Composer Morgan Doctor likes her high-waisted, wide-legged pants, a donation after her home with wife Ondi Timoner (Last Flight Home) was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. She usually wears skinny jeans, said the documentary filmmaker. They are Zooming with me from the back of an airport town car en route to JFK. When the Eaton Fire exploded January 7 in Altadena, they were going to bed in Rome, preparing to embark on interviews and scouts for an upcoming and untitled Nazi documentary in Budapest, Vienna, and Florence, before returning to Rome. Overnight her home burned to the ground, along with a significant portion of her lifes work. More from IndieWire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im a little bit swollen from crying, said Timoner. Im so exhausted that I constantly put my cold hands on my eyes, because they burn so hard. The devastation of losing so much is overwhelming and incalculable. However, the peripatetic filmmaker continues to fulfill her professional obligations shooting the documentary, promoting Dig! XX, heading to Sundance to privately screen The Inn Between and All Gods Children for buyers, and finding the strength to verbalize her grief in multiple interviews, including this one. For Timoner, the way out was through. Timoner and Doctor were leaving Rome for Budapest when they learned that their Altadena house was gone. Family members (including Timoners brother David, co-founder of their Interloper Films) and assorted animals initially evacuated from their Altadena homes to hers, but then had to keep moving as the fire approached. Among the irreplaceable losses were her mothers cat (who hid under the bed), a safe with $40,000 and jewelry, and a crypto wallet worth $30,000. My job over that hour, besides getting to the airport, was finding a place to put five humans and seven animals, said Timoner. I start asking around, and a couple people can take two people, and most people cant take the dogs, or some people cant take the cats. And Im trying to figure it out. And by the time Im checking in at the airport, Harry Vaughn, formerly from Sundance, now a producer in South Pasadena, is like, Bring them all to my moms house. I could not believe it. I love Harry, and he was swimming in my pool just this summer, and he knows how beautiful that house was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Timoner loved entertaining in the summer. I hosted a whole outdoor screening series at my house, and wed have potluck, she said, and everybody would sit up on the yard, and we would play movies, and then Id have the director there talking. People would watch from the pool. Before the fires: Ondi Timoners wife Morgan dangles her legs in the backyard pool. Timoner and Doctor kept to their itinerary; there was nowhere to go. We went through the scout in Budapest all day long, said Timoner. We were checking that [fire] map. It never updated, actually, until the next day, it said the house was still there. It said that the fire was two blocks away. I heard from a neighbor, after getting back from the scout, that my house didnt make it. Morgan is crying, Im in shock. When we found out that Mom and David left the cat [hiding under a bed], that was my first time crying, Timoner said. Because just to think of Rosebud dying scared in our room was nightmares, and its been nightmares ever since. We have nightmares every night. Either everythings fine and then I realize its not, or everythings burning in the dream. The couple took a train to Vienna the next morning to interview a Holocaust survivor. At this point, the production company Im working for said, We understand if you have to cancel, said Timoner. Well, I cant cancel on this holocaust survivor because I had been at a concentration camp with him in November, and he was so traumatized being there. He was six years old there when his father was murdered. And I was going to Vienna just for three hours on my way to Florence with the whole crew to document him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If I can do good work, Im going to continue, because my towns on fire, she said. Theres nowhere to go. Everythings been destroyed, I might as well create something. So we went and I did it, and it gave me such perspective, and it made me feel, Wow, I can still make something, even though everything is gone. I finished the interview, and I said, Were gonna go on.' And so they went, shooting in Italy for two days. However, as soon as it wrapped, Timoner began to vomit. I was deathly ill for a day, laid out in Rome. When the couple arrived in New York, they continued to fulfill obligations (Im homeless now too, where are you going to go? said Timoner) as the magnitude of their loss started to sink in. She attended two screenings and Q&As for sequel Dig! XX, which Oscilloscope is screening at Sundance. She was also able to comfort her co-director brothers 25-year-old son, Eli Owen Timoner, whose fathers home was reduced to rubble. Before our Zoom, Timoner texted me: I also have an appearance on ABC News live tomorrow for our film [The Inn Between] about the only hospice for the homeless in the country (which is ironic because now were homeless) and thats at 5:45 PM so we thought since our flight was routing through New York to do these appearances, we should do that and kind of buffer and recalibrate before we go back to the ruins of our home and no home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New York, documentary filmmakers Liz Garbus and Dan Cogan nurtured Doctor and Timoner, bringing duffel bags full of clothes like the wide-legged jeans. The love of friends and our film community has been so unbelievable, said Timoner. Its so much support that it was enough to buoy us to be able to function and not want to just give up totally, because theres no way to wrap your head around the totality of the loss. [The house] was my sanctuary. It was my safe place. It was where I worked. It was Morgans studio. It was my studio. A friend swiftly set up a GoFundMe for Doctor and Timoner, which read: As documentarians and musicians, they lost not just their home but irreplaceable footage, family archives, all their cameras and instruments, and every sentimental and priceless item you can think of. They lost their history and future work, all carefully collected over years overnight. Timoner has lived in Altadena for 13 years. Her house, studio, and pool were nestled in the foothills of the mountains. Its stunningly gorgeous there, she said. And I love my town so much that my heart is ripped open over it. It was the greatest place to live. We had wild peacocks in the front yard, little baby peacocks growing and being born. Youd open the front door to let someone in and thered be a mating dance happening. Timoner saved a photo of a birthday card from her son Juki on her phone. Timoners primary Interloper Films office in Pasadena did not burn that night, but theres smoke damage. The day after fires erupted, a member of Timoners support staff ran into Interloper to grab the Nexis and several computers. The office is still closed due to smoke damage. There may be more drives there. After that office suffered an electrical fire last May, Timoner moved her most important personal archives to her house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I left my journal of the last two years next to my bed for safekeeping because I had notes in it that I needed to transpose still on to digital, she said. Im in love with the Cloud now. I used to not really like the Cloud at all and be pissed off about it, but now Im a big fan because everythings gone. Its what cant be backed up that hurts. Every time Timoner adds to the insurers list of their belongings, she is stabbed with what shes lost: Her sons hand-drawn birthday cards, framed and hung in the bathroom. (She found one on her iPhone.) Her giant David Bowie poster. Her various awards, especially the two Sundance jury prizes. Publicist Chris Albert has promised to replace all her awards. I do not make movies for that reason, she said, still tickled by the gesture. Among the things lost at Ondis home were 500 hours of video footage of her father Eli, the subject of her 2022 documentary Last Flight Home, which chronicled the last weeks of her ailing fathers life, as surrounded by his wife and family, he prepared to legally die by medical-aid-in-dying. Youre not going to put Dads life story into [two hours], you cant fit it in, she said. Thank God for Last Flight Home. But the footage that I shot over those 15 days with Dad, thats most likely gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My first film ever, The Nature of the Beast, about a woman in prison in Connecticut, all that is gone. Theres one digitized copy, thank God. But my first films that I made at the public access station when I was 19, I dont know that they exist anymore. And I had 100 tapes of my son growing up, and I was going to maybe make a documentary about him one day. I had them all on the shelf to be digitized, to be backed up, and they never got backed up. I would have grabbed every hard drive that I could get my hands on and thrown them in the trunk, and I would have taken some of the pictures of my father off the wall, she said. And we lost these two scrapbooks that my mother had put together of my dads airline, because Ive been working on a scripted version of Last Flight Home for 10 years. Part of the footage that has possibly been lost now is me reading him the script on his deathbed, getting his final notes and words. We wrote it together on the phone, me on my couch in that place in my house I used to love to sit and write and look at the trees and him in his chair. Ondi Timoner inspects the remains of her home and finds a fire-damaged film can. Timoner doesnt want other filmmakers to make her mistakes. Back everything up. Duplicate everything, she said. Keep them at different locations. We lost the raw footage of Brand, Mapplethorpe, and Jungletown. Thankfully, the two films Im making right now are not destroyed. They were backed up on LTO, which is a tape backup. And if you love something, take a picture of it. I treasure every photo of the house. When they arrived in L.A. on January 17, Timoner and Doctor retrieved her car and headed to Vidiots in Echo Park for a sold-out Dig! XX preview. They now have temporary shelter at Warren Beatty and Annette Benings guest house. Bening recently attended another Timoner screening at the Museum of Tolerance, All Gods Children. This fascinating documentary shows her older rabbi sister Rachels struggles to forge meaningful bonds with a well-intentioned Brooklyn gospel pastor and his Baptist church. (The serious impediment to real communion: Jesus.) Timoners older sister, now on sabbatical in South America, has called every day with grief counseling. It is helpful having a rabbi in the family, I have to tell you, said Timoner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On January 20, armed with a press assignment memo from IndieWire and a hazmat suit, Timoner went to her house. It was ash and rubble. A page from a religious book floated in the pool. The safe was burnt to a crisp with everything in it. So were the crypto wallet and the Sundance awards. While the insurers sort it out, Timoner works. After Sundance, shes off to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where All Gods Children plays February 6 and 7. Shes prepping a documentary, All That We Are, about screenwriter Lesley Patterson (All Quiet on the Western Front) and her husband Simon Marshalls adaptation of Mans Search for Meaning by Austrian psychologist and Auschwitz/Dachau survivor Viktor Frankl. He said that we cant have happiness in our lives without meaning, and the only way we can have meaning is through work, love, or suffering, said Timoner, and that suffering is how we reach our greatest human potential. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A London judge on Friday rejected a Colorado Springs mother's challenge to be extradited to Colorado to face murder charges in the deaths of two of her young children. Judge John Zani said in Westminster Magistrates' Court that it would now be up to the British Home Secretary to order Kimberlee Singler returned to the U.S. Singler, 36, is accused of two counts of first-degree murder in the December 2023 shooting and stabbings of her 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son, and one count of attempted murder in the slashing of her 11-year-old daughter with a knife. She also faces three counts of child abuse and one count of assault. Singlers attorney had argued that sending her back to the U.S. would violate European human rights law, in part, because she faces a sentence of life in prison without parole in Colorado if convicted of first-degree murder. Such a sentence would be inhumane because it offers no prospect for release even if she is rehabilitated, attorney Edward Fitzgerald said. Fitzgerald said that despite an option for a Colorado governor to commute her sentence at some point, it was political suicide to do so. Experts for the defense had originally said that a life sentence had never been commuted in Colorado. But prosecutors later found that Gov. John Hickenlooper in 2018 commuted life sentences of five men convicted of murder. The defense countered that three of those sentences were not life without parole and two were for men who committed their crime between the ages of 18 and 21, which is sometimes considered a mitigating factor at sentencing because of their relative youth. This defendant, Kimberlee Singler, has no real prospect of release no matter what progress she makes behind bars, Fitzgerald said. Prosecutor Joel Smith said the judge only had to consider if there is a mechanism that could allow Singler to be freed someday. Prospect of release that is not your concern, Smith told the judge at a hearing in December. Zani said in his ruling that there was an option in Colorado to release an inmate serving a life sentence. Featured Local Savings I am satisfied that the defendant has failed to vault the hurdle necessary in order to succeed in the challenges raised," the judge said. Fitzgerald said he planned to appeal. Singler has denied that she harmed her children. She told police that her ex-husband had either carried out the killings or hired a hitman. Singler had superficial knife wounds and was initially treated as a victim. But that changed when her surviving daughter, who initially said she had been attacked by an intruder, told police her mother tried to kill her. After her daughter changed her story, police sought to arrest Singler on Dec. 26 but she had fled. She was found four days later in Londons posh Chelsea neighborhood and arrested. The girl told police that her mother gave the children milk with a powdery substance to drink and told them to close their eyes as she guided them into a siblings bedroom, prosecutors said. Singler cut her neck and, as the girl begged her to stop, she slashed her again. The girl said her mother had a gun. The defendant told her that God was telling her to do it, and that the childrens father would take them away, Smith said at a previous hearing. Police found Aden Wentz, 7, and Elianna Ellie Wentz, 9, dead when they entered the Colorado Springs apartment on Dec. 19. They had been shot and stabbed. Although Singler blamed her husband, authorities said he had a solid alibi backed up by GPS records that showed he had been driving a truck at the time of the killings. One person is dead following a mobile home fire early Friday morning on Waukesha's northwest side. The Waukesha Fire Department said in a news release Friday that it responded to a fire at 1505 Elder St., a residence in the Park Place Mobile Home Community, just after 3 a.m. The structure is likely a "total loss," the department said. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke throughout the home, and flames were visible from the rear of the building. The department said crews immediately "initiated an offensive attack" and began search and rescue operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire crews located the occupant of the home and a pet. Paramedics immediately began treatment on the person, but they did not survive. The pet survived and was turned over to the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha. The department said the fire was brought under control within 15 minutes. As of 8 a.m., fire crews remain on the scene. Freezing conditions have made "incident operations more challenging for (fire) suppression personnel," the department said. No firefighters were injured in the incident. City of Waukesha firefighters speak with residents on the site of a fatal fire at the Park Place Mobile Home Community in Waukesha, Wisconsin on Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2025. The fire was discovered just after 3 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. Neighboring fire departments, including Pewaukee, Town of Brookfield and New Berlin, assisted by providing fire crews to backfill Waukesha fire stations. The cause of Friday's fire is currently under investigation by the Waukesha Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau. The Wisconsin State Fire Marshal's office has been contacted as part of standard investigation protocol. Extensive damage is visible on a unit at the Park Place Mobile Home Community in Waukesha, Wisconsin on Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2025 after firefighters responded to an early morning fire. Fire safety tips The Waukesha Fire Department said the public should check their smoke alarms regularly, have an emergency evacuation plan and always close bedroom doors when sleeping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are more fire safety tips: Have a working smoke detector on all floors of your home. Test the smoke detector and replace the batteries when needed. Have a fire escape plan for your home. Have a meeting place outside the home where everyone will gather. Use only one heat-producing appliance in each wall outlet. Check the attic and basement for fire hazards. More: Is my landlord responsible for my smoke alarm? And other common questions about smoke alarms in Milwaukee (This story was updated to change or add a photo or video.) This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Mobile home fire in Waukesha leaves one dead Friday morning Killeen, Tx (FOX44) An 18-year-old man is dead and a 20-year-old man is in custody following a late Thursday afternoon shooting in Killeen. Police were sent to the 3700 block of Dustin Court after a 9-1-1 call came in reporting a shooting at that location. When they arrived, they found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound and immediately began life-saving measures. When paramedics arrived, the man was taken to Advent Health Central Texas in what was described as critical condition, however he was pronounced dead at 6:31 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Nicola James. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The name of the victim was initially being withheld pending notification of next of kin. A 20-year-old man was taken into custody and transported to the Killeen City Jail with charges pending as of Friday morning. Police described the incident as isolated and said there was no threat to the public at large. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. Thirteen-year-old Zakariya Barbakh had spent most of his life shuffling between hospitals across Gaza, the occupied West Bank and Israel. Born without a lung, he had struggled to breathe. Doctors had predicted he would need a transplant if he were to reach adulthood. But the last 15 months of war in Gaza had made that impossible. When the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect on Sunday, Zakariya was ecstatic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mom, now we can go look for my lungs! his mother recalled him saying. Less than 24 hours later, Zakariya was shot dead. Doctors at Nasser Hospital say an Israeli sniper fired the fatal shot in the southern city of Rafah on Monday. Zakariyas family told CNN he had been looking for wood to use for cooking and heating. He didnt die from his disease; he ended up dying at the hands of the occupation. All he wanted was to have lungs to breathe, what did he do to deserve this? What did this child do? his mother said, unable to hold back tears. The Israeli military told CNN it was not aware of the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zakariya is one of at least four Palestinians allegedly shot by the Israeli military since the ceasefire went into effect. The Israeli military has withdrawn to buffer zones along Gazas border, but has warned Palestinians against approaching areas where its troops are still stationed. It has published a map of zones that are very dangerous to approach. But where those zones begin and end is not always as clear on the ground. How would he know he would face occupation forces? How would he know he was in the wrong area? All he did was try to find something to eat. He got lost along the way. Can you not see the way this child looks? He looks sick and despairing, his mother said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A dramatic video showing the aftermath of the incident was shared widely online. CNN showed Zakariyas family the video and his parents confirmed it was their son. The video shows a man trying to drag Zakariyas lifeless body before he too is shot. The man survived 13-year-old Zakariya Barbakh was shot dead. The image has been blurred by CNN. - Obtained by CNN News that Israel and Hamas had reached a ceasefire deal triggered celebrations across the Strip last Wednesday. But in several areas those celebrations were soon drowned out by the sound of Israeli airstrikes. In the four days between when the deal was announced and when it went into effect on Sunday morning, Israeli attacks killed at least 142 Palestinians, according to Gazas Civil Defense, including dozens of women and children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among them were members of 3-year-old Asad Khalifas family. Less than 24 hours after the ceasefire deal was announced, an Israeli airstrike targeted his home. Asad survived, but in an instant, he became an orphan. His parents and sister were killed in the strike. His next-door neighbor Moutasem Dallou told CNN the strike happened in the middle of the night and shook the ground beneath. Pieces of shrapnel had reached Dallous home and terrified his young children. Dallou knew the family as they had been displaced by the war at the same time. He went searching for them under the rubble with other neighbors. Using basic equipment and their bare hands, they were able to uncover and retrieve the dead bodies of the mother and father but the children remained missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before they gave up, they heard the cries of a child and began frantically throwing aside blocks of cement until they reached the source. Asad Khalifa became an orphan after an Israeli strike targeted his home. - CNN After a grueling 30 minutes, they found a small hand reaching out amid the rubble and gripping the air. They were able to pull the child Asad out, roughed up and covered in dust but alive. His little sister was found dead next to him. Dallou and his sister Mawada have since taken him in. Nearly four hours after the ceasefire announcement, his mother sent us a text message congratulating us for the news. Moments later, she was killed.This child lost his mother and father in mere seconds. Because of the decision of a pilot in the sky, this child lost everything he had in life, Mawada told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to CNN, the Israeli military said it struck terror infrastructure where a commander in the Hamas terrorist organization was present. The terrorist was responsible for many rocket attacks. The IDF took intelligence measures to mitigate harm to uninvolved individuals, the statement added. Dallou has children of similar age to Asad, which has helped to integrate him into their family. But he is concerned about how Asad will grow up. I know from my experience with my little daughter that this child is going through a difficult psychological state. They are petrified from any sound now They start crying for their mother, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mawada said that because she knew Asads mother, she would do everything she can to embrace him. We will try, but we will not be able to replace his mother or bring her back. Khader Al-Zaanoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Ukrainian drones damaged the Kremny El microelectronics plant during an attack on the Russian city of Bryansk that occurred on the night of 23-24 January. Source: The Moscow Times with reference to the company's press service Details: The attack damaged production facilities and a finished goods warehouse. "Damage was caused to the special energy supply facilities, and production chains were disrupted," the company stated, adding that the plants operations have been suspended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plant is one of the largest microelectronics manufacturers in Russia. It supplies components for Pantsyr air defence systems and Iskander missile systems. Background: Drones attacked strategic facilities in Russia on the night of 23-24 January, including hitting an oil refinery in Ryazan and targeting the Kremny El plant in Bryansk, which produces components for Russian weapons. This plant was attacked in October 2024. Back then, various news outlets and Telegram channels posted videos of a drone attack. Support UP or become our patron! ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Odessa Police Department has asked for help from the community to identify two theft suspects. According to OPD, two men entered Lowes Home Improvement store and allegedly stole about $432 worth of merchandise. The pair left the scene in a Cadillac with an unknown license plate. Youll find pictures of both men below: Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 432-284-2012 or Detective Troglin at 432-284-2012 and reference case number 24-9000639. If your Crime Stoppers tip leads to an arrest, it could be worth a cash reward. 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 Yourbasin. It was 10 years ago this month that the House Freedom Caucus was born. Stemming from frustration with government spending and with Republican leadership, this group of far-right conservatives has had two overarching goals over the past decade. First, they have sought to decrease government spending and to balance the federal budget through spending cuts. Second, they have sought to democratize the House of Representatives by redistributing power from leadership and putting it back in the hands of the members themselves. Given these priorities, how successful have they been? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With respect to spending, the members of the Freedom Caucus wont be unfurling the Mission Accomplished banner. In January 2015, the national debt stood near $23 trillion. It has since increased to over $36 trillion, with much of that coming with a fellow Republican, Donald Trump, in the White House. Members may try to point to some legislative victories, such as border control spending under the first Trump administration, but the fiscal goals that guided the groups formation have not come to fruition. The Freedom Caucus is often responsible for actually making laws less conservative. Members want legislation that is more conservative than the rest of the Republican caucus can support. When the caucus refuses to compromise with their fellow party members, Republican leadership then turns to Democrats for support. To earn the votes of these more liberal members, however, the legislation needs to shift to the left. The bill that passes the House is thus more moderate than the original piece of legislation. This has played out over and over again during the past decade, ranging from funding the Department of Homeland Security in 2015 to navigating the debt ceiling last session. What about House procedure? Here, the Freedom Caucus has also been unsuccessful. For example, the group has fought for a return to regular order, which for them includes allowing individual members of the House to offer amendments to legislation on the floor. This finally happened during the previous session of Congress, but it remains the exception to the rule. Often, legislation cannot be amended at all, or amendments need to be pre-approved. In other words, the process concerns raised by the Freedom Caucus have gone largely unheeded. Where the Freedom Caucus may have had its most demonstrable effect is on congressional leadership, particularly the position of Speaker of the House. Many conservatives who voted against John Boehners speakership in 2015 went on to form the Freedom Caucus. It was Freedom Caucus member Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) who introduced the motion to vacate that year, which presaged Boehners resignation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was next in line for the position, only to be vetoed by the Freedom Caucus before they acquiesced to Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.). In 2023, the Freedom Caucus was able to extract numerous concessions from McCarthy before he was elevated to the speakership. Many Freedom Caucus members also supported the motion to vacate that removed McCarthy just months later. However, they have not been able to elevate one of their own to the position, as Freedom Caucus member Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) failed repeatedly to replace McCarthy. So how should the House Freedom Caucus be evaluated? On its own terms, the group has come up short. Whether the issue is spending or congressional procedure, it has not achieved its founding goals. That is not to say that the Freedom Caucus has not had an impact. Its members have been far more successful at stopping things from happening than getting what they want. They have also shaped the leadership of the House for years and have nudged legislation in a more moderate direction. In a time of intense polarization, coupled with narrow margins in the House, they have proven to be very important players. As long as these conditions hold, look for them to continue to be a powerful force in Congress even if they dont accomplish what they set out to. Michael E. Bednarczuk, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of Political Science at Austin Peay State University. He studies political behavior and public service. 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. President Trump is moving at warp speed to close our borders and deport criminal aliens signature campaign promises. Most Americans, horrified by four years of seeing our borders overrun and illegal migrants with criminal records being allowed to remain in our country, are applauding the presidents moves. A just-published New York Times poll found that 87 percent of respondents support deporting immigrants who are here illegally and have criminal records. Some 63 percent favor deporting immigrants who are here illegally and arrived over the last four years. A surprising 55 percent back deporting all immigrants who are here illegally. That will change. Americans are a soft-hearted people, and a nation of immigrants. Once the border chaos is brought under control, and the deportations of illegal immigrants gathers steam, there will be a story, or many stories, of some hard-working immigrant caught up in the net, who grabs the nations sympathy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Someone like Carmen, a hairdresser I spoke to recently, who emigrated from Mexico to the U.S. more than two decades ago, works hard, pays taxes and, with her also-undocumented husband, has raised two children who are now in college. One wants to be a nurse; the other is studying business. Carmen (not her real name) is afraid that their many years of hard work, and building their American dream, are in jeopardy. The incoming immigration authorities have made it clear that they are prioritizing criminals in their deportation push, but that anyone in the U.S. illegally is also fair game. She believes them. Everyone knows a Carmen. And sympathy for her plight, stoked by the opposition media, will threaten to undermine Americans enthusiasm for Trumps hardline approach to immigration. Trump himself has shown sympathy toward people in a similar situation. He told Kristen Welker on Meet the Press that he believes hard-working immigrants covered by former President Obamas DACA proposal, many of whom have been in the country for a long time, should be allowed to stay. Most Americans agree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is where the Trump administration needs a solution and there is an easy one. People like Carmen and her husband, who have been in the U.S. for an extended time should be allowed to apply for a green card, which would allow them to live and work in the U.S. legally. But they should also be prohibited from ever becoming citizens. There has to be a penalty for not playing by the rules. Having been born in the U.S., their children are citizens. Carmen, on the other hand, can live with never earning that golden passport. Such a solution would bring millions of similarly situated people out from the shadows. Those who do not already would pay their full taxes, sign up for health insurance (instead of swarming our emergency rooms), and serve in our military. They would have the freedom to move around the country, which would help improve our labor imbalances. Today, they are stuck, fearful of alerting the authorities to their illegal status. That would be a win for them and for our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I say this is an easy solution, but we have seen that changes to immigration policy are never easy. Former President Joe Biden, in allowing some 8 million people to enter our nation illegally over four years, has hardened Americans against immigration. We saw that change in sentiment play out just recently, when Congress passed the Laken Riley Act with considerable Democrat support. The bill, named after a Georgia student murdered by an illegal immigrant with a criminal record, requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain undocumented migrants if they have been arrested for or convicted of criminal offenses such as theft, burglary, assaulting law enforcement officers or causing death or serious bodily injury of another person. Forty-six Democrats helped the bill pass the House; 12 Democratic senators voted in favor as well. Indeed, two Democratic senators, Ruben Gallego of Arizona and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, co-sponsored the Senate version. The Democrats willingness to give Trump such an important early legislative win is a testament not only to the popularity of the new president, but also to the nations changed attitudes toward illegal immigration. Make no mistake: progressive Democrats will never agree to any limits on immigration, legal or illegal. The leftist Vox denounced what it called Congress harsh new immigration bill. Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and other uber-liberal senators voted against the measure. Some say the bill will deny the rights of criminals illegally in the U.S. It turns out the country is more concerned with Laken Rileys rights and rightly so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those Democrats are out of step. As even Vox admitted last fall, immigration became one of voters most critical issues during the campaign. Republicans and a record-high number of independents told pollsters that it was their top issue. Immigrants and their supporters can thank the Biden White House for angering the nation, by encouraging the inflow of illegals to get totally out of control. Trump promised to bring order to our borders, and he has already made significant progress. Almost overnight, the flow of people crossing our southern border has slowed to a trickle. Tom Homan, Trumps no-nonsense border czar, told Fox News that on Day 2 of the new administration, the number of people entering the U.S. without papers totaled 766, a dramatic reversal from the thousands allowed to cross the southern border each day under Biden. In addition, Homan reported that in just 24 hours ICE had arrested over 308 serious criminals, including a child rapist and numerous murderers. Those people will be brought before a judge and likely deported. The country should cheer their removal. For others, long-time residents like Carmen who have contributed to our economy and committed but one crime illegal entry the country will rally in support, guaranteed. Trump needs to fix this issue before it derails his immigration agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liz Peek is a former partner of major bracket Wall Street firm Wertheim and Company. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Trumps unorthodox Cabinet selections, such as Pete Hegseth for secretary of Defense and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of Health and Human Services, have dominated news headlines and social media debate. Yet one appointment not yet determined is Trumps ambassador to Hungary a nation whose capital, Budapest, is renowned for its fairytale charm, but whose political reality is anything but idyllic. This decision might seem like a mere diplomatic footnote, but it is far more important. The nomination for ambassador to Hungary will ultimately signal Trumps vision for American foreign policy and the future of conservatism. To those unfamiliar with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his government, Americas relationship with this small Eastern European country may appear insignificant. But the Orban government and the postliberal philosophies promoted by leading Hungarian conservatives have considerable influence on the American right. Their ideas are far out of step with the core pillars of small-government conservatism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungary has recently diverged from neighbors like Austria and Croatia by rejecting traditional tenets of liberal democracy and individual liberty. Criticizing classical liberalism defined by limited government, free markets and civil liberties as failing the family and Western civilization, Hungarys postliberals advocate for a stronger government to enforce right-wing social views. Supported by American academics, including Notre Dame political philosopher Patrick Deneen and Harvard Law professor Adrian Vermeule, these ideas have permeated the U.S., turning this philosophy into political action through the national conservative movement. The infusion of Orbanism into Americas new right can be seen in the meteoric rise of Vice President JD Vance, from first-time author to just one heartbeat from the presidency. Vance has spoken at various national conservative conferences and joined Deneen to discuss liberal regime change with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. The most recent national conservative conference featured an interview with Orban himself. Due to his life story, the new vice president associates himself with this coalition, particularly on issues of family and industrial policy. While Vance and his supporters praise Orbans pro-childrearing tax policies and anti-immigrant rhetoric, they miss the darker, authoritarian tendencies at the helm in Budapest and within these new strains of conservatism. The Hungarian government holds troubling ties with autocratic regimes in Moscow, Beijing and Tehran. At home, the Orban government has undermined judicial independence and media freedom with laws expanding regulatory oversight and enforcing numerous vaguely worded provisions affecting all print, broadcast, and online media, including providers and publishers, according to a report from the democracy nonprofit Freedom House. Nevertheless, Americas national conservatives and postliberals portray Hungary as a conservative success story. This blind optimism is far off the mark. While Orbans government has attempted to boost family formation through tax benefits and marriage support, Hungarys fertility rate has grown slowly and lags since an early 2010s spike. Likewise, Hungary falls far below its neighbors in religiosity, despite the Orban governments attempts to prop up the Catholic church through government funding. What seems like the ideal conservative model for national governance is, in reality, a fantasy land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungarian conservatism, centered on centralized authority and state intervention, contrasts sharply with American conservatisms focus on limited government, free markets and individual rights. It adopts a more authoritarian approach, resembling progressives top-down policies but with a Christian social-conservative emphasis. Prioritizing cultural uniformity, Hungarian conservatism often promotes exclusionary policies, suppressing pluralism and dissent. This stances can leave Hungary uncomfortably aligned with Russia and other dictatorships. Bidens ambassador to Hungary, David Pressman, repeatedly condemned the Orban government for laws that ban the display and promotion of homosexuality, anti-American messaging and cozying up with Moscow. A nation that aligns with the our greatest adversaries and undermines civil liberties should give otherwise hawkish American conservatives cause for concern. But Pressmans replacement might not be so bold. Rumors suggest Bryan Leib, a former congressional candidate and CEO of Henry Public Relations, will replace Pressman as ambassador to Hungary. Leib has publicly criticized the sitting ambassador, deeming his sharp statements against Orbans foreign policy and undemocratic domestic policies as activism rather than diplomacy. Much like Vance and Americas national conservatives, Leib described Hungary as a model for conservatives worldwide and seeks to build a close relationship between Orban and the Trump administration. Whether Trump makes Leibs Danube dreams come true remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the selection will be pivotal in revealing the presidents alignment in the American conservative schism and where he hopes the GOP will go in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americas relationship with Hungary stands as a test case for how the new administration will address illiberal nations and where the presidents global priorities lie. With countries across the world undergoing historic changes in government from the collapse of the Assad regime to Javier Mileis revolutionary economic policies in Argentina Trump will face pivotal choices for the future. If personnel is policy, then the U.S. ambassador who spends the next few years in Budapest will shape American positioning in these critical junctures. This is a reading of the tea leaves for the coming years of American conservatism. The next ambassador to Hungary wont just set diplomatic policy he or she will help determine whether the traditions of American conservatism continue. Sam Raus, a recent graduate of the University of Miami, is a Tech and Consumer Freedom Fellow with Young Voices. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 former President Joe Biden assumed office in 2021, he did so under the promise that he would restore the soul of America. The phrase comes from historian Jon Meacham and is adapted from his book, The Soul of America. Biden glommed onto the tagline, although his tenure leads one to wonder whether he ever read the book. History will not remember Biden for infrastructure or economic policy and certainly not for a restoration of Americas nebulous soul. Instead, he will be remembered for providing aid and cover for the leveling of Gaza, watching the right to abortion collapse without a serious response prepared, and doddering around the world stage while insisting he was the best person to lead America for another four years, despite an approval rating somewhere in the Mariana Trench. Promising Americans struggling to pay for groceries that the economy is fine is not a political strategy. Vice President Kamala Harris was given the unenviable assignment of cleaning up the Biden mess when Americas historically unpopular president caved to the significantly tougher former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and stepped aside. Cable news viewers watched sycophantic DNC delegates chant Thank you, Joe! in a bizarre display that mirrored the craven devotion of the proudest Trumpers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As expected, the Democratic nominee who was forced upon voters and couldnt think of anything shed do differently than the much-loathed incumbent was clobbered by President Trump in the Electoral College. Trump even managed to win the popular vote for the first time. Sure, Democrats can gloat about how Trump didnt quite hit 50 percent and the popular vote was historically close. Who cares? Trump, who was convicted of felonies the year of the election, won the popular vote. More voters trusted an outright crook than Harris. Thats a damning problem no matter how small the margin. After relentlessly attacking Trump as a fascist American Hitler without respect for norms and forbearance, Biden got right to cheesing with the wannabe despot in photos after the election. And Biden even pardoned his own very guilty son on the way out the door, just as Trump had pardoned some of his closest and most obviously guilty cronies. Promises made, promises broken. Democrats insult the American intelligence when they insist Biden is a deeply empathetic man of high moral character. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please. We have evidence to the contrary going back more decades before our youngest voters were even born. Biden is a career politician who turned out to be precisely the disaster that former President Barack Obama expected. Bidens failures made Trump seem palatable to enough people in the country that were stuck with his chaos for another four years or more if his latest scheme succeeds. The Democratic Party should be ashamed of the place we find ourselves. But it doesnt have to stay this way. We can take inspiration from everyday Americans who already are better than the corrupt leaders foisted onto them by wealth and power. If Democrats desire to win the future, really win, we need to take a sledgehammer to the neoliberal rot at the center of our party and become something so much more than not Republicans. Feelings and loyalties be damned. The American people deserve an eviction of every career politician who lives off the taxpayers while serving themselves and corporate oligarchs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average American should be able to look at the Democratic Party and see something that represents their own hopes and resilience a way forward that isnt a continuation of decades of gaslighting, polarized wealth, unwritten racial caste systems, horrific war crimes and condescending excuses. Our job isnt to remind America of Republican leaders character flaws but become a party of such vision and strength that Americans vote for us on the merits. The American people have told us what they want over and over new leaders who show bravery and vision rather than loyalty to existing power. Its not a mistake that, during the last Trump administration, the people elected leaders like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), who won in Dearborn, Mich., which Harris lost to Trump. Thats not at all to say every successful Democratic leader chosen by the American people is overtly left-wing in ideology. Some are just hard workers more concerned with responding to the needs of their constituents and taking their constitutional role more seriously than phoning their stock brokers. While the Republican Party assumes the levers of power, we need to get our house in order. The GOP won the 2024 battle, and there are no two ways about it. But the Democratic Party can remake itself into Americans vehicle to reverse our dangerous course and win the war for our future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets tell the truth about Bidens moral failures, evict every party leader who took part in covering for his administration and elevate the many voices throughout our party who have a vision for its future that isnt stuck in the past. Chris Sosa is a New York City-based Democratic political strategist who works with local, state and federal candidates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. With the stroke of a pen late Monday, freshly inaugurated President Donald Trump took trans rights back more than a decade by signing an executive order that, in essence, commands federal government agencies to stop recognizing the existence of trans people. The executive order, titled Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, orders government officials to treat sex as biological and determined at conception. It specifically says imprisoned trans women are to be held in mens prisons and that federal single-gender spaces are to be used according to so-called biological sex. And perhaps most importantly to working class trans people in the U.S., Trump ordered the State Department to ban the practice of assigning X as a gender marker on U.S. passports and barred gender marker changes going forward on passports and all federal identification. On Tuesday, the White House clarified that the passport rules do not apply to previously issued passports, but, if a trans person seeks to renew their passport, they would have to return to the gender marker of their birth. NBC News reported a warning from experts for trans people and those with an X (usually used by nonbinary people who dont want to be identified as either male or female) on their passport, saying that such international travelers could potentially be detained until a new passport with their assigned sex at birth can be re-issued. If true, that process could take weeks and presumably trans women in this situation would be detained with men and trans men with women, given other references in the order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the most widespread government intrusion into the private lives of trans people since gay sex was legalized in 2003 in the Lawrence v. Texas Supreme Court decision. While most trans people rightfully panicked over the new passport rules, its important to tell the whole story of the executive order, which extends further than travel documentation. Housing trans prisoners with men results in horrific rates of prison rape. Theres plenty of study and evidence of this. The reason that trans women started being housed with other women is because courts determined that it was cruel and unusual punishment to subject a specific minority to rampant prison rape. That risk now extends to trans travelers who might be detained trying to re-enter the country. The order also opens federal employees who are trans to widespread discrimination. Trump is sending an early signal that trans people have no place in the America he is trying to build over the next four years. It is not the government of reasonable people with a handful of concerns that the trans rights movement maybe went a little too far. Its arguably genocidal, according to the official definition of genocide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not about trans athletes, this is not about transition care for minors, were looking at a future where trans Americans are detained by their own government just trying to come home from overseas. Are you not outraged by this? I woke up this week as officially a second-class citizen, simply because I exist in a way that the party in power does not believe should be allowed. The message feels unimaginably cruel: Trump and his supporters want me and my fellow trans community to detransition, to retreat back in the closet out of fear. This executive order has made my practical life even more difficult in ways that I anticipate Ill keep discovering in the coming years. But, Mr. President, I am not going back and I am not afraid. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com A 20-year-old man from Pueblo was arrested Wednesday in connection with the sexual assault of at least three children and several dogs after a year-long investigation. Phoenix Moncivaiz-Likes faces three counts of sexual exploitation of a child, three counts of sexual assault on a child and animal cruelty. The year-long investigation that led to the arrest kicked off when Pueblo County Sheriffs Office detectives received a cyber tip that indicated child sexual abuse material was linked to Moncivaiz-Likes. A search warrant for Moncivaiz-Likes home revealed child sexual abuse material alongside conversations of him sexually assaulting two minors. Detectives also found evidence of bestiality on his phone. Detectives say the 20-year-old admitted to the sexual assaults on the children and to performing sexual acts with several dogs. Detectives later learned of a third child sex assault victim. He has been booked into the Pueblo County Jail where he remains as of Thursday afternoon on a $75,000 bond. Will the third time be the charm for Utah lawmakers who want to put a 60% voting threshold on initiatives that affect tax rates? Or will it once again be squeezed out by other ballot measures that were thrown off last falls ballot by the state supreme court? Taken together, SB73 and SJR2 would raise the bar for any citizen initiative that would increase taxes. Anything that establishes a new tax, expands an existing tax, increases an existing tax or even causes property taxes to decrease less than they otherwise would, would require a 60% majority of voters to become law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only that, if the initiative would cost money but doesnt raise taxes, it would have to include a detailed description of where the budget should be cut to make up the difference. That would not, of course, be binding on the Legislature, which ultimately makes funding decisions. More like regular bills SB73, which adds fiscal disclosure and budgetary requirements for initiatives, passed the Senate on Friday. SJR2, which would give voters the chance to amend the constitution to add the 60% requirement, had yet to be heard as of Friday. The sponsor of these measures, Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, told a committee hearing the fiscal requirements of SB73 would make initiatives more like the bills lawmakers pass. Instead of just showing up on ballots, where voters are asked to determine whether an initiative is good, the bill would force organizers to decide whether their ideas are more important than other things already being funded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After all, lawmakers have to consider the states needs as a whole, prioritizing expenditures, Fillmore said. Initiatives tend to exist in a vacuum. A year ago, the state supreme court ruled that lawmakers dont have the power to change a successfully passed initiative if it alters or reforms government a right it said is protected from government infringement. But the definition of altering or reforming government remains vague. If a tax-raising initiative doesnt fall under that definition, lawmakers might simply change or nullify it, anyway, if it should pass. Either way, Utahns should expect lawsuits ahead. Not opposed to initiatives Democrats objected to the proposed requirements during the Senate floor debate, arguing they would unfairly burden initiatives. But Fillmore told me his involvement doesnt mean hes opposed to the citizen initiative process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive always been a defender of the initiative process, he said, adding that it can be an important check on the Legislature. When it comes to SJR2, the constitutional amendment and the proposed 60% threshold, however, he said, I think when youre asking people to raise taxes on their neighbors, we need a really broad consensus. And, for the record, he wouldnt be opposed to imposing a 60% threshold on lawmakers raising taxes, as well. History of initiatives For historical context, Utah voters passed an initiative in 2018 to expand Medicaid. It included an increase in sales taxes. But it would have failed under a 60% majority requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 1900, Utah lawmakers have made no secret of their desires to limit the power citizens have to pass laws. The people elect them as representatives who have the time and ability to study issues and make informed decisions. Bills that go through the legislative process often end up being amended, altered and subject to public hearings to better reflect the needs of the people. Initiatives, on the other hand, are presented for an up or down vote, as-is, even though some public hearings are required. In his speech to open the 2025 legislative session, Senate President Stuart Adams cast this issue as existential for republican government. We cannot let unelected special interest groups outside of Utah run initiatives and override our republic, destroy our businesses, demean, impugn and cast aside those who are duly elected to represent their neighbors and friends in Utah, his written remarks said. Democracy is not easy As I have said before , the intersection of representative government and direct people power is not easily navigated. Nor is it always simple to choose sides. Democracy was not intended to be easy. The best we can do is hope the result of these struggles leads to better laws and outcomes. Last year, Fillmore and his co-sponsor, Rep. Jason Kyle, R-Huntstville, nearly succeeded with virtually the same two bills. Their measures passed the House but then died in the Senate after leaders raised concerns about too many ballot measures being considered at the same time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, courts ended up nullifying two other ballot measures. Those might reappear on the 2026 ballot, perhaps leading to cluttering the ballot once again. Or perhaps more bills concerning initiatives will be presented this year. Voters would decide Its worth noting that the 60% threshold cannot become a part of the constitution unless the people, themselves, decide to approve it at the ballot box. If it comes to that, Utahns will face an interesting choice. They may not want to limit their own power to pass laws, but they may indeed want to limit everybody elses power to raise their taxes. Hamas released three young Israeli women hostages on Jan. 20. In exchange, Israel released 90 Palestinians, primarily women and young people, the latter held in Israeli prisons without charge for up to six months a practice called administrative detention. The dual sets of releases mark the first steps in the Israeli ceasefire agreement with Hamas, part of the first of three phases that would end 15 months of war. The first phase, which will lead to the release of an additional 30 Israeli hostages and approximately 1,700 Palestinians, is meant to be completed in six weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negotiations for the second phase involving the return of all hostages, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and an end to the war are slated to begin two weeks after the initial hostage and prisoner release. The third phase involves the reconstruction of Gaza. As former President Joe Biden indicated the same day while the hostages were returning to Israel, the ceasefire and initial hostage and prisoner releases offer hope for an end the hostilities between the Jewish State and its terrorist enemy. Perhaps not surprisingly, the latest effort to end the war that began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked an Israeli music festival, has received widespread coverage throughout the world. Yet there was another group of prisoners, whose release was timed with the first phase of the Israeli-Hamas agreement, that has received far less attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 16, just two days before the first sets of hostage and prisoner releases, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that he would be freeing seven settlers who had been held in administration detention for terrorizing, vandalizing and attacking Palestinians on the West Bank. As Katz put it, in light of the expected release of terrorists from Judaea and Samaria [the West Bank] as part of the hostage release deal, I have decided to release the settlers to convey a clear message of strengthening and encouraging the settlements. Put another way, if Israel could release Palestinian terrorists, he could do the same for Israeli terrorists. The release followed Katzs earlier announcement in November, when he proclaimed an end to future administrative detention for West Bank settlers. He did so despite a warning from Ronen Bar, the head of Israels intelligence agency known as Shin Bet, that a decision to exempt Israelis will result in immediate, severe and serious harm to the security of the state. Not only did Katz ignore Bars warning, he also released the Israelis without informing Shin Bet, which, in a statement of its own, noted that Katz had not sought an assessment of the implications of his decision. Of course, Bar had already warned Katz of those implications, which the defense minister had previously ignored. Katz, who took over as defense minister after serving as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus foreign minister, hardly has an unblemished political record. In 2005, the Israeli state comptroller reported that Katz, then agriculture minister, illegally used taxpayer funds to pay advisers who were members of the party institutions responsible for ministerial appointments. As a result, Katz was called in for questioning by fraud squad investigators; two years later, police indicted Katz for fraud and breach of trust. In 2009, however, Attorney General Menahem Mazuz dropped the case against Katz, who by then had become transportation minister, on the grounds that the state could not definitely demonstrate that the appointments had been made for political reasons. Instead, all that Mazuz could say was that Katzs conduct had been inappropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katz has survived indeed thrived politically not only because he is a right-wing supporter of the politically powerful settler movement but also because he is a long-time supporter of Netanyahu. It is noteworthy that Netanyahu did not move to block Katzs decision to release the West Bank settlers. Netanyahus tacit approval was most likely tied to his urgent need to mollify Treasury Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Most likely for the same reason, the prime minister authorized a major military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin only three days after the Gaza ceasefire took effect. Smotrich has been a vocal opponent of the ceasefire deal. With Itamar Ben Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party having left the coalition, Netanyahu cannot afford to lose Smotrich and his Religious Zionist party as well. As long as Smotrich remains in government, Netanyahu has a majority of four in the Knesset; without him, the government will collapse. Surely the prime minister is aware that Katz has essentially given settlers a free pass to run amok, one that a could ignite a major Palestinian flare-up on the West Bank at the very time that the follow-on phase of the ceasefire is being negotiated. Yet Netanyahu runs an additional risk that is perhaps even more serious for Israels fortunes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the negotiations collapse and Israel and Hamas are back at war, no one will be angrier than President Trump, who is committed to a quick end to the conflict. Trumps reaction in turn could lead to a break between the two countries that is deeper and perhaps more enduring than any fissure that has taken place over the past several decades. It is a prospect that Netanyahu would be well advised to avoid, even if it means overruling his hitherto compliant and supportive minister of defense and incurring the wrath of his treasury minister. Dov S. Zakheim is a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and vice chairman of the board for the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He was undersecretary of Defense (comptroller) and chief financial officer for the Department of Defense from 2001 to 2004 and a deputy undersecretary of Defense from 1985 to 1987. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Russian President Vladimir Putin made his duplicitous position crystal clear on this week when he said he was willing to negotiate with the United States about the war in Ukraine but kept up his insistence about Ukraines full capitulation. That same day, during a Russian Security Council meeting alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov he reiterated Russias willingness to engage in peace negotiations with the U.S.; however, but added that any peace settlement should eliminate the root causes of the war in Ukraine. What are these root causes? Lavrov had described them last month as NATOs aggressive absorption of Eastern Europe supposedly in violation of its promises and alleged Ukrainian government hostility toward ethnic Russians, their culture, their media and their language. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But lets be real here NATO had nothing to do with this. Mikhail Gorbachev, the late former leader of the Soviet Union, acknowledged there had been no promises not to enlarge NATO at the end of the Cold War. Moreover, as Putins war ground to a standoff, Moscow pulled troops and equipment off the border of Finland and out of Kaliningrad to fight in Ukraine. If he is afraid of a NATO invasion either now or in the near future, thats a very funny way to show it. But there is more. As the Atlantic Council has reported, Ever since the abortive peace talks of spring 2022 Russia has insisted that any peace deal must include territorial concessions from Kyiv along with Ukrainian neutrality and the countrys comprehensive demilitarization. Those territorial concessions include Crimea illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 and the partially occupied Ukrainian provinces of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, which were illegally annexed in 2022. Other non-negotiable demands include Ukraine officially giving up its pursuit of NATO membership and accepting extensive limitations on the size of its armed forces and on the kinds of weapons systems it is allowed to possess. No mention of European peacekeeping forces or the return of the Kursk Oblast; however, they would likely reject the former and demand the latter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putins Presidential advisor Nikolai Patrushev left no doubt about his plans for Ukraine when he said, It cant be ruled out that Ukraine will cease to exist at all in the coming year. As Secretary of State Marco Rubio described in his Senate confirmation hearing: Putins goal is to have maximum leverage to basically impose neutrality on Ukraine, refit and then come back and do it again in four to five years. So what part of Putins capitulation demands does the West not understand? What part of Russias complete genocide of Ukraine is not clear? Where do you begin to negotiate with this frame of mind? You do not and you make it clear to Putin that he will either leave Ukraine on his own accord or be removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other than the occupation of 18 percent of Ukraine and a nuclear arsenal, Putin has little leverage. His military has been decimated, sustaining 823,980 casualties in three years. He has been forced to turn to Iran, North Korea, and Chechnya for ammunition, weapons and soldiers. His economy is on the brink of collapse, and Russian influence is waning with the fall of the Bashar Assad regime in Syria. On Tuesday President Trump said Putin was losing in Ukraine, commenting that he isnt doing so well, and that he was grinding it out. He added, Most people thought that war would have been over in about one week and now you are into three years. Absent was the Bidenesque fear of Putins evergreen nuclear bluffing. In its place a president confident he already holds the winning hand in Ukraine. He drove that point home, mocking Putins wartime leadership by remarking, Thats no way to run a country. So why fold that hand now? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Trump threatened to impose high levels of tariffs and sanctions against Russia if there is no deal to end the war in Ukraine. He told Putin it was time to settle his ridiculous War, adding We can do it the easy way, or the hard way and the easy way is always better Its time to make a deal. No more lives should be lost!!! Last week, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz said that Trump was ready to lift restrictions on the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine to force Putin to sit down at the negotiating table. On Wednesday, Trump gave his special envoy to Ukraine and Russia retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg a 100-day deadline to end the conflict. The root cause of the war in Ukraine is Putin. He has no winning hand and should not be extended a lifeline or any face-saving measures. Trumps message to Putin should be to leave Ukraine or risk losing your army and your country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Sweet served 30 years as an Army military intelligence officer. Mark Toth writes on national security and foreign policy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. As a former federal prosecutor who, together with dozens of dedicated colleagues, investigated and prosecuted many cases arising from the attack on the Capitol, I have been asked frequently what I think about the pardons of more than 1,500 rioters. I think of the thousands of Americans who were horrified by Jan. 6 and provided critical tips. I think of the FBI agents across the country who not only worked scores of cases but also carried out arrests of defendants known to possess weapons and to use them willingly against law enforcement. Some of these defendants threatened arresting agents with firearms and, in one extreme case, a defendant plotted to kill the agents, but the FBI bravely did its job anyhow. I think about the tireless leadership at the U.S. Attorneys Office that skillfully guided the largest criminal investigation in the U.S. Department of Justices history even while presiding over an impressive drop in local violent crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than anything, however, I think of the police officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6. Under the Constitutions broad grant of discretionary power, President Donald Trump could effortlessly pardon all the crimes committed against these officers, and he did so with a breezy one-page proclamation. But he never could have looked any of the officer victims in the eye and justified what he was doing. That terrible disconnect crystallizes the abhorrence of these pardons. Like all my colleagues, I watched hundreds of hours of video showing, from all angles, what the police experienced on Jan. 6. The Metropolitan Police officers, who served alongside the Capitol Police, wore body cameras, and that footage provided the most visceral insights of all. It allowed me to imagine standing in the officers shoes as rioters bashed them from the front and back with flagpoles; assaulted them with mace and bear spray; threw pieces of scaffolding and other hard projectiles at them; called them traitors and hurled racial slurs at them; and on and on. Its no wonder that even officers who worked on homicide squads consistently described Jan. 6 as the single worst day in uniform that they had ever experienced. More influential than viewing any one horrific incident was the experience of watching a single officers body-worn camera footage straight through. That exercise showed what it was like to be under siege from the rioters for hours. To douse out your pepper-sprayed eyes and return to the line. To fear that any of the hundreds of angry rioters in front of you would pull out a gun, and to nevertheless stay on the line. To push hundreds of rioters out of one door only to discover that another door has been breached. The tirelessness, bravery and restraint that these officers showed is beyond anything I can put into words. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite all that they endured, the officers, as a group, were remarkably dispassionate witnesses. They were willing to testify and to thereby relive, repeatedly, their trauma in service of what they understood to be a necessary process. Yet they were not out for vengeance. They took a remarkably hands-off approach to the prosecutions that, in a very real sense, were being pursued in their names. Throughout the prosecutions, however, I was often reminded of what the outside worlds reaction to the riot meant to the officers. Twice I had an experience in which a Capitol Police officer told me that he or she had been assaulted by an as-yet-undiscovered perpetrator. Both crimes were vicious and cowardly: In each, the assailant had descended on a single officer already under attack, assaulted the lone officer with mace, and then disappeared back into the crowd. My colleagues and I eventually identified both perpetrators. One was convicted at trial and was serving his prison sentence until receiving Trumps get-out-of-jail free card. The other who nearly avoided detection altogether by wearing a ski mask and goggles on Jan. 6 was awaiting trial until this weeks reprieve. Neither of the two officer victims ever asked me or anyone else to track down the person who brutally attacked them. But they were appreciative that we did. It showed them that somebody cared about what they had done to protect our democracy, and somebody cared about the price they paid in doing so. Its a shame that these officers received the opposite message this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One can easily imagine Trump sitting at his desk, signing the proclamation freeing every convicted and imprisoned rioter and terminating every pending case, and then moving on to the next piece of paper. But one cannot imagine anyone with an ounce of humanity looking the police officer victims in the eye and telling them that these violent assaults were OK. One cannot imagine anyone looking these officer victims in the eye and defending these pardons. It would be impossible to do so. It is a tragedy that Trump could issue these pardons, with their far-reaching and painful consequences, without ever having to face up to what he was doing. Certainly, our police officers deserved better from the country they fought so hard to defend. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com As the incoming administration prepares to tackle its key foreign policy priorities, one issue is likely to generate heated debate: what to do about Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan autocrat who only six months ago brazenly stole a presidential election that he lost by a 2 to 1 ratio. Unsurprisingly, calls have already emerged for a return to the maximum pressure approach of the first Trump term, which imposed harsh economic sanctions on Venezuela. Some voices are even urging the incoming president to go further Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe recently called for a military intervention to remove Maduro by force, a stance that was echoed by Venezuelan political leaders and American commentators. But lets face it: The United States is not going to invade Venezuela or Panama or Greenland, for that matter. There is little appetite among the American public and even less among MAGA-supporting Republicans for a military adventure that would likely require the deployment of tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers, possibly for a prolonged period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a good thing, considering the disastrous history of U.S. military interventions. Afghanistan, Libya, and Iraq are just a few testaments to these failures. A return to the maximum pressure approach of reimposing punitive economic sanctions on the countrys economy would also be a grave mistake. It would do nothing more than punish millions of Venezuelans who should not bear the burden for Maduros atrocities. Moreover, it would directly conflict with one of the incoming administrations most pressing goals: curbing the increasing flow of irregular migrants, a sizable and growing fraction of whom are Venezuelans, arriving at the U.S. border. Over the past two years, the Biden administration eased some sanctions on Venezuela, allowing Chevron and other selected companies to engage in the Venezuelan oil sector. Hardline groups within the Venezuelan opposition, accompanied by U.S. foreign policy hawks, are now calling for an end to these licenses, arguing that the resulting revenue flows benefit Maduro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, their simplistic argument does not withstand scrutiny. Evidence shows that U.S. sanctions significantly contributed to Venezuelas economic implosion, while the easing of sanctions in recent years has been associated with a moderate economic recovery that has helped alleviate the worst of the countrys economic crisis. In a recent research paper, I analyzed the impact of alternative sanctions policy scenarios on Venezuelan migration flows. Drawing on earlier research, I estimated that reinstating maximum pressure sanctions would result in an estimated 1 million additional Venezuelans immigrating over the next five years compared to a baseline scenario of no economic sanctions. If the U.S. aims to alleviate Venezuelas migration exodus, it should focus on relaxing, rather than tightening, sanctions on the South American country. A return to maximum pressure sanctions would amount to nothing more than a repetition of one of the most acute policy failures of the first Trump administration. Over the last decade, Venezuelas per capita income fell by 71 percent the equivalent of three consecutive Great Depressions and the largest documented peacetime economic contraction in world history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In The Collapse of Venezuela, my forthcoming book, I show that U.S. economic sanctions significantly contributed to the countrys economic implosion, accounting for more than 52 percent of the collapse in GDP. In my more recent research, I estimate that had it not been for U.S. economic sanctions, approximately 4 million Venezuelans would have chosen to stay in their country rather than flee abroad. Milton Friedman once wrote that economic sanctions are not an effective weapon of political warfare because they are likely to harm the imposer as much as the intended target. The Venezuelan case provides a compelling example. Rather than weaken Maduro, sanctions have strengthened his position, enabling his concentration of power and consolidation of ties with Americas adversaries. As U.S. companies have exited Venezuela, they have been replaced by actors from China, Russia and Iran, further entrenching Maduros regime and reducing U.S. influence in the region. Opponents of easing sanctions argue that pressure on Nicolas Maduro is necessary to drive him from power, but decades of research show sanctions rarely achieve regime change. Instead, they often strengthen authoritarian regimes by providing a scapegoat for economic mismanagement and rallying nationalist sentiment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maintaining or tightening sanctions undermines U.S. migration and foreign policy goals. Cooperation with origin countries like Venezuela is essential to addressing irregular migration, yet sanctions poison diplomatic relations and isolate the U.S. internationally. Key allies, including the European Union, have avoided imposing economic sanctions on Venezuela, explicitly stating that they will not contribute to exacerbating Venezuelas economic and humanitarian crisis. It should be the U.S., not Europe, taking the lead in prioritizing the well-being of Venezuelans and putting humanitarian considerations at the forefront of its policy strategies. Venezuelans are not leaving their homeland because of abstract political grievances; they are fleeing hunger, poverty and hopelessness. The new administration has a chance to address these root causes and chart a course that aligns U.S. policy with its professed commitment to alleviating human suffering. Its an opportunity that must not be missed. Francisco Rodriguez is the Rice Family Professor of the Practice of International and Public Affairs at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. He is the author of The Collapse of Venezuela: Scorched Earth Politics and Economic Decline, 2012-2020. 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. President Trump deserves credit for understanding that in our age of satellites and cyberspace, physically controlling strategic places still matters. Greenland is important because of its untapped natural resources, and because its location commands the Arctic. As the ice melts, North America is gaining a new frontier with Russia, prompting a necessary review of U.S. security in a contested region. Greenland matters, but how the U.S. talks about Greenland matters more for U.S. interests around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important to remember that Greenland is already fundamentally secure. Denmark, which controls defense policy for the autonomous island, is a NATO ally and longstanding friend of the U.S. The American military already maintains a presence on the island and the Danes are inclined to support expanding its role. Greenlands local parliament is equally amenable to economic and military cooperation with Washington. Greenland has no interest in becoming an Arctic outpost for the Russian military. Theres also no reason to believe it favors Chinese companies over American ones as it seeks to develop its mineral reserves. Greenlands aversion to Russia and skepticism of China is not an accident of history. Its feelings are rooted in the Western values that influence its geopolitical outlook. Greenlands goodwill toward the U.S. is based on the shared nature of these values, and on its trust in the restrained exercise of American power. Any willingness by the U.S. to use coercive power undermines that trust and the trust that underpins the most powerful network of alliances in history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americas alliances are possible because the country is the first great power in history without territorial ambitions. Historic powers, from Rome to the Ottomans to the British, habitually sought control over the territory of others. American history isnt free of these pursuits, but for almost 80 years our country has existed at the height of its power without seeking new territory. Any suggestion that the U.S. had abandoned its restrained view on the exercise of power would make foreign countries leery of our influence and destabilize our alliances. American interests in Greenland illustrate how much those alliances matter. Through NATO, the U.S. can deter Russia in Greenland with a limited military force on the island. So long as Russia believes the U.S. and Europe will fight to defend NATO territory, Russian action to seize Greenland is unthinkable. Economically, the exploitation of Greenlands resources is only possible because of the peaceful conditions encouraged by Americas alliances. These alliances have discouraged armed conflict between major states for 80 years. They have benefited the American people by sparing them the horrors of major conflict, and by creating a world where commerce can grow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The existence of our alliances, so critical to the world we know, depends on the belief by other nations that our country can be trusted with power. Rather than appeal to Denmarks goodwill, President Trumps rhetoric risks trapping the U.S. in a cycle of increasing coercion. As countries come to distrust American power, each will be less inclined to acquiesce to our interests voluntarily. If those interests are important enough, the U.S. will have no choice but to overcome their reticence by threatening consequences to achieve our aims. Coercion would replace the existing system based on trust and goodwill, and countries would inevitably seek new international arrangements to balance Americas coercive power. This would weaken the U.S. just as we enter a critical phase in our competition with Russia and China. How the U.S. talks about Greenland, and how we talk about other strategic places like the Panama Canal, will either strengthen or undermine our network of international alliances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenland is important to U.S. security but its only one of many concerns in a complex world. Trying to change the status quo in Greenland, while undermining the trust that makes the system of alliances possible, is counterproductive in the extreme. Its also unnecessary since Denmark is ready to accommodate Americas strategic needs. President Trumps suggestion that the U.S. might use coercive means to alter conditions in Greenland gets the U.S. nothing it doesnt already have. At the same time, it puts in jeopardy the hard-earned image of America as a benevolent power and weakens the trust that underpins our alliances. Lacking trust and operating with weakened alliances, to achieve its ends the U.S. would need to become something its never been: A bully on the world stage. This not only sacrifices the moral high ground, but it also leaves America less safe than its been for 80 years. Colin Pascal is a retired Army lieutenant colonel and Military Intelligence officer. He spent most of his 20-year military career filling strategic intelligence assignments, including in support of NATO and international military coalitions in the Middle East. He is a graduate student in the School of Public Affairs at American University in Washington, D.C. 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. Editors note: This story was updated to correct the number of users on a social media site. We regret the error. The Supreme Court upheld the TikTok ban, causing the app to go dark for half a day. Then, Trump issued an executive order to postpone the ban for 75 days, allowing TikTok to go back online. Beyond the legal complexities, these events set the tone for U.S.-China relations as Trump begins his second term. At least initially, this dynamic suggests that Trump might be more inclined to make concessions than Xi Jinping a scenario Xi likely finds advantageous as the relationship resets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps efforts to salvage the TikTok situation illustrate this point. On Jan. 16, he proposed terms in which the U.S. would have a 50 percent stake in a joint venture that would be set up between the U.S. and whichever purchase we so choose. Trump recently said that he is open to Elon Musk buying TikTok and floated a proposal that the U.S. government could jointly own half the company. This approach, however, raises legal challenges. Under the law, a 90-day extension can only be granted if significant progress has been made toward selling TikToks U.S. operations something that hasnt materialized. Additionally, Trumps earlier proposal for 50 percent total U.S. ownership deviates from the laws insistence on full divestment by ByteDance, TikToks Chinese parent company. And if ByteDance is allowed to keep its ownership of TikTok, national security risks for the U.S. will indeed remain. These inconsistencies could make the executive order vulnerable to legal scrutiny. Chinas reaction also signals a shift. After Trumps extension, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning commented, Corporate operations and acquisitions should be independently decided by companies based on market principles. If Chinese companies are involved, they should comply with Chinese laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This softer tone contrasted with Beijings earlier stance when it blocked ByteDance from selling TikTok to U.S. investors by amending the law to restrict the selling of technology with data analysis for personalized information recommendation services. Reports now suggest that Chinese officials may be open to selling TikTok to trusted U.S. businesses, such as Elon Musks companies. Trumps executive order has given Xi Jinping more leverage than he had when Congress initially passed the TikTok ban. For Xi, maintaining his stance without making the first concession is critical. Securing the final say would be even more advantageous and this outcome might become reality in the TikTok saga. Initially, when the law passed, Xi faced a no-win choice of either shutting TikTok down or else allowing its sale. Neither option was ideal. A sale would not only relinquish control of TikTok rendering it effectively meaningless for Beijing but also signal weakness to the U.S., which was unacceptable to Xi. Xis approach reveals his rigidness in diplomacy: He cannot accept defeat, even if victory is purely symbolic. This insistence on appearances gives Trump a strategic advantage. By observing Xis playbook, Trump can tailor U.S. policies accordingly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Bidens presidency, the U.S. never truly grasped Xis bottom line. As a result, the Biden administration often appeared anxious, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken repeatedly traveling to Beijing to establish dialogue and discern Chinas true intentions. The administration continually emphasized avoiding misunderstandings, assuring China that the U.S. had no intention of decoupling while urging Beijing to make changes. China, however, kept the U.S. on edge by responding indifferently, cutting off military communications, and amplifying Washingtons unease. In that dynamic, China clearly held the upper hand. But the TikTok incident forced Xi to reveal his position, which is advantageous for Trump. No matter how Xi responds, Trump would stand to benefit. If Xi adopts a hardline stance, Trump could use this to push for supply chain diversification and greater manufacturing independence. Xis scorched earth attitude would justify relocating critical industries out of China, minimizing political resistance in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Xi compromises, such as agreeing to sell TikTok, Trump will gain leverage. A concession on TikTok could set a precedent, signaling Xis willingness to negotiate on other issues, such as trade and tariffs. As Trump begins his second term, intense U.S.-China negotiations on trade and other issues are inevitable. By forcing Xi to show his hand early, Trump enters these talks from a position of strength. Notably, Trump didnt pay a political price for initiating the TikTok ban credit for that goes to the Biden administration. If TikToks 170 million U.S. users are upset, Biden shoulders the blame. However, Trumps recent efforts to keep TikTok online could weaken his position. By appearing to accommodate Beijings preferences, Trump risks starting his second term with a tone of compromise. This dynamic could place the U.S. at a strategic disadvantage as it navigates its renewed relationship with China. Simone Gao is an independent journalist and her website is zoomingin.tv 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. When President Trump proposed the Department of Government Efficiency, those of us concerned about the federal governments enormous debt had reason to be encouraged. Although neither he nor his opponent expressed much concern about fiscal responsibility during the campaign, the creation of this influential non-governmental commission suggests that Trump intends to make it a priority. Among DOGEs goals streamlining government operations, eliminating unnecessary regulation and reducing excessive spending the last is the most difficult. To be successful, the Trump administration can learn from the Reagan administrations wins and losses. Although Reagan won the 1980 election with 489 electoral votes and Trump only won 312 in 2024, Trump has an enormous advantage Reagan never did: Republicans will control both houses of Congress when he takes office. In 1981, they controlled only the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his campaign, Reagan promised a large tax cut, a substantial increase in defense expenditures and a large reduction in non defense expenditures. He also promised to bring the budget into balance within a few years. He did not delay in acting on the first three promises, but the reduction in nondefense spending was not large enough to keep budget deficits from growing. Only two weeks after his inauguration, Reagan addressed the public about his plans to reduce both taxes and government spending on domestic programs. Gaining their support for his budget plan increased the pressure on Congress to vote for legislation to implement it. Following each television appearance to promote his policies, Reagan orchestrated what one researcher calls a sophisticated and hard-nosed grassroots campaign in the districts of wavering congressmen. Its hard to reduce spending because each program benefits one interest group or another groups which are willing and able to lobby Congress to preserve that spending. Members of Congress have powerful incentives to serve interest groups, for example farmers, which may be small minorities of the population but wield considerable political influence and receive large per capita benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These interest groups get their way because Congress excels at fragmenting issues and avoiding decisions about overarching objectives such as the national spending problem by voting on multiple, separate appropriations bills. The president, because he is elected at the national level, has an incentive to limit spending on programs that benefit special interest groups at the expense of present and future taxpayers. But reducing such spending requires a congressional vote. Reagan addressed this challenge with budget reconciliation, packaging more than 200 program changes into one bill. Congress had to consider the entire budget on his terms and voted in favor. It was in the interest of a majority of senators and representatives to support Reagans broader goals. Thus, something that seems almost impossible today reducing domestic spending was achieved. To their credit, members of Congress care about the details of individual spending programs. By delegating these details to others in his administration, Reagan was in a position to persuade legislators to support his overarching goals without getting into arguments about specifics. However, the ultimate outcomes were a mix of positive and negative examples to learn from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reagans administration accomplished substantial domestic spending reductions during its first year in office. But the budget reduced programs that benefitted largely Democratic constituencies such as employment and training programs, food stamps and education assistance while sparing more middle-class entitlements such as veterans benefits and Social Security. The latter remains a major driver of our spending imbalance today. The Trump administration has also stated that reducing Social Security is off-limits. The programs funds are set to run out in about a decade, triggering painful, automatic benefit cuts. The Reagan administration eventually took steps to reform it through a bipartisan commission an example Trump should follow. Hindering spending cuts during the Reagan years was that it was not his ultimate priority. He cared more about tax cuts and increasing defense spending. Thus, reductions in nondefense spending were more than offset and deficits increased during the 1980s. Reagan presided over the largest peacetime increase in defense spending in history, which reduced his credibility on spending matters with Congress. Once the honeymoon period was over after his first year in office, Congress was unwilling to continue to reduce spending on domestic programs that benefited their constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those involved in DOGE can learn much from the Reagan administrations successes and failures. A newly elected president can accomplish a lot during the honeymoon period. But to have a larger and more lasting impact, Trump must be persistent and consistent in subsequent years. He must pursue a variety of spending cuts that will clearly serve the interests of the American public as a whole, and not just his supporters. Tracy C. Miller is a senior research editor with the Mercatus Center at George Mason 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. President Trump has promised so much on his first few days back at his desk in the White House, one must wonder how much he or any other mere mortal could accomplish. Somewhere down the list comes North Korea, where his old friend Kim Jong Un remains ensconced in the capital of Pyongyang. Trump has said he believes Kim would like to talk again, as they did in their summits in June 2018 and twice in 2019. But Kim now has a powerful friend in the form of Russias President Vladimir Putin, to whom hes supplying arms and troops in exchange for technology for his nukes and missiles and food for his hungry people. By now he doesnt necessarily need to rekindle his brief bromance with Trump. Playing into the drama, turmoil in South Korea also changes the give-and-take between Washington and Seoul. Trump knows whom to see in Pyongyang, but he has no real idea whom to turn to in Seoul until the chaos dies down and we see whos in charge in the Republic of Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can probably forget about the Souths current president, Yoon Suk Yeol, now in jail while the constitutional court considers whether to approve his impeachment by the National Assembly. He will soon go on trial for committing insurrection his abortive attempt at imposing martial law on Dec. 3. Even if the court doesnt approve his impeachment, which requires the vote of six of its nine judges, hes not going to regain the power and authority needed to govern effectively while the opposition Democratic Party, controls the assembly. The danger of the bond between Kim and Putin, reinforced by the new alliance reached at their summit in Pyongyang in June, compounded by unrest in the South vastly alters the dynamics of the standoff on the Korean peninsula. In Washington, Trump is obsessed with domestic topics, including expulsion of illegal immigrants, sealing borders and stopping woke-ism in schools and universities. Internationally, he will be forced to tackle Ukraines war against the Russians and North Koreans, as well as Israels perpetual struggle with Iran and its terrorist proxies. All of which means Americans, including Trump, have to wonder how much they should care about Korea, North or South. News of the Norths latest missile tests including long-range hypersonic models capable of carrying warheads almost anywhere on earth is almost routine, worthy of intense interest among experts but not to most people. In Seoul, the jailing of South Koreas leader, protests by demonstrators on both sides and the end of joint exercises on the ground by American and South Korean forces also dont generate mass attention. Weve been through that scenario before: the daily protests that preceded the impeachment, ouster and imprisonment in 2017 of Park Geun-hye, daughter of the long-ruling dictator Park Chung-hee who was assassinated in 1979 by his intelligence chief, have faded into history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Korea, however, has a way of assuming top billing when were not expecting it. The North Korean invasion of South Korea caught Americans by surprise in 1950, as did Chinese intervention in that war when American and South Korean forces believed victory was in their grasp several months later. If Trump is serious about standing up to the Chinese, redressing the immense trade imbalance between the U.S. and China and halting Chinas advances across the Indo-Pacific region, he must also place South Koreas welfare high on his agenda. He cant upset South Koreans by pulling out American troops, already down to 28,500, and hes got to forget about temporizing with Kim Jong Un, whos not going to give up (or even decelerate) his program for building ever more nukes and missiles not as long as hes got Putin firmly on his side. Difficult though it is to grasp the connection, Trump has to see the relationship between the war in Ukraine and the rising menace of North Korea. How can he count on Putin as a friend and begin to solve the Ukraine war, as he has said he would do in a day, while Putins deals with Kim are enough to bail North Korea out of economic failure? And how can South Korea stand up to the North while paralyzed by internal divisions that are likely to worsen if Yoon is totally ousted as president and then imprisoned for a crime that carries the death sentence insurrection? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The repercussions extend far beyond the Korean peninsula. Trump also has to show his willingness to defend Taiwan, which has faded of late from the news, against Chinese bullying and intimidation, and confront China on the South China Sea in defense of the Philippines. Would Trump commit the U.S. to the defense of Taiwan if Chinas president, Xi Jinping, were to decide nows the time to recover the independent island state? And how willing is Trump to strengthen the American alliance with Japan? The Japanese, ever bound by Article 9 of their post-war constitution forbidding Japan from going to war beyond its borders, would surely do away with all pretense of that policy if needed to stand up against Russian or Chinese intervention on behalf of North Korea or Chinese assault on Taiwan. Although barely mentioned among dilemmas that Trump is addressing, these are not abstract issues. They all are reasons why Americans, and Trump, should approach them with the same urgency as the danger of widening wars in eastern Europe and the Middle East. The success or failure of Trumps second presidency rides on his ability to go beyond big talk about taking over Greenland and the Panama Canal and renaming the Gulf of Mexico. Those proposals are not likely to gain more than ephemeral headlines. We should measure Trumps toughness when we see what he really does about the defense of East Asia, from the Philippines to Taiwan to Japan and especially South Korea, in danger of fragmenting while Kim waits to reunify the Korean peninsula on no ones terms but his own as a nuclear state and one of Russias few allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Kirk has been a journalist for more than 60 years, focusing much of his career on conflict in Asia and the Middle East, including as a correspondent for the Washington Star and Chicago Tribune. He is currently a freelance correspondent covering North and South Korea, and is the author of several books about Asian affairs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. After just five days in office, President Donald Trump is already stress-testing American democracy. With a series of presidential pardons, executive orders and agency directives, Trump is laying the groundwork to aggrandize the executive branch and limit the checks and balances that have kept America from lapsing into authoritarianism. Within hours of taking his oath of office, Trump quickly moved to undermine the rule of law with the stroke of a pen. Lets start with his shameful decision to pardon or commute the sentences of virtually every person charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, including Proud Boys convicted of seditious conspiracy and rioters who had pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps sweeping decision, which goes further than he had suggested while campaigning, is a stain on the presidential pardon power, something historically used sparingly and only after careful consideration. While some Republicans have spoken up and, to be fair, there's nothing they can do legislatively about the pardons House Speaker Mike Johnson said he wouldn't "second guess" Trump's decision and too many others have stayed silent. Its worth noting, too, that some of these lawmakers were targets of the rioters, protected by Capitol Police who bore the brunt of the attack. At the same time he was freeing those convicted of these crimes, he was working to redefine who counts as an American with a brazen attempt to undermine the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, passed after the Civil War to ensure that everyone born on American soil is a citizen. Democratic attorneys general across the country have already organized to sue him over this unilateral attempt to reduce our constitutional rights, and it has already lost one court fight. And then theres his decision to rescind Executive Order 11246, signed by President Lyndon Johnson during the Civil Rights Movement to ban discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion and national origin by federal contractors. For nearly six decades, this order has helped ensure that the leadership of a huge portion of corporate America works to build a diverse workforce, leading the way for the rest of the private sector to treat all potential employees fairly. While these orders reflect Trumps hard-line stance on immigration and race, the decision to issue them by executive action instead of by working through Congress will set up a game of chicken between Trump and the Supreme Courts conservative supermajority, three members of which he appointed. Will the court allow him to continue to take powers that he does not have? Or will it eventually step in and put a stop to at least some of his actions? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has also shown he will challenge Congress authority. Before even taking office, he said he would reject a law inspired by his own suggestion, for what its worth that would ban the social media app TikTok as a national security threat. While he has some ability to delay enforcement as president, if he continues to ignore the law past that deadline, it will be another test of whether the legislative or judicial branch can rein him in. The president will also test the nonpartisan traditions of Americas federal workforce. In his first week in office, Trump reinstated his first-term Schedule F policy to make it easier for him to replace long-serving federal workers with MAGA loyalists. Its a move quite literally right out of the Project 2025 playbook. Trump is not the first president to seek to expand his powers. Over the years, weve seen presidents assert more and more control over the federal government. Both parties have been responsible for this expansion of power, and both have also criticized it when they were out of power. When President Barack Obama took some executive actions they disagreed with, Republicans angrily criticized him. But now they are essentially ceding to Trump their own power to legislate in exchange for nothing. None of this should be a surprise. The Trump campaign telegraphed these plans throughout the 2024 election, and we all saw how he tested the guardrails during his first term. But the scale and depth of these new attacks should cause us all concern. Whether Trump gets away with these power grabs will depend on how lawmakers, judges, corporations, the news media and even everyday citizens respond. The question now is: Are we up to the challenge? For more thought-provoking insights from Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders-Townsend, watch The Weekend every Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. ET on MSNBC. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com A Colorado Springs man was sentenced to 16 years in prison this week after pleading guilty to assault, according to court records. According to previous Gazette reporting, Police said at 8:21 p.m. on Aug. 28 officers received reports of a stabbing near the 900 block of Zamora Circle near Roy Benavidez Park. Officers on the scene located one man with a stab wound to the chest. Officers were pointed in the direction of a suspect, who was hiding out in a nearby mobile home. According to police, amid apprehension of the suspect, later identified as Maurice Dorman, he was shocked with a Taser and sustained a broken nose. The two officers involved in the apprehension sustained minor injuries. The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for injuries following his arrest. The victim survived the incident, according to police. Featured Local Savings Court records show Dorman pleaded guilty to first-degree assault earlier this month, and was sentenced to 16 years in prison by Judge David Gilbert on Tuesday. Before being sentenced, Dorman was held at the El Paso County jail on a $25,000 bond. UPDATE (Jan. 24, 2025, 5:19 p.m. ET): The Supreme Court Friday agreed to review an Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling that said the charter school proposal violates the state and federal constitutions. Since the 19th century, when the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations asked for a share of tax money to fund their own sectarian religious schools, it has been a matter of settled constitutional law that commingling public education and sectarian religion is impermissible. That is why what happened Monday in Oklahoma is so disturbing and significant. Over the objections of the states attorney general, Oklahomas Statewide Virtual Charter School Board voted to approve an application from the Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma for a publicly funded charter school. The board put the archdiocese on the path to provide a Christian education paid for by the state. Though transparently unconstitutional, this arrangement may still be blessed by the radical conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court, which has issued a series a rulings in recent years that use a specious idea of religious freedom to promote the establishment of religion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, after the majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade, Notre Dame Law School hosted a conference in Rome at which Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito framed religious liberty as deference to those with certain religious viewpoints. The principle may sound equitable, but in practice it is a lightly disguised means of privileging conservative Christians. Consider, too, that in December, former Oklahoma Attorney General John OConnor said recent decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court had cleared the way for public funding for schools that promote religious doctrines and are under sectarian control. Its not just the U.S. Constitution that should have stopped the board from approving the application to create St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Charter School. Oklahoma law specifically prohibits charter schools from being sectarian. The approval of any publicly funded religious school is contrary to Oklahoma law and not in the best interest of taxpayers, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said after the board voted. Its extremely disappointing that board members violated their oath in order to fund religious schools with our tax dollars. In doing so, these members have exposed themselves and the state to potential legal action that could be costly. Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said in a statement: Its hard to think of a clearer violation of the religious freedom of Oklahoma taxpayers and public-school families than the state establishing the nations first religious public charter school. This is a sea change for American democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In testimony to the state's virtual charter school board in February, Ken Upton, an attorney for Americans United, cited teaching religion, sponsoring prayer, discriminating based on religion, or otherwise promoting religion or coercing students to take part in religious activities in saying, St. Isidore makes clear in its application that it intends to do all these things. The archdiocese has on its side some powerful allies from the same conservative legal movement that helped secure a majority on the Supreme Court, including the Notre Dame Religious Liberty Clinic at Notre Dame Law School. Formed in 2020, the clinic has deep ties to the Federalist Society and the ultraconservative members of the Supreme Court. The clinics director, Stephanie Barclay, clerked for Justice Neil Gorsuch and litigated cases for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. An associate dean, Nicole Stelle Garnett, clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas and has written approvingly of the Supreme Courts decision last year in Carson v. Makin, which expanded taxpayer funding for religious schools in Maine, and for which the clinic submitted an amicus brief. Given the record of the Supreme Courts right-wing majority in cases involving so-called religious freedom, supporters of St. Isidore have good reason to believe that majority will say St. Isidore can use public money to support its sectarian program clearing the way for a future in which large amounts of money flow from local, state and federal treasuries into religious networks with clear political agendas and significant influence over public education. As bad as such a Supreme Court ruling would be, perhaps even worse would be a decision that says such schools could discriminate against anybody or any group that offends their religious sensibilities. But this is precisely what the groups behind the Oklahoma religious charter school are teeing up in Colorado. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty is representing Faith Bible Chapel International in a case arguing for a ministerial exception to anti-discrimination laws at religious schools. We, @americansunited, and our partners are planning legal action to stop this unconstitutional plan. Our public schools must be free from religious indoctrination and open to all students. ACLU (@ACLU) June 5, 2023 In that case, Greg Tucker, a white man who served for 14 years as a teacher and the director of student life at the private religious school, adopted a Black daughter, after which some students started to refer to his family using racial slurs. After he tried to establish a symposium for students to address racism, he was fired. Tucker maintains that the firing was blatantly retaliatory and discriminatory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school is claiming a ministerial exception to anti-discrimination law. Such exceptions are intended to allow religious employers to avoid liability when they fire ministers and clergy. Although Tucker was not a minister, but rather a teacher, with no responsibility for theological instruction or significant religious functions as part of his job, the school is trying to use ministerial exception as a trump card against his claim that it practiced racial discrimination. A divided 2-1 panel at the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the church, which has appealed to the Supreme Court. Given the tolerance for discrimination in the name of religion that the Supreme Court has demonstrated in cases such as Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., which let certain companies deny birth control coverage to their employees, and in Hosanna-Tabor v. EEOC, which says fired clergy cannot sue for discrimination, and given the court's eagerness to support the public funding of religious schools it has demonstrated in Carson v. Makin, it is reasonable to fear two things: that this court will decide not only that tax dollars can be used to fund religious schools but also that religious schools are exempt from laws that protect students and employees alike from broad categories of discrimination. If the Faith Bible Chapel International and St. Isidore cases are heard before this Supreme Court, it seems likely that public education in the U.S. is about to change for the worse in the same way the Dobbs ruling changed womens health care for the worse. Make no mistake: Americas Christian right is taking direct aim at secular public education, but lets not forget that it is also after the money. The U.S. spends over $700 billion on public K-12 schools every year. If conservative Christian leaders can lay claim to part of that sum, it could help sustain conservative churches, whose attendance rates are reportedly falling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Religious right leaders have long claimed that they are the true victims of religious persecution in the U.S. They have not disguised their aim of using public resources, including government facilities and taxpayer money, to impose their values on other people, including other peoples children. Now that they have the Supreme Court they want, their goal may be within reach. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Over the last week, Ukraine House Davos opened its doors to world leaders and investors for the sixth year in a row during the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. Ukraine House this year was adorned with the slogan Your Country First, Win With Us. The message set the tone for the discussions from Jan. 20-23, which focused on the benefits Ukraine can offer other countries in return for peace and economic recovery, namely lucrative investment opportunities. Throughout the week, the Ukrainian delegation highlighted Ukraines estimated $26 trillion in natural resources and minerals, a topic that has picked up amid the return of Donald Trump, inaugurated on the first day of the forum. The new U.S. president has vowed to bring a swift end to the war, which could potentially usher in a wave of investment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kyiv Independent spoke with Ulyana Khromyak, Ukraine Houses executive Director since 2023, as she wrapped up what she called a packed event. Khromyak said part of the delegations mission was to convince investors to come to Ukraine now, rather than getting stuck waiting in line after the end of Russias war. Ukraines natural resources provide a lot of investment potential, alongside the countrys agricultural and defense sectors, she said. Ulyana Khromyak, Ukraine Houses executive Director in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 20, 2025. (Ukraine House Davos) Regarding whether Trump will abandon Ukraine in its fight against Russia, Khromyak is hopeful the president can help achieve a sustainable peace in Ukraine and set the country on a path to recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This interview has been edited for clarity. Kyiv Independent: What was Ukraine House's key message and mission this week in Davos? How has this changed from the last few years? Khromyak: For the past three years, the messages were about what is needed to win this war, the opportunities in Ukraine, how Ukraine can contribute to the world, and why Ukraine is valuable to the world. Our message this year was a just and sustainable peace. We had a lot of discussions about how we can achieve this through strength on the battlefield as well as a strengthened position at the negotiation table. The second message was that Ukraine is not a burden, but a country of opportunity. We showed a lot of opportunities, including how rich Ukraine is in mineral resources. We have about $26 trillion in natural resources in Ukraine, out of which $12 trillion is in minerals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also discussed the successes of the existing investors who are currently working under these (wartime) conditions and also the successes of small and medium businesses. The country is resilient, the economy is working. We talked about investment in the defense sector, which was also a hot topic, to make Ukraine a defense hub. We have the practical experience on the battlefield, as well as the technologies and the knowledge of how to scale this up. Kyiv Independent: Do you think that there is a positive view that President Trump could be beneficial for Ukrainian businesses and its economy? Khromyak: Yes, I truly believe there is. You can see this from his World Economic Forum speech. He delivered strong messages supporting Ukraine. Let's believe that his political will can help us strengthen these relations and achieve a just and sustainable peace as well as try to start the recovery of the country. Screening of Donald Trump's speech in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 20, 2025. (Ukraine House Davos) Kyiv Independent: One of the panels differed from the rest in that it focused on Russia's destruction of Ukrainian churches. Why is this an important message, particularly for Christian Republicans who have not always been supportive of Ukrainian aid? Khromyak: That's why we raised this topic. We see its a hot topic for the Republicans, so we try to reflect this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are saying that Ukraine is a country where we have a lot of religions and it's one of the most spiritual countries in the world. Different religions are very important to us. Freedom is our religion as well, but we also need to emphasize that we have a lot of (religious) persecution from the Russians. We showed a lot of videos about the persecution of religion in Ukraine. The audience said that this is an important message to the White House. Read also: Faith under fire: Russias war on religion in Ukraines occupied territories Kyiv Independent: Ukraine House also lent a lot of attention to Ukraine's investment climate and resilience. What sense do you get from investors about their interest in Ukraine currently? Khromyak: There are a lot of possibilities to develop in innovation, infrastructure, agro-sector, and then definitely the minerals and energy sector. These sectors are very important for the world and Ukraine has all of these resources. We just need to increase their efficiency and therefore we need the investment for this to run independently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were a lot of discussions about the frozen Russian assets as well; how we can unfreeze and invest them and efficiently use them to strengthen our economy. Kyiv Independent: Do you get a feeling that investors are taking Ukraine seriously as a place to invest? Khromyak: Yes, I do, considering the discussions that we had in the House. We had first Vice Prime Minister and Economics Minister Yulia Svyrydenko speaking, and her deputy was in the House as well, talking about war risk insurance. The government is supporting it from their side and that's why investors took it seriously. The investors asked a lot of questions about how they could invest, and what would be the security and guarantees provided to them. Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's economy minister, speaks during a panel session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 23, 2025. (Stefan Wermuth / Bloomberg via Getty Images) Kyiv Independent: Has that changed since you've been in your position since 2023? Khromyak: Yes, the interest increased. In 2023, no one knew what was going to happen. But right now, we have President Trumps messages and support from the leaders of the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now we have no other option. We have no choice other than to win this war and to make the country stronger. Kyiv Independent: Do you get a sense that investors are willing to come into Ukraine now, or are they still talking about coming in after the war? Khromyak: We were trying to persuade them to come now and show the opportunities because everyone will be queuing after the war. There will be a lot of competition, so first come first serve. They will get better conditions right now, rather than coming after the war. We showed this deal of the year in the telecom sector, (the $1.5 billion Datagroup-Volia-Lifecell merger) saying that, look, the investors are investing and there are a lot of success stories, so please come and invest now. Kyiv Independent: Is there a clearer path now to securing war risk insurance? Khromyak: Yes. We work with Marsh McLennan, who was on the panel, and we had Aon among the audience. These are two main players in the insurance sector who are working with the government right now and with the investment institutions to provide war risk insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have already had the first successes. The speakers discussed how to involve more people and how to make insurance for those who would like to invest now. The Aon and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) transaction that jointly provided insurance to the companies is a good development. A view of the Ukraine House pavilion ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 19, 2025. (Hollie Adams / Bloomberg) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv Independent: One of the final panels discussed utilizing the frozen Russian assets. With some Western businesses lobbying against this idea in Europe, how much support do you think this idea has? Khromyak. We need the whole amount of the frozen Russian assets, not just the proceeds. Therefore we need the political will from different countries. A lot of people from the Ukrainian government, opinion leaders, and NGOs on different levels are lobbying for this issue. We are getting there. It's a long and hard path and a lot of countries still need to implement a lot of internal regulations to pass and transfer these assets. But we systematically need to work on this. The message is that we should not just accept the proceeds, but we need the whole $350 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Zelensky touts Ukraines potential in meeting with global investors at Davos forum Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. LINCOLN, Neb. (Nebraska Examiner) Child and civil rights advocates on Thursday railed against a proposed law, promoted by Gov. Jim Pillen, that would give prosecutors and judges new authority to put Nebraskans as young as 11 in detention facilities and let them charge certain 12-year-olds as adults, the Nebraska Examiner reports. State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston said he introduced Legislative Bill 556 at the request of the governor and urging of Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine. Opponents led by Voices for Children in Nebraska, ACLU of Nebraska, and RISE, a nonprofit focused on prison and community re-entry support, held a Capitol news conference and also issued statements in opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let us be clear, LB 556 contemplates jailing and criminally prosecuting children who are still young enough to bring home a weekly spelling list, said Juliet Summers, executive director of Voices for Children. Madison County Sheriffs Office warns residents of phone scammer She said juvenile court, under current law, has a broad spectrum of measures and services when pre-teens are acting in ways that scare us. That ranges, her statement said, from treatment and supervision to removal from the home and residential placement. All this proposal would add is incarceration, a proposal as costly and wasteful as it is inhumane. Summers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pillen, flanked by multiple law enforcement officials, including from Lancaster County, hosted his own news conference and called the proposal an important tool for juvenile justice and for our society. He said nobody wants to come to the reality that we have young boys committing extraordinary acts. Pillen noted that Douglas County law enforcement officials are ground zero and have called on the state to raise the stakes. Said Riepe: Contrary to concerns raised, this bill does not seek to lock up juveniles indiscriminately. The Ralston senator reiterated his stance, reported previously by the Nebraska Examiner, that his goal was not to be punitive. He said detention offers opportunities for meaningful intervention at earlier ages, including mandatory treatment of problems such as substance abuse, that could help rebuild the futures of youths while also protecting the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the legislation to be considered this session, the age at which a Nebraska child could be detained for an alleged crime would be lowered, from 13 to 11, and the age at which a minor could be charged as an adult for the most serious felonies would drop from 14 to 12. Among those at the opposition news conference were State Sens. Terrell McKinney and Ashlei Spivey, both of North Omaha, former State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln, representing the board of Voices for Children, Kimara Snipes of One Omaha, Anne Hobbs of the Juvenile Justice Institute at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and several youths. Shakur Abdullah, a Nebraskan previously charged and sentenced in criminal court at a young age, in a statement called LB 556 a regressive move that fails to address root causes of a childs behavior when that youth faces trauma, poverty and unmet mental health challenges. Rather than investing in prevention, rehabilitation and the crucial social and habilitative processes that have been shown to improve outcomes for at-risk children, this proposal doubles down on punitive measures, which, Abdullah said, dont improve public safety or long-term outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sioux City PD maintains it wont inquire about immigration status as matter of policy Said McKinney: The bill is being pushed by a bunch of white men that are essentially looking to lock up black and brown kids, considering the disproportionate population of youth in the juvenile justice system that are being failed by our state, especially in the child welfare system. Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson was among the slate of all male speakers at the governors news conference. He said he was so appreciative that LB 556 is a legislative priority. His claim: Since 2017, in Douglas County, we have seen an over 1,500% increase in repeat felonious juvenile crimes, with youths progressing from car theft to carjackings to shootings to murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child advocates said they believe the better approach is treatment and family interventions. The idea of changing the law so that we can detain more kids and charge younger kids as adults runs counter to Nebraskans most important shared values, said Jason Witmer, policy fellow at the ACLU Nebraska. What happened to protecting kids and helping them get on the right path? Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nature Villegas shared testimony Thursday of being detained as a youth. She was among several speakers at a news conference led by nonprofit organizations opposed to proposed legislation that would allow offenders as young as 11 to be detained and felony offenders as young as 12 to be charged as adults. (Courtesy of Chad Green, ChadCRG Images) LINCOLN Child and civil rights advocates on Thursday railed against a proposed law, promoted by Gov. Jim Pillen, that would give prosecutors and judges new authority to put Nebraskans as young as 11 in detention facilities and let them charge certain 12-year-olds as adults. State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston said he introduced Legislative Bill 556 at the request of the governor and urging of Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine speaks at a news conference about a juvenile justice priority bill promoted by Gov. Jim Pillen and State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston. From left, Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, Pillen, Kleine, Riepe. Opponents led by Voices for Children in Nebraska, ACLU of Nebraska, and RISE, a nonprofit focused on prison and community re-entry support, held a Capitol news conference and also issued statements in opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let us be clear, LB 556 contemplates jailing and criminally prosecuting children who are still young enough to bring home a weekly spelling list, said Juliet Summers, executive director of Voices for Children. She said juvenile court, under current law, has a broad spectrum of measures and services when pre-teens are acting in ways that scare us. That ranges, her statement said, from treatment and supervision to removal from the home and residential placement. All this proposal would add is incarceration, a proposal as costly and wasteful as it is inhumane. Summers said. Pillen, flanked by multiple law enforcement officials, including from Lancaster County, hosted his own news conference and called the proposal an important tool for juvenile justice and for our society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said nobody wants to come to the reality that we have young boys committing extraordinary acts. Pillen noted that Douglas County law enforcement officials are ground zero and have called on the state to raise the stakes. Said Riepe: Contrary to concerns raised, this bill does not seek to lock up juveniles indiscriminately. The Ralston senator reiterated his stance, reported previously by the Nebraska Examiner, that his goal was not to be punitive. He said detention offers opportunities for meaningful intervention at earlier ages, including mandatory treatment of problems such as substance abuse, that could help rebuild the futures of youths while also protecting the public. Under the legislation to be considered this session, the age at which a Nebraska child could be detained for an alleged crime would be lowered, from 13 to 11, and the age at which a minor could be charged as an adult for the most serious felonies would drop from 14 to 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those at the opposition news conference were State Sens. Terrell McKinney and Ashlei Spivey, both of North Omaha, former State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln, representing the board of Voices for Children, Kimara Snipes, community organizer, Anne Hobbs of the Juvenile Justice Institute at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and several youths. Shakur Abdullah, a Nebraskan previously charged and sentenced in criminal court at a young age, in a statement called LB 556 a regressive move that fails to address root causes of a childs behavior when that youth faces trauma, poverty and unmet mental health challenges. Rather than investing in prevention, rehabilitation and the crucial social and habilitative processes that have been shown to improve outcomes for at-risk children, this proposal doubles down on punitive measures, which, Abdullah said, dont improve public safety or long-term outcomes. Jason Witmer, policy fellow at the ACLU Nebraska. (Courtesy of Chad Green, ChadCRG Images) Said McKinney: The bill is being pushed by a bunch of white men that are essentially looking to lock up black and brown kids, considering the disproportionate population of youth in the juvenile justice system that are being failed by our state, especially in the child welfare system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson was among the slate of all male speakers at the governors news conference. He said he was so appreciative that LB 556 is a legislative priority. Since 2017, in Douglas County, we have seen an over 1,500% increase in repeat felonious juvenile crimes, with youths progressing, Hanson said, from car theft to carjackings to shootings to murder. Voices for Children offers a different scenario. Felony cases involving youths under 18 in Douglas Countys District Court and Juvenile Court combined went from 150 in 2017 to 216 in 2023, according to a report the nonprofit presented in November to the Legislatures Judiciary Committee. Thats a 44% increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Douglas County minors under age 18 who were prosecuted as adults for felonies in District Court rose about 52%, from 27 in 2017 to 41 in 2023. Summers said juvenile arrests in the county have been on an overall downward trend since 2000, based on data from the Nebraska Commission on Crime and Law Enforcement with arrests dropping from 5,420 in 2000 to 2,895 in 2022. The child advocates said they believe the better approach is treatment and family interventions. The idea of changing the law so that we can detain more kids and charge younger kids as adults runs counter to Nebraskans most important shared values, said Jason Witmer, policy fellow at the ACLU Nebraska. What happened to protecting kids and helping them get on the right path? SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX (Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. and Oracle Corp. have reacted differently to President Donald Trump's pledge that the US government won't enforce a national security law that raised potential penalties for US partners of the popular video app TikTok. Most Read from Bloomberg Oracle, which provides cloud services for TikTok, took Trumps go-ahead to heart. Its kept TikTok operational since the app briefly went offline over the weekend. Apple and Alphabet Inc.s Google, however, which removed the app from their respective app stores to comply with the Jan. 19 ban, have held off on relisting TikTok. The app has been unavailable for the past five days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This diverging approach by some of the countrys biggest and most powerful tech companies underscores the current confusion around Trumps order, the uncertainty about TikToks future and just how much political capital matters in the Trump era. Tech titans are stuck between complying with the law and appeasing a sitting president who values loyalty and expects others to follow his lead. I dont think theres any doubt that the statute remains in effect, so there is some legal risk and thats incontrovertible, said Glenn Gerstell, who served as general counsel of the National Security Agency during Trumps first term. Whether that legal risk is acceptable or not is going to vary with your circumstances. Lawmakers and other Washington insiders have raised concern about Oracles role in keeping TikTok available to US users. Even with a nod from Trump, critics argue that the company could open itself up to lawsuits from current shareholders and massive fines from a future administration that may want to retroactively enforce those penalties. There is also the possibility that Trump could change his mind on enforcement and go after tech firms for billions in damages. Oracles longstanding coziness with Trump and its lucrative business entanglements with TikTok appear to be enough incentive to take on that potential legal risk. They've obviously made the business decision that that risk, relative to the reward, is an acceptable one for them, Gerstell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apple and Google, meanwhile, have come to a different conclusion. While the app is popular, its also free to download and the companies likely make minimal revenue from TikTok via in-app purchases compared to any potential fine they may face for violating the law. The potential upside for Apple and Google to ignore the law is probably far less significant, Gerstell said. According to the law, daily fines for supporting TikTok could quickly climb into the billions of dollars if the statute is ultimately enforced. ByteDance, TikTok and Oracle didnt respond to requests for comment. Project Texas Oracle leaders have long aligned themselves with conservative politics. Chief Executive Officer Safra Catz served on Trumps transition team after the 2016 presidential election, and billionaire co-founder and Chairman Larry Ellison has donated to Republicans, including Trump. Ellison is also famously close to Elon Musk, a newly central figure to the Trump orbit, and previously sat on Tesla Inc.s board of directors and has let Musk vacation at his private Hawaiian island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes sort of CEO of everything hes an amazing man, an amazing businessperson, Trump said of Ellison during an event at the White House earlier this week. Oracles proximity to Trump has paid off in the past. The cloud giant was Trumps original pick to buy TikTok in 2020 when he also tried to ban the app over national security reasons. Though the deal ultimately fell apart after Trump left office, the outcome for Oracle was arguably more transformative than the partial ownership Trump had proposed: Oracle landed TikToks enormous cloud infrastructure business, and was selected as a partner to help the app cordon off sensitive US user data from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance Ltd., in an effort marketed by TikTok as Project Texas. TikTok has since become one of Oracle clouds most important clients as a crucial early customer of that unit, helping to validate a then-nascent part of Oracles business. Last summer, Oracle warned investors that a TikTok ban could hurt revenue and profits and increase expenses. The multiyear cloud contract was already worth over $1 billion by the time TikTok announced in 2022 that US user data was flowing through Oracles servers, according to people familiar with the work who asked not to be named discussing private information. Oracle also won work from TikTok to host data in the EMEA region, the people said. Due to political and press intrigue, work with TikTok was considered highly confidential internally. TikTok was codenamed Telesis inside Oracle, and staff working on relevant projects had to sign separate nondisclosure agreements, the people said. Ultimately, a proposal for TikTok to cordon off US user data from its Chinese parent company was never accepted by US regulators, though the two companies still have a cloud partnership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It couldnt be determined how much TikToks spending on Oracle Cloud has grown since its initial commitments, but Kirk Materne, an analyst at Evercore ISI, estimates Oracles annual revenue from TikTok may now be in the range of $500 million to $800 million. A TikTok Lifeline Trumps executive order on his first day in office directed his Justice Department not to enforce penalties from the divest-or-ban law. The order gave ByteDance an additional 75 days to orchestrate a deal for the app while the new administration evaluates the situation. Under the new law, TikTok can remain in the US if ByteDance executes a qualified divestiture, but itll largely be up to Trump to determine what kind of deal satisfies the countrys national security concerns. ByteDance would need to finalize a sale by early April, when Trumps temporary non-enforcement order lifts. But theres been little indication publicly that ByteDance is willing to sell, nor that its entertaining proposals from Trump or offers from interested bidders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think were quite optimistic well find a solution, ByteDance board member and General Atlantic Chief Executive Officer Bill Ford told Bloomberg Television this week. Its unclear if Trumps extension is even legal under the current law. Discussion during TikToks Supreme Court hearing made clear that even the justices didnt know if an extension was allowable after the law went into effect on Jan. 19. I am at a loss to describe to you where the law is at this moment, said Dick Durbin, the Senate Judiciary Committees top Democrat, earlier this week. The law was overwhelmingly passed by Congress, signed by President Biden and upheld by the US Supreme Court, he added, but now the new president is saying, ignore it if you wish. Even members of Trumps own party are criticizing his handling of the matter. Trump loyalist and former VP hopeful, Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, believes tech companies helping TikTok operate are opening themselves up to legal penalties and hundreds of billions of dollars of ruinous liability, he wrote on X. Think about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apple and Google clearly are. Bloomberg Intelligence analysts believe its unlikely either company will reinstate TikTok on their app stores because of the potential legal exposure. When facing risk on this scale, the better course is to heed the law, wrote analysts Matthew Schettenhelm and Tamlin Bason. Oracle may see value in following a different path. At an event this week, with Ellison standing feet away, Trump said he was open to the idea of Musk or Ellison buying TikTok. Id like Larry to buy it, too, he said. --With assistance from Billy House. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Hungary is imposing conditions on Ukraine in return for agreeing to the extension of the EU's economic sanctions on Russia, which expire at the end of the month. Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on state radio that Kiev should reopen the pipeline that was closed at the beginning of the year and had previously transported Russian natural gas to Central Europe, including Hungary. Orban said Ukraine must also stop militarily attacking the alternative route through which Hungary currently receives Russian gas, the TurkStream pipeline running through the Balkans. There has been Ukrainian attacks against this pipeline at the border point on Russian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, he demanded guarantees that Ukraine would not stop the flow of oil from Russia, which comes to Hungary via Ukraine through the Druzhba pipeline. Hungary obtains more than 80% of its gas and oil needs from Russia. Orban maintains good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In December, he signalled in Brussels that he did not want to make a decision on the issue of extending EU sanctions against Russia until after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump. Orban said on Friday that EU sanctions on Russia had cost Hungary 19 billion ($20 billion) over the last three years. The formal decision to extend the EU sanctions must be taken unanimously by the Council of the European Union. The issue will be on the agenda of a summit in Brussels next week because the current sanctions expire on January 31. A decision on the sanctions must be taken every six months. (Bloomberg) -- Hungary prolonged its blockage of the renewal of sanctions against Russia as Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on the European Union to pressure Ukraine to re-establish the transit of Russian gas to Europe. Most Read from Bloomberg EU envoys were unable to roll over the sanctions during a meeting on Friday as Budapest pointed to energy security concerns during the closed-door discussion, people familiar with the matter said. The issue will now be addressed by the blocs foreign affairs ministers on Monday during a scheduled meeting just days before the sanctions expire on Jan. 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orban, a close ally of President Donald Trump, had said he wanted to wait until after his inauguration to make a decision on the renewal, which up to now had been a routine step every six months. But the government in Budapest was caught off guard by Trumps statements this week threatening further sanctions against Russia if President Vladimir Putin failed to make a deal to end Russias war on Ukraine. Now, Hungary has turned its attention to Ukraine and its decision not to renew Russian gas transit to Europe this year after a multi-year contract expired at the end of last month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he refused to allow supplies that would send fees to Russian coffers, while Orban blamed Ukraine for rising energy prices in Hungary. The EU is considering his demand, Orban told state radio on Friday, adding that the matter had prompted him to pull the emergency brake on renewing sanctions on Russia. The bloc needs the unanimous support of its 27 member states to prolong the penalties. If Ukraine wants our help, for example by sanctioning Russia, then please re-open the gas route, Orban said, adding that it would take one phone call from Brussels to make this happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orban irked EU counterparts at a summit last month by withholding support on the renewal, although the Hungarian premier has repeatedly called for the end of Russian sanctions since Moscows invasion of Ukraine almost three years ago. He also asked for guarantees from Ukraine that the main alternative gas supply route to Hungary, TurkStream, be spared any potential attacks and that oil supply routes to Hungary also be protected. Hungary plans to consult with the Trump administration before deciding its position on Russia sanctions, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told reporters on Thursday. EU diplomats said there is no Plan B in the works so far if Orban doesnt budge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Marton Kasnyik and Andrea Palasciano. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. President Donald Trumps executive order Thursday to declassify the records of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. has been met with a mixed response. Channel 2s Richard Elliot learned some are excited over the release while others want the King family to get a look at them first. In a unified statement, the King family wants to look at the documents before they are released, and there is support for that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his order Thursday, Trump said Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth. It is in the national interest to finally release all the records related to these assassinations without delay. The King family said in a statement, For us, the assassination of our father is a deeply personal family loss that we have endured over the last 56 years. We hope to be provided the opportunity to review the files as a family prior to its public release. I hope that they will see it first and then whatever is appropriate, we will support them, said Gerald Griggs, president of the Georgia chapter of the NAACP. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griggs hopes the release of the documents wont retraumatize Kings surviving children. I think it needs to be a more sensitive release of this information, because the community does know how he died, but we dont need to retraumatize the family without them first seeing it, Griggs said. Bernice King and her brother Martin Luther King III appeared at the Democratic National Convention supporting former Vice President Kamala Harris. Dr. Kings niece Alveda King was a staunch supporter of Trump. Atlanta city council member Michael Julian Bond, whose father was a civil rights icon himself, is looking forward to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im excited about it, you know. Its always been controversy, you know, around it and rumor, and so having more information is better to help people have a clearer picture of what may have actually happened, Bond said. The government has 45 days from the executive order to release that information. A convicted arson and his wife, who studies wind and weather, were hit with misdemeanor charges by the Los Angeles County District Attorney for driving a decommissioned fire truck into the Palisades fire evacuation zone dressed as firefighters this weekend. Related: Inside the David Lynch Shrine at Bob's Big Boy According to the misdemeanor complaint filed by prosecutors Wednesday, Dustin Nehl, 31, and his wife Jennie, 44, drove an old fire truck purchased at an auction name with the name of a bogus fire company, "Roaring River Fire" into a restricted area at the site of the Palisades Fire The couple was also charged with impersonating fire officials, prosecutors say, after they were caught wearing CAL-Fire t-shirts under turnout gear and were carrying radios tuned into first responder channels. Radios, phones, and firefighting gear seized by authorities were used by Dustin and Jennifer Nehl to gain unauthorized access to a fire evacuation zone while posing as firefighters.Courtesy of Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department In 2017, Dustin Nehl was sentenced to a five-year prison sentence in Oregon for arson and criminal mischief, followed by 3 years of post-prison supervision, according to a news report in Oregon. Jenni Nehl, according to a Facebook post, trains incarcerated teens on how to be "weather-ready nation ambassadors" under her maiden name, Hastings, at a juvenile detention education center in Oregon. With Hastings, the teens made raps called "Weather Slaps" that tackle windstorms, weather safety, climate change, and how environmental disaster impacts poor communities more ardently than wealthy ones. Related: Unprecedented Policy Purge: Trump's Single Order Attempts to Dismantle Biden's Legacy Impersonation of firefighters in the evacuated zones, like this one in the Palisades fire, has led to criminal charges against several bad actors including a convicted arsonist Michele McPhee In November, Jennifer gave birth to a baby they named Makenna. It appears the baby later died, according to Dustin Nehl's YouTube channel. But according to the Nehl's criminal complaint, the couple is also facing what prosecutors described as a "Suspected Child Abuse Report...involving the charges alleged in this complaint." No further information on that charges was available. Related: Trump's First Week: Sweeping Orders Transform Federal Government Dustin Nehl, RIGHT, poses in front of undated wildfire Dustin Nehl Facebook A day after the couple with ties to climate activism was arrested, the FBI renewed efforts to track down a notorious eco terrorist responsible for a plethora of arsons and fire bombings who has been a fugitive for decades. The #FBI offers a reward of up to $50,000 for info leading to the arrest of Josephine Sunshine Overaker. On Jan 19, 2006, a federal grand jury in Eugene, Oregon, indicted her on multiple charges related to her alleged role in a domestic terrorism cell: https://t.co/vZd5AYBbHF pic.twitter.com/3AOb42kbx6 FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) January 19, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overaker, the FBI says, is a former wildlife firefighter like Dustin Nehl. The FBI said the fugitive was the leader of a domestic terrorist organization called "The Family," an offshoot of the Animal Liberation Front that investigators call "the most prolific domestic terrorism cell of the time." Federal prosecutors have charged Overaker and 10 of her co-conspirators with a plethora of arsons, including a devastating fire that leveled a Vail, Colorado ski resort in 1998. The FBI renewed its hunt for Josephine Sunshine Overaker a day after the arrest of a couple who drove a decommissioned fire truck in the Palisades fire site while impersonating firefighters. The couple, who are now facing misdemeanor charges, have ties to climate activism. Overaker and her compatriots in a domestic eco terror cell burned this resort in Vail, Colorado, the FBI says. A cause for the deadly and destructive wildfires has not yet been determined, according to CAL-Fire. The origin of the Palisades Fire, which on Thursday had been 72% contained after ripping through more than 23,000 acres, killing eleven people and injuring three civilians and a firefighter, is listed as "Under Investigation" by the ATF, who has more than a dozen agents on the ground "to determine the origin and cause of the Pacific Palisades Fire," according to a press statement. In Altadena, the Eaton Fire stands at 91% contained on Thursday after devouring more than 14,000 acres. The blaze killed 17 people and injured 9 firefighters, according to CAL-Fire, which also lists the origin of the wildfire as "Under Investigation." Since Jan. 7 when the Palisades fire sparked just after 10:30 a.m., there have been a slew of wildfires that have led to multiple evacuations. Stay in the Know! Get the top news from Los Angeles Magazine sent to your inbox every day. Sign up for The Daily Brief below or by clicking here. On Wednesday, the Hughes Fire began to burn near Castaic Lake, with the fast-moving fire threatening both Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. By Thursday, it had torn through 14,000 acres as firefighters managed to get 14% containment. That wildfire's cause also remains under investigation. Los Angeles has seen 15 days of red flag warnings due to high winds and extremely dry conditions. Oregon court officials have removed records of about 47,000 residential evictions to comply with a 2023 state law. (Getty Images) The Oregon state courts system has sealed about 47,000 evictions from Oregonians records, the Oregon Judicial Department said. The department sealed the residential evictions from peoples records by mid-December to comply with House Bill 2001, a 2023 law the Legislature passed. The law was passed to address housing evictions that show up on peoples records and affect their ability to rent and access housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the law, those 47,000 evictions do not show up in background checks and essentially disappear. In the past, those cases could have led to the denial of rental applications. This work will implement current protections under Oregon law, said Sybil Hebb, director of legislative advocacy for the Oregon Law Center, which provides free legal aid to Oregonians for a variety of issues, including housing. It will help a lot of people by removing barriers to housing stability, which is especially critical during this housing crisis. The law applies to cases where the court entered a judgment after Jan. 1, 2014. Evictions also have to meet other requirements and timelines. For example, if the court ordered the eviction but the tenant did not owe money, five years need to have passed. For cases with monetary awards, the judgement needs to be paid off, expired or discharged in bankruptcy court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law requires courts to start removing records that meet the criteria by the end of 2024. As a result, judicial department staff manually reviewed about 160,000 evictions to determine eligibility. The state still has a backlog of about 50,000 cases to review, with the goal of sealing eligible cases by the end of 2025. New cases will be reviewed every year. People can learn whether their past eviction was set aside and request a copy of their set-aside order on the judicial departments eviction set-asides webpage. Tenants can glean more information about the eviction process and their rights at Oregon Law Help, a free legal information website from the Oregon State Bar. This story was updated at 3:45 p.m. Jan. 24, 2025 with a comment from the Oregon Law Center. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Rep. Greg Smith, R-Heppner, participates in a committee meeting in December 2022. (Connor Radnovich/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Oregons government ethics watchdog on Friday dinged a state representative for failing to follow a law he voted for that requires government officials to disclose some sources of business income. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted unanimously to move ahead with an investigation into Rep. Greg Smith, R-Heppner a procedural move, as there isnt much to investigate. Smith, who didnt attend the commissions meeting and didnt immediately respond to an inquiry from the Capital Chronicle, acknowledged that he erred in not initially listing Harney County as a client on the economic interest statement he filed last year. He later amended the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioners said they expected the investigation would end with a letter of education, or a formal note from the commission explaining the law and how to comply with it in the future. I would hold Representative Smith to a little higher standard than some of the other folks we hear from, since without going back and looking at the original bill Im assuming he voted on the bill that made this change, commissioner Jonathan Thompson said. Oregons public officials, including lawmakers, have long had to disclose their major sources of household income on annual economic interest statements filed with the commission. They dont have to include dollar amounts, and it largely operates on an honor system. Last year was the first that officials had to also disclose some sources of income for businesses they own. Under a 2023 law, officials have to name clients that provide at least 10% of the business income and have an interest in the government body the official is a part of. For Smith, thats any client with business before the Legislature; for a mayor it would be a client that interacts with city government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smiths consulting firm, Gregory Smith & Company LLC, has several clients that seek money or policy changes from the Legislature where he serves as a vice chair of the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee. His initial 2024 economic interest statement did not list any clients. Smith told commission staff that he misunderstood the law and thought he needed to list clients that made up 10% of his household income, not business income. The Malheur Enterprise reported last year that Smith described his annual household income as more than $1 million, including his salary from the Columbia Development Authority, his legislative stipend, his wifes salary as his legislative assistant and income from his business. After the commission began its review, Smith updated his economic interest statement to include three clients: Harney County, Umatilla Electric Cooperative and Eastern Oregon University. Eastern Oregon University abruptly ended its nearly $140,000 annual contract with Smith last fall, the Enterprise reported, while Harney County planned to renew his $7,000-a-month contract. The Umatilla Electric Cooperative hasnt disclosed what it pays Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith voted for the 2023 law requiring more disclosures, as did all but five House Republicans and two Senate Republicans. Footage from a legislative committee he led that advanced the bill features Smith asking how the ethics commission would determine which clients hit that 10% mark. I believe its generally up to the honesty and dedication of the people filing those statements of interest, the committees analyst responded. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A city in central Oregon, deemed the gateway to the Cascade Mountains, is now being recognized for its night sky views. On Wednesday, Dark Sky International announced Sisters, Oregon is the states second International Dark Sky Community a space with effective lighting policies to help preserve the dark sky. The designation also marks the seventh overall International Dark Sky Place. Dark Sky International highlighted the citys history of night sky preservation, going back to the year 2000 when Sisters High School introduced its astronomy program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being able to gaze at an infinite sea of stars and feel our place in the universe has been an integral part of living in Sisters. The community values caring for and connecting with the natural world and came together to make sure the legacy of our starry skies continues, Rima Givot, a Sisters High School science teacher, said in a Dark Sky International press release. The city of Sisters was named Oregons second International Dark Sky Community in January 2025 (Courtesy Explore Sisters.) The city of Sisters was named Oregons second International Dark Sky Community in January 2025 (Courtesy Explore Sisters.) The International Dark Sky Community certification will ensure that we can continue to feel wonder as we gaze at the Milky Way on a clear night over the mountains, and feel our sense of place and connection, Givot added. Following the citys recent adoption of its Dark Skies Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, the community is now pushing for more dark sky education by informing residents and business owners about the benefits of retrofitting non-compliant lighting. The city is also planning a fundraiser to change old lights and community events such as stargazing parties. Advocates in Sisters have shown a strong commitment to preserving their dark night skies. Their application underscores the towns dedication to conserving its natural night sky through proactive conservation efforts and community engagement. Students, advocates, and local officials have played key roles in raising awareness and enhancing community lighting, ultimately improving both night sky quality and the overall environment for residents and visitors alike. We congratulate the Sisters team on this significant achievement and are thrilled to welcome another International Dark Sky Place in Oregon, said Amber Harrison, International Dark Sky Places Program Manager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sisters joins other dark sky locations in Oregon, including Eastern Lake County, the Oregon Caves Monument, Cottonwood Canyon State Park, along with Oregons first International Dark Sky Community in Antelope, which has ties to a former religious cult. DONT MISS: Oregon Outback named worlds largest dark sky sanctuary We tried really hard to become the first city in Oregon with the designation, but alas, Antelope became the first just weeks ago, so we will take pride in being the second, said Sisters Mayor Michael Preedin. This is another accomplishment that the Sisters community can proudly enjoy. Fostering our local environment by removing light pollution is something that helps all of humanity and we are excited about the astro-tourism opportunities. What a great accomplishment! He added, We all need to thank the people that have been working on this for years before the city and the rest of the community joined the movement, namely, the Sisters Astronomy Club, who created the momentum to see this through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DarkSky Oregon Chairperson Bill Kowalik said Sisters has set a community standard for responsible lighting, noting, This international certification brings recognition to Sisters, known to visitors for culture and arts, and now globally, for environmental protection of dark skies too. DONT MISS: Portland police unveil robotic dog for dangerous tactical incidents The International Dark Skies Program was founded in 2001, aiming to encourage communities to preserve dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. According to the organization, when used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste energy, contribute to climate change and block our view and connection to the universe, Dark Sky International said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Gov. Tina Kotek answers questions from reporters during a press conference on Jan. 16, 2025. (Photo by Ron Cooper/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Saying they needed more information, members of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted Friday to investigate Gov. Tina Koteks reported spending on parking, concert tickets and an employee recognition buffet. Auditors with the Secretary of States Office flagged the spending, which they described as minor and unintentional apparent violations of state ethics law, earlier in January. The ethics commission discussed the findings Friday and concluded it didnt have enough information to decide how to move forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, commission chair David Fiskum said, they needed not to do nothing. We need to take some kind of action in response to the letter, without just letting it lie fallow, Fiskum said. He and four other commission members asked staff to investigate the state auditors findings and provide more information at a future meeting. The commission could then decide to send an advisory letter explaining state ethics laws, drop the issue or continue an investigation, potentially leading to fines. State auditors started looking into spending by the governors office after receiving anonymous reports to the government accountability hotline, run by the Secretary of States Office, last March about misuse of state resources related to Koteks since-abandoned plans to create an office of the first spouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They determined that those reports were unfounded, but they flagged several issues with parking reimbursements, concert tickets and a dinner for employees from a Salem brewery. Auditors detailed those issues in a letter to Kotek that they shared with the ethics commission and advised Kotek to review state law and accounting procedures. Koteks communications director reiterated the offices earlier response to the allegations, including that they mostly reflected longstanding traditions inherited from past governors. Among the flagged spending: The state was paying $65 monthly for a parking space for first lady Aimee Kotek Wilson. The governors office said it was consistent with past practice and advice from Oregon State Polices Dignitary Protection Unit. Commission Executive Director Susan Myers said Friday that that space didnt appear to be an issue, because the governor has a parking space at the Capitol and state administrative rules allow public officials to let other people use their parking spaces. The state paid $315 per month for Annie McColaugh, the governors federal lobbyist, to park in Washington, D.C. The governors office told the Capital Chronicle earlier in January that it was reviewing that space. State law prohibits public officials from receiving financial benefits, including parking reimbursements, that arent explicitly laid out in official policies. Koteks office hosted a dinner reception at the governors mansion, Mahonia Hall, for employees in August 2023, with a $9,330 spread from Salems Xicha Brewing Company, that included a build-your-own tostada bar. The event, which recognized employees of the governors office, Oregon State Police and the Department of Administrative Services, is apparently a longstanding tradition and had about 180 guests. But state policy allows only refreshments things like cookies, chips, coffee and juice to be served at employee recognition events. Koteks office said earlier this month the dinner was consistent with practices by past governors offices and that the office is reviewing its catering practices. Auditors also flagged about $615 in spending on concert tickets between four events: a Queen tribute concert in Portland, a performance by the Portland Gay Mens Chorus, an orchestral performance at Salems Elsinore Theatre and a silent film concert at Salems Temple Beth Sholom. The governors office said Kotek and Kotek Wilson paid for the Queen concert and Elsinore performance themselves and the tickets the state bought were for their protective detail, as allowed under state law. It described the other two concerts as official events. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Updated at 3:40 p.m. Friday with a PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Numerous Oregonians have had some of their previous evictions voided, thanks to state legislation that passed nearly two years ago. On Wednesday, the Oregon Judicial Department reported that approximately 47,000 evictions were cleared from residents records in mid-December. Because the impacted cases will no longer show up on renters background checks, officials said it now appears that the prior evictions have never happened. Portland police unveil robotic dog for dangerous tactical incidents Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move, which applies to judgments dating back to Jan. 1, 2014, comes after the 2023 adoption of House Bill 2001. HB 2001 called on justices and circuit courts to seal certain residential evictions by Dec. 31 of last year. The Oregon Legislature states the measure applies to judgments without money awards and those with awards that have expired, were paid for or have been discharged, among other criteria. According to a 2023 bill summary from the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness, An eviction can affect a renters ability to qualify for another rental and can have downstream effects on homelessness and transitory housing arrangements, health, and/or employment, OJD explained in a release. The agency sifted through approximately 160,000 cases from the past decade, before identifying those that were eligible for removal. Court staff has already begun assessing another 50,000 cases that could be sealed by the end of this year. Officials plan to automatically clear eligible cases going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement is good news for many Oregonians, as Portland State University has reported evictions have increased statewide despite the rise in rental assistance programs since the COVID-19 pandemic. Go down fighting: Pickathon to launch fundraiser to ensure festivals future Researchers with Evicted In Oregon previously found that circuit court eviction filings grew by about 22% from 2022 to 2023. More than 22,000 renters faced eviction that year. New data show there were more than 28,000 eviction cases filed in 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Birmingham Police Department has seen more than 100 people attend the physical agility and abilities screenings required to qualify for the Birmingham Police Academy, according to Mayor Randall Woodfin. We have seen a growing number of people interested in serving our city through a career in law enforcement. I am encouraged that a new generation is answering the call to serve and protect in the Birmingham Police Department, Mayor Woodfin said in a statement. I want to thank the Birmingham City Council for partnering and approving our $16 million Birmingham Police Recruitment and Retention program in October. I encourage people interested in applying to the academy to attend the physical agility and abilities screening this Saturday. In total, BPD has seen 111 candidates participate in one of their three physical screenings since Nov. 16, 2024. Of these candidates, 52 passed the screening and advanced to the next stage, undergoing polygraph, psychological and medical evaluations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspect accused of killing 11 people in Birmingham pleads not guilty In addition to the upcoming class beginning in March, 28 recruits began the academy in November. The final screening to qualify for the next Birmingham Police Academy class is this Saturday at 8 a.m. the screening will take place at 401 6th Ave. South. Here is the 2025 Birmingham Police Academy schedule: March 25- Aug. 22 July 29- Jan. 9, 2026 Nov. 18- May 1, 2026 10 new officers began their careers with BPD in January, and nine veteran officers are in the process of transferring to the department from other law enforcement agencies. In October, Mayor Woodfin and BPD received council approval for a police recruitment and retention program. The approved program increases bonuses to $10,000 for recruits and establishes $2,500 quarterly bonuses for officers who have been with the department for over two years. The program also funds a take-home-vehicle initiative for officers, part-time reserve officers and pre-academy hiring. The amended Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget funds a 3% cost of living adjustment for all city employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those interested in learning more about a career with BPD are encouraged to call 205-254-1712. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) A leading education technology firm was the target of a data security breach last month, potentially exposing millions of students and teachers sensitive data including Social Security numbers and medical information. PowerSchool, the largest provider of cloud-based education software for K-12 education in the country, notified schools about the incident earlier this month, but the full scale of the cyberattack is still coming into view. A new report from BleepingComputer, a cybersecurity news outlet, said the data breach impacted more than 62 million students and over 9.5 million teachers across 6,500 school districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PowerSchool hack exposes Indiana students data Those numbers reportedly come from an extortion demand the hacker sent to the company. A spokesperson for PowerSchool would not confirm or deny the figures in an email to NewsNation, but the companys website says it supports more than 60 million students globally. Heres what we know about the PowerSchool data breach and what information was exposed. What happened? PowerSchool said it first became aware of the breach Dec. 28 after customer data from its PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS) was stolen through its PowerSource support portal. PowerSchool SIS is a student information system that schools and districts use to manage grades, track attendance, enrollment and other student records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hackers accessed the portal using compromised credentials and stole the data using an export data manager, BleepingComputer reported. Cyberattacks are costly, and can be deadly: Cyber expert PowerSchool reportedly paid a ransom to prevent the stolen data from being leaked privately and saw a video of the hacker claiming to delete the data. A company spokesperson would not say whether it paid a ransom, but major districts affected by the breach said they were told all the downloaded data had been destroyed. The company revealed the incident to its customers on Jan. 7 and said districts and schools that do not utilize PowerSchool SIS were not affected. What information was exposed? The stolen data primarily contains contact info like names, addresses and dates of birth. However, it could also include more sensitive info like Social Security numbers and limited medical alert information, according to PowerSchool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A company spokesperson told NewsNation that most individuals, more than three-quarters, did not have Social Security numbers exposed in the breach. The type of data exposed varies by district due to different state and district policies, but there is no evidence that credit card or banking information was involved, PowerSchool said. Some districts have revealed which data was stolen. In Lake Forest, Illinois, a pair of districts said in a public notice that the following student information had been accessed: Student name and ID number Parent/guardian contact information Dates of enrollment and withdrawal reasons Bus stop code Physicians name and phone number Limited medical alert information (e.g., allergies) Existence of an IEP or 504, not plan specifics or eligibility information Student school and homeroom Staff also had info like their names, most recent department and school email addresses exposed, the districts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, about 20,000 current and former students and staff records were accessed between the two districts. However, sensitive data like Social Security numbers and insurance information were not compromised. Teachers in other parts of the country werent so lucky. In North Carolina, about 312,000 teachers Social Security numbers were exposed in the breach, according to WRAL News. Whose data was stolen? The company would not say how many districts and schools were involved in the breach when asked by NewsNation. BleepingComputer reported Wednesday that the data breach impacted 62,488,628 students and 9,506,624 teachers across more than 6,500 school districts in the U.S., Canada and other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PowerSchool would not confirm those numbers, but theyre in line with claims on the companys website. PowerSchool says its software is used by over 18,000 customers to support more than 60 million students around the world. According to TechCrunch, the company serves more than 75% of students in North America. In some places, like the Memphis-Shelby School District in Tennessee, a PowerSchool account is required to enroll, according to FOX13 Memphis. We dont get a choice, one parent said. If that information can be leaked out, thats serious. Now, the school district is among the largest allegedly impacted, with more than 485,000 students and 54,000 teachers information exposed, BleepingComputer reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The San Diego Unified School District, the second largest school district in California, also notified families that its student data had been caught up in the breach. In Texas, the Dallas Independent School District published a notice earlier this month saying it was affected by the incident. Other major districts that were impacted include Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) in North Carolina. WCPSS said the potentially impacted data includes some staffs Social Security Numbers as well as their street addresses and other personal info. The school system said no students Social Security numbers were accessed, but their names, birthdays and mailing addresses may have been. Whats being done about it? The company doesnt believe there is an ongoing risk and said theres no evidence of malware or continued unauthorized activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PowerSchool said its still working to complete its investigation and is setting up a system to provide resources to those who may have been impacted. Parents and guardians whose students data was exposed will receive a notification email from PowerSchool over the next few weeks, the company said. PowerSchool says it will also offer 2 years of free identity protection and credit monitoring services for all impacted students and educators. We are committed to learning from this incident, becoming stronger and more resilient as a company for having experienced it and most importantly we are committed to serving our customers and our shared communities, a company spokesperson said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can monitor updates and learn more about the incident at the public website set up by PowerSchool. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom) Pennsylvanias congressional delegation is hoping that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be able to help bring Pennsylvania teacher Marc Fogel home from a Russian prison. They have sent an open letter to Rubio, who was sworn in Wednesday, urging him to use State Department resources to get Fogel out of prison and back to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fogel, who is from Oakmont, Allegheny County, was detained at a Moscow airport in August 2021 after being found with marijuana in his luggage. He was legally allowed to use the product in Pennsylvania through the states medical program. He had been living in Russia since 2012, where he taught at an Anglo-American school. Fogel was not part of a Russian prisoner swap brokered by the Biden administration in August 2024, to his familys disappointment. Then, Fogels family in the United States said, we are completely heartbroken and outraged that Marc has been left behind while the U.S. government brought other Americans home. The letter to Rubio is the latest effort by Pennsylvania lawmakers to keep attention on Fogels status, and push for his release. Pennsylvania lawmakers had sent a similar letter last August when word got out that the Biden administration was brokering a prisoner swap. Though that effort was unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A renewed commitment to Marc is needed now more than ever, the letter states. To that end, we request you do everything in your power to bring Marc home immediately The letter alo laid out specific steps that they hope Rubio and the Department of State will take. Those include resubmitting monthly requests for U.S. embassy staff to visit Marc, arranging frequent medical check-ups, regularly engaging with the Fogel family and providing briefings to Congress on Fogel status. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The letter was signed by both Pennsylvania senators, Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Dave McCormick, and 11 of the states 17 representatives, including members of both parties. Rubio was sworn in as Secretary of State on Wednesday after a relatively uneventful confirmation process. His confirmation vote was unanimous. Political leaders have renewed a push to get a local teacher out of a Russian prison. A group of Pennsylvania lawmakers are urging Secretary of State Marc Rubio to bring Marc Fogel home. Fogel, an Oakmont teacher, was detained nearly four years ago for having about half an ounce of medical marijuana in his luggage. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Family still pleading for help on 3-year mark since Oakmont teacher detained in Russia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pennsylvania delegation of lawmakers sent Rubio a letter urging him to use all tools at his disposal to make a deal happen. His family has called on leaders from both sides of the aisle to help get him back home. As I told Marcs Mom, Mafa, when we spoke in August, we must do everything possible to get Marc home, Senator Dave McCormick said. Im proud to stand with my Pennsylvania colleagues in solidarity of Marc and his family, with the strongest desire to secure his release. The Russian government has used Marc as a political pawn for too long, and we look forward to working with President Trump and Secretary Rubio to finally bring Marc home. McCormicks fellow congressman Senator John Fetterman encourages similar action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marc Fogel is a good man who made a mistake, and now hes facing an inhumane sentence in a notoriously brutal Russian prison. Over the past two years, Ive fought relentlessly to bring Marc home and Im not stopping until we get it done, said Senator Fetterman. This letter is proof that Pennsylvanians, regardless of party, are united in bringing Marc home. Im proud to stand with my new colleague, Senator McCormick, in calling on Secretary Rubio to take bold, decisive action to make that happen. The lawmakers hope Rubio will: Resubmit a request every month for representatives from U.S. Embassy Moscow to visit Marc and use your influence to ensure Russian officials approve those requests. Arrange frequent medical visits to externally evaluate Marcs physical and mental condition and to provide the prisons medical staff with any specialized medications Marc may require. Offer regular engagement to the Fogel family between the Deputy Secretary of State, or another relevant senior official with visibility into Marcs case. Provide regular briefings to interested congressional offices on Marcs case. Rubio vowed to prioritize Fogels release during his confirmation hearing. The full list of lawmakers involved in the push was: David McCormick, John Fetterman, Ryan Mackenzie, Chris Deluzio, Dan Meuser, Chrissy Houlahan, Glenn Thomspon, Brendan F. Boyle, Guy Reschenthaler, Madeleine Dean, Bryan Fitzpatrick, Mike Kelly and Rob Bresnahan Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW (WJET/WFXP) A Pennsylvania man is facing more criminal charges after he allegedly turned his cars lights off to evade police during a chase in McKean County. Troopers from PSP Lewis Run were in the first block of Chautauqua Place of Bradford, PA when they tried to pull the driver of a sedan over for an alleged traffic violation. Three cars stolen from Peach Street dealership: PSP Instead of stopping, police said the driver, identified as 20-year-old Angelo Powell of Bradford, took off while turning off all the lights on their car leading to a chase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police were eventually able to catch up to and stop Powell, later determining he was driving under the influence, did not have a valid drivers license and had warrants out for his arrest in Virginia. Erie man sentenced over six years in prison for trafficking meth Powell has been charged with felony fleeing and illuding, flight to avoid apprehension, and resisting arrest along with driving under the influence and 20 counts of summary violations. Hes being held in the McKean County Jail on $50,000 bail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. (WBRE/WYOU) Governor Josh Shapiro announced Pennsylvania is sending 40 firefighters to California to help battle the wildfires near Los Angeles. The two crews, comprising 40 men, are highly trained wildland firefighters and are a response to a request for assistance from the state of California. Parker Street Bridge reopened in Scranton The effort to send the firefighters was coordinated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there, the crews will work on: Installing water lines and sprinkler systems to protect fire lines and buildings. Improving defensible space around homes in the path of wildfires. Reinforcing critical fire containment strategies to prevent further spreading. The crews departed on January 24 and are expected to arrive in California on Monday, January 27. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. NEW YORK (NewsNation) Two shootings in New York City ended a five-day streak without a gunshot victim, according to multiple reports. The NYPD said the overnight shootings ended the streak, a period not seen in 30 years. A look at executive orders President Trump has signed For the first time in 30 years, there have been 0 shooting victims in New York City for a 5-day period, the NYPD said Thursday on social media. This is the longest weve gone without a shooting victim since the beginning of the CompStat era and is a result of the brave work that the members of the NYPD do every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But just minutes after making the announcement on social media, a 34-year-old man was shot in the legs in Brooklyn, according to ABC7 New York. Shortly after, a 17-year-old was shot once in the leg in a separate incident outside of a laundromat in the Bronx shortly after 1 a.m. The New York Post reports that the NYPD had recorded 45 shooting victims so far this year as of Sunday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A new law in Pakistan aimed at regulating social media content has angered journalism groups and rights activists, which say it is aimed at curbing press freedom and called on Friday for nationwide protests next week. Parliament introduced and passed the amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act on Thursday. The new regulations will set up a social media regulatory authority that will have its own investigation agency and tribunals, according to a draft on the parliament's website. Such tribunals will be able to try and punish offenders with prison sentences of up to three years and fines of two million rupees ($7,200) for dissemination of "false or fake" information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told parliament on Thursday the law was introduced to block fake and false news on social media, which he said had no specific regulations to govern it. The president of Pakistan's Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Afzal Butt, said the government had not consulted any journalistic bodies before introducing the law, adding he believed it was intended to gag freedom of speech and intimidate journalists and their media outlets. "We reject this unilateral decision by the government to set up any such tribunals," Butt told Reuters. "We also are in favour of regulations, but, you know, a law enforcement agency or a police officer can't decide what is false or fake news." The PFUJ said in a statement it would start countrywide rallies against the new law next week and that if the law was not withdrawn, it would stage a sit-in protest outside parliament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Digital rights activists also criticised the new law. Reporters Without Borders, an organisation that promotes and defends press freedom, ranked Pakistan low on its 2024 world Press Freedom Index, at number 152. The group also says Pakistan is one of the most dangerous places for journalists to work. ($1 = 278.6000 Pakistani rupees) (Reporting by Asif Shahzad; Editing by Frances Kerry) WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Everyone will finally be able to experience D.C.s pandamonium on Friday as the public will get their first glimpse of the National Zoos newest, and furriest friends. Since Bao Li and Qing Bao arrived in the U.S. last October, after nearly a year without the beloved bears in the nations capital, the pair have been adapting to their new habitats. Ahead of Fridays first full public viewing (Zoo members were offered an earlier first sight of the pandas), Karla Hernandez of Maryland expressed excitement, recalling seeing pandas at the Zoo as a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was very happy to see them, Hernandez said Thursday outside the Zoo in Woodley Park. I remember coming here as a little girl, and the pandas were here, right? It was so full! And its going to be full again. Lunar New Year events around DC, Maryland, Virginia celebrating the Year of the Snake Hernandezs prediction is likely as panda propaganda has enveloped the District since the pandas arrival at Dulles airport last fallarriving on a flight dubbed the Panda Express. The diplomatic achievement between the U.S. and China was touted by Former First Lady Jill Biden, who advocated for the pandas return to D.C. and even dressed up as a panda for Halloween as a welcome gesture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) launched a public panda campaign of their own with commemorative Metro cards, for some riders to purchase around the public unveiling of the pandas. Nearby Woodley Park and Cleveland Park Metro stations along the Red Line will save attendees money, as parking costs $30 per vehicle while spaces last, according to the Zoo. While admission is free, entry passes are required for guests which can be found on the zoos website. Outside the Zoo Thursday Olivia Pohlmann said she, too, is excited for Americans to see pandas in D.C. A lot of Americans arent able to see that and travel to go see the pandas, so I think its a great experience that Americans get to see and learn about China from the pandas, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pohlmann said she got a slight glimpse of zoo staff making last-minute preparations before the pomp and pandasctance Friday. It looked like the staff were working very hardy to get everything ready. They had a lot of other things closed off to make sure everything was upt-o-date and ready for the big crowds tomorrow, she said. Downtown DC businesses celebrate federal return to office policy The famed panda cam will also return set to run live cameras from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with replays of the days activities running overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Zoo published a slew of events celebrating the return of the pandas, which include celebrations this weekend through Feb. 9, which happens to coincide with Chinese New Year Jan. 29. More information about the Panda exhibit and events 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. The National Zoo announced pandas have returned to Washington and made their public debut Friday. The wait is OVER: the giant pandas have officially made their public debut at the Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C., the National Zoo wrote Friday on the social platform X, outlining how visitors may get free entry passes. The two pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, made headlines after tumbling in the snow earlier this month following their arrival from China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Zoo previously showcased three giant pandas, which left Washington upon the expiration of a previous agreement in 2023. Patrons have been awaiting the pandas return, which has been a core part of the zoos attraction for decades following an exchange agreement brokered by former President Nixon with China in 1972. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Just days after learning the rehab center may shut down, current and former patients of Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children spoke against the states proposal. Wednesday, Gov. Maura Healey outlined Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2026 state budget. Coverage for the center was not included. The transition out could begin as soon as this Fall. Pappas Rehab Hospital for Children in Canton offers services for ages 7-22 who suffer from severe disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ann MacDonald spent four years on its campus and is now leading a life of her own. Pappas is not just a hospital, she told Boston 25 Thursday. Pappas is home. MacDonald suffers from cerebral palsy. She was born in China but said her parents didnt want her after the diagnosis. She lived with her grandparents until moving to Massachusetts with her aunt and uncle at the age of 17. She underwent double hip surgeries at Childrens Hospital after her condition grew worse. Eventually, she was directed to Pappas Rehab Hospital. The center allowed her to make friends, go to class, participate in sports, and grow close with nurses and staff on campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cant choose your own family, but you can create your own family, she said. Without Pappas, she added, I would never learn how to make friends, to experience new things, to see how big the world is. The state plans on relocating the program to the Western New England Hospital in Westfield. They cited worsening infrastructure and reallocation of services for the potential move. Miguel Rivera, a patient of the hospital, told Boston 25 over the phone that hes unsure what his future now looks like. He explained, I just feel like if I go to a different facility, there might not be a chance for me to be able to walk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rivera, a Worcester teenager, is paralyzed from the waist down after being shot in the neck. He said hes almost able to get back on his feet. I never thought this could happen like be a normal person, like a normal human being using the bathroom on my own, said Rivera. I thought that would never happen. I thought my mom and dad would have to take care of me for the rest of my life. Gov. Healey Wednesday said she understands the tremendous impact this may have on patients, their families, and employees. The proposed budget has yet to be approved. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport is marking its 75th anniversary with a celebratory parade on Saturday at 10 a.m. Themed 75 Years of Pride, the parade will feature local organizations, businesses, clubs, and bands. Following the parade, a car show will take place at 12:30 p.m., showcasing cars, food, and live music. Built for the Black community during segregation, the school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its legacy includes teachers who empowered students and opened doors despite societal challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event invites the community to celebrate the schools history and continue supporting its students. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ross Ulbricht, the recently pardoned mastermind behind the Silk Road online black market, posted a video Thursday praising Donald Trump and thanking him for his release. Let it be known that Donald Trump is a man of his word, he said, putting his hand to his heart. Thank you so much, President Trump, for giving me this amazing blessing. I am so, so grateful to have my life back and my future back, to have this second chance. On the campaign trail, Trump had promised to pardon Ulbricht, now 40, who was arrested in 2013 for creating and running an anonymous black market on the dark web that generated hundreds of millions of dollars in sales of illegal goods and services, including drugs like heroin and cocaine. He was sentenced to life in prison for drug trafficking, computer hacking, and money laundering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libertarians and crypto fans had long called for Ulbrichts release, and on Tuesday, Trump announced that he was issuing him a full and unconditional pardon in honor of the libertarians who had voted for him. President Donald Trump has spent the week signing executive orders, including a pardon for Ross Ulbricht. / JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images The same day, he threatened to impose a 10 percent tariff on goods imported from Chinese, claiming theyre sending fentanyl to Mexico and Canada which then made its way into the U.S. Ulbrichts supporters have long argued he wasnt personally selling the drugs and was therefore a political prisoner. The court took the view that earning $13 million worth of Bitcoin in commissions on the sales was close enough. It feels amazing to be free, to say the least, Ulbricht said in his video, adding that its also overwhelming and that he plans to take time to be with his family so they can reunite and be whole again and heal. He also called his pardon an important moment for anyone who loves freedom and who cares about second chances. SALINA, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) It was a trusted place for families in the town of Salina, but now, The Kids Dentist, located on Route 57, has left parents scrambling and wondering about an abrupt and unexplained closure. For three years now, Nicole Heagle has brought her daughter to the practice twice yearly for cleanings. She says it was a place where her daughter felt safe and comfortable. The dentist was amazing. He was always very cheery and just always made the kids feel really comfortable. She was never nervous going in there, which I really loved, Heagle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But earlier this week, Heagle received a text message and an email from the practice saying the office was temporarily closed. No reason was provided, and the notification left her and other parents confused and questioning what happened. First you send an email that youre closed but then a text saying youre going to call to reschedule, so I dont know, its just weird, said Heagle in response to the messages from the dentist practice. Those who show up to their appointment will be met with locked doors. Parents told us they havent seen the dentist, Dr. Chris, in the past few visits, not sure why they closed and when the practice will reopen. At first, Heagle wasnt overly concerned, but she was a little annoyed since now theyre hassling to find a new dentist before her daughters tooth starts growing in. But after seeing the notification, she opened her Facebook, and in the first post that came up from a social media group, she saw other parents expressing their concerns about The Kids Dentist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Someone had pulled in to go to their appointment and the staff was coming out saying that the appointments were canceled today and an emergency happened with the doctor, Heagle shared. One of the comments was from a former employee, who posted a long negative comment ending with trust your intuition, which finalized Heagles decision of completely switching her dentist even if the practice reopens. So that just kind of says to me she had to get out, Heagle said. If you or your child has been impacted by this closure, experts recommend contacting the New York State Dental Association Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 518-465-0044 for help with records or finding a new provider. 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 WSYR. Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Winter Park is targeting a refresh of Park Avenues sidewalks, signage, lighting and more. The city showed off an initial look Jan. 23 with Alex Stringfellow of Stringfellow Planning & Design at a conceptual vision for the citys key corridor in its central business district. The work would stretch along Park Avenue from Fairbanks to Wipple avenues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read: Frigid temps to come after cold fronts push through Central Florida Winter Park spokeswoman Clarissa Howard during the meeting said the work will allow the city to polish its crown jewel. It is not a renovation, but it has been almost 30 years since the last renovation, which was from 1996 to 1999. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A section of Orange Countys famed International Drive could soon honor the late hotel mogul and philanthropist Harris Rosen. Two Central Florida state lawmakers have introduced a bill to designate the stretch of the tourist corridor between State Road 528 and Sand Lake Road as Harris Rosen Way. This portion of I-Drive includes several Rosen hotels. Rosen, the founder of Floridas largest independent hotel chain and one of Orlandos most prominent charitable donors, died Nov. 25 at the age of 85. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Rosen was a remarkable role model for the Central Florida community, state Sen. Kristen Arrington, D-Kissimmee, one of the bills sponsors, said in a statement. Through his dedication and unwavering work ethic, he embodied the pursuit of the American Dream, inspiring others along the way. The tribute is a way to carry on his remarkable legacy, said state Rep. Rita Harris, D-Orlando, who sponsored the bill in the Florida House. Legislative designations are for honorary purposes and do not require local governments and private entities to change street signs or mailing addresses, according to state law. The Florida Department of Transportation would erect markers, attaching Rosens name to I-Drive. Rosen launched his hospitality empire in 1974 with the purchase of a 256-room Quality Inn on I-Drive. Over the years, Rosen Hotels & Resorts expanded to include seven properties with more than 6,300 rooms, employing over 4,000 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond his business achievements, Rosen is remembered for his philanthropic endeavors, such as funding free preschool education and offering college and vocational scholarships to children in the Tangelo Park and Parramore neighborhoods. The designation would be a tremendous honor and an extraordinarily fitting testament to how he lived: with determination, heart, and always his way, Rosens daughter, Shayna Potier, said in a statement. Harris Rosen Way will serve as a powerful reminder of his legacy and lifelong credo to do the right thing, further etching his indelible mark into his beloved local community, she said. Rosen Hotels & Resorts is now under the leadership of CEO Frank Santos, a longtime Rosen associate who ruled out a sale of the company and vowed to carry on its founders vision. The bill will be considered during the Florida Legislatures regular 60-day session, which begins in March. Moments after the morning bell rang Thursday, the kindergartners at Pasadena's Willard Elementary School back in class for the first time since the Eaton fire roared through the area were fully engaged in what 5-year-olds do best: play. Four children were putting on a dinner party, complete with plastic food and dolls. "Ice cream and tomato yucky!" one girl told a classmate. "If you eat it, you're gonna get doo-doo." Pasadena Unified school officials relished this small, lighthearted moment, a respite from more than two weeks of tragedy and a massive cleanup effort to prepare campuses for reopening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all, 10 district schools and programs welcomed back more than 3,400 students on Thursday as part of an initial phase of openings. They included Hamilton Elementary School, Blair Middle School and Rose City High School, among others. Read more: Eaton fire upends the education of thousands of students whose schooling is jolted again "It feels so good to see a beautiful school building" open, said Pasadena Unified Board of Education President Jennifer Hall Lee. "Rebuilding and rebirth is essential. For all people at PUSD and beyond." The district, which closed its 24 campuses on Jan. 8 the day after the fire began can bring back children only after testing confirms they are safe under state Office of Emergency Services standards. A meticulous cleanup one deploying 1,500 workers has been ongoing for the last two weeks, and so far has removed more than 100 tons of debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If someone would have told me that I was going to rebuild a school district in 14 days, I would have told them it was impossible," said Supt. Elizabeth Blanco. "But ... we have the right team of people ... that love this district." Five district-owned school properties were severely damaged or destroyed in the conflagration, including historic Eliot Arts Magnet. Three charter schools housed in school district sites were among those lost. A second phase of school reopenings would bring an additional 5,400 students back to classrooms; a third phase would add 5,000 more. The district aims to return all students to in-person learning by the end of January. Read more: Pasadena Unified School District announces phased reopening for schools Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As children streamed into Willard ahead of the 7:50 a.m. start of classes, parents milled around the entrance, which is framed by two rows of palm trees. One dad, Arthur Sierra, said he was nervous about sending his 5-year-old daughter, Alina, to kindergarten, but was reassured to know that the district had undertaken an extensive cleaning program. Alina, he said, has asthma. "We were worried, just because of what's going on the media explaining the negative possibilities that might happen in terms of what we are breathing in," Sierra said. "[District personnel] are doing all their due diligence, but there still is that possibility." Nonetheless, Sierra said his daughter was excited to come back to school and he was a bit relieved, too. "It's kind of hard for parents to provide that same level of stimulation that they are getting at school for eight hours," he said. As Sierra spoke, a crew of workers in neon yellow vests cleared brush nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are just hoping for the best," he said. "You know, day by day." 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 Pasco County property manager was arrested Wednesday after investigators determined he stole more than $1 million in escrow funds from dozens of clients, police said. Michael Jason Bundy, owner of Sunista Realty in New Port Richey, faces one count each of grand theft and scheme to defraud. At the time of his arrest, investigators had confirmed that Bundy, 63, stole more than $300,000 from more than two dozen clients, but that number is expected to surpass $1.5 million, and more charges could be added, the New Port Richey Police Department said in a news release Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation began when the owner of two Pasco County property management companies contacted police to report that escrow accounts had been depleted by $72,637, according to an arrest affidavit. The owner noticed the missing funds after receiving an email from Sunista saying the company was closing due to the owners personal health issues, the affidavit states. The owner of the management companies contacted a Sunista staffer, who didnt have any information. After police received that first complaint, dozens more clients reported the same type of issues, according to the affidavit. Police obtained a company document showing it had 236 clients; 26 clients told police that they had not received any rental payments from Sunista since Sept. 1. It has since been revealed that the operational escrow accounts had been depleted, and a former office manager for Sunista confirmed that Bundy had depleted all of the business accounts and closed the business, the affidavit states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A detective also subpoenaed Sunista bank records that showed the accounts were empty. The victims produced emails from Bundy claiming that the money would be returned, but that hadnt happened by the time he was arrested, according to the affidavit. The affidavit put the confirmed amount of missing money at more than $360,000, but that number was expected to grow significantly as new victims continue to come forward, according to police. Investigators also learned that Sunista had billed clients for repairs that were never completed. In other cases, repairs were completed but the vendors providing the services were never paid, according to the affidavit. The affidavit shows Bundy was arrested late Wednesday and booked into the Pasco County Jail early Thursday. His custody status was not immediately available Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunistas phone number still connected to an automated directory on Friday. Some voicemail boxes, including Bundys, were full. Messages left by the Tampa Bay Times at other extensions were not immediately returned. A message left at another number listed for Bundy was not immediately returned. On day one of the second Trump administration, the president declared an energy emergency, claiming the U.S. needed to exploit protected lands for drilling and kneecap the renewable energy industry to survive. This fake emergency is not rooted in anything actually urgentor fact. A March 2024 article by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) lays the truth out plainly: In the past six years, the United States produced more crude oil than any other nation at any timenearly 3 million more barrels per day than the second most-productive nation, Russia. We also lead the world in natural gas production. The U.S. has never before declared an energy emergency, even when we faced genuine shortages. In a true energy emergency, the balance sheet would look far different. We would be working out how best to conserve our supplies while focusing on how to boost energy efficiency across the country to decrease demand while simultaneously investing in any method that would keep the country from going dark. We would not use an executive order to halt the advancement of the wind energy sector, which accounts for 10% of the total energy in the country. We wouldnt be removing subsidies from the job-creating industries of battery and solar manufacturing and electric vehicles. We would be calling on companies and citizens alike to be mindful of their consumption to drive down demand while ramping up production through any means necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The truth is we produced a record amount of energy in 2023 (the latest available data) and exceeded our consumption by a margin unseen since records started being kept in 1949. By some interpretations, weve catapulted past energy independence, and by others, were actively working against reaching it by stunting our capacity to produce energy locally and being forced to continue to rely on oil, a global commodity subject to international influences like supply cuts, blockades, and wars. There is a potential for catastrophic environmental harm to both people and fragile ecosystems. With the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, its all but assured that the federal government will not hit its climate goals. As I write this, were witnessing unprecedented destruction from fires in Los Angeles, just an hour from Patagonias campus. Although they may look different depending on where you are geographically, such events, fortified by the climate crisis, impact all of us as communities and businesses. The climate crisis is happening now, and we are facing its effects every day. We can work to find solutions because the emergencythe real oneis already happening, whether an executive order declares it or not. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that global warming must not exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. To get there, we would have to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050. Theyre ambitious targets, but if society, governments, and business commit to doing their respective parts, it's achievable. We saw glimmers of that unity recently in California when citizens, business and politicians from both sides of the aisles joined together and mobilized to defeat a referendum that aimed to overturn a state law prohibiting drilling for new oil and gas wells within 3,200 feet of homes, schools and hospitals. It was a coming together that happens when we agree to address a genuine threat. At the start of the year, solar and wind produced more electricity than coal-fired power plants, and the vast majority of new electrical generation capacity in the country came from renewables. As infrastructure and manufacturing costs continued to come down, renewable energys place in the countrys energy mix was poised to grow. We even saw the energy industry at large responding: In the past two months, fossil fuel companies declined to bid on leases to drill in the Arctic Refugean area again threatened by the presidents emergency declarationdue to the costs involved. Although maybe more symbolic than anything, even Exxons CEO urged Trump to stay in the Paris Climate Agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With all of this in mind, it is clear the emergency here is not our supply of energy. Our planet is warming at an alarming rate, and the deadly and costly consequences of this are being felt from the small towns in North Carolina to the biggest cities in California. By focusing on the real emergency, and working together across communities, industries, and party lines, we can silence the fire alarm here on Earth, because despite what you might have heard, not all of us want to move to Mars. The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune. Read more: This story was originally featured on Fortune.com New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers was found not guilty on three domestic violence charges Friday after a brief two-day trial. Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers testifies that he didnt choke or shove his accuser Jurors deliberated for around an hour before turning in non-guilty verdicts for assault and battery with dangerous weapon, assault and batter and strangulation charges Friday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I usually say my client was found not guilty, but in this case, I will say he was found innocent, given the state of the evidence, given how quickly the jury returned their verdict, says Marc Brofsky, criminal defense attorney for Peppers. According to Peppers, I trusted the process. You know, Marc did a phenomenal job at pointing out all of the inconsistencies in the story. Keeping the trial about the facts. He adds that this case hurt his reputation and although the outcome was in his favor, the truth is never as loud as the accusation, he explains. Although Peppers accuser didnt want to speak on camera after the trial concluded, she told reporters that she explained her side of the story, and she knows her truth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges stem from an incident in the Patriot safetys home this past October. A woman testified Thursday that Peppers grabbed her by the neck, slammed her against the wall and pushed her down the stairs after another man called her cellphone several times while they were in bed. Peppers took the stand on both days of the trial. Prosecutors showed several videos of the incident, in which Peppers can be seen asking the naked woman to repeatedly leave his house in Braintree, Massachusetts. The woman said Peppers was filming her and taunting her, as she tried to get her belongings and depart after the alleged assault. In the early morning after the alleged assault, Peppers answered the door shirtless, nodding his head and telling police, I know what is going on, according to court documents. He was arrested without incident. Police said they found a clear plastic bag at the home containing a white powder, which later tested positive for cocaine. New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers looks over photographic evidence as he testifies in his assault and battery trial trial under cross examination from his attorney Marc Brofsky, left, Friday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Quincy, Mass. (David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) During cross-examination on Thursday, Marc Brofsky, the attorney for Peppers, challenged the womans account and the extent of her injuries. He also noted the $9.5 million civil lawsuit the woman has filed against Peppers, alleging she was looking for money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Peppers admitted to cocaine possession ahead of the domestic violence trial. The jury heard the evidence and rendered its verdict. We respect the jurys decision and thank them for their service to the Commonwealth, the Norfolk County District Attorneys office said in a statement. Peppers missed seven games since being placed on the commissioners exempt list on Oct. 9 following the incident. The Patriots signed Peppers to an extension over the summer. Peppers was originally drafted by Cleveland in 2017 and spent two seasons with the Cleveland Browns before playing for the New York Giants for three seasons. His current contract with the Patriots runs through 2027. 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 (PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo.) Pueblo County Sheriff David J. Lucero has released a statement on immigration enforcement changes looming in the future, saying his office will cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when crimes are involved but will not participate in any roundups. The Pueblo County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) posted the statement on its X account (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Jan. 23, stating in part, The Pueblo County Sheriffs Office will cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to support them in instances when there are criminal charges or criminal nexus involved and for backup when officer safety concerns arise. PCSO clarified that it will not support or participate in any roundup operations by ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there is something criminal related and we know the offender is in our county, absolutely we will support them, said Sheriff Lucero. We will not support any round-up operations. My role isnt to enforce immigration laws, I am not the federal sheriff. My role is to enforce Colorado law and to ensure the safety of the citizens of Pueblo County. Lucero further stated that the sheriffs office does not have the resources to participate in such roundups. Deputies will continue to seek out and arrest those who are wanted for committing a crime or who are a threat to the community, but deputies will not be out looking to arrest people based on their immigration status alone. What we will do is we will continue to comply with state law concerning immigration and cooperation with federal officials, Lucero said. Lucero added that there is no record of any child in Pueblo County School District 70 who has committed a crime that would be sought by ICE, nor does the sheriffs office have any kind of database of people who are undocumented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX21 News reached out to Pueblo School District 60 for comment, and was sent the following statement: Keeping Pueblo School District 60 students safe in our schools and classrooms remains our priority. The US Supreme Courts 1982 Plyler v. Doe decision affirmed that schools cannot deny enrollment to students on the basis of their immigration status, ensuring that all students have access to a free public education. Additionally, federal and state laws prohibit discrimination and harassment of students on the basis of protected classes. In D60, we are committed to providing all of our students with a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment, free of harassment and discrimination, and without regard to immigration status. Pueblo School District 60 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. The man who shot and injured three people inside an Atlanta food court last summer will spend the next decade behind bars. Jeremy Malone pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder, four counts of aggravated assault and other charges. Channel 2s Michael Seiden was the only TV reporter inside the courtroom on Friday as Malone entered into a non-negotiated plea agreement. With that kind of plea, a defendant enters a guilty plea to the charges, but its up to the judge to decide the punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fulton County Superior Court Judge Belinda Edwards sentenced Malone to 10 years in prison and 10 years on probation. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Investigators say Malone walked into the food court inside Peachtree Center in June and sucker punched a stranger, then shot the man and two other people. An Atlanta police officer intervened and shot Malone. Before the judge announced the sentence, Malone heard from two of the injured victims. They both described the terror and fear they felt and how their lives changed forever. Malones attorney discussed in court how his client has struggled with mental health issues and requires medication. RELATED STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] As India wills its $9.1 billion mega-seaport off the ground, the operator of one of the countrys other state-owned ports has teamed up with South Korean ocean carrier HMM to develop the project. HMM and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) unveiled their cooperation to help support the construction of Vadhvan Port, a nine-terminal port that is projected to handle 23.2 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year by 2040. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project is being developed in two phases, with Phase 1 slated for completion by 2029 and Phase 2 by 2039. By the time the port is completed, it is expected to be the largest container handling hub in India, and one of the 10 biggest in the world. The ports natural depth is expected to be 65.5 feet, which expands on the 50-foot depth at Jawaharlal Nehru Port. This allows the gateway to accommodate ultra-large container ships, including HMMs 12-vessel fleet of 24,000-TEU vessels. The port is intended to strengthen Indias trade connection with Central Asia, Europe and Russiaall with the goal to improve Indias standing in global maritime trade. For HMM, it gives the container shipping giant more access to an accelerating market that is expected to continue growing its apparel exports and textile sourcing capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indias fast-growing market has drawn global attention, and HMM is expanding its services in the region, including INX (India-North Europe Express), which will be starting in February this year, FIM (Far East-India Mediterranean) and IAX (India-America Express) routes, said HMM, in a statement. The Korean container shipping giant plans to strengthen its Indian services and enhance its port business competitiveness via the agreement. We will continue investing in terminals to grow our integrated logistics business, a key part of our mid-to-long-term strategy, an HMM spokesperson said. HMM isnt the only ocean carrier with ties to the port development project. The agreement builds on JNPAs December agreement with MSCs container terminal operator Terminal Investment Limited Sarl (TIL), which committed $2.3 billion to the port and its surrounding ecosystem. Other global terminal operators, including DP World, Singapores PSA, Maersk-owned APM Terminals and CMA CGM, have also expressed interest in the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vadhvan port project is being developed as a public-private partnership, with state funding covering $5 billion for core infrastructure and private sector investment for additional facilities. In late August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone at Vadhvan Port, which is expected to reduce congestion at Jawaharlal Nehru Port, where terminal utilization surpassed 90 percent capacity in 2024. Vadhvan is located in Dahanu, a coastal town that is roughly 70 miles north of Mumbai, where Jawaharlal Nehru Port is located. The ports container terminals will each be roughly 3,300 meters long. It will include four multi-functional berths, four bulk carrier berths, a roll-on/roll-off berth, as well as room for small pilot boats and tugboats. In total, Vadvhan is expected to span 3,578 acres of sea and include construction of 6.3 miles of offshore breakwater and cargo storage facilities, with connections to major highways and a freight railway corridor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vadhvan Port project is one of multiple massive construction plans taking place throughout India, including an expansion at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port itself. The second phase of the ports Bharat Mumbai container terminal was commissioned this month, which would add another 2.4 million TEUs to JNPAs total capacity. The authority also will be doing upgrades at Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal in 2025, which is also likely to add capacity to the port. Jawaharlal Nehru Port handled its highest ever container volume of 7.05 million TEUs in 2024, but the port wants to expand to become Indias first to handle 10 million TEUs by 2027. With growing infrastructure, including creating capacity to handle larger vessels, JNPA is poised to play a crucial role as a key gateway for Indias global trade, said Sarbananda Sonowal, Indias minister of ports, shipping and waterways, in a statement. As Indias trade volume increases, from sectors as diverse as manufacturing to textiles, from electronics to agriculture, our ports are investing in capacity building as well as creating efficient solutions to support growing container traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The privately owned Mundra Port, which is currently the largest container handling hub in India, got regulatory approval last June to double the ports capacity. The ports operator, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), is fueling the project with $5.2 billion to expand the ports capacity by 289 million metric tons to 514 million metric tons. Mundra currently has capacity to handle 225 million metric tons of cargo annually, including 9.5 million TEUs. Mundra Port handled 7.4 million TEUs in its 2024 fiscal year and has seen 4.2 million TEUs of throughput in the 2025 first half thus far. According to APSEZ, the H1 handling number is 19 percent higher than its closest competitor in India. Authorities have confirmed that the bear responsible for attacking a Pennsylvania man had rabies. A resident of the town of Jim Thorpe was aggressively approached by a black adult male bear on Sunday, Jan. 19, the Pennsylvania Game Commission said in a news release. The animal then proceeded to bite and scratch him, exhibiting abnormal behaviors for a black bear." According to officials, a nearby homeowner who saw what was happening proceeded to shoot and kill the bear, which was later removed from the scene for testing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an update on Thursday, January 23, officials said that "the results of the tests showed the bear was positive for rabies." Related: Mom Says She Felt Like 'Rag Doll' During Bear Attack Before Barking Dog, and a Hair Clip, Saved Her The Pennsylvania Game Commission said that the victim identified by local CBS affiliate WYOU as Andrew Neirer is expected to have a full recovery and has received appropriate medical treatment for his injuries. 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 an interview with WYOU, Neirer said that he was walking to the store when the attack occurred, and that he did try to walk away. Still, despite what happened, he added that he sympathizes with the bear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre hungry. Theyre starving. Theyre supposed to be in hibernation. This weather is weird lately. Hot, cold, warm, cold. Im not drained from it," he said, adding, "It couldve been a lot worse." Related: Dad Calls His Son, 12, a 'Hero' After Boy Saves Him from Bear Attack: 'He Really Held It Together' In their statement, the Pennsylvania Game Commission reiterated that "rabies in bares is rare," and that cases that do pop up are usually isolated incidents. "Rabies poses a risk to all mammals," they wrote, noting that "male bear[s] typically den alone" which reduces "the risk of other bears being exposed to rabies." The organization went on to note that anyone who observes wildlife acting abnormally should report it by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD. Read the original article on People (WHTM) Thursdays hometown hero is a real life-saver. This week the Borough of Steelton honored officer Tyrai Anderson for his heroic efforts. Anderson went beyond the call of duty and administered aid to an 8-month-old infant that was choking. Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here The borough presented Anderson with a life-saving citation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) Record snowfall closed the Pensacola International Airport, causing headaches for travelers. My flight got canceled at the last minute Tuesday, Daniel Gage, a Pensacola resident, said. They rebooked me in for the Wednesday, got to 7 oclock in the morning; they canceled me again. [I] spent nine hours on the phone trying to get my flight resorted out. Escambia County home saved due to deputys fast response: ECFR Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was supposed to fly out yesterday morning; that flight got cancelled, Alyssa Gossen, who is visiting from Kansas City, said. That was from Panama City Beach rebooked for Destin. That was for yesterday afternoon; that got cancelled, and the only open airport was this one for 4 p.m. today. After closing Tuesday morning ahead of the winter weather and remaining closed Wednesday because of snow covered runways, the airport was back open Thursday with travelers hoping to finally make it to their destination. A lot of rebooking, a lot of cancellations every day, got skipped over today, Beth Aiken, who is visiting from Vermont, said. Im now on standby to try and make it out today. I may not make it still. Despite the frustrations, many were glad they got to experience the big freeze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement THE BIG THAW: Winter weather impacts (road closures, warnings, advisories) So cool, I got to walk with snow on the beach, Gossen said. I got to throw a snowball into the ocean. That doesnt happen every day, so Im not mad about it. We had like 8 inches of snow on our yard, so yeah crazy, never expected it to snow in Florida, Gage said. Officials are encouraging travelers to contact their airline directly for the most up-to-date information regarding their flight status. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As the Eaton Fire ravaged part of Los Angeles, Galen Buckwalter said he had no choice but to ride his wheelchair through the dark roads of his Sierra Madre neighborhood -- after the city was left without power. The streets were sprinkled with branches and debris, the wind howling and thick clouds of smoke approaching behind him, he said, but he tried to remain calm and focused with just one goal in mind: make it out of the evacuation zone. Buckwalter, who's 68 and quadriplegic, relies on his powerchair to move around and be independent. He has a customized van, outfitted to load and fit his wheelchair, but on the day he needed to evacuate the van was getting repaired at a shop nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Eaton Fire that began on Jan. 7, north of Pasadena, destroyed or damaged more than 10,000 structures and burned through 14,000 acres. Combined with the Palisades Fire that broke out simultaneously, 28 lives were lost, including several who had disabilities or mobility issues. PHOTO: Quadriplegic Galen Buckwalter, 68, is pictured with his wife Deborah Buckwalter, 72, in Sierra Madre, Calif. (Deborah and Galen Buckwalter) MORE: LA wildfire victims: What we know about those killed "It was gutting to read that," Buckwalter told ABC News. "I can't imagine what their final moments were like, and to personalize that -- what would it have been like if, say, my powerchair failed? Or if I wasn't able to evacuate at all?" More likely to be left behind PHOTO: Police officers remove an elderly resident from her home during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., Jan. 8, 2025. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images) According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the death rate among people with disabilities during disasters tends to be two to four times higher than among the general population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People with disabilities are more likely to be left behind in emergency responses, the group said. For Buckwalter, the Eaton Fire brought to light the vast differences between disabled and non-disabled individuals face during a disaster. "When anyone is disaster-planning, you focus on things like your support network, what your evacuation plan is, food, clothing or shoes," said TJ Hill, executive director of the Disability Community Resource Center in Los Angeles. "But people with disabilities have additional things to be considered, such as their transportation needs and alternatives, or medication-planning." PHOTO: Quadriplegic Galen Buckwalter, 68, is pictured with his wife Deborah Buckwalter, 72, in Sierra Madre, Calif. (Deborah and Galen Buckwalter) Buckwalter's wife and primary caregiver, Deborah Buckwalter, 72, said she had much to consider when packing their "go bag." She needed to make sure her husband had medications and bowel management devices, she said. Most importantly, with the van in the shop, they had to figure out an alternative method of transportation -- to escape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buckwalter's power chair weighs about 400 pounds. he said it's not something his wife or even two strong people can haul into the trunk of a car. He thought about ordering an Uber Wav -- a wheelchair-accessible vehicle -- he said, but no Ubers were allowed in the evacuation zones. Buckwalter is paralyzed from the chest down; if he left his power chair and used a regular wheelchair, he would lose his independence and mobility. At that time, he didn't even know when he would make it back home. "I tell people I am a semi-digital human, my chair is a part of me. As for my van, everyone relies on a vehicle in L.A., and I rely on my vehicle," he said. "Independently evacuating is not possible, that is the nature of disability, that you need assistance." PHOTO: Residents of a senior center are evacuated as the Eaton Fire approaches, Jan. 7, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (Ethan Swope/AP) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disabilities affect people in different ways, Hill, the disability advocate, said. People have to consider the individual ways to accommodate people with disabilities during a natural disaster. "If the person has a communication disability, it's making sure you are connected to all the communication networks in a proper way," said Hill. "In the Camp Fire of 2018, a lot of folks had lost power and did not have access to traditional media. Radios for the deaf and hard of hearing were not as effective as our cellphone networks when they're down." Many of those who died in the Camp Fire of 2018 were also elderly or disabled. "Once you're in a disaster, that is the worst time for any population. But for the disabled population, those needs are really amplified," he said. "Which often leads to really tragic outcomes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Here's how to help wildfire victims as California blazes explode in size Hill said the best thing individuals can do is prepare. "In a disaster, you shouldn't rely on just emergency personnel to evacuate you. Oftentimes, that's not their first priority, evacuation. Oftentimes it's fire mitigation," he said. Such was the case of Anthony and Justin Mitchell, who were killed in the Eaton Fire. Both father and son had disabilities and were in wheelchairs, they passed away waiting for an ambulance to transport them to relatives. Anthony Mitchell's daughter, Hajime White, told ABC News her father called her the morning of the fires, saying he needed to evacuate. He told her he loved her and all of a sudden said, "Baby, I gotta go. The fire is in the yard." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Galen Buckwalter is grateful he managed to escape. He made the one-mile trek alone in his power chair before finding a safe place to order an Uber Wav and being reunited with his wife. "It was really hard to part as I was putting a load in the car, watching [Galen] disappear into the darkness at the top of our driveway. Not even knowing exactly when we were going to be reunited at that point," said Deborah Buckwalter. She said she wishes there was a way to make sure that during an emergency all disabled people were accounted for and are asked about what they need during that emergency. Hill said the Disability Community Resource Center did exactly that: Staffers called about 700 members they service, conducted a wellness check and asked them about their evacuation plans. Hill let them know that even if they were in a warning zone, they should make a plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The longer that folks wait, or if they wait for an evacuation order, it is often too late," he said. He believes these calls made all the difference. The Buckwalters had about 20 minutes before a warning turned into an evacuation order and then another 30 minutes to get out of their home. Deborah Buckwalter is grateful she began packing early -- it gave her husband the chance to escape in his power chair. Even after he made it out of the evacuation zone, it took five hours and three Uber Wavs later to find a place to stay that could accommodate him. "I think there's been so many advances made since the ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] in terms of how much disabled people can be integrated into the community, but the job is not done yet, of making a society where diversity is valued," said Buckwalter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, the state of California released an audit saying that the state was not adequately prepared to protect its most vulnerable residents, specifically those with disabilities, from natural disasters such as wildfires. "This can't be happening," said Deborah. "We just have to do better. We as a community have to do better." Hill said the best thing advocates can do is help people stay informed and prepared while the Buckwalters hope the narrative around people with disabilities change. "It's painfully obvious now, but all these big companies are excluding their DEI programs. A lot of that is taken to mean that we are getting rid of affirmative action, but it's also people with disabilities that are getting re-stigmatized," said Buckwalter, who was also saddened by those who passed away. "These are people. These are individuals with dreams that provide support for their friends, and they're gone -- they're gone in a very traumatic way." People with disabilities at higher risk in California wildfires originally appeared on abcnews.go.com PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) As fears about immigration raids at schools ramp up, Peoria Public Schools vowed its a safe haven for all students regardless of immigration status. This comes after President Trump revoked a longstanding Department of Homeland Security policy prohibiting ICE agents from making arrests at sensitive locations like schools and churches. Something that just really struck me was the fact that a lot of the families are not really sending their children to school, said PPS Superintendent Dr. Sharon Kherat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students from Lincoln School, Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center and Glen Oak Community Learning Center have been noticeably absent the last couple days. Buildings have sprinkles of children not showing up because of the fear. It makes me feel very, very sad, said Kherat. The kids arent criminal. Theyre just little children trying to be educated and its like why do we have to add this additional stress and burden on an already stressful job? It has been very stressful. On Thursday, PPS sent a letter to parents reaffirming the Safe Haven Resolution adopted in 2017. It means they have a legal duty to educate all children regardless of immigration status. Moreover, school employees will refuse access to ICE agents enforcing immigration laws, except under certain unique and specified circumstances. No one will come to the schools and and snatch their kids and take the kids out. Were doing everything that we can to protect our kids, said Kherat. They are protected because we have that legal and moral obligation to provide protect every kid, no matter what their immigration status is. They will be safe and and so I would encourage them to send the children to school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kherat met with principals and other school leaders on Thursday to review the policy so they are all on the same page. They also discussed providing online resources in Spanish for children who continue to stay home. Im an optimist. So Im hopeful that we dodge that bullet and we dont have to encounter any of those enforcements. We are ready and everybody in PPS is aware of the plan and the point of contact and next steps, she said. On Wednesday, the Illinois State Board of Education released guidance for public schools regarding immigration enforcement actions. Similar to PPS policy, it states all children are entitled to education regardless of immigration status. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 83-year-old Jane Long has always been a teacher at heart and nearly 20 years after she retired from teaching kindergarten for 13 years in Lexington, MA, she is still working with kids as a volunteer at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown. Each child brings something different that touches my heart, says Jane. They are here because their parents want the best for them and because we want the best for them Founded in 1829, the mission of the Perkins School for the Blind has always been to help children with disabilities find their place in the world. At Perkins Watertown campus is their Infant-Toddler Program which was started 42 years ago. They are the sole provider in Massachusetts for Children under the age of 3 with vision loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We provide support for families whose children are newly diagnosed as being either blind, low vision or additional disabilities, says Teri Turgeon, Education Director of Community Programs at Perkins. We do that work at their homes but also provide parent support groups here at the school Folks at the school know how blessed they are to have Jane Long as one of their volunteers in the Infant Toddler program. Our group would not be as successful without Jane. She is a mom and a grandmother. She has this innate ability to follow the lead of the child. Im convinced that she gains as much as she gives. We are so incredibly lucky to have her with us, says Teri. Recently in Foxboro, Jane was celebrated with many other volunteers from all over New England who all give their time to different Non-Profit Organizations. In a pregame ceremony on January 5th, the Kraft family announced that each of these Patriots Difference Makers would be receiving a $10,000 grant to support the organizations for which they volunteer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of all the volunteers, Jane Long was chosen as the Patriots Difference Maker of the Year and was presented with a grant of $25,000 to the Perkins School for the Blind. Knowing that there are so many volunteers doing incredible things, I was astounded and honored when I was notified that I had been chosen for this award, said Jane. Volunteering at Perkins is a privilege. Little children bring the world to us, and being able to help infants and toddlers who experience the world in unique ways teaches me to remember that Im not the teacher, Im the listener. Committing to this cause brings me so much fulfillment and joy, and I am so happy. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Update: Police identified the officer involved in this shooting as Cesar Ibarra, 48. Officer Ibarra has been employed with LVMPD since 2005 and is currently on paid administrative leave. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) An off-duty Metro police officer and his wife shot and killed a man in their front yard Friday morning after they said they saw the man strangling a woman. The incident happened just after 9:30 a.m. Friday morning in the 700 block of 6th Street in Boulder City, LVMPD Capt. Kurt McKenzie said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LVMPD received a call from the Boulder City Police Department asking for assistance after a person was found dead in the front yard of the home. According to police, the officer and his wife were inside their home when they heard a commotion in the backyard of a neighbors house. The officer left his home and saw a man mounted on top of a woman, punching and strangling her. The officer then told his wife to call police, while the officer went into the backyard to separate the man and woman, McKenzie said. The officer was able get the woman to safety. The man then followed the officer into his front yard and the officer gave numerous commands to the man to stop, saying he would shoot if he came closer, McKenzie said. The man continued to approach the group and the off-duty officer and his wife both fired at him, McKenzie said. Medical personnel later pronounced the man dead. An off-duty Metro police officer and his wife shot and killed a man in their front yard Friday morning after they said they saw the man strangling a woman. (KLAS) Metro police was investigating since the shooter is an officer in their department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the 1st officer-involved shooting for Metro in 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, voted against Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trumps nominee for Secretary of Defense, in the Senate Thursday. While I appreciate his courageous military service and his ongoing commitment to our servicemembers and their families, I am concerned that he does not have the experience and perspective necessary to succeed in the job, Collins said of her decision in a post on X. Hegseths nomination process to lead the Pentagon has been rocky due to allegations of sexual assault and mistreatment of women as well as accusations of alcohol abuse. And Thursdays vote followed the reveal of an affidavit by one of Hegseths former sister-in-laws accusing the nominee of regularly threatening his ex-wife, making racist and sexist comments, and flying into alcohol-fueled rages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins joins Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, as the only two Republicans so far to join Democrats against Hegseths nomination. They joined all Senate Democrats in voting against Hegseth, but he still advanced with a 51-49 vote. The final confirmation vote is expected Friday. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, speaks during a Senate Intelligence committee hearing on the nomination of John Ratcliffe, to be the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. Why did Collins vote against Hegseth? Collins, a Republican senator from a blue state known to break with her party, said that she was concerned Hegseth does not have the management experience and background needed to lead the massive bureaucracy of the military or to tackle the pressure the military faces right now, with active conflicts in the Middle East and Europe. She also said she was concerned about the comments hes made about women serving in the military. While he has since back peddled, he said that we should not have women in combat roles on a podcast in November, five days before he was nominated for the role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Warren, Shaheen question Trump Defense Secretary pick Pete Hegseth at confirmation hearing Currently, thousands of women are serving in combat roles and many others serve in non-combat functions. Their service is essential to the success of our military, she said. He and I had a candid conversation in December about his past statements and apparently evolving views. I am not convinced that his position on women serving in combat roles has changed. Pete Hegseth, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be secretary of defense, testifies before a Senate Committee on Armed Services confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 14, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein Will Hegseth be nominated for Secretary of Defense? Based on Thursdays vote of 51-49, Hegseth is expected to secure the majority he needs to become the country's Secretary of Defense and join Trumps cabinet. Two more senators would need to vote against Hegseth in order to stop his confirmation, as Vice President JD Vance would break a tie in Hegseths favor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, a military veteran and sexual assault survivor, was watched as a possible Republican holdout. But she has now said that she will support Hegseth as he was able to adequately answer all of her questions. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Susan Collins says she will vote against Trump nominee Pete Hegseth A person holding a rainbow flag in the middle of a parade. A chapter of PFLAG, a group for family and friends of LGBTQ+ individuals, is scheduled to launch in Cullman. (Getty Images) Lance Conn wants to bring in new resources for the growing population of Cullman, nestled between Birmingham and Huntsville and adding about 1,000 people a year. So he is planning to launch what he believes is Cullmans first chapter of PFLAG, a support group for families and friends of members of the LGBTQ+ community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cullman is one of the most conservative counties in Alabama. While President Donald Trump got about 65% of Alabamas vote last year, he got nearly 90% of Cullmans votes in the election. He even held a rally in Cullman in 2021. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX As a youth, Conn, a native of Cullman, never came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. He was still teased for his sexuality. I am very cis-hetero presenting, Conn said. But you know, growing up, kids can always tease, and that always felt different to me, and always felt its difficult to reconcile that with the upbringing of southern hospitality and Christian support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He left Alabama to pursue the ministry. He became a Church of the Nazarene minister and worked in several churches across the South. During that time, he married his wife, Deborah, and had three daughters. As I worked in other ministry settings, I would meet more parents of LGBTQ people and just see the kind of hurt that they would continue to feel at church, the support that they would feel to find like a pastoral staff member who was supportive, said Conn. But then we all kind of felt stuck knowing that theologically or with our denomination, theres just nowhere to go, and you see that playing out now with many denominations. PFLAG, which originally stood for Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, officially changed its name to PFLAG in 2014. The organization said the change reflected an organization that has evolved over time in order to remain responsive to members and reflective of its unique and critical role in the movement for LGBTQ+ equality. Thats exactly what Conn was looking for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conn left the church after 15 years, became a software engineer and returned to Cullman in 2022. I am now in a position where Im not going to lose my job in the church if I speak out, said Conn. So I was able to go speak at city council meetings and kind of really lend my voice of support. He dove into the Cullman LGBTQ+ community when he attended the Cullman Comes Out concert celebrating Coming Out Day. It was the first Pride event in Cullman County. Conn was excited to see the support but he was wary of the backlash, which drew attacks on social media. I could really kind of immerse myself into that community and kind of see what they go through on a daily basis, said Conn. Scrolling through social media, seeing the comments, the harsh things that are being said, hearing the organizers talk about what theyre doing to try and promote safety. Arriving at the event and seeing that there was a sniper tower in place that was armed to make sure that everybody was safe. Now, I didnt see anybody there causing trouble, but there was a heavy police presence, which can be difficult for any kind of minority community to work through. You want to feel safe, but you also dont want to feel heavily policed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conn wanted to see more LGBTQ+ spaces in Cullman. We saw that community was really struggling to stay organized, the organizer actually has left the area, said Conn. And so we were trying to find a way to get the LGBTQ plus community organized in Cullman, something that was a little bit more stable, a little bit more long-lasting. He researched different LGBTQ+-focused organizations and decided on PFLAG, saying he liked the groups monthly support meeting model. When I think of Cullman, I think of the parents who have kids who are coming out, who just may not have anywhere else to go, he said. They dont necessarily feel like they can talk to their family about it, or their friends or their church. And so where can they go? And so thats really the gap that I hope PFLAG Cullman can fit in this community, as a place for people to say, Hey, this is somewhere safe that I can go, because I just need a group of people who understand what Im going through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conn will serve as president of the group, with Cullman residents Sarah Foster and Samantha Rainwater as treasurer and secretary, respectively. They have been working with PFLAG National to create a model for Cullman. They connected PFLAG Cullman with rural chapters like PFLAGs in Rome, Georgia and Blairsville, Georgia rather than one of the eight other chapters in Alabama. Conn is launching PFLAG Cullman with three tiers: support, education and advocacy. He is taking the launch one stage at a time. They are starting with the monthly support group, and wants to keep the structure of the meetings open-ended at first. I think a lot of that at the beginning is just going to be purely informational, like I am a mom with a kid whos gay, I am myself. You know, I am trans, I am transitioning, he said. Were going to have all sorts of people who are just kind of ready to give the information, but maybe not be vulnerable, and thats okay, and that also helps people learn more about each other and because theyre monthly meetings, theres a lot of time in between. We have people who are trained to be facilitators in those moments, to help work through those conversations, to help work through any tensions that may come up. Conn said finding a location has been their biggest struggle. The launch event was originally supposed to be at the Cullman Electric Co-ops community room. Conn said it was canceled because the Co-op considered PFLAG a political organization even though it is registered as a non-partisan 501(c)3 organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I found that, you know, discouraging, were trying to do our best to be positive and present a positive face, said Conn. So we moved on. Cullman Electric Co-Op Chief Executive Officer Tim Culpepper said in an interview that they do not allow any political advocacy organizations to meet in the community room. Unfortunately, many issues that were not previously considered political have become political and therefore it has become harder to define the line between political activities and non-political activities, Culpepper wrote in a letter to Conn on Dec. 13. Culpepper wrote that a review of the PFLAG website mentioned its advocacy role. Culpepper said he would deny access to conservative groups as well. I respect your right to organize and to advocate for LGBTQ issues, however, the political nature of those stands would prohibit the use of our facilities, the letter said. I am sorry if this decision has caused any inconvenience or trouble for you or your organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conn wants to make sure that the meetings are safe for everyone. PFLAG National recommends chapters in conservative and rural areas keep the meeting place private. The PFLAG team will vet each person who signs up to join the group. Then, they will release the meeting location to individuals. Im encouraged by the people that I dont know who are signing up for this, said Conn. Every time I get a notification so-and-so filled this form out or so-and-so sent an email, its someone new. Its someone I get to meet and get connected with other people in similar circumstances. It can be difficult here to find someone with similar values and similar experiences and thats what Im excited about, creating that community and seeing it blossom and it becoming self-sustaining. PFLAG Cullman officially begins on Saturday, Jan. 25 with a launch event at the North Alabama Agriplex at 1 p.m. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Jan. 23Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, questioned private sector cybersecurity professionals during a full-committee hearing titled, "Unconstrained Actors: Assessing Global Cyber Threats to the Homeland." The witnesses included Adam Meyers, Senior Vice President of Counter Adversary Operations at CrowdStrike; retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, U.S. Navy, Senior Director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Brandon Wales, Vice President of Cybersecurity Strategy at SentinelOne; and Kemba Walden, president at Paladin Global Institute. Read the witnesses testimonies here. Prior to his line of questioning, Chairman Pfluger highlighted the importance of being prepared for cyber threats, saying in part, "I appreciate this hearing and I will get right into it. When you look back at [cyberthreats such as] Volt Typhoon, Storm-0558, Salt Typhoon, and the list goes on and on, I am obviously worried about critical infrastructure not just in my own district that includes energy production, but also that of which affects every other aspect of our lives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch Chairman Pfluger question the witnesses on the government's response to Salt Typhoon (a CCP-linked group that spent ample time hacking critical U.S. telecoms), the need for one lead government agency to address cyber threats, and what potential threats keep the witnesses up at night that we need to be prepared for here. Watch the hearing in its entirety here. During the hearing, Pfluger mentioned his legislation called the Securing Every Vector, Enhancing Networks (SEVEN) Act, to strengthen America's defenses against cyber threats targeting the Signaling System 7 (SS7) telecommunications protocol, and urged its markup in committee this Congress. The legislation aims to address these vulnerabilities by coordinating efforts across the government and creating a task force of cybersecurity experts to develop solutions. When the legislation was introduced last Congress, Pfluger stated, "Our adversaries around the globe are exploiting vulnerabilities in the digital backbone of our telecommunications infrastructure to spy on everyday Americans. The SEVEN Act will ensure the safety of U.S. networks by establishing a dedicated task force to address this issue head-on. We must act swiftly to protect our national security." SS7 is a global telecommunication protocol that facilitates call routing, billing, and messaging. It is a crucial backbone of modern communication systems but has significant vulnerabilities. Hackers with access to a SS7-specific license (known as a "Global Title") can exploit SS7 to intercept calls, read messages, and track locations. In June, Reps. Pfluger and Weber sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This letter was prompted by a CISA employee's claim that unauthorized attempts to access user location data through SS7 and related protocols have occurred in the U.S. By addressing these vulnerabilities, the SEVEN Act seeks to protect Americans' communications and bolster national security. PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (WJTV) A Philadelphia man was sentenced to three years in federal prison for burglarizing a home in the Tucker community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Reservation. Woman injured after falling from vehicle on I-55 According to court documents, Sherente Tubby, 23, burglarized the home of a tribal member in December 2021. Thomas was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2022, and pled guilty in September of 2024. He was sentenced on January 14, 2025. Sherente Tubby (Courtesy: Madison Co. Detention Center) The Choctaw Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Carmen Reaves has worked in child care for 25 years. Parents drop their children off at her home in the Overbrook Park neighborhood in west Philadelphia knowing that they are in the hands of an experienced and loving provider and a fixture in the community. The home is a warmer atmosphere for babies, infants and young toddlers, Reaves says. Ive had a commercial space in the past, and this is more comfortable for babies. The families she serves feel it too. Many of them stay in touch with Reaves long after their children have aged out of her program. Over the years, as the babies she cared for have grown into young adults, shes been invited to high school and college graduations and even to baby showers. Home-based child care is the most prevalent type of child care in the U.S., but these programs are increasingly difficult to operate. Like a lot of providers, Reaves has a side hustle to stay afloat: Shes a licensed insurance agent. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter A pilot program funded by philanthropic dollars insulates early educators like Reaves from the income volatility that stems from challenges accessing public child care funding, such as subsidies and grants. Thanks to a new federal rule guiding states to improve payment practices for child care providers, the approach could one day be scaled nationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related What to Expect on Child Care from Trumps Second Presidency Designed in 2021 and launched in 2022 by Home Grown, a national funder collaborative centered on home-based care, the Thriving Providers Project deposits $500 per month in the bank accounts of 45 providers in Philadelphia, in cooperation with the Public Health Management Corporation. Pilots are also running in Colorado and New York City, with plans for southwest Pennsylvania and Los Angeles in the works. Its a guarantee, explains Natalie Renew, Home Growns executive director. Folks can expect that theyre going to be paid consistently throughout the project period. Guaranteed income efforts such as the Thriving Providers Project only work if transferring dollars from the funders to providers is predictable and reliable. If the system malfunctions and payments dont make it where theyre supposed to, then trust declines in public subsidies and in government as a solution. Renew recounts how the state of Pennsylvania transferred its subsidy management contract to a new vendor earlier this year, resulting in major delays. (Missouri recently encountered a similar hiccup.) Because of these delays, she adds, many providers in Philadelphia couldnt have paid rent without the Thriving Provider Project deposits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Understanding the importance of selecting a reliable payment system, Renew facilitated a solicitation process for the project that included community interviews. Beam (a civic tech organization) became the payment partner, transferring the cash that allows a solo provider to address unforeseen events that can derail operations. According to Beam CEO David Helene, the company is more than a technology platform. Technology is part of it, he says, but program design, community empathy, showing up these are also critical components to make these programs a success. Nobody thinking about opening a child care business in their home should do it for the money, Reaves cautions. Indeed, profit margins are increasingly thin. In the words of Shalicia Jackson, a North Carolina provider who receives funding through the Thriving Providers Project, At the end of the day, I am both the CEO and the janitor for my business. Im also the cook, the curriculum specialist and the tax preparer. I have a masters degree and run a five-star program, but after all the expenses I average about $14 an hour. Related U.S. Catastrophically Wrong to Separate Early Child Care from Education Carmen Reaves with one of the toddlers in her home-based child care program. (Michaela Lemoine) According to the 2024 Early Childhood Workforce Index, authored by the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment at the University of California, Berkeley, 43% of families of early educators rely on public assistance programs like food stamps and Medicaid. So what happens to those benefits when $500 lands in a bank account? When they enroll in the pilot, participants receive benefits counseling to help them learn about strategies that can help prevent benefits they may have, like housing vouchers or food stamps, from being interrupted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also local efforts to mitigate interruption. In Reaves state, for example, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services collaborates with local guaranteed income projects to communicate any potential impact on public assistance benefits and eligibility to participants and County Assistance Offices. Some states have also instituted waivers to exempt participants in guaranteed income pilots, shielding them from loss of benefits while receiving the additional cash. Renew adds that tools like Beam were at the forefront of moving pandemic funding quickly to affected groups. Weve seen it work, she asserts, noting the potential for scalability across systems. Child care providers who operate on negligible margins often go hungry, face housing instability, are overloaded with debt and are fighting to stay afloat. If we want to maintain supply and meet families needs, then timely payments need to be a part of a toolkit of supports to the field. In March 2024, Home Grown published a report with lessons learned from the first year of the project in Colorado. One participant of the project shared, I am the only one working [in my household], and I do find myself in a tight spot financially. It has helped me a lot with bills, buying food and certainly sometimes even food for the children I care for. For Reaves, the money makes it possible for her to pay a neighbor to cover for her when she has a personal appointment or needs time for self-care. That could be an exercise class or a manicure. If you dont take care of yourself, she states, theres no taking care of anyone else. She also notes that the extra $500 a month constitutes a meaningful acknowledgment of the importance of her profession: Theyre recognizing that, wow, these people are working hard. MANILA (Reuters) -The U.S. military's Typhon launchers which can fire multi-purpose missiles up to thousands of kilometres will stay in the Philippines for the time being, the national security adviser to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday. National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano told reporters the launchers will stay on Philippine shores "for now", a day after Reuters reported that the launchers were moved to a new location within the island of Luzon from the northern Laoag airfield. The Philippine military separately said on Friday the deployment of the launchers with mid-range capability was in line with Washington's longstanding defence ties with the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The primary objective of this deployment is to strengthen Philippine military readiness, improve our familiarisation and interoperability with advanced weapon systems, and support regional security," armed forces spokesperson Francel Margareth Padilla said in a statement. The weapon's presence on Philippine territory drew sharp rebukes from China when it was first deployed in April 2024 during military exercises. Beijing accused the Philippines on Thursday of creating tension and confrontation in the region, urging it to "correct its wrong practices". Treaty allies the United States and the Philippines "coordinate closely on all aspects of the MRC deployment, including its positioning", Padilla said. The Typhon launchers can fire multi-purpose missiles up to thousands of kilometres such as Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of hitting targets in both China and Russia from the Philippines. The SM-6 missiles it carries can strike air or sea targets more than 200 km (165 miles) away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These arrangements reflect shared operational considerations and mutual consultations between our two nations," Padilla said. (Reporting by Mikhail Flores and Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty and Michael Perry) The big story: For most Florida school districts, the choice of graduation venues is an annual slam dunk. After Hurricane Milton ripped the top off the Trop, though, the Pinellas County school district faced a dilemma. It had no place lined up for its ceremonies, with just months until the big day. The viable choices were limited. But rather than speed to a conclusion, district officials took the extra step of asking students what they wanted. Its their ceremony, superintendent Kevin Hendrick observed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teens had some clear priorities. Read more here. Hot topics Top teachers: Leto High School history teacher Henry Bryson was named Hillsborough Countys 2025 teacher of the year. Special education teacher Monica Benson was named Alachua Countys 2025 teacher of the year, WUFT reports. Testing: Two Florida Democratic lawmakers have filed legislation that would allow English language learners to take state tests in their native language, WMFE reports. Similar bills have been filed in past years without success. Superintendents: The Monroe County school board will conduct a national search for its next superintendent to replace Theresa Axford, who is retiring, Keys Weekly reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Student discipline: Brevard County schools saw a significant decline in student discipline referrals during the first semester, but some demographic groups continued to be disproportionately affected, Florida Today reports. Security: The Trump Administration dismissed all the members of the federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board, which included Parkland parent Tony Montalto, The 74 reports. School expansion: The Department of Defense has granted $86 million to Tinker K-8 School, which serves the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, for improvements and expansion, Florida Politics reports. Immigration: The Florida Department of Education announced it will comply with federal orders to allow immigration enforcement in schools, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. Orange County school district officials said they will follow the federal directives, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Higher ed overhaul: University of West Florida trustees picked a a conservative Idaho professor recently appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to serve as the boards chairperson, WUWF reports. AI: Some of the nations fastest computers arrived at the University of Florida for its latest artificial intelligence initiative, WCJB reports. From the police blotter ... Some Florida State University students had a snowball fight in Tallahassees College Town neighborhood. Responding police officer, at least one of whom was hit by a snowball, responded with pepper balls. A Palm Beach County man was arrested on allegations of stealing thousands of dollars worth of copper wiring from area high schools, WPBF reports. Dont miss a story. Heres the link to yesterdays roundup. Before you go ... If youre seeking a new sound, Putumayo Records reliably has suggestions of musicians from around the globe to explore. Its latest digital collection Global Dinner Party might be just what youve been waiting for. A missing man from Pittsburgh has been found dead. Luis Espinoza, 30, was last seen on foot in the area of South Side Park off Mission Street on Jan. 20 at around 10:30 a.m. He was wearing a black peacoat and black pants. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner said he was found dead on the 100 block of Sterling Street in Arlington on Friday. They said his time of death was 8:31 a.m. A cause and manner of death have not been released at this time. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) One Pittsfield non-profit is planning to launch a two-year pilot program that supports the immigrant community in Berkshire County. Fisherman rescued from frozen Onota Lake in Pittsfield The Berkshire Immigrant Entrepreneurial Support Program, run by 1Berkshire, is a four-part platform and will offer support, access, and tailored technical assistance through collaborations, micro-grants, training, and workshops. This includes the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collaborative Partner Resource Allocations These pre-identified funding allocations will help launch, sustain, or complete programs, projects, or efforts that add new capacity. 1Berkshires support to Berkshire Community Colleges ESOL program for Spring and Fall 2025 is one such investment being made through this program. Future allocations will be announced as they occur. Women- and Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (WMBE) Certification Micro-Grants For immigrant entrepreneurs and immigrant-owned businesses that it makes sense for, this program is offering micro-grants to help cover the cost of the certification process. Translation and Interpretive Services By investing in ongoing translation and interpretation services, more materials, programs, training, and resources will be distributed in multiple languages to support entrepreneurs and their business growth. Tailored Technical Assistance and Training Based on past and ongoing feedback, this tailored training and technical assistance will focus on the specific needs identified by members of the immigrant entrepreneur community and the partners providing them support already. Workshops will be announced and posted on the 1Berkshire Immigrant Entrepreneurial Support Program website. This pilot program is made possible through a one-time earmark from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 1Berkshire is excited that it can put these resources to good work and support our growing immigrant business community in ongoing and new ways over the next two years. Berkshire County has seen such an immense amount of private investment by many such businesses in recent years; creating jobs, driving redevelopment, building community, and injecting life into our downtowns. These added resources will further that regional, local and individual economic impact for these entrepreneurs committed to building their businesses in the Berkshires, said Dr. Ben Lamb, 1Berkshire VP of Economic Development. 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. Jan. 23A bill that penalizes property owners of vacant and dilapidated buildings in Downtown Albuquerque with the hope of creating housing and spurring business growth was signed into effect by Mayor Tim Keller on Thursday. "People say that 'Downtown is dying and this and that.' It's not. It has challenges, but, as you can see, there are businesses, there are great places to go. ... This place is very much alive, it just has challenges," Keller said. The bill's sponsor, Councilor Joaquin Baca, was also in attendance. Keller thanked Baca for his work and said that he "had trouble finding a sponsor for this for years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keller declined to say which councilors wouldn't sponsor the bill. "I've learned you can't speak for other elected officials, so you'll have to figure out who it was, but I'll give you a clue that they're no longer a councilor," the mayor said. Former Councilor Isaac Benton represented Downtown for 18 years before retiring. Baca was elected to replace him in 2023. The news conference was hosted outside the Gizmo building, which is owned by the Church of Scientology and has sat vacant for years, according to Baca. The Church of Scientology did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. The bill was passed by the City Council at its first meeting of the year, but it wasn't Baca's first attempt at trying to get it into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He introduced a similar bill in September and October that ultimately failed. He was the lone vote in support of it. The previous version of the bill was criticized by other councilors for being too broad, and members of the public showed up to speak against it for having a no-obstruction clause that barred people from lying or sitting on sidewalks and said it criminalized homelessness in that area. Baca said after the first attempt to get the bill through failed, he took time to meet with more stakeholders to put forth a new version. The newly passed and signed legislation does not include the no-obstruction zone clause the last one did, but Baca told the Journal in December he plans to introduce a similar, separate bill in the coming months. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Southbound Interstate 15 will close Monday night (Jan. 27) from Russell Road to the Southern 215 Beltway, and officials are asking drivers to plan ahead. The overnight closure starts at 9 p.m. Monday and continues until 5 a.m. Tuesday. Besides tying up traffic leaving Las Vegas toward California, it creates a potential bottleneck for people trying to get to Reid International Airport. Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) officials released the map below to alert drivers to the closure and a suggested detour. The southbound collector-distributor road will remain open, providing the main detour for drivers who get off I-15 at Russell. But the ramp from southbound I-15 to eastbound 215 will not be available, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closures will allow installation of an overhead sign that will provide guidance to drivers headed to Harry Reid International Airport, I-215 and southbound I-15 lanes. NDOT advised drivers to visit the I-15/Tropicana Project websitehttps://www.i15trop.com/ for more details, including a full list of restrictions, schedules and frequently asked questions. Motorists should use caution in work zones and find alternate routes if possible. NDOT works with Waze to inform the public about planned highway restrictions. The schedule is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rock Hill City Council will consider a plan to keep homeless people out of hotels in the area on Monday. The proposal would prevent Rock Hill residents from staying in hotels for longer than 30 days, require renters to allow guest room inspections and prevent York County residents from renting hotel rooms with exterior doors. Some Rock Hill residents are worried about how these changes could affect locals without homes, specifically, Rock Hill students without homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So do we just not want them anywhere? said Taylor Golden, a Rock Hill resident. The Rock Hill Planning Commission voted against the proposal on Jan. 7. But the city council has the power to change pass the changes. City staff said the plan is to prevent crime. People living in hotels has led to an increase in calls for service and drug activity, city officials said. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Rock Hill plans to crack down on homeless people living in hotels Jennifer Hutchinson is a school board member. She said hundreds of students could be affected by the plan. I would just hate to see a child displaced because of a policy the city enacts, Hutchinson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many students and their parents live in Rock Hill hotels, Hutchinson said. And she hopes they wont end up on the street. I would hope city council would be lenient in their thoughts about making sure families have a warm place to stay at night, Hutchinson said. Those living in hotels could be there for many reasons, Hutchinson said. They may have been displaced due to family issues, fires, or poverty. Students arent the only concern, though. Hotels in Rock Hill have raised concerns about business stability. It would impact our financial stability and on a personal side it could close our business, Royal Regency Hotel representative Malay Parto said. Not all people staying in hotels are causing this problem. The first reading of the proposal to the Rock Hill City Council will be on Monday, Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. WATCH BELOW: Rock Hill plans to crack down on homeless people living in hotels SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) As demolition crews begin work at the future site of a new mens prison in rural Lincoln County, state lawmakers and neighbors continue to ask questions. In this session, the legislature will decide whether to authorize the final funding for the construction of a new mens prison, a project that has a maximum price of $825 million. Thursday crews were seen removing trees and preparing Lincoln County land to be the site of a new state penitentiary. While state lawmakers and neighbors of the site were learning more about the plans in Pierre. Kyah Broders, a Canton resident, says moving the prison to Lincoln County would make it more difficult for medical personnel to service prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we do talk about that further environmental study. What will that look like? Because obviously, not only being a close neighbor to that proximity, knowing that lights and sirens will now be a huge factor, Broders said. Department of Corrections Secretary, Kellie Wasko responded. Western SD water bill passes the Senate Well handle everything that we can. Yes, if we have a heart attack, were going to call an ambulance. Were talking 10 to 15 miles at most. Springfield is farther from Yankton, in the middle of a cornfield with neighbors adjacent right across the street, Wasko said. People also asked state officials, when the current demolition was approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was getting texts from people that live around the building that they have just demolished a 100-year-old barn that was in perfect condition. And Im trying to figure out what gave them the authority to do that, Senator for District 16 including Lincoln, Turner and Union counties, Kevin Jensen said. Representative Tony Venhuizen of Sioux Falls, says approval of planning and site preparation came from House Bill 1017 that passed in 2023. New lawmakers were also among those asking questions about the new mens prison site. You can read in more detail, New lawmakers have questions about mens prison by KELOLANDs Rae Yost. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Stock photo by Liudmila Chernetska via Getty Images) Ohio doctors saw an increase in women getting long acting reversible contraception in the weeks following President Donald Trump being elected. Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio noticed a 30% increase in call volume during the week of the election, most of them about accessing contraception or asking what another Trump presidency means for accessing reproductive health care, said Dr. Bhavik Kumar, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio. Intrauterine devices can last between three to 12 years, depending on the type, according to Planned Parenthood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of their centers saw a 200% increase in the number of IUD insertions in December compared to November, he said. We can never tell exactly why everyones coming in, but anecdotally and talking to patients, theyre all expressing some level of fear, uncertainty and bracing themselves for a couple of years of uncertainty given the way that this administration behaved the first time, Kumar said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Planned Parenthood reported a 760% increase in people making IUD appointments and a 350% increase in people making birth control implant appointments at their health centers the day after the election compared to Election Day, said Planned Parenthood Spokesperson Priscilla Vazquez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Ashley Brant, an Ohio OB-GYN associated with Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights, has seen patients in the last couple weeks that have cited the current political climate as their reason for getting an IUD. Its the desire to use highly effective birth control, coupled with concerns about access to birth control in the future thats sort of whats under this urgency or concerns about access to reproductive health care in the future if they had an unintended pregnancy, she said. During Trumps first term in office, he appointed three anti-abortion justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, which paved the way for overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022. 12 states have a total abortion ban, according to the Guttmacher Institute. The Kaiser Family Foundation surveyed more than 500 gynecologists in 2023 and more than half of them reported more patients were asking for contraception sterilization, IUDs and implants after the supreme court ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How many kids you have is both deeply personal, but also influenced by our life circumstances like your financial situation, the stability of your relationships, what you expect your life to be like in one year, five years, 10 years, Brant said. With any major change in politics in the U.S., people are likely wondering, what this means for their lives and for their families and making the best decisions that they can with the information that they have. Trump was inaugurated Monday and the government website reproductiverights.gov dedicated to providing information on reproductive health care is now no longer accessible. (Sexual and reproductive health care) has been unfairly targeted and marginalized when it comes to the Trump administration, and is a potential target, and so people are panicked and uncertain and trying to make quick decisions about whats best for them given the amount of uncertainty thats coming their way, Kumar said. This recent uptick mirrors an increase in the number of people getting IUDs after Trumps first election win back in 2016 when the daily rate of long-acting reversible contraceptive insertion was up 21.6% in the month after Trump was elected president in 2016, compared to the 30 days before, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its triggering for a lot of people, in the sense that for a large swath of our country, their ability to control their body and their life and their futures has been compromised, and they are having to move into action to do whats best for them, Kumar said. Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Jan. 23The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, in coordination with other Tribal entities, local governments, landowners and other stakeholders, has kicked off public engagement on the Northeast Omashkooz (elk) Restoration and Management Plan, according to a news release from the DNR. Consistent with direction and funding provided by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023, the DNR is working to support the band in restoring elk to the Fond du Lac Reservation and the surrounding portions of the 1854 Ceded Territory. The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa also retain treaty rights and cooperate in co-management in this ceded territory, and the 1854 Treaty Authority has been participating in restoration planning efforts in support of those bands. The Fond du Lac Band prepared a proposal and conducted feasibility studies for restoring elk to the Fond du Lac Reservation and surrounding area. The 2021 proposal calls for moving 100 to 150 elk from northwest Minnesota in small increments over the course of many years. The Minnesota DNR supports work to advance this proposal while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of existing herds in the northwest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only a sustainable number of elk will be captured and moved to the northeast each year. State elk harvest and elk translocations will be balanced during this time to ensure that neither unduly affect the elk population in the northwest. Other considerations important in the project, according to a DNR news release, include landowner and other public support as well as supporting the health of other big game populations. "There is exciting and important work underway to reestablish elk in northeast Minnesota," Sarah Strommen, Minnesota DNR commissioner, said in a statement. "We're looking forward to working with Tribal partners to enhance the important ecological and cultural benefits that elk provide in Minnesota." The effort to establish elk in the northeast is considered a restoration because tens of thousands of elk historically lived throughout most of Minnesota, the DNR said. Currently, a small population of elk roams lands in northwest Minnesota owned and managed by private landowners, the Minnesota DNR, The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This area overlaps with the Red Lake Nation's 1863 Old Crossing Treaty boundary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An elk coordination team, including tribal, state, county and federal agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations, is planning the restoration work, which includes public meetings that will inform a new northeast elk restoration and management plan. The first round of elk releases in northeast Minnesota is being planned for spring 2026, and captures and releases would continue until a self-sustaining herd is established. "The Fond du Lac Band has been working patiently for the last 10 years to bring omashkooz (elk) home," Mike Schrage, FDL wildlife program manager, said in a statement. "This process has been about restoring a native species, providing future elk hunting and viewing opportunities, and reestablishing a species adaptable to a wide range of future climate scenarios." The Fond du Lac Band's proposal and feasibility studies are available on the Fond du Lac Band website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DNR and the FDL Band are conducting engagement activities: * An online public meeting from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10. The access link is available at mndnr.gov/elk. * An in-person public meeting from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Room 195, 2101 14th St., Cloquet. * An online questionnaire is available at mndnr.gov/elk/elk-northeast.html through Feb. 28. * Questions and comments can be shared via email to ne.elk.plan.dnr@state.mn.us through Feb. 28. * More information on elk research and management, and a sign-up for the Minnesota DNR Elk Notes quarterly email newsletter, are available at mndnr.gov/elk. A draft of the Northeast Omashkooz Restoration and Management Plan will be available for public comment this fall before being finalized. HONOLULU (KHON2) Something sweet just landed in Kailua. Please Come Again recently opened its doors and guests have a chance to win free ice cream for a year. Owners Josephine Wai Lin and Kyle Wai Lin joined Wake Up 2Day with the details. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The duo shared, Were a new ice cream shop in Kailua, and we make all our flavors in-house with local ingredients. Were passionate about sourcing, supporting Hawaiian agriculture, and empowering our local economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kales Hale is the newest all-you-can-eat hotspot making its way to town Each flavor is locally crafted and unique, some of their popular flavors include Kona Snow, Shiso Mint Chip, Ube Crush, Strawberry Guava Lihing and Mango Sticky Rice. If you want to sample multiple flavors, try out their popular flight with up to four flavors of your choice. The team of Please Come Again collaborates with other local businesses such as Pua Blooms. The next one will be in February for Valentines Day. They are also hosting a special giveaway. Starting now, every scoop comes with a fortune. If youre lucky, you could win a years supply of ice creamthe golden treat trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out more news from around Hawaii Be sure to follow them on Instagram to keep up to date with future collaborations and everything new (@pleasecomeagainhawaii) and find more information about the newest sweet spot at Home | Please Come Again. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LOS ANGELES (KTLA) In a video posted to social media, two people appeared to be embroiled in a scuffle over Pokemon cards sold at a Los Angeles-area Costco. The fight, captured on video by X user DisguisedToast, unfolded on Jan. 16 at the Costco in Atwater Village, the Los Angeles Times reported. In the footage, a crowd of around a dozen people was clamoring to get to some boxes, presumably where the collectible card games were being held, when two adult men who seemed to be caught in a tug-of-war over some of the cards swung into the frame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the men, wearing a green jacket, ends up with his arms around the other bearded man wearing glasses and a ball cap. During the awkward struggle, at least one store employee, as well as several nearby, watch the ordeal while others try to make their way around the tussle. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, file) New York City, NY, USA July 12, 2016: Pokemon trading cards background. Illustrative Editorial (Getty) There are hundreds of Pokemon characters to choose from, but none is more lovable than the iconic yellow Pikachu. Just moments into the fight, a young woman approaches the duo, yelling, Stop! Let go! Its unclear if she was related to one of the men and was, perhaps, concerned for their safety or if she was just another customer at the store, possibly embarrassed over the mildly violent display. Increasingly frustrated with the situation, the bearded gentleman throws a hard elbow that appears to land in the face of the gentleman in the green jacket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the f off me, bro! the bearded man yells, still in other mans grasp. After the blow to the face, at least one person approaches the pair and suggests that they calm down, while in the background, someone is heard saying, Just call PD. Call PD, man. The Times reports that the police, in fact, were not called and are not investigating the incident and that officials at Costco had not yet responded to their request for comment. Its unknown if either of the two men left the store with the Pokemon products they wanted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) One person was arrested and another was taken to a hospital after a stabbing in Denver Thursday night. The Denver Police Department said the stabbing happened in the 700 block of W. 29th Avenue, which is located near Coors Field. Police said one victim was found and they were taken to a hospital. The extent of their injuries was unknown. One person was taken into custody and police said an investigation is underway. No further information was immediately 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 FOX31 Denver. STERLING, Ill. (WTVO) The Illinois State Police and Blackhawk Area Task force have arrested a 41-year-old man from Sterling after an extensive investigation into drug sales in the area. According to authorities, Eric Blackhawk was arrested Wednesday after police were alerted of complaints of narcotics sales occurring in the Sterling area in May of 2024. BATF agents, along with officers from the Sterling Police Department and Dixon Police Department aided in the investigation that led to Blackhawks arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was charged with two counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance and then released under pre-trial conditions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Following a fatal knife attack in the southern city of Aschaffenburg, the German Police Union (GdP) says a "threshold has been crossed," with urgent reinforcements to security authorities needed. "We need quick solutions now," GdP chairman Jochen Kopelke told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland media group on Friday, two days after two people, including a 2-year-old child, were killed. The current debate on immigration does not fully reflect the actual situation, he argued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The enforcement problems of the immigration authorities and the lack of deportation places have still not been solved politically and cannot be solved by decree, but only in cooperation with the responsible state governments," Kopelke said. "We need a German security strategy, which costs a lot of money and should have been in place long ago," said the union leader, who also spoke out in favour of mandatory medical monitoring of people with a history of violence and mental illness. The GdP chapter in the southern state of Bavaria said that "with the murder of a small child, a threshold has been crossed that now finally requires decisive action." "The times of just talking and expressing condolences and political discussions must come to an end," it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union is therefore calling for more powers for the police, better technical equipment, more video surveillance and more staff. "If there is no investment in internal security now ... the population will pay the price," said Bavarian GdP regional chairman Florian Leitner. "We have a problem with illegal migration in our country, we have a problem with the termination of residence and we have an integration problem," he said. "This can no longer be glossed over." BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) One person was taken into custody after a pursuit ended in a crash in an embankment on Wheeler Ridge Road late Wednesday night. According to the California Highway Patrol, around 11:14 p.m. The California Highway Patrol responded to assist the Bakersfield Police Department in a pursuit of a white GMC Sierra that was traveling north on Wheeler Ridge Road from Laval Road. The GMC Sierra continued to flee northbound on Wheeler Ridge Road from David Road where the highway patrol took over the pursuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect driver continued northbound at a high rate of speed, according to officials. The driver then lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a dirt embankment and overturned several times. The suspect driver was taken into custody and transported to Kern Medical for treatment of injuries. California Highway Patrol officials did not identify the suspect nor state what prompted the pursuit and what charges the suspect was arrested on. Officials said no one else was in the vehicle and it is not known if drugs or alcohol are factors in the crash. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. A police force has been branded a joke after officers organised a nature walk when they should have been solving crimes, locals have said. Residents claimed the walking group initiative was a waste of time and money in an area which has previously been identified as failing to solve burglaries. But police defended it as a beat surgery on the move and part of Hampshire Constabularys efforts to boost contacts with communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Forest Police promoted the walking in partnership on Facebook, saying: If you are a solo walker or someone who doesnt feel comfortable walking alone, this three-mile circular walk gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the New Forest with a walking group. Representatives from Forestry England, the New Forest National Park Authority, and the New Forest Heart Neighbourhood Policing Team will join you on the walk to provide information about how the forest is managed for timber, wildlife, and for people, as well as how visitors can enjoy their time in the National Park. We can also talk about personal safety tips locally and further afield, and listen to your thoughts and concerns. Hampshire Constabularys walking programme has been criticised by social media users - iStock While some approved of the initiative, it was met with backlash from other local residents on Facebook. Jarod Rimondi said: Does it really need the police, surely the forestry England and national park trust is enough? Tax payers money [is] paying for police to walk around the forest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I find this a bit of a joke to be honest with you. If the police did their job people would not be scared to walk alone in the beautiful New Forest. Another resident, Clifford Hampshire Williams, said: Crime detection in the New Forest is so low most people have given up the police solving crimes and prosecuting offenders. Better off patrolling the towns and dealing with crime. Stephen Brewer said: So whilst the officers are wandering around having a nice chat with the converted. Crimes across the two counties are not being attended or even investigated. A further comment read: I really hope it works for some people who dont feel comfortable going out alone, but I see it as a waste of money/police time. Critics of the scheme said police time would be better spent solving crimes - Moment RF Last year a Telegraph analysis found Bransgore & Burley parishes that sit in the heart of the national park were the second-highest in the country for unsolved burglaries. It was reported that 152 had not been solved in the past three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, it was revealed that Lyndhurst, along with the village of Minstead, several miles north, had the most unsolved burglaries in the entire UK, with 84 outstanding on the books. Not a single burglary had been solved there for three years. Hampshire police said: This event is very much a beat surgery on the move, in addition to our other community events we hold across the district. The Walking In Partnership initiative provides people with an opportunity to speak with their local officer, ask questions, share concerns, discuss any issues affecting them and receive crime prevention advice. This also provides an opportunity to speak with and ask questions of Forestry England. We have lots of officers across our various teams and departments. As well as community events, our officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Teams, District Policing Teams, Neighbourhood Enforcement Team, Priority Crime Team, and others, are also concentrating their efforts on areas affected by crime and ASB, and responding to reported criminality. 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. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Police have identified the man who was stabbed to death in Providence earlier this week. Charles Chike Okafor, 36, died Monday night after officers found him suffering from a stab wound to the torso inside a Bailey Court apartment. RELATED: Suspect in deadly Providence stabbing held without bail His housemate, 30-year-old Junior Medina Agosto, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder, as well as possession of a knife while committing a crime. He faced a judge Tuesday afternoon and was ordered held without bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Okafor lived in the same apartment as Agosto, but each had separate bedrooms that shared a kitchen. Junior Medina Agosto Two unidentified witnesses told investigators that the men appeared to be arguing over food in the kitchen prior to the stabbing. Agosto claimed Okafor attacked him and tried to strangle him, which is why he reached over the counter, grabbed a knife and stabbed him once, according to prosecutors. But an autopsy later revealed Okafor was actually stabbed twice, which gave detectives probable cause to charge Agosto with murder. His next court date is slated for Jan. 28. Okafors death was the capital citys first homicide of the year. Agosto will return to court on Jan. 28 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Authorities identified the man who was fatally shot in Dorchester on Tuesday. Boston Police say 20-year-old Kareem Daveiga-Booth of Brighton was shot and killed around 7:21 p.m. on Ridgewood Street. No arrests have been made and detectives are reviewing the facts and circumstances leading up to the shooting. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470. 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 Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW HONOLULU (KHON2) Honolulu Police Department responded to an aggravated assault call in Kalihi at around 7:30 p.m. Thursday. According to police, a shooting had occurred near Kalihi Valley Homes. One male was transported to a hospital in serious condition from an apparent gunshot wound. 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 KHON2. LOUISIANA, Mo. A Missouri man faces criminal charges after he allegedly assaulted a victim while pretending to be an immigration officer, according to court records and police documents. The Pike County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has charged Bryan Golbricht, 24, of Louisiana, Missouri, with first-degree burglary, first-degree harassment, fourth-degree assault, and falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer in connection with the investigation. The charges stem from an incident Wednesday evening in Louisiana, Missouri, according to a probable cause statement from the Louisiana Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LDS Church calls Netflix series dangerously misleading The probable cause statement states that Golbricht busted through a door of a victims home and asked for legal paperwork while the victim was on the phone with another witness, whom police identified as a translator. Goldbricht allegedly made threats to arrest and remove the victim from the home if the victim didnt show legal documents while identifying himself as an immigration officer, according to a phone call recording from the witness cited in the probable cause statement. Court documents further allege that Goldbricht momentarily placed his hand around the victims neck, pushed the victim against a fridge and counter, and threatened to point a gun at the victims head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Per court documents, when verified law enforcement officers responded to the home, Goldbricht gave consent to officers to search his vehicle for a firearm, but a firearm was not found. The probable cause statement states that Louisiana Police Department body-worn cameras captured an incident while responding to the scene, though its unclear what exactly was captured on the footage. According to online Missouri court records, a warrant was issued for Golbrichts arrest on Friday. The warrant orders a cash-only bond of $50,000 upon his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CORRECTION: A previous version of this story stated the victim was a woman. The story has been revised for accuracy with information provided on the Louisiana Police Departments probable cause statement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. (NewsNation) Social media accounts linked to a Nashville, Tennessee, high school shooting suspect and a suspected Madison, Wisconsin, school shooter may have been in contact, according to reports. Solomon Henderson, a Black 17-year-old student at Antioch High School, allegedly shot and killed Josselin Corea Escalante, who was 16 and Hispanic, in the schools cafeteria Wednesday, then turned the gun on himself. Authorities said a motive is not known, but according to sources, Henderson left a body of data online and on social media. Additionally, he may have had a connection with Natalie Samantha Rupnow, who allegedly killed a fellow student and a teacher, last month at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin. Is there any evidence that the shooter in Wisconsin and this weeks shooter in Nashville were friends? Officials said Hendersons social media presence included calls for violence, praise of past school shooters and racist, neo-Nazi, and white supremacist beliefs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Pinterest account linked to Henderson features photos of past school shooters, including the shooters from Parkland, Florida, and Uvalde, Texas, a source told ABC News. Metro Nashville Police said detectives found documents they believe Henderson wrote on what they call non-traditional websites, and said he was significantly influenced by web-based materials. Amanda Knox slander conviction upheld in Italy; ex-boyfriend reacts Law enforcement sources suggest Rupnows account may have followed Hendersons during the Wisconsin shooting in December, according to ABC News. Authorities are also investigating a BlueSky account possibly linked to Henderson, which featured an edited image of Rupnow and a post discussing plans for the shooting with another person, per the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rupnows social media showed interest in neo-Nazi ideology, mass shooters and incidents linked to the Columbine and Parkland school shootings. Idaho killings: Victims father reacts to DNA evidence challenge CBS News reports that sources close to the investigation said authorities found evidence that Henderson and Rupnow were following each others social media accounts. However, there isnt any evidence that the two suspects were in direct contact or communication with each other. Police said Henderson was active online, posting photos on social media before he entered the cafeteria and started shooting around 11 a.m. local time. They said he also appeared to have livestreamed part of the attack. TN mom: Put metal detectors in schools Many Nashville parents are questioning school district officials about why new technology that uses the schools cameras and AI capabilities to detect weapons didnt trigger a warning on Wednesday. Some parents emphasize its time to have metal detectors in every school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know metal detectors are expensive but we have thousands and thousands of kids who attend these schools. There are plenty of ways you can do it. Theyre putting them everywhere else. They have them in courthouses. They have them in stadiums, said Athrea Shlemon, a Metro Nashville Public Schools parent. The lack of metal detectors has also been brought into focus, and while Superintendent Adrienne Battle has said there are pros and cons to metal detectors, she said nothing is off the table. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Editors Note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct location was near the fast food restaurant. DENVER (KDVR) The Denver Police Department said officers responded to a reported explosion near a fast food restaurant and an apartment in Denver on Thursday night. Person of interest being sought after car explodes near downtown Denver The police department said officers responded to an area near 6th Avenue and Sherman Street around 10:10 p.m. No injuries were reported. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX31s building is across Speer Boulevard from the area. The newsroom noticed a loud noise and felt the building shake just after 10 p.m. There was a large police presence in the area and fire crews were also on the scene. The police department provided an update Friday saying they believe a propane tank exploded in an SUV, but investigators do not know what caused the explosion. Heavily damaged car spotted near the site of a reported explosion near 6th and Speer (KDVR) Police are now looking for a person seen in a photo provided by a viewer to FOX31. An SUV exploded near downtown Denver on Thursday night. Police are now looking for a person seen in a photo provided by a viewer to FOX31. An SUV exploded near downtown Denver on Thursday night. Police are now looking for a person seen in a photo provided by a viewer to FOX31. FOX31s Vicente Arenas spoke with witnesses who were in the area at the time of the explosion. See what witnesses reported in the latest updates 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 FOX31 Denver. YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) State Police in York County are looking for additional witnesses of last Friday nights fatal crash in Springfield Township. At 9:12 p.m. on Jan. 17, offers responded to a single-vehicle crash with entrapment in the area of the Susquehanna Trail South and Seaks Run Road, Springfield Township. Officers pronounced that the front-seat passenger, 20-year-old Amelia McEvoy, was deceased at the scene. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Local Business Beat Police said the passenger in the back seat was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. It was determined that the victims were traveling southbound on Susquehanna Trail South when a suspect vehicle traveling in the northbound lanes merged into the southbound lanes to pass another vehicle. The driver of the victims vehicle swerved off the roadway to avoid a head-on collision and struck a tree, per State Police. State Police said the suspect vehicle fled the scene and the driver has yet to be identified. Troopers are specifically looking to identify two vehicles and their drivers who witnessed the incident. Troopers said the first vehicle was the one that was passed by the suspect at the time of the crash, and the second was a white SUV that was on the scene before police arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, anyone who witnessed an aggressive driver while traveling in the area of Susquehanna Trail South in Springfield and Shrewsbury Township on Jan. 17, between 8:30 and 9:20 p.m. is asked to contact PSP York Station at 717-428-1011. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DES MOINES, Iowa The Polk County Sheriffs Office is addressing the misinformation surrounding reports about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents at the Polk County Courthouse on Thursday. 2 Newton residents arrested for alleged mail theft spree According to the sheriffs office, reports claiming there were multiple arrests made by ICE agents are not true. The sheriffs office said ICE Agents were at the courthouse Thursday morning but arrested only one individual in a public area without incident. Following the arrest, the ICE agents left the courthouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said that while they dont know the exact reasoning for this arrest, they dont believe that the arrest was any different than any of the other arrests that are frequently made at the courthouse. Metro News: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Photo illustration by The Dispatch. (President James K Polk 1860 (Photo by: Universal History Archive/UIG/Getty images) When you think of James Polk, if you ever do, you probably picture his presidential portrait with the haunted eyes and a face like a blunt-beaked hawk. But dont think right now about that Polk, who had the misfortune to live long enough to be photographed. That Polk, who we see in 1849 at age 53 and the end of his single term as president, was finished. Both in the sense of being at the endhed be dead three months after leaving officebut also in the sense of completion. He had spent his fury and finished the job he came to do: to fundamentally transform America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His was, no doubt, the most accomplished presidency in the 64 years between George Washingtons and Abraham Lincolns. And where Washington and Lincoln had arrived at moments freighted with destiny and danger, Polk achieved all he did not in response to a crisis, but by his own stubborn determination. Think of Polk not as president but nine years earlier as governor of Tennessee, or, just before that, as speaker of the House. The eyes in his head are not haunted but wild. Even the kindly treatment of the official presidential portrait painter, working at the beginning of Polks term, had to acknowledge the strangeness of his subjects gaze. Small in stature, Polk seemed to be a concentrated ball of energy, or, as he would have said, vigor. Born to a rising Scots-Irish frontier family at the end of the era of the Founders, he represented the still-new state of Tennessee in Congress by age 29 and was elected House speaker before he had reached 40. If you were looking for Polks modern counterpart, you might look into the similarly intense eyes of Vice President J.D. Vance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like Vance, Polk was a studious and ambitious lawyer who had attached himself to the person and the project of a radical populist leader beloved by working-class voters from the South and what is now the Midwest. Polks Andrew Jackson was a very different man from Donald Trump, but the similarities of their political circumstances are many. That goes all the way down to the rage over being denied the presidency and, once in power, being thwarted in their most grandiose ambitions because of their intemperate personalities and stubbornness. Jacksons vice president was more like Trumps first one than Vance. Martin Van Buren was, like Mike Pence, an experienced politician whom Jackson accepted as running mate out of coalitional considerations. And, as Pence tried to do, Van Buren went on to be a stabilizing force who fostered effective government as president himself. But Van Buren had been seen by the Jacksonians as abandoning the principles of the revolution they had ignited. Polk, who had been Jacksons greatest ally as House speaker, left Washington and returned to Tennessee where he sought to revive the project of breaking the political establishment that had thwarted his hero. Jackson, like Trump, lacked the knowledge and self-discipline to impose his will on Washington. Van Buren and Pence had those gifts, but lacked the bloody-minded will to crush the opposition. Polk, as Vance may show in himself, had both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Van Buren and the Democrats got turned out after one term, and the opposition party, newly remade as the Whigs, got the presidency back in the 1840 election. During the single, unfortunate term for the Whigsfirst the sickly William Henry Harrison for one month and his successor, John Tyler, for the remainderPolk was preparing the Jacksonians revenge. His plan was derailed, temporarily, after he failed to be reelected as governor and then, humiliatingly, lost a rematch with his successor. Less than six years (Tennessees governors served only two years then) after giving up the speakership to burnish his presidential pedigree, Polk was twice defeated and out of power. It was, therefore, a great surprise when at a wild convention in Baltimore that Democrats chose him as their nominee in 1844. The original dark horse. What propelled Polk to the nomination and then past Henry Clay in the general election was, more than anything, Texas. The burning issue of the day was the annexation of the newly independent republic. The idea divided Democrats, and, in part because of concerns about the expansion of slavery, was generally opposed by Clay and the Whigs. Polk made it his crusade. So when he returned to Washington in 1845 after his years in the wilderness, it was well known that Polk would seek to make a state out of Texas. But what else would he do? Polk, famous for his caginess, surely wasnt saying. Or at least not to many. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About the time of his inauguration, Polk spoke to the man he had chosen to be his secretary of the Navy, George Bancroft. And it was to him alone among the members of official Washington that Polk told his plan: to acquire all of what we now know as the continental United States, increasing the size of the nation by about 50 percent. In addition to what is now Texas, Polk would bring in the territory that we now know as the states of California, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, as well as parts of what would later become Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, and Montana. It was, to say the least, a bold proposition at a time when even the question of Texas was considered highly charged. Heres historian Robert Merry in his essential book on Polk, A Country of Vast Designs: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was remarkable about them collectively, aside from the Jacksonian audacity they represented, was that Polk never went beyond Bancroft in discussing the daring goals he set for himself and his country. He was in many ways a smaller-than-life figure, but he harbored larger-than-life ambitions. This dual reality was to shape his presidency, bringing forth both his success and the high price he would pay for his success. You can see the price in the photo by Mathew Brady taken four years after Polk took Bancroft into his confidence. Polk would nearly break his party and sow the seeds of the sectional crisis that would lead ultimately to the Civil War. He started a war with Mexico on the most dubious grounds. He brawled and battledbut would not be denied. And he did it all in four years. You may not think of Polk as a great president. You may, like Lincoln, see him as an unscrupulous imperialist who trashed the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the order of the Constitution to achieve his aims. But even if you hate what he did, or how he did it, you couldnt call Polk a failure. Polk is worth thinking about these days as Trump returns to power, and has arrived with lots of big ideas about expanding the United States. Shall we retake the Panama Canal? Annex Greenland? Is he kidding about absorbing Canada? Will the governments maps really call the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America? Might Trump do as Polk did and find a pretext to send U.S. forces into Mexico? One hundred and eighty years after Manifest Destiny had its vogue, Trump is back with a new version that goes north and south rather than east to west. The original idea, though, dated far before newspaper columnist John OSullivan coined the phrase in 1845 in support of Polks ambitions. Westward expansion had been part of the American project before we were a country. Indeed, it was one of the principal issues that led to the Revolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson, like Trump, lacked the knowledge and self-discipline to impose his will on Washington. Van Buren and Pence had those gifts, but lacked the bloody-minded will to crush the opposition. Polk, as Vance may show in himself, had both. We do not now hear of Americans pining for the glorious opportunities to be found in Nuuk, Greenland, or writing verses about our divine right to bring the civilizing light of Columbias torch to Saskatoon. Where Polk was boldeven brazenin a project that had been stirring among Americans for a century, Trump seems to just be making stuff up. And where Polk was quiet and determined, Trump is loud and offers his ambitions with a shrug. The difference goes beyond the different personalities and characters of the two presidents, to the nature of their objectives. Those who talk to Trump say he begins his second term with, as always, the idea of greatness on his mind. He wants revenge on his enemies, yes. And also to keep his campaign promises on immigration, the economy, and ending woke. But Trump wants a presidency that puts his face on Mount Rushmore, they say. When he claims his was the most important election in history or that many people say he is the greatest president of all, Trump is wishcasting. Its what he wants the next four years to make real. But unless a president is a leader during a war or faces a grave crisis, greatness is hard to come by. Two of the four on Mount Rushmore, Washington and Lincoln, got there as leaders during the defining conflicts of our history. The other two, Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt, were, like Polk, notable for the projects they undertook. Jeffersons Louisiana Purchase and Roosevelts Panama Canal gave physical form to their claim to greatness. No surprise, then, that Trump is obsessing these days with Teddys big dig. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the events of his first days in office, Trump seems likely to forgo his loosely held grand designs of greatness in favor of the chaos and controversies of the day. Pardoning the people who attacked the Capitol on his behalf and unleashing a flurry of overblown executive orders that were immediately bogged down in court suggests that he has gained no Polkian discipline or restraint in his time out of power. Maybe a decade from now we will see a President Vance undertake Trumps projects with that kind of focus, but for now it is manifest that the 47th president is unwilling or unable to forgo short-term self-indulgence in favor of building a lasting legacy. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. The majority of Americans are not fans of Elon Musk, President Donald Trumps pick to lead his new initiative to slash federal spendingthe Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)according to a poll released Thursday. About half of respondents have an unfavorable opinion of Musk (52 percent) a poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found, while just over a third (36 percent) have a favorable opinion. Just 3 in 10 Americans strongly or somewhat approve of the presidents creation of his new efficiency drive the poll found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, the worlds richest person, has a crucial role in Trumps second term in the White House. He is head of the cost-cutting department, which aims to slash wasteful spending and overhaul the federal government. In October, Musk claimed he could slash the federal budget by at least $2 trillion by eradicating waste. The figure is about 30 percent of total annual federal government spending. The poll found that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults have a negative view on Trumps reliance on billionaires or family members for advice on government policy, while one in 10 say its a very or somewhat good thing, and about 3 in 10 are neutral. The survey was conducted before DOGE co-captain Vivek Ramaswamy announced his departure from the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, CEO of SpaceX, is also reported to be unpopular among some of Trumps staff after he publicly criticized a $500 billion Trump-backed project led by OpenAI and other tech tycoons, a day after it was announced. Its clear he has abused the proximity to the president, a Trump ally said, Politico reported . The problem is the president doesnt have any leverage over him and Elon gives zero f***s. The Times of London reported Friday that some long-term Trump staff resent how quickly Musk ascended in the presidents ranks, given that the billionaire declared his support for him just last summer. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Despite Oregons sanctuary status, President Trumps new border czar is reportedly prepping for ICE raids. With birthright citizenship under attack, Portland groups are mobilizing to protect those at risk. As state and federal officials push back on Trumps immigration policies, so too are independent groups and attorneys, ready to take on the fight. I-5 bridge project could face scrutiny from Trump administration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For people like Andrea Gonzalez, this issue is personal. Born in El Paso, raised in Mexico and schooled in Texas, Gonzalez joined Portlands Innovation Law Lab during Trumps first term. She says the need for support is skyrocketing. I think people come here to Oregon seeking asylum because they dream of what we all want which is to live safely and care for their families, she said. Innovation Law Lab hosts workshops and clinics to highlight legal advocacy and community support, defending the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers: Theres a big community of attorneys out there who want to help, but theres no public defender for example thats paid for by the government, said local immigration attorney Erick Widman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Widmans journey into immigration law began after meeting his Hungarian wife in Budapest and helping her become a U.S. citizen. His firm now hosts similar events to highlight immigration resources and prep plans. Widman says he wants to challenge racial biases, pointing out that many wrongly assume immigrants are people of color, fueling harmful rhetoric. We need to make sure there are not double standards, he said. In a time of uncertainty, these advocates are working to provide reassurance, helping people understand their rights and stay informed if the situation intensifies. One of the best parts of being a lawyer is that you get to be a counselor and someone whos an advocate, youre also giving assurances backed up by reason and logic, Widman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, Republican lawmakers in Oregon are pushing bills to roll back sanctuary laws, aiming to give local law enforcement more authority to report immigration statuses. But so far it appears theres not enough support to move those bills forward. There is an Open House/Know Your Rights event hosted by Passage Immigration Law on Feb. 11 from 4-7 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Law enforcement has arrested two minors in connection with the robbery that led to a fatal shooting at Fred Meyer. The Portland Police Bureau revealed that a 16-year-old male was arrested in connection with the shooting of 47-year-old Jonathan Trent on Jan. 15. A 15-year-old male suspect was arrested more than a week later on Thursday. Verdict reached after man accused of stalking, murder at Hillsboro Intel Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to PPB, both suspects are being held in the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center. They have been accused of robbery, along with Trents murder. Police suspect the older male was involved in four additional robberies that happened earlier this month. Officials also reported the Jan. 1 arrest of another 15-year-old male who knows the two suspects, although he has solely been accused of robbery. The deadly Fred Meyer shooting occurred near Northeast 102nd Avenue around 4 p.m. on Jan. 13. Trent, who was identified as the victim three days later, was found dead when officers arrived on the scene. Investigators soon determined the circumstances surrounding his death were suspicious. PPB later revealed that Trent was shot after attempting to stop a robbery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Port of Portland Police Department and the Portland Police Bureau unveiled a new robot dog on Thursday that will be deployed for dangerous tactical incidents. The Agile Mobile Robot, under the model name Spot, is a four-legged robot made by Boston Dynamics which also manufactures humanoid robots. Authorities held a press conference at the Portland International Airport on Thursday to unveil the robots capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BUT-MAN, HWKTUA: Oregon DMV rejected these custom license plates in 2024 This is the kind of thing that will go to disasters, man-made and natural disasters, PPB Sergeant Kevin Allen said. This is the kind of thing that is used for situations where there may be explosive devices, or an armed suspect, or another situation where we dont want to put police officers and members of the public at risk of being hurt or killed. The Port of Portland Police Department and the Portland Police Bureau unveiled a robot dog named Spot on January 23, 2025, which will be deployed for dangerous tactical incidents, (Courtesy Portland Police Bureau.) People will be seeing this deployed in significant public safety tactical situations throughout the metro area, Allen added. Officials said Spot has been configured to work with technology at PDX and will be operated by trained members of the Metropolitan Explosives Disposal Unit a regional bomb squad, consisting of 16 bomb technicians and seven explosive detection K9 teams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Wilsons plan to end homelessness draws mixed reactions from city, county leaders The MEDU has utilized robots in our work for over two decades. These robots are used primarily for investigating and disabling hazardous and potentially hazardous items without sending a human into that dangerous environment, explained Sgt. Jim DeFrain, team leader of Portlands MEDU. The robots are used by trained negotiators who use the robot to listen and speak to subjects without approaching them, officials said, noting this leads to safer outcomes for police, the suspect, and the community. The idea to pursue this grant funding for Spot came a couple years ago as our team was working closely with the Port of Portland on a number of safety measures and response protocols. The team here at PDX allowed us early access to the new terminal area and to conduct some scenarios where we would respond with robots, DeFraine said, noting Spot was purchased with help from a Department of Homeland Security and FEMA grant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I think the public doesnt understand is behind this beautiful terminal, is a very busy city made of concrete, steel, and radio waves, DeFraine said, The access back there is not always optimal, and our standard robots can have a difficult time both moving around and maintaining contact with their controller. Watch the full press conference in the video player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PORTSMOUTH A Churchland High School math teacher charged this week with multiple sex crimes is alleged to have had sexual relationships with two students in 2015, according to court documents. Jarvis Green, 34, was arrested Thursday and charged with two counts each of indecent liberties with a child while in a supervisory role, sodomy, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was later released on a $6,000 bond, according to the documents. The Pilot was unable to reach Green for comment, and his court file didnt indicate whether he has a lawyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A criminal complaint in his court file states that police interviewed two women who said they had sexual relationships with Green while they were students at Churchland High School. The women said the encounters occurred in Greens classroom, his car in the school parking lot and at his home. Both women said the offenses began in 2015, which is when Green started working at the school. Green was 24 at the time, and the women were 14 and 15, according to the criminal complaint. The document didnt indicate how long the relationships lasted. The older woman said that on one occasion, Green told her to come to the back of his classroom and then engaged in a sex act with her behind a cabinet, the complaint said. The younger woman told police Green had asked if she would like to help him tutor students. She also alleged that he told her and her parents that shed be paid for her work. Instead, the woman said, Green would pick her up at her house and then take her to his home for sex. She also claimed that he offered to give her money so that her parents would believe she was getting paid for tutoring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Churchland High School Principal Jennelle Burden said in a statement Thursday that authorities began investigating Green after social media posts about him began circulating last year. As a result, Green was placed on administrative leave, Burden said. Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com Social media posts have stoked local fears of mass raids and deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal law enforcement agency better known as ICE. But community leaders said the rumors of raids in Oklahoma City are not credible and are urging the public to remain calm. A Facebook post, circulated widely on different social media platforms Wednesday, claimed that ICE vehicles were being reported throughout south Oklahoma City near Interstate 240 and the Stockyards. Both areas have predominantly Hispanic populations, and the post encouraged people to please check on your friends and loved ones. But immigration attorney and state Sen. Michael Brooks-Jimenez, D-Oklahoma City, told The Oklahoman that the alleged reports were false. He said his legal office had not received any calls about ICE presence in south OKC or elsewhere in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that peoples anxiety is rising now that the inauguration has happened and now that President (Donald) Trump has taken office, and so naturally, I think people are concerned about the change in strategy when it comes to immigration enforcement," Brooks-Jimenez said. "Its unfortunate with social media right now that theres bad or incorrect information thats being put out to a community thats already on edge. What are community leaders saying? Oklahoma Sen. Michael Brooks-Jimenez speaks May 20, 2023, at the inauguration of Oklahoma's Mexican Consulate in Oklahoma City. Brooks-Jimenez said that, while people are "rightfully worried" about recent changes in approaches to immigration policy, it was important to remain calm. In his past 25 years as an immigration attorney, Brooks-Jimenez said he'd seen this type of panic before when Trump was previously in the Oval Office and rumors were spread about ICE activity in certain parts of the city. But upon further investigation, the senator said, every report about alleged ICE activity would amount to nothing more than "just a rumor." "In each case investigated, it was traffic arrests or sobriety checkpoints," Brooks-Jimenez also said in a statement posted to social media. "Although ICE Fugitive Operations occasionally make arrests targeting specific individuals, these operations are infrequent." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: State senator wants Oklahoma's Latino voices to be heard in community, politics South OKC Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, also told The Oklahoman that, despite some social media posts, "there is no credible report" that ICE was arresting people without documentation in the city. "Although this is a serious situation, it is important to avoid causing unnecessary panic," Jimenez-Brooks said. "I ask everyone in our community to work together responsibly to face these difficult times." Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval talks April 16 about issues on House Bill 4156. At left is Rep. Annie Menz and at right is Sen. Michael Brooks-Jimenez, along with students from Capitol Hill High School. What's happening nationally that has immigrant communities, advocates concerned? President Trump's executive orders, shortly after his inauguration this week, included authorization of federal authorities to conduct immigration arrests on school campuses. He's also signed a controversial decree to end birthright citizenship and promised to target immigrants with criminal records as he launches a "mass deportation" to remove millions of people from the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials in major U.S. cities friendly to migrants, including Chicago, Denver and Minneapolis, said they expected major ICE raids of immigrant communities. Trump's designated border czar, Tom Homan, also told Fox News earlier this week that ICE had already conducted 308 arrests across the country. In comparison, NBC News reports, ICE arrested 282 migrants per day in September 2024, the latest month for which data is available. The Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday it was ending a President Barack Obama-era policy restricting ICE agents ability to arrest undocumented people at or near "sensitive" locations, including schools, hospitals and houses of worship. More: Vast majority of speakers at hearings oppose Ryan Walters' administrative rules proposals What advice are OKC leaders giving community members for the future? When Tasneem Al-Michael, a local community activist known for his advocacy with various organizations, first saw the social media post about ICE activity in south OKC, he became concerned and re-shared it on his own account immediately. But soon after learning from friends in the OKC council for the League of United Latin American Citizens that the social media post wasn't true, he deleted the update and acknowledged his mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our gut reaction is to amplify what we see," Al-Michael said, "but Im having to remind myself that Im having to trust, but verify, before somebody like myself goes and shares something and a lot of people can also start to feel erratic or panicked by the circumstance." Jimenez-Brooks is also encouraging the public to "not presume that everything you read on social media" is true. But for those who may still be concerned about possibly being taken into immigration custody, the senator didn't want to dismiss the anxieties they felt but also believed that "the chances are fairly remote that that would happen anytime soon." However, he also said that making a plan would be appropriate "in case something does happen," and that concerned individuals should have a designated person with power of attorney over their property or to take care of their children. Numerous organizations are planning to hold forums in the coming days to educate people on their constitutional rights. Dream Action Oklahoma, for example, scheduled a virtual session Thursday evening on Instagram and Facebook Live to "share tips to stay informed and prepared." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contributing: William C. Wertz This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Posts about ICE raids in OKC, metros stoke fears: What to know While the Defense Department is likely to benefit from OpenAIs announcement this week that it would invest half a trillion dollars to build new artificial intelligence data centers around the country, Pentagon officials warned that the U.S. lacks the energy resources and computing power to support the new infrastructure and solving that problem wont be easy. OpenAI announced the project, dubbed Stargate, on Tuesday, pledging an initial $100 billion plus another $400 billion over the next five years to build new AI infrastructure across the U.S. and create hundreds of thousands of American jobs in the process. Early funders include Softbank, OpenAI, Oracle and MGX a technology investment firm based in the United Arab Emirates and OpenAI will partner with Oracle, Microsoft, Arm and NVIDIA on technology development. During a press conference Tuesday at the White House, President Donald Trump called the effort a monumental undertaking and said the White House would support the project, in part, through issuing emergency declarations, though he didnt expand on details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Defense Department has an ambitious vision for using AI across a range of military missions, including data collection, intelligence analysis, campaigning and logistics. But running those tools and applications takes more computing power and space than DOD has access to. Roy Campbell, deputy director of advanced computing in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, said Thursday that many times, bases outside of the U.S. dont have the computing power they need to retrain new AI tools. In some cases, for you to be able to handle a situation a forward operating base cant handle, you have to kick that back to [the continental United States] and use the DOD supercomputing centers that we have there, he said during a panel at the Potomac Officers Clubs annual Research and Development Summit in McLean, Virginia. Jeff Waksman, whos leading an effort in the Pentagons Strategic Capabilities Office to develop a mobile nuclear reactor, said the strain that technologies like AI and high-power computing place on the electric grid raises questions about who should have access to data and how to mitigate the risk of blackouts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a problem that industry or the DOD can figure out by itself. Its about the nations grid as a whole, said Waksman, who spoke on a panel with Campbell. Its probably the most underrated challenge of this huge $500 billion announcement. Waksmans nuclear reactor program, known as Project Pele, offers one answer to that challenge: using nuclear power to source energy for AI computing. The effort, initiated in 2019, aims to demonstrate the first-ever U.S. prototype of a portable nuclear reactor within five years. The mobile reactor, which the department estimates could deliver one to five megawatts of electrical power over a minimum three-year operating life, would support DODs growing energy needs by providing power to austere locations. The Pentagon broke ground at the Project Pele test site at the Idaho National Laboratory last September and plans to begin assembling the reactor built by BWXT Advanced Technologies as soon as next month. The department aims to demonstrate the technology in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its going to be the first generation portable nuclear reactor built anywhere in the world, outside of China, Waksman said. Its very much not a paper project anymore. Another potential solution to the AI power problem is making processors more effective at crunching data. Steven Meier, associate director of space technology at the Naval Research Center, said his lab is exploring the use of more efficient neuromorphic processors that can be 100 times more efficient than a standard processor. Essentially, neuromorphic processors take up less space, work faster and use less energy. Theres huge gains to be made in terms of neuromorphic processors making AI and [machine learning] more accessible on autonomous vehicles of all shapes and sizes, Meier said at the conference. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) More than 300,000 North Carolina teachers had their Social Security numbers exposed in a recent data breach involving educational platform PowerSchool, and are among millions of others, including students across the country, that are affected. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction said 312,000 teachers statewide are affected. Queen City News requested a county-by-county breakdown of the numbers of those affected, but one was not immediately available Thursday. PREVIOUS: CMS confirms it was part of PowerSchool breach; company is working with law enforcement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PowerSchool provides cloud-based education software to multiple states. The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) noted that the information on the platform includes sensitive information that also includes student grades, assignments, attendance records, and even students lunch habits. NCAE said some educators had been made aware of the exposure of their information in Wake and Cumberland counties. However, NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly noted, Right now, we know its a statewide issue. NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly The data breach has brought up questions among some cybersecurity experts. Dr. Bill Chu, a professor at UNC Charlotte who focuses on information security, noted that some educational institutions have gone away from using Social Security numbers as identifiers for students. Chu noted UNC Charlotte, which he said gives students unique student ID numbers, reduces the exposure of a persons sensitive information. He also noted the need for continued pushes for multi-factor authentication for educational services that require such extensive identifying information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NC school districts, Department of Public Instruction say theyre taking breach very seriously Its not foolproof, said Chu. It can still be hacked, but it gives you more protection for sure. For the 2024-25 school year, North Carolina school districts have been in the process of transitioning from the PowerSchool platform to another platform, Infinite Campus. South Carolina has reported their PowerSchool platform was also part of a data breach, with much of its student data. However, Queen City News has learned that some teachers have been informed their identifying information was also exposed. 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. An Ohio community is grieving the loss of a 4-year-old girl police say was killed by a stray bullet during an exchange of gunfire. Rosalie Martin, 4, was killed in the shooting in St. Clair Township on Wednesday, Jan. 22, after police responded to a nearby call about a possibly suicidal man, the township police said in a statement. Responding officers found the individual walking down the street when they attempted to have a conversation with him, the statement said. The man allegedly opened fire almost immediately and was himself fatally shot after officers fired back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosalie, who according to a GoFundMe was inside a dentists office nearby, was shot during the incident, police said. She was taken to a hospital where she died, police said in an update a few hours after the incident. It wasn't clear who fired the bullet that struck her. PEOPLE has reached out to St. Clair Township police for further information. The GoFundMe set up for the family of sweet Rosie says she leaves behind her parents and three siblings. Jennifer and Jessel, unfortunately, did not have any life insurance on Rosie, as they never expected to lose their precious girl at all, let alone this soon, reads part of the fundraiser. This tragedy has left this family in shambles. St Clair Township Police; GoFundMe Detective Dakota Wetzel (left); and Rosalie Martin. Detective Dakota Wetzel (left); and Rosalie Martin. 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. Detective Dakota Wetzel, who was shot in the head during the incident, was hospitalized and remains in stable condition, according to an update on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Joseph Como, died from his injuries a few hours after the incident, according to police. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org. Read the original article on People (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) How smelly is a hog farm? Thats a question the North Dakota Department of Agriculture plans to answer with a computer-generated model to help guide where livestock operations can be located. Senate Bill 2174 establishes the Agriculture Departments odor modeling tool as the way to determine how often smells from a farm will be a problem in nearby areas. The discussion comes as two large dairy farms are planned for the Red River Valley and as North Dakota tries to catch up to neighboring states on animal agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The model will use data such as the number and type of animal, terrain, odor-reducing practices, wind and other weather conditions to determine how far away from the animals that odor may be noticeable. More 2025 legislative session coverage Ag groups testifying on the bill Thursday in front of the Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee were mostly supportive of the plan as a way to make it clear where livestock operations can and cant be established. Feeding livestock is seen by groups that grow corn and soybeans as a way to develop local markets for their crops. The odor tool is being developed by South Dakota State University. South Dakota, which has leapt ahead of North Dakota in animal agriculture, uses a similar tool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would limit the ability of counties and townships to establish setbacks how close a livestock operation can be to a residence setting maximum distances depending on the size of the operation or the odor model. Larry Syverson, executive director of the North Dakota Township Officers Association, said the group generally supports the bill but is disappointed that it doesnt include a way for townships to collect fees for additional road use associated with large livestock operations. The barns and other ag-related facilities are exempt from property taxes under North Dakota law, meaning there is no extra tax revenue to the township or county. The bill comes out of work done by a task force that studied zoning ordinances for animal agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sam Wagner of the Dakota Resource Council testified against the bill It feels like these standards are too industry friendly, Wagner said. He added that the task force was too weighted toward ag groups and lacked input from health and environmental groups. He also said the bill strips away township rights. Among the others testifying against the bill was Erik Olson, a resident of Abercrombie Township near Wahpeton. The township is the site of one of two large dairy farms planned for North Dakota by Riverview Dairy of Morris, Minnesota. This seems as a way for these mega dairies to reduce setback distances, Olson said. Townships should have the allowance to regulate and assure the people that we are protected and not forced out by any mega animal feeding operations. The committee did not take action on the bill. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Metro Nashville Councilmembers Terry Vo, Zulfat Suara, Sandra Sepulveda, and Jeff Preptit, delivered a sobering warning to members of Nashville's international community after a flurry of immigration executive orders by President Donald Trump. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout 2025) As President Donald Trump continues to roll out plans for a sweeping, nationwide immigration crackdown, Nashville elected leaders and immigrant-serving agencies delivered a sobering message to the citys international residents. I think its important to be cautious, Metro Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda said. Its important to know your rights, know what to do if an (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agent approaches your or your family members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Be prepared, said Councilmember Zulfat Suara, who urged parents to make a plan now with their kids in the event of being detained and cautioned that immigration enforcement activities can sweep up legal as well as undocumented immigrants. I think people should talk to children tell them, if you dont hear from me, do x, y and z. The remarks at Thursdays news conference, organized by the Metro Council Immigrant Caucus, follow a flurry of executive orders issued by Trump during his first week in office. The presidents orders include shutting U.S. borders against immigrants, blocking asylum seekers and deploying the U.S. military for immigration enforcement. A separate presidential executive order ending birthright citizenship was temporarily blocked Thursday by a federal judge who called it blatantly unconstitutional. The presidents actions have also galvanized Gov. Bill Lee and Republican state lawmakers to prioritize immigration-related legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tennessee Legislature will take up a series of proposals, starting Monday, that are intended to strengthen immigration enforcement across Tennessee, a news release from Lees office said. Advocates for Tennessee immigrants said proposed bills, which include creating a state chief immigration enforcement officer and issuing visually distinctive markers on license plates for certain non-citizens, will have a further chilling effect on the states immigrants. The Tennessee Legislature has introduced bills left and right to seed suspicion, seed fear, said Judith Clerjeune, advocacy director for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. The coalition has prepared resources outlining individuals rights during enforcement activities and guidelines to create family preparedness plans, she said. Nearly 6% of the states population is foreign-born. In Nashville, immigrants are 15% of the population, according to U.S. Census data that does not distinguish between the legal status of the foreign-born population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nashville elected leaders also sought to reassure the citys immigrant communities that they will stand behind them. Councilmember Terry Vo said city officials would defend Nashville as a place where every immigrant feels seen, heard and protected. Local leaders, however, are also a target of proposed state legislation that would make it a crime for any elected official to vote in favor of establishing a so-called sanctuary city. Sanctuary cities, which pledge to protect immigrants without legal status from federal enforcement actions, are already barred by a 2023 Tennessee law. Be prepared. Share that with your community. Its hard for us to say youre going to be okay, but we will be here, Sepulveda said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Los Angeles Friday to tour the aftermath of weeks of wildfires that killed 28 people, left miles and miles of the city incinerated, and displaced more than 150,000 people. The visit with First Lady Melania Trump discussion comes as the President engages in a long-distance war of words with Gov. Gavin Newsom. Trump has threatened to withhold federal relief funding unless the state changes its water management policies and implements Voter ID requirements in California. Related: L.A.'s College Students Navigate Campus Life Amid Historic Fires The wind fueled wildfires struck communities like this one in Altadena in wildly indiscriminate ways, leaving more than 150,000 Angelenos displaced since Jan. 7 Michele McPhee Newsom told reporters that he will greet Trump on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport, but added that the President has refused his attempts to speak before his arrival. Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One headed first to North Carolina before landing at LAX Friday afternoon that he "didn't invite" Newsom but that "someone did." In those remarks, Trump also said that the devastation in Los Angeles "is a bad, bad situation.: He added, "it looks like...I don't want to say what it looks like. We won't talk about what hit it." He did not elaborate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump will visit the Palisades fire destruction, which stretches across nearly 25,000 acres and has destroyed thousands of homes, upon arrival. Eleven people perished in the wildfire's path. The Eaton fire has killed 17 people, all of the victims who lost their lives lived in west Altadena, and incinerated more than 14,000 acres. A dozen fires have erupted across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties since Jan. 7. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he had pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, an underground website for selling drugs. Ulbricht had been sentenced to life in prison in 2015 after a high-profile prosecution that highlighted the role of the internet in illegal markets. Trump posted on Truth Social, his social media website, that he had spoken to Ulbrichts mother on his first full day in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross, he wrote. The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern day weaponization of government against me. Trump called Ulbrichts prison sentence ridiculous. He had promised to help Ulbricht during a speech at the Libertarian Party National Convention last May. Libertarian activists, who generally oppose criminal drug policies, have long believed that government investigators overreached in building their case against Silk Road. Many held Free Ross signs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ross Ulbricht has been a libertarian political prisoner for more than a decade, said a statement from Libertarian National Committee Chair Angela McArdle. Im proud to say that saving his life has been one of our top priorities and that has finally paid off. Trump has been eagerly using his pardon power since beginning his second term. On Monday, hours after taking office, he wiped clean the records of roughly 1,500 people who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. The decision, which applied to some people who were convicted of attacking police, upended the Justice Departments sweeping investigation into the attack. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW As President Donald Trump issued a slew of executive orders and directives on his first day of his second administration, he explained his actions by saying, Its all about common sense. For over a century, presidents have pursued initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government, couching those efforts in language similar to Trumps. Many of these, like Trumps Department of Government Efficiency, which he appointed billionaire Elon Musk to run, have been designed to capitalize on the expertise of people outside of government. The idea often cited as inspiration for these efforts: The private sector knows how to be efficient and nimble and strives for excellence; government doesnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But government, and government service, is about providing something that the private sector cant. And outsiders often dont think about the accountability requirements that the laws and Constitution of the United States impose on government workers and agencies. Congress, though, can help address these problems and check inappropriate proposals. It can also stand in the way of reform. Charles E. Merriam, left, and Louis Brownlow, members of the Presidents Reorganization Committee, leave the White House after discussing government reorganization with President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Sept. 23, 1938. Harris & Ewing, photographer, Library of Congress Proposing reform is nothing new Perhaps the most famous group to work with a president on improving government was President Franklin D. Roosevelts Committee on Administrative Management, established in 1936. That group, commonly referred to as the Brownlow Committee, noted that while critics predicted Roosevelt would bring decay, destruction, and death of democracy, the executive branch and the president who sat atop it was one of the very greatest contributions to modern democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee argued that the president was unable to do his job because the executive branch was badly organized, federal employees lacked skills and character, and the budget process needed reform. So it proposed a series of changes designed to increase presidential power over government to enhance performance. Congress went along with some of these proposals, giving the president more staff and authority to reorganize the executive branch. Since then, almost every president has put together similar recommendations. For example, Presidents Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed former President Herbert Hoover to lead advisory commissions designed to recommend changes to the federal government. President Jimmy Carter launched a series of government improvement projects, and President George W. Bush even created scorecards to rank agencies according to their performance. In his first term, Trump issued a mandate for reform to reorganize government for the 21st century. This time around, Trump has taken executive actions to freeze government hiring, create a new entity to promote government efficiency, and give him the ability to fire high-ranking administrators who influence policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most presidential proposals generally fail to come to fruition. But they often spark conversations in Congress and the media about executive power, the effectiveness of federal programs, and what government can do better. Most presidents have tried the same thing Historically, most presidents and their advisers and indeed most scholars have agreed that government bureaucracy is not designed in ways that promote efficiency. But that is intentional: Stanford political scientist Terry Moe has written that American public bureaucracy is not designed to be effective. The bureaucracy arises out of politics, and its design reflects the interests, strategies, and compromises of those who exercise political power. A common presidential response to this practical reality is to propose government changes that make it look more like the private sector. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan brought together 161 corporate executives overseen by industrialist J. Peter Grace to make recommendations to eliminate government waste and inefficiency, based on their experiences leading successful corporations. In 1993, President Bill Clinton authorized Vice President Al Gore to launch an effort to reinvent the federal government into one that worked better and cost less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Clinton administration created teams in every major federal agency, modeled after the private sectors efficiency standards, to move government From Red Tape to Results, as the title of the administrations plan said. An introductory page from the 1993 National Performance Review executive summary, commissioned by the Clinton administration. CIA.gov Presidential attempts to make government look and work more like people think the private sector works often include adjustments to the terms of federal employment to reward employees who excel at their jobs. In 1905, for example, President Theodore Roosevelt established a Committee on Department Methods to examine how the federal government could recruit and retain highly qualified employees. One hundred years later, federal agencies still experienced challenges](https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-03-2.pdf) related to hiring and retaining people who could effectively achieve agency missions. President Bill Clinton applauds as Vice President Al Gore speaks at a press conference on March 3, 1994, at which Gore gave Clinton a report of the National Performance Review. Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images So why havent these plans worked? At least the past five presidents have faced problems in making long-term changes to government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In part, this is because government reorganizations and operational reforms like those contemplated by Trump require Congress to make adjustments to the laws of the United States, or at least give the president and federal agencies the money required to invest in changes. Consider, for example, presidential proposals to invest in new technologies, which are a large part of Trump and Musks plans to improve government efficiency. Since at least 1910, when President William Howard Taft established a Commission on Economy and Efficiency to address the unnecessarily complicated and expensive way the federal government handled and distributed government documents, presidents have recommended centralizing authority to mandate federal agencies use of new technologies to make government more efficient. But transforming government through technology requires money, people and time. Presidential plans for government-wide change are contingent upon the degree to which federal agencies can successfully implement them. To sidestep these problems, some presidents have proposed that the government work with the private sector. For example, Trump announced a joint venture with technology companies to invest in the governments artificial intelligence infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet as I have found in my previous research, government investment in new technology first requires an assessment of agencies current technological skills and the impact technology will have on agency functions, including those related to governmental transparency, accountability and constitutional due process. Its not enough to go out and buy software that tech giants recommend agencies acquire. The things that government agencies do, such as regulating the economy, promoting national security and protecting the environment, are incredibly complicated. Its often hard to see their impact right away. Recognizing this, Congress has designed a complex set of laws to prevent political interference with federal employees, who tend to look at problems long term. For example, as I have found in my work with Paul Verkuil, former chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States, Congress intentionally writes laws that require certain government positions to be held by experts who can work in their jobs without worrying about politics. Congress also writes the laws the federal employees administer, oversees federal programs and decides how much money to appropriate to those programs each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So by design, anything labeled a presidential commission on modernizing/fixing/refocusing government tells only part of the story and sets out an impossible task. The president cant make it happen alone. Nor can Elon Musk. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Jennifer Selin, Arizona State University Read more: Jennifer L. Selin has received funding and/or support for her research on the executive branch from the Administrative Conference of the United States. The views in this piece are those of the author and do not represent the position of the Administrative Conference or the federal government. President Donald Trump said Friday that he was considering getting rid of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, offering the latest sign of how he is weighing sweeping changes to the nations central organization for responding to disasters. Speaking while on the first trip of his second term, Trump made the comment in North Carolina during a briefing on the monthslong recovery from Hurricane Helene. FEMA has been a very big disappointment, the Republican president said. Its very bureaucratic. And its very slow. Other than that, were very happy with them. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Trump said Michael Whatley, chair of the Republican National Committee, would help coordinate recovery efforts in the state, where frustrations over the storm continue to linger. Whatley is a North Carolina native but does not hold an official government position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump emphasized his desire to help North Carolina, a battleground state thats voted for him in all of his presidential campaigns, he was much less generous toward California, where he plans to visit wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles later in the day. Trump reiterated that he wants to extract concessions from the Democratic-led state in return for disaster assistance, including changes to water policies and requirements that voters need to show identification when casting ballots. Beyond Trumps criticisms of FEMA, hes suggested a dramatic overhaul of the federal governments role in responding to disasters. Id like to see the states take care of disasters, he said after landing in the Asheville area. Let the state take care of the tornadoes and the hurricanes and all of the other things that happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said that would be quicker than sending in FEMA. FEMA just hasnt done the job, the president said. Were looking at the whole concept of FEMA. The agency helps respond to disasters when local leaders request a presidential emergency declaration, a signal that the damage is beyond the states ability to handle on its own. FEMA can reimburse governments for recovery efforts such as debris removal, and it gives stopgap financial assistance to individual residents. Some of Trumps conservative allies have proposed reducing how much money the agency should provide. Trump has criticized former President Joe Biden for his administrations response to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. As he left the White House on Friday morning, he told reporters that its been a horrible thing the way thats been allowed to fester since the storm hit in September, and were going to get it fixed up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the briefing recovery efforts, Trump traveled to a small town outside Asheville to meet with residents who have been helped by Samaritans Purse, a humanitarian organization headed by evangelical leader Franklin Graham. PREVIOUS HELENE COVERAGE Once in California, Trump plans to tour the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, where rows of homes burned to the ground. Hes expected to receive a briefing on the fires, which are ongoing, with thousands of people under evacuation orders. Trump has showered California leaders with disdain for water policies that he falsely claimed worsened the recent blazes. He said he would take a look at a fire that could have been put out if they let the water flow, but they didnt let the water flow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of Congress will be at the briefing, and the meeting could prove contentious. Trump has suggested using federal disaster assistance as a bargaining chip during unrelated legislative negotiations over government borrowing, or as leverage to persuade California to change its water policies. Playing politics with peoples livelihoods is unacceptable and a slap in the face to the Southern California wildfire victims and to our brave first responders, said Rep. Young Kim, a Republican from Orange County, south of Los Angeles, in a recent statement. Trump has a history of injecting politics and falsehoods into disaster response. During his first term, he talked about limiting help for Democratic states that didnt support him, according to former administration officials. While running for president last year, he claimed without evidence that Democrats were going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas of the battleground state of North Carolina. Hes also been focused on California water policies, specifically fish conservation efforts in the northern part of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think we should give California anything until they let the water run down, Trump said Wednesday in an interview with Fox News Channels Sean Hannity. RELATED WILDFIRE STORIES The president also suggested shifting more responsibility to individual states for managing disasters. Id rather see the states take care of their own problems, he told Hannity, adding that FEMA is getting in the way of everything. Michael Coen, who served as chief of staff at FEMA during the Biden administration, said Trump was misinformed about an agency that provides critical help to states when theyre overwhelmed by catastrophe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Coen criticized the idea of attaching strings to assistance. Youre going to pick winners and losers on which communities are going to be supported by the federal government, he said. I think the American people expect the federal government will be there for them on their worst day, no matter where they live. The last time Trump was president, he visited numerous disaster zones, including the aftermaths of hurricanes and tornadoes. He sometimes sparked criticism, like when he tossed paper towels to survivors of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. If youre a disaster survivor, no matter who you voted for, its always good when the president comes to town, said Pete Gaynor, who headed FEMA during the first Trump administration between 2019 and 2021. You can see him and hopefully talk to him about what you need in your community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laurie Carpenter, a 62-year-old retiree in Newland, North Carolina, said shes looking forward to Trumps visit because shes been disappointed by the federal response. She said theres still debris and trash strewn around her part of the state months after Hurricane Helene. If anybodys going to do something about it, I think he will, Carpenter said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Trump tapped Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL with limited experience managing natural disasters, as FEMAs acting director. He also said individual states should be in charge of directing response to natural disasters rather than FEMA, and that the federal government should only step in subsequently to provide funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden vowed before leaving office that the federal government would cover all the costs of responding to the wildfires around Los Angeles, which could end up being the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. However, that promise wont be kept unless Congress comes up with more funding. Fridays trip could prompt some uncomfortable conversations about climate change, which Trump has played down and denied. Both Hurricane Helene and the Los Angeles wildfires were exacerbated by global warming. In Helenes case, a study by international climate scientists at World Weather Attribution found that climate change boosted the storms rainfall by 10%. In California, the state suffered a record dry fall and winter its traditional wet season which made the area around Los Angeles more vulnerable to blazes. This is just breaking our comfort zone of what is supposed to be normal, said University of Oregon researcher Amanda Stasiewicz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After visiting North Carolina and California, Trump plans to hold a rally Saturday in Las Vegas. Associated Press writers Stephen Groves, Seth Borenstein and Makiya Seminera contributed to this report. In the latest development in the pairs longtime feud, Elon Musk, a key White House advisor as well as the founder of AI company xAI, criticized the $500 billion Stargate AI infrastructure plan backed by rival Sam Altman and his company OpenAI. His staff was reportedly furious, but President Donald Trump was untroubled after Elon Musks animosity for OpenAI CEO Sam Altman appeared to translate into direct criticism of the White Houses $500 billion Stargate project. When asked by a reporter whether Musks public criticism of the project upset him, Trump shrugged off the question. No, it doesnt, Trump said Thursday. He hates one of the people in the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Presidents response was likely referencing Altman, who has a long history of strained relations with Musk that has now spilled over into the second Trump administrations first landmark infrastructure initiative. The Stargate project promises an initial $100 billion investment provided by OpenAI and Japanese investment company Softbank, along with Oracle and UAE investment firm MGX, to build data centers in the U.S., with a total $500 billion investment planned over four years. Stargate was hailed by Trump as the largest AI infrastructure project by far in history. Yet Musk, who is a key Trump advisor but also the founder of OpenAI rival xAI, was unimpressed. SoftBank has well under $10B secured. I have that on good authority, he wrote in a reply to an OpenAI post about the project on his social media website X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back on Musks criticism Wednesday. The American people should take President Trump and those CEOs words for it. These investments are coming to our great country and American jobs are coming along with them, Leavitt told Fox News. Trumps staff immediately criticized Musks comments. One unnamed Trump ally accused the richest man in the world of abusing his closeness to the president, Politico reported. Altman, for his part, told OpenAI employees to simply ignore Musks criticism of the project, the Washington Post reported, citing an internal OpenAI source. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk and OpenAI did not immediately return Fortunes request for comment. Yet that doesnt mean Altman himself stayed quiet. After first responding to Musks post by calling him the most inspiring entrepreneur of our time, Altman later shot back at the Tesla CEO. Wrong, as you surely know. Want to come visit the first site already under way? This is great for the country. I realize what is great for the country isn't always what's optimal for your companies, but in your new role I hope you'll mostly put [the U.S.] first, he wrote in a Wednesday post on X. Musk and Altman's yearslong feud The squabble over Stargate is just the latest development in a feud between Musk and Altman that dates back to when they worked together as cofounders of OpenAI. After OpenAI refused Musks offer to take control of the company, the worlds richest man left in 2018 and said he would build his own AI effort within Tesla, according to OpenAI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk in late February 2024 sued both Altman and OpenAI for allegedly violating its founding nonprofit principles, in part by striking a multibillion-dollar agreement with Microsoft. Musk and Altman reportedly had a friendly chat at a conference the following month that ended in a hug, according to the Wall Street Journal, and Musk withdrew the lawsuit a few months later. But Musk refiled the lawsuit in August, and the tension between him and Altman has now seemingly escalated. The Tesla CEO has taken to calling Altman Swindly Sam, a nickname mirroring Trumps jabs at political rivals. Meanwhile, Altman said in a Wednesday post that he can both respect and criticize Musk. I don't think he's a nice person or treating us fairly but you have to respect the guy and he pushes all of us to be more ambitious, he wrote. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will be in Southern California Friday to view the recent wildfire devastation and discuss relief efforts amid a war of words with Gov. Gavin Newsom. The president is expected to land at Los Angeles International Airport Friday afternoon before heading to the Palisades Fire burn area to take an aerial and walking tour of the damage. Trump is also expected to visit a fire station and participate in a roundtable discussion. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump arrives for inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) The visit comes amid threats from Trump to withhold federal relief funding unless the state changes its water management policies. The president has blamed state and local officials for mismanaging water resources and firefighting efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will say that Los Angeles has changed everything because a lot of money is going to be necessary for Los Angeles I dont think we should give California anything until they let water flow Trump said during a recent interview on Fox News. AccuWeather estimates more than $250 billion in damages and economic loss. An aerial view of utility trucks parked near homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Gov. Newsom says Trumps criticisms are false. Maybe the president just doesnt know that theres not a spigot that can be turned to solve all the water problems that he alleges exist, that dont exist, as it relates to the state water system here in Southern California, he said. Trump and other conservatives have also repeated decades-old allegations that poor forest management driven by environmentalists has led to larger, more destructive wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom has said that land management is not completely under his control and that 57% of the states land is federally managed while only 3% is state managed. At least 27 people died in the fires, which erupted on Jan. 7 when hurricane-strength Santa Ana winds swept across Southern California, which hasnt seen significant rain in nearly a year. Questions remain about the causes of both fires and whether budget cuts to the Los Angeles Fire Department had an impact on its response. Newsom has said hes willing to meet Trump on the tarmac when he lands at LAX but its unclear if that will happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trump is touring disaster hit communities in North Carolina and California. He talked about supporting ongoing recovery efforts, but also expressed major criticisms about how the disasters have been dealt with. This is President Trumps first trip in his new term and during his visit he slammed the Biden administration and the way the federal government responds to disasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In western North Carolina families described losing everything to Hurricane Helene as President Trump listened and pledged federal help. You are not forgotten any longer. You were treated very badly by the previous administration, said Trump. The president told people his team will step up to deliver faster fixes, like better long term housing solutions and more access to clean water. Were going to get you the resources you need, and the support that you deserve and will be at your side through every step of the rebuilding, said Trump. He said he planned to sign an executive order to speed up the rebuilding of roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to go through a permitting process Thats called No permitting, just get it done, said Trump. President Trump is also visiting the Los Angeles area, which was devastated by recent wildfires, and he says California officials are to blame for the widespread damage. You dont have water in the hydrants, you dont have water in the sprinkler systems, said Trump. California Governor Gavin Newsom pushed back, calling that damaging misinformation. Maybe the president just does not know there is not a spigot that can be turned to solve all of the water problems that he alleges exist, that dont exist as it relates to the state water system, said Newsom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Going forward President Trump says he wants the government to handle disasters differently and hes considering getting rid of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMAs been a disaster, no matter where they are, said Trump. President Trump says FEMA is too costly and works too slowly, and he suggested disaster recovery would be better handled at the local and state levels. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Members of Preston Lord's family gathered at the Arizona Capitol on Thursday in support of a bill that would make criminal sentences tougher for people who are found guilty of participating in group attacks. Lord, 16, was fatally beaten in October 2023 at a Halloween party in Queen Creek. "It is still deeply shocking to think that such a cruel and senseless act was inflicted upon our beloved son," said Autumn Curiel, Lord's mother, who was joined by Lord's father, stepmother, grandparents and Queen Creek police Chief Randy Brice. "We hope stronger laws can prevent any future devastating acts from occurring, ensuring no one else is robbed of their life, potential and vitality." Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 2611 would characterize an assault as an aggravated assault if the assailant was "aided by two or more accomplices" who were present for the attack. Assaults of this type would be a Class 4 felony. Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, introduced the bill, called "Preston's Law," after Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell suggested it. A December 2023 investigation by The Arizona Republic first tied Lord's killing to the "Gilbert Goons," a gang of teenagers whose attacks on teens took place mostly in Gilbert. Many of the people charged in Goons beatings faced Class 6 felonies, which is the least serious type in Arizona and can be turned into a misdemeanor. Class 4 felonies cannot be converted into misdemeanors. Advertisement Advertisement Mitchell in September pitched the law in direct response to the Goons prosecutions. On Thursday, she said that when her office received Goons attack cases in 2024, it became clear the current law "was not doing the job that we needed it to do." The bill's new "swarming" component, Mitchell said, focuses on those who gang up on a person a type of attack that's increased in the world of teen violence. Mitchell said the bill was important because, though she could not change what happened to Lord, she could help advocate for laws that would dissuade others from committing similar acts. The bill also proposes other expansions to the definition of aggravated assault. Attacks on law enforcement agency employees, public transit employees, airport employees and railway workers would be classified as aggravated assault if the bill were to become law. Four other Republican House members sponsored the bill alongside Gress. Advertisement Advertisement "The heartbreaking story of Preston Lord and the actions of the individuals responsible is a stark reminder of the need to strengthen our laws to protect public safety and ensure accountability," Gress said. Gress said Lord's death prompted a second legislative proposal. House Bill 2653 would allow police to redact the names of crime witnesses from public records if the witness has requested anonymity and law enforcement officials have reason to think releasing their name may lead to threats or harassment. Some teens and parents in the East Valley were hesitant to speak with police during the Lord homicide investigation. Goons had previously retaliated against people for speaking out about violence and threats. Advertisement Advertisement Gress said HB 2653 was meant to lessen concerns about retaliation. Arizona law already prohibits police from releasing witnesses' personal identifying information in most circumstances. "My hope is that moving forward, we don't see justice delayed as long as it had been delayed both in terms of the investigation, certainly, and bringing all of these folks to justice," Gress said. Efforts to stop crime: Gilbert teen violence task force offers ideas to combat 'Goons' This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Preston Lord's family gathers at AZ Capitol to support 'Preston's Law' A previously convicted sex trafficker has been sentenced to prison again with similar charges of sex trafficking multiple adult women. Marvin Pompilus, 39, of Stoughton pleaded guilty to four counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Pompilus was previously convicted on multiple counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and deriving support for prostitution. He was sentenced to 6 years in prison in February 2018 and released in October 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following his release in 2021, Pompilus, again, attempted to recruit and exploit women into the commercial sex trade by using a mixture of physical and sexual violence, threats, and verbal abuse. Additionally, Pompilus would also withhold controlled substances from drug-dependent victims to force them to engage in commercial sex acts. Pompilus had also required his victims to: regularly check in with him forbid them from speaking/interacting with other men prevent them from getting drugs from anyone other than himself If a victim attempted to keep any proceeds for themselves from the commercial sex or refused to see the sex buyer, then Pompilus would become enraged and physically violent with the victim and strike them in the face and kick them. Pompilus also would engage in degrading name-calling, spit on them, throw drinks on them, and isolate them from other people. The cruelty and inhumanity displayed by Marvin Pompilus is overwhelming. This twice convicted felon forced four women into sexual servitude, unleashing significant physical and emotional abuse for his own financial gain, said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. While its gratifying to see Mr. Pompilus receive a lengthy prison term, no sentence can make up for the significant harm he inflicted on these women. We hope the victims in this case continue to heal with each new day that passes. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to remove sex traffickers from our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pompilus was arrested and charged in November 2023 and indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2024. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison with 5 years of supervised release. 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 On Tuesday morning at Washingtons National Cathedral, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde did something remarkable: She looked directly at the president of the United States and asked for mercy. It became a bit of a viral moment. Her words were simple and profound. They should have also been completely uncontroversial. Speaking to Trump, who sat in the front pew, she said: In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives. The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals. They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes, and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara, and temples. I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away, and that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here. The response was swift and severe. Trump himself attacked her on Truth Social, calling her a Radical Left hard line Trump hater and demanding an apology. He told reporters the service was not too exciting and that organizers could do much better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that was just the beginning. Right-wing media launched an all-out assault on Budde that revealed exactly how power plans to deal with dissent in Trumps second term. Fox News host Greg Gutfeld literally called her Satan. His colleague Sean Hannity described it as a disgraceful prayer full of fearmongering and division. Fox & Friends co-host Lawrence Jones called Buddes words radical leftist. The Daily Wires Matt Walsh declared that hell exists for people like Mariann and called her exhibit A for why women should not be pastors, priests, or bishops. Even members of Congress got in on the act, with one Republican suggesting that the American-born bishop should be added to the deportation list. Naturally, with conservative audiences fully whipped into a fury, Budde says she began receiving wishes for her death. All of thisthe full machinery of right-wing outragedeployed against a religious leader who simply asked for kindness toward vulnerable people. The disproportionate response tells us exactly what were dealing with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the backlash, Budde told NPR, I regret that it has caused the kind of response that it has, in the sense that it actually confirmed the very thing that I was speaking of earlier, which is our tendency to jump to outrage and not speak to one another with respect. But she stood firm: I dont feel theres a need to apologize for a request for mercy. The irony here is that Buddes sermon was actually about unity. As she explained to The View, her responsibility was to reflect, to pray with the nation for unity, and her remarks were an attempt to say we need to treat everyone with dignity, and we need to be merciful. This matters because its a preview of how the new administration and its media allies plan to handle dissent. Theyre not just disagreeing with Buddes messagetheyre trying to destroy her for delivering it. When Foxs Will Cain tells viewers that this represents a woke virus that has infected the church, hes providing a framework for dismissing and demonizing any religious leader who dares to speak up for vulnerable people. Remember this moment. Remember that asking for mercy toward scared children and immigrants was enough to trigger a full-scale campaign of intimidation from the highest levels of government and media. Remember that a sitting congressman suggested deporting an American citizen for the crime of asking the president to be kind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is how authoritarianism worksnot just through direct government action but through the creation of an environment where speaking up feels too costly. When Foxs Jesse Watters says Budde is lucky this didnt happen on day one when he was a dictator because he would have put her in prison, hes half-joking. But only half. The question isnt whether Budde was right to speak up. The question is whether the rest of us will have the courage to join her. Because if this is how they respond to a gentle plea for mercy, imagine whats in store for those who dare to push back against actual policies. The important thing to remember here is that Budde is still standing. And her words are still true, no matter how many right-wing hosts try to demonize her for speaking them. The immigrants she described are still our neighbors. The scared children she mentioned are still scared. The administrations response to Buddes sermon has shown us exactly who they are. The only question is who well choose to be in response. Prince Harry has been instructed to curb his spending on his next legal battle with a British newspaper group. Two days after settling his latest claim against Rupert Murdoch's tabloid The Sun, the Duke of Sussex's legal team has been told that costs in his case against another media giant can only reach $5.1 million. The publisher of the Daily Mail, also being sued by Harry, along with other prominent claimants, has been given the same restriction, with their costs capped at $5.6 million, according to The Independent. This comes after a pre-trial hearing revealed that Associated Newspapers the publisher of the Daily Mail and the Mail on Sunday had initially sought to spend $24.7 million for the 45-day trial, while the claimants were aiming to spend around $23.4 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrys case against Associated Newspapers is scheduled for a year from now in 2026 and marks the final legal action in a series of lawsuits the prince has filed against British newspapers. He is joined by high-profile figures, including pop star Elton John, actress Elizabeth Hurley, Jude Law's ex-wife Sadie Frost, British politician Simon Hughes and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, in suing Associated Newspapers (ANL) for alleged illegal information gathering. Associated Newspapers has denied the allegations, dismissing them as preposterous smears, the BBC reported. ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images Prince Harry at the High Court in London in June 2023 Prince Harry at the High Court in London in June 2023 The cost restrictions reported by the Financial Times on Jan. 24, were discussed during a pre-trial hearing. Two judges, Mr. Justice Nicklin and Judge David Cook, ruled that they had little difficulty concluding that such sums were manifestly excessive," noting the claimants' legal teams had significant expertise in this type of litigation and "were not starting from scratch," a reported reference to other litigation, including the recent case against The Sun. Harry himself appeared in court when proceedings began in March 2023, and several pre-trial hearings have taken place since then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Prince Harry Says His Fight Against Tabloids Is a 'Central Piece' of Rift with the Royal Family Almost two years ago, in March 2023, Harry made an appearance in court as the case kicked off. There have been several pre-trial hearings since. Harry initiated these legal actions in October 2019, signaling a shift in his approach to the British press, marking a departure from the royal familys historically restrained stance on media disputes. Just months later, in early 2020, Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back from royal duties and relocated to Canada, then California. Reflecting on the impact the lawsuits have had on his relationship with his family, Harry admitted in an ITV interview for Tabloids on Trial that the legal battles had taken a personal toll. "Yeah, thats certainly a central piece to it," he said. Leon Neal/Getty Images Prince Harry at an earlier case, against the Daily Mirror, in London in June 2023 Prince Harry at an earlier case, against the Daily Mirror, in London in June 2023 On Jan. 22, Harry and co-claimant former Labour MP Lord (Tom) Watson reached a settlement with The Sun publisher, receiving "a full and unequivocal apology" and at least $12 million in damages. After the hearing, their lawyer, David Sherborne, called it a "monumental victory," adding, "This represents a vindication for the hundreds of other claimants who were strong-armed into settling, without being able to get to the truth of what was done to them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Charles Spencer Praises Nephew Prince Harry's Court Victory Against Tabloids: Princess Diana Would Be 'Rightly Proud' After endless resistance, denials and legal battles by News Group Newspapers, including spending more than a billion pounds in payouts and in legal costs (as well as paying off those in the know) to prevent the full picture from coming out, News UK is finally held to account for its illegal actions and its blatant disregard for the law, Sherborne continued. It has also specifically admitted wrongdoing against Tom Watson, and admitted unlawful acts by The Sun, as well as by the News of the World, against Prince Harry. James Manning/PA Images via Getty Prince Harry's lawyer David Sherborne outside court in London on Jan. 22, 2024 Prince Harry's lawyer David Sherborne outside court in London on Jan. 22, 2024 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! Harry's uncle, Charles Spencer, praised him for his determination to hold the media accountable. "It takes an enormous amount of guts to take on major media organisations like this, and incredible tenacity to win against them," Spencer, 60, wrote in an Instagram post next to a screenshot of a BBC News report about Harry's legal victory. Read the original article on People During her two-day tour of South Africa, Princess Anne opened up about the frightening incident last summer that left her with a concussion. The Princess Royal, 74, said that she had no memory of the accident that left her hospitalized for five days, believed to be caused by an impact with a horse on her Gatcombe Park estate. The accident taught her that every day is a bonus, really, according to the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the royal was injured last June, her medical team described her injuries as being consistent with an impact from a horses head or legs. Related: Princess Anne Hospitalized with Concussion Following an 'Incident' at Her Country Home Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty The Princess Royal arrives for a visit to the South African Riding School for Disabled Association (SARDA) while on her two-day to trip to South Africa on Jan. 21, 2025 The Princess Royal arrives for a visit to the South African Riding School for Disabled Association (SARDA) while on her two-day to trip to South Africa on Jan. 21, 2025 I know where I thought I was going, and that was to go to the chickens, no, nothing to do with horses, Princess Anne said about the incident. Seeing the chickens was my regular visit, she added. I dont have any idea what I was doing in the field, because I never normally went that way. It just reminds you, shows you you never quite know, something [happens] and you might not recover, she continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre jolly lucky if you can continue to be more or less compos mentis [of sound mind], and last summer I was very close to not being, Princess Anne added. Take each day as it comes, they say. Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty The Princess Royal is presented with flowers during a visit to the South African Riding School for Disabled Association (SARDA) while on her two-day to trip to South Africa on Jan. 21, 2025 The Princess Royal is presented with flowers during a visit to the South African Riding School for Disabled Association (SARDA) while on her two-day to trip to South Africa on Jan. 21, 2025 When asked if she planned to retire anytime soon, the longtime hardest working member of the royal family said that retirement isnt really an option. I dont think theres a retirement program on this particular life, the Princess Royal added. Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty The Princess Royal views the Princess Anne rose with Anja Taschner (right) daughter of Ludwig Taschner of Ludwig's Roses, during a visit to the British High Commission Residence garden in Pretoria, while on her two-day to trip to South Africa on Jan. 21, 2025 The Princess Royal views the Princess Anne rose with Anja Taschner (right) daughter of Ludwig Taschner of Ludwig's Roses, during a visit to the British High Commission Residence garden in Pretoria, while on her two-day to trip to South Africa on Jan. 21, 2025 Related: Princess Anne Undertakes South Africa Royal Tour Solo After Husband Sir Timothy Laurence Cancels Following Injury Princess Annes visit to South Africa on Jan. 21 and Jan. 22 was without her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, who stayed behind after suffering an injury of his own on their Gatcombe Park estate, believed to be a torn ligament, according to Hello!. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Princess Anne, Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence leave after attending a thanksgiving service for the life of King Constantine of the Hellenes, at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on Feb. 27, 2024 Princess Anne, Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence leave after attending a thanksgiving service for the life of King Constantine of the Hellenes, at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on Feb. 27, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if shed suffered any long-term damage from the incident seven months ago, Princess Anne joked, Apparently not at least I dont think so. As far as I know, nobody else thinks so they havent been honest enough to tell me yet. So far, so good, she added. Read the original article on People There's a royal baby on the way! Princess Iman of Jordan is pregnant. On Friday, Jan. 24, Queen Rania took to Instagram to share the news that her daughter, Princess Iman, 28, and her son-in-law Jameel Thermiotis are expecting their first child. Rania posted a sunset beachfront photo, with Princess Iman proudly showing off her growing baby bump. In the caption, translated into English, she wrote: "Both are dear to my heart, but the one to come is even more precious... May God bring it to a blessed end. Two is a couple, three is a blessing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement comes just months after the birth of Princess Iman's niece, who was given her name. In August 2024, Crown Prince Hussein and his wife, Princess Rajwa, welcomed their daughter, Princess Iman. Iman is the second child and eldest daughter of Queen Rania and King Abdullah of Jordan. While her older brother, Crown Prince Hussein, is the heir to the throne, Iman is not in the line of successionand neither may her baby. According to the constitution of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the throne is passed down through King Abdullah Ibn Al-Hussein's dynasty, following a hereditary line of male heirs. The Royal title shall pass from the holder of the Throne to his eldest son, then to the eldest son of that eldest son, and in linear succession in a similar process thereafter. Should the eldest son die before the Throne devolves upon him, his eldest son shall inherit the Throne, even if the deceased has brothers. The King may, however, select one of his brothers as heir apparent. In this event, the title to the Throne shall pass to him from the holder of the Throne, Article 28 states. Even if Crown Prince Hussein has no sons, he would theoretically be succeeded by his younger brother Prince Hashem as the king of Jordan. Princess Iman isnt the only sibling the throne passes over her younger sister, Princess Salma, is in the same spot. Handout/Jordanian Royal Court/Getty Images Princess Iman married Jameel Thermiotis in March 2023. Related: Princess Iman of Jordan's Royal Wedding Album: The Best Photos from Her Big Day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Princess Iman married Jameel in a stunning royal wedding in Amman in March 2023. Her elder brother walked her down the aisle and wished the newlyweds a bright future in a thoughtful tribute on Instagram. "Grateful for all the precious memories we share and overjoyed to see you celebrate your wedding today I wish you, dear Iman and Jameel, a lifetime of blessings and happiness together, Crown Prince Hussein posted. The celebration came eight months after the Royal Hashemite Court announced the engagement in July 2022. "The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of Her Royal Highness Princess Iman bint Abdullah II to Mr. Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, on Tuesday, 5 July 2022," wrote the Court, "in the presence of Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah, as well as Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II, and Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, in addition to members of Mr. Thermiotis' family." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Royal Hashemite Court extends its sincere congratulations to Her Royal Highness Princess Iman and Mr. Thermiotis on this occasion and wishes them a lifetime of happiness," it continued. Royal Hashemite Court/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images Princess Iman and Jameel Thermiotis' engagement photo, released July 2022. 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! The news came with a formal portrait of the happy couple where Iman already looked the part in bridal white! In bios released ahead of their wedding, the Royal Hashemite Court said Princess Iman graduated from Parson's School of Design in New York with a bachelors degree in business administration. Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images via AP Princess Iman and Jameel Thermiotis attend the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein in June 2023. Princess Iman and Jameel Thermiotis attend the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein in June 2023. Jameel, who was born in Venezuela, also holds a business degree and has worked in finance in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congratulations my dearest Iman; your smile has always been a gift of love that Ive cherished since the day you were born. I wish you and Jameel a life filled with love and laughter! Queen Rania celebrated on Instagram. Read the original article on People Police are searching for a prisoner who escaped custody while undergoing testing at a hospital in Bellville, Texas, on Thursday. The inmate, Salvador Saucedo, has red hair and tattoos and isn't handcuffed. He was wearing an orange shirt and blue pants when he escaped, according to the Bellville Police Department. He is missing his front teeth and has face tattoos, according to the Austin County Sheriff's Office. PHOTO: Inmate Salvador Saucedo is still at large after escaping custody from a hospital in Bellville, Tex., Jan. 24, 2025. (Bellville Police Department) Saucedo was in custody on charges of possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and assault on a peace officer, according to the Waller County Sheriff's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saucedo escaped from custody at Bellville Hospital shortly after 7 p.m. on Thursday, police said. He has not been seen since, according to law enforcement. MORE: Search continues for convicted murderer after brazen escape in Central California Authorities from the Bellville Police Department, Austin County Sheriff's Office and Waller County Sheriff's Office have multiple units searching for him, including K-9s, drones and a helicopter. It is unknown if Saucedo is still in the Bellville area or not. Bellville is about an hour west of Houston. Anyone who sees the suspect is being asked to call 911 or call the Waller County Sheriff's Office at 979-826-8282 or the Austin County Sheriff's Office at 979-865-3111. Prisoner at large after escaping from Texas hospital originally appeared on abcnews.go.com CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker had more scathing words for President Donald Trump Thursday. During a press conference in Chicago, Pritzker accused the president of not following the law, most notably through Trumps series of executive orders he signed Monday after he took office. The reality is, what theyre trying to tear down is something much broader, and thats civil rights in the United States, Pritzker said. Thats what they are attacking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several of Trumps executive orders surround immigration, like the now temporarily halted action to end birthright citizenship, the order to allow ICE agents in schools, and the deployment of the military to the southern border. What the federal government is trying to do is attack what weve accomplished in Illinois and throughout the United States, Pritzker said. Pritzker says Trumps executive actions that target diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies are especially troubling. We need to raise up businesses in communities that have been left out and left behind, the governor said. There are examples all across the state of Illinoisinvestments that need to be made in communities that are, frankly, under-represented, under-served. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps immigration-related executive orders did not stop with the attempt to halt birthright citizenship. The president vows to reboot his Remain in Mexico policy for those seeking asylum in the U.S. and says federal agents are already conducting aggressive deportation efforts. All illegal entry will immediately be halted, Trump said in his inauguration speech. And we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came. Pritzker says he is favor of deporting undocumented residents who commit crimes. Ive said it time and again, he said. There is a federal law that allows for that deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he says others should be protected. When we are talking about undocumented people who have been living law-abiding lives and raising families in the United States, we need comprehensive immigration reform, Pritzker said. We need to give them an opportunity to stay in this country legally. The president has stated that families may be deported together. He said the country needs to expel large number people because of failures on the part of the previous administration. We now have a government that cannot manage even a simple crisis at home, Trump said. It fails to protect our magnificent, law-abiding American citizens but provides sanctuary and protection for dangerous criminals, many from prisons and mental institutions that have illegally entered our country from all over the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Meagan Bertelsen and Shannon march hand-in-hand as people rally in support of transgender rights at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) In a committee hearing that ended in tears, outbursts and disappointment, a bill that would change university housing policies for transgender students passed out of the Utah House, Business, Labor and Commerce Committee Thursday. The substitute bill from Rep. Stephanie Gricius, R-Eagle Mountain, would require public universities that provide on-campus housing to only rent sex-designated rooms to biological females and biological males. The original bill, which was changed about an hour before the committee meeting, had allowed exceptions for students who would be able to provide an amended birth certificate and had undergone gender-transition surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Gricius told the committee that HB269 is common sense legislation that would provide greater privacy for students in on-campus housing. Many of our college students choose to live in housing thats specifically designated for males or females, and oftentimes its a vulnerable time in life Gricius said. Its not fair to these students to create that expectation of privacy and then assign them to live with someone who shares their gender identity but whose biology matches the opposite sex. The bill came after a viral social media post where a mother of a Utah State University student complained to the school because her daughter was sharing a common space with a transgender resident assistant, who had been randomly assigned to live in the dorm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the public comment portion of the hearing, Avery Saltzman, the USU student who switched apartments after learning her suitemate was transgender, and her mother, Cheryl Saltzman, shared their support for the bill. These dorms are meant to serve as a home away from home as we pursue higher education, Avery said. It puts women in a position where we have to decide to put ourselves at risk for being accepting or face social persecution for wanting basic privacy. Marina Lowe, policy director for Equality Utah, said most university students are adults and should be learning how to cross paths with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Its certainly our hope that our students, as they begin their adult journeys, are equipped with the skills to problem solve, engage with those with differing perspectives even when this leads to discomfort, and confront and resolve challenges as they present themselves, she said. A long line of speakers opposed the bill during public comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another USU student, Sophie Anderson, told lawmakers she was not only speaking for herself, but also for the resident assistant who has been the subject of much backlash since Saltzman made her Facebook post. I would like to ask those voting on this bill and other bills attacking trans individuals if they have met and genuinely gotten to know a trans individual, she said. Because never have I or anyone I know, have felt threatened by a trans woman. In fact, they are some of my closest friends and some of the most kindest people I know. Rep. Stephanie Gricius, R-Eagle Mountain, presents her bill that would change which dorms transgender students could live in at Utah universities to the House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2025. McKinsey Robertson, the resident assistants mother, also shared her thoughts on HB269, adding that when her daughter moved in as a randomly assigned resident assistant, she had been excited to meet other young women and hopefully make new friends. Being afraid of someone different from yourself is no reason to bully them and attempt to push them out, she said. Im in shock at the treatment my daughter has received by grown adults who have put her safety at significant risk. I am appalled at the writers of this bill for holding the safety of other girls over the safety of mine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, several public universities including USU and the University of Utah provide both co-ed and gendered housing options for students. Both schools rely on a students personal selection for housing assignments. HB269 also has cleanup changes for last years HB257, the law that restricts people to only using bathrooms that align with their sex assigned at birth when in government buildings. Let us know what you think... Specifically, HB269 removes the exception that someone could provide documentation to access a sex designated privacy space, which is defined as a publicly owned restroom or changing room that is designated specifically for females or males. There were a couple instances where that got a little bit sticky, so were pulling that out just to clear up any confusion, Gricius said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers said the bill was well thought out and reasonable expectations of privacy are fundamental pillars of law. I would like to think someday theres a world where everybody can be comfortable with everybody, and that would be great, but thats not the world we live in today, and I do think that that means that everybody needs to have an option that allows them to feel comfortable and safe, whether youre a man, woman, transgender, intersex, whatever, there needs to be an option for you to feel safe, Rep. Norman Thurston, R-Provo, said. And I think that this is getting us there, or at least closer there, I dont know if its perfect. Near the end of the meeting and before voting took place, one individual in the crowd yelled Your discomfort does not protect our safety. Trans lives matter. Language matters, and promptly walked out of the room. Some of those who had attended the meeting to oppose the bill wiped tears from their eyes as, for the fourth year in a row, a bill related to the rights of transgender individuals was sent to the House. After the bill passed out of the committee, 13-2, the ACLU of Utah released a statement from Ellie Menlove, legislative and policy counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers claim this bill protects women and privacy, but removing the exceptions in the substitute bill reveals its true intent: to erase trans people from public life, Menlove said. These attacks harm not only trans people but anyone perceived as a threat by leaders who are supposed to represent all of us. Do you really want politicians in your bedroom? SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The El Paso County Coroner's Office has identified the victims of a weekend shooting that is being investigated as a murder-suicide. Two people died and another person was wounded in a shooting in southeast Colorado Springs Saturday January 18, according to police. The El Paso County Coroner's Office has identified the victims as Donte Cross, 50, and Tiana Smith, 32. Cross's death is being investigated as a homicide and Smith's death is being investigated as a suicide, according to the Coroner's Office. Officers responded to a 10 p.m. call about a shooting at a residence in the 4100 block of Apollo Village Circle, near Airport Road and South Academy Boulevard, officials said. Featured Local Savings When they arrived, they found a man and a woman, both dead from gunshot wounds. Another woman, suffering from a gunshot wound, was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive. Everyone involved in the deadly incident has been accounted for, police said. A homicide investigation is ongoing. The Colorado Springs Police Department is asking for the public's help in the investigation. They say to call 719-444-4000 or 719-634-7867 to remain anonymous. Puente Arizona, a grassroots group that advocates for immigrants, has launched a hotline to report ICE and Border Patrol activity in the Phoenix area. The hotline is intended to help warn people of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol activity, bat down false rumors and prevent immigrant families from being torn apart, said Natally Cruz, the Puente Arizona director. It was created in response to the new Trump administration's mass deportation plans. President Donald Trump also cleared the way for ICE officers to carry out enforcement actions at schools, churches and hospitals, a reversal of previous administrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hotline received more than 70 calls and text messages in the first 48 hours after Trump was inaugurated as president and signed a flurry of executive orders and proclamations aimed at ramping up mass deportations at the border and from within the interior of the U.S., Cruz said. The scores of calls and text messages that poured into the new hotline helped determine that ICE officers on Tuesday had arrested a person with an outstanding final order of removal in Maryvale, a neighborhood with a large Latino immigrant population on the west side of Phoenix, Cruz said. The arrest at the apartment complex near 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road is among the first, if not the first ICE arrest, to take place in the Phoenix area since Trump took office. But Cruz said it did not appear to be part of an escalation of ICE arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are getting word of people who are individually getting picked up, and we know that was going to be a top priority, people who have deportation orders or final orders of removal," Cruz said. "Those are the people who are getting picked up directly by ICE, so we know that is happening locally. As far as raids or anything, nothing has been confirmed. We haven't seen any activity." Tom Homan, Trump's new border czar in charge of carrying out the mass deportations, said ICE made 308 arrests across the country in the first two days of the new Trump administration, according to several media outlets. NBC News characterized the arrests around the country as routine operations and not part of any large-scale escalation, citing an unnamed source. Jorge Mendoza Yescas, the consul general of Mexico in Phoenix, said he has not seen an uptick in ICE arrests since Trump took office. He said ICE's Phoenix office routinely arrests between one and five people daily, most of them people with final deportation orders and criminal backgrounds, typically involving DUIs, domestic violence and narcotics Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The thing is that now because of the environment, the political rhetoric, those situations are more visible, but I think (the number of ICE arrests taking place) is the same as before January 20th," Mendoza Yescas said. Mexico is among the top countries on a list of noncitizens in the U.S. who have been issued final orders of removal, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement data obtained by Fox News. The data shows there are 1,445,549 noncitizens on ICE's non-detained docket with final removal orders, including 261,651 from Honduras, 253,413 from Guatemala, 252,044 from Mexico and 203,822 from El Salvador. Rumors of ICE activity at an apartment complex near 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road blew up Tuesday on TikTok and other social media and quickly spread throughout the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruz said the rumors started after ICE officers showed up in the morning to arrest a person with a final order of removal. Calls also poured into the Puente Arizona hotline, prompting the group to send teams to the area to investigate, Cruz said. Cruz said members of Puente later confirmed the arrest with relatives. The hotline also received reports of ICE activity in other parts of the Phoenix area and other rumors also circulated on social media but they turned out to be false, Cruz said. The Arizona Republic reached out to the ICE office in Phoenix. But a spokesperson, Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe, said in an email she could not provide information at this time. Hotline is a throwback to the Arpaio era The Puente Arizona hotline is modeled after one set up to report ICE and Border Patrol activity when former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio conducted saturation patrols and worksite raids in the late 2000s in mostly Latino neighborhoods in an effort to find and arrest immigrants in the country illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hotline was also active after Arizona in 2010 passed Senate Bill 1070, a broad immigration enforcement law that among other provisions sought to require local law enforcement agencies to take a more active role in identifying and arresting immigrants in the country illegally, usually the purview of federal immigration authorities. The new version of the hotline officially launched on Jan. 10 in the days leading up to Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, Cruz said. It also comes as Arizona begins to implement Proposition 314, a sweeping new law approved by voters in November aimed at using local authorities to help identify and arrest people who are in the country illegally. Cruz said the hotline is being used by Puente Arizona to collect reports of ICE and Border Patrol activity in the Phoenix area. The number is: 480-506-7437. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group then sends text message alerts to stay away from the area if ICE and Border Patrol activity has been confirmed by members of the group, Cruz said. When ICE or Border Patrol activity is confirmed, the group plans to send teams to the location to inform people of their rights and also to record any arrests, Cruz said. "The idea is that if we do see them to also alert other organizations so they can put it out on social media so our community members can avoid the area," Cruz said. Cruz said the hotline is intended to prevent immigrant families living and working in the Phoenix area from being torn apart by mass deportations planned under the new Trump administration, not to protect criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For us, the safety of the community is what is more important The safety of children and the parents to make it home," Cruz said. "We have lived through the times of Arpaio and we know what this means and we know how terrorizing and traumatizing it can be for our community." Expanded: Trump's Homeland Security Dept. OKs immigration raids at schools, churches This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ICE raids near me: Arizona group has hotline to report Phoenix action COLLEGE STATION, Texas (FOX 44) The law enforcement procession from Navasota for Sgt. Mark Allen Butler arrived at Central Church in College Station on Friday morning. FOX 44 News was there. You can watch our video above. You can also see the procession leaving from Navasota 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 KWKT - FOX 44. A proposed bill in the Maryland General Assembly seeks to create an analysis and report about the economic, environmental and energy consequences of data center development in the state. The analysis required by SB 116 if it passes would include information on how the data center industry impacts multiple things, including Maryland's natural resources; current and anticipated power supply and demands; and state and local revenues and expenses. The Maryland House of Delegates will hear the House version of the bill, HB 270, on Thursday at 1 p.m. Del. Brian Crosby of St. Mary's County sponsored the House version. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data centers store computing machines and server systems needed for cloud-based services and require lots of power and water to stay online 24/7 and cool their equipment. The buildings also require backup generators in the case of an emergency outage. In Frederick County, two companies TPG and Catellus Development Corporation are developing a sprawling data center campus on about 2,100 acres near Adamstown on the site of the former Alcoa Eastalco aluminum smelting plant. This campus, dubbed Quantum Frederick, will be connected to the "data center alley" in Virginia's Loudoun County by a 40-mile-long fiber optic ring called the QLoop. Loudoun County has about 43 million square feet of data centers. Currently, two companies have announced their intent to build facilities on the campus: Aligned Data Centers and Rowan Digital Infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater created a work group in June 2023 to examine county law related to data centers. The group divided itself into three subcommittees to focus on different topics: siting, sustainability and community benefits. During the work group's meetings, the members met with various stakeholders and those knowledgeable about data centers, including officials from Loudoun County and individuals who work in the electric power industry. The work group issued a final report last March with recommendations to the county on how to regulate the data center industry. 'We needed to do more research' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Karen Lewis Young pre-filed the data center impact analysis bill in September. She said after a law was enacted last year that allows data centers to forgo getting a certain certificate to build backup generators, several members of the General Assembly had concerns about the industry's consequences, like noise and water usage. While projected economic impacts for data centers in other areas have looked attractive, based on research, "we saw that the numbers that were originally projected weren't being materialized." "A number of my colleagues felt we needed to do more research at least on the energy demands, the financial analysis and environmental consequences," Lewis Young said. "... Before we repeat some of Virginia's mistakes, I think we need to be very proactive about understanding some of these consequences." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maryland Tech Council, a technology and life sciences trade association, commissioned an economic impact study on the Quantum Frederick campus. The entire campus is expected to annually generate about $41 million in Frederick County tax revenue and nearly $197 million in state tax revenue once it's completed, according to one of the Tech Council's reports. The campus is estimated to employ about 1,700 people once it's finished. Quantum Frederick's construction is expected to cost about $2 billion and will support over 48,000 jobs in Frederick County from 2023 to 2037. When asked on Wednesday about the bill, Tech Council CEO Kelly Schulz said the council's studies on data centers "demonstrate that the data center industry's investments in Maryland will create tens of thousands of high-paying jobs, robust local tax revenues, and long-term economic stability for our state." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewis Young is aware of the Tech Council's study, but she wants another independent source to support the numbers and estimates. "I worked in the research and consulting area for years, and I know when a client commissions a study, they also direct the questions," she said. "Given those numbers were so attractive, we needed to have a very independent entity verify those financial forecasts in terms of both financial consequences and employment opportunities." When asked if Fitzwater had any comment on the bill on Wednesday, county spokesperson Vivian Laxton sent a letter that Fitzwater wrote in support of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the data center work group she created provided several policy recommendations, Fitzwater said in her letter that "there were several matters, such as energy consumption and climate impacts, transmission infrastructure, water consumption, and sustainability practices, that should be further studied in partnership with state agencies and academic/research institutions." What's in the analysis? Under the bill, the Maryland Department of Legislative Services would have to submit a final data center impact report to the governor by Sept. 1, 2026. The analysis would include an assessment by the Maryland Department of the Environment on how the data center industry could impact the state's air and water quality and its ability to meet its environmental goals like bay restoration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department would also look at what technologies exist that could mitigate data centers' environmental consequences, as well as how feasible it would be to install those technologies in Maryland. Data centers can use hundreds of thousands of gallons of water a day to cool the equipment in the facilities. In the county data center work group's final report, it said that Rowan Digital Infrastructure, which plans to build on the Quantum Frederick campus, has 440,000 gallons of cooling water a day allocated to its 156-acre parcel. The Maryland Energy Administration would look at the energy consequences of data centers, such as how much power they require, how they may impact Maryland's power demand and supply, and how they may affect Maryland's clean energy goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Energy Administration would also look at if the data center industry could affect future power infrastructure needs and the costs borne by utility ratepayers. Power use for data centers in Virginia reached 2.67 gigawatts or 2,670 megawatts in 2022, as reported by the tech publication Data Center Frontier. One megawatt can power about 800 homes, according to Jason Kalwa, the director for the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP). The MPRP is a controversial proposed 500,000-volt line that will extend for about 70 miles across parts of Frederick, Baltimore and Carroll counties. The project is being developed to help address an anticipated increase on the regional power grid that serves all of Maryland, as well as Washington, D.C., and parts of 12 other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of that expected increase is due to data centers to be sited in Maryland and Virginia. The MPRP will cost about $424 million, according to a website about the project, and customers across the regional power grid will pay for the project under a cost allocation methodology approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The University of Maryland School of Business will study the potential economic and fiscal effects of data centers. The bill would specifically require that the school look at how data centers will impact local and state revenues and how many jobs would be created during data center construction and operations. Lewis Young said the topics that would be researched as part of the bill's analysis were inspired by a study that Virginia's Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission conducted in 2024. She also said that Frederick County residents' concerns helped her shape what the analysis should consist of and develop policy questions and approaches. A snowmobiler pulls a grooming device over fresh snow. (USDA MEDIA BY LANCE CHEUNG.) A bill introduced to the Montana Legislature this week would add a small fee to snowmobile rentals to fund maintenance and grooming operations on Montanas more than 4,000 miles of motorized winter trails. Sen. Barry Usher, R-Billings, brought Senate Bill 165 before the Senate Fish and Game committee on Thursday to add a $5 trail enhancement fee for anyone who rents a snowmobile in Montana, with the intent of funneling the fees to the local snowmobile clubs that conduct grooming operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill is mostly aimed at tourists, Usher said, though he acknowledged that some Montanans would also pay the fee, including himself. But residents and visitors alike would greatly benefit from better trails. The snowmobilers have taken the responsibility to groom in the winters for anybody, whether its a bicycle, everybody. So theyre stepping up and doing that, Usher said. The states 4,000 miles of winter motorized trails are groomed by local clubs or chambers of commerce partially funded with grant money provided by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The grooming funds are derived from snowmobile gas tax refunds and decal fees, as well as the winter trail pass fee required to legally ride on groomed trails. Winter trail passes are required for snowmobilers, dog sledders and other mechanized winter trail users and cost $20 for residents and $35 for nonresidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tourism has just boomed. Everybody wants to come enjoy our back country, our wonderful areas in Montana, and so rental vendors have expanded like crazy, and they put out a lot more machines, Montana Snowmobile Association President Fred Bailey said. Because of it, there are certain high tourist areas, that we cant, through the state grooming program, with our clubs, we cannot maintain those trails well enough to be safe and to be comfortable. Bailey said that poorly maintained trails mean a rough experience for visitors to the state something rental vendors have noticed and discussed as well as safety hazards for everyone involved. A screenshot of an interactive snowmobile recreation planning tool showing some of the states 4,000 maintained snowmobile trails. (Courtesy FWP) The states 26 snowmobile clubs are the primary caretakers of the states trails, each group grooming a specific portion. The trails are open for all winter uses, including dog sledding, fat-tire bikers, cross country skiers, and other winter travel. We dont limit anything. We share those, even though we do the maintenance on them, Bailey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grooming machines they use are expensive to own and maintain, and Bailey said collecting an additional fee from rentals would greatly aid the clubs that maintain the most popular trails, such as those around West Yellowstone and up in the Flathead Valley. The bill is written for FWP to collect the fee, use 2% for maintenance of grooming equipment, and redistribute the rest back to the local club where the sled was rented from, so that grooming in those areas will be stepped up, Bailey said. A new $5 fee on snowmobile rentals in Montana would fund trail maintenance. (CC BY-ND 2.0 WiseguyCreative.com) Rick David, from the Flathead Snowmobile Association, said that he manages the three groomers for the club, plus two groomers of his own, covering roughly 200 miles of trails in northwest Montana. Im very busy when it snows, David said. Ive spend several hours looking through the windshield watching the excess wear and tear on the trail form the rental snowmobiles and realizing theyre using the trails on my volunteer hours, and I would like to see a little bit of this money come back to the club, to help us out with the groomers and the repairs and be able to groom the trails a little bit more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jason Howell, from West Yellowstone, said the five rental operators in the area along with the local West Yellowstone Grooming Committee all supported the bill. Already, the rental outfitters voluntarily give $1 of every rental toward local grooming operations, but surges in snowmobile popularity has increased the need for funds. Some snowmobile rentals are done by the hour, they go out and come back on the same trail, and it just gets beat up, and thats not good, Howell said. Now is the time for commercial use on our snowmobile trails in Montana to catch up and pay their fair share. Other proponents emphasized that this is a safety bill, not just a recreation bill. Like skied out runs at a resort, snowmobile trails develop moguls and grooming irregularities throughout the day, said Connie Walter, vice president of the Montana Snowmobile Association. That greatly increases the chances of riders, especially inexperienced riders, getting into accidents or being thrown from their sleds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had deaths because of that, and we dont want that to happen, Walter said. A lot of these places are destination areas people that are going to ride are going to chase the snow, so youre always going to have the volume of riders there. Passing this bill is very important to the safety of snowmobiling in Montana. In his closing remarks, Usher said this bill is just good Montanans helping out good Montanans. They just need a little funding to take care of some equipment and some fuel, and and we can take care of our tourism and our residents. The committee did not take any action on the bill Thursday. SAN MARCOS (FOX 5/KUSI) Plans for a proposed apartment complex in San Elijo Hills are raising concerns about emergency preparedness from area residents. A few dozen residents shared their thoughts on the project during a public workshop in San Marcos Thursday night. With recent wildfires in San Diego County and in neighboring Los Angeles County, most of the people who spoke up during the meeting said they are worried another development would mean more gridlock during an emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Popular North County pickleball facility forced to operate at 25% capacity over noise, permit issues The San Elijo Hills Town Center Apartments would feature 31 residential units, including six low-income units, made up of mostly one-bedroom and three two-bedroom options. Renderings show the three to four stories above a parking garage that would house about a third of the 33 parking spaces in the plan. The rest are on the street and on site. The proposed project would be built on a half-acre parcel of land that sits in between San Elijo Road South and San Elijo Road North, which are the only two ways in and out of the area. Both streets are prone to congestion, which worsens in the event of an evacuation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ed Philbrick and his wife have lived in San Elijo Hills since 2004 and have endured wildfires, including the Cocos Fire in 2014. My wife and daughter were in their car two hours before they were lets say to La Costa, said Philbrick. He remembers just how hectic the roads can get in an emergency. The fire department cant even get through school traffic safely during those times, added Philbrick. The developer of the proposed project is working closely with the city and fire department. The development that were proposing right now has the least impacts of any project that we could develop there, said Duncan Budinger with Ambient Communities. We reached out to the San Marcos city planner for comment and didnt hear back at the time of publication. Theres a petition with over 1,000 signatures against the project and some residents are hopeful the city will take their concerns into consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were pushing the envelope in California where were trying to build where we just shouldnt build, said Philbrick. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Providence City Councilor Miguel Sanchez doubled down on a social media post he made criticizing U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), as agents across the country begin enforcing President Donald Trumps immigration policies. [Expletive] ICE, Sanchez wrote on X in response to another post regarding Trumps reversal of a policy that prevented ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from arresting undocumented migrants at sensitive locations. Sanchez told 12 News he was boldly expressing his opinion regarding Trumps crackdown on immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its important to use our voices and platforms to strongly oppose those unjust, unfair and very targeted actions, Sanchez told 12 News Thursday night. Folks know exactly whats going on, and I want to call it out as much as possible. Smiley: Providence will take Trumps immigration policy one step at a time ICE agents have already arrested hundreds of migrants wanted for outstanding crimes nationwide, including in Boston. Sanchez said hes worried ICE will go beyond the scope of arresting violent criminals. Theyre going to come for innocent working families, people that have been here for many decades, he said. Im not going to be naive to the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Dan McKee told reporters Thursday afternoon theres no indication that ICE agents have been conducting raids in the Ocean State. He also said the state has been alerting ICE and CBP about undocumented migrants accused of violent crimes in Rhode Island. What were concerned about, obviously, is we want to make sure it doesnt go beyond that, McKee explained. We have [migrants] in the state who pay taxes theyre definitely baked into our communities. McKee reiterated that he wants there to be a clear path for undocumented Rhode Islanders seeking legal status. McKee: No evidence of ICE raids happening in Rhode Island Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanchez echoed that sentiment. Folks who try to go through the right way still dont have that in my opinion fair opportunity to become a legal resident, a green card holder or a permanent resident, he said. But not everyone agrees. R.I. Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz, R-North Smithfield, said that, while she believes all immigrants should arrive legally, Trumps policy specifically targets dangerous criminals. They shouldnt be here, they should be sent back to their homes, de la Cruz said, referring to undocumented migrants with violent criminal histories. I just dont see why anybody would be against that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement de la Cruz, whose parents are immigrants, also made mention of the ICE raids happening in Boston. Were not too far from Boston, de la Cruz said. Id say, Mr. Trump, stop in Providence too while youre at it. Theres no reason to keep violent criminals here in our country, she added. Send them back to their country of origin and then we can figure out how to put [migrants] on a path to citizenship. State Rep. Jon Brien, a Woonsocket independent, believes everyone should get out of the way and let ICE do its job, especially when it comes to arresting undocumented migrants with violent criminal backgrounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should be cooperating with them to make our communities safer, Brien said. Brien also described supporting undocumented migrants as an affront to those who have done everything they can to go by the book and do things the right way. When it comes down to it, being illegal is illegal, and I think that everybody should be following the process and doing everything they can to become an American citizen, Brien explained. Sanchez told 12 News he does not regret his post and will continue to fight for everyone who calls Providence home. 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. An executive order from President Trump freezes all mass communication from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention unless its approved by the White House. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] This includes health advisories, updates on its website and social media, news releases and speaking engagements. The acting director of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, sent a memo this week saying the directive would be in effect through Feb. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also applies to other health and science agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health. The CDC posts information on its website, including everything from healthy living to workplace safety. It also publishes the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which is highly influential among public health officials. The Jan. 23 edition is expected to include updates on the widening bird flu outbreak, but before its posted, it must first get approval from a Trump appointee. TRENDING STORIES: Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, said this is not uncommon for a new administration. But he said the scope and details of the order are heavy-handed, smacking of micromanagement and politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets say we had a big outbreak that we needed to stop tomorrow, Benjamin told Channel 2s Bryan Mims. They would have to go and get permission in order to communicate. Benjamin said most of the information shared with the public is helpful and without controversy. But there are some things, of course, as you know, this administration is triggered by: reproductive health issues, climate change, gun violence, he said. Ryan Sloane, a spokesman for the CDC, sent a written statement to Mims that states: HHS has issued a pause on mass communications and public appearances that are not directly related to emergencies or critical to preserving health, it said. This is a short pause to allow the new team to set up a process for review and prioritization. There are exceptions for announcements that HHS divisions believe are mission critical, but they will be made on a case-by-case basis. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Mims also emailed HHS for a comment and was given the same statement. I think the public should be irritated theyre not getting timely communication at this time, Benjamin said. This story incorporates reporting fromBoston.com, Philadelphia Inquirer, The Boston Globe, pharmaphorum, Hartford Courant, BioSpace and Yahoo. Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family, have agreed to a $7.4 billion settlement aimed at resolving thousands of lawsuits connected to the companys role in the opioid crisis. The agreement requires the Sacklers to pay up to $6.5 billion and surrender their ownership of Purdue Pharma. Nearly $900 million will come directly from the company, which declared bankruptcy in 2019. This settlement promises substantial financial relief to communities and individuals devastated by opioid addiction. The settlement, announced by attorneys general from several states, marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address the opioid epidemic in the United States. It follows years of litigation against Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, a prescription painkiller linked to widespread addiction and overdose deaths. Notably, the maximum contribution from the Sackler family members is $500 million more than a previous agreement, reflecting increased accountability on their part. In addition to financial compensation, the settlement includes the disclosure of more than 30 million documents relating to Purdue Pharmas operations and the Sacklers. This transparency measure is considered a legal win for victims and is expected to shed light on the companys role in the opioid crisis. Legal experts have however raised concerns about a unique condition in the settlement that potentially benefits the Sackler family, suggesting ethical complexities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The terms of the deal require that settlement funds be used primarily for opioid crisis remediation efforts. These initiatives include supporting addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery programs. Critics have previously highlighted that many opioid settlements do not allocate funds specifically for these purposes, making this aspect of the Purdue settlement particularly noteworthy. Massachusetts is set to receive up to $108 million from this settlement, contributing to wider efforts across the state to combat opioid addiction and its repercussions. This financial influx is part of the broader compensation plan that disperses funds directly to impacted communities over the next 15 years. It aims to support initiatives that can significantly reduce opioid-related harm at the grassroots level. Despite the settlements scope, it does not shield the Sacklers from potential criminal chargesthough none have been filed at this time. Earlier settlements had raised issues of accountability, with critics arguing that financial compensation alone was insufficient. The lack of criminal protection in the current deal keeps open the possibility of future legal actions against the Sackler family, should new evidence of criminal wrongdoing emerge. This settlement is among several totaling approximately $50 billion related to opioid litigation in the United States, emphasizing the extensive financial and societal efforts to address the crisis. While the funds from these settlements offer a path forward, the complexity and depth of the opioid crisis necessitate ongoing vigilance and action beyond monetary compensation alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quartz Intelligence Newsroom uses generative artificial intelligence to report on business trends. This is the first phase of an experimental new version of reporting. While we strive for accuracy and timeliness, due to the experimental nature of this technology we cannot guarantee that well always be successful in that regard. If you see errors in this article, please let us know at qi@qz.com. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) How bad is the opioid crisis in Connecticut? If you combine motor vehicle accidents and gun violence in our state, more people die of opioid overdoses per year. That is why the $7.4 billion settlement by Purdue Pharma is so important. Purdue Pharma, owners could pay $7.4 billion in new settlement over toll of OxyContin Connecticut will get more than $60 million to compensate victims and find a way to stop opioid addiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not just about money, Attorney General William Tong said. Theres not enough money in the world to make it right. Whats at stake here are the roughly 1,400 families this year and the thousands that have come before who are wrecked by this crisis. Charlie, a Hartford resident, says that hes had friends that hes lost to addiction. Some of them have gotten clean for five to 10 years until they wound up going back to using opioids, overdosing and dying. Tong said that 85% of the money will be spent looking forward. Education, awareness, treatment programs, Narcan and most recently, wraparound housing programs for people who suffer from these addictions, Neil OLeary on the opioid advisory committee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The settlement still has to be approved by the courts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Editor's note: The story was expanded with a comment from Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskys Office, and a statement from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters on Jan. 24 that Russia is ready for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on ending the war in Ukraine. "Regarding negotiations, we have always said and I want to emphasize this again that we are ready for talks on the Ukrainian issue (Russia's full-scale invasion)," Putin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin claimed that if Trump's 2020 "victory hadn't been stolen," there might not have been a "crisis in Ukraine." He emphasized that Russia has "never refused contact" with the U.S. administration and maintained a "pragmatic and trusting" relationship with Trump. He moved quickly to point out a decree signed by President Zelensky after Russia illegally annexed four Ukrainian regions, which declared negotiations with Putin "impossible" while leaving the door open to discussions with Russia under different leadership. "How can negotiations be resumed if they are officially banned?" Putin asked. Zelensky's 2022 decree followed Russia's annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, actions condemned as illegitimate by the international community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move reflected Ukraine's refusal to engage with Moscow while Putin remains in power, underscoring Kyiv's position that peace negotiations must uphold Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukraine's Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak dismissed Putin's remarks, accusing him of seeking to sideline Europe in any talks. "Putin wants to negotiate the fate of Europe without Europe," Yermak said. He added, "Putin has long needed to return to reality himself, or he will be brought back." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed Putin's comments, saying that dialog with Trump could recover if the U.S. "takes into account Russia's interests." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If the U.S. under Trump takes Russia's interests into account, the dialog between Moscow and Washington will be gradually restored; if not, everything will remain as it is," he said. Lavrov expressed dissatisfaction with Trump's team's reported peace proposals on Dec. 29, particularly the idea of freezing hostilities along the current line of contact and transferring the responsibility for countering Russia to Europe. Read also: Utter bulls*** Ukraine rejects Russias demand to abandon NATO membership promise Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NATO Chief Mark Rutte said on Jan. 23 that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no authority to influence NATO's future membership decisions. We must clearly understand that Vladimir Putin has no veto power and no say over who will join NATO in the future. Unless, of course, he himself wants to join NATO, but I don't think he wants that, Rutte said at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He emphasized that Ukraine's full NATO membership is the best guarantee for lasting peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever the outcome, it must be clear that peace is sustainable when they (negotiations) end, we must be confident that the peace we collectively supported will be enduring and will never be questioned again, he said. Rutte also highlighted the need to avoid repeating the failures of the Minsk agreements and stressed the importance of ensuring Ukraine is in the strongest possible position before any future negotiations with Russia. Earlier in the day, Rutte called on the United States to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine, pledging that Europe will shoulder the financial burden. Nearly 3,000 representatives from over 130 countries, including 60 heads of state and government, 900 CEOs of the worlds leading companies, and forum partners, are expected to attend the forum in 2025. Read also: EU to allocate $36 billion of financial support to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Jan. 24 during a press briefing. Trump has previously said he wants to meet with Putin "very quickly" after his inauguration. The Kremlin welcomed Trump's comments but added that no preparations were currently underway for the meeting. "Putin is ready, we are waiting for signals, everyone is ready... If there is something, we will inform you," Peskov said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow is ready for talks with Washington on nuclear disarmament as well, but the arsenals of the U.S.s allies the U.K. and France must also be considered, the spokesperson claimed. "In the interests of the whole world, in the interests of the peoples of our countries, of course, we are interested in starting this negotiation process as soon as possible," he added. Peskov also reacted to Trump's recent statement that he would ask the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), of which Russia is a member, to lower the oil price and that this would end the war "immediately." The spokesperson opposed the statement, saying that the war is not dependent on oil prices and is allegedly taking place because of "the danger to Russia and the Russians." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump team hopes to quickly begin work on a settlement plan that could be implemented within the first few months of his presidency. A meeting with Putin is part of the plan, according to CNN. Trump has often voiced sympathies for the Russian leader while criticizing the level of support the previous Biden administration provided to Kyiv. This prompted concerns that the new U.S. leadership might cut a deal unfavorable to Ukraine. Read also: What are Trumps options on Russias war against Ukraine? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Kremlin has said that Russian ruler Vladimir Putin is ready to contact US President Donald Trump, and Moscow is waiting for signals. Source: Putins press secretary Dmitry Peskov, quoted by RIA Novosti, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlet Quote: "Putin is ready for contact with Trump; Moscow is waiting for signals and will announce a possible conversation in due time." Details: This was Peskov's response to a question about whether contacts between the leaders of Russia and the US should be expected over the weekend. Background: US President Donald Trump has confirmed plans to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to end Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. According to CNN, Trump has instructed his aides to prepare a phone call with Putin aimed at arranging the meeting. Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said hes ready to discuss crude oil prices and other energy issues at a face-to-face meeting with US leader Donald Trump. Most Read from Bloomberg Both Russia and the US are top global oil producers and consumers, Putin said in an interview with state-owned Rossiya 24 TV. Price movements in the commodity impacts both economies, he said. We have a lot to discuss here, and there are other energy issues that might be mutually interesting, Putin said. I doubt that Mr. Trump even if we are hearing about the possibility of additional sanction on Russia would make decisions that could hurt the US economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putins comments follow Trumps Thursday address to world leaders in Davos, when he urged Saudi Arabia and other members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to bring down the cost of oil. If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately, Trump added. Earlier this week, Trump also stepped up pressure on Russia to make a peace deal with Ukraine soon, or else he would have no other choice but to impose additional taxes, tariffs and sanctions on Russian imports to the US, along with other participating countries. Earlier this month, the US imposed its harshest sanctions so far on Russias energy industry, the key source of the Kremlins revenue that funds the war in Ukraine. The restrictions could disrupt Russias exports of petroleum and reduce the global supply surplus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. The Ukrainian leadership on Friday criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer to meet with US President Donald Trump, warning that Europe was at risk of being relegated to the sidelines. Andriy Yermak, the head of the Presidential Office in Kiev, said Putin is trying to promote the idea of bilateral negotiations with the United States over the war Russia started. Putin "wants to decide Europe's fate - without Europe," Yermak wrote on X. "And he seeks to talk about Ukraine - without Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin made it clear earlier on Friday that he was interested in negotiations with Trump to end the war in Ukraine. "It is probably better for us to meet and, based on today's realities, talk calmly about all areas that are of interest to both the US and Russia," Putin told Russian state television. "We are ready for this," he said. During the election campaign, Trump promised that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of returning to the White House, in large part because of his good relationship with Putin. Speaking to reporters just a few hours after his inauguration on Monday, Trump said he was eager to talk to Putin. On Wednesday, he threatened Russia with "taxes, tariffs and sanctions" if the war did not end soon. Ukraine is heavily dependent on Western support as it seeks to fend off the invasion, primarily massive arms supplies from Washington. It remains unclear how far Trump plans to maintain the billions in Ukraine aid pledged by his predecessor Joe Biden. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. A cache of human-like fossils from China has perplexed scientists for decades, defying explanation or categorization. The skull fragments, teeth, jaws and other remains unearthed at different sites across the country are clearly remnants of archaic hominins the formal name for species in the human lineage who lived between 300,000 and 100,000 years ago. But its never been clear what species the bones belonged to or where they should sit in an increasingly complex human family tree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christopher Bae, a professor in the department of anthropology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa who was based in Beijing for many years, is among scientists revisiting these puzzling fossils with fresh eyes. He and his colleague Wu Xiujie, a senior professor from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing, now suggest it may be time to formally recognize a previously unknown ancient hominin, and theyve proposed officially recognizing a species new to science. The most striking characteristic of this previously unknown human ancestor? An extremely large brain thats bigger than that of our species, Homo sapiens, the only surviving hominin. The feature is reflected in the proposed name for the species, revealed by Bae and Wu in a November article published in the scientific journal Nature Communications: Homo juluensis, a nod to ju lu, which means huge head in Chinese. Their skulls are actually very, very large, you know, the estimated cranial capacity is 1,700, 1,800 cubic centimeters, said Bae, who also described Homo juluensis in his book The Paleoanthropology of Eastern Asia, published in September. We have a minimum capacity of about 1,350 cc, on average, were about 1,450 (cc). Its not an order of magnitude larger but its much more robust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal is sparking controversy among paleoanthropologists, and some scientists disagree about whether the new grouping rises to the level of a new species. But if Bae and Wus analysis is correct, these fossils could hold the key to solving one of human evolutions biggest mysteries: a puzzle that started with the discovery of a pinkie bone in Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountains of southern Siberia. DNA analysis of that tiny fossil led to the 2010 finding that it represented a distinct ancient human population, which scientists dubbed the Denisovans. Many people alive today carry traces of Denisovan DNA, but because fossils of these extinct ancestors are still few and far between experts in human origins still dont know exactly what they looked like, where they lived or why they disappeared. Digitally reconstructed craniums from the fossilized remains found at Xujiayao and Xuchang. The large, low and wide shape is distinct from the skulls of other known hominin species. - Courtesy Xiujie Wu Hiding in plain sight? The hard-to-classify Chinese remains include 21 fossils found in the 1970s at the Xujiayao (Houjiayao) site located on the border of northern Chinas Shanxi and Hebei provinces. The specimens represent 16 individuals who lived 200,000 to 160,000 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among other sites of interest are Lingjing in Xuchang County in central Chinas Henan province, where partial craniums were found between 2007 and 2014, and the northeastern city of Harbin, in Heilongjiang province, where a skull stashed at the bottom of a well about 90 years ago recently resurfaced. Many of these fossils had been overlooked because when they were first unearthed in the 1970s and 1980s, commonly held beliefs about human origins were vastly different from todays theories. Back then, many paleoanthropologists thought that present-day human populations evolved regionally from archaic hominins such as Homo erectus, which left Africa about 2 million years ago. In effect, this scientific model known as multiregionalism, now largely rejected, suggested there was only one hominin species that evolved over time to become Homo sapiens. In this scenario, the Xujiayao fossils, and others with unusual features unearthed in China, were classified as intermediates between more primitive hominins such as Homo erectus and more modern ones. The multiregional scientific model, which suggested discrete ancestry roots for the Chinese people, dovetailed with nationalist sentiments and was once particularly entrenched among Chinese academics. However, scientists now have strong genetic evidence that supports an African origin of all Homo sapiens. The model, widely accepted today, is known as the out of Africa theory: The distant ancestors of present-day humans living outside of Africa left the continent and spread around the world 50,000 to 60,000 years ago, although pioneering Homo sapiens groups may have left the continent earlier, from around 200,000 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subsequent discoveries in Asia and Africa in recent decades, such as the fossil finds of Homo floresiensis, tiny hominins who lived 100,000 to 50,000 years ago in whats now the Indonesian island of Flores, and Homo naledi, similarly small-bodied hominins who lived 300,000 years ago in whats now South Africa, have also suggested that the situation today, in which only one species of hominin exists, is unusual. The last 50 years of fossil discoveries have made it clear that there wasnt a single hominin lineage around at any point in the past (making humans today quite unique), said Carrie Mongle, an assistant professor in the department of anthropology at Stony Brook University in New York. With this in mind, it isnt unreasonable to suggest that the number of species represented by the Asian fossils should be revisited we shouldnt just assume that they can all be lumped (together). A skull stashed at a bottom of a well for about 90 years in Harbin, in China's Heilongjiang province, recently resurfaced and has been studied by experts in human origins. - Courtesy Wei Gao Finding links and objections In what they say is the first comprehensive analysis of the Xujiayao specimens, Bae and Wu were able to digitally reconstruct a cranium from the remains. Its large, low and wide shape was completely distinct from the skulls of other known hominin species such as Neanderthals or Homo erectus, and different from the globe-shaped skulls of Homo sapiens, the analysis concluded. The pair then compared the features with other puzzling fossils found in the region over recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cranium was similar to two unusually large skulls found in Xuchang County in Henan province between 2007 and 2014, which had a 1,800-cubic-centimeter (110-cubic-inch) capacity. Teeth found at the Xujiayao site closely resembled those in previous finds: teeth contained in a jawbone found in the early 1980s on the Tibetan plateau, at a site where researchers in 2020 also found DNA in cave sediment tied to Denisovans; a tooth found in a cave in Laos and reported in 2022, also attributed to Denisovans; and those in a jawbone recovered from an antique shop in Taiwan in 2008, known as the Penghu mandible. Together, Bae and Wu argue the hominins these mineralized bones fragments once belonged to should be classed as Homo juluensis. Bae said he knew proposing the inclusion of the Denisovan remains would cause waves, but he believes his team has a strong case. I think most people will actually agree with us that (these fossils) should be grouped together. By rules of priority since we put this name out there, those fossils should be assigned to juluensis, Bae said. I guess this is so fresh, people are having trouble understanding (our proposal). However, Mongle and other paleoanthropologists say its too early to definitively group the Denisovan remains with the fossils from Xujiayao and classify them as a newfound species called Homo juluensis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main case for this team wanting to name a new species is based on the shape of the braincase, but there are no Denisovan cranial fossils known that could be compared to the Xujiayao cranial fragments. Without the ability for a direct 1-1 comparison using their strongest piece of evidence, grouping these fossils together seems premature, said Ryan McRae, a paleoanthropologist at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. He was not involved in Bae and Wus research. The 16 fossilized bone fragments found at Xujiayao, in northern China. - Courtesy Xiujie Wu McRaes second objection was a dearth of genetic evidence, which is increasingly used as part of species classification. Usually, archaeologists make bombshell discoveries when a trowel hits a skull or other telltale bone in the confines of a cave. However, the Denisovans were the first archaic human to be identified in a lab thanks to advances in the field of ancient DNA, making them particularly enigmatic. All of the dozen or so Denisovan skeletal specimens discovered to date are fragments none of which are considered distinctive enough to allow a formal scientific species name such as Homo sapiens or Homo neanderthalensis. A skull is typically, but not always, the specimen that represents a new species because it has a lot of characteristic features. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We unfortunately do not know what Denisovans look like yet, McRae said. Denisovans are known predominantly from genetic data, not fossils, so any comparison should include a genetic component to better make the case that they have found more Denisovans. An illustration of what Dragon Man may have looked like. - Chuang Zhao Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enter the Dragon Man It is part of normal scientific practice to revisit old fossils, said Xijun Ni, a professor at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing. However, while it is plausible the remains studied by Bae and Wu may represent a previously unrecognized type of ancient human, Ni said in his view the coauthors hadnt yet put forward enough information to officially classify Homo juluensis as a newly discovered species a process that involves lengthy analysis and is often contested. Ni and Chris Stringer, research leader in human origins at Londons Natural History Museum, have another theory on how all these prehistoric pieces fit together, based on their work with the skull of an ancient hominin colloquially known as Dragon Man. First described in scientific literature in 2021, the specimen has an intriguing backstory. The skull was found in 1933, by the bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, China, by a man working as forced laborer for the Japanese, who controlled that part of China at the time. He kept the skull safe at the bottom of a well for more than 80 years, revealing its existence on his deathbed. Stringer said his work with Ni suggested that most of the fossils Bae categorized as H. juluensis actually are morphologically a better match with the Harbin cranium. This, Stringer reasoned, suggested in turn that the Xujiayao specimens and Denisovan remains may all belong with Dragon Man, which has been given the formal scientific name Homo longi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thus the well-preserved Harbin cranium would represent an early Denisovan. Ongoing research by other teams points to the same conclusion, Stringer said, adding that fresh research on Dragon Man will be published this year. Mongle of Stony Brook University said while she agreed multiple species of ancient human may have existed in Asia, she also thought the fossils Bae identified as belonging to the big heads look similar to the Homo longi skull. I theoretically support the idea of multiple hominin lineages in the Asian Pleistocene, (but) Im not totally convinced how different these fossils are from the recently named Homo longi fossils, she said. Bae said that his analysis suggested that the Dragon Man skull is a better match with fossils found at Chinese sites in Dali in Shaanxi province in and Jinniushan, Liaoning province in 1978 and 1984, respectively, to form Homo longi. Whats in a (species) name? Deciding the name of a new species such as Homo juluensis is up to the researchers, Ni noted, but they do have to follow the naming guidelines set up by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. However, theres no official approval process and whether the species name sticks or not will be a matter of whether other researchers agree and use it in scientific literature. Ni emphasized that the Denisovans represent one known population of ancient hominins and, as such, the word or a version of it shouldnt automatically be used for others, such as the Xujiayao hominins, even if they turn out to be the same species. It is akin to calling all Europeans Anglo-Saxons, he said. I strongly oppose the view that previously known Asian Middle Pleistocene hominins, named or not, are Denisovans, because Denisovan is just a population name, Ni said. Bae agreed. A lot of Western paleoanthropologists have said they want to call the Chinese fossils Denisovans, he said. For us, Denisovans is not actually a species. The first person or team to have enough evidence to name the Denisovans as a distinct species technically has the ability to name it whatever they want, McRae said. Denisovans do not have a formal taxonomic name intentionally because there is a lack of comparative material with which to name a new species, McRae said. This is good on one hand because it gives the field time to discover more evidence for the Denisovans in fossil form before naming a new species, but is bad on the other hand because it leaves those important fossils up for grabs for people to assign them a taxonomic name prematurely. There is hope among some paleoanthropologists that when Denisovans are given a formal species name it will reflect the type site of Denisova Cave and the now ubiquitous colloquial name Denisovans, McRae said, conceding there is no guarantee that will happen. The time period is full of fossil hominins that morphologically are a bit of a mess, he added. Some look distinct, but some have Neanderthal features, and still others have Homo sapiens features, and many have both, McRae said. Prematurely splitting fossils into species could obscure the real story of what is going on across the world at this time, and it is, from a logistical perspective, very difficult to walk back from a decision once species names are out there, whether there is good support for it or not, he said. An earlier version of this story misspelled Ryan McRaes name. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Jan. 24ROCHESTER Caffeine with a Middle Eastern flavor is percolating in southeast Rochester as Qamaria Coffee Co. prepares to move into the former Bad Ass cafe space. Qamaria franchisee Anan Barbarwi, who has already opened Minnesota locations in Little Canada, Blaine and Burnsville, recently announced on social media his plans to bring the Yemeni coffee chain to Rochester. "You asked, we listened! ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA get ready for the grand opening of our new Qamaria location, coming your way VERY soon! Stay tuned for all the exciting details!," was posted on the @qamariacoffeemn Instagram page. Qamaria is also advertising for coffee shop manager and assistant manager positions in Rochester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan is to open Qamaria Coffee in Suite 100 at 1529 U.S. Highway 14 East in the Eastwood Plaza. That's the 2,240-square-foot spot next to the south Rochester UPS Store and Little Caesars Pizza, where Bad Ass Coffee previously operated. "We are trying to be open by March 1, before Ramadan," said Barbarwi. "Taking over from Bad Ass Coffee will save us lots of time... ." He anticipates that the coffee shop will need 15 to 20 employees to staff it. "Rochester is very attractive market for us as many people travel there for Mayo Clinic. Rochester customers have been driving over an hour to get to our Little Canada location to be served . That location will offer a drive-thru option, which we expect to increase sales. It will be our first drive-thru location," Barbarwi added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lori and Todd Heins with Tobin Emrich originally opened the Hawaiian coffee house in May 2022. Ownership later shifted to eight local investors, including Johnny Mangouras. Bad Ass brought some new elements to the Rochester market when it opened. Given its Hawaiian roots, it served Kona coffee and Hawaiian blends. The sandwiches, including one made with Spam, were served on King's Hawaiian sweet rolls. It closed its doors abruptly on Aug. 31, 2024. Rochester Realtor Ari Kolas, who is also one of the owners of Eastwood Plaza, has now signed the deal to bring a very different style of coffee shop to fill the spot. Qamaria offers a full selection of drinks made from coffee and tea grown in Yemen and pastries and desserts from the Middle Eastern country. Qishr is one Yemeni drink made from spiced coffee husks, ginger and cinnamon. Many other Qamaria drinks combine coffee or tea with cardamom, ginger, other spices and cream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The menu also features an array of smoothies, meat pies and Yemeni desserts. Barbarwi said he is very excited to bring Qamaria's coffee, tea and food to Rochester. "We are glad that we can serve our customers there soon. Anything that puts a smile of their faces makes us more motivated to do these things," he said. HARDIN COUNTY, Iowa The Iowa State Patrol has released the name of a woman who died Thursday after her car collided with a train. The ISP crash report says the crash happened around 10:53 a.m. on 290th Street, between E Ave. and F Ave. Thats about three miles southeast of Radcliffe. 1 dead after car collides with train in Hardin County A Toyota Prius driven by 71-year-old Kathaleen Houck was traveling eastbound on 290th Street when she failed to yield to a northbound train at the railroad crossing. The train struck the rear passenger side of the Prius. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rail crossing is located on a gravel road and has flashing lights but no cross-arms. Houck was transported to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines by air ambulance but later died. The ISP is continuing to investigate the crash. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. By Rich McKay (Reuters) -California firefighters could make more headway in containing three major wildfires burning in and around Los Angeles on Friday, as the latest round of blistering winds dissipates and the area's first rainfall in months arrives over the weekend. The improved outlook comes after weeks of frustration in snuffing out the crisis, as crews contended with water shortages, gale-force winds, bone-dry air, and a steady outbreak of new fires that have stretched resources thin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fresh optimism coincides with a planned visit by President Donald Trump later on Friday to survey the destruction. Trump has sharply criticized local and state officials for their handling of the massive fires, which have incinerated entire neighborhoods, killing 28 people and damaging or destroying nearly 16,000 structures. As much as 1.5 inches of rain was expected to fall this weekend as hot, dry Santa Ana winds eased, said Rich Otto, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center. After gusts of 60 mph on Thursday, winds would top out at 25-to-40 mph on Friday and diminish through the day. "It'll be a cold rain starting late Saturday and continuing into Monday, with some snow in higher elevations, but the concern is areas with burn scars from the fires," he said. But the region's first significant rainfall in months would also increase the risk of dangerous mudslides on hillsides denuded of vegetation by fires over the past two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Red flag warnings, signaling extreme fire danger, are set to expire in the Southern California area at 10 a.m. local time, said Andrew Orrison, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. "Basically, the reason is because of the slackening winds," he said. "The changing conditions will also bring higher humidity which should help fire containment." The latest big fire to break out in the Los Angeles area has already scorched 10,300 acres in the San Fernando Valley but firefighters managed to achieve 36 percent control of the Hughes Fire's perimeter by late Thursday, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said on its website. The Eaton and Palisades fires - on the eastern and western flanks of the metropolis - have burned for 18 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Eaton Fire, which destroyed much of the Altadena community near Pasadena, was 95% contained, raising hope that firefighters could encircle its entirety on Friday. The Palisades Fire, which has devastated the affluent Pacific Palisades enclave near Santa Monica, was 72% contained, Cal Fire said, late on Thursday. A series of smaller fires also menaced the area in recent days. The Sepulveda Fire, which began early Thursday morning, has burned 45 acres along the 405 freeway near the Getty Center museum - home to numerous art treasures through 45 acres. Now 60% contained, the fore briefly caused part of the busy highway to be closed and forced some evacuations. Two new blazes erupted on Thursday in the San Diego area. Evacuation orders were ordered but later lifted on Thursday in the La Jolla enclave near the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, after a two-acre brush fire erupted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second fire, further south near the U.S.-Mexico border, spread through the Otay Mountain Wilderness, and was reported at 4,250 acres and zero percent contained late on Thursday. (Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta and Hannah Lang in New York; Editing by Frank McGurty and Nick Zieminski) LOS ANGELES (KTLA) Much of Southern California will see its first raindrops of the winter this weekend. Its a welcome change, as an unusually dry winter has brought an active and destructive fire season throughout the region. Meteorologists say that no more than an inch of rain is expected in most areas, but exact totals may not be particularly predictable due to an unstable air mass hovering over Southern California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As there is a lot of uncertainty with this system, small changes in the storm track can change the precipitation amounts and potential for convective storms, the National Weather Service said. The areas in green will receive rainfall over the weekend, according to current forecasts. (KTLA) The first drops should be expected on the coast on Saturday afternoon. KTLA meteorologist Kaj Goldberg said inland areas, like the San Gabriel Mountains and parts of Orange and Riverside counties, could expected the rain to start on Saturday night. He added that rain chances will be off and on throughout the weekend. The NWS gave rainfall predictions to the following cities between Saturday and Monday: 0.8 inches in Los Angeles, .52 in Santa Clarita, .22 in Lancaster, .89 in Covina, .88 in Long Beach, .73 in Redondo and .4 in Oxnard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the areas above 6,000 feet in elevation, between 2 and 4 inches of snow is expected. During that timeframe, isolated thunderstorms are also a possibility in some areas. Those storms could bring more aggressive rainfall to those areas, resulting in potential risk to areas devastated by fires, like those in the Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains. Residents living near the recent burn scars should make preparations to protect their homes, businesses, and properties due to the potential for flooding. Be prepared to evacuate if local authorities tell you to go, the NWS said. The loss of life and property with flooding after fires could be equally devastating to the actual fire itself, the NWS added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Attacks on TikTok are "part of an overall hysteria on the hill about China," says Sen. Rand Paul (RKy.). Sensing a Congressional attitude shift on the app after President Donald Trump came to its defense, Paul recently introduced the "Repeal the TikTok Ban Act." Paul's bill would scrap last year's mandate saying that China-based ByteDance must sell off its U.S. TikTok operations or face a ban in this country, a provision that was part of a larger bill known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The move is part of Paul's broader project of trying to keep alive a "consistently free trade and free markets" wing within the Republican Party. "I don't want that part of the party to die, and [Republicans] just to become the nationalist populist party," Paul tells Reason. We talked Friday morning about TikTok, the trouble with isolating ourselves from China, Trump's pardon of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, the divisions between conservatives and libertarians on speech, and more. Below is a portion of our conversation, edited for clarity and length. Reason: Can you tell me about your new "Repeal the TikTok Ban Act"what it would do and why it's necessary? Rand Paul: I've been fighting against the TikTok ban since the idea came around a couple of years ago. I think it's part of an overall hysteria on the hill about China, and also a misguided approach to wanting things to be better. They think, "Well, we'll just tell China we don't like them doing this, and we'll put sanctions on them, we'll ban their stuff, and then they'll do better." I think it's actually the opposite. I think the more you ban trade, the more you separate yourself, the more you ban things like TikTok, the worse relations get. The less likely they are to do things you want them to do and the more likely, frankly, the ultimate worst outcome of war is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that context, I've opposed the TikTok banI do think it infringes on free speech. I think the [Supreme] Court got it wrong. I don't think there's a national security exception to the First Amendment. I think [the Court] listened to the First Amendment arguments and they just said, "Oh, well, if Congress says there's a safety concern, we'll listen to Congress." But I don't buy that, nor do I think they proved their case. I think they made an assertion that all your data is going to the Chinese Communist Party, but it's more assertion than it is proof. There's also an argument that many appsMeta, Google, YouTubethey're all scraping data and many of that's for sale on the open market and can be bought by the Chinese anytime they wanted to, so there is that argument as well. The reason of the repeal bill now is that many of the people who voted for this, now that [President] Donald Trump has changed his mind, they all seem to be changing their mind, too. There actually is a possibility that something like a repeal could pass. I don't think it's probable passing, but I want it to be out thereI want something [where] if you're on TikTok or you're a user or you're some kind of influencer on there, it's at least something to rally around to try to support. Do you have any sense of your colleagues' mood on repeal? I imagine Trump's Monday executive orderpostponing enforcement of the TikTok ban, which was slated to start January 19, and effectively extending the time for ByteDance to find a buyermight have shifted some opinions? Definitely the mood has changed. A lot of [former supporters of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act] are for the extension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think another thing [about] the Supreme Courtit's amazing, for really smart men and womenI don't think they entertained the idea that this is a takings at allI would've argued that it's a takings, as well. There are many American citizens that own part of TikTok. Sixty percent of it is international investors. If I told you Reason magazine was doing something nefarious and I accused you of it, I couldn't just take Reason magazine unless I took you to court and proved it in court. Accusations in our country usually aren't enough to take someone's property. We're not even at war, but it's a time at which we have an adversarial relationship, people are concerned about China. So, they just throw out the First Amendment and say, "Oh, well they're an adversary. Congress thinks it keeps us safe." But nobody really has to prove any of those points, and you take someone's property and then you also abbreviate people's right to speech. Have you talked to Trump about your bill? No, but I think it captures his change in mood. What I like to do is try to capitalize on the times. My viewpoints are based on principle and don't often change, and so I am where I am on the TikTok thing. But I've seen the landscape changing and as the landscape changes, I think it's important to be there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think some of [Trump's] instincts on this are good. I'm not sure why he got going the other direction when he tried to ban it the first time, but some of the people around himthat's why in the first administration I was so adamant about [former National Security Adviser] John Bolton being just a disaster to any kind of libertarian notion of foreign policy. And I think some of Trump's instincts on foreign policy are for peace, for less intervention. They're not libertarian in any structured way. But look at what he did for Ross Ulbricht. No mainstream Republican would've ever done that. No mainstream Democrat. In many ways, while [Trump] is not a libertarian, he probably did one of the most libertarian pardons we've had in the history of the country by pardoning Ross. If we could get him to do the same for Edward SnowdenEdward Snowden is actually even much more of a principled constitutional case. It was about him revealing what many people believed to be unconstitutional with those court orders to get our cell records. What is your take on Trump's executive order related to TikTok? I don't think the law allows him to do it.But also, I don't want to spend a lot of my time blasting the president for doing something that the end result's probably going to be good.I don't know what to think about the extension. I hope something can happen during that period of time. I'm not overly optimistic though. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's another concept of a takings in the sense that TikTokthey have been public valuations of 100 billion for the American portion, and people are offering 20 billion. The reason they're offering so littleand they haven't been entertainedis because they think it's a fire sale, because the government's forcing [ByteDance] to sell. It's the same way with banning Nippon Steel from buying U.S. Steel. They were going to pay 14.9 billion, but what do you think it becomes worth when you ban Nippon from buying it? The next person's probably going to offer 10 or 8 billion. Half the value's gone by the government banning suitors of U.S. Steel or banning TikTok. With this thing on TikTok, it's not isolated. I would say it's a group hysteria, and every day it's getting worse. Every day I confront a bill that wants to ban another Chinese company. I look at it from the perspective not only of freedom of trade, but I also look at it from the prosperity argumentthat it makes us all richer, basically, in America to trade with countries, even ones we don't like.There are companies in my state that employ thousands of workers and are actually owned by Chinese businessman.I have 1,000 Kentuckians working for a company with good wages and people are always trying to shut them down and punish them. They think they're punishing China, but they're really punishing Americans. I'm very frustrated at how few principled people are in favor of trade anymore. It used to be a pretty easy, bipartisan dominance of the idea that trade made us all richer. I'm glad you brought up the trade angle, because often people think only about the free speech elements, but you're obviously right that this is very much a trade and takings issue too. Are you on TikTok? We just joined it recently, on the last day. I said now that they're banning it, I want to join, just because they're telling me I can't. I am enough of a contrarian to say if you tell me I can't do something, then I want to do it. You mentioned Ross Ulbricht earlier. I think the thing tying Ulbricht and TikTok things together is that a lot of people want to punish websites where speech or connections take place instead of the individuals responsible for any potentially bad behavior. I think this is more of a justice question and an injustice question. The worst sentences seem to be the people the least guilty. With Ross Ulbricht, people selling millions of dollars of drugs got five and 10 yearswhich is probably too much for them alsoand then he gets two life sentences for creating a website.His conviction was for setting up a place for people to sell. That'd be like me having a vacant lot and letting word get out that you can come to my vacant lot at night and sell drugs. And now my vacant lot, because I let you use it, I should go to jail for two life sentences? What [Ulbricht] got was blatantly unfair and Trump went even farther than most thought, he gave him a full pardon. Is there anything else people should know about your TikTok bill that we haven't talked about yet? Just that we want people who are libertarian and libertarian-leaning to notice what we're trying to do on this. We want to try to motivate people, publicly, to try to have a public movement for free trade, so there's still a free trade movement within the Republican Party, that there's still a libertarian-leaning free speech movement in the Republican Party, that there are still people who don't believe we should break up big business just because they're big. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think one of the real divisions between conservatives and libertarians on speech is that conservatives get mad if Google or YouTube doesn't host speech, and want to make them host our speech. Because they want the right side of the argument to be posted, they want to mandate it. I'm absolutely opposed to that. I don't think government should be meeting with TikTok and trying to influence speech, but neither do I want to tell TikTokor Twitter before Elon Muskthat they have to host me. I was kicked off YouTube for saying masks don't workthe cloth masks have no value at all. I would still say that again, and I get mad at YouTube, but I met with Google yesterday and I don't tell them, "I want you to host me." I tell them it's a bad business decision for you to make everybody on the right think you don't like us, because then we don't want to use you because of that. But there is a difference between mandating that people accept your speech and complaining about it and then just saying, "we don't want the government to be fostering the removal of our speech." You said you met with Google yesterday. Do you think there's more of a openness amongst tech people these days to meet with Republicans? I've always met with the different tech companies. I can't say that they're overly supportive or punitive towards me, but they're open. They see me as somebody who has less big-government ideas on breaking up companies, less big-government ideas on speech. I think they see me as somebody that's open on our side. There aren't many on the Republican side, as far as consistently free trade and free marketsit's [Utah Sen.] Mike Lee and I, for the most part, in the Senate. There isn't much else. But I don't want that part of the party to die, and us just to become the nationalist populist party. The post Rand Paul: Banning TikTok Is 'Group Hysteria' appeared first on Reason.com. RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) Randolph County leaders have a lot to be excited about in 2025 as major growth is on the horizon this year. Historically, Randolph County is agricultural and industrial, said the President of Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, Kevin Franklin. However, times are changing. A lot of those furniture jobs have been lost even in the last three years weve lost, in two facilities weve lost 1,500 furniture jobs, said Franklin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Franklin says Randolph County is being put on the map by companies like Ross Dress for Less. 450 million dollars worth of investment, 852 jobs, said Franklin. Toyota has made the biggest single investment in the history of the state of North Carolina, coming in at $13.9 billion and 5,100 jobs. In fact, its the largest Toyota investment in any of their facilities globally. So why Randolph County? This region has one of the best interstate network systems in the entire country. Youve got I-85, I-40, I-73, I-74, US-421 which is now future I-685, said Franklin. The addition of a new interstate keeps eyes on Randolph County and the Piedmont Triad as a whole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats important to economic developers because oftentimes a project will say, We wanna see all the buildings or sites that are available for my client to consider and we may need it to be within X miles of an interstate, said Carolina Core Regional Economic Development Director, Loren Hill. This leads to even further growth down the road. While economic development is what a community strives for the county is now looking into ways to keep those employees in Randolph County to live, work and play. I do know that we dont have enough housing today for the workforce. Toyota as an example is hiring from a 60-mile radius around the site. At this point, the majority of those Toyota employees are living in Guilford County for example as opposed to living in Randolph County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just the function of numbers, said Franklin. He says with the business boom, the county must expand its housing options, and it must include homes at all price points. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For years, Indiana has struggled to clear its stack of untested rape kits. Lawmakers are once again hoping to tackle the problem that leaves victims waiting for justice. House Bill 1413, if passed, would disperse $2.5 million to law enforcement agencies to process their backlog of untested rape kits. The money will pay for equipment thats sorely needed in the states crime labs. The insufficient amount of equipment has led to the current six- to eight-month delay in testing, according to the bills author, Rep. Becky Cash, R-Zionsville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That delay, people testified during a hearing about the bill, deepens a survivors pain in a crime thats already woefully underreported. The ability to even pursue justice for the violent crime that you have endured can make the difference of whether or not you get the (disorder) at the end of post-traumatic stress, said Lisa Wilken, who said she survived an assault in the military. The U.S. government has given millions of dollars to cities and states in the past decade to address backlogs, including a $1.4 million grant to Marion County, which, alone had 6,600 untested kits in 2022, according to CBS4. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department was unable to provide an updated number of untested kits. Data collected by the Joyful Heart Foundation, an advocacy organization aimed at supporting sexual and domestic violence survivors, indicates states surrounding Indiana have no pending rape kits. Michigan is the only exception, which the foundation reported having 320 kits outstanding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Feds committed $350M to tackle rape kit backlog. Graphics show most cases are unresolved. Indiana last conducted an audit of its untested assault kits in 2017. An Indiana House Bill proposed last year that would have required state police to give an annual inventory of test kits never made it out of committee. The tests hold crucial information collected during an exam of survivors that can lead to an arrest and identify if a perpetrator is behind multiple assaults. It is a terrible experience to go to a hospital and endure the procedure of having a rape kit processed on your body, said Beth White, CEO of Indianas Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking. It is important that we honor that bravery by testing the kit. It is the least that we can do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If passed, the proposal would also pay for more staff members to accommodate the increased workload to test the kits while also offering competitive salaries. Rep. Cash said the high-level degrees required in the industry have resulted in crime lab employees leaving for higher-paying jobs. Thursday, HB 1413 passed unanimously in the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety committee. Justice delayed is justice denied, Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis said before the vote. Contact IndyStar reporter Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana bill would give $2.5 million to clear backlog of rape kits WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Many restaurant workers at Rasika Penn Quarter in Northwest D.C. are joining the chorus of workers across the District trying to unionize. About 60 people joined a picket line outside the restaurant Thursday night, holding signs that said Rasika violates labor laws. Workers want to unionize, but they say the owner is blocking them from doing so. In the last week, five popular restaurants in D.C. have made efforts to unionize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So that they treat us better, so they give them just pay, so they dont discriminate and they dont treat [us] like animals because inside they do that, said Halis Rodriguez through the help of a translator with UNITE HERE Local 25. Grand jury charges woman in crash that killed 3; including Minnesota Vikings CB Khyree Jackson Rodriguez worked for Rasika Penn Quarter for nine years as a busser, polisher and cleaner. She said the owner discovered she was fighting for a union and had a meeting with her. He sat her at a table and was like how much do you want, to name every single person who was part of the organization, the union effort, said Amanda Gomez, translating for Rodriguez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told him she didnt know what he was talking about and in the following week, her hours were cut. Two weeks ago she was fired. That really surprised her and that is why she is out here today to fight for the colleagues who are still here because it was very unjust what happened, Gomez said, translating for Rodriguez. Knightsbridge Restaurant Group owns both Rasika Penn Quarter and Modena. Commanders fans placing bets, hoping for a win against the Eagles The union UNITE HERE Local 25 said last week, majorities of workers at both restaurants called on the group to voluntarily recognize their union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UNITE HERE Local 25 said Knightsbridge has illegally fired multiple union supporters, as well as interrogated, bullied and threatened them. In a statement, a Knightsbridge Restaurant Group spokesperson said, The majority of our employees have not expressed any desire to be represented by the union. Instead of recognizing that choice, the union has resorted to incessant harassment of our associates and engaged in an unlawful smear campaign to tarnish the reputation we have built over 36 years. We will not give into the unions tactics at the expense of our employees democratic right to choose whether they want to be represented by a union. We will always treat our employees with respect, dignity, and appreciation. UNITE HERE Local 25 has filed unfair labor practice charges against Knightsbridge with the National Labor Relations Board. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) The Richmond County Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics help in locating a runaway juvenile. Tristan Gibb, 15, was last seen leaving his residence on the 1900 block of Watkins Street in Augusta on Jan. 4. He was reportedly wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans and black boots at the time he was last seen. He is described as being 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 130 pounds. According to the report, Tristan is known to spend time in the area of Crawford Avenue, Fenwick Street and Cleveland Street in Augusta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who has information about Tristan Gibb is asked to contact the Richmond County Sheriffs Office (706) 821-1020 or (706) 821-1080. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Gov. Spencer Cox delivers his 2025 State of the State address in the House chamber at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (Pool photo by Isaac Hale/Deseret News) Read the full text of Utah Gov. Spencer Coxs 2025 State of the State address delivered to the Legislature on Jan. 23. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Lt. Gov. Henderson, Abby, Utahs public servants, and my fellow Utahns here tonight: welcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to start by congratulating and acknowledging the 19 newly elected members of our House of Representatives. Please hold your applause until all are mentioned. 1. Rep. Auxier 2. Rep. Chevrier 3. Rep. Dominguez 4. Rep. Fiefia 5. Rep. Fitisemanu 6. Rep. Koford 7. Rep. Mauga 8. Rep. Grant Miller 9. Rep. Tracy Miller 10. Rep. Monson 11. Rep. Nguyen 12. Rep. Okerlund 13. Rep. Peck 14. Rep. Roberts 15. Rep. Sawyer 16. Rep. Shallenberger 17. Rep. Shepherd 18. Rep. Shelley 19. Rep. Thompson We also welcome three new Senators, each of whom already knows the inside of this chamber well: 1. Sen. Brammer 2. Sen. Musselman Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3. Sen. Stratton Last week I had dinner with our new legislators and their spouses. My favorite part of the night was asking them why they ran for this position. I wish every Utahn could have heard their answers. It was almost impossible to tell who was Republican and who was Democrat. They inspired me. Love is not too strong of a word to describe how I feel about the public servants here, and the work you have committed to do for the people of our state. I shared with them one friendly piece of advice. During this first week, youll wonder how on earth did I get here? By your second week, though, youll settle in and instead start to wonder, how on earth did the rest of these people get here? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our time tonight is short, and so Ill ask, as in prior years, that you please hold any applause until the end of my remarks hard as that might be. We are gathered here in the matchless Utah State Capitol, overlooking the Salt Lake Valley. I want us all to take a moment and imagine what this valley looked like 180 short years ago. Hard-packed soil. Light precipitation. Hot summers. Frigid winters. Limited fresh water. Sparse vegetation to sustain livestock. Dust storms turned day into night. Early visitors described it as a barren wasteland. It was arid, untamed, and unforgiving. On his journey westward, Brigham Young crossed paths with the famous American mountain man Jim Bridger, who told him, Mr. Young, I would give a thousand dollars if I knew an ear of corn could be ripened in the Great Basin.Then in July 1847, the pioneers saw this valley with their own eyes. It was so beautiful that one member of the party proclaimed, Weak and weary as I am, I would rather go a thousand miles farther than remain in such a forsaken place as this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet, almost 180 years later, our Utah desert has pulled off the most miraculous upset the land has blossomed as promised, and our home has become the envy of the earth, and a world-wide destination. We stand on the shoulders of giants. Our ancestors irrigated farms, excavated minerals, built homes and neighborhoods, powered cities, and connected this continent by rail. In the face of adversity, they built. They built here. And my friends and fellow citizens, if there is one thing you take away from my remarks tonight, please let it be this simple refrain: We must build. Scripture and the 60s pop band the Byrds tell us that to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven. Now is a time for building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so I am making this call to all Utahns, whether you live near the red rocks of Saint George or the snow-capped peaks of the Uintas; whether you look out over the copper-crowned mountains of the west or the mirrored waters of Bear Lake; to all Utahns in every corner of this state and anywhere in between in every one of our 255 cities and towns; to Utahns of every race, background, and creed; to the young and the young at heart. We must build. Today, we can renew our forebears tradition of true grit. Generations of Utah entrepreneurs and leaders have fought through unfavorable conditions; and built in the face of cynicism. In time, those efforts turned Utah into whats now known as the best state in the country to start a business; the #1 state for social mobility; the state where young people can still out-earn the prior generation, and the #1 state overall; in short, the place where the American dream still means something. And yet, we are not satisfied. There are those who would see us turn into what so many parts of the country have become, where ambition and building have died. You see, Utahs values used to be American values. For much of the 20th century, the United States led the world in infrastructure, housing, and technology. We built roads, bridges, and homes at an unprecedented pace. We harnessed our industrial might to win world wars and stop fascism. We stood as a bulwark against communism. Strong families, neighborhoods, and communities were the foundation of this era of growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But over the past couple of decades, a tragic gap has formed between American ideals and our actions. Negativity and inertia have replaced Americas culture of building. We stopped building infrastructure, as a tangle of overregulation, outdated permitting processes, and entrenched NIMBYism fed by special interests and bureaucracies block the projects we desperately need. We stopped building technology ceding far too much of our manufacturing, industry, critical minerals, and energy production to our adversaries. And, worst of all, we stopped building resilient people. For decades, families have been under attack. The mental and physical health of our teens is threatened daily by large social media companies. Our national birth rate is in steep decline, and demographic concerns now present one of the gravest threats to our shared future, all while deaths of despair have skyrocketed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But not here. At least not yet. Utah is an outlier. Utah has stayed weird. In the best way. Here we still believe that our greatest achievements lie not in our own success, but in that of our children and grandchildren and the communities we build. Our hope is that they can grow up in a land of freedom; where they are safe, where their God-given rights are fiercely protected, where their opportunities are as boundless as their imaginations, and where they can get an education, get married, and have families of their own that live near us but not always with us.Utah may be one of the last places in America that still believes these words of Teddy Roosevelt: Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat. From thousands of conversations that I have had with Utahns across the state, I know this: Utah is not done dreaming. Were not done doing big things. And were not done building. Now, I recognize that when I talk about building, some people get nervous. Some might even argue that weve blossomed a little too much. I often hear valid concerns about our growth. The warnings are stark. One example: A Deseret News headline warned, Resources Of [The] State Unable to Support More [Growth]. In that article, experts and civil engineers made it clear that Utah just doesnt have enough water to sustain more growth and forcefully cautioned of a rebuke by nature and threat of significant loss. Even my special Sanpete County is being overrun. One article noted that, because of intense resource scarcity, some farms have shut down, and families have moved away. Times, as the media and experts have warned, are indeed bleak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ButI guess this is the part where I tell you that the Deseret News Headline wasnt from today but was actually printed in 1942. When our population was 580,000 people. Oh, and that Sanpete County article came from 1867. So, how is it possible that our state added an additional 3 MILLION people, 6 TIMES more than in 1942 while also improving the quality of life? And is it possible to do it again? While the answer is simple, its not necessarily easy. We must build. History teaches us that in Utah, when we are united and act together, we have always found a way past pessimistic prognostications. For 180 years and counting, Utahns have been building our way out of problems, even when things looked impossible.And as so often is the case, we can find answers and inspiration by looking back. Let me share three stories that illustrate what it has meant to build infrastructure, technology, and people here in Utah. As a child, John Rowe Moyle learned the craft of stonemasonry from his father in England. His family immigrated to the U.S., and in 1856, they pulled handcarts west to Utah. John was asked to put his stone-cutting skills to work to help build Temple Square. He had a long commute. From his farm in Alpine, John would leave his home at two oclock in the morning every Monday, embarking on a six-hour walk to ensure he was at his post on time. Then, every Friday evening, after a full week of work, he would begin the long journey home, leaving at five oclock and walking nearly until midnight to reunite with his family. He repeated this grueling routine, week after week, year after year. Then one day, John was kicked by a cow and suffered a devastating compound fracture of his leg. Without access to medical care, they had no choice but to strap him to a door and amputate his leg near the knee. Undeterred, John carved a wooden leg for himself. Using the wooden leg, he taught himself to walk again. Though extremely painful, he built up his strength, and was soon able to make the 22-mile journey to Temple Square every week, as he had before. He saw the project completed in 1893. Our states motto is Industry. John lived it like many generations before us who poured their literal blood, sweat, and tears into building the infrastructure we rely on today. When it comes to building technology, its hard not to think of Philo Farnsworth. Born in 1906, Philo was a farm boy who collected issues of Science and Invention magazines.At 11 years old, his parents took him to Salt Lake City. He marveled at the electric street lamps, the steady hum of automobile traffic, and the web of telephone and power lines that connected a modern world. Philo dreamed of building technology that would change the world too. At just 14 years old, he stunned his family and teachers by sketching out the basic design for the worlds first electronic television system an idea sparked while tilling fields on the family farm. A year later, tragedy struck and his father passed away. Philo became a primary provider for his family. All of this took time away from his scientific pursuits, but with great perseverance, Philo ultimately turned his ingenious sketches into reality, changing the world forever by creating the worlds first fully functional electronic television. Philo built technology not only when it was easy, but when it was hard. We know how to build great people here too. In 1940, Alben and Gunda Borgstrom said farewell to their two oldest sons, Boyd and Clyde, as they went off to serve our country in World War II. As was customary for the time, Mrs. Borgstrom hung a service flag in her window in Thatcher, Utah a flag with a white field and a red border. Two blue stars were sewn in the middle. In 1942, she added another blue star for her son Leroy, who joined the military as a medic. The following year she added two more blue stars for her twin boys Rolon and Rulon. They were just 18. She anxiously awaited the return of her 5 boys. In her own words, The nightmare began on March 17, 1944. I answered the door and there was the Western Union man, with a telegram for me. Clyde was the first to lose his life in the war effort. The service flag in the window of the Borgstrom home, once adorned with only blue stars, now carried one overlaid with gold a sad symbol that everyone of that era understood.Just a few short weeks later, another telegram turned a second blue star to gold. Leroy, the medic, had died while saving a fellow soldier in Italy. Then it was Rolon, whose bomber crashed in England. Another star changed to gold. Finally, Rulon, who died in France. A fourth gold star. Four of Mrs. Borgstroms five deployed sons had died at war within 6 months. She became the only four-gold star mother of World War II. Her grief was immeasurable. And yet, in this valley of despair, Mrs. Borgstrom went on a national radio broadcast to help raise money for the war effort. She offered words of hope to a shaken nation: I want to send a mothers prayer to all of the boys tonight, she said. We here at home are proud of you boys and we hope that God will bless and protect you through this fearful war. It was one of the most successful war bond drives ever. In her moment of greatest need, she was out serving others. A funeral was held in Garland, and Mr. Borgstorm told the Army commander of the western U.S. that he would ask for no exceptions in the conscription of his youngest son who still lived with them. He was 19, the same age as the twins when they died. When his country needs him, he will go. Some members of the Borgstrom family are with us here tonight, and I ask them to please stand. For them, of course, please do applaud. These are the kind of people we build in Utah. Even when life forces us through more than we can seemingly bear, we build. And so today, we are at a fork in the road: we can either press forward with our pioneer spirit, our grit, our industry and our faith, and build the next great chapter of Utahs story or we can be washed away in the negative, nationwide malaise of dysfunction. Remember this. The blood of John Moyle, Philo Farnsworth and the Borgstroms is the same blood that courses through our veins. Their DNA is our DNA.Today, serving side-by-side with legislators here, Im proposing bold action and building in five key areas: First, housing attainability. We are reforming the regulatory regime, supporting more single-family construction, and fast-tracking approval processes. Through the Utah First Homes program, we will build 35,000 starter homes in five years. The greatest generation did this after WWII. We can do it again. Thank you to Sen. Fillmore and Rep. Whyte for leading out on what will surely be the defining issue of the next several decades. Second, energy abundance. Were laying groundwork for advanced nuclear reactors while protecting national security by building capacity to be a net energy exporter through Operation Gigawatt. Together we will unleash Utahs immense energy resources and drive prices down, all while making our grid more secure and reliable. Thank you Pres. Adams, Sen. Sandall, Sen. Millner, Speaker Schultz, Rep. Albrecht, and Rep. Jack, among many others here tonight, for your work to unleash American energy. Third, infrastructure and permitting reform. We recently celebrated the construction phase of a new transmission line that the federal government took 15 years to approve. Fortunately, we finally have a federal administration willing to work with us to fix this national embarrassment. In the meantime, we will continue to lead the nation by streamlining Utahs processes while maintaining environmental stewardship. Thank you to Rep. Clancy for your partnership to rightsize the permitting process for critical infrastructure projects. Fourth, community safety and support. Were implementing public safety reforms that balance accountability with compassion. Our innovative homeless initiatives are showing results. Were demonstrating that we can have both security and dignity, and we are not shy in declaring that is what all Utahns deserve. Thank you, Rep. Lisonbee, for leading efforts on the issue of public safety. And finally, family strength. Its a bit embarrassing that we are one of only 8 states that still taxes social security benefits, and I am determined to see this tax eliminated, putting money back into the pockets of our beloved senior Utahns. Its time. Check that its way past time. I appreciate so many of you who share this commitment to eliminate the social security tax like Sen. Harper, Rep. Brooks, and Rep. Christofferson. I am so proud that Utah has led a weary nation in protecting the youngest among us by empowering parents who want to shield their children from predatory social media practices. But there is more than must be done. We must rethink data privacy and portability. Thank you Rep. Fiefia, Rep. Moss, Rep. Teuscher and Sen. Cullimore for your continued efforts in this area. And we must get phones out of schools. Thank you Sen. Fillmore for leading the way. Lets always remember this truth: when families win, Utah wins.I commit that my administration will do all in our power to unlock the power of building here. But we must never forget, as I stated in my inaugural address two weeks ago, that our government is not what makes Utah great. Its our people. Faith, Family, and Community. Moms and Dads, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors. There never has been nor will there ever be another replacement. So, mostly, I want to make sure that our government stays off your back and out of your way, so that we do not block the good that I know you are eager to do. And in this process, if we all do our part, I know that well build on the legacy of Utahs best people like the Borgstroms. Just yesterday in this very room, the Utah House of Representatives, led by Rep. Tom Peterson, passed unanimously a resolution that will rename Highway 102, which runs through Tremonton and the old Borgstrom Family farm in Thatcher; it will soon be known as Borgstrom Brothers Highway. In the eulogy at the Borgstrom brothers funeral, their high school principal said, So long as our land has in it such families as the Borgstrom family, and such boys as these boys who lie before us, America will not perish from the earth. And so, like those who went before us, and despite any obstacles in our path, we must build. Built Here means remembering that every bridge, building, and breakthrough started with someone who refused to accept impossibility. Built Here means rejecting false choices like building thousands of new homes and maintaining our quality of life. Built Here means being unrelentingly impatient in our pursuit to make this a happier place to live, because we know that success is not inevitable, it is earned. Built Here means axing every tax that we can, so that our people can put more of their hard-earned money to work in providing for their families and chasing their dreams. Built Here means rejecting conflict entrepreneurs, who would weaponize our attention and energy, and destroy that which makes us special. Built Here means supporting the free people of Utah in finding their own way to build. Whether its a business, a farm, or a family. Built Here means making Utah inclusive to every lawful newcomer, while fiercely guarding the proven values that make us proud and peculiar. Built Here means still doing the big things the hard things in our lives and in this session. Built Here means not forsaking our ideals when we fall short of them, but dusting ourselves off, improving what we can, and narrowing the eternal gap between the is-ness and ought-ness in ourselves and the world around us. Built Here means giving our kids and grandkids an inspiring story to tell about our time. So that 180 years from now our descendants can look back at us with the pride and gratitude and reverence that we feel in our hearts today. Utah, we must build. May God Bless us, our nation and this great state as we build together. MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) Snow is beginning to thaw as temperatures go up, and many are ready for the end of this winter rollercoaster. Thursday marks the beginning of the end of the Gulf Coasts historical winter weather as the ice and snow start to melt away. THE BIG THAW: Gulf Coast roads, businesses, services reopen after historic freeze Semmes resident Wayne Smith said he is ready for the snow to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Absolutely, Smith replied. Im taking pictures today before its gone but yeah, Im ready for it to go. A lot can change over the course of a couple days. On Tuesday, a white blanket of snow fell across News 5s portion of the Gulf Coast and covered the streets of downtown Mobile. Now, the flurries are gone, and the roads are clearing, leaving puddles and tire tracks behind. Snow chasers from Georgia trapped in Mobile after record-breaking winter weather Small changes are also being noticed at Cathedral Square. The snow is melting, and the grass is starting to show itself again, which is a welcomed sight for many. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was beautiful while you were inside your house but having to get in the car and maybe go to work has been really treacherous, Mobile resident Brenda Pierce said. I own a video production studio here in downtown, so its been hard for us to get down here and help clients, Spanish Fort resident Matt Gates said. Im enjoying it while its here, but if its gone, its gone. Even Port City visitors are ready to get out of the snow. Pensacola International Airport reopens after snowfall, travelers hope to make it to their destinations Hopefully we can go home to the upstate of South Carolina tomorrow, Michelle Free said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The before and after looks at various locations have been telling. In West Mobile, at the University of South Alabama, the Hancock Whitney Stadium sign was buried in snow at one point. But now, it can be seen as clear as day. The big thaw isnt limited to the Mobile area. The snow is beginning to recede in Pensacola, too. Theresa Clark shared before and after photos from her home. It only took a couple days to find her car and yard again. (Photo courtesy of Theresa Clark) (Photo courtesy of Theresa Clark) While some places are beginning to thaw, slick spots will continue to be an issue for shady areas on roadways as more freezing temperatures are expected Thursday night. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Last week in the U.S. Capitol, GOP Sen. Steve Daines of Montana told The Dispatch he trusted Donald Trump to very thoughtfully go through the list of January 6 convicts and do exactly the right thing when deciding which to pardon. Trump had, after all, promised to go case-by-case, and Vice President J.D. Vance said a week before the inauguration: If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldnt be pardoned. But on Monday night, newly inaugurated President Trump issued a blanket pardon that effectively exonerated almost all of the nearly 1,600 January 6 defendants, including hundreds who had committed acts of violence against police officers. Only about 250 convicts were still in prison, and with the stroke of a pen Trump set them all free. The only 14 individuals who didnt immediately get a pardonincluding those convicted of seditious conspiracy for organizing the attackhad their sentences commuted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When The Dispatch caught up in the Capitol last week with Daineswho said in 2021 that January 6 rioters were domestic terrorists who should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the lawhe assiduously avoided commenting on whether Trump had done the right thing. In a subway car on Tuesday, Daines declined to take a question about the January 6 pardons. When asked the following day about former President Joe Bidens last-minute pardons, Daines said: Were moving forward. You asked me about pardons yesterday, Daines added. But werent the pardons a slap in the face to the police officers who were assaulted while protecting members of Congress? In reply, Daines again muttered something about moving forward and said: Go write the story you want to write. The story Id like to write would be how members of Congress had at least maintained some semblance of their convictions on this matter. But thats a story Daines as well as many of his Republican and Democratic colleagues make impossible to write in the wake of both Trump and former President Joe Bidens recent pardons. In 2021, for example, Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz referred to the January 6 rioters as domestic terroristscomments he partially walked back in an appearance on Tucker Carlson Tonight in 2022 while still maintaining the term terrorist applied to those who had assaulted police officers. For a decade, I have referred to people who violently assault police officers as terrorists. Ive done so over and over and over again, Cruz told Carlson in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked for comment this week about Trumps pardons of those who had assaulted police officers on January 6, Cruz told The Dispatch: Call our press office. Cruzs press office did not reply to a request for comment. Some Republicans in Congress, such as Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran, and Maine Sen. Susan Collins, did speak out against Trumps January 6 pardons of violent offenders, but they tended to be the exception. Alaska GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski told The Dispatch she worried for the police officers who put themselves in harms way. They suffered injury. They suffered, in addition to physical harm, great mental stress that was not just limited to that day. Rep. Dan Newhouse, a Republican from Washington state, called the pardons for those who assaulted police a middle finger to law enforcement and to our judicial system. There was, of course, widespread outrage over Trumps January 6 pardons among Democrats on Capitol Hill, but Bidens last-minute pardons undermined his partys credibility on the matter too. In addition to his pardon of his son Hunter Biden in December, the former president pardoned his siblings minutes before leaving office. While he claimed those pardons were simply a response to Trumps threats of politically motivated retribution, Bidens Department of Justice had already opened investigations into his brother Jim. In December 2020, as Trump reportedly considered issuing preemptive pardons for his children, Biden said: It concerns me in terms of what kind of precedent it sets and how the rest of the world looks [at] us as a nation of laws and justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned Trumps January 6 pardons as un-American, but when asked this week at a press conference if it was appropriate for Biden to give his family members preemptive pardons on the way out the door, Schumer said: Were looking forward. Schumers words almost precisely mirrored the talking points of Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson on the January 6 pardons. (Shortly after calling for everyone to move on from Trumps January 6 pardons, Johnson announced the creation of a House subcommittee to investigate false narratives peddled by the politically motivated January 6 Select Committee.) Biden may have also undermined his partys credibility on January 20 by commuting the sentence of Leonard Peltier, a man convicted of murdering two FBI agents at close range in the 1970s. Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton had declined to grant Peltier clemency, and a parole board had denied his appeal in 2024. Peltier is a remorseless killer, who brutally murdered two of our own Special Agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams, then-FBI director Chris Wray wrote to Biden on January 10. Granting Peltier any relief from his conviction or sentence is wholly unjustified and would be an affront to the rule of law. Clemency for Peltier had become a cause for some because he was an activist for Native American rights, and his advocates argued that prosecutorial misconduct played a role in his conviction. Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who signed a letter calling for clemency for the 80-year-old Peltier, told The Dispatch: Commutation is different [than a pardon]. Hes an elderly man whos dying whos been let out of prison to go home to be with his family. Warren said there was no equivalence between Bidens commutation for the man convicted of double murder and Trumps January 6 pardons: Donald Trump yesterday pardoned people who participated in an insurrection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii, another advocate of clemency for Peltier, told The Dispatch: The lead prosecutor in the case believes that it was wrongly decided. My Republican colleagues are deeply, deeply embarrassed by [Trumps January 6 pardons] and are trying to find some sort of false equivalence, Schatz said. I was there in that chamber [on January 6] and then I was there in the secure facility and we were all pissed and outraged and unified, and they are never going to say it publicly, but they are, to a person, disgusted by this decision. The power is sweeping and embedded in the Constitution, and the Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that the president has absolute immunity from criminal prosecution over pardons. But Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who has condemned both Trumps January 6 pardons and Bidens pardons for his family members, called again this week reforming the presidential pardon process. To really [reform] it, youd have to have a constitutional amendment, Klobuchar told The Dispatch. Without a constitutional amendment, she suggested that presidents could voluntarily submit to a congressionally funded commission for vetting pardons, similar to what many governors do. Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut also called for reforming the pardon power and suggested Congress may have some power in this area. The presidential pardon power in the Constitution is very broad, but there is the possibility for at least requiring transparency, and opportunity for opposition to be expressed, Blumenthal said. Freshman Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey also spoke out against Bidens pardons of his family members. It feels like its like some exclusive club, Kim said. If youre in the club, then you get to pull strings, make some connections and, you know, the law doesnt apply to you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who has called for the death penalty for drug dealers, showed on Tuesday what it takes to join that club when he pardoned drug kingpin Ross Ulbrichtthe fulfillment of a campaign promise Trump made to woo the votes of Libertarian Party members. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The Reform Alliance will host a Little Rock School Info Fair, featuring multiple schools to kick off National School Choice Week in Arkansas. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Wally Allen Ballroom in the Statehouse Convention Center. Batesville teacher wins $25,000 Milken Educator Award in surprise school ceremony Attendees will be able to meet representatives from various schools. Representatives include district and school officials, teachers, educational entrepreneurs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nealy 75 vendors and learning resources, including tutoring services and support for students exploring careers. There will be complimentary food, photo booths, face painting and more activities available. Little Rock Central High School teacher receives Prestigious Presidential Award The event is being held by the Reform Alliance, which is a nonprofit organization that focuses on education for children in Arkansas. For more information, visit TheReformAlliance.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 KARK. Displaced Palestinians carry their belongings as they walk amid the devastation upon their return to central Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Jan. 19, 2025. Credit - Bashar TalebAFP/Getty Images In her first letter from Gaza, the former blogger Amal Murtaja described daily life in war. A second dispatch closed with the news that she had managed to escape to Egypt with her children. Murtaja, who taught English at Gaza's American International School, wrote this from Giza, outside Cairo. As the potential cease-fire agreement neared, the news was a whirlwind of conflicting reports. It was so nerve-wracking, especially with most of my friends and relatives still in Gaza, that I honestly stopped following closely. I didn't want to get my hopes up. Then, two days ago, my WhatsApp notifications went crazy. I knew something was happening. I turned on the TV and saw the news of the cease-fire. A wave of ambivalence washed over me, and the tears followed immediately. Memories of Eman, my brother's wife, and my nephews, Omar and Zaid, who we lost in October, overwhelmed me. Zaid would have turned 5 this year, and Omar 6. I pictured my burnt house, where I lived so many happy days, and my demolished school, where I built a second family with my colleagues, and the vibrant classrooms now reduced to rubble. I pictured my parents' house, the ultimate source of safety and love. These images of what once wasand now exists only as a memoryflooded my mind. Any joy the ceasefire might bring felt minimized, even overshadowed by these emotions. The past 15 monthsthough theyve felt like yearshave been incredibly challenging. Adjusting to a new environment and navigating a slightly different culture has been tough, not just for me but for Mohammed and Ali as well. Even now, I often find myself staring out the window, asking, Where am I? Egypt is undoubtedly a beautiful place, and the people are warm and loving, and while Ive grown more familiar with it, it still feels strange to me, like a place Im living in but not quite a part of yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I've been trying to settle in, establishing a new routine, learning the streets, and getting to know my neighbors. But this new life, which I'm forcing myself to grow accustomed to, feels nothing like my past life in Gaza. Nothing feels right. I keep comparing everything around me to Gaza. Gaza was a small city with limited resources, yet it was "enough." The people, the family, the friends, the food, the history, the memoriesthey made it a place of belonging. The small equestrian club where I took Mohammed and Ali every Friday, the smile on my kids faces every time they rode a horse was enough. The three-story mall with its little shops and the familiar faces of the shopkeepers was enough. The food court with only 5 restaurants, where I taught Mohammed, at age 7, how to order a meal by himself, that first hesitant "Excuse me, sir..." followed by his beaming smilethose moments, those simple joys, were enough. The holy month of Ramadan and the feasts we shared with our family and friends, the table laden with fragrant dishes, the anticipation of breaking our fast together, the laughter and warmth that filled the roomthose were enough. The bustling streets during Eid, a symphony of colors and sounds, visiting our relatives and friends, the excitement of my children as they insisted on laying out their new clothes on their beds the night before, eager to wear them at the crack of dawnthese simple pleasures were enough. The parties, my best friends and I threw every now and then, whenever the school stressed us out, to let off some steam and feel less stressed by criticizing the school system together laughing until our sides ached, those were the nights that built the bonds that truly mattered. Now, I can't remember the last time I saw all my friends together, and I rarely see those who have made it to Egypt, we are scattered in the vastness of this country. I miss them all tremendously; they truly are like family to me. Egypt is fascinating, but not enough. And voices keep whispering in my ears, "You don't fit in." Life in Egypt hasnt been kind to us, and weve had more than our share of struggles. Not having residency here has created enormous barriers in our attempt to rebuild and move forward. It has hindered us from accessing basic opportunities and what one might call life. After a month-long search, I finally found a school willing to accept Mohammed and Ali without residency. But because we lack proper documentation, they wont receive end-of-year certificates. While Im grateful theyre learning, its disheartening knowing theres no official record to show for it. Despite my 12 years of teaching experience, I havent been able to find a job here, years of dedication and passion, seem to hold no weight in this country yet. My husband Ramadan hasnt been able to start a business either. He managed to join us in April, which honestly felt like a miracle. If he had been just one day late crossing the border, hed still be stuck there. Our son Ali, three at that time, clung to Ramadans neck beaming and said, Daddy what took you so long? and Mohammed stood in the corner in disbelief before he burst out, hugging Ramadan, crying. The memory still brings a lump to my throat. Starting over from scratch has been forced upon us but let me tell youits unbelievably hard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with all these challenges and obstacles, there's no way for my family and me to return. We have lost everythingour house is completely burned down, my mother-in-law's house, my parents' house, my husband's place of business, and my school are shut down. We have lost everything, so returning is not an option for me. The echoes of the bombings still ring in my ears, a constant reminder of the life we once knew. Palestinians in Egypt have been vocal about returning, with some wanting to return tomorrow and others, like me, having lost everything and finding it impossible. I mean, we share the same desireif we wanted to start over, we'd like to do so in a safe and healthy environment for ourselves and our children, especially since there is no absolute guarantee that another war might erupt at any time. I'm 35, and my husband is 37. I can't risk losing more years of my life in a city where everything can, and most probably will, be lost in the blink of an eye. You know, we have gone through several wars before, but this one is the most vicious and devastating. We never had to leave our homes during any of the previous wars, and we never experienced such significant loss. I genuinely feel like I've betrayed my friends when I ask them in the WhatsApp group how they are. Their suffering haunts me. I feel like sending them a message to inquire about their well-being from the comfort of my home, while they take refuge in a tent or a group shelter, is a betrayal. I keep telling them that I feel for them, and I truly do, but I know that deep down they wish they were far away from this bloodshed and horror. They all have nothing left to lose now, just like me. None of them have their homes still intact, and all of them have suffered the loss of a relative or a loved one. We also lost a few of the friends we know and love. They are all so fed up with everything that's happening, worn out, that they've even lost their passion for life. It's like they've forgotten what happiness feels like. Believe it or not, the ceasefire news didn't cheer them up the way you'd expect. Its happiness mixed with fear, sorrow and uncertainty. They were all saying things like, "Yeah, whatever, we just want this to be over." "I hope it's true this time." "I hope none of the sides break the agreement." "The only thing we won is surviving; other than that, we were the true victims." I just have no idea whats the right thing to do? Fix my home or leave Gaza or just wait? Im too tired to think, I just want peace and quiet and I want to return to my home. "Guys, I'm not 'very' happy. Is this normal?" "Once the border opens, I'm getting out of this hellhole." "Were all happy we made it out alive." The conversation was long and filled with sarcasm, grim laughter at our shared struggle. They are as clueless about the future as I am. They are divided between those who want to travel and leave everything behind, and those who wish to travel but are too broke to do so and those who are already in Egypt and want to return, and those who will return to their homes no matter the conditions. Most Gazans in Egypt have decided to return. As I mentioned, life in Egypt hasnt been easy, given that we lack residency permits, restricting us from moving freely, and of course the financial reasons. Whatever money people had been saving is almost finished. Some people immigrated to countries like Australia, Canada, and others around the world, and even they yearn to return. Gaza may be small but Gaza is enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement War has stripped us all of our livesboth figuratively and literally of our aspirations for the future, and of our desire to live. Now, we are all in survival mode, whether in Gaza or out. We are equally struggling and trying to rebuild our lives, we are all equally bewildered and have no idea whats right and whats wrong about the next phase in our lives. We all feel trapped, unable to find a way out of this spiral of consuming thoughts about our future and our kids lives. The thought of me not returning breaks my heart. I never thought that Id ever leave my hometown. Memories, vivid and painful keep flashing through my eyes, and I just cant help but cry. Even if I did return, it wouldnt be the same. The echoes of war would linger, a constant reminder of the life we had lost. The real war starts now. With everyone not knowing what to do with their lives. Not knowing which decision is the right decision. Everything we think is both right and wrong. Were lost in a sea of doubt, despair and uncertainty. So Ill end up with this fragile promise, I may not return now, or for the next few years, but I'm sure I'll go back one day. Contact us at letters@time.com. (NewsNation) An investigative journalist and Pulitzer Prize finalist said that while the release of thousands of classified government documents about the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy may not put any conspiracy theories to rest, they will likely be embarrassing to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). I think these files wont prove that (the CIA) was behind the effort to kill the president, but I think they will be embarrassing to the agency about how much they knew that Oswald was unhinged in the weeks before the assassination, Gerald Posner told NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas. They never told the FBI. So to the extent the files show that it will be embarrassing to the agency, and it should be, because we need to see these after all these years well. Trump: Make products in America or face tariffs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had promised during his reelection campaign to make public the last batches of still-classified documents surrounding Kennedys assassination in Dallas, which has transfixed people for decades. He made a similar pledge during his first term but ultimately bent to appeals from the CIA and FBI to keep some documents withheld. Posner cautions, however, that if youre looking for what he calls an X-Files moment, youre probably going to be disappointed. Nevertheless, Posner said there will be important information in the released files. There are still files about the Bay of Pigs, the failed invasion there. There are things about the Mafia, CIA plot to kill (Fidel) Castro. Theres some Mexican intelligence material on Oswald. So well fill in part of the history, but I dont think it will put the conspiracy theories to rest, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. FRANKLIN, W.Va. (WBOY) Human remains found in 2021 have been identified as missing 24 year old Cassie Sheetz. Sheetz, a mother of three children, was reported missing back in March 2021 after being last seen near Spruce Knob in Pendleton County. The case went national with NBC News Missing in America franchise publishing a story on the disappearance in December of that year. Randolph County Sheriff seeking owner of truck involved in grand larceny Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same month, human remains were found by a hunter near Seneca Creek in the Monongahela National Forest, which were sent to the West Virginia Medical Examiners office in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institute and Marshall University. The West Virginia State Police confirmed in a press release on Jan. 24, 2025 that recent DNA testing confirmed the remains as Sheetz when compared to DNA samples sent by the Sheetz family. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to call the Franklin Detachment at 304-358-2200. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) The Latino population in Central Texas continues to grow, and yet a new report showed they still face barriers to economic growth. Advancing Latino Futures, a new report by the Hispanic Impact Fund, showed both progress and shortfalls in economic mobility for Latinos in the area. The report focused on four areas: Early childhood education Health and wellness Job skills and entrepreneurship Leadership development The report said one in four employed Hispanic Central Texans does not have health insurance coverage. (Photo: KXAN) It said Latinos led the population growth in Central Texas between 2012 and 2022. However, Lila Valencia, the city of Austins demographer, said the growth in Austin is a little bit slower for Latinos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you look into the counties within the metro area, thats where you really see some of the huge contributions of the Latino population, especially in counties like Bastrop and Caldwell, Valencia said. Valencia said this information can better help the city understand where people are moving and why. We know that there are issues such as affordability, Valencia said. We really want to understand and look at those numbers to see how we can address some of those challenges and target specific services and programs to help Latinos stay in their communities. Job skills and entrepreneurship When it comes to jobs, the report showed Latinos made up about a third of the workforce in Central Texas. Yet, the report said many Latinos are confined to minimal incomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We may have jobs, but are they high wage jobs? Are they good quality jobs? asked Alex Cantu, Chair of the Hispanic Impact Funds Steering Committee. Within our job skills and entrepreneurship, we want to help folks get high wage, high demand jobs. How Latinas are redefining Austins entrepreneurial scene Cantu said this report helps guide their grant making decision. They can use this data to define focus areas for where they put funds. Were still focusing on early childhood education, health and wellness, job skills and entrepreneurship and our newest focus areas, leadership development, Cantu said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report highlighted some progress within the Latino community as well. It said theres been a steady increase in Latinos earning bachelors and masters degrees over the last 10 years. The report also said Latino homeownership is up since 2021. When it comes to areas for improvement, the report said the percentage of Latinos uninsured remains high. It suggested there is an opportunity to increase healthcare enrollment efforts. For a look at the full report click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley called for swift action from Navajo tribal leaders to address the concern over ICE raids that have impacted Navajo people living in urban areas. Photo courtesy of the Navajo Nation Council As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement intensifies its efforts to apprehend and deport undocumented immigrants throughout the country, concern is rising among Indigenous communities residing in urban areas about reports of Indigenous people being detained in the Valley. Since President Donald Trump issued his executive order for an increase in ICE raids, Navajo tribal leaders have received alarming reports that their tribal members are being detained, heightening uncertainties over the implications these actions have for their communities and the safety of their people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We now know that Navajo people and enrolled members of other tribes are being detained in Phoenix and other cities by ICE, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley said during a committee meeting on Thursday. The reports that we have received indicate that we need to coordinate an operation or some type of response to help our enrolled tribal members here on the Navajo Nation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX On Thursday, Navajo tribal leaders reported that they have received calls and text messages from Navajo people living in urban areas who have been stopped, questioned or detained by ICE. Those reports sparked outrage among Navajo Nation Council members and prompted a detailed discussion of the topic during a Naabikiyati Committee meeting. These raids have sparked significant fear, especially among tribal members in urban areas who face challenges with documentation, the Navajo Nation Council said in a press release. A verified number of the Navajo people who have been detained was not shared during the committee meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Theresa Hatathlie joined the committee meeting virtually and shared her report and concerns in Navajo. Hatathlie represents the Legislative District 6, which encompasses the Navajo Nation. Hatathlie reported to the Council that she received a call about a case involving eight Navajo citizens who were detained for hours with no cell phones or ability to contact their families or tribes. She did not share the individuals identity. Hatahtlie told council members that there is a need for emergency protocols because many tribal members already struggle with access to proper documentation, which can get worse under the ICE sweeps. Despite possessing Certificates of Indian Blood (CIBs) and state-issued IDs, several individuals have been detained or questioned by ICE agents who do not recognize these documents as valid proof of citizenship, the Navajo Nation Council stated in a press release. Curley called for immediate assistance from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our people are reaching out to us directly, and their needs are urgent, Curley said. We must act swiftly to ensure their safety and well-being. She said that the Navajo people depend on the tribe for solutions and that Nygrens response to the issue has been insufficient. We need clear records and tracking systems to understand the scope of these issues, Curley said. We cannot wait for another incident. We need emergency protocols now. Nygren told the Arizona Mirror that his office has heard the concerns coming into his office and circulating on social media about Indigenous people in urban areas potentially being detained by ICE. However, he said that his office has not been able to verify or successfully reach a Navajo person who has been detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am glad that not one of our citizens has been detained for any of this, he said, adding that his administration is currently working to gather information for people who are concerned. Being Indigenous, being Navajo, youre more American than being American, Nygren said. We got to have that respect from the federal government. Nygren said his team has contacted the governors of Arizona and New Mexico, as well as all state and federal public safety officials, organizations, ICE and other departments to inform them that the tribe is paying attention to this concern. Were not going to back down when it comes to our Navajo citizens, he said. Our team is focused, and we want to make sure that the Navajo people stay informed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nygrens office also shared a guide on social media, which Navajo people living in urban areas can refer to if immigration agents confront them. The guide shares tips that include: do not resist, document the encounter, report the encounter, and if detained or arrested, exercise their right to remain silent and speak to an attorney. Outside of state and federal entities, Nygren said his office has also contacted tribes who live along the border because they have more experience dealing with these situations. The advice they gave us is to have your ID and be respectful, he said, adding that the tribal leaders reported that there has been no unusual activity within their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is one of those situations where I didnt think a few days ago Id be talking about, Nygren said. Even though there was an influx of concerns, Nygren said his office would not issue an executive order related to the concerns until it verified a case involving a Navajo person. If he issued an executive order, Nygren said it would be similar to how the Navajo Nation responded to the sober living crisis that hit Navajo people in Arizona, and the tribe deployed resources to the Phoenix area to help. But the president said they did that because we had confirmed cases that were very valid. Thats the difference. He said there was a lot of evidence of the sober living crisis and confirmed cases of people being impacted, and he had the means to deploy resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right at this moment, I do not have a single person thats detained for me to even consider it, Nygren said, adding that his office is preparing and setting a plan in place. That approach infuriated Navajo Nation Council delegates during the Naabikiyati Committee meeting, and they criticized the administrations choice to wait until there are verified cases. If someone was picked up right now, our message to them is they will have to wait, Delegate Eugenia Charles-Newton said during the committee meeting. Our people are afraid to travel, speak out, or interact with law enforcement due to the threat of retaliation, Charles-Newton said. This fear must be addressed with systemic solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navajo Nation Deputy Attorney General Kris Beecher said during the committee meeting that tribal leaders should encourage their constituents to be respectful during interactions with law enforcement, and that they should carry their state and tribal IDs at all times. Tribal leaders with the Naabikiyati Committee committed to moving emergency legislation to support those impacted by the raids and ensure swift access to identification for Navajo citizens. It is unacceptable for our people to be detained because their tribal documents are not recognized, Curley said. This injustice must end. The committee also pointed out the need to enhance the Navajo Nations identification system to meet federal standards, including remote enrollment systems and resources to issue tribal IDs recognized by federal agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The delegates emphasized the urgency of emergency legislation to facilitate identification issuance and resource access for those impacted by the raids. We are committed to protecting the rights of every Navajo citizen, Delegate Vince James said. This legislation will prioritize the safety of our people and provide a framework for immediate action. The committee also stressed the need for collaboration with state and federal governments, as well as other tribal nations, to address the broader implications of these raids. Plans include a toll-free hotline, community outreach to educate citizens on their rights and legal support for those affected by ICE actions. The Navajo Nation Council said that Navajo tribal members impacted by ICE raids should contact the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission Office at (928) 871-7436. Community advocate Reva Stewart, who does direct outreach to Indigenous people who are unhoused within the Phoenix area, said she has received an influx of concerned calls from families across Arizona. Stewart founded a non-profit organization called Turtle Island Women Warriors that focuses on helping Indigenous people displaced by the sober living crisis in the Phoenix area. Stewart said that due to the increase in concern surrounding the ICE raids, her teams weekly outreach efforts will start with details about an individuals rights if they are ever approached, questioned or detained by an immigration agent. We have to make sure that were telling them, Stewart said, adding that they want to ensure that tribal members remember to keep their tribal enrollment information on them if they dont have a state-issued ID. This is an added issue we shouldnt be having, she said, noting that many of the unhoused Indigenous people in the Phoenix area may not have their identification documents, leaving them vulnerable to immigration sweeps. Its scary, she said. Weve been here before April Ignacio, co-founder of Indivisible Tohono, grew up and lives on the Tohono Oodham Nation, whose tribal lands are on both sides of the Arizona-Mexico border. We still have our traditional villages in Mexico, Ignacio said, adding that the U.S. Border Patrol and Customs has had a presence within their tribal community for decades. Weve been here before this isnt something new, she said of the increased immigration actions being implemented by the Trump administration. We have tribal members that still have their rights violated, if not daily, and there is no way to hold them accountable to that. However, Ignacio said she understands how there are people who go through their entire lives without being approached by an ICE officer or the Border Patrol, especially among Indigenous people. Out of Arizonas 22 federally recognized tribes, only four have tribal lands located near the Mexican border: the Tohono Oodham Nation, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the Cocopah Indian Tribe and the Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe. Our relationship with the border is far more different than other tribes in Arizona who are now putting out statements about what this administration is pushing forward, Ignacio said. She added that she understands that tribal nations located far from the Mexico border are experiencing these immigration policies firsthand for the first time. So, the underlying fear coming from Indigenous people living in urban areas who have never experienced this before is justifiable, she said, adding that is why they need to know their rights because what they see right now is how elections have consequences. I dont think any of us Natives are naive in knowing how state and federal legislation and laws impact our lives, Ignacio said. But what was normalized for us down south is now being publicly acknowledged and publicized by the media. She said this includes the threats, harassment, raids, deportations and other forms of violence that have been used against the Tohono Oodham have always been there, and now other tribes are experiencing it. Being Native in this country is political, Ignacio said. And now that these policies are touching more tribes, she said there will be a lot more pushback something that will benefit all tribes. Ignacio said the Trump administrations new policies are taking aim at tribal communities in new and shocking ways, which will draw attention to them and spur tribal responses. For example, the Trump administration openly questioned the U.S. citizenship of Indigenous peoples as part of its defense of Trumps executive order to suspend birthright citizenship in the U.S. Trump signed the executive order shortly after he was sworn into office this week. It would end birthright citizenship for babies born to a mother and father who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. A federal judge in Seattle on Thursday temporarily blocked the executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, calling Trumps action blatantly unconstitutional. In defending the constitutionality of the executive order, the U.S. Department of Justice erroneously argued in court that Indigenous people didnt have birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment because they were not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, so neither should the children of noncitizen immigrants. The United States connection with the children of illegal aliens and temporary visitors is weaker than its connection with members of Indian tribes, DOJ argued in a filing. If the latter link is insufficient for birthright citizenship, the former certainly is, the Trump administration argued. The DOJ cited an 1884 U.S. Supreme Court case, Elk v. Wilkins, in which the high court decided that because members of Indian tribes owe immediate allegiance to their tribes, they are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and are not constitutionally entitled to Citizenship. But the DOJ ignored congressional action, the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, that explicitly gave Indigenous people U.S. birthright citizenship and effectively ended the rejection of citizenship that the Supreme Court had upheld four decades earlier. Before the act, there were two main ways an Indigenous person could become a citizen: enlistment and land allotment. As part of the Dawes Act of 1887, every Indigenous person who received an allotment of land, voluntarily took up residence there and had adopted habits of civilized life that is, lived separate and apart from the tribe was declared to be a citizen of the United States. A few tribal nations had citizenship included in their treaty rights negotiated with the federal government, while others worked with the state to earn citizenship for their people, but there was no federal law that included Indigenous people as citizens. Thousands of Indigenous people served in World War I, but when they returned home, they were not considered citizens in the country they fought for. Not until the United States passed the Citizenship Act of 1919 were all Indigenous World War I veterans granted citizenship. It would be five more years before President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, which gave birthright citizenship to all non-citizen Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States. Ignacio said that the federal courts order blocking Trumps ban on birthright citizenship will give tribes at least six to eight months to prepare better and understand how it will impact them. No matter which way you slice or dice it, the way it is going to touch tribes is in how it affects their sovereignty, she added. ***UPDATE: The subheadline of this story was changed to clarify the Department of Justices position on how citizenship for Indigenous people relates to citizenship for the children of noncitizens born in America. ***CORRECTION: The Navajo Nation Council provided an incorrect translation of state Sen. Theresa Hatathlies testimony. She did not say that a tribal member had been detained for nine hours, as was initially reported; instead, she testified that eight tribal members were detained for several hours by immigration officials. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley called for swift action from Navajo tribal leaders to address the concern over ICE raids that have impacted Navajo people living in urban areas. | Photo courtesy of the Navajo Nation Council As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intensifies its efforts to apprehend and deport undocumented immigrants throughout the country, concern is rising among Indigenous communities residing in urban areas as reports of Indigenous people being detained in the Phoenix area begin to be reported. Since President Donald Trump issued his executive order for an increase in ICE raids, Navajo tribal leaders have received alarming reports that their tribal members are being detained, heightening uncertainties over the implications these actions have for their communities and the safety of their people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We now know that Navajo people and enrolled members of other tribes are being detained in Phoenix and other cities by ICE, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley said during a committee meeting on Thursday. The reports that we have received indicate that we need to coordinate an operation or some type of response to help our enrolled tribal members here on the Navajo Nation. On Thursday, Navajo tribal leaders reported that they have received calls and text messages from Navajo people living in urban areas who have been stopped, questioned or detained by ICE. Those reports sparked outrage among Navajo Nation Council members and prompted a detailed discussion of the topic during a Naabikiyati Committee meeting. These raids have sparked significant fear, especially among tribal members in urban areas who face challenges with documentation, the Navajo Nation Council said in a press release. A verified number of the Navajo people who have been detained was not shared during the committee meeting. State Sen. Theresa Hatathlie joined the committee meeting virtually and shared her report and concerns in Navajo. Hatathlie represents the Legislative District 6, which encompasses the Navajo Nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hatathlie reported to the Council that she received a call about a case involving a Navajo citizen who was detained for nine hours. She did not share the individuals identity. Hatahtlie told council members that there is a need for emergency protocols because many tribal members already struggle with access to proper documentation, which can get worse under the ICE sweeps. Despite possessing Certificates of Indian Blood (CIBs) and state-issued IDs, several individuals have been detained or questioned by ICE agents who do not recognize these documents as valid proof of citizenship, the Navajo Nation Council stated in a press release. Curley called for immediate assistance from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. Our people are reaching out to us directly, and their needs are urgent, Curley said. We must act swiftly to ensure their safety and well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that the Navajo people depend on the tribe for solutions and that Nygrens response to the issue has been insufficient. We need clear records and tracking systems to understand the scope of these issues, Curley said. We cannot wait for another incident. We need emergency protocols now. Nygren told the Arizona Mirror that his office has heard the concerns coming into his office and circulating on social media about Indigenous people in urban areas potentially being detained by ICE. However, he said that his office has not been able to verify or successfully reach a Navajo person who has been detained. I am glad that not one of our citizens has been detained for any of this, he said, adding that his administration is currently working to gather information for people who are concerned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being Indigenous, being Navajo, youre more American than being American, Nygren said. We got to have that respect from the federal government. Nygren said his team has contacted the governors of Arizona and New Mexico, as well as all state and federal public safety officials, organizations, ICE and other departments to inform them that the tribe is paying attention to this concern. Former President Donald Trump addresses supporters in Novi, Mich. on Oct. 26, 2024. | Kyle Davidson Were not going to back down when it comes to our Navajo citizens, he said. Our team is focused, and we want to make sure that the Navajo people stay informed. Nygrens office also shared a guide on social media, which Navajo people living in urban areas can refer to if immigration agents confront them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guide shares tips that include: do not resist, document the encounter, report the encounter, and if detained or arrested, exercise their right to remain silent and speak to an attorney. Outside of state and federal entities, Nygren said his office has also contacted tribes who live along the border because they have more experience dealing with these situations. The advice they gave us is to have your ID and be respectful, he said, adding that the tribal leaders reported that there has been no unusual activity within their communities. This is one of those situations where I didnt think a few days ago Id be talking about, Nygren said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though there was an influx of concerns, Nygren said his office would not issue an executive order related to the concerns until it verified a case involving a Navajo person. If he issued an executive order, Nygren said it would be similar to how the Navajo Nation responded to the sober living crisis that hit Navajo people in Arizona, and the tribe deployed resources to the Phoenix area to help. But the president said they did that because we had confirmed cases that were very valid. Thats the difference. He said there was a lot of evidence of the sober living crisis and confirmed cases of people being impacted, and he had the means to deploy resources. Right at this moment, I do not have a single person thats detained for me to even consider it, Nygren said, adding that his office is preparing and setting a plan in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That approach infuriated Navajo Nation Council delegates during the Naabikiyati Committee meeting, and they criticized the administrations choice to wait until there are verified cases. If someone was picked up right now, our message to them is they will have to wait, Delegate Eugenia Charles-Newton said during the committee meeting. Our people are afraid to travel, speak out, or interact with law enforcement due to the threat of retaliation, Charles-Newton said. This fear must be addressed with systemic solutions. Navajo Nation Deputy Attorney General Kris Beecher said during the committee meeting that tribal leaders should encourage their constituents to be respectful during interactions with law enforcement, and that they should carry their state and tribal IDs at all times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tribal leaders with the Naabikiyati Committee committed to moving emergency legislation to support those impacted by the raids and ensure swift access to identification for Navajo citizens. It is unacceptable for our people to be detained because their tribal documents are not recognized, Curley said. This injustice must end. The committee also pointed out the need to enhance the Navajo Nations identification system to meet federal standards, including remote enrollment systems and resources to issue tribal IDs recognized by federal agencies. The delegates emphasized the urgency of emergency legislation to facilitate identification issuance and resource access for those impacted by the raids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are committed to protecting the rights of every Navajo citizen, Delegate Vince James said. This legislation will prioritize the safety of our people and provide a framework for immediate action. The committee also stressed the need for collaboration with state and federal governments, as well as other tribal nations, to address the broader implications of these raids. Plans include a toll-free hotline, community outreach to educate citizens on their rights and legal support for those affected by ICE actions. The Navajo Nation Council said that Navajo tribal members impacted by ICE raids should contact the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission Office at (928) 871-7436. Community advocate Reva Stewart, who does direct outreach to Indigenous people who are unhoused within the Phoenix area, said she has received an influx of concerned calls from families across Arizona. Stewart founded a non-profit organization called Turtle Island Women Warriors that focuses on helping Indigenous people displaced by the sober living crisis in the Phoenix area. Stewart said that due to the increase in concern surrounding the ICE raids, her teams weekly outreach efforts will start with details about an individuals rights if they are ever approached, questioned or detained by an immigration agent. We have to make sure that were telling them, Stewart said, adding that they want to ensure that tribal members remember to keep their tribal enrollment information on them if they dont have a state-issued ID. This is an added issue we shouldnt be having, she said, noting that many of the unhoused Indigenous people in the Phoenix area may not have their identification documents, leaving them vulnerable to immigration sweeps. Its scary, she said. Weve been here before April Ignacio, co-founder of Indivisible Tohono, grew up and lives on the Tohono Oodham Nation, whose tribal lands are on both sides of the Arizona-Mexico border. We still have our traditional villages in Mexico, Ignacio said, adding that the U.S. Border Patrol and Customs has had a presence within their tribal community for decades. Weve been here before this isnt something new, she said of the increased immigration actions being implemented by the Trump administration. We have tribal members that still have their rights violated, if not daily, and there is no way to hold them accountable to that. However, Ignacio said she understands how there are people who go through their entire lives without being approached by an ICE officer or the Border Patrol, especially among Indigenous people. Out of Arizonas 22 federally recognized tribes, only four have tribal lands located near the Mexican border: the Tohono Oodham Nation, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the Cocopah Indian Tribe and the Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe. Our relationship with the border is far more different than other tribes in Arizona who are now putting out statements about what this administration is pushing forward, Ignacio said. She added that she understands that tribal nations located far from the Mexico border are experiencing these immigration policies firsthand for the first time. So, the underlying fear coming from Indigenous people living in urban areas who have never experienced this before is justifiable, she said, adding that is why they need to know their rights because what they see right now is how elections have consequences. I dont think any of us Natives are naive in knowing how state and federal legislation and laws impact our lives, Ignacio said. But what was normalized for us down south is now being publicly acknowledged and publicized by the media. She said this includes the threats, harassment, raids, deportations and other forms of violence that have been used against the Tohono Oodham have always been there, and now other tribes are experiencing it. Being Native in this country is political, Ignacio said. And now that these policies are touching more tribes, she said there will be a lot more pushback something that will benefit all tribes. Ignacio said the Trump administrations new policies are taking aim at tribal communities in new and shocking ways, which will draw attention to them and spur tribal responses. For example, the Trump administration openly questioned the U.S. citizenship of Indigenous peoples as part of its defense of Trumps executive order to suspend birthright citizenship in the U.S. Trump signed the executive order shortly after he was sworn into office this week. It would end birthright citizenship for babies born to a mother and father who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. A federal judge in Seattle on Thursday temporarily blocked the executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, calling Trumps action blatantly unconstitutional. In defending the constitutionality of the executive order, the U.S. Department of Justice erroneously argued in court that Indigenous people didnt have birthright citizenship, so neither should the children of noncitizen immigrants. The United States connection with the children of illegal aliens and temporary visitors is weaker than its connection with members of Indian tribes, DOJ argued in a filing. If the latter link is insufficient for birthright citizenship, the former certainly is, the Trump administration argued. The DOJ cited an 1884 U.S. Supreme Court case, Elk v. Wilkins, in which the high court decided that because members of Indian tribes owe immediate allegiance to their tribes, they are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and are not constitutionally entitled to Citizenship. But the DOJ ignored congressional action, the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, that explicitly gave Indigenous people U.S. birthright citizenship and effectively ended the rejection of citizenship that the Supreme Court had upheld four decades earlier. Before the act, there were two main ways an Indigenous person could become a citizen: enlistment and land allotment. As part of the Dawes Act of 1887, every Indigenous person who received an allotment of land, voluntarily took up residence there and had adopted habits of civilized life that is, lived separate and apart from the tribe was declared to be a citizen of the United States. A few tribal nations had citizenship included in their treaty rights negotiated with the federal government, while others worked with the state to earn citizenship for their people, but there was no federal law that included Indigenous people as citizens. Thousands of Indigenous people served in World War I, but when they returned home, they were not considered citizens in the country they fought for. Not until the United States passed the Citizenship Act of 1919 were all Indigenous World War I veterans granted citizenship. It would be five more years before President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, which gave birthright citizenship to all non-citizen Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States. Ignacio said that the federal courts order blocking Trumps ban on birthright citizenship will give tribes at least six to eight months to prepare better and understand how it will impact them. No matter which way you slice or dice it, the way it is going to touch tribes is in how it affects their sovereignty, she added. Arizona Mirror is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arizona Mirror maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jim Small for questions: info@azmirror.com. Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley called for swift action from Navajo tribal leaders to address the concern over ICE raids that have impacted Navajo people living in urban areas. (Photo courtesy of the Navajo Nation Council.) As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement intensifies their efforts to apprehend and deport undocumented immigrants throughout the country, concern is rising among Indigenous communities residing in urban areas as reports of Indigenous people being detained in the Valley begin to be reported. Since President Donald Trump issued his executive order for an increase in ICE raids, Navajo tribal leaders have received alarming reports that their tribal members are being detained, heightening uncertainties over the implications these actions have for their communities and the safety of their people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We now know that Navajo people and enrolled members of other tribes are being detained in Phoenix and other cities by ICE, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley said during a committee meeting on Thursday. The reports that we have received indicate that we need to coordinate an operation or some type of response to help our enrolled tribal members here on the Navajo Nation. On Thursday, Navajo tribal leaders reported that they have received calls and text messages from Navajo people living in urban areas who have been stopped, questioned or detained by ICE. Those reports sparked outrage among Navajo Nation Council members and prompted a detailed discussion of the topic during a Naabikiyati Committee meeting. These raids have sparked significant fear, especially among tribal members in urban areas who face challenges with documentation, the Navajo Nation Council said in a press release. A verified number of the Navajo people who have been detained was not shared during the committee meeting. State Sen. Theresa Hatathlie joined the committee meeting virtually and shared her report and concerns in Navajo. Hatathlie represents the Legislative District 6, which encompasses the Navajo Nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hatathlie reported to the Council that she received a call about a case involving a Navajo citizen who was detained for nine hours. She did not share the individuals identity. Hatahtlie told council members that there is a need for emergency protocols because many tribal members already struggle with access to proper documentation, which can get worse under the ICE sweeps. Despite possessing Certificates of Indian Blood (CIBs) and state-issued IDs, several individuals have been detained or questioned by ICE agents who do not recognize these documents as valid proof of citizenship, the Navajo Nation Council stated in a press release. Curley called for immediate assistance from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. Our people are reaching out to us directly, and their needs are urgent, Curley said. We must act swiftly to ensure their safety and well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that the Navajo people depend on the tribe for solutions and that Nygrens response to the issue has been insufficient. We need clear records and tracking systems to understand the scope of these issues, Curley said. We cannot wait for another incident. We need emergency protocols now. Nygren told the Arizona Mirror that his office has heard the concerns coming into his office and circulating on social media about Indigenous people in urban areas potentially being detained by ICE. However, he said that his office has not been able to verify or successfully reach a Navajo person who has been detained. I am glad that not one of our citizens has been detained for any of this, he said, adding that his administration is currently working to gather information for people who are concerned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being Indigenous, being Navajo, youre more American than being American, Nygren said. We got to have that respect from the federal government. Nygren said his team has contacted the governors of Arizona and New Mexico, as well as all state and federal public safety officials, organizations, ICE and other departments to inform them that the tribe is paying attention to this concern. Were not going to back down when it comes to our Navajo citizens, he said. Our team is focused, and we want to make sure that the Navajo people stay informed. Nygrens office also shared a guide on social media, which Navajo people living in urban areas can refer to if immigration agents confront them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guide shares tips that include: do not resist, document the encounter, report the encounter, and if detained or arrested, exercise their right to remain silent and speak to an attorney. Outside of state and federal entities, Nygren said his office has also contacted tribes who live along the border because they have more experience dealing with these situations. The advice they gave us is to have your ID and be respectful, he said, adding that the tribal leaders reported that there has been no unusual activity within their communities. This is one of those situations where I didnt think a few days ago Id be talking about, Nygren said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though there was an influx of concerns, Nygren said his office would not issue an executive order related to the concerns until it verified a case involving a Navajo person. If he issued an executive order, Nygren said it would be similar to how the Navajo Nation responded to the sober living crisis that hit Navajo people in Arizona, and the tribe deployed resources to the Phoenix area to help. But the president said they did that because we had confirmed cases that were very valid. Thats the difference. He said there was a lot of evidence of the sober living crisis and confirmed cases of people being impacted, and he had the means to deploy resources. Right at this moment, I do not have a single person thats detained for me to even consider it, Nygren said, adding that his office is preparing and setting a plan in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That approach infuriated Navajo Nation Council delegates during the Naabikiyati Committee meeting, and they criticized the administrations choice to wait until there are verified cases. If someone was picked up right now, our message to them is they will have to wait, Delegate Eugenia Charles-Newton said during the committee meeting. Our people are afraid to travel, speak out, or interact with law enforcement due to the threat of retaliation, Charles-Newton said. This fear must be addressed with systemic solutions. Navajo Nation Deputy Attorney General Kris Beecher said during the committee meeting that tribal leaders should encourage their constituents to be respectful during interactions with law enforcement, and that they should carry their state and tribal IDs at all times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tribal leaders with the Naabikiyati Committee committed to moving emergency legislation to support those impacted by the raids and ensure swift access to identification for Navajo citizens. It is unacceptable for our people to be detained because their tribal documents are not recognized, Curley said. This injustice must end. The committee also pointed out the need to enhance the Navajo Nations identification system to meet federal standards, including remote enrollment systems and resources to issue tribal IDs recognized by federal agencies. The delegates emphasized the urgency of emergency legislation to facilitate identification issuance and resource access for those impacted by the raids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are committed to protecting the rights of every Navajo citizen, Delegate Vince James said. This legislation will prioritize the safety of our people and provide a framework for immediate action. The committee also stressed the need for collaboration with state and federal governments, as well as other tribal nations, to address the broader implications of these raids. Plans include a toll-free hotline, community outreach to educate citizens on their rights and legal support for those affected by ICE actions. The Navajo Nation Council said that Navajo tribal members impacted by ICE raids should contact the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission Office at (928) 871-7436. Community advocate Reva Stewart, who does direct outreach to Indigenous people who are unhoused within the Phoenix area, said she has received an influx of concerned calls from families across Arizona. Stewart founded a non-profit organization called Turtle Island Women Warriors that focuses on helping Indigenous people displaced by the sober living crisis in the Phoenix area. Stewart said that due to the increase in concern surrounding the ICE raids, her teams weekly outreach efforts will start with details about an individuals rights if they are ever approached, questioned or detained by an immigration agent. We have to make sure that were telling them, Stewart said, adding that they want to ensure that tribal members remember to keep their tribal enrollment information on them if they dont have a state-issued ID. This is an added issue we shouldnt be having, she said, noting that many of the unhoused Indigenous people in the Phoenix area may not have their identification documents, leaving them vulnerable to immigration sweeps. Its scary, she said. Weve been here before April Ignacio, co-founder of Indivisible Tohono, grew up and lives on the Tohono Oodham Nation, whose tribal lands are on both sides of the Arizona-Mexico border. We still have our traditional villages in Mexico, Ignacio said, adding that the U.S. Border Patrol and Customs has had a presence within their tribal community for decades. Weve been here before this isnt something new, she said of the increased immigration actions being implemented by the Trump administration. We have tribal members that still have their rights violated, if not daily, and there is no way to hold them accountable to that. However, Ignacio said she understands how there are people who go through their entire lives without being approached by an ICE officer or the Border Patrol, especially among Indigenous people. Out of Arizonas 22 federally recognized tribes, only four have tribal lands located near the Mexican border: the Tohono Oodham Nation, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the Cocopah Indian Tribe and the Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe. Our relationship with the border is far more different than other tribes in Arizona who are now putting out statements about what this administration is pushing forward, Ignacio said. She added that she understands that tribal nations located far from the Mexico border are experiencing these immigration policies firsthand for the first time. So, the underlying fear coming from Indigenous people living in urban areas who have never experienced this before is justifiable, she said, adding that is why they need to know their rights because what they see right now is how elections have consequences. I dont think any of us Natives are naive in knowing how state and federal legislation and laws impact our lives, Ignacio said. But what was normalized for us down south is now being publicly acknowledged and publicized by the media. She said this includes the threats, harassment, raids, deportations and other forms of violence that have been used against the Tohono Oodham have always been there, and now other tribes are experiencing it. Being Native in this country is political, Ignacio said. And now that these policies are touching more tribes, she said there will be a lot more pushback something that will benefit all tribes. Ignacio said the Trump administrations new policies are taking aim at tribal communities in new and shocking ways, which will draw attention to them and spur tribal responses. For example, the Trump administration openly questioned the U.S. citizenship of Indigenous peoples as part of its defense of Trumps executive order to suspend birthright citizenship in the U.S. Trump signed the executive order shortly after he was sworn into office this week. It would end birthright citizenship for babies born to a mother and father who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. A federal judge in Seattle on Thursday temporarily blocked the executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, calling Trumps action blatantly unconstitutional. In defending the constitutionality of the executive order, the U.S. Department of Justice erroneously argued in court that Indigenous people didnt have birthright citizenship, so neither should the children of noncitizen immigrants. The United States connection with the children of illegal aliens and temporary visitors is weaker than its connection with members of Indian tribes, DOJ argued in a filing. If the latter link is insufficient for birthright citizenship, the former certainly is, the Trump administration argued. The DOJ cited an 1884 U.S. Supreme Court case, Elk v. Wilkins, in which the high court decided that because members of Indian tribes owe immediate allegiance to their tribes, they are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and are not constitutionally entitled to Citizenship. But the DOJ ignored congressional action, the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, that explicitly gave Indigenous people U.S. birthright citizenship and effectively ended the rejection of citizenship that the Supreme Court had upheld four decades earlier. Before the act, there were two main ways an Indigenous person could become a citizen: enlistment and land allotment. As part of the Dawes Act of 1887, every Indigenous person who received an allotment of land, voluntarily took up residence there and had adopted habits of civilized life that is, lived separate and apart from the tribe was declared to be a citizen of the United States. A few tribal nations had citizenship included in their treaty rights negotiated with the federal government, while others worked with the state to earn citizenship for their people, but there was no federal law that included Indigenous people as citizens. Thousands of Indigenous people served in World War I, but when they returned home, they were not considered citizens in the country they fought for. Not until the United States passed the Citizenship Act of 1919 were all Indigenous World War I veterans granted citizenship. It would be five more years before President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, which gave birthright citizenship to all non-citizen Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States. Ignacio said that the federal courts order blocking Trumps ban on birthright citizenship will give tribes at least six to eight months to prepare better and understand how it will impact them. No matter which way you slice or dice it, the way it is going to touch tribes is in how it affects their sovereignty, she added. This story was originally produced by the Arizona Mirror 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. US private security contractors are set to monitor vehicles of displaced Palestinians returning from southern Gaza to their homes in the destroyed north, US media reported on Thursday, citing government officials. The New York Times and news site Axios reported that the planned deployment is expected to begin in the coming days. The deployment is said to be part of the ceasefire agreement brokered by the US, Egypt and Qatar between Israel and the Palestinian militant organization Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The security companies are reportedly set to conduct vehicle checks at the Netzarim Corridor, which divides the Gaza Strip into two halves south of Gaza City. This area had been controlled by Israeli forces for several months to prevent Palestinians from returning to the evacuated northern territories. The ceasefire agreement, which took effect on Sunday, stated that Palestinians displaced to the south could return seven days into the truce. Axios reported that during negotiations, Israel insisted on checks for returnees, a demand that Hamas rejected. As a compromise, it was agreed that vehicles would be allowed to travel north on only one road, with the checkpoint operated by a third party. According to Axios, three security companies are involved in the checks - two from the US and one from Egypt. The New York Times reported that people heading north on foot would not be subject to checks. The preamble to the U.S. Constitution with the text of the First Amendment laid over it. (Getty Images) As Benjamin Franklin left the Constitutional Convention he was famously asked what kind of government the convention had created. His reply, A republic, if you can keep it, underscores a truth that resonates to this day that our nations survival depends on its citizens being informed and engaged. Yet, recent studies reveal a troubling decline in the understanding Americans have of the very foundations of our government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are many reasons to be concerned. A 2023 survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that only 47% of Americans could name all three branches of government, a decline from the 56% two years earlier. Even more alarming, 25% couldnt name a single branch. Another survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation shows that 70% of Americans fail a basic civic literacy test, a test which immigrants seeking citizenship pass 90% of the time. These statistics highlight a fundamental problem in America; there is a crisis of civic literacy that threatens the very health of our democracy. Without a basic understanding of how our government functions, citizens are ill-equipped to participate in the democratic process with fidelity or hold our elected leaders accountable. Arkansas is not immune from this national trend. While our schools and teachers work hard to prepare students for the workforce, we must also ensure they are prepared to be active and responsible citizens. Civic education is not just a subject to be taught in school; it is the cornerstone of our American republic. By increasing the amount of civic and social studies education in our schools, the Arkansas General Assembly can take a crucial step toward addressing this crisis. Research shows that robust civic education programs make a vital difference. Students who receive high-quality instruction in social studies are more likely to vote, volunteer, and engage in their communities. They are also better equipped to identify misinformation and navigate the complexities of political discussion. In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly and trust in government institutions is waning, these skills are essential to keep America strong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a high school social studies teacher and the president of the Arkansas Council for the Social Studies, an organization dedicated to advocating for social studies education and supporting social studies teachers, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges educators face in delivering effective civic instruction. The priorities of the state of Arkansas and school districts lie in math, science, and English, leaving civics and other social studies courses with little time or support. The Arkansas General Assembly has an opportunity to take the lead on this issue by investing in social studies education, especially civics, at all levels. This could mean using more historical documents at lower ages when teaching elementary students to read and in English classes. Increasing civics from a semester course to a full year class, would give students the opportunity to actually engage with the course instead of hitting the highlights. This could also mean educational co-ops and schools providing more professional development to help teachers include more social studies resources at all levels and courses. By doing so, Arkansas can equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to sustain our democracy. Franklins warning reminds us that our republic is not self-sustaining. It requires the effort, vigilance and education of our citizens. The alarming gaps in civic knowledge revealed by recent studies should serve as a wake-up call. The Arkansas General Assembly must act to ensure that our students are prepared to keep the republic that Franklin and the other Founding Fathers worked so hard to establish. Rep. Andy Ogles, R.-Tenn., is the latest House Republican to make a splashy grab for President Donald Trumps attention, introducing a proposal to amend the Constitution and allow the 78-year-old to try for a third term. In a statement, Ogles claimed Trump must be given the time necessary to enact his legislation and praised the president as the only figure in modern history who could properly lead the country. This amendment would allow President Trump to serve three terms, ensuring that we can sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs, Ogles said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His plan would modify the 22nd Amendment ratified in 1951 after Franklin Delano Roosevelt won four consecutive terms by wide margins to allow a president to serve up to three four-year stints in the White House. The proposal is not quite as sycophantic as Florida Rep. Greg Steube's proposal last year to rename the U.S. coastline after Trump, though it's a somewhat transparent ploy for presidential attention. The amendment is also carefully crafted to leave Trump open for a third term while excluding Barack Obama, mandating no eligibility for a third term if a president was elected to two consecutive terms. Back in November, Trump told House GOP representatives that he wouldnt be running again unless you do something, a cue Ogles seemingly took literally despite reported laughter from his colleagues. Still, any amendment to the Constitution faces tremendous obstacles. Ogles bill is nearly certain not to receive the needed two-thirds majorities in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of states, but it could land him on Trumps radar. The Tennessee representative might soon need a lifeline as George Santos-esque campaign finance fraud and resume falsification allegations face congressional scrutiny. A January Congressional Ethics report urged further review after concluding Ogles may have omitted or misrepresented required information in his financial disclosure statements. Oklahomas state superintendent is inviting ICE to raid public schools. In Oklahoma, were gonna work with law enforcement, we are gonna work with the Trump administration, Ryan Walters told Oklahoma journalist Brenna Rose. However President Trump decides to carry out the actions around his immigration policy, were gonna absolutely work with him on that. Were gonna make sure that he has what he needs from us to carry those things out. So youre not completely ruling out a raid on an Oklahoma school? Rose asked pointedly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, if thats what President Trump sees fit, as theres [an] illegal immigrant population there that needs to have enforcement to remove them from the schools, absolutely. We will work with him to make sure that hes able to carry that out. Walters has served as Oklahoma public schools superintendent since 2020, and has been a staunch MAGA advocate in that tenure. Last year, he made the Bible required reading in public schools, saying that without basic knowledge of it, Oklahoma students are unable to properly contextualize the foundation of our nation. When the state opened bids for companies seeking to supply the Bible, the requirements were so narrow the Trump Bible was one of the only ones to fit the bill. (Walters is currently being sued over the entire mandate.) He has also referred to teachers as radical leftists who are turning our schools into Epstein Island. And just last month, he proposed a rule that would let the Oklahoma State Department of Education gather data on undocumented children in public schools. Ushering ICE agents into public schools is yet another mask-off moment for the Trump administration and all its allies. A Republican senator has introduced legislation that would ban federal mascots and department-funded coloring books. The bill, introduced by Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, seeks to eliminate mascots representing federal agencies like the Mighty Minters, a fox and bird at the U.S. Mint. The child-friendly mascots (represented by images and costumed federal workers) are supposed to help visiting kids better understand the work of various agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ernst announced the legislation, dubbed the Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government (SWAG) Act, in a news release Thursday. You might mistake Washington for a very expensive kids birthday party, with federal employees playing dress up, appearing as mascots, and making coloring books, said Ernst in a written statement. I am going to crash the party and bag this costly swag. Misbehaving bureaucrats need to stop wasting tax dollars trying to refurbish their bad reputation, and focus on serving the American people, she added. An image of Vin Vasive from a US Department of Agriculture YouTube video (USDA) The names of mascots on the hit list are Champa Boom, a kind of bear at the Department of Defense, Sammy Soil, at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Vin Vasive, an insect at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Tracker, a stuffed german shepherd, and Agent Teddy at Customs and Border Protection. Coloring books the bill is seeking to eliminate (Joni Ernst) The bill is currently in committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ernsts research, the federal government reportedly paid $250,000 to create the mascots (and costumes for workers). Its not known when the mascots were created or how much the agencies spent on other types of advertising. Some of the departments produce coloring books to demonstrate educational information or what agencies do. One Department of Homeland Security coloring book is available to download from its website. If the legislation passes, federal agencies will no longer be able to use federal funds to purchase, acquire or distribute swag or produce mascots. Republican Congressman Michael Cloud of Texas is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American people demand a better return on their investment from the federal government than frivolous spending on self-promotion and propaganda, said Cloud. They expect transparency, fiscal responsibility, and a government focused on delivering results. Especially as so many families are working to make ends meet, D.C. agencies should not squander the Peoples money on mascots, trinkets, and giveaways. Ernst is the chair of the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency Caucus. President Trump created the department, spearheaded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, on his first day in office via executive order. The department is seeking to reduce $2 trillion in federal spending. However, Musk said in an interview earlier this month that the department had a good shot of cutting just half that. Republican Senators ducked answering questions about Donald Trumps claim that Ukraine should have surrendered to Russia and his attempt to blame the bloody conflict on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The president spoke to Fox News host Sean Hannity this week and blamed Zelenskys failure to preemptively capitulate to Russia invading Ukraine, even though Russian forces have occupied parts of the country since 2014. Zelensky was fighting a much bigger entity, much bigger, much more powerful, Trump told Hannity. He shouldnt have done that, because we could have made a deal, and it would have been a deal that would have been, it would have been a nothing deal. Frances President Emmanuel Macron (C), US President Donald Trump (L) and Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) But Republican senators dodged commenting on Trumps remarks about the war that began when Russian President Vladimir Putin attacked his neighbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hadnt heard that, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming told The Independent. Im not exactly sure what he was--what youre referring to. Russias aggression in Ukraine has been a splitting point between Trump and the more hawkish Republican Senate conference. Last year, Trump blew up a deal to swap additional provisions for border security in exchange for aid to Israel and Ukraine. Aid to Ukraine ultimately passed without additional border security spending. Trumps phone call to Zelensky in 2019 where he asked for Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden, then his campaign opponent, in exchange for aid to Ukraine triggered Trumps first impeachment, for which he was acquitted. During that impeachment trial, some Republicans peddled the idea that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 election. Since then, many pro-Trump Republicans have shown hostility to supporting Ukraine. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas faulted Joe Biden rather than Zelensky for the start of the war in Ukraine. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, a supporter of Ukraine, said she had not heard Trumps remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, I didn't watch him, or didn't hear him, so you're telling me something new, she told The Independent. I'm going to pass on reacting to that because I'd rather see what he actually said. Other Republicans chose to blame President Joe Biden. I don't think with the feckless Biden policies, that a deal could have been made because I don't think Russia believed that the West would actually continue to support Ukraine, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas told The Independent. I think that's a whole different scenario with President Trump, because I think, in some ways, I think Putin's a little bit afraid of him and what he might do, he said. So I hope he can cut a deal anybody can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cornyns fellow Texan Sen. Ted Cruz echoed the remarks. I didnt see the interview, so I don't know the exact comment, but I do think the principal cause of the Ukraine war was Joe Biden's weakness and appeasement towards Russia, he told The Independent. Cruz specifically faulted Biden for waiving sanctions on the Nordstream 2 Pipeline. Cruz said that the war in Ukraine will end soon because Trump is back in office. Trump has told Putin to make a deal to end the war. But Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, a major supporter of Ukraine, criticized Trumps remarks. I think highly of President Zelensky, Collins told The Independent. He did not start this war. President Putin started this war with an unprovoked, unjustified invasion. As chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Collins will be in charge of setting aside any potential future aid to Ukraine. The chairman of the subcommittee on defense spending is former majority leader Mitch McConnell, himself a major defender of Ukraine. HOW DOES A POLITICAL PARTY get comfortable with the use of violence? How does a constitutional democracy drift toward authoritarianism? The answers are right in front of us. Its happening in the United States. On Monday, his first day back in the White House, President Donald Trump ordered an end to the incarceration or prosecution of anyone involved in the January 6th insurrection. He granted commutations, with instructions for instant release, to fourteen people convicted of seditious conspiracy or other crimes related to orchestrating the attack. He also issued a full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. Hundreds of people had pleaded guilty to, or had been convicted of, assaulting police officers in the attack. Many of their crimes were recorded on video. Trump pardoned them all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This wasnt what Republican leaders had expected. In the week before Trump took office, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President-elect JD Vance had signaled that the pardons wouldnt extend to those who committed violent crimes. So when Trump crossed that line, congressional Republicans had to decide whether to join him. With few exceptions, they have. This is a significant moment in the transformation of our country. The party that controls the presidency and both houses of Congressemboldened by a Republican-appointed Supreme Court majority that has granted Trump broad immunity from prosecutionis exempting its supporters from accountability for political violence, including assaults against police. How have Republicans rationalized crossing this line? Lets examine some of their excuses. 1. I support whatever Trump does. Its the presidents sole decision, Johnson declared on Tuesday. And he made a decision, so I stand with him on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats the authoritarian spirit. No matter what the leader does, his allies fall in line. 2. The pardons show Trump is a man of his word. He talked about that during the campaign, Steve Scalise, the House majority leader, told reporters when they asked about Trumps pardons for people who assaulted police. President Trump is a man of his word. Hes going to follow through on his commitments. This, too, is the language of autocracy. The moral content of the leaders threat or act is irrelevant. What matters is that he deserves praise for following through on his threats. Support our independent journalism by signing up for a free or paid subscription. 3. This is what the people voted for. In a CNN interview on Wednesday, Senator Markwayne Mullin noted that during the 2024 campaign, Trump did not hide that he was going to pardon January 6th individuals. By electing Trump, Mullin argued, Americans gave Trump a mandate to do just that: The American people [on] November 5th chose to move on past January 6th. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the easiest way to unravel a constitutional democracy: You turn democracy against the constitution, by claiming that an election gave the winner a mandate to suspend or ignore laws. In reality, Americans gave Trump no such mandate. Multiple polls have found that they oppose pardons for people convicted of violent crimes on January 6th. 4. The real villain is the FBI. This is one of Trumps favorite fictions: that the January 6th convicts are hostages of weaponized law enforcement agencies. Many congressional Republicans have joined him in peddling this lie. I support the presidents decision on the pardons, Rep. James Comer, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, declared Wednesday on CNN. Comer explained, Theres a significant percentage of Americans, especially conservative Americans, that believe that many of those rioters were enticed by undercover FBI agents and people within the FBI. The FBI has not been forthcoming. This smear against the FBI has been thoroughly debunked. But that hasnt stopped Comer and his colleagues from using it to whitewash the insurrection and justify the pardons. Theyre doing what propagandists do in autocratic regimes: spreading conspiracy theories to rewrite history. 5. The real scofflaw is Joe Biden. This is the most common Republican rejoinder to questions about Trumps pardons. Biden opened the door on this, said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, blaming the outgoing president for his last-minute grants of clemency. Thats not true: Trump began talking about his January 6th pardons more than two years before Bidens late burst of pardons and commutations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Republicans suggested that Bidens pardons were worse than Trumps. Senator Susan Collins claimed that Biden gave a pardon to an individual who killed two FBI agents, referring to American Indian activist Leonard Peltier. Mullin accused Biden of pardoning cop killers and other violent offenders. This is standard whataboutism. Its also false. None of Bidens last-minute pardons were for violent crimes. Most of them werent even for crimes. They were preemptive, to protect people who had been threatened with prosecution by Trump and other Republicans for nonexistent crimes. Peltier, who was convicted of killing two FBI agents fifty years ago, got a commutation, not a pardon. For Biden, this distinction was important. He commuted the sentences of some violent offenders, giving life-in-prison sentences to nearly all federal death row inmates. (Peltier, who is now 80 years old, had a life sentence, the remainder of which he will now serve in home confinement.) But Biden consistently refused to pardon people convicted of violent crimes. The only such pardon he issued was to a woman who shot her husband nearly fifty years ago, allegedly in self-defense, for beating her when she was pregnant. Trump has rejected Bidens distinction. He has given pardons, not commutations, to nearly all the violent criminals of January 6th. This is wholly unprecedented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Share 6. God has cleansed the assailants. At a press conference on Wednesday, Johnson was asked about the pardons for rioters who assaulted police. He defended them, explaining, Its kind of my ethos, my worldview. We believe in redemption. We believe in second chances. Johnsons ethos lasted less than a minute. As he continued speaking, he called Bidens pardons disgusting and made the case for deporting illegal aliens who are criminals. Johnson doesnt believe in second chances. He believes in selective legal immunity for Trumpists. Johnsons invocation of the Christian doctrine of redemption is a sham. Real redemption requires repentance, and most of the January 6th assailants havent repented. But Johnson doesnt fuss about that. Hes just using religion as a political shield for Trump. 7. Its not my department. Every authoritarian regime needs cowards who look the other way. The GOP is full of such people. The presidents made his decision. I dont second-guess those, Johnson told reporters at his press conference. When Senator John Cornyn was asked about the pardons for violent offenders, he responded: Thats not the question. The question is who has the authority. And the president has the authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has his own version of this evasion. Im not going to engage in domestic political debates, he stipulated when he was asked about the pardons on NBCs Today show. My job is to focus on the presidents foreign policy. Imagine how Rubio will be received when he urges other countries, hypocritically, to respect the rule of law. 8. I didnt see what happened. Many Republicans, such as Senators Ron Johnson and Rick Scott, ducked questions about the pardons by pleading that they hadnt yet studied the details of each case. Senator Tommy Tuberville, after boasting that Trump was absolutely right to pardon everyone, refused to back down when reporters cited specific assailants who had beaten police with weapons. I dont believe it, because I didnt see it, Tuberville told them. This see-no-evil farce culminated on Wednesday, when Congressman Tim Burchett questioned whether the people pardoned by Trump were truly violent. I dont know that, Burchett insisted during a CNN interview as video of the assault played on the screen. At that point, CNNs Jim Acosta interjected: What do you mean, you dont know? Were showing the footage on the air right now. 9. Im not a lawyer. Pleading ignorance of the facts, when the facts are right there on video, might not work forever. So Republicans have devised a backup dodge: pleading ignorance of the law. When Acosta pressed Burchett about whether it was right to release the violent January 6th offenders, Burchett shrugged, I dont know if it is or not. Im not a lawyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a variant of the Republican shtick that medical or environmental questions cant be answered because Im not a doctor or Im not a scientist. In this case, its a pretext to ignore obvious lawbreaking. Share The Bulwark 10. Lets not dwell on the past. Were not looking backwards, were looking forward, Thune told reporters when he was asked about the pardons. Johnson used the same line, word for word. Senator Kevin Cramer went further, depicting the pardons as a cleansing act. For the greater good, he did it to move forward, Cramer said of Trump. He suggested that Trumps pardons, paired with Bidens, could get us to a fresh start. In countries where grave crimes were committed, such as South Africa, the idea of seeking a fresh start is understandable. But that requires confession and repentance. It also requires forgiveness, which can be granted only by the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A regime that regains power, admits nothing, whitewashes its crimes, and pardons its thugs isnt healing the past. Its laying the groundwork for more crimes. AMERICANS LIKE TO THINK theres something special about our country that keeps us free. But that freedom is guaranteed only on paper. All it takes to dismantle our constitutional system and our liberties is one bully and a party full of cowards. The cowards can find excuses to do whatever the bully wants, including the suspension of laws. Theres no sudden epiphany. You dont wake up one day and discover that youre living in an authoritarian state. You get there one step at a time. This week, we took a big step. Share this article with your friends and followers on social media. Share (KTLA) Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced more resources for wildfire victims. The state unveiled its revamped fire relief website, making it easier for Los Angeles County wildfire victims to access available resources. The website has information on how victims can apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster relief, replace personal documents, find food banks, and safely return to their homes. It also helps with accessing shelter and expense reimbursements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tax deadline extended for Southern California wildfire victims: Heres what you need to know Victims can also get real-time wildfire updates via fire maps, air quality information, and road closure maps. In addition to the updated website, Newsom announced that nearly 270 state-chartered banks, credit unions, and other financial companies are offering mortgage relief to wildfire victims. Financial institutions will offer the following to qualified borrowers: 90-day mortgage payment forbearance periods and streamlined processes for requesting initial relief without submitting forms or documents Relief from mortgage-related late fees accruing during the forbearance period for 90 days. Protection from new foreclosures or evictions for at least 60 days. Institutions will not report late payments of forborne amounts to credit agencies. The help is available to qualified Los Angeles County residents in the 90019, 90041, 90049, 90066, 90265, 90272, 90290, 90402, 91001, 91104, 91106, 91107, or 93536 ZIP Codes. Borrowers must contact their mortgage servicer to obtain relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents must also be customers of the participating financial institutions to qualify for the relief. A complete list of businesses participating in the relief can be found here. Wells Fargo, Bank of America, JP Morgan, Citibank, and U.S. Bank also recently announced mortgage relief programs. L.A. Mayor Bass extends tax deadline for businesses impacted by wildfires The deadly Palisades and Eaton fires have burned more than 37,000 acres. Over 18,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed and 28 people have been killed, according to Cal Fire. More resources available to wildfire victims can be found here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. PROVIDENCE The Canadian reaction to President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs took center stage at the Rhode Island State House on Thursday, with sharp reminders of how much the state has to lose. And not just Rhode Island. What began as a rundown of the deep economic ties between Canada and the New England states ended with this pointed warning from Bernadette Jordan, the Canadian consul general in Boston: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Unfortunately, the 25% tariffs on Canadian imports that President Trump is proposing will only harm our workers and industries and compromise what we have achieved together," she told the R.I. House of Representatives. "With such trade barriers, all of us will lose. Rhode Islanders will lose. American consumers will lose. American businesses will lose. In fact, the only winner in a trade war between Canada and the United States would be China." Bernadette Jordan, the Canadian consul general in Boston, in a 2019 file photo. Her remarks from the rostrum drew applause from most in the Democrat-dominated House chamber. but not the small bloc of Republicans. What does Rhode Island have to lose? "Did you know that Canada is consistently the largest customer for 36 U.S. states, including Rhode Island?" Jordan asked the state lawmakers. Last year alone, she said, "Canada and Rhode Island traded over $2 billion in goods and services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What does that kind of trade mean? It means jobs. Nearly 8 million jobs in the U.S. depend on trade with Canada.In Rhode Island alone, there are 45 Canadian-owned companies employing over 1,400 workers." She gave these data points: Rhode Island exports $487 million in goods and $166 million in services to Canada, with "pearls, gems, precious metals & jewelry" topping a list of exports that ranges from trucks to paper to iron and steel tubes to "meat, fish and seafood preparation(s)." Rhode Island imports $1.4 billion in goods from Canada annually. No. 2 on the list of top exports are pearls and gems ... that are then crafted into the jewelry that is not only exported back to Canadian jewelry stores but around the world." Top import: Fuel oil But the top import is fuel oil, $757 million worth annually, which Jordan described as "safe, secure, affordable, readily available, and sustainably produced ... products you depend on every day to power everything from your cars and trucks to the jet fuel that delivers your products to parts unknown."At a time when families are already dealing with increased costs, no one wants to consider adding 25% more to the [cost to fill a] gas tank or the price of building a home," but make no mistake, she warned, "those Canadian inputs will become more expensive with tariffs." More: Will Trump's offshore wind executive order halt RI's projects? What to know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan arrived on Smith Hill with a delegation that included Rene Sylvestre, Quebecs delegate to New England. "I represent the government of Canada and Rene represents the Government of Quebec, but we are teaming up given the importance of the Canada-New England relationship and the challenges we face," she said. A spokesman for House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi said Jordan, who is based in Boston, asked to meet with the speaker, and he suggested that she address the full House. A history lesson on bilateral trade She brought with her this bit of history:"Our communities, starting with the Indigenous peoples who were the first to inhabit the land, have found reason to exchange, create, innovate and build together for centuries. Our bilateral connections expanded further as families migrated from Quebec or Acadia to work in the factories and mills along the Blackstone and Pawtuxet valleys in the 19th and 20th centuries." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: RI joins 19 states in suing Trumps executive order to end birthright citizenship "Friends," she told the state legislators: "Our bilateral trade is massive worth nearly $1 trillion U.S. dollars per year with $2.5 billion U.S. dollars crossing our borders every single day. The U.S. sells more goods to Canada than any other country in fact, Canada buys more from the U.S. than China, Japan, France and Germany combined." This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Canadian official warns RI of what Trump tariffs could cost state PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) When Rob Tierney noticed that his electric transfer benefit card (EBT) card had been wiped clean in December, he filed a claim with the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. But once he got a new card in January and his benefits were reimbursed, he noticed more fraudulent activity on his card. They just siphoned it, Tierney said. They actually left me $0.03, and then I called the EBT office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said it appears that a skimming device was used to gain access to his account. Tierney is not alone. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been targeted around the country and are being stolen at record levels. Over the past two years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said more than 1,000 fraud claims were approved and more than $400,000 in SNAP reimbursements were shelled out in Rhode Island. In Massachusetts, there were more than 19,000 approved claims of fraudulent activity, with the federal government paying more than $8 million. However, Congress didnt extend the replacement of SNAP benefits that have been fraudulently stolen through card skimming, card cloning and other similar fraudulent methods, according to the USDA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its going to hurt a lot of other people, Tierney said. That means anyone who experienced fraud on their EBT card after Dec. 20, 2024, will likely not be reimbursed unless the state sets money aside in its budget. Rhode Island and Massachusetts have said they wont be picking up the tab, which could leave thousands of families across both states without money and other essentials if their EBT money is stolen. What happens to older people that might be diabetic or have health concerns that they need to eat certain stuff, that they cant get the stuff at the food pantry and then they cant afford it? he questioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Rhode Island and Massachusetts officials urge those who have fallen victim to EBT fraud to contact their local police department. They also recommend changing PINs frequently to prevent scammers from accessing their accounts. 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. NEW YORK (PIX11) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided a local establishment in New Jersey, officials confirmed Thursday evening. A day after the Trump administration threw out policies limiting where arrests could happen, officials say ICE agents detained undocumented residents and U.S. citizens without producing a warrant, according to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. More Local News The New York City Mayors Office of Immigration Affairs updated its website a week before President Donald Trump entered the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents approach you, you have rights, reads the website. The Immigrant Affairs office has uploaded a presentation for undocumented people to download so they can learn their rights. The booklets are available in Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese. According to the ICE booklet, anyone who comes into contact with ICE agents can do the following: Remain silent Do not open the door for ICE or immigration. The document suggests asking if ICE agents have a judicial arrest warrant. If an agent says NO to having a warrant, you do not have to let them in. You can say, I do not want to speak with you. According to the document, if ICE agents have a warrant, you will need to comply. ICE entering your home without your permission You can tell them, I do not consent to you being in my home. Please leave. You can continue to repeat this if they continue to search without consent. ICE encounters in a public space Public spaces include the office lobby, a supermarket, a retail store, or a restaurants dining area. ICE cannot legally enter a workplaces private space unless they have your employers permission or a judicial arrest warrant, according to the Mayors Office of Immigration Affairs. Private spaces include employee-only areas like the workplaces break room or storage room. Being detained or arrested by ICE You have the right to remain silent, and you have the right to speak to an attorney, according to the website. You do not need to sign documents or answer any questions before speaking with a lawyer. Once detained, you can call family members, friends, community leaders, and your attorney. Many schools nationwide have been preparing for ICE raids by reaching out to immigrant families and local law enforcement. The NYPD will not engage with immigration enforcement in New York City, according to an internal memo obtained by PIX11 News on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press. 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. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Rhode Island Governor Dan McKees proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year has been public for one week, and while the governor is proudly touting no broad-based tax increases, some state agencies are less thrilled. The Boston Globe Rhode Islands Ed Fitzpatrick joined 12 News at 4 to talk about the Rhode Island Public Transit Authoritys allocation, and why transit advocates say its not enough. Watch the full interview in the player above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Fitzpatricks full story in The Boston Globe Rhode Island: McKees budget shortchanges RIPTA, transit advocates say MORE: Globe RI & 12 News Stories Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Special Coverage & Notices Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A 36-year-old rising star from the Philadelphia Police Department has been named the new police chief for the City of Hartford, the mayor announced Friday. Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam introduced Capt. Tyrell McCoy during a news conference in Barnard Park, marking the end of a lengthy search for the Hartford Police Departments next permanent leader after Jason Thody announced that he was stepping down in March 2024. Assistant police chief Kenny Howell has served as interim chief since his departure. Its something that weve undertaken with real intentionality and real purpose, Arulampalam said. It is a very serious position, a very important position. One that involves an immense amount of public trust. One that has high visibility. One that is maybe second to the mayor, most importantly in building relationships within our community and our government and certainly with our police department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the lengthy search, city officials received interest from individuals all over the country as well as some international candidates. Arulampalam said the process of naming the next chief was the most resident and community-led process the city has ever engaged in. This included speaking with hundreds of adult and youth residents from every spectrum, every community in this city. According to Arulampalam, McCoy joined the Philadelphia Police Department at a very young age. He became a sergeant at 21 and was promoted to lieutenant at 26. By 29, he was named a captain. In his position with the command staff, McCoy gained experience with real-time crime analysis and oversaw recruiting as well as the internal affairs division, according to Arulampalam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes got a wealth of experience and expertise that he brought to this role, but let me be clear, this was a tough decision for us, Arulampalam said. This was a tough decision for me to make, and its one that I take very seriously. McCoy said he was humbled to be named the next leader of the citys police force and that he is looking forward to dedicating another part of his life to public safety. It is certainly an honor and a privilege to be chosen as the next chief of police for the City of Hartford, McCoy said. It is a decision that I do not take lightly. Of the many concerns that he has heard from the residents of Philadelphia, McCoy said many of them seem to mirror those in Hartford and should be looked at as opportunities to address such issues. He said he also sees a real chance to grow and reimagine what public safety could be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I remember sitting down with him along with my chief of staff and my chief operating officer and just being blown away and walking out and saying This is the guy for Hartford, Arulampalam said. But were going to take a lot of political arrows for this. And let me tell you something, it is one of my greatest joys as mayor of the city of Hartford to take political arrows, to give the very best, to deliver the very best for our residents. McCoy, who will officially be sworn in as chief in the next two weeks, said he hasnt yet determined what his top priorities will be in this new role. He said he wants to take a deep dive and intricate assessment of the community and police department before determining what will be prioritized. Part of that process will include several listening sessions that McCoy said hes looking forward to. Arulampalam said one of the things he liked most about McCoys approach is that he asks a lot of questions and listens very well. During the interview process, McCoy expressed a desire to consult veterans of the police department and bounce his ideas off them to gauge what approaches have been tried in the past and which ones worked well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Thodys tenure as chief, which began in 2020, the city saw a rise in homicides that peaked in 2022, the deadliest year on record in nearly 20 years. Homicides in the city have dropped over the past two years, according to Compstat data. The city saw an uptick in shootings in 2020 and 2021 before a steady decline over the past three years, the statistics show. Thody navigated the department through an unprecedented pandemic at a time when nationwide demonstrations following the death of George Floyd soured the relationship between police and the public. In June 2021, a majority of Hartford police officers voted to support a vote of no confidence in Thody, citing concerns over workloads and discipline. Arulampalam said there has perhaps never been a more important time than now to ensure the police department has the best possible leader. Law enforcement, he said, is at somewhat of a crossroads between an older style, community-focused approach and a newer data-driven approach involving understanding the root causes of crime and addressing them at the core. Two roads, Arulampalam said. And yet good leaders in cities like Hartford know that those roads must converge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor also said hes hoping McCoys leadership will help build a police department that is second to none in the country and one that is appealing to new recruits, where those looking to pursue a career in law enforcement will want to work. Information from Courant reporter Stephen Underwood was used in this report. The Riverside Police Department has launched an investigation after a video surfaced showing one of its officers reportedly destroying a persons skateboard while they were not home. In the viral video, which had more than 370,000 views as of Friday, half a dozen officers walk into the driveway of a girlfriend of a man they were trying to speak to, according to the video's narrator. No one was apparently home when they knocked on the door. One of the officers then finds a skateboard on the property and gets on. Someone in the background is heard saying, "Do an ollie," referring to a skateboarding trick. The officer then tries several times to perform the trick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another officer is then seen picking up a hammer and stomping on the skateboard before breaking it in half. The police department released a statement acknowledging that one of its officers damaged the skateboard. The video and the statement did not explain why police wanted to talk to the boyfriend of the woman who lived at the home. "Our department takes this matter seriously and Chief [Larry] Gonzalez has initiated a thorough internal investigation to determine the facts," according to the statement. "We hold our officers to the highest standards and remain committed to maintaining your trust through accountability and professionalism." 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. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald Trumps nominee to run the Department of Health and Human Services, once pitched the idea to run an experiment on the children of Samoa to see whether vaccines actually work. Kennedy Jr., who ran the anti-vaccine nonprofit Childrens Health Defense (from which he profited greatly), still claims the long-debunked theory that vaccines cause autism and a range of health problems. A report from NBC News published Friday shows that the man who may be in charge of Americas health agencies is more than willing to play games with public safety to test his own conspiracy theories. In July 2018, Samoa was rocked by the death of two infants, who died after being administered improperly prepared vaccines. The scandal resulted in a 10-month pause in Samoas vaccine program. When the program eventually resumed, parents were slow to rejoin the line for vaccines for their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than a year later, in June 2019, Kennedy Jr. received an invitation to visit Samoa from Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who had expressed that hed previously lost a grandchild under similar circumstances, which many understood to mean due to complications relating to vaccines. Edwin Tamasese, a local vaccine skeptic, had told Malielegaoi about Childrens Health Defense, and urged him to invite Kennedy Jr. to speak with him. Kennedy Jr. knew all about the deaths in Samoa, and Childrens Health Defense had been using it to make misinformation materials and escalate its calls for vaccine safety science, despite the fact that the deadly error in the case had been a human one. It was then that Kennedy Jr. pitched his cruel experiment: to use the drop in vaccination rates as an opportunity to see if vaccines actually work (spoiler alert: They do). He brought with him Dr. Michael Craven, the Childrens Health Defenses new chief information officer, who could set up an information system to track the effects of vaccines, or lack thereof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, his pitch wasnt convincing. I was not interested in his ideashe was not a medical doctor, Malielegaoi told NBC News. Our medical experts are more credible to me. But Kennedy Jr. wasnt far from done trying to intervene. Months later, when a measles outbreak started to spread through Samoa, Kennedy wrote to Malielegaoi suggesting that there was another reason for the spate of deaths. By the end of the year dozens of children were dead. Thats when Kennedy reached out to Tamasese, the vaccine skeptic. Tamasese said that Kennedy helped assemble a team of doctors who advised him on the real cure, a vitamin C treatment, to save the kids of Samoa from the spread of measles. Meanwhile, one of the doctors on Kennedys team asked Tamasese to secure a vial of the measles vaccine and send it to the U.S. for testing. Eventually, Samoa instituted a vaccine mandate, and the Covid-19 pandemic diverted Kennedys efforts in Samoa. Kennedy continues to claim that the measles were not responsible for the deaths of 82 children. Nobody died in Samoa from measles, Kennedy said in August. They were dying from a bad vaccine. ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) The Rogers Police Department has issued a statement in response to the state-wide raids conducted this week by the Arkansas Attorney Generals office targeting human trafficking. The raids, called Operation Obscured Vision, targeted massage parlors statewide, identifying 17 victims, all Chinese nationals. Sixteen received help, while one declined care. University of Arkansas student identified in fatal balcony fall at The Cardinal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chunli Wang, 50, of Rogers was among the four arrested during these raids, KARK reported. Rogers PD stated the following on Jan. 24: The Rogers Police Department participated in a statewide operation yesterday to combat human trafficking. During the operation, several citizens showed concerns that this operation was a part of what were being called ICE raids. This is not the case, and Rogers PD is not proactively enforcing Federal immigration laws. For further information on the matter, please watch the press release that has been put out by the Attorney General for the State of Arkansas. To read/watch the full press release from Attorney General Tim Griffin, click 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 KNWA FOX24. LONDON (Reuters) -Britain said on Friday it had awarded Rolls-Royce a 9 billion pound ($11 billion) eight-year contract to design, make and support the nuclear reactors that power its fleet of submarines, amid U.S. calls for higher defence spending. The deal will strengthen the Royal Navy's continuous at-sea deterrent - under which at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine patrols the seas at all times - while also boosting the AUKUS defence pact with the United States and Australia, Britain's Ministry of Defence (MOD) said. The announcement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump repeated demands on Thursday for NATO members like Britain to spend 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid rising tensions with Russia, highlighted by what Britain said was a Russian spy ship in UK waters earlier this week, the UK government has said it will increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP but has not provided a timeline. The defence industry is awaiting more details on the route to the 2.5% spending level from the government's Strategic Defence Review, which defence minister John Healey said on Friday was still due to be published in the spring, following speculation it could be delayed. Healey said the contract with Rolls-Royce, which also makes engines for aircraft, would save Britain 400 million pounds over eight years by combining multiple contracts into one. "It's a boost to British jobs, British business. It's a boost to our nuclear deterrent," he told Sky News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new contract, called Unity, will also support work on the Dreadnought class of nuclear submarines which are currently being built by BAE Systems. Unity is also expected to create 1,000 jobs and safeguard 4,000 others, the government said. "It really shows the way that defence is part of the engine for economic growth in this country," Healey said on a visit to Rolls-Royce's nuclear reactor production facility in Derby, central England. ($1 = 0.8119 pounds) (Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar and Sarah Young. Editing by Mark Potter and Paul Sandle) Sen. Ron Johnson via official Facebook page Back during President Donald Trumps first administration, Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson was known as Trumps most reliable ally in the U.S. Senate. He led investigations into Hunter Biden, Hillary Clinton and alleged irregularities in the 2020 election that Trump lost. A proponent of conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccines and climate science, Johnson is not one of those Republicans who had to overcome principle to get in line behind Trump. He is completely at ease with the new administration including the pardons of the Jan. 6 rioters who stormed the Capitol, battered police officers and sought to hang then-Vice President Mike Pence. The blanket pardon for the rioters, including those convicted of violent crimes, was maybe a little more sweeping than I wanted to see, he averred during a Politico breakfast this week. But, overall, Johnson said, the Jan. 6 defendants were victims of a grotesque miscarriage of justice. So Trump was right to pardon them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If ever Johnson struggles to go along with Trumps more out-there ideas, like slapping huge tariffs on imports that could devastate Wisconsin businesses and farms, he just figures he must not truly, deeply understand their wisdom. When I dont necessarily agree with him, I always ask myself, what am I not seeing here? he told Politicos Zach Warmbrodt. Like any good enabler, Johnson figures Trump must have some extra-tricky reason for doing harm that actually makes what hes doing good. That kind of thinking will come in handy during the next four years. It could prove particularly useful to Trump as he tries to hold together supporters drawn to his promises to lift up the working class the forgotten men and women of America and tech billionaires including Elon Musk who want to liquidate the safety net, drive down wages and establish a permanent American oligarchy. Johnson embraces white grievance and the racist, right-wing populist replacement theory suggesting Democrats want more immigrants to cross the southern border and come to the U.S. to change the makeup of the electorate but he is also fully, cheerfully on board with oligarchy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothing suits Johnson better than the Trump administrations plan to cut taxes for the very rich and slash entitlements to pay for it. This was the gist of his appearance at the Politico breakfast this week, where he was introduced as someone who will have a big role in tax battle, having played a very important role in Trumps 2017 tax cut. Johnson basked in the glow, recalling how he held up the whole 2017 law until he managed to shoehorn in a big tax cut for pass-through corporations Johnson confirmed that he personally benefited from the change in the tax code that he pushed through in 2017. He cast the deciding vote for Trumps tax code rewrite giving corporations tax cuts worth $1.4 billion but only after he arm-twisted Trump and Congress into including special benefits for so-called pass-through corporations companies like his own PACUR plastics firm whose profits are distributed to their owners. A few months later, Johnson began the process of selling his company, reaping the benefits of the tax law change, which increased the value of pass-through companies and made him more money on the sale. According to Politifact, Analyses from the Joint Committee on Taxation and the National Bureau of Economic Research have found that ultra-wealthy Americans have received billions in tax savings stemming from that deduction, while those earning less have gotten less of a break. The news organization cites one study by the National Bureau of Economic Research that found the top 1% of Americans received nearly 60% of the tax savings created by the provision, with most of that amount going to the top 0.1%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I made sure all the passthroughs got a tax cut, that was my contribution, Johnson said. Whatever we do, we need to make it permanent, Johnson said of the individual income and estate tax provisions of the 2017 Trump tax law. That law was heavily skewed to the rich. Households with incomes in the top 1% will receive an average tax cut of more than $60,000 in 2025, compared to an average tax cut of less than $500 for households in the bottom 60%, according to the Tax Policy Center. Thanks to the law, revenue as a share of GDP has fallen from about 19.5% in the Bush years to just 16.3% in the years immediately following the Trump tax cuts, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. That leaves commitments to Social Security and health care benefits for retirees in jeopardy, the Center concludes. Nor did the tax cut yield the big benefits Trump projected. New research shows that workers who earned less than about $114,000 on average in 2016 saw no change in earnings from the corporate tax rate cut, while top executive salaries increased sharply, the Center reports. Similarly, rigorous research concluded that the tax laws 20% pass-through deduction, which was skewed in favor of wealthy business owners, has largely failed to trickle down to workers in those companies who arent owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet making those tax cuts permanent is among the top priorities for Congress and the new administration, Johnson said. His biggest contribution to the next tax debate will be his push to rewrite the tax code and keep it simple, and cut spending to pay for more cuts. We have to return spending levels to some reasonable pre-pandemic levels, he told the audience at the Politico breakfast. Building Trumps border wall and keeping low taxes that benefit the very rich are the top two priorities for government, Johnson said. Everyone would be able to see the wisdom of that program, as long you keep it simple, he added. The formula he laid out was eliminate expenditures and then you can dramatically cut rates. He wants to free corporations from all this complexity in the tax code, he said, adding he favors a corporate tax rate of zero. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health care and Social Security, though? Not so much.Stop trying to socially and economically engineer through the tax system, Johnson advised. Let the rich keep their money. Slash the safety net. Its simple. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DENVER (KDVR) Passengers will be able to ride on Regional Transportation District services for free on Feb. 4 in honor of Rosa Parks. According to RTD, Feb. 4 is known as Transit Equity Day, and it observes the contributions of Parks, a civil rights leader who refused to give up her seat and move to the back of a segregated bus in 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama. Parks helped launch transit equity and challenged racial segregation for Black Americans in public spaces. Democrats introduce price gouging, rent affordability bills Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Equitable access to public transportation is a civil right afforded to all, said general manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson. RTDs services are more than a means to connect customers to work, school, health care and social destinations they are the great societal equalizer, providing individuals with access to opportunities for their betterment of their lives. The agency exists to serve others, and the introduction of Zero Fare for Transit Equity Day reinforces its commitment to advance equity in every aspect of its work. On Transit Equity Day, RTD customers can ride bus or rail services at no cost. The zero fare day was implemented after a 2024 meeting and will remain a free day every year. According to RTD, Transit Equity Day is observed on Feb. 4 as that is Parks birthday. It was first celebrated nationally in 2021 by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Jan. 24 new guidance that halts spending on most foreign aid grants for 90 days. This directive, which took State Department officials by surprise, appears to include funding for military assistance to Ukraine, Politico reports. According to a document obtained by the news outlet, the guidance requires staff to issue "stop-work orders" on nearly all "existing foreign assistance awards" and is effective immediately. The Kyiv Independent can't immediately verify this information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio's guidance goes beyond President Donald Trumps recent executive order, which called for a 90-day pause on foreign aid grants while the secretary reviews them. The president's order left some ambiguity about whether already appropriated funds or Ukraine aid would be affected, but Rubio's directive makes it clear that no further actions will be taken to disburse funds for already approved programs, according to current and former officials familiar with the matter. The sweeping nature of the mandate shocked many within the department. "State just totally went nuclear on foreign assistance," one official told Politico. While the document allows some exceptionssuch as foreign military financing for Egypt and Israel, emergency food assistance, and "legitimate expenses incurred prior to the date of this" guidanceits broad scope leaves room for interpretation. It also states that decisions must remain "consistent with the terms of the relevant award." Officials believe the halt will affect key allies, including Ukraine, Jordan, and Taiwan. One State Department official and two former Biden administration officials, all speaking anonymously, voiced concerns about the potential impact on these partners. The guidance could expose the U.S. government to lawsuits for unfulfilled contracts if the terms are found to be violated. However, the directive states that decisions regarding the continuation, modification, or termination of programs will follow Rubios review. The omission of Ukraine aid is particularly concerning for American officials who see supporting Ukraine as essential to defeating Russia. While Republicans, including Trump, have long criticized what they view as wasteful foreign aid under Democratic administrations, Trump has recently intensified his stance on Russia. He has threatened Moscow with sanctions if it does not end its nearly three-year invasion of Ukraine and declared that "Putin bears responsibility for ending the war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guidance was reviewed and cleared by several senior State Department officials, including counselor Michael Needham and policy planning director Michael Anton. The department is now tasked with preparing a report within 85 days of the guidances issuance. Read also: What leverage does Trump have over Putin in peace negotiations? Quite a lot, experts say Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern about Beijings coercive behavior against Taiwan and aggression in the South China Sea in his first formal call with Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday, while the Chinese minister said he hoped the newly confirmed US official would make the right decision. Most Read from Bloomberg Rubio emphasized to Wang that the new US administration would pursue a relationship with China that advances U.S. interests and puts the American people first, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said in a statement on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The secretary also stressed the United States commitment to our allies in the region and serious concern over Chinas coercive actions against Taiwan and in the South China Sea, she said. Wang told Rubio that the two sides should implement the important consensus reached between the Chinese leader Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump, according to a Chinese government statement. Wang reiterated that Beijing would never allow Taiwan to be separated from the mainland, and warned the US to handle related matters carefully. A major country should act like one. It should shoulder its due international responsibilities, safeguard world peace, and help countries achieve common development, Wang said, according to the statement. I hope you will conduct yourself properly and play a constructive role in the future of the Chinese and American people, as well as in world peace and stability. A video carried on the website of China Central Television on Saturday provided various translations for the phrase hao zi wei zhi in Wangs comments to Rubio, including behave yourself, make the right choice and be very prudent about what one says and does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump won the US election in November after promising to impose massive tariffs on China and pledging to bring back American manufacturing jobs. After his inauguration, the US president provided Beijing with some unexpected breathing space, holding off on committing to a plan for tariffs on China. He also threw China-owned ByteDance Ltd. a lifeline, giving it 75 days to find a US partner for TikTok in the US, a deal that would avoid a ban of the social media app in America. Rubio used his confirmation hearing earlier this month to accuse Beijing of hacking and stealing its way to superpower status. The secretary of state was the first of Trumps cabinet picks to be approved by the Senate on Monday. China sanctioned him twice in 2020 over his criticism of Beijings handling of Hong Kong and Xinjiang as well as his push for laws to punish the Chinese government. The latest Chinese statement made no mention of the sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China has no intention to surpass or replace anyone, but has to defend its legitimate rights, Wang told Rubio, according to the statement. --With assistance from Jacob Gu. (Updates with Chinese ministers comments from first paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. Police in Russellville searched multiple massage businesses in the city, according to city officials. Russellville Mayor Fred Teague shared in a Thursday statement that police executed search warrants on three Angel Massage locations in the city. The searches stem from active investigations into alleged illegal activity at those locations, he said. There is no word yet on what the possible alleged illegal activity was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no danger to the public, but this ongoing operation is still early and dynamic, and more information will be released tomorrow, Teague said. Authorities are expected to hold a news conference to provide more information on Friday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Russian troops attacked Ukraine with 58 Shahed attack UAVs and decoy drones on the night of 23-24 January. The Ukrainian air defence forces have managed to destroy 25 drones and 27 disappeared from radar. Three people were killed and there was damage in several oblasts. Source: Ukraines Air Force on Telegram Quote from the Air Force: "As of 09:00, 25 Shahed attack UAVs and other types of drones have been confirmed downed in Sumy, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi and Lviv oblasts. Twenty-seven enemy decoy drones have disappeared from radar (without causing adverse effects). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sadly, people were injured and some were killed in the enemy strike on Kyiv and Chernihiv oblasts." Details: It is reported that the Russians launched drones from the directions of the Russian cities of Oryol, Kursk, Bryansk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. The air attack was repelled by anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Air Force and defence forces. Background: It was reported earlier that three people had been killed in the Russian drone attack on Kyiv Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko has said that one of the key elements to end the Russian-Ukrainian war is the cancellation of NATO's promise of Ukraine's future accession, made at the Bucharest summit in 2008. Source: European Pravda with reference to the Russian news agency Interfax Details: Grushko said that Ukraine's potential membership in NATO "makes it impossible to achieve peace in Ukraine and, in a broader sense, to create at least some kind of security architecture". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "For us, this is one of the key elements of a possible [peace ed.] agreement on the conflict in Ukraine, it is an element related to the elimination of the root causes of this conflict. And we will seek not only ironclad international legal guarantees that would make it impossible for Ukraine to become a member of NATO in any form, but we will also insist that this also becomes the policy of the alliance itself," he told the Rossiya-24 TV channel. He called the decision of the Bucharest NATO summit, which confirmed at the highest level the Alliance's intention to accept Ukraine and Georgia, "catastrophic for European security". Quote: "Failure to withdraw this wording will create ambiguity, which is absolutely unacceptable for us when we are talking about the need to achieve a viable, sustainable, ironclad settlement of the conflict in and around Ukraine," Grushko said. Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest, Ukraine and Georgia were denied the granting of the Membership Action Plan, but the summit declared that Ukraine and Georgia would one day become NATO members. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is confident that his US counterpart Donald Trump can influence whether Ukraine joins NATO. Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, in an interview with European Pravda, emphasised that Ukraine will not abandon its NATO membership aspirations and will not accept alternatives to full membership. Support UP or become our patron! Hubris: The American Origins of Russias War Against Ukraine by Jonathan Haslam Harvard, 368 pp., $30 THE WORD HUBRIS HAS COME UP frequently since Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine. The most straightforward and obvious application is to the architects of the unprovoked, unjust, and so far spectacularly unsuccessful aggression that has failed to subjugate Ukraine at the cost of some 600,000 Russians (and North Koreans and others) killed and wounded and untold injury to the Russian economy. It takes a little more circuity to apply the word to American and European policymakers. By some accounts, it is not the hard men in the Kremlin, but the leaders of the liberal West that are almost exclusively guilty of the arrogance of power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the upside-down logic that calls itself anti-imperialist but blames Westerners for Putins reconstruction of the Russian Empire, the United States and its allies in the post-Cold War era bear the lions share of responsibility for the largest war in Europe since World War II. Instead of showing magnanimity in victory after the collapse of the Soviet Union, according to this view, Washington supposedly provoked Russian ire by extending Americas unipolar dominance under the guise of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. Jonathan Haslam, professor emeritus of the history of international relations at Cambridge, acknowledges the peculiarity of the blame-America-first line in the opening sentences of Hubris: The American Origins of Russias War Against Ukraineand in fairness, its also right there in the subtitle. You might have thought a book about the origins of Putins war against Ukraine is all about them, he writes, emphasis in original. But, certainly in the first instance, paradoxical though it may appear, it is also about us. And us means the United States and its allies in Western Europe. Note to any Central or Eastern European readers: Youre secondary to the story. The defense of liberty requires not just seeing ourselves clearly, but seeing others clearly, too. Our mission is to give you a better, more accurate view of the world. Join Bulwark+ to get the most of what we have to offer. Even after the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there are still some who maintain that NATO somehow provoked the invasion and that the freely elected government in Kyiv is a creature of the West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On that last point, many Ukrainians would agreethey want nothing more than to take their rightful place in the West. Curiously, the self-proclaimed anti-imperialists seem consistently to disregard the wishes of Europeans, especially those formerly within the Soviet empire, to live in free, peaceful countries. This is where the narcissism of so much anti-imperialist commentary becomes apparent: by emphasizing the American role while paying less attention toor outright ignoringthe agency of smaller countries like, say, Ukraine. HUBRIS REHEARSES THE MOST sophisticated version of the argument that Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has been widely misunderstood. Far from being a paroxysm of imperial ambition motivated by a foreign policy based on ahistoric ideas of ethnic kinship, Russias invasion was, in Haslams view, actually a defensive maneuver against an encroaching liberal empire. To support his argument, Haslam has assembled a mountain of evidence in multiple languages. The notes are extensive and the sources varied. Hubris presents probably the strongest realist case that American foreign policy made inevitable Russias aggression against Ukrainebut it still fails. Haslams main argument is that the war in Ukraine can be traced back to the negotiations between Russia and the West following the collapse of the Soviet Union. This position is defensible, but also reductionist in that it ignores the role that Ukrainian independence itself played in bringing down the Soviet Union, as historians like Serhei Plokhy have documented so deftly. Haslam posits that Russia became resentful of Western triumphalism and over time became incited to belligerence by NATOs acceptance of new members in Central and Eastern Europe. Haslam may be right that the enlargement of NATO, and subsequently of the EU, stoked fears among the Russian elite about a concerted attempt to marginalize Russia, reduce its role in global affairs, and cut off its influence in Europe. That fact is an indictment of Russias rulers, not of its former colonial subjects, its democratic neighbors, or the United States. Haslam dismisses the conventional arguments from a bevy of American diplomats and scholars that successive U.S. administrations tried in good faith to integrate post-Soviet Russia into the international system, welcoming it into the G7 (subsequently G8, then G7 again), establishing the NATO-Russia council, and accepting that Russia would inherit not only the Soviet Unions permanent membership of the United National Security Council but also its nuclear arsenal at the expense of other post-Soviet states. He insists that the American response to the Soviet collapse was to pop champagne corks, which helped squander the opportunity for peace at the end of the Cold War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a distortion of the historical record. Haughtiness was hardly the defining theme of the George H. W. Bush administration, whose adroit diplomacy helped ensure that the Cold War ended bloodlessly. Bush legsdark-meat chicken shipped from America to Russia to help feed Russians during the needy 1990swere hardly a sign of a triumphalist mood. The Clinton administration was no more heavy-handed as it sought for Russia to join the Atlantic alliance. Although Russians understandably chafed at Western support for Yeltsins corrupt, chaotic, and sometimes violent rule, there were nevertheless vast economic benefits conferred on Russia when it was welcomed into the World Trade Organization. Share Along with many other critics of recent U.S. foreign policy, Haslam summons the bogeyman of NATOs successive enlargement to explain Russian military aggression. But after the Soviet collapse, the formerly captive nations of Eastern Europe were eager to escape the orbit of an unfriendly post-imperial state. NATO enlargement was scarcely conjured up by triumphant American statesmen. Rather, it was anxious Europeans who begged for Brussels and Washington to open up NATO membership before Russia regained its old strength and stature, and perhaps nothing motivated them more than the ruthless, atrocious violence of the First Chechen War. Placing the onus of responsibility for the war against Ukraine on the West also ignores that Ukraine was not given a clear path toward NATO membership thanks to persistent Franco-German opposition. This is not to deny that NATO enlargement antagonized Russia, or that the policy had detractors in the U.S. foreign policy establishment, though Haslam surely exaggerates when he claims that the risk-averse Pentagon was marginalized, if not shut out entirely from the crucial decisions. One of the most prominent naysayers was George Kennan, the architect of containment, who warned about the dire consequences. In 1997, the Sovietologist predicted that expanding NATO would be the most fateful error of American policy in the entire post-cold-war era. Kennan argued that NATOs drive to the east would simultaneously inflame nationalistic tendencies in Russian opinion, corrode the development of Russian democracy, and restore the atmosphere of the cold war to East-West relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its worth remembering, however, that Kennan had also been opposed to the founding of NATO in the first place. He withheld his support for this linchpin of collective security because he was opposed to Americas commitment to postwar Europe and thought a formal military alliance would provoke the Soviets. To the ridicule of military experts at the time, he believed that a small cadre of special forces would be sufficient to deter 300 divisions of the Red Army from plowing through West Germany. After penning the renowned Long Telegram, Kennans chronic dissent from American policy was animated by a marked timidity, which led Dean Acheson to describe him as a horse who would come up to a fence and not take it. The bulk of Haslams case rests on the betrayal of the apparent promise given to the Soviets that NATO would not expand to the east. He invokes the former French Foreign Minister Roland Dumas, who observed during the days of German reunification that the West had promised that NATO would not extend to Russias doorstep. This is a tendentious reading of historywhich incidentally also undercuts the claim that the West trumpeted its victory in the Cold War. But in fact, no such promise was ever given. Haslam makes much ado about the assurance supplied by James Baker to Mikhail Gorbachev on this score, but this was no more than a diplomatic thought experimenthardly a sacrosanct agreement. Tellingly, on the subject of the Budapest Memorandum, Haslam is far more lenient about broken promises. He treats Russias pledge to respect Ukrainian sovereignty in exchange for Ukraines nuclear disarmament as not being worth the paper its written on since it was not ratified by the Duma. Hubris adds nothing new to the debate over putative promises not to accept new members into NATO. In fact, Haslam appears not to be caught up with the field. He does not cite Mary Sarottes Not One Inch, which has become the definitive history of the issue since its publication three years ago. Sergei Radchenko, in his monumental history To Run the World, published last year, provides a slightly different take on the not one inch debatebut Haslam doesnt cite him either. Instead of relying on the most up-to-date research, Hubris rests on dubious assumptions and assertions. For instance, a central conceit of the book is that Europeans have been in lockstep with the Americans regarding Russia (and many other geopolitical matters) since the end of the Cold War. To believe this, one either has to be deep in the orbit of Kremlin propaganda or a consecrated Little Englander with a visceral distaste for American global leadership. Its hard to think of a period since the end of the Cold War in which there was no tension in the trans-Atlantic relationship, but Emmanuel Macrons 2019 declaration of the brain death of NATO stands out as an example Haslam should have remembered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For three decades after the end of the Cold War, the relationship between Russia and Europe was remarkably close, even cordialespecially with Germany, which adhered to Bismarcks advice to never cut the tie to St. Petersburg. In the euphoria that followed the breakup of the Soviet empire, many on both sides of the Atlantic expected that Russia would become a liberal democracy and a stakeholder in the global order. Even if there was a marked Western indifference to the wrenching difficulties of a society in transition, there was also widespread economic and political support for an enhanced partnership with Russia. This was partly due to Europes dependency on Russian oil and gas, but the larger factor was a naive but sincere presumption about the universality of liberal ideals that would ease if not erase tensions between old adversaries. Share Even after Vladimir Putins rise to power, when Americans graduallyone might say belatedlybecame more skeptical of Russian motives and intentions, the prevailing imperative in Washington, to say nothing of the capitals of Europe, remained keeping good relations with Moscow. At no point did Western leaders treat the Russian autocrat as anything but a partner in peaceon Russias periphery and even in the Middle East, where Obama thought a working relationship with Putin could help stabilize the region. This genteel approach did nothing to dampen Putins expansive ambitions. First, he subdued Georgia in 2008. Then he corralled Belarus as a satellite regime. He seized Crimea and incited conflict in eastern Ukraine in 2014. The West greeted all these depredations with a collective shrug, implementing soft sanctions against the Russian regime and declining to arm Ukraine with serious armaments to deter further aggression. This policy of accommodation lasted until the last moment, as Russian armies crashed into Ukraine in 2022. The Nordstream pipeline project between Russia and Europe was a casualty of this war, as was Americas reluctance to supply and arm Ukraine in its battle for survival. BEYOND THE DIVERGENCE OF GEOPOLITICAL interests, there is a deeper philosophical matter at issue. Haslam rightly argues that Russia has never been a normal state, but rather a longstanding imperial power. (The word tsar, he reminds us, means Caesar.) He notes that in 1992, the Russian people were utterly baffled at the lightning speed with which their apparently mighty country . . . completely disintegrated around them. This psychological trauma imparted a fertile environment for nostalgia. Losing an entire empire at one fell swoop, he elaborates, is a devastating blow to the self-esteem of any proud metropolis. Hes not wrong, but he also fails to acknowledge the degree to which it was not Americans or Britons or Germans but Soviets who eventually brought down the Soviet empire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its undoubtedly a difficult thing to lose an empire and to be relegated to the second tier of world powers, but its hardly unprecedented in the annals of history, as Haslam knows well. He juxtaposes the historic defeat of the Soviet Union and the commensurate loss of imperial grandeur with the experience of former empires that broke apartthe Spanish, the Portuguese, and the Dutch. But he does so without assimilating the fact that these ex-imperial powers made their peace with the modern world and found ways beyond martial conquest to slake their wounded national pride. Russia is a great country that should always be treated with appropriate respect. But in no way does this entitle it to reestablish an empire by forceto build what Putin calls Russias great Eurasian future. And yet thats precisely what Haslam seems to believe. He invokes Boris Yeltsins strange final meeting with Clinton, at which the outgoing Russian president begged his American counterpart to focus his nations attention and ambition on the wider world. Just give Europe to Russia, he pleaded. In the world of diplomacy, this is not the sort of tone that warrants extraordinary deference. It deserves to be met with an unequivocal insistence that there is a line beyond which unscrupulous conduct in foreign policy would be incompatible with good relations. Theres no sign that Haslam grasps the manifold dangers posed by the threat of Russian revanchism. Clinton, for his part, recognized these dangers when he replied to Yeltsin, I dont think the Europeans would like this very much. The disgrace of American and Western statecraft in the postCold War era is that this sound instinct was not combined with strong deeds. In the closing pages of the book, Haslam concedes the point more succinctly than his critics ever could. He writes of Putins decision to invade Ukraine, The bottom line was that in keeping his own counsel he simply blundered. Sounds like hubris. Share The bodies of 757 Ukrainian soldiers have been repatriated by the Russian side, the responsible coordination staff announced in Kiev on Friday. Of these, 451 were killed in the fighting near the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, and 137 on the front line south of the city of Zaporizhzhya. Other bodies came from the front lines of Bakhmut, Vuhledar and Luhansk, while 34 dead were returned from mortuaries on Russian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No information was provided on the return of the bodies of Russian soldiers to Moscow. The International Committee of the Red Cross is said to have supported the operation. The Kiev headquarters thanked the Ukrainian military personnel who transported their comrades' bodies to forensic medicine units for identification. Russia has been waging war on Ukraine for almost three years. The exact number of soldiers killed on both sides is not known. In December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy spoke of 43,000 dead, but this figure is considered an underestimate. According to a report in the New York Times, internet activists have counted more than 60,000 confirmed deaths for Ukraine. However, the actual figure is thought to be higher than this, at more than 100,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC's Russian service and the Mediazona portal say 90,000 people have been confirmed dead in Ukraine. However, because not all cases become known through death notices and funerals, the actual number is thought to be closer to 150,000. Moscow sees a ban on Ukraine's entry to NATO as a key condition in resolving the Russia-Ukraine war, the pro-Kremlin news agency Interfax reported on Jan. 24, citing Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko. "And will not only seek ironclad international guarantees that will prevent Ukraines membership in NATO in any form, but we will also insist it will become a policy of the alliance itself," Grushko said on air on the Rossiya-24 television channel. The statement comes amid expectations of peace talks in 2025 as U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table and end the full-scale war that has been ongoing for nearly three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For us, this is one of the key elements of a possible deal on the conflict in Ukraine, this relates to the elimination of the root causes of this conflict," Grushko said about putting an end to Ukraines NATO prospects. The Russian deputy minister lashed out against the NATO Bucharest Summits resolution from 2008 that Ukraine and Georgia would eventually become members of the alliance. Grushko called the statement "catastrophic for European security" and said a failure to withdraw it would create an "unacceptable ambiguity" for Russia. Despite the allied pledge, Kyiv and Tbilisi failed to obtain the Membership Action Plan at the summit. Ukraine officially submitted its application to NATO in September 2022 in the wake of the full-scale invasion. Though pledging that Ukraines path toward membership is "irreversible" at the allied summit in Washington in 2024, NATO members have yet to extend a formal invitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian officials have previously listed Ukraines possible entry into NATO as one of the justifications for launching the full-scale invasion. President Volodymyr Zelensky said that several NATO countries namely the U.S., Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia continue to oppose Ukraines membership but voiced his belief that Trump could sway all the members should he decide to support Kyivs entry. There is little evidence that the new Trump administration would be more open to accepting Ukraine into NATO than former U.S. President Joe Biden. Trump even attacked Biden over alleged support for Kyiv's aspirations, claiming it provoked Russia's full-scale invasion. Read also: Putin ready to talk to Trump, Kremlin awaits signals from US Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A senior Russian official has said that Moscow will counter any moves by Western military alliance NATO to dominate the Baltic Sea. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told the Russian television channel Rossiya-24 on Friday that the Western alliance's decision to increase patrols around the Baltic was further proof of NATO's "desire to turn the Baltic Sea into a NATO lake." "This will not happen for many reasons, and one of the main reasons is, of course, that the Russian Federation will not allow it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's position on the Baltic Sea has been weakened by the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO. The air link to its Kaliningrad exclave on the coast runs through a narrow international air corridor. The two NATO neighbours have said they will step up patrols by their air and naval forces. The decision came in response to several incidents of damage to power supply cables on the seabed, with Russia suspected of being behind the vandalism. In addition, Western allies say that a "shadow fleet" of unregistered tankers is operating in the Baltic Sea, apparently intended to circumvent Western sanctions targeting the Russian oil trade. The Russian army is failing to outflank Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast in an attempt to cut off the town's logistics routes, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Khortytsia group of forces, Viktor Trehubov, said on Jan. 24 on national television. The area near Pokrovsk, a crucial logistics hub for Ukrainian forces, has been the focus of fierce fighting for months as Russia intensifies its offensive in Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces are trying to bypass Pokrovsk from the north and south, but so far without success, according to the spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So far, these attempts have been more or less effectively repelled. They have begun to attack the town more actively with long-range, different types of missiles and FPV (first-person-view) drones," Trehubov said. "Unfortunately, they are hitting the town, but their plan to surround it is still very far from realization," he added. The estimated Russian advance in the Pokrovsk sector in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, as of Jan. 23, 2025, according to DeepState. Pokrovsk marked by a black symbol. (DeepState/OpenStreetMaps) Trehubov stressed that the Pokrovsk sector of the front line is the primary vector of Russia's offensive. "This is the main point of concentration of their efforts, and it has been for a long time. There is the largest number of clashes there," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian troops are continuing to push on the Lyman, Siversk, Kramatorsk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk and Kurakhove axes, according to Ukraine's General Staff. Pokrovsk and Kurakhove remain the focal points of the Russian eastern offensive, now in its fifth month. Ukraine previously blew up the No. 3 mine's shaft in the village of Pishchane near Pokrovsk to prevent Russia from deploying its troops closer to the front-line town, according to The New York Times (NYT) Earlier this month, Metinvest announced it had suspended operations at the Pokrovsk coking coal mine due to worsening security conditions and power outages. Read also: Russian troops overrun Kurakhove, approach Pokrovsk east, south, and southwest Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least six people and injured at least nine over the past day, regional authorities reported on Jan. 24. Russia launched 58 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones against Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said. Twenty-five drones were shot down over seven oblasts, while 27 were lost in the airspace without causing damage, according to the statement. Drone attacks in Kyiv Oblast killed three civilians and injured a 26-year old man, the regional police department said. Two of the people killed in the attacks were a married couple in Brovary and another man in the Fastiv district, according to the State Emergency Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast over the past day killed two people and injured five, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported. Two civilians were killed and two injured in an attack against the city of Kostiantynivka, two were injured in Kramatorsk, and one in Pokrovsk, according to the statement. In Kharkiv Oblast, a 54-year-old woman was killed in a drone attack against the village of Petropavlivka, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. Three civilians were injured in Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast, said the regional governor, Oleksandr Prokudin. Two apartment buildings and nine houses were damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukrainian soldiers near Velyka Novosilka at risk of encirclement, spokesperson says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Source: Mykola Kalashnyk, the acting head of Kyiv Oblast Military Administration; State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Telegram; National Police in Kyiv Oblast on Telegram Quote: "The person who was killed was found in a house where a fire broke out as a result of the fall of debris from the downed target. The fire is currently extinguished. The second person who was killed is a 36-year-old man in another settlement, where a 10-storey residential building was damaged." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Update: The police reported at 07:35 that three people had been killed in the attack on Kyiv Oblast. Aftermath of a Russian attack on Kyiv Oblast. Photo: Kyiv Oblast Military Administration Details: Two people sought medical attention after the fire at the scene where the high-rise building was damaged. A 26-year-old man suffered superficial burns to his upper respiratory tract. A 38-year-old woman suffered an acute stress reaction. Kalashnyk added that the lists of those affected by the attack were being updated and that the people were being provided with all the necessary medical care. Aftermath of a Russian attack on Kyiv Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Kyiv Oblast Military Administration Quote: "The fire has been extinguished. An invincibility centre for residents is currently operating in a school near the damaged high-rise building. [Invincibility centres are heated premises stocked with food and power banks to assist residents facing hardships due to power cuts ed.] A tent with water and hot drinks has also been set up at the scene." Update: In the morning, the State Emergency Service clarified that the Russian drones had caused damage in the Fastiv district of Kyiv Oblast and the city of Brovary in Kyivs suburbs. A 10-storey building in the Fastiv district was damaged, and a fire broke out there, causing damage on the fifth and sixth floors. Aftermath of a Russian attack on Kyiv Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Kyiv Oblast Military Administration Rescue workers evacuated 150 residents. They rescued an injured man from the fifth floor and a trapped woman from the eighth floor and found the body of a man, 36, who was killed in the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aftermath of a Russian attack on Kyiv Oblast. Photo: Kyiv Oblast Military Administration In Brovary, the UAV wreckage destroyed a residential building. A fire over an area of 120 square metres also broke out there and was extinguished at 04:14. The attack killed a couple: a man aged 58 and his wife, aged 59. The police reported that as of 07:30, one apartment building (11 apartments damaged) and eight houses were damaged in the oblast. Three cars, a shop, an outbuilding and a fence were also damaged. Background: It was reported that a high-rise building and a house were damaged and fires broke out in the Russian drone attack on Kyiv Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! Three people have been injured in Russian FPV drone attacks on two civilian cars in Sumy Oblast. Source: Sumy Oblast Prosecutor's Office on social media Details: On 24 January, the Russians used drones to attack two cars travelling through the Myropillia hromada in the Sumy district. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of one car was injured in an attack that occurred at around 10:45. At around 13:45, the Russians attacked another vehicle with a drone, injuring two civilian men. Both vehicles were damaged. Law enforcement officers are documenting the consequences of the attacks, and a pre-trial investigation is underway. Support UP or become our patron! Russian forces have posted footage from the central streets of Velyka Novosilka, Donetsk Oblast. The analysts of the DeepState project believe that the battle for the settlement is coming to an end. Source: DeepState Quote: "The enemy continues cleaning up and is already in the centre of Velyka Novosilka. The enemy has posted footage from Velyka Novosilka, but at the same time they are insinuating that they have taken control of the entire settlement, which is currently not true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The enemy has been successful in advancing on the eastern outskirts and has also occupied a small part of the central streets of the settlement where they filmed the videos with their rags [Russian flags ed]." Details: The Russians are also trying to put pressure from the south and Vremivka, using a huge amount of resources, including infantry and equipment. Analysts note that the situation around the settlement is complicated and it is plain that "the battle for Velyka Novosilka is coming to an end". Background: On the night of 16 January, the Russians occupied Neskuchne, and the encirclement around Velyka Novosilka was getting tighter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian military, which has been advancing near Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk Oblast and trying to surround it since autumn 2024, was reported to be preparing to assault the settlement. On 23 January, reports said that there was a risk of an operational encirclement of Ukrainian troops on the Novopavlivka front near Velyka Novosilka. Why it is important: In general, the conditions for the defence of Velyka Novosilka have become challenging, as Velyka Novosilka has been semi-surrounded since autumn 2024. The distance between the extreme points of the Ukrainian positions in the north and southwest, meaning the width of the path through which people, ammunition and provisions are delivered to Velyka Novosilka, is about seven km. Logistics are complicated, and driving vehicles into the settlement is no longer possible. Support UP or become our patron! KYIV (Reuters) -Russia launched a barrage of drones in an overnight attack on Ukraine on Friday, killing three civilians and damaging residential and commercial buildings, officials said. The interior ministry said that drone debris had killed two men and a woman in the central Kyiv region, and that another person was injured. The attack damaged a multi-story residential apartment building, eight private houses, commercial buildings, and several private cars, Kyiv regional officials said. The Ukrainian air force said that air defence units and mobile drone hunting groups shot down 25 of 58 Russian drones and 27 other drones were "lost", referring to Kyiv's use of electronic hardware to redirect them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the war approaches the three-year mark, Russia has stepped up its air attacks on Ukraine, sending dozens of drones almost every night. Ukrainian officials have said that Russian forces launched more than 7,000 drones in 2024, at least twice as many as in 2023. Most were shot down or redirected by electronic warfare, but many still hit their targets. Moscow denies targeting civilians. (Reporting by Olena Harmash. Editing by Gerry Doyle and Ros Russell) RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) The Rutherford County school board passed a resolution during its Thursday night meeting urging Tennessee leaders to expedite the closure of the nations borders. According to the school board, the resolution comes after the county experienced a significant surge in its English Learner (EL) population, stating the population has seen an increase of over 140% in the past decade. In fact, the board said RCS schools had 6,214 ESL students in May 2023. Now, the district has grown to 8,373 ESL students in the current school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Lee presents plan to strengthen immigration enforcement ahead of special session The growth in the districts EL population has reportedly led them to create an additional 25 positions, adding that as the demand continues to rise, RCS recently had to include 19 more growth positions for ESL. In the resolution, the school board said the program is primarily funded through local and state revenue due to Title III funds, which only consists of approximately $1.3 million. The district said the need for more positions has placed a considerable financial strain on local revenue, which is primarily derived from taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, the board wants more federal money to pay for ESL services the district is required to provide for students, for whom English is not their first language. Tennessee lawmakers, immigrants prepare for possible immigration changes under Trump Administration The pressure of increasing numbers of ESL students is creating exceptional financial pressures on school systems to provide the services which school systems are legally required to provide; and additional Title III funds are needed to meet the legal requirements imposed on school systems so that the costs of the same is not overwhelmingly borne by local property taxes, local funded taxes, and state funds, reads the resolution. According to the school board, the increase of funding needed to serve ESL students is $3,500 more per student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution passed, but it was not unanimous. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com We dont have anything to do with this, this is a federal level issue. We should not be doing this, said Tammy Sharp, School Board Zone 1 member. We are on the local level, we dont have any authority over the General Assembly and we dont have any authority over our federal reps. Our federal reps should be talking to our federal liaisons at the D.C. level. This is going to send a message to our children and not a good one. The Rutherford County School Board says the district is home to more than 8,300 ESL students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To read the resolution in its entirety, 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 WKRN News 2. Ioannis 'Yannis' Miaoulis has served as president of Roger Williams University since 2019. (Courtesy of Roger Williams University) Roger Williams University President Ioannis Yannis Miaoulis is taking a temporary leave of absence following a recent illness, the university confirmed Friday morning. During his absence, Heather Boujoulian, chair of the universitys Board of Trustees, will serve as acting president to oversee the universitys operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our well wishes are with Yannis, and we are wishing him a speedy recovery, Boujoulian said in a statement distributed to faculty, students, staff and the news media. The university is fortunate to have a strong leadership team in place, and I have every confidence that together we can ensure smooth operations during Yanniss temporary absence. Miaoulis was named the 11th president of Roger Williams University in August 2019. He previously served as president and director of the Boston Museum of Science. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sacramento and Yolo County Offices of Education have both affirmed their commitment to keeping federal immigration authorities off of school campuses in response to new directives from President Donald Trumps administration. Department of Homeland Security acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued a new directive Tuesday that rolls back a 2011 federal guidance that limited immigration enforcement activities at or near schools, child care centers, churches and hospitals. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in Americas schools and churches to avoid arrest, a DHS spokesperson said. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yolo County Superintendent of Schools Garth Lewis stated his offices opposition to the federal directive in a statement Thursday. The federal administrations directive to rescind protections for sensitive locations (such as schools, churches, and hospitals) from ICE enforcement actions undermines the trust and safety essential to our communities, Lewis said. These spaces are pillars of support, learning, and healing, not places for fear and intimidation. This policy shift threatens to disrupt the educational environment and instill unnecessary anxiety in children, youth, and families. The Sacramento County Office of Education has publicly committed to ensuring all students receive the free public education they are entitled to, but did not mention the recent federal guidance from DHS specifically. SCOE will continue to provide our schools, programs, and school districts with the most up to date legal and policy information, and resources to help protect students access to their constitutional right to education, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, Sacramento Superintendent of Schools David Gordon said. Statewide pushback against new immigration policy These local agencies join many other state officials, agencies and county offices of education in rebuking the new DHS guidance, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guidance issued last month by Bonta says that school officials are not required to allow immigration agents to enter schools without a judicial warrant under California law. Bonta reaffirmed this in a joint statement with 10 other state attorneys general Thursday, writing that the federal government cannot commandeer states into forcing federal laws. The President has made troubling threats to weaponize the U.S. Department of Justices prosecutorial authority and resources to attack public servants acting in compliance with their state laws, interfering with their ability to build trust with the communities they serve and protect, they wrote. Rest assured, our states will not hesitate to respond if these words become illegal actions. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond threw his support behind a state bill last month that would establish a one-mile safety zone around schools, as well as protect against the use of school data for deportation efforts. The California Department of Education sent guidance to all county and school district superintendents and charter school administrators Tuesday with resources for immigrant students and their families. This is an abuse of power and goes against the constitutional right of every child to have a public education, a spokesperson for the Association of California School Administrators said in a statement Tuesday. We know from past experience that this decision will result in some students not attending school, families disengaging, academics being disrupted, and severe impacts on social-emotional well-being. The first Safe Haven Baby Box in Northwest Missouri is installed and soon will be available if a new parent is in a crisis. The boxes offer an anonymous and legal alternative to the abandonment of a newborn baby, and one is in place at the Savannah Fire Department, 107 S. Highway 71. The box is a way for parents to ensure an infant they cannot care for is safe. The boxes, which are placed in fire stations around the country, have doors on both the outside and inside of the building. Once an infant is placed in the box from the outside, it will lock and immediately notify personnel who will retrieve the infant from the inside and begin to offer medical care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials in the city of Savannah, located just north of St. Joseph, ramped up efforts to bring a baby box to Northwest Missouri after a deceased infant's body was found by Mozingo Lake in Maryville last summer. We just knew an infant was found deceased and that's all we knew, said Sara Chamberlain, co-chair of the Savannah Fire Department. But that was enough for me to say we need to do something. Chamberlain and Steve Smith, co-chairs of Andrew County Community Builders, put their heads together, aiming to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again in the area. Having a career in law enforcement, I have seen abandoned children, I've seen parents that don't want children and I've seen more parents that want children who can't have them, Smith said. So, with Sarah wanting to do this, I was 100% on board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a rural fire station, getting approval for a baby box wasnt an overnight process and one that required thousands of dollars. The Andrew County Community Builders group began fundraising efforts by hosting cook-offs and partnering with local restaurants. However, once community members from near and far received word of their efforts, the $40,000 goal to get the Safe Haven Baby Box in place was reached in three short months. It's unfortunate that there's a need for it but there's certainly a need, Smith said. There are parents out there, mothers, fathers or both, they can't afford it, issues of drug use are involved, whatever the case may be. But this gives an option to where the child can actually be provided with a decent life. They're going to receive health care, food and be taken care of and eventually be adopted into a loving home. The Safe Haven Baby Box will be available 24/7 as a last-resort option for parents across the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state of Missouri says newborns up to the age of 45 days can be surrendered anonymously or to a first responder at a safe haven location, Chamberlain said. They're going to hopefully be able to meet with one of our firemen and hand that baby over safely but if that isn't an option the box is there. These efforts have even sparked momentum for residents in nearby cities like St. Joseph, where many would like to see the same resources. I think it would be a fantastic idea for the city, said Jonathan Warner. I've seen it in other towns across the country and we've got real good men at the fire department here in St. Joe who would do anything to help protect babies. One area mother, Sarah Miller, says the anonymity of a Safe Haven Baby Box is what makes all the difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I don't know if I could just take my child to a law enforcement center because I would feel intimidated, she said. When I hear the word 'safe' I instantly think of how many parents would feel more comfortable doing this. Officials with the St. Joseph Fire Department aren't certain they will be getting a baby box anytime soon but law enforcement agencies in the city would like to see one. I don't think it's a bad idea or something to look at as a bad thing, said Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett. I would rather see a child given to people who would love and take care of that child than do something that would harm them or put them in a bad situation. Officials with the Savannah Fire Department and Andrew County Community Builders credit individuals from the county to law enforcement for working together to get the baby box in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the baby box is installed, its not available for use yet, officials said. The next step is to have Savannah firefighters trained on how to respond to a surrendered baby, which could happen as soon as the spring. While Chamberlain and Smith said they're both hopeful no one ever has to use the box at the Savannah Fire Department they're glad it's there. I would love to see these things go up all over Missouri, Chamberlain said. A sailor who once doubted his ability to succeed in the service graduated with a prestigious military award, according to the Navy. Seaman Apprentice Jason Lorentz, 25, graduated as the top sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award on Thursday, according to a Navy release. The award is presented to the recruit that best exemplifies the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing, and teamwork, according to the service. For Lorentz, serving in the Navy fulfills a goal hes had since he was a kid in Payson, Arizona, but achieving that goal was uncertain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive wanted to be a Sailor for as long as I can remember, Lorentz said. While I was in high school, I took the ASVAB [Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery] so many times and came up short. I gave up my aspirations to serve for a few years until the Navy gave me a second chance to improve my test scores. Lorentz, who previously worked at the Arizona Department of Transportation, enrolled in the Future Sailor Prep Course, a three-week class that aims to boost recruits math and verbal skills necessary to increase their ASVAB score. Hed taken the course once before but wasnt able to make noticeable improvements. When he arrived at Recruit Training Command at Naval Station Great Lakes and enrolled in the prep course for a second time, Lorentz needed to improve his score by 10 points. The Army has graduated 25,000 soldiers through pre-basic prep course Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lorentz said he put everything into the course this time around and tried to take advantage of the moment by working as hard as possible. He succeeded in improving his ASVAB score, allowing him to rerate from aviation boatswains mate to hospital corpsman. From there, Lorentz was finally able to make it to basic training and punch his ticket toward becoming a sailor. Despite his hard work, Lorentz was stunned when his name was called for the award, he said. Lorentz especially credited the support pillars in his life his family friends and fellow shipmates for his achievement. Im going to do my best to continue to honor them as I move forward in my career, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lorentz also credited his recruit division commanders for their guidance through boot camp. The most challenging aspect of the whole process though was the lifestyle change, according to Lorentz. Having someone tell you when to eat, when to sleep, when to workout, and when to speak was extremely difficult at first, he said. There were definitely some growing pains along the way, but I understand now that there is a purpose for everything youre taught and told to do. SAN SALVADOR (AP) A court in El Salvador on Thursday sentenced three youths to five years in prison and put five more on probation after they were arrested last year following the public release of a video of them making gang signs inside a school. Seven other young people, who were also being prosecuted for alleged links to gangs, were acquitted by the court in the country's capital San Salvador. The youths, aged 12 to 15, were detained after a video shared on the social media platform TikTok showed them flashing signs connected with the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes amid a harsh gang crackdown by El Salvador President Nayib Bukele. Following a wave of gang violence in 2022, Bukele declared a temporary state of emergency in the Central American country and waved key constitutional rights. The government has arrested 84,000 people more than 1% of the country's population the vast majority of whom remain in prison without a court sentence. The government has said it has freed 8,000 people it deemed innocent. While the crackdown has fueled waves of human rights criticisms, it also prompted a sharp decline in crime and homicide rates, causing Bukele's popularity to soar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Thursday sentences also underscore the convoluted toll that the crackdown has had on the country's youth, particularly those in poorer areas, who for decades have been preyed upon and recruited by gangs. When the young people were arrested, the government reported that more than 1,000 youths had been convicted with sentences ranging up to 20 years in prison for alleged ties to gangs. El Salvador's penal code carries sentences between 20 to 40 years for gang membership, and 60 years for ring leaders. A 2023 reform by Bukele set prison sentences for children under the age of 12 at 10 years, and up to 20 years for those over 16 years old. Of the seven who were exonerated this week, the San Salvador judge that they had proved that they had no links of any kind to gangs, and that the case would set a precedent for children being prosecuted. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Two San Angelo locals have been arrested after allegedly engaging in sexual acts that involved a child, according to court records filed within Tom Green County. The Tom Green County Sheriffs Office jail roster states that Dusty Padilla, 41, was booked into the Tom Green County Detention Center at 11:51 a.m. on Jan. 24 for continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14. The roster also states that Sabrina Padilla, 41, was arrested at 12:28 p.m. on Jan. 24 for indecency with a child via exposure. Dusty Padilla has a posted bond of $200,000. Sabrina Padilla has a bond set at $100,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to complaint records filed in relation to the Padillas respective charges, San Angelo Police Department patrol officers told an SAPD officer of the Crimes Against Children Unit on Jan. 24 that they were dispatched to the Kent Kwik located at 3251 N. Bryant Blvd. in reference to a runaway child. The officers stated that they made contact with the child, who told them that Dusty and Sabrina Padilla asked the child to expose themself before attempting to touch them inappropriately, at one point causing the child pain. The child was then taken to the Childrens Advocacy Center of Greater West Texas Hope House so that a forensic interview could be conducted. The Crimes Against Children Unit officer observed the forensic interview on Jan. 24. During the interview, the child stated that Dusty Padilla committed multiple sexual acts against them over the span of approximately three years, with the last instance having occurred several days ago. The child also outcried during the interview that Sabrina Padilla also committed sexual acts that involved the child and Dusty Padilla. A complaint record filed in relation to Sabrina Padillas charge stated that the offense occurred on or about July 1, 2024. 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com. Sarah Jessica Parker stopped by the Variety Studio presented by Audible at Sundance and expressed concern over how the future of public institutions like libraries. The Sex and the City icon is an executive producer on the documentary The Librarians, which is directed by Kim A. Snyder. The filmmaker was just nominated for an Oscar with in the best documentary short category with Death By Numbers. The doc follows a group of librarians, dubbed FReadom Fighters, who have resisted book bans in Texas, Florida and beyond. Texas school librarians founded the group after lawmaker Rep. Matt Krause targeted 850 books to be removed from the states libraries, leading to bans on books such as Catcher in the Rye and The Handmaids Tale. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parker told Varietys co-editor in chief Ramin Setoodeh that she was compelled to sign on to the film as an executive producer because she grew up in libraries as a young girl and understood immediately that book banning feels dangerous and like a virus. The idea of these librarians being in the crosshairs, it felt really scary and wrong and absolutely misunderstood, Parker said. By allowing [book banning] to take place, were allowing something dangerous to happen to all of us. Not just to our children but to us as a community, as Americans. Its a disaster. The consequences are so serious for these librarians. When asked about her concerns about the Trump administration potentially impacting libraries, Parker said I have great concerns about what happens to these kinds of public institutions. They are the gateway to safety and understanding for families actually coming together and finding a bridge. I have faith that we can allow our librarians to do their jobs and for people to calm down, she added. I am going to focus my efforts on these people and whats happening in our states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snyder previously told Variety that her message with the documentary is not just about the brave librarians but also the everyday Americans who flank them. They are just regular Americans who are saying, Im going to stand in a place of power until I cant. And I feel the same way about my movies. Parker said at the Variety Studio presented by Audible at Sundance that she was looking forward to seeing the final version of the documentary at its world premiere in Park City. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. An elected official is facing criminal charges, just days after being sworn onto the Sartell City Council. Councilmember Rustin Deters was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving on Jan. 16, according to a criminal complaint. He is now facing charges for allegedly refusing to submit a chemical test and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Deters' arrest comes after the Minnesota State Patrol received two complaints regarding the white Chevy Traverse Deters was allegedly driving. Rustin Deters was sworn onto the Sartell City Council on Jan. 13. He was arrested for a DWI in Becker Township on Jan. 16. Law enforcement found Deters heading westbound on Highway 10 shortly after milepost 194 in Becker Township, court records allege. A state patrol trooper allegedly saw the Chevy Traverse cross lane lines, the fog line and rumble strip multiple times, sparking a traffic stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the officer approached Deters' vehicle, the newly sworn-in councilmember allegedly provided his driver's license and firefighter identification card, according to the criminal complaint. The Minnesota State Patrol trooper asked if Deters was driving all over the road for a specific reason, to which, Deters allegedly said "no." Sherburne County Jail: 23-year-old Little Canada woman found dead Court records allege the responding officer noticed Deters having slow speech and movement, accompanied by bloodshot eyes and a slight odor of alcohol. Deters allegedly told the officer he had a little to drink. Deters underwent field sobriety tests, including the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test, the Walk and Turn Test and the One Leg Stand Test. Court documents allege the councilmember showed signs of impairment on each test, citing his inability to follow instructions or focus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary breath test results show Deters having a blood alcohol content level of 0.13, according to court documents, when Minnesota's legal driving limit is 0.08. Deters was arrested and taken to the Sherburne County Jail, according to court records. Deters allegedly failed to follow instructions when performing the official DataMaster (DMT) test after being arrested. Court records allege the councilmember gave short bursts of air rather than blowing a long breath into the machine, causing the test to time out. Benton County: Board passes resolution scolding Wolgamott for missing session The officer issued the test a second time, allegedly telling Deters if he failed to follow instructions it would be considered a refusal. Court records allege the elected official didn't follow instructions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deters told authorities he consumed two tall beers within a span of two hours, the criminal complaint alleges. He was released on bond. Sartell City Council's 2024 election: Deters, Lynch win seats Refusal to submit to a chemical test charge is a gross misdemeanor, which, if convicted, could impose up to a year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine. Deters' DWI charge is a misdemeanor, which could hold up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Deters declined to comment on the case. He was elected to the Sartell City Council this election cycle with 35% of the vote, coming in second of three candidates vying for two open seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corey Schmidt covers politics and courts for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Sartell Councilmember arrested for DWI in Sherburne County SAVANNAH, Ga (WSAV) Savannah Mayor Van Johnson is warning residents about the dangerous driving conditions after the winter storm. News 3 spoke to multiple people in city neighborhoods about their experiences getting around post-storm as snow and ice covered the roadways. We saw many people across Savannah choosing to walk from point A to point B. Linda Heintz walked to work Thursday morning. Yesterday, it was fantastic, she said. Today, it was a little trickier because of the refreeze of the snow made it a little more slick. So, I had to find virgin snow to walk on to keep from sliding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continued, Now Im a little disappointed. I have another job that I wanted to get back to, but I guess I might have to wait a little bit longer. Bridges, roads closed due to ice News 3 spoke to one neighbor who said the city needs to invest in snowplows. Johnson thinks otherwise. We dont have snow plows out, he explained. Our snow removal and ice removal strategy is sunshine. So, we have to wait until that passes. You may have seen snowplows on state-owned roads like Victory Drive and Bay and Abercorn streets. The Georgia Department of Transportation is taking care of those. So, News 3 asked Johnson if the city is taking specific measures to address icy conditions in neighborhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, no, thats the point, he said. We want people to stay home. We have snow once every seven, eight years. He added, We have limited materials that we use for like bridges. We could put sand down, for example, but sand creates other problems for us. You put sand down and then it melts and now you have mud. And then mud nearly clogs up all our drainage. He went on to tell News 3 that snowplows are not a good effective use of city funds. Our priority should be dealing with tropical storms and hurricanes, Johnson said. Overall, Johnson said his team did the best they could with the resources they had. 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. Columbia S.C. (WSPA) South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster requested the reinstatement of Medicaid work requirements. In 2018, Governor McMaster made the request and the application was approved by the Trump administration in 2019, but was paused during the pandemic. In 2021, President Biden withdrew the approval. Governor McMaster said this initiative will promote healthier outcomes and incentivize financial independence for South Carolinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People ought to work for a living. People who are receiving public funds need to, if they are able bodied people, at least try to get a job. There are all kinds of ways they can be trained. If you are receiving public funds, you need to return the favor by trying to support the community, he said. But not everyone fully supports the governors request. Teresa Arnold, from The League of Women Voters said she worries about people who have specific exceptions, like taking care of family members. People who are in no fault of their own are unable to work, I dont want to lose them in the process of doing a smaller expansion Medicaid, Arnold said. Arnold said she understands where the governor is coming from by making this request. On the surface, what the governor says makes tremendous sense, but when you dig into the details of that, were leaving out the people who need the most help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor McMaster said this initiative will help people. I think thats a good request because the idea is to get people off Medicaid, not to have them stay home and just draw, but to get them moving. Governor McMaster stated that this initiative will require Medicaid beneficiaries to complete 80 hours per month of work, job training, education or community outreach. As of Thursday morning, Governor McMaster said he has not spoken with President Trump about this issue since he has made this request. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (WSPA) State transportation officials are asking for public input into the replacement of six bridges in the Upstate, including one in Spartanburg County which has been closed since May. The South Carolina Department of Transportation is planning to replace bridges on Cannons Campground Road and Old Spartanburg Road in Spartanburg County along with bridges on Little Choestoea Road, Bountyland Road, and Snow Creek Road in Oconee County. The Cannons Campground Road bridge over Peters Creek has been closed since May 2024 after it was deemed unsafe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Old Spartanburg Road bridge replacement will not require a detour and will remain open while the new bridge is constructed, according to the SCDOT. In Oconee County, two bridges on Little Choestoea Road over Choestoea Creek and Little Choestoea Creek are also currently closed to traffic. The process of replacing the bridges on Snow Creek Road and Bountyland Road in Oconee County will require detours, officials said. The South Carolina Department of Transportation said construction on the bridges is expected to begin in 2026 and will take around two years for all six bridges to be completed. The DOT will host a public information meeting on Thursday, February 6 for the project to replace the Cannons Campground Road bridge. The meeting will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Zion Hill Baptist Church on East Main Street in Spartanburg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feedback can be submitted for all of the bridge replacements on the SCDOTs project website. Feedback will be accepted through February 21. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said Friday that President Trump invited him and Californias other Democratic senator, Alex Padilla, on a visit to California amid the wildfires ravaging in Los Angeles an offer Schiff said he turned down only because the Senate is voting on high-profile Trump nominees. A number of us invited him to come to the state and he reciprocated, inviting us to join him to go to these fire areas, Schiff said in an interview on MSNBCs Morning Joe program. Regrettably, Sen. Padilla and I have votes today in the Senate, so we arent able to go, he continued. But Im glad hes going, and Im glad that hes going to see the devastation. Because I think, frankly, until you see it and the scope of it whole neighborhoods gone block after block after block its hard to wrap your head around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly afterward, Trump acknowledged the invitation. But he also seemed to be confused over why it was offered, and he emphasized that it didnt come from him directly, as Schiff suggested. I dont know, is he going? Trump asked reporters in Washington shortly before the trip. I dont know, I mean I really dont. Because, if he was going to be there, it would be cheaper. But I didnt invite him. Somebody did. Padillas office confirmed the invitation was also extended to Californias senior senator. But a spokesperson did not say precisely who delivered it. Senator Padilla was invited, spokesperson Edgar Rodriguez said Friday morning. The Senator regrets not being able to join President Trump in Los Angeles due to the Senate vote schedule. He welcomes the Presidents support for federal disaster aid to assist the thousands of families and businesses impacted by these devastating fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the invitation from whatever source in the White House comes as something of a surprise, especially in the case of Schiff. Trump and Schiff are bitter adversaries who have feuded sharply and often publicly since Trumps arrival in Washington in 2017. It was Schiff, as then-chair of the House Intelligence Committee, who led the Democrats first impeachment of Trump in 2019. And the California Democrat also helped lead the congressional investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, which found Trump singularly culpable for inciting the violence that day. On Monday, just hours after he was sworn in for his second term, Trump revealed that he hasnt forgotten that hostile history, referring to Schiff as scum. Schiff has returned the rhetorical fire, bashing Trumps pardons of the Jan. 6 rioters a blanket clemency he adopted Monday as a sick betrayal of the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the California wildfires, however, the rivals appear to have a shared adversary. Schiff and other California Democrats in the Senate and House had sent a Jan. 13 letter inviting Trump to gauge the devastation first-hand. And Schiff this week has cheered Trumps decision to visit Los Angeles as one of the first trips of his second term. People that are affected by this are Democrats and Republicans it really doesnt matter how they vote, Schiff told Morning Joe. And this is a great opportunity to come together in the wake of this tragedy and show that we can work together even while we may fight over other issues. That fight, however, might soon extend to help for the wildfires, as well. While Democrats are pushing for a clean bill to provide emergency funding to victims of the disaster, Republicans are calling for conditions on that aid. And Trump has joined the GOP chorus, accusing California Democrats of prioritizing the protection of an obscure fish species over efforts to fight fires a false claim that has nonetheless gained traction among Trumps allies in the Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think we should give California anything until they let the water run down, Trump said Wednesday in an interview with Foxs Sean Hannity. The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment. Alex Gangitano 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. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has warned conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz against trying to push through motions for tougher migration policy with the help of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). "So far, I had the impression that one could count on the opposition's leader not to work with the AfD," Scholz told several German newspapers on Friday. In the wake of a fatal stabbing attack by an Afghan asylum seeker facing deportation, Merz, the leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU), announced on Friday that his parliamentary group would table proposals to tighten migration policy in the Bundestag next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the aim was to get them approved "regardless of who agrees with them." Any motion passing with AfD support would represent a taboo-breaking step for Germany's mainstream parties. "Now I am really worried since the CDU wants to push its motions through in the Bundestag with votes from the AfD," Scholz said. "The firewall against the AfD must not crumble," the chancellor said. Merz is the frontrunner to become Germany's next chancellor. He has repeatedly ruled out forming a government with the AfD, which is polling second behind his bloc ahead of elections on February 23. Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats are in third place. Gun Intended An expensive AI gun detection system appears to have been a massive waste of money after it failed to detect the weapon used in a school shooting. As NBC News reports, the $1 million contract that Nashville's Antioch High School paid to a gun detection software company called Omnilert has come into question after a student managed to sneak in a gun and open fire in his high school's cafeteria. The 17-year-old gunman shot and killed one 16-year-old classmate and wounded another before turning the gun on himself, which he did not survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omnilert's technology used the school's security cameras and added AI that was supposed to detect hidden weapons. It didn't recognize the shooter's gun, NBC notes, in a news conference after the massacre, Metro Nashville Public Schools chief technology and communications officer Sean Braisted pointed out that the Omnilert system did activate when police entered with their own weapons. "It is designed to activate immediately once it detects [a weapon]," the school system's CTO said, per Nashville's WBIR broadcaster. "It did not detect that weapon in this instance... because of the location and where the cameras were positioned." Fail Not In a statement to NBC, Omnilert echoed Braisted's comments about the system's cameras failing to find the gun in question. "The location of the shooter and the firearm meant that the weapon was not visible," said Omnilert CEO Dave Fraser in an email. "This is not a case of the firearm not being recognized by the system." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Braisted who was also quoted in Omnilert's press release announcing the $1 million deal back in 2023 said during the news conference that the system had worked well in the past, and had detected police weapons before. MNPS superintendent Adrienne Battle also seemed to defend the expensive and apparently not watertight weapon detection software. "Theres no system thats going to 100 percent capture everything a person has on them," Battle said during the same press conference. While these school and company officials work overtime to defend their wasteful investment in the sort of AI-powered technology that has for years now been known to fail, two teenagers are dead in the latest tragic school shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slapping AI on top of shoddy weapon scanners doesn't make them work and in this case, the false sense of security they provide ended in tragedy. More on AI horror: Trump's $500 Billion AI Deal Includes Funding by UAE Royal Family Linked to Astonishing Number of Scandals, Including Human Torture Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) says President Trump should declassify secret government archives about unidentified flying objects (UFOs), also known as unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs), in the spirit of greater government transparency. Now do UFOs, Schumer wrote on social platform X in a repost of the White Houses announcement that Trump has ordered government files on John F. Kennedy, the nations 35th president, Robert F. Kennedy, his brother, and Martin Luther King Jr. to be declassified. Schumer and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced a bill in the last Congress to require government records related to UAPs be disclosed unless officials provide reasons for why it should remain classified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The provisions to require information related to UAPs or UFOs be made public, however, were later stripped from the annual defense authorization bill. Schumer took up the mantle for calling for greater transparency for government records on UFOs from the late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who sponsored a project to investigate incidents surrounding unexplained aerial phenomena. Lawmakers took a greater interest in such phenomena a month ago when unexplained drone sightings above New York, New Jersey and other Eastern states caused an uproar in the media and on Capitol Hill. The Federal Aviation Administration last month banned drone flights in parts of New Jersey and New York, and the FBI and Department of Homeland Security investigated drone sightings that sparked public concern. 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. SCIENCE HILL, Ky. (FOX 56) Deputies in Science Hill found a garage on fire on Wednesday as people allegedly tried to burn drugs and other evidence as a search warrant was being carried out. According to the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office, shortly after carrying out a traffic stop and finding over 200 grams of methamphetamine in a car on Wednesday, deputies went to the 2000 block of Highway 1676 to carry out a search warrant in the area. RELATED l Pulaski County K-9 helps deputies find over 200 grams of meth in Monticello mans car When law enforcement arrived at the scene, the sheriffs office said people could be heard inside moving around a garage behind a residence, and deputies believed they were allegedly trying to destroy evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office wrote on Facebook that deputies forced entry into the garage, where a fire was found. With help from the local fire department, the fire was contained, and law enforcement began searching the area. An investigation showed that Thomas Soble, 43, had an empty holster on his waistband. The PCSO later found a Taurus 9mm pistol lying in the garage that had allegedly been stolen from Jefferson County. Deputies also reportedly found a burnt set of scales and a burnt syringe in the garage, per a uniform citation. A bag of methamphetamine was also allegedly found underneath a side table. Authorities said Sarah Anne Morris, 33, admitted to allegedly burning 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine and also allegedly admitted to selling it to Steve Gregory Jr. before law enforcement arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soble and Morris were both arrested and lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center. Thomas Soble, 43 (Pulaski County Detention Center) Sarah Anne Morris, 33 (Pulasi County Detention Center) LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Soble was charged with receiving a stolen firearm, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and enhanced first-degree possession of methamphetaminefirst offense. Morris was charged with tampering with physical evidence and first-degree trafficking in methamphetaminefirst offense. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In a new report, scientists from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that land abuse is growing at an astonishing rate worldwide, threatening progress on climate action and conservation. What's happening? As The Guardian explained, the study determined that land degradation is increasing by around 1 million square kilometers (nearly 390,000 square miles) annually. The researchers noted that 15 million square kilometers (almost 5.8 million square miles) of land is deteriorating worldwide, measuring an area even larger than Antarctica. The paper was released ahead of December's international summit of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in an effort to stimulate global action on sustainable land management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the report, the scientists explained that the crises plaguing humanity such as climate breakdown, pollution, land degradation, and water scarcity are interconnected and are a consequence of either crossing or approaching boundaries critical for a stable, healthy planet. The team argues that not enough is being done to protect land from exploitation and ensure human and planetary well-being. "Policymakers should strengthen their focus on land as a cornerstone of global sustainability," Claudia Hunecke, a scientist at PIK, told The Guardian. "Neglecting land degradation risks pushing humanity beyond its safe operating space, exacerbating resource pressures, poverty, migration and conflict." Why is land degradation concerning? According to the report, land ecosystems absorb much less carbon dioxide pollution than they used to because of unsustainable resource extraction. Over the last 10 years, the ability of trees and soil to soak up extra CO2 has fallen by about 20% because of climate shocks and deforestation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists explained that destructive agricultural practices such as the excessive use of chemicals and water diversion lead to soil erosion and ecosystem disruption. In some cases, these techniques can cause desertification, putting communities at risk of hunger, water scarcity, and conflict. Droughts and intense floods are becoming more frequent because of human-caused global heating, putting further pressure on low-income countries to adapt. Women, children, and impoverished nations are more heavily impacted by land degradation. If more attention isn't given to proper land management, they may face worse health outcomes and educational opportunities. The scientists noted several regions especially vulnerable to the impacts of land abuse: the Mediterranean, South Asia, northern China, and California and the High Plains in the United States. More than 2.7 billion people worldwide already live in arid regions where water scarcity is a major concern, and further land degradation could make it even harder for them to survive. What's being done about it? The authors said the report highlights the need for policymakers to look at the larger picture when deciding on laws that govern land use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Policymakers must address both the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of land use. The interconnectedness of land use with the Earth system and human livelihoods can act as an important lever to achieve sustainability goals," Hunecke told The Guardian. However, many communities are taking matters into their own hands to restore once-thriving forests and heal their lands. For instance, in Uganda, refugees have begun planting trees in their new home so that families will have enough cooking fuel to survive. And in the Amazon rainforest, researchers have teamed up with Indigenous communities to plant 1 million trees per year. If you want to get involved, consider planting trees in your community and supporting sustainable brands that care about keeping our forests healthy. 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. KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Its been over a year since the Knox County Sheriffs Department has been looking for Jared McColloch. Hes been missing since November 2023, when the truck hed been driving was found abandoned near the area where the Wabash and White Rivers converge. Detective Cameron Carr says the truck belonged to Tammie Reppond, but she says her son Jared had been driving it, as he lives in Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jared McColloch was not around the truck and could not be located, Carr said. Fast forward, we started a missing persons investigation. The sheriffs department immediately reached out to many other organizations for assistance. We have used every resource that we have here at the sheriffs department, as well as have worked with multiple other agencies in the search for Jared, Carr said. The river has been searched with multiple K-9 units that are nationally recognized. Weve had boats, DNR has been involved and conducted several searches. Weve used drones and had ground penetrating radar to look for any evidence that could lead us to Jared McColloch. Despite the prompt use of resources, a search lasting this long comes with many difficulties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As time passes, memory fades, Carr said. Its the small details in cases like this that really make a difference. If someone saw him, or saw his truck somewhere, and now theyve forgotten. We lose that information. The sheriffs department was able to piece together Jareds route through Illinois, through gas station stops, but they ask for any local assistance as the search continues. It is an ongoing investigation, Carr said. We are working this case daily. New information comes in every day with the help of the public. The public is our greatest asset in cases like this. We do ask the public that if they have an information, big or small, to please contact the sheriffs office directly. If you do have any information regarding Jared, you can contact the Knox County Sheriffs Office at 812-882-7660. You can call at any time of day and leave a message if it is outside of office hours. 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. A reported sighting of immigration agents attempting to enter an elementary school on Chicagos Southwest Side Friday was actually Secret Service agents investigating a threat, a federal spokesperson said late Friday afternoon. This announcement came hours after leaders at Chicago Public Schools announced they blocked federal immigration officers from going into Hamline Elementary School in the New City neighborhood and talking to students, leading to swift responses from city and state leaders and immigration advocates. Principal Natasha Ortega said at a Friday afternoon news conference that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents showed up to the school, located at 1548 W. 48th St., at 11:15 a.m. She said school employees followed the protocols that weve been trained and practiced and have discussed, ensuring students safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will not open our doors for ICE, and we are here to protect our children and make sure they have access to an excellent education, Ortega said. We stand in solidarity with our families and the Back of the Yards community. An ICE spokesperson later denied in a statement that the encounter involved the agency, while Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told the Tribune it was their officers who were investigating a threat against a protectee in connection with TikTok. Guglielmi would not identify the protectee, but the Secret Service oversees protection for President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, their immediate families and former presidents. Two Secret Service agents went to a residence near the school before stepping on campus, Guglielmi said. The officials identified themselves as Secret Service agents and left their business cards for school leadership to call them, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Secret Service does not investigate or enforce immigration matters, Guglielmi said. Trump reversed a policy this week that for more than a decade has prevented ICE from carrying out immigration enforcement in sensitive locations, such as health care facilities, day cares, churches and schools. His executive orders have also sought to end birthright citizenship and deploy troops to enhance border security. In a Friday night statement, CPS clarified their version of the events, calling it a misunderstanding and blamed the confusion on circumstances the Trump administration has created. After our district officials shared public statements, we learned that the agents who visited the school were from the U.S. Secret Service. Our original communication was a result of a misunderstanding, reflective of the fear and concerns in the community amid the new administrations focus on undocumented immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the statement, CPS said two individuals showed up at the school door and presented identification that includes the name Department of Homeland Security, the federal agency that oversees ICE. School officials proceeded to respond to the agents with the understanding that they were from ICE, amid rumors and reports that the agency was in the community. The Secret Service also falls under the Department of Homeland Security. In the Friday night statement, CPS reiterated that the agents were not allowed into the school or permitted to speak with staff or students. Though there was no evidence by Friday evening that federal immigration officials, in fact, made good on Trumps threats as far as Chicagos schools were concerned, the damage was done in sowing fear among the majority Latino community in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When school was dismissed about 2:45 p.m., Yelika, a mother from Barinas in west central Venezuela held the hands of her 7- and 11-year-olds and said she wasnt sure if shed send them back next week. The migrant mother said she had lived in the neighborhood for two years and been in Chicago for close to three. They were just starting to get used to life in the U.S., she said. She works at a laundromat and her husband works in construction. We just dont know if theyll be safe at school, she said, wiping tears from her eyes. I might be at work and not know if something is happening to them so it just feels better to keep them home. A grandmother who identified herself as Sonja waited outside Hamline after shed received news that federal agents had been at the school. She pulled up a photo of her granddaughter on her phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes my little girl. Shes my little girl, she said. Sonja said her entire family is undocumented, except the children born here. She worried about agents sweeping in to pick her up, too, as she stood outside Hamline waiting to hear an update. Several mutual aid volunteers told the Tribune theyd advised parents in the U.S. illegally to stay home in case more federal agents were waiting outside the building during dismissal. Hamline has a student population that is about 92% Hispanic as of 2024, according to the Illinois State Board of Education. Advocates said theyd received reports of a possible ICE presence at Hamline Friday morning, and local rapid response teams were sent to verify the reports, according to a statement from the groups Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, Organized Communities Against Deportations and Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of whether the agents attempting to enter the schools were actually with ICE, the school and community did the right thing by acting quickly to keep students and families safe, the statement said. Given the reality that immigration enforcement can be carried out by multiple federal agencies right now, communities and local institutions must remain on alert and take precautions when any federal agent comes to their door. Gov. JB Pritzker has previously said hes heard that ICE will target as many as 2,000 people in Chicago, but that he hasnt received any communication from the Trump administration. Fears of mass deportations have worried some of the areas roughly 400,000 immigrants in the country without legal permission, prompting many to skip work and keep their children out of school. CPS has said they remain committed to protecting the rights of all students to a public education, providing guidance to staff to not allow immigration officers on school property unless they provide credentials and a criminal warrant signed by a federal judge. Hospitals and medical centers throughout Chicago are taking similar measures. CPS does not ask for our families immigration status. We will not coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (We do not) share student records with ICE except in the rare case where this is a court order or consent from a parent or a guardian, Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova said at the Friday news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Chicago police spokesperson said the department was not aware of the incident before the arrival of agents at the school. At no point Friday did CPD officers respond to any calls for service at Hamline, the spokesperson said. Leaders across Illinois react The mayors office released a statement Friday evening urging caution in the wake of widespread trepidation over federal activity. While people across the city are worried about immigration enforcement, it is imperative that individuals not spread unverified information that sparks fear in the city, Johnsons statement read. Pritzker said on social media that reports of the raid come after a week of Republicans sowing fear and chaos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Targeting children and separating families is cruel and un-American, Pritzker said. A few minutes before the schools dismissal, Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates said the incident should mark a moment of solidarity. The union has urged CPS to recommit to certain protections against deportation in the four-year contract theyre bargaining. I want to reiterate as a mother that our schools are a safe place, she said. And that they have my leadership and commitment, they have the leadership and the commitment of the 30,000 members of the Chicago Teachers Union and that we will be here to support, to resource and to protect our young people. Chicago Tribunes Alice Yin and Laura Rodriguez Presa contributed. Photo via Getty Images A lawsuit filed by the Goldwater Institute against the City of Sedona, its mayor and city manager for refusing to give a short-term rental permit to the owner of a mobile home park was dismissed. At the center of the dispute was a 2016 law that barred cities and municipalities from banning short-term rentals. Groups like Airbnb and Vrbo have taken heat from locals and lawmakers since the 2016 laws passage as the states affordable housing stockpile has rapidly decreased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sedona has seen major impacts from the short-term rental industry, with effects felt sharply by the service industry workers employed by the hospitality industry that dominates the local economy. The resulting lack of housing for those workers led city leaders to embrace controversial ideas such as allowing a space for people to sleep in their cars in the city legally. The city contested that the mobile home park was not eligible for a short-term rental permit, as the 2016 law restricts the city from permitting short-term rentals in single-family homes, not mobile home parks, which are not mentioned in the law. The law that prohibits municipalities from enacting regulations on short-term rentals except in specific circumstances was touted by Gov. Doug Ducey and other lawmakers at the time as boosting the short-term rental market, though Ducey has said since that lawmakers should revisit the regulations after a string of complaints from cities and towns that found themselves with no way to go after bad actors. The bill was model legislation from the American Legislative Exchange Council, an organization that connects corporations with state legislators almost exclusively Republicans so they can craft pro-industry legislation. In many instances, the result is legislation that is simultaneously pushed in statehouses across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the case with the 2016 short-term rental regulation law, which shares almost identical language with bills being pushed in other areas that year. ALEC has a strong presence in Arizona, with many GOP members of both the House and Senate Republican caucus having ties to the group. A number of short-term rental-related bills have been introduced at the legislature this session, but it is unclear if they will have a path to becoming law, as they will face stiff opposition from Republican leadership who have previously said they would block regulations and own short-term rentals themselves. The Goldwater Institute intends to appeal the ruling by Yavapai County Superior Judge Linda Wallace. The city of Sedona did not respond to a request for comment for this story. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) Most of the South Dakota Senate agrees there needs to be caps on the amounts of money that candidates and political committees borrow. Senators voted 21-13 on Thursday to require that loans can be no more than the maximum amounts that can be donated to a candidate or political committee. Lawmaker says 2023 bill allows for prison site work Senate Bill 12 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Republican Rep. Tim Reisch is the lead sponsor there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Sen. Mike Rohl is SB12s prime sponsor. He said there are limits in state law for how much candidates and political committee can take in donations, but theres no limit on how much they can get in a loan. Rohls legislation comes in the wake of a political action committee named Dakota First Action receiving what originally was listed last May as a $100,000 donation from Toby Doeden of Aberdeen but was changed three weeks later to a $100,000 loan. The committee in October reported another $5,000 loan from Doeden. He was listed as chairman on the organizational filing for the PAC, whose stated purpose is to elect bold, conservative Republicans at each SD governmental level. State law sets a $10,000 annual limit on a persons contribution to a PAC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rohl made no mention of that information during his remarks to the Senate on Thursday. Currently we do have a loophole in finance limits, he said. He pointed out that South Dakota law is silent on the amount of money that can be loaned and warned that the loan in turn could simply be forgotten. Now its a pathway, now its a gateway. Its a path to get rid of campaign finance limits in South Dakota, Rohl said. We know theres a problem. Its our job to fix it. No one else spoke but a bakers dozen of Republicans disagreed and voted no, including five John Carley, Joy Hohn, Taffy Howard, Carl Perry and Tom Pischke who received campaign donations last year from Dakota First Action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Pete Hegseth was sworn in to lead the Department of Defense on Saturday, after a narrow vote in the Senate. The vote on Friday night was initially 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance then casting the tie-breaking vote. Former GOP leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, voted no. He joined Sens. Susan Collins, of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, of Alaska, along with all Democrats in voting against Hegseth's nomination. PHOTO: Vice President JD Vance applauds after casting the deciding vote in the confirmation of Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Defense in the Senate chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 24, 2025. (Senate TV) The former Fox News host was sworn in at the White House on Saturday morning during a ceremony officiated by Vance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We look forward to having the backs of our troops and having your back in executing peace through strength, in putting America first. And in rebuilding our military, Hegseth said in remarks at the ceremony, thanking Vance and President Donald Trump. In an official statement to the department, he said: "It is the privilege of a lifetime to lead the warriors of the Department of Defense, under the leadership of our Commander in Chief Donald J. Trump. We will put America First, and we will never back down." Hegseth, a former "Fox and Friends" television anchor, was nominated by Trump in November to lead the Defense Department. In the time since his nomination was announced, Hegseth has been scrutinized for a number of accusations made against him, including those of sexual assault and financial mismanagement of two different veterans organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth has fiercely denied the allegations. He appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee for a public hearing earlier this month, where he asserted to the panel that he was a "changed man." "I am not a perfect person, but redemption is real," he told the panel. Speaking to reporters while on a visit to Los Angeles, Trump said he was "very happy" with the vote, and said he was not aware of McConnell's vote. In a statement released while the vote was still going on, McConnell said that Hegseth's desire to be a "change agent" was not enough to qualify him for the role of secretary of defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Effective management of nearly 3 million military and civilian personnel, an annual budget of nearly $1 trillion, and alliances and partnerships around the world is a daily test with staggering consequences for the security of the American people and our global interests," McConnell said in the statement. "Mr. Hegseth has failed, as yet, to demonstrate that he will pass this test. But as he assumes office, the consequences of failure are as high as they have ever been." Hegseth was confirmed by one of the narrowest Senate margins of any defense secretary in modern history. Most defense secretaries have been confirmed with broad bipartisan votes. Lloyd Austin, former President Joe Biden's pick for defense secretary, was confirmed in a 93-2 vote and Trump's first pick for defense secretary in his first term, James Mattis, was confirmed in a 98-1 vote. Before the vote, Hegseth arrived at the Capitol with his wife and children to watch the proceedings in person, a rare move for a Cabinet nominee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the Senate's vote Friday, Hegseth becomes the third member of Trump's team to be confirmed by the Senate, following Marco Rubio as secretary of state and John Ratcliffe, as CIA director. PHOTO: Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill, Jan. 14, 2025, in Washington. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters) MORE: Hegseth earned $4.6M in salary as Fox News host in past 2 years, nearly $1M in speaking engagements During the same hearing, he affirmed his promise to restore the "warfighting ethos" of the DOD, touting his experience in the National Guard. It was enough to win over the support of most Republicans in the Senate, including several of those who were initially skeptical. "He articulated a clear vision of the Pentagon, and it was clear to anyone who listened that he is going to bring energy and fresh ideas to shake up the department's stagnant bureaucracy," Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a floor speech endorsing Hegseth on Thursday. "He will restore a warfighting ethos and relentlessly focused on the military's core mission: to deter conflict and, if necessary, to win a war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate Armed Services Committee advanced his nomination on a party-line vote on Monday. Then, in a closely watched moment on Thursday, Hegseth's nomination passed a key test vote that set the table for Friday's vote of final passage. The nomination only required a simple majority in the Senate to advance, and it cleared the threshold narrowly, with only GOP backing. Collins and Murkowski also voted no on that occasion. In a statement, Murkowski explained that she could not support Hegseth due to concerns about this character and lack of experience. "I believe that character is the defining trait required of the Secretary of Defense and must be prioritized without compromise," Murkowski said in the post. "The leader of the Department of Defense must demonstrate and model the standards of behavior and character we expect of all servicemembers, and Mr. Hegseth's nomination to the role poses significant concerns that I cannot overlook." PHOTO: Sen. Lisa Murkowski heads to the Senate Chamber to vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, Jan. 22, 2025 in Washington. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images) MORE: Pete Hegseth, Trump's Pentagon pick, clears Senate test vote Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins took issue with comments Hegseth made in the past about his belief that women should not serve in combat roles in the military. Though Hegseth has since changed his tune on that, Collins said she was unconvinced. "I am also concerned about multiple statements, including some in the months just before he was nominated, that Mr. Hegseth has made about women serving in the military," Collins said. "He and I had a candid conversation in December about his past statements and apparently evolving views. I am not convinced that his position on women serving in combat roles has changed." Trump expressed confidence in Hegseth ahead of the vote on Friday, though he added, "You'll never know what's going to happen." McConnell, the former GOP leader, and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, ultimately cast votes in favor of advancing Hegseth's nomination in the earlier test vote, although the president questioned whether McConnell will vote no on Hegseth Friday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tillis said he was still considering the most recent slate of allegations against Hegseth, leveled in an affidavit from his former sister-in-law Danielle Hegseth. In that affidavit, which ABC News obtained, Danielle Hegseth attested that Pete Hegseth's ex-wife Samantha told her she "once hid in her closet from him because she feared for her personal safety" in the home they shared during their marriage. It also detailed episodes of binge drinking by Pete Hegseth. PHOTO: President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth meets with Sen. John Cornyn in Washington, Dec. 10, 2024. (Benoit Tessier/Reuters) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Pete Hegseth's ex-wife 'feared for her personal safety,' his former sister-in-law says in affidavit An attorney for Pete Hegseth denied these allegations, and the claims of abuse were also rejected by his ex-wife. Hegseth sworn in as defense secretary after narrow Senate vote originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Key Senate Republicans rejected a request by a group of moderate Democrats to jettison their party-line efforts on immigration and instead work on a bipartisan solution. Pete Hegseth is unqualified to run the Pentagon is criminal understatement. Accused of sexual assault, of rampant alcohol abuse, of cruelty towards his ex-wives, of serial infidelity, and dragging with him a paper trail of derisive comments about women serving in combat roles, he seems to have the temperament of a Princeton frat paddle. On the resume side of things, his claim to fame is mismanaging two veteran advocacy organizations so badly that he was reportedly forced out, in one case requiring a forensic accountant to sift through the financial rubble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he was also on Donald Trumps favorite TV channel a pro far outweighing the trifles of a seemingly bone-deep disdain for women, functioning alcoholism and financial destruction. Trump is often attributed with greater strategic foresight than he has, and I doubt that his tapping of Hegseth was crafted as a grand loyalty test for his congressional stooges. For one, Hegseth didnt tell his transition team about the sexual assault accusation until it came out in the press. But Trumps ethos, allergic to apology or admission of a mistake, turned a careless pick into a determined one, with his right-wing media apparatus churning to life to force incredulous Republican senators into line. Trumps allies spent hundreds of thousands of dollars targeting the wavering Republicans, particularly Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), a former military officer and advocate against sexual assault in the military. Right-wing news outlets published private information about a would-be witness against Hegseth, and allies, including Elon Musk, promised primaries against any who defied. It was enough. Ernst and the rest of the Republicans, cowed, shuffled back into line. On Thursday, all but Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME) voted to advance Hegseths nomination to a final vote. Reporting suggested that Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) might join them a laughable prospect to anyone whos followed the former Senate leaders career in the Trump era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While they likely voted knowing they wouldnt change the outcome, Murkowski and Collins voted their consciences against an onslaught of right-wing furor. The votes may have been symbolic; the threats they will almost certainly receive from the MAGA faithful will not be. The all-but-assured confirmation of this trainwreck of a man to lead the Department of Defense is the new bar. Meaningful resistance from the upper chamber, once thought to be a bastion of the last lingering dregs of principled, pre-Trump Republicans, has collapsed. Trump can plant his flag. The Best Of TPM Today Trumps Long, Not Terribly Convincing Con On Abortion Policy Is Over Jan. 6 Judges Let Out A Collective Primal Scream Over Trump Pardons Yesterdays Most Read Story The Trump II Retribution Begins In Earnest What We Are Reading Trump pardons abortion clinic protesters ahead of March for Life Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson aide advised against subpoena of star Jan. 6 witness over concerns about sexual texts from lawmakers New Research Finds Potential Alternative to Abortion Pill Mifepristone CHEYENNE - Schools across Wyoming may soon be required to allow patriotic organizations time to visit with students, during the school day, about their activities. On Friday, Senate File 90, Youth organizations in schools, passed the Senate on third and final reading. Bill sponsor Sen. Gary Crum, R-Laramie, explained that the proposed legislation will allow specific youth organizations outlined in United States Code (36 U.S.C.) mandatory time in Wyoming schools to share their mission with children across the state. Specifically, Crum said the bill covers organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Civil Air Patrol, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts of the USA and 4H. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SF 90 would allow these organizations listed to go into the school to present (and) give our youth and throughout the state an opportunity to do things after school in a productive way, rather than just going home and playing Xbox, Crum said on Monday before the Senate Education Committee. Sen. Charles Scott, R-Casper, asked if SF 90 would open the door to organizations inappropriate for schoolchildren. What are the potentially unintended consequences of something like this, getting in organizations that many people would not feel were particularly patriotic, or were hostile to the interests of many people? Scott asked. Crum replied that SF90 would only require schools to allow in those organizations listed in U.S. Code. Any other local group would be allowed time to present to children during the school day at the discretion of the school or local school board, he said. Nathan Dutson, scout executive with the Adventure West Council of Boy Scouts, testified in committee Monday that schools in Laramie, Riverton and Rawlins let his organization present to students during school time. Schools in Casper, Cody, Sheridan and Gillette did not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheyenne was unique, Dutson said. They were going to allow us to come talk with the kids, but then they were hit with a lawsuit - not related to scouting - and their legal (counsel) determined that it was just too risky to let scouting come and talk to the kids, because of this other lawsuit. Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, said that she is in favor of allowing such organizations in school, but not at the expense of instructional time. The bill passed through three readings on the Senate Floor, where it ultimately passed in a 28-3 third reading vote Thursday. This is a way to build citizenship in our community. These organizations are non-threatening to our society. They are very worthy organizations, Crum said Thursday. Crum continued that, as many of the organizations in U.S. Code are chartered by the federal government, they will no longer be held to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) standards, which he noted have been rescinded by the Trump Administration this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Would you rather have a child, no matter what their background, standing up and learning to say the Pledge of Allegiance and what citizenship means, or would you rather have them learning things on their own and becoming problems later on that society has to deal with? Crum asked his fellow senators. Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, said that while he had no issue with the organizations Crum listed, he wondered how Wyoming senators would feel if the federal government mandated a list of organizations the state had to allow within its schools. If my local school district would like to have one of these organizations participate, and I have no doubt that they do, theyre going to be able to participate, to make those arrangements - and that is the appropriate level of government, Rothfuss said. Its ok for us to be passionately supportive of something, and not mandate it. Sen. Larry Hicks, R-Baggs, said he supported the bill especially because it includes parental notification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has an acknowledgement of parental rights, Hicks said. If these organizations are going to participate in the school districts, they have to notify the parents or guardians (of) each patriotic organizations expectations, presentations and the options of the parents not to participate. SF 90 will next head to the House of Representatives for consideration. WASHINGTON The Republican-controlled Senate on Friday night confirmed Pete Hegseth as defense secretary by the narrowest of margins, with Vice President JD Vance casting a tie-breaking vote and delivering a victory for President Donald Trump. The initial vote was 50-50, with three Republicans Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine joining all 47 Democrats in voting no. Vance then cast the 51st vote, putting Hegseth over the top and ending weeks of uncertainty over the fate of Trump's controversial pick to lead the Pentagon. Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth and his family arrive at the US Capitol, on Friday. It marked only the second time in history a vice president was needed to break a tie for a Cabinet level nominee. In 2017, then-Vice President Mike Pence broke a 50-50 tie to confirm Betsy DeVos as Education secretary in Trumps first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congratulations to Pete Hegseth. He will make a great Secretary of Defense! Trump posted on Truth Social after the vote. Follow live politics coverage McConnell's vote was a stunning rebuke of Hegseth and Trump, whom the former Senate Republican leader has clashed with repeatedly over the years. "Effective management of nearly 3 million military and civilian personnel, an annual budget of nearly $1 trillion, and alliances and partnerships around the world is a daily test with staggering consequences for the security of the American people and our global interests," McConnell said in a scathing statement that suggested Hegseth had not shown he is up for the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mr. Hegseth has failed, as yet, to demonstrate that he will pass this test," McConnell's statement continued. "But as he assumes office, the consequences of failure are as high as they have ever been." But McConnell's opposition wasn't enough to sink Hegseth. Shortly after the vote began, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who in recent days was still seeking answers from Hegseth, announced on X that he would vote in favor of him. "Once Pete Hegseths nomination was sent to the floor by my colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I conducted my own due diligence, including asking tough questions of Pete and I appreciated his candor and openness in answering them," Tillis said in his statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Pete has a unique perspective as a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and is unquestionably passionate about modernizing our military and supporting the brave patriots like himself who serve our nation," he added. Tillis told reporters that he met with Hegseth for nearly two hours Friday and that ultimately his answers to his questions made him feel comfortable in supporting his nomination. In a rare move, Hegseth, a former Fox News anchor and Army combat veteran, was on hand for the vote, sitting just off the Senate floor with his wife, parents and children. He showed his family the rotunda and could be overheard telling them, This was where President Trump was inaugurated. Earlier in the day, Trump mentioned McConnell unprompted and wondered aloud to reporters whether he would ultimately support Hegseth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, Mitch is always a no vote, I guess, Trump said, before adding, Is Mitch a no vote? How about Mitch? Fridays vote came one day after Hegseths nomination narrowly cleared a key procedural hurdle 51-49, with Collins and Murkowski voting with all Democrats to block him. Speaking to reporters Friday, Collins said she had informed Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., of her opposition to Hegseth and had not personally heard from Trump. She said she stood by her decision. "I made the right vote," Collins said. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., expressed confidence Hegseth would be confirmed on Thursday, although he foreshadowed just how close the vote might be, saying Vance might be needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If I were JD Vance, Id stick around, Wicker said. On Friday, Vance, who until recently represented Ohio in the Senate, joked on X: I thought I was done voting in the senate. From the verge of collapse to confirmation Friday's vote marked a dramatic comeback for Hegseth, whose nomination just last month appeared to be on the verge of collapse after multiple news reports detailed allegations of alcohol abuse, a sexual assault and the financial mismanagement of organizations that he led. Hegseth has denied all of these allegations. NBC News reported in early December that Trump considered ditching Hegseth as his pick to lead the Pentagon and replacing him with his one-time rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But Trump publicly stood by his pick, telling Hegseth to keep fighting as he navigated a gauntlet of tough meetings with senators last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At his Jan. 14 confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Democrats zeroed in on his past controversies, as well as his past public comments that he opposed women serving in combat a position he walked back at the hearing. The Armed Services panel narrowly voted along party lines, 14 to 13, to advance his nomination to the floor. Still, even as his nomination marched forward, Hegseth, continued to face intense scrutiny in the days leading up to the final vote. On Thursday, NBC News obtained answers Hegseth provided to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., as part of the confirmation process showing that he had paid $50,000 to the woman who accused him of sexual assault in a California hotel room in 2017. (The Associated Press was the first to report the settlement amount.) Hegseth has said the encounter was consensual, and the district attorney in the case declined to press charges, saying that no charges were supported by proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, has said that Hegseth "strongly felt that he was the victim of blackmail" and that he ultimately decided to enter into a settlement for a significantly reduced amount at the height of the MeToo movement. Earlier this week, NBC News reported that a former sister-in-law of Hegseths had said in a sworn affidavit, shared with senators, that he had demonstrated erratic and aggressive behavior over many years and had made his ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth, fear for her safety while they were married. The affidavit was submitted in response to a request for information from Sen. Jack Reed, of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee. The existence of the affidavit was first reported by NBC News. The ex-sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, said she did not personally witness physical or sexual abuse by Hegseth. Samantha Hegseth said in a previous statement that there was no physical abuse during the marriage. A lawyer for his ex-wife did not respond to the previously unreported allegation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parlatore wrote in an email: As NBC is well aware, the actual participant, Samantha has denied these false allegations, yet NBC continues to irresponsibly report false allegations by an uninvolved third party as if they were fact. Minutes after Fridays vote began, Hegseth posted on X a two-page letter addressed to Tillis, responding to questions the senator had about the affidavit. Hegseth said he and his former sister-in-law never got along" during the course of her marriage to his brother. As a lifelong Democrat, she and I disagreed on many issues, Hegseth wrote Tillis, and I believe that her partisan and personal animosity towards me is the impetus behind this false and inflammatory affidavit. After the vote, Democrats expressed disgust at the outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues are really pretty spineless, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. This vote may well haunt them. Trump and his allies on Capitol Hill are trying to quickly get key members of his national security team in place. Earlier this week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio became the first Trump Cabinet pick to be confirmed by the Senate, where he had served for the past 14 years representing Florida. The vote was 99 to 0. And on Thursday, the Senate voted to confirm John Ratcliffe as CIA director. After the Hegseth vote, the Senate will next consider the nominations of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Trumps pick to be Homeland Security secretary, and investor Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary nominee. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Ill. (WTVO) Illinois Senator Dick Durbin called for transparency about prescription drug costs in advertisements on Thursday. He reintroduced the Drug Price Transparency For Consumers Act which would cause drug companies to divulge more information about drug pricing in advertisements. The bill passed in the Senate but died on the House floor the first time the bill was voted on. The act argues that pricing in ads could allow patients to make more informed decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pharmaceutical industry has pursued legal action to keep prices out of advertisements in the past. Theyre trying to convince us to go to the doctor and ask for their drugs. They are some of the most expensive drugs that are being prescribed across America. They are running up the cost of health care, said Durbin. Durbin also said patients in the United States pay four times more than people in similar countries for the same drugs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KMID/KPEJ)- Senator Kevin Sparks, of Midland, announced his first of six legislative priority packages, aimed at addressing the growing shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas, West Texas, and across the state. Texas faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals from primary care physicians to mental health professionals. These gaps lead to delayed care, poorer health outcomes, and increased strain on existing healthcare systems. Senator Sparks package targets these challenges by expanding access to care through reducing regulatory strains and barriers of entry for doctors, leveraging telehealth accessibility, while also incentivizing training and expediting licensure for mental health professionals. Senator Sparks 89th Legislative Priorities on Healthcare Workforce consist of the following pieces of legislation: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 881: The DOCTOR Act: Removes barriers of entry and reduces regulations that limit workforce participation by improving pathways for graduate physicians, former military doctors, and international physicians. Background In May of 2022, the Department of State Health Services issued the Physician Supply & Demand Projections 2021-2032, detailing the current shortage of physicians in Texas and how this shortage will continue to increase through 2032. Texas alone is expected to be short 20,420 doctors, and currently, 29.4% of Texas physicians are within retirement range. Contributing to this issue, Texas has only 334 primary care residency slots annually, and 45.2% of those residents practice out of state. Key Provisions This bill addresses burdensome regulations that prevent physicians from providing care in Texas. Additionally, this bill requires the Texas Medical Board to create pathways for new physicians to enter the market and serve Texans through the following ways: (1) remove residency requirements for qualified international physicians; (2) utilize trained military veteran physicians by establishing a long-term licensure pathway; and (3) provide access to training and primary practice for medical school graduates who do not receive a residency match. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 498: Interstate Counseling Compact: Admits Texas into the Interstate Counseling Compact to expedite licensing, provide continuity of care, and improve access to mental health services. Background As of July 2024, 246 of Texas 254 counties are designated as federal mental health professional shortage areas. Over the previous two sessions, the legislature has prioritized mental health funding, with new facilities planned for West Texas, including the Amarillo State Hospital and the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center. Addressing workforce shortages is critical, as 145 counties have fewer than 10 Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), and 29 counties have none. LPCs are projected to comprise 72% of Texas clinical mental health workforce, and Texas is currently one of 13 states not part of the Interstate Counseling Compact. Key Provisions This bill would allow Texas to join the Interstate Licensed Professional Counselors Compact, expediting licensure for LPCs, aiding military families, improving access to care, expanding service areas, and ensuring continuity of care. The Compact, governed by a commission of member states, will begin issuing privileges in Spring 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 471: Expanding Telehealth Access: Allows Texas residents to utilize out-of-state telehealth providers to grow marketplace competition and improve access to telehealth workforce. Background COVID-19 provided nationwide temporary emergency exemptions for various medical rules and requirements, one of which was interstate telehealth. As the pandemic faded, many states reverted to previous policies on telehealth for out-of-state services. Texas continues to face primary care workforce shortages with the Texas Health Professions Resources Center stating 32 counties have no primary care physicians as of 2021, along with major population growth since that time. Other states have removed the telehealth barrier policy, such as Florida, which in 2023 approved around 14,000 out-of-state providers and within the first two and half years saw no cases that have resulted in disciplinary action. Key Provisions This bill would allow out-of-state health professionals to provide telehealth services to Texans. The health professional would need to hold a current and unrestricted license, register with the state, and not be or been subject to a disciplinary proceeding. Additionally, the health professional is subject to required insurance coverage, state court lawsuits, and licensure agency investigation, if necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 469: Mental Health Training Reimbursements: Provides mental healthcare professional reimbursements for training to incentivize increased workforce interest in need of growing mental health demands. Background In November 2024, the Texas Health Professions Research Center issued the 2022-203 Behavioral Health Supply and Demand Projection, detailing mental health workforce shortages. Demand in the report argue by 2036, the behavioral health workforce supply is projected to increase by 49% while demand is projected to grow by 73%. Additionally, between 2022 and 2036, the statewide supply of behavioral health care providers is projected to not meet demand. Based on these projections, 27.6% of the projected demand for behavioral health providers in 2036 will not be met. The median providers per 100,000 residents ratio for rural counties is less than half that of non-rural ones, indicating rural areas have fewer services even when accounting for population differences while a total of 13 rural counties have no providers at all. Key Provisions This bill would expand the range of providers eligible to perform medical assistance services, such as licensed marriage and family therapist associates, licensed master social workers, and licensed professional counselor associates to receive Medicaid reimbursement while under clinical supervision. It allows recipients of medical assistance to these professionals working toward full licensure to provide covered services, provided they are legally authorized to do so. Additionally, the bill also establishes reimbursement to these providers at 50% of the rate for licensed psychiatrists or psychologists and is capped at 3,000 hours or the required clinical practice hours for licensure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas healthcare workforce is in the midst of a crisis. This legislative package ensures that families in West Texas and beyond have the healthcare professionals they need, said Senator Sparks. West Texas is home to some of the hardest-working people in the state, but too many families face challenges accessing the healthcare required to live. This legislative package is a bold step toward ensuring every Texan has access to skilled, compassionate care. By reducing regulations for physicians, expanding telehealth, and removing barriers for mental health professionals, we can build a stronger healthcare workforce and a healthier future for our communities both in Senate District 31 and across the great state of Texas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. North Korea is preparing to send more troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine, even after incurring significant losses, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) warned on Jan. 24, according to the Yonhap news agency. North Korean troops were deployed to Kursk Oblast last fall to support Russian forces in countering a Ukrainian incursion launched in early August 2024. Ukrainian forces have continued fighting in the region, hoping to leverage their positions for potential negotiations. "With around four months having passed since the deployment of troops to the war between Russia and Ukraine, (North Korea) is assumed to be accelerating preparations for additional measures and deployment amid multiple casualties and occurrence of prisoners," the statement read, according to Yonhap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, said previously that Pyongyang is reportedly preparing reinforcements, mainly gun and rocket artillery units, to participate in the war in Ukraine. The New York Times reported that according to an undisclosed U.S. official, fresh North Korean troops could arrive within two months. North Korea is also expected to send Russia 150 short-range KN-23 ballistic missiles in 2025, according to Budanov. Experts interviewed by the Kyiv Independent connected North Koreas high casualty rates to a lack of experience with modern warfare, the "human wave" tactics employed against entrenched Ukrainian positions, and the resolve of North Korean troops to avoid capture, even at the cost of their own lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only two North Korean soldiers are in Ukrainian captivity since Pyongyang deployed its troops in Kursk Oblast last fall. Read also: Ukrainian soldiers near Velyka Novosilka at risk of encirclement, spokesperson says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Sen. Jonathan Dismang (center), R-Searcy, presents a bill to the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. To the left of Dismang is James Welborn, Assistant Vice President of Pharmacy Services at St. Bernards Healthcare in Jonesboro. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate) Arkansas lawmakers continued to ease into their work during the second week of the 2025 legislative session. State offices were closed Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Some of Arkansas elected officials took advantage of the break to travel to Washington for inauguration festivities, including Rep. Mindy McAlindon, R-Centerton, Attorney General Tim Griffin and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanders, who served as President Donald Trumps press secretary from 2017 to 2019, delivered a speech at an event following the inauguration Monday. The wait is over, we now have a fighter back at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and I could not be more excited, she said. 1) Bill revisions On Tuesday, Arkansas lawmakers returned to the state Capitol in Little Rock where some committees continued hosting organizational meetings while others began considering bills. This early in the session, lawmakers are more likely to receive lots of questions from colleagues and pull a bill for revisions. This was the case in the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday where Rep. Chad Puryear, R-Hindsville, pulled his bill to regulate liability for youth shooting events after committee members raised concerns about the bills necessity, a lack of recourse for possible victims, vagueness regarding for-profit or nonprofit shooting ranges and youth being omitted from the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other bills that were pulled for edits include a bill to provide a free lifetime hunting and fishing license to a commercial truck driver who provides information related to human trafficking, a bill to create a joint committee on military and veterans affairs and a bill that would require public schools to teach the perils of communism and autocratic governments and reinforce the United States successful model as a constitutional republic. 2) Hospital pharmacies Among the handful of bills that received a vote by a committee this week, the only one to fail was Senate Bill 58, which the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee narrowly defeated Wednesday. Sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, the proposed law would have allowed nonprofit hospitals to hold a retail pharmacy permit. Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, listens to testimony during a public health committee meeting on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate) Arkansas is the only state that prohibits nonprofit, tax-exempt or government-funded hospitals from holding or acquiring interest in retail pharmacies. Supporters of the legislation said it would improve patients access to medication because hospital pharmacies, which can be open 24/7, have access to specialized drugs that might be too expensive for independent pharmacies to stock. Opponents argued rural pharmacies struggling financially could be forced to shutter due to competition from hospitals in-house pharmacies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bills in eight-member committees need five affirmative votes to pass. Four senators voted for the bill and three voted against it. Sen. Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville, did not vote. Failed bills can be reworked and brought back to committee, but Dismang said he did not intend to amend his bill. 3) Child abuse Shortly after an appeals court heard arguments Wednesday morning in a case challenging the legislatures authority to revive old child sexual abuse cases, Sen. David Wallace, R-Leachville, introduced a bill to protect funds allocated to victims. Sen. David Wallace, R-Leachville, presents a bill to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 22, 2025. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate) Senate Bill 13, which received approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday, would protect nationally allocated funds for more than 500 victims of child abuse in Arkansas. Wallace was the sponsor of a 2021 bill that allowed adult survivors of child sexual abuse to take action against a perpetrator until they were 55 years old. It also removed the statute of limitations for those cases and allowed adult survivors to take civil action during a two-year window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law was amended in 2023 to remove the age limit and move the deadline to file claims through February 2026. Whether state lawmakers have the authority to remove that statute of limitations is being considered by the Arkansas Court of Appeals. The full Senate approved SB 13 on Thursday, and it now heads to a House committee. 4) New bills Arkansas lawmakers continued filing dozens of new bills this week including: House Bill 1180 by Rep. Mary Bentley, R-Perryville, would require public schools to incorporate a human growth and development discussion into an existing health and safety course beginning no later than fifth grade. The discussion must include a high-definition ultrasound and a video from Live Action, an anti-abortion nonprofit, that depicts fertilization and stages of in-utero development. Sex education is not required in Arkansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 1190 by Rep. DeAnn Vaught, R-Horatio, would create an income tax credit for public school teachers on the first $50,000 of their wages. Lawmakers increased the states minimum teacher salary from $36,000 to $50,000 in 2023. Senate Bill 84 by Sen. Blake Johnson, R-Corning, would prohibit a moratorium on the issuance of permits in watersheds and other bodies of water. The bill notes that a moratorium that exists in the Buffalo River Watershed would not be enforceable after the effective date of the act. Senate Bill 91 by Sen. Clint Penzo, R-Springdale, would prevent local governments from regulating the amount charged for a rental application fee or rental deposit for a private residential or commercial property. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Seton Hall University is vigorously defending its new president after POLITICO reported he was implicated in a secret report on sexual abuse. The findings about Monsignor Joseph Reilly prompted calls for his resignation in recent weeks from state lawmakers, and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy urged the Catholic university to release its internal report on Reilly. But in a university-wide email on Thursday, the chair of Seton Hall's Board of Regents said the university's governing board "continues to stand by" its president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Recent news stories have falsely and unfairly portrayed him," Board of Regents Chair Hank D'Alessandro said. Seton Hall did not respond to a message asking what specific news stories were false. It has also not sought a correction to POLITICO's reporting. Reilly was not accused of abuse himself. But investigators in 2019 recommended, pursuant to a responsive action plan the schools governing body adopted, that Reilly be removed as a seminary leader and member of university boards, according to interviews and documents previously reviewed by POLITICO. The university hired two law firms in 2018 to review the influence and actions of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was the archbishop of Newark before being named to lead the diocese in Washington, D.C. That followed decades of allegations that he had sexually abused children and seminarians. Since then, he has faced allegations across multiple states, and was stripped of his ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vatican issued a 449-page report in 2020 that faulted multiple church leaders, including former Pope John Paul II, for allowing McCarrick to rise to the top rungs of Catholicism. Hes the first cardinal to be laicized or removed from the priesthood for sex crimes. Investigators hired by Seton Hall presented their findings verbally to the university Board of Regents in August 2019 and followed up that September with a written memo, which was reviewed by POLITICO. It said that Reilly, a former secretary for McCarrick, once went to McCarricks beach house but because he had heard rumors of the archbishop sharing a bed with seminarians made sure he stayed in a downstairs bedroom. The memo also said Reilly made sure seminarians didnt visit the beach house alone. Reilly became rector of the universitys College Seminary at St. Andrews Hall in 2002 and then, in 2012, rector and dean of Seton Halls Immaculate Conception Seminary, a high-ranking position that oversees the preparation of men for priesthood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That year, he investigated a student complaint of sexual assault in house and did not report it or follow the school and federal Title IX policies and procedures, according to the memo. It said the seminarian who was accused of the abuse was dismissed, but the university was not alerted to issues that led to his departure and he continued as a student. The memo also said Reilly dismissed a seminarian in 2012 who was an alleged victim of sexual abuse without investigating the incident or escalating the matter, a violation of university policy. A Responsive Action Plan, which the university approved in August 2019, said any employee or board member with knowledge of sexual misconduct claims involving ICS seminarians could not continue to serve on any board or any leadership position if they had failed to report the conduct or take other actions required under the schools sexual harassment policies. After the memo was issued, the university formed a special task force committee to carry out disciplinary actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his statement, D'Alessandro said the board "reviewed the findings, and with the University, approved the implementation of personnel changes and improvements to the Seminary." After that, he said the board "enthusiastically supported Monsignor Reilly." Reilly took a yearlong sabbatical in 2022 and returned in 2023 as a vice provost. "The Board has stood by and continues to stand by Monsignor and trusts his proven record of effective leadership. He is a faithful servant and the right person to lead Seton Hall," D'Alessandro said. "As the Seton Hall motto says, Hazard Zet Forward, and so we shall move forward under his leadership," he said. "I look forward to Monsignor Joseph Reilly leading our beloved University for many years to come." Zaporizhzhia hospitals are treating 17 people who were injured during the Russian attack on the city on the morning of 23 January. Source: Ivan Fedorov, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration Quote: "There are still 17 people in hospital who were wounded in the enemy attack on Zaporizhzhia on 23 January. Doctors have assessed their condition as moderate." Details: Fedorov noted that 37 of those who sustained injuries are receiving outpatient treatment. Among them is a two-month-old boy who was discharged the night before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On the evening of 22 January, the Russians attacked Zaporizhzhia, which resulted in a fire. On the early morning of 23 January, the Russians attacked Zaporizhzhia again, and at least four explosions rang out, killing a man and injuring 51 people, including a two-month-old baby. Support UP or become our patron! NAVASOTA, Texas (FOX 44) The procession with Sgt. Mark Allen Butler has arrived in Navasota. You can see our coverage in the video above. This comes after the procession left Navasota on Friday morning and arrived for the funeral. The procession left the funeral early Friday afternoon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. COLLEGE STATION, Texas (FOX 44) The funeral service for Sgt. Mark Allen Butler has ended. The procession with him has left College Station for Navasota. You can see our coverage in the video above. This comes after the procession left Navasota on Friday morning and arrived for the funeral. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. Shanghai is exploring the possibility of allowing businesses in certain areas to bypass the country's Great Firewall and access internet sites overseas, as Beijing ramps up efforts to attract more foreign investment in 2025. Although China's rigid internet regulations have kept many foreign platforms, from Google to Facebook, out of reach without using a virtual private network, some jurisdictions - including officially designated "free trade zones" - are trying to poke holes in the firewall to woo overseas businesses. Shanghai's municipal government is considering a proposal that would give businesses in the Lingang New Area, part of the city's free-trade zone in Pudong district, and those in Hongqiao district, direct access to overseas websites. 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. According to a policy document released earlier this month, Shanghai said it would "support the convenience of enterprises in the business district to access the international internet" and "upgrade the dedicated channel for international internet" in Hongqiao. The measures were aimed at making the Hongqiao International Central Business District - a subarea west of the city which covers the Hongqiao International Airport and a number of business hubs - into a centre for international trade. An aerial view of the Tesla Gigafactory in Shanghai's Lingang New Area, September 26, 2023. Photo: AP alt=An aerial view of the Tesla Gigafactory in Shanghai's Lingang New Area, September 26, 2023. Photo: AP> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar plan is being considered for Lingang New Area to facilitate cross-border data transfers for companies in the zone, including US electric car giant Tesla. However, it remains unclear when direct access to the international internet would be allowed. If implemented, businesses can "bypass various channels" and "access the international internet through a direct channel", which speeds up their web browsing, Ding Botao, deputy director at the Information Research Institute of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, told Chinese media earlier this month. Shanghai is not alone in such efforts. Several other jurisdictions, including Nansha district in Guangzhou, are implementing fast track cross-border data transfers with Hong Kong and Macau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The push by local governments for easier access to overseas websites and improved cross-border data flows comes as China is trying to boost foreign investment inflows to counter a trend that has seen its tech industry increasingly become "decoupled" from the rest of the world. The Ministry of Commerce, the body in charge of attracting foreign investment, said China has removed all obstacles for foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, and that the country is looking to ease restrictions on trade in services to lure capital inflows. Foreign direct investment in mainland China that was "in actual use" last year fell 27.1 per cent year on year to 826.25 billion yuan (US$112.8 billion), according to official data. Ministry spokesman He Yadong said at a press conference on Thursday that China would "steadily advance the opening-up of the service industry and promote the expansion of pilot projects" in the fields of telecommunications, healthcare and education. 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. TOPEKA (KSNT) Some Shawnee County homeowners are dealing with possible identity theft after someone burglarized the drop box at the courthouse. Shawnee County Treasurer Larry Mah told the county commissioners he discovered the theft. Sheriffs deputies were able to recover seven stolen property tax checks. The treasurers office notified some of the victims. However, those victims now need to take extra precautions, like opening new bank accounts, to secure their personal information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Topeka groups conduct Point in Time homeless count, TRM expects uptick If you think you were involved in that, you need to contact us, Mah said. But we will ask for proof that one that you have stopped payment on your check for you will incur that cost on your own, but also some proof that you did write the check in that time period. Mah said the theft happened on or around Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. If thats when you dropped off a payment, you may also be a victim. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. While it seems likely that the lions share of President Donald Trumps Cabinet nominees are going to sail through their confirmation hearings, the fortunes of three of his picksSecretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence prospect Tulsi Gabbard, and would-be Department of Health and Human Services head Robert F. Kennedy Jr.remain somewhat cloudy. Hegseth, of late, has emerged as the likeliest of the three to get over the line. But according to a fresh report from Talking Points Memos Josh Marshall, another may be edging closer: Kennedy Jr. And the reason RFKs chances have slightly improved have nothing to do with the nominee sanding down his fringe ideas about vaccines and modern medicine, and everything to do with the fact that Rhode Island Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse, while not confirmed as voting for Kennedy nevertheless appears to be actively considering it. Naturally, the reasons why, given the high stakes, are both indescribably stupid and yet very typical of the way Washington works. As Marshall reports: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im told that there appear to be two reasons: One is that Whitehouse and Kennedy are personal friends. They were law school roommates at UVA and that seems to have been the beginning of a lifelong friendship. There are also specific issues with Rhode Islands health care system that apparently need regulatory flexibility from HHS. That seems to be a real issue. But it hasnt been enough of an issue to shift the states senior senator, Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), who remains firmly opposed to Kennedys nomination. Why would it matter if Whitehouse bucks common sense and votes to install RFK in Trumps Cabinet? As Marshall points out, support for Kennedy among Republican senators is fluid for all the reasons you might expect (not everyone wants to see long-conquered childhood diseases make a comeback in this, the twenty-first century). But Whitehouses support may go a long way toward providing some of the fence-sitters some political cover to back Trumps man. While there is something so quintessentially American about millions of ordinary people potentially suffering from myriad public health crises because one rich old boy wanted to do a solid for his University of Virginia Law School roommate, it is to be hoped that someone in Democratic leadership sorts this matter out tout de suite. SHERWOOD, Ark. Officials with the Sherwood Police Department said they are searching for a man that went missing two weeks ago. According to a post on social media, officers are searching for 74-year-old Terrance Barnhill who they said was last seen on or around Jan. 9. Police said Terrance was last seen wearing blue jeans, gray jacket, white shoes, glasses and a dark blue hat and was seen leaving in his silver 2010 Nissan Altima with Arkansas license plate number 560 YXC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said that Terrance suffers from blood pressure problems and possibly has dementia. Anyone with information on Terrances whereabouts is asked to contact the Sherwood Police Department at 501-835-1425. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ODESSA/MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Odessa Links, a non-profit hub that works to refer information to help provide unhoused Odessans with resources, advocacy, and opportunities, is working to gather statistics on just how many individuals are impacted by homelessness in the area by going out and taking surveys. From 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Thursday, January 23, volunteers with Odessa Links worked to conduct its annual Point-in-Time Count. That count, according to Jesus Gomez, the Homeless Community Coordinator at Odessa Links, collects vital data that provides the community with a better understanding of homelessness in Odessa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Texas Homeless Network, which collects data from all over the area, shows that last year, a total of 135 people were homeless in Odessa in 2024. The survey lists a series of questions to get an in-depth look at the problems unhoused Odessans face. The PIT survey last year showed that out of the 135 unhoused Odessans, 7 of them were veterans, 24 of them were under the age of 18, and 14 of them were chronically homeless. You can find the 2024 Ector County report, here. The Midland County report showed that there were a total of 341 people who experienced homelessness in 2024. You can find the 2024 Midland County report here. Every community has their own level of impact of homelessness, and so based on that is how they determine what the needs are, Gomez said. Whether it be mental health, whether it be their veterans, it be families, whatever the case may be, every community is different. And so they use that data to be able to determine how and what needs to be done to help out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jesus Gomez, Homeless Community Coordinator at Odessa Links gave a more in-depth look at how the count is operated and what it provides. You can hear that by watching the video below: Gomez said that while the data collected identifies some of the causes of homelessness, there is no objective pattern or main cause for those who are unhoused in the Basin. I wouldnt be able to pinpoint it as regards to an objective pattern Gomez said. Theres so much context that has led them to be in that position, whether it be, you know, the loss of a job or even the loss of a family member. Sometimes its a medical issue that has caused them to fall behind on their everyday expenses that now they werent able to afford to pay rent or their house or whatever the case may beEvery experience is different Gomez also shared a message to the community about certain stereotypes attributed to homelessness and asked people to seek understanding, before judgment. You can watch his message here: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gomez said that once the numbers are collected, they will later be added to the database, which will be available once it is released by the Texas Homeless Network. And according to the Texas Homeless Network, the number of unhoused Texans has continued to rise. As those numbers rise, data collection and analysis have remained vital. To learn more about Odessa Links, visit this website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. German politicians reacted with shock on Friday after opposition leader Friedrich Merz opened the door to cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on migration reform after an Afghan man was held in connection with a deadly knife attack. German mainstream parties have previously gone to great lengths to avoid passing legislation while relying on votes from the far-right party, a stance known as the "firewall." However, Merz said in Berlin that his conservative parliamentary group, made up of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), will table motions next week in the German parliament and aim to get them approved "regardless of who agrees with them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz, the favourite to become Germany's next chancellor, has repeatedly ruled out cooperating with the AfD, who are polling second behind his bloc ahead of elections on February 23. The attack in the southern city of Aschaffenburg on Wednesday - the latest in a series of similar incidents - could prove a turning point. The suspect in the attack, in which two people died, is a 28-year-old Afghan national who was due to be deported. Merz on Thursday demanded broad reforms to German migration policy, including a major increase in deportations and the closure of borders to migrants - including those entitled to protection under EU law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Migration has become an increasingly important theme in the election campaign, with one poll by a public broadcaster earlier this month showing that it had overtaken the economy as the biggest concern of voters. The survey was carried out just weeks after an attack on a Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg that left 6 people dead, carried out by a Saudi national. The measures proposed by Merz could attract support from the AfD, and any motion passing in the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, with AfD support would represent an unprecedented step. "Anyone who wants to vote in favour of these motions should do so, and anyone who rejects them should reject them," said Merz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't look to the right or the left; I only look straight ahead on these issues," he added. Merz maintained nevertheless that his policy was clear: "We do not work with this party. We will not enter into a government with them." However, his comments have caused consternation in Germany, with Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck from the Greens telling dpa that Merz "cannot break his word" on rejecting cooperation with the AfD. Matthias Miersch, the general secretary of the centre-left Social Democrats, told dpa that "a political dam is about to break." A survey released on Friday showed that a clear majority of Germans support the firewall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Politbarometer study, by the Forschungsgruppe Wahlen (Election Research Group) organization for public broadcaster ZDF, found that 65% of respondents are in favour of the stance. The CDU/CSU bloc combined with the AfD would fall short of a majority in the current Bundestag. But a motion could achieve the necessary 367 votes with additional support from the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) and the anti-immigration Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance. Both parties have called on Interior Minister Nancy Faeser to resign over the attack in Aschaffenburg. Friedrich Merz, Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) and chancellor candidate, takes part in a tour of the halls at Green Week. Hannes P. Albert/dpa CALCUTTA, Ohio (WKBN) As a local community wrestles with tragedy following a shooting in Columbiana County that left a child dead, an officer wounded and the suspect shot and killed, another local community is relating to the grief. In 2017, the Girard Police Department lost Officer Justin Leo. He was killed in the line of duty, and when the authorities heard the news that St. Clair Township officer Dakota Wetzel was shot in the Columbiana County incident, it brought back memories of that painful day. Girard Police Chief John Norman still has vivid memories of the night of October 21, 2017 when Leo was killed. And when he learned St. Clair Township detective Dakota Wetzel had been shot in the line of duty those memories came rushing back. My thought was is he okay? Is he going to make it. But it brought me back to that night when Justin was shot, Norman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven years ago officer Justin Leo was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call. Detective Wetzel was responding to a report of a suicidal man. But calls like those are becoming more common in police work. I really put it on par now with domestic violence where youre going into a situation where someone is having a mental health crisis and you want to be sympathetic empathetic to them. But you always have to have in the back of your mind safety, Norman said. Norman says Crisis Intervention Training is incorporated into their preparation, and officers utilize de-escalation techniques to try and resolve the conflict peacefully. What not to say as much as what to say. Try to be empathetic to them. Listen to them. Thats important, listening to them, Norman said. Since officer Leos passing, Chief Norman has been at the forefront of supporting departments who lose an officer in the line of duty, knowing the devastation that it can cause to a department and a community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont even know how to describe that. It was like we all walked around for weeks in a daze. We were talking to him on Friday and Saturday hes not here, Norman said. He says that support and sympathy are two of the biggest ways they can help when an officer is killed in action. Its comfort that many departments around the country offered them for Officer Leo and now they continue to pay it forward. No matter if you have 30,000 cops or 30 cops. Were all the same. Were all in that profession where I get up in the morning, I might not go home at night, Norman said. You find a ssense of that family and it was just a big comfort knowing that people across the country are supporting us. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) A Shreveport man will spend 40 years in prison at hard labor for groping two girls and asking them for sex. In Caddo District Court on January 23, 2025, 26-year-old Dustin Metcalf pleaded guilty to two separate sex crimes. CPSO continues search for Vivian woman missing since 2020 Metcalf pleaded guilty to sexual battery of a victim under age 13 and to indecent behavior with a juvenile under 13. He was sentenced to 10 years of hard labor for grabbing a 12-year-old victims breast and buttocks and propositioning her for sex in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Caddo Parish District Attorneys Office, between 2021 and 2024, Metcalf touched the genitals of a different girl who was under the age of 12 and also propositioned her for sex. He was sentenced to 30 years of hard labor for this crime. The sentences are to run consecutively, meaning Metcalf will be in prison for 40 years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. Karon Hylton-Browns only crime was driving a scooter on the sidewalk without a helmet. A 20-year-old Black man in Washington, D.C., he was spotted by police on the evening of October 23, 2020, and an illegal chase ensued in which one cop, Officer Terence Sutton, trailed him in an unmarked car while a supervisor, Lt. Andrew Zabavsky, drove on parallel streets in a marked car. Hylton-Brown exited an alleyway and crashed into an SUV, killing him. Sutton and Zabavsky, who violated department policy and D.C. law by pursuing Hylton-Brown for a traffic violation, later tried to cover up their actions. The former was charged with second-degree murder, and both were charged with conspiracy and obstructing justice; they were found guilty and sentenced to five and a half years and four years, respectively. To many, in the wake of the George Floyd protests, the outcome showed that the justice systemwhen applied correctlycould indeed hold police accountable for the deaths they cause. But on Wednesday, with the stroke of a pen, Donald Trump wiped away the D.C. cops convictions. Its one of many actions the president has taken since his inauguration on Monday that convey, to select groups of Americans, that they can behave with impunity. Police can kill young Black men. MAGA fanatics can attack government buildings. Men can objectify their female co-workers and abuse their wives. Employers can refuse to accept trans people. You can even be a drug kingpin who solicits murder for hirejust as long as youre also a hero to the crypto-libertarian crowd. In the police case above, Trump took the side of white cops. But two days earlier, he showed a somewhat different allegiance, pardoning nearly 1,600 January 6 riotersincluding 89 people whod pleaded guilty to felony assault of an officer and another 76 found guilty of assaulting, resisting, and obstructing officers during the attack. One was Julian Khater, who used bear spray against Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died from two strokes the next day. Others included D.J. Rodriguez, who attacked Officer Michael Fanone with a stun gun; Steven Chase Randolph, who assaulted Officer Caroline Edwards with a crowd-control barrier; and Proud Boy Enrique Tarrio and Oath Keeper Stewart Rhodes, the lead organizers of the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contrast reveals a pattern. Trumps compassionif it can be called thatseems only to extend to those who are part of the aggrieved, pro-MAGA class. To the right wing, Sutton and Zabavsky were victims of a nationwide postGeorge Floyd crusade against police that made it impossible for officers to do their jobs. (Hylton-Browns death led to heated protests at a local police station.) During the 2024 campaign, Trump spoke frequently about providing police officers with greater immunity, despite the fact that theyre already largely indemnified from civil suits, with one study finding that accused officers only had to pay 0.02 percent of payments received by plaintiffs in civil suits. Americans, by and large, oppose qualified immunity for officers: A Cato/YouGov poll from 2020 found 63 percent want to eliminate it. As for immunity from criminal charges, cops are almost never charged with murder even when the evidence against them is overwhelming. Yet Trump is willing to take the side of police who violate rights over the citizens whose rights have been violated. Hes also intent on molding these transgressions into stories that suit his grand (and false) narratives. Right before pardoning Sutton and Zabavsky, Trump claimed that the two had been locked up because they went after an illegal and something went wrong, though a lawyer for the mother of Hylton-Browns child made clear that he was a 100 percent American-born young Black man. Trumps use of the passive voice is also revealing, subtly blaming the victim for his own death while absolving the two officers. Its not unlike his efforts to rewrite the events of January 6, 2021, which, in his telling, was not a violent coup but a patriotic day of love to protest an election that was stolen from him. Here, again, the victimswho, in this case, included everyone who works in Congress but also American democracy itselfare portrayed as the real criminals. And so it goes with Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, which was an online black market through which $200 million of illicit drugs were sold. Prosecutors called Ulbricht the kingpin of a worldwide digital drug-trafficking enterpriseall transactions were done in bitcoinand also accused him of attempting to hire contract killers in six separate incidents, none of which panned out. He was serving two life sentences plus 40 years, but Trump, fulfilling a campaign promise hed made to the Libertarian Party, pardoned Ulbricht and portrayed the FBI agents and prosecutors as the real villainsscum, as he put it. To Trump, these were the same people involved in the modern-day weaponization of government against me. LGBTQ+ people are useful to Trump in a much different way: as scapegoats. Following the Project 2025 playbook, which asserts that transgender people do not exist, Trump issued an executive order that defies both logic and biology, purposely conflating sex and gender and ordering all federal agencies to list only two sexes, male or female, and eliminating the X option on passports that allowed transgender people to protect themselves. Now these people will be forced to declare themselves the gender they were labeled at birth, which could cause massive legal problems and put them in danger. The order also seeks to override the Prison Rape Elimination Acts protections for over 2,000 transgender federal prisoners, demanding that those who identify as female be housed with males, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump did make sure to protect some people with this order, however: heterosexual conservatives who wish to assert their discriminatory views. The order included this Orwellian statement: The Attorney General shall issue guidance to ensure the freedom to express the binary nature of sex and the right to single-sex spaces in workplaces and federally funded entities covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. So transgender people are not allowed to call themselves the gender they identify with, but people wishing to express the binary view of genderthough it goes against sciencewill be free to do so without any fear of repercussions. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, of course, sought to protect minority groups from the majority, not the other way around. Typical of Trumps upside-down worldview, the order paints transgender peoplewho are more vulnerable to violence than almost anyone else in our societyas predators, and imagines victimhood where none exists. Titled Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, it states, My Administration will defend womens rights and protect freedom of conscience by using clear and accurate language and policies that recognize women are biologically female, and men are biologically male. Trump, a proven misogynist who has been accused of sexual assault by more than two dozen women, and whom a jury has found liable for sexual abuse, is now claiming to be the protector of women against transgender people. Of course, theres no evidence that transgender people are a threat to women; the biggest threat to women, as we all know, is men. Which brings us to Trumps pick for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, who has been accused of sexual assault, marital abuse, and alcoholism. A police report from 2017 shows that a woman accused Hegseth of sexually assaulting her in a California hotel room. (He denies the accusation, and settled with his accuser in 2023.) Earlier this week, his ex-sister-in-law told senators that her sister, who was Hegseths second wife, feared for her safety and had a code word to use with people close to her if she felt she needed to get away from Hegseth. Last month, The New Yorkers Jane Meyer revealed that a whistleblower report on Hegseth, pertaining to his tenure as president of Concerned Veterans for America, states that, at one point, Hegseth had to be restrained while drunk from joining the dancers on the stage of a Louisiana strip club, where he had brought his team. The report also says that Hegseth, who was married at the time, and other members of his management team sexually pursued the organizations female staffers, whom they divided into two groupsthe party girls and the not party girls. It doesnt take a stretch of the imagination to understand what Trump sees in Hegseth: a fellow traveler in the brotherhood of pussy-grabbers. All the braying from Democrats about Hegseths inexperience, history of inebriation, and low opinion of women is just the product of the woke mind virus. Hegseth, see, is the actual victim herethe one in need of Trumps protection. By nominating him for one of the governments most important, powerful positions, Trump is sending the message that over the next four years this type of behavior will be tolerated, perhaps even celebratedbut certainly not punished. Its a message that MAGA America undoubtedly hears loud and clear: impunity for we, and none for thee. The founder of Silk Road, a site on the dark web for selling drugs and other contraband items, has called President Donald Trump a man of his word after he was pardoned this week. Trump pardoned Ross Ulbricht on Tuesday, releasing him from a life sentence just 11 years in. A jury convicted the now-40-year-old in February 2015 of seven counts, including conspiracy and money laundering, related to his role in running the marketplace. Ulbricht was handed a double life sentence plus 40 years. He was imprisoned in Arizona. Last night, Donald Trump granted me a full pardon, Ulbricht said in a video posted to X Thursday. I was doing life without parole and I was locked up for more than 11 years. But he let me out. Im a free man now. So let it be known that Donald Trump is a man of his word. Ross Ulbricht speaks in a video on X thanking President Donald Trump for pardoning him (Ross Ulbricht/X) I am so, so grateful to have my life back, to have my future back, to have this second chance, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is such an important moment for me and for my whole family. Its an important moment for everybody whos been working for this for years. This is a victory, and its your victory too. Trump said he called Ulbrichts mother on Monday to tell her he would be freed. Ross Ulbricht, pictured in 2015, was released from prison this week after President Donald Trump pardoned him (via REUTERS) It was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern-day weaponization of government against me. Ulbricht, known by the pseudonym Dread Pirate Roberts, founded Silk Road in 2011. Its services were available globally and could be accessed via a Tor browser, which protects users anonymity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors argued more than $200m in drug deals had taken place on Ulbrichts site. They also claimed had solicited six murders-for-hire, including one against a former Silk Road employee but later said they had found no evidence the targets were killed. Trump had promised to free Ulbricht while speaking at the Libertarian Party National Convention last year. Members of the Libertarian Party have long advocated for his release. Ulbrichts attorney Brandon Sample said the 40-year-old is deeply and eternally grateful to be free. This decision offers Ross the opportunity to begin anew, to rebuild his life, and to contribute positively to society, Sample told The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ulbricht isnt the only one Trump freed from prison. The President also pardoned some 1,500 people convicted of crimes related to their roles in the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol. Among them was Enrique Tarrio, a former leader of Proud Boys, an all-male organization that describes itself as Western chauvinists. Tarrio was serving a 22-year sentence after being convicted of seditious conspiracy and other charges related to the Capitol riots. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A mental health counselor in Sioux City could be facing prison time after pleading guilty to theft in connection with allegations of her fraudulently billing insurance. On Jan. 13, 2025, Amy Hecht, 40, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, a felony. As punishment, she may have to serve up to five years in prison and pay a $10,245 fine. Sioux City PD maintains it wont inquire about immigration status as matter of policy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hecht was a licensed mental health counselor and the owner of Foundations Mental Health Center in Sioux City. Following a joint investigation, officials reported that Hecht allegedly provided false medical codes on patients bills to provide additional reimbursement she was not entitled to. Court documents state that Hecht frequently used a specific billing code for additional needs or work or complications occur during treatment for a patient. Employees noticed the code being added to their treatment notes and the billing even though they never added the code themselves. The code was allegedly used fraudulently 218 times between 13 patients, resulting in Hecht fraudulently receiving $5,372.50 from the insurance agency Blue Cross Blue Shield. Investigators also found 261 false entries into patients medical records between Aug. 10, 2021 and Nov. 8, 2023. This resulted in $1,062.12 being paid to Hecht through Medicaid. When confronted, Hecht admitted that officials were not far off in their belief that they would find more records of her adding the code to patient billing and documentation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa State student arrested for allegedly soliciting creepshot pics Hecht was originally charged with twelve counts of fraudulent submission, one count of second-degree theft, one count of third-degree fraudulent practice, and tampering with records. All of these charges except for the theft charge were dropped as part of her plea agreement. No date has been set yet for a sentencing hearing. Tosin Ehikioya 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Officials with the City of Sioux City are continuing to target bridge improvements as part of the upcoming fiscal year 2025 bridge overlays project. The proposed project would include overlaying the bridge decks and substructure repairs on the Floyd Boulevard Bridge over 3rd Street and Railroad, along with the 4th Street Bridge over the railroad. City officials say they expect to work on these bridge consecutively, meaning one bridge will be completed at a time. Spencer CSD receiving $1.7M for flood recovery, Rep. Feenstra says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So were at a point, if we do it now itll last a lot longer than if we were to wait, civil engineer Katie Eickholt said. And in preparation for the Gordon Drive viaduct project, were trying to button up all of our bridges that may be taking additional traffic loads from that project. Construction work is planned to begin in April and finish by November. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) As the national conversation turns towards immigration enforcement and deportation, the Sioux City Police Department said it is aware that many residents might be feeling anxiety and uncertainty. The Sioux City PD said in a Thursday release that though the city isnt a sanctuary city, officers do not ask about immigration status as part of the departments policy and practice. The release added that officers do not not stop and detain residents only to determine their residency status. Sioux City man pleads guilty to child pornography charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To do so might convince crime victims and witnesses to remain silent or not cooperate with law enforcement officers out of fear. We would like to reinforce that any resident who is a victim or witness of a crime should not be afraid to contact our department, the release states. The police department said it values the residents trust in the department to avoid any fear and misunderstanding. The release adds that officers primary responsibility is to enforce Iowa state law and local ordinances, and that anyone who is a victim or witness of a crime shouldnt feel any fear to reach out to the police department. Local officers are not trained to enforce federal laws and it isnt their responsibility. The police department said that they will they will target any violent individuals who present a threat to any member of our community. They will also also work with federal authorities to appropriately charge and detain those individuals as outlined in our policies and according to Federal Law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Sioux City paramedic charged with involuntary manslaughter The police will continue to use common sense regardless of federal or state initiatives or policies as it follows the departments mission statement. It is critically important to us that our residents and non-residents feel safe in our community, and understand they have the protection and cooperation of the Sioux City Police Department, the release ends. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) Some of the worlds best track and field athletes make their way to Iowa to compete at the Drake Relays, and this years race is no exception for a familliar face in Siouxland. Sioux City native and eight-time Drake Relays champion Shelby Houlihan announced she will return to The Blue Oval for a chance to compete for a spot on Team USA. Houlihans four-year ban from track and field competition after testing positive for a steroid ended on January 13. Hey Des Moines! Im Shelby Houlihan from Sioux City, IowaDrake Relays champ and American record holder in the 1,500. I cant wait to be back on The Blue Oval in April and race for a spot on Team USA at the Grand Blue Mile, Houlihan said in a video posted to the Drake Relays official account on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Houlihan will compete in The Grand Blue Mile Events on Tuesday, April 22nd, according to Drake Relays Communications. For more information, click here. Image Courtesy: AP Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS SD (KELO) A 64-year-old Sioux Falls woman was scammed out of thousands of dollars to an unknown fraudster. Police spokesman Sam Clemens said a caller posing as the non-existent Sioux Falls Sheriffs office told the woman that she had warrants for crimes that she needed to pay. When the woman confronted the caller and told them she did not have enough money to give them, the scammers demanded more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missing bodies found in Akaska fishing accident The womans bank said they have seen similar scenarios, which means there could be more victims, Clemens said. Sometimes the caller ID or phone numbers are spoofs but appear legitimate, Clemens said. Get some information to verify who you are speaking to is legitimate, he said. Clemens said its difficult to know if the scam was a local caller. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EDITORS NOTE: The story has been corrected to state the correct age of the organization. We regret the error. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Siouxland CARES will be ending their operations after almost 40 years of service. According to an email from Siouxland CARES, theyll be shutting down in March, 38 years after they got their start. The release states that decision is being made based on changes to funding and changes in leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CARES stands for Community-wide Awareness, Resources, Education, Support, carrying the organizations mission in its name. Siouxland CARES hopes to continue their mission in the community even after the close down. Siouxland CARES has been involved in combating bullying in the community through their Kindness Connects Us project, and helping establish programs like Teen Court in Dakota County as well as programs such as the Sioux City Mayors Youth Commission and the SIoux City Young Ambassadors. Sioux City PD maintains it wont inquire about immigration status as matter of policy The work of Siouxland CARES has always been about the community, Siouxland CARES executive director Rachel Lundgren said. We are deeply grateful to our partners, volunteers, and the Siouxland community for their unwavering support over the past 38 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Siouxland CARES said that many of their initiatives will continue even after they are gonna including the Sioux City Mayors Youth Commission, Sioux City Young Ambassadors, Source For Siouxland Data Facilitation, Empower. Support. Protect., and Kindness Connects Us. The thanks the community for their support over the years and asks that anyone who has any memories they would like to share with the organization to contact them at siouxlandcaresdirector@gmail.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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. The Vasco A. Smith Jr. Administration Building, where Shelby County Commissioners meet downtown Memphis. ( Karen Pulfer Focht) A Shelby County resolution requiring developers who want to use future property tax revenues to pay for development to first complete culturally-competent community engagement may run afoul of constitutional equal protection guarantees, according to Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. Though the resolution contains no explicit race-based criteria for approval, Skrmetti stated in a written opinion issued in January that the resolutions mention of a focus on eliminating racial inequities and acknowledgment of historical and current discrimination and prejudice nonetheless contemplates the consideration of race in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District 7 Commissioner Henri E. Brooks spearheaded the resolution with the aim of including community engagement early in the process when developers apply for tax increment financing, a tool that allows local governments to pay for the redevelopment of blighted areas with future tax revenue. TIFs are based on the theory that improvements will raise property values in the area and thus increase property tax revenue, which can then be used to pay off the redevelopment bonds. Shelby County Commissioner Henri E. Brooks represents District 7. (Photo: Shelby County Board of Commissioners) Governments create TIFs on the theory that improvements will raise property values in the area. The higher values and new tax revenue are used to pay off the bonds issued as part of a TIF. Many cities in Tennessee use them, to varying degrees of success. While Tennessee law requires protections for low-income residents who are affected by this kind of development, they are often displaced from their neighborhoods during construction and unable to return to the more expensive housing options once development concludes, Brooks wrote in a Commercial Appeal opinion piece. All were doing here is including the public in the beginning of a development process, Brooks said during a May Shelby County Commission meeting. All were doing is making sure that the people who pay the bill for the tax incentive (are) informed, (are) included, (and are) educated about the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks could not be immediately reached for comment. The Shelby County Board of Commissioners voted 9-4 in May to adopt the new guidelines, which include requirements to notify community members in writing before a developer seeks TIF approval and the formation of a community advisory board made up of impacted community members. A project needs a two-thirds majority vote of approval from the community board before the developer can seek approval from the tax increment agency board. Skrmettis opinion takes no issue with those provisions but does highlight two requirements that raise the concern that the commission may consider race in its tax-increment-financing decisions. TIF applicants must include a list of minority- and women-owned firms associated with the development team and their percentage of ownership of the project in their letter of intent, according to the guidelines. Skrmetti wrote that TIF developers quarterly reports must include data on the number of minority-owned contractors involved in the project. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. (Photo: John Partipilo) Its not uncommon for local governments to require reporting on minority-owned businesses involvement in projects that rely on economic development incentives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits infringement on equal protection, including distinctions by race, unless a narrowly tailored racial classification serves a compelling government interest and meets strict scrutiny standards. At this stage there is nothing to indicate that the commission could justify the consideration of race in this context, Skrmettis opinion states. Shelby County is 54% Black, according to U.S. Census data. In 2023, Black residents of Shelby County had a 24.4% poverty rate, compared to 6.7% for non-Hispanic white residents, according to data compiled annually by the University of Memphis. Prior to its approval, the resolution received pushback from the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County and the Memphis and Shelby County Community Redevelopment Agency, quasi-governmental entities that review TIF applications. Each submitted letters to the Shelby County Commission, but neither sent representatives to attend the commissions final consideration of the resolution in May 2024. State Rep. Mark White, R-Memphis, requested the Attorney Generals review of the resolution. White represents District 83, which includes part of Shelby County. op25-002 (1) LETTERS: Only winner is the developer; we need to vote again Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said that Slovakia's national insurance company has suffered a "massive cyberattack" and claimed, without any evidence, that Ukraine was involved. Source: European Pravda with reference to Dennik N Details: At an emergency press conference on Friday, 24 January, Fico said the cyberattack had started at noon and was aimed at obtaining "confidential information about diagnoses". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "If successful, this would make it impossible to provide medical care in Slovakia. As of now, we are successfully repelling the attack, but we cannot fully assess what will happen in the next few minutes and hours," he added. The Slovak prime minister called the cyberattack "part of a textbook example of how disobedient governments that have a different view of certain things are eliminated" and claimed that Ukraine was responsible for it. According to Fico, "this activity is being carried out by opposition leaders, NGOs run by foreign states, foreign instructors and the media". Dennik N reported that in fact, the incident is not a cyberattack against Slovakia's national insurance company, but rather a phishing attack, i.e. an attempt to fraudulently obtain confidential information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On 22 January, Robert Fico claimed that a "group of experts" was preparing a "Maidan" in Slovakia and announced preventive measures against protests. Slovak President Peter Pellegrini supported the prime ministers claims of an alleged coup being prepared in the country, stating that "the situation is serious". Support UP or become our patron! JUMPING BRANCH, WV (WVNS) A small fire was put out in an area of Jumping Branch Elementary School on Thursday, January 23, 2025. According to Lloyd Lowry, Director of Summers County Emergency Management, a small fire broke out in the preschool area of the elementary school. The fire was quickly extinguished with multiple local agencies on scene to assist. There is no information regarding the extent of damage caused by the fire. The cause of the fire has also not been determined. No injuries were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post from the Facebook page of Jumping Branch Elementary, they thanked all first responders for their quick response. Just want to let everyone know that there was a small fire in the PreK classroom of Jumping Branch Elementary School. Damage was contained to that room and damage was minimal. All the students were safely out and no one was hurt which is most important. We would to thank all the volunteer fire departments for getting here quickly and getting the fire out and protecting our building. Will update about school tomorrow in a little while. Jumping Branch Elementary | Facebook Stick with 59News for updates 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 WVNS. This winter is turning out to be a rather unique one nationwide, with unprecedented snowfall in southern states like Louisiana and Florida and a string of deadly wildfires in California. So, what's going on in the southwest? If you've noticed a considerable lack of snow in northern Arizona this winter, that's because there is. Last winter was a wet one, but it wasn't enough to end a three-decade drought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While climate patterns like La Nina and El Nino can provide temporary relief, the rain and snow haven't moved past the Pacific Northwest. This leaves Arizonans wondering when or if we'll be able to play in the snow again this winter. There is a possibility for winter weather in the high country next week. While Flagstaff won't see as much snow as our friends on the Gulf Coast did, experts say a bit of much-needed moisture is likely on the way. When will we see snow in Arizona? Chances for snow in the high country will begin later this weekend and continue into early next week. According to Justin Johndrow, a meteorologist from The National Weather Service in Flagstaff, there is a low chance for snowfall on Sunday in the late afternoon . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snow chances will increase on Monday and Tuesday, according to Johndrow. When will it rain in Phoenix? It could happen soon. Here's what weather experts say How much snow will Flagstaff get next week? It's too early for NWS meteorologists to predict an exact amount of snowfall, but Johndrow said there is a wide range they're working with right now. Parts of northern Arizona could receive anywhere from 2 to 8 inches Sunday night through Tuesday. "It definitely looks like it's going to snow, we're just not sure how much yet," said Johndrow. Northern Arizona weather radar How much snowfall did Flagstaff receive this year? NWS Flagstaff reported only 2.8 inches of snowfall this year, which is far below average. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By this time last year, Flagstaff had received 43.5 inches of snow, Johndrow said. Why is it so dry in Arizona this year? The stark difference 40.7 inches between this year's snowfall and last year's has a lot to do with La Nina. La Nina was just declared a couple of weeks ago, but the weather pattern had been looking like that for quite a while, even since late November, Johndrow said. La Nina, and its counterpart El Nino, are climatological events under a natural cycle called the El Nino-Southern Oscillation. These events represent the relationship between ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions stemming from the Pacific Ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a La Nina cycle, trade winds that blow east to west near the equator intensify. These winds push warm water from the eastern Pacific toward Asia, warming surface temperatures in the western Pacific. This summons deep, cold waters in the central and eastern Pacific. La Nina sends storm systems over a high-pressure system, Johndrow said. The storms are pushed more up into the Pacific Northwest and Northern California, missing Arizona to the north. "So, we're just south of the storm track and it's been that way for two months," Johndrow said. Flagstaff will get one trough (a long area of low pressure in the atmosphere, according to the National Weather Service that's going to break through, but it's unclear if there will be more in the future. Arizona Republic reporter Hayleigh Evans contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When will it snow in northern Arizona? Here's what experts say WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) Another round of snow is set to return to Northern New York this weekend. The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Jefferson and Lewis counties starting Saturday night and lasting through Sunday evening. Snowtown USA glides into another year with skating rink opening The NWS said that heavy lake effect snow possible with snow accumulations of greater than seven inches possible in the most persistent lake snow areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The greatest accumulations are expected across the Tug Hill Plateau in Southern Jefferson County and Northern Lewis County. Travel could become difficult at times with snow covered roads and poor visibility. The weather service added narrow bands of heavy snow could bring rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Localized travel problems could be 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 WWTI - InformNNY.com. In this photo illustration, social media apps are displayed on an iPad. As concerns over youth mental health and privacy grow, more states are hoping to rein in the negative effects of social media through the courts and legislatures. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Ritika Shroff had the typical Gen Z experience with social media. At 13, she signed up for Instagram, then Snapchat. Later, she downloaded TikTok and worked her way through other popular platforms. But in high school, she began to see downsides, feeling pressure when comparing her number of followers, test scores and experiences with those of her peers online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre doing X, Y and Z with their lives, and I think I got pulled into it, Shroff said. Today, Shroff, a 19-year-old sophomore at American University in Washington, D.C., still sees the benefits of social media, such as allowing her to stay in touch with hometown friends from Des Moines, Iowa, and family in India. While she thinks there should be more rules around social media, she doesnt think individual state actions, such as a state suing a platform, would make much difference. These small things wont make an impact in the broader landscape, Shroff said. More states are hoping to rein in the harm that social media can do to teens mental health and privacy by approving laws that require age verification or parental consent, prohibit addictive feeds or ban the apps for minors. They also are taking social media companies to court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some experts say such efforts wont make social media any safer. Instead, they fear the moves might infringe on peoples privacy and First Amendment rights while potentially making the platforms harder for everyone to use. This is global media, and trying to regulate it at the micro level the fear for a lot of people is that were going to end up with different rules for different states, which is just going to undercut the whole promise and potential of internet-based media and communication, said Kevin Goldberg of the Freedom Forum, a nonprofit aimed at protecting First Amendment rights. Some social media disputes are playing out at the federal level. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a bipartisan federal law banning TikTok, a popular video sharing platform, unless its China-based parent company agreed to sell the app. The ban briefly went into effect before President Donald Trump, who had tried unsuccessfully to ban TikTok by executive order in his first term, signed an executive order delaying it for another 75 days. But absent other federal action to curb social medias effects on young people, many states are considering new legislation. In New York, a law enacted in June prohibits social media platforms from providing to minors so-called addictive feeds without parental consent. New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, is drafting formal rules to enforce the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social media feeds are designed to keep kids scrolling longer and longer to drive up ad revenue, noted state Democratic Sen. Andrew Gounardes, who sponsored the bill. Kids who are addicted to social media suffer mental health issues, and people who spend more time scrolling tend to struggle to navigate real-life relationships, he argued. The bills are all different, so its hard to say that all of them are good or all of them are bad. Paul Lekas, Software & Information Industry Association So social media, for all the positives that might exist, has some real, deeply negative and dark downsides that we are finally seeing manifest, and we have to reconcile it, Gounardes said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But tech developers are concerned new state laws could weaken privacy protections for users, take away online mental health resources for marginalized communities and restrict the flow of online information, said Paul Lekas, the senior vice president and head of global public policy and government affairs at the Software & Information Industry Association, a trade association representing the digital content industry. The bills are all different, so its hard to say that all of them are good or all of them are bad, Lekas said. But a lot of concerns come up in a number of these bills. Age restrictions Some research suggests that excessive social media use is worsening young peoples mental health. Teens who spend the most time on social media are significantly more likely to exhibit negative emotions, such as sadness and anger, according to a 2023 Gallup poll. A Florida law that went into effect this month prohibits kids who are under 14 from having social media accounts. A user who is 14 or 15 would have to get parental consent before starting an account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ashley Moody, Floridas Republican attorney general at the time, agreed not to enforce the law while a lawsuit alleging it would restrict minors freedom of speech plays out. Moody was sworn into the U.S. Senate this week to replace Sen. Marco Rubio, the new U.S. secretary of state. More measures are expected across the country during 2025 legislative sessions. A new bill in Indiana would prohibit anyone under the age of 16 from creating social media accounts without verified parental permission. A similar bill was introduced in Nebraska, but with an age limit of 18. A prefiled bill in Nevada would set the age at 13. To verify age, some apps may require all users to upload a photo of their ID. This could be of particular concern for adult users who would have their full legal identity tied to their social media account, said Ash Johnson, a senior policy manager at the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, a think tank focused on public policy surrounding technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than an outright ban on social media accounts for users under a certain age, increasing transparency and accountability measures for social media developers would improve the safety of the apps, Johnson said. She pointed to California as an example. The states Age-Appropriate Design Code Act was partially blocked from enforcement by a federal appeals court last year. It would have required companies to ensure that online services likely to be accessed by children are designed to eliminate the risk of harm to them. Parental controls, Johnson said, also could make it easier for parents to oversee their childs media presence by deciding what content they can access. Instagrams new Teen Accounts, for example, automatically place teenage users into an account that limits who can contact them and the content they see and anyone under the age of 16 will have to get parental permission before changing any of the safety features. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would give children a really customizable experience on social media depending on their individual developmental needs, Johnson said. A lot of the laws around the country are specifically designed to prevent younger people from either accessing certain content online or entire social media platforms, said Goldberg, of the Freedom Forum. Changing the way in which social media developers control who can and cant have an account could change what people see on their feeds. Weve seen a lot of this, especially at the state level, which is concerning, he said. Many of the laws that we are seeing proposed and even passed raise First Amendment concerns. States go to court States also are turning to lawsuits to address social media effects on young people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, attorneys general in California, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia sued TikTok, alleging violations of state consumer protection laws. Led by California Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta and James of New York, the lawsuits allege that TikTok exploits and harms young users and deceives the public about the social media platforms dangers. Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a similar suit that same month accusing TikTok of violating a state law protecting children online. The law prohibits digital service providers from sharing, disclosing or selling a minors personal information without permission from a parent. TikTok has disputed the claims, calling them inaccurate and misleading in a statement to CNN. The company says its platform is safe for kids and offers time limits and parental controls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States have also taken aim at Snapchat and Meta. In September, New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez, a Democrat, filed a complaint against Snap Inc., Snapchats parent company, alleging the apps developers were ignoring reports of sextortion, failing to implement age-verification rules, admitting to features that connect minors with adults and more. And in 2023, more than 40 states sued Meta, claiming Instagram and Facebook worsened the youth mental health crisis. The social media companies need to be held accountable, said Julie Scelfo, founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction. Scelfo, a career journalist who covered youth mental health for years, said she was disturbed after finding out that more and more young children wanted to commit suicide as social media became more mainstream. Social media can connect people for positive things, but it has also been a very convenient conduit for all of the worst forces in society, Scelfo said. But tech companies are winning some fights and going on the offensive. In addition to the partial block of the Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, a federal judge has blocked until Feb. 1 another California law designed to protect children from addictive feeds. The Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act would prevent social media platforms from providing minors with personalized feeds. Across the states, companies are challenging dozens of laws restricting social media and in some cases, theyre winning. I think that shows that courts are skeptical that either theres no proof behind the goals of the legislators or that theyre not being precise enough, Goldberg said. So, Im skeptical. I dont think this is going to help because there will always be ways for children to access content on the internet or social media its almost impossible to truly enforce. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE In this photo illustration, social media apps are displayed on an iPad. As concerns over youth mental health and privacy grow, more states are hoping to rein in the negative effects of social media through the courts and legislatures (Joe Raedle/Getty Images). Ritika Shroff had the typical Gen Z experience with social media. At 13, she signed up for Instagram, then Snapchat. Later, she downloaded TikTok and worked her way through other popular platforms. But in high school, she began to see downsides, feeling pressure when comparing her number of followers, test scores and experiences with those of her peers online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre doing X, Y and Z with their lives, and I think I got pulled into it, Shroff said. Today, Shroff, a 19-year-old sophomore at American University in Washington, D.C., still sees the benefits of social media, such as allowing her to stay in touch with hometown friends from Des Moines, Iowa, and family in India. While she thinks there should be more rules around social media, she doesnt think individual state actions, such as a state suing a platform, would make much difference. These small things wont make an impact in the broader landscape, Shroff said. More states are hoping to rein in the harm that social media can do to teens mental health and privacy by approving laws that require age verification or parental consent, prohibit addictive feeds or ban the apps for minors. They also are taking social media companies to court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some experts say such efforts wont make social media any safer. Instead, they fear the moves might infringe on peoples privacy and First Amendment rights while potentially making the platforms harder for everyone to use. This is global media, and trying to regulate it at the micro level the fear for a lot of people is that were going to end up with different rules for different states, which is just going to undercut the whole promise and potential of internet-based media and communication, said Kevin Goldberg of the Freedom Forum, a nonprofit aimed at protecting First Amendment rights. Some social media disputes are playing out at the federal level. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a bipartisan federal law banning TikTok, a popular video sharing platform, unless its China-based parent company agreed to sell the app. The ban briefly went into effect before President Donald Trump, who had tried unsuccessfully to ban TikTok by executive order in his first term, signed an executive order delaying it for another 75 days. But absent other federal action to curb social medias effects on young people, many states are considering new legislation. In New York, a law enacted in June prohibits social media platforms from providing to minors so-called addictive feeds without parental consent. New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, is drafting formal rules to enforce the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social media feeds are designed to keep kids scrolling longer and longer to drive up ad revenue, noted state Democratic Sen. Andrew Gounardes, who sponsored the bill. Kids who are addicted to social media suffer mental health issues, and people who spend more time scrolling tend to struggle to navigate real-life relationships, he argued. So social media, for all the positives that might exist, has some real, deeply negative and dark downsides that we are finally seeing manifest, and we have to reconcile it, Gounardes said. But tech developers are concerned new state laws could weaken privacy protections for users, take away online mental health resources for marginalized communities and restrict the flow of online information, said Paul Lekas, the senior vice president and head of global public policy and government affairs at the Software & Information Industry Association, a trade association representing the digital content industry. The bills are all different, so its hard to say that all of them are good or all of them are bad, Lekas said. But a lot of concerns come up in a number of these bills. Age restrictions Some research suggests that excessive social media use is worsening young peoples mental health. Teens who spend the most time on social media are significantly more likely to exhibit negative emotions, such as sadness and anger, according to a 2023 Gallup poll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Florida law that went into effect this month prohibits kids who are under 14 from having social media accounts. A user who is 14 or 15 would have to get parental consent before starting an account. Ashley Moody, Floridas Republican attorney general at the time, agreed not to enforce the law while a lawsuit alleging it would restrict minors freedom of speech plays out. Moody was sworn into the U.S. Senate this week to replace Sen. Marco Rubio, the new U.S. secretary of state. More measures are expected across the country during 2025 legislative sessions. A new bill in Indiana would prohibit anyone under the age of 16 from creating social media accounts without verified parental permission. A similar bill was introduced in Nebraska, but with an age limit of 18. A prefiled bill in Nevada would set the age at 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To verify age, some apps may require all users to upload a photo of their ID. This could be of particular concern for adult users who would have their full legal identity tied to their social media account, said Ash Johnson, a senior policy manager at the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, a think tank focused on public policy surrounding technology. Rather than an outright ban on social media accounts for users under a certain age, increasing transparency and accountability measures for social media developers would improve the safety of the apps, Johnson said. She pointed to California as an example. The states Age-Appropriate Design Code Act was partially blocked from enforcement by a federal appeals court last year. It would have required companies to ensure that online services likely to be accessed by children are designed to eliminate the risk of harm to them. Parental controls, Johnson said, also could make it easier for parents to oversee their childs media presence by deciding what content they can access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instagrams new Teen Accounts, for example, automatically place teenage users into an account that limits who can contact them and the content they see and anyone under the age of 16 will have to get parental permission before changing any of the safety features. It would give children a really customizable experience on social media depending on their individual developmental needs, Johnson said. A lot of the laws around the country are specifically designed to prevent younger people from either accessing certain content online or entire social media platforms, said Goldberg, of the Freedom Forum. Changing the way in which social media developers control who can and cant have an account could change what people see on their feeds. Weve seen a lot of this, especially at the state level, which is concerning, he said. Many of the laws that we are seeing proposed and even passed raise First Amendment concerns. States go to court States also are turning to lawsuits to address social media effects on young people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, attorneys general in California, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia sued TikTok, alleging violations of state consumer protection laws. Led by California Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta and James of New York, the lawsuits allege that TikTok exploits and harms young users and deceives the public about the social media platforms dangers. Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a similar suit that same month accusing TikTok of violating a state law protecting children online. The law prohibits digital service providers from sharing, disclosing or selling a minors personal information without permission from a parent. TikTok has disputed the claims, calling them inaccurate and misleading in a statement to CNN. The company says its platform is safe for kids and offers time limits and parental controls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States have also taken aim at Snapchat and Meta. In September, New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez, a Democrat, filed a complaint against Snap Inc., Snapchats parent company, alleging the apps developers were ignoring reports of sextortion, failing to implement age-verification rules, admitting to features that connect minors with adults and more. And in 2023, more than 40 states sued Meta, claiming Instagram and Facebook worsened the youth mental health crisis. The social media companies need to be held accountable, said Julie Scelfo, founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction. Scelfo, a career journalist who covered youth mental health for years, said she was disturbed after finding out that more and more young children wanted to commit suicide as social media became more mainstream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social media can connect people for positive things, but it has also been a very convenient conduit for all of the worst forces in society, Scelfo said. But tech companies are winning some fights and going on the offensive. In addition to the partial block of the Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, a federal judge has blocked until Feb. 1 another California law designed to protect children from addictive feeds. The Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act would prevent social media platforms from providing minors with personalized feeds. Across the states, companies are challenging dozens of laws restricting social media and in some cases, theyre winning. I think that shows that courts are skeptical that either theres no proof behind the goals of the legislators or that theyre not being precise enough, Goldberg said. So, Im skeptical. I dont think this is going to help because there will always be ways for children to access content on the internet or social media its almost impossible to truly enforce. 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. The European Commission is organizing a stress test for large social media platforms ahead of the upcoming German parliamentary elections, a commission spokesman said on Friday. Microsoft, TikTok, LinkedIn, Google, Snap, Meta and X are to take part in the exercise, the commission said. The aim of the test, which is to take place on January 31, is to check whether the platforms are well enough prepared to prevent risks such as disinformation or the misuse of their systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assessment was requested by German authorities and the Federal Network Agency and follows on from similar tests prior to the European elections. The commission has opened several proceedings against US billionaire Elon Musk's platform X for alleged violations of the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA). If platforms do not comply with the law, they face severe penalties - including fines amounting to 6% of their total annual global turnover. The return of Donald Trump to the White House sparked a debate about how strictly this legislation should be enforced during the coming years, after Trump criticized EU fines for US tech companies. Jan. 24CLOQUET Cloquet High School science students are using solar panels on the roof of the Cloquet Middle School to study renewable energy, the Earth's climate and its impact on humans. "We want them to be able to take some direct action to what they're learning about Earth's shifting climate, and so we want them to be able to understand how they can look at different resources, to make informed decisions about an energy mix," said Mathew Winbigler, a high school science teacher who helped design the curriculum. Winbigler is using solar panels that were installed on the Cloquet Middle School roof last year as a part of the Solar for Schools program, an initiative by the state of Minnesota to install solar panels and capitalize on the otherwise unused solar capacity of schools across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022 the district was awarded a $100,000 grant from the program to install 112 solar panels on the middle school roof, which are being managed by Wolf Track Energy, a solar energy company out of Two Harbors. John Hageman, office manager at Wolf Track Energy, estimates the solar panels offset 3% of the school's overall energy use, which equates roughly to $3,000 a year. "It's certainly not offsetting their whole bill by any means, but it's at least making somewhat of a dent in it, and it's providing some renewable energy back to the school," Hageman said. The grant requires recipients to integrate renewable energy use into their curriculum. Winbigler who was already teaching a class that compared and contrasted different forms of energy saw the program as an opportunity to provide students with a hands-on experience to make solar energy generation not just an abstract concept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To track energy output, Winbigler's students use data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (a federal agency that collects and analyzes energy information) to examine graphs, maps and charts of national energy outputs. From there, students narrow down local sources of energy, analyzing energy sources in Minnesota, Cloquet and finally the school. Students monitor the performance of the school's solar panels, recording the output and tracking the results over time. "It doesn't get any more real than real energy coming into the building," Winbigler said. As students track energy over the school year, they factor seasonal variable impacts on solar output such as the amount of daylight and the angle of the sun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think they're surprised to find that solar is a feasible supplementary energy source for homes in Minnesota," said Amy Hexum, a science teacher at Cloquet High School who also teaches the solar curriculum. The project culminates in the spring as students design miniature solar-powered homes that harness energy and maximize solar output by utilizing angles to capture the trajectory of the sun. By focusing the class through a narrative of someday becoming a homeowner with the power to make decisions about energy and offering tangible hands-on solutions of how to do so, Winbigler believes it helps curb anxieties among students as they navigate how to make a difference in the world. "That's kind of what we're hoping that they can do, is that they can be informed citizens and make good energy choices and that they know that they can access information, how to interpret that information, so that they can make those choices," Winbigler said. (COLORADO SPRINGS) The U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) announced units from across the country including Fort Carson are deploying to the southern border. USNORTHCOM said about 1,500 active-duty personnel will be deployed to augment about 2,500 service members already deployed supporting Customs and Border Protection. The units are coming from military bases across the country including two from Fort Carson. U.S. Army Headquarters, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Cavazos, Texas Headquarters, 720th Military Police Battalion, Fort Cavazos, Texas 401st Military Police Company, Fort Cavazos, Texas 202nd Military Police Company, Fort Bliss, Texas Headquarters, 716th Military Police Battalion, Fort Campbell, Kentucky 23rd Military Police Company, Fort Drum, New York 549th Military Police Company, Fort Stewart, Georgia 530th Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Stewart, Georgia 977th Military Police Company, Fort Riley, Kansas 41st Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Riley, Kansas 569th Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Carson, Colorado Headquarters, 759th Military Police Battalion, Fort Carson, Colorado 66th Military Police Company, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington U.S. Marine Corps Detachment from 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1 st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California Detachment from 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Camp Pendleton, California Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USNORTHCOM said the exact number of personnel will fluctuate as units rotate people and more forces are deployed once planning efforts are finalized. The forces deployed will support enhanced detection and monitoring efforts and repair and emplace physical barriers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Soledad OBrien stopped by the Variety Studio presented by Audible at Sundance and scolded the American press for its coverage of Donald Trump. The former CNN host was highly critical of how the press covered Trumps first administration, and she said her position has not changed as Trumps second administration gets underway. The media has done a really piss poor job, to be honest, OBrien told Varietys Brent Lang. In a couple different ways. Framing every discussion as this vs this is a real mistake. There is lot of access journalism that has just been distressing and dismaying to watch. There are journalists I respect, but they want access. Theres a lot of countries where journalists dont get access to their political leadership and you can actually do a good job reporting when youre not necessarily being invited to the dinner or having a front row seat. In this country we are all about getting access, so we see a lot of journalists say we need to get in. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OBrien also said the media is partly responsible for widespread misinformation and disinformation, citing the continued headlines about Trumps comments on tariffs. The conversation around tariffs is hilarious if it wasnt so pathetic, OBrien said. People have no idea what a tariff means and what the impact will be. That is a failure of journalism if people dont understand the basics. I am hopeful we will do a better job in helping people understand the issues better instead of just pushing access to things. Im not optimistic about it. OBrien is in Sundance as an executive producer on the documentary The Perfect Neighbor, directed by Geeta Gandbhir. The film tackles Floridas controversial stand your ground laws and centers on a seemingly minor neighborhood dispute in Florida escalates into deadly violence. The documentary utilizes police bodycam footage and investigative interviews to expose the consequences of the divisive law. Gandbhir culled from two years worth of bodycam footage to make the documentary. It wasnt always her intention to rely on so much of this footage, but she was attracted to how much it allowed the viewer to have access to her subjects before tragedy struck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you come in after a tragedy you are dealing with people who have been deeply impacted by such tragedy, Gandbhir said.They are not who they were. They are changed. That was so important [to see them before]. We wanted to lead with the humanity of the community. OBrien signed on as an executive producer because shes worked with Gandbhir on other projects and the topic was so interesting. I think when it became clear that bodycam was going to be the bulk of the documentary, it was so unusual, she said. You know how it ends but to get to see the beginning. The original conflict. Through bodycam, to be able to watch it unfold piece by piece by piece, its just riveting. We knew we had a really great project on our hands. The Perfect Neighbor is an acquisition title at Sundance. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The News Somalia is not worried about the future of its territorial integrity, a senior presidential adviser told Semafor, with the Trump administration looking set to recognize the breakaway region of Somaliland. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Yusuf Hussein said the US and Somalia remained strong allies in a wide range of areas including economic engagement and security. Nothing has changed since Trumps first term, he said. Were not sure why anyone would try and raise this about our country. J. Peter Pham, a former special envoy for the Sahel and Great Lakes regions during the last Trump presidency, is expected to lead the presidents new Africa team. Pham has been a vocal supporter of Somalilands democratic advances and push for US recognition of its statehood. Pham was also a major critic of the Biden White Houses unofficial One Somalia policy. A man is facing a murder charge after fatally stabbing his mother in her St. Petersburg home on Thursday, police said. Rafal Gajowczyk, 24, is accused of stabbing Barbara Pullaro in her apartment on the 1900 block of 54th Terrace South, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department. The apartment is in the Osprey Pointe complex. Officers responded just before midnight to a report of a woman being stabbed in her apartment and found Pullaro dead inside. Gajowczyk was also in the apartment and had injuries to his hands from attacking his mother, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gajowczyk was taken to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg to be treated for his injuries. He will be booked into the Pinellas County Jail on a second-degree murder charge once hes released from the hospital, according to police. A police spokesperson said Friday that an arrest affidavit for Gajowczyk was not yet complete. Police said Gajowczyk has mental health issues. Investigators hinted at a possible motive almost 10 months after they found a mans body parts in Trotwood. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police believe Edgar Keiter Sr. was killed in Kettering at an apartment he lived in, but officers also found evidence in a Dayton storage unit after the initial grisly discovery in Trotwood. Court proceedings Thursday mean that Edgar Keiter Jr who walked into court facing only gross abuse of corpse charges is now officially accused of murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keiter Jr. pleaded not guilty. His bond was set at $1 million. This case began in April when a Trotwood man discovered severed legs inside a tarp not far from his driveway. TRENDING STORIES: Kettering and Trotwood police searched the victims apartment in Kettering a few days later. Police said in court documents that appliances and carpets had gone missing in the apartment. Investigators went to a storage facility on Guenther Road a few days later and found the rest of Keiter Sr.s remains. Kettering police investigators said Keiter Jr.s son, Tygan, knew about the crime, along with Keither Jr.s girlfriend Amanda Reiff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are both facing charges in connection to the case. Keiter Jr.s trial date has been set for Feb. 4. Investigators have hinted at a possible money motive for the crime, but have not released new details. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) A woman was fatally stabbed by her son inside her St. Petersburg home late Thursday night, according to police. St. Pete police officers were called to a home on 54th Terrace South just before midnight. Police found Barbara Pullaro, 53, dead with multiple stab wounds. Officers also spotted Rafal Gajowczyk, 24, inside the home with injuries to his hands, which police believe happened during the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers located her son, who also had injuries to his hand, and they believed it was injuries from the attack, said Ashley Limardo, a spokesperson for the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is very heavy, especially to see something as brutal as this was. It was an attack to where he received injuries to himself as well. Police said he has mental health issues. He was taken to the hospital for his injuries and will be booked into the Pinellas County Jail after he is 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 WFLA. A South Carolina state auditor has submitted his resignation. George Kennedy sent a letter to the governors office on Thursday. Kennedy had served in the role of state auditor for nine years. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: South Carolina has $1.8B that lawmakers dont know what to do with This comes after an independent forensic audit determined an accounting error was responsible for nearly $2 billion mysteriously sitting in South Carolinas bank account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, the error means South Carolina residents will not get any of that money in a refund. The Associated Press reports that this also leads to more questions: why wasnt the error reported when it was first discovered back around 2018, and should the elected state treasurer, Curtis Loftis, step down or be impeached. South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis, left, looks at notes before speaking at a meeting of the Legislative Black Caucus, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. In the private sector, if anybody had made a blunder of $1.8 billion whether it was an error, negligence, misfeasance, malfeasance, fraud or a cover-up, they would lose their job, Republican state Sen. Larry Grooms, who leads a committee investigating the accounting problems, told The AP. Investigators will now look into whether this was just a series of mistakes, or if state employees discovered the error, and tried to cover it up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state could face fines or other punishment. READ MORE: (VIDEO: New House bill would mandate recording lessons in classrooms across South Carolina) A 2022 view looking up into the South Dakota Capitol dome in Pierre. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight) Legislation concerning open records and open meetings was a recurring topic this week in the South Dakota Legislature as lawmakers advanced bills that would open governors records sooner and require state and local boards to annually review open meetings laws. A bill to open the calendars and appointment logs of officials was defeated in committee but is still technically alive due to a procedural maneuver, while another bill advanced by a committee would clarify the role of electronic communications in the open meetings laws. Opening officials calendars to the public On Wednesday, legislators on the Senate State Affairs Committee sent SB 9 to the 41st day of the session, a method of disposing of legislation, although it will soon be brought to the Senate floor by a procedural move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, sponsored by Sen. Michael Rohl, R-Aberdeen, sought to open to public view the calendars and appointment logs of officials holding statewide office. That includes the governor, lieutenant governor and constitutional officers. Rohl noted that states across the country offer public access to elected officials calendars. Under South Dakotas current law, those items can be held from public view. Currently statewide elected officials are collecting six-figure salaries with very little accountability to the public, Rohl said. SB 9 is providing accountability for public officials to the citizens they represent. How can you be accountable to somebody if they dont even know if youre showing up for work? State Sen. Michael Rohl, R-Aberdeen Testifying in opposition to the bill was Jason Ketterling, assistant superintendent of the South Dakota Highway Patrol, who raised a number of concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Releasing an officials schedule could lead to misinterpretation and unfounded claims of favoritism, conflicts of interest and misuse of time, Ketterling said. Citing the bill as creating a significant administrative burden, he also said it could compromise the safety of the elected official. Also speaking against the bill was one of the elected officials it would affect, Brock Greenfield, commissioner of school and public lands. Greenfield asked if he would have to log the times he has been flagged down in the hall by constituents or the times he has been stopped in the restroom to discuss leasing rights. My time can be a lot better spent actually working for the people of South Dakota than trying to recap on my Outlook calendar every meeting I have, Greenfield said. Elected officials should not be afraid of public scrutiny, Rohl said. How can you be accountable to somebody if they dont even know if youre showing up for work? Rohl asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love transparency, said Sen. Chris Karr, after making a motion to send SB 9 to the 41st day. Karr said the legislation would incentivize elected officials not to keep a calendar or appointment log. The motion to kill the legislation was approved by the committee on a 7-2 vote. On Thursday in the Senate, Rohl was supported by enough senators to bring his failed legislation to the Senate floor. The procedure, which calls for support by one-third of the Senate, is called a smoke out. SB 9 will be considered on Fridays Senate agenda. Opening a governors records sooner Rohl had better luck in committee with SB 10, a bill that could open the records of a governor or lieutenant governor after five years. Currently those records are opened after 10 years or upon the death of the official, whichever transpires last. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rohl said that passage of the bill would be a faster way to get information to the public about a governors time in office. No one spoke in opposition to the bill. It was approved unanimously by the committee. Thursday the full Senate unanimously approved of SB 10. Requiring a review of open meetings laws At the same time the Senate State Affairs Committee was deciding the fate of open records laws, the Senate Local Government Committee was endorsing SB 74. That legislation would require state and local government boards to review the open meetings laws once a year. Sen. Tim Reed, R-Brookings, said most violations of the open meetings laws are inadvertent. This bill promotes transparency and helps protect public officials by requiring annual review of open meetings guidelines provided by the attorney general, Reed said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney generals office publishes a brochure outlining the opening meetings laws. The brochure is also available on the attorney generals website. David Bordewyk, executive director of the South Dakota NewsMedia Association, noted that in the past 20 years the South Dakota Open Meetings Commission has heard more than 70 complaints alleging violations of the law. In many of the cases where a violation was determined, it was because of a lack of understanding of the laws, Bordewyk said. A yearly review would help keep those violations from happening, Bordewyk said. This would be especially helpful given the natural turnover of boards due to elections or other means. In addition to reviewing the laws once each year, SB 74 also requires boards and commissions to make note of that review in their meeting minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also speaking in favor of the bill were representatives from the South Dakota Municipal League, South Dakota Association of County Commissioners and the attorney generals office. No one spoke in opposition to the bill. It was approved unanimously by the committee and placed on the Senates consent calendar. Bills on the consent calendar are not usually subject to further debate. Clarifying how teleconferences are used in open meetings On Thursday, the House Local Government Committee approved HB 1059 which clarifies the role of electronic communications in the open meetings laws. Those laws generally forbid a quorum of an elected board from meeting away from public scrutiny. HB 1059 states that electronic communications like e-mail or text messaging are subject to the open meetings laws if all members of a publicly elected board or commission are included on the message and respond to carry on a discussion. Rep. Matt Roby, R-Watertown, a former city attorney, asked if an email sent to all council members constituted a public meeting. According to Bordewyk, from the NewsMedia Association, an electronic communication that includes an entire board or council is allowed as long as it doesnt lead to a discussion among the members. That discussion would constitute a violation of the open meetings law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking in favor of the legislation was Sara Rankin, executive director of the Municipal League. This could clarify a really murky area of our open meetings law, Rankin said. Also speaking in favor of the bill was Kellen Willert, a Belle Fourche attorney familiar with the open meetings laws. Willert characterized HB 1059 as a clean-up bill clarifying that the use of electronic messaging by elected officials can have implications for the open meetings laws. The committee approved the bill on a 12-1 vote. It now goes to the House floor. This story was written for the South Dakota NewsMedia Association and distributed to its members for publication. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE CHICAGO (WGN) A French bakery in Hyde Park was one business among a number broken into around the city overnight Wednesday, but the owners are hoping security footage can help capture those responsible. I look at the cameras from my phone and I see two people inside who broke in, said Patricia Pertusot, owner of La Boulangerie. They entered by the door, I think with a tool. Pertusot said said her business, which has only been open for two months, was broken into around 12:20 a.m. Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They took some money. They took the safe. They took the register, Pertusot said. While La Boulangerie was broken into on the South Side, unconnected break-ins happened in the 7000 block of West Higgins Avenue in Norwood Park on the Northwest Side. Trios Pizza, Elite Total Rehab and Robertos Jewelers were among the businesses hit, with police saying each burglary happened just minutes apart. In the cases of the burglaries that happened on the Citys Northwest Side, five male suspects were seen leaving the scene in a silver sedan. Man suspected of killing pregnant woman in Portage Park makes brief court appearance Thursday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ald. Desmon Yancy (5th Ward) called for reflection as the city finds a better way to address business break-ins around the city. I can see it being discouraging, but its an opportunity for us to think about how we can be more vigilant and make sure that were able to prevent against these vandalisms and burglaries, Yancy said. In the meantime, Pertusot said she and her business will continue to push forward. Thank God nobody got hurt, Pertusot said. Money can be replaced. Its very unfortunate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Chayut Setboonsarng and Napat Wesshasartar BANGKOK (Reuters) - Southeast Asian cities were among five most polluted in the world on Friday according to air-monitoring organisation IQAir, with Ho Chi Minh City ranked second-most polluted, followed by Phnom Penh and Bangkok fourth and fifth, respectively. In the Thai capital, a thick smog was seen covering the city's skyline. Workers, especially those who spend most of their time outdoors, were suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My nose is constantly congested. I have to blow my nose all the time," said motorcycle taxi driver Supot Sitthisiri, 55. Air pollution is caused by a combination of crop-related burning, industrial pollution and heavy traffic. In a bid to curb pollution, the government is allowing free public transportation for a week, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said. Some 300 schools in Bangkok were closed this week, according to the city administration. "They should take more action, not just announce high dust levels and close schools. There needs to be more than that," said Khwannapat Intarit, 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It keeps coming back, and its getting worse each time." Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said in a social media post that companies and government agencies should allow staff to work from home to reduce car use and construction sites should be using dust covers. "The government is fully committed to solving the dust problem," she said. In Vietnam's largest city, IQAir said the level of fine inhalable particles in Ho Chi Minh City was 11 times higher than the recommended level by the World Health Organization. Weeks earlier, the capital Hanoi was ranked the world's most polluted, prompting authorities to issue a warning about the health risks from air pollution and urging the public to wear masks and eye protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governments in Southeast Asia were pushing for longer-term solutions to bring pollution down including a carbon tax and promoting the use of electric vehicles. ($1 = 33.7500 baht) (Additional reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat in Bangkok and Khanh Vu in Hanoi; Editing by) LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Southern Nevada Strike Team of firefighters deployed to help fight deadly wildfires in Los Angeles County, returned to Las Vegas Thursday. The 45-member team, which included firefighters from Clark County Fire Department, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, and Henderson Fire Department assisted Southern California crews for two weeks. A team of 24 local firefighters were deployed on Jan. 8, assigned to help with the Palisades Fire, which has burned more than 23,000 acres and left 11 people dead. The Southern Nevada Strike Team of firefighters deployed to help fight deadly wildfires in Los Angeles County, returned to Las Vegas Thursday. (Clark County Fire Department) A 21-person team deployed on January 9 was assigned to help with the Eaton Fire, which has burned more than 14,000 acres and claimed 17 lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really have a loss for words for it, Clark County Fire Department Captain Travis Grove said. Seeing the devastation, everything that happened. Grove said the destruction in areas ravaged by deadly wildfires was unlike anything he had ever seen in his 22 years of firefighting. The entire area was full of people who lost everything, Clark County Fire Department Captain Jasmine Ghazinour added. Their houses, their food, their way of living. The Southern Nevada Strike Team of firefighters deployed to help fight deadly wildfires in Los Angeles County, returned to Las Vegas Thursday. (Clark County Fire Department) Captains Ghazinour and Grove were both part of the strike team that returned to Southern Nevada Thursday evening. During their two-week trip, Captain Grove told 8 News Now they jumped to help in any way possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were still gas lines on fire, gas leaks everywhere, Captain Grove said. And we were just filling in where we could. The team mainly focused on knocking down building fires, protecting homes, clearing debris, and helping evacuated families return to their homes; many were burned to the ground. The Southern Nevada Strike Team of firefighters deployed to help fight deadly wildfires in Los Angeles County, returned to Las Vegas Thursday. (Clark County Fire Department) We would catch people going in in the rubble and the debris, Captain Grove recalled. Theres nothing left in their house, and all they would want is a plant in the back of their house that was their mothers and all that was left. The pain and emotion were overwhelming, but the crews told 8 News Now those left with nothing could still come together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every other block just had everyone giving out food, and water, Captain Ghazinour said. Just the community response was amazing, it reminded me of One October. The Southern Nevada Strike Team of firefighters deployed to help fight deadly wildfires in Los Angeles County, returned to Las Vegas Thursday. (Clark County Fire Department) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the Southern Nevada Strike Team told 8 News Now their connection with that community is something they will always remember, as it slowly builds back from so much tragedy. It was crushing, Captain Grove concluded. Firefighters who returned from their two-week deployment Thursday will have a mandatory three days off before returning to their duties in Southern Nevada. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Jan. 23A federal judge has denied a motion by a former Southwest Missouri man who seeks to overturn the commutation of his death sentence by then-President Joe Biden. Shannon Wayne Agofsky, 53, formerly of Noel, was one of 37 prisoners whose death sentences were commuted to sentences of life in prison without parole. Agofsky has been incarcerated at the Terre Haute Correctional Center, where those facing federal death sentences are held. He received the death penalty in 2004 for the murder of a fellow inmate in a Texas prison. After his sentence was commuted, Agofsky sought appointment of legal counsel to file a preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Indiana seeking to nullify the commutation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that action, Agofsky said that he had "working tirelessly to prove the actual circumstances of his case as well as the original case for which he was imprisoned." He argued that he never asked for his sentence to be commuted. He refused to sign his commutation papers, saying it would prevent him from receiving a higher level of judicial review of his case involving the Texas charge. U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney of the Southern District of Indiana denied the injunction Jan. 17. Agofsky is one of two brothers from Noel who were involved in the 1989 kidnapping and robbery of Noel bank president Dan Short. Short's body was later found in Grand Lake after he had been strapped and chained to a chair and dropped alive into the water, where he drowned. The brothers had kidnapped Short from his home late at night and taken him to a Noel bank where he was forced to open the vault and give the brothers the bank's money. They stole $71,000 before dumping Short over a bridge into the lake. Both brothers were convicted of the murder and received life sentences in prison. The younger brother, Joe, died in prison in 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shannon Agofsky was serving his life sentence in a Texas prison until he was convicted of the murder of inmate Luther Plant. Investigators said Agofsky, a martial arts master, stomped Plant in the head, causing the death. Agofsky was given the death penalty in that case. Agofsky has since appealed his conviction and death sentence. In his injunction in the Indiana court, he sought to nullify the commuted sentence, contending it jeopardized his efforts to prove he was not guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Plant. However, the federal government responded that the commutation order cannot be rejected by Agofsky and urged the court to reject the request for a preliminary injunction. The court, in dismissing Agofsky's injunction request, contended Agofsky could not show a likelihood that his appeals would be successful and that the president's commutation order did not require Agofsky to consent to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court concluded that the president had authority to commute a sentence from death to life imprisonment and that the U.S. Supreme Court had decided that nearly 100 years ago. One other Indiana prisoner, Leon Davis, 60, also appealed the president's commutation. Jan. 23AUSTIN Senator Kevin Sparks (R-Midland) on Thursday announced his first of six legislative priority packages, aimed at addressing the growing shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas, West Texas, and across the state. Texas faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals from primary care physicians to mental health professionals. These gaps lead to delayed care, poorer health outcomes, and increased strain on existing healthcare systems. Senator Sparks' package targets these challenges by expanding access to care through reducing regulatory strains and barriers of entry for doctors, leveraging telehealth accessibility, while also incentivizing training and expediting licensure for mental health professionals. Senator Sparks' 89th Legislative Priorities on 'Healthcare Workforce' consist of the following pieces of legislation: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 881: The DOCTOR Act: Removes barriers of entry and reduces regulations that limit workforce participation by improving pathways for graduate physicians, former military doctors, and international physicians. SB 498: Interstate Counseling Compact: Admits Texas into the Interstate Counseling Compact to expedite licensing, provide continuity of care, and improve access to mental health services. SB 471: Expanding Telehealth Access: Allows Texas residents to utilize out-of-state telehealth providers to grow marketplace competition and improve access to telehealth workforce. SB 469: Mental Health Training Reimbursements: Provides mental healthcare professional reimbursements for training to incentivize increased workforce interest in need of growing mental health demands. "Texas healthcare workforce is in the midst of a crisis. This legislative package ensures that families in West Texas and beyond have the healthcare professionals they need," said Senator Sparks. "West Texas is home to some of the hardest-working people in the state, but too many families face challenges accessing the healthcare required to live. This legislative package is a bold step toward ensuring every Texan has access to skilled, compassionate care. By reducing regulations for physicians, expanding telehealth, and removing barriers for mental health professionals, we can build a stronger healthcare workforce and a healthier future for our communities both in Senate District 31 and across the great state of Texas." University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing, Submitted photo Nurses and health care professionals at the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract. Ninety-five percent of members of the Professional Employee Council of Sparrow Hospital-Michigan Nurses Association (PECSH-MNA) voted this week to approve the contract with the employer, which was reached earlier this month after negotiating since August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contract runs through Oct. 30, 2027, and replaces the previous deal that expired Oct. 30. Were really proud that we as a union stood strong to get what nurses and healthcare professionals at Sparrow need and deserve, said Leah Rasch, RN and co-chair of the elected PECSH-MNA bargaining team, which represented approximately 2,000 registered nurses and healthcare professionals in nearly 60 categories at UMH-Sparrow. This is one of the best contracts anyone can remember at our hospital. A great agreement for our members is a win for all of us, because it will help make sure Sparrow can attract and keep enough nurses and health care workers to take excellent care of our community, said Rasch. Highlights of the contract include: Competitive wage increases, with most members receiving between a 20% and 32% raise during the term of the agreement. Large increases in differentials (extra hourly pay) including the night shift, evening shift, and weekends. Guaranteed healthcare plan equal or better to the union plan the employer is ending. Permanent decrease in the cost of members premium contribution to Blue Cross Blue Shield starting in 2026. New language guaranteeing no permanent replacement of positions with subcontractors (agency) and maintenance of open postings for these positions. Extending COVID protections for members. Increased benefits for employees injured by workplace violence. Vacation accrual for salaried members on paid-out comp time. Ratification bonus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are pleased to have secured a new long-term contract covering our hardworking and dedicated team members, said Margaret Dimond, regional president of University of Michigan Health. This contract reinforces our status as the employer of choice in Mid-Michigan, with competitive wage increases, excellent benefits and health and safety protections. We are grateful to all of our team members for continuing to put our patients and the community first and always delivering outstanding care. The ratification averts a five-day strike that had been planned to start Jan. 20. This is the first contract that PECSH-MNA has negotiated since University of Michigan Health purchased Sparrow in 2023 for $800 million. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is denying any involvement in a Republican-led committees decision not to subpoena Cassidy Hutchinson, after The Washington Post reported Thursday that one of his aides urged the panel against doing so out of fear of surfacing lewd texts GOP lawmakers allegedly sent to the former White House staffer. The Washington Post, citing written correspondence and a person familiar with the effort, reported that a Johnson aide in June advised members involved with the investigation against subpoenaing Hutchinson the star witness in the Jan. 6 select committees investigation to prevent the publication of sexually explicit texts members of Congress had sent her. The story did not name the Speakers staffer nor the lawmakers who allegedly sent the salacious messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also said that after the June conversation, the Speaker and his senior staffers told Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) and his aides that Hutchinsons testimony could end up embarrassing President Trump. The outlet cited two people present for the meeting. Loudermilk at the time was leading a GOP investigation into the now-disbanded Jan. 6 committee. Johnson, however, is denying any involvement, contending that Loudermilk ultimately did not subpoena Hutchinson because the ex-aide was already cooperating with the committee. I had nothing to do with that, the decision not to issue a subpoena to Cassidy Hutchinson was made by the chairman of that committee, and thats Barry Loudermilk, Johnson said. He and I just spoke about it, there was no reason to issue a subpoena because Cassidy Hutchinson was volunteering to participate and come, presumably because she wanted to try to sell more books. It didnt make sense to give her any more attention, she had already testified, and it was a bit of a debacle. So that decision was made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres all these allegations that somebody on my staff was communicated with somebody else on staff, he added. Im not privy to all my staffs conversations, but that didnt have anything to do with me, so its much ado about nothing. In a separate conversation with reporters, he called the story wildly inaccurate. Loudermilk, similarly, told reporters that his committee decided against issuing Hutchinson a subpoena because she was cooperating with the panel. I didnt receive any direct communications, Loudermilk said. As Ive said in the past, we didnt see a need to subpoena because her attorneys were cooperating with us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loudermilk noted that he met with members of the Speakers office about subpoenas because the committee did not have subpoena power, but he said he did not recall anyone telling him not to issue a subpoena. We had numerous meetings since I reported directly to the Speakers office in the investigation because I didnt have subpoena power of potential subpoenas going forward. So I dont recall any specific, anyone saying do not subpoena, Loudermilk said. I mean, there were times that we laid out, hey, heres a list of people we may subpoena or could. But as you guys know, the threat of subpoena is always more powerful than an actual subpoena. The congressman also said he was not aware of any members sending sexually explicit messages to Hutchinson. Hutchinsons attorney did not confirm that she had received any lewd texts but faulted Loudermilk for his handling of his investigation into the disbanded Jan. 6 panel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman Loudermilk requested information and documents from Ms. Hutchinson during his investigation, and Ms. Hutchinson cooperated and responded to those requests voluntarily without a subpoena, attorney Bill Jordan said in a statement. He then issued a misleading, factually baseless report impugning Ms. Hutchinson in a politically motivated attempt to rewrite history. Ms. Hutchinson has testified truthfully and stands behind every word despite the efforts of men in powerful positions to attack her. Loudermilks most recent report in December focused primarily on former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.). Cheney said at the time Loudermilks report intentionally disregards the truth and the Select Committees tremendous weight of evidence, and instead fabricates lies and defamatory allegations in an attempt to cover up what Donald Trump did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Loudermilks report also criticized Hutchinsons appearance before the Jan. 6 committee, seeking to discredit some of her bombshell testimony. That includes her relaying a story she heard from someone else about Trump lunging at the driver of his car in an attempt to go to the Capitol. Loudermilk has since been tapped to lead another subcommittee to review Jan. 6, this time a select subcommittee within the Judiciary Committee. According to the Georgia lawmaker, this second review from the GOP will focus primarily on security failures. The security of the Capitol is one of our primary focuses. Were going to be looking more deeply into intelligence that may or may not have been gathered by the different agencies. What did they do with them? Did they brief the White House on any of this? Did they brief the U.S. Capitol Police? he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So theres a lot of holes we need to fill. Emily Brooks 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. GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) The team at the Guilford Association of SCUBA Personnel has an urgent message out to the community: stay off the ice. Ive been in this water rescue thing for 38 years I do not recall, in all my experience this, many of them in one season, GASP Board President David Albright said. The past few weeks have been deadly on frozen ponds since ice can be so unpredictable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A backyard or neighborhood pond can be tempting for anyone to walk or play on, but the fun can turn to fear in a second. The best advice is dont go out there. But, if someone does fall through, grab a rope or something else to throw them. If there is a boat nearby row out, but the last thing you ever want to do is go in yourself and cause a more serious issue. PowerSchool data breach a statewide issue, more than 300,000 teachers had SS number exposed To show us how dangerous ice can be, GASP Chief Michael Tasman walked out on the ice connected to a rope that was held by other rescuers on shore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his first time out on the ice, the rope held pretty well, and it took a few jumps before a breakthrough. This area here is probably about an inch and a half thick, but it was already cracking, Tasman said. The next time, he walked in a different direction, and it was a completely different result, which proves that ice is unpredictable. When I was able to get myself out, there is still spiderweb cracks going even into the thicker ice. If somebody was to come out to get me, there is a good chance they are going to end up going through the ice, Tasman said. Leave the ice rescues to the professionals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For 40 years, GASP has responded to water rescue calls across the Triad. We want to send out our sympathies for the folks that lost family members recently in these ice breakthroughs, Albright said. Each lake, river and pond is different and so is the ice on top. Four inches is considered safe to walk on, but there are so many factors. Whether the water is spring fed or from runoff or if it has been freezing, thawing and refreezing, the best plan is to stay off of it, Albright said. Do not play, walk, sled or do anything else on the ice. Just because it has been really cold for a couple days doesnt mean in another three to four days when it gets warmer out, the ice is not going to crack, Tasman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GASP is run by volunteers and funded through donations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag are taking legal action after losing their home in the deadly Palisades Fire. The Hills alums are suing the city of Los Angeles and the L.A. Department of Water and Power (DWP) over the damage to their $3 million house, which was destroyed in the destructive wildfire earlier this month, according to the Los Angeles Times. Pratt, 41, and his wife, 38, filed the lawsuit on Tuesday, alleging inverse condemnation defined by the outlet as a legal concept that gives property owners compensation or damage caused by public use. Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag. Getty Images The Laguna Beach stars claim the city and DWP are to blame for losing their home and cite several reasons for their allegations, including water supply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the suit, Pratt and Montag allege that a nearby reservoir was empty and had been for months when the fire near their property ignited, per TMZ. They claim that water flow to fire hydrants and tankers in the beloved Pacific Palisades neighborhood home to stars like Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, Anthony Hopkins, Billy Crystal and Eugene Levy was limited to firefighters who ran out of water while trying to battle the blaze. The reality TV couple accuses DWP of trying to cut costs by draining the reservoir and seeking bids for repairs. Spencer Pratt visited what remained of his home after the Palisades Fire. Instagram / Spencer Pratt Damage from another home that was destroyed in the wildfire. AP This aerial picture shows the remains of oceanfront homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire along the Pacific Coast Highway. AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are also blaming the city and DWP for an alleged faulty water system design, claiming the infrastructure could not effectively fight wildfires an accusation they say city officials admitted to after the fire broke out. Pratt and Montag are among 20 others suing the city and DWP for damages after losing their homes in the disastrous Palisades Fire. The Post has reached out to L.A. City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Sotos office and the DWP for comment. Heidi Montag reduced to tears while talking about their home being destroyed. TikTok/@heidimontag Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt. Getty Images for WE tv An aerial view of the fire damage caused by the Palisades Fire is shown in the Pacific Palisades. REUTERS The pair recently spoke about watching their property burn to the ground, with Montag sobbing over the destruction. Im so sad our house is gone. I wish I could have gone back and got more, she tearfully admitted on TikTok. I didnt think it would be the last time we would be in our house. Im so sad for everyone else going through the same thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pratt called the situation a nightmare come true, sifting through the rubble of what had previously been their home. The pair who married in 2008 and share two children relaunched Montags singing career in the wake of the fires. Pratt also stayed active on TikTok throughout the ordeal and recently revealed the surprising amount hes made in the wake of the wildfire. Add Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag to the growing list of Pacific Palisades homeowners whove filed lawsuits against Los Angeles over damage to their properties caused by the citys historic wildfires. In a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Pratt and Montag accuse the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) of failing to maintain an adequate water supply system to fight the blazes. They point to delays in repairing the Santa Ynez Reservoir, leaving the massive water storage complex in the heart of the Palisades empty for nearly a year. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The home owned by the reality stars of The Hills was one of more than 6,500 structures razed by the Palisades Fire. To ease the financial toll of the blazes, Pratt has urged his followers to stream Montags 2010 album Superficial, which hit No. 1 on iTunes for albums and song earlier this month. Pratt and Montag, joined by 20 other property owners in their lawsuit, fault LADWP for emptying the Santa Ynez Reservoir before the fire erupted on Jan. 7, allegedly to seek contractor bids rather than use in-house personnel to repair it. This stated public purpose was far outweighed by the substantial risk posed to Pacific Palisades by wildfires, stated the complaint. The degree of damage that resulted from the Palisades Fire far outweighed any benefit that could have been realized by outsourcing and delaying repairs. With the reservoir out of commission, hydrants in the region failed after three tanks, each holding 1 million gallons of water, went dry within a span of 12 hours. Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered an investigation into the causes behind the water supply problems, which hampered efforts to fight the blazes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City officials have fielded vast criticism over their preparation for the wildfires. Gus Corona, the business manager of IBEW Local 18, the employee union for the LADWP, denounced the delay in implementing necessary repairs to the water supply system. Its completely unacceptable that this reservoir was empty for almost a year for minor repairs. Corona told the Los Angeles Times. This work should have been done in-house, and they shouldnt have depended on a contractor to do it; I truly believe its something that could have been avoided. Mark Pestrella, director of Los Angeles County Public Works, said the hydrant system alone was not designed to fight wildfires. The Palisades Fire was an inescapable and unavoidable consequence of the water supply system servicing areas in and around Pacific Palisades as it was planned and constructed, the complaint stated. The lawsuit alleges inverse condemnation, which allows property owners to seek compensation over damages caused by public use. It seeks unspecified damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the wildfires continue to rage in L.A., several property owners have also sued Southern California Edison for failing to take proper steps to mitigate the risk of its lines sparking a blaze. Others, like Montag and Pratt, similarly sued LADWP, which didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Hills stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, along with other Pacific Palisades property owners, have sued the city of Los Angeles and its Department of Water and Power over damage caused by the Palisades fire. The suit, reviewed by Variety, was filed Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. It alleges that the citys water supply system failed because it was not designed to combat severe wildfires. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs, which number more than 20, are seeking an undetermined amount of compensation for property damage in a claim for inverse condemnation. To prevail, they will have to show that the citys operation of the water system caused the damage to their property. Pratt previously shared that his own house and his parents house burned down in the Palisades fire. The complaint cites reports that the local Santa Ynez Reservoir was emptied and offline for repairs in the weeks leading up to the fire. The status of the Santa Ynez Reservoir has drawn both public and political interest in the aftermath of the Palisades fire, with Governor Gavin Newsom launching an investigation into the loss of water pressure in fire hydrants. Several officials have stated that hydrants would have proven more operable had the reservoir held water, though it remains unclear how much, if any, property damage could have been mitigated. This new case represents the latest inverse condemnation lawsuit emerging from those impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area, which experts project to be the costliest in U.S. history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several cases have been filed by victims of the Eaton fire, which broke out east of L.A. shortly after the Palisades fire and continues to burn. The lawsuits allege that poorly maintained transmission towers owned by the power company, Southern California Edison, were the origin of the fire. The cause of both fires remains under investigation. Pratt and Montag, who married in 2008, have been very public about how the fires have impacted them since evacuating in early January. In an interview with Variety, Pratt shared how he is encouraging the public to stream Montags music as a means of fostering supplementary income. He also revealed discussions for a reality TV series that would chronicle the communitys rebuilding process. I know people are like, Youre rich, you will be fine. Yeah, I wish. Everything in our house was paid for by Heidi and I hustling any way we could, he wrote on TikTok at the time. Everything we have worked for was in this house We are starting at zero now. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag are suing the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water and Power after losing their home in the Palisades Fire last week. The veteran reality stars of are alleging failures that make it hard for firefighters to battle in the rapidly moving flames. The Palisades Fire was an inescapable and unavoidable consequence of the egregious failure of the water supply system servicing areas in and around Pacific Palisades, including having an empty water reservoir, according to the couples attorney, Peter McNulty. This failure was a substantial factor in causing my clients and others to suffer enormous losses. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, the couples inverse-condemnation suit states that the Santa Ynez Reservoir, which normally services the devastated Pacific Palisades, was offline before the fire started on January 7, hampering the ability of firefighters to deal with the flames. The filing alleges that given the reservoirs condition, hydrants in the Palisades failed after three tanks each holding 1 million gallons of water went dry within a span of 12 hours. The couple married in 2008 and gained famed as part of the cast of MTVs 2006-10 unscripted hit The Hills. Montag starred for all six seasons, and Pratt recurred on all but the first season and became a series regular on the final Season 6. They have appeared on a number of reality shows since then, including Celebrity Big Brother UK, Marriage Boot Camp and starring turns on The Hills: New Beginnings. As a result of the loss of their home, Montags 2010 song Ill Do It and the corresponding album Superficial have risen on the Spotify charts, a small way for fans to help her and Pratt recover from the blaze and boost morale. Pratt posted photos on social media that were taken as their home burned: City News Service contributed to this report. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag have filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and the Department of Water and Power (LADWP) after their home was destroyed in the Pacific Palisades fire earlier this month. The lawsuit, filed in California's Superior Court in Los Angeles County on Tuesday, Jan. 21, argues that the devastating fire was "an inescapable and unavoidable consequence" due to how the city and LADWP allegedly managed water supply in the area. Pratt's mother, Janet Pratt, is also on the list of plaintiffs, along with a man named William Pratt. It's not confirmed what relation he has to Spencer, however, he and Janet live in the same home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spencer's sister, Stephanie Pratt, confirmed in an emotional Jan. 8 post on her Instagram Stories that their parents' home was also destroyed in the Palisades fire just hours after Heidi and Spencer's was. Related: Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag Break Down Crying After Losing Their Home in Wildfires: 'Out of Body Insane' The plaintiffs are described as "property owners, tenants and individuals" who suffered "untold devastation" due to the fire such as damaged homes, insurance coverage shortfalls, mandatory evacuations, medical expenses, business interruption and emotional distress. The lawsuit references the Santa Ynez Reservoir in the Palisades which the filing says has "been out of commission since February 2024" awaiting repairs and claims the LADWP decided to "operate the water supply system" despite the drained reservoir to save money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reservoir needed maintenance due to a tear in its floating cover. "With the Santa Ynez Reservoir effectively out of commission, hydrants in Pacific Palisades failed after three tanks each holding one million gallons of water went dry within a span of 12 hours," the lawsuit alleges. Since the L.A. fires broke out on Jan. 7, reports of water problems have drawn widespread attention. Officials previously acknowledged there were issues with water pressure due to what they called "tremendous demand" on the system in the Palisades in early January. More broadly, however, experts have told PEOPLE that urban infrastructure is not currently equipped to battle the kinds of firestorms like the one that swept through L.A. this month, fueled in large part by viciously strong winds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I honestly don't see how ... anything beyond 5, 10, 15 times more investment in the water system could have really made a dent in what happened in some of these fires," says Greg Pierce, who teaches environmental policy at UCLA. "People are upset now and want answers," Pierce says. (Gov. Gavin Newsom has also ordered a probe.) "I'm sure there's things that could probably increase the resilience in these systems, one to three times, that we'll do and that could have been done, and that would've been great. But I don't think that ultimately made the difference," Pierce says, noting other key factors like how wind limited aerial support of the firefighters and the spread of vegetation in the city beforehand. Related: Celebrities Who Have Lost Homes in the Los Angeles Fires, and What They've Said Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pratts' suit takes a different view and points to previous criticism of the water supply from Gus Corona, the business manager of IBEW Local 18, the employee union for the LADWP. "It's completely unacceptable that this reservoir was empty for almost a year for minor repairs, Corona told The Los Angeles Times in an article published on Jan. 10, the lawsuit notes. "This work should have been done in-house, and they shouldn't have depended on a contractor to do it; I truly believe it's something that could have been avoided." (The LADWP stated, the lawsuit alleges, that the reservoir was left empty for a year so it could seek a contractor to fix it instead of "using in-house personnel.") The lawsuit also alleges the water system was designed for the public to use, so it didn't have enough water pressure to fight the major fire. It alleges that Mark Pestrella, director of Los Angeles County Public Works stated that the hydrant system was "not designed to fight wildfires" by itself. "Defendants deliberately designed and maintained this water supply system in this way, despite Los Angeles being in a fire-prone area," the lawsuit alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Spencer Pratt Reveals How Much He's Made from TikTok After Losing Home in L.A. Fires The plaintiffs are suing for inverse condemnation, alleging that the "Defendants operation of its water supply and related infrastructure was a substantial cause of Plaintiffs damages." Their damages include costs of repair to their properties, the loss of enjoyment of their properties and loss of wages and earning capacity. They are suing for an undisclosed amount and are also asking for attorneys' fees and trial by jury. Spencer told PEOPLE this month that he and Heidi, who shared that their home was destroyed in the devastating fire on Jan. 8, are still active on social media because they depend on the income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If we were rich, I wouldn't be on an app," he said in part. "I'd be buying a new house and starting to order things. So, I don't think we would've shared anything vulnerable." He added, "[Social media] is how we already made money before. That's our way of life. Heidi and I have been Snapchatting every day probably for eight years, our whole life." PEOPLE reached out to attorneys for Spencer and Heidi, as well as LADWP and the city of Los Angeles for comment. Read the original article on People Spirit Airlines customers could be removed from flights for dressing inadequately or having offensive tattoos, the airline announced this week in an update to its code of conduct. The low-cost U.S. carrier explicitly banned see-through clothing, bare feet and exposed private parts, as well as clothing or body art that is lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature. The rules are included in an agreement called a contract of carriage that all customers must abide by in order to fly. Would-be travelers can also be removed from a Spirit flight for acting disorderly or violent, appearing to be intoxicated or refusing to use a seat belt. The contract of carriage was updated Jan. 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, a Spirit customer took to social media to complain that she and three others, including a toddler, were removed from their flight because two women in the group were wearing crop tops. The customer, who was flying out of Los Angeles International Airport, said on Instagram that she and her friend were harassed by a male flight attendant and told to cover up, the Independent reported. The post is no longer publicly available. In a similar incident, a Delta Airlines customer said she was targeted and removed from her flight last March for not wearing a bra. Deltas contract of carriage prohibits bare feet and says a customer can be refused service if the passengers conduct, attire, hygiene or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers. Delta also issued a directive last year that flight attendants adhere to a strict dress code, including wearing undergarments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its contract with customers, Spirit said it can also refuse service to any passenger with a contagious disease or an offensive body odor unless caused by a qualified disability. If a customer is denied service for violating the rules outlined, they will not receive a refund, the contract said. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Spirit Airlines on Jan. 22 updated its legal agreement between passengers and the airline. It now disallows passengers from wearing certain offensive clothing and displaying obscene body art. If youre planning to board a Spirit Airlines flight soon, its best to check whether you meet the airlines updated dress code. On Jan. 22, the budget airline quietly made changes to its contract of carriage, which lays out rules and expectations for passengers, as well as a collection of obligations and terms for reservations, fares, baggage, refunds, and schedule changes. Spirit Airlines updated its conduct and condition section of the contract, specifying a passenger would not be permitted to board and could be asked to leave an aircraft if theyre inadequately clothed, which includes see-through clothing, as well as exposed breasts, buttocks, or other private parts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the budget airline disallows customers passage if theyre wearing clothing or have body art that is lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature. It does not provide specific definitions or examples. Spirit Airlines didnt immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment about the policy updates and why they were made. While its reasonable for airlines to have basic standard requirements appropriate for a shared public setting, the vague definitions of offensive or inadequately clothed risk inconsistent enforcement and can lead to passenger dissatisfaction or even legal disputes, says Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance, which provides travel insurance plans. Spirit Airlines change in policy couldve been precipitated by three Spirit Airlines passengers sharing that they had been kicked off of a flight in October 2024 for wearing crop tops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tara Kehidi was with her friend Teresa Araujo on a flight from LAX to New Orleans, and both were wearing crop tops with just like a little bit of stomach showing, Kehidi told ABC News. Kehidi alleged that a male flight attendant approached her and Araujo and told them to put something on. Kehidi said she and Araujo then asked to see the dress code for the airline. Another passenger sitting in front of them, Carla Hager, overheard the altercation and said it was too hot on the aircraft for them to wear sweaters. Hager was also wearing a crop top, and insisted that if Kehidi's and Araujos outfits were inappropriate, then hers was too. And I was like 'so if they're kicking you off the flight, then they're also going to have to kick me and my toddler off of the flight'," Hager told ABC. And with that, the three adults and Hagers toddler were kicked off the flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Spirit Airlines updated its contract of carriage on Jan. 22, it issued the following statement to ABC: "Our contract of carriage, a document all guests agree to upon making a reservation with us, includes certain clothing standards for all guests traveling with us. We are investigating the matter, and we are in contact with the guests about their experience." Can airlines dictate what passengers wear? While its not uncommon for airlines to have rules and expectations for passenger conduct, Spirits appears to be more specific than others, Jennifer Yellin, senior editor with Points Path, a browser extension that helps customers find lower prices for travel, told Fortune. For instance, American Airlines requires passengers to dress appropriately, noting that bare feet arent allowed. Hawaiian Airlines, fittingly, states that speedos and bikini bottoms are not allowed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just like a restaurant or a club can require a dress code, an airline can dictate a certain level of attire, so long as the rule is applied fairly and doesn't discriminate against a protected class, Yellin said. And perhaps this policy could have come in handy ahead of Kehidi and Hager boarding their flight. It could actually be to a passenger's advantage to be able to point to a detailed set of rules rather than having to rely on an overzealous airline agent's interpretation of a generalized clothing policy, Yellin said. But specific policies also add a layer of complexity to travel planning, Cronin said, and high-profile incidents like the one involving Kehidi and Hager could expose airlines to reputational risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should this trend persist, increased attention may be given to the issue of personal expression versus decency in the airline industry, Cronin said. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com MISSION, Texas (Border Report) For over 30 years, Father Roy Snipes has been a priest at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and at La Lomita Chapel in Mission, Texas. He says many parishioners are undocumented but faithful churchgoers who he fears will stop coming to services if federal agents raid churches and other places of worship, as well as schools, looking for undocumented migrants. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a directive allowing its agents and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to enter these once safe spaces in search of migrants they deem a criminal threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Border Report Live: Trumps immigration orders grip border communities In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said, This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens including murders and rapists who have illegally come into our country. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in Americas schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense. Its scary. It bothers me a lot, Snipes said. Theyre couching it in that setting that what were going on is drug dealers and cartel and everyone agrees with all of that. But what about Grandma and Grandpa who lived here all their lives and dont have papers. What about them? he said. Its all kind of a potential horror. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sitting inside a backroom Thursday at his sprawling parish, surrounded by the dozens of stray dogs that he takes in, Snipes said sanctuaries need to remain sacred places of space where people can worship freely without fear. Father Roy Snipes of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission, Texas, has taken in over 30 stray dogs, goats and other animals at his parish in Mission, Texas. (Sandra Sanchez/Border Report) Church is a place you want people to come and feel at home and even if theyre sinners you want them to come and ask forgiveness. Its not a place to be accused or hunted down or despised. It should not be, he said. During the first Trump administration, Snipes led hundreds of cars and walkers on a 4-mile procession along the border from his parish in Mission to the 100-year-old historic La Lomita Chapel to protest plans to build a border wall separating the chapel. The attention worked and Congress eventually passed a measure exempting La Lomita from future border wall expansion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But given the many immigration-related orders signed and directives and proclamations approved by the Trump administration this week, Snipes acknowledges that those protections could change. He deems the threat of law enforcement entering houses of worship as even more egregious, and he tells Border Report that he is praying for those issuing these new orders. Were just waiting to see whats going to happen next, he said. We cant imagine what it must be like, say for a child who knows his parents dont have papers he would live in just stark terror that they could take his Mom and Dad away. In addition, his parish runs a Catholic education center for Catechism students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WATCH: CBP officers in riot gear march through South Texas border crossing Rabbi Claudio Kogan also worries about law enforcement entering houses of worship. Kogan ran a synagogue in McAllen for several years and is the former director of the Institute of Bioethics and Social Justice at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He now lives in Florida and tells Border Report that he is very aware of the immigration challenges on the border and calls it a crisis. We have a crisis that has to be taken care of. And I think that we are now, in some ways, thinking about treatments without understanding and without taking care of the theology of the situation, Kogan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A house of worship is a safe house. Its a place in which everybody is able to attend to feel comfortable, he said. And I think that if this will happen, people may not feel safe, and if people may not feel safe in the place that they gather to maintain their faith, we may be against one of the principles, one of the pillars of the United States of America. Kogan is an immigrant from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He came to America and worked his way through school and even has a medical doctors degree. He believes illegal immigration is driven by migrants seeking to escape poverty and crime and other injustices in their home countries. And he thinks the best way to stop illegal crossings is to attack it at its root causes. I am a medical doctor as well. When we have a headache, we can take an aspirin and probably the headache will go away, but if the theology that create that headache is still there, the headache will come back. So we need to treat the complete disease. And I think so far, there were aspirins that were taking care and not the whole story. We have a crisis that has to be taken care. And I think that we are now, in some ways, thinking about treatments without understanding and without taking care of the theology of the situation, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kogan said he was honored to twice lead the opening morning prayer for the U.S. Congress in 2015 and in 2017 during the second Obama administration and first Trump administration. I am an immigrant. I came to the country with no money and by studying and studying, I was able and honored to study and complete my degrees in four American universities. And this is the way for me, with means to become an American, to be able to come legally, to be able to study, to be able to accomplish your dreams, the American dream, which I think, and I do believe, is feasible, going through the right steps, he said. Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.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, Ill. (WCIA) The Springfield Police Department is taking a new approach to combatting gun violence in the city by partnering with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette and Agent Christopher Amon, Special Agent in Charge of the ATFs Chicago Field Division, announced on Thursday the formation of a new joint initiative called the Springfield Firearms Task Force. Consisting of both Springfield police officers and ATF agents, the task force is designed to investigate and prosecute violent firearm crimes. Three people arrested in Danville on weapons charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The task force has been active since last fall, department officials wrote, and its efforts have already led to arrests and charges throughout Springfield. The Springfield Police Department remains committed to utilizing all resources possible to not only reduce senseless gun violence in our community, but also ensure those responsible are held accountable, Scarlette said in a press release. Ongoing relationships with our federal partners of the ATF will act as a force multiplier in our commitment to keep the citizens of our community safe from these heinous crimes. This unique mission, working closely with our local and state law enforcement partners in concert with Springfield Police, is vital to holding accountable those responsible for the gun violence in our communities, Amon said. This partnership, in conjunction with the ability to utilize Crime Gun Intelligence via tracing recovered firearms and comparing ballistic evidence within NIBIN, is a game changer. It will help us pinpoint the few individuals responsible for violent crime in the community and hold them accountable. The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) is an ATF-administered network that Springfield Police uses to investigate gun violence by linking shooting incidents in one jurisdiction to shooting incidents in other jurisdictions. Its one of several tools and techniques the task force is using to target people actively involved in or associated with firearm-related violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That violence includes straw purchases of guns, unlawful possession, armed drug trafficking and possession of switches devices that convert a semi-automatic weapon into a machine gun. The goal of the task force and its effort is to reduce violent crime and gun violence and strive to make neighborhoods safer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Springfield City Schools is looking to make additions to their roster of faculty and staff. The district is hosting a job fair at The Dome on Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. Attendees are advised to fill out an employment application ahead of the job fair and should be prepared for on the spot interviews. Sinclairs Tartan Threads now open for students Available positions include teachers (substitutes included), counselors, intervention specialists, paraprofessionals, custodians, bus aides and kitchen cooks/cashiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the job fair, attendees should enter The Dome through the Springfield Online entrance #7, which is next to the John Legend Theater entrance. Any questions or concerns ahead of the event can be directed to the districts Human Resources Department by calling 937-505-2827 or emailing hr@scsdoh.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 WDTN.com. ST. AMANT, La. (Louisiana First) In Ascension Parish, officials with the St. Amant Fire Department are alerting people to reduce water use and the importance of carbon monoxide alarms. Im just amazed at how many carbon monoxide alarms over the last three days that weve actually had, said St. Amant Fire Department Chief James LeBlanc. We ran the detectors through their homes, found it their homes did have it. And we were able to ventilate their homes and locate the problem. A carbon monoxide alarm is an alarm he said people shouldnt ignore, especially during this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hot water heaters, your heating systems, your stoves and your fireplaces, all dealing with gas, he said. Make sure you have that working carbon monoxide detector, very very important. As the week wraps up, LeBlanc wants to alert people about another problem on the rise, which is water pressure. He suggests people cut back on dripping water from their faucets. You can kind of cut back on that trickling of the water, LeBlanc said. Lets try to build the water pressure back up on these companies so we can get the water pressure back up, because, of course, we need that water pressure to operate hydrants in case we have a structure fire, he said. LeBlanc is also happy to announce that Ascension Parish hasnt had serious accidents, or structure fires during or after the snowstorm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now we had our share of accidents, you know, with people driving, but it was nothing compared to what it could have been, he said. Im very happy to say that we have no fatalities in Ascension parish, no major accidents, and no major fires since this event started. He hopes people continue putting safety as a priority, from being cautious with heat lamps, space heaters and being equipped with alarms. The State Fire Marshals Office has confirmed that out of those 13 deaths that weve already had in January, none of them had working smoke detectors, he said. Nobody should be going to sleep tonight without a smoke detector, nobody should be going to sleep tonight without a carbon monoxide detector. Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. Jan. 23MASSENA The loss of an employee in the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce could impact plans for a full-time staff member in the Massena and Canton offices. Chamber Executive Director Benjamin R. Dixon said Katie Berry, who had served as their communication specialist, accepted a position with Visit Rochester, "which was a great career move for her, as well as a great personal life move." However, he told the Massena Town Board, that causes staffing problems with the Massena and Canton chamber offices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It does mean that we have a communications opening with the chamber team," Dixon said. The Massena, Canton and Ogdensburg chambers had merged with the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce in 2023, and Laura Pearson began working in Massena on Mondays and Tuesdays and attending meetings of the Massena Rotary Club in 2024 while splitting her time with the Ogdensburg Chamber office. Dixon said Massena's Church Street building that has served as the chamber's offices since 2012 is now on the market. The building has been closed and unstaffed since the start of the pandemic. "The Church Street building is listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) now. You can see that on there. Mike Kassian is our listing agent," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, while they continue to look for a new chamber home in Massena, staffing it is the current issue. "As you know, trying to move the building to a sale, we've got kind of really three big areas of need on our chamber team right now with communications, the Massena representation, and Canton representation," Dixon said. "If you go to our website we actually have a sort of combined position listing on there right now that lists those three areas of need and our interest in bringing on team members." He said the goal, as it relates to Massena, was "having a permanent staff person in place here." Meanwhile, he said, the chamber is forging ahead with some upcoming events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have our North Country Kids Expo coming up in March, as well as our annual membership meeting on March 11," Dixon said. They also have their tourism dinner scheduled for June 4. "You're definitely going to want to come. We've got an interesting speaker, Josiah Brown, lined up to come speak at that about tourism," he said. Brown is the former chair of the New York State Tourism Industry Association and current president/CEO of Famous Destination Marketing. "The focus there is really in line with our goal to promote sustainable tourism. The concept there is that we want our tourism development activity to be things that also benefit the local population, things that add to the qualify of life and community vitality, that help draw on tourists, but also makes life better for the residents," Dixon said. More information about chamber events can be found at https://www.visitstlc.com/. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. Social service organizations worked together on Thursday to collect information on the homeless community in St. Louis County through a point-in-time count. The effort aims to assess the current state of homelessness in the St. Louis region. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), St. Louis County Department of Human Services, and St. Louis County Police all contributed to the effort. ICE arrests nationwide spark fear in St. Louis communities Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HUD will evaluate data to determine how much funding St. Louis County receives to address homelessness. For county leaders, it gives a better idea of how to direct resources to unhoused individuals. By participating in this census, Saint Louis County reaffirms its commitment to creating a community where everyone has access to safe, stable housing and the resources they need to thrive, said St. Louis County Executive Sam Page via a news release. While this count is a key event, Saint Louis County is committed every day to addressing homelessness through a variety of services. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News The count includes individuals who are outdoors, in emergency shelters, rapid rehousing programs, transitional housing programs, and permanent support housing programs. All the [agencies] determine the help necessary to address the underlying needs of those who are out and without [a home], said Yusef Scoggin, Chair of the St. Louis County Continuum of Care. St. Louis County provides a range of resources, including warming shelters, for people in need. Anyone seeking assistance can contact the St. Louis County homeless hotline at 314-802-544 or by dialing 211. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here for more resources in St. Louis County, and click here for more resources in St. Louis City. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Getty Images Sign up for The Agenda Thems news and politics newsletter, delivered to your inbox every Thursday. Amid the launch of the second Trump administration on Monday, one thing marred the new U.S. presidents week: a sermon of compassion from Bishop Mariann Budde, held in the same place she once laid Matthew Shepard to rest. Budde, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, delivered the homily at an interfaith prayer service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on January 20 following Trumps inauguration. In her remarks, Budde called upon Trump to build a commitment to unity that incorporates diversity and transcends disagreement and encouraged the new president to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now, particularly immigrants, low-wage laborers, and transgender children in both Republican and Democrat families who fear for their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away, Budde told Trump, adding, Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were once strangers in this land. That line likely alluded to a verse in Leviticus: The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. Naturally, Trump and his fellow Republicans did not much appreciate Buddes Biblical plea for mercy and understanding. The president referred to Budde as a Radical Left hard line Trump hater in a post on his own social media platform Truth Social after the service, while Georgia Rep. Mike Collins called for Budde to be added to the deportation list in a post on X (formerly Twitter), referencing Trumps mass deportation plan already in progress. I am not going to apologize for asking for mercy for others, Budde told Time magazine this week. When asked if she had received threats or felt unsafe, Budde replied, The real people who are in danger are those who are fearful of being deported. The real people who are in danger are the young people who feel they cannot be themselves and be safe [...] It was as respectful and as universal as I could [be] with the exception of making someone who has been entrusted with such enormous influence and power to have mercy on those who are most vulnerable. Budde has served as bishop at the Washington diocese since 2011, and is the first woman to be elected to the position, according to her official biography. She previously butted heads with Trump during the twilight of his last term as president in 2020, when police allegedly tear-gassed Black Lives Matter protesters in order to clear the yard of St. Johns Church in Washington ahead of a Trump photo op. Budde denounced the police violence and called Trumps message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for. Vivian Jenna Wilson, Elon Musks Estranged Daughter, Condemns His Inauguration Salute Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Threads and Bluesky, Wilson called out Musks turn toward plausible deniability in the face of criticism. In 2018, Budde played a significant role in LGBTQ+ history when she oversaw the interment of Matthew Shepards remains at the National Cathedral the same building in which she would address Trump nearly seven years later. Shepard was murdered in 1998 in what is still one of the most high-profile hate crime cases in U.S. history, but his parents held onto his ashes for 20 years out of fear his gravesite might be vandalized. Shepards remains were interred in the Cathedrals crypt following a memorial service on October 26, 2018, over which Budde and openly gay Rev. V. Gene Robinson presided. There will be young people from all across the country, having tours here and being educated here, Budde told mourners at the time. When they pass by, they will see a plaque in his honor. They will see that this is a church that has learned from the example of violence that we need to stand and be counted as among those who work for justice and the full embrace of all God's children. Get the best of whats queer. Sign up for Thems weekly newsletter here. Originally Appeared on them. Starbucks will implement a policy next week preventing non-paying customers from using the bathroom or sitting down in coffee-shop seats. The company is training employees to deal with pushback on the policy, which includes utilizing de-escalation tactics where necessary, according to an employee. Starbucks is preparing its baristas to turn away store visitors hoping to refill water bottles or use the bathroom without buying a coffee or pastry. The coffee chains workers, known as partners, completed a three-hour training on how to enforce the customer-only policy that takes effect next week. Beginning Jan. 27, Starbucks is implementing a new code of conduct requiring customers to purchase something in order to sit down at the shop, use the bathroom, or get a water bottle refill. Ahead of the changes, the coffee chain asked employees to enforce the policy, instructing them to utilize de-escalation tactics if visitors refuse to comply with the new standards, a Starbucks employee told Fortune. During the training, workers were given a scenario on how to respond to a regular patron who frequents and sits down at a store for extended periods without buying anything, according to internal documents, Business Insider reported. Per the documents, employees should "listen to the customer's concern and kindly reiterate the intended use of our space, use de-escalation strategies as needed, and alert a manager to the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The purpose of the training is to instill confidence in workers encouraging them to warmly acknowledge and engage with every person in our store, treating them with kindness, respect, and assuming positive intent, Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson told Fortune in a statement. The Starbucks employee, who works as a barista at a store in Center City, Philadelphia, told Fortune during the training, baristas were asked to essentially keep track of customers who used Starbucks amenities without purchasing anything by remembering those customers names and faces. Those customers would effectively be banned from the store should they try to visit again, though the employee did not say how the ban would be enforced. Starbucks implemented its open-door policy in 2018 following the arrest of two Black men at a Philadelphia Starbucks. The men visited the store for a business meeting, but did not purchase anything as they waited for a third person to join the meeting. The store had a policy asking non-paying customers to leave, and the arrest was caught on video. It was an embarrassment for a coffee chain marketing itself as welcoming and socially conscious. The change in the companys code of conduct more than six years later is among a series of sweeping changes new CEO Brian Niccol is implementing to get back to Starbucks and become a third space. That includes adding for-here ceramic cups and comfier seating in hopes that customersat least those willing to pay for a latte or croissantwill linger in stores longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores, Starbucks spokesperson Anderson said. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone. Employee concerns Not all Starbucks employees are happy with the policy change. The Philadelphia Starbucks employee said in his store, the vast majority [of baristas] dislike it, with some believing it's anti-homeless, particularly as public bathrooms in the U.S. remain sparse. The employee said he also works in a high-incident store where customers harass or verbally abuse workers. Theres concern among store workers that the new policy could lead to an increase in customer discontent, but that Starbucks wont have made system-wide changeslike allowing baristas to easily limit incoming digital orders during tense customer interactionsto handle the potential increase in stressors. We know that these situations are going to happen more frequently in our store, the employee said. And we will not be able to take the measures that we need to make ourselves safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starbucks Workers United (SBWU), which represents more than 11,000 company employees, said workers should have more of a say in vast company changes and how baristas should go about enforcing code of conduct changes. According to Starbucks, the new code of conduct addresses the issues the union has raised in the past. "Every barista knows how enforcing Starbucks' policies is part of our everyday responsibilities on the job, SBWU told Fortune in a statement. That's why we are requesting more information from Starbucks and calling on the company to bargain over code of conduct enforcement. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com A Starbucks worker expects an increase in altercations with customers after a policy change requiring an item purchase before using the restroom or hanging out in stores. But the store, even equipped with a panic button, does not have the resources to address tense interactions, he said. As Starbucks prepares for a sweeping policy change reversing its open-door policy, one barista warns the coffee chain hasnt put effective plans in place to navigate a potential increase in customer altercationseven if select stores have a panic button preventing more customers from coming in. The company announced earlier this month that beginning Jan. 27, customers will be required to purchase something in order to use a Starbucks restroom or hang out in stores. Its part of new CEO Brian Niccols plans to get the company back to Starbucks by becoming a third space: emphasizing comfy seating and even ceramic mugs to encourage paying customers to sip their coffees in stores. The new policy is also a reversal of an open-door code of conduct put into place in 2018, after two Black men were arrested in a Philadelphia Starbucks while waiting for a business meeting to start, without having bought anything. We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores, Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson told Fortune in a statement. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starbucks employees received training on how to enforce the new policyincluding being encouraged to use de-escalation tactics should regular customers insist on hanging out in stores without buying anythingbut not every worker is certain the training will be enough to prevent tense moments between visitors and baristas. One Starbucks employee in Center City, Philadelphia, said his store is high incident, meaning workers are subject to harassment and verbal abuse from customers. He anticipates not all visitors will take kindly to being turned down seating or the chance to use the restroom, even if employees are trained on how to respond thoughtfully. We know that these situations are going to happen more frequently in our store, the employee said. And we will not be able to take the measures that we need to make ourselves safe. Improving in-store functions According to the employee, Starbucks has some safety measures in place, including a panic button, an emergency lock-down button that locks the stores doors to outside customers while still allowing those in the store to exit. Pressing the button also alerts an internal security team. But he said he was not briefed on when it was appropriate to use the button. Starbucks has only implemented the button in about five of its U.S. locations as part of a test to optimize in-store security, the company said. There are no plans to expand the use of the button to other stores at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The employee is instead advocating for an easy way to pause mobile orders during stressful customer interactions. Starbucks said stores have the ability to pause mobile orders at any time, but must first get approval to do so through a store manager. Starbucks employees have previously expressed they are overworked or overwhelmed because of the number of incoming mobile orders. One of Niccols reforms is to pare back the Starbucks menu and prevent ultra-customized drinks that are time-consuming for baristas to make. Incoming mobile orders not only mount pressure on employees to make drinks while trying to calm down erratic customers; an influx of digital tickets also means a heightened risk of more customers entering the store, seeing their drinks havent been made, and also growing frustrated, according to the Philadelphia Starbucks employee. It's pulling more and more customers to this place where there's an unsafe situation, he said. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com By the end of this year, as many as 100 million Americans could live in a state where they can be reported to a "bias response hotline" for a wide range of protected speech. While states claim that these reporting mechanisms don't punish people for non-criminal speech acts, many also claim to attempt to stop hateful speech incidents "before they occur." According to a recent report in The Washington Free Beacon by reporter Aaron Sibarium, these reporting systems allow people to "snitch" on their neighbors. Connecticut allows people to report "hate speech" they "heard about but did not see." Vermont encourages citizens to call the police over "biased but protected speech." Philadelphia actually directs people to give the names of alleged offenders so they can be contacted. "If it is not a crime, we sometimes contact the offending party and try to do training so that it doesn't happen again," Saterria Kersey, a spokeswoman for the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, told Sibarium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon's Bias Response hotline encourages citizens to report not only hate crimes, but also "non-criminal hostile expression motivated in part or whole by" someone's protected identity. These incidents can include "hate speech," "displaying hateful symbols or flags," and "telling or sharing offensive 'jokes' about someone's identity." What happens when someone calls this hotline? The Free Beacon called the hotline and reported a fictional incidenta man, identifying himself as a Muslim said that he felt "targeted" by his neighbor's Israeli flag. "Within 20 minutes, a hotline operator had logged the display in a 'state database,' referred to it as a 'warning sign,' and suggested installing security cameras in case the situation 'escalates,'" Sibarium writes. "He also informed this reporter that, 'as a victim of a bias incident,' he could apply for taxpayer-funded therapy through the state's Crime Victims Compensation Program, which covers counseling costs for bias incidents as well as crimes." Even though nothing criminal had allegedly occurredor even something that could be fairly described as objectively offensivethe operator nonetheless treated the report with immense gravity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Even if it is not very explicit, we go with whatever the victim is experiencing," the operator said during the call. "And if your sense is that this is based on discrimination against your faith or your country of originthat's how I would document it." Sibarium notes that, while many states use their reporting systems to direct callers to state-funded counseling services, many also use these hotlines as a kind of "predictive policing," tracking reported speech incidents and using them "as data points that are used to predict hate crimes." It's not clear how much, if at all, these systems violate the First Amendment. While states say they don't punish reported individualsand often, don't keep their names storedfor alleged "hate speech," it's likely that these hotlines don't explicitly violate free speech rights. However, it's not hard to see how such wide-ranging bias response hotlines could end up chilling protected speech. "The ability to speak freely is core to our democracy. Any system or protocol that stifles or inhibits free expression is antithetical to the principles and ideals of our institutions of higher education and our republic," Angel Eduardo, a senior writer and editor at the Foundation For Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a First Amendment group, wrote in a blog post earlier this week. "In both word and deed, bias reporting systems fundamentally undermine these principles and now seriously threaten the First Amendment rights ofordinary citizens." The post State 'Bias Response Hotlines' Encourage People To Snitch on Their Neighbors for 'Hate Speech' appeared first on Reason.com. Damages remain visible in the McCook Lake community on July 3, 2024, after a massive flood hit the area on June 23. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight) PIERRE Work to respond and recover from June 2024 flooding that ravaged the southeastern corner of South Dakota, including McCook Lake, will cost state government nearly $3.5 million, according to state officials. The costs associated with the flood make up the majority of Emergency and Disaster Fund costs impacting the state in fiscal year 2024, which ran from July 2023 through June 2024. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety is requesting nearly $5 million in general funds from the state Legislature to cover anticipated expenses from the flood and other state emergencies this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill is a regular occurrence in the Legislature to adequately fund disaster response in the state. Last year, the Legislature appropriated $4.28 million. Kristi Turman, deputy secretary with the state Department of Public Safety, told the Legislatures Joint Appropriations Committee on Friday at the Capitol that the expenses are for state agencies that respond to disasters, and for covering the states share of public assistance funds for local governments and utilities to fix infrastructure damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency pays for 75% of eligible recovery work, while the state pays for 25%. FEMA approved $2.9 million in community recovery funds for South Dakotas June 2024 flooding. As of November 2024, 84 projects were approved. The infrastructure-focused program is separate from the $14.7 million in FEMA grants and loans to assist South Dakota individuals and businesses in recovery. The June 2024 flooding followed several days of record rainfall, with some of the worst damage happening in the community of McCook Lake, where dozens of homes were destroyed or damaged. The state recently received notice of a potential lawsuit over its allegedly deficient response to the McCook Lake disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other anticipated bills to be paid from the fund in the coming year include $350,000 related to sending the South Dakota National Guard to the Texas border between April and June 2024 (which was the latest of multiple border deployments ordered by Gov. Kristi Noem during the past several years) and older disasters that are still open cases, such as $1.1 million associated with a 2019 blizzard and flooding. Republican Gov. Kristi Noem has ordered the state National Guard to the Texas-Mexico border three times since 2021. Noem had spent a total of $2.7 million from the states Emergency and Disaster Fund on those deployments through last spring. Additional border deployments were federally ordered and funded. The cost of one of Noems deployments was partially offset by a $1 million donation from Tennessee billionaire Willis Johnson. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Secretary of State Marco Rubio halted spending Friday on most existing foreign aid grants for 90 days. The order, which shocked State Department officials, appears to apply to funding for military assistance to Ukraine. Rubios guidance, issued to all diplomatic and consular posts, requires department staffers to issue stop-work orders on nearly all existing foreign assistance awards, according to the document, which was obtained by POLITICO. It is effective immediately. It appears to go further than President Donald Trumps recent executive order, which instructed the department to pause foreign aid grants for 90 days pending review by the secretary. It had not been clear from the presidents order if it would affect already appropriated funds or Ukraine aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new guidance means no further actions will be taken to disperse aid funding to programs already approved by the U.S. government, according to three current and two former officials familiar with the new guidance. The order shocked some department officials for its sweeping mandate. State just totally went nuclear on foreign assistance, said another State Department official. Still, the document leaves room for interpretation and does provide some exceptions. It specifies that foreign military financing for Egypt and Israel will continue and allows emergency food assistance and legitimate expenses incurred prior to the date of this guidance under existing awards. At points, it also says the decisions need to be consistent with the terms of the relevant award. One current State Department official, plus two former Biden administration officials, said the pause appears to stop aid to key allies such as Ukraine, Jordan and Taiwan. They, and others, were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive internal government documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guidance could open the U.S. government up to civil liability as lawsuits could be filed over unfulfilled contracts if the terms are deemed to have been violated, the current and former officials said, although at points it says the decisions need to be consistent with the terms of the relevant award. The guidance states that decisions whether to continue, modify or terminate programs will be made following the review from the secretary. A State Department spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Devex earlier reported on the directive. The omission of Ukraine is particularly troubling to American officials who want to help it defeat Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Republicans have for years homed in on what they described as wasteful foreign aid spending under the Obama and Biden administrations. But in recent days, Trump has ratcheted up his rhetoric toward Russia, threatening Moscow with sanctions if it does not end its nearly three-year invasion of Ukraine and declaring that Putin bears responsibility for ending the war. Ukraines government has yet to respond to the move. But boosters of Kyiv are voicing hope the pause wont set back Ukraines war effort. Were working to understand what this means for Ukraine. Were confident that the administration isnt going to let America fall for Putins scare tactics, said Mykola Murskyj of Razom, a U.S.-based group that advocates for Ukraine. People working in global health are alarmed about the impact of the order on programs such as the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which funds testing and treatment for people living with HIV, mostly in Africa. The program has received about $5 billion in funding annually, in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This stop-work order is cruel and deadly, said Asia Russell, the executive director of Health GAP, a nonprofit which advocates for access to treatment in people with HIV. The guidance was cleared by a litany of top State Department staffers, including State Department counselor Michael Needham and policy planning director Michael Anton. The State Department is expected to prepare a report within 85 days of the guidance being issued, which will then accompany a recommendation from Rubio to Trump about which foreign assistance programs to continue and which to discontinue. Carmen Paun contributed to this report. (WHTM) A new partnership aims to help keep drivers safe in snow squalls. Multiple state and federal agencies are teaming up to study how snow squalls impact driving. Those agencies include PennDOT, the Turnpike Commission, PEMA, and the National Weather Service. Rabid bear attacks Pennsylvania man; authorities We have seen snow squalls occur on the Turnpike, and it definitely affects how people drive, which is why we want to support this study and hopefully help educate drivers on how to safely navigate through a snow squall, said Craig Shuey, Chief Operating Officer for the PA Turnpike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snow squalls are brief and intense periods of heavy snow, causing white-out conditions, and officials say they can catch drivers off guard and lead to multi-vehicle crashes. Crashes like an 80-car pile-up that killed six people on Interstate 81 near Minersville. No warning was issued for that squall. Steps to improve safety have been taken, including the installation of variable speed limit signs, allowing speed limits to be visually reduced along I-81 from the I-78 split near Jonestown to the I-80 interchange in the Conyngham Valley in Luzerne County. That includes all of I-81 in Schuylkill County. PHOTO COURTESY / COMMONWEALTH MEDIA SERVICES Craig Shuey, COO of PA Turnpike joins the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) to team up with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to prioritize roadway safety and further study how snow squalls affect driving. PHOTO COURTESY / COMMONWEALTH MEDIA SERVICES Another step to improve safety, Dr. Jase Bernhardt, of Hofstra University, is developing a virtual reality snow squall simulator thanks to a grant from the Road to Zero Traffic Safety Program. Hes working with the National Weather Service at State College. The simulator immerses the participant in a snow squall with 360-degree graphics and surround sound, while vividly depicting what happens when proper caution is not taken, said John Banghoff, Lead Meteorologist with NWS State College. Get severe weather alerts with newsletters and push alerts from the abc27 Weather Team The simulator is expected to help agencies understand drivers perspectives and provide better information to help them through snow squalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Jan. 23ANDERSON Influenza is spreading across Indiana and has been responsible for at least 32 deaths so far this season. Influenza, or "flu," is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause mild to severe illness. The virus was responsible for more than 3% of emergency room visits in Madison County during the week of Jan. 17, according to the Indiana Department of Health. However, overall cases are decreasing in Madison County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flu can be detected in the body through a test similar to a COVID test. Those tests can be purchased at a local pharmacy. The tests distinguish between the two major strains of flu: A and B. Both types have similar symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, muscle and body aches, fatigue, or extreme exhaustion. Influenza A is the more severe strain, according to the National Council on Aging. In Indiana, it has been responsible for 26% of detected cases so far during the current season. Stephenie Mellinger, administrator of the Madison County Health Department, noted health officials statewide have seen an increase in Influenza A. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strain is divided into two subtypes which are not distinguishable with over-the-counter tests. Those subtypes are H3N2 and H1N1. The latter was responsible for the 2009 swine flu pandemic, which resulted in 12,469 deaths nationwide. Treatment is the same regardless of type. It consists of antiviral medications and at-home support, which includes rest, drinking plenty of fluids and taking fever/pain reducing medications. Follow Caleb Amick on Twitter @AmickCaleb. Contact him at caleb.amick@heraldbulletin.com or 765-648-4254. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The water from your faucet could soon be fluoride-free if a bill passes in Tennessee. State Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald) filed a bill to prohibit water service providers from adding fluoride in public water in the state. I think fluoride has more risks than the benefits, Hensley said. I have been an advocate for stopping fluoride in the water for many years. I havent actively done anything about it for many years, but I think now is the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hensley, a family medicine physician, told News 2 he pushed to ban fluoride in water some 20 years ago, citing older and recent studies linking high exposures of fluoride to increased health risks, including an analysis from the U.S. National Institutes of Health that found lower IQ levels in children with higher exposures to fluoride. Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom However, authors of the study then acknowledged many of the papers had a high risk of bias and their work wasnt designed to address the broader public health implications of fluoride in water in the U.S. Despite that, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has pushed to ban fluoride in water. Last November, RFK Jr. posted on X, calling fluoride an industrial waste linked to a slew of health issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some doctors told News 2 if water service providers stopped adding fluoride to the water, theyd expect a larger increase in cavities within 10 to 20 years. Fund established to assist those impacted by Antioch High School shooting Fluoride was introduced into the United States, I believe, in the 1940s and since then, that was one of the largest public health successes was making sure we looked after the people in the U.S., adding fluoride where we could because we knew long-term it would be a much healthier outlook for the country, Dr. Matthew Smith, a dentist at Snodgrass-King Dental Associates in Mt. Juliet, said. Dr. William Schaffner with Vanderbilt University Medical Center said the amount of fluoride added to water is closely monitored, heavily regulated, and beneficial at preventing tooth decay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As with anything else, if you take too much of something, there can be adverse effects; so it is with fluoride, Schaffner said. Thats why the technology that introduces fluoride into water is very carefully regulated and people know how to do this. Weve been doing this for decades. According to one study from the 1970s, fluoride reduced the average number of decayed teeth by 2.1 per child. However, that study was conducted before fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, and other products were widely available. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Hensley believes topical fluoride is more beneficial than adding it in water. In addition, the public can choose how much they want to use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We put a certain amount in the water and everybody gets the same amount, whether theyre old or young or middle aged; older people that dont even have any teeth are getting fluoride when it certainly can be dangerous to kidneys; can be dangerous to young children, Hensley said. Just look on a tube of toothpaste, and it tells you if you swallow too much toothpaste you need to call poison control because fluoride can be a toxic chemical. Its just time for us to stop, I believe, and we have better ways to prevent tooth decay. The bill still needs a House sponsor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. California has rolled out a new law to expand access to homeowners insurance, but a watchdog group fears the legislation will only lead to a greater burden for residents. What's happening? As detailed by Edhat Santa Barbara, state insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara introduced "catastrophe modeling" as part of his plan to increase coverage in wildfire-prone areas. The regulation allows private insurers to use computer modeling to assess risk when setting premiums instead of relying on past losses. "Giving people more choices to protect themselves is how we will solve California's insurance crisis. For the first time in history, we are requiring insurance companies to expand where people need help the most. With our changing climate, we can no longer look to the past. We are being innovative and forward-looking to protect Californians' access to insurance," Lara said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, even though the regulation received glowing praise from a diverse coalition of policymakers, environmental groups, and other advocacy organizations, Consumer Watchdog a nonprofit consumer protection organization criticized the move. "Full transparency is what keeps insurance rates honest but Commissioner Lara's rule does away with that protection. The rule will let insurance companies raise rates based on secret algorithms but not expand coverage as promised," Consumer Watchdog executive director Carmen Balber said, per Edhat Santa Barbara. Why is this important? Warming global temperatures cause an uptick of more intense extreme weather, and areas previously believed to be climate havens haven't been spared. More and more states are grappling with sky-high insurance rates. The National Bureau of Economic Research estimates that "growing disaster risk will lead climate-exposed households to face $700 higher annual premiums by 2053." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some argue that AI-driven computer modeling is the key to reducing costs or insuring the otherwise uninsurable with the analysis giving insurance companies detailed data about climate-related risks and ways homeowners can limit their impact. However, the downside is that AI systems need massive amounts of water and energy, with many data centers still relying on dirty fuels the primary reason that Earth's climate is becoming unnaturally warm. This raises the question of whether AI-driven modeling will create a bigger problem, though several major companies are transitioning to clean or low-carbon energy sources to clean up AI operations. Do you think America is in a housing crisis? Definitely Not sure No way Only in some cities Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. What's being done to protect California homeowners? According to a media release from the California Department of Insurance, more than 1,000 parties helped inform the new insurance regulation. To ensure "model integrity" and transparency, Commissioner Lara has hired model adviser Kara Voss, an expert in catastrophe modeling for wildfire and flooding events when part of the Climate and Sustainability Branch. After a proposed model passes a "pre-application required information determination," or PRID, insurers can begin using that model to write policies. The department planned to begin accepting PRID applications on Jan. 2 and intends to complete its review in months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumer protection organizations like Consumer Watchdog will surely keep monitoring the situation and help sound the alarm if anything seems amiss. Ultimately, though, computer modeling is only a short-term solution to the growing insurance crisis in the U.S. In the long term, reducing pollution from dirty fuels is the best way to bring an angry planet back into balance. Upgrading to more energy-efficient technologies is a simple way to help and help offset rising insurance costs. For example, LED light bulbs create five times less pollution than traditional bulbs, and because they use less energy, they can save households hundreds of dollars every year. 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. An extreme closeup of a free credit monitoring letter that went out to customers affected by the RIBridges data breach in early January, explaining the breach and how to access the monitoring and identity protection services paid for by system vendor Deloitte. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) After more than a month offline, the doorway to Rhode Islands health insurance and public benefits portal will reopen for a few thousand Rhode Islanders. The state will phase in customer access to the RIBridges portal, HealthyRhode.ri.gov over the next few weeks, Gov. Dan McKee and state officials said Thursday at the State House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The customer portal has received a clean bill of health, McKee said. This effort is not, however, as simple as flipping a switch. Were going to relaunch the system by gradually increasing user capacity. As early as Friday morning, a few thousand randomly selected accounts will receive emails with instructions on how to reset passwords in the initial phase of restoring public access for the health insurance and social services portal. Clients will need to craft a new password to access the website, which shuttered in December after system vendor Deloitte acknowledged a cyberattack that stole approximately a terabyte of data. The reopening comes after Deloitte and a third-party auditor determined the system is safe to go live on the frontend. The administrative backend of the site, used by state employees, returned earlier this month. The password reset emails will not contain any clickable links, and will be sent from the address notice@uhip.ri.gov. Customers who do not receive the password email will remain unable to log in. The state is controlling access to the portal so it can gauge the systems readiness for a full return to normal operations. New accounts cannot be created at this point either, said the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to limit the number of people logging in at the beginning, McKee told reporters at a media briefing. Phase one could take about a week or two, said Chief Digital Officer Brian Tardiff, but there could be fewer waves of password reset emails than planned if everything proceeds smoothly. The new password requirements for HealthyRhode are: 10-15 characters (longer than the previous requirement of eight characters) At least 1 number At least 1 special character At least 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase letter Must not repeat a character more than twice in a row Must not contain the account username Cybersecurity experts recommend changing your passwords on other sites where you might have used a breached password or username. So if you used your HealthyRhode.ri.gov username and password combination in other places, its a good idea to change your passwords on those sites. Password managers, which are native to modern browsers like Google Chrome and are often searchable, can help you determine if youve used the same username or password combination on multiple sites. An online generator can create very long and hard to crack passwords that will likely satisfy the systems new password requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lindsay Lang, the director of health coverage market HealthSource RI, reminded residents that the open enrollment period has been extended to the end of February this year. Customers who are carried over from their 2024 coverage without having picked a plan, or for folks who are not automatically renewed for coverage for 2025, now is the time to give us a call, Lang said. Rhode Island Chief Digital Officer Brian Tardiff, left, and Gov. Dan McKee are seen at a State House press conference on Jan. 23, 2025, concerning the RIBridges system, which will selectively reopen public and customer access in the coming days. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Hidden strengths and plot danglers The RIBridges saga may seem to be in its denouement with the breached system gradually getting back online, but numerous plot threads remain dangling. Most curious is the continued absence of mega-consultancy Deloitte at the governors press events. State officials held out hope a representative from the company which made $67.2 billion in its fiscal year 2024 might show up eventually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deloitte is very focused on the effort of restoration, and as weve stated, at the right moment, we would expect that Deloitte would be here with us, Tardiff said. Were still in restoration. So upon full restoration, we will, well have those conversations. A Deloitte spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon. Theres also the matter of programs and people affected. Independent analyses have not clarified all the types of data stolen. Breached data includes Social Security Administration data strings used to crosscheck the incarceration status of applicants, which could apply to a wide variety of social services. The official list of programs affected numbers nine, and includes Medicaid, food stamps, Rhode Island Works, dementia home care services and others. Its our goal to provide as many details as we can after a thorough security and legal review, Tardiff said. Cybersecurity is tricky, and we certainly dont want to expose any information that could further expose the state to risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its remained difficult to understand the actual contents of the data dump, even for Deloitte. Tardiff said the company has processed about two-thirds of the breached data. If the hack truly pilfered about 1 terabyte, that means Deloitte has downloaded about 666 gigabytes so far. The data has been downloadable from the cybercriminals website since Dec. 30, which means the firm has been able to download about 28 gigabytes daily. But screencaps of the hackers advertised files differed greatly in size, and state officials have pointed to a slow dark web server hosting the downloads as another obstacle to analysis. Its unclear just how much of an arduous task its been for Deloitte to download, parse and verify the data, but Tardiff suggested the excruciatingly slow process of system recovery is absorbing all Deloittes efforts. Still, how did the state ascertain the colossal numbers of people affected 657,000 Rhode Islanders, in a recent estimate if it still has not seen all the data that was stolen? That number was based off of the forensic evidence that identified where the bad actor had presence within the system, Tardiff said. So the number that was generated is a summarization of where we see their access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if the state would continue working with Deloitte, Tardiff replied, Right now they are contractually obligated to deliver services, and as weve stated in previous press conferences, we do have a strategic plan in process to explore options to replace and modernize the system. That modernization proposal included a previously public scope of work document that had been living, in two separate places, on the states procurement website since at least June 2024. The document contained a revealing schematic of the RIBridges infrastructure, with lists of software and hardware version and model numbers offering possible insight into vulnerabilities. Rhode Island Current reported Wednesday that after making repeated inquiries, the scope of work documents had been removed from their respective request for proposals pages. Asked about the potential security risks in that once-public document, Tardiff repeated what his colleagues in the Department of Administration said last week: I cant comment on any perceived or potential cybersecurity risks, he said, then swiftly added, or strengths, for that matter. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE LAS VEGAS (KLAS) State officials revoked the license of contractor Arcadia Solar NV on Wednesday, issuing a $58,000 fine on 58 allegations related to substandard workmanship, failure to pay for services and materials, and project abandonment. Arcadias John Francis Murphy was indefinitely banned from holding a Nevada contractors license in the state, according to a news release from the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). The companys office near S. Rainbow Boulevard and W. Sunset Road is listed as permanently closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the complaints were for failure to pay subcontractor Aspen Electric. Arcadia abandoned projects without required inspections and signoffs from local building and energy officials, often after the work had actually been completed. It is difficult to understand why a contractor will see a project through to completion yet fail to make final payments or secure necessary permits and inspections to activate the system, which leads to mechanical liens placed on the home of consumers, NSCB Executive Officer David Behar said. The Contractors Board has introduced Assembly Bill 5 this legislative session to heighten the performance and bond standards of solar contractors to better protect homeowners and subcontractors from the negligent actions of solar contractors, as seen with Arcadia Solar, Behar said. In some cases, Arcadia failed to conduct roof inspections, resulting in leaks and damage to the property. Other cases involved failure to order the proper amount of solar panels for a project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arcadia Solar has been added to NSCBs Solar Watch List, a tool on the boards website that alerts consumers about unlicensed or unscrupulous solar contractors. The watch list is based on complaints or prior disciplinary actions. Consumers are urged to verify the license of all contractors working on a project through NSCBs license search tool, available online, on the NSCB Mobile App, or by calling the office. Look for these common red flags and notify the board: Demands for large down payments or cash-only payments. Failure to put the terms of a project in writing. No contractors license number and/or contractor information does not match the NSCBs website. Aggressive sales tactics and pushy today-only pricing. The NSCB accepts consumer complaints against licensed contractors up to four years from the date work was performed and up to two years when work is performed by a licensed contractor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL) Students in several rural, Hurricane Helene-impacted Tennessee counties wont have to fear their end-of-year grades suffering if they perform poorly on state standardized tests thanks to a recent waiver granted by the Tennessee Department of Education. Our students, when they perform on their tests at the end of the year, if their (standardized test) grade can help their final grade, then it can be counted, Unicoi County Director of Schools John English told News Channel 11 Thursday. And if it hurts, it cannot. Superintendents weigh decision to cancel class Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reprieve offered by the state and accepted by Unicoi, Johnson and Carter counties is welcome, English said. Typically, schools are required to make TCAP results account for 10% of the final school grade for sixth through eighth graders. For high schoolers in end-of-course exams, that weight is 15%. Obviously learnings been impacted this year going back to the flood, he said. I think they did right by the students in terms of making sure that theres not a negative impact to them. Schools will still be assessed on those results, and their school report card grades will be impacted. English also said his schools are maintaining their typical strong emphasis on TCAP and end-of-course exams importance for other reasons, too. That data is so important to us that were we anxious to get it back to see, okay, how much learning loss and then preparing for the next year, what do we need to do to continue to get these kids back on track that may be a little bit behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Englishs counterpart in Johnson County, Mischelle Simcox, echoed his appreciation of the waiver. Students in her district lost 23 days following flooding and wind damage from the Sept. 27 hurricane, which is eight more than Unicoi County did. A colder and snowier-than-normal winter so far means students havent returned to the classroom since they let out for Christmas break more than a month ago. It concerns me a lot, Simcox said. The instructional days missed and the learning loss that has occurred being in the classroom with the teacher, that time just cant be made up as effectively in other ways. Both systems got waivers for the Helene days they missed, meaning theyre already packing in a full year in a significantly shorter-than-normal number of instructional days. Despite that, high school students actually performed better as a whole on first-semester end-of-course exams last month than they did in the 2023-24 year. Johnson Countys already at 16 snow days as well, though they have 13 of them built in and theyll make most of those up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Simcox said teachers are staying in close touch with families and logging some intense days when school is in session. They are teaching so hard, Simcox said. They want their students to do well. Theyre teaching bell to bell as we say in the education world. English said teachers are adapting in their state test prep as the missed days pile up. That unit that may have taken five days, maybe its a three-day unit now, he said. Theyre having to make adjustments and thats putting a lot of extra emphasis from our teachers and our students to take advantage of the time we do have when were in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While those disaster and weather-impacted systems could likely benefit from extending their testing windows past the normal mid-April to early May dates, English said thats not in the cards. Were going to take that test in April with another month of school left, he said. Wed love to have that month prior to testing. Those weeks in May following standardized tests are always important, English said, and will be even more so this year. It might not be meaningful on the test, but its still going to be meaningful to their educational life and what they need to learn and what theyre going to need going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Less than 24 hours after Chief Chris Bailey announced the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department wont enforce federal immigration laws, Fraternal Order of Police president Rick Snyder said the union will stand behind that decision. While FOP does have strong concerns about border security, Snyder said, enforcing immigration law is outside the scope of local and state police duties. "We need to stay in our lane and allow our federal law enforcement officers to stay in their lane," Snyder said. He added that keeping a clear delineation between law enforcement roles wouldn't necessarily preclude some sort of future partnership or information-sharing agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IMPD is at its lowest staffing level in history, and officers are already spread thin fulfilling their existing duties. Snyder said officers should be able to focus on solving and preventing Indianapolis' violent crime the vast majority of which is committed by citizens and other legal residents. "I think it's important for residents in our communities to know we're not going to be pulled away for federal law enforcement actions," Snyder said. He also expressed concern that putting federal immigration duties on local police could sour community relations. "We can't have officers going into local schools, perhaps, and doing outreach programs and having students within that school fearing the presence of the officers because they're somehow concerned about these federal immigration activities," Snyder said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IMPD is "here to help regardless of your immigration status," Bailey's Thursday statement read. The statement also noted that IMPD doesnt ask about immigration status during routine investigations. President Donald Trump has promised mass deportation raids throughout the country. Those raids typically require the cooperation of local law enforcement, but local departments dont have the authority to enforce federal immigration laws on their own unless theres a specific agreement in place with ICE. IMPD is one of several cities thats issued a statement this week saying they wont participate in raids Chicago and Las Vegas have said the same. Earlier this week, acting attorney general Emil Bove sent out a memo warning that federal prosecutors will investigate state and local authorities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana lawmakers are considering a handful of proposed bills this session that target how law enforcement responds to immigration, which Snyder also addressed. Senate Bill 172 would make it possible to charge a law enforcement officer with a misdemeanor if they refuse to cooperate with state or federal agencies enforcing immigration law. "We will not stand by and allow our local police officers who are fulfilling their responsibilities in good faith to now become the criminals in this process," Snyder said. FOP's legislative committee has been in contact with lawmakers about the union's concerns and hopes to see clarification on some of the proposed laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are in no way advocating to harbor or conceal a criminal illegal alien from ICE or impede the lawful work of federal agents," Snyder said. More: Indiana lawmakers push illegal immigration crackdown, days after Trump's executive orders Immigration enforcement isn't the police union's only concern raised by the new administration. On Tuesday, the FOPs national headquarters released a joint statement with the International Association of Chiefs of Police criticizing recent presidential pardons and commutations for those convicted of violent crimes against police. Joint IACP-FOP Statement on the Recent Presidential Pardons pic.twitter.com/hoLzFI2rQb National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) January 21, 2025 Though the statement didnt directly reference the 1,500 pardons Trump granted to Jan. 6 defendants on Monday, those are the only pardons directly tied to violence against police the president has issued so far during his second administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The national branch of the FOP endorsed Trumps presidential campaign in September 2024, citing his support for law enforcement and border security. More: President Trump issues pardons for Jan. 6 defendants. The latest on Hoosiers' cases Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@indystar.com or (317) 800-2956. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy police union: Local police should focus on local crime, not immigration The administrative arm of the federal court system rebuked the Trump administration Friday for sending out an email blast to nearly the entire judiciary branch, including court employees and apparently every judge in the country. Per emails reviewed by TPM, judiciary employees across the country received an email from a human resources account run by the Office of Personnel and Management early Friday morning. The message indicated that OPM was testing a new distribution and response list. The email prompted confusion among judiciary employees, in part because they do not work for the executive branch, and in part because the message asked them to click on a link, raising concerns that it may have been a phishing attempt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But phishing attempt it was not: The message was real, and came as part of what OPM describes on its website as an initiative to create a government-wide means of emailing every civilian federal employee. OPM is an independent agency of the executive branch that operates like the human resources office for federal employees. Officials with the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts, the agency that oversees the judicial branch workforce, quickly moved to remind both their staff and the Trump administration that they are different branches of government. The Administrative Office is aware that all judges and judiciary employees likely received an email from HR@opm.gov with the Subject Line Email Test. The message is not spam or a virus, and was sent as a test of the Office of Personnel Managements ability to communicate with all federal employees, reads a Friday morning email from the Office of the Administrative Director to judiciary employees. As a reminder, the judiciary has its own governance processes for reviewing judiciary policies and practices, the message continues. We are in communication with OPM about the appropriate way to communicate with the judiciary in the future, and if you have not yet replied to the email, there is no need to do so. Once we receive more information about this test we will share it with you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A court system spokesman reiterated in a statement to TPM that it was communicating with OPM about the appropriate way to communicate with the judiciary in the future. TPM reached out to OPM about the incident. An OPM spokesperson initially said that TPMs request for comment was the first they had heard about the issue before saying that they were working to ensure that the workforce-wide email system excepted judiciary employees in the future. The Trump administration has spent its first several days in office waging a pressure campaign on the federal workforce. In early messages, the administration told employees that they had a new obligation to inform on other workers that may surreptitiously be carrying out DEI policies, and banned external communications at several agencies. Workers elsewhere in the federal government also received the OPM test message overnight on Friday, per messages reviewed by TPM. Its not clear what the new system will be used for. Tuesday marks 19 years since Jennifer Kesse vanished from her Orlando condo near Universal Studios, leaving her family searching for answers that have yet to come. Jennifer, then 24 years old, was last seen on January 23, 2006. Her disappearance has remained one of Central Floridas most perplexing mysteries, but her family has never given up hope of finding her. Jennifers father, Drew Kesse, vividly remembers the day it all began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had a meeting that morning and did not make it, Drew told WFTV. I called Jennifer, and it went straight to voicemail after one ring. I knew something was wrong. Her car was found two days later, abandoned a mile from her condo at Mosaic at Millenia. Surveillance video showed a person of interest near the vehicle, but their identity remains unknown. Read: Officials: 2 children dead, mother hurt, after overnight condo fire in Palm Bay When we met the police at Jennifers condo, the officer said, She probably had a fight with her boyfriend, and walked out, Drew recalled. Thats when Jennifer lost, and this all began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the years, the Kesse family has followed countless tips and leads, some offering glimmers of hope, only to end in heartbreak. They said, We got her. Shes in Mexico, Drew said, recounting a call from law enforcement years ago. An hour later, they said, It wasnt her. I said, Okay. Despite the ups and downs, Drew and his wife, Joyce, remain hopeful. Read: Florida trooper involved in shooting incident at Ocala hospital Give me that much of her. Just tell me the DNA matches. I dont want to pass and not find my daughter, Drew said. Ill go through all the nos to get to the yes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifers case is now being handled by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which the Kesse family believes is giving her case the attention it deserved from the beginning. We still get leads every week, Drew said. The general public solves cases. Theyve been there for Jennifer and our family, and we hope they dont stop. Were humbled and very gracious. If you have any information about Jennifer Kesses disappearance, contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement or the Orlando Police Department. Read: What Brightlines record Orlando-to-Miami ridership means Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Department of Government Efficiency legal counsel William McGinley is reportedly leaving the commission to seek a job in the private sector. Meanwhile, DOGE is facing multiple lawsuits alleging it violates a 1972 transparency law. Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency is losing its top lawyer just as the special commission faces mounting litigation over alleged transparency violations. Legal counsel William McGinley is reportedly leaving DOGE to pursue a job outside the government. President Donald Trump asked McGinley, who served as cabinet secretary in Trumps first presidential term, to fill the role in early December. I am in discussions regarding a number of private sector opportunities and will have something to announce in the next couple of weeks, McGinley told the Wall Street Journal Thursday. I support President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the great teams in the White House and across the administration 100%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGinley joins DOGEs original co-head Vivek Ramaswamy as a high-profile staffer who departed DOGE only days after Trump began his second term. Ramaswamy left the commission Monday as he considers a run for Ohio governor, leaving Musk as DOGEs sole head. A longtime Republican election lawyer, McGinley served as the liaison between the White House and federal heads in Trumps first administration, and was the Republican National Conventions counsel for election integrity during the 2024 presidential race. Trump initially considered McGinley for the role as White House general counsel, but ultimately decided to place him in DOGE. Since 2019, hes been part of boutique law firm Holtzman Vogel Baran Torchinsky and Josefiak. McGinley and the White House did not respond to Fortunes requests for comment. DOGEs legal troubles In McGinleys absence, DOGE will need leadership to steer it through its mounting legal struggles. Within minutes of Trumps inauguration, the commission was hit with multiple lawsuits alleging it violates federal transparency rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Security Counselors, a public-interest law firm, named DOGEas well as Ramaswamy, Trump, Musk, and the Office of Management and Budget, among othersas defendants in a complaint claiming DOGE violates the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) outlining how federal advisories operate in relation to the public. Left-leaning advocacy group Democracy Forward, as well as Public Citizen, State Democracy Defenders Fund, and the American Federation of Government Employees, filed two suits. Enacted in 1972, FACA ensures the public has access to notes and reports from meetings between federal groups and agencies they manage or control. The litigation against DOGE alleges the commission completed much of its early business through encrypted messaging app Signal. In November, Musk said on X, All actions of the Department of Government Efficiency will be posted online for maximum transparency. DOGE was initially conceived as a special commission focused on increasing government efficiency and shaving $2 trillion from the federal budget. On Monday, Trump signed an executive order saying DOGE will replace the U.S. Digital Service created in 2014 under President Barack Obama to provide guidance to federal agencies on information technology. DOGE will operate as part of the executive branch. Nobody disputes that there is a huge amount of wasteful spending in the federal government, National Security Counselors executive director Kel McClanahan told multiple outlets in a statement. Our only concern is that DOGE, as it is currently constituted, lacks the expertise to understand how its recommendations will backfire if it pushes federal workers out without understanding why they are there in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Security Counselors did not immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Teenage protesters, and a few parents, fill the Tennessee House of Representatives gallery on March 30, 2024 to ask for safe gun laws.(Photo: John Partipilo) If you think the rules are unfair for getting a gallery seat to heckle Speaker Cameron Sexton in the Tennessee House, they just got a little stricter. Under a new policy designed to ensure fair and organized access, Sexton announced a new policy this week requiring visitors to reserve tickets. Theyll remain free for those who want to put themselves through the ordeal of seeing the House in action, but no more showing up unannounced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tickets will go to those who sign up first. Some are available on the same day, others in advance. People can reserve them up to two weeks in advance and each ticket allows access to a reserved seat on a specific date. Group reservations are available as well. At this rate, sitting in on a House session could become the ordeal of going to a Titans game. They tell me the Titans are struggling to persuade personal seating license holders whove had season tickets since 1999 to re-up for the enclosed stadium under construction. This is especially true since PSL prices are going through the roof, and the stadium wont be retractable after all. Still, Speaker Sexton tells us the new ticket system, which expands on last years first-time ticket policy through lawmakers, is supposed to foster transparent government and inclusivity. Gee, and I thought President Trump just got rid of inclusion. 2025, same as 2024: In a 2024 editorial cartoon,John Cole illustrated House Speaker Cameron Sexton as Willy Wonka, in this case distributing a limited number of golden tickets for the public to view legislative proceedings. This system ensures our galleries remain open, fair and accessible to all Tennesseans, not just those who live close by, Sexton said in a statement. This improved ticketing system gives everyone from Mountain City to Memphis and Tiptonville to Turtletown an equal chance to reserve their seat and witness democracy in person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sexton instituted the first phase of gallery ticketing last year, giving tickets to lawmakers to pass out to constituents, and leaving one side open for the general public. That came along with stricter rules for lawmakers after three Democratic members led an anti-gun rally on the House floor in 2023. Since then, gallery rabble-rousers have continued to harass Sexton for repeatedly calling down lawmakers such as Democratic Rep. Justin Jones of Nashville for going off-topic and calling the speaker drunk with power. House Democratic Leader Karen Camper criticized the policy, calling for an alternative because some Tennessee residents dont have access to a computer or email address. Were not Congress and this isnt Washington, D.C. We need to stop acting like it and act like Tennessee and be open to all the people, Camper said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last weeks House sessions were relatively mild, and public action in the Capitol lobby was subdued, especially compared to some opening days when protesters were so loud you couldnt hear yourself think, which apparently only bothers lawmakers who pretend they dont hear the fuss or just dont respond to it. Were not Congress and this isnt Washington, D.C. We need to stop acting like it and act like Tennessee and be open to all the people. House Democratic Leader Karen Camper The problem is that many of the frequent problem children live in Nashville and spend their days throwing jabs at lawmakers who dont like the capital city, unless theyre partying down on Lower Broad, the last place most Nashvillians want to visit anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we could just move the Capitol to Hohenwald, everything would be hunky-dory. They could do it, too, with enough votes. But dont give them any bright ideas. Tell us what you know The Tennessee Registry of Election Finance is finally ordering folks to come clean about the campaign for Republican Sen. Bobby Harshbarger. The registry board voted unanimously Thursday to subpoena Thomas Datwyler and Robert Phillips III, the two members of the East Tennessee Conservatives political action committee, about alleged collusion involving Harshbargers campaign as he defeated incumbent Sen. Jon Lundberg in the Republican primary last August. In addition, the board subpoenaed Datwyler to testify about another group that campaigned against newly-elected Rep. Michele Reneau of Signal Mountain. Sen. Ken Yager, chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus, filed a sworn complaint last year claiming the East Tennessee Conservatives PAC and Congresswoman Diana Harshbargers campaign, both with Datwyler as treasurer, illegally coordinated in the Lundberg-Harshbarger Republican primary after two groups, including American Policy Coalition, poured $600,000 worth of dark money into the race. The Registry has only a mail drop box for the American Policy Coalition, not a person to contact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement East Tennessee Conservatives didnt report expenditures as either in-kind or independent, which is improper, Registry attorney Lauren Topping told members Thursday. Based on text messages the Registry and Attorney Generals Office reviewed, the expenditures should have been reported one way or the other, but theyve refused to provide more information and also balked at talking to the Attorney Generals Office, according to Topping. Sen. Bobby Harshbarger, a Kingsport Republican, may get summoned by the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance to tell his side of an alleged campaign finance imbroglio. (Photo: John Partipilo) Given that we believe the disclosures provided by the PAC are likely improper it is impossible for us to determine whether a conduit existed based on the information we have. I do find it very likely that violations, at a very minimum of the reporting requirements, have occurred, Topping said. The Registry attorney recommended requesting information and holding a show-cause hearing for Datwyler, Phillips and Sen. Harshbarger to give their side of the story. She said that if the hearing shows campaign contribution limit violations, more Registry review would be needed. Registry members, though, opted to issue the subpoena, something theyve wanted to do since last October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Datwylers attorney previously told the Lookout that news reports confirm the attorney general found no basis to support the collusion accusation and said the complaint should be dismissed. Registry member Tom Lawless said he believes Datwyler and Co. are frustrating the Registry attorneys ability to do her statutorily-required job. Theres no transparency, Lawless said. Registry member Paige Burcham-Dennis agreed, saying its a slap in the face for information not to be provided to the Registrys attorneys. Other members said theyre tired of being nice and opted, at last, to get serious. On the chopping block U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett of Knoxville, a former state senator, has been appointed to the Department of Government Efficiency because of his strong advocacy for limited government, Americans for Prosperity tells us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former Knoxville mayor received the Pioneers for Prosperity award from AFP in 2024. Oddly enough, Burchett will be serving in a new department created by President Donald Trump (bigger government) to tell him how other departments spend too much money. Already, department head Elon Musk wants to eliminate the penny, which means we wont have anything to pinch any more, except for old ones, of course. This from someone who sells electric cars that cost anywhere from $42,500 to $95,000-plus. Burchett, though, knows a lot about saving money. He didnt want to see dead deer go to waste, so he sponsored the Tennessee bill that allowed people to take roadside carcasses home and cook them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Burchett made a social media post that identified the wrong man as a suspect in a shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade. He also claimed the man was an undocumented immigrant, before deleting the post. A federal judge dismissed the libel case because Burchett never went to Kansas City. Maybe hell do better with cutting unreasonable spending. If they get hungry at committee meetings, maybe Burchett can serve deer chili, straight off Highway 64. More Schwinnanigans? President Trump recently announced that Peggy Schwinn, the former Tennessee Department of Education commissioner, will be the next U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education. You might be saying, Youve got it wrong. Her name is Penny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Technically, it was the President who repeatedly referred to her as Peggy in his Truth Social statement. Ah, details, shmetails. Schwinn served as Gov. Bill Lees first education commissioner and captain of the State of the State cheerleading squad before becoming vice president of PK-12 education at the University of Florida. We wont get into the spate of run-ins Schwinn had with lawmakers, including one over directing a $2.5 million no-bid contract to Florida-based ClassWallet, using Career Ladder funds for teacher salaries to run the states private-school voucher program for low-income students. Some lawmakers said good riddance when she left the post. Little did they know Lee would hire Lizzette Reynolds out of a pro-voucher group to run from reporters and struggle with answers in Senate hearings. In this post, Schwinn will be the second most powerful education person in the country. But with Congress wanting to eliminate that department, she might not have much job security. I had a job in the great north woods working as a cook for a spell / But I never did like it all that much and one day the ax just fell. * *Tangled up in blue, Bob Dylan SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Just days after returning to the White House earlier this week, Donald Trump gave his first televised interview to his close confidant: Sean Hannity. The commander-in-chief sat down with the Fox News host in his Oval Office on Wednesday, with the first part of the discussion covering everything from pardoning of the Jan. 6 rioters to TikTok spying rumours being broadcast later that evening. Part two of his interview aired on Thursday, with Trump making a raft of brazen, often unsubstantiated claims surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war, Chinese tariffs, and tapping into US energy resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the key takeaways from the second half of the presidents pre-recorded interview. Zelenskys no angel In this Fox News screen grab, President Trump talks to host Sean Hannity in his first TV interview since his inauguration on January 20, 2025 (Fox News) Almost three years after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his forces to invade Ukraine in February 2022, Trump thrust some of the blame for the conflict on Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian president, he said, is no angel and shouldnt have allowed this war to happen. Trump suggested that the conflict erupted because Zelensky failed to wave the white flag in advance of Russian troops beginning their attack. Trump slammed the Ukrainian president for talking so brave and taking on a much larger, more powerful entity, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Trump argued, we could have made a deal. He added: I could have made that deal so easily. And Zelensky decided: I want to fight. Stolen hypersonic missile program Trump was also pressed on Russias hypersonic Oreshnik missile, which was first used to strike the Ukrainian city of Dnipro in November. He told Hannity that Russia had been leaked US designs for the missile during the Obama administration. Russia stole the design, they got it from us, Trump said. Some bad person gave them the design. The preisdent said the US was working on a super hypersonic missile program, which is even a step better. Trump claimed the weapons will be ready in the near future without specifiying when or providing further details on the program. Smart guy Kim Jong-un Trump, pictured inside the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the South and North Korea on June 30, 2019, said the North Korean leader is a smart guy (Getty Images) Trump said he is willing to resume talks with Kim Jong-un, and praised North Koreas Supreme Leader as a smart guy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has continued to boast of his strong ties with the dictator, who he colloquially calls Little Rocket Man, despite fraying relations between Washington and Pyongyang under the Biden administration. Hes not a religious zealot, Trump argued. He happens to be a smart guy. Kim Jong-un is a smart guy. Asked if he would reach out to him again, the president responded: I will, yeah. He liked me, and I got along with him. Trump recalled former President Barack Obamas remark that North Korea was the single greatest threat to America. [Obama] said North Korea is the biggest threat, and I solved that problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not Obama, he concluded. China tariffs Trump said he would rather not place tariffs on Beijing, after earlier this week considering imposing a blanket 10 percent levy on Chinese goods and services imported into the US as soon as February 1. After bragging of a good and friendly conversation with Xi Jinping, he described the Chinese president as a very ambitious man leading a very ambitious country. Part two of Donald Trumps interview with Fox News Sean Hannity aired on Thursday evening (Fox News/YouTube) Despite the apparently amicable relations, Trump noted that tariffs provide tremendous power over China. He also suggested that the financial sanctions may slow down the nations military expansion. We have one very big power over China, and thats tariffs, and they dont want them. And Id rather not have to use it. But its a tremendous power over China, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump later added: China gets a lot of its money from America and they use that money to build up their military. Oil, gas and horrible wind turbines US oil and gas resources are like a pot of gold, Trump said, which he belives can help pave the way to vast sums of wealth, while providing some leverage over China. We have something that they want: we have a pot of gold, he said just days after declaring a national energy emergency. China doesnt have that. They have to go out the old fashioned way and buy it. Trump also shared his disdain of clean energy, namly wind turbines, and called solar panels ridiculous. The wind blows and then it doesnt blow theyre made in China; they kill the bird. Theyre horrible, he said. We dont want windmills in this country. Were putting an order on it. Ive already sort of done it. We dont want windmills... You know what else people dont like? Those massive solar fields. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) As the light snow showers that moved across KELOLAND this morning push into Minnesota, we can say goodbye to the snow and hello to more mild temperatures. As temperatures increase, so will the winds behind the front moving through. Going into the night, the breezy conditions continue but temperatures will fall into the teens and stay above average for this time of year. Another trough is expected to dip into the region and bring in cooler air. As highs stay seasonable tomorrow, it will feel cooler due to the strong northwest winds. Wind gusts are expected to peak heading into the afternoon and will begin to calm down tomorrow evening as a high pressure system moves in. Otherwise, it will be a quiet day with cloud cover decreasing heading into the afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sun returns for the start of the week as temperatures begin to rise to well above average. Dry conditions will persist before precipitation chances return for the end of the week as a low looks to lift into the Midwest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. London Record winds battered Ireland, Northern Ireland and parts of the mainland U.K. on Friday, with the severe gales spreading across the region, including the full width of Scotland, as the isles bore the brunt of Storm Eowyn. Met Eireann, the Republic of Ireland's national meteorological service, said the country was being buffeted by wind gusts of up to 114 mph in County Galway the highest ever recorded on the island. The Republic of Ireland was under a "Red Warning" from its meteorological body meaning the public was warned that the storm was "extremely destructive and dangerous." Waves crash onto the shore in Bantry Bay, on the southwest coast of Ireland, on Jan. 24, 2025, as storm Eowyn brings winds over 100 mph to the U.K. and Ireland. / Credit: JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty ESB Networks, the government-run body responsible for most of the Ireland's electrical grid, said Friday morning that over 715,000 homes, farms and businesses had been left without power as a result of the storm. More power outages were expected throughout Friday, ESB said. Northern Ireland Electricity Networks said approximately 240,000 customers were without power in the region by Friday afternoon meaning close to one million people were without power across the island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scottish Power, an electricity provider in Scotland, said around 15,000 of its customers were without power, according to CBS News partner network BBC News. More than 230 flights scheduled to depart or arrive at Dublin Airport were cancelled Friday morning as a result of the severe weather, and all public transport was suspended across Ireland as government officials warned the public to remain indoors. A fallen tree brought down during Storm Eowyn blocks the road on January 24, 2025 in Holywood, near Belfast, Northern Ireland. / Credit: Charles McQuillan / Getty Images The U.K.'s Met Office said Friday that similar red warning notices were in place in parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland. Gusts over 90 mph were recorded in Northern Ireland and parts of northern Wales Friday morning as Storm Eowyn shifted toward the United Kingdom. Many trains and other public transport options were locked down in the northern U.K. and there were initial reports of some wind damage to trees and buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Storm Eowyn is now bringing very strong winds to parts of the U.K. There is potential for gusts of 100 mph in exposed locations within the Red Warning area," Chief U.K. Meteorologist Jason Kelly said in a statement Friday. "Anyone in these Red and Amber warning areas should listen to advice from local responders and keep up to date with weather warnings for their area." #StormEowyn has been named and is forecast to bring strong winds to much of the UK on Friday and into Saturday. Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/XCphCgyj2Z Met Office (@metoffice) January 21, 2025 The most severe red warnings in the U.K., indicating a possible threat to life, covered Northern Ireland and the far north of England and south and central Scotland, but the amber warning area, which indicates likely disruption to travel and a possible risk of flying debris, covered a much wider area, extending south to Manchester and Liverpool. Storm Eowyn (pronounced AY-oh-win) became what is known as a bomb cyclone between Thursday and Friday, according to CBS News' partners at the Weather Channel. The storm has its origins in the recent U.S. Gulf Coast winter storm. "Jet stream energy that helped produce historic snowfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast Tuesday triggered the development of low pressure off the southeastern U.S. coast. From there, that low has rapidly intensified over the North Atlantic and spread into Ireland and the U.K. as an intense 'bomb cyclone,'" the Weather Channel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bomb cyclone, also known as bombogenesis, is described by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as a fast-developing storm that occurs when atmospheric pressure drops at least 24 millibars over a 24-hour period. The pressure associated with Storm Eowyn dropped by about 50 millibars as it neared the western Irish coast, according to the British weather service. Norah O'Donnell's final sign off from "CBS Evening News" CBS News Confirmed examines Gov. Newsom's "fact checks" on California fires Trump says he may get rid of FEMA, meets with Hurricane Helene first responders A massive storm is battering parts of the U.K. and Ireland today, bringing devastating winds, heavy rain and snow, according to the Met Office, the United Kingdom's national weather and climate service. "This is probably going to be the most consequential wind storm for most people across the island of Ireland and across the U.K. in their lived experience," Peter Thorne, a climate change professor at Maynooth University in Ireland, told ABC News. Red warnings for high winds have been issued for Northern Ireland along with central and southwestern areas of Scotland. The storm, named Eowyn, will also impact Northern England, Southern England and Wales, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We reserve the issuing of Red Warnings for the most severe weather which represents a likely danger to life and severe disruption," according to Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gunderson. "Storm Eowyn is a multi-hazard event, with snow likely for some, rain for many and strong winds for much of the U.K.," Gunderson added. "As a result, a number of weather warnings have been issued, with all parts of the U.K. covered by one warning at some point on Friday." Wind gusts in excess of 90 mph were recorded in Northern Ireland and parts of Wales early Friday as the storm approached, with record peak gusts of 114 mph recorded in Mace Head, on the west-central Irish coast, according to the Met Office. MORE: Historic snowstorm hitting the South from Texas to Florida Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initial forecast was for heavy rain and wind starting early Friday morning in southwestern parts of the U.K., according to the Met Office, traveling northeast across the rest of the country. Along with destructive winds, the storm will bring snow to Northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, but will quickly transition back to rain, the Met Service said. PHOTO: Weather warnings have been issued by The Met Office across parts of the UK as storm Eowyn approaches, Jan. 23, 2025. (Grant Falvey/LNP/Shutterstock) In Ireland and Scotland, wind gusts were expected to reach up to 80-90 mph, and potentially up to 100 mph for exposed coastal areas, according to Gunderson. "I've never seen a red warning cover the entirety of the island," Thorne told ABC News. Thorne said that the cold weather system from the U.S. is what's making Eowyn a major storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the same time [as the cold weather], you have a North Atlantic that is near a time-of-year record warmth," Thorne said. "That huge temperature gradient is kicking off a very active jet stream. This particular storm is hitching a ride on the jet stream that supercharges it." Thorne told ABC News he expects half a million to a million properties or businesses will be without power after this storm. "It's important to note that even those away from the immediate Red Warning areas will still likely see disruptive weather, with travel plans likely to be severely impacted, as well as the possibility of power cuts for some," according to Gunderson. The Met Service also notes that although the snow is unlikely to last long, it will change to rain which in turn could cause surface-water flooding in some places. The weather event will likely cause significant challenges and disruption to travel, according to the Met Office, which advises motorists to visit the U.K.'s National Highways website for hazardous weather travel safety tips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Eowyn barrels through on Friday and early Saturday, a series of additional storms are expected to arrive in northwest Europe, bringing more wet and windy weather on Sunday and continuing into the beginning of next week, according to the Met Office. Storm Eowyn slamming Ireland and UK is 'a likely danger to life,' according to official originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Story of Erie dog thought to be deads recovery inspires PSA by PETA The suffering of a local dog, rescued by the ANNA Shelter, is being used by an international organization to remind people about the dangers of leaving animals outside in the cold. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, is airing a special PSA after hearing the story of a dog found nearly frozen to death. We were told that they found a deceased dog in their driveway. She wasnt dead, and we were able to get whatever life she had in her back out of her, said Ruth Thompson, ANNA Shelter director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rising from the ashes Presumably dead dog found freezing outside saved by ANNA Shelter Phoenix is a 10-month-old dog who was found nearly frozen to death earlier this month. But with the help of staff at the ANNA Shelter, Phoenix made a miraculous recovery and has since been adopted to a new home. This story caught the attention of PETA, an international organization advocating against animal cruelty, which is airing a special PSA urging pet owners to keep their animals indoors. It was Phoenix. Phoenixs story, it resonates, and hes not the only one out there. There are so many dogs like him, and he was lucky because a kind person found him and brought him to the shelter, but if he hadnt been found he would have died out there, said Rachel Bellis, a member of the PETA Cruelty Investigations Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farewell, Phoenix! Dog thought to be dead after freezing outside finds forever home The public service announcement features voices from actors Tom Hardy, Casey Affleck and Priyanka Chopra and will air in the Erie region until January 29. After catching wind of Phoenixs story, PETA is putting the ANNA Shelter in the national spotlight, and the director here said its a little overwhelming. I dont even know, I cant even put it into words. Its just been an emotional, mental, physical, exhausting, overwhelming roller coaster. I literally try to live this life one day at a time, but something like this happens and it just blows my mind, Thompson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson said she got a call on Thursday about PETAs plans and thought it was a joke at firstBut it wasnt. PETAs PSA brings an important issue to light regarding pet safety in the cold weather. Dogs belong inside, and if anybody is watching this and has their dog outside and thinks that theyre capable of surviving in this weather, they arent. Dogs are no more capable to survive than we are, Bellis went on to say. Bellis said to take shorter walks and make sure your dog has warm clothing when the weather gets cold. You can donate to PETA and the ANNA Shelter on their websites. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. The News Twenty-four hours into his second presidency, Donald Trumps pen knocked down a cornerstone of affirmative action. Lyndon Johnsons Executive Order 11246, which required racially diverse hiring from federal contractors, had survived five Republican presidents. It couldnt survive Trump, who erased it with a command to end illegal preferences and discrimination across the government. Democrats had expected Trump to unmake Joe Bidens diversity agenda. He did so on Monday, scrapping every Biden order on advancing racial equity, erasing the policy legacy of the 2020 racial reckoning. What would they do to salvage it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im going to take this issue, working with the civil rights groups, head on, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told Semafor at his Thursday press conference, standing between placards that denounced Trump over for his Jan. 6 pardons and denounced Republicans for wanting to cut Medicaid and ACA benefits. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are American values. Its about economic opportunity for everyone. Know More In the first 48 hours of the new administration, Democrats spent most of their time condemning the pardons for Jan. 6 rioters, looming cuts to health care coverage, and Trumps new name for the Gulf of Mexico; distractions, they said, from his promise to lower prices. They attacked the racial justice rollbacks only when their scale came into view layoffs of any Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officials in the government and when reporters asked about it. But the Biden administrations ambitions went further than DEI programs, with the goal of eliminat[ing] systemic racism completely. Conservative who wanted Johnsons order gone had bigger ambitions, too: Ostensible colorblindness in federal law, and the end of affirmative action. Forty years after Ronald Reagan balked at rewriting part of EO 11246, Trump who in 2015 said he was fine with affirmative action took the whole thing down. The left thought [its] anti-white racist citadel was impregnable, wrote the Claremont Institute scholar Jeremy Carl on X, marveling that Trump had enacted the key proposals from his work on anti-white racism. Today, Donald Trump led an army through the citadels front gate and lit the whole place on fire. The View From Democrats In 2020, Biden and his party ran on imbuing racial equity in every one of their policy goals. In 2021, they executed on that. But they did not emphasize those programs in their 2024 campaign, held after years of effective Republican messaging that moved public opinion against DEI. Accepting the 2020 Democratic nomination, Biden pledged to fight racial injustice and [wipe] the stain of racism from our national character. Accepting the 2024 nomination, Kamala Harris dropped the topic, running on behalf of every American, regardless of party, race, gender or the language your grandmother speaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats and civil rights groups largely reacted to Trumps reversals this week with economic arguments. Trump, they said, was making the country less competitive. Organizations with diverse workforces have a strategic advantage over those who dont, said NAACP President Derrick Johnson in a statement, citing a McKinsey study. Affirmative action was not a winning electoral issue for the party. Even in 2020, the California electorate that gave Biden a 29-point landslide voted by 14 points to keep the states ban on racial preferences in college admissions decisions. After the Supreme Courts 2023 decision that ended college affirmative action, Stephen Millers America First Legal began knocking down race-conscious programs in academia and the private sector. (Miller is now Trumps deputy chief of staff.) Project 2025, the think tank playbook that Democrats centered in their campaign messaging, called on page 584 for EO 11246 to be rescinded. No Democratic ads cited it. This week, some congressional Democrats worried about the Trump orders, saying that he was unwinding policies that had helped non-white Americans enter the middle class. California Rep. Robert Garcia, the former mayor of Long Beach, pointed out that blue states and cities could maintain their own diversity programs. But few members of Congress have lived in a world without EO 11246. Latinos in Illinois have made great strides because of affirmative action in colleges and universities, in corporate settings, in government as well, and this will jeopardize that steady progress that weve seen, said Illinois Rep. Chuy Garcia. Weve had a tremendous growth in Latino students in colleges and universities, graduating from there and returning to their communities, going into boardrooms. That is going to be slowed down by this initiative that seeks to end diversity programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama Rep. Shomari Figures, who won a new seat created after the states GOP-drawn map was found to violate the Voting Rights Act, said that Trump had the characteristics of a tyrant, and that the move against affirmative action hadnt surprised him. The message that it sends to large groups of people who have historically been denied opportunities to further their careers, historically been denied the type of service that our government should be providing to all people is that you do not matter, he said. The View From Republicans The idea of rescinding Johnsons order now was popularized by Richard Hanania, whose 2023 book, The Origins of Woke, identified the 1964 Civil Rights Act and its interpretation by federal rule-makers as the root of biased racial preferences. (The laws original advocates didnt see that as inevitable.) He introduced that idea to Vivek Ramaswamy, who adopted it for his presidential campaign, and transferred it to the Trump team. It was still, on Wednesday, a fairly obscure idea for Republicans. But for them, anything that would knock out DEI and preferences was worth doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American people have spoken very clearly that the best way to stop discriminating against people on the basis of race and gender is to stop discriminating against people on the basis of race and gender, Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy told reporters on Wednesday, paraphrasing Chief Justice John Roberts. We have to live in the meritocracy, said Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, one of four Black Republicans in the House. Everybody believes in diversity, but I think what the Democrats have done with this whole equity focus is turning diversity on its head. Its actually been much more divisive amongst the American people. Davids view The oppositions playbook for Trumps second term is simple: Ask why hes doing X, Y, or Z instead of lowering prices. Why talk about buying Greenland? Why create a crypto reserve? Why go on a hunt to remove DEI officials from the public sector? Its not my understanding, based on anything that Ive seen, that support for diversity, equity and inclusion had anything to do with the results in November, Jeffries said on Thursday. The results in November had everything to do with the high cost of living in the United States of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffries and other Democrats were ready to defend the affirmative action policies that Trump was ripping out and hed need Congress or friendly judges to really uproot the underlying laws. But I was struck that their arguments came back to economic sense, and that Trump was taking away some competitive advantage by dismantling diversity programs. At the end of the first Trump term, when the administration started banning diversity trainings, it had little public buy-in, and opponents confidently accused him of undermining the surging racial justice movement based on whatever he saw on Fox News. In his four-year exile, Republicans and anti-liberals had time to think about how the system worked, and how to get a running start if they took it over again. Undoing the excesses of civil rights law is not the ultimate solution to wokeness, Hanania wrote in his 2023 book. Rather, it should be seen as the first step toward evening the playing field so the real game can begin. Notable NEW YORK Mayoral candidate Scott Stringers consulting and lobbying firm counted among its clients the American Federation of Teachers the parent union to a politically influential local labor organization and a hedge-fund-backed group that fought against federal financial transparency rules, according to public records and his campaign. After serving eight years as city comptroller and losing the 2021 Democratic primary to Mayor Eric Adams Stringer created a consulting and lobbying firm called EMMS Strategy in January 2022, state and city records show. And according to a client list provided to POLITICO by his campaign, some of Stringers past and current benefactors overlap with his political and professional life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AFT, for instance, is the parent organization to the United Federation of Teachers, which represents scores of city educators. The UFT has long been close with Stringer. The powerhouse union endorsed him in the 2021 race, and a super PAC funded by both the UFT and AFT spent nearly $4 million boosting his campaign. The UFT is one of the most powerful unions in the city, and its endorsement and get-out-the-vote operation will likely play a role in this years upcoming Democratic primary for mayor. Stringer will presumably seek the blessing of the labor organization again, though a UFT spokesperson said the union has not started its mayoral endorsement process. Stringers campaign said the consulting contract with AFT is set to expire this month. The former comptroller is also currently working with an organization called the International Institute of Law and Finance. As of 2022, the group was backed by at least one hedge-fund and was pushing back against increased disclosure requirements being mulled at the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission, according to an Institutional Investor report. Stringers campaign said his work with the organization had to do with corporate governance and was unrelated to its push to fight new disclosure requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Stringer lobbied the city on behalf of a food logistics and supply chain company that works with various levels of government, according to his campaign. City lobbying records show the company, Umoja, paid the former elected official $46,800 for eight months of work. The principal of that company, Daniel Ricciardi, along with two family members, gave a total of $4,200 to Stringers current campaign. While the City Council and government ethics organizations have supported limits on former government officials lobbying their old offices, there are no such guardrails for lobbyists entering city government, according to John Kaehny, head of Reinvent New York. We have not been keen on restricting the ability of lobbyists to enter government though we certainly support regulation the other way, he said. In response to questions about how he will handle past clients should he become mayor, Stringers team pointed POLITICO to a recent policy announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As a candidate, Scott has put forward a comprehensive ethics plan that he will hold himself to as mayor, campaign spokesperson Sam Raskin said in a statement. Stringer is proposing a prohibition on city agencies hiring people who have lobbied them in the last year. Stringer himself last reported lobbying the city in December 2023, more than a year before he would reenter city service if he won. Other firms Stringer worked with include Assured Global, a holding company tied to personal-protective equipment distributor WeShield; National Financial Services, an organization owned by Fidelity Investments that has a longstanding contract with the city; and public access television provider Manhattan Neighborhood Network, which counts one of its executives as a former Stringer staffer. Stringers campaign said he generally drew upon his time as comptroller to consult on matters related to pensions, interaction with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and other financial matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stringers wife, Elyse Buxbaum, also does her own consulting work with the firm. Her sole client is the Museum of Jewish Heritage, where she previously worked, Raskin said. Stringer had repeatedly declined to share his client list with POLITICO, saying he would do so once he more formally launched his campaign, which he did this month. The name of Stringers company, EMMS Strategy, was included on a required disclosure form for mayoral candidates receiving public matching funds that covered his financial status for the first three quarters of 2024. Stringer reported bringing in a salary between $60,000 and $100,000 during that period. Stringers successor, City Comptroller Brad Lander, also filled out the form. In addition to his $209,050 city salary, Lander reported individual retirement accounts valued between $210,000 and $370,000. The real estate industry critic also reported between $5,000 and $55,000 in annual rental income from a tenant at his Brooklyn home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Zellnor Myrie reported only a deferred compensation plan worth less than $55,000. Adams filled out the disclosure form, but was denied $4.3 million in matching funds. Regardless, he revealed income and real estate holdings including a Brooklyn co-op he had once claimed to have sold similar to past submissions to the citys Conflicts of Interest Board. Additionally, he declared that two organizations paid between $1,000 and $5,000 each for the mayor to travel to conferences in Miami and Rome. The teenager who fatally shot a student at a high school in Nashville, Tennessee, livestreamed part of the incident, according to the platform he used, and he was influenced by internet content that authorities described Thursday as harmful and objectionable." The 17-year-old gunman, who wounded a second student before he died by suicide, fired 10 shots from a 9 mm pistol 17 seconds after he entered the cafeteria at Antioch High School, southeast of downtown Nashville, on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said in a statement Thursday. The shooter's mother dropped him off, the department said, correcting the police chiefs earlier comment that he took the bus to school. Before he opened fire, he went to a nearby bathroom and posted social media photos, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack was partially livestreamed on the streaming platform Kick, the company said in a statement Thursday. The account that posted the video was quickly banned, and the company removed it, according to the statement. Violence has no place on KICK, the company said. We are actively working with law enforcement and taking all appropriate steps to support their investigation. A pistol with seven rounds was recovered from the cafeteria floor, the police department said. The gun the shooter used was bought by someone in Arizona in 2022. That person was not identified by police, who said the weapon had not been reported stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gunman, Solomon Henderson, appears to have left behind two documents totaling 339 pages, which homicide investigators are reviewing, the police department said. It is clear that he was significantly influenced by web-based material, especially that found on non-traditional sites that most would find harmful and objectionable, the statement says. The FBI is working closely with the MNPD in the ideological influences portion of this investigation. The police department has not publicly identified a possible motive. Authorities identified the 16-year-old student who was killed as Josselin Corea Escalante. A 17-year-old male student suffered a graze wound to an arm and was treated at a local hospital and released. Emergency personnel on scene at Antioch High School in Antioch, Tenn., on Jan. 22, 2025. A student who was in the cafeteria described a terrifying scene, telling NBC affiliate WSMV of Nashville that he hid behind garbage cans before he fled through a back door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I saw people getting shot, on the ground, bleeding and stuff," the student told the station. "I tried to help these people who was falling, getting pushed." An artificial intelligence-powered weapons detection system installed at Antioch failed to detect the gunman's firearm, officials said Thursday. The system, Omnilert, partly relies on the schools' existing camera network, but it did not pick up the shooter's gun because of his proximity to those cameras, school spokesman Sean Braisted told reporters at a news conference. "It wasnt close enough to get an accurate read and to activate that alarm," Braisted said, adding: "It's not going to work in every instance, in every spot, based on where that weapon might be visible." Police instead activated the system by brandishing their weapons during their response, he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) student reported an encounter with a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Thursday morning on a Muni bus. According to a letter by Balboa High School Principal Catherine Arenson, a Visitacion Valley Middle School student said an ICE agent asked for identification and where they were from. However, on Friday an ICE spokesperson told KRON4 that the encounter the student reported was not with a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. The alleged encounter happened on the 29 Muni bus on Thursday morning, the letter to Balboa High School students states. Arenson said the student was not harmed or detained; they are safe and with their family now. KRON4s Lezla Gooden spoke to SF Mayor Daniel Lurie about the incident, watch below In the letter, Arenson acknowledged the incident is alarming for the community. The principal added it wants to be proactive in keeping its students, families and staff safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Francisco curbs spray-painted illegally in red zones, causing confusion amid new Daylighting Law Letter sent to Balboa High School Community Despite President Donald Trumps action to crack down on illegal immigration via mass deportations, SFUSD said it will remain a safe haven for all students regardless of citizenship status. We have been coordinating closely with the City and County of San Francisco and California Department of Education to ensure we have resources and plans in place for supporting vulnerable communities, the school district wrote in a letter on Jan. 16. On Friday, an SFUSD representative called the encounter an unconfirmed report. and said the district was working closely with city and community partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SF Supervisor Shamann Walton said his office had been unable to confirm that the incident took place but contacted multiple agencies to verify the situation. The supervisor also recommended the following steps for anyone contacted by an immigration enforcement agent: You have rights. Stay calm and remain silent. You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or where you were born. Do not open the door without a warrant. ICE agents must have a signed judicial warrant to enter private spaces. Document the incident. Record what you see, but do so safely without interfering. After conducting a thorough multiagency review, we are confident and relieved that there was no federal immigration enforcement action on a Muni bus yesterday. At the same time, the fear in our community is real, and that fear makes all of San Francisco less safe, said a spokesperson for San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. Mayor Lurie is fully committed to upholding San Franciscos longstanding policies. Their purpose is not to interfere with federal immigration enforcement but to ensure that all residents can feel safe interacting with local law enforcement and accessing city services. These laws have been on the books for decades, and we will continue to uphold and defend the general prohibition of the use of city resources to assist ICE in enforcing federal immigration actions, the spokesperson 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 KRON4. PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) Dozens of students from across southern West Virginia got their science on at a local science fair on Thursday morning, January 23rd. The Chuck Mathena Center In Princeton played host to the Regional Science Fair. Students showcased their scientific understanding with different projects in a wide range of topics. Each project was judged by a panel of judges. Amber Riffe is the Elementary & Pre-K Supervisor for Mercer County Schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital nurse honored with a prestigious distinction She said she was happy to put on the science fair and was quite impressed by everybodys projects! My son is really into science and I know next year, he is really going to enjoy something like this. Im hoping to take in some ideas and see what we are going to get into next year with my son. Amber Riffe, Elementary and Pre-K Supervisor for Mercer County Schools Riffe said she is not much of a scientist herself, but her greatest joy from the event was seeing everybody with smiles on their face. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. In a bold move for the highly competitive auto industry, Subaru has teamed up with Toyota for the second time to develop an all-electric SUV to add to their global electric vehicle lineup. What's happening? In a bid to gain a larger share of the global EV market, the two automakers announced that their new co-developed all-electric SUV will launch in North America, Europe, and Japan in 2026, according to Electrek. The companies first collaborated in 2022 on Toyota's all-electric bZ4X and Subaru's all-electric Solterra. Both models were built on the same electric Toyota New Global Architecture (e-TNGA) platform but with specific branding for each automaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Subaru and Toyota are putting their heads together once again to unveil this new all-electric SUV with production expected to begin in January 2026 at Subaru's Yajima plant in Japan. To reduce costs, the electric SUV will keep some parts from the bZ4X and Solterra models, per Electrek. For Subaru, this new vehicle helps it achieve its goal of having 50% of its global sales around 600,000 cars be all-electric by 2030. It's a significant jump from its previous goal of having 40% of global sales be hybrid-electric or all-electric vehicles. According to CBT News, Subaru's CEO spoke on the importance of collaboration, saying: "There is a huge risk for us to go it alone in this field." Why is this continued collaboration encouraging? In a market dominated by Tesla a brand with a lot of baggage the more EV options there are, especially from companies like Subaru and Toyota that have brand loyalty, the more likely people will be to switch from traditional cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subaru ranked second in brand loyalty among SUV drivers in J.D. Power's annual brand loyalty survey, and Toyota is the world's biggest automaker by sales. An all-electric SUV touched by both could go a long way in making up ground in an increasingly competitive market. From the consumer's side, switching to an EV like Subaru and Toyota's new model saves drivers money on maintenance and gas over the lifetime of the vehicle. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Not to mention, driving off the lot in a new EV benefits the planet as well as pocketbooks. Whereas a typical car produces over 10,000 pounds of carbon pollution annually, EVs produce no tailpipe pollution. What is Subaru's overall sustainability plan? Aside from having 50% of its global sales be all-electric by 2030, Subaru has numerous lofty sustainability goals and focus areas to help the planet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, all Subaru products are manufactured in "zero-landfill" production plants, and the company and its retailers have collected and recycled more than 13 million pieces of hard-to-recycle waste through TerraCycle. Additionally, the Subaru Eco-Friendly Retailer Program gives retailers a chance to voluntarily make a positive impact on their community and local environment. Bottom line: Big companies like Subaru and Toyota putting aside their singular success to collaborate in ways that will help see an entire industry succeed especially one that benefits the planet sets a leading example for other companies to follow. 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. SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) Its a question that remains a mystery in Suffolk: Who killed Tyrone Cotton Jr.? Courtesy: Suffolk Police Department As Friday now marks 21 years since his murdering, authorities are calling for new tips from the public in an effort to finally solve the case. Tyler Cotton Jr., 19, was last seen walking on East Washington Street the evening of Jan. 23, 2004. The following day, two hunters found Tyrone shot to death on a logging path on Babbtown Road. He had been shot multiple times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is believed Tyrones murder was a revenge killing for past events he was reported to have been involved in. Dozens of interviews were conducted, and persons of interest were developed, but an arrest could not be made. If you have any information about this case, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting www.P3tips.com and submitting a tip. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. AMES, Iowa (KCAU) On Thursday, Summit Carbon Solutions filed a legal action that the company says would protect the CO2 pipeline permit process in South Dakota. Summit says they want a fair and transparent process during the South Dakota Public Utilities Commissions review of their pipeline permit. To this end, the company is asking the court to stop Commissioner Kristie Fiegen from taking part in the decision. She previously recused herself back in 2023 from Summits first application process due to a conflict of interest, as the pipeline crosses into some of her sister-in-law and her sister-in-laws husbands land. So far, Fiegen has not recused herself from the application, telling Summit earlier this month that she will carry out her duties as commissioner and does not have a legal conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Summit, even though theyre confident that they would eventually get all the necessary approvals, Fiegens involvement could invite appeals that would cause lengthy delays. Opposition rises to Pillen-led push to detain juvenile offenders in Nebraska as young as 11 Weve worked hard to meet the permitting requirements in every state along our route, earning unanimous approvals in Iowa, Minnesota, and North Dakota, said Summit Carbon Solutions General Counsel Jess Vilsack in a statement. Were committed to keeping the process in South Dakota clear of any issues that could create uncertainty for farmers, ethanol producers, and local communities depending on this projects success. The Iowa Utilities Commission issued a construction permit to the company back in Aug. 2024. 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Jan. 23The Maine Marine Patrol has located the sunken fishing boat of a missing father and son, using a remotely operated underwater vehicle to identify the wreck in about 160 feet of water in Moose Cove in Washington County. The marine patrol also found what it believes is a body onboard the 34-foot "Sudden Impact." Neither the boat nor the body has been recovered. Chester "Chet" Barrett and his son Aaron, commercial scallop fishermen from South Addison, were reported missing Saturday by a family member when they didn't return from a trip that began at Cobscook Bay State Park in Edmunds around 5 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GoFundMe page supporting Melanie Barrett, Chet's wife and Aaron's mother, describes them as adventurous men who loved the water, lobster fishing in South Addison and scallop dragging in Cobscook Bay. The father and son had contagious laughs and always had a story to share around the fire pit at their camp at Schoodic Lake, according to the donation page. The coastal area where they went missing between the towns of Cutler and Lubec in Washington County has "strong tidal current activity," the marine patrol said. The agency relied on the expertise of four local fishermen to navigate the strong currents and assist in the search, Capt. Mark MacDonald said in a phone interview Thursday night. The search for the missing men and "Sudden Impact" began Saturday evening but was briefly suspended by the U.S. Coast Guard after sunset the following day. The Maine Marine Patrol had temporarily suspended the search twice due to poor visibility. On Sunday, local fishermen using sonar found an object in 160 feet of water about one mile offshore in Moose Cove. The Coast Guard stopped its attempt to recover the suspected wreck because of safety concerns, and the marine patrol said it would continue on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marine patrol officers took advantage of a short window when the tide ebbed around 11 p.m. Wednesday to conduct their search near the cove, the Maine Department of Marine Resources said. Rescue boats anchored to the sunken ship, MacDonald said, and had about 15 minutes before the tide picked up to send a remotely operated underwater vehicle toward the object. He said the ROV, equipped with sonar, LED lights and a camera, helped the marine patrol confirm the boat was the "Sudden Impact." Then, MacDonald said, a family member on the surface helped them maneuver the ROV inside the vessel, where it found what appeared to be a body. MacDonald said he couldn't say for sure who it was because it was so dark. The search ended when the tide began to turn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's hard to stand by knowing he's down there," MacDonald said. He said the men were experienced, competent fishermen. Though the weather that day was poor, it's hard to know what went wrong. Commercial fishermen often put their lives on the line, MacDonald said. The Maine Marine Patrol is working with the family to decide what to do next, and will consult with deep-water salvage experts to see if recovery is possible. MacDonald said the family is looking to hire a specialized diver who has the ability to work in difficult conditions. Copy the Story Link The Supreme Court announced Friday it will hear an Oklahoma case to decide whether the state must authorize a religious school as a public charter. The new church-state case could yield a potentially momentous decision that could change public schools in much of the nation. Los Angeles and other large cities have been leaders in establishing charter schools as an option for students. They are privately run public schools, but until now, the law has required that they may not be sectarian or affiliated with a church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court's conservative majority may see this as discrimination against religion. The appeal granted review on Friday argued that a state violates the 1st Amendment's protection for the free exercise of religion if it excludes religious schools from its public-funded charter schools. The court is likely to hear arguments in late April in the case of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School vs. Drummond. The case has had complicated history in Oklahoma. The Catholic Archidocese of Oklahoma City applied to establish St. Isidore as a religious virtual charter school and won an initial approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the state's attorney general and the state Supreme Court said the state's constitution did not permit public funding for a religious school. The new school's advocates appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Since 2017, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. has led the court in a series of rulings holding that churches and church-run groups may not be excluded from public benefits on the grounds that they are religious. The justices opened the door for parents to send their children to religious schools in Montana and Maine. Citing those rulings, religious rights advocates say Oklahoma should allow a Catholic school to qualify as a state-funded charter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Amy Coney Barrett said she did not participate in the decision to hear the case. She did not explain why. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court agreed Friday to take on a new culture war dispute: whether the nations first publicly funded religious charter school should be allowed to open in Oklahoma. The justices said they would review an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision that invalidated a state board's approval of an application by the Catholic Church in Oklahoma to open a charter school. The conservative-dominated high court has issued several decisions in recent years signaling a willingness to allow public funds to flow to religious entities. At the same time, conservative-led states have sought to insert religion into public schools, including Louisiana's requirement that the Ten Commandments be posted in classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case probably will be argued in late April and decided by early summer. Justice Amy Coney Barrett is not taking part in the case, but did not explain why. Last June, Oklahomas top court held by a 7-1 vote that a taxpayer-funded religious charter school would violate the part of the First Amendment that prohibits government from making any law respecting an establishment of religion. The decision followed a 3-2 vote in 2023 by the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board to approve an application by the archdiocese for the St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Charter School. The K-12 online school had planned to start classes for its first 200 enrollees last fall, with part of its mission to evangelize its students in the Catholic faith. A group of Oklahoma parents, faith leaders and a public education nonprofit sued to block the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Oklahoma law, a charter school is a public school, Justice James Winchester, an appointee of former Republican Gov. Frank Keating, wrote in the courts majority opinion. As such, a charter school must be nonsectarian. However, St. Isidore will evangelize the Catholic school curriculum while sponsored by the state. In dissent, Justice Dana Kuehn wrote that excluding St. Isidore from operating a charter school based solely on its religious affiliation would violate a different part of the First Amendment that protects religious freedom. The high court's decision to intervene was warmly received by Alliance Defending Freedom, the Christian legal advocacy group representing the state board. "Theres great irony in state officials who claim to be in favor of religious liberty discriminating against St. Isidore because of its Catholic beliefs, the group's chief legal counsel, Jim Campbell, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents of the Oklahoma charter school called on the justices to uphold the state court ruling. The law is clear: Charter schools are public schools and must be secular and open to all students, the American Civil Liberties Union and other legal groups said in a statement. They are representing the schools opponents in a separate lawsuit. The case puts Oklahoma's Republican governor, Kevin Stitt, and its Republican attorney general, Gentner Drummond, on opposing sides. Stitt favors the school. Drummond reversed the advice given to the charter school board by his Republican predecessor, warning that the Catholic charter school would in his view violate the Constitution. ___ Follow the AP's coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court. The Supreme Court agreed Friday to decide whether states may reject religious charter schools from receiving public funding, agreeing to hear arguments in an appeal out of Oklahoma involving the first such school in the nation. St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School applied last year to take part in Oklahomas charter school program, which would entitle it to public funding. The states top court struck its approval down in June, ruling that charter schools must be non-sectarian and that St. Isidore would evangelize the Catholic faith as part of its school curriculum. The courts decision could have vast nationwide implications by making it easier for religious entities to apply for and receive public taxpayer money for schools. The case has been closely watched by groups promoting religious freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma parents and children are better off with more educational choices, not fewer, said Jim Campbell, chief legal counsel at the Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious legal group representing the school. Theres great irony in state officials who claim to be in favor of religious liberty discriminating against St. Isidore because of its Catholic beliefs. The court will likely hear arguments this spring and hand down a decision before July. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a conservative, recused in the case without giving a reason. The Supreme Courts conservative majority has been for years blurring the line separating church and state, particularly in education. In a series of rulings, the Supreme Court has said states may not discriminate against religious schools when dolling out taxpayer funding for certain programs. Several groups opposing the school, including Americans United for Separation of Church and State, urged the Supreme Court to affirm the states court ruling against the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Converting public schools into Sunday schools would be a dangerous sea change for our democracy, the groups said in a joint statement. The Oklahoma school and subsequent litigation divided conservatives. Oklahomas Republican Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed one of the lawsuits challenging the school. Today, Oklahomans are being compelled to fund Catholicism, Drummond said in a statement last year. Tomorrow we may be forced to fund radical Muslim teachings like Sharia law. Phil Bacharach, a spokesman for Drummond, said in a brief statement that office looks forwarding to making its arguments at the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Isidore argued that Oklahomas charter school program invited private educators to participate and that denying religious schools the opportunity to take part amounts to religious hostility. Trump administration asks court to pause Biden-era appeals As the Supreme Court is adding its final cases of the current term, President Donald Trumps administration signaled Friday that some may be removed. Justice Department attorneys asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause action on four pending appeals including one involving Californias strict vehicle emissions rules in the first sign that the new administration is rethinking its portfolio of cases at the nations highest court. Sarah Harris, the Trump administrations acting solicitor general, urged the Supreme Court in a series of filings to pause briefing in three cases dealing with the environment and one that deals with student loan forgiveness when borrowers believe they were defrauded by a university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most significant is an appeal from fuel companies challenging Californias ability to, in practice, set vehicle admissions standards for the rest of the nation. Trump withdrew the states power to set those standards and President Joe Bidens administration reinstated it. The filing Friday is the latest indication the Environmental Protection Agency under Trump would withdraw the tougher emissions standards again, likely rendering the underlying legal dispute at the Supreme Court moot. After the change in administration, EPAs acting administrator has determined that the agency should reassess the basis for and soundness of the Biden administration decision, Harris told the Supreme Court. The Supreme Courts docket is, as usual, full of cases involving federal government decisions and regulations. Court observers have been closely watching for indications that the Trump administration may shift position from Biden in high-profile cases dealing with transgender rights, for instance, or the Food and Drug Administrations crackdown on flavored vaping products. It is not yet clear whether the new administration will take any action in those cases. Trump has moved quickly to roll back Bidens policy positions and executive actions, but he may move more cautiously at the Supreme Court where the justices generally frown on sudden shifts from administration to administration. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) It looks like more changes are coming to your childs education. Oklahomas history standards will now reflect Gulf of America instead of Gulf of Mexico, and Mount McKinley instead of Denali in Alaska. State Superintendent Ryan Walters wasted no time making the switch following an executive order this week by President Donald Trump renaming both. Supt Walters updates OSDE history standards Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, as you can imagine, the curriculum change is raising eyebrows and leading to new questions. Theres this discussion and conflict, even inside American society, about identity and about belonging and about whose vision of America will prevail, Brian Hosmer, Head of the Department of History at Oklahoma State University said. Hosmer believes part of the presidents motivation is retaliatory. I think that part of the motivation for what the president is doing is, in a way, reaching back ten years or so to the name changes from schools and monuments and things like that, Hosmer said. In a press release Thursday, State Superintendent Ryan Walters proudly proclaims Oklahoma is the first state to implement President Trumps executive action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think his rush to be the first state to do this kind of speaks to his position in the overall cultural contract conversation that Ive been describing, Hosmer said. This is consistent with how he has positioned himself as a kind of leading figure in this against wokeness, you could say. According to Walters, history standards have been updated to include the terms Gulf of America and Mount McKinley. We are proud to support President Trumps orders regarding the Gulf of America and Mount McKinley. Our nations proud history and heritage is accurately reflected in these updates, and President Trump is correct in making them. I look forward to continuing to work with the Trump administration and make our schools, and America, great again. Supt. Ryan Walters Democratic Representative Jacob Rosecrants telling News 4 why he thinks this is a bad idea. Ryan Walters has proven he will do most anything to get the attention of President Trump, so this statement comes as no surprise. What is a surprise is how he was once a social studies teacher who definitely knows better than to change things in this way in our Oklahoma Academic Standards. These executive orders are what I call wish executive orders by the president, so it is foolhardy to even change the standards to reflect them. Executive orders dont permanently change place names, no matter how much somebody wishes for it to happen, even the president. Also, Im not even sure Walters can change the standards, which just went through public comment. these executive orders will cause chaos and confusion, two things which the superintendent knows well. Thats what this is all about he wants us to be more concerned about silly things like this, instead of focusing on his incompetence and blatant dodging of accountability. Rep. Jacob Rosecrants (D) Norman News 4s Facebook post receiving hundreds of comments. Among them, one from former Republican Representative Mark McBride, who chaired the House Education Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McBride called the idea of renaming an interesting one, but adds I think the focus should remain on addressing the real challenges facing our state. Others commenting in support of Walters, like a viewer who said I voted for this. Another adding, Why shouldnt it be named the Gulf of America? It makes a lot more sense. Dont click: Text message scam targeting Oklahoma drivers Prof. Hosmer doesnt believe the change will have much impact on kids education in Oklahoma, but he does have concerns. That is the role that the superintendent is taking to shape all aspects of learning, Hosmer said. Its not really whether its Gulf of America, Gulf of Mexico or whatever, but it is this sort of determination by the secretary to essentially dictate what is taught in school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We asked Oklahoma City Public Schools how something like this would be feasible, both financially and materialistically. We were told our questions were the first time they heard of Walters implementing this, and they will need to discuss it before answering. Its also important to point out, while the US can change the name of certain geographical places, other countries arent required to follow. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. My first news of the Palisades fire came from a message in my neighborhood WhatsApp group. I learned from my neighbors in Del Rey that a blaze had broken out in the hills above the neighborhood I grew up in, where my parents still live in our family home on the edge of the Palisades. My own neighborhood of Del Rey was likely out of harm's way. Yet as we all learned how quickly the fire was spreading, the neighborhood WhatsApp transformed into a mini resource center, sharing tips for staying safe and volunteering spare bedrooms and ADUs. A call for available deep freezer storage for an evacuees breast milk was met with offer upon offer. Everyone made space. Meanwhile, I commiserated with preschool-era friends as our parents fled the Palisades and the institutions that raised us lit up in flames. The library, the grocery store, the coffee shop where Ill always remember parking on the couch with my best friend discussing "1984" for hours all gone. Was our synagogue OK? Nobody knew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Fire victims seek answers about rebuilding, cleanup timeline My parents evacuated to my mother-in-laws house, friends scattered around Los Angeles. We all woke up to learn that so many families, dear friends, had lost their homes each piece of news a gut punch. Even the famous village shopping district at the center of town was ash. The devastation my community experienced was also being felt across L.A. County. The Eaton fire in Altadena burned tens of thousands of acres, including artist studios, musical havens and important sites of Black Angeleno heritage . The Hurst fire threatening Sylmar. Other fires dotted the L.A. map throughout the week, spurring evacuations and fear for West Hollywood and the West Valley. Fire had reached into and across the city, taking, at this time of publishing, 28 lives and more than 16,000 structures. Meanwhile, despite heroic firefighting efforts, other government bodies sowed confusion. Our leaders have been playing a political blame-game . Past decisions to deprioritize fire prevention are coming to light . Even our emergency alert system failed, frightening every resident with a smartphone who received an evacuation notification sent in error . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Evacuated? Hosting someone who is? Try these 9 tips for harmonious communal living The same day that the fires broke out, outgoing United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released a parting statement . The nations top doctor had spent his two terms interviewing citizens across the country learning about what contributed to and detracted from their mental and physical health. From his research came a prescription: A nation plagued with heart disease, diabetes, depression and an addiction crisis was more than anything else in need of community. The fracturing of community in America is driving a deeper spiritual crisis that threatens our fundamental well-being, Murthy wrote, calling for a radical shift in how we build and prioritize community. Witnessing how Los Angeles community networks picked up the slack of institutions that failed us illustrated the urgency of Murthys message. This prescription needs to be filled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disaster throws the need of community into sharp relief, but it is crucial for everyday and lifelong health and well-being too. Murthy explains that the three pillars of community relationships, service and purpose are scientifically proven to positively impact both life expectancy and life satisfaction. These pillars, Murthy says, can significantly influence health outcomes, including premature mortality, heart disease, depression, and anxiety. Community also gives us strength and resilience when facing the big challenges and countless paper cuts that come with moving through the world. But, as he sees it, these pillars have crumbled in recent years. An increase in the amount of time people need to spend at work has meant less civic participation and social interaction . The pandemic and social media both led to isolation , with the latter sowing division as discussions moved from in-person to online. Just 30 % of people do volunteer work, and over 60 % of young people say they feel directionless. The path to building community through these three pillars will take both individual effort and government investment, explains Murthy. Deepening relationships requires interactions that go beyond the group-chat, and fostering empathetic schools and workplaces. Providing service means the willingness to lend (and ask) a neighbor for help. Finding purpose means access to education and resources that unlock meaning in addition to a paycheck. The foundation for it all is reinvestment in (gutted) community infrastructure and social services that enable people to do more than simply survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community is a cornerstone of both individual wellness and collective well-being in the best of times. Now, friends, neighbors and an army of Los Angeles volunteers are proving community is a powerful tonic in the worst of them. After the fires swept through the Palisades we learned that, in some Hanukkah-esque miracle, my familys Pacific Palisades synagogue, Kehillat Israel, did not burn, even as homes on its block did. In the coming days, KI became a locus of support, both practically and emotionally. It held both in-person services in a space lent by a temple across town, and a Zoom webinar. Local officials and disaster recovery experts gave concrete advice and information, and clergy and congregants gave each other time and space to hold each others pain. Even the Early Childhood Center found a temporary space for its toddler Shabbat group, Tot Shabbat, so that the temples youngest members could still see and sing with their class while evacuated from their homes. Its been clear that bearing the grief with lifelong friends and strangers alike is the only real thing we can hold onto for the strength and resilience Murthy speaks of at a time like this. Angelenos throughout the city have leaned on one another for support too. The essential workers who have lost steady employment in Palisades and Altadena homes are finding new opportunities in neighborhoods where residents share the names of those looking for work, like in my neighborhood group chat. A GoFundMe for organizations advocating for essential workers has raised over $90,000. For people seeking ways to help in person, every day, Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network updates a Google spreadsheet of volunteer opportunities that has dozens if not hundreds of viewers at all hours of the day and night; volunteer centers are so busy that they are turning people away. Teenage organizers are full up on beauty supply donations for other teenagers affected by the fires. Real estate agents are providing free house-hunt services, salon workers free haircuts, restaurants free meals and so much more. Celebrities like Beyonce have given millions toward relief and recovery efforts; the general public has raised $50 million for those affected by fires on GoFundMe alone. All of these efforts are only possible because Angelenos decided to care about one another. The fires have shown that our city, a patchwork of neighborhoods, is also a collection of neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Paralyzed by heaps of post-fire paperwork? Here are 8 tips to get started This overwhelming community response to a crisis may be helping to cushion the blow for some, to the extent that thats possible in the face of catastrophic loss. But community cannot only be a reactive value. On a national level, enshrining community as a civic value and way of life must serve as a local bulwark against natural disaster and larger political forces. On an individual level, seeking out community, and inviting others in, can ensure support in the face of both big challenges and paper cuts. Whether thats being part of a faith institution, or participating in or creating a communication hub like a neighborhood chat. Local clubs and volunteer opportunities can help you bond with your neighbors over common interests. In all these cases, community is quite literally a lifeline. Thats why the fires have made clear that building, investing in and nurturing community is important not just now, but always. On Wednesday Jan. 8, one of KIs rabbis, Rabbi Daniel Sher , recorded and posted a video on Instagram after finding out that he had just lost his own Palisades home: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our community that we love so dearly is in disarray, he said. "But I do know that we will care for one another, reach out for one another, and we will rebuild. So many of us are experiencing heartbreak. But when a community experiences heartbreak together, it means that we can mend our hearts together as a community as well. Read more: If you lost your home or business in the wildfires, here's what to do next As Murthy says, a community grounded in love is a community that will stand. Its that human-to-human connection and compassion that will help us weather the storm. Every text I sent and received to impacted friends Ive known since our KI preschool days some of whom I havent even talked to in years contained those words: I love you. Those bonds, and the ones weve seen form and tighten throughout the city, give me hope that when it comes to healing from these fires, Los Angeles is poised to administer our former surgeon generals cure. Sign up for The Wild newsletter to get weekly insider tips on the best of our beaches, trails, parks, deserts, forests and mountains. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Fifty years after Puerto Rican terrorist group FALN bombed the historic watering hole Fraunces Tavern in Manhattans Financial District, a son of one of the four victims killed in the deadly attack is still seeking justice. Joseph Connor is urging the new Trump administration to put pressure on the Cuban government to release the suspected bomber accused of planting the explosive that killed four people in 1975, including Connors father, Frank. Connor, survivors and law enforcement officials are specifically seeking the extradition of FALN member William Guillermo Morales, who has been given political asylum in Cuba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its exhausting and Im getting old for this but I want to find justice, Connor, 59, told the Daily News on Thursday. Its at the point now where I have less animosity toward the terrorists than the politicians, who used my fathers life for political gain. The terrorists didnt promise me anything. The politicians did. They said they were going to fight for this, but they were just using my father for political gain. Connor joined survivors and law enforcement officials at the tavern on Friday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the attack during which the Puerto Rican nationalist group Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacion Nacional, or FALN, bombed the historic tavern. Though no one was ever charged in the attack, FALN, which planted more than 100 bombs in New York City and Chicago during the 1970s and 80s, proudly claimed responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims included Frank Conner, 33, a banker; Harold Sherburne, 66, a businessman; James Gezork, 32, an executive visiting from Wilmington, Del.; and Alejandro Berger, 28, a chemical company executive from Philadelphia. The lunchtime blast also injured about 50 people. Some of the survivors lost legs, fingers, and eyes. The bomb exploded at 1:29 p.m. as scores of patrons were enjoying lunch in the tavern and the club on the floor above it. Young Joseph Connor had celebrated his ninth birthday just three days before the bombing. He said he was playing outside with his friends when his mother called him in to deliver the crushing news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just got home from school, Connor said. We went outside to play. The bombing had already happened, but news didnt travel as quickly then. My mom called my father at work and someone picked up. She thought it was my father but it was someone else. We knew there was an explosion but we didnt know if he was alive or dead. I remember thinking he was under the rubble and hoping a firefighter was going to rescue him. Officials said the tavern was likely targeted because of its proximity to Wall Street and because of its colonial past which dates back to the days of George Washington. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We mark this date to remind ourselves from New York City, terrorism did not begin on Sept. 11, 2001, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fraunces Tavern attack was one of the most violent acts of domestic terrorism in our citys history and it was part of a wave of extremist attacks that struck the nation throughout the 70s and the 80s. Choosing Fraunces Tavern is no coincidence either. Its deep roots in American history date back to George Washington at the end of the Revolutionary War, and these terrorists knew their heinous act would get even more attention because of this. Tisch and other law enforcement leaders also denounced Cuba for harboring other wanted fugitives, like the ones suspected in the 1973 shooting of a New Jersey trooper who was gunned down with his own service weapon by members of the Black Liberation Army. Two other suspects were convicted of the murder, but a female suspect escaped custody in 1979 and fled to Cuba. Our New Jersey State Trooper family has lived a 52-year nightmare after the assassination of Trooper Werner Foerster on the New Jersey Turnpike, said Wayne Blanchard, head of the New Jersey State Troopers Association. We stand here united with our colleagues in law enforcement and the Connor family to bring these domestic terrorists to justice. NEW YORK Fifty years after Puerto Rican terrorist group FALN bombed the historic watering hole Fraunces Tavern in Manhattans Financial District, a son of one of the four victims killed in the deadly attack is still seeking justice. Joseph Connor is urging the new Trump administration to put pressure on the Cuban government to release the suspected bomber accused of planting the explosive that killed four people in 1975, including Connors father, Frank. Connor, survivors and law enforcement officials are specifically seeking the extradition of FALN member William Guillermo Morales, who has been given political asylum in Cuba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its exhausting and Im getting old for this but I want to find justice, Connor, 59, told the Daily News on Thursday. Its at the point now where I have less animosity toward the terrorists than the politicians, who used my fathers life for political gain. The terrorists didnt promise me anything. The politicians did. They said they were going to fight for this, but they were just using my father for political gain. Connor joined survivors and law enforcement officials at the tavern on Friday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the attack during which the Puerto Rican nationalist group Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacion Nacional, or FALN, bombed the historic tavern. The video player is currently playing an ad. Though no one was ever charged in the attack, FALN, which planted more than 100 bombs in New York City and Chicago during the 1970s and 80s, proudly claimed responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims included Frank Conner, 33, a banker; Harold Sherburne, 66, a businessman; James Gezork, 32, an executive visiting from Wilmington, Del.; and Alejandro Berger, 28, a chemical company executive from Philadelphia. The lunchtime blast also injured about 50 people. Some of the survivors lost legs, fingers, and eyes. The bomb exploded at 1:29 p.m. as scores of patrons were enjoying lunch in the tavern and the club on the floor above it. Young Joseph Connor had celebrated his ninth birthday just three days before the bombing. He said he was playing outside with his friends when his mother called him in to deliver the crushing news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just got home from school, Connor said. We went outside to play. The bombing had already happened, but news didnt travel as quickly then. My mom called my father at work and someone picked up. She thought it was my father but it was someone else. We knew there was an explosion but we didnt know if he was alive or dead. I remember thinking he was under the rubble and hoping a firefighter was going to rescue him. Officials said the tavern was likely targeted because of its proximity to Wall Street and because of its colonial past which dates back to the days of George Washington. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We mark this date to remind ourselves from New York City, terrorism did not begin on Sept. 11, 2001, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fraunces Tavern attack was one of the most violent acts of domestic terrorism in our citys history and it was part of a wave of extremist attacks that struck the nation throughout the 70s and the 80s. Choosing Fraunces Tavern is no coincidence either. Its deep roots in American history date back to George Washington at the end of the Revolutionary War, and these terrorists knew their heinous act would get even more attention because of this. Tisch and other law enforcement leaders also denounced Cuba for harboring other wanted fugitives, like the ones suspected in the 1973 shooting of a New Jersey trooper who was gunned down with his own service weapon by members of the Black Liberation Army. Two other suspects were convicted of the murder, but a female suspect escaped custody in 1979 and fled to Cuba. Our New Jersey State Trooper family has lived a 52-year nightmare after the assassination of Trooper Werner Foerster on the New Jersey Turnpike, said Wayne Blanchard, head of the New Jersey State Troopers Association. We stand here united with our colleagues in law enforcement and the Connor family to bring these domestic terrorists to justice. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) The Richmond County Sheriffs Office announced it has arrested another suspect in the murder of 16-year-old Sadiq Brown in Augusta back in July 2024. According to police, Deontray Donovan, 20, was arrested without incident during a traffic stop on Gordon Highway near Olive Road at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23. Donovan is charged in the murder of Sadiq Brown that took place on July 5, 2024, at 2622 Peach Orchard Road, A-Town Wings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kieran Walters, 18, is still wanted for Murder in the incident. Those with information on where he might be are asked to call (706) 821-1000 or send an email to PIO@augustaga.gov. A third suspect, 19-year-old Malcom Bryant, was arrested in August 2024 in the case. On Donovans arrest, Sheriff Eugene Brantley said, We will do whatever it takes to locate, arrest, and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone who commits a violent crime in Augusta, Georgia. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Springfield Police Department arrested a suspect on Friday for several warrants. Springfield police cruiser hit by gunfire, suspects arrested following chase Springfield Police Spokesperson Ryan Walsh told 22News that at around 6:40 a.m., a suspect was arrested on the 200 block of Overland Street for warrants. MAP: Overland Street One of the warrants is extraditable to New Hampshire to face drug charges. The name of the suspect has not yet been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An extraditable warrant is a warrant that allows a state to arrest and take a fugitive from one state to another. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A suspect has been arrested by U.S. marshals in the case of a woman who was found stabbed to death in a Memphis motel earlier this month. Styrone Walker, 36, was captured Friday morning at a home in the 2000 block of Jackson Heights Cove in West Memphis, Arkansas. He is being held in the Crittenden County jail and is awaiting extradition to Tennessee. Styrone Walker (Photo courtesy of the Crittenden County Jail) Walker is the suspect in the murder of Angelica Taylor, 38, whose body was found on Jan. 2 at the Star Lite Inn on South Third Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ORIGINAL STORY: Family says missing woman stabbed to death at Memphis motel Styrone Walker was captured in West Memphis. (courtesy U.S. Marshals) The family said they began looking for Taylor at the Star Lite Inn after her boyfriend, whom they identified as Walker, began posting cryptic messages on his Facebook page about the motel, and thats when they learned she was dead. Family members told WREG they did not find out about Taylors death on January 4 after the family had requested a wellness check. She was allegedly found the same day officers told them Taylor was alive and well. Taylors mother, Angela Taylor, said her daughter was a sweet child killed for no reason, and she was glad her alleged killer had been caught. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one thing when someone has died of sickness or something, but to be killed? Thats a different thing. Its a feeling I have no words for, said Angela. Taylors cousin, who did not want to be identified, said the last few weeks had been a blur, and she was relieved Walker was in custody. I was just questioning whether it would ever be solved or were going to be one of those families asking for help years later, she said. I know we dont have a conviction yet, but I feel like this is a step in the right direction. Memphis Murder Map 2025 Family members said Taylor temporarily moved into a rooming house in Whitehaven after a fire at her apartment, and thats where she met Walker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im thankful you guys got her story out there because there were a lot of questions about why she was at a hotel and why she was in a rooming house, and it was hard to cope with that, said Taylors cousin. This wasnt just a throwaway person. Taylor left behind two teenage children. Shelby County court records show Walker was arrested in 2022 and 2017 for domestic violence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) The suspect arrested in connection to Sundays deadly crash in Urbana is facing new charges after police said he gave authorities a false identity. On Wednesday, the department said 27-year-old Juan Jahaziel Saenz-Suarez was arrested by the United States Marshals Service near Dallas, Texas, on a bus heading to Mexico. However, authorities have since shared that Juan Jahaziel Saenz-Suarez was an alias name used by the suspect. Man arrested for Urbana crash that killed 2 women Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect has since been identified as Julio Cucul Bol, a 29-year-old citizen of Guatemala. Police said he originally had falsified Mexican paperwork, but later told investigators his real identity. Police said that Champaign County States Attorney Julia Rietz has been notified of his identity, and she filed amended charges and a new arrest warrant. The new charges include leaving the scene of a personal injury crash resulting in death, aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death and reckless homicide. UPDATE: Second person dies after crash in Urbana, police seeking tips The Urbana Police Department thanked the Mansfield, Texas Police Department for their assistance with this 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 WCIA.com. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) An Albuquerque Police Department officer was injured and a suspect was killed in a shooting early Friday morning at an apartment complex near Montgomery Blvd. and Carlisle Blvd. Story continues below APD said officers were called to the Tesota Morningside Apartments and when they approached the suspect, 23-year-old Anthony Williams, he pulled a gun and pointed it at officers. They said Williams shot Sgt. Brandon Watts in the leg. Several officers returned fire killing Williams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement APD said Williams had a violent criminal history dating back to when he was a juvenile. APD said during the shooting, a resident of the apartment complex was injured and transported to the hospital. Officers said they were unsure if the resident was injured due to gunfire or flying debris from the exchange. Police said the officer was shot in the leg and was taken to a hospital. They said both the resident and the officer are expected to survive. APD Chief of Police Harold Medina said the incident escalated quickly, with the suspect opening fire on responding officers. Chief Medina said that Williams had an interaction with police on January 22 while going through a mental health crisis. He said during the interaction officers offered to take the suspect to the hospital and get them any help they needed, but that he refused any type of help. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. A man has been arrested in New Jersey as a suspect in the fatal shooting of an Orange County woman last year, the Orange County Sheriffs Office announced Friday. Shandale Pierre Francis, 44, was taken into custody Wednesday in Union City, New Jersey, on charges of second-degree murder with a firearm in the death of 35-year-old Sharima Martin in March 2024. He will be extradited to Florida. Deputies responded to the area of SR-535 and Lake Bryan Beach Boulevard around 2 a.m. on Mar. 17, 2024, and found Martin, who had been shot, according to the news release from the sheriffs office. She was transported to the hospital before dying of her injuries. The release described the shooting as a domestic incident. An arrest has been made in the fatal shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a traffic stop in Vermont, according to the FBI, as bizarre details of the suspects' movements beforehand have been revealed in the arrest affidavit. Teresa Youngblut, 21, of Washington state, was arrested on Friday and charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer, according to a statement from the FBI. The affidavit unsealed by investigators reveals some new details about the movements of the two individuals who were involved in the fatal shooting of Border Patrol agent David Maland. PHOTO: Teresa Youngblut is shown at the front desk of the Newport City Inn and Suites. (Newport City Inn and Suites) Since Jan. 14, investigators had been conducting "periodic surveillance" on Youngblut and Felix Baukholt, a German national who was killed during the shooting, after they were reported as suspicious by someone who was staying at the same hotel as the pair, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "An employee of a hotel in Lyndonville, Vermont contacted law enforcement after a male and a female had checked into the hotel to report concerns about them, including that they appeared to be dressed in all-black tactical style clothing with protective equipment, with the woman, later identified as Youngblut, carrying an apparent firearm in an exposed-carry holster," according to charges unsealed in Vermont federal court on Friday. MORE: What to know about Trump's immigration and border executive actions Agents from the Vermont State Police and Homeland Security Investigations attempted to approach the pair for a voluntary interview, but they rebuffed law enforcement, "claiming that they were in the vicinity to look at purchasing property," according to the court records. Five days later, the pair were spotted in downtown Newport, Vermont, in "similar tactical dress" and carrying a handgun, which is permitted in Vermont, the affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the day of the fatal shooting, the two were being observed by law enforcement in the parking lot of a Walmart nearby, prosecutors said. Investigators observed Baukholt come out of the store with rolls of aluminum foil that he then used to wrap cellphones, they said. PHOTO: This undated image courtesy of Joan Maland shows U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland, who was killed Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, following a traffic stop in Vermont. (David Maland/Joan Maland via AP) The stop was initiated by Border Patrol agents under the pretext of an immigration violation, according to the court records. Between 3 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. agents reported gunshots from the scene, according to the affidavit. Agents described to their supervisor "that both Baukholt and Youngblut possessed firearms and that Youngblut drew and fired a handgun toward at least one of the uniformed Border Patrol agents without warning when outside the driver's side of the Prius. Baukholt then attempted to draw a firearm. At least one Border Patrol agent fired at Youngblut and Baukholt with his service weapon," according to the affidavit. PHOTO: A U.S. Border Patrol officer deploys a flare while blocking Interstate 91 southbound, a day after a U.S. Border Patrol officer was shot and killed on the highway in Coventry, Vermont, Jan. 21, 2025. (Carlos Osorio/Reuters) Upon searching the vehicle, agents found a cache of weapons and tactical gear, as well as the cellphones wrapped in foil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agents have not been interviewed according to the complaint, officials said. "Agent Maland bravely served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force," said Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli of the FBI Albany Field Office in a statement. "He continued that service when he answered the call to protect and serve as a law enforcement officer, making him a shining example of service over self. This arrest proves the FBI, together with our partners, will work diligently to ensure any individual who uses a firearm to assault such a public servant will be brought to justice." ABC News' Alex Faul contributed to this report. Suspects in Border Patrol agent's killing in Vermont surveilled for days, had cellphones wrapped in foil originally appeared on abcnews.go.com COVENTRY, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) The two people involved in the fatal shooting of Vermont U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Chris Maland have been identified. Teresa Youngblut, 21, of Washington state, has been charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer and is also facing a firearms charge. This is according to court documents filed by the FBI on Friday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont. No court date has been scheduled for Youngblut at this time. Teresa Youngblut at the front desk of the Newport City Inn and Suites. (Newport City Inn and Suites) Felix Baukholt, a citizen of Germany was also identified in the documents. He was killed in the shootout. Baukholt had an expired visa in the Department of Homeland Security database, according to the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a criminal complaint document, Border Patrol Agents performed a traffic stop on a Toyota Prius, registered to Baukholt around 3:15 on Jan. 20. They said at the scene Youngblut drew and fired a handgun toward at least one of the uniformed Border Patrol Agents without warning when outside the drivers side of the Prius. Baukholt then attempted to draw a firearm. Maland, Youngblut and Baukholt all sustained gunshot wounds. Baukholt was declared dead at the scene, and Border Patrol Agent Maland was rushed to North County Hospital where he was pronounced dead at approximately 4 p.m. The Vermont Bomb Squad was called in to check out the car due to fears from officers on the scene. They did not find explosives on the scene, but recovered a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, two handheld two-way radios, ammunition rounds, electronic devices and other tactical gear from the vehicle. Court documents revealed that investigators had been surveilling Youngblut and Baukholt for about a week prior to the shooting after a concerned individual reported them in Lyndonville. They were also spotted earlier on January 20 in downtown Newport. Officials say Baukholt was seen wrapping unknown objects in aluminum foil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief United States Border Patrol Agent Robert Garcia said, We appreciate all our law enforcement partners response to this tragic event as we continue our mission of protecting this nations border and ensuring public safety. CORRECTS TO JOAN MALAND INSTEAD OF MUSSA This undated image courtesy of Joan Maland shows U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland, who was killed Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, following a traffic stop in Vermont. (David Maland/Joan Maland via AP) The events leading to this prosecution tragically demonstrate how the men and women of law enforcement regularly put their lives on the line as they try to keep our communities and our country safe. The United States Attorneys Office is deeply grateful for those with the courage to do such dangerous work. We intend to honor them, and the memory of Border Patrol Agent Maland, by performing our prosecutorial duties so that justice may be done, said Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher. Maland was a veteran and who worked security duty at the Pentagon during 9/11. He was honored with a funeral procession in Burlington, Vermont on January 23. He was then taken to Albany International Airport to be put on a plane back to his family in Minnesota. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. The two suspects involved in a shootout that killed a U.S. border patrol agent in northern Vermont had an arsenal of weapons and tactical gear, including 48 rounds of .380-caliber jacketed hollow point ammunition, a ballistic helmet and night vision equipment, according to court documents unsealed Friday. The suspects were identified as Teresa Youngblut of Washington state, who was wounded in the gun battle, and Felix Bauckholt, a German national who was killed. Border patrol agent David "Chris" Maland, 44, also died in the exchange of gunfire on a highway just 20 miles south of the Canadian border. The court documents do not make clear whether Maland was struck by one of Youngbluts bullets or a shot fired by a fellow agent. U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland. The incident unfolded after 3 p.m. on Monday, after a border patrol agent pulled over a blue 2015 Toyota Prius to conduct an immigration inspection. Multiple agents in three vehicles then arrived to the scene, court documents say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bauckholt, the registered owner of the vehicle, appeared to have an expired visa in a Department of Homeland Security database, according to court documents. The FBI had previously said the German national involved in the incident was on a current visa. At some point during the traffic stop, Youngblut opened fire toward at least one of the agents while standing outside the Prius' driver's side door. Bauckholt then attempted to draw his firearm, according to court documents, prompting at least one border agent to open fire at Bauckholt and Youngblut. Bauckholt was declared dead at the scene. Maland was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead at about 4 p.m. Youngbut was taken to a local hospital, where she remains, the court documents say. Investigators recovered at the scene a .380 caliber pistol and .40 caliber pistol believed to have been used by the two suspects. Youngblut is believed to have fired at least two rounds. The agents returned fire with at least seven shots, according to the court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homeland Security Investigations agents had been performing "periodic surveillance" of Buckhault and Youngblut since Jan. 14, according to the documents. An employee of a hotel in Lyndonville, Vermont, had contacted law enforcement to report concerns about a man and a woman who had checked into the hotel, the documents say. The woman, later identified to be Youngblut, was seen carrying "an apparent firearm in an exposed carry holster." Both Bauckholt and Youngblut were wearing "all-black, tactical style clothing with protective equipment." Teresa Youngblut at Newport City Inn and Suites in Vermont. After getting the report from the hotel employee, Homeland Security agents attempted to speak with the pair. They refused to have an extended conversation, claiming that they were in the area looking to buy real estate, according to the court documents. Youngblut and Bauckholt then checked out of the hotel and were seen walking in downtown Newport five days later, with Youngblut carrying a handgun, the court documents say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following day, hours before the fatal traffic stop, the pair stopped at a Walmart, where Bauckholt purchased two boxes of aluminum foil. The court documents say investigators found at the shooting scene suspected cellphones wrapped in what appeared to be aluminum foil, an apparent attempt to prevent the phones from being tracked. In addition to the ammunition, helmet and night vision monocular, investigators searching the suspects' Prius found a tactical belt with a holster, a pair of handheld two-way radios, a magazine loaded with cartridges and a package of shooting range targets, some of which had been used, according to the court documents. Youngblut is facing two charges in connection with the incident, including intentional use of a deadly weapon while interfering with federal law enforcement. Her lawyer declined to comment. Maland was a U.S. Air Force veteran from Minnesota. His family described him as a devoted agent who "truly embodied service over self." At the time of his death, Maland was planning to propose to his girlfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family is just brokenhearted. Thats all I can say, his aunt, Joan Maland, told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune earlier this week. He loved his family and was looking forward to a life with the love of his life and her daughter." Maland was the first Border Patrol agent to be killed by gunfire in the line of duty since 2014. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A Cincinnati-area rescue agency is asking the public for support to prevent animals from being euthanized. Paws for Miles, a foster-based dog rescue in Loveland, said that more than 30 dogs from an unnamed county shelter are at risk of euthanasia, and need to be fostered by the end of day today, Jan. 24. We are urgently looking for fosters, said Paws for Miles. While finding 30+ fosters may feel overwhelming, we know the strength of our community can make a difference. These pups depend on us, but we need committed fosters ready to help before we can pull them from danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are not interested in fostering, the organization asks you to spread the message to others who might be. We are NOT looking to euthanize these dogs; in fact, we are striving to pull them from an overwhelmed county shelter that is facing serious capacity issues, said the rescue. To fill out an application to foster, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR) The impact of President Donald Trumps immigrant policies is leaving those in Syracuse feeling uneasy and looking for answers from the city and immigration lawyers. They are all callingasking, Whats going to happen to me? Whats going to happen to my children? Whats going to happen to my family? Am I going to be deported? Are they going to take my citizenship away?' Jose Perez, Esq., with Law Offices of Jose Perez, said. The city is being approached with similar concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many things that many people are expressingjust clarification on whats happeninginformation on whats happeningaccurate information on whats happening, Adol Mayen, Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Coordinator for the City of Syracuse, said. Mayor Ben Walsh is empathizing with concerned citizens as immigration policies continue to tighten across the United States. The vast majority of immigrants that are here in Syracuse are here legally, Mayor Walsh said. They have documentation. They come through our refugee resettlement programswhich were very proud ofand so, the fact that those folks have come here legally are very concerned for themselves and their families, again, is very concerning for me. Perez has been working 80 to 90-hour work weeks to keep up with incoming clients. He said he is trying to calm his clients until the dust settles after two were called into Customs Enforcement on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and left with ankle monitors on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were trying to tell them to wait and see how those executive orders are going to play out, he said. Perez said many of his clients are in the process of becoming citizens and are being impacted by immigration check-ins. When we have one person commit a crime, we have another thousand from the same nationalitydoing the right thing, and working, and providing, and participating in the country, and doing all the right things that you have to do, he said. Perez said his door is always open and welcome to new clients, especially those who are concerned about changing immigration policy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAMSASCUS (Reuters) - Syria's new ruling administration has cancelled a contract with a Russian firm to manage and operate the country's Tartous port that was signed under former President Bashar al-Assad, according to three Syrian businessmen and media reports. Syrian government spokespeople either said they could not confirm the reports, or did not respond to requests for comment. Semi-official Syrian newspaper Al-Watan on Thursday quoted the head of Tartous customs, Riad Joudy, as saying that the investment contract had been annulled after the Russian firm, STG Stroytransgaz, failed to fulfil the terms of the 2019 deal, which included investments in infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report was confirmed by three Syrian businessmen, including one with work at Tartous port. STG Stroytransgaz is a major construction company whose mandate was to invest and develop the commercial port, Syria's second-largest after Latakia. The contract is separate from the Russian naval base in Tartous, built by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and part of a decades-old military agreement between Moscow and Damascus on the use of the Mediterranean port. Russia and Syria's new ruling administration have said they are in talks over the future of Russia's military presence in Syria after Islamist rebels ousted Russia's ally Assad on Dec. 8, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (This story has been corrected to fix the year of Assad ouster to 2024, not 2023, in paragraph 7) (Reporting by Timour Azhari in Damascus, Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman and Maya Gebeily in Beirut; Editing by Alex Richardson) The fall of Bashar Assads dictatorship in December 2024 has ushered in a nerve-wracking time of hope and fear for Syrians concerning future governance in the long-war-torn country. While its unclear what exact political path Syria will take, the dilemmas the country faces are similar to the experiences of other Arab countries more than a decade ago. In the winter of 2010, an outbreak of protests in Tunisia spread across the region, toppling several regimes in what became known as the Arab Uprisings. While some countries Egypt and Tunisia became democracies, albeit briefly, others, like Yemen, Libya and Syria, descended into violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the intervening years, political science scholars from across the world have examined these political transformations, looking at why so many of Arab Uprising countries failed to continue down the path of democratic reform. As a political scientist with expertise in the region, I have distilled this research into five key lessons that could help guide Syria now, as it seeks to build a stable and democratic state. 1. Islamist politicians are politicians first, Islamists second One of the most pressing questions when considering Syrias post-Assad political direction is the role played by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group that led the overthrow of Assad. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is a former al-Qaida affiliate that has since backed away from extremist ideology though there are worries that this moderation is temporary. While some observers may think that all Islamist groups want to rigidly enforce a narrow interpretation of Islamic law like the Taliban in Afghanistan, research shows a far wider range of possibilities for the policies Islamist groups implement while in office. For example, the Tunisian Islamist group Ennahda stalwartly defended democracy and helped write a liberal constitution after the country ousted Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011. Similarly, in Egypt after strongman leader Hosni Mubarak was removed the same year, the Muslim Brotherhood, a once-banned Islamist movement, competed successfully and fairly in the democratic process, though, of course, it faced the same challenges of any governing party in implementing policies once in power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But nor is such a path predetermined. Turkeys recent democratic backslide and embrace of authoritarianism shows that Islamist politicians like President Recep Tayyip Erdogan can also undermine democracy when it serves their interests. What political science research has turned up time and again is that Islamist politicians are like politicians everywhere: When they need to win elections, they will gravitate toward voter concerns. According to regional survey data, a majority of Arabs express a preference for religious leaders who are apolitical. If Syria becomes a democracy, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham will, I believe, likely have to continue to embrace moderation. But whether the group backs democracy depends on the organizations calculation of what its future looks like in democracy versus more authoritarian forms of governance. Broad negotiations that involve all parties in Syria can help convince Hayat Tahrir al-Sham that continuing on a path of moderation is in their best interests. While no one can forecast with certainty what Syrias new institutions will look like, research shows that Islamists are just as likely as secular parties to support democratic norms. 2. Ending corruption is all important One of the drivers of the Arab Spring and the Syrian revolution was anger over corrupt business deals. Indeed, relatives and cronies of Assad owned de facto monopolies over lucrative industries like cellphone networks. Unwinding these corrupt legacies and opening industries to competition and licensing should be an overriding priority for those seeking a less autocratic future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Tunisia, established businesses fought anti-corruption reforms because they said it would hurt investment and growth. But the reason that economic growth is so poor in many parts of the Middle East is precisely due to these entrenched companies. Syrias diaspora has many capable businesspeople who can return and found innovative companies if the new government opens up investment and entrepreneurship beyond people with political connections. 3. Political disagreement is OK Many hope that Syrias new government will be freely and fairly elected. For democracy to work, though, it must successfully implement changes in response to voters concerns. Initially, Syria will need to decide on basic rules like a constitution, which will involve many diverse groups. This broad coalition may have an easier time reaching compromises because of the oppositions shared experiences under the prior dictatorship. Trying to maintain this unity, however, can mask important political debates that need to occur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order for voters to see change, electoral competition must yield actual policy change. In Tunisia, top-heavy coalitions of parties promoted unity instead of tackling difficult decisions that resonated with peoples daily concerns. Over time, voters stopped identifying with parties and lost confidence in elections. Tunisias elected president, Kais Saied, took advantage of this apathy to shut down the countrys parliament an action that was broadly popular despite the loss of democracy. A practical response to this concern is to build strong parties, a cause that pro-democracy organizations like the National Democratic Institute are very good at. Effective parties help voters by putting together a package of policies that will get through parliament and building coalitions. While Syrias opposition has a lot of experience with waging war, it has relatively little in the way of running campaigns and building strong party brands. These more mundane goals are the key connective tissue that makes democracy work. 4. Bureaucracies should serve the public Elections choose leaders, but lasting, popular change also requires bureaucrats who implement new policies what is known as horizontal accountability. Egypts post-2011 democratic government left many state institutions untouched and later faced a revolt from autonomous anti-democratic agencies. Meanwhile, in Sudan, which saw a brief interlude of liberalization after the ouster of its longtime dictator, Omar al-Bashir, in 2019, democratic reformers launched an ambitious overhaul of state institutions that still failed because bureaucrats lobbied politicians for support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without cooperative bureaucrats, basic state services fail, which leads to phenomena like crime waves and a loss of confidence in democracy. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led government in Syria has already started reforming bureaucracies by prosecuting high-ranking officials from the prior regime while retaining the rank and file. Effective oversight, though, requires participation of elected leaders with the legitimacy to demand accountability from bureaucrats. For those who want to be involved in Syrias transition, providing technical assistance to quickly rebuild ministries is one way to increase the odds of a successful transition. 5. Keep the military close If Syrias new government collapses, history suggests the military will be the most likely culprit. Egypts military undermined the countrys democratic transition by covertly supporting the anti-Islamist opposition. Sudans military acquiesced to protester demands for new leadership but kept de facto control of important government institutions. Recent research shows that keeping the military in check means giving it a stake in democracy by funding needed items like salaries and equipment. Just as important, however, is establishing civilian control over the military by mandating that the military report to elected leaders about its budgets, policies, and deployments. Military aid is necessary, yes, but still must be tied to strict commitments to civilian control. The future is Syrias Political transitions are too complex to embark on easy forecasts. But the experience of nations who saw democracy rise and fall in the Arab Spring and subsequent winter can help Syrias new leaders avoid costly political mistakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, though, the fate of the country rests with its own people. They are the ones who survived Assads regime and who will make the most important decisions for Syrias future. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Robert Kubinec, University of South Carolina Read more: I know and have co-authored with people who wrote some of the studies that are linked to in this article. By Orhan Qereman QAMISHLI (Reuters) - Kurdish-led authorities who run a sprawling camp for Islamic State-linked prisoners in northeast Syria are preparing the first-ever return of detainees to Syrian areas, the camp director said, a move enabled by the fall of the Assad regime. Al-Hol camp director Jihan Hanan said preparations were under way for the voluntary return of 66 families from the massive tent city, where the vast majority of inmates are women and children, to areas inside Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She did not comment on whether the returns were being planned in coordination with Syria's new ruling authority, set up by the Islamist rebels Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, after they ousted former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8, 2023. Talks facilitated by the U.S. and France are under way to determine the future of the Kurdish-led force that controls northeast Syria. The new Syrian ruling authority has said it would seek to assert control over the entirety of the country. Packed with families linked to Islamic State after the extremist Sunni Muslim group's defeat in Syria in 2019, the al-Hol camp now has a population of around 40,000. It is widely viewed as a breeding ground for extremism and a major security concern for regional states, chiefly neighbouring Iraq, where Islamic State at one point controlled about a third of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camp authorities, led by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, have long called on countries to repatriate citizens in the camp, which hosts thousands of foreigners. Iraq has repatriated more than 10,000, according to Iraqi officials, but few Western states have shown interest in following suit. Of those currently in the camp, nearly 16,000 are Syrians, Jihan said. Returning detainees to Syria under Assad was seen as taboo, given U.S. opposition to his rule and concerns about torture and killings in the Syrian government's notorious prison system. The SDF also runs a jail at Hasakah in northern Syria that holds about 4,500 ISIS fighters, including many foreigners. (Reporting by Orhan Qereman in Qamishli and Timour Azhari in Damascus; writing by Timour Azhari; Editing by William Maclean) A Taco Bell in East Frederick will be torn down, then rebuilt with a new drive-thru. The upgrade to the fast-food restaurant on East Patrick Street near Frederick Municipal Airport will reorient the building from its current north-south orientation to an east-west layout, according to Monica Robyns, a city planner. The current single-land drive-thru will be turned into a two-lane drive-thru. The plan is to demolish the existing Taco Bell and build it back bigger and better, Robyns said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that the plan calls for two modifications to the usual code. One modification would be for 23 parking spaces rather than the 15 that are called for. The other modification would be to allow some light from the restaurant to go beyond the property line. Brian Cleary, an engineer with The Pettit Group LLC, addressed the modifications on behalf of the project. Cleary said Taco Bell typically prefers to have 30 parking spaces for such a location, but the developers proposed 23, the midpoint. He added that some light from the restaurant area would extend onto the two adjacent roadways, as well as a neighboring storage facility, though he characterized that as not a significant amount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bulk of the extra light would fall onto city-owned land that is part of the property. Cleary said the developer has an easement to accommodate the Taco Bell restaurant. However, he said that any light on that city-owned property thats part of the fast-food restaurants site is technically light extending over the property boundary. Cleary said the primary access point would continue to be from Storage Way, which is why the site will be reoriented. Every 20 or so years, Taco Bell corporate requires [owners] to make significant upgrades to their buildings, Cleary said. He added that the double drive-thru was a common consideration for recent rounds of upgrades at other Taco Bell locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new arrangement would be required to satisfy the double drive-thru redesign. Cleary said the redesign will result in an increase in green space, marking a significant improvement over whats currently outside the fast-food restaurant. Gabrielle Collard, deputy director for planning, said at the meeting that the project will be subject to the whole entire process of a Planning Commission review. In 2018, residents of Tacoma voted to approve a new sales tax of 0.1%, creating the first cultural access program in Washington State. Managed by the City of Tacoma with oversight from 12 volunteer community members, this community supported initiative has improved access to high-quality arts, culture, heritage and science experiences. Now in its fifth year of providing funding, we, members of the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board, are excited to share a snapshot of the positive impact that increased access to this expansive cultural programming has on our community. Tacoma Creates funding was a lifeline for Tacoma-based nonprofit arts, culture, heritage and science organizations during the pandemic, and has transformed access to programming for the public and youth. Nonprofit organizations applications for funding go through a rigorous evaluation process by panels of Tacoma residents to ensure their proposal aligns with Tacoma Creates primary funding goals, which includes offering experiences in underserved neighborhoods and supporting programming that is by and for historically marginalized groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The success of Tacoma Creates is evident in the numbers: in the 2023/24 funding cycle, the program distributed $5.8 million to 65 organizations that ultimately delivered over 1,200 programs to more than 1.2 million participants. Notably, 77% of programming supported by Tacoma Creates funding was free for participants. Tacoma Creates ensures access across Tacoma by partnering with the Tacoma Public Library and Tacoma Public Schools. Various cultural nonprofits, both large and small, collaborate with schools to provide high-quality youth programming during and after school. We are especially proud that in the 2023/24 school year, 100% of our schools benefited from programming supported by Tacoma Creates. This includes district-wide field trips launched by Tacoma Public Schools last year. All 3rd graders now visit the LeMay-Americas Car Museum to study physics and vehicle design, 5th graders attend a Symphony Tacoma performance, 6th graders explore the science of glass and light at the Museum of Glass and 7th graders board a marine research vessel Foss Waterway Seaport. For the first time these powerful learning experiences are accessible to every student in Tacoma and made possible by Tacoma Creates funding. Along with providing community members with rich art, culture, heritage and science opportunities, we know that a healthy cultural sector positively impacts the local economy. When people attend art exhibitions and live performances, they often dine out, visit nearby shops, or hire a babysitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2022 economic impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts found that Tacomas cultural sector generated $163 million in economic activity, supported 2,065 jobs, and contributed $28.7 million in tax revenue. These numbers are 3-7 times more than the median for cities of a similar size. Public investment in arts, culture, heritage, and science through programs like Tacoma Creates benefits Tacomas bottom line. The data confirm that Tacoma Creates is fulfilling its intended purpose of supporting a robust and healthy cultural sector while removing barriers to arts, culture, heritage, and science programming. However, the impacts of this program extend beyond the classroom, studio, workshop, and gallery to serve Tacoma in other meaningful ways. In 2024 a group of students from Hilltop Artists told the News Tribune Editorial Board about the lack of compassion and empathy they see in Tacoma and society at large. This group of students delivered a strong message that addressing complex issues like climate change and social justice requires people to feel more connected to each other and their community. We know from the testimonials of young people who engage with Tacoma Creates-funded organizations, this fund helps build a sense of community and connectedness. A middle school parent recently shared that their child endured a whirlwind of transitions recently and found little comfort at school at first, feeling lost in a sea of cliques and crowds with few friendly faces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By a pure stroke of luck, we stumbled upon an event for the middle school anime club at FabLab, and we have been incredibly fortunate to have found such a supportive community. Our child is now discovering herself, their voice, and their place, all because they found people who share their passion and interests at FabLab. By supporting organizations that create opportunities for people to come together to explore, discover, and celebrate, Tacoma Creates is helping our city become a place where all its residents can find a sense of belonging. Tacoma Creates is fulfilling its commitment to strengthen cultural organizations and enhance programming throughout our city. This initiative helps our community connect through art, culture, heritage, and science. In the coming months, Tacoma Creates will be presented to the Tacoma City Council for a vote on reauthorization. We urge the council to vote yes and continue to invest in the cultural and economic vitality of Tacoma. And we invite readers to check out the Tacoma Creates calendar and join us at an upcoming event to experience first-hand the ways this program is helping to build a stronger, more vibrant, Tacoma. The Tacoma Creates Advisory Board is composed of Wind Dell Woods, Nicole Kendrick, Daniel Arias-Gomez, Sheree Cooks, Megan Clark, Putter Bert, Katie Mattran, Allison Campbell, Mandy Zylstra, Holly Smith, Faith Brown and Rowan Higley. A retired Taiwanese general has been accused of plotting to recruit an armed militia that would assist Chinese forces in the event of an invasion. Lt Gen Kao An-kuo has been charged under the islands national security act along with his girlfriend and four other former soldiers on suspicion of accepting funds from China to establish a pro-Beijing insurgency. The former high-ranking officer, 80, allegedly received 9.62 million Taiwan dollars (239,000) from China to form an armed organisation that would act as an internal collaborator, according to Taiwans High Prosecutors Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendants were also accused of recruiting military personnel and spying on key military locations and exercises, reportedly using drones to carry out surveillance. China regards Taiwan as a renegade province and has repeatedly threatened to use force to bring the self-governing island under its control. Fears are growing that Beijing is accelerating plans to invade Taiwan, with US intelligence suggesting that it could happen as soon as 2027, while Chinese ships and warplanes continue to circle the island of 23 million people. Prosecutors said that Kao and his group of recruits had visited China multiple times, separately and together, between 2018 to 2024 to meet with Chinese military intelligence personnel for instructions and funding. Serious threat to national security Kao is said to have established the so-called Republic of China Taiwan military government to engage in scouting, contacting, wooing and absorbing retired and active servicemen, which posed a serious threat to national security and social stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group allegedly used drones to carry out surveillance of military exercises and equipment, reporting their findings back to Beijing. In a less subtle strategy, Kao published a video of himself in military fatigues calling on Taiwanese military officers to surrender to China and overthrow the Democratic Progressive Party government in 2021. Prosecutors have sought a minimum jail term of 10 years for Kao, saying he failed his high duty of loyalty to the country as a retired lieutenant general deputy commander for the sake of personal gain. The other defendants face up to eight years in jail. Cases of spying in Taiwan have also been on the rise, as China seeks to increase pressure on the island to accept its claims of sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his 2025 new year address, Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, warned that no one can stop the historical trend of reunification. Xi Jinping delivering his new year address - WU HAO/Shutterstock Taiwans National Security Bureau reported that 64 people were prosecuted for spying for Beijing last year, up from 10 in 2022. In a recent report, it said that two thirds of those caught spying were serving or retired soldiers. The report said: The Chinese Communist Party continues to use diverse channels and means to infiltrate all walks of life in order to absorb citizens to help them develop networks or gather sensitive government information. Taiwans government has also warned that China is massively increasing its grey area attacks by harnessing social media such as TikTok and personal contacts to wage a war of propaganda and disinformation. 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. For David Flanagan, the seeds of becoming a United States citizen were planted when he was in college in his native Ireland. There, he developed a friendship with Deborah, a fellow student in one of his classes. That friendship blossomed over time and the pair began an overseas relationship before they decided to marry. The Galway, Ireland, native, who has lived in the United States for 10 years, said their marriage did not automatically grant him citizenship in his new country. It would have been the same had they chosen to make Ireland their home; his wife, a U.S. citizen from Texas, would have had to go through a citizenship process there. Flanagan, 39, of East Texas, said the couple chose to live in the U.S. primarily because of the abundance of career opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That decision started a long and costly process for Flanagan. The citizenship application involves various fees for each filing in a step-by-step process. You must live in the U.S. legally with the proper documentation for three years before you can even apply for citizenship, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The entire nationalization process is said to average 18 to 24 months. Filing for the paper application, the N-400, is $760 with a $50 price break if you file online. A LENGTHY PROCESS For people such as Flanagan and hundreds of thousands of other immigrants, opportunities in the U.S. are believed to outweigh the time and cost of citizenship. Ireland has a good economy, but its very much centralized around Dublin, whereas here, we knew that cost of living was better and that career opportunities were a lot more abundant, he said. Even now, all of my family is back in Ireland and its a lot more difficult for them financially over there because everything is so much more expensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The process of becoming a U.S. citizen time-wise and money-wise was difficult, Flanagan said. He estimated the costs at between $5,000 and $7,000. Flanagan said you cant apply for everything all at once. There are specific steps and time periods to apply for them. He started with a K-1 Visa when Deborah was in Texas and he was in Galway. Flanagan said from when they started the process until he became a U.S. citizen took almost six years. The couple, who now reside in Slocum, Texas, have an 8-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son who both have dual citizenship, Irish and American. Flanagan said he got his K-1, a non-immigrant visa that allows a foreign-citizen fiance to travel to the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen sponsor. Then came his work permit, two-year Green Card and then his 10-year Green Card before he could apply to become a citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before he could get his K-1 Green Card, he had to go to the U.S. Embassy in Dublin and show proof he and Deborah were a couple, including photos taken when they became engaged in East Texas. It was a lengthy process and it was expensive as well, he said. It was between $5,000 and $7,000 from start to finish on all the paperwork. Basically, every time we did something new, it was costing between $900 and $1,100. So when we went to process the K-1, then the work permit, then the two-year Green Card, every time we would have to pay that fee again. He didnt want to use an attorney. Instead, he got advice from people the couple knew who had been through the process. According to Flanagan, the citizenship test he took included civics and U.S. government questions. While he was introduced to some U.S. history during his schooling in Ireland, it was a broad overview of how U.S. history was part of world history, which gave him some basic knowledge of the information. However, Flanagan said he did have to study for the citizenship test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once he arrived in the U.S., Flanagan said he had 90 days to apply for a temporary Green Card to last the rest of the process until he became a citizen. Flanagan, a dual-credit math teacher at Elkhart Independent School District in Elkhart, Texas,, said living in the U.S. was a big adjustment for him, including the different foods, cultural differences, broader freedoms of choice and the geographical challenges of living in rural Texas especially after growing up in a country where residents typically walk or bike to get from place to place and only use their cars when there is inclement weather. An individual does not necessarily need a lawyer to complete the naturalization process to citizenship, however, they can help with questions, concerns or problems. Another account Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One undocumented immigrant from Palestine, who has lived in the U.S. for almost 40 years, has turned to an attorney to help him navigate the process of becoming a legal citizen. Santos Miranda, 65, said he has worked in this country since he swam across the Rio Grande in 1986. He said he has never had any type of government assistance, pays U.S. taxes and insurance, and owned cars and a home all in his own name. He said he does not have a Green Card or work permit of any kind but does have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Miranda has a passport through the Mexican Consulate. He said he came to the U.S. from Mexico City as a young man in 1986, walking for miles and hopping on trains after swimming across the border. He said the hardships, beyond the travel, included hunger and thirst sometimes he ate trash and drank dirty livestock water and danger from the other individuals and animals, such as snakes, he encountered in his travels. Miranda said he chose to come to the U.S. because of the financial opportunities available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Mexico, you work all day for $5, which is approximately a quarter here in the U.S., he said. Five dollars here in the U.S. is around $100 in Mexico. In Mexico, you dont clock in hours, but instead get paid per day of work, he said. Miranda said he visited Arkansas and Louisiana before finding his way to Palestine, Texas. There, he began working on asphalt crews, making $40 a day in cash initially. Over the years, he has worked for several companies and has done landscaping and concrete work to support himself and his daughter. He also helped his mother in Mexico with property taxes until she died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miranda was deported in 1994 after being arrested for what he said was a family violence incident. He said he made his way back to the U.S. in 1995. He followed the same treacherous path as the first time, swimming across the Rio Grande and walking for miles. Miranda said he married a U.S. citizen in 1997 and was able to get a drivers license and some type of status pending paperwork but not a Green Card. The couple had one daughter together, who was born in 1996 with a handicap. He said he needed to be in the U.S. to make money to care for her. Over the years, Miranda said, he has learned to read, write and speak English. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He estimates he has paid more than $10,000 in filings and attorney fees in his efforts to become a citizen. Attorneys estimate it could be another six years before he is able to apply for his citizenship. Despite having an immigration attorney, Miranda still fears being deported again while he works to become a U.S. citizen. Although he doesnt want to leave, he said he has considered going back to Mexico to wait until hes able to apply for naturalization again. Target has dropped its diversity, equity and inclusion targets just days after Donald Trumps inauguration. The retail giant, which has previously been accused of embracing a radical transgender agenda, has cut short a series of measures which included plans to promote more ethnic minorities and women. In November, Robby Starbuck, the activist who convinced companies including Walmart to reverse its DEI measures, told The Telegraph that Target was on the list of companies he planned to pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Target, which has more than 400,000 employees across thousands of stores, has scrapped plans to hire and promote more women and ethnic minorities including a goal to boost its number of black workers by 20 per cent. Measures to recruit from more diverse suppliers, including businesses owned by people of colour, women, LGBT people, the disabled and veterans, have also been dropped. It will also no longer participate in surveys designed to gauge the effectiveness of its diversity strategy actions, including an annual index compiled by the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBT rights group. Mr Starbuck, who said he had worked with Target executives to end many of their woke policies, claimed the retailer had also privately undertaken to stop marketing Pride merchandise for children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are winning and one by one we will bring sanity back to corporate America, he said in a statement on social media. In a memo to employees on Friday, Kiera Fernandez, the retailers chief equity officer, hailed the next chapter in a decades-long process to create inclusive work and guest environments that welcome all. Some diversity initiatives, including a program to support black employees, shoppers and communities called Racial Equity Action and Change, had already been scheduled to conclude this year, the retail giant said. Target has been one of the most vocal supporters of inclusion efforts among US companies, selling merchandise for events such as Pride and Black History Month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump, the new US president, has issued a flurry of executive orders aimed at undoing DEI initiatives within the government and American companies since taking office on Monday. In 2023, Target faced a lawsuit from the America First Policy Institute, a think tank founded by Mr Trumps allies, arguing that it had embraced radical activists at the expense of shareholders. It accused the retailer of embracing a radical transgender agenda and caused its share value to collapse by $12 billion from May 2023 the largest decline in two decades. Target allegedly sold controversial items including girls swimsuits with extra crotch coverage for male genitalia, and Satanist-inspired clothing that showed pictures of skulls alongside slogans that included transphobe collector and homophobe headrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, Walmart, the biggest private employer in the US, became the latest company to say it would phase out terms such as diversity, equity and inclusion in company materials. Mr Starbuck said he had had productive conversations with Walmart executives after he warned the retailer that he was doing a story on wokeness there. Target said in a statement: We remain focused on driving our business by creating a sense of belonging for our team, guests and communities through a commitment to inclusion. Belonging for all is an essential part of our team and culture, helping fuel consumer relevance and business results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In every area of our business, we are constantly listening, learning and adjusting to set ourselves up for long-term success. 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. Target Corp. is joining in the corporate migration away from its diversity, equity and inclusion and picking up the mantle of belonging instead. The retailer said Friday that it was concluding its Racial Equity Action and Change initiatives this year, as planned. It will also stop participating in all external diversity-focused surveys, including The Human Rights Campaigns Corporate Equality Index. Likewise, Targets Supplier Diversity team is taking on the Supplier Engagement moniker to reflect the companys desire to have a broad range of suppliers and to zero in more on small businesses. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a retailer that serves millions of consumers every day, we understand the importance of staying in step with the evolving external landscape, now and in the future all in service of driving Targets growth and winning together, said Kiera Fernandez, executive vice president and chief community impact and equity officer, in a memo to the company. Target is not alone in retail or the broader corporate world. In November, Walmart moved away from DEI in favor of belonging shortly after anti-woke culture warrior Robby Starbuck planned to publish a story on wokeness at the giant retailer. Walmart also is no longer contributing to the HRCs corporate index. And more companies have joined in as Trump brought his campaign against DEI to the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, just a day after being sworn in as president again, Trump moved to officially end illegal discrimination while restoring merit-based opportunity with an executive order. Trump reaffirmed federal civil rights, but said critical and influential institutions of American society, including the federal government, major corporations, financial institutions, the medical industry, large commercial airlines, law enforcement agencies and institutions of higher education have adopted and actively use dangerous, demeaning and immoral race- and sex-based preferences under the guise of so-called diversity, equity and inclusion. The order instructed agencies to enforce our longstanding civil-rights laws and to combat illegal private-sector DEI preferences, mandates, policies, programs and activities. While its not clear just what that enforcement would look like or exactly which elements of private DEI programs are illegal Target and others are recalibrating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than 20 years, Target has fueled our business by building teams with diverse perspectives and experiences, creating inclusive work and guest environments that welcome all, and developing strategies that represent the U.S. consumers we serve, Fernandez said. Weve also deepened our understanding of how building a sense of belonging for every member of our team, guests and communities can help drive our business and strengthen our culture. So, as we kick off the new year, we will further our commitment to growth and opportunity for all through our strategy, Belonging at the Bullseye, Fernandez said. Target has already shifted its stance on sensitive social issues. In 2023, the retailer came under pressure from activists who objected to its Pride-related tuck-friendly swimwear and styles with extra crotch coverage. The company removed some products after receiving threats and scaled back its Pride collection last year. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Jan. 23WASHINGTON, D.C. During the first full week of the 119th Congress, U.S. Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, took his first legislative vote in support of H.R. 29, the Laken Riley Act. This legislation was led by U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, R-Georgia, and passed out of the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 264-159. "The Laken Riley Act is a common sense, conservative bill that is critical for both our Southern Ohio communities and our entire Nation," Taylor said. "By enabling ICE to hold illegal immigrants accountable for their actions in our communities, the Laken Riley Act will protect our loved ones and keep violent criminals off our streets." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February of 2024, nursing student Laken Riley, 22, was attacked and murdered by an undocumented immigrant at the University of Georgia's campus. Her attacker, Jose Ibarra, of Venezuela, had previously been cited for shoplifting by the Athens Police Department, but was allowed to remain in the United States. He was convicted for his actions against Laken and sentenced by a judge to life in prison without parole. "Absolutely no one should lose their life at the hands of a criminal who shouldn't be in our country in the first place," Taylor said. "The United States must have secure borders and law enforcement officials who are equipped with the right tools to deal with crime from illegal aliens." "As a father of three girls," Taylor said, "I can't fathom the anguish that Laken's parents must feel from the senseless loss of their young daughter. This legislation is a good first step to ensuring that unnecessary tragedies like her death never happen again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor's office said by requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement to issue detainers and take custody of illegal immigrants who commit crimes related to theft, the Laken Riley Act will address public safety threats posed by illegal aliens, secure America's borders and hold the Biden Administration accountable for what they said were lax border policies. H.R. 29 will additionally allow state governments to seek injunctive relief through lawsuits if decisions from immigration enforcement harm their state or residents in their communities. Taylor represents Ohio's 2nd Congressional District, which includes Lawrence County. On a typical day, you cant turn on the news without hearing someone say that Congress is broken. The implication is that this dereliction explains why the institution is inert and unresponsive to the American people. Theres one element often missing from that discussion: Congress is confounding in large part because its members cant hear the American people, or even each other. I mean that literally. Congressional staff serve in thousands of district offices across the nation, and their communications technology doesnt match that of most businesses and even many homes. Members district offices only got connected to secure Wi-Fi internet service in 2023. Discussions among members and congressional staff were at times cut short at 40 minutes because some government workers were relying on the free version of Zoom, according to congressional testimony in March 2024. The information systems Congress uses have existed largely unchanged for decades, while the world has experienced an information revolution, integrating smartphones and the internet into peoples daily personal and professional lives. The technologies that have transformed modern life and political campaigning are not yet available to improve the ability of members of Congress to govern once they win office. Slow to adapt Like many institutions, Congress resists change; only the COVID-19 pandemic pushed it to allow online hearings and bill introductions. Before 2020, whiteboards, sticky notes and interns with clipboards dominated the halls of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Electronic signatures arrived on Capitol Hill in 2021 more than two decades after Congress passed the ESIGN Act to allow electronic signatures and records in commerce. The nation spends about US$10 million a year on technology innovation in the House of Representatives the institution that declares war and pays all the federal governments bills. Thats just 1% of the amount theater fans have spent to see Hamilton on Broadway since 2015. It seems the story of American democracy is attractive to the public, but investing in making it work is less so for Congress itself. The chief administrative office in Congress, a nonlegislative staff that helps run the operations of Congress, decides what types of technology can be used by members. These internal rules exist to protect Congress and national security, but that caution can also inhibit new ways to use technology to better serve the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finding a happy medium between innovation and caution can result in a livelier public discourse. The pandemic compelled Congress to allow witnesses to testify before committees by videoconference. Stefani Reynolds-Pool/Getty Images A modernization effort Congress has been working to modernize itself, including experimenting with new ways to hear local voices in their districts, including gathering constituent feedback in a standardized way that can be easily processed by computers. The House Natural Resources Committee was also an early adopter of technology for collaborative lawmaking. In 2020, members and committee staff used a platform called Madison to collaboratively write and edit proposed environmental justice legislation with communities across the country that had been affected by pollution. House leaders are also looking at what is called deliberative technology, which uses specially designed websites to facilitate digital participation by pairing collective human intelligence with artificial intelligence. People post their ideas online and respond to others posts. Then the systems can screen and summarize posts so users better understand each others perspectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These systems can even handle massive group discussions involving large numbers of people who hold a wide range of positions on a vast set of issues and interests. In general, these technologies make it easier for people to find consensus and have their voices heard by policymakers in ways the policymakers can understand and respond to. Governments in Finland, the U.K., Canada and Brazil are already piloting deliberative technologies. In Finland, roughly one-third of young people between 12 and 17 participate in setting budget priorities for the city of Helsinki. In May 2024, 45 U.S.-based nonprofit organizations signed a letter to Congress asking that deliberative technology platforms be included in the approved tools for civic engagement. In the meantime, Congress is looking at ways to use artificial intelligence as part of a more integrated digital strategy based on lessons from other democratic legislatures. Finding benefits Modernization efforts have opened connections within Congress and with the public. For example, hearings held by video conference during the pandemic enabled witnesses to share expertise with Congress from a distance and open up a process that is notoriously unrepresentative. I was home in rural New Mexico during the pandemic and know three people who remotely testified on tribal education, methane pollution and environmental harms from abandoned oil wells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New House Rules passed on Jan. 3, 2025, encourage the use of artificial intelligence in day-to-day operations and allow for remote witness testimony. Other efforts that are new to Congress but long established in business and personal settings include the ability to track changes in legislation and a scheduling feature that reduces overlaps in meetings. Members are regularly scheduled to be two places at once. Another effort in development is an internal digital staff directory that replaces expensive directories compiled by private companies assembling contact information for congressional staff. The road ahead In 2022, what is now called member-directed spending returned to Congress with some digital improvements. Formerly known as "earmarks, this is the practice of allowing members of Congress to handpick specific projects in their home districts to receive federal money. Earmarks were abolished in 2011 amid concerns of abuse and opposition by fiscal hardliners. Their 2022 return and rebranding introduced publicly available project lists, ethics rules and a search engine to track the spending as efforts to provide public transparency about earmarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional reforms could make the federal government even more responsive to the American people. Some recent improvements are already familiar. Just as customers can follow their pizza delivery from the oven to the doorstep, Congress in late 2024 created a flag-tracking app that has dramatically improved a program that allows constituents to receive a flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol. Before, different procedures in the House and Senate caused time-consuming snags in this delivery system. At last, the worlds most powerful legislature caught up with Pizza Hut, which rolled out this technology in 2017 to track customers pizzas from the store to the delivery driver to their front door. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Lorelei Kelly, Georgetown University Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Lorelei Kelly has received funding from Democracy Fund and the Hewlett Foundation for her research on modernization in the US Congress. An Arizona grandmother has been charged with caging her mentally disabled teenage granddaughter and abusing her to death earlier this week. Virginia Lujan of Tempe was taken into custody by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office on felony child abuse charges related to her 13-year-old granddaughters death, PEOPLE has confirmed. Lujans granddaughter had the mental capacity of a 3-year-old and was being kept by her grandmother in a makeshift cage inside the home, ABC 15, Fox 10, and AZFamily.com reported, citing local police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC 15 reported that the girls mother, Jami Hodges, was also arrested but later released while her charges are pending. The outlet reported that Hodges 13-year-old daughter and four other siblings were staying at Lujans house, in their grandmothers care. PEOPLE has reached out to the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office, where Lujan was taken into custody Tuesday, for more information. 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 grandmother reportedly called authorities and informed them she discovered the 13-year-old girl unresponsive and not breathing, according to Fox 10. The teenager, covered in bruises and sores, was then rushed to a local hospital and later pronounced dead Wednesday morning, according to the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AZFamily reported that Lujan told police the 13-year-old had fallen down the stairs on Sunday, days before she was found unresponsive, but did not receive medical attention because the grandmother believed the teenager would be fine. Officers who searched Lujans home after the girls death alleged the cage where the grandmother had been keeping her granddaughter was "full of feces and had a foul odor, ABC 15 reported, citing police documents. Jessica Ells, a spokesperson for the Tempe Police Department, told AZFamily that Lujans home was very disorderly and not very clean when officers searched the premises, where they discovered the makeshift cage. The best way to describe it, it was a bunk bed, but the lower bed of that bunk was not there. And the bunk bed around the bottom was surrounded by baby cages and makeshift bars, the police spokesperson told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was just very deplorable conditions to say the least, Ellis added. ABC 15, Fox 10, and AZ Family reported that Hodges four other children are now in the care of child protective services. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a teen was shot in Navy Yard on Friday afternoon. MPD said it was dispatched to the 1500 block of 1st Street in Southwest D.C. for a shooting that happened at about 1:20 p.m. 2 students charged with attempted murder in Meade High School stabbing The teen was taken to the hospital conscious and breathing. Police said there is currently no arrest(s) or lookout, as of Friday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) One of the teens involved in a deadly shooting at a house party in 2022 was sentenced to 24 years behind bars on Friday. Story continues below Investigators say Cruz Medina, who was 16-years-old at the time, and a group of teens were kicked out of a house party in December 2022 and responded by opening fire at the house. Jada Gonzales, 18, was shot and killed during the shooting. In October 2024, Medina took a plea deal in the case. Judge Courtney Weaks sentenced Medina to prison. What I am going to do today is going to serve as a loss to you and your family, and this trauma to your family, you will have to endure for the rest of your life, said Weaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medina apologized for his actions in court. That night I knew what was going to happen and I really didnt want it to happen. I really tried not to do anything, if I could take away what happened that night, I would, he said. Another suspect, Isaiah Espinoza accepted a similar plea and was sentenced to 29 years. The other suspects are awaiting trial. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. A Buckley teenager has been arrested after his vehicle collided with another car on Interstate 5 in Lakewood, leaving one woman dead Thursday night. The 17-year-old was allegedly driving his 2013 Nissan Titan south in the northbound lanes on I-5 near 112th Street South. A Honda Civic was traveling north on I-5 when the Nissan struck the car at about 11:29 p.m., according to a Washington State Patrol news release. Both vehicles came to a rest. The woman driving the Honda died on the scene, the release said. The State Patrol identified her as Mia Tanner Lockard, 18, of Washougal. The teen was uninjured and could face charges of driving under the influence and vehicular homicide. The roadway was blocked for about five hours and 20 minutes, the release said. Four teenage boys have been cited in connection with the death of a coyote on the Far South Side earlier this month, according to Chicago police and state wildlife officials. The suspects, ages 16 and 17, are accused of shooting a coyote in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood with a bow and then stomping on it Jan. 11, according to a news release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Illinois Conservation Police and Chicago police both investigated the killing. Authorities were called to the 10600 block of South Sacramento Avenue on Jan. 11 for a report of a coyote pup being abused, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teens each received citations for unlawful hunting without supervision, hunting on land without the landowners permission, hunting within 100 yards of a home and abandoning a wildlife carcass on private property without permission, according to the release. Coyotes are not a protected species in Illinois, but people looking to hunt them need a license to do so, according to the IDNR. Two days after police and state officials began investigating the death of the coyote, a pair of Chicago police officers were captured on social media pulling a male coyote out of the refrigerator section of an Aldi grocery store in Humboldt Park. Animal Care and Control reminded residents that the coyote mating season, which runs from January to March, means they will be searching for mates and establishing territories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coyotes are generally not a threat to humans, with only one documented attack in Chicago in January 2020, considered an isolated incident. The teens are scheduled to appear in court Feb. 26, according to the release. (TELLER COUNTY, Colo.) Sheriff Jason Mikesell of the Teller County Sheriffs Office (TCSO) announced the recent arrests of four suspects that its office is now investigating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We are dealing with foreign nationals and criminal illegal aliens within our county, Sheriff Mikesell said during a press conference held on Friday morning, Jan. 24. Its not just a Denver issue, its not just an Aurora issue its an issue for every small community in America right now. During the press conference, Sheriff Mikesell detailed the recent arrests in Teller County as the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jorge Alexander Cardona , Conspiracy to Commit Forgery and Forgery Jaidy Andreina Rondo-Paez , Attempt to Commit Forgery and Forgery Gregori Gonzalez-Hernandez, FTA warrants for Larceny and No Insurance and Registration on Vehicles out of Aurora and Lakewood FOX21 News is working to clarify the charges of the fourth individual who was arrested and will update our coverage accordingly. Those four people, one from Columbia and three different people from Venezuela, were all arrested on charges in Teller County and we are working with ICE on those same individuals and they have taken several into custody, Sheriff Mikesell said. Courtesy: TCSO, Jorge Alexander Cardona Courtesy: TCSO, Jaidy Andreina Rondo-Paez Courtesy: TCSO, Gregori Gonzalez-Hernandez The Sheriff added that both Cardona and Rondo-Paez were arrested on charges related to titles that were allegedly forged and brought into the Clerks Office. And, through the very quick and smart thinking of our County Clerk and Recorder, Stephanie Kees, she was able to identify that they were actually forged, he added. Those forgeries are on Colorado state documents Its an illegal offense to forge something in Colorado, so what Im trying to tell you is that, when you commit a crime in our county, because of our programs and our commitment to working with ICE, we are going to locate you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>Proposed bill seeks to repeal immigration enforcement laws in Colorado The Sheriffs Office also spoke about a person of interest that they are looking for in connection to a Teller County homicide. Information on the person of interest is below: Louis Eduardo Sanchez Chavez, wanted as a person of interest in connection with a suspicious death on March 2, 2023, in Teller County. Courtesy: TCSO, Louis Eduardo Sanchez Chavez Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This gentleman is a criminal illegal alien also in the United States, said Sheriff Mikesell. In the past, without being able to work with ICE, this is a person we would not be able to locate. Because we have local charges, we do our own criminal investigations and we need to locate this person. Sheriff Mikesell said that more arrests are on the way. We are not doing raids This is part of an extension of our 287(g) program, which, by the way, is still well and good in this county. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. After another cool down, temperatures will start warming again on Friday. Our next winter storm will bring snow and across New Mexico by the middle of next week. Colder air moved back into New Mexico Thursday, with high temperatures a couple degrees to 15+ colder compared to yesterday. Its going to be yet another cold night as well, with more Cold Weather Advisories in effect. A warming trend starts Friday and will continue into early next week for parts of the state. Highs will be back to near and above average for the end of January this weekend. Snow will move into southern Colorado this weekend as well, with a few flurries and light snow showers into the northern mountains in New Mexico. Our next winter storm will move in next week. Ahead of the storm on Monday, westerly winds will pick up bringing warmer temperatures for most of the state. The storm moves in by Tuesday though, bringing snow to western and northern parts of the state. Moisture will continue to spread across the state Tuesday night through Wednesday before moving out Thursday morning. Temperatures will stay fairly mild, so most of the snow will fall in the higher elevations with light rain in the lower elevations. Temperatures will get cold enough overnight though where valleys could see a light mix of rain and snow, including in Albuquerque Tuesday and Wednesday night. Colder temperatures in northeast New Mexico could lead to more significant snowfall accumulations there, however there still is some uncertainty about that. 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. After a cold start to the morning, temperatures are warming up across New Mexico. A low pressure has settled itself over central California. The change in pressure has resulted in change in the upper level wind patterns across New Mexico. Overnight the upper level flow of the jet stream changed from northerly flow to westerly flow. Throughout this afternoon the flow will continue to shift towards the southwest. The new direction of flow is bringing warmer air into the state. The result will be warmer temperatures for most of the state through the weekend. This low pressure system will also turn into the next winter storm for New Mexico. The first snowfall will be over the weekend. This snow will predominately be in the northern mountains. Some light flurries are also possible in the northwest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early next week the low pressure will begin to move closer to New Mexico. By the middle of the week, the low will be centered over central Arizona. As the low moves closer to New Mexico, it will be drawing pacific moisture into the state. The moisture, and the new location of the low will result in more widespread snow and rain through the middle of next week. The second round of precipitation will arrive in New Mexico Tuesday through Thursday of next week. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated to be in northern and western New Mexico. The line between rain and snow becomes messy in central New Mexico. The afternoon temperatures are too warm to support snowfall. However, the overnight lows are more than cold enough. The type of precipitation central New Mexico sees will depend on the time of day the precipitation falls. Eastern New Mexico will be predominately snowfall. However, areas north of Tucumcari may see a mix of rain and snow. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tennessee House Republicans are implementing a new ticketing system for the chamber's public galleries that will require spectators to reserve seats and show identification to enter. The new system comes amid new House rules giving Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, the power to ban "disruptive" spectators for up to two years. House GOP leadership has now set up an online ticketing portal where members of the public must reserve seats in advance. Any spectator will also have show a valid ID or U.S. passport to enter, giving security the ability to track who has been removed and block them from returning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic leadership have criticized GOP leadership's previous efforts to limit public access to the galleries and other measures to curtail public protests. "Not every citizen has a computer or an email address and this complicated system will keep them from observing their Tennessee House of Representatives at work," House Minority Leader Karen Camper, D-Nashville, said on Wednesday. "There needs to be an alternative way of accessing the gallery. Were not Congress and this isnt Washington, D.C. We need to stop acting like it and act like Tennessee and be open to all the people. The gallery was filled when the Tennessee General Assembly kicked off the legislative session at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. The new ejection rule implements a two-strike procedure for spectators in the public gallery whose behavior Sexton deems "detrimental to the orderly business of the House." A first ejection would lead to a ban for the remainder of the day and the next legislative day. A second ejection could then lead to up to a two-year ban. A spectator could also be banned outright immediately for "especially egregious conduct." "You're up there to observe, not to participate," Sexton said last week, noting U.S. Congress rules for spectators in the balcony. "We do have a few every now and then who are repeated offenders." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rule gives broad discretion to Sexton to determine what constitutes "detrimental" behavior, which Democrats have sharply criticized over the last two years amid increased public protests at the Capitol. This ticket policy is more of the same from a supermajority that lives in fear of fair criticism, sunlight and accountability," House Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, said Wednesday. The Covenant School shooting and subsequent expulsions of two House Democrats over a gun reform protest in 2023 sparked large, heated protests inside the state Capitol. Protestors particularly clashed with House Republicans, who began passing escalating measures in an effort to control public condcut in the House gallery and committee rooms. Last year, in an apparent effort to cut down on protestors in the House, GOP leadership closed public access to the west gallery in the chamber. It was only accessible to media and holders of tickets distributed to House member offices. The gallery is now open in the new reservation portal, with one section reserved for media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Down the hall in the Capitol, the Senate gallery remains fully open and accessible to the public without a reservation. For tickets To reserve a ticket, go to capitol.tn.gov/house This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee House GOP requires ID, reservation to enter public gallery Since September 2024, East Tennesseans have been reeling from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. Communities have been left broken, families displaced, some schools destroyed, and other schools turned into emergency hubs for aid and support. As Tennesseans came together to help their neighbors in northeast Tennessee, TEA called for the nearly $150 million set aside for a statewide voucher program that the General Assembly rejected last spring to be used to support flood relief efforts. Instead, Gov. Bill Lee chose to hold the available funding, offering loans to devastated communities instead. Months after the flooding, Lee called a special legislative session, using last years historic disaster as a pretext to once again attempt to pass his statewide school voucher bill. Even conservative lawmakers are blasting Lee's plan For months, we have witnessed the resilience of Tennesseans as they worked to recover from the natural disaster. We continue to witness the bravery and generosity of private citizens and organizations helping those who lost everything. Rep. Todd Warner R- Chapel Hill, questions the Tennessee Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds during a House committee meeting where the school voucher bill was debated at Cordell Hull State Office Building in Nashville , Tenn., Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Tennesseans are still relying on warming centers and tents in freezing temperatures. They need urgent relief. What they dont need is another fight over a bill pushed by out-of-state special interests that offers taxpayer-funded handouts to families whose children have never set foot in a public school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats exactly what happened in neighboring Arkansas, where about 82% of students who received vouchers in 2024-2025 continued attending the same private school or homeschool they had already attended the year before, according to Arkansas Times. Arkansas legislators who helped pass statewide vouchers are now having buyers remorse, discovering that 75% of voucher funds are going to the wealthiest families in the state, with rural taxpayers footing the bill. Conservatives like Rep. Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill, understand the risk of statewide vouchers. Thats why hes telling Governor Lee, House and Senate leadership, and the big-money lobbyists pushing the statewide voucher bill that its time to stop putting politics over people. Opinion: Tennessees schools are a plane on fire. Dont turn down Gov. Lees parachutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple polls have shown Tennesseans overwhelmingly reject statewide vouchers. This mirrors voter sentiment in neighboring states where vouchers were on the ballot during the last election. Tennessee parents are increasingly aware that leaving their local public school would either leave them with no option, as is the case in most rural school districts, or result in substandard education as current voucher recipients in Tennessee continue to lag behind their public-school peers in test results. Rural communities cannot afford to lose public schools In every state that passed statewide vouchers, runaway costs are mounting, threatening to defund and destroy existing public schools, as leaders in Ohio recently announced. That is why Tennessees educators are urging the General Assembly to avoid creating an unnecessary man-made disaster by rejecting Gov. Lees voucher bill. Reducing the states support of public schools to pay for vouchers will force local governments to try to make up the difference. They will be faced with tough choices: raise taxes locally or reduce services, which could lead to firing teachers and closing schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Small towns cant afford to lose our public schools where more than 90% of Tennessee students are educated to pay for vouchers. Rural communities depend on local public schools to do more than just educate their students they serve as community gathering places and are often the largest employers. Lets say YES to our neighbors in East Tennessee, and NO to statewide vouchers pushed by out-of-state special interests. Tanya T. Coats Together, we can protect Tennessees public education system and ensure that our schools remain strong for generations to come. Visit TNEA.org/NOvouchers to contact your legislators today, and tell them that universal vouchers are wrong for Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tanya T. Coats is a 28-year Knox County educator and president of the Tennessee Education Association. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: School vouchers expansion plan should be nixed in Tennessee | Opinion A Republican congressman has introduced an amendment to the Constitution that would allow President Donald Trump to seek a third term in office, arguing that it will ensure we can sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs. Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee revealed his long-shot measure Thursday that would amend the 22nd Amendment, which sets the current two-term limit for presidents. He has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nations decay and restoring America to greatness, and he must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal, Ogles, a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, said of Trump in a statement. President Trump has shown time and time again that his loyalty lies with the American people and our great nation above all else. U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), credited Trump as being the only person capable of "reversing our nations decay and restoring America to greatness." via Associated Press According to Ogles proposal, the two-term limit would be extended to three terms, unless the person has already served two consecutive terms. That means former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton would be unable to run again. Someone who has served more than two years of someone elses term would also be ineligible to run for a third term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Changing the Constitution would be a tough bid, as any proposed amendment must be ratified by 38 of the 50 U.S. states, which is three-fourths of them. Ogles office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether his amendment has received any support. Trump previously suggested running for a third term if lawmakers could figure it out. I suspect I wont be running again, unless you do something, he said immediately following the 2024 election, according to The Hill. Unless you say, Hes so good, we have to just figure it out. House Republicans, including another Tennessee lawmaker, Rep. Tim Burchett, later told reporters that Trumps comments were a joke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres nothing further from the truth, Burchett said. Burchetts office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether his view on the matter has since changed. Related... Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) proposed an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would allow President Trump to serve a third term in the White House so the country can sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs. Ogles proposed an amendment Thursday that says, No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times, nor be elected to any additional term after being elected to two consecutive terms, 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 twice. Like other U.S. presidents, Trump is barred from running for a third White House term by the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trumps decisive leadership stands in stark contrast to the chaos, suffering, and economic decline Americans have endured over the past four years, Ogles said in a Thursday statement. He has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nations decay and restoring America to greatness, and he must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal. Trump floated the prospect of running for a third term in an apparent joke to House GOP lawmakers during a meeting in Washington before the conference had internal leadership elections. I suspect I wont be running again, unless you do something, Trump said a week after winning the 2024 presidential election, The Hill reported. Unless you say, Hes so good, we have to just figure it out. Following the meeting, House Republicans told reporters that the remarks were not serious and that they laughed when they heard them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was a joke. It was clearly a joke, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said at the time. I leaned over to somebody beside me, [Arizona Rep.] Andy Biggs, and I said, thatll be the headlines tomorrow, Trump trying to thwart the Constitution, which theres nothing further from the truth. Trump has previously told news outlets that he would not pursue a third term if he won the 2024 election. I wouldnt be in favor of a challenge. Not for me. I wouldnt be in favor of it at all. I intend to serve four years and do a great job. And I want to bring our country back. I want to put it back on the right track, Trump told Time magazine in April last year. On Thursday, Ogles, a House Freedom Caucus member, praised a series of executive orders Trump signed since being sworn in Monday, including those related to the handling of the southern border, energy production and withdrawing from the World Health Organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In just a few short days, President Trump has already taken action to undo the catastrophic policies of the Biden Administration and put the United States back on the path to strength and prosperity, Ogles said Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SHARON, Pa. (WKBN) The Tenor Health Foundation announced Wednesday it had finalized the acquisition of Sharon Regional Medica Center and Thursday the Tenor team was in Sharon working to get the hospital reopened. Among them was Tenor CEO Radha Savitala, whos becoming the face of Tenor and the person behind getting Sharon Regional open again. Savitala walked through the mostly empty third-floor hallway of Sharon Regional Medical Center, knowing that many are wondering when the hospital will reopen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its on my mind as well, she said. But having said that, Savitala did pinpoint a date by which she wants to be open. This February 14th date where the Warn Act liabilities end is looming and its weighing on everybody including me. We need to be open before then. Savitala said there are contracts that need to be finalized, ER doctors that need scheduled and a leak that needs fixed. She also says the Pennsylvania Department of Health is expediting the licensing process. They want to ensure that we are ready and then theyre going to come out and put their surveyor on us to ensure that the reopening plan makes sense that the facility is ready for reopening and then theyll give us the license to be able to do that, said Savitala. Savitala arrived in Sharon on Wednesday. She met with Sharon Regionals Executive Team, its nursing managers, and the providers. She wants input from everyone. People have so much history here and getting that history, getting their thoughts and having them be a part of the reopening plan, I think is very important, she said. Savitala says nationally when hospitals close, it often takes two years to reopen them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are obviously fast-tracking it here, Savitala said. But Savitala says thats the way it has to be to stay competitive with UPMC Horizon in Farrell, Greenville and New Castle. Currently they are having difficulty with being able to provide the care and take of everybodys needs but in two years they will have figured those out, she said. Savitala also had high praise for the work of Mercer County State Senator Michele Brooks and her efforts to help reopen. She was pleased with Wednesdays announcement by the Buhl Legacy Foundation that it will not interfere with Tenor operating Sharon Regional. 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. Tens of thousands of people in almost 30 cities across Slovakia protested on Friday evening to demand the resignation of left-wing nationalist Prime Minister Robert Fico. Organizers said 60,000 people took part in the largest rally in the capital Bratislava, where participants expressed their anger at what they see as the populist politician's pro-Russia policies. "Slovakia belongs to Europe. We do not want collaboration with Russia," said Marian Kulich from civic group Mier Ukrajine (Peace for Ukraine), which spearheaded the protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fico accuses his opponents of spreading falsehoods about an alleged shift in Slovakia's foreign policy toward Moscow in order to discredit his government. "This government will never take any steps that could cast doubt on our membership in the European Union and NATO," he said on Thursday. But Fico has stopped supplying weapons from Slovakian military stocks to Ukraine and frequently criticizes EU sanctions. He believes the sanctions are hurting Slovakia, which is dependent on Russian gas and oil, more than Moscow. The anger of critics intensified in late December, when he made a surprise visit to see Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The trip was also not well received by Brussels and other allies of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fico said the trip centred on supplies of Russian gas to Slovakia. He also floated the idea that his country could host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The demonstrators out on the streets on Friday evening were also fuelled by Fico's allegation this week that his opponents were plotting a coup, citing a report by the SIS domestic intelligence agency. Fico said the agency uncovered "structures with links to foreign countries and to the Slovak opposition," whom he said want to provoke riots and see government buildings occupied. The opposition accused him of trying to stoke panic to distract from the failure of his government's policies and improve his standing. People gather at Freedom square as nationwide protests continue against Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's government. alek Vaclav/CTK/dpa NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) Terrorism and the use of new technologies like weaponized drones against merchant shipping has superseded piracy as the top concern for maritime seccurity and its up to private companies to employ specific countermeasures to neutralize such threats, United Nations officials said Friday. Jovana Jezdimirovic Ranito and Michelle Small, members of the U.N. working group on the use of mercenaries, said maritime security companies hired to protect merchant ships sailing through high-risk areas like the Red Sea, the West Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden are ultimately responsible for figuring out which procedures and defensive armaments are required to repel any terrorism or piracy-related threat. But those procedures and weapons use must comply with international legal standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Threats are not always consistent, so they peak, ebb and flow, but you also have the rise of new ones, Small told The Associated Press. Terrorism is more of a concern for the use of new technologies in the maritime context. The officials were in Cyprus for the first time for a nine-day visit focusing on the use of private maritime security companies on Cyprus-flagged ships operating in high-risk sea lanes. Cyprus has the 11th largest fleet globally and the third largest in Europe, comprising over 2,200 ocean-going vessels totaling 21 million gross tons. Its estimated that approximately 4% of the worlds fleet is managed by Cyprus-based companies. Cyprus has authorized 12 private maritime security companies to post armed security personnel aboard Cyprus-flagged ships. The U.N. officials said they met with some of these companies and were quite impressed with the level of vetting, due diligence checks and compliance needed to obtain certification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And they go a bit beyond what is just minimum standard we would expect, Ranito said. Really we can commend the efforts of the shipping deputy ministry on working on the extensive vetting process. ... They really invest a lot of effort in it. The overall number of security personnel employed by the 12 security companies is unclear, but they are from a range of nationalities. No Cypriot nationals are employed as security personnel. The officials said they found no major incidents or violations committed by private security personnel aboard Cyprus-flagged ships, thanks to the governments robust standards and a 2012 law on the protection of Cyprus ships against acts of piracy and other unlawful acts that have become a model for other flag states. But they said they would like to see more complaint and grievance mechanisms that sailors, private contractors and other workers in the maritime industry can utilize to strengthen accountability and root out potential human rights abuses. The experts' final report on their Cyprus visit will be released later this year. A North Texas bakery known for its politically charged pastries is back in the spotlight. Hive Bakery in Flower Mound has whipped up a batch of cookies featuring the face of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde who recently went viral for her sermon calling on President Trump to show mercy. The cookies, inspired by her message of compassion, are flying off the shelves faster than you can say "amen." "In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now," Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde said during her sermon at the National Cathedral as Trump and Vice President JD Vance watched alongside their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives," Budde said, later telling Trump of immigrants, "Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were all once strangers in this land." The bakery has received some backlash and even a few threats following the bishops divisive sermon and the re-election of Trump, owner Haley Popp wrote on Facebook, tallying the various messages shed received. "We only got threatened with physical violence over the phone, 5 times today," she wrote on Facebook. "We only got told they hope our bakery goes broke and we end up homeless 3 times today. We only got called fat and ugly 6 times today. We only got asked to make Trump themed cakes 42 times today, from people in other states who had no intention of ordering." In an interview with WFAA, Popp said the latest inquiries came just before Inauguration Day this week. While her custom cakes take weeks to make, she said getting a Trump cake on short notice simply wasnt feasible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody wanted to order cakesthey were just giving us [expletive] like Ha ha Trump won, Popp said. We always reply that well make their cake, ask when they need it and how many people it will serve. And the answer is always eat [expletive] or something like that. Despite the online backlash, Hive Bakery's social media is focusing on the sweet side: dozens of sold-out cookies and customers lining up for a bite of political pastry history. In a Facebook post, Popp said they could put dozens more on the shelves, with fresh batches expected by 2 p.m. Friday. In the past, Hive Bakery has offered other outspoken pastries, including feminist cookies inspired by "The Handmaid's Tale" following the overturning of Roe v. Wade and some featuring uterus designs. Currently, Popp is preparing for the upcoming anti-Valentine's Day rush with cookies featuring grotesque and lewd sayings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for those looking for something a little less controversial, Popp also creates one-of-a-kind custom cookies for special events offering a personalized touch for anyone looking to surprise their loved ones. "Even though we have people trying to tie up our phone lines, sending us disgusting emails, posting false narratives, and attacking our small business, were doing ok," she wrote online. "Selling out everyday and gaining new, amazing followers has been a highlight. You like to think that the majority of people in this country are kind and empathetic, but as we all know now, thats simply not the case." This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas bakery's Bishop Budde cookies in high demand after Trump sermon Jan. 23AUSTIN The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released the 2024 Annual Report Thursday, offering a comprehensive overview of the progress made in Texas public education while also addressing the challenges and opportunities that remain. The report provides a detailed look at TEA's strategic priorities, ongoing implementation of legislation passed during the 88th legislative session, and the statewide efforts to strengthen educational outcomes for Texas's more than 5.5 million public school students. The report also features an accessible explanation of how the Texas public education system is funded and how those funds are allocated to school systems. "Education is the foundation of our state's future, and the 2024 Annual Report reflects our continued dedication to ensuring all Texas students have access to the teachers, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed," Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said in a news release. "This report not only tracks our progress but also identifies areas where additional investments are critical to ensuring every student receives a quality education that prepares them for the future." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2024 Annual Report serves as a vital resource for understanding the current state of education in Texas and the ongoing efforts to provide every student with a high-quality educational experience. In addition to the Annual Report, the TEA School Year 2023-24 Pocket Edition is now available. The Pocket Edition provides a detailed, easy-to-access overview of the public school landscape in Texas with details on student demographics, Special Education services, and more. To view a full copy of the 2024 Annual Report and the 2023-24 Pocket Edition, please visit the TEA Annual Report page. A Texas man has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for carjacking a man at an Inver Grove Heights strip club and leading police on a chase that reached more than 100 mph and ended after he drove over tire spikes. Sean Ryan Kincaid, 30, stole the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu from a man at King of Diamonds around 12:30 a.m. June 30, 2023, according to charges filed first in Dakota County and then U.S. District Court. The victim told police that hed been waiting to pick up his brother and his friends when a man, later identified as Kincaid, got inside and said he was taking the car. Kincaid reached for his pants, lifted his shirt and brandished a revolver. The victim got out and ran, while Kincaid sped off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video surveillance footage showed Kincaid get into the car and the victim run from it about 20 seconds later. An eyewitness told officers the victim got out of the car screaming, He has a gun! While officers were speaking to the victim and eyewitnesses, other officers saw the Malibu heading south on Cain Avenue. As they approached the car, Kincaid sped up and eventually got onto a freeway, driving over 100 miles per hour. At one point during the pursuit, Kincaid drove on the wrong side of a road into oncoming lanes of traffic to avoid tire spikes officers had put down. Ultimately, Kincaid hit the spikes and the car came to a stop. He got out with a dog, and officers instructed him to stop and show his hands. (Kincaid) refused to follow multiple instructions of the officers on scene, quickly reaching into his pockets and near his waistband and hugging the dog, the charges say. Officers apprehended Kincaid, who had on him a loaded Heritage Rough Rider .22-caliber revolver like the one the victim described, court documents say. The revolvers serial number had been ground off and was unreadable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once at jail, Kincaid told officers in an interview that his truck broke down and that he needed another ride. He said he took the Malibu back to his truck to get his belongings and dog. As officers asked more about the truck, he ended the interview. Kincaid has no criminal history in Minnesota, but has convictions and supervision history in multiple other states, prosecutor said. He is ineligible to possess firearms because of a prior crime of violence. Prosecution asked for 4 years Related Articles Kincaid on July 31 pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis to one count of carjacking. As part of a plea agreement, the prosecution agreed to dismiss two other charges: brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Kincaid faced between four and nearly 5 years in prison at Wednesdays sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, no one was injured, but Kincaids willingness to brandish his gun in furtherance of his carjacking, in connection with his threatening language, indicates that it wasnt just for show, Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gilead wrote in a pre-sentencing memo, while asking for a 4-year term. After all, when law enforcement arrested him, the revolver was loaded. Judge Katherine Menendezs sentence includes three years of supervised release after incarceration. The James Beard Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that celebrates American food culture, honored several establishments and professionals throughout Texas. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards, in which a total of 39 names were recognized as semifinalists from the Lone Star State. "Considered to be among the nations most prestigious honors, the James Beard Awards recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, sustainability, and creating a culture where all can thrive," the foundation's website says. Houston claimed the most semifinalists with 10, followed by Austin and San Antonio with six each. Dallas and El Paso also bring in a few names. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are all the James Beard Award semifinalists in Texas. Outstanding restaurateur Outstanding chef Outstanding restaurant ELEMI, El Paso, TX Emerging chef Suu Khin, Burmalicious, Houston, TX Best new restaurant Nam khao, lao'd smash burger, crispy chili prawns and chicken lahb at Lao'd Bar on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Outstanding bakery Koffeteria, Houston, TX Starship Bagel, Lewisville, TX Outstanding pastry chef or baker Mateo Herrera, La Puerta del Sol, El Paso, TX Outstanding hospitality Mixtli, San Antonio, TX Outstanding wine and other beverages March, Houston, TX Taconeta, El Paso, TX Taconeta at 311 Montana Ave A-1in El Paso. Outstanding bar Best new bar Bar Colette, Dallas, TX Outstanding professional in beverage service Best chef: Texas Evan LeRoy, co-owner and chef at LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, wraps meat in foil in a smokehouse at LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue on Friday, July 19, 2024 in Austin. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: James Beard Awards 2025: See list of 39 Texas semifinalist nominations Two days after the Texas Senate pledge $1 billion for a school voucher program, Sen. Brandon Creighton unveiled legislation that would offer $10,000 to most children who chose to enroll in private school to help pay for tuition and other educational costs. Senate Bill 2 would deliver the universal program that Gov. Greg Abbott has been championing since the 2023 legislative session, when the proposal deeply divided Republicans, with some GOP House members joining Democrats to kill school vouchers legislation. The controversial program would use public money to subsidize a childs private school tuition. While proponents say it would give families more choice in their children's education, opponents worry it could reduce a childs rights to an adequate education and drain public schools of needed funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his bill, Creighton, a Republican from Conroe, calls for a program that is open to all students, regardless of whether they have ever been enrolled in a public school. SB 2 refers to the program as an education savings account. If more children apply to the program than there are seats available, the bill would reserve 80% of its slots to children who are from low-income households or have a disability. All children would apply to the program through a lottery basis. Children who receive funding for a homeschool program would receive at least $2,000 annually. Children who enroll in a private school would receive $10,000 annually, or $11,500 if they child has a disability, according to the bill. Creightons bill also proposes anti-fraud measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senates budget released Wednesday proposes $1 billion annually for the voucher program starting in 2027, contingent on "school choice" legislation passing. In 2023, Creighton, who chaired the Senates K-12 education committee, easily ushered similar legislation through the Senate. Attempts by lawmakers to pass a voucher-related bill in the House erupted that year when a contingency of mostly rural Republican and Democratic members stripped the proposal from a larger funding package. After successive special sessions in 2023 also ended without a school voucher bill passing, Abbott launched a largely successful campaign in 2024 to oust House Republicans who had voted against his signature education proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If lawmakers pass a school voucher this session, Texas would join other Republican-run states around the country that have passed similar programs. In states like Arizona and Florida, the programs have faced questions about expanding costs and proper use of funds for education purposes. The Senates education committee is scheduled to discuss SB 2 in a hearing Tuesday. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Senate school voucher plan offers kids $10K for private school By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand and China will work together to combat fast-growing networks of illegal call centres along the Thai border with Myanmar and Cambodia, often staffed by trafficked workers, that aim to defraud people in phone and online scams. Southeast Asia - especially border areas between Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia - has become a hub for telecom and other online fraud since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the United Nations, which says hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked to work in scam centres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thai police said on Friday that a coordination centre would be set up at the national police headquarters in Bangkok and Chinese authorities plan to set up another one in Thailand's Mae Sot district, which borders Myanmar's Myawaddy, a major hub for the scam call centres. "This centre (in Bangkok) will work together (with China) to investigate and combat call centre gangs based in Myawaddy, Myanmar, and along the Cambodian border, which involve many Chinese and Thai nationals," the Thai police said. "The coordination centre is expected to commence operations within February 2025," said the statement, which came after a meeting of Thai and Chinese security officials in Bangkok. Public pressure has been building in Thailand for authorities to take action against the scam compounds, where workers are lured in from around the world, and are often treated brutally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China, too, has become increasingly concerned, especially following the abduction and cross-border rescue from Myanmar of Chinese actor Wang Xing. On Tuesday, Chinese-state media reported that officials from China, Myanmar, Thailand reached consensus on eradicating telecom fraud centres in Myanmar during a meeting in the Chinese city of Kunming. The flurry of recent activity on combating scam centres also included a meeting this week between a Thai military delegation and the Myanmar junta's second-in-command Soe Win in Naypyidaw to discuss a crackdown on human trafficking and online scams, Myanmar state media reported. The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said this week that junta authorities had sent back over 55,000 foreign nationals, including more than 53,000 Chinese, from scam compounds to their home countries between October 2023 and January 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also suggested that scam operations received support from Myanmar's neighbouring countries, a claim that Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai rejected on Thursday. "This issue is not just about Thailand," said Phumtham, "it is something where Myanmar and China also have to help." (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um, Editing by Devjyot Ghoshal and Ros Russell) BANGKOK (AP) More than a hundred baby tortoises, most of them dead, have been returned to Tanzania from Thailand as evidence in a case against a wildlife smuggling network, the international police organization Interpol said Friday. The 116 tortoises were discovered hidden in the luggage of a Ukrainian woman at Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi Airport more than two years ago, it said. Of the total, 98 have since died, but all were handed over Thursday for use in criminal proceedings in a ceremony attended by Thai and Tanzanian officials, Interpol said. No reason was given for the deaths. They included endangered or vulnerable species such as pancake tortoises, radiated tortoises and Aldabra giant tortoises. All are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tortoises are commonly removed from the wild for sale as exotic pets. The smuggler fled Thailand but was eventually tracked down and arrested in Bulgaria, Interpol said. Her arrest helped police map a larger wildlife trafficking network, resulting in the arrests of 14 additional suspects in an operation involving Thai and Tanzanian police and officers from Interpol. The surviving tortoises will be quarantined and cared for while experts assess whether they can be put back into their natural habitat. Wildlife trafficking is a serious global threat that disrupts ecosystems and harms communities while enriching organized crime groups," said Cyril Gout, Interpol's acting executive director of police services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interpol estimated in 2023 that the black market for illegal wildlife products is worth up to $20 billion per year, noting that poaching and the illegal wildlife trade has become a major area of activity for organized crime groups and is increasingly linked with armed violence, corruption and other forms of organized crime. Thailand continues to be a major hub for the trade. In May last year, about four dozen lemurs and more than 900 tortoises originating in Madagascar were seized in the southern province of Chumporn after having apparently transited Indonesia. They were returned to their homeland at the end of last year. Thames Water has released raw sewage into a chalk stream near St Albans for more than 1,000 hours over the past six weeks. Analysis shows that Britains biggest water company has been spilling out sewage from a storm overflow in the village of Markyate, Hertfordshire, continuously since Dec 12, which feeds into the River Ver. The uninterrupted pollution will raise the spectre of new fines for the beleaguered utility giant, which is scrambling to survive after warning it could run out of cash as soon as March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will also reignite local tensions after Thames Water apologised in April last year for similar failings at the same chalk stream. At the time, more than 850 hours of sewage was poured into the River Ver, which subsequently flowed out onto nearby fields and forced animals to be removed. The local parish council said the pollution led to a coating of brown sewage sludge on the River Ver, which Thames Water admitted was unacceptable. The River Ver, which is a 28km waterway running through Hertfordshire, is one of 220 chalk streams in the world. Of these, 85pc are located in England and the countrys chalk rivers and streams are renowned for trout and salmon fishing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rising sewage levels across chalk rivers have increased pressure on utility companies, including Thames Water. As well as battling to avoid bankruptcy, Thames Water has been struggling to improve its performance on sewage over the past 18 months. Its continued failures led to a 104m fine from regulator Ofwat last year. The penalty, which accounted for 9pc of Thames Waters total turnover, was attributed to a catalogue of failings relating to the companys management of storm overflows and sewage works. Water companies are allowed to use storm overflows in exceptional circumstances, such as when sewage systems are at risk of being overwhelmed by heavy rainfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Ofwat found that Thames had been routinely releasing sewage into rivers as part of its investigation last year. The company was dealt a further blow late on Thursday when ratings agency Moodys downgraded its debt further into junk. Thames remains exposed to the risk of ongoing operational underperformance through cost overspend and operational penalties, Moodys said. Analysts wrote: We believe that this will deter equity interest and may require meaningful haircuts to senior debt to achieve a sustainable capital structure. Referencing the latest incident at Markyate, Thames Water said its sewer system had been overwhelmed by wet weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman said: While all storm discharges are unacceptable, the sewage system was historically designed to work in this way, to prevent sewage backing up into peoples homes. Our region experienced one of the wettest years in 2024, resulting in exceptionally high groundwater levels in the area. This has overwhelmed our sewer system which can lead to discharges into rivers. Water companies have struggled with sewage spills and Thames blames wet weather as an obstacle - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images We have clear and deliverable plans to upgrade 250 of our sites across the region, including at our site in Markyate, to increase treatment capacity and reduce the number of storm discharges. We know how much people enjoy and appreciate rivers, and we are committed to seeing waterways thrive but we cant do it alone. Farming, industry, road run-off, wildlife and increasingly extreme weather also play a role in river health. As infrastructure ages and demand on it increases, more investment is needed across the entire sector. Thats why we asked for increased investment in the next regulatory cycle between 2025 and 2030. Weve put transparency at the heart of what we do and we were the first water company to publish a real-time data map on our website, which in its first year has been viewed over 350,000 times. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. An icon in the yearslong effort to end racism in the treatment of cancer has died. The impact this woman had in the 28 years she lived with breast cancer. Those who knew Bridgette Hempstead describe her as a warrior for African-American women diagnosed with breast cancer. Hempstead lost her own battle with the disease in December. She showed the world that cancer patients can live full, productive lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To understand Bridgette Hempstead, mother, grandmother, and globetrotting breast cancer equity advocate, you just have to listen. To her one-time oncologist. I had lots of introductions from the community then who said, You need to meet this powerhouse, recalled Dr. Julie Gralow, an emeritus professor in the Clinical Research Division of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Shes forming this African American cancer support group. You guys need to be together. To the diversity chief where she first got treatment and began to fight for herself and everyone who was underserved, said Dr. Paul Buckley, chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at Fred Hutch. That was her issue. That was her purpose. That was her commitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And listen to the oldest of her three daughters. Theres a hole in the earth without Bridgette Hempstead, said Dee Scott. And I feel it. And I feel like the world feels it. Theres definitely a void here on earth. Bridgette Hempstead was 35 when she felt something was amiss with one of her breasts. But a doctor refused to order a mammogram because she said young African-American women didnt get breast cancer. Hempstead got the test anyway. When she first got diagnosed 28 years ago, said Scott, and had she gone home and not did her mammogram, she could have been gone in two years. So, I literally could have been 16 years old without a mom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon, Hempstead formed the Cierra Sisters, a support group for black women living with breast cancer. It turns out African-American women are still more likely than white women to die from the disease. So, Hempstead volunteered for any clinical trial she could, often teaming up with Dr. Gralow, a national leader in breast cancer research. Bridgette has over two dozen scientific publications in her name, Dr. Gralow said. That means shes a real researcher. Shes been included in the research. And Hempsteads patient advocacy has yielded tangible results. We have an implicit biased training out called Just Ask, she said, which means let the patient decide. Dont assume that you know or that youre protecting them from research. Let them decide. Bridgette informed that whole piece of work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What drove her, her daughter was asked. Faith, hope and endurance, Scott said. Its the thing i talked about at her memorial service. Now Hempstead is gone. But many she can never know will live because she did. There are some people whose light shines so brightly that you cannot help but to see it and you cannot unsee it after you have seen it, said Dr. Buckley. That was Bridgette. Hers, a light that still shines. The next event Cierra Sisters is celebrating World Cancer Day on February 8th, the first since Hempsteads death. www.CierraSisters.org SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Thousands of San Diego Gas & Electric customers were impacted by the recent round of public safety power shutoffs Thursday afternoon. As of 6 p.m., more than 30 communities had no power, affecting over 19,000 customers. Additionally, SDGEs outage map showed more than 64,000 customers were at risk of getting their power shut off. San Diego Fire-Rescue provides update on fire season readiness Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several community resource centers are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the county to accommodate people without power due to the shutoffs. A list of centers can be found on the SDG&E website, below the outage map. The communities that could still potentially be affected by the public safety power shutoffs include the Barona, Capitan Grande, Pechanga and Pala reservations, as well as Chula Vista, East San Juan Capistrano, Lakeside, Pauma Valley, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, San Marcos and Santee. The utility company was forced to cut off electricity to thousands of people due to yet another round of Santa Ana winds Thursday. The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Warning for San Diego Countys mountains and valleys from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., where simultaneously a Red Flag Warning has been extended until 10 a.m. Friday. 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. MEXICO CITY (AP) Thousands took to the streets Thursday to protest the killing of two children in an attempted carjacking in Mexicos troubled northwestern state of Sinaloa. Mothers and children in school uniforms were among those calling for an end to months of cartel violence that has at times closed schools and businesses in the state capital, Culiacan. A small group of protesters forced their way into the offices of Sinaloa Gov. Ruben Rocha, trashing them and demanding his resignation. Rocha, a close ally of former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has been unable to control his states violence despite the deployment of troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We understand peoples outrage, state spokesman Feliciano Castro said a short time later, noting that federal authorities were investigating the killings. Brothers Gael and Alexander Sarmiento, ages 12 and 9 respectively, and their father were fatally shot Sunday when armed men tried to steal their vehicle. Two other minors were injured. State authorities have suggested the vehicles tinted windows could have been a factor, but it was unclear how. Thursdays march was organized by the younger brothers elementary school. It was a large display of public anger for a city firmly in the grip of the Sinaloa cartel. Culiacan has suffered months of intense violence as two cartel factions have battled for control since the arrests last year in the U.S. of Ismael El Mayo Zambada and one of Joaquin El Chapo Guzmans sons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ongoing violence has been one of President Claudia Sheinbaums biggest challenges since taking office in October. Her administration is under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to reduce smuggling of the synthetic opioid fentanyl into the United States and the Sinaloa cartel is one of the worlds largest illicit producers. Outrage over the deaths of the children grew online this week and fueled Thursdays march to be more effusive, more emotional, very very sad and much harder than other protests in the capital, said Estefania Lopez, of Culiacan Valiente, a collective that has organized previous peace marches. It took on a life of its own, I think a lot of people woke up, Lopez said. The disgust has been such that today the people came out. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america Jodi Rave Spotted Bear Buffalo's Fire Two regional healthcare giants are squaring off over who is responsible for paying insurance costs related to a Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Health Plan. Mayo Clinic filed a complaint in Minnesota District Court and seeks $739,956.20 in damages from Sanford. The result of Sanfords negligent and material misrepresentations is that Mayo has gone unpaid for more than two years for the health care goods and services it provided to patient C.G., according to the complaint filed Dec. 13. In the complaint, it was stated C.G. was hospitalized at CHI St. Alexius in North Dakota and then transferred to Mayo Clinic for a transplant. The hospitalization lasted from Feb. 5 to March 29, 2022. Mayo claims Sanford failed to provide pertinent information regarding the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Health Plan it was administering. Sanford claims the tribal health plan was a payor of last resort and another insurance entity, Blue Cross Blue Shield, should have been billed first. On Dec. 20, in a motion to dismiss, Sanford offered several reasons for ending the case, citing that Mayo failed to follow Medicaid Expansion procedure causing Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota to deny Mayos request for reimbursement. Mayo must respond by Jan. 17. Sanford Health, one of the largest health systems in the United States, is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The organization includes 46 hospitals, 1,500 physicians and serves large rural areas near American Indian reservations. Mayo Clinic-Mayo Hospital, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is the largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world. Two health behemoths fighting over whos responsible for a Native patients medical bills gives the lawsuit a twist because typically, the Native patient gets stuck with paying costs denied by insurance or the Indian Health Service. A federal report released in December states Native community members were almost twice as likely to have medical debt in collections on their credit records compared to the national average, and the average amount of debt in collections was about 33 percent higher than the national average. Native patients often have little control over where they receive medical services given the lack of Indian Health Service year-round primary care facilities and state Medicaid expansion. Analysis of complaints and reports from health care providers, Tribal officials, and other key stakeholders indicates that problems with billing, reimbursement, and credit reporting are common and pervasive for Native consumers, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report. People in Native communities face a confusing and complex approval process, especially for specialty or emergency care in non-IHS facilities. This often results in unexpected medical bills. Two bills are now before Congress to address high rate of medical debt for Native Americans and IHS billing processes. Meanwhile, the Three Affiliated Tribes, also called the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, has taken steps to make health care more readily available for tribal citizens. Many tribes, such as MHA Nation, engage in Public Law 93-638 contracts, agreements between IHS and tribes under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The 638 contracts allow tribes to manage federal programs, including health care. In the exercise of tribal self-determination, the Three Affiliated Tribes has tried to improve health care for its citizens. It entered into a health insurance agreement with Boone Group Insurance. That plan drew complaints from those using it. In January 2021, a tribal citizen sought financial help from the TAT Tribal Business Council for medical bills. Boone Insurance isnt paying them, according to TAT TBC minutes. On Jan. 1, 2022, the tribe replaced Boone with the TAT Sanford Health Plan. The MHA website states benefits of the plan, The MultiPlans nationwide network can also be used for urgent and emergent coverage while traveling. In addition, Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester prior authorization is not needed for in-network benefits and the Substance Abuse Network is included for all eligible members in sober living. Four months after initiating the Sanford Health Plan, two Sanford representatives, Courtney Meyers and Jennie Nickles, made a presentation to the TAT Health and Human Services Committee. They discussed cost containment strategies and productive management. In the Mayo complaint, plaintiffs contend that Sanford led Mayo to believe, through its representations and actions, that patient C.G. was an insured of Sanford Health Plan and that it was the payor on claims for the health care goods and services provided. In doing so, Mayo alleges Sanford held itself as the primary insurer, verified eligibility and preauthorized all dates of service for the health care Mayo provided to the patient of the TAT tribal health plan. At one point, Sanford paid some of the patients medical bills. Sanford alone had access to patient C.G.s policy and TATTHP Plan, according to the suit. This timeline chronicles the ongoing dispute between Mayo Clinic and Sanford Health over unpaid medical costs for a tribal health plan patient, reflecting broader issues of medical debt and billing complexities faced by Native communities. It highlights the challenges in managing health care coverage, the role of 638 contracts, and efforts by the Three Affiliated Tribes to improve access to care. 1955-2008 Indian Health Service The IHS, a federal health care provider, is supposed to uphold federal trust obligations to Tribes, including health care. The Three Affiliated Tribes then took control of health care services through a 638 contract. October 8, 2015 TAT TBC Minutes: Medical Payment Requests - Citizens Seek Help from Tribe Under discussion: Mark Fox stated, 'We are spending tribal dollars where federal dollars should be spent.' October 27, 2015 Three Affiliated Tribes Councilman Mervin Packineau - Tribal Care Insurance Presentation Presented the MHA Nation 2016 Health Care Program. Mark Fox stated that due to budget concerns, there is no way the tribe can provide full coverage for all 15,000 members and noted that the federal government should pay its share. The group stated that a new self-insured plan would cost the Tribe about $480,000. January 11-12, 2017 TAT TBC Special Meeting, Item E: Boone Insurance It was noted the tribe was losing services with other providers due to reimbursement costs. Also, council members expressed concern about transparency and having a central point of contact for services for the various insurance plans. January 14, 2021 Phase out Boone Group Insurance Motion: Councilwoman Monica Mayer moved to ratify the January 12, 2021, Executive Committee action approving Boone Insurance continuance for one quarter. January 14, 2021 Phase in Sanford Health Plan Three Affiliated Tribes authorizes and supports entering into a Management Services Agreement with Sanford of Bismarck, North Dakota, to provide management of KDU. February 22, 2021 Three Affiliated Tribes Citizens Seek Help for Medical Bills It is common to see TAT TBC agenda items where citizens seek help from the TAT TBC Health and Human Services Committee to help pay unpaid bills from health care insurers. April 15, 2021 Health and Human Services Courtney Meyers and Jennie Nickles presented to the Health and Human Committee and referenced they are four months into the Sanford Health Plan. They provided information on cost containment strategies and productive management. April 30, 2021 Sanford Hires Native American Community Outreach 'Head' In a company press release, Bismarck Region of Sanford Health hires Scott J. Davis as the new "head of Native American community outreach. His role will include overseeing tribal-specific outreach and developing relationships with all recognized Native American tribes and tribal leaders within central and western North Dakota." Davis joined Sanford Health after previously serving as the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission executive director since April 2009. Davis has since left the position. December 13, 2024 Mayo Clinic vs. Sanford Health Plan In order to recoup unpaid medical bills incurred through the Three Affiliated Tribes Sanford Health Plan, Mayo Clinic-Mayo Clinic Hospital sues Sanford to recover $739,956.20 in medical expenses. If you are a patient with unpaid insurance claims from Sanford Health Plan, please send email to Contact@imfreedomalliance.org, publisher of Buffalos Fire. On Jan. 24, 1945, First Lt. Garlin Murl Conner, fighting in France with the Third Infantry Division, unrolled telephone wire as he ran more than 400 yards through German artillery fire and slid into a shallow ditch, from which he directed fire for three hours. After the war he returned to a Southern Kentucky farm. Eighty years ago this week, on successive days a few miles apart in eastern France, three rural Americans risked their lives to help save Europe from tyranny. One soon died of his wounds, another found fame and fortune, and the others heroism was almost unknown until after his death. Their lives and their valor, all recognized with the Medal of Honor, should be remembered as America reflects on its role in the world past, present and future. Second Lt. Audie Murphy became a movie star. All three soldiers were in the Third Infantry Division, which chased German forces out of the Colmar Pocket, named for a city between the Rhine River and the Vosges Mountains. This 800-square-mile area was the last part of France held by the Germans, and had been German territory before World War I, so they fought hard to keep it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No matter where you are reading this, youve probably heard of the third soldier who earned the Medal of Honor in the Colmar Pocket, on Jan. 26, 1945: Second Lt. Audie Murphy, an East Texan who was hailed as the most decorated American soldier of World War II and became a movie star. Murphys postwar life was in sharp contrast to that of the Third Division soldier who earned the Medal of Honor two days earlier, on Jan. 24. He was First Lt. Garlin Murl Conner, who didnt get the medal until 2018, 20 years after he died, because of the fog of war and returned to a Southern Kentucky farm that had no electricity or running water. PFC Jose F. Valdez died three weeks after being wounded in the fighting in Colmar Pocket. But Conner was luckier than the other Medal of Honor winner in the Colmar Pocket. On Jan. 25, 1945, PFC Jose F. Valdez of northwest New Mexico, who had already killed three heavily armed Germans in a firefight, volunteered to cover his patrols retreat against heavy fire. Even after he was shot through, he directed artillery fire and held off 200 Germans. He died three weeks later. Murphy also directed artillery fire, after ordering his company to retreat. When the Germans knocked out a tank destroyer near his command post, he mounted the flaming vehicle and used its machine gun to kill or wound 50 advancing enemy troops. He suffered a leg wound, ran out of ammunition and rejoined his company, which forced the Germans back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conners heroism on Jan. 24, 1945, was also about directing artillery at great risk. He had already earned three Silver Stars and had been assigned to a staff post because he was due to be sent home after 28 months in combat and had suffered a leg wound, but when Germans advanced on the 3rd Battalion of the 7th Infantry Regiment, he volunteered to be a forward observer for artillery. He unrolled telephone wire as he ran more than 400 yards through German artillery fire and slid into a shallow ditch, from which he directed fire for three hours finally on his own position because enemy troops were 15 feet away. The Germans finally retreated after 50 were killed and more than 100 were wounded. Conners commanding officer was Col. Lloyd Ramsey, who went on to be a major general and have future Gens. Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf under his command. He told his staff to seek the highest possible honor for Conner, but he was injured the next day and detailed eyewitness accounts needed for the Medal of Honor were not gathered. Instead, Conner was given the Distinguished Service Cross after winning his fourth Silver Star. Like most war heroes, Conner didnt tell war stories, and his heroism was never publicly reported in Clinton County, in southern Kentucky, where he returned to live and farm. Near the end of his life, he was visited by Richard Chilton of Genoa City, Wisconsin, a retired soldier seeking information about his uncles service in World War II. Conner could talk only a little, but as Chilton left, Conners wife Pauline showed Chilton her husbands box of medals. When he saw the DSC and four Silver Stars, and heard the story about his heroism at Houssen, he started a campaign to get Conner the Medal of Honor a task made daunting by federal law, Army regulations and the Pentagon bureaucracy. Pauline Lyda Wells Conner, the widow of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Garlin M. Conner, and their son, Paul Conner, with friends and family at the White House in Washington, D.C., June 26, 2018. Conner was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions while serving as an intelligence officer during World War II on Jan. 24, 1945. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anna Pol) The campaign got traction when Byron Crawford, then a columnist for The Courier-Journal, wrote about it and Conners heroism which was news to almost all of his neighbors. One of them, Walton Haddix, took charge of the campaign and got lawyers involved. After many twists, turns and apparent dead-ends, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the Army to mediate the matter, and the end result was that Pauline Conner accepted the Medal of Honor from President Trump at the White House in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pauline Conner died last year, but you can hear her story in a documentary, From Honor to Medal: The Story of Garlin M. Conner, produced by Jeff Hoagland with this writer as executive producer. And Murl Conners story is also told in an episode of Hitlers Last Stand, a series produced for the National Geographic Channel. Very little living memory remains of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, the fascist dictators of Europe. But such people are a feature, not a bug, of the human race. Now we must deal with other dictators and autocrats who would make the world an unfriendly place for us; will we measure up to the examples of Jose Valdez, Audie Murphy and Murl Conner? This commentary is republished from the Northern Kentucky Tribune, a nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A view of the Virginia House of Delegates Chamber in Richmond. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) More than 1,000 bills are filed for General Assembly consideration each year. In this weekly series, the Mercury takes a look at a few of lawmakers 2025 proposals that might not otherwise make headlines during the whirlwind legislative session. House Bill 1894: Mitigating extreme temperature in prison cells Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill from Del. Holly Seibold, D-Fairfax, requires the Virginia Department of Corrections to maintain a temperature of no less than 65 degrees or no more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit in each prison cell. Seibold told the House Public Safety Subcommittee last week that extreme temperatures in Virginia prisons caused inhumane conditions, leading to reports of heatstroke and frostbite among other serious concerns. Under the bill, each inmate would receive a fan if the temperature rises above 80 degrees and insulated blankets or clothing if temps falls below 65 degrees. Additionally, Seibold said the bill would eliminate human error by requiring the installation of wireless monitoring systems in cells to test temperatures. Tests are now randomly done by corrections officers. The delegate told the panel there are currently seven correctional facilities in Virginia without air conditioning. Seibold said the DOC informed her that while there are facilities with heat ducts in cells, there are many times when that heat is not working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several groups spoke in support of the bill, including Kelly Darra, who spent 30 years incarcerated at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women. She said that while her facility had air conditioning, it was outdated and didnt always work. There were times in the summer it would get so hot in the cells that the walls would sweat and wed take our sheets and soak them in water and lay under them to try and find some kind of relief from the heat, Darra said. Del. Tony Wilt, R-Harrisonburg, said he was concerned that the bill could set inmates up for another incident like what happened last year at Virginias Red Onion State Prison, where six inmates burned themselves using improvised devices that were created by tampering with electrical outlets following claims of poor living conditions and treatment. Seibold countered, saying the Department of Corrections already approves electrical fans in cells, although inmates have to buy them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation passed the House Public Safety Subcommittee and Committee on Public Safety on a party-line vote, with Republicans in opposition. It now heads to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Public Safety. Senate Bill 1145: Holding GPS companies liable for trespassing Sen. Timmy French, R-Shenandoah, wants GPS companies to remove private roads and driveways from their navigation systems to reduce instances of trespassing. Under his bill, if a person is charged with trespassing on a road or driveway clearly marked as private while relying on a GPS system, the GPS company would also be held liable for the trespassing. Instead of a lengthy litigation process, the bill states the case against the company can be dismissed if it provides evidence that it has removed the private road or driveway from its system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French told the Senate Committee for Courts of Justice this week that he and other rural legislators hear of challenges with delivery app softwares that navigate drivers down private roads, despite landowners pleas to the companies. A lot of my constituents have tried to take the steps to get these roads off the map and its not easy and it doesnt happen when they think its going to, French said. Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, added that unintentional trespassing as a result of relying on GPS systems can happen across the commonwealth, like with the elderly or those who dont have the capacity to understand the technology. It shouldnt be incumbent on them to be responsible for someone elses mistake, Boysko said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guy Rohling, a lobbyist for Google, said the bill was the first of its kind theyve seen in any country. He said Google already has a feature that allows property owners to ask the company to remove private roads, and he raised concerns over the bills definition of an owner and operator of a GPS system because Google uses, a lot of third parties to provide the underlying road data. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and will be heard by the House. House Bill 1667 and Senate Bill 1288: Allowing 16- and 17-year olds to work at a barbershop or salon Identical bills from Del. Michael Jones, D-Richmond, and Sen. Lashrecse Aird, D-Petersburg, would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work in barbershops and cosmetology salons if they are a registered apprentice, licensed by the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology or employed in a work-training program administered by the Department of Education and Department of Labor and Industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aird told the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology last week her bill clarifies changes to the state code which caused confusion over what constituted an apprenticeship and resulted in a prohibition onto the public school system students from being able to work in a barber and salon environment. Jones told the House panel young people training in the barbershop or cosmetology field face challenges gaining first-hand work experience due to current prohibitions against working with solutions and solvents outside of the classroom. A lot of our seniors are graduating at 16, 17 and we want to see them be productive in those years, Jones said. Airds bill cleared the Senate unanimously and Jones passed the House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee and full committee without opposition. If Jones legislation passes the House, both bills will be heard by the opposite chamber after crossover day. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (Getty Images) Lawmakers have begun another hard conversation on what it may cost the state to amply fund basic education in public schools as required by Washingtons constitution. A state Senate panel on Wednesday held a hearing on bills that would collectively boost funding for special education, transportation and operations by $2 billion in the next budget, and bring the state closer to covering its share of the tab in those three areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superintendents of school districts on both sides of the Cascades voiced strong support, saying they are forced to use local levy dollars to pay for programs and services that are the states financial responsibility. Without a solution that addresses the true costs of doing business now and in the future, schools will face growing financial pain, Ben Ferney, superintendent of Cheney Public Schools told the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is already keeping close watch on the finances of several cash-strapped districts. Special education emerged Wednesday as the area where the gap is largest between what districts receive from the state and what they pay for with local dollars. There were two bills heard, each of which would increase funding by roughly $1.5 billion in the next budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, and Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, are the co-sponsors of one. It calls out special education as a component of basic education that the state has a duty to fund. These are kids in our public schools who have disabilities of one sort or another, and state and federal law require our school districts to provide them services. So in what world can we say with a straight face that that is not basic education, Pedersen told the committee. Pedersen emphasized to reporters earlier in the week that it is a statewide concern. It will be expensive. Those costs come at a time when lawmakers are trying to solve a budget shortfall estimated to be around $12 billion spread over the next four fiscal years. How much we can actually fund this year, Im not sure, he said Tuesday. But every school district that I have talked to tells me that a significant amount of their extra resources that ought to be available for enrichment is now going to pay for the needs of kids with disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2012, in the landmark case known as McCleary, the state Supreme Court ruled the state was not meeting its constitutional obligation to provide ample funding for basic education. It took the state six years to comply. Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal said recently that the state has backslid on its investments since then and is at risk of getting sued again. Pedersen agrees, especially in the arena of special education. We are in a position already where we should expect to be sued if we fail to provide the money to amply fund education for kids with disabilities, Pedersen said. Breaking it down Special education funding is distributed in Washington using two key guidelines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, there is a cap on the percentage of a school districts student population that can receive extra dollars for special education services. Under current law, the state only provides additional funding for up to 16% of a districts student population. In other words, if 20% of a districts population requires special education services, the district cannot get additional money for the remaining 4%. Second, the state distributes an amount of money for each student enrolled in a school plus additional dollars for each special education student under a formula known as the multiplier. Both Senate Bill 5263, Pedersens bill, and Senate Bill 5307, sponsored by Sen. Lisa Wellman, D-Mercer Island, would remove the enrollment cap and increase the multiplier in order to drive more dollars to districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pedersens bill also simplifies the formula used by the state to determine how much will be provided per student. Both bills also look to make it easier for districts to qualify for additional special education dollars through a safety net program run by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Neither proposal is cheap. The bill from Pedersen and Braun carries a $1.64 billion price tag for the next two-year budget, according to a fiscal analysis. That grows to $1.93 billion in the 2027-29 biennium. Wellmans bill, which Reykdal requested, would cost a little less $1.55 billion in the next budget and $1.83 billion in the 2027-29 period. The other stuff In addition to special education, materials, supplies and operating costs called MSOC in state budget lingo are also weighing on districts finances. These costs, which cover non-employee-related expenses tied to a districts daily operations, have been on the rise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Twina Nobles, D-Fircrest, has authored Senate Bill 5192 to increase the states allotment for this line item by $300 million. And on student transportation, Wellman introduced Senate Bill 5187 to come up with a new funding model that pays districts an amount that more accurately reflects mileage and ridership. Wellman, who chairs the Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee, said when lawmakers worked on getting the state in compliance with McCleary, it was understood that special education, transportation and MSOC are part of basic education. This has got to be our number one responsibility. It is the paramount duty of the state, she said. We intend to honor that duty. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX (Bloomberg) -- TikToks Chinese parent company has just over two months to find a buyer for the apps US business or face a nationwide ban, after getting a time extension from President Donald Trump. There is already competition to own it. Most Read from Bloomberg Any purchase would have to satisfy the governments national security concerns over its owner, ByteDance Ltd., and its ties to China. So far, the company hasnt been able to solve that problem, and has been resistant to being acquired. Its taken so long to find a solution that the app almost was banned on Jan. 19, per US law. Instead of enforcing the law, Trump issued an executive order delaying the ban and giving ByteDance 75 more days for a sale. I have a warm spot for TikTok that I didnt have originally, Trump said while signing the order from the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear whether ByteDance is open to selling the popular video service; it has spent most of the past year rejecting the idea of a sale, which could fetch upwards of $50 billion. Bill Ford, a ByteDance board member and Chief Executive Officer of General Atlantic, told Bloomberg Television that the company thinks there may be solutions short of having to sell. It also remains to be seen whether Trumps extended deadline will pass legal scrutiny. According to the national security law, an extension for the sales process was only allowable if a deal was already in progress, and no such agreement has been announced. Still, there will be no shortage of interested acquirers for TikTok. The app boasts 170 million monthly US users and has become a major driver of culture and politics among young Americans. Trump prides himself on his deal-making abilities, and in this case his vote matters: Any purchase agreement for TikTok will require his approval and assurance that the new arrangement does, in fact, satisfy the countrys national security concerns. So who will buy TikTok? Heres a list of known suitors and others who could potentially be vying for the app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who Has Already Said They Want to Buy TikTok? Frank McCourt and Kevin OLeary McCourt, a billionaire and former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has teamed up with Shark Tank investor Kevin OLeary on a bid for TikTok, which they say has already been submitted. McCourt, whos worth $2.4 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, said that the group does not need to buy the software algorithm that recommends content to TikTok users. This could make his bid more appealing to ByteDance and the Chinese government, which are unlikely to sell that proprietary technology. McCourt also suggested this week that hed be open to an arrangement that includes involvement from the US government. Im OK with whatever is legal, he told CNBC. MrBeast Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The popular YouTuber, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is talking to several investment groups that are trying to buy the app. That includes one group led by tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, founder of Employer.com, which announced a bid this week and included Donaldson on its list of investors. Donaldson, though, is spreading his chips around. Several potential buyers are having ongoing discussions with Jimmy, but he has no exclusive agreements with any of them, a spokesperson told Bloomberg. Donaldson will play more of an operational role than a financial role in any bid, his spokesperson added. Who Are Trumps Preferred TikTok buyers? Elon Musk Musk is not only the richest man in the world his net worth is $440 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index but hes also one of Trumps top advisors and the owner of another social networking company, X, the site formerly known as Twitter. Most importantly, Chinese government officials have also discussed the idea of Musk owning TikTok. He may be one of the few potential acquirers that could get necessary approvals from officials in both the US and Beijing. Trump was asked this week if he was open to Musk buying the service. I would be if he wanted to buy it, the President replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Larry Ellison Trump also said that he would be open to Oracle Corp. Chairman Larry Ellison owning the platform. Id like Larry to buy it, too, he said at the same event this week with Ellison standing just a few steps away. Ellison, who is worth $209 billion, has supported Trump, as has Oracles CEO Safra Catz, which could make a deal more likely. Oracle is also a major tech and infrastructure partner for TikTok and already stores the apps US data. When Trump tried to force a sale of TikTok four years ago toward the end of his first term, Oracle was selected by Trump to acquire TikTok before the deal fell apart. Oracle, though, is saddled with debt from a previous acquisition and is investing much of its spare cash in building data centers. The US Government Trump has said repeatedly that he wants TikTok to be partially owned by The United States of America. He suggested Tuesday that a new investor should buy the app and give half to the US in exchange for some kind of permit so that it can operate in the country. Its unclear how this arrangement might work, and there are limited examples of the US government taking a stake in a private business, or owning a powerful digital media company. Its also unclear whether such an arrangement would be approved by government officials in China, who are likely to have a say in any deal. Still, Trump believes he holds the power to force a new buyers hand and give the government a financial stake in TikToks future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who Else Might Want TikTok? Meta Meta Platforms Inc. already controls the largest stable of social networking products in the world, including Facebook and Instagram, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is better than arguably anyone at building massive audiences for such products online. The company already has an established advertising business that could benefit tremendously from adding TikToks app to its mix of services. Unfortunately for Meta, that success and dominance is exactly why a deal is unlikely. Meta is facing intense antitrust scrutiny, and federal regulators in the US are already trying to break the company up. Adding yet another social networking service of TikToks size is probably out of the question. Google Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Google already owns YouTube, the worlds premier video platform, and also has a robust advertising business that would pair nicely with TikTok. It has deep knowledge and experience with online video creators, which would make it an appealing landing spot for the people who make a living by posting videos to TikTok. But like Meta, Alphabet Inc.s Google is fighting antitrust allegations, and the US Justice Department found late last year that it illegally monopolized the online search market. The idea of regulators approving the addition of yet another major advertising platform is unlikely. Amazon Amazon.com Inc. already has experience operating a video service it owns streaming platform Twitch and has nearly $72 billion in cash or equivalents on its balance sheet. Also, Amazon is already a TikTok partner on shopping features, and could benefit from a deeper integration with TikTok Shop, the apps ecommerce arm. Amazon is known more for its utility, with its product search engine helping shoppers quickly find what they need and get on with their lives. TikTok would add dimensions in which Amazon has traditionally struggled, like discovery and inspiration. Its not clear that Amazon is interested in TikTok, but founder Jeff Bezos is developing a closer relationship with Trump that could help impact a possible deal; Bezos and his partner, Lauren Sanchez, joined Trumps inauguration this week, sitting just a few seats away from the president and his family. Microsoft Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last time TikTok was for sale four years ago, Microsoft Corp. was an early bidder for the service. Microsoft already owns LinkedIn, so it has some experience with social networking products. Still, CEO Satya Nadella called the sales process from 2020 the strangest thing hed ever worked on, and its not known if Microsoft would be willing to go through the bidding process a second time with Trump in the mix. Netflix Netflix Inc. has never done a major acquisition and has consistently said its not interested in them. But TikTok reportedly approached Netflix about a possible deal back in 2020, and while nothing materialized at the time, Netflix remains a logical option if the streaming giant changes its mind. Netflix stock is near an all-time high, and its possible that TikTok would give the company a new short-form video distribution platform to complement its professionally produced film and TV. It could also help Netflix access millions of young American consumers and help it better compete with YouTube. --With assistance from Brody Ford, Spencer Soper and Lucas Shaw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Tinley Park officials approved plans for a new shopping center southwest of Harlem Avenue and 191st Street, although nearby residents are expressing concerns about noise and a potential hit on their property values. Brookside Creek would include a grocery store and AutoNation car dealership as well as outlots. Village trustees vote last week to approve the plans and annex the property. The development would be directly south of the Brookside Marketplace shopping center, and near the Brookside Glen subdivision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overall site is more than 72 acres, and 55 acres on the west side that is in Will County are being annexed to Tinley Park, although much of the property cant be developed. A coffee shop with a drive-through window is planned along with a McDonalds, according to the village. Gas N Wash would be on an out lot closest to 191st, according to plans submitted to the village. The Tinley Park Plan Commission recommended approval Dec. 5 for Brookside Creek. Jennifer Vargas, whose home is near the site, said that she and other residents are not opposed to development on the property, but want to have input as to how it comes about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the McDonalds planned would be open 24 hours, as would the Gas N Wash. Vargas said residents are concerned about noise the 24-hour operations would create. Village Manager Pat Carr said a landscaped berm would be erected around the perimeter of the development and promised ongoing discussion with residents about screening, including fencing and landscaping, as development plans are finalized. The closest home to the property is a little more than 300 feet, according to the village. The development is planned for a portion of property once eyed for a high school by Lincoln-Way High School District 210. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It had over the years been proposed as as site for retailers including Walmart and more recently a Woodmans Food Market. Vargas said that increased traffic and potential impact on property values are concerns of she and other residents. If this does happen and our housing values go down, where do we turn? she asked. Gas N Wash has several locations in the Chicago area, including in Tinley Park and Mokena. In Tinley Park, it recently opened at the northeast corner of La Grange Road and 183rd Street, and also has stores at 7451 183rd St. and 19420 Harlem Ave. Gas N Wash also has a location in Mokena at the northwest corner of 191st and 88th Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the annexation agreement, Tinley Park would foot the bill to install a four-way intersection with stoplights at Market Place Drive, which is west of Harlem and east of 76th Avenue. The village would also pay for widening 191st to add turn lanes. An annexation agreement with the property owner, GSP Development, also calls for the village to coordinate with the property owners engineers on the design and construction of five stormwater detention basins and improvements to storm sewers on the property planned for development. Once built, the basins would be the property owners responsibility to maintain, according to the agreement, which would be in effect for 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Brookside Creek development doesnt include the hard corner of Harlem and 191st, which is owned by Webster Property Group. The property was zoned and approved in 2016 for a nearly 20,000-square-foot retail center, although plans never advanced. The property owner indicated the site is under contract with Quick Trip for a gas station and convenience store. In December 1996, Lincoln-Way acquired the parcel where Brookside Creek is planned for $2.9 million with plans to put Lincoln-Way North there. In early 2022, Tinley Park paid $1.5 million to District 210 for the property, which in the past had been eyed for large-scale commercial development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a sale approved by Tinley Parks Village Board in April 2022, GSP Development paid the village $1.7 million for the land where Brookside Creek is planned. An 2020 appraisal of the property for District 210, by Chicago-based Appraisal Associates, said 23 of the 72 acres of the site are considered developable, and estimated the market value for the 72 acres at $1.55 million. The firm said that the future development potential of the site is negatively impacted by a pipeline easement, flood plan and stormwater requirements. Tinley Park said those constraints delayed development plans for the property moving forward. mnolan@southtownstar.com BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) In the midst of Tuesdays snowstorm, residents in Bay County faced a tough commute. Behind the scenes, technology played a key role in making the roads safer. The countys traffic management center helped ensure smoother travel and faster response time for road closures, emergencies, and snow removal. Using a network of sensors, cameras, and adaptive systems local authorities were able to monitor road conditions and manage traffic efficiently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drone footage of Downtown Panama City after effects of winter snow storm Were not waiting for a call. We can work with law enforcement to handle issues in the field without going in the field. So when we saw snow and ice on Hathaway, and on DuPont and West Bay, the different bridges, we alerted F D.O.T. Even this morning we saw we had black ice underneath the flyover for the turn lane to go into Thomas Drive, Bay County Chief Infrastructure Officer Keith Bryant said. The systems cameras cover from the west end of the beaches, east to Tyndall Air Force base, and north on Highway 231 to the Bay County line. These 140 traffic cameras are managed by staff 16 hours a day, five days a week, and also on weekends or during special events when necessary, such as the recent weather event that we had. During the storm, the traffic images were available not only to the staff in the TMC, but also to other agencies, other stakeholders, and even citizens that could pull up these images and evaluate those conditions in real-time, Bay County Traffic Engineering Division Manager Cliff Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When county officials needed help filing the gaps in coverage the Florida Department of Transportation stepped in. To keep up with the countys growth, local officials say theyd like to add more cameras in the future. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) After inauguration night, President Donald Trump wasted no time getting to the Oval Office to pardon roughly 1,500 people charged following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach, including several Tennesseans. Stewart Parks was among those charged and spent more than five months at the Federal Correction Institute in Memphis. Parks was in Washington Monday when he got the call that hed been pardoned ahead of his supervised release, which would have been August. RELATED: Tennesseans included in Trumps Jan. 6 pardons Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After getting the news, he drove to Philadelphia to pick up fellow protesters who were still behind bars at the time. Parks told News 2 his group was peaceful and non-violent. January 6th changed my life forever. [I] lost friends, family members that dont even want to associate with me, even to this day, even after its been cleared, Parks said. I was in a state of shock. Its like a weights been lifted off my shoulder. Everything, all the injustice that was done towards me and many other people, has been completely wiped away as if nothing happened. It was the greatest news Ive ever heard. Not everyone agreed with the pardons. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reported more than 140 officers were assaulted during the events of Jan. 6, 2021, and the siege resulted in more than $2.8 million in damages. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Congressman Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) was at the Capitol during the breach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its a slap in the face to policemen everywhere, Cohen said. [Its a] slap in the face to law and order, and [a] slap in the face to each of the congresspeople and Im one of them that was in that Capitol and donned gas masks to get out of the House chamber. According to the DOJ, at least 27 Tennesseans were charged in connection with Jan. 6, 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 WKRN News 2. DECATUR Violent crime and knucklehead drivers are the two key priorities residents, in repeated surveys, have told the Decatur Police Department to deal with above all else, and the citys top cop says his officers are getting the job done. Police Chief Shane Brandel said statistics for 2024 show five recorded homicides, the lowest tally since 2016 and a dramatic drop from 2023, when there were 15. The department logged 99 shooting incidents and 33 people getting shot during the whole of last year, trending down from 2023s tally of 106 shootings and 57 gunshot victims. And its all a big change from 2021 when shootings hit a record high of 179 with 81 gunshot victims. That means the 2024 numbers represent a 45% decrease in the total of shooting incidents since that 2021 peak. A specialized police team targeting illegally possessed weapons seized 95 guns in 2024 and, in the last three years, have confiscated 248 illegally-owned firearms from the streets of Decatur. The long arm of the law also got busy with its radar guns: Speed enforcement traffic stops were recorded at 3,500 for 2024, a 14% jump from 2023 and up a huge 200% increase from 2021. And stops for illegal cell phone use in 2024 rose by 29% compared to 2023 and were up 137% over 2021. Traffic crashes logged in 2024 hit an 18-year low of 2,337 and are down 28% from a high of 3,244 recorded in 2007. Crashes involving personal injury were down 11% in 2024 compared to 2023, and the total last year of 392 is the lowest for 18 years. Crucial role Brandel said greater enforcement alone cant take the sole credit for this improving traffic picture, and also credits public awareness safety campaigns and safer vehicles. But he noted that greater enforcement targeting excessive speed and distracted driving the two big factors linked to crashes undoubtedly played a crucial role. So it's part of a combination of factors driving those numbers down, he added. He takes the same comprehensive approach to looking at factors pushing the trend downwards in violent crime and homicides. Brandel said he cant pin declining bloody crime rates to all those guns being removed by specialist units like the police departments Community Action Team, which targets illegally-owned firearms, but he said it's part of a winning approach to fighting crime. Again, there is a combination of factors in play, he said. The enforcement efforts by the department and its CAT team targeting violent gun offenders, that is one element. And the second element, which is not talked about as much in my opinion, is the new no-cash bail system. It has meant that these same violent offenders are now being detained whereas in the past they would have just bonded out and been right back on the street. But it isnt all good news, however. Burglaries in 2024 came in at 597, a 56% jump over the 2023 tally of 382. Brandel said the no-cash bail rules here, making it harder to detain repeat offenders for non-violent offences, were working against the public interest. Its becoming a revolving door for non-violent criminals, he said. Burglaries are on the rise and were clearly seeing that it has a direct relation to the fact that offenders are just being released again. He said if Illinois lawmakers would listen to police and prosecutors and make some changes to tighten up release rules for issues like repeat offenders, the states no-cash bail law could be a great model for the rest of the country. Department remodel Brandel said he has also worked on remodeling the operation of his department in 2024 to handle the response to non-emergency calls. He said those improvements led to a 34% reduction in response times to non-priority calls, part of a pattern of swifter response seen throughout all shifts. Overall, he said, his department which currently has 138 sworn officers handled 52,895 incidents of all kinds in 2024, a 5% rise over the total for 2023. Brandel said new technology is also helping police do their jobs and catch criminals faster. In 2024 the department began restructuring and reorganizing its Investigations Division and created a Tech Services Unit focusing on cell phone/computer analysis, digital mapping and the use of video systems for gathering evidence. He said the citys investment in the FLOCK license plate-reading camera network has been a major success, coupled with new sources of real-time information, like the increasingly sophisticated surveillance systems now protecting many private homes and businesses. In todays world of policing, technology is critical, Brandel said. Hes been backed by a Decatur City Council willing to put its hand in the taxpayers pocket to pay for new electronic crime-fighting tools, and the city leadership is pleased with the return on the public investment. Commenting on the overall crime and traffic enforcement figures, Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said, Its good news. It shows our police department has been focusing on what the community has been asking for: basically we want to stop the violence and we want to stop bad drivers. The mayor acknowledged that Decatur has suffered from a reputation for bad crime in the past, although she said that was frequently exaggerated by misinformation circulating on social media. She said these new, and real, crime statistics from the police department told the true story. So I ask that people look at the facts and these are the facts: the police are doing a really good job here and people are safe, Moore Wolfe added. Its not perfect, but were working on it. Lunar New Year is a festival beyond compare. Technically its a weekdetermined by the lunar calendar but always late January to mid-Februarybut for many, Chunjie (Spring Festival) is more like 40 days of celebrations. The travel involved has been called the largest annual human migration in the entire world. China holds 1.4 billion people (18.4 percent of the worlds total population, but whos counting?) and every year, nearly three billion people fan across the country, returning to their hometowns. Here are 10 essential things to know about this massive, annual event. Name that holiday The holiday is not celebrated just in mainland China and Hong Kong. For Chinese people, Lunar New Year is the Spring Festival, and its celebrated widely in Taiwan and across Southeast Asia in countries with large Chinese populations, such as Singapore and Malaysia. In Korea, the Lunar New Year is called Seollal; in Vietnam, Tet; and in Tibet, Losar. (Related: See Hong Kong like a Nat Geo Explorer.) A reveler burns joss sticks for incense at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur on the eve of the Lunar New Year. Photograph by MANAN VATSYAYANA, AFP/Getty Images Say Happy New Year! In Mandarin, theyll say gong xi fa cai (), wishing you a prosperous New Year. In Cantonese, its gong hey fat choi. Still, if you wish someone xin nian kuai le (), literally "Happy New Year," thats perfectly welcome, too. Hear firecrackers popping Leading up to and during the Spring Festival, the streets of Chinese cities used to sound like war zones, with firecrackers exploding all night. Following a big clampdown on people setting off their fireworks in urban areas, youll most likely only hear these sounds in smaller towns and the countryside. The firecrackers serve two purposes: One, theyre fun and celebratory; two, they were traditionally set off to scare away dragon-lion monster Nianwho, as legend has it, would attack villagers and sometimes eat children but could be frightened off by loud noises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Related: Learn about other top New Year's celebrations around the world.) Read the Chinese Zodiac signs This year is the Year of the Snake. There are twelve Chinese Zodiac signs, and these are taken far more seriously than a back-of-tabloid horoscope. Some signs, like the dragon, are coveted because dragons are considered authoritative, strong, and successful. Couples will aim to have babies in dragon years. Certain signs are said to match well with others: Dog (sincere, loyal, independent) and Rabbit (sensitive, modest, warm) are considered good pairings. Your sign is determined by birth yearusing the lunar calendarso if you were born between February 17, 1988, and February 5, 1989, youre a dragon. You would think your Zodiac year (benming nian, ) would be lucky, but its the opposite. Youll need to watch out for and ward off bad luck. Festive pig-themed decorations cover Yuyuan Garden ahead of the Lunar New Year in Shanghai, China. The Lunar New Year begins on February 5, 2019, marking the beginning of the Year of the Pig. Photograph by Qilai Shen, Bloomberg via Getty Images See red everywhere In traditional and contemporary Chinese culture, red represents prosperity and happiness. Its considered a lucky color, and people will wear it in celebration to usher in an auspicious new year and to keep away bad vibes. Jumpsuits, sweaters, trousers, scarves, socks, hats, anything is game. If its your Zodiac year you should wear more red than others, to buffer yourself from misfortune. In addition to being scared of loud noise, monster Nian fears the color red. So, maybe reds not your favorite color, or perhaps you want to be protected closely every day. Thats where red underwear becomes useful. Go into any department store from December through February, or stop at one of the many street stalls selling socks and underwear, and youll see pair after pair of red. Decorate for good fortune Walk around older neighborhoods in any Chinese city (or the countryside) and see peoples windows, walls, and doors adorned. Squares of red paper with white characters like (fu, good fortune) are pasted up diagonally. Red paper cuttings get taped onto windows so that passersby can admire them, and red banners (two vertical, with an optional third hanging horizontally) showcase Spring Festival couplets in gold. Likewise, in older neighborhoods, its not uncommon to see huge salt-cured fish hanging from power lines, drying next to the laundry. Symbolizing prosperity, fish is a must for Lunar New Year. Fish (, yu) is a homonym of (yu), meaning surplus or extra. In public buildings like offices, hotels, and malls, visitors will notice tasseled, red-paper lanterns strung up, and kumquat trees positioned for good luck and wealth. In Mandarin, a kumquat is called jinju (), and jin () is the word for gold. Children help to change lanterns for the upcoming year in an old building of Yangjia village in Lin'an, China. Exchange envelopes Hongbao (), literally "red packet," is a key element of Lunar New Year. The cash inside is considered lucky money for the upcoming year. Hongbao is generally given by elders to the younger generations, especially children, but if you earn well, its polite to share it with your parents and grandparents this time of year. If youre married, you must give hongbao; if youre single, you usually receive it. If invited to someones house for Lunar New Year and you know they have kids, its nice to put some cash into a hongbao. If youre traveling in the north, go for a round number; in the south, use lucky numbers (anything with six or eight). Dont give a multiple of four; the number is a homonym for death. Cut hair early Its nice to enter a new year without split ends, but for many people celebrating Spring Festival, its more than that. Before midnight on New Years Day, hair salons are abuzz with revelers, wishing to cut away last years bad luck and walk out with a clean, shiny slate. Then its no washing for 24 hours, to avoid scrubbing away the good luck. Lion dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the Ditan Park temple fair on the eve of the Lunar New Year in Beijing. Photograph by Feature China, Barcroft Media via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Related: Read about the young and lonely hearts of Chinas shrinking cities.) Join the fun Spring Festival is mostly celebrated at home, with family. Restaurants are closed, but leading up to the New Year, tuck into heaping plates of dumplings (, jiao zi)which sounds like (jiao zi); the second symbol, (jiao) means "exchange, (zi) is an abbreviation for 11 p.m to 1 a.m. So put together, youre exchanging the old year for the new with pillowy pockets of dough. With the ban on fireworks in cities, you wont be shooting off pop rockets (your ears will thank you). Short of inviting yourself to someones house for dinner, the best bet for participating is at fairs inside temples in Beijing. The largest takes place at Ditan Park, where a canopy of red lanterns is strung overhead and performances are held daily: Tibetan folk dancing, a reenactment of the imperial familys traditional harvest prayers, and magic shows entertain all ages. Handicrafts are for sale, including snacks like niangao (the holiday glutinous rice square) and jiaoquan (a savory cruller best dipped in doujiang, or fresh soy milk). Writer Sophie Friedman is based in Shanghai. Follow her travels on Twitter @friedmansophie. This article was originally published on February 4, 2019, and updated on January 24, 2025. After the wildfires ravaged whole swaths of Los Angeles, residents are battling a second crisis: finding temporary shelter amid rampant price gouging. Redfin chief executive Glenn Kelman said one of his agents lost her home to the fires that tore through Los Angeles. She found a home for rent, listed at $5,600 a month, he said. But when she called, the landlord had nearly doubled the price to $11,000 a month. So she drove down the southern California coast to search for a hotel in Orange County. The sudden scarcity of housing triggered by the devastating wildfire disaster has compounded an already agonizing situation for buyers and renters in Los Angeles. Those made vulnerable by the fires are encountering sky-high prices for permanent or even temporary housing. Not to mention, it has shined a light on the role real estate marketplaces and online brokerages play in preventing price gouging, particularly in situations where people are homeless, desperate, and cant shop around or wait for something better or less expensive to pop up. People are trying to find a place just to live for the week, Kelman told me. Forget about buying their forever home, theyre looking for shelter. Redfin is taking the rare step of offering representation for rentals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Celebrity realtors and California elected officials have issued stern warnings about price gouging; the law prohibits it and offenders could go to jail. In a press conference, California Attorney General Rob Bonta talked about fire victims preyed upon by greedy businesses and landlords. Bonta made it clear he would hold guilty parties accountable, calling them predators. The AG has already filed charges against a real estate agent for attempting to price gouge. Still, it doesnt seem to have stopped all landlords from attempting to profit from the crisis. People are fighting back and some are trying to track would-be offenders with what appears to be a spreadsheet of rentals that were priced excessively in the aftermath of the fires (that are still not totally contained) making its rounds on social media. Everything is charged: landlords who see opportunity, sellers who lost their homes before contracts were finalized, and agents dealing with their own personal tragedies, Kelman explained. In one case, a client withdrew their listing because it was their second home, but it became their only home after the fires, he shared. The buyer was sort of indignant, they were close to buying it, the buyer needed a place, Kelman said. The seller said, Look, I cant make myself homeless right now. Benjamin Reznik, a partner at Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell and chair of the firms government, land use, environment and energy department, explained that real estate services companies are subject to California price-gouging laws which fall under the penal code section. The law is sweeping: it refers to the actors as persons, businesses, or other entities. In Rezniks view, the law is intended to be very broad in its application for any party involved in the chain of the rental and home-buying business. For price gouging purposes, it is their duty to monitor what is posted to their platforms, Reznik explained, otherwise theyre risking committing crimes in California. Still, there isnt a precedent for holding such companies responsible, he explained, but that doesnt mean it couldnt happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the other hand, Timothy Reimers, a partner at law firm Sheppard Mullin, explained that, because there isnt a case for it, it could be a stretch to go after such companies. The law, Reimers said, doesnt put it on online real estate platforms to stop price gougingbut there could be a liability risk if they knowingly post listings that are priced excessively. So if someone lists an apartment for rent and Redfin thinks its priced too high, should it refuse to list it? Kelman said: Were constrained on this. Whats uncomfortable for us is when one of our clients wants to take advantage of a situation, he said. Its almost like were representing you in court, but the position that youre taking isnt one were comfortable with. So there have been plenty of instances where weve told clients that somebody will represent you on that, but it shouldnt be us. We just try to have those conversations before we put a sign in their yard, Kelman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redfin shared that it received a handful of reports about potential price gouging. It instructed customers to report them to the Multiple Listing Service for removal. Redfin is using its own data to identify a set of listings that potentially violate the price-gouging law to bring those to the attention of their landlords. It encourages people to report to the attorney general, too. For its part, Zillow said it has taken down hundreds of listings since the fires began. That means using its internal systems to flag potential violations and removing listings with price increases that exceed the threshold. It encourages people to report any suspected violations to Zillow and state authorities. The California attorney general press office said it encourages online platforms to take down illegal listings and work with state and local law enforcement to address misconduct on their platforms. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian security official Sergei Shoigu warned in an interview published on Friday that the risk of an armed clash between nuclear powers was rising. Shoigu, the secretary of President Vladimir Putin's Security Council, told TASS news agency: "Against the backdrop of increasing conflict and aggravation of geopolitical rivalry in the world, the risks of a violent clash between major states, including with the participation of nuclear powers, are growing." The former defence minister said that NATO was increasing activities on its eastern flank, close to Russia and Belarus, and rehearsing offensive as well as defensive scenarios there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO says it is Russia that is raising tensions, including by announcing in 2023 that it was deploying tactical nuclear weapons in its ally Belarus, which borders three NATO countries. Shoigu said that Russia, which sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, and Belarus were taking preventive measures against Western attempts aimed at "destabilizing the situation... from within". He reiterated that Belarus was now under the protection of Russia's nuclear arsenal, as a consequence of changes that Putin announced last year to Russia's doctrine on the use of nuclear weapons. "The Russian 'nuclear umbrella' now ensures the protection of our closest ally in the same framework scenarios in which Russia allows a nuclear response for its own defence," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Namely, when repelling an attack using weapons of mass destruction or aggression using conventional weapons that creates a critical threat to sovereignty or territorial integrity." (Reporting by Reuters, Writing by Mark Trevelyan, Editing by Timothy Heritage) Greg Bolin returned to his home in Paradise, Calif., to find his wife in tears. She had been watching news coverage of the firestorms in Los Angeles. Its just exactly these people, theyre lost. They dont know where to go, Bolin recalled her saying. The memories all rushed back. The couple had barely escaped the devastating 2018 Camp fire that killed 85 while they were stuck trying to flee on gridlocked roads, propane tanks exploded on nearby properties and ash rained from the sky. Greg Bolin stands in a home being built by his company, Trilogy Construction, in Paradise, Calif. (Tomas Ovalle/For the Times) Bolin, the vice mayor of the town at the time, spent the night at a friends place alongside five other displaced families. Like most in Paradise, his home was decimated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paradise still has not fully recovered, but many wildfire safety advocates have praised the towns response to the fire. In an interview with The Times, Bolin who runs a construction business and served as mayor for two years after the fire shared the lessons he learned from Paradises recovery and offered advice for Angelenos. Building safer, better neighborhoods After the fire abated, Paradise's town council adopted an ambitious and extensive long-term recovery plan that has become the towns guiding light for the last half decade. The recovery plan called for a one-stop-shop housing and permitting center in town, and instructed the town to apply for financial support for homeowners rebuilding projects. It also directed the town to improve fire safety through stricter home hardening and defensible space requirements, large-scale vegetation management projects, and redesigned evacuation routes and notification systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As talk about significant fire safety updates remain taboo in L.A. , Bolin views the tough conversations around how to rebuild differently nonnegotiable. Its not an option, he said. This has to happen. If this doesnt happen, were not coming back. In the aftermath, Paradise's government came under scrutiny for haphazard evacuation-road planning and a spotty emergency alert system , which contributed what would become the deadliest wildfire in state history . Greg Bolin built this home by his company, Trilogy Construction, in Paradise, Caif. (Tomas Ovalle/ For the Times) The town has since worked to eliminate dead-end roads, build new evacuation routes and expand existing ones. Paradise has also worked to bolster its emergency notification system, adding phone and radio alerts and 21 siren towers that can be heard anywhere in town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not everyone in Paradise is happy. Some residents whose homes burned down still live in temporary housing on properties they own but can't afford to rebuild on until they receive settlement money for the fire. They have criticized the town for pushing them to essentially either start building or leave. Bolin told The Times in 2023 that these critiques were unfounded, and that Paradise was doing everything it can to help lower-income residents. Id like to make some rosy statement that theres some trick to it, he said, but theres not. Its just a lot of work. Healing a broken community Youve got to get your schools, your churches and your businesses open yesterday, Bolin recalled the Federal Emergency Management Agency telling him after the fire. If you dont, people will have nothing to do, and kids will have nothing to rally around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the fire, Paradises churches jumped in to help with fire relief, and the town made a point to bring back its annual town parade as quickly as possible, Bolin said. Paradise also rebuilt virtually all of its schools and used the opportunity to significantly upgrade the facilities. As a result, the former mayor said, a disproportionate number of the residents who returned were those with children. You know, I appreciate [FEMA] saying it, because it did make a big difference, he said. That was huge, to build community, L.A. lost dozens of beloved restaurants, schools and keystone religious institutions in the Palisades and Eaton fires. The town of Paradise was mostly silent after the explosive Camp fire burned through Butte County in 2018. (Los Angeles Times) Longtime Pacific Coast Highway resident Cami Colbert, processing the loss of the roadways iconic Reel Inn and Wylies bait shop, said the neighborhood felt lonely. In Altadena, the Rev. Carri Patterson Grindon was left devastated by the loss of her church. But amid all the ruins, the preschool still stood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this horrific landscape, it was a beacon of hope, a gift to build upon, she said. For Bolin, part of the process was accepting that Paradise would never look the same, and that the trauma from the fire means some life-long locals won't return. Theres people that still wont even drive up the hill because of the PTSD," he said. "They cant even look at this place because its nothing like it was before." FEMA told Bolin after the fire that at least a third of the town would likely leave, and at least another third would likely stay. Then theres that middle 33%, Bolin said. Thats who youre fighting for. Turning pain into progress Those who stayed were eager to talk about solutions and get to work. Town council meetings were so well attended that the council moved them into a nearby church that could hold about 2,200 people. Each meeting was packed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those werent fun," Bolin said. It was vicious.... But it was all part of the healing process. Bolin cautioned that, at some point, the finger-pointing has to evolve into constructive brainstorming if a community wants to make progress. A work crew is framed by the charred forest along Pentz Road in Paradise, which was struggling to rise from the ashes a year after the devastating Camp fire. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He referenced L.A.s water pressure as an example. Two things can be true, he said: Officials and leaders werent adequately ready, and there isnt a water system in the world that could control those fires. At first, youre angry and youre mad at everybody and so youre just losing it, he said. The politics of it all it was very, very frustrating and very hard for me to watch. But eventually, we got our feet underneath us." As emotions settled, the town council brought on an urban planning firm to develop a tangible recovery plan. Then, they began asking residents: What would it take for you to move back and feel safe? The town came up with dozens of suggestions that, bundled together, became the foundation of Paradises long-term recovery plan. Hope for Angelenos' future Residents of Paradise now have fundamentally more fire-conscious lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evacuation zone numbers are clearly marked along all major roadways, making it nearly impossible to not know which zone youre in. The towns cozy, shaded forest atmosphere has opened up to reveal sweeping views of canyons and mountains. Locals face stronger home-hardening requirements and hefty fines for failing to clear the brush from their yards. A sign has a poignant message in Paradise. (Tomas Ovalle/For The Times) For Bolin, its part of the deal when you live in a fire-prone community close to or fully immersed in Californias wildlands. His advice to Angelenos is to accept that reality. You guys have no choice, he said. If you dont change those things and do that differently youre just setting yourself up for another one. Even with Paradises recovery progress, Bolin is still conscious of the threat future fire poses. Were still in the experimental stages. Were only six years out, he said. But the fire cycle is typically 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in spite of the pain and fear, Bolin remains relentlessly hopeful in recovery. There is a path back. Its going to take time. Youre going to have to be patient, he said. But many people here have said, How many times do you get to be a part of bringing back a community? I wouldnt miss that for the world, he said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A lawsuit filed in Henry County last week alleges that Evergy and other companies are responsible for toxic chemicals and carcinogens around their now defunct power plant near Montrose, Missouri. The plaintiff, Bill Steward, appeared in Henry County Commissioners Court on Tuesday. Ive abandoned my house. I dont live there, he told the commissioners. Its in my home, its in my cars, its in my water. Its in the wells, and it needs to be stopped today. People are sick. My kids are sick. People that go out there and test and go around that lake get sick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats at the heart of the suit is a byproduct of coal-fired power plants called fly ash. The EPA says the powder is a carcinogen but can be used to make ready-mix concrete and other construction materials. The suit says the Montrose plant would put their fly ash into unlined and uncovered ponds until 2020, when it continues to allege that they excavated more than 75,000 cubic yards of fly ash from the ponds and left it on the ground and in landfills at the site. Cass County Sheriffs Office plans new law enforcement memorial Court documents say that Evergy and the other defendants, disturbed and failed to adequately manage fly ash at the Evergy Site, causing fly ash to migrate through air, soil and water to properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They dont care about us, Steward said. Weve got Parkinsons, weve got throat cancer, brain tumors weve got all these things going on and weve ignored it. County Commissioner Mark Larson agreed. This needs to be handled immediately, he responded to Steward in Tuesdays meeting. Because its not like its going to blow and go away or its going to disappear, its here. FOX4 obtained and confirmed testing results done around the Montrose plant in late 2024. The results from one sample of drinking water showed that the amount of Radium 226 and total radium exceeded the Missouri Department of Natural Resources default testing limit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The environmental science and engineering firm also tested 15 soil samples from around the community and found that all of the samples exceeded the default testing limit for hexavalent chromium and lead, both toxic carcinogens. Some samples exceeded limits for arsenic, boron, cobalt and one exceeded the limit for selenium. Evergy released a statement to FOX4 saying the following: We learned today of the discussions at the January 21st Henry County Commission meeting and the decision by the Davis R-12 School Board to close for the remainder of this week. The safety of the Henry County community, and all communities where Evergy operates, is our top priority. We are working to obtain and analyze the test results that were discussed at the meeting and we have reached out to the Commission and school district to begin a dialogue and better understand their concerns. The Montrose site conducts all required groundwater testing and is in full compliance with all state and federal regulations. Additionally, the site has a dust control plan that includes twice-daily visual observations to confirm the absence of dust leaving the property and compliance with our dust mitigation actions. As recently as August 2024, MDNR inspected our site and confirmed it is in compliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the chemicals discussed at the Henry County Commission are frequently found in materials commonly used in and around Missouri. For example, these materials can be found in gypsum which is frequently used in agriculture, as well as in cement and paint thinner. Additionally, many of these chemicals are naturally occurring in the soil and rocks. We have contacted MDNR to ensure they are aware of the issue. We are committed to working with the Henry County Commissioners, school district and local community to understand the situation and will continue to make the safety of our communities our top priority. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BREWSTER COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A routine traffic stop on Thursday night resulted in a major drug bust and the arrest of one man. Credit: Brewster County Sheriffs Office Page According to officials, on Thursday night, January 23, a Brewster County Deputy stopped a vehicle for a defective headlight. Officials said that during the stop, the deputy conducted a consensual search of the vehicle, which revealed a hidden compartment containing 93 bundles of marijuana. Additionally, officers found a small amount of heroin inside the vehicle. The driver, identified as Imanol Guadalupe Mercado Cervantes, was then arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana and was booked into the Brewster County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. The Treasury Department on Friday officially removed U.S. sanctions against dozens of Israeli groups and individuals accused of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank as part of President Donald Trumps major reversal of Biden-era policy in the region. The action carries out Trumps Day One move to rescind former President Joe Bidens February 2024 executive order that authorized the financial sanctions as punishment for Israeli individuals and settler groups accused of violence against Palestinian people or destroying their property. The rollback of the sanctions policy was part of Trumps reversal of dozens of Biden-era executive orders and actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sanctions had cut the Israeli settlers and organizations off from U.S. financial institutions and froze their assets in U.S. bank accounts. In a statement on Friday, Treasury said that all property and interests that had been frozen by the Biden-era sanctions has now been unblocked. The Biden administration last February took a range of steps, including financial sanctions, to address the violence against Palestinian people and property in the West Bank that had exploded since the Israel-Hamas war that began following the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack against Israel. The European Union and United Kingdom have taken similar steps to impose sanctions targeting violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. The sanctions were strongly opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as many Congressional Republicans. Trump is expected to take a far more permissive approach to Israels expansion of settlements in the West Bank than Biden did. During his first term, the Trump administration reversed longstanding U.S. policy that Israeli settlements in the West Bank were a violation of international law. A state police trooper went to the hospital after a driver struck his cruiser while the trooper was at the scene of another crash on the F.E. Everett Turnpike, state police said Thursday. Michael Crissis, 86, of Nashua, driving a Nissan Altima, failed to move over and struck Trooper Mark Lingermans cruiser from behind on Wednesday night, state police said. Lingerman was inside his cruiser when it was hit. He was taken by ambulance to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center to be evaluated for suspected minor injuries, state police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 6:14 p.m. Wednesday, Lingerman responded to the F.E. Everett Turnpike, northbound in the split lanes of Exit 4, to investigate a crash. Lingerman used his state police cruiser to shut down the right lane. The cruisers emergency lights were activated, state police said. Crissis was not hurt, state police said. No other vehicles were involved in the crash. Anyone with additional information about the crash is asked to contact Sgt. Kyle Foster at 603-223-4381 or Kyle.B.Foster@dos.nh.gov. 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 As interest in hunting alligators rises, state wildlife officials are concerned that too many of the largest gators in South Carolina are being killed by sportsmen seeking to land big animals for their trophy collections. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources says alligator hunters have become more sophisticated at stalking the popular reptiles, using air boats, sonar devices and other equipment that makes it easier to find the largest gators. That, they suspect, is taking a toll on the numbers of huge gators, generally considered to be 10 feet or longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve got to be careful about how we impact these large animals, DNR biologist Morgan Hart said. We are already seeing a trend, a decline in the number of really large alligators that are being harvested. The DNR thinks the reason harvest numbers for large gators are going down is because there are fewer huge reptiles to hunt. The success hunters have had at locating and killing massive gators in the past has created the apparent shortage, DNR officials say. Hart, in a presentation to the agencys board earlier this month, said it takes decades for alligators to grow into large animals. So it can be a long time before populations rebound from over-hunting, she said. Gators can live to be more than 60 years old. If were not careful, were not conservative, we may lose them to a point that it would be very hard for them to recover from, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through the years, hunters have landed some massive gators in South Carolina. Among them was a Massachusetts woman who, at Lake Moultrie in 2010, killed a 13.5 foot gator that weighed 1,025 pounds. She and her husband fought the alligator for more than two hours, according to news reports. In 2022, one Lowcountry business that processes alligators for meat and hides reported working on a gator that was 13 feet long. The 625-pound reptile was killed in Lake Marion. Alligators are today a well-known part of the southern landscape, extending from east Texas through the Deep South to the Virginia border. The gator is the largest reptile in North America and the species health often indicates whether the swamps, marshes and rivers they live in are healthy and pollution free. As a result of habitat loss and hunting, gators were listed as a government protected endangered species from 1973-1987, according to the DNR. Protection efforts helped rebuild alligator populations to sustainable levels throughout the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina has an estimated 100,000 alligators that live from the Columbia area to the coast. The number of alligators is enough to justify a public hunting season in parts of September and October, state officials say. But while the overall population has remained stable, the agency says big gators are in potential jeopardy. The number of alligators harvested that exceed 10 feet long is generally down since South Carolina began allowing public gator hunts sixteen years ago, DNR statistics show. In 2009, hunters killed about 70 alligators that were 10 feet long, with the number rising to nearly 80 by 2011. But in 2023, the latest year of which statistics were available, hunters harvested fewer than 50 alligators that were 10 feet long. That number was up slightly from 2022, but the overall trend remains down. Similar trends have been tracked for gators exceeding 10 feet in length, DNR data show. At the same time, the number of people applying to participate in public alligator hunts has risen from 4,000 to nearly 12,000 since 2016, according to data Hart presented at the Jan. 16 DNR board meeting. People seeking to hunt alligators in South Carolina are chosen through a lottery system, meaning only a select few gain approval. About 1,000 people are selected to hunt alligators each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, 30 percent of the 380 alligators harvested in 2023 during public hunts were 10 feet or larger, DNR data show. The average-sized alligator killed ranged from 9.6 feet in the Columbia-Sumter area to eight feet in the Pee Dee region of eastern South Carolina. Its important for the state to have large alligators for multiple reasons. Among them: the biggest reptiles create habitat for an array of species when they dig out gator holes near stream banks. Those holes, which are like ponds, provide water other animals need during times of drought. And large alligators prey on many species, including smaller gators a fact that helps keep the state from having an overabundance of alligators, said Jay Butfiloski, a wildlife biologist at the DNR who tracks the issue. Despite the ferocious reputation of alligators some have killed people who ventured too close to ponds state officials say its vital to maintain the largest reptiles because they are a part of nature. Alligators are found throughout the South Carolinas coastal plain. This gator at Kiawah Island was sunning itself by a golf course water hole. Just because they scare us is not a reason we should exterminate them, said Butfiloski, a DNR wildlife biologist who coordinates the agencys alligator and fur-bearing animal programs. They serve an important niche in the whole scheme of things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brad Taylor, a former DNR official who now guides hunts for alligators, said many outdoors people want to harvest gators, regardless of the size. But some are more interested in the big ones. Taylor takes about 30 hunting parties out each year for gators. People from New Mexico to Michigan are among those hes taken alligator hunting. The DNR says people from almost every state have participated in South Carolina alligator hunts, For many people, this is a once in lifetime opportunity to catch a 13-foot alligator, Hart said. Its an adrenaline-pumping, very exciting thing to do. Taylor said he understands the DNRs concerns and supports an agency plan that will protect the biggest gators from over-hunting, while increasing the number of people allowed to hunt smaller alligators. The DNR plans to increase by about 400 the number of tags it issues for hunters to label gators they kill, bringing the total number of approvals to about 1,000. But the extra 400 tags will be only for gators no longer than 8 feet. While the state does not plan to reduce the harvest of large gators, it also will not include larger gators in the effort to increase hunting overall. The new rules are expected to go into effect this fall. Hunters will be supportive because what the DNR is proposing is additional opportunities, Taylor said. TORONTO (AP) Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday American consumers will pay more whenever President Donald Trump decides to apply sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Thursday that he still plans to tariff Canada and Mexico at 25% rates starting as soon as Feb. 1. Trump previously threatened to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China as soon as he took office but the tariffs weren't applied on day one. Trudeau said if Trump does go forward "whether it be back on Jan. 20th, on Feb. 1st or Feb. 15th as a Valentines Day present, or on April 1st or whenever Canada will respond with retaliatory tariffs and "prices for American consumers on just about everything will go up." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont think he wants that, Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa. By targeting Americas second largest trading partner after Mexico, Trump risks upending the markets for autos, lumber and oil all of which could carry over quickly to consumers. The premier of oil-rich Alberta, Danielle Smith, said Americans in some states could pay more than a dollar per gallon more for gas if Trump puts the tariff on Canadian oil. Despite Trumps repeated claim that the U.S doesnt need Canada, nearly a quarter of the oil America consumes per day comes from Canada. Americas northern neighbor also has 34 critical minerals and metals that the U.S. is eager for and is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The U.S. should be working even more with Canada on our energy, on our critical minerals, on the goods they need to deliver the economic growth that Donald Trump has promised, Trudeau said. That is our first choice. If they do move forward on tariffs we are ready to respond in a strong way but in a way ... to figure out how to get them removed as soon as possible." Canada is looking at putting retaliatory tariffs on American orange juice, toilets and some steel products if Trump follows through with his threat. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, Canada announced billions of dollars in new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum Everything is on the table." Trudeau said. "It would be bad for Canada, but it would also be bad for American consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian dollars ($2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Trudeau said Trump remains preoccupied with the border. The U.S. president told reporters at the White House earlier this week that, in his opinion, the amount of fentanyl coming through Canada and Mexico is massive." We have highlighted that less than one percent of illegal drugs coming into the United States, less than one percent of migrants going into the United States come from Canada but were still investing over a billion dollars and strengthening our border, Trudeau said. Trump continues to erroneously cast the U.S. trade deficit with Canada a natural resource-rich nation that provides the U.S. with commodities like oil as a subsidy. Trump incorrectly claims the U.S. has a $200 billion" trade deficit. We're not going to have that anymore. We can't do that, Trump said in a virtual appearance at the World Economic Forum. You can always become a state, and if you're a state, we don't have a deficit. We won't have to tariff you. Donald Trumps second term in office is getting off to a good start for China. The new US president has so far refrained from acting on his threat to slap hefty tariffs on China, told business and political leaders at an economic forum in Davos that the two countries could have a very good relationship and reportedly expressed interest in visiting the Chinese capital in the months ahead. Trump even gave a 75-day reprieve to Chinese-owned app TikTok and signaled he would look to dilute a law requiring the company divest its American business or be banned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All this adds up to a strong signal that the returning president is willing to talk and cut deals with China. At least for now. That is welcome news for Beijing, which has been bracing for a tumultuous period in US-China relations as Trump stacked his cabinet with China hawks and campaigned on levying high tariffs on all Chinese imports to the US. China realizes thats there an opportunity to negotiate with Trump, said political scholar Liu Dongshu of the City University of Hong Kong. And a better US-China relationship is more important to China than to United States so China is eager to engage. Stakes are high for Beijing, as a tit-for-tat trade war like the one during Trumps last administration would hit Chinas ailing export-reliant economy at a bad time. And Chinese leaders have been keen to seize on the opportunity to soften Trumps hard line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xi called for a new starting point in US-China ties during a call with Trump days ahead of the inauguration and dispatched Vice President Han Zheng to the US capital to attend the swearing-in ceremony, the seniormost Chinese official ever to attend such an event. Meanwhile at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said China wants to promote balanced trade, not surplus with the world striking a note that appeals directly to Trumps chief complaint about the relationship between the two largest economies. But Chinas policymakers are also under few illusions about how quickly the tenor of US-China relationship could change and are likely carefully calculating how to use the current breathing room to negotiate with the art of the deal president in the months ahead. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, left, attends the inauguration of President Donald Trump in Washington on January 20. - Shawn Thew/AP Containing the tariff threat? Looming over this period of tone-setting is a phase one trade deal brokered during the last Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2020 deal marked a truce in a tit-for-tat trade war that saw Trump heighten or impose tariffs on hundreds of billions of Chinese imports to the US an act he claimed would level the playing field with China and that has largely stayed in place since. Now that deal, which analysts say Beijing never fully implemented, is part of a larger probe of US-China economic and trade relations that Trump called for in an executive order on his first day in office. The review will guide whether the White House imposes duties on China but is expected to take months. That gives Beijing time to build a relationship with Trump, entertain him in Beijing or push for a pre-emptive deal to avert more severe economic penalties. In an interview with Fox News that aired Thursday, Trump described tariffs as a tremendous power over China, but said he would rather not have to use them and thought the two countries could reach a trade deal. It also remains unclear whether Trump will deepen export controls on sensitive technologies implemented by former President Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China has realized Trump can be negotiated with, but he is a different, new Trump what we committed to last time may not satisfy his new desires, said Shanghai-based foreign affairs analyst Shen Dingli. This time, instead of being coerced into a tit-for-tat trade war by Trump, Beijing may do better to smile, stay calm, and start talking with him, Shen said. Tariffs on 10% of Chinese imports into the US could still come as early as next month in retaliation for what Trump described as the role played by Chinese suppliers in Americas fentanyl drug crisis. But those are a far cry from the 60% duties he campaigned on and observers of Chinas foreign policy say Beijing is likely looking at those threats as levers it could pull to mollify Trump. For example, Chinese officials could move to implement more of the existing phase one deal and further open Chinas huge market to foreign firms. They also could take additional actions to stem the export of precursor chemicals used to make the fentanyl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Chinas domestic debates about foreign policy, many pundits too are advocating dialogue and cooperation on the economy rather than hard lines. Jia Qingguo, a former dean of Peking Universitys prestigious School of International Studies, expressed as much in a recent interview with state-linked financial publication Yicai. Rather than adopting a blanket veto of all US proposals, China should analyze which issues require opposition and which can be cooperated on based on our own interests, he said. If Trump does visit Beijing in the coming months, a trip sources close to the president have suggested he is eyeing, that will also give Beijing a key opportunity to woo the US leader. Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcome US President Donald Trump with a ceremony outside Beijing's Great Hall of the People in 2017. - Li Tao/Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images Must not let our guard down But there are also very real limits to how much China can bend toward Trumps demands and skepticism within China about how possible it will be to cooperate with his administration. Xi pointed to those in his call with Trump a week ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The important thing is to respect each others core interests, the Chinese leader said, name-checking Taiwan, the self-ruling democracy Beijing claims and has vowed to take control of, as an issue the US needs to treat with prudence. On the other hand, there is a broad space of cooperation available on other areas, like economic ties, he intimated. Within China theres also debate about how the Chinese government should respond if the US president does begin to raise hefty tariffs against Chinese goods and signs Beijing is preparing for a potential fight. The country revamped its export control regulations late last year, sharpening its ability to restrict so-called dual-use goods. Its also already limited the export of certain critical minerals and related technologies that countries rely on to fabricate products from military goods to semiconductors another kind of leverage Beijing could use to fight tariffs. Meanwhile, any deal-making between Beijing and Washington will not exist in a vacuum. Rather it will sit amid myriad tensions between the two sides on issues including Chinas human rights record, a competition for technological and military dominance, and the balance of power in Asia. A container ship is docked at the Yangshan Deepwater Port in Shanghai on January 20. - Qilai Shen/Bloomberg/Getty Images China is unlikely to tamp down on behaviors enflaming those tensions like its drive to modernize and expand its military and its ramped-up aggression pressing its territorial claims in the South China Sea and over Taiwan. And many US lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, unlike Trump, have given no sign they are willing to work with the country they see as the principal threat to Americas sole superpower status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, for example, lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill that would revoke Chinas preferential trade status with the United States, phase in steep tariffs and end a duty exemption for low-value Chinese imports. Chinese leaders, too, need to ensure that they look strong in their dealings with the US, both for their domestic audience and countries across the Global South, where Beijing aims to project leadership. So even as Chinese officials are welcoming overtures from a less combative Trump in week one of his presidency, theres skepticism within China that those warmer-than-expected signals will last. This does not mean that the China-US relationship is any easier; its just that the US approach has changed, Jin Canrong, deputy director of the China-US Research Center at Renmin University in Beijing, said in a video posted on his account on the social media platform Weibo. We must not let our guard down the US still views China as a strategic rival. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Donald Trump has accused Russia of stealing U.S. plans for a hypersonic missile during the administration of President Barack Obama, telling Fox News's Sean Hannity on Jan.23 that "some bad person gave them the design." "Russia stole the design, they got it from us," Trump said, adding the U.S. is developing "super hypersonic missiles... which is even a step better." Trump offered no evidence to back up his claim, but he previously raised the accusation in 2023, saying Russia had stolen plans for what he described as "super-duper missiles." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S., China, India, and Russia are the only countries to have developed hypersonic missiles, of which Russia's Zircon is reported to be the fastest. Moscow has previously said the Zircon hypersonic missile entered the arsenal of the Russian army in early 2023, claiming that it has a range of 6001,500 kilometers, can travel at Mach 9, and has a warhead weighing about 300-400 kilograms. Russia has used Zircon missiles originally designed as an anti-ship missile to attack Ukrainian cities, with the first recorded case being in February 2024. The Kremlin has previously denied accusations it stole hypersonic missile technology, insisting they have developed their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere, Trump said that he wanted to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as possible to end the war in Ukraine, Reuters reported on Jan. 23. Trump also said that he wanted to explore reductions in nuclear arms. "I really would like to be able to meet with President Putin soon to get that war ended," Trump said via video link, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. "Its a carnage. And we really have to stop that war." Later, speaking at the White House, Trump reiterated his readiness to meet Putin immediately. "Every day we dont meet, soldiers are being killed on the battlefield," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also claimed that President Volodymyr Zelensky had told him he was open to considering a deal to end the war. Read also: Investigation: How Russia profits from arms exports to Saudi Arabia despite sanctions Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. US President Donald Trump has reiterated his earlier claim that Russia stole a plan to create hypersonic missiles during the Barack Obama administration. Source: Trump in an interview with Fox News on Thursday, as reported by European Pravda Details: Trump said that Russia stole the project for developing hypersonic missiles from the US. "Russia stole the design; they got it from us," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Some bad person gave them the design," he said, adding that the United States will have super hypersonic missiles, "which is even one step better". He also promised that "we will have them starting fairly shortly". Background: Trump has spoken about this theft before. In 2023, he told supporters that Russia had stolen plans for "super-duper missiles". The Kremlin responded to these claims by saying that they had their own missile. In the past, Trump's former adviser John Bolton also claimed that the Russian side had stolen many technologies from the United States, including those for hypersonic weapons. On 23 January, Trump confirmed his intention to meet with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, calling the purpose of such a meeting to end the war in Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! The Trump administration is moving to potentially eliminate a Defense Department office tasked with helping commanders reduce civilian deaths from military operations. A memo dated Monday directs Army leaders to prepare to review the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence by February 21, ahead of a request to detach the office from the Army then have Congress abolish it, according to The New York Times, which obtained the document. As is routine in a new administration, the [Defense Department] Agency Review Team tasked the Army to review its programs and responsibilities, an Army spokeswoman told The Washington Post of the directive. The Army continues to fund and support the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The office came about after Trumps first defense secretary, James Mattis, ordered a study into civilian deaths from U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, after a New York Times investigation found civilian deaths in the campaign against ISIS may have been undercounted by a factor of 31. A 2023 law, signed by the Biden administration, later established the Center. The reported changes come amid speculation the Trump administration could loosen civilian protections and rules of engagement in military operations. Trump loosened rules of engagement in first term and may once again ease civilian protections (REUTERS) During the first Trump administration, the Republican limited the number of air strikes the U.S. had to disclose to the public and relaxed rules of engagement for such strikes in Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subsequent reviews showed that the Trump administration drove a major uptick in civilian deaths in the fight against ISIS. In Afghanistan, the United Nations found in 2019 that U.S. and Afghan forces killed more civilians that terrorist insurgents did. The Trump administrations nominee to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, has claimed he ignored civilian protections during his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He told a podcast in November he ignored a commanders order not to fire on someone unless they raised a weapon to shoot at American soldiers first. Clear as day, I remember walking out of that briefing and pulling my platoon together and being like, Guys, were not doing that, Hegseth said. If you see an enemy, engage before hes able to point his weapon at you and shoot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his bookThe War on Warriors, Hegseth wrote that Americans should not fight by rules written by dignified men in mahogany rooms eighty years ago, and claimed that, In some cases, our units were so boxed in by rules and regulations and political correctness, we even second-guess ourselves. During his time at Fox News, Hegseth successfully urged Trump to pardon U.S. servicemembers accused, and in one case convicted, of war crimes. As The Independent has reported, the U.S. military has long obscured and undercounted the number of civilians it kills during operations, only disclosing civilian death tolls beginning in 2018, and often failing to conduct full due dilligence on the aftermath of attacks gone wrong. Scientific researchers are concerned after the National Institutes of Health (NIH) abruptly canceled numerous meetings essential to the fellowship and grant approval process earlier this week. At the present time, all Federal advisory committee meetings are canceled, reads an internal email from the NIH shared with The Hill. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. We will get back in touch with you when we have further information. Thank you for your service to NIH. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the canceled meetings include study sections, which review the applications for NIH fellowships and grants, and advisory council meetings, which determines if an application should receive a recommendation for funding from an NIH institute or center. A National Vaccine Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Feb. 20-21 was one of the meetings canceled, as well as a meeting of the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria slated for Jan. 28-29, according to Stat News, which first reported the cancellations. The meeting cancellations place the future of scientific research proposals up in the air, with some researchers fearing that some applications will miss their window of opportunity to ever receive NIH funding. Preparing fellowship and grant proposals for the NIH is a lengthy process, with many applications running more than 100 pages long, according to one researcher who spoke to The Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The review process is also time-consuming, lasting anywhere between eight and 20 months before a final funding decision is made, according to the NIH website. I dont know that theres a precedent to this, certainly not on the scale, said Esther Choo, a professor of emergency medicine at Oregon Health and Science University, whose NIH study section was canceled. She stressed that these meetings have a lot of moving parts and are not easily rescheduled. I dont have a good mental map for how you recover from something like this. How do you reschedule a whole round of review? The meeting cancellations come shortly after the Trump administration froze many federal health agency communications. It is unclear whether the freeze and cancellations are connected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An NIH spokesperson did not answer questions from The Hill on why the study sections and council meetings were canceled or how many meetings in total have been canceled. Instead, the agency sent a statement related to the communication freeze. HHS has issued a pause on mass communications and public appearances that are not directly related to emergencies or critical to preserving health, the statement reads. This is a short pause to allow the new team to set up a process for review and prioritization. There are exceptions for announcements that HHS divisions believe are mission critical, but they will be made on a case-by-case basis. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Experts explain what a federal health agency ban means for you, and what scares them. sshepard via Getty Images This week, the Trump administration announced major changes to the Department of Health and Human Services, ordering that all federal health agencies pause external communications until Feb. 1. This includes press releases, health guidance, social media posts and website posts. While most people probably dont regularly rush to the HHS Instagram page on a regular basis, this pause actually has big implications and has many experts worried. There are multiple agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health and more. These organizations routinely put out press releases, reports and social media posts to make sure that the public, medical professionals and public health departments have the latest health information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only does the communications pause make it harder for science and medical professionals to do their jobs, it also keeps crucial health information from the public, said Elisabeth Marnik, a scientist and science communicator based in Maine. Now, I know there have been statements that have said that [the agencies] will release critical health updates following some sort of review, but how that review process will look and how long it will take is unclear, she said. Will it be just delayed by a few hours, or would it be delayed by a few days? And depending on what that critical health update is, it could make a big difference. Lets hope it doesnt affect people in their day-to-day life, said Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist at the University of Illinois Chicago. The worst-case scenario is theres some kind of public health alert that needs action from the general public, Wallace added. Good public health is invisible. When its working, you dont notice its there. ... When theres something wrong is when you notice public health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a number of potential consequences the communications pause could have, and some of them particularly worry experts. Heres what they say: It could be harder to know about food recalls. These agencies routinely give us alerts if theres a food recall, or new drugs or approvals, or drugs that get taken off the market, Wallace said. From cucumbers to ground beef to potato chips, plenty of foods have been recalled in the past year. Many people may not feel the direct impact of the communications pause until the next food recall, if there is a potential delay in notification, Marnik said. This is not guaranteed to happen, but it is a scenario thats on experts minds. For instance, if you dont know that your eggs are recalled, you may unknowingly whip up an omelet for your family. That information is really important for the consumer, so they can try to remove that food from their fridge if they have it, Marnik said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also important for doctors to know about food recalls, Marnik explained. If a doctor doesnt receive communication from the health agency about a recall, they wont know to connect a sick patients symptoms to the food they ate, which could lead to a delay in care. Information about public health threats could be harder to come by. A communication pause really impacts any evolving news about public health threats, Wallace said. This includes updates on circulating illnesses like influenza, COVID, bird flu and more. Wallace pointed to the patient who died of bird flu, the first in the U.S., earlier this month. What happens if we have another [severe bird flu] case, like the one in Louisiana? That was a public health alert, right? And we wouldnt find out about that if we didnt have the CDC letting us know, so its a little scary. Additionally, people who regularly track influenza activity on the CDC website in order to make travel decisions, or track bird flu activity because they work with poultry, potentially wont be able to access that information, Marnik said. Without that information, it could be harder to decide if its safe to visit a certain state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal health agency communications ban is supposed to be end on Feb. 1, but in talking to some people that are within the agency, they dont really know what that means, Wallace said. The ban could be totally lifted on that date, or just certain aspects of the ban its not clear. While the health agency communications pause is in effect, you can get the latest public health news in your area from your state health department. alvarez via Getty Images A freeze on meetings, communications and more at the National Institutes of Health could stall health research. The Trump administration also announced a freeze on communications, hiring, travel and meetings at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While all of the health pauses have concerned Marnik this week, she said the NIH news stressed her out the most. I dont think most people understand what NIH does. ... A lot of people, I think, think that the National Institute of Health just conducts their own research and they do conduct research on their own but their biggest job is to award grants to scientists and institutions across the whole United States, including some of our territories, Marnik explained. The research thats happening across the country on issues like childhood cancer and diabetes and lung disease and other cancers and kidney disease all those diseases that people want better treatments for and want to understand better all of that research is funded by the National Institute of Health, and that budget is set by Congress, Marnik continued. This freeze thats happening at NIH includes the ability for them to review grants, and if they cant review grants, they cant award grants, and if those grants dont get awarded, then theres not money to do that research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exactly how long the NIH freeze will continue isnt known, but depending on how long it lasts, it could have big implications for scientists research and could even lead to job loss, Marnik added. There isnt clarity on whether the NIH freeze is long-term or short-term, Wallace said, and its also unclear if there will be changes within the NIH system when the freeze ends. You can still get public health news from your local health department. This will not affect local and state health departments. They are not under the purview of the administration, theyre state agencies, Wallace said. Its a good idea to follow your state health department, your county health department and your city health department if you live in a city, Wallace added. Im in Illinois. I would still be able to go on [the Illinois Department of Public Health] website and the Chicago Department of Public Health website and see my local information, Wallace said. These local and state health departments generally have social media channels, a newsletter or a website where they provide up-to-date information, Marnik added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The quality of that information can vary depending on what state youre in, but at least there is still some information, Marnik said. Your local health department should generally provide public health alerts that impact your town and data on influenza levels in your area, and some also provide COVID tracking information, noted Wallace. You can also follow reputable science communicators and medical professionals on social media. Social media is, of course, a minefield for misinformation. But many scientists and medical professionals have created social accounts where they can try to debunk misinformation and provide accurate updates to their followers. You can follow Marnik at @sciencewhizliz on Instagram and Wallace at @epidemiologistkat. Additionally, the following creators have social media pages, websites and/or newsletters with reputable scientific and medical information: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wallaces closing message is not to panic. Panicking about public health has never helped at any time, she said. All you can do is remain calm and keep yourself healthy. If youre worried about respiratory viruses, weve had four years of training on how to prevent them, right? Wallace said. You can get your flu shot, COVID shot and RSV shot (if youre eligible), wear a mask in crowded settings and wash your hands with soap and water. People feel out of control with this, but you are in control of yourself, your environment and how you protect yourself. And, of course, theres information we would love to have right now, but we only can do what we can do, and what you can do personally is protect yourself, Wallace said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to help propel change, you can also contact your elected officials and make sure that our elected leaders know that we care about having access to this kind of information, Marnik said. Related... (Reuters) - The Trump administration's Interior Department said on Friday it had officially changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and the Alaskan peak Denali to Mount McKinley. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the name changes as part of a flurry of executive actions hours after taking office on Monday, making good on a campaign promise. "As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America and North America's highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley," the Interior Department said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alaska's towering peak had been called Mount McKinley before, in honor of former U.S. President William McKinley, but was renamed Denali - meaning 'tall' in the Koyukon Indigenous language - in 1975 at the state's request. "These changes reaffirm the Nation's commitment to preserving the extraordinary heritage of the United States and ensuring that future generations of Americans celebrate the legacy of its heroes and historic assets," the department said. In his inaugural address on Monday, Trump said McKinley, a Republican who was president from 1897 to 1901, "made our country very rich through tariffs and through talent - he was a natural businessman." McKinley was head of the U.S. in an expansionist era, gaining Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico as territories. Hawaii later became a U.S. state. While Trump can direct the U.S. Geological Survey to change how it denotes the Gulf of Mexico, such a name change would be unlikely to be recognized internationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico, which like the U.S. has a long coastline circling the body of water, has said the Gulf of Mexico name is internationally recognized and has been used as a maritime navigational reference going back hundreds of years. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum earlier this month jokingly suggested North America, including the United States, be renamed "Mexican America" - an historic name used on an early map of the region. (Writing by Richard Valdmanis, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps administration is testing a new capability that would allow officials to email the entire federal government workforce from a single email address, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) said in a statement Friday. The new capability could allow Trump to communicate directly with millions of federal workers across dozens of agencies simultaneously, with a single click of a mouse. The White House declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow live politics coverage The effort aligns with the government modernization goals of the new Department of Government Efficiency, headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk, and could take advantage of his teams engineering experience as they seek to wring savings and efficiencies from government systems. When Musk took over Twitter in 2022, he told employees in an email that they needed to be extremely hardcore, work long hours at high intensity, and that only exceptional performance will constitute a passing grade. Notably, Twitter employees also had to click yes on a document to confirm that they wanted to keep working at the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal workers at agencies, including the departments of state and justice, began receiving test emails from this system on Thursday and early into Friday morning. Some employees thought the email might have been spam. Looks like a phishing attempt, one federal worker told NBC News. A Justice Department official sent a separate message saying the email should be considered trusted, but that they should use the agencys phishing tool should they have suspicions about any other emails. One federal worker described it as a mandatory federal government group chat. Another said the requirement to reply YES made the email feel like something out of 1984. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new system to communicate except that OPM has always had an emergency text and email system, a Justice Department employee texted. Youre supposed to email back and respond yes. Maybe theyre testing who blindly follows orders . This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Elon Musks criticism of an artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure project backed by President Trump is presenting an early test of how the SpaceX CEO will balance his personal conflicts in the technology space with the interests of the president. Musk, a fierce Trump ally, appeared to break from the president less than two days after he was sworn back into office when he poured cold water over the new Stargate venture, which involves his business partner-turned rival, OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman. He is letting this issue [with OpenAI] get in the way of his relationship with Trump. I mean, the president scheduled a big event to announce this and clearly thinks its great news for the United States to see all this investment, said Darrell West, a senior fellow at the Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president said Thursday hes unbothered by Musks public criticism, and alluded to the years of tensions between his close advisor and Altman. No, it doesnt. He hates one of the people in the deal, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked if Musks criticism bothered him. Ive spoken to Elon. Ive spoken to all of them, actually. The people in the deal are very, very smart people, Trump continued. But Elon, one of the people in the deal he happens to hate, but I have certain hatreds of people too. While Trump shrugged off the defection Thursday, some observers said Musk continuing to publicly disagree may not bode well for him, given the presidents history with those who disagree with his policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing that we do know is that Trump does not like to be undermined or overshadowed by anybody around him. So, my sense is that that may work for Musk in the short term, but not in the long term, political strategist Basil Smikle told The Hill. The Stargate project was announced by Trump alongside Altman, Oracle founder Larry Ellison and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son this week. It pledges to invest up to $500 billion in building the infrastructure for AI development and maintenance over the next four years. Musk claimed the initial investors OpenAI, SoftBank and Oracle do not have the money to come up with the project, sparking an online back-and-forth over the promises lauded by Trump. The back-and-forth between Musk and Altman began after the Tesla CEO wrote on X on Wednesday the initial investors dont actually have the money to fund the project. He later added, SoftBank has well under $10B secured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Altman initially responded with praise for Musk, who co-founded OpenAI with him in 2015, but followed it up with pushback less than an hour later. [W]rong, as you surely know. want to come visit the first site already under way? this is great for the country. i realize what is great for the country isnt always whats optimal for your companies, but in your new role i hope youll mostly put [the U.S.] first, Altman wrote. Musk then fired off a series of posts slamming Altman and OpenAIs plans to turn itself into a for-profit business. An original co-founder of OpenAI, Musk has filed a lawsuit against the company, Altman and Greg Brockman, another OpenAI co-founder, alleging the ChatGPT maker drifted from its roots as a nonprofit research lab to pursue profits over benefiting the public good. A hearing is set for February on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk was among Trumps earliest and most passionate supporters from Silicon Valley. He endorsed Trumps reelection bid the day the president survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pa., and followed up with close to $250 million in donations toward pro-Trump super PACs. Other leading technology leaders, including Altman, took notice. Altman donated $1 million in personal cash to Trumps inaugural committee, what he called a sign of faith in the presidents ability to advance AI in the U.S. This presents an ongoing internal battle for both Trumps ear, but also the interests of a lot of these business leaders who want to be able to get contracts or profit in some way from their relationship with Trump, Smikle said. Because the stakes are very high, because these are people who are used to dealing with tremendous amounts of money and making large deals, one could imagine that theres going to be a lot of tension for Trumps attention in both the short and long term, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his barrage of posts, Musk also slammed OpenAIs new partnership with Axios and jabbed at Altmans shift in support, reposting users who resurfaced the OpenAI leaders comments. In one resurfaced comment from 2016, Altman said, Back to work tomorrow on a new project to stop Trump, while another post from 2021 praised LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman for his donations to President Biden in his 2020 race against Trump. Altman did not respond to most of Musks posts but did explain his sudden shift on Trump, whom he previously criticized during past elections. [W]atching @potus more carefully recently has really changed my perspective on him (i wish i had done more of my own thinking and definitely fell in the npc trap), Altman wrote Wednesday. im not going to agree with him on everything, but i think he will be incredible for the country in many ways! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Altman followed up with an apparent shot at Musk on Thursday, writing, just one more mean tweet and then maybe youll love yourself Musk, for his part, did not always support Trump. In 2015, he told Vanity Fair he hoped Trump would not get the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, saying that wouldnt be good. Musk also stepped down from White House advisory councils after Trump pulled the U.S. out of Paris Climate Accord, and had previously criticized Trumps executive order banning immigration from several majority-Muslim countries. One Republican strategist with ties to Trumps orbit argued Musk is in a stronger position with Trump than those hes sparring with because he donated millions to the presidents campaign and backed Trump months before other tech industry titans started to fall in line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smikle agreed, saying there might be a sort of preferred status that Musk now holds in Trump world. It comes as the tech billionaire is expected to work closely with the Trump administration over the next four years as the leader of the presidents Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) advisory panel. DOGE is focused on cutting government spending and regulations, but is not an official government agency. But there are also signs Musks role in the administration and his outsized public persona are rubbing some Trump allies in the wrong way. Musk clashed with Vivek Ramaswamy over the direction of DOGE before Ramaswamy exited his role to pursue a campaign for governor in Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Bill McGinley, who was tapped by Trump to serve as DOGEs top lawyer, is already returning to the private sector. And twice this week, Musk has caused Trump unwanted headlines, first with a controversial gesture that drew Nazi comparisons and later with his spat with Altman. One Trump donor predicted the Trump-Musk relationship will end in flames. Musk wont be able to dominate Trump and keep other tech billionaires on the sidelines, the donor said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An ally of newly-minted president Donald Trump's is arguing that the United States should resume nuclear weapons testing to send a message to its adversaries. Robert Peters, a research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank behind the controversial Project 2025, argued in a thread on X-formerly-Twitter that the "US must be ready to test nuclear weapons at the Nevada National Security Site within 3-6 months of being ordered to conduct a nuclear explosive test." "Such a test would occur if there were unforeseen 'political' reasons why a President would want to test one as part of a signaling campaign during an acute crisis or even conflict," Peters added in a followup, adding that it would "allow the US to conduct open-air nuclear testing within the US or in the Pacific over open water or uninhabited atoll." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emphasis on the "open-air," which would be a massive reversal for the country, effectively withdrawing the US from treaties ratified in the 1960s. The thing is, there's a reason we stopped testing nuclear weapons, especially in the open air, which sends radioactive material dozens of miles into the atmosphere, spiking cancer rates in people living nearby. No country except North Korea has detonated a nuclear bomb in a test since the 1990s, and open-air tests were banned by the international community in the 1960s. That's a good thing; the practice was immensely dangerous and destructive for a wide variety of reasons, as nuclear weapons expert Stephen Schwartz wrote in a series of posts on Bluesky. "Needless to say except, apparently, for Bob and those who share his single-minded but retrograde point of view such a monumental reversal would be foolish and dangerously counterproductive, (giving carte blanche to every other nuclear-weapon state) environmentally destructive, and hugely expensive," Schwartz wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwartz pointed to the calamitous damage caused by 100 nuclear devices being detonated at the Nevada test site where Peters suggested new blasts between 1951 and 1962. Communities downwind from the site have suffered from radiation exposure, leading to a variety of diseases, including thyroid cancer and leukemia. The tests also contaminated nearby soil and groundwater. And that's not to mention the destabilizing consequences such a show of force would have on the international stage. Whether Trump is listening to the nuts in his orbit is a separate question. During a speech at the World Economic Forum on Thursday, Trump said that "wed like to see denuclearization." "I will tell you that [Russian] president Putin really liked the idea of cutting way back on nuclear, and I think the rest of the world, we would have gotten them to follow," he said. "And China too, China liked it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether Putin really wants to pull back on nuclear force, despite spending millions to upgrade its nuclear stockpiles and continuously reminding NATO members of its existence, remains dubious at best. The Pentagon also believes that China is looking to expand its arsenal of warheads to 1,000 by 2030. One thing's for sure: nobody, anywhere in the world, wants to see more open-air nuclear tests. More on nuclear weapons: General in Charge of Nuclear Weapons Says Heck, Let's Add Some AI U.S. President Donald Trump said that he wanted to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as possible to end the war in Ukraine, Reuters reported on Jan. 23. Trump also said that he wanted to explore reductions in nuclear arms. I really would like to be able to meet with President Putin soon to get that war ended, Trump said via video link, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Its a carnage. And we really have to stop that war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, speaking at the White House, Trump reiterated his readiness to meet Putin immediately. Every day we dont meet, soldiers are being killed on the battlefield, he said. Trump also claimed that President Volodymyr Zelensky had told him he was open to considering a deal to end the war. While Trump stated that U.S. peace efforts were underway, he offered no specific details. On Jan. 21, at the World Economic Forum, Zelensky revealed that discussions were underway to organize a meeting with Trump. "We are your partner. We know all the sore spots; we have lost our people," he said. "We want to end the war this year. But not just quickly, but fairly and, above all, reliably for us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Trump says Russias war in Ukraine will end immediately if OPEC lowers oil prices Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. On Jan. 23, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning the creation and issuance of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in the United States. The order defines CBDCs as digital money denominated in the national currency and directly issued by the central bank. It prohibits any federal agency from developing, promoting, or implementing plans related to CBDCs unless required by law. Any ongoing initiatives must be immediately terminated. The executive order, titled Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology, also establishes a presidential working group to draft a regulatory framework for digital assets like cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. This group, chaired by David Sacks, Trumps AI and crypto czar, will include the treasury secretary, attorney general, and chairs of the SEC and CFTC. Its mandate includes evaluating the creation of a national digital assets stockpile and addressing market oversight, consumer protection, and risk management for digital assets. The stockpile is expected to include Bitcoin, with the U.S. government already holding over 198,000 Bitcoin valued at more than $20 billion from enforcement actions. At the Bitcoin 2024 Conference, Trump pledged to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve, repurposing seized assets for national use. This aligns with a proposal by Senator Cynthia Lummis, who introduced a bill to acquire 200,000 Bitcoin annually over five years to build a million-Bitcoin reserve. However, Lummiss legislation must pass Congress before reaching Trumps desk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order also revokes a 2022 executive action by former President Joe Biden, which called for a framework to explore digital asset regulation, including the potential development of CBDCs. Trumps ban fulfills his campaign promises to the cryptocurrency industry, where he vowed to oppose CBDCs and support Bitcoin. He also recently granted a full pardon to Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, another commitment from his campaign. During a televised announcement, Trump reiterated his stance on making the U.S. a global leader in digital financial innovation. He also hinted at other crypto-related initiatives, such as ensuring Bitcoin is Made in the USA, though no further details have been provided on this promise. While the executive order takes a firm stance on digital currencies, it raises questions about the president's authority to enact such sweeping measures. Courts have previously challenged Trumps executive actions, such as his attempt to revoke birthright citizenship. As the working group begins its task and legislative discussions progress, the long-term impact of this policy remains to be seen. A convicted murderer could face execution in Oklahoma this summer because of President Donald Trump's return to the White House. John Fitzgerald Hanson, 60, is now serving a life sentence for federal crimes at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, Louisiana. On Thursday, Attorney General Gentner Drummond asked the Federal Bureau of Prisons to return Hanson to Oklahoma before March 20 for execution. "Justice must not be delayed any further," Drummond wrote in a letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The murderer, also known as George John Hanson, had been set for execution on Dec. 15, 2022, for a fatal shooting. In his letter, Drummond complained "the Biden administration prevented the state from carrying out Inmate Hanson's sentence by refusing to comply with federal law and perform a timely transfer of the inmate upon request." The AG told the bureau that one of Trump's first acts of his second term was to counteract Joe Biden's "inexplicable interference" with state criminal judgments. On his first day back in office Monday, Trump issued an executive order supporting the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is the policy of the United States to ensure that the laws that authorize capital punishment are respected and faithfully implemented, and to counteract the politicians and judges who subvert the law by obstructing and preventing the execution of capital sentences," Trump stated in his order. Drummond asked the bureau to comply with Trump's "righteous" order by transferring Hanson. What did Hanson do? Hanson faces execution for murdering retired banker Mary Agnes Bowles after kidnapping her from a Tulsa mall on Aug. 31, 1999. The victim was 77. He and an accomplice had wanted her car for a robbery spree. Hanson shot her in a ditch near Owasso after the accomplice gunned down a dirt pit owner, Jerald Thurman, according to testimony at his trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dirt pit owner had spotted them on his property. Hanson later confessed to a friend, saying, "Everything went bad." Hanson was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the dirt pit owner's murder. More: Oklahoma's only woman on death row says prosecutors sex shamed her; US Supreme Court orders review He has spent most his time since the 1999 crime spree in federal prison for bank robbery and other federal crimes. The Federal Bureau of Prisons in 2022 had told Oklahoma's attorney general at the time that transferring Hanson "for state execution is not in the public interest." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The denial came after a moratorium had been imposed on federal executions. In a 2021 memo about the moratorium, Merrick Garland, then U.S. attorney general, wrote, "Serious concerns have been raised about the continued use of the death penalty across the country, including arbitrariness in its application, disparate impact on people of color, and the troubling number of exonerations." In his executive order, Trump called for the death penalty to be pursued for all federal crimes "of a severity demanding its use." Trump criticized Biden in the order for the moratorium and for commuting the sentences in December of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row. Drummond wants Hanson back before March 20 "so that he is eligible for the next execution date." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Executions in Oklahoma are now being scheduled about 90 days apart. Confessed killer Wendell Grissom faces execution March 20 at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. If returned, Hanson still could avoid execution if the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board recommends clemency, and Gov. Kevin Stitt agrees. Death penalty opponents claim he suffers from major mental illnesses, brain damage and autism. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: AG wants murderer transferred from federal prison to OK for execution A federal judges ruling blocking President Trumps executive order restricting birthright citizenship is just the beginning of a blitz of litigation set to play out in the coming weeks. Six lawsuits have been filed claiming Trumps order, issued as part of a flurry of immigration actions during his first day in office, violates the 14th Amendment and federal citizenship laws. Theres been a lot of litigation, Justice Department attorney Brad Rosenberg joked as he attempted to recall all the cases at a Thursday teleconference for a Maryland suit, so my apologies, Your Honor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later in the day, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour became the first to block Trumps restrictions, at the conclusion of a brief hearing in Seattle on four states challenge. Coughenour, an appointee of former President Reagan, agreed Trumps order is likely unconstitutional. The harms are immediate, ongoing, and significant, and cannot be remediated in the ordinary course of litigation, reads Coughenours ruling, which will remain in effect for 14 days. When asked about the ruling in the Oval Office, Trump said the government obviously will appeal. They put it before a certain judge in Seattle, I guess, right? And theres no surprises with that judge, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic state attorneys general and groups for pregnant mothers and immigration rights have now filed a total of six lawsuits against Trumps order. They are set to crescendo in courtrooms across the country in a series of written briefings and hearings over the next roughly three weeks, before Trumps order is scheduled to go into full effect on Feb. 19. It would end birthright citizenship for children born to people living without legal status in the U.S., running contrary to how the Supreme Court has long interpreted the 14th Amendments Citizenship Clause. Expectations are growing that the emerging legal battle will end up at the conservative-majority high court, which would then decide whether to revisit its long-standing precedent that only leaves narrow exceptions for when people born on U.S. soil arent entitled to birthright citizenship. We appreciate and wanted the challenges to this bill. We wanted the ACLU and these 22 states, Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas), who has introduced legislation to limit birthright citizenship, said at a Thursday press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why? So we can get it into the Supreme Court of the United States, he continued. This thing could take up to three years before it winds up in the highest court. In the Seattle case, four Democratic-led states Arizona, Illinois, Oregon and Washington have likened Trumps effort to the Supreme Courts now-disgraced 1857 decision that Black people were not citizens. President Trump and the federal government now seek to impose a modern version of Dred Scott, the states wrote in court filings. But nothing in the Constitution grants the President, federal agencies, or anyone else authority to impose conditions on the grant of citizenship to individuals born in the United States. Their hearing in Seattle came just hours after a federal judge in Maryland convened a call to discuss scheduling in a separate lawsuit filed by five pregnant mothers without legal status and two immigrant rights nonprofits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our plaintiffs are facing irreparable harm in the psychological harm that they have of not knowing the status of their children, children who will be born over the coming weeks and months, Joseph Mead, special litigation counsel at Georgetown Laws Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, which is representing the plaintiffs, said on Thursdays call. And mothers today now have to fear that their children will not be given the U.S. citizenship that they are entitled to, but instead potentially rendered stateless, Mead continued. As plaintiffs in the cases press for immediate injunctions, the Justice Department has pushed back, stressing that courts have time before the thrust of Trumps executive order would go into effect. We would ask for a bit more time in terms of preparing an opposition to plaintiffs preliminary injunction motion, Rosenberg told the judge on the call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosenberg, who is helping helm the governments defense in the emerging battle, is a longtime civil litigator who has a history of defending the executive branch in high-profile litigation, like Trumps efforts to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This is a case that raises significant issues, Rosenberg said. The judge ultimately set a hearing in the Maryland suit for Feb. 5. The next hearing in Seattle is set for the following day. And beyond those cases, the government is also defending against four other lawsuits challenging the order. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit in federal court in New Hampshire, where U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, has scheduled a hearing for Feb. 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a coalition of 18 Democratic state attorneys general, the D.C. attorney general and San Francisco city attorney filed a challenge in Massachusettss federal district court. Rosenberg said the parties were meeting later Thursday to discuss scheduling, but it had already been complicated by yet another challenge to Trumps order in the same court. That case was filed on behalf of an anonymous expectant mother and two nonprofits by Lawyers for Civil Rights, a Boston-based group that previously gained attention for suing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (D) for flying migrants to Marthas Vineyard. We refuse to let the federal government create a caste system that dehumanizes U.S.-born children and their families, the group wrote on the social platform X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And finally, a sixth challenge against Trumps order has been filed in California by a Thien Le, a visa holder from Vietnam who is 33 weeks pregnant. Attorney Vy Nguyen, who is representing Le pro bono, said in an email that the complaint was poorly drafted in one hour and the judge was planning to consider the request for an injunction without a hearing. I am just trying to do some justice out of the frustration against the new presidents unconstitutional executive order. I know that this legal attempt would be nothing in comparison to other lawsuits filed by large civil organizations and U.S. states, Nguyen wrote. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A lawsuit filed against President Donald Trump by five pregnant women and several immigrant groups warns that Trumps executive order limiting birthright citizenship could render babies born to some asylum-seekers "stateless." The executive order Trump signed Monday, titled Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship, attempts to limit birthright citizenship to people who have at least one parent who is a United States citizen or permanent resident. It also states that those born to parents who are in the country legally, but temporarily, will no longer be automatically guaranteed citizenship. A federal district court in Seattle on Thursday temporarily blocked the order limiting birthright citizenship, preventing it from going into effect for 14 days. The case is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation could be particularly complicated for asylum-seekers from Venezuela, which no longer has an embassy or consulates in the U.S. If birthright citizenship is revoked and a child were born in the U.S. to Venezuelan asylum-seekers, the parents would have trouble registering their child as a Venezuelan citizen due to the lack of diplomatic offices here, thus making the child stateless, at least temporarily, plaintiffs attorneys said. Venezuela broke diplomatic ties with the U.S. in 2019. That year, Trump recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president of the country. A child born to Venezuelan parents would not have a passport or any travel document to fly to Venezuela and go through their citizenship process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monica, one of the pregnant plaintiffs in the lawsuit, fears persecution if she returns to Venezuela. She arrived in the U.S. with her husband in 2019 and has been waiting since then for her asylum case to come up in court. Im 12 weeks pregnant. Its hard, she said. We will most likely have a crisis of thousands of stateless children born in the U.S., not only from Venezuela, but from any immigrant that gives birth and their country does not have an embassy in the U.S., said Juan De la Vega, an immigration attorney in Miami. He said these children would either have to apply for asylum themselves or be added to their parents claim, unless some type of special status is created for these children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro recently said he would welcome back immigrants deported from the United States. But many Venezuelans, like Monica, left the country fleeing from his political regime and the deteriorated living conditions in the country. The lawsuit against Trump, which was filed Tuesday by Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project, CASA, Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown Law, also includes pregnant women from Honduras and Russia, countries with a diplomatic presence in the U.S. But even for them this could still be a problem, because requesting a passport for a U.S. born-child could endanger the parents' asylum claims, said Leidy Perez, policy and communications director at the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project. Asking for a passport for yourself, and presumably for these children, could be considered under the U.S. asylum laws as you availing yourself of the country that youre seeking protection from, Perez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some immigration attorneys said the executive order is unclear and asylum-seekers may still have an avenue to birthright citizenship for their children. There might be a loophole for those seeking asylum, said Helena Tetzeli, an attorney with the American Immigration Lawyers Association. The executive order states the parents legal status cannot be unlawful or temporary. If youre applying for asylum, you are here lawfully and your process is not temporary; you intend to stay here permanently. Democratic attorneys general from 23 states have sued to block Trumps executive order. Many legal experts believe the order will ultimately be rejected by the Supreme Court, despite it having a 6-3 conservative majority. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The Trump administration is planning to use military aircraft every day to help carry out what President Donald Trump and his "border czar," Tom Homan, have promised will be the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, Homan told ABC News. In an interview with ABC "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz, Homan said that only days after Trump took office, the U.S. government for the first time ever used military aircraft to transport migrants back to their home country, and it will now be a daily occurrence. PHOTO: Trump Administration Border Czar Tom Homan talks with Martha Raddatz of ABC News, Jan. 24, 2025. (ABC News) MORE: What to know about Trump's immigration and border executive actions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to U.S. officials, the U.S. military on Thursday flew more than 150 migrants to Guatemala on two separate flights. But Homan made clear that the military flights are just one part of a much broader plan. He claimed that unlike under the Biden administration Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are now free to arrest any of the estimated more than 11 million immigrants in the country without legal status, not just those identified as priorities for deportation for being convicted criminals or other public safety threats. PHOTO: Guatemalan migrants descend from an US military plane after being deported from US at the Guatemalan Air Force Base in Guatemala City, Jan. 24, 2025. (Guatemalan Migration Institute/AFP via Getty Images) Watch more of Martha Raddatz' interview with Tom Homan Sunday on ABC's 'This Week' "If you're in the country illegally, you're on the table because it's not okay to, you know, violate the laws of this country," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homan said that while the Trump administration's enforcement actions are currently prioritizing public safety and national security threats, they're going to "open up the aperture" in the weeks and months ahead. PHOTO: Illegal aliens await takeoff for a removal flight at the Tucson International Airport, Ariz., Jan. 23, 2025. (Senior Airman Devlin Bishop/DoD) MORE: Trump's proposed mass deportation plan has some Texas schools on high alert "As that aperture opens, there'll be more arrests nationwide," he said. PHOTO: U.S. Customs and Border Protection security agents guide a group of illegal aliens to board a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing for a removal flight at Fort Bliss, Texas, Jan. 23, 2025. (Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas J. De La/DoD) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homan also offered another possible solution for "those who are in the country illegally": They "should leave" on their own, he said. Early in the Biden administration, then-Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas issued guidance to immigration enforcement officers discouraging them from "spending resources to remove those who do not pose a threat" and noting that many undocumented immigrants inside the country "have been here for generations and contributed to our country's well-being," as he put it in a statement at the time. Homan, however, noted that the nations immigration laws were passed by Congress to be enforced, and said immigrants without legal status are violating those laws. More of Homan's interview with Raddatz will air Sunday on "This Week." Trump 'border czar' tells ABC military planes will deport migrants every day originally appeared on abcnews.go.com (Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trump called for boosting US dominance in artificial intelligence with an executive order that demands a new policy direction for a rapidly evolving technology thats the focus of intense competition with China. Most Read from Bloomberg Under the order signed at the White House on Thursday, Trump called for an interagency group to craft a new policy within six months intended to ensure US dominance in AI. The move came days after Trump scrapped an AI policy established by President Joe Biden that set safety and transparency requirements for AI developers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were basically announcing the administrations policy to make America the world capital in artificial intelligence to dominate and to lead the world in AI, David Sacks, a venture capitalist who is Trumps incoming czar on AI and crypto policy, said at the signing. The AI order was one of several signed by Trump on Thursday, including a measure creating a working group, also led by Sacks, to bolster the cryptocurrency industry in the US through legislative proposals and exploring the creation of a digital asset stockpile, among other efforts. Trump has signaled a wide-ranging approach to ensure US leadership in AI, with pledges to spur private-sector investment by accelerating the permit process and easing other regulations. Those efforts will be steered by technology industry leaders whove joined his administration, including Sacks and Elon Musk, who has emerged as one of the presidents closest advisers. The order also called for preventing AI systems from being built with ideological bias and engineered social agendas. Some AI tools have drawn criticism for appearing to present certain political leanings Googles AI image generator, for instance, drew criticism from people including Musk last year for demonstrating what they described as anti-White bias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has rapidly reset the course for American AI policy at a time when other countries are jockeying to set rules of the road for the disruptive technology. Last year, the European Union passed the AI Act, perhaps the most comprehensive guardrails for AI to date. The rules ban facial recognition and require strict oversight for high-risk AI used in sectors like healthcare and law enforcement. The presidents desire to leave a mark with AI was on display Tuesday his first full day in office with a White House unveiling of a joint venture on data-center infrastructure with SoftBank Group Corp., OpenAI, and Oracle Corp. SoftBanks Masayoshi Son, OpenAIs Sam Altman and Oracles Larry Ellison all joined Trump to herald the venture. The partnership, known as Stargate, will deploy $100 billion immediately and have a goal of increasing to at least $500 billion to build new infrastructure for OpenAI, including data centers and physical campuses, the companies said. Hours before signing the order on Thursday, Trump highlighted Stargate in remarks to the World Economic Form in Davos, Switzerland, as an example of the kind of investment he intended to foster. He told attendees via video conference that he intended to make the United States a manufacturing superpower and the world capital of artificial intelligence and crypto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet in an early sign of discord within the new administration, Stargate was publicly criticized by Musk, who questioned in posts on his X social media platform whether the projects backers have enough money. Altman called that characterization wrong and suggested Musk was upset because the pact could rival the billionaires own xAI initiative. Asked during Thursdays signing ceremony whether the Stargate partners had sufficient financing, Trump said: Theyre putting up money. Theyre very rich people, so I hope they do. I mean, Elon doesnt like one of those people. --With assistance from Stephanie Lai. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025 Bloomberg L.P. President Trump on Friday said he wanted to see two actions taken in California before he offered federal support for Los Angeles as it grapples with wildfires. I want to see two things in Los Angeles. Voter ID, so that the people have a chance to vote, and I want to see the water be released and come down into Los Angeles and throughout the state, Trump told reporters in North Carolina, where he was touring hurricane recovery efforts. Those are the two things. After that, I will be the greatest president that California has ever seen, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is slated to visit Los Angeles later Friday to view damage from the fires and meet with local officials. California Gov. Gavin Newsoms (D) office responded to Trumps comments with a fact-check about its voting laws, noting several other states do not require voter ID. Newsoms office also said it is currently able to pump as much water as it could under Trumps first-term policies. Conditioning aid for American citizens is wrong, the governors office posted on social media. Lawmakers in Congress are debating how to proceed with federal assistance to Los Angeles, where wildfires have killed dozens of people and destroyed communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have floated tying aid to a debt ceiling increase or changes to Californias fire-mitigation policies. Democrats have vehemently opposed placing conditions on federal assistance to Los Angeles, arguing it would set a dangerous precedent. Trump has fixated on the claim that California officials could provide additional water flow to Los Angeles from the northern part of the state by simply switching on a valve. But experts have pushed back, arguing the states water supply issues are not that simple, and that fire hydrants ran dry in recent weeks because of a surge in demand. The president has also for years pushed for the implementation of voter identification laws amid unproven claims of widespread fraud in elections. California passed legislation that would take effect in 2026 that blocks municipalities from requiring voter ID in elections, a move made in response to one city passing a voter ID requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated at 1:06 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Federal documents relating to several high-profile assassinations during the 1960s will become fully available to the public this year after President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered their release. "More than 50 years after the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the federal government has not released to the public all of its records related to those events," Trump said in an executive order declassifying the respective documents. "Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth," Trump said. "It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Act of 1992 required the federal government to fully disclose all relevant records by Oct. 26, 2017. The act enabled respective presidents to postpone the release of related information that might compromise national security, intelligence operations, law enforcement or foreign relations. After signing an executive order releasing all assassination records for President John Kennedy, Sen. Robert Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., President Donald Trump gave the pen he used to sign it to an aide to deliver it to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI Trump and President Joe Biden allowed redactions of some of the information in the records and postponed the release of some documents. "I have now determined that the continued redaction and withholding of information from records pertaining to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy is not consistent with the public interest," Trump said in Thursday's executive order. "The release of these records is long overdue." Challenge Coins are displayed as President Donald Trump signs executive orders at the White House on Thursday. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI Trump gave the attorney general and director of national intelligence 15 days to present a plan for the full release of records relating to President Kennedy's assassination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also have 45 days to present a plan to release documents related to the assassinations of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Trump is releasing the files on the JFK and MLK assassinations. Some of Trump executive orders have already been challenges in the courts with one on birthright stopped by a judge. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI After signing the executive order, Trump instructed an aide to give the pen he used to sign it to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom the president has nominated to be his Cabinet's secretary of Health and Human Services, CBS News reported. The majority of records related to President Kennedy's assassination already have been made public, according to the National Archives and Records Administration. President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Trump is releasing the files on the JFK and MLK assassinations. Some of Trump executive orders have already been challenges in the courts with one on birthright stopped by a judge. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 97% of the 5 million pages related to the JFK assassination already were made public. The executive order requires the release of 3,000 documents that have not been made public and the including of redactions in another 30,000 documents. President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Trump is releasing the files on the JFK and MLK assassinations. Some of Trump executive orders have already been challenges in the courts with one on birthright stopped by a judge. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963; King was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968; and Robert Kennedy was assassinated in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968. To see how far the lines of normal have moved since President Donald Trump freed the January 6ers, briefly return to the closing days of the 2024 presidential campaign. At the time, a hot issue was whether Trump harbored fascist tendencies, as some of his former aides alleged. The very notion struck most conservatives, including some who have criticized him from time to time, as ludicrous. Trump says crude and unworthy things and behaved abysmally after the 2020 election, National Reviews editor in chief, Rich Lowry, conceded, but the idea that he bears any meaningful resemblance to these cracked movements is a stupid smear. Looking to dismiss the case, Lowry then reached for the wildest example of fascist behavior he could think of: Obviously, Trump isnt deploying a paramilitary wing of the GOP to clash with his enemies on the streets. Obviously? Immediately upon assuming office, Trump issued sweeping pardons and commutations for the approximately 1,500 people prosecuted for participating in the January 6 attacks, including convicted violent offenders. He might not have literally deployed any mobs yet, but he has freed members of paramilitary groups that are loyal to him, and who may see their pardons and commutations as license to act on his behalf again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Read: January 6ers got out of prisonand came to my neighborhood] Stewart Rhodes, the leader of the Oath Keepers militia, led military-style maneuvers on January 6 and had an armed strike force nearby. This week, while strolling the Capitol in a kind of victory tour, Rhodes told CNN, I dont regret calling out the election as what it was. The Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who had to direct the attacks from a distance (a judge had barred him from the city for vandalizing a Black church), expressed vindication and a desire for revenge. We went through helland Im gonna tell you, it was worth it, he exulted on The Alex Jones Show. The people who did this [to us], they need to feel the heat. They need to be put behind bars. And the Stop the Steal organizer Ali Alexander said in a livestream, I would storm the Capitol again for Donald Trump. I would start a militia for Donald Trump. The J6 pardons have chagrined many Republicans. But it is not going to make many of them rethink their support for Trump. If you want to understand why, look again at the sentence that Lowry wrote just before laughing off the hysterical fear of Trumpist paramilitaries. Trump says crude and unworthy things. He behaved abysmally. Even when Republicans in good MAGA standing can bring themselves to scold Trump, their criticism is limited to discrete acts. Trump can say or do something bad, but he cannot be something bad. To acknowledge that his bad acts follow from his character and beliefs, and therefore offer a guide to his future actions, would throw into question the morality and wisdom of supporting him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the fact, vanishingly few prominent Republican politicians or conservative intellectuals actively endorsed the notion of freeing the J6 criminals en masse. The party line before the inauguration held that Trump was in his rights to grant clemency to some of the nonviolent offenders, but not to the ones whod beat up cops or planned the operation. The week before he was sworn in as vice president, J. D. Vance said, If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldnt be pardoned. Even Representative Jim Jordan, one of the most flamboyant Trump devotees in Congress, wouldnt endorse a full suite of pardons. After Trump went ahead, his allies mostly stopped short of defending the pardons. Instead, they turned to a familiar menu of evasive maneuvers. Some expressed an implausible degree of unfamiliarity with Trumps actions. (I dont know whether there were pardons given to individuals who assaulted police officers, Senator Susan Collins said.) Others fell back on whataboutism. (I assume youre asking me about the Biden pardons of his family, Senator Chuck Grassley sneered in response to a reporters question about January 6. Im just talking about the Biden pardons, because that is so selfish.) Most expressed a desire to ignore the issue altogether. (Were not looking backwards; were looking forwards, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said.) Awkwardly, almost immediately after bleating about their desire to move forward, House Republicans announced a new committee to investigate January 6, which presumably will advance Trumps alt-history of the event as an FBI setup, a Democratic security failure, a day of love, or, somehow, all three. [Listen: Even some J6ers dont agree with Trumps blanket pardon] The most revealing statement on the pardons came from House Speaker Mike Johnson. The presidents made his decision, he said. I dont second-guess those. Here, Johnson was stating overtly what most of his colleagues had only revealed tacitly: that he does not believe that his job permits him to criticize, let alone oppose, Trumps actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This admission has profound implications. It shows that Trump faces no effective constraints from within his party. Given the Republican trifecta, this means he faces no effective opposition from within the elected branches of the federal government. Even if his allies personally believe that a line exists that the president cannot or will not cross, what matters is that if he does cross it, nothing will happen to him. This realization ought to shake their confidence that the next imagined red line will hold. Instead, they have declined to revise any of their deeper beliefs about Trump. The refusal to draw any broader conclusions from the January 6 pardons is evident not just on Capitol Hill but also in the handful of reproachful articles published in conservative media. The pardons are a poor start for an administration that has pledged to end the partisanship of law enforcement and restore public order, National Review editorialized. This is a rotten message from a President about political violence done on his behalf, The Wall Street Journals editorial board wrote. For those who have supported Trump, this is a moment to recognize when he doesnt measure up, morally or constitutionally, the editors of The Free Press observed. The implication of these dutiful reprimands is that Trump has failed to live up to his values, rather than having fulfilled them. In the midst of the Soviet show trials in 1936, Workers Age, an American communist newspaper, gently rebuked Stalin for his heavy-handedness. Sure, the defendants were guilty of sabotage at the behest of Trotsky, but execution was an excessive punishment. Furthermore, the editorial declared, we do not hesitate to say that the bureaucratic regime of Stalin in the CPSU makes it extremely difficult for healthy, constructive critical opposition forces developing in the Party ranksas if inhibiting criticism of Stalin was some kind of unintended consequence of executing his rivals. [Read: Republican leaders once thought January 6 was tragic] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conservatives distressed over Trumps mass pardons have a similar lack of curiosity about his motives. Why Trump would take such unfortunate actions, they do not ask. Could it be because he believes fundamentally that opposition to him is per se criminal, action on his behalf is per se legal, and any outcome in which he loses is illegitimate? One might hope that Trumps congressional allies, temporarily disappointed by his regrettable lapse in judgment regarding the January 6 pardons, might rethink their approach to the ongoing confirmation fights, which revolve around fears that the president will abuse his power. Given Trumps reported desire to use the military to shoot peaceful protesters, maybe find a defense secretary who hasnt written a series of hair-on-fire books depicting American liberals as tantamount to hostile enemy combatants. And given Trumps obsession with criminalizing his critics, they might pick an FBI director who does not have an enemies list and who hasnt produced a recording of a Trump anthem performed by violent insurrectionists. Alas, the moment, as The Free Press revealingly put it, for expressing disappointment with the president has already passed. They are back to the workaday routine of supporting Trumps efforts to keep his administration free of any official who might be stricken with conscience. There may be more moments of concern in the future. Indeed, the partys acquiescence to Trumps appetite for revenge and corruption all but guarantees it. But those moments, too, shall pass. Article originally published at The Atlantic US President Donald Trump on Thursday defended his call for NATO countries to spend 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence, up from the current 2% target. In response to the objection that not even the US is spending 5% on defence, Trump said the US was protecting NATO allies, but they were "not protecting us." "I'm not sure we should be spending anything, but we should certainly be helping them," Trump told reporters in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO estimates the United States spent about 3.38% of its GDP on defence in 2024 - well under 5%. During his first term in office from 2017 to 2021, Trump had threatened to withdraw the US from the military alliance if other members did not fulfil their commitment to invest at least 2% of their GDP in defence. Since then, he has boasted that it was only as a result of his pressure that the NATO partners increased their spending. According to the latest NATO statistics from June 2024, eight of the 32 NATO countries are still below 2%, not including Iceland, which is a member but has no armed forces of its own. However, all members of the alliance are far from Trump's desired 5% including the US itself. The frontrunners are Poland (4.12%) and Estonia (3.43%), which border Russia. Behind them comes the US, by far the largest economy among NATO economies. AMONG THE AVALANCHE of executive orders that Donald Trump loosed upon his return to power are several related to high-profile culture-war issues. Foremost among these is a pair of executive orders relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI, sometimes known as DEIA for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility). One bans DEI programs in the federal workforce and corporations with federal contracts. The other directs the government to investigate DEI discrimination and preferences across the private sector, including large academic institutions. While the first order invokes the bedrock principle of equality of opportunity enshrined in the 1964 Civil Rights Act, it notably rescinds Executive Order 11246 signed by Lyndon B. Johnson in September 1965, which directed federal agencies and federal contractors to take affirmative action to enforce equal opportunity in employment. (That mandate was later expanded into regulations that required race- and sex-conscious goals in employment and contracting.) On Wednesday, in accordance with this order, employees in government DEI programs were placed on leave pending layoffs. To some observers, this is a chilling move that strikes at the foundation of civil rights. Yet Trumps DEI and affirmative action ban has received at least partially positive reviews not only from the MAGA right and the anti-woke commentariat but from liberal centrists like Matt Yglesias and Noah Smith (an idea whose time has probably come) and even some leftists who regard DEI as feelgood corporate flimflam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These reactions reflect the fact that diversity programs in the workplace and on campus have come under intensive criticism in recent years, both for enforcing progressive groupthink and for substituting pseudo-progressive verbiage for meaningful change. The New York Times, which the Trumpian right regards as the Pravda of the Democratic left, reported a year ago that many companies were backing away from more controversial DEI initiatives such as mandatory anti-bias trainings that can turn into hectoring and struggle sessions. More recently, the Times also ran a long investigative article on the polarizing and demoralizing effects of an aggressive DEI initiative at the University of Michigan. And a Gallup poll in January 2024 found that more than two-third of Americans, including more than half of black Americans, approved of the Supreme Court ruling that banned affirmative actioni.e., the explicit consideration of racein college admissions. Share Academic, writer, and podcaster John McWhorter, a longtime critic of the progressive antiracism model who has also been scathingly critical of Trump, told me by email, With reluctance, I find myself agreeing with Trump on this one, including the idea that imposing it on the government will set a model/mood for the rest of the country including private institutions to follow. While McWhorter once believed that race and gender preferences in the corporate world (though not in academia) had value as a way to offset traditional biases, he now thinks that in practice, DEI amounts to lowering standards and overfocusing on skin color: Its the way it comes out too often to be ignored. He also thinks that general awareness of the value of looking beyond white men has settled in over the past thirty years enough that we need not fear that the end of DEI programs will return us to Mad Men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal scholar Walter Olson, an occasional Bulwark contributor and a senior fellow at the libertarian Cato Institute (which has not stinted on harsh criticism of Trumps early moves), also offered some cautious words of praise for Trumps DEI executive order, including its emphasis on product quality, price, and speed in government contracting with no regard for the contractors identity. But Olson also sees potential problems: Dont expect laissez-faire; much of this scheme envisions keeping continued centralized power in the hands of the federal government, just applying it toward different goals than before. It heavily implies that private DEI efforts, whether or not related to government contracting, violate civil rights laws. . . . While advocates of liberty will applaud much of what is in this order, it will also be used to go after voluntary efforts by private companies, colleges, or professional groups that make distinctions by sex or other categories, even ones that I and others might find innocuous or praiseworthy. For instance: Would a private corporation run afoul of the law if its leadership noticed that female or minority employees in certain jobs were more likely to quit and took steps to improve their retention? For that matter, the same question could apply to programs focusing on men: Are efforts to keep men from dropping out of school teaching now going to be ruled improper sex discrimination? asks Olson. Join now Another concern, always present with Trump (and his movement), is the danger of vindictive and bullying overreach. The administration has already announced a hunt for efforts in government to disguise [DEI] programs by using coded or imprecise language. A template email to that effect was sent out across government agencies warning employees that failure to report [such efforts] within 10 days may result in adverse consequences. Federal employees are instructed to snitch on colleagues and contractors if they catch a whiff of DEI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first anti-DEI executive order also directs agencies to assess the number of new DEI hires under the previous administration. Even the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism, a civil liberties group critical of wokeness which has expressed strong support for Trumps efforts to eliminate identity-based practices, cautions that this demand may invite speculation, without a firm basis or evidence, regarding an employees skills, abilities, or merit and instead make assumptions based on their perceived identity. In other words, female and nonwhite staffers may be especially likely to be targeted as DEInot an unlikely scenario when attacking women and minorities as DEI beneficiaries has already become a staple of right-wing rhetoric. Share The Bulwark THE SNITCHING ISNT CONFINED to the federal government. The second executive order also requires each federal agency to come up with a list of up to nine private entities that might be engaging in DEI practices that Trump now deems illegal. Corporations, nonprofit groups, charitable foundations, bar and medical associations, and universities with billion-dollar endowmentsagencies are required to name some that can be subjected to civil compliance investigations. Its no surprise that anti-DEI crusader Christopher Rufowho has made no secret of his eagerness to emulate Hungarian strongman Viktor Orban in using government muscle to crush wokenesshas been gloating about the nightmare facing woke academia as the investigations begin. And its not hard to imagine, as some have suggested, that the old DEI bureaucracies will just be replaced by anti-DEI bureaucracies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, it remains to be seen how Trumps DEI bans will be enforced and how they will hold up in the courts. For instance, some have pointed out that while affirmative action to combat race and sex discrimination has never been codified by Congress, Section 342 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 requires the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other federal financial agencies to each establish an Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI) to be responsible for all matters relating to diversity in management, employment, and business activities. This is a law, and so cannot be repealed by executive fiat; how it can coexist with Trumps anti-DEI directive is unclear. (Notably, the pages related to Section 342 on the websites of the Treasury Department and the FDIC are now inaccessible.) Share And there is another obvious question. Trumps executive orders stress the importance of individual merit and non-discrimination, and it seems fairly certain, as Olson notes, that Trumps Justice Department will assign the Civil Rights Division the task of pursuing claims of DEI-related bias (against whites and/or males, and in some cases Asians). But will the divisionwhose work has been frozen at the momentstill maintain a commitment to pursuing traditional complaints of discrimination against women or ethnic, racial, or religious minorities, especially if those complaints stem from being stereotyped as a DEI pick? MANY CRITIQUES OF IDENTITY POLITICS have been valid and necessary. But DEI opponents should be wary of linking their cause to the Trump administration, which is all but certain to use colorblind fairness as a smokescreen for anti-woke identity politicsand which has started its first week with a spree of presidential lawlessness. If wise government policy can move the cultural needle, bad policy can move that needle in the other direction. McWhorter, too, noted this problem in our email exchange: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think enlightened people have come to see that DEI doesnt just mean outreach and learning how to look past white faces, but essentially institutionalized, thinly defended antiwhiteness. But Trumps actions here will make that harder for them to admit to. The man is a scourge this way. Share President Donald Trump pledged federal aid to California and to expedite federal permits in the state as rebuilding begins after he made his first presidential trip of his second term to Los Angeles on Friday to visit the site of the Palisades fire that devastated a vast swath of the city and has left at least 28 people dead and many more missing. Trumps shifting tone toward California, whose leaders he has admonished over the still-burning fires and the local response, came at a press conference on Friday night after he took a helicopter tour of the Palisades area and met with local officials, including Mayor Karen Bass, and spoke with local fire officials. In addition to his statements around federal response to the carnage in California, Trump on Friday night was affable towards state Democrats, including longtime foe Gov. Gavn Newsom, who was uninvited to any meetings or parts of the presidents visit but still greeted him on the tarmac after he landed at LAX in the afternoon local time; Newsom and Trump embraced and spoke briefly at the airport before the presidents brief visit to L.A. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There can be no Golden Age without the Golden State, Trump reportedly told the governor. Its a great state. Its a fantastic place. The shift in tone toward California and its Democrat leadership, at the state level and in the city of Los Angeles, continued throughout the presidents visit. Were going to be with you, Trump said. Your governor met us at the plane, and we had a very, very positive talk. We have to work together to get this really worked outI saw a lot of bad things on television, but the extent of it, the side of it, we flew over it in a helicopter. And it is devastation. Trump spoke further of the devastation he witnessed at the press conference, mentioned his golf property nearby and acknowledged Bass and L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger by name, and of developers he has discussed rebuilding in the scorched and devastated areas. He also pledged full federal support a sharp contrast to the quid pro quo offered earlier in the week, demanding California launch a voter ID plan and that it begin a potentially environmentally devastating movement of water from the states north into Southern California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government is standing behind you. 100 percent, Trump told the people of California in front of the gathered press, later adding, Ive had so many calls from developers, and they want to come inI would ask the local officials, because were going to waive just about all federal permits. Were going to have you go very quickly, because the federal permit can take 10 years. Were not going to do that. We dont want to take 10 days. Trump also said that he will declare the L.A. fires a national emergency, which will speed up the process of delivering aid and rebuilding. On Thursday, Newsom was in L.A. to sign a $2.5 billion wildfire recovery bill package into law. But federal funding for the still-burning blazes with several new fires igniting this week has been uncertain as Trump begins his second term with a deep disdain for Californias politics and leaders. By doing that, I can give you immediate permits, Trump said. Id ask that the local permitting process be the same. Some of the people were saying theyre going to have to, theyre going to be forced to wait 18 months for their permits. And I dont think youre going to do that. I cant imagine that. So they are literally in a position right now. Theyd like to start tonight. First Lady Melania Trump joined Trump on the trip, which lasted under just a handful of hours. They flew out to Las Vegas following the visit, which is being book-ended with stops in hurricane-damaged North Carolina. Trump spoke with reporters before departing the White House on Friday for North Carolina, saying that the Los Angeles fires could have been put out, but they still havent for whatever reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be fine if they turned the water on, Trump said later after landing in North Carolina. I want to see the water be released and come down into Los Angeles and throughout the state. The president had also repeated his earlier threat where he suggested withholding federal disaster relief funds to California because of his opposing views on the states water policies and voter ID laws; it is a frequently mentioned, contentious topic for Trump. On Wednesday, he told Fox News host Sean Hannity that Gov. Newsom can release the water that comes from the north to help put out the fires and added that the U.S. government shouldnt give California anything until its policy reflects this plan. He touched on his gripe with the states voter ID laws, too, while speaking on Fox News. I have a condition. In California, we want them to have voter ID so the people have a voice, because right now, the people dont have a voice because you dont know whos voting, and its very corrupt, he told Hannity. If they released the water when I told them to, because I told them to do it seven years ago, if they wouldve done it, you wouldnt have had the problem. Trump said that Newsom refused to sign the water restoration declaration, which would allow water from Northern California to flow down into Los Angeles. The plan to move water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta downstate was nixed after environmental groups opposed it because of its potential impact on endangered salmon and smelt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom has pushed back on the notion that this is an easy fix he chooses not to utilize. On Friday, he said that he hopes to brief Trump on the still-burning fire situation and clear up his misconceptions about California water policy. Maybe the president just doesnt know that theres not a spigot that can be turned to solve all the water problems that he alleges exist, that dont exist, as it relates to the state water system here in Southern California, Newsom said of those claims. Last week, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that three actors who have supported him politically Mel Gibson, Sylvester Stallone, and Jon Voight would be his eyes and ears in Hollywood. It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood! he wrote in the post, referring to the trio as special envoys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story was originally published Jan. 24 at 11:27 a.m. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. President Donald Trump on Friday said he would demand that California overhaul its election laws and reverse environmental policies as a condition of any federal funds to help the state recover from wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles area in recent weeks. He also claimed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had mishandled efforts to help North Carolinians recover from Hurricane Helene and suggested that the White House and Republican National Committee would somehow take over the distribution of any relief funds authorized by Congress. Trump took aim at FEMA as he arrived in Asheville, North Carolina, to view hurricane damage, before traveling to California to view the devastation wrought by wildfires. Speaking to reporters just after he disembarked Air Force One, Trump told reporters that FEMA, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, has really let us down, though it was unclear what exactly he was accusing the agency of having done or not done. President Donald Trump, with First Lady Melania Trump, steps off of Air Force One upon arrival at Asheville Regional Airport (AFP via Getty Images) I dont know if thats Bidens fault or whose fault it is, but were going to take over and were going to do a good job, and were going to assign [Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley] whos fantastic, frankly, and the governor and everybody else thats going to work, he said. Were going to supply the money, the supply, a lot of the money. Maybe you have to chip in something. You chip in a little something like maybe 25 percent or whatever, but were going to get it done as quickly as we can. And we want to take care of the people of North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also said FEMA would not be involved in further relief efforts and instead suggested that Whatley, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (D), and a trio of Republican House members would be working with the White House directly because the agency hasnt done the job. And were looking at the whole concept of FEMA. I like, frankly, the concept when North Carolina gets hit, the governor takes care of it. When Florida gets hit, the governor takes care of it, meaning the state takes care of it, he said, adding a short time later that the way FEMA dispatches a large group of people to a disaster area in order to solve immediately a problem was something that never worked for me. Trump greets supporters in Fletcher, North Carolina (AFP via Getty Images) As he continued, Trump was asked about the possibility of blocking wildfire relief funding to Los Angeles on account of city policies preventing local police from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts. He replied that he wants to see two things in California before he would support federal disaster relief funding for the Golden State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to see two things in Los Angeles: Voter ID so that the people have a chance to vote. And I want to see the water be released and come down into Los Angeles and throughout the state. Those are the two things. After that, I will be the greatest president that California ever has ever seen, he said. A short time later during a briefing with local officials, the president reiterated his demand for California to change its election laws. In California I have a condition We want them to have voter ID so people have a voice. Right now the people dont have a voice because you dont know who is voting. Its very corrupt, he said. The president has run for election three times and has never won a majority of votes in California. Each time, he has made false allegations about his losses having been tainted by fraud and by non-citizens voting for his Democratic opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps boast of being willing to withhold disaster aid for political reasons is in line with how he handled large-scale disasters during his first term. He frequently suggested that he would not provide sufficient aid to states with Democratic governors if those governors were not nice to him, and in some cases failed to sign disaster declarations when requested by Democratic officials. In addition, Trump claimed he would soon be issuing an executive order to fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA or getting rid of FEMA. Before FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003, it was an independent agency that had been created by executive order during the Carter administration in 1979. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1988, Congress established the agency in statute and gave it expanded authority via the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, and in 2002 the Homeland Security Act made FEMA part of the Department of Homeland Security. As such, it cannot be disbanded or eliminated by executive order. President Trump will venture into deep-blue California on Friday for a closely-watched visit that could determine disaster aid for the state and how Trump will work with Democratic governors throughout his four years in office. Trumps trip to fire-ravaged Los Angeles comes after he traded barbs with California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). The president will also make trips to North Carolina, which was hit hard by Hurricane Helene, and to Nevada, two states he won in November. The trip to Los Angeles also marks a big moment for Newsom, who has been floated as a potential 2028 contender but who has also come under intense scrutiny for the state response to the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress will likely have to consider disaster aid for California ahead of the fast-approaching March 14 government funding deadline. A number of top Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) have called for conditions to be put on federal aid to the state. Last week, Trump floated tying the aid to a future reconciliation bill. Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.), whose district neighbors the areas most affected by the blazes, told The Hill that a visit to the region could change Trumps perspective on conditioning the aid. [Its] the same argument Ive been making with my colleagues, Kim said. If this disaster hit your district, you would think differently and not talk about the conditions because look at my colleagues from North Carolina, look at my colleagues from other disaster areas like Louisiana, and then here in Southern California. Before former President Biden handed off the California disaster relief to Trump, he extended the relief for the state to 100 percent for 180 days, which stretches well into Trumps presidency. Biden said before leaving that Congress will need to provide more aid to the state, where he shares a good relationship with Newsom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump then inherited the disaster and opted to visit California on his first week in office. He said on Wednesday that he hasnt thought about if he will meet one-on-one with Newsom. He also opted to go to North Carolina after being critical of the federal and local response to the hurricane that hit there in September. He told Fox News on Wednesday, I dont think we should give California anything until they let water flow down into their system. And he suggested that states should handle their own responses to natural disasters. FEMA is a whole nother discussion, because all it does is complicate everything, Trump said. FEMA has not done their job for the last four years. Trump argued this week that wildfire relief will make conversations over disaster aid simpler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been in some ways made simpler by Los Angeles because theyre going to need a lot of money, he said. Generally speaking, I think youll find a lot of Democrats are going to be asking for help so I think maybe that makes it more one-sided. Were going to take care of Los Angeles. Trump visited Southern California in 2018 after a wildfire and toured the damage with Newsom, who was the governor-elect, and then-Gov. Jerry Brown (D). Newsom, at the time, praised Trump, saying, there are no politics being played here. When asked about that visit compared to now, Trump told Newsmax last week, Well, this is different than 2018. For one, Trump has a different team behind him than he did in 2018. His chief of staff Susie Wiles and press secretary Karoline Leavitt are new faces and his Homeland Security secretary nominee Kristi Noem has not yet been approved by the Senate; Benjamine Huffman is serving as acting secretary. Huffman leads Homeland Securitys Federal Law Enforcement Centers, which trains law enforcement officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump did not designate an acting director for FEMA, which is within Homeland Security, and has not named his nominee yet for the role. To be sure, Trump and Newsoms interactions will be closely watched. The two, who are no strangers to sparring with each other, have traded barbs over state and federal emergency responses to the disaster. Despite the back and forth, Newsom invited Trump to visit the state and urged him not to politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines. Newsom took aim at Trump again this week after the president signed a series of executive orders to roll back Biden-era climate initiatives, including a withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, a freeze on new offshore wind leasing, and expanding oil and gas drilling the Arctic. If you dont believe in science, believe your own damn eyes, Newsom said in a statement, followed by images of the wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, in the interview on Wednesday, said Newsom could release water, a comment that comes after Trump has hammered the governor over water shortages. He repeated his claims that California could better combat its fires in Los Angeles if it directed water from the northern part of the state to the southern part. Look, Gavins got one thing he can do: He can release the water that comes from the north, Trump said. There is massive amounts of water, rainwater and mountain water that comes due with the snow, comes down when it as it melts. Theres so much water. Theyre releasing it into the Pacific Ocean. And I told him for its a political thing for the Democrats. I dont know. Some Republicans are hopeful that, despite Trumps actions in the first week of his return to the White House, the president could be friendly with Newsom if the two come face-to-face. If weve learned anything from the first 48 hours of Trump 2 is that theres not much room for nuance and comfort for his opponents, said C. Stewart Verdery, Jr., former assistant secretary of Homeland Security in the George W. Bush administration. It is unusual that the location of the wildfire disaster is right at the headquarters of Trump resistance in California and SoCal in particular. But Ill predict that despite the political barbs being thrown at Mayor Bass and Gov. Newsom, Congress is going to do its usual thing and provide aid to the fire victims as soon as the numbers are finalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans say politically there is an opportunity for the president in the blue state to contrast his administrations leadership with the states Democratic leadership. Trump has this opportunity to basically not try to screw California but to come to California and say, Hey, these guys that youve elected dont govern well and were going to fix California for you, said Rob Stutzman, a California political consultant and former aide to former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R). But Republicans also point to the sensitivity of the issue, considering Trumps comments that the wildfires help negotiations. Trump has already unilaterally stepped in on the situation on Monday, he signed an executive order directing departments to route more water from Northern California to Southern California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Republicans warn that Trump has to be sensitive on his visit, after many people in the greater Los Angeles area have lost their homes and businesses from the wildfires. This is an important visit for the president given the magnitude of the tragedy and his stated desire to unite the country. However, it is also complicated for him because he has already indicated that he will leverage the situation in order to advance other priorities in Congress, said former Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.). Mulvaney, on the other hand, said talks about conditioning aid should have taken place long before the recent natural disasters in North Carolina and California. Twenty years ago we should have started talking about conditioning disaster relief money on remedial activities to make sure that the next disaster isnt as costly, said Mulvaney, former director of the Office of Management and Budget in Trumps first administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive never known Donald Trump to shy away from a tough conversation, he added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Scoop President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Friday that takes a first step toward potentially reshaping the Federal Emergency Management Agency by creating a task force to review it and recommend changes, according to details shared first with Semafor. The order establishes a group called the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council, whose members will include the secretaries of homeland security and defense, in addition to private-sector subject matter experts. The task force will be directed to issue a report to Trump on how the federal disaster response agency currently functions and ultimately recommend changes which could include reorganizing or getting rid of FEMA. Trump has been open about wanting states to take more of a hand in managing responses to disasters within their borders; as a model, White House officials have pointed to Florida, which took a heavy hand in managing the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House official confirmed to Semafor that Trump is expected to sign the directive later Friday, during a multi-state trip that marks his first outside of Washington since taking office on Monday. Know More The president hinted at todays order during a roundtable briefing in Asheville, North Carolina, before touring an area ravaged by Hurricane Helene last year. Trump said hed soon be signing a directive to start fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA or maybe getting rid of the agency entirely. FEMA is a very expensive organization that doesnt work out very well, Trump said after meeting with families affected by Hurricane Helene. If it was up to me right now, Id end it right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, Trumps executive order on FEMA does not seek to eliminate the agency; Congress would need to act to do that. The order instead underscores Trumps interest in turning to outside advisers and private-sector companies to fill some typically governmental functions as he seeks to quickly accomplish his second-term goals. It also reflects his administrations clear skepticism of FEMA as currently structured, signaling that Trump may pursue more concrete changes once the task forces review is complete. The details shared with Semafor include concerns about mismanagement of resources, FEMA work on immigration, and other questions that have been raised about the agency in recent years. Private-sector members of the task force, whose total membership the order caps at 20, are expected to include experienced practitioners in budget management and emergency preparedness. Notable President Donald Trump fired the highest-ranking woman in the military while at a ball celebrating his role as commander in chief. The Coast Guard commandant, Admiral Linda L. Fagan, was the first female uniformed leader of a branch of the armed forces. Fagan learned she had been fired while waiting to take a photo with Trump at the Commander in Chief Ball on Inauguration Day, The New York Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the reasons Fagan was fired was because of an excessive focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, the Homeland Security Department said in a statement. The DHS also said Fagans failure to address border security threats and the Coast Guards long-standing recruitment issues were reasons for her termination. The DHS also faulted Fagan for her handling of the investigation into Coast Guard Academys sexual assault allegations, also known as Operation Fouled Anchor, which reviewed reports of assaults from the 1980s to the early 2000s. Fagans firing sent shockwaves through the Coast Guard. Former Commandant Admiral Thad Allen criticized the decision in a statement to Homeland Security Today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her dismissal is not a matter of her performance. It is political performance. One that should cause great concern for current and future military leaders, he said. Commander Admiral Thad Allen (C). / Jason Reed / REUTERS Two other high ranking former Coast Guard officials, Master Chief Petty Officer Charles Bowen and Master Chief Vincent Patton, spoke out in Fagans defense. Admiral Fagans firing is wrong. There is no other way to say it. She is an honorable officer who has given her entire life to the Coast Guard and this is the wrong way for the new administration to end her career, they said in a statement. The two, who added that they worked with Fagan over her 40-year career, said Fagan inherited the DHSs cited problems, and she positively impacted current effort to improve the service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fagan graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 1985, part of the sixth graduating class that included women. She has served as commandant of the Coast Guard since 2022. Fagans firing is part of Trumps broader shakeup of the military. His nominee for the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, previously said that women should not serve in combat roles. Of the 1.3 million active service members in the military, 230,000 are women. Trump also signed an executive order ending DEI initiatives within the federal government on his first day in office. (Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trump said hed prefer not to have to impose tariffs on China, his latest dovish remark toward the worlds second-biggest economy even as he continues to threaten sweeping action. Most Read from Bloomberg We have one very big power over China, and thats tariffs, and they dont want them, the US leader told Fox News host Sean Hannity in an interview that aired Thursday in the US. And Id rather not have to use it. But its a tremendous power over China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has wielded tariffs as a frequent threat against friends and adversaries, and for the US promised additional revenue from them would help fund his domestic priorities. The US leader threatened on his second day in office to put 10% tariffs on China as soon as Feb. 1 for allowing fentanyl to pour into America. Markets have taken it as a positive sign that Trump stopped short of imposing tariffs on China in his first days in office, and his recent threats were softer than those issued last year. On the campaign trail, the Republican floated additional levies on China around the 60% mark, which economists have said could decimate US trade with a Chinese economy heavily reliant on exports. The yuan extended gains and rose 0.6% in both onshore and offshore markets after Trumps latest comments. Chinese stocks also extended gains, with the benchmark CSI 300 Index ending the day up 0.8%. What Bloomberg Economics Says ... Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to know exactly what US President Donald Trump was getting at with his latest comments on China tariffs ... That said, its difficult to see Trump backing down from his tariff threats. And analysis by Bloomberg Economics shows theres a lot at stake for China, and the world. Chang Shu, chief Asia economist Read more here Markets are likely to reduce bets on tariffs right now, said Fiona Lim, a senior strategist at Malayan Banking Bhd. Trump continues to take a softer approach with China. Since taking office, the Republican leader has given China-owned app TikTok a reprieve from an immediate US ban, and downplayed concerns over the platforms national security risks. Hes threatened Beijing with lower tariffs than leveled at Canada and Mexico, and hosted Vice President Han Zheng at his inauguration the first time a senior Chinese official witnessed a US president being sworn in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has reason to avoid alienating Beijing with early trade salvos, as he tries to convince Russian President Vladimir Putin a close diplomatic partner of Xi to end the war in Ukraine. They have a great deal of power over that situation, Trump said of China, during a Thursday video address to the World Economic Forum in Davos. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said there were huge common interests between the US and China on Friday at a regular press briefing in Beijing. The two sides should step up dialogue and consultation, she added. Smart Guy Trumps latest comments came in a wide-ranging conversation that also touched on other immediate global challenges he faces in his first week in office. The US president threatened to impose massive additional financial penalties on Russia if it didnt get to the negotiating table to end its war in Ukraine, called Irans leadership religious zealots, and said he also planned to reach out to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president had praise for Kim, saying the North Korean leader happens to be a smart guy and isnt a religious zealot like the leaders of Iran. Trump said he plans to reach out to Kim. While Kim hasnt directly namechecked Trump since his election victory, North Korean state media earlier carried comments from the nations leader saying talks with the US during Trumps first term had only served to confirm Washingtons unchangeable hostility. Trump had harsher words for Russias Vladimir Putin, threatening massive tariffs and big new sanctions if he didnt settle the war. I dont want to do that, but weve got to get this war ended, he said. While Trump did attack Beijing over its green exports, calling its wind turbines horrible and mocking fields of Chinese-made solar panels as ridiculous, he also reiterated his admiration for Xi Jinping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had a great relationship with him prior to Covid, he said. They are a very ambitious country. Hes a very ambitious man. --With assistance from Iris Ouyang, Hadriana Lowenkron, Soo-Hyang Choi, Romy Varghese, Shikhar Balwani, Betty Hou and Lucille Liu. (Updates with Chinese Foreign Ministry comment.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. President Donald Trump discusses Helene recovery during a visit to Western North Carolina on January 24, 2025. (Photo credit: CSPAN) President Donald Trump floated getting rid of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Friday as he visited western North Carolina to survey the damage and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. Trump said he would be signing an executive order fundamentally reforming or maybe getting rid of the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA has been a very big disappointment, he said during a briefing alongside North Carolina officials in Asheville. They cost a tremendous amount of money. Its very bureaucratic, its very slow. Its not immediately clear what the scale or details of such a decision could look like. Asked by reporters to elaborate on the proposal, Trump said he would prefer for states to get direct payouts from the federal government rather than coordinating with FEMA. When you have a problem like this whether its a Democrat or Republican governor, you want to use your state to fix it, not waste time calling FEMA, and then FEMA gets here and they dont know the area, Trump said. Theyve never been to the area, and they want to give you rules that youve never heard about. Recovery efforts in western North Carolina were hampered by an unprecedented disaster situation, with widespread flooding and destroyed infrastructure isolating mountain communities. A rash of misinformation spread online including by Trump also distorted the process and scale of relief at the state and federal levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his remarks Friday, Trump blasted the prior administration for its handling of the disaster, citing a separate case in Florida where a FEMA worker told responders to avoid homes with pro-Trump signs. He also repeated the false claim that FEMA money was diverted to housing for undocumented migrants. It doesnt matter at this point, Biden did a bad job, he said. Trump said he was tapping Michael Whatley, the chair of the Republican National Committee who formerly headed the North Carolina GOP, to help lead relief efforts. If he does half as good a job for North Carolina as he did for my campaign, well be very happy, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president was joined at the briefing by North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, with whom the president said he would have a very long and good relationship. In a statement, Stein thanked Trump for visiting, calling it a positive signal that his first visit was to North Carolina. He said he asked for $20 billion in additional relief, as well as another six months of full FEMA reimbursement. The statement did not address Trumps comments about getting rid of FEMA. Families, businesses, and communities are struggling and need these urgent resources to help them rebuild, Stein said. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration in the coming weeks and months to get people what they need to rebuild and recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also present were First Lady Melania Trump, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, North Carolina U.S. Reps. Chuck Edwards, Tim Moore and Virginia Foxx, North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall, and a group of state lawmakers. Democratic U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross of Wake County pushed back on Trumps proposal to get rid of FEMA on social media. FEMA has been a crucial partner in our fight to recover from Hurricane Helene, Ross wrote on social media. I appreciate President Trumps concern about western NC, but eliminating FEMA would be a disaster for our state. The Asheville visit is Trumps first trip outside Washington since being sworn in for his second term. It was followed by a trip to fire-stricken Los Angeles. President Donald Trump discusses Helene recovery during a visit to Western North Carolina on January 24, 2025. (Photo credit: CSPAN) President Donald Trump floated getting rid of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Friday as he visited western North Carolina to survey the damage and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. Trump said he would be signing an executive order fundamentally reforming or maybe getting rid of the federal disaster management agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA has been a very big disappointment, he said during a briefing alongside North Carolina officials in Asheville. They cost a tremendous amount of money. Its very bureaucratic, its very slow. Its not immediately clear what the scale or details of such a decision could look like. Asked by reporters to elaborate on the proposal, Trump said he would prefer for states to get direct payouts from the federal government rather than coordinating with FEMA. When you have a problem like this whether its a Democrat or Republican governor, you want to use your state to fix it, not waste time calling FEMA, and then FEMA gets here and they dont know the area, Trump said. Theyve never been to the area, and they want to give you rues that youve never heard about. Recovery efforts in western North Carolina were hampered by an unprecedented disaster situation, with widespread flooding and destroyed infrastructure isolating mountain communities. A rash of misinformation spread online including by Trump also distorted the process and scale of relief at the state and federal levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his remarks Friday, Trump blasted the prior administration for its handling of the disaster, citing a separate case in Florida where a FEMA worker told responders to avoid homes with pro-Trump signs. He also repeated the false claim that FEMA money was diverted to housing for undocumented migrants. It doesnt matter at this point, Biden did a bad job, he said. Trump said he was tapping Michael Whatley, the chair of the Republican National Committee who formerly headed the North Carolina GOP, to help lead relief efforts. If he does half as good a job for North Carolina as he did for my campaign, well be very happy, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president was joined at the briefing by North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, with whom the president said he would have a very long and good relationship. In a statement, Stein thanked Trump for visiting, calling it a positive signal that his first visit was to North Carolina. He said he asked for $20 billion in additional relief, as well as another six months of full FEMA reimbursement. The statement did not address Trumps comments about getting rid of FEMA. Families, businesses, and communities are struggling and need these urgent resources to help them rebuild, Stein said. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration in the coming weeks and months to get people what they need to rebuild and recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also present were First Lady Melania Trump, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, North Carolina U.S. Reps. Chuck Edwards, Tim Moore and Virginia Foxx, North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall, and a group of state lawmakers. Democratic U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross of Wake County pushed back on Trumps proposal to get rid of FEMA on social media. FEMA has been a crucial partner in our fight to recover from Hurricane Helene, Ross wrote on social media. I appreciate President Trumps concern about western NC, but eliminating FEMA would be a disaster for our state. The Asheville visit is Trumps first trip outside Washington since being sworn in for his second term. It was followed by a trip to fire-stricken Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NC Newsline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. NC Newsline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Rob Schofield for questions: info@ncnewsline.com. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX President Donald Trump | Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current President Donald Trump floated getting rid of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Friday as he visited western North Carolina to survey the damage and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. Trump said he would be signing an executive order fundamentally reforming or maybe getting rid of the agency. FEMA has been a very big disappointment, he said during a briefing alongside North Carolina officials in Asheville. They cost a tremendous amount of money. Its very bureaucratic, its very slow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not immediately clear what the scale or details of such a decision could look like. Asked by reporters to elaborate on the proposal, Trump said he would prefer for states to get direct payouts from the federal government rather than coordinating with FEMA. When you have a problem like this whether its a Democrat or Republican governor, you want to use your state to fix it, not waste time calling FEMA, and then FEMA gets here and they dont know the area, Trump said. Theyve never been to the area, and they want to give you rues that youve never heard about. Recovery efforts in western North Carolina were hampered by an unprecedented disaster situation, with widespread flooding and destroyed infrastructure isolating mountain communities. A rash of misinformation spread online including by Trump also distorted the process and scale of relief at the state and federal levels. During his remarks Friday, Trump blasted the prior administration for its handling of the disaster, citing a separate case in Florida where a FEMA worker told responders to avoid homes with pro-Trump signs. He also repeated the false claim that FEMA money was diverted to housing for undocumented migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt matter at this point, Biden did a bad job, he said. Trump said he was tapping Michael Whatley, the chair of the Republican National Committee who formerly headed the North Carolina GOP, to help lead relief efforts. If he does half as good a job for North Carolina as he did for my campaign, well be very happy, Trump said. The president was joined at the briefing by North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, with whom the president said he would have a very long and good relationship. In a statement, Stein thanked Trump for visiting, calling it a positive signal that his first visit was to North Carolina. He said he asked for $20 billion in additional relief, as well as another six months of full FEMA reimbursement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement did not address Trumps comments about getting rid of FEMA. Families, businesses, and communities are struggling and need these urgent resources to help them rebuild, Stein said. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration in the coming weeks and months to get people what they need to rebuild and recover. Also present were first lady Melania Trump, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, North Carolina U.S. Reps. Chuck Edwards, Tim Moore and Virginia Foxx, North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall, and a group of state lawmakers. Democratic U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross of Wake County pushed back on Trumps proposal to get rid of FEMA on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA has been a crucial partner in our fight to recover from Hurricane Helene, Ross wrote on social media. I appreciate President Trumps concern about western NC, but eliminating FEMA would be a disaster for our state. The Asheville visit is Trumps first trip outside Washington since being sworn in for his second term. It was followed by a trip to fire-stricken Los Angeles. NC Newsline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. NC Newsline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Rob Schofield for questions: info@ncnewsline.com. President Donald Trump discusses Helene recovery during a visit to Western North Carolina on January 24, 2025. (Photo credit: CSPAN) President Donald Trump floated getting rid of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Friday as he visited western North Carolina to survey the damage and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. Trump said he would be signing an executive order fundamentally reforming or maybe getting rid of the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA has been a very big disappointment, he said during a briefing alongside North Carolina officials in Asheville. They cost a tremendous amount of money. Its very bureaucratic, its very slow. Its not immediately clear what the scale or details of such a decision could look like. Asked by reporters to elaborate on the proposal, Trump said he would prefer for states to get direct payouts from the federal government rather than coordinating with FEMA. When you have a problem like this whether its a Democrat or Republican governor, you want to use your state to fix it, not waste time calling FEMA, and then FEMA gets here and they dont know the area, Trump said. Theyve never been to the area, and they want to give you rules that youve never heard about. Recovery efforts in western North Carolina were hampered by an unprecedented disaster situation, with widespread flooding and destroyed infrastructure isolating mountain communities. A rash of misinformation spread online including by Trump also distorted the process and scale of relief at the state and federal levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his remarks Friday, Trump blasted the Biden administration for its handling of the disaster, citing a separate case in Florida in which a FEMA worker told responders to avoid homes with pro-Trump signs. He repeated the false claim that FEMA money was diverted to housing for undocumented migrants. It doesnt matter at this point, Biden did a bad job, he said. Trump said he was tapping Michael Whatley, chair of the Republican National Committee who formerly headed the North Carolina GOP, to help lead relief efforts. If he does half as good a job for North Carolina as he did for my campaign, well be very happy, Trump said. Positive signal The president was joined at the briefing by North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, with whom the president said he would have a very long and good relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Stein thanked Trump for visiting, calling it a positive signal that his first visit was to North Carolina. He said he asked for $20 billion in additional relief, as well as another six months of full FEMA reimbursement. The statement did not address Trumps comments about getting rid of FEMA. Families, businesses, and communities are struggling and need these urgent resources to help them rebuild, Stein said. I look forward to working with the Trump administration in the coming weeks and months to get people what they need to rebuild and recover. Also present were First Lady Melania Trump, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, North Carolina U.S. Reps. Chuck Edwards, Tim Moore, and Virginia Foxx, North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall, and a group of state lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross pushed back on Trumps proposal to get rid of FEMA on social media. FEMA has been a crucial partner in our fight to recover from Hurricane Helene, Ross wrote on social media. I appreciate President Trumps concern about western NC, but eliminating FEMA would be a disaster for our state. The Asheville visit is Trumps first trip outside Washington since being sworn in for his second term. It was followed by a trip to fire-stricken Los Angeles. This story first appeared in NC Newsline, a member with the Phoenix in the nonprofit States Newsroom. Donald Trumps former lawyer has urged the US president to begin an investigation into Bank of America, which he claims closed his accounts because of his political views. John Eastman said he has still not been given an explanation for why his accounts of 40 years were closed by the banking giant, but believes it was an example of cancel culture brass in the corporate boardroom. His comments came after Mr Trump accused the banks chief executive officer of refusing to do business with people because of their Right-wing views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump said: I hope you start opening your bank to conservatives, because many conservatives complain that the banks are not allowing them to do business within the bank, and that included a place called Bank of America. In an address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, via a video link, he said: What youre doing is wrong. Mr Trump did not cite evidence or specifics of any wrongdoing. Referencing Jamie Dimon, the JPMorgan chief executive, Mr Trump added: You and Jamie and everybody, I hope youre gonna open your bank to conservatives. The two banks have denied ever making banking decisions based on politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welcoming Mr Trumps comments, Mr Eastman said he hopes they are indicative of the fact that hes going to look into it from the government end, although he said he had not spoken directly to the president. The former lawyer was told his Bank of America accounts were being shut in September 2023, one month after he was indicted alongside Mr Trump in the criminal Georgia election subversion case. He told The Telegraph he believes he was de-banked either because the bank didnt like my political views, or because the federal regulators were harassing them for my communications and my financial transactions because of my political views. It is an issue Mr Trump discussed on the campaign trail, telling a rally earlier this year he would place strong protections to stop banks and regulators from trying to de-bank you from your political beliefs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her book, Melania Trump, the first lady, claimed her bank account and that of her son Barron were shut down in the wake of the Jan 6 riots. This decision appeared to be rooted in political discrimination, she wrote. Some financial institutions have been accused by congressional Republicans and Republican-led states of woke capitalism as well as de-banking gun-makers, fossil fuel companies and others aligned with the political Right. Last year, Kris Kobach, the Kansas attorney general, sent a letter signed by 15 of his peers to Brian Moynihan, the Bank of America chief executive, accusing the bank of cancelling the accounts of multiple religious groups with mainstream views in the last three years. Bank of America denied the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email Bill Halldin, a Bank of America spokesman, said: We welcome conservatives. We are required to follow extensive government rules and regulations that sometimes result in decisions to exit client relationships. We never close accounts for political reasons and dont have a political litmus test. Responding to Mr Easthams claims, he said: We cant comment on individual client accounts. Id reiterate that we dont take any action based on political views. JPMorgan, the biggest US lender, also said it has never and would never close an account for political reasons. We follow the law and guidance from our regulators and have long said there are problems with the current framework Washington must address, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A JPMorgan spokesman said: We welcome the opportunity to work with the new Administration and Congress on ways to remove regulatory ambiguity while maintaining our countrys ability to address financial crime. 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. (Bloomberg) -- The Trump administration will review a rule adopted under President Joe Biden that would require carmakers to install automatic emergency braking systems on new vehicles that the industry has criticized as impractical. Most Read from Bloomberg The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Friday said it will temporarily delay the regulation for further consideration, potentially opening the door to changes. The move stems from a freeze on new regulations ordered by President Donald Trump on his first day in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The policy would require new cars to have automatic braking systems capable of avoiding contact with vehicles in front of them at speeds up to 62 miles per hour. It would also mandate that automatic braking systems be capable of detecting pedestrians in both daylight and darkness. Automakers would have had until September 2029 to fully comply. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which lobbies for major automakers including Ford Motor Co., Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp., recently asked a federal court to reverse the braking rule, arguing it is not feasible with current technology. Automakers have voluntarily agreed to adopt lower automatic braking standards, according to the group. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. The News US President Donald Trump had a fiery and contentious phone call with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen last week, during which Trump insisted he was serious about taking over Greenland, European officials told the Financial Times. The officials, who were not identified by the FT, said the conversation had gone very badly, with one describing it as horrendous. Another official said that Trumps intention to take over Greenland was serious, and potentially very dangerous. For weeks, Trump has voiced his interest in taking over Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Canada, in what analysts say reflect his hardball diplomacy. Frederiksen has asserted that Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, is not for sale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While her office dismissed the officials interpretation of the Trump call, one former Danish official told the FT that Trump also threatened to target Denmark with tariffs. Trumps critics have warned that his interest in Greenland which occupies a strategically important position for the US will destabilize the US alliance with Denmark, Semafor reported, while Trump allies argue that a bigger role for the US in Greenland would be vital to national security in countering Russia and China. The call is likely to deepen European concerns that Trumps return to power will strain transatlantic ties more than ever, the FT wrote, while Atlantic writer Anne Applebaum argued that for Denmark, the most difficult aspect of the crisis is not the need to prepare for an unspecified economic threat from a close ally, but the need to cope with a sudden sense of almost Kafkaesque absurdity. Know More Since his first term as president, Trump has floated the idea of annexing Greenland to expand US access to crucial Arctic trading routes and vast mineral resources. But he has recently doubled down on the proposal and has not ruled out using force to conquer the island. The president has also expressed interest in reclaiming the Panama Canal which he claims has unfairly given China economic and security advantages in the region. The News US President Donald Trump is heading to North Carolina, California, and Nevada on Friday in the first trip of his second term. Hes beginning the day in North Carolina, which was hit by Hurricane Helene in September. Trump is also going to California to review the devastating wildfire damage, a stop that could inflame his existing feud with Gov. Gavin Newsom. Trump told Sean Hannity on Fox News that hes not sure whether hell meet Newsom, though the California Democrat said he will be there to greet the president. Trump and other Republicans have threatened to impose conditions on fire aid to California, and Newsom, a Democratic rising star, will need to tread carefully. The big travel day ends in Nevada; Trump said that trip has been scheduled to thank them for the vote. Senators are expected to cast their final vote on defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth by late Fridaybut the man who appointed him doesnt appear to be too tapped into the details of the massive Republican undertaking. Speaking with Newsmax at Joint Base Andrews early Friday, Donald Trump insisted that Hegsethone of his more controversial appointeeswas a good man. But his tone, helicopters whirring in the background, more closely resembled that of a reality TV host playing both sides than an executive expressing total confidence that his appointee would ascend to the top of the Pentagon. I hope he makes it, Trump repeated to the far-right network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that, Trump continued, referring to Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, who broke ranks with Republicans by opposing Hegseths nomination in a procedural 5149 vote Thursday afternoon. And of course Mitch is always a no vote, I guess. Is Mitch a no vote? How about Mitch? Trump added. McConnell voted on Thursday to advance Hegseths nomination, though he could still oppose Hegseths appointment in the final vote. But even if McConnell ultimately swings against Trumps pick, Democrats would still need one more Republican detractor to keep Hegseth out of the highest echelons of the nations military complex. Trump, it seems, is just creating suspense around the vote, which is still expected to pass. Hegseth, a 44-year-old former infantry officer, has been under fire since Trump tapped him to lead the Pentagon. The heat has primarily stemmed from a shocking 2017 police report that revealed the Army veteran was accused of raping an attendee at a Republican womens conference in Monterey, California. Hegseth has also admitted to several other scandals, including five affairs that he had during his first marriage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseths FBI background check ahead of his Senate hearing barely touched on the scandals, failing to interview Hegseths ex-wives or the woman who accused him. Since then, his former sister-in-law has also accused him of erratic and aggressive behavior and abuse, claiming that the TV star grabbed his second wife and made her fear for her safety, to the point that the two sisters shared a code word to communicate when she felt she was in danger. The National Park Service might have to make do without hundreds of seasonal employees this spring and summer because of a hold placed on those positions by the Trump administration. The Washington Post reported Friday that about 400 job offers have been rescinded. National Parks Traveler reported that the number was closer to 1,400 positions. The National Park Service, which typically hires about 7,500 seasonal employees for peak tourism seasons, had not issued a statement regarding the issue at the time of this post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move apparently was part of a national hiring freeze announced by Trump on Monday, despite claims by the Office of Management and Budget that seasonal jobs would be exempt. Kristen Brengel, senior vice president at the National Parks Conservation Assn., told National Parks Traveler that "people all over the country who had been hired as seasonals for many, many parks got a notification over email that their job offer that they had was rescinded. Brengel expressed extreme concern that the National Park Service will not be able to adequately fulfill the needs of visitors without seasonal employees. If they don't fill the positions that had been opened, this could be so problematic for the parks," Brengel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seasonal employees fill many critical roles, from park ranger to traffic control to park maintenance to visitor services. The Washington Post obtained a form email from the NPS, issued to seasonal employees. It reads: Your job offer has been rescinded at management request. Should the bureau be able to fill the position again, another announcement will be posted in due course. One person whose job offer was rescinded stated via Reddit: "Just signed a lease and Im supposed to move across the country in three days. Im feeling so panicked and confused. I really hope we at least get some guidance moving forward soon." More Outdoors! Shark attack footage from shore stirring, but dont be misled Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Temporarily closed aquarium finds solution for lonely, ailing sunfish African lions are taking to the trees, 'and the crazy thing is... ' This article originally appeared on For The Win: Trump hiring freeze puts hold on seasonal jobs at national parks From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch Happy Friday! We remember the much-publicized municipal bidding war for the site of Amazons HQ2, but thats got nothing on small towns efforts to land new Buc-ees locations. Quick Hits: Todays Top Stories A Hard-Line Immigration Agenda An ICE agent monitors hundreds of asylum seekers being processed in New York City.(Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images) Federal agents carried out raids in cities across the country this week, arresting 538 people in what appears to be the opening salvo of President Donald Trumps long-promised crackdown on illegal immigration. A couple of the guys couldnt show their identification, the owner of a seafood wholesaler in Newark, New Jersey, said of a Thursday operation that targeted his employees. Twenty-six years in business, I never seen anything like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrests followed a wave of executive orders aimed at restricting illegaland even some forms of legalimmigration from the White House this week. If implemented, the initiatives would radically reshape not just federal immigration policy but the U.S. approach to citizenship itself. As with Trumps other week-one mandates, several of the orders face a host of legal challenges and logistical constraints. But those that are put in place could significantly restrict the number of people entering the United States illegally and legallyand soon. The highest-profileand most legally dubiousorder seeks to dramatically limit the scope of birthright citizenship by putting forth a new understanding of the 14th Amendment. If implemented, it would end the automatic extension of citizenship to children born here to parents who are in the United States illegally or on a temporary basiseven legally. The 14th Amendment has long been interpreted by courts to grant citizen status to anyone born in the country, with the exception of the children of diplomats. The effort is already facing challenges from attorneys general from multiple states, all Democratic. On Thursday, a federal judge in Seattle authored a decision in response to the lawsuits, calling Trumps order blatantly unconstitutional and issuing a two-week restraining order blocking its implementation. I have difficulty understanding how a member of the bar could state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order, U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour told Justice Department lawyer Brent Shumate during a hearing. Trump said the government would appeal the ruling. They put it before a certain judge in Seattle, I guess, right? And theres no surprises with that judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a second set of executive orders, Trump promised to marshal military resources to strengthen border security. These moves may prove more substantive than attempting to change settled constitutional law on citizenship, but still present their own legal ambiguities. On Monday, Trump issued several directives declaring an emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, designating international drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, suspending asylum indefinitely, and directing various federal agencies to expand their immigration enforcement efforts. The orders covered a wide array of policies, but one keyword linked them: invasion. Used in almost every executive order concerning immigration, the term is not merely hyperbole. If the administration classifies the illegal movement of migrants into the United States as an invasion (a definition not in line with historical usage), it could potentially justify the use of additional military resources to aid in border enforcement. On U.S. soil, the military is limited by the Posse Comitatus Act to performing in a supporting role to direct law enforcement actions. Former President Joe Biden deployed troops for these purposes during his term, but Trump aims to step up those efforts. The Pentagon announced Wednesday that 1,500 troops would be sent to the border to aid law enforcement, bolstering the roughly 2,200 soldiers already stationed there. And that could be a drop in the bucket. Multiple outlets reported Wednesday that internal documents from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection anticipated the presence of up to 10,000 active-duty troops at the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is just the beginning, acting Defense Secretary Robert Salesses said in a Wednesday statement of the 2,200-troop deployment. President Trump directed action from the Department of Defense on securing our nations borders and made clear he expects immediate results. That is exactly what our military is doing under his leadership. In an order Monday, Trump directed the United States Northern Command to present him with a strategy to repel forms of invasion, including unlawful mass migration, narcotics trafficking, human smuggling and trafficking, and other criminal activities. Meanwhile, Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, announced plans to surge assets to U.S. maritime borders. But these initiatives, too, may face a legal challenge. A Texas law passed earlier this year that sought to strengthen the states role in immigration enforcement, S.B. 4, also classified illegal immigration as an invasion, invoking the Constitutional right of states to defend their sovereignty against attack. Federal district court Judge David Alan Ezra forcefully rebutted this claim in multiple rulings. The text and structure of the State War Clause imply that invasion was to be used sparingly for temporary, exigent, and dangerous circumstances, he wrote. Put simply, the overwhelming textual and historical evidence does not support Texass understanding of the State War Clause. Trumps most impactful actions on immigration might be in the areas where the president has clear authority to act. One such order directed that the migrant-processing abilities of CBP One, an app used by incoming migrants to submit documents and schedule asylum appointments, be shut down immediately. As of Monday afternoon, all future appointments were canceled, leaving thousands stranded in Mexico as they awaited appointments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president also has broad authority over the U.S. Refugee Admission Program, which is distinct from the asylum system. Trump moved to temporarily cancel new admissions under the program on Monday, leaving many refugees who had already booked flights to the U.S. in limbo. One active-duty U.S. service member told BBC that his family was now stuck in Afghanistan because of the change. Finally, the Trump administration expects to significantly ramp up the ordinary work of immigration enforcement agencies. The raids by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) throughout the week were not significantly larger than those under the Biden administration, but they did expand the scope of the agencys typical operations by targeting sanctuary cities: localities where local officials have pledged to limit or refuse cooperation with immigration authorities in an effort to circumvent federal immigration law. A Justice Department memo leaked on Wednesday ordered DOJ prosecutors to investigate state and local officials who refuse to comply with federal immigration enforcement. Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing and otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands and requests, Emil Bove, the acting deputy attorney general, wrote in the memo. The U.S. Attorneys Offices and litigating components of the Department of Justice shall investigate incidents involving any such misconduct for potential prosecution. Serious action by federal prosecutors against local officials would represent a new level of ICE activity. It also may be impelled by the practicalities of efforts to carry out large-scale deportations: The simplest way to deport illegal immigrants is to find those whove been booked in local jails and prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But local officials are not compelled to cooperate with federal law enforcement, the attorneys general of New York and California, joined by 11 other states, argued on Thursday. It is well-establishedthrough longstanding Supreme Court precedentthat the U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from commandeering states to enforce federal laws, they wrote in a statement. Right now, these vague threats are just that: empty words on paper. But rest assured, our states will not hesitate to respond if these words become illegal actions. But however extensive the presidents powers over immigration, and they are, a truly drastic change in U.S. immigration policy would require legislative action. Its not just about the Trump administration. Its about Congress, Lora Ries, the director of the Border Security and Immigration Center at the Heritage Foundation, told TMD. They need to resource it [stepped-up immigration enforcement] now. With both the House and Senate under Republican control, Congress has already made some moves toward bolstering the presidents agenda. The House on Wednesday passed the Laken Riley Act, a bill requiring that ICE detain illegal immigrants charged with crimes like shoplifting, larceny, or assault of a police officer. Notably, 46 Democrats joined a unanimous Republican caucus in voting for the law. But new legislation is just part of the equation. ICE estimates that it would need $26.9 billionfor things like 10,000 more personnel and 110,000 additional shelter bedsto enforce the law, which doesnt include new funding for the agency. The agency could commandeer existing facilities built by the Biden administration to house detainees, but the conditions may be less than ideal. So are there [processing] centers? Are there tent cities? Absolutely, Ries said. Do they meet the ICE detention requirements? Probably not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Republicans also want to give Trumps executive orders statutory backing. Rep. Brian Babin, a Republican from Texas, introduced a bill on Thursday that would essentially codify Trumps executive order altering the 14th Amendment. But the legislation faces a tough road ahead, as it cant be attached to reconciliation legislation and would likely need a two-thirds vote in the Senate. Whatever the outcome of Congress efforts, Trumps desire to take the immigration issue into his own hands is clear. But clashes with Democratic-controlled states and localities await. And with Republican backing, the Trump administration is spoiling for a fight. Sanctuary cities are going to get exactly what they dont wantmore agents in the communities, more people arrested, more collaterals arrested, Trumps border czar Tom Homan told Fox News on Tuesday. So thats a game they want to play? Game on. Worth Your Time Writing for New Lines Magazine, Andrew Ryvkin told the story of Saint Petersburg State University and its role in forming Russias Middle East policy. Studies often emphasized the U.S.-Soviet rivalry in the Middle East, Ryvkin wrote. The region, we were told, was like a Gordian knot, but unlike the crude Americans who wanted to cut through it, we Russians needed to untangle it. But it soon became clear that the university was not established to foster discussions on the future of the Middle East. The university produced the people who formed the core of the paranoid, repressive and security-obsessed Russian state. We entered the university with romantic notions about the Middle East, lapping up the myriad manuscripts and artworks that prerevolutionary Russia managed to snatch from Persia and the Levant. By the time we left, most of us had been transformed into loyal servants of the state. The system funneled talent into roles that served the Kremlin, leaving little room for personal choice or dissent. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the heroic sled dog relay to deliver life-saving antitoxin serums to a remote Alaskan town suffering from a diphtheria outbreak. In a piece for The Atlantic, David Axelrod argued that the centenary offers a lesson about the importance of modern vaccines as the Senate considers the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health and human services secretary. It is not too obvious, in 2025, to state that vaccines work, he wrote. In 1921, before the scientific breakthrough that led to the Tdap vaccine, approximately 200,000 Americans were infected with diphtheria, and 15,000 died. By the turn of the century, thanks to compulsory vaccination of schoolchildren, the number of cases dwindled to almost nothing. From 1996 to 2018, America experienced an average of fewer than one case a year. Polio, measles, and many other potentially deadly diseases also were virtually eradicated by vaccines. Yet a rising anti-vax movement, fueled by click-hungry demagogues and a growing populist revolt against experts, institutions, and mandates, threatens to drag America backwards. Presented Without Comment USA Today: Elephants Are Not Human, Colorado High Court Rules for Zoo in Animal Rights Groups Suit Also Presented Without Comment Washington Post: [Speaker] Johnson Aide Advised Against [Cassidy] Hutchinson Subpoena Over Concerns About Lawmakers Sexual Texts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An aide to House Speaker Mike Johnson advised Republican colleagues against subpoenaing former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson as part of their investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack in an effort to prevent the release of sexually explicit texts that lawmakers sent her, according to written correspondence reviewed by The Post and a person familiar with the effort. In the Zeitgeist After a delay due to the Los Angeles fires, the nominations for the 97th Academy Awards dropped on Thursday. Conan OBrien will host the Oscars in March, but heres one of our favorite opening numbers back when Hugh Jackman hosted in 2009. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Terhj8mjPwY Toeing the Company Line In the newsletters: Nick Catoggio looked into () Donald Trumps apparent turnabout on Russia and Will Rinehart contemplated the rapidly changing AI landscape. On the podcasts: Sarah Isgur is joined by Jonah Goldberg and Steve Hayes on The Dispatch Podcast to unpack the first few days of the Trump administration. On the site: Mike Warren tracks the continued devolution of the Heritage Foundation, John McCormack reports on congressional reactions to the January 6 pardons, Kevin Williamson debunks Trumps emergency declarations, and Chris Stirewalt reflects on the modern resonance of President James Polks expansionist legacy. Let Us Know What role, if any, should the U.S. military play in securing the southern border? Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Trump still wants to hold California wildfire disaster aid hostage until the state government capitulates to his personal agenda. Ahead of a planned trip to the state on Friday, a reporter asked the president very directly if he would withhold funding to Los Angeles because of its sanctuary city policy. I want to see two things in Los Angeles. Voter ID, so that the people have a chance to vote, and I want to see the water be released and come down into Los Angeles and throughout the state, Trump responded, ignoring the actual question while adding even more conditions to federal aid. Those are the two things. After that, I will be the greatest president that California has ever seen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump went on to ramble about the abject beauty of the California terrain before returning to his thesis. I want voter ID for the people of California; they all want it, right now. People want to have voter identification, you want to have proof of citizenship, ideally you have one-day voting but I just want voter ID as a start, and I want the water to be released, and theyre gonna get a lot of help from the U.S. Voter ID law has nothing to do with the wildfires, or with getting federal assistance to Californiaits just one of many demands Republicans want California to meet before they dole out the funds theyve been dangling over the state. When asked moments later about the requirement, Trump seemed to imply that there would be no conditions on aid to North Carolina, which is still recovering from Hurricane Helene. But California was a different story: In California, I have a condition. We want them to have voter ID, he reiterated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Trumps desire for the water to come down into Los Angeles: The president has repeatedly accused the California state government of refusing to send water from Northern California to fight the fires, saying that theyre ignoring Southern California to protect the delta smelt, a kind of fish. Los Angeles has massive amounts of water available to it, Trump said on Tuesday. All they have to do is turn the valve, and thats the valve coming back from and down from the Pacific Northwest, where millions of gallons of water a week and a day, even, in many cases, pours into California, goes all through California down to Los Angeles. And they turned it off. Its nowhere near as simple as he describes it, and there is no valve. The hydrants were overworked, not shut off. Nor did the smelt have anything to do with the lack of water to the southhigh demand and low pressure did. Theres literally no real connection between the fires in Southern California and delta smelt protections, said the Center for Biological Diversitys John Buse. President Trumps decision to pardon hundreds of protesters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 including many accused of assaulting police officers is dividing House Republicans, with some lawmakers touting the day-one decree and others criticizing it as ill-advised. Trumps blanket pardon for roughly 1,500 rioters in the hours after he was sworn into office particularly his decision to issue a sweeping reprieve rather than assessing the cases individually shook Washington. Many of Trumps allies, including Vice President Vance, had said they were in favor of examining the arrests on a case-by-case basis. The order included pardons for roughly 600 protesters accused of assaulting, resisting or impeding police and commutations for 14 Proud Boys and Oath Keepers leaders who were charged with sedition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some House Republicans including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and hard-line conservatives defended Trump this week, contending that it is his right to sign clemencies and deflecting to former President Bidens controversial decision to issue preemptive pardons to members of his family, which was made public in the final minutes of his presidency. Some celebrated the move. But a growing number of Republicans in the lower chamber are criticizing the action, wishing that Trump excluded the violent protesters from the pardons and contending that it is an insult to the police officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6. They argue that such a move contrasts with the GOPs core principle of being a champion for law enforcement. [I] dont agree with the pardoning of people that committed violence or even damage to property, said Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.). If you climbed in through a window, I think probably you knew what you were doing was against the law, and I dont think it was appropriate to pardon them. Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.), who represents a battleground district that Biden won in 2020, called Trumps sweeping pardon an overreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There should have been line items and see, does this person deserve pardoning, does this person, she said. And then instead of doing a blanket, then I think he would have caught that this person probably does not deserve to be pardoned at this time. Its an insult to the law enforcement and police officers who work every day to protect our community and individuals like us, she added. Especially those of us [who] work in the Capitol, we owe them a debt of gratitude for doing what they do. Trumps blanket pardon for Jan. 6 protesters made good on a long-running campaign promise to grant clemency to the hundreds of protesters charged and convicted or awaiting trial following the 2021 Capitol riot. But in the lead-up to Trumps inauguration, those close to the then-president-elect suggested that he would sign the pardons on a case-by-case basis, offering clemency for individuals who were charged for nonviolent crimes while skipping over those who were being prosecuted for violent offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 19 the day before Trump signed the sweeping pardon Johnson on NBCs Meet the Press said rioters who assaulted law enforcement officers should not receive pardons but peaceful protesters should, calling it a simple determination. The week before, Vance on Fox News Sunday issued the same stance. I think its very simple, Vance said. Look, if you protested peacefully on January the 6th, and youve had Merrick Garlands Department of Justice treat you like a gang member, you should be pardoned. If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldnt be pardoned. And theres a little bit of a gray area there. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), who raised concerns about the blanket pardon, pointed to Vances comments. I appreciated Vice President Vances statement before all this that, you know, we should have been more selective. I think it shouldve been selective at [commutations] or pardoning, Bacon said. But to just do a blanket pardon and it bothers a lot of us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im a pro-law enforcement, he added. It bothers me because I defend law enforcement and I think those who assaulted cops or vandalized the building should be held accountable. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), who has served in the House since 2009, said protesters who assaulted police officers, vandalized property or entered the chamber to disrupt official proceedings should have the book thrown at them. But its also clear that the vast, vast majority were simply swept up by the mob. They hurt nobody, broke nothing, and have been treated very harshly. So I can see merit in the presidents pardons, but perhaps they should have been a little more carefully scrutinized, he added. Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.), who has represented parts of south and central Georgia in the House since 2011, echoed that sentiment, saying the pardons should have been individually reviewed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont like blanket pardons, he added. It gets back into what some of them actually did, thats why I dont think it should have been blanket. A House Republican who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive topic raised concerns about the GOPs pro-law enforcement image after the pardons. When you say we support law enforcement and then you pardon all the guys who beat the s out of law enforcement officers, not sure that paints the right picture, the lawmaker said. While a rising number of Republicans have come out against the clemencies, a sizable swell is defending Trump, arguing that the pardons are his prerogative as president. Headlining that list is Johnson, who was asked about the GOPs back the blue ethos in light of the pardons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody can describe this however they want, the president has the pardon and commutation authority, its his decision, and I think what was made clear all along was that peaceful protests and people who engage in that should never be punished, Johnson said. The presidents made his decision, he added, I dont second guess those. Johnson and most other Republicans were quick to point to Bidens decision to issue preemptive pardons to five of his family members, which were announced as the outgoing president walked into the Capitol rotunda for Trumps inauguration in the final minutes of his presidency. Its a promise made, promise kept, President Trump is true to word, said Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.), a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus. I trust the president that the fact that theyve done, as I said, theyve checked into them, they have decided, as he has the authority to do, to pardon those people that deserve to have pardons. I mean, look at Biden and his pardons. Are you kidding me? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A handful of conservative House Republicans visited the Washington, D.C., jail on Tuesday after Trump signed the pardons, touting the clemencies. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) vowed to offer the released protesters a tour of the Capitol. These men have already paid too much time, Boebert said. More time than they ever shouldve. They should have never been locked up. Asked if he thought it was wrong to pardon the violent protesters, Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), who reached the rank of lieutenant general in the U.S. Marine Corps, responded, Im not gonna second guess the president on that. He came in his first day, he said what he was gonna do, hes doing it, he said. Its always easy to second guess. Im not one of those. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other House Republicans, meanwhile, are steering clear of the pardon discussion entirely, caught between crossing the president and backing his controversial clemency. Theres been a lot of talk about that. What Im focusing on are the other executive orders that deal with immigration and border security, said Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R), who represents a battleground district in Arizona, when asked for his reaction to the pardons. Pressed on whether he had any comment on the clemencies, the second-term lawmaker responded thank you as an elevator door closed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Donald Trumps executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico and Alaskas Denali, the tallest peak in the country, has resulted in lots of discussion. While for some, such renaming might seem less important than the big problems the country faces, there is a formal process in the United States for renaming places, and that process is taken seriously. Usually, so people dont get confused, official, agreed-upon names are used by the government. In the U.S., place names are standardized by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, which is part of the U.S. Geological Survey, the agency in charge of making maps. In his executive order, Trump asks the Board on Geographic Names to honor the contributions of visionary and patriotic Americans and change its policies and procedures to reflect that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Usually, renaming a place starts locally. The people in the state or county propose a name change and gather support. The process in each state is different. Lake Bde Maka Ska, formerly Lake Calhoun, is the largest lake in Minneapolis. YinYang/E+ via Getty How to change a place name Minnesota recently changed the name of a large lake in Minneapolis to Bde Maka Ska, which the Minneapolis Park Board described as a Dakota name for the lake that has been passed down in oral history for many years. The board voted to change the name and took its request to the county commissioners. When the county agreed, the request was then sent to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which made it official for Minnesota. Then, the state of Minnesota sent the request to the Board on Geographic Names, which made it official for the entire U.S. Its a lot of paperwork for something so seemingly minor, but people get passionate about place names. It took 40 years to rename Denali from the name established in the late 19th century, Mount McKinley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state of Alaska requested the name change in 1975, but the Board on Geographic Names didnt take action. Members of the Ohio congressional delegation President William McKinley was from Ohio objected over many years to requests to rename the mountain, and the board did not act on those requests. The president appoints the secretary of the Interior Department. The secretary works with the heads of related agencies to appoint the Board on Geographic Names. Current committee policy states, Input from State geographic names authorities, land management agencies, local governments, and Tribal Governments are actively pursued. In 2015, President Barack Obama named a new leader for the Department of the Interior, Sally Jewell. Just as Obama made a trip to Alaska in late August 2015, Jewell declared the name change official under a law that allows the secretary of the Interior to change a name if the board doesnt act on the proposal in a reasonable amount of time. This name change recognizes the sacred status of Denali to many Alaska Natives, Jewell said. The name Denali has been official for use by the State of Alaska since 1975, but even more importantly, the mountain has been known as Denali for generations. With our own sense of reverence for this place, we are officially renaming the mountain Denali in recognition of the traditions of Alaska Natives and the strong support of the people of Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If someone objects to a name change, they could ask the courts to rule on whether the name change was made legally. Going back to Bde Maka Ska, some people objected to changing the name from Lake Calhoun, so they took the state natural resources agency to court. Eventually, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the name change was done correctly. Alaskas two U.S. senators and prominent state figures have strongly objected to Trumps renaming attempt. How not to change a place name Renaming the Gulf of Mexico is a different kind of case, however, from renaming a geographic place within U.S. borders. The gulf is not within the territorial U.S. On the coast, the first 12 miles from shore are considered part of that country, but outside of that is international waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Board on Geographic Names could change the name to Gulf of America on official U.S. maps, but there is no international board in charge of place names. Each country decides what to call places. And there is no official way for the U.S. to make other countries change the name. Its possible that the U.S. could formally ask other countries to change the name, or even impose sanctions against countries that dont comply. If the names were officially changed in the U.S., the government would use the new names in official documents, signage and maps. As for all the people and companies in the world that make maps, they usually use the official names. But there is nothing that would force them to, if they believed that a certain name is more widely recognized. On Jan. 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued a statement on the name changes: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In accordance with President Donald J. Trumps recent executive order, the Department of the Interior is proud to announce the implementation of name restorations that honor the legacy of American greatness, with efforts already underway. "As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America and North Americas highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley.The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, under the purview of the Department of the Interior, is working expeditiously to update the official federal nomenclature in the Geographic Names Information System to reflect these changes, effective immediately for federal use. This story has been updated to reflect the Department of Interiors statement on Jan. 25, 2025. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Innisfree McKinnon, University of Wisconsin-Stout Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Innisfree McKinnon does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. LOS ANGELES President Donald Trump on Friday demanded concessions from California Democrats on two pet issues unrelated to the devastating Los Angeles County wildfires requiring voter ID at the polls and sending more water from Northern California to other parts of the state in his clearest public indication yet of what he wants in exchange for federal disaster aid. The stunning salvo mere hours before Trump was set to land in Los Angeles to tour the area instantly undermined a strategy from local officials and members of Congress, who had hoped a firsthand view of the destruction would appeal to the presidents emotions. It also put congressional Republicans, particularly in swing districts, in the difficult position of advocating for their fire-scarred home states welfare without getting crosswise with their partys leader. Trump says hell only approve aid for fire victims if the state implements voter ID? California Sen. Alex Padilla said Friday. This is nothing but pure political payback for a state that refused to support him in his last three presidential campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The requests target two of the presidents central preoccupations with California. He has claimed, against polling and years of election results indicating that the state is deeply liberal, that he would have won California had voters been required to show identification at polling locations in November. Trump has also bashed state water policy and conjured the image of a faucet in Northern California that, if only opened, could divert more water into the Central Valley and Southern California and help with the fire response even if thats not how state aqueducts work. I want to see voter ID, so that the people have a chance to vote, and I want to see the water released and come down into Los Angeles and throughout the state, Trump told reporters. After that, I will be the greatest president that California has ever seen, he said. The debate over disaster-aid conditions started just days after the deadly fires began tearing through Los Angeles, destroying much of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles and the nearby city of Altadena. Former President Biden, as he increased aid to the region in the final days of his term, said he prayed that the help would continue under a Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Republican representatives have signaled support for attaching strings to aid that would set guardrails around how the money can be spent, but many have objected to unrelated conditions such as tying aid to a proposal to raise the debt ceiling. Californians across every geography view wildfires as a problem, according to recent polling. Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley previously told the Hill there should be safeguards to make sure the money gets to the victims. But when KCRA 3 asked him if there should be conditions unrelated to wildfire policy, Kiley said, "no. "That would not be appropriate, and I will not be in favor of anything like that," Kiley said. California Republicans in and around Trumps orbit have made voter ID requirements a rallying cry for years. Trump ally Richard Grenell, who has repeatedly called for such a change, was scheduled to accompany the president in Los Angeles. Grenell has pushed to require voters to show proof of their identity when casting ballots alongside state assemblymembers Bill Essayli and Carl DeMaio, the most vocal representatives of the California Legislatures far-right bloc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A great start! DeMaio wrote on X in response to the presidents call for voter ID requirements. Thank you, President Trump! Democrats decried the notion of wildfire aid being used as leverage in an election policy debate. They had already railed against Trump and their Hill opponents who have floated tying federal relief to an increase to the debt ceiling, among other unrelated policies. This is despicable, Rep. Dave Min (D-Calif), who as a state lawmaker authored a bill banning local voter ID requirements, said in an interview Friday. It is un-American, and it is unfortunately carrying on what we've seen in this last week of Trump being sworn in, a series of very un-American actions. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) reiterated the call for aid with no strings attached, just as America has done with federal disaster assistance for our entire history, in a statement Friday. The people here have suffered too much; we should never play politics holding up or denying the relief people need to continue healing, recovering, and rebuilding from natural disasters, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about Trumps voter ID demand, Chu demurred. The president says a lot of things, she said in a phone interview, and even continuously adds to the things that he wants. Rep. Ro Khanna blasted Trumps threat in a phone interview, and said hes taking it seriously. We need to have unconditional aid to California, Khanna (D-Calif.) said. Do you want Democrats to say, if there's a disaster in a red state, that we're going to link disaster funding to their laws on reproductive rights or their laws on voting rights? Gov. Gavin Newsom, who planned to meet Trump on the tarmac in Los Angeles, said in a statement that conditioning aid for American citizens is wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state is embroiled in a lawsuit against the conservative city Huntington Beach over its attempt to implement a local voter identification requirement. California officials recently appealed a decision in favor of the city. There already is voter ID in California. You provide ID when you register, and then only people who are registered can vote, California Attorney General Rob Bonta previously told POLITICO. And thats the law of the state of California. No local jurisdiction can change that. Nicole Norman contributed to this report. President Donald Trump is scheduled to surround himself mostly with Republicans who echo his forest and water management critiques of California during his trip to Los Angeles on Friday afternoon. But he's also bringing the top federal forest official a holdover from the Biden administration with years of California experience. Trump tapped U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore, whom former President Joe Biden named to his post in 2021, to accompany him in Los Angeles. Trump initial guest list doesn't include Gov. Gavin Newsom or California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, Moore's state-level counterpart, who had a showdown with Trump about the role of climate change in wildfires in 2020. Moore has been playing a role in helping manage the federal response to the fires since they started two weeks ago, bridging Trump's inauguration. While Forest Service chief isn't a political appointment, it typically changes over with changes in administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore, an agency veteran, previously ran the Forest Services operations in California. He has increased the agencys active forest management, including prescribed fire, but has been hampered by deep budget gaps that forced the agency to stop hiring seasonal workers. Biden who emphasized at a Jan. 13 briefing on the fires the need for "Congress to step up to provide funding" for recovery asked Moore whether he was "hearing any misinformation that's going out, false assertions that are being made about the state of the effort to fight the fire." Moore highlighted rumors about how the fires started, rather than ones blaming California officials for forest and water management practices. "Well, I mean, there's always rumors with large fires like this, Mr. President," Moore said, according to a transcript. "And one of the things that everybody wants to know is how did these fires start. And until the team of investigators conclude their investigations, we don't really know. And so, there's a lot of speculation out there about how these fires started, but there's no proof to validate a lot of these rumors that we're hearing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also attending the briefing will be Edward Ring, director of water and energy policy at the California Policy Center, an anti-union think tank. Ring, who described himself to the Los Angeles Times as a moderate Republican and Trump supporter in 2017, recently argued in a piece for his centers website that Newsom and the state Legislature should radically deregulate the activities of timber harvesting, mechanical thinning, grazing, and controlled burns. He also argued California should reverse drought restrictions on urban water use to avoid future urban conflagrations. Six Republican and two Democratic House members will also be accompanying Trump. Democratic Reps. George Whitesides, a newly-elected former space tech CEO steeped in wildfire policy and technology issues whose Santa Clarita district is the site of the currently burning Hughes Fire, and Brad Sherman, who represents the Pacific Palisades area. Whitesides is a co-sponsor of the Fix Our Forests Act, a bipartisan measure that would streamline forest thinning and boost other wildfire prevention and that passed the House on Thursday with large Republican support and mixed Democratic support. Sherman voted yes after voting no last year on the same measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Reps. Jay Obernolte from San Bernardino County, Vince Fong from Bakersfield, Kevin Kiley from Rocklin, Darrell Issa from eastern San Diego County, Young Kim from Orange County and Tom McClintock from the central Sierra Nevada are also scheduled to attend the emergency briefing. Fong has championed the cause of Central Valley farmers who want to see more water sent their way from Northern Californias rivers a topic that is now fueling Trumps demands for changes to the state and federal water systems as a condition of sending disaster aid to Los Angeles. Kiley and McClintock have long argued for more active forest management for their forested, fire-prone districts. Kim has said policy conversations tied to conditioning disaster aid should come later and aid should not be delayed. All three also supported the Fix Our Forests Act. Also scheduled to attend the briefing are Richard Grenell, the presidential envoy for special missions with a home in Manhattan Beach and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, a Republican who represents Altadena and has vowed to work with Trump to secure funding. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is also on the list. Trump is also scheduled to tour the damage in Pacific Palisades with first lady Melania Trump, Los Angeles Fire Department officials and local homeowners. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump is emphasizing that targeting Russia's oil revenue is the best way to get Moscow to end its nearly three-year war against Ukraine. Trump, who pledged in the campaign that he'd broker a quick end to the grinding conflict, in his first days in office has leaned in on the idea that OPEC+, the alliance of oil producing nations, holds the key to ending the war by reducing oil prices. The president on Friday renewed his call on the group of oil producing exporters, led by Saudi Arabia, to reduce the price of oil. It's a move he says would bleed Russia of much needed revenue to pay for the conflict and force Vladimir Putin to reconsider the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One way to stop it quickly is for OPEC to stop making so much money," Trump told reporters. So, OPEC ought to get on the ball and drop the price of oil. And that war will stop right away. But the push on OPEC+ is an uphill battle, according to industry experts. The alliance last month put off increasing oil production as it faces weaker than expected demand and competing production from non-allied countries. Trump made similar calls on OPEC+ this week during a virtual address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the annual gathering of world leaders and corporate elites. Meanwhile, the president's special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, said Friday that OPEC+ cutting oil prices to $45 per barrel could push Russia to end the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia is gaining billions of dollars of money from oil sales, Kellogg said in a Fox News interview. What if you drop that to $45 a barrel, which is basically a baseline break-even point? The Saudi and Russian relationship is complicated, though the countries have cooperated on oil. In 2016, Russia and other oil producers that werent part of the alliance joined with Saudi Arabia and other members of the oil cartel to form OPEC+. Russia and Saudi Arabia are by far the biggest producers in the expanded alliance. That move was largely made in response to dramatically falling oil prices due to U.S. shale oil output. The United States is not a member of OPEC or OPEC+. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said Trump has a better relationship with Saudi Arabias crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman, than did his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden. Still, he said, the Saudis still have bills to pay, and Trump is making a huge ask. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oil companies respond to economics and not to personal favors, he added. The Kremlin on Friday dismissed the idea that Russia could be pressed into talks on ending the war by the U.S. and its allies targeting the oil sector. The conflict doesnt depend on oil prices, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a call with reporters. The conflict is ongoing because of the threat to Russias national security, the threat to Russians living on those territories and the refusal by the Americans and the Europeans to listen to Russias security concerns. Its not linked to oil prices. The U.S. and its allies have imposed a $60 per barrel price cap on Russian oil. But Moscow has been able to sustain a steady stream of revenue from sales by relying on buyers, including China and India, who have taken advantage of discounted prices from the Russians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump earlier this week spoke by phone with the Saudi crown prince, his first foreign leader call after his return to the White House. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to comment on whether the two leaders discussed Trump's push for slashing oil prices. After the call, the crown prince said the kingdom would look to invest $600 billion in the United States over the next four years, and Trump publicly said he'd like to see the Saudis spend $1 trillion. Trump is also hopeful for landing a long sought Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization deal, to formalize relations between the Middle East's two biggest powers. Trump may be making a risky gambit by publicly pressing the Saudis and other OPEC+ nations. Biden, who was critical of the Saudis' human rights record early in his term, faced an embarrassing setback months into the Ukraine war when the Saudis rejected the Democrat's public push to increase the global flow of oil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked why Trump could succeed where Biden failed, Leavitt, Trump's press secretary, offered confidence but no specifics. The Biden administration said a lot of things that never actually came to fruition, and President Trump is a man of his word, she said. "Youre seeing that already. Its possible that Saudi Arabia and other allies would want to answer Washingtons call eventually, but not immediately, said Kevin Book, the managing director who leads the research team at ClearView Energy Partners LLC, a Washington research firm. Global oil supply is currently ahead of demand by about 700,000 barrels per day, according to the International Energy Agency, a surplus that already weighs on the price. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, was trading at about $78 on Friday morning. Book said whether Trump will have better luck than Biden depends on his terms -- what he asks for and what pressure he brings. What Biden was essentially asking for was going to divide the two biggest players in OPEC+ and thats essentially whats on the table right now, too, he said. It was challenging then. It would be challenging now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kellogg said Trump feels strongly that drumming up economic pressure will be more useful to getting Russia to the negotiating table than helping Ukraine score battlefield wins. Both sides have suffered hundreds of thousands of casualties. Kellogg expressed doubt that the incredible human cost would have much impact on the Kremlin's calculations. This is a nation that was willing to lose 700,000 killed in six months at Stalingrad in World War II. They just throw troops at it, Kellogg said. He added, So when you look at Putin, you cant just say, 'Well, stop the killing,' because candidly, thats not their mentality, thats not how they do things. Criticism of Biden's handling of the Ukraine conflict was a cornerstone of Trump's 2024 campaign. He regularly pilloried Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for the enormous amount of military aid poured into Ukraine in the aftermath of Russia's February 2022 invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He boasted on the campaign trail that the war would have never happened if he were president and that he would end the war within 24 hours of being sworn in. Since his election victory, he's acknowledged that the war remains complicated and has said it could take months to find a resolution to the war. In a posting on his Truth Social site, Trump earlier this week said the U.S must never forget that Russia helped us win the Second World War. And he's repeatedly said that he will hold talks with Putin. I really would like to be able to meet with President Putin soon and get that war ... ended, Trump said at Davos. And thats not from the standpoint of economy or anything else. Its from the standpoint of millions of lives are being wasted. Beautiful, young people are being shot in the battlefield. ___ McDermott reported from Providence, Rhode Island. AP writer Will Weissert traveling aboard Air Force One contributed reporting. Lets face it: For the last four years, its seemed to a lot of us that we havent had a leader in our nation. Throughout his term as president, we watched Joe Biden seemingly unable to find his way off a stage, shaking hands with air, stumbling along while trying to read a teleprompter, being nearly entirely hidden from the press and getting our information from a press secretary who read answers out of a binder (like telling us the border is secure and Biden would never pardon his son). The best news from Inauguration Day is the realization that we have a president again. After four years of wondering who is actually calling the shots in Washington because we suspected it wasnt Biden there is no question who is in charge now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald J. Trump is back, hes ready to lead, and we know exactly what he will do because it will be exactly what he said he would do in the campaign: Put America first. 'Change and vigor' Look at his first day back in office. Up early for a church service, tea at the White House with Biden, headed off to the U.S. Capitol for his swearing-in, delivered a speech to refocus the nation, gave a second speech to supporters in the Capitol, signed cabinet nominations and executive orders before leaving the Capitol, went to the rally/parade, gave another speech to 20,000-plus supporters, headed back to the White House, signed dozens more executive orders, held an hour-long impromptu press conference with reporters in the Oval Office, during which he answered questions on a myriad of issues, changed into formal wear and headed to the inaugural balls, danced at three of them with the First Lady and gave further remarks to attendees, then returned to the White House for the night. Does anyone think Joe Biden could have done any of this schedule? Change and vigor have arrived back in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More from Freep Opinion: What it will take to survive a 2nd Trump presidency A busy day one And just what did President Trump accomplish on his first day? He kept his signature promise to defend our borders by declaring an emergency at the southern border. He ended the Biden CBP One app, which created a flow of migrants across the southern border. Ended Catch and Release and reinstated the Remain in Mexico policy. Designated Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Ended birthright citizenship for the children of illegal border-crossers which will be tested in court. All of these are issues and solutions that Trump campaigned and was elected on. And that is just the border. He also ended the EV mandate, freeing our auto industry to build the cars that consumers actually want to buy. Ended failed diversity, equity and inclusion offices across the federal government, and said all hiring must be based on merit, and brought common sense to government by making it the policy of the United States that there are only two genders, male and female. Instituted a civilian hiring freeze while also requiring federal employees to actually show up at the office for the first time in four years. Created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk, to get waste out of the federal government. He withdrew America from the Paris Climate Accords, which puts America at an economic disadvantage and the World Health Organization which does nothing to improve Americas health. He extended Americans' ability to continue to use TikTok while new buyers are sought to remove the influence of the Chinese Communist Party. Unleashed American oil and natural gas production to bring down energy costs to keep his promise to make America energy dominant and bring down costs. He even renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, a change already being embraced by the state of Florida and other Gulf Coast states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More from Freep Opinion: Trump's 25% tariffs on Canada will wreck Michigan economy Promises made, promises kept All of this is what Trump ran on, and he intends to keep his promises. The most important thing that gives me comfort, and stands in sharp contrast to what weve had the last four years, is that there is no question our elected president is in charge and calling the shots. People are free to agree or disagree with Trump on policy, but nobody can deny he is doing exactly what he said he would do during the campaign. In his inaugural address, and throughout the day, Trump kept referring to a new golden age for America, and it really does feel possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every decision Trump made on day one put America first, and that is very refreshing. I cant wait to see what occurs in the coming months, and Im sure all Americans will be on the edge of their seats. Jamie Roe is a Michigan political consultant and strategist. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it in print and online. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump campaigned on border, DEI, energy and America first | Opinion Within hours of being returned to the White House on Monday, Donald Trump set his America first agenda roaring into motion, predicated on a network of snitches to rout out the enemies from within. With the firm stroke of each black fountain pen, the new US president signed a series of executive orders aimed at granting him more control over the federal bureaucracy and dismantling what he calls the deep state. In addition to piling on the legislative pressure, Mr Trump is encouraging federal employees to turn on those that disobey his decree and snitch on them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Memos sent across agencies this week encouraged staff to report any colleague continuing to pursue now-banned diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, warning of adverse consequences for federal workers attempting to continue their so-called woke work. We are aware of efforts by some in government to disguise these programmes by using coded or imprecise language, the letters read. These programmes divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination. During his first term, Mr Trump encouraged bosses to snitch on employees who were refusing to return to the office after the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it did then, the decree has struck fear in workers who face being put on paid leave immediately and eventually laid off if their job is connected to DEI work. But the mob boss playbook, which relies on touts to stamp out disloyalty, may be counterproductive to the very blockade it tries to remove. It is a huge time sync once you encourage employees to start complaining about each other, Peter Cappelli, professor of management at the Wharton School of Business and director for the Center for Human Resources at the University of Pennsylvania, said. If you are reporting people, employees doing something wrong, the manager has to look into it and looking into it is incredibly time consuming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You basically have to be prosecutor, jury and judge all at the same time. You have to also think about if the person complaining is making this up. According to Axios, the new president is also rolling out loyalty tests as part of his quest to reshape the federal workforce. Before setting foot in the oval office, his administration was sounding out National Security Council (NSC) employees to gauge their political affiliations and determine their loyalty to the incoming president. But as the presidents campaign for vengeance and loyalty enters second gear, the true effectiveness of his snitching decree remains unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You could imagine a context where asking employees to look out for malfeasance is a perfectly reasonable thing to do, Prof Cappelli added. Whats different here is that it is almost impossible for an individual employee to see a violation of a policy and it creates a tone of work for the organisation. It slows everything down. 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 Trump administration has reportedly asked federal health agencies to stop all external communications pending a review. The moratorium will go until at least Feb. 1. The Washington Post, which first reported the story, said the instructions were delivered Tuesday to staff within the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration, among others. The Associated Press reported that it obtained a copy of the memo in which acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Dorothy Fink told agency staff leaders Tuesday that an immediate pause had been ordered on among other things regulations, guidance, announcements, press releases, social media posts and website posts until such communications had been approved by a political appointee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The list of communications that are halted includes scientific reports like the CDCs Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and publication in the Federal Register, as well as advisories for doctors and other health care providers and data from the National Center for Health Statistics on trends, including about drug overdose deaths, maternal mortality and suicide, among other topics. Per AP, Fink wrote in her memo that some exceptions would be made for communications affecting critical health, safety, environmental, financial or nation security functions, but that those would be subject to review. The FDA on Tuesday and Wednesday posted notices about warning letters sent to companies and a drug safety notice. The New York Times reported that scientific meetings were canceled and research data on the bird flu outbreak was delayed, amid confusion over the directive. That article noted that experts who serve on outside advisory panels on a range of topics, from antibiotic resistance to deafness, received emails on Wednesday telling them their meetings had been canceled. Meetings, memos canceled The Post said that it got the information from nearly a dozen current and former officials and people familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Some of them acknowledged that they expected some review during a presidential transition, but said they were confused by the pauses scope and indeterminate length, the article said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times added that it had also spoken to federal officials and reviewed an internal memo. The directive enjoins the release of regulations, guidance documents, and other public documents and communications, including any notice, grant announcement, news releases, speaking engagements or official correspondence with public officials, until they have received approval. Per the Post, It was not clear from the new administrations guidance whether the directive will affect more urgent communications, such as foodborne disease outbreaks, drug approvals and new bird flu cases." Members of the Presidential Advisory Council for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria were told that their two-day meeting, scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday, had been canceled as the new administration considers its plan for managing federal policy and public communications. What does the pause mean? Federal health officials offered several thoughts to the Post on what the pause means, from suggesting its a chance for the incoming leadership to understand the process and scope of communication within the agencies to suggesting its a chance to shape the messaging to match the administrations views. When asked, leaders of the various organizations did not respond, but referred all queries to other agencies or to the administration, which also declined direct comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The executive branch is a hierarchy, Steven Grossman, a former HHS official who now consults for food and drug companies, told the Associated Press by email. Whether stated publicly or not, every new administration wants important commitments and positions to wait until new teams are in place and some semblance of hierarchy restored. Critics warned that with public health, time matters. Local health officials and doctors depend on the CDC to get disease updates, timely prevention, testing and treatment guidelines and information about outbreaks, Dr. Jerry Klausner, a University of Southern California public health expert, told AP. Shutting down public health communications stops a basic function of public health. Per the Times, the move was not without precedent. New administrations often limit communication during the early transition days, but the scope and duration of the latest pause were unexpected. And previous pauses have not included the 60-year-old CDC mortality and morbidity report and other scientific publications. The Post noted that during Trumps first term, several agencies got the same request, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the departments of Agriculture and Interior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be secretary of Health and Human Services, but his confirmation hearing is not expected for at least a week. In his first couple of days in office he was inaugurated Monday Trump issued a number of orders, pausing a ban on TikTok, implementing a federal government hiring freeze and ending remote work, tackling immigration including pausing refugee resettlement and closing diversity, equity and inclusion programs, among others. Families of U.S. service members who live in Afghanistan are stuck in the country and blocked from relocating to the United States due to an executive order issued by President Donald Trump this week. An estimated 200 family members of U.S. troops are in Afghanistan and attempting to flee the Taliban through the U.S. Refugees Admissions Program, or USRAP, said Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, an organization that helps Afghan allies relocate. Trump suspended that program under the order, Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program, which he signed his first day in office. They feel betrayed, they feel let down, VanDiver said of the troops trying to get their families into the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under President Joe Bidens administration, a special exemption was made for families of U.S. service members to enter the country through the refugee program. The stated reason for the order was that the influx of immigration into the U.S. has strained states resources. The suspension of the program goes into effect Jan. 27. Entry into the United States of refugees under the USRAP would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, the order reads. Afghans who were already in the process of immigrating are now stranded indefinitely. Exceptions will be granted in some cases deemed appropriate by the secretaries of state and homeland security, according to the order. It was unclear Friday what instances might merit exceptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, 150,000 to 250,000 Afghans are trying to immigrate to the U.S., VanDiver said. Aside from families of service members, Trumps executive order impacts some Afghan partner forces who worked closely with the U.S. military, as well as women pilots, prosecutors, judges and human rights advocates, VanDiver told Military Times. AfghanEvac estimates up to 60,000 of those Afghans are refugees, including families of service members, partner forces and individuals with U.S. associations. The others had either obtained or were working through the process to get Special Immigrant Visas, or SIVs, which are awarded to Afghans who were employed in Afghanistan by, or on behalf of, the U.S. government. Afghans began receiving SIVs which grant permanent residency status in the U.S. in 2009, and more than 50,000 SIVs have been awarded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Friday, it appeared Afghans who were able to obtain SIVs would not be affected by the order, VanDiver said. However, many of the nearly 15,000 Afghans who had already been vetted and were ready to travel to the U.S. have had their plans paused indefinitely. Nearly two years later, Afghan allies still left hoping for help AfghanEvac asked the State Department to communicate to the individuals in limbo what the order means for their travel plans. Nobodys contacted them yet, nobodys told them what to expect, VanDiver said. VanDiver was perplexed by Trumps executive order, given that the president campaigned on addressing the Afghans who were left behind after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens withdrawal from Afghanistan received strong criticism after an ISIS-K suicide bomber killed 13 U.S. service members and roughly 170 Afghan civilians on Aug. 26, 2021. The withdrawal was a point of contention during the presidential debates and the lead-up to the election last year. At the Republican National Convention, Trump invited on stage the Gold Star family members of Marines who were killed during the suicide bombing. I think that this is a mistake. I think that the president didnt mean to include Afghans in this, VanDiver said. Were hoping for a technical fix. AfghanEvac sent an open letter to Trumps transition team and lawmakers earlier this month, asking that they create a plan for helping Afghans including allies who served alongside U.S. forces relocate and resettle in the United States. The letter now has over 1,000 signatures, and VanDiver is hoping it will usher in a quick solution. If it doesnt, failing to help Afghan refugees will send the wrong message to other U.S. allies, VanDiver argued. When the U.S. fails to protect those who risked their lives for our missions, it sends a message that loyalty is not reciprocated, he said in an emailed statement. This risks discouraging future allies from working with the U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that his administration will evaluate whether to create a "national digital asset stockpile" making good on a promise to support the use of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. However, his executive order fell short of creating a strategic bitcoin reserve outright, as some crypto advocates had hoped. The price of bitcoin briefly surged on the news, but fell back to daily lows as traders took stock of the move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea of a strategic reserve of digital tokens like bitcoin has long been floated in cryptocurrency circles, but gained traction this summer, when both Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary, discussed it at the annual Bitcoin conference. Trump reaffirmed his intention to create a reserve in a CNBC interview in December, stating it was incumbent upon the United States to be a leader in cryptocurrency technology, especially relative to China. Advocates have called for the creation of a reserve on the grounds that bitcoin is the new "digital gold." Just as the United States holds gold reserves, crypto advocates say, it should own bitcoin, as well. I think the world is moving to a bitcoin standard for money, Brian Armstrong, the CEO of the crypto group Coinbase, said this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, according to Yahoo News. Any government who holds gold should also hold bitcoin as a reserve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hours before Trump's order on Thursday, Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., a longtime bitcoin advocate, released a statement upon her appointment as chair of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Digital Assets calling for the creation of a strategic bitcoin reserve, which she said would "strengthen the U.S. dollar" and maintain the United States' status as a financial innovator. During his presidential campaign, Trump heavily courted the crypto community, which eventually became his largest donor group. Along the way, he promised to make the United States "the crypto capital of the world," and on the campaign trail said he would undo Biden-era restrictions and constraints on crypto activity. Just before Trump took office, questions arose about the extent to which he intended to directly benefit from pro-crypto measures. Last Friday, he launched his own digital token, $TRUMP. Although the token has no intrinsic value as a "memecoin," its price was rapidly bid up as investors quickly viewed it as a means for tracking the success of the Trump administration. Yet less than 48 hours later, first lady Melania Trump issued her own coin, causing a substantial number of people in the cryptocurrency community, including previous Trump supporters, to criticize the launches as a means of personally benefiting from their positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to conflicts of interest, Trump is in largely unchartered territory. It is not clear if he owns any bitcoin directly though Vice President JD Vance owned $250,000 to $500,000 worth, according to disclosure forms. Trump voluntarily released an ethics document just before taking office that said he would limit his involvement in the Trump Organization while in office. Also in Thursday's order, Trump reversed a Biden administration directive to research a U.S. digital currency, often called a central bank digital currency, or CBDC. Such currencies been adopted and researched by some governments around the world, but they have also been viewed with scrutiny and skepticism by some who cite privacy and surveillance concerns. Trump's order, which said CBDCs "threaten the stability of the financial system, individual privacy, and the sovereignty of the United States," prohibits the establishing, issuing or circulating a CBDC in the United States. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com When President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day back in office to rename North America's tallest peak, known as Denali in Alaska, after President William McKinley, one descendant of the 25th president was beyond elated. "He deserves to have the mountain named after him," Massee McKinley, a great-great nephew, said Thursday. "He had unparalleled integrity. People respected him." But Trump's decision is being met with resistance, as many Alaska lawmakers, including its two Republican senators, have voiced opposition to the change. So Massee McKinley is backing a compromise: call it Mount McKinley, but keep Denali National Park and Preserve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The international community's always going to know the entire park and the mountain as Denali, and we don't dispute that," McKinley said. "But I definitely think from a national perspective, in the United States, we can have the compromise. I don't see a problem with that." In fact, Trump's executive order proposes keeping the park's name: "The national park area surrounding Mount McKinley shall retain the name Denali National Park and Preserve." The mountain in Alaska was named after William McKinley in 1917, then changed to Denali in 2015. The federal government officially recognized the mountain, which stands at a staggering 20,310 feet, as Mount McKinley in 1917. Before then, Indigenous groups had their own names for it, including Denali, or the tall one," in the language of the Athabascan people. The mountain was formally recognized as Denali in 2015 under the Obama administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, during his first term, had suggested renaming it back to Mount McKinley. Alaska's two senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, were against it. Their offices did not immediately respond Thursday to requests for comment, but both have reaffirmed that they disagree with Trump's executive order. I strongly disagree with the Presidents decision on Denali. Our nations tallest mountain, which has been called Denali for thousands of years, must continue to be known by the rightful name bestowed by Alaskas Koyukon Athabascans, who have stewarded the land since time Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) January 21, 2025 In a video post on X, Sullivan said: "I prefer the name Denali that was given to that great mountain by the great patriotic Koyukon Athabascan people thousands of years ago." In 2017, Sullivan told Alaska Public Media that he had urged Trump during a conversation not to alter the name. He said he told him: "'Alaska Native people named that mountain over 10,000 years ago. And by the way, that was the Athabascan people, and my wife's Athabascan, and if you change that name back now she's gonna be really, really mad.' So he was like, 'All right, we won't do that.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump said at campaign rallies that he would change Denali's name to recognize McKinley, who was president from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. McKinley's tenure was marked by his use of tariffs, which Trump has touted as a centerpiece of his economic plan. William McKinley, 25th president of the United States. McKinley, who was born in Ohio, had no actual connection with the mountain or Alaska. His name became associated with it after William Dickey, a gold prospector in the late 1800s who was fond of then President-elect McKinley, referred to the formation in a newspaper article as "Mount McKinley." Over the decades, people in Alaska have called it both Denali and Mount McKinley, said Sondra Shaginoff-Stuart, an associate professor of Alaska Native studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage. But its official name change to Denali held meaning, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The mountain is so majestic. The name is a statement of recognition of Native people in their native language," said Shaginoff-Stuart, a citizen of the Ahtna Dene and Pyramid Lake Paiute tribes. "Taking that away is yet another way to not recognize those people. Native people have lost their land and have lost their language, going back to the boarding schools and orphanages." Massee McKinley, who is the vice president of the Society of Presidential Descendants, a membership organization, said Trump told him that he admires McKinley for his business acumen and wants to replicate that in office. "I figured this would happen, and it did come to fruition," McKinley said. "I'd love to be a part of the signing process when they actually sign the proclamation for that." Trump, in the same executive order, also said the Gulf of Mexico will be known as the Gulf of America. The U.S. Interior Department has 30 days to update the government's geographic names database. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com MEMPHIS, Tenn. Nearly 60 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, new information in his death may be coming to light. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday declassifying federal records concerning the assassination of King, along with President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, the White House announced. The order directs the Director of National Intelligence and other officials to review the records relating to King and the Kennedys immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials must present that plan for the King assassination records, and the RFK assassination, within 45 days. The JFK records must be released in 15 days. In this Order, President Trump finds that continued withholding of the John F. Kennedy records is not in the public interest and is long overdue. He also concludes that releasing the Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. assassination records is in the public interest, the White House said in a press release. King was killed while staying at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis in 1968. Robert Kennedy was also killed in 1968 in Los Angeles, while John Kennedy was killed in 1963 in Dallas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Calling their prosecutions "ridiculous," President Donald Trump on Thursday pardoned 23 anti-abortion activists who were convicted of blocking access to reproductive health clinics, including four Michigan demonstrators who prevented a woman whose fetus had fatal abnormalities and whose own health was at risk, from entering a Sterling Heights clinic in 2020. A federal jury convicted the Michigan activists in August over their activities, which included physically blocking patient and employee entrances and refusing to obey police orders to leave. While all faced prison for their crimes none have yet been sentenced they were spared that fate after a Catholic public-interest law firm called the Thomas More Society intervened on their behalf earlier this month, and requested presidential pardons, which were granted. "They should not have been prosecuted. Many of them are elderly people. ...This is a great honor to sign this," Trump said from the Oval Office, where he held up his signed executive order pardoning the convicted activists. "They'll be very happy." President Donald Trump departs the White House for his first trip as the new president, in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 24, 2025. Trump then stated: "So, they're all in prison now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His press secretary corrected him, saying "some are, some are out of custody." "It's ridiculous," Trump quipped, shaking his head. Among those pardoned are Heather Idoni, a 59-year-old bookstore owner from Linden who had been charged three times in three years over her anti-abortion activities, including a 2021 incident when she used a bike lock to chain herself in front of a door to a Saginaw clinic. She was convicted over that incident under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. Under that same law, Idoni also was convicted in a federal trial in Detroit last summer, when a jury concluded she and six others unlawfully blockaded a Sterling Heights reproductive health clinic in 2020 an incident they promoted on social media and then livestreamed for the world to see. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're in Sterling Heights, outside of the murder mill, to save children," one of the defendants livestreamed to a social media account on Aug. 27, 2020. Among the patients the group kept out was a woman who had made an appointment at the clinic with her husband after learning that her fetus suffered fatal abnormalities, and that attempting to continue carrying the pregnancy carried serious risks to her health and fertility. These defendants intentionally broke the law. One womans fetus experienced fatal abnormalities and the defendants' coordinated campaign of physical obstruction posed a grave and real threat to her health and fertility," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said following the convictions. "Make no mistake: Every American enjoys the right to obtain and provide reproductive health services free from physical obstruction, and the Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those that oppress the free exercise of that right." Idoni, though, didn't see it that way, and accused the Justice Department of "overreaching" and charging crimes that wreaked of "vindictiveness" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am not surprised," Idoni wrote to the Free Press in 2023 following her indictment. "I had a heads-up this was coming and it was obvious they have been investigating further back in time to prosecute myself and other peaceful, non-violent Christians to the fullest." In addition to Michigan, Idoni also was charged in Washington D.C. and Tennessee over similar activities outside reproductive health clinics. Despite her legal troubles, however, she previously vowed to continue to protest such clinics. She offered an analogy: Someone may choose not to swim in a pool if it had a "no trespassing" sign. But if "we heard the sounds of a child drowning we would jump that fence in a heartbeat," Idoni said. The other Michigan residents pardoned by Trump are: Calvin Zastrow, Joel Curry, Justin Phillips and Eva Zastrow. Their attorneys were not readily available for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All were indicted in the Sterling Heights incident eight months after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in a historic ruling that nixed national abortion rights and left the divisive and emotional issue up to the states to decide. Since then, however, the controversy over abortion rights has only escalated. And Trump's latest pardons may have raised the temperature if Planned Parenthood's response is any indication. Yet again Donald Trump has pardoned convicted criminals this time nearly two dozen individuals who have used violence to either harass, intimidate, or even prevent people from accessing needed health care, including at Planned Parenthood health centers," Krista Noah, National Director of Affiliate Security and Response Planning at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement following news of Trump's pardons. "Not even a week into his presidency, Donald Trump has disregarded the law and greenlit violence against abortion providers, all at the expense of people who wish to live in peace and safely exercise the reproductive freedom they deserve." The pardoned defendants were charged under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which was passed by Congress in 1994 in response to an increase in violence toward patients and providers of reproductive health centers. The act makes it illegal to block or hinder access to clinics that offer reproductive health services, including abortions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But supporters of the anti-abortion activists maintain the Department of Justice under President Joe Biden went too far in punishing what they maintain are "peaceful" demonstrators expressing their constitutional rights to freely express their religious beliefs. As the Thomas More Society put it in its letter to Trump seeking pardons, these pro-life Americans are deserving of full and unconditional pardons. After the group's wish was granted, Thomas More Society attorneys called on Congress to repeal the FACE Act, and thanked Trump for "keeping his promise to these pro-life mothers, fathers, grandparents, pastors, and priests." Today is a new day for the pardoned pro-life advocates who have suffered FBI raids, federal prosecutions and severe punishment for peacefully and courageously witnessing for life," Peter Breen, Thomas More Society Executive Vice President and head of litigation, said in a statement. "What happened to these peaceful pro-life individuals must never happen again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some of their activities were far from peaceful, if court records, FBI investigations, social media posts, and the Department of Justice are any indication. For example, in a 2020 incident at a Washington D.C., reproductive health clinic, activists forced their way inside and used chains, ropes and locks to blockade the facility where a pregnant woman collapsed in pain after the activists refused to let her inside. According to federal prosecutors, the woman was experiencing labor pains and needed immediate medical attention, but the activists refused her access. A nurse also sprained her ankle after having to force her way inside, while another patient had to climb through a receptionist window to access the clinic. All seven defendants who took part in that blockade were convicted and received prison sentences ranging from 21 months to almost five years for acts that prosecutors argued were not peaceful, but rather violent and forceful. These defendants conspired to use force to prevent fellow citizens from exercising rights protected by law, U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia said following the defendants' sentencings last year. People cannot resort to using force and intimidation to prevent others from engaging in lawful activity simply because they disagree with the law." Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump pardons Michigan pro-life activists who blocked abortion clinic WASHINGTON President Donald Trump signed an executive order pardoning 23 anti-abortion-rights activists Thursday, one day before he is expected to address thousands of anti-abortion-rights demonstrators at their annual march in Washington. Twenty-three people were prosecuted, they should not have been prosecuted, Trump said at the Oval Office signing ceremony Thursday, noting that many of them are elderly. This is a great honor to sign. They will be very happy. Some are in jail, White House staff secretary Will Scharf told Trump as he stood next to him. None of their names were immediately released. Conservatives have charged the Biden administration with using a 1994 law protecting abortion clinics, providers and patients to target peaceful protesters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress enacted the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act in response to an increase in violence against abortion providers and their patients, with the aim of allowing people to safely access such services. It also protects First Amendment religious rights. Property damage can be prosecuted under the statute. Several of the people prosecuted under the law were involved in a 2021 blockade of a Washington, D.C., reproductive health care clinic. Advocates for clemency argue that the Biden administration used the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act to prosecute anti-abortion-rights protesters unjustly. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, re-introduced legislation this week to repeal the measure. The annual March for Life along the National Mall is Friday, the third time the demonstration has been held since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022. Trump is expected to address the crowd virtually, while Vice President JD Vance will speak in person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, on the campaign trail, wavered on his abortion message as he searched for a political middle ground that would allow him to grow his coalition and win the election. At times he seemed uneasy about how to proceed. But he promised at the 2023 Pray Vote Stand Summit that if he won he would appoint a task force to rapidly review the cases of every political prisoner whos been unjustly persecuted by the Biden administration and that never again will the federal government be used to target religious believers. Trump has signed dozens of executive actions since his inauguration Monday, including one pardoning over 1,500 people involved in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. By Trumps second day in office, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., had issued a public appeal for clemency for the defendants, who he claimed were unjustly targeted & jailed by the Biden Administration for their anti-abortion-rights beliefs, telling Trump on social media that they deserve to be free. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Anti-abortion activists attended the annual March for Life rally on the National Mall on Jan. 19, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) President Donald Trump pardoned 23 protesters convicted of blocking access to abortion clinics a federal crime on Thursday. The protesters were prosecuted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, a law that bans threats of force, obstruction and property damage intended to interfere with reproductive health care services. The statute was created in the 1990s after a wave of bombings and assassinations at abortion clinics. People who attack anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers have also been convicted under the FACE Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps announcement comes as anti-abortion advocates gather for the 52nd annual March for Life rally today in Washington, D.C. Vice President J.D. Vance and top congressional Republicans are set to speak at the event. The rally starts at noon, and Trump is scheduled to speak by video around 4:30 p.m. ET, according to Politico. He was the first sitting president to appear in person at a March for Life rally five years ago. Organizers of the rally announced Vance as a last-minute speaker on Thursday. His fellow party members, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, were already slated to attend. We are thrilled that Vice President Vance has chosen the National March for Life for his first public appearance in his new role a sign of his commitment to standing up for life, Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, and Jennie Bradley Lichter, the groups president-elect, said in a statement. President Donald J. Trump disembarks Marine One at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, and is escorted to Air Force One by U.S. Air Force personnel. | Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour via Flickr Public Domain Trump, who takes credit for upending abortion access across the nation, has a history of shifting abortion views. In March 2024, he floated the idea of a national 15-week ban before declaring in April that abortion policy should be left to the states. Trump in October said he would veto a federal ban should such legislation reach his desk, but there are several ways members of his executive branch could restrict abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A coalition of anti-abortion groups are calling for the Trump administration to reinstate regulations on mifepristone and enforce a 19th century law that they argue can ban the mailing of abortion pills. They are pushing for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to add Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies restrictions to the drug, and for the U.S. Department of Justice to enforce the Comstock Act of 1873 to stop pills from being shipped to patients. By reinstating REMS, the FDA will ensure the abortion pill remains subject to appropriate medical oversight that protects women and girls from harm, Americans United for Life CEO John Mize said in a statement. In a letter sent to acting U.S. Attorney General James McHenry, anti-abortion leaders asked the Justice Department to rescind a Comstock-related memo issued by former President Joe Bidens administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJs Office of Legal Counsel released an opinion in December 2022 arguing that the U.S. Postal Service can ship abortion pills anywhere in the country, even in states that ban abortion. The memo essentially said that mailing the drugs does not mean they will be used illegally. Mifepristone and misoprostol the two drugs used in medication abortions are also used to treat miscarriages and postpartum hemorrhaging. Reviving a Gilded Age-era moral purity law could be the anti-abortion movements North Star: If we got Donald J. Trump back in the White House, he could end abortion in every single state in America, by enforcing the Comstock Act, said Mark Lee Dickson, a abortion-rights opponent based in Texas, last year. Subscribe to States Newsrooms free Reproductive Rights newsletter. President Trump issued pardons Thursday for nearly two dozen anti-abortion activists who had been convicted of blockading abortion clinic entrances. They should not have been prosecuted. Many of them are elderly people, Trump said in the Oval Office. This is a great honor to sign this. Anti-abortion groups and GOP lawmakers have been pressing Trump to pardon the protesters charged with violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which makes it a federal crime to use threats of force, obstruction or inflict property damage intended to interfere with reproductive health care services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have been heartened during their imprisonment and unjust prosecutions by your repeated messages to them during your campaign, urging them to persevere until you were able to take office, review their cases, and free them, the Thomas More Society wrote in a January letter to Trump. Trumps pardons included a group convicted of a 2020 planned blockade of a District of Columbia-area abortion clinic. Protesters bound themselves with chains and locks and physically obstructed clinic staff and patients during the blockade, which was livestreamed on social media. The FACE Act was passed in 1994 amid a rise of blockades and violent acts against reproductive health care facilities and patients, most notably the murder of David Gunn in Florida and the attempted murder of George Tiller in Kansas. Some GOP lawmakers have called for repealing the law, claiming it has been used disproportionately against anti-abortion protesters, who were being unfairly targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We thank President Trump for immediately delivering on his promise to free pro-life protesters who [were] targeted and imprisoned by Bidens Department of Justice, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement. There is no question these prosecutions were political. On a website explaining the law, former President Bidens Department of Justice (DOJ) said the FACE Act is not about abortions. The statute protects all patients, providers, and facilities that provide reproductive health services, including pro-life pregnancy counseling services and any other pregnancy support facility providing reproductive health care, the DOJ said. Most recently, the DOJ charged four people for their 2022 targeted attacks on anti-abortion pregnancy resource centers in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement of the pardons comes ahead of Fridays annual March for Life anti-abortion protest. Trump is expected to address the crowd in a video. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Throughout the 2024 campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly vowed to indemnify police officers from accountability for acts of misconduct they commit on the job. Despite being a convicted felon himself, repeated complaints about the conduct of federal and local police and his leading role in a deadly insurrection attempt that injured scores of law enforcement officers, Trump is still working to portray himself as supportive of law enforcement, often by vowing to permit some officers violent and unlawful behavior. During the campaign, for example, he called for one real rough, nasty and violent day of police retaliation to eradicate crime immediately. To that end, his Wednesday pardon of Metropolitan Police officers Terence Sutton and Andrew Zabavsky didnt garner the level of attention as Trumps Jan. 6 pardons or even his pardon of convicted drug dealer Ross Ulbricht but its arguably just as egregious and foreboding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As NBC News reported: Trump granted clemency to Metropolitan Police Department Officer Terence Sutton, who was sentenced in September to more than five years in prison. He faced a District of Columbia charge of second-degree murder, and federal charges of conspiracy to obstruct and obstruction of justice in the October 2020 unauthorized pursuit that killed Karon Hylton-Brown, 20. Sutton was the first D.C. police officer to be convicted of murder for conduct while on duty. The same jury that found Sutton guilty also convicted Andrew Zabavsky, a lieutenant who supervised Sutton, of conspiracy to obstruct and obstruction of justice. Zabavsky was sentenced to four years in prison. He was not accused of the more serious charge of second-degree murder. Trump granted Zabavsky clemency. As NBC News goes on to note, Trump claimed this deadly police chase involved the pursuit of an illegal immigrant, but Hyltons mom says he is an American citizen. So Trump appears to have made a knee-jerk assumption about the victims citizenship to protect a convicted murderer and his accomplice. The broader implications of these pardons seem dire. Trump has threatened to take over Washington, D.C., as president and run roughshod over local officials, based on dubious claims conservatives in Congress have used to portray Washington, D.C., as a den of crime due to local leaderships policies. The pardons of Sutton and Zabavsky come mere days after Trump selected a former advocate for violent Jan. 6 insurrectionists, activist Ed Martin, to serve as the U.S. attorney to Washington, D.C., which would give Martin legal authority to prosecute local and federal crimes in the district. The pardons also send a message to police in the nations capital that they can break the law and reasonably expect the president to come to their defense. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com President Donald Trump issued full and unconditional pardons Wednesday to two Washington, D.C., police officers who were convicted for their roles in a deadly chase of a young man on a moped in 2020 and subsequent cover-up, a case that led to protests in the nations capital. Trump granted clemency to Metropolitan Police Department Officer Terence Sutton, who was sentenced in September to more than five years in prison. He faced a District of Columbia charge of second-degree murder, and federal charges of conspiracy to obstruct and obstruction of justice in the October 2020 unauthorized pursuit that killed Karon Hylton-Brown, 20. Sutton was the first D.C. police officer to be convicted of murder for conduct while on duty. The same jury that found Sutton guilty also convicted Andrew Zabavsky, a lieutenant who supervised Sutton, of conspiracy to obstruct and obstruction of justice. Zabavsky was sentenced to four years in prison. He was not accused of the more serious charge of second-degree murder. Trump granted Zabavsky clemency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men had been free pending the outcome of their appeals. Trump had hinted of his plans to pardon them after his inauguration. They were arrested, put in jail for five years because they went after an illegal, Trump said Tuesday. And I guess something happened where something went wrong, and they arrested the two officers and put them in jail for going after a criminal. Hylton-Brown was an American citizen, his mother, Karen Hylton, said in an interview Thursday night. She said he was born Feb. 29, 2000, in Washington, D.C. Hylton said she sent a letter to the White House addressed to Trump on Tuesday asking him not to pardon Sutton and Zabavsky. She also wrote in the letter, a copy of which she shared with NBC News, that she believed racism had caused her sons death, and she asked Trump to review the case before making a judgment. A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The D.C. Police Union praised Trumps decision, saying in a statement that Sutton had been wrongly charged by corrupt prosecutors for doing his job. This action rights an incredible wrong that not only harmed Officer Sutton, but also crippled the ability for the department to function, the union said. The union expressed dismay a day earlier after Trump pardoned more than 1,500 people charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, including those who assaulted law enforcement officers. The Metropolitan Police Department thanked Trump "for supporting its officers after the Sutton-Zabavsky pardons, adding in a statement that the prosecutions were literally unprecedented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Never before, in any other jurisdiction in the country, has a police officer been charged with second-degree murder for pursuing a suspect, the department said. On the night of Oct. 23, 2020, months after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis had ignited widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice, Sutton used a police car to chase Hylton-Brown, who was driving a moped without a helmet on a sidewalk in northwest Washington, prosecutors said. Hylton-Brown ignored Suttons attempt to stop him and drove off. Sutton chased Hylton-Brown for more than 10 blocks at unreasonable speeds, prosecutors said, and, at one point, drove the wrong way on a one-way street. Sutton followed Hylton-Brown into a narrow alley, turned off his cars emergency lights and siren and accelerated. When Hylton-Brown exited the alley, he was struck by another vehicle, according to prosecutors. As Mr. Hylton-Brown lay unconscious in the street in a pool of his own blood, Sutton and Zabavsky, agreed to cover up what Sutton had done to prevent any further investigation of the incident, prosecutors said in a statement in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers allowed the driver whose car struck Hylton-Brown to leave the scene within 20 minutes of the crash, then turned off their body-worn cameras, conferred privately and left, prosecutors said. Sutton drove his police car directly over the crash site, audibly crushing pieces of debris from the collision as he left, prosecutors said, and neither officer contacted the departments Major Crash Unit or its Internal Affairs Division to each initiate investigations. They also misled their commanding officer about the severity of the crash, denying that a police chase had even occurred and omitting any mention of Hylton-Browns critical injuries, prosecutors said. According to prosecutors, Zabavsky also falsely implied that Hylton-Brown had been drunk and Sutton drafted a false police report. Hylton-Brown suffered severe head trauma and died two days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury in this case found the defendants guilty beyond a reasonable doubt for their roles in the murder of Karon Hylton Brown and a related cover up, affirming that what happened here was a serious crime, then-U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves said in September after the officers were sentenced. Public safety requires public trust. Crimes like this erode that trust and are a disservice to the community and the thousands of officers who work incredibly hard, within the bounds of the Constitution, to keep us safe. The case spurred days of protests outside a police station in Washington. David Shurtz, an attorney representing Hylton-Browns estate, said Trumps decision was outrageous and misguided. I think its one of the worst decisions Trump has ever made, he said. And I believe he is being ill-advised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shurtz believes police unions influenced the decision for the officers to receive pardons. Zabavskys attorney, Christopher Zampogna, said in a statement that his client thanks President Trump for issuing his pardon unconditionally. J. Michael Hannon, Suttons attorney, did not immediately return a request for comment. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The Department of Homeland Security has empowered federal immigration officials to bypass protections for hundreds of thousands of migrants who entered the country legally through Biden administration programs and begin immediate and rapid deportations, according to an agency memo obtained by POLITICO. The memo, issued by acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman, authorizes Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to arrest, detain and, in some cases, deport some migrants without a hearing before an immigration judge a power that has often been reserved for encounters at the southern border. It likely paves the way for the Trump administration to expel some of the more than 1 million immigrants who entered the country legally through two key Biden-era policies. The new guidance could affect immigrants who entered the United States via a mobile app that allowed migrants to schedule appointments with immigration authorities and be granted parole into the country on a case-by-case basis. It also could target recipients of the Biden administrations humanitarian parole program that allowed certain migrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Haiti to enter the United States legally on a temporary basis. The Biden administration argued that these programs took pressure off of the southern border by establishing new legal pathways. President Donald Trump and Republicans claim the programs have been abused and intensified an immigration crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move, first reported by The New York Times, is further indication that Trump not only plans to tackle the southern border and illegal immigration but that the ripple effects of his crackdown will extend to migrants who entered the country legally. Advocates in recent months have sounded the alarm for these groups, as the government has their information making them more vulnerable to deportation. It is not yet clear how many people the directive will impact. Each migrants outcome will depend on whether theyre already in removal proceedings or if they have received temporary protected status or another legal status since they first received parole. Its also unclear if this will affect other migrants, including Afghan and Ukrainian immigrants who entered the United States through separate programs. The new guidance follows two orders Huffman issued in recent days, including one that directed officials to wind down the use of parole. Parole has been used by every Republican and Democratic president since Dwight Eisenhower and is an authority that allows the government to grant migrants temporary permission to live and work in the U.S., though theres no path toward citizenship. Its been used for humanitarian reasons or for significant public benefit, such as allowing a key witness to be paroled into the country long enough to testify in a criminal trial. Former President Joe Bidens parole program, known as CHNV, allowed certain migrants to live and work in the United States for two years if they had a U.S.-based sponsor and could fly into the country instead of arriving at the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second order from Huffman expanded the fast-track deportation authority known as expedited removal, which has typically been limited to areas within 100 miles of the U.S. border and applied to migrants who were in the country for less than two weeks. Huffmans order expands it nationwide and said this would also apply to migrants who could not prove theyve been in the country continuously for more than two years, a move that the ACLU quickly challenged. The memo, signed Thursday night, directs immigration authorities to review cases and determine who is eligible to be removed from the country quickly, and in some cases, this could include revoking the parol status of an individual. He said those who are not eligible for expedited removal because theyve been in the country for more than two years could also be deported. Stewart Rhodes, with his signature black eyepatch, waved to a crowd as he strolled out of a federal prison a free man after serving fewer than two years of his 18-year sentence. The leader of the Oath Keepers, a self-styled militia that helped orchestrate the Jan 6 attacks on the US Capitol in 2021, had been pardoned by Donald Trump along with roughly 1,500 other rioters. Fewer than 24 hours later, the 59-year-old visited Capitol Hill to shake hands with Republican lawmakers and air his grievances, calling himself an innocent victim of a wrongful prosecution and vowing to go after those who came after him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Rhodes may soon get his wish. On the day of his inauguration, Mr Trump signed an executive order titled Ending the Weaponisation of the Federal Government. The order is likely to provide a road map for how the US president plans to carry out his retribution on his perceived political and legal foes a campaign of revenge, cloaked in claims of victimhood. It made clear Mr Trump intends to find and punish Biden administration officials who carried out an unprecedented third-world weaponisation of prosecutorial power to upend the democratic process against him and his supporters. With a stroke of his fountain pen and a big grin, the president also issued a slew of other orders, including the stripping of security clearance from 51 ex-intelligence officials who Mr Trump saw as his adversaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Bolton, his former national security adviser and an outspoken critic of his, also lost his clearance as well as his Secret Service protection, despite him being the target of death threats from Iran. The same happened to Dr Anthony Fauci, who had served as the nations top infectious disease official during the Covid-19 pandemic but turned critical of the president. Through Mr Trumps actions and new presidential orders, once-vague campaign threats to carry out revenge have become real and the way in which he intends to weed out his enemies in his second term is finally coming into focus. Dr Georgios Samaras, an assistant professor of public policy at Kings College London, said: This is the beginning of his retribution, it is clear he is inclined to push extreme measures against opponents. Pam Bondi, Mr Trumps pick for attorney general, says she will not use the justice department to punish people based on politics - Ben Curtis/AP For years, Mr Trump has claimed he is a victim of a deep state conspiracy. Even as the presidents close allies quietly advised him to renounce the pursuit of revenge, he refused to back down, saying he had every right to pursue his enemies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his inaugural address, he pledged that the scales of justice would be rebalanced after the vicious, violent and unfair weaponisation of the Justice Department and our government. The executive order he signed this week said: It is the policy of the United States to identify and take appropriate action to correct past misconduct by the Federal Government related to the weaponisation of law enforcement and the weaponisation of the Intelligence Community. Helpfully, Mr Trump has selected a cabinet who have pledged to punish those involved in efforts to investigate him. And Kash Patel, his choice as FBI director, is likely to prove central to that mission. Kash Patel is the US presidents choice for FBI director - Mike Segar/Reuters Mr Patel has a history of making remarks attacking Trump opponents and threatening reprisals and a long list of targets he calls members of the executive branch deep state federal officials, elected leaders and other government gangsters that function as an unelected bureaucracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pam Bondi, Mr Trumps pick for attorney general, promised this month she would not use the justice department to punish people based on politics. But her critics are having a hard time believing her. First on their list are likely to be Joe Biden and a host of his allies, including Nancy Pelosi, Dr Anthony Fauci, Americas Covid chief, members of the Jan 6 committee, and Liz Cheney, an anti-Trump Republican. Those who may be in Mr Trumps crosshairs are Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi - Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the hours before Mr Trumps inauguration, Dr Anthony Fauci was pardoned by Joe Biden - JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images Mr Biden attempted to shield most of those from Mr Trumps retribution in an unprecedented use of pre-emptive pardons. A National Public Radio analysis at the end of last year determined that Mr Trump had threatened more than 100 federal investigations or prosecutions to settle scores. Mr Trump could go after those he believes have wronged him by ordering internal inquiries and if those do not lead to investigations or prosecutions, they could unearth enough dirt which he could use to publicly harass them. But it leads to many unanswered questions about how far he will go, what the limitations are to his potential witch-hunt and what power prosecutors and government agencies will have to stop it. Fellow Republican Liz Cheney is an outspoken Trump critic and supported Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign - Leah Millis/Reuters Meanwhile, inside his government, Mr Trump is also encouraging federal employees to turn on those who disobey his decree and snitch on them to root out the enemies from within. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Memos sent across agencies this week encouraged staff to report any colleague who pursued now-banned diversity, equity and inclusion programmes. The letters warned of adverse consequences for those trying to continue their so-called woke work. Reports also surfaced that loyalty tests could be rolled out among the federal workforce. This apparent mob boss image has only been bolstered by his pardoning of the violent Jan 6 attackers and their leaders, which has sparked fears of further militia-led violence. Clear message from unleashed Trump 2.0 Dr Samaras said it sent a very calculated and clear message that he will come through on his promises, even if they are unlawful, that back in the White House, an unleashed Trump 2.0 is able to excuse even the most serious crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, the far-Right group Proud Boys marched through the streets of Washington celebrating the presidents inauguration. Members of the neo-fascist organisation which is designated a terror group by Canada and New Zealand were out in force to demonstrate their loyalty to their president, who came through on his promise to release them. Enrique Tarrio, their freshly freed leader, received a heros welcome as he landed home at Miami airport on Wednesday sporting a black Maga cap. Mirroring Mr Trumps language, he said he was the victim of a legal system that had been weaponised against him. The people who did this, they need to feel the heat, he warned. Success is gonna be retribution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proud Boys, which had splintered and quietened in the wake of Jan 6, was rebuilding, Tarrio said, adding that he saw a role for them in the new administration. Dr Samaras asked: Trump told the white supremacist group to stand back and standby in 2020, so why would he not weaponise them again in 2025? 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 Trump is sending hundreds of troops to the southern border for a wide-ranging mission that poses new challenges and raises questions about the militarys role in handling migration, traditionally a law enforcement responsibility. Until now, troops have mainly supported Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with logistics, detection and monitoring and transportation. But Trump has vastly expanded the role of the military at the U.S.-Mexico border. The 1,500 active-duty troops heading to the border will work on new tasks like deportation flights and constructing temporary and permanent physical barriers, along with intelligence collection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after being sworn in, Trump declared the southern border a national emergency in an executive order, allowing him to activate active-duty troops for the effort. Trump also signed an executive order directing U.S. Northern Command to draft detailed operational plans for the border. That directive came in an order declaring an invasion at the border. The greater role of American troops has sparked questions about what dangers a more involved military will present to migrants and public security. While a senior military official said troops will not be carrying out law enforcement duties, they also will likely be carrying arms, raising the risk that soldiers trained to kill could fire on migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a major concern for immigration advocates inside and outside of Congress. Military people are trained for a very aggressive, bellicose scenario, not necessarily for crowd control, said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. And so we feel that there are other types of law enforcement agencies that are trained for that, and that are best suited to be at the border, and they are already at the border. The Pentagon is sending around 1,000 Army soldiers and 500 Marines. A U.S. military official said Thursday evening they were already on the way and expected deployment within two days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new detachment brings the total troop levels up to 4,000 at the border. A senior defense official said as many as 10,000 could be deployed in the future, though the official cautioned it was not a final number. While the military is allowed to support law enforcement and has done so at the border previously, the move raises questions about whether growing military involvement could run afoul of the Posse Comitatus Act, which bars troops from domestic law enforcement duties. Tony Payan, executive director of the Center for the U.S. and Mexico at Rice University, said he did not have major concerns about 1,500 troops but raised the alarm about sending up to 10,000, which he said would be a risk to migrants and to public support for the military. Payan said having a smaller number of troops deployed would not violate the Posse Comitatus Act but a larger contingent would mean they play more than a supporting role to CBP and would likely be illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some serious conflict [could] begin to emerge there and that will also constitute a new level of militarization of law enforcement in the United States that is, I think, unacceptable to the American society, he said. And I think it will eventually become unacceptable for the Pentagon. The troops will be augmenting Joint Task Force North, which is based out of Fort Bliss, Texas, and has been operating at the border for years with primarily National Guard troops. Active-duty troops have been sent to the border before, including under former President Biden. The opening move from Trump and the promise of more deployments indicate the border will become increasingly militarized. Immigration rights groups argue such action is the wrong approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asylum as we know it at our southern border is dead, said Jorge Loweree with the American Immigration Council, referring to the process by which migrants arrive at the border to seek protection from persecution. The number of people arriving at the border is at the lowest level in years and will likely continue to decline as the word spreads. Militarizing the southern border wont do anything to fix the problems that have plagued our immigration system for years, while also managing to waste an extraordinary amount of resources. Stephanie Brewer, director for Mexico at the Washington Office on Latin America, said in an email that migrants often arrive traumatized or disoriented and to place combat-ready troops into direct contact with these vulnerable families and individuals creates a risk of human rights abuses in any case. Elizabeth Goitein, co-director of the Brennan Centers Liberty and National Security Program, also raised concerns about whether the military would have the training to respond to such situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre trained to fight enemies, she said. Theyve received little to no training on peaceably enforcing civilian law in ways that respect the constitutional rights of the people involved. Goitein described the presidents series of executive orders as a bit of a mess, leaving unclear whether Trump is using the term invasion as a legal justification or rhetorically. Its hard to tell whether this is just sort of a confusion about the law or if this is a deliberate attempt to try to collapse the separate categories of war and law enforcement, she told The Hill. Its sad that it even needs to be said out loud, but unlawful immigration is not an act of war, and it does not trigger war powers, she said, adding that doing so would be way off base legally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They dont do a good job of trying to match what hes doing to specific legal authorities, she said of the orders. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Wednesday that Trumps goal was to ensure the military actually take homeland security seriously, claiming it was a priority for the American people. Northern Command is leading a new task force set up at the Pentagon to handle the southern border operation, and it will be overseen by acting Defense Secretary Robert Salesses. Salesses said in a Wednesday statement that Trump directed action from the Department of Defense on securing our nations borders and made clear he expects immediate results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The troops will support the Department of Homeland Security in deporting more than 5,000 migrants detained by authorities from San Diego, Calif., and El Paso, Texas. That represents a shift, as removal flights are typically carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through ICE Air Operations, relying on commercial airlines and chartered flights to remove migrants. Observers have also raised serious questions about troops trying to land migrants in other countries that might not accept U.S. military aircraft. The militarys role in constructing barriers may also become an issue. Trumps first-term effort to build a wall along the 2,000-mile border only saw about 458 miles of barrier construction completed with just 52 of those miles new construction rather than replacements. Around 700 miles elsewhere along the border have some type of barrier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lila Abed, director of the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center, said using the military can politicize issues further but explained Trump was likely trying to send a political image about the border. This is what the border looks like under [the Trump] administration, which is a clear signal to migrants from their countries to not go to the U.S.-Mexico border, because now the military is there, she said. Trumps push to address the migrant crisis comes as border numbers declined in the final months of the Biden administration. The number of crossings dropped 81 percent in December compared to a year prior, with CBP reporting 47,330 encounters between ports of entry. Abed said the declining numbers indicated there was likely not an emergency, but the directives indicate Trump is aiming to fulfill his campaign promise on a leading issue for many Americans that did worsen for years under Biden. I dont think that currently, we are witnessing an emergency, she said. Its more of a preventative measure to avoid migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. But also instilling this initial fear and using the momentum with the executive orders and with Trumps return to the White House to send a message to different Latin American countries and beyond that it will become increasingly uncomfortable for migrants to try to enter the U.S. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview on Jan. 23 he intends to again engage North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, signaling a shift from the previous Biden administration. "I'll reach out to him again," Trump said in the interview with Fox News. Kim, who Trump lauded as a "smart guy," has become Russian President Vladimir Putins key ally in a war against Ukraine, providing ballistic missiles and artillery and sending 12,000 troops to fight in Russias Kursk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hes not a religious zealot. He happens to be a smart guy," the U.S. president said, adding that he had good relations with Kim during his first presidential term in 2017-2021. The North Korean dictator has grown increasingly assertive in recent years, cementing an alliance with Russia and carrying out new missile tests. This prompted sharp deterioration of relations with the U.S. under the Biden administration and rising tensions on the Korean peninsula. Initially dismissive of the North Korean leader during his first term in office, Trump later engaged Pyongyang in a rare diplomatic effort to halt the North Korean nuclear program and even claimed to have built a warm personal relationship with Kim. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently admitted that Trumps diplomatic efforts did not achieve any "enduring" progress in stalling Pyongyangs nuclear arms development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps return to the White House is expected to bring geopolitical shifts as the president has often voiced sympathies for the U.S.s rivals and authoritarian leaders, like Putin or Kim, while being critical of Washingtons allies. The U.S. president said he plans to reach out to Putin and broker a peace deal in Ukraine, threatening with additional sanctions unless Moscow agrees to negotiate. Read also: I didnt know who Id be fighting North Korean soldier captured by Ukraine speaks in new footage Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Donald Trump landed in California on Friday afternoon to tour damage caused by wildfires in Los Angeles on Friday as he continues to feud with California Gov. Gavin Newsom over his handling of the disaster and federal aid. Trump and first lady Melania Trump were greeted on the tarmac by Newsom. Despite recently sparring over the response, the two shook hands and promised to work together in a cordial exchange. "We're looking to get something completed, and the way you get it completed is to work together. He's the governor of the state, and we're going to get it completed," Trump said. "They're going to need a lot of federal help. We're going to take care of things." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom thanked Trump for being there. "We're going to need your support. We're going to need your help," Newsom said. "You were there for us during COVID, I don't forget that, and I have all the expectations that we'll be able to work together to get this speedy recovery." PHOTO: President Donald Trump talks with California Gov. Gavin Newsom after arriving on Air Force One at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, Jan. 24, 2025. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) Trump arrived in Los Angeles after first making a visit to North Carolina, hit by Hurricane Helene in September. "I'm stopping in North Carolina, first up, because those people were treated very badly by Democrats and I'm stopping there," Trump told Fox News' Sean Hannity in an interview before the trip. "We're going to get that thing straightened out because they're still suffering from a hurricane from months ago. And then, I'm going to ... California." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Republican congressional leaders have said they would attach conditions to federal disaster aid mandating changes in California's water policies and forest management. PHOTO: President Donald Trump takes a question from a reporter during a news conference in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Jan. 21, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) "I dont think we should give California anything until they let water flow down," the president told Hannity, claiming water from northern California needed to be redirected south. Then on Friday, he added a second -- political -- condition. "I want to see two things in Los Angeles, voter ID, so that the people have a chance to vote, and I want to see the water be released and come down into Los Angeles and the state. Those are the two things," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC News has kicked off "SoCal Strong" (#SoCalStrong), highlighting the impacted communities and offering fundraising opportunities for victims of the fires. The coverage will continue across multiple ABC News programs and platforms. Newsom's office decried Trump's conditions in a post on X Friday afternoon. "Conditioning aid for American citizens is wrong," it said in the post. "FACT: Under current CA law you must be a CA resident and US citizen (and attest to being one under penalty of perjury) AND provide a form of ID such as drivers license or passport that has been approved by the Secretary of State in order to register to vote." California officials have repeatedly pushed back on Trump's assertions about water policy as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's claims that measures to protect the delta smelt, an endangered fish, upstate affected L.A.'s water supply are false, according to Ashley Overhouse, a California water policy adviser for the nonprofit conservation organization Defenders of Wildlife. Overhouse told ABC News that even the most protective regulations for delta smelt, during former President Barack Obama's administration, accounted for only about 1.2% of additional outflow. PHOTO: An aerial view of the fire damage caused by the Eaton Fire is shown in Altadena, Calif. Jan. 22, 2025. (Mike Blake/Reuters) On Thursday, the House passed the Fix Our Forests Act, a bipartisan measure that's intended to help prevent catastrophic wildfires and provide proper forest management. MORE: California fires live updates Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill provides fire departments information about how much and when they will get reimbursed for wildfire costs, supports post-fire recovery activities, assesses and helps better predict fires in high-risk areas and states through data, expedites environmental reviews to reduce planning times and costs for critical forest management and establishes an interagency center to help state and local governments. Trump tours LA wildfires after threats to withhold aid over water policy, voter ID originally appeared on abcnews.go.com US President Donald Trumps policy on Ukraine is a little scattered and meandering, and at times misinformed. But be in no doubt that it exists and seems an unanticipated priority. Trumps policy on Ukraine distinguishes itself in two ways in the first week of his administration. The first is his persistent criticism of the economic damage the Kremlin head is doing to Russia. Trump is making a business case for a peace deal, telling Russian President Vladimir Putin he needs to make a pact for financial reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This may misread Putins apparent pathological commitment to victory, and the broad existential nature of the conflict for Moscow in the eyes of its propagandists. They see this as a war against the entirety of NATO that they must win. The propaganda taps of Russian state media can be turned off as well as on. But Russias mindset is radicalized where the Wests is not. Its not a business case of quarterly profit and loss for the Kremlin, but one of survival. The second is how regularly Trump talks of the war after excluding it and any mention of Ukraine and Russia from his inauguration speech on Monday. He correctly suggested Thursday a lower oil price could impede Russias ability to wage war. Russia sells oil to China and India to keep its war machine going, despite sanctions aimed at reducing its revenue. Trump said he would talk to North Koreas Kim Jong Un, whose troops are fighting for Moscow now in Kursk. He also correctly suggested Beijing has great influence over Moscow and could force a peace deal upon them. Again, Trump is approaching the conflict from his comfort zone: one where everyone is seeking a smooth deal that makes them richer. China may seek calm, and perhaps ultimately wish the Ukraine conflict had never begun. But that is not the reality of now, and instead Xi Jinping is treading a delicate path: watching his ally Moscow degrade their military and economy to the extent they become Beijings junior partner, while also realising Russia cannot lose the fight without a knock-on impact to Chinas global ambitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The calculations made now by Americas adversaries concern the world order over the coming decade, not the immediate telephone call sheet of the White House, or how fast slick interpersonal dealings might wrap up the biggest land conflict in Europe since the 1940s. Trumps repeated call for NATOs European members to pay more for defense - an unlikely demand of 2% of GDP rising to 5% has even been echoed by Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukrainian soldiers of 111th brigade operate an American Humvee fitted with a Soviet era Grad launcher in Donetsk, Ukraine, on Thursday. - Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu/Getty Images It is correct to state this is Europes war. If Kyiv loses, Poland, the Baltics, Romania and Moldova will feel the heat, not Florida or California. Even NATOs head, Mark Rutte, has suggested Europe might buy arms for Ukraine from the United States. Trump was always going to challenge the cost of the war to Washington, and speedily Europe is being backed into a corner to step up. It is also intriguing to see Trump talk of the damage the war has done. He said incorrectly Thursday millions had died on both sides. Kyiv has said 43,000 Ukrainian troops have died. The UN says about 12,000 Ukrainian civilians have died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western officials say regularly Russias losses amount to 700,000 dead and injured, and independent media have tracked nearly 100,000 public records that suggest Russian military deaths on the battlefield. Yet Trumps incorrect, emotional reference to millions may be aimed at evoking the urgency and horror of the war in the minds of an American audience for whom it is a side issue rarely discussed. Trump said he could bring peace to Ukraine in 24 hours, which was always a wild rhetorical exaggeration. Even the six months now evoked is optimistic. But he has taken office seized with a wobbly yet vivid grasp of the wars issues. That may falter, as he slowly realizes a deal is not low hanging fruit and his adversaries because that is what Putin is, however great Trump says they get along are more patient, enduring and conniving than he is. But his opening week has done much to dispel the greater fear from Ukraine and its allies that Trump preferred coziness with Putin to NATOs unity. Or that his wild and unrealistic promises of diplomacy from the campaign trail would evaporate along with funding for the war the moment he came to office. This may all still happen, and the road ahead for Trump is deeply complex and fraught with rivals who have years more experience in the job, and much more to lose or gain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump is seized of the issue, has an emotional albeit shaky grasp of the wars horrors, and is critical of, not fawning towards, Putin. Its yet another unforeseen turn in a conflict ruled by the unexpected. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Donald Trump has reportedly pulled the security detail of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former public official who faced death threats for guiding the governments response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sources familiar with Trumps decision shared the news with CNN and The New York Times on Friday, noting that Faucis security detail was not provided by the Secret Service, but rather by federal marshals, and later by a private contractor paid by the federal government. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fauci, who served as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases under seven presidents, shared during the height of the pandemic that hed received serious threats to himself, his wife and his daughters because of his public-facing role advising Trump on his response to the disease outbreak. In 2022, a West Virginia man was sentenced to three years in prison for sending threatening messages to Fauci and other officials, including one telling the scientist he would be hunted, captured, tortured and killed. Fauci shared last year that those threats continue to come in whenever Republican lawmakers or conservative media personalities attack him for his work. He pointed to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) saying on the House floor that he should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity as an example. When you have performances like that unusual performance by Marjorie Taylor Greene in todays hearing, those are the kinds of things that drive up the death threats because there are a segment of the population out there that believe that kind of nonsense, Fauci said in a CNN interview last spring. Dr. Anthony Fauci testifies during the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic last June. Anadolu via Getty Images Despite that, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) demanded this week that the government withdraw funding for Faucis security detail, characterizing it as 24 hr a day limo and security detail on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wish him nothing but peace but he needs to pay for his own limos, Paul wrote Thursday. Trump, whos vowed retribution against his political enemies, has publicly sparred with Fauci. People are tired of hearing Fauci and all these idiots, Trump said in 2020. In his memoir published last year, Fauci said Trump would yell at him while also telling him he loved him. He recalled one chaotic conversation with the president after saying the COVID-19 vaccine was unlikely to provide lifetime protection and would likely require regular boosters. The president was irate, saying that I could not keep doing this to him. He said he loved me, but the country was in trouble, and I was making it worse, Fauci recalled, adding that Trumps comments to him were often laden with expletives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Joe Biden preemptively pardoned Fauci before leaving office this week to protect him from potential revenge by Trump. Fauci isnt the only person whose security detail Trump reportedly pulled this week. John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser, confirmed with CNN that Trump had also revoked his, saying he was disappointed but not surprised. Trump also reportedly pulled the security detail of former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Both men have faced serious threats from Iran. Related... Related video: Trump cabinet takes place (The Hill) President Trump pulled security protection for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his top aide, Brian Hook, both of whom have faced threats from Iran amid their hard-line positions toward the Islamic Republic, multiple outlets reported on Thursday. The security details for both Pompeo and Hook, that were provided by the State Department, were pulled on Tuesday, a day after Trump was formally inaugurated, The New York Times reported, citing one source familiar with the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men were notified that the security details were revoked on Wednesday, The Associated Press reported, citing a congressional staffer and another person familiar with the matter. When you have protection, you cant have it for the rest of your life, Trump told reporters Thursday in the Oval Office while signing executive orders. Do you want to have a large detail of people guarding people for the rest of their lives? Theres risks to everything. Trump announced in November last year that Pompeo would not be joining the administration despite the former CIA director expressing openness to serving in a post. Just months earlier, in August, Pompeo along with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) co-headlined a fundraiser for Trumps 2024 presidential campaign. This week, Trump also ended Secret Service protection for his former national security adviser John Bolton who has also faced assassination threats from Iran due to his hawkish stance toward the countrys leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am disappointed but not surprised that President Trump has decided to terminate the protection previously provided by the United States Secret Service, Bolton, now a vocal Trump critic, told The Hill on Tuesday. The president outlined later on Tuesday why he decided to revoke Boltons security detail. I think there was enough time. We take a job, you take a job, you want to do a job, were not going to have security on people for the rest of their lives, Trump told reporters. Why should we? Trump said on Tuesday that he fired Hook from the Wilson Center, along with three other high-profile presidential appointees. Hook served during Trumps first White House term and is an Iran hawk who backed sanctions the administration put on Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration has given and renewed protection for both Pompeo and Hook since early 2021, with them giving the last authorization on Oct. 21, the AP reported. The Hill has reached out to the White House and the State Department 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. The Trump administration is reportedly preparing an executive order curtailing funding of "gain-of-function" research on pandemic pathogens, in what would seem to be an effort to prevent the next pandemic from spilling out of a federally funded laboratory. On Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal reported that the White House was hashing out the details of an order that would impose at least a temporary pause on funding of experiments that could make viruses more transmissible and or deadly. Proponents argue that this work is necessary for identifying future pandemic threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People can bury their heads in the sand, but there are lots of viral threats out there, and you're not going to be able to solve that threat without understanding viruses," Gigi Gronvall, an immunologist and biosafety expert at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health told the Journal. Yet the Trump administration's forthcoming pause would hardly be a novel initiative. The last three presidential administrations have all attempted to apply additional restrictions to gain-of-function research involving pandemic viruses over concerns that such research could cause a pandemic via lab accident or be used by nefarious actors to produce a bioweapon. In 2014, the Obama administration paused funding for certain gain-of-function experiments on SARS, MERS, and influenza viruses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, the first Trump administration implemented a new policy that lifted the pause but required research proposals that could produce new pandemic pathogens to be forwarded to a committee within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a risk-benefit analysis. In May 2024, the Biden administration issued a modified version of that 2017 policy that likewise required HHS review of risky pandemic research. Granted, none of these frameworks proved to be particularly effective at their intended aims of limiting federal funding for gain-of-function research. Under the Obama administration's "pause," the National Institutes of Health (NIH), through its subsidiary National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), funded gain-of-function research on bat coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents of the lab leak hypothesis argue that this NIH-funded research contributed to the creation of COVID-19 in the Wuhan laboratory, which then later leaked to the world and caused the pandemic. That research continued to be funded by NIH under the first Trump administration. The agency never sent this research to HHS for a department-level review, as would seem to have been required. All told, the HHS committee established under the Trump administration to vet gain-of-function research only ever reviewed three grant proposals and greenlit two of them. Critics point to this as evidence that NIH and NIAID, helmed by gain-of-function proponents Francis Collins and Anthony Fauci (the latter of whom had a long history of public statements opposing restrictions on gain-of-function research), were deliberately flouting this vetting system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If personnel is policy, the second Trump administration's pause on gain-of-function research will be more effective. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's nominee to helm HHS, published a book last year arguing COVID-19 was a bioweapon created in the Wuhan lab. Jay Bhattacharya, Trump's pick for NIH director, has expressed openness to the more modest theory that COVID leaked accidentally from a lab. Before his nomination to head NIH, Bhattacharya served on the board of the anti-gain-of-function research group Biosafety Now. Both would play key roles in enforcing any forthcoming pause on federal funding of gain-of-function research and would presumably be more dutiful in that role than Collins or Fauci. The post Trump Reportedly Preparing an Executive Order Banning Federal Funding of Gain-of-Function Research appeared first on Reason.com. President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is applauding the Trump administration for rescinding a 2021 executive order directing federal agencies to offer voter registration materials when they interact with citizens. LaRose was one of a handful of Republican state officials to sue the Biden administration over the policy last year. Voting rights advocates meanwhile land somewhere between frustrated and nonplussed. They contend many people interact with federal agencies, and the program simply makes reliable information about voting and voter registration readily available. How could that, they ask, amount to weaponizing the federal government? The lawsuit and the rescission SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit LaRose joined was filed by the America First Policy Institute a kind of second Trump administration in waiting set up by several figures from his first administration. The complaint claimed that by making information readily available, the order was a blatant and unlawful effort to use taxpayer money to help elect Democratic candidates, including President Biden. After all, the complaint argued, people who speak another language, work for the federal government, receive housing or food benefits, as well as students, native Americans, people with disabilities, or those who are incarcerated all tend to vote for Democrats. By extension, any effort to offer those people assistance must necessarily be a partisan voter turnout effort. Get out the vote activities, they argued, unavoidably increase net turnout of whatever party has majority support in the area and cannot be conducted in a nonpartisan fashion. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose talks to reporters. (Photo by Susan Tebben, OCJ.) Although Biden issued his executive order in 2021, LaRose and AFPI didnt file their suit challenging it until last July, on the eve of the 2024 election. The parties quietly put the case on hold after Trump won the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Trumps executive action rescinding Bidens policy, LaRose crowed that the Biden Administrations attempt to use federal resources for partisan election activities threatened to undermine the integrity and neutrality of our electoral processes. I was proud to fight against this federal overreach and commend President Trumps decisive action to affirm his administrations commitment to transparent and fair elections. Former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, who heads up AFPIs election integrity work, praised Trumps quick action to ensure that federal government agencies are no longer weaponized when it comes to voter registration. We applaud him for prioritizing this issue on Day 1 and encourage his new administration to investigate any actions taken by federal agencies under EO 14019, he added. Finally, Americans can trust that the federal government is not providing a partisan advantage to one side or the other in voter registration. Its so kosher Lisa Danetz is an attorney who works as an advisor to the Brennan Center. In June of last year, she testified before Congress in a hearing questioning the Small Business Administrations efforts in response to Bidens executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She explained to lawmakers that federal agencies have helped out with voter registration going back to the 1950s when the Department of Defense set up a program for assisting voters overseas. More recently, the federal government directed state motor vehicle licensing agencies to offer voter registration forms to eligible citizens; the same law directs military recruitment offices, which are federal entities, to serve as voter registration agencies as well. Danetz argued the executive continues that effort. Everybody interacts with the federal government in one way or another, she said. So its an attempt to reach the full populace right and provide access to voter registration application opportunities. Danetz cautioned that shes unable to say how significantly Trumps decision will impact voter registration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I would say is I find it sad, she said. In that, this is a way to get voter registration opportunities and reliable voting information to people from all backgrounds and across the political spectrum, and to withdraw and withhold those opportunities, I mean to me as an American citizen, thats upsetting. Danetz heard arguments like the ones laid out in the lawsuit when she testified before Congress and seemed a bit baffled that providing assistance would be viewed as partisan. She explained the order imposes the same kind of requirements that information remain nonpartisan that governs voter registration at the BMV. Its so kosher, she said. Kayla Griffin-Green who heads up the Ohio chapter of All Voting is Local, is a disheartened by the move. She noted in addition to the BMV, several other state agencies including Job and Family Services provide voting information to people seeking assistance. Griffin-Green argued there should be more of a no wrong door approach to voting whether an agency is state-run or federal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that we should get away from thinking about like, whose job it is, she said. We should want an engaged voting population. We should want everybody to engage in democracy, and what this shows us is that we are looking for ways to close doors on people. She called it absurd and an erosion of our democratic system to assume that providing assistance through federal agencies is by its nature a partisan exercise. Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (Bloomberg) -- US President Donald Trump has raised the stakes for a meeting of an OPEC+ ministerial panel next month, with his call for the group to lower oil prices. Most Read from Bloomberg Just days into his second term, Trump told world leaders gathered in Davos, Switzerland that he would urge Saudi Arabia and its partners to bring down the cost of oil. Delegates from the group said they would stick to their existing plans, but Trumps intervention at the World Economic Forum on Thursday adds significance to what had been looking like a routine committee meeting to review policy on Feb. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies have been withholding oil supplies for more two years to shore up prices, and have repeatedly delayed a revival in their output. They currently intend to gradually start restoring barrels in monthly tranches of about 120,000 barrels a day from April. Neither Riyadh nor OPECs Vienna-based secretariat gave any indication that they would expedite these plans in response to Trumps demands. Delegates from the alliance, who asked not to be identified, said they see no reason to deviate from their current policy. Faltering fuel demand in China and plentiful new supplies from across the Americas mean there is still the risk of an oil surplus, they said. Oil prices are trading near $78 a barrel in London, up from the start of the year but still too low for many members of the cartel to cover government spending. OPEC+ seemingly has no appetite to put an additional barrels on the market, said Helima Croft, head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets LLC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other US polices could upend this outlook. Sweeping new US sanctions on Russia another OPEC+ member announced in the final days of the Biden administration has spurred its customers in Asia to scour for alternative supplies. Furthermore, Trump has threatened to renew a campaign of maximum pressure to rein in nuclear activity by Iran, a policy that crushed the Islamic Republics crude exports during his first term. So far were seeing no indications from OPEC that they are willing to backstop any sanctions on Iran, Venezuela or Russia, Natasha Kaneva, head of global commodities strategy at JPMorgan Chase & Co., said in a Bloomberg television interview. OPEC+s apparent inclination to sit tight may be guided in large part by their previous experiences with the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump a fierce critic of the cartel for decades before his political career often berated OPEC+ with social media posts during his first term, accusing the producers of keeping prices too high. Skepticism in Riyadh toward the president emerged in 2018, when his administration pushed Arab exporters in the Gulf to bolster supplies in anticipation of draconian sanctions on Iran, only to soften its crackdown against Tehran at the last moment. A further twist in the relationship arrived in 2020, when crashing oil prices during the Covid-19 crisis threatened to crush the American petroleum industry. Trump, the lifelong OPEC scourge, helped broker a reconciliation between Riyadh and Moscow, and ultimately usher in OPEC+s biggest ever production cut. The Biden administrations use of strategic oil reserves after Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine was also viewed critically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont see OPEC+ making any policy changes in response to these comments, especially at these price levels, said Richard Bronze, head of geopolitics at consultant Energy Aspects Ltd. Memories of 2018 and 2022 are still too strong, so they will need to see sustained tightness before agreeing to add supply. There are other complications to consider, not least Trumps pledge that his administration will encourage American oil companies to drill, baby, drill and ensure US dominance of the global energy system. Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has also promised to expand investments and trade with the US by $600 billion, and Trump said he would pressure the crown prince to raise that figure to $1 trillion. It is challenging to see how a significant drop in oil prices will yield a massive increase in US output or hundreds of billions in foreign direct investment from key oil-producing states, said Croft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Updates with analyst comment in 14th paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. President Trump ended the federal security detail of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who advised Trump on the COVID-19 pandemic and turned critical of him once Trump tried to undermine public health guidance. Fauci has faced regular threats to his life and has received federal protection for years, but it was discontinued this week, according to a person familiar with the matter. He is the latest in a string of former Trump aides-turned-critics to see their federal protection canceled despite ongoing threats to their safety. Speaking to reporters in North Carolina on Friday, Trump said he wouldnt feel any responsibility if harm befell the former government officials. A person familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive security issues, said that Faucis federal security detail was ended on Thursday and that he has since hired private security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about Fauci and Trump's former national security advisor, John Bolton, the president said, They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security, too." Trump earlier this week revoked protection details for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his top aide, Brian Hook, as well as Bolton, who have all faced threats from Iran since they took hard-line stances on the Islamic Republic during Trumps first administration. All three have fallen out with Trump since his previous term in office. Read more: Trump's perceived enemies worry about losing pensions, getting audited and paying steep legal bills Their security details had been repeatedly renewed by the Biden administration because of credible and ongoing threats from Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cant have a security detail for the rest of your life because you worked for government, Trump said. Fauci was a staff member at the National Institutes of Health for 54 years and director of its National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for 38 years. Read more: Biden pardons Fauci, Milley and the Jan. 6 committee in effort to guard against 'revenge' by Trump He was one of the Trump critics that former President Biden preemptively pardoned before leaving office. Though there is no known evidence of any wrongdoing, Fauci and others had been threatened with potential criminal charges and investigation by Trump and his supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last summer at a hearing of a Republican-dominated House panel, Fauci talked of some of the threats he and his family have faced. There have been everything from harassments by emails, texts, letters, of myself, my wife, my three daughters, he told the House select subcommittee on the coronavirus pandemic. There have been credible death threats leading to the arrests of two individuals, and credible death threats means someone who clearly was on his way to kill me. Its required my having protective services essentially all the time. 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. Cloud environments are facing an evolving threat from threat actors prioritising data exfiltration, exploiting identity as the new perimeter, and adapting tactics to evade detection and attribution. This iteration of the Google Cloud Threat Horizons Report provides cloud security professionals with a deeper understanding of the threat with intelligence and actionable risk mitigations from Googles security experts. Ransomware and data threats in the cloud are not new. In Feb. 2024, Google Cloud security and intelligence experts exposed trends in the Threat Horizons Report, including threat actors prioritizing data exfiltration over encryption and exploiting server-side vulnerabilities. Further, our experts cited ransomware and data theft incidents or associated risks in cloud environments in our ten previous Threat Horizons Reports. Despite the ongoing presence of ransomware and data theft risks, the trends we observed in the last half of 2024 reveal a concerning shift. Threat actors are not only refining their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) within cloud environments, but they are also becoming more adept at obscuring their identities. This evolution makes it harder for defenders to counter their attacks and increases the likelihood of ransom payments. Recognising our shared fate in defending against evolving cloud threats, this Google Cloud Threat Horizons Report delivers timely analysis and actionable mitigations for the recent ransomware and data theft trends that our security and threat intelligence experts have identified and are disrupting in the current threat landscape: Risks to service accounts: Google Cloud research shows that over-privileged service accounts and lateral movement tactics are increasingly significant threats, even though credential and misconfiguration issues remain common for initial access. Identity exploitation: Compromised user identities in hybrid environments can lead to persistent access and lateral movement between on-premises and cloud environments, subsequently resulting in multifaceted extortion. Cloud databases are under attack: Threat actors are actively exploiting vulnerabilities and weak credentials to access sensitive information. Increased adaptability: Threat actors are leveraging Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) offerings and adjusting tactics to evade detection and attribution. Diversified attack methods: A threat actor group we track as TRIPLESTRENGTH uses privilege escalation, including charging against victim billing accounts to maximize profits from compromised accounts. Threat actors are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal data and extort organisations in the cloud: Threat actors are using multifactor authentication (MFA) bypass in cloud-based services to compromise accounts and aggressive communication strategies with victims to maximise their profits. To stay ahead of the curve in 2025, a robust cloud security strategy must prioritise data exfiltration and identity protection. The report provides cloud security decision-makers with the latest intelligence on threat actor tactics and actionable mitigations to better inform cloud data security strategies. Full report can be downloaded here: https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/threat_horizons_report_h1_2025.pdf President Trump on Tuesday rolled back a 60-year-old antidiscrimination executive order. The move, one of several anti-DEI changes he's made so far, has consequences for the private sector. Here's what Trump's Equal Employment Opportunity decision means and how it affects businesses and workers. President Trump this week revoked a civil rights-era Equal Employment Opportunity executive order, one of several sweeping changes he's made since taking office to hamper DEI and reshape the federal workforce. The move guts federal contract workers' protections from discrimination on the basis of characteristics like race, religion, and sex. Here's what his decision means for businesses and workers: What is Equal Employment Opportunity? Executive Order 11246, issued by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, prohibited federal contractors from discriminating in employment and required them to take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 60-year-old act has been amended and strengthened over the years to protect federal contract workers from discrimination on the basis of characteristics like race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and national origin. The Department of Labor's website calls it "a key landmark in a series of federal actions aimed at ending racial, religious and ethnic discrimination" and notes that workers employed by federal contractors represent roughly 20% of the US workforce. What does Trump's executive order change? Trump's decision requires the Labor Department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to stop promoting diversity and to stop holding federal contractors and subcontractors responsible for taking affirmative action. It also directs the office to stop "allowing or encouraging Federal contractors and subcontractors to engage in workforce balancing based on race, color, sex, sexual preference, religion, or national origin." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employees of federal contractors and subcontractors still have some protections under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and may have additional protections under state or local laws, Stefanie Camfield, associate general counsel of Engage PEO, told Business Insider. Why did Trump make this decision? Conservatives have increasingly taken aim at efforts related to DEI and social and environmental issues, and Trump has made no secret of his disdain for them. On his first day in office, he signed an executive order to terminate DEI mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities which he called "radical and wasteful" in the federal government. Federal agencies were told to put employees in DEI roles on paid leave in the meantime. How are people responding? While many anti-DEI conservatives are celebrating Trump's decision, labor advocates and leaders of marginalized people's groups have been critical of the executive order reversal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judy Conti, government affairs director of the National Employment Law Project, said in a statement that Trump had "gutted key tools to prevent discrimination and root it out at its core." "This is not a return to so-called 'meritocracy,'" she said. "Rather, it's an attempted return to the days when people of color, women, and other marginalized people lacked the tools to ensure that they were evaluated on their merits." NAACP President Derrick Johnson in a statement called Trump's decision "outrageous." "His appalling executive order will only worsen America's racial hierarchy and benefit the oligarch class," Johnson said. What does this mean for businesses and workers? Federal contractors can continue following Executive Order 11246 for 90 days from Tuesday of this week, Trump's order states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His decision is likely to have spillover effects even into private sector businesses that aren't directly implicated. "I would consider this order a shot over the bow for private businesses that President Trump will be using his executive power to end DEI programs in the private sector as well," said Camfield. Trump's order directs the Attorney General to submit a report within 120 days "containing recommendations for enforcing Federal civil-rights laws and taking other appropriate measures to encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI." Businesses should examine their DEI policies and programs to make sure they're compliant with federal law, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and "consider working with a knowledgeable employment attorney to either amend or even end the program to ensure that they're compliant," Camfield says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Workers should be aware of their rights under that act and any additional protections they may have under state and local laws. What's next? Trump's decision may spark an increase in "reverse racism" cases being filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Camfield notes. Andrea R. Lucas, acting chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, said, "I intend to dispel the notion that only the 'right sort of' charging party is welcome through our doors and to reinforce instead the fundamental belief enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and our civil rights lawsthat all people are 'created equal.'" Some companies had already begun pulling back on their DEI programs and initiatives before Trump's executive order, including Walmart, McDonald's, and Meta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others are standing their ground on DEI. On Thursday, Costco shareholders overwhelmingly voted against a proposal from a conservative think tank to report on potential risks of the company's DEI efforts. On CNBC this week, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said the bank is "going to continue to reach out to the Black community, the Hispanic community, the LGBT community, the veterans community." Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said in another CNBC interview that the bank is listening to clients, who are thinking "about their businesses, how they find talent, the diversity of the talent they find all over the world." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We continue to stay focused on talking to our clients and doing the things we've always done," he said. Update January 29, 2025 Clarified Stefanie Camfield's advice to businesses Read the original article on Business Insider By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said his conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week was friendly and he thought he could reach a trade deal with China. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT The leaders of the world's two biggest economies discussed issues including TikTok, trade and Taiwan in a phone call before Trump took office on Monday. Since taking office, Trump has spoken about a 10% punitive duty on Chinese imports because he says fentanyl is being sent from China to the U.S. via Mexico and Canada. However, he did not immediately impose tariffs as he had promised during his election campaign. Trump has also threatened tariffs against the European Union, Mexico and Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KEY QUOTES "It went fine. It was a good, friendly conversation," Trump said of his call with Xi in an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday evening. "I can do that," Trump said in the interview when asked if he could make a deal with China over fair trade practices. Trump said he would rather not use tariffs against China but called tariffs a "tremendous power." "But we have one very big power over China, and that's tariffs, and they don't want them, and I'd rather not have to use it, but it's a tremendous power over China," Trump added. CONTEXT Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. and China are embroiled in an array of diplomatic and economic disagreements, including an accelerating technological and military rivalry, bitter trade disputes and Washington's concerns with the ownership of famous social media app TikTok, whose parent company is Chinese firm ByteDance. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Stephen Coates) President Trump's $500 billion AI infrastructure project, dubbed Stargate, rustled plenty of feathers when it was announced this week including reigniting a bitter feud between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and multi-hyphenate billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk. Earlier this week, Altman proudly voiced his support for the initiative at the announcement, while flanked by Trump in the Oval Office. OpenAI is committing $19 billion to fund it. But Musk, who seemingly felt left out and possibly jealous of Trump proudly and lovingly watching Altman stand behind the podium lashed out at Altman, accusing OpenAI of not being able to come up with their share. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They don't actually have the money," he tweeted just hours after the project was announced. Altman didn't take long to fight back, accusing Musk of being "wrong, as you surely know." Trump, meanwhile, appears completely unfazed by the billionaires squabbling, telling reporters in the Oval Office that Musk "hates one of the people in the deal," as quoted by The Hill. After being asked if he was bothered by Musk bashing the deal, he had a simple answer. "No, it doesnt," he said. "The people in the deal are very, very smart people," he continued. "But Elon, one of the people in the deal he happens to hate, but I have certain hatreds of people too." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What he exactly meant by "certain hatreds of people" could be interpreted in eyebrow-raising ways. Notably, Trump's comments came after Musk was rightfully excoriated worldwide for performing not one but two Nazi salutes during the president's post-inauguration celebration. The most straightforward reading of Trump's comments, judging by the context of the discussion, is that Musk hates Altman, specifically. But the fact that Altman is Jewish shrouds Trump's characteristically vague ramblings in a much darker light. Was Trump insinuating that he and Musk harbor prejudices against certain groups? Or would that be reading too much into Trump's utterances? Does Trump even know that Altman is Jewish? Musk has since attempted to refute that his gesture was really a Nazi salute but then tweeted a barrage of Holocaust jokes that prompted even some of his most ardent defenders to withdraw their support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout it all, astonishingly, Musk has stopped short of outright denying that he did perform a Hitlergruss. His feud with Altman dates back to the earliest days of OpenAI, a nonprofit they cofounded in 2015. In 2019 Musk quit in anger, citing disagreements over the group's direction. There are other reasons why Musk may feel left out. The entrepreneur launched his own AI company, xAI, which was passed over by Stargate. Whether any of this drama actually registered in Trump's brain remains mysterious. Does the president even care about one of his most loyal supporters battling it out with one of the most influential people in the AI industry? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has already made it abundantly clear that loyalty to the United States' new leader is a top priority. Whether Musk's attempts to discredit the president's shiny new AI deal will land on Trump's naughty list remains to be seen. What Trump may not realize is Musk's position of considerable power and influence. "Its clear he has abused the proximity to the president," an unnamed Trump ally in the White House told Politico. "The problem is the president doesnt have any leverage over him and Elon gives zero fucks." The latest disagreement could fuel a growing rift between the richest man and one of the most powerful people in the world. It certainly wouldn't be the first time the two sparred; Trump and Musk have had a rocky relationship in the past, to say the least. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When Musk came to the White House asking me for help on all of his many subsidized projects, whether it's electric cars that don't drive long enough, driverless cars that crash, or rocket ships to nowhere, without which subsidies he'd be worthless," Trump wrote in a 2022 post on his platform Truth Social, "and telling me how he was a big Trump fan and Republican, I could have said, 'drop to your knees and beg,' and he would have done it" More on the kerfuffle: Sam Altman Blasts Elon Musk for Defying Donald Trump's AI Deal (Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trump said he would feel no responsibility if Anthony Fauci or John Bolton were attacked after he moved to strip their government security in the opening days of his presidential term. Most Read from Bloomberg When you work for government, government, at some point your security detail comes off, and you know, you cant have them forever, Trump told reporters in North Carolina, where he is touring hurricane-hit communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said both men made a lot of money and could handle security arrangements on their own. I can give you some big numbers of very good security people, Trump said. They can hire their own security. They all made a lot of money. Fauci made a lot of money. They all did. So if they felt that strongly, I think that certainly I would not take responsibility. Bolton, who served as national security advisor in Trumps first term, received his security detail because of threats on his life from Iran following the US killing of Qassem Soleimani. In 2022, the Justice Department filed criminal charges against an Iranian official for attempting to hire a contract killer to target Bolton. But since leaving the Trump White House, Bolton has traded barbs with the president, including in a memoir when the longtime Republican aide called his former boss unfit to hold the nations highest office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This, to me, is an act of war against the United States by the government of Iran in threatening current and former American officials for doing their jobs, Bolton said in an interview with CNN on Tuesday. This is the kind of character, or lack thereof, whos now president. Fauci, who has been targeted for his role in steering the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic, has also been the target of threats on his life. In 2022, a West Virginia man pleaded guilty to sending Fauci emails threatening the doctor and his family. Trump has repeatedly looked to settle scores with former government officials who criticized his actions since returning to power. On his first day, Trump revoked the security clearances of dozens of former intelligence officials who signed a letter in the final days of the 2020 presidential election questioning the authenticity of an abandoned laptop belonging to President Joe Bidens son, Hunter, that contained damaging details of his drug and alcohol abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. President Trump said Friday the disaster relief led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina has been disappointing, emphasizing that he would prefer states handle their own relief efforts. FEMA has really let us down, let the country down. And I dont know if thats Bidens fault or whos fault it is. But were going to take over, and were going to do a good job, the president said when he landed in Asheville for a visit after the devastating hurricane hit the region in September. The president reiterated his criticism of FEMA from his Fox News interview Wednesday, during which he suggested the agency actually gets in the way of clean up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA just hasnt done the job. And were looking at the same concept of FEMA. I like, frankly, the concept when North Carolina gets hit, the governor takes care of it. When Florida gets hit, the governor takes care of it. Being the state takes care of it, Trump said Friday. To have a group of people come in from an area they dont even know where theyre going in order to solve immediately a problem is something that never worked for me. Id like to see the states take care of disasters, he added, suggesting that would be less expensive and a quicker response. He added that he will assign Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley to help with relief, adding, Were going to supply the money, supply a lot of the money, maybe have to chip in something like maybe 25 percent or whatever. We want to take care of the people of North Carolina everybodys talking about California and thats a mess, but I said, Im not going to California before I stop in North Carolina, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said hes disappointed in former President Bidens handling of the cleanup after the hurricane and that he is aiming to make up for lost time. When Trump landed in Asheville, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein (D) and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) were on the tarmac to greet him, as well as Whatley. The president is set to travel to California to assess the wildfire relief after his trip to the Tar Heel State. Trump won the state of North Carolina after Biden and then former Vice President Kamala Harris when she took over the Democratic ticket sought to flip the state the Trump also won in 2016 and 2020. 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. Donald Trump has a history of conditioning his response to natural disasters to the politics of an affected state. Hes been accused of slow walking relief, giving preferential treatment to Republican controlled areas, and delaying disaster relief funds until being convinced the people in an affected area were actually his supporters. Now, days into his presidency, Trump says he may get rid of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) entirely. Trump traveled to Asheville, North Carolina, on Friday to meet with survivors of Hurricane Helene which ravaged the region in the fall and survey recovery efforts, as part of a natural disaster tour that will also take him to California.. During a press conference in North Carolina, the president said that he planned to sign an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA or maybe getting rid of FEMA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think, frankly, FEMA is not good. I think when you have a problem like this, I think you want to go whether its a Democrat or Republican governor you want to use your state to fix it and not waste time calling FEMA, Trump said. FEMA has turned out to be a disaster [] I think were gonna recommend that FEMA go away. On Wednesday, during his first televised interview after being sworn in, Trump told Fox News Sean Hannity that FEMA is a whole other discussion, because all it does is complicate everything. FEMA is gonna be a whole big discussion very shortly, because Id rather see the states take care of their own problems, he added. For over 200 years the United States government has understood that asking states to shoulder the brunt of financial, first responder, and reconstructive burden of a natural disaster is both inefficient and inequitable. FEMA was created in 1978 under former President Jimmy Carter as part of an initiative to unify a myriad of federal agencies involved in national disaster response efforts, and streamline the governments ability to provide the various forms of aid required by states and affected citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has long clashed with the agency and attempted to twist its resources into a tool of political retribution. In October, as communities in the southeastern United States were ravaged by Hurricane Helene, Trump falsely accused FEMA of wasting relief money on undocumented migrants, and accused the Biden administration of intentionally neglecting Republican counties marred by the storm. He did so again on Friday, suggesting Biden may have held back relief efforts to North Carolina because he lost the state. Its Trump, however, who wants to condition federal disaster relief on political subservience. As wildfires ripped a path of devastation through the Southern California coast, Trump and Republicans have repeatedly threatened to withhold federal aid unless state leaders capitulate to their demands. Trump doubled down on Friday, telling reporters that before he would sign off on federal aid for California, he wanted to see two things [] voter I.D. so that the people have a chance to vote and I want to see the water be released and come down into Los Angeles and throughout the state. Those are the two things, after that I will be the greatest president that California has ever seen. Trumps second condition is based on a false assertion that California Governor Gavin Newsome refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way, as Trump wrote on Truth Social as fires hit the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No such water restoration declaration was ever brought before Newsom, and, according to water reservoir data and experts interviewed by CNN, there is no widespread water shortage in Southern California. While questions remain about the oversight of local response efforts, the logistical challenges faced by first responders were more closely tied to the mountainous geography of the affected region, excess demand on hydrants and local reservoirs, and high winds that made containing the infernos exceptionally difficult. 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. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview broadcast on Thursday that he plans to seek to engage North Korean leader Kim Jong Un anew after the two men developed a working relationship in Trump's first term. "I'll reach out to him again," Trump told Fox News' Sean Hannity. (Reporting By Steve Holland; Editing by Himani Sarkar) Singaporean telecommunications conglomerate Starhub, with over 2 million subscribers, and Nokia are partnering on network APIs to support StarHubs mission to create new revenue opportunities for its customers and monetise its network assets. The companies have announced that they will work together to help developers create 5G and 4G applications like device status and quality of service on demand for banking, finance, ports, and other enterprise verticals. Under the partnership, using Nokias Network as Code platform with developer portal, StarHub will give developers access to its network capabilities and create software applications that work across its 5G and 4G networks. The platform provides developers standardized access to network functions through APIs without having to navigate the underlying network technologies. Ayush Sharma, CTO at StarHub, said: We are pleased to deepen our partnership with Nokia to deliver a simplified and improved developer experience. Giving developers access to a wider selection of attractive network APIs is critical to unlocking the full value of 5G and 4G networks in Singapore and the wider region. Sharma says StarHub has been actively supporting industry efforts through GSMA Open Gateway and Linux Foundation CAMARA to define new technical standards for APIs that developers can use to create new use cases for their customers - and Nokia contributes to both GSMA Open Gateway and CAMARA. Nokia notes that it has a growing ecosystem around the world of more than 45 partners, including BT - and Orange, Telefonica, and Telecom Argentina which use its Network as Code platform. Nokias partnering expands well beyond the operator base to include hyperscalers like Google Cloud, Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) platform providers including Infobip, large system integrators, and vertical independent software vendors. Shkumbin Hamiti, Head of Network Monetization Platform, Cloud and Network Services at Nokia, said: Nokias approach to network APIs reflects a strategic focus of driving new business models and unlocking the potential that 5G and 4G networks can deliver from the perspective of innovation, sustainability, collaboration, and productivity. With this relationship, StarHub will have more choice and flexibility to create new value for its customers. Nokia says its network API strategy is centered around connecting multiple API ecosystems through its Network as Code platform - and by offering operators the broadest range of network exposure options, paired with robust multi-tier API security, the platform ensures that operators of all sizes can provide developers with simplified access to network functionalities. President Donald Trump claimed in part two of a televised interview that the nearly three-year-old war between Russia and Ukraine that started when Moscows forces kicked off an invasion in 2022 was the fault of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys failure to preemptively capitulate before Russian troops began their attack. Trump made the incendiary comments in a pre-taped interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity that aired Thursday on Hannitys program. After Hannity asked about Trumps threat to impose tariffs as a penalty on Russia if the Ukrainian war continues much longer, Trump responded that Zelensky has had enough and wants to settle with Russian president Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky, he said, is no angel and shouldnt have allowed this war to happen, even though it was Russia that invaded Ukraine. First of all, hes fighting a much bigger entity, okay, much bigger. When he was, you know, talking so brave... Zelensky was fighting a much bigger entity, much bigger, much more powerful. He shouldnt have done that, because we could have made a deal, and it would have been a deal that would have been, it would have been a nothing deal, Trump claimed. He added that had he been in Zelenskys position he could have made that deal so easily. He claimed that it was the Ukrainian leader who decided on hostilities even though it was Putin who ordered the invasion of Ukraine that violated a 1994 agreement. Russia and the United States agreed then to guarantee Kyivs security in exchange for Ukraines government giving up Soviet-era nuclear weapons that had been stored there before the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union. I could have made that deal so easily. And Zelensky decided: I want to fight, he baselessly claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidents contention that Zelensky, with whom he has a checkered history dating back to his first four years in the White House, decided to initiate hostilities against Russia is absolutely false. Russian forces have occupied parts of Ukrainian territory since 2014 when they seized the Crimean Peninsula on Putins orders. The Ukraine catch-up: Latest update from January 24 Updates from The Independents live blog as of 16:00 GMT Russia claims to have downed 121 Ukrainian drones targeting 13 regions, including Moscow. Ukraine states its drones struck oil facilities in Ryazan and a microelectronics plant in Bryansk, both allegedly supporting the Russian military. Moscows mayor confirmed drone interceptions around the capital, but no damage or casualties were reported. South Korea suspects North Korea is preparing to send more troops to Russia, despite previous losses. Ukraines military confirmed their drones hit oil and industrial sites in Russias Ryazan and Bryansk. Follow our latest updates. In February 2022, Putin announced what he described as a special military operation against Ukraine, which he described as an illegitimate state governed by neo-Nazis. He insisted at the time that the goal of the invasion by Russian troops was to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine, even though Ukraines government has nothing to do with Nazism, and Zelensky himself is Jewish. The UN General Assembly and the International Court of Justice have both condemned the invasion and ordered Russian troops to withdraw from Ukrainian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has previously called for negotiations to end the war, most recently on Wednesday when he took to his Truth Social platform to say he was not looking to hurt Russia, and expressed love for the Russian people, while boasting of his very good relationship with Putin who in 2016 ordered what the Department of Justice called a sweeping and systematic effort to interfere in the presidential election on Trumps behalf. Trump vowed in a Truth Social post Wednesday that he was going to stop the war. Im going to do Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR. Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! ITS ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE, Trump wrote. The president added a threat that if a deal was not reached soon, he would have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries. Lets get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with! We can do it the easy way, or the hard way and the easy way is always better. Its time to MAKE A DEAL. NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!! Trump long boasted that he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, and promised that he would end it when he returned to the White House. To date, the U.S. has given more than $65 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since 2022. The Trump administration this week began a plan to send email alerts to every single federal government employee from a single email address, confusing and worrying many workers about whats coming next. CBS News reports that the Office of Personnel Management, which manages the federal workforce, is testing a new capability that would allow the alerts to be sent to every single employee, about roughly 2.3 million people. Workers at multiple federal agencies initially didnt recognize the sender, an hr-at-opm-.gov email address, and reported the email as spam. OPM sent the messages overnight between Thursday and Friday, two officials told CBS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a new effort under this administration, one official told CBS. The effort is so new that even some I.T. offices in federal agencies flagged the email as spam. One anonymous federal employee sent a screenshot to CBS and said their co-workers werent sure if the email was legitimate. Everyone thought it was spam, said the employee. There was a flurry of messages, Is this spam? At a time when the new administration is closing various federal offices and proposing massive cuts to the government under Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency initiative, the new systems potential worries federal employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They had to send this this week, of all weeks? Really? said CBSs source. Only agency and department heads had advance notice of the email plan on Thursday, according to OPM officials. Some rank-and-file employees didnt hear about the new plan until they received the first email, leading to Fridays confusion. White House officials didnt respond to CBSs questions about what the system will be used for. But looking at past comments from Trump and others close to his administration, the potential is vast and disturbing, with the possibility of upending some of our most critical federal agencies. The News Whats a couple hundred billion dollars among friends? The week began with US President Donald Trump placing a $500 billion price tag on making his first foreign visit to Riyadh. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged to boost investments and trade with the US to $600 billion during Trumps presidency, while Saudi Arabias finance minister revealed the kingdom already holds over $770 billion in American investments. In his Davos address on Thursday, Trump said that hed ask the crown prince whos a fantastic guy to round it up to $1 trillion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Numbers aside, its clear that ties between Trump and the kingdom remain warm, even as the president chided Saudi Arabia and OPEC for failing to bring down oil prices. Frankly, Im surprised they didnt do it before the election. That didnt show a lot of love by them not doing it, he said at Davos. Trump is also seeking Saudi cooperation on broader goals, including the normalization of ties with Israel that would further deepen security links between Washington and Riyadh. Guardrails Gone President Donald Trump's second administration is all-in on AI just not the woke kind. Amid his weeklong flurry of executive orders, the real estate mogul-turned-president suggested in his latest that wokeness is, essentially, keeping AI down. "To maintain this leadership, we must develop AI systems that are free from ideological bias or engineered social agendas," the new AI order reads. "With the right Government policies, we can solidify our position as the global leader in AI and secure a brighter future for all Americans." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Titled "Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence," this new order follows after Trump revoked the Biden Administration's 2023 AI safety order, which was intended to make sure these systems don't harm national security or humanity itself. Revoking that order as one of his first acts as president sent a clear signal that Trump is following along with the GOP's 2024 party platform that supported "AI development rooted in free speech and human flourishing," as opposed to the prior administration's insistence on countering "irresponsible use [that] could exacerbate societal harms such as fraud, discrimination, bias, and disinformation." Now we're getting a taste of what that looks like in practice: Trump's sweeping action against anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that's already started a purge within the government will be a key component of his AI policy, too. Go For Woke This order's mentions of ideology in AI also seem like they could have been inspired by Trump advisor Elon Musk, whose own "anti-woke" chatbot was built under a similar directive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who's used Musk's "Grok" chatbot knows, of course, that it's failed spectacularly at its "anti-woke" aims so much so that it actually appeared to endorse Trump's rival in the election, Kamala Harris. Were things going well between the billionaire pair, it seems highly plausible that Musk would take credit for pushing his anti-woke AI agenda onto the president. Given that he just ticked off a bunch of his fellow flunkies for criticizing Trump's $500 billion AI investment deal, however, he's doing no such thing. Hilariously, Trump dismissed his advisor's trash-talking by noting that Musk "hates one of the people in the deal" a snide reference to Musk's antipathy toward OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who started that company with the South African-born businessman nine years ago before the two had a severe falling out. While there's no telling who or what is actually writing these rapidly-released executive orders, Trump's devil-may-care attitude about Musk's criticisms could be why he's chosen to include language that seems inspired by the advisor's own pet projects or maybe they just all hate "woke." More on Trump and AI: Trump Admin Accused of Using AI to Draft Executive Orders President Trump signed an executive order Thursday establishing a working group on digital assets led by David Sacks, the White House czar for artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency. The working group is tasked with proposing a federal regulatory framework for digital assets, as well as considering whether to create a national digital asset stockpile. Were basically announcing the administrations policy to make America the world capital in artificial intelligence and to dominate and to lead the world in AI, said Sacks, who joined Trump in the Oval Office for the signing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to make a lot of money for the country, Trump added. The digital assets working group has six months to submit its recommendations on regulatory and legislative proposals to the president. It will consist of the Treasury secretary, attorney general, Commerce secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) chair, among others. Among Trumps picks for these roles are several pro-crypto candidates, such as Paul Atkins, who the president tapped for SEC chair, and Howard Lutnick, Trumps Commerce nominee. Thursdays executive order also bars the U.S. from establishing a central bank digital currency (CBDC), which it argues would threaten the stability of the financial system, individual privacy, and the sovereignty of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite once dismissing crypto as a scam, Trump embraced the industry during his 2024 campaign. His newfound support for digital assets came at a moment when the crypto world increasingly found itself at odds with the Biden administration. Trumps announcement Thursday immediately drew widespread support from the industry, which has repeatedly expressed frustration about a lack of regulatory clarity surrounding digital assets. Blockchain Association CEO Kristin Smith touted the executive order as an important step forward for the industry. With this executive order and his proposed nominees to lead key regulatory agencies, President Trump is delivering on his promise to make the United States the crypto capital of the planet, Smith said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nathan McCauley, CEO and co-founder of crypto custodian Anchorage Digital, lauded the order as marking a sea change in U.S. digital asset policy. By taking a whole-of-government approach to crypto, the Administration is making a significant first step toward writing clear, consistent rules of the road, McCauley said in a statement. Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott (R-S.C.) said Thursday that he looks forward to working with the president and his working group to bring clarity, choice, and opportunity to this important sector of our 21st century economy. Voters across the country were clear in November: they want access to digital assets and a clear regulatory framework for the industry, Scott said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just days into his administration, President Trump is delivering on his promises, creating the first Presidents Working Group on Digital Asset Markets to ensure the federal government is working together to keep the United States a leader in digital assets innovation and to protect Americans from unlawful government surveillance, he added. Trump has found himself in hot water with the crypto world over the past week, after he and first lady Melania Trump launched two crypto tokens, $TRUMP and $MELANIA. The tokens are regarded as meme coins cryptocurrencies based on internet trends and without any inherent value which some worry could cast a shadow on the presidents efforts to boost the industry. Updated at 5:10 pm EST. 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. PEMBROKE, N.C. (WBTW) The Lumbee Tribe on Thursday got a big boost in its longtime effort to gain full federal recognition after President Donald Trump signed a memo putting together a plan to grant that status. Trump signed the memo to the US Secretary of the Interior to give the Lumbee Tribe full federal recognition either through legislation or other available means. The Lumbee Tribe was first recognized by the state of North Carolina in 1885. In 1956, then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the 1956 Lumbee Act, which recognized the Lumbee but denied them some federal benefits. The tribe earlier this month inaugurated seven new members and expressed how much it wanted federal recognition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am very hopeful, very optimistic about that in regard to our bill, Chairman John Lowery said. We have a lot of support within the state and we will use that to catapult that bill across the finish line. Trump previously promised to support federal recognition of the tribe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. US President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order to declassify documents related to the assassinations of former president John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Trump instructed the director of national intelligence and the attorney general to present a plan within 15 days for the "full and complete release of records relating to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy." They have 45 days to review the files on Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr and present a plan for the records' release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "More than 50 years after the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Federal Government has not released to the public all of its records related to those events," the order stated. "Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth. It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay." According to the US National Archives, the majority of the roughly 5 million documents, photos, videos, audio recordings and artifacts related to the assassination of JFK have been available to the public since the late 1990s. Trump had previously promised to release the files during his first term in office. In 2017, some previously classified documents were made public, but Trump decided to withhold others at the request of the CIA and FBI, citing national security concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's successor, Joe Biden, released thousands more Kennedy-related documents, but not all of them. With the latest release in 2023, 99% of the documents are now publicly accessible, according to US media reports. John F. Kennedy's slaying in Dallas on November 22, 1963, was a pivotal moment in US history and has remained a popular subject for conspiracy theorists despite an official investigation's conclusion that a lone gunman was responsible for the attack. King, a civil rights icon who in 1963 captivated Americans with his "I Have a Dream" speech, was shot dead in Memphis in 1968. Robert F. Kennedy was killed by a gunman while campaigning for the presidency in 1968. (The Hill) President Trump on Thursday signed an executive order directing the release of federal government documents surrounding the assassinations of former president John F. Kennedy, former attorney general Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. The order directs the director of national intelligence and attorney general to present a plan within 15 days for the full and complete release of records relating to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I have now determined that the continued redaction and withholding of information from records pertaining to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy is not consistent with the public interest and the release of these records is long overdue, the order states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And although no Act of Congress directs the release of information pertaining to the assassinations of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I have determined that the release of all records in the Federal Governments possession pertaining to each of those assassinations is also in the public interest, the order continues. Trump promised during his 2024 campaign to declassify the remaining government documents around the JFK assassination, which has remained a point of public interest decades after the 1963 killing. Trump made the same pledge during his first term, but he ultimately kept some documents under wraps amid intelligence concerns. John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas in 1963 by Lee Harvey Oswald. Conspiracies have persisted about CIA involvement or the existence of another shooter. The National Archives in 2022 released nearly 13,000 new files related to the assassination of JFK, the largest dump of documents since 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers in 1992 passed legislation requiring all remaining government records about the assassination to be released by October 2017, unless they posed certain risks to national defense or intelligence. Both Trump and former President Biden issued extensions to keep certain documents private. Experts have cautioned there are unlikely to be any major revelations in final batch of documents to be released. Marin Luther King Jr. was killed in April 1968 in Memphis. Robert F. Kennedy was killed in 1968 by Sirhan Sirhan. Robert F. Kennedys son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., backed Trumps 2024 bid for the presidency, and has been picked by Trump as his nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. In a 2023 interview, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. backed a conspiracy theory about the CIA being involved in his uncles killing. 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. UPDATED, with additional comments and participants: Donald Trump departed the White House on Friday for his first trip since his inauguration, with an itinerary that includes a visit to Los Angeles to survey fire damage and get an update on the recovery efforts in the Pacific Palisades. But one name is not on the list of elected officials scheduled to attend a fire emergency briefing: California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is on the list, as are a number of congressional representatives including Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), whose district covers areas hardest hit by the disaster. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Newsom said he planned to be on the tarmac to greet Trump, expected to arrive around 2:30 p.m. PT. I look forward to being there on the tarmac to thank the president, welcome him, and were making sure that all the resources he needs for a successful briefing are provided to him, Newsom told reporters. He said that he had not had any contact with the White House but he was grateful that [Trump] took our invitation to heart. Weve reached out to Newsoms office about the latest plans, and will update. But a source said that his team had been blindsided when the presidents details of his visit were announced Friday morning. There were reports that the White House invited Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), but they each told Politico that they could not attend because of the Senate schedule, with confirmation votes on Trumps Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth expected later today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before departing, Trump told reporters that he was unaware that Schiff a frequent target of his attacks had been invited. Is he going? I dont know. I mean, I really dont know. If hes going to be there, it would be cheaper, but I didnt invite him. Somebody did. Trumps schedule includes a neighborhood tour and an emergency briefing. Trump is first traveling to North Carolina to survey recovery efforts from last falls Hurricane Helene. Trump and Newsom have a long history of sparring. The president has referred to the governor as Newscum, while, shortly after Trumps election, Newsom launched a legislative resistance effort to fund legal challenges to federal action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has continued to blame Newsom for the fires, claiming it could have been put out if they let the water flow but they didnt let the water flow and they still havent, for whatever reason. But Newsom told reporters Thursday that it is very damaging when people believe such misinformation. I dont mean it in a malign sense. Maybe the president just doesnt know that theres not a spigot that can be turned to solve all the water problems that he alleges exist that dont exist when it comes to the state water system here in California. City and state officials are counting on massive federal aid for recovery efforts, and Trump has talked of rebuilding Los Angeles as the 2028 Olympics approach. But Trump told Fox News Sean Hannity this week that he doesnt think we should give California anything until they let water flow down into their system. The governors office has called the claim that he refused to sign a water restoration declaration pure fiction. As he visited North Carolina this morning, Trump also talked of another condition on aid to California: Voter ID. We want them to have voter ID so people have a voiceyou dont know who is voting. Its very corrupt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsoms office responded with a statement on X, writing, Conditioning aid for American citizens is wrong. They also noted that ID is required to register, while states that Trump won, like Nevada and Pennsylvania, do not generally require identification at polls. Per the White House schedule, Trump will tour Pacific Palisades at mid-afternoon, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump; Jeff Brown, chief of Los Angeles Fire Department Station 69; Jason Hing, chief deputy of emergency service, Los Angeles Fire Department; and affected homeowners Emily Bianchi and Mike and Gaby Shaw. The president and first lady then will attend an emergency briefing, also in the Palisades, along with Ric Grenell, the presidential envoy for special missions; Bass; Rep. Jay Olbernolte (R-CA); Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA); Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA); Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA); Rep. Young Kim (R-CA); and Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA). In addition to Sherman, the only other congressional Democrat on the list is Rep. George Whitesides (D-CA). Alos expected are Randy Moore, chief of the U.S. Forest Service; Los Angeles County Superviser Kathryn Barger; and Ed Ring, director of water and energy policy for the California Policy Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) said in a statement that she and Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) at the briefing, while noting that the Republican congressional participants come from districts that were unaffectred by recent wildfires. She said that she would continue to press Trump to visit the damage from the Eaton fire, which is not on his schedule. While Newsom has been striking a more conciliatory tone to Trump, save for pushing back on misinformation, the Democratic National Committee slammed the president for suggesting that disaster aid should be conditional. Executive director Sam Cornale said in a statement, When Americans are recovering from a disaster, there should be no red states and blue states. But Donald Trump doesnt understand what it means to lead, and he is once again playing politics in the midst of a crisis, treating families in need as a bargaining chip to force his tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy through Congress. Trump is now even threatening to abandon states entirely, pulling all federal aid for disaster response. Its time for Trump to stop putting his billionaire donors ahead of the American people and do his job. Trump also has suggested doing away with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and letting states take care of disasters, citing bureaucratic red tape in distributing aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jessica Millan Patterson, chairwoman of the California Republican Party, said in a statemen that Trumps visit demonstrates this administrations commitment to helping Californians tackle our states many challenges, including the rampant spread of wildfires, fueled by years of Democrat mismanagement. Gavin Newsom and California Democrats have lied about, underfunded and rejected critical wildfire prevention efforts, and even today, as fires continue, they are instead busy prioritizing their special session to Trump-proof California. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. LOS ANGELES President Donald Trumps upcoming tour of fire-ravaged Los Angeles on Friday is already laden with intrigue over who will and wont be accompanying him. The initial guest list, announced Friday morning, included nearly a dozen elected officials but not his frequent antagonist, California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom will, however, appear at the airport for a customary greeting with Trump, a stop he coordinated with the White House after telling reporters on Thursday he planned to go, invite or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its still unclear if Newsom will be asked to participate in any of Trumps briefings on the LA fires. The arms-length treatment from the newly sworn-in president of a man he has regularly sparred with is set against the backdrop of a congressional standoff over conditioning federal disaster aid to the state. A parsing of the guest list may offer clues as to how Trump plans to approach his visit to the blue state bastion. Already, some of the inclusions include both conciliatory and combative gestures. Slated to attend a briefing with Trump on Friday afternoon is: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who has come under fierce criticism in the wake of the fires, and eight members of Congress representing California, as well as Richard Grenell, the presidential envoy for special missions, and first lady Melania Trump. Grenell, a California native, has been especially biting in his social media criticism of Bass and Newsom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom and Trump have not spoken since the latter left office in 2020, and Trump has not returned the governors recent calls. I look forward to being there on the tarmac to thank the president, welcome him, and were making sure that all the resources he needs for a successful briefing are provided to him, Newsom said. Theres no limit to the resources well provide for that briefing. A spokesperson for Newsom on Friday referred back to the governors Thursday comments. The inclusion of Bass is notable given the criticism she has absorbed, including from Trump, for being overseas on a diplomatic trip at the time the fires broke out. Trump, in a Truth Social post, accused Bass of gross incompetence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is slated to first survey the damage in Pacific Palisades, the tony Los Angeles neighborhood devastated by a nearly 25,000-acre fire. Hell then attend an emergency briefing on the fire with Bass and Republican Reps. Jay Olbernolte, Vince Fong, Kevin Kiley, Darrell Issa, Young Kim, Tom McClintock and Democratic Reps. George Whitesides and Brad Sherman. Randy Moore, chief of the U.S. Forest Service, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Ed Ring, director of water and energy policy at the California Policy Center, will also attend. We're gonna have a very interesting time, Trump told reporters before departing the White House Friday morning. Most of the Republicans represent districts that have not been directly affected by the recent wildfires, though several are from other highly fire-prone areas of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the Democrats, Shermans district bore the brunt of the Palisades fire, which killed 11 people and left nearly 8,000 structures destroyed or damaged. Another large wildfire, the Hughes Fire, broke out this week in the district represented by Whitesides, a first-term lawmaker who flipped one of the states most competitive House seats from red to blue last November. Democratic Rep. Judy Chu, who represents Altadena, the neighborhood devastated by the Eaton fire, will also be attending, according to her spokesperson. But other Democrats in affected areas were not included. A spokesperson for Rep. Laura Friedman, another Democrat, said she was not invited, which is disappointing considering many of her constituents were under mandatory evacuation orders and are extremely concerned about recovery. Also not attending are Californias two Democratic senators, Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla. Both said they were invited by the White House to join, but could not due to scheduled votes in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm glad he's going, and I'm glad that he's going to see the devastation, because I think, frankly, until you see it and the scope of it, whole neighborhoods gone block after block after block, it's hard to wrap your head around, Schiff, a fierce Trump critic, said Fridays morning on Morning Joe. I think, I hope, he can't help but be moved by what he's seen.Trump, whose adversarial sparring with the senator dates back to the presidents first impeachment proceedings, professed he was unaware if Schiff had been invited. I don't know. I really dont, Trump told reporters at the White House before leaving to visit flood-stricken areas of North Carolina, his first stop before his trip to California. You know, if he's going to be there, it would be cheaper but I didn't invite him. Somebody did." Trump later said he wanted to see two things from California in exchange for federal aid: I want to see voter ID, so that the people have a chance to vote, and I want to see the water released and come down into Los Angeles and throughout the state. After that, I will be the greatest president that California has ever seen, he said. Julia Marsh and Christopher Cadelago contributed to this report. Trump staffers are reportedly angry with Elon Musk for publicly undermining the $500 billion Stargate Project. Musk has questioned the finances behind the AI infrastructure project and used his social media influence to attack one of the project's leaders. Some Donald Trump staffers are reportedly fuming with "first buddy" Elon Musk after the billionaire publicly undermined the president's multibillion-dollar AI infrastructure announcement. One Trump ally told Politico that Musk had abused his closeness to the president in a series of social media posts where he questioned the finances behind the $500 billion Stargate Project. Another Republican close to the White House told the news outlet Trump's staff was "furious" over Musk's use of his social media influence to attack the high-profile project. The problem is the president doesnt have any leverage over him and Elon gives zero f---s," the Trump ally said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, for his part, has denied he's upset with Musk over the posts. "No, it doesn't," Trump said in response to a reporter asking whether Musk's criticism bothered him. "He hates one of the people in the deal," he added, seemingly referring to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Representatives for the Trump administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment made by Fortune outside normal working hours. Trump announced the Stargate Project during his first full day in office alongside Musk rival Altman, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison. The three companies, along with Abu Dhabibased investment partner MGX, are the initial equity funders in Stargate. Arm, Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, and OpenAI are set to be the projects key initial technology partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the announcement, Trump hailed the project as tremendous and monumental," calling it "the largest AI infrastructure project by far in history" and saying it would help keep "the future of technology" in the U.S. But Muskwho is now a senior White House advisorwas quick to attack the OpenAI- and SoftBank-led project on social media, claiming that he had it on good authority that SoftBank has well under $10B secured" and exchanging a series of heated posts with Altman. Such fierce criticism of a presidential-backed project from a White House official so close to the administration is unusual and has upset some in Trump's camp. Musk's posts caused a social media storm, with Altman and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella both responding to the billionaire's claims. Nadella told a reporter he was "good for [his] $80 billion," while Altman called Musk's comment about Stargate's finances "wrong." OpenAI and SoftBank have reportedly committed $19 billion each to the venture. The Information reported that Altman had told colleagues that OpenAI would hold a 40% interest in Stargate and would act as an extension of OpenAI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is great for the country, Altman said in a post responding to Musk. I realize what is great for the country isnt always whats optimal for your companies, but in your new role I hope youll mostly put [the U.S.] first. On Monday, Trump signed an executive order officially creating the Department of Government Efficiency, the cost-cutting initiative that will be chaired by Musk. The billionaire is expected to cut back government regulations and dismiss unneeded workers in an attempt to slash U.S. spending. Representatives for Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment made by Fortune. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Former National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci has been stripped of his federal security detail despite ongoing death threats over his role in the COVID-19 pandemic. The 84-year-old physician, who stepped down in December 2022 after leading the organization for nearly 40 years, will now have to pay for his own protection. The NIH had been footing the bill to keep the Brooklyn native safe, according to CNN. Fauci becomes at least the third high-ranking figure who served in Trumps first administration to lose their federally funded protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton, both of whom have been critical of their former boss since leaving their posts, were also stripped of their security details after Trump returned to power on Monday. The men have faced death threats from Iran over their hard-line stances on the Islamic Republic while serving under Trump. Former President Biden had repeatedly renewed their security details, as well as Faucis, due to the credible threats. While Fauci isnt known to have made enemies abroad, he fell out of favor with much of the far-right by promoting COVID-19 vaccines and scoffing at conspiracy theories about the pandemic that killed more than 1 million Americans. Though Trump praised Fauci in the earlier days of COVID for his work to develop and distribute vaccines, the doctor told PBS last June that his relationship with the president became complicated as the GOP leaders reelection efforts called into question scientific advice hed been given while in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump infamously suggested at the height of the pandemic that COVID could be cured by injecting people with disinfectants or a very powerful light inside the body. In the beginning, he actually listened to what we were saying and went along with it, Fauci said. I had to contradict him, which was painful for me to do. Days before losing the 2020 presidential election, Trump called Fauci a disaster and lumped him in with other idiots he accused of failing to understand the unprecedented outbreak. MAGA firebrands like Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have expressed disdain for Fauci, whom she said should be in prison during a June 2024 congressional hearing where she refused to acknowledge Fauci was a doctor. Trump mega-donor and advisor Elon Musk called for Faucis prosecution in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fauci was among those Biden gave a preemptive pardon before leaving office last week to protect him against revenge by the incoming Trump administration. But Trump was still able to cancel Faucis security detail and defended his decision to do so, saying on Friday he would not feel any responsibility if harm befell him or any other former allies who had their protection stripped. They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security, Trump told reporters in North Carolina. You cant have a security detail for the rest of your life because you worked for the government. With News Wire Services WASHINGTON President Donald Trump suggested in an interview that aired Thursday night that Ukraine should not have fought when Russia invaded it. "Zelenskyy was fighting a much bigger entity, much bigger, much more powerful," Trump told Fox News' Sean Hannity. "He shouldnt have done that, because we could have made a deal." Follow live coverage Trump has argued that Zelenskyy should have made a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to avoid the war, a stance he reiterated in the Fox News interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I could have made that deal so easily, and Zelenskyy decided that 'I want to fight,'" Trump said. Trump went on to compare the number of tanks each country had, emphasizing that Russia had more. "You don't fight those," Trump said. A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond when asked how Trump thinks Ukraine should have replied when Russia launched its invasion. The Ukrainian Embassy in Washington also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Russia, a U.S. adversary, attacked Ukraine, a U.S. ally, in February 2022. Casualties are estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands. Former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet at Trump Tower in New York City, on Sept. 27. Former President Joe Biden, who was in office when Russia attacked, consistently emphasized his alliance with Ukraine, pushing for aid packages for the beleaguered country and praising Zelenskyy's leadership. The Biden administration also placed sanctions on Russia shortly after it invaded, citing the war and other issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has taken a markedly different approach, saying in the Fox News interview that Zelenskyy is "no angel," adding that he "shouldn't have allowed this war to happen." Trump also said that if Russia does not move to "settle this war soon," the United States would put "massive tariffs" and "big sanctions" on Russia. Trump has said he would end the war within one day. However, there are no signs that it is any closer to ending. Trump met with Zelenskyy in September, when he said he would work to end the war with a deal "that's good for both sides." "Were going to work very much with both parties to try and get this settled and get it worked out," Trump told reporters before they met. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same month, Trump also referred to Putin at a campaign rally as "no angel." Trump's comments came in a two-part Fox News interview that was recorded Wednesday. The second part of the interview, which included Trump's comments about Zelenskyy, aired Thursday. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com President Donald Trump told reporters Friday that he was "surprised" Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins both moderates and sometime critics of Trump planned to vote against former Fox News host Pete Hegseth's nomination to lead the Defense Department. "I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that," Trump told reporters. The president also hinted that former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who has had at times a contentious relationship with Trump, could vote no in today's highly anticipated vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Of course Mitch is always a no vote I guess," the president said before asking reporters, "Is Mitch a no vote? How about Mitch?" President Donald Trump speaks to members of the press as he and first lady Melania Trump prepare to depart the White House aboard Marine One on Friday. McConnell has not publicly revealed how he'll vote on Hegseth's nomination, but he and several other Republican senators who have expressed reservations about Hegseth including Sens. Todd Young of Indiana, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia voted for a procedural motion to advance Hegseth's nomination to a final vote. Murkowski, of Alaska, and Collins, of Maine, voted against that procedural step. Representatives for McConnell's office did not respond to NBC News' questions about how he plans to vote in tonight's final confirmation vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With all Senate Democrats signaling that they plan to vote against his nomination, Hegseth can afford to lose just three Republican votes. In that case, Vice President JD Vance could cast a tie-breaking vote. But if four or more GOP senators vote no on Hegseth, he would not be confirmed to lead the Defense Department. Hegseth's path to confirmation has faced hurdles since Trump said in November that he intended to nominate him. By early December, the notion that he would remain in the running for the job was in doubt, when as many of six Republican senators grew concerned over news reports that detailed Hegseth's alleged history of drinking, including on the job at Fox News. They also worried about Hegseth's alleged treatment of women, including his admitted infidelity and the revelation that he paid off a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth, a combat veteran, has vehemently denied the allegations of sexual assault, which he was never charged over, and has said the encounter was consensual. He also has denied that he has a drinking problem, and in interview with Megyn Kelly on SiriusXM in December, he vowed to stop drinking if he is confirmed as Defense secretary. This is the biggest deployment of my life, and there wont be a drop of alcohol on my lips while Im doing it, he told Kelly. Pete Hegseth at Capitol Hill on Jan. 14. At a confirmation hearing earlier this month, Democratic senators on the Armed Services Committee grilled Hegseth about the allegations against him and painted him as unfit to serve in the position for which he was nominated. They also raised concerns about his lack of experience running a large organization and his alleged financial mismanagement of a pair of nonprofit veterans groups, which he also has denied, saying he's proud of the work he has done for veterans. Still, Republicans on the committee defended Trump's nominee and he sailed through a committee vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, fresh concerns about Hegseth emerged as senators received an affidavit from Hegseth's former sister-in-law, who alleged that his behavior during his second marriage caused his then-wife to fear for her safety. In a statement, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee said "the alleged pattern of abuse and misconduct by Mr. Hegseth is disturbing. This behavior would disqualify any service member from holding any leadership position in the military, much less being confirmed as the Secretary of Defense. Hegseth's lawyer, Tim Parlatore, denied the allegation in a statement, saying the nominee's former wife "has never alleged that there was any abuse, she signed court documents acknowledging that there was no abuse and recently reaffirmed the same during her FBI interview." In a statement emailed to NBC News earlier this week, Hegseth's ex-wife said, I do not believe your information to be accurate, and I have ccd my lawyer. She later added, There was no physical abuse in my marriage." Hegseth and his former wife signed a 2021 court document that said neither parent claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com In a somber scene lighted by an orange Los Angeles sunset, President Trump walked through the ruins of Pacific Palisades on Friday, shaking hands with firefighters and speaking to a handful of residents as he took in the devastation wrought by firestorms that swept through L.A. County this month. Leveled properties and charred trees were visible in the background as the president walked through a neighborhood of destroyed homes. Firefighters handed him a white fire helmet with No. 47 on the front and side. Trump said he was stunned by the devastation and vowed to partner with local officials to help victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have to work together to get this really worked out," Trump said during a meeting with Los Angeles officials. "I don't think you can realize how ... devastating it is until you see it. It's incredible. It's really an incineration." It was Trump's first presidential visit to California since taking office and came after his threats to withhold federal aid to the state in exchange for a change in water management and implementing voter identification requirements. Read more: Fire victims seek answers about rebuilding, cleanup timeline But during a roundtable meeting with residents and officials on Friday evening, his tone was much more subdued. He declared a national emergency, pledged to waive or expedite any federal permits needed for rebuilding, and did not mention specific conditions for federal aid. He also said he would look into the possibility of waiving tariffs on building materials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm going to give you everything you want," he told the group. "I'm going to give you more than any president would have ever given you." The trip to Los Angeles was part of a broader national disaster recovery tour. Earlier Friday, Trump visited North Carolina to inspect damage after Hurricane Helene ravaged the area in October. Trump landed at Los Angeles International Airport midafternoon and after briefly speaking with Gov. Gavin Newsom on the tarmac, the president and First Lady Melania Trump embarked on their tour of the destruction in Pacific Palisades, surveying neighborhoods by helicopter and foot. The president did not visit Altadena, where the Eaton fire carved a deadly and destructive path. The firestorms burned more than 16,000 structures, including many homes, and killed at least 28 people. Estimates of the cost have topped $250 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Army Corps of Engineers surveys damage from Palisades, Eaton fires before cleanup begins Newsom thanked the president for making the trip to California. "We're going to need your support. We're going to need your help. You were there for us during COVID I don't forget that and I have all the expectations that we'll be able to work together to get this speedy recovery," Newsom said to Trump. Hours earlier, during a briefing in North Carolina, Trump repeated his earlier suggestion that he would place conditions on disaster aid for California, saying that he wants voter ID requirements adopted and for the state to "release the water." The president did not outline conditions for North Carolina to receive aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If they release the water, they wouldn't have had a problem," Trump said of California. "If they released the water when I told them to because I told them to do it seven years ago if they would have done it, you wouldn't have had the problem that you had. You ... might not have even had a fire." During his meeting with L.A. officials, Trump criticized California's wildfire response, jabbing at Democrats and blaming the massive infernos that have destroyed swaths of the state in recent years on a lack of forest management and water mismanagement. Trump announced that he would be signing an executive order to "open up the pumps and valves in the north." The measure, details of which were not immediately available, would involve drawing more water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to supply farmlands in the Central Valley and cities in Southern California. Read more: Visiting L.A. after firestorm, Trump focuses on overhauling California water policy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Californias two main water systems that draw water from the Delta, the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project, deliver supplies to millions of acres of farmland and about 30 million people. Pumping has contributed to the ecological degradation of the Delta, where the fish species that are listed as threatened or endangered include steelhead trout, two types of Chinook salmon, longfin smelt, Delta smelt and green sturgeon. Trump indicated he intends to seek to weaken protections for the Delta smelt, a finger-length species that has suffered major declines and is thought to be nearing extinction in the wild. "They talk about the Delta smelt, Trump said. It doesn't have to be protected. The people of California have to be protected. Water managers and experts have said Southern Californias cities are not short of water, pointing out that the regions reservoirs are at record high levels following plentiful deliveries of supplies in 2023 and 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom has said a change in water management in Northern California would not have affected the fire response. The governors office said on social media that California pumps as much water now as it could under prior Trump-era policies, and that there is no shortage of water in Southern California. Even with ample supplies in reservoirs, local water systems were pushed to their limits in places as the fires rapidly spread, driven by strong winds. When the L.A. water system lost pressure in parts of Pacific Palisades, some fire hydrants ran dry in high-elevation areas, hindering the firefighting effort. Newsom last week ordered an investigation into the loss of water pressure to hydrants and the lack of water available from a reservoir in Pacific Palisades that was out of commission for repairs. Trump criticized the citys handling of the repairs to the Santa Ynez Reservoir, which has been offline for nearly a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That reservoir has been empty for a long time. It shouldn't have been empty," he said. Trumps plan to alter California water policy "demonstrates both a severe misunderstanding of water management and a blatant disregard for the needs of imperiled wildlife," said Ashley Overhouse, water policy advisor for the environmental group Defenders of Wildlife. "Communities like Altadena and Palisades desperately need aid, not more political posturing that ignores science," Overhouse said. While Newsom did not join Trump on his tour in the Palisades, the two men shook hands and expressed a desire to work to rebuild the areas decimated by fire. Newsom, whom Trump refers to as "Newscum," is a staunch critic of Trump who convened a special session ahead of the president's second term to Trump-proof Californias state laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three days after fires ravaged Los Angeles, the Democratic governor extended Trump an invitation to L.A. to survey the damage. "In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines," Newsom wrote in a letter to Trump. "Hundreds of thousands of Americans displaced from their homes and fearful for the future deserve to see all of us working in their best interests to ensure a fast recovery and rebuild." California Sens. Adam B. Schiff and Alex Padilla, who were among a group of lawmakers who invited the president to tour Los Angeles, said in a joint statement Friday night that they were grateful to Trump for traveling to see the historic fire damage. The Democratic lawmakers also expressed hope that Trump would eschew one-sided political rhetoric. Read more: Trump criticizes L.A. fire response in inaugural address, plans to visit California Friday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While his continued comments threatening conditions on federal aid and to eliminate FEMA [the Federal Emergency Management Agency] are deeply concerning, we remain hopeful this visit moves the President and Congress closer to focus on relief over partisanship," they wrote. "Let us be clear leveraging disaster aid as a bargaining chip runs in stark contrast to how both Democrats and Republicans have responded to natural disasters for decades. Natural disasters dont discriminate between blue states or red states. And Americans should be able to count on our support to recover and rebuild in the wake of these tragedies, no matter what state they call home." Politics and the 2024 election appeared to be on Trump's mind as he toured North Carolina. At a disaster briefing, he speculated on the role hurricane damage in the battleground state played in his election. "One of the reasons we won so convincingly was our promise to get North Carolina fixed up," he said. In Los Angeles County, 65% of residents voted for his Democratic opponent, then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump said he would ask Congress for more money for North Carolina reconstruction and expressed disappointment in FEMA's handling of the crisis. "FEMA turned out to be a disaster," he said. "I think we're going to recommend that FEMA go away. ... The states should fix this." Read more: Trump wants to upend California water policy. State officials say it could do harm In his inaugural address Monday, Trump brought up the wildfires, saying they were burning "without even a token of defense." Theyre raging through the houses and communities, even affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country some of whom are sitting here right now, he added. They dont have a home any longer. Thats interesting." Some California Republicans who narrowly won U.S. House seats last year have criticized the politicization of disaster relief. "Providing relief in the aftermath of a natural disaster isnt a red or blue issue its a life-or-death issue," Republican Rep. Young Kim, who represents a fire-prone area of Orange County, said on X. Read more: Inside L.A.'s desperate battle for water as the Palisades fire exploded Rep. Judy Chu, a Democrat who represents Pasadena and is one of several California members of Congress who attended a Friday fire recovery briefing with Trump, said she was appreciative that the president traveled to Los Angeles to see the destruction. But she suggested he should visit not just the affluent coastal Pacific Palisades area but the historically Black communities of Pasadena and Altadena in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, which were ravaged by the Eaton fire. "I just want to make sure that you remember the people in Altadena and Pasadena, and that you can come there and see how terrible the devastation has been there so that they can get the help that they need," Chu told Trump. Trump responded that he knows the Altadena area was "really devastated." "This took place during the life of another president, not me, but I'm going to be the president that's going to help you fix it," he responded. Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo told NBC 4 that he was disappointed Trump wasn't visiting the Eaton fire burn area. "I would imagine it's hard to watch," Gordo said of residents seeing Trump visit the Palisades. "You know these are people who are looking for this assistance, and again, who are looking for leadership from the highest office in the land. And people who are hurt deeply, but you know, the important thing is that they be told directly ... that the resources are going to be there." Pacific Palisades resident Dave Harvilicz, 50, drove to Brooktree Road and West Sunset Boulevard on Friday afternoon to catch a glimpse of Trumps motorcade. The intersection, blocked off by military Humvees and local police, was roughly a mile from what remains of Harviliczs home on Mt. Holyoke Avenue one of hundreds razed by the Palisades fire. "We just wanted to thank him for coming and bringing attention [to the fires]," Harvilicz said. "We also agree with him that federal aid should be conditioned on having fair elections in California and in Los Angeles." Harvilicz said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave him an 18-month estimate just to clear the debris from his home. He said he hoped Trump could speed up the recovery process. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and Trump sparred during the roundtable over how quickly the community can begin rebuilding. Trump asserted that residents should be allowed back on their properties immediately, but Bass pushed back saying there was still hazardous waste that needed to be cleared from many of the sites. She has emphasized that getting residents home quickly is a top priority. "The important thing is for people to be safe," Bass said. Times staff writers Hailey Branson-Potts, Sandra McDonald, Richard Winton and Seema Mehta contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Trump tells Newsom at LA wildfire visit: Were going to get it fixed PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. (NewsNation) President Donald Trump toured the damage caused by wildfires in Southern California on Friday, later expressing that the devastation is beyond what can be captured in images. Arriving in Los Angeles, he was greeted by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on the tarmac, where the pair appeared to warmly greet one another. The president took an aerial and walking tour of Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood destroyed by one of the recent fires. He then met with wildfire victims and city officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think you can realize how rough it is, how devastating it is, until you see it, Trump said. Newsom says California will need the federal governments help US President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom speak to the press upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, on January 24, 2025, to visit the region devastated by the Palisades and Eaton fires. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are greeted by California Governor Gavin Newsom upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, on January 24, 2025, to visit the region devastated by the Palisades and Eaton fires. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) US President Donald Trump shakes hands with California Governor Gavin Newsom as he speaks to the press upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, on January 24, 2025, to visit the region devastated by the Palisades and Eaton fires. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) I have all the expectations were going to be able to work together, Newsom said. Trump responded, Were going to get it fixed. It might seem like odd messaging for the two rivals, but its similar to the approach Newsom took toward Trump during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic Tension has escalated between Newsom and Trump over how the wildfires have been managed. Since the fires broke out on Jan. 7, Trump has used social media and interviews to accuse the state of sending too much water to the Pacific Ocean instead of south toward Los Angeles and to highlight how some hydrants ran dry in the early hours of the firefight in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first hours of his second term, Trump called on federal officials to draft plans to route more water to the crop-rich Central Valley and densely populated cities in the southern part of the state. Disaster prep: How to know if youre underinsured Two days later, he threatened to withhold federal disaster aid unless California leaders changed the states approach to its management of water. Trump blames Newsom for what he calls the citys inability to tame some of the deadly fires, while Newsom denies this claim. On Thursday, Newsom signed legislation directing $2.5 billion in relief to support response and recovery efforts for Los Angeles. Trump says the federal government is behind California 100% Trump acknowledged he had a very positive talk with California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps comments came after he took an aerial and walking tour of Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood destroyed by one of the recent fires. Trump didnt mention putting conditions on federal aid, as hes previously indicated he would do. Wildifre damage in Southern California Nearly 50,000 acres have burned from Los Angeles to San Diego. Eight active wildfires are burning in the region, and a red flag warning remains in effect. Residents are also reeling from the deadly and destructive Palisades and Eaton fires. Gavin Newsom signs $2.5B bill to aid California wildfire recovery Trump has criticized the state for allegedly not sending enough water into the cities, while Newsom accuses the president of spreading misinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. On the outskirts of Altadena, where one of the most destructive firestorms in Los Angeles history had just receded, a group of volunteers worked last week to gather fallen tree branches and leaves removing fuel for potential future fires, bagging them up and taking them away. One of those people, Cesar, a Mexican immigrant in his early 60s, works as a day laborer in construction, picking up jobs helping to build and remodel homes around LA. Though Cesar, who asked only to be identified by his first name, told CNN he has worked in California for more than 30 years, he is undocumented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now, the prospect of mass deportations under President Donald Trumps second term could lead to the loss of construction workers like Cesar and stands to seriously hinder efforts to rebuild the more than 12,000 structures estimated to be destroyed by the fires. Homebuilders across LA told CNN they anticipate that rebuilding the city after the destruction caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires will be a slow and challenging process. Key to that endeavor are the mostly undocumented day laborers who often do the physically taxing and dangerous work of clearing the rubble after a natural disaster recedes. Cesar and the rest of his cleanup crew are second responders, said Victor Narro, the project director for the UCLA Labor Center. In the shadows, these workers have helped build Americas second-largest city and, after the destruction is cleared, they will help to restore burned homes and businesses, Narro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there are deportations, who is going to do the work of this large immigrant workforce? Narro said. Building in Los Angeles is already notoriously tough due to a maze of permits and red tape. Waiting on full payouts from insurance companies may hold up the reconstruction process, as well. In addition, LA is one of Americas most expensive housing markets. Now, with thousands of people displaced from their homes, some experts anticipate the citys housing market will grow even tighter and building costs may rise. If Trump does crack down on illegal immigration, it would likely affect lower-end homes, said Dougal Murray, CEO of Racing Green Group, a builder of custom homes in Hollywood and Malibu. People who have a lower budget will be more likely to work with unlicensed subcontractors or those who employ undocumented immigrants because of the lower cost to hire them. Trumps deportation push Bob Kleiman, owner of a homebuilding company in Woodland Hills, just outside LA, said he was hopeful that the Trump administration would come to the realization that mass deportations could hurt a city reeling from two of the most destructive fires in its history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im an optimist that they wont pull the rug out from underneath an already aggravated situation, Kleiman said. I hope they wont move forward with something that will further add salt to this wound. President Donald Trump gives his inaugural address during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 20. - Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Pool/Reuters But Trump rose to the presidency for the second time on promises to intensify border security and deport record numbers of migrants and he and his allies have said that undocumented immigrants share the blame for Americas home affordability crisis. Just weeks after Trump was reelected, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to adopt a sanctuary city ordinance, barring city employees from aiding Immigration and Customs Enforcement unless required by federal law. But on Monday, Trump began his term by taking a series of sweeping executive actions on immigration, including declaring a national emergency at the US southern border and directing federal officials to take actions to ensure that so-called sanctuary jurisdictions do not receive access to Federal funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has also signaled he will coordinate immigration sweeps in major cities with ICE. A shortage of construction workers More than one-third of construction workers in the US labor force are foreign-born, according to the US Census Bureaus 2023 American Community Survey. California is tied with New Jersey as having the highest share of foreign-born workers in the construction trade of any US state, at 52%. While the Census Bureau does not directly ask about immigration status, the National Immigration Forum, an organization that advocates for immigration reform, estimated that undocumented workers make up nearly a quarter of the construction workforce in America. Simply replacing those workers with legal American workers may not be a viable solution. Even with millions of undocumented people estimated to be in the country, there were 276,000 open construction jobs as of November, the latest data available, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Thats down from more than 400,000 open jobs last year, but still a significant shortfall. A construction worker helps build a mixed-use apartment complex on January 25, 2024 in Los Angeles. - Mario Tama/Getty Images Cameron Irwin, the owner of Cambuild Constructions, a homebuilder in the Altadena area, said he has noticed a shortage of skilled construction laborers in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Building a house is strenuous. Its hard work that requires a lot of physical labor, Irwin said. People are finding that they can do something thats paying similar, and they dont have to put that effort in. Thats where the undocumented workers come in. Irwins own home in Altadena was destroyed by the fires earlier this month. Cesar, the man who works as a day laborer in Los Angeles, told CNN he believes mass deportations would hurt more than just individuals like him. California is the fifth largest economy in the world. Part of that is due to the economic contributions of the immigrant community, he said in an interview translated from Spanish. If these deportation threats are carried out, it would have an enormous impact not only on a state level. It would be destructive. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Bloomberg) -- As two Biden-era appointees leading bank watchdogs continue to show up to work this week, some Donald Trump supporters are questioning why the president hasnt put forward nominees to lead the agencies, or at a minimum fire the current heads. Most Read from Bloomberg Trumps team has struggled to make selections to replace the leaders of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, according to people familiar with the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Biden appointees Rohit Chopra, who heads the CFPB, and Michael Hsu, who leads the OCC, have continued to serve in their current roles despite calls from some Trump allies to overhaul agencies. The challenge to pick nominees who will play a key role in shaping policy for Wall Streets biggest lenders stems from internal disagreements among two factions within the Trump camp, the people said. A White House spokesperson didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Some Republicans want to see a consumer watchdog who might take charge of the CFPB and use its mandate to push an agenda that might include protecting everyday Americans from debanking and potential abuses from lending giants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others want to eliminate the agency, which has been a political lightning rod since its creation following the 2008 global financial crisis, on the grounds that it lacks accountability and may be duplicative in its mission. The CFPB has been reviled by some Republicans and business groups who claim the agency lacks accountability, while Democrats have touted it as a necessary check on corporate power and a guardian of ordinary Americans. Chopra, in the meantime, has packed up his office but continued to bike into work this week, according to a person familiar with the matter. Im ready to hand off the baton whenever, and Im just going to keep serving until I have that someone to hand it off to, Chopra said Friday in an interview on Bloomberg Televisions The Close. The row over who should be head of the OCC is more straightforward. The people said there is less fundamental debate over who might lead that agency, but the timing around when that official is named hinges on a key Senate vote for US Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent, which may take place over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person said, however, that Bessent was still conducting staff interviews, including for the OCC job, as of this week. In addition to these nominees leading two regulatory agencies, they will also serve on the board of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., which must include the heads of the CFPB and the OCC. No more than three of the five members can be from the same political party. Supreme Court Decision Trump should have been able to quickly fire Chopra due to a 2020 Supreme Court decision that made the CFPB director an at-will employee without the same protection as the leaders of some other financial regulators. The chiefs of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the OCC are also vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about resigning in December, Chopra said he serves for a five-year term and the president can remove him at any time. He also continued rulemaking post-election despite requests to halt any until after Trumps inauguration. I dont think it makes sense for the CFPB to be a dead fish, Chopra told lawmakers at the time. In 2021, former President Joe Biden requested the resignation of Trumps pick to lead the agency, Kathy Kraninger. She submitted it shortly after Biden was sworn into office. --With assistance from Paige Smith and Stephanie Lai. (Updates with Chopra comment in ninth paragraph.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. President Donald Trump told Denmarks prime minister he is serious about taking over Greenland in a fiery phone call last week, the Financial Times reports. Trump and Mette Frederiksen spoke on the phone for 45 minutes last week after the president said he wanted the US to take Greenland, despite officials repeatedly saying its not for sale. The phone call was fiery, the Financial Times reports, with one official with knowledge of the conversation calling it horrendous. President Donald Trump has repeatedly mentioned he wants to buy Greenland, despite officials being clear its not for sale (REUTERS) He was very firm, another unnamed source told the Financial Times. It was a cold shower. Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But I do think it is serious, and potentially very dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials also told the Financial Times Trump was aggressive and confrontational, despite Frederiksens offer to increase Greenland-US cooperation on military bases and natural resource exploitation. The call utterly freaked out the Danes, one Danish official told the Financial Times. The intent was very clear, another official told the outlet. They want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode. Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, told Fox that Trump has made it clear the safety and security of Greenland is important to the United States as China and Russia make significant investments throughout the Arctic region. Mette Frederiksen has told Trump that Greenland is not for sale (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The president is committed to not only protecting US interests in the Arctic but also working with Greenland to ensure mutual prosperity for both nations, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has been floating the idea of buying or otherwise taking over Greenland, an island home to 56,000 people, since his first term. He refused to rule out the possible use of military force in Greenland when pressed earlier this month during a press conference. For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity, Trump wrote on Truth Social last month. Meanwhile, Frederiksen has also said that Greenlands prime minister, Mute Edege, has been very, very clear ... there is a lot of support among the people of Greenland that Greenland is not for sale and will not be in the future. Residents arent happy, either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bilo Chemnitz, who lives in the capital city Nuuk, told The Washington Post: I dont trust the guy. I want Greenland to stay like it is, he added. I dont like the way he talks about Greenland, resident Ida Abelsen similarly told the Post. President Donald Trump has never kept his contempt for the Federal Emergency Management Agency a secret, contending that the agency has been operating poorly and rarely helped disaster victims. On Friday, while touring North Carolina neighborhoods that were ravaged by Hurricane Helene, the president said he was planning an executive order that would "begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, or maybe getting rid of them." His order would create a task force that would look for reforms, according to sources. However, Trump's authority does not give him the power to terminate the agency unilaterally, according to federal laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doing so would require congressional action. PHOTO: Donald Trump (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) MORE: Biden sending emergency funding bill for disaster relief to Congress FEMA is part of the Department of Homeland Security, which has an operating budget and disaster relief fund that needs to be replenished by Congress every year to help states deal with disaster recovery, preparedness, response and mitigation efforts. The U.S. government uses the funds to reimburse local governments and states in disasters. Congress late last year replenished the disaster relief fund by $110 billion, with $29 billion for FEMA's response, recovery and mitigation activities related to presidentially declared major disasters, including Hurricane Helene and Milton, which President Joe Biden signed into law in December. PHOTO: Fire-affected residents meet with FEMA officials, Jan. 14, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images) When a disaster hits, state and local governments are in charge, and a lot of what FEMA currently does is support them and reimburse states for disaster aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has claimed this process has not worked well and hurt people in disaster areas. "You want to use your state to fix it and not waste time calling FEMA. And then FEMA gets here and they don't know the area. They've never been to the area, and they want to give you rules that you've never heard about. They want to bring people that aren't as good as the people you already have. And FEMA has turned out to be a disaster," Trump told reporters Friday. MORE: 'Disasters don't discriminate,' outgoing FEMA administrator says However, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have traditionally supported FEMA, given assistance from the agency could be needed at any time. A majority of direct FEMA assistance since 2015 has gone to states such as Florida, Louisiana and Texas, which have been hit with several natural disasters, according to federal records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's proposals have been echoed by many of his supporters, including the Heritage Foundation, which pushed forward proposals in its "Project 2025" playbook. PHOTO: A couple wearing protective gear meet with a FEMA representative while searching through the remains of their home which burned in the Eaton Fire, Jan. 19, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) The think tank proposed moving the agency out of DHS and privatizing some of its programs, including the National Flood Insurance Program, which operates in vulnerable areas where, in some instances, private insurers won't -- and raising the damage and cost threshold that states need to meet in order to qualify for federal relief. MORE: Video FEMA aid 'critical' for disaster-hit states: California congresswoman It also proposed changing the cost-sharing arrangement so that the federal government only covers a maximum of 75% of the costs of disasters instead of 100%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was little initial reaction from Capitol Hill on Trump's call to end FEMA. However, one key Republican said she is not fully on board. PHOTO: Swannanoa resident Lucy Bickers, who received assistance from FEMA after Hurricane Helene damaged her property waits on the route of visiting U.S. President Donald Trump's motorcade in Swannanoa, North Carolina, Jan. 24, 2025. (Jonathan Drake/Reuters) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine Sen. Susan Collins told reporters Friday that she "informally" raised the idea of FEMA reform or elimination to her Senate Republican colleagues and that she expects an "oversight hearing or some reforms" regarding the agency. "I still think you need some sort of FEMA-like agency at the federal level because states are overwhelmed at times of terrible natural disasters, but it sounds like an oversight hearing or some reforms based on the feedback I got today," she said. ABC News' Isabella Murray, Rachel Scott and Ivan Pereira contributed to this report. Can Trump 'terminate' FEMA? Not so fast originally appeared on abcnews.go.com (NewsNation) President Donald Trump kicked off his first cross-country tour of his second term Friday, visiting disaster areas in North Carolina and California before heading to Nevada on Saturday for a rally. The tour comes as Trump considers overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), floating the idea that hed rather see states handle their own problems. Fridays focus is on two major disaster zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps first stop was North Carolina, a state he visited in the wake of Hurricane Helene while campaigning for the White House. Without FEMA, more people would have died in Helene: Resident Trump will return as he renews his criticism of the Biden administration, accusing it and FEMA of abandoning North Carolina, which still faces more than $50 billion in damage. While speaking to first responders, Trump repeated his claims that the area had been ignored, though FEMA has spent millions on disaster recovery and preparedness efforts in the region since the storm hit. During his speech, Trump suggested he would eliminate the agency altogether, leaving disaster response up to states. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at a Hurricane Helene recovery briefing in a hangar at the Asheville Regional Airport in Fletcher, North Carolina, on Jan. 24. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) President Donald Trump stops to greet supporters upon arrival at Asheville Regional Airport in Fletcher, North Carolina, on Jan. 24 to visit the region devastated by Hurricane Helene. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) President Donald Trump speaks at a Hurricane Helene recovery briefing in a hangar at the Asheville Regional Airport in Fletcher, North Carolina, on Jan. 24. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) After the Tar Heel State, Trump will head to California, where wildfires continue to burn and first responders work to contain the blazes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, his trip to Nevada will strike a different tone as he thanks voters for giving him his first win in the state. Hes expected to highlight his no tax on tips campaign promises. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine should have opted not to fight back against Russias invasion. In a Fox News interview that aired Thursday, Trump told Sean Hannity that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys decision to fight when Russia invaded in 2022 was a mistake. Trump, who met Zelensky in Paris in December, conceded that Russian president Vladimir Putin shouldnt have done it, but criticized his Ukrainian counterpart and said: Zelensky... shouldnt have allowed this to happen either. Hes no angel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky was fighting a much bigger entity, much bigger, much more powerful, Trump told Hannity. He shouldnt have done that, because we could have made a deal. Trump has long touted a mutually beneficial deal and even boasted that he would end the conflict within hours of taking back the Oval Office. I could have made that deal so easily, and Zelensky decided that I want to fight, Trump said. Trumps first term ended before Putins full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. He then nodded to the support that the Biden administration offered to Kyiv in the form of funds and military equipment. We started pouring equipment... and they (Ukraine) had the bravery to use the equipment, but in the end, its a war that has to be settled, Trump said. Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. / Shannon Stapleton / REUTERS Trump also claimed that Russia had lost around 850,000 soldiers while Ukraine lost 700,000 over the course of the conflict. In December, Zelensky publicly claimed that Ukraine had suffered 43,000 killed and 370,000 wounded, while Moscow does not reveal its losses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump went on to threaten Putin with massive tariffs and massive taxes, and... big sanctions if the conflict isnt brought to an end. He added that he doesnt want to do it because he loves Russia. Hannity: How quickly can this war in Europe end? Trump: It should end immediately Hannity: Have you spoken to Putin? Trump: I don't want to say pic.twitter.com/Ubdq20wh5G Acyn (@Acyn) January 24, 2025 When pressed by Hannity as to whether he had spoken to Putin, Trump responded: I dont want to say. The Kremlin, meanwhile, was seemingly unmoved by Trumps menaces. We do not see any particular new elements here, Putin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters after the Fox interview. The war continues to rage despite Trumps rhetoric. Ukraine on Friday claimed to have hit an oil refinery in the Russian city of Ryazan overnight, reportedly part of a large attack on the country involving over 100 drones. Unverified social media footage appeared to show the refinery, around 112 miles southeast of Moscow, engulfed by flames. ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) President Donald Trump traveled to western North Carolina Friday to meet with families affected by Hurricane Helene. Trump arrived in Asheville where he was welcomed by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, and RNC chair Michael Whatley. The president spoke to reporters briefly about the terrible devastation in North Carolina. Were going to fix it and were going to fix it as fast as we can, Trump told reporters. President Donald Trump greets supporters upon his arrival at Asheville Regional Airport in Fletcher, N.C., Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) A crowd of around 50 supporters greeted Trump at Asheville Regional Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and First Lady Melania Trump spent some time meeting with the gathered crowd. Its a positive signal that President Trump made his first visit outside the capital as President to our mountains, Stein said after meeting with Trump. I thanked the President for coming and asked for his support of $20 billion in additional disaster relief and for 100% reimbursement of eligible Federal Emergency Management Agency expenses for another six months. The president then took part in a briefing on Helene recovery at the airport. U.S. Representatives Chuck Edwards, Virginia Foxx, Tim Moore, and Pat Harrigan took part in the meeting along with North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and Samaritans Purse president Franklin Graham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that meeting, President Trump said he was considering getting rid of FEMA. FEMA has been a very big disappointment, the president said. Its very bureaucratic. And its very slow. Other than that, were very happy with them. Later, the president traveled to Swannanoa to meet with families affected by Hurricane Helene which received aid from Samaritans Purse. I welcome President Trump back to our mountains, and am honored to accompany him to see the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene and our efforts to clean up and rebuild, said Rep. Edwards in a statement before Trumps visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his stop in North Carolina, the president will continue on to California to tour wildfire damage in Pacific Palisades and meet with officials. (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 WSPA 7NEWS. Donald Trump tried to erase the Jan. 6 riot with his pardons. But his actions and Republicans formation of the subcommittee reopening the issue put it back in the spotlight. Republicans are eyeing a two-year effort to re-litigate the violent assault on the Capitol even as they refuse to weigh in on Trumps decision to pardon its most egregious perpetrators some of whom judges view as a continuing danger to society. Democrats are livid and fearful that people who targeted them for violence have been abruptly absolved, but theyre also quietly hopeful that Republicans decision to remind Americans of the carnage will exact a political price in the midterm elections. Capitol Police are quietly and not so quietly furious that their assailants have been set free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crosscurrents come as courts continue to process the dismissal of hundreds of Jan. 6 criminal cases on Trumps order, with several complications arising for defendants who committed separate crimes such as deleting evidence or fleeing from justice. In short, Trumps effort to erase the violent assault has opened up new fronts and skirmishes in Washingtons four-year reckoning with an attack on the seat of power. Trumps inauguration may have led to an abrupt end of the criminal cases stemming from Jan. 6, but it has ignited a new focus on its meaning in a Trump-led America. Democrats jaws hit the floor Wednesday when former Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes released by Trump from an 18-year prison sentence for conspiring to violently stop Congress role in the transfer of power strode nonchalantly into the Capitol complex, took a seat in a Dunkin Donuts and held court with reporters in the same building he gleefully watched under attack. "My only regret is they should have brought rifles," Rhodes said in a Jan. 10, 2021 recording played at his seditious conspiracy trial in 2022. "We should have brought rifles. We could have fixed it right then and there. I'd hang fucking Pelosi from the lamppost." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several Republican lawmakers reportedly granted Rhodes a meeting. Its just incredibly sad that this is someone who House Republicans feel should be welcomed in this building, said Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), chair of the House Democratic caucus, someone who doesnt support the rule of law, someone who actively worked against the peaceful transfer of power in our country. Democrats are also describing increasing security concerns in the wake of the pardons. They noted that several people who were freed were deemed too dangerous by judges to attend Trumps inauguration on Monday, and several more remained detained pending trial because of judges concerns about the danger they posed. This campus is less safe because of the pardons Donald Trump exercised, said Aguilar, who has also emphasized that the threat is not just to Congress but in communities where violent offenders reside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges who sentenced Jan. 6 defendants also have openly feared that the failure to exact consequences for an attack on the transfer of power could invite future political violence. It could enshrine a belief, they fear, that perpetrators will go free as long as their favored candidates win. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson warned Thursday that the blanket dismissal of Jan. 6 cases called for by Trump is contrary to the manifest public interest in upholding the rule of law and would dishonor the police officers who protected the Capitol. They are the patriots. Patriotism is loyalty to country and loyalty to the Constitution not loyalty to a single head of state, the Obama-appointed judge wrote. No stroke of a pen and no proclamation can alter the facts of what took place on January 6, 2021. When others in the public eye are not willing to risk their own power or popularity by calling out lies when they hear them, the record of the proceedings in this courthouse will be available to those who seek the truth. Adding to the uncertainty is the unclear scope of the Republican effort to re-investigate Jan. 6. Though Speaker Mike Johnson said he had no interest in looking backward when assessing Trumps pardons, he quickly contradicted himself by vowing a deep dive into the work of the Democrat-led Jan. 6 select committee, which concluded Trump was singularly responsible for the chaos and violence unleashed by his supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has railed against the committee, contending without basis that its members should be prosecuted for destroying evidence. Former President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons for the panels members and staff in one of his final acts in office. Democrats say theyre open to participating in the new GOP-led effort to revisit the Jan. 6 attack, though Leader Hakeem Jeffries said his caucus would likely oppose its creation if it is constructed as a purely political effort. If it is a select committee to whitewash the events of Jan. 6 as it relates to a violent mob that clearly attacked the Capitol and police officers then it's not something that we will support, the New York Democrat said. Among the charges that Trump ordered dismissed were those in the case of Garret Miller, a Texas man who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 and was sentenced to 38 months in prison for pleading guilty to a series of felony and misdemeanor charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But unlike most Jan. 6 defendants, Miller also pleaded guilty to making a threat of violence against Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, tweeting assassinate AOC on the evening of Jan. 6. Ocasio-Cortez told POLITICO she is concerned that Trumps decision to dismiss the case against Miller could inspire retaliation. He definitely tried to target me, Ocasio-Cortez said. An attorney for Miller acknowledged that the case was dismissed as a result of Trumps action but said the lawmaker does not need to fear reprisal from him. Mr. Miller has long recognized that his comments about the Congresswoman were completely inappropriate, said the attorney Clint Broden. Unfortunately, he was caught up in the rhetoric of January 6 at the time he made those statements and has now had time to reflect upon his actions. While Mr. Miller understands the Congresswoman's concerns, she has no need to worry about any acts of retaliation from him. MediaNews Group/St. Paul Pioneer Press via Getty Images This article was originally published by The 19th. A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked President Donald Trumps executive order restricting birthright citizenship to babies born on U.S. soil. The order is one of several efforts by the administration to block migrants entry into and residence in the country. The executive orders and directives include canceling flights to the United States for refugees already approved to legally enter the country. They also do away with protections for sensitive zones, which previously prevented immigration officials from arresting undocumented immigrants in places like schools, churches and womens shelters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As legal battles over Trumps executive orders play out, heres what to know about the history of birthright citizenship. What is birthright citizenship? Birthright citizenship was first established in 1868 by the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. The policy was the result of African Americans pushing for decades to be recognized as full citizens and part of a trio of amendments the 13th, 14th and 15th that ended U.S. slavery and established citizenship and voting rights for some people of color. In the decade before the amendment, the U.S. Supreme Court had issued a landmark ruling in Dred Scott v. Sandford stating that people of African descent, whether they were free descendants of slaves or enslaved themselves, could not be U.S. citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats important to remember about Dred Scott is that its impact on the ground in the daily lives of African Americans is very limited, historian Martha S. Jones said in a 2018 interview with Democracy Now. Very few courts are willing to enforce the literal terms of Dred Scott in the cases that they hear, state legislatures are not prepared to defer to the courts reasoning, and African Americans even in the face of the devastating rhetoric in Dred Scott continue to wage a campaign for citizenship into what then becomes the era of the Civil War. Those efforts ultimately led to the right to citizenship being enshrined in the Constitution for all people born in the United States except children born to foreign diplomats. Initially, the law also did not include children born to foreign military members or Native American children, but these have since been changed. The Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship in the 1898 case United States v. Wong Kim Ark. Justices affirmed the right to U.S. citizenship for a man who was born in California to parents who were Chinese citizens. This decision confirmed that children born in the country to immigrant parents have U.S. citizenship. There are moments when the Constitution is vague. This is not one of them, Harold Solis, co-legal director of Make the Road New York, said in a Tuesday Zoom call hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). If a president can unilaterally restrict birthright citizenship today, what constitutional rights and who elses citizenship might be reinterpreted away tomorrow? What does Trumps order say and how will it affect people? Trumps executive order states that the 14th Amendment excludes birthright citizenship from persons who were born in the United States but not subject to the jurisdiction thereof. The administration interprets that statement to bar citizenship from children born in the United States to a mother who is living in the country without authorization and a father who is not a citizen or permanent resident, as well as children born in the country to a migrant mother who has temporary legal status including a visa and a father who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order does not address transgender parents or parents from other queer identities. It also defines mother as a female biological progenitor, and father as a male biological progenitor. Leaders of executive departments and agencies have until February 19 to issue public guidance on how the policy will be implemented. If the order survives lawsuits, it would apply to anyone born after February 19. While Trump expressed interest in scaling back birthright citizenship during his first term, advocates and legal experts on the ACLU call reiterated that no other president has attempted such a huge change to U.S. birthright citizenship. Nobody really knows how any of this is supposed to work, which is part of why this is so chaotic and so cruel, and why theres so much fear and uncertainty for families around the country right now, said Cody Wofsy, deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows that an estimated 910,462 births occurred in 2018 to foreign-born mothers, which includes those who entered the country both with and without authorization. A Pew report analyzing data from the same year found that 250,000 babies were born to immigrant parents who entered the country without authorization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically all babies born in the United States would be eligible as citizens to receive access to health insurance coverage through Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program meant to provide free or low-cost health coverage to low-income people. Children born into mixed-status households, or those with undocumented or non-citizen family members, already face barriers to government services even without the threat of their birthright citizenship being taken away. In many cases, undocumented parents do not pursue coverage out of fear of government surveillance and detention. One recent study found that participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program among children from mixed-status families declined significantly during Trumps first term. The ACLU told reporters Tuesday that children born after Trumps executive order goes into effect would lose eligibility for these types of government services. The question is whether the order will pass the constitutionality test in court. Does the order have legal standing? Trumps executive order on birthright citizenship has been blocked temporarily nationwide.In court on Thursday, senior U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, an appointee of former President Ronald Reagan, said, Ive been on the bench for over four decades, I cant remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one is. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order, according to reporting by The Seattle Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the days after Trump signed the order on Monday, five pregnant women joined a lawsuit filed in federal district court in Maryland challenging its constitutionality. The ACLU and immigrant rights advocacy groups launched their own lawsuit, and attorneys general in more than 20 states have sued separately to block the order from going into effect. The complaint by the attorneys general argues that the Constitution does not empower the president or Congress to override or conflict the clear language granting automatic citizenship to individuals born in the United States. All of the cases note the harm that this would cause for the thousands of children born in the country to non-citizen parents. For example, one pregnant woman from Venezuela suing the administration described the fear that her child will be stateless. Former Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, who served in the position for 12 years and sued the first Trump administration multiple times, noted during an interview with The 19th that the attorneys general sued in two states, Massachusetts and Washington state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not surprising, Rosenblum said. It doesnt mean theyre disagreeing. It just means that theres different opportunities in different states and federal courts, and sometimes it makes sense to have multiple actions sort of paralleling each other. Executive orders have to be grounded in existing law and constitutional authority to be upheld, so it will be in the hands of federal judges to determine whether the administrations interpretation of the 14th Amendment is valid. For now, the Seattle-based district judge has put a 14-day pause on the order. Rosenblum noted the level of preparation that went into this moment. We started preparing as the Democratic AGs almost two years ago for the potential eventuality, Rosenblum said. I believe that theres no group better prepared to push back where appropriate. Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want more Teen Vogue immigration coverage? President Trump on Thursday urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to make a deal to end the war in Ukraine, arguing he thinks the latter is ready to negotiate. A reporter asked Trump in the Oval Office if he thinks sanctions on Russia will force Putin to negotiations after the president threatened this week to impose tariffs and sanctions if there is no deal to stop the fighting in Ukraine soon. I dont know, but I think he should make a deal, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was also asked if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has told him hes ready to make a deal, after Trump suggested so earlier in the day. Yeah, sure. Hes ready to negotiate a deal, the president said. Hes somebody thats lost a lot of soldiers and so did Russia, lost a lot. Russias lost more soldiers. Earlier Thursday, in remarks to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said he would like to meet with Putin soon to push for an end of the war in Ukraine. He also said he hoped China can help end the war, and Trump reiterated later on Thursday that he thinks China has power over Russia. Its a very big trading partner. But, Russia supplies a lot of energy to China and China pays them a lot of money for that, and I think they have a lot of power over Russia. So. I think Russia should want to make a deal. Maybe they want to make a deal. I think, from what I hear, Putin would like to see me meet as soon as we can. Id meet immediately, he said in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has called for a ceasefire in Ukraine for months, urging both sides to negotiate. He has insisted that the war in Ukraine wouldnt have happened if he were president at the time of Russias invasion in February 2022. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Bloomberg) -- The Trump administration began sending deportees on US military planes back to Guatemala and El Salvador, according to people familiar with the matter, as it looks to demonstrate that its acting on campaign promises to return millions of migrants to their home countries. Most Read from Bloomberg White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the start of military flights in a post on X that included a picture of shackled men boarding a cargo plane, without saying their destination. The Pentagon first announced that it planned to use Air Force planes for flights earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing private information, said the military flights were headed to Guatemala and El Salvador, two countries that have been a source for many migrants. They said the flights were in addition to regular ones run by the Department of Homeland Security. Deportation flights have begun, Leavitt wrote in a post on X. US immigration authorities have run hundreds of such flights a year for several years, just not with military aircraft. A Pentagon spokesperson didnt immediately respond to a request for comment about the flights destinations. The administration move drew immediate criticism from people who monitor migrant flights. Thomas Cartwright, a refugee advocate with Witness at the Border, called the pictures posted by Leavitt theater of the absurd given that military cargo planes carry fewer people than the regular charter flights that DHS has used for several years. Cartwright said the US had already been sending an average of 10 deportation flights per week to Guatemala. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only thing new about this is subjecting people to transport on a cargo plane rather than charter and the LOWER number of people on the plane, Cartwright wrote on X. The deportations are part of a broader sweep to round up migrants across the country. In New Jersey, the mayor of Newark and a Democratic Congresswoman criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement for allegedly raiding a business to detain undocumented residents without producing a warrant. President Donald Trump has vowed to target an estimated 11 million people who are in the country illegally. Hes ordered a new deployment of military troops to the border to help block migrants from crossing illegally. The Defense Department said at least four military planes will also be used to help carry out deportations of about 5,000 detained migrants from El Paso and San Diego. During a visit to North Carolina on Friday, Trump said the flights were going very well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were getting the bad, hard criminals out, he said. The flights and Trumps deployment of the military to help secure the US southern border are likely to be challenged under the Posse Comitatus Act, a late 19th century law that limits the use of the military for domestic law enforcement. Trump in an executive order on Monday ordered for the military to seal the borders and help by repelling forms of invasion including unlawful mass migration. We havent seen the military involved in deportation operations in recent history, said Andrew Selee, president of the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington think tank. So this is a significant increase in the militarys involvement in immigration control, though still in a measured and carefully bounded way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guatemala already receives more than a dozen deportation flights per week and underlined its readiness to receive its citizens, with the vice president going earlier this week to greet a flight of deportees as it landed. Trump pledged during last years campaign to deport millions of undocumented migrants from the US, saying that they have contributed to crime and that the nation faces a crises on its southern border. Guatemala and El Salvador were some of the top destinations for deportees in the past decade, according to Department of Homeland Security data compiled by the Migration Policy Institute. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025 Bloomberg L.P. President Trump on Friday said he wasnt expecting Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Susan Collins (Maine) to vote against his controversial nominee for secretary of Defense: Army veteran and former Fox News host Pete Hegseth. I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that, Trump said. The president also nodded to the yes vote from Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to advance Hegseths nomination, saying he is always a no vote. Was Mitch a no vote? How about Mitch? McConnell voted to advance Hegseths confirmation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets see what happens, the president said. The Senate voted largely along party lines, 51-49, to advance Hegseth on Thursday, with the two Republicans opting along with all Democrats to oppose him. The vote sets the stage for a final confirmation vote Friday, with Hegseth expected to secure the majority support he needs. Trump also defended Hegseth when asked if he was concerned about his confirmation process. Look, whatever it is, it is. Hes a good man. I dont know whats going to happen you never know in those things. But, Petes a very, very good man. I hope he makes it; I hope he makes it, the president said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has defended Hegseth, who retired with the rank of major with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, throughout controversies around an alleged history of heavy drinking, infidelity and, in a 2017 case, sexual assault, which he has denied. Trump has touted Hegseth as someone who would bring a fresh perspective to the leadership of the Pentagon and move past the political agendas of the Biden administration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Hill) President Donald Trump said Friday that he wasnt expecting Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Susan Collins (Maine) to vote against his controversial nominee for secretary of Defense, Army veteran and former Fox News host Pete Hegseth. I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that, Trump said. The president also nodded to the yes vote from Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to advance Hegseths nomination, saying he is always a no vote. Was Mitch a no vote? How about Mitch? McConnell voted to advance Hegseths confirmation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets see what happens, the president said. The Senate voted largely along party lines, 51-49, to advance Hegseth on Thursday with the two Republicans opting to oppose him. The vote sets the stage for a final confirmation vote on Friday, with Hegseth expected to secure the majority support he needs. Trump also defended Hegseth when asked if he was concerned about his confirmation process. Look, whatever it is, it is. Hes a good man, I dont know whats going to happen you never know in those things. But, Petes a very, very good man. I hope he makes it, I hope he makes it, the president said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has defended Hegseth, who retired with the rank of major with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, throughout controversies around an alleged history of heavy drinking, infidelity and, in a 2017 case, sexual assault, which he has denied. Trump has touted Hegseth as someone who would bring a fresh perspective to the leadership of the Pentagon and move past the political agendas of the Biden administration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LOS ANGELES (AP) President Donald Trump surveyed disaster zones in California and North Carolina on Friday and said he was considering getting rid of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, offering the latest sign of how he is weighing sweeping changes to the nation's central organization for responding to disasters. In fire-ravaged California, the states Democratic leaders pressed Trump for federal assistance that hes threatened to hold up, some setting aside their past differences to shower him with praise. Trump, in turn, pressured local officials to waive permitting requirements so people can immediately rebuild, pledging that federal permits would be granted promptly. Instead of having federal financial assistance flow through FEMA, the Republican president said Washington could provide money directly to the states. He made the comments while visiting North Carolina, which is still recovering months after Hurricane Helene, on the first trip of his second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA has been a very big disappointment," the Republican president said. Its very bureaucratic. And its very slow." Trump was greeted in California by Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Trump critic whom the president frequently disparages. The duo chatted amiably and gestured toward cooperation despite their bitter history. Were going to need your support. Were going to need your help, Newsom told Trump. You were there for us during COVID. I dont forget that, and I have all the expectations well be able to work together to get a speedy recovery. Newsom has praised Trump before when looking for help from the federal government. In the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, he called Trump thoughtful and collaborative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump flew over several devastated neighborhoods in Marine One, the presidential helicopter, before landing in Pacific Palisades, a hard-hit community thats home to some of Southern Californias rich and famous. Accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, he walked a street where all the houses have burned, chatting with residents and police officers. It takes seeing the damage firsthand to grasp its enormity, Trump said after. The fires, which continue to burn, could end up being the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. It is devastation. It really is an incineration," Trump said. Trumps brief but friendly interaction with Newsom belied the confrontational stance he signaled toward California earlier in the day. Even on the plane en route to Los Angeles, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was using Trumps disparaging nickname for the governor, Newscum, and telling reporters he has wronged the people of his state and saying Trump was visiting to pressure Newsom and other officials to do right by their citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said Los Angeles residents who lost their homes should be able to get back onto their properties immediately to clear them, adding several told him it will be months before they can rebuild. Mayor Karen Bass said residents should be able to return home within the week, but keeping people safe from hazardous materials is a top priority. She said the city was easing the process to get permits, but she was repeatedly interrupted by Trump as she tried to explain the city's efforts. He downplayed the concerns about toxins, saying: What's hazardous waste? We're going to have to define that. Trump has a long history of minimizing the risks of asbestos. In his 1997 book, The Art of the Comeback, Trump called asbestos the greatest fireproofing material ever used and 100% safe, once applied, and claimed the movement against the insulator was led by the mob, because it was often mob-related companies that would do the asbestos removal. Before flying to California, Trump reiterated that he wants to extract concessions from the Democratic-led state in return for disaster assistance, including changes to water policies and requirements that voters need to show identification when casting ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond Trumps criticism of FEMA, hes suggested limiting the federal governments role in responding to disasters, echoing comments from conservative allies who have proposed reducing funding and responsibility. Id like to see the states take care of disasters, he said in North Carolina. Let the state take care of the tornadoes and the hurricanes and all of the other things that happen. Trump said Michael Whatley, a North Carolina native and chair of the Republican National Committee, would help coordinate recovery efforts in the state, where frustrations over the federal response have lingered. Although Whatley does not hold an official government position, Trump said he would be very much in charge. FEMA helps respond to disasters when local leaders request a presidential emergency declaration, a signal that the damage is beyond the state's ability to handle on its own. FEMA can reimburse governments for recovery efforts such as debris removal, and it gives stopgap financial assistance to individual residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has criticized former President Joe Biden for his administrations response to Helene in North Carolina. As he left the White House on Friday morning, he told reporters that its been a horrible thing the way thats been allowed to fester since the storm hit in September, and were going to get it fixed up. In a small town in western North Carolina, residents told Trump about wading through waist-deep water to escape from their homes while fearing for their lives. Some have battled with insurance companies to get their losses covered. Weve come to North Carolina with a simple message," Trump said. You are not forgotten any longer. You were treated very badly by the previous administration. FEMA has distributed $319 million in financial assistance to residents, but that hasn't alleviated the feeling of abandonment among residents who are struggling to rebuild their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has showered California leaders with disdain for water policies that he falsely claimed worsened the recent blazes. He said he would take a look at a fire that could have been put out if they let the water flow, but they didnt let the water flow. In Los Angeles, he met with members of Congress and local officials from both parties in a meeting that was at times contentious. Michael Coen, who served as chief of staff at FEMA during the Biden administration, said Trump was misinformed about an agency that provides critical help to states when they are overwhelmed by catastrophe. In addition, Coen criticized the idea of attaching strings to assistance. "I think the American people expect the federal government will be there for them on their worst day, no matter where they live, he said. Trump tapped Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL with limited experience managing natural disasters, as FEMAs acting director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friday's trip could prompt some uncomfortable conversations about climate change, which Trump has played down and denied. Both Helene and the Los Angeles wildfires were exacerbated by global warming. In Helenes case, a study by international climate scientists at World Weather Attribution found that climate change boosted the storms rainfall by 10%. In California, the state suffered a record dry fall and winter its traditional wet season which made the area around Los Angeles more vulnerable to blazes. This is just breaking our comfort zone of what is supposed to be normal, said University of Oregon researcher Amanda Stasiewicz. After visiting North Carolina and California, Trump plans to hold a rally Saturday in Las Vegas. ___ Associated Press writers Stephen Groves, Seth Borenstein, Jonathan J. Cooper, Kathleen Ronayne and Jill Colvin contributed to this report. By Nandita Bose and Steve Holland LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday floated shuttering the Federal Emergency Management Agency during a trip to disaster areas in North Carolina and California, where he pledged government support and sparred with Democratic officials. Fresh from assuming office on Monday, Trump's visit showcased a desire to show up early in the two states, hit by a hurricane and massive wildfires, respectively. But he punctured the visits with criticism of FEMA, vowing to sign an executive order to overhaul or eliminate the main federal agency that responds to natural disasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "FEMA has turned out to be a disaster," he said during a tour of a North Carolina neighborhood destroyed by September's Hurricane Helene. "I think we recommend that FEMA go away." Trump accused FEMA of bungling emergency relief efforts there and said he preferred that states be given federal money to handle disasters themselves. The president has also criticized California's response to the Los Angeles fires, which have caused widespread destruction, but he pledged to work with Governor Gavin Newsom and offered help to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass while visiting the state. "We're looking to get something completed. And the way you get it completed is to work together to govern the state, and we're going to get it completed. They're going to need a lot of federal help," Trump told reporters after Newsom met him on the tarmac when Air Force One landed later in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three massive blazes still threaten the region. Newsom, a Democrat who has had a tense relationship with the Republican leader, told Trump that California would need his support. Trump has accused Newsom and Bass of "gross incompetence" and Republican colleagues in Congress have threatened to withhold disaster aid. During a meeting with California officials, Trump sparred with Bass and another Democratic lawmaker, pressing the mayor to use her emergency powers, let people get back to their properties quickly, and allow them to remove debris on their own. Bass emphasized the importance of safety and the lawmaker, Representative Brad Sherman, praised FEMA's work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump asked Richard Grenell, a former ambassador to Germany, to represent him in the response to the California fires. WATER FIGHT, FEMA SHUTDOWN? Trump has previously threatened to withhold aid to California and repeated in North Carolina a false claim that Newsom and other officials refused to provide water from the northern part of the state to fight the fires. Water shortages caused some hydrants to run dry in affluent Pacific Palisades, hindering the early response. When the fires broke out, one of the reservoirs that could have supplied more water to the area had been empty for a year. Officials have promised an investigation into why it was dry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bass and fire officials have said the hydrants were not designed to deal with such a massive disaster, and stressed the unprecedented nature of the fires. Meanwhile, experts doubt that Trump alone can shut down FEMA. Rob Verchick, a former Obama administration official at the Environmental Protection Agency and now a professor at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, said eliminating FEMA most likely requires Congressional action. He said FEMA was created by former President Jimmy Carter by executive order but has been assigned roles and funding by Congress for the country's emergency response programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA brings in emergency personnel, supplies and equipment to help areas begin to recover from natural disasters. Funding for the agency has soared in recent years as extreme weather events have increased the demand for its services. The agency has 10 regional offices and employs more than 20,000 people across the country. FEMA was a target of Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump's second term prepared by his allies that the president distanced himself from during the election. The plan called for dismantling the Department of Homeland Security and relocating FEMA to the Department of Interior or the Department of Transportation. In addition, it suggested changing the formula that the agency uses to determine when federal disaster assistance is warranted, shifting the costs of preventing and responding to disasters to states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump complained that his predecessor Joe Biden did not do enough to help western North Carolina recover from Helene, an accusation the Biden administration rejected as misinformation. In an X post on Friday, Democratic U.S. Representative Deborah Ross of North Carolina said FEMA had been a crucial partner in the state's recovery from the hurricane. "I appreciate President Trump's concern about Western NC, but eliminating FEMA would be a disaster for our state," she said. The trip to North Carolina and California culminates a week during which Trump moved with stunning speed to meet campaign promises on illegal immigration, the size of the federal workforce, energy and the environment, gender and diversity policies, and pardons for supporters jailed for the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. (Reporting by Nandita Bose, Steve Holland and Jeff Mason; Additional reporting by Jarrett Renshaw, Andrea Shalal, Tom Hals, Andy Sullivan and Susan Heavey; Editing by Colleen Jenkins, Alistair Bell, Rosalba O'Brien and Tom Hogue) ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) President Donald Trump is making good on promises he made to return to Western North Carolina, with a visit to Asheville on Friday. Its his first trip since being back in the Oval Office. Thought I was going to California, I said no, no, Im stopping in North Carolina first because theyve been abused by whats happened, the President said when landing in Asheville. He says hes not wasting time getting more resources to the state as communities rebuild after Hurricane Helene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ill also be signing an executive order slashing all red tape and bureaucratic barriers and permits to ensure the rapid reconstruction of the roads here in Western North Carolina, were going to go through a permitting process called no permit, just get it done, President Trump said. The President was joined in Asheville by Governor Josh Stein before meeting with families who survived the storm. President Trump repeatedly blamed the Biden administration for not doing enough to help communities rebuild. Were very disappointed in the Biden administration but were going to make up for lost time, he said. He promised more money for the state, but says the extra aid would go directly through him, not FEMA, as he wants them out of state recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA just hasnt done the job, and were looking at the whole concept of FEMA, I like the concept personally of when North Carolina gets hit, the governor takes care of it, when Florida gets hit, the governor takes care of it, the President 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 CBS17.com. President Donald Trump on Friday once again made it clear that he wants wildfire-ravaged California to bend to his demands if residents want to see any federal disaster aid. I want two things: I want voter ID for the people of California. They all want it. Right now you dont have voter ID, Trump said Friday, as he toured parts of North Carolina still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Helene. Trump added: And I want the water to be released, and theyre going to get a lot of help from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Californias left-leaning voters and Democratic leadership are one of Trumps favorite punching bags; he has not made any suggestion that future aid to conservative-leaning states be hinged on political demands. Nationwide polling suggests that voter ID laws are broadly popular, but critics say they correct for a problem ineligible people, like noncitizens, attempting to illegally vote that is very rare, and do harm in the process. Research shows that voter ID laws disproportionately impact certain demographics who are less likely to have an acceptable ID, such as elderly and Black voters. Voter fraud also does not occur in any widespread way, numerous experts say and investigations have found. As for Californias water supply, officials have said that volume is not the problem. Some fire hydrants ran dry during efforts to stop the Pacific Palisades fire, but officials said that was due to the fires damaging effects on the system, not a lack of water to run through it. A reservoir in the area was undergoing renovations and had been taken out of service, although it is unclear how much that resource would have helped contain such a large, hot and fast-moving blaze. (Fire retardants and ground-clearing techniques can be more effective.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states water management effort is complicated, with critics on all parts of the political spectrum. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other congressional Republicans have been discussing attaching strings to wildfire aid, putting California Republicans in a difficult position. Federal aid for natural disasters may also look far different in the future if Trump gets his way and overhauls or eliminates the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as he also suggested on Friday. That would instead leave states to organize their own emergency response to any disasters. Related... Donald Trump once again suggested Canada give up being a sovereign nation and become Americas 51st state, and, once again, Canadians are saying no thanks or in some cases, eff off, eh. Trump was in North Carolina on Friday to look at the damage from last years Hurricane Helene when a reporter asked him about his past comments about Canada becoming part of the U.S. Although Canadian politicians have repeatedly called Trumps suggestion a joke, the president insisted on Friday that Canadians would actually love to be part of the U.S. because, he claims, the taxes would be lower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that Canadians wouldnt have to worry about military, you wouldnt have to worry about many of the things, youd have better health coverage, you would have much better health coverage. Trump also said that if Canada were a U.S. state, Canadians wouldnt have to deal with the massive tariffs hes planning. (Although economists say the tariffs will actually hurt American consumers.) You can watch Trump make his case to Canada below. Trump: "I would love to see Canada be the 51st state. The Canadians citizens, if that happened ... they'd have much better health coverage." pic.twitter.com/vLVqHm0qp5 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 24, 2025 But based on the social media reactions, it doesnt appear as if Trump is winning the hearts and minds of Canadian citizens. Many people especially laughed at the notion that Canadians would want to give up socialized medicine for the U.S. model of health care. I quite like my universal healthcare @realDonaldTrump No thanks - https://t.co/DBNJi6P7GF Pamela meyer (@Pamelameyer) January 24, 2025 As a Canadian.. LMAO https://t.co/kRmgfmpA4X David Doel (@daviddoel) January 24, 2025 Shove it up your ass. We dont want to be you. https://t.co/I5KtwAKcbD Zimmer (@Oilerule) January 24, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is an idiot who is going to cancel the ACA in the USA. The USA spends twice as much per capita on healthcare than Canada. They have deductibles on their expensive insurance policies and people are routinely denied coverage with no recourse available. We arent perfect here, Richard B (@RichardBuc94088) January 24, 2025 How stupid does he think Canadians are? Does he think they envy us right now? He is truly mentally ill and controlled by his perceived slights. Kylene I dissent (@TWKulm) January 24, 2025 I love my free healthcare. I cannot imagine what it would have cost to have 3 kids down south, let alone getting a bill for a regular doctor's visit. I've had the same GP practitioner for 20 years too. MotherofEagles (@CCknockout) January 24, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump wants Canada to become the 51st state. On behalf of my fellow Canadians @realDonaldTrump We don't want a convicted felon and rapist president running our country. Drop dead. . pic.twitter.com/Y1EnKrRceo CoffeyTimeNews (@CoffeyTimeNews) January 24, 2025 Any Canadian who thinks Trump's 51st State crap is funny or worse thinks it's a good idea is a traitor in my opinion. And anyone hoping to be Prime Minister needs to nip this kinda rhetoric in the bud, stand up for Canada and all the people who died defending our freedoms RS Ron Sexsmith (@RonSexsmith) January 23, 2025 Trump is still going on about the 51st state nonsense? Canadians don't want to be American, we've made that clear. We'll take 4 years of tariffs before even considering becoming American. We're just not that into you, it's almost as if you're a rap*st who doesn't understand no https://t.co/xJQ1XeeQVj J Hunter (@MrJoKeR604) January 23, 2025 Trump wants to make Canada the 51st State. Here's our response....Enjoy! lol pic.twitter.com/tpYj4GJjuo Anarie Whit (@anarie_whit) January 22, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The orange turd can seriously STFU now about Canada becoming the 51st state! Canadians do NOT want this. We never have. We are CANADIAN. We take pride in our Country and our values. Jen (ESC) (@Smil3yAngel) January 24, 2025 Dear American friends, I just got off the phone with Prime Minister Trudeau, and hes agreed to end the Snowmageddon blitz if your new President stops threatening Tariffs and drops this 51st State BS. Please pass this along if you have connections. With love, pic.twitter.com/2U7zveGxSR Bruce The Model 3 (@BruceTheModel3) January 23, 2025 Related... "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." President Donald Trump is cleaning house when it comes to federal employeesand now hes cleaning the buildings. Just hours after his presidential inauguration in Washington D.C. Monday, Trump returned to the White House for a second non-consecutive term, and signed a raft of orders, memoranda and rescissions. Charges ranged from the withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement (again) to transforming a federal government he views as both too bloated and too woke. Among them, modern architecture is also under fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order, Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture , promotes neoclassical architecture as the official style for federal buildings across America and in Washington, D.C. The policy directs new acting head of the General Services Administration (GSA) Stephen Ehikian to submit, within 60 days, recommendations to advance the policy that federal public buildings should be visually identifiable as civic buildings and respect regional, traditional, and classical architectural heritage in order to uplift and beautify public spaces and ennoble the United States and our system of self-government. A similar policy was put forward near the end of Trumps first term in 2020. It, too, stipulated that federal buildings should be "beautiful," with priority given to classical and traditional styles that are "visual embodiment[s] of America's ideals." The order specified that it was a push away from the often divisive Brutalist architecture that was common for federal buildings built between the 1950s and 1970s. President Joe Biden revoked the order in February 2021 before any significant changes were enacted to existing buildings. Win McNamee - Getty Images The language in this new memorandum is softer than the language in Trump's 2020 executive order, but it doesnt allow the General Services Administration from approving any new buildings, and provides time for the president to nominate a new administrator of the GSA. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) denounced the policy, saying it would stifle innovation. In a press release , the organization wrote, "AIA is extremely concerned about any revisions that remove control from local communities; mandate official federal design preferences, or otherwise hinder design freedom; and add bureaucratic hurdles for federal buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group adds that it will continue to monitor the process laid out in the memo "and provide feedback from AIA's over 100,000 members comprising licensed, practicing architects who live and work in every community across the country." Will all new federal buildings look like ancient Rome now? If fully implemented, this policy could jeopardize the design quality of billions of dollars' worth of construction projects. However, this wasnt the case with the first memorandum, but it remains to be seen if more persistent action will be taken. Archive Photos - Getty Images The GSA currently owns or leases 8,629 properties across the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa. One building that might be directly impacted by the memorandum is the J. Edgar Hoover Building that is the headquarters of the FBI. The low-rise brutalist office building, located in Washington D.C., has long been in need of repair. Last year, after a years-long site selection process, the Biden administration selected Greenbelt, Maryland as the location for the new FBI headquarters. In response, Trump posted on Truth Social, "THE NEW FBI BUILDING SHOULD BE BUILT IN WASHINGTON, D.C., NOT MARYLAND, AND BE THE CENTERPIECE OF MY PLAN TO TOTALLY RENOVATE AND REBUILD OUR CAPITAL CITY INTO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND SAFEST ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So will a neoclassical FBI building soon be landing on Pennsylvania Avenue? Only time will tell. You Might Also Like President Donald Trump signed an executive order on AI development on Thursday. Trump's AI and crypto czar, David Sacks, said the US wants to become the world's AI capital. Earlier this week, Trump announced Stargate, a $500 billion AI infrastructure investment project. President Donald Trump wants his administration to have an action plan for artificial intelligence ready within 180 days. On Thursday, the president signed an executive order calling for the US "to sustain and enhance America's global AI dominance." Since returning to the White House on Monday, Trump has signed multiple executive orders on areas including energy, trade, and immigration. "We're basically announcing the administration's policy to make America the world capital in artificial intelligence and to dominate and to lead the world in AI," Trump's AI and cryptocurrency czar, David Sacks, told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump appointed Sacks, a venture capitalist and former PayPal COO, to the newly created position last month. When announcing his appointment, Trump said Sacks would also lead the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology. Sacks is a member of a group known as the "PayPal Mafia" a group of PayPal employees who went on to become big names in the world of tech and venture capital. Besides Sacks, the group counts Tesla CEO Elon Musk and venture capitalist Peter Thiel. "David is one of the greatest in the world at AI, most respected probably there is," Trump told reporters on Thursday while signing the order. Trump has ordered that "certain existing AI policies and directives that act as barriers to American AI innovation" be revoked though the document did not specify which policies would be rolled back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's order also requests that existing regulations on AI be reviewed. Policies inconsistent with Trump's latest directive will be suspended or revised per the order. In October 2023, then-President Joe Biden signed an expansive executive order on AI. The order, which Trump revoked on Monday, demanded greater transparency from companies developing AI tools. Representatives for Trump did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. AI has figured prominently in Trump's first week in office. On Tuesday, Trump announced Stargate, a $500 billion AI infrastructure investment project. The new company is a joint venture between OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president said that Stargate would create "over 100,000 American jobs almost immediately." "What we want to do is we want to keep it in this country. China is a competitor, others are competitors. We want it to be in this country, and we are making it available," Trump said while announcing Stargate on Tuesday. "I am gonna help a lot through emergency declarations, because we have an emergency, we have to get this stuff built," he added. Read the original article on Business Insider The Trump administration removed Dr. Anthony Faucis security detail on Thursday night, the latest former top official to lose protection. You cant have it forever, Trump said on Friday. Fauci, who was the nations top infectious disease expert and worked alongside Donald Trump during the pandemic, has received several threats against his life. In May 2022, a man pleaded guilty to sending emails to Fauci and other government officials threatening to kill them and their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, Trump yanked the security detail for John Bolton, his former national security adviser who later became an outspoken critic of the president. When asked by a reporter if he would feel responsible if anything happened to Fauci or Bolton, Trump said no. They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security, he said. Reporter: Would you feel responsible if something happened to Fauci or Bolton? Trump: No. They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security pic.twitter.com/pR5FhGWCNa Acyn (@Acyn) January 24, 2025 Bolton was protected by the Secret Service, while Fauci protected by federal marshals. Fauci was later guarded by a private contractor who was paid for by the government. A source told ABC News that Fauci has hired his own security detail that he will pay for himself. The move comes after Trump revoked the security details for his former secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, and former aide Brian Hook. Both men have been threatened by Iran because of their work during Trumps first administration. President Trump suggested Friday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky bore some responsibility for the war that began almost three years ago with Russias invasion. Zelensky I will say this, he wants to settle now. Hes had enough. He shouldnt have allowed this to happen, either, Trump said during an interview on Fox Newss Hannity that aired Thursday. He added that the Ukrainian leader should have made a deal before Russia invaded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look, Zelensky was fighting a much bigger entity, much bigger, much more powerful. He shouldnt have done that, because we could have made a deal and it would have been a deal that would have been it would have been a nothing deal, Trump told Sean Hannity. I could have made that deal so easily. And Zelensky decided that, I want to fight. The Kremlin, which invaded and occupied the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine in 2014, launched a full-scale invasion of the country in 2022, seeking to overtake the capital city of Kyiv and other land. Both countries have seen hundreds of thousands of military casualties in the war, while more than 10,000 Ukrainian civilians has been killed and many more injured. During his campaign, Trump said hed deliver a ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russia on Day 1 of his presidency. Earlier this week, the president warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that hed impose costly tariffs on Russia if the war doesnt end soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In criticizing Zelensky, Trump noted Russia had 30,000 army tanks ready to be deployed on the battlefield. Zelensky had none, practically. You dont fight those, Trump said. Now, then we started pouring equipment, pouring, pouring, pouring, and they had the bravery to use the equipment. But in the end, thats a war has to be settled. In recent days, the president has said he is ready to meet with Putin in his push to end the war. Zelenskys team has reportedly reached out to Trumps to arrange a meeting as well. Trump on Wednesday threatened Putin with sanctions if the war doesnt end soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with! We can do it the easy way, or the hard way and the easy way is always better, Trump wrote Wednesday in a Truth Social post. Its time to MAKE A DEAL. NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics teams latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail. In todays edition, Jonathan Allen dives into what is likely to be a major feature of the Trump presidency: legal battles over his executive orders. Plus, our Capitol Hill team provides the latest on the state of play in the Cabinet confirmation battles, with Pete Hegseth clearing a key hurdle in the Senate. Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam Wollner Trumps bid to expand presidential power hits its first snag By Jonathan Allen It took all of three days for a judge to say one of President Donald Trumps executive orders is blatantly unconstitutional. The order in question seeks to deny citizenship to children born in the United States whose parents are not citizens or lawful residents. The 14th Amendment to the Constitution reads in part: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. Senior U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour, an appointee of President Ronald Reagan, left little doubt about his thoughts on a presidents unilaterally redefining the Constitution in issuing a temporary restraining order blocking the policy from taking effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been on the bench for over four decades, Coughenour said. I cant remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order. The case seems likely to end up with the Supreme Court, which is nothing new or unexpected for Trump. During his first term, he had to try three times before the high court upheld a travel ban designed to keep people from five predominantly Muslim countries, Venezuela and North Korea out of the United States. Even Trump has appointed a third of the Supreme Court, the current justices have shown some willingness to limit his powers. If he is allowed to reinterpret the 14th Amendment, it logically follows that he could reinterpret any line of the Constitution he sees as an obstacle to his agenda. And, whether one is a fan of Trump or a critic, that is the point. It could end up as a test of just how far the Supreme Court is willing to cede the powers of Congress to amend the Constitution and write the countrys laws and the powers of the courts to interpret them to the executive branch. In his argument that the order is blatantly unconstitutional, Coughenour implies that the text Trump seeks to redefine is about as clear as any in the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump doesnt have to win every fight just some of them to claim expansive new powers. Russell Vought, his nominee to run the White House budget office, told senators during his confirmation hearing last week that he believes the Impoundment Control Act is unconstitutional. If Vought is right, Trump could refuse to spend money Congress has appropriated for various federal programs. That issue seems destined to land before the Supreme Court, too. It remains to be seen whether he can rewrite the 14th Amendment, but its clear that there is a lot at stake in terms of presidential powers. What to know from Day 4 of the Trump presidency Despite the legal setback over one of his executive orders, Trump forged ahead with signing several more Thursday after delivering his first major economic remarks of his term. Here are the top lines: Follow live updates Pete Hegseth clears a key Senate hurdle, despite some GOP opposition Donald Trump also scored a big victory on Capitol Hill on Thursday, with his pick to lead the Defense Department, Pete Hegseth, clearing a key hurdle in the Senate, Scott Wong, Julie Tsirkin, Frank Thorp V and Kate Santaliz report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senators voted narrowly, 51-49, to advance Hegseths nomination for defense secretary, which has been mired in controversies and appeared to be on the verge of collapse last month. He lost the support of two Republicans, moderate Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, and no Democrats crossed party lines Thursday. But Hegseth, the former Fox News anchor and Army combat veteran, was able to win over other Republicans who were seen as key throughout the process, including Sens. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, both of whom face re-election in 2026, as well as the former GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Hegseth is now on track to be confirmed by the Senate by Friday night. The Senate also confirmed a less controversial nominee Thursday: John Ratcliffe to be CIA director, as Sahil Kapur and Frank Thorp V report. Hes the second pick, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to receive full Senate approval. The vote was bipartisan, 74-25, with 21 Democrats joining all Republicans in support. And it was a departure from when Ratcliffe, a former congressman from Texas, faced the Senate in 2020 as Trumps nominee for director of national intelligence. Then, he was confirmed by a much narrower 49-44 vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several major Cabinet fights are still looming. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health and human services nominee, and Tulsi Gabbard, the DNI nominee, are scheduled to have confirmation hearings next week. Todays other top stories No regrets: Jan. 6 offenders who received pardons this week expressed gratitude for Trumps decision, but signs of remorse were in short supply. Read more Fact check: In his vows to take back the Panama Canal, Trump has pointed fingers at China for operating the critical waterway. But China and Panama deny there is any interference in the running of the canal. Read more TikTok on the clock: YouTuber MrBeast, X owner Elon Musk and Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison are names that have floated around as potential U.S. buyers for TikTok. Read more On the stump: Vice PresidentJD Vance will speak at the March for Life rally in Washington on Friday, his first big speaking engagement since he took office. Read more You dont see this every day: A Mississippi state lawmaker introduced a bill that would seemingly ban men from engaging in sexual acts when they have no intent to fertilize an embryo. Its called the "Contraception Begins at Erection Act." Read more Thats all From the Politics Desk for now. Todays newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner and Faith Wardwell. If you have feedback likes or dislikes email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com And if youre a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign up here. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com DALLAS (AP) Millions of documents related to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas have already been made public, but President Donald Trump has ordered the release of thousands of still-classified files. Trump signed the executive order Thursday as part of a flurry of executive actions taken in the first week of his second term. Many people who have studied whats been released so far say the public shouldnt anticipate any earth-shattering revelations, but there is still intense interest in details related to the assassination and the events surrounding it. And the possibility of significant new information is tantalizing to researchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some things to know: Trump's order Thursday's order directed the national intelligence director and attorney general to develop a plan within 15 days to release the records related to Kennedys assassination. Its not clear though when the records might actually be made public. The order also aims to declassify the remaining federal records related to the 1968 assassinations of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. It says a plan must be developed within 45 days for the release of those files. After signing the order, Trump handed the pen to an aide and directed that it be given to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who Trump has nominated to be the health secretary. He's the nephew of John F. Kennedy and son of Robert F. Kennedy. The younger Kennedy, whose anti-vaccine activism has alienated him from much of his family, has said he isnt convinced that a lone gunman was solely responsible for his uncle's the assassination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post Friday on X, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. thanked Trump for ordering the release of the files and trusting American citizens. Nov. 22, 1963 When Air Force One carrying JFK and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy touched down in Dallas, they were greeted by a clear sky and enthusiastic crowds. With a reelection campaign on the horizon the next year, they went to Texas for a political fence-mending trip. But as the motorcade was finishing its parade route downtown, shots rang out from the Texas School Book Depository building. Police arrested 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald, who had positioned himself from a snipers perch on the sixth floor. Two days later, nightclub owner Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald during a jail transfer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year after the assassination, the Warren Commission, which President Lyndon B. Johnson established to investigate, concluded that Oswald acted alone and that there was no evidence of a conspiracy. But that didn't quell a web of alternative theories over the decades. The JFK files In the early 1990s, the federal government mandated that all assassination-related documents be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration. The collection of over 5 million records was required to be opened by 2017, barring any exemptions designated by the president. Trump, who took office for his first term in 2017, had said that he would allow the release of all of the remaining records but ended up holding some back because of what he called the potential harm to national security. And while files continued to be released during President Joe Bidens administration, some remain unseen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics and author of The Kennedy Half-Century," said that most researchers agree that roughly 3,000 records have not yet been released, either in whole or in part, and many of those originated with the CIA. There are still some documents in the JFK collection that researchers dont believe the president will be able to release. Around 500 documents, including tax returns, werent subject to the 2017 disclosure requirement. What's been learned Some of the documents already released have offered details on the way intelligence services operated at the time, including CIA cables and memos discussing visits by Oswald to the Soviet and Cuban embassies during a trip to Mexico City just weeks before the assassination. The former Marine had previously defected to the Soviet Union before returning home to Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One CIA memo describes how Oswald phoned the Soviet embassy while in Mexico City to ask for a visa to visit the Soviet Union. He also visited the Cuban embassy, apparently interested in a travel visa that would permit him to visit Cuba and wait there for a Soviet visa. On Oct. 3, more than a month before the assassination, he drove back into the United States through a crossing point at the Texas border. Another memo, dated the day after Kennedys assassination, says that according to an intercepted phone call in Mexico City, Oswald communicated with a KGB officer while at the Soviet embassy that September. The releases have also contributed to the understanding of that time period during the Cold War, researchers said. By Tim Reid WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump and his team have acted with stunning speed to begin removing or sidelining hundreds of government workers, while he has also sought to give himself the power to fire hundreds of thousands more. The Republican president has been in office less than a week but the wrecking ball he has already taken to parts of the U.S. government has sent shock waves through much of America's federal bureaucracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the National Security Council 160 staffers have been sent home. About 20 senior career attorneys at the Justice Department were reassigned. The heads of the U.S. Coast Guard and Transportation Security Administration were fired along with other officials. Government offices focused on workforce diversity are being permanently shuttered, the staff on leave, while a flurry of executive orders overturning Biden administration policy have left many officials uncertain about their futures, their mandate erased by a blunt stroke of Trump's signature Sharpie marker. Trump said on Tuesday he also plans to fire over 1,000 officials appointed by his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden. The White House did not respond to a request for comment about government worker concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his presidential election campaign Trump frequently pledged to slash the size of government and rid it of bureaucrats deemed insufficiently loyal to his political agenda. Still, the speed of Trump's swift and coordinated moves targeting workers at a swath of government agencies shocked federal employees in Washington and even public sector unions who had spent months anticipating Trump's arrival. "A lot of people did not expect him to act with such a broad stroke," said Don Quinn, an employment lawyer who represents federal employees. "And so there's definitely a sense of disbelief. There's fear - people are concerned about their livelihood, people are concerned about their families." Steve Lenkart, executive director of the National Federation of Federal Employees, faced a similar reaction when he addressed a group of 30 federal employees in a class he was teaching on Thursday. "It was just stunned silence," said Lenkart, whose union represents 110,000 workers. "Everyone is on pins and needles." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lenkart pointed to lesser-known agencies, like the TSA, where it usually takes months before a new administration gets around to replacing the leadership, that were targeted on Trump's first full day in office on Tuesday. DIVERSITY OFFICES CLOSED Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Lee Fagan, the first female uniformed leader of an armed forces branch, was removed in part for what a Department of Homeland Security official said was her excessive focus on diversity, equity and inclusion policies. In a memo released on Tuesday the Trump administration said that all federal DEI office staff would be placed on paid leave by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, because their offices were to close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal agency heads have been asked to identify by Friday employees on probationary periods, or who have served less than two years. Such employees are easier to fire. Trump also issued a freeze on federal hiring, except for military, immigration enforcement, national security and public safety jobs. The 160 staff members at the National Security Council were told during a brief call on Wednesday to turn in their devices and badges and head home, a former NSC official said. They were people seconded to the agency from the State Department, the Pentagon and other parts of the U.S. government. "It came as a surprise and a shock to people," said another ex-official who spoke to former colleagues who were on the call. Another former NSC staffer said that while it was not spelled out on the call, it was widely assumed the new administration believes the NSC harbors many it considers part of what Trump calls the "deep state" whose loyalty to him has been questionable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS COULD BE FIRED Trump signed an executive order this week that would make it easier to fire federal workers by reclassifying their job status - an order that concerns these employees the most. The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents 150,000 employees in 37 federal agencies and departments, sued Trump and other administration officials on Monday in federal district court for the District of Columbia, seeking to block the order. The union argues in the lawsuit that the order wrongly applies employment rules for political appointees to career staff. The vast majority of the more than 2.2 million employees of the federal government are career civil servants who are hired on merit and serve the government as a whole. Civil service positions do not terminate at the end of an administration and civil servants can only be fired for cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's order creates a new, much larger category of federal employees called "Schedule Policy/Career" who would not have the typical protections enjoyed by civil servants and can be fired at will. By deeming anyone involved in "policy" as part of this new category, the pool of people that could potentially be fired expands enormously, because nearly everyone in government touches policy in one way or another, said Don Moynihan, a professor at the Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. Trump ordered the reclassification of many government workers at the end of his first term, known as Schedule F, which Biden rescinded on his first day in office in 2021. Estimates then were that Schedule F could make at least 50,000 federal workers vulnerable to being fired. The new order is broad enough that hundreds of thousands of people could be reclassified, Moynihan said, before firings begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everett Kelley, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees - the largest federal employee union representing 800,000 federal and D.C. government workers - said members are worried. "The members I've heard from are anxious and uncertain about what the future holds for their employment and for their families," Kelley said. (Reporting by Tim Reid in Washington. Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal, Nathan Layne and Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Ross Colvin and Howard Goller) Keith Kellogg, US President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, has stated that tougher measures against the Russian oil industry could pressure the Kremlin into negotiations to resolve the Russo-Ukrainian war. Source: Kelloggs statement, cited by AP, as reported by European Pravda Details: Kellogg believes that the international community cannot force Russia to end the war solely by helping Ukraine achieve victories on the battlefield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kellogg pointed out that Russia receives billions of dollars from oil sales. Quote: "What if you drop that [the price ed.] to US$45 per barrel, which is basically the baseline breakeven point?" he said on Fox News. Background: Keith Kellogg said he aims to try to find a solution to the full-scale war within 100 days of Donald Trumps inauguration. Earlier, Keith Kellogg said that he was planning visits to listen to both sides in the full-scale war. It was also reported that he had been due to come to Kyiv in January, but the visit was postponed. Support UP or become our patron! Spilled Tea Party More cracks are showing in the testy alliance between president Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Behind the scenes, some of Trump's staffers are incensed at Musk for breaking rank and blasting the president's $500 billion AI deal, Politico reports. Speaking anonymously, one White House official said that the self-styled "First Buddy" jumped the gun by criticizing the infrastructure project. In fact, the whole camp may be beginning to sour on their attention-seeking billionaire talisman; a Republican close to the administration told the outlet that Trump's staff implying this is the prevailing sentiment among the president's confidantes is "furious" at Musk for his tirade against the deal just after it was announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's clear he has abused the proximity to the president," a Trump ally told Politico. "The problem is the president doesn't have any leverage over him and Elon gives zero fucks." What About Me? Trump's exorbitant Stargate project plans to raise half a trillion dollars of private capital toward building AI data centers across the United States over the next four years. It's being funded by some big names in tech, including OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank not to mention the Emirati investment firm MGX. Musk's own AI startup, xAI, was notably left out of Stargate, while his arch nemesis, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, practically gets to be its poster child. It appears that these perceived slights led him to undermining the deal almost immediately. "They don't actually have the money," Musk accused the project's backers of in a tweet replying to OpenAI's announcement. "SoftBank has well under $10B secured," he added. "I have that on good authority." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Altman was forced to defend his honor. "I realize what is great for the country isn't always what's optimal for your companies, but in your new role I hope you'll mostly put [the US] first," he replied to Musk. Billionaire Brawl Presenting a unified front is key to any administration that doesn't want to ooze total incompetence. As such, for someone so close to the president to trash one of its biggest initiatives out the gate is kind of extraordinary. It sounds like Musk has plenty of his own ideas in mind regarding AI. "We are now working with him to make sense of his ideas ideas are innovative. Execution not so much," the White House official told Politico, adding that staffers are still hearing out Musk about his concerns over the tech. Publicly, Trump himself seems mostly unbothered by the catty infighting, merely commenting that, like Elon, he harbors "certain hatreds of people too." Still, if the president's staff have resentments towards Musk, those simmering tensions could hit a boiling point in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In any case, it shouldn't be surprising that Musk, a guy who tweets deranged conspiracy theories all day, isn't a master of statecraft or of simply knowing when to shut his trap. To be fair, Trump isn't known for his demure demeaner, either. But that's his whole brand, and there's only room for so many motormouths in one administration. More on Musk: Elon Musk's Grok AI Analyzes His Nazi Salute ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said he wanted to secure two things from a visit to California later in the day: voter identification laws and changes to water policy in the wake of massive wildfires. "I just want voter ID to start, and I want the water to be released, and they're going to get a lot of help from the U.S.," Trump said during a visit to North Carolina. On Wednesday Trump threatened to withhold aid and repeated a false claim that California Governor Gavin Newsom and other officials had refused to provide water from the northern part of the state to fight the fires. (Reporting by Nandita Bose, writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by David Ljunggren) Deportation flights have begun, Trump's White House said Friday. Photos released by White House staff show people in restraints boarding a US airlift plane. Trump has tapped the military to assist with the deportation of immigrants in the US illegally. President Donald Trump's White House said that the first deportation flights of immigrants who entered the US illegally were carried out this week. The president promised a mass deportation campaign with military assistance. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, confirmed the first of the flights on Friday morning, posting photos of people in restraints being boarded onto Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs. "President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences," Leavitt said on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two deportation flights on C-17s to Guatemala were flown overnight, a US defense official told Business Insider. In a post on X Thursday night, Leavitt said the administration had arrested over 500 "illegal immigrant criminals." She said hundreds more were being deported by military aircraft. "The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway," she wrote. Trump signed multiple executive orders related to the US-Mexico border and immigration on day one in office. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Prior to his reelection, Trump's campaign focused heavily on the issue of illegal immigration, criticizing the Biden administration for failing to protect US borders and repeatedly promising a mass deportation campaign. Deportations surged under former President Joe Biden but to less fanfare. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement data tracked almost 300,000 deportations of immigrants from October 2023 to September 2024, the highest since 2014. Broadly, 1.1 million people were repatriated from the US in 2023. The broader term "repatriation" includes deportation, returns whether ordered or voluntary, and expulsions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Trump's inaugural address on Monday, he hit on the issue again, saying that "all illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came." On his first day in office, the president signed an executive order declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border. Trump shortly after signing several initial executive orders on Monday. Melina Mara/Pool/AFP via Getty Images Trump also signed an order directing US Northern Command to "seal the borders and maintain the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the United States by repelling forms of invasion including unlawful mass migration, narcotics trafficking, human smuggling and trafficking, and other criminal activities." A senior defense official said this week that the US military is moving an additional 1,500 active-duty soldiers and Marines to the border, boosting the force presence there by roughly 60% and raising the total active-duty force size to roughly 4,000 service members. Barred from engaging in direct law enforcement activities, the troops are operating in support roles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military aircraft being used in this mission include UH-72 helicopters, C-130 cargo planes, and the C-17 airlifters seen in photos from the White House. The defense official added that some military airborne surveillance assets could be sent to the border. Read the original article on Business Insider STORM LAKE, Iowa (KCAU) The Storm Lake Police Department has issued an official statement on how they will handle recent federal immigration policies. Much in line with the policy statement released by the Sioux City Police Department on Thursday, the Storm Lake Police Department said Friday morning that they currently have no plans to stop individuals to inquire about immigration status. They further this statement by saying they dont have access to systems that would allow them to verify someones legal status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Storm Lake Police Department said that their mission focused on public safety and building trust within their community. They said that they are committed to ensuring that every resident feels safe and supported and that they understand the fear, uncertainty and anxiety some people may be experiencing. Multiple people treated after 2 UTVs fall into Iowa Great Lakes The police department said another reason for not inquiring about legal status is that they believe that residents who fear their immigration status may be questioned by local police are less likely to report crimes as victims or witnesses. While we prioritize public safety and fostering trust, we will continue, as we always have, to cooperate with our federal partners in cases involving wanted or violent individuals with valid criminal arrest warrants, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Storm Lake Police Department said that they will continue to focus on serving their community without bias or undue involvement in federal enforcement and that their officers are not trained to enforce these federal immigration policies. You can watch a view of Storm Lake Police Department Chief Chris Cole delivering this statement 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. The new TSA federal security director for Pennsylvania and Deleware made a stop at the Pittsburgh International Airport on Thursday. The TSA announced that Gerardo Jerry Spero would be taking the position on Thursday. He has 35 years of experience in federal service, including work as a special agent and federal air marshal. He came to see the progress of the Pittsburgh International Airports ongoing terminal renovation project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im honored to once again serve locations I supported many years ago and build upon the great work and existing partnerships. I am eager to tour the construction progress for the new Pittsburgh International Airport as it takes shape and is scheduled to open later this year. Ive visited the new checkpoint in Allentown, which opened just two years ago, and can see the enormous positive impact on both the passenger and workforce experience. I am impressed with the airports within our area of responsibility, Spero said. During his visit to the area, he discussed safety concerns. The Pittsburgh International Airport continually sees people trying to bring guns through security checkpoints. Just on Jan. 21, two men at two separate checkpoints were stopped by TSA officers at the airport. Both men had loaded their guns loaded in their carry-ons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 2 guns intercepted at Pittsburgh International Airport checkpoints Last year, Pittsburgh TSA intercepted 42 guns. According to federal officials, 88% of them were loaded. When you consider that Philadelphia confiscated 40 firearms but has much more volume than PIT, it puts a focus on Pittsburgh and people bringing guns to the airport, said Spero. Spero is asking all travelers to make it a New Years Resolution to not bring firearms to a checkpoint. Anyone who fails to do this could face a fine of up to $15,000. If guns must be flown, they should be packed into a checked bag and unloaded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rule applies to everyone, even those with TSA pre-check or concealed carry permits. This is not a new development, not being able to bring a gun on a plane has been around as long as there have been airplanes, said Spero. Anyone with questions on what can and cannot be brought on a plane can look it up on the TSA website. The TSA app is also a good source. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Two Columbus State University (CSU) Cougar Battalion seniors are among the top cadets in the nation. They ranked within the top 10 on the U.S. Army Cadet Command Order of Merit List for 2024. In late 2024, CSUs ROTC program was named the top battalion in the region, earning the Titan Helmet for the third consecutive year. Cadets Hunter Strayer and Tyler Fleming outranked nearly 6,000 cadets from 275 colleges and universities nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside CSU ROTC: Why the Cougar Battalion is among the top programs in the nation Strayer, a Harris County native, currently holds the number one spot in the country. The position wasnt achieved without hours of hard work to collect OML points, which are amassed over the course of a cadets ROTC career. It was definitely doing the things that most of us just didnt feel like doing, right? said Strayer, who will go on to the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Moore, Ga., post-graduation. In order to earn first in the nation, Strayer had to perform exceptionally well not only academically, but also on the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) and during summer training camp, taking advantage of volunteering- and language-learning opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [It] took a lot of time outside of school and doing that really pushed me up high in the rankings, Strayer explained. He said he had instruction in Arabic, Russian, Japanese and more during his time at CSU. Local university essential workers help students following winter storm Fleming, originally from Rutherford, N.C., also excelled in CSUs ROTC program and academically, putting in extra hours of work to secure seventh in the nation. The cadet said it was his and Strayers commitment to taking language courses and participating in volunteer opportunities with organizations like House of Heroes, which set them apart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Performing so well was a sort of way to give back to the university, said Fleming, who will head to Fort Sam Houston in Texas next. When you think about CSU, younobody probably knows what it is, unless youre associated or have someone in your family thats in the military, Fleming explained. To see two cadets in the top 10, out of like [5,600] people, come from Columbus State, like it just makes people turn their heads and, like, wait, Whos CSU? Fleming and Strayer will graduate from CSU in May, then move onto the next steps in their military careers, commissioning as second lieutenants. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) A Hinds County Grand Jury indicted a former Capitol police officer and a current Capitol police officer on two counts each of aggravated assault. Attorney General Lynn Fitch (R-Miss.) announced that Jeffrey Walker and Michael Rhinewalt were indicted on December 17, 2024. The two were accused of using excessive force after a traffic stop on August 14, 2022, in Jackson. In 2023, Attorney Carlos Moore said Sherita Harris was in a vehicle that was stopped for running a red light. Soon afterwards, a chase ensued, and Harris suffered a gunshot wound to the head. According to Moores investigation, he believes Rhinewalt shot Harris in the head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man collapses at Jackson gas station after being shot: police This trained officer shot into a moving vehicle near I-55 over near Fortification Street. Shot into a moving vehicle. Could clearly see who was in the vehicle, but there was more than one person. And yet, shot haphazardly into the vehicle, and shot an innocent person out over somebody fleeing a misdemeanor, Moore stated. The shooting was investigated by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) and is being prosecuted by the Attorney Generals Office. Bailey Martin, press secretary for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS), said Rhinewalt has been placed on administrative leave without pay. According to Martin, Walker has not been employed by the MDPS since July 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To further strengthen accountability in 2024, MDPS has established an Internal Affairs Division that operates independently of other agencies within MDPS and reports directly to Commissioner Tindell. This division includes dedicated investigators tasked with independently handling complaints of officer misconduct. In addition, Capitol Police officers now wear body cameras and additional policies have been instituted to ensure greater professionalism and accountability. Anyone wishing to file a complaint can do so at our website (www.dps.ms.gov). No further comment will be made at this time. Bailey Martin, Press Secretary for Mississippi DPS Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Modesto witnessed two marches this past weekend, just days before President Donald Trumps inauguration. A Womens March on Saturday within Graceada Park drew a couple of hundred of participants united by a shared call to action. Led by government attorney Jessica Self, attendees listened to speakers and participated in discussions on how to get involved in outreach efforts or run for office. Several local organizations, including the NAACP, Pride groups and Faith in the Valley, were present to connect with community members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many in the crowd, including a significant number of young people, it was their first protest. Lise Talbott, chair of the Stanislaus County Democratic Central Committee, described the younger generations, namely Gen Z and Gen Alpha, as the first to face fewer rights than their parents. She said participants seemed to appreciate the opportunity to go out and be around like-minded people. It feels good to come out and wave your sign and march, but we cant just go home and feel like we checked off our activism box for the year. We have to keep working and moving forward, Talbott said in an interview with The Bee. The crowd also included seasoned activists, from female combat veterans to advocates who had been marching since before Roe v. Wade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The march became a platform to address not just womens rights but also broader concerns about immigration policies and the climate of fear that many marginalized communities face. Though the county appears to be leaning more conservative, Self said, she believes voter apathy is the bigger issue. She emphasized the importance of working with various groups to prepare people in elections and provide them the resources to get through the next four years. Talbott added that those with privilege have to stand up for marginalized groups, both locally and in other states. We cant allow the most vulnerable to be left alone to do that work, she said. Marchers at the Inauguration of the People march in downtown Modesto on Jan. 19, 2025. On Sunday, the Central Valley BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, people of color] Coalition organized the Inauguration of the People march, which began at 10th Street Plaza in downtown Modesto and stretched two miles. Around 40 people attended the event, which focused on rejecting the two-party political system, advocating for Palestinian solidarity and protesting Trumps administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coalition has been focused on grassroots organizing and providing resources to marginalized communities, which it shares through its Instagram page. As part of its advocacy, the coalition keeps tabs on Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] activities and has called on local agencies, including the Modesto Police Department and the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office, to refrain from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. Other organizations were present at the march to share resources, including California Rural Legal Assistance, which provided information on housing programs and its pro bono legal services. Attendees emphasized the need for collective action and self-reliance in addressing systemic issues. Katharina Beeler, one of the organizers, said the march represents the ongoing fight for justice. She noted that issues including funding Israel and enforcing harmful immigration policies, persisted under President Joe Bidens administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protests and organizing are less common in the Central Valley than in regions including the Bay Area and Los Angeles, Beeler said, but she stressed their importance in building local solidarity and for people to see the humanity in one another. Its pretty disgusting the lack of safety people feel living in the Central Valley, Beeler said. Julissa Ruiz Ramirez, founder of the Central Valley BIPOC Coalition, said the marchs core message is about standing in solidarity and taking collective action, regardless of who holds power. She said that relying on those in power is no longer an option people must take matters into their own hands. Her focus moving forward is on building community resilience by sharing resources and informing people on their rights to empower and educate those in need. At the end of the day, both parties have failed us, Ramirez said. TYLER, Texas (KETK) Tyler Junior College formally announced their Apache Belles director on Thursday. Happi Deason Byrne has returned as the Apache Belles director, years after originally joining the 46th line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos courtesy of Happi Deason Byrne To be back in the school where I actually got started out with college dancing its just surreal, Byrne said. Byrne said she has never forgot her time as a Belle working alongside the drill team for the last 10 years. She had worked closely with former director Jasilyn Shaefer and hopes to draw inspiration from Shaefer as she paves her own path. TJC Apache Belles remember Jimmy Carter Continuing on what she has started with getting the girls out there, giving them chances and opportunities that they may not have had if it were not for the TJC Apache Belle organization, Byrne said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Byrne said she has big shoes to fill, but its a honor to have the opportunity to lead this organization. She explains she wants to see the best out of her team and will give them her 100% best every single day. Byrne cannot wait for East Texas to see what is next for the Apache Belles and that it is going to be an excited year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Jan. 23TABOR, S.D. A 29-year-old Tyndall man was identified as the fatal victim in a single-vehicle crash near Tabor on Sunday, Jan. 19. Dustin John Joseph Cuka was identified Thursday by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. The crash occurred at 1:52 a.m. Sunday morning, 3 miles west of Tabor. Cuka was driving a 2012 Ford Escape westbound on State Highway 50. His vehicle left the roadway and entered the south ditch and the vehicle rolled, ejecting the driver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuka was airlifted to a Sioux Falls hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the South Dakota Highway Patrol. A press release from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety said it's not clear why the vehicle left the roadway. The crash is still under investigation. Investors on Monday finally woke up to the success of a relatively small Chinese player in the AI world. Spooked by a model reportedly trained on a miniscule budgetand from a country that was supposedly behind the U.S. in AI capabilitiesinvestors dumped shares across the entire tech sector, including those of Nvidia, ASML, and Alphabet. Last week, DeepSeek unveiled its R1 model, which, the startup claims, meets, if not exceeds, performance from OpenAIs o1 model released last year. (o1 is designed to tackle reasoning and math problems.) DeepSeek has introduced its models to the public, and reviewers are impressed with their ability to handle tasks like coding and reasoning. The R1 unveiling follows a December announcement from the Chinese startup that its large-language model, V3, was trained using just $5.6 million worth of computing power, far less than the $100 millionplus y OpenAI reportedly spent to train its GPT-4. DeepSeek said its V3 model matched the performance of OpenAI and Anthropics models on leading benchmarks, and Andrej Karpathy, who worked on AI for Tesla and OpenAI, praised DeepSeeks ability to train its leading-edge AI on a joke of a budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, on Monday, DeepSeek released another model: The image-generating Janus Pro, which the company claims performs better than rival Dall-E from OpenAI and another from Stable Diffusion. These announcements have put DeepSeek at the forefront of Chinas already-crowded AI sector. DeepSeeks 40-year-old founder, Liang Wenfeng, met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Jan. 20, joining a group of tech industry leaders, according to the South China Morning Post. DeepSeeks success shows that Chinas tech sector has momentum in the global race to build AI, despit being denied access to top U.S.-made chips from Nvidia after President Biden banned their export to China. Investors, too, are now wary of claims that massive capital expenditure on chips and data centers are needed to fuel the AI boom. Nvidia, the leading maker of AI chips, alone lost over $600 billion in value on Monday, following an almost 17% drop in its shares. The stock of energy companies like Constellation Energy, which are banking on a surge in electricity demand from power-hungry data centers, also plunged by double digits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, Chinese tech shares rose on Monday amid greater optimism about the countrys AI ability. Shares of Baidu and Kuaishou, two Chinese Big Tech companies investing in AI, rose almost 4%. Meanwhile, Chinese AI firm SenseTime rose 7.2%. (As a private company, retail investors cant buy shares in DeepSeek.) But not every Chinese firm emerged unscathed. Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), a Chinese chipmaker reportedly working with Chinese tech giant Huawei on its chips, dropped 7.6% in Hong Kong trading on Monday. Where did DeepSeek come from? DeepSeek, based in Hangzhou, was born from HighFlyer, a Chinese quantitative hedge fund with 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion today) in assets under management as of 2019, according to the South China Morning Post. The fund spun off DeepSeek in 2023, setting it up as an AI startup to develop models and build AI products. DeepSeek founder Liang studied AI at Zhejiang University before cofounding HighFlyer, whose deep pockets allowed it to snap up thousands of Nvidia AI chips ahead of U.S. restrictions in 2022. That gave DeepSeek a leg up over many of its smaller competitors, enabling it to keep working on and training models as other Chinese AI startups scrambled to find processing power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI experts differ on how well DeepSeek performs against OpenAIs ChatGPT and Anthropics Claude, suggesting the Chinese AI model meets benchmarks under specific hardware configurations, while struggling in other scenarios. But DeepSeek is focused on doing what has been achieved by OpenAI and Anthropic more efficiently and at a lower cost. The startups models use various innovations to avoid the limits of its mixture of experts model, where different parts of the AI are trained to tackle specific kinds of questions. The savings that creates might be enough for customers who are otherwise priced out of expensive U.S.-developed models, particularly those now limited from accessing vast reserves of American computing power. Another difference is that DeepSeeks model is open-source, allowing it to be used on different kinds of hardware. And, more importantly, the model shows users how it got its answer, which allows users get a sense of how it works, unlike OpenAIs o1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeepSeeks web and app interface also complies with Chinas rules on internet censorship of sensitive topics like the 1989 student protests in Tiananmen Square. However, locally-hosted versions of DeepSeeks work, enabled by DeepSeeks embrace of open source models and running on a users own hardware, can respond to questions that are normally blocked in Chinathough with some inconsistency, reports Fortunes David Meyer. Why is the U.S. worried about Chinas AI? If U.S. officials had their way, a Chinese company would not have been able to produce a leading-edge AI model. The U.S. has controlled sales of advanced AI chips to China since 2022, preventing Chinese companies from accessing processors needed to train leading-edge AI models. Chipmakers like Nvidia and Intel have tried to create processors for the Chinese market that comply with U.S. requirements, only for Washington to tighten the rules further. That leaves Chinese AI companies with few options: Rely on U.S.-made chips imported before bans came into effect; tap gray-market smuggling rings that can ship chips from third countries; rely on data centers outside China; or turn to Chinese-made alternatives from companies like Huawei. (Huawei claims its AI chips outperform Nvidias A100 processor, but the Chinese tech giant has reportedly struggled with making the chips reliably at scale). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Money has never been the problem for us; bans on shipments of advanced chips are the problem, Liang told Chinese outlet 36Kr last year (translated by the ChinaTalk newsletter in November). In mid-2022, months before the Biden administration imposed its export controls, HighFlyer revealed that it had snapped up 10,000 of Nvidias A100 processors. Its DeepSeek V3 paper, released in December, also claims the model was trained on Nvidia H800 processors, a version of the H100 processor that complied with the U.S.s original export controls. (Both the A100 and H800 are now banned under the current export control regime). Nvidia in a statement on Monday argued that DeepSeeks work shows what can be possible using fully export control compliant computing power, David Sacks, U.S. President Donald Trumps AI czar, posted Monday that DeepSeek R1 shows that the AI race will be very competitive and that President Trump was right to rescind the Biden [executive order], which hamstrung American AI companies without asking whether China would do the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the chip export ban, the Biden administration also banned U.S. investment in Chinese AI. Still, China has fostered a vibrant and diverse AI sector. Big Tech firms like Baidu, Alibaba, and ByteDance are developing their own foundational models and offering new AI services to companies and ordinary users. Chinese AI startups like MiniMax and Moonshot AI have released consumer-focused services that have even had some success in the U.S. market. (ByteDance also updated its AI model Doubao last week, offering AI at prices even lower than DeepSeeks) Yet Chinas AI sector is crowded, which means vendors are locked in a price war to push out their competitors. Throughout 2024, companies like Alibaba and ByteDance slashed prices by as much as 90% to promote their models over the competition. Chinas success in AI is unnerving the U.S., implying that the broad measures taken to protect U.S. leadership in AI arent working. I thought the restrictions we placed on chips would keep them back, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt said last November at Harvards Kennedy School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The developer behind ChatGPT is already ringing the alarm bells about China. Last week, OpenAI claimed in a policy paper that there was an estimated $175 billion in global funds awaiting investment in AI projects. If the U.S. doesnt attract those funds, they will flow to China-backed projectsstrengthening the Chinese Communist Partys global influence, OpenAI said. OpenAI hopes itll soon get to tap some of that money. On Jan. 21, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, and Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison announced the Stargate Project, a venture that pledges to invest $500 billion in AI infrastructure across the U.S. over the next four years. That $500 billion price tag isnt looking as attractive anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Update, Jan. 27, 2025: This article has been updated to account for Mondays stock market plunge in tech stocks, as well as additional comments on DeepSeek. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Britain's government on Friday announced a deal with engine-maker Rolls-Royce to support the Royal Navy's fleet of nuclear submarines, seen as boosting economic growth and national security. The multi-year contract with the British company, worth 9 billion ($11 billion), is expected to create more than 1,000 UK jobs and safeguard 4,000 more, the Labour administration headed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a joint statement. Labour has put growing the UK economy at the forefront of its plans since returning to power in July -- but has yet to deliver on its pledge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This investment in Britain's defence will deliver a long-term boost to British business, jobs and national security," Defence Secretary John Healey said ahead of visiting Rolls-Royce's nuclear reactor production facility in Derby, central England. "We are showing defence can be an engine for growth, while also driving better value for taxpayer money." He added that "national security is a foundation of our government's plan for change, and this is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the UK's nuclear deterrent, which is our ultimate insurance policy in a more dangerous world". The government said the deal results "in better value for money for the taxpayer through savings of more than 400 million". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Carlier, president of Rolls-Royce submarines, said the eight-year contract enables the company "to invest in the right skills, equipment and facilities to play our part in protecting UK interests at home and overseas". The deal comes after Britain and Germany -- Europe's biggest spenders on defence -- announced in October that German submarine-hunting planes would operate out of Britain under a "milestone" agreement. Ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the new US president and Vice President JD Vance are "simply right when they say that Europe needs to do more to defend its own continent". This story was originally featured on Fortune.com (FOX40.COM) A man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in Stockton last year, the Stockton Police Department said. Officers responded to reports of a shooting on November 9 around 6:30 p.m. According to officials, the incident occurred on Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard and Aurora Street South in Stockton. Stockton PD said that when the officers arrived at the scene they found a 40-year-old male who suffering from a gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Joaquin County authorities arrest suspect in ongoing animal cruelty case The victim was then transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Authorities said that the detectives took over the investigation and, after doing follow-ups, found a 22-year-old male as a suspect in the case. U.S. Marshalls Task Force found the 22-year-old male in Stockton and took him into custody, according to a Facebook post by the Stockton Police Department. After being in custody the suspect was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail for homicide-related charges on Jan. 23. At this time, the investigation continues, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Advances being made by the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are "heightening the threat of a regional war," according to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Guterres demanded the Rwanda-backed group "to immediately cease its offensive, withdraw from all occupied areas and abide by the 31 July 2024 ceasefire agreement," in a statement issued on Thursday through a U.N. spokesperson. More than 178,000 people have been displaced over the last two weeks as M23 fighters make advances, according to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC, MONUSCO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group's advances are primarily taking place in the Congo province of South Kivu, which shares a border to the east with both Burundi and Rwanda. Rwanda's government has denied any direct involvement with the M23 group, which has captured several smaller towns over the last week, forcing residents to leave. The group came into existence in 2012, made up mainly of ethnic Tutsis who had left the Congolese army. It has an estimated 8,000 fighters, according to U.N. estimates. Rebel group fighters are moving closer to Goma, the capital and largest city in the Congo's North Kivu Province which has a population approaching 2 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mediation between the Congolese government and M23 leadership has been going on in Angola since 2022, but hit a snag in December. "The Secretary-General is deeply troubled by the most recent report of the Group of Experts established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1533, concerning the presence of Rwandan troops on Congolese soil and continued support to the M23," Guterres said in the statement. "He calls on all actors to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to put an end to all forms of support to armed groups, whether Congolese or foreign." U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and six of her Republican colleagues introduced legislation Jan. 24 that Blackburn says would improve veterans' access to health care outside Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. "(The legislation empowers) veterans to directly schedule appointments at non-VA medical facilities, which will remove unnecessary barriers and provide veterans with greater autonomy to access the care they need, Blackburn said in a news release. There are over 440,000 veterans in Tennessee, according to a 2023 report by the VA. Just under 227,000 of those were enrolled in the VA health care system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the VA has to approve veterans' referrals to outside doctors or clinics. Blackburn's proposed Veterans Health Care Freedom Act would remove those requirements. The legislation would create a three-year pilot program to help veterans access care outside the VA network. The VA would be required to give veterans information about eligibility, cost sharing, treatments and providers "so that they can make informed decisions with respect to selection of primary and specialty care providers and other available treatments." The VA also would be required to submit reports to congressional veterans affairs committees on the implementation and results of the pilot program, as well as the final design. Blackburn's pilot would be funded Veterans' Health Administration money. It's co-sponsored by Republicans Tim Sheehy of Montana, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Roger Wicker of Mississippi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg Sen. Marsha Blackburn This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Sen. Marsha Blackburn wants to 'cut red tape' on care outside the VA UK Defence Intelligence has analysed that as of January 2025, North Korea has already lost about 4,000 military personnel in the Russian-Ukrainian war who took part in the fighting in Russias Kursk Oblast. Source: UK Defence Intelligence update dated 24 January on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: The UK analysts report that as of mid-January 2025, North Korean forces are likely to have suffered about 4,000 casualties in offensive hostilities against Ukrainian troops in Russias Kursk Oblast. Of these, about a quarter were killed in action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The analysis notes that the total number of losses is more than a third of the approximately 11,000 North Korean combat units deployed in Kursk Oblast. It is noted that despite significant combat losses, North Korean troops have achieved only tactical success in Kursk Oblast. The UK analysis noted that the troops of Russia and North Korea are almost certainly facing difficulties with interoperability. Quote: "The two forces do not share a common language, and DPRK troops almost certainly have difficulties integrating into Russia's command-and-control structure." Background: On 24 January, Estonian intelligence said there were signs that North Korea would send more troops to help Russia before the summer. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine is finalizing reforms to attract 18- to 25-year-olds, currently exempt from mobilization, into enlisting voluntarily into the armed forces, Deputy Head of the President's Office Pavlo Palisa said to the Associated Press on Jan. 24. Palisa said Ukraine is exploring new recruitment options because the current drafting system, inherited from Soviet times, is outdated and inefficient. The move comes amid pressure from U.S. lawmakers to lower the draft age, though President Volodymyr Zelensky has opposed lowering it to 18, arguing it would harm Ukraine's future prospects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We need to adapt the structure to the logic of modern warfare, which will allow us to be more effective and prevent us from making the same mistakes repeatedly," Palisa said. Read also: As US pushes Ukraine to lower conscription age, why wont Kyiv draft younger men? One key initiative is an "honest contract," which offers financial incentives, training guarantees, and improved communication between soldiers and commanders. "To secure the unit commander and the contract soldier, establish open and professional relations between them, and set clear boundaries that are understandable to both," Palisa said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The updates to Ukraine's mobilization law, adopted in mid-April 2024, simplified the process for identifying eligible conscripts and introduced penalties for draft dodgers. The new legislation also lowered the minimum age of compulsory military service from 27 to 25. Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 are barred from leaving the country under martial law, but only those over 25 are eligible for the draft. Russian forces significantly outnumber Ukrainian units in some parts of the front and have been able to advance at record rates in eastern Ukraine while absorbing heavy losses. Read also: Media investigation identifies over 90,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine brought back the bodies of 757 soldiers who died fighting against Russia, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of the Prisoners of War announced on Jan. 24. The bodies of 451 soldiers were recovered from the Donetsk sector of the front line, 71 from the Bakhmut sector, and 51 from the Vuhledar sector. Thirteen and 137 bodies were brought back from the Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia sectors, respectively. Another 34 bodies were repatriated from morgues in Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Geneva Conventions say that those killed in war are entitled to a dignified burial. "Law enforcement officials and forensic experts will identify the victims as soon as possible," the headquarters wrote. The operation to recover the bodies involved several government and military agencies, including the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Interior Ministry, the State Emergency Service, and the Armed Forces. The headquarters also thanked the International Committee of the Red Cross for its assistance. In December 2024, Ukraine repatriated the bodies of 503 fallen soldiers, mostly from Donetsk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 8 that about 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed during the full-scale invasion. Read also: Investigation: How Russia profits from arms exports to Saudi Arabia despite sanctions Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Key developments on Jan. 24: 'More than 50 explosions Massive drone strike targets Russian refinery, plants Russian army failing to outflank Pokrovsk, Ukraine's military says Media investigation identifies over 90,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine 'Utter bulls***' Ukraine rejects Russia's demand to abandon NATO membership promise Zelensky is 'no angel' Trump criticizes Ukraine's president for 'wanting to fight' at war's onset Putin claims Russia ready for Ukraine peace talks, questions legitimacy under Zelensky's decree The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and Ukraines Special Operations Forces (SOS) struck the Ryazan Oil Refinery and the Ryazan Thermal Power Plant in an overnight drone strike on Jan. 24, an SBU source told the Kyiv Independent. The attack was later confirmed by the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces. The news comes as Russias Defense Ministry reported intercepting 121 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 37 in Bryansk Oblast, 20 in Ryazan Oblast, and 17 in the Kursk and Saratov oblasts each. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The refinery, one of Russias largest, has the capacity of 17 million metric tons of oil per year. At least three oil depots and a workshop were set ablaze, according to the source. 0:00 / 1 The statement confirms earlier reports in Russian Telegram channels that the Ryazan Oil Refinery caught fire after a drone attack. "SBU and SOS drones also targeted an oil pumping station at the Ryazan Thermal Power Plant," the source said, without revealing details on possible consequences. Local residents reported more than 50 explosions, according to the source. Ryazan lies roughly 500 kilometers (310 miles) north of Ukraines border. Drones also attacked the Kremniy EL microelectronics plant in Russia's Bryansk and other facilities in the city, the independent Telegram news channel Astra reported, citing Russian Emergencies Ministry sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not immediately clear whether the plant, which produces components for the Russian military, suffered significant damage in the attack. The drone strike also damaged windows and the facade of a building of the Investigative Committee, and the Institute of Management and Business caught fire, according to Astra. Andrii Kovalenko, the counter-disinformation chief at Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, also reported on the attack against the Kremniy plant. The facility has suspended operations after sustaining hits, Kovalenko claimed, saying that the plant produces microelectronics for Russian air defenses, Iskander missiles, electronic warfare equipment, and drones. This is the third time the plant was hit during the full-scale war, Kovalenko said. The city of Bryansk lies around 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Russias border with Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The General Staff also confirmed the attack against the Kremniy plant, without revealing details on possible damage. The Kyiv Independent could not verify all the claims. Recent weeks saw Ukraine again intensify long-range strikes against military and industrial facilities in Russias rear in an effort to undermine Moscows ability to wage war. Read also: Investigation: How Russia profits from arms exports to Saudi Arabia despite sanctions Russian army failing to outflank Pokrovsk, Ukraine's military says The Russian army is, for now, failing to outflank Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast in an attempt to cut off the town's logistics routes, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Khortytsia group of forces, Viktor Trehubov, said on Jan. 24 on national television. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area near Pokrovsk, a crucial logistics hub for Ukrainian forces, has been the focus of fierce fighting for months as Russia intensifies its offensive in Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces are trying to bypass Pokrovsk from the north and south, but so far without success, according to the spokesperson. "So far, these attempts have been more or less effectively repelled. They have begun to attack the town more actively with long-range, different types of missiles and FPV (first-person-view) drones," Trehubov said. "Unfortunately, they are hitting the town, but their plan to surround it is still very far from realization," he added. The estimated Russian advance in the Pokrovsk sector in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, as of Jan. 23, 2025, according to DeepState. Pokrovsk marked by a black symbol. (DeepState/OpenStreetMaps) Trehubov stressed that the Pokrovsk sector of the front line is the primary vector of Russia's offensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is the main point of concentration of their efforts, and it has been for a long time. There is the largest number of clashes there," he said. Russian troops are continuing to push on the Lyman, Siversk, Kramatorsk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk and Kurakhove axes, according to Ukraine's General Staff. Pokrovsk and Kurakhove remain the focal points of the Russian eastern offensive, now in its fifth month. Ukraine previously blew up the No. 3 mine's shaft in the village of Pishchane near Pokrovsk to prevent Russia from deploying its troops closer to the front-line town, according to The New York Times (NYT) Earlier this month, Metinvest announced it had suspended operations at the Pokrovsk coking coal mine due to worsening security conditions and power outages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russian troops overrun Kurakhove, approach Pokrovsk east, south, and southwest Media investigation identifies over 90,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine The BBC and the independent outlet Mediazona have identified the names of 90,019 Russian soldiers who died during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the BBC reported on Jan. 24. Since the media outlets' last update in mid-January, the names of 1,964 Russian soldiers have been added to the list of casualties. Some 23% of all those killed were military personnel who signed a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry after February 2022. According to the investigation, 17% of the identified soldiers were professional contractors, 17% were convicts who left for the war from prisons, and 12% were conscripts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The media revealed that nine generals and 500 soldiers with the rank of lieutenant colonel and higher were among the killed. As of Jan. 24, the highest casualty rates were among the residents of Bashkortostan, Russias republic near the Ural Mountains and the homeland of the Bashkir people. Russias non-Slavic ethnic groups have been overrepresented in its casualty figures in the war with Ukraine. The authorities and media in this region reported a total of 3,932 deaths during the full-scale war, the investigation read. Russia's real losses are likely higher, as the media analysis is estimated to cover 45% to 65% of the actual death toll, the BBC reported. According to the journalists estimates, the actual losses could range from 138,500 to 200,000 people killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 8 that about 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed during the full-scale invasion. The last time Moscow officially announced the number of soldiers killed was in September 2022, putting the number at 5,937. Ukraines Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Jan. 19 that Russian forces suffered their heaviest losses last year since the start of the full-scale war, with total military losses reaching 434,000 soldiers killed and injured in 2024. This represents around half of the 800,000 killed and injured Russian soldiers since the start of the full-scale war, according to Ukraines military. 'Utter bulls***' Ukraine rejects Russia's demand to abandon NATO membership promise Ukraine's Foreign Ministry dismissed Russia's demand to cancel NATO's 2008 promise of eventual membership for Ukraine, calling it "utter bul***it" in a Jan. 24 statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The response comes after Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko criticized NATO's 2008 Bucharest Summit declaration, calling it "catastrophic for European security." "Aw shucks, North Korea's ally issuing ultimatums to NATO. Utter bul***it," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi in response to Grushko's remarks. "Moscow has no say here." Instead, the ministry praised NATO's decision at the time and reiterated Kyiv's commitment to joining the alliance. "European security architecture is built on protection from Russia," Tykhyi said. Ukraine officially applied to join NATO in September 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion. While NATO members pledged at the 2024 Washington Summit that Ukraine's path to membership is "irreversible," they have yet to extend a formal invitation. Russian officials, as well as Western intellectuals with a track record of anti-Ukraine narratives have repeatedly cited Ukraine's potential NATO membership as a justification for the invasion. President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged opposition from several NATO members, including the U.S., Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, but expressed hope that U.S. President Donald Trump could sway support for Kyiv's entry. There is little evidence that the new administration would be more open to Ukraine's NATO membership than former U.S. President Joe Biden. Trump has previously criticized NATO and blamed Biden for allegedly supporting Ukraine's aspirations and provoking Russia's invasion. Read also: Withdraw Bucharest pledge Russia says ban on Ukraines NATO accession key condition for resolving war Zelensky is 'no angel' Trump criticizes Ukraines president for 'wanting to fight' at wars onset U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky share the blame for the Ukraine-Russia war in an interview segment with Fox News released on Jan. 23. The U.S. president, who most recently met Zelensky in Paris in December, criticized his Ukrainian counterpart for resisting Russia at the start of the invasion instead of cutting a deal. "Zelensky... shouldnt have allowed this to happen either. Hes no angel," Trump said. "I could have made that deal so easily, and Zelensky decided that 'I want to fight,'" he commented, adding that Ukraine has been fighting against a "much bigger entity." At the same time, Trump acknowledged Ukraines bravery in resisting Russia and said that the Ukrainian president has "had enough" and is ready for peace. "We started pouring equipment... and they (Ukraine) had the bravery to use the equipment, but in the end, its a war that has to be settled," Trump said. Already during his electoral campaign, Trump implied that his predecessor, former U.S. President Joe Biden, and Zelensky share blame for Russias ongoing invasion and pledged to broker a swift peace deal. Trump has been often critical of the Biden administrations support for Ukraine and boasted about good relations with Putin, sparking concerns he might broker a deal unfavorable to Kyiv. Recently, the U.S. president has adopted a more critical stance toward Moscow, criticizing Putin for reluctance to cut a deal and threatening with economic repercussions if he fails to do so. "Putin shouldnt have done it (launching the full-scale invasion)... and it has to stop," Trump said, claiming that Russia had lost around 850,000 soldiers while Ukraine lost 700,000. Zelensky put Ukraines casualty rates at 43,000 killed and 370,000 wounded as of December, while Moscow does not reveal its losses. In the interview, Trump reiterated his warnings that if Russia does not agree to negotiate, the U.S. is going to impose "massive tariffs and massive taxes, and... big sanctions," adding he "doesnt want to do it" because he "loves" Russia. The U.S. president echoed his earlier claims that the full-scale invasion would have never started if he were in office at the time, blaming the Biden administration for supposedly provoking Putin and allowing him to profit from high energy prices. Trump also lashed out against the former president for not pressuring European countries to donate more support to Ukraine, falsely claiming that Washington spent "$200 billion more than Europe" in support of Kyiv. The U.S. Congress has allocated over $170 billion to Ukraine since the outbreak of the full-scale war in 2022, which included the provision of over $60 billion worth of military support. The EU and its member countries have made available $145 billion in financial, military, and humanitarian assistance during the full-scale war. Ukraine recently announced that arrangements for a meeting between Trump and Zelensky are underway, while the U.S. president also said he aims to meet Putin in the coming days to discuss an end to the war. Moscow welcomed Trumps proposal for a meeting but voiced skepticism about a possible peace deal, saying it has to first understand what the U.S.s goals are before entering into any negotiations. Read also: What leverage does Trump have over Putin in peace negotiations? Quite a lot, experts say Putin claims Russia ready for Ukraine peace talks, questions legitimacy under Zelensky's decree Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters on Jan. 24 that Russia is ready for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on ending the war in Ukraine. "Regarding negotiations, we have always said and I want to emphasize this again that we are ready for talks on the Ukrainian issue (Russia's full-scale invasion)," Putin said. Putin claimed that if Trump's 2020 "victory hadn't been stolen," there might not have been a "crisis in Ukraine." He emphasized that Russia has "never refused contact" with the U.S. administration and maintained a "pragmatic and trusting" relationship with Trump. He moved quickly to point out a decree signed by President Zelensky after Russia illegally annexed four Ukrainian regions, which declared negotiations with Putin "impossible" while leaving the door open to discussions with Russia under different leadership. "How can negotiations be resumed if they are officially banned?" Putin asked. Zelensky's 2022 decree followed Russia's annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, actions condemned as illegitimate by the international community. The move reflected Ukraine's refusal to engage with Moscow while Putin remains in power, underscoring Kyiv's position that peace negotiations must uphold Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukraine's Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak dismissed Putin's remarks, accusing him of seeking to sideline Europe in any talks. "Putin wants to negotiate the fate of Europe without Europe," Yermak said. He added, "Putin has long needed to return to reality himself, or he will be brought back." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed Putin's comments, saying that dialog with Trump could recover if the U.S. "takes into account Russia's interests." "If the U.S. under Trump takes Russia's interests into account, the dialog between Moscow and Washington will be gradually restored; if not, everything will remain as it is," he said. Lavrov expressed dissatisfaction with Trump's team's reported peace proposals on Dec. 29, particularly the idea of freezing hostilities along the current line of contact and transferring the responsibility for countering Russia to Europe. Read also: Incoming Trump peace envoy suggests oil crackdown to push Russia to negotiate Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian officials welcomed Donald Trumps threat to sanction Russia harder, suggesting punitive measures against Russian oil and gas could run down Vladimir Putins war machinery. Vladyslav Vlasiuk, sanctions commissioner for president Volodymyr Zelensky, told The Independent there were at least 10 areas Mr Trump can look at to sanction Russia in the coming months. These can be Russias fintech sector, companies involved in the development of e-ruble, central bank digital currency used as an alternative to the SWIFT international payment system Russia is already cut off from, and cryptocurrency payment systems, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump said he had no desire to hurt Russia but asked Mr Putin to settle now and stop this ridiculous war. If we dont make a deal, and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the US, and various other participating countries, the news US president said on his Truth Social platform. Mr Trump had promised to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of assuming the presidency for a second term, though not the Russian invasion. Instead, he came out with a threat to further sanction one of the most heavily sanctioned nations. The US president could follow through by targeting enablers of the shadow fleet utilised by Russia to export oil and gas such as insurance, crewing and financial settlement companies that provide any kind of services to it, Mr Vlasiuk suggested. According to the EU, a shadow or dark fleet is a collection of ships used to circumvent sanctions, evade compliance with safety or environmental regulations, avoid insurance costs or engage in other illegal activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the European parliament, shadow tankers transporting Russian crude variously fly the flags of Cook Islands, Gabon, Liberia, Eswatini, Malta, Panama, Marshall Islands, and Russia itself. The US could also deliver a major blow to Russia by lowering oil prices. Lower oil prices will hit the Russian budget really hard. In December 2024, Russian trade surplus was the lowest since 2020. If Donald Trump restores the effectiveness of the price cap for Russian oil, Russian federal budget losses will be even greater, Mr Vlasiuk said. Oil was Russias chief export to the US before the trade zeroed out in 2023. Additionally, Mr Vlasiuk said the US and Ukraine could build pressure to sanction third-nation intermediaries that facilitated the supply of dual-use goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump could hit out at Russian allies like Iran and North Korea as well after drumming up domestic support for such measures, he said. Just before Joe Biden left office as president on 20 January, the US Treasury said it was expanding sanctions on some 100 entities supporting the Russian war effort. Svitlana Romanko, a prominent Ukrainian peace and clean energy campaigner, said Mr Trump had the chance to take up a historic opportunity to end the war in an efficient way. The president could sanction Russias fossil fuel exports, cutting its profits by 40 to 50 per cent. By decisively cutting off Russian energy revenues from fossil fuels, the US can lead the world in pressuring Moscow to end its aggression and support Ukraines fight for sovereignty, the founder of Razom We Stand clean energy campaign group told The Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trumps administration can look beyond sanctions enforcement. He can target legal tracking and impose criminal liability measures for these tankers owners, but also on checking those tankers specifically. The greatest humanity lesson to learn for everyone on the planet is how we can tackle fossil fuel dictatorships and how we avoid them from happening in the future. We should not buy energy that feeds dictatorships, police apparatus and oppression and human rights abuse in many countries, including my country, which is destroyed by Russias war. Ukraines Defence Minister Rustem Umierov has announced that the ministry will not be extending its contract with Maryna Bezrukova, Head of the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA). Source: Umierov on Facebook Quote: "For some reason, arms procurement, which should be non-public during martial law and a full-scale war with Russia, has turned into an Amazon where every Internet user can see in real time who is buying what, in what quantities, and from which manufacturers. And our defenders on the front line have not felt an impact of the scale of these purchases that is commensurate with what was claimed by the PR in the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have therefore taken the decision to dismiss all those who have failed in this work: I am submitting a motion to the Cabinet of Ministers regarding the dismissal of my deputy, Dmytro Klimenkov. The Ministry of Defence will not be extending the contract with Maryna Bezrukova." Details: Umierov added that the Defence Ministry is recalling the two state representatives from the supervisory board. Ukrainska Pravda notes that they are Taras Chmut, Head of the Come Back Alive Foundation, and former deputy defence minister Yurii Dzhyhyr. He said it was a precedent in the history of state corporate governance, "when two independent representatives on the supervisory board supported the position of the state, while the state-authorised representative of the state's interests ignored the recommendations of the governing body." Umierov said the supervisory board members would be replaced in the near future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defence minister said Arsen Zhumadilov would be appointed as the director of the DPA. "This year, the Defence Procurement Agency and the State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition were operating in the same conditions. One agency did the job, the other just created media hype. Theres been a lot of talk about buying weapons for the military, but the result has been unsatisfactory." Umierov pointed out that the sole criterion that the Ministry of Defence sets for the Defence Procurement Agency is to provide the front line with all the necessary weapons on time and in full. "Unfortunately, over the past six months, instead of a timely supply of ammunition for the military, weve had political games, leaked contracts, leaked information (law enforcement will definitely be looking into that), PR inaction and failure to meet KPIs from a subordinate company of the Ministry of Defence." Previously: Maryna Bezrukova has stated that her relationship with Defence Minister Rustem Umierov "began to deteriorate" due to a controversy over the supply of low-quality 120mm mortar bombs. Bezrukova said she had signed the contract for the supply of the mortar bombs early in her tenure, noting "there was no way she could not do so". In the summer, when it became clear that the plant could not meet the production deadline, Deputy Minister Dmytro Klimenkov requested an extension for the delivery. Bezrukova refused. The DPA later succeeded in securing refunds for the faulty ammunition and procured it from other manufacturers. The DPAs supervisory board had advised Umierov to extend the contract with Bezrukova for one year. On 21 January 2025, the DPAs supervisory board decided to extend Bezrukova's contract as its current head. Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bezrukova became the head of the Defence Procurement Agency in January 2024. Her contract expires at the end of the week. In November, Ukraine's Ministry of Defence announced it was "actively investigating" the reasons for the supply of low-quality 120mm mortar bombs to the front line. In a column for Ukrainska Pravda summing up the DPA's work in 2024, Bezrukova said the supervisory board comprising independent members Kateryna Kuznetsova, Lukasz Stoliarski and Patrick Auroy, and state representatives Taras Chmut and Yurii Dzhyhyr had started working in December. Daria Kaleniuk, executive director of the Anti-Corruption Action Centre, said that in September 2024, Umierov had planned to dismiss Bezrukova and appoint Holos (Voice) party member Oleksandra Ustinova to the position. Support UP or become our patron! North Korea is set to send another tranche of artillery systems to Russia, Kyrylo Budanov said. The Ukrainian intel chief said Pyongyang already has about 240 artillery systems in Russia. These are chiefly homegrown self-propelled howitzers and multiple-launch rocket systems. North Korea looks like it's ready to double down on Russia's war, per Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov. Budanov, head of the intelligence agency GUR, told The Warzone that Pyongyang has already given Russia at least 120 M1989 "Koksan" self-propelled howitzers and 120 M1991 multiple-launch rocket systems. The M1989 uses a 170-mm caliber gun, and the M1991 is a 240-mm system. Per The Warzone, Budanov said the artillery deliveries were made over the last three months, and that Pyongyang will likely send another tranche of about the same number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both guns are systems developed by North Korea, and their names designated by the US correspond to the year when Western intelligence first discovered them. Ukraine said that North Korea has sent 120 of its M1991 multiple-launch rocket systems to Russia. AP Photo/Wong Maye-E Pyongyang maintains deep reserves of artillery systems and ammunition, built and stockpiled mainly to defend against or threaten its rival, South Korea. Its systems often use some elements of Soviet or Chinese weaponry. The M1989, for example, is believed to use a modified Soviet artillery tractor to get around. These are also a step up from the 1970s-built North Korean weaponry that Russia was observed using in 2024. This picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency in April 2017 shows M1989 howitzers during a military parade in Pyongyang. STR/AFP via Getty Images Speaking to The Warzone, Budanov said both guns are being used by Russia against Ukrainian troops, and that North Korea is helping to train Russian operators to use the systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The 170mm weapons have powerful ammunition and good capability," Budanov said. "The 240mm MLRS are like any other heavy systems. They make more problems on the front line." Additionally, Budanov said North Korea is expected to send another 150 short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, after sending about 148 in 2024. Intelligence agencies from the West and South Korea also say that Pyongyang has also sent Russia about 12,000 troops from its elite "Storm Corps" units. Western estimates say they've taken heavy casualties since arriving in late 2024 to Kursk. One of the latest tallies, reported by the BBC this week, cites anonymous Western officials saying that 4,000 of the North Koreans were killed or wounded. Business Insider could not independently verify the authenticity of this figure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pyongyang's losses in Kursk pale in comparison to the scope of the entire war, with some Western estimates saying that Russia has suffered more than 600,000 men wounded or killed. However, recurring North Korean support would provide Russia with a valuable source of manpower and weapons. While relatively small compared to Russia's total war consumption, that aid could stand a chance to frustrate Western hopes that Moscow's reliance on defense spending will become unsustainable for its economy. The Kremlin's defense budget has surged for the third year since invading Ukraine in 2022. Military spending made up 32.5% of its federal budget in 2025, up from 28.3% in 2024. Read the original article on Business Insider Ukrainian air defence responded to a Russian drone attack on Kyiv Oblast on the night of 23-24 January. Source: Kyiv Oblast Military Administration Quote: "UAVs were spotted in the airspace. Air defence forces are responding to targets." Details: At 01:26, an air-raid warning was issued in Kyiv Oblast because of the threat of Russian attack drones. Update: The all-clear was given in Kyiv Oblast at 06:22. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed claims made by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, alleging Ukraines involvement in a cyberattack against Slovakia's national insurance company. Source: a statement on the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's website, as reported by European Pravda Details: The ministry "categorically rejects" Ficos hints of Ukraine's connection to the cyberattack against the Slovak health insurance company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Once again, we call on Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico to stop looking for imaginary enemies in Ukraine, which is friendly to Slovakia and the Slovak people." Background: On Friday, 24 January, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that Slovakia's national insurance company had suffered a "massive cyberattack" and claimed, without any evidence, that Ukraine was involved. Earlier this week Fico claimed that a "coup d'etat" was being planned in Slovakia involving the opposition, non-governmental organisations, the media, and a "secret group of foreign experts". Slovak pro-Western opposition parties will soon initiate a vote of no confidence in the government of Robert Fico. Protests against the policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico's government are taking place in over 20 Slovak cities. They began on the evening of Friday, 24 January, under the slogan "Slovakia is Europe". Support UP or become our patron! One of Ukraines Cold War-era Leopard 1 main battle tanks survived as many as a dozen hits from Russian first-person view (FPV) attack drones, according to Ukrainian sources. The incident underscores the proliferation of this particular threat on the battlefield but also points to the effectiveness of the up-armored version of the venerable Leopard 1, examples of which have received a variety of different protective measures in Ukrainian service. A video published by the Ukrainian Militarnyi news outlet shows the tank in question, repeatedly being struck by drones, in a compilation of footage taken from original Russian sources. While its hard to say with certainty that we are seeing the same tank throughout the video, in the first part, at least, the same tank is seen from the perspective of multiple drones in the same location, parked among trees. We then see whats purportedly the same vehicle moving along a tree-lined road, where its again targeted on multiple occasions. According to Ukrainian sources, the tank, a Leopard 1A5, survived no fewer than a dozen hits from the quadcopter-type FPV drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tank was first detected by Russian forces while stationary in a treeline. In this position, the Leopard 1 was targeted by five FPV drones. The tank withstood three hits to the frontal part, as well as two more to the left side and rear of the hull, Militarnyi reports. After that, the tank moved away from its initial position on the treeline and began to move along a road. Here it stopped for some reason and came under attack again. It took another three drone hits, apparently to the hull above the engine and transmission compartment. This was still not enough to immobilize it, and it began to move forward again, after which two subsequent hits to the same spot stopped the tank and probably caused a fire. Its unclear what happened to the tank crew, but the Ukrainian report suggests that they likely escaped from the tank before it was put out of action, noting that most of the hits were not to the crew compartments and the time interval between the drones arrivals was sufficient for the soldiers to evacuate. Provided the crew did escape, their survival was certainly helped by the additional protective measures that have been added to the Leopard 1s by the Ukrainian Armed Forces Main Armored Directorate. A Ukrainian tank crew member of the 68th Jaeger Brigade stands on a Leopard 1A5 tank during a break in the fighting, near Pokrovsk, in the eastern Donetsk region, on Dec. 13, 2024. (Photo by Roman PILIPEY / AFP) ROMAN PILIPEY The most obvious of these modifications in the video is the cope cage structure over the turret. These overhead metal screens have become a trademark of Ukrainian and Russian vehicles fighting in Ukraine and are intended to deflect FPV kamikaze drones as well as drone-dropped mortars. Further protection is provided by netting, draped over the cage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The up-armored Leopard 1 also features nets elsewhere as well as grille-type slat armor over the more vulnerable rear part of the hull. Slat armor is designed to protect against the shaped charges in many anti-tank rounds, which need to detonate at certain distances from the target to be most effective. In the meantime, shaped charges and repurposed anti-tank projectiles are common payloads for FPV drones, as well. Leopard-1A5V of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment pic.twitter.com/Eq2iZsZenD (@TheDeadDistrict) January 13, 2025 Leopard-2A4V of the 155th Brigade. Tank is equipped with K-1 ERA and folded cope cage. pic.twitter.com/k4JOhP3mBa (@TheDeadDistrict) January 22, 2025 Finally, and not so apparent in the video due to the low resolution, are the explosive reactive armor (ERA) bricks that have been added to Leopard 1s, and other Ukrainian tanks, and which provide a defense against penetrating anti-tank munitions like high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) and armor-piercing rounds. ERA functions by detonating on impact before the round hits the tanks hull. The counter-blast effect can disrupt the weapons effects or destroy it outright. A Ukrainian Leopard 1A5 almost entirely covered in ERA bricks. via X In the past, we have seen Ukrainian tanks, including Western-supplied ones, covered with an extensive outer layer of Soviet-era Kontakt ERA bricks, also used by Russia to enhance the protection of a range of different platforms. Were it not for these measures, the basic version of the Leopard would most likely have been destroyed by the first hits along with the crew, the Militarnyi report contends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After all, the original Leopard 1 developed in the 1960s was designed to provide protection against very different kinds of threats than those encountered on the battlefield in Ukraine, primarily the main guns of enemy tanks and anti-tank guns. A Leopard 1A5 tank fires during a military exercise at the Klietz military training area in Klietz, eastern Germany, on Feb. 23, 2024, ahead of its transfer to Ukraine, and without any of the additional protective features since added. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP) RONNY HARTMANN Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other, non-kinetic defensive measures have also been added to fighting vehicles used by both Ukraine and Russia, although the Leopard 1 in the video was apparently not fitted with any kind of electronic warfare equipment to disrupt the control systems of the attacking drones. While this likely reflects the limited availability of these kinds of systems, it should also be noted that Russia is making increasing use of FPV drones controlled using fiber-optic cables, which cannot be disrupted by Ukrainian jamming. Evading FPV drones is now frequently essential for survival in the Russia-Ukraine war, and we have previously profiled some other standout incidents, including the Russian T-80 tank that came under sustained attack by a succession of explosive-laden FPV drones before apparently making its escape. You can see the video of that engagement embedded below. Reposting this video showing a Russian T-80BVM tank with a roof screen and deploying smoke surviving multiple FPV hits and misses.https://t.co/nS5v1Vx15F https://t.co/YpwuUrelOT pic.twitter.com/A6ethi6l0O Rob Lee (@RALee85) December 13, 2023 As for the Leopard 1, Germany first announced that it would transfer these to Ukraine in early 2023, providing examples that it had withdrawn many years ago and then held in storage. These were refurbished before being delivered and were also joined by further examples drawn from Belgian and Dutch stocks. The first of these tanks had begun to arrive in Ukraine in the summer of 2023. By providing additional protection, using the package developed by the Main Armored Directorate, Ukraine has demonstrated that the old Leopard 1 can still play a useful role on the battlefield, although its presence also reflects the limited numbers of more modern tanks that Ukraine has available. While 155 Leopard 1s have been made available to Ukraine so far, the country only received 31 U.S.-supplied M1A1 Abrams and 29 Leopard 2A4s. A recent video shows a Ukrainian Leopard 1 engaging Russian soldiers hiding out in a ruined building in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine: Ukrainian Leopard 1 tank crew of the 1st Tank Battalion of 5th Heavy Mechanized Brigade fires at orcs trying to hide in the ruins of a school. Khurakove direction. January 2025. Baba Yaga Fella (@babayaga.fellas.social) 2025-01-23T00:59:06.648Z Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Leopard 1 is no longer used by Germany, but there are significant numbers available from storage depots. However, the issue of securing ammunition for the older tanks 105mm rifled main gun could be difficult to resolve in the long term. For now, however, the Leopard 1 remains very much in the thick of the action on the front lines. This recent video provides a remarkable demonstration of the resilience of the tank, once it has been provided with additional Ukrainian-sourced protective measures and once again highlights the ever-present threat of FPV drones on the battlefield. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com Drones sent by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in cooperation with other components of the defence forces, hit facilities involved in the supply of Russian forces on the night of 23-24 January. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on social media; Ukrainska Pravda source in the defence forces Details: The strikes caused fires at the Ryazan Oil Refinery's production facilities and the Ryazan oil pumping station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The source said that the Ryazan Refinery is one of the largest in Russia with a processing capacity of 17 million tonnes of oil per year. At least three tanks are on fire there. In addition, the fire, which broke out after UAV strikes, engulfed the room where the diesel fuel and aviation gas hydrotreating unit is located. Local residents recorded on social media that they had heard more than 50 explosions. "" ... pic.twitter.com/vJ5avtNlaP (@ukrpravda_news) January 24, 2025 In addition, the drones also hit the Ryazan oil pumping station and the Ryazan thermal power plant. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that the Kremny El microelectronics plant in Bryansk was also hit. This is one of the key companies in Russia's microelectronics industry. The plant produces a wide range of chips and components used in strategically important weapons systems, particularly Topol-M and Bulava missile systems, S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, and combat aircraft onboard electronics. The results of this strike are being confirmed. Background: Drone attacks were reported in several Russian oblasts on the evening of 23 January, including explosions near the Ryazan Oil Refinery. On the morning of 24 January, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed that they had destroyed 121 drones that had attacked 11 Russian oblasts, the city of Moscow and temporarily occupied Crimea during the night. Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- US President Donald Trumps decision to once again categorize the Houthi militant group in Yemen as a terrorist organization marks the beginning of their end,, according to the vice president of Yemens United Nations-recognized government. Most Read from Bloomberg It will also further curb Irans influence in the region, Yemeni Vice President Aidarous al-Zubaidi said in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump signed the order on Wednesday. His move is designed to weaken the Tehran-backed group, which has been attacking Israel and ships in the Red Sea with drones and missiles, rattling global freight markets. The decision will further boost the USs momentum in the region at a time when Iran has become toothless, Zubaidi said. He cited the degradation of Irans proxies chiefly Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon at the hands of Israel for Tehrans reduced influence. In addition, President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, another crucial ally, was toppled in December. Still, Zubaidi expects the militant group to intensify its operations in response to the new terrorist designation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN-recognized government is based in the Yemeni port city of Aden but its leaders maintain residences in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Al Zubaidi is often in Abu Dhabi, the UAEs capital. The Houthis criticized Trumps move and said it would hinder supplies of aid into Yemen, where the group controls the capital Sanaa, the key port of Hodeida and many other western areas. The Houthis have engaged in missile and drone attacks on cargo ships and other vessels sailing in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden for more than a year. The campaign started after the Hamas assault on Israel in October 2023 triggered the war in Gaza. Since a ceasefire in that conflict started on Sunday, the Houthis have suggested they could stop attacking US- and UK-linked vessels. Most major Western shipping firms say theyll need more reassurance before theyre ready to sail through the region again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zubaidi described the Houthis as Irans last military arm in the region, saying international powers ought to coordinate their efforts to ensure their demise. In addition to a military campaign the US, UK and Israel have been striking Houthi targets regularly the group must be politically and financially pressured, he said. The Houthis terrorist designation was first applied at the end of Trumps first term. Former President Joe Biden revoked it in 2021, citing the risk of famine in Yemen, a country that has been in civil war since 2014. In January last year, Biden relisted the Houthis as a specially designated global terrorist group as opposed to the stricter foreign terrorist organization classification in order to leave some room for its leaders to engage in UN-sponsored peace talks. That move was accompanied by the start of US airstrikes against the Houthis in retaliation for their maritime assaults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Mohammed Hatem and Sam Dagher. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Since a six-week ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant organization Hamas came into force on Sunday, more and more aid has been reaching the Gaza Strip, according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). On Thursday alone, 653 lorries travelled to the Gaza Strip via the Erez and Zikim border crossings in the territory's north and the Kerem Shalom border crossing in the south, OCHA reported, citing Israeli authorities and the guarantors of the ceasefire agreement. According to UN figures, around 500 lorries a day delivered goods and aid to the Gaza Strip before the war began in October 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volunteers and aid workers were now reaching previously difficult to access areas, OCHA said, adding that working conditions had improved significantly. Aid organizations have been able to significantly expand the provision of life-saving aid and services. The majority of the aid delivered to the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire came into force consists of food. However, further shipments of medicines, materials for shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene items are expected in the coming days. 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 territory to ruins, and also launched a ground incursion with the aim to fully eradicate Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to Palestinian estimates. A fragile ceasefire went into effect on Sunday after months of stalled negotiations. The first phase of the ceasefire agreement 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 delivery of aid to Gaza has been difficult both due to Israel's security concerns and their thorough inspections of cargo and due to looting of aid lorries by armed groups. The United Nations said on Friday that Yemen's Houthi rebels have once again detained its personnel in the war-wracked country. They were detained in areas controlled by the Iran-backed militia, the UN Yemen office said. To protect employees, all official movements in these areas are suspended until further notice, it said. The incident occurred on Thursday. Further details were not initially released, including how many people were affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The militia has not commented on the incident. The Houthis have previously detained United Nations employees on several occasions. The Houthis are the de facto authorities in the areas they control, including the capital Sana'a, as they have taken over the administration, security forces and judiciary there. However, they are not recognized internationally as the legitimate government of the country. Yemen has been in the throes of a devastating conflict between the internationally recognized government, Houthi rebels and their allies since late 2014. Saudi Arabia, a bitter rival of Iran, is supporting the government in its fight against the Houthis. According to the United Nations, the conflict in Yemen has led to a humanitarian catastrophe, with the country on the brink of famine. The Triads reputation as a prolific, fine-tuned economic engine, particularly in advanced manufacturing and healthcare, has taken a punch in the gut from a high-profile national measuring stick. The Milken Institute released last week its 2025 ranking of 200 metropolitan areas thats based on economic growth, foremost both long- and short-term measurements of employment and indicators of high-tech output. The 2025 index and rankings are mainly based on economic data from 2023. As such, the data doesnt reflect recent advanced manufacturing and healthcare expansions and announcements in the region. The five-county Winston-Salem metro fell from No. 86 to No. 179, while the three-county Greensboro-High Point metro dropped from No. 164 to No. 187. Not only is it the lowest rankings for either metros since Milken launched the ranking in 2003. Winston-Salem trailed only San Francisco and Elgin, Ill., for the biggest drop among the 200 largest metros in the 2025 rankings. Milken said Winston-Salems fall was driven mainly by low short-term job growth, primarily in the manufacturing sector. Winston-Salem has a relatively large share of employment in the manufacturing sector, which has experienced low job growth in recent years, according to the analysis. Winston-Salem also experienced great losses in its high-tech Gross Domestic Product growth. Meanwhile, the Greensboro-High Point metro experienced a similar drop in the 2024 index after being No. 108 in 2023. The Raleigh-Cary MSA was ranked first overall, while the Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord MSA dropped from No. 10 to No. 24. Raleighs ascent to the first position for the first time in more than 10 years is due to its excellent performance in a range of aspects that feature a thriving high-tech sector, strong labor market and robust access to economic opportunity. Whats puzzling is that the Durham-Chapel Hill MSA rose from No. 36 to No. 16, in part because of an economic spillover effect from Raleigh and the Wilmington MSA climbed from No. 21 to No. 13. Government officials, policymakers and businesses can use such insights to create an economic strategy to foster sustainable economic growth in the metros that drive the nations growth, Milken said. Significant weight The Milken rankings carry significant weight in the Triad, as well as nationally. The Triads three chambers of commerce latched onto the analysis in 2004 as the region was attempting to recover from the latest wave of furniture, textile and tobacco manufacturing losses from the 2001-03 recession. At that time, the chambers pledged to get the region into the top 50 of large metros by 2010 through cooperating more on economic-development projects and improving local workforce skills challenges that have continued to persist over the past 22 years. In recent years, Milken has been separating the 200 metros into five tiers. Winston-Salem was listed as 12th out of the 32 Tier 5 regions, while Greensboro-High Point was 20th. Milken said the 2025 rankings reflect a post-COVID-19 pandemic period in which metros remain at the center of economic activity. Milken said the index is based on 13 metrics that combine labor market conditions, high-tech growth and access to economic opportunities. For Winston-Salem, the top individual category scores are No. 24 for housing affordability during 2023. The lowest scores are No. 196 for high-tech GDP for the 2022-23 period, and No. 191 for job growth for 2022-23 period. Winston-Salem was ranked as performing better than the national average in just two of the 13 categories. For Greensboro-High Point, the top individual category scores are No. 36 for number of high-tech industries with a location quotient above one. The lowest scores are No. 190 for job growth for 2022-23 period. Greensboro also was ranked as performing better than the national average in just two of the 13 categories. Mark Vitner, chief economist with Piedmont Crescent Capital, said the Milken rankings tend to favor metro areas with large information technology sectors and rapid population and employment growth a description that aligns well with the Raleigh area, which explains its top ranking in their report. As such, Vitner said, it may be time for Triad economic and elected officials to reassess how much emphasis they place on the Milken rankings. Winston-Salem and Greensboro are unlikely to rank high, even after the Toyota Battery manufacturing plant is fully operational with a projected 5,100 jobs, Vitner said. Milkens definition of high-tech excludes most manufacturing jobs, even when those jobs involve producing high-tech products. Something amiss The plunge in the Milken rankings drew concerned, and yet skeptical, responses from Triad economic and elected officials. This significant drop is concerning, and the large change leads me to believe that there is something amiss in the ratings because weve had a good year in terms of recruitment and job growth in our city, Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines said. We are poised for additional significant growth in the technology industry, the medical area and other high-tech manufacturing processes. Don Martin, chairman of Forsyth Board of Commissioners, said his review of the latest Milken rankings shows that while the Winston-Salem metro had a large decline, it may be that when actual scores that are ranked are clustered close together, there may not be much difference in an indicator, but the rank change may be huge. Martin cited as an example the Triads dependency on manufacturing employers makes the regions economy more susceptible to major rises and falls than metros with a small manufacturing footprint. Both Winston-Salem and Guilford are impacted more than areas with fewer manufacturing jobs, Martin said. It was good to see that our housing affordability ranking was still low at No. 24. I would think that our score is a more of a blip than something to be concerned about but more study is needed. Perhaps Greater Winston-Salem Inc. can get the technical document and compare the raw metric changes in the last two years and understand this data better. Mark Owens, president and chief executive of Greater Winston-Salem Inc., said that while the Milken report offers one assessment of economic performance, it fails to capture much of the growth our community has experienced in recent years. Over the past four years, Winston-Salem has achieved job creation levels that exceed those of the previous decade, driven by targeted economic development efforts. Owens said the groups economic-development and recruitment strategies prioritize consistent growth and leveraging our strengths in industries that offer stability, job growth and long-term economic impact. This progress highlights the resilience and innovation of our business community and workforce. We remain confident in Winston-Salems trajectory and are committed to fostering a thriving and inclusive economy. Brighter times ahead Although both Triad metros fell in the 2024 rankings, the bright side is that there is a great likelihood of them climbing significantly over the next six years. Forsyth County and the Triad extended during 2023 and 2024 a four-year wave of landing high-profile advanced manufacturing projects. The foremost announcement was a second expansion of the Toyota Battery Manufacturing plant in Liberty to 2,100 to 5,100 jobs and from $5.9 billion to almost $14 billion in capital investment. Pledges made during 2023 include: Deere & Co. in Kernersville ($69.6 million, up to 89 jobs); Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd. (352 jobs in Linwood); Nestle Purina PetCare (350 jobs in Eden); Honda Aircraft Co. at Piedmont Triad International Airport ($55.7 million, 280 jobs); Marshall Aerospace USA at Piedmont Triad International Airport ($50 million, 240 jobs); Nucor Corp. in Lexington ($350 million, 180 jobs); ProKidney Corp. (50 jobs in Winston-Salem); and Ziehl-Abegg in Winston-Salem ($100 million and 600 jobs). For 2024, pledges made include: * Winston-Salem MSA: Foster Caviness (more than 300 jobs); Purple Crow (274 new jobs); SBA Group (250 jobs in Mocksville); John Deere Electric Powertrain (150); US Foods (105 jobs in Lexington); Nelipak Corp. (79 jobs); Excel Interior Door LLC (69 jobs); Wieland Copper Products LLC (50 jobs in Stokes County). * Greensboro-High Point: Ross Stores Inc. (852 jobs in Randleman); Drylock Technologies (150 jobs in Reidsville); IQE Inc. (109 jobs); Clearly Clean Products LLC (80); Banknote Corp. (50); James M. Pleasants Co. Inc. (40); and Best Choice Metal Structures (30 new, 30 retained jobs). Vitner said the economic growth generated by Toyota, Boom and other projects still will improve the Triads future rankings. I see better days ahead for the Triad, and the recent run of economic development successes will become more evident in coming years, particularly when these projects are fully up and running and fueling home building and commercial development. Michael Walden, an economics professor at N.C. State University, also pointed to the Toyota plant and Boom Supersonic facility for reasons for optimism about moving back up the Milken rankings. Here is evidence that since the pandemic, new business announcements have been more dispersed in the state, Walden said. If there has been a shift in locational preference, the Triad metros could benefit. Brent Christensen, president and chief executive of Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, considers the 2025 Milken rankings as a snapshot of past economic performance. While the Greensboro MSAs position remained steady this year, were focused on whats ahead. Our areas future is incredibly bright with transformative projects, like the Toyota Battery Manufacturing plant, in addition to aerospace advancements at PTI with Boom Supersonic, Marshall Aerospace and others. These developments are setting the stage for sustained growth, high-quality job creation, and continued innovation, Christensen said. Greensboro is poised to climb the ranks as these investments come to fruition. DUBAI (Reuters) -The United Nations said on Friday that the Houthis who control northern Yemen had detained seven U.N. personnel, and it was suspending all UN staff movement in Houthi-held areas while seeking the detainees' immediate release. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the move and demanded the immediate release of the detainees. Earlier, the U.N. had said the arrests had taken place in the area of capital Sanaa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All official movement of U.N. staff into or within Houthi-held areas has been suspended to protect the safety of staff. "The United Nations will continue to work through all possible channels to secure the safe and immediate release of those arbitrarily detained," Guterres said in a statement. Houthi officials could not immediately be reached for comment. The Houthis, who are aligned to Iran, have attacked shipping in the Red Sea, drawing airstrikes from the United States and Britain. The United Nations also complained last June that the group had detained 11 members of its staff. "The continued targeting of UN personnel and its partners negatively impacts our ability to assist millions of people in need in Yemen," Guterres said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis have held around 20 Yemeni employees of the U.S. embassy in Sanaa for the past three years. The embassy suspended operations a decade ago. (Reporting by Jana Choukeir in Dubai, Menna Alaa in Cairo, Mohammed Ghobari in Aden and David Ljunggren in Ottawa;Editing by Peter Graff and Rosalba O'Brien) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The United Nations on Friday suspended all travel into areas held by Yemen's Houthi rebels after seven more of their staff were detained by the rebels. The Houthis have already detained U.N. staffers, as well as individuals associated with the once-open U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, aid groups and civil society. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres late Friday demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the seven, as well as all other U.N. who are being held by the Houthis, some since 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yesterday, the de facto authorities in Sanaa detained additional U.N. personnel working in areas under their control," a U.N. statement read. To ensure the security and safety of all its staff, the United Nations has suspended all official movements into and within areas under the de facto authorities' control. Before Friday, the U.N. had a total of 16 Yemeni staff in Houthi detention. Staffers found seven others had been taken and halted their work, which provides food, medicine and other aid to the impoverished nation. In June, the U.N. acknowledged 11 Yemeni employees were detained by the Houthis under unclear circumstances as the rebels increasingly cracked down on areas under their control. Several dozen others from aid agencies and other organizations are also held. The U.N. added that it was actively engaging with senior representatives of the Houthis, who have held Yemen's capital since 2014. The Iranian-backed rebels have been at war with a Saudi-led coalition battling on behalf of the country's exiled government since 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guterres said Friday that their continued arbitrary detention is unacceptable. The continued targeting of U.N. personnel and its partners negatively impacts our ability to assist millions of people in need in Yemen, he warned in a statement. The Houthis must deliver on their previous commitments and act in the best interests of the Yemeni people and the overall efforts to achieve peace in Yemen. The Houthis did not acknowledge the U.N.'s decision, which came as they have otherwise been trying to deescalate their attacks on shipping and Israel after a ceasefire was reached in the Israel-Hamas war. U.S. President Donald Trump separately has moved to reinstate a terrorism designation he made on the group late in his first term that had been revoked by President Joe Biden, potentially setting the stage for new tensions with the rebels. It wasn't clear if the Houthis viewed the U.N. detentions as being linked to the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis earlier this week said they would limit their attacks on ships in the Red Sea corridor and released the 25-member crew of the Galaxy Leader, a ship they seized back in November 2023. However, the Houthis have run a campaign targeting those with Western ties for some time. The group has been airing repeated programs on television channels they control parading people they describe as working with Western intelligence agencies or the Israelis. The war in Yemen has killed more than 150,000 people, including fighters and civilians, and created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters, killing tens of thousands more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis attacks on shipping during the Israel-Hamas war have helped deflect attention from their problems at home. But they have faced casualties and damage from U.S.-led airstrikes targeting the group for months now, as well as other strikes by Israel. Thousands have been imprisoned by the Houthis during the war. An Associated Press investigation found some detainees were scorched with acid, forced to hang from their wrists for weeks at a time, or were beaten with batons. Meanwhile, the Houthis have employed child soldiers and indiscriminately laid mines in the conflict. Deploying a NATO peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire in the war with Russia could lead to "uncontrolled escalation," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed on Jan. 23 during a press briefing. The statement comes amid discussions about a possible deployment of European soldiers to Ukraine to monitor a future ceasefire deal. Zakharova also mentioned recent statements by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius that their countries could provide troops for a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The intervention of NATO troops in Ukraine is categorically unacceptable for Russia, it will turn into uncontrolled escalation," she said. Zelensky has been in contact with several European leaders about the prospects of the peacekeeping mission, an initiative that French President Emmanuel Macron has spearheaded. Pistorius said earlier that Germany, as NATO's largest member in Europe, "will have a role to play" in keeping peace in Ukraine, while Starmer said that the U.K. had discussed the idea of a peacekeeping mission with other allies and that it will play a "full part" in peacekeeping efforts. The idea has also found support from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called upon Europe to take up greater responsibility for Ukraines security and pledged to bring a swift end to the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ahead of Trumps inauguration, Ukraines European partners cant afford to watch and wait for Washingtons next move Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) A union of around 2,000 nurses and healthcare professionals at UMH-Sparrow has officially voted to approve a new contract with the hospitalwith 95 percent of participants voting yes. The hospital and the Professional Employee Council of Sparrow Hospital-Michigan Nurses Association (PECSH-MNA) reached an agreement in principle last Tuesday after negotiating since August, averting a planned strike that would have begun Monday. Were really proud that we as a union stood strong to get what nurses and healthcare professionals at Sparrow need and deserve, said Leah Rasch, RN and co-chair of the elected PECSH-MNA bargaining team. This is one of the best contracts anyone can remember at our hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the union voted over four days starting Monday. The results were tallied Thursday, with 95 percent voting yes. We are pleased to have secured a new long-term contract covering our hardworking and dedicated team members, said Margaret Dimond, regional president of University of Michigan Health. We are grateful to all of our team members for continuing to put our patients and the community first and always delivering outstanding care. According to the union, the new contract, which runs through Oct. 30, 2027, includes: Wage increases between 20% and 32% Increases in differentials (extra hourly pay) for night, evening, and weekend shifts Guaranteed healthcare plan equal to or better than previous coverage Permanent decrease in the cost of members premium contribution to Blue Cross Blue Shield starting in 2026 New language guaranteeing no permanent replacements of positions with subcontractors Extended COVID-19 protections Increased benefits for employees injured by workplace violence Vacation actual for salaried members on paid-out comp time Ratification bonus Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. UnitedHealthcare announced it has a new CEO earlier this week, almost two months after former CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in Manhattan. The health insurance giants new CEO is longtime company employee Tim Noel. Noel joined UnitedHealth Group in 2007 serving in a financial and operations role, according to the companys website. He also worked on restructuring at Northwest Airlines during its bankruptcy proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noel brings unparalleled experience to the role and a track record of improving how health care works for consumers, physicians, employers, governments and our partners, a UnitedHealthcare spokesperson told The Hill via email. Thompson was killed in a targeted attack while on his way to an investor conference in Midtown Manhattan. He was appointed chief executive officer of the company in 2021. Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Maryland native, was charged with the killing of Thompson. He faces 11 counts in New York state, including one for first-degree murder and one of murder in the second-degree as an act of terrorism, according to an indictment. He pleaded not guilty to those charges during an arraignment in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompsons killing unleashed a stream of criticisms online against health insurance providers, as some even offered praise for Mangione. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A University of Arkansas student who died after falling from a balcony at The Cardinal at West Center in Fayetteville has been identified. The student, reported dead on Jan. 20, was identified as 19-year-old Daniel Adin Hogue from Edmond, Oklahoma. Sgt. Stephen Mauk with the Fayetteville Police Department said that while toxicology reports are still pending, the evidence suggests Hogues death was a tragic accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Hogues obituary, he was a freshman majoring in finance with a minor in business. University of Arkansas parent reacts to students death at off-campus apartment This is the third balcony fall at The Cardinal in the past year, with two incidents happening during Jan. 2025, and one occurring in 2024, according to Mauk. This incident follows a similar fall on Jan. 14, when an 18-year-old female student fell from a fifth-floor balcony and sustained critical injuries. This is a developing story. Stay with KNWA/FOX24 for the latest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Maryland Deaf Community Center looks to add bleachers to its future gym, modifying the previously approved plan slightly. The new MDCC will be near the intersection of North East Street and 8th Street in Frederick. The 11,000-square-foot center will include open lounge space, meeting rooms, a kitchen and the multipurpose gym, among other amenities, according to Lori Bonheyo, the MDCC's vice president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharon Kemper Suarez, a city planner, said at a community outreach meeting on Tuesday that because less than 10% of the total plan will be changed, the modification will go through a review by the city staff. The bleacher addition will be another 538 square feet on the overall plan, according to city documents. Mackenzie Mogan, an engineer with Kimley-Horn, said on behalf of the project that the change will be "adjusting the building a bit," though the plan reflects "just a revision" to the original plan. Bonheyo wrote in a text message that the bleachers would help the gym meet the needs of groups from the community that expressed an interest in using the future gym. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's a lack of gym rentals for them to rent and they were thrilled to know that we will build a gym with bleachers," she wrote. Bonheyo added that the MDCC continues to seek funding from the community to complete the multipurpose gym project. By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. immigration agents rounded up undocumented migrants as well as American citizens in a raid of a Newark, New Jersey, worksite on Thursday that the city's mayor said involved detaining a military veteran and violations of the people's rights. The raid in New Jersey's most populous city, hailed in the past by mayor Ras Baraka for its "sanctuary" policies protecting migrants, follows President Donald Trump's pledge to deport millions of immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump issued a raft of executive orders after taking office on Monday that aim to clamp down on illegal immigration. He has taken steps to punish officials who resist enforcement of his sweeping crackdown. In a raid of a business establishment in Newark, outside New York City, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents failed to produce a warrant as they detained "undocumented residents as well as citizens," Baraka said in a statement. "One of the detainees is a U.S. military veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned," Baraka said. In a statement, an ICE spokesperson said that agents "may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today in Newark." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson said that ICE was investigating the incident. Baraka said the raid had violated the citizens' rights under the U.S. Constitution. "Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized," he said. Neither Baraka nor ICE identified the business raided by name. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said on X that the Trump administration arrested 538 people on Thursday, describing all of them as "illegal immigrant criminals". She said they included members of a Venezuelan prison gang and people convicted of sex crimes. Leavitt did not provide more details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A range of studies by academics and think tanks have shown that immigrants do not commit crime at a higher rate than native-born Americans. Other studies find that immigrants in the U.S. illegally also do not commit crimes at a higher rate. SANCTUARY CITIES Baraka, the Newark mayor, is one of the first local officials in the U.S. to issue a statement on a specific raid following the start of Trump's immigration crackdown. In 2017, he signed an executive order cementing Newark's sanctuary status, and was a vocal opponent of Trump's immigration policies during the president's first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the estimated 11 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally or with temporary status in 2022, about 44% lived in states with "sanctuary" laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. That figure does not include those in sanctuary cities and counties in places without a statewide law, such as New Mexico. U.S. media outlets reported that federal law enforcement and ICE agents had arrested nearly 500 undocumented migrants wanted for outstanding crimes in sanctuary cities, including some from New York and New Jersey. The reports cited ICE officials who said the arrests took place on Tuesday and Wednesday. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; editing by Rami Ayyub and Stephen Coates) U.S. military equipment sales to foreign governments jumped 29% in 2024, reaching a record $318.7 billion, according to the State Department. Countries ramped up purchases to restock supplies sent to Ukraine and prepare for potential large-scale conflicts. The Biden administration's final-year figures reinforce expectations of strong performance for U.S. defense manufacturers like Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman. Analysts predict their shares will rise in response to increasing global instability, according to Reuters. During his campaign, now President Donald Trump called on U.S. allies to invest more in their defenses. He proposed raising NATOs defense spending target to 5% of GDP, a significant increase from the current 2% goala level no NATO member, including the U.S., currently meets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The demand for weaponry has surged due to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, putting pressure on defense contractors to keep up. Governments worldwide are submitting orders to bolster their military stocks, while the U.S. works to replenish its own supplies sent to Kyiv. The State Department described arms sales and transfers as "important U.S. foreign policy tools with potential long-term implications for regional and global security." Notable 2024 deals included $23 billion in F-16 jets and upgrades for Turkey, $18.8 billion in F-15 fighter jets for Israel, and $2.5 billion in M1A2 Abrams tanks for Romania. Many of these orders contribute to the growing backlog for U.S. defense companies. Future quarters are expected to benefit from orders for hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, Patriot missile interceptors, and armored vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign governments procure U.S. arms through two primary channels: direct commercial sales negotiated with defense companies or foreign military sales coordinated via the U.S. government, often through Defense Department officials at embassies. Both methods require government approval. Direct commercial sales reached $200.8 billion in fiscal 2024, up from $157.5 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, government-facilitated foreign military sales rose to $117.9 billion, compared to $80.9 billion the previous year. Read also: Trump accuses Russia of stealing plans for U.S. hypersonic missile Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) A U.S. Army soldier is facing multiple federal sex crime charges involving a minor in New Mexico. Story continues below According to a federal indictment, Victor Barnett Lane allegedly coerced a minor into sexual activity, traveled from South Korea to New Mexico for purposes of sexual activity, and produced child sexual abuse imagery. The indictment claims the alleged activities took place between November 2022 and May 2024 and involved a minor under the age of 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lane was ordered to remain in custody pending trial. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The Bristol Bay, a U.S. Coast Guard cutter from Detroit, which headed Thursday toward Buffalo, New York, is attempting to free a Canadian freighter stuck in the thick ice on frigid Lake Erie. The 663-foot Manitoulin had reportedly just dropped off a load of wheat and sought to return to Sarnia, Ontario, when it became snagged just before noon Wednesday in the frozen water, unable to continue moving forward. Its unclear how long it might take to free the ship, the Coast Guard said. The lake ice this year, officials added, appear to be much thicker than in the past, and there are few signs that it will soon thaw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Official said that the 17 crew members aboard the vessel has enough fuel, food and electricity. They are all in good health, and there were no concerns for their safety or wellbeing. The icebreaking effort resumes to free the freighter Manitoulin from the Lake Erie ice. The Manitoulin is in the distance to the right as the USCG Bristol Bay works to clear a path to the left. Much improved weather conditions. @WBEN pic.twitter.com/8EU25tiSw3 Tim Wenger (@TimWBEN) January 24, 2025 It is common during this time of year for freighters to get stuck, especially with cold temperatures that have been fluctuating between 15 degrees and 1 degree below zero, the Coast Guard added. The immobilized ship, however, has created a striking sight and local spectacle. More: Left out in brutal cold, dog 'laid down and died,' Detroit rescue group says The Bristol Bay was dispatched, the Coast Guard said, because local boats dont have the ability to cut through the thick ice. Its operation near Buffalo follows the successful rescue earlier this week closer to home of two people from an ice floe in the Saginaw Bay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: US Coast Guard cutter attempts to free freighter from Lake Erie ice By Susan Heavey and Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A federal judge on Friday barred Stewart Rhodes, the former leader of the far-right Oath Keepers group, and others in its top ranks from entering Washington - and specifically the U.S. Capitol - unless they get court permission, after President Donald Trump ordered them released from prison. Rhodes was among hundreds of Trump supporters serving prison sentences for taking part in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. They went free after Trump on Monday, his first day in office, issued a sweeping grant of clemency for all of the nearly 1,600 people criminally charged in the riot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You must not knowingly enter the District of Columbia without first obtaining the permission from the Court," read the order signed by Judge Amit Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. It also said the defendants could not enter the Capitol building or surrounding grounds without court permission. Prosecutors accused some of Rhodes' co-defendants of leading a charge up the Capitol steps during the riot. Rhodes was photographed and videotaped visiting the Capitol on Wednesday, a day after his release. Rhodes told reporters that his release had been a vindication. Trump told reporters on Thursday he would be open to meeting with Jan. 6 defendants. Rhodes and seven of his co-defendants, all former members of the Oath Keepers, were among the 14 Jan. 6 defendants not given a full pardon, allowing a judge to impose some conditions on their release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal prosecutor on Friday asked the judge to lift the order, arguing that the judge no longer had the authority to impose conditions on Rhodes and the seven co-defendants after Trump commuted their sentences. "The individuals referenced in our motion have had their sentences commuted period, end of sentence," Ed Martin, the Trump-appointed interim U.S. attorney in Washington, said in a statement. Four other federal judges who oversaw Capitol riot cases have spoken out against the mass pardons and defended how the legal system had treated the cases. Rhodes had been serving an 18-year sentence after being found guilty of seditious conspiracy for plotting to use force to prevent Congress from certifying Trump's 2020 election defeat to Joe Biden. Several co-defendants were also convicted of the same charge. (Reporting by Susan Heavey and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Scott Malone, Chizu Nomiyama, Howard Goller and Cynthia Osterman) By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican and Democratic U.S. lawmakers will introduce a bill on Friday requiring the Trump administration to review whether Hong Kong officials should be sanctioned for human rights violations, according to a bill text seen by Reuters. Republican Representative Young Kim, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific subcommittee, is leading the bill with Democratic Representative Jim McGovern, the top Democrat on the powerful House Rules Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its introduction comes days after the inauguration for a second term of Republican President Donald Trump, who has vowed to step up U.S. efforts to push back on Chinese economic and military power. The "Hong Kong Sanctions Act" requires the U.S. president to determine whether dozens of Hong Kong officials violated human rights and whether sanctions should be imposed under legislation including the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 or Hong Kong Autonomy Act. U.S. lawmakers have long sought sanctions against Hong Kong officials responsible for the political persecution of pro-democracy activists in the former British colony. Among the dozens of officials named in the bill are Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, Police Chief Raymond Siu and Judges Andrew Cheung, Andrew Chan, Johnny Chan, Alex Lee, Esther Toh and Amanda Woodcock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 after months of at times violent pro-democracy protests. The law, which Hong Kong and Beijing said was necessary to restore order and preserve the city's prosperity, punishes subversion, collusion with foreign forces and terrorism with up to life in prison. "Beijings national security law is a facade used by CCP officials to promote authoritarianism and exert control over Hong Kongers," Kim said in a statement. "Congress has given the executive branch many, many tools to counter the PRCs crushing of democracy and human rights in Hong Kong. Its time for these authorities to be fully implemented," McGovern said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the national security law was imposed, hundreds of people have been arrested including opposition politicians, activists, lawyers and journalists. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Michael Perry) VAN BUREN, Ark. A Van Buren man wanted for parole violation was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service at an Amtrack station in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday. Officials said 33-year-old Michael Wayne Hall of Van Buren was wanted for violating the terms of his release after serving 120 days in the Crawford County Detention Center through Dec. 17, 2024. Hall was jailed for charges including attempted human trafficking, aggravated assault on a family or household member and terroristic threatening. Arkansas State Police, U.S. Marshals make third arrest in 2022 interstate shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Van Buren County prosecutor filed a petition to revoke Halls release on Jan. 15. Officials continued that a joint investigation by the Marshals Service and the Van Buren Police Department determined that Hall was likely in Orlando. With that information, Marshals Service members of the Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force began surveillance of the Amtrak station in Orlando. Hall was spotted late Wednesday as he was preparing to board a train, investigators said, and he was arrested without incident. US Marshals Service national operation includes 163 Arkansas arrests, DeValls Bluff shootout Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said Hall is currently being held in the Orange County Correction Center in Orlando, pending extradition to Arkansas, where he is facing a possible 36-year sentence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. WASHINGTON (NewsNation) U.S. military aircraft began flying out migrants on orders from President Donald Trump on Friday, as the Pentagon prepared to send more troops to the southern border. On his first day in office, Trump declared a national emergency at the border, tasking the U.S. military with aiding border security, issuing a broad ban on asylum and taking steps to restrict citizenship for children born on American soil. A Justice Department lawyer had barely started making his arguments in a Seattle courtroom Thursday when U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour began blistering him with questions, calling the executive order blatantly unconstitutional. Coughenour went on to temporarily block the order pending further arguments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A look at executive orders President Trump has signed Trumps Jan. 20 executive order instructed the Pentagon to send as many troops as necessary to obtain complete operational control of the southern border of the United States. Deportation flights have begun, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X, formerly Twitter. On Friday, two U.S. military aircraft, each carrying about 80 migrants, flew from the U.S. to Guatemala, a U.S. official told reporters. Earlier this week, the Trump administration said the U.S. military would be sending 1,500 additional active duty troops to the border with Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. military C-17 aircraft began flying detained migrants out of the country on Friday, following orders from President Donald Trump, as the Pentagon prepared to send more troops to the southern border, including from the Army's elite 82nd Airborne division. Two U.S. military aircraft, each carrying about 80 migrants, flew from the U.S. to Guatemala, a U.S. official told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Guatemala and the United States are committed to putting an end to illegal migration and strengthening border security. Starting with two flights today," the State Department said. In the past, U.S. military aircraft have been used to relocate individuals from one country to another, like during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. This was the first time in recent memory that U.S. military aircraft were being used to fly migrants out of the U.S., one official said. Trump in his first day in office declared illegal immigration a national emergency, tasking the U.S. military with aiding border security, issuing a broad ban on asylum, and taking steps to restrict citizenship for children born on American soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His Jan. 20 executive order instructed the Pentagon to send as many troops as necessary to obtain "complete operational control of the southern border of the United States." "Deportation flights have begun," White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said on a post on X. The Pentagon has said that the U.S. military would provide flights for the deportations of more than 5,000 immigrants held by U.S. authorities in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California. Earlier this week, the Trump administration said the U.S. military would be sending 1,500 additional active-duty troops to the border with Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. officials told Reuters that the military was preparing to send a second wave of troops to the border with Mexico as early as next week, which would likely include troops from the 82nd Airborne. The official said the additional troops could number in the thousands but a formal decision had not been made. Troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are usually prepared to deploy at short notice for crises around the world, typically in conflict zones rather than to the U.S. border with Mexico. Reuters reported this week that there had been informal discussions about sending as many as 10,000 troops over time, though a final figure had not been determined and troop numbers would depend on several factors, including impact on military readiness. During his first term, Republican Trump ordered 5,200 troops to help secure the border with Mexico. Democratic former President Joe Biden deployed active-duty troops to the border as well. (Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart. Additional reporting by Simon Lewis; Editing by Bill Berkrot, Philippa Fletcher and David Gregorio) Children of US soldiers are exempt from VAT on private school fees in the UK while British troops must pay full price, The Telegraph can reveal. Labour has been accused of treating British military families like second-class citizens after repeatedly resisting calls to exempt them from its private school tax raid. However, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) this week confirmed the 20pc VAT levy on fees, introduced on January 1, does not apply to the children of US service personnel. This is due to an historic relief between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a briefing note, seen by The Telegraph, HMRC said private school fees are considered a service and would therefore allow American military families to avoid paying the tax as it fell under the VAT-free purchase scheme. It comes after Labour stopped short of granting an exemption for British service families at the Budget in October. This was despite warnings it could spark an exodus of military families at a time when the Army is at its smallest size in 200 years. James Cartlidge, Shadow Defence Secretary, said: The Government is treating British forces as second-class citizens. Whilst US military families are exempt from VAT, ours are having to fund Labours ideological education tax. We consistently argued for an exemption to be applied. Labour must now urgently adopt that policy or accept they are delivering a deep unfairness to those who serve our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the growing threats Britain faces, this pernicious policy is hitting our armed forces at the worst possible time. While Labour rejected calls to exempt families of British troops from its VAT raid, Chancellor Rachel Reeves did announce an increase in the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA). The taxpayer-funded support, which is available to service personnel and diplomats, is designed to offer stability for children whose parents frequently work away, and can cover up to 90 per cent of boarding school fees. Around 4,700 children currently receive the support. Ahead of the VAT raid, the Government raised the maximum subsidy to 30,633 a year for pupils in secondary boarding schools, a 12.5pc increase from the previous cap of 27,240. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The allowance also rose to 26,190 from 22,467 for children in primary boarding schools. Analysis by The Telegraph found fees rose by 14pc on average this month as a result of the VAT levy, raising the average secondary boarding school fees to 48,403. It means military families are being forced to pay around 2,500 more in mid-priced schools as a result of the VAT raid, even with the CEA uplift. The Army Families Federation told The Telegraph: We are disappointed that a similar exemption has not been made for the children of UK service personnel, in their own country. The mid-year uplift in CEA provided some limited immediate relief, but it does not cover the full increase in costs that many Army families are facing not least since CEA recipients must still pay a minimum of 10pc of the total fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And families are concerned that there is no clarity on future plans for CEA. The Government has stated that it is monitoring the impact of VAT increases on service families but when we have asked for further details on how this is being done, how the results will be assessed and what subsequent actions might be taken, there is no response. Following queries from a number of private schools, HMRC wrote in a briefing note: Entitled US Forces individuals are allowed to purchase goods and services VAT free under the VAT free purchase scheme; private school fees fall into the category of services for these purposes. The VAT-free purchase scheme dates back to the NATO Status of Forces Agreement signed in 1951. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the scheme, schools are able to charge school fees without the VAT applied. The military family then pays using a US government cheque and the school keeps a copy of their VAT-free purchase certificate which it uses to show HMRC as evidence for why they were exempt. There are more than 10,000 serving US military personnel in Britain although the number whose children attend private schools is not known. The Treasury was approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) A U.S. military veterans documentation was questioned during an ICE raid at a New Jersey seafood depot on Thursday, according to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. Luis Janota, the stores owner, told PIX11 News he believes Hispanic workers were targeted when they were asked for papers by the agents. More Local News They did not ask me for documentation for my American workers, Portuguese workers, or white workers, Janota said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three people were detained in the raid, according to the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said the feds are unlawfully terrorizing people in a statement, saying, Today, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided a local establishment in the City of Newark, detaining undocumented residents as well as citizens, without producing a warrant. The veteran was among the three people detained, Baraka said. President Donald Trump signed an executive order upon taking office to round up and send asylum seekers back to the countries where theyre from. He approved sending ICE into hospitals, churches and schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An ICE spokesperson released the following statement: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite on Jan. 23 in Newark, New Jersey. This is an active investigation and per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations. More New Jersey News In Manhattan, the senior pastor of St. Paul and St. Andrew Church in Manhattan posted a sign outside of the sanctuary, warning ICE is not welcome without legal justification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. The current Supreme Court has upended historic precedent on abortion protections and drawn scrutiny for ethics conflicts, while its docket remains packed with high-profile cases set to dominate headlines in the months ahead. Yet one of its lesser-known departures from the past lies in its approach to punctuation. Justice Neil Gorsuch boldly departed from court tradition in 2017 with his first Supreme Court opinion. In 11 pages, he used 15 contractions. He even used one in the first paragraph: Thats the nub of the dispute now before us, he casually stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gorsuchs predecessor, the late Justice Antonin Scalia, was known as a gifted, dramatic writer. Scalia thought that contractions combining two words with an apostrophe into a shorter form, such as dont in place of do not were intellectually abominable. Gorsuchs strikingly informal phrasing signaled a shift toward a more modern, conversational writing style by all nine justices. While the courts politics have veered right, the justices prose has arguably shifted left, becoming more liberal and accessible. Todays Supreme Court unanimously and actively embraces a progressive writing style, rebelling against old-school grammar rules, according to my study of 10,000 pages of opinions from the past decade. Twitter touts #GorsuchStyle The first opinion assigned to new justices is usually a slog. In a kind of hazing tradition, they are typically assigned to write on a tedious legal issue that easily wins unanimous agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gorsuch used his short opinion on the dry topic of debt collection to declare a more colloquial style. In Henson v. Santander, the Harvard Law graduate spoke directly to readers, using you and variations of that personal pronoun 17 times, something his colleagues rarely did. Gorsuch wrote with apparent nonchalance, calling a debt collector the repo man. Journalists and court watchers took notice, brewing an online conversation about #GorsuchStyle. Now, most of the justices use contractions. Arguing that creativity would be stifled in a copyright infringement case, Justice Elena Kagan insisted: And theres the rub. (Yes, thats mostly Shakespeare.). Hey, you Im talking to you While Gorsuch might have sharpened the quill of the courts writing revolution, all nine justices now write more casually to reach an increasingly savvy public. A few justices even drop oh-so-casual exclamation marks in their opinions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority huffs that nobody disputes various of these points of law, Kagan decried in a 2021 dissent against a decision curtailing voting rights. Excellent! I only wish the majority would take them to heart. In its 2023-24 term, my research finds, the justices appealed to readers using you and variations of it nearly 300 times in their 60 opinions up 40% from five years ago. A police officer can seize your car if he claims it is connected to a crime committed by someone else, Justice Sonia Sotomayor told readers, dissenting in a 2024 seizure case. Deploying both you and a contraction, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson recently quipped in a 2024 criminal bribery decision: But you dont have to take my word for that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that many good writers lawyers, academics and journalists among them avoid personal pronouns as a matter of style, the justices new direction shows a surprising lack of formality. The writing style of the justices today starkly contrasts that of their predecessors, who commonly used dense wording and labyrinthine sentences. Take this 1944 line from Justice Robert H. Jackson, whom several justices name as the writer they admire most: But here is an attempt to make an otherwise innocent act a crime merely because this prisoner is the son of parents as to whom he had no choice, and belongs to a race from which there is no way to resign. His writing feels lyrical and powerful but is in no way playful or personal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Justice John Roberts, known for his rhetorical prowess, has long lamented that the media must summarize and translate the courts lengthy opinions for the public. In 2017, he praised the monumental desegregation decision, Brown v. Board of Education, for its brevity. At just 10 pages, Roberts said, newspapers had to publish the whole thing so that people could read it. They didnt get to say, Oh, this is what this means. Good, clear writing has power The courts embrace of a more accessible writing style comes as its own popularity is plummeting. While 80% of Americans viewed the court favorably in the mid-1990s, only about 50% do now. The 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was particularly controversial, inciting two years of protests by abortion-rights supporters and a national argument over reproductive rights. But even conservative critics decried the courts July 2024 decision to broaden presidential immunity in Trump v. United States as a mess and an incoherent embarrassment. Protesters opposing the Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade gather in Washington, D.C., on June 24, 2024. Aashish Kiphayet/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images Roberts, who began his career as a young lawyer in the Reagan administration, has earned a reputation for taking a measured, long-term approach to avoid controversy, and he strives to unify the justices in consensus. The first few opinions of the 2024-2025 term, including the decision to ban TikTok, were unanimous as are roughly 50% of the courts decisions, though these tend to address less contentious issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But leaks of draft opinions and memos about the justices confidential deliberations paint a picture of a storied institution in disarray. Scrutiny of the Supreme Court is mounting, and critics, including former President Joe Biden, have called for a binding ethics code and term limits. For the Roberts Court, the challenge ahead lies in securing its legitimacy among a deeply polarized American public. The justices making their opinions more approachable may be a small gesture in that direction. The thing about the Supreme Court that I think is so magnificent is that the justices get to actually explain their votes, Jackson told NPR on Sept. 4, 2024. We are the one branch of government in which that is the standard. Can clear, powerful arguments presented in plain, straightforward language help rebuild trust in the institution? The justices subtle shift toward modernizing their writing suggests they believe it might. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Jill Barton, University of Miami Read more: Jill Barton does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. By Simon Lewis, David Brunnstrom and Michael Martina WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with new U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday and Beijing said he told the known China hawk that the direction and tone of U.S.-China ties had been set by their leaders and he hoped Rubio would play a constructive role for the good of the people of both countries. Rubio, in the first telephone call between the two top diplomats under the new administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, told Wang that Trump, who began his second term on Monday, would pursue a relationship with China that "advances U.S. interests and puts the American people first," a State Department statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Secretary also stressed the United States' commitment to our allies in the region and serious concern over China's coercive actions against Taiwan and in the South China Sea," it said. China's foreign ministry said the two discussed U.S.-China relations and Taiwan. "I hope you would conduct yourself well and play a constructive role in the future of the Chinese and American people and in world peace and stability," Wang told Rubio, who in his Senate confirmation hearing last week labeled China as the gravest threat facing the United States. The talks came after Trump said on Wednesday he was considering a 10% duty on Chinese imports because of Beijing's role in the fentanyl trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Chinese foreign ministry's statement, Wang told Rubio their respective heads of state had "pointed out the direction and established the tone for China-U.S. relations." "The teams of both sides should implement the important consensus of the two heads of state, maintain communication, manage differences, expand cooperation, promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, and find the right way for China and the United States to get along in the new era," Wang said. Last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump agreed in a phone call ahead of the latter's inauguration, to create a strategic communication channel on "major issues." Trump said at a speech to the World Economic Forum on Thursday that he sees a very good relationship between the United States and China, and that he hopes China can help end Russia's war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday, he said he had had a "good, friendly conversation" with Xi and he thought he could reach a trade deal with Beijing. Trump said on Monday he had received an invitation to visit China and could travel there as soon as this year. In the first year of his first term, Trump quickly struck up a relationship with Xi and both men lavishly hosted each other in Florida and Beijing. But that did not stop ties from deteriorating into a trade war that unleashed a series of tit-for-tat tariffs and uprooted global supply chains. Rubio said at his confirmation hearing that China believed it was on a path to supplant the United States as the dominant world power in the next 20-30 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang said that China has "no intention of surpassing or replacing anyone, but we must defend our legitimate right to development." On Taiwan, he said that the island has been part of China's territory since ancient times and China would never allow it to be separated from China. Democratically governed Taiwan rejects Beijing's claim of sovereignty, and says China's Communist Party has never ruled over the island, where the Republic of China government fled to Taipei in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, allowed under U.S. law, have continued to strain Beijing's ties with Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The United States has made a solemn commitment to pursue the one-China policy in the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques and must not break its promise," Wang said. "A major power should behave like a major power, should assume its due international responsibilities, should maintain world peace, and should help all countries achieve common development," echoing criticisms U.S. officials have made about China. (Reporting by Simon Lewis, David Brunnstrom, Michael Martina and Ryan Woo; Editing by Alistair Bell, William Maclean, Diane Craft and Sandra Maler) Active-duty military troops will begin arriving in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California, on Thursday evening, in what defense officials said is the first batch of the new forces being deployed to secure the southern border. The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that about 1,500 troops were being sent to the border this week, as the department scrambles to put in motion President Donald Trumps executive order demanding an immediate crackdown on immigration. U.S. officials said they expect additional troops to be ordered to deploy in the next few days as defense and homeland security leaders iron out requests for more support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pentagon to send 1,500 troops to border to start Trump-ordered surge The officials said its not yet clear how many more service members would get tapped in the near future, but they would include active duty, National Guard and reserves, and come from land, air and sea forces. Other defense and military officials this week estimated that the additional number deployed could be in the thousands. The troops announced Wednesday include about 1,000 Army soldiers from a variety of units and 500 Marines from Camp Pendleton in California. Officials said Thursday that they expect the bulk of them to be in El Paso including Fort Bliss or in San Diego by Friday, where they will get their mission assignments and prepare to spread out along the border. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details on troop movements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were already about 2,500 Guard and Reserve forces deployed to the border, and the new 1,500 would add to that total. But officials noted that given the length of the nearly 2,000-mile border with Mexico, it will take additional forces to help put large rolls of concertina wire barriers in place and provide needed transportation, intelligence and other support to the Border Patrol. As of Thursday there were still no requests for the use of military bases to house migrants or for troops to be used for law enforcement duties. The McKissick Museum on the University of South Carolina campus. (provided by USC) COLUMBIA The University of South Carolina has an estimated 47,300 alumni working in the Midlands. Because of their college degrees, theyre earning $28,000 more annually, on average, than a high school graduate who went straight to work, according to a semi-annual study on the economic impact of the states largest college system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This most recent study comes as higher education experts warn about a pending enrollment cliff due to a declining national birth rate that has colleges competing over a shrinking pool of potential students. Education, of course, is USCs primary mission and college graduates see many benefits, not the least of which is a lifetime earnings premium, said Joey Von Nessen, the USC economist who authored the study. This, Von Nessen said, makes USC a hub for talent, both in Columbia and across the state. This is something that is extraordinarily important, particularly now as employers are needing more and more access to a high-skilled workforce, Von Nessen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Labor shortages are a long-running issue nationwide due to the countrys aging population and ongoing retirement of the baby boomer generation. For South Carolina, a major retirement destination, this challenge is even greater as the states population is aging faster than the national average. So, this labor challenge is something that South Carolina is facing and is likely to face for the foreseeable future, Von Nessen said. Businesses in most industry sectors are struggling to find workers as a result. Enrollment cliff Meanwhile, with a shrinking college-age population and rising costs, universities are having to work harder to convince prospective students that a four-year college degree is worth the growing price tag. The national birth rate has been in decline and colleges are expected to start feeling the impact this year. Its a trend that Gov. Henry McMaster said will continue well into the future as the birth rate in 2023 fell to a historic low about 55 births for every 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 44 according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only is the number of college-age students declining, but in South Carolina, the percentage of our high school graduates who are enrolling in college in the fall immediately following graduation has declined, McMaster wrote in his budget recommendations released earlier this month. The rate of South Carolina public high school graduates who go on to seek a degree from one of the states public or private technical colleges or universities has gone from 62.5% in 2015 to about 60% in 2022, according to data from the states Education Oversight Commission. Some South Carolina colleges, particularly the states research universities and coastal schools, have received a boost as students from northern states have flocked to southern schools in recent years more than 3,700 freshmen in 2022 came from the five-state area including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Connecticut alone, according to the states higher education agency. But other four-year schools in the state have struggled. That is why the governor has again called for a study of the states 33 two- and four- year public colleges, looking at affordability and a possible need for mergers. This year, he suggests putting $2 million toward a study by researchers at the states employment agency, after last years $3 million recommendation got shot down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal is to make sure we are preparing to meet our states future workforce needs, the governor wrote. And when it comes to the cost, USC tuition for South Carolina residents is nearly $12,700 annually. Factor in room and board and the total cost nearly doubles, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. For the past five years, South Carolina legislators have given public colleges money in exchange for promises to keep tuition steady for in-state undergraduate students. (McMaster proposes extending that freeze to a sixth consecutive year.) Fees, however, have kept rising. Students who qualify can reduce that cost with scholarships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholarships funded by state lottery proceeds can help in-state students who make good grades cover anywhere from $2,800 to $10,800 of the annual cost, depending on how well they perform academically and whether they choose to pursue degrees in high-demand career fields. Students with the greatest financial needs can receive an additional $3,500 in aid. Brain drain Finally, while USC is a source for talent, the states universities also have struggled to keep alumni working in South Carolina after graduation. According to the state Commission on Higher Education, 57.5% of South Carolina natives who graduate from the states three public research universities stay in state for work. Only 15.5% of students who come to the universities from other states remain here. Of students who graduate from USCs main campus in Columbia, nearly 41% are still living and working in the Columbia area at least five years after receiving their diploma, Von Nessen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Von Nessen estimates the Midlands economy could see a nearly $19 million boost for every percentage point improvement in retention. Everything included in that dollar amount goes well beyond increased wages earned by graduates. His study also factored in so-called spillover effects, such as increased spending at other area businesses as higher paid workers have more disposable income and subsequent wage improvements that flow down to non-college educated workers. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A Utah businessman has pleaded guilty to defrauding over 500 investors of more than $20 million. Jeremiah Joseph Evans, 29, of Utah County was charged with felony information on Jan. 21, 2025, after fraudulently selling investments in e-commerce stores through his business, Alpha Influence, LLC. According to court documents, Evans, who said his nickname was The Bull, fraudulently obtained $20,894,674 from about 530 investors. Evans was accused of lying to investors about how successful Alpha Influence was and how long it was in business while promising to secure money in exchange for their investments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrest made in 20-year-old Magna homicide cold case Evans reportedly sold the e-commerce stores to buyers as a passive investment, promising the stores would make consistent, predictable, monthly returns. Federal prosecutors said Evans failed to disclose that the majority of the invested funds went directly to Alpha Influence and were used as commissions to those selling the fraudulent investments and himself, with only a small portion sent to the servicer of the stores. U.S. Attorney of the District of Utah said Evans pleaded guilty to the to charges on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 3. 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 ABC4 Utah. The Department of Justice in downtown Washington DC, USA. (Getty Images) A Utah entrepreneur who called himself The Bull on social media and organized a much-talked-about Salt Lake City summit called Alpha Con pleaded guilty this week to a scheme that defrauded around 530 people out of more than $20 million. Jeremiah Evans, 29, pleaded guilty on Thursday to securities fraud and money laundering through his company, Alpha Influence. Its the latest development in the Alpha Influence sphere, after Evans associate Kole Brimhall, 27, pleaded guilty to securities fraud in November, admitting to scamming about 130 Utah investors through the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, from 2019 to 2022 Evans marketed Alpha Influence, which offered to set up e-commerce stores. Evans told customers that he would set up an Amazon store where they could earn passive income through buying goods, then reselling them at a higher price, according to the charges. Customers would enter into a contract with Alpha Influence for around $30,000 to $40,000, prosecutors said. But according to charges filed in federal court, Evans was not forthcoming. He claimed that Alpha Influence had been operating successfully for years; that customers would be able to generate consistent and predictable monthly returns; that his customers would regain their initial investment in 12 to 18 months, with an average monthly return of 7% to 10%; that he had high-ranking connections at Amazon to help solve issues with his customers online stores; that customers initial investments would be used to open Amazon stores; and that Alpha influence had a legal team ready to help investors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reality, federal officials say Evans customers did not see large, if any, returns. He never had any connections with high-ranking Amazon staff, and only a fraction of investor funds actually went toward setting up the online store, court documents read. Evans failed to tell his customers that he would often outsource the operation of Amazon stores to a third-party company, and many of the client testimonials vouching for Alpha Influence were actually from relatives or people receiving commission. In some cases, Alpha Influence could not get many stores operational after they were shut down for violation of Amazon policies, the charges state. Ultimately, Evans earned about $20.9 million from roughly 530 investors, according to court documents. He used $50,000 to make a downpayment on a white Lamborghini Huracan Evo, proceeds that prosecutors say stemmed from securities fraud. For several years, former clients have been alleging fraudulent behavior surrounding Alpha Influence, filing complaints with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. Scrutiny around Evans mounted after he organized Alpha Con, a 2022 conference that went viral online for its flashy, hypermasculine antics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evans will be sentenced April 3before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Since 2019, Utahs Division of Consumer Protection has pursued allegations that Purdue knew its prescription opioid OxyContin had a high risk of addiction and concealed that fact from consumers, while marketing it as less addictive than other painkillers. (Getty Images) Utah will receive $57 million to combat the states opioid crisis if it joins the $7.4 billion settlement against the Sackler family and their former company, Purdue Pharma, the makers of OxyContin. The Utah Attorney Generals Office and Utahs Department of Commerce Division of Consumer Protection said they expect to join the settlement in a statement released Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2019, Utahs Division of Consumer Protection has pursued allegations that Purdue knew its prescription opioid OxyContin had a high risk of addiction and concealed that fact from consumers, while marketing it as less addictive than other painkillers. Utah Attorney General Derek Brown said too many Utahns have been harmed by the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma. After I have reviewed the final written settlement, I anticipate Utah will join it, thereby ensuring that Utah families see the justice they deserve, and will encourage other states to do so as well, he said in a statement. I am unwavering in my commitment to fight against the companies that have unleashed this scourge on Utah communities, and I am committed to continuing the fight for Utah families and our children against illicit opioid and fentanyl use. Utah ranked 7th in the country for prescription drug poison deaths from 2013 to 2015, and Purdue gave prescribers in Utah $200,000 from 2013 to 2017, according to the statement from the Utah Attorney Generals Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Utah reported 606 drug overdose deaths, with 169 of those involving at least one prescription opioid, and 290 deaths involving fentanyl. As part of the settlement, the Sackler family will pay $6.5 billion over the next 15 years, and around $900 million will come from Purdue Pharma when it emerges from bankruptcy protection. The Sacklers control of Purdue Pharma will end, and they are restricted from selling opioids in the United States, according to the settlement. Gov. Spencer Cox said the opioid epidemic has stolen too many lives. This settlement will not bring back those weve lost, but it will provide critical resources to help those struggling with addiction and prevent future tragedies, he said. We are committed to using these funds to support treatment, prevention, and education efforts and to build a brighter, healthier future for all Utahns. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE After two weeks of helping to fight the devastating wildfires in Southern California, Utah firefighters are on their last 24-hour shift. Kelly Bird is one of the Unified Fire Authority firefighters who has been on the front lines. He is part of the Utah Task Force, which helps combat wildfires in Southern California. The scope and the magnitude of the destruction we have seen here is, for most of us, unprecedented, Bird said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 70 firefighters from over a dozen Utah fire departments have been deployed. UFA firefighters have captured the devastation on video, but many of them still cannot believe what they saw. After two weeks of intense work, Thursday started their final 24-hour shift before returning home. A Salt Lake valley fire department crew is pictured looking out at the Pacific Ocean in this handout photo Jan. 23, 2025. Utah fire departments responded to the call for help from California officials for the massive wildfires that broke out Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. | United Fire Authority It has been completely mind-boggling to see whole neighborhoods wiped out, Bird said. The experience has been humbling for many of the firefighters, especially as residents begin to return. Weve had an opportunity to interact with them and help them in whatever way we can, Bird added. One success story involved helping a man recover some of his personal items from the rubble. A Sandy City fire department crew is pictured in this handout photo Jan. 23, 2025, along with along with dozens of other Utah fire departments responded to the call for help from California officials for the massive wildfires that broke out Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. | United Fire Authority This wildfire has also taught the firefighters about the potential reach of such disasters, even in areas previously considered safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These folks here had no anticipation. A lot of these neighborhoods were nowhere near the urban interface; they were streets and streets away from the brush and the trees and the wildland, Bird said. It has been a long couple of weeks, but starting Friday, the Utah firefighters will begin their journey back home. They are expected to arrive home on Sunday. Ready to go home and see everybody and to get back into the routine of home, Bird said. Gov. Spencer Cox delivers his 2025 State of the State address in the House chamber at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (Pool photo by Isaac Hale/Deseret News) Utah Gov. Spencer Cox issued a call to action in his annual State of the State speech in front of lawmakers at the Utah Capitol on Thursday. Now is a time for building. He painted a bleak picture of todays United States, saying Americans have strayed from what made the U.S. a world leader for much of the 20th century in infrastructure, housing and technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We built roads, bridges, and homes at an unprecedented pace. We harnessed our industrial might to win world wars and stop fascism. We stood as a bulwark against communism, Cox said. Strong families, neighborhoods and communities were the foundation of this era of growth. But over the past two decades or so, he said a tragic gap has formed between American ideals and our actions. Negativity and inertia have replaced Americas culture of building, Cox said. We stopped building infrastructure, as a tangle of overregulation, outdated permitting processes, and entrenched NIMBYism fed by special interests and bureaucracies block the projects we desperately need, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We stopped building technology ceding far too much of our manufacturing, industry, critical minerals and energy production to our adversaries. And, worst of all, we stopped building resilient people, Cox continued. For decades, families have been under attack. The mental and physical health of our teens is threatened daily by large social media companies. Our national birth rate is in steep decline, and demographic concerns now present one of the gravest threats to our shared future, all while deaths of despair have skyrocketed. However, Cox said Utah offers hope. Though there are those who would see us turn into what so many parts of the country have become, where ambition and building have died, the governor said thats not happening in Utah. Not here. At least not yet. Utah is still an outlier, he said, hearkening back to a theme in his State of the State speech last year. Utah has stayed weird. In the best way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor rehashed Utahs history, how when Latter-day Saint pioneers first came to settle in the area, the Salt Lake Valley was known as a barren wasteland that was arid, untamed, and unforgiving. And yet, almost 180 years later, our Utah desert has pulled off the most miraculous upset, Cox said. The land has blossomed as promised, our home has become the envy of the earth, and a world-wide destination. Cox credited Utahs evolution to builders. Our ancestors irrigated farms, excavated minerals, built homes and neighborhoods, powered cities, and connected this continent by rail, he said. In the face of adversity, they built. They built here. Cox said from the thousands of conversations hes had with Utahns across the state, I know this: Utah is not done dreaming. Were not done doing big things. And were not done building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, during a time when Utahs unaffordable housing prices are a top concern for Utah voters, growth pressures also aggravate neighborhoods. Cox acknowledged this. I recognize that when I talk about building, some people get a little nervous, he said. Some might even argue that weve blossomed a little too much. I often hear valid concerns about our growth. Snow falls at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Cox cited a headline from Utahs oldest newspaper, the Deseret News, that warned the states resources were unable to support more growth. In that article, experts and civil engineers made it clear that Utah just doesnt have enough water to sustain more growth and they forcefully cautioned of a rebuke by nature and threat of significant loss, Cox said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He let that sink in before revealing that Deseret News headline was printed decades ago, in 1942, when our population was 580,000 people. So, how is it possible that our state added an additional 3 million people, six times more than in 1942 while also improving the quality of life? Cox said. And is it possible to do it again? While the answer is simple, its not necessarily easy. So, Cox said, we must build. He said history shows that Utahns, when we are united and act together, we have always found a way past pessimistic prognostications. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For 180 years and counting, Utahns have been building our way out of problems, even when things looked impossible, he said. The governor urged legislators to join him in bold action and building in five key areas: Housing attainability: We are reforming the regulatory regime, supporting more single-family construction, and fast-tracking approval processes, Cox said, pointing to his administrations Utah First Home programs goal to build 35,000 starter homes in five years. The greatest generation did this after World War II. We can do it again. He thanked a pair of lawmakers Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, and Rep. Stephen Whyte, R-Mapleton for leading out on another slate of bills expected to encourage cities to build more attainable homes. He said housing will surely be the defining issue of the next several decades. Energy abundance : Were laying groundwork for advanced nuclear reactors while protecting national security by building capacity to be a net energy exporter through Operation Gigawatt, Cox said, referring to his administrations plans to double energy production in Utah over the next decade. Together we will unleash Utahs immense energy resources and drive prices down, all while making our grid more secure and reliable. Infrastructure and permitting reform: We recently celebrated the construction phase of a new transmission line that the federal government took 15 years to approve, Cox said, referring to the 732-mile TransWest Express high voltage transmission line that runs from Rawlins, Wyoming, to Delta, Utah, to south of Las Vegas. Cox blamed federal regulations for the delays, but with President Donald Trump back in office, he said, fortunately, we finally have a federal administration willing to work with us to fix this national embarrassment. In the meantime, we will continue to lead the nation by streamlining Utahs processes while maintaining environmental stewardship Community safety and support: Were implementing public safety reforms that balance accountability with compassion, Cox said, pointing to state leaders goals to increase enforcement and healing in the states homeless system. He also applauded efforts to position Utah to help Trumps administration crack down on deportations, applauding House Majority Whip Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, with leading out on a suit of public safety and immigration bills. He said her efforts demonstrate we can have both security and dignity, and we are not shy in declaring that is what all Utahns deserve. Family strength: Cox again urged lawmakers to back him in his call to eradicate Utahs tax on Social Security benefits, saying its a bit embarrassing that Utah is one of only eight states that still have the tax. I am determined to see this tax eliminated, putting money back into the pockets of our beloved senior Utahns, he said. Its time. Check that its way past time. He also applauded Utahs ongoing legal fights with social media companies, saying Utah has led a weary nation in protecting kids from predatory social media practices. Today, Cox said Utah faces a fork in the road. We can either press forward with our pioneer spirit, our grit, our industry and our faith, and build the next chapter of Utahs story or we can be washed away in the negative, nationwide malaise of dysfunction. Gov. Spencer Cox gets a standing ovation after delivering his 2025 State of the State address in the House chamber at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (Pool photo by Isaac Hale/Deseret News) Democrats respond In response to Coxs speech, the Utah Legislatures top Democratic leaders issued a joint video-taped message saying the minority in Utahs Republican-controlled Legislature remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all Utahns, not just some. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will push back on reactionary policies that are punitive to working families and will fight for solutions that uplift all communities and address the real challenges Utahns face every day, Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, said. We will safeguard the constitutional rights of Utahns, ensuring their due process, freedom of speech, and values that our state and nation are built upon. House Minority Leader Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, encouraged Utahns to get involved during the 2025 legislative session, which runs until March 7, by attending committee meetings in person or remotely. House Minority Leader Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, (left), and Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, deliver their response to Gov. Spencer Coxs State of the State address in a video recorded message issued Jan. 23, 2025. (Screenshot of video message courtesy of House and Senate Democrats). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your involvement is essential as we push back against the extreme policies that have impacted our state in recent years, Romero said. Referring to some lawmakers exploring possible changes to Utahs judicial system, Escamilla said Democrats are committed to protecting the judiciary, ensuring it remains independent and fair. By standing up against efforts to weaken judicial power, we aim to preserve Utahs democratic values and the rule of law, Escamilla said. While Utah leaders move to expand energy production, Romero said its crucial for Utah to invest in renewable energy sources. By harnessing the power of wind, solar, and geothermal energy not further investing in coal-fired power plants we can reduce our dependence on diminishing resources while protecting our environment, and creating a resilient sustainable energy infrastructure for generations to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Escamilla and Romero also urged Utah to do more to address the rising cost of living, housing prices, homelessness and a lack of mental health resources. As the Legislature, its our responsibility to provide the proper resources, not to let communities and people suffer, Romero said. Rather than criminalizing those among us who are experiencing homelessness. We must break the cycle of housing instability, incarceration, trauma, and addiction. Romero also urged lawmakers not to restrict voting by mail, saying legislation could threaten this system, making it harder for many to vote. We will protect our elections and fight efforts to limit voting access, while continuing to champion policies that uphold democratic values, she said. Escamilla said Democrats, while lawmakers debate efforts to increase public safety, are committed to evidence-based, data-driven approaches and collaborative practices with law enforcement to ensure safety for all. However, Escamilla said conflating public safety with immigration is misguided. Let us know what you think... Our national immigration crisis needs to be solved by Congress, Escamilla said. As we continue to work through public safety challenges through proven, effective strategies, we will not be taking the easy road of scapegoating or blaming one community for the collective issues we face. We will confront all public safety issues with meaningful solutions, not by leveraging them for political advantage. Romero said many Utahns are worried about fallout from Trumps looming mass deportation policies. She urged Utah leaders to uphold fairness and compassion, protecting the rights of all residents regardless of status. Utah has long been a place of opportunity and inclusion, she said. Our policies must reflect these values, ensure justice and respect for everyone. Escamilla also urged lawmakers as they debate sweeping budget cuts in the public higher education system while also moving ahead with a controversial Utah Fits All scholarship program that allows taxpayer funds to go to private school tuition to prioritize fully funding education. We are committed to investing in public education, opposing vouchers that serve only a few, and supporting our colleges and universities as they shape Utahs future leaders and innovators, Escamilla said. Investing in education is investing in Utahs future. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A new bill proposed in the Utah legislature would seek to make big changes to how voters return their mail-in ballots during the election. H.B. 300, otherwise known as Amendments to Election Law, would require voters returning a mail-in ballot to return it in person and show ID when dropping it off. The amendments would require drop-off locations to be manned by two poll workers who would verify voter IDs. Sponsored by House Rep. Jefferson Burton (R), the bill does carve out some exceptions for overseas voters and other legal reasons. Voters may also apply with the Lt. Gov.s Office for designation to vote by mail without an in-person drop-off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislature day 4: What you should be watching for Critics of H.B. 300 argue the bill could disenfranchise voters who would have to take an extra step of taking their ballot back in. However, House Speaker Mike Schultz (R) said the bill strikes a good balance between convienence and security. Schultz said a recent audit found there were over 1,400 dead people on voter rolls in Utah, 700 of which got ballots and two of which reportedly voted. He also said the audit revealed 500 people had two different voting roll IDs, meaning they would have the opportunity to vote twice, and Schultz said at least three did. Theres big concerns, I think with not showing ID, said Schultz. Thats the key component to this. We think its a good combination and strikes the right balance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amendments to mail-in voting allow for a 10-day window to return the ballot. Schultz said most Utahns would be driving by a polling location within that window anyway, which he said would allow for a more secure election without sacrificing convenience. The more we can do to secure our elections and to make sure there is voter confidence is a good thing, explained Schultz. I dont think its that big of a step to ask to go show your ID and drop it off. If you dont want to, you can still opt in to vote by mail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Presidents Circle on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City is pictured on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Aiming to respond to the results of a legislative audit released last year, some Utah Republican lawmakers hope 10% of its budget for higher education funds will be redirected to pay for high-performing degrees, instead of going to less efficient college programs. Its a move that legislative leaders expect will ensure a high return on investment for students and the state. But, not every Republican is on board with the idea. Like many Democrats in the Legislature, some are concerned about losing an important part of academia critical thinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The audit recommended that higher education institutions develop and oversee a uniform methodology to calculate program-level return on investment, including program costs and completion rates. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Auditors also suggested cutting some programs that are offered by multiple institutions and have low enrollment and graduation metrics such as some language majors to favor study areas with high workforce demands, like nursing and software engineering. I do love the idea that we prepare students for the workforce, but I also am a little bit concerned that were blurring the distinction between a technical college and a university, and what makes a university different, North Ogden Republican Sen. John Johnson said on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the middle of the rise of artificial intelligence, the state should be thinking about the value of traditional education and what it takes to train the future leaders. Im a little bit concerned with the focus only being on, did this person get a job? Johnson said. I want to know, did this person create a new venture? Did they create something in the new economy? Did they become the great leaders in academia or did we produce the next generation of thinkers that are going to be involved in the legislative process? In short, Johnson said, hes worried about turning traditional universities into technical colleges. Im glad youre all sitting down, because I couldnt agree with Sen. Johnson more, and thats not something I say frequently, Senate Minority Caucus Manager, Sen. Kathleen Riebe, D-Cottonwood Heights, said in response to Johnsons comments. Our jobs feed us and our jobs shelter us, but our ideas connect us, and those ideas are important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Making decisions based on occupational optimization and efficiency ratios may make Utah schools less attractive to prospective students who want to explore many ideas and connections in college, Riebe said. Sen. Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City, a former Senate majority leader, is also skeptical of the reallocation idea. While he agrees with some restructuring the state is planning on, he believes that those who need to work with people should be able to develop critical thinking and writing skills, and be able to interact with others on a regular basis to advance in their careers. Just keep this in mind. As an employer, if you give me a professional that only knows their science and only knows their profession, its going to be hard for me to employ them in my setting, he said. However, Rep. Karen Peterson, R-Clinton, who is running HB265, higher education legislation that contains the funding reallocations, defended her bill, arguing that some of the 750 programs in the state graduate one student per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes we want to jump to saying, this is an attack on the liberal arts, but its not, she said, adding that as a liberal arts alumna, she found value in the classes she took. When she thinks about the reallocations, she said, she thinks about taking students interests and passions and, if they are not in demand, guiding them to similar programs that have more open doors. We need to be really careful in this conversation, because it isnt about the value of just learning and the value of being lifelong learners and all of that that comes from a university education, Peterson said. It really is about making every dollar count in our system and making opportunities count for students in a way that provides them both general and specific education. Where do schools stand on the process? The Utah System of Higher Education, which oversees public colleges and universities, has goals that are similar to the recommendations made by the audit, Geoff Landward, Commissioner of Higher Education, told lawmakers on Thursday. But, he advocated for an objective, data-informed process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to make sure that were being thoughtful about how you determine what makes a program valuable, that you determine what is the kind of return on investment that were looking for, he said. These are all things that need to be carefully considered. While Landwards team is working on studying the expenditures of programs, courses and administration for the allocation process, he wants lawmakers to consider multiple factors when making any decisions. Let us know what you think... Just because a program has low enrollment doesnt automatically mean that program is not a high value program, he said. Conversely, just because a program has high enrollment does not necessarily mean that it is a high value program. A survey that reached thousands of Utah employers showed interesting results, Landward said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The response was essentially, look, youre doing very well at training them in a lot of the technical skills that they need to be successful, but what theyre lacking are durable skills. What theyre lacking are critical thinking, communication, the ability to collaborate and work with others, Landward said. The system would like to invest in activities that meet the demand for occupations that are important to the state. But, also would like to know not only where theres currently high demand, but where are the industries of the future that may not have high demand yet, he said. We want this to be a process that doesnt unintentionally harm the students who have enrolled in our institutions with expectations of what they want to study and what the outcomes will be, Landward told legislators. Speaker of the House Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, told reporters on Thursday that these higher education reallocations are a big priority for his caucus. And, while universities pushed back hard on previous cut proposals, this year they are working with the Legislature to find areas to refocus some resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been really impressed with Rep. Karen Peterson, as well as Sen. (Ann) Milner, who have been working with the Board of Higher Ed trying to find and land us into a good spot, he said. Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified which bill contained the proposed higher education reallocations. The bill is HB265. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Ukraine's Foreign Ministry dismissed Russia's demand to cancel NATO's 2008 promise of eventual membership for Ukraine, calling it "utter bul***it" in a Jan. 24 statement. The response comes after Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko criticized NATO's 2008 Bucharest Summit declaration, calling it "catastrophic for European security." "Aw shucks, North Korea's ally issuing ultimatums to NATO. Utter bul***it," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi in response to Grushko's remarks. "Moscow has no say here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the ministry praised NATO's decision at the time and reiterated Kyiv's commitment to joining the alliance. "European security architecture is built on protection from Russia," Tykhyi said. Ukraine officially applied to join NATO in September 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion. While NATO members pledged at the 2024 Washington Summit that Ukraine's path to membership is "irreversible," they have yet to extend a formal invitation. Russian officials, as well as Western intellectuals with a track record of anti-Ukraine narratives have repeatedly cited Ukraine's potential NATO membership as a justification for the invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged opposition from several NATO members, including the U.S., Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, but expressed hope that U.S. President Donald Trump could sway support for Kyiv's entry. There is little evidence that the new administration would be more open to Ukraine's NATO membership than former U.S. President Joe Biden. Trump has previously criticized NATO and blamed Biden for allegedly supporting Ukraine's aspirations and provoking Russia's invasion. Read also: Withdraw Bucharest pledge Russia says ban on Ukraines NATO accession key condition for resolving war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. DENVER (KDVR) A national student advocacy and violence prevention nonprofit formed in response to the Uvalde school shooting, has nominated Denver as a site for a school gun violence memorial site, the foundation announced in a press release. The One in Five Foundation for Kids was formed after a mass school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas in 2022. The foundation created a national project that sees artwork from local students and artists in the nominated communities, used to create their own unique memorials to mass shootings. The memorials are usually placed in areas that are high in crime or around parks and school communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Largest home in Vail and Beaver Creek hits the market for $25M; Take a look inside Denver will be part of a selection of cities across California, Texas, Colorado, Virginia, Florida, Arizona and Tennessee to host the memorials. Colorado has had its issues with mass shootings with 61 in the last 10 years alone that resulted in 328 people being shot, 82 killed and 246 injured, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Several mass shootings in Colorado have gained national attention including: Club Q, Nov. 20, 2022 Five dead, 26 injured Colorado Springs birthday, May 8, 2021 Seven dead, zero injured Boulder King Soopers, March 22, 2021 10 dead, two injured Aurora movie theater, July 12, 2012 12 dead, 70 injured Columbine High School, April 20, 1999 24 dead, 15 injured The Columbine shooting, although not the first-ever mass shooting at a school, gained global attention due to the two suspects documenting their plans and actions in notes and videos among other things, leading up to the shooting. They also left behind a manifesto explaining their motivations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbine has been used as a blueprint for many of the school shootings that have happened in the United States and in several other countries and is frequently mentioned in manifestos and evidence recovered from other shooting suspects. The One in Five Foundation said that it will be reaching out to officials in the nominated cities to discuss each nomination, the potential memorial locations and for further public input on contributors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. At least 60 Veterans Affairs employees have been placed on administrative leave following the closure of multiple diversity, equity and inclusion offices across the department, part of a government-wide crackdown on the issue. In a statement to Military Times, VA officials said that all department DEI offices are permanently closed and that the workers on leave were solely focused on those inclusion policy efforts. They did not provide any additional information on when a decision will been made to reassign or fire those workers. On Wednesday, acting VA Secretary Todd Hunter sent a staff-wide message announcing the closure of the offices in accordance with White House guidance earlier in the week. Similar messages were sent by other department heads, although Hunters memo also included a line saying the programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 300k VA health jobs exempted from White House hiring freeze The moves have left numerous department employees on edge. Internal department message boards, portions of which were shared with Military Times, have been peppered with fears about additional firings and other actions against individuals who worked on initiatives related to the closed offices. At the same time on those message boards, one employee pushed new administration leaders to go even further, asking for officials to roll back policies like requiring identifying pronouns from official emails and to punish staffers who championed those kinds of efforts during the last administration. The White House has also set up a special effort to identify efforts by some in government to disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language and is encouraging federal workers to report co-workers engaging in such behavior to administration officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, the program manager for VAs Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (I-DEA) Influencers Network responsible for a host of initiatives to bring more minority and LGBTQ+ veterans into the departments network announced the shuttering of that office with a note stating, please know that this transition does not diminish the value of your contributions or the importance of the work you have championed. Union officials have blasted the moves as unnecessary and potentially harmful to military readiness and veterans access to care. Undoing these programs is just another way for President Trump to undermine the merit-based civil service and turn federal hiring and firing decisions into loyalty tests, Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said in a statement. President Donald Trump has blasted the inclusion programs as divisive and harmful because of their focus on racial and cultural differences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to closing DEI offices, VA websites containing information on past inclusion efforts have been deleted, and employees ordered to withdraw any final or pending documents, directives, orders, materials, and equity plans issued by the agency related to the topic. The department workforce is over 450,000 individuals, with around 90% of them working in health care posts or medical center support jobs. WASHINGTON D.C. (WLAX/WEUX) Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden introduced his first bill to the 119th Congress. The Strengthening Servicemembers with Milk Act helps to provide fluid and powdered milk to cafeterias across the armed forces. The act would also stop the purchase of milk from foreign adversaries. In a statement, Van Orden says, in part, This legislation supports two of the greatest cornerstones of our nation; our farmers and servicemembers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX2548 & WIProud. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Area Transit Authority could be in even more financial trouble following a lawsuit filed by one of its vendors who claims they have not been paid in over a year. According to the complaint filed in the Tennessee Western District Court, MATA is accused of not paying several invoices to nMomentum, a technology consulting and solutions company. MATA board meeting minutes we found from 2022 state MATA was in need of maintenance support. nMomentum submitted a proposal stating they would team up with a local Memphis firm MATA already worked with to offer maintenance support for MATAs information technology, fare collection, onboard video, and pedestrian display systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MATAS Missteps: Economic impact of transit troubles The board signed off on a five-year, $3.3 million contract with nMomentum, which began in January 2023. That contract was the fourth contract the company had secured with MATA dating back to 2018. Now, only two years into the new contract, the company is suing MATA, claiming they are owed over $555,000 from the transit authority, plus interest, which has caused them extreme financial hardship. The lawsuit claims that MATA stopped paying invoices in January 2024 without legal justification or explanation. The company says though the invoices went unpaid, they continued to provide services to MATA under their contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It goes on to state the company met with MATAs counsel and agreed to resubmit revised expense invoices that gave details in a different format, invoices MATA did not dispute, and intend to pay. The company is asking for unspecified damages and relief, plus their attorneys cost and fees covered. MATAs proposed interim CEO would make $486 an hour Back in August, Mayor Paul Youngs administration announced they were bringing in Transpro consulting firm to help figure out why MATA was millions of dollars in the hole. Months later, Transpro turned over its findings. The 117-page report called out MATAs delayed bills, stating the finance team was dealing with calls from vendors, and those calls were increasing due to invoices being delayed or unpaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It stressed, at that point, vendors have stopped servicing MATA due to non-payment or excessive late payment. We asked the mayors office if they were aware of nMomentums complaint and if they were working to resolve it with Transpro, now hired to temporarily run MATA. A spokesperson with the mayors office said we should reach out to MATAs Board of Directors. MATA deficit took years to get here. How do we get out? We have tried contacting the chair but have not yet heard back. MATAs interim, external CFO Hamish Davidson voiced concerns in September. He claimed the citys new checks and balances system was causing even more issues paying their main vendors, though he didnt mention any vendors specifically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can only juggle so much, said Davidson. Those who have pretty much stood behind MATA, and some of them have extended significant amounts of additional credit to us, theyre at their breaking point. When we asked MATA about the lawsuit, a spokesperson said, We are unable to discuss pending litigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. A trial date has been set for the woman charged with causing a deadly crash that killed 12-year-old Travis Wolfe in December 2023. Driver Endrina Bracho, who is an undocumented immigrant, is currently in ICE custody. Aug. 11 is the day Travis Wolfes family will face Bracho in a St. Louis County courtroom. Bracho is facing an involuntary manslaughter charge after police said she caused the crash on Dec. 20, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Travis was riding in a Jeep with his parents when police said Bracho hit them head-on. Officers said Bracho was going 75 miles per hour on a 40-mile-per-hour road when she hit the Wolfe family. Travis died in March 2024 from his injuries. The crash, Travis story, and Bracho have garnered national attention. Senator Josh Hawley recently named a law after him. Mike Matheny reflects on near-death experience and new life mission What it would do is mandate federal detention of illegal immigrants against a minor. Travis Wolfe was only 12 years old when he was mowed down, run over, literally by an illegal immigrant here from Venezuela who never should have been here, Hawley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show Bracho was in the country illegally. She is currently in ICE custody in Indiana, awaiting deportation. Brachos attorney said Thursday that she will be brought back to St. Louis while waiting for trial. Hawley said well see more deportations after a new executive order was signed by President Trump on Monday. I think well see more raids and well see the law being enforced, which is as it should be, he said. If you are here illegally, you shouldnt be here at all; number one, that in itself is a crime. But number two, if you commit a crime of violence, you ought to be out of this country in a heartbeat. FOX 2 reached out to ICE to find out when Bracho would be deported but they have not responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. DES MOINES, Iowa The verdict in the trial of a Des Moines man accused in the killing of a man during a 2022 drug-related robbery is scheduled to be handed down Friday. Cedrick Thomas Jr. Cedric Thomas Jr. was one of three people allegedly involved in the murder of 22-year-old Charles Russian Lovelady. Lovelady was killed in a shooting in the 1300 block of 12th Street on July 31, 2022. Multiple people treated after 2 ATVs fall into Iowa Great Lakes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas was arrested in August of 2022 after being found in Detroit. He is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and dominion of a firearm by a felon. He waived his right to a jury trial and opted for a bench trial. That means the judge in the case will decide the verdict. If found guilty of the murder charge, Thomas will serve life in prison without the possibility of parole. Darion Hermes and Violet Terry The two other people originally charged with murder in the case pleaded guilty to lesser charges. Darion Hermes was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and first-degree robbery and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Violet Terry was convicted of second-degree robbery. Her sentencing is set for March 6th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Flags at the Capitol in downtown Nashville were lowered Thursday in honor of the 16-year-old girl shot and killed in the Antioch High School cafeteria. Josselin Corea Escalante has been described as being a bright and compassionate person with dreams of becoming a doctor. Antioch High School Shooting | Continuing Coverage Thursday, people shared their condolences and memories on social media. In 2024, she celebrated her quinceanera and was filled with hope for the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family has shared a GoFundMe account on their social media pages. The GoFundMe is raising money to send her body to Guatemala to be surrounded by family and loved ones. The message on the fundraiser said her parents were hardworking members of the community. Now, their dream of seeing Josselin graduate and achieve her goals has been cruelly cut short, the description reads, in part. Fund established to help those impacted by Antioch High School shooting A classmate and friend in one of Escalantes classes told News 2 that she was a very good person and a very charismatic person. News 2 also spoke with her cousin, Dulce Aceituno Corea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My cousin was an educated girl. She didnt get into trouble, Corea said. All her friends are also devastated by this news; they loved her very much. She was a very happy girl. She always smiled at anything. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A man has sued a Florida county and sheriffs department arguing a deputy discharged his taser at a gas station and sparked a fire that burned 75 percent of his body. Jean Louis Barreto-Baerga filed a civil lawsuit in federal court against the Osceola County Sheriffs Department, Sheriff Marcos Lopez and four deputies. The lawsuit follows a February 2022 incident in which a deputy tased him at a gas station, sparking a fire and causing his body to be severely burned, according to WFTV9. In February 2022 deputies were pursuing Barreto-Baerga, who was on a dirtbike, after they received a report that there was an assault by a person on a motorcycle, according to the lawsuit reviewed by WFTV9. The case states the deputies were informed during the incident that Barreto-Baerga was not their suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The then-26-year-old stopped at a Wawa gas station to fill his bikes tank. There, deputies tackled him to the ground and tased him, the lawsuit claims. A deputy then tased him a second time, according to the lawsuit, which ignited the gas around them. The fire caused burns to most of Barreto-Baergas body and he was not expected to survive. A Florida man is suing after a deputys taser sparked a fire at a gas station, pictured, that burned 75 percent of his body (Osceola County Sheriffs Department) Deputy David Crawford, who tackled the man had the taser in his hand when the fire ignited, Osceola County Sheriff Lopez said in a press conference soon after the incident, per CNN. According to the taser log, there was a trigger pulled that coincides with the timing, Lopez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state fire marshal issued a report in 2022 ruling the taser caused the fire, WFTV9 reports. However, the report did rule that the fire was accidental. The most probable cause of the fire was an electric discharge from the deputies deploying a department-issued taser device, the report states. Deputies assisted Barreto-Baerga as soon as his body was engulfed by the flames, Lopez added. Crawford was later prosecuted for negligence. Throughout the trial, it was not disputed whether or not Crawford tased Barreto-Baerga, according to local outlet WESH 2 News. Instead, the jury had to consider whether or not Crawford was acting negligently when he tased him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors argued Crawford negligently tased his client and sparked the fire. Meanwhile, Crawfords defense attorney argued the entire incident was an accident. The deputy also told the jury he was afraid Barreto-Baerga was armed, which he was not. A jury acquitted Crawford in November after a week-long trial. We were convinced from the very beginning that my client was not convinced of these charges, Crawfords attorney Michael Barber said after the verdict, according to CNN. We are very happy with the result we got here today, he added. My clients relieved. Im relieved. We are just very happy the jury reached the right conclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecuting attorney Ryan Williams told CNN it was the jurys decision to determine if a law enforcement officers use of force is reasonable, which they ultimately did. Barreto-Baergas attorney Albert Yonfa, meanwhile, emphasized that the deputies knew his client wasnt their suspect. One of the most significant things to come out of this trial was the evidence that the Osceola County Sheriffs Office knew, nearly ten minutes before the encounter at the gas station, that Jean was not the suspect they were looking for, Yonfa told CNN. Yet the department continued a bloodthirsty pursuit of Jean Barreto, he continued. This is consistent with their zero-tolerance policy and with their practices and procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barreto-Baerga incurred more than $7 million in medical expenses while recovering from the severe burns, Yonfa said during the trial. Jean spent a year in intensive care, frequently at the edge of death, his attorneys said in a statement this week. During part of that time, he had to be put into a medically induced coma after his body rejected skin grafts from cadavers. Today, Jeans life is entirely changed, as this completely unnecessary use of force has altered and disfigured him permanently. The Independent has contacted the Osceola County Sheriffs Department and Crawfords attorney for comment. This article was updated on January 24 to clarify the Osceola County Sheriffs Department was named in the lawsuit a defendant, rather than Osceola County. Friedrich Merz, the leading contender to become Germany's next chancellor, said that if elected, his strategic priorities would include a just end to Russia's war against Ukraine, Der Spiegel reported on Jan. 23. The statement comes after Merzs meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Jan. 22. Merz is the chancellor candidate of the conservative CDU/CSU alliance for the February parliamentary elections. The veteran politician has repeatedly criticized sitting Chancellor Olaf Scholz for supposedly hesitant approach in the support of Ukraine and called for the provision of long-range Taurus missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking about ending the war, Merz stressed that Ukraine should "win the war" and be free to choose its political and military alliances. "Victory means restoring territorial integrity with a democratically legitimate government exercising full sovereignty," Merz added. The German politician nevertheless stressed that Germany should not become a party to the war. Germany has become Ukraines second largest military donor after the U.S., making it Kyivs leading supporter on the European continent. Berlins importance in the pro-Ukraine coalition is likely to grow as U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at reducing his countrys involvement in the war. While Berlin has allocated 4 billion euros ($4.2 billion) in defense aid for Ukraine in 2025, some ministers of the outgoing coalition government called for an additional 3 billion ($3.15 billion), a step Scholz refuses to take without additional borrowing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDU/CSU alliance, whose backing is crucial for any bill to pass the parliament since the ruling coalition lost majority, voiced support for the additional aid package but rejected abandoning the debt break, leading to a legislative impasse. Read also: With Scholzs government in shambles, conservative rival touts more decisive Ukraine strategy Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (KRON) Two years ago, seven people were killed in Half Moon Bay when a disgruntled employee opened fire at two local mushroom farms. On Thursday, the city and its residents paid their respects. The city laid out flowers early Thursday morning to honor the victims. The city also displayed renderings for a permanent memorial park for the victims and paid respect to the legacy of farm workers in this community. Rep. Tim Burchett says he believes aliens have underwater bases on Earth Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A grand jury indicted the suspect, 66-year-old Chunli Zhao. Prosecutors say he was a disgruntled employee. His murder trial is set for April. In Half Moon Bay, there is a move toward creating a permanent structure at a local park. Julissa Acosta is a community services analyst with the city of Half Moon Bay. According to Acosta, the space would be a tribute to the farm workers legacy. The shooting exposed farm workers deplorable conditions at the two facilities. Many were living in shipping containers with no running water or electricity. You can leave notes if you want, public comments at a later date. We choose the nearby park, because it is bigger for an interactive display, said Acosta. On Friday night, there will be a vigil to also pay respects to those who lost their lives two years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Newark, New Jersey Mayor Ras Baraka joins Andrea Mitchell to discuss the ICE immigration raids in his city and says they violated peoples fourth amendment rights. CHESAPEAKE A Virginia Beach man lost control of a vehicle Friday morning during a police pursuit and crashed through a building, state police said in a news release. Around 8:45 a.m., a Virginia State Trooper tried to make a traffic stop on a red Acura TL for speeding on Interstate 464, Sgt. Michelle Anaya said in a news release. After the vehicle did not pull over, a pursuit was initiated, Anaya said. During the pursuit, state police discovered the registration on the car was assigned to another vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car driven by Austin Jarrett Edwards, 21, police say exited 464 onto Freeman Avenue, then came upon a dead end road. Edwards lost control of the Acura due to ice of the roadway, police said, and crashed the car into a nearby building and through its exterior wall. Edwards suffered minor injuries, police said, and he was taken to Chesapeake Regional Medical Center to be assessed before going to the city jail. Two workers in the building said they suffered minor injuries and were treated and released. Edwards, of Alfriends Trail in Virginia Beach, is facing multiple vehicle charges, including reckless driving and felony elude. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) On Thursday, January 23, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the Virginia Outdoors Plan, a new statewide initiative for enhancing outdoor recreation. Virginia is rich with an abundance of best-in-class outdoor recreational opportunities. The 2024 Virginia Outdoors Plan serves as a tool for enhancing outdoor recreation offerings throughout the Commonwealth, said Governor Glenn Youngkin. This plan demonstrates the Commonwealths commitment to outdoor recreation, land conservation, and education. In partnership with the great leaders that collaborated on this resource, we are making Virginia the best state to live, work, and recreate. Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center receives first-ever rare Eastern Spotted Skunk Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Virginia Outdoors Plan is a guide issued by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and meets the remaining eligibility requirements for the record $7.2 million federal Land and Water Conservation funding issued for the 2024 fiscal year. According to Gov. Younkin, recreation resource planners, managers, and community stakeholders rely on the plan for funding applications and park projects, and since 1965, almost $126 million in total apportionments have funded more than 450 projects in Virginia. A survey found that most Virginians place a high value on access to outdoor recreation. 82% said access to outdoor recreation was very important, up from 70% in 2017. In 2011, the figure was 55.6%. The survey also found an even higher percentage of Virginians who strongly believe in protecting the states natural and open-space resources from development. 86% considered protection very important, and 12% said it was somewhat important. Owner of Roanokes roaming Emu has been identified Other findings include: The top reasons Virginians participated in outdoor recreation were physical activity or exercise; taking a break, reducing stress and improving mental health; and experiencing nature. The most needed outdoor recreation opportunities were natural areas, trails, and parks. Restrooms or bathrooms, easy-to-walk or paved trails, and more facilities are available closer were the top ways facilities could improve participation in outdoor recreation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The theme of the new Virginia Outdoors Plan, Best in Class Recreation for All, reflects our commitment to expanding public access to top-notch outdoor recreation opportunities and promoting stewardship of our natural and cultural resources, said DCR Director Matt Wells. By utilizing the data and survey results in the plan, park planners, community stakeholders, and the public can make well-informed decisions as they pursue conservation and recreation goals. Anthem GO Outside Festival returns in Roanoke The priorities identified in the plan include expanding access and opportunities for outdoor recreation, improved safety and health outdoors, and recreation infrastructure that is adequately funded and highly resilient. The 2024 version of the Virginia Outdoors Plan, approved by NPS on Dec. 18, will be implemented 2025-2030 and can be accessed at www.dcr.virginia.gov/vop. 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 WFXRtv. Colombian President Gustavo Petro is asking Haitians to forgive a group of Colombian mercenaries accused of being guns-for-hire in the still unsolved 2021 assassination of their president, Jovenel Moise. The men, 17 of whom are currently jailed in Haiti and another one who is serving a life sentence in the United States after pleading guilty to the killing, do not represent the Colombian people, Petro said. I ask for your forgiveness because some white Colombians came here to kill the president of Haiti, said Petro. In the name of all the Colombian people I tell you that we do not believe in that death that those Colombians spread, we believe in life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Petros apology came at the end of his historic visit to Haiti on Wednesday while surrounded by members of his government. Instead of visiting Port-au-Prince, the countrys gang-ridden capital as he had originally requested in August, Petro traveled to the coastal city of Jacmel in southeastern Haiti. I want to thank you for helping my America, my Colombia, achieve freedom, he said. You even gave us our flag. Arriving six hours behind schedule after a brief visit to the neighboring Dominican Republic, the ex-guerrilla fighter and first left-wing president of Colombia went to a meeting with Haitian officials and then later retraced the steps of South Americas liberators, Francisco de Miranda and Simon Bolivar. He visited the Haiti home of Bolivar and joined Haitian officials in unveiling of two busts one dedicated to Bolivar and the other to President Alexandre Petion, who as leader of the southern part of Haiti in 1816 gave Bolivar ammunition and Haitian soldiers to go free northern South America from Spanish rule. We are exactly where Francisco de Miranda and Simon Bolivar, full of dreams and perhaps fears, left from, Petro said, standing on the docks from where both men launched the drive for independence in 1806 and 1816 respectively. They slept here, in this village. They sought support, found it, and then set out to conquer freedom on our continent, in our lands, our mountains, our plains, and our magnificent beaches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Petros visit came amid a violent upsurge in both countries, and as the United Nations Security Council begin meeting on Wednesday on the situation in Haiti. In Colombia at least 80 people have been killed, including civilians, and thousands have been displaced over four days due after the National Liberation Army, known by its Spanish initials ELN, launched an assault in the Catatumbo region last week, endangering the current peace agreement. In Haiti, where gang violence killed more than 5,600 last year and has displaced over 1 million people, ongoing attacks by criminal groups continue to make most of the capital a no-go zone. Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo, who resigned on Monday but represented his South American nation and Petro at the Security Council meeting, told UN members about Petros visit and said Colombia is looking to assist Haiti. We are firmly committed to Haiti and that commitment is not solely born of solidarity, but of the conviction that the Haitian people deserve real opportunities to build a stable and prosperous future, Murillo told members of the Security Council who are faced with deciding whether to transform the current Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation to help curb the surging violence. Petros visit, Murillo said, was aimed at extending support to Haiti to see if the two countries can tackle issues of poverty and strengthening institutions. Colombia also wants to help Haiti, used by Colombian drug traffickers as a transit point for U.S. bound cocaine, with interdiction of weapons, ammunition and drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leslie Voltaire, the head of Haitis Transitional Presidential Council, said the cooperation that will take place between Colombia and Haiti will be very beneficial for the Haitian population in security, in education, in humanitarian assistance in agriculture, in tourism, in culture. We hope that this... cooperation continues, not only with Colombia but with all the other countries that Bolivar freed, he added. While Voltaire was rolling out the red carpet for Petro, in New York the Security Council was expressing frustration with the governance of the country and the crisis engulfing the transition that risks derailing elections this year and opening the way for more gang violence. Haitis government spent more than $3.8 million to prepare for Petros visit, which included lengthening the small airports runway to accommodate Petros military aircraft, cleaning the streets and turning the electricity back on for the first time in three years. School was also suspended for three days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his speech, Petro paid homage to Haitis independence what he described as a Black revolution that is both forgotten and hidden today. He spoke of the revolutionary spark it created in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama, nations liberated by Bolivar. And he railed against present-day efforts to disenfranchise Black and Hispanics, specifically mentioning President Donald Trump, who has begun targeting some immigrants for deportation since his inauguration Monday. We have to tell Trump, we have to tell those whose father was an immigrant who escaped from the Nazi armies, that humanity is more important, that only nations can live if humanity lives and humanity can only live if it is free, if they are free beings, Petro said. The stars cannot be reached as long as there are wars and bombings. Children in any country in the world want to reach the stars. Well, we have to make the earth a paradise of freedom and a paradise of life. But it was his apology that got the most attention from Haitians and Colombians, although with different reactions. In a morning news program, Haitis minister of communication mentioned it among the highlights of the visit. In Colombia, however, families of the jailed Colombians expressed disappointment and a sense of betrayal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 17 Colombians, who opted to remain behind bars last years when armed gangs raided their prisons, are among at least 21 jailed Colombians in Haiti. The are currently appealing their murder charges in Haitis court of appeals while a former leader of the group, German Alejandro Rivera Garcia, known as Colonel Mike, was sentenced in Miami to life in prison for the killing after pleading guilty. Instead of seeking their release, Petro condemned them with his apology, Janeline Carmona Flores, mother of Second Lieut. Jheyner Alberto Carmona Flores said in a video she posted on social media. Carmona, wearing a T-shirt with her sons image, said she and other family members were hoping for the men to be transferred home. We thought that our case was on the agenda in Haiti and it did not come up, she said. He condemned them, asking for forgiveness for a crime that my son and his companions did not commit. Carmona pointed out that the group has been jailed now more than three years, and they have been forced to stay in inhumane conditions in a country with no institutions and no guarantee of receiving a fair trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reminding Petro of his own time in prison, she pleaded for help. I ask you please; you experienced injustice when you were arrested and put in jail. El Nuevo Herald reporter Antonio Maria Delgado contributed to this report. Boston City Hall has its admirers. And its detractors. But its an undeniable landmark of the city. And now its in writing. Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Landmarks Commission announced the official designation of Boston City Hall as an official Landmark Friday. Completed in 1968 in what used to be Scollay Square neighborhood, Boston City Hall is an iconic example of Brutalist architecture. Accoridng to the city, Its bold design marked a departure from Bostons traditional architectural vernacular of brick and brownstone, redefining the citys architectural identity and the nature of public space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than five decades, Boston City Hall has served as a hub where residents come together to shape our citys future, and has become a symbol of our citys resilience, innovation, and commitment to our constituents, said Mayor Michelle Wu in a statement. As we officially designate Boston City Hall a Landmark, we honor its deep historical and cultural significance. This milestone serves as an affirmation of our commitment to preserving this space as a vital symbol of our democracy and a center for civic engagement. Our administration is proud to help the building evolve into a space that is accessible to the community while maintaining its historic character. As Chair of Planning, Development, and Transportation, I am proud to celebrate the designation of Boston City Hall as a Boston Landmark, said City Councilor Sharon Durkan. Since 1968, this building has stood as a bold architectural statement and a living symbol of transparency, innovation, and civic identity. This milestone honors not just its iconic design but the community it serves while challenging us to preserve its legacy and reimagine its role for future generations. I extend my gratitude to Commissioner Eamon Shelton, Commissioner Kristen McCosh, and the teams whose stewardship and advocacy have ensured this designation reflects both our history and our commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Boston City Hall is more than a buildingits a catalyst for civic engagement and a home for those who serve our great city. Wu has designated 25 landmarks in Boston during her time as mayor. 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 MONTGOMERY, Minn. It's ten below zero in Montgomery Minnesota, but these ladies aren't bothered they are focused. The southern Minnesota community is focused on southern California. Myrna Terwedo is a St. John Lutheran Church Member who spoke to WCCO as she sewed together a large quilt. She's been watching the wildfire destruction. "It's just unreal," she said. So the Lutheran ladies of St. John decided they would prepare care kits containing some essentials like soap and a toothbrush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, they are preparing their quilts to be sent to California through Lutheran World Relief. They are sending 56 quilts. Each one can be up to 10 hours of labor. "They are a comfort thing, I think," Terwedo said. Marge Fradenburjh is another St. John Lutheran Church volunteer. "I'm hoping they feel comfort and that someone in Minnesota cares about us," she said. They work together to patch lives back together. "Feels like that's our way of helping," Fradenburjh said. The ladies of St. John Lutheran meet twice a month to support different nonprofits. They've been making and gifting quilts for 70 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you'd like to support their quilt mission, you can donate to Lutheran World Services. Norah O'Donnell's final sign off from "CBS Evening News" CBS News Confirmed examines Gov. Newsom's "fact checks" on California fires Trump reacts to Republicans who won't vote for Hegseth CHEYENNE Last year, while sleeping under a bridge, slowly being submerged in snow, Jerome Lewis almost died from the effects of frostbite. A local who grew up in Cheyenne, Lewis is one of the many people experiencing homelessness counted by volunteers Thursday during Laramie Countys Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. Multiple organizations and volunteers partnered to conduct the PIT, an unduplicated count of the unhoused population on a single day in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The count plays an important role in federal funding distributed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with certain types of grants awarded based on the results of the count. It can also identify gaps in services, and data can be used to develop policy decisions at the state level. Like many of the homeless people in Cheyenne, Lewis has been struggling with homelessness for years. Last year, members of True Vine Church found him under a bridge, asleep in the snow. He had severe frostbite, which would have caused him to lose both of his hands if he hadnt been taken to the hospital. They were driving around, actually looking for homeless people, and they just happened to find me, Lewis said. It was a blessing. Thats why I attend their church now because I give them thanks every day for saving my life. Recover Wyoming PATH Program Coordinator Dawn Cranmore has seen firsthand how many people struggling with housing arent aware of what resources they have. Thats why this year she helped to coordinate a resource fair to accompany the count. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Homelessness is) just getting worse and worse all the time, Cranmore said. I just think a lot of it is that people dont know the resources that they have. So, during this Point-in-Time Count, well provide a resource fair at the Methodist Church for people to get all the information they need, to get housed, to get help with their substance use, anything else that they need. HUD defines literal homelessness as living in a place not meant for human habitation, an emergency shelter or some transitional housing programs, not including people at risk of becoming homeless, such as those staying with friends or family or in a motel. The count helps the federal government allocate funds so that local organizations can help people like Lewis get out of homelessness. Lewis has been trying to get his identification card for eight months in hopes of getting a job and getting back into housing, but its been difficult, and local resources have been essential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Believe me, it is not worth it to lose a home, Lewis said. Because you will get run off from everywhere. Theyre really not accepting the homeless being anywhere but the shelters. In the past few years, the city of Cheyenne has strictly enforced camping bans and focused on breaking up a major homeless encampment on Crow Creek. In addition to losing access to camping locations, it has become increasingly difficult to find safe parking for those who are living out of their vehicles while trying to get back on their feet, Cranmore said. We need some kind of buy-in from the community as far as our homeless population goes, so that we can get them housed, Cranmore said. But, you know, we dont have enough affordable housing. Many of them are on Social Security, and their Social Security wont even pay their deposit. Its hard for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state of Wyoming is mandated by HUD to organize the PIT Count in January. The intent of the count is to determine the scope of homelessness; however, PIT also raises public awareness, promotes collaboration across the region, provides needed demographic and survey data, and helps the community apply for increased housing funds, according to an event news release. These funds can be life-changing if people are willing to accept the help, Lewis said. In his view, people often let good opportunities pass, but the opportunity to get help is there. If a person really lets it apply to them, (its helpful). If they dont really pursue it, then its not gonna be useful, Lewis said. The count is largely volunteer-run and is accompanied by a survey within HUD guidelines. Those who showed up to the resource fair and filled out the survey received a hot lunch provided by The Salvation Army, information about other community resources, and an outreach bag filled with warm gear, food/snacks and hygiene products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those volunteers was the Cheyenne Police Department crime prevention team, which accompanies volunteers to ensure a more efficient count. The reason we help is not because of a specific criminal justice concern, but because we have regular contact with our unhoused population in Cheyenne, Day Patrol Lt. Joel Hickerson said. These officers have been able to build a rapport with homeless community members and serve as a friendly face that can mitigate any potential conflict, according to Hickerson. Often people experiencing homelessness are viewed as scary or outside of our community, Cranmore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just want people to support the homeless people, you know, she said. My thing is if you say hi to one person experiencing homelessness, thatll make their day. Dont be afraid of them. I just really want to help that population and help them just become part of our community. In 2023, 532 people in the state were experiencing homelessness, a decrease from previous years. Of those individuals, 72 were unaccompanied minors, 32 were people in families with children, 90 were veterans and 72 were chronically homeless individuals. Cranmore anticipates that the number of homeless individuals in the state has increased since then. Last year, the count turnout was low, and as a result, the count results did not reflect the needs of Laramie County. Cranmore hopes that with more volunteer investment this year, they can get a more accurate count. This year, were just really going to put this event on. Were going to make people feel like they count, Cranmore said. Its important that we do this. Its important to get the HUD funds into Cheyenne, into Laramie County. (Oona Zenda/KFF Health News) This story first appeared on KFF Health News. In November, Montana voters safeguarded the right to abortion in the states constitution. They also elected a new chief justice to the Montana Supreme Court who was endorsed by anti-abortion advocates. That seeming contradiction is slated to come to a head this year. People on polar sides of the abortion debate are preparing to fight over how far the protection for abortion extends, and the final say will likely come from the seven-person state Supreme Court. With the arrival of new Chief Justice Cory Swanson, who ran as a judicial conservative for the nonpartisan seat and was sworn in Jan. 6, the court now leans more conservative than before the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar dynamic is at play elsewhere. Abortion-rights supporters prevailed on ballot measures in seven of the 10 states where abortion was up for a vote in November. But even with new voter-approved constitutional protections, courts will have to untangle a web of existing state laws on abortion and square them with any new ones legislators approve. The new makeup of supreme courts in several states indicates that the results of the legal fights to come arent clear-cut. Activists have been working to reshape high courts, which in recent years have become the final arbiters of a patchwork of laws regulating abortions. Thats because the 2022 U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization overturned federal abortion protections, leaving rulemaking to the states. Since then, the politics of state supreme court elections have been supercharged as fights around abortion shifted to states top courts, according to Douglas Keith, a senior counsel at the nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice. Because were human, you cant scrub these races of any political connotations at all, said former Montana Supreme Court Justice Jim Nelson. But its getting worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wave of abortion litigation in state courts has spawned some of the most expensive state supreme court races in history, including more than $42 million spent on the nonpartisan 2023 Supreme Court race in Wisconsin, where abortion access was among the issues facing the court. Janet Protasiewicz won the seat, flipping the balance of the court to a liberal majority. In many states, judicial elections are nonpartisan but political parties and ideological groups still lobby for candidates. In 2024, abortion surfaced as a top issue in these races. In Michigan, spending by non-candidate groups alone topped $7.6 million for the two open seats on the state Supreme Court. The Michigan races are officially labeled as nonpartisan, although candidates are nominated by political parties. An ad for the two candidates backed by Democrats cautioned that the Michigan state Supreme Court can still take abortion rights away even after voters added abortion protections to the state constitution in 2022. The ad continued, Kyra Harris Bolden and Kimberly Thomas are the only Supreme Court candidates who will protect access to abortion. Both won their races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abortion opponent Kelsey Pritchard, director of state public affairs for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, decried the influence of abortion politics on state court elections. Pro-abortion activists know they cannot win through the legislatures, so they have turned to state courts to override state laws, Pritchard said. Some abortion opponents now support changes to the way state supreme courts are selected. In Missouri, where voters passed a constitutional amendment in November to protect abortion access, the new leader of the state Senate, Cindy OLaughlin, a Republican, has proposed switching to nonpartisan elections from the states current model, in which the governor appoints a judge from a list of three finalists selected by a nonpartisan commission. Although Republicans have held the governors mansion since 2017, she pointed to the Missouri Supreme Courts 4-3 ruling in September that allowed the abortion amendment to remain on the ballot and said courts have undermined legislative efforts to protect life. In a case widely expected to reach the Missouri Supreme Court, the states Planned Parenthood clinics are trying to use the passage of the new amendment to strike down Missouris abortion restrictions, including a near-total ban. OLaughlin said her proposal, which would need approval from the legislature and voters, was unlikely to influence that current litigation but would affect future cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judiciary accountable to the people would provide a fairer venue for addressing legal challenges to pro-life laws, she said. Nonpartisan judicial elections can buck broader electoral trends. In Michigan, for example, voters elected both Supreme Court candidates nominated by Democrats last year even as Donald Trump won the state and Republicans regained control of the state House. In Kentuckys nonpartisan race, Judge Pamela Goodwine, who was endorsed by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, outperformed her opponent even in counties that went for Trump, who won the state. Shell be serving on the bench as a womans challenge to the states two abortion bans makes its way through state courts. Partisan judicial elections, however, tend to track with other partisan election results, according to Keith of the Brennan Center. So some state legislatures have sought to turn nonpartisan state supreme court elections into fully partisan affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Ohio, Republicans have won every state Supreme Court seat since lawmakers passed a bill in 2021 requiring party affiliation to appear on the ballot for those races. That includes three seats up for grabs in November that solidified the Republican majority on the court from 4-3 to 6-1. These justices who got elected in 2024 have been pretty open about being anti-abortion, said Jessie Hill, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, who has been litigating a challenge to Ohios abortion restrictions since voters added protections to the state constitution in 2023. Until the recent ballot measure vote in Montana, the only obstacle blocking Republican-passed abortion restrictions from taking effect had been a 25-year-old decision that determined Montanas right to privacy extends to abortion. Nelson, the former justice who was the lead author of the decision, said the court has since gradually leaned more conservative. He noted the states other incoming justice, Katherine Bidegaray, was backed by abortion-rights advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dynamic of the court is going to change, Nelson said after the election. But the chief justice has one vote, just like everybody else. Swanson, Montanas new chief justice, had said throughout his campaign that hell make decisions case by case. He also rebuked his opponent, Jerry Lynch, for saying hed respect the courts ruling that protected abortion. Swanson called such statements a signal to liberal groups. At least eight cases are pending in Montana courts challenging state laws to restrict abortion access. Martha Fuller, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana, said that the new constitutional language, which takes effect in July, could further strengthen those cases but that the courts election outcome leaves room for uncertainty. The states two outgoing justices had past ties to the Democratic Party. Fuller said they also consistently supported abortion as a right to privacy. One of those folks is replaced by somebody who we dont know will uphold that, she said. There will be this period where were trying to see where the different justices fall on these issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those cases likely wont end the abortion debate in Montana. As of the legislative sessions start in early January, Republican lawmakers, who have for years called the state Supreme Court liberal, had already proposed eight bills regarding abortion and dozens of others aimed at reshaping judicial power. Among them is a bill to make judicial elections partisan. Montana Sen. Daniel Emrich, a Republican who requested a bill titled Prohibit dismembering of person and provide definition of human, said its too early to know which restrictions anti-abortion lawmakers will push hardest. Ultimately, he said, any new proposed restrictions and the implications of the constitutional amendment will likely land in front of the state Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF an independent source of health policy research, polling and journalism. Learn more about KFF. 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. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Ginger Burch, left, a social worker with Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, presented a hookupu of a baby kukui nut tree Thursday during the opening and blessing of the new U.S.VETS Kulia i ka Nu u kauhale in Waianae. 1 /3 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Ginger Burch, left, a social worker with Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, presented a hookupu of a baby kukui nut tree Thursday during the opening and blessing of the new U.S.VETS Kulia i ka Nu u kauhale in Waianae. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Kulia i ka Nu u kauhale implements an emergency bed program that addresses immediate shelter needs, food insecurities and access to care for residents. U.S.VETS President and CEO Darryl Vincent, left, and Gov. Josh Green placed their hands upon the new housing facility Thursday in Waianae. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 /3 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Kulia i ka Nu u kauhale implements an emergency bed program that addresses immediate shelter needs, food insecurities and access to care for residents. U.S.VETS President and CEO Darryl Vincent, left, and Gov. Josh Green placed their hands upon the new housing facility Thursday in Waianae. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Taiwan Morales, center, project director with U.S.VETS, showed the front door of the new housing facility Thursday to Rep. Mark Hashem, left, U.S.VETS Executive Director Tanya Brown, Kahu Kordell Kekoa, U.S.VETS President and CEO Darryl Vincent and Gov. Josh Green. 3 /3 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Taiwan Morales, center, project director with U.S.VETS, showed the front door of the new housing facility Thursday to Rep. Mark Hashem, left, U.S.VETS Executive Director Tanya Brown, Kahu Kordell Kekoa, U.S.VETS President and CEO Darryl Vincent and Gov. Josh Green. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Ginger Burch, left, a social worker with Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, presented a hookupu of a baby kukui nut tree Thursday during the opening and blessing of the new U.S.VETS Kulia i ka Nu u kauhale in Waianae. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Kulia i ka Nu u kauhale implements an emergency bed program that addresses immediate shelter needs, food insecurities and access to care for residents. U.S.VETS President and CEO Darryl Vincent, left, and Gov. Josh Green placed their hands upon the new housing facility Thursday in Waianae. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Taiwan Morales, center, project director with U.S.VETS, showed the front door of the new housing facility Thursday to Rep. Mark Hashem, left, U.S.VETS Executive Director Tanya Brown, Kahu Kordell Kekoa, U.S.VETS President and CEO Darryl Vincent and Gov. Josh Green. A long-vacant homeless shelter in Waianae, near several coastal encampments of people living in tents and improvised shelters, was blessed Thursday for a much-needed opening. Initial residents are expected to start arriving next week at the facility, which will be operated by the nonprofit organization U.S.VETS and includes 19 beds in a dorm building for short-term transitional use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project also includes medical services and other staff support as well as a commercial kitchen in a separate building, and 12 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units for permanent use within the existing low-income rental housing complex Kulia i ka Nu u on the same property behind Waianae Intermediate School. In all, 70 to 80 homeless people are expected to be served by the project. Every family should have a home, U.S.VETS President and CEO Darryl Vincent said at the blessing ceremony. I refuse to believe that we have the technology to put a man on the moon but we do not have the testament and fortitude to solve homelessness. It is a choice of prioritizing. The project is a partnership largely between a private affordable-housing developer, the state and U.S.VETS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! 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. Gov. Josh Green described the project as the states 18th kauhale community developed for the homeless since he began leading a push for such development in 2018 as lieutenant governor. The governor has a goal to help produce 30 kauhale statewide by the end of 2026, and is requesting $100 million from the Legislature over the next two fiscal years to reach the mark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Green, an emergency room physician, said during Thursdays ceremony that providing a combination of health care and housing for the homeless is a model that puts taxpayer money to better use. Housing is health care, he said. Green said the average person living on the street visits the hospital nine to 12 times annually at a cost of about $8, 000 per month but that this expense drops to a little under $2, 000 after being housed. Thats the extra $6, 000 per month that we can spend on that individual or his daughter, or niece, or nephew, or spouse or whatever, whoever, he said. John Mizuno, statewide homelessness and housing solutions coordinator in Greens office, said the $1.2 million annual cost for the state fund operations at the facility in Waianae is far less than nearly $6.2 million the state would typically spend on annual emergency room visits for 75 people living without housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were saving lives but were saving taxpayers money, he said at the ceremony, citing an annual emergency room cost of $82, 000 per homeless person. This is a model kauhale, Mizuno added. This is as efficient as it gets. A prior model for the homeless shelter on the property didnt live up to great expectations that it could be repeated and help drive down homelessness in Hawaii. The 72-unit Kulia i ka Nu u apartment complex was built in 2008 by the nonprofit Hawaii Coalition of Christian Churches on state land within the larger Uluwehi subdivision at a cost of $16.4 million, mainly using local taxpayer revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complex was originally named Kahikolu Ohana Hale o Waianae and was designed to provide emergency, transitional and permanent housing for the homeless. In addition to 72 rental apartments, Kahikolu included a 40-bed dormitory, a preschool, day care, a commercial kitchen and social services. Kahikolu was touted as a model that could be repeated, but troubles arose with management and finances. In 2013 a state agency that owns the land took possession of the property and renamed it Kulia i ka Nu u. In 2023 a partnership led by local affordable-housing developer and operator Mark Development Inc. took over operations under a land lease with the state and has since renovated parts of the property, including the homeless dormitory shelter, which had been empty for a decade. Mark then partnered with the state and U.S.VETS to make new use of the vacant pieces along with 12 apartments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its amazing what we can do together when we work in partnerships, urgency and purpose, said U.S.VETS Executive Director Tanya Brown. Brown also called the name of the community poignant, as it can mean to strive for the summit. Ginger Burch, a Nanakuli Intermediate and High School graduate, also noted that Kulia i ka Nu u is the motto of her alma mater, translated as We seek the highest. Burch, who was previously homeless for 10 years and now works as a Wai anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center homeless outreach social worker, presented a kukui nut tree sapling for the ceremony and said she wants it to grow on the property and bless those who will soon begin making a transition to permanent housing like she did. And they will be blessed by many more to come, Burch said. The editorial board of The Wall Street Journal is blasting President Trump over a decision to revoke the security details from former top aides to his first administration. The possibility of falling out of President Trumps good graces is an occupational hazard for good people who serve in his Administration, but this looks like a new low, the Journal wrote of Trumps move. The president decided this week to end Secret Service protection for former national security adviser John Bolton, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Iran envoy Brian Hook, the Journal noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noting the group has been under threat of death by Iran, the Journal added, pray it wont happen, but what if one of them now gets attacked? Trump explained the move this week, telling reporters at the White House, I think there was enough time. We take a job, you take a job, you want to do a job, were not going to have security on people for the rest of their lives. Why should we? The Journal suggested in its editorial Trump is not taking ongoing threats against current and former U.S. officials seriously. If Iran commits violence against any of these men, Mr. Trump wont be able to escape some responsibility, the editorial board concluded. Also, what is Secretary of State Marco Rubio supposed to think about the bosss refusal to protect his predecessor? 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. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States, AKA the FDA, has provided an update on the recall class under which the chicken broth by Treehouse Foods at Walmart falls. The update comes after the federal agency recalled over 2,000 cases of this chicken broth from Walmart due to packaging issues. Here is what the FDA revealed in a recent statement about the recall. What happened to Walmart chicken broth? The FDA has released an update regarding the recall category of the Great Value Chicken Broth which was pulled back from Walmart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As per the update, the recall of the chicken broth by Treehouse Foods has been placed under the Class II category. As per the FDAs website, Class II recall is a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. The update was mentioned in the data provided in the FDAs latest report regarding the product. The federal agency decided to recall 2,023 cases, which amounted to over 12,000 cartons of the Great Value Chicken Broth on December 11, 2024, after reporting they had packaging issues. This broth was manufactured by Treehouse Foods, a company from British Columbia, Canada. The information on the product in the report states that the broth arrived at Walmart in a family case with six units per case. Moreover, each carton amounted to 48 ounces and was made of Aseptic paper. Stating the reason behind the recall, the FDA further said, Potential for packaging failures that could compromise the sterility of the product, resulting in spoilage. Meanwhile, Walmart also commented on the recall in a statement to Today. The retail giants representatives said, The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. As soon as we were made aware of the issue, we took action to remove all impacted (products) from select, impacted stores. Additionally, Walmart divulged that the recall was initiated in 242 stores across the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally reported by Ishita Verma on ComingSoon.net. The post Walmart Chicken Broth Recall Update: FDA Labels It as Class II Risk appeared first on Mandatory. In his first public visit to Mankato after his run for vice president, Gov. Tim Walz braved the afternoon cold on Thursday to return to Rapidan Dam and outline his 2025 bonding proposals. His $887 million pitch includes $10 million for dam recovery efforts after last summers catastrophic flooding that resulted in the Blue Earth River carving a route around the debris-clogged dam. The owners of the Dam Store lost their home and the store was removed by the county as the bank eroded. Being here in July, standing in this spot right after what the world, certainly the country, but the world saw the horrific impact of that flood and the dam failure, but coming back here, I think for the folks who live here its still a striking sight to look across and theres no Dam Store, said Walz, a former Mankato resident, recognizing the sense of community he felt in the aftermath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recovery efforts would include restoration on the bank to prevent erosion. This comes after the Blue Earth County Board approved removal of the dam and replacement of the nearby bridge. Its going to be an ongoing project. We knew it in July, but this is the way you work together, Walz said. Blue Earth County Public Works Director Ryan Thilges said the goal is to have the bridge removed from the river channel prior to spring flooding that could potentially happen and cause further damage. After the bridge deck is off or nearly off, theyll follow with removal of the beams, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blue Earth County Commissioner Kevin Paap said the county will continue to work together with state and federal agencies during the restoration process. As a county commissioner, you learn and understand that working together works and the importance of working together, whether its during a natural disaster that we see behind us or just as important after the natural disaster as we move through the next phases, he said. Among Mankato projects, Walz is also proposing $68 million for a new Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension facility in Mankato. His larger plan includes more than $144 million for water and transportation infrastructure, more than $239 million for public safety projects and over $44 million for housing and the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz also pitched more than $395 million for maintaining and renewing state facilities. That includes $206 million for Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota to repair and renovate buildings. Regionally, Minnesota State Universitys Armstrong Hall replacement project and South Central Colleges instructional lab renovation have both sustained cost increases as local college officials wait to see if lawmakers will pass a bonding bill this year. The Democratic governors proposal comes amid a power struggle in the Minnesota House and as legislators hope to get a bonding bill passed during a traditional budget year after one failed last year. Walz took time to visit the Mankato Free Press newsroom after his press conference at the dam. He told reporters and editors hes confident in a bonding bill passing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to get there, he said. Related Articles Vice President JD Vance on Friday told anti-abortion activists at their annual March for Life rally in Washington that the country had failed its citizens. We failed a generation not only by permitting a culture of abortion on demand, but also by neglecting to help young parents achieve the ingredients they need to lead a happy and meaningful life, he said. He said a culture of radical individualism had led to people viewing the responsibilities and joys of raising a family as obstacles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our society has failed to recognize the obligation that one generation has to another as a core part of living in a society, he said. So let me say very simply, I want more babies in the United States of America. Vance, a former senator from Ohio, has advocated boosting the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $5,000 per child to help with the cost of raising children. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, have three young children: Ewan, 7, Vivek, 4, and Mirabel, who is 2 years old, according to People magazine. She went viral during the inauguration for sporting bandages on her fingers. Vance sworn in earlier this week JD Vance was sworn in Monday as the 50th vice president of the United States, the culmination of a rapid political rise that propelled him from modest Ohio roots to a heartbeat away from the presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance, who lives in Cincinnati and grew up in Middletown, took the oath of office alongside President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol, surrounded by his wife, children and mother. Administering the oath was Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who counted second lady Usha Vance among his employees when he served on the U.S. Court of Appeals. Vance placed his hand on a Bible that belonged to his great-grandmother, which he got from his Mamaw when he left home for the Marines in 2003. He donned a navy blue Italian suit custom-made for the inauguration by his longtime tailor in suburban Cincinnati. Thank you, thank you, thank you for making this possible, Vance said during brief remarks at the Capitol after the swearing-in. We love you. We wouldn't be here without you, and we're going to make America great again together for the next four years. Vance authored 'Hillbilly Elegy' After the inauguration, Trump credited Vance for being upwardly mobile and said the only person smarter than him is his wife, Usha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He took on some pretty mean people, and he handled it well, Trump said. Vances inauguration came just two years after he assumed the role of U.S. senator for Ohio. A once fierce Trump critic, the Hillbilly Elegy author walked back his past comments and made himself a key part of the president's inner circle. As vice president, Vance is expected to champion Trumps agenda and serve as an attack dog when needed. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 'I want more babies' in the US, Vance says at the March for Life Jan. 23COAL GROVE Coal Grove Mayor Andy Holmes said that a man that the police department has been searching for has been apprehended. In a Facebook post around 4 p.m. on Thursday, Holmes wrote "The suspect from last nights incident in Coal Grove has been apprehended. I want to thank all the law enforcement officers and agencies that assisted." The suspect is Bryce Snyder, 23, of Coal Grove, who was wanted after getting into a domestic violence situation on Wednesday night. Further details were not available at this time and the Ironton Tribune will be updating this story when it is possible. HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) Officers are asking the public for help finding a Grand Rapids man who has a warrant out for his arrest in connection to a burglary at a Holland gaming store in November. The Holland Department of Public Safety said it is looking for 39-year-old Eric Joseph Cody of Grand Rapids. Theres a warrant for his arrest on one count of burglary forced entry. Anyone with information is asked to call the Holland Department of Public Safety at 616.355.1100 or by emailing policetips@cityofholland.com. Tips may also be submitted to Silent Observer at 877.887.4536. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police: Trading cards stolen from Holland gaming store The burglary happened on Nov. 10, 2024, at the Super Hideaway Gaming store on S. Washington Avenue. The aftermath of a burglary at Super Hideaway Gaming in Holland. (Courtesy Aaron Mooneyhan) The aftermath of a Nov. 10, 2024, break-in at Super Hideaway Gaming in Holland. (Courtesy Super Hideaway Gaming) Responding officers determined that the store had been broken into during the night and trading cards were stolen. The owner estimated around $15 thousand in merchandise was stolen. Police: Suspect found in Holland gaming store burglary A screenshot of surveillance video that captured a suspect vehicle involved in a burglary at Super Hideaway Gaming Store in Holland. (Courtesy Holland Department of Public Safety) A screenshot of surveillance video that captured a suspect vehicle involved in a burglary at Super Hideaway Gaming Store in Holland. (Courtesy Holland Department of Public Safety) A screenshot of surveillance video that captured a suspect vehicle involved in a burglary at Super Hideaway Gaming Store in Holland. (Courtesy Holland Department of Public Safety) A screenshot of surveillance video that captured a suspect vehicle involved in a burglary at Super Hideaway Gaming Store in Holland. (Courtesy Holland Department of Public Safety) Surveillance video from a nearby store led officers to a vehicle that matched the description of the one involved. In November, HDPS said officers searched the vehicle and found several of the stolen cards. Super Hideaway Gaming launched a GoFundMe account to help cover repairs and losses, saying insurance is not expected to cover it all. 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. MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (WNCT) The Morehead City Police Department has issued a warrant for the suspect that allegedly physically assaulted an elderly man in Walmart in December. Morehead City police seeking suspect in attack at Walmart The Criminal Investigation Unit with the police department is continuing to investigate the the assault that took place on December 30, at the Morehead City Walmart. The suspect has been identified as Mark Norman Reigle from Missouri. Screenshot The department has issued a felony warrant for Reigle, charging him with assault inflicting serious bodily injury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Lopez at 252-726-3131, ext. 130. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent tech billionaire Elon Musk 30 ideas for how the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could cut government spending. Warrens Thursday letter to Musk, President Trumps close ally and the commissions chair, recommended that he consider numerous progressive policy proposals, including allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, renegotiating Department of Defense (DOD) contracts and curbing tax loopholes for large corporations and the highest earners. With regard to policy, I am disturbed by the dangerous proposals you have discussed and released to date: proposals from you and your allies to cut Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, veterans benefits, and other programs that tens of millions of Americans count on and rely on are unrealistic and cruel, Warren wrote in a 21-page letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be outrageous to cut these programs in the name of government thriftiness while handing out trillions of dollars in tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations, she added, but she also said the notion that the federal government spends trillions of dollars on wasteful spending is correct. And if you are serious about working together in good faith to cut government spending in a way that does not harm the middle class I have proposals for your consideration. Warrens prime proposal when it comes to slashing spending is renegotiating DOD contracts, arguing contractors often price-gouge the department. The progressive senator highlighted a inspector general report from 2011 that discovered military contractors often raise prices. She then recommended that Congress pass the bipartisan Stop Price Gouging the Military Act to close loopholes in acquisition laws that make it nearly impossible for DOD to obtain the data they need to negotiate fair deals. Warren said that her recommendations around defense spending would allow the government to save almost $200 billion over the next 12 years. The senator also proposed that Medicare should negotiate drug prices and crack down on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOGE should support Congressional efforts to crack down on PBMs and see that the FTC follows through with this lawsuit to save the federal government and taxpayers billions of dollars, Warren wrote, referring to the lawsuits the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed in September last year against three giant PBMs. Warrens letter comes after former 2024 Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy departed the commission to focus on running for governor in Ohio. Musk has said DOGE would help curb some $2 trillion in government spending over the next 10 years. Earlier this month, Musk told former President Clinton adviser Mark Penn that the figure would be a best-case outcome. Warren has been critical of Musk, who backed Trumps 2024 campaign with at least $250 million, and she has asked the president what ethics standards were put in place to prevent conflicts of interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putting Mr. Musk in a position to influence billions of dollars of government contracts and regulatory enforcement without a stringent conflict of interest agreement in place is an invitation for corruption on a scale not seen in our lifetimes, Warren said in a letter to Trump. Musk has gone after Warren before, agreeing in late 2022 that the U.S. has definitely been harmed by having Warren as a senator. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Up to 30,000 Polish citizens in the United States could be affected by the announced crackdown by the US authorities on illegal immigrants, according to an estimate by the Polish government. "These are often Poles who travelled to the US in the 1990s and did not take care of their migration status," Deputy Foreign Minister Henryka Moscicka-Dendys told the radio station Tok.fm on Friday. US President Donald Trump wants to take rigorous action against immigrants who enter the country illegally or who are already in the US without a valid residence permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement of a tougher US immigration policy is being followed with concern in Poland. At the beginning of the week, Prime Minister Donald Tusk instructed Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski to prepare the consulates in the United States for the possible deportation of Polish citizens. Sikorski announced that special counters would be set up in front of Polish consulates in the United States so that citizens of his country could apply for a new passport. There is no obligation to register with the police in the United States, and the authorities in many states have so far been prohibited from checking migration status. According to reports in the Polish media, Poles who are residing illegally in the United States tend to mingle with the very large Polish diaspora there. It is not unusual for clerics to address their leaders directly. King James regularly caught hell from the pulpit. So when Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde went for the king, at the end of an interminable sermon on Tuesday morning in the National Cathedral, she was acting within an established tradition. She was also operating within another well-known tradition, the Where did everybody go? confusion within her church regarding its sharply declining membership. She asked Donald Trump to think of Americas undocumented immigrants in a compassionate light, and to see them for who so many of them really are: the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals. They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. Exactly rightand she was exactly the right person to say it in exactly the right place. These vulnerable people, now with the full powers of the American state readied against them, arent just a Christian concern; in a sense they are the Christian concern. Christ is always on the side of the outcast, the stranger, the prisoner, the leper. Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Read: How social justice became a new religion] I must be one of the only people other than those actually in the cathedral to have listened to the entire thing. It was dry, high-minded, and Christ-light, and it built on a theme of unity in which all people drop their political differences and embrace a generalized, feel-good, Esperanto-like uni-faith, with everyone directing their prayers to Whom It May Concern. Then, with a straight face, she described the countys undocumented, much-abused subsistence workers this way: They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara, and temples. Our gurdwara? Tell me, high priestess, are there many undocumented Sikhs laboring in poultry farms and meatpacking plants where you live? Sikhs are 0.06 percent of the U.S. population. Jews are 2.4 percentthe number of undocumented people of these faiths toiling in the shadows and performing menial labor must be tiny. And what temples is she talking about? Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroastrian? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have we considered the implications of Trumps policies on the undocumented Zoroastrian? [Read: The Democrats billionaire mistake] It was a minor moment of an otherwise forgettable sermon. And yet it was revealing. The problem, as she described it, was one in which the undocumented immigrant performing stooped labor in the California fields is as likely a Sikh as a Christian. She was presenting the world not as it is but as she would presumably like it to be: diverse and unified in the strength of its religious belief, although not any particular religious belief, which is a really strange position to hold. If she wanted to be more precise about the situation, she might have acknowledged that the huge majority of undocumented immigrants began their journey in Latin America. Latinos are joining the evangelical Church in huge numbers, which might help explain the significant number of Latino U.S. citizens who voted for Trumpand is that okay with you, Bishop Budde? In her appeal to a great big interfaith community of people who probably more or less believe the same or same-ish thing (a community in which all believers are equally imperiled by anti-immigration policies), she offered one more reminder of how we got ourselves into this sorry state, in which anti-intellectualism, populist rage at established institutions, and the thirst for ever more bizarre conspiracy theories have run riot over good sense and established fact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The high priestess wanted to reveal her goodness, her moral purity, her inclusive and diversity-forward politics. She wanted a gold star, and in many quarters she got one. A headline in The New Republic read Trump Seethes as Bishop Calls Him Out in Heartfelt Plea. Trump issued a demand that the bishop apologize. But in the church he had looked only bored, as though his mind was on other things. Maybe he was seething. Or maybe he was thinking, Thats why I won. Article originally published at The Atlantic Credit: Daily Mirror Sri Lanka On the 26th floor of Sri Lankas World Trade Centre (WTC), Batman was not preventing crime, but allegedly committing it to fund his gambling addiction. Khalid Riyal Muheideen, 23, a Sudanese national, is alleged to have targeted four offices in the Colombo high rise, making off with laptops and mobiles worth nearly 10,000. But before leaving the rooms, police say that Mr Muheideen scrawled the word Batman on each of the walls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The World Trade Centre is one of Sri Lankas most prominent landmarks, housing multinational companies and local businesses. CCTV footage shows a man with a backpack dressed in a blue shirt, cap, black shoes, and a blue mask entering the various offices of the tower, picking up laptops and putting them in his bag. He is said to have entered the tower at 1am on Jan 17 after using the keys retrieved from the keyboards to access the offices. Police reviewed the hours of CCTV footage and cross-referenced it with the social media accounts of workers at the WTC. The unusual Batman clue led them to a Facebook account featuring several Batman images. Police arrested Mr Muheideen near a casino in Colombo. CCTV footage shows a man with a backpack and a blue mask entering offices of the tower, picking up laptops and putting them in his bag During questioning, he is understood to have confessed to the crimes and told the investigators that he sold the electronic devices at a lower price to fund his gambling habits. He also revealed that his father had operated a fish export consultancy in the complex, giving him inside knowledge about the buildings layout and its security system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest triggered a storm of memes on social media. Amila Wimalaratne, while sharing an animated picture of Batman, wrote on X: Batman was caught stealing a laptop from the WTC office. This is a tough time for millionaires too. A police officer at Fort Police station in Colombo said: The Batman written on the walls gave us the clue and we used modern investigative techniques to trace the guy. The officer said the police have recovered the stolen electronic devices after the arrest. He added: WTC is an important business hub in the city and our investigations will continue to see if there are more people involved in the theft. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released video of troopers pulling over four men who are allegedly connected to high-profile burglaries. Video obtained by 2 NEWS shows on Jan. 10, an OSP trooper started his search because he allegedly reported smelling marijuana in the vehicle. The footage appears to show the moments the officers locate a Louis Vuitton bag with what appeared to be medication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An old Louisiana State University shirt and Cincinnati Bengals hat were also reportedly discovered, which are believed to have been stolen during the Dec. 9, 2024, burglary at Joe Burrows residence in Hamilton County. Behind the vehicles glove box was what troopers described as window punchers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An Emirates flight from Dubai to New York City was forced to divert to Iceland after a mid-air medical emergency hours into the journey. The luxury airlines flight EK201 departed the United Arab Emirates at 9 a.m. Gulf Standard Time (12 a.m. Eastern) on Thursday, headed for JFK Airport. But nine hours later the plane was diverted to Keflavik, in southwest Iceland. Walking to supermarket at 2 am to get some snacks. I unfortunately have a 90 year old grandma with me without her cane or walker. Emirates I get this is out of your hands but the lack of communication sucks. We still dont know when our flight is departing. pic.twitter.com/kscfsWcVKd Barj Singh (@hellobarj) January 24, 2025 Air Live reported that crew began forcing passengers to disembark the A380-800, whose capacity is up to 615. Some of those people were then left with no option but to walk in sub-zero conditions across ice to get supplies, with the rescue flight not scheduled until 10 a.m. (5 a.m. Eastern) local time on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airline told the Daily Beast that the legal operating hours of the flight crew was exceeded while on the ground at Keflavik International Airport, necessitating an overnight stop. But some passengers took to X to complain that they faced an hours-long wait on the tarmac, and again at local hotels. They were also allegedly turfed out onto the ice in the Icelandic coastal town, where temperatures fell as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit Thursday. One disgruntled traveler complained about how he and his elderly grandmother were forced to walk on icy roads to try to find food. Walking to supermarket at 2 am to get some snacks. I unfortunately have a 90 year old grandma with me without her cane or walker, Barj Singh wrote, sharing a video of the conditions. He added: Emirates I get this is out of your hands but the lack of communication sucks. We still dont know when our flight is departing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another passenger said she and dozens of fellow flyers were forced to trudge between hotels in the middle of the night as snow fell. Leher Kay shared a video of the inadequately dressed group, some wearing flip-flops, wandering around the town. Not to mention, were traveling in the middle of the night trying to check into a hotel with approximately 75 other displaced guests. Walking two blocks in snow and icy conditions to get to our hotel. Many of us inadequately dressed for the weather. What an unsafe situation, she wrote on X. Saim Chaudhary wrote: Unfortunately @emirates greatly mishandled this situation. Stuck in the plane after landing for 8 hours. Then another 3 hours at the airport before we made it to the hotel. Not to mention, were traveling in the middle of the night trying to check into a hotel with approximately 75 other displaced guests. Walking two blocks in snow and icy conditions to get to our hotel. Many of us inadequately dressed for the weather. What an unsafe situation pic.twitter.com/mPLzETNfBr Leher Kay (@NurseKhana) January 24, 2025 The dozens of passengers who complained to Emirates on X were met with an automated response, urging them to fill in a feedback form. A spokesperson for the airline confirmed that a medical emergency caused the diversion. They told the Daily Beast: Upon arrival, the passenger was met by local medical staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, the legal operating hours of the flight crew were exceeded while on the ground in KEF, necessitating an overnight stop. All passengers have been provided with accommodation, and EK201 is scheduled to resume its journey on Saturday 25 January at 10:00am local time. Emirates apologises for the inconvenience. The health and safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance. Two days before President Donald Trumps inauguration, the Texas State Society convened a group of the states political and business leaders to discuss what to expect in Trumps second go-round as president. The event included incoming members of the Trump administration like Brooke Rollins, nominee for agriculture secretary, and John Ratcliffe, the pick to lead the CIA. Gov. Greg Abbott made an appearance; you can watch his speech above. And multiple Republican members of the Texas congressional delegation, including Sen. Ted Cruz and Reps. August Pfluger, John Cornyn, Nathaniel Moran, Beth Van Duyne and Ronny Jackson also spoke. The Texas Tribune was a partner in the event, and is making the videos available free to the public. You can watch them below. Sonal Shah, CEO of the Texas Tribune, served as emcee for the conference, and Tribune Editor-in-Chief Matthew Watkins moderated an afternoon panel on geopolitical impacts on global supply chains. Opening panel: Global Energy Outlook Moderated by U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, R-San Angelo Panelist: Orlando Alvarez, chair and president of bp America Panelist: Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental Petroleum Corporation Panelist: Bruce Niemeyer, president Americas exploration and production, Chevron Panelist: Mike Sommers, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute Pfluger interviews leaders of the oil and gas industry about the impact Trumps energy policies will have on production and the future of one of the states biggest industries. Panel: National Security Perspectives Moderated by John Sullivan, former ambassador to Russia Panelist: U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas Panelist: U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan, who served as ambassador under Trump and Joe Biden, speaks with Sen. Cornyn and Rep. McCaul about border security, terrorism, cybersecurity and other issues. Panel: Whats Ahead for Tax Reform Moderated by Warren Payne, former policy director of the House Ways & Means Committee Panelist: Retired U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands Panelist: U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Tyler Panelist: U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Irving Lawmakers discuss the looming tax debate in Congress and how Texas companies can plan for changes to come. Remarks: Brooke Rollins, secretary-designate of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rollins, who is awaiting Senate confirmation to become agriculture secretary, discusses her path from growing up in rural Texas to being selected for Trumps cabinet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remarks: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas Cruz talks about Trumps victory in 2024 and the mandate he believes that gives Republicans for the next congressional term. Remarks: John Ratcliffe, CIA director nominee and former U.S. Representative, R-Heath President Trumps nominee for CIA director briefly reflects on the opportunity to provide the Commander in Chief with intelligence to keep America safe. Panel: Energy Innovations and Security in an Ever Expanding World Moderated by U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, R-San Angelo Panelist: Jeff Clifton, CEO of EMI Technology Panelist: U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Amarillo Panelist: Jim Wright, Texas Railroad commissioner Panelists discuss protecting water and energy supply from safe from physical and cyber threats. Panel: Geopolitical Impacts on Global Supply Chains Moderated by Matthew Watkins, editor-in-chief, The Texas Tribune Panelist: U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo Panelist: Susan Schwab, former US Trade Representative under President George W. Bush Panelist: Remington Tonar, co-founder, Cart.com Three panelists with deep connections to international trade policy discuss the potential impact of tarrifs on the Texas economy. Advertisement Advertisement Two Chenango County communities will get help from the state for water infrastructure projects. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved $273 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across the state. The board's approval "authorizes municipal access to low-cost financing and previously announced grants to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, including lead service line replacement and treatment processes to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water, according to a news release from Hochul's office. The announcement marks the first grant approved under the new Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation program, following Hochul's announcement last fall of the $100 million initiative. EFCs board approved funding for a $12.9 million project to replace nearly 2,500 lead pipes in Albanys water system. The project is part of a larger $340 million effort across New York, using both state funding and federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Chenango County, the city of Norwich will get $4 million in grant and interest-free financing for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plant upgrades, according to the release. The village of Sherburne will get a $3.7 million grant for the planning, design and construction of wastewater treatment plant upgrades. Todays announcement is another large step towards ensuring that New Yorkers dont have to worry if the water coming out of the faucet is safe, Hochul said. Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority, and thats why I committed another $500 million for clean water in my executive budget. By helping communities fund essential upgrades to their water systems, we're protecting public health, the environment, and New Yorkers' wallets. EFCs board approved grants and financing to local governments from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds a mix of federal and state dollars dedicated to funding community water infrastructure projects and state grants already announced pursuant to the states Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation and Water Infrastructure Improvement programs, the release stated. Howard Lutnick, whom Trump tapped for Commerce secretary, purchased a $25 million home; and Scott Bessent, whom Trump chose for Treasury secretary, is on the hunt, according to the Wall Street Journal. President Donald Trump compiled his ideal cabinet: an ultrawealthy one. If all his nominees are confirmed, their combined wealth could be more than $20 billion on paper, New York magazine estimated earlier. Oh, and that excludes the richest man in the world, who appears to have the presidents ear: Elon Musk. It seems some of them want to beor need to benear their chief who has left his Florida base of Mar-a-Lago and returned to the White House, so theyre snatching up multimillion-dollar homes in Washington, D.C., fit for the elite, according to the Wall Street Journal. Cantor Fitzgerald chief executive Howard Lutnick, whom Trump tapped for Commerce secretary, purchased a 16,250-square-foot home in Foxfall from a Fox News anchor for $25 million in December. It set a record for the D.C. area, the Journal reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then theres his pick for Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent. The hedge fund manager is looking for a lavish home, people familiar told the Journal. Plus, investor John Phelan, Trumps choice for Navy secretary, is on the hunt. Elected officials with some money to spend are putting down roots as well. Republican Senator David McCormick, a former Bridgewater executive, bought a house in Georgetown for $10.5 million, the Journal reported, citing people familiar. Representatives for Lutnick, Bessent, Phelan, and McCormick did not immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment. Local real estate agents are apparently calling it the Trump bump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November and December, there were 20 sales above $5 million in the D.C. metropolitan area, according to the Journal, which cited data from Bright MLS. That is up from 10 in the same months the year before and one in 2016. Not to mention, so far this month there have been seven sales above that $5 million mark. To be clear, home prices across the country have soared in recent years. Zillow put the average home value in D.C. at about $604,000but these arent your average Americans. Axios previously estimated Lutnicks personal net worth at $2 billion. Bessent recently disclosed assets worth at least $521 million, including an estate in the Bahamas worth anywhere between $5 million and $25 million (which provides a rental income of $50,001 to $100,000), and a home in North Carolina worth somewhere between $5 million and $25 million. Brokers told the Journal that deals on pricy homes are happening much faster than in prior administrations, including Trumps first term. But it isnt only nominees on the hunt: Executives are looking for real estate in D.C. to be near Trump and his people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a lot of folks who are coming to Washington that arent necessarily even politicians, but those that want to be close to the sun, Sothebys Daniel Heider, who handled Lutnicks deal, told the Journal. They make 2016 look like amuse-bouche for the main entree, which is this moment in time right now. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) In light of Wednesdays deadly shooting at Antioch High School, officials across Middle Tennessee are turning their attention to school safety. Fifteen miles down the road from Antioch in Wilson County, students have been walking through weapon detectors at Mt. Juliet High School. If the system flags a student, that student is taken into a private room so school officials can conduct an extra search. The first day, I think we were seven minutes later than normal, which we knew was going to be a little bit longer, but every day after that, weve decreased the time it takes to get in, Mt. Juliet High School Principal Ryan Hill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Antioch High School shooter fired up to 10 shots, uploaded documents and photos online before shooting: police According to Hill, the weapon detectors will be rotated between high schools throughout the district, staying at each school for a few weeks. These detectors just give us that added bonus of, because you cant 100% prevent anything from going on, but what you can do is put yourself in position to provide the safest environment possible, said Capt. Scott Moore with the Wilson County Sheriffs Office. Moore said this was part of the conversation at the sheriffs office on Thursday, Jan. 23, just one day after the Antioch High School shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ill be honest with you, every time my phone rings during a school day, my stomach just cringes because you just never know when it may happen here, Moore said. 3 Nashville students arrested for making threats to schools Ive never feared going to school, but theres definitely been a sense of, like, worry, I guess, of this might happen, Will Harris, a Mt. Juliet High School student, said. According to Harris, his mom who works for Metro Nashville Public Schools texted him around lunchtime that she was safe. I was sitting in the cafeteria, doing cafeteria duty, and Im going, If something happens, where are the kids going to go? Thats not why you become an administrator or get into education, but when stuff like that happens, you immediately think, Okay, at this school, how would we respond to that? Weve got a plan, but when it happens literally right down the road from where we are, it just makes you think a little bit more like, What am I going to do if something like that were to happen here? Hill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Antioch High School Shooting | Continuing Coverage However, Hill and Moore said theyre confident in their safety plan. We do have a plan for it and we try to practice it, and we just hope it never happens, but you want to have a plan in place in case something like that does, Hill said. Hill told News 2 the weapon detectors give parents, students, and staff peace of mind. He added that it takes about a dozen administrators and teachers to run the weapon detectors every morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) A caravan of big rigs wait for any movement onto I-10. Meanwhile, detours, like the one on Highway 90, werent moving very much either. THE BIG THAW: Gulf Coast roads, businesses, services reopen after historic freeze Among the lucky few who made it to an almost empty Buc-ees parking lot were Bradley Humphries and Bryan Marsh. Its been an event and absolute experience to say the least, Humphries said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was supposed to be a two-day trip from Texas to South Florida was waylaid by Mother Nature. Pensacola International Airport reopens after snowfall, travelers hope to make it to their destinations We came in and saw 18 wheelers on their side and stuck in the ditch, wrecks everywhere, but I just told him, We are in no rush. We can go slow cause were not going to get there any faster being in the ditch with them,' Humphries said. You run into people who have never driven in this stuff before, and they are not ready, and its causing all sorts of issues, Marsh said. That has helped contribute to what was supposed to be a quick trip to Gulf Shores for Maria Vorhes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Escambia County home saved due to deputys fast response: ECFR We saw there was going to be some cold temperatures and snow, but we thought, You know what? Its Alabama, an inch or two, and then it will melt. And then the storm of the century happens, Vorhes said. Its been kind of a pattern for Vorhes. She was chased out of Florida by hurricanes and escaped wildfires in Grand Rapids. We have had some good adventures. Anywhere we go, something interesting happens it seems, she said with a laugh. Mobile Civic Center dome collapses from the weight of snow This time, they are stuck waiting on the big thaw just like everybody else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. Wendy Williams attends the ceremony honoring her with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame held on October 17, 2019 in Hollywood, California. - Photo: Michael Tran/FilmMagic (Getty Images) If youve been paying any attention the recent news about Wendy Williams and the puzzling intricacies surrounding her longstanding guardianship and financial struggles, then this news will hopefully bring you some levity. - Shanelle Genai Read More ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - NOVEMBER 12: Kemba Smith and actress Testa Cooper during the premier of Kemba at St. Louis International Film Festival on November 12, 2023 in St Louis, Missouri. - Photo: Dilip Vishwanat (Getty Images) Former President Joe Biden has officially left the White House to make way for President Donald Trump 2.0 and his administration. But before leaving office, Biden made a host of pardons, setting the record for most pardons and sentence commutations by a president in a single term. - Angela Johnson Read More ASAP Rocky is seen at the Superior Court of Los Angeles on January 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California - Photo: DUTCH (Getty Images) Things are revving up for rapper A$AP Rocky and his ongoing criminal trial. The Root previously reported the MC, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is facing serious charges in connection to a 2021 incident in Hollywood where he allegedly shot at a former friend and A$AP mob member. - Phenix S Halley Read More Dr. Martin Luther King addresses some 2,000 people on the eve of his death. The former founder and Chairman of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was slain by an unknown assailant on April 4, 1968. - Photo: Bettmann (Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than a week into his first term, President Donald Trump has been on a roll signing more than 20 executive orders and actions on Inauguration Day, according to USA today. And he is showing no signs of slowing down, signing a January 23 executive order calling for the release of files connected to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. along with former President John F. Kennedy and former Senator Robert F. Kennedy. However, while Trump says all will be revealed when the information is made public, the family of Dr. King says they would like the chance to see the files before they are shared publicly. - Angela Johnson Read More For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. LONDON (Reuters) - Israeli operations in the West Bank have killed at least 12 Palestinians since Tuesday and could threaten the newly agreed ceasefire in Gaza, United Nations Human Rights office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said on Friday. Hundreds of Jenin residents fled their homes as the military demolished a number of houses on the third day of a major operation in the West Bank city on Thursday. The operation was launched within days of the start of a ceasefire in Gaza that saw the first exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails since a brief truce in November 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli officials said the Jenin operation was aimed at what the military said were Iranian-backed militant groups in the refugee camp adjacent to the city, a major hub for armed Palestinian groups for years. But the U.N. rights office raised the alarm over the killing of what it said were mostly unarmed people, calling for an immediate end of the violence and a halt on expanding settlements. "Our office has verified that at least 12 Palestinians have been killed and 40 injured by Israeli security forces since Tuesday, most of them reportedly unarmed," Al-Kheetan told a televised briefing. "We are also concerned by repeated comments from some Israeli officials about plans to expand settlements further still and a fresh breach of international law. We recall again that the transfer by Israel of its own civilian population into territories it occupies also amounts to a war crime." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has occupied the West Bank of the Jordan River, which Palestinians want as the core of an independent state, since the 1967 Middle East war. It has built Jewish settlements there that most countries deem illegal. Israel disputes this and cites historical and Biblical ties to the land. Since the Gaza ceasefire announcement last week, settlers have been attacking Palestinian villages and stoning vehicles, injuring several Palestinians, Al-Kheetan said, with houses and vehicles set on fire. "Indeed it is very concerning that what's happening today in the West Bank may have an impact on the ceasefire in Gaza. It is imperative that the ceasefire in Gaza holds," he said. Separately, a U.N. official told Reuters that funding shortages may affect the U.N.'s ability to maintain aid flows at target levels throughout the Gaza ceasefire deal. (Reporting by Matthias Williams, editing by Rachel More and Alex Richardson) WEST GREENWICH The allegations in a West Warwick police report were unproven and more than a decade old. But they loomed large after Nicholas Arruda shot and killed his two children, his pregnant wife, and himself. In 2014, a 17-year-old girl told police that Arruda had pointed a rifle at her head and his own head, too, says the report. She told them Arruda had threatened to kill her, spat on her, and said at one point that he wanted to "watch her die." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such episodes can foreshadow suicidal killing sprees. For this reason, experts say it makes sense to look out for "red flag" behavior and take preventative action if possible. In Rhode Island, a collection of mechanisms and laws, including a "Red Flag" law, aspire to support such intervention. When outcomes are successful, the measures draw scant public attention. Tragic outcomes can fuel scrutiny and prompt questions about what could have been done - or should have been done - and by whom. An account like the one logged in 2014 by West Warwick police, which seems almost like a forecast with hindsight, amplifies these questions. "Lethality risk factors" In the 2014 police report, Arruda is identified as the boyfriend of a 17-year-old girl who tells police about her struggle with him in her West Warwick home after school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She described Arruda as a "controlling boyfriend" who told her she was "worthless," she said. Arruda lived with his family in another home on the same street, but he kept a loaded rifle in her closet, she said. She slapped him during an exchange, and he spit in her face three times, she said. Soon after, the teen went to her aunt's house and West Warwick police were notified. Arruda, then 29, was arrested and booked. Police noticed a Swastika tattoo on his right shoulder. The teen didn't cooperate and the case was dismissed. The account details certain obvious, and also less obvious, conditions that can signify that a couple is vulnerable to a murder-suicide. The conditions are cited in an online 2022 FBI Bulletin. It also depicts "lethality risk factors" identified by the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A decade later, the vulnerability of Arruda's pregnant wife, Danielle Arruda, and her children was not as apparent, although pregnancy itself is a risk factor for domestic homicide and weapons were in the home, just as they had been in 2014. Police had never been called to the family's West Greenwich home for any disturbances and a cousin of Danielle Arruda says the 39-year-old's family was not aware of any red flag behavior. A stuffed animal and bouquets of flowers sit on the porch of the Arruda home in West Greenwich, where police found four bodies. When a dangerous Rhode Islander is disarmed but not convicted Anyone who is arrested in a domestic violence case in Rhode Island is automatically prohibited from possession of guns, which police typically remove when they make an arrest. But some people have lots of guns for police to seize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Hopkinton this past summer, police took Joseph Francis' guns. He armed himself with a shotgun and returned home in violation of a no-contact order and shot and killed his wife. Lucy Rios, executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, says the state doesn't have an agency that actually ensures that a defendant who has guns actually surrenders them when a judge orders it. "There isn't that compliance piece with the orders," she says. "It's missing. I'm not saying it never happens. I'm just saying it is a gap in the system." "If we can't be sure that we enforce the current laws that we have then we're going to continue to lose people in our state," Rios says. What about the police? Do they seize guns? In the 2014 West Warwick case, police had seized a Hi-Point 9-millimeter semiautomatic rifle and a rifle magazine from Arruda's home. Then, after the case fell apart, Arruda was entitled to have his rifle back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Warwick Police Chief Ernest Lavigne agreed to speak generally about what happens to guns in situations where domestic violence charges do not lead to convictions. Most departments want an order from a court that clearly directs them to return the guns, Lavigne said. They will return the weapons, he said, if there aren't any other "prohibitive factors" in play such as a protective order. For example, a defendant might be clear of charges in one case but not yet clear in another case. When a person is dangerous, but not "prohibited" Arruda was free to take his gun to West Greenwich when he settled there with his newlywed wife in 2019. West Greenwich police say officers did not visit the home to deal with any domestic disturbances. Rhode Island police leaders say they have no way of knowing how many guns someone has in a house, or the type of guns, unless someone gives them that information. Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas F. Oates III "I don't get notified that someone's just moved into my community with a firearm," says the president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas F. Oates III. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under current law, when someone tries to buy a gun, the dealer contacts the police department in the town or city where that person lives. The department has seven days to carry out a background check and determine if the applicant is prohibited from gun possession by law. If not, the gun owner can receive the gun without further police purview. The possession does not provide any basis, on its own, for police to check in on someone who might be increasingly dangerous and disarm the person, Oates says. "We have no idea where the guns are," Oates says. A person can have 40 guns in the house, he says. Police wouldn't know without someone telling them, he adds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concealed carry permits, which are different, expire every four years. With those, police departments have far more time to investigate. Oates says he's likely to find out, for example, if a person who wants to keep a carry permit has recently gotten into a fight with someone at a bar. "I would look at the circumstances," he says. After the West Greenwich killings, investigators determined that Arruda had three guns: a shotgun, a semiautomatic gun and a semiautomatic M-4 rifle, police say. It appears the guns were legally acquired, police say. They found the M-4 close to Arruda's body. Seeing red flags There is a way for authorities to disarm a dangerous person they've had no interactions with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can only work in certain cases and it requires vigilance from people who happen to know when someone with a gun poses an extreme risk. From left: Adel Arruda, Danielle Arruda and Felix Arruda. "It could be a partner, spouse, relative, mental health provider, doctor, or any other persons with contact," Lavigne says. In 2018, Rhode Island lawmakers created a process for police to temporarily disarm someone if they receive "credible information" that the danger of that person hurting other people with a gun is "significant" and "imminent." The law, which established "extreme risk protection orders," is Rhode Island's version of what's commonly referred to across the U.S. as a red flag law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order restricts the person in question from possessing and acquiring a gun. The red flag order is easy for investigators to see during a background check for a gun purchase, according to Cranston's police chief, Col. Michael J. Winquist. Under the law, police must file a petition for the order in court, which must hear the matter that day. If a court isn't open, police can take the petition to any Superior Court judge who is available after hours. Police must support their petition with a written affidavit signed under oath. They can also provide sworn statements from witnesses. At the same time, they must file a sworn affidavit for a search warrant. On receipt and consideration, a judge can immediately issue the requested order on a temporary basis. The order itself is then given to the particular person. "You have the sole responsibility to avoid or refrain from violating this orders provisions," it says. Under the law, only the court can change those terms. From there, the court has two weeks to schedule a hearing to consider if a one-year extreme risk protection order is necessary. "It is important to realize," says Lavigne, "that without the cooperation of complaining witnesses or victims, it is nearly impossible to proceed with any legal recourse to prohibit persons from possessing firearms." As the danger peaked in the Arruda case, no one came forward West Warwick police did have concerning information in their files that about Arruda. But that information came from a witness who hadn't been willing to cooperate with a prosecution, police say. This can raise questions about credibility although many domestic violence victims are quite credible, but uncooperative because they are afraid. The age of the teenager's allegations would have posed another issue: How can police assert that someone poses an "imminent" danger if their argument is based solely on information that's 10 years old? Warwick's police chief, Col. Brad Connor, points out that his department re-investigates, to gather new information, if police believe a certain red flag order needs to stay in place after a full year has passed. Sometimes, making the case for an extension can be harder the second time around. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Red Flag Law: Understanding how to take guns away Correction: This story has been updated to state that Vision Haywood has plans to partner with an existing law firm in Covington. A day after Ford Motor Co. unveiled its Good Neighbor Plan and $9 million community investment, a West Tennessee group said it is continuing to push for a legally binding community benefits agreement with the automaker. In a news release issued Friday, BlueOval Good Neighbors said it was pleased to see several investments in the Good Neighbor Plan refer directly to solutions proposed by the group, including rent assistance and environmental monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, while BlueOval Good Neighbors waits to see the impacts of the investments, it plans to continue urging Ford to sign a legally binding community benefits agreement with them that they believe will hold Ford accountable to its commitment in West Tennessee. Residents came out to the Boys & Girls Club of Brownsville to hear about Ford's Good Neighbor Plan on Thursday. While Ford will make billions of dollars from BlueOval City, the predominantly Black communities of the region will face detrimental impacts through skyrocketing housing costs, strains on infrastructure, and long-term impacts on the environment without concrete and binding commitments, BlueOval Good Neighbors said in the news release. The people who have lived here for generations will face and already are facing life-changing consequences. Ford wasnt immediately available for comment Friday, but has told The Commercial Appeal in the past that its voluntary Good Neighbor Plan will essentially function in the same way as a community benefits agreement with publicly stated commitments to community investments. BlueOval Good Neighbors, which formed in summer 2023, is a group of local residents, labor groups such as United Auto Workers and other community partners from across West Tennessee, from Stanton and Brownsville to Somerville and Mason. BlueOval Good Neighbors is supported by advocacy group Tennessee For All, which is a coalition of community, labor and faith organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BlueOval Good Neighbors' demands in a proposed legally binding community agreement include: Local hiring commitments and workforce development programs that focus on formerly incarcerated workers and other historically disadvantaged groups. Ensuring access to quality, affordable housing and protections from housing shock for the long-term. Repairing harm to Black farmers and investing in public land ownership. Protecting air, land, and water and ensuring worker and community health and safety. Investing in Black-led community organizations and facilities in the region and preserving the history of our agricultural communities. According to Gabby Bruno, Fords director of community relations, the automotive giant will invest in workforce development, building community and protecting the environment in the communities around its BlueOval City campus as part of its Good Neighbor Plan. She noted it brings Fords total community investment to date in West Tennessee to $30 million. Gabby Bruno, Fords director of community relations, speaks during the Thursday announcement ceremony for Ford's Good Neighbor Plan for areas in West Tennessee. The Michigan-based automaker's $5.6 billion BlueOval City electric truck and battery campus is under construction in Haywood County. The start of production and customer deliveries of the companys new EV truck model are expected in 2027. Bruno said the Good Neighbor Plan is primarily designed to serve residents within a 15-mile radius around BlueOval City or areas closest to the site, where one-third of households have an income of less than $50,000 a year. Bruno said residents will start to see benefits from the Good Neighbor Plan rolled out over the next few years with the majority of the $9 million investments being made in the next 12 to 18 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FORD IN TENNESSEE: How Ford and the YMCA are teaming up to tackle childcare needs in West Tennessee Ford has a strong belief that every community surrounding BlueOval City should benefit as the complex comes to life, Bruno said. We (Ford) dont come into a neighborhood and act like we know whats best for the community. Instead, we get their input and listen and learn about whats important to them. We show up, and talk to residents as well as do surveys, listening sessions and we form advisory councils. We then invest in things that are important to residents. The Good Neighbor Plan is arranged around key needs identified by Ford and the Equitable Growth Advisory Council with investments falling under the categories of workforce, youth programs, literacy programs, community gathering spaces, support for farmers and businesses, and community preservation. The plan includes more than 60 individual donations. Equitable Growth Advisory Council members show support for Ford's plan Brownsville Mayor Bill Rawls was among the 30 community representatives on the Equitable Growth Advisory Council. For Brownsville, the plan will include funding going toward a new splash pad that will be adjacent to the citys community pool. Rawls believes the Good Neighbor Plan will make a difference in the communities impacted by BlueOval City. He said a big piece to the Good Neighbor Plan was supporting the nonprofits in the different communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it is a very necessary step in keeping Ford connected to the community, Rawls said. The greatest asset in our community are the people that live here so as we continue to build infrastructure coming from this economic boom, we wanted to make sure the people are taking care of. Im very happy about the plan and it is a breathing living document that will have seven pillars and addresses the feedback that we have heard from the community about what they want to see done. Ray Jones, unit director of the Boys & Girls Club of Brownsville, is a member of the Ford's Equitable Growth Advisory Council. He speaks during the announcement ceremony for Ford's Good Neighbor Plan on Thursday. Emma Covington is also a member of the Equitable Growth Advisory Council. She serves as co-chair on the council. The Brownsville resident is the executive director of the nonprofit Vision Haywood where she manages a network of 27 legal services agencies, with more than 430 housing counselors, as they provide the necessary housing-related counseling, advice and assistance to the public. She said the funding Vision Haywood is receiving from Ford will help in assisting more people who are struggling to pay their rent, utility bills and provide home repair assistance. Vision Haywood also has plans to partner with an existing law firm in Covington that includes helping individuals clear title to their property. That funding will help us expand our services to be able to help more people and also add in Fayette and Tipton counties in helping those residents there, Covington said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Corey.Davis@commercialappeal.com or 901-293-1610. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Tennessee group: Ford needs to sign community benefits agreement Jan. 23ABILENE West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS) will host a groundbreaking ceremony at noon Jan. 27 at 5602 Health Center Drive in Abilene for its new Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Abilene. This state-of-the-art facility will expand access to high-quality health care for veterans in the region, furthering our commitment to honor and serve those who have served our nation, a news release said. The groundbreaking ceremony will include remarks from VA leadership, local officials, and community partners, followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking and lunch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Wendell Jones, director, Veterans Integrated Service Network 17, Robert Hoff, Acting Medical Center Director, West Texas VA Health Care System, local elected officials, community leaders and veterans and their families will be on hand. This event marks a significant step toward improving health care access and delivery for veterans in Abilene and surrounding areas. The new CBOC will enhance the VA's ability to provide primary care, mental health services, and specialty care closer to where veterans live and work. Editors note: As of Friday morning, Shawnnae McLean has received services from AmeriGas. BELINGTON, W.Va. (WBOY) With the recent snow and ice that has struck West Virginia, a number of 12 News viewers have reached out saying that theyre not receiving propane deliveries that they use to do things like heat their homes. Shawnnae McLean in Belington told 12 News that she asked AmeriGas to refill her tank on Jan. 10. As of Monday, Jan. 20, her propane tank was down to 10% and her propane has not been delivered. She said that with the lack of fuel, she and her 68-year-old husband have had to withstand the cold in their house, and that theyre worried about damage the cold might cause such as pipes bursting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just been really cold in this house. We cant heat it the way were supposed to, McLean told 12 News. Im scared to death that its gonna run out. McLean said her family has tried a number of things to try to get the propane situation resolvedall to no availincluding shoveling snow clear in her area, calling AmeriGas several times a day, and asking other companies to fill her tankwhich they cant do, because she has an AmeriGas tank. Why are FedEx deliveries delayed in West Virginia? An official with AmeriGas told 12 News that they would look into McLeans situation. The West Virginia Propane Gas Association, a nonprofit organization that promotes the industry in the state, said in a statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent winter weather and freezing temperatures have created challenging road conditions in some areas, which may impact delivery timelines. Propane companies are working diligently to reach customers as quickly and safely as possible under these circumstances. [] We encourage customers to clear their driveways and access roads, if possible, to facilitate safe and timely deliveries. 12 News will continue to follow this story and others like it as they develop. Stay tuned for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. A sign at the Maine State House asks visitors to be quiet during a public hearing. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) While many praised the overarching goal of Gov. Janet Mills proposal to address the states immediate Medicaid funding needs, other aspects of the supplemental budget and what was left out drew sharp criticism during public hearings this week. One of the proposals that received pushback is a plan to limit General Assistance, which helps municipalities pay for basic necessities for those who cant afford them. Other components were met with skepticism, such as allocations to help cover the cost of premiums for the states new Paid Family and Medical Leave program that started this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the majority of public testimony drew attention to something left out of Mills budget proposal. Nonprofit providers of programs for seniors and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities said the administration only notified them in December that anticipated Jan. 1 cost-of-living adjustments for Medicaid would not be coming, a move they argued is a violation of state law. As a result, providers from across Maine urged lawmakers to restore those adjustments by including them in the supplemental budget. MaineCare, the states Medicaid program, is facing a $118 million funding gap in the current fiscal year. That gap was the impetus for the governors change package, which includes $117 million for the explicit purpose of closing it. Kirsten Figueroa, commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, warned in a letter to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee and legislative leaders earlier this month that payments to health care providers may be limited if the Legislature doesnt enact immediate budget changes. Benjamin Mann, deputy commissioner of finance for DAFS, said on Thursday that there is enough funding to continue payments roughly until May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Various legislative committees joined the Appropriations Committee, which sets the budget, the hearings and will report back their recommendations in the coming days. The budget committee will then get to work creating its own proposal, taking the feedback from the public and committees into account. Whats not included, but health care providers argue should be Like many who provided testimony during a joint hearing before the Appropriations and Health and Human Services committees on Thursday, Eric Meyer, president and CEO of Spurwink Services, said the one-time MaineCare funding is crucial to ensure services continue. However, Meyer also urged the committees to consider the impact of a separate but related decision by the Mills administration to suspend MaineCare cost-of-living adjustments, known as COLAs, in ongoing budget discussions, despite the Legislature previously enacting a law requiring such adjustments. Providers said they had expected at least a 2.5% cost-of-living increase on Jan. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decision came as a shock to us and our colleagues across the state, Meyer said. After years, sometimes decades, of neglect, COLAs enable MaineCare reimbursement rates to begin catching up, Meyer said. Considering the ongoing behavioral direct care workforce challenges, COLAs are invaluable to meet the behavioral health needs of our state. Last year, the Maine Center for Economic Policy in partnership with the Maine Council on Aging released a report that found sizable gaps already exist between care needed and whats available for seniors and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maine. This suspension of COLA adjustments was also of concern to Laura Cordes, executive director of the Maine Association for Community Service Providers, who said annual COLAs have been nothing short of a lifeline, helping with worker retention as well as preventing program closures. Weve made tremendous progress creating a sustainable and transparent rate setting system, Cordes said, referring to the law to require regular adjustments. Now is not the time to step back. I understand you have difficult decisions to make. I urge you to uphold the states commitment to the direct care workforce and the folks that we serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the text of the legislation has not yet been published, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford) has separately filed a bill to help Maine grow the direct care workforce, in part by setting higher reimbursement rates to allow nonprofits to pay 140% of the minimum wage. In addition to advocating for the COLA increases, Marge Kilkelly, legislative liaison for the Maine Council on Aging, urged lawmakers to consider adding funding for programs aimed to help seniors. Three out of five regional agencies on aging have wait lists for Meals on Wheels, which delivers meals to homebound seniors, with some residents in rural Aroostook County having to wait up to a year before receiving meals, Kilkelly said. Most do not have adequate resources to meet their basic needs, Kilkelly said. Imagine being older, alone, unable to make a meal, swallowing your pride to ask for help, only to hear that you have to wait a year for that help to arrive. This is unacceptable and the current wait list for Meals on Wheels should be quantified and included in the supplemental budget. General Assistance The proposed cuts to General Assistance would limit housing assistance, except for temporary housing and emergency shelters, to a maximum of three months per household over one year. It would also limit municipalities from exceeding the maximum levels for all assistance categories for no more than 30 days per household over one year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kathy Kilrain del Rio, advocacy and programs director at Maine Equal Justice, argued these cuts would result in more people becoming unhoused, an already persistent issue in the state. Part of the requirement for utilizing General Assistance is that you need to have exhausted all other potential resources, Kilrain del Rio told Maine Morning Star, referring to state and federal programs as well as community support such as local nonprofit or church programs. So for someone to need help at that point, they really have no other option, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andree Appel and Carol Kalajainen, respective chair and vice-chair of MidCoast New Mainers Group, submitted testimony on how the proposed limits would hurt immigrants in particular. The current system creates barriers to stability for asylum seekers who need temporary assistance until they are able to work, barriers not of their own making, they wrote, referring to the restriction under the Immigration and Nationality Act that asylum seekers have to wait 180 days after filing for asylum to obtain a work permit. Processing delays often extend this waiting period to a year or more, they added. Mann, the deputy commissioner of finance for DAFS, said projections do not indicate General Assistance changes are needed in the current fiscal year, so lawmakers asked him whether the department would be open to moving the issue into the biennial budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would not have any concerns about that, Mann told lawmakers on Thursday. Health care cuts Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Sara Gagne-Holmes explained to the Appropriations and Health committees on Thursday that the Mills administrations approach to cuts included: rolling back programs and/or funding that are not implemented yet, rolling back programs and/or funding that are still new or only recently implemented, and looking to other states and national averages, as a reference point to assess the level of support currently provided by programs in Maine. One of those cuts is repealing a bipartisan law that passed last year to provide $4.2 million in one-time funding for federally qualified health centers to expand pharmacy services and make affordable prescription drugs accessible for patients. Darcy Shargo, CEO of the Maine Primary Care Association, which represents Maines largest primary care network, said its members had been anticipating those funds would be available in May based on the groups last conversation with the administration in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We ask the Legislature to reverse this cut and not balance the budget on the back of Maines healthcare safety net, Shargo said. Other cuts in the health departments purview include suspending plans for mental health law enforcement liaisons and crisis receiving centers in Kennebec and Aroostook counties that lawmakers approved last year, which are facing further cuts in the biennial budget, as well as reducing funding for the Office of Violence Prevention, among other programs. Free community college In addition to a $25 million investment the governor has proposed in the biennium budget to make the states free community college program permanent, Mills proposed a $7.3 million allocation to the community college system for the current fiscal year. During a joint hearing of the Appropriations and Education committees on Wednesday, David Daigler, president of the Maine Community College System, defended this immediate allocation as necessary to keep the states commitment to 2020 to 2024 high school graduates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it turns out, the pent up demand for Maines high school students who wanted an education but felt they could not afford it, or they just needed a little push from the word free, that demand far surpassed our estimates, Daigler said. Daigler said they predicted 8,000 students would use the program initially. More than 12,000 students took advantage of the program during its first two years and 17,151 have now used it. Daigler fielded several questions from Republican lawmakers, including Sen. James Libby (R-Standish), who asked for data about the number of students who have graduated from high schools outside of Maine, established residency in Maine and then accessed the free community college scholarship. While promising a detailed breakdown during the upcoming work session, Daigler said about 96% of students who are using the program had always lived in Maine. He added that the option for new residents to also use the program was an intentional part of the law to attract new people to the workforce. Adjustments for Paid Family and Medical Leave The supplemental would also provide funding to colleges and universities to help cover the costs related to the states new Paid Family and Medical Leave Program, which took effect on Jan. 1. Mills proposed $209,609 to cover the state-supported positions at Maines community colleges impacted by the program. When the Paid Family Medical Leave legislation was passed, the Legislature allocated funds to cover the states share of those costs, Daigler said during a hearing on Wednesday. However, no funds were allocated to Maines public institutions of higher education. The law, which passed in 2023, included a general fund appropriation of $984,444 and a highway fund allocation of $272,075 in fiscal year 2025 to support the states share of the premium contributions for the benefits. The supplemental also includes funding for the University of Maine and the Maine Maritime Academy to support the program premiums. Jenny Boyden, associate commissioner of DAFS, said the agency proposed this as a way to provide support to the university systems without increasing general fund appropriations. However, Jacob Lachance, government relations specialist for the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, raised concern about future budget strains if this funding structure is used in perpetuity. Taxes The supplemental proposal includes some right sizing, Figueroa explained before a joint hearing of the Appropriations and Taxation committees on Wednesday. The plan reduces funding for the Homestead Property Tax Reimbursement Program by $14 million in the current fiscal year because the current appropriation is more than whats needed. The supplemental budget would also provide about $1 million to make final reimbursements to municipalities under the Property Tax Stabilization Program, which only existed for one year, starting in April 2023. The plan also seeks state conformity with the federal Internal Revenue Code. Each year, the Legislature reviews amendments to the code from Congress to determine whether Maine will conform, and one federal tax law enacted in 2024 would have a meaningful impact on Maine tax receipts if the state adopts it. On Dec. 12, 2024, former President Joe Biden signed the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 into law, which among other things eliminated the requirements that disaster-related losses must exceed 10% of a persons adjusted gross income before becoming deductible. Because the federal legislation is retroactive and impacts the upcoming tax filing season, this was included in the supplemental budget as opposed to stand alone legislation, Figueroa said. Rep. Shelley Rudnicki (R-Fairfield) asked if people in her district whose properties flooded during last winters storms could deduct those losses if the state conforms. Michael Allen, associate commissioner for tax policy, said any casualty losses exceeding $500 can be deducted and that conformity would allow for back filing for the storms in late 2023 and early 2024. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Trump administration has started flying immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally out of the country using military aircraft, a White House spokesperson said Friday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared photos on the social platform X of individuals in handcuffs boarding a military plane. Deportation flights have begun, Leavitt said. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The use of military planes for deportation is the result of a Trump executive order signed this week, but deportation flights are not new. The series of social media posts from the White House were mocked by immigration advocates who noted that deportation flights have been ongoing. Are these people seriously trying to suggest the deportation flights have not already been going on? Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow with the American Immigration Council, wrote on X. Theyre lying to you. The Biden administration had already ramped up deportations from the border to a higher level than it was under the Trump admin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump made cracking down on immigration his top issue in the 2024 campaign, and administration officials have sought to aggressively tout any action taken on that front in his first few days in office. The president took a slew of executive actions on his first day in office to limit the flow of migrants in the United States. Trump paused refugee admissions, declared an emergency at the southern border and increased the U.S. military presence at the border. Trumps Department of Homeland Security also authorized agents to carry out arrests at sensitive locations including schools, churches and businesses, reversing a Biden administration rule to not make arrests in what was deemed as sensitive areas. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) touted it had made 538 arrests and lodged 373 detainers as of Thursday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I said from Day 1, no ones off the table. If youre in the United States illegally, you got a problem, but were focusing on public safety threats first, Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, told NewsNation on Thursday. However, those figures are also not a sharp departure from the levels that were under Biden, with Reichlin-Melnick saying the Trump administration was slap[ping] a mass deportation sticker on the side of normal ICE operations. The ramp up in action has also led to backlash. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) late Thursday accused ICE of conducting an unconstitutional raid in Newark, N.J., where local officials said agents detained immigrants and U.S. citizens without producing a warrant. 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. The Office of Personnel Management said mostly empty federal offices are "a national embarrassment." Its acting director said in a memo that unrestricted telework led to "poorer government services." Agencies must complete three tasks by 5 p.m. on Friday in line with Trump's return-to-office order. The White House's Office of Personnel Management did not mince words when addressing agency heads in a memo outlining the next steps for federal workers' return to office. "Federal office buildings sit mostly empty, particularly Washington, D.C.-area agency headquarters offices, devastating the local economy and serving as a national embarrassment," Charles Ezell, the acting director of the OPM, said in the Wednesday memo. Ezell added that "virtually unrestricted telework" has led to "poorer government services" and also hampered departments' ability to train and supervise workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OPM defines telework as an arrangement in which employees are expected to report to an agency office on a regular basis but are also allowed to work from an alternative location, like their home. Remote workers have not been required to report to an agency office. The memo follows Trump's executive order mandating the return of in-person office work for federal employees. Ezell said the pandemic has been over for years and "the vast majority" of federal workers have not returned to the office. Ezell also laid out three tasks that federal agencies must complete by Friday at 5 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first requires each agency head to revise its telework policy to state that eligible employees must work full time at their designated site unless granted an exemption due to a disability, medical condition, or otherwise approved reason "certified by the agency head and the employee's supervisor." The second requires that the agency head send an email notification to all employees about Trump's in-person work mandate and their intent to comply with it. The email should also include a copy of the mandate, the memo said. The third directive requires agencies to inform OPM who their telework managing officer is and assign the officer the responsibility of complying with the new guidelines. The memo said that agencies are required to tell OPM when they plan to fully implement the new policy. It encourages agencies to reach "full compliance" within 30 days, "subject to any exclusions granted by the agency and any collective bargaining obligations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If an employee's official duty station is more than 50 miles from any existing agency office, the agency should take steps to move the employee's duty station to the most appropriate agency office based on the employee's duties and job function," the memo said. In an effort to streamline the federal workforce, the Trump administration has also moved to revoke federal job offers that were accepted before January 20 with an undefined start date or a start date after February 8. President Trump has also taken steps to end federal DEI programs . Are you a federal employee impacted by the changes? Reach out to the reporter from a non-work email and device at aaltchek@businessinsider.com Read the original article on Business Insider AmandaNguyensstory is nothing short of extraordinary. As the first Southeast Asian woman set to journey into space, she carries with her not only the weight of history but also the dreams of her family, who fled Vietnam in search of political asylum and a better life after escaping the oppressive communist regime that took hold following the Vietnam War. (Watch the video above.) The perilous journey Nguyens family took in a boat was marked by courage and profoundly shaped her aspirations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im so proud to be the daughter of refugees, she said. To know they used celestial navigation to find freedom is a huge part of what inspired me to study the stars, to study astrophysics. That same legacy, however, became more than just a source of inspiration for her career it also served as an anchor during the darkest moments of her life. Nguyens dream of becoming an astronaut took a detour during her final year at Harvard University when she was raped. The trauma of that experience shifted her trajectory toward advocacy. In 2014, Nguyen founded Rise, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her efforts soon led to the creation of the Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights,which was passed by Congress in 2016 and ensures victims receive protections when reporting assaults and navigating the medical and legal systems. Even as she championed justice for others, Nguyen often reflected on her familys resilience to fuel herself. They went through a tidal wave storm, you know, fled guards, escaped pirates, she recalled. So whats emailing a senator? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nguyen eventually found her way back to her original dream of becoming an astronaut a journey that honors her roots in a deeply personal way. Shes also using her mission into space to uplift and empower women in STEM through partnerships with brands like e.l.f. Beauty. Last year, Nguyen retraced her mothers refugee journey, visiting the island in Malaysia where she first sought asylum. I collected shells from there that Ill be flying into space from that island, she told me. Her upcoming mission with Blue Origin, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the 30th anniversary of Vietnam and the United States establishing diplomatic relations, carries profound significance. As someone who often grappled with her identity as a child of two nations, Nguyen had questioned how her homeland would perceive her. As someone born and raised here, I didnt know how Vietnam would accept me, she said. And they did. My flight will stand as a symbol of reconciliation between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nguyens mission to space this year will also include a deeply personal artifact: a small note she wrote to herself after her assault. It says, Never, never, never give up, she shared. This note, which serves as her zero-gravity indicator an object carried aboard to signal the transition to weightlessness will float beside her in space. When I take that note out and I see it floating in the mirror above Earth, she said, that is my full-circle moment, because I kept that promise to myself. Jan. 23GREENSBURG You may have noticed that with the exception of during Monday's inauguration of President Donald Trump, the US flag and Indiana state flag have been flying at half-mast following the recent death of former President Jimmy Carter. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered the flags at the U.S. Capitol be flown at their full height on Jan. 20 for the inauguration and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun did likewise the next day for state government buildings. Flags were lowered again following the inauguration and related activities in the nation's capitol. What, you may wonder, governs when the flag is at half-mast, and what are the rules for displaying the American flag? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This information from www.flagcenter.com is helpful in understanding American flag code and the proper treatment of the nation's emblem. To position the flag at half-staff, first raise the flag to the peak of the staff for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position roughly halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. Before lowering it for the day, raise the flag again to the peak of the pole for a moment. The flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States government and the governor of a state, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to U.S. Presidential instructions, or in accordance with recognized customs. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any state, territory, or possession of the U.S., the governor of that state, territory, or possession may proclaim that the national flag shall be flown at half-staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flag shall be flown at half-staff for: 30 days following the death of the President or a former President. 10 days following the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives. from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President or the governor of a state, territory, or possession. on the day of death and the following day for a member of Congress. on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a case where the flag is fixed to the pole (often in residential situations) it cannot be flown at half-staff. In this instance, it is proper to attach two black ribbons to the end of the pole to show respect. And not many know the correct way to display the American flag. Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Flag code explains the proper care, display and handling of the flag. The United States flag should never be dipped to any person or thing, unless it is the ensign responding to a salute from a ship of a foreign nation. When a flag is so tattered that it no longer fits to serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be replaced in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Legion, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, the U.S. Armed Forces, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other organizations regularly conduct dignified flag retirement ceremonies. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything. The flag should never touch anything physically beneath it. An urban myth claimed that if the flag touched the ground, it had to be destroyed under the Flag Code; however, the American Legion and state governments have said that this is not the case. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds but always allowed to fall free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flag should always be permitted to fall freely. An exception was made during the Apollo moon landings when the flag hung from a vertical pole designed with an extensible horizontal bar, allowing full display even in the absence of an atmosphere. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally. The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature. The flag should never be upside down, except to signal distress or great danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When displayed vertically against a wall, the union (the blue area with white stars) should be to the observer's left. Contact Bill Rethlake at 812-651-0876 or email bill.rethlake@greensburgdailynews.com. Following the inauguration of President Donald Trump, flags across the Volunteer State and the country were lowered to their half-staff position. In Tennessee, there are two reasons for the flags to be lowered, The first, is the mourning period for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away in his Plains, Georgia home on Dec. 29 at age 100. The other reason for the flags to be lowered in Tennessee is to honor the victims of the school shooting at Antioch High School. Shots were fired at the Nashville high school just after 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22 taking the life of one 16-year-old and injuring another 17-year-old student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee ordered the flags to be lowered on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 23. He announced the decision on X, formerly known as Twitter. When will American flags be raised to full-staff again? Former president Joe Biden ordered all flags to be lowered for the 30 days following former president Jimmy Carter's death, or until Wednesday, Jan. 29. Were flags flown at full-staff on Inauguration Day in Tennessee? Yes. In Tennessee, Lee ordered all flags to be flown high to celebrate President Trump's inauguration from 11 a.m. CT on Jan. 20 through sunrise on Jan. 21. Other states also hoisted the flags on Jan. 20, including Iowa, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Nebraska, Alabama, New York, California and Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flags also flew at full-staff at the U.S. Capitol and were lowered the next day. Who can order the flags to fly at half-staff? Only the U.S. president, a state governor or the mayor of Washington, D.C. can order flags to fly at half-staff. USA Today reporter Jonathan Limehouse contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why are flags at half-staff today in Tennessee? What to know ST. LOUIS If youre from the St. Louis area, theres a good chance you know the Panera Bread chain as Saint Louis Bread Co. or simply just as Bread Co. Many Panera locations in the St. Louis region still use the original Saint Louis branding, but not all of them do. Over the last few years, FOX 2 learned that some locations in St. Charles County switched from Saint Louis Bread Co. to Panera branding in their signage. Additionally, some locations in St. Louis County have opened under Panera than the original local namesake. In recent weeks, discussions about the branding have popped up in various St. Louis community Facebook groups, while some Reddit threads have also questioned how many locations still exist with the Saint Louis Bread Co. name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Matheny reflects on near-death experience and new life mission FOX 2 reached out to Panera to learn more about the Saint Louis Bread Co. branding and where it can still be found. A company spokesperson provided the following statement: We are proud of our St. Louis heritage, and the standard-size cafes inside the 270 beltway are named St. Louis Bread Co. The only exception to that are a few smaller cafes that are geared toward on-the-go vs. sit-down guests. Presumably, this would suggest that several St. Louis City and St. Louis County locations in Missouri that are east of Interstate 270 still use the St. Louis Bread Co. branding. However, for others within the St. Louis metropolitan area, like St. Charles County or the Metro East, its not guaranteed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News The chain known locally as Saint Louis Bread Co. and nationally as Panera was founded in the St. Louis region in 1987 as the St. Louis Bread Company. It quickly became a local favorite, so much so that Au Bon Pain Co. Inc. acquired the chain in 1993. Following the acquisition, the chain was rebranded to Panera Bread nationally while retaining a local namesake for eateries in the St. Louis region. Today, Panera has more than 2,000 locations across 48 states in the United States, including dozens in the St. Louis area. To find a location near you, click 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 FOX 2. Jan. 23Republican Sen. Susan Collins voted Thursday against advancing President Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary, who has faced allegations of heavy drinking, financial mismanagement and abusive behavior toward women. Collins and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska were the two Republicans to vote against Pete Hegseth, a veteran and former Fox News commentator, in a procedural vote on Thursday. But in the end, it didn't matter. Hegseth's nomination advanced by a 51-49 margin, and on Friday night, he was confirmed when Vice President JD Vance cast a tie-breaking vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins' position on the nominee was closely watched by political observers. Republicans, who hold 53 Senate seats, can only afford to lose three members without tanking any of Trump's nominees. Vice President JD Vance would cast the deciding vote in a 50-50 tie. Maine's junior senator, Angus King, also voted against Hegseth Thursday. King, an independent, had already voted against the nominee as a member of the Armed Services Committee. Collins, who plans to seek reelection in 2026, has yet to say how she will vote on other controversial Trump nominees, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine critic who has been nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, and Tulsi Gabbard, a former congresswoman accused of being influenced by pro-Russia propaganda who has been nominated as the director of national intelligence. Gabbard is expected to have a confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee Jan. 30, the day after Kennedy is expected to have a hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Collins serves on both committees, and King serves on the intelligence committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins, who met with Hegseth last month, did not speak on the floor before casting her vote against him. This is the written statement she issued following her vote: "After careful consideration, I have decided to vote against Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense. While I appreciate his courageous military service and his ongoing commitment to our servicemembers and their families, I am concerned that he does not have the experience and perspective necessary to succeed in the job. "Our military is under tremendous pressure right now. Active conflicts in the Middle East and Europe combined with escalating threats in the Pacific, all against a backdrop of severe financial challenges and four years of ineffective leadership by the Biden Administration, make this an especially critical time for those who lead our military. The next Secretary of Defense will be responsible for managing a massive bureaucracy that includes nearly three million employees and a budget of nearly $850 billion. In addition, our next Secretary faces long-standing procurement and supply issues that continued to worsen under the Biden Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In sum, the Secretary is going to be facing a number of incredibly complex problems that are going to require highly skilled management ability. I am concerned that Mr. Hegseth does not have the management experience and background that he will need in order to tackle these difficulties. His limited managerial experience involved running two small non-profit organizations that had decidedly mixed results. "I am also concerned about multiple statements, including some in the months just before he was nominated, that Mr. Hegseth has made about women serving in the military. He and I had a candid conversation in December about his past statements and apparently evolving views. I am not convinced that his position on women serving in combat roles has changed. "Women comprise nearly 18 percent of our active-duty military. They continue to make critical and valuable contributions to our national defense. I have long advocated that women who wish to serve in and can meet the rigorous standards of combat roles should be able to do so. And numerous women have proved that they can accomplish this difficult feat. "Currently, thousands of women are serving in combat roles and many others serve in non-combat functions. Their service is essential to the success of our military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mr. Hegseth also appears to lack a sufficient appreciation for some of the policies that the military is required to follow because they are codified in the laws of the United States of America. While I understand his points on the importance of up-to-date and workable rules of engagement, our prohibitions against torture come from American laws and treaties ratified by the United States, including the Geneva Conventions. "Therefore, I will vote against the nomination." Copy the Story Link This article is part of HuffPosts biweekly politics newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Pulling out of international climate treaties. Disrupting long-standing alliances. Ripping up trade agreements. Donald Trump has spent his political career promising to do all of these things and, now that hes back in the White House, hes already on his way towards accomplishing them. In just the first few days since taking office, he has ordered the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accords, announced his intention to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and continued to make noises about taking back the Panama Canal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres plenty more to come. As Trump sees it, the U.S. is in constant competition with and facing constant threats from other countries. Its a nearly Hobbesian worldview in which theres rarely common good to be found, or mutual benefit to cooperation. Its what he means when he vows, as he did in Mondays Inaugural address, that during every single day of the Trump administration, I will, very simply, put America first. Trump is by no means the first American politician to talk or to think this way. But hes the first to make this posture the official policy of the U.S. government at least since the end of World War II, when U.S. leaders led the effort to create the agreements and relationships that Trump is trying to tear down. They did so in part because, after a worldwide economic depression and two horrific world wars, they had come to believe that more cooperation among countries would ultimately make the U.S. richer and safer. Seven decades of progress, prosperity and (relative) peace suggest they were largely right. That doesnt mean global connectedness have always worked out to the benefit of Americans, or the rest of the world for that matter. That is why, for example, even defenders of international organizations like the United Nations have called for major reforms or why even many promoters of freer trade support initiatives that would protect U.S. workers from low-wage competition. President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C. Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images But Trump has in mind a much more radical shift. And maybe no single Trump decision better illustrates his intentions than his order pulling the U.S. out of the World Health Organization a move that, public health experts told me this week, is fraught with danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They dont simply worry that withdrawing from WHO could undermine a vital international agency. They also fear that it will endanger Americans, making the nation more vulnerable to deadly diseases and new pandemics. And they make a compelling case. What The WHO Does, How It Came To Be WHO is a United Nations sub-agency charged with promoting better health around the world. It dates to 1948, although its conceptual origins go back to the 19th century, when increases in global shipping created concerns about the spread of disease from dockworkers and locals to mariners, who would then take illnesses with them to other ports. Preventing and controlling outbreaks is not just about the health of communities but also about economics and national security, Preeti Malani, an infectious disease professor at the University of Michigan, told me. The concern led to a series of agreements including the 1892 International Sanitary Convention and 1926 International Maritime Sanitary Convention. These agreements set early, rudimentary standards for how to report outbreaks and when to impose quarantines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The establishment of WHO accelerated and strengthened these efforts by, among other things, creating systems for global sharing of disease data, launching worldwide vaccination campaigns and coordinating responses to outbreaks. WHO played an essential role in the eradication of smallpox, by most accounts, and in the near-eradication of polio. That kind of work is still going on today, as is the response to sudden health threats. Just a few months ago, WHO coordinated what now looks like a successful effort to contain and then wipe out an outbreak of Marburg virus in Rwanda. Its an awful disease that leads to bleeding, severe vomiting, neurological issues and eventually a painful death. But in the end there were just 66 reported illnesses and 15 fatalities, and within three months the lack of new cases allowed local officials to declare the outbreak over. Midwife Maima Johnson hands a newborn girl to mother Cecelia Mensah, 20, after delivering the child at the Star of the Sea Health Center on January 29, 2015, in the West Point township of Monrovia, Liberia. Midwives and health workers in the clinic had taken extra precautions throughout Liberia's Ebola epidemic to avoid becoming infected. John Moore via Getty Images We found out about it quickly, and that was the way the warning system is supposed to work, and precautions were taken, says Jennifer Kates, senior vice president and director of global health and HIV policy for the nonpartisan research organization KFF. These are not things that the average American is going to always feel, but thats partially because the system is designed to try to contain outbreaks when they happen. Back in 2014, WHO wasnt as successful at stopping an outbreak of Ebola, a closely related virus, that started in the western part of Africa before spreading to Europe and the U.S. Both at the time and later, experts faulted WHO for not raising alarms about the appearance of the disease earlier. But it was still WHO that coordinated the subsequent international response, whose success at preventing the virus from killing many more people won widespread acclaim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHO emergency teams were on the ground, they were isolating cases, they were providing health care, Lawrence Gostin, professor of global health law at Georgetown University, told me. They did the contact tracing and eventually stopped the pandemic in its tracks. Infectious pathogens don't stop at borders.Preeti Malani, University of Michigan Of course, its WHOs role in COVID-19 that has generated most of the controversy recently and, relatedly, has drawn Trumps ire. From the earliest weeks of the pandemic, back in 2020, a variety of researchers and officials have blamed WHO for not putting more pressure on China to disclose information about the diseases origins and initial spread. Trump, famously looking for people and institutions to blame, picked up on these criticisms and actually initiated the withdrawal process, which under U.S. law takes one year. President Joe Biden reversed that order upon taking office, but now Trump has reinstated it, citing the organizations mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China as a reason. Trump has also complained that WHO membership costs so much money. The U.S. is the organizations single biggest funder, with its roughly $1.3 billion in contributions over the 2022-23 period accounting for about 16% of the total WHO budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a Monday evening press conference, as he signed executive orders, Trump said WHO ripped us off. Among those orders was the one restarting the yearlong withdrawal process, which means the U.S. is now on track to leave the organization in January 2026. The WHO Without The U.S. Even defenders of WHO say it has serious flaws, starting with the kind of excessive deference to strong member nations that WHO showed to China over COVID-19. Other problems include the bureaucratic inefficiency endemic to large international organizations, as well as a financial burden on the U.S. that even some committed globalists think other economically advanced countries could do more to share. I think its really important to recognize that the challenges that the Trump administration is trying to address are real, Judd Walson, a professor of international health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told me. And while an effort to address some of those issues has been underway, in the form of a new worldwide pandemic treaty the Biden administration was negotiating, it has already drawn objections from many on the political right. According to these critics, the emerging treaty is either too weak (because it would still allow a country like China to get away with withholding information) or too strong (because it would require the U.S. to comply with new demands for information) or both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump isnt looking to alter the terms of that treaty, or propose some other way of improving WHO. Hes talking about withdrawing altogether. And while his executive order calls on his national security staff to find other ways of addressing global health, few public health experts think thats realistic. The U.S. has probably more technical expertise than any other nation in the world on health, it has the largest economy, and so in many ways it really can operate on its own more than any other country, said Kates. However, it cant do everything on its own. Gostin was even more forceful: President Trump is living in Fantasyland. You cant replace the singular global health organization thats been the center of global health for more than 75 years. And if he thinks we can that we are stronger by going it alone hes badly mistaken. Its very clear our domestic capabilities cant replace a worldwide network of surveillance and response. A simple, practical way U.S. withdrawal could hamper future outbreak responses is by making communication more difficult. One of WHOs most important functions is creating standards and expectations for the precise kinds of data member nations should provide, and then creating mechanisms for sharing it in real time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In theory, Walson said, nations could still provide and share information on their own. In reality, he said, its not going to happen seamlessly or quickly if the channels for communication dont exist already: There are technical challenges, like who exactly in these other countries is going to provide the data who do they approach in the U.S. about it. The thing that makes us weaker is just to take all our marbles and go home.Lawrence Gostin, Georgetown University But probably the biggest single worry among these experts is that without U.S. leadership and money, the organization would simply not be able to do as much. Its even possible U.S. withdrawal would set off a chain reaction in which other powerful countries start pulling back as well until, eventually, WHO is a shell of its former itself, with nothing similar replacing it. If that happens ... then the whole goal of having global cooperation at times of crisis in particular really gets affected, said Kates. You can see that playing out now theres no global cooperation, were all in it for ourselves. And then thats like a dystopian movie. As an example of what that dystopia might look like, Walson imagined another outbreak of Ebola or Marburg in a small West African country without the resources to identify, track or contain the virus on its own. The first reports of fever would come in, but theyd struggle to figure out whether it was just another normally circulating disease like malaria or something worse and, once they understood the threat, it would take them time to mount a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could be devastating for the country and, as past outbreaks have shown, potentially devastating for the rest of the world too. People are moving, leaving their country to go work in a neighboring country, Walson said. Theyre going into airports where theyre in contact with business travelers, who then fly into a European country and meet their American counterpart at a meeting in Davos or in London. Infections spread quickly, so our inability to know that theres a potential threat, to assess the threat and to help respond and contain that threat, will have immediate and direct consequences for our security, Walson said. What The WHO Means To The U.S. One way WHO could weather a U.S. withdrawal would be to lean more on other powerful nations, although doing so would likely empower China the very nation Trump sees as Americas chief adversary and leave the U.S. with even less influence over global health policies. The thing that makes us weaker is just to take all our marbles and go home, because whenever there is a vital public health decision around the world to be made, the U.S. will be on the outside looking in, Gostin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while the longstanding U.S. support for WHO may seem to critics like a naive attempt at creating a utopian global community, Walson says, its actually a recognition that the world is full of suspicious and hostile powers and that, when it comes to health, mutual survival depends on getting past that. We are viewed as a major and important actor in the global health space and that trust and belief that we do it not only for ourselves, but that we do it for the community as a whole, has consequences, Walson said. There is a level of willingness to engage that allows us to work with countries that otherwise we would not be able to work with effectively, because of that level of trust. This is obviously not the perspective of Trump, whose views on the world as a competition for dominance sounds a lot like some of the prevailing sentiments of the 19th century. As Walson noted, those worries about maritime trade spreading disease came from the colonial powers because they were the ones dispatching the ships. Leaders of those nations embraced international cooperation over health largely out of self-interest: They didnt want to bring illness back home. Later the same impulse helped lead to the creation of other international organizations and agreements, covering everything from trade to security. Now those arrangements are in Trumps crosshairs, and many will not survive. But infectious pathogens dont stop at borders, as Malani put it. Trump may succeed in pulling the U.S. out of global health organizations. That doesnt mean the crises theyre meant to address will stop. Reps. Melissa Nikolakakos, R-Great Falls, Gary Parry, R-Colstrip, and Curtis Shomer, R-Billings, take their oath of office on the first day of the 69th Legislature on Jan. 6, 2025. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan) Yet another judge just found the Montana Legislature in violation of the Montana Constitution. This time it attempted to ignore the Constitutions very clear right-to-know provision regarding the publics right to observe the actions of government including making the laws we all have to live by. Simply put, the Republicans have controlled the legislative majorities for many years now, as well as the governors office and every statewide office. That gives them dang near total control over the state and the ability to do almost anything they wish with the law, budgets, programs, and the health and welfare of all Montanans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The salient word is almost. Other than the constitutional sidebars, which indeed are there to protect the people from the government, its pretty much wide open for whatever changes the majority party wants to make. Moreover, the first thing that anyone dealing with the Legislature learns is that you have to know the rules. In fact, every legislative session votes on the rules that govern their actions. What most people dont know is that the Legislature gets to make its own rules and when you control both chambers with large majorities, as well as the Rules Committees of both the Senate and House, you can change them any way you want as long as they conform to the Constitutions mandates and prohibitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP-controlled Legislature now has a rather long and undistinguished record of its unconstitutional laws being overturned by both Montana district and Supreme Court decisions as well as the recent decision by the US Supreme Court to decline the states appeal on two laws that were overturned because they would restrict Montanans voting rights. The latest case the Legislature lost, however, was on whether the public has the right to view the background information on bills. As Cascade County District Judge John Kutzman succinctly summed it up in his ruling: It is about documents held in public files maintained on public servers by public employees at public expense. For 50 years the public has had the right to inspect all the information that goes into a bill including the bill requester and who was active in the bill drafting process; for exmaple, which special interests, lobbyists, and think tanks influenced the bills, suggested language, provided data, etc. As Kutzman wrote: The only qualification in the constitutional right to examine public documents is when the demand of individual privacy clearly exceeds the merits of public disclosure. No one in this case suggests the case has anything to do with anyones right of individual privacy. Similarly, nothing in the constitutional language requires the person who wants to examine public documents to agree not to use that information to publicly criticize the legitimacy or validity of government action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that the GOP majorities control all the actions of every bill from drafting to when its voted into law (or not), what possible difference could it make if the public knows details on the drafting process? And why was that worth yet again trying to operate in secrecy and ignoring the clear mandates of the Montana Constitution? Theres no need to kid anyone. The Republicans are totally in charge of Montana with virtually unlimited power providing they stay within the sidebars of the Constitution and honor our inalienable rights which by the way, is exactly what our right-to-know provision is. The GOP holds all the cards so why cant they just play by the rules like the rest of us have to? WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A Wichita man has pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing child pornography. The U.S. Attorneys Office says Sebastian Grattan, 28, of Wichita, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography. Court records show Grattan admitted to using a messaging app to distribute materials showing child sex abuse in November 2023. He is currently in the U.S. Marshals custody while awaiting sentencing on April 10. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man who left baby in the I-135 canal headed to prison The case was investigated by the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), Wichita Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations under Project Safe Childhood, which was launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. The program coordinates and cooperates with federal, tribal, state, local, and international organizations and agencies to better locate, capture and prosecute those who use the internet to exploit children and identify and rescue victims. You can find more information about the program 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 KSN-TV. A Wichita man charged with murdering the stepdaughter he considered his common-law wife has been found guilty by a Sedgwick County jury. Larry Ingram Jr., 44, is scheduled for sentencing on March 7 in the Dec. 21, 2023, shooting death of 23-year-old Deniq Jasmine Ingram at their Wichita apartment, 7750 E. 32nd St. North, near K-96 and Rock Road. Jurors convicted him of one count each of second-degree unintentional but reckless murder and violation of a protective order after deliberating for less than 90 minutes Thursday, according to court records and a live stream of trial proceedings broadcast on CourtTV. The jury also found the murder was an act of domestic violence, court records show. The trial started Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ingram fatally shot Deniq in the chest after she got out of bed to pump breast milk for their newborn son around 12:40 a.m. on Dec. 21, 2023. He told police differing stories about how the shooting happened: At first he claimed he heard a noise in the apartment, didnt get an answer when he called out for Deniq and shot her when she startled him coming around a corner. He later claimed he had been fearful of a home invasion after someone had slashed his tires, a probable cause affidavit released by the court says. Prosecutors contended at trial that Ingram knew or should have known Deniq was in the apartment and reached for a Glock 10mm gun in her purse instead of checking other rooms to see whether she was pumping breast milk like normal. He waited in bed without turning on the lights or giving any warning that he was armed and fired recklessly the moment he saw her in the bedroom doorway, they told jurors. Larry Ingram Jr. Ingrams defense lawyers instead painted Ingram as a grieving husband who accidentally killed the love of his life after being jolted awake from a deep sleep. They told jurors Ingram was terrified of the bump in the night that was coming for him and fired to protect Deniq and their 3-month-old son from any potential threats after he heard noises in the dark, cluttered apartment. Deniq was pronounced dead at a Wichita hospital at 1:17 a.m. Dec. 21, 2023. The probable cause affidavit says she suffered a single gunshot wound to her left breast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ingram was under a court order barring contact with Deniq at the time of her death because she was slated to testify as a trial witness in a sex crimes case in which he was later convicted of sexually abusing her sisters when they were children. Deniqs family has claimed Ingram killed her to prevent her from testifying, but jurors were not allowed to hear that theory. Ingram used to be married to Deniqs mother and helped raise her and her sisters, but the relationship fell apart in 2019 after some of the daughters disclosed that Ingram had been molesting and raping them for years. The sexual abuse resulted in at least three pregnancies that the girls were forced by Ingram to abort, the abused sisters have testified in court. Deniq claimed she hadnt been abused by Ingram and stayed with him when the rest of her family fled the state, although her mother thinks she stayed behind due to Stockholm Syndrome, when someone bonds with their abuser or captor. Ingram was convicted of 17 crimes tied to the sex abuse at a trial in December. He is also scheduled for sentencing in that case on March 7, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contributing: Michael Stavola of The Eagle Wichitan accused of murdering stepdaughter-turned-wife is guilty of sisters rapes Abuse charges and a fatal shooting: Stepfather-now-husband accused in Wichita womans death Best in class, best in sports: Family remembers young woman killed in north Wichita Man arrested after woman is fatally shot at north Wichita apartments, officials say The wife of a St. Petersburg doctor facing charges that he coerced minors into producing child sexual abuse material has resigned from her job as the chief administrative officer of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County. Stephen Leedy, 59, faces three counts of production of child sexual abuse material and two counts of coercing or enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. Prosecutors say a girl died after Leedy directed her to hang herself, but no murder charges have been filed in connection with her death. If convicted on all counts, he faces up to life in federal prison. His wife, Lynda Leedy, had been a leader with the county juvenile board for 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 9, Ms. Leedy tendered her resignation effective immediately and is no longer employed by the Juvenile Welfare Board, a spokesperson wrote in an email to the Tampa Bay Times. In a resignation letter to the boards chief executive officer, Leedy said she made the decision with a very heavy heart. I understand that the extraordinary circumstances surrounding my personal situation have made my continued employment untenable, she wrote. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for you and this excellent organization in meeting the needs of Pinellas Countys children and families. Shortly after federal prosecutors announced the charges against Stephen Leedy, the board issued a news release stating his arrest came as a complete shock to all, including his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement noted that Lynda Leedy does not work directly with children in her role, though she was required to pass a background screening as a condition of her employment. Ms. Leedy is a valued member of (the Juvenile Welfare Boards) Executive Leadership Team where she holds herself and others to the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior and possesses impeccable integrity, the boards CEO, Beth Houghton, said in the statement. While this news leaves us stunned and saddened for Ms. Leedy, her family, and any potential victims in this case, I have the utmost confidence in her ability to continue to carry out (the Juvenile Welfare Boards) mission of strengthening the lives of our countys children and families. Two days later, Lynda Leedy resigned. A Times reporter was unable to reach her by phone Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boards initial statement credits her for a number of key efforts by the organization, and says she is highly committed to the safety, health, and well-being of Pinellas Countys children, as well as to that of (the Juvenile Welfare Boards) employees, and she has been recognized on a local, state, and national level for her work to improve the lives of others. Lynda Leedy graduated from the University of Miami with her bachelors degree and earned a law degree from Ohio State University, according to her LinkedIn profile. Before joining the Juvenile Welfare Board in 2015, she worked as interim director of the Pinellas County Department of Health and Community Services. In November 2022, a 13-year-old girl was found dead after hanging herself in front of her phone. Prosecutors say messages found on her phone revealed Stephen Leedy directed her to produce child sexual abuse material and choke herself. A search of Leedys account revealed exchanges with several other minors whom he told to produce child pornography and self-mutilate. Prosecutors say Leedy very clearly engaged in this predatory behavior with approximately 10 minor victims across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Leedy was arrested by the Holly Springs Police Department in Georgia on Dec. 19 and was being held in federal custody in Atlanta. He has an arraignment and detention hearing set for Tuesday at the federal courthouse in downtown Tampa. LONDON (Reuters) -Ukrainian-Russian businessman German Khan's wife on Friday lost her appeal to overturn British sanctions imposed on her following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a ruling that maintains the UK's 100% record of defending sanctions challenges. Britain slapped sanctions on Anzhelika Khan in April 2022 after taking similar measures a month earlier against her husband, German, who co-founded investment group LetterOne and whose net worth Forbes estimates at $8.8 billion. She argued that the sanctions were unlawful because she had no involvement in Russian politics and held no influence over the Russian government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her case was dismissed last February. The Court of Appeal on Friday rejected Khan's appeal against that ruling. Judge Rabinder Singh said in a written ruling that he did not accept an argument from Khan's lawyer that there was no rational connection between Khan being sanctioned and its purpose. The ruling comes after a similar challenge by billionaire oil tycoon Eugene Shvidler, whose appeal against British sanctions was the first case of its kind to reach the UK's Supreme Court last week. Britain's Foreign Office has overseen the sanctioning of more than 1,700 individuals or entities since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courts have in previous cases emphasised the importance of the political aims of the sanctions regime, an argument the Foreign Office made to the Supreme Court in Shvidler's case. (Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Sachin Ravikumar) Jan. 23ALEXANDRIA Kyle Williams has been elected president of the Alexandria Community School Corp. board, replacing Carrie Rowland. Williams' election during a recent board meeting was anticipated by some, as a different member takes on the position each year. This is his second time being elected president in his tenure on the board, which spans more than a decade. As president, Williams will take on several responsibilities ranging from leading monthly meetings, to being a central point of contact for school board members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He recently contacted Penny Stevens, who was on vacation during the January meeting, and told her what went on. A key responsibility of the president, he said, is working with the superintendent to solve district-wide problems. Williams remembered working with then-superintendent Melissa Brisco on issues connected to the COVID-19 pandemic. More importantly, Williams said he is excited to represent Alexandria, the longtime home of him and his family, including his youngest daughter, who is a senior at Alexandria-Monroe High School this year. Follow Caleb Amick on Twitter @AmickCaleb. Contact him at caleb.amick@heraldbulletin.com or 765-648-4254. Most people think of the Costa Brava for its Mediterranean beaches and classic holiday resorts and rightly so, as the coastline is spectacular but this northeastern region of Catalonia offers more than just sea and sand. Visitors can expect a much-storied history, diverse terrain and landscapes, inspiring architecture and an exceptional food and wine scene. The regions wine production is centred around the protected 'designation of origin (DO) Emporda area, which stretches from near the Pyrenees mountains in the north to the glistening Mediterranean Sea in the south, traversing the Costa Brava. The area's DO status means that wine produced in this region is regulated for quality and authenticity, making a viticultural journey one of the best ways to experience the area. Start at the beginning in Empuries While the DO Emporda wine region may only have gained its protected status in 2006, wine production here likely dates back to the ancient Greek and Roman times, both of whom settled in the area they called Emporion and Emporiae respectively. These days, the settlement and historical ruins of the city are called Empuries and are the destination from which the wider region and the wine designation take their names. Any wine-focused exploration of the region should begin at this ancient site, to understand the scale and importance of this part of the Iberian Peninsula. The Archaeology Museum of Catalonia Empuries is the best place to start, showcasing objects that have been unearthed over the years. Only about half of the ruins have been excavated so far, so discoveries are continually being added. Combine waves and wine in Llanca Head 25 miles up the coast from Empuries and youll reach the fishing port of Llanca. Its here thanks to the team at SK Kayak that you can experience the regions vineyards from a different perspective. Youll set off from the beach in your kayak and follow the coast to a small cove at Cap Ras, stopping en route to drink in the views of the green coastal vineyards near the Garbet Sea. Along the way, disembark to enjoy tastings at local wineries such as Hugas de Batlle. Combine wine tasting with aquatic activity by heading on an 'enokayak' adventure, paddling past vineyards and sampling some of Emporda's best wines. Photograph by Joan Divi Figueras Begin your journey at Empries, one of Catalonia's most important archaeological sites, where you can learn about the importance of wine-making to the region. Photograph by Rafa Perez Enjoy views and vines at Sant Pere de Rodes Those who prefer something a little less demanding should head to the majestic Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. This former Benedictine monastery sits at the top of the Verdera mountain range and offers some of the best views over the Cap de Creus peninsula. This complex of Romanesque-style religious buildings is among the most important medieval sites in Catalonia, and while the buildings are vast, its said that no more than 20 or so monks lived here at any one time. Those who did, however, made wine. Take a tour of the impressive wine cellar with its vaulted ceiling and learn about the vineyard terraces and Ramon Pere de Noves a monk with a particular proclivity for winemaking. Learn about tradition and conservation at Espelt Viticultors While plenty of grape varieties have been grown in Costa Brava over the centuries, there are some local varietals that are characteristic of this land, soil and location the most common being Garnatxa and Moscatell. One of the wineries looking to preserve and grow these historic varieties is Espelt Viticultors. The family-run estate grows grapes both by the sea and inland, and since 2020, all the wines have been organic thanks to their commitment to regenerating the areas soil and landscape. Theyve rebuilt terraces, constructed nearly 3,000 metres of dry-stone wall and entered into a land stewardship project with the IAEDEN conservation association to encourage biodiversity in the vineyards. Book one of the two-and-a-half-hour tasting tours to learn more about the vine and wine processes whilst sipping on the latest vintages. Finca Garbet is a rugged, twelve-hectare vineyard within the Peralada winery, with terraces that sit on the shores of the Mediterranean. Photograph by Oscar Rodbag, Arxiu Imatges PTCBG Find festivals and wellness in Peralada In the centre of Emporda stands the Castillo Peralada, a medieval castle that was once at the heart of winemaking. In 1923, the castle or what was left of it was bought by Miguel Mateu Pla, whose dream was to restore both the castle and the winemaking tradition of the area. Eventually, he achieved his aim, and three generations later, the family-run winery of Peralada produces more than two million bottles per year. Part of the estate is a resort with a wine-inspired spa that uses grape skins, seeds and oils as part of its treatments try the Vitis Vinifera Ritual for all-out bliss. In the summer months, Peralada is also home to the Castell de Peralada Music Festival, which has taken place annually for nearly 40 years. The bustling city of Girona is the ideal place to sit and enjoy a glass of local wine, while watching the crowds go by. Photograph by Pere Ballesteros, Arxiu Imatges PTCBG Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wine and dine in Girona No trip to the Costa Brava would be complete without one final stop in the colourful city of Girona. Sat at the meeting point of four rivers, the city has been home to settlements since at least the Roman times, a history that endures in the remains of the old city walls. Girona's centre is an architectural and cultural blend that features Islamic, Jewish, and Roman influences, best explored by getting lost in the winding streets. Cool off by dipping into one of the citys chic wine bars, many of which specialise in natural wines. For the ultimate experience, try to snag a table on the terrace at the trendy La Tabarra. Its wine list has a great selection of red, white and rose wines from DO Emporda all perfect to pair with its small plates such as batter-fried prawn brioche or Asian-style steak tartare. This paid content article was created for Costa Brava Girona Tourism Board as part of a joint partnership with the Catalan Tourism Board. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here.(Available in select countries only). PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The $328.5 million jackpot-winning Powerball ticket was sold at a Beaverton Fredy Meyer store, the Oregon Lottery announced on Friday. Lottery officials said that the ticket, which matched all six Powerball numbers, was sold at the Fred Meyer store on Southwest Walker Road. The winner came forward to claim the prize on Wednesday although their name wont be announced for some time, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I-5 bridge project could face scrutiny from Trump administration Im thrilled to be celebrating another large Powerball jackpot win in Oregon, said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. The impact of a win like this not only benefits our state as a whole but has a ripple effect in our local communities. Since the Fred Meyer store sold the ticket, they will be getting a $100,000 bonus and the store announced they will be making a $50,000 donation to the Oregon Food Bank. Our partnership with Fred Meyer is vital in ensuring families dont have to choose between essentials such as putting food on the table or a roof over their heads, said Andrea Williams, Oregon Food Bank President. Their support helps provide nourishing food that feels like home to our communities. We know that now is a moment when Oregon can lead the way in making sure our communities are supported and connected, because no one should be hungry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fred Meyer has sold other large Powerball tickets in recent years including a $1 million ticket in 2023 and a $7.9 million ticket in 2022. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. (WROC) Rochester Works partnered with Monroe County to host their Winter Job Fair at the Irondequoit Community Center Thursday. The fair was free and open to the public with over 30 local employers in attendance. All job seekers were invited regardless of level of skill, education, or experience. Rochester Works said they hope to connect folks with job opportunities available across Monroe County and give them the chance to interact with employers face-to-face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No matter what type of job you are looking for the job fair offered a little bit of everything. Rochester Works also offers free job search help meeting with advisors and virtual workshops to learn important skills such as resume writing and how to successfully interview. For more information on their services as well as future events you can visit this website 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. The halls of the State Capitol are mostly empty, a good chance to dust hard to reach areas. Not far away, some lawmakers and lobbyists walked into first budget related hearing since the snowstorm hit Georgia. Well, the whole thing is unexpected. This is the weather; you cannot control it, so you have got to adjust to it, Democratic Senator Ed Harbison told Channel 2s Richard Elliot. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Harbisons hometown of Columbus is covered in snow, but he was able to get to Atlanta to attend this first hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is sure they will get the budgets done in time. We will plow through it and do what we need to do in order to serve the constituents of Atlanta, Columbus, I got to put Columbus in there, too, and the State of Georgia, Harbinson said. Alpharetta Republican Sen. Brandon Beach did not see any snow where he lives, but he is confident snow delays wont slow them down. TRENDING STORIES: But well get it done. These guys are pros. I mean I can tell you these guys are pros. They know what to do, Beach said. We had to talk to Vidalia State Senator Blake Tillery virtually since he is stuck in four inches of snow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is the co-chair of the appropriations committee and is in charge of coming up with the plan to spend right around $36 billion. So, our senators from the northern half of the state have really done yeomans work to pull their weigh for those of us who could not physically make it there, Tillery said. While he didnt get to present the budgets before the committee, Gov. Brian Kemp shared a copy of his remarks for his seventh budget proposal. This year is no different, as we work as a team to overcome challenges facing our farmers and small businesses in the wake of Hurricane Helene, provide further relief to hardworking Georgians dealing with sky-high prices, invest in community-level infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing economy and population, strengthen our education and workforce development programs, fortify our public safety and corrections system, grow the number of healthcare workers in our state and support these heroes, and many other strategic investments that ensure we meet our obligations without growing government, Kemp wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can view the AFY25 and FY26 budget proposals here. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) Snow storms in the south and wildfires in California have forced the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives this month, resulting in more than 12,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations. We dont want to create any panic, but we need to collect blood year round, said Kristopher Dumschat, Red Cross director of communications for Virginia. Its just important for people to try to take the time the next couple weeks to schedule an appointment .. come give blood to make sure our hospital systems have the resources they need to save lives. The Red Cross is urging all healthy donors, especially those with Type O negative blood, to schedule an appointment within the next couple of weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So we dont find ourselves in a situation in a couple weeks where our numbers have dipped to a point where we do have to declare some type of blood emergency, Dumschat said. Blood donations are used every day to treat people with cancer, blood disorders and in surgeries. You never know when those blood products might be something you need if youre involved in a traumatic car accident or something like that, so what comes around goes around right, Dumschat said, so lets help out if we are healthy and able and roll up our sleeves to donate that lifesaving blood. As an extra incentive to give blood, those who donate between now and Sunday, Jan. 26 will be entered for a chance to win tickets to this years Super Bowl in New Orleans. All who come to give Jan. 27-Feb. 28, 2025, will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can find a link to upcoming donation drives and blood donations centers 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 WAVY.com. MADISON, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) As President Trump continues to work on the immigration crackdown he promised, Wisconsin farmers advocacy groups are expressing concern about the workforce. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and the Wisconsin Farmers Union are working to inform their members of their rights. They say calls have come in as the president signs executive orders and announces raids. The concern is the workforce could diminish. Hindering farmers from operating or even caring for the livestock. The Wisconsin Farmers Union says immigrants do 70% of work on dairy farms in the state. Executive Director Julie Keown-Bomar says, You cant blame people for being here illegally when there isnt a legal pathway for people to really come and work. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is in support of securing the southern border, however, it still says it shouldnt come at the expense of Wisconsin dairy farmers who need workers to help out. Tyler Wenzlaff, with the Bureau, says, And, hopefully, get to a good spot where we have a secure border, but have a secure labor force as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both groups have advocated for the expansion of the H2A Visa Program. It allows the employment of seasonal workers from outside the US. Advocates are waiting to see how Trumps agenda could impact those efforts Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX2548 & WIProud. A woman was arrested this week after authorities discovered a stunning case of alleged animal abuse and neglect across at least two California properties, in which 27 horses were found dead. The San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office said in a statement that deputies had executed a search warrant on Wednesday regarding an ongoing animal neglect investigation in Clements, CA. Multiple properties were searched, discovering several malnourished horses on the premises that had limited access to food and water, in addition to the animals that were already deceased. Animal Services officers and veterinarians were on hand to evaluate the condition of the horses. After a thorough assessment, 16 were rescued and are now in the care of professionals at the Oakdale Equine Rescue, where they will receive proper nutrition, medical attention, and rehabilitation. Sadly, not every animal could be saved, and four additional horses and one bull were ultimately euthanized due to extreme neglect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, due to the size of the property, additional horses and animals were still in the process of being evaluated. Police arrested 62-year-old Jan Johnson in connection with the abused animals, who was charged with cruelty to an animal, threatening a public official, criminal threats, and possession of a short-barrel shotgun. According to CBS News, Johnson already had a warrant out for her arrested for allegedly making threats to a school, employees, and officers. She was subsequently booked into the San Joaquin County jail. "We are committed to protecting the welfare of all animals in our community and will continue to investigate this matter," the sheriffs office added in the statement. "Thank you to our Deputies and Animal Services team for their dedication and swift action in addressing this situation. We would also like to thank Oakdale Equine Rescue for their incredible support in assisting us with this rescue." A woman has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of US Border Patrol agent earlier this week on a highway in Vermont close to the US-Canadian border, the FBI office in Albany said Friday. Teresa Youngblut, a 21-year-old Washington state resident, was charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer, the FBI said. It is unclear whether Youngblut has retained legal representation. US Border Patrol Agent David Maland, 44, was shot Monday afternoon during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont, and later died of his injuries, the Vermont State Police and the FBI said. Coventry is about 13 miles south of the Canadian border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maland was assigned to CBPs Swanton Sector, which covers parts of Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire, a US Customs and Border Protection spokesperson previously told CNN. The incident unfolded when Maland and several border patrol agents stopped Youngblut, who was driving a blue 2015 Toyota Prius with North Carolina plates, for an immigration inspection, according to court documents. The vehicle was registered to passenger Felix Bauckholt, a German national who officials said appeared to have an expired US visa. Bauckholts last name was misspelled in the charging documents. The traffic stop escalated into a shooting after Youngblut allegedly fired a handgun on at least one of the agents, according to the court documents. Maland and Bauckholt were killed as a result of the shooting, while Youngblut was injured and taken to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire for treatment. Officials said Youngblut and Bauckholt had been under periodic surveillance since January 14 after an employee at a Lyndonville, Vermont, hotel where the pair were staying called police concerned they appeared to be dressed in all-black tactical style clothing with protective equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hours before the shooting, investigators had followed Youngblut and Bauckholt to a local Walmart where the pair appeared to have purchased two packages of aluminum foil. Upon returning to their car, Bauckholt was seen using sheets of foil to wrap unidentifiable objects while seated in the passenger seat, according to court documents. When FBI agents later searched the vehicle, they discovered the pair were traveling with multiple firearms, ammunition, handheld two-way radios and approximately a dozen electronic devices. They also found an array of military-grade gear, including a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, and a tactical belt with holster, according to court documents. The search also revealed an apparent journal belonging to Youngblut and documents containing identification, and utility, lease, travel, and lodging information pertaining to multiple states. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com LONDON (Reuters) -An American woman wanted in the United States for the murder of two of her children and attempting to kill her third child can be extradited from Britain to the U.S., a judge in a London court ruled on Friday. Kimberlee Singler, 36, has been charged in Colorado with seven counts including the first-degree murder of her nine-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son in December 2023. Prosecutors allege Singler killed two of her children by shooting them in the head and stabbing them in the neck in their home, amid a protracted custody battle with her ex-partner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Singler is alleged to have also tried to kill her third child, a girl then aged 11. She denies the allegations. Judge John Zani ruled on Friday that Singler's challenge to her extradition, on the grounds that if convicted she faces a mandatory sentence of life without parole in breach of her human rights, should be dismissed. Lawyers representing U.S. prosecutors said at a hearing in September that Singler "initially blamed an unknown male and cast suspicions on her former partner" for the crimes, but that this could be proved to be false. Singler's lawyer Edward Fitzgerald told Westminster Magistrates' Court at that hearing that Singler was "concerned that the statement made against her by her surviving child was not voluntary". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Singler appeared in the dock for Friday's brief hearing, when Zani told her he had rejected her case. "The case now passes to the Secretary of State for a decision as to whether or not extradition is to be ordered," Zani said. "Should the Secretary of State make that decision, you have the right to ask the High Court for permission to appeal against my decision." Singler's lawyers declined to comment. (Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Sarah Young) Republican Gov. Jim Pillen and law enforcement officials from Nebraska's two largest cities rallied around a proposed law Thursday that would allow the state to jail children as young as 11 years old and file charges in adult court against defendants as young as 12 who are accused of some felony crimes. Pointing to a purported meteoric rise in crimes committed by children in Omaha, Pillen and the group of law enforcement officials, including Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, held a news conference Thursday to champion the proposal that Hanson said would bring "balance and common sense back" to the juvenile justice system. Introduced at Pillen's request by Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, the proposed law (LB556) would reduce the minimum age police can detain a child in Nebraska from 13 years old to 11 when the child's detention is recommended by a probation offer and agreed to by a judge. The bill would also allow prosecutors to charge children as young as 12 in adult court when they're accused of crimes including murder, assault, sexual assault, robbery, burglary and certain drugs and weapons charges. Under current law, children must be at least 14 years old for prosecutors to charge them in adult court. That shift could pave the way for children as young as 14 to be sentenced to life in prison. "This bill is not about punishment," Riepe said, adding the legislation "does not seek to lock up juveniles indiscriminately." "It's about protection," he said. "Protection of our communities, our families, and most importantly, for the juveniles themselves." At Thursday's news conference, Hanson and Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine pointed to recent high-profile instances of violent crime in Omaha that involved children, making repeated references to an 11-year-old who was among six children accused in a fatal shooting in August. "I mean, we're talking about homicides," Hanson said. "We're talking about innocent people being hurt. That doesn't happen every day, luckily. It doesn't happen every year. But it's happening enough that we need to have some tools in the toolbox to deal with it." The 11-year-old, who was not suspected of shooting the 64-year-old victim, faced a dozen felony charges in juvenile court, including first-degree murder. But prosecutors dismissed the charges against him this month after he was found incompetent to stand trial. Still, Hanson lamented that authorities weren't able to detain the boy at a juvenile jail. Instead, the sheriff of Nebraska's most populous county said he had to assign deputies to provide around-the-clock monitoring of the boy's "non-secure group home, where this 11-year-old could potentially have walked away and been involved in another heinous crime." "That is, unfortunately, the corner that the current state policy has painted us into," said Hanson, who claimed Douglas County has seen a 1,500% increase in felony crimes committed by repeat child offenders since 2017. State reports detailing juvenile crime statistics indicate that there were 123 felony cases brought against defendants of any age in Douglas County Juvenile Court in 2017, compared to 175 such cases in 2023, an increase of about 42%. Statewide, there were 496 felony cases filed in juvenile court in 2017 and 672 in 2023, an increase of 35.5%. There has also been an increase in children charged with felonies in adult court in Douglas County since 2017, but a majority of those cases involve 17-year-old defendants. In 2017, prosecutors in Nebraska's largest county litigated 27 felony cases against juvenile defendants in adult court, 19 of which involved 17-year-old defendants. In 2023, Douglas County saw 41 cases against juvenile defendants in adult court, 26 of which involved 17-year-olds. Less than 18% of cases filed against child defendants in adult and juvenile court in 2023 involved children younger than 14. Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon echoed Hanson's concerns in an interview following Thursday's news conference. Condon, whose office charged a 14-year-old Lincoln boy as an adult with first-degree murder over his alleged role in a fatal stabbing last May, said "youth offenders here in Lancaster County are getting younger" and the seriousness of their offenses is growing. "If we hold these juveniles to the accountability at a younger age, they learn the consequences at a younger age," Condon said. Riepe's attempt to rewrite Nebraska's juvenile justice laws is sure to face opposition in the Legislature from some Democratic lawmakers who have advocated for juvenile justice reform. Omaha Sen. Terrell McKinney introduced a bill (LB700) this week that would make court records confidential in criminal cases against defendants younger than 18 years old and cap the maximum prison sentence for certain crimes committed by defendants younger than 22 years old, termed "young adults" in McKinney's bill. McKinney's proposal also would require law enforcement officials to read young adults and children their Miranda rights in a plainspoken manner before interviewing them, making clear that individuals aren't required to speak to police when questioned. Sen. Ashlei Spivey of Omaha put forward a proposal (LB584) that would lower the maximum prison sentence someone could receive for a crime they committed prior to turning 18 from life in prison to 50 years. And Omaha Sen. John Cavanaugh introduced a bill (LB407) that would bar prosecutors from charging children younger than 16 years old in adult court without first following the juvenile court process the same process bemoaned by law enforcement at Thursday's news conference. "I think that their frustration with how things are going is legitimate," Cavanaugh said. "I think that to solve the problem we need a constructive conversation. And my fear is that with prosecutors leading the conversation and law enforcement, they will err on the side of penalty and incarceration. "And particularly when we're talking about children and young children ... their brains are different. They need to be treated differently." Cavanaugh, a former public defender, also questioned whether Riepe's proposal to reduce the age the state can jail children is "based on any kind of scientific data, any kind of research that we should be treating 11- and 12-year-olds the same as we're treating 50-year-olds." At the news conference, Riepe said the age thresholds he chose were at the recommendation of Kleine, Douglas County's top prosecutor. "Had he come to me and said it was 10 (years old), it would have been 10 in the bill," Riepe said. (NewsNation) The California mother who emotionally confronted California Gov. Gavin Newsom during the wildfires says she is still waiting on state and local leaders to step up and deliver more to those who lost everything. Rachel Darvish, a mother and lawyer from Pacific Palisades, begged Newsom to provide her with insight into how he would deal with the devastation caused by wildfires. Newsom told her he was trying to reach then-President Biden to discuss rebuilding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gavin Newsom signs $2.5B bill to aid California wildfire recovery Little has changed since then, she told NewsNation. Whos running this clown show, whos running this clown show? I dont know whos running the clown show, and thats what it feels like were in right now, Darvish told NewsNation. It just happened so that it was me that was the mouthpiece for so many people who are trying to get to the governor, probably that moment, that day, Im proud that I was able to do it. But what goes on? What goes on from this moment forward, is we need the federal governments assistance. Darvish penned an opinion editorial in NewsNations partner The Hill discussing her frustration with disappointment with leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom told me he was literally on the phone with the president, but I was able to see that he was literally not even on the phone at all. I have yet to hear from the governor himself, but I hope my daughter will know that her preschool her little world of safety was worth fighting for, that she and her friends deserved better and that her mother did everything in her power to demand accountability and transparency from those in power, she wrote. Nearly 50,000 acres have burned from Los Angeles to San Diego. Eight active wildfires are burning in the region, and a red flag warning remains in effect. Residents are also reeling from the deadly and destructive Palisades and Eaton fires. Darvish had been living in a hotel room with her daughter after the fires ravaged Los Angeles County. Despite her home still standing, she had said she like many of her neighbors had become homeless. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An Idaho woman who has been dubbed "MAGA granny" for her role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol building has received clemency from President Donald Trump but her reaction to the pardon is different from most insurrectionists. Pamela Hemphill said on Tuesday, Jan. 21 just one day after Trump's inauguration day, when he ordered over 1,500 people accused or convicted of taking part in the Capitol attack to be granted clemency or their sentences to be communed that she is rejecting her pardon. "Accepting the pardon would be an insult to the Capitol Police officers, to the rule of law, to our nation," Hemphill, 71, said Tuesday, per the Idaho Statesman. "The J6 criminals are trying to rewrite history by saying that it was not a riot; it wasn't an insurrection. I don't want to be a part of their trying to rewrite what happened that day." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Statesman, Hemphill posted video of herself entering the Capitol on social media on Jan. 6, 2021, and she pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol Building in 2022. She was sentenced to two months in jail, three years of probation and had to pay a $500 fine, the outlet added. Related: The Capitol Riots, 1 Year Later: Witnesses Remember the Nightmare and What Comes Next Hemphill and her attorney are planning to file a letter of rejection in regards to Trump's pardon. "It's an insult to the Capitol Police, to the rule of law and to the nation," Hemphill the New York Times. "If I accept a pardon, I'm continuing their propaganda, their gaslighting and all their falsehoods they're putting out there about Jan. 6." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per the Times, Hemphill has said that she does not support Trump anymore and does not believe that the 2020 election was stolen after therapy and an experience with other Jan. 6 attackers on X. According to Hemphill, she began speaking with others at the Capitol that day on the Elon Musk-owned social media site and began questioning what others were saying about the attack there, per the Statesman. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "They started talking about supporting people that had actually been violent, and I wasnt happy about that, Hemphill said, according to the outlet. I thought we were going to stand up for anything that was government overreach or something like that, not people that are in jail for harming officers." "We are not victims, we were volunteers," Hemphill told the Statesman, adding that she thinks of herself as having been in a "cult." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nobody went up to them with a gun to their head and said, 'Youre going to go break a window. Youre going to go destroy property. Youre going to push an officer.' They had a choice," she said. Samuel Corum/Getty Footage of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Footage of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Related: Donald Trump Pardons Roughly 1,500 Jan. 6 Rioters on First Day in Office The Times also reports that Hemphill may face some legal challenges in rejecting the pardon. Rejecting an offer from the U.S. president for clemency is rarely ever done, and in the few cases that it has, judges have sided with the president. Just last year, two prisoners who had their death sentences commuted by former President Joe Biden asked a judge to stop the sentence reduction, as they worried it might put their appeals process in danger, according to the Times. A District Court judge ruled against them, stating that people convicted of a crime could not reject their sentence commutation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hemphill told the Times that she looks back on her time as a Trump supporter and an advocate for the "Stop the Steal" movement as a lack of judgment. I got my critical thinking back and started doing my own research, which I'm guilty of not doing back then because they gaslight you so much," Hemphill told the Statesman. "It's really weird when you come out of a cult. It's like you look back and you go, what was I thinking?" Read the original article on People An Atlanta woman says she hasnt had working heat for a year. She lives at the Fairburn-Gordon Apartments in southwest Atlanta. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Necole Pruitt says its been an unbearable winter as she and her family rely on space heaters to stay warm. Having to take the space heater from (here) to there, to the bathroom, Pruitt said. Pruitt told Channel 2s Ashli Lincoln maintenance requests at the Fairburn-Gordon apartments in southwest Atlanta continue to fall on deaf ears. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre not really caring about your tenants, she said. Pruitt says she cant even rely on her oven and stove to warm the apartment because the stove has been broken for nearly three years. MORE STORIES FROM 2 INVESTIGATES: Lincoln followed Pruitt to an empty neighboring apartment unit that still has running electricity. Lincoln asked Pruitt, Why do you have to come down to this empty unit? Pruitt replied, I come down, one for the heat and two to cook. In June, Channel 2 Action News reported the City of Atlanta ordered the California-based landlords to repair more than 300 code enforcement violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Christopher Portis ordered the landlord to pay a $35,000 fine in June. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has halted all funding because of these violations. I agree with what the city is doing, because even if theyre able to keep these apartments, what theyre doing is trying to make it better for the people, renter Sylvania Cooper told Lincoln. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Landlords were supposed to have adequate pest control, trash service, security, landscaping, and working AC and heat in all units. Pruitt says her apartment unit is a clear example of the lack of progress happening at this property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until theres some real consequences nothing is going to change, she said. Channel 2 Action News reached out to the Atlanta-based attorney representing the owners. He has not responded to our request for comment. After asking for an update on the status of this case, the solicitors office told Channel 2 Action News, it doesnt comment on pending litigation. Pruitt has created a GoFundMe to help her find a safer, better environment for her and her children. Click here, if you would like to donate. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Authorities in Woodburn are searching for a missing 16-year-old girl who was last seen in early January. The Woodburn Police Department says 16-year-old Damaris Escalante Lopez was last seen on Jan. 8 leaving Woodburn High School. Lopez was reported missing from her Woodburn home after making statements of wanting to return to Guatemala, according to Woodburn police, but may be in Laramie, Wyoming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was described as wearing blue jeans, a black sweater, a purple shirt, white sneakers and had a black backpack, according to police. According to the description, Damaris is a Hispanic woman who is 5 feet tall, has brown eyes and black hair. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Woodburn police. The investigation 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 Fridays, at Worcesters El Buen Samaritano (EBS) food program, Executive Director Mari Gonzalez and her staff, provide free food to whoever needs it. Many who line up are undocumented. This Friday, with fresh news of ICE crackdowns in Massachusetts, Mari noticed fewer people showing up at EBS. Trump gives ICE power to quickly deport migrants Biden allowed into US, report says We usually see 300 families today. And there wasnt that many today, because they are in fear, Gonzalez said. I had messages, DMs, Can you deliver? Because I dont want to go out there. The fear is real. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost immediately after returning to the White House Monday, President Donald Trump signed executive orders revamping official US Immigration policy, paving the way for ICE to round up undocumented migrants, even at schools. On Wednesday, ICE agents made arrests in East Boston. In Worcester, the District Attorney expressed concern I was talking to a teacher yesterday and he told me hes really sad because the students would be looking out the window, saying, Whos that car, whos there? Are they coming to get us? Are my parents be there when I get home? We got to talk about this a little bit more, Early said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, local law enforcement are trying to come to terms with new policies toward immigration crackdowns. The Worcester County Sheriff is backing a new bill that would allow jails to hold undocumented migrants who are charged with crimes and who have federal detainers on them for the feds. It provides law enforcement a 36 hour window to hold people and give ICE the opportunity if they determine them a public safety risk, to come take them into custody, Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis said. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the largest naval engagement in history, a sprawling affair that lasted from Oct. 23 to 26, 1944, involving four major engagements. In spite of hopeless odds, Japanese Adm. Soemu Toyodas complex plan for the much-depleted Imperial Japanese Navy to strike a blow against the U.S. forces landing on the Philippine island of Leyte came tantalizingly close to achieving at least some of its sacrificial goal. In the Sibuyan Sea on Oct. 23, the Japanese First Strike Force lost heavy cruisers Atago and Maya to U.S. submarines Darter and Dace. The following day, Japanese forces lost one of the worlds two biggest battleships, Musashi, to carrier planes of the U.S. Third Fleet, which in turn lost its light carrier Princeton. That night, Japanese forces ran into the U.S. 7th Fleet in Surigao Strait, losing two battleships, a heavy cruiser and several destroyers. Adm. William Halsey, learning of four Japanese carriers approaching from the northeast, then set out with his entire 3rd Fleet to intercept them off Cape Engano unaware that they had few aircraft and were serving solely to decoy his fleet away from the beachhead a success that cost Japan all four flattops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With both fleets diverted, the First Striking Force under Vice Adm. Takeo Kurita was able to steam past San Bernardino Strait and make for the American beachhead at Leyte. As he approached the isle of Samar on the morning of Oct. 25, Kurita found his way barred by Taffy 3, an antisubmarine force from the 7th Fleet, consisting of escort carriers Fanshaw Bay, St. Lo, White Plains, Kalinin Bay, Kitkun Bay and Gambier Bay; destroyers Hoel, Heermann and Johnston; and destroyer escorts Dennis, John C. Butler, Raymond and Samuel B. Roberts. Kuritas force, which included Musashis colossal sister, Yamato, and three battleships, had the potential to pulverize Taffy 3, but the escort carriers presence misled him into thinking he was encountering an element of Halseys 3rd Fleet. Rear Adm. Clifton To close with them as quickly as possible, Kurita ordered a general attack, which committed his ships piecemeal rather than in a line of battle. This made the Americans situation a little less dire, but, as Capt. Dennis Sullivan of escort carrier White Plains put it, We could only go in the direction the [Japanese] wanted to go themselves, to Leyte Gulf. Ordering his escort carriers to accelerate to flank speed, Taffy 3 commander, Rear Adm. Clifton Ziggy Sprague, made a fighting retreat of it, sending all available aircraft to bomb and strafe Japanese forces, plus all three of his destroyers to slow down enemy forces with torpedoes and 5-inch guns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many acts of heroism followed, including a remarkable fight by the destroyer escort Roberts. Roberts was meant to escort convoys and fight submarines, not engage enemy warships. Compared to the Fletcher class destroyer with its five 5-inch dual-purpose guns and 10 Mark 15 19-inch torpedoes in two rows of torpedo tubes, Roberts had only two 5-inch gun turrets and a single rack for three torpedoes. Sprague had given no orders for the slow, under-armed destroyer escorts to take on the Japanese warships, but Roberts skipper, Lt. Cmdr. Robert Witcher Copeland, rose to the occasion. Joining destroyers Hoel and Heermann in an attack on the leading four Japanese heavy cruisers, Copeland informed his crew: Were making a torpedo run. The outcome is doubtful, but we will do our duty. Lt. Cmdr. Robert W. Copeland, right, received the Navy Cross for heroism while in command of Roberts during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command) Using smoke to conceal its movements, Roberts closed the range on heavy cruiser Chokai to 4,000 yards too close for it to depress its 8-inch main guns then launched all three torpedoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All missed, but at least one 5-inch shell hit Chokais torpedo battery, the resultant secondary explosion disabling its propulsion system and rudder. Chokai, in turn, scored at least one hit on Roberts, but subsequent strikes from escort carrier Kitkun Bay led to the crippled cruiser being abandoned and sunk. Roberts fought on with what it had, firing 608 5-inch shells in an hour while its 40mm and 20mm antiaircraft guns pelted targets of opportunity, including heavy cruiser Chikumas bridge. The escort may have taken a hit or two from a Japanese battleship, but its main event was a one-on-one duel with the battleship Kongo until 9 a.m., when the latter struck it with two or three 14-inch shells that opened up a 40-foot-long, 10-foot-wide hole and devastated the left aft engine room. By 09:07 a.m., Roberts had taken roughly 20 shell hits of various caliber and was dead in the water. Thirty minutes later, Copeland reluctantly acceded to the inevitable and ordered his crew to abandon ship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the crew of No. 2 aft gun turret fired off six more shells at the enemy before leaving their post. As noted by one of the surviving officers, Lt. William S. Burton, That gun in less than an hour expended something in excess of 300 rounds of 5-inch ammunition, including star shells when all Common and AA projectiles were gone. The rapid and continuous fire from Gun 2 was an inspiration to every man on the ship. Carr was able to obtain a great many hits on a Japanese cruiser. The individual Burton mentioned, Paul Henry Carr, born in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, on Feb. 1924, had joined the Navy on May 27, 1942, and was assigned to Roberts in April 1944. A Gunners Mate Third Class, Carr was in command of Mount 52 throughout the battle and, as it turned out, somewhat beyond it, as Burtons report continued: While attempting to fire the seventh round, the powder charge cooked off before the breech closed, wrecking the gun and killing or wounding all but three crew members who were critically injured and two of whom were blown clear of the mount and the ship as a result of the explosion. The first man to enter the mount after the explosion found the captain, Carr, on the deck of the mount holding in his hand the last projectile available to his gun. He was completely torn open and his intestines were splattered throughout the inside of the mount. Nevertheless, he held in his hand the 54-pound projectile, held it up above his head and begged the petty officer who had entered the mount to help him get that last round out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The petty officer, who entered the mount, took the projectile from Carr and removed one of the other men, who were wounded or unconscious, to the main deck in order to render him first aid. When he returned to the mount, there was Gunners Mate Carr again with the projectile in his hand, still attempting, although horribly wounded, to place the projectile on the loading tray. American survivors of the Battle of Leyte Gulf are rescued by a U.S. Navy ship on Oct. 26, 1944. (National Archives) At 10:05 a.m., Roberts sank, taking with it 89 men, including Carr, who died after being dragged from his turret. Copeland and Burton were among the 120 survivors rescued after spending two days on three life rafts. Ultimately, Kurita regrouped his battered First Strike Force and withdrew from Samar, leaving behind the sunken hulks of destroyers Hoel and Johnston, escort carrier Gambier Bay and Roberts, known ever after as the destroyer escort that fought like a battleship. Its memorable seaborne stand was acknowledged with a battle star and a Presidential Unit Citation. Carrs widow received his posthumous Silver Star. Copeland and Sprague were each awarded a Navy Cross for their actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Besides lending its name to succeeding warships, Roberts exploits were commemorated on two frigates, Copeland and Carr. The original namesake acquired a new claim to fame on June 22, 2022, when deep divers discovered its remains 22,621 feet below Philippine waters, making it the deepest shipwreck yet found. The world's largest iceberg looks set to collide with a group of remote islands in the southern Atlantic, risking the safety of wildlife in a region renowned for rich biodiversity that surpasses even that of the Galapagos. Currently around 173 miles (280 kilometers) away, the massive iceberg, A23a, could crash into South Georgia and surrounding islands, and its grounding stands to endanger millions of penguins, seals, and rare marine species not found anywhere else on Earth. "Icebergs are inherently dangerous. I would be extraordinarily happy if it just completely missed us," Simon Wallace, captain of South Georgia government vessel Pharos, told BBC News. This isn't the first time a giant iceberg has put animal lives in the region at risk. After splitting in half, part of an iceberg known as A38-B was grounded off South Georgia for months in 2004, blocking penguins and seals' access to feeding grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a surface area more than twice that of Greater London, A23a calved from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in 1986. Its first few decades of freedom were anticlimactic, sitting anchored on the sea floor until gradual melting allowed it to begin inching towards the Southern Ocean in 2020, breaking loose in 2023, only to become trapped by a swirling vortex of water last year. The frozen leviathan took off across Antarctic seas once more in December after having spent the previous few months going round in circles. These particular ocean vortexes are known as Taylor columns, caused by the presence of underwater mountains. The circulating currents that result can make it difficult for icebergs to break free, but the trillion-ton A23a did just that, and scientists continue to closely monitor it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know that icebergs can make a huge difference to the levels of carbon and nutrients in the water as they melt, which in turn affects food chains and aquatic life under the waves. Including more than three decades of being grounded in the Weddell Sea, trapped by its own size and weight on the ocean floor, the interrupted progress of A23a has significantly slowed its melting. BAS scientists on the research vessel Sir David Attenborough were able to take a closer-than-usual look at A23a after it started moving again in 2023, and collected samples to look at the impact of melt water on ecosystems. "We are interested to see if it will take the same route the other large icebergs that have calved off Antarctica have taken," said oceanographer Andrew Meijers from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) in December. "And more importantly what impact this will have on the local ecosystem." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BAS team predicts winds and currents will carry A23a into the Southern Ocean as it follows the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, taking it closer to an area known as 'iceberg alley'. "South Georgia sits in iceberg alley so impacts are to be expected for both fisheries and wildlife," marine ecologist Mark Belchier told BBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Considering the scale of A23a, it's difficult to predict what the consequences of its melting would be when it hits warmer waters but past research has shown a boost in iron from melting glaciers can increase phytoplankton levels, for example, trapping a portion of CO 2 from the atmosphere. "We know that these giant icebergs can provide nutrients to the waters they pass through, creating thriving ecosystems in otherwise less productive areas," explains BAS biogeochemist Laura Taylor, who is studying the samples collected in 2023. "What we don't know is what difference particular icebergs, their scale, and their origins can make to that process." This article has been updated from an earlier version published in December 2024. Related News Donald Trump said on Friday he wouldnt take any blame if Dr. Anthony Fauci faces threats in the future, even though the president has reportedly cut the retired public health officials government security detail. You cant have a security detail for the rest of your life because you work for government, Trump told reporters, adding that Fauci made a lot of money and could hire his own security. I would not take responsibility, Trump continued when asked how he would feel if Fauci faced any heightened risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president on Thursday reportedly pulled Faucis detail, which was provided and paid for by the officials former agency, the National Institutes of Health, where the doctor led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for decades. During his time working with the first Trump administration, Fauci and the president regularly clashed. The public health official often appeared exasperated at briefings and had to publicly push back against non-scientific claims from the Republican and his inner circle, like Trumps insistence the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine was an effective treatment for coronavirus. Fauci frequently clashed with Trump during the Covid pandemic, prompting the public health official to face numerous threats (Getty Images) By the fall of 2020, Trump was openly musing about sacking Fauci, as rally crowds chanted he should be fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the Trump campaign ran what Fauci said was an unauthorized campaign ad, where the doctor said his words were taken out of context to appear to unequivocally praise the presidents pandemic response. As early as 2020, Fauci said he began getting death threats and was the target of ire from Trump supporters. They knew where my kids work, where they live. The threats would come directly to my childrens phones, directly to my childrens homes, he told the New York Times in a 2021 interview. He added there was chatter on the internet, people talking to each other, threatening, saying, Hey, we got to get rid of this guy. What are we going to do about him? Hes hurting the presidents chances. You know, that kind of right-wing craziness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The criticism wasnt just from strangers though. Right-wing media figures quickly demonized Fauci, with Fox News anchor Jesse Watters once suggesting a crowd should ambush Fauci wth questions and go for a kill shot. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the Trump administrations pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, wrote a 2021 book about Fauci, The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health, accusing him of attempting a a historic coup detat against Western democracy. Critics see the move to pull Faucis security as part of a larger revenge campaign. On Monday, Trump revoked the security clearance of 51 former intelligence officials who angered him by arguing the Hunter Biden laptop scandal bore the hallmarks of a Russian influence operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other officials, like former national security adviser John Bolton, have also had their protective details stripped. Anybody who ever disagrees with Trump has to worry about retribution, Bolton told The Associated Press. Its a pretty long list. I think there are a lot of people who are very worried. Fauci was among those the Biden administration pre-emptively pardoned on its way out of office, fearing future retribution from Trump. These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction and do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions, Biden said of the decision. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has paused its social media activity. According to the 88th Air Base Wing, all base social media accounts have been paused in accordance with the DoD directive. Individuals wanting real-time information regarding Wright-Patt are currently asked to visit the Bases website here. When WDTN reached out to Wright-Patt for further information, a WPAFB spokesperson said the pause is only in effect for social media. Media will continue to be provided information through news releases, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story is breaking. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Today is an okay day, says A.C. Bradley. That might seem like an overstatement from a woman who just lost her Altadena home and has only two suitcases to her name. But right now, her focus, literally and figuratively, is on her three-and-a-half year old daughter, Adelia. More from The Hollywood Reporter Bradley is known in Hollywood circles as the head writer of Marvel Studios What If? animated series for two of its three seasons, and for working on the companys Ms. Marvel show. Shes speaking by phone with The Hollywood Reporter while standing in the guest house of fellow writer and friend Joe Henderson, who lives in Los Angeles Studio City neighborhood. Its her home for the time being, and she knows she is lucky to have a place to stay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bradley watches from a distance as Henderson and his kids play with Adelia in the yard, giving her a moment to catch her breath amid the calamity. These days, she tries to take calls away from her daughters sight. Adelia doesnt like it when her mom is on the phone. Phone calls bring bad news. Talk of rebuilding her life, her house, her anything is taking a back seat to rebuilding a sense of security for her daughter. She got a Spider-Man book bag, and she fills it with her surviving toys and takes it everywhere with her, Bradley says. Bradley says Adelia has started having tantrums since the fires, demanding to go home now, to play with her old toys now, to have the house fixed fast, as if all it would take is a hammer and some nails and everything would be all right and back to normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adding to her turmoil, Bradley blames herself. She tried to explain the fires to her daughter in ways she thought a three-year-old would understand, but she now second guesses her parenting moves. This will be a trauma that will leave a mark on her if Im not careful, Bradley says. Many fire victims who fled their homes were able to grab possessions before fleeing. But Bradley watched the horror unfold via texts and calls from neighbors while in a coastal resort in Vietnam, powerless to do anything thanks to distance and a 15-hour time difference. In December, Bradley took what she calls her first real vacation in more than five years. Not a trip to see family on a holiday or a weekend getaway, no, this was going to be a real vacation. She and Adelia joined a group travelling to Southeast Asia. And near the end, one part of the group splintered to Cambodia for more exploring, while others returned home to the U.S. In what would become one of her own What If? moments, instead of going back home, Bradley used her Hilton Honors points to book a visit to the beach town of Mui Ne, deciding to stay a few extra days. It was Sunday evening, Jan. 5. Two days later, the fires broke out in the Pacific Palisades and her own community, Altadena. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the fires began and the evacuations started, things werent that dire in her mind. Of course things would get under control. Of course things would go back to normal. But the situation got worse and worse. She jumped on the Watch Duty app to follow along for updates. She learned her home was destroyed from a video from a neighbor. In grainy footage, it showed a house spared from the devastation but then as it panned across the street, there was a yard with nothing but a smoky rubble where a house should be. And then she saw a car, her car, untouched in the driveway. She watched it three times just to comprehend what it meant. It was around 7 a.m. Vietnam time, 4 p.m. Los Angeles time. Before this, whenever she had contemplated losing a home in a fire, it was like a movie scene walking through charred door frames, around blackened walls. Picking up a framed photo in the rubble, with a time-lapse that shows the photo now sitting on a clean shelf in a newly rebuilt house. It wasnt like that at all. I started crying. That walls not being there got me. There was nothing left. I screamed, says Bradley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And she woke up her daughter. The next two days were a blur of surreal moments. Bradley called her insurance company, she called her mom. But she was stuck in a land where no one around her spoke English, and those that did were only saying learned pleasantries such as Have a nice day and How may I serve you today? When she bawled by the poolside, no one batted an eye, she recalls. A moment at the beach captured the absurdness and futility of her situation. Her daughter built a sandcastle, only to have a wave come in and wash part of it away. Adelia built the castle up again, only to have another wave roll in and wash it away. The scene repeated over and over. Shes laughing, and Im justtrying not to cry, Bradley recalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That night, she sat Adelia down and tried as best as she could to tell her child what happened. I explained that our house was hurt and that were okay, shes okay, Alexi, our cat, is okay. I told her our house is hurt, but it will get better. Bradleys house in 2019. Bradley bought her house in 2019. It was a fixer-upper, built in 1942. She had an HVAC system installed. She painted it herself; her kitchen was green, her bedroom, yellow, her daughters room, purple. Last year, she ripped up the front yard, shoveling mulch from a pile that was taller than her daughter, and planted native plants. She was going to redo the bathroom next. I loved my house, she says. Bradley still hasnt been at the house but has been obsessively looking over footage and videos. She mourns her losses: a credenza, which she drove across town to pick up from the offices of Will Ferrells production company Gary Sanchez after it shuttered; concept art from What If?; posters of shows she worked on; an Emmy statuette for her work on animated series Trollhunters: Tales from Arcadia. The one that hurts the most is a bucket hat that once belonged to a cousin she was especially close to, who died at a young age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is one thing I want back, she says, an anger rising from within. I had to deal with loss then, and now it feels like Im losing him all over again. Her voice shakes as emotion overtakes her. And she marvels at the odd and random items that survived. A running stroller sits inexplicably in the front yard. The backyard gazebo is gone, the compost bin is gone, the Wayfair patio set is gone but one wooden chair remains, according to the photos shes looked at over and over again. That one chairits just sitting there, she guffaws in amazement. I want that as my lucky chair. Her car remains right where she left it when she went on vacation, in the driveway. The wheels have melted, but the rest of it looks fine to her. She wonders if the Marvel hoodie she left in the back seat is still wearable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of Bradleys possessions now can be distilled in the number suitcases she packed for her trip. But she remains philosophical about it, even in her mourning. It makes you cry, and it makes you sad, she admits. But memories matter because of the people in them, not the stuff in them. The stuff just reminds us of the people. Her voice wavers and she takes a breath and adds, Thats what I tell my daughter. AC Bradley's house, after the fire Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. MINOOKA, Ill. A wrong-way driver was killed after crashing into a semi tractor-trailer on Interstate 80 in suburban Minooka. The crash happened around 12:40 a.m. Friday on westbound I-80 at Minooka Road, near milepost 120. According to a preliminary investigation, Illinois State Troopers responded to a report of a fatal traffic crash involving a wrong-way driver traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-80. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ISP reports a tractor-trailer was traveling westbound when it was struck by the vehicle driving in the wrong direction. The wrong-way driver was pronounced dead on the scene. Their identity has not yet been released. 3 killed in single-vehicle Glenview crash IDd The semi driver was transported to an area hospital with injuries. No additional information has been provided 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 WGN-TV. The Washington State Court of Appeals ruled this week that Washington State University (WSU) is responsible for the 2019 hazing death of a freshman student. This ruling marks the first time a university within Washington has been held accountable for a hazing-related death. 19-year-old Sam Martinez from Bellevue died of alcohol poisoning while pledging a WSU-recognized fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega. According to court documents obtained by KIRO 7, a fraternity member gave Martinez and another pledge a half gallon of rum and told them to drink it in less than an hour during the fraternitys annual Big Brother Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinezs blood alcohol content was at 0.372 during his autopsy, according to the coroner. Martinez parents filed a lawsuit in 2020, arguing that the university, the fraternity, and others were responsible for their sons death. In 2022, a King County Superior Court judge dismissed the case against the university, writing that WSU did not owe a duty of care to Martinez. The appeals court decision this week, however, overturned that ruling. Because WSU has a special relationship with its recognized fraternal organizations, we conclude that it owed a duty to use reasonable care to control the fraternity and protect Sam from the foreseeable harms of fraternal hazing and alcohol misuse, the Washington Court of Appeals, Division 1, wrote in its decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, the Whitman County Prosecutors Office charged 15 former members of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity in connection to Martinezs death. Some were sentenced to probation, while others served anywhere from a single day to 19 days in jail. Only one defendant was accused of providing alcohol to Martinez. LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS) The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) continues as a leader in medical education in many key areas, per the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commissions (WVHEPC) Division of Health Sciences yearly report. According to a press release, information published by the commission in the 2024 West Virginia Health Sciences and Rural Health Report, published in December 2024, WVSOM produced the largest amount of physicians who practice in West Virginia in all areas, as well as the largest amount that practice in rural areas of the state. The report supplies data for each of the three medical schools in the state. A total of 159 WVSOM graduates from classes spanning from 2014 to 2019, practice in the Mountain State, compared with 155 from the second-highest school and 119 from the third-highest school. A total of 72 physicians that graduated from WVSOM within those years practice in rural areas of West Virginia, compared with 43 from the other schools combined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report classifies rural areas as areas in the state with a 2006 Rural Urban Commuting Area code of 4.0 or greater, a classification based on the U.S. census that uses measures of population density, urbanization, and daily commuting. The City of Hinton is set to implement TextMyGov, a new way to stay informed In the report, data also indicates that WVSOM leads West Virginia in the number of physicians who practice primary care in the state, with 101 primary care physicians that graduated between 2014 and 2019, compared with 73 from the second-highest school and 58 from the third-highest school, the release noted. Primary care in the report is defined as encompassing the specialties of family medicine, internal medicine, internal medicine/pediatrics, OB-GYN, and pediatrics. WVSOM has continued to be a leader in the state in the rural practice and primary care categories for more than a decade, per prior WVHEPC reports. Additionally, the report shows that the institution leads the state in new physicians choosing to pursue primary care. For their Class of 2024, 60 percent of the class, or 114 graduates, entered primary care residencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school had the lowest 2023-2024 tuition out of the three medical schools statewide for both in-state and out-of-state students. The report also spotlighted that in-state tuition at all state medical schools is some of the most affordable nationwide. Linda Boyd, D.O., WVSOMs chief academic officer, stated that the institution endeavors to educate students who will go on to become members of the health care workforce in rural areas. We are proud of our success in recruiting students from rural areas and encouraging students to practice in them. We work hard at this by providing exposure to rural practice in all four years of medical school, didactic and hands-on sessions on rural medicine, and specific support for students with a special interest in rural practice through our Rural Health Initiative. Our clinical faculty in rural practice and hospital partners in rural areas are rock stars, demonstrating that rural medicine can be high-quality medicine delivered with a heart for the community. Linda Boyd, D.O. | Chief Academic Officer, WVSOM Explore the story of French, the Alderson Lion with the Greenbrier Valley Theatre! According to data within the report, the institution also garners the highest number of out-of-state students to West Virginia when compared with the other two medical schools in the state. With nearly 200 students in every class, WVSOM is the states biggest medical school. Total enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year was 798 students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., WVSOMs president, stated that data in the report reflects WVSOMs status as a medical education leader. The commissions report supports what those of us at WVSOM already knowthat this school plays a significant role in reducing West Virginias physician shortage. Im proud that we lead in several key areas. WVSOM is committed to progress, and were always working to find ways to improve our efforts to serve the states health care needs. James W. Nemitz, Ph.D. | President, WVSOM The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission is the body that oversees higher educational institutions within West Virginia. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. CHEYENNE Five key bills in the Wyoming Freedom Caucus Five and Dime Plan passed through the state House of Representatives within the first eight days of the general session, putting the hardline group of Republicans two days ahead of schedule. After the Freedom Caucus gained majority control of the House following the general election, it released an ambitious plan, dubbed the Five and Dime, to pass five key legislative bills through the lower chamber within the first 10 days of the 37-day general session. These bills include requiring proof of a voters Wyoming residency and U.S. citizenship (House Bill 157); invalidating drivers licenses issued to those who entered the country illegally (HB 116); banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education (HB 147); ending state investments in environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds (HB 80); and reintroducing a vetoed property tax bill from last years budget session (HB 169). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills passed through House committees and the House floor with little to no amendments added. HB 169 had the highest volume of proposed amendments, but thats not unusual, since its a property tax bill. Property tax bills often face significant amendments due to different ideas about who should qualify and at what percentage an exemption should be given, as well as the amount for which a property would be exempt. Out of the 11 proposed amendments, only one was successfully adopted. One outlier was "Five and Dime" bill HB 80, which received five bipartisan amendments. The other four "Five and Dime" bills were barely amended, with a couple of them seeing no change at all since introduction. Both freshman and veteran representatives attempted to bring amendments to bills they fully supported, but were immediately shot down by their peers. Rep. Julie Jarvis, R-Casper Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Julie Jarvis, R-Casper, speaks about House Bill 116 on the House floor on Wednesday at the state Capitol. The bill related to drivers licenses for illegal aliens passed second reading. Freshman Rep. Julie Jarvis, R-Casper, for example, tried to bring an amendment to HB 46, Homeschool Freedom Act, that she said would ensure the safety of children. HB 46 eliminates the requirement for parents to submit homeschool curriculum to local school boards. Jarvis amendment would have required parents to at least notify schools that their child was being homeschooled. However, several lawmakers, some of whom were Freedom Caucus-aligned, shot down these amendments, claiming they changed the intent of the bill. Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson speaks about House Bill 116 on Wednesday at the state Capitol. Wednesday was the seventh day of the 68th Wyoming Legislature's general session. Minority Floor Leader Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle these amendments were either technical corrections or aligned with the bills original intent. I think what we've seen is that (the Freedom Caucus has) a plan for what they wanted to push out, and they didn't want any changes to it, Yin said. "But that means that you have a bunch of broken bills that have caused a lot of problems coming out of the chamber, which is not good for the state. Senate: Bills need work Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Senate leaders, bill amendments are a sign the legislation was properly worked through. Senate Majority Floor Leader Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne, told the media Tuesday that the work of the Legislature can be taxing and all-consuming, but bills must be worked. Nethercott also noted a majority of House members are freshman lawmakers. I am concerned with the level of freshman House members, Nethercott said. Certainly, learning that skill set takes a little bit of time. Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne speaks to the senate about bill SF0049 on Wednesday at the state Capitol. Wednesday was the seventh day of the 68th Wyoming Legislature's general session. Senate bill SF0049 is about tangible personal property - index and depreciation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nethercott said she feels the weight of some of those (House) bills coming over and the work that may be required. An amended bill, Nethercott said, does not mean something is wrong with it, but instead means the legislation is going through the process to better serve the people. That is a positive thing, Nethercott said, adding that good legislation can take years to pass. Every bill needs review, and every bill likely needs work, Nethercott said. Most bills actually should be amended and require debate in order to create thoughtful, lawful legislation that does what it is intended to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody Freedom Caucus leadership pushed back on the idea that bills are being rushed through the House. Chairwoman Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody, told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle this is an engaged freshman class who are bringing experience as politically active Wyoming citizens. Many of them were already involved in grassroots organizations in their local communities, she said. They've taken their experience and their feedback from their local constituents, and they ran for office effectively, and they are doing a great job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Tim Salazar, R-Riverton Sen. Tim Salazar, R-Riverton On Tuesday, Senate Vice President Tim Salazar, R-Riverton, said that a number of controversial bills hes proposed, including a 2018 Stand your ground law and a 2023 chemical abortion ban, took years to become law. Those bills were amended. Some of them took years to pass, Salazar said. There is a great deal of benefit to going through the vetting process, and some amendments are helpful. Others are not, but it really comes down to transparency, letting the public see what you are doing, even on controversial issues. Rushed, or talked about in past sessions? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proposed amendments to the Freedom Caucus bills passed so far in the session would have weakened the bills and made them useless, said Freedom Caucus Chairman Emeritus Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette. He added that many of these bills were already debated in the Senate in the 67th Legislature, which Bear said does a lot more deliberative work than the House. The Senate body is half the size of the House, with only 31 members in comparison to the Houses 62. Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette speaks about House Bill 169 on the House Floor on Wednesday at the state Capitol. Wednesday was the seventh day of the 68th Wyoming Legislature's general session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have so many people and so many bills on this side, you could argue we don't get as much time on each one as compared to (the Senate), Bear told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Bear said a significant number of hours had been spent on these bills, with many of them being repeated from years past. How many hours spent on these bills is significant probably more than any other bill well pass, Bear said. Its not because it needed that much debate, because many of these bills were debated and passed in the other chamber in years past. It's because there's a concerted effort to block them. A House bill concerning voter residency requirements did not meet a committee of the whole deadline in 2023. Also in 2023, the Senate passed two ESG bills, but those did not meet House deadlines, either. In 2024, a Senate file invalidating driver's licenses for those who came into the country illegally died in committee. CHEYENNE Schools across Wyoming may soon be required to allow patriotic organizations time to visit with students, during the school day, about their activities. On Friday, Senate File 90, Youth organizations in schools, passed the Senate on third and final reading. Bill sponsor Sen. Gary Crum, R-Laramie, explained that the proposed legislation will allow specific youth organizations outlined in United States Code (36 U.S.C.) mandatory time in Wyoming schools to share their mission with children across the state. Sen. Gary Crum, R-Laramie (2025) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Gary Crum, R-Laramie Specifically, Crum said the bill covers organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Civil Air Patrol, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Red Cross, Girl Scouts of the USA and 4-H. SF 90 would allow these organizations listed to go into the school to present (and) give our youth and throughout the state an opportunity to do things after school in a productive way, rather than just going home and playing Xbox, Crum said Monday before the Senate Education Committee. Sen. Charles Scott, R-Casper, asked if SF 90 would open the door to organizations inappropriate for schoolchildren. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What are the potentially unintended consequences of something like this, getting in organizations that many people would not feel were particularly patriotic, or were hostile to the interests of many people? Scott asked. Crum replied that SF 90 would only require schools to allow in those organizations listed in U.S. Code. Any other local group would be allowed time to present to children during the school day at the discretion of the school or local school board, he said. Nathan Dutson, Scout executive with the Adventure West Council of Boy Scouts, testified in committee Monday that schools in Laramie, Riverton and Rawlins let his organization present to students during school time. Schools in Casper, Cody, Sheridan and Gillette did not. Cheyenne was unique, Dutson said. They were going to allow us to come talk with the kids, but then they were hit with a lawsuit not related to Scouting and their legal (counsel) determined that it was just too risky to let Scouting come and talk to the kids, because of this other lawsuit. Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, said that she is in favor of allowing such organizations in school, but not at the expense of instructional time. The bill passed through three readings on the Senate floor, where it ultimately passed in a 28-3 third-reading vote Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a way to build citizenship in our community. These organizations are non-threatening to our society. They are very worthy organizations, Crum said Thursday. Crum continued that, as many of the organizations in U.S. Code are chartered by the federal government, they will no longer be held to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) standards, which he noted have been rescinded by the Trump administration this week. Would you rather have a child, no matter what their background, standing up and learning to say the Pledge of Allegiance and what citizenship means, or would you rather have them learning things on their own and becoming problems later on that society has to deal with? Crum asked his fellow senators. Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, said that while he had no issue with the organizations Crum listed, he wondered how Wyoming senators would feel if the federal government mandated a list of organizations the state had to allow within its schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If my local school district would like to have one of these organizations participate, and I have no doubt that they do, theyre going to be able to participate, to make those arrangements and that is the appropriate level of government, Rothfuss said. Its OK for us to be passionately supportive of something and not mandate it. Sen. Larry Hicks, R-Baggs, said he supported the bill, especially because it includes parental notification. It has an acknowledgement of parental rights, Hicks said. If these organizations are going to participate in the school districts, they have to notify the parents or guardians (of) each patriotic organizations expectations, presentations and the options of the parents not to participate. SF 90 will next head to the House of Representatives for consideration. The U.S. Air Forces XQ-67A drone is set to receive modifications and upgrades to demonstrate its ability to perform certain missions as part of a program called Demon Ape. Originally developed as a sensor truck for the once-secretive Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) program, the stealthy XQ-67A is now being used as a testbed to support the Air Forces larger Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) advanced drone effort. General Atomics, which built the drone, has also confirmed that it served as the basis for its now-in-development CCA design. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) awarded General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) a sole-source contract for the Demon Ape-related work on Jan. 17. Demon Ape is actually a forced acronym standing for Demonstration of Autonomous Collaborative Platform Performance and Effectiveness. The XQ-67A broke cover in February 2024, which TWZ was the first to report, and made its maiden flight later that month. The Government currently requires a mix of research and data, hardware, and software in support of continuing the research and development of the XQ-67A, according to an online notice about the contract award. That work consists of integrating specific mission systems and upgrading the vehicle to ensure adequate power generation and thermal management capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A copy of the formal justification for the sole-source contract is attached to the notice, but is heavily redacted. Still, it does provide some additional details, including that the changes to the XQ-67A are tied to at least one specific mission set. The Government intends to continue the research and development of the XQ-67A by modifying the aircraft [redacted], the justification document says. For the XQ-67A to perform this mission, the offeror will have to integrate the specific mission systems [redacted] as well as upgrade to ensure adequate power generation and thermal management capacity. At the conclusion of OBSS, the XQ-67A will have designs ready for the integration of mission systems, the Air Forces justification for the sole-source contract adds. Additionally, the XQ-67A will have been integrated with critical mission infrastructure [redacted]. TWZ has reached out to the Air Force and General Atomics for more information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we have written in the past: [The] XQ-67A has what could be large side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) apertures on both sides of the forward fuselage, but that these could also be weapons bays. SLAR would make more sense for XQ-67A based on what we know of the Air Forces separate and secretive Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) program under which the drone was developed. At the same time, the spaces along the sides of the forward fuselage could be modular or otherwise readily adaptable. Earlier this year [2024], the Air Force also disclosed the existence of an Off-Board Weapon Station (OBWS) effort related to the OBSS project, as you can learn more about here. A large aperture or bay is visible on the left side of the forward fuselage in this picture of the XQ-67A. USAF Courtesy photo via USAF The forthcoming modifications and upgrades might include reconfiguring the XQ-67A to be able to demonstrate capabilities more in line with the OBWS concept. If that is the case, that would also bring the drone even more in line with General Atomics CCA design. The Air Force has said it wants its first tranche of CCAs to be focused, at least initially, on serving as air-to-air missile trucks that will operate closely with crewed combat jets. Air-to-ground strike, electronic warfare, networking node, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) have also been put forward as potential future CCA mission sets. The Air Force is also running the CCA program in iterative development cycles, with General Atomics along with Anduril now developing designs as part of the initial Increment 1. There is increasing evidence that the requirements for Increment 2 will call for more capable, and by extension more expensive, designs that might be tasked with additional missions. Models of the Increment 1 CCA designs from General Atomics (top) and Anduril (bottom). General Atomics/Jamie Hunter Whatever the new modifications and upgrades to the XQ-67A might entail, the Demon Ape work also looks set to further prove out the so-called genus/species concept central to the OBSS program and a predecessor effort known as Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing (LCAAPS). The basic concept involves the use of a core genus set of components from which multiple species of differently configured drones can be crafted. General Atomics has also been pioneering this concept with its Gambit drone family, which all use a common chassis that includes landing gear, as well as critical mission and flight control computer systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Now former] Secretary of the Air Force, Mr. Frank Kendall, stated that future air dominance will include the introduction of uncrewed collaborative aircraft to provide affordable mass and dramatically increased cost effectiveness. The focus on delivering affordable mass means that novel developmental approaches must be proven to drastically drive down costs, the justification for the new Demon Ape contract explains. Additionally, it is critical to shorten the development timeline, otherwise the Air Force would not be able to deliver enough aircraft to enable mass. As a result of the OBSS program, the Air Force has captured the hardware and software design data in Technical Data Packages, and has that design data. At the hardware level, the system is designed and built around a Genus common platform architecture. The Air Force has rights to the design of the Genus and its technical data, the justification document adds. Development of new Species aircraft variants by other vendors using the Genus as the starting point is possible. The Air Force also has most of the rights to the OBSS Species aircraft variant. Development and insertion of different vendors technologies or subsystems into the Species is possible. At the software level, the Air Force is requiring insertion of which will allow for integration of software applications, algorithms and skills that could be developed by any vendor. The open nature of the design will allow for competition in these aspects of the project in the future. USAF The XQ-67A drone seen during its first flight. Courtesy photo via USAF The justification document also highlights GA-ASI manufacturing processes that are highly unique that were used to physically construct the XQ-67. The company has been making significant investments in new and improved rapid design and manufacturing capabilities in recent years. As already noted, the Air Force has previously stated that work on OBSS, to include this kind of modular open-architecture approach, is now feeding into the larger CCA effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Speaking] from the [Air Force] Test Center [AFTC] perspective, but also having some experience with the Lab [the Air Force Research Laboratory; AFRL], we went through a long process of developing that technology, Air Force Maj. Gen. Scott Cain told The War Zone and other reporters at the Air & Space Forces Associations main annual conference last September. Our steps that we took were proving out that system [the XQ-67] and making sure that it got through that first flight and airworthiness. And now that has been picked up that program, OBSS, did a seamless transition over to the CCA program. So the Test Center supported the Lab in getting XQ-67 to that first flight and to do some early characterization of the platform, Cain, who was then head of AFTC and had previously been in charge of AFRL, added at that time. There are other lessons from this about building a common chassis that will be carried forward. And the CCA program is ingesting those and thinking about those for future increments of the system. As has been mentioned, the Air Force is still very much refining its requirements for CCAs Increment 2. The service also announced additional Increment 1 CCA orders last year that it said would help in the development of new concepts of operations and tactics, techniques, and procedures for the employment of those initial drones. Air Force officials have said that they expect to purchase between 100 and 150 Increment 1 CCAs, in total. A composite of renderings of the CCA designs from General Atomics (at top) and Anduril (at bottom). General Atomics/Anduril Whether the operational Increment 1 CCA force ultimately consists of General Atomics or Anduril types, or a mix of both, remains to be seen. As TWZ has noted before, General Atomics work on the XQ-67A, both as a flying risk reduction prototype for its CCA design and as a broader testbed, has certainly given the company a running start. General Atomics has decades of additional experience in developing and serial production of other drones, including the famous MQ-1 and MQ-9 families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Air Force is also still finalizing how the drones will be integrated into its force structure, training cycles, and logistics chains. Technical questions, including those surrounding command and control, from the required communications networking capabilities to physical interfaces human operators will use to manage the drones, need to be answered, as well, which you can read more about here. Outside of the CCA program, the Air Force has a number of efforts underway to help answer these various questions. This includes Demon Ape, which is now set to get a modified and upgraded XQ-67A to continue its work. UPDATE: 2:05 PM EST General Atomics has now provided us with some additional context about the XQ-67A and the Demon Ape program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Demonstration of ACP Performance and Effectiveness program, also called Demon APE, is the next logical step for the overall CCA concept, C. Mark Brinkley, a company spokesperson, told TWZ in a statement. First, we build and fly this nontraditional unmanned jet in an Off-Board Sensing Station configuration. OBSS has goals that are separate from CCA, but they still live inside this larger concept for the future of air superiority. So you have one modular, central core yielding numerous Autonomous Collaborative Platform configurations. OBSS is a sensor, CCA is a shooter, but you can also have EW, fighter/attack, whatever, he continued. Youre not starting over every time, trying to figure out how to build landing gear and where to put the payloads. The modularity weve demonstrated means you can go from new variant to new variant very fast and generate a lot of commonality. Also in parallel, Demon APE is advancing OBSS directly by integrating specific mission systems and upgrades to meet the goals for that program, he added. I cant talk about what those are specifically, but the name tells you a lot: Off-Board Sensing Station. These new systems require adequate power generation and thermal management, and Demon APE is doing that now. Contact the author: joe@twz.com New York Yankees Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera and his wife, Clara, are denying accusations from a young girl who claims they failed to act after she was sexually abused at a program affiliated with their church, and again at their home. Mariano and Clara Rivera do not tolerate child abuse of any kind, and allegations that they knew about or failed to act on reports of child abuse are completely false, their lawyer, Joseph Ruta, said in a statement. The very first time they heard about these allegations was nearly four years after the alleged incident, when in 2022 a New York attorney sent a letter requesting a financial settlement. The specific allegations against the Riveras were outlined in a lawsuit filed earlier this month in Westchester County on behalf of the alleged victim and her mother, whose identities were concealed for their privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the court documents, the girl was an active member of the Refuge of Hope Church in New Rochelle a house of worship co-founded by the Riveras, where Clara Rivera serves as lead pastor when the assault occurred in 2018. That summer, according to the complaint, Clara Rivera persuaded a congregant to allow her daughter, who was 10 or 11 years old at the time, to attend an internship program hosted by the Ignite Life Center, a sister church in Gainesville, Fla. Refuge of Hope offered to pay for the girl to participate in the summer camp, so she accepted the invitation and then traveled to the Sunshine state, spending her time there in a dorm with other children but without parental supervision. Thats where she was repeatedly abused by an older female camper, according to the lawsuit. In a police report filed in 2022, the girl said there were 15 instances of inappropriate touching over a two-week period, both in her bunk and a shower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the girl did not initially report the abuse, her mother grew concerned while speaking to her daughter on the phone. She then outlined her concerns to Clara Rivera, who agreed to investigate, according to the complaint. The Riveras subsequent efforts uncovered information that should have given them concern, the lawsuit says, but they chose instead to remain silent to avoid the potential scandal of child sexual abuse in its programs. The specific details of the couples investigation were not provided. Upon her return to New York, the girl continued to be involved with Refuge of Hope. But that same summer, during a barbecue for young church members at the Riveras home in Rye, she was again abused by the same person, according the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They failed to mitigate the risks, and upon learning that she had been a victim, took no steps to protect her or get criminal justice, said Adam Horowitz, the attorney who filed the lawsuit. They continued to expose her again to the same risk at her home. Then in 2021, the girl was again sexually assaulted, this time by a male youth leader at Refuge of Hope, according to the lawsuit. Afterward, she and her mother finally decided to file police reports in both New York and Florida. Their lawsuit filed against Refuge of Hope, not against the Riveras themselves is seeking unspecified damages. The lawsuit, which seeks financial damages for the Riveras alleged failure to act on alleged incidents that were never reported to them, is full of inaccurate and misleading statements which we have no doubt will not hold up in a court of law, Ruta said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Riveras are known throughout New York for their charitable work and especially for their commitment to serving underprivileged children, he added. Its unfortunate they are being targeted by false allegations. With News Wire Services Yellowstone County's MetraPark campus including the First Interstate Bank Arena, the Montana Expo Pavilion and parking areas (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick for the Daily Montanan). For years the Yellowstone County Detention Facility has been at or over capacity so much so that commissioners and local law enforcement officials have begun additional construction on a short-term holding facility to address the demand for space. So, motivated by necessity and politics, the chairman of the Yellowstone County Commission on Thursday sent a letter to Montanas Congressional delegation, lauding President Donald J. Trumps recent crackdown on immigrants, and offering a solution: If there are large-scale immigrant round-ups in Montanas largest county, put them at the countys largest public event facility, the MetraPark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How quickly that would happen or even if it would happen still remain unclear as the Trump administration continues to roll out new plans by the day. The list of events at the MetraPark for the next month or so includes a game by the Harlem Globetrotters, the No Limits Monster Truck Tour, and the Professional Bull Ridings Release the Beast event which was rescheduled from last April. The letter, first reported by the Montana Television Network, was addressed to the entire Montana Congressional delegation, all of whom are Republicans. The three Yellowstone County Commissioners are also Republicans. Commission Chairman Mark Morse was the only signatory on the letter to the delegation, but said that the Yellowstone County Commissioners support President Trumps emergency declaration regarding the crisis at the southern border and his labeling of the drug cartels as terrorist organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morse said the wide-open Southern borders has translated into foreign drug cartel members in Billings and hanging out on Indian reservations with lax law enforcement. He said he saw this as using political synergy to help the federal government carry out its mission to secure the border and address public safety. I would think this would benefit all of Montana and the reservations, Morse said. Morse told the Daily Montanan on Friday that he had not spoken to his fellow two commissioners about the letter, rather sent it as the chairman. He said he has been working non-stop on issues of overcrowding at the countys jail. Moreover, he said that from his experience in law enforcement, both as a federal postal investigator and Sheriffs deputy, that he wanted to get in front the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that no federal agencies have been in contact about holding immigrants, but he did receive responses from the delegation, all positive. Unfortunately, the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, a regional facility for south central Montana is currently overcapacity impacting its ability to detain more than a few criminal immigrants that might result from President Trumps actions, the letter said. MetraPark sits on 189 acres and straddles the downtown and Billings Heights. The expo center and the pavilion, are approximately 77,400 square feet and 28,800 square feet respectively. Both have bathrooms and an additional arena has a kitchen. I would respectfully ask that if federal government agencies need space to detain criminal illegal immigrants within Yellowstone County or this region and want to consider the use of MetraPark facilities, that the governments request be presented to the Yellowstone County Commissioners for consideration, the letter reads. We want to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morse said he wasnt certain how and even if holding immigrants in MetraPark may affect the programs or events. You know I dont have a lot of concerns (about the events at MetraPark), Morse said. We have a great staff that I know can pivot to accommodate its all supposition on my part because there has been no type of communication. He said he envisions a negotiation process with federal authorities, and also sees the facility being used as a transitioning location, noting that its close to air transportation with Billings Logan International Airport. Having been in law enforcement for years, I can tell you when the arrest is made, thats when the work begins because you have to have a plan what to do, where to house them, what facilities, Morse said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, community members had begun a petition on change.org, asking the commissioners not to go forward with the plan, calling it appalling. As of 2 p.m., Friday, the petition had gathered 344 signatures. Both of Montanas U.S. Representatives posted the letter on social media with positive messages. Thank you to Commissioner Morse and the rest of the Yellowstone County Commissioners for standing up for our community. My office and I are ready to assist your coordination with the Trump Admin to detain criminal illegal aliens. Your actions set the standard for the nation, wrote Rep. Troy Downing, who represents the eastern portion of the state including Yellowstone County. Round em up! Send em home. Montana stands ready to execute the Presidents directive and remove the criminal illegal aliens from our communities and send them back home to their countries of origin. I applaud Yellowstone County Commissioners for their creative solution to help with the effort. Youre serving the people who elected you and the American people at large, wrote Rep. Ryan Zinke, who represents the western part of Montana. Reporter Micah Drew contributed to this report. Letter to Federal Delegation 1.23.25 ROCK HILL, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A York County man is reportedly among the more than 1,000 defendants pardoned by President Donald Trump for their convictions tied to the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The attorney for Elliot Bashai told Queen City News that his client was pardoned. Don Brown previously pointed out that Bashai, who pled guilty in April 2022 to a trespassing charge, was not accused of anything violent. According to the Department of Justice, Bashai was sentenced to 14 days in jail, followed by 12 months of supervised release, and he was ordered to pay a $500 restitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What theyve done to these people is outrageous, Trump said Monday while signing orders in his first day back in the Oval Office. Brown said in December that he anticipated Bashai would qualify for the pardons proposed by Trump before taking office. He noted the length it took to prosecute the cases. They spent four years there having been brought to trial, Brown said. It throws the Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial in the trash can. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis was among the Republicans in Congress to criticize the sweeping action, rather than look them case by case. I just cant agree. Im about to file two bills that will increase the penalties up to and including the death penalty for the murder of a police officer, said Tillis. 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. New Yorks top education officials are raising concerns about a potential school cellphone ban as President Trumps mass deportation plans threaten to separate undocumented children from their families. At a Brooklyn town hall Thursday night, State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa and Board of Regents Chancellor Lester Young expressed unease about the two major policy changes impacting public schools at the same time. My biggest concern is the timing, Rosa told reporters after the event at City Tech. Our children [are] going through trauma and anxiety of knowing that theyre in school, and when some of those kids are going to go home, are their parents going to be there? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the cellphone itself becomes the connection, if you will. On Tuesday, Gov. Hochul announced her intention to restrict cellphone use on school grounds from bell to bell, meaning students could lose access their devices during lunch and free periods as soon as this fall. The statewide ban would require the approval of the state legislature, including several elected officials who have already indicated their support to both limit distractions in the classroom and to improve youth mental health. Her proposal came as Trump signed a flurry of executive orders related to immigration, including one that could strip some Americans of their birthright citizenship, which was temporarily blocked by a federal judge on Thursday. Were impacted by both state requirements and federal requirements, said Young. And there is a level of hysteria warranted around some of the federal requirements. And the way I think about it, it really places the health, welfare and safety of children in jeopardy. That should rule the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not just something Im making up. This is what young people are talking about. Theyre actually saying, Well, I dont know what I would do if I went home, and there was no one home.' Rosa disclosed the State Education Department was not part of conversations as Hochul developed her plan, but said she was happy that it leaves many decisions about implementation up to local school districts. Under the governors proposal, district leaders will develop their own plans, then seek reimbursement from the state from a pool of $13.5 million. The Education Department has been having its own conversations with superintendents and teachers, among others, and observations during school visits. Rosa emphasized the importance of student input on any cellphone policy and that children learn when to put devices away on their own, but that her misgivings did not amount to a disagreement with the governor. If this had been three months ago, would I say that to you? No, Rosa said. Right now, were in this situation were dealing with where kids are scared, parents are scared, kids are not coming to school in some cases because of fear. So kids choosing to come to school want to make sure theres some connection. NEW YORK New Yorks top education officials are raising concerns about a potential school cellphone ban as President Trumps mass deportation plans threaten to separate undocumented children from their families. At a Brooklyn town hall Thursday night, State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa and Board of Regents Chancellor Lester Young expressed unease about the two major policy changes impacting public schools at the same time. My biggest concern is the timing, Rosa told reporters after the event at City Tech. Our children (are) going through trauma and anxiety of knowing that theyre in school, and when some of those kids are going to go home, are their parents going to be there? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the cellphone itself becomes the connection, if you will. On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced her intention to restrict cellphone use on school grounds from bell to bell, meaning students could lose access their devices during lunch and free periods. The statewide ban would require the approval of the state legislature, including several elected officials who have already indicated their support to both limit distractions in the classroom and to improve youth mental health. Her proposal came as Trump signed a flurry of executive orders related to immigration, including one that could strip some Americans of their birthright citizenship, which was temporarily blocked by a federal judge on Thursday. Were impacted by both state requirements and federal requirements, said Young. And there is a level of hysteria warranted around some of the federal requirements. And the way I think about it, it really places the health, welfare and safety of children in jeopardy. That should rule the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not just something Im making up. This is what young people are talking about. Theyre actually saying, Well, I dont know what I would do if I went home, and there was no one home.' Rosa disclosed the State Education Department was not part of conversations as Hochul developed her plan, but said she was happy that it leaves many decisions about implementation up to local school districts. Under the governors proposal, district leaders will develop their own plans, then seek reimbursement from the state from a pool of $13.5 million. The Education Department has been having its own conversations with superintendents and teachers, among others, and observations during school visits. Rosa emphasized the importance of student input on any cellphone policy and that children learn when to put devices away on their own, but that her misgivings did not amount to a disagreement with the governor. If this had been three months ago, would I say that to you? No, Rosa said. Right now, were in this situation were dealing with where kids are scared, parents are scared, kids are not coming to school in some cases because of fear. So kids choosing to come to school want to make sure theres some connection. _____ Nursing student Ankur Patel believes that climate awareness will help equip the next generation of health care professionals to better serve their communities. In a co-edited piece for Canada's National Observer, the 21-year-old from Terrace, British Columbia, shared that he lived near a highway as a small child and nearly died from asthma. However, after his family moved, his condition improved. These experiences inspired Patel to think about how to mitigate dangerous outcomes linked to environmental mismanagement, and he revealed why he is calling on the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing to further integrate climate education into nursing curriculums. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For one, Patel explained that nurses are generally the first point of contact for all levels of care, from routine checkups to emergency situations. And as the global temperature rises, there is also an increase in health challenges linked to the overheating. Wildfires, for example, have grown more intense and frequent, releasing toxic plumes that make breathing difficult. "Nurses who understand the toxicity of wildfire smoke can help people better evaluate their risks of going outside on smoky days," Patel said. "If nurses know wildfires will increase, they will be motivated to have information about subsidies for clean air filtration systems." Wildfires aren't the only type of extreme weather connected to Earth's accelerated warming, with heat waves and floods among the events that threaten both physical and mental health. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, heat killed more people on average over 10 years than floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and cold weather combined. Studies have also connected high temperatures to an increase in suicides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, flooding can create ideal breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests such as mosquitoes and cause deadly water contamination. "If [nurses] also know more unnaturally hot days are coming, they can advocate for cooling centres and encourage their use. A nurse who is aware of flood risk can help those requiring regular access to healthcare to prepare," Patel said, highlighting how climate awareness could also increase compassion in medical care as well as lead to quick and accurate diagnoses. "We need to know that ticks and other insects are migrating north to more readily identify Lyme disease and potentially fatal spider bites," Patel explained. CANE has already signed off on Patel's suggestion, and he hopes his work with the Youth Climate Corps British Columbia will inspire others to view nursing as a "green career." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nursing is care for humans and the planet on which we depend," Patel 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. RICHMOND, Va. (WJHL) Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin released a new statewide plan to enhance outdoor recreation in the Commonwealth. On Thursday, Youngkin announced the Virginia Outdoors Plan had been published and issued by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). It can be accessed online through the DCR website. The Virginia Outdoors Plan outlines how the state will meet its outdoor recreation and land conservation needs, a news release from Youngkins office states. It also will be used by key figures in the outdoor recreation community to apply for funding for projects in open spaces and parks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan prioritizes expanding access and increasing opportunities for outdoor recreation, funding recreation infrastructure and improving safety and health while being outdoors. According to the release, the updated plan meets a requirement that will keep Virginia eligible for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. The Virginia Outdoors Plan was developed after a survey conducted in 2022 by a research laboratory at Virginia Commonwealth University. The survey found the vast majority of Virginia considered outdoor recreation to be crucial to the state. The release states that 82% of those surveyed classified outdoor recreation as very important, which was a leap up from 70% in 2017 and 55.6% in 2011. The survey also found that 86% of Virginians consider the protection of the states natural resources from development to be very important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia Creeper Trail named finalist in vote for Best Recreational Trail Virginia is rich with an abundance of best-in-class outdoor recreational opportunities. The 2024 Virginia Outdoors Plan serves as a tool for enhancing outdoor recreation offerings throughout the Commonwealth, Youngkin said. This plan demonstrates the Commonwealths commitment to outdoor recreation, land conservation, and education. In partnership with the great leaders that collaborated on this resource, we are making Virginia the best state to live, work, and recreate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky share the blame for the Ukraine-Russia war in an interview segment with Fox News released on Jan. 23. The U.S. president, who most recently met Zelensky in Paris in December, criticized his Ukrainian counterpart for resisting Russia at the start of the invasion instead of cutting a deal. "Zelensky... shouldnt have allowed this to happen either. Hes no angel," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I could have made that deal so easily, and Zelensky decided that 'I want to fight,'" he commented, adding that Ukraine has been fighting against a "much bigger entity." At the same time, Trump acknowledged Ukraines bravery in resisting Russia and said that the Ukrainian president has "had enough" and is ready for peace. "We started pouring equipment... and they (Ukraine) had the bravery to use the equipment, but in the end, its a war that has to be settled," Trump said. Already during his electoral campaign, Trump implied that his predecessor, former U.S. President Joe Biden, and Zelensky share blame for Russias ongoing invasion and pledged to broker a swift peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has been often critical of the Biden administrations support for Ukraine and boasted about good relations with Putin, sparking concerns he might broker a deal unfavorable to Kyiv. Recently, the U.S. president has adopted a more critical stance toward Moscow, criticizing Putin for reluctance to cut a deal and threatening with economic repercussions if he fails to do so. "Putin shouldnt have done it (launching the full-scale invasion)... and it has to stop," Trump said, claiming that Russia had lost around 850,000 soldiers while Ukraine lost 700,000. Zelensky put Ukraines casualty rates at 43,000 killed and 370,000 wounded as of December, while Moscow does not reveal its losses. In the interview, Trump reiterated his warnings that if Russia does not agree to negotiate, the U.S. is going to impose "massive tariffs and massive taxes, and... big sanctions," adding he "doesnt want to do it" because he "loves" Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. president echoed his earlier claims that the full-scale invasion would have never started if he were in office at the time, blaming the Biden administration for supposedly provoking Putin and allowing him to profit from high energy prices. Trump also lashed out against the former president for not pressuring European countries to donate more support to Ukraine, falsely claiming that Washington spent "$200 billion more than Europe" in support of Kyiv. The U.S. Congress has allocated over $170 billion to Ukraine since the outbreak of the full-scale war in 2022, which included the provision of over $60 billion worth of military support. The EU and its member countries have made available $145 billion in financial, military, and humanitarian assistance during the full-scale war. Ukraine recently announced that arrangements for a meeting between Trump and Zelensky are underway, while the U.S. president also said he aims to meet Putin in the coming days to discuss an end to the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow welcomed Trumps proposal for a meeting but voiced skepticism about a possible peace deal, saying it has to first understand what the U.S.s goals are before entering into any negotiations. Read also: Trump says Russias war in Ukraine will end immediately if OPEC lowers oil prices Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Olha Kuryshko, who had been serving as acting representative of the president of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, has been appointed to the position permanently. Source: Presidential Decree No. 59/2025 dated 24 January Quote from the decree: "To appoint Olha Mykolaivna Kuryshko as the permanent representative of the president of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea." For reference: Kuryshko has been acting as the president's permanent representative to Crimea since December 2024. Prior to that, she held the position of deputy permanent representative from June 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She joined the mission in December 2021 and led the Legal Support Department. According to the mission's website, Kuryshko has worked on strategic and programmatic documents concerning reintegration issues. She has actively contributed to drafting regulatory acts to protect the rights of residents of the temporarily occupied peninsula in areas such as access to education, pensions, obtaining passport documents, and support for political prisoners and their families. Background: In November 2024, the Central Election Commission recognised Tamila Tasheva, who was then the permanent representative of the President to Crimea, as an elected member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Ukrainian parliament) from the Holos party. Tasheva took a seat in parliament following the death of Holos MP Oleh Makarov, as she was next in line on the party's electoral list. On 4 December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree relieving Tamila Tasheva of her duties as Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy chaired a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief on Friday, during which foreign intelligence gave a report on Russian leader Vladimir Putin's military plans. Source: Zelenskyy's evening video address Quote: "I held a meeting of the Staff today. On several issues. A report was made by the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service on Russia's military potential and Putin's readiness to continue the war and manipulate world leaders, and in particular, he wants to manipulate the desire of the president of the United States of America to achieve peace. I am confident that no Russian manipulations will succeed anymore." Details: The president said that the second issue at the meeting was the provision of weapons and replenishment of personnel to the units on the line of contact. Support UP or become our patron! A report from the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force said this video screenshot shows Lisa Homer participating in chants led by a Proud Boy leader, William "Billy" Chrestman, outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Registered nurses Debra Phelps, left, and Kimberly Polzin ready injections of flu vaccine at Rose Hill Elementary School in Redmond. (Dean Rutz / The Seattle Times, 2021) Scotland and Northern Ireland are in a rare red weather warning zone, including the cities Glasgow, Edinburgh and Belfast. The public are urged not to travel in these areas because of Storm Eowyn. The storm is setting in strong in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Weather warnings from the UK Met Office span the whole of the UK. These encompass an amber warning for wind in northern England and north Wales and a yellow warning for wind further south. Many planes across the UK have struggled to take to land in airports like Birmingham. Areas expected to be the worst hit are Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland. Northern Ireland's red warning Northern Ireland is in the red warning area where high winds have been causing chaos as well as road closures. A number of trees have fallen down over road routes. Belfast Telegraph reported on a fallen tree that narrowly missed a house. Local shops like Tesco and some Spar stores shut their doors today because of the red warning. Unsparingly, many flights have been cancelled at Belfast airport. Managed to get the window open to get a video of the storm starting to hit Loch Long in Argyll Scotland Stay safe everyone as this is going to get worse as the morning goes on #StormEowyn pic.twitter.com/j0NvNMzgYx ??????Mike - ArgyllSeaglass ?????? (@ArgyllSeaGlass) January 24, 2025 Power cuts are rampant as over 93,000 homes are without power. Meanwhile, all schools have been closed in Northern Ireland because of the weather. Forecasters warn of very dangerous conditions. there. But what about the rest of the UK? Scotland's red warning A red warning applies to the central belt of Scotland (including spanning parts of Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders), while further north, the rest of Scotland is under a yellow or amber warning for wind. Wind gusts shown in our map show they will pick up by lunchtime and into the afternoon further north in Scotland, meaning that it is not only the current red warning area of the Scottish central belt that should be cautious today. The red warning for wind in Scotland will finish about 5pm today. In Northern Ireland it is set until 2pm today, by the UK Met Office . Many amber and yellow warnings across the UK continue into the next day. In Scotland, Simon Calder reported that 250-300 flights within Scotland had been cancelled on Friday, affecting nearly 20,000 passengers.Meanwhile, all ferries have been cancelled. ScotRail ceased their services too. It is no surprise, as winds of up to 100 mph are expected in Scotland today. This could be even stronger on coasts. Already, the Forth Road Bridge has been closed in both directions due to the high winds. Very strong winds here in Largs on the firth of Clyde this morning. Gusts of up to 70mph so far as #StormEowyn moves in to Scotland ?????? @GMB pic.twitter.com/4OVMMaW6qj Nick Dixon (@NickDixonITV) January 24, 2025 There have already been power cuts affecting 10,000 people in Scotland's counties of East Lothian, Ayrshire, Falkirk, Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders according to SP Energy Networks. Travel discouraged today Those within the red warning zone are urged by the Police not to travel. In areas of the amber warning, high levels of disruption should be expected and prepared for. Traffic Scotland advises more. Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: The Met Office has upgraded their weather warnings for Storm Eowyn to the highest level, which means there will be widespread disruption to the transport network. I would urge people to follow police advice and avoid travel in the area affected by the red warning for wind. If you do need to travel, your journey is likely to be badly disrupted and there will likely be cancellations to rail, ferry and air services. Goodbye for now trampoline, wherever you came from #StormEowyn pic.twitter.com/VaFuNgRn4j Kellie (@KellieLyttle) January 24, 2025 Traffic Scotland will provide the most up-to-date information on the trunk roads throughout the warning periods, via their website, social media channels and radio broadcasts. The conditions will inevitably cause major disruption to rail, ferry and aviation services too, so please contact your operator to see if your journey has been affected. Even if outside the red warning area, it is safest to avoid travel where possible today, and to stay tuned with the forecast. Our wind maps show how winds are set to potentially pick up across the country today. Today Windy with rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers for the afternoon. High near 65F. Winds SW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Gusty winds during the evening. Low 47F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Tomorrow Overcast. High 64F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. By Vishnu Sharma Director: Sandeep Kewlani, Abhishek Anil Kapur Star Cast: Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Nimrat Kaur, Sara Ali Khan, Varun Badola, Sharad Kelkar, and others Where to Watch: In Theaters Rating: 4 On this Republic Day, book your tickets for one of the most-awaited releases opening in cinemas this year - Sky Force - igniting patriotic spirit on this special occasion. The film tells the story of an unsung hero of the Indian Air Force, who had been missing for 23 long years, and when he is found, stood tall as a hero not just for the force, but for the entire country. Based on a true event, the screenplay moves smoothly taking the viewer ahead in the epic journey, however, leaving behind a few glitches. In the film, Akshay Kumar plays Wing Commander Kumar Om Ahuja leading the Tiger Force, named Group Captain Ahuja. Alongside him is DK. Vijaya (played by AB Devaiya), his junior pilot, who often finds himself in the spotlight for pushing his limits in the name of patriotism. This role is portrayed by debutant actor Veer Pahariya. About Sky Force We saw in Sunny Deol-starrer iconic film 'Border' set in the1965 war plot, how towards the climax, a unit of the Indian Air Force, led by Jackie Shroff, unexpectedly arrives to help the Indian Army. It also showed how India had a tip-off about a Pakistani airstrike. In Alia Bhatt's Raazi, the story continues along similar lines. However, in Sky Force, it is shown that Pakistani airstrikes also disrupted and destroyed several planes, leading to a pilot's death. Following this, Captain Ahuja's team plans an attack on the Pakistani airbase in Sargodha, Punjab, which is known as India's first airstrike. There, they destroy 11 state-of-the-art American fighter jets, crippling Pakistan's air attack capabilities. Despite Vijaya not being present in the airstrike, his remarkable feat forces America's top war experts to write and study it. However, in Indias eyes, he is seen as a reckless officer who mysteriously disappears. Debutant Vir Pahadiya Deserves Praise For His Performance The story emotionally progresses with his wife Geeta (Sara Ali Khan) waiting for him and Ahuja (Akshay Kumar) searching for him. Besides patriotism, the two strongest points of the movie are its emotional depth and some excellent air combat scenes. The music and lyrics add more emotions to the narrative. Talking about Vir Pahadiya, the newcomer has left a lasting impression. Despite being new, his acting shows depth. Watching his work, you can say that he's a long-distance runner who has impressed right from his debut film. The most important point is that Vir Pahadiya worked alongside several big stars but delivered his role with sincerity and earned well-deserved praise. Music and Screenplay Tanishk Bagchi's music, with lyrics by Manoj Muntashir and Irshad Kamil, emotionally connects the audience to the story. The screenplay also deserves praise, as it masterfully decides when and how much to reveal, when to delve into flashbacks, and how to maintain suspense, making it a crucial strategic element of the film. Akshay, Veer, and Sara Deserve Praise The director plays a significant role in bringing these characters together, but the performances of the star cast including Akshay, Veer, and Sara are commendable. Nimrat Kaur, playing Akshay's wife, also does not disappoint. Sharad Kelkar, portraying the Pakistani officer, is exceptional as always. The dialogue and scenes between Sara and Akshay also drive the film forward. However, the most crucial aspect was bringing the story of the unsung hero to the screenthe first braveheart of the Air Force, who was awarded the Mahavir Chakra 23 years after his death. Why You Should Watch It This is a great opportunity to watch the story of an unsung hero on the big screen with your family on this Republic Day, amidst the patriotic atmosphere. Some may compare it to Hrithik and Deepika's 'Fighter' from last year, but this film stands on its own. New Delhi: Amul has announced a price cut of Rs 1 per litre on its popular milk variants Amul Gold, Amul Taaza and Amul Tea Special. The decision was shared by Jayen Mehta, the Managing Director of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), bringing some relief to households amid rising living costs. "Amul has reduced the price of milk by Re 1 in Amul Gold, Amul Taaza, and Amul Tea Special 1 kg pack," Jayen Mehta, MD of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which operates Amul, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Amul has reduced the price of milk by Re 1 in Amul Gold, Amul Taza and Amul Tea Special 1 kg pack: Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation's Managing Director Jayen Mehta (File photo) pic.twitter.com/MoxCCB4ljS ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025 - Amul Gold (1-litre pouch) will now cost Rs 65, down from Rs 66. - Amul Tea Special (1-litre pouch) price will be reduced to Rs 61, from Rs 62. - Amul Taaza (per litre) will drop from Rs 54 to Rs 53. Back in June 2024, Amul had raised milk prices by Rs 2 per litre. Following this, Mother Dairy also announced a Rs 2 per litre price hike. New Delhi: The Union Budget is all set to be presented on February 1, with the customary halwa ceremony set to take place today. The Halwa ceremony, marking the final stage of the Budget preparation process for Union Budget 2025-26, was held in North Block in the presence of Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Ministers of State. A customary Halwa ceremony is performed every year before the lock-in process of Budget preparation begins. As part of the ceremony, the Finance Minister will take a tour of the Budget Press and reviewed the preparations besides extending her best wishes to the officials concerned. Unlike previous years, all the 14 Union Budget documents, including the Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), Finance Bill etc. as prescribed by the Constitution, will available on the Union Budget Mobile App for hassle-free access of Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public using the simplest form of digital convenience. It is bilingual (English & Hindi) and will be available on both Android and iOS platforms. The App can also be downloaded from the Union Budget Web Portal (www.indiabudget.gov.in). The Budget documents will be available on the Mobile App after the completion of the Budget Speech by the Finance Minister in Parliament on 1st February, 2025. Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh on Friday told a Goa court that he would not make any statement against Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's wife Sulakshana Sawant in connection with a defamation case filed by her against the Rajya Sabha MP. When the matter came up for hearing during the day in Bicholim court, the defendant sought time to file a reply to the injunction filed by the petitioner, Sawant's lawyer Pralhad Paranjape said. Singh also extended the statement, about not speaking against the petitioner, he had made in the court in the last hearing on January 10, Paranjape added. Singh's lawyer Surel Tilve said his client could not file a reply as he was busy with the upcoming Delhi assembly polls. The reply would be filed during the next hearing, he added. The court has adjourned the matter to February 7, Pranajape informed. Singh had held a press conference in Delhi in which he had accused Sawant of being involved in a cash-to-jobs' "scam" in Goa, following which the latter filed a Rs 100 crore defamation suit against the AAP leader in December. Maharashtra News: Launching a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Udvav Thackeray said on Thursday that anyone who spreads communal disharmony "can't be a Hindu". He also affirmed that the 'Hindutva' of his party is "clean". The former Maharashtra Chief Minister was addressing a public meeting, on the occasion of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray's birth anniversary. While speaking during the rally, Thackeray also challenged the BJP-led Centre for holding elections on ballot papers. "If you are ashamed, keep EVMs aside and hold elections using ballot papers. Anyone who spreads Hindu-Muslim enmity cannot be a Hindu. Our Hindutva is clean," he said. Notably, the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election was a huge drubbing for Shiv Sena (UBT), reduced to 20 seats as the BJP-led Mahayuti, registered a landslide victory with 235 seats. Meanwhile, several opposition leaders of the INDIA bloc, have been questioning the 'fairness' of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections and demanding that elections be held with ballot papers. Earlier this month, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar dismissed the suggestion of returning to paper ballots for voting, saying, "Returning to the outdated paper ballot system is unwarranted and regressive. This is aimed at derailing the election process." This week, a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court dismissed an appeal challenging the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections across constituencies. The petitioner had raised concerns regarding the use of EVMs, arguing that Section 61-A of the relevant law requires the respondent (Election Commission of India) to provide specific justifications for the use of EVMs in each constituency individually. The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and comprising Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, dismissed the appeal, stating, "We find no merit in the present appeal, and the same is dismissed." (With ANI Inputs) Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee of using "unparliamentary" language against him. He said that the house was adjourned twice due to the alleged ruckus created by the opposition leaders, who have been suspended from the JPC meeting. Pal said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey moved a motion to suspend the opposition MPs for creating a "ruckus" after they resorted to "shouting" and "sloganeering" while not allowing the meeting to continue. "We adjourned the house twice. We had given time to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on the suggestions of the opposition only. Kalyan Banerjee used unparliamentary words against me and abused me. I kept requesting him to let the invitees speak. However, they were adamant about creating a ruckus. We adjourned the house again and again but they (opposition MPs) did not want the meeting to continue. From Jammu and Kashmir, a delegation had come but they (opposition MPs) kept shouting and sloganeering...so finally Nishikant Dubey had to move a motion and everyone agreed to suspend them," Jagdambika Pal told ANI. Responding to allegations of changing the subject of the notice for the JPC sitting, Pal said that the agenda was changed only for today and considering the requests made by the opposition, who wanted Kashmiri cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to be invited to the meeting. "We changed the agenda for today only on the request of the opposition leaders who contacted me saying that Mirwaiz should be invited and shifted today's agenda (to hold a discussion clause-by-clause to January 27," Pal added. Responding to the allegations of rushing the proceedings for the JPC meeting owing to Delhi assembly elections, the senior BJP leader said that it was Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju who urged the speaker to refer the bill to JPC and not the opposition. "If the government wanted to hasten things, why would it refer the bill to JPC? The government has a majority in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The opposition didn't, but Kiren Rijiju, after introducing it in the Parliament, himself urged the speaker to refer the bill to JPC," Pal said, adding, "Mirwaiz and his delegation expressed their concerns and raised objections to certain sections (of the bill). This shows that the parliamentary democracy in the country is being strengthened." Earlier in the day, all the Opposition MPs that are part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, were suspended from Friday's sitting. The suspended MPs include Mohammad Jawaid, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kalyan Banerjee, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader A Raja, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Nasir Hussain, Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders Mohibbullah Nadvi, M. Abdullah, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Arvind Sawant, Nadimul Haque, and Congress' Imran Masood. "What is going on is an undeclared emergency," Banerjee asserted while referring to the happenings inside the JPC meeting. He said that the subject and dates for the meeting were changed after they landed in Delhi for the meet. The TMC MP accused the government of "hurrying" owing to the upcoming Assembly polls in the national capital, which are scheduled to be held on February 5. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey accused the Opposition of creating a "ruckus" during the JPC meeting, saying that their conduct was against parliamentary democracy. He informed the next meeting will happen on January 27 and submission to the Speaker will happen on January 29. The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is to submit its report during the Budget session. The term of the committee was extended during the winter session of Parliament. The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Budget session of Parliament will commence on January 31 and continue till April 4, with the Union Budget to be presented on February 1. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. In a crackdown on Bangladeshi infiltration in the national capital ahead of Assembly polls, Delhi Police on Wednesday conducted search operations in slum areas as part of an ongoing investigation into the matter. Speaking to ANI, West Delhi DCP Vichitra Veer said that the search operations were carried out at night to ensure easy checking of individuals as family members usually remain at home after work. "The purpose of conducting the campaign at night is that people go to work during the day. At night all the family members are found at home, which makes verification easier. We have started the process of deportation of 10 Bangladeshis from West Delhi, and other districts are also carrying out the process," DCP Vichitra Veer said. The latest police action against infiltration came as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been cornering the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi accusing it of providing voter ID cards and Aadhaar cards to Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants to gain votes. Earlier this week, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena raised concern over the growing involvement of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants in criminal activities. His comments followed a recent incident in Mumbai, where a Bangladeshi national was arrested in connection with a break-in and assault on actor Saif Ali Khan. In response, Saxena instructed the Delhi Police Commissioner to initiate a special operation aimed at identifying and apprehending such illegal immigrants. In a letter dated January 20, Delhi L-G Secretariat said, "Lt Governor has directed that a special campaign be launched to identify such infiltrators on a mission mode. An outreach programme may be launched through print and social media to generate public awareness on the importance of verification of employees/domestic help and workers including construction labour in the interest of their security." Notably, last year in December, Delhi LG VK Saxena directed the Delhi Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner to launch a special drive in the next two months to identify and take action against "illegal immigrants from Bangladesh" residing in Delhi. The national capital will go to the polls on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8. A three-way contest is on the cards in Delhi between the ruling AAP, BJP, and Congress. Delhi Assembly Elections: The poll battle in Delhi is heating up with each passing day, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) go all out against each other over various issues. In a bid to boost its poll campaign, the BJP has brought Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath to Delhi's battleground. On Thursday, he stepped up his attack against AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and cornered him over the issue of Yamuna cleaning. The UP CM, who held his first poll rally in the national capital on Thursday, threw an open challenge to Kejriwal asking him to take a bath in Yamuna with his ministers. "If as a Chief Minister, my ministers and I can take a dip in the Sangam in Prayagraj, then I want to ask the president of Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, can he go and take a bath in Yamuna with his ministers?" Adityanath said. On Friday, Delhi BJP leader and Kejriwal's rival from the New Delhi constituency in the Delhi Assembly polls, Parvesh Verma echoed Yogi Adityanath's "dip in Yamuna challenge" to the former Delhi CM. Speaking to news agency ANI, Verma said, "...The entire world is watching how the Uttar Pradesh Government and CM Yogi Adityanath have made such good arrangements for crores of people (at Maha Kumbh 2025)...He did what he said. On the other hand, former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said again and again that if he couldn't clean Yamuna by 2025, don't vote for him. I can't understand how is he asking for votes today". "People of Delhi have understood how he goes back on his words and lies. So, I would like to challenge Arvind Kejriwal once again, there is still some time - go and take a holy dip in river Yamuna," he added. #WATCH | Delhi | On UP CM Yogi Adityanath's statement on AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and river Yamuna cleaning, BJP candidate Parvesh Verma says, "...The entire world is watching how Uttar Pradesh Government and CM Yogi Adityanath have made such good arrangement for pic.twitter.com/FhwHZdoHoL ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025 The Delhi Assembly elections will take place in a single phase on February 5, and the counting of votes is set for February 8. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seats. In contrast, AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections, winning 67 and 62 seats, respectively, out of a total of 70 seats, while the BJP secured only three and eight seats in these elections. Shariful Islam Sajjad's father Md Ruhul Amin on Friday claimed that his son was innocent and urged India to release immediately. Shariful was reportedly arrested in Mumbai in connection with the attacks on actor Saif Ali Khan. Shariful Islam is a resident of Rajabaria village in Jhalakathi, a southern district of Bangladesh situated more than 200 km from capital Dhaka. Md Ruhul Amin has claimed that Shariful is the second son of his three sons. "I have come to know through various YouTube channels and journalists via telephone that my 30-year-old son Shariful Islam Sajjad has been arrested in India for assaulting actor Saif Ali Khan", Md Ruhul Amin told ANI, over the phone. "My son was arrested on suspicion because of his resemblance to the person involved in the attacks. My son is innocent", he added. Md Ruhul Amin said that he will request the Bangladesh government to take diplomatic initiative for his son's release. "I will go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh after 3 or 4 days and request the Bangladesh government to take diplomatic initiative to free my son", he said. Md Ruhul Amin claimed that his son went India to escape harassments during Sheikh Hasina's tenure as his family was associated with BNP politics. "As my family is associated with BNP, political opponents have harassed my sons with false cases. Unable to stay at home due to their oppression, he left the country", Amin said. Urging India to release his son, he said that Shariful Islam Sajjad travelled to India six or seven months back and "cannot assault such a big man within this time frame." "Saif Ali Khan is a big man. My son went to India 6 or 7 months ago. He cannot assault such a big man within this timeframe. My son is innocent. I am urging India to release my son immediately", he said. After a violent confrontation with the accused on January 16, Saif Ali Khan sustained stab wounds to his thoracic spine and other body parts. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for immediate treatment following the attack. In the ongoing investigation, the police found the accused's fingerprints on the stairs of the building, the door of the toilet, and the door handle of his son Jeh's room. According to the police, the accused attempted to enter three houses before reaching Saif Ali Khan's residence with the intent to steal. The Mumbai Police believes the discovered fingerprints will play a significant role in the investigation.As per the police statement, the accused entered the residence of the renowned actor with the intent to commit theft. A case has been registered under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Further, the police stated that the accused was about to flee to his native village in Bangladesh when he was detained at Hiranandani Estate in Thane. The accused was sent to five-day police custody by the Bandra Holiday Court on Sunday. Bhubaneswar: Odishas much-awaited Khurda Road-Balangir railway project has secured the crucial stage II forest clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for laying tracks in the section between Daspalla and Adhenigarh, the East Coast Railway (ECor) said on Friday. The approval allows the project to move forward with minimal environmental impact, the ECoR statement said. Currently, the laying of tracks on 226 km of the total 301 km stretch of the project has been completed, including 106 km from Khurda Road to Daspalla and 120 km from Balangir to Purunakatak. Work is being carried out on the remaining 75 km stretch between Purunakatak and Daspalla. The project required the acquisition of 3,274.336 hectares of land, including 746.42 hectares of forest land. The most significant environmental challenge was the forest clearance between Daspalla and Purunakatak, which involved 594.618 hectares of dense forest. However, careful planning was carried out to avoid key wildlife sanctuaries and to minimise the impact on the surrounding ecosystem, the statement said. In consultation with the forest department, the project team developed a comprehensive wildlife conservation plan, which was approved by the principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife), Odisha. Provisions like animal passages (both over and under the railway tracks) and bridges for waterway and wildlife movement were incorporated to minimise disruptions. All engineering solutions, including viaducts and tunnels, were designed to reduce tree felling and protect the forest cover, it said. The railway tracks include seven tunnels over a 75-km stretch between Daspalla and Purunakatak, totalling 12.76 km. These tunnels represent some of the most challenging engineering feats in railway construction, the statement said. The Khurda Road-Balangir railway project will significantly reduce travel time between Bhubaneswar and Balangir, benefiting passengers and freight. It will improve access to markets, industries, education, and healthcare, fostering economic growth across the region, the ECoR statement said. It is expected to drive industrial growth, attract investment, and create new jobs, helping Odisha become a key economic hub in Eastern India, it added. In a prestigious event organised by the Indian Postal Department, the Governor of Maharashtra, C.P. Radhakrishnan, released a special postage stamp in memory of Late Mulchand Shah, recognising his extraordinary contributions to society. The ceremony took place during the inauguration of Maha Utsav - 2025, celebrating over 150 years of the Indian Postal Departments service to the nation. The program, organised by the Maharashtra Postal Circle, was held at the World Trade Centre in Mumbai on 22nd January 2025. Alongside Governor Radhakrishnan and Mascot International Private Limiteds Director Maniklal Shah, the event was graced by Chief Post Master General of Maharashtra and Goa Amitabh Singh and Chairman of WTC Mumbai Vijay Kalantri. The Governor lauded the Indian Postal Department for its unwavering tradition of trust and service, describing these qualities as the foundation of its success and crucial to Indias future development. He highlighted the departments deep connection to humanitarian values, which continues to inspire generations. Late Mulchand Shah, a great philanthropist from the Godwar region of Rajasthan, is prominently known for his leadership in laying the foundation of numerous social institutions, colleges, dams, and temples in the Pali District of Rajasthan. As a former Sarpanch of Jawali Village, he played a pivotal role in transforming the region through his dedication to community welfare. His selfless service and initiatives in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development have left an enduring legacy. Mulchand Shah was also a prominent business leader among the Rajasthani community in Mumbai, where he continued his legacy of social service while building a successful business career. Expressing his gratitude, Maniklal Shah, Director of Mascot International Private Limited and son of Late Mulchand Shah, said, "This honour bestowed upon my father is a moment of immense pride for our family and for all those whose lives he touched through his social initiatives. My fathers unwavering commitment to the welfare of his community is something that continues to inspire me every day. He believed that true success lies in giving back to society, and his contributions, especially in Jawali and the broader Pali District, were a reflection of this belief. He played a pivotal role in establishing schools, colleges, dams, and temples in the region, which continue to benefit the community even today." He further added, "As a Sarpanch of Jawali for many years, my father was deeply connected to the people, and his efforts in areas such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare have left a lasting impact. His legacy in the Godwar region and his role as a respected businessman in Mumbai showcase his dedication to both his community and his professional life. I am thankful to the Government of India and the Indian Postal Department for honouring his contributions with this postal stamp, ensuring that his work and memory will live on." The Governor commended the Indian Postal Department for its significant contributions to the nation's progress and development. The ceremony was graced by numerous distinguished personalities from diverse sectors, underscoring the profound impact of Late Mulchand Shahs contributions. The event served as a tribute, ensuring that his extraordinary legacy will continue to be honoured and celebrated for generations to come. (This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts consumer connect initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.) Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of Canada and America, was recently spotted at an event attended by US President Donald Trump and his family. Now, India has said that it will raise the issue with the US government. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India will discuss the issues involving national security with the US. Whenever there is an anti-India activity we take up the matter with the US government. We will continue to raise matters with the US Government that have a bearing on our national security and have an anti-India agenda," said Jaiswal. During the official inaugural ceremony of Donald Trumps return to the White House on January 20, Pannun was seen at The Liberty Ball. According to a report by WION, the Khalistani activist was not officially invited to the event but managed to acquire tickets through a contact. While the crowd at the celebration enthusiastically chanted USA, USA, Pannun was captured on video raising pro-Khalistan slogans, which has since circulated widely on social media. Speaking on the issue of protest against the movie 'Emergency' in the United Kingdom, Jaiswal said, "We have also seen several reports on how the film, 'Emergency', which was being screened in several halls was being obstructed. We consistently raise concerns with the UK Government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements, freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively and those obstructing it must be held accountable. We hope that the UK side will take appropriate action against those responsible. Our High Commission in London remains in touch in regular communication with our community members for the safety and benefits." On illegal immigration, Jaiswal said that India has been against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organised crime. "For Indians not just in the United States, but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals and they are overstaying, or they are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality and that they are indeed Indians. If that happens to be the case we will take things forward and facilitate their return to India..," he said. Delhi Assembly Polls: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday responded to UP CM Yogi Adityanaths claims on the law and order situation in Delhi and his Yamuna challenge to AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal. Addressing a public gathering in the Janakpuri Assembly constituency on Thursday, CM Yogi accused Kejriwal's AAP government of 'instigating riots' in 2020 in the national capital with the help of 'Bangladeshi infiltrators'. "With the help of Bangladeshi infiltrators, their (AAP) councillors and officials together instigated riots in 2020. They created chaos and hooliganism in Shaheen Bagh. Today if you look at the states where the double-engine government of the Bharatiya Janata Party is in power, you will find a clean environment there. Form a double-engine government in Delhi and get basic amenities and move towards making Delhi Indraprastha again," CM Yogi said. Hitting back at Yogi Adityanath, Arvind Kejriwal said that the law and order of the national capital comes under the Union Home Ministry and the former should guide Home Minister Amit Shah regarding how to mend it. Speaking on the law and order situation in the national capital, the former Delhi CM said that "11 gangsters" have captured the entire Delhi. Attacking Amit Shah, further, the former Delhi CM said that the Home Minister is busy "toppling governments" and "poaching MLAs". Speaking to the media, Kejriwal said, "Yogi ji came to Delhi today. He too raised questions on the law and order in Delhi. He said that he mended the law and order in UP. I agree with Yogi ji that Delhi's law and order is very bad.11 gangsters have captured the entire Delhi. Yogi Ji said that he wiped out gangsters in UP. But in Delhi, gangsters are roaming around freely. Firing is taking place on streets. Women can't step out of their houses." "I would like to tell Yogi ji that the law and order in Delhi come under Amit Shah. He should sit down with Amit Shah and guide him, explaining to him how law and order has to be mended. Amit Shah is busy toppling governments and poaching MLAs," he added. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seats. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections by winning 67 and 62 seats, respectively, out of a total of 70 seats, while the BJP got only three and eight seats in these elections. Assembly elections in the national capital are slated to be held on February 5 and the results will be declared on February 8. Delhi Elections 2025 LIVE: The national capital will go to the polls on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place 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. The AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got eight seats. As the election campaign is progressing with each passing day in the run-up to the Assembly polls, all political parties are stepping up their attack on each other. On Thursday, UP CM Yogi Adityanath entered Delhi's poll battle with his first rally in the Janakpuri Assembly constituency. During the poll rally, CM Yogi accused Kejriwal's AAP government of 'instigating riots' in 2020 in the national capital with the help of 'Bangladeshi infiltrators'. "With the help of Bangladeshi infiltrators, their (AAP) councillors and officials together instigated riots in 2020. They created chaos and hooliganism in Shaheen Bagh. Today if you look at the states where the double-engine government of the Bharatiya Janata Party is in power, you will find a clean environment there. Form a double-engine government in Delhi and get basic amenities and move towards making Delhi Indraprastha again," CM Yogi said. Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal hit back at Adityanath's criticism of the Delhi government over the law and order situation, and said the law and order of the national capital comes under the Union Home Ministry and the former should guide Home Minister Amit Shah regarding how to mend it. Speaking on the law and order situation in the national capital, the former Delhi CM said that "11 gangsters" have captured the entire Delhi. Attacking Amit Shah, further, Kejriwal said the Home Minister is busy "toppling governments" and "poaching MLAs". Speaking to the media, Kejriwal said, "Yogi ji came to Delhi today. He too raised questions on the law and order in Delhi. He said that he mended the law and order in UP. I agree with Yogi ji that Delhi's law and order is very bad.11 gangsters have captured the entire Delhi. Yogi Ji said that he wiped out gangsters in UP. But in Delhi, gangsters are roaming around freely. Firing is taking place on streets. Women can't step out of their houses." "I would like to tell Yogi ji that the law and order in Delhi come under Amit Shah. He should sit down with Amit Shah and guide him, explain to him how law and order has to be mended. Amit Shah is busy toppling governments and poaching MLAs," he added. Follow ZEE News for live updates on Delhi Assembly elections Kerala Lottery Results Friday 24-01-2025 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "Nirmal NR-416" Lucky Draw Result today Nirmal NR-416, January 24, 2025. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2024 for "Nirmal NR-416" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Nirmal NR-416 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 70 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Nirmal NR-416 results today. 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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.) MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday took a dig at Shiv Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and claimed a rift in the latter's party, saying Maharashtra will have a third deputy chief minister from the fold. Talking to reporters, the Rajya Sabha MP said the activities behind the scenes were such that the state could have three deputy chief ministers in the future. Maharashtra currently has Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar as deputy chief ministers. "No one should take Eknath Shinde seriously. He is a deputy chief minister. He was the chief minister yesterday. He will not be there tomorrow because Maharashtra is getting a third deputy chief minister from the same party. He (Shinde) should think about this," Raut said. He further alleged that Shinde was serving the "enemies" of Maharashtra, referring to the party's ally BJP. Raut's remarks have come days after he claimed that Industries Minister Uday Samant could split the Shinde-led Sena, as he has the support of 20 MLAs. When Shinde was sulking over the denial of the CM post after the state elections in November last year, there were plans to introduce Samant, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader claimed. Samant, however, denied any difference with party chief Shinde and asserted attempts were being made to create a rift between them. Samant said some former MLAs of the Sena UBT will join the Shinde-led Sena on February 15. He said four MLAs and three MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT), five Congress MLAs, and 10 former legislators will join the party, he said. Hitting back, Raut said Shiv Sena should focus on its cadre rather than poaching leaders from his party. New Delhi: Mumbai and New Delhi rank among the top 10 most preferred markets for cross-border real estate investment in the Asia Pacific region, a report said on Friday. While Mumbai ranked fifth after Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, New Delhi was tied for the eighth spot along with Seoul, Osaka and Hanoi, according to the report by property consulting firm CBRE. In India, the total net buying intentions reached 3 per cent, with developer, owner, operator, real estate fund, and institutional investors displaying the strongest buying intentions. The report further pointed out that investor sentiment in India is driven by asset classes, including office, residential, industrial and data centres, the report states. India recorded robust foreign equity investment inflows in 2024 calendar year, with countries like Singapore, the United States, and Canada dominating the foreign equity investments. These three countries cumulatively contributed more than 25 per cent of the total equity investments in the countrys real estate in 2024, the report said. Singapore accounted for nearly 36 per cent share of the total foreign equity investments, followed by the United States (29 per cent) and Canada (22 per cent). Investments from the UAE also witnessed a significant uptick throughout 2024 compared to 2023. Total equity investment in Indian real estate recorded an all-time high of $11.4 billion in 2024, increasing by 54 per cent year-on-year, according to the report. Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO - India, South-East Asia, Middle East and Africa, CBRE, said, "Investment in India's real estate market reached a record high in CY2024. While the landscape was primarily dominated by domestic investors, foreign equity investments and a significant resurgence of capital deployment across asset classes by overseas investors stand as a testament to Indias growing prominence as a global real estate destination. This trend is anticipated to continue with consistent capital flowing into both established and new sectors of the real estate market, he added. Investors who are investing in Delhi and Mumbai are more inclined to look at value-added and opportunistic strategies which involve a higher risk/return profile than core and core-plus strategies. Those chasing value-add strategies in India will potentially explore core office products in tier-1 cities such as Mumbai and Delhi, while those looking at more development plays across these markets, with some examples including the acquisition of land sites for either residential (build-to-sell) development or data centre development, the report added. The survey also shows that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives remain the key focus for investors looking at new investments in India, with 56 per cent keen on acquiring or developing green buildings and 46 per cent of them looking at retrofitting existing assets. Actor Saif Ali Khan has returned home in good health, but the case and mystery surrounding the incident have grown more complex. Saif was reportedly stabbed by a burglar who allegedly entered his home through the vents. However, following multiple reports, political leaders have now begun questioning the police's handling of the arrest. Father of the arrested accused have also cried foul. Congress Questions Mumbai Police "The attack on Saif Ali Khan, it has been stated that the person shown in the CCTV footage and the person who has been arrested are different. They have conducted investigations from various angles, and based on that, this report has been filed.. The police need to clarify this immediately. This is important because even in Mumbais supposedly safe areas, if actors are not safe, then it will not take long for the Bollywood industry to leave Mumbai, which will harm Maharashtra..." said Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole. Accused's Father Cries Foul In a 12-minute interview, Shariful's father Mohammad Ruhul told PTI over the phone from Bangaldesh that his son did not have proper documentation for his stay in India and he lived in constant fear of being arrested. He alleged that the man seen in the CCTV camera footage was not Shariful and added that his son was being framed. "I will get in touch with the Bangaldeshi foreign ministry and also seek help from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka for the release of my son," Ruhul said. He claimed that he learned about his son's arrest through Facebook and news channels and added he had not been contacted by police in this connection. "The police have not said anything to us," Ruhul said. He said Shariful entered India between the last week of March and the first week of April last year. Ruhul claimed that his son was not involved in the stabbing incident, saying it would not have been possible for Shariful to enter the home of a star of Khan's stature and commit such a crime. "In the video footage we saw, the man (in the footage) has hair till the eyebrows. My son doesn't wear his hair like that. He is 30 years old and has never kept his hair this long, not even as a teenager," Ruhul said. India is a huge country, it is quite possible that one person would bear some resemblance to another person, he said. "But the CCTV camera photos that I saw of the (accused) person do not match my son." He also alleged that his son was being framed by a "third party". "There might be a conspiracy." Ruhul, a local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), worked at the People's Jute Mill, said Shariful used to work at a hotel in Mumbai and sent a portion of the salary he received on the "10th, 11th, 12th" of every month. Police On Facial Analysis Mumbai police stated that forensic analysis has confirmed Fakir's involvement in the crime, as fingerprints found at various locations inside the actors apartment matched his. However, while requesting an extension of Fakir's custody, the police informed the court that they still need to conduct a facial recognition test to verify if he is the individual captured on CCTV footage. Additionally, the police need to compare the suspects footprints with those found at the crime scene and recover both the shoes Fakir was wearing during the incident and the missing portion of the knife used in the attack. Accused's Custody Extended Police on Friday told a Mumbai court that they needed to conduct a facial recognition test of the Bangladeshi man arrested for allegedly stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan to ascertain that he was the one in the CCTV footage. The court extended the police custody of Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir (30) till January 29, while defence lawyers questioned the actor's version of the incident, asking why he did not call the police immediately. Shariful was arrested on January 19 for allegedly breaking into Saif Ali Khan's 12th floor flat in Bandra for robbery three days earlier, and stabbing the actor multiple times when confronted. The police on Friday sought his further custody, claiming that while substantial progress had been made in the probe, more interrogation was required to investigate certain crucial aspects. Public prosecutors told the court that facial recognition test of the accused was needed to be done at a Forensic Science Laboratory to ascertain that he was the same person seen in the CCTV footage recovered from the staircase of Khan's building. (With agencies inputs) Bhandara Ordnanace Factory Blast: A massive explosion rocked an ordnance factory in Maharashtra's Bhandara district this morning, leaving eight person dead while seven people were reported injured. The incident occurred around 10:30 am, according to media reports. The blast occurred around 10:30 a.m. at the factory, causing a portion of the roof to collapse, trapping several workers under the debris, District Collector Sanjay Kolte confirmed. "At least 12 people were under the collapsed roof during the explosion. Five of them have been rescued, and an excavator is being used to clear the rubble," Kolte added. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed the fatalities, stating, "Preliminary reports say that eight people had been killed and seven others were injured in the blast." Addressing a press conference in Nagpur organised by the Association for Industrial Development, Gadkari halted the event to offer condolences and observed a minute's silence for the victims, reported IANS. After the blast, firefighters and ambulances have been dispatched to the spot, and the rescue operation is currently underway. A roof has collapsed, which is being removed with the help of JCB. A total of 12 people are reported to be there, out of which 2 people have been rescued, District Collector Sanjay Kolte provided further details. The blast's intensity was so severe that it was heard as far as 5 km away. Several videos surfaced on the social media X, shot from a distance, the clips show thick plumes of smoke billowing from the factory. WATCH Video Here: Authorities released a statement saying, "There has been an accident of a blast at Ordnance Factory Bhandara this morning. Rescue and medical teams are deployed, and rescue operations are underway." Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in a post on X, wrote in Marathi, "Reports indicate 13 to 14 workers were trapped after the roof collapsed in the explosion. Five have been safely rescued. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police are at the scene, and all assistance is being provided. SDRF and Nagpur Municipal Corporation teams are also en route to aid in rescue efforts. Medical teams have been kept on standby for assistance." The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, and an investigation has been launched into the incident. There has been an accident of blast at Ordnance Factory, Bhandara today morning. The rescue and medical teams are deployed for survivors, and rescue is underway. Details will follow, stated a PRO for Defence. In first political reaction to the accident, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole told ANI, "This is the failure of the Modi government." In a fresh opposition vs government tussle, 10 MPs from different political parties were suspended for a day from a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf Amendment Bill. Later, the MPs wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking transparent proceedings, sans haste, in the panel. They also challenged the JPC chief Jagdambika Pal's power to suspend them. The opposition MPs also sought adequate time to prepare their responses regarding the proposals under discussion. The Chairman of the JPC may kindly be instructed to conduct the proceedings in a transparent and fair manner. The Chairman should postpone the 27th meeting so that the Opposition members can get the adequate time and opportunity to put forth our plea/claims without any departure from the rules and procedure to ensure the Parliament democracy on which the Nation still has faith, said the letter signed by the 10 MPs. The signatories of the letter are Kalyan Banerjee, Mohammad Jawed, A. Raja, Asaduddin Owaisi, Nasir Hussain, Mohibullah, M. Abdullah, Arvind Sawant, Nadimul Haque, and Imran Masood. Seeking adequate time to present their views, the MPs wrote, Rushing the proceedings of the JPC without application of the mind by the Chairman is nothing but a riddle wrapped with hidden malice. Claiming efforts were being made to suppress debate, the MPs argued that additional time was necessary for discussions, as the amendments proposed in the Bill not only pertain to the extensive land holdings of Waqf Boards across the country but also tie into significant judicial rulings by the High Courts and the Supreme Court. Earlier in the day, chaos erupted at the JPC meeting when opposition MPs were suspended for the entire session after a heated exchange. The disorder unfolded during deliberations on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. The Opposition MPs alleged that they were not given sufficient time to study the draft which was brought up for discussion. Chaired by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, the panel meeting was in fact set to hear a delegation led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from Kashmir. But before the process, the meeting was disrupted by opposition MPs who raised concerns about the speed with which the government wanted to pass the bill, especially considering the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. As the disruption escalated, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey proposed the suspension of 10 opposition MPs for the day. The panel subsequently accepted Dubey's proposal. (With IANS Inputs) New Delhi: Cash totalling over 40 lakh, 89 laptops, 193 mobiles and nine 'mangalsutras' top the list of things left behind by commuters travelling in Delhi Metro in 2024. The items were collected and later restored to the owners by Central Industrial Security Force personnel after the claims were verified. The CISF provides a counter-terrorist security cover to the public transport network that spans more than 250 stations covering over 350 km of rail track in the national capital region. Many items were forgotten by passengers near the X-ray baggage scanner in the station area. According to official data, besides 40.74 lakh in cash, 89 laptops, 40 watches and 193 mobiles, personnel also found silver ornaments, including 13 pairs of anklets, as well as other pieces of jewellery such as rings and bangles. An assortment of foreign currency, including US dollars, Saudi riyal and Thai baht, totalling 24,550 were also found and restored by CISF personnel during 2024. The security agency recorded 59 suicide attempts in the Delhi Metro network last year; 23 persons lost their lives, three were saved while 33 suffered injuries. A total of 75 rounds of live ammunition and seven firearms were also detected by the CISF while undertaking security checks of the passengers and their baggage, the data showed. Playing the role of a good samaritan, the CISF found 262 children travelling alone on Delhi Metro and handed them over to their parents, local police or child helpline volunteers. Similarly, 671 women passengers found in "distress" were also extended help during the same time period by the force, the data said. The CISF has deployed as many as 13,000 personnel, both men and women, to secure the Delhi Metro network. Lakhs of commuters use the metro every day to reach their destinations in Delhi and its adjoining cities of Noida and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh and Gurugram and Faridabad in Haryana. Mumbai: Central Railway, Mumbai has planned a six-hour mega block on its all six lines on the intervening night of January 25th and 26th. This block will be taken to felicitate the ongoing work of reconstruction of Carnac Bridge near CSMT station, Central Railway CPRO said. This block will start at 11:30 pm on January 25 and will continue till 5:30 am on the morning of January 26. This block will affect both lines of central railway, harbour line and main line Local trains. Also, some long-distance trains will be affected which are scheduled to arrive or depart during this period. Central Railway CRPO Swapnil Dhanraj Nila said, "BMC had made a demand for a block for reconstruction of the second span of ROB (Road Over Bridge). Due to that demand, we have taken processing from the Railway Board and the Board has permitted block. The first block will be on the night of 25th January and the morning of 26th January." "The duration of the block will be for 6 hours from 11.30 pm to 5.30 am. Six lines from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, two lines of Harbour Line, local lines and main express lines will remain closed for 6 hours," he added. "Two mail Express trains will depart from Dadar, which includes Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Amritsar and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to BSB Banaras on the intervening night of 25th and 26th at 23.38 hours and the second at 00.30 hours on 26th from Dadar. Suburban services would be shut during this period," he said. "The last local from CSMT to Titwala will depart at 10.50 pm, In the down-through-line local, train going to Kasara will leave CSMT at 10.45 pm in the night and arrive at Kasara at 1.12 am. Last local from Kalyan to CSTM will depart at 9.16 pm and last local will depart at 10.02 pm in the night. Local on the Harbour line from CSTM to Panvel 22.58 hours and from Panvel to CSTM the last local will run at 21.40 hours," he added. CR CPRO said that a total of 14 long-distance trains will be affected during this block. 11 trains arriving in Mumbai CSMT will be short-terminated at Dadar station. Two trains which are scheduled to depart from CSMT will depart from Dadar station and one train will be regulated with a longer halt at Ambarnath Station. All local trains, departing or arriving at CSMT during these six hours will remain cancelled for those 6 hours. Mumbai: Self proclaimed film critic and controversial personality Kamaal R. Khan (KRK) has stirred up a storm yet again, this time questioning Saif Ali Khans recent hospitalisation after allegedly being stabbed six times by an intruder. Taking to his X account, KRK shared his skepticism over the incident, hinting that it might not have happened at all and even suggesting that the actor and his wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, might have fought instead. KRK tweeted 1) Saif Ali Khan came back from the hospital 100% fit after 48 hours only. 2) Police did not charge the attacker with an attempt-to-murder crime. 3) Arrested persons face doesnt match with the CCTV footage guy. Even though that CCTV footage is not from Saifs floor. 4) A very weak attacker stabbed Saif 6 times, but Saif was not able to break his one hair also. 5) So I do believe that nobody came into Saifs house that night. Saif and Kareena did fight with each other! 1Saif Ali Khan came back from hospital 100% fit after 48 hours only. 2 Police did not charge attacker with attempt to murder crime. 3 Arrested person face doesnt match with CCTV guy. Even though that CCTV footage is not from Saifs floor. 4)A very weak Attacker stabbed Saif KRK kamaalrkhan January 22 2025 KRKs tweet sparked a heated debate online, with many questioning the validity of the incident. Some netizens pointed out that Kareena Kapoor did not drive Saif to the hospital, which they found odd. Others accused the couple of staging the incident as a publicity stunt for one of Saifs upcoming projects. However, a large number of fans came to Saif and Kareenas defence, slamming KRK for making baseless allegations. They reminded him of the sensitivity of the situation and called out his tendency to create unnecessary controversies. The actors quick recovery has been a topic of discussion since his return home just days after the alleged attack. While Saif underwent surgery and was discharged within five days, many, including KRK, have raised eyebrows over the severity of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding the incident. I think it's a publicity stunt for any of saif's upcoming film rahul saha rahulsaha19 January 22 2025 While KRKs claims lack substantial evidence and appear to be speculative, they have certainly reignited the buzz around Saif Ali Khans stabbing incident. Mumbai: A Mumbai court on Friday extended till January 29 the police custody of the Bangladeshi man arrested for allegedly stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his home during a robbery attempt last week. Police produced the accused, Shareeful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir (30), before a magistrate's court in Bandra at the end of his previous remand. They sought his custody for seven more days from the court, arguing further investigation into some crucial aspects of the case was required. The court allowed the police plea and extended his custody till January 29. Khan's attacker, arrested from adjoining Thane city, is a Bangladeshi who changed his name to Vijay Das after illegally entering India last year, police earlier said. The 54-year-old actor was repeatedly stabbed by the knife-wielding intruder inside his 12th floor apartment in upscale Bandra in the early hours of Thursday (January 16) during a robbery attempt in a shocking attack that raised intriguing questions about security and celebrity life. Khan was admitted to Lilavati Hospital where he underwent two surgeries following stab injuries, including on his neck and near the spine. He was discharged from the private hospital on January 21. Washington: Sean "Diddy" Combs has filed a 50 million USD defamation lawsuit against accuser Courtney Burgess, his attorney Ariel Mitchell and Nextstar Media Group, the parent company of television network NewsNation on January 22, as reported by People magazine. As per the report, Combs' attorneys filed the lawsuit in the Southern District of New York on Wednesday, alleging the defendants deliberately fabricated and amplified false claims about him for financial gain. He also alleged that NewsNation broadcasted the allegations without conducting proper due diligence. The complaint stated that those actions have caused Combs economic and reputational harm, as well as tainted his right to a fair trial with an impartial jury. Combs is currently in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting trial for sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution charges. The rapper has denied the allegations. As per the report of People, the lawsuit first alleges Burgess claimed he had videos of Combs in which he was involved in the sexual assault of celebrities and minors. Burgess and Mitchell allegedly repeated the allegations to several news outlets, including NewsNation, the filing states. Combs' attorneys claim because the alleged tapes don't exist, Mitchell and Burgess' statements that they possessed footage "were either knowingly blatant falsehoods or recklessly false statements." The music mogul also named attorney Mitchell in the lawsuit, noting that the lawyer filed multiple lawsuits against him, including one on behalf of an adult entertainer who alleged she had been sex trafficked by Combs. In response to this, the lawsuit claimed, "To date, even though Mitchell has not served either of those lawsuits, she has spoken about them extensively to the media." The court documents reference a NewsNation segment that aired in late September where Mitchell allegedly stated that tapes of Combs in compromising positions with other celebrities have been leaked throughout Hollywood. The NewsNation host allegedly told Mitchell in response, "[I]t sounds like there was probably a lot of hidden cameras as well," despite having "no evidentiary support" of Mitchell's allegations. "NewsNation, upon information and belief, conducted no investigation before broadcasting the false allegations, though it easily could have done so," the lawsuit read, adding that the network did not reach out to Combs' representatives for comment before airing the segment as quoted by People. The lawsuit further alleged that the defendants have each profited from their allegations against Combs. With Burgess making money "from his fake Kim Porter memoir," and Mitchell "promoting] herself in the media" as she makes the allegations against the rapper, the lawsuit alleges of their financial gain. It alleges that NewsNation's airing of Mitchell and Burgess' allegations has increased the number of viewers for the network. "Defendants made these false and defamatory statements in bad faith, as part of a deliberate effort to damage Mr Combs's reputation, undermine his business and, by painting him as debauched and a paedophile, to poison the public's perception of him and deprive him of a fair trial," Combs' legal team said as quoted by People. Sean 'Diddy' Combs' is facing trials for sex trafficking, racketeering, and several other allegations of sexual assault. It is heartbreaking to recount the journey my husband and I have been through. My husband, an award-winning triathlete, and I had a rich and vibrant life together. We traveled extensively, taking nine trips in 2014 alone, including attending the World Triathlon Finals in London, visiting Paris, cruising the Hawaiian Islands, and enjoying a helicopter tour. Even in his late 80s, he had a strong spirit, shaped by years of discipline and resilience. In 2013, he underwent a cardiac ablation for atrial fibrillation (AFib), which successfully resolved his condition. Yet, years later, a new doctor misinterpreted his medical records, assuming he had suffered from uncontrolled AFib ever since, despite no evidence to support this claim. This error was compounded by further assumptions. When my husband couldnt answer some questions and remained quiettraits natural to his personalityhe was labeled as having dementia. This assumption snowballed into a diagnosis of severe dementia and delusions, even though no documentation supported it. The situation worsened when he was moved to a nursing home. During his stay, he began to fear for his life, a fear tragically validated when he was strangled there. I have pictures documenting the injuries, and subsequent tests confirmed swallowing difficulties stemming from weakened neck muscles. Despite my protests, the facility and the overseeing doctor dismissed my concerns. When I insisted the doctor be removed from his care, I was told I had no authority to do so. My husband was later transferred from the nursing home to the hospital after becoming hostile during his removala reaction born of fear and confusion. I wasnt there, and he didnt understand why he was being taken away. The trauma of the experience caused him to suffer a heart attack. The hospital staff administered oxycodone every eight hours for pain, alongside Metoprolol for his heart. However, the latter caused him to code, a devastating complication. Adding to our challenges, our life took a significant turn in 2019. A van recall due to a fuel line issue caused an accident that left me with a fractured rib. Shortly after, we stopped driving altogether. Around the same time, my husbands diagnosis of osteoporosismade in 2012was inexplicably replaced with dementia when medical records were transferred between systems. Our move to a senior living facility was another ordeal. We chose it based solely on a floor plan after a quick visit, not knowing how disorienting it would be. Even though I had lived in this city decades ago, I couldnt navigate our new surroundings, which made the transition even more challenging. Looking back on our life togetherthe adventures we had, the hurdles we overcamethis chapter has been the most difficult. My husband, once a strong and capable man, was subjected to indignities that no one should endure. I share this story to shed light on the failures and assumptions within the system that have caused us so much pain. It is my hope that others can learn from our experience and push for better, more compassionate care. The author is an anonymous patient advocate. Actor Saif Ali Khan recorded his statement with the Bandra Police in Mumbai regarding the attack at his home on January 16 in the case involving a Bangladeshi national accused of stabbing the actor at his Bandra residence last week, officials said on Friday. Recalling the incident, Mr Khan stated that he and his wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, were in their bedroom on the 11th floor of the Satguru Sharan building when they heard the nanny of their younger son, Jeh, scream. Awakened by the nanny's screams, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan rushed to their son's room, where they encountered the alleged attacker. According to sources, Khan informed the police that the nanny, Eliyama Philips, was terrified and screaming, while their son Jeh was crying. When the actor entered Jeh's room, he found his son crying, and the nanny informed him that the attacker had demanded Rs 1 crore. As he tried to stop the accused, the attacker stabbed him multiple times on his back, neck, and hands, according to police sources. Despite being injured, the actor pushed the intruder inside the room as the nanny ran away with Jeh and locked him in, IANS said citing sources. Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked last week by an intruder, identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, who broke into his Bandra residence with the intent to commit theft. During a violent confrontation, the actor sustained stab wounds to his thoracic spine and other parts of his body. He was immediately rushed to Lilavati Hospital for treatment. On Wednesday, Mumbai Police discovered several fingerprints of the accused at the actor's residence. The prints were found on the building's stairs, the toilet door, and the door handle of Saifs son Jeh's room. According to the police, the intruder attempted to break into three other houses before entering Saif Ali Khan's home. The fingerprints collected are expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation. The accused has been charged under Sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), as stated in the official police report. (With IANS, ANI inputs) Mumbai: The early 2000s were rife with behind-the-scenes drama in Bollywood, and one such controversy involved Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tanya Deol (wife of Bobby Deol), and Bipasha Basu during the filming of Ajnabee (2001). This infamous spat reportedly included a heated argument, soured professional relationships, and long-standing grudges. According to reports in BollywoodShaadis, the tension began when Tanya Deol offered to help Bipasha Basu with costumes during the shoot of Ajnabee. Bipasha, being relatively new to the industry, welcomed the assistance. However, this gesture didnt sit well with Kareena Kapoor Khans mother, Babita Kapoor, who reportedly confronted Tanya about it. Tanya allegedly argued back, which enraged Kareena. The disagreement escalated into a heated argument between Kareena and Tanya, which reportedly led to Tanya allegedly slapping Kareena. While there has been no direct confirmation of the slap, the incident became a hot topic in Bollywood gossip circles. The fallout reportedly affected Kareenas professional equation with Bobby Deol. Bobby, who starred alongside Kareena in Ajnabee, was allegedly replaced in her 2007 cult hit Jab We Met due to the tension between the two. In a throwback interview with Filmfare, Kareena addressed the issue, saying, Actually, there was a problem with his (Bobby Deols) wife, Tanya. She didnt behave properly with my mother. And I didnt like that. I dont deny a problem with Bobbys wife. But Im sure my problems with Bobby can be sorted out. Theres no negativity from my end. During the same time, Kareena also clashed with Bipasha Basu. The feud allegedly started when Kareenas designer, Vikram Phadnis, helped Bipasha without Kareenas approval. This reportedly led to Kareena calling Bipasha a Kaali Billi (black cat). Bipasha responded by calling Kareenas behavior childish and vowed never to work with her again. This drama remains one of Bollywoods most talked-about feuds. While Kareena Kapoor Khan has since mended fences with many of her contemporaries, her relationship with Tanya Deol and Bipasha Basu has never quite been the same. New Delhi: In a shocking cyber fraud case from Pune, a 62-year-old retired bank manager was duped of Rs 2.22 crore. Over the course of several months, scammers posed as government officials and convinced the victim to invest in multiple policies. The incident has raised serious concerns about the growing threat of cyber scams targeting vulnerable individuals. As per the police complaint, reported by the Indian Express, the scam started in late 2023 and continued until recently. Over this period, the victim received multiple calls from individuals pretending to be officials from well-known organisations, including the Ministry of Finance, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). These scammers claimed to represent these agencies and persuaded the victim to buy several insurance policies, promising high returns at maturity. The scammers, to make their scheme more convincing went so far as to use the names of well-known figures like Deendayal Upadhyaya and made up titles for finance experts and government officials. The calls sounded so legitimate that the victim was easily tricked into trusting them. As the scam progressed, the victim was persuaded to buy multiple insurance policies and asked to pay various fees, including GST, Income Tax, TDS, transaction fees, verification charges, and NOC fees. The report reveals that the scammers used at least 19 different identities to keep up the ruse. Each time the victim made a payment for the insurance policies, the fraudsters asked for more money and claimed it was for processing or recovery fees. As the scam continued, the victim received calls from fake officials who said her earlier payments had been sent to fraudulent accounts. To recover the lost funds, she was instructed to make more payments. This led her to lose even more money. Throughout the scam period, the victim lost her savings while being manipulated and threatened by the scammers. The case is still under investigation and authorities are warning people not to trust calls or offers that seem too good to be true. Heres how to stay safe: - Verify the callers identity: If you receive calls from unknown numbers claiming to be from government agencies or financial institutions, always double-check their identity using official contact details from their websites. - Protect your personal info: Never share personal or financial details, such as bank account numbers, OTPs, or policy numbers, over the phone or with unfamiliar people. - Question unrealistic offers: Be wary of investments that promise unusually high returns or benefits. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. - Confirm payment requests: If asked to pay fees like GST, TDS, or other charges, always verify the legitimacy of the request with the concerned organization before transferring any money. US President Donald Trump, on Thursday, addressed the World Economic Forum via video conference. He urged business leaders to manufacture in the US, offering low taxes as an incentive. He warned of tariffs on companies that choose otherwise. Trump also said he would press Saudi Arabia and OPEC to lower oil prices. He claimed a drop in prices would end the Russia-Ukraine war immediately. "United States has the largest amount of oil and gas in the world and I'm going to use it," the US President said in Davos, speaking from the White House. Donald Trump outlined plans to cut taxes, reduce regulations on industries, and take stronger action on illegal immigration. However, Trump issued a stern warning, If a business doesn't manufacture its products in America, there would be tariffs to pay, he said. "I will make America manufacturing superpower and the world capital of artificial intelligence and crypto," he said. Donald Trump, who took over the US presidents chair on January 20 said a golden age of America has begun, he added, "I promise to eliminate 10 old regulations for every new regulation... I am going to pass the largest tax cuts in the American history to help our people. Reiterating his election campaign rhetorics, Trump said that the entire planet would become more peaceful and prosperous due to the strong decisions in his second-term. "A golden age of America has begun, our country would be soon stronger, united and more wealthier than ever," Trump added. Attacking the previous Biden administration, Trump said, "My administration is acting with unprecedented pace to fix disasters we inherited from a totally inept group of people." He noted that many global companies have already pledged billions of dollars to set up facilities in America. "We will restore common sense among Americans," he added. Sworn in on January 20, the president declared that a golden age for America has begun with his second term, promising a more peaceful and prosperous world. His inauguration coincided with the start of the five-day WEF Annual Meeting. (With PTI inputs) LONDON: An Opposition Conservative Party Member of Parliament has urged the UK Home Secretary to intervene after his constituents in north-west London were threatened by "masked Khalistani terrorists" who burst into a screening of Kangana Ranaut's film 'Emergency'. Bob Blackman told the House of Commons that similar disruption of the screenings of the "very controversial" film took place in Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Slough, Staines and Manchester. It has resulted in the Vue and Cineworld cinema chains deciding to pull the film from many theatres in the UK. "On Sunday, many of my constituents gathered and paid for a screening of the film 'Emergency' in the Harrow Vue cinema. At about 30 or 40 minutes into the screening of the film, masked Khalistani terrorists burst in, threatened members of the audience and forced the screening to end," Blackman said in Parliament on Thursday. "The film is very controversial, and I am not commenting on its quality or content, but I defend the right of my constituents and other members' constituents to be able to view it and make a decision on it. It covers the period when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister of India, he said. The MP noted that there are certain views in the UK that it is an "anti-Sikh film" but asserted that his constituents should be able to judge for themselves and not be "threatened by thugs who want to disrupt democratic opportunities to see public films". "May we have a statement from the Home Secretary (Yvette Cooper) next week on what will be done to ensure that people who want to see such films, which have been passed by censors, can do so in peace and harmony? I absolutely defend the right of people to demonstrate outside cinemas, but not to disrupt viewings, he added. Leader of the Commons Lucy Powell responded on behalf of the Labour Party government by saying that Blackman had raised a "very important matter about the relationship between free speech and the right to protest peacefully". "The ability of people to go about their activities freely whatever they choose to do, whether that is seeing a film which, as he says, has been agreed by the censors and all those who look at those issues. I will certainly ensure that he and the whole House get an update on the very important matters he raises," said Powell. Meanwhile, Ranaut in a post on X thanked Blackman for his support. "British MP raises his voice for my fundamental right of free speech meanwhile pin drop silence from Indian politicians and feminists," she said, sharing a video clip of Blackman's speech in the UK parliament on the issue. Some British Sikh groups have organised protests against Emergency', disrupting its screenings at some cinemas in the UK since its release last Friday. The Sikh Press Association group had stated on social media that the film is seen as anti-Sikh and these protests resulted in cancelled screenings in Birmingham and Wolverhampton, in the West Midlands region of England. Community organisation Insight UK had posted a video on its X platform showing masked protesters interrupting a London screening of the film, directed by Ranaut who also essays the role of former prime minister Indira Gandhi. Press Release January 24, 2025 Jinggoy backs calls to expand social pension for senior citizens SENATE President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has joined calls to include all Filipinos aged 60 and above in the coverage of the monthly social pension given to indigent senior citizens. "Sa mata ng batas, dapat pantay ang lahat. Walang dapat pinipili," Estrada said. Under Republic Act No. 7432, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, only indigent senior citizens are entitled to get the P1,000 monthly social pension given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). "Not all senior citizens are as lucky as those who receive pensions or have economic subsistence to support their daily needs. In fact, many of them are forced to find employment to supply their and their family's needs," Estrada said in explaining the rationale behind his proposed Senate Bill No. 2929. SBN 2929 proposes a "universal social pension" that would cover all Filipino senior citizens, regardless of their social status. Under Estrada's bill, senior citizens who are not considered indigents shall also be entitled to a monthly stipend of P500. This shall be increased to P1,000 after five years. "This universal social pension is more than just a financial aid -- it is a measure of social protection and empowerment for our elderly population," the Senate leader said. "It seeks to improve their quality of health, ensure their social inclusion, and help restore their dignity regardless of their age or economic status," Estrada also said. The proposed bill recognizes the Philippines' transition toward an aging population -- which is projected to be at 13.2 million Filipinos aged 60 and above by 2030 -- and seeks to address the financial challenges faced by many seniors who lack pensions or stable sources of income. Estrada lamented that despite existing efforts of the government, a significant portion of senior citizens still struggle to meet their daily needs. Prior to Estrada's filing of the measure, some 6,000 senior citizens staged a rally at the Senate calling for action on similar bills pending at the upper chamber. The House of Representatives approved a counterpart bill in May last year. 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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 Spring Festival travel rush sees 112 million passenger trips by Thursday: China Railway Global Times) 09:40, January 24, 2025 Passengers dine aboard train K212 which travels from Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, to Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 13, 2025. As this year's Spring Festival travel rush began on Jan. 14, the Hangzhou passenger service unit of China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has prioritized the improvement of passenger experience. Various efforts have been made, including arranging train chef exchanges, rolling out new dishes, and providing food order and delivery services. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) China's railway system helped complete 112 million passenger trips since the start of chunyun- the Spring Festival travel rush, by January 14, 2025, China Railway Group Co said in a statement shared with the Global Times on Thursday. Up to 13.32 million passenger trips were made on Wednesday, with another 13.20 million passengers expected to travel on Thursday, per the statement. In addition, 278 million train tickets have been sold through China's train ticket booking platform 12306 as of 9 am on Thursday. In addition to returning home and visiting family and friends, traveling is another major driver of the passenger flow. "The two purposes are anticipated to boost consumption through gift purchases and tourism-related spending," Zhang Yi, CEO of the iiMedia Research Institute, told the Global Times on Thursday. Zhang noted that convenient transportation will help stimulate tourism spending, such as dining, accommodation, scenic spot tickets, and cultural tourism-related consumption. Relevant authorities have forecasted an unprecedented 9 billion passenger trips during this year's chunyun, the world's largest annual migration. This year's chunyun will end on February 22. Cumulative cross-regional passenger trips exceeded 1 billion as of Sunday since the beginning of chunyun, China Media Group reported on Monday, citing official data. When it comes to consumption highlights for the upcoming long holidays, Zhang noted that the implementation of the measures boosting consumption is expected to drive demand for gift purchases, adding that popular cultural tourism such as the ice and snow festivals is likely to gain momentum. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Press Release January 24, 2025 Mark Villar Pushes for Mandatory Muslim Prayer Rooms in Public Offices Senator Mark Villar pushes for mandatory Muslim prayer rooms in public offices and establishments as he files Senate Bill No. 2288 or the Act Mandating the Establishment of Muslim Prayer Rooms in all Public Offices and Establishments. The measure mandates all public offices and establishments nationwide to designate and set up at least one separate Muslim prayer room within their respective premises. The provision and maintenance of Muslim prayer rooms also falls as the responsibility of the public offices and establishments. Since the filing of the bill, its gears have started running as it was heard publicly by the Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs. Senator Mark Villar, as the bill's principal author, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to push for the bill before the committee and the invited resource persons from the Muslim Community. "It is my honor to be a catalyst of change for our Muslim brothers and sisters. The Islamic faith mandates our Muslim brothers and sisters to pray five times each day. As such, this representation filed Senate Bill No. 2288 or the Act Mandating the Establishment of Muslim Prayer Rooms in all Public Offices and Establishments to guarantee them prayer rooms where they can perform their prayers in a quiet, dry, and clean place," Villar said in his statement. Villar rationalizes the filing of the bill, citing the lack of proper spaces for Filipino Muslims-- "Mr. Chair, as a largely Catholic country, I believe that while our Constitution guarantees the free exercise and enjoyment of religious professions, without discrimination or preference, there is still a gap that needs to be fulfilled in providing the proper avenue for other religions to exercise their faith in public spaces." "Bukod po sa pagbibigay ng prayer rooms para sa ating mga kapatid na Muslim, isang malaking hakbang po para sa ating Muslim-friendly campaign ang pagkakaroon ng sapat na prayer rooms sa mga public offices at establishments na magagamit ng mga turista na bumibisita dito sa ating bansa-- therefore, driving the tourism market," he further said. "Mr. Chair, I believe that our Muslim brothers and sisters deserve sufficient space to practice their faith and I am glad to provide that springboard for the Muslims to practice their religious rights," Villar exclaimed in his message. On 23 January Ecuadors attorney generals office announced that it had carried out raids related to an investigation into possible corruption at the economy and finance ministry. End of preview - This article contains approximately 388 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 23 January protests erupted in Mexicos Sinaloa state with demonstrators calling for an end to months of cartel infighting, following the killing of two children in state capital Culiacan. End of preview - This article contains approximately 581 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 23 January US Presidentheld a phone call with El Salvadors Presidentin which the two discussed cracking down on illegal immigration and transnational gangs. End of preview - This article contains approximately 402 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 23 January Chiles attorney general,, said that three of the witnesses in the investigation into the murder of a dissident former lieutenant in the Venezuelan army on Chilean soil last year point to the order coming from the Venezuelan government and one directly to the current interior minister and strongman of the Bolivarian Revolution, End of preview - This article contains approximately 377 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options A group of sheep on farmland in the American state of Texas work together to complete a job: eating the grass growing beneath hundreds of solar panels. Sheep have become a symbol of a growing solar industry as large-scale solar farms appear across the United States. Solar grazing In Milam County, Texas, SB Energy operates the fifth-largest solar project in the country. It can produce 900 megawatts of power across 1,618 hectares. So, how does the company deal with all the grass that grows on such a large piece of land? It deploys about 3,000 sheep that keep the grass cover low. Sheep, unlike devices such as lawnmowers, can fit between small spaces and work in all kinds of weather conditions. The work of the sheep, and sometimes other animals, is called solar grazing. It is considered part of the larger idea of agrivoltaics --- the use of land for both solar energy production and agriculture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests that solar grazing may help the environment in several ways. These include making grassy areas safer for wild animals, like nesting ground birds, and by reducing fuel use and air pollution. Agrivoltaics is on the rise with more than 60 solar grazing projects in the U.S., the National Renewable Energy Laboratory says. The American Solar Grazing Association says 27 states take part in solar grazing. A sunny opportunity Putting the animals to work on solar fields also provides some help to the sheep and wool market, which has struggled in recent years. The number of sheep and lambs in Texas fell to 655,000 in January 2024, a 4 percent drop from the year before. That information comes from the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Because solar fields use sunny, flat land that is often good for animals to eat grass on, the power plants have been used in cooperation with farmers rather than against them. Sheep farmer JR Howard accidentally found himself in the middle of Texas move to clean energy. In 2021, he and his family began working with solar farms. Howards sheep ate the grass on these large areas of land. What was once a small business has turned into a larger operation with more than 8,000 sheep and 26 employees. Just the growth has been kind of crazy for us, said Howard, who named his company Texas Solar Sheep. Its been great for me and my family. Following the herd Some agriculture experts say Howards success shows how solar farms have become a big help for some ranchers. Reid Redden is a sheep farmer and solar vegetation manager in San Angelo, Texas. Redden said a successful sheep business requires agricultural land that has become increasingly hard to find. Solar grazing is probably the biggest opportunity that the sheep industry had in the United States in several generations, Redden said. Redden suggested that people in the rural communities near where he raises sheep have been very positive about solar grazing. Agrivoltaics itself is not new. Solar farms use a lot of land and require a lot of space that could be used for food production. Agrivoltaics helps with the problem by permitting the two industries to coexist, whether growing food or caring for livestock. There is a lot still unknown about the full effects of solar grazing, said Nuria Gomez-Casanovas of Texas A&M University. Not enough studies have been done to know the long-term environmental effects, such as how good the soil will be for future agriculture. However, Gomez-Casanovas suspects solar grazing may improve sheep productivity. We really have more questions than answers, Gomez-Casanovas said. Im John Russell. Nadia Lathan reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. ________________________________________________ Words in This Story solar panel n. a battery of solar cells symbol n. something that stands for or suggests something else by reason of relationship, association, convention, or accidental resemblance wool n. the soft and usually thick undercoat of hairy mammals (especially sheep) rancher n. one who owns or works on a large farm that raises sheep, cows, horses, etc. vegetation n. plant cover or plant life opportunity n. a good chance for advancement or progress Analysis Chinas demographic challenges have deepened with the countrys population falling for the third consecutive year, according to government data cited by the Associated Press (AP). The decline, combined with an aging population and a shrinking workforce, poses significant risks for the worlds second-largest economy. The Greater Bay Areaan economic hub encompassing Hong Kong, Macau, and nine Guangdong province citiesprovides a snapshot of Chinas urban demographic trends. As of earlier this month, a report highlighted that the Greater Bay Areas population reached 86.7 million in 2024, growing marginally by 0.2% year-on-year. Despite this modest rise, challenges such as low birthrates, aging residents, and regional migration imbalances mirror national patterns. National decline in population Chinas total population fell to 1.408 billion at the end of 2024, marking a drop of 1.39 million from the previous year. This continues a trend that began in 2022 and underscores demographic pressures that have plagued other East Asian nations, including Japan and South Korea. The countrys population decline is attributed to various factors, including rising living costs, delayed marriage and childbirth, and young adults prioritizing education and careers.Chinas demographic trajectory has been shaped by its tumultuous history and stringent population policies. Following World War II and the Communist Partys rise to power in 1949, the country experienced rapid population growth. By the 1970s, concerns over food security and economic sustainability prompted the introduction of the one-child policy, which sought to limit family sizes through strict enforcement measures. Violations led to fines, forced abortions, and other punitive actions. The preference for male offspring, especially in rural areas, exacerbated gender imbalances as families resorted to selective abortions despite government campaigns against the practice. Official data now lists the sex ratio at birth as 104.34 males for every 100 females, though independent estimates suggest the imbalance is more pronounced. This disparity has contributed to social challenges, including a growing population of unmarried men. Aging population and workforce concerns Chinas rapidly aging population presents a major economic hurdle. As of 2024, more than one-fifth of the population322 million peopleis aged 60 or older, accounting for 22.9% of the total. By 2035, this proportion is expected to exceed 30%. This demographic shift is straining Chinas underfunded pension system, with many citizens opting out of contributions, further jeopardizing its stability. The government is considering raising the retirement age, currently one of the lowest in the world, to mitigate these pressures. Compounding these issues is the shrinking working-age population. The combination of fewer births and an aging workforce threatens the economic engine that has powered Chinas rise over the past four decades. A declining labor pool could lead to slower economic growth and reduced global competitiveness. Urbanization and regional trends Despite the population decline, urbanization continues at a steady pace. In 2024, 10 million additional people moved to cities, increasing the urbanization rate to 67%. The Greater Bay Area exemplifies this trend, with its cities attracting migrants from rural areas. However, this migration has led to regional disparities, with rural areas facing depopulation and a diminished labor force. In the Greater Bay Area, the slight population growth contrasts with challenges such as rising housing costs and a low birthrate. Some urban schools and kindergartens, faced with dwindling enrollment, are being repurposed into care facilities for the elderly, reflecting the broader shift in societal needs.The demographic crisis is testing the resilience of Chinas economy. With fewer young people entering the workforce, the country risks losing its competitive advantage in manufacturing and other labor-intensive industries. Meanwhile, government spending on military modernization and infrastructure projects continues to rise, even as social welfare programs struggle to meet demand. Efforts to boost birthrates through financial incentives, such as cash payouts for families with up to three children and housing subsidies, have yielded limited results. Cultural shifts, including changing attitudes toward marriage and parenthood, have dampened the effectiveness of these policies.Chinas demographic trends mirror those seen in neighboring East Asian countries like Japan and South Korea, where low birthrates and aging populations have similarly strained economies. Unlike Western nations that offset population declines through immigration, Chinas restrictive immigration policies leave few options for replenishing its workforce. Growing old before growing rich The phrase growing old before growing rich has become a common refrain among analysts discussing Chinas demographic challenges. As the worlds second-largest economy, China faces the dual pressures of maintaining growth while addressing the needs of an aging population. The next decade will be crucial in determining whether China can adapt to these shifts and sustain its economic momentum.Policy discussions are increasingly focused on structural reforms to address these challenges. Proposals include raising the retirement age, improving access to affordable childcare, and enhancing workplace flexibility to encourage family growth. However, the success of these measures will depend on the governments ability to foster cultural and economic conditions conducive to long-term change. The demographic data from the Greater Bay Area offers valuable insights into Chinas urban and regional trends. Yet, as the nation grapples with population decline, aging, and labor shortages, the path forward will require bold and innovative solutions. The stakes are high, not only for China but for the global economy, which remains deeply interconnected with the countrys fortunes. MDT/AP * Flu season alert Health officials issued a warning that the risk of influenza transmission could increase during CNY holidays * Cinema | Heritople from Sanmarful wins award in Thailand * GBA Views | Chinas population falls for a third straight year; GBA bucks the trend * Vera Vong, a USJ student, won Gold at the ARCASIA Thesis of the Year Award 2024, among others * CB report: Firefighters had a not-so-busy year in 2024 * Taiwan plans to cull 120,000 green iguanas due to their negative impact on agriculture DOWNLOAD PDF Friday, January 24, 2025 edition no. 4649 The Manteigaria Factory of traditional Portuguese Pasteis de Nata is opening its doors today in Macau, the local branch announced. According to the information, the local store will be the Portuguese brands 16th location and third abroad, after France and Spain. It will also be the first-ever branch of the brand in Asia. As the local branch representatives noted, it is more than a pastel de nata store; it is a panoramic open factory where visitors can watch every step of the production of the delicacies, from kneading the dough to filling and baking. The store is located at Avenida da Praia Grande, 598, Edf. Milionario in Central Macau and opens from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Related Vera Vong, an architecture student from the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), has won the Gold Award of the Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA) Thesis of the Year Award (TOY) 2024. The student participated in the competition with her bachelor capstone project titled Undulating Connections after the project was selected by the Architects Association of Macau (AAM) from local architecture students to represent the region in this competition. In addition to the TOY Gold Award, which recognizes the best thesis project among architecture students from 22 Asian countries, she was also honored with Special Awards for Best in Innovation and Originality and Best in Global Orientation. Last week, the award ceremony was held during the ARCASIA Forum 22 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Professor Nuno Soares, Head of the Department of Architecture and Design at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at USJ and supervisor of Vongs bachelor thesis in the academic year 2023-24, received the award on her behalf. To the Times, Vong said, I am truly honored and delighted to receive such a prestigious award. I want to dedicate this recognition to my amazing parents, who always encouraged me. I would also like to acknowledge Professor Soares, to whom I am extremely thankful for his assistance and guidance from the initial idea to the final result. Asked how she sees this recognition as a potential boost for her career, Vong said she believes these awards can help her gain recognition in the field and will encourage me to create more interesting architecture locally to make Macau a more vibrant city. She noted that the recognition marks a significant achievement in her undergraduate studies. She hopes more young students will see her example as an inspiration to create new projects and seek validation worldwide. I wish that younger students globally can view this as a chance to trust that they also possess the capability to create and be recognized. The Project Undulating Connections is a dynamic building that offers a specialized space for regional and global events. Its location in a highly significant geographic area inspired the design concept, including the light reflections on Nam Van Lake opposite the building. The interplay of curvy roofs, starting at a smooth and mountain-like angle, creates an engaging spatial experience. Part of the roof is raised above the ground, turning into a bridge connecting to the waterfront. The project, which includes two exhibition halls, an auditorium, two galleries, a public display area, a cafe, and an observation deck, aims to become a center for networking, supporting tourism, encouraging economic growth, and increasing cross-cultural interaction in Macau. The Award The ARCASIA TOY Award celebrates innovative, socially relevant works by architecture students from 22 ARCASIA member countries, providing a platform for them to showcase their ideas on an international stage. It focuses on theses that address critical social issues, display innovation and originality, and consider global needs and challenges. Sands China Ltd. has unveiled Coastal Fantasia: The Lobster Kings Vacation in Macao, a colourful maritime and cultural tourism art exhibition featuring massive installations of world-famous pop art master Philip Colberts iconic Lobster cartoon persona. Described as the largest single artistic takeover in Macaus history, it has brought a burst of creativity to iconic locations with larger-than-life installations and themed sculptures concurrently showcased at five different locations in the city: the Macao Science Center waterfront, ART Space at Macao Cultural Centre 1F, The Venetian Macao outdoor lagoon, and two of Sands Chinas revitalisation areas the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and Taipa Houses. This city-wide art exhibition by Colbert seamlessly blends large-scale public installations with more intimate museum exhibits. Some of the installations are making their global debut and have been specially created for Macau. Highlights include the Lobster Submarine, a towering inflatable sculpture at the Macao Science Center waterfront; the Lobster Firecracker, a four-meter-tall steel sculpture installed at the former Firecracker Factory; and the Lobster Cockerel at the Taipa Houses. Colbert specially crafted the latter two installations by drawing inspiration from the two historic locations, paying homage to the citys cultural heritage while showcasing his signature playful and vibrant style. Sands China aims for this innovative, city-wide pop art installation to enhance the citys maritime tourism offerings, enrich the cultural experiences for both locals and tourists, and foster the development of new tourism products to attract domestic and international visitors. This accessible art series is brought to Macau by Sands China with the support of the Marine and Water Bureau, Municipal Affairs Bureau, Macao Government Tourism Office, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Public Security Police Force and Macao Science Center. Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: Sands China is delighted to partner with globally acclaimed British contemporary pop art master Philip Colbert to bring his iconic Lobster back to the city in this new year with Coastal Fantasia: The Lobster Kings Vacation in Macao. Key Installations LOBSTER SUBMARINE The Lobster Submarine showcases Philip Colberts iconic Lobster at the helm of a vibrant yellow submarine, arriving in Macau via the waterfront of the Macao Science Center. This inflatable art installation, with its bold colors and oversized forms, pays tribute to The Beatles Yellow Submarine and Claes Oldenburgs soft sculptures. LOBSTER FLAMINGO The Lobster Flamingo features The Lobster King lounging in a bright pink flamingo life ring at the Venetian Macao Outdoor Lagoon, soaking in the captivating views of the Cotai Strip during the Lunar New Year festivities. With his signature playful pop art style, Colbert transforms the space into a whimsical holiday retreat, bringing Lobster on a vibrant and relaxed vacation to Macau. LOBSTER FIRECRACKER (MACAO, EDITION) 2024 Lobster Firecracker (Macao Edition) is a giant stainless-steel sculpture specially created by Philip Colbert for the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory. At 4 meters high and wearing The Lobster Kings signature egg suit, this sculpture acts as the guardian of the venue by holding a giant firecracker, sending best wishes to all citizens and tourists during the festive Lunar New Year season. LOBSTER COCKEREL (MACAO, EDITION) 2024 Lobster Cockerel is a stainless-steel sculpture specially created by Philip Colbert for the Taipa Houses. Inspired by the rich Portuguese cultural environment, The Lobster King changed into a distinctive cockerel mascot and stands outside of the Loja Portuguesa de Macau, acting as an ambassador of hospitality to local and international visitors. Macau is a port city located on the coast of the South China Sea, naturally endowed with significant geographical advantages. With its unique blend of East meets West culture spanning over four centuries, the peninsula possesses characteristics that are truly one-of-a-kind in the world, he added. The exhibitions installations showcase both the classic and new look of Colberts Lobster to highlight the importance of preserving the ocean and ecological environment. Showcasing Macaus multicultural charm, the event also seeks to introduce internationally renowned masterpieces to the city, as the integrated resort operator said it aims to boost Macaus coastal tourism offerings and promote the beauty of the citys coastline while further enriching Macaus distinctive tourism and cultural atmosphere and enhancing its international reputation through this newly launched maritime and cultural art exhibition. The art extravaganza is not just a collection of artworks; it is a celebration, a carnival of creativity, with nearly 40 pieces scattered throughout Macau. Colberts creative process was a labor of love, spanning a year filled with sketches and prototypes. I wanted to create new works that truly related to the city, he said, adding that the installations were not merely spectacles but dialogues with their surroundings. Colbert had also infused each piece with elements that connected to Macaus history and culture, like the Lobster Firecracker at Iec Long. It was important for the Lobster to hold a firecrackerits a symbol of the areas heritage, he explained. Meanwhile, Colbert hopes his art brings joy and empowerment. Referring to the motif of one of his van Gogh inspired Lobster installations, he said, I think Ive always been inspired by the sunflower, the power of the sunflower, because I think the energy of the sunflower gives off such empowering spirit, a bit like the power of sunshine. [] I want my work to uplift people Bright pop art can bring a sense of energy and color into our lives. Reflecting on his journey, Colbert recalled his first visit to Macau for Sands Chinas Art Macao exhibition, noting that he had sensed its potential as a canvas for his vibrant creations. When I first came to Macau, I really felt a connection to the city. I was like, wow, this city is inspiring me. It feels like a city of the future. Questioned as to what his artistic plans are for Macau, Colbert said: Probably a Lobster hotel, that would be great! A Rich Legacy Colbert is often referred to as the godson of Andy Warhol. He has held over 50 solo exhibitions around the world since 2014 across Asia and Europe, including China, Japan, Korea, Italy and France, where he held a public exhibition of his giant Lobster sculptures at Station F for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Sands China has always aimed to introduce greater diversity to art exhibitions in Macau and enrich the artistic experiences of local residents and tourists. For Dr. Wong, this mega-event demonstrates Sands Chinas ongoing support for the governments vision to promote Macaus diversification, ushering in a new chapter for the citys cultural and arts industries. Macaus exhibition of this globally recognised artist once again highlights the citys unique integration of Chinese and Western cultures and its cultural charm, he said. Community Engagement Sands China also hosted a sharing session at ART Space at the Macao Cultural Centre, where the pop art master shared his experiences in art creation with 20 art students from local tertiary institutions. At the Iec Long installation, Sands China is providing free lobster-themed fai chun by an on-site calligrapher on January 25-26, from 3-5 p.m. and Chinese instrumental music performances on February 1-2, from 4-6 p.m., enriching the festive Lunar New Year atmosphere. Where to spot Losbter? Coastal Fantasia: The Lobster Kings Vacation in Macao Now until March 16 at the Macao Science Center waterfront and The Venetian Macao outdoor lagoon Philip Colberts Solo Exhibition: The Journey to the Lobster Planet Macao Now until Feb. 15 at ART Space at Macao Cultural Center 1F Sands Chinas Community Revitalization Series: Philip Colberts Macao Art Tour Now until March 16 at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and Taipa Houses Wynn has announced salary increments for its workers, joining the announcements previously made by the other five gaming concessionaires. Following their counterparts, Wynn will also increase the salaries of its eligible staff members by 2.5%. Those earning wages below MOP16,000 will receive a standard salary increment of MOP600. Similarly to what was announced by Sands, Wynns salary increments will be effective from March 1, one month earlier than Melco, Galaxy, and SJM (effective April 1) and almost one month earlier than MGM, whose salary increments take effect on March 24. Related SINGAPORE, Jan 24 A former Singapore television personality was reportedly charged in court with multiple offences, including engaging in sexual acts with a minor and harassment. Straits Times reported that the man faces six counts of sexually penetrating an underage girl, along with one count each of harassment and obstructing the course of justice. It reported that a gag order has been imposed to protect the identity of at least one alleged victim, who was reportedly in a relationship with him at the time. Details such as the mans age, nationality, ethnicity, previous works, and locations of the alleged offences cannot be disclosed. ADVERTISEMENT According to court documents, the man allegedly engaged in sexual activities with a 15-year-old girl on six occasions in June 2024 at his home, a luxury hotel, and a hospital. He is also accused of obstructing justice in August 2024 by instructing an alleged victim to cry in front of her mother and ask her not to press charges against him. The case is scheduled for further mention on February 20. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years' jail and a fine for each count of sexual penetration of a minor under Section 376D of the Penal Code. In Singapore, statutory rape applies only to a sexual act with a minor below 14 under Section 376A of the Penal Code. He also faces up to seven years' jail and a fine for obstruction of justice, and up to one year in jail and a fine of S$5,000 (RM16,400) for harassment. Wellred Books is proud to announce the third installment of Lenins Selected Writings On the National Question. Recent events, from the war in Ukraine to the slaughter in Palestine, have thrust unresolved national questions around the globe to the fore. It is vital for revolutionary communists to be able to navigate these often complex questions. We publish here Jorge Martins new introduction to the volume. Get your copy from Wellred Books today! Lenins writings on the national question are an excellent example of how the Bolsheviks navigated the national question with the utmost flexibility. In so doing they succeeded in uniting the workers and peasants of the many nationalities and oppressed peoples of the Russian empire the prison house of nations as Lenin referred to it and carrying out the October Revolution of 1917. This new book is a fantastic compilation of over 40 texts, including letters, timelines and maps, that trace the key stages in Lenins development of the Marxist position on the national question. They include the debates with Rosa Luxemburg in the famous text The Right of Nations to Self-Determination, through the struggle against the middle-class nationalist prejudices of the Jewish Bund, to the October Revolution and beyond, in dealing with the practical tasks of the newly-formed Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. This edition, produced by Wellred Books, contains material that has never before been produced in English, including the Resolutions Adopted at the International Socialist Workers and Trade Union Congress, London, 1896. We are proud to publish the brand new introduction to this volume by Jorge Martin below. "Whatever may be the further destiny of the Soviet Union, the national policy of Lenin will find its place amongst the eternal treasures of mankind." Leon Trotsky, History of the Russian Revolution[1] The Russian Empire was described by Lenin as a prison house of nations. According to the last Russian census prior to the 1917 Revolution, just 43 per cent of the inhabitants of the Russian Empire were Great Russians, and they were concentrated in a few areas. In other words, the dominant national group in the bureaucracy of the tsarist empire was not a majority of the population. Oppressed national groups were concentrated in the borderlands, at the farther reaches of the Russian empire. Some had clearly established national characteristics, while others, including nomadic tribes, still had their own identity, but could not be described as national groups. The Russian Empire was described by Lenin as a prison house of nations / Image: Wellred Books All these different national and tribal groups were at different levels of economic development. Some of the oppressed nationalities were actually on a higher level of cultural and economic development than their oppressors. This was certainly the case with the Finns and the Poles. Others had not yet emerged from the nomadic state, or had only recently become sedentary. As a result, they had different levels of development of their national consciousness. The different aspects of the national question confronting the Russian Marxist movement were further complicated by the fact that some of these national groups which existed within the Russian Empire also had members of the same group living outside of the Empire. Not only this, but also, over a long period of time, some of these national groups had parts of their population emigrating to other parts of the Russian Empire, outside of their regions of origin. The Russian Empire had a deliberate policy of sending Great Russian colonists to go and settle in some of the Central Asian lands which were populated by other groups. The development of industry in the Russian Empire also provoked the emigration of peasants into newly created industrial hotspots (in St. Petersburg, Baku, the Donbas coal mines, etc.) where they became proletarianised. In some cases this meant the migration of Russian workers into other nationalities, or the mixing up of workers from different national groups. Often, foreign workers became dominant in the working class of oppressed nationalities. So the national question in the Russian Empire was extremely complicated. It was a disintegrating factor. The revolutionary party had to get it right if it wanted to carry out a successful revolution in Russia. This problem affected mainly the peasant and petty-bourgeois masses, which were a majority of the population at that time. It was also closely linked to the agrarian question. Leon Trotsky points out in his History of the Russian Revolution that it was the correct policy of the Bolshevik Party on this question which in the long run guaranteed its victory.[2] What was this policy and what did it mean in practice? Most bourgeois historians of the Russian Revolution have shown their complete inability to understand this policy, and therefore they draw completely wrong conclusions from it. Historians such as Richard Pipes, for instance, claim that the Bolshevik policy towards the national question was cynical. He argues that during the struggle against the tsarist autocracy they promised the right of self-determination, as a ruse to get their support, but as soon as they came to power they implemented a policy of centralisation against the rights of different national groups. This is completely wrong, and it shows the inability of bourgeois historians to understand the dialectical approach Lenin had to this question. Lenins approach to the national question can be summed up in six different features: First of all, a defence of the democratic right of the nationalities to self-determination, meaning above all the right to set up an independent country. Second, that this was in order to guarantee the unity of the working class and remove any national animosity amongst workers of different nationalities. Third, the strictest unity within the party, which meant opposition to any attempt to organise it along federal, national lines. Fourth, the recognition that there is a difference between the nationalism of the oppressor nation and the nationalism of the oppressed nation (which contains a democratic and revolutionary kernel). Fifth, the need for the independence of the working class from the petty-bourgeois nationalists. Sixth, that the national question, being a democratic question, must always be subordinated to the class question. Thus enunciated, these principles seem quite straightforward, but Lenin insisted that the national question was a concrete question and he always approached it in a dialectical manner, taking into account all the different aspects of a given national problem, its historical development, its relationship with the general interests of the working class movement, etc. The Second Congress of the RSDLP, 1903 The general position of Marxism in regard to the rights of nations had been established in the decades previously. But it was at the Second Congress of the Russian Social-Democratic Labour Party in 1903 that many of the issues were first approached in a concrete form. Clause 9 of the party programme clearly recognised the right of self-determination for all nations included within the bounds of the state / Image: public domain In particular, the discussions about Clause 7 (which became Clause 9 after the congress) of the programme and also regarding the position of the Jewish Bund within the party. Clause 9 of the party programme clearly recognised the right of self-determination for all nations included within the bounds of the state, and by this it meant the right of nations to form their own independent country if they so wished. The party programme also recognised: "Extensive local self-government; regional self-government for all localities which are distinguished by special conditions in respect of mode of life and make-up of the population."[3] It also addressed the question of language rights: "Right of the population to receive education in their native language, to be ensured by provision of the schools needed for this purpose, at the expense of the state and the organs of self-government; the right of every citizen to express himself at meetings in his own language; use of the native language on an equal basis with the state language in all local, public and state institutions."[4] In Lenins view, the defence of the democratic rights of the oppressed nationalities was the only way to ensure the unity of the working class. The workers in the oppressed nations had to be reassured that the social-democrats (as the Marxists were known at the time) had nothing to do with the policy of national oppression carried out by the tsarist autocracy on behalf of the dominant Great-Russian nationality. Party unity versus federalism In Lenins view this meant that there should be one single Social-Democratic party, not separate parties for each national group united in a federation. In other words, that the Jewish social-democrats (known as the Bund), the Latvian social-democrats, the Ukrainian social-democrats, and so on, should all be part of one single united party, in common struggle against the tsarist autocracy. Otto Bauer regarded the national question from the point of view of culture and language, and devised a complex system in which every citizen of the country would be able to freely join a national association as an individual / Image: public domain This led to a polemic with the Jewish Bund, who demanded the sole right to speak to and on behalf of the Jewish workers. The position they had adopted was that of cultural-national autonomy put forward by the Austro-Marxist[5] Otto Bauer. He regarded the national question from the point of view of culture and language, and devised a complex system in which every citizen of the country would be able to freely join a national association as an individual, regardless of where he or she lived. In practice, this was both a capitulation to petty-bourgeois nationalism and also a way to avoid a genuine revolutionary solution to the national question in the Austro-Hungarian empire. Such an approach suited the Bund, as Jewish workers, while more concentrated in certain geographic areas, were spread across the Empire, without a national territory they could call their own. In fact, one of the fathers of the idea of national cultural autonomy was the Bundist ideologist Vladimir Medem, in his 1904 essay Social Democracy and the National Question. In arguing for the unity of the proletariat in one party Lenin explained that: "[In] the struggle against the autocracy, the struggle against the bourgeoisie of Russia as a whole, we must act as a single and centralised militant organisation, have behind us the whole of the proletariat, without distinction of language or nationality, a proletariat whose unity is cemented by the continual joint solution of problems of theory and practice, of tactics and organisation; and we must not set up organisations that would march separately, each along its own track; we must not weaken the force of our offensive by breaking up into numerous independent political parties; we must not introduce estrangement and isolation and then have to heal an artificially implanted disease with the aid of these notorious federation plasters."[6] The demand of the Bund for federal status within the RSDLP was rejected by all wings of the party. Lenin spoke against it, as did Martov and Trotsky. At Lenins insistence, this question was taken at the beginning of the proceedings but a final vote was not taken until the 27th session. Only the five representatives from the Bund voted for their proposal and after losing the vote they walked out of the Congress. In explaining the party programme on this question, Lenin insisted that the Bolsheviks were against nationalism. They were against all nationalism, both the nationalism of the oppressor nation and the nationalism of the oppressed nation. He explained that the Bolsheviks position was mainly a negative one: they were against any privileges for any nations and against all oppression. This meant that they were against the privilege of the oppressor nation, which at that point was the only one who had the right to form their own country, but they were also against any attempt of the bourgeois of the oppressed nation to acquire their own privileges. The Bolsheviks did not adopt a preconceived position about the separation of any country. At one point, Lenin used the analogy with the right of divorce, which is a democratic right. If one of the two members of a couple wants to end the marriage, they have the right to do so, however this does not mean that in all instances we agitate for divorce. Lenin explained that the right of self-determination is a democratic right, not a socialist right, and therefore the right of self-determination should always be subordinate to the labour question, that is, to the class question. Throughout the history of the Bolshevik Party, Lenin always explained that the defence of the right of self-determination was the best way to guarantee the unity of the working class. The unity of different nations within one single state will only be a voluntary union. This position was approved at the party congress in 1903, but this article in the party programme, Clause 9, was to provoke lots of polemics over many years, even after the October Revolution. The debate between Luxemburg and Lenin First of all was the debate with the Polish Social Democrats, led by Rosa Luxemburg. The Social Democracy of the Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania (SDKPiL) sent two visitors to the 1903 Congress, with the aim of conducting discussions leading to unity between the parties. However, the Fourth Congress of the SDKPiL, earlier in the same year, had passed a resolution which put forward certain conditions for this unity to go ahead. One of those was to replace the clause of the party programme on the right of nations to self-determination by a precise formula incapable of interpretation in a nationalist spirit and autonomy to be demanded for the Polish and Lithuanian provinces. While rejecting independence for Poland and Lithuania, Rosa Luxemburg nevertheless agreed with advocating their autonomy / Image: public domain The programme commission discussed the question and kept the original formulation which read: Right of self-determination for all nations included within the bounds of the state. This was then adopted by the Congress. The two Polish delegates then left the congress making a statement to the effect that unification will become possible only if the congress adopted their wording of the clause, or if it left the question open for further discussion. The position of the Polish social-democrats was then defended by Rosa Luxemburg in a series of articles in which she rejected the slogan of the right of nations to self-determination. She argued that in the epoch of imperialism this slogan could not be carried out, and that in any case it was the slogan of the bourgeois nationalists. Working-class socialists should instead stand for class unity, not separation. While rejecting independence for Poland and Lithuania, she nevertheless agreed with advocating their autonomy. Lenin replied extensively to these arguments. To a certain extent it was understandable that Luxemburg, as a Polish social-democrat, would stress the need to not make any concession to the Polish bourgeois and petty-bourgeois nationalists, some of which attempted to give themselves a socialist colouring. Whether or not Polish social-democrats should argue for Polish independence or not was something which could be debated, according to concrete and specific circumstances. However, Luxemburg and those who shared her views were demanding that the Russian Social-Democratic Party should not defend the right of nations to self-determination. That was wholly incorrect. Lenin said that the main task of the Great-Russian social-democrats was to fight against their own bourgeoisie and their own ruling class, which was guilty of oppressing the Poles and other nations, and therefore they had to guarantee and agitate for the right to self-determination. That was the only way to show the Polish workers and the Polish masses in general that the Russian social-democrats had nothing to do with the Great-Russian ruling class which was oppressing them. The task of the Polish Social Democrats was slightly different. Their main task on the national question was to fight against the Polish bourgeois and petty bourgeois and against any attempt to put the national interests of Poland above the class interests of the Polish workers. Imperialism and the ultra-left errors of Bukharin Rosa Luxemburgs polemic on this question was later taken up, in 1915, by a group around Nikolai Bukharin in the Russian party, who advocated a similar position. The Baugy Group, as it was known after the Swiss town where they were based in exile during the First World War, was composed of Bukharin, Georgy Pyatakov, Yevgenia Bosch and others. On this question they were also in agreement with Karl Radek, who had been involved in the Polish and German social-democratic movements. In analysing imperialism and imperialist domination, Bukharin drew a series of ultra-left conclusions. From the general tendency towards state monopoly, militarism and the domination of the world by a few imperialist powers, he drew the conclusion that the party should abandon any agitation for the right of nations to self-determination and for democratic demands in general. He argued that these democratic demands could not be granted under capitalism and agitating for them would create false illusions amongst the workers. Under socialism, once the workers take power, these demands would be useless because they would have already been superseded. In 1915, in the Theses on the National Question signed by Pyatakov, Bosch and Bukharin, they wrote: "The slogan self-determination of nations is first of all utopian, as it cannot be realised within the limits of capitalism. It is also harmful, as it is a slogan that sows illusions. In this respect it does not distinguish itself at all from the slogans of arbitration courts, disarmament, and so on which presuppose the possibility of so-called peaceful capitalism." In opposing in general the slogan of the defence of the fatherland, which was correct, they abstracted themselves from the fact that there are oppressor nations and oppressed nations. Lenin polemicised against them in a series of letters, describing them as imperialist Economists, in reference to the polemic against the Economists in 1902-03, who argued that the proletariat should not concern itself with political demands, just economic demands. The Baugy Group, similarly, argued that the workers should not concern themselves with political activity, but should simply concentrate on the taking of power. In reality their argument was against democratic demands in general. The left-wing communists, including Bukharin himself, made the same points in debates in the Russian party and in the Communist International after 1917. In answering them, Lenin explained how the struggle for democratic demands and the use of democratic institutions, however limited they may be, is an indispensable part of the necessary agitation of the revolutionary party in winning over the working class masses and broader layers of the population to the perspective of taking power. The Russian Revolution The question of the democratic demands of the oppressed nationalities played an important role in the Russian Revolution, both in February and in October 1917. This was the case particularly in Ukraine and Finland, but also in Poland, Georgia and Central Asia. In 1916, for instance, there had been a mass uprising in Central Asia, mainly of the Kyrgyz and Kazakh Muslim peoples, against conscription into the war. Less than ten days after the October Revolution, the Council of Peoples Commissars, headed by Lenin, issued the Declaration of the Rights of the Peoples of Russia / Image: public domain In the period between February and October there was a lot of agitation again around this question, particularly in Ukraine, Poland and Finland. The Provisional Government was brought to power in February as a result of the abolition of tsarism and was meant to carry out the bourgeois-democratic revolution. But just as it was unable to carry out other democratic tasks, like land reform, a Constituent Assembly, etc., it did nothing to satisfy the national aspirations of the oppressed, even though the national democratic movement in most cases was also dominated by the bourgeois liberals. Once the Bolsheviks took power, they immediately began rectifying this. Less than ten days after the October Revolution, the Council of Peoples Commissars, headed by Lenin, issued the Declaration of the Rights of the Peoples of Russia on 15 November 1917, which stated very clearly its defence of: "The right of the peoples of Russia to free self-determination, even to the point of separation and the formation of an independent state."[7] This question, like all the others the Bolsheviks faced when coming to power, was not a simple, straightforward one. The national question and the national aspirations of the oppressed peoples became completely enmeshed in the question of foreign intervention and the civil war, with foreign imperialist powers cynically attempting to use the national aspirations of oppressed nationalities against the October Revolution and Soviet power. Nevertheless, in the first few years of the Russian Revolution, the Bolsheviks fulfilled their promise to the oppressed nationalities and put into practise the principle of the right of nations to self-determination. Five independent republics were recognised, including Finland, Latvia, Ukraine and Georgia. In addition, seventeen different autonomous republics were created within the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR). Finland In Finland, the workers movement was very strong, even before 1917. The Social Democratic Party had won a majority in the regional parliament even before the February Revolution. The Provisional Government of Kerensky, however, made an alliance with the Finnish bourgeois against the workers parties and tried to suppress the movement. Within weeks of coming to power, on 18 December 1917, Lenin and the Bolsheviks recognised the independence of Finland, and by January 1918 there was a revolutionary uprising in Finland, in which the workers took power in the main cities. Tragically, the leaders of the Social Democratic Party in Finland wanted to follow a parliamentary road to socialism, and instead of taking power, a lot of time was wasted in legalistic and democratic procedures. Meanwhile, the ruling class was organising to crush the workers organisations and destroy any semblance of democracy. They created the murderous White Guards, brought in Swedish volunteers and smashed the working class in a brutal civil war, in which by some estimates as many as 100,000 workers were killed. By January 1918 there was a revolutionary uprising in Finland, in which the workers took power in the main cities / Image: public domain In this situation, there was a discussion about the convenience of Soviet intervention to help the Finnish. Luxemburg was very critical of the Bolsheviks. She had opposed the right of nations to self-determination and now said that all its implementation had led to was the creation of counter-revolutionary bourgeois governments, which attempted to smash the working-class revolution: "While Lenin and his comrades clearly expected that, as champions of national freedom even to the extent of separation, they would turn Finland, the Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, the Baltic countries, the Caucasus, etc., into so many faithful allies of the Russian Revolution, we have instead witnessed the opposite spectacle. One after another, these nations used the freshly granted freedom to ally themselves with German imperialism against the Russian Revolution as its mortal enemy, and, under German protection, to carry the banner of counter-revolution into Russia itself."[8] Lenin explained that this was not the case, that any attempt to deny national freedom to those oppressed nations by force would have been impossible. This would have been seen as a continuation of the oppression by Great Russian chauvinism under tsarism. By granting the oppressed nations their national democratic rights, the Bolsheviks were then in a better position to raise the common interests of workers and poor peasants against the petty bourgeois and bourgeois nationalists. At the April conference in 1917, Lenin had said: "Any Russian socialist who does not recognise Finlands and Ukraines right to freedom will degenerate into a chauvinist."[9] He was replying to Pyatakov and Dzerzhinsky, who argued against the right of self-determination and put the hopelessly muddled slogan of no borders as an alternative. In Lenins view, there was no contradiction between recognising the right of self-determination, which was necessary, and the workers state coming to the aid of workers in other countries, even militarily. The only reason the Bolsheviks did not intervene militarily in Finland to help the Finnish workers was because they did not have the means to do so. The old tsarist army had collapsed at the end of the First World War, millions of peasants had gone back to the land, the masses were exhausted and did not want to fight any more wars. The Bolsheviks were still at war with Germany and trying to hold that front. Had they had the military forces to do so they would not have hesitated in coming to the aid of the Finnish workers. Ukraine In the case of Ukraine, the situation was further complicated. While Lenin always insisted that Ukraine was one of the countries which could exercise its right to self-determination, there was strong opposition to that idea from within the party, including prominent Bolshevik leaders in Ukraine such as Pyatakov, who were ultra-left on this question, as we have seen. In the Donbas, an industrial mining area in the southeast of Ukraine, the base of the local Bolsheviks was mainly amongst mineworkers, who were from Russian and other nationalities which had emigrated to this industrially rich area to work. Many of these industrial and mineworkers were fiercely opposed to Ukrainian nationalism and opposed the right of self-determination. Ukraine had never really existed as an independent country. It was composed of different national groups, and its territory had also been divided between different countries over a period of time. Among the most important social classes in the cities, i.e. the workers, the merchants, the petty bourgeois and so on, Ukrainian speakers were a small minority. Most of the city dwellers were either Great Russian, Jewish or Polish. Ukrainian speakers were mostly concentrated in the countryside among the peasants. The national movement had an influence mostly or exclusively amongst a layer of petty-bourgeois intellectuals. After the February Revolution, the Ukrainian Central Rada was established, a bourgeois Ukrainian regional government. However, at the same time there was a powerful workers movement in the industrial centres, in Kharkov, Odessa, Kiev and the Donbas. On 20 November 1917, after the taking of power by the Soviets in Russia, a Ukrainian Peoples Republic was declared, led by petty-bourgeois and bourgeois nationalists, but at this stage it did not yet declare independence. In December, Lenin and the Soviets issued the Manifesto to the Ukrainian People with an Ultimatum to the Ukrainian Rada in which they reaffirmed the principle of self-determination and said they recognised the Ukrainian Peoples Republic and its right to secede or enter into a treaty with Russia, as they had done in the case of Finland. They also asked the Ukrainian Peoples Republic for clarification on a series of questions: about the disorganisation of the front with Germany, the Radas collaboration with the reactionary rising of the Cadets and the recognition of the soviets in existence in Ukraine. They also asked the Ukrainian Peoples Republic to clarify their position on the activities of the counter-revolutionary armies of Kornilov and Kaledin in Ukraine. The Rada rejected the ultimatum on 20 December 1917. On 22 January 1918, Ukraine declared independence. Simultaneously, the All-Ukrainian Congress of the Soviets in Kharkov declared the Ukrainian Peoples Republic of Soviets. Starting in Kharkov, which was an industrial centre, they marched all the way to Kiev and in the space of a few weeks established a Soviet government in Ukraine. The soviets gained a lot of support also from the peasantry, which was mainly Ukrainian-speaking, because of their agrarian policy. However, this Soviet government only lasted a few weeks. The young Soviet Republic was still at war with Germany. During the peace negotiations in Brest-Litovsk, while the Bolsheviks were trying to buy time, the Germans advanced and took over Ukraine. They established a German puppet government called the Hetmanate. Later, when the Germans withdrew, the Rada was re-established, this time under the protection and as a puppet government of French imperialism. During the peace negotiations in Brest-Litovsk, while the Bolsheviks were trying to buy time, the Germans advanced and took over Ukraine / Image: public domain This period showed in practice that Ukraine could exist as an independent country only in the form of a workers state along the lines of Soviet Russia. All other so-called independent Ukrainian governments were in reality puppets of different imperialist powers. In Ukraine, Soviet power faced additional difficulties. The imperialist war had specific features in Ukraine, as did the civil war, which to a certain extent was a continuation of the former. Between 1919 and 1920, Ukraine was one of the main theatres of the civil war. This was not just a civil war between the Red and White armies. In Ukraine there were also the Greens, Makhnovite[10] troops which fought at different times on different sides of the civil war. There were also a number of Ukrainian-based communist groups. For a short period of time, there was also a Soviet Republic in the South East: the Donetsk-Krivoy Rog Soviet Republic. For two years the situation was extremely confused, with the class struggle and the national struggle completely overlapping each other. This was not the end of the problems in Ukraine. When the civil war finished in 1921, the first head of the Ukrainian Soviet government was Pyatakov, who was ultra-left on the national question. He not only had a completely careless attitude in relation to the national question in Ukraine, he also had a very ultra-left policy on the agrarian question as well, which alienated many from the middle layers of the peasantry. After a year, Pyatakov was replaced by Rakovsky, the Balkan internationalist. Initially, he also had a wrong position on the national question. He was very strongly influenced by his background in the Balkans where he had correctly defended the slogan of a Balkan Socialist Federation. As a result, he did not pay much attention to the concrete features of the national question in Ukraine. In effect, he had a very abstract internationalist position, which in practice led to a campaign of Russification in Ukraine. Lenin was horrified by this. If one reads the writings of Lenin between 1918 and 1922 in relation to Ukraine, you will see that he had an extremely careful approach to the Ukrainian national question. In order to reverse the damage that had been done, he went as far as making some concessions to those who were leaning towards Ukrainian nationalism. For instance, in Ukraine the left wing of the Ukrainian Party of Socialist-Revolutionaries, known as the Borotbists after the name of their central organ, Borotba (Struggle), wanted to join the Communist Party. In the discussions about the fusion, there were three different positions. One section wanted the Ukrainian Communist Party to be part of the Russian Communist Party. Others said the Ukrainian Communist Party should be separate from the Russian party and affiliate directly to the Communist International. There were others who argued that not only the Communist Party should be independent but that Ukraine should be independent and should not be a part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. In this debate, Lenin showed his very careful approach to the national question. He insisted on the unity of the working class, but at the same time said that questions of demarcation of borders and the relative degree of autonomy of the party were not questions of principle but should be decided amicably within the Ukrainian party. He said: "If a Great-Russian communist insists upon the amalgamation of the Ukraine with Russia, Ukrainians might easily suspect him of advocating this policy not from the motive of uniting the proletarians in the fight against capital but because of the prejudices of the old Great-Russian nationalism of imperialism. "Such mistrust is natural and to a certain degree inevitable and legitimate, because the Great Russians under the yoke of landowners and capitalists had for centuries imbibed the shameful and disgusting prejudices of Great-Russian chauvinism. "If a Ukrainian communist insists upon the unconditional state independence of the Ukraine he lays himself open to the suspicion that he is supporting this policy not because of the temporary interest of the Ukrainian workers and peasants in the struggle against the yoke of capital, but on account of the petty-bourgeois national prejudices of the small owner."[11] In making these observations, Lenins main concern was the preservation of the unity of the working class: "He who undermines the unity and closest alliance between the Great-Russian and Ukrainian workers and peasants is helping the Kolchaks, the Denikins,[12] the capitalist bandits of all countries. Consequently, we Great-Russian communists must repress with the utmost severity the slightest manifestation in our midst of Great-Russian nationalism, for such manifestations, which are a betrayal of communism in general, cause the gravest harm by dividing us from our Ukrainian comrades and thus playing into the hands of Denikin and his regime."[13] His conclusion was that concessions were necessary on the part of Great-Russian communists: "Consequently, we Great-Russian communists must make concessions when there are differences with the Ukrainian Bolshevik communists and Borotbists and these differences concern the state independence of the Ukraine, the forms of her alliance with Russia, and the national question in general."[14] This sums up clearly the whole of Lenins position in a practical, concrete example. In November 1919, when the Red Army entered Ukraine, Trotsky issued an order to the troops which had exactly the same approach: "The Ukraine is the land of the Ukrainian workers and working peasants. They alone have the right to rule in Ukraine, to govern it and to build a new life in it. Keep this firmly in mind: your task is not to conquer the Ukraine but to liberate it. When the reactionary bands of Denikin have been smashed the working people of the liberated Ukraine will themselves decide on what terms they are to live with Soviet Russia. Long live the free and independent Soviet Ukraine."[15] Here we see the dialectical character of the approach the Bolsheviks had to the national question when in power. At the same time that the Soviet troops were entering Ukraine to fight the counter-revolution, they were advocating a free Soviet Ukraine to decide for itself what relations it should have with Soviet Russia. The debate at the Eighth Congress of the RCP(B), 1919 Contrary to what the ultra-lefts imagined, the national question, like any other democratic question, is not automatically resolved the day after the taking of power by the workers. On the contrary, it takes a very long time and requires the development of the material conditions for all the national prejudices and chauvinism to be eradicated, including the prejudices of an oppressor nation. This applies equally to the struggle for the liberation of women and to the struggle against the influence of religion. This debate about the right of nations to self-determination did not finish with the October Revolution. The left-wing communists continued to argue against self-determination at the Eighth Party Congress in 1919. Ironically, many of those arguing against the rights of oppressed nations came from oppressed nationalities themselves, including Georgians and Ukrainians. Pyatakov, who at the time of the Congress was the secretary of the Communist Party of Ukraine, argued along the same lines that Luxemburg had a year earlier: "The slogan the right of nations to self-determination which our party has held to from time immemorial, has shown itself in practise, when it comes to the question of the socialist revolution, to be a slogan which is the rallying point for all counter-revolutionary forces."[16] Bukharin argued that the slogan was anachronistic in the period of the transition to socialism, and proposed an amendment to the party programme which said that the right of self-determination should be recognised as the self-determination of the toiling masses, a formulation which he had borrowed from Joseph Stalin. Lenin argued against this, and explained that the right of self-determination is a democratic right, not a socialist right and therefore affects the whole nation. You cannot simply decree the classes within a nation out of existence. He stressed that there should be absolutely no hint that the Bolsheviks intended to impose the soviet system by military force onto other peoples, or that they did not respect the right of each nation to decide their own future. Military intervention? In 1920, the issue of self-determination and military intervention was posed concretely in Poland. After the outbreak of the German Revolution in November 1918, the Bolsheviks repudiated the Brest-Litovsk agreement and were able to advance westward into the territories which had been abandoned by the German troops. Meanwhile, the Polish bourgeois nationalists, led by Jozef Pisudski, wanted to ensure the maximum territorial extension for Poland as well as domination over its neighbours in Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania, amongst others. The Polish bourgeois nationalists, led by Jozef Pisudski, wanted to ensure the maximum territorial extension for Poland as well as domination over its neighbours / Image: public domain In April 1920, the forces of the reactionary Polish nationalist Pisudski allied with the Ukrainian Peoples Republic of Simon Petliura and launched an offensive on Kyiv. The Polish invasion of Ukraine and occupation of Kyiv had the effect of pushing the Ukrainian masses towards the Soviets. Pisudskis forces were defeated and the Red Army started a rapid counter-offensive. At this point there was a discussion among the Bolsheviks about whether to take advantage of this to continue chasing the reactionary Polish army all the way to Warsaw and help the Polish workers take power. The idea was that the Red Army advance would provoke or accelerate a rising of the Polish workers and peasants. The advance of the Red Army was stopped, and the forces led by Tukhachevsky were defeated in the battle of Warsaw. For reasons of personal prestige, forces under the political command of Stalin refused direct orders to go to the aid of the Red Army advancing towards Warsaw and instead concentrated on a failed attempt at taking Lviv, which did not help matters. More importantly, the rhythm and needs of the military offensive did not coincide with the rhythms of the class struggle and the advances in consciousness. The Polish masses were not ready. The question here was not that military intervention was ruled out as a matter of principle, but rather that one cannot impose Soviet power by the force of military intervention, when the conditions are not there. The impetus has to come from within, there has to be a genuine uprising of the workers and peasants. Only once that has happened, does the Soviet power in a neighbouring country have the right and the duty to help the workers in that country. Central Asia Central Asia was a completely different area. Most of the peoples and national groups in this region were extremely backward, some of them nomadic. Most of them did not have a written language, and the national movement in many of these places took place under the flag of Islam and even pan-Islamism or pan-Turkism. Here, as well as in the Caucasus during the civil war, the Bolsheviks allied themselves as far as possible with the progressive modernising intelligentsia which existed in all these nationalities. In some cases these national movements were won over to the ideas of Bolshevism and became incorporated into the Communist Party. Enormous progress was made in these regions from the point of view of national development. The Bolsheviks proceeded in a very cautious way. Part of the domination of the Russian Empire over these peoples was expressed in the question of religion, language and the script in which language was to be written. The tsarist empire imposed the Russian Orthodox Church, and oppressed other denominations and religions, like the Armenian Church and Islam. In several cases, the Cyrillic script was imposed where bourgeois nationalists and progressive reformers in these nationalities were fighting for the restoration of the Arabic script in the writing of their languages. The Bolsheviks reversed this policy completely. They allowed freedom of religion. They returned land and buildings that had been expropriated from the mosques. Uthmans Quran, a holy relic written possibly as far back as the seventh century, had been taken to the Imperial Library in St. Petersburg after the tsarist conquest of Samarkand. The Bolsheviks handed custodianship of it over to the All-Russian Muslim Council, located in Ufa (Bashkortostan, Russia), as an expression of this position. On 24 November 1917 the Soviet government issued an Appeal to the Muslims of Russia and the East, which said: "Moslems of Russia, Tatars of the Volga and the Crimea, Kyrghyz and Sarts of Siberia and Turkestan, Turks and Tatars of Transcaucasia, Chechens and mountain Cossacks! All you, whose mosques and shrines have been destroyed, whose faith and customs have been violated by the tsars and oppressors of Russia! Henceforward your beliefs and customs, your national and cultural institutions, are declared free and inviolable! Build your national life freely and without hindrance. It is your right. Know that your rights, like those of all the peoples of Russia, will be protected by the might of the revolution, by the Councils of Workers, Soldiers and Peasants Deputies!"[17] The general progress of the development of the national culture and identity of these peoples was extraordinary. The Bolsheviks proposed a school language policy, according to which in every school where there were twenty-five children in any age group who were speakers of one particular language, they should be taught in their own language, and this applied not only in the region of origin of this national group, but anywhere where they were settled. The actual implementation of this school language policy was curtailed by material and economic factors, but the intention was clear. By 1924, printing of books, textbooks and newspapers was being carried out in twenty-four different languages in the Soviet Union. There was also a big debate about the question of the script in which the languages should be written. Lenin and Lunacharsky argued in favour of transforming all languages in Russia into a Latin script. Kemal Ataturk later on took the same position in Turkey, and for the same reasons: in order to modernise the country and bring it closer to the general current of world cultural development. But in this question, like in many other questions pertaining to culture and education, Lenin did not impose his criteria on anyone. The decision should be taken by the people affected themselves. Many of the Central Asian peoples were Muslim and decided to adopt a simplified version of the Arabic script. This policy was later reversed under Stalins bureaucratic counter-revolution when the Cyrillic script was imposed on all of these nations, whom had previously chosen either the Latin or Arabic script. These cultural and education policies were accompanied by something that from the point of view of the Bolsheviks was even more important: economic development. There was a conscious policy of investing in these nations to develop infrastructure and industry, which was the only real way to bring these peoples out of backwardness and at the same time develop the proletariat. There was also a conscious policy towards the nationalisation of the local communist parties, which in many cases were made up only or mainly of Great-Russian workers. There was a campaign of recruiting communists from the national group concerned. A very careful and cautious approach was required, particularly on the question of religion, in order not to alienate them from Soviet power. Most of the work needed to be carried out on the basis of patient explanation, highlighting the class questions and through the practical demonstration of the material advantages of Soviet power. At the time of the Revolution, the level of literacy in these regions was maybe 5 per cent, or even less. Even with very remote nomadic peoples in the north and in the Far East, the policy of the Bolsheviks was extremely careful. For instance the Yakuts, a very small tribal nomadic group in the north, were for the first time given a written language in the Latin script, which had no punctuation marks and no capital letters. Lenin regarded the question of the establishment of soviet power in Central Asia and other Muslim lands of extreme importance, not only for the USSR, but more generally from the point of view of the world revolution. In a letter to the communists of Turkestan he explained: "The attitude of the Soviet Workers and Peasants Republic to the weak and hitherto oppressed nations is of very practical significance for the whole of Asia and for all the colonies of the world, for thousands and millions of people. I earnestly urge you [] to demonstrate to them by your actions that we are sincere in our desire to wipe out all traces of Great-Russian imperialism."[18] The national question and the struggle against bureaucracy In 1922, Stalin was far from being a conscious representative of the developing bureaucracy. But from his very first days as General Secretary he demonstrated a bureaucratic heavy-handedness in regard to the national question within the Soviet Union. In this context, one of Lenins main struggles at the end of his life against the bureaucratisation of the Soviet Union and against Stalin was focussed on the issue of the national question. There were two points in this struggle, the debate on the setting up of the USSR and the dispute over the Georgian affair. The first of these took place in 1922, during the discussion on the legal form that the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was going to take. Stalin, who at the time was the Peoples Commissar for nationalities, proposed that the Constitution should be phrased in terms of the entry of Ukraine into the Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic. Lenin opposed this formulation and insisted that the USSR should be the result of the unification of the Russian socialist republic with the others: "Stalin has already consented to make one concession: in Clause 1, instead of entry into the RSFSR, to put: Formal unification with the RSFSR in a Union of Soviet Republics of Europe and Asia. "I hope the purport of this concession is clear: we consider ourselves, the Ukrainian SSR and others, equal, and enter with them, on an equal basis, into a new union, a new federation, the Union of the Soviet Republics of Europe and Asia."[19] In combating Stalin, Lenin described him as having a quasi-imperialist attitude towards oppressed nationalities. Despite his Georgian roots, Stalin was the very embodiment of the high-handed methods of the bureaucracy, which was saturated with Great-Russian chauvinism. In this battle, Lenin counted on the support of people like Ukrainian Bolshevik leader Mykola Skrypnyk. He was a linguist and played a key role in developing the Ukrainian language, standardising its alphabet and orthography for the first time. Skrypnyk later became a Stalinist bureaucrat, but that did not save him from being purged by Stalin in 1933. Lenin also had the support of Trotsky, Rakovsky and others in this debate. He was acutely aware of the oppressor-nation prejudices surviving amongst Bolshevik militants, including leading figures in the party. He said: Scratch some communists and you will find Great-Russian chauvinists.[20] The debate revealed two different approaches to the national question. On the one hand, that of Lenin, who was always extremely aware of the legacy of centuries of national oppression in the Tsarist Empire and went to great lengths to demonstrate to the oppressed nations that Soviet power had nothing to do with it. He did so with the aim of ensuring maximum unity of the working class. On the other hand, the high-handed approach of Stalin, Sergo Ordzhonikidze, Felix Dzerzhinsky and others, who were, in different degrees, opposed to the right of nations to self-determination, saw Lenins approach as a nuisance and, behind Lenins back, used their power to impose rather than convince. Despite the fact that many of them came from the oppressed nations themselves, they expressed the point of view of Great-Russian chauvinism. The second issue in this struggle was the Georgian affair. Georgia was a nation dominated by petty-bourgeois classes in the city and the countryside. For this reason, the Mensheviks were always the dominant party in the Georgian labour movement and the Menshevik Party had its main base in Georgia. In November 1922, it came to light that during a debate in Georgia, Ordzhonikidze had punched a Georgian communist, Akakii Kobakhidze, in the face / Image: public domain The issue of Georgia was very complex, as it was mixed up with the course of the civil war, foreign intervention and also the establishment of Soviet power in the neighbouring republics. But the truth is that Ordzhonikidze, who was the head of the Caucasian Bureau (Kavbiuro), was very impatient and displayed a bureaucratic attitude towards imposing revolution in Georgia. He staged a series of provocations, sent misleading information to the Politburo and, with the support of Stalin behind the scenes, created a de facto situation in which the Red Army invaded Georgia and installed Soviet power in February 1921. This led to all sorts of complications. Trotsky had advocated a certain preparatory period of work inside Georgia, in order to develop the uprising and later come to its aid and was not told of the decision to invade. Even after the Red Army intervention in Georgia, Lenin insisted that a cautious policy of concessions to the petty bourgeois was necessary, and even raised the possibility of reaching an agreement with Noe Zhordania, the leader of the Mensheviks. Stalin on his part took a heavy handed approach against any nationalist deviations, real or perceived, and opposed the formation of a Georgian Red Army (which Lenin specifically argued should be strengthened). At a meeting of Georgian communists in Tiflis in July 1921, he stated that the immediate task was to eliminate nationalist survivals, to cauterise them with red-hot iron and promised to crush the hydra of nationalism. In a typical bureaucratic fashion, Stalin removed the head of the Revolutionary Committee Filipp Makharadze and replaced him with Polikarp Mdivani, whom he thought would be more pliable. Already here, we can see a very clear difference of approach between Lenin on one side and Stalin and Ordzhonikidze on the other. During the debate on the formation of the USSR, some Georgian communists, led by Mdivani and others, first opposed the idea of a Transcaucasian Federation, raised by Stalin, and defended an independent Soviet Georgia to join the USSR. They were accused by Stalin of national deviations. Lenin sent a letter to Stalin arguing that while a Transcaucasian Federation was correct in principle, its practical realisation should be delayed to allow for a proper discussion and a campaign of explanation in order to convince the workers and peasants of each of the republics. In November 1922, it came to light that during a debate in Georgia, Ordzhonikidze had punched a Georgian communist, Akakii Kobakhidze, in the face. Lenin was furious. He demanded the expulsion of Ordzhonikidze from the party, but added that those really responsible for this incident were Stalin and Dzerzhinsky. He wrote a series of letters, his The Question of Nationalities or Autonomisation, which he starts by saying: "I have been very remiss with respect to the workers of Russia for not having intervened energetically and decisively enough in the notorious question of autonomisation. "In my writings on the national question I have already said that an abstract presentation of the question of nationalism in general is of no use at all. A distinction must necessarily be made between the nationalism of an oppressor nation and that of an oppressed nation, the nationalism of a big nation and that of a small nation. In respect of the second kind of nationalism we, nationals of a big nation, have nearly always been guilty, in historic practice, of an infinite number of cases of violence; furthermore, we commit violence and insult an infinite number of times without noticing it. "That is why internationalism on the part of oppressor or great nations, as they are called (though they are great only in their violence, only great as bullies), must consist not only in the observance of the formal equality of nations but even in an inequality of the oppressor nation, the great nation, that must make up for the inequality which obtains in actual practice In one way or another, by ones attitude or by concessions, it is necessary to compensate the non-Russian for the lack of trust, for the suspicion and the insults to which the government of the dominant nation subjected them in the past."[21] Lenin insisted that he was saying this not because he was in favour of the nationalism of the oppressed nation, but because this was the only way to achieve the maximum degree of unity and trust between the workers of both nations. Throughout this period Lenin was ill, and this was used by the bureaucracy to attempt to hide information from him (for instance the full report on the Georgian incident), or to try to restrict his participation in party affairs. He considered this a crucial question. He asked Trotsky to defend his point of view at the forthcoming twelfth party conference and he wrote to the Georgian communists promising them support. He fought this vigorously and managed to leave his views in writing. It is not by chance that one of the crucial issues on which Lenins struggle against bureaucratisation started was the national question. Stalins reversal of Lenins policy Lenin unfortunately died in 1924 before he could conclude this struggle. The reversal of Lenins policy on the national question was not immediate. In 1923, the policy of korenizatsiia was formulated, meaning the indigenisation or nationalisation of the communist parties in the republics. Many of these were positive measures, which were a continuation of Lenins policy, but there was also a certain element which was never present in Lenin, an element of nation-building or developing nationalism. This was at the time of the right-wing turn of the nascent bureaucracy, when Stalin formulated the anti-Marxist, anti-Leninist policy of socialism on one country and Bukharin talked of building socialism at a tortoise pace, encouraging the kulaks to enrich themselves. However, not long after, the whole of Lenins careful policy was reversed. The bureaucracy, having defeated the Left Opposition and afraid of the threat of capitalist elements which had grown out of the NEP, effected a sharp shift to the left. This was the period of forced collectivisation and the beginning of the process which led to the Great Purges. The Stalinist purges throughout the late 1920s and 1930s had a particularly harsh impact on all the oppressed nationalities. For instance, all members of the Tajik Communist Party Central Committee were eliminated. In Ukraine, nine-tenths of all officials, heads of departments, ministers and all high officials were either arrested, deported or killed in the purges. It was also in these nationalities that the opposition against Stalinism was stronger, and this was the case particularly in Ukraine: in the industrial centre of Kharkov, amongst the Communist Youth, in the big factories, etc. as is described in detail in Pierre Broues 2003 book Communistes contre Staline (Communists Against Stalin). There was a wholesale return to Great-Russian nationalism, which was in effect a continuation of the policy of the Tsarist Empire. Stalins policy of national oppression created enormous accumulated grievances which remained for decades. Later on, during the Second World War, the Stalinist bureaucracy carried out mass deportation of whole peoples, who were branded as collaborators. Nevertheless, for a whole period of time, on the basis of economic development, the national question subsided, and even what seemed to be deeply entrenched national conflicts (like that of Nagorno-Karabakh) were temporarily resolved or frozen. Economic stagnation, particularly in the 1980s, which was the result of bureaucratic mismanagement, led to a new flare up of national sentiment, which had been suppressed for decades. The policy of the Soviet bureaucracy of Great-Russian national oppression was to play a big role in the breakup of the Soviet Union. This laid the basis for the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which from a formal point of view started with a referendum on independence in Ukraine. As Marx and Engels explained, no nation can be free if it oppresses other nations.[22] But equally important is the principle: Workers of the world, unite!.[23] The two are inextricably linked, because the unity of workers from different nations, different religious and ethnic backgrounds, can only be achieved by guaranteeing democratic rights and eliminating any vestige of oppression. This was the basis of Lenins approach to this question. The policy of Lenin and of the October Revolution on the national question has left us an extremely rich and proud heritage, which we shall reclaim, explain and defend fully, because it is not commonly known, other than through distortions or generalities. It contains many lessons on how to deal with the question of national oppression, which remains strikingly relevant for communists today. The national question was a fundamental part of the bourgeois revolutions. In those cases where the bourgeoisie was too weak and arrived late in the scene of history, some of the tasks of the bourgeois-democratic revolution were left unsolved. In some instances, the national question subsided for a whole period of time, but with the worsening of the organic crisis of capitalism it has come back to the fore with a vengeance. The struggle against national oppression contains a democratic kernel which is progressive and can have revolutionary implications, but at the same time, there is the danger of reactionary chauvinism and division of the working class along national lines, with potentially bloody consequences. Studying Lenins policy and practice on this question is therefore not merely a historical curiosity, but a current issue in revolutionary politics. The study of Lenins approach to the twin questions of the struggle against national oppression and the need for the unity of the working class also contains a valuable lesson on the method of Marxism, which is firm on its principles but flexible with its tactics. A careful study, both of Lenins method and the Bolshevik attitude to the national question, will be a vital tool to arm revolutionary communists today. Jorge Martin, London, December 2024 [1] Trotsky, Leon, History of the Russian Revolution, Vol. 3, Wellred Books, 2022, p. 913. [2] Ibid, p. 904. [3] Programme of the Social-Democratic Workers Party, reproduced in 1903: Second Congress of the Russian Social-Democratic Labour Party, New Park, 1978, p. 6. [4] Ibid. [5] Austro-Marxism was the leading tendency within the Social-Democratic Party of Austria, which attempted to reconcile reformism with revolutionary Marxism. It defended the position of cultural-national autonomy in relation to the national question. [6] Lenin, Does the Jewish Proletariat Need an Independent Political Party?, 15 February 1903, in this volume, p. 189. [7] Lenin, Declaration of the Rights of the Peoples of Russia, 2 November 1917, in this volume, p. 332. [8] Luxemburg, Rosa, The Russian Revolution, Rosa Luxemburg Speaks, Pathfinder Press, 1970. [9] Lenin, The Seventh (April) All-Russia Conference of the RSDLP(B), 24-29 April 1917, in this volume, p. 290. [10] Nestor Makhno was a Ukrainian anarchist who led a peasant army during the civil war that followed the Russian Revolution. His forces took an alternating position between allying with the Red Army and opposing it. [11] Lenin, Letter to the Workers and Peasants of the Ukraine: Apropos of the Victories over Denikin, 28 December 1919, in this volume, p. 315. [12] Alexander Kolchak and Anton Denikin were generals in the White Army. [13] Ibid, p. 317. [14] Ibid. [15] Trotsky, Leon, How the Revolution Armed, Vol. 2, New Park, 1979, p. 439. [16] Quoted in Smith, Jeremy, The Bolsheviks and the National Question, 1917-1923, PhD thesis, University of London, 1996. [17] Lenin, Appeal of the Council of Peoples Commissars to the Moslems of Russia and the East, 3 December 1917, in this volume, p. 336. [18] Lenin, To the Communists of Turkestan, 7 November 1919, in this volume, p. 355. [19] Lenin, On the Establishment of the USSR, 26 September 1922, in this volume, p. 368, emphasis added. [20] See Lenin, Eighth Congress of the RCP(B), 19 March 1919, in this volume, p. 328. [21] Lenin, The Question of Nationalities or Autonomisation, 30-31 December 1922, in this volume, p. 373. [22] Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, On Poland, Marx and Engels Collected Works, Lawrence and Wishart, 1977, Vol. 6, p. 389. [23] Marx and Engels, The Communist Manifesto, ibid, p. 519. M23 rebels have captured the town of Minova in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a key supply route for the provincial capital, Goma. The takeover, which has sparked a mass exodus, is part of a wider offensive by the rebel group, which has recently seized several strategic towns. The provincial governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Purusi, confirmed on January 21 that Minova, along with other towns such as Lumbishi, Numbi, and Shanje, has fallen to the rebels, who have also taken Bweremana in the neighbouring North Kivu province. The DRC military reported breakthroughs in Minova and Bweremana, but did not confirm full control by M23. The M23, a group of ethnic Tutsis who broke away from the Congolese army over a decade ago, has been gaining ground in eastern Congo. It has captured important towns like Masisi, a key mining town, in recent weeks. The group, which first rose to prominence in 2012 when it seized Goma, is one of many armed factions vying for control of the regions valuable mineral resources. The ongoing conflict has displaced over 7 million people, contributing to one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises. While the DRC, the United States, and UN experts accuse neighbouring Rwanda of supporting M23, Rwanda denies these claims. The town of Minova, located on the shores of Lake Kivu, is a crucial transit point for agricultural goods heading to Goma. Its capture further threatens supply lines in an already fragile region. The UN Refugee Agency reported that more than 237,000 people have been displaced in eastern Congo since the start of the year, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. As the conflict escalates, hospitals in the area are experiencing a significant influx of wounded individuals. Armed robbers reportedly stole N16.5 million during an attack on Monday (January 20) evening as residents were leaving the popular Ngalda Market, located near the Gombe State border (North-east of Nigeria). The robbers targeted three shops at the market, resulting in the deaths of seven people and leaving eleven others injured. The incident occurred around 9:00 pm, and the Police confirmed the amount stolen by the attackers. Dungus Abdulkarim, the spokesperson for Yobe State Police, confirmed the attack in a statement on Tuesday, identifying the leader of the gang as Datti Alhaji-Dadji, a resident of Ngalda. Following the attack, local residents mobilised and managed to kill three of the robbers, while the remaining three fled with injuries. The police later apprehended Alhaji-Dadji at his home, where they recovered a locally made pistol and three cartridges. He is currently in custody and is under interrogation. The Commissioner of Police for Yobe State, Ahmed Garba, extended his condolences to the families of the victims and has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. He called for calm within the community and directed his officers to track down the remaining members of the gang. Garba also appealed to the public to provide any information that could aid in the investigation. https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/straitstimes/166fe7e739e96f4317755e1e93452a1f8b9aad5e2b1688b5104e65caa97b3cc4 A Spanish national, Gilbert Navarro, who had been kidnapped in southern Algeria last week, has been released by the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a coalition of separatist armed groups in Mali. According to a spokesperson for the FLA on January 21, Navarro is in good health following his release. The kidnapping occurred on January 17 when Navarro was abducted by a transnational mafia in Algeria before being transported to Mali. The FLA located Navarro and his captors in the eastern region of Menaka, where they successfully negotiated his release. After surrounding the kidnappers near the town of Indelimane, FLA fighters were able to secure Navarros freedom. The Spanish man will soon be handed over to Algerian authorities for repatriation and reunification with his family. The details surrounding the negotiations remain unclear, but the incident highlights the volatile situation in the Sahel region, where abductions have become more frequent, particularly in Mali. The kidnapping was initially reported by Spains Foreign Ministry, which later confirmed the hostages release but withheld further details on the circumstances. This incident underscores the growing instability in Algeria and Mali, both of which have faced escalating violence and political unrest. Algeria, which has historically mediated conflicts in the region, is increasingly at odds with Malis ruling military junta, especially since the collapse of a peace agreement with separatist groups in 2023. Malis junta, now in power after a series of coups, has declared groups like the FLA as terrorists, leading to a shift in the countrys alliances, with the junta turning to Russian mercenaries rather than Western support. Kidnapping for ransom has become a common tactic used by armed groups in this volatile region, further complicating efforts for peace and stability. Source: https://apnews.com/article/mali-spanish-man-kidnapped-algeria-freed-c65049e49fbe5937b0295c5dc7d5131b The International Criminal Court (ICC), human rights groups, and victims of Libyan warlord Osama Njeem have expressed on January 23 outrage over his release by Italian authorities. Njeem, also known as al-Masri, was arrested in Turin on Sunday January 19 under a warrant issued by the ICC, only to be released on Tuesday January 21 by a Rome court due to a procedural error. He was subsequently flown back to Libya on an Italian secret service plane. Al-Masri, who is wanted by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimesincluding murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence committed in Libya from 2015 onwardsheads the Tripoli branch of the notorious Reform and Rehabilitation Institution, a network of detention centres linked to the government-backed Special Defence Force. The ICC has expressed concern over Italys handling of the case, reminding the country of its obligation to cooperate fully with the courts prosecutions. David Yambio, a 27-year-old South Sudanese man who was allegedly abused by al-Masri while detained in Mitiga prison between 2019 and 2020, described the release as a deep betrayal. Yambio, now an activist for the Refugees in Libya network, condemned the Italian government and other European nations for their failure to shut down human trafficking hubs. He criticised Italy for allowing al-Masri to escape justice, particularly as victims like him have been waiting for accountability since 2019. The Italian government now faces pressure from opposition parties, human rights activists, and the ICC to explain its decision. Gabon, currently under military administration following the August 2023 coup, will hold a presidential election on April 12, 2025, according to a statement released after a council of ministers meeting. This announcement follows the recent adoption of a new electoral code, which outlines rules for organizing elections across the country. The measure still requires ratification by Gabons Constitutional Court. One of the most contentious aspects of the new electoral code is its provision allowing serving military personnel to be candidates in all political electionsa departure from past regulations. This change could pave the way for General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the officer who led the coup that unseated former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, to compete for a first presidential term. Gabons new constitution, enacted by referendum in November, stipulates a seven-year presidential term, renewable once. The upcoming ballot will mark the countrys transition back to civilian-led governance if it proceeds as planned. Critics, however, voice concern about the militarys deepening role in politics. Some argue that granting uniformed officers the freedom to run for public office endangers the principle of separation between military and civilian domains. International observers will closely watch the lead-up to Aprils vote. Political tensions remain high, and the adoption of the electoral code has reignited debates on democratic norms within Gabon. While supporters view the reforms as necessary to stabilize the country, opponents warn that they might permanently entrench military influence in governance. 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: Heatmaps the AI assessed to make lung disease diagnoses. Credit: Picture sourced from data by COVIDx-US. Artificial Intelligence (AI) could become a radiologist's best friend, with researchers training the technology to accurately diagnose pneumonia, COVID-19 and other lung diseases. The new study by researchers from Charles Darwin University (CDU), United International University, and Australian Catholic University (ACU) describes developing and training an AI model to analyze lung ultrasound videos and diagnose respiratory diseases. The study is published in the journal Frontiers in Computer Science. The model works by examining each video frame to find important features of the lungs and assessing the order of the video frames to understand the patterns of the lungs over time. The model then identifies specific patterns indicating different lung diseases and, based on this information, classifies the ultrasound into a diagnosis category such as normal, pneumonia, COVID-19 and other lung diseases. Co-author and CDU adjunct Associate Professor Niusha Shafiabady said the model had an accuracy of 96.57%, with the AI analyses verified by medical professionals. "The model also uses AI techniques to show radiologists why it made certain decisions, making it easier for them to trust and understand the results," Associate Professor Shafiabady said. The model uses explainable AI, a method which allows human users to understand and trust the results created by machine learning algorithms. "The explainability of the proposed model aims to increase the reliability of this approach," Associate Professor Shafiabady said. "The system shows doctors why it made certain decisions using visuals like heatmaps. This interpretation technique will aid a radiologist in localizing the focus area and improve clinical transparency substantially. "This model helps doctors diagnose lung diseases quickly and accurately, supports their decision-making, saves time, and serves as a valuable training tool." Associate Professor Shafiabady said if fed the appropriate data, the model could be trained to identify more diseases such as tuberculosis, black lung, asthma, cancer, chronic lung disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. The study was led by researchers at United International University in Bangladesh, alongside CDU researchers Dr. Asif Karim, Dr. Sami Azam, Dr. Kheng Cher Yeo, Professor Friso De Boer and Associate Professor Niusha Shafiabady, who is also a researcher at ACU. Potential avenues for research include training the model to assess other imaging, such as CT scans and X-rays. More information: Arefin Ittesafun Abian et al, Automated diagnosis of respiratory diseases from lung ultrasound videos ensuring XAI: an innovative hybrid model approach, Frontiers in Computer Science (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fcomp.2024.1438126 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain For a country with 34,000 kilometers of coastline, it may not come as a surprise that swimming is the most popular form of recreation and physical activity for Australian children aged 0 to 14 years old. Apart from being a great form of exercise, providing opportunities to be outdoors and socialize, swimming is also Australia's most successful Olympic sport. But getting into the water can only really be enjoyable when kids have the skills to enjoy it safely. So, it's concerning that the Royal Life Saving Society Australia 2022 symposium highlighted the number of children aged 8-10 dropping out of swim programs. The Victorian Government has strengthened the place of swimming in the 2.0 Health and Physical Education Curriculum, which includes more explicit achievement standards and resource guides. However, the implementation in schools is still varied and there is no national collection or tracking of data on the success or implementation of school-based swimming programs. Most Australian states have expectations of hours and delivery of school-based swim programs but there is no system to account for students who may not have access, schools who may not be implementing widespread delivery, or not offering swim programs at all. This is a concern with figures suggesting that 40% of students do not reach the minimum national benchmarks upon starting secondary school. The lack of consistency among school-based delivery programs and the collection of data for learn-to-swim evaluations means that key groups of students may still be hindered in meeting these benchmarks. The intention is that every primary school runs a funded swimming program and every family takes it up. Without a consistent method of reporting or data collection, it is unclear if these objectives are being met. The objectives of what young people should know and demonstrate in swimming and water safety are well-defined, but we now need to ensure consistency of swimming capacity at the individual school and student levels. Which students are gaining practical experience? Schools have the flexibility to implement the swimming and water safety curriculum in ways that best suit their context. However, this autonomy means that not every child may experience water-based activities, with some schools still not running a swimming program at all. Victorian primary schools are provided with funding and have explicit expectations upon them to ensure students in Year 6 have developed specific practical skills. The Government's Water Safety Education Policy stipulates that by the end of Year 6, students should have attained the minimum standard of the Victorian Water Safety Certificate, including the ability to swim 50 meters continuously. However, it is difficult to determine which students are getting the practical experience necessary to achieve this in a school-based program. Investment and funding in schools are widely seen as essential for reducing barriers to accessing swimming and water safety. Policymakers acknowledge that school principals play a critical role as gatekeepers, ultimately determining how these resources are allocated. The reality is that the curriculum for swimming and water safety competency is interpreted and implemented in vastly different ways. In Australia, this can vary widely according to the state and whether they are within the government, Catholic or independent sector. Access to practical lessons is not equal The Swimming in Schools initiative provides funding for government and Catholic primary schools, an investment of $AUD 92 million over the next four years to help Victorian children learn to swim. This funding will hopefully help schools overcome key barriers to providing swimming and water safety programs. Some schools are lucky enough to have access to their own swimming pools and qualified instructors, while others may use a local pool within walking distance. The Victorian Department of Education provides funding to schools for swimming lessons but these costs will vary due to the school's need for teacher replacement, extra support staff and proximity to the pool (walking, public transport or bus hire). All of these factors create barriers for schools to overcome when considering a water-based swimming program. Dry swimming lessons and water safety classes are far more cost-effective as they offer schools a way to deliver classroom-based instruction or a one-off excursion. This may be at a location such as a beach with students learning about water safety without actually being in the water. Ideally, schools should combine both classroom-based instruction and practical water activities. Both are vitally important. A 2017 national survey revealed that when swimming lessons are offered, they are taken up by over 85% of families, with an average duration of one to four years. There is still a disparity for families who face significant barriers, particularly from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities where engagement in formal swimming lessons is lower than for children with parents born in Australia and who speak English at home. A cultural understanding of the value of learning to swim is pivotal in supporting children to have the opportunity to swim. There is clear evidence that increased exposure and practice lead to more competent and confident swimming. Most Australian states have subsidies available in the form of vouchers or state-run programs (such as VicSwim) to engage in out-of-school lessons. Developing swimming capacity at every school A 2022 survey found that around a quarter of families cited financial pressure as a reason not to continue with externally provided swimming lessons. Barriers to availability of swim schools, proximity to a pool and socio-economic and cultural barriers also contribute to a lack of engagement in lessons. Schools will develop a swimming program based on what is achievable and prioritized for their own demographic. The makeup of these programs can vary from an intensive one-day immersion program, a beach excursion, a weekly swim lesson for a term or a two-week daily swimming program. The options are diverse, and the VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority) and LSV (Life Saving Victoria) provide various published case studies that illustrate how swimming has been implemented in different schools. The strengthening of curriculum materials, government mandates for competency and funding for schools all have great potential. While the objectives of what young people should know and demonstrate in swimming and water safety are well-defined, we still need consistent development of swimming capacity at the individual school level. Bridging this gap is essential to ensuring every child has the opportunity to acquire these vital life skills. Royal Life Saving Australia has these tips for keeping children aged 5 to 14 years safe in the water: Ensure you actively supervise your child at all times around water Be prepared to get wet and enter the water Continue learn-to-swim lessons with qualified instructors Ensure your children gain supervised experience of different aquatic environments Encourage teenagers to learn water safety and survival skills by enrolling in a Bronze Medallion course Make sure you and other adults model safe behaviors around water Update your CPR skills annually. 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 last duck farm on New York's Long Island is facing an uncertain future after a bird flu outbreak forced the culling of nearly 100,000 ducks. The highly contagious H5N1 avian flu, otherwise known as bird flu, was detected at the farm last week prompting a government-mandated quarantine and disinfection process. "This has spread like wildfire here," Doug Corwin, who is part of the fourth generation of his family to operate Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, which has been open since 1908, told The New York Times. "I have done this all my life, and we are the last of this industry," Corwin said. "It is gut-wrenching. You work your whole life for something, and then one day everything is gone." The farm, which supplies duck to restaurants across the Northeastincluding New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Bostonproduces 3.5% of the ducks sold in the United States. It is also the last remaining duck farm on Long Island, which had 90 farms in the mid-20th century. The Suffolk County Health Department, which confirmed the outbreak on Tuesday, said state and federal officials were conducting "depopulating, cleaning and disinfection activities" at the facility. The risk to humans is still considered low, though transmission is possible for farm workers who handle infected flock, according to Dr. Gregson Pigott, the Suffolk County health commissioner. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 67 human cases of H5N1 since last year, including one death in Louisiana. While Crescent Duck Farm's future is in jeopardy, Corwin said he has some hope for recovery. Government officials have agreed to spare several thousand eggs, which a local hatchery has offered to hatch. This could allow Corwin to preserve the farm's prized genetic strain of ducks, known for their tender meat and meat-to-fat ratio. "The reason I am in still in business is my genetics, and if I can't preserve my genetics, then I am worthless as far as duck farming goes," Corwin told The Times. "My customers are people who use multiple ducks a nightchefs who use duck after duck after duck." However, Corwin said he is hesitant to rebuild unless the U.S. Department of Agriculture approves a vaccine for the virus. "I don't want to go through all of this again," he said. The outbreak has already forced Crescent Duck Farm to lay off 45 of its 75 employees. "I've seen a lot of things in my years, but I haven't seen anything like this," Corwin concluded. More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the current situation of bird flu. 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain During the COVID-19 pandemic, when fentanyl overdoses surged, doctors were desperate to find ways of helping their patients. They knew that buprenorphine could help people stop using opioids, but it was much harder to start the treatment for those who used fentanyl, which lasts longer in the body. Taking buprenorphine while fentanyl is still active can push someone abruptly into withdrawal. So, they started giving patients small doses of the drug over a series of days to slowly build up the drug in their systems until their bodies could handle a higher dose of buprenorphine. Now, doctors at UC San Francisco have tested this microdosing approach, known as low-dose initiation, and found that most of the time it does not work. Of 126 participants, just 34% were able to work up to a full dose of buprenorphine using this new approach. Leslie W. Suen, MD, MAS, the study's first author, said she was disappointed by the results but the findings need to be shared. "This doesn't seem like it's working the way we had hoped," said Suen, an assistant professor at the UCSF Division of General Internal Medicine and an addiction medicine specialist. "But when people expect it to work, and it doesn't work for them, they feel like there's something wrong with them." The study, the largest evaluation of low-dose buprenorphine initiation, appears in JAMA Network Open on Jan. 24. Buprenorphine is the most widely used of the three drugs that are approved to treat opioid use disorder. Other treatments include methadone, which is dispensed through certified treatment clinics, and injectable naltrexone, a longer-acting treatment that is prescribed when a person is no longer physically dependent on opioids. Although buprenorphine is proven effective, the drug is largely underutilized due to a range of issues, including a dearth of physicians trained to prescribe the medication, insurance issues and stigma. Buprenorphine is what's known as a partial opioid agonist, meaning that it works by only partly binding to the receptor that creates the "high" without offering the level of euphoria of stronger opioids. The promise of low-dose initiation Before the introduction of fentanyl, buprenorphine had higher success rates, but starting it often meant that people had to stop their opioid use and experience some withdrawal before taking it. If people had opioids in their bodies and took buprenorphine, they could experience extreme worsening of their withdrawal from the buprenorphine. Because heroin and other opioids leave the body predictably, starting buprenorphine was easy. People could stop their opioids, wait several hours, and then start buprenorphine. But fentanyl is stored longer in the fat cells, and it's harder to predict how long it takes to leave the body. People would stop their opioid use and wait the appropriate amount before starting buprenorphine, but they would still experience precipitated withdrawal from fentanyl. Doctors hoped that slowly introducing the buprenorphine would help reduce the discomfort, and people could stop using fentanyl when they felt ready or once the buprenorphine got to a good dose. The participants were treated at two outpatient substance-use disorder clinics in San Francisco between May 2021 and November 2022. They opted either for seven days of taking low doses of buprenorphine before getting up to an optimal dose (dosing two or three times a day), or four days of treatment (dosing four times a day). Taking different doses can be confusing, so the researchers gave them the medication in a bubble pack to help them manage their treatment. At follow-up visits, 38% of those with the four-day regimen achieved successful buprenorphine initiation and 28% were successful on the seven-day protocol, for an overall success rate of 34%. Overall, 22% stayed on the drug for at least 28 days. Repeated attempts yielded lower rates of success than the first attempt. Suen said the findings indicate that more options are needed to support people initiating buprenorphine. She and her fellow researchers are already involved in a follow-up study to determine why this promising approach is proving to be less effective than hoped. 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: An abortion- rights activist holds a box of mifepristone pills as demonstrators from both anti-abortion and abortion-rights groups rally outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades, File A new study suggests that a pill used for emergency contraception could be repurposed at a higher dose as an abortion drug, providing a possible alternative to mifepristone, one of the two drugs used in the most common type of abortion in the United States. Mifepristone has been under attack by abortion opponents, with several states seeking in federal court to restrict its use. Now used in two-thirds of U.S. abortions, mifepristone blocks a hormone needed to sustain a pregnancy. It's typically used with misoprostol, which causes contractions and bleeding. In the study, 133 women who were up to nine weeks' pregnant took a 60 milligram dose of ulipristal acetate, the active ingredient in the prescription contraceptive Ella, followed by misoprostol 24 hours later. For 97% of them, that drug combo was effective at inducing an abortion, an effectiveness equal to the mifepristone-misoprostol combination. Four women needed a procedure or an additional medication to complete the abortion. The 60 milligram dose of ulipristal used in the study is twice the dose of Ella, a prescription drug used for emergency contraception. The company that makes Ella says on its website that it won't end an existing pregnancy. It can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. The findings, published Thursday in the journal NEJM Evidence, may make emergency contraception a target of abortion opponents. "I'm really worried that these results could be misapplied by anti-abortion activists to try to further their assault on contraception," said Dr. Daniel Grossman of the University of California, San Francisco, who wrote an accompanying editorial in the journal. Grossman praised the study but said more research is needed on ulipristal as an abortion drug before doctors would prescribe it routinely for that use. Lead author Dr. Beverly Winikoff, president of Gynuity Health Projects, a not-for-profit research group, said women need information about ulipristal, especially with mifepristone challenged in court. "At least now we would have an alternative," Winikoff said. "I think it's better to have more things that you could use." More information: Beverly Winikoff et al, A Proof-of-Concept Study of Ulipristal Acetate for Early Medication Abortion, NEJM Evidence (2025). DOI: 10.1056/EVIDoa2400209 Daniel Grossman, New Data on Ulipristal Acetate and Misoprostol for Medication Abortion A Step Forward?, NEJM Evidence (2025). DOI: 10.1056/EVIDe2400460 , evidence.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/EVIDe2400460 Journal information: NEJM Evidence 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 A health organization created in the wake of World War II to fight disease across the planet is losing its biggest donor, the United States. Critical of the World Health Organization's handling of the COVID pandemic, President Donald Trump signed an order Monday for the U.S. to withdraw from the organization that helps track outbreaks of disease around the globe and provides research and resources for fighting everything from tuberculosis to maternal mortality. Northeastern University experts in global and public health describe what the WHO is, who pays for it and the impact a U.S. withdrawal will have on the health of Americans and others. Not a household name Headquartered in Geneva, the World Health Organization may not be a household name like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) but it's been around for nearly 80 years. "The World Health Organization is an international agency that was set up back in 1948 by U.N. member states to set global health policies and priorities," says Aleksandra Jakubowski, an assistant professor in health sciences and economics at Northeastern. "It helps us figure out where to allocate our resources, both in terms of research and funding allocations," she says. It also uses a global network of disease surveillance to determine "where we really need to focus more of our attention to help the communities that are most affected." WHO researchers and contacts respond to outbreaks of ebola, malaria, tuberculosis and HIV and, most recently, Marburg disease in Tanzania. Smallpox eradication is probably one of WHO's best known achievements, Jakubowski says. The US is WHO's biggest donor There are two types of contributions to the WHOmandatory contributions by member nations and voluntary donations by countries and organizations such as the Gates Foundation, says Richard Wamai, a Northeastern assistant professor of public health. Mandatory contributions "are determined based on the population size of a country as well as countries' GDP (gross domestic product)," Jakubowski says. "The U.S. has a very large population, and we are the wealthiest nation. So that's why we pay a lot in member fees," she says. According to Reuters, the U.S. was responsible for 22% of mandatory contributions to the WHO during the two-year period from 2024 to 2025, with China coming in second at about 16%. When it comes to overall fundingvoluntary and mandatorythe overall U.S. contribution comes to 18%. The WHO's most recent two-year budget is $6.8 billion, according to Reuters. The U.S. withdrawal "would be a lot of funding (for WHO) to make up for," Jakubowski says. Without a change of heart or massive infusion of private dollars, "The alternative is that the WHO budget just gets a lot slimmer," she says. The impact on infectious disease surveillance "And that means we are much less able to track diseases," Jakubowski says. "We're going to lose our ability to tap into this really large surveillance system, which is going to diminish our ability to respond to pandemics, for example." "It's almost impossible to envision a scenario where the U.S. is isolated from the consequences of leaving the World Health Organization," says Neil Maniar, director of Northeastern's master of public health program. "We live in a globalized, very connected society. So what happens in one part of the world impacts other parts of the world, including the United States," he says. "One of the strengths of our global public health system is the fact that it is a largely coordinated global public health system and this is because of organizations like the World Health Organization," Maniar says. "When you start to pull players, major players like the United States, out of that system, it has a ripple effect and significant impacts," he says. "The CDC will continue to do its work. Other countries will continue to do their work. One of my main concerns is that the lines of communication are going to be broken or at least significantly impacted," Maniar says. "Data sharing, sharing of best practices, being able to respond quickly and effectivelyI think those are areas that could potentially be impacted by this," he says. 'Soft power' "There's a lot of soft power that's being generated by the generous (contributions) that the U.S. sends," Jakubowski says. "It creates a lot of goodwill toward the U.S. because we are seen as a benevolent nation that is sharing our wealth with those less fortunate in order to quite literally save lives." "It helps us when it comes to negotiating treaties or international deals because other countries really respect us and value us," Jakubowski says. "Withdrawing from the WHO could potentially hurt the U.S. in its foreign policy with countries in sub-Saharan Africa because we could be giving up some of our influence in a region where experts already worry about the growing influence of China," she says. Many countries depend upon WHO to set norms and standards when it comes to best practices and therapeutic regimens, Wamai says. An expert in the neglected tropical disease visceral leishmaniasis, Wamai says the WHO recently approved a medication that helps reduce treatment days, which cleared the way for health providers in many countries to provide the oral treatment, miltefosine. "You can imagine many countries would need this drug," Wamai says. "WHO-level approval means they don't need to do their own (drug) trials." Twelve months to go On paper, the U.S. has one year to live up to its obligation before the Trump administration can officially cease contributions to WHO. "Leaving the World Health Organization is something that President Trump wanted to do during his first administration and didn't have a chance to because you need that one-year notification period," Maniar says. "So it's not surprising that this is one of the first moves that he made," he says. Reuters says Trump attempted to quit in his first term in 2020 after accusing the WHO of helping China "mislead the world" about COVID's originsan allegation denied by WHO officials. Before the withdrawal could be completed, President Joe Biden halted the process on his first day in office. This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A proposed ban on formaldehyde in chemical hair straightening productslinked to cancer and other health riskshas hit a roadblock after an executive order from President Donald Trump paused all new regulations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been considering banning formaldehyde and ingredients that release formaldehyde when heated from chemical hair straighteners. This comes after years of studies linking the chemical to cancers disproportionately affecting Black women. Originally scheduled to finalize the decision by April 2024, the FDA then moved its target date to September 2024. The delay has sparked concern among health advocates and organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which has pushed for a formaldehyde ban in hair products since 2008. "Near the end of 2016, the FDA was prepared to ban it, there were scientists on the record saying, 'let's just ban the ingredient,'" Melanie Benesh, EWGs vice president of government affairs, told NBC News. But momentum faded during Trump's first administration in 2017, and the new executive order now places the proposal on hold once again. Several states, including Maryland, California and Washington, have already banned formaldehyde in hair products, and Benesh hopes more states will follow suit in the absence of federal regulation. She expressed some optimism that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, may prioritize the issue. Meanwhile, thousands of women have joined a federal class action lawsuit against the makers of chemical hair relaxers, claiming the products have caused cancers of the uterus and breast as well as other health problems. A federal judge has set deadlines for moving the case forward later this year. The FDA is not required by U.S. law to approve cosmetic products or their ingredients before they are sold, other than certain additives. More information: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) has more on formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. 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: Ph.D. student Shloka Negi analyzes long-read sequencing data in the UC Santa Cruz Computational Genomics lab. Credit: Shloka Negi, University of California - Santa Cruz One in every 10 people worldwide is impacted by a rare genetic disease but about 50% of them remain undiagnosed despite rapid increases in genetic technology and testing. Even when a person does have access to testing, the process of getting a diagnosis can take about five years or more, which is sometimes too late for patients, who are often children, to start the right treatment. This is partly because current clinical testing uses a method called short-read sequencing, which cannot access information in certain regions of the genome and so may miss crucial evidence to help make a diagnosis. But UC Santa Cruz researchers are pushing forward research on a cutting-edge alternative method, called long-read sequencing, which can provide a more comprehensive dataset for finding variation, eliminate the need for multiple specialized tests, and streamline the diagnosis of rare diseases. A new study shows that long-read sequencing has the potential to improve the rate of diagnosis while reducing the time to diagnosis from years to daysin a single test and at a much lower cost. The study was published in The American Journal of Human Genetics and led by core members of the UCSC Genomics Institute Professor of Biomolecular Engineering (BME) Benedict Paten and Associate Professor of BME Karen Miga, as well as former UCSC postdoctoral scholar Jean Monlong. "Rare diseases are something that people have been struggling to diagnose for so many years, and if we have a sequencing technology which streamlines diagnostic testing, I think that will be a huge contributionand that is what we tested as part of this paper," said Shloka Negi, a UC Santa Cruz BME Ph.D. student who is the paper's first author. "Today, the diagnostic yield of genetic sequencing is frustratingly low," Paten said. "One likely cause is the incomplete sequencing methods used in clinical practice. In this work, we test the hypothesis that new, more comprehensive long-read sequencing can generate additional information useful for genetic diagnosis. "We were excited to discover numerous additional potentially interesting genetic variants and epigenetic signals in our cohort. While it is still early days, there is great promise in this information, and it will take time for the community to interpret and fully understand much of this new information." Finding rare disease This study focused on rare monogenic diseases, which are those caused by a disruption to a single gene. Scientists diagnose genetic diseases by searching through their genetic material to find variantsdifferences in a gene that may prevent it from functioning properly. The typical approach for finding these variants uses a technique called short-read sequencing, which reads the genetic base pairscombinations of adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T)in sequences of about 150250 at a time. The limitation of short-read sequencing, however, is that it can miss crucial information in certain regions of the genome, like patterns of base pairs that are much longer than just 250 base pairs. It also can't perform "phasing," the process of determining which variants are inherited from the mother and which are from the father. This can help clinicians discover from whom variants are inherited; for example, if two variants are inherited from the same parent, one from each parent, or not inherited at all. This can be a very useful piece of information for genetic diagnoses, especially when parental data is not available. In contrast, long-read sequencing can read lengthy stretches of DNA at once, eliminating gaps that may lead scientists and clinicians to miss important information about gene variation. Long-read sequencing also provides direct phasing data as well as information about methylation, a chemical process in DNA that causes genes to be "turned on or off," and can contribute to disease. "Long-read sequencing is going to be a lot better in certain cases, and we are taking steps to prove that," Negi said. Leading in methods UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute researchers have a rich history of innovation and expertise in long-read sequencing and are actively developing methods to optimize sequencing and analysis for a wide range of health research applications. Many of the techniques researchers developed to achieve feats, such as the first truly complete "telomere-to-telomere" reference genome, are now being used to improve patient outcomes. "Reinforcing earlier findings, we found that the benefits of using long-read sequencing were increased substantially by using a complete, so-called 'telomere-to-telomere' reference genome in place of the existing incomplete but widely used genomic reference," Miga said. "We anticipate that pangenomesreferences that represent diverse human variationwill extract even more benefit from new long-read sequencing technologies." Paten and Miga's labs partnered with clinicians to work on the cases of 42 patients with rare diseasessome of whom received a diagnosis via short-read methods or other specialized testing, and some of whom were still undiagnosed. In some cases, the researchers had access to parental genetic information, but in others, they did not. Long-read sequencing of the patients was led by the Miga Lab using nanopore sequencing, a method for long-read sequencing pioneered at UCSC, to achieve highly accurate, end-to-end reads of the patients' genomes for about $1,000 per sample. The genomic data was analyzed using computational methods developed in Paten's lab to find small and large variants, phasing data, and methylation data, all using one pipeline called the Napu pipeline. The analysis process takes around a day or less, depending on the computer processing speed, and costs $100. Solving cases After sequencing and analyzing the patient data, the researchers found that long-reads provided a more exhaustive dataset as compared to what can be derived with short-read sequencing. Long-read sequencing delivered conclusive diagnosis for 11 of the 42 patients in the cohort, providing everything that was known from the short-read data as well as additional information, including additional rare candidate variants, long-range phasing, and methylationall in a single, cost-efficient, and rapid protocol. The 11 diagnosed cases included four of congenital adrenal hypoplasia (a rare condition where the adrenal glands are enlarged and fail to function properly). The gene responsible for this disease is in a particularly challenging region of the genomeit can't be characterized with short read sequencing technology, and the current clinical test is cumbersome and incomplete. "To solve these cases, we developed a new pangenomic tool that integrates new high-quality assemblies like the 'telomere-to-telomere' reference genome," said Monlong, who began this project as a postdoctoral scholar in Paten's lab and continued in his current position at INSERM in France. "We were excited to see that we could find and phase the pathogenic variants of all four patients suffering from this disease in our cohort. In the future, it might offer a rapid and comprehensive clinical test. We know many rare diseases involve regions of the human genome that have been historically difficult to study, so our results encourage us to extend our approach to more of those diseases that have been at a standstill for a long time." In addition, two cases involved disorders of sex development, while one rare case of Leydig cell hypoplasia affected male sexual development due to underdeveloped Leydig cells in the testes. Additionally, four cases of neurodevelopmental disorders, each representing long and challenging diagnostic odysseys, were finally resolved. "Long read sequencing is likely the next best test for unsolved cases with either compelling variants in a single gene or a clear phenotype," Negi said. "It can serve as a single diagnostic test, reducing the need for multiple clinical visits and transforming a years-long diagnostic journey into a matter of hours." On average, each patient had 280 genes (including some Mendelian disease genes, which are linked to inherited disorders caused by single-gene mutations) with significant protein-coding regions uniquely covered by long reads and undetected by short reads. "There's so much more of the genome that the long reads can unlock," Negi said. "But, it will take some time until we can fully interpret this new information revealed by long reads. This data has been absent from our clinical databases, which were built using short-read analysis and mapping to the standard reference. "We showed that long reads are uncovering about 5.8% more of the telomere-to-telomere genome that short reads simply couldn't access." Other UC Santa Cruz researchers involved in this research include Brandy McNulty, Ivo Violich, Joshua Gardner, Todd Hillaker, and Sara O'Rourke. The U.S. Postal Service in Missoula has had a problem with hiring and retaining enough staff to keep up with the workload for much of the last few years and that has led to workers being burdened with 80-hour work weeks, fatigue behind the wheel, burnout and stress. That's according to several current and former rural letter carriers who recently spoke to the Missoulian on the condition that their names not be used. "You're working 60-80 hours a week and driving for most of it," said one worker. "It takes a lot of mental fortitude. It does get really taxing. You're driving at night, you're driving on icy roads, you work in the dark and snow." That worker said that since they spend a lot of time during the day on foot, they were told by management that they don't technically surpass federal limits on the number of hours a person can drive during the day. All in all, it doesn't appear as if there's been much improvement since late 2023, when several workers in Missoula told the Missoulian that there had been lots of staff turnover, people were working as many as 80 hours per week and there was poor morale. The issues had led several community members to complain about long delays for getting mail in the Missoula area, and Montana's former and current U.S. senators have expressed concern over the issue. Herschel Howard, the Idaho, Montana and Oregon district representative for the National Rural Letter Carriers Association, said the union is in the midst of bargaining for a new contract and he has heard a lot of complaints about long hours and understaffing. "Nationally, the Post Office is having a hard time hiring and yes, carriers are seeing well over 40-hour workweeks back to back," Howard said. "They need to address their deficiencies in hiring and retention." In response to questions from the Missoulian, USPS strategic communications specialist Sherry Patterson responded with a statement. She didn't dispute the assertion that some employees, including rural letter carriers who drive for long hours, were working 60-80 hours a week. "The Postal Service is working to hire employees to fill our vacancy needs in the Missoula area to ensure staffing is complete to provide mail delivery services to our customers," the statement read. "Like many businesses, we face hiring and retention challenges. To meet these challenges, we continue to offer positions with competitive pay, benefits, and a path to a long and successful career with the Postal Service." In the last year, Patterson said, Missoula has hired 10 new employees and Missoula currently has three vacant positions posted. "All Post Office locations, including Missoula, have skilled, experienced management in place overseeing the day-to-day operations and using every available resource at their disposal to overcome staffing issues," Patterson said. "This includes maximizing the utilization of our employees within the guidelines of their contractual and collective bargaining agreements." That last sentence was confirmed by the current and former employees, who all said that their union, the National Rural Letter Carriers Association, was unable to do much in the way of preventing them from working 60-80 hours a week under the current contract. Of course, people are free to resign and seek employment elsewhere. That's exactly what one person who spoke to the Missoulian did. Another two workers said they have remained on the job for various reasons and are hoping the working conditions improve. "Management is really good at false hope," one worker said. "They keep saying things are taking a turn, things are finally turning around. But that never lasts long enough to do anything." One worker estimated that 40-50 rural letter carriers have been hired and then left USPS since the spring of 2021. "They really use and abuse new people," the worker said. "It really sucks as a new hire. They're working them more than they should. But there's nothing in our contract that protects new people and the amount of hours they work." That worker said the long hours take a toll on mental health and personal relationships outside of work. "The political season (in 2024) was hellish," the worker said. "There was a disgusting amount of mail constantly. It's a little better now." Another worker said rural letter carriers are often working six days a week and then are often asked to cover a shift on a seventh day. "It's dangerous," the worker said. "You get drowsy behind the wheel sometimes." On Oct. 31 last year, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy expressing his concern about numerous complaints from constituents across Montana who had yet to receive their ballots, with Election Day only five days away. According to the U.S. Postal Service's guidelines, voters in Missoula County and elsewhere were encouraged to mail their ballots by Oct. 29 in order to ensure they were received by the Elections Office in time to be counted by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. Daines also said that some constituents reported that their ballots were sitting in postal facilities hundreds of miles away from their destination for several days. "Many rural Montanans may live many miles from the nearest polling location or may face inclement weather and treacherous roads on Election Day," Daines wrote in the letter. "While I appreciate the efforts of local clerks and carriers who are working longer hours to help process the increased mail load at this important time, I urge you to resolve the issues my constituents raised so they can exercise their Constitutional right to vote in this consequential election." The Postal Service had at one point finalized a plan to eliminate some outgoing mail processing in Missoula and instead have that work occur in Spokane. However, those plans have been indefinitely delayed. Patterson, the USPS spokesperson, said there is nothing new to report as far as whether there's been a decision on moving any processing to Spokane. The federal government under recently inaugurated President Donald Trump has ordered federal employees to report on co-workers they suspect of engaging in so-called DEI, or diversity, equity and inclusion, efforts within the government. The move left some employees uneasy about the future of their jobs and fearful of retaliation, even if they are uninvolved in DEI programs. The message was sent on Wednesday to federal employees, including thousands in Montana alone at agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management and their Cabinet-level departments, Agriculture and Interior, respectively, as well as the Justice Department. It came in the form of an emailed message. Some messages were signed "Walter Cruickshank, Acting Secretary of the Interior," for example. An unsigned message sent to Forest Service employees came simply from "The Office of the Secretary" of the Department of Agriculture. The messages noted that recent executive orders by Trump had ended all DEI offices, programs and trainings in the government, and it gave employees 10 days to inform on co-workers suspected of trying to "disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language." Workers were instructed to report information about DEI "or similar ideologies" among their fellow employees to a newly created email address within the federal Office of Personnel Management: DEIAtruth@opm.gov. Agencies across the government began purging DEI offices, programs and personnel on Wednesday in response to the orders. "There will be no adverse consequences for timely reporting this information," the USDA version read, according to multiple copies verified by the Missoulian. "However, failure to report this information within 10 days may result in adverse consequences." The New York Times reported Wednesday night that messages in other areas of government, such as the Department of Homeland Security, stated that failure to report "will result" in adverse consequences. The BBC reported Thursday that the Treasury Department email did not warn of "adverse consequences." Some messages also contained the sentence, "These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars and resulted in shameful discrimination." The USDA version did not contain that language. The Department of Interior version, received by BLM employees, did contain that language. The Interior version also noted that all DEI-related trainings "must be canceled," that supervisors should prevent employees from attending external DEI training, and that all DEI-related job openings would be terminated. Supporters of DEI efforts have said for years that the efforts do not replace merit-based hiring and promotion, but instead focus on reducing institutional barriers and biases faced by demographic groups who are traditionally underrepresented in the federal workforce. But many conservatives, particularly within the Trump-led MAGA movement and his new administration, cast DEI efforts as a harmful form of social engineering that sorts and values individuals based on their identities, rather than their fitness for a job. "Affirmative action and woke DEI programs are racism in disguise," Yukong Mike Zhao, president of the Asian American Coalition for Education, said in a supportive statement about Trump's orders on DEI. Zhao's group supported the ultimately successful lawsuit against Harvard University that in 2023 ended affirmative action in college admissions. On Thursday, federal employees across Montana described being caught off guard by the request to inform on colleagues, and especially by the threat of "adverse consequences" for failure to do so. The current federal workers who spoke to the Missoulian did so separately from one another, and all of them requested anonymity because they feared retaliation from the federal government for discussing the matter. All of them said they had never previously seen anything like the message during their years of federal employment, in some cases decades, under presidents of both major parties. "I was completely shocked, and it feels like something from a dystopian novel. The email address itself is something that feels so outrageous, along with, of course, the rest of the content of the email," said a Montana-based employee of the Department of Justice, which employs a few hundred people in the state across various agencies and offices. "Its really horrifying, and its scary that theyre premising compliance on keeping your job, essentially." The DOJ employee said they weren't sure how the DEI message was affecting their workplace because staff hadn't discussed it much: "Were not supposed to talk about politics at work, and it feels like those things are intertwined a bit at times." A longtime Forest Service employee, who has worked more than 25 years at the agency in Montana, said their initial reaction upon reading the email was, "What the f--- is this?" "I see it as its almost like a bullying threat, is kind of the impression I got out of it," they said. "I see it as just a scare-tactic bullying email." The employee has worked for the federal government under both Republican and Democrat presidents. They said they had "never" seen anything like Wednesday's message, and that the order felt "unusual." Another Forest Service employee in Montana who has worked for the agency for more than 20 years said the paragraph about "adverse consequences" seemed threatening and was unusual for an official communication to employees. It was also very strange, they said, that the USDA message was not signed. The employee said they'd be surprised if "some weird little factions in the Forest Service" were doing anything to continue DEI efforts in secret: "I'm not sure who has time for that." Nonetheless, they said, "There's just kind of a collective weird dread feeling at work right now. It's weird. It's weird times for sure." The other employee, with more than 25 years with the agency, said they had no connection to programs or people in the Forest Service that could be perceived as involved with DEI, but they nonetheless felt they would face consequences if they discussed Wednesday's message under their own name. "If I put my name on this interview and then that circulated through," they worried, "then that would probably spark some sort of retaliation and some sort of adverse action against my employment. Its schoolyard-bully sort of stuff but at an executive level. It is f---ed up, is what it is." They said that just over 20 years ago, early in their career, they experienced some situations at the Forest Service where they felt they, as a white male, were slowed in progressing upward in their career because they were steered into an entry-level apprentice program alongside "diversity" hires, despite already having years of experience. "If you were a white male and you wanted to be in western Montana," they said, "thats how you had to get a permanent job." But for years recently, the person said, "its gone back to hiring the candidate who was the best fit." And they were uneasy about the message sent down on Wednesday: "I think its going to be an interesting next four years for anyone working in a federal agency." The move to turn federal workers into potential informants on each other was ordered in a Jan. 21 memo from the federal Office of Personnel Management issued to all federal departments and agencies on how to carry out Trump's orders on DEI. In addition to providing a template for the message to all employees, the memo from Trump-appointee Charles Ezell, the acting director of OPM, directed acting and confirmed agency and department heads to immediately place all DEI-related employees on paid leave, and to take down all "outward-facing" media, like websites or social media, related to DEI. Cancellation of all DEI trainings and contracts was also ordered in the memo. Easy firings On Jan. 20, the day Trump was inaugurated as president, OPM issued a memo aimed at building a catalog of federal employees who were hired in the past one or two years and thus still on probationary periods. Such employees, the memo noted, "can be terminated during that period without triggering appeal rights." The memo ordered officials compiling the lists to "promptly determine whether those employees should be retained." Lists of the workers were due back to the office by Jan. 24. Current and former federal employees who spoke to the Missoulian, including a former high-ranking official from the Biden administration, all said they viewed the memo as a move by the Trump administration to identify the federal employees who are the easiest to fire. Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi has defended her recent comments suggesting government critics should leave Kenya. Speaking during a church service in Dagoretti North on January 12, Elachi criticized individuals she accused of disrespecting President William Ruto. In her address, delivered in Swahili, Elachi remarked, Foreigners say Kenya is a good country, but Kenyans complain about how bad it is. If Kenya is so bad, why not leave? Why stay in a place you consider bad? Disappear. If you cannot leave, remember this is your country, and you have nowhere else to go. Let us protect our country and respect the president. Her comments sparked widespread criticism, with many Kenyans viewing them as dismissive and tone-deaf. During a January 23 interview on Spice FM, Elachi clarified her remarks, stating they had been taken out of context. She argued that translating her Swahili statement into English had changed its intended meaning. I spoke in Swahili, and the context changes entirely in English. If youre going to critique something, provide the full context, not just the first line, she explained. Elachi added that her message was a caution to young Kenyans about the impact of their social media posts, which she claimed could harm Kenyas global image and limit future opportunities. Countries do not want to be associated with us because of our disrespect and insults. For example, many have been denied U.S. visas because of protests by Kenyans abroad. In the region, even President Suluhu is hesitant to accommodate young people aged 38 and below, she noted. While encouraging accountability, Elachi urged citizens to address government shortcomings respectfully. What we put out there has dire consequences at an international level. While we should call out the government, we must do it respectfully, she said. Detectives in Nyali Sub-County arrested three suspects involved in a violent robbery targeting Russian tourists. The suspects, identified as Mutegi Mbeti, Dickson Otwera Tunya, and Humphrey Nyairo Nyachwaya, were apprehended at a bnb in Badar House, Mwembeni area after a thorough investigation linked them to the crime. On January 19, 2025, the trio posed as short-term hosts on a popular online platform, to lure two Russian nationals into a trap. Once the victims arrived, the suspects brandished weapons and demanded KES.2.5 million. Police investigations revealed that the suspects coerced the victims into transferring 1,986,410 Russian Rubles online and surrendering additional cash1,500 Russian Rubles, 120 Dirhams, and KES. 45,000. Further investigations revealed the suspects operate a sophisticated online dating scam, targeting foreign nationals. They work with international accomplices to funnel funds into foreign accounts, complicating the money trail. The suspects appeared before the Chief Magistrates Court in Shanzu, where detectives secured a three-day extension to conclude their inquiries. The case will be mentioned today, January 24, 2025. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat organized crime targeting tourists in Kenya. Visitors are urged to remain vigilant when booking accommodations online. The High Commission of Kenya in Kuala Lumpur has issued a stern warning to Kenyans traveling to Malaysia, urging them to avoid falling victim to fraudulent job offers. In a statement released on Thursday, January 23, the Commission revealed that unscrupulous recruitment agencies are exploiting Malaysias 30-day visa-free entry policy to lure Kenyans into traveling under false pretenses. The Commission reported an increase in cases where Kenyans, after being promised employment, found themselves stranded and without jobs in Malaysia. The attention of the High Commission has been drawn to the recent surge in the number of Kenyans being lured to Malaysia with the promise of job opportunities that do not exist, the statement read. Unscrupulous agencies and individuals are taking advantage of the 30-day visa-free entry, leaving unsuspecting travelers stranded, with the added burden of return ticket costs and overstay fines. The High Commission stressed that Kenyas visa-free entry into Malaysia is a bilateral arrangement based on reciprocity, emphasizing the importance for travelers to understand the limits of this policy. To protect themselves, the Commission urged job seekers to conduct thorough research and verify job offers before making any travel decisions. Kenyans who plan to stay in Malaysia for more than 30 days were advised to apply for a valid visa to avoid overstaying and facing legal consequences. Any case of overstaying is an offense under the Immigration Act, and if arrested, the individual could face up to six months of imprisonment or a fine, as determined by the court, the Commission warned. The High Commission also reassured Kenyans that it remains available to assist in verifying job opportunities in Malaysia or other countries of accreditation. Many Kenyans are traveling to Malaysia, attracted by the countrys visa-free entry policy, which has opened up opportunities for leisure and business. The recent launch of direct flights between Nairobi and Kuala Lumpur has further improved travel convenience between the two nations. A Nairobi court has granted police 21 days to detain John Kiama Wambua, 29, who is accused of brutally murdering and dismembering his 19-year-old wife, Joy Fridah Munani, just three weeks after their marriage. Officers on a routine patrol arrested Wambua on January 20 near Kelly Towers in Huruma. Officers became suspicious of his nervous behavior and a heavy backpack, which contained mutilated human remains. The suspect, a carpenter, reportedly confessed to the crime on the spot, leading authorities to his home in the Kasonova area, where they recovered additional body parts and a blood-soaked knife. Investigators described the crime scene as horrendous. Prosecutor Judy Koech revealed that preliminary findings suggest the murder followed a confrontation in which Wambua allegedly found his wife with another man. Senior Principal Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe expressed alarm over the rising cases of femicide, urging thorough investigations. Wambua, who appeared subdued in court, nodded in agreement to the 21-day detention but refused to further explain his actions. Police continue to search for missing body parts as investigations proceed. DCI officer Kassim Yakub of Starehe Sub-County informed the court that the suspect will face charges of murder under Section 203, as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code, Cap 63, Laws of Kenya. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has called for the prosecution of at least 10 politicians accused of promoting hate speech, particularly on social media. NCIC Vice Chairperson Wambui Nyutu revealed that the Commission had concluded investigations into lawmakers such as Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Farah Maalim (Dadaab), and Dan Wanyama (Webuye West). The Commission has since forwarded their files to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for further action. We have over 10 politicians, including Farah Maalim, Dan Wanyama, and Oscar Sudi, who have been using inflammatory language that could incite Kenyans. Investigations are complete, and the files have been submitted to the DCI. If arrests, charges, and prosecutions follow, this will mark significant progress, Nyutu said during a press briefing. NCIC Concern Over Rise in Hate Speech Separately, NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia, alongside other commissioners, held a press conference on Thursday, January 23, to raise concerns about the escalating divisive rhetoric among political leaders. The Commission warned that such behavior threatens the nations unity, with over two years remaining before the General Election. Political leaders, they noted, continue to engage in harmful verbal attacks against one another. We are deeply alarmed by the rise in divisive rhetoric bordering on hate speech and ethnic contempt. This concerning trend has proliferated across social media platforms and public rallies in recent weeks, NCIC stated. Kobia stressed the urgency of restoring order and decorum among leaders. These utterances have no place in Kenya. We demand an immediate return to civility in political discourse, he said. The Commission further cautioned against the misuse of social media, emphasizing that Article 33 of the 2010 Constitution, while guaranteeing freedom of expression, does not protect incitement to violence, hate speech, or ethnic incitement. Citing Sections 13 (1) (a) and 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act 2008, NCIC reiterated that the law firmly protects the rights of all Kenyans, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or political backgrounds. Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Thursday, January 23, arrested Rongo MP Paul Abuor for questioning over allegations of graft. The arrest followed coordinated raids at the lawmakers rural home in Homa Bay County and his residence in Nairobi. EACC officers simultaneously searched various properties linked to Abuor in the two counties as part of their investigation into misuse of public funds. In an official statement, the EACC confirmed the operations success. EACC confirms that today, Thursday, 23rd January 2025, the Commission conducted a successful investigative operation targeting the Member of Parliament (MP) for Rongo Constituency, Paul Odalo Mark, who is under investigation for alleged conflict of interest and theft of public funds, the statement read. The investigation focuses on tenders worth Ksh 122 million awarded by the Rongo National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) to companies associated with the MP between the 2017/2018 and 2024/2025 financial years. According to preliminary findings, MP Abuor and his associate, Christopher Nelson Abuor, registered a private company, Aztec Infrastructure Kenya Ltd, listing themselves as directors. The EACC revealed that the company has conducted business with the Rongo NG-CDF, providing services such as classroom construction and borehole drilling. To date, the company has received Ksh 122 million, with the MP serving as the sole signatory to its bank account, EACC stated, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and potential embezzlement. The commission also disclosed another questionable transaction involving a company called Jebset Holdings Limited, registered under Abuors Personal Assistant. The assistant, listed as the sole director and account signatory, received Ksh 19.6 million from the Rongo NG-CDF. Abuors Bill Against Corruption Ironically, MP Abuor has sponsored a Bill proposing stricter penalties for misuse of public funds. The proposed amendments to the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, 2025, include the creation of project-specific bank accounts to ensure transparency in development projects. Under the Bill, public servants found guilty of diverting funds face penalties amounting to 150% of the misused amount, immediate suspension, potential dismissal, and up to five years in prison. Speaking at a press conference on January 20, Abuor stated, The officer shall be liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years upon conviction. Investigations into the allegations against Abuor are ongoing. Read More on Abuors Bill HERE: New Bill Proposes Project-Specific Accounts and Harsher Penalties for Corruption The government has unveiled the National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU), a specialized police division created to support chiefs in carrying out operations across Kenya. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen officially launched the unit on Friday, January 24, during a ceremony in Kwale. Murkomen, accompanied by Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, also unveiled the Administration Police Service Roadmap to Service Delivery Revitalization (20252028) as part of broader efforts to improve governance and law enforcement at the grassroots level. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had earlier outlined plans to allocate police officers to all 3,950 chiefs and their 9,043 assistants nationwide. The move aims to strengthen chiefs ability to enforce law and order in their jurisdictions. We are reorganizing collaboration between National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and the police to ensure every chief has officers to assist in maintaining law and order, Kindiki noted. He also emphasized striking a balance between empowering chiefs and ensuring they adhere to service charters and avoid engaging in partisan politics. NGAPUs Role and Mandate The NGAPU, now the newest unit within the Administration Police Service (APS), will play a crucial role in bolstering the work of NGAOs. The units responsibilities include: Providing security during high-risk operations such as resolving land disputes and combating illicit alcohol and drug abuse. Supporting NGAOs in conflict resolution and peace-building efforts. Offering protective security at government premises and public events such as barazas. Collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to address coordinated security challenges. Assisting in the enforcement of laws and national policies to enhance public safety. Additionally, NGAPU officers will be tasked with apprehending suspects, preserving evidence, and ensuring compliance with national directives. The NGAPU will operate under the Deputy Inspector General of APS and maintain its headquarters in Nairobi. It will also have regional and local formations, ensuring a comprehensive presence at county, sub-county, and locational levels. APS already oversees several specialized units, including the Rapid Deployment Unit, Border Patrol Unit, and Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit. NGAPU joins this lineup, marking a significant step in strengthening Kenyas security framework. With NGAPU in place, chiefs are expected to perform their duties more effectively, supported by a dedicated team of officers. This initiative reflects the governments commitment to maintaining law and order while ensuring NGAOs deliver their mandates competently and impartially. As the unit takes shape, the focus will be on fostering collaboration, enhancing service delivery, and addressing security challenges at the grassroots level. The government's tax collections are expected to remain healthy in the financial year 2025-26 (FY26), according to a report by CareEdge Ratings. Gross tax revenue is projected to grow by 10.4 per cent, slightly higher than the estimated nominal GDP growth of 10.3 per cent. This would result in a tax buoyancy of 1 for the year. It said "Tax Collections to Remain Healthy in FY26, Gross tax revenue is expected to grow by 10.4 per cent, marginally higher than expected nominal GDP growth of 10.3 per cent in FY26". The report highlighted that direct tax collections may grow at a slower pace in FY26 due to lower income tax collections, likely caused by potential tax relief measures. For FY26, the net tax revenue is estimated at Rs 28.2 trillion, with gross tax revenue at Rs 41.4 trillion. The projections underline the importance of sustained economic recovery and effective revenue measures in achieving fiscal goals. However, corporate tax collections are expected to rise by 11.4 per cent, driven by recovery in economic growth. Overall, direct tax revenue is projected to grow by 9.6 per cent to Rs 23.3 trillion. The report also stated that the Indirect tax revenue is anticipated to grow by 11.9 per cent in FY26, reaching Rs 18.1 trillion. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is expected to contribute significantly, with collections projected to grow by 11.4 per cent to Rs 11.8 trillion. Customs duty collections are also likely to see robust growth of 20 per cent, supported by higher duties on edible oil and possible reversal of the gold customs duty cut. Protective measures for domestic industries may further boost revenue. However, excise duty collections are expected to remain subdued due to the reduction of the Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) on domestically produced crude oil to nil in September 2024. As per the report, Non-tax revenue is expected to decline by 9.8 per cent to Rs 4.8 trillion in FY26. Dividends from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are projected to range between Rs 1.1 trillion and Rs 1.3 trillion, significantly lower than Rs 2.1 trillion in the previous year. Divestment receipts have so far reached only Rs 86 billion, indicating a shortfall. The success of large divestments, such as IDBI Bank and Shipping Corporation, will be critical to meeting targets. (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], January 24: The perception of a brand isn't just about sleek logos or catchy taglines--it's shaped by the brilliant minds working behind the scenes to craft stories that resonate deeply. But have you ever heard directly from the people shaping these narratives, building reputations, and navigating crises? From the days of fax machines to today's AI-driven campaigns, the communications landscape has undergone an extraordinary transformation. Today, it's not just about telling a story--it's about creating an experience, one that resonates across platforms, from social media to digital billboards. Welcome to Crafting Bharat: Brand Ki Baat, an industry-first podcast that takes you behind the curtain to meet the masterminds bringing brands to life. In our first episode, join Shubhreet Kaur, Host and VP - Integration at Adfactors PR, in conversation with Atul Sharma, CEO, Ruder Finn India and Head - Middle East /President, PRCAI, and Sameer Seth, Director, Marketing - India at Dolby Laboratories. This series is proudly brought to you by NewsReach, India's leading PR-tech platform, with segment partner Blue Tea, gifting partner The Forbidden Journeys, and wardrobe partner White Chaos. Tune in for stories, insights, and inspiration! Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89EzywqSp6M Edited Excerpts: What do you think has been one of the most inspiring changes in the industry that you think is the aspirational factor going ahead, and why would someone be attracted to this industry?Sameer Seth (Dolby Laboratories): There's been a clear shift in terms of how we consume content and the way we approach it. Earlier, it was about broadcasting content to an audience. Now, it's far more interactive and personalised. Consumers are prioritising premium content experiences. They're upgrading their devices--moving from older phones and TVs to ones that offer better visual and audio quality. Similarly, they're opting for premium subscription plans that give enhanced features like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. He added, "It's no longer just about watching or listening. It's about how good the experience is. This shift shows that consumers are willing to pay for better experiences, and for someone entering the industry, it opens up endless opportunities to innovate and adapt. The ability to merge technology with storytelling is what makes this industry aspirational." Where do you see the conflict lies between marketing's measurement-based approach and explaining how reputation can be measured in PR? How can brands and agencies communicate better on this? Atul Sharma (RuderFinn India): The conflict often arises when objectives aren't aligned. Marketing is heavily measurement-driven--it's all about numbers and ROI. But PR operates in a more nuanced space. Reputation isn't something you can measure immediately; it's about trust and perception, which take time to build.He elaborated, "The key to resolving this is mutual understanding. Agencies need to step into the brand's shoes, truly understand their vision, and act as their extended arm. As long as we work toward the same goal, conflicts are minimized. Issues only arise when people let their egos or personal agendas take over. Mutual respect and trust are the foundation of any successful brand-agency partnership." How do Indian brands differ in their communication strategies compared to their global counterparts? Atul Sharma (RuderFinn India): Indian brands are becoming prouder of their identity. Earlier, brands would avoid communicating during festive days like Republic Day or Diwali, thinking people wouldn't notice. But now, they're using these occasions to celebrate their Indianness and connect emotionally with audiences. "This shift toward embracing our culture and heritage is incredible. It shows how much confidence Indian brands have gained in their storytelling." Sameer Seth (Dolby Laboratories): For global brands, the challenge is balancing consistency with local relevance. India is a diverse market, with 22 official languages and countless cultural nuances. At Dolby, we focus on localizing our global brand to resonate with the Indian audience. Whether it's through music, sports, or gaming, we find ways to make our storytelling relatable. "It's about finding that sweet spot where global and local meet. The opportunity to cater to both 'India' and 'Bharat' makes this market truly unique." What's the funniest client demand you've ever received? Atul Sharma (RuderFinn India): Once, a client said, 'Kuch aisa karo ki maza aajaye". It was vague, and I remember calling them back to ask, 'How will I know tumhe kisme maza aata hai?' It turned into a funny yet enlightening conversation about the importance of clarity in briefs. What do you think will dominate the communications industry in 2025? Atul Sharma (RuderFinn India): Generative AI will redefine the industry. We're moving from experimentation to full-scale business transformation. By 2025, AI will impact how we create content, structure costs, and reskill teams. "The potential to push creative boundaries is immense. From handling repetitive tasks to crafting innovative campaigns, AI will be a game-changer." Sameer Seth (Dolby Laboratories): Hyper-localization will also take centre stage. Consumers want personalized experiences, and brands that can deliver tailored content and recommendations will thrive. "AI can make this possible by analyzing behaviour and preferences to create hyper-localized campaigns. For me, the idea of a tech-driven, personalized future is incredibly exciting." If you've ever wondered about the genius that builds a brand's identity, this is your all-access backstage pass. Join us as we celebrate the creative chaos and spotlight the unsung heroes behind the brands that inspire, innovate, and shape our world. These stories, fueled by passion and strategy, reveal the artistry behind building iconic identities. Stay curious, keep crafting your own narratives, and catch more unfiltered insights in our next episode. Brought to you by NewsReach--India's leading PR-tech platform, in association with VCCircle and our production partner, HT Smartcast. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) According to Taural India, the signing, held at the Maharashtra Pavilion during the World Economic Forum in Davos, was presided over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other senior government officials. This agreement underscores a bold step toward driving industrial growth and strengthening self-reliance in Tier II regions of Maharashtra. "This MoU with a significant investment of Rs. 500 Crore marks a defining moment for Taural India as we scale new heights in advanced manufacturing. The Supa plant expansion is not just about increasing capacity. It's about taking a step forward in realizing our vision of decentralizing industries by empowering Tier II & III regions," said Bharat Gite, MD and CEO, Taural India. Gite added, "With our dedicated efforts, we are aiming to reshape India's manufacturing future and contribute to Maharashtra's vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy by leveraging innovation, empowering local talent, and driving self-reliance in critical industries." Taural India's current plant spreads across 3,00,000 sq.ft. in Pune, offering one-stop aluminium sand-casting solutions right from product design to quality testing, painting, product construction, assembly, and delivery. The Supa facility will be four times bigger in size to meet the surging demand from customers across key sectors, including energy, defence, aerospace, marine, railways, healthcare and others. By expanding local manufacturing, the project is set to further meet the increasing push for localization from the customers, thereby further reduce import dependency and advance India's 'Make in India' mission. The Supa plant's growth will also generate over 1200 local employment opportunities, fostering regional economic development and supporting government's initiative of making Ahilya Nagar as a hub for industrial excellence. This investment aligns with Taural India's vision of making India the global hub of aluminium casting solutions and transforming its manufacturing landscape. The expanded facility will cater to both domestic and international markets, offering high-quality, locally manufactured solutions. By fostering sustainable industrialization and advancing indigenization, Taural India is poised to play a pivotal role in driving India's economic transformation while uplifting communities and creating jobs in Tier II regions. (ANI) India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], January 24: Talbiya Umrah Pvt. Ltd. takes immense pride in being known as India's National Hajj and Umrah Brand. 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Our dedicated team accompanies you throughout ensuring a seamless experience. With a presence both in India and Saudi Arabia. We're always nearby to assist you. To stay connected. We create dedicated WhatsApp groups for each group of Hajis allowing 24/7 communication and support. As India's Best Hajj and Umrah Agency. We take immense pride in providing exceptional services that prioritize your ease and comfort. Our team of experienced professionals thoroughly understands the intricacies of Hajj and Umrah ensuring every detail is handled efficiently. From planning to execution. We focus on making your journey well-organized and worry-free. This commitment to excellence is why we are recognized as the Best Hajj and Umrah company in India. With us. You can embark on your journey of faith with peace of mind knowing that every aspect is managed with the utmost care and expertise. Why Choose Talbiya Umrah Pvt. Ltd.? Choose us as your trusted partner because we are proud to be India's Best Hajj and Umrah company consistently ranking among the top. Our mission is to be the first choice for every Muslim seeking a reliable and professional travel agency. With a focus on quality comfort and safety. We ensure your holy journey to Allah's House is whole and worry-free. As the Best Hajj and Umrah Agency in India. We order your well-being at every stage before, during, and after your trip. Our dedicated team treats every visitor like family going above and beyond to meet your expectations. Your comfort and safety are at the heart of our services ensuring a notable experience on this divine path. Trust us to make your journey not only hassle-free but also profoundly meaningful. How Do You Connect with India's Leading Hajj and Umrah Companies?Connecting with us is simple and hassle-free. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at support@talbiyaumrah.com and we'll respond promptly. Prefer to chat over the phone? Call us at +91 88000-15676 or +91 11-4213-7064 for quick help. For those who enjoy online convenience. Visit our website www.talbiyaumrah.com to explore our features and book your journey whenever it suits you. If you'd like to meet us in person, drop by our office at Plot Number-04, Ground Floor, Pocket-II, Jasola, New Delhi-110025. Our team will greet you warmly and guide you every step of the way. As India's Best Hajj and Umrah Agency. We take pride in offering exceptional services. Whether you're planning a journey or seeking advice. We're here to make your journey memorable. Trust the Best Hajj and Umrah company in India for seamless travel planning. Conclusion Talbiya Umrah Pvt. Ltd. stands as a beacon of trust, excellence and devotion in providing Hajj and Umrah services in India. With matchless support from esteemed organizations and a steadfast commitment to quality. We ensure every journey is seamless, comfortable and internally fulfilling. Our personalized packages, professional team and 24/7 support reflect our dedication to treating every Haji like family. Whether you're planning your first journey or seeking a reliable partner for this sacred journey. Talbiya Umrah Pvt. Ltd. is here to guide you every step of the way. Choose us for a supreme experience where faith meets exceptional service. Contact us today and embark on a journey of devotion with India's leading Hajj and Umrah Company. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) The travel and hospitality sector is witnessing robust growth, with 66 per cent of surveyed companies planning to expand their workforce, according to the latest Employment Outlook Report by TeamLease Services. The report, which analyzes hiring trends for HY2 (October-March) of FY2024-25, projects a Net Employment Change (NEC) of 8.2 per cent during this period, underscoring the sector's significant momentum in job creation. The travel and hospitality sector's growth is being fueled by the adoption of smart tourism technologies, a revival of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities, and a heightened focus on sustainable tourism practices. These factors are reshaping the industry landscape, creating new employment opportunities, and driving demand for skilled professionals in areas such as sustainability coordination, smart travel experience design, and contactless technology deployment. This growth reflects the broader economic significance of India's travel and tourism industry, which contributed 9 per cent to the country's GDP in 2024, amounting to over USD 11 trillion, an impressive 12 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Domestic travel is also on the rise, with a notable surge in religious tourism and visits to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Government initiatives such as the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, aimed at theme-based tourist circuit development, the PRASHAD Scheme, focused on pilgrimage tourism, and significant investments in airport infrastructure and regional connectivity, are further catalyzing the sector's expansion. Indian travellers, though not yet the most travelled demographic globally, are emerging as significant contributors to the revival of international tourism. This trend has spurred demand for innovative and personalized travel services. To address this, companies are prioritizing recruitment in roles that align with the industry's transition toward eco-friendly and digitally advanced travel experiences, ensuring they meet the evolving expectations of modern travellers. The report highlights notable hiring intent by the survey respondents across India, with tier-1 cities like Mumbai (58 per cent), Hyderabad (54 per cent), and Ahmedabad (49 per cent) leading the demand for talent. Simultaneously, tier-2 and tier-3 cities, including Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam and Jaipur, are emerging as employment hubs. Meanwhile, new locations such as Pune(18 per cent), Visakhapatnam(15 per cent), and Kochi(13 per cent) are also gaining traction as significant centres of opportunity. This dual momentum across metros and smaller cities reflects the industry's commitment to decentralising opportunities and addressing local talent pools. The growing demand for skilled professionals is reshaping the job market. Sales roles lead hiring intentions, with 76 per cent of companies seeking sales talent, followed by marketing (46 per cent), office service roles (35 per cent), and Information & Communication Technology (18 per cent) positions. Engineering and blue-collar jobs are also seeing significant demand, reflecting the operational and technical advancements shaping the sector's future. Balasubramanian A, Senior VP and Business Head, TeamLease Services, said, "The positive hiring intent by 66 per cent of the companies we're seeing in the travel and hospitality sector tells a compelling story about how the industry is evolving." He added, "Businesses are gearing up to meet the demands of today's eco-conscious and experience-driven travellers. Our report highlights how tier-2 and tier-3 cities in the country are stepping up as major employment hubs, alongside the usual metros, creating opportunities for talent in new regions." (ANI) Bhaane Group, a subsidiary of Shahi Exports Pvt Ltd, the largest manufacturer of apparel, has signed a MoU with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). According to DPIIT, Anand Ahuja, CEO and Co-Founder of Bhaane Group, and Dr Sumeet K Jarangal, IAS, Director of DPIIT, formalised the partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to foster relationships with cross-border startups, along with bolstering the manufacturing capabilities in the country. Bhaane Group has been a strategic partner to several leading international brands like Nike and Converse, amongst others. It has seamlessly created an Indianised experience for these brands, leveraging their expertise and understanding of the local markets. This partnership positions Bhaane Group to play an important role in helping Indian startups scale globally. Through its extensive experience, it will support upcoming startups by providing access to market insights. Bhaane Group will launch incubation programs for startups specialising in manufacturing, along with other production areas. It will facilitate them to create a holistic understanding of the workings of foreign markets, along with guidance on operational knowledge throughout the startup lifecycle. Anand Ahuja, CEO and Co-Founder of Bhaane Group said, "India's entrepreneurial journey has been very interesting to witness. Global brands are eyeing investing in Indian startups, as it is one of the leading players in the South Asian market." He added, "DPIIT's mission with Start Up India aligns with our outlook to foster innovation and global competitiveness among Indian startups. By joining hands with the government, we are poised to create a conducive atmosphere for Indian startups to compete in global markets." Sonam A Kapoor, Co-Founder of Bhaane Group said, "India has been growing as a manufacturing leader and through this collaboration, we're excited to support new brands emerging from our country and help them with the expertise and access that Bhaane Group brings." She added, "This partnership with DPIIT helps us empower the next generation of Indian startups and breakthrough brands as they take on the global market. Together, we can showcase India's manufacturing innovation and design leadership to the world." Sumeet K Jarangal, Director, DPIIT said, "The recently signed MoU serves a larger purpose in the ever-growing entrepreneurial spirit and our vision to fortify India's manufacturing landscape. By helping startups connect with industry leaders like Bhaane Group, we focus on promoting innovation, strengthening international dynamics, and helping Indian startups thrive on global soil." Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT said, "By facilitating connections between startups and established players like Bhaane Group, we foster a mutually beneficial environment where innovation flourishes and Indian businesses achieve global success." This unique partnership will prepare Indian startups for a new chapter in India's entrepreneurial journey. Bhaane Group and DPIIT desire to provide Indian entrepreneurs with exposure to international markets and bring these markets' attention to the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in India. The organisation's expansive portfolio is a testament to localising global experiences, adhering to the 'glocal' approach towards building international ties. Its cross-industry experiences, with DPIIT's vision to encourage innovation in India's expanding startup arena, will help in strengthening global collaborations. (ANI) India's large non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) are better positioned to weather economic and regulatory challenges compared to their smaller counterparts, according to Fitch Ratings. While softer economic conditions, tighter bank funding, and asset quality concerns are expected to affect the sector's credit growth and profitability in the near term, larger NBFIs with robust operations and diversified funding channels are expected to maintain steadier performance. The NBFI sector's loan growth has decelerated from the high of 18 per cent recorded in the fiscal year ending March 2024 (FY24). Credit growth for NBFIs, excluding housing finance companies, moderated to 6.6 per cent between March and September 2024. This slowdown is partially attributed to weaker economic growth. Fitch revised its FY25 GDP growth forecast to 6.4 per cent in December 2024, down from 7.0 per cent, although the outlook for FY26 remains stable at 6.5 per cent. Regulatory tightening has also impacted the sector, raising the cost of capital and increasing compliance requirements. Measures introduced in the past 18 months include higher risk weights on bank lending to NBFIs and unsecured loans, as well as stricter rules on gold-backed loans and microfinance. Mid-sized and smaller NBFIs may face greater difficulties due to concentrated portfolios and limited access to funding. Regulatory enforcement, such as restrictions on new business activities, could further constrain their growth. Additionally, rising delinquencies in unsecured lending segments, such as microfinance and personal loans, have prompted lenders to tighten underwriting standards. Microfinance disbursements fell by 10 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of FY25, with the sector's delinquency ratio increasing to 3.8 per cent in September 2024, from 3.0 per cent in June 2024. Smaller NBFIs are expected to remain cautious as they adjust to these challenges. Larger NBFIs are better equipped to navigate the current environment. They are expected to sustain mid-to-high-teen credit growth in the coming years, supported by their established operations and access to diverse funding sources, including portfolio securitisation and offshore borrowing. Segments such as business loans against property and new commercial vehicle loans may experience softer demand, but robust collateral coverage and improved recovery processes should help maintain asset quality. Gold and housing loans are likely to remain resilient to economic headwinds. The cost of funding is unlikely to ease significantly, with bank lending rates remaining high. Bank lending to NBFIs slowed to 8.5 per cent year-on-year by November 2024, compared to 21 per cent a year earlier. However, local mutual funds have increased their subscriptions to NBFI debt, rising by 51 per cent year-on-year in November 2024. While larger NBFIs continue to expand their funding sources, smaller players are expected to encounter challenges in sustaining growth and profitability in the current environment. The near-term outlook for India's NBFI sector remains mixed. While larger players are expected to demonstrate resilience, smaller and mid-sized NBFIs may face hurdles due to regulatory changes, funding challenges, and economic headwinds. However, the sector's long-term prospects remain tied to broader economic stability and regulatory developments. (ANI) The children in India are facing significant challenges due to environmental stressors such as heatwave and air pollution, which are adversely affecting their health, school attendance, and overall learning outcomes, says a report by UNICEF. According to the report, around 54.8 million children in India were affected by heatwaves in 2024 alone. These extreme weather events, combined with other natural disasters like floods, landslides, and cyclones, have not only harmed children's health but also caused widespread destruction to schools across the country. It said "Fast-onset hazards such as flooding, landslides and cyclones have repeatedly caused destruction to schools while environmental stressors like extreme heat and air pollution are harming children's health and hindering their school attendance and learning outcomes". The report highlighted that India, which ranks 26th out of 163 countries in the UNICEF Children's Climate Risk Index, is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The report revealed that fast-onset hazards such as heatwaves and natural disasters are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, making it harder for children to access a safe and conducive learning environment. The heatwaves and pollution have also posed serious risks to their physical health, often leading to illnesses that disrupt their schooling. In response, UNICEF stated that it has been working closely with the Indian government to integrate climate change education into the national curriculum. This initiative aims to raise awareness and prepare students to cope with climate-related challenges. UNICEF, or the United Nations Children's Fund, is a United Nations agency that works to improve the lives of children around the world. As part of this effort, the National Curriculum Framework now includes elements of climate change education, guiding the development of state curricula, textbooks, and teaching practices. Moreover, UNICEF is also supporting the government's implementation of the Comprehensive School Safety Programmes (CSSP) across 12 states. These programmes aim to create safe learning environments while also empowering children to become agents of change in addressing climate-related issues. As of 2024, more than 121,000 educators have been trained under these programmes to better equip them to teach climate change and resilience. On a global scale, the report noted that heatwaves were identified as the most significant climate hazard in 2024, affecting an estimated 171 million students worldwide. This serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to protect children's health and education from the growing effects of climate change. (ANI) The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will unveil a captivating tableau at the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path. This vibrant display will offer a glimpse into India's evolving energy landscape, highlighting its groundbreaking strides in renewable energy, a release said on Friday. A central focus of the tableau will be the ambitious PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the world's largest residential rooftop solar initiative, alongside other transformative MNRE programs. These efforts are not only advancing India's green economy but are also poised to generate millions of green jobs by 2030. While emphasizing India's energy transition under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the tableau will also highlight India's advancements in green hydrogen. It will also highlight India's status as the fourth-largest installer of wind energy. Eight hundred special guests, comprising beneficiaries of PM Suryaghar, PM Kusum, and RE technicians invited by MNRE, will be among the first to witness this unique portrayal of India's path to a sustainable and self-reliant future. MNRE, under the guidance of the Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, through its transformative schemes and programs, is providing affordable and clean energy to millions of households in India as well as boosting domestic manufacturing in the renewable sector. At COP26 held in 2021, India committed to an ambitious five-part "Panchamrit" pledge. They included reaching 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity, generating half of all energy requirements from renewables, and reducing emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. India as a whole also aims to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent. Finally, India commits to net-zero emissions by 2070. Green energy for climate mitigation is not just a focus area for India, but globally it has gained momentum. Meanwhile, the Republic Day Parade 2025 will be a unique blend of India's cultural diversity and military prowess, with a special focus on 75 years of enactment of the constitution and Jan Bhagidari. President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto will be the Chief Guest at the parade. Briefing media in New Delhi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that a 160-member marching contingent and 190-member band contingent from Indonesia will take part in the Parade at Kartavya Path, with the contingents of Indian Armed Forces. This year, 31 tableaux from various States, Union Territories, and Central Government Ministries/Departments will participate, showcasing the theme "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas." After the National Anthem, balloons with banners of the official logo of the 75th year of the Indian Constitution will be released. The event will conclude with a flypast by 47 aircraft. On 26th January 2025, the Republic Day Parade will start in the morning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. The President will arrive at Kartavya Path in a ceremonial buggy and take the salute during a ceremonial march past, which will include units from the Armed Forces, Para Military Forces, Auxiliary Civil Forces, NCC, and NSS. (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], January 24: Scybers, a leading provider of Cloud Security Consulting and Managed Services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Prasanna Samarawickrama to its Technical Advisory Board. With over 30 years of distinguished experience in technical product management, customer success, and cybersecurity, Prasanna brings a wealth of expertise to Scybers' mission to help clients achieve exceptional security outcomes with Microsoft technologies. Prasanna Samarawickrama is a renowned leader in identity and access management, cloud security, and enterprise security solutions. During his illustrious career at Microsoft, Prasanna served as the Partner Group Product Manager in the Microsoft Security Division, where he led global efforts in adopting Azure Active Directory premium identity and security services. His leadership contributed to over 50 million monthly active users adopting these services in under four years, with significant implementations across Fortune 500 companies, governments, and enterprises worldwide. Notably, Prasanna played a pivotal role in developing Microsoft Government and Sovereign Clouds, driving the delivery of Zero Trust Security solutions, and influencing product architecture on a global scale. His efforts have supported major enterprises in navigating complex cybersecurity challenges while enhancing user experiences and driving business growth. "As organizations increasingly rely on Microsoft's cutting-edge security solutions to protect their assets, Prasanna's unparalleled expertise in identity security and cloud technologies will further strengthen our ability to deliver impactful results to our clients," said Kugan Kulothungan, CEO Scybers. "We are thrilled to have him on board as a Technical Advisory Board Member. His strategic insight and leadership align deeply with Scybers' commitment to helping clients navigate the cybersecurity landscape with confidence." Prasanna's appointment marks a significant step for Scybers as it continues to strengthen its advisory leadership team with seasoned professionals. His deep understanding of identity security and ability to drive large-scale security transformations will enhance Scybers' ability to support clients in achieving robust cybersecurity outcomes. "I am excited to join Scybers' Advisory Board and contribute to their efforts in transforming how organizations approach cybersecurity with Microsoft technologies," said Prasanna Samarawickrama. "In today's digital-first world, ensuring identity security and adopting effective security practices are more critical than ever. I look forward to working with the talented expert team at Scybers as the accelerate growth in to the USA." Prasanna holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics with a Minor in Computer Science from Southern Oregon University. Over his career, he has been recognized for his ability to build global technical teams, foster strong C-suite partnerships, and deliver transformative results. About Scybers Scybers is a global cybersecurity firm that provides end-to-end advisory-led managed services to global enterprises. With deep front-line cybersecurity expertise, modern security best practices, and advanced AI-assisted security platforms, Scybers enables enterprises to rapidly reduce cyber risks, achieve compliance, and build resilience, ensuring secure digital operations in today's evolving threat landscape. Scybers provides world-class Cloud Security Consulting and Managed Services to help organizations optimize their security investments and achieve effective protection with Microsoft Security. For more information about Scybers and their services, visit www.scybers.com. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) New Delhi [India], January 24: The Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (ASRTU) has announced an initiative to honour drivers across India on January 24th, designated as "Drivers Day." ASRTU will sponsor Rs. 5,000 each to two exemplary drivers from every public bus transport organisation in India, recognising their exceptional dedication to ensuring safe and reliable public transport. This nationwide initiative underscores ASRTU's commitment to driver welfare and road safety. Organisations are encouraged to facilitate the recognition ceremonies on January 24th, led by their respective heads. "The initiative aims to inspire a culture of excellence and appreciation within the public transport sector," said Vice President ASRTU Ch. Dwarka Tirumala Rao (IPS). ASRTU (https://www.asrtu.org/) represents over 1,50,000 buses operated by State Road Transport Undertakings (SRTUs) and SPVs, collectively providing affordable and safe transportation to over 70 million passengers daily. Drivers play a pivotal role, ensuring smooth commutes to workplaces, schools, and other destinations, contributing significantly to the economy and social mobility, says Managing Director Telangana V.C Sajjanar IPS. "Public transport thrives on the dedication of skilled drivers, who are the backbone of the system," said T. Surya Kiran, Executive Director, ASRTU. "They ensure millions of people reach their destinations safely and on time, all while navigating challenging road conditions and upholding safety standards. Recognising their contributions is vital to fostering trust and efficiency in public mobility." This year's "Drivers Day" initiative will also launch ASRTU's efforts to amplify the importance of driver welfare and road safety. A press briefing will highlight key insights from two leading state transporters, showcasing their collective support for this cause. With this initiative, ASRTU (www.asrtu.org) aims to create a lasting impact, celebrating drivers' vital role in public transport and inspiring the industry to continue fostering excellence and safety. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) NewsVoir New Delhi [India], January 24: The BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI) Education Vertical hosted a roundtable conference on the theme "From Chalkboards to Chatbots: The Evolution of Digital Education and EdTech in Bridging Educational Gaps". The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts to deliberate on how digital innovation can bridge educational gaps and ensure inclusive learning for all. Peter Mahafha, First Secretary, High Commission of the Republic of South Africa, New Delhi and Christian W. Villarreal Duran, Civil Attache, Embassy of Bolivia were also present during the conference. Special Guest Pawan Kumar Sharma, Chief General Manager (Digital Education System) EdCIL (India) Limited said, "Digital innovation has revolutionized access to education, enabling learners to engage with curated, high-quality content aligned with national curricula through platforms like DIKSHA and SWAYAM. The Government of India is committed to ensuring that these resources reach even the most remote areas, bridging the digital divide through offline solutions and infrastructure improvements. The evolving educational landscape, driven by initiatives such as the Academic Bank of Credits under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, offers unprecedented opportunities for learners to upskill and reskill flexibly. Collaboration between the government, private sector, and educational institutions will be key in shaping an inclusive, technology-driven future for education in India." According to Dr. B.B.L. Madhukar, Co-Chairman & Director General, BRICS CCI, "Collaborative efforts between governments, the private sector, and educational institutions are key to driving digital transformation in education. By working together, we can create sustainable models that ensure no learner is left behind." Sameep Shastri, Vice Chairman, BRICS CCI said, "We must harness the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to address educational disparities. EdTech solutions can provide personalized and adaptive learning experiences to cater to diverse learning needs." Shabana Nasim, Executive Director, BRICS CCI, and President, Education Vertical, BRICS CCI said, "Education today stands at a crossroads, and technology has the potential to be the bridge that connects every learner to quality resources, regardless of their socio-economic background. At BRICS CCI, we are committed to fostering collaboration and innovation to drive this mission forward." Participants of roundtable discussion included Surabhi Dewra, Chief Executive Officer, Career Guide, Mr. Ankit Mehra, Co-founder and CEO, GyanDhan, Mr. Ayush Bansal, Founder and CEO, iDreamCareer, Mr. Taranjeet Singh, Co-founder and CEO, Innvocon, Mr. Anurag Pandey, CEO, DST iTBI Technical Business Incubator, Sharda University, Mentor AIM, Founder-Director, SciComm India and AstroCamp Group, Mr. Abhijeet Mehrotra, Vice President, Imarticus Learning, Mr. Varun Dhamija, Chief Digital Strategy Officer, TimesPro, Mr. Anurag Mishra, Founder, CipherSchools, Mr. Shivam Ahuja, Founder & CEO, Skill Circle and Mr. Vaibhav Vats, Co-founder, Digiperform. The Session was chaired by Mr. Shelley Singh, Contributing Editor, Mint. According to a report by Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Grant Thornton Bharat, the contribution of the EdTech sector in India to the country's GDP is projected to rise from 0.1 per cent in 2020 to 0.4 per cent by 2029. The roundtable served as a platform for stakeholders to share insights, best practices, and collaborative strategies to leverage digital innovation for inclusive education. Participants reiterated their commitment to ensuring that education becomes a universal right, accessible to all, through the power of technology. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Scheduled to be held from February 11-14, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, IEW 2025 promises unparalleled global participation from Ministers, CEOs, and industry leaders, setting new benchmarks in the energy sector. This would be the third edition. While interacting with the media, the Minister highlighted the Clean Cooking Ministerial to be hosted on the sidelines of IEW 2025. This event will serve as a vital platform to strengthen collaborative efforts for accelerating the global adoption of clean cooking solutions. India's successful Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) will take centre stage, showcasing valuable insights and best practices as a global template for addressing energy access challenges. IEW 2025 is set to achieve remarkable growth in scale and participation compared to previous editions. The exhibition space will expand by 65 per cent to 28,000 square meters, while the number of conference sessions will increase to 105, and global delegates will exceed 70,000. Over 500 speakers, including key international voices, will participate, reflecting the growing global significance of the event. The conference will also host 10 country pavilions from leading nations such as the U.S., UK, Russia, Japan, Germany, and the Netherlands, alongside eight thematic zones focusing on hydrogen, renewables, biofuels, and petrochemicals. The event will see participation from 20+ Foreign Energy Ministers or Deputy Ministers, along with Heads of International Organizations and 90 CEOs from Fortune 500 energy companies. This reflects India's rising influence in shaping the global energy transition dialogue. At the curtain raiser, Puri also highlighted initiatives to engage youth and innovators, with leading IITs, startup platforms like "Avinya" and "Vasudha," and 500 students from Delhi/NCR participating to showcase innovation and technology-driven solutions. A key highlight of IEW 2025 is the focus on compelling themes, including energy security, just and orderly transitions, collaboration, resilience, capacity building, and digital advancements. The event's Clean Cooking Ministerial will further amplify India's leadership role in ensuring access to sustainable and affordable energy solutions, reinforcing its global commitment to energy equity. With its unparalleled scale and focus on innovation, India Energy Week 2025 is poised to position India at the forefront of global energy transitions and strengthen its role as a catalyst for change in the energy sector. (ANI) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 24: The modern workplace continues to evolve beyond aesthetics, and UrbanWrk, a leading managed workspace provider, is embracing this progression through the strategic use of fragrance. Fragrance has the power to transform workplaces, offering far more than just a sensory treat. A thoughtfully curated sensory experience can significantly reduce stress and energize the mind, making it a vital element of modern work culture. Through a new partnership with luxury aromatherapy specialist Breathe Aromatherapy, UrbanWrk is enhancing the sensory landscape of its managed workspaces across India. This initiative in the managed workspace sector leverages scent's proven ability to boost productivity, sharpen focus, and reduce stress levels-particularly valuable in urban environments where professionals spend significant time indoors. The collaboration introduces two bespoke fragrances from Breathe Aromatherapy's "Fragrances for Spaces" portfolio. The sophisticated Sakura blend will welcome visitors and employees in reception areas and conference rooms, featuring: * Top notes: Sweet caramel, citrus, and rose* Heart notes: Herbal essence and blackcurrant* Base notes: Rich woody and musky undertones For washrooms, the invigorating Zesty Citron creates a refreshing atmosphere with citrus notes of orange and mandarin, paired with green and floral undertones. "This partnership strengthens our commitment to workplace excellence," says Anuj Munot, Founder and CEO of UrbanWrk. "We're crafting environments that actively contribute to our clients' success and wellbeing. It's about creating spaces that people genuinely look forward to working in." Deepa Narayan, Founder and CEO of Breathe Aromatherapy, adds, "Research consistently demonstrates fragrance's significant impact on cognitive function and emotional wellbeing. Our collaboration with UrbanWrk brings this benefit into the professional sphere." The initiative reflects UrbanWrk's ongoing commitment to workplace innovation, adding another dimension to its comprehensive approach to workspace excellence. UrbanWrk delivers premium, sustainably operated enterprise-managed workspaces across Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Our tech-enabled facilities serve an impressive roster of clients including Deloitte, Carrier, L&T, BDO Rise, 3M, Ather, Schneider, SBI General Insurance, ITC Infotech, Capgemini, Saint Gobain, DSK Legal, JM Financials, and Nuvama Wealth. As an upscale, client-centric flex operator, it specialises in creating customised solutions that meet precise business requirements. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], January 24: On the occasion of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's anniversary, HaveUs AeroTech is thrilled to announce that the company has acquired 2 acres of land in Barrackpore, Kolkata, for its next upcoming MRO project. Of the 2 acres, the company will develop its first project on the 10,000 square feet of covered land with MRO capabilities like wheel & brake, avionics and lifesaving equipment. The facility is in close proximity, about eleven and a half kilometres from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, making it extremely feasible for airlines and MROs from a logistics and supply chain point of view. The remaining land will be developed in the later stage for certain high-end component repairs like Radomes, Auxiliary power units (APUs) and landing gears. After expanding operations and opening a new office in Delhi, HaveUs AeroTech had previously hinted at its ambitious expansion plans all over India, with Kolkata in focus. In sync with the long-term vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Make-in-India) in MRO, the company has planned a robust expansion spree across India. Let us look at some of the important highlights of the new upcoming MRO in Kolkata. HaveUs AeroTech plans to establish a Kolkata MRO specializing in wheels and brakes, avionics, etc., to start gradually expanding it to component MRO along with certain defence projects lined up along the way. The company has planned to invest over INR 50 crore in this new upcoming facility. On the recruitment front, HaveUs AeroTech plans to recruit 100-150 highly skilled aerospace engineers, technicians, etc., with plans to expand the facility as well as the employment process, eyeing demand. Speaking on the selection of Kolkata to build a new MRO facility, Anshul Bhargava, Founder and MD, HaveUs AeroTech, said: "The eastern part of India is an untapped market with hardly any MRO facilities in the region. HaveUs plans to tap this opportunity to service the aircraft coming from other neighbouring Asian countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal at an affordable cost." Interestingly, Barrackpore has a long-dated history and holds special significance in Indian freedom struggle, it was from this place that India's first battle led by legendary Mangal Pandey begun in 1857 sowing the seeds of revolutions. Acknowledging this Bhargava says that Kolkata HaveUs MRO will bring the next MRO revolution in India. Currently, aircraft from East Asia must go either to China, Singapore or the West for servicing and maintenance. HaveUs plans to break this chain and offer affordable MRO service right on Indian soil. However, to make this venture a success and to develop Kolkata as the next upcoming MRO hub, HaveUs AeroTech is seeking the support of local authorities and the West Bengal government. With their support, the company is confident of developing Kolkata into a vibrant MRO centre of the east. Going ahead the company is planning to establish a huge MRO base in Mumbai in the next leg of its expansion process. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) With a cumulative score of 67.8, Odisha tops the ranking in fiscal health among 18 major States, followed by Chhattisgarh and Goa with scores of 55.2 and 53.6, respectively, as per the inaugural issue of NITI Aayog's report titled "Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025." The Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, Arvind Panagariya, launched the inaugural issue of NITI Aayog's report in New Delhi on Friday. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the fiscal health of 18 major States, based on five key sub-indices: Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability, along with insights into state-specific challenges and areas for improvement. The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) aims to throw light on the fiscal status at the sub-national level and guide policy reforms for sustainable and resilient economic growth. The achiever States display strong fiscal health, excelling in revenue mobilization, expenditure management, and debt sustainability. Improvements are seen in states like Jharkhand, which has strengthened fiscal prudence and debt sustainability, while Karnataka faces a decline due to weaker performance in expenditure quality and debt management. These interstate disparities highlight the need for targeted reforms to address specific fiscal challenges and ensure sustainable growth. Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, Panagariya, while launching the report, underscored the need for the States to follow a stable fiscal path for balanced regional development, long-term fiscal sustainability, and prudent governance. He mentioned that the FHI offers a comprehensive and systematic approach to measuring state-level fiscal performance and provides valuable insights into broader fiscal trends, allowing for a better understanding of fiscal health across the country. He emphasised that the FHI report helps to promote a more integrated approach to fiscal health and sustainable growth, reinforcing the shared responsibility of both levels of government in achieving national prosperity. It is further informed that this report marks the launch of an annual series aimed at providing valuable, data-driven insights into the fiscal health of India's states, fostering informed decision-making and policy interventions. The FHI is designed to assist policymakers by offering insights into states' fiscal health and helping identify areas requiring intervention and strategic planning. (ANI) Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda is all set to team up with director Sam Hargrave once again for Apple Original Films' upcoming action thriller 'Matchbox', alongside John Cena, Variety reported. This is his second collaboration with the director after the success of their 2020 Netflix hit, 'Extraction'. The live-action film, which is inspired by Mattel's popular Matchbox toy vehicle line, will also feature Hollywood stars Teyonah Parris, Jessica Biel, and Sam Richardson. Production is currently underway in Budapest, according to Variety. The film is directed by the 'Avengers: Endgame' and 'Extraction 2' fame director Hargrave and is written by David Coggeshall and Jonathan Tropper. It is being produced by Skydance's David Ellison and Dana Goldberg, along with Mattel Films' Don Granger and Robbie Brenner. 'Matchbox' is the story of a group of childhood friends who reunite to stop a global disaster while rediscovering their bond. The movie is based on the iconic Matchbox car line, which originated in 1953 when Jack Odell created a toy small enough to fit in a matchbox for his daughter. Mattel now reports that two Matchbox cars are sold every second globally. As per Variety, Hooda shared his excitement about working with Hargrave again and said, "Excited to be working with Sam again. We had a great time on our first collaboration with Extraction. Sam is a master of high-octane storytelling and action. Glad to be joining the team in Budapest." Meanwhile, the actor has several exciting projects lined up in his kitty. He recently directed and starred in 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' and is currently filming 'Jaat', directed by Gopichand Malineni, with Sunny Deol. The movie is being produced by the banners behind 'Pushpa 2'. He is also attached to 'Arjun Ustara', directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, according to Variety. (ANI) Demi Moore has added new glory to her career as she is being recognized for her first-ever Oscar nomination for her role in 'The Substance'. The 62-year-old actress was named one of the five contenders for Best Actress at the 2025 Academy Awards on Thursday. According to People, Moore shared her excitement and expressed how the last few months have been beyond her "wildest dreams." "Being nominated for an Oscar is an incredible honor, and these last few months have been beyond my wildest dreams. Truly, there are no words to fully express my joy and overwhelming gratitude for this recognition. Not only for me, but for what this film represents. I am deeply humbled." In her statement, the actress also opened up about the challenges her community is facing due to recent fires in Los Angeles. "This is a time of incredible contrasts, and right now, my heart is with my friends, family, neighbors, and community here in L.A.," she wrote. "The fires have devastated so many lives, but to see the way our community has united leaves me in awe of the resilience and compassion that defines us, and this moment is a reminder of how incredible we are when we stand together," Moore added. 'The Substance' is a dark horror comedy in which Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle, a struggling actress who begins taking a mysterious drug to stay young and relevant. The drug creates a younger version of herself, played by Margaret Qualley, and the two must share their public lives--a fragile balance that soon spirals out of control. The role has earned Moore rave reviews and a Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical. (ANI) Karla Sofia Gascon, the Spanish-born star of 'Emilia Perez', has made history with her nomination for Best Actress at the 2025 Academy Awards, becoming the first openly transgender performer to receive such an honour. This marks a monumental achievement, as the only previous transgender acting nominee, Elliot Page, received a nomination for 'Juno' in 2008, before publicly coming out as transgender. Gascon's performance in 'Emilia Perez', directed by Jacques Audiard, has earned her critical acclaim. In the film, she portrays a Mexican cartel leader who transitions and dedicates herself to helping victims of gang violence. Her powerful role in this musical drama, which also stars fellow Oscar nominee Zoe Saldana and actress Selena Gomez, earned her widespread recognition, including a shared Best Actress award at last year's Cannes Film Festival. Reflecting on her Oscar nomination, Gascon, who was watching the announcement from an airport lounge in Brazil, described the moment as surreal. "It was completely crazy, I didn't sleep all night," she said, adding, "What an illusion, what an honour, what love. I feel fulfilled, it is the culmination of nine months of promotion and two years of work," she said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. However, Gascon is adamant that her nomination should be viewed on the strength of her performance, not her identity. "Now it is time to focus on my performance and put aside my ethnicity, sexuality or hair colour, to move forward in 'integration'," she said, adding, "Today it is proven that art does not understand hate. No one can question my work, even less the fact that I am an actress. An actress who deserves to be recognised solely and exclusively for her sublime performance in Emilia Perez." Despite the praise for her acting, Gascon's rising profile has made her a target of anti-trans rhetoric. She has faced online abuse, including death threats, as well as a notable insult from French far-right politician Marion Marechal, who claimed that "a man has won best actress" after Gascon's recognition. In response, Gascon sued Marechal for the "sexist insult," reinforcing her commitment to confronting transphobia head-on. The nomination arrives at a tense moment for transgender rights, just days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order restricting government recognition to only biological genders. Gascon did not hold back in her criticism of the order. "He is shameless," she said, adding, "I hope that whatever needs to happen happens to shut everyone up, on both sides," Gascon used her platform at the Golden Globe Awards to speak out: "The light always wins over darkness." Wearing a saffron dress, she emphasised the resilience of the trans community and said, "You come and maybe put us in jail, you can beat us up [but] you never can take away our soul, our existence, our identity." In an earlier interview, Gascon expressed her concerns about the socio-cultural challenges facing the trans community. "We are going backwards," she said, adding, "The new generations have not experienced what the previous ones have experienced, so they are destined to repeat the same mistakes. Be careful with giving power to the intolerant, because it will end the little tolerance we have," she said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Meanwhile, for this year's Oscars, 'Emilia Perez' garnered an impressive 13 nominations, making it the most nominated non-English language film in the history of the Academy Awards. (ANI) Benedict Cumberbatch, renowned for his portrayal of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes, has addressed the possibility of returning to the beloved role in the future. While speaking with Variety about his upcoming project 'The Thing With Feathers', the 48-year-old actor expressed that while he does have an enduring fondness for Sherlock, any potential return would require the material to exceed what fans have already experienced. Cumberbatch explained, "It would take it to be better than it ever was," acknowledging the challenge of matching the success of the series, which ran from 2010 to 2017. He continued, "You leave them or yourselves wanting more. There's always that itch to scratch, but I think it would have to be the superlative version of what we've already achieved," in an interview with Variety. While Sherlock has undoubtedly been one of the defining roles of Cumberbatch's career, the actor emphasized that he is not interested in being confined to any one character. Recalling a fan event in Australia during the airing of the show, Cumberbatch shared that he made it clear to his audience that he was not planning to solely revisit Sherlock. "I went, 'Guys, I know you really like Sherlock, but if you're with me, I'm not going to always do the same thing,'" he said, adding, "I'm not going to always be the Benedict that you expect. You might not like some of the stuff I do," as per Variety. Cumberbatch further explained his desire to stretch himself creatively, noting, "I want to surprise myself and surprise you." Beyond acting, Cumberbatch is deeply focusing on his production company, SunnyMarch, which he founded in 2013. The actor shared that the company has allowed him to focus on producing work that holds significant personal meaning. "These are urgent stories that we feel a need to tell," he said, emphasizing the importance of supporting projects that tackle difficult subjects or showcase niche art-house cinema. Cumberbatch's passion for producing films that resonate with him personally is a core focus of his career, and he often appears in the films he produces to help bring them to life and secure the necessary financing. In a candid reflection on fame, Cumberbatch also voiced his disdain for the term "celebrity," calling it derogatory and overly broad. "It just lumps anyone famous together," he said, adding, "Am I a 'celebrated' person? Well, for what? For selling cheese? For being on a reality show? For doing something outrageous? For being an actor?" (ANI) Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan marked a stylish appearance at the IIFA 2025 pre-event held in Mumbai on Friday evening. He looked dapper as he arrived for the press meet donning an-all black ensemble. King Khan even posed for the shutterbugs, leaving fans in awe of his charming personality. For the event, he opted for a black shirt and matching pants that he paired with a casual black blazer. He rolled up the sleeves of the coat, adding a casual touch to his otherwise formal look. Elevating his style, he wore a tiny round ear cuff. Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, actor Kartik Aaryan and Nora Fatehi were also present at the event as they officially launched the IIFA 2025 with Andre Timmins. The upcoming edition of the prestigious award ceremony will take place in Jaipur. As 2025 marks the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA), Shah Rukh, at the event said, "Some of my most treasured memories are woven into the journey of IIFA and celebrating its Silver Jubilee in the vibrant city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, is nothing short of magical. From the iconic inaugural ceremony at the Millennium Dome in London to 25 years of unforgettable moments, IIFA has been a shining beacon of Indian cinema's global resonance. It's not just an event; it's a legacy--a testament to the power of storytelling, culture, and artistic brilliance that transcends borders." He added, "To be part of this extraordinary journey fills me with immense pride and gratitude. As we gather to celebrate IIFA's historic milestone, I eagerly look forward to reliving the magic and creating new memories with fans and friends in the heart of Rajasthan." Last year, SRK along with filmmaker Karan Johar hosted the IIFA Awards in Abu Dhabi . (ANI) Actor Chis Pratt revealed that his house has survived the LA Wildfires by god's grace. He thanked his fans and followers for their wishes and support amid the unfolding disaster in California, reported The Hollywood Reporter. Taking to his Instagram handle, Chris shared a video in which he detailed the current situation in LA and revealed that several homes and schools have been burned around the area except for his house which according to him was 'miraculously' standing with four walls and a roof. "I'm going to check out my house. Miraculously, it's still standing. By the grace of God, we have four walls and a roof, I haven't been back since the Palisades fires. It's truly devastating, as you know, and yeah, the silver lining is my house was saved. But at the same time, so many people's houses were burned around us, and the community is gone," said Chris. The 'Guardians of the Galaxy' star further acknowledged the prayers and support of the people during the tough times. "It's just, it's just wild, and we're resilient and we trust in God and consider it all a blessing. Thanks for all your prayers your support and your help. It's been, it's been inspiring to see how our communities come together. And I'll give you more updates, now that we're kind of getting back into life. Here we go. God bless you, and thank you for your prayers. Talk to you soon," Chris said as he signed off. https://www.instagram.com/p/DFJbu81y138/ However, not many were as lucky as Chris in the ongoing disaster. The Doctor Odyssey actor Joshua Jackson is one of those Hollywood celebrities who have lost his home due to LA wildfires. Despite the loss of a beautiful bungalow, the actor feels 'incredibly lucky' to be surrounded by his loved ones amid the chaos. The actor that his Topanga Canyon home, which he purchased in 2001, was destroyed over the weekend in the Southern California wildfires, which have destroyed thousands of structures, as per Deadline. "First and most importantly, all the people closest to me affected by the fire are ok. My daughter, my family, and my neighbours 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." said Joshua in the statement. Like him, numerous Hollywood stars have lost their homes in the wildfires, including Pratt's ex-wife Anna Faris, Anthony Hopkins, Billy Crystal, Mel Gibson, Jeff Bridges, Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, Paris Hilton, Jamie Lee Curtis, Diane Warren, Cary Elwes and more. (ANI) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging him to expedite the approval of several key proposals for the Central University of Karnataka (CUK) Kalaburagi. In a letter dated, January 23, Kharge pointed out that the University serves as an 'education hub' for students of Karnataka and several areas of neighbouring states and plays a vital role in addressing educational disparities and fostering growth opportunities. "The Central University of Karnataka serves as a hub of education for students not only from Kalaburagi and the seven districts of the Kalyana Karnataka region but also for the state of Karnataka and several areas of neighbouring states. The University plays a vital role in addressing educational disparities and fostering opportunities for growth," the letter read. Kharge further stated that institutions like the Central University of Karnataka are instrumental in bridging gaps and nurturing talent to drive sustainable development. "The Kalyana Karnataka region has been accorded special status under Article 371-J of the Constitution. This landmark measure aims to promote equitable development by addressing the region's unique challenges and empowering its people. Education, as the cornerstone of progress, is critical for ensuring a brighter future for coming generations and boost development. Institutions like CUK are instrumental in bridging gaps and nurturing talent to drive sustainable development," the Congress President said. He stressed that institutions like the Central University of Karnataka need sustained support from the Central government to improve their infrastructure and academic offerings. "The development and growth of such institutions require the Central government's sustained financial and institutional support. This support is essential to enhance the infrastructure and academic offerings of these institutions and utilize their potential as transformative agents of progress in underserved regions," the letter read. In the letter, Kharge pointed out that three proposals including the sanction of new postgraduate departments, sanction of teaching positions and Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) for constructing hostels for boys and girls, along with other essential infrastructure critical to the progress of the University and the region, awaiting approval from the Government of India. He further urged for an "urgent intervention" of Minister Pradhan to direct the concerned officials regarding approving the above proposals on priority basis, for the development of the Kalyana Karnataka region. "Given the importance of these initiatives for the development of the Kalyana Karnataka region and their significant impact on students from underprivileged and underdeveloped areas, I kindly request your urgent intervention in the matter. I urge you to instruct the concerned officials to follow up and expedite the approval of said proposals on a priority basis," Kharge said in the letter. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Udvav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party and said that anyone who spreads communal disharmony "can't be a Hindu", while also affirming that the 'Hindutva' of his party is "clean". The former Maharashtra Chief Minister also challenged the BJP-led Centre of holding elections on ballot papers. He was addressing a public meeting, on the occasion of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray's birth anniversary. "If you have any shame, keep EVMs aside and hold elections using ballot papers. Anyone who spreads Hindu-Muslim enmity cannot be a Hindu. Our Hindutva is clean," Thackeray said. Notably, the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election was a huge drubbing for Shiv Sena (UBT), which itself reduced to 20 seats as the BJP-led Mahayuti, registered a landslide victory with 235 seats. Meanwhile, several opposition leaders of the INDIA bloc, have been questioning the 'fairness' of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections and demanding that elections be held with ballot papers. Earlier this month, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar dismissed the suggestion of returning to paper ballots for voting, saying, "Returning to the outdated paper ballot system is unwarranted and regressive. This is aimed at derailing the election process." This week, a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court dismissed an appeal challenging the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections across constituencies. The petitioner had raised concerns regarding the use of EVMs, arguing that Section 61-A of the relevant law requires the respondent (Election Commission of India) to provide specific justifications for the use of EVMs in each constituency individually. The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and comprising Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, dismissed the appeal, stating, "We find no merit in the present appeal, and the same is dismissed." (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal hit back at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's criticism of the Delhi government over the law and order situation, and said the law and order of the national capital comes under the Union Home Ministry and the former should guide Home Minister Amit Shah regarding how to mend it. Speaking on the law and order situation in the national capital, the former Delhi CM said that "11 gangsters" have captured the entire Delhi. Attacking Amit Shah, further, Kejriwal said the Home Minister is busy "toppling governments" and "poaching MLAs". Speaking to the media, Kejriwal said, "Yogi ji came to Delhi today. He too raised questions on the law and order in Delhi. He said that he mended the law and order in UP. I agree with Yogi ji that Delhi's law and order is very bad.11 gangsters have captured the entire Delhi. Yogi Ji said that he wiped out gangsters in UP. But in Delhi, gangsters are roaming around freely. Firing is taking place on streets. Women can't step out of their houses." "I would like to tell Yogi ji that the law and order in Delhi come under Amit Shah. He should sit down with Amit Shah and guide him, explain to him how law and order has to be mended. Amit Shah is busy toppling governments and poaching MLAs," he added. Kejriwal's remark came after CM Yogi slammed the AAP government in Delhi on the issue of illegal migrants and more. Addressing a public gathering in the Janakpuri Assembly constituency on Thursday, CM Yogi accused Kejriwal's AAP government of 'instigating riots' in 2020 in the national capital with the help of 'Bangladeshi infiltrators'. "With the help of Bangladeshi infiltrators, their (AAP) councillors and officials together instigated riots in 2020. They created chaos and hooliganism in Shaheen Bagh. Today if you look at the states where the double-engine government of the Bharatiya Janata Party is in power, you will find a clean environment there. Form a double-engine government in Delhi and get basic amenities and move towards making Delhi Indraprastha again," CM Yogi said. The Delhi Assembly elections will take place in a single phase on February 5, and the counting of votes is set for February 8. A total of 699 candidates are competing for the 70 assembly seats in Delhi. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seats. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections by winning 67 and 62 seats, respectively, out of a total of 70 seats, while the BJP got only three and eight seats in these elections. (ANI) The two men have been identified as Gias Uddin (26) and Moin Uddin (25), and they allegedly entered India illegally. "Acting on confidential information, a joint operation by Agartala Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and intelligence agencies led to the detention of two Bangladeshi nationals at Agartala Railway Station on Thursday," an official release said. During preliminary questioning, the detainees revealed that their destination was Kolkata. The GRP officials at Agartala Police Station are conducting detailed interrogations, and authorities suspect more individuals may be involved in the case. A case has been registered at Agartala GRP Police Station, and the detainees are set to be presented before the court, the release added. Further investigation is underway. Earlier on Wednesday, BSF troops foiled another illegal border crossing attempt at the Meghalaya border and arrested six Bangladeshi nationals. The action followed a specific intelligence tip-off, leading to a thorough search operation in the East Jaintia Hills region along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Upon apprehension, it was revealed that these individuals had entered India several months ago and had since been employed as domestic workers in Bangalore and were now seeking to return home. Meanwhile, the BSF has launched a 10-day "OPS Alert" exercise along the India-Bangladesh border to ensure heightened security amid Republic Day celebrations in the country. This step has been taken ahead of the 76th Republic Day, considering the changed scenario in Bangladesh. (ANI) Major Radhika Sen, who is part of the mechanised forces that will be marching on the Kartavya Path on the Republic Day Parade, highlighted the crucial role of women in the Armed forces. She said that she would be standing on Nandighosh which is a quick reaction force vehicle indigenously made by Bharat Forge. Speaking to ANI, Major Radhika Sen said, "I am a part of the mechanised forces who are marching on the Kartavya path. I will be standing on Nandighosh which is a quick reaction force vehicle." "It is an endeavour by our own companies to put forward our step into defence manufacturing. This vehicle is a mine-protected armoured personnel carrier which can carry 8 personnel with a full load as well as a driver and a co-driver," she added. "This vehicle is proving its worth in the CI/CT (counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism) operations, as well as in the hilly terrains. Now these vehicles are also being introduced in the United Nations missions where we are proving ourselves in the global forum in defence manufacturing," she further said. She recalled her childhood when she would get up in the morning to watch the parade on television. "This time I would be marching. It is a very happy and pleasant feeling. I am sure my parents would be proud of me," Major Sen added. Major Radhika Sen, an Indian woman peacekeeper who served with the UN mission in Congo received the prestigious 'United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year' award for the year 2023. Captain Ritika Khareta would be leading the Corps of Signals contingent in the Republic Day parade. "Corps of Signals is a combat support arm and we are responsible for army network, cyber warfare, and EW (electronic warfare). The contingent I lead consists of dedicated soldiers who are technically qualified. I would like to thank my contingent for marching on my word of command and believing that I can lead them," she said. On 26th January 2025, the Republic Day Parade will start in the morning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. The President will arrive at Kartavya Path in a ceremonial buggy and take the salute during a ceremonial march past, which will include units from the Armed Forces, Para Military Forces, Auxiliary Civil Forces, NCC, and NSS. The parade will begin with a unique cultural performance, where 300 cultural artists will play musical instruments from different parts of the country. This will be followed by the march past the contingents of the Indian Armed Forces and the Indonesian contingent. (ANI) Delhi Police on Wednesday conducted search operations in slum areas across the national capital as part of an ongoing investigation into Bangladeshi infiltration. Speaking to ANI, West Delhi DCP Vichitra Veer said that the search operations were conducted at night to ensure easy checking of individuals as family members usually remain at home after work. "The purpose of conducting the campaign at night is that people go to work during the day. At night all the family members are found at home, which makes verification easier. We have started the process of deportation of 10 Bangladeshis from West Delhi and other districts are also carrying out the process," DCP Vichitra Veer said. The BJP has been criticizing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi accusing it of providing voter ID cards and Aadhaar cards to Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants to gain votes. On Monday, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena raised concern over the growing involvement of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants in criminal activities. His comments followed a recent incident in Mumbai, where a Bangladeshi national was arrested in connection with a break-in and assault on actor Saif Ali Khan. In response, Saxena instructed the Delhi Police Commissioner to initiate a special operation aimed at identifying and apprehending such illegal immigrants. In a letter dated January 20, Delhi L-G Secretariat said, "Lt Governor has directed that a special campaign be launched to identify such infiltrators on a mission mode. An outreach programme may be launched through print and social media to generate public awareness on the importance of verification of employees/domestic help and workers including construction labour in the interest of their own security." Notably, last year in December, Delhi LG VK Saxena directed the Delhi Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner to launch a special drive in the next two months to identify and take action against "illegal immigrants from Bangladesh" residing in Delhi. (ANI) Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai recently accused the Congress of making the constitution ineffective and insulting the judiciary for "selfish gains". "The Congress has amended the constitution multiple times to stay in power, essentially "killing the Constitution," he alleged. He was speaking at a seminar organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday at Shivashakti Palace as part of the Constitution Awareness Campaign. Bommai said, "Congress insulted Mahatma Gandhi by claiming 'Jai Bapu' and insulted Dr Ambedkar by claiming 'Jai Bhim.' When former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh attempted to implement laws to curb corruption, Rahul Gandhi tore up those proposals. This reflects Congress' respect for the Constitution." The former CM pointed out that when Dr Ambedkar returned from abroad and wanted to practice law, he was not granted a license. "It was Karnataka's Siddappa Kambali who appointed Ambedkar as a professor. Congress had insulted Ambedkar multiple times during his lifetime. Ambedkar's ideology was vastly different from Congress's principles. Former PM Jawaharlal Nehru couldn't get along with Ambedkar, and now Congress is trying to atone for the insults it caused. The Congress' moral decline has begun," he added. Bommai said it was the BJP that created awareness about the Constitution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi considers the Constitution the sacred text and has worked to amend it for the social and economic development of the nation, ensuring justice for all, he added. "BJP's duty is to protect the Constitution. The Congress is under the illusion that propaganda will help them regain power, but that won't happen," the senior BJP leader said. Bommai further slammed AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge for comparing Priyanka Gandhi to Kittur Rani Chennamma, claiming it was an insult to the freedom struggle. Meanwhile, BJP MP Govind Karjol accused Congress of amending the Constitution for selfish reasons and misleading the public. "The Congress amended the Constitution 75 times, whereas former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee amended it 14 times and Modi eight times, for inclusive growth. Vajpayee worked to enhance job reservations for Dalits, and Modi brought amendments for equality in education and employment in Jammu and Kashmir," he said. Former Minister BC Patil also lashed out at Congress for not allocating land for Ambedkar's memorial when he passed away. Labelling the present Congress as "fake", he said that BJP was the only party that respects the constitution. "The Congress defeated Ambedkar in elections and is now using his name for political gains. The Congress during Gandhi's time was different from the current Congress, which is a fake version. BJP is the only party that genuinely respects the Constitution," he added. BJP state general secretary P Rajeev remarked that the world should never forget the attacks Congress made on the Constitution and the insults directed at Ambedkar. He further charges Indira Gandhi for misusing the Constitution to impose an emergency, robbing people of their freedom. He also accused Congress of frequently dissolving non-Congress governments despite having majority support. Rajeev alleged that Rahul Gandhi, despite holding the Constitution in his hands, has never read it. The program began with an introductory speech by BJP leader Gavisiddappa Dyamannavar. Other speakers included former chairman of the State Leather Corporation DS Malagi, and former MLA Virupakshappa Ballari. Prominent leaders like former MLA Shivaraj Sajjanar, Kalyan Kumar Shettar, Bhojaraj Karudi, Shobha Nissim Gowdar, Basavaraj Chalageri, and Chandrappa Harijan were also present. This comes after Congress held an event in Karnataka's Belagavi on January 21. The 'Jai Babu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' rally was organised in Belagavi today to mark 100 years of the Nava Satyagraha Baithak held in 1924, which was chaired by Mahatma Gandhi in his capacity as the Congress president. (ANI) Family members of workers arrive at construction site for family reunion in Liuzhou Xinhua) 10:23, January 24, 2025 Worker Chen Gongxing and his family members are pictured at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng and Yizhou of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Liuzhou of Guangxi, Jan. 22, 2025. The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, will fall on Jan. 29, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. More than 100 workers of China Railway 12th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. will remain at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng of Liuzhou City and Yizhou of Hechi City in Guangxi this Spring Festival, China's traditional occasion for family reunion. As the Chinese New Year is drawing near, many family members of these workers have arrived at the construction site in Liuzhou. Meanwhile, a series of festive activities are going on here as well. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaobang) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 23, 2025 shows workers at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng and Yizhou of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Liuzhou of Guangxi. The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, will fall on Jan. 29, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. More than 100 workers of China Railway 12th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. will remain at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng of Liuzhou City and Yizhou of Hechi City in Guangxi this Spring Festival, China's traditional occasion for family reunion. As the Chinese New Year is drawing near, many family members of these workers have arrived at the construction site in Liuzhou. Meanwhile, a series of festive activities are going on here as well. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaobang) Workers and their family members pose for group pictures at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng and Yizhou of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Liuzhou of Guangxi, Jan. 22, 2025. The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, will fall on Jan. 29, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. More than 100 workers of China Railway 12th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. will remain at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng of Liuzhou City and Yizhou of Hechi City in Guangxi this Spring Festival, China's traditional occasion for family reunion. As the Chinese New Year is drawing near, many family members of these workers have arrived at the construction site in Liuzhou. Meanwhile, a series of festive activities are going on here as well. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaobang) Workers are pictured at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng and Yizhou of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Liuzhou of Guangxi, Jan. 22, 2025. The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, will fall on Jan. 29, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. More than 100 workers of China Railway 12th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. will remain at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng of Liuzhou City and Yizhou of Hechi City in Guangxi this Spring Festival, China's traditional occasion for family reunion. As the Chinese New Year is drawing near, many family members of these workers have arrived at the construction site in Liuzhou. Meanwhile, a series of festive activities are going on here as well. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaobang) Chen Yimiao, the 11-year-old daughter of a construction worker, does her homework at her father's dormitory on the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng and Yizhou of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Liuzhou of Guangxi, Jan. 23, 2025. The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, will fall on Jan. 29, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. More than 100 workers of China Railway 12th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. will remain at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng of Liuzhou City and Yizhou of Hechi City in Guangxi this Spring Festival, China's traditional occasion for family reunion. As the Chinese New Year is drawing near, many family members of these workers have arrived at the construction site in Liuzhou. Meanwhile, a series of festive activities are going on here as well. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaobang) Workers are pictured at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng and Yizhou of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Liuzhou of Guangxi, Jan. 23, 2025. The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, will fall on Jan. 29, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. More than 100 workers of China Railway 12th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. will remain at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng of Liuzhou City and Yizhou of Hechi City in Guangxi this Spring Festival, China's traditional occasion for family reunion. As the Chinese New Year is drawing near, many family members of these workers have arrived at the construction site in Liuzhou. Meanwhile, a series of festive activities are going on here as well. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaobang) Workers prepare dinner at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng and Yizhou of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Liuzhou of Guangxi, Jan. 22, 2025. The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, will fall on Jan. 29, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. More than 100 workers of China Railway 12th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. will remain at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng of Liuzhou City and Yizhou of Hechi City in Guangxi this Spring Festival, China's traditional occasion for family reunion. As the Chinese New Year is drawing near, many family members of these workers have arrived at the construction site in Liuzhou. Meanwhile, a series of festive activities are going on here as well. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaobang) Workers and their family enjoy dinner at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng and Yizhou of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Liuzhou of Guangxi, Jan. 22, 2025. The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, will fall on Jan. 29, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. More than 100 workers of China Railway 12th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. will remain at the construction site of an expressway linking Yufeng of Liuzhou City and Yizhou of Hechi City in Guangxi this Spring Festival, China's traditional occasion for family reunion. As the Chinese New Year is drawing near, many family members of these workers have arrived at the construction site in Liuzhou. Meanwhile, a series of festive activities are going on here as well. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaobang) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Hard work is the only way to earn trust in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha while speaking at a felicitation program for the booth presidents of Bordowali town. Saha emphasized that the BJP's organization in Tripura was exceptionally strong and thrived on dedication rather than groupism. The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of working diligently to build one's reputation and trust within the party. "Positions are earned through performance, and there is no alternative to hard work," he said. During the event, the Chief Minister criticized the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Congress and accused them of betraying the people. He stated, "The CPI(M) misled the people, which fueled our determination to oust them. That is why, in the 2018 elections, we achieved a historic victory with a significant majority." Adding on, Saha also mentioned BJP's growth since the party's election process had began across the state on September 2, 2024. He congratulated all newly elected leaders and urged them to work towards making the Bordowali Mandal a model organization. Referring to his journey in the BJP, Saha shared his experiences of tirelessly working at the grassroots level. "I never aspired to be the Chief Minister or State President. I simply focused on fulfilling my responsibilities with dedication. Whether it was traveling alone by train to various places or managing membership drives, I gave my best," he said. The Chief Minister proudly recounted his achievement in expanding the BJP's membership in Tripura. "When I was made in charge of the membership drive, there were only 1.24 lakh members. I set a target of 3 lakhs, and we ultimately achieved nearly 7 lakhs. Our efforts were highly appreciated in Delhi," he added. Saha also reiterated that BJP's organizational strength in Tripura remained robust, with party workers showing exceptional commitment to their duties. The program was attended by prominent leaders, including Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Deepak Majumdar, Sadar Urban District President Ashim Bhattacharya, Town Bordowali Mandal President Shyamal Kumar Dev, Mandal In-Charge Subrata Chakraborty, former Mandal President Sanjay Saha, and newly elected booth presidents, committee members, and other party workers. Taking to social media X, the CM wrote in a post said that the most important role in the vast family of BJP was played by the dedicated workers at the booth level. "The most important role in the vast family of the Bharatiya Janata Party is played by the dedicated workers at the booth level. Honoring their efforts to reach the party's ideals to the last person in society, I joined the reception program organized by Town No. 8 Baradoali Mandal to welcome the newly elected booth president and the newly formed booth committee and extend my best wishes and congratulations to everyone. I firmly believe that this collective effort of all of them will continue in the coming days to make the organization even larger and stronger," the post read. (ANI) The ongoing Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj has witnessed an unprecedented turnout of devotees, with over 100 million people taking a holy dip at the sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, since January the commencement of the mega spiritual event. According to a statement from the Uttar Pradesh government, the number crossed this milestone by Thursday afternoon. The data was shared on the official account of Mahakumbh on social media platform X as well. "More than Ten Crore souls have bathed in the sacred Triveni Sangam, immersed in divine grace. This historic moment at the Maha Kumbh 2025 promises an event grander and more spiritual than ever before," read the statement. The Uttar Pradesh government estimates that more than 45 crore people will attend the Maha Kumbh this time, according to an official statement. Several devotees from Russia and Ukraine -- two countries embroiled in deadly conflict for close to three years -- attended the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj on Thursday and presented a message of spiritual unity. The atmosphere in Prayagraj turned sublime, as devotees in the cold winter evening gathered to perform kirtan, and sang 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna'. Speaking to ANI, a devotee from Russia shared a message of unity and peace and stated that monks of different nationalities were present at the gathering. "I came here from Russia, and my Guru Maa came from Ukraine. Many of my Guru sisters and brothers have come from countries like Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Europe, and the USA. We all came here for the Maha Kumbh to take a bath in the Ganga on this auspicious day. As we know, all deities and divine energies come to bathe in the Ganga waters, so we follow their example," the devotee said. "This is a great gathering of people in the world. It's the biggest festival ever and we all come in here as Sadhu...whether it's female or male Russian-Ukrainian or Indian we all are here...we all follow Sanatana Dharma," she added. Earlier on Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took the holy dip in Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, along with several ministers of his cabinet. Meanwhile, authorities have been focusing on preparations for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya on January 29, anticipating large crowds of devotees. (ANI) The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill of 2024 is set to hold its sittings in Delhi today, a notice issued by Lok Sabha secretariat read. According to the notice signed by Director Sanjay Sethi, the sittings of the JPC on Waqf will commence from 11:00 AM and will go on till 3:30 PM today, with an hour of lunch break. In the main committee room of the Parliament House Annexe, the JPC members will hear the views or suggestions of cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq of Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema, Jammu and Kashmir. From 2:00 in the afternoon, the JPC members will hear suggestions of 'Lawyers for Justice' on the Waqf (Amendment Bill) of 2024. Moreover, another sitting of the JPC has been scheduled for January 27, starting from 11:00 in the morning, where the committee members will meet and discuss the clauses one by one. After holding a meeting on Tuesday in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow, Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the JPC said that it will be the last meeting of the JPC and after this, they will present its report in the Parliament during the budget session, scheduled for January 31. "The JPC is a committee with members from different parties. All discussions have taken place in a good environment. I am hopeful that we will provide a report that will benefit the people in the coming days. In the last six months, we have held 34 meetings in Delhi alone. I thank all the MPs who attended all these meetings. I believe it will be a very good report, and based on it, a good law will be made to ensure that Waqf properties are used for their intended purposes," Pal said. Meanwhile, DMK Chief Whip in the Lok Sabha, A Raja, on behalf of the Opposition, has requested the Chairman of the JPC on the Waqf Amendment Bill to postpone the proposed meetings scheduled for January 24 and 25. In his letter to Jagdamika Pal, Raja said, "It is needless to say that the tour programmes of the JPC to meet the stakeholders at Patna, Kolkata and Lucknow were completed only on January 21 and the members were dispersed from the tour programme to their constituency to continue their scheduled programmes earlier." "Strangely, the next dates for the sitting of JPC were hurriedly announced without any formal discussion when the JPC was already on tour," he mentioned. The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is to submit its report during the budget session. The term of the committee was extended during the winter session of Parliament. The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. Notably, the budget session of Parliament will commence on January 31 and continue till April 4, with the union budget to be presented on February 1. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI) Mumbai Police have recorded the statement of actor Saif Ali Khan in the case related to his stabbing at his Bandra residence by a Bangladeshi national last week, officials said on Friday. According to Satyanarayan Choudhary, Joint CP of Law and Order, the actor's statement was recorded at his residence 'Satguru Sharan' on Thursday. "Earlier, Kareena Kapoor's statement was also recorded by Bandra Police," Chaudhary added. Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked last week by an intruder, later identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, who entered his home with the intent to commit theft. After a violent confrontation with the accused, Saif Ali Khan sustained stab wounds to his thoracic spine and other body parts. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for immediate treatment following the attack. On Wednesday, Mumbai Police found several fingerprints of the accused at the actor's residence in Bandra. the police found the accused's fingerprints on the stairs of the building, the door of the toilet, and the door handle of his son Jeh's room. According to the police, the accused attempted to enter three houses before reaching Saif Ali Khan's residence with the intent to steal. Mumbai Police believes the discovered fingerprints will play a significant role in the investigation. As per the police statement, the accused entered the residence of the renowned actor with the intent to commit theft. A case has been registered under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) Further, the police stated that the accused was about to flee to his native village in Bangladesh when he was detained at Hiranandani Estate in Thane. Shehzad was sent to five-day police custody by the Bandra Holiday Court on Sunday. His advocate, Sandeep Shekhane, denied the police claims and alleged that "no proper investigation" had been conducted so far. "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. Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was discharged from Lilavati Hospital after surgery on Tuesday. Upon returning to his Bandra residence, he waved to the media. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Bharat Ratna and Former Chief Minister of Bihar Karpoori Thakur on his birth anniversary on Friday. Remembering Karpoori Thakur as leader of the masses, PM Modi said that he dedicated his entire life to social justice. "Respectful tributes to former Bihar Chief Minister Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur ji on his birth anniversary. The leader of the masses dedicated his entire life to social justice and made many efforts in this direction. His life and ideals will continue to inspire every generation of the country." PM Modi wrote on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1882624881487224889 Bihar CM Nitish Kumar remembered Karpoori Thakur and wrote on X, "Respectful tributes to the people's leader Karpoori Thakur ji on the occasion of his birth anniversary." https://x.com/NitishKumar/status/1882615368763744663 Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath also paid tribute to Thakur and said that his ideals and struggle will always inspire us to follow the path of justice, equality and service. "Humble tribute to the great freedom fighter, pioneer of social justice and former Chief Minister of Bihar, 'Bharat Ratna' Karpoori Thakur on his birth anniversary! Your ideals and struggle will always inspire us to follow the path of justice, equality and service," CM Yogi wrote on X. Karpoori Thakur, born in 1924 at Pitaunjhia (now Karpoori Gram) in Darbhanga, Bihar, was a freedom fighter and former CM of Bihar. He was awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2024. He was popularly called 'Jannayak' for his work for the cause of people. He became a member of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha in 1952. He was a strong advocate of socialist ideology and worked tirelessly for the Praja Socialist Party and the Joint Socialist Party. Thakur served as a minister and as Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, before serving two terms as CM of Bihar - from 1970 to 1971 and 1977 to 1979. He died on February 1988 in Patna. (ANI) Rajouri's Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu and Kashmir is being strengthened after an unidentified illness claimed 17 lives in Budhal village under Kotranka Sub Division. To tackle the situation, the government's health department has provided five child specialists and five anaesthesia specialists to GMC Rajouri. Principal GMC Rajouri, Dr AS Bhatia, confirmed that all types of advanced technology are in place to handle any emergency situation. "... We faced a shortage of staff during evacuation (of Budhal village). I requested the Secretary Health, and within half an hour, he got the GMC Principal to pass an order for deputing 5 anaesthesiologists and 5 paediatricians. They will strengthen our existing manpower... We have been facing this crisis for 40 days, since 7 December," MC Rajouri Principal, Dr Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, said. Additionally, advanced care ambulances are ready at the hospital. Currently, six patients from Budhal village are under treatment at GMC Hospital Rajouri and are recovering. The entire Budhal area has been declared a containment zone, and MLA Budhal Javaid Iqbal has appealed to the Union government to provide air ambulances for any emergency situations, enabling the airlifting of patients. The unidentfied illness has been reported in Budhal village, with symptoms including fever, sweating, vomiting, dehydration, and episodic loss of consciousness. Despite initial tests, no bacterial or viral infections have been detected. Mysterious illnesses and diseases, still unknown to the administration, have placed all departments on high alert, operating round the clock to handle the situation. Budhal MLA Javaid Iqbal said, "I saw children die in agony in front of me... I appeal to the government to station air ambulances in Jammu or Rajouri so critical patients can be airlifted for advanced treatment. Arrangements should also be made in PGIMER Chandigarh and AIIMS Delhi in case the disease spreads causing a bigger outbreak. GMC Rajouri should also be strengthened, and more staff should be sent here to meet any emergency condition... Yesterday, patients were airlifted from here to Jammu. But, due to lack of help, they could not be sent to PGIMER Chandigarh and are instead being treated in SMGS Hospital and GMC Jammu." (ANI) The Chief Minister attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos where he participated to attract investments in diverse sectors of the state. On January 24, the Telangana government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Akshat Greentech Private Limited, a group company of Mytrah Energy, to establish a state-of-the-art solar cells and modules manufacturing facility in Telangana, the state's Chief Minister Office (CMO) stated in a release. The MOU was formalized on the margins of the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, in the presence of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu and the Telangana Rising Delegation. Akshat Greentech was represented by their Director, Girish Gelli. Akshat Greentech will set up a 6.9 GW Solar Cells and 6.9 GW Solar Modules manufacturing unit in Hyderabad. The project with a proposed investment of Rs 7,000 crores is expected to create over 2,500 direct jobs, boosting local employment and fostering economic development in the region. It represents a significant milestone in Telangana's journey towards renewable energy leadership. The Telangana government recently launched an ambitious Clean and Green Energy Policy and remains committed to fostering a conducive ecosystem for investment in renewable energy, offering robust infrastructure, single window clearances, and an attractive package of incentives, according to the CMO release. At WEF, participating states such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and other South Indian states are attracting investments in diverse sectors. The Annual Meeting 2025 of The World Economic Forum took place at Davos-Klosters from January 20 to 24, 2025. India Pavilion at the 55th World Economic Forum annual conference 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, featured eight states and each sought investment opportunities from executives of companies worldwide. India sent its largest-ever delegation to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, which comprised of five union ministers and three state chief ministers. Nearly 100 CEOs and leaders from government, civil society, and the arts also attended the event. Cutting across party lines, all Union ministers, Chief Ministers, and other state ministers spoke in one voice to promote India's growth story at Davos. (ANI) A sea of devotes was seen taking a holy dip in drone visuals from Triveni Sangam in the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj on Friday. Braving the intense cold over 30.29 lakhs of devotes, including 10 lakh 'kalpwasis' took a holy dip by 10 am, as per the official data shared by the government of Uttar Pradesh. More than a total of 102 milllion people have taken a dip in Mahakumbh since its commencement. The mega spiritual event has witnessed an unprecedented turnout of devotees, and on Thursday the number crossed 10 crore milestones. The state govt estimates that this Maha Kumbh will host over 45 crore visitors and the early achievement of 10 crore bathers reaffirms these projections. Apart from this, the morning Aarti, a hallmark of devotional celebration along the Ganga ghats, was also performed by priests holding huge lighted oil lamps, while the river Ganga was worshipped by offering flowers and diyas. Visitors from around the world are often left in awe as they witness people from different languages, lifestyles, and traditions coming together at the Sangam for a holy dip. Several devotees from Russia and Ukraine -- two countries embroiled in deadly conflict for close to three years -- attended the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj on Thursday and presented a message of spiritual unity. The atmosphere in Prayagraj turned sublime, as devotees in the cold winter evening gathered to perform kirtan, and sang 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna'. Speaking to ANI, a devotee from Russia shared a message of unity and peace and stated that monks of different nationalities were present at the gathering. "I came here from Russia, and my Guru Maa came from Ukraine. Many of my Guru sisters and brothers have come from countries like Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Europe, and the USA. We all came here for the Maha Kumbh to take a bath in the Ganga on this auspicious day. As we know, all deities and divine energies come to bathe in the Ganga waters, so we follow their example," the devotee said. "This is a great gathering of people in the world. It's the biggest festival ever and we all come in here as Sadhu...whether it's female or male Russian-Ukrainian or Indian we all are here...we all follow Sanatana Dharma," she added. Earlier on Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took the holy dip in Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, along with several ministers of his cabinet. Meanwhile, authorities have been focusing on preparations for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya on January 29, anticipating large crowds of devotees. (ANI) As the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill commences, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq of Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema on Friday expressed hopes, saying that the decision regarding the Waqf issue won't be taken in haste, where Muslims in the country feel disempowered. He said that the Waqf board issue remains important since it is connected to the future of Muslims. He said that they have prepared a memorandum and plan to discuss their concerns in a step-by-step manner. "Since Jammu and Kashmir is a Muslim majority state, there are many concerns that people have. We will address those concerns there, at least to present it. A detailed memorandum has been prepared. There are many issues, and we will discuss them step-by-step. We hope that JPC members will appreciate the concerns raised by us and will address them because this matter is directly linked to the future of Muslims. We hope that decision won't be taken in haste where Muslims feel that they are being disempowered," Farooq told ANI. "You can see that there is already an atmosphere of tension when there is talk of mosques and temples. We believe no step should be taken that harms the atmosphere of brotherhood. We thought JPC would come to Kashmir. We have come here at short notice," he added. Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the JPC, on Friday, said that a meeting has been scheduled on January 29 for the final adoption of the clauses, which will be discussed in detail on January 27. He said that the JPC members will hear the suggestions from a delegation led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq of Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema, Jammu and Kashmir. "J&K's Mirwaiz Umar Farooq sahib (Hurriyat Conference chairman and chief cleric of Kashmir) had been wanting to meet the committee, so, today we will hear the delegation headed by him. Meeting to hold clause-by-clause discussion to be held on 27th January now. We hope that a good report will be prepared. A meeting for the final adoption of the clauses will be held on 29th January. We will present the report in this (Budget) session of Parliament." According to a notice the sittings of the JPC on Waqf will go on till early evening today, with an hour of lunch break. In the main committee room of the Parliament House Annexe, the JPC members will hear the views or suggestions of cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq of Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema, Jammu and Kashmir. The JPC members will also hear suggestions of 'Lawyers for Justice' on the Waqf (Amendment Bill) of 2024. Moreover, another sitting of the JPC has been scheduled for January 27, starting from 11:00 in the morning, where the committee members will meet and discuss the clauses one by one. After holding a meeting on Tuesday in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow, Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the JPC said that it will be the last meeting of the JPC and after this, they will present its report in the Parliament during the budget session, scheduled for January 31. The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is to submit its report during the budget session. The term of the committee was extended during the winter session of Parliament. The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. Notably, the budget session of Parliament will commence on January 31 and continue till April 4, with the union budget to be presented on February 1. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI) On the occasion of National Girl Child Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reiterated the government's commitment to keep empowering the girl child and ensure a wide range of opportunities for them. In a thread post on X, PM Modi expressed pride over the girl child's accomplishment across all fields. "Today, on National Girl Child Day, we reiterate our commitment to keep empowering the girl child and ensure a wide range of opportunities for her. India is proud of the accomplishments of the girl child across all fields. Their feats continue to inspire us all," PM Modi wrote. "Our Government has focused on sectors like education, technology, skills, healthcare etc which have contributed to empowering the girl child. We are equally resolute in ensuring no discrimination happens against the girl child," he added. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1882624582420734178 Earlier in the day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday extended wishes and said that "gender equality is the basis of true progress." Kharge further stated that observance of National Girl Child Day is a reminder to rededicate ourselves towards ending gender discrimination and providing every girl with the opportunities she deserves. Taking to X, Kharge wrote, "Gender equality is the basis of true progress. Congress-UPA established National Girl Child Day in 2008, rooted in India's constitutional principles. Let the observance of NationalGirlChildDay become a reminder to rededicate ourselves towards ending gender discrimination and providing every girl with the opportunities she deserves - education, healthcare, safety, and proper nutrition." National Girl Child Day, celebrated every year on January 24 in India, is a significant occasion dedicated to highlighting the rights, education and welfare of girls. Initiated in 2008, by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the day aims to raise awareness about the importance of empowering girls and creating an environment where they can thrive without the barriers of gender discrimination. According to an official release from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, National Girl Child Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the rights of girls and ensure they are provided with equal opportunities and support, free from gender biases. The day also seeks to highlight the inequalities faced by girls, promote education for them and encourage society to value and respect girls as equals. A key focus is on changing societal attitudes towards girls, addressing issues like female foeticide, raising awareness about the declining sex ratio and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for the girl child. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a PIL seeking to declare that the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) system is "manifestly arbitrary, irrational and violative of various fundamental rights". A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar declined the plea filed by advocate petitioner advocate Ashwini Upadhyay and said he may approach High Court with his plea. "Sorry, we will not entertain. It is very badly drafted. You can move the High Court. Some judgments have upheld it. We will not entertain. Dismissed," said the bench. The petition contended that the TDS system disproportionately burdens assesses with significant administrative expenses. "Declare the TDS system manifestly arbitrary, irrational and against Articles 14 (right to equality), 19 (right to practice profession) and 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Constitution, hence void and inoperative," the plea stated. The petition made the Centre, Ministry of Law and Justice, Law Commission, and NITI Aayog as parties in the case. The plea urged the apex court to direct the NITI Ayog to consider contentions raised in the plea and suggest necessary changes in TDS system.Law Commission should examine the legality of the TDS system and prepare a report within three months, it sought. The petition said the system violated Article 14 by disproportionately burdening economically weaker sections and small earners who lack the capacity to navigate its technical requirements. The plea while referring to Article 23 said the imposition of tax collection duties on private citizens amounted to forced labour. "The regulatory and procedural framework surrounding TDS is excessively technical, often requiring specialised legal and financial expertise, which most assessees lack. The result is an unjust shifting of sovereign responsibilities from the government to private citizens without adequate compensation, resources, or legal safeguards," it said. While TDS ensures steady revenue inflow for the government, it imposes substantial administrative and financial obligations on the assessees, the advocate said. These obligations include determining applicable TDS rates across various provisions, deducting taxes before payments or credits, depositing taxes with the government treasury within specified timeframes, issuing TDS certificates to deductees, filing returns and ensuring compliance with frequent legal amendments and defending against assessments, penalties in cases of inadvertent non-compliance, added the plea. The TDS framework under the Income Tax Act mandates the deduction of tax at the time of payment by the payer and its deposit with the income tax department. These payments include salaries, contractual fees, rents, commissions and other taxable sums. The deducted amount is adjusted against the payee's tax liability. (ANI) Ahead of Maheshwar Destination Cabinet meeting scheduled to be held on Friday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that they would lay a foundation stone of a mission for women empowerment during the meeting. CM Yadav further emphasised that they were also moving towards making a significant decision about banning liquor in the religious cities in the state. "Today, we are going to hold a cabinet meeting on the banks of Narmada river and the capital of Ahilyabai Holkar's kingdom in Maheshwar, a city in Khargone district, on the occasion of her 300th birth anniversary year. We will lay the foundation stone of a mission centered towards women empowerment on the occasion. Along with this, we are moving towards a big decision to ban liquor in religious cities in the state," CM said. The Chief Minister also highlighted that currently, many homes get ruined due to alcohol, suffer various diseases, face hospital and other expenses and above all it disturbs peace. Alcohol spreads a disease in which especially women and children suffer a lot. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are hoping to move towards good governance and to improve the lives of women, farmers, youth and the poor. We are going to make many such decisions due to which the cabinet scheduled to be held on the occasion of the 300th birth anniversary year of Ahilyabai will be meaningful. We will move towards doing whatever is needed for the betterment of our state," he added. The CM stressed that Madhya Pradesh is the birthplace of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar and based on the spirit of equality and existence given by Babasaheb Ambedkar, the state is going to do better and better in the future. Additionally, CM Yadav targeted the Congress party stating that whatever drama may Congress does, people know them very well about their past and hoped that Congress will take lessons and will move forward by seeking an apology for its past sins to win the hearts of the public. "Whatever drama may Congress does, the people know very well what they did to Mahatma Gandhi, what happened to the descendants of Mahatma Gandhi? They did injustice to Ambedkar and no one has blown away the constitution as the Congress did. So by shedding fake crocodile tears, the Congress will want to cover up its sin but it is not possible. We hope that Congress will take lessons from this and will move forward by seeking an apology for the sins of the past to win the hearts of the public in true sense," CM Yadav concluded. The Madhya Pradesh government is scheduled to its next cabinet meeting under the chairmanship of CM Yadav in Maheshwar, a city in Khargone district which is popularly known as the city of Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai, today. According to an official release, CM Yadav will perform puja-archana of Maa Narmada at Maheshwar Ghat and will offer floral tribute to the statue of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai. Additionally, saplings will be planted in the memory of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai and the ghats of Maa Narmada and the Maheshwar city will be decorated. Furthermore, CM Yadav will interact with women weavers preparing Maheshwari sarees and members of the Cabinet will also visit the palace of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai on the occasion. (ANI) Lok Sabha LOP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday emphasized the responsibility to prepare girls for a 'bright and secure future' on National Girl Child Day. In a post on X, Rahul said that daughters are the symbol of strength, courage and dedication. "Daughters are the symbol of strength, courage and dedication; they are full of hopes and aspirations for their better tomorrow," he said in his post. "It is our responsibility to prepare a bright and secure future for them, take a pledge to give full rights to half the population," his post further reads. https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1882641592819093771 Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge underscored the significance of gender equality in the progress and stated that Congress-led UPA government established National Girl Child Day in 2008. "Gender equality is the basis of true progress," he said in a post on X. Calling all for ensuring education, healthcare, safety, and proper nutrition for girls, he said, "Congress-UPA established National Girl Child Day in 2008, rooted in India's constitutional principles. Let the observance of National Girl Child Day become a reminder to rededicate ourselves towards ending gender discrimination and providing every girl with the opportunities she deserves--education, healthcare, safety, and proper nutrition.' National Girl Child Day, celebrated every year on January 24 in India, is a significant occasion dedicated to highlighting the rights, education and welfare of girls. Initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the day aims to raise awareness about the importance of empowering girls and creating an environment where they can thrive without the barriers of gender discrimination. National Girl Child Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the rights of girls and ensure they are provided with equal opportunities and support, free from gender biases. The day also seeks to highlight the inequalities faced by girls, promote education for them, and encourage society to value and respect girls as equals. A key focus is on changing societal attitudes towards girls, addressing issues like female foeticide, raising awareness about the declining sex ratio and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for the girl child. (ANI) Ahead of the forthcoming assembly elections in Delhi, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) about the recent attacks on the party chief Arvind Kejriwal during the election campaign, said party sources on Friday. AAP has alleged that Arvind Kejriwal was attacked several times during the election campaigning for the upcoming assembly polls in Delhi. On Thursday, Kejriwal alleged that some cadres of the opposition candidate entered his public meeting in Hari Nagar and attacked his car. "Today in Hari Nagar, the police allowed the opposition candidate's men to enter my public meeting and then attacked my car. All this is happening on Amit Shah's orders. Amit Shah has made the Delhi Police the personal army of the BJP," Kejriwal said on X. Last week, the AAP national convenor also claimed that he was attacked by alleged BJP workers during his campaign rally. Recently, the Punjab Police has also withdrawn its security for AAP chief Kejriwal after instructions from the Election Commission of India and the Delhi Police. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav on Thursday said that they have withdrawn components of the Punjab Police deployed for the security of Arvind Kejriwal. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi condemned the withdrawal of Punjab Police security for Kejriwal and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of "playing with the life" of the former CM. The Delhi Assembly elections will take place in a single phase on February 5, and the counting of votes is set for February 8. A total of 699 candidates are competing for the 70 assembly seats in Delhi. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seats. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections by winning 67 and 62 seats, respectively, out of a total of 70 seats, while the BJP got only three and eight seats in these elections. (ANI) Navrachana School in Vadodara received a bomb threat through an email at 6:30 a.m. on Friday. The message sent on the school Principal's email address further mentioned that the bomb was fit in a pipeline of the school, said the Vadodara Assistant Commissioner of Police. Speaking to ANI, the ACP said all units of the bomb disposal team had been sent to the school upon receiving information. "We had received information that the principal of the Navrachana school had received a bomb threat on her e-mail. All units of the Bomb disposal team upon receiving information immediately came to the school to investigate on the matter.." the official said. Further, he added that the students were given a holiday to avoid any risk and not create a sense of panic among them. "All students were given an off to avoid a sense of panic among them," he added. "The cyber team is working to know who sent the email.. investigation is underway," the official said. The school's administration team member said that the three schools associated were closed after the mail had been received and further added that the students would resume their classes tomorrow. "When we received the information, we granted the students from the three nearby branches of this school a holiday. Immediate investigation and search was conducted here.. Students will resume their classes tomorrow..." the member said speaking to ANI. On January 23, a school in the Jogeshwari-Oshiwara area of Mumbai had received a bomb threat. Acting on the bomb threat email, emergency response teams were dispatched to the school. "The local law enforcement, along with an explosive detection team dispatched to launch a thorough investigation at the school to ensure the safety of the students and staff," said Mumbai Police. (ANI) After the son of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan reportedly misbehaved with the Delhi Police, BJP MP Yogender Chandolia targeted him saying that people like Khan, belonging to the Aam Aadmi Party are "100 per cent criminals." As the police have registered cases for rash driving and misbehaving against the man who claims to be AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan's son in Okhla, the BJP MP said that rash driving can prove fatal and it was good that the police seized his vehicle. "People like Amanatullah Khan of AAP are 100% criminals. It was good that the police seized his son's vehicle. Rash driving can prove fatal, so a case should be filed against him. These people think that Delhi is their father's property..." Chandolia told ANI. Furthermore, Yogender Chandolia also hit out at the AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal saying that if his government did not get time to clean the Yamuna in 10 years, then it will never get the time. "Arvind Kejriwal had said in 2020 that he would clean the Yamuna and then take a dip in the Yamuna with his cabinet. If their government did not get time to clean the Yamuna in 10 years, then it will never get the time... Anna Hazare should know that he has left an anti-national anarchist here, who has not developed Delhi but destroyed it. I request Anna Hazare to announce not to link Arvind Kejriwal to him," the BJP MP said. Earlier, Delhi Police registered a case against two individuals for using a modified silencer motorcycle and misbehaving with officers on duty, out of which, one identified himself as a son of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan. They've been fined around Rs 20,000 for violating several sections of the Motor Vehicle Act. According to the police, these two youths were riding a bike erratically, making loud noises with a modified silencer, and driving in a zigzag manner. When police confronted them, one of the boys claimed to be AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan's son and accused the officers of targeting him because of his father's position. The incident occurred when the police team was conducting a security patrol in the Okhla area of the national capital ahead of Republic Day. As per the Delhi police, they also refused to show their driving licenses and identification, saying they didn't need to. One of them even called Amanatullah Khan, who spoke to the Station House Officer (SHO). Despite this, the boys left without disclosing their names and addresses. The police have registered a case and issued a challan. Their bike has been impounded under several acts. The 70-seated Delhi Assembly will go to polls in a single phase on February 5. The counting of votes will take place on February 8. (ANI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar paid floral tribute to former Bihar CM Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur, on his birth anniversary, outside the state Assembly in Patna on Friday. During this, the CM was accompanied by several state ministers and MLAs. Nitish Kumar remembered Thakur and wrote on X, "Respectful tributes to the people's leader Karpoori Thakur ji on the occasion of his birth anniversary." Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, while speaking to reporters, said, "By awarding Bharat Ratna to Jananayak Karpuri Thakur who was dedicated for the poor, Prime Minister Modi has boosted the morale of such people. Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers take inspiration from him and move forward with the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas." He further said, "The government is establishing the rule of law with full vigilance. Those who do wrong will not be spared, the administration is working honestly." Karpoori Thakur, born in 1924 at Pitaunjhia (now Karpoori Gram) in Darbhanga district of Bihar, was a freedom fighter and former CM of Bihar. He was awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2024. He was popularly called 'Jannayak' for his work for the cause of people. He became a member of Bihar Vidhan Sabha in 1952. He was a staunch advocate of socialist ideology and worked tirelessly for the Praja Socialist Party and the Joint Socialist Party. Thakur served as a minister and as Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, before serving two terms as CM of Bihar - from 1970 to 1971 and 1977 to 1979. He died in February 1988 in Patna. Meanwhile, PM Modi also paid tribute to Karpoori Thakur and remembered him as a leader of the masses. PM Modi highlighted that Thakur dedicated his entire life to social justice. "Respectful tributes to former Bihar Chief Minister Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur ji on his birth anniversary. The leader of the masses dedicated his entire life to social justice and made many efforts in this direction. His life and ideals will continue to inspire every generation of the country." PM posted on X. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath also paid tribute to Thakur and said that his ideals and struggle will always inspire one to follow the path of justice, equality and service. (ANI) To inspire interest in science, particularly among the youth and students of Gujarat, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat and the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, established a dedicated Science and Technology Department in the state. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the department continues its efforts to cultivate a scientific mindset, while also keeping the general public informed about significant scientific events. On January 24 and 25, 2025, a rare and significant astronomical event will take place in the night sky of Gujarat, as five of the eight planets orbiting the Sun align in a planetary parade. To offer the public an opportunity to witness this remarkable phenomenon, the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST), under the Department of Science and Technology of Gujarat, has organized a series of public observation programs. These events will be held in collaboration with Gujarat Science City, Regional Science Centers (RSCs), and Community Science Centers (CSCs) across the state. A planetary parade occurs when multiple planets align along the same region of the sky, visible from Earth. On this occasion, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will align in a graceful celestial arc, providing a breathtaking view. This alignment is a visual phenomenon created by the relative positions of the planets in their orbits around the Sun. Such alignments, while not rare, are significant for their educational and scientific value. They offer a unique opportunity to observe and learn about planetary motion, the ecliptic plane, and the vastness of our solar system. This event fosters public interest in astronomy and encourages scientific curiosity among students and enthusiasts. The Planetary Parade is a reflection of the wonders of our universe. By organizing observation programs, we aim to ignite the spark of curiosity among the youth and the general public, enhancing their understanding of celestial mechanics and the cosmos. There are several programs planned across Gujarat on January 24 and 25. GUJCOST has made extensive arrangements to ensure that people from all walks of life can enjoy this celestial event. Live telescopic observations, and expert talks will be arranged in Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad. Guided night-sky observation sessions, interactive astronomy workshops, and special exhibits is scheduled to happen in Regional Science Centers (Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Patan, and Rajkot). Hands-on activities and demonstrations to explain the science behind planetary motion and celestial alignments will happen in - Community Science Centers. The programs are designed to engage students, teachers, and the general public in understanding the scientific principles behind the planetary parade while fostering a sense of wonder about our universe. As per a government release, the best time to observe the parade is between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM on both nights, weather permitting. The release suggested finding a dark and clear sky away from city lights for the best view. While the planets can be seen with the naked eye, a pair of binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the viewing experience, especially for details like Jupiter's moons or Saturn's rings. Looking towards the western horizon after sunset for Mercury and Venus, while Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible higher in the night sky. Use mobile astronomy apps to identify the planets and their positions. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a grand astronomical event and connect with the cosmos. GUJCOST invites everyone to participate in the observation programs and discover the marvels of our solar system. (ANI) The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition that sought to quash the registration of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) as a political party by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The Division Bench, comprising Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, upheld the decision of the Single Judge, agreeing with the conclusion that the ECI had acted within its powers in granting recognition to AIMIM. The appellant, who filed the petition, argued that AIMIM should be de-registered on the grounds that its constitution did not align with the provisions of Section 29A (5) of the Representation of People Act (RPA). Specifically, the appellant claimed that AIMIM's objectives primarily served the interests of one religious community, which, in their view, violated the Act's requirements for political parties. However, the Court noted that AIMIM had amended its constitution to comply with the provisions of Section 29A (5) of the RP Act. The judges pointed out that the primary challenge presented by the appellant, regarding the party's constitution, no longer held weight in light of this amendment. The Bench stated, "We find no infirmity with the conclusion of the learned Single Judge that the requirements of Section 29A (5) of the Act are fully satisfied. Therefore, there is no ground to de-register AIMIM as a political party on the ground that its constitution does not conform to Section 29A (5) of the RP Act." Earlier, the single-judge bench had upheld the legality of the party's registration, dismissing the challenge against it. The Petitioner Tirupathi Narshima Murari argued that AIMIM does not meet the requirements set out under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The petitioner contended that AIMIM's constitution primarily seeks to advance the interests of a single religious community--Muslims--thereby violating the secular principles mandated by the Constitution and the Act, which require all political parties to adhere to the principles of secularism. The single-judge bench observed that the purpose of defining "corrupt practices" is to address disputes during the election process, including election petitions and the disqualification of candidates under Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act. It further clarified that the provisions of Section 123 of the Act are not relevant to the criteria for registering a political party, but are instead concerned with the outcome of specific elections and the disqualification of individuals from participating in the electoral process. (ANI) According to the police, the accident occurred on the outskirts of Hosur village in Hukkeri Taluk, on the state highway. The goods vehicle lost control while trying to avoid a bullet bike. The injured have been admitted to BIMS Hospital for treatment, as per Belagavi SP Dr. Bheema Shankar Guled. There have been no reports of deaths as of now. Further details are awaited. (ANI) Sci-fi writers from various countries will debut original stories themed around the number "10" at the 2025 Science Fiction New Year Gala, which will celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. A poster for the 2025 Science Fiction New Year Gala. [Image courtesy of the Future Affairs Administration] This year marks the 10th anniversary of the gala, and the theme of "10" was selected to reflect this milestone, according to the Future Affairs Administration, the event's organizer and a company dedicated to producing and promoting sci-fi works while supporting new writers in China. This year is significant as it is the first since UNESCO added the Spring Festival a traditional celebration of the Chinese New Year to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage last December. The number 10 is significant for numerous reasons. The organizers point out that both Eastern and Western cultures embrace the ouroboros a symbol of a serpent eating its own tail that aligns with China's Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac suggesting that the number 10 signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Additionally, in decimal notation, 10 is seen as a node, while in binary, the numbers 1 and 0 represent foundational elements of code. The organizers also note that visually, the number 10 resembles a person standing before a stargate, poised to embark on a new journey. Twelve authors from four countries have submitted works inspired by the theme of "10." These stories will be published daily from Jan. 24 to Feb. 4 on new media platforms operated by the Future Affairs Administration, including Xiaohongshu, WeChat, Weibo and Bilibili. The participating writers include China's Han Song, Yang Ping, Jiang Bo, and Cheng Jingbo, as well as Canada's Derek Kunsken and Jiang Ai, Australia's Samantha Murray and Japan's Taiyo Fujii. They are a mix of award-winning authors and emerging stars in the global sci-fi literary scene. A tribute video is also being produced to commemorate the anniversary of the Science Fiction New Year Gala. Nearly 50 writers, artists, scholars, translators, readers, fans, critics and gala participants will share their memories and congratulations in the video. Over the past 10 years, the Science Fiction New Year Gala has invited 63 sci-fi authors from 10 countries across five continents to contribute to 145 novels, amassing an impressive 500 million views within the Chinese sci-fi community. The stories created for the event have garnered multiple awards both domestically and internationally, appearing in multilingual sci-fi collections and top magazines such as Clarkesworld, Asimov's Science Fiction, and Lightspeed. Additionally, more than 10 artists have produced over 70 pieces of visual art, while 25 podcasts have collectively featured over 70 hours of programming. More than 150 partners have also given readers Chinese New Year gifts and benefits valued at over 170,000 yuan ($23,300). The writings showcased at the gala include sci-fi stories that explore themes such as homeward journeys reflecting the Chinese tradition of family reunions, reimaginings of China's extensive transportation system, and various social issues. Some stories draw inspiration from the Chinese dragon, a mythical and auspicious creature in Chinese legend and the Zodiac. The gala also promotes cultural exchanges, allowing foreign writers to share their perspectives on China while gaining deeper insights into the emotions and experiences of the Chinese people. "Why are we celebrating Chinese New Year with sci-fi literature? This idea may seem crazy, but we believe that through sci-fi a genre that expands human emotions the atmosphere of the year will become richer between the lines and words," said Ji Shaoting, founder and CEO of the Future Affairs Administration. Ji emphasized the challenge of maintaining focus on one project for 10 years. "The pain involved in pursuing what you love might be the most bearable. Ten years ago, we hoped this could become a fresh New Year tradition for our sci-fi enthusiasts. Perhaps we have achieved that now. However, the road ahead is still long, and we hope that one day everyone will recognize how deeply sci-fi is woven into life and into our very essence," she said. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday stated that former Chief Minister of Bihar, Karpoori Thakur was the 'Messiah' of Social Justice, and he implemented reservations, opening vast opportunities for a large population. While addressing the memorial event held on the 101st birth anniversary of Karpoori Thakur in Samastipur, Bihar, the Vice-President said, "The great son of India, Karpoori Thakur is the messiah of social justice. In a short span of time, Karpoori Thakur wrote a new history of social and political transformation. He broke centuries-old stagnation and opened the doors of immense possibilities for a large population. He was the great man who started the new era of equality. He dedicated his life to those on the margins of society, who were ignored by all." While highlighting the exemplary character of Karpoori Thakur, the Vice-President further stated, "To understand what an ideal personality is, we must look at the life of Karpoori Thakur. His sacrifice, his dedication, and how he never promoted dynastic politics. He was a national leader who rose above caste, religion, and class, focusing on equality and promoting development. Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur left a distinct mark on the country by advancing social justice. In a difficult and challenging environment, he completed his college education. A man who never accumulated any wealth and dedicated his entire life to the public." Highlighting the farsightedness of Karpoori Thakur, Dhankhar said, "Karpoori Thakur was a 'Statesman!' He thought about both present and future. He implemented reservations without caring about opposition. This was a new chapter. As the honorable Agriculture Minister mentioned, he ended the compulsion of English and promoted the use of Hindi in government offices. He faced ridicule for it. Now, we realize how farsighted he was. He was the first Chief Minister in the country to focus on education, and the first to make schooling up to matriculation free in the state." Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor of Bihar, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Dr Harivansh, Union MoS Ram Nath Thakur, Bhagirath Choudhary, Nityanand Rai and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion. (ANI) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Friday attacked the Bihar Chief Minister over the Mokama firing incident involving the former MLA Anant Singh. Speaking to ANI, Yadav said that the CM had become unwary and that crime had become a habit in the state. "The Chief minister has become unwary. Now 'apradh' (crime) has become a 'aadat' (habit) and 'bhrastachar' (corruption) has become 'shistachar' (decorum). Under the current government, such soul-crushing things have become the norm. The CM is silent over this incident..." Yadav said. Further, he said that FIR were not being filed against anyone despite the fact that criminals on both the sides had accepted that they had opened the fire. "An FIR naming anyone has not been filed till now. Criminals however on both sides have openly accepted that they had opened fire. Government is shielding them. The Union Minister meets both of them... so how will the Police have guts to take any action against anyone..." he added. Further, he said that the criminals had been shielded by the government and also said that the government would try to get the headlines dropped. "Nothing is going to come out of it. They are all shielded by the government. Government will try to get the shields dropped so this matter will also disappear in a few days..This is going to become normal. Nobody cares. The people in the government will protect them and the police has no power..." he further added. On January 23, former MLA Anant Singh had alleged that one of his people had got injured in the neck after the two people opened fire at his group.The former MLA identified the alleged accused involved in the firing incident as Sonu and Monu and called them "kidnappers and thieves." Talking to ANI Singh said, "Two people fired and one of my people got injured in the neck. Sonu and Monu are kidnappers and thieves. They loot people's fields. They are thieves and their father is a dacoit. He roams around with a pistol. If the police had been taking action, I would not have been worried. I demand that there should be an inquiry." "But the police takes money and takes no action. Sonu and Monu are like the chiefs of the police. I want that people should be safe. I don't demand any security. It is the government's call whether I would go to jail or not. I stand with the people. So what if there is a case against me? I stand with the people. I don't care about the case," he said. The incident reportedly happened when Anant Singh, a strongman in the region reached Nauranga village along with his men to settle some disputes brought to his notice by some locals. Meanwhile, a special police arrived at the residence of Sonu and Monu, the accused in the firing and inspected their houses to further investigate on the matter. The firing reportedly occurred between two gangs in the Mokama area under the Pachmala Police Station limits on Wednesday evening. Former MLA Anant Singh alleged that Sonu and Monu were involved in the incident, labeling them as "kidnappers and thieves." Family members of Sonu and Monu claim the incident was a targeted attack and have urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. (ANI) Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday confirmed that the death toll in the Maharashtra Ordnance Factory blast has risen to eight. He paid respects to those who lost their lives in the blast in the ordnance factory in Bhandara by observing a one-minute silence in the course of an event. "A big blast has occurred in the Ordnance Factory in Bhandara. In the incident, eight people have died and seven are injured, as per preliminary information," Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said. Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday, paid condolences to the family members of the workers who died in the blast that occurred at the Ordnance Factory at Maharashtra's Bhandara. "Deeply saddened to know about the blast at the Ordnance Factory at Bhandara, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," Singh said in a post on X. The district administration is involved in the rescue operations in coordination with the defence forces. Teams have also been kept ready for medical assistance. A blast took place at the ordnance factory in Jawahar Nagar Bhandara this morning. As per Collector Bhandara, Sanjay Kolte, the roof collapsed during the blast. The cause of which is yet to be ascertained. Upon receiving information about the blast in the factory, firefighters and ambulances rushed to the spot. Following the incident, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said, "This is the failure of the Modi government." Further details are awaited. (ANI) In a major allegation, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Friday said that a conspiracy is being hatched by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Delhi Police to kill AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal. Addressing a press conference, Atishi said, "...There are two players behind this conspiracy - one is workers of BJP who attack Arvind Kejriwal and pelt stones on him in different parts of Delhi, the second player is Delhi Police that comes under BJP & Amit Shah. With the collusion of BJP and Delhi Police, a conspiracy is being hatched to kill Arvind Kejriwal..." Counting the number of attacks on former Delhi CM Kejriwal, Atishi accused BJP workers of carrying out those attacks. Moreover, the Chief Minister accused the Delhi Police of 'inaction' during those attacks, citing their "collusion" with the BJP. She claimed that the AAP itself investigated all attacks and found that in most cases, the attackers were "BJP workers." Atishi stated, "We are continuously watching that there are several attacks on Arvind Kejriwal. On October 24, Kejriwal Ji was attacked in Vikaspuri in front of the Delhi Police. When we tried to investigate through social media, the attacker was identified as a worker of the BJP. As he was a BJP worker and there was a collusion with Delhi Police, hence they didn't take any action. He was next attacked on November 30 in Malviya Nagar when we went out for a public event. There were attempts to manhandle and assault him." "The next attack was on January 18 in the New Delhi assembly constituency, stones were pelted on his car. When we went to investigate on social media (not Delhi Police), it was identified that all attackers belonged to the BJP. Again, a collusion of BJP and Delhi Police came in front, as no investigation was done and no action was taken on the attackers. Yesterday, he was attacked on Hari Nagar but Delhi Police didn't stop them. In Kali Bari, where he was going for a campaign in his constituency, BJP workers were brought there were lathis and stones to attack him. Sanjay Singh had to go and stop that attack but Delhi Police didn't come," she added. Earlier today, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) about the recent attacks on the party chief Arvind Kejriwal during the election campaign, said party sources on Friday. AAP has alleged that Arvind Kejriwal was attacked several times during the election campaigning for the upcoming assembly polls in Delhi. On Thursday, Kejriwal alleged that some cadres of the opposition candidate entered his public meeting in Hari Nagar and attacked his car. "Today in Hari Nagar, the police allowed the opposition candidate's men to enter my public meeting and then attacked my car. All this is happening on Amit Shah's orders. Amit Shah has made the Delhi Police the personal army of the BJP," Kejriwal said on X. Last week, the AAP national convenor also claimed that he was attacked by alleged BJP workers during his campaign rally. Recently, the Punjab Police has also withdrawn its security for AAP chief Kejriwal after instructions from the Election Commission of India and the Delhi Police. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav on Thursday said that they have withdrawn components of the Punjab Police deployed for the security of Arvind Kejriwal. The Delhi Assembly elections will take place in a single phase on February 5, and the counting of votes is set for February 8. A total of 699 candidates are competing for the 70 assembly seats in Delhi. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seats. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections by winning 67 and 62 seats, respectively, out of a total of 70 seats, while the BJP got only three and eight seats in these elections. (ANI) Representatives and heads of the Election Management Bodies (EMB) of countries of the world on Friday in an international conference hosted in New Delhi from January 23 to 24. The international conference titled "Global Election Year 2024: Reiteration of Democratic Spaces and Key Takeaways for EMBs" was convened by the Election Commission of India. The conference deliberated on various aspects of the election management and took a note of the disruptive trends and challenges of fake narratives to malign the electoral process, as per a release. The conference took stock of the experience in the conduct of elections worldwide in the recent years, and more particularly on the substantial elections in 2024, as per a statement from the release. Members preset in the conference took to resolve and declare several points. These included remaining committed to transparent and inclusive polls, safeguard the integrity and purity of electors list, undiluted focus on centrality of voter and taking proactive interventions of voter education. Other points included engaging in a determined fight to keep election process free and fair, keeping a robust judicial mechanisms in place, pursuing technological integration and innovation, vigorously resisting fake narratives created to undermine electoral process and constituting a working group of all willing EMBs worldwide to deal with issues of social media, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The Delhi Assembly elections will take place in a single phase on February 5, and the counting of votes is set for February 8. A total of 699 candidates are competing for the 70 assembly seats in Delhi. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seats. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections by winning 67 and 62 seats, respectively, out of a total of 70 seats, while the BJP got only three and eight seats in these elections. (ANI) Rashtriya Loktantrik Party President Hanuman Beniwal met AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Friday at his residence and said everyday attempts are being made to bring down Arvind Kejriwal. Beniwal, who is MP from Rajasthan's Nagaur has extended his support to AAP giving a major setback to Congress. He urged Jat voters to vote for APP in Delhi coming up from the caste politics and also promised Jat reservation in Delhi. "After meeting AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, RLP (Rashtriya Loktantrik Party) president Hanuman Beniwal said, "...Everyday attempts are being made to bring down Arvind Kejriwal, ED and CBI are being misused, several parties leaders who spoke against them (BJP) are being put in jail. This is the murder of democracy. We are inspired by the policies and work of Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi...every common person speaks about Arvind Kejriwal here..." "I request youths, children and Jat brothers, don't consider if the candidates are from your caste or not, there is BJP on the other side so you all need to support AAP, we will get reservations for Jat in Delhi...Congress won't get anything...they have no future inside Delhi...we will be speaking about the leadership of the INDIA alliance as well," Beniwal added. Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal talking about his meeting with Beniwal said, "Today Hanuman Beniwal came to meet me. He has already announced his support for AAP in the Delhi elections. He came to my residence today, I extend him my heartfelt gratitude...AAP stands for honesty and truth. He extended us his support because we stand with honesty and truth..." The Delhi Assembly elections will take place in a single phase on February 5, and the counting of votes is set for February 8. A total of 699 candidates are competing for the 70 assembly seats in Delhi. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seats. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections by winning 67 and 62 seats, respectively, out of a total of 70 seats, while the BJP got only three and eight seats in these elections. (ANI) Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee of using "unparliamentary" language against him. He said that the house was adjourned twice due to the alleged ruckus created by the opposition leaders, who have been suspended from the JPC meeting. Pal said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey moved a motion to suspend the opposition MPs for creating a "ruckus" after they resorted to "shouting" and "sloganeering" while not allowing the meeting to continue. "We adjourned the house twice. We had given time to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on the suggestions of the opposition only. Kalyan Banerjee used unparliamentary words against me and abused me. I kept requesting him to let the invitees speak. However, they were adamant about creating a ruckus. We adjourned the house again and again but they (opposition MPs) did not want the meeting to continue. From Jammu and Kashmir, a delegation had come but they (opposition MPs) kept shouting and sloganeering...so finally Nishikant Dubey had to move a motion and everyone agreed to suspend them," Jagdambika Pal told ANI. Responding to allegations of changing the subject of the notice for the JPC sitting, Pal said that the agenda was changed only for today and considering the requests made by the opposition, who wanted Kashmiri cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to be invited to the meeting. "We changed the agenda for today only on the request of the opposition leaders who contacted me saying that Mirwaiz should be invited and shifted today's agenda (to hold a discussion clause-by-clause to January 27," Pal added. Responding to the allegations of rushing the proceedings for the JPC meeting owing to Delhi assembly elections, the senior BJP leader said that it was Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju who urged the speaker to refer the bill to JPC and not the opposition. "If the government wanted to hasten things, why would it refer the bill to JPC? The government has a majority in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The opposition didn't, but Kiren Rijiju, after introducing it in the Parliament, himself urged the speaker to refer the bill to JPC," Pal said, adding, "Mirwaiz and his delegation expressed their concerns and raised objections to certain sections (of the bill). This shows that the parliamentary democracy in the country is being strengthened." Earlier in the day, all the Opposition MPs that are part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, were suspended from Friday's sitting. The suspended MPs include Mohammad Jawaid, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kalyan Banerjee, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader A Raja, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Nasir Hussain, Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders Mohibbullah Nadvi, M. Abdullah, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Arvind Sawant, Nadimul Haque, and Congress' Imran Masood. "What is going on is an undeclared emergency," Banerjee asserted while referring to the happenings inside the JPC meeting. He said that the subject and dates for the meeting were changed after they landed in Delhi for the meet. The TMC MP accused the government of "hurrying" owing to the upcoming Assembly polls in the national capital, which are scheduled to be held on February 5. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey accused the Opposition of creating a "ruckus" during the JPC meeting, saying that their conduct was against parliamentary democracy. He informed the next meeting will happen on January 27 and submission to the Speaker will happen on January 29. The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is to submit its report during the Budget session. The term of the committee was extended during the winter session of Parliament. The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Budget session of Parliament will commence on January 31 and continue till April 4, with the Union Budget to be presented on February 1. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI) The Delhi High Court has declined to direct the calling of a special session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly to discuss the reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in the lead-up to the upcoming Assembly elections. However, a bench of Justice Sachin Datta noted the inordinate delay on the part of the Delhi government in tabling the reports. The Court emphasized that tabling the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports before the Delhi Legislative Assembly is a mandatory constitutional obligation. Plea filed by BJP Vijender Gupta petition by several BJP MLAs that the 14 CAG reports linked to policy initiatives of the Delhi government be tabled at the State Assembly. Senior Advocate Sudhir Nandrajog, representing the Assembly Speaker, argued that the court should not issue directions to the Speaker, questioning whether it would serve any meaningful purpose given that only 20 days remained in the current Assembly's term, making it impractical to follow the procedures outlined under the Rules. Nandrajog also responded to the BJP MLAs' plea, asserting that it was not a case of fundamental rights violation and that courts generally intervene only in exceptional circumstances when such violations occur. Previously Delhi High Court had criticised the Delhi Government for its delay in addressing the CAG reports, stating, "The way you have dragged your feet raises doubts about your bona fides." The court further emphasized, "You should have promptly forwarded the reports to the Speaker and initiated a discussion in the House." The bench of Justice Sachin Datta earlier also questioned the Delhi government's handling of the CAG reports, stating, "The timeline is clear; you've dragged your feet to prevent the session from happening." The court further remarked, "The delay in sending the reports to the LG and your handling of the matter raises doubts about your bona fides." Earlier the Delhi Assembly Secretariat informed the Court that tabling the CAG reports on city administration in the Assembly would serve no useful purpose, given that its tenure ends in February. The submission was made in response to a petition by seven BJP MLAs regarding the issue of tabling the CAG reports in the Assembly. Earlier, the Delhi High Court sought responses from the Delhi Government, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and other respondents regarding a petition filed by BJP MLAs. The petition called for the convening of a special session of the Assembly to present 14 CAG reports. The Delhi Government informed the Court that all 14 reports had been sent to the Speaker. Vijender Gupta, the counsel for the BJP MLAs, argued that as a member of the House, it was his right to receive and debate the reports. He urged the Court to direct the Speaker to convene a special session. However, the Court observed that it could not issue an immediate order to the Speaker and stated that both parties would need to be heard before a decision could be made. The Delhi government opposed the petition, labelling it politically motivated and indicating its intention to file a counter-affidavit. Gupta's counsel countered that the issue was not political but rather about ensuring government accountability, stressing that the matter should be resolved before the election announcements.(ANI) The next meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is scheduled to be held on January 27, Officials said. Meanwhile, Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee of using "unparliamentary" language against him. Pal said that the house was adjourned twice due to the alleged ruckus created by the opposition leaders, who have been suspended from the JPC meeting. Pal said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey moved a motion to suspend the opposition MPs for creating a "ruckus" after they resorted to "shouting" and "sloganeering," which prevented the meeting from continuing. "We adjourned the house twice. We had given time to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on the suggestions of the opposition only. Kalyan Banerjee used unparliamentary words against me and abused me. I kept requesting him to let the invitees speak. However, they were adamant about creating a ruckus. We adjourned the house again and again but they (opposition MPs) did not want the meeting to continue. From Jammu and Kashmir, a delegation had come but they (opposition MPs) kept shouting and sloganeering...so finally Nishikant Dubey had to move a motion and everyone agreed to suspend them," Jagdambika Pal told ANI. Responding to allegations of changing the subject of the notice for the JPC sitting, Pal said that the agenda was changed only for today and considering the requests made by the opposition, who wanted Kashmiri cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to be invited to the meeting. "We changed the agenda for today only on the request of the opposition leaders who contacted me saying that Mirwaiz should be invited and shifted today's agenda (to hold a discussion clause-by-clause to January 27," Pal added. Furthermore, responding to the allegations rushing the JPC proceedings ahead of the Delhi assembly elections, the senior BJP leader said that it was Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju who urged the speaker to refer the bill to JPC and not the opposition. "If the government wanted to hasten things, why would it refer the bill to JPC? The government has a majority in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The opposition didn't, but Kiren Rijiju, after introducing it in the Parliament, himself urged the speaker to refer the bill to JPC," Pal said, adding, "Mirwaiz and his delegation expressed their concerns and raised objections to certain sections (of the bill). This shows that the parliamentary democracy in the country is being strengthened." The JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is expected to submit its report during the Budget session, with the committee's term extended during the winter session of Parliament. The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Budget session of Parliament will commence on January 31 and continue till April 4, with the Union Budget to be presented on February 1. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI) A red alert has been declared in Punjab ahead of the Republic Day celebrations in the state. Punjab Special DGP (Law & Order) Arpit Shukla said that special operations are being launched in all the districts of Punjab. Arpit Shukla said, "A red alert has been declared in Punjab given the Republic Day celebrations. Special operations are being launched in all the districts of Punjab. The senior officers from Chandigarh have been sent to the fields to inspect the security arrangements. Checking is being done in all the districts of Punjab to keep an eye on gangsters, smugglers, and anti-social elements." He said that hotspots have been identified and various operations are being conducted. "Depending upon sensitivity and problem operations have been planned which includes search and raids. Intensive checking is also being done at the bus stops, and railway stations. We have strengthened the second line of defence along the international borders to curb infiltration and smuggling," he said. He said that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will unfurl the tricolour in Patiala. He further said, "Earlier it was decided that Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann will unfurl the tricolour in Faridkot. But due to administrative reasons, the venue has been shifted to Patiala." In the national capital, the Republic Day Parade will feature a cultural performance with 5000 artists and it will cover the entire Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk and C hexagon to ensure that all guests get the same viewing experience. Major General Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area, told ANI that earlier cultural performers used to come walking to Kartavya Path in front of the main dais and used to perform and move forward but this time cultural performers will be visible on the entire Kartavya Path. "There will be 5000 cultural artists, earlier when cultural performers used to come walking to Kartavya Path, where the President is sitting with other dignitaries, they used to perform and move forward. So, we understood the rest of the people present there don't get to see the view of cultural performance. So, this time, cultural performers will be visible on the entire Kartavya Path," he said. On 26th January 2025, the Republic Day Parade will start in the morning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. The President will arrive at Kartavya Path in a ceremonial buggy and take the salute during a ceremonial march past, which will include units from the Armed Forces, Para Military Forces, Auxiliary Civil Forces, NCC, and NSS. The parade will begin with a unique cultural performance, where 300 cultural artists will play musical instruments from different parts of the country. This will be followed by the march past the contingents of the Indian Armed Forces and the Indonesian contingent. (ANI) You are here: Business China has set explicit requirements for public offering funds and commercial insurance funds in their A-share investments, as part of efforts to boost medium- and long-term funds' flow into the capital market. Chinese financial authorities have unveiled a plan for encouraging medium- and long-term funds to enter the capital market to further stabilize stock performance. Under the plan, public offering funds are required to increase their A-share holdings of circulating market capitalization by at least 10% annually over the next three years, Wu Qing, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, told a press conference Thursday. For commercial insurance funds, large state-owned insurers are encouraged to allocate 30% of their newly added annual premium incomes for A-share investments starting in 2025, he added. To mark the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav convened a cabinet meeting in Maheshwar, known as the city of Devi Ahilyabai, in Khargone district on Friday and approved a significant decision to ban liquor in religious cities across the state. Sharing the decision taken in the meeting, CM Yadav said that the cabinet has decided to impose a liquor ban in 17 religious cities in Madhya Pradesh. All liquor shops operating in these cities will be shut down permanently, with no plans to relocate them. "To ensure that the states move towards liquor ban gradually, we have decided that in the first phase liquor shops would be shut down in Nagar Palika, Nagar Parishad, Nagar Panchayat of 17 cities in the states. These shops will not be shifted anywhere else. It has been decided to shut down these shops permanently," he said. The 17 cities where liquor shops will be permanently closed include one municipal corporation, six Nagar Palika, six Nagar Parishad, and six Gram Panchayats. Liquor shops will be completely shut down within the limits of Ujjain Municipal Corporation. Similarly, liquor will be banned in Datia Nagar Palika, Panna Nagar Palika, Mandla Nagar Palika, Multai Nagar Palika, Mandsaur Nagar Palika and Maihar Nagar Palika, the CM added. On the same line, the Nagar Parishads where liquor shops will be shut down include Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Chitrakoot and Amarkantak. CM Yadav said, "We should all pay attention to the fact that these Nagar Parishads are all such centres of our religious faith so on the basis of the liquor policy, we have decided to close the shops in all these places." Furthermore, after the Nagar Parishad, the Gram Panchayats where liquor will be banned include Salkanpur, Barman Kala Gram Panchayat, Linga Gram Panchayat, Barman Khurd Gram Panchayat, Kundalpur Gram Panchayat and Bandakpur Gram Panchayat, CM said. Mohan Yadav also emphasised that the previous policy to ban liquor within a radius of five kilometres on both sides of the bank of Narmada would be continued and no changes would be made in that policy. (ANI) Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar attended the inaugural event of 'Uttar Pradesh Divas' in Lucknow on Friday, marking Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day. The event was also graced by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel. During his address, CM Yogi Adityanath highlighted the significance of the year 2024 for both the state and the nation. "This year is important for all of us. The first Maha Kumbh of this century started in Prayagraj on January 13 - Paush Purnima. In the last 10 days, over 10 crore devotees from the country and around the world have taken a holy dip in Triveni Sangam and have spread a message - 'Maha Kumbh Triveni ka ek hi sandesh; ekta se Akhand rahega ye desh'," he said, underscoring the importance of unity and spirituality. He also spoke about the significance of the Constitution of India, which will mark its 75th anniversary of implementation in the next two days. "And this year is very important because the constitution that was handed over to the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949, 75 years of implementation of this constitution will be completed in the next two days," CM Yogi noted. CM Adityanath further commemorated the establishment of Uttar Pradesh, emphasising its historical importance. "Today is a very important day for Uttar Pradesh as well as the completion of 75 years of the constitution of India. On 24th January 1950, today is also the day of the establishment of Uttar Pradesh. This notification was implemented on this very day," he said. Concluding his speech, the Chief Minister expressed his optimism about the state's future, asserting, "When we are talking about Uttar Pradesh, today Uttar Pradesh has become a state of unlimited potential." Meanwhile, addressing a public rally in the Milkipur Assembly constituency to garner support for the by-polls, CM Yogi lashed out at Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav for "criticising" Maha Kumbh and said that the former UP CM is "playing the faith of the people of India." He said, ""Today Samajwadis are more concerned about property... When the whole country and the world were praising Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh, then the former CM of UP (Akhilesh Yadav) was criticising Maha Kumbh every day and playing with the faith of the people of India." "This is the same Samajwadi Party whose hands are stained with the blood of Kar Sevaks... Samajwadi Party insults Baba Saheb Bhimrao. It opposes Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, opposes Kashi Vishwanath in Kashi." CM Yogi added. (ANI) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Head of Mutahida Majlis-E-Ulema, voiced strong opposition to the proposed amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, during his meeting with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Wednesday. Amid a huge ruckus, all the Opposition MPs who were part of the JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, were suspended from the meeting. Additionally, officials said that the next meeting of the JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is scheduled to be held on January 27. Mirwaiz Farooq was leading a delegation of Ulemas from Jammu and Kashmir, who were in consultation with religious leaders from Leh and Kargil. Speaking to ANI, Farooq said, "I was leading a delegation of the Ulemas of J&K and we are also in consultation with the Ulemas of Leh and Kargil. They have given us full support and authority to speak on their behalf... What we are saying is that the amendments which are proposed to the Waqf Act are unacceptable to the people of J&K." Farooq expressed concerns that the amendments would disempower the Muslim community in the region and undermine their rights. "We believe that these amendments are not in the interests of Muslims of the region. This is an attempt to disempower the Muslim community as far as their rights are concerned," he added. He further said that the government should engage in more consultations before making a decision. "I think the government should not unilaterally take a decision on this. We were expecting the delegation to come to Kashmir and meet the people so that they come to know what kind of reservations people have," he said. Mirwaiz Farooq also criticised the JPC's approach, citing the suspension of the opposition members protesting during the meeting. He stressed that the consultation process was incomplete, pointing out that "there are many issues which we feel that the JPC has not taken into consideration." However, he clarified that the Ulema's opposition was not against strengthening the Waqf, but against amendments that could harm its purpose. "We are not against any amendments or any suggestions which will strengthen the working of the Waqf. We want it to be accountable, we want it to be result-oriented, and we want it to be beneficial for the community," he concluded. Meanwhile, responding to the allegations rushing the JPC proceedings ahead of the Delhi assembly elections, Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the JPC on the Waqf, said that it was Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju who urged the speaker to refer the bill to JPC and not the opposition. "If the government wanted to hasten things, why would it refer the bill to JPC? The government has a majority in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The opposition didn't, but Kiren Rijiju, after introducing it in the Parliament, himself urged the speaker to refer the bill to JPC," Pal said, adding, "Mirwaiz and his delegation expressed their concerns and raised objections to certain sections (of the bill). This shows that the parliamentary democracy in the country is being strengthened." The JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is expected to submit its report during the Budget session, with the committee's term extended during the winter session of Parliament. The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Budget session of Parliament will commence on January 31 and continue till April 4, with the Union Budget to be presented on February 1. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the inaugural event of 'Uttar Pradesh Divas' in Lucknow on Friday, marking Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day. The event was also graced by Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar and Governor Anandiben Patel. During his address, CM Yogi Adityanath highlighted the significance of the year 2024 for both the state and the nation. "This year is important for all of us. The first Maha Kumbh of this century started in Prayagraj on January 13 - Paush Purnima. In the last 10 days, over 10 crore devotees from the country and around the world have taken a holy dip in Triveni Sangam and have spread a message - 'Maha Kumbh Triveni ka ek hi sandesh; ekta se Akhand rahega ye desh'," he said, underscoring the importance of unity and spirituality. He also spoke about the significance of the Constitution of India, which will mark its 75th anniversary of implementation in the next two days. "And this year is very important because the constitution that was handed over to the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949, 75 years of implementation of this constitution will be completed in the next two days," CM Yogi noted. CM Adityanath further commemorated the establishment of Uttar Pradesh, emphasising its historical importance. "Today is a very important day for Uttar Pradesh as well as the completion of 75 years of the constitution of India. On 24th January 1950, today is also the day of the establishment of Uttar Pradesh. This notification was implemented on this very day," he said. Concluding his speech, the Chief Minister expressed his optimism about the state's future, asserting, "When we are talking about Uttar Pradesh, today Uttar Pradesh has become a state of unlimited potential." Meanwhile, addressing a public rally in the Milkipur Assembly constituency to garner support for the by-polls, CM Yogi lashed out at Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav for "criticising" Maha Kumbh and said that the former UP CM is "playing the faith of the people of India." He said, ""Today Samajwadis are more concerned about property... When the whole country and the world were praising Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh, then the former CM of UP (Akhilesh Yadav) was criticising Maha Kumbh every day and playing with the faith of the people of India." "This is the same Samajwadi Party whose hands are stained with the blood of Kar Sevaks... Samajwadi Party insults Baba Saheb Bhimrao. It opposes Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, opposes Kashi Vishwanath in Kashi." CM Yogi added. (ANI) BJP leaders and workers held a protest march on Friday demanding action against a saline company in wake of death of a woman after childbirth in Midnapore Medical College allegedly after being administered an expired saline solution earlier this month. West Bengal LoP and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was also present. He alleged that no FIR has been filed against the company. West Bengal LoP and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said, "Action has only been taken against the doctors. The action should have been taken against the RL Saline company. The doctor's cell is going to the Governor and I will also be accompanying them. No FIR has been lodged against the company and not even a single arrest has been made. They (state government) are against the doctors. Doctors are our assets." The protest march was held from College Steet to Muhammad Ali Park in Kolkata. Following the protests TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said that investigation was going on against the saline company. Kunal Ghosh said, "What Suvendu Adhikari is saying is wrong. The investigation is already going on against the saline (company). The sample has been sent for a retest. Some doctors showed an irresponsible attitude. The senior doctors who were assigned the procedure were not present. Junior doctors were sent to the Operation Theatre. There should be an investigation on this and the police are doing it. They should cooperate with it, what is there to be afraid?" He further said that there are allegations against the senior government doctors in Midnapore Medical College and that also needs to be investigated "What problem does he (Suvendu Adhikari) have with the investigation? Are they supporting that senior government doctors don't do their duty and junior doctors will perform serious operations in the OT and a patient loses their life? Are they supporting this?," he further said. Earlier BJP workers on January 11 protested outside the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital over the death of a pregnant woman allegedly due to 'medical negligence'. Speaking on the incident, Union Minister and BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "doesn't care" about the lives of the common man. "During the investigation in the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case, it was revealed that fake medicines are being supplied in the medical colleges in West Bengal...CM Mamata Banerjee does not care about the lives of the common man," he said. (ANI) On the occasion of Balika Diwas, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Dharamshala and announced a financial incentive of Rs 1000 for each of the 351 girl students enrolled at the school on Friday. The CM emphasised improving education quality and instilling confidence in government school students, according to the official statement. An official statement highlights that CM Sukhu visited the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Dharamshala at Kangra today. He addressed the girl students and announced a gift of Rs 1000 each for all 351 girls enrolled at the school. On the occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated the students and expressed his determination to improve the education system in the state. He shared his personal experience of studying in a government school and acknowledged the lack of confidence among students of these schools. He assured that the state government was taking decisive steps to instil confidence among these children. It would help them in becoming responsible and capable citizens. He emphasized that no student would be deprived of education and that the government was focused on enhancing the quality of education. While interacting with the students, the Chief Minister listened to their needs and concerns, and he also visited the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) in Dharamshala to review the facilities available to students. Education Minister Rohit Thakur said that the present state government was committed to providing the best quality education to all the children of the state, which remains a top priority for the Chief Minister. The official statement mentioned that CM Sukhu further said that the state government has filled hundreds of vacant teaching posts and promoted deputy directors, which has been a long-pending issue since 2020. He said that the students and teachers had also been sent on exposure visits and to encourage and motivate children, 50 meritorious students would also be sent abroad soon. Agriculture Minister Professor Chander Kumar, AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma, Congress Leader Devender Jaggi, Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, SP Shalini Agnihotri and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. (ANI) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has taken suo motu cognizance of the reported death of a lineman due to electrocution in Gurugram, Haryana, according to the official statement. The incident occurred on January 21 in Sikanderpur Badha when the lineman, working on an electricity transformer, was electrocuted after the power supply was allegedly restored during the operation. According to the release, issued notice to the Chairman, Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) and the Gurugram Police Commissioner calling for a detailed report in two weeks. The report is expected to include the status of the First Information Right (FIR) and compensation, if any, granted to the next of kin of the deceased. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a lineman with the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) died on the spot due to electrocution while working on an electricity transformer in Sikanderpur Badha, Gurugram, Haryana, on 21st January 2025. Reportedly, the electricity supply was resumed even as he was working, an official statement said. The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious violation of the human rights of the victim. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chairman, Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) and the Commissioner of Police, Gurugram, calling for a detailed report within two weeks. It is expected to include the status of the FIR and compensation, if any, granted to the next of kin of the deceased. The NHRC said that according to the media report, carried on 22nd January 2025, the family members of the deceased have reportedly alleged that the death occurred due to gross negligence by the electricity department. (ANI) Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi paid floral tributes to Bharat Ratna and former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur on his birth anniversary in Patna on Wednesday. While honouring Thakur's contributions, Manjhi emphasised the enduring impact of his work on Bihar's development. Speaking to the media about Thakur's legacy, Manjhi remarked, "See, there is freedom to do politics, but it should be thought that the work done by Karpoori Thakur ji, and the work he did, his rule lasted for 15 years." He further highlighted Karpoori Thakur's achievements, particularly in education, women empowerment, and the overall development of Bihar, noting that the present government continues to follow his visionary policies. "In relation to education, women's empowerment, and the development of Bihar, his thinking is being run on the basis of that. The work is being done," he said. Manjhi also expressed his support for the current NDA government under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, asserting, "NDA government in Bihar under the leadership of Nitish Kumar is working on the footprints of Karpoori Thakur and the state is developing." Karpoori Thakur, born in 1924 at Pitaunjhia (now Karpoori Gram) in the Darbhanga district of Bihar, was a freedom fighter and former CM of Bihar. He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024. He was popularly called 'Jannayak' for his work for the cause of people. He became a member of Bihar Vidhan Sabha in 1952. He was a staunch advocate of socialist ideology and worked tirelessly for the Praja Socialist Party and the Joint Socialist Party. Thakur served as a minister and as Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, before serving two terms as CM of Bihar - from 1970 to 1971 and 1977 to 1979. He died in February 1988 in Patna. Earlier on Friday, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar stated that former Chief Minister of Bihar, Karpoori Thakur was the 'Messiah' of Social Justice, and he implemented reservations, opening vast opportunities for a large population. While addressing the memorial event held on the 101st birth anniversary of Karpoori Thakur in Samastipur, Bihar, the Vice President said, "The great son of India, Karpoori Thakur is the messiah of social justice. In a short period, Karpoori Thakur wrote a new history of social and political transformation. He broke centuries-old stagnation and opened the doors of immense possibilities for a large population. He was the great man who started the new era of equality. He dedicated his life to those on the margins of society, who were ignored by all." (ANI) A bench led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya highlighted the constitutional provision under Article 151, which mandates that CAG reports must first be presented to the legislative assembly before being publicly disclosed. The court emphasized that while the public's right to information is paramount, it cannot supersede this constitutional requirement. Reaffirming this stance, the bench noted that releasing such reports ahead of their formal presentation would constitute a breach of Article 151. Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra, representing the petitioner, argued that voters in Delhi have a right to know the contents of the reports before the February 5 elections. She invoked the Right to Information Act and Article 19 of the Constitution to support her claim. The petitioner's counsel also sought time to review a prior ruling relevant to the issue, prompting the court to schedule the next hearing for February 3. The petition, filed by retired civil servant Brij Mohan, urged the Central Government, the Lieutenant Governor, and the CAG to make the reports accessible on official platforms. It claimed that withholding the reports infringes on voters' constitutional rights and hampers their ability to make informed decisions before the elections.(ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi interated with NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, Rashtriya Rangshala Camp artists, tableaux artists, and tribal guests who would be a part of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations in the national capital. A program was organised at the Prime Minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, where PM Modi interacted with the gathering in an 'At Home' event. Visuals showed Prime Minister Modi accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacting with them. The Republic Day Parade will begin on the morning of January 26, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. The President will arrive at Kartavya Path in a ceremonial buggy and take the salute during a ceremonial march past, which will include units from the Armed Forces, Para Military Forces, Auxiliary Civil Forces, NCC, and NSS. The parade will begin with a unique cultural performance, where 300 cultural artists will play musical instruments from different parts of the country. This will be followed by the march past of the contingents of the Indian Armed Forces and the Indonesian contingent. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is in India from January 23-26, will be the Chief Guest for India's 76th Republic Day celebrations. Notably, with President Subianto as Chief Guest at this year's Republic Day, a 352-member marching and band contingent from the country will be participating in the Parade on the Kartvya Path in the national capital. This will be the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in a national day parade abroad. Several MoUs and announcements are likely to be concluded and the third CEO Forum will be held on the sidelines. President Prabowo will be the fourth Indonesian President to attend India's Republic Day celebrations. The Republic Day Parade will feature a cultural performance with 5000 artists and it will cover the entire Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk and C hexagon to ensure that all guests get the same viewing experience. Major General Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area, told ANI that earlier cultural performers used to come walking to Kartavya Path in front of the main dais and used to perform and move forward but this time cultural performers will be visible on the entire Kartavya Path. The performance will include more than 45 dance forms from different parts of the country. Displaying the spirit of jointness and integration, a Tri-services tableau will also roll down Kartavya Path for the first time during the 76th Republic Day Parade. (ANI) The Chinese mainland's top Taiwan affairs official has extended festive greetings to representatives of the Taiwan business community ahead of the Spring Festival, and reaffirmed the mainland's commitment to deepening cross-Strait integrated development and delivering benefits to Taiwan compatriots. Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks during his visit to Taiwan enterprises and cross-Strait exchange events with nearly 400 Taiwan businesspeople and compatriots in Shenzhen, a technology hub in southern China, and Xiamen, a coastal city located near Taiwan, from Tuesday to Thursday. Song learned about the business operations and development of Taiwan enterprises and listened to their opinions and suggestions. He emphasized that the mainland will continue to refine policies and mechanisms to promote cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, while further advancing cross-Strait integrated development. The shared values of peace, harmony and the pursuit of a better life among people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait remain the foundation of the development of cross-Strait relations, Song said. He expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism and external interference, and work together to expand cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and achieve integrated development. "The warm atmosphere of Spring Festival brings a sense of comfort. The mainland's support for Taiwan enterprises and compatriots has given those from Taiwan and Taiwan-funded businesses in Fujian greater confidence to continue their investments and support the cross-Strait integrated development," said Wu Chia-ying, executive vice president of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland. Wu attended a cross-Strait exchange event celebrating Spring Festival in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, on Thursday. Designated as a demonstration zone for cross-Strait integrated development, Fujian saw 920,000 trips by Taiwan compatriots in the past year, and 8,817 trips were operated on direct routes between Fujian's coastal areas and Kinmen and Mazu, transporting over 1.37 million passengers, marking year-on-year increases of 67.2 percent and 78.8 percent, respectively. In 2024, the mainland achieved its primary goals for economic and social development, shaping new advantages for cross-strait economic cooperation and providing new opportunities for Taiwan compatriots and businesses to deepen their engagement in the mainland, Song said. Last year, 7,941 Taiwan-funded companies were newly opened on the mainland, and the trade volume across the Strait reached 292 billion U.S. dollars, up 9.4 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs. Guangdong Province, where Shenzhen is located, serves as the front line of China's reform and opening up and is geographically close to Taiwan. It has become one of the first destinations for Taiwan compatriots and businesses venturing into the mainland. "Most of the Taiwan businesses in Guangdong were engaged in manufacturing in the past. But now they can leverage their advantages to make forays in the service industry, semi-conductors and artificial intelligence here," said Jeff Chen, president of the Dongguan Taiwanese Business Association. Guangdong is a representative example of Taiwan businesses seeking success on the mainland. Official statistics reveal that by the end of 2024, Guangdong had introduced nearly 35,000 Taiwan enterprises, involving more than 94 billion U.S. dollars of investment. Hsu Fu-hsien, president of the Taiwanese association in Shenzhen, who also manages a manufacturing company, has been settled in Shenzhen for 35 years. "I benefited a lot from the reform and opening up in the 1990s. We are now keeping in pace with the times to invest more in automation and innovation," he said. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav-led state government held a cabinet meeting in Maheshwar, Khargone district on Friday and approved a significant decision of liquor ban in 17 religious cities in the state. CM Yadav stressed that the liquor shops running in those cities will be shut down permanently and it would not be shifted elsewhere. "To ensure that the state move towards liquor ban gradually, we have decided that in the first phase liquor shops would be shut down in Nagar Palika, Nagar Parishad and Nagar Panchayat of 17 cities in the states. These shops will not be shifted anywhere else. It has been decided to shut down these shops permanently," CM Yadav said. Expressing pleasure over the decision, the Deputy Chief Minister, state ministers, and residents welcomed it and thanked Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for making the decision. Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda said that it was a good decision taken by CM Yadav, adding that they were also moving toward complete liquor prohibition in the state. "We are moving towards complete prohibition. Liquor shops in these cities would be completely shut down...the government is heading towards liquor ban and this is a good decision by the Chief Minister," Devda told ANI. State Minister Krishna Gaur said, "This is a commendable decision. Everyone wished that liquor should be banned in religious cities, so the decision taken today is being praised all over Madhya Pradesh. I thank CM Yadav for this. Additionally, today, the entire cabinet expressed the desire to ban liquor across the state in which the Chief Minister has agreed to ban liquor in the entire state in the coming time." Another minister Pratima Bagri also praised the decision and said that it would convey the message of women empowerment and hence women would be very excited by this decision. "I appreciate the decisions and we have given a message of women empowerment through the decision. Women will be very excited by this decision as if anyone consumes liquor in their family it affects the whole family so it is a big achievement for the women. A liquor ban at religious places is also a very big message. I thank the Chief Minister for this. The Chief Minister's goal is a complete prohibition (of liquor)," Bagri said. Meanwhile, a resident of Ujjain district said that it is a commendable move and if it is implemented well then it will reduce crime in the city as well. "This decision of the Chief Minister is commendable as Ujjain is a religious place. If it is implemented here then it will leave a message across the nation that the state took a good step. Also, if this is implemented well then it will also reduce crime and nuisance the city. I extend my support to the decision," Ujjain resident told ANI. Similarly, another Ujjain resident said that the decision would take the youth towards righteous path and help them to do something good in their life ahead. "The youth which were heading towards the wrong path, it will take youth towards the righteous path. Youth waste their valuable time in drinking and with this decision (liquor ban) they would get time to think for the future. Nowadays, drinking has become a status symbol for the youth; this decision will help those people to do something good," the another resident said. Besides, an administrator at Maa Pitambara Peeth of Datia, Mahesh Dubey said that it's a good symbol and thanked CM Mohan Yadav for the decision. "Datia was also declared a religious and holy place but no concrete step was taken to establish that fact. But, when the government has banned Liquor here, it's a good symbol. I extend my wish that the government will implement this well and the people will also extend their support to this move. I thank the CM for this," Dubey told ANI. Along with this, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president VD Sharma also welcomed the decision of banning liquor and termed that it was a historic decision as the state government would not shift liquor shops running in those cities anywhere else but would shut down permanently. "A historic decision has been taken by our government under the leadership of CM Yadav to completely ban liquor in 17 religious cities in the state. I welcome the decision. Another reason for being a historic decision is that the liquor shops in those cities will not be shifted elsewhere, the government's decision is to close permanently," VD Sharma said. Meanwhile, Congress leaders demanded that if the state government wanted to maintain the purity of the religious cities then all kinds of intoxicants should be banned, alleging that the state is affected by dry intoxicants. "The decision to ban liquor is fine, but if the cleanliness and purity of religious cities is to be maintained, then all kinds of intoxicants should be banned. Madhya Pradesh is affected by dry intoxication and dry intoxicants are arriving via Gujarat and Odisha in the state. Additionally, factories were seized in the state where intoxicants worth around Rs 3000 crores were manufactured. So, why is it not banned; it should be stopped too," Bhupendra Gupta told ANI. Secondly, the state government imposed the ban on a town but it is not imposed in the district. Then what is the roadmap of the state government to stop the illegal trafficking of liquor within the district. The state government should talk about it, he added. Another Congress leader Sangeeta Sharma asked why it was not implemented in the entire state and emphasised that the state government should also pay attention towards drugs and dry intoxicants consumption in the state. "Why should it be implemented in 17 religious cities, it should be implemented in the entire state. As far as making Madhya Pradesh drug-free is concerned, then first the attention should be paid on drug cases, the dry intoxication that youth are consuming today, which is ruining the future of the youth. The crimes are increasing in Madhya Pradesh because there is no such thing about intoxicant ban in the state. Intoxicants are being sold here on a large scale. Alcohol is being sold illegally and youth started to take drugs. The cabinet has not taken any such decision regarding this, so that the future of the Madhya Pradesh's youth is secured," Sharma said. The 17 religious cities where liquor has been banned include one municipal corporation, six Nagar Palika, six Nagar Parishad and six gram panchayats in the state. Liquor shops will be completely shut down within the limits of Ujjain Municipal Corporation. Similarly, liquor banned Nagar Palikas include Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur and Maihar. Additionally, the Nagar Parishad where liquor shops will be shut down permanently includes Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Chitrakoot and Amarkantak. Furthermore, the Gram Panchayats where liquor will be banned include Salkanpur, Barman Kala, Linga, Barman Khurd, Kundalpur and Bandakpur. (ANI) Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal praised the arrangements at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, describing them as "excellent." During his visit, Meghwal highlighted the significance of the gathering at the Triveni Ghats, calling it a symbol of unity. He also mentioned attending an event titled 'Mera Samvidhan, Mera Swabhiman' later in the day, emphasising the spiritual essence of the occasion, which included a sacred 'Ganga Snan.' Speaking to ANI, the Union Minister said, "I have been to Kumbh before this but the facilities in the Mahakumbh of Prayagraj are excellent. There are so many people gathered on the Ghats of Triveni, which gives a message of unity... I will also attend an event today, 'Mera Samvidhan, Mera Swabhiman.'. This day was a day of 'Ganga Snan,' and it was very pious..." Earlier in the day, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal took a sacred dip in the Triveni Sangam. Similarly, Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty hailed the arrangements at the ongoing Maha Kumbh, describing them as "clean, safe, divine, grand, and digital." She further stated that the model of the Mahakumbh arrangements could serve as a benchmark for other governments to follow. Rajya Sabha MP Murthy, who arrived in Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh on Monday, was impressed by the scale and organization of the event. "It has been arranged very well. It is clean, safe, divine, grand and digital. This was my first Kumbh... The arrangements are very good. All the governments can follow this model... It was a very good experience..." she said. Meanwhile, authorities are making special preparations for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya on January 29, a key date that is expected to bring large crowds of devotees. Maha Kumbh, which commenced on January 13, will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI) Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, on Friday participated as the Chief Guest at the 'Cooperative Conference' held in Nashik, Maharashtra. During the event, Shah inaugurated multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening the cooperative sector, an official statement from the Ministry of Cooperation said. The conference witnessed the presence of several distinguished personalities, including Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In his address, Amit Shah highlighted that former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri had coined the slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan," emphasizing the empowerment of farmers, agricultural labourers, and the armed forces. He said that Shastri Ji had begun strengthening farmers, agricultural labourers, and the army simultaneously. He further stated that here, through a single cooperative, "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan" and a soil testing laboratory have been established together, integrating "Jai Vigyan" in the same place. Amit Shah remarked that while farming was often considered unprofitable in the past, he firmly believes that combining the cooperative movement with scientific advancements can make agriculture a lucrative business even today. He explained that farmers previously relied on traditional methods and were unaware of the specific nutrient composition of their soil. When Prime Minister Modi emphasized soil testing, it revealed that farmers were using fertilizers unnecessarily or neglecting essential nutrients. Shah highlighted the benefits of the newly established state-of-the-art soil testing laboratory in Nashik, emphasizing its potential to transform local farming practices. The laboratory will provide detailed insights, such as the pH level of water used by farmers, whether sulphur needs to be added, what is the appropriate quantity of DAP, and which crops can yield higher profits. He emphasized that this facility would significantly benefit farmers by enabling informed and efficient agricultural practices. Union Minister of Cooperation highlighted the multiple initiatives undertaken by the Venkateshwara Society. He announced the virtual inauguration of the Venkateshwara Cashew Processing Factory in Belgaon, which will process 24 tonnes of cashews daily, ensuring fair prices for 18,000 farmers engaged in cashew cultivation. He further mentioned that over 1,500 Gir cows have been introduced to produce various products while promoting organic farming using cow dung and cow urine. These initiatives, he emphasized, will not only enhance farmers' prosperity but also contribute to the protection of Mother Earth. Amit Shah encouraged farmers to adopt organic farming and emphasized the importance of obtaining organic certification to secure better prices for their produce. He highlighted that National Co-operative Organic Limited (NCOL), established under the Ministry of Cooperation by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is designed to directly transfer profits from the sale of certified organic produce to farmers' bank accounts. He explained that this multinational organization purchases all certified organic produce from farmers sells it in the market, and ensures that the profits are directly credited to the farmers' accounts, thereby supporting their economic well-being. Union Minister of Cooperation stated that for many years, those involved in the cooperative sector had been demanding the creation of a separate ministry, but their plea had gone unheard. It was only 75 years after independence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi established the Cooperative Ministry, aiming to boost farmers' incomes across the nation. He emphasized that cooperation is the most profound expression of self-reliance. Without it, farmers cannot achieve self-reliance or prosperity. He highlighted that Prime Minister Modi has introduced the slogan "Sahkar Se Samriddhi" (Prosperity through Cooperation), and the Ministry of Cooperation has been entrusted with the responsibility of turning this vision into reality. Amit Shah said that now apart from cashew, the cultivation of pomegranate, grapes, sapodilla (chikoo), turmeric, onion, custard, apple, saffron and mango will work to bring all the farmers on one platform so that the farmers can get good price for their produce in the coming days. The Union Minister of Cooperation said that Venkateshwara Cooperative has done a commendable job of connecting farmers under solar energy, biofuel, CNG, water storage, fisheries, panchgavya agarbatti, organic farming and government brands, as well as they have worked to connect the jawans of the country. He said that jawans and farmers are the only two sections who live with Mother Earth without worrying about rain, sun, or cold. He said that today both the jawans and the farmers came together through this program of cooperatives. Amit Shah said that the Government of India has created three new Multi-state Cooperatives for exporting farmers' products, preserving authentic sweet seeds, producing high-yielding seeds, and packaging, marketing, and branding organic products. He said that the three cooperative institutions on the pattern of Amul, KRIBHCO and IFFCO will prove to be very important for the farmers of this country in the next 10 years. He said that all the Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) are being computerized, godowns are being built in the country through the cooperative sector and work has also been done to make the PACS multifunctional. The Union Minister of Cooperation said that there was a dispute over income tax of 15 thousand crore rupees in cooperative sugar mills of Maharashtra, that we resolved. He said that the Modi government also reduced new taxes worth Rs 46 thousand crores. He said that loans worth 10 thousand crore rupees have also been given to many cooperative sugar mills in the country through the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). He also said that profitable units were created through ethanol blending. Shri Shah questioned the opposition leaders for what have they done for the cooperative sector, PACS, sugar mills and farmers when their government was in power. Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji formed the Ministry of Cooperation, came up with the scheme of ethanol blending for sugar mills, resolved the issue of income tax, computerized PACS, made model bylaws of PACS and linked PACS with multidimensional activities. (ANI) According to an official release, the Minister emphasised the importance of the state government liquidating its legacy Government department dues to be paid to DISCOMs as per the committed trajectory and for ensuring timely payment of current dues. The Minister made these remarks during a review meeting with the Chief Minister of Telangana and state officials. Manohar Lal said that the Government of India is committed to supporting the installation of smart meters in government offices under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Additionally, the proposal from Telangana under the planned distribution scheme will be considered on priority, he added. The Minister highlighted that an improvement in the rating of Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) would lead to a reduction in the cost of interest on debt, thereby benefiting the overall financial health of the power sector. Furthermore, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Centre of Excellence in Energy Transition at TERI's Institute of Energy in Hyderabad at a cost of Rs 25 Cr. This collaboration aims to foster advancements in energy efficiency and sustainable energy practices. (ANI) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has lauded Uttar Pradesh's remarkable transformation over the past eight years, highlighting its rapid progress toward becoming an "Udyam Pradesh." Speaking at the Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day event held at Awadh Shilpgram in Lucknow, Dhankhar praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his unwavering dedication to the state's development, said an official press release from the CMO. The release mentions that Dhankhar highlighted the significant crime reduction, which has greatly enhanced the ease of doing business and contributed to its impressive economic growth. which has greatly improved the ease of doing business and contributed to the state's impressive economic growth. According to the release, In his address, Dhankhar referred to Uttar Pradesh's advancement as a "historic" achievement and emphasised that the state is now at the forefront of building world-class institutional structures. He credited CM Yogi for this remarkable transformation, which has garnered recognition both within the country and abroad. The Vice President also expressed his excitement about visiting the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj with his family on February 1, stating it would be an honour. He also highlighted the significant role of Uttar Pradesh's youth in driving future development, commending the CM's initiative, the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan, aimed at creating 10 lakh entrepreneurs to foster employment generation. Dhankhar commended the state for its relentless efforts to enhance infrastructure, improve governance, and promote entrepreneurship. He noted that the state's rise in the ease of doing business rankings--from 19th to second place--along with a doubling of exports and an increase in the number of airports and metro stations, underscores its growing role in India's economic expansion. Appreciating the people-centric policies of governance, the Vice President said, "This region has become a laboratory for the fundamental and people-centric principles of Raj Dharma." He also praised Yogi Adityanath for his strong leadership, noting that his tenure has been longer than any previous Chief Minister of the state. The Vice President lauded Adityanath for his decisive actions, particularly in combating crime, which he said has sent a clear message of law and order throughout the country. "The state deserves mention because it is blessed by Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya, protected by Lord Vishwanath in Kashi, graced by Lord Krishna's blessing in Mathura, loved by Lord Banke Bihari in Vrindavan, empowered by Lord Hanuman, and all this is being orchestrated by the Mahant of Gorakhnath Temple, Yogi Adityanath. When the charioteer is strong, the development becomes qualitative," he emphasized. Uttar Pradesh's economic growth has been impressive, with the state rising from 19th to second place in the ease of doing business rankings. Dhankhar noted that the state's exports have doubled in recent years, and the number of airports and metro stations has increased. He also pointed out the global attention the Prayagraj Mahakumbh has received, with institutions worldwide studying how such a large event is being organized so efficiently. The Vice President mentioned that Uttar Pradesh's goal of achieving a 1 trillion dollar economy is now within reach, highlighting the state's growing role in India's technological and business expansion. He described Uttar Pradesh's transformation from 'Uttar to Uttam' as a remarkable journey of progress. He mentioned that in the last 10 years, the people of UP have developed a strong focus on development, contributing to India's rise as the most aspirational country in the world. He emphasized that a developed India is not just a dream but a clear goal, with UP playing a significant role in this transformation. He stated that the state will make the biggest sacrifice in the 'Maha Yagya' being undertaken for this purpose. Dhankhar stressed the importance of prioritizing national interest above all else, particularly in the context of economic growth. He urged for greater adoption of "Swadeshi" and the promotion of locally manufactured goods. He also expressed concern about the issue of illegal refugees in the country, urging that strict steps be taken to safeguard the nation's identity and stability. On this occasion, Governor Anandi Ben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Ministers Rakesh Sachan, and Jaiveer Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Dinesh Sharma, Sanjay Seth, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, and other dignitaries were present. (ANI) After being suspended from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the opposition MPs on Friday reacted sharply, alleging that the dates for the meeting were announced without prior notice. They also claimed that the government's actions were violating the equality principles enshrined in the Constitution. Reacting to his suspension, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi told ANI, "The Waqf Bill is a sensitive issue. If the government wants to bulldoze it and bring it to the Parliament via JPC, then it will have adverse effects, legally and on a particular community. The proposed amendments are not to save Waqf's properties but to destroy them... The process to submit the committee report has been started haphazardly... This is a sensitive Bill and its results are going to be far-reaching. But the way BJP wants to do it, the process is wrong... We request the Lok Sabha Speaker to intervene in this matter..." TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee told ANI, "... What will the Speaker do? The entire show is run by two persons. Those who are sitting everywhere have no power to do anything..." Samajwadi Party MP from Rampur, Mohibbullah Nadvi remarked that democratic values have been compromised. "It is unfortunate that BJP is trying to bulldoze our concept of Waqf, a religious matter of Muslims. It feels like it is the end of democratic values and we are not following the Constitution... The equality enshrined in the preamble of our constitution is being bulldozed," he told ANI. Congress MP from Saharanpur, Imran Masood told ANI, "Constitutional traditions are not being followed. The Waqf Amendment Bill is not to save the Waqf but to destroy it. They are introducing the bill as part of their political agenda..." Opposition MPs also wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and asked the Chairman to postpone the next scheduled meeting on January 27. "...When the meeting started today at 11.00 AM, we the members of opposition vehemently raised our voice with utmost respect against the way of conducting the business by the Chairman. We highlighted the unilateral as well as unfair manner of functioning of JPC by ignoring the due process contemplated in the rules. It is respectfully submitted that since the erstwhile served notice scheduled for the meeting on 24th and 25th, we the members designed our programmes in the Constituency/States from 27 to 30th as the Parliament Session starts on 31st and thereby prayed for postponement of the 27th meeting. While we put forth these reasonable claims in a civilsed manner to the Chairman, he has not even attempted to respond. As we all felt humiliated, we stood and raised our voices democratically to hear our demands. Meanwhile, the Chairman spoke on the phone with somebody and suddenly and surprisingly, he ordered our suspension by shouting...A comprehensive study is essentially needed by the JPC to address these issues raised by the stakeholders in a holistic manner. In these circumstances rushing the proceedings of the JPC without application of the mind by the Chairman is nothing but a riddle wrapped with hidden malice. It is our opinion that the Chairman of a JPC does not have the power to suspend the members of the Committee. It is therefore prayed that the Chairman of the JPC may kindly be instructed to conduct the proceedings transparently and fairly. The Chairman should postpone the 27th meeting so that the opposition members can get the adequate time and opportunity to put forth our plea/claims without any departure from the rules and procedure to ensure the Parliament democracy on which the Nation still has faith," read the letter. The JPC meeting on Waqf Bill on Friday witnessed a ruckus. Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, accused Kalyan Banerjee of using "unparliamentary" language against him. He said that the house was adjourned twice due to the alleged ruckus created by the opposition leaders, who have been suspended from the JPC meeting. "We adjourned the house twice. We had given time to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on the suggestions of the opposition only. Kalyan Banerjee used unparliamentary words against me and abused me. I kept requesting him to let the invitees speak. However, they were adamant about creating a ruckus. We adjourned the house again and again but they (opposition MPs) did not want the meeting to continue. From Jammu and Kashmir, a delegation had come but they (opposition MPs) kept shouting and sloganeering...so finally Nishikant Dubey had to move a motion and everyone agreed to suspend them," Jagdambika Pal told ANI. Responding to allegations of changing the subject of the notice for the JPC sitting, Pal said that the agenda was changed only for today and considering the requests made by the opposition, who wanted Kashmiri cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to be invited to the meeting. "We changed the agenda for today only on the request of the opposition leaders who contacted me saying that Mirwaiz should be invited and shifted today's agenda (to hold a discussion clause-by-clause to January 27," Pal added. The suspended MPs include Mohammad Jawaid, Kalyan Banerjee, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader A Raja, Asaduddin Owaisi and Nasir Hussain, Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders Mohibbullah Nadvi, M Abdullah, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Arvind Sawant, Nadimul Haque, and Congress' Imran Masood. The JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is expected to submit its report during the Budget session, with the committee's term extended during the winter session of Parliament. The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Budget session of Parliament will commence on January 31 and continue till April 4, with the Union Budget to be presented on February 1. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI) YSRCP Member of Parliament Vijaysai Reddy has announced his retirement from politics, stating that he will resign from his Rajya Sabha membership on January 25. Reddy made the announcement in a post on social media platform X, clarifying that his decision was personal and not influenced by any external pressures. "I am retiring from politics. I will resign from Rajya Sabha membership tomorrow, 25 Jan, 2025. I am not joining any political party. My resignation is not to attain any post/position, benefit, or monetary gain. This decision is entirely personal. There is no pressure, or coercion or undue influence on me," Reddy wrote. He expressed his deep gratitude to the YS family, particularly to YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Bharatamma Garu, for their support over the decades. "I will forever be indebted to the YS family, who has supported me for four decades and across three generations," he said, also wishing YS Jagan with "good health, immense success, everlasting happiness and a bright future." Reddy reflected on his extensive political career, having served as the leader of the parliamentary party, floor leader in Rajya Sabha, and national general secretary of YSRCP. "I have worked tirelessly, with sincerity and without any compromise, for the benefit of the party and the state," he stated, emphasizing his efforts to bridge the relationship between the Centre and the state to ensure maximum benefits for Andhra Pradesh. In his post, Reddy also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their support over the years. "My heartfelt gratitude and sincere thanks to Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji and Hon'ble Home Minister Amit Shah Ji, whose support over the past nine years has given me strength and recognition in the Telugu states," he added. Reddy clarified that despite his political differences with the TDP, there were no personal issues with N Chandrababu Naidu and his family, and he reaffirmed his enduring friendship with Pawan Kalyan. Looking ahead, Reddy shared that his future focus would be on agriculture. Venumbaka Vijayasai Reddy, born on July 1, 1957, is a prominent politician and Chartered Accountant, currently serving as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. He holds the position of National General Secretary of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and has been a close aide to former Andhra Pradesh Chief Ministers YS Rajashekhara Reddy and YS Jaganmohan Reddy. Born in Tallapudi, Andhra Pradesh, Reddy comes from an agricultural background and pursued Chartered Accountancy in Chennai. With over two decades of experience, he has served as the senior-most partner in his firm, V S Reddy SP & Associates, and provided financial advisory services to several companies, including those linked to Jaganmohan Reddy's family. Additionally, Reddy has been involved in various state government boards and undertakings, contributing his expertise to sectors such as banking, public governance, and religious institutions, including the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Reddy has played a significant role in the Indian Parliament, having served as the Parliamentary Party Leader of YSRCP in the Rajya Sabha from 2016 to 2024. He has held various key positions, including Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture, and introduced 30 Private Member Bills. He has also served on multiple parliamentary committees such as Petroleum & Natural Gas, Subordinate Legislation, and Public Accounts. Despite his prominent political career, Reddy's bid for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections ended in a loss to TDP's Vemireddy Prabhakara Reddy. He has received multiple accolades for his parliamentary work, including the Sansad Ratna Award in 2023 and the Sansad Maharatna Award in 2024. (ANI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday said that if the youth are not developed, the development of the country is not possible. He also criticized the previous government for not supporting the youth following which they were directionless. Dr Saha said this while addressing the launch of Tripura Start-up Policy at Pragna Bhavan, today. CM Mani Saha said, "The policy started in 2019, and today, we launched it in a new way, bringing in so many changes. Not only IT, but we have also added agriculture, bamboo, food, and other sectors. Youth never received support before, which is why they were directionless. Not all people can be given jobs. Such a policy is really essential, and I thank everyone involved in creating this kind of policy." "It is a known fact that youth are very energetic and capable. However, their energy and enthusiasm often do not go in the right direction. This policy will channel their energy correctly and ensure that youth receive the needed help from the government," he said. CM Saha added that such a policy would allow the youth to achieve new heights. "It will enable them to fulfill their dreams of becoming industrialists or entrepreneurs. Such initiatives will help realize the vision of 'Ek Tripura Shrestha Tripura'. Banks will also offer financial help to these youth, creating better employment opportunities. The policy aims to tackle unemployment by engaging youth from all levels of society, from the lowest to the highest," he said. When this initiative began, there were strong connections established with IITs, IIMs, NITs, and other central universities of India. It is a wise decision to help youth achieve greater heights from a young age. "More than 1.25 lakh bank branches are encouraging youth, ensuring at least one Dalit, one woman, and one Indigenous person benefits from this initiative," said CM Saha. The Chief Minister further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that there can be no growth in the country without innovation and new opportunities for the youth. "Our PM has always said that our main human resource is youth. If the youth are developed, the country will develop. In the future, our numerous startup policies will support this growth," he added. During the event, Finance and IT Minister Pranajit Singha Roy and Director of IT Jeya Ragul Geshan were also present. (ANI) Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, a grand Uttarakhand Pavilion has been established at Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj, offering a rich display of the state's cultural, artistic, and spiritual heritage, according to an official statement. The pavilion, which will be open from January 13 to February 26, 2025, provides pilgrims with a chance to experience the divine essence of Uttarakhand. It features cultural exhibits, local handicrafts, and spiritual displays. Additionally, arrangements for residential facilities and local cuisine are available for the pilgrims, with daily visits reaching 10,000 to 15,000 people. The statement highlights that, under the guidance of the Chief Minister, the pavilion not only showcases Devbhoomi Uttarakhand but also offers a space for displaying and selling the state's traditional art, culture, and special products. Mahakumbh-2025, held after 144 years at the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati, is a celebration of the union of cultures from India and around the world. Pilgrims from across the globe gather for their spiritual purification at this grand event. In line with the Chief Minister's instructions, a large tent city has been constructed within the Uttarakhand Pavilion to provide accommodation and local food for pilgrims. The pavilion is being visited by up to 15,000 pilgrims daily. Alongside darshan and photography of the divine temples of Uttarakhand, stalls showcasing traditional products and cultural programs featuring the rich folk culture of the state are also being presented. The Chief Minister believes this initiative will aid in the organization of the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Haridwar in 2026, with visitors to the Uttarakhand Pavilion also receiving information about it. Prateek Jain, Commissioner and Director General of Industries, further explained that, under Chief Minister Dhami's guidance, the pavilion not only displays the state's spiritual form but also offers a variety of products, including Uttarakhand's international brand 'House of Himalaya,' the handloom and handicraft brand 'Himadri,' Khadi, bamboo, and fibre products, as well as information on the state's tourist spots and Ayurvedic and Yoga therapies. Additionally, the Culture Department organizes cultural evenings that attract a growing number of visitors. A Kedarnath gate has been constructed as the entrance, while a Badrinath gate marks the exit of the Uttarakhand Mandapam. Inside, replicas of the Char Dham (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath), Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar, and the continuous flow of the Ganga are displayed. The pavilion also features divine replicas of Shri Jageshwar Dham, Shri Goljyu Devta, and Neem Karoli Baba, as part of the Winter Char Dham and Manaskhand Temple Mala, by the Chief Minister's vision. The grand Uttarakhand Pavilion, located on Sector-7, Kailashpuri Road within the Prayagraj Mahakumbh area, spans 40,000 square feet. It is situated 6 km from Civil Line Prayagraj Bus Stand, 8 km from Prayagraj Junction Railway Station, and just 15 km from Prayagraj Airport. The nearest Ganga Ghat is 800 meters away, while the holy Sangam is about 5 km from the pavilion. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah warning him not to underestimate the "Marathi manus" and said he will soon get to see what an "injured tiger" can do. This comes after Amit Shah said the last Maharashtra assembly elections -- in which Shiv Sena (UBT) was wiped out -- will show Uddhav Thackeray his place. Addressing a public meeting, on the occasion of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray's birth anniversary on Thursday, Thackeray said, "Amit Shah said that these elections will show Uddhav Thackeray his place. Okay, Amit Shah ji! You will see what an injured tiger and his claws can do. Don't mess with 'Marathi Manush'. We forced Aurangzeb to kneel down, who is Amit Shah?" The former Maharashtra Chief Minister also challenged the BJP-led Centre of holding elections on ballot papers. He attacked the BJP over 'Hindutva' and said those spreading communal disharmony can't be Hindu. "If you have any shame, keep EVM aside and hold elections on the ballot paper. Anyone who spreads Hindu-Muslim enmity, can't be a Hindu...Our Hindutva is clean," Thackeray said. The Shiv Sena (UBT) suffered a crushing defeat in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, securing only 20 seats, while the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance registered a resounding victory with 235 seats. Following the results, several Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders raised concerns over the 'legitimacy' of EVMs. Earlier this month, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar dismissed calls for a return to paper ballots, calling the suggestion "unwarranted and regressive" and asserting that it is aimed to "derail" the election process. In the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance emerged victorious with 235 seats, while Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party also made notable gains, with 57 and 41 seats, respectively. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, on the other hand, suffered a major setback, with the Congress winning just 16 seats, the Shiv Sena (Uttar Pradesh) 20 and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP securing just 10 seats. (ANI) Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, extends festive greetings at a symposium with leaders of national religious groups ahead of the Chinese New Year on Jan. 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Thursday delivered Spring Festival greetings to religious personages and believers nationwide. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, extended festive greetings at a symposium with leaders of national religious groups ahead of the Chinese New Year. Speaking highly of the work of religious groups in 2024, Wang urged efforts to develop religions in the Chinese context, strengthen governance of religious affairs, and build active and healthy religious relations, in a bid to contribute to Chinese modernization. He stressed maintaining guidance of core socialist values and Chinese culture, and thus forming religious doctrines that are in line with China's national conditions step by step. Highlighting strengthening law-based religious affairs governance, Wang called for efforts to enhance self-education, self-management and self-restraint of religious circles. Congress candidate from the Kalkaji assembly constituency, Alka Lamba targeted both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Aam Aadmi Party accusing them of diverting people's attention from real issues and contesting the elections "only for power." She also alleged that the rivalry between Congress and BJP has resulted in a slowdown of progress in Delhi. Speaking to ANI on Friday, Lamba said, "Atishi Marlena broke rules. AAP campaign material was found in government vehicles belonging to the PwD, and an FIR was registered. Today, she is filing an FIR against Ramesh Bidhuri. The people of Kalkaji have had enough of their banter and fights." "Their main aim is to divert people from the real issues. Both of these parties are only fighting for power. Their rivalry has resulted in the slowdown of progress in Delhi," she added. Lamba, who is contesting from the Kalkaji constituency, further expressed confidence that Congress would make a comeback in Delhi. She is up against BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri and AAP leader and Delhi CM Atishi from the Kalkaji assembly seat. Taking a jibe at the BJP, she said three "wickets" of AAP -- Arvind Kejriwal, Atishi and Manish Sisodia will be defeated. "Three wickets of the Aam Aadmi Party are going to fall. Sandeep Dikshit ji will be the first wicket in New Delhi, where Arvind Kejriwal will be defeated. The second wicket will fall here (Kalkaji) with Atishi Marlena. The third will be Manish Sisodia's. All three wickets will fall, and Delhi Congress will make a comeback," Lamba said. The Delhi Assembly elections will take place in a single phase on February 5, with the counting of votes set for February 8. A total of 699 candidates are competing for the 70 assembly seats in Delhi. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and failed to win any seats. In contrast, AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections, winning 67 and 62 seats, respectively, out of a total of 70 seats, while BJP secured only three and eight seats in these elections. (ANI) Union Minister Piyush Goyal hit back heavily against Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party represents the aspirations of 140 crore Indians and remains committed to Hindutva. Speaking to reporters, Goyal said, "BJP is representing the 140 crore Indians. We feel proud that the 140 crore Indians associate themselves with Hindutva...It is very unfortunate that Uddhav Thackeray is completely immersed in the politics of appeasement." He further exuded confidence that the Mahayuti alliance will come out victorious in the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections to form a 'triple-engine government'. "BJP and Mahayuti will emerge victorious in the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections and the triple-engine government will play a big role in making Viksit Bharat," Goyal said. This comes after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Udvav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party and said that anyone who spreads communal disharmony "can't be a Hindu", while also affirming that the 'Hindutva' of his party is "clean". The former Maharashtra Chief Minister also challenged the BJP-led Centre of holding elections on ballot papers. He was addressing a public meeting, on the occasion of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray's birth anniversary. "If you have any shame, keep EVMs aside and hold elections using ballot papers. Anyone who spreads Hindu-Muslim enmity cannot be a Hindu. Our Hindutva is clean," Thackeray said. Notably, the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election was a huge drubbing for Shiv Sena (UBT), which itself reduced to 20 seats as the BJP-led Mahayuti, registered a landslide victory with 235 seats. Meanwhile, several opposition leaders of the INDIA bloc, have been questioning the 'fairness' of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections and demanding that elections be held with ballot papers. Earlier this month, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar dismissed the suggestion of returning to paper ballots for voting, saying, "Returning to the outdated paper ballot system is unwarranted and regressive. This is aimed at derailing the election process." This week, a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court dismissed an appeal challenging the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections across constituencies. The petitioner had raised concerns regarding the use of EVMs, arguing that Section 61-A of the relevant law requires the respondent (Election Commission of India) to provide specific justifications for the use of EVMs in each constituency individually. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], January 24 (ANI/TPS): Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar slammed the International Criminal Court during a joint media appearance in Budapest with his Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szerto on Thursday. "The politically corrupt International Criminal Court in The Hague has chosen, in an unprecedented manner, to act against a democratic state that is the most attacked and threatened in the world," said Sa'ar. "This is an attack on Israel's right to defend itself." Szerto backed Israel's position against the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants targeting Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant. The meeting touched on the specific case of Omri Miran, an Israeli-Hungarian citizen held hostage in Gaza, whose release is expected in the second phase of a ceasefire with Hamas. Saar thanked Szerto for Hungary's support in securing Miran's release. Miran, now 47, was taken captive on October 7 from Kibbutz Nahal Oz. The last sign of life came when he appeared in a Hamas propaganda video released in April 2024. The first phase of the ceasefire is supposed to see a total of 33 Israeli hostages freed over six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian terrorists imprisoned in Israel. The exact number will depend on how many are alive. Israelis celebrated the return of the first three, Doron Steinbrecher, Romi Gonen and Emily Damari, on Sunday. The fate of the remaining 65 hostages, including Miran, will be determined by negotiations to begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire. Critics say the phased approach condemns hostages not freed in the beginning to open-ended captivity and undermines Israel's war gains. Saar also updated Szerto on developments in Syria and Lebanon, where a two-month ceasefire with Hezbollah is due to expire on Sunday. Sa'ar also warned of the Houthi threat to Red Sea shipping and urged Budapest to designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization following the U.S. The International Criminal Court issued unprecedented arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November, the first time warrants have been issued against leaders from a democratic country. Both officials would be liable for arrest if they travel to countries that are party to the ICC. The court also issued a warrant for Hamas commander Mohammed Deif. Although he was killed in an airstrike in July, Hamas never confirmed Deif's death. Israel is not a member of the ICC and does not recognize its jurisdiction. The ICC charter prohibits the court from prosecuting nationals of countries with independent judiciaries. At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 94 remaining hostages, more than 30 have been declared dead. (ANI/TPS) Tel Aviv [Israel], January 24 (ANI/TPS): The Shin Bet (Israel's anti-terror General Security Service) and the Central Unit of the Jerusalem District arrested a 32-year-old suspect from the Jerusalem Arab neighbourhood Isawiya on suspicion of contacting elements in the terrorist organization Hezbollah. As part of his interrogation, it emerged that the suspect was even a Hezbollah operative and joined a group online several years ago called the Resistance Axis of Hezbollah. To this end, he contacted a Hezbollah activist abroad and shared information with her. That activist had previously recruited residents of eastern Jerusalem who were indicted in recent months for contact with a foreign agent. In addition, the suspect made contact with those residents of the eastern part of the city who were in contact with the Hezbollah operative and even shared information about sensitive places with one of them that he photographed. The suspect also made contact and met with terrorists in Jenin, where he was also photographed with weapons. (ANI/TPS) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has detected 10 Chinese aircraft and 7 naval vessels around the island as of 6 am (UTC+8) on Friday. Among them, 9 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1882594167739834852 Sharing a post on X, MND wrote, "10 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1882231781379715138 On Thursday, Taiwan MND detected 35 Chinese aircraft and 6 vessels around its territory around the island. 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 the mass production of floating bridge docks to assist the unloading of ships during beach landings. Both types 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) Several devotees from Russia and Ukraine -- two countries embroiled in deadly conflict for close to three years -- attended the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj on Thursday and presented a message of spiritual unity. The atmosphere in Prayagraj turned sublime, as devotees in the cold winter evening gathered to perform kirtan, and sang 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna'. Speaking to ANI, a devotee from Russia shared a message of unity and peace and stated that monks of different nationalities are present at the gathering. "I came here from Russia, and my Guru Maa came from Ukraine. Many of my Guru sisters and brothers have come from countries like Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Europe, and the USA. We all came here for the Maha Kumbh to take a bath in the Ganga on this auspicious day. As we know, all deities and divine energies come to bathe in the Ganga waters, so we follow their example," the devotee said. "This is a great gathering of people in the world. It's the biggest festival ever and we all come in here as Sadhu...whether it's female or male Russian-Ukrainian or Indian we all are here...we all follow Sanatana Dharma," she added. Referring to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the devotee highlighted that several conflicts are going on across the world, and they prat for the global peace. "First of all, this year, we pray for peace in the whole world. As you know, in our countries--Russia, Ukraine--still war going on. Israel and Palestine have also been conflicted, and many, many parts of the world, even now, 21st century, still some wars going on, so many conflicts, political, and economical, and we pray here first of all for peace in the whole world," she further said. In just 11 days of the Mahakumbh, more than 97.3 million devotees, Kalpavasis and revered seers have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. With this unprecedented turnout of devotees, the total number of participants is expected to touch the 100 million mark by the end of today the 11th day of the festival. As per the data of the Uttar Pradesh government, as of now over 16.98 lakh people have taken a dip in the sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mystical Saraswati. The Uttar Pradesh government estimates that more than 45 crore people will attend the Maha Kumbh this time, according to an official statement. Among the sea of visitors, various 'babas' stand out, especially those who carry their distinct identities. Earlier on Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took the holy dip in Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, along with several ministers of his cabinet. Meanwhile, authorities have been focusing on preparations for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya on January 29, anticipating large crowds of devotees. (ANI) United States President Donald Trump signed the executive order ordering the declassification of records regarding the assassinations of President John F Kennedy, Senator Robert F Kennedy, and the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr, and said it is time for the American people to know the "truth". Sharing the detailed document, the White House stated, "Providing Americans with the truth after six decades of secrecy." "The Executive Order establishes the policy that, more than 50 years after these assassinations, the victims' families and the American people deserve the truth," the statement added. Specifically, the order directs the Director of National Intelligence and other appropriate officials to Present a plan within 15 days for the full and complete release of all John F Kennedy assassination records and Immediately review the records relating to the Robert F Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr assassinations and present a plan for their full and complete release within 45 days. Notably, In Trump's first term, he ordered agencies to move toward disclosing more information about the John F Kennedy assassination According to the White House, the President John F Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 required all records related to the assassination be released in 25 years, absent a presidential certification that: Continued postponement is necessary due to identifiable harm to the military defence, intelligence operations, law enforcement, or conduct of foreign relations; and Such identifiable harm is of such gravity that it outweighs the public interest in disclosure. "In October 2017 and April 2018 certifications, President Trump directed agencies to reevaluate redactions and disclose any information that no longer warranted withholding. President Biden delayed disclosure in 2021, 2022, and 2023," the statement added. Trump said the continued withholding of the John F Kennedy records is "not in the public interest and is long overdue", while further adding that releasing the Robert F Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. assassination records is in the 'public interest'. Notably, it was President Trump's campaign promise to release assassination records to give Americans the truth. President Trump pledged on multiple occasions to release the JFK files, specifically stating in June 2024 that he would do so "early on." "When I return to the White House, I will declassify and unseal all JFK assassination-related documents. It's been 60 years, time for the American people to know the TRUTH!" Trump stated. (ANI) A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to terminate birthright citizenship in the United States, calling the policy "blatantly unconstitutional," CNN reported. Issuing a temporary restraining order on Thursday, Judge John Coughenour, a Reagan appointee, responded to a legal challenge by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and three other Democratic-led states. The restraining order halts the implementation of the policy for 14 days, allowing for further legal briefings. "I have been on the bench for over four decades. I can't remember another case where the question presented was as clear," Judge Coughenour stated, expressing disbelief that the executive order could have been signed. "Where were the lawyers" when this decision was made, the judge asked, saying it "boggled" his mind that any legal professional would assert the order's constitutionality. The lawsuit argues that Trump's executive order violates the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all children born on American soil "and subject to the jurisdiction thereof." According to Lane Polozola, an attorney representing the state of Washington, "births cannot be paused" during the legal proceedings. He added, "Babies are being born today here, and in the plaintiff states and around the country, with a cloud cast over their citizenship." Polozola further emphasised the potential harm to children who could be denied citizenship under the policy, saying they would face "long-term substantial negative impacts." He argued that the administration's filings thus far not only failed to address these harms but suggested that harm "appears to be the purpose" of the order. He also pointed out the financial and logistical burdens on state programs that would arise if children were excluded from federal benefits due to their citizenship status, reported CNN. The Trump administration contends that the 14th Amendment's clause, "subject to the jurisdiction thereof," permits the president to exclude children of undocumented immigrants and even those whose parents are lawfully present but lack permanent legal status. Justice Department attorney Brett Shumate argued against the emergency order, urging the court to allow more time for briefing on the policy. "I understand your concerns," Shumate said, but cautioned against a "snap judgment on the merits." At the White House, Trump expressed his administration's intent to challenge the ruling. Meanwhile, additional lawsuits against the executive order have been filed, including cases brought by Democratic attorneys general, immigrant rights groups, and individual plaintiffs. During a separate legal proceeding in Maryland, Justice Department Attorney Brad Rosenberg acknowledged that federal agencies had not yet taken steps to enforce the order. "The executive order was issued three days ago during a time of change of administration. And so it's very early for the agencies to develop their policies that would be necessary" for implementation, Rosenberg told US District Judge Deborah Boardman. A hearing in that case is scheduled for February 5 to consider the plaintiffs' request to block the policy temporarily, CNN reported. In New Hampshire, the American Civil Liberties Union, along with other civil rights and immigration groups, has filed another legal challenge. A federal judge there is set to hold a hearing on February 10 to address the plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction against the order. (ANI) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and founder Imran Khan has directed his party to terminate ongoing talks with the government, citing delays in the formation of judicial commissions to investigate key political events, Dawn reported. This announcement was made by PTI Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, who conveyed Imran Khan's dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in fulfilling the government's commitments. The PTI and the government had been engaging in dialogue aimed at easing political tensions. Two rounds of talks had previously been conducted, with the third round held on January 16, during which the PTI presented its demands in writing. Among the party's key demands were the establishment of judicial commissions to investigate the events of May 9 and November 26. Despite repeated assurances from the government, progress has reportedly stalled, leaving the PTI increasingly frustrated. Speaking outside Adiala Jail after meeting Imran Khan, Barrister Gohar stated, "The PTI founder [has] said to call the talks off over the government's failure to form the judicial commissions." He elaborated that the government had committed to establishing these commissions within seven working days, but the promise was not honoured. Gohar emphasised that while the PTI had hoped for continued discussions, the lack of cooperation from the government forced the party to reconsider. "Negotiations cannot move forward if the commission is not announced today," he said, adding that the PTI would only resume talks if a three-judge commission was established. He also reaffirmed the PTI's dedication to pursuing its goals through lawful and constitutional means. "According to the PTI founder, the party will continue its efforts under the law and Constitution. On the instructions of [Imran], we will join various opposition parties and struggle together," Gohar said. Reacting to the PTI's announcement, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui urged the opposition to remain engaged in dialogue for the sake of political stability. Speaking to the media outside Parliament House, Siddiqui said he was puzzled by the PTI's decision to abandon negotiations. "I don't have the words except that they were in a hurry to arrive and are in a hurry to depart. The impatience with which they came is the same with which they are going back. We ask them to stay some days and not go back; let the weather become pleasant," Siddiqui remarked. The senator highlighted that the government had shown restraint and remained open to dialogue despite several provocations from the PTI. He noted that the ruling coalition had "almost" reached a consensus on the PTI's demands and urged the party to reconsider its stance. "They should reconsider if it is in their power and if they can form an opinion apart from their founder's opinion," Siddiqui said. He also invited the PTI to submit its grievances in writing to ensure their resolution through dialogue, as per reports by Dawn. The PTI's written demands included the formation of two judicial commissions. The first commission would investigate the events surrounding Imran Khan's arrest on May 9, 2023. This includes examining the legality of the arrest, the actions of law enforcement agencies, and the subsequent nationwide protests. The PTI requested an inquiry into the "legality of the events that led" to the arrest and the "legality of the manner of the arrest." Additionally, the party sought a probe into the circumstances that allowed groups to damage high-security locations during the protests and an examination of CCTV footage from these areas. It also called for an investigation into the lack of available footage, the treatment of arrested individuals, and alleged human rights violations, including torture. Moreover, the PTI demanded an evaluation of media censorship and internet shutdowns imposed during the unrest, including their impact and legality. "Were the human rights of these individuals violated, including through torture? How were the lists of those to be arrested compiled?" the PTI asked. The second commission demanded by the PTI would focus on the events of November 24-27, 2024, during the party's protest in Islamabad. The PTI alleged excessive use of force against demonstrators, including live ammunition and other violent methods. The party called for an investigation into "the number of the martyrs and the injured and of the persons who went missing after 24 to 27 November 2024." It also sought a review of hospital and medical facility records during this period, alleging potential tampering and suppression of information. "Were the records of hospitals and other medical facilities tampered with? If so, under whose directions and command was this done?" the PTI questioned. It further demanded an inquiry into the difficulties faced by individuals seeking to file FIRs or take legal action related to the protests. Since Imran Khan's incarceration in August 2023, PTI's relations with the government and the establishment have deteriorated significantly. The party has held multiple protests over the past year, many of which turned violent amid clashes with law enforcement, Dawn reported. Despite earlier optimism about the dialogue process, the PTI's decision to withdraw from talks reflects the growing mistrust between the opposition and the government. While the government has urged the PTI to reconsider, the future of political negotiations remains uncertain as both sides appear entrenched in their positions. (ANI) Micheal Martin has been elected the Republic of Ireland's prime minister for a second term after a vote in parliament on Thursday. Martin, leader of the Fianna Fail party, received 95 votes in favor and 76 against his nomination, securing his return to the top office. He will lead a coalition government that includes Fianna Fail, its historic rival Fine Gael, and independent lawmakers, Al Jazeera reported. Martin's nomination faced a delay after a chaotic vote on Wednesday, which saw the Irish parliament suspended due to opposition protests over the speaking rights of independent lawmakers supporting the incoming coalition. The deadlock was resolved overnight through talks, allowing the vote to proceed a day later. This coalition marks the second consecutive partnership between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, the two parties that have dominated Irish politics since 1937. Independent ministers will replace the Green Party, which lost significant seats in the November elections. The 64-year-old Martin previously served as prime minister from 2020 to 2022. Under the coalition agreement, Fine Gael's Simon Harris is scheduled to take over as prime minister in 2027. Harris will first replace Martin as deputy prime minister and is expected to take on the foreign minister role. Other prominent figures in the new government include Paschal Donohoe of Fine Gael, who is set to return as finance minister, a key role given his influence as chair of the group of eurozone finance ministers, reported Al Jazeera. Martin's return comes at a time of growing economic concerns, particularly related to the potential impact of US President Donald Trump's return to power and his promises to cut corporate taxes. Martin addressed the economic challenges in his speech to parliament, emphasising the need to protect Ireland's economy in a period of uncertainty. "For us today, the task is to protect Ireland's strength at a moment of real threat, while also addressing critical social needs," Martin said. He stressed the importance of maintaining strong relationships with the US, the UK, and Europe in order to navigate the changing global landscape. The new coalition government is focused on using Ireland's growing tax revenues from multinational corporations, particularly US companies, to boost public sector investment, reduce taxes, and build the country's sovereign wealth fund, Al Jazeera reported. Martin also underscored the need for Ireland to adapt to global economic shifts while ensuring that its strong ties with the US remain a cornerstone of the country's strategy. "The Ireland-America relationship is one which benefits us both and it will emerge strongly no matter what," Martin said. Martin, a former history teacher who first entered parliament 36 years ago, was a senior figure in the Fianna Fail government that signed the EU-IMF bailout in 2010. While this decision led to significant losses for the party in the 2011 elections, Martin led the party's recovery, guiding Fianna Fail back into power nine years later. (ANI) You are here: World Flash A Turkish airliner lands at Damascus International Airport in Damascus, Syria, on Jan. 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] A Turkish Airlines passenger jet carrying Syrian passengers landed at Damascus International Airport on Thursday for the first time in 13 years, state news agency SANA reported. In a press conference at the airport, Syrian Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates for Humanitarian Affairs Ahmad Dukhan applauded the resumption of flights, thanking "the Turkish government and people for standing by the Syrian people." Dukhan underscored the "deep roots" of the bilateral relationship, calling the return of direct flights "the beginning of renewed cooperation" and a ray of hope for Syrians abroad hoping to return to their country with dignity. Turkish Airlines Director General Bilal Akshi said the move would serve the interests of Syria, its people, and the region. Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz, also on board the flight, hailed the development as "a historic moment," saying the restored air link will reconnect Damascus to the rest of the world. Chinese social media platforms are facing increasing scrutiny over the proliferation of hate speech following a series of violent attacks on foreign nationals in China, Al Jazeera reported. Xenophobic and nationalistic comments have flourished on these platforms, even after several Chinese tech giants pledged to address hate speech in response to a spate of stabbings involving Japanese and American citizens. In the summer of 2024, there were at least four separate stabbings of foreign nationals in China, including a high-profile incident in Shenzhen where a 10-year-old Japanese boy was killed in September. This attack, occurring on the anniversary of a controversial historical event, prompted Japan to demand explanations from China regarding its safety measures for foreign nationals. In response to the tragedy, Japanese businesses offered to repatriate their staff and families. Prior to this, in April, a knife attack in Jilin injured four American college instructors, further straining relations between the United States and China. However, Chinese authorities maintained that the incidents were isolated and insisted that similar attacks could happen in any country, as stated by Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who said, "Similar cases could happen in any country." Despite these assertions, Chinese social media platforms like Weibo have come under increasing criticism for their handling of hate speech. On the platform, posts filled with xenophobic rhetoric targeting Americans, Japanese, and other foreign nationals have been widespread. One user even expressed a desire for the deaths of Japanese people, repeating the sentiment multiple times. Although Chinese authorities have stated that Chinese law prohibits the spreading of extremism, violence, and discrimination online, the growing prevalence of such comments has raised serious concerns. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, DC, reaffirmed the government's position against discrimination and hate speech, saying, "The Chinese government has always opposed any form of discrimination and hate speech, and calls on all sectors of society to jointly maintain the order and security of cyberspace." The government's challenge is compounded by the fact that tech companies, which operate with a profit-driven incentive, have not fully committed to regulating this content. According to Andrew Devine, a PhD student specialising in authoritarian politics, Chinese social media platforms are less motivated to control hate speech due to the political and financial incentives involved, reported Al Jazeera. The algorithms used by Chinese platforms, which are optimised to maximise user engagement, contribute to the spread of controversial content, including hyper-nationalistic posts. Elena Yi-Ching Ho, an independent analyst, explained that social media platforms are primarily interested in keeping users engaged, saying, "They want to maximise engagement between users on their platforms, and they want users to stay on their platform for as long as possible." The underlying problem of rising hate speech on Chinese social media is partially rooted in the growing antagonism between China and certain foreign nations. Relations between China and Japan have deteriorated due to historical and territorial disputes, while tensions with the United States have escalated over trade, the origins of COVID-19, and Taiwan. However, the phenomenon of hate speech predates these tensions. Some Chinese citizens and social media users trace this hostility to "hate education" about Japan, referring to historical grievances stemming from Japan's imperial-era actions, including the invasion of China during World War II. Wang Zichen, a former Chinese state media journalist, noted that for many in China, the memory of millions of Chinese deaths during the war remains vivid, and some continue to view Japan's failure to atone for these actions as a source of ongoing resentment, explaining, "Japan launched invasions in the Second World War where as many as tens of millions of Chinese people died, and that remains on a lot of Chinese people's minds today." Despite this, some individuals in China argue that contemporary hate speech against Japanese people and other foreign nationals should not be justified by historical events. Tina Wu, a 29-year-old social media manager in Shanghai, emphasised the need to reassess how China deals with its past, noting that this is crucial for reducing hate speech and fostering better relations with other nations. Wu said, "I think we need to change the way we are dealing with our past if we want to see less hate speech." While hate speech is not unique to Chinese social media, the government's tight control over the internet presents a different dynamic from platforms in other countries. Chinese tech companies operate in an environment of strict censorship, with the government routinely monitoring and removing content deemed politically sensitive. A 2020 report from the non-profit Freedom House ranked China as having the least free internet environment in the world, alongside Myanmar. In fact, over 35,000 words related to Chinese President Xi Jinping alone were subjected to censorship in 2020, according to China Digital Times. As Devine observed, content that aligns with the Chinese government's narrative is less likely to be flagged or removed, creating a double standard in which government-approved nationalism is allowed to thrive, while more controversial, critical commentary is suppressed, Al Jazeera reported. The challenge of policing hate speech on social media platforms is particularly difficult for companies with billions of active users. With such large-scale platforms, moderation capacity is limited, and removing every instance of hate speech is virtually impossible. Wang acknowledged these limitations, stating, "There's so much information and more is constantly being added that there's simply no way to eradicate or eliminate all of it." However, he remained optimistic that China's growing global influence could help reduce anti-foreign sentiment. He believed that the country's confidence in its own strength could lead to a re-evaluation of its historical grievances and a more positive outlook on its interactions with other nations. Some individuals, like Tina Wu, hope that the dominant narratives surrounding foreign aggression in China could be reassessed to reduce the chances of further attacks on foreigners. Wu argued that the portrayal of China as a victim of foreign hostility is deeply embedded in the country's national identity and needs to be re-evaluated to foster a more open and welcoming atmosphere for foreigners in the future. (ANI) A teenager who murdered three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, United Kingdom, last year has been sentenced to more than 50 years in prison, Al Jazeera reported. Axel Rudakubana, 18, was sentenced on Thursday, with the judge noting that he had attempted to carry out a mass murder of innocent, happy children. Despite his age, the judge ruled that Rudakubana must serve a minimum of 52 years before being considered for parole, stating that it was likely he would never be released. Rudakubana, 17 at the time of the attack, killed three young girls--Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine--at a dance class in Southport last July. In addition to the murders, Rudakubana wounded eight other children and two adults. On Monday, he admitted to the killings and pleaded guilty to 10 counts of attempted murder, producing ricin, and possessing an al-Qaeda training manual. Prosecutors revealed that Rudakubana had no political or religious motive for his actions but was instead obsessed with violence and genocide, reported Al Jazeera. Rudakubana was not present in court for the sentencing after being removed earlier for disruptive behaviour. His crimes sparked widespread social unrest, with anti-migrant protests and clashes with police occurring across the UK. Born in Cardiff to Rwandan Christian parents, Rudakubana's motives remain unclear, and investigations have not yet revealed a definitive cause for his actions. Authorities had been alerted to his violent tendencies prior to the attack. In response to the attack, the UK government has ordered a public inquiry, citing the need to address critical questions surrounding the incident, Al Jazeera reported. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his commitment to delivering change following one of the country's most harrowing events. "We owe it to these innocent young girls and all those affected to deliver the change that they deserve," Starmer said. (ANI) Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has slammed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over its decision to call off talks with the government. He that the government was deliberating on a "middle ground" by offering to constitute a committee instead of a judicial commission, The Express Tribune reported. In his remarks on a private news channel, Tarar said, "It is not necessary to constitute a commission...we were deliberating on a middle ground to take things forward." He accused Imran Khan-founded party of acting with "malicious intent" and taking a "hasty decision." He said, "Our response to PTI's demands was to come," adding that "extensive discussions" had been held on the issue. Criticising the PTI over its decision, he said, "They should have found a legitimate excuse to prove they had been victimised. Now the onus is on them." His remarks came after PTI founder Imran Khan called off talks with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government over its failure to constitute a judicial commission within the promised seven-day time period. Speaking to reporters outside Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced that the decision was taken after Imran Khan expressed frustration over the government's inaction, The Express Tribune reported. Gohar stated, "The founder of PTI has categorically announced that no further rounds of negotiations will take place." He said, The government made announcements but has yet to follow through, which is why Imran Khan decided to end the negotiations." The talks aimed to de-escalate political tensions began between PTI and PML-N-led government in December and so far, three round of negotiations have taken place, The Express Tribune reported. Imran Khan-founded party has demanded the formation of two judicial commission -- one to probe the May 9, 2023 riots and another to carry out investigation into the November 26, 2024 crackdown on PTI supporters rally in Islamabad. The PTI has also demanded the release of "political prisoners." On January 16, the PTI formally submitted its 'charter of demands' to the government in the third round of negotiations between the two sides, Dawn reported. The meeting was held under the supervision of the National Assembly Speaker and was attended by six representatives from the opposition, including three PTI leaders, and eight from the government. The opposition was represented by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, PTI MNA Asad Qaiser, Sunni Ittehad Council chief Hamid Raza, Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen chief Senator Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri, and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. During the meeting, the government's side was represented by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, PPP MNAs Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Naveed Qamar, prime minister's aide Rana Sanaullah, and MQM-P MNA Farooq Sattar. (ANI) Shariful Islam Sajjad's father Md Ruhul Amin on Friday claimed that his son was innocent and urged India to release immediately. Shariful was reportedly arrested in Mumbai in connection with the attacks on actor Saif Ali Khan. Shariful Islam is a resident of Rajabaria village in Jhalakathi, a southern district of Bangladesh situated more than 200 km from capital Dhaka. Md Ruhul Amin has claimed that Shariful is the second son of his three sons. "I have come to know through various YouTube channels and journalists via telephone that my 30-year-old son Shariful Islam Sajjad has been arrested in India for assaulting actor Saif Ali Khan", Md Ruhul Amin told ANI, over the phone. "My son was arrested on suspicion because of his resemblance to the person involved in the attacks. My son is innocent", he added. Md Ruhul Amin said that he will request the Bangladesh government to take diplomatic initiative for his son's release. "I will go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh after 3 or 4 days and request the Bangladesh government to take diplomatic initiative to free my son", he said. Md Ruhul Amin claimed that his son went India to escape harassments during Sheikh Hasina's tenure as his family was associated with BNP politics. "As my family is associated with BNP, political opponents have harassed my sons with false cases. Unable to stay at home due to their oppression, he left the country", Amin said. Urging India to release his son, he said that Shariful Islam Sajjad travelled to India six or seven months back and "cannot assault such a big man within this time frame." "Saif Ali Khan is a big man. My son went to India 6 or 7 months ago. He cannot assault such a big man within this timeframe. My son is innocent. I am urging India to release my son immediately", he said. After a violent confrontation with the accused on January 16, Saif Ali Khan sustained stab wounds to his thoracic spine and other body parts. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for immediate treatment following the attack. In the ongoing investigation, the police found the accused's fingerprints on the stairs of the building, the door of the toilet, and the door handle of his son Jeh's room. According to the police, the accused attempted to enter three houses before reaching Saif Ali Khan's residence with the intent to steal. The Mumbai Police believes the discovered fingerprints will play a significant role in the investigation.As per the police statement, the accused entered the residence of the renowned actor with the intent to commit theft. A case has been registered under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Further, the police stated that the accused was about to flee to his native village in Bangladesh when he was detained at Hiranandani Estate in Thane. The accused was sent to five-day police custody by the Bandra Holiday Court on Sunday. (ANI). Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Barrister Salman Akram Raja has announced that his party will "vigorously" raise the issues being faced by the people of Karachi and other parts of Sindh at every platform, Dawn reported. He said that PTI has been given the biggest mandate by the people of Karachi and has demonstrated itself as the "powerhouse" for the party. He announced that PTI's founder Imran Khan will not be part of any deal as he thinks that much injustice has occurred. Speaking to reporters at the PTI city office called Insaf House, Raja said, "That's the reason Karachi has been established as the city of Imran Khan's ideals and it's our promise that PTI will vigorously highlight its issues and the problems being faced by the people of other parts of Sindh." Earlier, Salman Akram Raja held meetings with leaders of PTI's city and Sindh chapters. He spoke about PTI's strategy to "revitalise" political activities in Sindh and emphasised that the party in coming weeks will mobilise its organisation and workers in Karachi and other parts of Sindh, according to Dawn. He further said, "Imran Khan is in jail, standing firm like a rock, and he has made his determination very clear that he will remain imprisoned until all PTI workers are released." Raja said, "Imran Khan will not be part of any deal as he believes that much injustice has occurred, and the goal is now within the reach." He called the Al-Qadir Trust case a false and baseless case, stressing that it was a political "hoax" in which the PTI-led government had no role, Dawn reported. According to him, Malir land worth 460 billion Pakistani Rupees (PKR) was to be given to Malik Riaz and PKR 35 billion was deposited in the accounts of the Supreme Court. He said the Al-Qadir University was a trust and Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi gained no financial benefit from it. Salman Akram Raja said that economic stability could not be achieved without political stability and reiterated PTI's policy to stand with the people and continue its struggle to resolve the issues faced by the people of Sindh. In his remarks, PTI-Sindh president Haleem Adil Sheikh slammed the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and accused the party of depriving the residents of basic necessities, Dawn reported. He said that the law and order situation in Sindh deteriorated during the PPP's 17-year rule, highlighting the rise in street crime incidents and the kidnapping of children. Sheikh said that the people of Sindh were looking towards his party, stating that this was the last term of the PPP and the future belonged to the PTI. (ANI) Nearly 3 million restaurants, cafes, and other food service establishments in China have closed in the past year, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA). A significant number of these closures have been due to bankruptcies, with even some of the most popular restaurant chains shutting down hundreds of their locations to cut costs. In early December, Zhenghao Da Da, a leading Taiwanese chicken chain, went viral on Weibo after announcing it would close all of its stores in China, starting with its flagship location at Shanghai's New World City Plaza mall, RFA reported. RFA highlighted an article from the industry website Hongcan, stating, "'Contraction' and 'stores closing' were the new buzzwords for the catering industry in 2024. The negative news just kept on coming, and the sense of chill was overwhelming." The closures have hit every segment of the industry, from fine dining to cafes, bakeries, hot pot chains, snacks, and fast food outlets, RFA reported. Even upscale Western fine-dining restaurants have fallen victim to bankruptcy, fleeing owners, and unpaid wages, which the article described as "extremely embarrassing." One notable example is the Beijing-based Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Opera BOMBANA, which shut down in April 2024, still owing wages to its staff and money to suppliers, RFA reported. According to a list of high-profile closures compiled by Redcan, L'Atelier 18, a French restaurant on the Bund in Shanghai featuring a Three-Michelin-star chef, closed after just six months of operation. Similarly, Paul Pairet's Roodoodoo also shut down less than a year after opening, RFA reported. Snack, baked goods, and beverage businesses have also been severely impacted. Milk tea chain Taigai, Jixu Fresh Fruit Coffee, and Thank You Tea all closed multiple locations throughout the year, RFA reported. Online commentator Lao Zhou explained that the sector has been affected by increasing rents and higher raw material costs. "The closure of restaurants reflects the reality that ordinary people have little money to spend," Lao Zhou remarked. "Who's going to dine out if they can't afford it?" (ANI) A delegation from the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, including members Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Namgyal Dolkar Lhagyari, and Konchok Yangphel, began their advocacy tour in Denmark with a meeting at the Danish Parliament, Folketinget, reaffirming resistance to China's repressive policies, Central Tibetan Administration announced in a statement. They were warmly received by Sascha Faxe MP, the foreign affairs spokesperson for the Atlantic and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, according to the statement. During the meeting, MP Faxe highlighted Denmark's democratic traditions while reiterating her commitment to defending human rights and opposing China's growing influence. In response, Namgyal Dolkar Lhagyari delivered an in-depth presentation on the severe impact of China's policies in Tibet. She described the systematic efforts to erase Tibet's unique language, culture, and identity through the forced assimilation of Tibetan children in state-run boarding schools. She also raised concerns about the environmental devastation caused by China's construction of mega dams and the exploitation of Tibet's natural resources, which threaten the livelihoods of millions of Tibetans who depend on the plateau's delicate ecosystem, Central Tibetan Administration reported. The delegation called on MP Faxe and the Danish Parliament to translate their moral support for Tibet into concrete actions, urging stronger international advocacy for the Tibetan cause. In response, Faxe praised the leadership of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, noting that his promotion of democracy within the Tibetan exile community serves as a powerful example for the world. The delegation also held discussions with Mathias Parsbaek, Director, and Marlene Croydon Harittso, Senior Advisor at the Danish Institute of Parties and Democracy, exploring opportunities to highlight Tibet's democratic model on the global stage. The Tibetan delegation's visit will continue with further meetings aimed at increasing international awareness of the ongoing struggles faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule. The Tibetan delegation's visit to Denmark underscores ongoing efforts to raise global awareness of China's repressive policies in Tibet, seeking stronger international support for Tibet's rights and democratic aspirations. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday met with Japan's Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Akiko Ikuina and discussed opportunities in Japan for Indians, particularly Assam's youth. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma informed on X that Ikuina conveyed Japan's intention to provide opportunities to youth in their country. "It was a privilege to meet H.E. Ms. Akiko Ikuina, Parliamentary Vice Minister, @MofaJapan_en. She conveyed to me the Government of Japan's intention to offer India and particularly Assam's young and skilled workforce, opportunities in Japan," CM Himanata Biswa Sarma wrote on X. "During the meeting, I underlined Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji's vision of a robust friendship between India and Japan that can better the lives of our people," he added. https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1882698054479794563 Today is the last day of Sarma's three day visit to Japan to attend the second edition of the business summit Advantage Assam. On Thursday, during his address at the summit, Sarma said that the state is set to become India's next powerhouse. He highlighted how the State's GSDP is set to touch USD 85 billion next year and that the aim has been set to achieve USD 143 billion GSDP by 2030. The Chief Minister also touched upon how a USD 12 billion infrastructure upgradation plan is on the anvil in the state and a USD 4 billion in private investments has been secured in 2024. With a simple, effective and customised policy regime in place, investors can have their bases up and running in the shortest possible time with the state's assurance of providing all infrastructure and other facilities to supplement their efforts. He extended a warm welcome to all leaders to join the Advantage Assam Summit next month. After his interaction with business leaders, the Chief Minister held a meeting with Pravin Chaudhuri, Executive Officer and Head of India Business of Kansai Paints and invited him to explore opportunities in Assam's rapidly growing market. CM Sarma concluded the day's engagements by indulging in a meeting with Yusuke Kakimoto, Founder and CEO of Enrission India Capital which nurtures startups in collaboration with IITs. He invited the group to explore Assam's startup ecosystem and train the founders, the statement added. (ANI) Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday confirmed seven Nepali nationals among the 12 killed in the Jalgaon train accident in Maharashtra. Issuing a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the death of 3 females and 4 males in the train mishap of Wednesday evening. Majority of the deceased are from Nepal's Accham District (4) who are identified as Himu Nandaram Bishwokarma (11), Nandaram Padma Bishwokarma (44), Maisara Kami Bishwokarma (42) and Kama Kami (60). Kamala Nabin Bhandari (43) and Lachiram Pasi (40) from Kailali and Radheshyam Radh (32) from Banke are confirmed amongst the casualties. Some passengers of the Pushpak Express--which was bound for Mumbai from Lucknow--jumped off the train after an alarm chain-pulling incident. They were then run over by the Karnataka Express on an adjacent track in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district on Wednesday evening. "Out of the 4 Nepali injured in the accident 3 are being treated in a local hospital while one with serious injury is being treated in Godawari Hospital, Jalgaon," the release states. As per the Ministry, the Nepal Embassy in New Delhi, India is in close coordination with Indian authorities to bring the mortal remains of the deceased back to Nepal to hand over to the families. "Coordination for the treatment of those injured also is being made through the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu," the release stated further. After Wednesday's incident, the Railway Board of India has released Rs 1,50,000 as immediate aid for the families of the deceased. Similarly, the Maharashtra government also has announced financial assistance of INR 5,00,000 to each bereaved family. As per the officials from Nepal's Foreign Ministry, family members of those deceased who are in India have been contacted and informed about the incident. India has been a major employment destination for Nepalese living in the Sudurpaschim (Far-Western) Province of Nepal. The 2021 census by the National Statistics Office shows that Sudurpaschim Province has the lowest labour force participation rate (27.3 per cent) in the province-wise labour market index, which is 20 per cent less than the ranking of Bagmati province (47.1), the province with the highest rate. The employment participation rate based on the population, at 24.1 per cent, is also the lowest in Sudurpaschim. (ANI) At least three people have been killed in a Russian drone attack near Kyiv which damaged a residential apartment building, eight houses, commercial buildings and several cars, Ukraine's interior ministry said on Friday, Al Jazeera reported. It said that two men and a woman were killed in the drone debris in the overnight attack on central Kyiv region. The attack on Kyiv came as Russian authorities said the country's air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 121 drones launched by Ukraine overnight. In a statement shared on Telegram, Russian Defence Ministry announced that the drones were shot down in 13 Russian regions, including seven over Moscow and the nearby region. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the drones had been intercepted at several places around Russia's capital. Two Moscow airports - Vnukovo and Domodedovo were handling flights after suspending operations, according to Russia's federal aviation agency, Al Jazeera cited Russian news agencies. According to Russian defence ministry, other regions targeted by the attacks included Kursk, Bryansk, Belgorod and the Russian-annexed Crimean Peninsula. Amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, both sides are eyeing for advantage ahead of possible negotiations in the early days of US President Donald Trump's administration. Before returning to the White House for the second time, Trump vowed to end the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv immediately after assuming office, raising expectations he would use aid to force Ukraine to make concessions to Russia, which launched offensive in February 2022, Al Jazeera reported. On January 22, Trump increased pressure on Russian Presiden Vladimir Putin to make a deal, threatening to impose tougher economic measures if Moscow does not agree to end the war in Ukraine. He also emphasised his long-standing admiration for the Russian people and his past positive relationship with Russian counterpart Putin. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "I'm not looking to hurt Russia. I love the Russian people, and always had a very good relationship with President Putin - and this despite the Radical Left's Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX. We must never forget that Russia helped us win the Second World War, losing almost 60,000,000 lives in the process. All of that being said, I'm going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR." He added, "Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. If we don't make a 'deal,' and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries. Let's get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with! We can do it the easy way, or the hard way - and the easy way is always better. It's time to "MAKE A DEAL." NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!" https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113872782548137314 Meanwhile, according to Al Jazeera report, the Kremlin said on Friday that it wanted to resume nuclear disarmament talks with Trump's administration "as soon as possible". Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin was ready to hold a phone call with Trump and was waiting for word from Washington. Earlier, hours before the inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20, Putin expressed willingness to hold communication with the incoming US administration about the Ukraine conflict and called elimination of the root cause of the crisis as the "most important thing," TASS reported. He made the remarks during the meeting of Russia's Security Council. "We are also open to dialogue with the new US administration about the Ukrainian conflict. The most important thing there is to eliminate the root causes of the crisis, which we have talked about many times. This is the most essential thing," TASS quoted Putin as saying. (ANI) Flash U.S. President Donald Trump said his government looks forward to "doing very well with China and getting along with China" in virtual remarks to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday. Trump emphasized that the leaders of the United States and China are going to have a "very good relationship." Addressing the ongoing situation in Ukraine, Trump acknowledged China's role and expressed hope for cooperation. "Hopefully, we could work together and get that (armed conflict) stopped," he said. In his message to global business leaders, Trump promised what would be "among the lowest taxes of any nation on Earth" for those who bring manufacturing operations to the United States, but still warned of tariffs for those who do not. Trump also voiced concerns over rising oil prices, adding that he would ask Saudi Arabia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to bring down costs. India has slammed Pakistan for supporting terrorism, stressing that the whole world is aware of who is a promoter of terrorism. While addressing a press briefing on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that everyone knows that there are nations responsible for cross-border terrorism and India calls upon Pakistan to take strict action to stop cross-border terrorism. When asked about Pakistan's ISPR statement claiming that the Indian Army is being politicised after the Indian Army Chief said that terror activities in Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir were linked with Pakistan, Jaiswal responded, "The whole world knows, who is promoting terrorism. In India, when we have terror-related attacks, where it is coming from, we all know the genesis, the root of cross-border terrorism. So, in this context, when the whole world knows who is the progenitor of cross-border terrorism, to say that we are trying to politicise something etc is totally immaterial. Everyone knows that there are people, there are countries who are responsible for cross-border terrorism and we call upon Pakistan to take strict action to stop cross-border terrorism." Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued the statement after Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi termed Pakistan as the epicentre of terrorism and said that 80 per cent of terrorists active in Jammu and Kashmir are Pakistanis. In his annual Army Day press conference on January 13, General Dwivedi blamed Pakistan for the violence levels in the Union Territory saying it was being orchestrated by the epicentre of terrorism that is Pakistan. "If the support is not forthcoming the way India is looking at it, this kind of terrorist infiltration will continue to be there," he said. The Army Chief said that the parliamentary elections and assembly elections in the Union Territory both had nearly 60 per cent voting. "It means that the local population is going with the peace. People of Jammu and Kashmir are shunning violence and violence is being orchestrated by our Western adversary Pakistan," the chief said. Gen Dwivedi, who has handled counter-terrorist operations very closely as Northern Army Commander, said that as of now, "We have inducted 15,000 additional troops in the year 2024 and that is why you will find that the violence level has gone down where we have been able to neutralize 73 terrorists out of which 60% were Pakistan terrorists." (ANI) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the media on Friday regarding the upcoming visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to China on January 26 and 27. During the visit, Misri will meet with the Vice Minister of China, and discussions between the two countries will be held on all areas of bilateral interest. In response to the question by ANI about the Foreign Secretary's visit to China and whether issues such as visa and direct air connectivity would come up in the discussions, the MEA Spokesperson said, "Regarding the upcoming visit of the Foreign Secretary which is going to happen on 26,27 January, the Foreign Secretary will be meeting his counterpart, the Vice Minister in China, where all issues of bilateral interest will be discussed. This meeting flows from the understanding that the leaders reached in Kazan, and subsequent to that, we've had meetings at the special representatives' level, and we've had foreign minister-level meetings as well. Once the discussions and talks happen then u will get a readout of what was discussed, what issues were taken up but all issues of mutual interest will be discussed". On being asked about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Spokesperson Jaiswal said, "During the Foreign Secretary's visit all matters of mutual interest will be discussed that would include Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as well". Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Beijing on January 26 and 27 for a meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism between India and China, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a release that the resumption of this bilateral mechanism flows from the agreement at the leadership level to discuss the next steps for India-China relations, including in the political, economic, and people-to-people domains. In October, India and China reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements in the Depsang Plains and Demchok, two friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The understanding was reached after earlier disengagement in other friction points in eastern Ladakh following meetings at diplomatic and military levels. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in his remarks in Parliament in December last year that the conclusion of disengagement has set the bilateral ties "in the direction of some improvement". Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit at Kazan on October 23, 2024. During the meeting, PM Modi welcomed the agreement for complete disengagement and resolution of issues that arose in 2020 in the India-China border areas and underscored the importance of properly handling differences and disputes and not allowing them to disturb peace and tranquillity. The Special Representatives (SRs) of India and China, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, also met in Beijing on December 18 last year. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], January 24 (ANI/TPS): Israel's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has urged Justice Minister Yariv Levin to convene the Judicial Selection Committee on Sunday to appoint a new president for the Supreme Court, in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling. In a letter sent this morning, Baharav-Miara emphasized that the committee is the appropriate body to address objections regarding the candidacy of the acting president of the Supreme Court Justice Yitzhak Amit, who is slated to assume the role. She noted that Minister Levin has the right to present any material he deems relevant to the committee for consideration. The attorney general also expressed serious concerns over the minister's actions, suggesting they may be aimed at avoiding compliance with the Supreme Court's decisions. Multiple reports have raised concerns lately about potential conflicts of interest involving Supreme Court Vice President Yitzhak Amit, who is also serving as acting president. The allegations suggest that he failed to disclose conflicts of interest in cases where he or a close family member were allegedly involved. In some instances, it is claimed that Judge Amit did not inform the parties about these conflicts and proceeded to make decisions in the cases before him. Additionally, there are allegations that Judge Amit has been under investigation for a possible building violation at his residence in Mevaseret Tzion local council near Jerusalem. In response to these accusations, the acting president of the Supreme Court has issued detailed statements defending his actions, asserting that no wrongdoing has been found in his conduct. (ANI/TPS) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto here in New Delhi on Friday ahead of the latter's participation as the Chief Guest for India's 76th Republic Day celebrations. The EAM also took it to X to share the details of the meeting with the Indonesian President. He said, "Pleased to call on President Prabowo Subianto @prabowo of Indonesia at the start of his State Visit to India. Value his guidance and positive sentiments for the development of our multifaceted bilateral ties. President @prabowo's participation as Chief Guest in India's 76th Republic Day will be a fitting celebration of our cherished friendship." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1882760492235571348 Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in the national capital on Friday night, on his first state visit to India. He was received by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita at the airport in New Delhi. President Prabowo, who is in India from January 23-26, will be the Chief Guest for India's 76th Republic Day celebrations. The Ministry of External Affairs said that the visit will further strengthen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During his visit, President Subianto is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, the MEA stated. Notably, with President Subianto as Chief Guest at this year's Republic Day, a 352-member marching and band contingent from the country will be participating in the Parade on the Kartvya Path in the national capital. This will be the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in a national day parade abroad. Several MoUs and announcements are likely to be concluded and the third CEO Forum will be held on the sidelines. President Prabowo will be the fourth Indonesian President to attend India's Republic Day celebrations. PM Modi paid an official visit to Indonesia in 2018. During the visit, India-Indonesia bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and a shared vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was also adopted. PM Modi also met President Prabowo on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in November last year. This was the first meeting between the two leaders. (ANI) Namrata S Kumar has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Latvia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday. Kumar, who joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1997, is presently serving as India's Ambassador to Slovenia. She is expected to take up the assignment shortly, according to the MEA statement. In a statement, MEA stated, "Ms. Namrata S. Kumar (IFS: 1997), presently Ambassador of India to Slovenia, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Latvia." "She is expected to take up the assignment shortly," it added. Namrata S Kumar has served India's diplomatic Missions in Cairo (Egypt) from 1999 to 2002, in Paris (France) from 2007 to 2011 and as Deputy Chief of Mission in the United Arab Emirates from (2011 to 2014). At the MEA in New Delhi, she has at separate times overseen work in the Disarmament, Central Europe, and Archives & Records Management Divisions, according to the Embassy of India in Slovenia statement. Before taking over as India's Ambassador to Slovenia on August 13, 2020, Kumar served as Deputy Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) from 2015 to 2020, according to the statement. She is the first foreign service officer to have served on deputation to the State Government of Uttarakhand, where she served in the capacity of Additional Secretary for Rural Development (from 2002 to 2004) and Additional Secretary for Education, as well as Director of the State Literacy Mission and State Project Director (SPD) for the World Bank-funded Education for All (EFA) Programme - Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (2004-2007). (ANI) The Fourth Report of Kazakhstan on the fulfilment of human rights obligations and recommendations of the previous review was considered during the 48th session of the Working Group of the United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review, the Embassy of Kazakhstan noted. The delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan consisted of senior officials of nine main state bodies that directly implement state policy and monitor the fulfilment of the state's human rights obligations, as well as members of the Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. As per the Embassy of Kazakhstan, more than 100 UN Member States delegations participated in the review. It demonstrated a genuine interest in an open and constructive dialogue with the country. The event was held in the format of an interactive discussion, during which UN Member States raised questions, and made comments and recommendations for further improvement of the country's human rights system. Kazakhstan's official delegation, led by Minister of Justice Yerlan Sarsembayev, addressed the UN Human Rights Council on a wide range of issues, focusing on the comprehensive reforms undertaken by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in the field of human rights and the rule of law, key legal initiatives on the elimination of torture and ill-treatment, peaceful assembly and freedom of association, ensuring the work of mass media and expanding the rights of journalists, combating human trafficking and domestic violence, the Embassy observed. In addition, the members of the delegation provided comprehensive information to questions raised by UN Member States, enriching the dialogue and sharing good practices on human rights issues. In his address to the Council, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko shared the country's experience in cooperating with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council and UN treaty bodies. In particular, attention was drawn to the inter-agency mechanism established by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to consider inquiries from UN special rapporteurs and treaty bodies on individual communications, the Embassy noted. The Kazakh diplomat also briefed on ongoing technical cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. According to human rights experts, this level of interaction underlines Kazakhstan's priorities in advancing the country's human rights protection system and democratic processes. Responding to the question on strengthening the dialogue between the Government and civil society, Vassilenko referred to the role of the consultative and advisory body 'Human Dimension Dialogue Platform', which takes place regularly at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He underlined the constructive nature of this platform, which contributed to the adoption of three human rights action plans and several legal acts related to wide range of political and social issues of the country. During the dialogue with the Kazakhstan's delegation, UN Member States expressed their support to the ambitious reforms and welcomed the concrete actions to strengthen fundamental human rights and freedoms. In particular, the international community commended the laws adopted in the areas of combating domestic violence, ensuring the safety of children, strengthening the mandate of the Commissioner for Human Rights and the National Preventive Mechanism, and social protection of the population, particularly, in the most vulnerable situations. The UN Member States acknowledged the abolition of the death penalty, adoption of the Action Plan on Human Rights and the Rule of Law on December 8, 2023, and Kazakhstan's contribution to the work of the UN Human Rights Council during its 2022-2024 membership. The Universal Periodic Review, as a unique mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council, provides an opportunity for all Member States to have their human rights situation regularly reviewed. The report of the UPR Working Group on Kazakhstan along with the UN Member States recommendations will be adopted by the UNHRC during its 59th session in June 2025. (ANI) Amid the "massive deportation operation" in the US, India on Friday reiterated its stance against illegal immigration, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stating it will facilitate the return of Indian nationals "overstaying" or residing without proper documentation in the United States or "anywhere in the world." During a weekly press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organised crime." He added, "For Indians not just in the United States, but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals and they are overstaying, or they are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality and that they are indeed Indians. If that happens to be the case, we will take things forward and facilitate their return to India." Jaiswal also informed that EAM S Jaishankar during his visit to the US for Trump's inauguration also raised the issue of visas with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "We have been continuously raising the issue (with the concerning countries) of the delay in issuing visas. If visas are conveniently issued, the people-to-people and economic ties between the two countries will improve. EAM S Jaishankar raised this matter with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio," Jaiswal said. Jaiswal also spoke about the bilateral ties between the two nations. "India-US relationship is very strong, multifaceted and the economic ties are something which is very special. We have established mechanisms between the US and India to discuss any matter or trade matters or matters related to trade and would like to continue to work towards strengthening economic partnership further," Jaiswal said. He added, "Our approach has always been to address issues in a constructive manner which is in keeping with the interests of both countries. We remain in close communication with the US administration." The remarks by Jaiswal came after the White House Press Secretary earlier in the day announced that "the largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway." Sharing a post on X, Karoline Leavitt said, "The Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept." In another post, she said, "The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors. Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences." Trump during his presidential campaign in 2024, had promised that he would declare a national emergency to carry out mass deportations of migrants living in the US without legal permission and after taking office on january 20, he signed executive orders declaring a "national emergency" at the southern border with Mexico. Notably, the US government's increasing scrutiny of immigration policies has also raised alarm in the Indian community in the US. While President Donald Trump has expressed support for skilled immigrants, stating that the H-1B programme is essential for bringing quality people into the country, the issue of undocumented Indians remains unresolved. However, President Trump had expressed his support for skilled immigrants, stating, "I like both sides of the argument but I also like very competent people coming to our country, even if that involves them training and helping others that may not have the qualifications... About HB1, I know the program very well and I have used that program... We have to have quality people coming in... By doing that, we are expanding businesses that take care of everybody... We need great people to come to our country and we do that through the H1B program..." Meanwhile, the mass deportations would also have broader implications for the US economy. A report by the American Immigration Council estimates that mass deportation would lead to a loss of 4.2 to 6.8 per cent of the US GDP, or USD 1.1 trillion to USD 1.7 trillion in 2022 dollars. (ANI) Abu Dhabi [UAE], January 24 (ANI/WAM): The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has signed a cooperation agreement with the Emirates Aviation Association, to host the 64th Annual Conference of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA 2025). The event, scheduled from 28th April to 2nd May 2025 in Abu Dhabi, will bring together international organisations, government authorities, and leading civil aviation companies. It is organised in cooperation with the General Civil Aviation Authority and the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration between the two parties within an institutional framework that aligns with their strategic plans, while respecting each entity's mandates and responsibilities. The annual IFATCA conference is one of the leading events in aviation and air traffic management. It gathers global experts and specialists to discuss the latest advancements in air traffic control (ATC), strategies for improving safety, efficiency, and regularity in global air navigation, and develop ATC systems, procedures, and infrastructure. It also promotes knowledge sharing and professional competence among air traffic controllers. Commenting on the announcement, Saif Sultan Al Nasri, Acting Undersecretary of the DMT, said, "This collaboration is a key milestone in our efforts to enhance the UAE's position as a global leader in civil aviation. By hosting the IFATCA 2025 conference, we are not only advancing air traffic management but also fostering stronger relationships among international aviation experts, ensuring the continued development and safety of global air navigation systems." The agreement also encompasses joint efforts to strengthen IFATCA's relationships with relevant UAE civil aviation entities and advance the profession of air traffic controllers. It further seeks to foster communication between UAE and Middle East-based controllers and their counterparts globally. Additionally, the agreement provides opportunities for Emirati controllers to actively participate in discussions and decision-making on regional and international air traffic management while exchanging knowledge and best practices in ATC operations. The conference will feature specialised panel discussions, workshops, and presentations by leading international aviation experts. This significant event takes place against the backdrop of the UAE's impressive progress in aviation and transport infrastructure. The country has one of the busiest and most lucrative airspaces in the World. The aviation sector alone has had a 10% surge in the past two years., underscoring the country's efforts to maintain its leadership in the global civil aviation sector. IFATCA represents over 130 professional air traffic controller associations globally, with a membership of more than 50,000 controllers. The organisation seeks to unify these associations and collaborates closely with national and international aviation authorities. (ANI/WAM) The Ministry of External Affairs announced on Friday that Jitender Pal Singh, who is presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Israel. Jitender Pal Singh is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officer of the 2002 batch. "Shri. Jitender Pal Singh (IFS: 2002), presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the State of Israel", the press statement noted. Singh is expected to take up the assignment shortly. (ANI) Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on the final day of his two-nation trip to Japan for Advantage Assam Roadshow, continued with his exchanges with industry leaders to woo them with Assam's safe environment, investor-friendly policies and customised incentives. Sarma began his day by meeting Takeshi Okubo from Tokyo Electron, a leading player in the semiconductor ecosystem. Their cutting-edge machines are used to develop chips. Sarma invited them to expand their base in Assam's Electronic City, the press release from Assam's Chief Minister Office said. Sarma also held a fruitful meeting with Yoshiaki Asakura, Vice President and Executive Officer of Yokogawa Electric Corporation and discussed about their current operations in Assam which they are undertaking with Numaligarh Refinery Ltd and Indian Oil. The Assam CM also urged them to expand their operations further to supplement Assam's robust energy sector. The Chief Minister thereafter called upon, Akiko Ikuina, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of Japan and had a cordial interaction with her regarding opportunities for Indian and Assam's youths in Japan. https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1882723466169790707 After his meeting with the Vice Foreign Minister, Sarma held a discussion with Takao Hosoya, CEO of Mizuho Securities India to explore avenues of facilitating credit linkages for Indian companies and facilitating Japanese investments in Assam's growing marketplace, the press release said. https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1882714460311244896 Sarma then engaged in a discussion with Terutoshi Hamano from Toyota Motor Corporation and urged them to set up an automobile ancillary unit in the state, given the robust connectivity in Assam with national and international markets. He also asked them to expand their Skill Centres from existing two to more institutions of the state. https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1882750151334199605 After winding up his meeting with Toyota, Sarma also interacted with the Japanese press and then resumed his official engagements. He held talks with Hara Shohei, Senior Vice President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and discussed their support to ongoing projects in the state and in forging a partnership among JICA, JETRO and Govt of Assam to realise the plans of the Japanese Industrial Park in the state, the press release added. https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1882738474488627445 Sarma later had an interaction with representatives of various universities in Japan. He invited them to explore academic collaboration with Assam's universities in addition to already ongoing collaboration with IIT Guwahati and increase student exchange programmes between the two countries to bolster research and skilling. https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1882765675351224447 Before his departure to India, Sarma also had a dinner hosted by India's Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George. On the sidelines of the dinner, he also met Kotaro Nagasaki, Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture and had a cordial exchange of thoughts on various aspects of Indo-Japan relations. Sarma also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on boosting ties with Japan has immensely benefited Assam. For the first time, a delegation from Assam has been able to secure such unprecedented access to Japan's government and business leaders. Sarma had met more than 160 business leaders and over five ministers of the Japanese Government and in all the conversations, there was high awareness about Assam, which is a reflection of the pivotal role of North East is playing in Indian diplomacy, the release said. (ANI) Flash This photo taken on Dec. 18, 2024 shows a view of the Voelklingen Ironworks in Saarland, Germany. [Photo/Xinhua] U.S. President Donald Trump's first days in the White House have sent ripples of unease through Europe. Accusing the EU of unfair treatment, Trump has vowed to impose tariffs to address trade imbalances. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met in Paris on Wednesday, describing Trump as "a challenge" for Europe while stressing Europe's strength and unity. Trump's policies are poised to affect not just U.S.-Europe trade relations but also Europe's territorial integrity, defense priorities and economic outlook. "President Trump's initial statements and executive orders put transatlantic relations under pressure, not only because of their unpredictability, but also because raw power seems to be more important than legality and international cooperation," said Philippe Monnier, former executive director of the Greater Geneva Berne Area's Economic Development Agency. Bleak economic outlook The specter of U.S. tariffs on EU imports threatens to send shockwaves through the European economy. Although many EU countries have taken lessons from Trump's first term and braced themselves for such scenarios, the potential impact remains significant. Yannis Stournaras, governor of the Bank of Greece, warned that the projected eurozone economic growth of 1.1 percent in 2025 could decline by 0.5 percentage point within two years if the United States imposes 10-percent tariffs. The effects are expected to be more pronounced in European economies with substantial exports to the United States. Export-oriented countries like Germany are likely to bear the brunt first. Germany's exports to America could decline by 10-15 percent in the long term, potentially reducing its GDP by 0.3 percent, said Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. "It might not sound like much, but we've barely had any growth beyond that level recently." "Trump isn't concerned with the interests of the Old Continent. He just wants to squeeze more money out of Europeans," Francois Heisbourg, special advisor at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Austrian newspaper Der Standard. Italy, a close U.S. ally notwithstanding, is also expected to face challenges. With its significant trade surplus with the United States and relatively low defense spending, Italy is likely to be targeted by Trump's tariff policies, according to the Italian Institute for International Political Studies. Speaking at the Handelsblatt Energy Summit in Berlin on Tuesday, German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck said that while Germany should engage with the new government under Trump with "an outstretched hand... We should not crawl in submission." He warned that Germany is ready with countermeasures should tariffs be imposed. "We do not need to be pushed around." Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU's economy commissioner, also affirmed the EU's readiness to respond in "a proportionate way" to any U.S. actions. Monnier cautioned that strained transatlantic ties could escalate further. Pushback in Europe On top of trade, Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO) has deepened rifts with his European counterparts, who remain strong advocates of climate action and global health initiatives. Addressing the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "The world is not at a single inflection point; it is at multi-inflection points." She reaffirmed the EU's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and urged countries to "deepen global collaboration more than ever before." In an interview on Tuesday with Bel RTL, a local media outlet, Belgian Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin voiced concerns over Trump's isolationist tendencies, viewing them as a culmination of a longstanding trend of U.S. unilateralism. Critics argue that Trump's withdrawals allow the United States to evade its financial responsibilities toward global climate protection and public health initiatives. "This is certainly not a good sign for international climate protection" if the United States is not included, climate researcher Niklas Hoehne from the NewClimate Institute told Germany's dpa news agency, saying such moves made global climate achievements "more difficult." An analysis by Climate Action Tracker, a Berlin-based non-profit climate science and policy institute, estimates that the U.S. withdrawal alone could add 0.04 degree Celsius to global warming by the end of the century. Europe's sense of urgency Trump's "America First" agenda has galvanized European leaders to advocate for greater autonomy from Washington. In the realm of defense, Macron has called for a reevaluation of Europe's defense spending. He said on Monday that Europe's military budgets of billions of euros should not be directed toward purchasing American weapons. A report on Europe's future competitiveness authored by Mario Draghi, former Italian prime minister and former European Central Bank president, revealed that between June 2022 and June 2023, nearly two-thirds of the EU's defense spending was directed to U.S. companies. During a joint press conference with Scholz on Wednesday, Macron stressed the need for Europeans "to play their full part in consolidating a united, strong and sovereign Europe." France and Germany should ensure that Europe is capable of defending its interests while maintaining transatlantic ties, he said. The recent revelation of Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has further alarmed European nations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has warned of the resurgence of "might makes right" policies, calling on Europe to bolster its strength. Speaking to France Inter radio recently, Barrot noted that Greenland is a "territory of the European Union and of Europe." "It is undoubtedly no way that the European Union would let other nations of the world, whoever they are, attack its sovereign borders," he said. Schularick, the Kiel Institute president, said: "What is certain is that Trump is more interested in deals than in a rules-based global economy. The era of faster globalization, lower tariffs and dispute resolution within the framework of the World Trade Organization is now temporarily over." "Europeans cannot remain passive at the risk of disappearing tomorrow," Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally party and member of the European Parliament, said at the European Parliament on Tuesday. With Trump's comeback, Europe faces a critical juncture -- whether to remain tethered to Washington or chart its own course in the face of renewed challenges. "The EU needs to make changes, and this is a good opportunity to get rid of its dependence on Washington and implement its own independent policies by cooperating with other countries in Asia, South America and Africa," said Croatian political analyst Robert Frank. Journalists, human rights organisations and even the human rights cell of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) which supported the passage of the bill in the National Assembly have criticised the federal government for passing the amendments to the cybercrime law without taking stakeholders on board, Dawn reported. Slamming the Pakistan government for passing the amendments without taking stakeholders on board, journalists and rights bodies said the measures significantly curtail freedom of expression and criminalise dissent, Dawn reported. A joint statement by a coalition of journalists and media bodies pledged to challenge the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act in court and start a protest movement. The Joint Action Committee, which is composed of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) held a special meeting and accused the federal government of "breaching" its promise by passing the contentious bill without consulting any of the parties. "The focus of this bill is not just social media, but also electronic and print media's digital platforms, to criminalise dissenting opinions," as quoted by Dawn. The coalition called on the government to postpone Senate ratification of the law and engage with interested parties. In a statement, Global Network Initiative executive director Jason Pielemeier also called on the Pakistan government to reevaluate its "hurried approach" and perform "open, transparent, and multi-stakeholder" consultations on the rule. According to Dawn, the statement also noted that there may be "significant impacts on the freedom of opinion, expression, and press in Pakistan" as a result of the enlarged definition of unlawful content, which now includes "fake or false information" and "aspersion" against constitutional institutions and their officers. Reminding that Pakistan was bound by the International Covenant on Civil and Political, which protects the freedom of expression, the Global Network Initiative urged the government to engage in "meaningful dialogue" and hold "transparent public consultation" on this issue. The law was also denounced by the Karachi Press Club (KPC) as a "threat to the freedom of expression," Dawn reported. KPC President Fazil Jamili and Secretary Sohail Afzal Khan stated that the government should let the media report truthfully instead of restricting free expression. Notably, during voting on amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) in the assembly on Thursday, PPP members have expressed their support for the passage of the law. The JUI-F was the only party to oppose the bill in the assembly. However, PPP Human Rights Cell President Farhatullah Babar has said the changes to Peca were aimed at further stifling the freedom of expression by setting up multiple authorities under executive control. "This would [enlarge] the footprint of unaccountable intelligence agencies and [give] sweeping powers to the executive not only over the contents of the message but also the messengers, namely the social media platforms," Babar said. (ANI) Foreign Affairs expert Robinder Nath Sachdev said on Friday that the chances are very low of what US President Donald Trump wants regarding the amendments towards citizenship in the United States. In an interview with ANI, Sachdev said, "See the decision by the judge in Seattle was absolutely expected. What Trump has done by issuing this executive order by denying birthright citizenship, he is actually flouting the article of the 14th amendment of the constitution of the United States which was passed way back in 1870s". He added that a constitutional amendment cannot be overruled by executive order. "So Trump's order in any case was flawed", Sachdeva remarked. He noted that this matter would go further into legal disputes. "What the Trump administration will do, realizing that it is not able to pass this executive order, it'll try and find some other ways, if not to end birth right citizenship totally, but to create hurdles and obstacles in that. So that is expected also going forward". He added that there would be "More moves by the Trump administration to sideways sidestep this order of the Judge. But at the same time, chances are very low that what Trump is wanting will happen". A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to terminate birthright citizenship in the United States, calling the policy "blatantly unconstitutional," CNN reported. Issuing a temporary restraining order on Thursday, Judge John Coughenour, a Reagan appointee, responded to a legal challenge by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and three other Democratic-led states. The restraining order halts the implementation of the policy for 14 days, allowing for further legal briefings. The lawsuit argues that Trump's executive order violates the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all children born on American soil "and subject to the jurisdiction thereof." According to Lane Polozola, an attorney representing the state of Washington, "births cannot be paused" during the legal proceedings. He added, "Babies are being born today here, and in the plaintiff states and around the country, with a cloud cast over their citizenship." Polozola further emphasised the potential harm to children who could be denied citizenship under the policy, saying they would face "long-term substantial negative impacts. The Trump administration contends that the 14th Amendment's clause, "subject to the jurisdiction thereof," permits the president to exclude children of undocumented immigrants and even those whose parents are lawfully present but lack permanent legal status. Justice Department attorney Brett Shumate argued against the emergency order, urging the court to allow more time for briefing on the policy. At the White House, Trump expressed his administration's intent to challenge the ruling. Meanwhile, additional lawsuits against the executive order have been filed, including cases brought by Democratic attorneys general, immigrant rights groups, and individual plaintiffs. During a separate legal proceeding in Maryland, Justice Department Attorney Brad Rosenberg acknowledged that federal agencies had not yet taken steps to enforce the order. "The executive order was issued three days ago during a time of change of administration. And so it's very early for the agencies to develop their policies that would be necessary" for implementation, Rosenberg told US District Judge Deborah Boardman. A hearing in that case is scheduled for February 5 to consider the plaintiffs' request to block the policy temporarily, CNN reported. (ANI) The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday confirmed receiving a second list of hostages set to be released by Hamas tomorrow, provided by mediators, according to a report by Times of Israel. A formal statement from the Israeli government on the list is expected later. Meanwhile, The Times of Israel reported that the list of names published by Hamas of the female hostages that the terror group is set to release tomorrow is in apparent violation of the ceasefire agreement. According to the agreement, female civilian hostages are to be released first, followed by female soldiers. On the first day of the truce, January 19, civilians Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher were freed. Earlier on Sunday the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had confirmed that Hamas released the first three hostages as part of the ceasefire framework . The hostages were returned to Israeli territory after 471 days in Gaza. The IDF had shared a photo of the hostages, captioned, "They're home," as they were transferred to a reception point in southern Israel for an initial medical assessment. That marked the official start of the first phase of the ceasefire-hostage deal, which was delayed shortly before implementation due to concerns about Hamas' commitment to providing a list of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had emphasised that any violations would "not be tolerated." sraeli President Isaac Herzog expressed national joy, saying, "An entire nation rejoices at your return." Herzog acknowledged the painful journey ahead for those still waiting for their loved ones to come home and vowed that Israel would continue efforts to bring all hostages back. On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants attacked southern Israel killing over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting over 200 others. Over 46,000 Palestinians have been also killed in Gaza in Israel's counter-offensive against Hamas. Earlier, over 100 hostages were freed during the weeklong ceasefire in November 2023. (ANI) Gaza City [Gaza], January 24 (ANI/WAM): The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has been working to support Palestinians in the Gaza Strip with life-saving assistance since the ceasefire, despite the challenges. UNRWA said in a statement that the needs in the Gaza Strip are enormous after 15 months of aggression and its catastrophic repercussions. Juliette Touma, UNRWA Director of Communications, stated that the Agency is facing unprecedented challenges that threaten the continuation of its work, and staff are working around the clock to provide humanitarian relief to refugees in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. (ANI/WAM) Tel Aviv [Israel], January 24 (ANI/TPS): The Israeli political leadership has reportedly instructed the IDF to maintain its presence in the eastern sector of southern Lebanon beyond the conclusion of the 60-day ceasefire trial period, which is set to end on Sunday. The decision comes following a series of reports about Hezbollah's violations of the ceasefire agreement and dissatisfaction with the Lebanese army's lack of action to meet its obligations under the terms of the deal. Officials have indicated that Israel is engaged in discussions with the new US administration to secure additional time--ranging from several days to weeks--before a full withdrawal from the region. In contrast, the IDF has begun redeploying its forces in the Western sector in alignment with the agreement reached with the Lebanese government. Meanwhile, ahead of the conclusion of the ceasefire period, the Golan Regional Council has assured residents that there will be no changes to the defence policy for the Golan Heights in the statement that was issued after consultations with the 210th Division and Northern Command. (ANI/TPS) Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch has called on human rights organisations to address the internet blackout in Dalbandin. She also urged the international community to intervene and ensure the restoration of internet services while safeguarding the fundamental rights of the Baloch people. Sharing a post on X, she wrote, "I appeal to human rights organizations to immediately take notice of the internet blackout in Dalbandin and actively intervene to prevent a potential crackdown on the peaceful Baloch national gathering. Such actions not only stifle freedom of expression and assembly but also set a dangerous precedent of suppressing dissent through force and digital censorship." "I urge these organizations to pressure the authorities to restore internet services without delay and to ensure that the fundamental rights of the Baloch people to assemble peacefully and voice their concerns are respected. The international community must not remain silent in the face of these repressive measures, as their silence could embolden further human rights violations in the Balochistan," the post added. https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1882668807149551726 Notably, the internet blackout comes days before Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day, scheduled for January 25, when the people of Balochistan will come together to protest the ongoing atrocities. Serious concerns are being raised due to this history of repression, with fears that the government may use violence to suppress peaceful opposition in Dalbandin once again. The internet blackout heightens concerns among Baloch Youth Conference (BYC) organizers about a possible crackdown on the event. The shutdown severely limits the Baloch people's ability to record and share their experiences of human rights violations, as communication routes are cut off. On Thursday, Mahrang Baloch, in her post on X, said that Pakistani authorities have imposed an internet blackout in Dalbandin. The post noted that the digital crackdown is reminiscent of an unsettling trend. Similar internet restrictions were imposed during the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar in July last year, where organisers and attendees of the event were brutally suppressed afterwards. (ANI) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation as a co-chair at the upcoming AI Summit in France, following an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron. During a weekly press briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "France is hosting the AI summit and French President Emmanuel Macron has invited PM Modi to co-chair the summit. We have accepted the invitation. You will be informed about any further updates regarding that tour in the coming days." Notably, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit will be held in France from February 10 to 11. On February 10, various stakeholders, including heads of state and government representatives, will participate in multiple sessions. Macron will host a formal dinner for heads of state and other VIPs that evening while on February 11, the summit will feature a dedicated leaders' session exclusively for heads of state. Earlier while addressing the 30th Conference of Ambassadors in Paris on January 11, President Macron had said PM Modi will visit the country. "France will be hosting the AI Summit on February 10-11. A summit for action, as we call it. This summit will allow for an international conversation on AI. There will be Prime Minister Modi, who will move up to a major visit in our country as we want to forge a dialogue with all powers on AI." The French President emphasised the importance of AI as a global conversation, stating that it will include countries such as the US, China, and India, as well as, the countries from the Gulf, which have significant roles in developing and regulating AI technologies. "The US, China, and major emerging countries such as India have a key role to play, as well as the Gulf," Macron said. The French Presidency further highlighted the importance of addressing issues related to disinformation and the misuse of AI, which are central topics for the summit's discussions. (ANI) US President Donald Trump terminated the security detail of former Chief Medical Advisor to US President, Anthony Fauci on Thursday that was being provided and paid for by the National Institutes of Health, CNN reported. Following this development, Fauci, who continues to face threatenings due to his public-facing role during the Covid-19 pandemic, has now hired his own private security that he'll pay for himself, CNN reported citing sources. This came as Trump is now taking action against the officials who previously served under him. He has also stripped security details off of former National Security Adviser John Bolton and Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Trump, during an interaction with reporters in North Carolina, defended the move by saying that one can't have security detail "forever". "I think, you know, when you work for government, at some point your security detail comes off and, you know, you can't have them forever," Trump said. "We took some off other people too, but you can't have a security detail for the rest of your life because you work for government," he added. Being asked whether he would feel responsible if something happened to Fauci or John Bolton, Trump said he wouldn't. He added that all the former top officials Have made a "lot of money" and can hire their own security. "No. You know, they all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security," Trump said, adding that he knows several good security firms and "can give them some good numbers." "Certainly I would not take responsibility," he said. Ever since taking oath, Trump has criticised his predecessor Joe Biden for preemptively pardoning Fauci as one of his final acts before leaving office. "Even when individuals have done nothing wrong -- and in fact have done the right thing -- and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage reputations and finances," CNN quoted Biden as saying in a statement at the time. Fauci served in government for decades and was the nation's top infectious diseases expert for 38 years. Trump awarded presidential commendations to Fauci and 51 other people who served on the Operation Warp Speed task force during the Covid-19 pandemic, although he later claimed he didn't know who gave it to him, CNN reported. On January 20, Biden announced clemency for high-profile figures such as General Mark Milley, Anthony Fauci, and members of Congress who served on the committee investigating the January 6th Capitol attack. These pre-emptive pardons were seen as a defensive measure against any retribution Trump might seek after his inauguration. Furthermore, Biden pardoned his family members, including his brothers James and Frank, his sister Valerie, and their spouses. By pardoning critics and family members, Biden not only shielded these individuals from potential prosecution but also set a precedent that future presidents may adopt to protect their political allies. Notably, Fauci has been targeted by many on the far right, according to CNN. After testifying during a contentious House hearing this summer about the government's response to the pandemic, Fauci said that he sees a direct link between the rise in death threats made against him and his family and public figures connecting him to Covid-19 conspiracy theories. "It's a pattern," Fauci told CNN earlier, while adding that when someone in the media or in Congress "gets up and makes a public statement that I'm responsible for the deaths of X number of people because of policies or some crazy idea that I created the virus - immediately you can, it's like clockwork - the death threats go way up." (ANI) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has decided to give the fourth round of talks with the government a miss, which was summoned by the National Assembly Speaker on January 28, ARY News reported. Opposition leader in National Assembly Omar Ayub said on Friday that the party would not participate in the upcoming round of talks, scheduled for January 28. PTI chairperson Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that PTI founder Imran Khan had decided to negotiate with the government for the 'national interest'. However, the government had failed to establish a judicial commission, which led to the 'breakdown' of negotiations with the government, as reported by ARY News. Earlier in the day, the National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq summoned the 4th session of the negotiation committees of the government and the opposition on January 28 (Tuesday). Separately, the PM's Advisor on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah reaffirmed on Friday that the government has always supported dialogue as a way to resolve political issues. "The government requested seven working days to provide a response to the demands," he stated. "Regardless of whether the answer was, the talks were scheduled to proceed after that." He criticized PTI for withdrawing from the talks prematurely by adding that the PTI's decision to abandon the process before the agreed time shows they were not serious about resolving the issues through dialogue, ARY News reported. Earlier this week, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, a member of the government's negotiating team, urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) not to quit talks with the federal government. He appealed to PTI not to abandon the dialogue process and should be continued with patience, emphasising that talks are an integral part of a democratic process in politics. "We are still calling them not to leave talks, wait for some days", he said. Siddiqui said that the government took PTI's demands seriously, However, he clarified that no decision has been made regarding the forming of a judicial commission. (ANI) Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Friday (local time) that "the crisis in Ukraine" might have been prevented if US President Donald Trump was in power at the time, saying he was ready to talk with the him about the conflict, CNN reported. Notably, Trump has long claimed that the war in Ukraine would not have happened under his watch, but on Friday, Putin suggested the same thing- while also repeating Trump's allegation that the 2020 US election was "stolen". "I can't help but agree with (Trump) that if his victory had not been stolen in 2020, then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that arose in 2022," CNN quoted Putin as saying to a Russian TV channel. The Russian President further affirmed that Moscow has always been ready for negotiations on the Ukraine issue. "As for the issue related to negotiations - we have always said, and I will emphasize this once again, that we are ready for negotiations on the Ukrainian issue," he told the Russian TV channel. A day earlier the Kremlin said it was waiting on "signals" from Washington. Trump has said in the past that he would end the war in Ukraine in "one day", but later gave his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg 100 days to find a solution. Trump's new administration has so far not unveiled any concrete plan for how to achieve peace in Ukraine, but Trump said this week that Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had told him he wants to make a deal and suggested Putin should also want to find a solution, as reported by CNN. "So, I think Russia should want to make a deal. Maybe they want to make a deal. I think from what I hear, Putin would like to see me. We'll meet as soon as we can. I'd meet immediately. Every day we don't meet soldiers are being killed in a battlefield," Trump told reporters on Thursday. Earlier this week, during his virtual address at the World Economic Forum, President Trump reiterated the urgent need for a peace settlement to end the "horrible" war and expressed his desire to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon. Trump described the conflict as one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II, emphasising that millions of lives have been lost on battlefields and farmlands, and that millions of soldiers are being killed. Prior to this, the US President called for an immediate resolution to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and warned of potential economic consequences for Russia, including "taxes, tariffs, and sanctions." Trump also emphasised his long-standing admiration for the Russian people and his past positive relationship with President Vladimir Putin. (ANI) The White House on Friday announced the start of large-scale deportation operations, stating that President Trump is keeping his 'promise' to take strong action against illegal immigration. In a post on X, the White House emphasised that those entering the United States illegally will face serious consequences. "Just as he promised, President Trump is sending a strong message to the world: those who enter the United States illegally will face serious consequences," the post read. https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1882764883999236351 Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the commencement of large-scale deportation operations, stating that 538 illegal immigrant criminals, including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several individuals convicted of sex crimes against minors, have been arrested. In a post on X, she wrote, "Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences." https://x.com/PressSec/status/1882759560613527770 Leavitt also said that hundreds have already been deported via military aircraft, calling it the "largest massive deportation operation" in US history. In another post, she wrote, "The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors." "The Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept," the post added. Meanwhile, India has also reiterated its stance against illegal immigration, with the Ministry of External Affairs stating it will facilitate the return of Indian nationals "overstaying" or residing without proper documentation in the United States or "anywhere in the world." "We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organised crime," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press briefing on Friday. He added, "For Indians not just in the United States, but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals and they are overstaying, or they are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality and that they are indeed Indians. If that happens to be the case, we will take things forward and facilitate their return to India." Trump during his presidential campaign in 2024, had promised that he would declare a national emergency to carry out mass deportations of migrants living in the US without legal permission and after taking office on January 20, he signed executive orders declaring a "national emergency" at the southern border with Mexico. The US government's increasing scrutiny of immigration policies has also raised alarm in the Indian community in the US. While President Donald Trump has expressed support for skilled immigrants, stating that the H-1B programme is essential for bringing quality people into the country, the issue of undocumented Indians remains unresolved. (ANI) The Senate narrowly confirmed Pete Hegseth as secretary of Defense late Friday night, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. Hegseth, who had been beset by allegations of sexual assault, public drinking and intoxication, and abusive treatment of women, secured the support of all but three Republicans to win confirmation with a 51-50 vote. Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the former Republican Senate leader who has previously clashed with President Donald Trump, joined all Democrats to vote against the nominee, resulting in a 50-50 tie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance, acting in his capacity as Senate president, broke the deadlock and provided the margin of victory. Hegseth's confirmation is the latest victory for Trump, who was in southern California during the vote, as he tries to get his Cabinet and top officials approved by Congress. Trump and first lady Melania Trump were making their first trip since Trumps inauguration for a second term earlier this week, visiting two areas of the country that have been devastated by natural disasters. Late Friday morning, the Trumps landed in western North Carolina, where recovery efforts are still ongoing after Hurricane Helene ripped through the area last year. Trump harshly criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency because of its hurricane response in North Carolina and said he would sign an executive order "overhauling" or even abolishing the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afterwards, the president and his wife traveled to southern California, which has been rocked by brutal wildfires. The president, who was greeted by Gov. Gavin Newsom, has threatened to withhold relief from California if it doesn't reroute water to the southern part of the state. Trump is scheduled to end the day in Nevada, spending the night ahead of a campaign-style rally in Las Vegas on Saturday. Trump addressed via video the 52nd annual March for Life rally in Washington on Friday to protest against abortion. Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune also spoke. Keep up with live updates from across the USA TODAY Network. Pete Hegseth speaks during a Senate Armed Services committee hearing on his expected nomination to be Secretary of Defense on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Hegseth confirmed but loses support of three GOP senators Pete Hegseth, Donald Trumps nominee for Defense secretary, won Senate confirmation late Friday night but lost the support of three Republican senators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky joined all Democrats to vote against the military veteran and former Fox News host, resulting in a 50-50 tie. Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, providing Hegseth with the 51-50 margin needed for confirmation. "I thought I was done voting in the Senate," Vance, a former Ohio senator, quipped on X, adding a laugh-cry emoji. Hegseth showed up in person for the vote, an unusual turn of events. With his confirmation, Hegseth will now take charge of the nation's largest government agency, with 3 million service members and civilians and an $850 billion budget under the Pentagon's authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cybele Mayes-Osterman President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump speak with officials as they tour wildfire damage in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. Donald Trump tours fire damage in Los Angeles area President Trump walked Friday through a Pacific Palisades neighborhood devastated by the Palisades fire, one of multiple blazes in the Los Angeles area. Live video showed Trump walking on the street past burned houses, trees and cars with his wife, first lady Melania Trump, and emergency officials. Wearing a dark suit with no tie and a black MAGA hat with gold lettering, Trump stopped to speak with homeowners impacted by the fire. A man could be heard on the video feed saying people feel abandoned and let down by local authorities. Zac Anderson California Gov. Gavin Newsom walks with President Donald Trump upon his arrival at Los Angeles International Airport to tour areas impacted or destroyed by the southern California wildfires. Jan. 24, 2025. Newsom greets Trump at airport before wildfire tour President Trump warmly greeted California Gov. Gavin Newsom upon arriving in Los Angeles Friday to tour wildfire damage, pledging federal support after days of criticizing Democrats over the fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom was waiting for Trump at the bottom of the stairs as he departed from Air Force One. They embraced and spoke to the media together. Were gonna need your support, were gonna need your help, Newsom said. You were there for us during COVID, I dont forget that, and I have all the expectations that well be able to work together. Were gonna get it done, Trump responded, adding: Well get it worked out, ok? Trump noted that California will need a lot of federal help. Newsom agreed. Were gonna take care of things, Trump responded. Trump has said federal aid to support fire recovery could be contingent on policy changes. Earlier in the day he floated voting law changes in the state as one condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Newsom have feuded over the years, with the president referring to the governor as Newscum. They didnt show any hints of that animosity Friday as wildfires still rage across the state. Zac Anderson Can Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes go to Capitol after Jan. 6 clemency? DOJ fights judge WASHINGTON After President Donald Trump granted clemency to Oath Keepers militia founder Stewart Rhodes for his Jan. 6-related conviction, a federal judge ordered Rhodes on Friday to stay away from the U.S. Capitol now that he is out of prison. Within hours, the Justice Department which under the Biden administration had secured Rhodes' 2022 conviction argued that Judge Amit Mehta didn't have the authority to issue that restriction. Trump commuted Rhodes' 18-year sentence Monday along with the sentences of 13 other defendants. He also pardoned roughly 1,500 defendants who faced Jan. 6-related charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhodes left a federal prison in Cumberland, Maryland, on Tuesday and by Wednesday, he had visited Capitol Hill. Mehta issued his brief order, which also applied to seven other defendants whose sentences were commuted Monday, following that visit. The order states that all eight defendants need Mehta's permission to visit the Capitol in particular as well as Washington, D.C. in general. However, the Justice Department said in its motion that the commutation of Rhodes' sentence means he is no longer subject to the terms of probation or a supervised release from prison. Read the full story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aysha Bagchi President Donald Trump shakes hands with a woman affected by Hurricane Helene, as Trump tour areas devastated by the hurricane to assess recovery efforts in Swannanoa, North Carolina, on Jan. 24, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'Quite a day': Devastated Pacific Palisades neighborhood abuzz ahead of Trump visit LOS ANGELES Activity buzzed outside Fire Station No. 69 in the Pacific Palisades late Friday morning in anticipation of President Trumps arrival to inspect the wildfire damage. The throng gathered less than a block from burned-down neighborhoods included members of the Secret Service, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department and Teddys Tacos. Its quite a day, said Teddy Vasquez, 39, surveying the scene near his taco truck that has been serving free food outside the firehouse since less than 72 hours after the fires broke out Jan. 7. Firefighters left their homes to be out here. The least I could do is come out here and feed them. With Trump expected to arrive by helicopter at about 2:30 p.m. local time, law enforcement walked along nearby Fiske Street, a demolished block of homes that Trump is expected to survey after an aerial tour of the ruin. Also, banquet tables have been set up inside the fire department for an emergency briefing that will include the president. Fire captain Jeff Brown, a key participant in the activities, declined comment. But Vasquez, the taco truck owner, was happy to chat about Trumps impending arrival as his workers began to heat flour tortillas. Hoping President Trump likes tacos, said Vasquez, who lives in Long Beach. I think he will after he tries Teddys. Josh Peter Less than a block away from Fire Station No. 69, the rubble of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Jan. 24, 2025, when President Donald Trump is expected to visit. I want more babies, Vance says in his first speech as vice president Vice President JD Vance on Friday told anti-abortion activists at their annual March for Life rally in Washington that the country had failed its citizens. We failed a generation not only by permitting a culture of abortion on demand, but also by neglecting to help young parents achieve the ingredients they need to lead a happy and meaningful life, he said. He said a culture of radical individualism had led to people viewing the responsibilities and joys of raising a family as obstacles. Our society has failed to recognize the obligation that one generation has to another as a core part of living in a society, he said. So let me say very simply, I want more babies in the United States of America. Vance, a former senator from Ohio, has advocated boosting the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $5,000 per child to help with the cost of raising children. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy Houses, trailers, bodies float past during Asheville flood: victim Thomas Bright described for President Trump his harrowing escape from a home that had been in his family for 80 years and four generations before Hurricane Helene destroyed it. Bright woke up at 5 a.m. to the sound of trees falling on the house in the Azalea Road area of East Asheville. He began moving five vehicles from around the house to a road about one-third of a mile away, as the floodwaters began to rise. When the water was ankle-deep inside the house, he retreated to a loft. When the water reached their hips, he made a makeshift ladder to climb onto the roof. He spent four hours on the roof writing farewell notes on his cellphone to his two children and his two grandchildren as debris from the storm floated past. His garage floated away before the water crested at about 4 feet high on the roof. We didnt think we were going to make it at all, Bright said. We were watching houses, trailers, bodies coming by us. --Bart Jansen Horrific: Fairview resident tells Trump of flood and bodies Mona Nix-Roper, who lives in the Fairview area of North Carolina, told President Trump her home became like an island in September as floodwaters from Hurricane Helene rose around it. She was home alone because her husband was staying with a 98-year-old neighbor to make sure she was alright. When Nix went out to check the road and bridge that provide access to her home, she found they were gone. Fire Department officials urged her the next day to evacuate because of the risk of landslides. Her 21-year-old son Nathan hiked in five miles after roads became impassable to help her leave. He said, Mom, grab a bag, weve got to go, Nix said. I said, Son, theres no way I can hike out of here. He said, No, weve got to go. As they walked out, they saw a neighbors body that had turned blue in the water. Horrific is just all I can say, Nix said. There were people out everywhere looking for their loved ones. And there were dead bodies. My sons like, Mom, youre going to see things you dont want to see. Nixs home was without power for two months, so she lived in her churchs sound room. Others had lost everything, so she said she is embarrassed to ask for help. We need help, Nix said. Its just heartbreaking. Trump appeared moved. Ive seen a lot of bad things, but Ive never seen anything like it, Trump said. Bart Jansen Trump thanks March for Life activists via video When Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, President Trump on Friday said a historic wrong was set right thanks to the tireless work and devotion across five decades of anti-abortion rights activists as he addressed March for Life rallygoers at the National Mall. Three years ago, I was so proud to be a participant, he said. Six courageous justices of the Supreme Court of the United States returned the issue to the state legislatures and to the people where it belongs. In his second term, Trump said he would stand proudly for families and for life. Under my leadership, the reformed Department of Justice will finally investigate the radical left attacks on churches and crisis pregnancy centers, and we will bring perpetrator to justice, he said. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy Pastor describes generosity of volunteers helping recovery Pastor Ramona Nix told President Trump she had dedicated her Eagle Rock, North Carolina church a week before the storm arrived with Hurricane Helene in September. Nix stayed in the church building for three months, sleeping on the floor for three weeks, because the communitys needs were so great. Her son ferried supplies in, Nix said. Before the week was over, the church was so packed, we couldnt even walk, Nix said. Even our sanctuary, it was up to the platform. Volunteers arrived from Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, Indiana and Oklahoma to help with the recovery. They were coming in day and night, Nix said. At one point, Nix asked a woman who arrived if she could do anything special for her. She said, I dont want to be selfish, but could I have a cup of coffee, Nix said. I handed her that coffee and she stood there. Tears just poured. She said, You dont realize how important the little things. Its not the big things in life that we have, but its the little things. Bart Jansen I didnt think I was going to make it: NC victim to Trump Kim West described her harrowing escape from her home as it flooded from Hurricane Helene in September, as President Trump visited the storm-ravaged Swannanoa, North Carolina. As the river waters rose near their house, Kim and her husband Chris West started moving vehicles to higher ground along the road. By then, water was ankle deep inside the house. Kim West grabbed her purse and pug dog, and Chris West put dog food in a trash bag. By the time we got into the driveway, it was already waist deep, West said. I didnt think I was going to make it. They were stuck on local roads for hours because of flooding. The waters finally receded about midnight, after they began evacuating at 5 a.m. We just lost everything that we had, West said. Didnt even have a brush for like three days. Bart Jansen Thune and Johnson address March for Life rallygoers Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., on Friday addressed the annual March for Life rally at the National Mall in Washington, saying the anti-abortion rights protesters were not alone. You are part of a great movement united around the truth. That every life is precious, he said. I stand with you in this fight and so do many of my colleagues in Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., talked about being a product of an unplanned teen pregnancy" born in 1972, one year before abortion was legalized when Roe v. Wade became the law of the land. I am so eternally grateful that my mom and dad ignored all the people who told them to just take care of that problem, he said. They chose to embrace life and to have me the first of their four children. On Thursday, President Trump granted pardons to 23 anti-abortion rights activists. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy Trump suggests abolishing FEMA President Trump ratcheted up his criticism with the suggestion he might abolish the Federal Emergency Management Agency because of its response in North Carolina to lingering damage from Hurricane Helene in September. Ill also be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA or maybe even getting rid of FEMA, Trump said after a briefing in Fletcher, North Carolina. Frankly, FEMAs not good. Trump accused FEMA crews of being unfamiliar with areas when responding to disasters. FEMA also imposes rules and requirements on crews that arent as good as what local officials provide, Trump said. The federal government should instead send funding to governors to manage their own response to disasters, he said. FEMA has turned out to be a disaster, Trump said. I think were going to recommend that FEMA go away and we pay directly we pay a percentage to the state. After speaking with flood victims in Swannanoa, North Carolina, Trump later added, If it was up to me right now, Id end it right now." Bart Jansen Politics shadow Trump's visit to North Carolina Glimpses of the politics behind disaster aid were visible as President Trump visited North Carolina to review damage from Hurricane Helene. Trump recalled a whistleblower reported that Federal Emergency Management Agency crews refused to help people with Trump's 2024 presidential campaign signs in their yards. Thats not good, the president said. Trump noted that North Carolina and adjoining Tennessee each supported him in the last election the Volunteer State slightly more. The president also called for California to adopt voter ID, to ensure the citizenship of voters, to receive disaster aid for its wildfires around Los Angeles. Throughout his comments at a briefing in Fletcher, North Carolina, Trump cited problems with former President Joe Bidens response to the disaster that left 104 people in North Carolina dead, 73,000 homes severely damaged or destroyed and Asheville without running water for two months. It doesnt matter at this point: Biden did a bad job, Trump said. Bart Jansen Tennessee governor thanks Trump for helping Appalachia Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee, whose state abuts North Carolina and was also damaged by Hurricane Helene, attended President Trumps briefing on the disaster and thanked him. The people in this region including Tennessee, the people of Appalachia are grateful that you are here and that you havent forgotten them, Lee said. There are other disasters. This was enormous for both North Carolina and Tennessee. Trump joked about which state gave him more votes. I hate to tell you, North Carolina, it was Tennessee," the president said. Lee said one of the counties hurt in the disaster supported Trump with 88% of the vote. Bart Jansen Anthony Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, waves goodbye to lawmakers after testifying in front of the House Oversight and Accountability Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on June 3, 2024 in Washington. Trump says Anthony Fauci can hire his own security President Trump said the federal security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, a former head of the National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Disease, had been removed Thursday because it cant last a lifetime and he could hire his own protection. Fauci led the federal health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to harsh criticism from Republicans about studies of the origin of the disease and the lockdowns to combat it during the first year. When you work for government, at some point your security detail comes off, Trump told reporters while visiting storm-damaged North Carolina. You cant have them forever. Trumps former national security adviser, John Bolton, and secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, also lost their security details during the first week of his administration. They all made a lot of money, they can hire their own security, too, Trump said. Bart Jansen U.S. President Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump following a disaster briefing at a hanger, as he visits to assess recovery efforts and tour areas devastated by Hurricane Helene, at Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville, North Carolina, U.S., January 24, 2025. NC Reps. Edwards, Foxx and Moore to help lead recovery Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, who is from North Carolina, announced he would help guide recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene with three House Republicans from the region with the most damage. The lawmakers are GOP Reps. Chuck Edwards, Virginia Foxx and Tim Moore. Trump announced that Whatley would lead the recovery effort with Democratic Gov. Josh Stein. Bart Jansen Trump wants voter ID in California for disaster aid President Trump said on Friday he would like to see two changes in California the adoption of voter ID and the redirection of water from the northern part of the state to the south in exchange for disaster aid for wildfires. Trump said he wanted voter identification to ensure the citizenship of voters. He also repeated his complaint that the state should divert funding from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Los Angeles to fight fires. I want two things, Trump told reporters upon his arrival in Asheville, North Carolina. After that, I will be the greatest president California has ever seen. Bart Jansen U.S. President Donald Trump greets a youngster as he arrives to assess recovery efforts and tour areas devastated by Hurricane Helene, at Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville, North Carolina, U.S., January 24, 2025. Trump says OPEC lowering oil prices is key to stopping war in Ukraine Trump said his proposal for the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to reduce the price of oil is key to stopping the war in Ukraine. We want to see OPEC cut the price of oil and that will automatically stop the tragedy thats taking place in Ukraine, Trump said in Asheville, North Carolina. Its a butchering tragedy, for both sides, by the way. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Trump said a key to stopping the war is for OPEC to cut its prices because if you have it high, that war is not going to end so easily. OPEC ought to get on the ball and they ought to drop the price of oil and that war will stop right away, Trump said. Bart Jansen US President Donald Trump, with First Lady Melania Trump, speaks to the press upon arrival at Asheville Regional Airport in Fletcher, North Carolina, on January 24, 2025, to visit the region devastated by Hurricane Helene. Trump offers a lot of money to NC, overhaul of FEMA President Trump told reporters in Asheville, North Carolina, that the federal government would supply a lot of the money to repair damage from floods and landslides after Hurricane Helene. Trump also proposed to overhaul the FEMA so that states respond to their own disasters rather than the federal government. Were going to fix it as fast as we can, Trump said. Its a massive amount of damage. Trump said Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, who is from North Carolina, and Democratic Gov. Josh Stein would work on plans for demolition of damaged buildings and cleaning up debris. Trump said the federal government would probably provide 75% of the funding. Were going to supply the money, a lot of the money, Trump said. Trump said he would review the whole concept of FEMA because states such as Florida with hurricanes and Oklahoma with tornadoes are better at responding to disasters. Id like to see the states take care of disasters, Trump said. I think youre going to find it a lot less expensive less than half and youre going to get a much quicker response. Bart Jansen Schiff glad Trump will see devastation from wildfires Sen. Adam Schiff, a frequent critic of President Trump, said hes glad Trump is visiting Los Angeles to tour the wildfire damage but that he and Sen. Alex Padilla have votes scheduled and couldnt attend. Im glad that hes going to see the devastation because I think, frankly, until you see it and the scope of it whole neighborhoods gone block after block after block its hard to wrap your head around, Schiff told MSNBCs Morning Joe. US Senator Adam Schiff, Democrat from California, speaks during a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing for former US Representative Lee Zeldin on his nomination to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on January 16, 2025. But Schiff said he hoped Trump and congressional Republicans wouldnt put conditions on funding for disaster aid. We've never done that when it comes to our fellow citizens who are hurting, Schiff said. And California, frankly, has been the most generous state in terms of supporting our fellow citizens, whether they're in red states or blue when they face disaster. Schiff said overhauling the Environmental Protection Agency and the FEMA, as Trump has suggested, are areas that could lead to bipartisan support. All of that is ample ground to get together and make things happen, Schiff said. Bart Jansen U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump (left) walk on the tarmac to board Air Force One as they depart for North Carolina at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, U.S., January 24, 2025. Trump said he didnt invite California Sen. Adam Schiff on trip President Trump said he didnt invite Sen. Adam Schiff, a frequent Democratic critic, on the trip to areas of Los Angeles damaged by wildfires. Is he going? I don't know. I mean, I really don't know, Trump said. You know, if he's going to be there it would be cheaper, but I didn't invite him. Somebody did." Schiff, D-Calif., has asked that disaster aid for California not come with strings attached, after Republicans suggested potential restrictions on the funding. Schiff is a former member of the U.S. House who previously led the first impeachment of Trump over his dealings with Ukraine and has questioned whether his nominees to become Cabinet secretaries will act independently from him. Bart Jansen Trump said he will watch March for Life President Trump said he would be watching the March for Life in Washington as he traveled to North Carolina and California to visit disaster areas. He said Vice President JD Vance would represent the administration very well. Im going to be watching it, Trump said. Hes going to be representing us very well. Trump also noted that he pardoned 23 people who he said were "unjustly" charged for protesting outside abortion clinics. It was disgraceful what happened, Trump said. Bart Jansen Trump calls DOD nominee Pete Hegseth a good man President Trump praised his nominee to lead the Defense Department, Pete Hegseth, as a good man but didnt predict what would happen with his Senate confirmation vote scheduled for late Friday. Hes a good man. I dont know whats going to happen, Trump said. I hope he makes it. GOP Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against limiting debate on the nomination. Trump also questioned whether Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., would support Hegseth because Trump and McConnell have had disputes in the past. I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that, Trump said. Bart Jansen Members of the media work as U.S. President Donald Trump departs the White House aboard Marine One during his first trip as the new president, in Washington, U.S., January 24, 2025. Trump: North Carolina was allowed to fester President Trump told reporters on Friday morning outside the White House that hes going to North Carolina because the state has been treated badly since Hurricane Helene and to California where he said the wildfires should have been extinguished already. North Carolina is a horrible thing the way thats been allowed to fester. It should have been done months ago, Trump said. North Carolina has been treated very badly. Trump will visit Los Angeles later in the day to hear about the wildfires. Were going to take a look at the fire if they let the water flow, but they didnt let the water flow, Trump said. Bart Jansen U.S. first lady Melania Trump looks on as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media, during departure from the White House for his first trip as the new president, in Washington, U.S., January 24, 2025. Trump's travel schedule minute by minute President Trump left the White House by helicopter at 9:16 a.m. for his tour of disaster areas in North Carolina and California on Friday. Heres where he is going (all times Eastern Standard Time): 11 a.m. in Fletcher, N.C.: Trump will receive a briefing on the recovery from Hurricane Helene, which flooded much of western North Carolina in September. Participants include a handful of lawmakers, state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler; state House Speaker Dustin Hall; and Franklin Graham, president of Samaritans Purse. 12:05 p.m. in Swannanoa, N.C.: Trump meets with families affected by the hurricane. Participants include Ramona Nix, pastor of Eagle Rock Church; and people who received benefits from Samaritans Purse: homeowners Chris and Kim West; Thomas Bright and Jackie Mitchell; and Curtis A., Amber and Curtis B. Wright. 1:15 p.m. Trump leaves Asheville Regional Airport on a flight to Los Angeles. 5:40 p.m. Trump arrives at Los Angeles International Airport. U.S. President Donald Trump boards Air Force One as he departs for North Carolina at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, U.S., January 24, 2025. 6:25 p.m. Trump tours the Pacific Palisades Neighborhood. Participants include Fire Capt. Jeff Brown; Jason Hing, chief deputy of emergency services for the Fire Department; and homeowners Mike and Gaby Shaw. 7:05 p.m. Trump receives an emergency briefing in Pacific Palisades. Other participants include Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass; Ric Grenell, presidential envoy for special missions; Randy Moore, chief of the U.S. Forest Service; Kathryn Barger, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors; and Ed Ring, director of water and policy for the California Policy Center; and a dozen House members. 8:20 p.m. Trump leaves for Los Angeles airport. 8:50 p.m. Trump flights to Las Vegas, where he will spend the night. Bart Jansen Deportation flights have begun: White House press secretary White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Friday announced that Trumps campaign promise of mass deportation of undocumented immigrants was underway. Deportation flights have begun, she wrote on X. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences." Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences. pic.twitter.com/CTlG8MRcY1 Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 24, 2025 Leavitt also included two photos of people boarding military aircraft. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy North Carolina Gov. Stein to meet Trump North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein is planning to meet Trump on the tarmac of Asheville Regional Airport during Trumps visit to Western North Carolina, according to The Citizen-Times, a USA TODAY Network partner. Earlier in the week, Stein, a Democrat, said Trumps planned visit to western North Carolina, which was ravaged by Tropical Storm Helene nearly four months ago, was very good news for the regions residents. The storm killed more than 100 people across the state and caused an estimated $60 billion in damage, according to the latest estimate from the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management. Asheville Citizen-Times U.S. President Donald Trump sits in the Oval Office of the White House, as he signs executive orders, in Washington, U.S., January 23, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque What is Trumps schedule today? Trump's disaster-area tour begins around 10 a.m. EST on his first trip away from Washington. First comes a late morning visit to hurricane-damaged Asheville, North Carolina. He'll then be wheels up on Air Force One in the early afternoon, heading west to Los Angeles and Santa Monica to visit areas ravaged by multiple wildfires. Trump is expected to reach California around 6:15 p.m. EST. The president ends his Friday with a flight to Las Vegas, where he'll spend the night before hosting a downtown rally on Saturday. Trump won Nevada in 2024 after losing it four years earlier, and he recently told reporters he wanted to thank them for the votes. A video message from the president will also play at the annual March for Life rally by anti-abortion advocates on Capitol Hill this morning. Vice President JD Vance will address the crowd during the rally in his first public appearance in his new role. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy Judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order, calling it 'blatantly unconstitutional' A federal judge in Seattle on Thursday blocked Trump's administration from implementing an executive order curtailing the right to automatic birthright citizenship in the United States, calling it "blatantly unconstitutional." U.S. District Judge John Coughenour at the urging of four Democratic-led states issued a temporary restraining order preventing the administration from enforcing the order, which the Republican president signed on Monday during his first day in office. The order has already become the subject of five lawsuits by civil rights groups and Democratic attorneys general from 22 states, who call it a flagrant violation of the U.S. Constitution. Reuters Trump's CIA director confirmed The Senate easily confirmed CIA Director John Ratcliffe with a bipartisan 74-25 vote Thursday afternoon, making him the second of Trumps cabinet picks to clear the chamber after Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Ratcliffe previously served as the director of national intelligence during the first Trump administration. Riley Beggin This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hegseth confirmed; Trump tours fire damage in LA The federal government has given the go-ahead for Vermont to use Medicaid funds to help pay for housing for homeless individuals who have certain medical needs. The federal approval could give Vermont new access to federal funds that officials hope will help stabilize people trying to manage severe medical vulnerabilities while unhoused. It is aimed to help people with significant mental health disorders, or who have a chronic, lifelong intellectual or developmental disability. While the signoff went through, the funds may still take time to work their way down the system. Funding for the specific initiatives will need to be approved by state and federal officials. People with severe medical problems can struggle disproportionately with homelessness. A new federal approval hopes to help them by allowing Medicaid to cover certain housing costs. With this amendment approval, Vermont can now use Medicaid funds to pay for: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rent for up to six months for Vermonters who are homeless. Medical respite services for up to six months for Vermonters who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Medical respite settings provide a safe and stable place for individuals transitioning out of institutional settings who are at risk of inpatient hospitalizations or emergency department visits to recover and receive care. Up to $10.9 million to build capacity. The approval is part of a new program Permanent Supportive Housing that is aimed at assisting those who are medically vulnerable through covering the costs of services and now helping to pay rent. While aspects of the program are in the works, the Medicaid funding needs to be allocated by the state, which may take some time on the Legislature's end. Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont could use Medicaid to help homeless with housing JASIONKA NEAR RZESZOW, Poland (Reuters) -Two German Patriot air defence units deployed to southeastern Poland to protect a major hub for military and humanitarian supplies to Ukraine will be fully operational by Monday, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday. Germany began deploying Patriot units to Poland in January 2023, after a stray Ukrainian missile struck the Polish village of Przewodow the previous November in an incident that raised fears of the war in Ukraine spilling over the border. Another surface-to-air missile landed in northern Poland in April 2023. The two German Patriot units will remain close to the Polish-Ukrainian border for six months to protect the airspace in the region, Pistorius told reporters during a visit to the Polish military airport Jasionka near Rzeszow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said Berlin would send Eurofighter jets to Poland in summer to help with air policing. Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz welcomed the deployment of the air defence units around Jasionka airport. "Jasionka is the main aid hub for humanitarian and military aid, over 90% of aid to Ukraine goes through Jasionka," he said. "These two Patriot batteries are a big thing, they ensure the safety of Poland and our airspace." In December, Norway deployed F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS air defence systems to Poland to help safeguard the hub, saying that it was critical for the delivery of military supplies to Ukraine which the country desperately needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany previously deployed 300 troops along with three Patriot units to Poland from January to November 2023. They were based in the town of Zamosc, about 50 km (31 miles) from the Ukrainian border, to protect the southern town and its crucial railway link to Ukraine, which has been fighting a full-scale Russian invasion for almost three years. (Reporting by Reuters TV, writing by Sabine Siebold and Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; editing by Matthias Williams and Philippa Fletcher) Utah Gov. Spencer Cox committed to work with lawmakers to advance an abundance agenda that places innovative growth at the center of every government policy. This strategy is what elevated Utah from a barren desert to one of the best destinations for families, businesses and new technologies, Cox told the combined Utah Legislature in his annual State of the State address on Thursday. But there is no guarantee of continued success. If Utah slowly puts up obstacles to growth, it will fall into the wider national trend of stagnation, Cox said, putting an end to the Beehive States 180-year winning streak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so today, we are at a fork in the road: We can either press forward with our pioneer spirit, our grit, our industry and our faith, and build the next great chapter of Utahs story or we can be washed away in the negative, nationwide malaise of dysfunction, Cox told the lawmakers, statewide officials and state Supreme Court justices in attendance. In the first month of his second term in office, Cox staked out what he hopes will be his administrations lasting legacy, to reaffirm Utahs reputation as a state that builds and builds big in the most unlikely of conditions. Gov. Spencer Cox gets a standing ovation after delivering his 2025 State of the State address in the House chamber at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Coxs 2nd term goals Cox condensed his vision for the state into five lofty goals for state government, powered by allies Cox recognized by name in the state House and Senate. Housing: Cox renewed his promise to kickstart the construction of 35,000 starter homes single family units under $400,000 over the next few years. Cox previewed efforts to fast-track approval for new projects in the current legislative session that began on Tuesday. In 2024, Cox touted a package of housing bills that included a novel piece of legislation authorizing $300 million in public investment funds for low-interest loans to incentivize developers building affordable homes. Energy: Cox pointed to priorities he shares with legislative leadership to facilitate the construction of nuclear energy facilities in the state. In October, Cox announced Operation Gigawatt, to double the states energy production over the next decade by increasing transmission capacity, developing new energy sources and investing in nuclear and geothermal innovation. Coxs budget proposal for FY2026 contains $4.3 million for research into geothermal energy and $20.4 million for nuclear reactor site preparation. Infrastructure: Cox criticized federal policies that slow large infrastructure projects. Utah will continue to spearhead initiatives that streamline permitting processes while maintaining environmental stewardship, Cox said. The governors first executive order after being sworn in for a second term instructed state agencies to find ways to get projects started more quickly. Safety: Cox praised legislators efforts to pursue law and order with an eye toward compassion and accountability. On homelessness and crime, Utah has developed policies that achieve both security and dignity, Cox said. In recent days, Cox has endorsed the Legislatures push to enhance penalties for migrant-related crime as a priority, and has thrown his weight behind the Legislatures emphasis on local law enforcement in addressing chronic homelessness. Family: Cox plugged the cornerstone of his budget recommendations for this year, the elimination of the remaining state tax on Social Security benefits. Cox opened 2025 with a focus on supporting the states older generation, which is expected to double by 2060. In addition to the targeted $143.8 million tax cut which he called a gift to the Legislature Cox has promoted other policies that he says will support the wealth, independence, security and engagement of seniors. Is more growth always better? Cox said he recognized his attention to growth might worry those who look around and see clogged highways, water shortages and increased housing density. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some might even argue that weve blossomed a little too much, Cox said. But these concerns are not new. Cox highlighted Deseret News articles from 80 years ago and older, with worries about the lack of natural resources to support an exploding population. So, what allowed Utahns to overcome expert forecasts? Gov. Spencer Cox delivers his 2025 State of the State address in the House chamber at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News They built here, Cox said. Almost 180 years later, our Utah desert has pulled off the most miraculous upset. The land has blossomed as promised, and our home has become the envy of the earth, and a worldwide destination. In a prerecorded response, Utahs Democratic legislative leaders voiced their shared support for increasing Utah energy production if that meant including all sustainable options and increasing the housing supply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But state Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla and House Minority Leader Angela Romero, both of Salt Lake City, cautioned their Republican colleagues not to lose sight of the underrepresented communities that may not have benefitted to the same degree from the states economic success and new public safety approaches. Utahs economy is often praised, yet so many of our hard working families feel left behind by the increase in cost of living and housing, Romero said. The two lawmakers said their focus will be on increasing child care options, fully funding public education and maintaining access to elections. On issues like these, Cox has also shown a willingness to pursue fixes, as long as the focus remains on what he says really makes Utah great. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its our people, Cox said on Thursday. Faith, Family, and Community. During his remarks, he honored Alben and Gunda Borgstrom, who lost four out of five sons in World War II. These are the kind of people we build in Utah, he said. Even when life forces us through more than we can seemingly bear, we build. Travelers out of New Hampshire just got more options - JetBlue has officially started service at New Hampshire's Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. As of Thursday, Jan. 23, the airline will offer three domestic flights out of Manchester. The move marks JetBlue's first time operating out of New Hampshire, its 10th airport in New England. "New England has always been a vital part of JetBlues journey, and were deeply grateful to our customers in the region for their continued loyalty, said Daniel Shurz, JetBlue's head of revenue, network, and enterprise planning, in a company statement. With our new flights from Manchester, were excited to bring the exceptional JetBlue experience closer to home, offering the convenience of another local airport for our New England customers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about Manchester's JetBlue flights. JetBlue flights from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport A JetBlue Airways plane takes off from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Jan. 31, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As of Jan. 23, 2025, JetBlue offers nonstop flights from Manchester to three Florida destinations: Orlando, Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale. From Manchester, JetBlue will fly daily with year-round service to Orlando International Airport, three times weekly with seasonal service to Southwest Florida International Airport and four times weekly with seasonal service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Flights out of NH: 6 nonstop destinations will be added at Manchester in 2025. Here's where you can go. All JetBlue flights out of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport will be on the airline's A320 aircraft. Flights can be booked now online. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: JetBlue joins Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire A bill to ban unprotected sex without the intent of procreation has been filed by a Democrat in the Mississippi Senate. The bill is called the "Contraception Begins at Erection Act." And while the legislation has caused snarky online jokes about the Magnolia State, its author acknowledged that the intent is to get a political rise from some opponents. Democratic state Sen. Bradford Blackmon of Canton said the bill is more of a political jab at Republicans who support banning some forms of contraception than it is a serious effort to curtail what adults do behind closed doors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You have male-dominated legislatures in Mississippi and all over the country that pass laws that dictate what a woman can and cannot do with her body," Blackmon said in a written statement to the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. "When a bill has been filed that would regulate what a man is able to do with his own body in his own home, it suddenly has people in an uproar. I am trying to figure out when it isn't okay for the government to dictate what you do in the privacy of your own home, apparently it is when the laws regulate men." Sen. Bradford J. Blackmon, D-Canton, laughs as Sen. Jeremy England, R-Vancleave, speaks on the first day of the 2025 legislative session at the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. What does the bill say? Blackmon's bill, dubbed the "Contraception Begins at Erection Act," would make it illegal for a man to ejaculate without the expressed intent of fertilizing an embryo if he or the person he was having sex with were not using contraception. However, if one were using a form of contraception, such as a condom or birth control, that would be OK. "It shall be unlawful for a person to discharge genetic material without the intent to fertilize an embryo," the bill states. It also proposes fining people who have unprotected sex $1,000 for the first offense, $5,000 for the second and $10,000 for every offense after that. Donations to sperm banks would also be exempt. Contraception in the United States Two landmark Supreme Court decisions in 1965 and 1972 protect the right to contraception for people in the United States. However several states across the country have begun to try to limit access to contraceptives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an analysis by the Guttmacher Institute in June 2024, eight states had enacted or proposed laws to limit access to contraception. A bill in Oklahoma, for example, sought to ban intrauterine devices (IUDs) and emergency contraception. Another law passed in Indiana limited the options and types of contraceptives to people on Medicare. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_. 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 USA TODAY: Would Mississippi bill ban unprotected sex? What to know. South Africa expresses concern over U.S. announcement to withdraw from Paris Agreement Xinhua) 10:31, January 24, 2025 JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- South Africa has expressed "profound regret" over the U.S. decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, said a government official on Thursday. This came after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday announcing the country's intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George said the withdrawal is an abdication of the global responsibility that damages multilateralism, international law, and trust between nations. "The Paris Agreement represents the most flexible and dynamic approach to addressing climate change. All countries have a common responsibility to act, with varied capabilities under the Paris Agreement," said the minister. He said the United States, which has contributed significantly to global warming and the climate crisis affecting the world, has a moral obligation to lead in reducing emissions and support developing economies in contributing to the global effort. "We recall the substantial contribution that previous U.S. administrations have made to facilitate South Africa in addressing climate change, including the recent support to South Africa's just energy transition partnership," the minister said, calling on the current U.S. administration to take its commitments under international law seriously, and carefully consider the ramifications of its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. George reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to realizing the goals set out in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement while expressing hope that the global community will continue tackling climate change with the urgency it deserves. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Jan. 24 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said Friday his administration is considering getting rid of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Trump made the comments while visiting Asheville, N.C., where he also confirmed Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley would head up restoration efforts in the flood-ravaged region. He then toured devastation from wildfires in Southern California. "I think we're going to recommend that FEMA go away," Trump told the crowd in Asheville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I like, frankly, the concept [that] when North Carolina gets hit, the governor takes care of it. When Florida gets hit, the governor takes care of it, meaning the state takes care of it. "To have a group of people come in from an area that don't even know where they're going, in order to solve immediately a problem is something that never worked for me." U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Friday. Photo by Al Drago/UPI Trump said FEMA has been bureaucratic and slow, and that state governments should manage the response with funding dispersed from the federal government, Trump said that an executive order would "begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA - or maybe getting rid of FEMA." Trump would not have authority to close the agency without approval from Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA coordinates the federal government's response to disasters. Trump visited the area on the North Carolina-Tennessee border to provide an update on disaster relief, following the devastation of Hurricane Helene last October, which killed more than 200 people across the several states. The president and first lady Melania Trump visited Southern California later in the day to survey fire-damaged areas amid ongoing tensions with Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Welcome to California, President @realDonaldTrump. Looking forward to working together to deliver aid and ensure a fast recovery for Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/doGCTJPSop Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 24, 2025 Newsom greeted Trump on the tarmac when he departed Air Force One. "Thank you first for being here. It means a great deal to all of us," Newsom told Trump. "We're going to need your support. We're going to need your help." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump took an aerial tour. They then met with local law enforcement and members of the community to tour destroyed Pacific Palisades neighborhoods. "Not even believable," Trump told reporters on site. Trump then had a roundtable with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, whom he has criticized for her response, and other state officials. "I don't think you can realize how rough, how devastating it is until you see it," Trump said of the wildfire damage, which has killed at least 28 people, scorched 55,000 acres and destroyed 16,188 structures, according to Cal Fire. "The federal government is standing behind you, 100%." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said that "we had a good talk, a very positive talk" with Newsom. Trump said he will waive federal permits for rebuilding in the area. "I'm gonna be the president to help you fix it," he said. "We're going to waive all federal permits... Because a federal permit can take 10 years... we don't want to take 10 days." Republicans have heaped criticism on Newsom, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, for the wildfires. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has suggested placing conditions on any federal disaster aid to the state. But California Republicans, such as Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif., said wildfire victims in his district should be treated like everyone else without the politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[It's] the same argument I've been making with my colleagues," Kim said. "If this disaster hit your district, you would think differently and not talk about the conditions because look at my colleagues from North Carolina, look at my colleagues from other disaster areas like Louisiana and then here in Southern California." Ahead of landing Friday in California, Trump also said he would demand state officials implement new voter laws to require two pieces of identification in exchange for federal aid to help combat and recover from wildfires that have displaced thousands. The president also said the state must redirect water from Northern California to the southern part to ensure further federal help. Newsom and Trump had not spoken to each other since he left office in 2020, but both have been critical of each other. Newsom's ex-wife Kimberly Guilfoyle had recently been in a long-term relationship with Trump's son, Donald Trump, Jr., which ended last year. The president has since nominated her as the U.S. ambassador to Greece. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom has sought to downplay any personal conflict with Trump. "[I have] a lot of relationships in the Trump world, a lot of relationships of trust," Newsom said. "I communicate with a lot of folks around him, folks that have his ear and influence. "This is a sideshow a lot of this stuff, but I know it's the show that's probably the focus of a little bit too much [on Friday], when all I care about is what we can do together to move past this moment and start rowing in the same direction to get this region back on its feet." SANTA EULALIA, ALAJUELA PROVINCE, COSTA RICA Retired Lafayette-area attorney Tom Brooks Jr. died Tuesday in Costa Rica, where he has lived since retiring four years ago. Brooks' brother, Matt Brooks, posted a notice Wednesday on Facebook that his brother died Tuesday. AM Costa Rica, an online English news website, reported Wednesday that Brooks was killed Tuesday morning. "Early news reports suggest that Toms tragic death occurred while he intervened in a domestic dispute," a statement from the Brooks' family reads. "While the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, we are in communication with local investigators and the Costa Rican prosecutors office as we seek to understand what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are grateful to the Costa Rican law enforcement authorities for their swift action in apprehending the suspect. We respect the Costa Rican legal system and are hopeful that justice will be served." Tom Brooks, a retired attorney from the Lafayette area, was killed Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at his home in Costa Rica. "Tom lived an extraordinary life marked by service, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to his family and community," Brooks' brother, Matt, posted on Facebook. "Tom tragically lost his life yesterday while in his home in Costa Rica. Tom had moved to Costa Rica four years ago to enjoy his retirement." "The outpouring of love and support from the Greater Lafayette community has been a source of comfort to our family during this incredibly difficult time," the family said. "Toms life and contributions have touched so many, and we are deeply moved by the kind words, prayers, and tributes we have received." The family thanked the community members for keeping Tom and his family in their thoughts and prayers, and they asked for privacy to grieve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom would have turned 70 in November. After he retired, he moved to Santa Eulalia, Costa Rica, which is northwest of the Central American country's capital. Costa Rica is bordered on the north by Nicaragua and to the south by Panama. "Thomas Leo Brooks Jr., a cherished family member and accomplished professional, passed away tragically in ... Atenas, Costa Rica, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, service, and compassion," his obituary states. "Thomas, a dedicated attorney, banker, and educator, was known for his unwavering commitment to his family, career, and community. "Thomas graduated from Xavier University in 1978 with a degree in Business Administration, where he served as a student representative to the university," his obituary states. "He began his career in banking at Fifth Third Bank and later Lafayette National Bank, where he served as vice president. In 1989, driven by his passion for law, he earned a J.D. from Valparaiso University, launching a successful career in legal practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thomas joined Mayfield and Brooks in Lafayette, Indiana, with his father, Thomas," according to his obituary. "Tom Jr. specialized in estate planning, family trusts, and probate law. "He also served as legal counsel for the city of West Lafayette, Indiana Redevelopment Commission and the Lafayette, Indiana, Police Department, where he contributed his expertise to various civic and redevelopment commissions. In addition, he was a longtime faculty lecturer in business law at Purdue University, inspiring countless students with his knowledge and mentorship. "Thomas's dedication extended far beyond his professional achievements," his obituary said. "He was deeply involved in the Lafayette and West Lafayette communities, serving with organizations such as the Tippecanoe County CASA program, Boys State, and the St. Thomas Aquinas Center at Purdue. He also played key roles on several local boards, including the Downtown Business Center and Group Home for Children. "Later in life, Thomas embraced the tranquility of retirement in Atenas, Costa Rica, where he continued to share his warmth and wisdom," according to his obituary. "His sudden passing leaves an indelible void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thomas is survived by his loving parents, Thomas Brooks Sr. and Jane B. Brooks; his siblings: Jennifer Schetzsle (Bob), Brandon Brooks (Brenda), Connie Quizon (Oscar), Robert Brooks (Lucy), Matthew Brooks (Michelle), and Bradley Brooks (Angela); nine nieces and nephews; and 14 great-nieces and great-nephews. Thomas was preceded in death by his loving husband, Clay Bledsoe. He will be remembered for his kindness, intellect and selfless dedication to others." Matt Brooks' Facebook post summed it up: "Tom touched countless lives through his kindness, wisdom, and generosity. He was more than a professional and community leader he was a family member, friend, mentor and role model. While we mourn this tragic loss, we also celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind." Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Retired Lafayette attorney killed in his home in Costa Rica Russian ships which damage British underwater cables face being raided and seized by Royal Marine Commandos, Defence Secretary John Healey has signalled. He stressed the UK was willing to take the strongest possible response as part of its homeland security operations. He emphasised that this had been made clear to Vladimir Putin by ordering a Royal Navy submarine to surface close to a suspected Russia spy ship believed to be mapping underwater infrastructure in UK waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Healey told Parliament this week how he has changed the Royal Navys rules of engagement so it could intervene against grey war threats. The Russian spy ship the Yantar was warned off by the British submarine and headed to the Mediterranean in November. But it returned recently when it was monitored through the Channel by HMS Somerset before sailing into the North Sea. There is definitely evidence of growing Russian aggression, a readiness to push the limits and beyond of international law, it isnt just British waters, the Defence Secretary told BBC radio. He highlighted the case of the Estlink1 undersea power cable in the Baltic Sea which Russia has been accused of sabotaging, a claim it denies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ship named as Eagle S was seized by Finland after being suspected of dragging its anchor along the seabed for miles and damaging the cable. Mr Healey told ITVs Good Morning Britain: On Christmas Day when that cable was damaged, it broke the connection between Finland and Estonia, they were part of an operation now that we are working together to monitor the movement of suspected Russian shadow fleet breaking sanctions or their spy ships. That tanker was boarded by Finnish commandos, it was seized by Finland, so there is action that nations like us can take if there are damage or suspected sabotage to the cables on which we depend. On the threat from Russian shadow fleet and spy vessels, he stressed on LBC radio: We track them, we monitor what they are doing and we are sending the strongest messages that we can to Putin.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to say that we know what he is doing, we have to say that the sort of aggression that he has been behind, the increasing sabotage and damage that we are seeing to undersea cables is a threat to our homeland. These are cables that our daily life depends on and its one of the major areas of the Strategic Defence Review, how do we reinforce Britain homeland security in an age when we are under increasing threat and those threats are changing. The Defence Secretary, who will publish the SDR in the spring, also announced a deal worth around 9 billion had been struck with Rolls-Royce by the Government to help power Britains nuclear submarines. The eight-year contract, dubbed Unity, is aimed at safeguarding 4,000 jobs and creating more than 1,000 others, as well as bolstering national security and the UK economy. President Donald Trump had tough words for both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin during an interview that aired Thursday, threatening to ratchet up financial pressure on Russia while calling Zelenskyy no angel. Trump promised on the campaign trail to quickly end the war in Ukraine and is trying to force the two sides to the negotiating table. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but Trump said in the interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity that Zelenskyy shouldnt have allowed this war to happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy was fighting a much bigger entity, much bigger, much more powerful, Trump said. He shouldnt have done that, because we couldve made a deal and Zelenskyy decided that I want to fight. Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet at Trump Tower in New York City, U.S., September 27, 2024. The United States and European allies have rallied around Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, supplying the country with a huge amount of military aide. Trump said Ukraine had the bravery to use the equipment, but in the end thats a war (that) has to be settled. More: Secretary of State Marco Rubio to visit Panama after Donald Trump lashes out at country Zelenskyy has shown interest in reaching a settlement, Trump noted. Putin could be harder to bring to the negotiating table. Trump reiterated in the interview that hes willing to increase the pressure on Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they dont settle this war soon, like almost immediately, Im going to put massive tariffs on Russia and massive taxes and also big sanctions, Trump said. And I dont want to do that, you know I love the Russia people, theyre great people but weve got to get this war ended. The interview also touched on a range of other foreign policy issues, including China, the Panama Canal and preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. The United States built the canal but relinquished control of it to Panama, which Trump views as a mistake. Were gonna have to take it back, Trump said. What the war abroad means for you: Sign up for USA TODAY's Russia-Ukraine Crisis newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump has tough words for both Zelenskyy and Putin over Ukraine war Youd be forgiven if, during the madcap weeks leading to Donald Trumps inauguration, youd lost track of what was happening with the Houthi rebels in Yemen. As one of Irans last remaining close friends in the Middle East, they have managed to survive limited airstrikes from the United States, United Kingdom and Israel, in part because of the latters focus on Hamas and Hezbollah closer to home. If asked what key foreign policy challenges await the 47th President, most foreign affairs analysts would cite Russias war against a democratic Ukraine, Chinas increasing aggression towards Taiwan, and Israels campaign against Hamas and other allies of Iran. Instead, we find ourselves somewhat bewildered as the Panama Canal, Canada and Greenland have found places of prominence in Mr Trumps mind. Sure, we can debate whether Panamanian policy towards global shipping is what it ought to be, but is this really the most pressing topic for the first week of a new presidency? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welcome news, then, that President Trump appears to have refocused on the real issues. This week, he redesignated the Houthis as a terrorist organisation. Since the start of the war in Gaza 15 months ago, Houthi thugs have launched over 100 attacks in the Red Sea, killing four people, sinking two vessels and disrupting a key global trade route. While they have temporarily ceased their strikes in the wake of the Israel/Hamas ceasefire, they remain a danger to the region and the global economy. Trumps designation, though, only matters if it is backed up by concrete action, and he showed significant hesitation about using US forces during his first presidency, especially in the Middle East. For all his sabre-rattling, his first term was marked by only two high profile uses of the military in the region: finishing the war on ISIS that was already well under way when he took office; and an airstrike that killed Iranian Quds General Qasem Soleimani on a visit to Iraq. In fact, his opposition to having the US military serve in conflict zones abroad led to his decision to abandon Americas Kurdish allies in Syria at the end of 2018. His then Secretary of Defense former Marine four star general Jim Mattis resigned in protest. Trump has also opposed US aid to Ukraine even when it meant supplying others to fight a war critical to US interests. His proposed solution to driving peace there now seems reliant on sanctions and tariffs, about which Russian President Vladimir Putin couldnt care less. His posture towards Chinese aggression is the same: economic threats to counter military belligerence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if economic measures were impactful against nation states, and they often are not, they are hardly noticeable to non-state actors. The Houthis dont care about economic incentives, nor will they cave to potential financial threats. Trump made his career in business. He is comfortable in a world where financial pressures bend even the strongest adversaries, where deals are struck over dollars and cents. But the President of the United States is also the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, and not all enemies of the West can be bought off. Is he ready to face that part of the job? The rest of the world is waiting to see if the US will lead the charge. If it doesnt show up, it will be left to Israel, the UK and their allies to clean up the Middle East. Charley Cooper is a former senior advisor at the US Departments of Justice and Defence 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. Jan 24 (Inaka Adventure) - DON'T make this mistake when visiting Hiroshima, most travels only visit two attractions which is depriving yourself of so many hidden and undiscovered GEMS of Hiroshima that it definitely deserves more than just an overnight stay! In this video we'll be getting off the main tourist trail, searching for what makes this destination unique in Japan! Over 3 Days we will learn about the History of Kure's Naval Forces, Explore Islands tasting the catch fresh from the ocean, experiences what life was like in Japan's Edo Period, and naturally, drink as much Sake as we can in Saijo, Sake Capital of the WORLD! GIFU, Jan 24 (News On Japan) - A man was found lying on a street in Gifu City on the morning of January 24th with severe abdominal injuries inflicted by a knife. Police are treating the case as an attempted murder and are searching for the suspect who fled the scene. According to police, shortly before 7 a.m., a passerby reported to authorities, saying, "A man appears to have been stabbed, but the suspect seems to be gone." Officers rushed to the location on Sagiyama Street and found the man with stab wounds to his abdomen. He was conscious when transported to a local hospital, although his injuries are considered serious. The man told police, "I was cut by another man with what appeared to be a knife." The incident occurred in a residential area. Neighbors reported hearing loud voices and conversations around 7 a.m. The suspect, described as approximately 165 cm tall, wearing black clothing and a white mask, was last seen fleeing eastward. Police are continuing their investigation as an attempted murder case and are pursuing the suspect's whereabouts. Source: Nagoya TV News A United States of America, USA, judge has temporarily blocked Trumps order to change birthright citizenship, which is enshrined in the Constitution. The judge says the order, which was slated to take effect on 19 January, was blatantly unconstitutional. The order Among the executive orders President Donald Trump signed just hours after taking office as the 47th President of the United States of America, USA, was the one directing government agencies to stop issuing citizenship documentation for babies born in the US to parents without legal status. Immigration advocacy groups have already gone to court. It is expected that more lawsuits will follow, given the controversial nature of the orders. The order is titled Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship. Blatantly unconstitutional In Seattle, today, according to BBC, things did not go well for Trumps lawyers during the brief hearing in Seattle. Four states asked a judge to immediately block Trumps attempt to deny the right to birthright citizenship to children born to undocumented migrants and people in the US temporarily. Just as Justice Department lawyer, Brett Shumate, began his arguments on the validity of the order, Judge John Coughenour cut in, asking him point blank: Is this order constitutional? The judge again interrupted as Shumate began to respond, saying: This is a blatantly unconstitutional order. We look back in history and say where were the judges, where were the lawyers?, the judge continued. Frankly, I have difficulty finding that a member of the bar can state confidently that this is a constitutional order. The bar refers to the American legal professional institution. In Seattle, lawyers for the four states are now speaking to the press about the temporary block of Trumps executive order on birthright citizenship. This was fairly obvious. This was simple, says Nicholas Brown the attorney general of Washington, speaking about the judges decision. He says the nationwide block is just the first step, but predicts that it wont be overturned by another court. We are waiting to hear what the Trump administrations next legal move will be. By Ignatius Igwe President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr Ikye Orikpo as the new chairman of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. The Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Friday. He said the new appointee, who hails from Delta State, joins the new board chairpersons announced earlier. The presidential spokesman also clarified a few things about the list of earlier appointed Board chairmen. Hon. Duro Meseko from Kogi state is the chairman of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute. What appears to be a duplication has been corrected, the statement read. Also, Hon Yahaya Bello Wurno from Sokoto, not Ambassador Wurno, is the Chairman of Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority. By Dickson Omobola returns to Lagos A United States flag carrier, United Airlines flight UA613, outbound from Lagos to Washington, has declared an emergency and returned to Lagos. Vanguard learnt that several passengers and crew aboard the aircraft, a Boeing 787-8, sustained minor injuries. The flight, which had 245 passengers, eight flight attendants and three pilots, made a direct return to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, while outbound over Ivory Coast airspace. According to one of the passengers, who spoke under anonymity, the incident happened after they had unfastened their seatbelts. The passenger said: We had already been served our meals when the plane lost pressure and dropped. We noticed a sharp descent. I hit my head on the ceiling because of the impact. I became unconscious, but one person from the medical team came to attend to me in the middle of the turmoil. The sharp descent happened three times, causing some people to sustain injuries. We spent four hours on air. In the midst of the turmoil, the pilot said we were going to land in Ghana, but we eventually landed in Nigeria. Clarifying the development, the airline in a chat with Vanguard, said: Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington D.C. returned to Lagos to address a technical issue. After landing safely, the aircraft was met by first responders to address reports of minor injuries to several passengers and crew. Airlines Statement Linden Birns, a spokesperson for United Airlines, confirmed the incident, stating: Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington D.C. returned to Lagos to address a technical issue. After landing safely, the aircraft was met by first responders to address reports of minor injuries to several passengers and crew. By Ogaga Ariemu The Nigerian government has appealed to the World Bank to help develop the countrys steel sector. The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shaiubu Abubakar Audu, made this appeal during a meeting with a World Bank delegation in the Ministrys headquarters on Thursday. According to him, the steel industry is vital for economic progress and industrialisation. He added that it is imperative that a comprehensive roadmap for the steel sector be developed to address current issues and pave the way for a sustainable future for the steel industry in Nigeria. Noting that the need for a strategic plan for the steel industry in Nigeria cannot be overstated, the minister added that with the right framework in place, the sector can unlock its full potential, create jobs, boost local production and contribute significantly to the countrys GDP. In her remarks, the leader of the World Bank delegation, Noora Arfaa, declared that the institution is willing to provide supervision and support for the preparation of a roadmap for the steel industry in Nigeria. She noted that the World Bank has a work programme and activity plan, beginning from January 2025, that would see a roadmap for Nigeria drafted and adopted by August 2025. By Seun Opejobi Former Imo State governor, Ikedi Ohakim, has accused ex-Senator Chris Anyanwu of falsehood over her apology to late military Head of State, Sani Abacha. Ohakim vowed to publish Anyanwus apology to Abacha during the military era soon. Drama began between the duo when the former governor, in an interview while reacting to allegations made against him by Anyanwu in her book, Bold Leap, accused Anyanwu of being a benefactor of the military regime. Ohakim also accused the former senator of failing to mention in the book that she apologised to Abacha for the lies against him. Aggrieved by Ohakims remark, Anyanwu challenged Ohakim to publish the alleged apology letter to Abacha. Reacting, the former governor said Anyanwu admitted the authenticity of the letter. Ohakims reaction was contained in a letter signed by his Media Aide, Amanze Ajoku titled: BOLD LEAP: CHRIS ANYANWNUS FALSE NARRATIVE AND LETTER OF APOLOGY TO GEN. ABACHA. The statement reads: I am minded to respond to Christiana Anyanwus recent diatribe against His Excellency, Dr Ikedi Ohakim for calling her out on the many falsehoods and distortions in her poorly-written book which she launched recently, with many notables avoiding the occasion like a plague. I must admit that engaging in a public spat with Madam Christiana Anyanwu is not something anybody should relish, given her perennial scorpionic character which she always manifest. However, when provoked by such a character, one must respond in like manner, deploying the same scorpionic instinctive defense mechanism. I am not unmindful of the fact that joining issues with Madam Anyanwu in the Nigerian media is like challenging a fish to a swimming competition, more so now that she has released her media Rottweilers to come after Dr. Ohakim and those that would defend him. Her response to Dr Ohakims initial critique of a section of her book regarding the false narrative and concealment of a critical fact that she wrote a letter of apology to the late head of state, General Sani Abacha, was, quite frankly, underwhelming. She conveniently cherry-picked one of the four issues Dr Ohakim raised the apology letter to Abacha -while ignoring the other three: her lies and misrepresentation of facts regarding the 2011 Imo governorship election, securing the approval of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR in procuring the military to disrupt the 2011 election, and deploying her radio station to spread the falsehood that Dr Ohakim had slapped a Rev. Father. Madam Anyanwus attempt to discredit Dr Ohakims youth was equally laughable and unimpressive. Had she done her due diligence, she would have discovered His Excellencys illustrious career trajectory, which includes rising from a management trainee to becoming a marketing director at a top Nigerian quoted company in his early 30s; serving as a director in Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Co. Ltd; listed in 1988 in Vanguards 30 Notable Young Corporate Leaders; listed in Thisdays 50 Leaders Nigeria Needs in 1998 and earning a fellowship at the Nigerian Institute of Marketing at the age 30. The list goes on. It is astonishing that Madam Christiana Anyanwu would write a 612-page book while conveniently concealing and cleverly omitting her apology letter to Abacha. No one needs to stumble on the document, it is there in government archives. Nigerians are not naive; they can spot a hypocrite from a mile away. Now, several decades after leveraging on the military to achieve her goals, she now seeks to disparage them in her book. It is telling that when she was challenged to deny writing the apology letter, her response fell flat when the only thing she could muster was to ask Dr Ohakim to publish it to verify its authenticity. To reasonable and discerning minds, this alone is a tacit admission of guilt. Madam Anyanwus track record speaks for itself- a history of strained relationships with family, colleagues, workers, and even political associates. What is the relationship today between Madam Anyanwu and the governor on whose back she rode in 2011 to secure her seat at the Senate, using the military? Evidently, her career has been marked by controversy, not achievement. Since she used her book to malign Dr Ohakims character, she should be rest assured that it is now an open season for Dr Ohakim to use his forth coming book to defend his hard earned reputation and character. Dr Ohakim has now resolved to publish, in his forthcoming book, Madam Christiana Anyanwus letter of apology to Abacha to prove that she cannot be a role model to our young daughters. The reading public will then be able to discern who is truthful and who has a history of duplicity. Mrs. Jennings class was getting impatient. The second graders knew it was time for snack, but they politely waited a moment for The Nonpareil to join them in their Franklin Elementary School classroom before partaking in their afternoon treat: kiwifruit. "You can go ahead and eat," teacher Christy Jennings quickly announced. The Council Bluffs schoolchildren excitedly proceeded, with one exclaiming, "It's like a smoothie!" Another student thought to clarify whether they should eat the fuzzy brown skin of the fruit, which comes from the Chinese gooseberry and is typically referred to as just "kiwi" when it wouldn't be confused with the native bird of New Zealand. "You can eat whatever you would like of the kiwi, because it is all edible, OK? Just some people choose to eat the outside and some people choose not to eat the outside," Jennings said. "The seeds of the kiwi are edible." Soon the children asked if there were leftovers. The three remaining kiwi were distributed by drawing lots. "Guys, look how much I ate," one student said. "I love kiwis," another exclaimed. "I should ask my mom for more," a third said. "These are so good," another chimed in. The scene in Jennings' classroom last month is the goal of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which can be found in elementary schools across the Council Bluffs Community School District and in surrounding communities. 'Locally grown in Iowa' The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program aims to encourage children to expand the variety and amount of fruits and vegetables they eat by introducing them to new options in a low-stakes environment. The federally funded program seeks to serve up "snacks along with bite-sized nutrition lessons," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which found that students who participate in the program end up eating more fruits and veggies than they otherwise would consume. Snacks are a completely separate program from the traditional breakfast and lunch served by schools, said Lisa Stewart, director of nutrition services for the Council Bluffs Community School District. Council Bluffs serves up fruits and veggies to students in kindergarten through fifth grade on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Stewart said the goal is to provide snacks throughout the entire school year, but the program concludes when its funding is exhausted. "It all really depends on the produce market," Stewart said. "Obviously, things are really expensive right now. It's impacting everyone." Schools choose whether to offer morning or afternoon snacks, and prepackaged fruits and veggies are delivered each day. One of two local produce vendors delivers the ready-to-eat snacks to the district, so nutrition employees aren't expected to wash and slice up the produce themselves. "We try to find seasonal items and also try to find items that are locally grown in Iowa," Stewart said. Every elementary school in Council Bluffs qualifies for the snacks through the district's Community Eligibility Provision status, which also allows students to eat free breakfast and lunch every school day, regardless of their household income level. Otherwise, schools get priority for the program based on how many students qualify for federally subsidized lunches. Stewart said most classrooms report strong participation, although some older grades will have fewer students participate and will end up ordering fewer snacks to avoid food waste. "Typically, in our younger grades, everybody's more receptive to trying it," Stewart said. "They want to facilitate everyone trying it at the same time, not yucking anyone's yum by giving up a thumbs-up or a thumbs-down but no audible 'yucks' or 'this is gross.'" The nutrition department regularly hears positive feedback about the fresh produce it provides, such as instances where a parent will say their child will request something from the grocery store that they didn't know they liked, such as jicama, a Central American root vegetable that tastes somewhat like a less-sweet apple with a texture that's reminiscent of a potato. Those interactions are what the program aims to foster. "That's a win for everyone," Stewart said. "They're purchasing fresh produce at home, and then (the students) become the teachers and teaching (their parents) some of the things they've learned at school." 'Always good to try new foods' Jennings, the second grade teacher at Franklin Elementary, said 22 students tried kiwi during The Nonpareil's visit on Dec. 11. None of them declined, although students are given the choice not to take the offered snack if they don't want it. Taste testing tips Allow the children to explore the new food item, look, touch and smell. Share information about the food. The more they know, the more willing they may be to try it. Teach the children the guidelines for polite food tasting. Offer small tastes of a food first. Never force a child to eat a food. Be a role model and the food with them. Offer new foods first to children willing to try new things. Watching a peer eat a food can help the most reluctant eater bud into a food taster. Source: Iowa Department of Education "It's nice to be able to have the kids have healthy snacks and be able to try new foods during the year," Jennings said. "There are foods that they probably would never try. Some of them wouldn't even try kiwi if they didn't have it here, or like jicama or different things that maybe they'll find is something that they would like." The previous day's snack, slices of yellow squash, didn't go over quite as well. "It doesn't have much of a taste," Jennings said. "They're pretty good, this group, about trying the things." Second graders Maylie Chohan and Blaine Bowman both told The Nonpareil that kiwi was their favorite snack so far. "I get to try some new stuff," Maylie said. For example, Maylie said she had never tried grapefruit, and Blaine said he got to try a peach. Both students said they look forward to the afternoon snack, which is clearly a highlight of the day for many of their classmates as well. Jennings said she's discovered new foods through the program, too. She said that one day she found herself asked to role model trying cabbage with coleslaw dressing one day. "I didn't like cabbage or coleslaw," she said. "I just learned that I like something new, so it's always good to try new foods." Program reaches students across Iowa The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is open to elementary schools across the country. Each school must submit an application annually to participate, according to the Iowa Department of Education, which administers the program for the state. For the 2024-25 school year, 187 schools are approved to participate in the program, according to state data. Participants include schools in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Denison, Des Moines, Iowa City, Mason City, Muscatine, Sioux City and Waterloo. Each school receives between $50 and $75 per student to purchase fresh produce. Southwest Iowa districts participating include Essex, Red Oak and Riverside's Carson Elementary. We are thrilled to participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program," Jackie Moore, director of food service for Riverside, said in a news release. I hope that with the help of this program, each student will find at least one new fruit or veggie they like and that it will prompt conversations at home about nutrition and the new foods they have tried. The Iowa Department of Education makes available education resources to assist educators, including "Pick a Better Snack" lessons and morning announcements that ask students to identify common fruits and veggies from a "What am I?" prompt. "I can have long green leaves with a bumpy texture," reads one prompt. "My beautiful leaves are packed with vitamins A and C. I am a member (of the) vegetable group. A light frost or freezing temperature makes my leaves sweeter. I can be a cooked vegetable side dish, in soups or baked with a little oil to make deliciously crunchy chips. Yum! I am kale!" Morocco has sounded the alarm on the nexus between separatism and terrorism, making reference to the Algeria-backed Polisario armed militia which has ties with terrorist groups threatening regional peace and stability. Speaking during a debate held at UN Security Council this week, Moroccos Permanent Representative to UN Omar Hilale warned against the alliance between separatist groups and terrorist organizations, such as Al-Qaeda and Daesh in Africa. This axis of evil exploits the vulnerabilities of African communities, fuels divisions and takes advantage of their instability to undermine the territorial integrity of African countries, said the diplomat, urging the international community to counter these terrorist groups, threatening peace, security and the rule of law. He availed this opportunity to highlight the royal strategy deployed to help African countries counter the scourge of terrorism. The Moroccan strategy is based on four fundamental pillars: strengthening security, enhancing economic & human development, preserving religious identity and promoting regional & international cooperation. Mr. Hilale said the Moroccan strategy promotes a moderate Islam, based on the universal values of coexistence and peace, citing in this regard the contributions of Mohammed VI Foundation for African Ulema and the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Morchidines and Morchidates, in countering extremism and fanaticism. Since its creation in 2015, the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Morchidines and Morchidates has trained more than 3,000 beneficiaries from various African countries. One hundred imams from Mali graduated this January from this institute seeking to ward off the threat of radicalization and bring in stability to Sahel countries. The Chilean Senate has extended unanimous support to the Autonomy Initiative for the Sahara, put forward by Morocco in 2007 to resolve the dispute over its southern provinces. The Chilean Senate unanimously adopted a resolution in which it expresses its support for the Moroccan initiative to negotiate an autonomy statute for the Sahara region, which signifies a definitive and lasting peaceful solution to this dispute. The Chilean senators resolution also calls for the support and permanent commitment of the Government of Chile, as a UN member, to Resolution No. 1754 of the UN Security Council, adopted on April 30, 2007. In the presentation of the Chilean Senates resolution, it is recalled that the Autonomy Initiative for the Sahara is supported by Spain, the U.S., France, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal. The Chilean Senate sets out in detail the positions expressed by these countries in favor of the Moroccan autonomy initiative, described as the most serious, realistic, and credible basis for resolving the dispute () and guaranteeing peace and prosperity in the region. The Chilean Senates resolution was initiated by former President of the Senate, Yasna Provoste, currently Chair of the Chile-Morocco Parliamentary Friendship Group). It was supported by 37 senators from all ends of the political spectrum represented in the Chilean Senate, including majority and opposition members, mainly former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Jose Miguel Insulza, current Chairperson of the External Relations Committee at the Chilean Senate. During a visit to Rabat last December, Chilean Foreign Affairs Minister, Alberto Van Klaveren Stork, had reiterated Chiles constant support for the process led by the United Nations towards a just, pragmatic, lasting, realistic, viable, definitive and mutually acceptable solution to the Western Sahara issue, within the framework of the initiative presented by Morocco to the United Nations in April 2007. In a joint statement issued then following a meeting between Alberto Van Klaveren Stork and his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita, Chile had also emphasized the centrality of the United Nations in the political process and reaffirmed its support for UN Security Council Resolution 2756, dated October 31, 2024, and valued the serious and credible efforts made by the Kingdom of Morocco to advance the process towards a political solution. At least 67 journalists have been jailed across Africa for their work, reflecting the continents ongoing struggle for a free press, according to a recent report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). According to the CPJs report on jailed journalists in Sub-Saharan Africa, this record number of journalists languishing in jail highlights the growing challenges they face in many African countries, amid a disturbing trend of diminishing press freedom and the erosion of basic rights such as freedom of expression and the right to information across the continent. Governments are increasingly using national security, counterterrorism, and cybercrime laws to target and detain journalists, said Mutoki Mumo, CPJs Africa Program coordinator, referring to a worrisome trend of increasing governmental crackdowns that threaten press freedom. Mumo cited several countries, including Burundi, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, where an increasing number of journalists are facing charges under laws officially intended to protect national security, which are, however, weaponized to criminalize journalistic work. In Nigeria, four journalists are currently imprisoned under cybercrime laws after reporting on government corruption. Egypt is another country cited in the CPJ report as being notoriously known for using anti-government laws to target the media, imprisoning dozens of journalists. Similarly, Eritrea and Ethiopia, both of which have long maintained a repressive stance against the press, currently hold 16 and 6 journalists, respectively, behind bars. The fall of the bloody authoritarian Assad regime has uncovered the depth of relations between the Algeria-backed Polisario separatist group and Iran, with Syria acting as the intermediary, said a report published by the Washington-based think-tank Atlantic Council. Amid the chaos following the fall of Damascus, documents emerged showing correspondence between the Syrian Ministry of Defense and the self-proclaimed SADR regarding the training of 120 Polisario soldiers in armed combat at Irans request, said the American research paper. During the capture of Aleppo in Northern Syria, at least thirty polisario mercenaries were captured by Syrian rebel forces, while Fahd Almasri, the head of Syrias National Salvation Front, disclosed that Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had dispatched about two hundred Polisario fighters to Thaala military airport, the Sweida army base, and rural Daraa over the past three years. Recently, Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina (R-SC) also briefed the US House of Representatives about the situation, saying: Iran & Cuba are actively destabilizing West Africa by supporting the Polisario Front, a threat to Moroccoan essential US partner. Since 2018, Morocco has warned about Iranian expansionist ambitions in Western Sahara following its severance of relations with Tehran over alleged military and financial support for the Polisario Front separatists through Lebanese Hezbollah. Reports have confirmed increased Iranian interference in the Sahara regional conflict. Iran has supplied Polisario militias lethal unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), surface-to-air missiles, and HM-16 mortar shells, along with training that has emboldened the separatist group. Consequently, Polisario forces began shelling towns Moroccan Saharan cities of Smara and Mahbes. This is a troubling development, undermining regional peace and stability as well as U.S. geostrategic interests, said the Atlantic Council analysis. Two days after his inauguration as President of the United States, Donald Trump signed an Executive Order re-designating the Iranian-backed Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). The move has alarmed the Algerian junta which started softening tone in a bid to escape accountability. Fighting has erupted between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near the al-Jili oil refinery, located north of the capital Khartoum. The Sudanese Army reported on January 23 reaching the vicinity of the strategically important refinery on Wednesday, following a multi-pronged offensive in the northern part of Khartoum. Witnesses described plumes of smoke covering large areas of the capital, with footage circulating on social media showing the army seizing control of the entrance to the town. The Sudanese army accused the RSF of deliberately setting fire to the refinery in an attempt to sabotage the countrys infrastructure, after failing to capture the regions resources. The army, which has been launching a significant offensive towards the refinery, has yet to regain full control, according to Al Jazeeras Hiba Morgan. Meanwhile, the RSF claimed the army launched airstrikes on the refinery in response to the ongoing conflict. Clashes were also reported in el-Fasher and Khartoum North, with both sides employing heavy weaponry. Since the conflict began in April 2023, tensions between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Hemedti Dagalo have led to widespread violence, leaving tens of thousands dead and displacing around 12 million people. The war has also caused a major humanitarian crisis, with over one million Sudanese fleeing to neighbouring South Sudan, many of whom are South Sudanese nationals who had previously fled their own countrys civil war. Meanwhile, South Sudan has suspended social media platforms in response to recent unrest linked to the killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudans Gezira state. Photo: Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo Donald Trump vowed to crack down on immigration on the campaign trail, promising mass deportations and threatening repercussions for cities and communities who dont comply with his new administrations orders. Evidence of the new presidents hard-line stance were seen within his first week back in office as one sanctuary city was the site of a high-profile raid by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. On Thursday, Newark mayor Ras Baraka confirmed that a raid had taken place at a business in the city, adding that ICE agents detained American citizens as well as undocumented residents without producing a warrant. In a statement, Baraka said one of those detained was a U.S. military veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned, with the mayor calling it an egregious act. Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized, Baraka said. CBS New York reports that the raid took place at Ocean Seafood Depot, a local fish market. The owner told the network that about a dozen ICE agents arrived that morning with no prior warning, seeking his employees documentation. A couple of the guys couldnt show their identification. Three of them got arrested. he told CBS. Twenty-six years in business, Ive never seen anything like this. New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice executive director Amy Torres passed along more details from witnesses to NBC News: According to the employees who stayed behind, ICE agents were heavily armed and entered the business with no prior announcement, blocking off entrances, exits and delivery ramps, Torres said. They were banging down bathroom doors to make sure no one was hiding inside. And most importantly, as the mayor said, they did all of this without being able to produce a single name or a single warrant. New Jersey senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim said in a joint statement that they are deeply concerned about the reported raid. Our offices have reached out to the Department of Homeland Security to demand answers. Actions like this one sow fear in all of our communities and our broken immigration system requires solutions, not fear tactics, they said. ICE says it arrested 538 people on Thursday nationwide in a number of cities. There were also two more workplace raids in Newark on Friday, Mayor Baraka told NBC News. This post has been updated. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images Donald Trumps January 6 pardon spree is, without question, a captivating shiny object. Love what hes done or hate it (and even some Republicans acknowledge the lunacy), its impossible not to gawk: clemency for, essentially, everyone from seditious conspirators to 170-plus defendants who attacked cops with weapons to nonviolent insurrection-curious Capitol-meanderers. Over 1,000 convictions were wiped from the books, all pending prosecutions were dismissed, and about 400 offenders were immediately released from prison. Despite prior insinuations from Trump and others about moderation, no lines were drawn. They all skated. But the pardon bonanza, for all its shock value and undeniable historical import, obscured a series of momentous policy changes initiated through an avalanche of new Trump executive orders. Theyll determine everything from immigration enforcement to domestic energy production to whatever name we call the body of water between Florida and Texas to the security clearance of one guy. (John Bolton. Seriously.) When we think of governmental exercises of power, we naturally tend to start with good old-fashioned laws statutes passed by Congress and signed by the president, just like they taught us in the cartoons. Of course weve also got court rulings, from the Supreme Court on down the line. And then theres the executive order, often overlooked I sure didnt learn about them in high-school civics but surprisingly potent. Its tough for any president to resist the lure of the executive order. Just type up an item on the wish list, swipe a pen across the signature line, and presto: democracy in action. Trumps unilateral, blunt-force style of governing (and living, generally) mesh perfectly with the executive order, and theyve proven to be natural bedfellows. During his first term, Trump issued 220 executive orders the most of the past ten presidential terms. (Every other president has landed between 118 and 200.) And now hes off to a hot start, issuing an all-time Inauguration Day record 26 executive orders. Hes a good bet to surpass his own benchmark and establish a new high this time around. Of course, executive orders have their limits. As the name suggests, they apply only within the federal executive branch. They cant bind Congress or the courts or the states though the president can influence state policy by placing conditions on federal funding, in some circumstances. Even within the executive branch, presidential orders cant violate statutes passed by Congress or the U.S. Constitution. Executive orders have astonishing range. At one extreme, they can create sweeping, world-changing policy initiatives. Barack Obama established the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy by executive order in 2012. Since then, the Dreamers program has protected hundreds of thousands of undocumented children from deportation, and has withstood a series of legal challenges that still carry on today. On the other side of history, Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1942 issued an executive order that led to the forced relocation of over 120,000 Japanese Americans to internment camps during World War II. Presidents also use executive orders for ceremonial (though not entirely inconsequential) matters. Obama changed the name of Mount McKinley to Denali in 2015; Trump changed it back this week. (Trump has studied history and determined that President William McKinley made our country very rich through tariffs and talent.) And, apparently upset at the notion of flags flying at half-staff to honor Jimmy Carter during his inauguration, Trump ensured that no future president should have to endure such hardship and instructed that the flag must be flown at full-staff during inauguration, to heck with whoever may have died recently. (Though I suspect that Carter, a patriot to his core, would actually agree and would want us at full force on the momentous occasion of a presidential swearing-in.) Despite these relatively trifling matters, many of Trumps new executive orders promise seismic substantive changes on immigration, national security, the federal workforce, and climate change. And lest we forget: He saved TikTok, for now. The fate of these newly unveiled policies will be determined in the courts, and the litigation started immediately. Weve already seen lawsuits challenging Trumps orders that undercut birthright citizenship (the doctrine that a child born in the United States to noncitizen parents automatically becomes a citizen); that establish the Department of Government Efficiency; and that strip employment protections from some federal workers. Expect further legal challenges to all but the most symbolic of the new Trump orders. While it takes months (or even years) to fully litigate an executive order, well soon see a series of intermediate rulings from courts about whether the new measures can take effect immediately, or whether they must be put on hold. The challenger must make two core showings to obtain a temporary injunction: (1) that the policy will cause some harm that cant be fixed later, and (2) that the lawsuit challenging the action is ultimately likely to succeed. These forthcoming temporary court rulings will be more than procedural formalities; they often presage the ultimate fate of policies enacted through executive orders. Take Trumps aforementioned birthright citizenship executive order, for example. This one seems doomed on the merits. It violates both the explicit language of the Constitution (the 14th Amendment provides that All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States) and an on-point Supreme Court decision (from 1898 but hey, its still good). I doubt even the conservative Supreme Court ultimately sides with Trump on this one. Indeed, on Thursday a federal district court judge temporarily blocked Trumps measure. But if the presidents legal team can somehow convince an appeals court to let the executive order go into effect, itll wreak havoc while the larger case on the merits plays out. This will be the next frontier in the Trump legal battles. For the first time in more than eight years, there is no pending criminal investigation, congressional inquiry, impeachment proceeding, grand-jury matter, indictment, or trial of Donald John Trump, the individual. Instead, his presidential policies are at issue, and the outcomes will change much about American life and governmental power. History will remember the January 6 pardons. But that history is already made. The executive orders arent as sensational as the release of hundreds of convicted Capitol rioters. But the coming legal fights over those orders will be even more consequential. This article will also appear in the free CAFE Brief newsletter. You can find more analysis of law and politics from Elie Honig, Preet Bharara, Joyce Vance, and other CAFE contributors at cafe.com. Turning the clock way, way back. Photo: chulmann-Sachs/Picture Alliance/Getty Images Given a significant backlash over the past few years against what conservatives have called excesses of wokeness promoted by progressives fighting against various forms of discrimination, it was no great surprise that the second Trump administration painted a bulls-eye on recently established diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government. But the anti-woke offensive is going beyond the programs and policies of the past few years. Far beyond all that, as CNN reported: President Donald Trump this week rescinded a nearly 60-year-old executive order that prohibited government contractors from discriminating in their hiring, firing, promotion or pay practices. Replacing it is a new requirement that those employers certify that they do not have what he termed illegal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. He also ordered each federal agency to identify up to nine targets for federal investigations into their DEI practices to see if they should be judged illegal. That includes publicly-traded private corporations, large non-profit corporations or associations and major foundations. The order that Trump rescinded, originally signed by President Lyndon Johnson, applied to virtually every major business and many small companies that together employ about a quarter of workers in the United States. It had remained in force through both Democratic and Republican administrations, including Trumps own first term. The goal is very clearly the extermination of private-sector DEI policies as well, considered incompatible with the meritocracy now regarded as the ultimate MAGA goal (never mind an administration by cronyism and nepotism). Defenders of Trumps move will point out that there are still civil-rights laws in place prohibiting employment discrimination, but the absence of policies to enforce them is a big deal. To the extent there was any controversy about LBJs executive order, it was because it enjoined affirmative action in preventing discrimination by race, color, religion, or national origin (or, via a 1967 amendment, by sex). But as CNN points out, affirmative action in the meaning of the order was a very mild prescription: The executive order that he rescinded, known as EO 11246, did not permit quotas, preferences, or set asides. They are strictly forbidden, according to the Department of Labors stated rules. Yes, EO 11246 was amended in 2014 by President Barack Obama to add sexual orientation and gender identity to prohibited grounds for discrimination. But Trump didnt bother to amend the amendment to return to the earlier language; he struck down the order entirely and replaced it with the abovementioned injunction to destroy DEI policies. What this suggests is that Team Trump objects not just to recent alleged excesses in the pursuit of nondiscrimination but to the basic idea that the federal government has the obligation to fight it. Thats not entirely surprising when you look at all the polling of MAGA folk showing that they perceive discrimination against white people as a bigger problem than discrimination against non-white minority groups. And, indeed, an emerging talking point among Trump advisers that may explain the action on EO 11246 is the Orwellian claim that any effort to reduce discrimination against particular people itself violates color-blind civil-rights laws. In this view, legal neutrality toward old-school racial discrimination in employment is the only guarantee we have that merit is rewarded. If thats the case, you wonder how long it will be before MAGA folk decide that civil-rights laws should be turned upside down to ban anti-discrimination policies altogether as inherently discriminatory. Its bad enough that Trump and his advisers believe the official discrimination against Black people that characterized U.S. laws and politics from the founding of the Republic until the 1960s is not a problem worth addressing anymore. Its even worse to claim that the only way to prevent discrimination is to get rid of any effort to address it. That way lies a return to white supremacy in the guise of color-blind meritocracy. And its also a terrible trend for the women and LGBTQ+ folk who have benefited from the same laws and policies as they were extended into the 21st century. Sign Up for the Intelligencer Newsletter Daily news about the politics, business, and technology shaping our world. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. Collins and Murkowski often see things eye to eye. Photo: Caroline Brehman/Pool/Reuters Even as handicappers adjudged Pete Hegseths confirmation as secretary of Defense to be all but certain, not one but two Republican senators indicated a hard pass on the poorly qualified bad boy from Fox News. They were Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, who voted against a procedural motion to clear the decks for Hegseths confirmation by the full Senate. In explaining their positions, both senators mentioned Hegseths lack of relevant experience and his history of outspoken hostility toward increased combat roles for women in the military. Neither specifically cited the scattered if persistent reports of violent behavior toward women in Hegseths background, though that has been a lingering problem for this nomination. While its tempting to stress the gender of these rebels against Trumps nominee as explaining their refusal to go along with the presidents wishes, its worth noting that seven other Republican women in the Senate (Marsha Blackburn, Katie Britt, Shelley Moore Capito, Deb Fischer, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Cynthia Lummis, and most significantly senior Armed Services Committee member Joni Ernst) profess not to have a problem with Hegseth. But its important to note that Collins and Murkowski have very specific reasons for being heterodox Republicans and that the partisan math in the Senate makes it possible for them to stray now without damaging Trumps agenda. Murkowski is the most obvious candidate for a free pass to vote her conscience. She has the remarkable record of having twice won election against the wishes of her own party. In 2010, after losing the GOP primary to tea-party conservative Joe Miller, she won the general election via a rare write-in campaign. Then in 2022, she won a fourth full term despite being opposed by the Alaska GOP, taking advantage of the states new top-four/ranked-choice vote system that enabled both Murkowski and Democratic House candidate Mary Peltola (who endorsed each other) to put together a winning centrist coalition. The Alaskan is very openly hated by Trump, who opposed her reelection in 2022 after she voted against both Obamacare repeal and the Kavanaugh confirmation; she reciprocated by refusing to endorse him in the 2024 general election. She has publicly mulled leaving the GOP but benefits from being in the majority party. So youd figure she will vote against her party whenever its convenient, and it wont make a difference. To some extent, thats also true of Collins, who has been in the Senate even longer (five full terms) than Murkowski and who is unique among Senate Republicans in representing a state that has gone Democratic in all three of Trumps presidential election years (indeed, Maine last went Republican in a presidential election in 1988, though its system of awarding one electoral vote for the winner of each congressional district gave Trump an electoral vote in 2016, 2020, and 2024). Like Murkowski, she did not endorse Trump in the 2024 general election but has managed to escape any regular expressions of Trumpian wrath. Assuming she runs for a sixth term in 2026 at the age of 74, shell need to avoid the distraction of a Republican primary but will also need to win Democratic votes as she has done in the past. So you can expect her to project some degree of independence going forward. She joined Murkowski and John McCain in helping to sink the Obamacare repeal legislation in 2017 but conspicuously backed the Kavanaugh confirmation at a critical moment. Fortunately for Trump and for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Republicans won a three-seat margin in the upper chamber in 2024, and Vice-President J.D. Vances tie-breaking vote gives them a four-vote cushion. So the key question in 2025 is whether there are additional Republican votes that are in question on any key measure. There are two suspects to keep your eyes on. The first is Louisiana senator Bill Cassidy, who shocked a lot of constituents by voting to convict Trump of impeachment charges after the January 6, 2021, attempted insurrection. The bad news for him is that hes up for reelection in 2026 immediately after Louisiana abandoned its nonpartisan jungle primary system, so hell face a closed GOP primary. A former congressman and Trump aide, state treasurer John Fleming, has already announced a challenge to Cassidy. But the incumbents strategy will clearly depend on reassuring MAGA voters hes reliable, which makes him an unlikely heretic on key votes. Then theres former longtime Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. The Kentuckian is 82 years old and in poor health (which forced his retirement as leader); hes very likely to retire from the Senate when his current term ends in 2026. He spent Trumps first term as a distinct frenemy who mostly did what Trump wanted him to do but made it clear he held the 45th president in low regard, particularly when it came to his conduct on January 6. But whatever else he is, McConnell is a party man through and through, and its unlikely hell sabotage his successor Thune. So Trump and Thune are in pretty good shape despite occasional or even regular defections from the likes of Collins and Murkowski. Thune will have to keep an eye on some of the more radical conservatives in his conference senators like Mike Lee and Rand Paul who might make common cause with the fiscal hard-liners of the House Freedom Caucus to demand deeper budget cuts than Trump feels necessary. But thats where Trump will need to exert himself instead of standing aside and letting his troops squabble, as he sometimes does. The investment will also support the repurposing of the UK's pioneering fusion machine at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in Oxfordshire. At the beginning of 2024, the U.K. Conservative government launched its nuclear power roadmap, with plans to increase nuclear generation by up to four times, to 24GW by 2050. After taking government in July, Kier Starmers Labour Party doubled down on plans to develop the U.K.s nuclear power as part of an accelerated green transition. However, delays in the development of new power plants and other challenges have threatened the achievement of the countrys ambitious nuclear goals. Now, a massive cash injection could help the government achieve its nuclear objectives. In January 2024, the U.K. government announced the biggest nuclear power expansion in 70 years. This was aimed at driving down energy bills and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels as part of a green transition. The Civil Nuclear Roadmap outlines development aims, including conventional power plants, such as Sizewell C, and the development of the countrys small modular reactor (SMR) technology. The government stated plans to invest up to $370.5 million in the domestic production of enriched uranium, known as HALEU, which was only being commercially produced in Russia. This is the fuel that powers modern nuclear reactors. It also introduced an additional $12.4 million for the development of the skills and sites required to produce other advanced nuclear fuels in the U.K. The company Great British Nuclear was also created to deliver the governments long-term nuclear programme. At the time, Tom Greatrex, the CEO of the Nuclear Industry Association, stated, We welcome the publication of the roadmap - the commitment to explore a further large-scale project beyond Sizewell C in parallel with the deployment of SMRs is very welcome. We will need both large and small nuclear at scale and at pace for our energy security and net zero future. This January, the U.K. Labour government pledged a record $506 million in investment for nuclear fusion, which will contribute to the development of a new fusion facility at an old coal plant site in Nottinghamshire. The hope is that the financing will help accelerate the development of U.K. nuclear fusion power to provide abundant clean energy. The investment will support the construction of the prototype power plant at the decommissioned West Burton coal site by 2040. It will also contribute to the repurposing of the U.K.s pioneering fusion machine at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in Oxfordshire. The government stated during its first autumn budget statement that it would provide significant support for nuclear fusion research, and this is the result. If achieved, a nuclear fusion reaction could produce around four times more energy per kilogramme of fuel than nuclear fission, which is the opposite process that is currently used in conventional power plants. The International Energy Agency defines nuclear fusion as the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy. Fusion reactions take place in a state of matter called plasmaa hot, charged gas made of positive ions and free-moving electrons with unique properties distinct from solids, liquids, or gasesnuclei need to collide with each other at extremely high temperatures around ten million degrees Celsius. When the nuclei come within a very close range of each other, the attractive nuclear force between them will outweigh the electrical repulsion and allow them to fuse. Several breakthroughs have been made in recent years. In 2022, a group of American scientists at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California announceda breakthrough after they produced a higher energy output than the input during a fusion experiment. Then, in 2024, scientists at the U.K.-based JET laboratory achieved more energy production through a fusion process than anywhere ever before, after four decades of research. China is also hoping to make strides in fusion innovation after announcing funding of between $1 and $1.5 billion a year for the sector. The Shanghai-based startup Energy Singularity built its own tokamak - a complex cylindrical or donut-shaped machine that heats hydrogen to extreme temperatures - within its first three years of operation, faster than any other company has built a comparable reactor. This suggests that China could become highly competitive in fusion technology over the next decade. The U.K. government announced a shortlist of five bids for the construction of the fusion plant in Nottinghamshire, with construction and engineering contracts expected to be announced in late 2025 or early 2026. This development of the U.K.s nuclear power sector is expected to support the creation of thousands of jobs in the coming decades. While the government has faced several hurdles in developing the U.K.s nuclear power sector, the announcement of massive new funds for nuclear fusion research and development could help the country to build upon its technological breakthroughs to become one of the first producers of the abundant clean energy. Meanwhile, the government will also support the development of conventional nuclear reactors and SMRs for mid- to long-term production. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com India will continue to buy Russian oil only if it meets certain conditions, including a price cap of $60 per barrel and the use of non-sanctioned tankers. The US sanctions have disrupted India's access to cheap Russian oil, and Indian refiners are scrambling for alternative supplies. India has been granted permission to unload sanctioned Russian oil at its ports until February 27. India has received clarification from the U.S. that the Russian oil tankers sanctioned earlier this month are allowed to discharge their crude at Indian ports until February 27, Indian oil secretary Pankaj Jain said on Friday. There was a round of clarification by OFAC (the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control). Formally they did clarify that Feb. 27 is the deadline, Reuters quoted the Indian official as telling reporters in response to questions about the end of the wind-down period. The wind-down deadline for completing the financial transactions is March 12, according to Jain. 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. The sanctions caught a few million barrels of crude oil en route to India in a precarious situation. At least 4.4 million barrels of crude from Russia are currently being shipped to India, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg and Kpler. Some of these are traveling on newly-sanctioned tankers and the fate of part of the cargoes is unknown. For India, which imports more than 80% of the crude it consumes daily, the costs are spiking and the cheap Russian barrels are disappearing as Indian refiners steer clear of tankers explicitly sanctioned by the U.S. The U.S. clarification about the deadline for sanctioned vessels to discharge their crude could be a relief for India, for the next month at least. But Indian refiners are already scrambling for supply for arrival after February. India will continue to buy Russian oil if it is sold below the $60 per barrel price cap and delivered on non-sanctioned tankers and without any involvement of sanctioned companies or individuals, the Indian official said today. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Experts are skeptical that Saudi Arabia and OPEC will cooperate with Trump's strategy. Trump believes that lowering oil prices by increasing OPEC output will force Russia to end the war in Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump hasnt been able to get Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to agree to talks to end the war in Ukraine so he is turning to Saudi Arabia for help. During a January 23 speech to the global business elite gathered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump called on Saudi Arabia and its allies in OPEC to ramp up oil output, a move that would push down crude prices, choking a key revenue source for Moscow to fund its war. "I'm also going to ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to bring down the cost of oil. You got to bring it down, which, frankly, I'm surprised they didn't do before the election. I was a little surprised by that. If the price came down, the Russia, Ukraine war would end immediately, Trump said. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump made ending Russia's three-year full-scale invasion of Ukraine a priority and has been seeking to set up a meeting with Putin since winning election in November. However, the Kremlin has seemingly refrained from entering talks with analysts, saying Putin believes he is winning the war and thus sees no reason to stop the fighting. Russia has been gaining territory in eastern Ukraine at the fastest clip since the start of the war as Ukraine struggles to recruit troops. A day after he was inaugurated as president on January 20, Trump said he would impose more sanctions on Russia to get it to the table without saying what exactly he would target. He reiterated the warning the next day, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on January 23 -- before Trump spoke in Davos -- that Moscow "did not see any particularly new elements here" in what Trump said. Under Trumps predecessor, Joe Biden, the United States imposed sweeping sanctions on Russias economy, including its oil industry. Russias economy is heavily dependent on the export of oil, which accounts for more than 30 percent of its federal budget revenue. A decline in either Russian oil exports or the oil price would further strain the countrys already troubled economy. However, further sanctioning Russias oil industry -- such as designating its largest oil company Rosneft or more of its shadow oil fleet -- could lead to a jump in global energy prices unless other countries ramp up output. Saudi Arabia and some of its allies in OPEC are capable of boosting oil output quickly. Saudi Arabia currently has spare capacity of about 3 million barrels a day while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has about 1 million barrels. The spare capacity is the result of OPEC countries agreeing to crucial output to support high oil prices. Russia, a member of OPEC+, exports about 6.6 million barrels of oil and oil products a day. Prior to his speech to WEF participants, Trump spoke with Saudi Arabia's crown prince in his first call with a foreign leader since taking office earlier this week. The two discussed Middle East stability, combating terrorism, and boosting trade, according to a White House read out of the call. Chris Weafer, an oil industry expert and founder of the Macro-Advisory consulting firm, said he did not think Trump would be able to get the Saudis or other OPEC members to boost output to pressure the Kremlin on Ukraine. "It is most unlikely that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or the other OPEC producers will either want to engage in such a political move against fellow OPEC+ member Russia or to take any action which would result in them losing export earnings and giving a bigger market share to U.S. producers," Weafer told RFE/RL. "OPEC producers are still angry at the total disregard from Washington when the shale revolution boosted U.S. crude production and exports, taking market share from them," he said. David Oxley, chief climate and commodities economist at Capital Economics, said that while Saudi Arabia "has drifted away" from the United States in recent years, Trump does have solid ties with the country's leadership. "There have been signs of warming relations of late, and Trump is known to have good relations with Crown Prince MBS and also Saudi's Public Investment Fund," Oxley said in a January 23 note. He added that Saudi Arabia has also expressed frustration with other OPEC members for producing more than their quota and could "open the floodgates" to regain global market share. "This explicit invitation from Trump might be the cover that Saudi needs to open the spigots," he said. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Former President Trump called on OPEC to lower oil prices, arguing that high prices are funding Russia's war in Ukraine. The attack highlights Ukraine's increasing ability to target critical Russian infrastructure and its focus on disrupting Moscow's war effort. In an escalation of war, Ukrainian drones targeted the massive Ryazan oil refinery, one of Russias most critical energy assets. The overnight attack set a 20,000-ton oil storage tank ablaze and damaged vital infrastructure, including a hydrotreater and railway loading rack. This refinery, which processes 262,000 barrels per day (bpd)nearly 5% of Russia's refining capacityground to a halt, underscoring the vulnerabilities of Russias energy sector amidst the ongoing conflict. Videos of large blazes in the city of Ryazan are circulating on social media. A power station in the city has also been hit. Moscow is now claiming it intercepted 121 drones across 13 regions, but the strike on Ryazan speaks to Ukraines growing precision in targeting high-value sites. Kyivs strategic hit is in line with the countrys desire to disrupt Russian military logistics, as the refinerys products, including jet fuel and diesel, are key to sustaining Moscows war effort. As flames lit the night sky in Ryazan, the message was clear: energy infrastructure is fair game, and the repercussions extend far beyond the battlefield. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has intensified its energy infrastructure warfare component in recent weeks, with Russian airstrikes continuing to target Ukraines critical infrastructure in western Ukraine and Ukraine targeting the TurkStream pipeline that runs through southern Russia. President Donald Trump made some remarks at the World Economic Forum earlier, explicitly urging Saudi Arabia and OPEC to lower oil prices, arguing that high prices were enabling Russia to fund its war in Ukraine. If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately, Trump said, sending a clear message to OPEC producers to act quickly. Trumps comments at Davos stated that he wanted to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon and stop this ridiculous war. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com China's growing energy relationship with Russia and its existing LNG agreements with Qatar present challenges for U.S. energy exporters. The Trump Administration's threat of tariffs and the review of the existing trade agreement may not be enough to incentivize China to increase U.S. energy purchases. China's focus on diversifying its energy imports and securing long-term LNG deals could reduce its reliance on U.S. energy. Chinas energy security drive to diversify its imports of oil, gas, and coal, as well as its sputtering economic growth, could be reasons enough for the worlds second-largest economy not to pursue an energy deal with the Trump Administration. U.S. President Donald Trump did not impose tariffs on Chinese exports on Day 1 of his return to office. But Trump directed the United States Trade Representative to review the Economic and Trade Agreement signed during the Presidents first term. The review of the deal with China would help the new U.S. administration determine whether China is acting in accordance with this agreement. Following the review, the United States Trade Representative shall recommend appropriate actions to be taken based upon the findings of this review, up to and including the imposition of tariffs or other measures as needed, the Presidents America First Trade Policy memo says. In the trade war during President Trumps first term in office, China stopped buying any U.S. LNG for a year. The trade war that started in 2018 decimated American LNG exports to China after Beijing slapped tariffs on the super-chilled fuel in retaliation to U.S tariffs on billions of U.S. dollars worth of Chinese goods. Back then, Trump reached a so-called Phase 1 trade agreement with China in 2020, under which Beijing was to boost its purchases of American goods by $200 billion in the following two years. With Covid and its repercussions on Chinese and global economies, China failed to reach that target, which included Beijing buying more U.S. manufactured goods, agricultural products, and energy. The shortfall in the energy purchases target was the biggestChina managed to buy just one-third of the volumes it has pledged, according to U.S. Census Bureau data cited by Bloomberg. China was supposed to purchase billions of dollars worth of oil, coal, and LNG. Even before the pandemic, analysts had largely concurred that the Chinese promise to buy an additional $52.4 billion worth of U.S. energy products in 2020 and 2021 on top of the 2017 levels of Chinese energy imports was most likely unachievable, even if China intended to fulfill all its pledges in the deal. Since then, China has diversified its energy imports a pipeline from Russia is now delivering large volumes of gas, while China has become a top buyer of Russian oil, cheap at that, after Russia lost the Western oil markets. Gazprom started sending gas to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline at the end of 2019, and flows have now reached the maximum design capacity. With most of the European market now closed for Gazprom, the Russian gas giant is now betting big on China and its surging natural gas demand to offset the loss of sales that were previously going to Europe. Following the 2022 energy crisis and Chinas efforts to diversify oil and gas supply, Beijing has signed long-term LNG deals, including with American exporters. Cheniere Energy, for example, has signed a long-term deal with Chinas ENN to deliver LNG to the Chinese buyer for more than 20 years beginning in 2026the second such deal between Cheniere and ENN. But China also has agreements with Qatar, the worlds second largest LNG exporter after the United States. Compared to Trumps first term, China now has more options to procure enough natural gas supply, including from Russia and the United States. Buyers have contracted millions of tons of LNG from the U.S. with deliveries expected to begin from 2026. China has the option to boost U.S. LNG imports even further. The question is whether it would choose to do so and engage in trade negotiations or continue using its rare earths and key minerals dominance with export restrictions of critical minerals such as gallium, germanium, and antimony, which have military applications, among others. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com President Trumps drill, baby, drill policy promises to unleash a new boom in U.S. oil and gas production with eased regulations and greater access to export markets. Yet, U.S. producers will need market forces to align with the now friendly policy to pull Americas natural gas output out of the stagnation last year as a result of multi-year low domestic prices amid record output, warmer weather, and inventories above average. Higher demand for American gas will boost drilling activity, but it will also push up energy prices and costs for consumers and businesses. Higher costs are the opposite of what President Trump has been promising all year. Ultimately, the gas markets and prices, both at home and abroad, will determine how much natural gas American producers will pump in the near to medium term. At the beginning of President Trumps second term in office, the U.S. and international natural gas markets look supportive of a jump in American gas production with rising demand for LNG and surging domestic power demand, where gas could be the big winner of the AI-driven jump in electricity consumption. President Trumps policies are also supportive of the industry, with eased regulation, efforts to accelerate energy infrastructure, the lifting of the pause on LNG export permits, and last but not least the $500-billion AI initiative, which will begin in Texas. US Natural Gas Production U.S. gas producers, many of which had to curtail output last year due to low prices, are preparing to return to growth in drilling activity as additional demand is being created with the AI and data centers and the LNG exports. Higher LNG exports could also put a floor under U.S. gas prices, making boosting American production profitable for companies. Last year, U.S. shale gas production, which accounts for 79% of total dry natural gas production, decreased slightly and was on track for the first annual decline in EIA shale output records dating back to 2000. Output in Texas, home to the Permian, grew because gas is associated with oil production. But the Appalachian Basin, where the pure shale gas formations lie, saw a drop in output as the major gas-oriented companies scaled back drilling and deferred completions last year to sit out the low prices. As a result, U.S. natural gas production in 2024 was slightly lower than in the record year 2023. This year, the market fundamentals are aligning with President Trumps drill, baby, drill efforts. LNG Exports Driving U.S. Natural Gas Demand U.S. natural gas demand will rise with the start-up of additional LNG export plants. The EIA sees LNG exports as the leading source of natural gas demand growth in its latest monthly forecast. Exports of natural gas by pipeline and liquefied natural gas are set to increase by 2.9 Bcf/d in 2025, with most of the increase coming from LNG exports. U.S. LNG exports are expected to jump by 15% in 2025, reaching almost 14 Bcf/d, thanks to higher export capacity with the Plaquemines LNG and Corpus Christi LNG Stage 3 plants, which achieved first gas at the end of 2024. Europes gas demand could be a boon to U.S. LNG exporters as European gas storage will need to be filled to at least 90% of capacity by November 1, 2025, in anticipation of the 2025/2026 winter. Thats not even counting President Trumps tariffs all the way threat if Europe doesnt buy more U.S. oil and gas. One of the reasons behind the Biden Administrations now-reversed pause on LNG export approvals was that unrestricted exports would drive up gas prices for consumers in America. Under President Trump, approvals are expected to be expedited, which would support U.S. gas prices to levels enough for producers to return to growing output. If production grows too much too fast, again, the market forces of supply and demand will push prices lower. AI Boom to Boost Natural Gas Another major driver of the U.S. natural gas growth is the AI boom. After two decades of flat power consumption, U.S. electricity demand rose by 2% in 2024 and is set to rise at a similar pace this year and next, the EIA says. The surge in U.S. power demand due to AI advancements and data center construction is set to unleash a new boom in the buildout of natural gas power plants to provide reliable 24/7 electricity. Big Oil is already proposing to help power the AI revolution and the enormous energy consumption with gas power plants. Chevron and Exxon are talking to power generators, energy providers, and data centers to provide what they describe as lower-carbon energy. Natural gas-fired power generation in the United States soared to a record high last year, driving up global gas demand. Gas-fired power plants are the single largest source of U.S. power generation, at around 42-43%. U.S. power-generating companies are announcing plans for the highest volume of new natural gas-fired capacity in years. With the U.S. Administration now favoring natural gas and moving to accelerate energy infrastructure expansion, gas producers will benefit, and supply to consumers will rise. Gas demand will be driven by LNG exports, AI centers, and weather, of course. Supply and demand in the U.S. and global gas markets will be the ultimate drivers of Americas new gas boom or bust. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com - A year ago, EU gas storage sites were 75% full thanks to a much milder winter, raising the risk of storage levels dropping to 30-35% of capacity by the end of March and keeping TTF futures elevated at 49 per MWh. - The European Unions gas stocks have dipped below the 60% mark this week, trending at 57.6% as of January 23, potentially prompting gas buyers to buy more LNG this summer than initially expected. - The Southeast of the country saw the biggest impact on electricity prices as day-ahead indexes spiked at $509 per MWh on January 21, burning as much natural gas as possible, around 9.5 BCf per day. - Industrial facilities were impacted by grid reliability issues, with Freeport LNG reporting lower throughput rates because of ERCOT outages, sending overall utilization of US LNG facilities to a monthly low. - Natural gas demand skyrocketed with ERCOT gas power burn hitting 7.4 BCf per day on January 21, up 75% compared to the 2020-2024 average of 4.2 BCf per day, with aggregate loads only 0.6 GW away from reaching an all-time high. - An unprecedented winter storm that stretched from Canada all the way to the Gulf of Mexico has sparked another electricity price spike across the United States, seeing Texas temperatures trend 12-15 degrees below the long-term average of 45 F. Rare Texas Winter Storm Sends Energy Prices Soaring - An unprecedented winter storm that stretched from Canada all the way to the Gulf of Mexico has sparked another electricity price spike across the United States, seeing Texas temperatures trend 12-15 degrees below the long-term average of 45 F. - Natural gas demand skyrocketed with ERCOT gas power burn hitting 7.4 BCf per day on January 21, up 75% compared to the 2020-2024 average of 4.2 BCf per day, with aggregate loads only 0.6 GW away from reaching an all-time high. - Industrial facilities were impacted by grid reliability issues, with Freeport LNG reporting lower throughput rates because of ERCOT outages, sending overall utilization of US LNG facilities to a monthly low. - The Southeast of the country saw the biggest impact on electricity prices as day-ahead indexes spiked at $509 per MWh on January 21, burning as much natural gas as possible, around 9.5 BCf per day. Arctic Winter Worsens Europes 2025 Gas Outlook - The European Unions gas stocks have dipped below the 60% mark this week, trending at 57.6% as of January 23, potentially prompting gas buyers to buy more LNG this summer than initially expected. - A year ago, EU gas storage sites were 75% full thanks to a much milder winter, raising the risk of storage levels dropping to 30-35% of capacity by the end of March and keeping TTF futures elevated at 49 per MWh. - Replenishing drawn stocks would mean buying an additional 12 billion cubic meters of gas, equivalent to 120 LNG carriers worth some $6 billion, at a time when Russias pipeline gas exports were halted by the end of 2024. - Futures curves for the summer of 2025 are now well above 2026 winter contracts, reflecting a slower-than-assumed pace of US LNG commissioning, dampening Europes industrial output, already in contraction since 2022. Nigeria Roars Back to Strength After Years of Decline - Nigeria is finally recovering after years of slumping output, dilapidated infrastructure and widespread vandalism, with President Bola Tinubu declaring a war on oil theft and clamping down on more than 600 illegal oil refineries. - Nigerias crude production rose to 1.485 million b/d by the end of 2024, up exactly 150,000 b/d year-over-year, thanks to a notable improvement in its light sweet Bonny Light stream, previously subject to many pipeline attacks. - Despite many Western majors leaving the country, Nigeria is now producing within arms reach of its 1.5 million b/d OPEC+ production quota, a major turnaround from a low of 1.1 million b/d in 2022. - Concurrently, ending a decade of Nigeria not having any operational large-scale refinery, the country saw the launch of the giant 650,000 b/d Dangote refinery, followed up by NNPC resuscitating the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries. IEA Hails Global Renewables Rollout, Warns on Lagging Efficiency - Brushing aside tailwinds from Trumps Paris Agreement withdrawal, the head of the International Energy Agency stated that the world is on track to triple renewable capacity by 2030 but is failing on energy efficiency. - According to Fatih Birol, clean energy capacity will grow 2.7 times globally between 2023 and 2030, noting that 85% of all investments were coming from advanced economies and China with very little progress in developing nations. - Most of 2024 renewable growth was coming from solar energy, with wind notably decelerating, which is a problem considering 1 MW of solar capacity delivers the energy equivalent of only 0.5 MW of wind. - The COP28 target for global energy efficiency improvement stands at 4%, but recent years only saw a maximum of 2% with 2024 dipping even further to 1%, potentially slowing down further in the Trump era. Trumps Canada Tariff Threats Near Endgame - Donald Trumps first days in office saw no resolution to his tariff threats vis-a-vis Canada and Mexico, vowing to impose a 25% levy by February 1 for letting undocumented migrants and drugs move into the US. - The 47th Presidents final decision will have a lasting effect on the US downstream industry as American refiners import more oil from Canada than all other foreign companies combined, some 4.33 million b/d in the week ending January 17. - The American Petroleum Institute is lobbying the White House to keep crude oil exempted from tariffs, amidst projections that a 25% tariff would hike US gasoline prices by $0.50-0.70 per gallon, particularly in the Midwest. - Polymarket bets see a 7% chance of Trump enacting tariffs on Canada, mostly because such a move would create a fuel supply shortage in the US Midwest and Rockies where almost all imports are Canadian. Shrinking Cracks and Oil Oversupply to Help Trump in Lowering Gas Prices - The double whammy of lower gasoline cracks and crude oil oversupply are expected to lower US gasoline prices this year, with the US Energy Information Administration forecasting average 2025 prices falling by 11 cents per gallon. - Gasoline cracks in the US Gulf Coast are currently trading around $7-8 per barrel, halving year-over-year as in January 2024 they stood at 14-15 per barrel, limiting refiners profits when producing the light distillate. - The upcoming closure of LyondellBasells 260,000 b/d Houston refinery should provide a temporary lift to gasoline in the spring months, but Europes massive gasoline surplus will put a lid on global cracks. - The Rocky Mountains are set to be the one exception from the rule, seeing higher gasoline prices in 2025 due to rising gasoline consumption and stagnant refining, to be followed up by a 2026 rise in California gasoline prices after P66 shuts the 140,000 b/d Wilmington refinery in LA. Nickel Prices Collapse as Indonesia Supply Flood Fills Global Stocks - Nickel prices ended 2024 at their lowest level in four years, with cash settlement prices dipping to $15,100 per metric tonne, almost exclusively stemming from Indonesia flooding the market with new material. - Holding more than 50% of global nickel reserves, the metals global price now depends on Jakartas regulatory policy as Indonesian miners post average production costs of some $14,000/mt. - Luckily for miners, the Indonesian Mining Ministry announced plans to cut its nickel ore mining quota to 200 million tonnes, down 40 million tonnes compared to 2024, sparking a small recovery in prices to $15,600/mt. - Any significant price recovery will be capped by booming stocks of the metal as LME inventories rose to 173,064 metric tonnes, aggravated by a continued build-up in Chinese stocks. M23 rebels seized a town outside Goma, Congo, this week, closing in on the countrys main city of 2 million people en route to the capital. Congo will be an important battleground for critical minerals, and its eastern region, which borders Rwanda, has been engulfed with conflict and chaos for decades already. Now, various groups (as many as 100) are jockeying for control, with M23 making Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels this week released the crew of a vessel seized in November 2023, when they initially started their campaign against Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea in stated support of the Palestinians. Now, they are making moves to de-escalate, with a ceasefire in Gaza. This may not hold, with Trump re-designating the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization. Oman mediated the deal to release the crew this week. South Korean intelligence reports its suspicions that North Korea is gearing up to send more troops to Russia to fight in Ukraine, despite having suffered what South Korea has referred to as heavy casualties. Estimates now are that North Korea has sent up to 12,000 troops to Russia, while Russia is believed to be planning to transfer sophisticated nuclear weapons technology to Pyongyang in return. Ukraine claims that some 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed so far. Ukrainian intelligence also claims that Pyongyang is planning to send additional troops to Russian Kursk (missile and artillery). Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict South Korean intelligence reports its suspicions that North Korea is gearing up to send more troops to Russia to fight in Ukraine, despite having suffered what South Korea has referred to as heavy casualties. Estimates now are that North Korea has sent up to 12,000 troops to Russia, while Russia is believed to be planning to transfer sophisticated nuclear weapons technology to Pyongyang in return. Ukraine claims that some 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed so far. Ukrainian intelligence also claims that Pyongyang is planning to send additional troops to Russian Kursk (missile and artillery). Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels this week released the crew of a vessel seized in November 2023, when they initially started their campaign against Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea in stated support of the Palestinians. Now, they are making moves to de-escalate, with a ceasefire in Gaza. This may not hold, with Trump re-designating the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization. Oman mediated the deal to release the crew this week. M23 rebels seized a town outside Goma, Congo, this week, closing in on the countrys main city of 2 million people en route to the capital. Congo will be an important battleground for critical minerals, and its eastern region, which borders Rwanda, has been engulfed with conflict and chaos for decades already. Now, various groups (as many as 100) are jockeying for control, with M23 making aggressive advances. Rwanda is accused of backing M23. Discovery & Development Iraqs Midland Oil Co. announced a major oil find in the East Baghdad field, adding over 2 billion barrels to the nations reserves. Partnering with Chinas EBS, initial tests show a potential daily output of 5,000 barrels of high-value medium and light crude. This discovery bolsters Iraqs position as a leading oil producer, already near 5M bpd, and a key OPEC player. Analysts expect the premium-grade oil to fetch top dollar. Kuwaits state-owned Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) has unveiled a significant oil and gas discovery in the Al-Julaia marine field, further bolstering the nations energy reserves. The discovery is estimated to hold 800 million barrels of medium-density oil and 600 billion standard cubic feet of gasaround 950 million boe. The discovery comes after the Al-Nokhatha field find in July 2024 and is part of KPCs strategy to ramp up production capacity under its 2040 energy roadmap. The Al-Julaia field spans over 74 square kilometers, and initial exploration indicates high commercial viability. KPC is now fast-tracking plans for a 6,000-square-kilometer 3D survey to pinpoint further reservoirs and expedite production. Chevron is setting its sights on exploring hydrocarbons in Greece, targeting areas southwest of the Peloponnese peninsula and west of Crete, according to Greeces energy ministry. The ministry plans to finalize the exploration area this week and open an international tender soon. Chevron's move into Greece will help the country lower its energy costs amid Europes scramble to reduce reliance on Russian gas following the Ukraine conflict. The government is expanding its exploration zones by 25%, adding 11,000 square kilometers, as part of broader efforts to tap domestic resources. Chevrons interest follows ExxonMobils active involvement in gas exploration off Crete, signaling growing confidence in Greeces potential to play a significant role in global energy markets. Equinor has reignited the development of its controversial Bay du Nord oil project off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, awarding preliminary front-end engineering design (pre-FEED) contracts to BW Offshore and Altera Infrastructure. Estimated to hold 300 million barrels of light crude, this $12-billion project is touted as one of the worlds lowest-carbon oil developments per barrel, with a net-zero emissions target by 2050. Bay du Nord, located 500 km offshore in the Flemish Pass basin, has seen delays due to cost increases and legal challenges from environmental groups. Despite setbacks, Equinor sees the project as a cornerstone for Canadas offshore energy future, balancing economic and environmental priorities. Deals, Mergers & Acquisitions Energy analytics firm Enverus sees U.S. upstream mergers slowing this year as deal sizes shrink and fewer attractive assets remain. Still, smaller and mid-cap E&Ps may continue pursuing mergers for scale, with cost-saving measures like longer laterals helping to offset rising breakeven costs. The FTC approved ExxonMobils $64.5 billion merger with Pioneer Natural Resources and Chevrons $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corp., marking significant consolidation in the oil industry. The FTC imposed restrictions, barring former Pioneer CEO Scott Sheffield and Hess CEO John Hess from advisory roles at the acquiring companies to avoid potential collusion concerns. These mergers boost Exxons Permian output to 1.3 MMboe/d and strengthen Chevrons portfolio with Guyana's Stabroek block and Bakken shale assets. Iraq and Halliburton are finalizing a deal to develop the Nahr Bin Umar oilfield in southern Iraq, aiming to boost output from 50,000 bpd to 300,000 bpd. The agreement also includes plans to produce 300 million cubic feet of gas from the field. Additionally, the West Qurna 1 field, operated by PetroChina, is expected to increase production from 550,000 bpd to 750,000 bpd by the end of 2025. Through state-run Sinopec, China has proposed a $3.7 billion investment in a Sri Lankan refinery in a move seen largely as a play to expand its influence in the South Asian nation. This investment in the port city of Hambantota would be a boon for the economically challenged Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka and Sinopec will decide together on the disposition of exports from the refinery. The capacity of the refinery has not yet been disclosed. What Did the EIA Data Reveal About U.S. Inventories? In addition to his comments on oil prices, Trump raised the specter of tariffs, threatening 25% levies on Canadian and Mexican imports and a 10% duty on Chinese goods. These remarks added uncertainty to energy trade and global demand forecasts, fueling bearish sentiment. Traders responded with selling pressure, particularly in the second half of the week, as Trumps rhetoric clashed with his administrations pro-oil production policies?. President Donald Trumps remarks at the World Economic Forum served as a major catalyst for this weeks crude oil market downturn. Trump explicitly urged Saudi Arabia and OPEC to lower oil prices, arguing that high prices were enabling Russia to fund its war in Ukraine. If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately, Trump said, sending a clear message to OPEC producers to act quickly. Crude oil prices faced significant downward pressure this week, driven by President Donald Trumps direct call for lower oil prices and bearish inventory data from the United States. While tightening supplies from Russian sanctions and strong seasonal heating fuel demand provided some support, demand-side concerns and rising U.S. gasoline inventories tipped the scales, leaving markets under pressure. Oil Prices Under Pressure After Trump Calls on OPEC to Boost Production Crude oil prices faced significant downward pressure this week, driven by President Donald Trumps direct call for lower oil prices and bearish inventory data from the United States. While tightening supplies from Russian sanctions and strong seasonal heating fuel demand provided some support, demand-side concerns and rising U.S. gasoline inventories tipped the scales, leaving markets under pressure. How Did Trumps Comments Influence Market Sentiment? President Donald Trumps remarks at the World Economic Forum served as a major catalyst for this weeks crude oil market downturn. Trump explicitly urged Saudi Arabia and OPEC to lower oil prices, arguing that high prices were enabling Russia to fund its war in Ukraine. If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately, Trump said, sending a clear message to OPEC producers to act quickly. In addition to his comments on oil prices, Trump raised the specter of tariffs, threatening 25% levies on Canadian and Mexican imports and a 10% duty on Chinese goods. These remarks added uncertainty to energy trade and global demand forecasts, fueling bearish sentiment. Traders responded with selling pressure, particularly in the second half of the week, as Trumps rhetoric clashed with his administrations pro-oil production policies?. What Did the EIA Data Reveal About U.S. Inventories? The Energy Information Administrations (EIA) weekly petroleum report provided mixed signals. U.S. commercial crude oil inventories fell by 1.0 million barrels, bringing total stockpiles to 411.7 million barrels, about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year. While this draw would typically support prices, the market instead focused on the rise in refined product inventories, which painted a less bullish picture. Gasoline inventories increased by 2.3 million barrels, reflecting softer near-term demand for motor fuels. Meanwhile, distillate fuel inventories, critical for heating during the winter season, declined by 3.1 million barrels. The drop in distillates highlights the strong demand for heating fuels amid colder-than-average weather across much of the U.S. and Europe. Refinery activity also slowed, with inputs averaging 15.5 million barrels per day, a decrease of 1.125 million barrels per day compared to the previous week. Refineries operated at 85.9% of their capacity, indicating lower throughput and further contributing to the gasoline stock buildup. Can Chinas Economic Recovery Bolster Demand? Despite bearish trends in the U.S., optimism about Chinas recovery continues to provide a degree of market support. Chinas economic stimulus measures, including increased government spending and wage hikes, have bolstered expectations for higher energy consumption. The upcoming Lunar New Year travel season is expected to further lift demand for transportation fuels, making China a focal point for traders. Saudi Arabias decision to raise official selling prices (OSPs) for Asian buyers in February reinforces confidence in the regions strong demand outlook. However, challenges remain, as Chinas recent tax hikes on fuel oil imports could limit refinery activity, tempering some of the bullish expectations surrounding the worlds largest oil importer?. How Are Sanctions on Russia Tightening Global Supply? U.S. sanctions on Russian oil exports continued to ripple through the market this week, targeting 183 tankers and key producers like Gazprom Neft. These measures are designed to curtail Russian revenues but have also disrupted crude flows to major buyers such as China and India. Rising freight costs and logistical challenges are now pushing these nations to seek alternative supplies, including crude from the Middle East and Africa. This competition for barrels has driven spot premiums for Middle Eastern grades like Dubai and Oman to multi-month highs. The tightened supply resulting from Russian sanctions is one of the few factors providing a supportive backdrop for crude prices amid otherwise bearish sentiment?. Weekly Light Crude Oil Futures Trend Indicator Analysis The main trend is up on the weekly chart. The trend turned up when the market took out the swing top at $76.03. The main trend will change to down on a trade through $64.78. The short-term range is $80.00 to $61.61. The nearest support is its 50% level at $70.80. The long-term range is $85.78 to $59.55. The market is currently trading on the bullish side of its 50% level at $69.55. This is a major pivot. After taking out previous tops at $76.03 and $78.28, traders have their eyes set on $80.00. This is a potential trigger point for an acceleration into the two-year high at $85.78. Weekly Technical Forecast The direction of the Weekly Light Crude Oil Futures market the week ending January 31 is likely to be determined by trader reaction to $77.39. Bullish Scenario A sustained move over $77.39 will signal the presence of strong counter-trend buyers. If this creates enough near-term momentum, we could see an acceleration through $80.00 and put $85.78 on the radar. Bearish Scenario A sustained move under $77.39 will indicate the presence of new sellers. They could be profit-takers or new short-sellers. This could drive prices back into minor support at $72.11, followed by the major support zone at $70.80 to $69.55. What Lies Ahead for Crude Oil Markets? The crude oil market appears poised for near-term bearish pressure, driven by rising U.S. gasoline inventories, weaker refining activity, and President Trumps vocal push for lower oil prices. Trumps comments have amplified expectations of potential OPEC action, creating uncertainty about future supply dynamics. Additionally, the increase in U.S. gasoline stockpiles and softer production trends for refined products reflect weaker demand, further undermining bullish momentum. However, supply-side risks remain prominent. Tightening global supplies due to U.S. sanctions on Russian oil exports, coupled with strong seasonal heating fuel demand, could prevent a sharp price decline. Middle Eastern spot premiums and Saudi Arabias confidence in raising crude prices to Asia underscore underlying resilience in certain demand pockets. While supply disruptions may offer some support, the dominant narrative in the near term is one of demand-side weakness and geopolitical uncertainty. Prices are likely to struggle to maintain upward momentum unless Chinas recovery accelerates or OPEC+ signals stronger action to constrain supply. Traders should remain cautious, as crude oil prices may test lower levels in the coming weeks before any sustained rebound emerges. Technically, the market faces strong resistance at $79.44 to $80.00. However, the way of least resistance is down with the market having a clean shot at the $70.80 to $69.55 support zone. In conclusion, the short-term outlook is bearish, with downside risks outweighing bullish catalysts at this stage. Prices may face further pressure as the market digests inventory builds, lower refining utilization, and Trumps ongoing push for cheaper oil. Moscows newer strategy in occupied Ukraine is all about natural resources, including uranium, lithium, and coal, and its shifting of troops and target areas reflects this mineral grab that shows Washingtons decades-long lack of foresight. While natural resources did not appear to be forming Moscows initial strategy, back in 2022, at the start of its invasion of Ukraine, it took the first step towards this by occupying the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. Ukraine resumed control of that plant about a month later, but only to lose control of another nuclear plantZaporizhzhia in the southeast. At the time, this was more about wreaking havoc on Ukraines energy infrastructure. Now, its becoming about the security of vital supplies of coal, lithium, and uraniumwith the latter two being coveted by the West. In the summer of 2022, Russia took over Ukraines iron ore deposits near Dniprorudne, which used to provide Kyiv with some 4.5 million tons annually, most of it exported to other European countries. At the beginning of this war, SecDev (a Canadian think tank) estimated that Russia had taken over some $12 trillion in Ukrainian metals, including gold, natural gas, oil, iron ore, titanium, manganese, kaolinite, salt, gypsum, zirconium, and uranium. We dont have new estimates, but they will make this one pale by comparison. For the Kremlin, its no longer just about rendering Ukraine economically unviable, its about cashing in on all those minerals, many Oil markets have been fully focused on Trump this week, with particular attention being paid to his tariff threats and whether he will follow through with them. Uncertainty surrounding Trumps tariff threats on Canada and Mexico has been the key theme this week, with the oil markets awaiting February 1 to see whether its all part of a negotiation tactic or might become a reality. The US President has also called on OPEC to immediately increase oil production to lower oil prices, creating another point of contention between the cartel and the White House as ICE Brent ticked lower to $79 per barrel. Venture Global IPO Disappoints. US LNG developer Venture Global (NYSE:VG) raised $1.75 billion from the first IPO of Donald Trumps second presidential term, selling 70 million shares at $25 each, notably lower than the $2.3 billion target put forward initially with a $40-46 per share price. Trump Eyes Venezuela Sanction Snapback. US President Donald Trump announced that his administration would stop buying crude oil from Venezuela, potentially rescinding the 2022 Chevron waiver that allowed the US major to ramp up production to 200,000 b/d across the country. Bloomberg Steps In to Fund UN Climate Body. Former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg said his philanthropy arm would provide funding to the budget of UNFCCC, the United Nations climate body, trying to offset the financing void created by Trump withdrawing the US from the Paris agreement. Houston Refinery Readies for Full Shutdown. The 263,000 b/d Houston refinery operated by chemicals giant LyondellBasell (NYSE:LYB) will begin the first phase of its permanent closure this coming weekend, seeking to halt operations fully by the end of Q1 2025 as runs in the Gulf Coast are set to decline. China Hunts for New Downstream Markets. The government of Sri Lanka signed an agreement with Chinese state-controlled oil firm Sinopec (SHA:600028) to expedite the construction of the $3.7 billion 200,000 b/d Hambantota refinery, quadrupling the South Asian countrys refining capacity. Alberta Quietly Lifts Coal Mining Moratorium. The Alberta government has tacitly rescinded its 2022 moratorium on new coal exploration in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, reacting to a flurry of lawsuits launched by coal miners that seek a combined $15 billion in lost revenues and sunk costs. UAE Doubles Down on Shipping Expansion. ADNOC, the national oil company of the UAE, transferred its own tanker fleet to Singapore based shipping giant Navig8 after it bought 80% of the firm for $1.04 billion and committed to purchase the remaining 20% by mid-2027 for $335 million to $450 million. Service Giants Warn of American Drilling Slowdown. US oil service giant Halliburton (NYSE:HAL) warned of a deceleration in drilling activities across North America as it reported a $615 million profit in Q4 2024, with sales dipping 7% quarter-over-quarter in the United States to $2.2 billion on softer demand. Italy Prepares Full U-Turn on Nuclear. Having banned nuclear energy almost 40 years ago, Italy is now finalizing terms for a full regulatory U-turn by the end of 2027, allowing the use of nuclear power as Rome believes it could save $18 billion in decarbonization costs if it re-introduces nuclear energy. US Wind Projects Go from Bad to Worse. Danish wind energy major Orsted (CPH:ORSTED) posted an impairment charge of $1.7 billion in Q4 2024, citing ongoing delays and higher US financing costs for its 924 MW Sunrise Wind project, 30 miles east of the New York coastline, now expected to start in late 2027. LNG Freight Rates Collapse to Historic Lows. An overhang of ballasting LNG carriers and limited cargo availability sent LNG freight to historic lows as Atlantic carrier day rates slumped to $6,500 per day whilst in Asia daily rates garnered $8,000 per day, with no contango in the gas futures curve to support storage. Burning Gas Stocks, Europe Sticks to Inventory Targets. Whilst EU gas storage sites continue drawing down inventories and are currently 58% full, Brussels has indicated that it would extend binding storage targets for every member country until 2027 in case of further supply shocks. Trump Goes on the OPEC Offensive. US President Donald Trump called on OPEC to bring down the cost oil and asked the Saudi authorities to invest $1 trillion in the US economy, almost double of the 600 billion that Riyadh planned to invest in 2025-2029. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com ExxonMobil and its partner offshore Cyprus, QatarEnergy, on Friday started drilling for natural gas in an exploration block in the island nations exclusive economic zone, the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, said. The U.S. supermajor and Qatars state energy giant launched drilling activities in Block 5, Christodoulides wrote on X. Cyprus progresses exploration activities, aiming to be an alternative and reliable source of Natural Gas for the EU, the Cypriot president added. Cyprus has been hoping that its waters could hold giant natural gas resources, similar to the ones discovered in the Eastern Mediterranean offshore Egypt and Israel. Exxon previewed at the end of last year that it would start drilling in January 2025 an exploration well offshore Cyprus, targeting natural gas. We've spent the last two years collecting very detailed, three dimensional seismic data ... We've identified several large prospects, and the next stage is to bring in a drilling rig and to test those, John Ardill, Vice-president for global exploration at ExxonMobil, told Reuters in November. There is huge potential for gas exploration, Ardill said, adding that Exxon sees the Electra prospect as highly promising. Other international majors have been also exploring for natural gas offshore Cyprus. Italys Eni and its partner, Frances TotalEnergies, made two discoveries in 2022Cronos and Zeus. Last year, Eni said it had completed the drilling of a second appraisal well at the Cronos gas discovery offshore Cyprus, estimating additional production capacity as it looks to fast-track development of the field. Eni is a partner and operator in seven exploration licenses offshore the country. Cyprus could begin its first-ever production of natural gas as soon as 2026, the Mediterranean countrys Commerce, Industry, and Energy Minister George Papanastasiou told Reuters in an interview in early 2024. Exxon and the other U.S. supermajor, Chevron, are also looking to explore for oil and gas offshore Greece in the Mediterranean. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com JERA, the largest LNG buyer in Japan, plans to boost purchases from the United States to diversify its supply portfolio, a top company executive told Reuters on Friday. Japan, the worlds second-largest LNG importer after China, is looking to increase its energy security with diverse sources of supply and could face steeper competition from fellow Asian importer South Korea, the worlds third-biggest, as well as from Europe. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs all the way if Europe doesnt boost purchases of American oil and gas. South Korea, for its part, is looking to import more crude and LNG from the United States to diversify its energy supply and reduce its trade surplus with America, South Korean Energy and Trade Minister, Ahn Duk-geun, said last week. South Korea is considering more energy imports from the U.S. to potentially stave off tariffs that President Trump has promised to introduce on trade partners. In this global context, Japans JERA seeks to diversify its LNG supply to reduce exposure to exporters from the Asia Pacific region such as Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. JERA currently buys almost half of all its LNG from these exporters. This accounts for very high exposure. My plan is to rebalance that and to make our LNG supply portfolio more diversified, JERAs head of LNG division, Ryosuke Tsugaru, told Reuters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. The largest Japanese utility and LNG buyer wants to raise its exposure to U.S. LNG export projects under long-term contracts, Tsugaru said. The executive, however, added that JERA would be monitoring the U.S. policies for their long-term sustainability. Apart from more U.S. LNG, the Japanese firm is also looking at Qatar, the worlds second-largest LNG exporter after the United States, for additional supply. I am hopeful to continue and grow long-term LNG partnership with Doha, Tsugaru told Reuters. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The worlds biggest crude oil exporter, Saudi Aramco, bought this week its first cargo of U.S. WTI Midland, the crude grade which is now part of the dated Brent benchmark, S&P Global Commodity Insights told Reuters. The Saudi oil giant, which is also the worlds biggest oil company, bought the cargo in the Platts window from commodity trader Gunvor. This was Saudi Aramcos first purchase of WTI crude in the window, Joel Hanley, global director of crude and fuel oil markets at S&P Global Commodity Insights, told Reuters. Aramco, which looks to expand its crude trading business, has already sold WTI. This occurred in February last year. Aramco has clearly made a decision to get more involved in trading - we will see more and more of this, Adi Imsirovic, director at consultant Surrey Clean Energy, told Reuters. WTI Midland has gained popularity among crude oil traders since it was included in the dated Brent benchmark a year and a half ago. WTI Midland, produced in Texas, was included in June 2023 in the Dated Brent part of the Brent benchmark as one of several grades underpinning the contract. Dated Brent, the worlds leading benchmark price assessment is being assessed by Platts. Apart from WTI Midland, Dated Brent includes Brent, Forties, Oseberg, Ekofisk, and Trollall of these are crude grades produced in the North Sea. According to the Intercontinental Exchange, Brent is the price barometer for about 80% of global crude. Going forward, Saudi Aramco expects global oil demand to grow by a steady 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) this year compared to 2024, the oil giants chief executive Amin Nasser told Reuters earlier this week. We still think the market is healthy ... last year we averaged around 104.6 million barrels (per day), this year, we're expecting an additional demand of about 1.3 million barrels ... so there is growth in the market, Nasser told Reuters. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Despite President Trumps drill, baby, drill policies, it will be oil prices and Wall Street that will determine how much U.S. oil production will grow in the near term, shale investors and executives say. President Trump signed on his first day in office an executive order to unleash Americas energy by easing the barriers to oil and gas extraction and production and revoking a series of climate orders by President Biden. While the industry applauded the pivot to helping America make greater use of its oil and gas resources, companies are not rushing to dig themselves into another production boost. The key reason for this is that the nature of the shale business has changed as producers look to return more money to shareholders while the wave of mergers and acquisitions has led to bigger producers becoming even bigger by absorbing smaller ones. Large public companies are not inclined to sink capital in relentless drillingthey prioritize returns to investors. Moreover, the shale industry has made huge progress in capital discipline and efficiency gains and is getting more bang for its buck. Priorities are now returns to investors and financial frames capable of withstanding oil price volatility. It will not be the White House but Wall Street that will dictate how much U.S. oil output will grow, according to Wil VanLoh, CEO at Quantum Energy Partners, one of the biggest shale investors. Investors dont have a political agenda. They have a financial agenda, VanLoh told the Financial Times. Prices will be a bigger signal than politics, Ben Dell, managing partner at Kimmeridge, told FT, commenting on the future incentives for shale producers. President Trump may not be too much help for U.S. producers in terms of prices. In his first week in office, he already said that he would ask OPEC to lower oil prices. Im also going to ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to bring down the cost of oil, President Trump said in an address to the World Economic Forum. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The country has signed deals with Chinese and Russian firms to extract lithium, but these deals are facing opposition and are contingent on lithium prices remaining high. Bolivia is making a play to become a major global lithium producer by partnering with Russian and Chinese firms but who has the better end of the deal? Increasingly vocal opposition groups comprising lawyers as well as constituents argue that the nations most recent deals with Russia and China, currently pending congressional review, are a sweetheart deal for the international firms and, therefore, a raw deal for Bolivia. But backers of the developments argue that these steps are both prudent and necessary to develop Bolivian lithium as well as the nations economy. In 2023, a Chinese firm built Bolivias first industrial-scale lithium plant. In 2024, the Bolivian government inked deals with Russias Uranium One Group and Chinas CBC. Those deals are currently awaiting approval from congress. With the two new contracts, we plan to reach 49,000 tons of lithium carbonate annually within three years, Omar Alarcon, president of state-owned lithium company YLB, was quoted by Bloomberg. And we plan to send a new contract to Congress in the first quarter of the year. Bolivia is home to the biggest proven lithium deposits on the globe but, to date, does not produce any meaningful share of the worlds commercial lithium. The form in which the nations lithium naturally occurs a magnesium-rich brine under the countrys Uyuni Salt Flats is costly to process due to its low levels of purity. Plus, Bolivia is one of just two land-locked countries in South America, meaning that ports to export lithium to China and other buyers are far away and require border crossings to access. Bolivia consistently ranks as South Americas poorest nation, so developing the countrys naturally rich deposits of lithium could provide a key inroad to developing the national economy. However, Bolivia has been unable to woo private investors. According to a recent summation from Bloomberg, Bolivias history of political and social unrest and a state-led approach to natural resources have been deterrents to private capital. With no public capital to speak of and no sway with private capital, Bolivia has little choice but to collaborate with better-resourced nations like China. Bolivia may be rich in natural resources, but it is a very poor nation, which makes the prospects of autonomously operating lithium-mining projects slim, says the Harvard International Review. But even with investment from Chinese and Russian firms, Bolivia faces considerable challenges to building a healthy and profitable industry. In addition to the lack of national capacities and the relatively impure form of lithium that exists in abundance in Bolivia, there are also unfavorable international market trends to contend with. Lithium demand growth saw a major slowdown in 2024 as EV demand slumped on a global level. As a result, lithium prices have tanked in recent months. The contracts that Bolivia has inked with China and Russia are constructed on much higher average lithium prices, with an estimate of $30,000 per ton. Current prices are hovering more around the $10,000 mark. Omar Alarcon, president of Bolivian state-owned lithium company YLB, says that a minimum price point of $10,000 is necessary to keep the plants economically viable. Under the stipulations of the agreements, Bolivia will repay the approximately $2 billion in Chinese and Russian investments in kind, with lithium carbonate. In addition to the potentially sticky economics of these contracts, the arrangement will likely harm more than help Bolivian locals. While the investing dollars are highly unlikely to trickle down to poor Bolivians, they stand to bear the brunt of the negative environmental externalities associated with lithium extraction. The high desert where the Salt Flats are located is one of the driest places in the world, and lithium extraction requires massive amounts of water, posing serious threats to local water security. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com No fewer than seven people were killed in a robbery attac by an eleven-man gang on the premises of a bank at Ido Ani.. The robbers hit a branch of First Bank in Idoani, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. The robbers were reported to have stormed the town in the afternoon of Monday, shooting sporadically. They broke the banks security doors with an explosive device. The bank is said to be the only commercial bank in Idoani, serving the other neighboring towns as well. The robbers shot and killed seven people, including bank officials, a Police Inspector as well as two customers using the Automated Teller Machine (ATM). Five other persons who sustained serious injuries are presently on admission at the intensive care unit at the General Hospital in the town. According to an eyewitness account, the robbers escaped through the bush in the area with an unspecified amount of money stolen from the bank. Shortly after their escape, men of the Nigerian Army arrived at the scene. The Ondo State Police Commands Public Relations Officer, Mr Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident. He said that one suspect has been apprehended in connection with the robbery attack and investigations are ongoing to fish out the fleeing members. He appealed to residents to be law-abiding, remain calm not to entertain fears as the police are on top of the situation Post Views: 62 Senator Abubakar Sodangi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa state, has tipped President Muhammadu Buhari to win the rescheduled presidential election on February 23. Sodangi made the prediction on Monday, while speaking on the postponement of the polls in an interview with newsmen in Nasarawa, Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state. He said that Buhari had done a lot to transform the nations economy and wellbeing of the citizenry. According to him, by the grace of God, we will emerge victorious during the polls. My party, the APC has done a lot, especially in the area of security, anti-corruption war and economy, which have direct bearing on the lives of Nigerians. Also Gov.Tanko Al-Makura has done his best in transforming the state and we are happy with his developmental strides. So, because of what the president has done, the electorate are eager to re-elect him for second term, Sodangi said. The former legislator described Buhari not only as an anti-corruption crusader but a man of integrity. He, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to vote massively for the re-election of the president. He also advised Nigerians to be law abiding, peaceful before, during and after the polls. Sodangi, who represented Nasarawa West in the Senate from 1999 to 2011 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, joined APC in 2016. The Director, Weights and Measures Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, says that oil dealers have been cheating Nigerians of N198,500 per truck sold. Mohammed Sidi said this in Abuja during a surveillance activity of the department to some fuel stations. He said that the action was to ensure that all commercial transactions involving the use of weights and measures were accurate, fair and legal. Every weighing equipment in all sectors of the economy, whether oil and gas or non- oil and gas must be up to the required standard, Sidi said. At Forte Oil Station, Maitama, opposite Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the team found that customers lost 0.5 litres of fuel in every 20 litres they bought. The team sealed three of the dispensing pumps and collected their certificate of clarification. This is because the officials of Weights and Measures discovered that for every 20 litres of fuel dispensed to customers of the filling station, not less than 0.5 litres was found to be a shortage to customers. We have 33 litres in a truck and when for every 20 litres, it is short with 0.5 litres which means that in a truck they will be making a profit of N198,500 per truck, Sidi said. The team also visited Forte Oil station at Ibrahim Babangida Boulevard, opposite National Universities Commission and found that customers were cheated by the same quantity of fuel. The team sealed three dispensing pumps for oil and one for diesel. At Dan Oil on Airport Road, the team found that customers lost 0.6 litres for every 20 litres bought and sealed three petrol pumps and one diesel pump. At the filling station, the attendants quickly adjusted some pumps immediately they sighted the officials. The managers at all the stations refused to comment. The team also visited Mabushi District cement depot and certified bags of cement found in the place as having the right quantity. The bags of cement checked were Bua, Dangote and Sokoto cement products. The Chairman of the depot Mr Maxwell Nnamani said that the depot always maintained standards and urged other dealers to do same. Nnamani said that although the issue of re-bagging had been a problem in the industry, it was being addressed. The team also visited the 7UP Company at Idu Industrial Area to measure different products. At ShopRite mall at the Jabi Lake, the team expressed satisfaction after measuring different products. We are happy because there is a lot of improvement from the non-oil sectors compared to what we witnessed before, Sidi said. He appealed to members of the public report any suspected discrepancies by products dealers to the department to enable it to do its job better. The minority leader of the Senate, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the impeachment of Kogi State Deputy Governor, Mr Simon Achuba by the House of Assembly. Abaribe, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, urged Buhari to rise above party affiliations and intervene to ensure the countrys constitution was protected, if the authorities in Kogi state failed to do so, NAN reports. He also advised judges in Kogi, particularly the Chief Justice to borrow a leaf from the Imo State experience and shun any invitation to swear-in a new deputy governor in whatever guise. Abaribe declared as `reprehensible the deliberate denigration of the countrys constitution, for the Kogi State Assembly to go ahead to impeach Achuba. He added that this was even when a panel set up by the State Chief Judge to investigate him returned a no-guilty verdict. Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended is very emphatic in the circumstance that is to say that the State Assembly shall cease any further proceedings in the impeachment process. Specifically, Section 188(8) states that Where the panel reports to the House of Assembly that the allegation has not been proved, no further proceedings shall be taken in respect of the matter. So, where did the Kogi State Assembly members derive the power to move ahead with the process? Has Nigeria not been reduced to this rudderless state with this disdainful attitude to our laws and democratic ethos? Abaribe queried. The minority leader warned that with the direct affront on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the actions of the State Assembly, the very foundations of the country had been utterly shaken. The 1999 Constitution as amended is the ground norm of the country and the Kogi Assembly has committed a heinous breach of this sacred document. If their illegal action is sustained, then it strikes at the heart of democracy in Nigeria. We must do the right thing and Nigeria must not be seen as a lawless country. I call on institutions of democracy to urgently activate the right principles in the defence of our democracy. Kogi Assembly should look beyond now and stop this illegality, he added. Abaribe expressed concern on how the assembly acted swiftly and in the middle of the night to impeach Achuba less than 30 minutes on receiving the not-guilty report from the panel. The Federal government has confirmed a third case of Coronavirus in Nigeria. According to the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, the patient is a Nigerian lady who recently returned to Lagos from the UK. The minister said she is clinically stable and is being treated at the Infectious disease hospital in Lagos. The first confirmed case is of an Italian man who is still undergoing treatment. The second is a Nigerian who had contact with the Italian man. He has since tested negative to the disease after undergoing treatment. Oregon State auditors flag spending issues in Koteks office By Oregon State Senator Daniel Bonham, Press Release As our majority party gloats about raising taxes their leader is currently under fire for mismanagement of funds the irony of the timing is almost humorous. State auditors recently found through anonymous complaints that our Governor was being a little liberal with our taxpayer funds. Here are some examples of issues flagged: Queen concert tickets Parking costs in Washington D.C. Catering services at the Governors mansion Tickets to the Portland Gay Mens Chorus and more! Our most unpopular Governor in the nation continues to not do herself any favors. Instead of gloating about raising taxes on our residents, I call on our Supermajority to denounce these out-of-control spending habits and work to improve the popularity of their highest-ranking official. A For Sale sign is displayed in front of a home in August in Morton Grove, Ill. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell in 2024 to a nearly 30-year low for the second year in a row, the National Association of Realtors said Friday. Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press The latest evidence that homeownership is becoming less accessible to Americans: For the second time in as many years, sales of previously occupied homes across the U.S. fell last year to a 30-year low. Higher mortgage rates, a yearslong shortage of homes on the market and record-high home prices continued to stymie prospective home shoppers, especially first-time buyers. That pushed existing home sales down 0.7% last year to 4.06 million the weakest showing for U.S. home sales since 1995 and edging out the terrible year for sales in 2023, the National Association of Realtors said Friday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad San Antonio bucked the national trend. Despite facing the same factors that racked markets across the U.S., the number of homes sold in the area last year was up 3.5% from 2023 to nearly 35,000. In San Antonio and across the nation, a dearth of homes on the market and rising mortgage rates gave sellers an edge over buyers. That helped to drive up the national median home price for all of last year to an all-time high $407,500, an increase of 4.7%. In San Antonio, though, the median sale price dipped 1.8% to $308,970, according to the San Antonio Board of Realtors. How is it possible that home sales can be this low, considering that the U.S. population has increased by more than 70 million over this time period from 1995 to today? said Lawrence Yun, the national associations chief economist. One can partly answer that question because of the affordability issue. Record-high home prices, mortgage rates having risen, but also lack of inventory. The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump dating back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage surged to a 23-year high of nearly 8% in October 2023 and briefly fell to a 2-year low last September, but has been mostly hovering around 7%, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The buying power of Americans now facing higher costs to borrow money for homes that have soared in value has been significantly stunted. With so few homes up for sale, millions of would-be homebuyers have found themselves on the sidelines. At the end of December, there were just 1.15 million homes on the market, NAR said. While that was up 16.2% from a year earlier, the inventory remained well below the annual historical average of about 1.98 million, according to data going back to 1999. The available inventory at the end of last month amounts to a 3.3-month supply, going by the current sales pace. In a more balanced market between buyers and sellers, there is a 4- to 6-month supply. This means that the problems in the U.S. housing market continue to worsen in terms of availability of homes for sale and the upward pressure on home prices, Eugenio Aleman, chief economist at Raymond James, wrote in a research note. Many factors have contributed to the housing shortage, including more than a decade of below-average new home construction and homeowners hanging on to their properties longer. And while President Donald Trump made increasing the housing supply one of his election campaign platforms, there are no quick fixes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Over the past decade, the U.S. has averaged about 5.2 million home sales annually, said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS. It is going to take years before we are back at that level, maybe not even until the 2030s. The lack of inventory is the key constraint. A sharp drop in the mortgage rate boosted the purchasing power of Americans in 2020 and 2021. While many economists predict that the average rate on a 30-year mortgage will ease this year, they generally dont expect it to fall below 6%, about twice what it was five years ago. When mortgage rates ease, they can encourage home shoppers. A pullback in rates last fall helped home sales increase on a monthly basis in the last three months of the year. Home sales in December rose 2.2% from the previous month on a seasonally adjusted basis to a 4.24 million annual pace, NAR said. That topped the 4.2 million pace forecast by analysts polled by FactSet. Sales rose 9.3% in December versus the same month last year. The median home sales price rose for the 18th consecutive month in December to $404,000, up 6% from a year earlier. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Limited inventory, especially in the more affordable price range of a given market, helps drive prices higher. Thats one reason many first-time homebuyers, who dont have any home equity to put toward their down payment, continue to struggle. They accounted for 31% of all homes sold last month, up from 30% in November and 29% in December 2023. However, the annual share of first-time buyers was 24%. Its been 40% historically. 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: from Pexels High-level political connections within a company's board of directors can significantly enhance market perceptions of the value of corporate cash holdings, according to a new study. Politically connected firms around the world often receive economic favors, but until now the true extent of this financially beneficial relationship was unknown. Leading experts in corporate finance and governance analyzed 16,706 items of data from Chinese firms over a nine-year period, to examine how political power influences the market value of cash holdings. These data included the company's cash reserves, each director's position in the hierarchy of power, and corporate governance measures. The findings reveal that directors with high-level political powersuch as those ranked at the Bureau-Department level and higher (e.g., central government) in China's civil servicehelp increase the flow of money through greater access to resources and better investment opportunities. By contrast, directors with low-level political power have little impact on corporate cash value. The research, led by the University of Portsmouth and published in the British Journal of Management, comes at a time when the barriers between business and government are under intense scrutiny. Lead author Professor Jia Liu, Director of the University of Portsmouth's Center for Innovative and Sustainable Finance (CISF), said, "While focused on China, our findings hold implications for any country where political capital influences corporate success. They reveal how directors with high-level political influence help firms secure key investments and manage cash efficiently. This insight will help boards and management to create better political strategies and government practices. "We've also challenged the notion that all politically connected directors are equally beneficial -political capital is not a one-size-fits-all asset." The study offers actionable insights for company boards and policymakers worldwide. It recommends firms evaluate the specific political and professional expertise of potential directors and leverage high-ranking political ties to increase the value of the company. Meanwhile, governments and regulatory bodies can use these findings to inform corporate governance policies, ensuring that political connections are used to strengthen economic growth and not just individual profit. "Political sway can be used as a force for good to help drive the economy and maintain strong business models," explained Professor Liu. "But the delicate balance between business and government is often abused and steps need to be taken to reduce corruption and promote transparency. "Take for instance the Michelle Mone case in the U.K. The businesswoman and member of the House of Lords has been accused of helping a company linked to her family secure big government contractsworth hundreds of millions of poundsduring the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigators are looking into whether rules were broken and if she unfairly benefited from taxpayers' money." In October last year, U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer repaid 6,000 in gifts after a row over donations. Two months later the government announced proposals to limit how much individuals and companies can donate to political parties as part of an effort to tighten the rules around money in politics. Meanwhile, in the U.S., billionaire Tesla and X (Twitter) owner Elon Musk was announced as a co-chair of Donald Trump's newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which some critics say will give him influence over government policy and arguably the regulatory environment in which his enterprises operate. "Some might see this move a bit like tasking a fox with the security of a chicken coop," observed Professor Liu. "Clearly, as the paper reveals, high-level political connections result in an influence that can benefit companies significantly, so close monitoring of politico-corporate relationships is essential for obviating any possibility of corruption." More information: Jia Liu et al, Hierarchical Political Power and the Value of Cash Holdings, British Journal of Management (2025). DOI: 10.1111/1467-8551.12893 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: August de Richelieu from Pexels The old saying "all politics is local" has become increasingly outdated in a world of growing political polarization. In recent years, federal lawmakers have been motivated to focus more on national politics, WashU political scientist Jaclyn Kaslovsky said. "Politics has become more competitive, and representatives from both parties feel incentives to coalesce around national brands," said Kaslovsky, an assistant professor of political science in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. Still, some politicians continue to keep their home districts in mind. In a paper recently published in the American Journal of Political Science, Kaslovsky and co-author Pamela Ban, an assistant professor of political science at the University of California, San Diego, found that women in the U.S. House of Representatives were especially likely to discuss their districts when speaking on the congressional floor. "Women are bringing their constituents into the conversation," Kaslovsky said. Kaslovsky and Ban collected transcripts from House hearings from 1999 to 2018beginning in the Clinton administration and carrying into the first Trump administration. Then, they created a dictionary of words and phrases that suggest local advocacy, including "community," "district," and "my constituents." The dictionary also included names of cities, counties, and other geographical locations. "When a representative mentions a city or a county in their district, they're likely talking about local issues," Kaslovsky said. Overall, female representatives were more likely than their male counterparts to use these keywords during hearings. This trend could be seen for both parties, but the gender gap was only significant among Democrats. "Republican women have incentives to show they're true conservatives and that might lead them to focus more on party branding," Kaslovsky said. Several factors could be driving women to serve as stronger advocates for their home districts, Kaslovsky said. "Voters seem to hold women to a higher standard," she said. "Women face a lot of barriers entering politics, so they feel pressure to deliver for their constituents. They procure more funds for the district but also sponsor more legislation." Kaslovsky, who joined WashU in July, was previously an assistant professor at Rice University, where she worked with two other researchers who also moved on to WashU's top-ranked Department of Political Science: Associate Professor Matthew Hayes and Diana Z. O'Brien, the Bela Kornitzer Distinguished Professor. In her Dean's Distinguished Lecture in October, O'Brien said that women are underrepresented at every level of politics, from local to national. When women make it to higher office, she said, they tend to be more successful at making laws that help their constituents. Kaslovsky agreed that the country would be better served if more women were elected. "Currently, women make up less than 30% of the U.S. House of Representatives, so there's a lack of parity compared with the population," she said. But Kaslovsky added that the tendency of female lawmakers to focus on local issues doesn't automatically make them better representatives. "I hesitate to make those sorts of value judgments," she said. "If you're a constituent, you might want a legislator who's going to be making a really big impact on a national scale." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The current U.S. House of Representatives includes several high-profile women on both sides of the aisle who frequently weigh in on national political issues, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. "Ocasio-Cortez is often held up as a face of the Democratic Party, and her constituents seem to like that," Kaslovsky said. "But it's also not clear if she and other women are really trying to go against stereotypes to become national brands or if the media is just more focused on their behaviors." The 125 women in the U.S. House of Representatives bring a wide range of ideologies, personalities, speaking styles and areas of focus to the job, Kaslovsky said. But they all face some of the same gender-based expectations and pressures: "Constituents expect them to deliver." More information: Pamela Ban et al, Local orientation in the U.S. House of Representatives, American Journal of Political Science (2024). DOI: 10.1111/ajps.12929 Journal information: American Journal of Political Science This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain How fruit flies mate may hold a key to limiting the spread of diseases by mosquitoes. In a new study, University of Iowa researchers found a gene that orchestrates the antenna movements of female fruit flies, which is central for them to detect the unique sound produced by prospective male mates. That gene, the Iowa researchers say, is present in mosquitoes and can be silenced, which in theory would lessen the chances of mating, and thus limit mosquitoes' population growth. Mosquitoes are well-known vectors for a host of diseases that affect human health. In the United States, those diseases include West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Zika. Female mosquitoes spread those diseases among animals and humans when biting them, extracting blood contaminated with a disease germ that then can be transmitted to others in subsequent bites. "Mosquitoes actually have a very similar mechanism to fruit flies of a type of active tuning, which could have implications for deterring the spread of so many diseases," says Daniel Eberl, professor in the Department of Biology at Iowa and the study's corresponding author. "So, understanding how fruit flies and mosquitoes not only mate but also how they hear could have important considerations for human health." Researchers at the University of Iowa have found the gene that orchestrates the fine tuning of antennae in fruit flies so they're on the same frequency for mating. In this video, a male fruit fly (species Drosophila melanogaster) flaps its wings, creating a distinct "song" to attract a female. Mosquitoes have the same gene and a similar courtship ritual, meaning that canceling the gene could in theory control mosquito population growth. Credit: Daniel Eberl lab, University of Iowa The researchers used tiny microphones to pick up sound when a species of male fruit fly flaps its wings. It's those vibrations, or pulses, in the air from the beating of the wings that are picked up by the antennae of the female fruit flies, signaling that a male mate is present. You can think of a female fruit fly's antenna as a sensory organ, which "hears" the vibrations similarly to the human ear. What is interesting is that not every courtship song is the same. "I think a key point for us is that the songs that they sing are a little bit different in closely related species," Eberl says. "The spacing between the pulses is distinct for each species. And that's why it's important, because they want to mate with a mate from their own species. So, the song helps them give that recognition of the same species." Biologists have known female flies tune their antennae to a frequency similar to the range of sound emanating from a male of a similar species. What they didn't know is how exactly that fine-tuning took place, and specifically where. The Iowa researchers examined the hearing in Drosophila melanogaster, a well-known and long-studied species of fruit fly. In particular, they studied the fly's Johnston's organ, located in the antenna, and the place where sound is detected. Within the Johnston's organ, they found and studied a pathway called a potassium ion channel, which energizes neurons involved in the fly's hearing. Investigating further, they learned that a gene, called Shal, is the gatekeeper of sorts for the ion channel, dictating when outside sounds or movements are converted to electrical signals that are then passed along between neurons. That cascade of events, managed by the Shal gene, seemed essential for the fly to hear. The researchers then canceled the Shal gene to confirm its role in a female fly's antenna tuning, and thus, its hearing. 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. "Without the Shal gene, it loses that ability to tune," says Eli Gregory, an undergraduate human physiology major from Cedar Rapids who carried out the gene-canceling experiments. "The female loses its ability to tune that antenna to that frequency. And so, you get this lower response in mating from that female." Mosquitoes employ a similar method in their courtship rituals. That means "we could conceivably knock out that gene or that potassium channel and prevent mosquitoes from being able to mate as effectively as they do, which could mean fewer mosquitoes; therefore, fewer problems for human health," Eberl says. The study, "The voltage-gated potassium channel Shal (Kv4) contributes to active hearing in Drosophila," was published online Dec. 17 in eNeuro, an open access journal of the Society for Neuroscience. More information: Eli S. Gregory et al, The Voltage-Gated Potassium ChannelShal(Kv4) Contributes to Active Hearing inDrosophila, eneuro (2024). DOI: 10.1523/ENEURO.0083-24.2024 Journal information: eNeuro This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A teacher works inside an empty classroom after in-person classes were suspended due to dangerous heat in Iloilo City, central Philippines on April 2, 2024. Extreme weather disrupted the schooling of about 242 million children in 85 countries last yearroughly one in seven students, the UN children's agency reported Thursday, deploring an "overlooked" aspect of the climate crisis. Heat waves had the biggest impact, the report showed, as UNICEF's executive director Catherine Russell warned children are "more vulnerable" to extreme weather. "They heat up faster, they sweat less efficiently, and cool down more slowly than adults," she said in a statement. "Children cannot concentrate in classrooms that offer no respite from sweltering heat, and they cannot get to school if the path is flooded, or if schools are washed away." Human activity, including the unrestricted burning of fossil fuels over decades, has warmed the planet and changed weather patterns. Global average temperatures hit record highs in 2024, and over the past few years they temporarily surpassed a critical 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold for the first time. That has left the wet periods wetter and the dry periods dryer, intensifying heat and storms and making populations more vulnerable to disasters. The 242 million figure is a "conservative estimate," the UNICEF report said, citing gaps in the data. Students from kindergarten to high school saw classes suspended, vacations moved, reopenings delayed, timetables shifted and even schools damaged or destroyed over the year due to climatic shocks, the available data showed. At least 171 million children were affected by heat wavesincluding 118 million in April alone, as temperatures soared in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Thailand and the Philippines. In the Philippines in particular thousands of non-air conditioned schools were closed, with children at risk of hyperthermia. Risk rises with temperatures September, which marks the start of the school year in many countries, was also heavily impacted. Classes were suspended in 18 countries, notably due to the devastating typhoon Yagi in East Asia and the Pacific. South Asia was the region hardest hit by climate-related school interruptions, with 128 million schoolchildren affected. India had the most children affected54 million, mainly by heat waves. Bangladesh had 35 million also affected by heat waves. The figures are likely to rise in coming years as temperatures continue going up, with half the world's childrenaround one billionliving in countries at high risk of climate and environmental shocks. If the emission of greenhouse gases continues on its current trajectory, eight times as many children will be exposed to heat waves in 2050 as in 2000, according to UNICEF projections. More than three times as many would be exposed to extreme floods and 1.7 times more to wildfires, the projections showed. Beyond the immediate impacts, UNICEF voiced fears that the damage could increase the risk of some childrengirls in particulardropping out of school altogether. Already, some two-thirds of children around the world cannot read with comprehension by age 10, it said, adding: "Climate hazards are exacerbating this reality." Education is one of the services most frequently disrupted by climate hazards, Russell said. "Yet it is often overlooked in policy discussions," she warned. "Children's futures must be at the forefront of all climate-related plans and actions." UNICEF called for investment in classrooms that are more resistant to climate hazards. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Full-time return-to-office (RTO) mandatesmost recently from JPMorgan Chase, Amazon and now the U.S. federal governmenthave made headlines across the country and caused consternation among remote and hybrid employees. Whether one isor is nota supporter of remote and hybrid work, the challenges that arise with RTO and with remote/hybrid arrangements are important to consider from both sidesemployers and employees. Baylor University management expert Sara Jansen Perry, Ph.D., who studies employee stress and well-being, including the role of remote/hybrid work and leadership, said working from home has existed in some form for decades, and research suggests it will continue to be an option for many workers and organizations. "We know many employees value remote work so much as a benefit that they will choose jobs based on whether it is an option," Perry said. "Fortunately, we have seen many benefits of remote work as well, including employee productivity, cost savings, enhanced work-life balance and well-being, to name a few. "Even if employees return to the office a few days a week, these benefits can still be realized, including longer term organizational benefits in terms of retention and applicant attraction. However, if an organization is set on returning to office full time, there are some challenges they should consider and proactively address." Perry highlights three key challenges about Return to Office mandates from the perspectives of both employers and employees, applying foundational topics in organizational psychology, among them leadership, trust, culture, performance management and retention: Return to Office: What are employers' greatest challenges? Challenge No. 1: Emotional Resistance to the Change and Effects on Culture/Morale. People generally do not like change, especially when they don't feel empowered in making decisions about it. When it feels like a benefit is being taken awayin this case with a Return to Office mandatethe emotional resistance can be even stronger, Perry said. She said six strategies can help employers best guide and support their employees who are returning to the office: Voice and Choice: Give voice and choice wherever possible about how returning to the office will work. Transparency: Be transparent throughout about reasoning behind decisions. (Was something wrong with the prior arrangement? What was it? What challenges are the employees possibly facing in prior arrangement that this will fix?) Data-driven decision-making: Use data when explaining decisions. "If you don't have good reasons to support a change, including data, reconsider the policy," Perry said. Open posture: Remain open to feedback, flexibility and continued improvements. Empathy: Consider your employees' perspectives and address emotional responses with empathy and rationality in all communications. Communicate trust and empowerment: Show employees you still trust them and empower themthis should happen through leadership words and deeds. "Many employees assume RTO is all about lack of trust and the need by managers to micromanage. You will have to convince your employees otherwise," Perry said. Challenge No. 2: Risks of Turnover. If morale and culture do suffer, risks of turnover will be high, Perry said, so how do employers manage the turnover challenge, especially with high performers and employees seeking opportunities to advance their careers? Fairness vs. flexibility: I-dealsidiosyncratic deals that provide individualized work arrangementscan ensure that top performers will not leave. But perceptions of fairness across various i-deals must be considered as well, in conjunction with mandates from higher leadership about RTO, Perry said. Continuous commitment: Employers should consider the job market and other factors that keep employees with their company. "But just because people are 'stuck," leaders shouldn't relax," Perry said. "This is the worst reason people stay and it's better if they don't in that case." Emphasize career opportunities: Help employees experience the benefits of RTO early and often, such as promotion, visibility, mentoring and learning. 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. Challenge No. 3: Finding a New Rhythm Together in the Office. Perry said this challenge also is an opportunity for employers to work together with employees to adopt new, healthier norms in the office than before. Capitalize on the benefits: Employers can capitalize on the benefits of returning to the office, including collaboration spaces and times, ensuring productive and meaningful meetings, enabling relationship-building and more, but they also need to watch out for distractions, interruptions, counterproductive patterns and venting/emotional contagion that could come from face-to-face working, Perry said. Rethink the office layout: Practically, a Return to Office shift provides employers an opportunity to rethink the office layoutIs it conducive to good work, both independently and collaboratively? Brainstorm the good practices learned virtually: What do people perceive helped them be most productive and healthy when working from home? How can you bring that to the office? Keep those practices when employees are back together in the office. "For example, was the use of break time more productive or fulfilling at home than it is in the office through exercise or accomplishing family tasks?" Perry said. "One of our study participants had lost 40 pounds over a year of working remotely but found those pounds back at the office shortly after an RTO mandate in her company. Leaders can help employees think through ways to use their time and other resources well to ensure they maintain healthy habits and the parts of remote work they found most beneficial." Return to Office: What are employees' greatest challenges? Since COVID, organizations and their employees have learned a lot more about best practices for making working from home an effective option for many stakeholdersemployers and employees, families and householdsand employers have learned how much employees value remote work, Perry said. Return to Office mandates will challenge employees emotionally and practically in the shift from remote to full-time office work. Challenge No. 1: Emotional Resistance to the Change and Effects on Personal Morale. Perry said it's important for employees to ask themselves why they emotionally are feeling resistant to changing from remote or hybrid work to full-time in the office, which also can impact morale. "Ask yourself where you stand and whywhat are your true underlying interests, needs and desires in this situation?" Perry said. "If employees are feeling resistance, why? What is in your control? What is not? Once past the emotional reaction to any change, people can think more logically and make better decisions. Don't do anything too rash while feeling emotional about this or any other proposed change. Challenge No. 2: View Practical Changes Required as Opportunities. Perry said employees also can view RTO in a practical sense by considering opportunities to form new healthier routines and habits with a return to the office. These can include the gym/exercise, new clothes, more interaction and relationship-building, mentoring others, among others. The commute comeback: Even returning to the commute could be a benefit to some employees, Perry said. "Time to spend commuting can be used well as transition time. People missed it during the early days of COVID," Perry said. "For some employees during the pandemic, it was challenging to turn work off at the end of the day, because no one was going to shut it off for them. The RTO commute might be an opportunity for employees to better transition from work to family time." Secondary benefits: Other secondary benefits of returning to the office could be a transportation, office supplies and/or a wardrobe refresh. In fact, over the Christmas holidays, consumersincluding employees preparing to return to the office full-timetook advantage of discounts on clothes and shoes to rebuild their wardrobes. Challenge No. 3: Finding a New Rhythm Together in the Office: Boundaries and Expectations. When millions of employees flipped from the office to remote work in spring 2020, boundaries and expectations were a challenge, and they remain a challenge now as many employees return to the office. Perry noted these important considerations for employees in their transition to a new office rhythm: Off-hours: What are new expectations regarding availability during off-hours? "Be clear with leaders and colleagues and set boundaries where possible," Perry said. Break time: What healthy breaks can employees take at the office and/or with others that they couldn't do at home? Flexibility: What kind of flexibility remains that employees can use as a resource? Focus on the benefits: Capitalize on the benefits of working in the office. "When meeting in person is possible and could be beneficial and more enjoyable, choose to do so instead of resorting to continued videoconferencing," Perry said. Recognize downfalls: When those arise, try to minimize their ability to harm. "Avoid or manage certain interpersonal dynamics, refuse unnecessary meetings and protect uninterrupted time to engage in deep work," Perry said. Despite the challenges, Perry encourages employers and employees to remain adaptable in a world that is constantly changing. While research shows that remote and hybrid work can increase employee productivity, save costs and enhance work-life balance and well-being, Perry said those same benefits can be achieved for employees back in the office full-time and for their organization in retaining and attracting talent. "Our most important role in that is to respond thoughtfully and rationally to optimize benefits for ourselves and those around us, including our employers," Perry 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: BurkovBalents proposal without a multilayer. Credit: Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08330-y An international team of researchers led by the Strong Correlation Quantum Transport Laboratory of the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) has demonstrated, in a world's first, an ideal Weyl semimetal, marking a breakthrough in a decade-old problem of quantum materials. Weyl fermions arise as collective quantum excitations of electrons in crystals. They are predicted to show exotic electromagnetic properties, attracting intense worldwide interest. However, despite the careful study of thousands of crystals, most Weyl materials to date exhibit electrical conduction governed overwhelmingly by undesired, trivial electrons, obscuring the Weyl fermions. At last, researchers have synthesized a material hosting a single pair of Weyl fermions and no irrelevant electronic states. The work, published in Nature, arose from a collaboration over four years between CEMS, the RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS), the Quantum-Phase Electronics Center (QPEC) of the University of Tokyo, the Institute for Materials Research of Tohoku University, and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. The researchers engineered a Weyl semimetal from a topological semiconductor, revisiting a strategy which was first theoretically proposed in 2011, but then abandoned and largely forgotten by the community. Semiconductors have a small 'energy gap' which allows them to be switched between insulating and conducting states, forming the basis for the commercial transistor. Semimetals can be viewed as a kind of extreme limit of a semiconductor with zero 'energy gap," right at the threshold between insulator and metal. This extreme case remains exceedingly rare in real materials. Perhaps the best-known example is graphene, which has found uses in moire physics and flexible electronics. The topological semiconductor used in the current study is bismuth telluride, Bi 2 Te 3 . The researchers adjusted the chemical composition of the material in a highly controlled way, substituting chromium for bismuth, creating (Cr,Bi) 2 Te 3 . According to Ryota Watanabe, Ph.D. student and co-first author of the study, "We were intrigued at first by the large anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in (Cr,Bi) 2 Te 3 , which signaled new physics beyond that of topological semiconductors." Ching-Kai Chi of iTHEMS and co-author of the work, noted that, "unlike previous Weyl materials, the uniquely simple electronic structure of (Cr,Bi) 2 Te 3 enabled us to quantitatively explain our experiments using a precise theory. We could then trace the large AHE back to emergent Weyl fermions." First author, Ilya Belopolski of CEMS, recalls that the finding came as a shock to both himself and colleagues around the world. "Different communities had already established the key theoretical and experimental insights needed to synthesize this Weyl semimetal. But it looks like we were not communicating with one another, so we missed out on this discovery. In retrospect, it should have come about nearly a decade earlier." As for why this insight ultimately emerged at RIKEN, Belopolski credits the unique combination of brilliant researchers, generous research funding and dynamic intellectual atmosphere of CEMS. 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. "There were many talented research groups in the United States, China and across Europe working on related topics for many years. The reason this discovery took place here is likely because of the highly creative and collaborative environment at RIKEN." One potential application is in terahertz (THz) devices. Semiconductors can only absorb photons with energy greater than their energy gap, which typically rules out the THz frequency range. According to Yuki Sato, postdoctoral researcher and co-author of the work, "Unlike semiconductors, semimetals have a vanishing energy gap, so they can absorb low frequency light, down to THz frequencies. We are currently interested in applying our ideal Weyl semimetal to the generation and detection of THz light." The team further anticipates research into high-performance sensors, low-power electronics, and novel optoelectronics devices. Postdoctoral researcher Lixuan Tai, who joined the Strong Correlation Quantum Transport Laboratory as this work was nearing publication, expressed excitement about the near-term research enabled by this new quantum phase of matter. "It makes this a particularly exciting time to join this research team, since having an actual Weyl semimetal available to us after all these years will surely enable many exciting breakthroughs." More information: Ilya Belopolski et al, Synthesis of a semimetallic Weyl ferromagnet with point Fermi surface, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08330-y Journal information: Nature Provided by RIKEN 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: PAGER Researchers have created an improved traffic light system for predicting geomagnetic storms. They are now testing how well these algorithms can prepare us for incoming space storms that can wreak havoc by knocking out satellites in space and power grids on Earth. Yuri Shprits, a space scientist at the German Research Center for Geosciences in Potsdam, is on a mission to save our planet. We have known for a long time that much of our modern way of life is threatened by the whims of the sun. If our star suddenly enters a more active period, it can cause geomagnetic storms that knock out satellites or cause blackouts on Earth. But can we predict when these storms will arrive, how they will affect the Earth's environment and infrastructure and ensure we are prepared? This is what Shprits has been working on, starting with an EU project named PAGER that ran from 2020 until 2023. Predicting space weather The researchers' goal was to develop an algorithm that could pull data from sun-observing telescopes and satellites together with data from Earth-orbiting satellites. Based on that, they could predict when a dangerous geomagnetic storm is heading in our direction and what the consequences would be for the infrastructure in space and on the ground. To that end, the researchers connected different computer models of the solar environment and near-Earth space. In a best-case scenario, said Shprits, it could "take us an hour or two to calculate what would arrive to Earth and what effects it would have in the near-Earth environment, but it would actually take two days for this disturbance to arrive." As it can take another couple of days for the radiation that can be harmful to satellites to build up, this could allow some time to prepare. The algorithm devised by the PAGER team is now being put through its paces to see how useful it can be. "After decades of fundamental space research, that started with the first US satellite discovering harmful space radiation in 1958, we are finally at a point where we have reached predictive capabilities," said Shprits. "We're very excited." Storm front A geomagnetic storm occurs when a powerful eruption from the sun interacts with our planet's magnetic field. As solar wind travels from the sun to Earth, it can carry charged particles that interact with Earth's protective magnetic field. These get further heated inside the magnetosphere, creating highly energized particles that can be harmful to satellites. The collision of these particles with particles in Earth's atmosphere can produce the magnificent aurorae seen from Earth. But they also pose a danger as they can interfere with satellites' electronic systems. Such geomagnetic storms have hit our space installations quite recently. In February 2022, the US company SpaceX lost 38 of its Starlink internet satellites when a powerful geomagnetic storm pulled them back into Earth's atmosphere after they had launched. The US firm Intelsat, meanwhile, lost control of its galaxy 15 satellite in April 2010 because of a geomagnetic storm. "It started drifting, threatening other spacecraft, due to frequency interference," said Shprits. "This could be very costly because the price of a spacecraft can be over a billion euros." Geomagnetic storms also cause problems on Earth. The electric currents they create can overload power plants and cause temporary blackouts. This occurred in Quebec, Canada, in 1989, when a geomagnetic storm caused a widespread nine-hour blackout. Very strong storms in October and November 2003 caused a disruption of satellite services, anomalies on numerous satellites, and disruption of communication, power grids, and GPS navigation in many regions around the globe. 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. Radiation belts Most near-Earth satellites also operate in Earth's radiation belts, a region of space up to almost 58,000 kilometers above our planet where many charged particles become trapped by Earth's magnetic field. These belts can dramatically intensify during storms. "GPS satellites operate in the heart of these belts where the radiation is the most damaging," said Shprits. Even though these spacecraft are well protected, the most energetic particles can penetrate their shielding and still damage them. To protect against solar events, countries in Europe and the US have space weather prediction centers that can forecast when bad storms will arrive on Earth. However, until recently, these predictions were not connected to models able to predict radiation in space, how this radiation would penetrate spacecraft or the potential effects on Earth. In the PAGER project, scientists from Europe and the US combined the models from the sun and solar environment with those for the Earth environment to develop a comprehensive predictive system. Shprits pointed out that "some of the space weather predictions are really complex and convoluted and stakeholders sometimes do not have Ph.D.s in space physics. They just want to know if it's going to be safe or not." Space traffic light The PAGER team's goal was therefore to create a simple traffic light system based on predictions. It tells a satellite operator if conditions in space are likely to be safe or not. Using PAGER, an operator will immediately know if the situation is red and they should consider temporarily switching satellites into protective mode or if power grid operators need to take preventive measures. Yellow means they need to be wary of potential effects, while green signals that everything is fine. "Green means 'don't worry, nothing is happening,'" said Shprits. "Sometimes that's actually the most useful for them because with storms, they want a clear sign they can go back to normal operations." To make these calculations, PAGER is constantly running on powerful machines at a computer center at the German Research Center for Geosciences. "Usually the most difficult predictions are done in the middle of the night so that it doesn't overload the computers," said Shprits. He said his team has moved to predicting probabilities, explaining that it is virtually impossible to make very precise long-term predictions of the effects of the storm. " If we say that with a certainty of 80%, there will be very harsh conditions in space, it's the same as for terrestrial weather, when we are told there is an 80% chance of rain." "That gives us an idea that it's better to take an umbrella. It's the same with satellites." Refining models Shprits is currently in discussions with the European Space Agency (ESA) for a new project that would allow ESA to adopt some of the PAGER models in its operation. The goal is to continue improving the prediction services and make the analysis of incoming space weather events better and better. "We're trying to use machine learning in many places and blend it into this infrastructure. We are also trying to use all the available real-time data and blend it with our predictions so that the measurements can refine our models." Another thing that could help is more satellite data. Shprits explained that an upcoming ESA project to monitor the near-Earth radiation environment will provide "real-time measurements of the harsh radiation in the magnetosphere that would be really useful for us." It will do so by flying through the radiation belts and taking measurements. "There are also proposals to put radiation detectors on all commercial spacecraft," he said. "That would certainly help us get a much better and bigger picture of what's going on in space. We have now developed tools to use all this data and improve our predictions." Workers prepare medical tools for sterilization in July 2023 at Brooke Army Medical Centers Sterile Processing Division. Staff file photo President Donald Trumps government-wide hiring freeze has Veterans Affairs and military health care agencies scrambling for clarity amid concerns the move could delay medical care for veterans, military members and their families. The executive order signed Monday blocks federal agencies from filling vacant positions or creating new jobs but included exemptions for members of the military, immigration enforcement and public safety workers. Because it freezes hiring of civilians in support positions and raises other questions about provision of care, its impact on health care for the more than 156,000 veterans and 80,000 service members and their families in the San Antonio area appeared certain. The freeze means some open jobs at South Texas Veterans Affairs facilities, including the Audie Murphy VA Hospital and military hospitals such as Wilford Hall and Brooke Army Medical Center, will go unfilled for at least 90 days as federal watchdogs and the new Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk try to slash the government workforce. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Adding to the uncertainty is language in Trumps order that it was not to adversely impact the provision of Social Security, Medicare or veterans benefits, a reference to non-medical VA benefits such as disability compensation. President Donald Trump signs an executive order on a hiring freeze as he attends an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event Monday. The orders impact on the Department of Veterans Affairs is raising concerns and questions in San Antonios military medical community. Evan Vucci/Associated Press Officials at BAMC, the Defense Health Agency in San Antonio and the VA declined to comment Thursday on the order and its impacts in South Texas. Historical staffing data suggests all employ significant numbers of civilians. Previous estimates indicated that about 30% of the Pentagons total San Antonio workforce is civilian. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The South Texas VA Health Care system currently has 5,809 employees, a spokesperson said this week. Its seen consistent job growth, averaging about 270 new employees each year since 2021. BAMC, the nations largest military hospital, has total employment of about 8,500 people. The Defense Health Agency previously said it employs about 3,000 people in San Antonio. Spokesmen for the agency declined to provide details about civilian staffing levels this week, citing guidance from the office of the acting secretary of defense. Exemptions begin After issuing guidance Tuesday to clarify the orders impact on hiring civilian employees, Todd Hunter, acting VA secretary, announced Thursday that more than 300,000 of the departments health care posts critical to delivering care to veterans had been exempted from the freeze. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The exemptions represent about two-thirds of the VA workforce but did not include an array of support functions such as custodians, laundry workers or chaplains whose absence could impact access to or quality of care. They also did not include positions working in other VA functions such as claims reviewers or cemetery workers. Under President Trumps leadership, VA will always do what is necessary to provide Americas veterans with the benefits and services they have earned, Director of Media Affairs Morgan Ackley said in a statement. The targeted hiring-freeze exemptions announced today underscore that fact. Doug Collins, President Donald Trumps nominee to lead the VA, testifies Tuesday before the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. Collins, a former U.S. representative and veteran of the Iraq War, was approved by the committee Thursday. Samuel Corum/Getty Images But former U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, the Georgia Republican who is Trumps nominee to be secretary of the VA, said during a hearing Tuesday with the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs that he supported the freeze and would decline to make exemptions for critical roles within the VA. The committee approved Collins nomination Thursday. Trumps hiring freeze and statements like those from Collins drew fire Thursday from U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, who said the order is wrong, and will hurt veterans. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The idea of any president taking steps to intentionally worsen the VAs staffing shortage should be unthinkable, the San Antonio Democrat said in a statement. For years, Ive pushed the federal government to invest more in patient care at Audie Murphy and other VA facilities and make sure that every veteran gets the world-class care that they deserve. The office of U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales said the San Antonio Republican had no comment. Further obscuring the impacts of the freeze was Trumps instructions to federal agencies to purge job listings from USAjobs.gov, the federal governments job site, by Tuesday afternoon. That move effectively hides from the public the number and types of jobs going unfilled. Staffing shortages As in the civilian medical sector, staffing shortages have plagued the military and VA health care systems for years. A January 2023 report attributed the shortfalls to noncompetitive pay, COVID-19 requirements, limited labor pools and federal hiring restrictions. Some large military hospitals, not including BAMC, reported staffing shortages as high as 38%. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Such shortages, plus an increasing number of veterans enrolling for care, have contributed to increasing wait times. For fiscal 2024, the VA reported appointment wait times of 19 days for mental health care, 22.3 days for primary care and 36.2 days for specialty care for new veterans. Wait times for established veterans were at 7.5 days for mental health care, 5.1 days for primary care and 10.6 days for specialty care. The Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio is seen in a 2019 file photo. Veterans Administration The VA has said its making some progress on staffing. In September, it reported no nationwide shortage of staff and said it had its largest health care workforce in 2023 after a period of record hiring during the Biden administration. Much of that came through the 2022 PACT Act, which was created to help veterans injured by toxic exposure. Its estimated to cost $7.6 billion over nine years. Still, it said, 86% of VA facilities reported severe shortages for medical officers and 82% shortages for nurses. The VA was short 2,959 employees in 2024, down 5% from the year prior. Psychology was the most frequently reported severe clinical shortage, along with custodial workers reported as the most frequent nonclinical shortage, it said. At the same time, demand for VA services is growing. In 2023, the VA enrolled more than 401,000 veterans, a 30% increase from the year before. Such growth means the hiring freeze could set the department further behind in its ability to serve veterans. FILE PHOTO Johnny Canales former wife is suing for control of his estate. She claims they were never divorced. Rodrigo Varela/WireImage Johnny Canales, the legendary Tejano music star-maker, died last June and left a will. Any person, especially a public figure like him who spent his professional life in front of cameras and microphones, wouldve done the same. After his death, his widow Nora Canales who was married to him for almost 30 years and had two daughters with him believed she faced a routine legal matter in having his will probated. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A will in which shes named. It was supposed to be all standard and non-controversial until a woman came out of nowhere to say she was married to Johnny Canales in 1980 and was never divorced from him. Sylvia Castillo alleges their marriage wasnt annulled either, thus making her the surviving spouse and legal heir. Castillo subsequently filed a separate lawsuit against Nora Canales in a Nueces County district court saying shes entitled to inherit her community property share of Johnny Canales estate. That was obviously a shock to everybody involved, said Nora Canales attorney Jeffrey Lehrman of the ALBM Law Firm in Corpus Christi. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Castillos attorney Steve Lopez, also of Corpus Christi, filed a temporary injunction asking the probate court not to allow Nora Canales to touch any financial assets, freeze all bank accounts and prevent her from spending any money, even to hire lawyers, Lehrman said. It was the most overbroad, extreme restraining order Ive ever seen, he said. When Nora Canales appeared on my podcast !Nosotros! last week, she didnt comment on the proceedings, referring all questions to Lehrman. But she was visibly rattled by whats going on and what it might mean for her and her daughters Miroslava, 24, and Seleste, 25, who go by Emvyy-N-Zee Canales in a song, Lo De Nosotros, they recorded with their parents. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Johnny Canales sings with his daughters. The Spanish-language title translates into About Us. It begins with Nora Canales voice, telling listeners that she and Johnny Canales made education a priority for both their daughters. Music follows. Then, in a noticeably weakened voice, Canales opens with slogans he made famous on El Show de Johnny Canales: You got it and Take it away. Its how he launched the careers of so many Tejano music stars, including the late Selena Quintanilla Perez, who was 13 when she first appeared on his show. A documentary about Selena premiers Sunday at the Sundance Film Festival. Canales daughters hope to launch their own music careers, but at the moment have regular day jobs. Theyre both graduates of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thats an educational message Nora Canales often repeats. It was a central note they both hit with their daughters. Obviously, her family is devastated by what happened for many reasons, Lehrman said of the legal fight. The court lifted the injunction. The court also appointed a temporary administrator over the Canales estate. He wouldnt say what the estate is worth. I havent been able to speak with Castillos attorney, but KRIS 6 News reported that the Virginia resident seeks monetary relief of $250,000 or less and nonmonetary relief. The news report included a copy of their marriage certificate and a statement from Lopez that said, We understand that this may be surprising to Mr. Canales fans but the folks who knew Mr. Canales best always knew about his marriage to Ms. Castillo. Advertisement Article continues below this ad MORE FROM AYALA: San Antonios migrant aid groups bracing for the start of a new Trump administration Lehrman said hes focused on dispelling the notion the marriage is still in existence and not valid legally. He said Castillo was married several times after her marriage to Canales, begging the question of how she could assert still being legally married to Johnny Canales after her subsequent marriages, he said. Heres the crux of the case: In his will, Johnny Canales named Nora Canales as his wife. In the early 1990s, when I first interviewed Johnny Canales, he was living in Corpus Christi and was unmarried as far as his fans could tell. In 1995, he married Nora Canales. They met in a nightclub, and Nora shared their meet cute on my podcast with her daughter Emvyy present. Its hilarious. For the last 30 years, Johnny and Nora Canales led a very public life in Corpus Christi. They appeared in public together and were co-hosts on TV and radio together. Lehrman will be in a Nueces County court in March to fight what he calls a lawyer-driven money grab by Sylvia Castillo and her legal team 44 years after her alleged marriage, and after Johnny Canales death. So, he couldnt challenge it himself, Lehrman said. It was done very strategically, he said. Its just very obvious to me and to the public whats going on, and they clearly think that the estate has significant value, and that they can somehow tap into that. Its an injustice, he said. Its also a telenovela. Nora Canales, too, is preparing a comeback of sorts that she didnt want to talk about just yet.